Caltha poetarum: or The bumble bee. Composed by T. Cutvvode Esquyre

Caltha Poetarum . 1 MY Herball booke in Folio I vnfold , I pipe of Plants , I sing of sommer flowers , But chiefly on the Mayden Marygold , and of the Daisie , both braue Belamours : Trophies for Kings , Imprese for Emperours , Garlands to beare vpon the braue Ensignes Of Knights , of Peeres , of princely Palladines . 2. Then ( Flora ) come thou florishing fair Queen , oh child of Maia thou must be my Muse , To gird my temples with thy gawdy greene , and with thy fuming flowers my front infuse With Koses , Paunsyes , Pinks , as Poets vse With Lawrel Bay , and Baucis neuer old , For to attend my Virgin Mary-gold . 3 Lend me thy Purple and the Pall depainted , thy faire enameld mantle thou didst weare , When first thou cam'st Idolatryz'd & sainted , installed by the bewtie of the yeare : Oh lend to me that garment and that geare , So that my verses they may sweetly smell , And I aboue all siuet may excell : 4. And you ( fair damsels ) you who danc't that day when heauenly Flora first was holified , That mightie mistres , this same child of May , come hither sweetings , come sit by my syde : Tune to my song and see what will bety de , Bring timbrils , pipe & harpe , & he are me play , And lye thee a while , and listen to my lay . 5. There is a Citie lying neare the North. By name yeleaped Nycol heretofore , Where ancient Lacyes , men of mickle worth , were Rulers many a hundreth yeares of yore , And domineerd with dignitie and power . Thy Earldome ( Nycol ) then did bear great sway , But Earldoms , Earles & Counties now decay . 6. This Citie it is seated on a hill , whereas the faithlesse lewes did sacrifice , And did the corps of young sir Hugo kill , wherefore the Christians him did canonise , And built a Temple in most sumptuous wise , Where Hugo lies interred in a shrine , For to be seene at this same present time . 7. This Temple takes his name of good sir Hugh , and with his loftie pinacles doth looke , And doth his famous running Riuer view , where faire Tarenta Lady of that brooke , Doth glyde into each Angle , and each nooke : And with a siluer snakie twine she runs , To father Humber , whylom king of Huns. 8. But soft and faire this fitteth not my vaine Of Chroniks craft I haue but litle skill , Vnto my Herbadge I will go againe , for that draws best acquaintance to my quill : Therefore you faire sweet Virgins sit you still . For in this Citie which I did rehearse , Doth dwell the very subiect of my verse . 9. There planted is a Garden ( not by Art ) nor any cunning of the Craftsmans skill , But euen by Nature , who hath playd her part , to be our chiefe and speciall worker still : Whose essence takes she from the makers will , That frameth all things by his mightie power , Both trees and Plants , and euery prety flower . 10. Heere is no talke of the for bidden Tree , ( as was in Edoms Orchard at the first ) Nor Serpent hissing with his subtletie : when as the simple man became accurst : And from that Garden into thraldome thrust , Heere is no spirit with a flaming sword , As Gardiner to some great and mightie Lord . 11. Both Earth and Firmament doth fauour it , Bedabling with the dewe of heauenly drops The raies of Sun doth sweetly sauour it , making it sprout with tall and tender tops : Of many kinds of smelling knubs and knobs ▪ When as the sheading of our Aprill showers Do breake their bunches foorth to leaues and flowers . 12. There springs the princely redrose & the white as Chaires of State and high imperial place , where they two famous houses do vnite : whence comes our kings & queenes of Regall race , Vnder the Gods that do protect their grace Whose stirp & stock from beds of Roses breede , Borne and begotien of that sweet faire seede . 13. Next to the Roses , growes the Flower-deluce , the flower of ancient Lewis Lord of France , Whose golden leaues of that same goodly Luce , did Lewis long maintain with manlike lance Till Albions Ensigne did the same aduance . When English Edward third of that same name , By battle bold brought in this flower of Fame . 14. Next vnto it , the pretie Pauncyes springs , all in a ranck in borders and in beds , Who represents a geanalog of kings , with purple crowns vpon their princely heads , With heary bristles which their chins bespread An Index of much magnanimitie , Of Vertue , Valour , and Virilitie . 15. By them do grow the kingcups like to gold , with sops in wine , that euery heart delights : Which cups the Kings in cōplemēts do hold , carousing to their champions & their knights : That in their seruice , for their honor fights : Kissing the cup , and drinking to the health Both of their kings , & of their Commonwealth . 16. Next growes the blew cornuted Collumbine , like to the crooked hornes of Acheloy When he in shape and Metamorphosin , of mightie Bull , the wrastler did annoy , But yet the striuer did this beast destroy : And when this monstrous battle did surceace , His hornes became our threasethouse of peace . 17. There Flora takes them by their golden tips , Flora that is our flourishing faire Queene , And straws & fanneth forth her flowers & slips with gaudie garlands girding Albions greene , With Oliue branches that for peace haue bene : Blest be our Flora , that so long hath borne , This Cornu Copia , this same plenteous horne . 18. The next my pretie Marygold displaies , her golden bloome like to the sunny beames Spreading abroad her rich and radyent rayes , resembling Titan in his hottest streames , Euen in the glory of his Summer gleames : So shynes my Marygold , so doth she showe , So as she seemes a second Sun belowe . 19. Who in the morning spreads her yealow haire like to the blaze of golden Phoebus bright : That maks the heuenly clymes to shine so clear , illuminating all the world with light , So shines my Marygold so faire in sight : Till in the darke when as the day is dun , She closeth vp and setteth with the Sun . 20. Thus proudly doth she braue sir Phebus shining and seconds him both in his prime of morn , And in the night euen at his downe declining , setting the silly Sunburnt god at scorn , As if that she the soueraigne sway had born , Disdaining things inferiour here that lies : But lookes aloft , as Ladie of the Skies . 21. On her attends the Dasie dearly dight , that pretie Primula of Lady Ver , As hand-maid to her mistresse day and night , so doth she watch , so waiteth she on her , With double diligence and dares not stir , A fairer flower perfumes not forth in May , Then is this Daisie , or this Primula . 22. About her neck she wears a rich wroght ruffe , with double sets most braue & broad bespread , Resembling louely Lawn or Cambrick stuffe , pind vp and prickt vpon her yealow head . Wearing her hai●e on both sides of her shead : And with her countenance she hath a cast , Wagging the wā●on with each wynd and blast . 23. Commend me to the yong ones of the Corte , and marke how as the pretie Mophies sits , Wagging their conntenance in seemely sorte , with modest blush that bewtie so be fits , Wyeling fond louers sometime from their wits ▪ So wags this wanton with a red complexion , When as the Sun darts to her his reflection . 