The teares of loue: or, Cupids progresse Together vvith the complaint of the sorrowfull shepheardesse; fayre (but vnfortunate) Candida, deploring the death of her deare-lou'd Corauin, a late liuing (and an euer to be lamented) shepheard. In a (passionate) pastorall elegie. Composed by Thomas Collins.

THE TEARES OF LOVE : OR , CVPIDS Progresse . WHen bright fac'd Phoebus was in Cancers line , And from his high'st house did most hotly shine : When Lucifer rose soonest in the morne , And faire Aurora early'st did adorne Th' Azurd skye with purple-colour'd blushes ; And ( sore abashed ) from Tythonis rushes , Leauing his old , and all-abhorred bed , To meet her younger Louer hastened : Then rose I earely ( as sometimes I vse ) To recreate my melancholy muse : And forth I went , ( not caring much which way , ) Towards the fields , where frolike Shepheards lay : And as I walked ore those fertile playnes , ( Which then were scorch'd ) I saw a sort of swains , Each with his bag , his bottle and his hooke , Sit on a bancke-side neere a Christall brooke , Viewing the skaly fish skud in the deepe ; The whilst their yaping dogs did tend their sheep , Some Garlands made , and cast into the streame ; Others did angle for Roach , Dace and Breame ; Some Sonnets made , and to their Garlands ty'de , Then pray'd to Nayis for to let them slide , With swift-sure pace vpon the silent Riuer , Where their true loues sate , and them there deliuer . A pretty space ( with much content ) I stood , To view these pastimes and the pleasant flood ▪ At length I left them , and walk'd longst the banck ( O're many a winding and short-turning crancke ) Close by the riuer as the Garlands swomme , 'Cause I would see what should of them become . But lo , the Sun ( which then grew somwhat hye ) Began to burne and parch exceedingly , So that a while I was constrain'd to stay Vnder a broad Beech spreading o're my way , Where Zephirus , with many a gentle blast , Coold my hot face ( with sweat and dust ore-cast . ) Then vp I rose ( though loth I was to goe From that sweet seat where I was shaded so : ) And on I went still by the riuers side , Almost an houre , ere I the Garlands spide : For Nayis ( Lady of that louely Lake ) Did so much pitty on the Shepheards take , That she compeld the silent sliding waues , ( Whose goodly path the glitt'ring pebbles paues ) To glide apace , and not make any stayes , 'Cause ( she knows ) Louers connot brooke delayes . I sigh'd and grieu'd , to thinke I had forsook them : But ( going fast ) at length I ouertooke them ; And then I vow'd , I would not lose their sight , Vntill I see into whose hands they light . Each step I tooke , I cast mine eyes vpon them , Being much delighted with the flowres were on them ; And viewing them , the more that I did view them , The more mine eyes were eager to pursue them : For therein were a sort of pretty flowers : Sure they that made them , sought al Flora's bow'rs . Roses there were of the most rarest kinde , Red , white and Damas●● ( to delight the minde ) Lillies and Daffadils stood on the top , And Honny-dew vpon the rest did drop . Next stood Rose-mary mixt with gilded Bayes , Carnations , Pinckes , and Lauenders sweet sprayes , Then Gilly-flowres ( free from defectiue spots ) And Margerum , full fraught with True-loue knots . Next Time and Mary-golds together stood , Then Batchelours buttons ( which maids hold so good ) Pancyes , and double Pagles , Sops in wine , Sweet Honny-suckles , and blue Collembine ; And twenty more , whose names I cannot tell , And yet ( me thought ) they pleas'd me wond'rous well . Thus whil'st I gazed on these Garlands gay , I saw how prettily the streame did play , With th' Osier twigs that grew vpon the banks , Acting a sort of sundry wanton prancks . Sometimes they 'd stoope , and slyly steale a kisse ; Sometimes skip vp , as if they scorn'd that blisse ; Sometimes again ( the fit being come vpon them ) They 'd iump into the streame , let her run on them : Who ( like most women hauing men in thrall , ) Insulted o're them , and grew proud withall . And when shee 'd made them slaues vnto her will , Shee 'd wend away , and let them weep their fill . Lo heer ( thought I ) these silly twigs may teach me , To shun Loues snares , lest womens wiles o're-reach me : For by these twigs I see ( oh flinty hard ! ) A doting Louer they doe least regard : When flatt'ring wooers with fayr speaking speed , Whilst th' are reiected that loue deare indeed . Narcissus-like , the poore twigs sought to kisse : But their owne shadows yet were drench'd for this . So he that seekes his goddesse to imbrace , May haue ( like Ixion ) but a Cloud in Chase : And when he thinks fast in his armes to fold her , Find her so ayery , that he cannot hold her . And yet this lighter then a Shittle-Cocke , Her dearest Louers will delude and mocke : And ( Cyren-like ) though she doth them inchant , What most they seeke , they most of all shall want : For some there are allure men to desire , Then laugh to see them frying in loues fire , ( Like foolish flies in Candle flames that play . Till they be scorch'd , and scarce can creepe away ) But still the Garlands swomme , and on went I , Till in the riuer ( lo ) I did espye ( Hard by a Groues side , which I then drew neere ) A sort of goodly water-Nymphes appeare , Nak'd as the Graces vpon Ida were , Hauing no cou●ing but their comely hayre , Which dangled downe their dainty bodies so , That nought was seene that was not fit to show . Nayis her selfe was foremost of this Crue , On whom the rest did giue attendance due ; Bathing she sate ( like Dian ) in the brooke , Whil'st I , ( as Acteon ) vpon her did looke . Soone was I spyde , yet did she bathe her still : For oh ( she knew ) I did intend no ill : And therefore no exceptions tooke at mee , Nor grudg'd that I , her and her Nymphes did see . But now the riuer ( which of late was proud ) Drawing neere to her ( me thought ) lowly bowde , And hauing done all reuerence it could doe her , Humbly presented all the Garlands to her : Which Nayis taking , to each Nymph gaue one , And charg'd them instantly to get them gone , Alongst the streame , till they got past the Groue , Where they shold see each of these shepherds loue , And of these Garlands , there deliuery make , And see that each one did her True-loues take , And then returne , and tell how they accepted These friendly fauours , and whose was neglected . Forth-with they went to do as she commands , Holding the Garlands in their Iuory hands ; Whose shadows ( through the splendor of the sun ) Did both on bankes , and in the bottome run . Whereat the fish ( amaz'd ) skud thence for feare : But when they saw there were no mortalls there , They did retyre , and seeme for to adore them ; Then skud behind , then skip againe before them . Euen as the Dolphins on the sea doe dance Before a storme : so did these fishes prance , As thinking these were some celestiall powers , That could produce some soone-ensuing showres : And therefore play'd thus prettily to sport them , And all the way presumed to consort them . But now being come vnto their iourneys end , These louely Nymphs their looks to shore did bend And there espyde a sort of most sweet creatures , That pass'd comparison for comely features : One was a combing of her golden haire , Another drest ( yet did not seeme so faire , Though faire she was ) sat singing of a ditty , Which others praisd , and said t was very pretty . Some with silke Ribands did knit true-loue knots , Others sate making posies and fine spots In hand-kerchers , some working flowrs in gloues , And all for fauours for to send their Loues . One was commending of a comely swaine , Which she lou'd well , ( & would be lou'd of faine ) Hight Pamelus , of person exquisite , Fayre , affable , and of an exc'lent wit : Him she extold vnto the Heauens aboue , And held him worthy of a Princes loue . Another ( sitting by ) said , Corauin Surpassed him , and all that ere hath beene . Paris ( quoth she ) though he was Priams sonne , And first faire Oenon , then Queene Helen wonne , With comely Corauin might not compare , For beauty , wit , and personage most rare . But all this while , his deare loue Candida , ( Fayrer then Aegypts Queene Cleopatra ) Nor smild , nor frown'd , nor would she vtter ought Of her affections ( whatsoere she thought ) That shee did loue him , shee 'd haue none to know ; Yet was she pleas'd to heare him praysed so . But now they spy'de the Nymphes vpon the riuer , Holding the Garlands ready to deliuer , Vp now they start , and ( as o're-ioyd thereat ) They layd their workes by , and left off their chat , And towards the Nymphes did speedily repayre . Hard t was for me to iudge which was most faire , Of them , or these ; the Nymphes or mortall Creatures . Both were so ex'lent for their outward features : Each beheld other with a blushing face . " Blushing doth aye giue beauty better grace . Rare t was to see how their sweet cheekes were dyde . But now being come vnto the riuers side , One formost step'd a foote into the flood . ( So fond she was ) she car'd not where she stood For to receiue a fauour from her Louer , Who ( like a flatt'rer ) did but faintly houer : Yet would he send her tokens now and then . " Such slye dissembling 's in a sort of men . " Till they ( like Iason and false Demophon ) " Haue got their wills : and then far-wel , th' are gone . Shee tooke the Garlands one by one , and read To whom ech was to be deliuered . One was directed vnto faire-fac'd Phillis , Another was to louely Amarillis ; One to young Mopsa , mistresse of his heart , Whose lookes ( he said ) did Poetry impart , And Numbers true taught Dorus to rehearse , Who til he knew her , scarce did know a verse . One was to Celestina faire and bright : And one to her that Gallatea hight : And now to fairest Candida came one , Who stood aloofe , as if he look'd for none . Then came another , and another to her ; For almost eu'ry worthy Swaine did woo her : Shee had more Garlands , then halfe they had , sent her , And Sonnets too : but that did not content her : For she vnwilling was for to receiue them , Nor did she care neglectfully