Brittons bovvre of delights Contayning many, most delectable and fine deuices, of rare epitaphes, pleasant poems, pastorals and sonets by N.B. Gent.

BRITTONS BOWRE OF Delights . CONTAYNING Many , most delectable and fine deuices , of rare Epitaphes , pleasant Poems , Pastorals and Sonets By N. B. Gent.

Imprinted at London by Richard Ihones , at the Rose and Crowne neere Holborne Bridge . 1591.

To the Gentlemen Readers .

GENTLEMEN : I present you here , in the Authours absence , with sundrie fine Deuices , and rare conceytes , in English verse : by the names of Epitaphes , Poems , Pastorals and Sonets : some of worthines , and some of wantonnes , yet ( all in my poore censure ) wittie , pleasant , & commendable : It any like you , ( as I hope they wil ) partly , for the well penning of them : but specially , for the Subiet and worthinesse of the persons they doo concerne ) though ( happly ) you esteeme the rest of lesse regard : I then haue my desire , and count my labour and charges well bestowed . I am ( onely ) the Printer of them , chiefly to pleasure you , and partly to profit my selfe , if they prooue to your good liking : if otherwise , my hope is frustrate , my labour lost , and all my cost is cast away . Pardon mee , ( good Gentlemen ) of my presumption , & protect me , I pray you , against those Ca●…ellers , and findfaults , that neuer like of any thing that they see printed , though it be neuer so wel compiled . And where you happen to find any fault , impute it to bee committed by the Printers negligence , then ( otherwise ) by any ignorance in the Author : and especially in A 3 , about the middest of the page , for lime or lead , I pray you read it line or lead . So shall your poore Printer haue iust cause hereafter to be more carefull , and acknowledge himselfe most bounden ( at all times ) to do you seruice to the vtmost of his power .

Yours , R. I. Printer .

Amoris Lachrimae . A most singular and sweete Discourse of the life and death of S. P. S. Knight . AMong the woes of those vnhappie wights , That haue set downe the sorrowes of their time , Whose liues are most deuoid of al delights And passe in griefe the pleasures of their prime : Let me discourse the secrets of my care , More then conceyte or sorrow can declare , Some loose their wealth , it is a slender losse , My life hath lost the treasure of my trust : Some loose their health , alas a common crosse , My lifes delight is buried in the dust : Some loose their friendes , it is no one mans woe , I lost a friend , such one there are no moe . Some loose their loue , a sorrow neere the heart , In kinde affect the crosse of onely crosses : Some loose their liues , where sorrowes neuer part , Some loose themselues in thinking of their lossess : More then my selfe is such a friend bereft me , All wealth , nor health , nor loue , nor life , hath left me . And shall I tell what kinde of man he was , Whome thus I lou'de ? and neuer creature hated , Imagine first it dooth my reason passe , To write of him whome hiest power created : For euerie part that vertue had desired , 〈◊〉 of the heauens , and of the world admired . Yet as my heart for griefe and sorrow can , I will describe the substance of his state , In childish yeares he was esteemd a man , And halfe a man , more halfe a magistrate , On whome the Arts and Muses so attended , As all , in all , for all , he was commended . Whose wisdome was not seene in wanton toies , And though a wanton , yet not deuoid of wit , Of worldly ieasts he neuer made his toies , Although sometimes he had a taste of it : For let the best that liues do what he can , In some things yet he shewes himself a man . But if on earth there were a man diuine , For Natures gifts and Vertues secret grace , Then giue me leaue to say this loue of mine , Was here too good to haue a dwelling place , But liues in heauen in some high Angels office , Where God himselfe dooth vse him in his seruice . To say yet more what ( in effect ) he was , Let this suffice , in summe he was a man , Whose heauenly wisedome found the way to passe , More then the power of Wit and Reason can : In whose attempts the world thus well did know him , Nothing but death could euer ouerthrow him . Comely of shape , and of a manly face , Noble in birth , and of a princely minde , Kinde in effect and of a courtly grace . Courteous to all , and carefull of the kinde : Valure and Vertue , Learning , Bountie , Loue , These were the parts that did his honour proue . Whose full perfection thus hath wisedome peased , His wordes were substance , and his deeds diuine , Reason the ground whereon his hope were raysed , Labour his life , and Learning was his line : Truth was his loue , and Triall his intent , Care his couceipt , and Honour his content . He spake no worde , but carried full his waight , He nothing did that euer tooke disgrace , He had no minde to muse vpon deceyte , He built in heauen his onely byding place , He lou'd the Church where Saints do build the steepls , And sought the worlde where Angels are the people . He trauaild farre when he was neerest home , Where was no earth he could behold a land , He sawe a house without eare , lime or lome , And saild the seas where there was neuer sand . He sounded depths , without eare lime or lead , And found out life , where other men were dead . He fearde no foe , nor euer sought a friend , He knew no want , and made no care of wealth , He nought begun , but had a care to end , And neuer lou'd the honour had in stealth : By fire and sword he wonne his worthy fame , That hath aduaunc'd the honour of his name . In all the skie he honoured but a starre , That was his course of all his kind affection , Whose flame was nere , although the fire a farre , Gaue him the light of loues direction : He was so kind and constant where he loued , As once resolu'd , he could not he remoued . His hands was free to helpe the needie hart , His heart was franke to fill the emptie hand , His most desire was to reward desart , And holde vp state where honour could not stande : His onely i●…y was honour of the stelde , To conquere men , and make the Captaines yeelde . Much was his care , and of his Countrey most , Little his ioy , and in himselfe the least , All for his friend , did seeme but little cost , Yet to himselfe a little was a feast . High was their happe that might but be about him , Death is their life that mourne , to be without him . Nowe iudge the life in leauing such a ioy , The death in losse of such a daintie friend , What may remoue the roote of this annoy , Or howe this griefe may euer haue an ende . And if it be a care incurable , Thinke of the death where it is ●…urable . To liue in death is but a dying life , To die in life , is but a liuing death , Betwixt these two is such a deadly strife , As make me draw this melancholike breath : Wherein conceite dooth liue so discontented , As neuer heart was euer so tormented . A torment onely made but for the minde , A minde ordainde but onely to distresse , And such distresse as can no comfort finde , But leaues the heart to die remed●…esse : And such a death as liueth to beholde , Ten thousand torments more then can be tolde . Yet though my penne can neuer halfe expresse , The hi●…eous torments of my heauie heart , Let me set downe some touch of my distresse , That some poore soule may helpe to beare a part : That in extremities when we are wo begon vs , The worlde may weepe to sit and looke vpon vs . Nature and Art are got about his graue , And there sit wailing of each others losse , Hard by the tombe sittes Sorrow in her caue , Cutting her heart to thinke on honours crosse : And Wisedome weeping , wringing of her hands , To see the worlde in what a case it stands . In this darke hole of death and heauinesse , Sits wofull Bewtie with her blubbred eyes , By her sits Loue , with Care all comfortlesse , Recording of his mothers miseries : Among the rest that wailes the losse of friends , Sits Patience pricking of her fingers ends . From Pities face doo fall the trickling teares , Of torments such as teare the heart of Loue , The Muses sit and rend their shriueled heares , To see the paine that Loue and Bewtie proue . Among them all howe I am torne in sunder , And yet do liue , confesse it is a wonder . I liue , oh liue , alas , I liue indeede , But such a life was neuer such a death ▪ While fainting heart is but constrainde to feede , Upon the care of a consuming breath : O my sweete Muse , that knowest howe I am vexed , Paint but one passion how I am perplexed . I call for death , but yet he will not heare me , I read my death , and rue my destinie , I see my death , but he will not come neare me , I feele my death , but yet I cannot die : But where nor death will kill , nor griefe be cured , Thinke what a death of deathes I haue endured . Yet while I liue in all this miserie , Let me go quarrell with this cruell fate , Why death should do so great an iniur●… , Unto the stay of such a happie state : At liuing things to make his leuell so , To kill a Phoenix when there were no mo . Oh cruell Death what led thy hand awr●…e , To take the best and leaue the worst behind , To youth thou art vntimely destinie , Thou mightest haue bene a comfort to the blind : And end the aged of their wearie time , And not a youth in pride of all his prime . Thou monghtest haue shot at such a wretched thought , As had past ouer all his pleasant yeares , And killed the heart that is consumed to nought , Which being ●…angled ●…n these worldly briers , But Bewties loue , and Honors hart to bleed , Fie ou thee death , it is too fowle a deed . But well , the world will curse thee to thy face , Bewtie and Loue will to thy teeth de●…e thee , Honor and Learning draw thee in disgrace , Where no good thought shall euer once come nie thee : And for my selfe to see thee wo begon thee , Will pray to God all plagues may light vpon thee . For I haue lost the honour of my loue , My loue hath lost the honour of my life , My life and loue doth such a passion proue , As in the world was neuer such a strife : Where secret death and sorow are consented , To see the terror of a heart tormented . Thou camst too soone , but now thou comst too late , Thy force too great , but now it is too small , Halfe had in loue , but wholy now in hate , Destred of some , but cursed now of all , Oft I confesse that I haue quakte before thee , But do thy worst , death now I care not for thee . But dost thou thinke thou canst thy selfe excuse , To say ( alas ) thou hast but done thine office , Unhappie hand whom so the heauens dost vse , On such a Saint to execute thy seruice ; But since it was the will of God to do it , His will be done , I can but yeeld vnto it . Yet for the care that Vertue hath conceyued , For losse of him that was his dearest loue , And for the death that Honour hath receyued , Where pacience doth the deadly passions proue , I cannot thuse although my hart would hide it , To shew my griefe so great I cannot bide it . Oh that I had but so diuine a head . As could bewray the sorrowes of my breast , Or from the graue to raise againe the dead , And not offend my God in my request : Or by a prayer I might the grace obtaine , To see the face of my desire againe . But all in vaine , my wishes not ●…uaile , My wordes are winde and carrie none effect ▪ And with my griefe I feele my senses faile , That Fortune thus should crosse me in affect : As by the losse of one sweet heauenly friend , My heart should die , and yet no dolor end . End , no God wot , there is no end of griefe ▪ Where sad conceit will neuer out of minde , And bootlesse hope to harpe vpon reliefe . Where Care may seeke , and neuer Comfort fin●… For in the wor●…d I had no ioy b●…t one . And all but death , nowe he is dead and gone . Gone is my ioy , alas and well-away , What shall I doo nowe all my loue is gone , All my delight is falne vnto decay , Onely but heauen I haue to hope vpon . Oh heauenly powers take pitie of my crie , Let me not li●…e , and see my Louer die . Oh my loue , ah my loue , all my loue gone , Out alas sillie wretch , well-aday wo is me , Of a friend , euer friend , such a friend none , In the worlde , through the worlde , may the worlde see : Holy Saints , higher powers , heauens looke vpon me , Pitie me , comfort me , thus wo begon me . My heauenly Loue , heauens lou'd as well as I , Heauen was his care , and heauen was his content , In heauen he liues , in heauen he cannot die , From heauen he came , and to the heauens he went , Oh heauenly Loue , heauens will I looke for neuer , Till in the heauens I may beholde thee euer . But what , me thinks I see a sudden chaunge , The worlde dooth seeme to alter nature much , The state of things is to my reason straunge , And sorrowes such as there were neuer such . Such lacke of loue , such mourning for a friend , Such world of woes , as if the world should end . Me thinkes I see the Queene of kinde affect , Sighing and sobbing with such inward griefe , As he that could consider the effect , Might see a heart lie dead without reliefe : And ●…n conceite so ouercome with care , It killes my heart to see her heauie fare . Me thinkes I see a sight of armed horse , Led in by boyes as if the men were dead , Me thinkes I heare men murmure of a corse , And gallant youthes go hanging of the head : Methinkes I heare a thunder in the aire ▪ Bids fare well Hope & looke vpou Dispaire . Me thinkes I heare the trumpet drum and fife , Sound all a mort , as if the world were done , Me thinkes I see the'nd of vnhappie life , Or second ioy since latter age beg●…ne : Methinkes I heare the hor●…or of the crie , As if the day were come that all should die . Oh what I heare , oh what I feele and see ▪ Hold hart , helpe heauens , how can I longer liue , But in the heauens there is no helpe for me , Not all the world can any comfort giue : When death doth of my dearest friend depriue me . What can remaine in comfort to reuiue me . Yet for the world shall witnesse what thou art , Which in the world did leaue no like behinde : I will set downe though short of thy desart , The happie honour of thy heauenly minde , And on thy tombe I wil with teares engraue , The death of life that for thy lacke I haue . Looke on the hils how all the Shepheards sit , Heauie to thinke vpon their honest friend , How Phillis sits as one besides her wit , To see the sorrow of her Shepheards end : Harke how the lambs go blaying vp & downe , To see their Shepheards caried to the towne . Looke how the flock begin to leaue their feeding , While cruell beasts breake i●… among the sheepe , See how the heart of loue ●…ooth lie a bleeding , That Mars was slai●…e while Venus was a sleepe , See how the earth is bare in euerie place , To see that death hath done the worlde disgrace . And Corridon poore sillie wretched swaine , Dooth make such mo●…e as if he should go mad , All in dispaire to see good dayes againe , To loose the ioy that on the earth he had : Who since the time he heard but of the wound , Liu'de like a ghost that goes vpon the ground . And so forlorne abandonde all content , Keepes in the Caues where comfort is vnknowne , Borne but to liue , and onely to lament , The dolefull life that by his death hath growne : Who in his life would let him know no care , But by his death all griefes that euer are . Pan in a rage hath broken all his pipes , Pallas alas sits poaring on a booke ▪ Her weeping eyes see howe Diana wipes , And poore Apollo casts a piteous looke : The Nymphes come in with such a wofull crying , As if that Loue or Venus lay a dying . The Nightingale is stopped in her throte , And shriking Owles do make a fearefull noise , The dolefull Rauens sing a deadly note , And little Wrennes the end of Eagles ioyes : The Phoenix droopes , and Falcons beate their wings , To heare how Swans of death and sorrow sings . The trees are blasted , and the leaues do wither , The daintie greene is turnde to duskie gray , The gallant Uines are shrunke and gone togither , And all the flowers doo fade and fall away . The springs are dried , and all the fish scale beaten , And all good fruite the earth it selfe hath eaten . Oh what a wo it is to see the woes , Where nought but wo is left to looke vpon , A griefe too great for Reason to disclose , And in effect a death to studie on : Where man and beasts , birds , fishes , flowers and trees , Do halfe the hope of all their comfort leese . When on the earth was euer such a sight , Hardly the world can such a sorrow haue : Neuer did death more seaze vpon delight , Then when this knight was caried to his graue : Which when I sawe , so neere my heart I set , As while I liue I neuer can forget . First comes the brother all in mourning blacke , Mourning in deede in bodie and in minde , Foulding his armes , as if his heart would cracke , Feeling the death that Loue and Nature finde : Looking upon the last of his delight , Oh heauenly God it was a pitious sight . The Scholers come with Lachrimis Amoris , As though their hearts were hopelesse of reliefe , The Souldiers come with Tonitr●… Clamoris , To make the heauens acquainted with their griefe : The noble Peeres in Ciuitatis portis , In hearts engrauen come in with Dolor mortis ▪ The straungers come with Oh che male sorte , The seruants come with Morte dila vita , The secret friends with Morte pui che morte , And all with these Felic●…ta finita : Nowe for my selfe , Oh dolor infernale , Da videre morte , & non da viuere tale , Now if the griefe of all the world be great , How great is his that is the griefe of all , Who doth in thoughts more deadly pangs repeate , Then euer did to all the world befall , Whose paines and passions onely do approue , The onely true Anotamie of loue . But since I see there is no remedie , What God will haue , must neuer be withstoode : And Male-content is but a maladie , That may consume , but can doe little good , I will to God referre my whole reliefe , In heauenly care of my vnhappie griefe . And on my knees beseech his holy will , To cast on me those sweete and louing eyes , That heale the heart of euery hatefull griefe , And giue the life where comfort neuer dyes . And where my heart is gone , my hope may thether . That faith and loue may liue in heauen together . But till my soule may see that heauenly sweete , Where Vertue dooth her dearest loue embrace : Where Comfort , Care , and Kinde affect m●…y meete , And haue the ioy to see each others face : Upon thy Tombe I will these wordes set downe , That all the warld may read of thy renowme . FINIS

