Epigrammes and elegies by I.D. and C.M.

EPIGRAMMES and ELEGIES .

By I. D. and C. M.

At Middleborugh .

Epigrammata prima .

Ad Musam , FLie merry Muse vnto that merry towne , where thou mayst playes , reuels , and triumphes see The house of fame , & Theatre of renowne , Where all good wits & spirits loue to be . Fall in betwene their hands , that loue & praise thee and be to them a laughter and a iest : but as for them which scorning shall approue thee , Disdayne their wits , and thinke thyne owne the best . But if thou finde any so grose and dull , That thinke I do to priuat Taxing leane : Bid him go hang , for he is but a gull , And knowes not what an Epigramme does meane . Which Taxeth vnder a particular name , A generall vice which merits publique blame .

Of a Gull , 2 OFt in my laughing rimes , I name a gull , But this new terme will many questions breede Therefore at first I will expresse at full , Who is a true and perfect gull indeede . A gull is he , who feares a veluet gowne , and when a wench is braue , dares not speake to her : A gull is he which trauerseth the towne , and is for marriage knowne a common wooer . A gull is he , which while he prowdlie weares , a siluer hilted Rapier by his side : Indures the lyes , and knockes about the eares , Whilst in his sheath , his sleeping sword doth bide . A gull is he which weares good hansome cloathes , And standes in presence stroaking vp his hayre : and filles vp his vnperfect speech with othes . but speakes not one wise word throughout the yeere But to define a gull in termes precise , A gull is he which semes , and is not wise .

In Faustum 7 Faustus not lord , nor knight , nor wise , nor olde , To euery place about the towne doth ride , He rides into the fieldes , Playes to beholde , He rides to take boate at the water side , He rides to Powles , he rides to th' ordinarie , He rides vnto the house of bawderie too . Thither his horse so often doth him carry , That shortlie he wil quite forget to go .

In Katum 1 Kate being pleasde , wisht that her pleasure coulde , Indure as long as a buste ierkin would . Content thee Kate , although thy pleasure wasteth , Thy pleasures place like a buffe ierkin lasteth : For no buste ierkin hath bin oftner worne , Nor hath more scrapings or more dressings born .

In Librum 9 Liber doth vaunt how chastely he hath liude , Since he hath bin in towne 7 yeeres and more , For that he sweares he hath foure onely swiude , A maide , a wife , a widow and a whoore : Then Liber thou hast swiude all women kinde , For a fift sort I know thou canst not finde .

In Medonem 10 Great Captaine Medon weares a chaine of golde , which at fiue hundred crownes is valued ; For that it was his graundsires chaine of olde , when great king Henry Bulleigne conquered . and weare it Medon , for it may ensue , that thou by vertue of this Massie chaine , a stronger towne then Bulloigne maist subdue , Yf wise mens sawes be not reputed vaine . For what saide Phillip king of Macedon ? There is no Castle so wel fortifid , But if an Asse laden with gold comes on , The guarde wil stoope , and gates flie open wide .

In Gellam 10 Gella , if thou dost loue thy selfe , take heede , lest thou my rimes , vnto thy louer reade , For straight thou grinst , & then thy louer reeth , Thy canker-eaten gums , and rotten teeth .

In Quintum 12 Quintus his wit infused into his braine , Mislikes the place , and fled into his feete , and there it wanders vp and down the streetes , Dabled in the durt , and soaked in the raine . Doubtlesse his wit intendes not to aspire , Which leaues his head to trauell in the mire .

In Seuerum 13 The puritane Seuerus oft doth reade , this text that doth pronounce vaine speech a sinne , That thing defiles a man that doth proceede From out the mouth , not that which enters in . Hence is it , that we seldome heare him sweare , and thereof like a Pharisie he vaunts , but he deuoures more Capons in a yeare , Then would suffice a hundreth protestants . And sooth those sectaries are gluttons all , As well the threed-bare Cobler as the knight , For those poore slaues which haue not wherwithal Feede on the rich , til they deuoure them quite . And so like Pharoes kine , they eate vp cleane , Those that be fat , yet still themselues be leane .

In Leucam 14 Leuca in presence once a fart did let , Some laught a little , she forsooke the place : and madde with shame , did eke her gloue forget , which she returnde to fetch with bashfull grace : And when she would haue said , my gloue , My fart ( quoth she ) which did more laughter moue .

In Macrum 15 Thou canst not speake yet Macer , for to speake , is to distinguish soundes significant , Thou with harsh noyse the ayre dost rudely breake , But what thou vtterest common sence doth want : Halfe English wordes , with fustian tearms among Much like the burthen of a Northerne song .

In Faustum 16 That youth saith Faustus , hath a Lyon seene , Who from a Dycing house comes monielesse , but when he lost his hayre , where had he beene , I doubt me had seene a Lyonesse .

In Cosmum 17 Cosmus hath more discoursing in his head , then loue , when Pallas issued from his braine , and still he striues to be deliuered , Of all his thoughtes at once , but al in vaine . For as we see at all the play house dores , when ended is the play . the daunce , and song : A thousand townsmen , gentlemen , & whores , Porters & seruing-men togither throng , so thoughts of drinking , thriuing , wenching , war , And borrowing money , raging in his minde , To issue all at once so forwarde are , As none at all can perfect passage finde .