to leaue them , Because she knew her Corauin ne're vs'd To send her ought that should be thus perus'de . But lo , the Nymphes were loth she should forsake them ; And all the rest intreated her to take them , Affirming that by reading o're the lines , Shee might ( perchance ) be pleas'd with some designes . So them she tooke with seeming-gratefull hart . The rest ( reioysing ) doe with her depart . Backe went the Nymphes , ( as ea'rst they had in charge ) For to relate each circumstance at large , To lou'ly Nayis , who thought long to heare , After what sort these things accepted were . But still stayd I , as one vnsatisfi'de Of the Euents , that after might betide : And glad I was to faigne occasion too , As thousands more ( besides my selfe ) would doe , Only to see those goodly Girles againe , In whom such rare perfections remaine : But most of all , her that is beauties Queene ; And ô ! ( me thinks ) can ne're inough be seene , Fayre Candida , the glory of them all , Worthier then Venus of the golden ball , Which fell from Heauen : for ( oh ! ) she doth excell All those three fayre ones betwixt whom it fell . Perseus braue purchase , faire Andromeda , Was neuer comparable to Candida ; Nor is there any like her can bee nam'de : For shee 's the fairest that ere nature fram'de : Her hayre is like vnto fine threds of gold , Her eyes like sparkling Diamonds to behold , Her fore-head high , her veines ( like Saphires ) blue , Her blush vnborrow'd , all her beauty true , Her cheekes like Roses , which by Lillies lye , Her lips like Rubyes , teeth like Iuory , Her nose is comely , and her necke is white , Her chin is dimpled , ( and that breeds delight ) Her brests ( like Snowy mounts ) are fayre & soft ; The Sun to touch them hath descended oft : Her hands are little , and her fingers long , Her middle slender , ( I the rest much wrong ) Her leg is pretty , and her foote is small ; And by these few parts you may ghesse at all . Shee wore a Chaplet of fine flowres and Roses . ( Beauty to beauty still her best discloses . ) O're natures ornament , her golden hayre , Which ( as t was tressed ) seem'd exceeding fayre . About her necke ( whiter than Snow or milke ) Shee worè a scarfe of Sea-greene coloured silke ; Her gown was pure wooll , yet but plain ( God wot ) Of purple colour , and her Petticoate Of watchet Kersie , and her Kirtle was Of grasse-greene Chamblet , without gard or lace : Her Iu'ry armes were cloath'd ( with Lawn ) so thin , That through her sleeues a man might see her skin ; No amber bracelets on her wrists she wore , Yet vpon one wrist what she prized more , Which was a silke point Corauin gaue to her , When as the kind Swain courteously did woo her . Vpon her legs she silke-soft buskins wore , ( Of Murry colour ) which she set by store , And on her feet she did fine Sandalls weare , Made of a pure Felt , or a Miniuere . Thus was shee deck'd ; and well it did become her , To be attir'd thus in the time of Sommer : For in a manner thus fayre Daphne went , And with like habit Dian was content . But now b'ing come vnto their former places , These dainty damsells with delicious graces , Each of them put her new-come Garland on , Saue Candida , who would be crown'd with none . And by th' others being demanded why She would weare none ? She made this wise reply , Say that I would ( quoth she ) weare one of these , The sender , I ( but not my selfe ) should please : For none of them that sent these Garlands to mee Vntill this instant , e're did seeme to woe me : And therefore , how is 't possible to know , Whether they loue me , or but make a show Of loue to me , to see if I will take That , which ( perchance ) the worst of you 'l forsake ? But put the case ( as who can rightly tel ? ) Each of these Swaines did loue me wondrous well : How should I know which of them merits best , To be beloued aboue all the rest ? Then being ignorant in each degree , For to weare any , were a fault in me . Then to her selfe she muttered secretly ( True Loue is alwaies full of ielousie : ) Since no one more then other merits Grace , I should but wrong one that is not in place : Then said ( to please you since I must displease ) Vpon my head I will put none of these . Which words of hers made all the rest to muse , That one so faire , such fauours should refuse , Sent her by chief'st of th' Arcadian Swaines ; And she ( vnkind ) to quite them with disdaines . " But still the fayre ( oh that it were not so ) " Respect their owne wills , not anothers woe , " And when th' are offer'd wel , cannot perceiue , " But take the worst ( oft ) and the better leaue . Ah Loue , thou strangely dost affected stand , And ( like a God ) wilt stoop to no command , Nay pray'rs and teares can hardly penetrate The hearts of some , they are so obdurate . For as Loue 's powerfull , so t is pittilesse , Afflicting many , but doth few redresse . Why should the strong vnto the weake be subiect , Or mighty'r ones be to the meaner abiect ? " But Loue and Fortune are agreed with Fate , " To wracke mens weale , and them excruciate ; " For , he that hopes by either of the two " T' atttaine to happinesse , may vnhappily doe . But now these fayre ones ( for their more content ) Began to reade the Sonnets that were sent : Phillis first shew'd what her Amintas wrot , Who long had lou'd , but little reap'd ( God wot ) He pleads his loue ▪ long seruice and true faith , Proff'ring them all and all that else he hath To louely Phillis , whom he much commends , And ( so in passion ) the poore Shepheard ends . Then Amarillis shew'd Alexis lines , Who pleads for pitty , and tells how hee pines . Then Mopsa shewed what her Dorus writ , Who ( like some Cockneyes ) hath more wealth then wit : He brags that he sent far-fetch't straines vnto her , And ( except he ) no Swayne could quaintly woo her ; And that his lines ( though all not worth a flie ) Were th' onely Quintesence of Poetrie . Then Celestina she began to showe , What Melebeus would on her bestowe ; A thousand Lambkins snow-white , fat and fine , I le giue thee ( quoth he ) so thou wilt be mine : And more then that , I will maintaine thee so , As not a Shepheardesse shall like thee goe : Then Galatea shew'd old Thirsis Sonnet , Which made them all laugh that did look vpon it : For he did tearme her whiter then the Ieat , And held her more worth then Agenors Neat. Then Candida did will them looke vpon A Sonnet , sent her by old Coridon , Who prais'd her eyes to be of Currall hiew , Her lips like Cristall : but it was not true , Loue had so blinded him he could not see . Which were like Currall , which like Cristall bee . Then shew'd sh'another that Dametas sent ; Which they no sooner read , but straight she rent . And then another of young Thenots sending : This but not he ( quoth som ) is worth commending . Yet surely this is not of his inditing : For hee 's a wild-braine , hath no skill in writing . Some witty Swayne , ( t' expresse his loue ) hath wrot it , And now this mad-cap ( by ill hap ) hath got it . Then threw shee forth some three or foure more : For ( as I earst sayd ) she had sent her store , Which being read , bid whose would entertaine them : For she protested , that she did disdaine them . Now whil'st they thus sate trifling time away , Loues blinde god , Cupid , got abroad to play , With's bow and arrowes from his mothers sight , And to th' Earth flew for his owne delight , Where ( vnawares ) he met his mortall foe , " ( Minds set on mirth , are oft encountred so . ) Enuious death : to whom Loues god sayd thus , 'T is strange in one place to see both of vs : But since I haue met thee ( my old enemy ) Setting aside all former enmitie , Let 's make a truce , and for this night agree To lodge together , and bed-fellowes be . Meager-fac'd Death soone condiscended to it , And was as willing as Loues god to doe it : Then did they both vow , that no mortall Wight Should feele of Loues force , or of Deaths that night : But as themselues disposed were to rest , So they 'd doe nothing others to molest . Thus ( like two trauellers that walk together ) They took their Inne ( Innes scarce wel vs'd by either : " For lust ( in Loues shape ) oft to Innes doth come , " And death ( vntimely ) there destroyeth some : " But Lou's too blame to be a Bawd to lust , " And death 's a Villaine to betray mens trust ) And there they two were Iouiall awhile , Loue vpon death , and death on Loue did smile : And first the one , then did the other boast Their mighty Conquests made in euery coast , And laugh'd out-right in their relating how , Both rich and poore must at their pleasures bow : For from the King that sits vpon the Throne , Vnto the meanest and most wretched one , Loue made his brags none ( past their Infancy ) The power of his God-head could deny : For with his arrowes he had wounded all , Made strong ones stoope , and stoutest minds most thrall ; Nor wise , nor foolish , Nobly borne nor base , But first or last , Loue hath had all in chase , And made them all for to confesse , that he Had as great power as in a God could be . Then Death began : ( qd. he ) Loue brags too much Before sterne Death , whose strength and power is such , That all the earth doth tremble at my name : For young and old , the lusty and the lame , All stoop to death , who is impartiall And pittilesse , not caring who doth fall , Nor how , nor when , nor in what sort I take them ; If once I strike , I euer conquer'd make them . Whom Loue doth hit , in passions long may languish , But whom I strike , I do set free from anguish . Lou's but a child , and wanton tricks doth vse : But Death is dauntlesse , and doth none excuse . Folly blinds Loue , so that he cannot see , But shoots at randome , and lets some goe free ; When some with often woundings are perplext . Whilst they laugh at them for whom they are vext . Oh partiall Loue , vniust and cruell too , Thou dost more harme , then euer Death did doe ! Thou mak'st men loue those that do not affect them And seeke and sue to those that doe reiect them Thou mak'st the strong to stoope vnto the weake ; The weake insult , and seeke their hearts to breake ; Thou dost besot the wise with womens lookes , And work'st their bane with beauties baiting hookes ; Thou dost the foole with wits conceit inspire , And ( Phaeton-like ) thou setst the world on fire . Thou dost depriue men of their sweetest sleepe ; Thou murthrest mirth , and mak'st the masker weepe ; Into fooles Paradice , thou bringst wretched ones : Then sit'st and smil'st , to heare their sighes and grones : And when they pule , aye me , what shall I doe ? Cupid's glad of it : so 's proud Venus too : Then vnto me the weake-made wood-cocks crye , And say ( sweet Death ) come end my misery . Death neuer doth thus indirectly deale , Nor through the eye into the heart doth steale . But like a Giant ( though I seeme not so ) I defie all , and do no fauour show . The young , as well as old , my name do feare ; Kings quake & tremble , when of me they hear ; I rid the world of those thou mak'st despaire ; I kill the rich ▪ and I destroy the faire ; Beauty and gold ( which all the world affects ) Death doth disdaine , and both as doung reiects , And euer did so from the first beginning Of my owne birth , which was at Adams sinning . Adam was first : and I the last shall be . All were his of-spring ; all shall end in me . But I ( quoth Cupid ) can do more then thou ; My Bow doth make the very Gods to bow : I made Alcides leaue his Lyons skinne , And ( to gaine I-o'ls loue ) to sit and spinne . I made Apollo weare a shepheards weed , To court faire Daphne ( yet he could not speed . ) I made the God of warre forsake the field , And ( as my vassall ) to my mother yeeld : Yea I made Ioue to lay aside his shape , And ( amongst mortalls ) commit many a scape . Is Loue a childe then , all-abhorred Death , That canst doe nothing but stop mortals breath ? In this ( vilde ) world Death only doth remaine : But Loue in heav'n liues where the gods do raign . Then can thy pow'r be compar'd to mine , When thine is hell-bred , and mine most diuine ? But whil'st they two contended in this wise , Death's sister , sleep , ceaz'd on their sight-lesse eyes : And lo , by this , faire Venus miss'd her Sonne , And to inquire him out to Vulcan run , Who ( with his Cyclops ) was at worke so hard , That he nor Loue , nor Loues god did regard : And therefore told her , if she meant to finde him , She might goe looke him ; for he did not minde him . Then vnto Mars the faire Queene made repaire , And asked him for her young sonne and heire : Who by his god-head and his sword did sweare , He neither saw him , nor of him did heare : But for thy sake ( quoth he ) I 'le take some paines To seeke him out , and see where he remaines . Indeed I will : I will indeed ( my Ioy ) I le do my best to helpe thee to thy boy , Thy pretty little wagge , thy curld-pate boy , That fills the world with weale or with annoy : I would be loth my Loue should lose her childe : For he 's her best boy ( though the wagge be wild . ) This sayd , he col'd , and clipp'd , and kist her too , And made an offer th' other thing to doe : ( For Mars with Venus seldome times did meet ; But he did dally with his dainty sweet , Which made the limping god to chase and fret , And seeke to intrap them in an Iron net . ) But Venus ( now ) sayd , that should not be done By Mars , nor any , till she found her sonne , Nor would she smile , nor let him kisse her more , But flung away , and would to Ioue ( she swore . ) " Mars sigh'd at this : ( but vainly sighs are spent , " When as a woman to her will is bent . ) Then mounts his chariot , and away goes hee , To search abroad where her young son should be . His whirling wheeles do rattle in the streetes , And breed amazement amongst all he meetes : To field he gets , and there commands his drumme Should strike t' enquire where Cupid was become . Whil'st Venus past heauens-Christall-pointed gates , And to great Ioue her grieuous losse relates , Who was exceeding wroth thereat , and swore By Stix and Phlegeton and many more ; That heauen , and earth , and hell and all should rue The losse of Loues Queene ( if this tale were true ) Vowing to search their Centers euery one : And therewith ( starting from his stately throne ) He call'd for Aeolus , and bid him send Stiffe-blowing Boreas to the wide worlds end , Charging him throw downe Castles , Courts and Tow'rs , And search for Cupid in their secret bow'rs : But if he could not finde him quickly out , Himselfe would throw his Thunder-bolts about . Away goes Aeolus and out Boreas flies , But findes not Cupid , nor learnes where he lyes : Then back returns ( with griefe and shame ) to Ioue , And tells how much , he ( to no purpose ) stroue . The god ( being angry ) sets the Christall skie Vpon a burning fire instantly : Whose lightning strangely terrifi'd the Earth , And ( on a suddaine ) marr'd all mortals mirth ; Then tooke he Thunder-bolts , and them he hurl'd Into each corner of this canker'd world , Which strook astonishment in all creatures eares . ( Who doth not tremble that Ioues Thunder heares ? ) It made Romes Emp'ror hide his haughty head , ( Great Heliogabalus ) vnderneath his bed . It strooke a King ( that did it counterfet ) Into a Salmon fish ( all bloody yet ) It cleaueth Clouds , rends Rockes and Trees asunder . " Nothing 's more dreadfull then all dreaded Thunder . This wakened Cupid ( that with death did lye ) Who else ( perhaps ) had slept eternally . " ( For if the God● should Loue from Heauen exile , " 'T would sleepe on earth , or dye in little while . ) Vp did he start , and trust his trinckets on , And in great haste did hurry to be gone : But being blind ( as oh , would Loue were not ) Deaths quiuer vp in stead of 's owne he got , And thence be trudges , leauing Death behind , Who ( when he rose ) did Cupids quiuer finde , Yet mark'd it not , but girts it on , and goes Abroad the world , to fill the world with woes . " For death on Earth ( like Cesar in a field ) " Foes to their Foe , perforce doth force to yeeld , " And where he commeth , teares they need not borrow : " For he comes sild , but where he breedeth sorrow . Now Cupid ( seeking how himselfe t' excuse ) Doth bend his bowe , and Deaths blacke Engins vse , Determining great store with Loue to wound : But whom he hitteth , straight-waies dead are found . Lo , thus the blind boy ( when hee thought no ill ) ( For want of eyes ) did many a mortall kill : And thus ( ah thus ) he murthered Corauin , ( The sweetest Swayne that euer yet hath beene . ) And thus faire Phillis he did make away ( Whom young Amintas mourn'd for many a day ▪ And after teares and grones , and grieuous cries , Exprest his sorrowes in sad Elegyes . ) And thus Laceno and a number mo , Loue kild out-right : ( t is shame hee should do so ) Then vp to Heauen the wanton wag did flye , And told his mother ( oh egregious lye ! ) That hee had wounded such and such with Loue ; Which ( to his foule shame ) otherwise did proue . Glad was faire Venus she had got her Sonne , And much more glad to heare what he had done : Yet notwithstanding she began to chide For his departure ; and would faine haue cride : But he so prettily did wantonize , She could not weepe , though teares stood in her eyes : Which wiping thence , she smilde to see him play . " Loue oft makes Sun-shine in a show'rie day , " And when vnkindnesse doth the heart annoy , " Loue doth expell it , and proclaimeth ioy . But now ( awhile ) let 's speake againe of death . Who seeks abroad to suffocate mens breath : To Court , and citty , and t' each country towne , He ( like a Tygar ) trauels vp and downe , And here and there throwes foorth a thrilling dart , Intending's owne , but acting Cupids part : Yet lo , he keepes one custome he did vse , All suppliants praiers proudly to refuse : For those that were opprest with misery , Th' enuious slaue ( though cride to ) would passe by ▪ At length ( remembring he did nought last night ) Strikes rich and poore , and doth respect no wight : But ( oh ) in stead of his owne Ebon darts , He with Loues arrowes woundes their wretched hearts , And makes some loue that weary are of life , ( Their woes and troubles are so wondrous rife ) Who feeling Loues force grieuously complaine , And to the pow'rs diuine doe crie amaine , Ye gods ( quoth they ) must we with loue be wounded , Whose ioints are num'd , & ioyes ( long since ) confounded : Heare vs , oh heauens , and be propitious , And oh ye gods , be you auspitious : For death and fortune both iniurious bee , And our woes will not , or else cannot see : And therefore ( oh ) doe you vouchsafe to heare vs , And let fell death no longer time forbeare vs : For we are wrong'd , opprest & pinch'd with griefe , And ( but in you ) haue hope of no reliefe . Ioue hearing this , doth straight commiserate These wretched worldlings miserable state , And by his messenger , swift Mercurie , Summons a Parliament of the Deitie , ( With expedition ) in the hie house of heau'n , And also chargeth warning should be giuen , That all their plaints , that earst were mentioned , Should at that Session be exhibited . Away went Mercurie , and perfourm'd his charge . The gods appear'd , mens griefs were heard at large ; And by the inferences of their bils , ( With the skarlet euidence of Cupids ils ) It did appeare how idle Loue had bin , T' associate Death , and kill sweet Corauin ; Who was a Swaine of all so dearely lou'd , That for his death the gods were highly mou'd , And sent for Cupid from his mothers side , And him ( in th' open Court ) did rate and chide . Thou blind-eyd and besotting boy ( quoth Ioue . ) Mak'st thou no difference 'twixt Death and Loue ? Art thou a god , and wilt from heau'n descend , And on the earth consort a hellish Fiend , And put his blacke darts and thy Bow together , Then ( like a vagrant ) range , thou knowst notwhither ? And when thou hast done a deale of villany , ( T' excuse thy folly ) telst vs many a lye . Thinkst thou , the gods ( by thee ) will be deluded ? No : it were better thou wert heau'n excluded ; For with thy deeds thou dayly dost offend vs . But wherein is it , that thou canst befriend vs , Vnlesse it be in acting idle things , Such as vaine pleasure , but no profite brings ? And yet dar'st thou ( fond foole ) audaciously Displease this