Poems and Sonets .

A pleasant Poem A | Angels haue not their honour for their 〈◊〉 , N | No bewtie like the vertue of the minde , N | No life to loue that cannot proue vntrue , E | Esteeme the comfort of the highest kinde . P | Pure is the minde that cannot meane amisse , A | And sweete the life that is maintainde by loue , R | Rare is the heart where such affection is , K | Kinde the conceipt that dooth such honour proue , E | Excellens rare that wit and reason winneth , R | Read but each letter as the line beginneth . A. P. Finis .

Another . T | Time made a stay when highest powers wrought , R | Regard of loue where vertue had her grace , E | Excellence rare of euerie beautie sought , N | Notes of the heart where honour had her place , T | Tried by the touch of most approued truth , A | A worthie Saint to serue a heauenly Queene , M | More faire then she that was the fame of youth , E | Except but one , the like was neuer seene . Trentame . Finis .

Another . G | Good is the best , the most can say no more , A | And yet is good , and better , and the best , R | Reason requires the best be set before , R | Regard of loue findes reason in the rest , E | Except the best in euerie good excepted , T | Though better serue the good may be accepted . Garet . Finis .

A sweete Pastorall . GOod Muse rocke me asseepe with some sweet harmonie , This weary eie is not to keepe , thy warie companie . Sweet Loue be gone a while , thou knowst my heauines ▪ Bewtie is borne but to beguile my heart of happines . See how my litle flocke that lou'd to feed on hie , Do head-long ●…umble downe the rocke , & in the vally die . The bushes and the trees , that weare so fresh and greene , Do all their daintie colours leese , and not a leafe is seene . The Black-bird , & the Thrush , that made the woods to ring With all the rest are now at hush , & not a note they sing . Sweet Philomele the bird , that hath the heauenly throte , Doth now ( alas ) not once afoord recording of a note . The flowers haue had a frost , each hearbe hath lost her sauor , And Phillida the faire hath lost , the comfort of her fauor . Now all these carefull sights , so kill me in conceit , That how to hope vpon delights , it is but meere deceit . And therefore my sweet Muse , that knowst what help is best , Do now thy heauenly cunning vse to set my heart at rest . And in a dreame bewray , what fate shall be my friend , Whether my life shall still decay , or when my sorow end .