24. Heere could I set you downe the Honysuckle the pretie Pinke and purple Pianet , The Bugles , Boradge , and the blew Bottle , the bonny Belamour and Violet , And thriuing Thrift if men would gather it With louely Lillies and the faire Narcis , And Venus sleepe at noone with Adonis . 25. It were a worke of labour to vnfold the priuate secrets of each priuie plant , Therefore ( my Muse ) go to the Marygold , least wit be wearied and thy sences scant , And paper , pen and Ink and all do want , And in thy study spend a learned hower , To grace and fauour that same golden flower . 26. Downe once againe descend ( oh holy dame ) infuse me ( Flora ) with thy summers heate : And wachman my forehead with thy flowers of fame , when as my temples they begin to sweate , And that my busie braines & browes do beate . Fan on apace ( my Muse ) till I haue told What did betide my maiden Marygold . 27. It chanced once , the faire Cytherian Queene came to this goodly Garden on a day : And brings with her , false Cupid to this greene , where she and he begun to sport and play , Where Venus did the fair sweet flowers suruay : Who being pretie frolike in her sport , She speaketh to her sonne in this same sort . 28. My child quoth she , & puls him by the chin , and laies her other hand about his neck , And with her lips she culs and kisses him , as she were charmd , from giuing him a check , Because the boy was alwaies at her beck . The flattering queen knew how to curry fauor power , Who woed the wanton boy with bold behauior . 29. My child said she , me thinks thou shuldst haue power , to plague in loue , each Plant & tender spring , And brand forth siery flames on euery flower , as thou dost vse and threat each other thing , With bended bow of steele , & stubborn string , With shafts to shoot out , & sharp headed darts Where with thou cruelly dost gall mens harts . 30. Why yes quoth Cupid , do but view this Vine , mark but the sweet imbracements of his branches And see his arms how wantonly they twine , and how his loines lie on his louers hanches , Where Venus in his Vinyards he aduances , Distilling Nectar beryes from aboue : All which proceedeth from the God of loue . 31. Hark how the Bay tree she begins to breath , and seems to sigh as she had languisht long : And with the wanton wind to wrig & wreath , against the god that did the girle such wrong , As I haue heard some sing in Ouids song : So that when all is said and all is done , This all you see is subiect to your sonne . 32. Then list quoth Venus , til my tale be told , Long hath this Woodbine tree a woer beene Vnto this proud disdainfull Marygold , the Viccar of a vaine vsurping Queene , Checking the sonne as I haue often seene , Disdaining both the heuenly powers proud Elf : And flowting at all flowers but it selfe . 33. Thou seest the Woodbyne is a tender tree , that like a wanton winds about our wood , His flowring forth as sweet as sweet may bee , his youthfull sap much like the lustie blood , In rules of Phisick seene and counted good , A Doctor , to delay this sulty heat , That sweet hearts take in trauel of their sweat . 34. How oft comes he with kingcups full of gold , and as a present offereth to this flower , And riches in great handfuls he doth hold , rayning vpon her lap an Oryent shower , Of Pearle , which mongst faire women haue much power But al as naught hir nicitie neglects them , And euen as rags most rudely she reiects them . 35. This spoke false Venus to her bastard brat , and when her iolly circumstance was done , The dame tuckt vp he cloaths & down she sat , and all in haste she cals her litle sonne , And for to ben this bow she first begun , Then g●ue him shasts to practise all his power , And bring the downfal of this dainty flower . 36. This cunning Archer aymeth at the marke ( mary at hittie missie is he tooting ) The Boy was blind as is the dazled darke , and neuer suer , nor certaine in his shooting : For oftentimes he fayleth in his footing . As you shall heare how this same craftie child , Euen in the brag of cunning was beguild . 37. It chanct , a Bee came flying to this flower , with hummng melodie , & bumming noyce : And lights vpon her stalk euen at that stower , for in his flowers he is very choyce : Sitting & singing there with buzing voyce . Working in sommer for his healthfull hiue , That he in winter might the better thriue . 38. He came but lately from the damaske Rose , vnto my Marygould that shines so sunnie : And got him there a paire of yealow hose , of virgin waxe , all wet about with hunnie . The sweetest wax that can be made for mony With Meldeaw clam'd , and clagged were his knees , To cary home , & bring vnto his Bees . 39. But walladay , he was not there aware , of Cupids shaft , nor of his sudden clap ; The Hony catcher came vnto his care , for there the silly flie receiued a rap : ( Alas poore Bumble buz , for thy ill hap ) For why the blinded boy ( ay me for thee ) Did misse the golden bud , and gauld the Bee . 40. But here I leaue the honey bird confounded , that wofully aloft away did fling : All vnto death he is most deeply wounded , and stung himself , that somtimes vs'd to sting : Here must I leaue that hony bird of wing , And tell how Venus waxed wrathfull wilde , And red with anger at her recklesse childe . 41. Blind bastard ( quoth the dame ) what hast thou done , recklesse vnskilfull and vnluckie elfe ? Thou base begotten boy , and Cuckolds sonne , the sorow of thy shaft light on thy selfe , And plague the archer with his trash & pelfe : And breake thy bow , & shiuer shaft and dart , And clean vnarme thee , blind boy as thou art . 42. Nay then ( quoth Cupid ) mother you are blind , that would not help to rule my ayme & me : Vnles you had bene mad or out of mind , you might haue seene at first I could not see : But I haue shot , and that which will , will bee . The Mary gold must grow and florish faire , And in the honey combe must liue all care . 43. Behold the binder shall become a Bond , Vnto this golden stem that here you see : ( Thinke not my prophesie for to be fond ) For he that once did bind the biggest tree , vnto this tender twig , a bond must bee . And to the good abearing must be staide , Vntill loues Manumissum it be made . 44. The sting that breeds vppon the hony britch , delayes the deadly stinging of my dart : And heals the wound and takes away the stitch , and is a soueraigne salue against his smart . Who like Prometheus Griphin gripes the hart , So sting for sting , poyson for poyson ( mother ) As in our nayles one driueth out an other . 45. Prat'st thou quoth Venus of old Augurisme ? com'st thou to tell me Beldams Oracles ▪ Telst me of any sect or southsawe scisme ? Must I beleeue thy rables and thy Ridles ? And like a dunce doate on thy didle fidles ? In faith sir no , for I haue sworne , my power Shall work the fatall end of this proud flower . 46. To this her Cupid answered pretely , how often ( mother ) haue I seene you shake The beawtie and the splendor of this tree , and of the Marygoulds , gay garlands make : Yea you your self to weare them for their sake . And on your locks to place the pretie ones , Preferring them before the precious stones . 