Hymnes of Astræa in acrosticke verse. Davies, John, Sir, 1569-1626. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A19923 of text S105202 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 6351). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 22 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 15 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A19923 STC 6351 ESTC S105202 99840931 99840931 5475 2240867695

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A19923) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 5475) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 380:04) Hymnes of Astræa in acrosticke verse. Davies, John, Sir, 1569-1626. [2], 26 p. Printed [by R. Field] for I. S[tandish], London : 1599. By Sir John Davies. In verse; in each hymn, the first letters of the lines make up "Eliza betha Regina". Printer's and publisher's names from STC. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. eng Elizabeth -- I, -- Queen of England, 1533-1603 -- Poetry. eebo Hymnes of Astræa, in acrosticke verse. Davies, John, Sir, 1599 30 3482 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 A This text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. 2000-00 Assigned for keying and markup 2001-08 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2001-09 Sampled and proofread 2001-09 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2001-11 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

HYMNES OF ASTRAEA , IN ACROSTICKE VERSE .

LONDON , Printed for I. S. 1599.

HYMNE I. Of Astraea . Early before the day doth spring , L et vs awake my Muse , and sing ; I t is no time to slumber , S o many Ioyes this time doth bring , A s time will faile to number . B ut whereto shall we bend our Layes ? Euen vp to Heauen , againe to raise The Mayde , which thence descended H ath brought againe the golden dayes , And all the world amended . R udenesse it selfe she doth refine , Euen like an Alchymist diuine , G rosse times of Iron turning Into the purest forme of gold : N ot to corrupt , till heauen waxe old , And be refin'd with burning .
HYMNE II. To Astraea . Eternall Virgin , Goddesse true , L et me presume to sing to you . I one , euen great loue hath leisure S ometimes to heare the vulgar crew , And heares them oft with pleasure . Blessed Astraea , I in part E nioy the blessings you impart , T he Peace , the milke and hony , H umanity , and ciuill Art , A richer Dower then money . Right glad am I that now I liue , Euen in these daies whereto you giue G reat happinesse and glorie ; I fafter you I should be borne , N o doubt I should my birth day scorne , A dmiring your sweete storie .
HYMNE III. To the Spring . E arth now is greene , and heauen is blew , L iuely Spring which makes all new I olly Spring doth enter , Sweete young Sun-beames do subdue A ngry , aged winter . B lasts are mild , and Seas are calme , E uery medow flowes with Balme , T he earth weares all her riches , H armonious birdes sing such a Psalme A s eare and hart bewitches . R eserue ( sweete Spring ) this Nymph of ours Eternall garlands of thy flowers , Greene garlands neuer wasting ; I n her shall last our states faire spring , N ow and for euer flourishing , A s long as heauen is lasting .
HYMNE IIII. To the moneth of May . E ach day of thine , sweete moneth of May , L oue makes a solemne holy-day : I will performe like dutie , Since thou resemblest euery way A straea Queene of beautie . B o th you fresh beauties do partake , E ithers aspect doth Sommer make : T houghts of young Loue awaking H earts you both do cause to ake , And yet be pleasd with aking . Right deare art thou , and so is shee , Euen like attractiue Sympathie , G aines vnto both like dearenesse ; I weene this made Antiquitie N ame thee , Sweete May of Maiestie , A s being both like in clearenesse .
HYMNE V. To the Larke . Early chearfull , mounting Larke , L ights gentle Vsher , mornings clarke , I n merrie Notes delighting : S tint a while thy Song , and harke , And learne my new Inditing . B eare vp this Hymne , to heau'n it beare , Euen vp to heau'n , and sing it there , T o heau'n each morning beare it ; H aue it set to some sweete Sphere , And let the Angels heare it . R enownd Astraea , that great name , E xceeding great in worth and fame , Great worth hath so renownd it , I t is Astraeas name I praise , N ow then , sweete Larke , do thou it raise , And in high Heauen resound it .