In Flaccum 18 The false knaue Flaccus once a bribe I gaue , The more foole I to bribe so false a knaue , but he gaue back my bribe , the more foole he , That for my follie , did not cousen me .

In Cineam 19 Thou dogged Cineas hated like a dogge , For still thou grumblest like a Mastie dogger , comparst thy selfe to nothing but a dogge , Thou saist thou art as weary as a dogge . As angry , sick , & hungry as a dogge , As dull and melancholy as a dogge : As lazie , sleepie , & as idle as a dogge . But why dost thou compare thee to a dogge ? In that , for which all men despise a dogge , I will compare thee better to a dogge . Thou art as faire and comely as a dogge , Thou art as true and honest as a dogge , Thou art as kinde and liberall as a dogge , Thou art as wise and valiant as a dogge . But Cineas , I haue oft heard thee tell , Thou art as like thy father as may be , T is like inough , and faith I like it well , But I am glad thou art not like to me .

In Gerontem 20 Geron whose mouldie memorie corrects , Old Holinshed our famous chronicler , With morrall rules , and pollicie collects , Out of all actions done this fourescore yeere . accounts the time of euery olde euent , not from Christs birth , nor from the Princes raigne , But from some other famous accident , Which in mens generall notise doth remaine . The siege of Bulloigne , and the plaguie sweat , The going to saint Quintines and new hauen . The rising in the North , The frost so great . That cart-wheele prints on Thames face were seene , The fall of money , & burning of Paules steeple , The blasing starre and Spaniardes ouerthrow : By these euents , notorious to the people , He measures times , & things forepast doth shew . But most of all , he chieflie reckons by , A priuat chaunce , the death of his curst wife : This is to him the dearest memorie , And th' happiest accident of all his life .

In Marcum 21 When Marcus comes from Mins , he stil doth sweare By , come a seauen , that all is lost and gone , But that 's not true , for he hath lost his hayre Onely for that , he came too much at one .

In Ciprium 22 The fine youth Ciprius is more tierse and neate , Then the new garden of the olde Temple is , And still the newest fashion he doth get , And with the time doth change from that to this , He weares a hat now of the flat crown-block , The treble ruffes , long cloake , & doublet french : He takes Tobacco , and doth weare a locke , And wastes more time in dressing then a Wench . Yet this new-fangled youth , made for these times , Doth aboue all , praise olde Gascoines rimes .

In Cineam 23. When Cineas comes amongst his friends in morning He sliely lookes who first his cap doth moue : Him he salutes , the rest so grimly scorning , As if for euer they had lost his loue . I knowing how it doth the humour sit , Of this fond gull to be saluted first : catch at my cap , but moue it not a whit : Which perceiuing he seemes for spite to burst . But Cineas , why expect you more of me , Then I of you ? I am as good a man , And better too by many a quallitie For vault , and daunce , & fence & rime I can , You keep a whore at your own charg men tel me . Indeede friend ( Cineas ) therein you excell me .

In Gallum 24 Gallus hath bin this Sommer time in Friesland , And now returned he speakes such warlike wordes As if I coulde their English vnderstand , I feare me they would cut my Throat like swordes He talkes of counterscarfes and casomates , Of parapets , of curteneys and Pallizadois , Of flankers , Rauelings , gabions he prates , And of false brayes , & sallies & scaladose : But to require such gulling termes as these , With wordes of my profession I replie : I tel of foorching , vouchers , and counterpleas , Of whithernames , essoynes , and champartie . so neyther of vs vnderstanding eyther , We part as wise as when we came together .

In Decium 25 Audacious Painters haue nine worthies made , But Poet Decius more audacious farre , Making his mistres march with men of warre , With title of tenth worthlie doth her lade , Me thinkes that gul did vse his termes as fit , which termde his loue a Giant for hir wit .

In Gellam 26 If Gellas beautie be examined she hath a dull dead eye , a saddle nose , An ill shapte face , with morpheu ouerspread , and rotten Teeth which she in laughing showes . Brieflie she is the filthyest wench in Towne , of all that do the art of whooring vse : But when she hath put on her sattin gowne , Her out lawne apron , & her veluet shooes . Her greene silk stockings , and her peticoate , Of Taffatie , with golden frindge a-rounde : And is withall perfumed with ciuet hot , which doth her valiant stinking breath confounde Yet she with these addicions is no more , Then a sweete , filthie , fine ill fauored whoore .

In Sillam 27 Silla is often challenged to the fielde , To answere like a gentleman his foes , but when doth he his only answere yeelde , That he hath liuings & faire lands to lose . Silla , if none but beggars valiant were , The king of spaine woulde put vs all in feare .

In Sillam 28 Who dares affirme that Silla dare not fight ? when I dare sweare he dares aduenture more , Then the most braue , most all daring wight : That euer armes with resollucion bore . He that dare touch the most vnholsome whoore , That euer was retirde into the spittle : and dares court wenches standing at a dore , The porcion of his wit being passing litle . He that dares giue his deerest friendes offences , which other valiant fooles do feare to do : and when a feuer doth confounde his sences , dare eate raw biefe , & drinke strong wine thereto . He that dares take Tobacco on the stage , dares man a whore at noon-day throgh the street dares daunce in Powles , & in this formall age , dares say & do what euer is vnmeete . Whom feare of shame coulde neuer yet affright , Who dares affirme that Silla dares not fight ?

