Poetical blossomes by A.C.

Reader when first thou shalt behold this boyes Picture , perhaps thou 'lt thinke his writings toyes Wrong not our Cowley so will nothing passe But gravity with thee Apollo was Beardlesse himselfe and for ought I can see Cowley may yongest sonne of Phoebus bee .

POETICAL BLOSSOMES BY A. C.

— fit surculus Arbor .

LONDON , Printed by B.A. and T.F. for HENRY S●IL● , and are to be sold at his shop at the Signe of the Tygers-head in St. Paules Church-yard . 1633 ▪

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE , and right Reverend Father in God , IOHN Lord Bishop of LINCOLNE . And Deane of Westminster . MY LORD :

I Might well feare , least these my rude and vnpolisht lines , should offend your Honorable survay ; but that I hope your Noblenesse will rather smile at the faults committed by a Child , then censure them ; Howsoever I desire your Lordships pardon , for presenting things so vnworthy to your view , and to accept the good will of him , who in all duty is bound to be

Your Lordships , most humble servant , ABRA : COWLEY .

To the Reader . I. I Call'd the bushin'd Muse MELPOMENE , And told her what sad Storie I would write , Shee wept at hearing such a Tragedie : Though wont in mournefull Ditties to delight . If thou dislike these sorrowfull lines ; Then know My Muse with teares not with Conceits did flow . II. And as she my vnabler quill did guide , Her briny teares did on the paper fall , If then vnequall numbers be espied , Oh Reader ! doe not that my error call , But thinke her teares defac't it , and blame then My Muses griefe , and not my missing Pen. ABRA : COWLEY .

To his deare Friend and Schoole-fellow ABRAHAM COWLEY , on his flourishing and hopefull BLOSSOMES . NAture wee say decayes , because our Age Is worse then were the Times of old : The Stage And Histories the former Times declare : In these our latter Dayes what defects are Experience teacheth . What then ? Shall we blame Nature for this ? Not so ; let vs declayme Rather against our Selves : 't is wee Decay , Not She : Shee is the same every way She was at first . COWLEY , thou prov'st this truth . Could ever former Age brag of a Youth So forward at these yeares ? Could NASO write Thus young such witty Poems ? TVLLI's mite Of Eloquence , at this Age was not seene . Nor yet was CATO'S Iudgement , at Thirteene So great is thine . Suppose it were so ; yet He CIC'RO's Eloquence , TVLLY the Wit Of OVID wanted : OVID too came farre In Iudgement behind CATO . Therefore are None of all equall vnto Thee , so pretty , So Eloquent , Iudicious , and Witty . Let the world's spring time but produce and show Such Blossomes as thy Writings are , and know Then ( not till then ) shall my opinion be That it is Nature faileth , and not wee . BEN MAERS .

To his Friend and Schoole-fellow ABRAHAM COWLEY , on his Poeticall Blossomes . MAny , when Youths of tender Age they see Expressing CATO , in their Gravitie ; Iudgement , and Wit , will oftentimes report They thinke their thread of Life exceeding short . But my opinion is , not so of Thee For thou shalt live , to all Posterity . These guifts will never let thee dye , for Death Can not bereave thee of thy fame , though breath . Let snarling Critticks spend their braines to find A fault , though there be none ; This is my mind Let him that carpeth with his vipers Tougne , Thinke with himselfe , what he could doe as young . But if the Springing blossomes , thus rare be What ripen'd Fruit shall wee hereafter see . ROB: MEADE , Condiscipulus .

CONSTANTIA AND PHILETVS .

I Sing two constant Lovers various fate , The hopes , and feares which equally attend Their loves : Their rivals envie , Parents hate ; I sing their sorrowfull life , and tragicke end . Assist me this sad story to rehearse You Gods , and be propitious to my verse . In Florence for her stately buildings fam'd , And lofty roofes that emulate the skie ; There dwelt a lovely Mayd CONSTANTIA nam'd , Renown'd , ( as mirror of all Italie , ) Her , lavish nature did at first adorne , With PALEAS soule , in CYTHEREA's forme . And framing her attractive eyes so bright , Spent all her wit in study , that they might Keepe th' earth from Chaos , and eternall night , But envious Death destroyed their glorious light . Expect not beauty then , since she did part ; For in her Nature wasted all her Art . Her hayre was brighter then the beames which are A Crowne to PHOEBVS , and her breath so sweet , It did transcend Arabian odours farre , Or th' smelling Flowers , wherewith the Spring doth greet Approaching Summer , teeth like falling snow For white , were placed in a double row . Her wit excell'd all praise , all admiration , And speach was so attractive it might be A meanes to cause great PALLAS indignation And raise an envie from that Deity , The mayden Lillyes at her lovely sight Waxt pale with envie , and from thence grew white . Shee was in birth and Parentage as high As in her fortune great , or beauty rare , And to her vertuous mindes nobility The guifts of Fate and Nature doubled were ; That in her spotlesse Soule , and lovely Face Thou mightst have seene , each Deity and grace . The scornefull Boy ADONIS viewing her Would VENVS still despise , yet her desire ; Each who but saw , was a Competitor And rivall , scorcht alike with CVPID'S fire The glorious beames of her fayre Eyes did move And light beholders on their way to Love . Amongst her many Sutors a young Knight 'Bove others wounded with the Majesty Of her faire presence , presseth most in sight ; Yet seldome his desire can satisfie With that blest object , or her rarenesse see ; For Beauties guard , is watchfull Iealousie . Oft-times that hee might see his Dearest-fayre Vpon his stately Iennet he in the way Rides by her house , who neighes as if he were Proud to be view'd by bright CONSTANTIA . But his poore Master though to see her moue His joy , dares show no looke betraying Loue . Soone as the morne peep'd from her rosie bedd And all Heauens smaller lights expulsed were ; She by her friends and neere acquaintance led Like other Maids , oft walkt to take the ayre ; AVRORA blusht at such a sight vnknowne , To see those cheekes were redder then her owne . Th' obsequious Louer alwayes followes them And where they goe , that way his journey feines , Should they turne backe , he would turne backe againe ; For where his Love , his businesse there remaines . Nor is it strange hee should be loath to part From her , since shee had stolne away his heart . PHILETVS hee was call'd , sprung from a race Of Noble ancestors ; But destroying Time And envious Fate had laboured to deface The glory which in his great Stocke did shine ; His state but small , so Fortune did decree But Love being blind , hee that could never see ▪ Yet hee by chance had hit his heart aright , And on CONSTANTIA'S eye his Arrow whet Had blowne the Fire , that would destroy him quite , Vnlesse his flames might like in her beget : But yet he feares , because he blinded is Though he have shot him right , her heart hee 'l misse . Vnto Loves Altar therefore hee repayres , And offers there a pleasing Sacrifice ; Intreating CVPID with inducing Prayers To looke vpon and ease his Miseries : Where having wept , recovering breath againe Thus to immortall Love he did complaine : Oh CVPID ! thou , whose all commanding sway Hath oft-times rul'd the Olympian Thunderer , Whom all Coelestiall Deities obey , And Men and Gods both reverence and feare ! Oh force CONSTANTIA'S heart to yeeld to Love , Of all thy Workes , the Master-piece 't will prove . And let me not Affection vainely spend , But kindle flames in her like those in mee ; Yet if that guift my Fortune doth transcend , Grant that her charming Beauty I may see : And view those Eyes who with their ravishing light Doe onely give Contentment to my sight . Those who contemne thy sacred Deity And mocke thy Power , let them thy anger know , I faultlesse am , nor can't an honour be To wound your slaue alone , and spare your Foe . Here teares and sighes speake his imperfect mone In language farre more dolorous then his owne . Home he retyr'd , his Soule he brought not home , Iust like a Ship whil'st every mounting wave Tost by enraged BOREAS vp and downe , Threatens the Mariner with a gaping graue ; Such did his cse , such did his state appeare Alike distracted , betweene hope and feare . Thinking her love hee never shall obtayne , One morne he goes to the Woods and doth complaine Of his vnhappie Fate , but all in vayne , And thus fond Eccho , answers him againe . So that it seemes AVRORA wept to heare , For the verdant grasse was dew'd with many a teare .