HYMNE VI. To the Nightingale . E uery night from Euen till Morne L oues Quirister amidde the thorne I s now so sweet a Singer , S o sweete , as for her Song I scorne A pollos voice , and finger . B ut Nightingale since you delight E uer to watch the Starrie night , T o all the Starres of heauen , H eauen neuer had a Starre so bright , A s now to earth is giuen . R oyall Astraea makes our Day Eternall with her beames , nor may Grosse darkenesse ouercome her ; I now perceiue why some do write , N o countrie hath so short a night , A s England hath in sommer .
HYMNE VII . To the Rose . E ye of the garden , Queene of flowers , L oues Cuppe wherein he Nectar poures , I ngendred first of Nectar : S weete nurse-child of the Springs young howres , And Beauties faire Character . Best Iewell that the earth doth weare , Euen when the braue yong Sun drawes neare , To her hoate Loue pretending ; H imselfe likewise like forme doth beare , A t rising and descending . R ose of the Queene of loue belou'd ; E nglands great Kings diuinely mou'd , G aue Roses in their Banner ; I t shewed that Bewties Rose indeede , N ow in this age should them succeede , And raigne in more sweet manner .
HYMNE VIII . To all the Princes of Europe . E urope the Earthes sweete Paradise : L et all thy Kings that would be wise , I n Politique Deuotion : S aile hither to obserue her eyes , And marke her heauenly motion . B raue Princes of this ciuill age , E nter into this pilgrimage : This Saints tongue is an oracle , H er eye hath made a Prince a Page , And workes each day a Miracle . Raise but your lookes to her , and see Euen the true beames of Maiestie , Great Princes , marke her duly ; I fall the world you do suruey , N o forehead spreades so bright a Ray , And notes a Prince so truly .
HYMNE IX . To Flora. E mpresse of flowers , tell where a way L ies your sweet Court this merry May , I n Greenewich garden Allies : Since there the heauenly powers do play , And haunt no other Vallies . B ewty , vertue , Maiestie , E loquent Muses , three times three , The new fresh houres and Graces , H aue pleasure in this place to be , A boue all other Places . R oses and Lillies did them draw , E r they diuine Astraea saw ; G ay flowers they sought for pleasure : I n steede of gathering crownes of flowers , N ow gather they Astraeas Dowers , And beare to heauen that treasure .
HYMNE X. To the moneth of September . E ach Moneth hath praise in some degree ; L et May to others seeme to be I n Sense the sweetest Season ; S eptember thou art best to me , And best dost please my reason . B ut neither for thy Corne nor Wine E xtoll I those mild dayes of thine , T hough corne and wine might praise thee ; H eauen giues thee honor more diuine , And higher fortunes raise thee . R enownd art thou ( sweet moneth ) for this , E mong thy dayes her birth day is , Grace , plenty , peace and honor In one faire houre with her were borne , N ow since they still her Crowne adorne , And still attend vpon her .
HYMNE XI . To the Sunne . E ye of the world , fountaine of light , Life of day , and death of night , I humbly seeke thy kindnesse : S weet , dazle not my feeble sight , And strike me not with blindnesse . B ehold me mildly from that face , Euen where thou now dost runne thy race , T he Spheare where now thou turnest ; H auing like Phaeton chang'd thy place , And yet hearts onely burnest . R ed in her right cheeke thou dost rise ; E xalted after in her eyes , Great glorie there thou shewest : I n thother cheeke when thou descendest , N ew rednesse vnto it thou lendest , And so thy Round thou goest .
HYMNE XII . To her Picture . E xtreame was his Audacitie ; L ittle his Skill that finisht thee , I am asham'd and Sorry , S o dull her counterfait should be , And she so full of glory . B ut here are colours red and white , E ach lyne , and each proportion right ; these Lynes , this red , and whitenesse , H aue wanting yet a life and light , A Maiestie , and brightnesse . R ude counterfait , I then did erre , Euen now , when I would needes inferre , Great boldnesse in thy maker : I did mistake , he was not bold ; N or durst his eyes her eyes behold ; And this made him mistake her .
