A strappado for the Diuell Epigrams and satyres alluding to the time, with diuers measures of no lesse delight. By Misosukos, to his friend Philokrates.

A STRAPPADO for the Diuell . EPIGRAMS AND Satyres alluding to the time , with diuers measures of no lesse Delight .

By 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , to his friend 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Nemo me impune lacessit .

At London printed by I. B. for Richard Redmer and are to be sold at the West dore of Pauls at the Starre . 1615.

The Authors Anagram .

RICHARDE BRATHWAITE .

Vertu hath bar Credit .

This I le auow , ( for it is I that said it ) If Vertue haue no coine , she has no Credit .

TO THE WORTHIlie esteemed the true Character of a Generous disposition , Sir THOMAS GAINSFORD Knight , his Vertues endeered Admiror , wisheth fulnesse of content in the Dedication of these his Anagrams extracted from his Name , and concording with his Nature .

Thomas Gainsforde .

Anagram

So fame doth raign .

SO Fame doth raigne with Anagram's so fit As if that Nature had inuented it : For he that knowes thy Vertues and thy Name , Will say all raigne in thee , all ring thy Fame .

Thomas Gainsford .

Anagram

Shade t'Honours game .

A pale for shelter of her game is made , And thou to Honours game art made a shade , Thy Huntsup's Vertue , and thy Beagle grace , Which ( well in winde ) hath still the game in chace .

To his much honoured and endeered Mecoenas ( the expressiu'st Character of a generous Spirit ) iudicious approuer of best-meriting Poesie , Guerdoner of Arts , cherisher of Wittes , and serious Protectour of all free-borne Studies , Mr. THOMAS POSTHVMVS DIGGS , the Author humbly dedicates himselfe , his Time-suting Epigrams with the vse of his diuinely importing Anagram

Anagramma .

Thomas Posthumus Digges .

Though time passe , God summs .

In Anagramma Distichon . HOw well thy Anagram with truth it runs , Though time pas nere so fast , yet God still sums .

Or thus .

Hopes issu most dem' gag't .

Another Anagram . Two verses including the Anagram . PVblique and priuate men in young and ag't , on whom most hope is , then we deem most gagt . Annexed . At you ( faire mirrour ) aime I ; you 'r my scope , Much are you gag't vnto your Contries hope .

To the gentle Reader .

IF I giue thee a deseruing Title ( Gentle Reader ) no question but thou wilt expresse thy selfe in thy censure : th' art no wri-neck critick , politick informer of States , deprauer of wel intended lines , nor maligner of others labours : Bee thine owne president in the surueigh of these distempered Epigrammes ; and therein thou may performe the part of an honest man : cancell the bill of errours , or chalke them on , & they shal serue to make vp a greater volume for next impression . If thou bee gentle ( as I tearme thee ) and hast sense , thou wilt supplie many defects , committed in the Presse by the Authors absence . Be honest still and thou art out of the swing of this strappado : if thou play Recreant ( by consorting with the swartie miscreants of Lucifer ) the Author hath vowed hee will play Arch-Pyrate with thee , tie thee like a Gallie slaue to the Mast of his Malu-Sperauza , and ferrie thee ouer into Tartarie .

Farewell .

To his BOOKE . BOoke whither goes thou , I had rather haue thee To stay still with me , for my Booke may saue me : Saue me , its true , and that 's the cause I craue Thou ' de to the world , that thou the world might saue ; But that 's a taske ( my booke ) too hard for thee , Bid hang the world so that thou wilt saue me : Yet pray thee be aduis'd whom thou dost checke , For speaking truth may chance to break thy necke . Which to preuent , let this be vnderstood , Great men though ill they must be stiled good , Their blacke is white , their vice is vertue made : But 'mongst the base call still a spade a spade ; If thou canst thus dispense ( my booke ) with crimes , Thou shalt be hugg'd and honour'd in these times .

The Epistle Dedicatorie .

To all Vsurers , Broakers , and Promoters , Sergeants , Catch-poles , and Regraters , Vshers , Panders , Suburbes Traders , Cockneies that haue manie fathers .

Ladies , Monkies , Parachitoes , Marmosites , and Catomitoes , Falls , hightires and rebatoes , false-haires , periwigges , monchatoes : graue Gregorians , and Shee-painters .

Send I greeting at aduentures , and to all such as be euill , my strappado for the Diuell .

Vpon the Errata .

GEntlemen ( humanum est errare ) to confirme which position , this my booke ( as many other are ) hath his share of errors ; so as I run ad praelum tanquam ad praelium , in typos quasi in scippos : but my comfort is if I be strappadoed by the multiplicitie of my errors , it is but answerable to my title : so as I may seem to diuine by my stile , what I was to indure by the presse . Yet know iudicious disposed Gentlemen , that the intricacie of the copie , and the absence of the Author from many important proofes were occasion of these errors , which defects ( if they bee supplied by your generous conniuence and curtuous disposition , I doe vowe to satisfie your affectionate care with a more serious surueigh in my next impression .

Errata .

PAge 2 line 23 for Pine read Vine . p. 10. l. 20 alone wanting p. 16 l. 13. for senselesnesse read sensele●sse . p. 15. l. ●● for vainelike , r. vainly p. 26 l. 11. for both fo●s●●th so 〈◊〉 , p. 35 l. 25. for wherefore , read wheresoere . p. 43. l. 22. for shirts r. sheets for weaues , r. woes infra p. l. 25. p. 48. l 4 r ●l●z● . ibid for backe r. barke . p. 266. l. 23 for mist●ust , r. instruct . for curse read scarse .

For other errors as the misplacing of commaes , colons , and periods ( which as they are in euerie page obuious , so many times they inuert the sence ) I referre to your discretion ( iudicious gentle-men ) whose lenity may sooner supply them , then all my iudustrie can portray them .

TO THE TRVE DIScouerer of secrets Mounsieur Bacchus , sole Soueraigne of the Iuy-bush , Master-gunner of the pottle-pot ordinance , prime founder of Red lattices , cheerer of the hunger-staru'd Muses , and their thred bare followers , singuler Artist in pewter language , and an obseruant linguist for anon anon Sir . His dere-Canary-Bird , wisheth , red-eyes , dropsie legges , and all other accoutrements befitting . BOttle-nos'd Bacchus with thy bladder face , To thee my Muse comes reeling for a place : And craues thy Patronage ; nor do I feare , But my poore fragments shall be made of there , For good reuersions by thy scrambling crew , That belch , and reade , and at each enteruiew Of a sharpe temper'd line , commend the vaine , Digest it , and then rift it vp againe ; But know thou cup shot god , what is exprest , Within these Pages doe deserue the best Of thy light-headed Shamroes , nor 's my tutch For such as loue to take a cup too-much . No , no my lines ( though I did seeme to stand , And begge a poore protection at thy hand , ) Shall liue in spite of Time , for Time shall see The curtaine of her vices drawne by me ; And though portraide by a lesse art-full fist , Yet he that limm'd them is a Satyrist , For th' lines he writes ( if ought he write at all ) Are drawne by inke that 's mixed most with gall . Yea , he was borne , euen from his infancie , To tell the world her shame , and bitterly To taxe those crimes which harbour now and then Within the bosomes of the greatest men . " Yea , nought I doe but I againe will doe it , " Nor ought will write , but I will answer to it : Yet would I not , great Bacchus , haue thee thinke My Muse can into that obliuion sinke , As to become forgetfull so of thee , ( For so she might vnthankfull seeme to be ) As neuer to record thy worthy Name Since I confesse from thee that spirit came , Which first inspir'd my Muse ( by thee exprest ) For when she spoke the least , she wrot the best . Yea , thou it was , ( and so I le euer hold , ) That quickned me and made me speake more bold ; By that rare quintessence drawne from the pine , Or from those fluent Hogges-head pipes of thine . And I doe thanke thee : yet thus much I le say , For any kindnesse showne me anie waie , By thee , or thy attendants , I may sweare Not any one did euer yet appeare : Nay , I could say ( and truly too ) far more I neuer ran ten shillings on thy skore , Which may seem strange , that I which am so grown Into acquaintance , and to thee well knowne : " Should in thy booke haue such a diffidence , As not be chalkt for want of ready pence ; Nay , there 's an other reason I could shew , Which might infer that thou dost duty owe To men of our profession , and its this ; ( If my conceipt make me not thinke amisse . ) Tell me , Where hadst thou Iuie-bush , say where ? Which as thine ancient liv'rie thou dost weare ; That garland-sure me-thinks that I should know it , From th' Temples sure of some pot-hardy Poet ; Who , cause he had not wherewithall to pay , Was forc't to leaue his Garland , or to stay Till some of 's Patrons pittied his estate : But he , poore man , cleere out of hope of that Hauing discust it often in his minde , Did think 't more fit to leaue his wreath behinde , Then into such apparant danger fall , And so did vnto one of th' Drawers call To tell thee , if thou would'st be so content , He would engage his Iuie-ornament ; Which thou being glad of , for thy priuate vse Wore it thy selfe and cheat'd the Poet thus . Now doest thou thinke , that we can brooke to haue One of our sort thus iniur'd by a slaue , Without all satisfaction : Bacchus no , 〈…〉 thy ●ro●mes , we 'le not be baffelt so . 〈…〉 of thy bush againe , 〈…〉 thy wreath about the Poets braine . Or satisfie his damage in some sort , " Or be thou sure that thou shalt answer for 't . But thou wilt lightly weigh such threats as these , And say thou canst bring vs vpon our knees By th' power of thy commaund : true thou canst so , Yet ( bleere ey'de Bacchus ) I would haue thee know That we do so esteeme thy power and all Thy followers , we 'le vent thee 'gainst the wall : Yea euen the kennell shall a witnesse be , Of the small respect which we do beare to thee . Resigne then what thou owest , or forbeare , To taxe our credits when our skore's not cleere . For well may'st thou forbeare both them and me , Since thou dost owe vs more , then we owe thee . Thou know'st it Bacchus ( if so thou wilt knowe it ) That garland which thou weares , it was a Poet That first empaund it , and thou like a Iewe Wilt not restore to him what is his due . But thou wilt answer ( as I know thou may ) Yea , I imagine what t is thou canst say : " Bacchus cares not for outward signes a rush , " Good wine needs not the hanging of a bush . Dost not thou vizzard-fac't ingratefull Elfe ? Yes , for want of a bush thou'd hang thy selfe . And ●aper like a zuinglian ( ô my malice Bursts out against thee ) titted vnder the gallowes . For tell me how should men distinguish thee ? Thou 'lt say by thy fire-sparkling phisnomie , Those wink-a pipes of thine , those ferret eies , Those bag-pipe cheeks , those speciall qualities Thou art endew'd with true by th' first th' art known , But for thy qualities thou hast not one To glory in : for speeches ornament Anon , anon sit : — peut or complement Is all thou canst , and this , thou knowest is such , As th' Iay or Parrat they can doe as much ; But I am loath to taxe each crime of thine , For I do know thou lou'st the Muses nine , And they loue thee , yet it is fit their vs'd With more respect , then to be once abus'd By any apron-prentice that thou hast : Yea , fit it is not they should be out-fac't By such vnletterd Animals as these , But reuerence the Muses on their knees , For what be these attend thee , such as lost Their tongue to gaine two or three words at most , As for example neate and briske , and then Anon , anon sir , welcome gentlemen . And is it fit that swads of such desert Should stay the very quintessence of art For a non-payment ? or make Sergeants stand In a crosse-lane to laie vnhallowed hand On Albions Mercuries ? no , it s not fit That Hypocrenes pure riuelings of wit , Should haue their streame with honour doubled ) By such base tenter-hooks once troubled . Let this be then amended ( and with haste ) Lest some of these professors should be plac't , Before thy prohibition come to stay Thy will-for in , they 'le hardlie get awaie . But if I heare thee Bacchus after this That thou arrests but any one I wish Thou should'st exempt I will reuenged be Ere many daies , of some of thine or thee . And thanks vnto my Genius ( as I craue it ) Without inuention further now I haue it . And thus it is : I le to the Peuterer To make thy quart pots greater then they were ; And so condition with him , as 't may be Thou wilt confesse one day I begar'd thee : Or if I cannot by my meanes intreate Thy pottle-pots for to be made more great Then th' order is , or th' Citties stampe allowes , I hope I shall preuaile with some of those Who are appointed by their charge to know , Whether thy pots be sealed yea or no , That such as are not seal'd they would reueale them , And not take bribes in priuate to conceale them : Or if this will not serue , I will deuise How to bring th' potts vnto a larger size ; Which if they do neglect but to performe , According to that Nature and that forme They are prescrib'd , then on default they shall Make presently a forfeiture of all , ( Which goods confiscate for their great abuse , May afterward redound vnto the vse Of all such noble skinkers ( by confession ) As were deceiv'd by men of this profession ; But this 's not all I le doe : Bacchus shall knowe His naprie-drawers shall not end it so . Surueighers shall be-gett ( and well may be ) ( For worser trades haue sought monopolye ; And rais'd their state by 't ) which shall strictly take Examination , whether you do make Your pottles to be bruis'd , bough'd , crusht , & bent Vpon set purpose and for this intent , That you thereby ( which is a common crime ) Might fill your crazie pots with lesser wine , For lesser will they hold , through your deceit , Being drawne in and made by you more straite : Yet haue I left the Coopers all this while , Which I do know haue some art to beguile . And therefore , if all will not serue ; I le seeke And bribe them too , to make your vessels leeke . Yea , beside this ( know Bacchus ) I 'ue a meane , Which put in practice will vndoe thee cleane , And thus I lay my proiect : I le expresse What motiues there be of licentiousnesse . Within thy brothel closures , and with-all Complaine of thy partitions , how the fall Of many a simple Virgine ( though shee 's loath , To do 't poore-wench ) coms from a painted cloath ▪ A curtaine , or some hanging of like sort , Which done god-wot , they 'ue cause to curse thee for 't . And that this might better preuented be , I will prefer petition instantly , That thou nor none of thine should suffer thence , ( for to auoide this inconuenience ) Any of different sexes being but payres , To goe in priuate manner vp the staires : And this I know ( if that my aime be right , Will goe well nie to ouerthrow thee quite . If none of these will doe , yet sure I am There is a creature call'd the Puritan , Who 'le ferret thee , and by a strict surueigh Fine thee for bouzing on the Sabboath day , Which if they finde , the Righteous they will curse Though their example it be ten times worse . But I would haue thee to represse all this , Which thou shalt do by doing what I wish , And that with reason , which ( as I haue sayd it ) Is but to giue to our profession credit : They 'le pay the man , and if the world goe hard , With them at this time , yet they 'le afterward , Regratulate thy loue ( paying th' old sko●e ) Which paide they will make bolde to run on more . For tell me Bacchus , though the world appeare To learned men as if no learning were : And that the golden age ( not as it was ) Smiles on the silken foole , or golden Asse ; Yet time will come ( yea now it doth begin To shew it selfe ( as former times haue been ) When wise Minerua shall no honour lacke . For all the foole , whose honour 's on his backe . But I shall stagger Bacchus if I stay Longer with thee , therefore I le packe awaie Vnto thy sister Ceres : — I haue sayd — Onely looke to thy plate , for a●l is paide .

To the Queene of Haruest , daughter and heire to Saturne , and Ops , Goddesse of the Cornethease , Ladie Soueraignenesse of the three Vales , Esam , Beuar and White-horse , Inuentres of the Sith , Sickle , and weeding-Hooke : much honoured by the Reede , Corne Pipe , and Whistle ; and with all obseruance attended by Hobnaile and his company . Her Deities admirer wisheth many a seasonable Haruest . HAile frui●full Ladie , cheerer of our time , Rare in thy bewtie , in thy state diuine , Ripener of Haruest , thou it is whose birth Yields full encrease vnto the fertile earth : Thou art that cheering mother that renues The Plow-mans hope , and giues their toile those dewes , Which makes them happie , may my Poems please Thy honourd selfe , that glads vs with encrease ▪ Yet in my mirth I cannot but repine At that vnhappy ackward losse of thine , That thou which euer hast been debonaire , Faire in thy selfe , making our fields as faire , With thy ender'd respect , should be exilde , Of due content , by loosing of thy childe , Thy heart , thy hope , thy loue , and thy delight , Thy deare Proserpiua , whose vowe is plight Vnto , alasse I cannot speake it well , That black-blacht-blabber-lipt foule Prince of hell . Yet be contented , manie one there bee , Yea I know som which may lament with thee For their straide daughters , who I much doe feare Are lodged now , or will be lodged there . Lasse it is nothing for maides now adaies For which of them ( though modest ) hath not straies , In youth , in age , which straying I doe call , Dotage in maides , and that is worst of all . How manie haue wee in this error swerud , Who in themselues haue iustly wel deserud . That punishment thy daughter first regainde , 'Las I haue known them though they seem containd In modest bounds , yet thus much I will say , Thy daughter was vnchast ▪ & so were they . And ( pray thee Ceres ) credit me in this , Though my proceeding was not to my wish , Yet this to thy due comfort I must tell , Thy daughter doth not liue in Hell Without acquaintance , yea I know there are , Though they in sumptuous raiment and in fare Seeme to excell the worthies of our Land , Yet being iustly poized vnder hand , They are as neere to Pluto and his heire , As if those persons that lesse gorgeous were , May I speake more , for I am in a vaine , To cull strange things out of a stragling braine , That there 's no wench truly ingenious , Wittie by nature , or ambitious In her conceipt , but that the time will come , That she will wander full as farre from home , As ere thy deare Proserpina distraide , Transform'd from beauty of a louely maide . To be a drudge ( 'lasse I am forc't to tell ) Vnto the base-borne Skinkird bred in Hell . Doe I not know thee Ceres ? yes , I know Far more of thee , then I intend to shew In publique eie : 'Lasse I doe know thy worth , To be the fruitfull Mother of the earth , Albions faire-Fostermother , yea that Queen , That makes a hopefull Haruest to be seene . Within our flourie Fields : if I might say , What I in due respect am bound alwaie For to expresse I might example thee , To be the glorie of our progenie ; Honour of ages , and successe of time , Errecting to thy selfe that noble shrine , Which nere shall be defaced by time or age , The best of labour in our Pilgrimage . Then Ceres let thy daughter work , for one Thou art in due respect admir'd alone To be the soueraignesse of Albions Ile , Who when retired braines doe sleep the while , Shalt shew thy selfe worthy a sacred power , Though thy vaine daughter play in hell the whore . Yea fit it is , and suting to her birth , She should play baud in hell plaid whore on earth .

To the Amarous Queene of Delights , Sole Empresse of loue-sicke Bedlams ▪ profes'd patronesse to all young Letchers , Foundresse of Midnight-Reuels , Sentinell to many a crackt Maidenhead , an a sole Benefactor to all lasciuious Nouices ; Best habilimented by her Coach drawne with foure Turtles , bearing for her armes a Pricke in the midst of a Center , with this Motto ;

Pungimur in Medio .

And on the other side a woman-captiue ( instanced in Penthisilaea ) with this word ,

Vincitur a victo , victor .

Her much Endered and affectionate Paliurus wisheth manie long delightful night , Mars his presence . Vulcans absence , much good sport without discouerie , and many yeeres yet to continue her husbands Liuery .

a a Carp●t e●im vires paulatim vritque videndo . Femina . Virg. Bacchus and Ceres if they be away , b b Res vulgaris amor , semel insanimius omnes . Small good doe I looke for , may Venus say . CHerry-lipt Venus with thy dimpled Chin , Who by our Letchers ▪ honourd still hast bin : For a braue trading damsell , though 't may seeme , By my neglect of thee , that I haue cleane Descarded thee and thine , yet thou shalt know it ▪ Venus hath some aliance with a Poet , And that a neere one too : for pray thee say , Who can expresse thy bewty anie way , So well as they ? and though they onely write , ha●ing nere hap to come to more delight ; Yet art thou much endeared to their Art , Though they can say nought for the practick part : Yet mongst our Albion Sibils that are more , In number far , then merit , wit , or power . Some I doe know , euen of the pregnant'st men , That loue to trade with Venus now and then . And this the cause why they obserue that vse , ( As I haue heard ) for to enflame their Muse : And some I could produce , had their desire ; For they , their Muse , and all were on a fire . More could I write to touch thee neerer'th quick , But as thou loues those stroakes are short & thick . So I desire the very same to be In writing out that is concerning thee .

An Heroycke Embleme vpon the Warriour called HONORA . TAra , Tantara , Honours signall come , Whose best of Musicke is the warlike Drumme , Come braue Tyndarian spirit , heare thy glorie , Shrouded too long in pitchie darke , whose storie , Shall shine and shew it selfe more faire , more bright , Then chast La●ona on the sablest night . Now art thou much admird by euery eie , Though lately vass●ld to captiuitie . Now art thou showne to be a Monument , Of former glorie , and an ornament , ●it for the eare of Kings , now art thou one , Highly esteemed , that was of late as none . Now canst thou shew thy merit and desert , To be deriued from a royall heart . Not chafd with perfumes , like a Carpet Knight , That cannot fight but in his Ladies sight . Not sick ofth fashions , ( like this amorous frie Of Nouice , who nere knew Enemie ) Saue their disdainefull Mistres : not enthrald To loue , for loue thou knowst not how it s cald . What stile it has , or what be louers charmes , Saue that pure loue which thou dost beare to Armes . Not seruile to each apish complement , Saue Honours seruice , and Wares mannagement . Not slaue to Fortune , nor engagd to fate , But heire to resolution , an estate More eminent and glorious to thy selfe , Then all the raisers-Mammons mouldred-pelfe , No● vaine like proud of ●itles , but hast Art , To make thy wa●● to Honour by Desert . Not ga●e to prostitution , for the name Of Souldiour hate such an ignoble slaine . Not lure to lucre , but dost make thy blood , An instrument vnto thy countri●s good : Not in appearance , or in outward show , To seem to know what thou didst neuer know , Not humorous , occasioning offence , But with pure valour mixing patience ; That two reduc't to one , one drawen from two , Might make thee apt to speake , & prompt to doe . Long hast thou slept , and some did thinke it ill To wake thee , but to let thee sleepe on still . But how can resolution lie inter'd Alas how far haue vulgar iudgements er'd ? To thinke the senselesnes ? No , thou didst but winke , For to obserue what other men would thinke Of thy retired silence , now thou h●st Rub'd ore thy gummie eies , & runnes as fast To thy intendements forct from coast to coast , As willing to redeeme what thou hast lost . Hallow amaine , downe by the flowrie vale Of honour and renowne display thy saile , Trample on Bastard greatnesse , bruite their shame , That are esteemed onely great in name , Without demerit , tell them worth should be Drawn from our selues , not from our familie . Bid them wipe of that painting from their cheeke , It s too effeminate and bid them seeke , Actions that seeme them better , it s not amber , Sleeking , or chasing in a Ladies chamber , Phantastick humors , amorous conceipts , Fashion inuentors sinne seducing baits , What such a Mounseyr wore , or what Tyres be Of eminent request in Italie . No , no , our perfum'd Gallants now must looke , Like to the sonnes of Valour , smer'd with smoke , Steeled with spirit , arm'd with best of youth , Directly planted 'fore a Cannons mouth . Shake not ( my dapper Courtier ) though thou heare Nought but the voice of thunder euery where : Or if the noise of armes breed in thee feare , ( No lesse then death ) go on and stop thine eare ? Bouge not a foot ( or if thou feare to kill ) Winke , and then say , thou murders gainst thy will . How likest thou this ? This is no camp for loue , Nor must thy wreath be heere a Ladies gloue , Anticke and apish fashions will not serue , In this enobled field , such as deserue , By a peculiar merit shall receiue The Guerdon of their Valour , and in Graue Shall finde a liuing monument , which men Admiring much , shall euer honour them . And is not this a nobler monument , Then spend our time in fruitlesse complements . Spend a whole age in making of a legge , Or seeking how some office we may begge . Trading for vndeserued Honour , got By seruile meanes , and by the simplest sot , That knowes not Honours essence , O may I Rather then be so Honor'd wish to dye In the obseurest manner , that when Time Shall shroud my ashes in a homely shrine , Some earthy vrne , yet may my memorie Liue without reach of enuie after me . Sacred Bellona , valours choicest Saint , For now by thee flie we vnto our tent . Infuse true resolution in the m●nde Of thy professors , that their spirits may finde What difference there is in honours sight , Twixt a good Souldier and a carpet-Knight . His per●ume's powder , and his harmonie Reports of Cannons , for his brauerie , Barded with steele and Iron , for the voice , Of amorous Ganimedes , the horrid noise Of clattering armour , for a Downie bed The chill cold ground , for pillow to their head , Tincke with muske Roses , Target and their shield , For gorgeous Roomes , the purprise of the field , For nimble capring , Marching , for the tune Of mouing consorts , striking vp a drumme , For dainties , hunger ; thus is honour fed , With labour got , and care continued . Can this content my Courtier ? yes , it may . When his laciuious night and fruitles day , His manie idle howers employed worse , ( Though better deem'd ) then such whose vagrant course Incurs a penal censure ; shall be past , And he with whip of conscience throughly lash't , Shall bid a due to Ladie vanitie To Coures applause , to humors phantasie , To honours vndeseru'd , to parasites , To fashions-brocage , and to all delights . Which reape no fruit , no guerdon , nor reward , Saue care on earth , repentance afterward : Where Iustice oft is forc't from her intent . Goodnesse being onely cause of punishment . Where violence ( so strong be great men growne ) Makes right supprest' , and iustice ouerthrowne . Where sinnes in cloth of Tissue faire descri'de , Make that wise Sages Axiome verifi'de . " A great mans foe oft by experience proues , " Of all that be , no thunder like to Ioues . Heere Magistrates are clad in violet , Because pure Iustice they doe violate . Here vice is mounted , vertue liues despis'd , The worst esteem'd , the better meanely priz'd . Corruption rides on foote-cloth , ( some auerre ) And vpright dealing shee does lackie her ▪ Honour 's afraide of Sergeants , merits sad , And liues as one without obseruance had . Wisdom's out of request , for temperance , Shee 's neuer knowne but in a Moris daunce . And purple Iustice seldom 's seene to passe , To any Court , but riding one an Asse . What then but valour should support the State , And make a Realme by vice growne desolate . See her owne shame , and in her shame conceiue , The blest memorial of an happie graue , " On then with honour , let the vsurer Made stiffe with plenty , feele the shock of war , And tremble , fearing least ' should be his lot , To loose by warre what his oppression got . Let the prophane contemner of Gods power Be mou'd by terrour , let the Paramour , Glaz'd with a shamelesse fore head leaue her sinne . They youthfull Prodigall , those nets hee 's in . Let the prodigious state-engrosser feele , What harme h' as done vnto the Common-weale . Let ●h'aspiring birth of Dathan see , The end of them , and their conspiracie . Let all lasciuious Minions hence reclaime , Their odious liues , and put on robes of shame . Let publique Haxsters ( now the most of all ) That in their hear , would quarrell for the wall , Stand to their Tacklings , let both youth and age , Show distinct worths in distant Equipage . Lead on Honora , that in time report , May make a Campe Knight gracious in the Court . So noblest minds in best of Actions showne , May challenge Honour when it is their owne .

Vpon the Generall Sciolists or Poettasters of Britannie . A Satyre . COme Are●huse come , for nere had we , At any time a greater need of thee . No Lawrell now , but Nettle's best to grace Our Laureat Po●t ▪ see his vncouth face , Vnapt fo● p●esie : his strange disguise , Onely addrest ( in Verse ) to Temporize : Now Parasites proue Poets , and expresse Their oyly workes : for what is more or lesse Dilated on , is consecrate to men , That are the greatest : O what need is then , To thee ( deere Arthuse ) that didst frame , A Poet to the nature of his name ? No time-obseruing smooth fac'd sycophant , No strange conceited Asse whose Element Is to insinuate vnder the shade Of a great Mounseyrs elbow , thour' t prou'd Iade To thy profession , not a saffron band , But like a roaring boye , can make thee stand And yeeld obseruance to him : silly foole , That Artlesse idiots should bring to schoole , The best of Muses , thou that once wast borne , Not as our great Acteons , to the horne Of their dishonour , ( being of ioy bereft ) Leauing to others what themselues haue left . ( Worse by degrees then was that Phoebus Car , Which Phaeton by rash attempts did marre : And cleere dissolues ) lasse see thy Trophies torne , Thy statues razed : and that Mount forlorne Which first possest the Muses : now no wreath Can be hung vp to memorize the death Of any great man , why for vertues due , Bids euery Poet ( in his verse ) speake true Of such as are deceased : its true , who then Speaking no more then truth , can praise such men , As rather were then liu'd ? being , but not In reall essence , las what fame is got By such as write of these ( whose onely good ) Is to auerre they were of Noble bloud . But so much disproportion'd to their name , As what they seem'd , they seldome were the same . The same ; O noe , their garish ornament , Their wanton guise , their Loue-sicke complement , Their strange distractions , their deformed state , Transform'd from English to Italienate , Expresse small comfort to a Poets penne , Which onely should delight in shewing them Vnto the worlds eye , whose fame succeedes , And makes them Noble by Heroicke deedes , Drawen from the line of Honour : but how farre Seeme Poets in these latter times to erre ? Who write not for respect , or due esteeme , Had to their owne profession , but to gaine The fauour of a great one , this it is , Giues priuiledge to men that doe amisse : Such be our ranke of Poets now adayes , As they adorne th' Immerited with praise Aboue desert . Hence is it that we bring The Art of Poetry to Ballading . Hence is it , that the Courtier may intend A strange pretended pro●ect for no end , Saue to augment's expence , a suites begun , Which makes a silly Farmer quite vndone , Without all hope of composition : Passe That such transgressions should so freely passe , Without controulement . Many we haue heere , That can compose their Verse , but in a sphere So different to the time , as they descry Their want of braines to each iudicious eye . Yea some I know are Poets in this time Who write of swains , might write as well of swine , For th' profit of their labours is so small , As t' were farre better not to write at all , Then to consume such pretious time in vaine , About a fruitlesse , and desertlesse straine : Better indeed : when in their Makers sight , They must accomptants be of what they write , Whose eyes be purer , and extension beare , Aboue th' Dimension of a common sphere . Yet ●anke I not ( as some men doe suppose ) These worthlesse swaines amongst the laies of those Time-honour'd Shepheards ( for they still shall be ) As well they merit ) honoured of mee , Who beare a part , like honest faithfull swaines , On witty Wither neuer-withring plaines , For these ( though seeming Shepheards ) haue deseru'd , To haue their names in lasting Marble caru'd : Yea this I know I may be bold to say , Thames ner'e had swans that song more sweet than they . It 's true I may auow't , that nere was song , Chanted in any age by swains so young , With more delight then was perform'd by them , Pretily shadow'd in a borrowed name . And long may Englands Thespian springs be known " By louely Wither and by bonny Browne , Whil●st solid Seldon , and their Cuddy too , Sing what our ( Swaines of old ) could neuer doe . Yea I do hope , sith they so well can write , Of Shep-heards sport , and of the fields delight . That when they come to take a view of th' Court , ( As some haue done ) and haue bin mew'd vp for 't , They 'l tell her freely , ( as full well they may ) That in their Iudgements , after due suruay , Of th' Court & th' Cottage , they may well maintain , Vices in the Court , but vertues in the Swaine ; And happy be those Authors which doe giue Vertue and vice their titles , they shall liue In spite of Enuie , when such men as teach That such be onely vertuous as be rich , Shall lye inter'd where fame shall neuer finde them ▪ For such doe seldome leaue a name behind them ▪ Lasse they must dye and perish , so must we , Nor can we gaine ought of eternity : Saue that we liue , Oh then how blest are they That spend their life in weighing of their daies ▪ But of professants , which compose their song To a strange descant ! this I le say they wrong Flowrie Parnassus , where such vsed to be , As in themselues made one set company . These sung not what they knew not , but in Verse , What time had taught them they vse to rehearse , And to reduce it to one perfect forme , Striuing by proper figures to adorne Ech worke , ech composition : but lasse now How farre 's that alteration ? where we know Le●t that we write , adding to our estate ( Begg'd meerely ) by a great mans Dedicate . Heere is no substance , but a simple peece Of gaudy Rhetoricke : Which if it please , Yeelds th' Author dear-contentment : thus we straine The Muses Text for a peculiar gaine Vnto our selues : hence is it vice abides , ( And lording-like in silken foot-cloath rides . ) Hence is it Land-lords make their tenants slaues : Hence is it waste-goods ope their fathers graues : Hence is it Mammonists adore their golde : Hence is 't the impious to perdition solde : Hence Sacriledge a priuiledge obtaines : Hence th' sneking Lawyer by his Clyent gaines : Hence th' Politician , what so ere befall , Will to his trade and shew a Machiuell . Hence imposts rise extortions violence ▪ Graced by men that haue most eminence . Hence Sergeants walk vnfrōted ( though they know it ) No friend is worse then Sergeant to a Poet. Hence painted faces ( like ill wine in caske ) Shrow'd their deform'd complexions vnder maske ▪ Hence curious Courtiers , gorgeously arrayd , Weare more vpon their backe then ere was paide : Hence th' baudie Pandor , seruile to his whore , And hence the Baude that keeps the traders dore ; Hence base informers take their borrowed light , Liuing like Owles that vse to flie by night : Hence wanton Prodigals that spend their state , And 'gin repentance when it is too late . Hence young and old , hence each in their degree , Challenge to them a due Monopolie . O how Miueruas temple's now disgrac't , By th' skum of Poetry ! she that was plac't Once like th' Ephesian Queene in a pure shrine Of honour and delight , now 's forc't to pine . And languish in her bewty , being deprest , By such men most , whom she suspecteth lest . Vnpiniond Muses ( such as nere could flie ) Further then vnplum'd birds now presse as high As Eagles ; which by the Colour you m●y know , As eminent and cleere as Flaccus Crow : These steale selected flowres from others wit , And yet protest their nature brookes not it , They are ( for both ) so inuented by their art . Making their pen the displayer of their heart . They brooke no Brocage , yet has workes in presse , Which they are guil●lesse of ▪ but this were lesse , Worthy reproofe , if in their gleaned lines , Like our age Criticks they would curbe these times For pe●ulancie : but so vaine be they , As they runne still in that high beaten way Of errour , by directing men amisse , Penning whole volumes of licentiousnesse , Descanting on my Ladies Rosie lip , Her Cinthian eie , her bending front , her trip , Her bodies motion , ●otion of her time , All which they weaue vp in a baudy Rime . For since there 's no obseruance , Accent neither ( Sith sence and accent seldome goe together . ) O what aspersions doe these lay on her , Who beares the onely natiue character . Of her deere issues merit ▪ shee I meane , Without whose nourishment we had not been , She without whose embrace , the solid earth , Had quite interr'd the honour of our birth ▪ She without whom we haue no biding place , No mansion , no repose : she by whose grace We are inhabitants , planted in rest , Sucking pure milke out of her tender brest . She whose our Guardian gouerning our state Shoring our weaknesse , arming vs 'gainst fate , Guiding our path-lesse passage , brething life Into our dulnesse : mid●ating strife , Because ( a peacefull mother ) chering vs With folace , when deprest , tricking our Muse , With seemly subiects ( that whil'st shepheards sing ) Of rurall pastimes , midst their sonneting . The grauer ranke might compositions make , Not for themselues but for their countries sake : Alasse poore countrie ; where is all that store Of diuine wits that thou hast bred before ? Where is that Quint-essence of poesie , That in ( fore-times ) was wont to breath on thee : Like a coole Zephirus ? Hybles pure mount , Renowm'd in former ages and that Fount , Of sacred Castalie lie desolate . For they with theirs haue lost their former state Of Greatnesse : no proportion nor no flower Decks , with a dasie Border , that sweet Bower Where Cinthia vs'd to reuell : but as th' port Of house-keeping is now transport'd to Court , " Leauing their Country-houses , which men looke " And gase at long ere they can see them smoke : So fruitfull Hesperie , which vs'd to be The Ren-de uou for sacred poesie L●uing to be her selfe , shuts vp her dore ? Hence is the bankrout poet becom'd poore : Hence is 't hee 's forc't to write not for the ease Of his owne minde ( but as his Patrons please . ) Hence is t that errors must be Vertues deem'd , Because , poore Poet , it s by Fate ordain'd , That if he will not humour , he must sterue : " For Great-men loue not heare what they deserue . How iealous be our times of their deserts , When they suppresse the eminence of arts ? Making them speechlesse whereas we do see , If persons were dispos'd as they should be ; Their sincere conscience ( like a brazen wall ) Might beare them vp what euer should befall . Then might our Satyre mixe his inke with gal , But with his mixture do no hurt at all . Then might our scepticke giue his iudgement free , yet do small harme to mens integritie . Then might the Lawyer pleade without offence ; Not feare his Conscience with a faire pretence Of doing good , when his corrupted will Vnder pretence of good , acts what is ill . Then might the diuels Factors liue like men , That haue a god , nor for the hundred ten ; Receiuing with aduantage need'd they pay , A greater summe at that same latter daie , When due accompts are had● ô vsurie That art the Cities scourge , how much ha●e we Occasion to proseribe thee from our land , Since by thy meanes haue we felt heauens hand More heauy and reuenging then before , Whose wrath has vialls euer laid in store To punish impious men : it s thou ( fowle sin ) Which hast hal'd downe the infection we haue seene Rage in this famous I le : it s thou whose hight Ha●h turn'd our day of comfort to a night Of gr●at affliction : for who more can be Afflicted in himselfe , then inwardly Feeling the worme of Conscience gnawing him Torment consorting with that birth of sinne Wherein he 's nurtured : alas poore I le ! That thou shouldst foster such as do defile Thy once renowmed borders with the hate Of a supernall power , making thy state Pray to oppression , vassalling thy fame ( Which once was glorious ) to thy odious name Of miserie : Great Albion now is growne Poore in her selfe , because what is her owne She cannot vse but in depraued wise , Makes her selfe subiect to all forraine eyes As vices spectacle : ô that the blisse Which we enioy by minds Synderysis Th' refined part of man , should soyled be By th' worst of ils the staine of vsury ? And who 'le inueigh against it , few or none , For miser Nature hardly leaues vs one , That can securely speake against this ill So generall is the poison of our will : For ( deere Pernassus now is so opprest ) It dare not speake for feare that interest , Should be demaunded by the Vsurer To whom it stands engag'd : this is the fate That Poets haue , to leaue more wit then state To their posteritie : ô impious time ! When worst of Fortune followes wits diuine ; When noble actions motiue in their spirit , Can leaue nought to their Issue to inherit : Saue their poore fathers papers , monuments Scarce worth respect : how weakes the Element Which Poets are compos'd of , when one frowne Sent from a great mans visage can keepe downe Their best inuention ? silly poesie , That ( though free borne , art forc't to slauery , And vndeseru'd subiection : pittie it is , That best of merit should shut vp her wish ; And dew expectance in no other book● , Saue in a skrew'd face or a writhed looke ; Vnfit to entertaine an Art diuine Which is exprest in that poore Muse of thine . Come , come , great regent of that sacred quire , Come in thy selfe and so our soules inspire With Arts Elixir and with spirit toe , That we may do with boldnes what we do : Erect our aged fortunes make them shine ( Not like the foole in 's foot-cloath ) but like Time , Adorn'd with true experiments which may Conuert our odious night to glorious day . Let not Ambition mounted in her state Passe vncontrol'd : care not for getting hate : " For honest minds are best approued still , " By gaining hate in curbing what is ill . * * Truncoque Simillimus Heros . I●uenal . Let n●t these painted blocks of Iuuenal , Which for their cloaths are most admir'd of al Stand vnreproou'd : let not their dangling plume So daunt thee , as thou dare not well presume To blazon their defects , speake what thou seest And care not who be pleas'd , or who displeas'd ▪ Let not moth-eaten Auarice appeare In this deere I le , without her Character : Lash me the Symonist , who though precise In shew , can geld his Parsons Benifice . ●all me ( our graine-engrossers ) moulds of th' earth , That in their plentie laugh at others dearth . Rouse me the Atheist , let 's security Heare th' iudgement of supernall maiestie Thundring against him : let th' lasciuious Know their bed-broking sin , how odious Their sensuall meetings are to his pure eyes , Who euen the secrets of our hearts espies , Searching our reines , examining our hearts , Discussing each intention ( and all parts ) That ha●e a working faculty : Euen he That well approues of morall poesie , He that confirmes the motions of our minde ▪ And breath 's vpon them if to good inclinde . Let not sin-tempting wanton Meremaids rest Without due censure , who with naked brest , Attractiue eye , and garish Complement Ensnare our fond vn●ary Innocent : These are those Babell publique prostitutes , Lures to damnation , Romane Catamites , Inuentresses of pleasures , pensiue still To doe what s good , but frolike to doe ill . O London how thy Vanity abounds , Glorying in that which thy renowne confounds . Traduced fashions from the Dutch to French , From French to Spanish , and not longer since , Then yesterday , blush at thy sinne for shame , That Albion ( by thy meanes ) should ●ose her name , And habit too : see , see , how farre thou' rt gone , Beyond thy selfe , that therer's no fashion knowne , In forraine Courts , deform'd howsoere it be , But by transportance it doth come to thee . Lasse how immodest art thou to expresse , Thy selfe so much by others fashions lesse ? How strangely Metamorphis'd to partake , For Angells forme , the most deformed shape , That Countries can bring out : ô pittie t is That Albions much admir'd Metropolis , Should make those which admir'd her now to hate Her vaine condition ( introduc'd by state Too plentifull : Here you Hesperian wits May you haue subiect more then well befits A modest pen : for nere was any time More prone to ill : no Region , countrey , clime , Prouince , Isle , Regiment so truly blest With all earths bounties , yet hath lesse exprest , Of gratitude : here Satirists resort , And make an ample coment on the Court , Where thou shalt write , som's wanton , others vaine , Ambitious some , others doe couet gaine By seruile meanes : some beggars yet who dar● Write in these daies that any such there are . Then ( my sharp tooth'd Satire ) frame thy ditty In the same forme , vnrip the Crimes of'th Citty With a sterne brow : tell the purple Magistrate , How he has rais'd himselfe to great estate By others ruine : such as Mercers are , Tell them darke shops haue got away ill ware . Such as be Gold-smiths , and are dangerous , Call them the Siluer-smith of Ephesus . Long liue Diana , but no longer then By their Diana they doe reape a gaine . Such as be Brokers , tell them their profession , Is not to be a knaue o' th first edition . But as those garments which are brought to them , Vse to be worne before by other men : Euen so they broke their vices and receiue Som crimes wrapt vp i' th garments which they haue . Tell them of Wapping , bid them thankfull be , That there is Iustice had for Piracie : For if that were not ( it may well be said ) Many their shops would be vnfurnished , But in the Country now my Muse shall be , For brooke shee 'le not a Brokers Company . Here shalt thou see th' picture of Auarice , Thin-cheek'd , r●w-bon'd , faint-breath , and hollow-eye● . Nose-dropping , rh●wme-destilling , driueling mouth Hand-shaking , haire down-falling , th●misers cough , Legs goutie , knees vnweldy , hand on cruch , Eies in his bosome , gasing on his pouch , His labour torment , rest he cannot take , When all are sleeping , he is forc't to wake : His Eies are euer ope , for riches keepe His eies vnclosed : The miser cannot sleepe . He 's his owne anguish , such an impious elfe , That s ill to all , but worst vnto himselfe . He has not bookes whereon to meditate , Onely a debt booke and an Alminake . The one 's for forfeitures , where he will pore , And daie by day trauers them ore and ore : Th'o●her's his Enterlude that yeelds him mirth , Seeing predictions of the next yeeres dearth . Hope of a deerer Sommer then last was Vnseasoned haruest : O these hopes surpasse All others , Heere the Miser sets his eie , And when he does these strange prenotions spie , He kisses th' booke , sweares the profession's rare , And wishes all hee reades such subiects were . This Cormorant engrosseth all his graine , Makes his barnes greater by a secret traine Brings ore his neighbours sonne to set his hand , Vnto a sale , and so ioynes land to land . This wicked vlcer that corrupts the state , Nere thinkes of death , till that it be too la●e . His gold 's his God , yet vse it cannot he , But in expression of his miserie ▪ Which puts the poore Miser to a double paine . By telling it and putting't vp againe . But now ( my nimble Satyre ) for to thee Tends this impolisht peece of poesie : How wilt thou taxe , or where wilt thou begin With thy tart phrase , to stinge and nettle him ? Thou must be bitter ( for in greatest grieues ) And festered wounds we vse no lenitiues To mollefie , but corrasiues to gall : And of all griefes this is the great'st of all . By it we are degenerate and liue , As such as can receiue , but cannot giue To Nature competence : Come my deare Mate I le tell thee how to cure their desperate state ; Which in few words least that thy memory faile , I le speake my minde vnto thee in a tale . It chaunc't vpon a time ( and well might be For such like chances fall-on miserie , ) A pinch-gut Miser fell extreamely sicke , So ▪ as at last his Conscience gan to pricke , And tell him of 's oppression , wheresoere He turn'd his eyes , he saw damnation there . Sleepe could he not , his sicknesse was too great , Nor hope for ought , his conscience did so threate And terrifie his soule : thus lay this wretch Poore in his spirit , though to the world rich ; Faine would he oft desire himselfe confest . But cause he was falne out with Parish priest About a Tith-pigge , he deferr'd the time , And would in no case suffer this Diuine To minister due comfort to his s●ate All woe● begone : so great was th' Misers ha●e ▪ For though he were afflicted , yet would he Vp-braide the Parson full irreuerently , Calling him hedge priest , belly-god ( nay ●or● ) That like a Thiefe , he came not in at dore , But in at windowe to his Bene●ice ; And that he knew the practice and deuice Of him and 's Patron : who that th' law might 〈◊〉 Dispensed with in case of Symonie , Sold him a horse ( that whatsoere should fa●● , ) The price might pay for th' Benefice and all ▪ This would he say , concluding merrily , Sir Priest you come more for my pigge then me ▪ Silent the Parson was , for well he knew , The Miser spoke no more then what was true ▪ Onely he wisht such neighbours as he had Present to pray for him , for he was mad , And that by all appearance it was like That his disease had made him lunatickes Thus euery day his sicknesse did encrease ▪ Bere●t of comfort , conscienc● sweetest peace Without all hope of health or here or there , ( For th' worm of conscience follows euery where . ) There 's no euasion left : where ere we goe She will attend vs in our weale and woe . You heard confest he would , by as t is true . A miser loues not him that craues his due : So to such men this censure stands for iust , They loue their Conscience rest lesse then their ru●t . What should he doe ? the Pardon now is gone , And he vnto himselfe is left alone T' expostulate with death : his sinnes did grieue hi● But now the most when all his friends do leaue him ▪ Torment belowe , iudgement he sees aboue , Witnesse within him , that will duly proue What he has done on earth ( thus all in one Make vp a consort in his dying mone : Yet as a ship ore-burdend with her freight Sinking before , sayls brauely , being made light ; Or as the Ocean beats from shelfe to shelfe , ( Sea-sicke god-wot ) till she hath purg'd herselfe . So this sur-charged soule rowl's here and there , And yet to comfort is no whit the neere , Till that same la●tage of corruption be Exempted quite : then sleepes she quietly . Confesse he must , but to no Priest , that 's vaine : But vnto one cleere of another straine ; Shall I tell Satire ? yes , thou needs must know it , And this he was ; a thrid-bare neighbouring Poet : Who after dew confession made to him Of euery act , and each peculiar ●inne , Extortion , Violence and Iniurie , Pressing of Orphanes , biting vsurie , Forfeitures taken , forged bills , at last He makes confession how a Poet past His pikes : who once was of a faire estate , But after had no prospect but a grate : O , quoth the Poet , that was ill in you ; O ( quoth the Miser ) I doe know its true : But with remorce I now lament his fall . Which 'mongst the rest afflict● me most of all . Wherefore good Sir , poure out your prayers for me , That in distast of my impiety Languishing sore , I may be cheerd in state , Dying in hope , that now lies desperate . The faire conditio'nd Poet , though he had heard How ill his owne profession got reward , By this hard-harted Miser ; yet did he Scorne his reuenge should in affliction be : Streight he retires himselfe a pretty space , Chusing for 's Orisons a priuate place , Which being done , to cheere the drooping man , With hands heau'd vp , his praiers he thus began . Powerfull Iehouah , King of Heauen and Earth , That giu'st to all things liuing life and b●rth . Thou that protects each thing which thou hast made , And so preseru's it ▪ as it cannot fade . Before the time prefin'd : thou that wilt haue Mercy on such as thou dost meane to saue . Looke in this wretch ( that lies all woe begon ) If so thou thinke hee s worthy looking on : Great is thy mercy , so it needs must be , If thou wilt saue such Miser●ants as he . But what thou meanes to doe , he faine would know , W●ether he must ascend , or fall below : That he prouision may according make , And fit himselfe for th' Voyage he must take . For if to heauen , he needs the lesse prepare , Because he knowes all needfull things be there . But much he fear'd , and so feare other some , Mongst which my selfe , that there be nere shall come , But if to hell ( the likelier place o' th two ) He does desire , that thou wouldst this allow . He may haue so much respite as prepare , The Bonds of all such Prodigalls be there : That what he could not cancell here so well On earth , may there be cancelled in hell . The cause is this ( as it to me appeares ) Lest that those spend-thrif●s fall about his eares , When they shall see him , which that he may stay , He 'le cancell th' Bonds , though 't be long after day Or this 's the cause as he was impious here , He meanes to proue an honest Deuill there . " That Time to Times-successors may bring forth , " Hell made him better then he was on Earth . Much more he praide , but I doe rather chuse , ( Satyre ) to make of all his praiers an vse , That when the vse shall well expressed be , Thou maist apply the Benefit to thee . Sir [ quoth the Poet ] I my praiers haue made , Haue you , ( replyed he , ) as one dismayed , Yes sir , and by them so my zeale enforc't , As I preuaild , though it was long time first , For know an apparision came to me With a shrill voice , which bad me say to thee . If thou wile first a restitution make , And render vp what thou by Fraud didst take , From any man , but chiefly what thou tooke From th' Poet : next , deliuer vp thy booke Of all Accounts , great'st cause of thy despaire , To thy Confessour , and make him thy heyre . Thou shalt haue health for this , it bad me tell , But if thou wilt not , thou art markt for hell . For Hell , no marry I● take keyes and state , I will not buy wealth at so deere a rate . If thou my pretty Satyre couldst reclayme , A miser thus , I 'de thanke thee for the same . But all too long I haue enforc't thee stay . Vice calleth thee , and Time drawes me away .