In Haywodum 29 Haywood which in Epigrams did excell , Is now put down since my light muse arose : As buckets are put downe into a well , Or as a schoole-boy putteth downe his hose .

In Dacum 30 Amongst the Poets Dacus numbred is , Yet could he neuer make an english rime , but some prose speeches I haue hearde of his , which haue bin spoken many a hundreth time . The man that keepes the Eliphant hath one , wherein he tels the wonders of the beast . An other Bankes pronounced long a goe , when he his curtalls qualities exprest : He first taught him that keepes the monuments , At Westminster his formall tale to say . And also him with Puppets represents , and also him which with the Ape doth play Though all his Poetrie be like to this , Amongst the Poets numbred is .

In Priscum 31 Whhen Priscus raisde from low to high estate , Rode through the streete in pompous iollitie , Caius his poore famillier friende of late , be-spake him thus , Sir now you know not me : T is likely friende ( quoth Priscus ) to be so , For at this time my selfe I do not know .

In Brunum 32 Brunus which thinkes him selfe a faire sweet youth is Thirtie nine yeeres of age at least : Yet was he neuer to confesse the truth , but a dry starueling when he was at best . This gull was sick to shew his night cap fine , and his wrought Pillow ouerspred with lawne : but hath bin well since his griefes cause hath line , At Trollups by saint Clements church in pawne .

In Francum 33 When Francus comes to sollace with his whoore He sends for rods and strips himselfe stark naked : For his lust sleepes , and will not rise before , by whipping of the wench it be awaked . I enuie him not , but wish he had the powre , To make my selfe his wench but one halfe houre

In Castorem 34 Of speaking well , why do we learne the skill , Hoping thereby honor and wealth to gaine . Sith rayling Castor doth by speaking ill , Oppinion of much wit , and golde obtaine .

In Septimum 35 Septimus liues , and is like Garlicke seene , for though his head be white , his blade is greene . This olde mad coult deserues a Martires praise , For he was burned in Queene Maries dayes .

Of Tobacco 36 Homer of Moly , and Nepenthe sings , Moly the Gods most soueraigne hearbe diuine . Nepenthe Heuens drinke which gladnes brings , harts griefe expells , & doth the wits refine . but this our age an other worlde hath founde , from whence an hearb of heauenvly power is brought , Moly is not so soueraigne for a wounde , nor hath Nepenthe so great wonders wrought . It is Tobacco , whose sweet substanciall fume , The hellish torment of the Teeth doth ease By drawing downe , & drying vp the rume , The mother and the nurs of ech disease . it is Tobacco which doth colde expell , and cleeres the obstructions of the arteries , and surfets threatning death digesteth well , decocting all the stomacks crudities . It is Tobacco which hath power to clarifie , The clowdie mistes before dim eies appearing , It is Tobacco which hath power to rarefie , The thick grose humour which doth stop the hearing , The wasting Hectick and the quartaine feuer , which doth of Phisick make a mockerie : The gowt it cures , & helps il breaths for euer , Whether the cause in Teeth or stomacke be . And though ill breaths , were by it but confounded Yet that Medicine it doth far excell , Which by sir Thomas Moore hath bin propounded . For this is thought a gentleman-like smell , O that I were one of thiese mountie bankes , which praise their oyles , & pouders which they sel my customers would giue me coyne with thankes . I for this ware , so smooth a Tale would tell , Yet would I vse none of these tearmes before , I would but say , that it the pox wil cure : This were inough , without discoursing more , All our braue gallants in the towne t' alure ,

In Crassum 37 Crassus his lies are not pernitious lies , But pleasant fictions , hurtfull vnto none : But to himselfe , for no man counts him wise , To tell for truth , that which for false is knowne . he sweares that Gaunt is threescore miles about , and that the bridge at Parris on the Seine , is of such thicknes , length & breadth , throghout that sixscore arches can it scarse sustaine . He sweares he saw so great a dead mans scull , At Canterbury digde out of the grounde : That woulde containe of wheat , three bushels ful And that in Kent , are twentie yeomen founde , Of which the poorest euery yeere dispendes , Fiue thousand pound these & v. thousand moe , So oft he hath recited to his friendes , that now himselfe , perswades himselfe t is so : But why doth Crassus tel his lies so rife , Of bridges , Townes , and things that haue no life . He is a lawyer , and doth wel espie , That for such lies an action will not lie .

In philonem 38 Philo the lawyer and the fortune teller , The schoolemaister , the midwife & the bawde , The conjurer , the buyer and the seller , Of painting which with breathing wil be thawde . doth practise Phisicke , & his credite growes , as doth the ballade-singers auditorie . which hath at Temple bar his standing chose , and to the vulgar sings an ale-house storie . First standes a Porter , then an Oyster wife , Doth stint her crie , & stay her steps to heare him , Then comes a cutpurse ready with a Knife , and then a cuntrey . Client passeth neere him , There stands the Cunstable , there stands the whore . And harkning to the song mark not ech other . There by the Serieant standes the debtor poore , and doth no more mistrust him then his brother : Thus Orpheus to such hearers giueth Musique , And Philo to such Patients giueth phisicke .