HYMNE XIII . Of her Mind . E arth now adiew , my rauisht thought L ifted to heau'n , sets thee at nought ; I nfinit is my longing , S ecrets of Angels to be taught , And things to heau'n belonging . B rought downe from heau'n of Angels kind , Euen now do I admire her mind : T his is my contemplation , H er cleare sweet Spirit which is refind , A boue Humane Creation . R ich Sun-beame of th' aeternall light , E xcellent Soule , how shall I wright ; Good Angels make me able ; I cannot see but by your eye , N or , but by your tongue , Signifie , A thing so Admirable .
HYMNE XIIII . Of the Sun-beames of her Mind . E xceeding glorious is this starre ; L et vs behold her Beames a farre I n a side lyne reslected ; S ight beares them not when neare they are And in right lines directed . B ehold her in her vertues beames , E xtending Sun-like to all Realmes ; T he Sunne none viewes too nearely ; H er well of goodnesse in these streames , A ppeares right well and clearely . R adiant vertues , if your light E nfeeble the best Iudgements sight , Great splendor aboue measure I s in the minde , from whence you flow : N o wit may haue accesse to know , And view so bright a treasure .
HYMNE XV. Of her Wit. E ye of that mind most quicke and cleare , Like Heau'ns eye , which from his spheare , Into all things pryeth , S ees through all things euery where , And all their natures tryeth . B right Image of an Angels wit , E xceeding sharpe , and swift like it , Things instantly discerning : H auing a Nature infinit , And yet increasd by learning . R ebound vpon thy selfe thy light , E nioy thine owne sweete precious sight : Giue vs but some reflection ; It t is enough for vs , if wee N ow in her speech , now pollicie , A dmire thine high perfection .
HYMNE XVI . Of her will . E uer well affected will , L ouing goodnesse , Loathing ill , I nestimable Treasure : Since such a power hath power to spill , And saue vs at her pleasure . B e thou our law , sweet will , and say Euen what thou wilt , we will obay T his Law , if I could reade it : Herein would I spend night and day , And study still to plead it . R oyall free will , and onely free , E ach other will is Slaue to thee : Glad is each will to serue thee : I n thee such Princely power is seene , N o Spirit but takes thee for her Queene , And thinkes she must obserue thee .
HYMNE XVII . Of her Memorie . E xcellent Iewels would you see , L ouely Ladies ? come with me , I will ( for loue I owe you ) S hew you as rich a Treasure , A s East or West can shew you . B ehold , if you can iudge of it , Euen that great Store-house of her wit ; That bewtifull large Table : H er memorie wherein is writ All Knowledge admirable . R eade this faire booke , & you shall learne E xquisite Skill if you discerne , Gaine heau'n by this discerning ; I n such a memorie diuine , N ature did forme the Muses nine , And Pallas Queene of Learning .
HYMNE XVIII . Of her Phantasie . E xquisite curiositie , L ooke on thy selfe with iudging eye , I f ought be faultie leaue it , S o delicate a phantasie A s this , will straight perceiue it . B ecause her temper is so fine , E ndewed with harmonies diuine : Therefore if discord strike it , H er true proportions do repine , And sadly do mislike it . Right otherwise a pleasure sweete , E uer she takes in actions meete ; G racing with smiles such meetnesse ; I n her faire forehead beames appeare : N o Sommers day is halfe so cleare , A dornd with halfe that sweetnesse .
HYMNE XIX . Of the Organs of her Minde . E clipsed she is , and her bright rayes L ie vnder vailes , yet many wayes I s her faire forme reuealed ; S he diuersly her selfe conueyes , And cannot be concealed . B y Instruments her powers appeare E xceedingly well tun'd and cleare : This Lute is still in measure , H olds still in tune , euen like a spheare , And yeelds the world sweet pleasure . R esolue me , Muse , how this thing is , E uer a bodie like to this G aue heau'n to earthly creature ? I am but fond this doubt to make , N o doubt the Angels bodies take , A boue our common nature .