47. How often haue I seene your Coatcher trot , when you in pomp to Paphos Island ran ? How often mother haue I garlands got , for euery Doue , and euery milk white Swan That drew your Chariot & your gay waggan . And make your prety Pidgions teams & yoaks Of Mary-goulds to hang about their throats . 48. How often haue the buds bene laid abroad vpon the traces whereas you should tread : How oft haue they thy stately altars strawd , and we exalting there thy holy head , Whilst Hymnes wer sung , & sacred Psalms were sed : Methinks I see how all the rabble runs , Vnto thy Church , with chaines of golden suns . 49. Then ( queen ) accept the of springs of this flower , and offer not the golden Bud disgrace , For she is pleasing to thy princely power , and therefore cursse it not in any case : I pray thee mother let my prayers take place , And let her shine as doth the glimsing sunne , And do as well as she to fore hath done . 50. Thus Cupid said , but see this self-wild wench , Venus she brings a Brierhooke in her hand , And cuts me down each border & green bench and all the shading shelter that did stand , To guard the flowers from the filchers hand , And letteth in a Northern vncoth aire , That almost blasted had her Bloomes so faire . 51. Note that all mischief commeth from the North for in his blast he bloweth Boreas in , Who from his freezing harbour commeth forth , with chilled cheekes and hory frozen chin , His blood all thawne away & visage thin : His slauering beard and lips with spattle spewd With drops of frozen Ifixles bedewd . 52. He foamde his froth vpon her tender rynd , and made her seeme as sunshine in a mist : And with a winter blast he blowes his wind , beslauering her , with sluttishnesse he kist , And had bene withered there ere she had wist But that the blaze of sunny beames by chance , Dissolu'd the storme , & blest the tender branch . 53. But now I will returne vnto the Bee , the little Wasp and sillie wounded thing : Who like a souldier from the victorie , comes maymed home , his arme vpon a string : So droups this Bee , so hangs he down his wing , Shewing the Marygold his mortall scarre , Who vnto death was wounded in her warre . 54. His hony it was turned into gall , his wax that he about him long had borne , The hony and the hony combe and all , and all his britches from his buttocks torne , Was from his body wasted and quight worne . As sure if you had seene you would haue sed , He had bene prisoner in the spyder web . 55. His loyns were lean through fast & euil fare , His legs & knees as cāmocks wer all crooked That vp & down did carie him with care , his horns that wer so strait , became both hooked : Who like a litle spright or diuell he looked : His breath not seruing him to buz or bum , Nor scarce with any noise to heare him hum . 56. Vnto this flower he falles downe on his knee , iust at the roote that grew vpon the ground : And said grant mercie Marygold on me , and lend a leafe to lay vnto my wound , That it might plaister me and make me sound . For on thy branch I here did take my bane , And here I hope to be recured againe . 57. Denie me not ( oh thou faire golden flower ) sweet giue mee leaue a while that I might sit Vpon thy yealow head and worke an hower , and for my hungry selfe some honey get , For all is wasted , I haue not a whit . I tell thee my distresse , to thee I shriue me , I haue no helpe , vnlesse thy selfe wilt hiue me . 58. I will not ( as the creeping canker ) waste thee , nor as the worm in wodsea● time bespew thee , I come not like the Butterflie to blast thee : norwith foule deadly venom to bedeaw thee : I le leaue thee euen as fresh as earst I knew thee : I le make my golden shrub that shines so sunny , As sweet as is the hony combe or hunny . 59. With that but I must tell you here a wonder ) and almost past my credit for to speake , This branch her biggen she did burst in sunder her haire vpon a sudden on her neck , That seemd to waue , and giue the Bee a beck : And laid her leaues wide open there for him , That vp aloft the Bee might better climb . 60. Vpon her flew the flie and suckt her sweet , and plaid full peartly with that pretie one , And there full fea●ly labourd with his feet , and kist her , least he shuld be deemd a drone : Now blest be loue , for there was loue alone , The Bee begins to find and stir his sting , Beleeue me ( loue ) thou art a wanton thing . 61. There he receiues the deaw of hony drops , and bathes his lims that were so leane & lank , And in her circle vp and downe he hops , and feeds apace and doth refresh his flank , And with her wax he stores his spindle shank , And now the hony bird away doth styue , With būming and with humming to his hyue . 62. To buz of Caltha now the Bee was bold , of Caltha now were all the Echos ringing : For now no more he cals her Marygold , but newes from Lady Caltha is he bringing , Offaire sweet Lady Caltha is he singing : And vp and downe he flieth with her fame , Till he vnto his hiue and harbour came . 63. His Bees with welcome round about him swarms and bringeth him into his thatched home , And marching all along like men at armes , they place him in the highest hony come , Where he as king doth keepe , and rules alone , And all his subiects offering him their seruice : For to disarme him of his hony harmes . 64. One doth his boots vnbutton from his shins , an other helps for to vntie his hose : An other wipeth hony from his wings , that came from Lady Caltha and the rose , The which he gets when he his prograce goes . And thus comd home with heuie drowsy hed , Th' vnnumbred birds do bring their Bee to bed . 65. And there he sleeps & slumbers til the morne , when he awakes and wipes his pinking eies , And vp he starts and bloweth like a horne , where all his souldiers in a swarme do rise , Attending on him wheresoeuer he flies . And he againe into his garden goes . Whereas his Goddesse Lady Caltha growes . 66. There sit they round about & gards this flower some making of their hony on the Mallow : An other biting on the Bellamour , an other like a little dapper fellow Worketh on yarrow , making wax so yealow , And euery Fly vnto his flower goes , Some to the Red , some to the damask Rose . 67. Where hauing got their hony and their wax , they come to Caltha , where their maister sits , And throws their hony I erkins down & Iacks and giues to him the gaine their labour gets . Thus industrie his common welth befits : So when they are dislodged of their store , They buz about , and flies away for more . 68. In meane while this same mightie bumbleBee , is framing of a Chappell for his Queene , With strange and costly Archetectury , the rarest sight that euer yet was seene , Of waxen worke , was neuer like I weene : Pillers of hony combes with Piramis , And strong pilasters of great statelinesse . 69. And at one end there stands a proper steeple , dawbing his height with hony for his lime : And bels to ring in these same pretie people , when as they take it to be seruice time , To say their praiers , their Mattens & their prime And when this Chapell ended was and wald , La santa Caltha , this same bee it cald . 70. With Virgin wax he makes a hony alter , and on it stands , the torches and the tapers , Where he must sing his Rosarye and Psalter , and pray deuoutly on his holy papers , With book , with candlelight , with bels & clappers , And in the praise of Goddesse Caltha sing , That all the holy quier & Church may ring . 