The barrons vvars in the raigne of Edward the second. VVith Englands heroicall epistles. By Michael Drayton

THE FIRST BOOKE of the Barrons warres . The Argument . The grieuous plagues , and the prodigious signes That this great warre and slaughter doe foreshow , Th' especiall cause the Barronage combines , The Queenes strong griefe , whence many troubles grow , The time by course vnto our fall inclines , And how each country doth to battell goe ; What cause to yeeld , the Mortimers pretend , And their commitment perfecting the end . 1 THe bloody factions , and rebellious pride Of a strong nation , whose vnmanag'd might Them from their naturall Soueraigne did diuide , Their due subiection , and his lawfull right , Whom their light error loosely doth misguide , Vrg'd by lewd Minions tyrannous despight ; Me from soft layes , and tender loues doth bring , Of dreadfull fights , and horred warres to sing . 2 What hellish furie poysned your hie blood , Or should bewitch you with accursed charmes , That by pretending of the generall good , Rashly extrudes you to tumultuous armes , And from the safety wherein late you stood , Reft of all taste , and feeling of your harmes , That Fraunce and Belgia with affrighted eyes , were sad beholders of your miseries . 3 Th' inueterate ranckor in their boosoms bred , who for their charter wag'd a former war , Or through your vaines , this raging venom spred , whose next-succeeding Nephewes now you are , Or that hote gore your bowes in conquest shed , Hauing enlarg'd your countries bounds so far , Ensigne to ensigne furiously oppose , with blades of Bilbo dealing English blowes . 4 O thou the great director of my Muse , On whose free bounty all my powers depend , Into my breast a sacred fire infuse , Rauish my spirit this great worke to attend ; Let the still night my laboured lines peruse , That when my Poems gaine their wished end , They whose sad eyes shall read this tragique story , In my weake hand shall see thy might and glory . 5 What care would plot , discentions quickly crosse , which like an earthquake rends the tottering state , By which abroade we beare a publique losse , Betrayd at home by meanes of priuate hate ; whilst vs these strange calamities doe tosse , ( The daily nurse of mutinous debate ) Confusion still our Countries peace confounds , No helpe at hand , and mortall all our wounds . 6 Thou Church then swelling in thy mightinesse , Tending the care and safety of the ●oule ; O nurse not factions flowing in excesse , That with thy members shouldst theyr griefe condole , In thee rests power this outrage to represse , which might thy zeale , and sanctitie enrole , Come thou in purenes meekely with the word , Lay not thy hand to the vnhallowed sword . 7 Blood-thirsting warre arising first from Hell , And in progression ceazing on this I le , where it before neere forty yeeres did dwell , And with pollution horribly defile , By which so many a worthy English fell , By our first Edward banished awhile , Transferd by fortune to the Scottish meare , To ransack that , as it had rauin'd heere . 8 Where houering still with inauspicious wings About the verge of th●se distempered climes , Returning now , new error hether brings , To stir vs vp to these disastrous crimes , weakeneth our power by oft diminishings ; And taking hold on these vnsetled times , Forcing our frailty sensually at length , Crackt the stiffe nerues that knit our auncient strength . 9 whose frightfull vision , at the first approach , with violent madnes strooke that desperate age , So many sundry miseries abroach , Giuing full speede to their vnbrideled rage That did our auncient libertie encroach , And in these stronge conspiracies ingage , The worthiest blood the subiects losse to bring , By innaturall wrongs vnto their naturall king . 10 When in the North whilst horror yet was young These dangerous seasons swiftly comming on , whilst o're our heads portentious meteours hung , And in the skyes sterne Comets brightly shone , Prodigious births oft intermixt among , Such as before to times had beene vnknowne , In bloody issues forth the earth doth breake , weeping for vs , whose woes it could not speake . 11 when by the ranknes of contagious ayre , A mortall plague inuadeth man and beast , which soone disperst , and raging euery where In doubt the same too quickly should haue ceast , More to confirme the certaintie of feare By cruell famine haplesly encreast ; As though the heauens in their remisful doome , Tooke those best lou'd from worset dayes to come . 12 The leuell course that we propose to goe Now to th' intent you may more plainly see , And that we euery circumstance may show The state of things , and truly what they be , And with what skill , or proiect we bestow , As our accurrents happen in degree . From these portents we now diuert our view , To bring to birth the horrors that ensue . 13 The calling backe of banisht Gaueston , Gainst which the Barrons were to Longshanks sworne , That insolent lasciuious Minion , A Soueraignes blemish , and a countries scorne , The signiories , and great promotion , Him in his lawlesse courses to subborne , Stirres vp that hatefull and outragious strife , That cost ere long so many an English life . 