THE ECCHO . OH ! what hath caus'd my killing miseries , Eyes , ( Eccho said ) what hath detayned my ease , Ease ; straight the reasonable Nimph replyes , That nothing can my troubled mind appease : Peace , Eccho answers ? What , is any nye ( Quoth she ) at which , she quickly vtters , I. Is 't Eccho answeres , tell me then thy will , I will , shee said ? What shall I get ( quoth hee ) By loving still : to which shee answers , ill , Ill : shall I voyd of wisht for pleasure dye : I , shall not I who toyle in ceaslesse paine , Some pleasure know ? no , shee replies againe . False and inconstant Nimph , thou lyest ( quoth hee ) Thou lyest ( she said ) and I deserved her hate , If I should thee beleeve ; beleeve , ( saith shee ) For why thy idle words are of no weight . Waigh it , ( she replyes ) I therefore will depart , To which , resounding Eccho answers , part . Then from the Woods with sorrowfull heart he goes , Filling with flowing thoughts his grieued minde , He seeks to ease his soule oppressing woes , But no refreshing comfort can he find : He weeps to quench the fires that burne in him , But teares doe fall to the earth , flames are within . No morning banisht darknesse , nor blacke night By her alternate course expuls'd the day . Bin with PHILETVS by a constant rite And CVPIDS Altars did not weepe and pray ; And yet had reaped nought for all his paine But Care and Sorrow that was all his gaine . But now at last the pitying God o'recome By his constant votes and teares , fixt in her heart A golden shaft , and shee is now become A suppliant to Love that with like Dart Hee 'd wound PHILETVS and doth now implore With teares ayd from that power she scorn'd before . Little she thinkes she kept PHILETVS heart In her scorcht breast , because her owne shee gaue To him . But either suffers , equall smart And alike measure in their torments haue : His soule , his griefe , his fiers ; now hers are growne Her heart , her mind , her loue ; is his alone . Whilst wandring thoughts thus guide her troubled Brain Seeing a Lute ( being farre from any eares ) Shee tun'd this song whose musicke did transcend The pleasant harmony of the rowling Spheares ; Which rauishing Notes , if when her loue was slayne She had sung ; from Styx t 'had cald him back againe .