In Fuscum 39 Fuscus is free , and hath the worlde at will , Yet in the course of life that he doth leade : hee s like a horse which turning rounde a mill , doth alwaies in the selfe same circle treade : First he doth rise at X. and at eleuen He goes to Gilles , where he doth eate till one , Then sees he a play till sixe , & sups at seauen , and after supper , straight to bed is gone . and there til tenne next day he doth remaine , and then he dines , then sees a commedie : and then he suppes , & goes to bed againe , Thus rounde he runs without varietie : Saue that sometimes he comes not to the play , But falls into a whoore house by the way .

In Afrum 40 The smell feast Afer , Trauailes to the Burse Twice euery day the flying newes to heare , which when he hath no money in his purse , To rich mens Tables he doth often beare : He tels how Gronigen is taken in , by the braue conduct of illustrious Vere : and how the spainish forces Brest would win , but that they do Victorious Norris feare . No sooner is a ship at Sea Surprisde , but straight he learnes the newes & doth disclose it , faire written in a scrowle he hath the names , of all the widowes which the plague hath made . and persons , Times & places , still he frames , To euery Tale , the better to perswade : We cal him Fame , for that the wide-mouth slaue , will eate as fast as he wil vtter lies For Fame is saide an hundreth mouthes to haue , And he eates more then woulde fiue score suffice .

In paulum 41 By lawfull mart , & by vnlawfull stealth , Paulus in spite of enuie fortunate : Deriues out of the Oceans so much wealth , as he may well maintaine a Lordes estate . But on the lande a little gulfe there is , wherein he drowneth all the wealth of his .

In Licum 42 Lycus which lately is to Venice gone , shall if he do returne , gaine 3 for one : But x to one , his knowledg and his wit , wil not be bettered or increasde a whit .

In Publium 43 Publius student at the common law , oft leaues his bookes , & for his recreation : To Paris garden doth himselfe Withdrawe , Where he is rauisht with such delectation as downe amongst the Beares & dogges he goes , Where whilst he skipping cries To head , To head . His Satten doublet & his veluet hose , Are all with spittle from aboue be-spread . When he is like his Fathers cuntrey hall , stinking with dogges , & muted al with haukes , and rightly too on him this filth doth fall , Which for such filthie sportes his bookes forsake , Leauing olde Ployden , Dier & Brooke alone , To see olde Harry Hunkes & Sakersone .

In Sillam 44 When I this proposition had defended , A cowarde cannot be an honest man , Thou Silla seemest foorthwith to be offended : And holdes the contrarie & sweres he can . But when I tell thee that he will forsake his dearest friend , in perill of his life , Thou then art changde & saist thou didst mistake , and so we ende our argument & strife . Yet I thinke oft , & thinke I thinke a right , Thy argument argues thou wilt not fight .

In Dacum 45 Dacus with some good colour & pretence , Tearmes his loues beautie silent eloquence : For she doth lay more collours on her face , Then euer Tullie vsde his speech to grace .

In Marcum 46 Why dost thou Marcus in thy miserie , Raile & blaspheme , & call the heauens vn-kinde , The heauens draw no Kindenesse vnto thee , Thou hast the heauens so litle in thy minde for in thy life thou neuer vsest prayer , But at primero , to encounter faire .

Meditations of a Gull . 47 See yonder melancholie gentleman , Which hoode-winked with his hat , alone doth sit , Thinke what he thinkes & tell me if you can , What great affaires troubles his litle wit . he thinkes not of the war twixt France & spaine Whether it be for Europs good or ill , Nor whether the Empire can it selfe maintaine Against the Turkish power encroching stil. Nor what great Towne in all the nether landes , The states determine to besiege this spring Nor how the scottish pollicie now standes , Nor what becomes of th' Irish mutining . But he doth seriouslie bethinke him whether Of the guld people he be more esteemde , For his long cloake , or his great blacke Feather , By which each gull is now a gallant deemde . Or of a Iourney he deliberates , To Paris garden cocke-pit or the play : Or how to steale a dogge he meditates , Or what he he shall vnto his mistris say : Yet with these Thoughts he thinks himselfe most fit To be of Counsell with a King for wit .

Ad Musam 48. Peace idle muse , , haue done , for it is time , Since lowsie Ponticus ensues my fame , And sweares the better sort are much to blame To make me so wel knowne for so ill rime Yet Bankes his horse is better knowne then he , so are the Cammels & the westerne hog , And so is Lepidus his printed dogge . why doth not Ponticus their fames enuie . Besides this muse of mine , & the blacke fether . grew both together fresh in estimation , and both growne stale , were cast away togither : What fame is this that scarse lasts out a fashion . Onely this last in credit doth remaine , That from henceforth , ech bastard cast forth rime which doth but sauour of a Libel vaine . shal call me father , and be thought my crime , so dull & with so litle sence endude , is my grose headed iudge the multitude . FINIS . I , D.

