Ludus scacchiæ: = chesse-play A game, both pleasant, wittie, and politicke: with certain briefe instructions therevnto belonging; translated out of the Italian into the English tongue. Containing also therein, a prety and pleasant poeme of a whole game played at chesse. Written by G.B.

Ludus Scacchiae : Chesse-play .

A Game , both pleasant , wittie , and politicke : with certain briefe instructions therevnto belonging ; Translated out of the Italian into the English tongue .

Containing also therein , A prety and pleasant Poeme of a whole Game played at Chesse .

Written by G. B.

Printed at London by H. Iackson , dwelling beneath the Conduite in Fleetstreet . 1597.

❧ To the Reader greeting .

STrange ( perchance ) may it seeme to some ( curtcous Reader ) that anie man should employ his time , and bestow his labor in setting out such bookes , whereby men may learne to play , when indeede most men are giuen rather to play , than to studie and trauell : which were true , if it were for the teaching of Games vnlawfull , as dice-play , or cogging , or falshoode in card-play , or such like . But forasmuch as this Game or kingly pastime , is not onely void of craft , fraud , and guile , swearing , staring , impatience , fretting and falling out , but also breedeth in the players , a certaine study , wit , pollicie , forecast and memorie , not onely in the play thereof , but also in actions of publike gouernement , both in peace and warre : wherein both Counsellers at home , and Captaines abroade may picke out of these wodden peeces some pretty pollicy , both how to gouerne their subiects in peace , and howe to leade or conduct liuely men in the field in warre : for this Game hath the similitude of a ranged battell , as by placing the men , and setting them forth in the march , may very easily appeare . The King standeth in the field in the middest of his Army , and hath his Queene next vnto him and his nobilitie about him , with his souldiers to defend him in the forefront of the battell . Sith therefore this Game is pleasant to all , profitable to most , hurtfull to none , I pray thee ( gentle Reader ) take this my Labour in good part , and thou shalt animate me hereafter to the setting forth of deeper matters . Farewell .

Thy friend G. B.

❧ The Chesse-play .

THe first principle is to know the peeces , to wit , the names , the number , and the seate of euery one . As for the fashion of the peeces , that is according to the fantasie of the workman that makes them after this maner : Some make them like men , wherof the King is the highest , and the Queene ( which some name Amazon ) is the next , both twoo crowned . The Bishops some name Alphius , some Fooles , some Archers , being placed next to the King and the Queene . The Knights some call horsemen , and they are men on horsebacke . The Rookes some call Elephants , carrying Towers vpon their backes , and men within the towers . The Pawnes some doe call footemen , and they are souldiours on foote , carrying ( some of them ) pikes , and othersome harquebushes , othersome halberdes , and othersome the iaueline or target . Our English Chessemen are commonly made nothing like to these foresaide fashions : to wit , the King is made the highest or longest : the Queen is longest next vnto him . The Bishop is made with a sharp top , and clouen in the mids , not much vnlike to a Bishops Miter . The Knight hath his top cut aslope , as though he were dubbed Knight . The Rooke is made likest to the King and Queene , but that he is not so long . The Pawnes be made the smalest and least of all , and thereby they may best be knowen . This haue I added hereunto ( good Reader ) for the better vnderstanding and knowing of the saide Chesse men .

I will not therfore now figurate them , but only in speaking of euery place particularly I will name them according to the most frequent phrase in the English tongue : To wit , the King ( being the head of the play ) I will name King . The Queene ( being the best peece in the Game ) I will name Queene . The Bishoppes next vnto the King and Queene , I will name Bishops . The Knights being next vnto the Bishops I will name Knights . The Rookes being next vnto the Knights , and standing in the two corners , I will call Rookes. The Pawnes ( standing in a rowe before them all ) I will call Pawnes .

Of the Rooke or Towre .

The Tower is named among the Spaniardes , Portingales ; and Italians , Rocho , which is as much to say in their language as a fortresse , because it is a great vpholding to the game . Also the Towers are set in the vttermost ends of the Chesse boord , as a strong rampire in the front . Their office is not to remooue , but in necessitie , and most chiefly for the succour of their King .

Of the Knight or Horsman .

The Horseman is also named , as representing a man of Armes , which fighteth on horsebacke , and his seate is next vnto the Tower , from whence hee must come into battell , and place himselfe where hee may most offend , for there is no peece in the Chesse boord that more readily may do hurt then he , because of his marching forth , which is made from three into three places : to wit , from white to blacke , and from blacke into white , and ceaseth not to make his assault or his leape , although he be inuironed ; prouided that hee haue roome to place himselfe in .

Of the Bishop or Archer .

In ancient time , the Frenchmen named him Foole , which seemeth to me an vnproper name . The Spaniards named him Prince with some reason : for ( as Prince of the blood ) hee is nearer vnto the King and the Queene then any other of the Chesse men . And some name him Archer , because his draughts drawe alwayes aside , and neuer forth-right : as it is the office of a good Archer or harquebusier in warre , which neuer planteth himselfe right against his enemie , but in skirmishing or in plain fight , make semblance to shoot at one , and hit another , not remaining long in place .

Of the King .

The King is the head of the conduct , according to the Spaniards , he hath liberty to assault three roomes or steppes , as he listeth : yea he may make the assault of the Knight , so that he haue not the way , but it must be then , whilest he is yet in his lodging , and that he is not remooued , otherwise hee can make no more but one step . Although in Italy the King ( if he haue the way open ) may run al the length of the Chesseboord , or may remooue a Pawne to set himselfe in his place . And in France , they cause him to make two steppes along his front : prouided , that there be no peeces betweene him and the Rooke , and set the Rooke in the place of the King . Behold here his marching and his liberty , prouided , that he haue had no checke . And to say the trueth , the King was played no otherwise in the antient time , but after the maner of the Frenchmen : yea the most part of the Spaniardes and Portingales ( who are counted the best players ) did play it so .