An Epigramme called the Ciuill Deuell . IT chanc't one euening as I went abroad , To cheere my cares , and take away my loads , Of disagreeing passions , which were bred By the distemper of a troubled head , Midst of my walke , spying an Allye doore , ( Which I protest I neuer spied before ) I entred in , and being entred in , I found the entry was to th' house of sinne . Yet much I wondred , how sin there could be . Where th' sinnes protectresse show'd most modest● ▪ A ciuill matron , lisping with sorsooth , As one that had not heart to sweare an oath , In Graue attire , French hood , all Frencheside , For she had some-thing more of French beside , Her outward rayment in a loose-gowne made . Right after fashion , with a countnance staid , And which is stranger ( shamefast ) her Iaboord ( Like a young nouice letcher ) making each word A protestation ; she that knew'th deuice , T' ensnare a greene wit , seem'd wondrous ●i●e , Reprouing of my errour ▪ Sir , I am ( For thus she tooke me vp ) wife to a man Of due respect , one that has office borne , Twice in the Citty , therefore pray forbeare , You doe mistake your selfe , there 's none such heere As you make sure for . I as one dismaid , That durst not iustifie what I had said , Began to slinke away ; she seeing this , Fearing least she should such a Gudgeon misse . Recants what she had said , swearing though she Were such a mans wife of the Marshalsie , One that had neuer yet incurd ill name , Or knew ought more then modesty or shame ▪ Though she nere was defam'd in all her life ▪ Or loued more then as becom'd a wife , Though her affection neuer yet was showne ( Saue to her husband ) vnto any one , Though she was graue in yeers , and therefore might Tread rightly now , that had so long trod right , She would pawne name , fame , modestie , and all Affection , husband , yea what ere befall Her grauer yeeres should once dispence with time ▪ " She would , forsooth , remaine entirely mine , This alteration made me strangely doubt ▪ And though my feet were in , my mind was out . Yet so was I embralld by tempting sinne , Though Vertue forc't me out , Vice kept me in . That did my tempting Genius , sweare , protest , That of all creatures she did loue me best , And with dissembling teares disguise her ill , Fond is that man , and fonder is his will , That 's thus deprau'd : how seruile are men growne . When these same Vertues we esteeme our owne Are thus Eclips'd by Hyene faced whores , That protestation make they will be ours , When they proue nothing lesse , las I do know And by experience , whatsoere they show . Their painted●Vizards couer naked sinne , Which seeming faire , are euer foule within . A whiten wall , a rotten odious tombe , That prostitutes her selfe to all that come . To all that come , hence then 's affection crost , For loue is pure , but lust for them bid most . But to my Saint-like Deuill : she thus precise At first held credit deere , but now her eyes Like wandring stars prest to induce some sin Makes me ( the silly fish ) catcht by her gin . Reason did tell me , and suggest her name , Whispring me in the eare , it was a shame To gage my reputation to a whore : But las who knows it not , sense hath more power Then reason in these acts : I gaue consent To her inducements , thought her Innocent , And a right modest matron : yet how farre , Did sense from reason in her Verdict erre ? For how could she be modest that so soone , Was gain'd ere crau'd , so quickly wood and worme ? Lasse that my simple straine should be so weake , As to continue for a wantons sake , So firme in my affection ? she was graue , It s true , she was so : but how many haue That forme of grauity , the more their sinne , Being so graue without , so gay within , But she protested ; true , she swore an oath , As any other tempting wanton doth , When shee 's in hope of gaine , vnhappy I , To leane so much to harlots forgery . Well my braue Curtizan , since I am won , To doe that act by which I am vndone . Since I am snared , and like a Bird that s caught , Fledged in bird-lime , am of wit distraught , And senses too : I will runne headlong to it , And doe it with force , since I perforce must doe it . Downe goes the silken Carpet all the while , Showing those sheets , which louers doe be guile , Those sheets of lust perfum'd deliciously , With rosie odours , where variety Of obiects made recourse : see wantons see , How many motiues now enuiron me ? Heere my lasciuions Matron wooes with teares , There a repose for lusts retrait appeares . Heere a protesting whore ( see whoredomes shelfe ) Rather then loose me , she will damme her selfe . There Adons picture , clipping Venus round , Here Ioue Europa lying on the ground . Heere Mars disarm'd in Beauties chariot drawen , Where faire Eryca couer'd ore with lawne , Bids him her best of welcome , and is ledde , For want of roomes vnto her Husbands bedde . Heere Dan●e stood ( admiring diuine power ) Which did descend like to a goulden shoure , Into her Virgin-lap , there straight I spide The tempting Omphale , and on one side , Her wanton sister , on the other , faire Alcinous daughter , courted for her haire By great Apollo : but below her foote , Sat H●rcles spinning , she enioynd him too 't . Here I beheld the nimble Satyres dance The Druids sung , the water-Sea-nimphs praunce , Ore the delicious Mede : there was the Queene Of Amorous meetings pictur'd as sh 'ad beene Taking a greene-gowne ( many such there are ) Of Mars that Martiall Enginer of warre . Heere Vulcane lay , poore Cuckold as he was , And saw them mating on the greeny grasse , Yet durst say nought , how many such there be , That see enough , but dare not say they see ? Sweet heart ( quoth she ) and smild , seeing me eye This picture more then any one was nie , Leaue me the shadow , to the substance goe , What thou now seest , let louers action know , I le be thy Venus , pretty Ducke I will , And though lesse faire , yet I haue farre more skill , In Loues affaires : for if I Adon had , As Venus had : I could haue taught the lad . To haue beene farre more forward then he was ▪ And not haue dallied with so apt a lasse . Come , come ( my youngling ) though I nere could be Immodest yet , I le s●ow my selfe to thee , A lasse of mettall : Come , in faith thou shalt , Thou●'t Mars , I Venus , he that limping halt , My V●lean-husband , pox on 't he is gone , And I my selfe as desolate alone , Will entertaine thee : I in manlike shape , Being a man , a man should imitate . Protested I would doe , yet had no power , For who can deale so ably with a whore , Or with so free-bred actions , since I know , None can affection with election show , Sincerely or entirely , but whose strife , S'transform'd from wanton action to a wife Of modest action : this is she can doe , And euery night has new conceits to wooe , Though she be won , las what is wooing then , Since wooing , winning , be small change in men ? Who knowes not whores affection purch●s'd soon . And that they are not sooner woo'd then wonne ? Or as the world goes , for its more common , Women woe men more oft then men woe women . Hence nature seemes to haue transform'd vs quite , Co●uerting day vnto a drerie night , Vertue to vice , a good-names eminence , Expos'd to shame , and publique impudence . Once women knew a blushing shame-fastnesse , But now a blush is least that they expresse ; Vnlesse for shame of hauing done some ill They feare is known , which they would shadow stil , Shine brightest heauen ( if thou wilt deigne to shine . And with thy beames dispell this hideous crime , Which now ( protection has ) : curbe them , that call Such sinnes as veniall , Venereall . Let not an I le of an Angelicke name Expose her glory to the house of shame : Let not those many Tropheies of her worth Loose their renowne or honour in our birth . Let not faire Albion , stil'd from cliffes so white , Change Vertues day-star to a vicious night . Let not those many conquests she hath got Seeme now deprest , as if remembred not . Let not our peace ( like Halcion daies ) be tane From vs and ours and giuen to other men : Let not this sacred Vine which planted is In Albion , shaken be by wantonnesse . Let not our plenty and aboundant store Occasion be that we should sinne the more : Let not our Realme vnite , diuide that loue Which we should beare vnto the King aboue : Let not our want of wars inuasion bring vs A lust-full war encountring within vs . Let not those manie blessings we receiue , Make vs interre our honour in our graue ▪ Let not our seasons yeerly fruitfulnesse Produce in vs a loathed barrannesse . Let not those many strange conspiracies Which heauen preuented , close our thanklesse eyes . Let not our being make vs not to be , For God is God and will auenged be . He seemes some time to sleepe and suffer all ▪ But calls at last for vse and principall . Many , I know , there be of crimes that 's ill , Drawne from the source of our depraued will . But of all crimes that euer were or be , None in this I le claimes more impunity . A purple sin ( for who will not allow it ) Since purple-fathers oft-times go ▪ vnto it ? The Citties Elders ( which though they reproue ) They doe but chastice what themselues do loue . Statists haue lov'd it too : but marke ( my friend ) For all their state they had a loathsome end , Like stinking Herod , loth'd Hertogenes , Crook't Damocles , lowsie Pherecides ; All these experience had of this fowle euill . And could describe too-well a ciuell Diuell .

The Authors Morall to his Ciuell Diuell . COme Nouice , come , see here the fall of youth , Begun in pleasure , but wouen vp in rueth : See what occurrents meete the heires of shame , Where end is pouerty , and cloz'd ill-name ? See what the fruits be of licentious sin That end in woe as they in heate begin ? See painted Sodom-apples faire to th' eye , But being tutcht they perish instantly . See , see a wanton Mere-mayd , that does sing , To bring youths crazie backe to ruining . See Vertue in pretence , but vice in deed . See Harlots action in a Matrons weede : See damned Factors who their trafficke make , Not for their soule but for the diuels sake . See my coach't Lady hurried long the street , Casting her lusts-eyes on whos'ere she mee● ▪ See , see her cerus cheeke , made to delight Her apple-squire , or wanton Marmosite . See , see her braided haire , her paps laide out , Which witnesse how she 'le do when she 's put to 't , O see she likes vpon th' condition well , So she may coached be she 'le goe to hell , And willingly : see ▪ see adulterate golde , In valew worst , yet is the deerest solde . See Albions curse , Youths gulph , Heires misery , Our Countries shame , soules staine earths vanity . O Sunne reflect thy gould on my pale Moone , And let this Dathans braunch be rooted soone , Out of this flourie isle : O let not this ( So hideous a crime ) eclipse the blisse Which Britaine now possesseth , may my penne , Be steeped now in wormewood , that such men As haue beene'erst delighted , now may be , Wain'd from that land-oppressing miserie . And you ( damn'd prostitutes ) that pawn your name , Making a triuiall may-game of your shame ; Bed-broaking lechers , Broakers of ill ware , For many such base factors now there are ) Heare me spit out my malice : May you liue , Till you haue nought to take , nor none to giue , For your ore-iaded pleasure : may you stand Banisht for euer in this Fruitfull land , Which fares the worse ( and that by Heauens high power ) For giuing harbour to an odious whoore . May you detested liue , intestate die , And as I doubt not make your Tragedy By death more wofull : may your vlcerous skin , As it beares here the marks of your fowle sin : Like to the Iewes as they did earst appeare , Who in their fore-parts circumcised were ) Be circumcis'd : that after times may shew , There was small difference twixt the whore and Iewe. And you poore haire brain'd youths that doe begin To nestle in these lothsome sinkes of sin ; You that spend substance , heritance and all , Becomming subiect to a doubtfull fall : You that are sent to practise studious arts , But leauing them , betake to worser parts Your vnfledg'd fancies : heare me , and you 'le say , It seemes he wisht vs well another day . Flie the strange woman , let her wanton looke , Be vnto you as some experientst booke ; Prescribing cures for strange diseases be As if you did not note , or did not see Her sin-alluring motiues : if she smile Conster it thus : this wanton would beguile With her affected seeming , if she play With her light capring foote , or bid you stay ( So brazen fac't is sin ) away from thence . Taxe , but affect not , her loth'd impudence . If she shew modestie ( as well she may ) For whoores haue change of faces euery daie Vicing new fashions : you may conster thus , It is a painted but no natiue blush . If she protest ( beleeue not what she sayth ) ) For there 's no whore but can dispense with faith : If she inuite you to some dainty feast Be not entreated , least like Circes beast , You be transform'd from that same forme diuine Vnto the bestiall nature of a swine , If she allure thee to some wanton sport In that she moues you to it , care not for't Let St. foote be ( such follies lust affoord ) " For fairest play is euer aboue boord . Redart not eyes with her : if she looke red Say its her guilt , if pale distempored With some lasciuious passion : if conceipt Be pregnant in her , sweare its but deceipt To draw thee on : if sullen , it may be thought Her weight of sin has that distraction wrought . If she discourse , it s but some whorish tale That she perchance has purchas 't by retaile ; If silent , 't may be thought she 's plotting ill , And that 's the cause her oily tongue is still : If seeming modest , vertuous or precise , It s her dissembling , making her lusts eyes Like Basilisks ( who naturally haue Desire to kill , where they do seeme to saue . ) If hope of meanes : fie , let no Generous minde , Stoope to so base a lure , as be inclin'de , To buy a stipend at so deare a rate , " As gage a soule , to get a little state . If discontent : this is no remedie Vnto thy griefe , but ads to miserie : For who ( through discontent ) goes to a Whoore , Must needs be more deiected then before . If an enforced marriage ( as who can ) Taste still the sweete of comforts , being man : This is no way to ease thy troubled head , To make thy selfe adulterize thy Bed . If to spend time : how ill is that spent time , Which adds vnto that great accompt of thine Thousands of accusations ? where thy looke Shall beare record ( if wanton ) in that booke , Where all our actions duely written be From youth to man , to Age from infancy : If for acquaintance ( as oftimes we heare ) The greatest men are most acquainted there ; Thou seeks amisse , for what 's acquaintance worth , By birth borne great , to bastardise their birth . If to obserue new fashions , tricks not knowne Before of thee : 'lasse those must needs be growne Quite out of fashion , when there 's none that vse them Saue Pandors , Bawds , & whoors that stil abuse them . If to be deem'd a Turne-ball roring lad ▪ Of all the straines that be there 's none so bad : " These glorie in deformed shapes , and thirst After that guize which doth beseeme them worst : But wouldst thou know them ? then attend to me , ( And I in few words will describe them thee . Their peak't mouchatoes bodkin wise oppose Each other , and stand brauing of their nose : They 're blustering boyes , and whatsoe're befall , If they be three to one they 'le haue the wall . They haue a mint of oaths , yet when they sweare , Of death and murder , there 's small danger there : Buffe-yerkins say their souldiers , ( but 's not so , ) For they were prest indeed but durst not goe . They weare a Cutlers-shop euer about them : Yet for all that we need not greatly doubt them . For tak 't from me by this you soon'st may know them , They weare the desperat'st blades , yet dare not draw them . They 're Panders by profession , men that get A slauish meanes out of a seruile wit : They 're euer soaking of a pipe , whose smoake Makes them contort & wreath their wainskot look To euery fashion , they are monstrous proud , And what-soere they speake they sweare its good : They neuer goe to Church , vnlesse it be To man their whore , or for formalitie . They are and are not : seeming men by sight , But beasts , becomming slaues to appetite : Their walke is not where Vertue hath recourse , ( For to discourse of Vertue is a curse ) To Roring-boyes : their Rende-voue's Tibb Calles Her shrowd their shrine , their walk 's in Garden-allies Dost see these ( youngling ) ? pray thee see and mark , A whore enticing , and a god-lesse sharke Attending her , haue a good eye to him , Pray thee beware he 's instrument of sinne : Goe not along , let my aduise enforce , Least thou returne ( my boy ) by weeping crosse . Let not , ô let not moment of delight , Depriue thy soule of her internall light , Shame not thy eye of reason with expence Of ill spent time , expos'd to th' vse of sence . Thy form 's Diuine , no fading , vading flower : O let not then th' embraces of a whore Captiue thy iudgement , but as thou dost take Thy Great Creators forme , so for his sake , Reserue thy Temple ( if thou ' le liue with him , To be for Syon , not for place of Sinne. .

The occasion of this Epigram proceeded from the restraint of the Author , who in the iustnes of his cause ( like Zenophons Sparrow ) fled for refuge : to the worthily esteemed , the Right Worshipfull RICH. HVTTON , Sergeant at Lawe : to whose protection the retired Author commends his Epigramme entitled . HIS CATCH . Singing my catch , if you be not my friend , For all my catch , I shall be catcht ith'end . NOt in a durance suite remaine I here , Yet in a suite like durance hemm'd with feare Retir'd I am : confinement makes me thrall Vnto my selfe , which grieues me most of all : If I but see the shadow of a man , Or th' tinkling of a Braziers copper pan , I feare a Sergeant , shadow saies its he , And th' Brazier saies , such like his buttons be . Where shall I flie to ? 'lasse I know not where : For Milford-lane is growne too monstrous deere . No , there I must not goe ; for know you how That place is stil'd ? The Gallants Rand●-uou . Well , some-where I must flie : O now I see 't : Philosophers say ; heate is expel'd by heate . Moisture by moisture ; Colds extremity By cold , deriu'd from passions natiuely Concurring in vs : if this then be trew , Who should I flie to ( Sir ? ) but vnto you That are a Sergeant , and has power to place Your God-sonne free from any Sergiants Mace ? To you i le flie pursu'de by impudence , ( A Courtiers garbe ) crauing safe residence Vnder your wings : and know ( kinde Sir ) from me , To doe for Orphanes its a charity . Little I am possest of well you know , And of that little , little doe I owe To any man : yet for all this am I , Made a fit obiect for a Sergeants eie . I could not beg if that my cause were bad , But to disburse for that I neuer had . Nor anie for me , 'lasse it seemes to me , The cause might pleade it selfe without a fee . Pray Sir ( at least ) if'th Courtier needes will craue it . Let him pursue such , where ' has hope to haue it : For me there s none : but this his wit God wot To sue his bond , wheres nothing to be goe . Yet for the reputation which I beare To my vnblemisht credit , I must feare Not our iust cause , nor any such pretence , But brazen-face , and guilded conscience . " For dangers felt are worse then others feard , " Which makes me now conceald which once appear'd . 'Lasse Sir , my studies cannot brooke restraint , " Since times obseruance giues me argument . Of writing what I write : so smal's the store Of Là'er I haue , that if I knew not more By obseruation , then by reading , men Might iustly say , I knew not what I pen . But Iustice whose pure eie lookes euer right , And can admit of none that cloudes her sight , Will shield my cause : its trues I know she will , Yet in meane time I am be-leagred still , With th●se iniurious burres , these tenterhookes , That euen afright me with their gastly looks . These engines of despaire , agents of euill , Factors for Mammon , Viceroyes for the diuell These that lay hold like bird lime : these be they , That must be soundly brib'd , or we must pay ; I haue no hope then but your vertuous selfe To saue my crasie vessell from this shelfe , Or ship-wrack rather , and so sure am I Of your best helpe , that I see safety Appearing midst of daunger : for my trust So well repos'd in one that is so iust , Cannot be frustrate , but must needes receiue What you may graunt , and I may iustly haue . And well I know that actions of this kinde , Keepe best concordance with your generous minde , Whose natiue vertues haue been still exprest , In giuing breath to causes that are best . A great prerogatiue , as 't seemes to me , Haue you ore such as onely take their fee , Witthout obseruance or discussion had , Of what the cause is : whether good or bad . These like to spiders , weaue ore iustice throne A web , to make their actions lie vnknowne , But all in vaine : their vices time descries : For time has many eares and many eies . Ripe was his wit , and well he vnderstood , Who rous't i i Rufus finishing the stately building of Westminster hall , found fault for being built too little , saying it was sitter for a chamber , then a Hall for a King of England ; taking a plot for one more spacious to be added vnto it . Westminster Hal with Irish wood . That Iustice there profest ' , should like appeare , Suffring no venemous creature to come neere Her sacred throne : no k k This peculiar vertue the superstitious Irish haue ascribed to the power of Saint Patrick . Spider , worme , nor moth , But that like vertue should accrew to both . Which makes me muse : sith Irish wood can show , Such pure effects , why Ireland does not see , O no it were too much to be the same , In title , temper nature , and in name . But whit her wanders my confined Muse ? Lament thine owne , care not for times ab●se , It yields thee matter ro expresse thy spleene , Which otherwise would be extinguish't cleane . Thou mai'st retire , ther 's one will see thee pla'st In safe repose , till all these stormes be past : Which past , may I my conning quite forget , If better numbers doe not defcant it . From me and mine to you and yours , From time to time our praiers like showers Diffused be incessantlie . Your worths obserue● R.B. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

TO MY APPROVED FRIEND T. P. in the conduct of my arrest-fearing Epigram his best of Wishes . IF any Sergeant should my lines forestale , Before they see my Patron enter bayle . Ibid. — Where say , — How Night by Night in seuerall roomes I lye , And that my lines haue farre more Aer then I.

An Epigramme called the Honest Lawyer . SPrightly my muse , speake like the son of thunder And with a full mouth , ring out Albions wonder : No Sussex Dragon , no Virginian , But of a Lawer that's an Honest man . Whose definition if you wish to know , Is a blacke Swan , faire Moore , or milke-white Crow . He takes no fees , till he conceiue the cause , Nor with an Oyly bribe annoints his iawes . He wants the vse of feeling , feares Heauens curse , Strings not his conscience with his Clients purse . Hee'● not be tongue-tide , but for Iustice sake , He seekes to earne the mony he does take . He hates aequiuocation and delay , Nor will he make his Threed-bare Client stay For his dispatch : he will not haue his fee , Till he discusse the causes equity . His Iudgement will not vaile to wind nor wether , Nor is his conscience made of retching lether . His eye 's on Iustice , nor will euer he Banke-rupt his soule , t' enrich posterity . His tongue 's no time-obseruer , made to please , His fist is shut from taking double fees . He will not forge a lye , nor wrest the sence , Of law or right , for any faire pretence . He will not backe his Clyent , or maintaine An vniust suit , to reape a priuate gaine . He speakes and stands too 't , nor is sorry for 't , Though he by speaking truth , incense the Court . He hates corruption , nor has euer sould , His peace of Conscience , for a peece of gold He loues no perfumes , nor is one of those , Whose peak't mouchatoes skirmish with their nose . His beard 's not starcht , he has no subtile sconce , Nor Ianus-like lookes he ten waies at once . His Eare is neuer shut to poore mens mones , His Coach-wheele is not made of Clients bones , His Conscience nere did ought that needs relenting Or e e

For my pretty tooth-picker , the Criticke Lawyer , who stands on the puntylio of his honour , I am by Martialls meanes prouided of armour . 505. Epig.

Carpere causi dicus fertur mea càrmina qui sit Nescio , sisciero ve tibi causidice . ere made Clients pay for his wiues painting . His soule was neuer soild by corrupt dealing , Nor stands he on a veluet gowne at sealing . His face was nere at Braziers , nor his skin Sy-sambris-like was hung vp to be seene . His tongue speakes truth , makes peace where ere he can . This Lawer must be needs an honest man . It 's true , he must : but where now shall we finde This man : I feare there s none left of his kind . Yes one I know , and more there be no doubt But that my dull pate cannot find them out , Who 's truely honest : Whom you may discerne , You Clients you , that visit this throng Terme , By no example in our Albion more , Then by my Patron in my Catch before . Aske you me why ? Experience tells it me , " None of 's Profession honester then he .

Vpon a Patron , who was at home , and yet abroad : in the City , and yet in the Countrey : seene , and not to bee seene : in any place , but where he was , and as soone to be found where hee was not , as where he was . A good Patrons Anagram : is Patren . Anag . Parent . An euill ones Patrone . Anag . Ropean't . A Satyre . THere is a Patron , to expresse his name , I thinke it needlesse , for you may coniecture , Who t is by dumbe showes : yet I le reade a Lecture , Vpon 's Anatomy : " He thinks no shame To be at home , yet to deny the same , By one of 's Pander porters : he is proud Of a new Title giuen him , yet it 's stale , Knight-hood I wish : for 's speech he speaks a tale , With a Beere-brewers Grace , as for his bloud , He saies he can deriu't from Robin hood , And his May-Marian , and I thinke he may , For 's Mother plaid May-Marian tother day . If a rich country-Boore come to present him , With Pigge or Goose , he shall no sooner come , But the gate 's open , and the Knight's at home , Where the Dog-fawning Knight will question him , Why he from 's house has so long absent beene ? Yet tother day , a Poet whom he lou'd , At least protested so ; knocking at 's gate , Was full two houres enforced there to waite , And still he staid to find his loue approu'd , Till th' Brazen head spake , through a casement mou'd , ( The Knight I meane ) but seeing who it was , I 'me not at home ( quoth he ) good Poet passe .

An Epigram in Curium Lampetram : A Cashierd Courtier . CVrius Lampetra , ( as he doth confesse ) For he was t'ane i' th nicke , o' th businesse , Ha's done , soone done , God wot , a worthy deede , Setting the Courts wreath on the Cities head : But for his wreath , before one Terms demurre , He was degraded of his Courtly spurre . ( True badge of Honour ) and from that time swore , Nere to approach the Cities confines more . What should he doe ? the Citie was his gaine , For poore Lampetra nere had courtly straine ; But apish imitation , whose small force Made him admired , like an Hobby horse . And yet they say , he had a wit at will : Running like the rundell of a blind horse-mill . Could sweare an oath , could fome at mouth could set His words in fustain , and could runne in debt , Could skrew his face , could moralize a fable , Yet nere read Aesop , sit at Duke Humfreys Table , Could walke a turne in Paules , could talke of Spaine , Yet nere was there , and then come home againe . Why this is courtly , and this he could doe , Yea but Lampetra knew not how to woe . Not wooe ? why he could kisse , and as they sing I' th ballad too , he could doe tother thing . " A Pox that s true : But shall I tell thee why She told all out ? he did so scuruily : " As at the very instant when theyre ●aine , Shee said ( poore foole ) put vp thy pipe againe , For such a Fidler is farre worse then none , That plaies on still , yet has no stroake but one . But prethee say , what shall Lampetra doe ? ( As other Courtiers ) make a foolish show Of what they haue not : no , it is decreed , Being boorish bred , he must with boores goe feede On huskes and hawes ; and that he may retaine Some courtly garbe , his ruins to maintaine I th Country must this rusticke swaine be plast , To purchase pardons , when the iudgement 's past : Or he may finde a Vt in antiquissimis Monumentis in M●nasteri● Sainct . Bees , ab inclyto eo generosiss viro , Qui in hunc diem jis operibus precipue Alabastreis versatur , nuperrime compertus fuit : et prope Epistomium i● Fleetstreet , publice ostensum , &c. Giant at St Bees And with his sight get money if he please .

An Embleme writte vnto a Gentleman , who entreated the Author to distinguish twixt Rome and roome . YOu mou'd me sir , next time I chanc't to come , For to distinguish betwixt Rome and roome , Which I haue done : and to the full I hope , Rome being as far●e from roome , as Peter Pope . For wheresoere I am , wheresoere I com● , I must haue roome , yet that I hope 's not Rome . So whensoere I see Saint Peters chaire , I doe inf●rre , a a For we read that in the second yeare of Claudius reigne , Peter the Apostle came to Rome , and there remained 30 ▪ yeares after , yet some dissent from this opinion , &c. Saint Peter has beene there . But that Saint Peters heyre is now at Rome , Though he be there , I le say it 's not his roome . Peter Romes piller , Cater piller he , Whose roome I loue more then his company .

EN TRES EXCELlentissimo Phantasto Moriano del Castello , equiti tres illustrissimo septentrionali . Fades rare horned Dicke . An Anagram included in the Satyre . FAdes my rare horned Dicke ? ô , out a cry , His hornes bud out , and gall him greeuously , What remedy ? faith patience : which appeares In 's w●fe , whose patience , many burden beares . Th●n he may learne of her : it 's true , you say , And therefore plyes his hornebooke day by day .

Anagramma . How Riches freed'd adorne a gull ? Epigram . Wise is that Foole , that hath his coffers full . And Riches free'd adorne the v●riest Gull . Yet but vncase the Asse , and you shall see , An Asse is still an Asse , and so is he .

An Epigram vpon the Anagram , Dedicated to the Mirrour of true Excellency , his much admired ( though vnacquainted ) friend , Don MORIANO DELL CASTELLO , To whom the Author wishes many cheerful daies , delightfull nights with his late espoused Mistresse , whose imparalelld Vertues hee hath presumed to illustrate in These his impolisht ( yet affectionate ) Poems . MOri●s Augustus thou great man of sense , That art enstil'd with best of Excellence . To thee I write : yet doe I not know how , T' expresse thy worth , or with apparant show , Of thy demerits blaze thee as thou should , Yet know ( braue northerne spirit ) that I would , Doe full as much as any , if my Art Were but of equall valew with my heart . For thou art he amongst all other men , That giues a subiect to the freest pen , And canst define true honour by degree , Drawne from the best , yet instanced in thee . Mount thee ( resolued Heroe ) that thy Fame , May be a wreath to Morianos Name . Shine bright , like Eos with his beamy face , Whose pretious Mantle , fring'd with some gold lace , Made all the passengers admire his worth , Descending from Heauens Court , to lighten earth . I know thou canst doe this , for I haue seene Euen in a place , where many more haue beene , And haue obseru'd thee , galloping thy round , Making low Congees , till thou kisse the ground With lip of thy humility , and then Putting thy foote in stirrop once againe , Mounted thy barbed steed , then with thy hand , Straking thy horses crest to make him stand . Who proud on 's burden , frolick'd in his stay , And with a neighing stomacke trac'd the way . Faire fall thee formall Gallant that hast force , To tame the courage of a head-strong horse , Displaying resolution in thy eye Courtship in cloths , in speech propriety . In gesture admiration , in thy looke An Orbe of fashions , or a Table-booke . Of new-inuented features ▪ in thy forme , Such exquisite perfections as adorne Natures best Mir●or , O but that I doubt , By speaking of thy wor●h , I shall be out . I could ep●t●mize each speciall thing , Thy birth , thy worth , thy wooing , sonnetting . Yet for thy loue-sake ( wha●soere befall ) I will speake som●hing , though I speake not all . Mongst which my Muse records that amorous sonnet Which who will not admire , that looks vpon it , Writ to that faire Alicia now behight , The chast-vow'd wife vnto an honor'd Knight : Where with loues passions , thou so well did show it . That none could thinke thee lesser then a Poet. Apt in thy words , in thy dimensions rare , Thy Figures proper , and thy motions faire . A●t could not show , or euer yet bring forth , So farre fetcht straines inuented so farre North. Now of her Beauty wouldst thou Comment make , And vow to take strange labours for her sake ▪ Then to induce her loue ( by meanes most fit ) Thou woul●st commend the promptnes of her wit , Protesting by the ae●y powers aboue , ( As who ere lou'd would not protest they loue ? ) Noe speech ere Pallas spake merits more praise , Then what thy Mistresse Dere Alicia saies . Then wouldst thou descant of her rubie lippe , ( Though thou had neuer lucke to tast of it . ) Then of her pure complexion which did praise It selfe , not as complexions now adaies . Then of her louely quallities which might be Styled the Eccoes of heauens harmonie . Then of her vertues so diuine , so rare , As they surpast the rest aboue compare . All this thou didst to shew her eminence , More grac't by thee being stil'd his excellence , And faire thy loue had ended as begun , If that a Web had not thy loues web spun . Great Northerne Atlas , what can I say more , Then of thy merits hath been said tofore . At least obseru'd ? for many men doe see , And know it well I write but truth of thee . O that times records should be so portraide , In leaues of brasse , that what was done or said , In auncient ages , should so well display , Their full euents , as done but t'other day . Whilest thy renowme great mirrour of the North , Showne in our time , wants one to set it foorth , " Whereas it s no lesse glory to a Crowne , To haue Authors then haue Actors of renownes Yet shall not vertue so obscured bee , Nor those accomplisht parts appeare in thee . Lie rak't in Ashes : No great Morios heire , Thou shalt not liue as though there nothing were , Worthy posterity ? its I will write , Though far vnfitting for so great a light My be●t of thee , that art the best of man , " He does not ill that does the best he can . Accept it needes thou must , how er 't be done , Being thy Fathers God-sonne , thou his sonne . But of all vertues tha● attend on thee , There 's none that equals thy humilitie . Yet so as thou art generous with all , A stile that does adorne thee most of all . Vnto thy humble spirit annex't there is , Another soueraigne vertue , Patience ; Or the enduring of an iniurie : Which of all others is obseru'd in thee . Thou wilt not snuffe if one correct thee : no , Not hardly aske him why he wrong'd thee so . Thou wilt not answere to thine owne disgrace , Nor taxe the man that turdefies thy face . Thou wilt not grieue for euery light offence , Feare is thy guide , thy shield is Patience . Thou like a christian walkes ( God wot ) in feare , And being boxt will turne the other eare . Thou art Gods man , and whatsoe're men say , He is the best man at the later day . Thou art no blustring boy that walkes the streete , And bindes a quarrell with who s'ere he meete . Thou art no Haxtar that by nature's giuen , To rage on Earth , but nere to raigne in Heauen . In briefe , thou art the man that God will chuse , Wearing a blade for fashion more then vse . Nor doe I flatter thee for ne're was I Seruile to anie man : but if my eie Impartiall in her knowledge seeme to show . What by obseruance other men doe know , And haue admir'd , pardon I neede not craue , Since I expresse but what thy merits haue Deseru'd : enough . Thy vertues are with best , And little need they to be more exprest , Then as they are ? Goe on ( my honourd friend ) And as thou hast begun , so fairely end . Be Fame thy Herauld to blaze forth thy worth , Making thee Morios , none such vpon earth . Be as thou art , and more thou canst not be . Since best of being is included in thee . Be thou as hee , to whom all may resort , Muses I meane , and coming thank thee for 't . Be thou as Caesar in the Capitall , So thou of Morios Castell Centinell . Be as thou art reported , great in wit , And so discreet , as thou mai'st mannage it . Be as thou art , founder of iollitie , Grauen in the gold-cup of our Langanbie . Be as thou would'st be , and I wish no more , So time shall second what I write before . But 'lasse poore Muse hast thou no more to speake Of such a subiect , ( pray thee deare awake ) And memorise his name in euery page , From this time forth vnto a following age . No ? what is my wit drawne drie ? or I am tane With some amazement at a great mans name ? Why thou hast writ of men as great before , And hast exprest their actions ore and ore . Turn'th ore their best of glory , and i' th end , So won their hearts , as thou becamst their friend . And art thou now growne s●ient ? cannot he That merits best , receiue like praise of thee ? No , no : he cannot ; so obscur'de he liues , That though I write but truth , yet who belieues A true relation , when we seeme to show A man to men whom they doe hardly know ? O then ( redoubted sir ) let me now end T●is home bred Sonnet ( as a louing friend That would perswade ) if you perswad' would be To shew your selfe something more openlie Vnto the world . O see how men repine , That you so long conceal'd , should gull the time , Hauing such parts , as much adorne your birth , Yet has no willing mind to set them forth . What is a Iewell worth if euer hid ? Or what s a cased Instrument in stead ? The lustre of the former is not seene , Nor can we know by 'th latter what 't does meane . For Gemmes and instruments are knowne by tutch , And such as show them men , we know them such . With like good will doe I present thee these , As Mopsus ( that poor shepard ) sent a cheese Vnto his Phillis : and it came to me Once in my minde , to send the like to thee : But for I fear'd ( and I haue cause to feare ) That you had better cheese then any here : In steed of bride-cakes , cheesecakes I was tide In loue , to send this present to your Bride ▪ All haile to Himen and this marriage day : Strow rushes , and quickly come away . Bring in your flowers , and giue of each of them To such as lov'd and are forsaken men . For well I know so louing is the Bride , So curteous and so liberall beside Of her discreete affection , I dare say None must depart vnsatisfied away . Strew rushes maides , and euer as you strew , Thinke one day maides , like will be done for you : Strew you , I le sing , or if you like nor choise ; Sing you , I le strew : you haue the better voice . Crowned be thou Queene of loue , By those glorious powers aboue : Loue and Bewrie ioyn'd together May they col and kisse each other , And in midst of their delight , Shew thee pleasure in the night . For where acts of loue resort , Long●st nights seeme too too short ; May thou sleeping dreame of ●hat , Which then waking dest partake , That both sleepe and watching may Make the da●kest night seeme day : As a fort besieged rest , Yeelding most , when seeming lest : Or in pleasures may thy smile Burnish like the Camomile , Which in verdure is encrest Most , when it is most deprest . Vertues as they doe attend thee , So may soueraigne thoughts defend thee . Acting in thy loue with him , Wedlocks actions are no sinne : Who in Hym●ns bands is ioyned , And in sacred loue combined , To remaine euer thine . He thy Picture thou his shrine , Thou the mettall he the mint , Thou the waxe he the print , He the Lant-horne , thou the lampe , Thou the bulloine , he the stampe . Thou the figure he the feature ; He thy former , thou his creature . He the image , legge and limme , Thou the mould to cast him in . He the plummet thou the center . Thou to shelter he to enter ; Thou the Parke or shady vale , " He the dogge that freth's the pale . Hammer he to strike alone , Anuile thou to beate vpon ▪ More I could , but more I will not , Since to speake more much it skils not ; Onely I will here extend Th' period of my speech as friend ; And expresse what I protest Comes from th' center of my brest , That my protestations may Beare record another day . Iö Hymen crowne the night Of these Nuptials with delight . No more , no more : much honour aie betide , The lofty Bride-groome , and the louely Bride : That their succeeding dayes and yeeres may say , Each day appeares like to a mariage day . But now retire , darke shades haue lodg'd the sun , Put vp thy pipes for now thy layes are done . Finis Epithalami .

To the hopefull young Gentleman , and his experienced friend , Mr. CHEATER . ANAGRAMM . TEACHER . Teacher you are , for you haue taught me more , Then I was taught in all my life before . A GRATVLATORY Epigram . TO thee ( young youth ) these youngling lines I write Stor'd with my best of wishes : may delight Crowne that long-wisht for Nuptial bed of thine , ( Which should haue been ) if Fate had granted mine With many happy nights : Blest be my fate , Since what one friend has is communicate Vnto an other , that my loue should end , And ending , giue beginning to my friend . But why say I it s ended ? sith by thee , A three-loues song beares descant merily . And thus it is : I lou'd her , where thou art , Shee thee , thou mee ; thre● louers in one heart : Shee thine , thou mine ( if mine thou stil'd may be ) Makes her in being thine , espows'd to me .