IGNOTO . I Loue thee not for sacred chastitie , who loues for that ? nor for thy sprightly wit : I loue thee not for thy sweete modestie , Which makes thee in perfections throane to sit . I loue thee not for thy inchaunting eye , Thy beautie rauishing perfection : I loue thee not for vnchast luxurie , Nor for thy bodies faire proportion . I loue thee not for that my soule doth daunce , And leap with pleasure when those lips of thine : giue Musicall and gracefull vtterance , To some ( by thee made happie ) poets line . I loue thee not for voice or slender small , But wilt thou know wherefore-faire sweet for all . Faith ( wench ) I cannot court thy sprightly eyes , with the base Viall placed betweene my Thighes I cannot lispe , nor to some Fiddle sing , Nor run vppon a high strecht Minikin . I cannot whine in puling Elegies , Intombing Cupid with sad obsequies . I am not fashioned for these amorous times , To court thy beutie with lasciuious rimes . I cannot dally , caper , daunce and sing , Oyling my saint with supple sonneting . I cannot crosse my armes , or sigh ay me , Ay me Forlorne egregious Fopperie . I cannot busse thy fist , play with thy hayre , Swearing by loue , Thou art most debonaire . not I by Cock , but shall tel thee roundly , harke in thine eare , zounds I can ( ) thee soundly . Sweet wench I loue thee , yet I wil not sue , Or shew my loue as muskie Courtiers doe , I le not carouse a health to honor thee , In this same bezling drunken curtesie . and when als quafde , eate vp my bowsing glasse . In glory that I am thy seruile asse . nor wil I weare a rotten burbon locke . as some sworne pesant to a female smock . wel featurde lasse , Thou knowest I loue the deere Yet for thy sake I wil not bore mine eare . To hang thy durtie silken shootires there . nor for thy loue wil I once gnash a brick , Or some pied collours in my bonnet sticke . but by the chaps of hell to do thee good , I le freely spend my Thrise decocted bloud . FINIS .

CERTAINE OF OVIDS ELEGIES .

By C Marlow ,

At Middleborugh

Amorum lib. 1. Elegia 1. Quemadmodum a Cupidine , pro bell . amoris scribere coactus sit . WE which were Ouids fiue books , now are thre For these before the rest preferreth he ; If reading fiue thou plainst of tediousnesse , Two taine away the labour will be lesse : With muse vpreard I meane to sing of armes , Choosing a subiect fit for fierse alarmes Both verses were a like till loue ( men say ) Began to smile and take one foote away Rash boy , who gaue thee power to change a line ? We are the Muses prophets , none of thine . That if thy Mother take Dianas bowe ? Shall Dian fanne when loue begins to glowe . In woodie groues is t meete that Ceres raigne , And quiuer bearing Dian till the plaine : Whole set the faire treste sonne in battel ray , While Mars doth take the Aonion harpe to play , Great are thy kingdomes ouer strong and large , Ambitious Imp , why seekst thou further charge ? Are al things thine ? the Muses tempe thine ? then scarse can Phoebus say , this harp is mine . When in this worke , first verse I trode a-loft . I slackt my muse , and made my number soft . I haue no Mistres , nor no fauorit , Being fittest matter for a wanton wit . thus I complainde , but loue vn-lockt his quiuer , Tooke out the shaft , ordainde my heart to shiuer . and bent his sinewy bow vppon his knee , Saying , Poet heere s a worke beseeming thee . Oh woe is me , he neuer shootes but hits , I burne , loue in my idle bosome sits . Let my first verse be sixe , my last fiue feete , Farewell sterne warre , for blunter poets meete , Elegian muse , that warblest amorous layes , Gyrt my shine browe , with seabanke mirtle praise . C Marlowe

Amorum . Lib 1. Elegia 3 Ad amicam . I aske but right let her that cought me late , Eyther loue , or cause that I may hate . I craue too much , would she but let me loue her loue knows with such like praiers I dailie moue her Accept him that wil serue thee al his youth , Accept him that wil loue thee with spotles truth . Yf loftie titles cannot cause me to be Thine . that am descended but of Knightlie line . Soone may you plow the little landes I haue , I gladlie graunt my parents giuen , to saue Appollo , Bacchus , and the Muses may , and Cupid who hath markt me for thy pray , My spotlesse life , which but to gods giue place , Naked simplicitie , & modest grace . I loue but one , and her I loue change neuer , Yf men haue faith , i le liue with thee for euer . The yeeres that fatal destenie shal giue , i le liue with thee , and die , or thou shalt grieue . Be thou the the happie subiect of my bookes That I may write thinges worthy thy faire lookes . By verses horned Io got her name , and she to whom in shape of Bull Ioue came . And she that on a fainde Bull swam to land , griping his false hornes with her virgin hand . So likewise we will through the worlde be rung , And with my name shal thine be alwaies sung .

Amorum . lib. 1. Elegia . 5. Corinnae concubjtus . IN Summers heate , and mid-time of the day . To rest my limbes , vppon a bed I lay . One window shut , the other open stood , Which gaue such light , as twincles in a wood , like twilight glimps at setting of the sunne Or night being past , and yet not day begunne . Such light to shamefast maidens must be showne , Where they may sport , & seeme to be vn-knowne . Then came Corinna in a long loose gowne , Her white neck hid with tresses hanging downe , Resembling faire Semiramis going to bed , Or Layis of a thousand louers spread . I snatcht her gowne being thin , the harme was smal , Yet striude she to be couered there-withall . And striuing thus as one that would be cast , betrayde her selfe , and yeelded at the last . Starke naked as she stoode before mine eye , Not one wen in here body coulde I spie . What armes & shoulders did I touch and see , How apt her breastes were to be prest by me . How smooth a bellie , vnder her waste saw I , How large a legge , and what a lustie thigh . To leaue the rest , all pleasde me passing well , I clingde her faire white body , down she fell . Iudge you the rest , being tyrde she bade me Kisse , Ioue send me more such after-noones as this . C Marlow