Of the Queene or Amazon .

Some name her Queene , othersome Lady , and it is the best peece in the Chesse boord . hir lodging is next vnto the Kings , & hath as great a traine as the King . Briefly , she representeth a Kings Lieutenant in an army : she doth ( when she will ) the office of the Rooks , and also of the Bishops . And because the first women that vsed to go to the warres were the Amazons , therefore some name her Amazon white , and Amazon blacke . But aboue all , the players ought to keepe her well , because that the game is seldome wonne , after that she is once lost .

Of the Pawne or footeman .

The footman is the rapier and the target , as it were of the great Chesse men , and the Kings especially for this cause , that when he can proceede so well in warre as to arriue at the last ranke of his enemies , he is chosen and made the best peece of the play , to wit , hee is the Queene . And if in making himselfe Queene , he can giue checke , he is so much the more to be esteemed . The marching foorth of the Pawne , for the first time is to make two steppes , if he will , or one onely , if he list , marching alwayes right before him , and not aside . And the best Pawnes are next vnto the King . Therefore when checke is giuen to the King , the Pawne cannot passe the barres of his way , for to succour him : that is , if checke be giuen to the King , the Pawne cannot march aside , be it on the left , or on the right , for to couer his King : for his way is beset on both sides , and cannot go but right forth , and alwaies step by step : prouided , that his way be not stopped . It is true , that in taking he marcheth awry one onely step , of what side soeuer it be , and can not take that which is right against him . It shall be also best for the Pawne , not to aduaunce himselfe much within the campe of his enemy .

TheCheckerorChesseboorde,whereonareplacedthepeeces,eueryoneinhisorder. The blacke side . QR QKn QB Q K KB KKn KR P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P QR QKn QB Q K KB KKn KR The white side .

Beholde here the forme of the Checker or Chesseboorde , and how the Chessemen ought to be placed in euery house whereof there are in all , threescore and foure : to wit , thirty two on either side or halfe , wherof the eight vppermore opposites ( or one against another ) are full of principall peeces on both sides . The other eight also next them on both sides , are full of Pawnes . So that there are thirty two peeces , which is to each player sixteene , whereof there be eight great ones and eight little . The roomes where euery one of them are set , I will name seates : the other which bee empty , I will name places or houses . Thorowe the which ( as well seates as places ) the great Chesse men and small do runne in their order , forward or backeward , to giue the mate to the contrary King . And to tell you , why there be so many houses , and why neyther more nor lesse , it passeth my intelligence : and I thinke there will be found no other resolution , but the wil of him that made the play , whom the best Historiens record to be Exerses the philosopher , otherwise called Philometer , who to reproue the tiranny & bad maners of Euilmerodach K. of Babylon , first deuised this game . Some say , the inuenters therof , were two brethren Libius and Terrhenus , who being afflicted with great hunger and famine , did inuent this play , to the end , that in playing it , they might imploy their spirites so vehemently , that they might the more easily passe ouer the affliction of famine . But whosoeuer it was , no doubt the inuention and wittinesse thereof is greatly to be commended and followed .

Certaine generall rules chiefly to be vsed in the Chesse play .

First , you must play nocast or draught in vaine , if it be not vpon great necessitie .

Secondly , You must not make a fault .

Thirdly , You must not be too hastie to play .

Fourthly , If you haue a good draught to make , looke if you haue not a better .

Fiftly , If you haue aduantage , you may wel make a change , and yet not loose it .

Sixtly , If you haue aduantage , wherewith you may win the game , take heede that you spoile not your game , nor to abandon your King to win onelie a Pawne .

Seuenthly , the principall thing is , to set your king in a sure place , when he marcheth forth .

Eightly , The two Pawnes which be on that side where the King is transported , must not be remoued but in great necessitie : for that , oftentimes the game is lost by remoouing the Rookes Pawne or Knights Pawne one roume , because that there the contrarie King findeth the way of the mate .

Ninthly , Then you must goe abroad with your peeces , and not keep them inclosed at home .

Lastly , it is good , that the twoo Pawnes of the King and the Queene , be vpon their fourth houses , and also those of the Bishops .

It is to be noted for the well vnderstanding of the marching forth of the Chesse men , that the Chesse-boord ought to be set in such sort , that the Rooke on the right side bee sette in a white place , and take the Chesse men which you will white or blacke . Further you must knowe the names of the peeces and of the places : for the Chesse men that are on the kings side , be named the Kings Chesse men , and likewise the kings houses vnto the middest of the Chesse boorde . And from thence forward are the contrary kings houses . As for example : The Pawne which is before thy king , is in the second house of thy king . And if thou remoue him one step , he shall be in the third , or if he go further , in the fourth house of the king : But afterwardes and if he doe goe further yet , hee shall be in the fourth house of the King of the contrarie parte . And so of all the other Chesse men on that side . The other side is that of the Queene , as well in Chesse men , as in houses , therefore for this cause is it needefull to haue before you a Chesse boorde with the Chesse men , for to see with your eyes the Arte which briefly shall be declared in this Treatise . And so , after presupposing the game , you may beginne after two sortes to play it as foloweth .

The first maner of playing .