An Embleme which the Author composed in honour of his Mistris , to whom he rests euer deuoted . Allusiuely shadowing her name in the title of the Embleme , which hee en●tiles : His Frankes Anatomie . FRanke thy name doth promise much , I● thy nature were but such : But alasse what difference growe 'Twixt those two , I onely know ? I alas that to thy bewtie Am deuoted in all dewtie ; I that once inuented layes , Singing them in Shepheards praise , I that once from loue was free Till I fell in loue with thee : I that neuer yet began Trade , to hold my mistris fan ; I that neuer yet could knowe , Whether loue was high or lowe : I that neuer loued was , Nor could court a looking-glasse : I that neuer knew loues lawe , Nor lov'd longer then I sawe ; I that knew not what 's now common , To throw sheep-eyes at a woman : I that neuer yet could proue , Or make shew of heartie loue : I that neuer broke my sleepe , Nor did know what cha●ms did keepe Louers eyes : now can tell What would please a louer well . Shall I tell thee ? yes I will , And being tolde : or saue , or kill . It would please him , if he might Euer liue in'● Mistris sight : It would please him t' haue the hap , But to sleep in 's Mistris lap : Or to haue his Mistris faire , With her hand to stroke his haire . Or to play at foot-St. with him , Or at barly-breake to breathe him : Or to walke a turne or two , Or to kisse , or coll , or woe ; Or in some retired Groue , But to parly with his Loue . Or when none that 's iealous spies , To looke babbies in his eyes : Or when action ginnes to fayle , To supply it with a tale . Venus vnto Vulcane wedde , Yet came Mars to Vulcanes bedde : He and she being both in one , Whilest poore Vulcan lies alone ; Or if this will not affoord Ioy enough : obserue each bird How she singles out her make And to him does onely take . See their billing each with other , ( Loue and dallying younc't together ) Mutuall loue inheres in either , Being birds both of one feather ; Or if this yeeld no content . To resort vnto the plant , Which being grafted skilfully , Brings forth fruit aboundantly : Deeper that the plant's we see , Sooner will it fruitfull be , Which ( my franke ) in modesty , Thus I will apply to thee . Deeper that thy loue is set , More impression may it get : Riper fruits then such as growe , And are planted scarce so lowe : If you aske me what I seeme , By impression for to meane , I will tell thee : such as these , Impressions onely women please . " Coine for stampe sake we allowe : So for stampe sake do we you , Weake's that Euidence you know That has neither scale to showe , Stampe , impression : such ( I ken ) Are you may de● , not stampt by m●n Weake , God wot , for why you take Your perfection from your make : Then if thou desire to be Perfect , haue recours to me : Or some other that may giue , What old Adam gaue to Eue , 'Lasse it s nothing : pray thee take it , Many wish it that forsake it . But when shamefull dance is done , They could wish they had begun Many yeeres before they learnt it , ( O how gladly would they earne it ? ) But too long , I seeme to stay , Ere thy beauty I display : Spare me sweetest for my Muse , Seldome makes so faire a chuse . Chuse it Lou● what ere it be , Reade thy owne Anatomie . Purest of Ophyr-gold , let me prepare First for the choice description of thy hayre , Which like the finest thrids of purple seeme Clere to out-strip those of the Paprian Queene ; Whose tender tresses were so neatly wrought , As Cholcos fleece seem'd to be thither brought , And sure it was ▪ what ere fond Poets say , And this was th' fleece which Iason tooke away . Delicious Amber is the breath which flowes From those perfumed conduits of thy nose , Thy smile , a snare , which tempts the way-ward boy Adon the faire , and bids him leaue to ioy I● Forrest pleasures , there 's a fruitlesse marke , Hauing more store of game within thy parke . Thy lippes ( two gates ) where loue makes entrie in , And yet so modest as nere taxt of sinne : Thy cheek , that rosie circlet of pure loue , Resembling neerest that Castalian groue ; Where such variety of flowers appeare That nought seems good , which is not beter'd there ▪ Thy b●ush ( pure blush ) Em●leme of Chastitie Blushing , yet guildesse of ought done by thee Portends a maidens honest-spotlesse heart , Hauing thy blush by nature not by Art . Thy chin ( that dimpled mou●t ) which hath last plac● Yet giues no lesser bew●y to thy face : Then th' greatest ornament : for it doth show , Like to a pleasant Vale seated belowe Some steepy Mount : thy christall eyes the fount , Thy chin the Vale , thy louely face the Mount . O is not then this feature , boue compare , Where breath is perfume , and pure gold is hayre Where smiles are snares , lippes gates of Iuorie , Cheekes roses , blushes types of chastitie : Where chin a vale , the browe the mount , the face That Soueraigne of the heart , that keeps loues place : Where shall I looke then , or how shall I moue These eyes of mine and teach them not to loue ? For if my eyes should but thy haire beholde , I must be forc't to loue for it is golde : If thy delicious breath I chaunce to sip , Being the rosie verdure of thy lip ; I deeme my selfe in that sweet perfume blest Much more , in that , worse breaths be in request : If thou do smile , I loue , and wish the while , That I might only liue to see thee smile . If thou do speake ( pure Orator ) I 'me dumb , For why ? thy admiration curbs my tongue . If thou but blush ( as maydes are wont to doe ) My passions are perplex'd , I wot not how , 'Twixt feare and loue● feare makes me wondrous pale , Fearing thy blush came from some wanton tale . Too too immodest spoken by my selfe , Which to assoyle I le reprehend my selfe ; If I but ●utch , to tutch 's a veniall sin , The pretty circle of thy dimpled chin : I vowe and in my vowe giues Bewtie thanks , That chin was Venus , though it now be Franks . Yet haue I not spoke all that I dot see ; Or at least iudge in thy Anatomie : For true Anatomists being men of Art , Know the exact description of each part , Member and arterie : so should my sight Be in my Franke if I describe her right , Which that I might reduce to some full end , Though there 's no end in loue , I will descend To the distinct relation of the rest , And in my Franks discouery thinke me blest . Thy waste , ( with●u● waste ) like a curious frame ▪ Aptly proportion'd still reserues the same : Or like some well composed Instrument Exact in forme , in accent excellent ; So is thy waste , and happy may he be , That 's borne to make it strik● true harmony . Thy belly ( if coniectures true may be ) For we must guesse at that we cannot see , Is like an orient Cordon pea●led faire , With diuerse feats of Nature here and there . Where glides a christall streameling to abate , The heate of Nature oft insatiate . Pardon me Deere : Nature ordained first That Fount of yours , to quench the place of thirst ▪ Thy thigh ( imagination now must doe ) For I must speake , though well I know not how , Like the laborious and the loaden Bee . That hastens to her hiue melodiously . Nor is her freight more luscious ( Deere ) then thine , For thine is full of pleasure , hers of Thyme : Thy knee like to an orbe that turnes about , Giuing free passage to thy nimble foote , Apt for each motion , actiue in loues sphere , Moouing her ioints to trip it euery where . Thy legge ( like Delias ) neither bigge nor small , But so well fram'd and featured in all , That Nature might seeme enuious to impart , So great a good , and hide so good a part . Thy foote the curioust module of the rest , For Art and Nature there be both exprest : Art in the motion , Nature in the frame , Where action works and motion moues the same . Nor can I credite what our Poets say , Affirming Venus chanc't vpon a day To pricke her foote , so as from th' blood she shed . The damaske-rose grew euer after red ; For if from blood such strange effects should be , Stanger ( ere this ) had been deriu'd from thee : But Poets though they write , Painters portray , It 's in our choice to credit what they say . Yet credit me ( for I would haue thee know it ) I neuer yet durst challenge name of Poet : Onely thine owne I am and still will be , For whom I writ this poore Anatomie .

Vpon his Mistris Nuptiall , ENSTILED : His Frankes Farewell . WHy whither Franke ? to th' church ? for what to pray ? O no : to say , what thou canst nere vnsay : Alasse poore Girle : I see thy quondam friend , Hath cause to say his hopes are at an end : How vainely then be our affections plaste , On women-kinde , that are so seeming chaste , And priuately so forward-well-be gone , ( If ere I marry ) I 'le finde such an one , As ( in her modesty ) will thinke 't disgrace " Others to loue when I am out of place . But I do thank thee Franke , th' hast taught me more , Then I could learne in twice seauen yeere before ; For I did thinke your simple sexe did hate By double dealing to equiuocate : Where by experience now I finde it common , That fast and loose is vsuall with women . Yet in these rites this line my loue shall tell , Fare well or ill , I wish my Franke farewell .

An Epigramme called the WOOER . COme yee braue wooers of Penelope , Doe not repine that you should crossed be : For pregnant wits , and ripest braines can show , As much or more then euer you did know . And that my storie better may appeare , Attend to my discourse , and you shall heare . It chanc't vpon a time ( and then was'th time ) When the thigh-fraughted Bee gathered her thyme , Stored her platted Cell , her fragrant bower , Crop't from each branch , each blossom & each flower When'th pretty Lam-kin scarce a fortnight old , Skipped and froliked 'fore the neighbouring fold , When'the cheerfull Robin , Larke and Lenaret , Tun'de vp their voices , and together met , When'th fe●refull Hare to cheere her quaint delight , Did make her selfe her owne Hermaphrodite , When'th louely Turtle did her eies awake , And with swift flight follow'd her faithfull make , When euery Beast prepar'd her wonted den , For her owne young , and shade to couer them , When Flora with her mantle tucked vp , Gathred the dewie flow'rs , and them did put In her embrodred skirts which were rancke set , With Prime-rose , Cow-slip , and the violet , The dill , the dasie , sweet breath'd Eglantine , The Crowfoote , pausie , and the Columbine , The pinke , the plantaine , milfoile , euery one ▪ With Mari●gold that opens with the Sunne ; Euen then it was , ( ill may I say it was ) When young Admetus woed a countrey lasse . A countrie lasse whom he did woe indeede , To be his Bride , but yet he could not speede . Which forc't him grieue : heare but his cause of woe , And you 'le not wonder why he should doe so ? Vertuous the maide was , and so grac't by fate , As she was wise , and did degenerate From her weake witted father : modesty Lodg'd on her cheeke , and showd virginity In a faire Rosie colour , which was spread By equall mixture both of white and red . So as no white it seem'd , but Idas snow , No red , but such where Roses vse to grow . And though of Hero many one doe write , Styling her soueraigne Goddesse of delight , So faire as she was taken for no other , Of all that saw her , then Adonis mother . So pure her skin , so motiue to the eie ▪ As it did seeme compos'd of Iuorie . So high and broad her front , so smoth , so eue● , As it did seeme the Frontispice of Heanen . So purely mixt her cheekes , as it might seeme , She was by nature made for natures Queene . So pretty dinted was her dimpled chin , As 't seem'd a gate to let affection in . So sweete her breath , ( as I haue hard them tell ) That like to Cassia she did euer smell . So louely were those mounts of pure delight , That Gods themselues wer cheered with their sight ▪ So as great Ioue ( for so our Poets say ) Fain'd himselfe sicke for her vpon a day . Wise Aesculapius he was sent forthwith , Who fel● Ioues pulse , yet found no signe of death , Or any great distemper : ( yet to please Ioue For he perceiu'd his malady was loue ) Said ; Sir , I 'aue found your grief : what i's t ( quoth he ? ) A meere consumption , yet be rul'd by me , And follow my directions ( though with paine ) And then no doubt you shall be well againe . Fiue mornes must you to ' Abidoes towne repaire , And suck pure milke from th' fair'st virgin there . Ioue hearing what he wisht , obey'd bis hest ; And war soone well by sucking Heroes brest . Yet what was Hero , though the fair'st that was In all her time vnto Admetus lasse ? Though Heroes beuty did allure all men , The time is chang'd , now 's now , and then was then . Each milk-maide in fore time was thought a Queen . So rare was perfect bewty to be seene . But now , where is no Venus to be had ? Such store I wot there be , thet euery lad Can haue his tricksie lasse , which wantonlie , Scarce crept from shell , he dandles on his knee . But to my storie of such royall parts Was she composed , that the very hearts Of her attendants , as it did apeare , Were spous'd to this pure virgin euery where ▪ V●ith what resolued silence would her wit , Op●ose ●er tongue , and seeme to bridle it ? With what discretion would she speak● her minde , And nere transgesse those limits she assign'd . But with that decencie of grace and speech , As She might seeme the elder sort to teach . " What a blest sexe were woman if this song Were onely lea●nt them , for to hold their tongue , And speake no more ( O t' were a lesson good ) Then that were fit , and what they vnderstood ? But when will that be taught them ! O ( I feare ) Neuer ; for womens tongues be euery where . So as at first if they had no tongue , I● may be thought they would not haue been dumb . Such is th' ternall motion that it s sayd , When women speechlesse lie they 're neerly dead . T●is virgin which Admetus sought to haue , Beside her vertues , then which who could craue , A better portion had an ample dowre , Which did enrich those gifts that were before Expressed and dilated , and to tell The very trueth , she lou'd Admetus well . And could haue brook't all others t' haue denide , So that she might haue been Admetus bride . But he a shamefast lad , though oft he sought Her loue , yet durst not vtter what he thought . Nor to her parents could impart his minde , How he affected was , and how inc●inde . Yet still was he respected , and in grace , Nor any sought to put him out of place . Nor to withdraw th' affection of the maid , From that foundation where it once was laid For three months space , hung it in this suspence , Neither conceald nor sh●wne : till 's Excellence , For so was th' Title of a noble Squire , Whose liuing bordered in th' adioyning shire , By an intendment ( as he thought vpon 't ) Pu● poore Admetus nose quite out of ioynt , And thus it was : for I meane to repeat By what deceit , what cunning slight and cheat , He bobd this simple Swaineling ; on a day , When young Admetus had addrest his way To Tr●inouant , where be occasion had , " His Excellence in th' absence of the ladde , Acquaints another with Bellinaes loue , ( For so her name was : ) he more prompt to moue Affection , then Admetus ere could be , Wins me Bellina's fort couragiously , By new assaults , incursions , and displaid His youngling Colours : when the breach was made . O how methinks I see th' young Souldier sweat , Till he hath done , and perfected his fear . How he assailes , assaults , ascends , inclines , Inuades , inuirons , ruines , vndermines , Whil'st she like to a Fort opprest doth lye , Depriu'd all meanes of helpe , yet will not crye . He like a stout victorious Hanniball , Bidding her yeeld , or he will raze the wall . She though made subiect to his conquering hand , Like Carthage Queene still at defiance stands . He ( with the Spirit of a Mirmido● , ) Makes her the Carpet which he lies vpon . She ( Deianira-like ) will chuse death first , Ere she craue mercy , bids him doe his worst ▪ He enters th' breach , and doth his fignall rere , And leaues some token that he has beene there : She glories in her conquest , and throwne downe , Saies , I am low , yet am not ouercome . He doth renew his battery , and stands too 't , And she Vyrago-like , yeelds not a foote . He takes more firmer grounding , yet is she Still as she was , lower she cannot be . He plants his Engines deeper , labours more , Yet she protests , its worse then t was before . He enters parlye , and speakes ore the wall , But she ( as sencelesse ) answers not at all . He sounds retreat , and to his campe doth creepe , Which makes her wake out of her pleasant sleepe ▪ Then in a sweete entwining doe they clippe , And cull and kisse , and from the rosie lippe Of Hymens chast embraces doe they tast , The sweets aboue , when lower ioyes be past ▪ Heere is the spell of sweet-charmd Morphus Dissolu'd to nothing , by charmes amorous . For though men ( after Labour ) rest doe seeke , Loues eyes be open still , and cannot sleepe . Iudge what Admetus thought when he did heare ▪ Of this report , soone whispered in his eare , How he did looke ? how strange perplext he was , Thus to bee cheated of his louely la●se ? Pipe could he not , his cheeks were growne so thinne , His pipe-bagge torne , no wind it could keepe in , His cloue-ear'd curre lay hanging downe his head , And for foure dayes , would tast no kind of bread . His Flockes did pine ( all went contrary way ) Heere lay Admetus , there his Sheep-crooke lay , All wea-begane , thus liu'd the Shepheard long , Till on a day inspired with a song , ( For so it seem'd ) to others more then me , Which thus he sung to maide inconstancy . Foolish I , why should I grieue , To sustaine what others feele ? What suppose , f●aile women leaue , Those they lou'd , should I conceale Comforts rest , From my brest . For a fickle , brittle woman , Noe , Noe , Noe , Let her goe , Such as these be true to no man . Long retired hast thou beene , Sighing on these barren rocks , Nor by sheepe nor shepheard seeene , Now returne vnto thy flockes ▪ Shame away , Doe not stay , With these mouing-louing woman , They remoue From their loue : Such as these doe oft vndoe men . Tender-tinder of Affection , If I harbour thee againe , I will doe it by direction , Of some graue experienc't swaine . Nere will I , Loue by th' eye , But where iudgement first hath tride , If I liue , Ere to loue , It is she , shall be my bride . When this retired Swaine had end'd his song , He seem'd as one that had forgot his wrong , His Teres were dried vp , his willow wreath , Throwne quite away , and he began to breath , More cheerefull and more blith then ere he was , Forgetting th' Name and Nature of his lasse , So as no Swaine on all the plaine could be , For any May-game readier then he : Now would he tune his pipe vnto his Eare , And play so sweet , as ioved the flocks to heare , Yea I haue heard , ( Nor thinke I Fame did lye ) So skilfull was this lad in M●nstrelsie , That when he plaid ( one st●oke ) which oft he would , No Lasse that heard him could her water hold . And now because I doe remember 't well , I le tell a tale which I haue heard him tell , On winter-nights full oft vnto my Sire , While I sat rosting of a Crab by th' fire . A Man there was wh'had liu'd a merry life , Till in the end he tooke him to a wife , One ●hat no image was ( for she could speake ) And now and then her husbands costrell break . So fierce she was and furious ▪ as in some She was an arra●t Deuill of her tongue . This droue the poore man to a discontent , And oft and many times did he repent That ere he chang'd his former quiet state , But las repentance , then did come too late . No cure he finds to heale this maladie , But makes a vertue of necessity . The common cure for care to euery man , A potte of nappy Ale : where he began To fortifie his braine 'gainst all should come , 'Mongst which the clamor of his wiues loud tongue . This habit graffed in him grew so strong , " That when hee was from ●le , an houre seem'd long , So well he lik'd th' profession : on a Time , Hauing staid long at pot , ( for rule nor line Limits no drunkard ) euen from Morne to Night , He hasted home apace , by the moone-light : Where as he went , what phantasies were bred , I doe not know , in his distempered head . But a strange Ghost appear'd ( and forc'd him stay ) With which perplext , he thus began to say . Good Spirit , if thou be , I need no charme , For well I know , thou wilt not doe me harme , And if the Deuill ; sure , me thou shouldst not hurt . I wed'd thy sister , and am plagued for 't . The spirit well-approuing what he said , Dissolu'd to ayre , and quickly vanished . For Guido saith , some spirits walke on earth , That cheered are , and much delight with mirth , Such doe admire conceits and pregnant bray●es ; Others there are , which Melancholy chaines , And keepes in low Subiection , these are they Affect the balefull night , frequent that way That is obscure , silent and intricate , Darke charnell-houses , where they keep their chat ▪ Of Tortures , Tragicke ends and Funeralls , Which they solemnize for their Festiualls . Thus would Admetus passe the winter-night , Wherein he gaue such neighbours great delight , As came to heare him : and such store he had , Of quaint conceits , as there was not a ladde , That of discourse had more variety , Or could expresse his mind more gracefully . But lacke for sorrow , how hee 's fallen away , That was so trim a youth but tother day , A meere Anatomy , but skin and bone , One that it pitties me to looke vpon . What should the cause be , sure I cannot say , But his pale face , some sicknesse doth bewray ? " For as our thoughts are legible in our eye , " So doth our face our bodies griefe descry . Yet I perchance , by th' Sonnet which hee made , May find the cause for which he is dismaide How ere it fall , it shall be sung by me , Now when I want Admetus company .

Admetus Sonnet . NEighbour Swaines and Swainelius heare me , " Its Admetus bids you heare , Leaue your Pastures , and come neere mee , " Come away you need not feare , By my soule , as I affect you , I haue nought that can infect you . O then come , Heare a tongue , That in discord keepes a part , With a Woe-surcharged heart . Nere was Swaine on plaine more loued , Or could doe more feats then I , Yet one griefe hath now remoued , All my whilome iollity . All my Laies be quite forgotten , Sheepe-hooke broken , pipe-bagge rotten , O then come , Heare a tongue . That with flattering speech doth call , To take long farewell of all . I am not as once I was , When Eliza first did suite me , Nor when that same red-hair'd lasse , Faire Bellina did inuite me , To a Garden there to play , Cull , kisse , clip , and toy all day , O then come , Heare a tongue , That in wooing termes was flowing , But through Wo has spoil'd his woing . All I can or will desire ye When my breath of life is spent , That in loue you would interre me , ( For it will my soule content , ) Neare vnto my Fathers hearse , And bestow some comely verse On my Tombe , Then my tongue Shall throb out this last adeu , Nere were truer swaines then you . A verse Admetus ? I will be the swaine , Though most vnfit , to vndertake that paine , Which in faire letters shall engrauen be , Ouer thy hearse t' expresse thy memory , And thus it is : Heere is a Shepheard layd , Who lou'd , was lou'd , yet liu'd and died a Maid . Yet gainst his will : pray then good spirits tell , Whether he must or no lead Apes in Hell .

How Fancie is a Phrensie . An Epigram . ANd thou * * In Euenum Flu●●n lubrico pr●grediens cursu , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Euenus whose renowm's disperst , About chose fertile coasts which border thee , Whose well-tun'd Current runs so pretily , That Fame her selfe , nor shall it be reuerst , Ha's thus enacted : that thy liquid brest Should make my consort vp , for there appeares Euen in thine eyes , continuing streames of teares . Still may thy Sliding-foord , and spacious course , Wash those adioyning vales encircle thee , Which by thy meanes yeeld crops so fruitfully , That thy pure sand may be of Ganges force , Golds pure Elixir : for thou hast remorse , And pitties my hard hap to loue a swaine , That hates my loue , and makes my sute in vaine , Oft by thy Sliding Channell haue I stood , Bathing my selfe in teares , teares were the drinke , That quench't my thirst , & when thou seem'd to sink , Into some hollow cauerne , streight my blood , " ( That little bloud I had ) made thy course good . And sinke into the Cesternes of mine eyes , Filling thy streams with teares , thy banks with cries , Streight fell I downe vpon thy floury shore , As if the shore had beene my mistris brest , Where I a while conceau'd that sweetned rest , As it expell'd the care I felt before , Seeming to make my comforts so much more , Because so long delay'd ; but lasse the while , My thoughts chekt me , I chekt my thoghts of guile . For well I found , this was a goulden dreame , Yet but a Dreame , that seem'd to represent , Vnto mine eyes , that sacred Continent , Which shadowes my content : but this has beene , Euer most true , Dreames are not as they seeme . And if they were , I 'me sure they mist in this , Taking thy Banke for where my mistres is . Oft did I cull , and clip , and kisse , and doe , God wot , full madly , for reposing there , I call'd the grasse , the tresses of her haire : And bound it vp , yet well I knew not how , Making a bracelet on 't , which I would show To euery Sheepheard , so distract'd was I , And euery rurall Syluane that past by . All this thou saw , and thou did pitty me , " For thy distreaming teares explan'd no lesse , Surcharged brests must needs their greefes expresse , Which once exprest ; suppressed seeme to be : " Teares unto griefe , yeeld soueraignst remedy . For Teares doe silence greefe , but where appeares Extent of griefe , there griefs doe silence teares . And such were mine : sometimes I could not weep , But like one sence-lesse , laughed at my distresse , Mixing a straine of Mirth with heauinesse , Or as one casten in a deadly sleepe , That neither sence nor faculty can keepe , Euen such was I : but streight I chang'd my song , Making my ioyes short , but my sorrowes long . Her fancie was the phrensie that surprisd My idle brain with these distracted passions , Ten thousand shapes I had , ten thousand fashions , Despising , louing , loue where I despisd'e , Prising her most , where I was lowest pris'de . Thus my affections to distractions turn'd , Made me mourne more then louer euer morn'd , And Reason too : for some I had , my Friends , ( At least they seem'd so ) which contemnd my griefe Nor sought to yeeld my silly heart releefe , With one poore comfort , but as diuers ends , Occasion strange effects ; so Loue depends ( If I may call in constant Friendship Loue , ) On Fortune heere below , not truth aboue . Let mee vnrippe my sorrowes , that my brest May void such Scarabees , that vse to sit Vpon each vlcer : whose contagious witte , Is worse then Hellebore , for they infest The purest Mansion , louing euer lest Where they show most Affection , for their straine , Is not for loue but profit , and their gaine . Record them ( sweet Euenus ) for they hate , Thy sacred streams : wash not their soyled sin With thy pure liquor : for the Aethiops skin , Will be blacke still : the doome of enuious fate , ( Like Mammons heires ) sits skouling ore their state : Their Summer-Swallows flourish , they make one , But if thy state he blasted , they are gone . And thou ( Blest Hymen ) that confirmes the loue , Of Mortall soules , with thy diuinest rites , Knows whom I mean by , for they quench thy lights By their abuse : but there 's a power aboue , Will dash their gainefull tradings , and remoue , Their Bartring from the earth , to th' depth of hell . That teach in Marriage how to buy and sell. Yet deere Euenus , I haue more to speake , For I would haue thee carry me commends , To such as be my true approoued friends , ( For some I haue will neither bow nor breake ) Mid'st my afflictions : but by all meanes seeke To re-infuse life in mee pray the tell When by their house thou goest , that I am well , And if they aske thee how I brook this place Where I 'me retired to : say , as louers vse , Pent from their loues , they cannot will , nor chuse , But liue an Hermits life , and in disgrace Of beauty and her name , hath made his face Like times annatomie ( poore Sceleton ) An obiect fit for Ruth to looke vpon . Tell them the bookes I reade , be such as treate , Of Amadis de Gaul , and Pelmerin , Furious Orlando , and Gerilion , Where I obserue each fashion and each feate , Of amorous humors , which in my conceipt , Seeme to to rare , That they that were so strong , Should be so mad , and I be tame so long , But presently I recollect my sense , And findes a reason : questionles I 'me mad But who cares for 't , or markes it ? if I had Land ( like an elder brother ) Eminence Of some Court-Comet , would haue presidence , Ouer my braine●pan : and would beg my wit , Though neither he nor I could mannage it . So though I loose my wits I cannot loose My lands , they rest secure ; where ? can you tell ? Where ? yes , where not ? wil 't please thee buy , I 'le sel : What ? wit ? I haue none ; counsell ? neither : house ? The arch of Heauen 's my couer ; pray excuse My Error , I am pore : I' haue naught to sell But teares and those I cannot part with well . But ( pray thee ) spare thy speech to such as be , And euer were professed foes to loue , And Bayne to marriage , for by them I proue The depth of discontent : they loue not me , Nor doe I care for'● : once I hope to see , Enuie without a sting , which still extends Her hatefull power vnto depraued ends . Yet if thou chance to slide by Enuies place , ( Which by this true discription thou shalt know ) Her structures ruin'd are , and there doth grow , A groue of fatall Elmes , wherein amaze , Or labyrinth is fram'd : heere Enuies race , Had their beginning , For there 's yet to see , The very throne where Enuy vs'd to bee . Tell that ( proud minion ) that ambitious dame , Whose meagre look and broad dissheaueld lock , Whose dangling nose , shap't like an apricock , Makes her desert-lesse proud , that I doe blame Her vniust dealing , though I scorne to name , Th' uniustnesse of it : yet this vowe i 'le make , I 'le nere trust long-nos'd Female for her sake . * * Et ●u quae minio nardoque fulges , extende●s occulos alti●i prouectos , desi●●e ceptis . — Nasutam dicam , et sane dicerens , Saiuxta nasum polle at ingenium . Could she ( hard hearted she ) for priuate gaine , ( Such lucring Mammonists the heauens displease , ) Sell both the loue and liking of her Niece , And where loue shewd her most , there to restraine , Affection within bounds ? sweet streames complaine , To Iuno on 't , I know shee 'l pitty me And grant my suite — That she may barrain be . We haue too manie of that odious brood , We neede no more : it is a fruitlesse fruit , That shames the Parents : — Iuno heare my suit , For it will doe both heauen and earth much good , And be a caueat vnto woman-hood ; " Rather in Marriage not to deale at all , Then to set Marriage sacred rites at sale . Farewell ( Euenus ) I haue writ my minde , Which I would haue thy streamelings to conuey To Enuies house , by that frequented way , Which as a Port or Hauen is assign'd To euery passenger : Sweet breathing winde Breath on thy sailes , that when thou doest complain , Remembring me , thy teare-swolne eies may raine , And fructefie the earth : That time may showe , This did Euenus for her Poet doe .

Certaine Select Epigrams , made good by obseruance , experience , and instance : with an introduction to Time , including sundry conceipted passages , no lesse pleasant then present . It 's a mad world my Masters . O Age what art thou made of ? sure thou art , Compos'd of other mettall then thou wert , Once was thy glory by thy vertues showen , But now alas thy vertues are vnknowen . For who should show worth but great men ? yet each day Shews by experience , None more ill then they , Where Honour on a foote-cloth's wont to passe , Like Appians Land Lord on his trapped Asse . 'Lasse I haue seen what I haue grieu'd to see , Honour with vertue nere keepe companie . But if they doe ( as some obseruance make ) It 's not for Conscience , but for fashion sake . O then how vaine is time , to showre down good , On such as are but great , only by blood ; Not true demerits which makes me contemne , The idle passions of phantasticke men , Which think 't sufficient to be great in state , Without least vertue fit to imitate : This makes me hence conclude : vice puts on honour : " For vertue , there is none will looke vpon her . I in my time haue seene an vpstart Lord , Raised to sudden honour like a Gourd , Whom in as small time I may chance to see , As Ionah's gourd , so withered he may be , And what 's the cause ? because it s not demerit Or true descent , by which he doth inherit , Such new stolne honors : for then might his name Freely such estimation seeme to claime : But an insinuating humour drawen , " From that same sorce of vice , that lothsome spawne Of all distempered passions , which can be Mark't with no better name then flatterie● And is this way to purchase honour trewly ? Can such a man be sayd to merit dewly ? When hows'ere we admire him for his seate . " It was not worth , but basenesse made him great . O Time , how strangely art thou varied , From what thou once appear'd ; how art thou led By euery fashion-monger that doth stand More on the egge fying of his band His peak't munchattoes , his Venetian hose . His Buskin-pace , how Gorgon-like he goes , His crispled haire , his fixing of his eye , His ceruss-cheeke , and such effemnacie : " Then on tru-man-like Vertues : for its common , Women are liker men , men liker women ; Sith I no other difference can make , 'Twixt man and woman saue the outward shape Their mind 's all one : nor doth their shape appeare Much different : since women th' breeches weare : Which fashion now to th' Countrey makes resort , In imitation of their weare at Court ; Where it is sayd to shun the meanes of sinnen , Came that vse vp to weare their breekes of linnen ; And can we see this and not pittie it ▪ When men that haue more complement then wit , Shine in the eye of popular respect , And others of more worth droope in neglect ? We cannot : yet must we admire them still , ( That worthlesse are ) though't be against our will , What remedy ? I le tell thee , though thou dare not , But congy when thou meets them : laugh & spare not So 't be in priuate , burst thy sides with laughter , And whilest th' art laughing , I le come lashing after : Mean time ( with silence ) I would haue thee hear me , That haue compos'd these Epigrams to cheere thee . Take them how ere they be : if ●owre in taste , Reforme thy errors which are former past : If sweet , let th' relish of my poems moue That loue in thee , to thanke me for my loue :

To the Precisian . FOr the Precisian that dares hardly looke , ( Because th' art pure forsooth ) on any booke Saue Homilies , and such as tend to th' good Of thee , and of thy zealous brother-hood : Know my Time-noting lines ayme not at thee , For thou art too too curious for mee . I will not taxe that man that 's wont to slay " His Cat for killing mise on th' Sabboth day : No ; know my resolution it is thus , I 'de rather be thy foe then be thy pus : And more should I gaine by 't : for I see , The daily fruits of thy fraternity . Yea , I perceiue why thou my booke should shun , " Because there 's many faultes th' art guiltie on : Therefore with-drawe by me thou art not call'd , Yet do not winch ( good iade ) when thou art gall'd , I to the better sort my lines display , I pray thee then keep thou thy selfe away .

The Church-Knight . A Church-man was there on a time I reade , Of great estate his father being dead , Which got , his Syrpe-cloth he discarded quite , Resoluing fully now to be a Knight : Vp to the Court he goes with speede he can , Where he encountred a North-britaine man , With whom discoursing in his Euening walke , He spoke of Knights 'mongst other idle talke , How th' title it was worthie , and that he , Could well endure entitled so to be ; For I do reade ( quoth he ) of such as these Within the Ecclesiasticke histories : What fame and honour they obtain'd by warre , Which sir ( belieue me made me come thus farre , That I ( if meanes or mony could obtaine it ) Might in respect to my prosession gaine it . The Britta●ne his profession did require : A Curate once , quoth he , of Brecknocke-shire , Helde , I may say to you , a learned man ; But since my fathers death turn'd gentleman . I ioy me in th' occasion th' Brittan sayd , ( Doubt not sir Priest ) you shall a Knight be made ; And you deserue 't : for though Knights common are . " Holy church-knights , such as you be , seeme rare , To Long-lane goes the Curate to prouide , An ancient suite , and other things beside ; As skarfe and roses all of different colour , Which bought , at White-friers staires he takes a Sculler . Prepar'd with resolution all the sooner , To gaine this priuiledge and Knightly honour ; Which hauing got by long petitioning suite , And pai'd vnto the Brittain his first fruit , To 's Neighbors streight he hies-where they much grieue him " For , swearing he 's a knight , they 'le not belieue him Nor would they ( such incredulous men were these ) Till he had showen discharge for all his fees .

An Epigramme alluding to the second Satyre of Ariosto , where he taxeth the Clergies pride and Ambition . THe Church-mens doctrine is humility , Yet but obserue them , who more proude then they , Whose Damaske cassockes shew their vanitie . How should we then beleeue them what they say . " Since what they taxe vs in , themselues bewray : It s too too true : so that oft-times the Temple , ( Though th' house of God , giues lay-men worst example . Crucem & coniugem vno petimus fato , Hanging and marrying goe by destinie . It is an axiome in Philosophie , " Hanging and marrying goe by destinie ; Both reference haue vnto the doome of fate , Both doe our birth and nature calculate : Nor can we say these two be different far , Sith both haue influence from one ominous star , Which bodes our happinesse or our mischance According to the starres predominance ; This made Arminus Caerthage-Ruler say " That with a wife he could not well away : For being askt why he with others share not , Good fortune in good wiues ( quoth he ) I dare not , For if I chance to light on one that 's wise , " She will be wilfull , felfe-lov'd , or precise , " If wealthy , wanton , vowing to her friend , " I shall be Cocold ere a fortnight end : " If poore then peeuish , of condition shrewde : " If bewtifull she will be monstrous proude ; " And if deformed , lothsome is she then , " And th' least of these would kill a thousand men . But now suppose , I could no longer tarrie , But that I might doe either worse or marrie , And that I sought a wife to fit my turne , ( For better t is to marrie then to burne ) Though many ( they may thank their own good carriage ) Are all afire the first day of their marriage : Why then as my position was at first , This marriage-day is either best or worst I ere was maister of : for if my wife Be loyall as she ought , then is my life Made double blest in her , where I may say , " Each day lookes cheerefull like a mariage-day , But if selfe-will'd vntamed , head-strong , froward , Immodest ▪ indiscreete , peeuish , vntoward : Why then through th' fury of her in-bred malice , In climing to her bed , I clime to th' gallowes . Where euery word that doth proceed from her Strangles me like an Executioner ; Her humour is my neck-verse , which to sort I cannot , if I should be hanged for 't , Her tongue 's my torture , and her frisking taile , Flies vp and downe like to a wind mills saile , Her hands like Fullers wheels , one vp , one downe , Which still lie malling on my costrell crowne : Which ere I would endure to take her banging , I would goe round to worke and take a hanging : Since therefore Fate hath doomed this to thee , Hanging or wiuing patient thou must be .

An Epigramme called the Cambrian Alchymist . THe Planet-stroken Albumazar , Shaues the Muses like a razor ; Fayry-like we therefore shun them , Cause there is no haire vpon them , Muses loose their ornament , Cambria has their excrement . Excrement ? it's true indeede , Haire growes from th' excesse of seede , Which by instance small doth varie From th' peere-lesse Seminarie ; Which to make her worth allow'd , Shrowdes her proiect in a clowde . In a Clowde ? its ra●her showne , like the man that 's in the Moone , Where our Iles Ardelio , Descants of Tom Trinkillo ; Form'd like one that 's all in mist , Like a second Alchymist . Strange the Proiect was I wish Of this Metamorphosis ; Nought was ( if I vnderstood ) Good , but that it was deem'd good By the great : ô worthy feate , To be worthlesse deemed great .

Vpon diuine Roscius . TWo famous Roscio's chanc't I to espie , Acting a Metamorphosis , while I Sleepe vnder th' couert of a shady wood , Where great Archyas for the vmpire stood , Who did their seuerall actions thus define , " Art-full the one , the other most diuiuine .

Vpon Roscius Hackney , in a Dialogue betwixt Expedition , & Endimion . Exped. WHy-ho , Endimion ; how th' Dormouse sleeps , Awake for shame , open thy wink-a-peeps ! Endim. What stur you make , I come with speed I can ( and too much speed ) for I haue tyr'd my man ; Exped. Who , Dulman ? Endim. Yes . Exped. I thought the Iade would shame vs . And play vs one horse-tricke for Ignoramus .

Vpon TARBON the Countrey Gentleman . TArbon they say is mellancholly growne , Because his wife takes phisicke in the towne : Why , that 's no cause ; who would not hazard faire To leaue both land and name vnto his heire ? Yea , but he doubts , ( so iealous is the man ) That th' physicke workes not but Physitian . Which if he finde , he sweares he meanes to call . The child not Tarbon but young Vrinall . O monstrous , by this thou 'st truly showe , Thy wife a punke , thou needs not call her so : Which with thy fowre eyes Talbon if thou finde , I le neuer trust face , conscience , nor kinde .

An Epigram called the Court-Attourney . WHo 's you , young Stephano ? why sure you iest . You Gallants ride with 4. coach-horse at least ; Besides there is euen in his very eye , A kinde of Court-like formall maiestie : It s true ; yet it is he : for you must know , Young Stephano is turn'd a Courtier now Which makes him complete , and whers'ere he goe , He has his ducke , or it s not worth a strawe : But I do doubt , nor be my doubts in vaine , The Courtier must Atturney turne againe . And then he must be stript of euery ragge , And fall againe vnto his buckram-bagge : If this befall , I shall be sorry for 't , Sith Iohn astyles gets but small grace at Court .

An Epigramme called the Winde-fall . SIr Sensuall ( a wanton Priest ) there was Who made appointment with a Countrie lasse , That'gainst the time from market she 'st returne , He would keepe tutch and doe her a good turne . The place where these two louely mates should meet Was a vast forrest vnfrequent'd with feete of any passenger , saue such as were Keepers of th' wood , 'mongst which a Forrester , Vpon occasion chaunc't to come that way , And heard eue-dropper-like what they did say , Their place of meeting , with the maides consent Which he resolv'd as quickly to preuent . And being vnder shade securely sconst , Which place he had elected for the nonst , He staies to see th' returne of this same Lasse , ( which as she wish't ) did quickly come to passe ▪ For Maids that know not what t is to consent To a lost Maiden-head , nor what is meant by giuing of a greene gowne , sooner will Assent to ill , because they know no ill , Then such as haue of actiue pleasures store , For well were they experienst in 't before . Yea such will neuer deale vnlesse they smell , Some hope of gaine , or like the trader well . At last the maide hauing her market made , ( Perhaps far sooner then her Parents bade ) With clothes tuckt vp returnes with speedy pace , Downe by the Forrest to't● appointed place . Where'th Priest Sir sensuall lay all this while , That he the Maid might of her gem beguile . If you had seene what meeting there was then , Betwixt these two , you would haue you 'd no men Of any ranke or order were so good . As Church-professors vnto woman-hood . So humble was the prelate , as to please . The shamefast maid , he oft fell on his knees . While mumbling pater nosters on her lips , Down fell his breeches from his naked hips . And all this while poore soule she stood stock still , Not thinking ( on my conscience ) good or ill . At last the iolly Priest ( when all was showne , That he could show ) wil'd th' maid to lay her down ▪ Vpon a shadie banke , which with all sorts , Of flowres was checkerd fit for Venus sports . She ( though she were resolu'd no ill could be By lying downe , yet in her modesty ) Would not vnto his motion so assent , Yet let him blow her downe she was content . The short-breath'd Priest ( for he was wondrous fat ) And stuff'd withall , makes me no bones of that , But Aeolus-like puf's vp his cheeks well growne , And he no sooner blows then she was downe . The Forrester who all this time had stood , Vnder a shadie couert of the wood , Steps in , when'th Priest his shriuing should begin , Saying all wind-falls they are due to him . Manie such Priests auncient records doe show , And present times may show as many now .

Another Epigram called , A Cuckold with a witnesse . A Wilie wench there was ( as I haue read ) Who vs'd to capricorne her husbands head , Which he suspecting , lay in priuate wait , To catch the knaue , and keep his wife more strait . But all in vaine : they day by day did mate it , Yet could his foure eies neuer take them at it . This subtile wench perceiuing how they should At last preuented be , doe all they could : For now Italian-like her hus●and grew , Horne-mad I wish , and kept her in a Mew . Inuent'd a trick , which to accomplish better , Vnto her friend she closely sent a letter , And thus it was ; Friend you shall know by me , My husband keepes me far more narrowlie , Then he was wont , so as to tell you true , You cannot come to me : nor I to you . Yet spite of his eies and as many more , We le vse those pleasures which we vsd before : Onely be wise , and second what I wish : Which to expresse ( my friend ) know this it is . My husband as he hates the horne to weare , Of all the Badges forth , so feares h●'th Beare , Mo●e then all other Beasts which doe frequent The heathy Forrests spacious continent . If thou wilt right me then , and pepper him , Couer thy seruant in a false Beares skin . And come to morrow , as thou vs'd before . Tying thy seruant to my chamber dore . After this quaint direction he attirde His man in beare-skin as she had desir'de Entring the chamber he receiued is With many a smile , back●fall ▪ and sweetned kisse ▪ For they 'r secure , of all that was before , Hauing a Beare that kept the Buffe from dore . The wittall foole no sooner i●ckling had , Then vp the staiers he ran as he were mad . But seeing none but th' Beare to entertaine him , Of Hornes he neuer after did complaine him .

In Romanum Mnestorem . IT chanc't two Romane Conuerts on a day , For pater noster at the Cards to play ; She mop'd , he pop'd ; his popping could not get her , " For she thought popping elsewher had been fitter . Thus he went home no wiser then he came , Sith popping was the Puppies chiefest game .

In Poetam Hippodramum . OR Post-riding Poet. IT tooke a Poet once I' th head to poast , For what I know not , but I 'me sure it cost His purse far more ( as I haue heard soms say ) Then ere his Muse was able to repay .

In Numularium antiphylon . CAsh-coind ? its true ; but he intends to be The stamper of that Coine is due to me . Pray thee ( my friend ) forbeare to set it on , ( My stampe I meane ) till I haue throughly done : And I protest to thee , when I haue ended , I 'le yeeld to thee , if she say thou canst mend it .

In Romanum Sacerdotem . A Romane Priest came to absolue a Virgin by the way , As he in his Procession went : where hee resolu'd to stay A night . For what ? not to absolue the tender Virgin● sinne , But as a Ghostly Fathers wont , to let more errors in : The doore was shut , the candle out , for I would haue you mark , A carnall Father best absolues a Virgin in the darke : Which absolution so increasd , in zeale and purity , As within sixe and forty we●kes it grew a Tympany , A girle forsooth , baptized Ioan , nor is it any shame , For th' wench in time may proue Pope Ioan the second of that name .

In Phylaetum . PHylaetus writing loue-lines on a day , A Ratte came in and stole his lines away . Phyletus slept on still , and minded ●ot While th' hungry Ratte eat vp the lines he wrote ; If I were to be Iudge , as much may be , The Rat should be in loue , Phyletus free , That seeing th' saucy Rat to loue enthrall'd , Loue-bayne heereafter might be Rats-baine call'd .