71. Vpon this holy altar there doth stand , The Coatch of Phoebus carued all of wax , And there the mightie God with whip in hand it seemes the winged Pegasies he thwacks , Laying good load of blowes vpon their backs : And throgh the Regions they do seem to run , Carrying faire Caltha , shining like the Sun . 72. When this same holy Idoll he had done , He cals his pretie people round about : And maketh Priests and Presbiters , and some of Frvers & Monks he makes a rabble rout , Of Clarks & Limitors to kneele and lowt , And ther they take at this same present houre The name of holy Caltheans , from this flower . 73. The fame of these , and of this new religion , was spred abroad with passing great report , And rumor of it , rattles through each Region , till that it came to Lady Venus cort , God speed my pen for heere begins the sport : For now doth Venus bite and beate her fists , To be reuenged on these Calthanists . 74. And calling Cupid , this her pretie Squire , quoth shee , let s to these Heretiques in hast , And burne the bees , and set their hiues on fire , And all their waxen superstitions wast , And charme their Caltha there that is so chast : And bring her cursed Cannons to their care , And plague her prelates with their prophane prayre . 75. She sends for all the Spyders she could get , and calleth for that mightie Cranyon : Who doth his web and subtle engyns set , and of the long legs brings he many a one , With Venus to this garden are they gone , Wher they the bees behold with buzing charm As thick as flyes that in Appuleia swarm . 76. There pitched they their toyles in euery gap , and made their gloads the Bees for to beguile And with their trammels many do intrap , and fetters by the feete ( alack the while ) Beware great bumble buz of this same wile : For why the mightie Cranion comes to catch thee If that thy warriors do not ward & watch thee . 78. To Caltha is the craftie Spyder gone , & weaueth there a witching web ( god wot ) With subtle slender thrids and many a one , where if thou goest , thy chance is to be got , What Flye soeuer comes escapes it not : And let him toyle to come out of his gin , The more he striues , the surer is he in . 79. The Cranion cast his net vpon this flower , that seemed like a wroght branch vnder Lawn And there it had not bene aboue an houre , but comes the Bee , and to this bud is flowne , ( He had not made such hast if he had knowne ) But after wit hath very seldome thanks , The Bee is got & shakled by the shanks . 80. Now Venus figgeth , and in hast she runs , and Cupid following after her doth fling : And to this litle captiue prisoner comes , whereas she takes the bumble by the wing : ( For why she was afraid the Bee would sting ) And piniond him that no where could he pas , But there as prisoner vnto Venus was . 81. She bids her boy , that wily wanton wag , to hold him fast , least he should flie away : Whilest she had tyde a thrid about his leg , and gaue him Cupid for to find him play : As children do with litle birds they say . And there the string he holdeth in his hand ▪ Whilest that the Bee is buzzing in the band . 82. The boy he gaue the bumble too much scope , he found such pretie gambals with the fly : The Bee that had large compasse of his rope , ●● flew at his face , and stung him by and by : Whereat poore Cupid he began to cry . And from his fist the ioy full bird is fled , And from aloft , with string about his leg . 83. He durst notflie where briers and bushes were , least that the thrid shuld trap him in the trees , But mounts aloft and houers in the Ayre , till that he came vnto his little Bees , That helps to pull the shackles from his knees . And there I le leaue him sure and safe at home , And tell how Venus doth her boy bemone . 84. She vp and downe the Garden now doth gad , to gather all the coolest hearbs that grow : To phisick and to leach her wounded lad , whose face like to a blather blown doth show : As scarce his mother could her Cupid know . And trying many precious plants that bee , At length she commeth to the woodbind tree . 85. And going to his binding branch , that clung like to a Serpent twining on a tree : She told him , Cupid with a Bee was stung , asking the flouer what phisick ther might bee To take away the stinging of the flee . Who answered her like to a learned Clark , Bending with reuerence , both his rynd & bark . 86. And said in phisick I haue had some toyle , and for the Scorpions stinging I haue found ▪ Nothing can cure , but euen his proper oyle , which being taken , salues and maketh sound , And easeth straight the anguish of the wound . So , for this Bee , the best and chiefest thing , Is his owne hony , for to kill his sting . 87. Of late he came and light vpon my head , and got much hony & his meldew wrought , And when he went away , some of it shead , and left behind where I the hony cought . And looking towards Cupid thus he thought : Woes me , that I must phisick that same elfe , And am not a phisition for my selfe . 88. Alas I am that wofull bond you see , that vnto loues behauiour bydeth still : No phisick nor phisition makes me free , vnlesse faire Caltha graunt me her good wil , For Lady Caltha , she must cure or kill , Who like the Nettle , left her sting in me : Worse then the tongue or stinging of a Bee . 89. But Venus puls his tree downe by the top , and forth from this , his hollow horned flower Much of his liquid Meldew there did drop , that shedded out a pretie hony shower , Healing her Cupid with it that same houre : And now her onely care , is how that she Might be reuenged on Caltha and the Bee . 90. But Proserpine , the sprowtix of our spring , and soueraigne gouernesse of Hearb & Plant That siluer Cynthia this sweet horned thing , must Venus subtle practise now preuent , With all her malice and her mad intent . And loe from forth her shining Orb she goes , Into this garden , whereas Caltha growes . 91. Her vestall Virgins and her minionstrots , halling their Lencothea in her waggen , And brings with them their goodly garden pots with water in the waterbearer flaggen : The droughtie earth bedewing & bedagging , And on this garden sheds her heuenly shower , Where water pearls in plentie she doth power . 92. She comes to Caltha to her brodered bed , and taketh hold vpon her tender stalke : This done , she layes her hand vpon her head , and mumbels in her mouth with whisper talk , And there in circle wise about did walk . As Tragetors for spirits set their spels , To coniure vp the Fairies or the Elues . 93. She bends her branch , and bows it vp & down and to the heauens she doth exalt her eies : And with a very feruent prayer doth frown , looking aloofe vnto the lostie skies : Somewhile to kneele , and otherwhiles to rise . Mouing her body with a modest motion , As holy dames do vse in deepe deuotion . 94. And from the Center of her soule she sight , & breathed vpon the flower a fuming vapour Where Caltha feels the quickning of a spright , and riseth vp a comely sweete faire creature , With countenan e and full wel fauored feature : Her body slender , straight and very euen , Holding her head erected vp to heauen . 