The first manner is to beginne with the Kings Pawne : and the second is to begin with the Queens Pawne . The first ( according to my iudgement ) is the best : that is to wit , to beginne with the Kings Pawne as farre as he may goe . And if the contrarie party play the kings Pawne as farre as he may , thou shalt play thy Kings knight to three houses , from the kings bishop . And if he play his kings knight to three houses from the kings bishop thou shalt take with thy knight his kings pawne , and if hee take also thy pawne with his knight , play thy Queene before thy king .

And if he retire his knight into the third house of his kings bishop , thou shalt giue him check with thy Queene , in turning her away from thy knight , the which thou shalt remooue into the third house of his Queenes bishop . And then hee can not play so well , but that he shall loose his Queene .

And if hee remooue not his knight , but play his Queene before his king , thou shalt take his knight with thy Queene : then hee will play his Queenes pawne one roume against thy knight , to the end that if thou remooue it from thence , hee may take thy Queene . Therefore thou shalt play thy Queenes Pawne as farre as he may go , and if he play the pawne of his kings bishoppe one steppe , thou shalt play the pawne of thy kings bishop as farre as he may go , and if he take thy knight with his Queenes pawne , thou shalt take his pawne , with that of thine , and if he play his other knight to the second house of his Queene , thou shalt remooue thine to the third house of thy Queenes bishop , by that meanes thy Queene shal remaine safe .

And if the pawne of his kings bishop do take thy pawne , thou shalt play thy knight to the fourth place of his queene , to take her , but if he set her in her third house , then shalt thou take his pawne with thine .

And if he take thy pawne with his knight , thou shalt set thy queens bishop in the fourth house of thy kings bishop , and so of force he shall lose his knight : but if he take not thy pawne with his knight , hee is like to leese his owne .

If in steed of taking thy pawne with his knight he take it with his queen , thou shalt take his with thine , which after shall bee taken with his knight . This done , thou shalt giue him checke with thy knight , in taking the pawne of his queenes bishop , and he shall be forced to loose his queenes rooke .

And if hee take not thy pawne , but ( to saue his queene ) placeth her in the third house of his queenes bishop , thou shalt play thy kings bishop , to the fourth house of his queenes knight for to take her , and if insteede of taking her , she take thy bishop , thou shalt giue him check with thy knight in taking the pawne of his queens bishop , then shalt thou take his queene , for the gaine is much greater than of the rooke .

And if in steede of placing his queene in the third house of his bishop , he place her in the fourth , thou shalt set thy queens bishop in the third roome of thy King for to take her .

And if hee giue the checke with his queene in the fourth house of his rooke , thou shalt couer it with thy bishop , by which meanes hee can doe no more but remooue her into the third house of his bishop , and thou shalt play the pawne of thy queenes knight , as farre as he may goe , for to take his queene , then he shall be forced to set his queene in the third house of his bishop , and thou shalt play thy kings bishop into the fourth house of his Knight , to take his Queene , and if she take it , thou hast thy instruction in the last Article before . Then can he not play it well , for if it become to pillage or spoile of queenes , thou shalt haue still the aduantage of the checke of thy Knight for to take his rooke . So shall he be weaker both in small and great peeces , as shall be declared in the Article following .

And if hee set his queene in the third house of his King , thou shalt yet giue him checke with thy Knight , according to the last instruction . But if he set her in the third place of his Kings Knight ( which is the best that hee coulde play ) yee shall spoile together your Queenes , then shalt thou giue the checke with thy Knight , in taking the pawne of his queens bishop , to take his rooke .

The second maner of playing it .

The second manner of play , is to beginne with the Queenes pawne . If therefore thou beginne , thou shalt remooue thy Queenes pawne , as farre as he may goe , and if hee play his as farre as hee may , thou shalt play the pawne of thy queenes bishop as farre as he may goe : and if he take it , play thy Kings pawne as farre as hee may goe : he then will play the pawne of his queenes Knight , as farre as hee may to saue his other pawne , and thou shalt play the pawne of thy Queenes Rooke two steppes : and if he take it with his pawne , thou shalt take his other pawne with thy Kings bishop , then must hee of force take that Knights pawne , in playing thy Queenes knight into the third house of thy bishop , on that side : for thou shalt haue three peeces all prepared to his destruction .

But if he take not thy rookes Pawne , but play the Pawne of his Queenes bishop , thou shalt take his pawne with that of thy rooke , and he will take thine with that of his bishop . Then play the Pawne of thy Queenes knight , and if hee take it , thou shalt take with thy kings bishop his knights Pawne , and shalt say checke , which hee will couer with his queenes bishop , and with thy queene thou shalt take his other Pawne . And if he take thy bishop with his , thou shalt take his with thy queene , and shalt say checke , and if he couer it with his queene , it will be no great daunger to spoile them both together , because the pawne of his queenes rooke , being without company , shal leese himselfe of force , if thou prepare thither thy Knight or thy bishop .

But if with his bishop he take not thine , but play his queenes Knight to the third house of his bishop , to take thy queens pawne , thou shalt play thy queens bishop to the third house of the King : and if hee play his queenes Rooke in the seate of the Knight , then remooue thy queene ( out of the discouerie ) to the fourth house of thy queenes Rooke , and if he set his Queene in the third house of his Knight , thou shalt remooue thy Queenes Knight to the third house of the bishop .

This done , thy bishop shall kill his Knight , and his Queene shall put to death thy Bishop , then thy Queene shall take his Rookes pawne who will set himselfe out of the way for feare of feeling the heauy strokes of thy queene . And in so doing suffereth his King to fall into checke , and yet for some other considerations , thou shalt remoue thy Kings Knight into the second house of thy King , then shalt thou serue thee of the rookes in loosing the one , to winne the other , and in so doing thou shalt not faile to win the game .