Sinod of the Deitie ? Loue , I am vex'd at this vild deed of thine . " ( All murther 's hatefull in our heau'nly eyne . ) For Antidotes dost thou rancke poyson giue . Daring to kill whom we desire should liue ? But ( since thou hast offended in this sort ) Wee 'l clip thy wings ( boy ) and wee 'l keep thee short : The sonne of Venus ( though his mother loue him ) Shall well perceiue , Ioue feares not to reproue him : For why should men their sad oppressions paint , And find no remedy where they make complaint ? " Are we not gods ? ( and gods should iustice doe ) " One fault vnpunish'd soone produceth two . Then let vs now ( great gods ) make a decree ▪ How Cupid's fault may fitly'st punish'd bee . There stayd his speech : whil'st Cupid ( standing by ) To 's accusation was bid make reply , Who ( childishly ) his progresse did recite , And how he lay with vgly Death one night : But for the rest he vow'd it was vnknowne , Whether he vs'd Deaths engins or his owne ▪ At this lame Vulcan laughed in his sleeue , " ( Some ne're laugh heart'ly , but when others grieue . ) To whom Apollo ( with great wisdome ) sayd , Deride him not , nor do you him vp-brayd : Hee 's your wiues Sonne , and she will fit you for 't , If you abuse him heere in any sort : And for mine owne part , bee you sure ( quoth he ) In blinde boyes matters I le no medler be . Saturne sate by , but ( like a sullen god ) Spoke ne're a word , yet now and then did nod At th' others speech : especially when they Rebuked Loue , or did 'gainst Death inueigh . Then Mars stood vp ( b'ing friend to Cupids mother ) And thus ( with reu'rence ) spoke before the other : Yee mighty gods , this fact of his ( we see ) Most hainous is : yet take thus much from mee , Since done on earth , and 't is vnfit Death should Enter heau'n gates our glory to behold , It fittest is that Cupid should descend , Where shame ( for 's guilt ) vpon him may attend , And there indure the clamor and the cry Of the murther'ds friends and those in misery : And ( as hee 's author of their endlesse woe , ) Sit , and condole them whom he iniur'd so . Which being done , let him goe seeke out Death , And ( changing's quiuer ) bid him stop the breath Of those weake wights , whom he with Loue did wound , Or else ( vntimely ) time shall him confound . This Death may doe : but those whom Loue hath slaine With Deaths dart , cannot be reuiu'd againe : For Loue ( in this ) without commission went : But whom death slaies , 't is with the fates consent . Death hath authority for to destroy : But Loue should not kill , but procure mens ioy ; And therefore Loue was too too blame in this , To vse Deaths engines , and giue bale for blisse . " ( Great faults deserue no fauourable meed , ) Yet b'ing thus check'd and punish'd for the deed , Since ( though a god ) he 's but a childe ( good sooth ) And ( being blinde ) he sees not what he doth ; At his returne let our displeasures end : For I 'm perswaded heele no more offend . To this , great Ioue , and all the gods agreed , And ( being confirmd ) adiornd the court with speed . Cupid departed , and to earth he goes , To sit and heare the sorrowes , sighes and woes Of the sad Swaines , for those whom he had slaine ; But most for Corauin they did complaine : And eu'ry one of them exclaim'd on Death , Not thinking Cupid had reft him of breath , Vntill the time that he was clad in clay , Which ( woe is me ) was on Saint Peters day ; A day of dread . Oh had it neuer bin , T'intombe in clay the comely Corauin , The comely Corauin ( the more griefe 's mine . ) In th' earth ( that day ) the shepheards did inshrine , Inshrine ( aye me ! ) they did , and I must say , When I name that , I name a weeping day , A weeping day . Yea , so it was indeed : For then heauen wept , and th' hearts of men did bleed , Did bleed , 't is true : their hearts did bleed , and they Did nought but weepe vpon that wofull day , That wofull day , the clouds of heau'n distill'd A world of water , wherewith they were fill'd , Were fill'd , yea fill'd , and so let fall awaie , As if they 'd meant t' haue drown'd the earth that day . That day the Sun a sable weed did weare , And with a blacke hood hid his golden hayre ; That day the skie put on a mourning cloake , And shew'd no vapours , but what seem'd like smoake . That day the earth was all as blacke as Iet , Onely with teares ( wherewith 't was ouer-wet . ) That day a sort of most sweet siluer bells Did nothing sound , but sad-tun'd dolefull knells . That day there was a world of weeping eyes . " Sorrow 's no niggard of sighs , teares , and cries . That day each Shepheard wore a Cypresse wreath Vpon his head , and all blacke Say beneath . That day was Corauins sad funerall , Which still 's lamented , and for euer shall . A goodly troope did on his hearse attend , And more had done , if they his death had kend : For Candida ne're knew that he was dead , Vntill she heard that he was buried : And then ( too soone ) 't was knowne , and she did goe , Whil'st Cupid was there , that did breed her woe . Lo , now my Muse is come to nought but mourning : Her ioyes are past , and hopelesse of returning . Oh you that euer felt the force of Loue , Or know what powerfull pass'ons it doth moue ; You that haue wept , and sigh'd , and grieu'd and gron'd , When ( but your selues ) none knew for what you mon'd : You , you ( oh , you ) you that know loue indeed , You whose soules melt , whose very hearts doe bleed , At the remembrance of the sweet sweet name Of sacred Loue ( the soueraigne King of flame ) 'T is you I call to , you that I implore ; If yet you haue or sighes or teares in store , Oh lend me them , or some of them at least . " Much he hath need of makes a liberall feast . One Muse ( vnlesse inspired from aboue ) Can ne're expresse the passions of true loue . One man 's too weake in iudgement and in wit , T'explane the force and the effects of it . Oh helpe me then , helpe both my Muse and mee , That ( by your ayd ) it may described bee . The little streams of water ( small brooks giue her ) Doe quickly make a full-vein'd flowing Riuer . So eu'ry accent , eu'ry sigh or teare , That you lend mee , my work will help 't vpreare . " Hard is the heart that will no helpe extend ; " Especially ( for Loues sake ) to a friend . Come then and ayd me , and ( in hope you will ) In Loues deepe passion now I le dip my quill . Candida hearing of these heauy newes , Doth sigh , sob , sownde , and all sad actions vse . Oh heauens ( quoth she ) why do I liue thus long , Or why hath Death and Time done me this wrong ▪ Why haue they got my Corauin away ? Why haue they lapp'd his comely corps in clay ? Why hath heau'n let that fowle Fiend Death haue power , To crop the blossome of that scarse-bloom'd flower ? Why haue the Fates so fayre a Shepheard slaine ? Why haue they robd me of so rare a Swaine ? Why haue they stolne the lustre of my life ? Why got a hop'd-for husband from his wife ? Why dimd the Sun that shin'd vpon me heere , And left me neither Loue , nor friend , nor pheere ? Why ( vnsuspected ) hath time him betray'd ? Why made m'a widdow , whilst I am a Mayd ? Why hath he reft me of all ioyes in one ? And why left me to wayle , now he is gone ? Oh what did moue the gods to be so cruell , As to depriue me of my dearest Iewell ? As to depriue me of my dearest Iewell , And leaue me like a fire without fuell ? Fire without fuell ( soone ) will fade and die : And without Corauin euen so must I : Euen so must I. Yea , ( and great reason too ) For want of his life doth my life vndoe . What els had I wherein I tooke delight ? What ioy had I , but onely in his sight ? What comfort had I , but in Corauin ? What hearts content , but whereas he hath bin ? What pleasure to me did this world extend ? What other solace , but that one sweet friend ? What did I loue , or what did I hold deere , But onely him , my Loue , my life , my pheere ? And is he gone ? is he vntimely slaine By Loue ? or Death ? or by my owne disdaine ? Oh , which of vs three hath the Murtherer bin ? Which of vs was it that kil'd Corauin ? Loue , was it thou ? oh ( if thou did'st it ) speake : For if Loue kil'd him , griefe my heart will breake : 'T will wound my soule euen to the very death , If Loue hath reft my deare-belou'd of breath . I know he lou'd me , and that wondrous well : And I lou'd him more deare then tongue can tell . But ( oh ) 't was long before that I could do it , And much adoe he had to bring me to it : He su'de , he seru'd , and often sought vnto mee , By pray'rs , plaints , teares , and all that else might woo mee : But I relentlesse was , and slinty hard , And his great griefes but little did regard . I was too young to feele the force of Loue : Teares , plaints , nor pray'rs could me to pitty moue , Then would he write , and as he wrote , hee 'd weep ; Blood was his inke which he in teares would steep : The pen shew'd pure loue , and the paper zeale , Wherewith the poore Swaine did his plaints reueale : Pitty he pleaded for with 's soule and heart , And ( with much weeping ) pray'd me ease his smart : ( For by the paper I might eas'ly see , That he did weep much , when he wrot to mee . ) Loue , thou art powerfull , I confesse it now , Though of thy lawes I did not late allowe : But if thy might to murther did extend , Thou hast wrong'd him , and also me his friend : For I must thinke , if he by loue was slaine , Though thy hand did it , 't was through my disdain . Disdaine ( sayd I ? ) yea , yea , I did disdaine him , Els I had pitty'd , when he first did plaine him : And therefore , Loue , I must hold thee excus'd ; For Loue not me , but I haue Loue abus'd . Then let me neuer thinke , that Loue did ill him , But rather yeeld , that my disdaine did kill him . 