An Epigram called the Couriter . NOW heauen preserue mine eyesight what is here ? A man made vp in Wainscot ? now I sweare , I tooke him for some Colosse ; sure I erre , This is not he : yes : this 's the Courtier , Brau● Pun-tevallo , for those armes he beares , ( An Asse head rampant ) and that chaine he weares , By blest Saint Martin , doe descry it 's he , Well , i le obserue his carriage narrowly . What makes him go so stiffe , has he the gout ? No , but a fire in 's hams that went not out These seuen yeares to my knowledge : then it has Begun ( it seems bout time ) when th' glasse-work wa● It s true , it did so , I haue heard some say , He has a pleasant wit , he has one way A pretty thriuing wit , can make a legge , And harken out what office he may begge . Can looke as big and burly on such men , ( Poore Gnats ) that come for to petition him , As Giants in a Pagent , can protest , For meere formality , laugh at a iest , ( Without conceiuing on t ) has witte enough , To put good close on , beare his face in 's ruffe . Like a braue sprightly Spaniard , will not let , With some new minted oaths to pay his debt , And can dispense with them , nor does he more , In this , then what his Elders did before . With truth ( in complement ) he seldome meetes , For naked truth with Eue lies without sheetes , And he endures not that , nor can incline , To such a motion , but in progresse time . He cannot blush ( no more can women now ) Till that their pretie painter tell them how . He ha's a kind of vaine in sonnetting , Purchast by brocage or by pilse●ing , With which he wooes his mistresse , he will set , His face to any fashion , and will bett , Wagers on Ladies honours : hauing forgotten Wha● he should speake , hee 's fingering his button , Or some such trifling action , till he store himselfe with wit , which he had lost before : Nor did that Morall erre , who wisely would , Compare a Courtiers witte to th' Marigold . It opens with the Sunne , but beeing set The Mari-gold shuts vp , so doth his witte . The Marigold's most cheer'd by mid-day sunne , So 's he , whence ●'st , he lies in bed till noone . Occasion is his Cupid , lust his lure , Pleasure his Pander , dalliance his whoore , He h'as but one receipt of making loue , And being put out , he cannot speake , nor moue , But like a liue-les●e image , seemes to be , Till by good hap his speech recouered be . He smells of Complement , in presence faire , And vses oft to weare bracelets of haire , Swearing they came from such , but t is not so , For t' was some tyre-woman he tooke them fro . The Ornaments which he admires are these , To faune , to obserue times , to court , to please , To make strange faces , sleeke his prefum'd skin , Starch his Mouchatoes , and forget his sinne . To dance , to dice , to congie , to salute , To stamp , to stalke , to finger well a lute . To tremble at a Cannon when it shootes , To like , dislike , and fill his head with doubts . To be in passion , wind his carelesse armes , To plie his Mistresse with delightfull charmes . To be for all , yet ignorant in all , To be disguisd , and strange fantasticall : Briefly to be , what all his kind haue beene , Seeme what they be not , be what least they seeme . Such is my Puntauallo , and in time No question but hee 'l prooue true Pantomime , To imitate all formes , shapes , habits , ty●es Suting the Court , and sorting his desires , And then what th' Satyre said , shall well appeare : The Deuill is the perfects Courtier . Hauing my complete Courtier thus defin'd , I haue no more that I can call to minde , " Saue what is common , and is knowne to all , " That Courtiers as the tide doe rise and fall , So I will end with what I haue writ before , " Till the'next tide come , and then I wil write more .

Vpon his much honoured friend Master William Ascam , and his selected Temple . Whose Anagram is produced by the Poet. William Ascam . — Sum Via Luci — Alma . Hoc Anagramma tenes Gulielmi ) — Sum via Luci Alma , per aethereos qua iuuatire locos . Quae via ? virtutis via lactea , quae tibi nota est : Nec minor Exemplis Gloria parta tuis .

Epigram . In Templo , Venerem Spectet Qui amat Venerem . ASke him what Temple most delighteth him , And hee 'l replye , that Temple thou art in . Nec Venus est quae nomen habet veneris , sed Amica Casta deae Arcadiae , Deli● nomen habet , &c. Aske him what Praiers should in that Temple be , And he 'le replie , what prayers best liketh thee ▪ Aske him what Temple yeelds him most content , And he 'le reply thy Temple , ther 's his Saynt . Aske him what Temple 's purer then aboue . He'l● say thy Temple : there 's the Queene of Loue ; Then let me aske your iudgement is 't not fit , That Temple honour him , that honours it ? Posies vpon bracelets . As loue giues life to euery part , So this giues life vnto my hart : This cha●tly lies , and liues with me , O that I might doe so with thee ? Another . How might I triumph in my blisse ; If loue were where my Bracelet is . For then should loue do no such harm To wring my heart , but wreath my arme .

An Eglogue betweene Billie and Iockie called the Mushrome . Iockie . WHou Billie whou , what faire has thou bin at ? Thouse be so trim , I mickle torken at : For wele I wate , last time I met with thee , Thou hardly had a lapp to swedle thee . Pray thee ( good Bille , ) tell me swith and soone , Iockie may doe what Billy late has done . Billie . What Iockie ( lither lurden ) lesse for wea , Thou 'st be so tattert , but there s many sea , That ill can wappe it : but be vis'd by mee , And thou or lang sall glish in brauery . Swatt on thy tayle man , heere s a blythy place , And i le ensure thee how I gat this grace . * * Ecloge apud Luciaenum extat quae hoc titulo plane inscribitur , Mirica nimrium , quam Fung●m esse existimo , intempestiue orientem ●rentemque , &c. Eo nomine Romanos Sabini appellauert , Gallos Romani , Tuscos Icali , in fimo nempe genere , & ig●ota gen●●●r●os , subitoque prouectos , &c. Iockie . Mickle may Bille thriue , as hee s begun , My lugges are lithing , Bille now iogge on Billy . Then heare me Iocky . Bout mid-belten t was Or ●se bethought awrang , when I mut passe , Ore th' Breamy bourne , and ( wele I traw ) I had , Smaw gere ( at tat tide ) but a lether-bagge , A Motley iacket , an a s●op of blew , It was my Fadders , I mun tell thee true . A lang you d I , ( and langer then thoule say ) And we le , I knew not whether , ne what way , Fute-sare I was , for Bille shoon had neane , But an and pare with him , and they were gane . Nor hose-legs ( wele I wate ) but skoggers and , That hardly hap't poore Billes legs fra c●ud . Hate was my weasi● , empty was my maw , And nane I met with , I could ken or knaw , So vncath was the gete ( as but for shame ) I had com'd backe toth place fra whein I came , For siler had I skant , nor lesse nor mare , Then three Bawbees , I le tell thee all my stare . But lith me Iocky ( after many a mile ) At last I hapt to light vpon an I le , Bu Come and full a gere , and full a store , For Bille neuer met with like before , Sae Greathy was the place where I was driuen That I me sicker thought I was in Heauen . But wele I se sure they that this Iland kept , Were by our Whilome Fathers Angels clept . And wele they might be so , for wele I wate , They were fi●e men , and men of mickle state . Had lusty husses ( that were tricke and trim , ) Cud wele don on their geere , with euery pin . Heere stood I musing lang full heauily , Till Iockie wha dost thinke speard vp to me . Iockie . Wha Bille mot that be ? Bille . Ane wha thou kens . Cand ane , we raught on meanely , but now sene , He has the pricke and preze I le say to thee . Iockie . Was it not Lobbie ? Bille . Iocky it was he . But now the mickle Lurden is so great , Theyr blest by God , that may with Lobbie speake . By Gods bread Iockie , he so gaish was , I thought no boot to speake , but let him passe , And had done so , but Lobby was so kinde . To come to me , and leaue his men behind . Great chat we had , and many that were nye , Musd he would chat with sike an ene as I. But blith was Lobbie , and so meeke he was , That he vnhorst sate by me on the grasse , Lang did we tauke of this thing and of that , A Iugge , a Peggy , and a nut-brown Kate , A Crowd the Piper , and the Fiddler Twang , And many sike things , as wee layen alang . Ablangst the leaue , this Councell gaue he mee , That made me wele to leue , so may it thee . Billie ( quoth Lobby ) if thoule prosper heere , Thou mun be bald , and learne to bandon feare , Thou mun not blush , nor colour change for ought , Though th' plea thou hast in hand be nere so nought . Thou mun not take petition ( lithen me ) Nor entertaine him , till thou take thy fee , And ( wele I warne thee ) better way thou thriue , If thy hand open be to aw that giue . Get mee some prollers , they are best of all , To make thee weet , when some good office falls , Or a barre-hoisted Lawyer that can see , With his foure eyne where and concealments be , But of aw things I mun fore-warne thee hence , To haue small dealing with a Conscience . That will vndoe thee ( Billy ) looke to ane , Poore men haue Conscience , but rich men haue nane . 'Mongst other things listen to what I say , For I in briefe will speake now what I may . In T●ucria here ( this Citie where there be ) Many a man will haue an eye of thee , Gaine me Acquaintance : it 's the spring of life , And know thou maist a Tradesman by his Wife . Be sicker on her Billye , she it is Can ope her husbands Casket with a kisse . Diue me into a Mercers Booke , and say , Thou l't pay on sike a time , but doe not pay . Chauke me on Vintners , and for aw thy skore , Let great words pay for aw , still run on more . Be stately Billy ( and I doe thee rede ) Thou mun now throw away thy countrey weed . For skoggers , hozen of the Naples twine , For thy blew slop , sike a made breeke as mine : For thy and motley iacket , thou mun weare , A cloath a siluer , sike as I haue heere . Then mun thou looke big ( what way ere thou passe ) As if that Billy were not th' man he was . Then learne me Billy some and Pedegree , Noe matter though 't belong not vnto thee , And say thy Grand-sire was a Duke at least , And first inuentor of Saint Gallowayes feast . Maintaine me leeing in a Liuery , For that 's the first meanes that mun honour thee : Let her be Page-like , at thy elbow still , For when thou canst not doe it , leeing will , Let Suters dance Attendance , lithen me , And quicke dispatch , be it thine enemye . Take fees for expedition , for of aw , Sutes hastly ended wreake our ouerthrow . Get me an Heralt ( wele I wat ) o th best , That may for Bille find some pretty Crest , A ●at , a ●ismire , or a Butterflie , A Cornish Chucke , a Parrat , or a Pie , A nimble Squirrell or a picke-a tree , A Wesell , Vrchin , or a Bumble Bee . Or if of plants , my Bille will haeue ane , He may full swithly mange these chuse him ane . The Brier , the haw-thorne : or the Priuet bush , The Osire , Cypresse , or where th' merry Thrush , Sings out her Fa , la , la , but nane there be , " That like the Mushrome Bille fitteth thee , Her grouth is sudden , Bille so is thine , Then take the Mushrome , it s a Crest of mine . Mare need I not say , keepe but wele my reede , And siker I se , thou cannot chuse but speede . With that he twin'd frame , and left me there , Where I with mickle Carke , and mickle Care , Bustling now vp now downe , at last me yode , To ply my lesson wele I vnderstood , And in a pretty while I learnd to bee , That cunning Clerke that he awarded me . Deftly could I tricke vp me sell , and trim , Me featly fine , in euery legge and limme , We le cud I marke my name in Marchants books , Fo we le I wate , wha ere he be , that lookes , I 'se there in black and white , and wele I may , For he is said to aw that menes to pay . Not a petion would I listen ore , Till Billie had sam chinke in 's fist before . Not a rich mickle lossell could there be , That had a plea but had his path by me . And sine I sau as Lobbie teld beliue , That he that had a conscience could not thriue . I draue the Haggard frame , sine whilke time , Iockie thou sees how Billie gins to shine . Iockie , And lang may Billie shine , but sayne to me Fare aw our Coustrils hause as weke as thee , Billie . Iockie they doe , nor neede thou t'arken out , For we will feede , wha euer famish for 't : O it s a place so full of louisance , Play but thy round the Ilanders will daunce . Ladies & Lordings , Swaine lines with their swaines , Will trimly trip it ore the leuie plaines . And wele I wat that Iockie ance could play , For I haue heard him , — Iockie And so Billie may . Billie . Then tune thy chanter vp and goe with me , Come blithly on , — Iockie . Iockie does follow thee .

A Panegirick Embleame , Intituled , Saint George for England . The Argument of the Embleame .

From whence the English anciently deriued this Saints canonization , his orders , inauguration — of Sigismund , Emperour of Almaine : and his present to Henry the fift . The institution of this order where , the solemnizing where : the seuerall games , exercises , Races , and Martiall trials auspiciously begunne with that Saint . — And the like of Honour and aduauncement . — A comparison had betweene Perseus sonne to Iupiter and Danae ; who preserued Andromoda from the sea monster , and Saint George , who slew the Dragon . The discription of Perseus , and of Saint George : concluding with a victorious Paean to Saint George .

The Embleame HAile to thy shrine thou Saint of Albion , Who had thy auncient consecration From thy religious mannagements , as farre Disperst , as Turke or Christian planted are , Thou art the Saint which we in war doe vse , Hoping by thee to be auspicious . Yet void of superstition we impart , Sole laud to him , whose noble Saint thou art . Nor loose we th' name of th' Almaine Sigismund , By whom thy precious Reliques first were found . And heere presented as a royall gift To Englands Mirrour , Henry the fift . Since when thy order is solemnized , At Windsor , where a part of thee is sed To be inter'd : thrice happy monument , To couer part of one so eminent . So Saintly vertuous as no honour can , " Giue thee thy due , as onely due to man . O may thy institution honour'd be , By true deserts , and due solemnity . Nor whom thy order doth inaugurate , May they by vice stand subiect vnto hate . But so euen weighd in all their actions here , " As Georges Knights may after Saints appeare : Which they shall be , by showing feruent zeale Vnto the Church , loue to the common-weale . In all our games and pastimes seuerall , Eu●r on George as on our Saint we call : For by that name the auncients vnderstood , Their Fortune could not chuse but to be good , As Turnaments , Iusts , Ba●riers , and the rest , In which his name was euermore exprest . In Races too these present times affoord Instances store , Saint George he giues the word . So as it was ( as common stories tell ) To say Saint George , as say God speede you well . In Martiall trials when our armies met , His name would spirit in our men beget , " Heightning their courage , perills passing through , " Standing desolu'd before a Cannons mouth . " Out-bearing danger , and with violent breath " Stand at defiance gainst the threats of death . Marching through horrour they would boldly passe , ( As for pale feare , they knew not what it was ) Which may be instanc'd in that holy war , Where those that lost their liues canoniz'd are In leaues of perpetuity : I meane , In the regayning of Ierusalem , Where those renouned Champions enterprist , For the due honour of their Sauiour Christ . Either to win that Cittie ( maugre th' vaunts Of all those hellish god lesse mis●reants , ) Or if they could not th' Cittie so surprize , Resolv'd they were their liues to sacrifice ; Euen then I say when those that Marshall'd them , Could not with-hold from flight their recreant men ; " Saint George appear'd in a submissiue show , " Wishing them not to wrong their Countrie so : And though a ghost ( and therefore lesse belieu'd ; Yet was his mouing presence so receiv'd As none to fight it out ●esolued more , Then such as readiest were to flie before . Vp went their s●aling-ladders to displant Th' abhorred of-spring of the miscreant , And euer as some danger they espide , God and St George for England still they cride . And how successiue that renowned warre Was to those Christians , which enrolled are In an eternall register , may well appeare " By Godfrey Bulloyne who was stiled there " King of Ierusalem , yet as it s showne , " By auntient stories , would receiue no crowne , " Thinking't vnfit that it should be rehearst , " Tha● where his masters head with thornes was pierst , He that his seruant was should be so bold , As haue his head girt with a crowne of gold . What fame in forraine coasts this Hero got , The lake m m Sylene the pond or lake where the Dragon w●s . Silene shewes , if we should not ; Where in the reskew of a louely Mayde , A fearefull Dragon he discomfited , So as we haue portraide to euery viewe , On signes of Innes-how George the Dragon slew ; Which story to expresse were too too long , Being a subiect for each fidlers song : " Yet cause there is ( I cannot will nor chuse ) Comparison 'twixt him and Perseus , Who sonne to Ioue and show restain'd Dana● ▪ In reskew of the faire Andromade , Encountred that sea●monster ; I le explane Each attribute of their peculiar fame : " And then conferring them one with the other , " Collect whose best their actions laide together . And first for Perseus ; great I must confesse , He was in name , his birth inferres no lesse Being Ioues sonne , yet can he no way shun The name of Bastard , though he were his sonne : Deflowr'd his mother was — and in a showre Of gold , to shew how gold has soueraigne power , T' vnlocke the fort of fancy , and how soone " Women are wonne , when golden bayts are showne . Long Ioue had woo'd and yet he could not win What he desir'd , till gold receiv'd him in , Which seemes by easie consequence to proue , " Gifts be the giues that bindes the hands of loue . Thus sprung the noble Perseus , who in time " To propagate the honour of that line From whence he came , and that it might be sed , That he from Ioue was rightly fathered Tooke on him strange aduentures ; as to right " Iniur'd Ladies by a single fight , " Encounter Giants , rescew men distrest , In each where of his glory was exprest : " For valiant & more worthy they doe shew them , " That wrongs redresse , then such as vse to doe them , But th' first and best attempt he did on Earth , " Was , to wipe off th' blemish of his birth , And th' staine of his corrupted mothers honour , Which blushes blaz'd who euer look't vpon her . " On then along imagin'd it may be Went he to th' reskew of Andromade ; Who now was markt for death , and brought to th' shore Where many maids had bin deuour'd before , By a sea-monster : here the Virgin stood , To free her Countrey with her guiltlesse blood , Whom Perseus ( as he coasted by that way ) No sooner vew'd then he began to say . Faire Virgin ( then he wept ) impart to vs What rude vnhallowed hand hath vs'd thee thus And by the honour of my heauenly Sire What ere he be he shall receiue his hire , Giant or Monster in the earth or Sea , Reueng'd he shall-sweete Virgin tell it me . Kind Sir ( quoth she ) and then she staide her breath As one addrest to meditate of death , Treate not with me of life , nor aske who 't is Giant or Monster that 's the cause of this , Onely know this ( thou gentle Knight ) that I " Am doom'd to death , and I' me resolu'd to die . To die ( faire Maide quoth he ) ? if 't be thy fate , I le sympathize with thee in equall state And die with thee : onely giue griefe a tongue , To tell me who 's the Author of thy wrong : Know then ( sayd he ) I am that haplesse she , The wretched , pittied , poore Andromade , Who here am left of friends , bereft of all To be a prey vnto a rauenous whale : Many haue suffered ere it came to me , No● is my lot and welcome it shall be , To expiate with my vnstained blood The Monsters wrath and doe my countrey good ; As she spake this vp from the Ocean Came that deuouring vaste Leuiathan , Sweeping along the shore , which being spide ; Good sir retire the noble Damsell cride , Yonder he comes for loue of honour flie , It 's I am doom'd , then let me onely die . But Perseus ( one better tempered , Then to behold a Virgine slaughtered , Without assayd reuenge ) did streight begin With man-like valour to encounter him , Doubtfull the skirmish was on either side , ( While th' Maide a sad spectator did abide ) Wooing with teares which from her cheeks did flow That Ioue would giue this Monster th' ouerthrow ; At last her prayers and teares preuail'd so well , As vnder Perseus feete the Monster fell ; Whence came it ( as the story doth proceede ) The Virgin and her Countrey bo●h were freede : Which to requite ( in guerdon of her life ) She gaue her selfe to Perseus as wife , " Whom he receiu'd-ô he did ill in this , " Sith by the Auncient it recorded is , Before that Perseus to her reskew came , She was espoused to another man " By name Vax●dor , ( ô it was a sinne To marrie her that was not dew to him : ) And better had 't been to sustaine her fate , " Then by such breach of faith to violate Her former Spousals-which vniust offence " Gods may winke at but neuer will dispence : Yea to a barraine Rocke though she were tyde , Yet better 't was then to be made a Bride " To an vsurped Bed , for that did laie , " That staine on her , time cannot wipe away . Thus haue you heard what noble Perseus was With greatest dangers that his worth did passe , The imminence whereof merits due praise , " And such a Poet as deserues the Baies : Laurell and Myrtle-though his Nuptiall knot " Lost him more fame then ere his valour got : " For so deprau'd's the Nature of our will , " What 's good we laine , what 's ill we harpe on still . Now to thy English Saint , my Muse repaire , And lim him so , that when thou shalt compare These two : He Perseus may out-strip as farre , As sunne the Moone , or th' Moone a twinkling star . GEORGE now enstil'd the Saint of Albion , By linage was a Capadocian ; Whose n n The Etimologie of GEORGE from Gera and Gion , War-like , or valiant . valour was exprest in all his time , That vertue might in euery action shine , Which to induce beliefe by mouing sence , I will produce his best description thence , Both for th' resemblance which hath euer bin , Twixt the renowned Perseus and him : As also to make good , that not one staine " Eclipst that glory which his acts did gaine All which by instance seconded shall be " Perseus was great yet George more great then he . Tutching that Dragon on Sylenes shore , I haue in part rela●ed it before : Yet but as shadowes doe resemblance make , Vnto the substance and materiall shape , Digressiuely I onely seem'd to glance , At th' act it selfe , not at the circumstance : Know then this noble Champion hearing one , Along his trauaile making piteous mone , In meere remorce drew neerer to the noice , " Till he perceiu'd it was a Ladies voice , Who in a Virgin-milky white araide , Show'd by her habit that she was a Maide ; Carelesse her haire hung dowre , and in her looke , Her woes were writ as in a Table booke : Warm-trickling teres came streaming from her eies ▪ Sighs from her heart , and from her accent cries . Tyed was she fast vnto a pitched stake , Bounding on Sylen's Dragon-haunted lake , All which exprest without a Character The wofull state which did enuiron her : Saint George observ'd her teares , and from his eyes Her teares by his finde their renew'd supplies , Both vie as for a wager which to winne , " The more she wept , the more she forced him : At last with modest hauiour in reliefe , Of her distresse , he thus a●●aide her griefe . " Sorrowfull Lady if griefes lesne dare , When those that pittie griefes receige their share , Impart your sorrowes to me , and in lew , " If right I cannot , I will pittie you . Alasse ( sweet youth quoth she ) pit●le's too late , When my d●sease is growen so desperate , Yet doe I thanke thee for thy loue to me , That neuer yet deseru'd so much of thee : " Pray thee begone , such friendship I le not trie , To see thy death one is ●nowe to die , And I am shee , - crosse not the will of Fate , " Better 's to loose one then a double state : Be gone I say do not the time fore-slowe , " Perish I must of force , so needs not thou . Imminent horror would admit no more ; For now the Dragon from Sylenes shore Came spitting lothsome venome all about , Which blasted trees and dried vp their roote , St George the Dragon had no sooner vew'd , Then fresh supplies of spirit was renew'd In his vnmatched brest : him he assailes , And though ore-matcht his spirit neuer failes Till he subdew'd him : and as some auerre , He tyed him fast and made him follow her Vnto her fathers pallace , where we reade In publike triumph he cut off his head . Here may we see that act of Perseus Equal●'d by George and made more glorious In that he aym'd no further nor was fe'd " To put his feete into anothers bed , " His conquest it was temporate and iust , Not stayn'd with blemish of defaming lust For no attempt vs'd he to vndertake , But for true honour and for Vertues sake .

A Victorious Paean to our Albions St , alluding to all noble spirits , natiue assumers of his Honor & Order . Iö Pean then must wee Giue St George the victorie : Whose desert Grac't each part ; Where so ere he vs'd to be , None more grac't , or lou'd then he . Perseus though his renowne , Did to all the world come ; Yet one staine , Dimm'd his same : But the worlds spatious roome , Shrines St George in honours tombe .

A Satyre called the Coniborrowe . NOw in the name of fate what Saint is she , That keepes a shop of publicke Brothelrie ? Harbours the sha●king Lawyer for his pence , And Martir-like consumes his euidence ? Nusles my damned Atheist , makes him curse Nature and fortune , that his thin-lin'd purse Should be depriv'd of crowns : do you ask what St ? This Saint was sent from th' siery Regiment . A Sodome-apple , a lasciuious staine To vertues habite , or a whore in graine , A sucke-blood , Hyene , feigning Crocodile Worse then the monster bred on th' banks of Nyle , A purple Strumpet , Gangrene to the state , Earths-curse , hels-blisse , soules-soile , & Angels hate . Smoothed Damnation , smothered infamie , Horror to Age , and youths calamity , Pritty-fac'd diuell of a ginger pace , Grace-lesse in all saue that her name is Grace , Soules-running vlcer that infects the heart , With painting , pur●●ing and a face of Art , Star blasting honour , vertues foe , exprest By hating where she seemes to fancy best . Vow-breaking pe●iure , that her selfe adornes , With thousand fashions , and as many formes . Creature of her owne making , hollow trunke , A Christian Paganis'd with name of Punke . A ●●ll , a hell , where she 'le no others haue , The common Palliard-Pandor , Baud , or slaue , A cage of vncleane birds , which is possest , Of none saue such as will de●le their nest . Where fries of Hell hounds neuer come abroade , But in that earthly Tophet make aboade . Where bankrupt Factors to maintaine a state , Forlorne ( heauen knows ) and wholy desperate , Tur●e valiant Boults , Pimps , Haxtars , roaring boyes , Till flesht in bload , counting but murders ●oyes , Are forc't in th' end a dolefull Psalme to sing , Going to Heauen by Derick in a string . It 's you damn'd prostitutes that soyle this land , With all pollutions , haling downe the hand Of vengeance and subuersion on the State , Making her flowrie borders desolate . It 's you that ruine ancient families , Occasion bloodshed , pillage , periuries . It s you that make the wicked prodigall , Strips him of fortune , heritance , and all , It s you that makes new Troy with factions bleede , As much or more then euer old Troy did . It s you ( sin-branded wantons ) brings decay , To publique states . It s you that hate the day , But honour night : where euery female sinner Resembles th' Moone , that has a man within her . Lasciuious Burrowes , where there nothing are , But ●oused , sullied , and ore iaded ware . No musick but despaire , no other note , Saue some French language from a prophane throat ▪ Noe other Accent then the voyce of hell , Where Stygian Circe mumbles ore her spell Shakes her pox-eaten i●ynts , and sends for spies , To gaine her traders two sin tempting eies . Where she in praise and ho●our of her trade Saies , that the Stewes were in th' beginning made , For the aduancement of a publick good , And well it may , if rightly vnderstood : For if in pleasures there such bitters be , As still repentance lackies vanitie ? If lust that 's cal'd by th' sensuall Epicure , The best of mouing pleasures , and the lure , That for the instance makes our organs rise , Thinking that plase we 'r in is Paradice . If she ( I say ) bring forth no fruit at all , Saue news from'th Spittle , or the Hospitall . Drie rewmes , catarchs , diseases of despaire , Puritane-sniueling , falling of the haire . Akes in the ioynts , and ring-worme in the face ▪ Cramps in the nerues , fire in the priuy place . Racking the sinews , burning of the gall , Searing the vaines , and bowels most of all : Drying the head , which natur 's wont to feede , Sucking the blood , whence all distempers breede . If best of pleasures haue no other end , Mong'st earths delights , them haue we cause t' extend , Our pure affections to an higher ayme , Then to corrupt the honour of our name . For present appetite : I thanke thee whoor , Thou hast instructed me to haue a power Ouer my sence by reason rectified , And hast well neere my senses mortefied . I know thy habit ▪ ( and I once haue sworne , But now recant it ) that no earthy forme Was of like composition , but conceiuing , That th' period of thy pleasure was in hauing , And that thy lust was but desire of gaine , I curb'd my selfe that I should be so vaine . To spend my state , my stock , my name , my nature , On such a brittle fickle , faithlesse creature . Fond was my iudgement when my reason straid , To soile the honourd title of a maide , With brothell greeting , or a painted trunke , A rotten Tombe , a Basiliske , a Punke . For tell me whore ? what bewty's in thee showne , Or mouing part that thou canst say's thine owne ? The blush that 's on thy cheeke I know is made By 'th Painters hand , and not by nature laid : And that same rosie-red , and lillie white , Which seemes t' include a volume of delight . Is no more thine , then as it may be said ; Faire is the waine skote when it 's varnished . Y●a I haue heard some of thy consorts say , Thy night-face is not that thou wearst by day . But of a different forme , which vnderstood , Rightly implies too faces in one hood . Now my ( prodigious faery ) that canst take , Vpon occasion a contrary shape . Thou that canst va●ie habits and delight , To weare by day what thou putst of at night . Thou that with tempting motiues of despaire , Braiding the net-like tresses of thy haire , Smoothing thy brazed front , oyling thy skin , Taking a truce with Satan , and with sinne . How canst thou thinke that I will loose the light , Of my deare soule , to please mine appetite ? How canst thou thinke that for a moments sweete , Wherein the height of pleasures , sorrows meete . I will engage that essence of delight For time eternall , , measure infinite ? How canst thou thinke I am so void of sense , Or blinde , as not to know thy impudence ? True , I was blind , when thy sin - Syren voice , Made me despise my selfe , and make a choice Of soules seducing Error : I was blinde , When I did hope contented ioyes to finde In so profane a couer : Blinde was I , When I expected ought but vanitie . In such an odious harbour : blinde I was To looke for vertue in so vile a case . But now the glorious essence of my soule Tels me , For all thy vertue thou art foule . Spotted with Ermins , and that vanitie , Of which tha● t proud , is like a leprosie . Wich runnes to euery vaine , whose very breath , Poisons the tutcher with infectious death . For what s complexion if I should speake true , ( That which thou wea●s I meane ) but what the Iew Of lothsome compositions ' ●vsd to make , As th' fat of Serpents , and the slough of snak●s , With cursed spittle or fleagme commixed is , And canst thou thinke this face deserues a kisse ? No , odious Lecher that bes●obbered face , That entertaines no signe nor stampe of grace , That sin-reflecting eye , whose piercings are , Wounds to the soule , and to the mind a care , That artificiall blush , that painted checke , Which neuer seekes , what woman-hood shold seek , That whorish looke drain'd from a wanton mind , Shall make me hate , where I was once inclin'd , Shall make me hate ? O that I did not hate , Before this time : but sorrow's nere too late , If feruent , and may I excluded be , If my resolues proceed not inwardly . Fare●ell , but well I doubt thou canst not fare , So long as 〈◊〉 dost lodge in this dispaire : Preuent me then the cause , and thou shalt see , The effect thereof will soone preuented be : Till then adew : for till that time I sweare it , Thy Connie-burrow is not for my Ferret .

Vpon a Poets Palfrey , lying in Lauander , for the discharge of his Prouender . An Epigram . IF I had lin'd but in King Richards dayes , Who in his heat of passion , midst the force Of his Assailants troubled many waies Crying A horse , a Kingdome for a horse . O then my horse which now at Liuery stayes . " Had beene set free , where now hee 's forc't to stand " And like to fall into the Ostlers hand . If I had liu'd in Agamemnons time , Who was the leader of the Mirmidons , Mounting a loft as wantons in their prime , Of frolike youth , planting the Graecians In their due order , then this horse of mine , " Had not bin thus confin'd , for there he might , " Haue showne himselfe , and done his master right . If I had liu'd when Pallas horse was made , Aptly contriu'd for th' ruine of poore Troye O then there had beene doings for my Iade , For he had beene sole author of annoy , Vnto the Troians : well as I haue said , " He might be Pallas horse in legge and limme , " Being so neere proportion'd vnto him . If I had liu'd in Pasiphaes raigne , That lusty Lasse , in pleasure euer full , And perfect dalliance : O I blest had beene , " She sure would loue a horse , that lou'd a Bull , And better might it with her honour seeme . " A Bul 's too fierce , a horse more modest aye , " Th' one routs and rores , the others answer's ney . If I had liu'd in Alexanders age , Crowning my youth 'mongst his triumphant heires , O then that prince , who in his heat of rage , Bad th' M●cedons get sta●lions for their Mares , More liuely and more likely would not gage , " His loue for nought , to such as mongst the rest , " Would bring a Stallion that could doe with best . If I had liu'd amongst th' Amazonites , Those Warlike champions , monuments of Fame , Trophies of Honour friends to choice de●ights , Who much desired to propagate , their name , " And therefore wisht that they so many nights . " Might haue free vse with men , in due remorce , For want of men would take them to my horse . If I had liu'd in Phaeton his daies , When with vngiddy course he rul'd the Sun , O then my Palfr●y had beene of great prise , For hee 's not head strong , nor would haue out-run , His fellow-Horses , but with gentler pace , As soft and easie as the nimble wind . He would with hakney pace lagg'd on behind . If I had liu'd when th' warre of Agincourt , Burnish't with shields as bright as Diamond , To which our noblest Heroes made resort , O then my Stallion would haue kept his ground , And beene at razing of the stateliest fort , In all that Prouince : and though small he may , Yet am I sure he would not runne away . If I had liu'd but in Don Quixotes time , His Rozinant had beene of little worth , For mine was bred within a coulder clime , And can endure the motion of the earth , With greater patience : nor will he repine At any prouender , so mild is he , How many men want his humility ? If I had liu'd when that proud fayry Queene , Boasted to run with swift wingd Zephirus , Tripping so nimbly ore the leuie greene , Of Oetas flourie forrest , where each bush , T●x● her presumption : then my Horse had beene , A Horse of price , O then he had beene tride , And to no manger in subiection tide . If I had liu'd when Fame-spred Tamberlaine Displaid his purple signalls in the East , Hallow ye pamphred Iades , had beene in vaine , For mine 's not pamphred , nor was ere at feast , But once , which once's nere like to be againe , How methinks would hee haue scour'd the wheeles , Hauing bra●e Tamberlaine whipping at 's heeles . If I had liu'd but in our Banks his time , I doe not doubt , so wittie is my lade , So f●ll of Imitation , but in fine , He would haue prou'd a mirrour in his trade , And told Duke Humphreis Knights the houre to dine Yea by a secret instinct would had power , To know an honest woman from a whoore . Well there s no remedy , since I am poore , And cannot feede my horse as I desire , I must be forc't to set a Bill o th dore , And with my Bill pay for my horses hire , Which once discharg'd , I le neuer run o' th sko●e ; But for my Bill , ( inuention play thy part , And for my horse-sake , tell men what thou art . Heere stands a beast that eats and ha's no teeth , Wiske out and winches and yet has no tayle , Looks like Deaths-head , and yet he is not death , Neighs like an Asse , and crawleth like a snayle , All bones aboue , no belly vnderneath , " Legg'd like a Cammell , with a Sea-horse foote , " So bigg's his head he cannot be got out . Now generous spirits that inhabit heere , And loue to see the wonders of this Isle , Compar'd with other nations , draw but neere And you shall see what was exprest ere-while , Your pay's but pence , and that 's not halfe so deere , " If you remember , as was that same to● , " Of Banks his horse , or Fenners Englands ioy . What would you see , that may not heere be seene , A Monster ? Why , it● he●re : o● would you see , That which has ●rst beene showne to other men , " A horses tay●e stand where his head should be . Lasse you must know I am for ●one of them , That loue such nouelties : my two yeere sayle , Has brought a winching thing that has no tayle . Obserue the wonder , it 's not obuious , Nor each day common : see now while it s heere , For it s a monster so prodigious , That if I can ▪ I le hau 't some other where , And show my trauell to the gener'ous . " For know my monster doth this stable hate , " Hauing a head so great , a roome so straite . Why crowd ye here no faster ? 'lasse I see , Because I cannot garnish out my post With faire inscriptions grauen curiouslie . " Like to your Mountebanke or English Foist . The trifling vulgar will not come to me . Nor visit my strange one beast : let them passe . My Monster 's not set vp for euery Asse . It ' for these braue renowned Ca●al●res , " That craue to see , and talke of what they see ; Nay talke of more then either eies or eares Were witnesse of . These welcome are to me , And to my Monster , for to them't appeares , " And to no others , that they might beget , " More gaine by th' sight , then ere I gain'd by it . What none ? no Mandeuill ? is London growne To surfet of new accideats ? why hoe , — Saint Bartlemews , where all the Pagents showne , And all those acts from Adam vnto Noe Vs'd to be represent ? canst send me none , Of any sort ? or thou'ld not any spare , But keepe them for the Pagents of thy Faire . How many vsd to swarme from Booth to booth ▪ " Like to Scl●uoniaus , when with famine pinde , Going like Heards , as other cattell doth , Itching for news , yet neuer more inclinde To heare the worst : where now is all that froth , Of crab-fac't Raskals ? O I know their straine , " The Faire being done , they sleepe till faire againe . If mother Red-cap , chance to haue an Oxe Rosted all whole , O how you 'le flye to it , Like Widgeons , or like wild geese in full flocks , That for his pennie each may haue his bitte : Or if that limping Pedant at the stocks , Set out a Pageant , whoo 'l not thither runne , As t were to whip the cat at Abington . Ill nurtur'd Bowbies , know what I haue heere Is such a Monster , as to know what t is , Would breed amazement in the strangest eare , But vulgar eyes are ayming still amisse , To whom what s onely rare , is onely deere . For you my wonder sleepes , nor shall 't awake , Till riper wits come for my monsters sake . Farewell vnciuill Stinkards , skum o th City . The Suburbs pandors , boults to garden Alleys , May you through grates sing out your doleful ditty , For now my Dragon Monster spits his malice , That as you pit●y none , so none may pitty , Your forlorne state : O may 't be as I pray , So saddest night may cloud your cleerest day . And for the Ostler , since I reape no gaine , Out of my Monster , take him for thy paine . Yet for remembrance write vpon this shelfe , Here stood a Horse that eat away himselfe .

Hymens Satyre . DOn Bassiano married now of late : Has got his witlesse pate a faire estate , Is t possible , Fortune should be so blind , As of a world of men not one to find , Worthy her training in her thriuing school But an admired Wittall or a Foole ? It 's true : why then Fortune 's a partiall whoore , To make the foolish rich , the wisest poore . Whence we obserue ( experience teacheth it ) The younger brother hath the elder wit , Yea by example instanc'd euery where , The Cockney-Cittie's rich , the Suburbs bare , O then I see the Goulden age begins , When fooles are mates for wisest Citizens .

A Marriage song called by the Author In and Out : and now dedicated to the lately conuerted honest-man , W. G. and his long loue-crossed Eliza. The Marriage song , called In and Out . HAh , haue I catcht you prethee sweet-hart show , If so thou canst , who is in Turne-ball now ? Dost smile my pretious one ? nay I must know , There is no remedy , then tell me how ; What my ingenuous cheat , dost laugh to see , All former ●arres turne to an harmony , So generally applauded ? trew thou may , The Night is past , and now appeares the day , Full of true Iouisance ; long was thy suit , Ere t was effected , being in and out , Vowing and breaking , making many an oath , Which now I hope 's confirmed by you both . O how I clip thee for it ? since thy name , Is there renued , which first defam'd the same , For ( heare me Bride-groom ) thou by this shalt saue Thy selfe a Title : I will raze out knaue , Dishonest louer : vow infringing swaine , And say thou ceast to loue , that thou againe ▪ Might loue more feruent , being taught to wooe , And wooing doe what Silke-wormes vse to doe ; Who doe surcesse from labour now and then , That after rest the better they might spin . Spin then ( my pretty Cobweb ) let me see , How well thy Bride likes thy actiuitie . That when she sees thy cunning , she may say ; " Why now I 'me pleas'd for all my long delay ; " Play that stroake still , there s none that here can let thee , " For non there is can better please thy Bettie . " O there ( my deere ) I hope thou'le nere giue ore , " Why might not this been done as well before ? " Nay faint not man , was Bettie so soone won , " That her short pleasure should be so soone done . " Nay then come vp , are marriage ioyes so short , " That Maydenheads are lost with such small sport ? " This if she say ( as this she well may say ) Like a good Gamster hold her still out play . First night at least wise , and it will be hard , But she will loue the better afterward . Whence is the Prouerb ( as it hath been said ) Maydens loue them that haue their maydenhead : Come then my lad of mettall make resort , Vnto the throne of loue thy Betties fort . There plant thy Cannon siedge her round about . Be sure ( my Boy ) she cannot long hold out . Erect thy standerd , let her tender brest , Be thy pauillion : where thou takes thy rest . Let her sweet-rosie Breth such ioyes bestow . That in that vale of Paradise below , Thou may collect thy ioyes to be farre more , Then any mortall euer had before . Yet heare me f●iend , if thou secure wilt be , Obserue these rules which I prescribe to thee . Be not horne iealous , it will make thee madde , Women will haue it if it may be had . Nor can a iealous eye preuent their sport , For if they lou't farre will they venter for 't . Suppose her straying beauty should be led , To the embraces of anothers bedde , Wilt thou Acteon-like thy houre-glasse spend , In moning that thou neuer canst amend ? No , my kind friend , if thou l't be rul'd by me , I 'de haue thee w●nke at that which thou dost see , sha●ing thy wiues defects with patient mind , Seeing , yet seeming to the world blind . For tell me friend , what harme is there in it ? If then being cloyd , another haue a bitte ? Which thou may spare , and she as freely giue , Beleeue me friend , thou hast no cause to greeue . For though another in thy saddle ride , When he is gone , there 's place for thee beside , Which thou may vse at pleasure , and it 'h end , Reserue a pretty mo●s●ll for thy friend . Let not thy reason then be counter-bufft , Nor thinke thy pillow with horne-shauings stuft , If 't be thy destiny to be a monster , Thou must be one , if not , how ere men co●ster . Thou may remaine secure , exempt from shame , Though megre Enuie aggrauate the same . For this has been my firme position still , The husbands hornes be in the womans will .

Vpon the Marriage . THis Marriage went the nearest way about . Playing now vp , now downe , now in , now out , But being done I wish loue may b●gin , Now to be neuer out , but euer in .

An Epigramme , Like to like . VPon a time ( as I informed am ) A Sub-vrbs Baud and Countrey Gentleman , Comming at the dore where I doe lie , A gallant rufling wench chanc't to passe by ; Which th' Baud obreruing , — Sir I pray you see , " How like you gallant and my daughter be . Indeed they much resemble , both in face , Painting , complexion , and in huffing pace , Yea I should say nere any two were liker , If this be as thy daughter is ? a striker .

Vpon the commodious though compendious labor of Mr. Arthur Standish ▪ In the inuention of planting of Wood. A wood-mans Emblealme . COme Syluanes , come each in his fresh array , And sing his name that makes you looke so g●y , Euery Braunch , E●ery spray , Budds as in the Month of Maye . Heere the mirtle Venus tree , There the Chessenut , wallnut be , Heere the Medlar set aboue , Intimates what woemen loue . Lofy pine , Fruitfull vine , Make a spring In winter time . The naked field has put a garment on , With lea●● shades for birds to peck vpon . Now Nemaea doth appeare , Flower emb●rdered euery where . Here the popular , A●dor there , Witch-tree , holy-thorne and B●e●● Here the shady Elme , and firre , Dew it , texe-distilling mirrh . Euery cliffe , euerie ●lim● , Makes a spring in Winter time . Wood-haunting Satires now their minions seek● , And hauing found them pla● at Barley-br●k● . Where delight makes the night , Short ( though long ) by louers sight . Wher Marisco Fairies Que●ene , With her Ladies trace the greene ; Dauncing measures , singing layes , In the worthy planters praise ; Standish fame each voice implies , Blisse to Standish Ecco cries . Here stands the Wilding on the steepie rocke , The Quinee , the Date , the dangling Apricock , Rough skind'd Peeh , lip-died cherrie , M●lou citron , Mulberie . Sallow , Willow , Mellow Birt , Sweete-breathd Sicamour and Mirt , Heere the Plum , the Damsen there The Pu●ill , and the Katherins peare Flowers and flourish blowne so greene , As the spring doth euer seeme . The brittle Ashe and shade-obscuring Yewe , The aged Oke claspt with the Missletoe , Hawthornes grow , one a row , And their sweetest smels bestow . Royall Palme , Laurell wreath , With young O siers vnderneath , Loue-resembling Box tree there , Flowrishing through all the yeere . Seyons young , tender plants , Where the quire of woodbirds chants , Flora now takes her throne and for she knowes , Of Standish care , she decks his aged browes : With crowne of renowne , Monument in time to come . That what he hath done of late , After times may imitate , So when al our Gro●es grow greene , Albion may a Forrest seeme , Where if she the Forrest were , Standish would be Forrester . Then should no gorse grounds furrie whin , or Brir● , Depriue the painefull plough man of his hire . Euery field , then should yield , Great reliefe to share & shield . To the Plow share for his paine , To the shield for discipline , Sith the first he sows and reapes , And the last defends and keepes . Standish giues , to both a part , To the Ga●●tlet , and the Cart. Trees ( Standish saies ) in summer vpward growe , In winter downe-ward to the roote belowe : This I know not , but I know That with him it is not so . For in winter of his time , Now when sap gins to decline , Store of science blossome out From the top vnto the root : Root of age , toppe of youth . Winter bearing , summers growth .