14 O worthy Lacy , hadst thou spar'd that breath which shortly after nature thee deny'd , To Lancaster deliuered at thy death , To whom thy onely daughter was affy'd , That this sterne warre too quickly publisheth , To ayde the Barrons gainst that Minions pride , Thy Earldoms , lands , and titles of renowne , Had not so soone returnd vnto the Crowne . 15 The Lordships Bruse vnto the Spensers past , Crossing the Barrons vehement desire , As from Ioues hand that fearefull lightning cast , when fifty townes lay spent in enuious fire , Alas too vaine and prodigall a wast ; The strong effect of theyr conceiued ire , Vrging the weake King with a violent hand , T' abiure those false Lords from the troubled land . 16 When the fayre Queene that progressing in Kent , Lastly deny'd her entrance into Leeds , whom Badlesmere vnkindly doth preuent who gainst his Soueraigne in this course proceeds , As adding further to this discontent , One of the springs which this great mischiefe feeds , Heaping on rage and horror more and more , To thrust on that , which went too fast before . 17 Which more and more , a kingly rage increast , Moou'd with the wrongs of Gaueston disgraded , which had so long beene setled in his breast , That all his powers it wholy had inuaded , Giuing the Spensers an assured rest , By whom his reasons chiefly are perswaded , By whose lewd counsels he is onely led , To leaue his true Queene , and his lawfull bed . 18 That now herselfe who while she stood in grace , Applied her powers these disoords to appease when yet confusion had not fully place , Nor former times so dangerous as these , A party now in theyr afflicted case , A willing hand to his destruction layes , That time whose soft palme heales the wound of warre , May cure the soare , but neuer close the scarre . 19 In all this heate his greatnes first began The serious subiect of our sadder vaine , Braue Mortimer , that euer-matchlesse man , Of the old Heroes great and God-like straine , For whom invention dooing best it can , His weight of honour hardly can sustaine , Bearing his name immortaliz'd and hie , when he in earth vnnumbred times shall lie . 20 That vncle now ( whose name this Nephew bare , The onely comfort of the wofull Queene ) who from his cradle held him as his care , In whom the hope of that great name was seene , For this young Lord now wisely doth prepare whilst yet this deepe hart-goaring wound is greene , And on this faire aduantage firmly wrought , To place him highly in her princely thought . 21 At whose deliberate , and vnusuall byrth , The heauens were said to counsell to retire , And in aspects of happines and mirth , Breath'd him a spirit insatiatly t' aspire , That tooke no mixture of the ponderous earth , But all comprest of cleere ascending fire , So well made vp , that such an one as he , Ioue in a man like Mortimer would be . 22 The temper of that nobler moouing part , with such rare purenes rectified his blood , Raysing the powers of his resolued hart , Too proud to be lockt vp within a flood , That no misfortune possibly could thwart ; which from the natiue greatnes where it stood , Euen by the vertue of a piercing eye , Shew'd that his pitch was boundlesse as the sky . 23 Worthy the grand-child of so great a Lord , who whilst first Edward fortunately raign'd , Reedifi'd great Arthurs auncient boord , The seate at goodly Kennelworth ordain'd , The order of old Knighthood there restor'd , To which a hundreth duly appertain'd with all the grace , & beauties of a Court , As best became that braue and martiall sport . 24 The hart-swolne Lords with fury set on fire , whom Edwards wrongs to vengeance still prouoke with Lancaster & Hartfoord now conspire No more to beare the Spensers seruile yoke . And thus whilst all a mutuall change desire , The auncient bonds of their allegeance broke , Resolu'd with blood their liberty to buy , And in this quarrell vow'd to liue and dye . 25 What priuiledge hath our free birth say they , Or in our blood what vertue doth remaine , To each lasciuious Minion made a pray , That vs , and our nobilitie disdaine , whilst they tryumphing boast of our decay ; Either those spirits we doe not now retaine That were our fathers , or by fate we fall Both from their greatnes , liberty and all . 26 Honour deiected from that soueraigne state , From whence at first it challenged a beeing , Now prostitute to infamy and hate , As with it selfe in all things disagreeing , So out of order , disproportionate From her faire course preposterously flying , whilst others as themselues , and onely wee Are not held those we would but seeme to be . 27 Then to what end hath our great conquest seru'd , Those acts achieued by the Norman sword , Our Charters , patents , or our deeds reseru'd , Our offices , and tytles to record , The crests that on our monuments are caru'd , If they to vs no greater good affoord ? Thus doe they murmur euery one apart , with many a vext foule , many a grieued hart . 28 Whilst this sad Queene to depth of sorrow throwne , wherein she wastes her flower of youth away , Beyond beliefe to all but heauen vnknowne , This quickning sparke , where yet it buried lay , By the sharpe breath of desperate faction blowne , Conuerts her long night to the wished day , The wofull winter of misfortune cheering , As the darke world at the bright sunnes appearing . 