A Sonet . THe prettie Turtle-doue , that with no little mone , When she hath lost her louing mate , sits mourning all alone , The Swan that alwaies sings an houre before hir death , Whose deadly gripes do giue the grones , that draw away hir breath : The Pellican that pecks the blood out of hir brest , And by her death doth only feed her yong ones in the nest , The Hart imparked close within a plot of ground , Who dare not ouer-looke the pale , for feare of hunters 〈◊〉 . The Hound in kenell tied , that heares the chase go by , And bo●…tles wishing foot abrode , in vaine doth howle & cry : The Tree with withered ●…op , that hath his branches dead , And hangeth down his hiest bowes , while other hold vp head : Endure not halfe the death , the sorow , nor disgrace , That my poore wretched mind abides , where none can wail my case . For truth hath lost his trust , more deare then Turtle-doue , And what a death to such a life , that such a pain doth proue : The Swan for sorrow sings to see her death so ●…e , I die because I see my death , and yet I cannot die : The Pellican doth feed their yong ones with their blood , I bleed to death , to feed desires that neuer do me good . My heart imparked round within the ground of griefe , Is to beset with hounds of hate , it lookes for no reliefe . And sweet desire my dogge , is clogged so with care , He cries and dies to heare delights , & come not where they are . My tree of true delight , is sabd with sorrow so , As but the heauens do sooner helpe , will be his ouerthrow . In summe , my dole , my death , and my disgrace is such , As neuer man that euer liu'd , knew euer halfe so much .

A Poem . GO Muse vnto the Bower , whereas my mistres dwels , And tell her of her seruants loue , but tel her nothing els . And speake but in her eare , that none may heare but she , That if she not the sooner helpe , there is no helpe for me . Not that I ●…eare to speake , but it is strange to heare , That shee will neuer looke on him , that holds her loue so deare . Perhaps she knowes it not , or if she do she will not , Yet let her kindnes haue a care , that though she hurt she kil not . And though it be to strange , yet let her this beleue me , That dead men liue , yet I am dead , yet liue if she releue me , For yet are not so colde the coales of kinde desire , But in the ashes liues a sparke , to kindle loue a fire . Which fier his fuell hath , but from those fairest eies , Where faith doth burne & fancie flame , & fauor neuer dies

A Poem . PUre of the faire that neuer fadeth hue , Exceeding sweet that euery sweet exceedeth : Neere to the heauens where highest glaces growe ' Excellent fruit that such a fancie feedeth , Loue in the eyes , and honour in the heart , O Princes , Angelles Goddesse , heauenly feature , Perfection farre aboue all natures arte , Exception none , was euer such a creature . Rich , vertuous , wise , faire , courteous , comely , kinde , Ioy to the hearts of all that doo beholde her , Courtly of grace , and of a princely minde , High in the heauens , the Angels haue enrolde her .

A Pastorall . MIne eyes haue seene the Idoll of my heart , Mine eyes haue heard the wonder of the wise , Mine heart hath toucht the comfort of mine eyes . Nowe handes be true vnto your happie heart , Tongue say thy heart shall all in silence serue , Heart to thy head doo not thy thoughts impart , Eyes see the sight that doth your sight preserue . And nowe thou eye , thou tongue , thou hand and heart , But looke , or speake , or touch , or turne awrie , The heauens pronounce the due of your desart . Be true and liue , but if a Traitor , die .

A Poem . LIke to an Hermit poore in place obscure . I meane to spende my dayes in endlesse doubt : To waile such woes as time cannot recure , Where none but loue shall euer finde me out . My foode shall be of care and sorrow made , My drinke nought else but teares falne from mine eyes , And for my light in such obscured shade , The flames shall scrue that from my heart arise . A gowne of griefe my bodie shall attire , And broken hope the staffe of all my stay , Of late repentance linkt with long desire , The Couch is made whereon my bones to lay , And at my gate Dispaire shall linger still , To let in Death when Loue and Fortune will .

Of his Mistresse loue . TO trie whose art and strength did most excell , My Mistresse Loue and faire Diana met , The Ladies three forthwith to shooting fell , And for the prize the richest Iewell set . Sweete Loue did both her bowe and arrowes gage , Diana did her bewtie rare lay downe , My Mistresse pawnde her crueltie and rage , And she that wanne had all for her renowne : It fell out thus when as the match was done , My Mistresse gat the bewtie and the bowe , And streight to trie the weapons she had wonne , Upon my heart she did a shaft bestow . By Bewtie bound , by Loue and Uigor slaine , The losse is mine where hers was all the gaine .

Of a discontented minde . POets come all , and each one take a penne , Let all the heads that euer did indite , Let Sorrow rise out of her darkest denne , And helpe an heart an heauie tale to write . And if all these or any one can touch , The smallest part of my tormenting paine : Then will I thinke my griefe is not so much , But that in time it may be healde againe . But if no one can once come neare the thought , Of that I feele , and no man else can finde , Then let him say that deare his cunning bought , There is no death to discontented minde .

Of his Mistresse beautie . WHat ailes mine eies , or are my wits distraught , Do I not see ; or know not what I see , No maruell though to see that wonder wrought , That on the earth an other cannot be . What ment the gods when first they did creat you , To make a face to mocke all other features , Angels in heauen will surely deadly hate you , To leaue the world so full of foolish creatures . Cheeks , that en●…haine the highest harts in thrall , Is it set downe such faire shall neuer fade you : Hands , that the harts of highest thoughts appall , Was not Minerua mad when she had made you , Faire : looks on you , and fate well Bewties grace , Wise : why your wits the wisest doth abash . Sweet : where is sweet , but in your sweetest face , Rich: to your will all treasure is but trash , Oh how these hands , are catching at those eyes , To feed this heart that onely liues vpon them , Ah , of these hands what humors do arise , To blind these eies that liue by looking on them . But heart must faint that must be going from you , And eies must weepe that in you lose their seeing , Heauens be your place , where Angels better knowe you , And earth is too base for such a Goddesse beeing . Yet where you come among those hiest powers , Craue pardon then for all these great offences , That when you dwelt among those harts of ours Your only eies did blind our wits and senses . New if you see my will aboue my wit , Think of the good that all your graces yeeld you : A mazed Muse must haue a madding fit , Who is but mad that euer hath beheld you .

A Sonet . THose eies that hold the hand of euery heare , That hand that holds the heart of euery eye , That wit that goes beyond all Natures art . The sence too deepe for Wisedome to discrie . That eye , that hand , that wit , that heauenly sence , Doth shew my onely mistresse excellence . Oh eyes that pearce into the purest heart , Oh hands that hold the highest thoughts in thrall , Oh wit that weyes the depth of all desart , Oh sence that shewe the secret sweete of all . The heauen of heauens with heauenly powers preserue thee . Loue but thy selfe , and giue me leaue to serue thee . To serue , to liue , to looke vpon those eyes , To looke , to liue , to kisse that heauenly hand , To sound that wit that doth amaze the minde , To know that sence , no sence can vnderstand . To vnderstand that all the world may know , Such wit , such sence , eyes , hands , there are no moe .

A pastorall of Phillis and Coridon . ON a hill there growes a flower , Faire befall the daintie sweete : By that flower there is a bower , Where the heauenly Muses meete . In that Bower there is a Chaire , Fringed all about with golde : Where doth sit the fairest faire , That did euer eye beholde . It is Phyllis faire and bright , She that is the shepheards ioy : She that Venus did dispight , And did blind her little boy . This is she the wise , the rich , And the world desires to see , This is Ipsa quae the which , There is none but onely shee . Who would not this fact admire , Who would not this Saint adore , Who would not this sight desire , Though he thought to see no more ▪ Oh faire eyes yet let me see , One good looke , and I am gon●… , Looke on me for I am hee , Thy poore sillie Corridon . Thou that art the shepheards Queene , Looke vpon thy sillie Swaine : By t●…y comfort haue beene seene , Dead men brought to life againe .

The complaint of a forsaken Louer . LEt me go seeke some solitarie place , In craggie rocks where confort is vnknowne : Where I may sit and waile my heauy case , And make the heauens acquainted with my mo●…e . Where onely Eccho with her hollow voice , May sound the sorrow of my hidden sence : And cruell chance the crosse of sweetest choise , Doth breed the paine of this experience . In mourning thoughts let me my mind attire , And clad my care in weedes of deadly wo : And make Disgrace the graue of my desire , Which tooke his death wherby his life did grow . And ere I die engraue vpon my ●…ombe , Take heed of Loue , for this is louers doome .

A prettie Fancie . WHo takes a friend and trus●…s him not , Who hopes of good and hath it not , Who hath a Item and keepes it not , Who keepes a Ioy and loues it not . The first wants wit , the second will , Carelesse the third , the fourth dooth ill .