THE SONG . TO whom shall I my Sorrowes show ? Not to Love for he is blind . And my PHILETVS doth not know , The inward sorrow of my mind . And all the sencelesse walls which are Now round about me , cannot heare . For if they could , they sure would weepe , And with my griefes relent . Vnlesse their willing teares they keepe , Till I from the earth am sent . Then I beleeve they 'l all deplore My fate , since I them taught before . I willingly would weepe my store , If th' floud would land thy Love , My deare PHILETVS on the shore Of my heart ; but shouldst thou prove A feard of the flames , know the fires are But bonfires for thy comming there . Then teares in envie of her speach did flow From her fayre eyes , as if it seem'd that there , Her burning flame had melted hills of snow , And so dissolu'd them into many a teare ; W●ich Nilus like , did quickly ouerflow , And caused soone new serpent griefes to grow . Heere stay my Muse , for if I should recite , Her mournfull Language , I should make you weepe Like her a floud , and so not see to write , Such lines as I desire , that they may keepe , Mee from sterne death , or when I leave my rime , They in my deaths reuenge may conquer time . By this tyme , chance and his owne industry Had helpt PHILETVS forward that he grew Acquainted with his Brother , so that he , Might by this meanes , his bright CONSTANTIA veiw : And as tyme seru'd shew her his miserie , And this was the first act in 's Tragedie . Thus to himselfe sooth'd by his flattering state He said ; How shall I thanke thee for this gaine , O CVPID , or reward my helping Fate , Who sweetens all my sorrowes , all my payne ? What Husbandman would any sweat refuse , To reape at last such fruit , his labours vse ? But waying straight his doubtfull state aright , Seeing his griefes link't like an endlesse chayne To following woes , he could despaire delight , Quench his hot flames , and th' fondling loue disdaine . But CVPID when his heart was set on fire Had burnt his wings , and could not then retire . The wounded youth , and kinde PHILOCRATES ( So was her Brother call'd ) grew soone so deare , So true , and constant , in theyr Amities , And in that league so strictly ioyned were ; That death it selfe could not theyr friendship sev●r . But as they liu'd in loue , they dyed together . If one be malancholy , the other 's sad ; If one be sicke , the other hee is ill , And if PHILETVS any sorrow had , PHILOCRATES was partner in it still : As th' soule of PYLADES and ORESTES was In these , may we beleeue PITHAGORAS . Oft in the Woods PHILETVS walkes , and there Exclaimes against his fate as too vnkind . With speaking teares his griefes he doth declare , And with sad sighes teareth the angry wind , To sigh , and though it ne're so cruell were , It roar'd to heare PHILETVS tell his care . The Christ●ll Brookes which gently runne betweene The shadowing Trees , and as they through them passe Water the Earth , and keepe the Meadowes greene , Giving a colour to the verdant grasse : Hearing PHILETVS tell his wofull state , In shew of griefe runne murmuring at his Fate . PHILOMEL answeres him againe and shewes In her best language , her sad Historie . And in a mournfull sweetnesse tels her woes , As if shee strove to shew her miseries Were greater farre then his , and sweetly sings To out-reach his Sorrowes , by her sufferings . His sadnesse cannot from PHILOCRATES Be hid , who seekes all meanes his griefe to know , Seeing all mirth PHILETVS doth displease And Passion still pursues his conquered Foe : Hee therefore of his griefe did oft enquire , But Love with covering wings had hid the fire . But when his noble Friend perceived that hee Yeelds to vsurping Passion more and more , Desirous to partake his mallady , Hee watches him in hope to cure his sore By counsaile , and recall the poysonous Dart When it alas was fixed in his heart . When in the Woods , places best fit for care , Hee to himselfe did his past griefes recite , Th' obsequious friend straight followes him , and there Doth hide himselfe from sad PHILETVS sight . Who thus exclaimes , for a swolne hart would breake If it for vent of sorrow might not speake . Oh! I am lost , not in this desert Wood But in loues pathlesse Laborinth , there I My health , each ioy and pleasure counted good Haue lost , and which is more my liberty . And now am forc't to let him sacrifice My heart , for rash beleeving of my eyes . Long haue I stayed , but yet haue no reliefe , Long haue I lov'd , yet haue no favour showne , Because shee knowes not of my killing griefe , And I have fear'd , to make my sorrowes knowne . For why alas , if shee should once but dart At me disdaine , 't would kill my subiect hart . But how should shee , ere I impart my Love , Reward my ardent flame with like desire , But when I speake , if shee should angry prove , Laugh at my flowing teares , and scorne my fire ? Why hee who hath all sorrowes borne before , Needeth not feare to be opprest with more , PHILOCRATES no longer can forbeare , But running to his lov'd Friend ; Oh ( sayd hee ) My deare PHILETVS be thy selfe , and sweare To rule that Passion which now masters Thee And all thy faculties ; but if 't may not be , Give to thy Love but eyes that it may see . Amazement strikes him dumbe what shall he doe ? Should hee reveale his Love , he feares 't would prove A hinderance , which should hee deny to show , It might perhaps his deare friends anger move : These doubts like SCYLLA and CARIEDIS stand , Whil'st CVPID a blind Pilot doth command . At last resolv'd , how shall I seeke , sayd hee To excuse my selfe , dearest PHILOCRATES ; That I from thee have hid this secrecie ? Yet censure not , give me first leave to ease My case with words , my griefe you should have known Ere this , if that my heart had bin my owne . I am all Love , my heart was burnt with fire From two bright Sunnes which doe all light disclose ; First kindling in my brest the flame Desire , But like the rare Arabian Bird there rose From my hearts ashes , never quenched Love , Which now this torment in my soule doth move . Oh! let not then my Passion cause your hate , Nor let my choise offend you , or detayne Your ancient Friendship ; 't is alas too late To call my firme affection backe againe : No Physicke can recure my weak'ned state , The wound is growne too great , too desperate . But Counsell sayd his Friend , a remedy Which never fayles the Patient , may at least If not quite heale your mindes infirmity , Asswage your torment , and procure some rest . But there is no Physitian can apply A medicine , ere he know the Malady . Then heare me , sayd PHILETVS ; but why ? Stay , I will not toyle thee with my history , For to remember Sorrowes past away , Is to renue an old Calamity . Hee who acquainteth others with his moane , Addes to his friends griefe , but not cures his owne . But sayd PHILOCRATES , 't is best in woe , To have a faithfull partner of their care ; That burthen may be vndergone by two , Which is perhaps too great for one to beare . I should mistrust your love to hide from me Your thoughts , and taxe you of Inconstancie . What shall hee doe ? Or with what language frame Excuse ? He must resolue not to deny , But open his close thoughts , and inward flame , With that as prologue to his Tragedy He sight , as if they 'd coole his torments ire When they alas , did blow the raging fire . When yeares first styl'd me Twenty , I began To sport with the catching snares that Loue had set , Like Birds that flutter 'bout the gyn till tane , Or the poore Fly caught in Arachnes net , Euen so I sported with her Beautyes light Till I at last , grew blind with too much sight . First it came stealing on me , whilst I thought , T' was easy to expulse it , but as fire Though but a sparke , soone into flames is brought , So mine grew great , and quickly mounted higher ; Which so haue scorcht my loue struck soule , that I Still liue in torment , though each minute dye . Who is it sayd PHILOCRATES can moue With charming eyes such deepe affection , I may perhaps assist you in your loue , Two can effect more then your selfe alone . My councell this thy error may reclayme Or my salt teares quench thy annoying flame . Nay sayd PHILETVS , oft my eyes doe flow Like Egypt couering Nilus , nor yet can Asswage my heate , which still doth greater grow , As if my teares did but augment my flame . Like to the waters of th' Dodonean spring , That lights a torch the which is put therein . But being you desire to know her , she Is call'd ( with that his eyes let fall a shower As if they faine would drowne the memory Of his life keepers name , ) CONSTANTIA more ; Griefe would not let him vtter ; Teares the best Expressers of true sorrow , spoke the rest . To which his noble friend did thus reply . And was this all ? What ere your griefe would ease Though a farre greater taske , beleeu 't for thee , It should be soone done by PHILOCRATES ; Thinke all you wish perform'd but see the day Tyr'd with i'ts heate is hasting now away . Home from the silent Woods , night bids them goe , But sad PHILETVS can no comfort find , What in the day he feares of future woe , At night in dreames , like truth afright his mind Why doest thou vex him loue ? Had'st eyes ( I say ) Thou wouldst thy selfe haue lou'd CONSTANTIA . PHILOCRATES pittying his dolefull mone , And wounded with the Sorrowes of his friend , Brings him to fayre CONSTANTIA ; where alone He might impart his love , and eyther end His fruitlesse hopes , cropt by her coy disdaine , Or By her liking , his wish't Ioyes attaine . Fairest , ( quoth he ) whom the bright Heavens doe cover , Doe not these teares , these speaking teares , despise : And dolorous sighes , of a submissive Lover , Thus strucke to the earth by your all dazeling Eyes . And doe not you contemne that ardent flame , Which from your selfe : Your owne faire Beauty came . Trust me , I long have hid my love , but now Am forc't to shew 't , such is my inward smart , And you alone ( sweet faire ) the meanes doe know To heale the wound of my consuming heart . Then since it onely in your power doth lie To kill , or save , Oh helpe ! or else I die . His gently cruell Love , did thus reply ; I for your paine am grieved , and would doe Without impeachment to my Chastity And honour , any thing might pleasure you . But if beyond those limits you demand , I must not answer , ( Sir ) nor vnderstand . Beleeue me vertuous maiden , my desire Is chast and pious , as thy Virgin thought , No flash of lust , t' is no dishonest fire Which goes as soone as it is quickly brought . But as thy beauty pure , which let not bee Eclipsed by disdaine , or cruelty . Oh! how shall I reply ( quoth she ) thou 'ast won My soule , and therefore take thy victory : Thy eyes and speaches haue my heart o'recome And if I should deny thee loue , then I My selfe should feele his torment for that fire Which is kept close , doth burne with greatest ire . Yet doe not count my yeelding , lightnesse in me , Impute it rather to my ardent loue , Thy pleasing carriage long agoe did win me And pleading beauty did my liking moue . Thy eyes which draw like loadstones with their might The hardest hearts , won mine to leaue me quite . Oh! I am rapt aboue the reach , said hee Of thought , my soule already feeles the blisse Of heauen , when ( sweete ) my thoughts once tax but thee With any crime , may I lose all happinesse Is wisht for : both your fauour here , and dead , May the iust Gods power vengance on my head . Whilst he was speaking this : behold theyr fate , CONSTANTIA'S father entred in the roome , When glad PHILETVS ignorant of his state , Kisses her cheekes , more red then the setting Sun , Or else , the morne blushing through clouds of water To see ascending Sol congratulate her . Iust as the guilty prisoner fearefull stands Reading his fatall Theta in the browes Of him , who both his life and death commands , Ere from his mouth he the sad sentence knowes , Such was his state to see her father come , Nor wisht for , nor expected to the roome . The inrag'd old man bids him no more to dare Such bold intrudance in that house , nor be At any tyme with his lou'd daughter there Till he had giuen him such authoritie , But to depart , since she her loue did shew him Was liuing death , with lingring torments to him . This being knowne to kinde PHILOCRATES He cheares his friend , bidding him banish feare , And by some letter his grieu'd minde appease , And shew her that which to her freindly eare , Tyme gaue no leaue to tell , and thus his quill Declares to her , her absent louers will .