'T was so indeed : in very deed 't was so , 'T was my owne selfe , that wrought my selfe this woe : For had I been kind ( as I might haue been ) Still had I kept my comely Corauin : Still had I kept my comely Corauin , Had I been kinde ( as oh , would I had been ) But ( wretched ) I would not be wonne too 't then . Ah ( foolish Females ) why should we wrong men ? Why should a selfe-will'd woman work his death , That loues her dearer then his deare-lifes breath ? Why should we prize Virginitie so hie , That e're wee 'le lose it , let our Louers die ? When th' one 's an Idoll that 's but good in name , And nothing else ( how ere we prize the same ) Th' other is the rarest frame on earth , From whose faire being first our selues took birth : But I 'm vnwise ( as women aye haue bin ) And haue both wrong'd my selfe and Corauin , Not onely in this , but many other things , Which now much sorrow by remembrance brings : For had he sometimes proffer'd me a kisse , ( Why should a true friend such a fauour misse ? ) I 'de frowne , and say he was too peremptory . Then he ( poore soule ) would straight-way say I 'm sorry : If I offend you , I le no more assay . Yet ( as one iniur'd ) I would fling away , And scarce come neere him of a good while after , To make him grieue , whilst I grew fat with laughter : But weighing ( at length ) how hainously he tooke My sharpe rebuke , I with a smiling looke Would comfort him , and say , Come , Corauin , Too much vnkindnes for one kisse hath bin ; To make amends with , take thee two or three ; Though I seem'd coy , I le not be so to thee : And therefore come ( sweet-heart ) and take inow . " Mayds ( though th' are squeamish ) lou't as well as you . " What 's hardly gotten , men most highly deeme : " But what 's soone purchast , slightly they esteeme . Then blame me not , although I seemed coy . " Louers ( like babes ) must beg for euery toy , And in th' obtaining thinke th' are happy too , By getting that which others cannot doe . But whither am I carry'd with this veine Of my conceited ( counterfeit ) disdaine ; Since to be coy , and something seeming nice , Is not disdaine ? disdaine 's as cold as Ice . But my affection ( like to coales of fire In ashes wrapt vp , lest they should aspire ) Was inly hot with feruency of zeale , Though to my selfe I did the same conceale . " Fire hid in ashes , hardly is containd , " But loue inuelloped , more hard restrain'd . Then since I inwardly did hold him deare , " And inward passions penetrate most neere , I must needs thinke my sorrow-tyred tongue Hath been o're apt to doe my owne selfe wrong , In saying , my disdaine should worke his woe , Who was not loathed , but beloued so , That I esteemd him dearer then my life , And onely hoped to haue been his wife : And well I might ; for he deseru'd no lesse , But to enioy the brauest Shepheardesse : For oh , he had such worthy qualities , And was so faire , well-fauour'd , and so wise , That euery Shepheardesse did like and loue him , Althogh their beauties had no pow'r to moue him ▪ Onely my selfe sweet Corauin affected ; The rest he lou'd not , nor their loues respected . I know he lou'd mee ; and for euer will Resolue my selfe , that he doth loue me still , Loues me in death as dearely as in 's life . And oh , ( me thinks ) I heare him call me wife . Wife was his word : Wife would he euer call me . Oh , that no other title had befall me : For then , ah then , ( I need not tell yee how ) I 'de bin as happy , as i 'm haplesse now : For now I 'm neither Widdow , Mayd , nor Wife ; And yet all three : and so I 'le end my life . I 'le end my life : oh , that it now were ended : For then by Death I should be much befriended , And with my Corauin should quickly be , Whose hou'ring ghost now seems t' appeare to me , And lookes as grimly as if some were heere , That were the meanes to make away my Deare : Or that his passage Caron hath deni'd To th' Eliz'an fields ( for Louers purifide ) Vntill the world takes notice of his wrongs By my complaint , ( to whom it most belongs . ) If it be so , ( sweet Corauin ) be sure , Thou shalt not long thy wandring course indure . I 'le doe thee all the right that I can doe : Which being done , I will come to thee too : But yet ( ah wretched and vnhappy I ) Though die I would ( as yet ) I cannot die . Those that would liue , Death quickly takes away : But those that would die , them he doth delay . Iniurious Fates , why should your Factor Death So forward be , to suffocate the breath Of iocond Shepheards , and of Iou'all spirits , And flie from them that wretchednesse inherits ? But ( oh ) I now perceiue wherefore he flies me , And why ( although intreated ) he denies me To end my daies . Oh , 't is because that hee Murther'd my Corauin for louing mee . For if nor Loue , nor my disdaine did slay him , Surely 't was Death that did from hence conuay him . Death , yea 't was Death , and none but Death did doe it . ( Yet gods , nor men , ne're gaue consent vnto it ) Meager fac'd monster , most enuious slaue , With Natures best gift why didst fill a graue ? Thou vn-seene shaddow , gastly and most grim , Why hast thou fild a vasty vault with him , With him that was Earths all-admired Creature , And did surpasse all Shepheards for sweet feature ? With him that graced th' Arcadian Plaines , And was the glory of their goodly Swaines : With him that was the Mirror of all men That e're was seene , or e're shall be agen : With him that was indued from aboue , With all the gifts that gods and men doe loue : With him whose youth was vertuously inclin'd , And ( as the Sun doth lights ) all Swaines out-shin'd With him that was belou'd of all ( saue thee ) And therefore slaine t'extract these teares from me . Accursed Death , most cruell and vnkind , Hauing slaine him , why leau'st thou me behind ? Why may not I ( that am his onely Wife ) Associate him as well in death as life ? Why should I liue , and draw a loathed breath , When my deare Loue lies in the lawes of Death ? Wee reade of Women throw themselues in fire , When as their louing husbands liues expire . Portia tooke burning Coales and swallowed , Hating to liue , her husband being dead . Cleopatra ( for Loue of Anthony ) With sting of Aspicks did most stoutly die . And shall not I ( although a Shepheardesse ) Resolue like them , since in the like distresse ? Shall I bee tim'rous ( and not imitate The worthy'st women for a worthy mate ? ) No : I 'le not be diuorced from my Deare : Since he is gone , I 'le not sit grieuing heere . Sweet Corauin , I 'le come to thee 'ere night , And giue my life , to gaine my Louers sight . But then ( ah then ) who shall thy death deplore ? These my laments doe make thy losse seeme more : Therefore I 'le liue , and let the world to ken , How much I priz'd thee more then other men , Who although dead to others , yet ( in mee ) Thou shalt liue still , and still my True-loue be : For so thou art ( in deed , loh so thou art ) Thou onely holdst possession of my heart , Possession of my heart thou holdst in deed , And shalt for euer ( none shall thee succeed . ) Then why should I imagine thou art slayne ? And why inueygh 'gainst Loue and Death ( in vayne ? ) Come , Candida , 't is folly thus to doe : Thou iniur'st them both , and thine owne selfe too . They did not kill sweet Corauin . Ah , no. Some vncouth accident hath bred this woe : Some qualme o're's heart , or else some extasie , Bred by conceit ( begot by ielousie ) Of griefe , might kill him , seeing many seeke me , Lest some of them ( as well as he ) might leeke me . Yea sure 't was so , so did he die ( no doubt ) " No death's vntimely , but time brings it out : " Heauen will not haue a murther to be hid , " But first or last bewrayes the homicid . But if griefe kild him , 't is in vaine to weep : " For 't will kill all that doo 't long company keep . Then Candida ( awhile ) lay teares aside , And tell what loue-tricks did in 's life betide : Tell how hee 'd sit , and pipe so prettily , That all Swaines ioy'd to heare his harmonie : Each Nimph and Shepheardesse , that now remains In any of these neighbouring Groues or Plains , From Fountaines and from fieldes would flock with speed , To heare him play vpon his Oeten Reed : And as they daily vsed for to doe , So would the Satyrs and the Dreiads too . How oft haue I my milke-white flocke forsooke , And slily stolne downe to a silent brooke , My Corauins sweet Songs and Oads to heare , When he ( poore soule ) thought little I was there ? Amongst the Reeds ( oh wherefore did he hide him ? ) At vnawares I oftentimes haue spyde him : There would he sit , and sometimes sing and play , And sometimes weep , and many woes bewray : Sometimes his musicke did delight mine eare ; Sometimes I 'd sigh his sad complaints to heare , And to my selfe say ( Lo ) I can relieue him : But I 'le not doo 't , 'cause purposely I 'le grieue him . Tut , let him languish , pule , and pine awhile . " Who sighs for loue , makes his beloued smile : For as the Adamant doth Diamonds drawe , Or little Ieat extracts the longest strawe : Euen so my beauty binds him to obey , To seeke to sue , and serue me euery way . " Faire women ( alwaies ) specially the witty , " Loue to be lou'd , but loue not to shew pitty , Though faire-fac'd foolish ones that do not know , How to esteem the beauties that they owe , May ( like a Puppy that is playd withall ) As oft as touch'd , be apt to take a fall ▪ But we that know what pow'r our beauties haue Can at out Altars make them creepe and craue , And thinke th' are happy too , and if they may But get a kisse , for courting vs all day : For we doe vse to trie , before we trust : How should we else distinguish Loue from lust ? " Men are deceitfull , and will sweare they loue vs , " ( Calling to record gods , and heau'n aboue vs ) " When they intend no loue at all vnto vs , " But onely lust ( wherewith they lay t' vndoe vs ) " Seeking to vndermine by subtill Arts , " The weake made fortresse of our feeble hearts ▪ " For what i's t , wit , or Art , or gold can doe , " But they will vse ( if not abuse them too ? ) " Onely to gaine their wicked wils of vs , " Whom they 'l soone cast off , if they conquer thus . " Ah beauty , borne to multitudes of troubles , " How many wayes thy misery redoubles ! " Subiect thou art vnto suspition still , " And art condemn'd , thogh thou commit'st no ill : " Feare and foule Ielouzie thy attendants bee , " Sickenes and age doe each howre threaten thee . " Besides all this , men ( both with gold and wit ) " Seeke beauties ruine , and lay siedge to it . " Nay more then thus , it doth it selfe betray , " And to our foes our weakenes doth bewray . " No maruell then though faire ones feele much woe , " When all these enemies assaile them so . But in this case I wrong my Corauin , Who giltlesse was of suche gregious sin : For why , his loue was most immaculate , As free from folly , as 't was far from hate : For when vpon his pipe he did sit playing , Or his sad passions seriously bewraying , He did desire his Candida might heare , Both what his pastimes and his plainings were : His heart and tongue concurring both in one , Made him wish audience , when he was alone : " For Louers that do no dissembling vse , " Can make no faults , but what Loue may excuse . But flattring fellowes that come cogging to vs , " ( Surely they lou's not , that with slights do wo vs ) " Their praise and proffers are like lime-twigs laid , " Wherewith t' ensnare an vnsuspecting mayd . But Corauin did loue vnfainedly ; Free were his thoughts from fraud and flattery : For ( with his tongue ) his heart did speake to me , " ( Happy were mayds might all so wooed be . ) Nothing but pure thoughts which proceeded still From true affection and intire good will , Which made me loue him , and oft times go looke , " ( Loue teacheth Louers to search euery nooke ) Whether he were in flow'ry field , or Groue , Or to some fountaine had his fayre flocke droue ; Where , if I found him , ( as perhaps I did ) " ( For Loue may lie close , but not long be hid ) Like pretty Lambs wee 'd sport and play together . " Wooers are wags , or wantons , choose you whether . Then though my Deare ( to my great griefe ) be dead , Yet let our meetings be remembered : Mickle good pastime had we two alone , And ( oh ) most pleasing , 'cause 't was seene to none . " Loue takes no liking where strange eies may see 't : " But where most secret , there 't is still most sweet . Oh , how the kisses and the kind imbraces , Which past betwixt vs twaine in priuate places , Now ( being remembred ) rauisheth my sence , And with my sorrowes seemeth to dispence ! Bidding me leaue my sad Laments awhile , And with ( then ) amorous talke this time beguile ▪ Which ( for my Loues sake ) I am loth to doe . " But weak's our sexe , and wandring-minded too . " We ( like the Moone ) our minds must often change ▪ " All women vs't , and therefore 't is not strange . Then if one passion can expell another , Loue ( for a while ) Deaths sad designements smother , Whil'st I relate ( in this lamenting time ) Our pretty pastimes in Loue pleasant prime , This is my lip ( kinde ) Corauin would say , When on my soft lip his sweet finger lay . This is not Thenots , nor doth Thirsis owe it : But 't is my lip ; Loue did on me bestowe it . Then would he kisse it , and ( in kissing ) crie ▪ Heer 's Heau'n on earth , and th' onely ioy that I Desire to haue : for with a tutch of this , Mee thinkes , I feele a taste of all true blisse . Then would he kisse , and kisse it o're agen . ( " Such sweets as those ne're satiateth men . ) And then ( in passion ) feeling what he spoke , From his sweet tong these sugred speeches broke : If euer Balsamum did cure a wound , If euer comforts did mans cares confound , If euer excellence did breathe on earth ; Here ( I protest ) it first of all tooke birth : For here I finde the Fountaine of delight , By day to comfort , and content by night . Here finde I Nectar and Ambrosia too , For which the gods striue ( as we mortals doe ) Heere 's Hibla's honny , and Himettus dewe , Desir'd by all , but ( ah ) inioy'd by fewe : Here is the summe of all my soules desire ; Here springs the fuell that inflames loues fire ; Here sweet Aromaticks and odours flowe , Rarer then euer did in Aegypt growe ; Here is the place surpasseth Helicon , ( Which all the Muses sport and play vpon ; ) Heere sits the Graces on this ( sacred ) lip ; Heere dance the Fayries , heere they finely trip ; The Shag-hayr'd Satyres , and the Dreiads all , Heere ( onely ) keepe their solemne Festiuall ; Heere is the Latmus Phebe light vpon , To kisse her deare-lou'd young Endimion ; Heere is the Crimson-colour'd Currall dore , Wherewith Loue locks vp his delicious store ; Heere are inclos'd Port-cullices of Pearle , ( Giuen by the gods t' adorne my dainty Girle ) Whiter then Iv'ry , and of farre more worth , Then all the pearles that Taprobane brings forth ; Heere lyes ( intrench'd ) the organ of her heart , Which neuer moues , but musicke doth impart , Sweeter then that which god Apollo playd , When he to win faire Daphnes loue assayd . Oh , how my soule is rauish'd , when I heare That most mellifluous tongue sound in mine eare ! For then ( me thinks ) some sacred Angell sings , Whose voyce my sences in a slumber brings , And all my cares and corrasiues expels , By hearing her , whose harmony excels : For Candida can tune her sweet tongue so , That when she speaks , her words extirps my woe . And heere ( ah heere ) besides what is recited , Is one thing more wherewith I am delighted , And that 's her dulcet and delicious breath , Able to sweeten the sowre face of Death , And purifie the most infectious ayre : What it perfumes , no poyson can impaire . Odours and Incense ( offer'd to the gods ) Are not so sweet , as her sweet breath ( by ods : ) For when she speakes , the Sunne seemes to exhale , And drawe that vapour from this earthly vale , Vp to the cloudes , which ( sweetned there withall ) Shall henceforth none but honny drops let fall : Which drops distilling from fayre heav'n to earth ▪ Shall giue her glory that first gaue them birth . Thus would my deare-lou'd lou'ly Corauin Sir and discourse , when we alone haue bin . Then would he claspe me in his comely armes , Whose pleasant touches were as powerful charms , To bind me with , more fast and firmer too ▪ Then chaines of Ir'n or Adamant can doe : And b'ing impris'nd in that Iv'ry Gayle , ( From whence sweet kisses onely were my bayle ) Hee 'd set him down vpon the green-leau'd grasse , And ( hauing me in 's armes ) would say , Sweet lasse , Heere we may sport vs on these pleasant bankes , And vse a thousand pretty wanton prancks ; Heere we may sit , and clip , and coll , and kisse , Dally , do what we will , taste all Loues blisse : For heer 's no enuious Ill-suspecting eye Neere to this place : we heere in couert lie : Time proffers here from foule reproach to free vs : For why , heer 's none ( saue heau'nly power 's ) can see vs . " Lo , thus the place with th' opportunity " Moues many a chaste mind to immodesty , And brought my Corauin ( there furtherance hauing ) For what 's vnfitting thus to fall a crauing . Sweet Candida ( quoth he ) thou know'st I loue thee , And for Loues first fruits now I meane to moue thee : Thou see'st the all-discrying light of day Is almost fled , and vanished away , And sable colour'd night ( which all things couers ) Spreads her black Curtain to befriend kind Louers . Lo , all is whist , our flocks are close in folde ; And we alone : why should we not be bolde ? It were a shame that I so long should woo thee , And neuer offer Loues delights vnto thee . Then blame me not , though now I moue that sute . " ( Maids should be mar'd , if men were euer mute . ) It is our part to make the proffer still : But 's your acceptance makes it good or ill . Then be propitious ( like the time and place ) " Th' are happy louers haue kind loues in chase . Come , Candida , thou know'st what I desire . " No Sea 's more boundles then Loues burning fire . Deare Sweet , delay not ; but let me possesse That which I seeke : thou shalt haue ne're the lesse . Then yeeld to me without resisting long . " T is vaine for weak ones to contend with strong . With that I sigh'd , and wept , and struggled too , And thus cry'd out , ( oh God , ) what shall I doe ? Shall I be iniur'd by my onely friend , And will he rob me , that should me defend ? what faith 's in men , when friends do traitors proue And let their lusts gaine soueraignty 'ore Loue ? This sayd ( quoth he ) Why weep'st and wayl'st thou thus , Since time and place seeke both to pleasure vs ? My Faith and Troth ( thou know'st ) are plight to thee , That true and constant I will euer be . What though we are not ( as I wish we were ) Married together ? let that be no barre : For in the heau'ns , He that doth sit most high , Knowes all our vow 's , and knowes I doe not lie . Wee two are linck'd ( though not with Hymens band ) With heart in heart , and also hand in hand ; And whilst in me remaines a sparke of life , I will account sweet Candida my wife ; And at the instant I resigne my breath , I 'le call thee so , and seale it with my death . For th' art my wife , and there liues none but thee , That any right or int'rest hath in mee . ( Sweet Candida ) then why should'st thou resist me ? And hauing thus spoke twenty times he kist me : " For kissing's oyle , which ( cast vpon loues fire ) " Doth aggrauate and make it more aspire . But words , vows , kisses ( though too strong all three ) All wanted power to preuaile with mee : For though these agents did all pleade delight , Yet still I dreaded , lest some danger might Ensue thereof ; besides the hideous shame That might detect me , whereso're I came . And therefore thus replide ( Sweet Corauin ) Oh do not tice me for to taste that sin , That odious sin , which ( with my soule ) I doe Hate , euen as hell , and all hells torments too : I yet am cleare , my flesh is free from taint Of filthy lust ; then seeke not thou to stain 't , But rather lend me thy keene-edged knife , Wherewith to end this my vnhappy life : For I protest , ten thousand deaths I le die , E're lose mine honor , shipwracke chasttiy . He hearing me thus resolutely bent , First fetch'd a sigh , then pray'd me be content ▪ And to appease my anger , fell to kissing ▪ " ( Loues chief'st delight , when th' other thing is missing . ) But whil'st he kist , I striu'd and struggled so , Wee both grew breath-lesse , then he let me go . Yet oft we met there : But my Corauin Ne're ( after that ) intic'd me vnto sin , Nor any kindnesse would presume to craue , More then my selfe thought good to let him haue : For since he held a glance to be a grace , And kissing , fauour in the highest place . " Whereby