95. Her golden yealow locks she still retaines , that hangs along her lilly cheekes and chin : Whereas the Crimsin Roses comes & staines , that makes her seeme a perfect sanguynine . Her eyes like looking glasses Christallin : Her mouth with full plump forme yframed is , For why the ful mouth , makes a full sweet kis . 96. Her brest and nipples round as any Ball , or like the pleasant Apples of temptation : That greedie Adam glutted him withall , and fell in loue with , at the worlds creation : That brought to vs this wofull desolation . Alas that bewtie at the first beginning , Should be too blame , or shent for any sinning . 97. Her belly like a Globe within his Spheare , her vains the rules & points & learned lines , That leads vnto that blessed country , where much milk & Nectar flows , & plesant wines , That chears mens harts & maketh mery minds . In that same happie land me thinks that I With all my heart could dwell , & liue and die . 98. But I must hide all that that nature hides , my tongue cries truce I may not vtter it : Although this wanton meriment decides matters of silence , blame not you my wit , For readers somtimes , crows with blind men hit : My modestie must leaue that thing in doubt , His hap is somewhat though , that finds it out . 99. Her thighes like pillars of faire Allablaster , that do support the body of this Saint : Where men must kneel thee down & Idolaster vnto the Image of this Queene so quaynt , That Caltha she may pittie their complaint , And heare their happie Orysons and prayer , When as her priest and people do come there . 100. Now When Diana this her taske had done , and framed all the molements of Nature : She doth adorn this naked Nymph anon , couering the seemly corps of this sweet creature : And first she decks her head , her face & feature And with a silken hairelace ties her locks , That hangs like Iasons golden fleece in flocks . 101. She ties a Necklace vnderneath her chin , of Iasper , Diamond , and of Topasie : And with an Emrod hangs she on a Ring , that keepes iust reckoning of our chastitie : That breaks when Virgins go to venerie . And therefore ( Ladyes ) it behoues you well , To walke full warily , when stones will tell . 102. Her vesture and her vaile , was white as snow , that mantle wise , this maiden did adorne : And in her hand she held a bended Bowe , a Bawdrik on her back , and Bugle horne : With quiuer , and with arrows sharp as thorne , With buskins buckled vp vnto her knees , That scarcely reached to her naked theighs . 103. Now is she made Dianas hunting dame , and to Eurotas banks , and Cynthias hill , And vnto Gargaphy must seeke her game , where she the Roes with Bucks & does must kill : With pleasure , sport , and pastime at her will . And haue her springs and fountains fair & feat To wash her skin from swink of sulty sweat . 104. And now she takes her leaue of Primula , and with a sigh she said , farewel sweet sister : The wofull wench she wept to part away , and down she fel vpon the ground & kist her , And to remain a Virgins life she wisht her : And said , I know mad Venus missing me , Without all doubt will be reuengd on thee . 105. And therefore sister Primula liue chaste , wey not the words the flattering Queen can make Beware I say , ( and then she her imbrac't ) and from her stalke a Dasie she did take , And on her head she weares it for her sake : And now with chaste Diana is she gone , Faire Primula the Dasie left alone . 106. Now Venus she determines in her mind , to come and punish Caltha and to kill her : And flieth down poste , with an Easterne wind , that brings the Canker & the Caterpiller : With poyson for to blast her and to spill her : And sure the silly dame had curst that day , Had she not gone with chaste Dian away . 107. But now when Venus saw that she was crost , and Caltha gone from Lady Primula : And seeing now her labour all was lost , she would not haue the Caterpillers stay : But with the wind she sends them all away . And now faire Primula in Calthas stead , Must like and loue , and loose her maidenhead . 108. Vpon the place & ground where Caltha grew , a mightie Mandrag there did Venus plant : An Obiect for faire Primula to view , resembling man from thighs vnto the shank : With leaues & vaines & members ram and rank , With long large loyns fro flank vnto the foote , That in the earth stuck with ragged roote . 109. His parts of shame like Socrotheus flesh , swolne without mean , my wanton muse must tuch , Althogh't be foule & ful of filthinesse : then blame me not althoghI write thus much : A loathsome iesting shape he seemd , & such As modest Primula did stand in doubt , Whether that she should loath or laugh it out , 110. As if a maide should see some wanton sight , you know she claps her hands vpon her eies , And winketh at it wilde , and blusheth straight , and tush , and push , & fie for shame she cries : Yet must she laugh at it in any wise . And through her fingers looks , with countnance coy , And tyhie cries , at that same pretie toy . 111. So at bo peepe this pretie sprowt did play , sometimes her hed vnto the Mandrag heaues , And sometimes ( half asham'd ) would Primula looke downe againe , and lap her in her leaues : This lustie wanton bud her wits bereaues . Thus in the middest of their merry doing , Away went Venus , leauing them a woing . 112. And to the Calthean Bees the Queen is gone , with spungie Paddocks and the foule fusball For to destroy and smother euery one , and bring the mightie bumbleBee in thrall , And harme his hony and his hiue and all : And chase them from their Cabinets & choak them , And from their holes and hony combs to smoke them . 113. And suddenly or any of them wist , comes in a vapour like a ●oakish Ryme : And ther the bees amazed with this same mist , came swarming forth their hiues , for it was time : And vp aloft into the ayer they climbe . Some here , som ther , som hither , & som thither , And beeing blind , they flewe they knew not whether . 114. The maister Bee into his garden goes , to clense him from the filth of this same Fus , And there he thinketh yet that Caltha growes but thou art now deceiu'd ( poor bumble buz ) That flower with faire Dian is gone from vs : And in her place he spies a Mandrag spring : And now poore Bee , thy sorrowes do begin . 115. He voweth now for to forsake his hiue , and like a Pilgrim spend his latter daies : ( Gods be his speed and send him wel to thriue ) for now he meanes to wander vncoth waies , And like an Hermit , he himselfe arraies : That safely he might wander vp and downe , And seek strange conutries far , that be vnknown . 116. He made himselfe a paire of holy beads , the fiftie Aues were of Gooseberies : The Pater Nosters and the holy Creeds , were made of red & goodly fair ripe cheries : Blessing his Marygold with Aue-maries . And on a staffe made of a Fennell stalk , The beadrowlehangs , whilest he along did walk . 117. And with the flower munkshood makes a coole and of a gray Dock got himselfe a gowne : And looking like a Fox or holy foole , he barbs his litle beard , and shaues his crown , And in his pilgrimage goes vp & downe . And with a Wabret leafe he made a wallet , With scrip to beg his crums & pike his sallet . 