THE LETTER . PHILETVS to CONSTANTIA . I Trust ( deare Soule ) my absence cannot move You to forget , or doubt my ardent love ; For were there any meanes to see you ; I Would runne through Death and all the miserie Fate could inflict , that so the world might say , In Life and Death I lov'd CONSTANTIA . Then let not ( dearest Sweet ) our absence sever Our loves , let them ioyn'd closely still together Give warmth to one another , till there rise From all our labours and our industries The long expected fruits ; have patience ( Sweet ) There 's no man whom the Summer pleasures greet Before he tast the Winter , none can say Ere night was gone , hee saw the rising Day . So when wee once have wasted Sorrowes night , The sunne of Comfort then , shall give vs light . PHILETVS . This when CONSTANTIA read , shee thought her state Most happie by PHILETVS Constancie And perfect Love , she thankes her flattering Fate , And never missing CVPID , 'cause that hee Had pierc't his heart ; and thus shee writes agen , Vnfeyn'd affection guiding of her Pen. CONSTANTIA to PHILETVS . YOur absence ( Sir ) though it be long , yet I Neither forget , or doubt your Constancie : Nor need you feare , that I should yeeld vnto Another , what to your true Love is due . My heart is yours , it is not in my claime , Nor have I power to give 't away againe . There 's nought but Death can part our soules , no time Or angry Friends , shall make my Love decline : But for the harvest of our hopes I 'le stay , Vnlesse Death cut it , ere 't be ripe , away . CONSTANTIA . Oh! how this Letter did exalt his pride , More proud was hee of this , then PHAETON When PHOEBVS flaming Chariot he did guide , Before he knew the danger was to come . Or else then IASON , when from Colchos hee Returned , with the Fleeces victorie . But ere the Autumne which faire CERES crown'd , Had payd the swetting Plowmans greediest prayer ; And by the Fall disrob'd the gawdy ground Of all her Summer ornaments , they were By kind PHILOCRATES together brought Where they this meanes to 'nioy theyr freedome wrought . Sweet Mistresse , sayd PHILETVS , since the time Propitious to our votes , now gives vs leave To enioy our loves , let vs not deare resigne His long'd for favour , nor our selves bereave Of opportunity , left it flye agen Further then Love hath wings to follow him . For when your Father , as his custome is For pleasure , doth pursue the timerous Hare ; If you 'l resort but thither , I 'le not misse To be in those Woods ready for you , where Wee may depart in safety , and no more With Dreames of pleasure onely , heale our sore . This both the Lovers soone agreed vpon , But ere they parted , hee desires that shee Would blesse this greedy hearing , with a Song From her harmonious voyce , shee doth agree To his request , and doth this Ditty sing , Whose ravishing Notes new fires to 's old doth bring .