An Epitaph on the death of a noble Gentleman . SOrrow come sit thee downe , and sigh and sob thy fill , And let these bleeding bitter teares , be witnesse of thine ill . See , see , how Vertue sits , what passions she doth proue , To thinke vpon the losse of him , that was her dearest loue . Come Pallas carefull Queene , let all thy Muses waite , About the graue , where buried is the grace of your conceite . Poets lay downe your pennes , or if you needes will write , Confesse the onely day of loue hath lost her dawning light . And you that know the Court and what beseemes the place , With griefe engraue vpon his tombe , he gaue al Courts a grace . And you that keepe the fields , and knowe what valure is , Say all too soone was seene in this vntimely death of his . Oh that he liud in earth , that could but halfe conceiue , The honour that his rarest heart was worthie to receiue . Whose wisdome farre aboue the rule of Natures reach , Whose workes are extant to the worlde , that all the world may teach . Whose wit the wonder-stone , that did true wisdome tutch , And such a sounder of conceipt , as few or neuer sutch . Whose vertues did exceede in Natures highest vaine , Whose life a lanthorne of the loue that surely liues againe . Whose friendship faith so fast , as nothing could remoue him , Whose honourable courtesie made all the world to loue him . What language but he spake : what rule but he had read ? What thought so high ? what sense so deep ? but he had in his head . A Phoenix of the world , whom fame doth thus commend , Vertue his life , Valor his loue , and Honor was his end . Upon whose tombe be writ , that may with teares be red , Here lies the flower of chiualrie that euer England bred . Oh heauens , vpon the earth was neuer such a day , That all conceits of all contents should all consume away . Me thinkes I see a Queene om●…e couer●… with a vasse , The Court all stricken in a dumpe , t●…e 〈◊〉 weene & 〈◊〉 . The knights in carefull sighs bewaile their secret losse , And he that best conceales his griefe , b●…wrayes ●…e hath a crosse . Come scholers bring your bookes , let reason haue his right , Do reuerence vnto the corse , in honour of the knight . Come souldiers see the knight , that left his life so neere ye , Giue him a volley of your harts , that all the world may heare ye . And ye that liue at home , and passe your time in peace , To helpe ye sing his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 , let sorrow neuer cease . Oh could I mou●… 〈◊〉 , that all the world may see , The griefe of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ●… losse ; as greater cannot bee . Our Court hath 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 , our Countrey such a knight , As with the torment of the thought , hath turned day to nigh●… . A man , so rare a man , did neuer England breed , So excellent in euery thing , that all men did exceed . So full of all effects that wit and since may scan , As in his heart did want no part to make a perf●…ct man . Perfection fa●…e aboue the rule of humaine sence , Whose heart was euely set on heauen , and had his honor thence Whose marke of hiest aime ▪ was honour of the minde , Who both at once did worldly fame , and heauenly fancur finde . Whom Uertue so did loue , and learning so adore , As commendation of a man , was neuer man had more . Whom wise men did admire , whom good men did affect , Whom honest men did loue and serue , and all men did respect . Whose care his Countries loue whose loue his Countries care , Whose carefull loue considered wel , his country could not spare , Oh Christ what ruthfull cries , about the world do ring , And to behold the heauie sighes it is a hellish thing . The campe , the dolefull campe , comes home with all a Mort ▪ To see the captaine of their care , come home in such a sort ▪ The Court , the solemne Court , is in a sudden trance , And what is he but is amazde to heare of this mischance , The C●…tie shakes the head , as it had lost a piller , And kind affect is in such care , a little more would kill her , Sweet Oxford sits and weepes , and Cambridge ●…ries outright . To loose the honour of their loue , and loue of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 . The Cleargie singing Psalmes , with teares be blot their book●… And all the schollers follow on with sad and heauy lookes . The Muses and the Nymphes attired all in blacke . With tearing heares & wringing hands , as if their harts would cracke . The father , wife , and friends , and seruants in degrees , With blubbred eies bewaile the life that faithfull loue did le●…se . My selfe that leu'de him more , then he that knew him much , Will leaue the honour of his worth , for better wits to tutch . And said but what I thinke , and that a number know , He was a Phoenix of a man I feare there are no mo . To let him downe in praise with men of passed fame , Let this suffice who more deserude : I neuer read his name ▪ For this he was in right , in briefe to shew his pra●…se , For Vertue , Learning , Valor , W●…t , the honor of our dayes . And so with honor ende , let all the world go seeke , So yong a man , so rare a man , the world hath not the like . Whose onely cor●…s consumes , whose Vertue neuer dies , Whose sweetest soule enioyes the sweet of highest Paradice .

The summe of the former in foure lines . GRace , Uertue , Ualor , Wit , Experience Learning Loue , Art , Reason , Time , Conceite , Deuise , Discretion , Truth , All these in one , and but one onely prooue , Sorrow in age , to see the end of youth .

In the praise of his Mistresse , POets lay downe your pen●…es , let ●…ancie leaue to ●…aine , Bid all the Muses go to bed , or get a be●…ter vaine . Their Musicks are to base , to sound that sweet consaite , That on the wonder of the world , with wonder may awaite . But if as yet unknowne there be some daintie Muse , That can do more then all the rest , and 〈◊〉 her ●…nning vse . Let her come whet her wits , to see what she can do , To that the best that e●…er ●…rote , came neuer neere vnto . For Venus was a toy , an●…y s●…inned 〈◊〉 , And Cressed but a Chawcers ●…east , and H●…len but a bable . My tale shall be of truth , that neuer Treason taught , My Mistresse is the onely sweete , that euer Nature wrought . Whose eyes are like those starres that keepe the hiest 〈◊〉 : Whose beautie like the burning Sunne , that blinds the clearest ●…ies . Whose haires are like those beames , that hang about the Sunne , When in the morning forth he steps , before his course be runne . And let me touch those lips , by loue , by leaue , or lucke , When sweet affect , by sweet aspect , may yet some fauour sucke . They are those little foldes , of Natures finest wit , That she sat smoothing while she wrought , & wil be smacking yet . And for that purest red , with that most perfect white , That makes those cheekes the sweetest chains , of louers high delite . What may be said but this Behold the onely feature , That all the world that sees the face , may wonder at the creature . I will not stand to muse as manie writers do , To seeke out Natures finest stuffe to like her lims vnto . For if thou wert on earth that could in part compare : With euerie part of euerie part , wherein her prayses are . Either for Natures gifts or Vertues sweetest grace ▪ I would confesse a blinded heart , were in vnhappie case . But where both Nature , Sense , and Reason doth approue , She is the onely Saint on earth , whom God and man doth loue . Let this in summe suffice for my poore Muse and mee , She is the Goddesse of the earth , and there is none but shee .

Of Truth and Loue . TRuth shewes her selfe in secret of her trust , Wisedome her grace in honour of her Loue : Uertue her life where loue is not vniust , Loue in his sweete that dooth ●…o sorrow proue . Truth hath in hate to heare a fained tale , Wisedome dooth frowne where Follie is in place : Honour is gone where Bewtie is too small , And Uertue dyes where Loue is in disgrace . I leaue your truth to your desired trust , Your wisedome to the wonder of the wise : Your highest ioy to iudgement of the iust , Where Uertue liues , and Honour neuer dies . And he vouchsafe you that all truth preserueth , What Truth of Loue , and Loue of Truth deserueth .

Rare newes . NEwes from the heauens , all warres are at an end , Twixt higher powers , a happie peace concluded , Fortune and Faith are sworne each others friend , And Loues desire shall neuer be deluded . Time hath set downe the compasse of his course , Nature her worke , and Excellence her art : Care his content , and Crueltie his curse , Labour his desire , and Honour his desart . Wordes shall be deedes , and men shall be diuine , Women all Saints or Angels in degrees : Cloudes shall away , the Sunne shall euer shine , Heauens shall haue power to hinder none of these . These are the Articles of the conclusion , Which when they fa●… , then looke for a confusion .

Of a wearie life . WHo can delight in such a wofull sound , Or loues to heare a Laie of dire lament , What note is sweete when griefe is all the ●…ound , Discords can yeeld but onely discontent . The wrest is wrung that straines each string too farre , And strifes the stops that giue each stroke a iar●… Harsh is ( alas ) the harmonie God knowes , When out of tune is almost euerie string : That sound vnsweete that all of sorrow growes , And sad the Muse that so is forst to sing . But some doe sing but that for shame woulde crie , So doth my Muse and so I sweare doe I. Good Nature weepes to see her selfe abusde , Ill Fortune shewes her furie in her face , Poore Reason pines to see himselfe refusde , And Dutie dies to see his sore disgrace . Hope hangs his head to see Dispaire so neere , And what but Death can end this heauie cheere ▪ But hold , each teare no token of a toy , But torment such as teare my heart asunder , Each sobbing ●…gh a signe of such annoy , As how I liue , beleeue me t' is a wonder . Each grone a gripe that makes me gaspe for breath , And euery straine a bitter pangue of death . Loe thus I liue , but looking still to die , And still I looke , but still I see in vaine , And still in vaine , alas , I lie and crie , And still I crie , but haue no ease of paine . So still in paine I liue , looke , lie and crie , When Hope will helpe , or Death will let me die ,

Of his vnhappie sta●…e of life . IF euer man did liue in Fortunes scorne , Whose ioyes do faile that feele distresse in minde : Whose yeres with cares , whose eies with teares beswolne That in each part , all parts of griefes doth find . To grace his ill , send such a man to me , That am more haplesse then himselfe can be . For good desart that is vnkindly vsed , For seruice , loue and faith that ●…indeth hate : Who in his Mistresse eyes is most refused , Whose comforts falle , whose 〈◊〉 come too late . If that man liue that in his 〈◊〉 findes this , Know hee my 〈◊〉 , for my ha●… hard●… is . If da●…ming vowes be but as dreames regarded , And constant thoughts as shewes of custome taken : If any man for loue be thus rewarded , And hath his hopes for these vnrights forsaken . Let him see me whose like hath neuer beene , Kilde by these wrongs , and yet by death vnseene . Then by this riuall of my such dispise , With much desire shall seeke my name to know : Tell him my lines Strange things may well suffice , For him to beare , for me to seeke them so . And t' was inough that I did finde such euils , And t' were too much that Angels should be diue●…s .