29 Yet ill perplex'd amid these hard extreames , All meanes deprest her safety to preferre , Depriu'd of those late comfortable beames , whose want might m●ke her the more easly erre , Her hopes relinquish'd like deceitfull dreames , which in her breast such sundry passions stirre , where strugling which each other should controule , worke strange confusion in her troubled soule . 30 That now disabled of all soueraigne state That to her graces rightly did belong , To be reiected , and repudiate , So true a Lady , goodly , faire , and young , which with more feruor still doth intimate Her too-deepe-setled , and invetterate wrong , what wisedome would , a womans will denies , with arguments of her indignities . 31 When to effect the angry Fates pursue In heauens high Court that long time did depend , when these full mischiefes to a ripenes grew , And now the haruest hastning in the end , And all these lynes into one center drew , which way so e're they seemingly extend ; All these together in proportion layd , Each breath of hope , a gale of certaine ayde . 32 Now is time when Mortimer doth enter , Of great imployment in this tragick act , His youth and courage boldly bid him venter , And tell him still how strongly he w●● backt ; And at this instant in due season sent her , when the straight course to her desire is tract , ( And but vppon more certainty doth stay ) By a direct , what though a dangerous way . 33 This dreadfull Commet drew her wondring eye , which now began his golden head to reare , whose glorious fixure in so faire a sky , Strikes the beholder with a chilly feare , And in a Region eleuate and hie , And by the forme wherein it did appeare , As the most skilfull seriously diuine , Foreshew'd a kingdome shortly to decline . 34 Yet still recoyling at the Spensers power , As often check'd with their intemperate pride , Th' vnconstant Barrons wauering euery howre , The fierce encounter of this boysterous tide , That easily might theyr liuelihood deuoure , Had she not those that skilfully could guide , Shee from suspition craftily retires , Carelesse in shew , of what she most desires . 35 Dissembling griefe , as one that knew not ill , So can she rule the greatnes of her mind , As a most perfect Rectoresse of her will , Aboue the vsuall weakenes of her kind ; For all this storme , immouable and still , Her secret drift the wisest misse to find ; Nor will she know what ( yet ) these factions meant , with a pleasd eye to sooth sad discentent . 36 The least suspition cunningly to heale , Still in her lookes humility she beares , The safest way with mightines to deale , So pollicie religions habite weares ; T is now no time her greeuance to reueale , Hee 's mad which takes a Lyon by the eares , This knew the Queene , exampled by the wise , This must they learne that rightly temporize . 37 That learnedst Bishop Torleton in the Land , Vpon a text of politicks to preach , which he long studying , well did vnderstand , And by a method could as aptly teach , That was a Prelate of a potent hand , wise were the man could goe beyond his reach ; This subtile Tutor Isabell had taught , In nicer poynts then euer Edward sought . 38 Rage which no lymmets longer can containe , Lastly breakes forth into a publique flame , Their slipp'd occasion better to regaine , when to their purpose things so fitly frame , And now discerned visibly and plaine , when treason boldly dare it selfe proclaime , Casting aside all secular disguise Leading proud legions furiously to rise . 39 As Seuerne lately in her ebbs that sanke , vast and forsaken leaues th' vncouered sands , Fetching full tydes , luxurious , hie , and ranke , Seemes in her pride t' inuade the neighbouring lands , Breaking her lymmets , couering all the banks , Threatning the proude hills with her watry hands , As though shee meant her Empery to haue , where euen but lately she beheld her graue . 40 Through all the land , from places farre and neere , Led to the field as Fortune lots their side , ( with th' auncient weapons vsd in warre to beare ) As those directed whom they chose their guide , Or else perhaps as they affected were , Or as by friendship , or by dutie tide , Swayd by the strength , and motion of their blood , No cause examin'd , be it bad or good . 41 From Norfolke , and the countries of the East , That with the long pyke best could manage sight , The men of Kent vnconquer'd of the rest , That to this day maintaine their auncient right , And for their strength that we account the best , The Cornishmen , most actiue , bold , and light , Those neere the plaine that gleaue and polax weeld , And claime for due the vaward of the field . 42 The noble Britton sprung of Illyon race , From Lancashiere most famous for theyr bowes , with those of Cheshiere , chiefest for their place , Men of such boane , as onely made for blowes , That for their faith are had in speciall grace , And as the guard vnto the Soueraigne goes ; Those of the North in feuds so deadly fell , That for their speare and horsemanship excell . 43 For euery vse experience could espy Such as in Fens and Marshlands vse to trade , The doubtfull foards and passages to try , with stilts and loapstaues that doe aptliest wade , And fit'st for scouts and Currers to discry , Those from the Mines with pickaxe , and with spade , For Pyoners best , that for intrenching are , Men chiefly needfull in the vse of war . 