118. For here me now , since that vnhappie houre that loue was stung ( you know ) not log agone , He neuer hony got from any flower , but did become a drowsie heauie drone , Slothfull and careles in his hony combe : And there the idle droane Bee he doth eate , The sweetnesse that is got by others sweate . 119. And by the way , for sweete saint Charitie , he begs his largies of th' outlandish Hiues : Where hauing had their liberalitie , they send him packing & the Droanbee driues To beg and liue amongst the idle liues : And farre and neare , further then I can tell , He goes whereas the ougly Hornets dwell . 120. He passed throgh Appuleia , mongst the flyes , and to that country where the scorpions are : And to a kingdome of Cantaradyes , whereas the Gnats and biting gadflies were , That feard , the bumblebee from biding there . But with his bag and baggage is he gone , Wandring the world in vncoths far vnknowne . 121. At length he lights on famous Ephesus , where chaste Diana and her vestals bee , And now full wearie flies to Platanus , an aged and an auncient hollow tree , Where he must rest a while ( poor fainting flee ) Precisely looking least the spider webs Were lurking there to catch him by the legs . 122. Now hauing got his sleepe and quiet rest , his morning Mattins doth he buz and sing : And being rowsed from his sluggish nest , with lauds and Letanies aloft did fling , And flieth now abroad with burgond wing , And saieth his Psalmists in his sursurare , With Pater Noster , and with Auie Marie . 123. And whilest this runnagate about did roue , it hapned that by chance he did repaire , Vnto a gladsome and a goodly Groue , whereas Diana and her vestals were , And Caltha too ( vnknowne to him ) was there Where all the traine assembled in that place , For to attend and guard Dianas grace . 124. Some sits then down & gathereth green bushes and others very busie do begin : To weaue their litle baskets of Bulrushes , to put their hearbs & all their flowers in : Least that they scatter them in gathering , An other daintily her selfe doth deck , With garlands for to weare about her neck . 125. Som makes their sprints & pitfals for the thrush and very busie round about they stird : An other lasse she comes and beats the bush , and by your leaue , an other takes the bird : And sport alone , for Lady and for Lord . And in a Cage that he must learne to sing , But soft and faire , not till the next year spring . 126. There Lady Caltha in her lap she holds , and had her skirt her Apron full and all , Of double Dasies and of Marygolds , and there she pins and pricks then on her Call : ( Now fine and feate and faire might she befal ) For on her locks the flowers stick and stay , Euen for her selfes sake , and faire Primula . 127. The Bee no sooner spies these Marygolds , but to the yealow flowers he is fled : And lights vpon her locks that lay in rowles , buzing & huzing round about her head : Till at the length he sits vpon her shead . But there faire Caltha would not let him stay , For with a bush , she beats the Bee away . 128. Yet from the Marygolds he would not flie , nor from her presence will he so depart : Although by them first came his miserie , and whylom wounded was vnto the heart , ( As you haue heard of late ) throgh Cupids dart . Yet would he not away , but busie there , The Bee is buzing round about her eare . 129. Whereat faire Caltha strikes him to the ground , and hits the Fly full often with her fist : The bumbleBee would vp againe rebound , and be vpon her head ere she had wist : Then would she strike againe , and oft she mist. Whereat the Ladies they would laugh to see , What sport there was , twixt Caltha & the Bee . 130. But as the Fly that with the candle mocks , and plaies so long til he hath burnt his wings ▪ So is this Bee entangled in her locks , and fetterd in these golden yealow strings ▪ And by the feet he in her trammels hings . And now the Lady Caltha she doth crie , Whilest that Diana comes to catch the Flie. 131. The bird now taken from her golden locks , faire Caltha is desirous of the Fly , And takes the Bee , and puts him in a box , and cals for honv for him presently , And makes his bed of Roses by and by : And Marygolds with pillowes of the Dasie , That he might lie full lither and full lazie . 132. Whereat Diana , at Lady Caltha laught , & askt , what she wold do with that same droan And said the slothful thing was good for naught , But for all that , she lets the Bee alone , And from her box she will not haue him gone : But there the pretie Fly he takes his rest , Whilest that she told Diana this same iest . 133. Good Madam when I grew a garden flower , Venus and Cupid came to shoote at me : And then it chanc't ( sweet Lady ) at that stower , I was defended by a litle Bee : Who blest my branch from his artillerie . And by good luck and fortune thither came , To put the cunning Archer from his ayme . 134. For whilest the Bee was biting of my bloome , by chance my body vp and downe he stird : So that the Archer did at randome rome , and mist my branch and gauld the little bird : ( The Bee was in the box & heard that word ) But forwards went they ( thinking that the Flie Had neuer heard this tale , nor bene so nie . ) 135. Now euer since ( good Madame ) pardon me , of all the pretie little fooles that flie , I loue the best the hyued hony bee , and he shall be my bird , vntill I die : With all his noyce and humming harmonie . And let the painted Butterflyes and Flees Liue where they list , I le loue the hony Bees . 136. With that she openeth the litle Coffer , and shakes a Marygold vnto the Bee : The Bumble nods his head , & makes an offer , & come bird com ( quoth Caltha ) come to me With so ho ho , and wo ho ho cries she , And whistled too , and chirped with her lips , With that the Bee out of his box he skips . 137. And as the Hawke reclaimed from his nest , and being full well managed and mand , He comes and flies to Lady Calthas fist , and takes the golden pray at her faire hand : And on the top of this same flower doth stand . Not offering once to flie from her away , But subiect to the Ladies lewre doth stay . 138. This prints a strange impression in her soule , this Simpathy betwixt her and the Bee : Did halfe perswade her , that this was the foule , and absolutely said , this is the Flee , That saued my flower when Cupid shot at mee . This said , Diana sware , that she would try , And through her sacred art , transform the Fly . 139. Now doth she frame her metamorphosin , And with her blessed bookes of diuination , She commeth to transforme and coniure him , And strangely workes his transumtation , Casting her iust count of his constellation : And suddenly the bumbleBee as than , Did take the shape and very forme of Man . 140. All sauing that betwixt his legs and thies , his secrets were not seene at all , but gone : The wanton dames could spie no priuities , For in that place where shuld be one was none : That thing was lost when he became a Drone : For since it stung and stuck in Cupids cheekes , He mist it in his buttocks and his breekes : 131. At this same foule defect ( quoth faire Dian ) throughout the world it neuer shall be said : That I haue fraind a monster of a man , but alwaies I a perfect creature made : And once againe she tries her charming trade And cast this new shapte man into a slumber , Whilest she had wrought this rare & mightie wonder . 