THus hast thou here ( gentle Reader ) for thy better instruction a few short precepts , onely for a taste , because I would not haue thee ingorged at the first , lest thou feeling thy selfe cloyed with the tediousnesse of the precepts in prose thou mightest also loathe the folowing verses which I haue written for thy more delight , of a whole game played out at Chesse . And thus briefly I bid thee farewell , til better opportunitie shall cause me to set it downe heereafter more at large .

Finis G. B.

SCACCHIA LVDVS : Chesse Play . FOnd shapes of warre and fained fight , loe ( heere ) Wee doo report : Wee tell of Souldiers framde of Box , and Battailes fought in sport . How boxen Princes striue for praise , in colours blacke and white : And how in partie coloured Armes each one with other fight . Ayd mee ye sweet Sereian Nymphes ( by arte of learned Lore ) To speake of that , which Poets Pen did neuer touch before . Hard is the way , yet will I proue , as Furie doth me lead , In heate of youth , to trace the path that neuer none did tread . Yee sacred Nymphes and Goddesses that in Sereia dwell , Vouchsafe to guide my artlesse Pen , This fained Fight to tell . You first of all did bring this Play vpon th' Italian Shore , Scacchis your Sisters Monument , found out in yeres of yore . A time there was when Iupiter ( as Poets tell vs plaine ) Arriu'd on th' Ethiopian shore where Memnon prince did raigne , To visite olde Oceanus , and taste of his good cheere , Who then was ioynde in marriage to Tellus faire and cleare . Thither the Gods did all repaire , to see olde Oceans choice , The waues that beat vpon the shore did seeme for to reioyce . Here Mercury Ioues messenger did first himselfe aduance . Then Phoebus with his golden harpes , that Muses taught to dance , Thither the Sea-god Neptune went with his three forked mace , Whose chariot two mighty Whales did draw vnto the place : On him the Tritons all did waite , and Sea-Nymphs on a row : Thetis and Glaucus on the shore their watry cheekes did show . Then mighty Mars the God of warre a castle great did holde , Carried vpon an Elephant all couered with gold . Next after him comes Venus faire set out vnto the proofe . Vulcan with hammer in his hand comes limping on aloofe . Here Ceres was , and Pallas wise renowmed for her wit : Both Pluto and Proserpina did here together sit . Ioues wife and sister Iuno faire was present at the feast : Himen the God of marriage was there among the rest . The Muses nine and Graces three were likewise there in place , With pleasant voyce and nimble feete the Measures for to trace : First Iupiter , then all the rest of hie gods that were there , Each one in his degree sits downe to taste of Oceans cheare : There wants no kinde of dainty meates that land or sea imparts , Here Nectar and Ambrosia did comfort all their harts . No kinde of musike there did want to make them merriments . For Phoebe himselfe and Mercurie did vse their instruments : When all the Gods and Goddesses that sate at wedding boord , Were well refreshed with such fare as Tellus could affoord . Behold aged Oceanus , to please the Gods withall , Did cause a Chesse boorde be brought out that hangd vpon a wall : Wherein were threescore seates and foure set downe in blacke and white , Foure square the boord , and euery way eight rankes appearde in sight . Each seate had equall forme and shape , each seate had equall space , And yet in colour different , which quite contrary was . For as the white succeedes the blacke , so blacke succeedes the white , Which parti-coloured , like a snaile appeered to their sight . When gods did wonder at the thing , olde Ocean gan declare , Here may you see the field , quoth he , and forged tents of warre : Here with their ensignes opposite , and here with speare and shield You may behold the souldiers fight and muster in the field . Which sight the Sea-gods loue to see , and Sea-nymphs on a row , When neither Neptune seemes to rage , nor Eolus to blow . And here beholde the souldiers prest this fained fight to show . Which said , out of a box of woode he powres vpon the bord , His men of Boxe , such as the Art of Grauers could afford . These souldiers were in white and blacke , whose equall force in fight And number was sixteene in blacke , and sixteeene more in white . As shapes were diuers , so their names and office diuerse were , For mong the rest , two crowned Kings and Queenes there did appeare . Here footemen were and horsemen both , archers some white , some blacke : Here Elephants that vse to beare a Castle on their backe , Now one against another place their battels in the field : And armies both in battell ray aduaunce both speare and shield . The highest line containes the Kings , in fourth seate opposite , The white King standeth in the blacke , the blacke stands in the white . Next are the Queenes , which by their Kings full louingly do stand : And this vpon the right side sittes that on the other hand , Blacke Queene the blacke field doth containe , the white Queene stands in white , And in their roomes , their colours both they doe maintaine by right . Next them in either field doe stand the Archers blacke and white : Who Mars doth loue aboue the rest , as fittest for the fight Betweene them twaine both King and Queene in middle part do stand , Then come the braue and lusty Knights their footemen to withstand . Next them are plac'd the Elephants , with Castles on their backe : Which stand like Champions to defend the Kings both white and blacke . Last ranke conteineth Foot-men eight , well armde with sword and shield : Who in their Kings defence doo fight the first stroke in the field . One side much like the white-facde Galles , thus standing in aray , To fight against the Blackamoores , old Ocean thus gan say : Ye see , great Gods , the pitched Campe , and Souldiers of the Band. Now learne their Lawes ( for Lawes they haue ) which they must not withstand . First either King doth send abroad the Battaile to begin , Whom they shall thinke the fittest man , the Game or Field to win . If first a Souldier blacke doo moue to fight in Field alone , Then straight doth meete him one in white : thus fight they one by one . But all of them one purpose haue , both Princes to offend , Or els to