Amorum lib. 3 Elegia 13. ad amicam si pecatura est , vt occulte peccet . SEeing thou art faire , I bar not thy false playing , But let not me poore soule wit of thy straying . Nor do I giue thee counsaile to liue chast , But that thou wouldst dissemble when t is past . she hath not trode awry that doth deny it , such as confesse haue lost their good names by it . What madnes is t to tell night-sports by day , Or hidden secrets openly to bewray , The strumpet with the stranger will not do , before the roome be cleare , and dore put too . Will you make shipwracke of your honest name , and let the worlde be witnesse of the same . Be more aduisde , walke as a puritane , and I shall thinke you chast do what you can . slippe still , onely deny it when t is done , and before people immodest speeches shun , The bed is for lasciuious toyings meete , There vse all toyes , and treade shame vnder feete , When you are vp and drest , be sage and graue , and in the bed hide all the faults you haue Be not a shamed to strippe you being there , and mingle thighes , mine euer yours to beare , There in your rosie lips my tongue intombe , Practise a thousande sports when there you come . Forbare no wanton wordes you there would speake , And with your pastime let the bedsted creake . But with your robes , put on an honest face , And blush and seeme as you were full of grace . Deceiue all , let me erre , and think I am right , and like a wittal , thinke thee voide of slight . Why see I lines ? so oft receiude and giuen , This bed , and that by tumbling made vn-euen . Like one start vp , your hayre tost and displast . And with a wantons tooth , your neck new raste . Graunt this , that what you doe I may not see Yf you wey not il speeches , yet wey me : My soule fleetes when I think what you haue done , and through euery veine doth colde bloud run Then thee whom I must loue I hate in vaine , and would be dead , but dying with thee remaine , I le not sift much , but holde thee soone excused , Say but thou wert iniuriously accused . though while the deedes be doing you be tooke , and I see when you ope the 2 leaude booke . Sweare I was blinde , yeeld not if you be wise , and I will trust your wordes more then mine eyes . From him that yeeldes , the garland is quicklie got , teach but your tongue to say , I did it not , and being iustified by two wordes thinke , The cause acquites you not , but I that winke . C Marlow :

Amorum lib. 2. Elegia 15. Ad inuidos , quod fama Poetarum sit perennis . ENuie , why carpest thou my time is spent so ill ? And tearmes our works fruits of an idle quill , Or that vnlike the line from whence I come , Wars dustie honors are refused being yong , Nor that I study not the brawling lawes , Nor set my voyce to sale in euery cause . Thy scope is mortall , mine eternall fame , That all the world might euer chaunt my name , Homer shall liue while Tenedos stands and Ide , Or to the sea swift Symois shall slide . Ascreus lines , while grapes with new wine swel , Or men with crooked sickles corne downe fell , For euer lasts high Sophocles proud vaine : With sunne and moone Eratus shall remaine . While bond-men cheat , fathers hoord , bawds hoorish And strumpets flatter , shal Menander flourish . Rude Ennius , and Plautus full of wit , Are both in Fames eternall legend writ . What age of Varroes name shall not be tolde , And Iasons Argos , and the fleece of golde , Loftie Lucresius shall liue that houre , That Nature shall dissolue this earthly bowre . Eneas warre , and Titerius shall be read , While Rome of all the conquering world is head . Till Cupids bow , and fierie shafts be broken . Thy verses sweete Tibullus shal be spoken . And Gallus shall be known from East to West , So shal Licorus whom he loued best . Therefore when Flint and Iron weare away . Verse is immortall and shal decay . Let kings giue place to verse and Kingly showes , The bankes ore which golde bearing Tagus flowes . Let base conceited wits admire vilde things , Faire Phoebus leade me to the Muses springs . About my head be quiuering Mirtle wound . and in sad louers heades let me be founde . The liuing not the dead can enuie bite , For after death all men receiue their right . Then thogh death rackes my bones in funerall fire , I le liue , and as he puls me downe , mount higher .

Amorum . lib. 1. Elegia . 13. Ad auroram ne properet . NOw on the sea from her olde loue comes shee . That drawes the day from heauens cold axletree . Aurora whither slidest thou down againe , And byrdes from Memnon yeerely shal be slaine . Now in her tender armes I sweetlie bide , If euer , now well lies she by my side , The ayre is colde , and sleep is sweetest now , And byrdes send foorth shril notes from euery bow . Whither runst thou , that men & Woemen loue not Holde in thy rosie horses that they moue not . Ere thou rise stars teach seamen where to saile , But when thou comest , they of their courses faile . Poore trauailers though tired , rise at thy sight , The painful Hinde by thee to fild is sent , Slow Oxen early in the yoke are pent . Thou cousnest boyes of sleep , & dost betray them . To Pedants that with cruel lashes pay them . Thou mak'st the surtie to the lawyer run , That with one word hath nigh himselfe vndone , The lawyer & the Client both do hate thy view , Both whom thou raysest vp to toyle anew . By thy meanes Woemen of their rest are barde , Thou seest their laboring hands to spin and Carde . This could I beare , but that the Wench should rise , Who can endure , saue him with whom none lies ? How oft wisht I night would not giue thee place , Nor morning starres shun thy vprising face . How oft , that eyther winde would break thy coch Or steeds might fal , forc't with thick clouds aproch whither go'st thou hateful nimph ? Mennon the elfe . Receiu'd his cole-black colour from thy selfe . Say that thy loue with Cephalus were not known Then thinkest thou thy loose life is not showne . Would Tithon might but talke of thee a while , Not one in heāuen should be more base and Vile . Thou leau'st his bed , because hee s faint throgh age , And early mountest thy hateful cariage : But had'st thou in thine armes some Caephalus , Then would'st thou cry , stay night & run not thus . Punnish ye me , because yeeres make him waine , I did not bid thee wed an aged swaine . The Moone sleepes , and Endimion euery day , Thou art as faire as she , then kisse and play . Ioue that thou shouldst not hast but wait his leisure Made two nights one to finish vp his plesure . I chide no more , she blusht , and therfore heard me , Yet lingred not the day , but morning scarde me :