His complaint against Loue and Fortune . IF heauen and earth were both not fullie bent , To plague a wretch with an infernall paine : To robbe the heart of all his high content , And leaue a wound that should not heale againe . If cruell Fortune did not seeke to kill , The carefull spirit of my kinde affect : And care did not so crucifie me still , That Loue had left no hope of his effect . If she whom most my heart hath euer loued , Were not vnkinde in care of my distresse : And she by whom my griefe might be remoued , Did not holde backe the meane of my redresse . If all these thoughts and many thousands mo , Too long to tell , too deadly to endure : Did not consume my heart in sorrow so , That care hath left no hope of any cure . Then might I yet amid m●… greatest griefe , Perswade my pacience with some heauenly power , That when I most despaire of my reliefe , My hopelesse heart might find some happie hower . But since that Fortune so doth frowne vpon me , That care hath thus of comfort all berest me : Thinke it not strange to see me wo begon me , Where no good hope of no good hap is left me . And since I see all kindnesse so vnkinde , And friendship growne to such contrarie thought ●… And such a thought the torment of the minde , That care and sorrow hath consumed to nought . I will resolue ( though pa●…ience be perforce ) To sit me downe , and thus in secret ●…rie : Dead is my heart , o●… earth receiue my corse , Heauen be my life , for in the world I die .

In the praise of his Penelope . WHen authors write god knowes what thing is true , Old Homer wrote of fine Vlysses wit , And Ouid wrote of Venus heauenly hue ▪ And Ariosto of Orlandos fit . One wrote his pleasure of Caliope , I am to write of sweete Penelope . And where each one did shewe a secret vaine , And whether that Vlysses were or not , And though that Ouid did but onely fai●…e , And Ariosto set downe many a blot . And some wrote loudly of Caliope , I write but truth of sweete Penelope . And if I had Vlysses skilfull sconce , With Homers pen and Ouids heauenly voice , I would set downe a wonder for the nouce , To set them all a newe to worke againe . And he that wrote of his Caliope . Should hush to heare of this Penelope . As true as she that was Vlysses wife , As ●…aire as she whom some a Goodesse faine , A Saint of shape , and of more vertuous life , Then she for whom Orlandos knight was slaine . In euerie thing aboue Caliope , There is none such as sweete Penelope . And for this time go looke the world that will For constant faire , for vertue and good grace , For euery part in whom no part is ill , For perfect shape , and for a heauenly face , Angellica , Venus , Caliope , All are but blows vnto Penelope .

A Poem . LOoke not too long vpon those looks , the blinds the ouerlooker sore , & if you speak , speak not to much , lest speaking once that speak no more ▪ think not but what it is to think , to reach beyond the reach of thought ▪ And if you do , do what you can , when you haue don you can do nought . But if you see against your will , looke but away and be not slaine , And if a worde go vnawares , with care it may be calde againe . And for a thought it is not hurt , except it grow vnto a thing , But to vndo that hath bene done , is onely conquest of a king . But since in thee O silly wretch , both sight , & speach , & thought and deed By reason of a wrong conceit , do but thine owne confusion breed . Shut vp thy eies , seale vp thy tongue , lock vp thy thought , lay downe thy head And let thy mistres see by this , how loue hath strock her seruant dead . And that but in her heauenly eye , her worde , her thought , and onely will Doth rest the dead , to kill the quite , or else to cure thee of this ill ,

A Poem . POwre downe poore eies the teares of true distresse ▪ Heare but ( oh heauens ) the horror of my crie , Iudge of the care that can haue no redrresse , Let me not liue to see my louer di●… ▪ In sorrowes rules , like sorrow neuer read , Phillip sweet-knight , sweete Phillip Sidney dead . Paine more then art , or Nature can expresse , Hell to the world to loose a heauenly friend , Ioy is become but sorrow and distresse ; Life with my Loue let death and dolor end . In bitter teares hath hart of honor blead , Past hope of helpe to see perfection dead .

A Poem . PEace all the world , your weeping is but vaine , Heauen hath the h●…pe of honor all away : Ioy but in heauen to meet that hope againe , Lincke with the life that neuer can decay . In this alone all hope of comfort lies , Perfection onely liues in Paradice .

A Poem . PErfection ●…eereles , Uertue without pride , Honor and learning linckt with highest Loue , Ioy of the thought in true discretion tride , Loue of the life that highest honors proue . In Angels armes with heauenly hands embraced ▪ Paradice pleased , and all the world disgraced . Seeke all the world , oh seeke and neuer finde , In earthly mould the mount of such a minde : Diuinest gifts that God on man bestoweth , No glory such as of such glory groweth . End of the ioyes that hath all griefe begun , Yet let me weepe when all the world is done .

Vpon a scoffing laughter giuen by a Gentlewoman . LAugh not too much , perhaps you are deceyued , All are not fooles that haue but simple faces : Mists are abroad , things may be misconceyued , Frumps and disdaines are fauours in disgraces . Now if you do not know what meane these speeches , Fooles haue long cotes , and Monkies haue no breeches . T●…hee againe , why what a grace is this , Laugh a man out before he can get in : Fortune so crosse , and fauour so amis , Doomsday at hand before the world begin . Marie sir then but if the weather holde , Bewtie may laugh , and Loue may be a colde . Yet leaue betimes your laughing too too mutch , Or find the Foxe , and then begin the chase : Shut not a Rat within a sugar hutch , And thinke you haue a Squirrell in the place . But when you laugh let this go for a iest , Seeke not a Woodcocke in a Swallowes nest .

A sweete contention betweene Loue , his Mistresse , and Bewtie . LOue & my Mistres were at strife who had the greater power on me , Betwixt them both oh what a life , nay what a death is this to be . She said she did it with her eie●…he said he did it with his dart , Betwixt them both ( a sillie wretch ) t' is I that haue the wounded hart . She said she only spake the word , that did enchant my pearing sence , He said , he onely gaue the sound , that entred hart without defence , She said they were her onely heares , on which the daintie Muses waite : He said he was the onely meane , that entred Muses in conceite . She said her Bewtie was the marke , that did amaze the highest mind : He said he onely made the mist , whereby the sences grew so blind . She said , that onely for her sake , the best would venture life and lim : He said she was too much deceiu'd , they honoured her because of him . Long while ( alas ) she would not yeeld , but it was she that rul'de the rost , Untill by proofe she did confesse , if he were gone her ioy was lost ▪ And then she cried , oh daintie Loue , I now do find it is for thee , That I am lou'd and honored both , & thou hast power to conquer me ▪ But when I heard her yeeld to Loue , oh how my hart did leape for ioy , That now I had some little hope , to haue an end of mine annoy . For though that Fancie Bewtie found , a power all to pitilesse , Yet Loue would neuer haue the hart , to leaue his seruant comfortles : But as too soone before the field , the ●…pet sounds the ouerthrow , So all too soone I ioyed too much , for I awaked and nothing so .

A Sonet to the tune of a hone a hone COme solemne Muse and helpe me ●…ing , A dolefull note , a dying song , What wretched cares my heart do wring , To see howe death hath done me wrong . For I haue lost ( oh deadly wo ) My iem , my ioy , my life , my loue , And in the world their is no mo , Can heale the paine that I do proue . My sweete affections all are fled , Desires , delights , and all are gone , My heart is sicke , my hope is dead , And onely death to looke vpon . These secrete cares so kill my heart , With inward gripes of endlesse griefe , That how can sorrow euer part . Where is no hope to haue reliefe . But helpelesse hopelesse still I lie . consuming so in secret care : That who doth liue and would not die , To looke vpon my heauie farr . But all in vaine I make this mone , Where nothing can my griefe release , For I am onely left alone , To sorrow still and neuer cease . But sorrow now euen do thy wurst , For death in fine will be a friend : For I do know my heart will burst , And then thy force will haue an end .