take them prisoners : and thus the Fight doth end . They spare not one , but murder all that in their way doo stand , That they might sooner checke the Prince when he is badly mand . By dint of sword dead carkases lye murdred on the Plaine , The Campes wex thin , and as they slay , so likewise are they slaine . Who anie kills , must straightway stand within his dead foes place , And stoutly must both beard and braue , his foemen to the face . If he be out of Enemies reach , and voyd the present blow , Backward he may retire againe , and saue himselfe below . The Footmen onely are forbode by law , among the rest , Not to retyre within the Field , because their losse is least . Nor is their Marching all alike , nor order of their fight : The fighting Pawnes goe step by step against their Enemies right . Yet at first meeting may they make two steps their force to trie : But when they doo assaile the Foe , then must they goe awrie . The Elephants right on may goe , on right or on left hand , Or backe againe , to murder those , that in their way doo stand . Yet must they not goe ouerthwart , their foe-mans force to proue , As Archers vsen for to doo , whom Mars doth chiefly loue . Both Archers may march ouerthwart , one standeth in the blacke , In white space th' other seated is with arrowes at his backe . Nor must they change their wonted course , though they by law may moue And range abroad ore all the field , and euerie seate to proue . The horsman Knight rides through the Campe with soft and equall pace , He leapes aloft , yet may not passe aboue a double space . If first in white he takes his place , the blacke field must he range : And must by law keepe equall steps , but colour still must change . The lustie Queene , rightside or left , forward or backe may goe ▪ Right on she goes , not ouerthwart , as horsmen vse to doe . No certaine steps or course she hath , but goes without all stay : Except that some of either side doo stand within her way . For by the orders of the Field it lawfull is for none To ouer-leap anothers backe , but for the Knight alone . More warily the Prince doth fight on whom the rest depends ▪ He being safe , the Battaile holds , he dead , the Battaile ends . If Prince be taken prisoner , then straight the Field is lost : Therefore in his defence they stand , and him they honour most . Their Prince to saue , to dint of sword their bodies oft they yeeld : He hauing no desire to fight , stands quiet in the Field . He onely seekes his owne defence , not others to offend , But if they come within his reach , a blow he will them lend . The Prince may hurt on euerie side , yet farre he may not passe : For when he once remoued is , and changed hath his place , Whether he checked be himselfe , or wound his deadly foe , Or wander harmlesse in the Field , but one step must he goe . This is the order of the Field , these Lawes they haue in Fight : Now may you see the Armies both , how they will vse their might . Thus said good old Oceanus . But seeing oftentimes , When Men or Gods together fight for iniuries or crimes . It so falls out that Gods or Men , that fauour either side , Doo fall at oddes among themselues , till that the Field be tride . Ioue rising from his princely Seate , and Chaire of high Estate , Forbids the Gods to vse their armes , or foster anie hate . And threatens them with angrie words , and with his thundring Dart , That all the Gods them quiet keepe , and fauour neither part . This said , he calls Apollo foorth , and Mercurie in place , Old Atlas Sonne , both yong in yeres , and beautifull in face . Old Atlas Nephew Mercury yet had no wings at all Vpon his heeles , nor charming Rod , which Caducee men call . Nor yet did faire Apollo rule the Sunne within the skyes : His Bow he vsde , his golden Haire did hang about his eyes . Then Loue commaunds to fight the Field , as Battaile stood prepar'd . And promised the Conqueror to haue a iust reward . The great Gods sit , the lesser Gods stand round as in a Ring : Forbode by law in word or signe to further either King . Then lots were cast , which of the twaine should first begin the Fight : The lot vpon Apollo fell ▪ which chosen had the white . Then musing where to gin the Game , that Pawne he first did moue Which from the Foe deuides the Queene , the blacke Mens force to proue : Two steps he goes , then Mercury remooues out of his place A pawne that stood iust opposite , to beard him face to face . Thus stand these two in Battaile front , offring to fight in vaine . For Pawnes their foemen cannot hurt , if they goe right on plaine . On either side their fellow Pawnes , march on to meet their foes , And fill the Field with armed men , thus on the Battaile goes . And yet they came not to hand blowes , but march like , Men at Armes : And make but short excursions , to keepe themselues from harmes . But now behold , the foot , man blacke , that first did meet his foe : On left hand stroke his enemie , and kild him with the blow . And boldly stands with in his roome , but did not see , alas , His foe at hand , who with one stroke did kill him in that place . Which done , the blacke Prince then remooues from place where he did stand , And kept himselfe inuironed with all his Princely Band. Then sodenly , the warlike Knights that on the left hand stood , Did rouse themselues , and bathe their swords in slaughtred foemens blood . Meane time the Paunes goe still to wracke , for backe they cannot goe : The Horsmen vaunt it in the Field , and still offend their foe . But whiles Apollo seekes the spoyle of Pawnes that armed stand , And makes his Knight runne ouer all , to wast the blacker Band : False Mercuri : doth goe about by subtiltie and sleight , To daunt his foe , and makes his Knight runne ouer foot-men streight , Who seeking to intrap the King , now here , now there doth range , And ouer-runnes his enemies , and still his place doth change . But hauing found a place most fit , he stands as in a Ring , And seekes by all meanes possible to counterchecke the King . And therewithall sets on the Rooke , which on the right Wing stands : While Phoebus seekes to aid the King , and rid him from his hands . He sees the Rooke in danger great , which makes him for to raue : Sith one of them he needes must lose , for both he can not saue . He therefore seekes to saue the King remoouing him a space : Meane time the blacke Knight takes the ranke , and standeth in his place . Great losse ( alas ) for none there is ( the prowd Queene set apart ) That in the field doth better good , or vseth greater Arte. Thou shalt not vnreuenged goe quoth Phoebus , full ofire , And with his Pawnes doth compasse him , which makes him to retire , And quake for feare , for danger great his soule doth vndertake , While that he sees no hope of helpe , nor any way to scape ▪ For on that side the armed campe , on this , the Queene did stand , All armed like an Amazon , and slew him with her hand . The army white beginnes to rage much like a furious Bull , Who hauing lost one horne in fight , yet beates his horned scull , Against his raging ennemy , begored all in blood : So they inforst , with greater force their furious foes withstoode . But Phoebus on the other side beganne to rage amaine : And bends his forces to his foes , to put them to more paine : But while he seekes to spoile his foes , two companies he lost ▪ The slaughter of his enemies full deare his army cost ▪ False Mercury doth looke about , but stayes his hand from stroke , And now he ventures here , now there his foemen to prouoke , And that the Queene he might surprize , a Pawne he doth present , Which nathelesse the suttle God doth seeme for to repent . The Archer then for right side seekes the white Queene to intangle , Which heedelesse foe , not marking , thrust a Pawne in left side angle When Venus faire foresaw the losse that thereby should ensue , She warning gaue to Phoebus milde , by signes and tokens true . Apollo thus admonished did cast his eyes about , And viewd the campe , and sodainely he spied among the rout , One of his foes that ready was to swallow vp the Pawne , And checke the Queene , he with his hand did pull him in againe . And thus he both did saue the Pawne , and rid the Queene from thrall , Which else had brought destruction to King and army all . Then Mercury began to chafe , and chide Latonaes sonne : Affirming that the Queene was tane , and that the game was wonne . The Gods themselues beginne to iarre , and speake on either part . Then Phoebus answers for himselfe , and vseth all his Art . What wrong ( quoth he ) is offered , if playing such a game , We mend a sodaine ouersight , what law forbids the same ? Then make a lawe , that whoso touch a man , or white or blacke , That forward he do play the same , and not to pull him backe . This sentence pleased all the Gods , yet with a secret becke , Ioue Venus chid , but Mercury did not perceiue the checke . But yet it greeu'd him to the hart , that Phoebus vsde such play , And ready was Chesse boord , and all the men to cast away . Then did he purpose with himselfe to vse some cunning sleight : If not by force to quell his foe , to foile him by deceit . Then doth he make the Archer faine the paces of the Knight : He standing foorth doth threaten death vnto the Queene in white . When Phoebus did perceiue his drift , he smiling turn'd his face To all the Gods , and vide these wordes ▪ in Mercuries disgrace . Though thou be suttle Mercurie , and vse to filch thy pray , Yet shalt thou not deceiue me so , and therefore mend thy play . The lookers on beganne to laugh , then Mercury , though loath , Pulld backe his man , and made him goe euen as the Archer doth . Apollo then beganne to watch , and marke the suttle sleights That Mercury did vse in play , and gan to shunne his baites . And now beholde the Archer white against the Knight in blacke Opposde himselfe , who went about to spoile the Queene , alacke . The right hand Rooke goes here and there ▪ and glisters in white armes And in the middst gainst King and Queene he threatens mighty harmes . The Knight likewise armed in white as prowde of former spoile , Beganne to glory in his actes , not fearing any foile . The Archer blacke seeing his pride no longer could abide , But bent his bowe , and shot his shaft , and pierst him in the side . There lies he tumbling in the dust , both horseman , horse , and all : Then steppeth forth a Pawne in white , and killes the Archer tall : Him killes another Pawne in blacke , the battell waxeth hot : The Rookes doe rage , and euery man doth stand vnto his lot . The Archers shoote their arrowes thicke , the horseman or the Knight Beginne to rage and range the fielde , in colours blacke and white ▪ Headlong they runne and rush in armes , both armies blacke and white , The captaines and the souldiers stout , pel mel in fury fight . Now this side gets the vpper hand , now that doth seeme to yeelde : Vertue and Fortune meete in one , and striue to winne the field . The white Queene like an Amazon , doth fight with furious hand , And going forward killes a Rooke that in her way did stand : Retiring backe vnto her place the Bishop blacke she foiles , And raging thus on euery side her enemies she spoiles : Much like a raging Lionesse the furious Queene doth stampe , On euery side she sleys her foes , and spoiles her enemies campe . At length the army all in blacke , and blacke Prince gan to quaile , And of his blacke Queene aide he craues his foemen to assaile ▪ Who layes about as she were mad , and rageth here and there , And helpes her friends , and hurtes her foes , and puts them all in feare . The Pawnes are slaine on euery side , the Archers goe to wracke , And there lay weltring in their blood the horsemen white and blacke ▪ For both the Queenes like Amazons do either strike amaine , Not meaning to forsake the Field till one of them be slaine . Meane time the rulers of the hoste did keepe the bodies slaine , And watch the captiue prisoners lest they should fight againe . But Mars a friend to Mercury , standing by Phoebus side , Did seeke by all meanes possible to help his friend that tide . And from the heape of dead men slaine , blacke Rooke and Pawne he takes , And put them in the campe againe , which a fresh battell makes . Thus secretly the prisoners , that lately gan to yeeld , Did stowtly fight , and vsed now their weapons in the field . But Iunos sonne lame Mulciber who onely spide the act , Cries out aloude ▪ and Phoebus warnes of this vnlawfull fact . The Thracian Knight Don