Amorum . lib. 2 Elegia 4 , Quod amet mulieres , Cuiuscunque forme sint . I Meane not to defend the scapes of any , Or iustifie my vices being many , For I confesse , if that might merite fauour Here I display my lewde and loose behauiour , I loath , yet after that I loath I run : Oh , how the burden irkes , that we shoulde shun . I cannot rule my selfe but where loue please , And driuen like a ship vppon rough seas , No one face likes me best , al faces moue , A hundred reasons makes me euer Loue. Yf any eye me with a modest Looke , I blush , & by that blushful glas am tooke And she that s coy I like , for being no clown , Me thinks she should be quick when she is downe . Though her sower Lookes a sabines brow resemble , I think shee le do , but deeply can dissemble If she be Learned , then for her skil I craue her , If not , because shee s simple I would haue her , Before Calimecus one preferres me farre , Seeing she likes my bookes , why should we iarre ? Another railes at me , and that I write , Yet would I be with her , if that I might Trips shee , it likes me wel , plods she , what than ? She would be nimbler Lying with a man . And when one sweetly sings , then straight I long , To quauer on her lips euen in her song , Or if one touch the lute with art and cunning . Who would not loue those nimble handes for their swift runing . And she I like that with a maiestie , Foldes vp her armes , and makes low curtesie , To leaue myselfe , that am in loue withal , Some one of theese might make the chastest fal , If she be tall , shee s like an amazon , And therefore fils the bed she lyes vpon : If short . she lyes the rounder to speak troth , Both short & long please me , for I loue both : If her white neck be shadowed with black hayre , Why so was Ledas , yet was Leda faire . Yellow trest is she , then on the morne think I , My loue alludes to euery historie : A young wench pleaseth , and an olde is good , This for her lookes , that for her woman-hoode , Nay what is she , that any Romane loues , But my ambitious ranging minde approues ?

Amorum . Lib. 2 Elegia 10 Ad Grecinum quod eodem tempore duas amet . GRecinus ( well I wot ) thou toldst me once . I could not be in loue with two at once . By thee deceiued , by thee surprisde am I. For now I loue two women equally : both are well fauoured , both rich in aray , Which is the louliest it is hard to say : This seemes the fairest , so doth that to me , This doth please me most , and so doth she , Euen as a boate , tost by contrary winde , So with this loue and that wauers my minde , Venus why doublest thou my endlesse smart ? Was not one wench inough to grieue my heart ? Why addst thou starres to heauen , leaues to greene woods And to the deep vast sea fresh water floods ? Yet this is better farre then lye alone , let such as be mine enemies haue none , Yea , let my foes sleepe in an emptie bed , And in the mids their bodyes largely spread : But may soft loue rowse vp my drowsie eyes . And from my mistris bosome let me rise : Let one wench cloy me with sweet loues delight If one can doo te , if not , two euery night , Though I am slender , I haue store of pich , Nor want I strength , but weight to presse her with : Pleasure ads fuell to my lustfull fire , I pay them home with that they most desire : Oft haue I spent the night in wantonnes , And in the morne bene liuely nerethelesse , Hee s happy who loues mutuall skirmish slayes , And to the Gods for that death Ouid prayes , Let souldiour chase his enemies amayne , And with his blood eternall honour gaine , Let marchants seeke welth with periured lips , And being wrackt , carowse the sea tir'd by their ships But when I dye , would I might droope with doing , And in the mids thereof , let my soule going , That at my funerals some may weeping cry , Euen as he led his life , so did he die .