In commendation of the maides of Honour . FAire , is to base for Natures excellence , Rich , all too meane for such a mind of treasure : All , but too few to do her reuerence , Uertue her selfe doth loue her out of measure . No earthly coast containeth such a creature , Those by the heauens , to shew the earth a wonder : Ioy of the earth , the miracle of Nature , Sent to the wise to set all wits asunder , How farre she is aboue all humane sence , Aske of the Gods for men cannot discerne : When such I find her secret excellence , As wit and reason are too weake to learne . Rare is the worke that Nature thus hath ended . Daintie the end that cannot be amended .

Diana virgin , her complaint to the Goddesse Diana . OH sweet Diana that dwelst among the nimphs , In whom the fire of Nature hath no force : Whose heauenly eye beholds those silly imps , Whose ruthfull harts do sue for thy remorce . Uouchsafe , oh saint , from that pure hand of thine , Some pities helpe , to this poore hart of mine . Was it my fault that Cupid found the meane , First to creepe in , into thy quiet Court , My hope was cleare , my comfort had bene cleane , From any hap of such vnhappie hurt : But well I see amid the greatest cares , A sudden heart may slippe in vnawares . Alas , alas , full little did I thinke , The little thing had had so great a power : I thought him blind when he did onely winke , And sweet his thoughts , that fall out deadly sower . But since I was thus trapped in this traine , Once set my heart at libertie againe . But Ladie say , is Loue of such a force , That onely death must heale the desperate wound●… In heauenly thoughts hath Reason no remorce . In cure of loue was neuer comfort found . Hath Cupid force to come and coniure thee , Oh no , alas , it is to conquer mee . T' was I , t' was I that onely had the hap , To take the hurt the wretched Traitor wrought : T' was onely I , that caught the secret clap , While carefull faith with cruell fancie fought . T' was I Diana , and t' is onely I , Whom thou must helpe , or els I yeeld to die .

Brittons vision of Cupids complaint against his fowle father Vulcan for begetting him . WIthin the thicke of most vnquiet thoughts , Where Wit and Will had long each other lost : With carefull sence of sweete desire I sought , Which was the way that Fancie followed most : And passing on the path that they did proue , Plodding along I met with pitious Loue . Wholy disarmde and hanging downe the head , Blinded ? oh no , but all with blubbred eyes : Falue in the face with colour pale and dead , Wringing his hands in such a wofull wise . That when I saw how he had wept and cried , Truely I thought the wretch would there haue died . But when I sawe the little thing alone , Farre from himselfe thus wander too and fro : And when I heard howe he did still bemoue , Some hidden cause that I desirde to know . Close in conceite , I hid my selfe , to heare , What was the cause of this his heauie cheare . Thus as I sat close hidden from his sight , Of lucklesse Loue lamenting of his losse : This sillie wretch in this most sorrowed plight , With sighes and sobs , and grieuous grones God wote , Cursing and banning Bewties generation , Thus did begin his wofull lamentation . Oh haplesse hower when first my mother made , The cursed match with that vncomely Smith : Whose smokie forge hath made her beautie fade , As farre vnfit for her to meddle with . Whose filthie face doth set foorth such a feature , As hell it selfe hath scarce so fowle a creature . But what conceite her frantike fancie fead , To match with him that was so fowle a match : Alas , alas , was Mercurie so dead , So great a prince to looke on such a patch . Needes must she thinke as she did after proue , Vulcan was not a man for Venus loue . Oh smokie fowle ill fauoured filthie theefe , Howe could thy mind so high a matter moue : Howe could thy heart haue hope to find releefe , Looke on thy selfe , and neuer looke for loue . So faire , so fowle , such contraries agree , Reason would sweare that it should neuer bee . Better I were to be a bastard borne , Then haue a father of so fowle a hue : Rather I wish that thou shouldst weare the horne , Then that the world should thinke it to be true . That Cupid sweete should haue so fowle a Sire , And hath his face still foyled in the fire . See w●…etched do●…ge the su●…e of thy disgrace ; First thou hast wrought my mother great defame : Next thou hast set a marke vpon thy face , That all the world doth laugh to heare thy name : And last for me they say how can it bee , That he was sonne to such a staue as hee . But fie vpon that filthie face of thine , Those mouldie chaps to touch my mothers face : I do protest my conscience doth repine , That thou shouldst kisse her in another place : But vgly beast into some hole go hide thee , For Bewtie sweares that Loue can not abide thee . Oh Mars , oh Mars , where are those stately strokes , That left the field so ouer-flowen with blood : That cloue downe hils , and threw downe sturdie Okes , And made the aire come thundring through the wood : Art thou so weake with bending of one blade , Thou canst not breake the chaine that Vulcan made . Up man , arise and shew thy manly strength , Least that the Smith do seeke my mothers shame : Lie not too long least slugguish slouth at length , Seeke by desart the honour of thy name : Vulcan is gone , but Cupid hath a file , To loose the locke that may the Smith beguile ▪ But come away , for looke where Vulcan comes , But thou art loose now let him do his woorst : Looke how the theefe comes biting of his thumbs , Cursing the happe that hath his cunning burst . But let him some and bristle like a bore , Let him be sure to catch thee so no more . But mother fie , what fond 〈◊〉 was that , To looke on Vulcan in the va●…e of loue : Confesse a truth , you did you knew not what , When pacience would so vile a matter proue . Was want of sight that wrought your ouerthrow , Why then ( alas should I be blinded so . But mother , no : there is an other thing , Who is so blind as they that will not see : A base conceite sometime may stoope a king , I see in some that see not into mee . Better it is with Bewtie to be blinded , Then Bewties grace to be blindly minded . But will you know it was no worke of mine , Follies effect committed all the fact : Although your words haue made poore Cupid whine , To say that I was authour of the act : But will or nill I must my selfe content , For parents faults poore children must be shent . I am the child I cannot but confesse , The world doth say that I am Venus sonne : By whom begot I heare of nothing lesse , But might I heare by whom the deed was donne : In such desire as might the world desie , There could not liue a gladder man then I. Once Vulcans sonne I know I cannot be , Mars was the man came neerer to the marke : As for the Smith it neuer could be hee , A B●…ting neuer could beget a Larke . Oh a●… , the world is much deceiu'd in mee . I hope to finde an other pedegree . I am the sonne of secret sweet conceite , God by Desire and bred vp by desart : Nu●…thy the mind that neuer meant deceite , Fed with the fauour of a faithfull heart . High from the heauens I tooke my happy name , Where Venus liues , and Vulcan neuer came . Begot I was in Anno out of minde , Borne in a countrie that no creature knowes : Bred in a world that worldlings cannot finde , Fed with a fruit that in no garden growes . Lodge in an eye that neuer can destroy me , Kept in a hart that neuer can come nigh me . Loe thus I liue where I can neuer die , Fearing no hap , nor looking after hope : Pleasing my selfe wich pleasures farre and ●…e , Wanting no wish where will hath such a scope : Gouerning all , where none can gouerne me , Oh what a king may daintie Cupid be . Then leaue to mourne , and let the world perceiue , That Poets fancies are but fained fables , And Ouid did but studie to deceiue , Such kind conceites as loue such foolish bables ▪ For he that lookes into M●…neruas ioy , Shall say that Cupid is a daintie boy . With that me thought the little wagge arose , And gathered colour pretily in his face : And standes me op a tip-toe on his toes , Uaunting himselfe with such a Venus grace : As droue my heart into so great a laughter , That I awooke , and neuer saw him after .