Mercury thus taken , wexed pale , Phoebus began to fret and fume till Ioue had heard his tale , Then Iupiter angry with Mars , did Mercury checke plaine , Commaunding him to throw them out where they at first lay slaine : And bids him cast those men away that Mars had giuen of late , And causeth them to bring their game vnto the former state . Both captaines now began to rage , and furiously to stampe . And both their Queenes they send abroad , to spoile each others campe . Their blades are both imbrewd in blood , whiles here and there they fling , At last placed iust opposite , both seeke to saue their King . But whiles blacke Queene lesse for her selfe than for her husband cares , Behold the white Queene sodainly did kill her vnawares . But not long time the Queene , alas , enioyde the victory : For Bishop shot a deadly shaft , and slew her presently . Both armies now beganne to faile , the souldiers wept , alas , When either side saw both their Quee● ▪ lie slaine before their face . Then gan they for to guarde their King , and stand about them round , Both armies now beganne to feare each souldier had his wound . Yet were they not quite voyde of force , some helpes were yet behinde , Which liu'de as yet to trie the field , as Fortune had assignde . Phoebus had yet three footemen left , which stoode on the right wing , One Bishop and a Rooke beside for to defend his King . So many Pawnes had Mercurie one Bishop and a Knight , For both his Rookes and all the rest were slaine in former fight . Then Mercurie gan to dispaire , for losse of men at armes : Yet warily gainst Phoebus fought for feare of future harmes . And seekes by all meanes possible , his foemen to offend , And bide the fortune of the field , hoping a better end : Apollo then triumphantly did march within the field , Reioycing in the bloody spoiles of those whom he had killd Both Princes spoyled of their Queenes , though former loue remaines : Yet seeke they now new mariages to ease their former paines . Therefore the white King first of all , of wayting Maids I weene , Doth seeke to chuse a second wife , and make of her a Queene . But first he meanes to trie their force and courage in the Field : And plant his loue on one that makes her Enemies to yeeld . For none the Princes loue may gaine , except with courage bold ▪ She harmlesse passeth to the place which aduerse King doth hold . Straight on doo go the wayting Maids , yet one among the rest , That on right hand the third place held , in swiftnes was the best : And hopes by valor to obtaine the marriage of the King , For th' other twaine were cast behinde , and thought of no such thing . She marcheth on with courage bold the foe-man King to greete : For due reward , and hope of fame , gaue wings vnto her feete . The blacke Prince likewise doth attempt a second marriage : Which causeth Mercury to step all forward in a rage . Moouing a Pawne from left hand side , which on the fourth ranke stood , But by a step he was too slow , which made him mad and wood . But now behold the Pawne in white , on top of Fortunes Ball : Racing the Campe , did there possesse the highest place of all . This done , the King adorned her with dead Queenes braue attire : And takes her to his louing wife , which was her whole desire . Now gan the white Campe to reioyce , and blacke men gan to frowne : And Mercury began to weepe , till teares did runne adowne . The blacke Pawne now from highest place , one onely step did lacke , But Rooke in white was readie prest ▪ to haue her by the backe . So that for feare she durst not stirre from place wherein she stood , Least that her deadly Enemie should triumph in her blood . Meane time the stately new made Queene her force in Battaile tride , And raging so , she slew her foes that stood on either side . The blacke Campe at her verie sight , began for feare to tremble : For Thestilis the Amazon in Field she did resemble . The Souldiers gan to runne away , afraid of euerie thing : And running all vpon a heape , inuironed their King . Much like a Heard of Oxen faire or Heyfers on the Plaine ▪ When as they see the Wolfe approach , their legges begin to straine , And stand about the master Bull , all round as in a Ring : Euen so these seely fearfull Swaines , stood round about their King . But furious Queene , as Conqueror ▪ ranne vp and downe the Field , And sets vpon the King himselfe , which now began to yeeld . And had she not too hastie been in running of her race , No doubt she might haue tane the King , or slaine him in his place . That day had brought a fatall end to blacke Prince at a blow ▪ And Mercury Ioues Messenger , had had an ouerthrow . But Atlas Sonne did well perceaue Apolloes ouer-sight : And mocked him , and bade the Queene looke better to her fight . Thus while Apollo went about a silly Pawne to catch , He lost that oportunitie which he before did watch . And Mercury , to saue the King , his Knight he did oppose To fight against the new made Queene , and to defend her blowes . Then seeking to offend the Rooke that staid the Pawne in blacke From being Queene : he drawes a shaft , and shootes him in the backe . Thus while Apollo sought in vaine his foe King to offend , His lustie Rooke he lost , alas , and brought him to his end . The blacke Pawne then without all feare in highest place was seene : Nor could Apollo hinder her from being made a Queene . Now both of them with equall force did fight within the Field . And valiantly their new made Queenes , did vse both speare and shield . And though the fortune of the Fight , and hope vncertaine was , Yet Mercvry began to vaunt , and take new hart at grasse . As certaine of the victorie , he gan for to insult : And vseth all his subtilties to make a new tumult . When Phoebus did perceiue his drift , these words he vsed hot : Why Mercury doost thy triumph , before the Field be got . When thou hast gotten victorie , then vse thy brauing words : Meane time let vs not braggarts bee , but fight it out with swords . Thy words I will confute with swords , thy braues with future blowes : This said , he animates his Queene , to set vpon his foes . Straight-waies begins a Battaile great and furious in the Field : Both sides are bold , and neither part is purposed to yeeld . They runne vpon