To the truely worthy , the Alderman of Kendall and his brethren . SIr in regard of due respect to you , ( If I could write ought that might yeeld a due , To th' Corporation of which I may call , ( And dewly to ) your selfe the principall : I should desire , if power were to desire , To take an Eagles wing and so are farre higher . Then hitherto my weake Muse could attaine , But 'lasse I see my labour is in vaine ; For th' more I labour to expresse your worth , The lesse I able am to set it forth : Yet let not my endeuours so be taken , As if with power my wil● had me forsaken ; For know ( though my ability be poore ) My good-will vie's with any Emperour . Yea I must write and though I cannot speake ▪ What I desire yet I will euer seeke , T' expresse that loue which hath been borne by me , ( And shall be still ) to your Society . Then cause I know your place and haue an ayme , To shewe your merits in a shadow'd name : I must be bold ( affection makes me bold , To tell you of some errors vncontrol'd , Which to your best discretion I le referre , Hauing full power to punish such as erre . First therefore I intend to speake of is ; Because , through it , there 's many do amisse , Is Idlenesse , which I haue partly knowne , To be a vice inherent to your towne : Where errant pedlers , mercinarie slaues , Tinkers , and Tookers and such idle knaues Are too too conuersant : let your commaund Suppresse this sinne and refuse of the land , They much disparage both your towne and you : Send them to th' whipping-stocke , for that 's their dew , You know the Lord ( whose will should be obeid ) Hath in his sacred word expresly sayd , That those which wil not labour they should sterue , ( For rightly so their merits do deserue . Yea if we should in morall stories see , What punishments inflicted vse to be On such as could not giue accompt what they Did make profession of from day to day ; Yea such as could not ( vpon their demaund Expresse how they did liue vpon their hand ; I make no question ( but by Pagans eare , ) You that both Magistrates and Christians are , Would see your Towne ( by th' punishments exprest ) By selfe-same censures to be soone redrest , And this same error do I not espie , Onely in them , but in the younger frie , Who in their youth do lauish out their time . Without correction or due discipline : Respectlesse of themselues ( as 't may be sayd ) They seeme forgetfull wherto they were made : O looke to this let them not run at large , For ouer these you haue a speciall charge ; And if they fa I beleeu 't from me it 's true , Their blood will be requir'd of some of you . We reade in Rome how they did still retaine , Some exercise that they their youth might trains , In warlike discipline or liberall arts , Or education in some forraine parts ; So as in time as after it was showne , These actions gain'd their Citty great renowne . But whence can I imagine that this sin , Wherein too many haue been nosled in , Had her originall but from that staine Of reputation , and the worlds baine , ( Which I in briefe am forced to expresse , ) To wit , that swinish vse of drunkennesse ? A vice in great request ( for all receiue it ) And being once train'd in 't there 's few can leaue it ; How happie should I in my wishes be , If I this vice out of request could see , Within that natiue place where I was borne , It lies in you , deere Townes-men to reforme , Which to performe , if that I might presume , Or so much vnder fauour to assume , As to expresse what my obseruance taught me , Or bring to you what my experience brought me , I would make bold some outward grounds to lay , Which might in some sort lye an open way , For rectify●ng such abuse as grow , By this foule vice , and I will tell you how . There is no meane that sooner moues to good , If that the same be rightly vnderstood , Then is example , for it 's that doth moue , Such firme impression as we onely loue , What greater wittes approue , and what they say , Stands for an axiome mongst the younger aye , Which by the Prouerbe euery man discernes , Since as the old Cocke crowes , the young Cock learns ; So weake is youth , as there is nought in them , Which they deriue not from the Eldermen , Quickly peruerted ( so depraud's our will ) If they see ought in the Elder sort that 's ill , And hardly ( when they 'r customed in sinne , ) Can they be wain'd from that they 'r nus●ed in , But if they once perceiue the Elder sort , Hates vice in youth , and will reprooue her for't If they see Vertue honourd by the Graue And reuerend Magistrate , care they will haue , To rectifie their errors , and reduce , Their streying courses to a ciuill vse . If this by due obseruance doe appeare , Methinks you that are Elders , you should feare , To act ought ill , lest your example should , Approue in others , what should be contrould . And ill may th' Father chastise in his sonne , That vice , which he himselfe is guilty on . Your patternes are most obuious to the eye , Of each vnseason'd youngling passeth by , Which if he see defectiue but in part He presently applies it to his heart : For Education which we may auerre With that diuinely-learn'd Philosopher To be a second Nature ) now and then Doth alter quite the qualities of men , And make them so transform'd from what they were , ( As if there did some other men appeare : Yea so far from their Nature they 're estraung'd , As if they had been in the cradle chang'd : And of this second nature I am sure , Example is the onely gouernour Which Plutarch termes th' Idea of our life , Tymon an emelation or a strife We haue to imitate , that what we see , May in our selues as well accomplisht bee . O then you Presidents ( whose yeeres do giue To most of you a faire prerogatiue ) Reforme your selues ( if you see ought ) and then You better may reform't in other men . As you are first by order and by time , So first inioine your selues a Discipline ; Which being observ'd by you and dewly kept , You may wake such as haue securely slept In their excesse of vanities : 'mongst which Let me ( with all respect to you ) beseech That you would seek exactly to redresse , ( That brutish vice of beastly drunkennesse . And first to propagate a publique good , Banish't I pray you from your brother-hood , For diuerse haue obserued it and will ; ( For man obserues not good so oft as ill . What 's done by th' Elders of a Corporation , Giues vnto other men a toleration : If any such there be ( as well may be ) For that vice raignes in each Society : First caution them , bid them for shame r●fraine To lay on Grauity so fowle a staine ; Tell them much happens twixt the cup and lip , And those same teres of their good fellowship , If they in time reforme not what 's amisse , Shall drowne their reeling soules in hels abisse : Where they may yaule and yarme til that they burst , Before they get one drop to quench their thirst , Since th' punishment shall be proportion'd there , To that delight which we do liue in here . O then , for Gods loue , bid ●hem now prepare , To be more st●ict then hitherto they were , Or bid them haue recourse vnto their glasse , And there surueigh how swiftly time doth passe , How many aged Emblemes time doth showe , In those same wrinkles of their furrow'd browe ; How many motiues of declining age , What arguments of a short pilgrimage , How many messengers of instant death , As dropsie , gout , and shortnes of the breath , Catarrs descending howerly from the head , Distaste of meates , wherein they surfeted : And thousand such proceeding from ill diet , Nights-sitting vp , rere bankets , mid-dayes ryet , But if these doting Gray-beards I haue nam'd , Will not by your intreaties be reclaim'd , Then I would wish ( because these vices lurke ) That you would fall another way to worke , And by dew castigation force them take Another course for youths example sake : For those that will not now , at last repent After some twice or thrice admonishment , Deserue a punishment , nay which is worse , The Churches Anathema or that curse , Which shall lie heauy on them in that day , When what they owe th●y must be forc't to pay : But some of you such Reuerend-men appeare , As you deserue that title which you beare , Townes Guardians , protectors of our peace , And sole renewers of our hopes encrease , So discreete and so temporate withall , As if Rome did her men Patritians cal , I without assentation might be bolde To name you so , nor could I be control'd . Wherefore I need not feare but you that are Of such sincerity will haue a care , To roote out these ( which as they seeme to me ) Be maine Corrupters of your libertie , I wish it and I hope to see it too , That when I shall come to re-visit you I may much glory , and so much the more , To see them good that were deprau'd before : Nor doe I onely shadow such should giue , Example vnto others how to liue ; But ev'n such vice-supporters as begin , Brauado-like to gallant it in sin : These are incorrigible saying their state Transcends the power of any Magistrate : For why they 're Gentlemen , whence they alleadge They may be drunkards by a priuiledge : But I would haue you tell them this from me , There is no such thing in gentilitie , Those that will worthily deserue that name , Must by their vertues character the same : For vice and generous birth ( if vnderstood ) Differ as much in them , as ill from good . Besides , if they do snuffe when they 're reproou'd , Or seeme as if , forsooth their blood were moov'd : Tell them that weake and slender is that towne , When snuffes haue power to menace iustice down : Shew me true Resolution , they may know That God hath placed Magistrates below , Who haue power to controle and chastice sin , ( bin : ) ( And blest's that town where such commaund hath For tell me , if when great men do offend Iustice were speech-lesse , to what especiall end Should lawes enacted be ? Since they do take Nothing but Flies , like th' webs which spiders make Where small ones they both ta'ne and punish'd be , While great ones breake away more easily : But rightly is it which that Cynicke sayde , Who seeing iustice o● a time ore-swaid , And ouer bearded by a great-mans will , Why thus it is , quoth he , with Iustice still : Since th' golden Age did leue her , for at first She was true-bred and scorn'd to be enforst To ought but right , yea such was Time as then , " Things lawfull were most royall amongst men : But now she that should be a sharpe edg'd axe , To cut downe all sin 's made a nose of waxe ; Wherein it 's Iustice ( if I not mistake it ) What ere it be , iust as the Great-men make it . But Saturne is not banisht from your towne , For well I know there 's perfect iustice showne , There Themis may be sayd to haue her seate , Where poore-ones may be heard as well as great , There 's no corruption but euen weight to all , Equally temper'd , firme , impartiall , Sincere , Iudicious , and so well approu'd , As they that iustice loue or ere haue lov'd , Are bound to hold that Corporation deere , Since in her colours she 's presented there . Nor do I only speake of such as be , Iustices nam'd within your libertie , But of those men w●ere with your Bench is grac't And by Commission ore the County plac't . There may we see one take in hand the cause , Ferreting out the secrecy of th' lawes Anatomizing euery circumstance , Where if he ought omit , it s a meere chance , So serious is he , and withall so speedy As sure his Pater noster's not more ready : Yea I haue wondred how he could containe So many law-quer●es in so small a braine , For as we see full of in summer time , When Sun begins more South ward to incline , A showre of haile-stones railing in the aire : Euen so ( for better can I not compare ) His lawe exhaling meteors ) w●uld he Send out his Showre of law-termes vsually : So as I thought and manie in those places , That it did thunder lawe , and raine downe cases . Yea I haue knowne some strucke in such a blunder As they imagin'd that his words were thunder ; Which to auoide ( poore snakes ) so scar'd were they . As they would leaue the Bench and sn●ake away . There may we see another so well knowne To penall statutes , as there is not one , ( So well experienst in them he does make him ) Which can by any kinde of meanes escape him . Besides for execution which we call , The soueraigne end and period of all ; Yea which may truly be esteem'd the head , From whence the life of Iustice doth proceed He merits dew respect : witnesse ( I say ) Those whipping-stocks erected in th' high way With stockes and pilleries , which he hath se● To haue the vagrant Begger soundly bet , Nor doth he want for any one of these , A statute in warme store if that he please ; Which on occasion he can well produce , Both for himselfe and for his Countries vse , Another may we see , though spare of speech , And temporate in discourse , yet he may teach By his effectuall words the rasher sort , Who speake so much as they are taxed fo●'t . Yea so discreetly sober as I wish , Many were of that temper as he is . For then I know their motions would be good , Nor would they speake before they vnderstood . Another solid , and though blunt in words , Yet ma●ke him and his countrey scarse affords One more ●●●cious , pithy in discourse , Sound in his reasons , or of more remorce , To such as are distressed , for he 'l take , The pore mans cause ▪ though he be nere so weake . And much haue I admir'd him in Surueigh Of his deserts showne more from day to day , That he should so disualue worldly praise , When euery man seekes his esteeme to raise . And worthyly , for neuer nature brought Foorth to the world a man so meanely wrought , Of such rare workemanship as you shall finde , Inth ' exquisite pe●fection of his minde ▪ Yea , if too partiall though't I should not be , ( In that he hath been still a friend to me ) I could expresse such arguments of loue , As were of force th' obduratst hearts to moue , To admiration of those vertues rest , Within the generous table of his brest , But I haue euer hated , so has hee , ●'To paint mens worths in words of flatterie . Yea I' doe know it derogates from worth , To haue her selfe in colours shadow'd forth , Sith vertue rather craues for to be knowen Vnto her selfe , then vnto others showen . Onely thus much i le say ; ordain'd he was , Euen in his Cradle others to surpasse . Since for his education it may seeme , Being in mountaines bred , that it was meane . But now of such an equall forme combin'de As he is strong in body and in minde . Sin●erely honest , and so well approu'd , As where he is not known , h●●'s heard & lou'd , So as on Mountaines born , his thoughts aspire , To Sions mount , & Ioues triumphant quire . Another there 's , who howsoere he seeme , In th' eie of some distemper'd iudgements mene . In vnderstanding , I doe know his wit , Out-strips the most of those that c●n●u●e it , Besides there s in him parts of more desert For Nature is supplide in him by Art . And wheras som to 's wit impute the wrong , I rather doe impute it to his tongue . Since well I know by due experience , ( At such times as he deign'd me conference ) For reading profound reason ●ipe conceipts , Discourse of stories , arguing of estates , Such generall iudgement he in all did show , As I was wrapt with admiration , how Men could esteem so menely ( hairebraind-elues ) Of such an one was wiser then themselues . It s true indeed , hee 's not intemperate . ( As this age fashions ) nor opinionate , But humble in his iudgement , which may be , Some cause that he is censur'd as we see . Alas of griefe , none should be deemed wise , But such as can like timists temporize . Expose their reputation to the shame Of an offensiue or iniurious name . Whereas if we true wisdome vnderstood , We 'd think non could be wise but such wer good . And though we question thus , asking what man ? Vnlesse he be a polititian , Yet pollicie will be of small auaile , When that arch polititian Machauell , Shall flame and frie in his tormented soule , Because to th' world wise , to heauen a foole . Yea I doe wish ( if ere I haue a sonne ) He may be so wise , as haue wit to shun A selfe conceipt of being soly wise , In his owne bleared and dim-sighted eies , For then I know there will in him apeare , A Christian zealous and religious feare , Which like an Angell will attend him still , Mouing to good , and waine him from what s ill . And far more comfort should I haue of him , Then if through vaine conceipt he should begin To pride him in his follies , for by them , We see how many roote out house and nam● , Yea of all vertues which subsisting be , None makes more perfect then humilitie . Since by it man deemes of himselfe and 's worth , As of the vilest worme the earth brings forth . Which disesteeming I may boldly name , More noble then to glorie in oùr shame . For it doth leade vs in a glorious path , With safest conduct from the day of wrath . When standig 'fore that high Tribunall there We 're found far better then wee did appeare . And such is hee-yet haue I heard it vowde , " Hee has not witt enough for to bee proude . Wheras wee know , and by experience see , That fooles bee still the proudest men that be . Nor is he onely humble , for I heare , Of other proper vertues which appeare In his well tempred disposition , when I hear of no complaints mongst poorer men , Who are his tenaunts for he has report , Of shewing mercy , and is blessed for 't . And is not this a poynt of wisedome , say ? For to prouide thus for another day That for terrestriall things , hee may obtayne A farre more glorious and transcendent gayne . Sure ( I doe thinke ) there is no foole to him , That does enrich his progeny by sinne , Makes shipwrack of a conscience , bars himselfe , Of after hopes to rake a little pelfe . Ruines his soule , and ads vnto the store , Of his accounts , by racking of the pore . Whereas ofth ' other side hee s truely wise , ( Though not to man , yet in th almighties eies . Who pitty and compassion doth professe , To th' forlorne widdow and the fatherlesse , Does right to all men , nor will make his tongue , An aduoc●te for him who 's in the wrong ; Accepts of no aduantage , which may seeme To staine his conscience , or to mak 't vncleane ▪ Hates an oppressors name , and all his time , Was neuer wont to take too great a fine . Beares himselfe blamelesse before God and man . Hee 's truely wise , or much deceau'd I am . Indeed he is , and such an one is plast , In that same Mirror which I spake of cast . Who without assentation may be said , To haue a patterne vnto others laid , In actions of this kind , yea I may sweare , Rather for these respects I hold him deare , Then for his state , which may be well exprest , To equall , if not to surmount the best . But I u'e too farre digrest , in breefe it 's he , Who hates the leuen of the Pharisee , And ( which is rare ) 'mongst richer men to find , He counts no wealth like th' riches of the mind . How happy y●u ( Graue Elders ) to haue these , Assistants in your p●ace , meanes for your ease , So as their serious care ioyn'd to their powers , May seeme in some ●egree to lessen yours , For powers vnited , make the army stronger , " And minds combin'd preserue that vnion longer . O may there be , one mind and one consent , ( Cohering in one proper continent ) One firme opinion , generall decree , Amongst you all concurring mutually : And may your Throne , which such good men affords , Nere fall at oddes by multiplying words , Since the spirit of contention stirres our blood , And makes vs oft neglect a publique good . Thus with my best of wishes , I will end , Resting your euer true deuoted friend .

To all true-bred Northerne Sparks , of the generous society of the Cottoneers , who hold their High roade by the Pinder of Wakefield , the Shoo-maker of Brandford , and the white C●ate of Kendall : Light gaines , Heauie Purses , good Tradings , with cleere Conscience . TO you my friends that trade in blacke and white , In blacke and white doe I intend to write . Where I le insert such things are to be showne , Which may in time adde glory and renowne , To your commodious tradings , which shall be Gracefull to you , and such content to me , As I should wish , at least my lines shall tell , To after-times , that I did wish you well , And in my obseruations seeme to show , That due respect I to my country owe . First therefore ere I further goe , I le proue , Wherein no lesse , I le manifest my loue , Then in the greatest : that of all haue beene , Shall be , or are , you seeme the worthiest men , And this 's my reason ; which may grounded be , On the firme arches of Philosophy ; We say , and so we by experience find , In man there is a bodie and a mind , The body is the couer and in it The minds internall soueraignnesse doth sit , As a great Princesse , much admired at , Sphered and reared in her chaire of state , While th' body like a hand-maid prest t' obey , Stands to performe , what ere her mistresse say . Yea some compare this bodies outward grace , Vnto a dainty fine contriued case , Yet for all th' cost which is about her spent , She sounds but harsh , without her instrument , Which is the soule : others resembled haue , The bodies feature to a sumptuous graue , Which garnisht is without full tricke and trim , Yet has nought else , but sculls and bones within . Others compare the beauty of the mind , To pith in trees , the body to the rind . But of all others haue bene , be , or were , In my opinion none doth come so neere , In true Ressmblanes ( nor indeed there can ) Then twixt the mind and li●ing of a man , For it s the inward substance which to mee , Seemes for to line the body inwardly , With ornaments of vertue , and from hence , As he excells , we draw his excellence . Then , my deere countrimen , to giue your due , From whence comes mans perfection , but from you That doe maintaine with credit your estate , And sells the best of man at easie rate , To wit , the minds resemblance , which is gotten , By those same linings which you sell of Cotten . For see those thin breech Irish lackies runne , How small i' th wast , how sparing in the bombe , What Iacke a Lents they are : yet view them when They haue beene lin'd by you , theyr proper men , Yea I may say , man is so strange an Elfe , Without your helpe , hee lookes not like himselfe . Indeed if we were in some parts of those , Sun-parched countries , where they vse no clothes , But through the piercing violence of heat , Which in some places is intemporate , Th' inhabitants go naked , and appeare In grisly sort , as if they frenticke were , Then you that make vs man-like , should not need , Nor your profession stand in any fleed , For why ? the clymate which we then should haue , No Bombast , Cotten , or the like would craue : Since scorching beames would smoulder so about them , As th' dwellers might be hot enuffe without them . But heer 's an Island that so temprate is , As if it had plantation to your wish . Neither so hote , but that we may abide , Bo●h to be clad and bombasted beside . Neither so cold , but we may well allow it , To weare such yarne , a blind man may looke through it . It s true indeed , well may it be confest , If all our parts were like some womens brest . Bared and painted with pure Azure veines , Though of themselues they haue as many staines , And riueld wrinkles , with some parts as badde , Then th' crooked Greeke Thersytes euer had , It might be thought your gaines would be so small , As I me perswad'd they would be none at all : But thanks be giuen to heauens supernall powers , Which sways this Masse of earth , that trade of yours , Hath her dependance fixt in other places , Then to be tide to womens brests or faces . Let Painters and Complexion sellers looke , To their crackt ware , you haue another booke To view into , then they haue to looke in , For yours 's an honest trade , but their's is sin . Next I expresse your worth in , shall be these , First , your supportance of poore families , Which are so weake in state , as I much doubt me , They would be forc't to begge or starue without ye . The second is , ( wherein you 'ue well deserued , The care you haue to see your Country serued , Not as such men who liue by forraine Nations , Impouerishing this Land by transportations , For their depraued Natures be well showne , By louing strangers better then their owne ; Or as it seemes , to sucke their Mothers bloud , Their Natiue Countrie for a priuate good . The third and last , which heere exprest shall be , Shall reference haue to your Antiquity , All which I will dilate of , and though I Cannot describe ech thing so mouingly , As I could wish , yet take it in good part , Proceeding from the centre of a heart , That did this taske and labour vndertake , For your profession and your countries sake , Whose ayre I breath'd , O I were worthy death , Not to loue them , who suck't with me one breath . How many Families supported be , Within the compas●e of one Barronry , By your profession I may boldly show , ( For what I speake , I by obseruance know . ) Yea by eye-witnesse , where so many are , Prouided for by your peculiar care , As many would the beggars be ( I wot ) If your religious care releeu'd them not . For there young brats , as we may well suppose , Who hardly haue the wit to don their clothes , Are set to worke , and w●ll can finish it , Being such labours as doe them befit : Winding of spooles , or such like easie paine , By which the least may pretty well maintaine Themselues , in that same simple manner clad , As well agrees with place where they were bred . Each plies his worke , one cards , another spins , One to the studdles goes , the next begins To rauell for new wefte , thus none delay , But make their webbe-vp , 'gainst each Market-day , For to preserue their credit : but pray see , Which of all these for all their industry , Their early rising , or late sitting vp , Could get one bit to eat , or drop suppe . If hauing wrought their webbes , their forc't to stand , And not haue you to take them off their hand . But now by th' way , that I my loue may shew , Vnto the poorer sort as well as you , Let me exhort you , in respect I am , Vnto you all both friend and Countriman , And one that wisheth , if hee could expresse , What 's wishes be vnto your Trade successe , As to himselfe , these pooremen ( vnder fauour ) Who earne their meanes so truly by their labour , Should not ( obserue me ) bee enforc't to wait , " For what you owe , and what 's their due , so late , Time vnto them is pretious , yea one houre , If idlye spent , is charges to the poore : Whose labour 's their Reuenue : doe but goe , To Salomon , and he will tell you so , Who willeth none , expresly to fore-slow , To pay to any man what they doe owe , But , if they haue it , not to let them stand , Crauing their due , but pay it out a hand . Say not vnto thy friend ( saith Salomon ) I have not for thee now , but come anon : For why shouldst thou that hast wherewith to pay , Put of till morrow , what thou maist to day Beleeue me friends I could not choose but speake , And caution you of this , for euen the weake And impotent , whose soules are full as deere , As be the Monarchs , whisper in mine eare , And bid mee tell you yet to haue a care , Not to expresse their names what men they are , For then they doubt that you to spite them more , Would make them stay , farre longer then before . That you would see their iniuries redrest , Of which they thinke , you were not yet possest . But in transferring of the charge to such , As be your Factors , which haue had small tutc● Of others griefes : your selues haue had the bla●● Though 't seems your Factors wel deserud the sat Nor would I haue you thinke I me feed for this , For they do plead in Forma pauperis That bee my Clyents , yea I me tied too , In countries loue to doe that which I doe : For e●en their teares , mon●s , and distressed state , Haue made me for them so compassionate , That my soule yern'd within me , but to heare , Their mones despisd , that were esteem'd so deere , To their Creator , see their Image then ; And make recourse to him that gaue it them , Whose mansion is aboue the highest sphere , And bottles vp the smallest trickling teare , Shed by the poorest soule , ( which in a word ) Shall in that glorious synod beare record : Where for the least non-payment which we owe , Shall passe this doome - Away ye cursed , goe . But I do know by my Experience , The most of you haue such a Conscience , As in that day , what euer shall befall , Your sincere soules will as a brazen wall , Shield you from such a censure ; for to me , Some doe I know bore such integrity . As I dare well auow't , t is rare to find , In such a crazie time , so pure a mind . But now I must descend ( as seemes to me ) From the releefe of many Familie , By you supported , to your speciall care , To see your country serued with good Ware ; Which of all others ( if well vnderstood ) Seemes to haue ayme most at a publique good . Well it appeares , euen by your proper worth , That you were borne for her that brought you forth , Not for your selues , which instanced may be , In that you ayme at no Monopoly , No priuate staples , but desire to sell , ( Which of all other seem's approu'd as well , ) Your Ware in publique places , which may stand No more for your auaile , then good of th' land . Nor are you carelesse what it is you bring , Vnto your Country , for your customing , Dependance has vpon that due esteeme , They haue of you , that are the same you seem , Plaine home-bred chapmen ( yet of such due note ) Their word is good , how plaine so ere 's their coat . Yea doe I wish , I may haue such as they , Ingag'd to me , for they 'l do what they say , When silken coats , and some of them I know , Will say farre more then ere they meane to doe . Therefore it much concernes you to produce , That which you know is for a common vse . Not for the eye so much as for the proofe , For this doth tend most to your owne behoofe : Where Reputation doth such custome gaine , As being got is seldome lost againe . Yet sure methinks my Friends , you put to th' venture , When your commodities are stretcht on th' tenter , So that as I haue heard , when come to weting They shrinke a yard at least , more then is fitting , Yet doe I heare you make excuse of this . That for your selues you know not what it is : And for your Factors what they take , they pay , If Shere-men stretch them so , the more knaues they . It 's true they are so , yet for all you vse These words , beleeu 't , they 'l ferue for no excuse , For if you will be Common-weales men , know , Whether your Shere-men vse this feate or no , Before you buy , ( which found ) reprooue them then , Or else auoid such tenter-hooking men . There is a Gallant in this towne I know , ( Who damnd himselfe , but most of them doe soe ) If that he had not , to make cloake and suit , Some thirty yards of rug or thereabout , Yet hardly came to fifteene afterward , It had beene measur'd by the Taylors yard . Now was not this too monstrous and to badde , That it should leese full halfe of that it had ? I know not what to thinke ( but to be breefe ) Either the Taylor was an arrant theefe , And made no bones of Theft , which is a crime , Most Taylors will dispence with at this time : Or sure , if my weake wit can iudge of it , The rugge was tentred more then did befit : But you will say , the Gallant sure did lie , Faith if you be of that minde so am I , For it s scarce possible so much to put , In Cloake and sute , vnlesse heed cloath his gut ? ( And that s ofth'largest size ) and so 't may be , For I 'ue heard one skild in Anatomie , ( Auerr thus much that euery gut in man For at that time his lecture then began , ) Was by due obseruation knowne to be Seauen times his length : so that it seemes to me If this be true , which Naturalists doe teach , The Taylor plaid the man to make it reach , So far , for sure the yards could not be small , That were to make cloake , sute , cloath guts , and all . But I doe finde you guiltlesse , for I know , As to your Countrey , you your liues doe owe , If priuare harmes might propagate her good , ( For Countries loue extends vnto our blood ) So there 's no Commerce which you entertaine ▪ Aymes not in some part at a publique gaine ; And that 's the cause , Gods blessings doe rene● Making all things to cotton well with you . " Now to the third Branch , is my muse addrest , To make your Trades Antiquity exprest , If I had skill but rightly to define , Th' originall foundation and the time , The cause of your encrease , and in what space , The people you Commerst with , and the place Of your first planting , then it might appeare , Vpon what termes your priuiledges were : But so onfus'd be times antiquities , As it is hard directly to show these , In what especiall sort they were begun , ( Yet I may doe what other men haue done ) And by coniectures make your Trade displayd Speaking in Verse , what some in prose haue saide Some are opiniond that your trade began From old Carmentis , who in colours span Such exquisit rare works , asth'webs she wrought Were farre and nere by forrain nations sought . And as it may in ancient writ appeare . The Phrigian works were said to com from her . But now the better to vnfolde the same , Know that there were two women of that name , The one ( for Stories manifest no lesse ) Euanders mother was , a Prophetesse , Who wrot and spake in verse with such a grace , As she renoumd the Countrey where she was . The other was a Spinster , which did come , Along with Aquila ( when he from Rome Marching amaine , la●cht forth for Britanie ) Which Coast Carmentis did no sooner see , Then she admir'd , for well she saw by vse , Th' inhabitants would proue industrious . So as in th●se daies rude , they gr●w in time , Specially Nooth-ward ) by her discipline , To become ciuill , and where prompt to doe , Any set Taske this Matron put them to . Touching the place where she plantation had , Diuers Historians haue so differed , As hardly iumpe they by a hundred mile , And therefore difficult to reconcile Their different opinions : for they striue , Amongst themselues , & aske wher shes'd ariue ? Since it appeares when Aquila came ashore , Saue 3 or 4 choice dames , there were no more . Of woman kinde with him : for he was loath , To ship such old hags , were not for his tooth , And therefore such as bew●y did adorne , Wer shipt with him : for they would serue his turne To reconcile these doubts , which seems a wonder , Know that his fleet deuided was a sunder . And driuen to sundry creeks , som East , som west , Som North , som South ; for so they wer distrest . By aduerse winds ( as forced from together ) They were disperst , they knew not where , nor whither . In which auspicious tempest , happy stray , For happy was that tempest may you say , This modest matron with an heauy heart , Re●t of her friends ariued i th North part , With som young maids which Aquila did minde To bring along to keepe his men in winde . The Port when she ariud ( as 't seemes to me , For I doe ground on probability , Drawne from the clime & Ports description ) Was the rich hauen of ancient Workington , Whose stately prospect merits honours fame , In nought more noble then a Curwens name . And long may it reserue that name whose worth , Hath many knights from that descent brought forth , For if to blaze true fame ( I ere haue skill ) , In Bouskill ioynd with Curwen show 't I will . Carmentis thus ariud did trauaile on To find finde some place fit for plantation : For then that Coast as we in stories reade , Lay wholy wast , and was vnpeopled . Where in her progresse by the way she came , She gaue to sundry places disserent name . " Mongst which her owne name , whence it is they say , Cartmell or Carment-hill holds to this day Her Appelation : and now neere an end Of her set iourney , as she did descend Downe f●om the neighbouring Mountaines , she might spie , A woody vale , seat'd deliciously . Through which a pleasant Riuer seemd to glide , Which did this vale in equall parts deuide , This hauing spide , ( on Stauelaies Cliffes they say ) She laid her staffe , whence comes the name Staffe-lay . Corruptly Staulay , where she staid a space , But seeing it a most notorious place , And that the trades men were so giuen to th' Pot , That they would drinke far more then ere they got . She turnd from thence , yet left some Maids behinde . That might acquaint them in this wool worke kinde . While she did plant , as ancient Records be , Neerer to Kendall in th' Barronrie . Thus haue I drawne your linage as it was , For other Accidents I let them passe , Onely such things as most obseruant were , ( As the erection of your Sturbidge faire . I thought to shadow briefely , which began , On this occasion by a Kendall man , Who comming vp or downe I know not well , Brought his commodities that way to sell : Where being benighted , tooke no other shield , To lodge him and his ware thenth ' open field : A Mastiffe had he , or a mungrill Cur , Which he still cride and cald on , Stur-bitch stur , Least miching knaues now fore the spring of day , Should come perchance , and filch his ware away . From hence they say tooke Sturbidge first her name , Which if she did , she neede not think 't a shame , For noble Princes , as may instanc'd be , From Braches had their names as well as she : Such Romulus and Remus were , whose name Tane from a she - Wolfes dug , raisd Romes first fame , Yea Cyrus which 's as ill , ( if not far worse , ) Had but a Bitch ( cal'd Spacon ) for his nurse . For in descents , it is our least of care , To aske what men once were , but what they are . Sith great estates , yea Lordships raisd we see , ( And so shall still ) fromth ' ranke of beggarie . Yea Peasants ( such hath been their happy fate ) Without desert haue come to great estate , For true it is was said so long agon , A paltry Sire may haue a Princely Sonne . " But hast my Muse in colours to display , Some auncient customes in their high roade-way , By which thy louing Countrey men doe passe , Conferring that now is , with what once was , At least such places labour to make knowne , As former times haue honour'd with renowne . So by thy true relation 't may appeare They are no others now , then as they were , Euer esteem'd by auntient times records , Which shall be shadow'd briefly in few words . The first whereof that I intend to show , Is merry Wakefield and her Pindar too ; Which Fame hath blaz'd with all that did belong , Vnto that Towne in many gladsome song : The Pindars valour and how firme he stood , In th' Townes defence 'gainst th' Rebel Robin-hood , How stoutly he behav'd himselfe , and would , In spite of Robin bring his horse to th' fold , His many May games which were to be seene , Yeerely presented vpon Wakefield greene , Where louely Iugge and lustie Tib would go , To see Tom-liuely turne vpon the toe ; Hob , Lob , and Crowde the fidler would be there , And many more I will not speake of here : Good god how glad hath been this hart of mine To see that Towne , which hath in former time , So florish'd and so gloried in her name , Famous by th' Pindar who first rais'd the same ? Yea I haue paced ore that greene and ore , And th' more I saw 't , I tooke delight the more , " For where we take contentment in a place , " A whole daies walke , seemes as a cinquepace : Yet as there is no solace vpon earth , Which is attended euermore with mirth : But when we are transported most with gladnesse , Then suddenly our ioyes reduc'd to sadnesse , So far'd with me to see the Pindar gone , And of those iolly laddes that were , not one Left to suruiue : I griev'd more then I le say , ( But now for Brad-ford I must hast away ) . Brad-ford if I should rightly set it forth , Stile it I might Banberry of the North , And well this title with the Towne agrees , Famous for twanging , Ale , Zeale , Cakes and Cheese : But why should I set zeale behinde their ale ? Because zeale is for some , but ale for all ; Zealous indeed some are ( for I do heare , Of many zealous sempring sister there ) Who loue their brother , from their heart iffaith . For it is charity , as scripture saith , But I am charm'd , God pardon what 's amisse , For what will th' wicked say that heare of this , How by some euill brethren't hath been sed , Th' Brother was found in 's zealous sisters bed ? Vnto thy taske my Muse , and now make knowne , The iolly shoo-maker of Brad-ford towne , His gentle-craft so rais'd in former time By princely Iourney-men his discipline , " Where he was wont with passengers to quaffe , " But suffer none to carry vp their staffe Vpon their shoulders , whilst they past through town For if they did he soon would beat them downe . ( So valiant was the Souter ) and from hence , Twixt Robin-hood and him grew th' difference ; Which cause it is by most stage-poets writ , For breuity , I thought good to omit , " Descending thither where most bound I am , " To Kendall-white-coates , where your trade began . Kendall ( to which I all successe do wish ) May termed be that parts Metropolis , For seate as pleasant , as the most that are , Instanc't in th' ruin'd Castle of Lord Par. ( For seate imparaled ) ; where we may see , " Great men to fall as subiect are as we : Yea there ( as in a mirror ) may be showen , The Subiects fall rests in the Soueraigne's frowne . Many especiall blessings hath the Lord , Pour'd on this Towne , for what doth't not afford ( If necessary for mans proper vse ) Sufficient , if not superfluous ? Yea I dare say ( for well it doth appeare ) That other places are more bound to her , Then ●he to any , there 's no Towne at all , ( Being for compasse so exceeding small , For commerce halfe so great , nor is there any That doth , consort in trafficke , with so many . But to her priuate blessings , for pure aire , Sweet holesome water , she may make compare With any clime , for aire nor piercing is , Nor in her temprate brething , too remisse : For water , Kent , whence Kendall takes her name , Whose spring ( from Kent-mere ) as they say , is tane : Swift is 't in pace , light-poiz'd , to looke in cleere , And quicke in boiling ( which esteemed were ) Such qualities , as rightly vnderstood Without ' en these , no water could be good . For Wood ( how well she was in fore-time growne ) May soone appeare by th' store that is cut downe , Which may occasion griefe , when we shall see What want shall be to our posteritie : Yet who seekes to preuent this surely none , Th' old prouerbe's in request , each man for one , While each for one , one plots anothers fall , " And few or none respect the good of all . But of all blessings that were reckoned yet , In my opinion there is none so great , As that especiall one which they receiue , By th' graue and reuerend Pastor which they haue ; Whose life and doctrine are so ioint together , ( As both sincere , there 's no defect in either , ) For in him both Vrim and Thummim be , O that we had more Pastors such as he : For then in Sion should Gods flocke encrease , " Hauing such Shepheards would not slea but fleece ; Thus what wants Kendal that she can desire , Tyre's her Pastor , and her selfe is Tyre , He to mistrust her people , she to bring , Wealth to her Towne by forraine trafficking ? Now must I haue the White-coates vnder-hand Who were in fore-time a defence to th' land : Yea such they were , as when they did appeare , They made their foes perfume their hose for feare , Experienst Archers , and so practis'd it , As they would seldome shoot but they would hit . So that though th' darters of rude Scythia , The golden-Archers of rich Persia , The Siluer-shields of Greece haue borne the name , Blaz'd by the partiall trumpe of lying fame . Yet in behalfe of Kendall ( I durst sweare it ) For true renowne these Countries came not nere it . As for this name of White-coate vs'd to fore It came from th' milk-white furniture they wore And in good-sooth they were but home-spun fellows " Yet would these white-coats make their foes dy yellows , Which might by latter times be instanced , Euen in those border-seruices they did : But this t' expresse ( since it is knowne ) were vaine , Therefore , my friends , I le turne to you againe , And of some speciall matters caution you , Which being done I le bid you all adew : Since God hath blest you with such benefits , As the reliefe of nature well befits , Hauing of euery thing sufficient store , There 's reason ( Country-men ) you render more To your Creator , who so kinde has been , To you and yours aboue all other men : ( Though all ( I say ) should thankfull be ) then such Who nere receiued of him halfe so much . For well you know its in the Scripture said , Accompt for euerie Talent must be made , And how much more our Talents are , shall we After this life exact Accomptants be : Be good dispencers then of what you haue , And doe not shut your Eares to such as craue Your charities Reliefe ( for in a word ) What you giue th' poore , you lend vnto the Lord , And be you sure , your loue is not in vaine , For with encrease he le pay it you againe : Put not your labourer off with long delay , But satisfie him if you can this day . For pittie 't is , poore soule , that he should sit Waiting your time when he hath earned it . And this belieue me many crimes produces , " Teeming of tenters and such like abuses Which they are forc't to , cause they are delaide Working for more , then ere they can be paide : Be not too rigorous vnto your debtor , ( If he be poore ) forbearance is far better , For'lasse what gaine accrewes to you thereby , If that his carkasse doe in prison lie : Yea , if you kept his bodie till 't should rot , Th' name of hard-hearted men were all you got . And sure , if my opinion faile not me , T' imprison debtors ther 's no policie , Vnlesse they able be and obstinate , And like our Bank-rupts break t' encrease their state , For th' poore they better may discharge their debt When they 're at libertie and freedome get , For labour may they when they are inlarg'd , But when they die in prison all 's discharg'd , O then ( my friends ) if you haue such as these : Remember to forgiue your trespasses , At least be not extreame to th' poor'st of all , " Giue him but time and he will pay you all . So Time shall crowne you with an happy end , And consummate the wishes of a friend . So each ( through peace of conscience ) rapt with pleasure Shall ioifully begin to dance his measure . " One footing actiuely Wilsons delight , Descanting on this note , I haue done what 's right , Another ioying to be nam'd 'mongst them , Were made Men-fishers of poore fisher-men . The third as blith as any tongue can tell , Because he 's found a faithfull Samuel . The fowrth is chanting of his Notes as gladly , " Keeping the tune for th' honour of Arthura Bradly . The 5. so pranke , he scarce can stand on ground Asking who 'le sing with him Mal Dixons round ? But where haue been my sences all this while , That he ( on whom prosperity doth smile ) And many parts of eminent respect , Should be forgotten by my strange neglect ? Take heede my Muse least thou ingratefull be , For well thou knowes he better thinkes of thee : On then ( I say ) expresse what thou dost wish , And tell the woreld ●ruely what he is : He 's one has shar'd in Nature speciall part , And though beholding little vnto art , Yet beare his words more emphasis or force , Then most of th' Schollers that I heare discourse , His word keeps tutch ( and of all men I know ) He has th' best inside for so meane a shewe , Outwardly bearing , temperate , yet will be A bonus socius in good company . He vnderstands himselfe ( as I haue sayd ) And therefore aymes whereto he first was made , In briefe'mongst all men that deserue applauding , None ( hauing lesse ●f Art merits more lauding : So that though true desert crowne all the rest , Yet if ought want in them it s here exprest ; But th' Euening shade drawes on , and damps the light " Think friends on what I sayd , and so good night .

To the Worshipfull Recorder of Kendall . FOr Townes-abuses ( worshipfull Recorder ) I leaue them to your discreet selfe to order : My Iourney 's at an end ; hic baculum fixi , My Tale concluded , nought now rests but Dixi ▪ Nor would I haue you speak that , ( though you may ) " Which I haue heard a countrie Maior did say , Vnto a Scholler , who concluded had His latine speech with Dixi I haue sayd : To whom th' vnletter'd Maior to aproue the same Replying thus , tooke Dixi for his name . " If that thy name be Dixi sure I am , Dixi's a learned vnderstanding man .