Amorum lib. 3. Elegia 6. Quod ab amica receptus cum ea coire non potuit conqueritur . EIther she was foule , or her attire was bad , Or she was not the wench I wisht t' haue had , Idly I lay with her , as if I louede her not , And like a burden greeu'd the bed that moued not Though both of vs performd our true intent , Yet coulde I not cast ancor where I meant , She on my neck her Iuorie armes did throw . That were as white as is the Scithian snow . And egarly she kist me with her tongue . And vnder mine , her wanton thigh she flong , Yea , and she soothde me vp , and calde me sir And vsde all speech that might prouoke and stirre , Yet like as if colde hemlock I had drunk , It mocked me , hung downe the head and sunke . Like a dull Cipher , or rude block I lay , Or shad , Or body was lo ? who can say , What will my age do ? age I cannot shunne , Seeing in my prime , my force is spent and done , I blush , and being youthful , hot , and lustie , I proue neyther youth nor man , but olde and rustie , Pure Rose she , like a Nun to sacrifice , Or one that with her tender brother lies , Yet boorded I the golden Chietwise . And Libas and the white cheek'de Pitho thrise . Corinna craude it in a summers night , And nine sweet bouts had we before day light , What wast my lims throgh some Thesalia charms May spels and droughs do sillie soules such harms ? With virgin waxe hath some imbast my ioyntes , Had pierst my Liuer wich sharp needle points , Charmes change corne to grasse and make it die , By charmes are running springs & foūntaines drie By charmes Mast drops from okes from vines grapes fal And fruit from trees , when ther 's no wind at al. Why might not then my sinewes be inchaunted , And I grow faint , as with some spirit haunted . To this and shame , shame to perform it quaild me , And was the second cause why rigor failde me : My idle thoughts delighted her no more , Then did the robe or garment which she wore , Yet might her touch make youthfull pilius fire , And Tithon liuelier then his yeeres require , Euen her I had , and she had me in vaine , What might I craue more if I aske againe I think the great gods grieu'd they had bestowd , This benefit , which lewdlie I forslowde : I wisht to be restored in , and in I got me , To kisse , I kisse . to lie with her shee let me . Why was I blest ? why made king ? & refusde it , Chuf-like had I not golde , & could not vse it ? So in a spring thriues he that tolde so much , And lookes vppon the fruits he cannot touch , Hath any Rose so from a fresh young maide , As she might straight haue gon to church & praid . Well , I beleue she kist not as she shoulde , Nor vsde the slight nor cunning which she coulde Huge Okes , hard Adamantes might she haue moued & with sweet words , cause deaf rocks to haue loued Worthy she was to moue both gods & men But neither was I man , ne liued then , Can deafe yeres take delit , when Phemius sings , Or Thamaris in curious painted things . What sweet thought is there but I had the same , And one gaue Place still as an other came . Yet notwithstanding , like one dead it lay , Drouping more then a rose puld yesterday : Now when he should not iette , he bolts vp-right , And craues his task , & seekes to be at fight , Lie down with shame , & see thou stirre no more , Seeing now thou wouldst deceiue me as before : Thou cousendst me , by thee surprisde am I , And bide great hurt with endlesse infamie . Nay more , the Wench did not disdaine a whit . To take it in her hand and play with it . But when she saw it would by no meanes stand , but stil dropt down regarding not her hand Why mok'st thou me she cried , or being ill , Who bade thee lie downe here against thy will ? Eyther tha' rt witcht with bloud of frogges new dead Or iaded camst thou from som others bed . With that her loose gowne on from me she cast her In skipping out her naked feet much grac'd her , And lest her Maide should know of this disgrace , To couer it , spilt water in the place .

Amorum Lib. 1 Elegia 2. Quod primo amore coreptus , in triumphum duci se a Cupidine Patiatur . WHat makes my bed seeme hard seing it is so soft ? Or why slips down the Couerlet so oft ? Although the nights be long , I sleepe not tho , My sides are sore with tumbling to and fro . Were loue the cause , it 's like I should descry him Or lies he close , and shootes where none can spie him . T'was so he strok me with a tender dart , T' is cruell loue turmoyles my captiue hart . yeelding or striuing do we giue him might , Let s yeelde , a burden easly borne is light . I saw a brandisht fire increase in strength , which being not shakt , I saw it die at length . young oxen newly yokt are beaten more , Then Oxen which haue drawn the plow before : & rough iades mouths with stuburn bits are torne But managde horses heades are lightly borne . Vnwilling louers , loue doth more torment , Then such as in their bondage feele content . Lo I confesse , I am thy captiue I , And holde my conquered handes for thee to tie . What need it thou warre , I sue to thee for grace With arms to conquer armles men is base , Yoke Venus Doues , put Mirtle on thy hayre , Vuscan wil giue thee Chariots rich and fayre : The people thee applauding thou shalt stand Guiding the harmles Pigeons with hand . Yong men and Woemen , shalt thou leade as thral So wil thy triumphes seeme magnifical , I lately cought , wil haue a new made Wounde , And captiue like be manacled and bound , Good meaning shame , & such as seek loues wrack Shall follow thee , their handes tide at their back . Thee al shal feare and worship as a king Io. triumphing shal thy people sing . Smooth speeches , feare & rage shal by thee ride , Which troups haue alwayes bin on Cupides side : thou with these souldiers conquerst gods & men . take these away where is thy honor then ? Thy mother shal from heauen applaud this show , And on their faces , heapes of Roses strow . With beutie of thy wings , thy faire hayre guilded Ride golden loue in Chariots richlie builded . Vnlesse I erre , ful many shalt thou qurne , And giue wordes infinite at euery turne . In spite of thee , forth wil thy Arrowes flie , A scorching flame burnes all the standers by . So hauing conquerd Inde , was Bacchus hew , Thee Pompous byrdes & him two Tigers drewe , Then seeing I grace thy shew in following thee . Forbeare to hurt thy selfe in spoyling me - Behold thy kinsmans Cesars prosperous handes , Who gardes thee conquered with his conquering handes . FINIS .