THE SONG . TIme flye with greater speed away Adde feathers to thy wings , Till thy hast in flying brings That wisht for and expected Day . Comforts sunne , wee then shall see , Though at first it dark'ned bee With dangers , yet those Clouds being gon , Our Day will put his lustre on . Then though Deaths sad night doe come , And wee in silence sleepe , ‛ Lasting Day agen will greete Our ravisht Soules , and then there 's none Can part vs more , no Death , nor Friends , Being dead , their power o're vs ends . Thus there 's nothing can dissever , Hearts which Love have ioyned together . Feare of being seene , PHILETVS homeward droue But ere they part she willingly doth giue As faithfull pledges of her constant loue Many a kisse , and then each other leaue In greife , though rapt with ioy that they haue found A way to heale the torment of their wound . But ere the Sun through many dayes had run , CONSTANTIA'S charming beauty had o'recome GVISCARDO'S heart , and 's scorn'd affection won , Her eyes , that conquered all they shone vpon Shot through his glutton eyes such hot desire As nothing but her loue could quench the fire . In roofes which Gold and Parian stone adorne Proud as their Landlords minde , he did abound In fields so fertile for theyr yearely corne As might contend with scorcht Calabria's ground ; But in his soule where should be the best store Of surest riches , he was base and poore . Him was CONSTANTIA vrg'd continually By her freinds to loue , sometimes they did intreate With gentle speeches , and milde courtesie , Which when they see despis'd by her , they threat . But loue too deepe was seated in her heart To be worne out with thought of any smart . Her father shortly went vnto the wood To hunt , his friend GVISCARDO being there With others who by freindship and by bloud Vnto CONSTANTIA'S aged father were Alyed nere , there likewise were with these , His beautious daughter , and PHILOCRATES . Being entred in the pathlesse woods , whilst they Pursue their game , PHILETVS being late Hid in a thicket , carries straight away His loue , and hastens his owne hasty fate . Which came to soone vpon him , and his Sunne Eclipsed was , before it fully shone . For when CONSTANTIA'S missed , in a maze , Each takes a seuerall course , and by curst fate GVISCARDO runs , with a loue carryed pace Towards them , who little knew their sorrowfull state ▪ So hee like bold Icarus soaring hye To Honor , fell to th' depth of misery . For when GVISCARDO sees his Riuall there , Swelling with poysonous envy , comes behind PHILETVS , who such fortune did not feare , And with his flaming sword a way doth find To his heart , who ere that death possest him quite , In these few words gaspt out his flying sprite . O see CONSTANTIA my short race is runne , See how my bloud the thirstie ground doth die , But liue thou happier then thy loue hath done And when I 'me dead thinke sometime vpon me . More my short tyme permits me not to tell For now death seaseth me , oh my deare farwell . As soone as he had spoke these words life fled From 's wounded body , whil'st CONSTANTIA she Kisses his cheekes which loose there liuely red ; And become pale , and wan , and now each eye Which was so bright , ( is like ) when life was done A fallen starre , or an eclipsed Sunne . Thither PHILOCRATES by 's fate being droue To accompany PHILETVS Tragedy , Seeing his friend was dead , and 's sorrowfull loue Sate weeping o're his bleeding body , I Will now reuenge your death said hee Or in your murther beare you company . I am by Iove sent to reuenge this fate , Nay , stay GVISCARDO thinke not heauen in jest , T' is vaine to hope flight can secure thy state Then thrusting's sword into the Villaines brest . Here , said PHILOCRATES , thy life I send A sacrifice , t' appease my slaughtered friend . But as he falls here take reward said hee For this thy victory , with that he flung His killing rapier at his enemy , Which hit his head , and in his braine-pan hung . With that he falles , but lifting vp his eyes Farewell CONSTANTIA , that word said , hee dies . What shall shee doe , she to her brother runnes And 's cold , and livelesse body doth imbrace , She calls to him , hee cannot heare her moanes : And with her kisses warmes his clammie face . My Deare PHILOCRATES , shee weeping cryes , Speake to thy Sister : but no voyce replyes . Then running to her loue , with many a teare , Thus her minds fervent passion shee express't , O stay ( blest Soule ) stay but a little here And we will both hast to a lasting rest . Then to Elisiums Mansions both together Wee 'le journey , and be married there for ever . But when she saw they both were dead , quoth she Oh my PHILETVS for thy sake will I Make vp a full and perfect Tragedie Since t' was for me ( Deare loue ) that thou didst dye ; I 'le follow thee , and not thy losse deplore , These eyes that saw thee kill'd , shall see no more . It shall not sure be sayd that you did dye And thy CONSTANTIA live since thou wast slayne : No , no , deare Soule , I will not stay from thee , But constant bee in act , as well as Name . Then piercing her sad brest , I come , shee cryes , And Death for ever clos'd her weeping eyes . Her Soule being fled to it's Eternall rest , Her Father comes , who seeing this , hee falls To th' earth , with griefe too great to bee exprest . Whose dolefull words my tyred Muse me calls T' o'repasse , which I might gladly doe , for feare That I should toyle too much , the Readers eare ▪ FINIS .

THE TRAGICALL HISTORIE OF PIRAMVS AND THISBE . Written , By A. C.

— fit surculus Arbor .

LONDON , Printed by B.A. and T.F. for HENRY S●ILE , and are to be sold at his shop at the Signe of the Tygers-head in St. Paules Church-yard . 1633.