To the Lands-lord wheresoeuer . LAnds●lord to thee , addrest to speake I am , And full as much to thee as any man : For many Errors and fowle crimes I knowe That thou art more then others subiect toe , Which i le in part , vnri● , and so make cleere , As in that day , when all men shall appeare Before their heauenly Lands-lord , where is had A dew accompt : This now which I haue sayd May be a witnesse , and beare record still , That thou didst know before thy Maisters will , Which not perform'd thou know'st what thou hast read " With manie stripes thou shalt be chastised , But first , ere I proceed , so great 's the cries Of widdowes , and so many tere-swolne eyes Of Orphanes succourlesse that reach to heauen , As I 'me well-nigh into amazement driuen , And cannot perfect what I do entend ▪ Vntill I see their sorrowes at an end , At least allayd ( for I am forc't to keepe , A consort with these silly soules that weep : ) So moouing is their passion ( as in briefe ) So strong 's compassion , I do feele their griefe . Wherefore I must ( so great is griefes extent ) Perswade these blubbert wretches be content , And beare with patience , till the Lord shall send , In his good time vnto their sorrowes end : Which to expresse the better I will moue them In mildest tearmes ; and thus will speak vnto them . Cease , cease ( poore iniur'd soule ) your teres to shed , Weeping for that cannot be remeded , 'Lasse you are farre deceiu'd ; if you suppose Teres can moue Lands-lords : they are none of those , Their dispositions are more harder far ▪ Then any other of Gods creatures are : For tell me ( starueling ) hath thy trickling eye , Pale-c●lourd●●sage heauen-ascending crie , Earth bending knees ▪ hart throbbing languishment , Eccoing sighs , souls-fretting discontent , Famine at hòme , surcharg'd with sorrowes loade , Debt with a S●rgeant dogging thee abroad , Haue any these whereof thou hast had part , Been of that force to mollifie his heart ? Haue all thy cries and Orphanes teres together Moou'd him ? ô no : they are as if a fether , Were here and there tost with each gale of winde , Thou shalt not finde that temper in his mind : For h● is cauteris'd and voide of sence , And thanks his God he has a conscience , Can stand remorcelesse 'gainst both winde and weather , ●●hough he and 's Conscience goe to hell together , Yea he d●th feele no more thy piteous mone , Then doth an Anuile when it s strooke vpon . Why then shouldst thou thus striue against the streame , T' importune him that seemes as in a dreame , Secure of hell , carelesse of thy distresse ? Fie take vpon thee some more manlinesse , Rouse thy deiected spirits which now lie , As if surprised by a lethargie ; Wipe , wipe those eyes with briny streamelings drownd , And plant thy selfe vpon a firmer ground , Then thus to wast thy griefe enthralled heart , Which done : pray tell me but , what better art ? Well , if thou wilt but silence thy iust wrong For one halfe howre , or hardly for so long , I le shew the best I can of art and skill , With an vnbounded measure of good will , To tell thy cruell lord , that there 's a doome As well as here in after time to come : I le tell him boldly though I chance to moue him For all he 's lord , there is a Lord aboue him , Before whose throne he must come to account ; For Syons-Lord is that Lord Paramount , Who swayes the massie orbe of heauen and earth , Brething on euery creature that brings forth , It 's he that giues to each increase and store , Girdling the swelling Ocean with a shore : The proudest Peeres he to subiection brings , And prostrate lies the Diadems of Kings : By him oppressors feele there is a God , That can reuenge and chastice with his rodde ; Yea , thy iniurious Lord , I meane to tell Though he thinks of no hell , he 's finde a hell . And those distreaming teres which thou hast shed , Are by thy louing father bottled , For there 's no teres , sighs , sorrowes , grieues or mones , Which come from any of his little — ones But in his due compassion still exprest Vnto their cause , he 'le see their wronges redrest . How thinks 't of this ? will not these things enforce In thy relentlesse Lands-lord a remorse , Sooner and deeper ( of that minde am I ) Then puling with thy finger in thine eye . Well I will make attempt ( which if it fall Out to my wishes as I hope it shall ) The onely fee which I expect of thee , Is that thou wouldst poure out thy prayers for me , Meare time pray for thy selfe ( while I expresse Thy grieues , and heauens grant to my hopes successe . ) Now ( rent-inhauncer ) where away so fast ? Pray stay a little sir for all your haste : Perchance you may more profit by your stay , Th●n if you should leaue me and goe your way : For I coniecture whither you are going , Nay , ( doe not blush ) to so●●e poore snakes vndoing , To ●oot out some poore Family or other ; Speake freely man do not your conscience smother ; Is t not ( you Suck-blood ) to oppresse the poore , And put him and his children out a dore ; Is t not to take aduantage on some thing Or other for his vtter ruining : Is t not because thou art not halfe content That he should sit vpon so easie rent . And therefore takes occasion vpon naught , Forgiuing somthing he neither said , nor thought . If such effects make thee abroad to come , Thou might with safer conscience stay at home . For whence be these exactions thus to stretch , And racke thy Tenants ? thou wilt say , t' enrich Thy priuate Coffers , which in time may , be A faire estate to thy posteritie . Or if not to encrease thy wealth , or store , For to maintaine thy ryot or thy whore . O thou forlorne and miserable man , Come these conclusions from a Christian ? Be these the ends whereto thou wert created , To loue those things which make thy soule most hated ? I me sorry for thee , ( yet vnhappy Elfe ) Why should I grieue that grieues not for thy selfe ? How canst thou thinke thy children shall possesse , Long that estate is got by wickednesse ? Or how imaginst that it can succeede Well wi●h thy short liu'd heires , or with their seede , When all that welth ( was gathered to their hand . ) Came from the cries and curses of the land ? No no , thou greedy spunge that sucks vp store , Yet more thou suckes , thou needest still the more . Euill got goods ( howbeit neare soe fayre ) Seldome enioyed are by th' third heire For wauering is that state is raisd by wrong , Built its on Sand , and cannot hold out long . Yea I haue seene ( euen in that little time Which I haue liu'd ) Som of you in their prime . And so erected to the height of state , As you might seeme to be admired at . For braue attendance , sumptuous attire , For fare & pleasure what you could desire . In building gorgeous so as you might be Styled the heires of Earths felicitie . Yet 'lasse ( againe ) how quickly haue I seene , These men shrunke downe , as if they had not been : Their pompe decreas'd , their great attendance gon , And for their many dishes one , or none ? True ; for how can it any other 's chuse , Since God hath promisd not to blesse that house , Which aimes at welth , and honour , for to rise By Orphanes teares , and woefull widows cries . Then for the first thou sees how it is vaine , To thinke that thy posterity can raigne Or long abide in that estates possession , Is got by fraud , collusion , or oppression . Now I will see whereto thy labours tend , To squize the poore that thou may better spend On wanton consorts ( Souls eternall curse ) The first was ill , but this is ten-times worse . It s well obseru'd , that when wee doe begin , One sinne 's attended by an other sinne . They come in paires , which seemes approud to be . In none oppr●ssor b●tter then in thee . It s not enough to prey vpon the Poore , But thou must spend his state vpon thy whoore . So that me thinkes I almost might auer , It s rather he then thou maintaineth her . Must his night cares and early rising to , His dayly labours , when and where to sow His painefull tillage , and his slender fare , His griefe when 's crops the lesse successiue are , His many howers of want , few of content , His special care to pay his Lands-lords rent , Must he that earnes his liuing best we know , ( Being as God command'd ) in 's sweat ofs Brow , Must he the sleepes with many a troubled head , To finde his wife and hungry children bread , Must he ( I say ) for all his lifes disquiet , Maintaine thy whoredome and excessiue riot , Must he support thee in thy vaine delights , Thy midnight reuels , and thy pagent sights , Thy new inuented fashions , and thy port , Must he at th' Cart , maintaine thy pride at Cour● , If this he doe ? this doome to thee is giuen , Court it on earth , thou's neuer Court in Heauen . No Ahab no , there is no place for such , Whom poore mens grieues and sorrowes will not tutch . Such as will haue compassion , shall be there , Receiud in mercy that had mercy heere . But such as thou , who in the Pride of heart , Had little feeling of an others smart , Shall heare that Ve , Away thou cursed goe , " Repent in time , or thou shalt finde it so : For tell me ? why should whorish complement Force thee to soules eternall languishment . Why should a minutes pleasure take from thee , All after-hope of thy felicitie , Why should a painted cheeke be so sought after , Beleeu 't in common sense it merits laughter That her complexion should by thee be sought , That knows its not her owne , but that'twas bought , Yea one would thinke more reason there s to seeke , " Complexion in the shop , then on the cheeke . And better wil't with generous humors stand , To buy 't at first then at the second hand : Both's to be bought : no difference in the sale ; The one in grosse , the other in Retaile . O then take heede , mix not two sinnes in one , Sinnes linkt together make the soule to groane . Their burdens heauy yea t is such as they , Draws in in Cart-ropes ( as the Prophets say ) But if thou wilt needes to perdition run , And follow on that chase thou hast begun , If thou wilt make thy body ( in few words ) A filthy Caske , or Cage of vncleane birds , If that same soule , which should a Temple be , And dedicated to Gods Maiesty , Must now be made ( it grieues me to expres ) A stew for Harlots and licentiousnesse . Yet let not thy oppression be the meanes For to maintaine such prostituted queanes , That doe expose themselues to publique shame , " One sin 's enough : shun thou oppressions name . I know indeede what was of Ahab tould Is growne a story now exceeding old . His mouldred bones and ashes who can finde , Yea his example 's quite worne out of minde , Since for most part , mens corps 's no sooner rotten , Then they and all their actions be forgotten . The stories old indeed , its true they say , Yet is the vse experienst euerie day , " Ech day we see a silly Naboth slaine , " And euery day a wicked Ahab raigne . Who if he see one plat of ground that is Delightfull in his eye , or bordering his ; Whether 't be vineyard , garden , or that land , ( The front I mean ) where Naboths house doth stand , He cannot be content till he has got , By fraud or violence , that same neighbouring plot . For like an eye-sore , it did euer grieue him , Nor vsinge gain'd it , would he euer leaue him . Yet for all this , our moderne Ahabs they , No sooner heare what sacred Scriptures say , Of that example , then they straight begin , To giue a curse to Ahab and his sinne . Who made no bones ( poore Naboth to denye him ) To haue one little Vineyard lying by him . Cruell he was , say they , and well deseru'd His punishment ; for he was rightly seru'd . To be depriu'd of all , life , realme , and crowne , That would not suffer Naboth haue his owne . Yea the reward did fit his Tyrant-hart , Despoyl'd of all , that spoyld the poore of part . So their owne iudgements ( most vnhappy Elues ) That thus pronounce the sentence on themselues . Their owne mouthes do condemn them , for by this Each proue their guilt by th' guilt they show of his . Wherefore as Nathan did to Dauid say , Taking Vriahs life and wife away , Where he proposd this question thereupon . Of him had many Sheepe , another one : Wherein indeed the Prophet shadowed , That fact which Dauid to Vriah did , Which when that good King heard , as th' Scripture saith He answered straight , he hath deserued death , Thou art the man ( quoth he ) so sure I am , I may be bold to say thou art the man . Thou Ahab , thou that by extortion gaines , Some Skreads of Land to better th● demains . Thou that triumphes in wrongs , and brings the crye And curse of widdowes to thy Family . Thou that with dainties dost that carrian feede , That maw of thine , while such doe begge their bread , As thou opprest , ( to their extremest wrong , ) Thou art the man , I le sing no other song . Dost thou not yet relent ? no streams of grace , Thrilling or trickling from thy blubber't face ▪ No signe of reformation ? Las I see , Custome in sinne cannot relinquisht be Vpon the instant , wherefore I must set My resolution not to leaue thee yet , And howsoere thou take it , I will goe , Yet further with thee I le not leaue thee so , Two speciall motiues I might here pro●uce , To moue thee to a conscience , and to vse . A christian-l●ke respect to such as be , Ordain'd by God for to liue vnder thee ▪ The first is : to haue eye vnto that forme O● image , which doth euery man adorne , Euen his creators image , which might moue Vs to loue him for his creators loue . The second is : a due especiall care , Or a consideration what wee are , Men ; and in that we should be humbler still , " Since best of vs , are Tennants but at will : On which two branches briefly I le dilate , Or rather cursiuely so shadow at , As seeing his Forme , thy little cause of pride , This good surueigh may make thee mortified . The comely feature which is giuen to man , Implies the place from whence this creature came , Euen from that fragrant garden of delight , That Spicy Eden , where in our makers sight , He did enioy farre more then tongue can tell , Till from that height he to corrup●ion fell : Yet still retain'd his forme which first was giuen him In Paradise , whence now the Lord had driuen him ? So precious was this forme ( as he who made it , For as we reade in Scripture , where he said it , Let vs make man after our Image : he Saw in this forme ( I say ) such maiestie As he who ( in his mercy fast did make it ) Becomming man of God , vouchsaf'd to take it . So that what th' first man Adam did before Christ , th' second Adam as man , did restore . Thou sees this Image then how it was giuen And represented by the God of heauen , Who in his great compassions , thought 't no scorne , That the Creator take the creatures forme . And how canst thou ( irreuerent wretch ) disdaine That forme which thy Creator did retaine ? How canst despise that image , or presume To wrong that shape thy Sauiour did assume ? How canst thou presse that soule with discontent , Which thy Redeemer daign'd to represent ? How canst abuse that type for hope of pelfe , Which Christ thy louer shadowed in himselfe ? How canst thou see that image rack't to be , Which in thy Christ was ract and rent for thee ? How canst endure to haue that soule bereft , Of all releefe , and to haue nothing left , Driuen from his house , forc't from his Tenant-right , When he that is the way truth , life and light , Taking his forme to satisfie for sinne , Had not so much as house to hide him in . Birds had their nests , and euery beast his denne , Yet had not he what was permitt'd to them . O let me now perswade , be not extreame , ( Its easie saies the Prouerb ) to wade the streame , Where th'foord's at lowest , recollect to minde . His noble image , and in it thou 'l finde , Such singular impressions of reguard , As I doe thinke thou 'l honourt ' afterward . When thou obseru's , ther 's nothing that 's in him , Was not before in Christ excepting sinne . O then refine the ayme of thy intents , In raising rents , thinke on thy Sauiours rents . In taking of aduantage , thinke on this , If God aduantage take for each amisse , In what a case wert thou , how woe-begon , That of a thousand cannot answer one ? If thou to grieue Gods little ones begin , Thinke therewithall , that thou art grieuing him . Who in his mercy hares the widdowes crie , And in his pitty wipes the Orphanes eye , Which thou hast cause to thinke on , so much rather Sith God's the widdows Iudge , the orphans Father : And though earths Iustice , be of th' second sight , Yet hee 's so iust , hee 'l doe the poorest right . But if mans Image , which were strange , should faile , With thy remorselesse conscience to preuaile , From that transparent Mirror , I le descend , Though it may seeme in it to comprehend All humane glory , yea I may say more , The forme of God which he assum'd before , Vnto that due obseruance , or that care , Whereby we come to acknowledge what we are . Man 's of a substance meane , hauing his birth , As his first natiue Mother , from frayle Earth , Brittle's his composition , and so weake , Be his resolues , as hee can vndertake Nought with so firme a purpose as may stand , Or will not change with th' turning of a hand . His health 's a stranger to him , for when most , It seemeth with him , it is soonest lost ; For his abiding , hee 's as in a Tent , Wherein hee s militant , not permanent . The world 's his campe , his profest enemies , Wherewith he is to grapple , they be these . The turbulent affections of his mind , Which euery houre is seuerally inclin'd . The goale which he doth ayme at , or th' reward , After the fight , hee lookes for after-ward : Thus thou may see , in this same earthly cell , Though dwell we seeme , indeed , we doe not dwell , But foiourne : It s no mansion but an Inne , Syons our home , this pilgrimage is sinne . As for our states , we are but leacers all , And shall be put off , when hee 's pleasd to call , Yea I may rather say ( and not amisse ) We are the Lessees , he the Lessour is . And howsoere our Lands-Lords make accompt , They 'r but inferiour Lords , hee 's Paramount . Then if thou wilt but duely looke vpon 't , Thy tenure stands vpon a tickle point , Yea I doe find thy state not worth a straw , If I haue any iudgement in the law : And why shouldst thou bring poore men into suit , Sith thou thy selfe hast no state absolute , But for thy terme of life : so as methinks , When that French gibberish to my braine-pan sinks Where Iohn a Stiles and 's neighbour Iohn an Okes , With many other Law-baptized folkes , Are brought in seaz'd of land , as they doe finde , In Burrow , English , Soccage , Gauell-kinde , Fee-tayle , fee-simple ( it oft seemes to me ) These Lawyers are the simplest men that be ; Who are perswaded ( and would haue vs too ) But let 's discent from them : — there 's fools enough : That of al states and Tenures are possest , Or can bee had , Fee-Simple is the best . Whereas I thinke , if well they vnderstood , What specially concern'd them , and their good . They would conclude , Fee-simple will not doe , A double-Fee is better of the two . If we could find indeed a difference , In th' liues of th' tenures , then there were some sence To say , that such a tenure were the strongest ; Because by it the Tennant liues the longest . But tell me , are not all estates that be Subiect alike to mutability : To the possessour you will say they are ; If vnto him , why should we further care , Since as the Prouerbe is , when he is gone , The world 's gone with him , as all in One : O then thou Earth-bred worme , why shouldest thou vant , As if thou wert a Lord praedominant . Why shouldst triumph ore th' meaner sort of men , Since thour' t composd of one selfe Mould with them ? Thou art but Adams sonne , and so are they , Both of you fram'd and fashion'd of one clay , Both haue one image : then compassion take , If not for them , yet for their image sake . For though thou canst not one good looke affoord , To these poore snakes , they 'r deere vnto the Lord , As is thy selfe , as pretious in Gods eies , Bought and redeemed with as great a price . And though there be twixt Substitutes and Kings , Superiour states , and lower vnderlings , A difference in the world , yet there shall Twixt them ( in heauen ) no difference be at all , Onely what 's good shall approbation haue , With King and subiect , conquerer and slaue . O then receiue the bowells of compassion , And beare like mind , as thou dost beare like fashion : Let thy vnrighteous Mammon get thee friends , That when thy pilgrime daies of Labour ends , Thou may possesse a glorious heritage , After the period of this pilgrimage . My lessons are but short , pray then remember , As thou the welfare of thy soule dost tender . " The best of vs are tennants but at will , " And stand in hazard of disseisure still . And though our states seeme firmer then the rest , They are vncertaine tenures at the best . In briefe , thou earthly Lands-lord striue to be , As thou wouldst haue Heauens Lands-lord towards thee Not too extreame : thou knowst the doome is giuen , That not extortioner shall enter Heauen . Resolue what thou wilt doe : for though it grieue me To leaue thee yet , I am enforc't to leaue thee , And turne vnto thy Tennant , who dismaide , Stands heere at doore to heare what I haue said .

To the Tennant howsoeuer . WHat state soeuer thou art seazed on , Or in what Tenure thou dost hold vpon , I l'e now addresse my speech in briefe to thee , Wherein I ayme in part to comfort thee , In part to rectifie what may seeme ill , In thy peruerse and vn-conformed will ; That in them both for th' loue which I doe owe , To him thou represents , I may so show , That deere affection which we 're bound to beare , To one another while we soiourne heere , As when an end of all our sorrowes are Reduc'd to one set period , and our care Shall haue a finall end , what I haue done , " In loue may be approu'd when I am gone . To moue thee vnto comfort , in a word , I 'le vse th' perswasion which I gaue thy Lord , To humble his ambicious spirit , when I told him of the different state of Men , How in the eyes of men indeed they were Esteemed great , but when they should appeare , Before that high Tribunall , where all should , ( Though if they might auoid it , many would , ) Make their appearance , then the great should know , They were no more respected then the low : One aduocate , one Iudge , one barre one triall , Conscience the onely difference , when Deniall , Seald with abite , or th' accursed doome , Or th' inuitation with Venite come , Shall in that generall iudgement there expresse , Or weale , or woe , or hell , or happinesse : " So as when all are summon'd fore that seat , It 's better to be good , then to be great . For then , as well it may be vnderstood , They onely shall be great that are found good . But thou wilt aske , is there no comfort else ? Yes that there is , thy daily labour tells , There 's a reward of glory that 's reseru'd , For such as haue their Maister duely seru'd , In their vocation : there 's a penny too , Which though it be not giuen vnto thee now , Yet be assur'd , ( for he that spoke't is true ) " When th' euening comes , thou shalt receiue thy due . And though thou seeme a little while to stay , Doe not repine , it 's th' euening crownes the day . Wouldst know what I by th' Euening doe intend ? I meane the sun-set of thy life or end Of all thy pilgrime daies , which though they bee , A very death , or Martyrdome to thee , ( So little ioy conceau's thou vpon earth , ) Yet wil thy Comicke end include thy mirth , When from this Vale of labour and of care , Thou shalt vnto a mount of ioy repaire . When from this floting Sea , this fading cell , Thou shalt depart , and with thy Sauiour dwell . Yea on thy death-bed thou art comforted , Thinking how truly thou hast laboured . How many carefull nights thou hast orepast , Without the least of rest , how thy repast , Was not delighfull feeding with excesse , But th' bread thou eate was mixt with carefulnesse ▪ Noe houre without affliction or some griefe , And now to finde to all thy woes reliefe It may no little solace the , when th' end Of discontents shall bring thee to a friend That will in armes of charitie receiue thee , Where beeing lodg'd , no woe , no want can grieue thee . Happy translation , and by so much more , In that those Lordings which triumph'd before , And plaid vpon thy weakenesse , now shall stand , To th' doome which those oppressors of the land ▪ Are subiect to : tell me ( poore wormeling ) then , What difference there will bee twixt thee and them ? Great were they heere indeed , and did resemble , Those Bulls of Basan , yet see how they tremble , How quicke their powerfull greatnesse is made small , For little is their pompe , or none at all : See , see these Cedars now are strucke with thunder , And thogh they once sate high , their now broght vnder Those glorious titles which gaue wings to pride , Those gorgeous buildings made them deifide . Those many state-attendants , more or lesse , Like Sommer-Swallows following their successe . Are vanish't , ruin'd , and dispersed quite , Ther 's none of these can come into their sight , Yea which is worse in-steed of Eminence ; There is an enemy called Conscience , That still disturbs their quiet and their rest : Which if at peace there were continuall feast . But that 's impossible , such meanes as these ; Haue in themselues a thousand Witnesses , And these poore snakes cause they did heere contemn them , Shall with their Conscience stand there to condemne them , Where that same place , they are appointed to Shall Tophet be , their word , yee cursed goe . Thou seest then no difference doth appeare , Twixt thou and them saue onely when you 're heere A little garish vanity there is , Which doth include that happinesse of his , Who seemes so popular , yet thou shalt see , From thence is drawne his greatest miserie . For ( tell me ) doth no that externall state , Make him forget whereto he was create Doth 't not be ●ull his soule in sinnes delights , ( Not knowing how the flesh gainst spirit fights , ) Whereby he comes , which is the worst of all , To bring his reason to his senses thrall . Yea I haue heard of many great mens end , So full of feare and horrour ▪ as God send Me lesse delights on earth , so I may haue , A quiet easie passage to my graue . " For reason doth informe me , rare it is , That earths delight should bring a man to blisse ▪ More could I speake to comfort thy distresse , And more I was determinde , I confesse , To insist on thy affliction , but I found , By my Experience this especiall ground , Held euer firme when we doe comforts tutch , Such is mans nature he will take too much , Rather then too too little , yea it s sed ; More haue through store of comforts surfeted , The● such as from all outward solace p●nt , Haue famisht been through inward discontent . With Gedeons souldier therefore prest I am , Rather to lap , and like a Ionathan , To tutch the hony onely with my rod , Then on this subiect make too long aboad . Which that I may , from comfort I le descend , To faults in the which I would gladly mend . That God commands from whom proceeds all power , " Let each be subiect to 's Superiour . For it would breed confusion in the Land , If people did admit of no commaund . But like a Platoes Common-wealth , should be , Subiect to none , but in equalitie . Therefore that Lord , who of his grace doth loue vs , Hath ranked some below vs , some aboue vs . Aboue vs that we might be caution'd thence , To shew vnto them due obedience . Below vs , that we might thereby expresse , To them our loue , to God our thankefulnesse , Our loue , that we might our affection show , In loue to them that ranked are so low . Our thankefulnesse , that we should more receiue , Then other some , that more deserued haue . Againe , aboue vs , to acknowledge here , Without that power aboue , how weake we are . Below vs , that if we vnhappy Elues , Should grudge to see som greater then our selues , By seeing these wee might suppose they 're sent , By their degree to bid vs be content , In this same decent comly order then Of high and low , great and inferiour men , Thou ranked art , nor richest , nor most pore , For thou seest many goe from dore to dore , Whose scrips their store , whose wallet is their wealth , Whose staffe's their stay , whose treasure is their health . Now in thy ranke there 's many things I wish Thou wouldst reforme , which I doe see amisse . " As first for all thy pouerty and want , Thou hast a disposition arrogant : Rash , heady-selfe-wild , prouder then thy state Can well beare out , extreamely obstinate , Foolishly peremptory , saucy with all , Besides I see in thee ( I must tell all ) A factious wauering nature , apt to rise Through discontent , in any enterprise . A very Iack Straw , or a custome as●e , Alleadging such records as neuer was . A pest ' lent member to the Kingdomes quiet , Prone to diuision , enmity and riot , Sower of discord , selfe-conceitedly Wise , yet I cannot we●l imagine why . Yea , I haue seene , some of thy crew to gather , Like wild-geese for the wagging of a feather , Making strange combinations , which did tend , Still to their owne subuersion in the end . Some Terme agoe on one I chanct to light , Was come to towne to trie his tenant-right , With whom discoursing , he impart'd to me , Mongst other things how most iniuriously He and the rest which held one tenure there , About their state or title troubled were , And therewithall alleadgd that he could show , Customes and discords ( so he said ) enough , And that from Noahs indignation , when Of all the world there were but left 8 men ; No , this is true , quoth he , I will assure yee , Without delayer pannelled a Iurie : Where those 12. men ( the number scarse holds right ) Rising to 12 , that were before but eight , Found that our ancestry did hold in pottage , Now I imagine he did meane in Soccage , Which to make sure , this Custom speakes for vs , And he with that draws forth a Mittimus . This I may sweare , more then a sennet after , I could not thinke on , but was forc't to laughter . But now to thee , for I haue done thee wrong , To keepe me from discourse with thee so long , Whom I resolu'd to haue aduertised , Of these precedent errors mentioned ; " Conforme thy will vnto thy Lords commaund In fitting things , thou liu'st vpon his land . And art his liedge-man , therfore thou shouldst sho Thy selfe to him , as thou thy selfe doest owe . Vnto the Heyre to , a respect is due , For time may come when he shall pleasure you . Yet meane I not that thou shouldst pay a Fine , Vnto the heire now in his Fathers time , " For if I were an heire as I am not , " Believe it I would thinke that fine ill got . What I doe wish to the is briefely this , Successe in thy estate , as thou wouldst wish , Conformed so vnto thy Lands Lordheire , That with heauens Land●lord thou may liue elsewher● ▪ FINIS .

LOVES LABYRINTH : OR The true-Louers knot : INCLVDING The disastrous fals of two star-crost Louers PYRAMVS & THYSBE . A Subiect heeretofore handled , but now with much more proprietie of passion , and varietie of inuention , continued :

By RICHARD BRATHWAYTE .

Res est soliciti plena timoris amor .

At London printed by I. B. for Richard Redmor and are to be sold at the West dore of Pauls at the Starre . 1615.

CANDIDO ET cordato , Amico faelici Genio , perspicaci ingenio , Richardo Musgraue de Harcley Baronetto , coque titulo vere digno : Richardus Brathwaite hosce extremos Amatorum amplexus , grati animi permitias , solennique officio , perfunctas humillime Dedit , Dicauit , Dedicauit .

Richardus Musgraueensis .

ANAGRAMM .

Charus musis diurna reges .

Dystichon .

Sicut amas Musas , Musis redamaris ab ipsis , Charus vt es Musis , secla diurna reges .

Vpon the Dedicatorie . I Heare one aske me , if I could finde none , To dedicate this Poeme to , but one That 's now transplanted to another sphere , And better measures sings then anie 's here . It s true indeede , the world 's large and wide , And many were there I confesse beside , My now deceased - Patron , I could finde , But none so well agreeing with my minde ; He was one that I honour'd , and his worth Deseru'd a pregnant Muse to set it forth , Which though I haue not I will shew my best , To crowne him sleeping in the bed of rest , Where , while I write , my passion shall appere , By each lines accent mixed with a tere : But you will say this subiect cannot moue , Such firme impression , cause it treats of loue , A sadder straine would better fitting be " Drain'd from the streames of graue Melpomene , Where euery sentence might that passion breede , " as if himselfe were here portraide indeed ; This I could doe and so expresse him too ( But that his worth would be a shame to you . That are desertlesse to see him by Fate Lopt , that has left you much to imitate , Of honour I dare say , ( which ere 't be long , " May be a subiect to a better song . ) But I would haue you know how ere this is , It was from th' cradle nat'ralized his : Nor would I raze my Patrons dedicate , " How ere he seem'd to be obscur'd by Fate , But as I lou'd him liuing , my desire Is to expresse my loue vnto him higher Being now dead ; that though my friend be gone , Yet life and death to friendship may be one : For th' print of loue if it be stampt aright , Is most in heart when it is least in sight . FINIS .

VPON THE PREMAture death of the most Generous and Ingenious ; the right Worshipfull , Sir RICHARD MVSGRAVE Knight-Barronett of Hartley : Who died in Italy , being preuented of his religious purpose , intending to visit the holy Sepulchre of our Sauiour in Ierusalem , an EPICEDIVM : The Author Dedicates these Obit-teres , vnto his vertuous and modest Lady , the much honoured FRANCIS MVSGRAVE , Daughter to the truly honourable PHILIP LORD WHARTON . His Ladies Obit-teres . TEres I do shedde , yet are they shedde in vaine , Nor can they call him backe to life againe : A funerall Elegy . Yet sigh I will , to wake him from his sleep , Thus whilst he sleepes in Earth , on Earth i le weepe . So my sad groanes sent forth vnfeignedly May moue the hardest heart to pitty me , To pittie me , that though I cannot haue The priuiledge to see my husbands graue Yet may my teres ( as me it doth beh●ue ) Transported be to testifie my loue : My loue which euer shall these obites keepe , She can doe verie little cannot weepe .

Richardus Musgrauiensis . ANAGRAMM . Vnis resurgam charus diis . Dystichon . Nascimur & morimur : sed tu moriendo resurges , Gratior & sanctis , charior atque deis . De profectione eius ad Sanctiss . Christi Sepulchrum . Christus erat pretium , Christi quia morte sepulchrum ▪ perlustrare cupis ▪ quem moriendo capis .

Richard Musgraue . ANAGRAMM . Graces reward him : or We admire his grace .

Two Anagrammes included in one verse .

Dystich . Graces reward him , we admire his grace , Serue both as proper Mottoes for this place :

A funerall Elegie . The first t' expresse the hope of his reward , Whence is implie'd our comfort afterward .

Vpon his Graue . In Musgraues hearse I finde the Muses graue , For by his losse a Patron lost they haue : Yet he 's not lost , but is ascended higher , And sings with Muses of the heauenly quire .

His Character . Faire England gaue me breeding , birth , and name , Ierusalem was th' place where I did ayme , But loe my Sauiours graue I could not see , For my owne graue was made in Italy .

Vnto the Italian . Doe not contemne my corps Italian , I am th' remainder of a Gentleman , Who knew what honour was : so after-time May shew like loue to thee , thou showes to mine .

Vnto Report . To speake well of the dead is charitie , If thou be then a Christian , taxe not me Of what I did : ( if men , we 're prone to fall , ) Speake what is well , or do not speake at all .

More fidelium est Transitus ( de Morte ii Vitam . ( de Fide ii Noritiam . ( de Agone ii Brauium . ( de Peregrinatione ii Patriam . ( de Labore ii Refrigerium . ( de Expectatione ii Praemium . ( de Mundo ii Deum .

BERNARDVS .

Peregi officium morientis amici .

To all vnhappy Louers . COme neere me louers , crost by louers fate , And see these star-crost louers , that their sight , May somthing cheere the drowping of your state , Showing such beames of comfort in the night , Of your discomforts : that both loue and hate , " May make you happy louers by renew , " Had to these louers crost as well as you . You say you lou'd ; it 's true : and so did these ; " You say you lou'd a faire one ; so did he , Who fancied Thisbee ; you say louers peace , Is seldome purchas'd but by enmity , Deriu'd from parents : so did loue encrease , " In these vnhappy Louers , who were crost , By Parents meanes , of what they fancied most . Tell me then haplesse louer , hast thou cause To grieue at that which others haue endur'd , As if thou wert quite priuiledg'd from lawes , Firme in thy selfe , from louers hate secur'd , " O no , beleeue it , prickles hath the Rose , " The sweet her sower ; the hony-Bee her sting , " Loue though a toy , yet shee 's a toile somthing . Repose thee then vnhappy louer heere , And see loues fal in tragick measures fram'd , That when thou seest a louer loose his deere , Thou of like chance may neuer be asham'd Since thou art but as other louers were . " For shame it s none , to loose what s scarce begun , " But shame is 't not to doe what should be done . Your passion-pittier , Richard Brathwaite .

The Author vpon his infant Poeme . IF ought's amisse , imputed let it be , Toth ' time wherein this Poeme it was writ , Which was ( I must confesse ) my infancy Of Age , Art Iudgement , Knowledge , and of Wit : Nor doe I thinke it would this time befit , To meddle with my youths minority . Vnpolisht and vnhewd , I therefore send it Freely to th' World , that she may friendly mend it .

Vpon the Presse . TRide would I bin by th' Country , Bench , & Prince , Yet but a month agoe , no longer since , Was I for speaking ( as it may be thought ) And not for silence to the presse thus brought , Iudge you my friends what conscience there is in 't : By th' weights I beare the errors of the Print .

The Argument of Pyramus and Thysbe . CHildrens loue and Parents hate , Pure affection cros'd by fate . True their loue , so true to either , That they chusd to die together . Curteous woodnimphs , Tigres fierce , " Wash with teares their doleful hearse , Mirtle branches , roses sweete . " Satyres strow about their feete . Woodnimphs with their Syrens voice , Call their parents by their noise . Who with pace ( slow pace God wot , ) " Made hast they could , yet hasted not ; Till they saw their children lie , " Arme in arme full louingly . Oft they sought , but all in vaine , To bring life to them againe . Trickling teares came dropping downe , " Groues with teares were ouerflowne , Water mixt with crimson blood , " Made a deluge where they stood . This bees obsequies they see , " Grauen in an Oliue tree , Their bones to ashes they doe burne And place them in one sacred vrne . That as their loue was all in all , So they might haue one Buriall . To this shrine , this statue faire , Louers wont for to repayre . Who to confirme their sincere Loue , Offered them a Turtle Doue . But when their reliques scattered were , Maids nere after offered there Their wonted incense , but forsooke , The Altar which was wont to smoke , With mirrhe and thime , which they did burne , With solemne rites about their vrne . Yet lest their fame should so decay , Their tombe is to be seene this day , Which first erected was to be , Conseruer of their memory .