HYMNE XX. Of the Passions of her Heart . E xamine not th' inscrutable Hart , Light Muse of her , though she in part I mpart it to the Subiect ; S earch not , although from heau'n thou art , And this an Heauenly obiect . B ut since she hath a hart , we know E uer some passions thence do flow , T hough euer rul'd with Honor ; H er Iudgement raignes , they waite below , And fixe their eyes vpon her . R ectified so , they in their kind Encrease each Vertue of her mind , Gouern'd with mild tranquillitie ; I n all the Regions vnder Heau'n , N o State doth beare it selfe so euen , And with so sweet facilitie .
HYMNE XXI . Of th' innumerable Vertues of her Mind . Ere thou proceede in this sweet paines , L earne Muse how many drops it raynes I n cold and moist December ; S umme vp May flowers & Augusts graines , And grapes of mild September . B eare the Seassands in memorie , E arths grasses , and the starres in Skie , T he litle moares which mounted H ang , in the beames of Phoebus eye , And neuer can be counted . R ecount these numbers numberlesse , Ere thou her vertue canst expresse , Great wits this count will cumber , I nstruct thy selfe in numbring Schooles ; N ow Courtiers vse to begge for fooles , All such as cannot number .
HYMNE XXII . Of her Wisedome . Egle-eyed Wisedome , lifes Loadstarre , L ooking neare on things a farre ; I oues best beloued daughter , S howes to her Spirit all things that are , A s loue himselfe hath taught her . By this straight Rule she rectifies E ach thought that in her hart doth rise : T his is her cleare true mirror H er looking glasse , wherein she spies All formes of Truth and Error . Right princely Vertue , fit to raigne , Enthroniz'd in her Spirit remaine , G uiding our fortunes euer ; I f we this Starre once cease to see , N o doubt our State will Ship-wrackt be , And torne and sunke for euer .
HYMNE XXIII . Of her Iustice . E xil'd Astraea is come againe , L o here she doth all things maintaine I n number , waight , and measure : S he rules vs with delightfull paine , And we obey with pleasure . B y Loue shee rules more then by Law , Euen her great mercy breedeth awe : T his is her Sword and Scepter , H erewith she hearts did euer draw , And this Guard euer kept her . R eward doth sit in her right hand : E ach Vertue thence takes her Garland G ather'd in Honors garden : I n her left hand ( wherein should be N ought but the Sword ) sits Clemencie , And conquers Vice with pardon .
HYMNE XXIIII . Of her Magnanimitie . Euen as her State , so is her Mind , Listed aboue the vulgar kind : I t treades proud Fortune vnder , S un-like it sits aboue the wind , A boue the stormes , and Thunder . B raue Spirit , large Heart , admiring nought E steeming each thing as it ought , T hat swelleth not , nor shrinketh : Honor is alwaies in her thought , And of great things she thinketh . R ocks , Pillars , and heau'ns Axel-tree , E xemplifie her Constancie ; Great changes neuer chaunge her : I n her Sexe feares are wont to rise , N ature permits , Vertue denies , And scornes the face of daunger .
HYMNE XXV . Of her Moderation . E mpresse of kingdomes thongh she be , L arger is her Soueraigntie , I f she her selfe do gouerne ; S ubiect vnto her selfe is shee , And of her selfe true Soueraigne ; B ewties Crowne though she do weare , E xalted into Fortunes chaire , T hron'd like the Queene of Pleasure : H er Vertues still possesse her Eare , And counsell her to Measure . Reason , if she incarnate were , Euen Reasons selfe could neuer beare Greatnesse with Moderation ; I n her one temper still is seene , N o libertie claimes she as Queene , And showes no alteration .
HYMNE XXVI . To Enuie . E nuie go weepe , my Muse and I Laugh thee to scorne ; thy feeble Eye I s dazled with the glorie S hining in this gay poesie , And litle golden Storie . B ehold how my proud quil doth shed Eternall Nectar on her head : T he pompe of Coronation H ath not such power her fame to spread , A s this my admiration . R espect my Pen as free and franke , E xpecting not Reward nor Thanke ; Great wonder onely moues it ; I neuer made it mercenary ; N or should my Muse this burthen carie A s hyr'd , but that she loues it . FINIS .