we see , lew'd suites must be controld , " Or th' hand of lust will soone make loues heart cold . " Mayds must not let men haue their minds of them , " Chastity's precious like a Diadem , " And hardly kept ( as Crownes are kept by Kings . ) " So many seeke for to subuert such things : But leauing that , which ( oh too well ) is knowne . " ( For few there are that can defend their owne ) Let me cease talking of it , and returne To where I left my deare Deares losse to mourne : For ill it fits me , whom sad woe hath ceaz'd , To speake of ought wherewith I ear'st was pleas'd . " Ioyes are no ioyes that doe in sorrow end . " Misery ( most commonly ) doth come vnkend : " And when we thinke , we are in saf'st estate , " Mischiefe stands neer'st the maine to ruinate : For lo , when I beheld those happy daies , Which e'rst I spoke of , and I once might praise , I little feared that ( which now I finde , To quench my hopes in this vnhappy kinde . ) Griefe ( the onely issue of vnhappy creatures , The bane of beauty , and best-formed features ) Should haue brought me into th' estate I 'm now , For to sit thus , and sigh and grieue with you , For losse of Corauin , whom you lou'd dearely : Yet onely me his death concernes most neerely : For he was mine , my best and chiefest part , The onely ioy and comfort of my heart : And therefore I haue the most cause to mourne , ( Though your loues will not let me weepe alone ) Yea it is I , and none but onely I , That for his death haue cause to sit and cry , To cry , complaine , to sorrow , sigh , and mone , Till like to wofull Niobe ( now a stone ) I be transformed ; from the forme I beare , And haue no sence t' afford or feele a teare : For Corauin , when he resign'd his breath , Gaue me this gift , his death should be my death , My death indeed : for ( oh ) why should I liue , To whom my Loue this Legacy did giue ? Why should I liue , and sit lamenting heere Vpon the earth , when heau'n doth hold my Deare ? It is vnfit ( since we two were as one ) That I should liue , now my deare Loue is gone . Ah time , why art thou now so slowly paced , That wont'st to flit more swift then th' hart that 's chased ? Why in my sorrowes dost thou seeme to leaue me , That of all ioyes so lately did'st bereaue me ? For hauing done the worst that thou couldst doe , In killing him , why dost not kill me too ? Why bring'st not Death ( vrg'd by this occasion ) On my liues kingdome to make sterne inuasion ? Hast thou tooke al from me that thou couldst take , Sauing my selfe ( that now is sorrowes make ? ) And leau'st thou me distressed ( as in scorne ) To be times abiect , that did time adorne ? For I was held the onely Paragon That e're th' Arcadian Shepheards look'd vpon . Made they not Odes and Sonnets eu'ry day , Which to the world my beauty did bewray ? Who was 't could pipe , and did not sound my praise , ( Whose name adorned all their Roundelayes . ) Was I not th' onely obiect of their eyes , At whom they would ( as at the Suns arise The Saluadge people doe ) stand in a maze , Worshipping that whereon their eyes did gaze ? What argument did any of them hold So confident , ( it could not be controld ) As of my beauty , person , and rare wit , Which oft made multitudes to muse at it ? Each Shepheardesse enui'd my ex'lent parts , As th' onely Adamant to attract mens hearts , And sayd , that I was honord of each Swaine , As Cynthia is of all her starry traine . This time I had , and thus I was reputed . But what I was , is now ( by woe ) confuted , And with my woe , the wretchednesse of time Vpbraydeth me , as guilty of a crime , For letting slip occasions that were offer'd . And losing time , when loue ( in time ) was proffer'd , Telling me now ( ah that no time could tell mee ) What I forsooke , and what hath since befell mee , Saying I had ( oh that I had so still ) A time , wherein I might haue wrought my will . I had a time wherein I liu'd content , I had a time of sport and merriment , I had a time , wherein I tooke delight , I had a time , when time was worth the sight , I had a time , wherein I might haue bin More kinder then I was to Corauin , I had a time ( e're time tooke him from mee ) Which ioy'd my heart that happy time to see . But now ( ah now ) that time 's vntimely past , And where weale was , there wretchednes is pla'st . Aye me , most miserable of all mayds aliue ! More tyranny no Tyrant can contriue , Then time hath shew'd to take all did content me , And now to mocke , and with much griefe torment me . " But still it falls out ( oh disasterous Fate ! ) " That the most fayre are most vnfortunate : " For as w' are blest with beauty from aboue , " So w' are accurst by being crost in Loue ; " Which makes the meanest , and most black of all , " Despight our fayrenesse , and desire our fall , " Glorying to see the ruine of our state : " For whom men loue most , them most women hate . " It grieues our Sexe to see a supreme fayre , " To liue vnblemish'd , breathing in the ayre , " And e're they shall vnscandalized liue , " ( Most shamelesse ) they will them shames liu'ry giue . But why against this huge-made monster , many , Doe I inueigh , that ne're was wrong'd by any ? Ne're wrong'd by any ? yes , yes , and enuide , If not ( by some ) too palpably belide . But ah , I recke not what reports they make . I 'le suffer all for my sweet Louers sake : For if in Corauins behalfe they speake , They shall do well their wraths on me to wreake . Too much blame cannot vpon me be layd : For I deserue the worst that can be sayd . Iust are the heauens in punishing me thus , And yet I 'm wrong'd . ( Oh , who can right discusse ? ) None but the gods my iniuries doe know : Each mortal's ignorant how my griefes doe grow . Would I had ne're liu'd to haue felt Loues force , Enuious Death then had not made diuorce So ( vnexpectedly ) twixt him and mee . Thus to prouoke my sorrowes ( as you see . ) Aye me , it is for Corauin that I Now sigh , and grieue , and weepe thus wofully . Dead is my Deare . ( Oh would he were not so ) Ioy , heau'n , thou hast him ( he did thither goe ) On earth he could not , no , he could not stay . Heau'n got him hence ( like Ganimed ) away . None but my dearest deare-lou'd Corauin , Corauin ( onely ) could Ioues fauour win . Vp to the heau'ns the gods haue got my Loue : Royally roab'd , he there attends on Ioue . Would I were with him , and coequally In heau'n establish'd in eternity . No doubt I shall : but ( ah ) I cannot yet . " Angels seats are most difficult to get . Retyre then , thoughts : for ( till my death's day ) I Cannot attaine to immortality : And dye I would not , till the world doth know , " ( No flatt'rers tongue can true affection show ) Directly how my Corauin was lost . Iniurious Fates , how are we wretches crost ! Death doth depriue vs of our Dearest friends ; And yet conceales the causes of their ends . Are we so much despis'd of heau'nly Pow'rs , Not what they gaue vs , we may keepe as ours ? Did heau'n not ( once ) giue Corauin to me ? Can they reuoke it , I not iniur'd be ? Oh no , no , no , ( I know ) they cannot do it ? " Rob'ry's vniust whose're ads ayd vnto it . And therefore heau'ns ( I say ) and gods are cruell , Vniustly to depriue me of my Iewell . If I doe wrong you , ( heau'ns and gods ) I pray , Now , now , ( oh now ) oh take me now away , Take me away ; yea , yea , so let it be . And ( whose're kild him ) lay the guilt on me : Say , my vnkindnes kil'd the flower of Swaines , ( The comely'st Shepheard that e're kept these Plaines ) Yet 't was not I , my coynesse , nor vnkindnesse ; But t' was this Boy-god , Loue ( misse-led my blindnesse ▪ ) For ( on my soule ) I n'ere intended ought , That wrong'd my Deare , in word , or deed , or thought . But , Loue , 't was thou , 't was thou , and none but thou . That murther'dst him , and mak'st me mourne heere now : 'T was thou that did'st bereaue me of my ioy , And now dost drench me in this dyre annoy : 'T was thou that did'st my youths fayre hopes delude , And all my comforts cruelly exclude , 'T was thou that did'st destroy my Dearest friend , With whome my loue , and dear'st delight did end : 'T was thy hand gaue my heart this cause of woe . And made these eyes ( like raging streames ) or'eflow : 'T was thou that mad'st these Shepheards fall a weeping , And leaue their fayre flocks ( carelesse ) without keeping ▪ 'T was thou didst all whereof I doe complaine : Thy cursed Bow my best-belou'd hath slaine , And in that act thou hast perform'd all ill , " ( For who can do a worser deed , then kill ? ) Ah , Cupid , Cupid , thou hast stain'd thy name : Both heau'n , and earth , are full of thy defame , And more shall be : there staid , and sigh'd , and groan'd . ( Such wofull wights are worthy to be moan'd . ) Then turn'd her selfe , and wistly look'd about , Till she spide mee ( that still paints passions out , ) Whome shee desir'd , as e're I lou'd a Woman , ( Which pow'rfull speech can be withstood by no man ) That I would write her wrongs , and woes at large . At whose request I vndertooke this charge ; And thus reply'd : Thou subiect of my verse , If ( silly ) I , thy sorrowes must rehearse , Daine ( thou Diuin'st of creatures ) to infuse A fluent spirit into my feeble muse , That vnborne Issues ( in my worke ) may see , What thy perfections could performe by mee . Thou art my Subiect , and my Sweet Muse too , From whome flowes all , of all I wish to doe . Three dayes and nights I haue already spent , Of thy sad sorrowes , for to see th' euent . And ten times three more ( willingly ) I 'le spend , To make thy woes vnto the wide-world kend . Thanks she return'd me , and requitall vow'd . " True beauty ( like true vertue ) is not proud : But him that merits , still it will affect , Though witlesse Dowdies doe all worth neglect . Then vnto Cupid turn'd her speech agen . " ( Women are more impacient then men ) 'T is thou ( quoth she ) that makest me forlorne ; 'T is thou that mak'st me hold my life in scorne ; 'T is thou that hast of all contentment reft me , And nought but woe and wretchednesse now left me ▪ Ah woe is me , that euer I knew Loue , Since thereby I thus miserable proue : Since thereby I