Brittons second dreame of Venus complaint when she lost her son Cupid . BUt sorrow thus to lose the sight of loue ▪ Scarce well awakt I fell asleepe againe : In hope the heauens would some odde humor moue , To shew the fruits of such a sleepie vaine : And scarce a sleepe strange visions did ensue , Yet not so strange but that they may be true . Hard by the place where I had Cupid seene , Me thought I saw a heauenly kind of creature , Of stature tall , of countenance like a Queene , Exceeding faire , and of so sweet a feature : That when I stood to view her stately grace , My thought indeed I saw an Angels face . Attirde she was in garments white as snow , Saue on her arme she wore a Tawnie lace . In her right hand she bare a bended bowe , And at her backe an emptie Arrow case : Little she said that I could heare at first , But sight and sobt as if her hart would burst . But yet at last with sad and heauie looke , She tooke the bow and flung it on the ground : And from hir backe the emptie case she tooke , Which with the lace vnto the bowe she bound , Then downe she sate within a shadow vaile , And to her selfe she tolde this heauie tale . Was euer wretch or creature thus beguilde , To loose the iewell of his chiefest ioy : Can Venus choose but sorrow for her childe , No , no , my darling was a daintie boy : But Mars , oh Mars , what ment he to come hither , For Mars and he are gone away together . These little things were wont to be his armes , But now the wag hath throwne these toyes away : And thinks himselfe amid the thickest harmes , In onely hope to finde a happie day : Oh hawtie reach of honors high renowne , That throwes the sence of sweetest humors downe . But my sweet boy , when first th●…se hands did binde thee , I knew each way that thou wert woont to go , And when this heart ( vnhappie did vnbind thee , I little thought thou shouldst haue rannged so . But come againe good wretch let me intreat thee , And I protest thy mother will not beat thee . But turne againe and tell me ere thou goest . Doest thou inte●…d to do som royall thing : Let this suffice that I am sure thou knowest , My hart could wish that thou wert made a king . God send thy hart the height of thy desier , Hope , hap , & heauen , and who can wish thee hier . And therewithall she did those teares let fall , That shewd the wa●… where Loue & Reason fought Whose colour pale shewed some what did appall , Her pacient heart with some vnhappie thought . And so sweet Saint with sorrow ouercome , She stood amazde as she were striken dombe . Then I behelde a sight of daintie Nymphes , Did straight before her stately eyes appeare : And downe on knees fell all these heauenly impes , To comfort her amid her heauie cheare . And when she heard that euery one had spoken , Prace , peace quoth she , for Bewties hart is broken . Alas , Alas , ye little sillie things , God knowes , I know still little do you know , What do belong vnto the state of Kings , What sets them vp , or seekes their ouerthrow . What kind of care do breed their sorrow most , What death is life wher dearest friends are lost . But wish I yet I had but such a friend . As by desert delight did holde full deare : And feare by force did see his fatall end , Yet no conceit could serue to keepe him heare . Would it not grieue each vaine within her hart , To see so sweet and deare a friend depart . Then let this be a sparke of all my paine , Alas , alas , t' is but a sparke in deed : My sorrow sinks into so deepe a vaine , As makes the hart of highest fauour bleed , The chiefest staffe of my assured stay , With no small griefe is gone , is gone away . My Cupid was to me a child of loue . But no such babe as ioied in childrens bables : For mark his life , his mind would soone approue , Such feined fancies were but Ouids fables . Who was as far from knowing my Cupido , As faithfull loue is farre from foule Libido . He neuer liued by deedes of vaine desire , Nor wrapt himselfe in Carpets of conceite : But hautie Fame had set his heart on fire , To shew the mind that neuer ment deceite . But seekes by armes to pul ambition downe , That wrought by force to wring me from my crowne . O care most rare , and worthy kinde regarde , O rare regard , and worthie high renowne : O high renowne that rightly maist reward , The carefull heart to keepe me in my crowne . And honor seekes where due desert may beare it , Which wonne by force , with fauor he shall weare it . Wherewith ( me thought ) I heard a sudden larme , To horse , to horse the Caualir●…es cried , And after that a crie of arme , arme , arme , And downe they ranne vnto a riuer side . Where I might heare the trumpet , drumme , and ●…ife , Sound vp the honour of a souldiers life . Anon I saw the shippes drawe nigh the shore , And all aboord went horse and man apace : Where launching out the gunnes shot off so sore , As where I stood did seemt to shake the place . And Trumpets shrill so sounded in the streame , As I awooke , and all was but a dreame .

Pastorals and Sonets .

A deuice of Diogenes Tubbe . DIo●…enes was tearmed but a Dogge , Tide to a Tubbe where lay but little treasure : Who for his life was counted but a Hogge , That knewe no part of any worldly pleasure . What said the king yet in his greatest throne , Either himselfe Dogenes , or none . For when the king did bid him aske and haue , His minde was not of any masse of wealth : He askt no more then other creatures haue , The chiefest comfort of his happie health . Take not away ( quoth he ) thou canst not giue , Out of the Sunne , for by the same I liue . The good poore soule doth thinke no creature harme , Onely he liues obscurely in his Tunne , Most is his care to keepe his carkas warme , All his delight to looke vpon the Sunne : And could the heauens but make the Sunne to know him He should not liue should keepe his shining fro him .

A Metaphor . A Little fire doth make the faggot burne , When blowing much will put the fire out : Silence but s●…ld doth serue the lo●…re turne , And too much su●…e , for fauour hath a flouce . Then let thus much suffice for my desire , The smallest blowing make the greatest fire . Concei●…e is quicke , would so were sweete content , Eyes hath a glaunce of too too great a grace : Spirits do speake in silence of intent , And thoughts are spirites of a setret place . In silence then let heart in sunder breake , Eyes shall behold , but spirites shall not speake .

Of the birth and bringing vp of desire . WHen wert thou born Desire ? in pompe and prime of May : By whom sweet boy wert thou begot ? by good conceit men say Tell me who was thy nurse ? fresh youth in sugred ioy : What was thy meat and dayly food ? sore sighes with great annoy . What had you then to drinke ? vnfained louers teares : What cradle were you rocked in ? in hope deuoide of feares . What brought you then a sleepe ▪ sweet speach that liked men best : And where is now your dwelling place ? in gentle hearts I rest . Doth companie displease ? it doth in many one : Where would Desire then choose to be ? he likes to muse alone . What feedeth most your sight ? to gaze on fauour still : Who find you most to be your foe ? Disdaine of my good will . Will euer age or death bring you vnto decay ? No , no , Desire both liues and dies ten thousand times a day . E. of Ox. Finis .

A pleasant Sonet . I Will forget that ere I sawe thy face , I will forget thou art so braue a wight : I will forget thy stately comely grace , I will forget thy hue that is so bright : I will forget thou art the fairest of all , I will forget thou winnest the golden ball . I will forget thy forehead fea●…ly framde , I will forget thy Christall eyes so cleere : I will forget that no part may be blamde , I will forget that thou hadst nere thy yeere ▪ I will forget Uermelion is thy hue . I will forget there is no Saint but thou . I will forget thy dimpled chin so fine . I will forget to approch thy seemely sight : I will forget throughout the world so wide , I will forget nones bewtie halfe so bright : I will forget thou stainst the brightest starr . I wil forget thou passest Cynthea farre . I will forget that feature is thy pheere , I will forget thy bewtie dims the Sunne : I will forget that hue not comes thee neere , I will forget thy fame will nere be donne . I will forget thou art the fairest of all , That euer was , or is , or euer shall .

And then

I will forget when grew my withered stalke , I will forget to eate , to drinke , or sleepe : I will forget to see , to speake , to walke , I will forget to mourne , to laugh , to weepe . I will forget to heare , to feele , or taste , I will forget my life and all at last .

And now

I will forget the place where thou dost dwell , I will forget thy selfe , and so fare well .

Another sweete Sonet . I Seeke the thing that I do dayly see , And faine would gaine that is already wonne , I follow that which doth not from me flee : Nor neuer seekes my companie to shuune . I granted am what I do seeme to craue , Yet so I want , that fainest I would haue . Hard is my hap since I am f●…rst to i●…y ▪ Where as there doth no ioy at all remaine : And secke for blisse where rests nought but annoy , And for good will reape nought but deepe disdaine : Lucklesse my lot . I labour but in vaine , I seeke to winne what I see others gaine . Seeing hope , and hap , and all at once doth faile , And that despaire is nowe my chiefest guide : Whereby I see no ransome will me baile , Out of the bondes wherein I now am tide . I am content in bondage for to serue , Untill my faith my freedome doe deserue .

A Sonet . EYe lie awake in hope of blessed seeing , Hope thought that happe was ouer-long in lingring : In came the Lasse , oh my thrise happie beeing , Sences thought long vntill they were a fingring . Tongue spar'd to speake , least it should speake too sparing ▪ Hart drownd in feare rauisht , denied her honour : Handes sawe the price , and long to be a sharing , Pittie said , holde , but Courage cried , vpon her . Silent she stood , yet in her silent speaking , Wordes of more force then is great loue his thunder : Ioyes weare her eyes , sorrowes asunder breaking , Sweete was her face , each member was a wonder . Heauen is hers , to her by heauens assigned , Skies are her thoughts where pleasant Planets raigned , Franke is her minde , to no ill craft inclined , Loue is the crosse wherein her heart is chained . Blisse was to see her steps to bedward bending , Musicke to heare herselfe , herselfe vnlacing , Straunge the aspect of two sonnes then discending , Sweete was the kisse , but sweeter the imbracing .

Another fine Sonet . WHo deales with fire may burne his fingers ends , And water drownes the foote that goes too deepe : A lauish tongue will quickly loose his friends , And he a foole that can no counsell keepe . Yet where desire doth egge the tongue to speake , Somewhat must out , or else the heart will breake . To speake but truth deserue no deadly blame , Though truth mistane sometime be pettie treason : Yet causelesse death deserueth no defame , Though ruthlesse rage will neuer yeeld to reason : Then since desire doth egge me on so ●…ore , Truth will I speake although I speake no more . The truth is this , there is no fire to loue , Nor water like to Bewties heauenly bro●…kes , No friend to faith , to talke for hearts behoue , Nor wit so wise to liue by onely lookes : Nor sweet desire by silence entertained , Nor kind Aspect , that euer loue disdained .

A Pastorall . SWeet birds that sit and sing amid the shadie vallies , And see how sweetly Phillis walks amid her garden allies ▪ Go round about her bower and sing , as ye are bidden , To her is only knowne his faith , that from the world is hidden . And she among you all that hath the sweetest voice , Go chirpe of him that neuer told , yet neuer changd his choise . And not forget his faith , that liu'd for euer lou'd , Yet neuer made his fancie knowne , nor euer fauour mou'●… . And euer let your ground of all your grace be this , To you , to you , to you the due of loue and honour is . On you , on you , on you ▪ our musicke all attendeth , For as on you our Muse begun , in you all musicke endeth .