their foemens blades , great feare is in the Campe , Their hands imbrude in blood , their feete through thicke and thin doo stampe . The blacke Queene now begins to spoyle her foes before her face . The Queene in white withstood her not , but runnes another race : Vntoucht of all her Enemies , a secret way she takes , Ceasing to fly at smaller game , toward the King she makes ▪ And setting first vpon the Guard that round about him stood , She seekes to checke the King , and bathe her hands within his blood . The blacke Queene then , when as she saw the white Queenes whole intent , Leauing the Battaile as it stood , to helpe the King she went . For rather doth she seeke to runne vpon her present death , Than see her King , before her face bereft of vitall breath . But then there chaunst another thing that grieued Phoebus sore : For Mercury sent out his Knight to vex him more and more . The Horsman furiously doth fight , nor stayes he in his race , Till fearing neither King nor Queene , he got his wished place . And brauing in his armour blacke , a stout Knight was he seene : And threateneth destruction both to the King and Queene : Which when Apollo did perceiue it grieu'd him verie sore , And now the hope began to faile which he conceiud before . Now Mercury began to vaunt of hoped victorie , And glad in minde , both hart and voyce did lift vnto the skie . And with his Souldiers compassing the white Queene round about , He strikes her dead , and doth enioy her spoyles with courage stout . In which Conflict by white Kings stroke he lost his valiant Knight : Phoebus ( though grieued at the losse ) yet fiercely held him Fight . And with his Bishop all in white and Pawnes that were but twaine He fights the Field , and doth renew the Battaile once againe . The lesser hope they haue of helpe , the boulder are they found : To saue their King , they yeeld themselues to manie a fearfull wound . But all in vaine : for Mercury gan furiously to fight , And sends abroad his Queene in blacke , to checke the King in white . She rangeth here and there about , not meaning once to yeeld , Till she hath got the victorie of white King in the Field . And hauing slaine the foot men both that on the King did tend , She sets vpon the King himselfe to bring him to his end . Now had the King no hope of helpe , but as a captiue stands : Yet loath he was to yeeld himselfe , into his Enemies hands . But meanes by flight to saue himselfe , and runs now here now there : And seekes by all meanes possible to rid himselfe from feare . As one forsaken of his frends he rangeth all about : His foes pursue him in the chase , and fight with courage stout . The blacke Prince doth pursue the white , and vseth all his strength , And euer kept behinde his foe about a weapons length . But when he see him set his foote vpon the highest seate : He bids his Queene to watch him well , that he away ne get . The King thus brought into a straight , beset of all his foes , Doth faintly fight : yet to their blowes himselfe he doth oppose . The blacke Queene watching well her time pursude the King so fast , That he no place of refuge had to saue himselfe at last . For as he ranne into a nooke himselfe for to defend , The blacke Queene pierst him to the heart , and so his life did end . The Gods and all the Goddesses that stoode them round about , At Phoebus losse and ouerthrow began to giue a shoute . And Mercury the conquerour thus hauing wonne the Field , Beganne to scoffe Apollo faire , who now of force must yeelde . Phoebus was greeu'd that all the Gods so ill did him regard : And Mercury Ioues messenger did looke for his rewarde . Whom mighty Ioue the king of Gods , doth call vnto him soone : And giues to him a iust rewarde , for that which he had done . The gift was strange , a coniuring rod , which Caducee men call , Whose vertue was of great effect to raise the dead withall . To cast a man into a sleepe , and wake him vp againe , To raise the soules from Limbo lake , and rid them from their paine : To make men liuing dead , and send their quicke soules downe to hell , Which caused him in Magickes Artes all other to excell . Nor wanted Phoebus his rewarde , though Mercury had wonne , For Ioue did giue him leaue to rule the Chariot of the Sunne . This done , the Gods and Goddesses that saw this pleasant game , Went euery one vnto the place from whence at first they came . And Mercury long afterward , in trauell , as I gesse , Did teach the men of Italie to play this game at Chesse . For landed on th' Italian shore , as ancient stories tell : He spied by chance a louely Dame , that likte him passing well , And seeing her , and liking her , he loued her withall : This was a braue Sereian Nymph , whome Scacchis men did call : Who while she kept her snowie swannes about the riuers wilde , He spyde , and lou'd and lay with her , and got the maid with childe . And to requite such curtesie shewd by so kinde a Dame : To driue away the time withall , he taught her first this game . And for the losse of libertie , and maidenhead withall : Of her name Scacchis Scacchia this play at Chesse did call . And that this God in memorie the Lasse might longer haue , A Boxen Chesse boord gilded round vnto the gerle he gaue , And taught her cunning in the same , to play the game by Arte. Which after to the country swaines this Lady did impart : Who taught their late posteritie to vse this kinde of play , A game of great antiquitie still vsed at this day . Finis W. B.

To the Reader . THus haue you here , as I do gesse , The order of the game at Chesse : With all the precepts lesse or more , As it was vsde in yeeres of yore : Which game the Gods did first inuent , To passe the time in merriment : And that we mortall men on earth Might imitate their heauenly mirth , And driue all sorrowes from the hart , Which now and then come ouerthwart , I thought it good to set downe plaine This Game , which Arcas did ordaine To be a solace to the Gods , When as their hearts were farre at ods . Wherein if you do take delight , And vse the same by day or night , To driue away your sorrowes past : I shall be pleased at the last , Requesting you with all my hart , To take my verses in good part ; And to remaine my louing friend , For this time thus I make an end .