thus miserable proue , Woe to the time that euer I knew Loue . Was it for this Dame Nature did her best , To frame my face more fayrer then the rest ? Was it for this I did reiect so many , And ( but that one ) could loue or like of any ? Was it for this , that I would go so trim , To gaine his loue , then be beguild of him ? Was it for this , that I did tricke my hayre , And sought all meanes to make me supreme fayre ? Was it for this , that I so carelesly Forsooke my flockes , to keepe him company ? Was it for this , that I tooke no delight In any thing , but onely in his sight ? Was it for this , nor wealth , nor wit could win My flint-hard heart to let loue lodge therein , ( Though many a sweet and worthy Swaine did woo me ) Till he did come , whose death doth quite vndoe mee ? Ah Loue ( blinde Loue ) how blindly dost thou lead vs , And ( like a false friend ) badly dost bestead vs ? Is this the guerdon thou didst promise me , To pay with death my Loues long-look'd for fee ? Is this the comfort I did hope to haue , For Bride-grom's bed ? my Bride-groome in his graue ? Oh eyes ( henceforth ) be you no longer eyes : But ( hauing seene these sad calamities ) Turne into riuolets of running teares , And as small drops of raine the Marble weares : So dig you channels , and indent deepe creekes In my ( now ) clowdy and discolour'd cheekes , And let your lights ( which e'rst did shine as cleare , As heau'ns bright lamps ) no more to men appeare : But be you dim , nay , darke and shaded euer : Keepe your close Cells , and be disclosed neuer . And thou my face , faire beauties late-lou'd field , ( Such as Arcadian Swaynes haue seene but sil'd ) Neuer seeme amiable in mans eye : But let thy Roses and thy Lillies dye . And now let wrinckles ( mixt with morphew ) grow , Where their quaint colours made a curious show . And you , my lips , ( much prais'd by many a man ) Be ( as you are now ) euer pale and wan , Riuell , chicke , pill ; and let my sighs consume yee : As odorous breath wont ( balme-like ) to perfume yee . And thou , my skin , ( the lou'ly lawny vayle ) That keep'st my corps within an Iuory Gayle , Turne to a yellowish or Tawny hiew , And be vnpleasing to all peoples view . And likewise you , my Saphire-colourd veines , In whom my liues ( yet purple ) blood remaines , Wither , dry , cling together , and ( henceforth ) Stop my bloods course , till it turne nothing worth . And you my brests ( two Snowy appenynes ) More priz'd by many , then th' Indian mines , With all the rest of my admired parts , ( Wherewith I conquered a world of hearts ) Waste and consume , fade , and fall quite away : For life I loath , and now for death I stay : For life I loath , and now for death I stay . And ( for my Loues-sake ) now wish life decay . Which sayd , the poore wretch ( with much woe confounded ) Gaue a great sigh ; and hauing sigh'd , she swounded . Whereat the Shepheards ( which did weepe before ) Now wrung their hands , and wayl'd , and wept much more , And stood awhile amazed at this chance . Then wrought they meanes to wake her from her trance : One rubs her temples , and another , he Doth clap her cheekes , till crimson red they be : Another wrings her Nose , vntill the blood ( Inrag'd ) starts out , to see if hee were wood : One wrench'd her pretty fingers in his hand : Another whooping in her eare , doth stand . Thus as they grieu'd , to see what did befall her : So each of them endeuour'd to recall her , And did at length : but faint she was , and weake , And stil she sigh'd ( as sighs her heart should break ) Anon sayd thus , ( but more she could not say ) Cupid kil'd Corauin : woe's me for aye ! Cupid kil'd Corauin : woe's me for aye ! For losse of him , thus makes my life decay ; And so sunke downe vnto the earth againe . The whilst the Shepheards did on Loue complaine And curst his Bow , his arrowes , and his quiuer , And him the Wag , that was their woes contriuer . Cupid at this , put finger in the eye , And ( whilst they chid him ) wept most childishly ; Then babe-like said : ( for Babes can do no other : ) How you haue vs'd me , I will tell my mother . By this , fayre Candida ( whom all thought dead , Till the kind Swaines did eleuate her head ) Began to stir , and rowle her radiant eyes . ( Beauty dwells there euen when the body dyes . ) And when sh 'ad suckt breath from the solid ayre , Away from thence the Shepheards did conuay her . With whom I 'le leaue her , till she do recouer , And learne to leaue lamenting for her Louer . Lo now , young Cupid , seeing all were gone , ( With many teares ) her wofull state did mone , And to himselfe ( the silly god ) did say , Kind Coraum I cruelly did slay , And was the Author of her woes , and cries Not willingly , but through my want of eies : Yea , it was I , and none but onely I , That was the cause of her calamity : And now it grieues me , ( when it is too late , ) Loue should ( so lucklesly ) gaine Louers hate , And with his folly make the gods offended , And mortals mourne thus : but the Sceane b'ing ended , In which my fact was punish'd with defame , ( To the impeachment of my honor'd name , ) I 'le get me gone from th' Arcadian Playnes , And come no more amongst these mourning Swaines , Till Candida her Corauin forget , And loue another whom she knowes not yet : Which to effect , I 'le leaue expostulating , And now go seeke where Death's negotiating , To do the wretched and weake worldlings wrong , With the golden arrowes that to Loue belong ; Which I 'le take from him , ( as I 'm charg'd to do ; ) And giue him 's owne , with all that longs thereto . Therewith departs . But ( oh ) not far goes he , " ( A foes found sooner , then a friend can be . ) E're he met Death , who ( like an enuious slaue ) Exclaim'd on Loue , and him ill speeches gaue , Saying , he was a couz'ning cheating mate , " ( Oh cruell Death , th' art full of canker'd hate ) To take his Ebon Darts , and stead thereof , Leaue him Loues squilkers ; wherat old folks scoffe The young make songs on , and the wise reiect : For ( but with fondlings ) Lou's in no respect : And therefore ( quoth he ) I ( in scorne ) deliuer Thy bable Arrowes , and thy boyish Quiuer : Heere take them ( Infant ) and giue me mine owne , Wherewith to heau'n thou ( like a foole ) hast flowne , And there hast done my engines so much grace , As make show of them in that sacred place ; Whilst I haue borne thine all about the world , And at the bosomes of the basest hurld , By which ( of Death ) this slight thy shafts haue got ; They 'l kill sometimes , though they by Loue be shot , Then shall I laugh at Lady Venus child , To thinke how Death the Boy-god hath beguild , Making him helpe me fill vast Graues and Toombes , That should make fertill barren womens wombes . This said , chang'd Quiuers , and away went he , Leauing young Cupid to complaine to me , Of 's punishment for his rash ouersight , To steale from heau'n , and stay on earth one night : From whence the death of Corauin did spring , Which all this woe vnto the world did bring , And shame to him ; on whom fell Death did rayle ; And Shepheards likewise ( thogh it nought auaile ) With bitter execrations did reiect , As if his god-head were of no respect ; And thus he sayd : I do perceiue ( quoth he ) Thou must the Pen-man of my Progresse be : Fayre Candida hath chose thee , and desir'd , Not as a mercenarie ( basely hyr'd ) But as a true friend , that compassionates All Loyall Louers lamentable states ; That thou would'st in some sad-tunde Elegy , Tell how her Deare-lou'd Corauin did dye By my o'resight , or rather want of sight : ( For Loue would not kil Louers , though he might ) How she laments , and how the Shepheards weepe , And what a sorrowing for one Swaine they keepe : How gods ( inrag'd ) haue punish'd my offence , And mortals here ( with too much insolence ) Exclaim'd on me , and curs'd me to my face . ( Why should a god indure so much disgrace ? ) How Death abusd me , yet ( all this while ) I Did nought but weepe , and durst not make reply ; Because the gods thought fit I should be shent , And ( for m'offence ) ordain'd this punishment . But as th' would'st haue my mother be thy friend , So let this Story sparingly be pend . Condemne not Loue much ( cause thou see'st hee 's blind ) As e're th' would'st fauour of a female find : But write of him as th' would'st haue him to be ( In Venus Court ) a friend , or foe to thee . With that the Boy betooke him to his wings , ( Loue when he list , can soare 'boue earthly things ) And vp to heau'n did make his towring flight . I then return'd these accidents to write ; Which ( as you see ) I haue expressed heere , Though other Pastorals it comes not neere . Yet let the world vouchsafe me this report , My will is good , although my wit comes short . Sidney and Spencer , be you aye renoun'd : No time hath pow'r your Pastorals to confound . Drayton , and all the rest that wrote of yore , Adorning time with your delicious store , Be euer honor'd , and ( till th' end of times ) On Fames peart tongue be praised for your Rimes . You worthy ones , oh , do not you disdaine My mournfull Muse , that in this humble vaine Dares for to sing , considering these are dayes , In which some Criticks will the best dispraise : But pardon me , should all be silent ; then Who should praise Vertue , or check Vice in men ? I know , fayre Candida's complaint affords Matter inough , had I but proper words , T' expresse her griefs , whose woes , sighs , teares , & wrongs , Might taske all pens , and almost tire all tongues . But I ( alone ) doe of her sorrowes sing , Till better wits thereof be warbling : For ( su●e ) the worke deserues a worthy wit , Though I ( the weak'st ) doe first imblazon it . Amintas likewise told a sad-tun'd Tale , For losse of 's Phillis , ( long since set to sale ) And for Laceno , and for all the rest , Much sorrow by the Shepheards was exprest : But I ore'slip it all , for her sweet sake , For whom too much paines I can neuer take . And now I will conclude her mournefull song , To whom , I 'le sing a sweeter note e're long : For whilst I liue , I will tune all my Layes , To comfort Candida , and in her prayse . FINIS .