142. From forth the Hawthorne hedge she plucks a thorne , and works and makes his picture all of wax : And as a child that must be newly borne , she pricks the hawthorn wher his secrets laks , And in that place appeares his priuie knacks : And from his sleep throgh wisards strange euents , He riseth vp with all his implements . 143. Now Caltha comes to him , and she must know if this same new made man wer that same bee : Or this same busie Bumble yea or no , that sat vpon her yealow golden tree , When Cupid shot at her with venerie : And chargd and dischargd at him with a smile , Till he the truth had told to her the while . 144. I was quoth he the very selfesame Fly , that sometimes sat vpon thy yealow lock : I tell thee faire sweet Caltha it was I , that gathered hony on thy stem and stock , When Cupld at my very hartstrings shot , I was the Fly for whom false Venus set , Her spyders for to traine me in a net . 145. I was that Bumble , who for thy sweete sake , like to a theefe was tied and bound in band : And me a captiue prisoner did she make , Where I by chance escapte from Cupids hand . And by good luck am com'd into this land , And lost my Bees , not one of them aliue , And I my selfe here driuen from my hiue . 146. Now Caltha doth enquire for Primula , the man made answer , that she florisht faire : And in the foresaid Garden she did stay , but in the roome ( good madam ) where you were A mandrag hath dame Venus planted there : A filthy obiect for faire Primula , And there the monster of all flowers doth stay . 147. But here Diana comes and breaks their talk , and takes the man aside and goeth her waies : And now the whilest that she and he did walk , she asked him , & gently to him sayes , What pleasure couldst thou wish to passe thy daies ? Ask what thou wilt , demand & thou shalt see , It shall be surely granted vnto thee . 148. Then madam ( said he ) when I was a Bee , I spent my dayes amongst the flowers springing And merie made me with my melody , with buzing and with huzing alwaies singing , Whilest to my Bees , my hony I was bringing . So that I still retaine in disposition , And much would giue , to be a good musition . 149. And now Diana doth present the man , with learned Lutes , & finest Virginals : With deepe Bandoras Diapasan , and with the cleare well sounding Clarigals , With subtle Sagbut , and the loud Cimbals , And with that best beloued lulling Lyer , With other wanton Instruments of wyer . 150. The Kingly Harp , for and the courtly Citheren , the Solace , Vyols , and the Vyolins : The litle fidling Kit , and ancient Gittern , with those same faire and famous Orpherins , With Bagpipes , Cornets , and the Cymphanins . And now no more ycleape him bumble Buz , But call him by the name of Musaeus . 151. Now Musaeus is maister of that Art , and onely rare musitian in that land : Who cunningly can play his pricksong part , with ready Aroake , & nimble learned hand , With sweet deuision of profound deskand : His discords with true concords to agree , Which oft is seene in Musiques subtletee . 152. In Tablatury doth he take much paine , and by his learned line his rule and rod : He pricks downe quauers in his pleasant vaine , and merily he driues a minim od , Which maketh musicke for the mightie God . With cratchets , Semibriefs , with large & longs , That closeth vp sweet ends in all our songs . 153. Long liued he amongst these louely lasses , and was their chief delight & onely treasure : And taught the dames to dance their cinquepace , and for to foot & tread their solemn measure , And long he sported with them at his pleasure , Till Caltha she desirous on a day , Must needs send to her sister Primula . 154. And now the good Musaeus he must go , and vnto her present his minstralcy , And this musition he must let her know , her sister Caltha greets her louingly : With commendation of kind curtesie . And sends a Tutty in her hand to hold , Of double Dasies and the Marygold . 155. And now he takes his leaue and Caltha kist , and ties a base bumfiddle at his back : That hangs vpon a bawdrick of blew list , much like vnto a paltry Pedlers pack , That sags vpon his shoulders til they crack : That made the little fidling fellow hutch , As he had gone his crookback with a crutch . 156. His bagpipes at his girdle you might see , forth of his bag put out his drone or base : That bund like him which was the humble Bee , and there they lay within a leather case : To keep them in their tune , and in their grace . And vnderneath his armeholes & his elbowes He had his blasts , his surflats & his bellowes . 157. And all the way whereas Musaeus comes , he begs his bread with his sweet melody : And pipes and plaies and fidles for his crums , and is rewarded for his harmony . In euery countrey , and in euery Citie , Till that he came to famous Nycol Towne , Wherein full wearie sits the fidler downe . 158. And rests him that same night ( for it was late ) till morne when he vnto the Garden comes : And raps a pace and knocketh at the gate , and to the doore the litle Cupid comes , And spies the fidlers base , and bagpipe bums : And vnto Venus said her litle Ape , A fidler mother , yonder s at the gate . 159. The mother now , as wanton as the boy , runs to the garden doore and welcomes him : And glad with all her heart , she laughs for ioy , and brings the piper and the fidler in : And now the feast must hold and needs begin . Musaeus comes vnto the nuptiall day , Betwixt the Mandrag , and faire Primula . 160. The tables they were strewd with strawberies , with bottles and with flaggons full of wine : With daintie damsens & the chopping cheries , with seates and arbors made with Eglentine , With wanton Iuie and the twining Vine : And there do sit a bench of faire Ladies , Of Linfs & Nymps and these same lightfoote faieries . 161. At vpper end set Primula the bride , Minsing demurely , wagging with her head : The mandrag & the bridsgroome by her side , that did attend her fairnes whilest she fed , And gaue her wine & cracknels with cakebred : And now dame Venus bids Musaeus play , And there was sport alone for that same day . 162. Now doth he tune and temper all his strings , and pleaseth these same faire and pretie folk : And sometimes playes and then Musaeus sings , whilest that the flaggons ful of wine do walke , And now the little Ladies tongues do talke , And riseth vp to dance and figs their breeks , Whilst coral wine doth staine their lilly cheeks . 163. Thus passed they the day with iolly hed , till night was come , when as each daintie dame Must get the bride & bridsgroom both to bed , that they may go about that mery game , To cause their choller and their courage tame : And in the night to spend the wanton howers , To plant and get some other prety flowers . 164. Of pescods were their boulsters & their pillows he downbed it was of a faire greene dock : The sheets they lay vpon , wer leaues of willows he in his shert , and she in her fine frock . And there was playing with her curled lock . And now i le leaue them in their sweet delight , And bid the bride & bridsgroome both good night . 