TO THE WORSHIPFVL , my very loving Master LAMBERT OSBOLSTON , chiefe Schoole-master of Westminster-Schoole . SIR , MY childish Muse is in her Spring : and yet Can onely shew some budding of her Wit. One frowne vpon her Worke , ( Learn'd Sir ) from you : Like some vnkinder storme shot from your brow , Would turne her Spring , to withering Autumne's time , And make her Blossomes perish , ere their Prime . But if you Smile , if in your gracious Eye Shee an auspicious Alpha can discrie . How soone will they grow Fruit ? How will they flourish That had such beames their Infancie to nourish . Which being sprung to ripenesse , expect then The best , and first fruites , of her gratefull Pen. Yours , Abraham Cowley .

THE TRAGICALL HISTORIE OF PYRAMVS and THISBE . WHere Babilons high Walls erected were By mighty NINVS wife ; two houses 〈◊〉 ▪ One THISBE liv'd in , PIRAMVS the fai●● In th' other : Earth ne're boasted such a pai●e The very sencelesse walls themselves combin'd And grew in one ; Iust like their Masters minde . THISBE all other women did excell , The Queene of Love , lesse lovely was then shee . And PIRAMVS more sweet then tongue can tell , Nature grew proud in framing them so well . But VENVS enuying they so faire should bee , Bids her sonne CVPID shew his crueltie . The all-subduing God his bow did bend , And doth prepare his most remorsl●sse dart , Which he vnseene vnto theyr hearts did send And so was Loue the cause of Be●uties end . But could he see , he had not wrought theyr smart For pitie sure , would haue o'recome his heart . Like as a bird within a net is taine , By strugling more entangles in the ginne , So they who in loues Laborinth remaine , With striuing neuer can a freedome gaine . The way to enter's broad , but being in No art , no labour , can an exit win . These Louers though theyr parents did reproue Theyr fires , and watch'd theyr deedes with iealousie , Though in these stormes no comfort could remoue The various doubts , and feares that coole hot loue . Though he nor hers , nor she his face could see , Yet this did not abolish loues decree . For age had crackd the wall which did them part ▪ This the vnanimate couple soone did spie , And heere their inward sorrowes did impart , Vnlading the sad burden of theyr heart . Though loue be blind , this shewes he can discrie A way to lessen his owne misery . Oft to the friendly cranny they resort , And feede themselues with the coelestiall ayre , Of odoriferous breath ; no other sport They could enioy , yet thinke the time but short . And wish that it againe renewed were To sucke each others breath for euer there . Sometimes they did exclaime against theyr fate , And sometimes they accus'd imperiall IOVE , Sometimes repent theyr flames , but all too late ▪ The arrow could not be recald , theyr state Ordained was , by IVPITER aboue , And CVPID had appointed they should loue . They curst the wall which did theyr kisses part , And to the stones theyr dolorous words they sent , As if they saw the sorrow of theyr heart , And by theyr teares could vnderstand theyr smart : But it was hard , and knew not what they ment , Nor with theyr siths ( alas ) would it relent . This in effect they sayd ; Curs'd wall , O why Wilt thou our bodies seuer , whose true loue Breakes thorow all thy flinty cruelty : For both our soules so closely ioyned lie , That nought but angry death can them remoue , And though he part them yet they 'l meete aboue . Abortive teares from their faire eyes straight flow'd And dimm'd the lovely splendor of their sight , Which seem'd like TITAN , whilst some watry Cloud O'respreads his face , and his bright beames doth shrowd . Till VESPER chas'd away the conquered light , And forceth them ( though loath ) to bid Good-night . But e're AVRORA , Vsher to the Day , Began with welcome lustre to appeare , The Lovers rise , and at that crannie they Thus to each other , their thoughts open lay : With many a Sith , many a speaking Teare , Whose griefe the pitying Morning blusht to heare . Deare love ( quoth PIRAMVS ) how long shall wee Like fairest Flowers , not gathered in their Prime , Wast precious youth , and let advantage flee , Till wee bewayle ( at last ) our Crueltie Vpon our selves , for Beauty though it shine Like Day , will quickly find an Evening time . Therefore ( sweet THISBE ) let vs meet this night At NINVS Tombe , without the City wall , Vnder the Mulberie-tree , with Berries white Abounding , there t' inioy our wish'd delight . For mounting Love stopp'd in his course doth fall , And long'd for yet vntested Ioy kills all . What though our cruell parents angry bee ? What though our friends ( alas ) are too vnkind ? Time now propitious , may anon deny , And soone hold backe , fit oportunity . Who lets slip Fortune , her shall never find . Occasion once pass'd by , is bald behind . She soone agreed to that which he requir'd , For little Wooing needs where both consent , What he so long had pleaded she desir'd , Which VENVS seeing , with blind Chance conspir'd , And many a charming accent to her sent , That she ( at last ) would frustrate their intent . Thus Beauty is by beauties meanes vndone , Striuing to close these eyes that make her bright ; Iust like the Moone , which seekes t' eclipse the Sun Whence all her splendor , all her beames , doe come : So she , who fetcheth lustre from theyr sight Doth purpose to destroy theyr glorious light . Vnto the Mulberie-tree , Sweet THISBE came , Where hauing rested long ( at last ) she gan , Against her PIRAMVS for to exclaime , Whilst various thoughts turmoile her troubled braine . And imitating thus the sylver Swan , A little while before her Death shee sang .

THE SONG . Come Love , why stayest thou ? The night Will vanish , e're wee taste delight : The Moone obscures her selfe from sight Thou absent , whose Eyes give her light . Come quickly Deare , bee briefe as time , Or wee by Morne shall bee o're tane : Loves Ioy 's thine owne as well as mine , Spend not therefore , time in vaine .