Pyramus and Thysbe . NImrods faire City , beauteous Babylon , which admirations eies once gaz'd vpon , Though grac'd in all , in nought so gracious , as in her Thysbe , and yong Pyramus . Thysbe a maid as faire , as faire could be , he for his sexe , was full as faire as she . These two resplendent starres , shone in one sphere , and by contiguate mansions bordering neere , Renewd their loues vnhappy memory , press'd downe too much by parents iealousie . Aye me too iealous , to preuent that good , of sincere loue which cannot be withstood . These two debar'rd of meeting , not of louing , for loue , though smothred , hath an inward moouing Sought means to shew their mutual loue by woing , supplying that in words , they mist in doing . Their walls abutting neree , so neere did meet , That these two Saints might each another greete . A chinke there was , which Thysbe soone espies , for maids in wanton feats , haue Linceus eyes . Which beeing seene ( well seene ) she did repaire each morne betime to see if he were there : At last he spies it , ( men haue duller witte , then women haue , yet better manage it . ) This crany was the shrine to which they came , where either call'd on other , by their name . And with deuotion ech to other kneeled , protesting loue , hid loue , so long concealed . Why should our Parents , Pyramus would say , seeke to protract our loues by long delay ? Or why should we , with such precisenesse shunne , that which our parents long before haue done ? Suppose their loue was pure : our loue 's as pure , they full as fond as we , were drawen to th' lure . And why , my Thysbe , should that comely face , for all her feature , haue a ciphers place ? Thou art no shadow , but a substance ( deare ) in substances , impressions best appeare . Then for my loue , thy ioy , and beauties sake , that seemes eclyps'd , let me th' impression make . Le ts to the field , aye me , we cannot goe , we are immur'd within the grate of woe ; And why should I , fond man , my Thysbe moue , to wanton pleasure ? where 's no vse of loue ; I know thou lou'st , in that thy griefe is more , pent from that St which thou would fain adore . Thysbe stood peeping through this narrow chinke and though she spake nought , yet shee more did think , Her blush , her smile , her bittng of her lip , did all the secrets of her hart vnrippe . Thus whilst they stood both standing at a bay , wishing some priuate passage , or some way , To consummate their vowes : in comes her mother , which made them take their leaue one of another . She skoold her daughter : what my tricksie girle , are you besotted with this worthlesse pearle , This beauties blossome ? faire enough , but poore , dote on the rich , affect his rags no more . Mother ( quoth Thisbe ) you are much decau'd , if I may speake with reuerence , he nere crau'd Loue at my hands : what did he here , quoth she , that he so priuate should discourse with thee ? He is ( quoth Thisbe ) come from Salamine , and brought me grapes , pluckt from that tender vine Aetolus planted , which she gaue in hast , vnto her mother , praying her to tast : Shee tooke and tasted : fruits variety seru'd at that time for her Apology . The pitchy shade of night approach't at hand , when Screech-owles , Fauns , and Satyres haue command Where skipping in their lawne and flowry groue , Siluane to Siluane consecrates his loue . Yet when each chirping bird , goes to her nest , loues eyes be open , and can take no rest . Beasts to their caues resort , surcease to prey , feeding on that they purchas'd by the day . Each creature in his kind dispos'd to sleepe , but feruent loue continuall watch doth keepe ▪ He tosseth in his bed , wishing it day , hoping thereby his cares to throw away . Yet when the night is past , the day yeelds more , then ere the night affoorded him before . Thus Pyramus enthrall'd twixt hope and feare , hopes , though smal fruit of hope in him appeare . He cannot sleepe nor wake , but twixt them both , sleeping and waking as a letharge doth . Oft would he hugge his pillow in his arme , and cling it fast about , to keepe it warme . Supposing it was Thysbe , and would sweare , no creature ere could be more welcome there , Streight would he call on Hymen , then inuite , his friends and kinsfolke to his nuptiall rite . And faigning their replies , thanks he would giue , vowing requitall once , if he should liue . Oh what distractions haunt a louers minde passing those bounds which nature hath assign'd , Nought vpon earth , but limits hath we see , but boundlesse loue can nere contained be . Hearbs yeeld a soueraigne cure to euery wound , but for loues cure , in hearbs no vertue 's found . Then blest is he , and in an happie state , who for loues dart is made inuulnerate . Yet was it hard to see and not to loue , Thysbe's admired beauty , which could mooue , Serpents , birds , plants brute beasts which grase & feed , more then ere Orpheus with his musicke did . Her goulden tresses , pure ambrosian , Fairer then all the twists Arachne span , Shone far more bright then Phoebus glistring raies , by all mens iudgements , meriting more praise ; Her corall lip , ( no lip ) but ports of pleasure , which seem'd to open to whole mines of treasure , Appeard so sweet , that all was sweet about it , for I am sure nought could be sweet without it . Her brests two iuory mounts , mounts may I cal them for many vales of pleasant veines empall'd them These like two borders , did such sweets display , that who lodg'd there , lodg'd in the milkie way . Below a shady vale , aye mee that shade , which nature in her owne despite had made , Had made for glory of that sacred mount , with the sweet Nectar of a liuely fount . A still distilling fount , an heauenly riuer , for there s no earthly spring can spring for euer . Her wanton gate , her glance , her smile , her toying , all ioy'd in one , shewed pleasure in enioying . So as ᵇ Euphrates , where this city bounded , vents vp his passions , for he oft resounded Beating his bancks , and eccoing in the aire , and then retiring backe , seem'd to despaire . That Thysbe could not loue a sencelesse one , at which repining , he would make his mone . Hath not my current ere renowned beene , for th' easie passage of my quiet streame ? Hath not my torrent yeelded much content , to gild his meanes , whose meanes where wholly spent ? Haue I not suffered much ? sustain'd great paines , fraughting your trauaile with a double gaines . And for supporting of so many shippes , may not Euphrates graze vpon her lippes , Whom thus he loues ? vnthankfull coast ( quoth he ) respecting least , who did the most for thee . This being said , hee could expresse no more , but in a loue-sicke passion , bett the shore . And to ᶜ confirme , what I haue heard men say , he left his course and tooke another way . If sencelesse riuers that were neuer seene to loue , or care for louing , held no meane , In their affecting Thisbe : what should hee that had both sence and reasons purity ? Pure in his mind , and faire in beauties shew , Narcissus second for his comely hew : Lipp'd like Ador is , Frycina loued , shaped like Alexis Pollyos approoued . Grac'd with a smiling countenance , which did breed , a louely white , mix'd with a comely red . Two sparkling eyes pierciue as Diamond , which , whersoere they gas'd , they seem'd to wound , That though the Sun were set , yet his bright eies shone as the Beames which from the sun doe rise : The night being gone , too long god wot in going , her wandring lights to Tethis banks bestowing , Titan came peeping in at Thyisbes chamber , whom she reflected with her locks of amber . Each other greeting , as if had beene there , two Suns at once , both in one hemysphere . Hard was the combat , but more hard it were , to tell whose beams diffus'd their light most clear , Yet in the end Titan in an angry mood , seeming surpast , did hide him in a cloud . Thysbe puts on her cloths , blest were those cloths , thrice happy shade , that shadow'd such a Rose , Where being dressed , not dress'd as shee would bee , she tooke her to her praiers religiously . High heauens ( quoth she ) from whence al pleasures flow , deigne some of them on Thysbe to bestow . For by your power , which I doe much adore . I loue but that which you haue lou'd before . Thou thundring Ioue , did dote as well as I , when thou desired with Danae to lye ; Which to effect , thou turn'd her to a showre . a Goulden showre her beauty to defloure , For cloth'd in lightning , Danae denaied , to ioyne with thunder : afterward arr●id In dewie moisture , ( moisture we do loue , ) she cast off shame , and did thy shape approue . And Iuno lou's Ixion for his kisse , Venus , Adonis , for his comelinesse . , Daphne ( poore Laurell ) chased by Apollo , running as fast before as he did follow ▪ Thus did your loue , your lust , your thoughts renew , if I thinke ill , I thinke no worse then you . And well may gods with womens sexe dispence , Since they were first authoris'd their offence . My loue 's not spotted with lasciuious tutch , vnlesse it be by louing ouermuch . Nor branded with the note of Infamie , but pure as Delia Queene of Chastitie . Thoughts are the worst , my actions they be cleare , & he'se no man whose thoughts nere soyled were . Then pardon if I loue , suppose it zeale , whose passions be too hote for to conceale : Leauing her Orisons , composed of Loue , loue dallying praiers : her eyes aside she moues , And sees the chinke ▪ which she first saw before , which did augment her dolors much the more . For shee recall'd to minde , to memory , her mothers chiding , fathers Ielousie ; Both which a streame of teares extract from her , as if pale death her comforts should interre . Oft would she call on louely Pyramus , with smothered speech , as one suspitious : Lest the pure ayre , and walls adioyning neere , should prattle loue vnto her parents eare . Oft would she nibble out a stone or two , to make the crift seeme bigger to the show Of her deepe loue : for they suspected were , therefore debard , lest they should come too neer . Pyramus pent vp all this while , at last , gets out and hies him to the chinke as fast . Where what discourse their mutuall loue affoorded , seem'd by the Gods in heauen to be recorded . Either with greedy eye gasing on other , Thysbe look'd backe somtimes , doubting her mother : For she suspected much her iealous eye , in her loues presence to be euer by . Enuious wall oft would these louers say , diuide thy selfe and let vs haue a way , To meete , to kisse , to parley and relate , the solemne festiues of our nuptiall state . Why should thy marble stuctures hold vs out , whose loue encircles Babilon about ? Or why should terrene composition moue a breach or separaration of our loue ? Loue is celestiall : thou a marble shrine , why shouldst thou hinder loue that is diuine ? And yet we cannot so ingratefull be , but we must offer vp our thanks to thee ; Our vowes , our giftes , our best pris'd sacrifice , in that thou yeelds a passage to our eyes , Yeelding some comfort in this gloomie night , supplying kisses with the vse of sight . Loue hath some harmonie , some small agreeing , for what it wants in tutch it hath in seeing . Hesperias garden was by serpents kept , whose euer watching eye-liddes neuer slept . And Colchis Fleece was kept as warily , till Iasons meanes obtain'd the victorie So be our loues immur'd , interred rather , by two suspicious dames , one subtile father . Then would they kisse the wall and oft entreat , that in compassion it would let them meet . We willl not tell our parents , nor expresse , who t was , gaue way vnto our happinesse . Louers be faithfull , of our faiths beleeue vs , since this straight durance cannot chuse but grieue vs . The wall replyde not : yet their words had force , piersing her hardnesse , foftned with remorse . For euer since , as well it may appeare , the marble sheds each morne a Trickling teare , Thus did these louers passe the weary morne , depriu'd of that which louers best adorne , And that is priuate meeting , which being missing , we beat the aire but with conceit of kissing , A vaine conceit , to dally with delight , Expecting sun-shine in a clowdy night . Imparadis'd in ioyes he cannot be , that 's clad in sable roabs of misery . Oh then conceiue what sorrow he sustaines , that in perpetuall languishment remaines . O what distractions do his ioyes disseuer , feeding like vultures on his hart for euer . If ᶜ Zeuxes pictured grapes , so liuely were ; That many birds in flocks repaired there , Pecking vpon his statues , and did brow se vpon his liuely grapes , meere liueles showes . Well may we thinke , that Ioue himselfe can make , a farre more liuely , and proportion'd shape , Then a poore painter ; though his Grapes seeme ripe , yet they were drawne from Ioues first Archetype . Then Ioues best picture , Natures admiration , Thysbe , euen Thysbe made for recreation , May well be thought to draw each bird each beast , from Pastures greene , vpon her lippes to feast . It were a festiue banquet there to be , whose breath is Nectar , breathing deity . Here Pyramus would be , if heauens would grant it , for he esteemes no treasure , whilest he wants it , Since such a Iewell , such a pretious Gem , in that it 's rare , is more admired by men . Thus Tantalised , the Gods doe seeme to loue him , setting him fruite , but fruite too farre aboue him : For when his lips ( pure lips ) should but com ny them they mocke his lips and in dirision flie them . Dost flie my lips ( quoth he ) ô doe not flie me , for what I doe , I doe it but to trie thee , To trie thy loues which though our parents thwarted our conioin'd loue disioin'd shall nere be parted , Well may our bodies be disioin'd a sunder , but loue 's to head-strong , none can keepe it vnder : Loue is free-borne , it cannot seruile be , to begge for curtesie with a bended knee . Thysbe kept concord , for each word he spake , seem'd her retired passions to awake , Stird vp her spirit , as inspir'd by fate , making her stout that was effeminate . Continue thy intendments sweete , quoth she , and as thy shadow I will follow thee , Passing a sea of dangers launching deepe , ●ill ● the shadow to the substance creepe , Passe or 't as forrest , snow-cliued Caucasus , Thysbe will follow steps of Pyramus ; The ᶜ Riphea● Mountaines , or the Hetririan plaines , Each morne resounding with the notes of swains , If thou loue Vin●lus , with her fragrant spices , or Eric●hea famous for deuices : Thysbe will follow thee with speed she may , only , her trauaile with thy loue repaie . But these are but discourses of our ill , which if not cured , be augmented still . For that you know renues the maladie , which rubs the sore , and yields no remedie : For why should any labour me remoue , From that admired mirror whom I loue . And I am of that nature : more they hold me , from fancying thee , more passions do enfould me ; Then plot ( my Pyramus , ) contriue , inuent , that we may harbour loue in loues content , Till wearied with ioy , wearyed too soone , thou leaue adoring of the watrie Moone . Where being cloyed with the sweetes of loue mayst leaue the vale , and taste the fruits aboue . Thou art my sheepheard , I will be thy plaine , I the poore cottage , thou the homely swaine , Thou shalt refresh thy selfe vpon my banckes , which hauing don , I know thou'le giue me thanks , For my diffused streames , streams meerely sent , not much enforc'd from Thysbes continent , Come then , for why should any marble wall being materiall substance , so appall Our ardent wishes , wishes which proceede from loue-sick passions , which more passions feed . Let our distilling teares congeal'd in one , dissolue the hardnes of this flinty stone . Remorse may moue this stone by diuine wonder , to let vs meet , diuide herselfe a sunder . This said , maine riuers of distreaming teares , in their woes-torrents purblinde eies appeares , Seeking , but seeking all in vaine God wot , to moue that shrine which weeping moued not . It wept to see true loue so straite confinde , disioyn'd by fates , which fauours had combinde . It wept to see their parents so vnkinde , to curbe their bodies presence , whose pure minde , Rapt with content of seeing , not enioying , acts discontent , debard of further toying . It wept to see their minds so well agreeing in one selfe place , not to haue one selfe-being ▪ It wept and much repin'd that dismall fate , Should crosse pure loue by loue-disioyned hate : And pittying their case shed many a teare , Shedding so many , she her selfe did were . Oh what hard harted parents had these two , since what the stones allow'd , they 'l not allow , Reproouing that in theirs , themselues affected , soiling their youth with what their youth respected Are these the fruits and honours of our time , the fruitlesse blossomes of a sterile clyme ? Are these our louing Sires ? oh no , they are hard , to presse downe loue , that cannot be debar'd . You high resplendent heauens , whose cherishing heat with seasoned warmth , our spacious borders greet , Temper such parents hearts , as are not won , till both their line and linnage be vndone . Soften their stifned minds , oppress'd with rage , playing sharpe tyrants in declining age . For why should they find fault their children play , since in their prime they playd as much as they . Decrepit age , stilted for want of strength , with brinish teares deplores their sins at length ; But thus I conster't : They their age deplore , theyr youth is spent , and they can doe no more . And like an enuious viper , would haue none , to vse their strength , because their strength is gone . But old age ers in this ▪ experienc'd wit swaies their proceedings , youth abandons it . Nor doe they know what hurt poore maides receiue , to pen them vp from that they wish to haue . For though they be immur'd in walles of Brasse , Loue hath her loope-holes by which she will passe ▪ Inspite of iealous dotage , and espies some priuy chinke , though wacht by ᵍ Linceus eies , For loue enclos'd like raging elements of fire and water , though imprisoned , vents , And must eruption haue , it cannot be an heauenly motion should want libertie . h Eurydice though shes enforc't to dwell , in Stygian Plutoes court infernall hell , Yet her transmounting passions doe remoue themselues from hell vnto the earth aboue . Poore swaine Dorinda though by Satires kept , in a vast caue , whose watchfull eies nere slept , But with reflexion both by night and day , had speciall care lest she should get awaie , Comforts her selfe in louing , fearing not , but chast desires ore long would get her out , Loue is enfranchisd not in bonds retained , spotlesse as Christall , for no soile can staine it . The boistrous windes shut vp in iron grates , on each occasion and intendment waites , When they come forth their tempests hurrie more grieu'd at their durance , then they did before . That morn which sends her glittering raies too soone , sables her sunne in cloudes ere it be noone . But when its long ere that her beames appeare , we doe presage ere night they 'le shine more cleere . ⁱ Thetis exiled from her marine seate , a willing exile with the Sea●nimphs meetes , To celebrate Achilles funeralls , in sable robes , in dismall festiuals . Each wept whole flou●s of teares to wash his hearse , whereon engrauen was a doleful verse ; That no hard hearted passenger came by , but seeing it , would sheede teares instantly : Some made relation of his valiant spirit , some of the glory which his acts did merit : And wofull Brusis one amongst the rest , being his captiue , whom she loued best , Emburied him with liquid streames of sorrow , renewing griefe with each renewing morrow . So did these louers , louers too sincere , rise ere the morning daystar could appeare , Bewayling much their parents frowardnesse , that kept them from the support of happinesse ▪ Happie , if happy in enioying loue , to see the Turtle billing with the Doue , The skipping Kid , the Goate , the pensiue Hinde , consorting each with other in their kinde : Yet these two louers are debard from this ; what brute beasts haue , they haue not but in wish : And wishes yield small comfort , poore releefe to such as are prest downe with heapes of griefe . O that heauens splendor , her translucent eie should see , and seeing , pietie miserie , Yet suffer man to be oppres'd therewith , Making him die a neuer dying death . Or why should man endu'd with reasons light , In his owne bowels harbour such a fight , As may subuert the pallace of the soule , ecclipsing it , making her bewty foule ; Conuerting that by her depraued will , as first seem'd good to some apparant ill ; Not gathering hony from each bitter flower of discontent , nor reaping sweet of sower , But in distractions passionate we run , in headlong course till that we be vndone : And then despairing , we reside in woe shut vp in shelfes : we know not where to goe . The sillie Bee that labours in her hiue , in her Hyblaean works addres'd to striue , With nature in proportion : seemes to make , more for her selfe then nature for her sake , In her digesting and disposing fit , what she had gathered by her natiue wit , ●he rests secure of loue , worse hap haue we , opprest with loue-sick passions then hath she But heauens haue so decreed ; this is our lotte Creatures that haue most reason , most should dote . Thus each ore-shadowing eu'ning shadowed hope , ayming at loue , loue was their onely scope : At which they leuelled : But ( 'las ) disdaine soaring aloft , the frute of loue retaines : Lockt from all comfort , shut from sweete repose , she to their parents doth their loue disclose . Telling them how their children made repaire , vnto a chinke which breath'd a cooling aire . Yeelding content enough : and they should see that ere long time Thysbe would frutefull bee . Their parents stamp'd , but Tymon most of all , for hee was rich and feard his daughters fall . Yet well he could haue brook'd her nuptiall bed , if he were rich that should his daughter wed . Fie on such Gould-adoring parentage , that rests respectlesse both of youth and age , Who measure loue by wealth are sure to haue , Midas his eares , depriu'd of what they craue , They wrest their childrens minds to make them taste , the sweet of Gold , which works their baine at last . ᵐ Thus parents are as vipers to their seed , since they their venome in their bosomes feede . Which like to Naptha that being once inflamed , Burnes of it selfe , and cannot be restrained . But loue the more repressd the more confin'd , encreaseth so much more in louers minde . ⁿ For though their watchfull eies did still looke ore them , Gods pittying their distres did more deplore them . And Ioue himselfe yields soueraigne remedy , to these two louers fraught with misery . And well might Ioue yield comfort to their wounds , since he his passions on like passions grounds . For he ( though God ) did doate as well as man , transforming Leda to a milke white Swan . Ioue in his aiery throne with piercing eies , these louers griefes from high Olimpus spies , And spying them oppres'd , pres'd downe with louing their humane passions force a diuine mouing . You fruitfull sprigs sprung of a fruitfull tree , I heare your plaints , and I doe pittie yee , That the ioynt tablet of two louing hearts should be deuided into seuerall parts . Hard-hearted Parents , made of Marble sure , Or else they could not such distresse endure , That their owne budding blossoms which did grow , from their vnseasoned bosome should bestow Their oile , their labour in affections straines , yet kept in thraldome by their parents reynes . But I that haue the Regiment aboue , rules Cupids arrows , knows the vse of loue , I that haue poasted down from heauens high sphere , to Danae , Io , and the milke-maides here , And to Latona bewties sacred Queene , yet to this hower , as Ioue I nere was seene , Nor euer knowen , such was our diuine power , transuming shapes of plants and roarie showers , Will pittie your affections and apply , Vnto your wounds are present remedy . For we ( as men ) do naught of woemen craue , but what they well may giue , and we may haue . If the oreshadowing cloudes whose duskie face , obscures heauens splendor , Sols refulgent grace ▪ If misty vapours , foggy excrements , thickned by mixture of grose elements , If Heauen , earth , Sea , plants , stones , or serpents may yield you content , or can your woes allay , Rely on me ; for Ioues high diademe , was first ordained to succour wretched men , And by the flagrant cresset of the Sunne , we le either see your minds vnited one , Or else my power shall contradict her selfe , Making affection vassaile vnto pelfe , Which were discordant musique , harsher straines , then ere Pan sung among his countrie swains For its not fit that hand-maids should command vs or subiect powers should in their acts withstand vs . Pelfe ( worlds trash ) in lowest ranke should sit , loue as a Mistris framd to manage it : For who will contemne the daie , the night adore , set best behinde , and worst part before . Ioue hauing in compassion seene their woes , to ᵒ Hesperus the euening st●r he goes , And bids her shew her light , for by her aide , she might yeeld succour to a helplesse maide , Hesperus roused , rous'd before her time in heauens horizon streight began to shine : Ore cannoping heauens beawtie with a clowde , all which by Ioue himselfe was well allowde , Then wandring starrs in different dignity , sent out their lights disparkled orderly . Arctophilax begotten of the beare , and Cassiopeia likewise did appeare , The Pleiades , Orion , with the rest , Castor and Pollux , whom Ioue loued best ; All these consort and make one constellation , at Ioues command for louers recreation . The heauens be-sprinkled thus with sundry lights , limit the day by bringing on the night , To comfort wearied spirits spent with toyle , whose troubled brains the night-time shuld assoil . For Ioue at first conceiuing mortall seede , amidst his labors some repast to need , Created night those cares to take away , which had beene fostred on the toilesome day . Night wished night , to Louers that desire to be partakers of that heauenly fire , Cupid ( blind boy ) infuseth in their brest , which once infus'd engendreth their vnrest . But it s no matter , leaue we cannot louing , though bitter fruits redound to our approuing : This gloomy night yeelds comfort to their wo , For Ioue had showen the place , where they should go . To Ninus toomb , a toomb to bury griefe shaded with couert , fit for loues reliefe : These two blest louers , blest in loues appearing , addresse their eye for sight , their eare for hearing . L●st their suspicious Parents should sift out , Their fond intendments which they went about : The Night was very darke , darke nights be best , For such as on the day-time take no rest . Since each disparkling beame which doth appeare , yeelds to a Iealous louer cause of feare . But duskie nights which Louers best approue , giue free accesse of parly vnto loue . Thisbe loue-sicke , for loue had made her sicke , time thus occasioned , findes a pretie tricke To gull her keepers and her Parents too , which who can blame her , all that loue will doe : Deere be our Parents loues , their wils , their blessing● by which we prosper : deerer be the kissings Of those we loue sincerely from our heart , for where they be there is our chiefest part . No vnfrequented desert can remoue our hearts from them whom we entirely loue . No distance can disioine vnited mindes , no labyrinth fram'd with Meanders winds : We rest the same or else it cannot be , that our affections ground on constancie . Thisbe with creeping pace pac'd ore the floore , oyling the hinges of the creeking dore , Lest it should shew her meaning to her mother , whose eies she q feared more then anie other . For they were too too iealous and would spie , more in her dealing then her fathers eye : For he was bed-rid and could hardly moue his sencelesse ioints and knew not what was loue : Yet this bed full of bones , this sap-lesse wretch had sap within his chest , for he was rich ; And more , for which all wisemen-may deride him , he euer lov'd to haue his golde beside him : For on his trash he was so deeply rooted , that he ( fond-man could neuer sleepe without it : Thus had he much , yet he desir'd much more his gold , his Idole which he did adore . And though he had no vse for that he got , yet he f●om raking more surceased not . Which punishment was first inflict'd by Ioue , Rich men should haue no vse of what they loue ; But in an●n-bred appetite to golde , delight to haue it euery minute tolde : Which being done making an endlesse paine , they tell their trash and put it vp againe . Thus did this aged Tymon : and respected , wealth more then youth of girles most affected , For richlesse was the scope he leuel'd at , hee le call none sonnes but men of good estate . Worth worthlesse seemes , if worth haue no retire , nor means by which their honour might aspire . For beggar Irus whose estate was poore , made Ithacus to driue him out of dore . And seeing him arraide in beggars list , in furious passion slew him with his fist . Thus men are made respectlesse for their want , and pouerty , though faire , yet whole not taunt ? Deeming them most vnfit of honours throne , that haue more wit then fortune of their owne , But he that poiseth worth as worth should be , will not obscure true worth for pouertie ; Being the substance and maine difference , twixt sauage beasts and humane excellence . And more is trash inferior to the minde , then pith of trees superior to the rinde : Thysbe escaping , hies her to the place which was appointed : her admired face Cast such a lustre on the plaines belowe , as sleepy mountaines couered with snow . In Maiden white appareld : maides should be arraied so to shew their modestie ; Such piercing eyes she had , which shon so bright , that they gaue day vnto a gloomy night : So that each Wood-nimph , Faune and Satyre there , rose from their caues perceiuing light appeare . Siluanus god of woods and desert groues , his shaggy head from off his pillow moues ; And halfe asleepe seeing his arbour shine and all about him , long before his time He girds his quiuer to him , and drew neere to Ninus toombe , where sun-beames shon most cleere : Where he no sooner came ; ay me ! too soone to that vnluckie shrine that ominous toombe : But seeing her he cast all sleepe aside , sewing , and suting Thysbe for his bride . Mirror of women , best of Natures art , heare a poore wood-god that hath pledg'd his heart To thee and to thy feature : heauenly queene that would these flowry thickets well beseeme , Sit thee downe here : this is an arbour sweet , where al the wood nymphs vse each euen to meet Making a concord ; whose mellifluous sound , would glad the birds and all the desert round : The Nimphs shall make their praiers and renew , each morne their hymnes , that they may pleasure you The Muses nine from Pyerus shall descend , and to our musique their attention lend , Where if there anie discord chance to be , Muses themselues will yeeld a remedie . There Clio , Erato , and Melpomene , Euterpe , Thalia , and Calliope , Terpsychore , Vrania , and that sweet tong'd Poly-himnia singing at thy feet All these shall grace thee in this rurall plaine , if thou canst brooke to loue a Countrie swaine : Yet am I borne more high then mortall men . deriu'd from gods euen of immortall stem , ᵗ Sprung my beginning , therfore scorne not me , since if thou match thou match's with deitie . The flowery shrubbs thou seest doe I command , nay euen the Cedar which so high doth stand , Rests at my power : there is no branch doth grow , whose moisture doth not from Syluanus flow . The sweetest spices of Arabia , the preciou'st perfumes breth in Lidia , Smell by my meanes : for my celestiall power , can make each stinking weede a fragrant flower . Then deare affect me , for no perfume's good ▪ if I want thee that perfumes euery Wood.

Thysbees replie . IF you ( quoth Thysbee ) as you doe professe , deriue your birth from gods then shew no lesse● maid , For it s not fit that gods with starres araid , and heauens immortall sphaeres , should loue a ᵘ A Countrie lasse best fits a Countrie swaine , his oaten pipe best suites with her harsh straine . Those gods that in Olympus regiment , sit and beare rule skorne baser elements . Then if you be diuine , as sure you be , surcease your suite which yeelds indignity ▪ To that high of-spring whence you did proceed , staine not your loue with any mortall seed . Doth mine high linage ( quoth Syluanus ) shew , that I am too diuine to match with you ; Thou art sure born of that ambrosian aire , which is infus'd in me : thou art too faire To be of mortall race , oh do not then debase that faire so much to mach with men : Yet if thou wilt not match but with a swaine , He be no god that I thy loue may gaine . A shepheards habite I wil take vpon me , if in that habite I may liue with thee . For credit me ( heauens saint ) if thou partake of man , all men i le honour for thy sake : Then loue Siluanus , doe not blush be free , loue god or swaine , Syluanus both will be .

Thisbees reply . IT ill becomes , quoth ●he , your peerelesse state , with silly maides to be importunate : You should protect our weaknesse and defend our brittle sexe , and euer be a friend To womans weake proceedings , ceasing still to drawe deuoted Virgins to your will : We that are consecrate to Vestas shrine , must in no lasciuious meetings spend no time . If thou ( quoth he ) to Vesta dedicate thy vowes , thy hests : what mak'st the here so late ? For well I know dame Vesta cannot bide her maides should walke alone in euening tide . And those that meane to satisfie her will . , must both be chast and feare suspicions ill . Thysbe stood mute , she knew not what to say , without reply she went a prety way And could not answer , for her tripping tongue and modest silence told she spoke a wrong . For she nere Vesta lou'd nor Vestas order , but this was best excuse the time afford'd her . Churlish Syluanus ( for he was a churle ) so to importune a poore Countrie girle , Halfe mad with anger that she would not yeeld vnto his suite : takes in his hand his shield , And raging sternely , sweares he meanes to goe , where he will plunge her in a depth of woe . Are you so coy ( quoth he ) that you le denie , to ioine with gods immortall deitie ? We le learn young girles manners if we liue , and make them ●ew , that they our power should grieue With this he went fast crot●ing vp the hill , pursuing hot the proiect of his will . Intending to command some sauage beast , vpon her , whom he lou'd , he lik'd to feast . And reaching neere vnto the hill aboue , he wagg'd his hand , and ask'd if she would loue ? But she denied him loue : doe you denie me ? fond ? quoth Syluanus , sauages shall trie thee , And thy affection : which no sooner said , then he sent out a Lion to this Maide . A Lion new returnde from rauening pray , came to the fount , his blood to wash away . Where with a shaking pace he seem'd to come towards the place appointed Ninus tombe . But Luna pitting poore Thysbes case , sends out her light , to tell her who it was That now approach'd her , whom no sooner spide , then in a Caue , poore Thysbe did her hide . But out alasse for feare , she ran so fast , that she forgot her tire through too much hast : For she all breathl●sse , and quite out of winde , running so fast did leaue her tire behind . And as one carelesse of her weale or woe , distressed thus , she knew not were to goe , Carelesse of what she left or what she had , not knowing what was good , from what was bad . Yet nature grafts in all a natiue feare , by which th' euent of all things doe appeare , As we conceaue yeeld daunger to our state , and feare by time , lest we should feare too late . Thus she pent vp within a desart caue , with sobs & sighes , expresse what she would haue , For in that Caue she wish'd her loue were there , For loues embraces would exempt her feare . Oft did she thinke the Lion staid without , and therefore trembling Thysbe made a doubt , To take the open ayre , but pent within , wish'd in her heart , she had caractred him , Whom she admires and loues , whose sweet respect , makes her to haue her parents in neglect . But he too slow , aye me , too slow in doing , being so forward in his formall woing : Staies too too long , being more warely kept , by such sharpe keepers , that all night nere slept : But as one grasing Hart the rest doth keepe , by watchfull eyes warning the rest that sleepe ; So euer one was waking , that might call vpon the rest if any thing befall : The Lion hauing quencht his scorching thirst , with springing water which he long'd for first : Found Thysbes tyre , and with his bloody pray , besmeard the same , which done , he went away . Now in the end Pyramus tooke a time , a time too late to answere loue diuine : Yet in this silent course of nighterne race , with quick recourse he runs vnto the place . ᶻ So that to see him frolick ore the plaine , were worth more prise then ᶻ Hipodamias gaine ▪ For golden apples drew her tempting eie , But this young youth affects no vanity But the true touch of loue : vaine , if abused ▪ but precious as pure gold , if rightly vsed . Then who wil blame vs , labours to endure , if we by labours can our loue make sure ? For constant loue no trauaile will eschew , that constant loue by trauaile may renew . Alcides he can serue the Lidian queene , in spinning , carding , which doe ill beseeme So stout a mirrors magnanimity , but he must doe it , there s no remedy . For when his manly nature did withstand it , one glance of her could wel enough command it . No spacious co●fines nor indurate labour , if these ore-past , could purchase ere her fauour , Would he refuse : one smile reward enough , for all the labours he had passed through . Thysbe the troph●e of his breathing course , Thysbe the garland which doth him enforce . Her he respects , and whiles he runs apace , he meditates of Thysbes beuteous face ; Her comely feature made for Adons shrine , whose Iuory orbs like Pelops shoulders shine , Had made that deep impression in his heart , that Nature seem'd to striue with Natures Art . Nature had giuen her much , Art much the more , Art decking that which Nature dres'd before . For that same creature cannot perfect be , where Art and nature ioyne not mutuallie . If you would haue the module of true wit , Nature creates , but Art must polish it . Thysbe was perfect both in Natures ●ew , and artificiall colours , which did shew , As if both Art and Nature should contend ▪ to make her such an one no skill could mend ; For she was witty ▪ pregnant , full of fauour , Dictinna like , sent out a fragrant sauour , That when she walkt ' in Babilons faire streete , she made the kennel with her perfumes sweet . Pyramus comming , comming all too late , to Ninus tombe expects his bewteous mate . Whom when he could not finde , he fear'd her end . Feare is an adiunct to a faithfull friend . Roundly he goes vnto the siluer spring , where all the water-nimphs were wont to sing , In honour of their Goddesse and her bewty , to whom they offred hymnes as was their duty . He ask'd the Nimphes if they his Thysbe knew , describing her , and eke her matchlesse hew : And if they did , he praid them seeke about their Nectar springs with him to finde her out , For if you be immortall , as you seeme , and dedicate your seruice to your Queen , A beter seruice sure you cannot doe her , then to redr●sse them owe their seruice to her . This if you will in your compassion doe , I sweare each morne I le offer thime to you . Better then any Hyble , can affoord , with musick sweete to which the heauens accord , And euer rest deuoted to your shrine , in that you dayn'd to glad this heart of mine . The water-nimphs replide with curtuous cheere , they knew none such , nor any did apeare , But if it pleasd him , they their springs would seeke , exquire each bushie shade , each priuate creeke , To see if she were in their mansions hid , which he assented to ; all which they did : But when with watrie tripping they had sought both brake and brier ; yet could not finde her out , Wearied with their diurnall labour , left Pyramus sighing , of all ioy bere●t ; Yet did these nimphes bemone his hard mishap , for sitting downe vnder Nereus lap , They turnd their Warbling strings to that sad straine , that all the woods re-eccoed them againe . Each in their order sung their dolefull verse , as if it had been ouer Thysbes hearse , And tun'd their odes with that vnseasoned time , as that brute beasts to pittie did incline , For they in sable colours did portend , that their two loues were neere a tragick end . Thus shadie night , Sea-nimphs , stars , plan'ts & all presage to them and to their loues a fall . Yet Pyramus though sad , for he was sad to haue those hopes extinguisht , which he had , Seeks still about the tombe : sad tombe ( quoth hee ) that hides my loue , so much admir'd of me : Yet if thou wilt but tell me where she is , I vow by Heauens I le pardon what s amisse , Yea I 'le remit thine error and thy wrong , for keeping her within thy chest so long , Say , wilt thou● tell me what became of her ? Didst thou her bewty in thy shrine inter ? Didst thou immure her in thy marble toombe ? what makes thee silent ? bewty makes thee dumb : Wilt thou so wrong a louer to conceale , From him the mirrour of his ioy his , weale , His heart , his liking euen the flower of youth ? and yet conceiues within thy heart no ruth . Fie , fie for shame : is t fit that monuments should so ecclipse natures best ornaments ? As to obscure the glory of her face , that where she is giues honor to the place . Thou much abstracts from trophies Ninus won , in doing that which he would nere haue done . Thou lessens much the honour he obtained , loosing that fame which Ninus conquests gained . For what great gaine or conquest i's t t' haue said , I haue possession of a countrey maide . A young vnnurtur'd girle fit for men , vnfit for liuelesse tombes which couer them ? This said this doting young man , blind with louing , thinking ould mouldy shrines had liuely mouing . Mou'd with her loue , whom he did more esteeme , then any gem that ere on earth was seene . But when he saw into his error well , He seem'd those loue-sick passions to dispell , And to repaire vnto his search againe , seeking each couert , each vnhaunted plaine , Each thick-set hill , each groue that he might finde , the diapason of his troubled minde . At last too soone , by seeking long he found , ( Thysbe ) not Thysbe , but her tire on ground . Vnhallowed ground , vnseasoned her attire , ● to crosse the passions of an hot desire . Oh now conceiue what sorrows gall his brest , to see the tire of her he loued best , Be smeard with bloud , for it all bloudy shews , her sanguine colour tinct● with Lyons iawes ; Oft would hee looke vpon it , and would kisse , the tire besmear'd with blood , wishing it his , His fate , his fortune , to remaine with her , since his long absence thus had iniur'd her . How to remaine ( quoth he ) since she is dead , oppress'd by death , inclos'd in mourneful weede ▪ How should I liue with her whose life is gone , and hath left me ( vnhappy me ) alone . Die , die , with her , with whom thou canst not liue , For thou by dying shalt thy life repriue . And haue her presence that enthroned is , in perfect ioies of heauens Elisian blisse . Yet stay awhile , this is not Thysbes tire , stay there ( fond wretch ) against thy tongue a lyer . This was her roabe , this was her comely weede , which hauing lost her owner gins to bleede . Oh Ioue what cause hadst thou thus to remoue two , that had their intentions voud to loue , Or why should thou this faire occasion show vs , which being showne , dost seeke for to vndoe vs ? Be gods so iron-hearted , to require constant affection with a dismall spite ? A sharpe reuenge it is , to set vs on , and then to leaue vs when we are begun . Did not high Ioue yeeld vs more hopes then these , when he commanded Phoebus to sure ease , For to diffuse his beames , bidding him go , retire in hast vnto the shades below . Calling for Luna to supply his place , shrowding heauens lustre with her clowdy face . That our escape suspected lesse might be , by the darke vaile of nights obscurity . But heauens I see , repine at our successe , since Gods themselues by Fates haue shew'd no lesse , To plunge my weale in woe , my loue in teares , producing nought , but sighes , and fruitlesse feares . Thou harsh tun'd Nemesis , thou tragicke ghost , against whose acts my loue declaimeth most : What cause hadst thou to sing this dolefull song , vpon her herse that neuer did thee wrong ? She neuer raild against thy Soueraigne power , but like an harmelesse doue , a fragrant flower ; Flourish'd secure at home , yeelding content , by gracefull smiles , a maids best ornament : She neuer curb'd thy rage , nor did she mell with ought but loue , which made worst for her sell. But Fates haue made the instrument of sinne , respectlesse of our losse , so they may win . The pretious spoyle of Thysbes bleeding soule , whose sad mishap the plants themselues condole . Yet thou remorselesse art , ill may betide thee , that wold haue none to loue that liue beside thee . Yet for all this thou canst not me depriue , of louing her , whose life did mee reuiue , For being dead , I le rather chuse to die , then liuing , lose her loving company . This said : he takes her tyre , and kissing it , vpon the fountaine banks did water it , With dewie moisture of still-flowing teares , which being shed , renuing drops appeares . Teares liquefied the arbour where he sate , which water nimphs perceiuing , wondred at . Oft would he beat his brest , and teare his haire , shutting his hopes in clouds of deepe despaire . Oft would he curse the day , the houre , the night , that banisht him from Thisbes gladsome sight . Wishing that night had neuer beene descride , for nere did night more harsh euents betide . Oh Pyramus , and then he sigh'd to speake , for gusts of sorrow made his hart-strings breake . What meant thou to allure a simple maid , to these wild woods ? her loue is well repaid , That she should come vnto the place assignd , and thou ( base coward ) come so farre behind . Thou with a tardy pace came at thy leasure , such slow-pac'd coursers ill deserue such pleasure , Thou too precise , made bones of what thou did , such fond precisenes seldome hath good speed . Shee to enioy her ioy , cut off delay , that she her minds perfection might display , And with a course as quicke as Pegasus , run ore these plaines to meet with Pyramus , Which thou requited ill , basest of men , which time shall character with scandalls pen . A scandall to thy sexe , and to thy state , to leaue thy loue in deserts desolate . Oh what mishap had she to loue a swaine , that could not yeeld her loue for loue againe ? Hard was her fortune to affect that creature , who for a childish feare delaid to meet her . The gods I know more forward would haue beene , to meet loues Parragon , so faire a Queene . As for her beauty , aye me , beauties faire , with Ericina she might well compare ; And farre more modest : Venus had her mole , but nere was Thysbe stain'd with bewties soile . But thou hast stain'd her beauty by thy fault , ruin'd that fort , which neuer had assault , But by thy selfe , and by thy selfe too soone , since by thy meanes her shrine is razed downe . Turne thee to heauen , and loe the heauens dismaid , to see the tragicke downefall of a maide : Frowning at thee that was the cause of this , causing her end that was thy Soueraigne blisse . Turne thee to earth , and see her turn'd to earth , which makes the caues below resound with mirth That they enioy which thou didst once enioy , reaping their comfort from thy deepe annoy . Turne thee vnto the Sea , and thou shalt see , The Nymphes and Syrens crying out 'gainst thee . That should make promise , yet not promise hold , calling thee coward , but thy Thysbe bold . Bold ▪ to aduenture on the gloomy night , bold to encounter with Latonas light . Bold in her course , swift in her cursiue mouing , bold to escape , and constant in her louing : Thus heauen , earth , Sea , concording all in one , do simpathize with thy discording mone . And wilt thou liue for this ? O doe not liue , but to requite her loue , let earth receiue This little All of thine : which when they haue , they may interre two louers in one graue . Adioyning to this fount , a rocke there was , so steepe and craggy , that no man could passe . To which wild beasts repair'd , making their den in th' ●ollow cau●rnes which did couer them . Which seene by him ● : what doe not louers see ? with face deiected , thus discoursed he . If any Lion or fierce sauage Beare , lodge in this ragged rocke , or coucheth neere , Let him come out , for heere is amorous food , ⁹ and cooling streames to wash away our blood , That this may beare record by euery wight , two faithfull louers perisht on one night . But these are but delaies which cowards vse , 10 their trembling passions seeking to excuse , Cast off vaine feare , feare is a vassalls weede , and place true Resolution in her steed . She wil prescribe the rules , with fruits of woing , for fruitlesse be those fruits that haue no doing . We that doe hazard our good names for men , if they 'l not pleasure vs : what profit then , Of all our toylsome labour we sustaine , that reape no haruest from such gusts of pain ▪ We patient are to beare , and what we bore , we doe accept , and wish it ten times more , That we might pleasure you : how fond are we ? The weaker sort beares your infirmity . But it s our Nature Nature hath ordain'd , mans str●ngth by womans weaknesse is sustain'd . In this same cloudy night , with what desire . did all my thoughts , and my intents aspire ? To that same treasure thou hast promis'd me , promise is debt , it must be kept by thee , With what affection haue I cross'd these plaines , cheered by wood-nimphs , singing plesant strain● , And dans'd Laualto till I came to thee , longing for that which thou didst promise mee . Sad Philomela skared from her rest , sung with a pricking slothorne at her brest , And sung of Tereus something , what I know not , which if I knew , yet would I neuer show it . 12 For Tereus impious in his prophane life , to wrong a sister , and so chast a wife . Sustains the torture of his wickednesse , transform'd into a Bird : whose filthinesse , Loues marish places , flies the solid ground , good reason why : his conscience was not sound . 13 For Tireus was a King and for his lust , by Ioue himselfe , was from his scepter thrust . A sensuall Prince to wanton motions stirr'd , chang'd from a prince , vnto a loathsome bird , Thus did I passe the silence of the night , till I arriu'd within my louers sight , Which yet I cannot doe : oh why should we , 14 to get a little sport , paune modesty ? These shady thickets , and that secret caue . those pratling Sea-nimphes , & this marble graue , Beare all record what trauell I haue taken , yet like a Turtle of her make forsaken , Cannot enioy my loue , aye me , vnkind , that seemes inconstant , to a constant mind . Why should our fauors so deuoted rest , to them , whose hardned harts bred our vnrest ? And make vs subiect to more inward griefe , then ere their comforts can affoord releefe . But thou art too too rash : ( beleeue me sweet , ) in more remisse Appearance doe I greete , Thy diuine beauty ; pardon what is said , conceyue no harme spoke by a harmelesse maide ; For if thou should ( as sur● I thinke thou dost , ) lie hid vnder some bush , and hearst this nois'd , This shrowd inue●●io● , gainst thy loue and thee , thou might as well condemne my speech and me . Why should I speake against so hallowed shrine , to whom I haue bequeath'd both me and mine ? Or why should I detract from that faire sunne , which ( if ecclips'd ) my glistring raies bee done ? For this same Tree , beares record of our wracke , decolored quite from white , to dismall black , And this same ground , all in a gore of bloud : No chi●ping bird within this fatall wood , And this for loue of him , that now is gone , leauing his forlorne Thysbe all alone . Hard was mine hap , to see his dolefull end , at whose sad hearse the Fates themselues attend : Hard was mine hap , more ha●sh the course of time , to crop my loue , my dazie in his prime . Hard was his hap to extinguish his desire , with apparition of a bloody tire : Hard was his hap to forrage heere so late , to misse his loue , and meete so soone with Fate . Turne to thy loue , see if thy vitall breath , can call him from the slumber of pale death . See if thou canst reuiue his gasping soule , for loe his eies within his head doe rowle . Embrace his iuory necke with foulded armes , destill life in him by thy louing charmes . Buzze in his eares of loue , it will not bee , his dying sences haue no mind of thee . Thus round empalld with greefe , was Thysbes mind , no hope of life in him can Thysbe find , For he grew stiffe engor'd with bloudy wound , and by h●s bloud fast gl●ed to the ground . ●hysbe espied her Tire which hee did hould , 〈◊〉 in his hand , and did the same enfould , As 〈…〉 Antidote to cure his gaping wo 〈…〉 make him ere endure : Vnhappy Tire ( quoth she ) vnhappy were , that gaue occasion to my loue of feare . Thou that hast prest my soule in anguish more , then all the robes which ere I wore before . Thou wandring stragler , sliding from mine head , gaue the first onset to this vgly deede . For if thou hadst not been , my loue had liu'd , that now of sence & mouing is depriu'd . What hap had I at first to put thee on , when darke Latonas lights were drawing on , Or what misfortune had I for to leaue thee , since thy departure doth so greatly grieue mee . It needes must grieue me : for it cuts my heart , as if my soule from body should depart . He was my soule , my body cannot breath , When as my soule is seised on by death . Why should I haue such curious regard to Nightern robes , when meaner would haue serud ? For well I know it was my loues desire , to meete my selfe and not my curious tire . Fie on this nice precisenesse weomen vse in garish dressings : men should weomen chuse , Not by their bodies habit , but their minde , in lists of vertue , and respect confinde . We that doe loue as we protest we doe , must not get husbands with a painted show , Like puppets in a play , addres'd to play strange acts by night , to purchase loue by day . Best honour that beseems a countrey maide , is to be modest , in her actions staid . 21 He might command , and haue what he commanded , but death , pale death now swaies , & she 'l withstand it . Then honourd hearse , if hearses honour haue , yeeld to my sute , and perfect what I craue . Doe not denie me : to deny me this , were to depriue thee honour me of blisse . Nay doe not smile , ( for I doe see thee smile ) if that our bones thou in thy brest compile , And recollect them after Thysbes death , the Nimphes themselues shall set a laurell wreath Vpon thy back : e'r honourd shalt thou be , for this good turne thou did my loue and me . But if thou scorne my vows , and cal them vaine , yeelding no eare to louers that complaine , Rest Well assured the Nimphs reueng'd will be . And for our sakes will quite demolish thee . When trusty Aiax & Achilles came , to Patrocles tombe , with teares they bath'd the same For euery word they spake of Patrocles , drew teares from them , as streames from Caucasus . Whose ragged top sends riuers out amaine , and being sent , renews her springs againe . So they deplor'd his death , his sacred hearse , ranck set with embleames and with dolefull verse . The swanes of Caister and eke of Poe , came to ensable him in songs of woe● Since which sad time the Poets haue reported , that each daie twice the swannes haue there resorted . Passing by flockes along the Greequish plaine , seeking by songs to make him liue againe . But when it would not be , the Swans there swore , that from that time they nere would warble more : But at their 23 death which they performe : for why they neuer sing but hower before they die . Why should a Grecian haue such honour done , that neuer any Trophies ere had wonne , But slaine by Hector : for no fame he had of doing greatly good , or greatly bad . And yet forsooth he must characters haue ▪ in golden letters ore his worthlesse graue ▪ In polisht marble must his shrine be set in saphires , 24 tophies and in british ieate . Thus must he haue respect , when we , god wot , must lie obscure as if men knew vs not . And yet our fame deserues more praise then he , more grace , more glorie , and more memorie : Time shall race out that marble hearse of his , time shall amend what time hath done amisse . For we shall liue in spite of Fates decree , when lowe interr'd this famous Greeke shall be . Loue cannot die , we loued and therefore death shall crowne our hearse with times immortal wreath , And though we die we loue and liue in dying , loue to pale death perpetuall life applying . Why should prince Ilus acts haue such respect whose toomb with precious emeralds bedeckt ? For well I know such acts did neuer he , In amorous passions of true loue as we , 25 Yet Batias toomb must haue inscriptions faire , to shew what man of birth was buried there . And yet in death we languish not in louing , though 27 death depriue vs of all vitall 〈◊〉 For we conceiue more ioy in toomb'd together , then if we li●'d depriu'd the one of other ▪ More must I say to seale these obsequies ; for death is fearefull and inuents delaies , And most of all in vs : a weaker brood , the talke of death yeeldes feare to woman-hood , And yet , me thinkes I stay from him too long , and in my stay I doe him double wrong . First to depriue him life , and then begin with tardie p●●e aloofe to follow him . Well I le prepare my selfe , the ●ates decres two Louers 〈◊〉 sustaine their crueltie . And yee not cr●●● , cruelty is showne when either is 〈◊〉 of his owne . But we by 28 Cupid● m●anes , that purblind boy , obtaine by 〈…〉 could not earst enioy , Death yeelds 〈◊〉 , comfort then our life time did , shewing our 〈◊〉 which long before was hid● No 〈…〉 secret ●hinks need we finde 〈◊〉 , nor fearefull need we shrinke . For Parents 〈◊〉 persuite we rest secure , since 〈…〉 hearts , as earth our corp● 〈◊〉 Wee need not haue our Parents in suspect , they 〈◊〉 rest ●●relesse now whe●● we affect ▪ For well I know we can be hardly seene , twixt 〈◊〉 and earth , so great a space between . Thus 〈…〉 enly motion doth ascend , from earth to heauen to gra●ulate her friend ,