165. Now be the bridemaids in their bony bowers , and coutcht full closely in the summer Tent : Within the faire greene arbors and the flowers , to rest them after this mad meriment , That all the day in Tomboyes play had spent . And what they saw by day , the night they dream But what it was , that what I cannot mean . 166. Now Venus and the craftie fidler goes , into a close faire arbour for to walke : Adornd with darnecks of the Damask Rose , whilest Venus enters into this same talke , And proudly in her statelinesse doth stalke : And toong-ripe in her rhetorick doth run , And to Musaeus thus her tale begun . 167. Musaesus quoth she , I must tell thee here , within this garden haunts a bumbleBee : But by the way , i le bind thee for to sweare , not to reueale , or prate my priuitie : But silence vse in this my secresie . And sweares the fidler to his good abearing , Whilest her faire sweet lips were the bookes of swearing . 168. Fidler quoth she ( so forwards on her tale ) I haue so often plagued this same Bee : And many times haue made him ill to ayle , as I am very fearfull of the flee , That he will come and be reuengd on mee . And therefore fidler watch me least I slumber , And so the Bumble come and do me cumber . 169. The good Musaeus answered her grace , and said ( sweet Lady ) take no thoght for that , And forthwith from his crowd or fiddle case , he cuts a peece of leather as he sat , And makes a butchers bable or flee-flap . That if the bumbleBee come thither humming , Musaeus sweares , his bable it shall bumme him . 170. In meane while is he scraping on his crowd , onely to keepe the wanton Lady waking : And in the Ela note he fiddles lowd , whilest that she laugheth at his mery laking : And much commends the mirth that he is making . And from her litle finger takes a Ring , And giues Musaeus it , and bids him sing . 171. The fidler singeth like a Nightingale , and now his ballad and his song must bee , Intituled , a Grandam or an old wiues tale , the coniuring or charming of the Flee , And here the song i le set you downe to see : That pretie courtly Ladyes may it keep , To blesse them from the Bumble ere they sleep .

The Charming of the Bee . 172. Auant from vs false bumbleBee , in thy busie buzing : And come not here thou craftie Flee , harme not in thy huzing . Fly farre inough prodigious Fowle , in thy bitter stinging : Worse then the scrytching ougly Owle , neuer good luck bringing . In thy comming or thy bumming , If thou commest hither humming , thou false bumbleBee , In thy swarming and thy harming , If thou chance within my charming , Exorciso te . 173. Beware I say thou litle bird , of my leather flee flap : And come not here nor hitherward , least it reach a sound rap : For it shall beate thy litle bum , Here me pretie fellow , And clap it thriftly if thou come , harken what I tell you . In thy comming or thy bumbing , if thou comest hither humming , thou false Bumble Bee . In thy swarming and thy harming , if thou chance within my charming . Exorciso te . 174. In nomine O domine , defend vs from this Drone : And charme this hurtfull hony Bee , to let vs here alone . Away thou foule and fearefull spright and thou litle diuel : I charge thee come not in our sight , for to do vs euil . In thy comming or thy bumbing , if thou comest hither humming , thou false bumbleBee , In the swarming and thy harming , if thou chance within my charming , Exorciso te . 175. Now when Musaeus ended had his song , he turnes to Venus , and in looking back : He spies the Lady there lard all along , and now the fidler finds her in a nap , And layes away his fiddle and flee , flap : And downe he lies , and leanes vpon her hips , And licorously he kist the Ladies lips . 176. Now whether that this Lady slept or no , or winked wild , as little wantons vse : There will I leaue you , for I do not know , iudge of it as you list , for you may chuse : And me I pray you heartily excuse . But there the fidler found an instrument , That makes him mirth & much mad meriment . 177. And now Musaeus playes his Minstrels prise , the perfect of the more his moode he made : Bearing what should be hidden , and his eyes prie wher he thinks most descant might be had Straining beyond Ela , Venus to glad . And this he found , that musick pleaseth best , Whose moode by prick , in circle is exprest . 179. But there I know not how he playd or prickt ▪ but sure it is , and certaine too , that she Forthwith vpon a sudden flung and kickt , and cryed out , the Bee , the Bee , the Bee : Help fidler , for the Bumble hath stung me . Then quoth Musaeus all our quarels ends , And let vs kis good madam , and be friends . 180. I was the Bee that bit the Marygold , I was ( oh faire Cytherian Queene ) that Bee , Yea that same bumble thou didst plague of old when thou bad shoot , & Cupid shot at mee , Now haue I hit the marke and shot at thee . The scantlin won , the winners must cry whup , The goale is got , and now the game is vp . 181. With that the Queene she fals into a lafter , and scarcely would beleeue this Riddeller : But in the end as you shall here hereafter , She knew that it was he that shot at her : And out of all her doubt did remoue her . Now was the morning , and the Sun it shone , And to the Bride and Bridesgroome are they gone . 182. The bridsgroome he lay lolling in his bed , and all his leaues he litherly displayes : The pretie Bride was combing of her head , to spred and open with the mornings raies , As is her maner and her vse alwaies . And from the arbors & the fresh green burrows Comes Venus & Musaeus , with good morrows . 183. Vnto the Bride Musaeus doth present himselfe , and Calthas commendations : With that sweet Nosegay which her sister sent , and many other gentle salutations , The which he greeteth her with gratulations : And Primula she takes the Tutty there , And sticks it on her yealow golden hayre . 184. And makes an other prety nosegay too , and binds her double Dasies altogither : And Musaeus must vnto Caltha go , and in a water pot ( least that they wither ) To Ephesus must carry those same thither : And bring her newes from Nycol town I say , Of her faire sister , Lady Primula . 185. And Venus takes a Iewel from her hat , which was a yealow golden Cockle shell : And Musaeus must giue faire Caltha that , and say , the Lady Venus loues her well : And more then that this traueller must tell . That if his garden she will once more take , She shall be welcome for the fidlers sake . 116. And now she goes vnto the Woodbine Tree , and breaks his branch , that long hath bin bee , And giues it vnto Musaeus , that he may giue it vnto Lady Calthas hand , To send her Manumissum to this land . And weare his branch about her , & in wearing , Wear out the bond from this his good abearing . 187. And thus the faire sweet Lady Primula , deuotes her selfe to Venus now from vs : And Caltha , with Diana gone away , the Bee reuengd in shape of Musaeus , The Bond he hopes to heare from Ephesus . All quarels ended , and we all cry truce , Vntill the fidler come to bring more newes .

FINIS .