Heere doubtfull thoughts broke off her pleasant Song Against her loue ; for staying she gan crie , Her PIRAMVS shee thought did tarry long , And that his absence did her too much wrong . Then betwixt longing hope , and Iealousie , She feares , yet 's loth , to tax his loyaltie . Sometimes shee thinkes , that he hath her forsaken , Sometimes that danger hath befallen to him ; Shee feares that he another loue hath taken , Which being but imagin'd , soone doth waken : Numberlesse thoughts , which on her heart doe fling Feares , that her future fate too truely sing . Whilst shee thus musing sate , ranne from the wood An angry Lyon , to the cristall Springs ; Nere to that place , who comming from his food , His chaps were all besmear'd with crimson bloud . Swifter then thought , Sweet THISBE straight begins To flye from him , feare gaue her Swallowes wings . As she auoids the Lion , her desire Bids her to stay , lest PIRAMVS should come , And be deuour'd by the sterne Lions ire , So shee for euer burne in vnquench'd fire . But feare expells all reasons shee doth run Into a darksome Cave , neere seene by Sun . With hast-shee let her looser Mantle fall , Which when th' enraged Lion did espie , With bloody teeth , he tore't in peices small , Whilst THISBE ran and look'd not backe at all . For could the sencelesse beast , her face discrie It had not done her such an iniury . The night halfe wasted , PIRAMVS did come , Who seeing printed in the subtil sand The Lions paw , and by the fountaine some Of THISBES garment , sorrow strooke him dumbe : Iust like a marble statue did hee stand , Cut by some skilfull grauers , cunning hand . Recovering breath , 'gainst Fate he gan t'exclayme , Washing with teares the torne and bloudy weed . I may sayd hee , my selfe for her death blame ; Therefore my bloud shall wash away that shame . Since shee is dead , whose Beauty doth exceed All that fraile man , can eyther heare or reade . This speaking , he his sharpe Sword drew , and sayd ; Receive thou my red bloud , as a due debt Vnto thy constant Love , to which 't is payd . I straight will meete thee in the pleasant shade Of coole Elysium , where wee being met , Shall taste the Ioyes , that heere wee could not yet . Then thorow his brest thrusting his sword : life hies From him , and he makes hast to seeke his faire . And as vpon the crimsend ground hee lies , His blood spirt'd vp vpon the Mulberries : With which th' vnspotted berries stained were , And ever since with Red they coloured are . At last , came THISBE from the den for feare Of disappointing PYRAMVS , being she Was bound by promise , for to meete him there , But when she saw the berries changed were . From white to blacke , she knew not certainely It was the place where they agreed to be . With what delight from the darke caue she came Thinking to tell how she escap'd the beast ; But when she saw her PIRAMVS lie slaine , In what perplexity she did remaine . She teares her Golden haire , and beates her brest , All signes of raging sorrow she exprest . She cries 'gainst mighty IOVE , and then doth take His bleeding body from the moist'ned ground . She kisses his pale face till she doth make It red with kissing , and then seekes to wake His parting soule with mournfull words , and 's wound Washeth with teares which her sweet speech confound . But afterwards recouering breath , quoth shee , ( Alas ) what chance hath parted thee and I. O tell what euill , hath befallen to thee ; That of thy Death I may a Partner bee . Tell THISBE , what hath caus'd this Tragedie . He hearing THISBE'S name , lift vp his eye . And on his Love he rais'd his dying head , Where striving long for breath ( at last ) sayd hee , O THISBE , I am hasting to the dead , And cannot heale that Wound my feare hath bred . Farewell , sweet THISBE , wee must parted bee , For angry Death will force mee goe from Thee . Life did from him , hee from his Mistris part , Leaving his Love to languish heere in woe . What shall shee doe ? How shall she ease her heart ? Or with what language speake her inward smart ? Vsurping passion , reason doth o'reflow , Shee sweares , that with her PYRAMVS shee 'l goe . Then takes the Sword , wherewith her Love was slayne With PYRAMVS his crimson bloud warme still . And sayd , Oh stay ( blest Soule ) that so wee twaine May goe together where wee shall remaine In endlesse Ioyes , and never feare the ill Of grudging Friends : Then she her selfe did kill . To tell what griefe theyr Parents did sustaine , Were more then my rude Quill can overcome . Many a teare they spent but all in vaine , For weeping calls not backe the Dead againe . They both were layed in one Grave , life done , And these few words were writ vpon the Tombe .

Epitaph . VNderneath this Marble stone , Lye two Beauties ioyn'd in one . Two whose Loves Death could not sever , For both liv'd , both dy'd together . Two whose Soules , being too divine For earth , in their owne Spheare now shine . Who have left their loves to Fame , And their earth , to earth againe .

FINIS .

AN ELEGIE ON THE Death of the Right Honourable , DVDLEY Lord CARLETON , Viscount DORCHESTER , late Principall Secretarie of State . THe infernall Sisters , did a Counsell call Of all the Feinds , to the blacke Stygian Hall ; The dire Tartarean Monsters , hating light , Begot by dismall Erebus , and night . Wheresoe're dispers'd abroad , hearing the Fame Of their accursed meeting , thither came Revenge , whose greedy minde no Blood can fill , And Envie , neuer satisfied with ill . Thither blind Boldnesse , and impatient Rage , Resorted , with Death's neighbour envious Age , And Messengers diseases , wheresoe're Then wandring , at that Senate present were : Whom to oppresse the Earth , the Furies sent To spare the Guiltie , vex the Innocent . The Counsell thus dissolv'd , an angry fever , Whose quenchlesse thirst , by Blood was sated never . Envying the Riches , Honour , Greatnesse , Love And Vertue ( Loadstone , which all these did move ) Of Noble CARLETON , him she tooke away , And like a greedy Vultur seas'd her prey : Weepe with mee each who eyther reads or heares , And know his losse , deserues his Countries teares : The Muses lost a Patron by his Fate , Virtue a Husband , and a Prop the State , SOL'S Chorus weepes , and to adorne his Herse CALLIOPE would sing a Tragicke verse . And had there bin before no Spring of theirs , They would have made a Helicon with their teares . A. C.