Thysbees EPICAEDIVM . YEt Thysbe stay thine hand : thine obsequies , desire more celebrating exequies ; Die not intestate , in this desert groue , but consecrate in token of thy loue Thine hests to Vesta . yet let Vesta know , Thys be vnwilling is enforced so . Then let thy ²⁹ Parents , Parents though vnkinde By Natures lawe , some short memorials finde , Of thy affection : Swannes before they die , leue pensiue odes and warble merrily . 30 Yet must I needs declaime against your feare , iealous of hurt where no hurt could appeare : For I am sure nere was your thriuing blissing , more deere to me then was my louers kissing . Oh then vnkind v●kindn●sse did not fit , our chaste desires that cou●d not bridle it . Loue was the hott'st when it did seeme conceal'd , and hid in ashes , yet in time reueal'd . Then blame your selues , not vs : you caus'd our end , barring a louer from her long sought friend , Which we doe pardon if you le let vs haue , our toomb in one , our ashes in one graue . Which it you shall performe our hope extends , out dis●o●n'd corps conioin'd you make amends . Well do I know our funerals renew , currents of teres and streames of griefe in you . And many pagent mixd with liquid teares , will make attendance on our desolate beres , Many distreaming drops will dim your eie , to see two louers end so suddenly . Yet all in vaine , being dead , your teares restraine : for teeres cannot recall vs back againe . The ³¹ Nimphes themselues with Poplar twigs will make an osier basket for Idalias sake , Wherein collect you may such fragrant flowers , as shall adorne our monumentall bowers : Yet when you spreade your flowers ech in degree , Strow more on his side then you strow on me . He was more constant , he did first begin , I like his shadow did but follow him . He came vnto the place , and spite of death seeing my tire engor'd did lose his breath . I like an Ape , to imitate my loue , follows his worth , his presence to approue . A glorious presence where the gods accord all wealth , all ioy , Elizium can affoord . Fruitfull Elysis where ech constant mate , raignes in fruition of his happie state , Where Hero smiles to grapple with her deere , Iealous of nothing , for no cause of feare Can crosse loues action ? there s no Helespont , But the sweet relish of a Nectar fount Hight the Castalian fount which Gods adore , where hauing drunke thei 're neuer thirsty more . By this renowmed brooke , shall he and I , prattle of loue , and parents cruelty . Hang not the willow token of disdaine vpon our Toome : for that each country swaine Can set vpon his shrine : let Venus tree , the louely mirtle shew our constancie . If you want any rites or solemne hestes , which may be seem our graues : the birds protests Each in their order to solemnise them , and gods themselues for to eternize them : Each mourning Turtle hauing lost her make , will mourning make resort for Venus sake . And sweet Leucothoe will represent of Vmolus odours a delicious sent . The Nighterne owle , that night wil cease from prey howling by night , as she did howle by day . The little Batt ( though fearefull heretofore ) will flocke amongst the rest and feare no more . Thus euery Bird , for it is Gods desire , will with their presence decke our funerall fire . To purge our guilt dame Venus promis'd me , she le goe to heauen with lowe and bended knee . And well I know Ioue , Venus loues so well , he will belieue what tale so ere she tell . Then for her loue let Venus altars smoke , and in each corner of her Temple looke ; No ornament which best may her be-fit , Be there a wanting but to perfect it . You know our Cittie much relies on her : for by her succour no distresse can sturre The prosperous sailes of our prosperitie , but like a sterne she 's euer fixed nie , To rid her from those rocks vnto the shore , in liew whereof we do her shrine adore . Yet ere I die I must take leaue of you , you sacred mansions which my woes renew : Thou oliue-tree that planted was so nie vnto my fathers house where I came by This last vnhappie night : thou render vine , whose supple slips these fingers oft did twine . Thou ³³ rosie border set with roses fayre . to which each morne I vsed to repaire , And rob thee of thy store to bewtifie my haplesse tire with crimson puritie , Farewell at once farewell , long may the dew of siluer hair'd Aurora water you , Long may you flourish , this I onely craue , that with your flowres each morne you deck my graue . Such sweetes , such fragrant roses represent , that your repose may make it redolent . Send out your spicy odours and attend , with Hyble fruites vpon my bleeding friend ; For manie time and oft hath he and I , chas'd one another full lasciuiously : And if he chaunc't to be too slow in running , I would hold ³⁴ back and linger for his comming . But of all monuments I bid a dew , broad shadowing beech-trees to the sight of you : You many times haue yeelded sweet repose vnto our loue and seasoned haue our woes , By your contented shades blest be you euer , and like Elisian-shades fade may you neuer . O many times haue we two sported there , ( for we alone were priuiledged there ) And twisting nose-gaies we our flowers would hide , them , lest by some Satyre we should be espide ; Oft would we crop sweete flowers and hauing cut within our wicker baskets we would put them : And when we more had gathered then we needed , we gathred still for so our loue exceeded , That euery flower we cropt we did apply vnto the flower of our virginitie . " For if such flowers such sweetnesse did bestowe , flowers are much sweeter that do spring belowe . Fare-well thou spacious plaine amongst the rest , I haue no cause but to respect thee best : For manie time and oft haue we two plaide at Barli-breake , but now that sports decai'd , Full many secret corners dost thou yeelde , for Louers sports within thy louely field . And thou vnhappy Pine that mounts so hie , as if thou meant by height to tutch the skie ; Thou mai'st repine at fates that murdred me , since Thysbees hand each morne did cherish thee , Oft haue I planted grafts within thy stemme , which now are growne so high they shadowe men And with a ³⁵ Water pot which I did bring each morne by time ; I made thine arms to spring : But now , poore Pine , pine maist thou now and die , for none that I know cherish thee but I : Now shall thy shadowing branches fall away , their falling leues to winters fury paie . And none remaines there now to pittie thee , When I am dead that liuing nourisht thee ; But be content ; shed teres in loue of me , and when thou hear'st my death deiected be : Cast down some withered leues & send them hither , portending thus much , we must die together ; This if thou dost I will thee thankfull call , and wil with Laurel thy sad head empall : That though thou die , yet that thou diest with me , in after-times still honoured thou maist be . And thou straite chinke to which full many time we made repaire : through thee our loue did shine , And spearst her beames ; farewell , for neuer more , shall we resort to thee as heretofore ; Thou wast the author of our first vndoing , for by thy meanes thou gauest vs means of woing , Giuing eyes liberty , which eyes so wounded that by their passions passions new rebounded , Yet we do thank thee for thy fore-past loue , for by our deaths the gods themselues approue Our constant minds , recorded which must be in heauens conuentions to our memorie . O happy thou whilst our two fragrant breaths made thee so rich , impouerisht by our deaths : For this I thinke , this is my prophesie , nere shall such lips bestowe their breath on thee , When thou shalt heare of our discording end , some softned teares vpon our funeralls spend : Let thine hard marble be dissolv' to streames of liquid water , since those radiant beames Which our reflecting eyes the marble gaue might pierce him more , then euer Lyricks haue The sauage beasts , whose natures were made tame , at the rehearsall of sweet Amphions name : What then should Bewtie ? whose attractiue power commands stones , serpen●s & sweet budding flowr : What should the Splendor of faire Beawties eie act , since such acts were done by harmonie ? Open your flinty bosome , let remorse shed riuolets of teres vpon my coarse : Or if you will not so , at least restraine your ayrie chinke , and shut it vp againe : Let not such Monuments liue when we die , for they'●e augment our Parents iealousie : That as we lov'd , kiss'd toy'd when we 're liuing , so we may loue , kisse , toy at lifes depriuing . Then shut that crany vp left after time , impute the fault vnto that chinke of thine . This last record by Thysbe thus recorded bred floods of teres : for teres their sighs afforded , the Balme-trees wept , their teres concrete in one distilled into th' substance of a stone : Which stone it seemes , did after couer them , for after times found it laid ouer them . With many faire inscription which did shew of loue recorded neuer none more true , Then this of Thysbe and her louing mate , s●pposing mutuall death a blessed state , A state more blest in that they had their wish , Thysbe had hers and Pyramus had his ; They were depriv'd of louing in their liuing , but by their deaths the gods themselues were giuing Tokens of loue ▪ for they enioied their loue , which no transparent iealous eye could moue . Empass'd by diuine power , heauens maiesty , to honour them , that honour'd constancie ; And which was more : dame Venus ( as we read ) yoking her Doues , came to high Ioue with speed , Her milke-white doues with ayrie coloured wings , vnto Ioues throne their beawteous lady brings ; Where she with smiling countenance , for her smile , all foggie mists Olympus did exile , Thus spake to Ioue , who seeing her did grace her , and with enfolded arms'gan to embrace her . Heauen-habiting Ioue , that in compassion sees , louer , inflamed passions : on my knees , Doe I entreate as I am Queene of loue for shipwrackt louers : that thou wilt remoue Their earthly members to participate the glorious sunshine of one heauenly s●ate , For they were constant , constancy thou loues and in thy selfe their passions thou approues : Deigne to eternize them with sacred Baise , It 's fit such mirrors should haue endlesse daies . That consecrate their v●wes to gods diuine , then so propitious to these praiers of mine , They were enobled with a constant minde , Such sacred lights it 's hard on earth to finde : They were adorn'd with Vestas puritie : Vestas pure shape deserues eternitie . They liu'd in louing , and in louing did'e , nor did two Vrns their ioyned loue diuide : But both inter'd together , they haue wonne a fame recorded in all times to come . She was as faire as fairenes could be laid on mortall colours , though a country maide , Yet for her thoughts as pure , as was her face , she well deserues to haue an heauenly place . Doe not frown ( deare Sire ) me thinks that frowne , doe ill beseeme , to such as be your owne . I am your daughter , and I know you loue me ▪ and I presume my praiers needs must moue you , Or else I should despaire e're to resort from Idas mount vnto your heauenly court . Then yeeld assent vnto your daughters suite , if you denie it me , I will be mute , And neuer make recourse vnto your shrine , which cannot choose but gall this heart of mine . This earthly goddesse will full well beseeme , in Iunoes absence to supply as Queene . Ioue smilde at this , for he desired change , and therfore oft from heauen to earth would range For pleasure and delight : variety willing vnwilling , wrested this reply . You speake of wonders ( daughter ) quoth high 37 Ioue , of mortall wights so constant in their loue . These two in constant louing you surpasse , For they 'r more constant then ere Venus was . Death cannot part asunder their desires , which like bright flames vnto our throne aspires , They 're worthy ( daughter ) of a glorious crowne , and they shall haue it : for we le vse our owne . But to enioy that ioy , that amorous die of bewties sweete complexion : how should I Disioyne these two , both would I gladly grace , if I could distance them in seuerall place . That faire form'd creature thou dost so much praise , I doe remember in her former daies : For she entirely wisht she might haue time to vse her loue , and offred to my shrine Great store of incense ; incense it was sweete , that I would giue them time and place to meete . Which I did promise : but I did not pay : for seeing her more bewtious then the day , Faire as Orgon , purer then that white louely ³⁸ Alcmena wore vpon the night When she suppos'd Amphitrio her deare loue possest the place which was supplide by Ioue . Being thus faire , ( for Thysbe was more faire ) I much amazed stood , oppres'd with care , Seeming asleepe ▪ yet sleeping I did moane ▪ my too large promise which was past and gon ▪ Oft did I wish I had been Pyramus , oft I resolu'd ( the night so tedious ) For to transhape my selfe , and to descend , and meete with Thysbe as her pointed friend . But Iuno iealous Queene , with open eie slept not all night , but f●aught with iealousie . Askt me full oft what aild me : turne ( quoth she ) and with my ●ectar lips i le comfort thee . Are you in loue ? I blush'd ; that blush displaies , you are inclind ( quoth she ) some otherwaies : You haue some tricksie Girle , that doth keepe your heart enchain'd , your powrefull eies from sleepe . Fie fie ( quoth she ) as you are Ioue , affect her that affoords to you the most respect : I am celestiall 39 wife and sister both vnto your selfe : and Iuno would be loth To violate the glory of her spouse with euery swaine , in eu'ry brothell house : And can you then without regard of me , or of your selfe , disgrace your deitie With euery Leda , euery milke-maide , toie , while Iuno is depriued of her ioye ? Now by my God head mortall men adore , I 'aue borne so much that I can beare no more . Either content you with your choice , your Queene , or i le tell that which would ful ill beseeme The glory of your state : the Gods shall heare , what heretofore to tell I did forbeare . Then as you tender th' honour of your name , Be charie henceforth how you soile the same . This said dame Iuno , but I curbd her speech with brows contracted , till shee did beseech With trickling teares , that I would pardon giue , protesting she would neuer after grieue My royall person ; wishing my delight , if it pleas'd me euen in my Iunos sight Wherewith I seemd appeasd , and fayning 40 sleepe , with eie-lids shut , my heart a watch did keep ; Euer conceiuing somthing what I know not , which if I knew ▪ it's shame for Gods to show it , Being lasciuious passions ▪ which were bred of the distempred humors of my head . But to be briefe , I did by meanes contriue their long sought loues fruition to depriue , Which thus accomplish'd , I am glad of this , Venus intreates what Ioue himselfe did wish . This I will doe , ( which done ) may seeme a wonder , equall their ioies , yet distance them asunder . He from his Thysbe , Thysbe from her loue , Ioue for his Thysbe , Thysbe for her Ioue . This said : bright Venus happy to receiue The full accomplisht sute which she did craue , Takes leaue of Ioue , and taking leaue he 4● kist her , amidst his kisses with his prayres he blist her . Venus to ⁴² Ida hies Idas she sends Embassadour to Thysbe , who attends , The Gods decree ; where hauing come at last , tels to Thysbe all discourse was past Twixt Ioue & Venus , yet ●ot all she told , for Venus bade him Ioues intendments hold , Lest his narration should more sorrow breede , then any comfort drawne from humane seede : For well I know no Ioue so pr●cious to her , as was her louely Pyramus . When Idas had exprest what Ioue decreed , he tooke his leaue of Thysbe , and with speede Return'd to Venus , Venus Queene of loue , whom he with Mars found lying in a groue Of leauy Poplars , sporting midst their pleasure . Vulcan was absent , they had time and leisure . Where we will leaue them , and swift Idas traine , and to our loue-sick Thysbe turne againe . Thysbe address'd to die , yet long in dying , Draws courage to her , & that blade espying . Which was be crimsond with the bloudy gore , of that same murder it had done before ; Takes it into her hand , ●her hand God wot as soft as downe , such weapons handled not Before this time , ( and this time was too soon to vanquish bewty , and to cut it downe . 43 Poore wench she knew not how to vse the blade , for other armour Nature had her made . But like an vntraind Souldier wanting skill , knows not to fight , yet vseth his good will , Trauerse his ground as other souldiers doe , yet hath no method , for he knows not how : Euen so this heauenly creature handled it , long time vncertaine how to mannage it . At last by reason , 44 reason did acquaint , which was the pummell , which the satall point , Grasping the blade which she before did take , to th' shade which shadowed Pyramus shee spake . Thou shadowing tree , that 45 shadowes this dark tombe , shelter vs two , that passengers which come , Vnto this forrest , may thy pitty praise , and memorise thy loue in after daies . Thou seest we are depriu'd of friend or make , which may deplore with teres our forlorne state . Supply our want with thy remorsefull shade , since ( as it seemes ) for pitty thou was made , Couer vs two ( two louers ) that would be gladly ore-cannoped with th' leaues of thee . Thou 46 couerst him already : happy time , that twists about him with those spraies of thine . If Nature had accorded to our vowes , these armes had clept that necke , those flowry bowes , Doe now enfold : but heauens haue so decreed , to haue two louers clad in sable weed . Which I accord vnto , heauens purge my sinne , hee 's gone before , and I must follow him . Which said , she fix'd the sword vnto her Brest , with more then womans spirit which exprest , Her loue vnto her Saint , who lay along , congeal'd in bloud , whose trunke shee fell vpon . The tree sent out her Branches , which did couer , their corps with vernant blossomes , shadowed ouer . Aurora breath'd vpon them , whose sweet breath , perfum'd their bodies , seazd vpon by death .

Siluan . Epicaedium . THis done in silent passage of the Night , when stars shone fair & bright in Thetis sight , The rural Wood-nimphes did their Odes display , sabled with woes : which woes to take away , They sung these verses , verses ominous , Ore Thisbes hearse , and louely Pyramus . Long may your fame 48 and glory heer remain , honour'd by vs , and by each country Swaine . Long may you liue renowned , for your loue hath made perpetuall eccoes in this groue . A thrice blest groue , blest graue ▪ for such blest Saints , That in this flowry pale heere pitch their tents , Wherein loues warre eternized for aye , lost that by night , which was restor'd by day , Smell sweet for euer , sweetest of all sweets : you springing blossoms which the spring-time greets . Send out your fragrant sauor and releeue , our troubled springs which be adddress'd to grieue . Let not your vernant bosome so retaine , all comfort from the oat-pipe of a Swaine , That no release of sorrow or distresse , makes diminution of his wretchednesse . What should we sing ? no hymne of melody : shall ere possesse our desert empery . No tune of ioy , no pleasant straine of mirth , shall yeeld contentment to Nereus birth . For farre more faire , more beautious , Thysbe was then any wood-Nimph , my Country Lasse . 49 Campaspe shee was faire , and was belou'd , of potent Monarchs : her proportion mou'd , Doting Apelles , loues effects to shew , to that same picture which his Pencile drew . Yet if Campas●e were enshrined heere , no cause of loue would in her frame appeare . More diuine feature was in Thysbes face , a more delightfull smile more comely grace , Then ere Apelles , though in skill most rare , could make his picture any way compare . Bring mirtle branches let vs couer them , shrowding their corps with wreaths laid ouer them ; And euery time and tide , let 's shed a teare , ouer the sad memoriall of their Bere . Well doe these odes of sorrow vs beseeme , and better would they please Arcadias Queene , Then if with feasts and triumphs we should spend , our dismall houres , about a louers end . Wee are not for Dianas cheerefull game , though we ( foretime ) haue well approou'd the same . No quiuer , nor no bow , will we receiue , till wee haue spent our dirges on their graue , Whose glorious loues , so well conioyn'd in one , makes their two teares distill into one stone . For euery drop of bloud which doth descend , from Thisbes wound , flies to her louing friend : And those same streames which issued out amaine , from Pyramus make their recourse againe . And ioyne with Thysbe , whose respectiue wound , licks vp the blood was shed vpon the ground . Eternall Trophies hung vpon your hearse , made euerlasting , by our pensiue verse ; And let this marble which doth couer you , her teares ( each morne ) with moistned drops renew , Which in remorse , compassionate may spend , some dewie drops to witnesse yo●r sad end . You pretty gliding streames which run apace , leaue off your course , and flow vnto this place , That you may moisten this sad monument , this desert herse with watry element . And gratifie our loue , that loue you deare , and wish entirely your sweet presence heere . Leaue off to wash those cliues and ruggy caues , and now repaire to monumentall graues , To rinse all foule infection which did staine , the corps deceas'd by your still streaming vaine . Why doe you stay ? why seeme you so hard harted , to shed no teares , at constant loue departed ? If that our Queene should heare , as shee shall heare , this your remors●lesse hart ▪ would cost you deare . Doe you not see how we in sable weeede , to weepe amaine , haue heere repair'd with speed ? And in distresse enclos'd , full fraught with woe , may aske of you what 's cause you doe not soe ? See how ech sprig ⁵⁰ sends out a pearled drop , and when the pr●ner seemes their height to crop , They seeme to thanke him for it ▪ wishing death , to decke these louers with a flowry wreath . See how each bird resorts vnto their shrine , as if it were vnto some power diuine : And dedicates vnto their mournfull tombe laies , which shal serue in after times to come . They warble out their dolefull funeralls , hauing forgot their forepast festiualls . Their sad 51 aspects such sorrow doth affoord , that we our selues their sorrows may record Time yeelds no tune , nor tune obseru's no time , time , tune , nor measure keep we ore this shrine , We cannot descant , descant there is none , to such as know no descant but to mone . Like spouse-lost Turtles , do we flocke together , and on each morn by time , consort we hither To celebrate their deaths with memorie , whose constant loues make them charactred be . Nor will we cease , or make an ●nd of griefe , till that their parents yeeld them some reliefe , To consummate their wishes , and supply their former hardnes by their clemency : For in no time did euer children find , parents more wilfull , to their loues vnkind . Yet for that Fate hath done her worst of ill , in that she did the bloud of louers spill . And tyrannis'd in shewing of her force . raging gainst loue , depriued of remorse : Let Parents cease to hate , and make amends , by solemne hests for their vntimely ends . It is not fit that ⁵² death and enmity should wage their battaile euer mutually . For none I know , but when their foe is dead they scorne base enuy in their brests to feede . But let vs to our worke , and build vs bowres , compos'd of fragrant blossomes , and of flowers , Hard by this tombe , this herse , this desert graue , where we may giue what constant loue doth craue , An ode displaying passion : and relate , the sad euent of loues vnhappy state . Each nimph addresse her to her dolefull voice , that we may charme the furies with our noise ; And draw their haplesse parents from their cell , to heare the sadd Narration we shal tell ▪ So shall our first mornes mone performed bee , in honour of these louers constancy .

Siluanor : Threnodia . IF any rurall God , or poore swaine , consecrate Leucothoes rod , to this plaine : This herse , deckt with sable verse , Shall commend Him as our friend , Our springs , or groues , our straine . Let your Temples sweet , mixed be , With perfumes , let their feete embalmed be , Then will we , mutually Still expresse , And confesse , You deserue eternitie . Venus with mirtlewand , Cupid bow , Pelops with his Iuory hand will bestow ; All in one to this stone To declare Loue is rare , Loue that hath no painted show . Ioue admires Thysbes face full of fauor , Mirrha likes the striplings grace and behauiour , Venus lippe , Ios skippe , Were both rare , Yet both are , In one Thysbe , Ioue would haue her . From Olympus Ioue espies Thysbes beauty , Which no sooner he descries , then in duety , Cupids dart wounds his heart , He by force , Sues diuorse , Iuno cannot please his fancy . Thus did Thysbe liue and dye , liue by dying Death confirmes her deity , in applying To her shrine , power diuine , Which doth shew , And renew : Life anew , renewed by dying . This ode thus tuned in more dolefull sort , Then any Mus● of mine can make report : Such errours made resound both farre and neere , that these sad straines came to their parents eare . They much p●rplex'd to heare such wofull newes . which floods of teares in their moist eies renues ; With speed they could , ( which speed but easie was , ) they made recourse vnto that forlorne place . Teares trickled downe , as drops from Aetas hil . which with their streams ech hollow ⁵³ caue did fill For woes exceeded more in that their Tombe , had bard them hope of future ioys to come , For they were old , old folkes desire to see , a good successe vnto their progeny . But now no hope , mishap had cross'd their hope , e're to attaine at their desired scope . Oh what ⁵⁴ salt seas for seas they seem'd to be , no drops but floods , which run incessantly From their dim eies for teares had made them dim , which , nere the lesse , they took much pleasure in . Oft would the Mother clip her Thysbe round , which lay all sencelesse on the bloudy ground . And with a kisse ( as old wiues vse to doe , ) her entire loue , her withered lips did show . Turne to thy Mother ( quoth he ) or receiue , thy dolefull Mother in thy haplesse graue ; Acknowledge her that first , aye me too soone , brought thee to light , which is eclyps'd & done ; I nourished thee , and with a kind embrace , made me an Idoll of that beauteous face ; For I conceiu'd , deceiu'd I could not be , No birth more perfect , then the birth of thee . Thus did the doting ⁵⁵ trot deplore her fall , with dropping nose , faint breth , more then them all That did attend her passion : for the rest did more represse those passions she exprest , Nor is it proper , well I know , that man should shed his teares with ease as women can ; For they more prompt to comfort , yeeld releefe , to such as are opprest with heapes of greefe , And can conceale their sorrow , as is fit , knowing the meanes and way to bridle it . They thus remaining ore their childrens graue , the hatefull ground , which did their corps receiue , They did consult how they might expiate that wrong of theirs , which they had done so late . Which whilst they did aduise , they straight did see , their childrens vowes , grauen in an Oliue tree . Which were to this effect . " Surcease to mourne , " and place our seuerall ashes in one Vrne . For whilst we liu'd , we lou'd , then since we dye , let one poore vrne preserue our memory . And let this day recorded bee by you , and festiue kept : eternise louers true . Giue vpper hand to him , for he was first : respect with care , our bones be not disperst Amongst vnhallowed reliques which will staine the glorious Trophies which our loue did gaine , Bee not vnkind vnto your childrens loue , but what they like , let your consent approue , For if your minds disposed so had beene , this 〈…〉 glasse of woe you nere had seene . But we forgiue , forget , so you performe , what we haue wish'd : we feast , cease you to mourn . These hestes , these rites thus read ; without delay , they sought their forepast guilt to take awaie , And rinse their former ill by present good , yeelding to loue which they before with-stood : For admiration ● apt them , and they saw , no curbe could hold the reins of Venus lawe : For she enioyn'd them loue , which they obey'd , which by no Parents wishes could be stai'd . Each in their order did their obsequies , with solemne rites as their last exequies , Making a sire of Iuniper compos'd , in which their louely corps seem'd well dispos'd , Which were consum'd to ashes and conseru'd , in one small ⁵⁶ pot , as wel their fame deseru'd . This vrne , poore vrne , which kept their ashes sure , was made of Brasse , that it might ere endure , And as a relique , reliques then were vsed , in ⁵⁸ Nimrods Temple in a chest enclosed . There was it put , to which as some report , all constant louers vs'd to make resort . No marriage rite was to be consummate , Before they did this relique inuocate , That it would be propitious to their loue , in signe whereof each gaue a Turtle-Doue , To explicate their truth , their constancie , which they obseru'd for euer solemnly . Thus were these two with honour w●ll rewarded , their ashes , as times Monuments regarded , Kept and reseru'd for Fame , Fame grac'd the earth , in suffering Nature bring so faire a birth Into the world , which world vnworthy was , to haue two mirrors and to let them passe . But time , vnthankfull time , too soone forgot the Gem she had , as if she had it not . Soild in the lustre , lustre it had none , depriu'd of Fame , when her renowne was gone , For Parents breathlesse were , and with their birth , by times succession were interr'd in earth . In selfe-same earth for they desir'd to haue , their childrens ⁵⁹ hearse their vrne , their comely graue Which hauing got , men neuer did adore , their sacred hearse as they had done before . For lesse were they esteem'd , so from that time , nere any louer came vnto their shrine . Yet to this day , their pictures doe remaine , in Marble wrought , describing euery vaine . Ech ruby blush , mix'd with a crimson die , with Thysbes smile decolour'd wantonly . With face defac'd by times iniurious frowne , hath shown more beauty than my Muse hath shown ,

The answere of Hipolitus vnto Phaedra . The Argument .

Hyppolitus son to Theseus , by the Amazon Hippolite , solicited by his step mother Phedra to sensuality , seckes by all meanes to represse her inordinate lust by exemplifying the worth , resolution , and magnanimity of his father & her husband Theseus : as also aggrauating the foulenes of the fact she intended producing reasons to disswade her from prosecuting her purpose any further : as more particularly the scandall of the world , which of necessity would ensue vpon committing of a fact so detestable to the supreame de●tie so exorbitant to the law of nature . Next he propoundeth the ineuitable reuenge of the Gods aboue , who could not suffer such impieties to passe which impunity : but would chastise incestuous actions with the exquisitest punishments they reserue for any delinquent : concluding his Epistle more emphatically ; assuring her if she would not desist from her lasciuious intendments , Theseus should be acquainted with her entirest thoughts , who in no wise could brooke her insatiable desires , but ere long would expiate the guilt of her sin with the sacrifice of her blood .

The Epistle of Hyppolitus vnto Phaedra . If modest lines send out a modest smile , and those immodest vows you dedicate Vnto my youth ; youths frail●y to beguile , my vertuous blossoms to extenuate , What should I write ? or in what tempred stile should I describe the ruine of my star● ? Since vertue is my centre , truth the scope , At which I aime the leuell of my hope ? I will not call you wanton , but you seeme too too respectles of your glorious fame , That once in Creet for bewty deem'd a Queene , should now grow carelesse to eclipse the same . O better fruits should in that groue be seene , then to neglect the glory of your name . Minos esteemed was more pure , more iust , then to expose his house to shamefull lust . Turne to your spouse my father , and obs●rue his worth , his me●its , and disclaime your vow , See what respect your Theseus doth deser●e , who consecrates his loue & life to you : Then I am sure you will be Ioth to swerue from your allegeance , which is Theseus dew . He thinkes him blest in you , O doe not then impaire the blessing of such blessed men . But if you will distaine my fathers bed , make it a brothel prostitute to sinne , Rest well assur'd I le neuer heare it said , that I his sonne that leudnesse did begin , To poyn● the prime rose , or to see it fade within his bed where I haue nourish'd been , For ill it would be seeme both him and me , that his gray head should weare my liuerie . Let not the glory of your ancient house attainted be , or dazed by your staine : For after ages would speake worse of vs , and this our shame would euermore remaine : Which could not chuse but grow pernicious to the renowme your Theseus did attaine . That he who many monsters vanquished , should let a monster liue within his bed . Employ those thoughts so wantonly inclin'd to th' comfort of your spouse , let him receaue Th' elixir of your loue anew refin'd your loues the haruest which your Lord doth craue : Then keepe not from him that which is assigned , by powers supernall for his worth to haue : Adore no shrine but his , let mine alone , I am his image , he and I are one , How ill would it be seeme distastfull youth , to wrong the winter of his reuerend age : Whom ( if not gracelesse ) would it not moue to'ruth● to s●●le his bed , Whose nie-spent Pilgrimage Craues pitty by prescription , grac'd bs truth , and vertues colours , making fam ▪ his page , To follow euery action with her breath , to giue him life when seaz'd vppon by death . Looke at the trophies Cressa doth possesse , times monumentall characters of worth , And you shall see his spoiles deserue no lesse , then adoration deifi'd on earth . Since euery act proclaimes his mightinesse , as if descended from Ioues diuine breath . His wars , his conquest , each expresse his merit , indude with more then Adamantine spirit . Leaue of inuiting your Hyppolitus to festiue banquets , of incestuous meeting , Well loues he Phaedra , better Theseus , then to wrong age with such licentious greeting ▪ To make his owne to be most trecherous , the sowrest tast from him that seemd his sweeting , In working shame 'gainst him who first sustained far more for me then in me is contained . Much do I wonder how you should conceiue , such a suspicious thought of my neglect , Vnto my fathers age ? or how you haue , grounded ●he reasons of your fowle suspect ? That I his childe , my childehood should depraue , affecting that which loue cannot effect , Which loathed pleasures , loath'd they are ( God wot , to vse those sports which Nature fancieth not . These ⁶⁰ pastimes which I follow yeelde content without repentance : heere 's no Parents shame , No worlds Rumor : dangers imminent , haue no repose mongst those : admired fame Followes the Court , and places eminent , each seeking how they might dilate their name . But I respectlesse of Fames admiration , reape the content of harmelesse recreation . Heere steepy clifts , and heauen-aspiring Hilles , Yeeld a sweet aier to relish my delight , There pleasant springs , from whence sweet streames destills to quench my thirst : and when the glomie night . Shuts vp the raies of Phoebus , rest we still till rosie cheek'd Aurora shew her light . Then we addresse vs to our sports againe , For where we take delight there is no paine , Then pardon me , ( if p●rdon I may aske ) that knowes no other pleasure then is heere , That neuer tooke vpon me any taske , but the pursuing of the harmelesse Deere , I need not shame , my blush requires no maske , I haue no obiects of affection neere , But the true splendor of a Natiue face , not mix'd with colours to augment her grace . If Ariadne desolate , forlorne , should heare of your intendments : what would she Reply , but ieast , that he who had forsworne those solemne vowes which should obserued be , Hath well deseru'd to weare his wantons horne , that dedicates her selfe to luxurie . O sie for shame , let shame represse that sinne , which not repress'd will shame both you and him . How glad would Ariadne heare of this , who rests deiected , rob'd of that same Gem , Which you respect not : she conceiu'd a blisse in his sweet smile , whose sweetnesse did regaine Her much prisd loue , her spels explan'd no lesse ; In the subduing him , who more had slaine , Then any monster , that in Cr●te was bred ; yet by her Art was soone discomfited . But she ! vnhappy she , as Bacchus would , depriu'd of him , for whom such pane●s she tooke , In Chios left , neere after to behold her darling Theseus , who ( you know ) forsooke Her much distress'd distresses did enfold the very mansion pitch'd on ⁶² high to looke , At that vnhappy place where Theseus left her , whose absent steps all comfort had bereft her . Then you that are preferr'd before her loue , set not at sale the treasure you possesse , Let Ariadnes exile something moue that fickle minde of yours , whose wantonnesse , Seemes more transparant in that you approue more of my loue , then of his excellence ▪ Whose beautious outside 's faire , but you may finde , a farre more beauteous inside of his minde . Constant he is , witnesse Peritheus , whose two combined hearts so well vnited , Haue eterniz'd the loue of Theseus : Mirrour of men , that men should be exiled , To passe such shelfes of perrils dangerous , With sight of poore Proserpina delighted : Whom to exempt with Pluto , they remaine , the one imprison'd close , the other slaine . Yet could not Pluto barr his eies from teares , which he pourd out each morne vpon the hearse , Of his deare friend , loue after death appeares , which like an Ecco earths abysse did pierce , Oppress'd with woe , surmises of vaine feares . Maugre the furie , of those Furies fierce , And Fiends below , which could not him surprise with dastard feare : 63 Braue Spirits feare despise . O doe not then expose his vertuous age , to such dishonour , adde no discontent Vnto his outworne strength , lest you enrage his patient spirit aboue his element . Doe not corrupt your honour nor engage , the glory of your birth so eminent . Scandalls are so●ne engendred sooner bred , then after-times can make extinguished . Doe not degrade your Theseus from his throne , Which he enioies , conceiuing more delight , In that he hath this little of his owne , reaping contented harbour on the night , Then th' husband man to reape what he hath sowne , or the poore Turtle , in her Turtles sight . Beleeue me Qu●eue , more doth your presence please Your Theseus heart , then any one of these . If you would haue Hippolitus to loue . Loue aged Theseus for Hippolitus sake ; For by those heauenly powers that raigne aboue . more comfort shall Hyppolitus partake By that affection , then Idalias groue , ere reap'd in Venus when he did awake , And rous'd from silent flumber to returne , vnto her Birds which for their Queen did mourn . Alas , faire queene , why should you thus assault , the vnprouided fortresse of mine hart ; Or why should you your colours thus exalt , displaying ruine to my chiefest part , And vnder ground as in some secret vault laying your shot , intending to subuert , The Bulwarke which supports my slender being , to raze my Fort and put my friends to fleeing . The fort which I possesse is my pure heart , my friends the vertues which do keepe my fort , The first in all my dolours beares a part , the second in distresse do make resort , To arme my soule against inuasions dart vpon their foe , their furie to retort . Were 't not a pittie then to see that fall , which doth sustaine my selfe my meanes and all ? But sure you see in me some shew of pleasure , and gladly would haue me expresse my thought , Obiecting to my senses time and leasure , seldome are such delights so lightly bought , High is the price of such a precious treasure . and well deserues it to be throughly sought : But I reply that pleasure lasts not long that t is vsurp't by force , and tane by wrong : I loue no bitter sweets immixd with gall , whose sharp repentance drowns the pleasure past , A pure vnspotted soule , whose ⁶⁴ Brasenwall can hold out battrie and wil euer last That feare no ruine , no declining fall , soilde with no blemish of her mindes distaste , But fraught with wealth , thrice happy in her wealth feeding on free delights , not got by stelth . What is that pleasure , where attendeth feare , As faith-infringers doe : who violate The faith they owe : whereby it doth appeare they rest respect lesse of their future state , Preferring lust before their Spousals deare , their shame with shamelesse Acts to aggrauate : O none God wot : no pleasure can be there , where there is nought but actions of despaire . O let those hests inuiolable stand , which heauens aboue confirme , and let them be As Charactres , writ by dame Natures hand to eleuate our senses purity : Proceeding from the immortall powers command , to consummate our liues integrity . That loue 's well squared by an equall line . whose ground-worke is grounded on the lawes diuine But if these motiues cannot caution you , not to adulterise your Nuptiall bed , Be you assur'd to Theseus I will shew those indigested humors which are bred , By your vnsetled thoughts which doe renew an heape of passions in your troubled head . All which concording make that discord true . No faith more faithlesse then the Faith of you . Your brittle sexe , so brittle is your mould , you cannot long be free from alteration : Grounds her foundation on no certaine hold , but tost with sundrie gusts of times mutation , Expos'd to shame and to confusion sold , infringing loue to purchase recreation , Which we by nature do accompt a shame , to set them light that haue esteemed them . Vertues surpriser , chastities depriuer , sower of discord , refuge to the worst , Forge of ambition enmities contriuer : an hatefull monster , vipers birth accurst , Friendships dissoluer , simple soules deceiuer , which from perdition had her birth-right first . The soile and sale of honour soonest showen , where men affect all pleasure saue their owne . And what be those but vaine , vnsauourie ioyes . whose fruits vnseas'ned yeeld but small delight , When comforts are conuerted to annoies , the beauty of our day obscur'd by night , And that we iudg'd for serious seeme as toies , which haue eclips'd the glory of their light : And then reuoluing what we did admire let fall our hopes , to greater things aspire . O be asham'd to blemish that faire Roote , which had deriuall from the powers aboue , Staine not your bed with your polluted foot , loue him alone whom you are bound to loue , Giue no occasion to your Spouse to doubt of your licentious passion , but remoue , Both guilt and guilts , suspicion , whose bright eyes , Iealouse of nought your secret'st councels spies . Will you for any pleasure lose respect , of all your kindred that attend your fame , Which once surpriz'd by infamies suspect , will call your acts augmenters of their shame ? O doe not so : let not your lust effect , the ruine of that house from whence you came : But as your glorie doth surpasse the rest , so in your heart let vertue build her nest . Vaine is the flower , soone fading , soone forgot , which you do pamper to your ouerthrow , Time will be , when those beautious corps shall rot , their poore remainder to the earth bestowe ; Then you shall be as if you flourish'd not plac'd in earths centre , Stigian lake belowe . Where Minos iudgement giues of euery sin , that those are guiltie may remaine with him . He was your father , yet his equitie , will not permit his Phaedra to transgresse : His lawes haue no exception , puritie onely exempted is , whose eminence Was first ordain'd to raigne eternally , in the Elisian fields Ioues residence ; Then chuse which two you please , whether you 'le dwel , in heauen with Ioue , or with your Sire in b●ll . Erect your thoughts depressed downe belowe , and let them soare vnto an higher pitch Then terrene pleasures , let that beauteous show of outward colours your affection teach To taste the Spring of sweetes , from whence doth flowe such mines of treasure , as will more enrich The Ars'nall of your minde then vaine delight , which lopped is before it come to height . Recall to minde Ixions punishment , see in a mirror what his folly got , Who whil'st he soar'd aboue his element , kindly receiv'd of Ioue , himselfe forgot : And as a streame which runs too violent , passing his bounds and limits , knoweth not How soone that flowe shall haue a sudden fall , whose boundlesse current kept no mene at all . So did Ixion who in selfe-conceit of his proportion did aspire too high , Affecting Iuno which did ruinate , the mansion of his Pristine dignitie , Dasling that sun which shone so bright of late , for with a clowde deceiv'd engendred he The Centaurs varied formes , which being bred , to Pelion came , where they inhabited . O then confine affection with the bound , of vertues honour , giuing her the place In euery action , making reasons ground the strong foundation , Time cannot deface , With beautious faire contexture closed round , a correspondence twixt ●he minde and face : The one renown'd by th' others puritie . as if both made to make one vnity . Shall Hymens temple be defac'd by you , Her sacred hests by your inconstancy ; O be assur'd the gods will punish you , imbranding shame in your posteritie , To breake your faith and wrong a friend so true , vnder pretence of mere simplicitie : Leue vertus shadowe , and your selfe betake● , to loue the shadow for the substance sake . What vertues did your maiden yeeres attend ? white was your roabe but whiter was your mind , When all your actions did to vertue tend ; Each sence her proper function had assign'd , Vertues foundation had perfections end , youth mix'd with grace : rare was 't your like to finde , But now your lustre soil'd by shamelesse sinning , argues your end farre worse then your begining . Crete made renown'd by fathers memory , shal't be extinguish'd by the daughters shame ? Times auntient browe records his equitie . for time-impartialisters merit fame , Proude was the earth to haue such men as he : earth seem'd by him to change her earthly name . For nere did fame with truth so neerely meete , as when your aged father gouern'd Crete . O then be daughter to so good a father , be his lifes pattern , shew from whence you sprang , Seeke to reuiue his glorie tropheis rather , then by your shame to see them ouerthrowne , Some fruitfull blossomes from his vertues gather : so may you make your fathers fame your owne : Crete was sustained oft by others fall . but she 's sustain'd by Phaedra most of all . How will this trumpe of glorie make your mind too low deiected , seeke an other port Then that you aime at now : where you shall finde , more perfect solace when you make resort Vnto the shrine of Vertue , that 's refined with purest colours , where the strongest fort That could be built by Nature or by Art , conserues the sacred treasure of the heart . O time deceing youth abusing time , making her stale to obiects of delight , Seeing the best will to the worst decline : Night-owle , whose works dare not approach the light , Prophaning that which was before diuine , Truth 's great'st opponent , vertues second sight , Whose minde bewitching vanities ensnare , our captiv'd reason with a seeming faire . More should I write , but that I loath to write of such a subiect whose lasciuious soyle , Makes my poore lines asham'd of such delights , That Parents birth , should Parents bed defile , Or to play false when he is out of sight : distrusting nought should I his trust beguile ? O cease to loue liue to aduance your fame , freeing your Bed and me from Parents shame . Yours if your owne : But being not your owne , I will not reope what other men haue sowne . FINIS .

Riddle me this . An Embleame including the Authors name . Two waies there be , one broade , the other straite , which two beat paths leade to a distinct state Of weale , of woe : this if you right explaine , the first , though worst , includes the Authors name .

Or thus ,

A Brea , a Banke , a Border , or a Shore , Smiles on his name that brought these Satires ore .

His Crest ,

His Crest a Cuckolds Crosse : his Motto , Heere I giue a Badge which Citizens d●e weare .

Blow my Plump-fac't Poulterer of Saffron Hill .

Place this and the leafe following after the end of the First Booke . ¶

To the equall Reader . IF that thy nature answere to thy name , Thou in thy iudgement wilt expresse the same Which I entitle thee , and hate to be A squintei'd Critick to misconster me . Hows'ere : be what thou wilt , if Equall , finde Lines correspondent to thy Equall minde : If rough ( for all my smoothnesse thou hast heard ) Thou'se heare far rougher Satires afterward . For ●f these ierks so lightly laid on smart , Thoule finde rare whipping cheere i' th Second part . Where Furies run diuision on my song : Patience a while , and thou shalt haue 't ere long .

To the Captious Reader . MY answer 's this to him that saies I wrong Our Art to make my Epigrams so long ; I dare not bite , therefore to change my nature , I call 't an Epigram which is a Satire .

To the vnderstanding Reader .

FOr your better direction I haue reduced these ensuing notes Alphabettically , with an apt relation to each particular included in the Poeme , which may minister no lesse Grace to the inuention , then delight to your reading .

ᵃ SAlamina insula est Atheniensis , quam Telamon gubernasse dicitur vitibus et myrtetis , eiusque generis arboribus vestita . vid. Plutarch .

ᵇ Flumen maxime omnium inclytum , &c. Flumen è Niphatimonte originem ducens , et Babilonians celerrimo cursu secans , in rubrum mare prolabitur .

ᶜ Alueum mutassa fertur ibid. &c.

ᵈ In personam amatorum .

ᵉ Zeuxis vuae viuis coloribus depictae . &c. vid. Plutarch , in Apoth .

ᶠ Riphaei montes Arcadiae , qui asperrimis verticibus subnixi sunt . vid. Caes. commen .

ᵍ Lynceus & Argot incredibiliperspicatia luminum praediti .

ʰ Coniux Orphui , qua per deserta loca currens , vt Arasteum , cam immodeste nimis sequentem , euitaret , a serpente venenato infectae extremam diem obijt , cam verolegimus , a plutone raptam esse , et subimperio suo miserrimam vitam transegisse , vid. ouid . et Senec. Trag. Her . Fu.

ⁱ Homer . in Iliad . vid: super hunc lacum . Calabr● in quar. lib. de supple .

ᵏ Turture sie Turtur iungit amanda suo . po●t .

ˡ Timon pater Thisbis qui ingentem Thesauri molem in Arca recondidisse arbitratur eiusque aspectu , mirum in modum delectabatur . vid sab. in Ouid. Metam .

ᵐ Naphtha bituminis genus quod aspersione aquae vehementius exaestuat . Testan . plinio .

ⁿ Loue is more vehement depriued of her obiect .

ᵒ Stellam veneris appellat Homerus 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

ᵖ Vid lucan et pallin . de sid: nominibus .

q Res est imperiosa timor .

ʳ Sordities , ira nummorum copia mira , his natura sen●● ▪ tribus est infectavenenis .

ˢ Vnde Vestales virgines candidis stolis indutas ess●●egimus in Aulo . Gell. in noct. Att.

ᵗ Sublimi stemmate ductus .

ᵘ Nam si vis aptenubere , nube pari , Ouid.

ˣ Succinctis humeris scuto .

ʸ Vid. plinium in Natur. hist. & Arist. de Natur. animal . Quos si Argut seruet ? qui occulatus totus sait . Plane● in Aulular .

ᶻ Hippodamia filia oenomai quam Peleps celeritate carsus obtinebat .

¹ Pelopid : bumeri : prouerb .

● Diana .

³ Lustra ferarum . Virg.

⁴ Noctis opaco cardine fulgebant stellae .

⁵ Campi Elysij .

● Nemesis vltionis dea .

⁷ Pegasus alatus equus , a quo Hypocrene originem duxit .

⁸ O quicunque sub hae habitatis rupe leones , &c , Ouid in Metam .

⁹ Vna duos ( inquit ) nox perdit amantes , Ouid.

1● Sed timidi est optare necem : ibid.

11 Myrtus vener , &c.

12 Progne Phylomela , & it is .

13 Ter , in vpubam . Rex su●ram sic crista probat : sed sordida vita immunda● è tanto culmine fecit aucm , Campan in Ter.

14 Exegi monumentum are perennius : marmore durius ebore serenius , vid. Eleg. Flac. et propert .

15 Aegis Aretusa , & Hesperitusa Atlant : filiae , quae hortum Hesperiae aureis pomis refertissimum ( ope serpentis perpetuam vigiliam seruantis ) tenebant , quam poste● Hercules interemit , vid. ope : Her: in Sen: Trag.

16 Arbor niueis pulcherrima pomis — Ardua Morus erat : Ibid. 17 Corticis exiguae , nigrique colo . ris Ebenns , &c , de natura gagatis : vid. Plin.

1● Postquam vestem coguouit , et eiusdem . Ouid.

19 In tumulum Nini , allocutio .

20 Viscera plus quam marmorea .

21 Purpurea vela , leuiorem auram trahe●tia , &c.

22 Homer in Iliad . vid. calab . in deliquijs super hunc locum .

23 Fluminis vt cecinit littore , cicnus , obit .

24 Gagates quae monumenta excolere solebat non tam ob eximiae naturae proprietates , quam politae et exaratae Formae elegantias vsurpata . vid. Plin. in Natur. histo .

25 Batia , sepulchrum Ili , quod in Ilio erigebatur et in Troiano bello solenni honore afficilegimus . vid. Hom. ib.

26 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , honos .

27 Et mihi sortis in vnum haec manus est : et amor , &c. Ouid. ibid.

28 Quoque magis tegitur tanto magis aestuatiguis .

29 In parentes naenia . 30 Vt sup. vid. eleg. Mart.

31 Volat irreuocabile verbum . 32 Pyra solennis vid. Funer . antiq. in Gell. et al. ³³ Rosa quae redolet , crescit cum spina quae pungit . 34 Et fugit ad salices , & se cupit ante videri Virg. ³⁵ Vid virg. in 1o. lib. Georg. de Irrigatione . &c. 36 a Poetical fiction . 37 Ioues reply .

38 Vid. Hesiod . de generat . deor . de natal . Hercul . et Plau. in Amphytrio — pol me haud penitet ; Scilicet ●oni dimidium mihi diuidere cum loue .

39 Et soror et coniux ▪ &c. Virg. in Aenead 1o. lib.

40 Nocte somniat , quae vigilans volui● . Terent.

41 Oscula libauit natae . virg. 42 Idas filius Apharei qui celeritate equorum incredibili , Marpessam egregia forma puellam corripuit . vid. Ouid. ⁴³ Horac . in 1. lib.

44 Ratione verum a falso discernimus , quam a Nat●ra , nobis insitam habemus vid. Cic. 1 , lib. offi. 45 Quae lae●o culmine Bustum occulit , arbustis teneris intexit opaci● vide Proper . 46 Tu quae ramis arbor miserabile corpus , ●unc tegis vnius mox & tectura duorum . Ouid Metam . 47 Qui viret in folijs venit eradicibus humor , et patrum in natos abeunt cum stem●sate mores . 48 Viuit post f●●e ; ra virtus , &c. 49 Vid. Apoth. rom. apud . Plutarch . 50 — Et germina gemmis effulsere suis , fragrantia pascua veris , praemia diffundunt , nona fert nona semina , Terra . 51 O quam difficile est crimen non prodere vultu ? 52 Cessit post funera liuor . vid. Apoth. Plut. de Aeschin . et Demosth. inimicit . et de obitu Demost.

53 Ingentia terrae antra replere solent currentia font● perenni , &c. 54 Mare mittit amara , &c. 55 Vetus vietus veternosus mustellino colore . Terentius .

56 De Oliua refert Plinius , quod post initi sedoris societatem , ramos eius arboris Fecialis gestare solebat , cuins indicio pacis specimina proferebantur , vid. in Philip. comm. de Bell. Ne apol. Oliuaeramos pacis indicia circumfere solebant ij , cum quibus conditiones pacis confirmatae sunt . &c. 57 Recipit populos vrna citatos . Senec● . 58 Babilon nunc vero Bagadeth appellata , a Nimrod● extruebatur . & a Semiramide extendebatur . In Euphratem Flu : amaemis : sita : vid: Geo-graph . comen . 59 Quia essa parentum corum rogis imiscebantur .

60 Minotaure . 6● Ascendo : vires animus dabat aequo ita late Aequora prospectu metior alta meo , Ouid. in ep. Ariad. Thes.

FINIS .

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