Coridons supplication to Phillis . SWeet Phillis if a sillie Swaine , may sue to thee for grace : See not thy louing shepheard slaine , With looking on thy face . But thinke what power thou hast got , Upon my flocke and mee : Thou feest they now regard me not , but all doe follow thee . And if I haue so farre presumed , With prying in thine eyes : Yet let not comfort be consumed , That in thy pitie lyes . But as thou art that Phillis faire , That fortune fauour giues , So let not loue die in dispaire , That in thy fauour liues . The Deere do bruise vpon the brier , The birds do pricke the cheries , And will not Bewtie grunnt Desire , One handfull of her berries . If so it be that thou hast sworne , That none shall looke on thee : Yet let me know thou dost not scorns , To cast a looke on mee . But if thy Brwtie make thee prowde , Thinke then what is ordained : The heauens haue neuer yet allowed , That Loue should be disdained . Then least the Fates that fauour Loue , Should curse thee for vnkinde . Let m●… report for thy behoue , The honour of thy minde . Let Coridon with full consent , Set downe what he hath seene : That Phillida with Loues content , Is sworne the Shepheards Queene .

A Sonet . HEr face , her tongue , her wit , So faire , so sweete , so sharpe : First bent , then drew , then hit , Mine cye , mine eare , mine hart . Mine eye , mine eare , mine heart , To like , to learne , to loue : Your face , your tongue , your wit , Doth lead , doth teach , doth moue , Her face , her tongue her wit , With beame , with sound , with art : Doth binde , doth charme , doth rule , Mine eye , mine eare , mine heart . Mine eye , mine eare , mine heart , With life , with hope , with skill , Your face , your tongue , your wit . Doth feed , doth feast , doth fill . Oh face , oh tongue , oh wit , With frownes , with checks , with smart : Wring not , vex not , moue not , Mine eye , mine eare , mine hart . This eye , this eare , this heart ▪ Shall ioy , shall bind , shall sweare : Your face , your tongue , your wit , To serue , to loue , to feare .

A Louers complaint . WHo knowes his cause of griefe , And can the same descrie : And yet finds no reliefe , Poore wretch but onely I. What foule will seeke the snare , That he be caught thereby : If thereof he be ware , Poore wretch but onely I. What fish will bite the baite , If he the hooke espie : Or if he see deceite , Poore wretch but onely I , Who 's hee will seeke to mount , The toppe of Turrets hie , To fall that makes account , Poore wretch but onely I. Who shee will scale the height , Of A Etna hill to frie : So deare to bie delight , Poore wretch but onely I. The Hart will shunne the toyle , If he perceiue it lie : No one would take such foyle , Poore wretch but onely I. Who seckes to get and gaine , The things that fates denie : Must liue and die in paine , Poore wretch as now do I. And heart my plaints to finish . In Lymbo lake I lie : My griefe you must diminish , Poore wretch , or else I die .

A Shepheards dreame . A Sillie Shepheard lately sate , among a flocke of sheepe : Where musing long on this and that , At last he fell a sleepe . And in the slumber as he lay , He gaue a piteous grone : He thought his sheepe were runne away , And he was left alone . He whopt , he whistled , and he calde , But not a sheepe came neere him : Which made the shepheard sore appalde , to see that none would heare him . But as the Swaine amazed stood , In this most solemne vaine : Came Phillida out of the wood , And stood before the Swaine . Whom when the Shepheard did behold , He straight began to weepe , And at the heart he grew a cold , To thinke vpon his sheepe . For wel he knew where came the Queene The Shepheard durst not stay . And where that he durst not be seene , The sheepe must needes away . To aske her if she saw his flocke , Might happen pacience moue : And haue an answere with a mocke , That such demaunders proue . Yet for because he saw her come , Alone out of the wood : He thought he would not stand as dumbe , when speach might do him goo . And therefore falling on his knees , To aske but for his sheepe . He did awake and so did leese , The honour of his sleepe .

A pleasant sweet song . LAid in my restlesse bed , In dreame of my desire : I sawe within my troubled head , A heape of thoughts appeare . And each of them so strange , In sight before mine eyes : That now I sigh and then I smile , As cause thereby doth rise . I see how that the little boy , In thought how oft that he : Doth wish of God to scape the rod , a tall yong man to be , I saw the yong man trauelling , From sport to paines opprest : How he would be a rich olde man , To liue and lie at rest . The olde man too , who seeth , His age to drawe on sore : Would be a little boy againe , To liue so long the more . Where at I sigh and smile , How Nature craues her fee : From boy to man , from man to boy , Would chop and change degree .

A Sonet of Time and Pleasure . TIme is but short , and short the course of time . Pleasures do passe but as a puffe of winde : Care hath account to make for euerie crime , And peace abides but with the setled minde . Of little paine doth pacience great proceede , And after sicknesse , health is daintie sweet : A friend is best approued at a neede , And sweet the thought where care & kindnes meet . Then thinke what comfort doth of kindnes breed , To know thy sicknesse , sorrow to thy friend : And let thy faith vpon this fauour feed , That loue shall liue when death shall haue an end ▪ And he that liues assured of thy loue , Prayes for thy life , thy health , and highest hap , And hopes to see the height of thy behoue , Lulde in the sweet of Loues desired lap . Till when , take paines to make thy pillow soft , And take a nap for Natures better rest : He liues below that yet doth look●… aloft , And of a friend do not 〈◊〉 the least .

Of a Louer in dispaire . THough froward fate hath forst my griefe , And blacke dispaire this deadly paine : Yet time I trust will bring reliefe , When loyall faith shall haue her gaine . Till then the stormes of banisht state , And penance in this Hermits Cell : Shall trie her cause of wrong full hate , Whose malice lo keepes me in hell ,

A Sonet of faire womens ficklenesse in loue . IF women would be faire , and yet not fond , Or that their loue were firme not fickle still : I would not wonder that they make men bond , By seruice long to purchase their good will : But when I see how firme these creaturs are , I laugh that men forget themselues so farre . To marke their choise they make and how they chaunge , How oft from Venus they do cleaue to Pan : Unsetled still like haggards vile they raunge , These gentle birds that flie from man to man : Who would not scorn & shake them from his fist , And let them go ( faire fooles ) which way they list . If for disport we faine and flatter both , To passe the time when nothing can displease : And traine them still vnto our subtill oth , Till wearie of their wits our selues we ease . 〈◊〉 then we say , when we their fancies trie , To play with fooles , oh what a dolt was I.

Of the foure Elements . T●…e Aire with sweet my sences do delight , The Earth with flowers doth glad my heauie ●…ie , The Fire with warmth reuiues my dying spirit , The Water cooles that is too hote and drie : The Aire , the Earth , the Water , and the fire , All doe me good , what can I more desire . Oh no , the Aire infected sore I finde , The Earth , her flowers do wither and decay : The Fire so whote it doth inflame the minde , And Water washeth white and all away . The Aire , the Earth , Fire , Water , all annoy me , How can it be but they must needes destroy me . Sweete Aire do yet a while thy sweetnesse holde , Earth , let thy flowers not fall away in prime : Fire do not burne , my heart is not a colde , Water , drie vp vntill another time , Or Aire , or Earth , Fire , Water , heare my prayer , Or sla●…e me once , Fire , Water , Earth , or Aire , Hearke in the Aire what deadly thunder threateth , See on the Earth how euerie flower falleth , Oh with the Fire how euery sinewe sweateth . Oh howe the Water my p●…nting heart appalleth . The Aire , the Earth , Fire , Water , all do grieue me . Heauens shew your power yet some way to relieue me . This is not Aire that euerie creature feedeth , Nor this the Earth where euerie flower groweth : Nor this the Fire , that cole and bauen breedeth , Nor this the Water , that both ebth and floweth . These Elements are in a worde enclosed , Where happie heart hath heauenly rest reposed .

Brittons farewell to Hope . MY Hope farewell , leaue off thy lingring stay , Nowe yeeld thy selfe as prisoner vnto thrall : Pricke on thy wings , make now no more delay , Be set thou art with Enuies furies all . Oh Follie flie , fond Fancie leaue thy roome , Thou art condemde , Dispaire hath giuen thy doome . Thy threed whereon thy hope did hang so long , Dame Enuies rust hath fretted quite in twaine : And spitefull spite hath gnawne thee to the bone , That sue thou maist , but all is spent in vaine . She is reuert , and giues me still the nay , And keepes me like the Spaniell all the day . When caught I was , I was content to yeeld , My loue was lim'd and linked to her will : And prisoner I was brought out of the field , Of libertie to serue in thraldome still . There lost I ioyes , my toiles did then beginne , When as I sought a froward heart to winne . I sought , I sued , I was at becke and bay , I crept , I kneelde , a heauen it was to please : I thought my selfe the happiest man that day , If one faire worde I caught my heart to ease : But when that deeds of wordes should then ensue , All then was turn'd like vnto Cresseds crew . Thus do I sue and serue , but all in vaine , With lingring on my loathsome life in wo : Thus do I seeke to winne , but losse I gaine , And for a friend obtaine a spitefull fo : Then farewell hope the gaine of my desart , Dispaire doth grow within my pensiue hart .

N. B. Gent. FINIS .