AN ELEGIE ON THE Death of my loving Friend and Cousen , Mr. RICHARD CLERKE , late of LINCOLNES - Inne Gentleman . IT was decreed by stedfast Destinie , ( The World from Chaos turn'd ) that all should Die. Hee who durst fearelesse passe blacke Acheron And dangers of th' infernall Region , Leading Hell's triple Porter captivate , Was overcome himselfe , by conquering Fate . The Roman TVLLIE'S pleasing Eloquence , Which in the Eares did locke vp every Sence Of the rapt hearer , his Mellifluous breath Could not at all charme vnremorsefull Death . Nor SOLON so by Greece admir'd , could save Himselfe with all his Wisedome , from the Grave . Sterne Fate brought MARO to his Funerall flame , And would have ended in that fire his Fame ; Burning those lofty Lines , which now shall be Times conquerors , and out-last Eternitie . Even so lov'd CLERKE from Death no scape could find , Though arm'd with great ALCIDES valiant mind . Hee was adorn'd in yeares though farre more young , With learned CICERO'S , or a sweeter Tongue . And could dead VIRGIL heare his lofty straine , Hee would condemne his owne to fire againe . His youth a SOLON'S Wisedome did presage , Had envious Time but given him SOLONS age . And all that in our Ancestors hath bin Of any Vertue , earth now lost in him . Who would not therefore now if Learnings friend Bewayle his fatall and vntimely end : Who hath such hard , such vnrelenting Eyes , As would not weeps when so much Vertue dyes ? The God of Poets doth in darknesse shrowd His glorious face , and weepes behind a Cloud . The dolefull Muses thinking now to write Sad Elegies , their teares confound their sight : But him to Elysium's lasting Ioyes they bring , Where winged Angels his sad Requiems sing . Abraham Cowley .

A DREAME OF ELYSIVM . PHOEBVS expuls'd by the approaching Night Blush'd , and for shame clos'd in his bashfull light . Whilst I with leaden MORPHEVS overcome , The Muse whom I adore enter'd the roome . Her hayre with looser curiositie , Did on her comely backe dishevel'd lye . Her Eyes with such attractive beauty shone , As might have wak'd sleeping ENDYMION . Shee bid me rise , and promis'd I should see Those Fields , those mansions of Felicitie Wee mortals so admire at : Speaking thus , She lifts me vp vpon wing'd Pegasus . On whom I rid : Knowing where ever sh●e Did goe , that place must needs a Temple bee . No sooner was my flying Courser come To the blest dwellings of Elysium . When straight a thousand vnknowne joyes resort , And hemm'd me round : Chast loves , innocuous sport . A thousand sweets bought with no following Gall , Ioyes not like ours , short , but perpetuall . How many objects charme my wandring eye , And bid my soule gaze there eternally ? Heere in full streames , BACCHVS thy liquor flowes , Nor knowes to ebbe : heere IOVES broad Tree bestowes Distilling honey , heere doth Nectar passe With copious current through the vardant grasse . Heere HYACINTH , his fate writ in his lookes . And thou NARCISSVS louing still the brookes , Once louely boyes ; and Acis now a Flower , Are nourish'd , with that rarer herbe , whose power Created the wars potent God , heere growes The spotlesse Lilly , and the blushing Rose . And all those diuers ornaments abound , That variously may paint the gawdy ground . No Willow , sorrowes garland , there hath roome Nor Cypresse , sad attendant of a Tombe . None but APOLLO'S tree , and th' Ivie twine Embracing the stout Oake , the fruitfull Vine . And trees with golden Apples loaded downe , On whose faire toppes sweet PHILOMEL alone , Vnmindfull of her former misery , Tunes with her voice a rauishing Harmony . Whilst all the murmuring brookes that glide along Make vp a burthen to her pleasing song . No Scritchowle , sad companion of the night , Or hideous Rauen with prodigeous flight Presaging future ill . Nor Progne thee Yet spotted with young Ilis tragedy , Those Sacred bowers receiue . There 's nothing there , That is not pure , immaculate , and rare . Turning my greedy sight another way , Vnder a row of storme-contemning Bay I saw the Thracian singer with his lyre Teach the deafe stones to heare him , and admire . Him the whole Poets Chorus compas'd round , All whom the Oake , all whom the Lawrell crown'd . There banish'd OVID had a lasting home , Better then thou couldst giue ingratefull Rome , And LVCAN ( spight of Nero ) in each vaine Had euery drop of his spilt bloud againe : HOMER , Sol's first borne , was not poore or blinde , But saw as well in body , as in minde . TVLLIE , graue CATO , SOLON , and the rest Of Greece's admir'd Wisemen , heare possest A large reward for their past deeds , and gaine A life , as euerlasting as theyr Fame . By these , the valiant Heroes take theyr place , All who sterne Death and perils did imbrace For Vertues cause . Great ALEXANDER there Laughing at Earth's small Empier , did weare A nobler Crowne , then the whole world could give . There did HORATIVS , COCLES , SCAEVA , live , And valiant DECIVS , who now freely cease From warre , and purchase an Eternall peace . Next them , beneath a Myrtle bowre , where Doves , And gallesse Pidgeons build theyr nests , all Loves . Faithfull perseverers , with amorous kisses , And soft imbraces , taste theyr greediest wishes . LEANDER with his beautious HERO playes , Nor are they parted with dividing Seas . PORCIA injoyes her BRVTVS , Death no more Can now divorce theyr wedding , as before . THISBE her PIRAMVS kiss'd , his THISBE hee Embrac'd , each blest with th' others companie . And every couple alwayes dancing , sing Eternall Ditties to Elysium's King . But see how soone these pleasures fade away , How neere to Evening is delights short Day ? For th' watchfull Bird , true Nuncius of the Light Straight crow'd : and all these vanish'd from my sight . My very Muse her selfe forsooke mee too . Me g●iefe and wonder wak'd : What should I doe ? Oh! let me follow thee ( sayd I ) and goe From life , that I may Dreame for ever so . With that my flying Muse I though to claspe Within my arm●s , but did a Shadow graspe . Thus ch●efest Ioyes glide with the swiftest streame , And all our greatest Pleasure 's but a Dreame . ABRA : COWLEY . FINIS .

Some mistakes are passed in the Impression , which I beseech thee Gentle Reader to pardon .

Vale. H. S.