44 O noble Nation furnished with Armes , So full of spirit , so eminent alone , Had heauen but blest thee to foresee these harmes , And as thy valiant Nephewes to haue gone , Paris , Roan , Orleance shaking with alarmes , As the bright sunne thy glory then had shone ; To other Realmes thou hadst transferd this chance , Nor had your sonnes been first that conquerd Fraunce . 45 And thus on all hands making for their rest , And now set forward for this mighty day , where euery one prepares to doe his best , when in successe theyr liues , and fortunes lay ; No crosse euent theyr purposes to wrest , where now they stand in so direct away ; And whilst they play this strange and doubtfull game , The Queene stands by , and onely giues the ayme . 46 When this braue Lord his foote had scarcely set , Into the road where fortune had to deale , But she disposd his forward course to let , Her lewd condition quickly doth reueale , Glory to her vaine dietie to get , By him , whose birth did beare her omenous seale , Winning occasion from this very howre , In him to proue , and manifest her power . 47 As when we see the early rising sunne with his faire beames to emulate our sight , And when his course but newly is begun The humerous foggs depriue his wished light , Till through the moist clouds his cleere forehead run , Climing the noonsted in his gorgious height , His bright beginning fortune hindreth thus , To make the rest more rich , more glorious . 48 The King discreetly that considered The space of earth whereon the Barrons stand , what were their powers to them contributed , Now being himselfe but partner of his Land , And of the strength and Army that he led , Gainst them that doe so great a power commaund , In which t' was well he did so wisely looke , The taske was great that now he vndertooke . 49 And warn'd by danger to misdoubt the worst , In equall scales whilst ethers fortune hung , Must now performe the vtmost that he durst , Or vndergoe the burthen of his wrong ; As good to stirre as after be inforst To stop the head whence many euills sprong , Now with the marc●ers thinks it best beginne , which first must loose , ere he could hope to winne . 50 The Mortimers beeing men of greatest might , whose name was dreadfull , and commaunded far , Sturdy to manage , of a haughty spright , Strongly aly'd , much followed , popular , On whom if thus he happily could light , He hopes more easly to conclude this war ; which he intendeth speedily to try , To quit that first , which most stood in his eye . 51 For which he expeditiously prouided That part of land into his power to get , which if made good , might keepe them still deuided , Their combination cunningly to let , who beeing conioyn'd , would be too strongly sided , Two , so great strengthes together safely met , The face of warre would looke so sterne and great , As well might threat to heaue him from his seate . 52 Wherefore from London strongly setting forth , with a faire Army furnish'd of the best , Accompany'd with friends of greatest worth , with whom ther 's many a gallant spirit is prest ; Great Lancaster , the Lord of all the North , The Mortimers are Maisters of the West , He towards mid England makes , the way twixt either , which they must crosse , ere they could come together . 53 And thus inueagled with delightfull hope , Stoutly to front and shoulder with debate , Knowing to meet with a resolued ●●oupe That came prepar'd with courage , and with hate , whose stubborne Crests if he inforc'd to stoope , He now must tempt some great and powerfull fate ; And through sterne guards of swords & ●efull flame , Make way to peace , and propagate his name . 54 When now the Marchers well vpon theyr way , ( Expecting such should promisd succour bring which all this while abusd them by delay ) Are suddainly encounted by the King , And now perceiue theyr dilatory stay To be the causer of their ruining , How neere theyr bosoms blacke destruction stood , with open iawes prepared for their blood . 55 And by the shifting of inconstant wind , Seeing what weather they were like to meet , which ( euen ) at first so aukwardly they find Ere they could yet giue sea-roomth to their fleet , Cleane from their course , and cast so far behind , And yet in perrill euery hower to split , Some vnknowne harbor suddainly must sound , Or runne theyr fortunes desperatly on ground . 56 The elder peere , graue , politique , and wise , which had all dangers absolutely scand , Finding high time his Nephew to aduise , Since now their state stood on this desperate hand , And from this mischiefe many more to rise , with long experience learnd to vnderstand , Nephew ( saith he ) t is longer vaine to striue , Counsell best serues our safety to contriue . 57 The downe-right perrill present in our eye Not to be shund , what certaine end t'assures , The next , the weight that on our fall , doth lie , And what our life to our designe procures , Each hope , and doubt , that doth arise thereby Prouing with iudgement how the same indures , For who obserues strict pollicies true lawes , Shifts his proceeding to the varying cause . 58 To hazard fight with the Emperiall powers , May our small troupes vndoubtedly appall , A desperate end vs willingly deuours , Yeelding our selues , by this we loose not all , We leaue our friends this little force of ours , Reseru'd for them , though haplesly we fall ; That shew of weaknes hath a glorious hand , That falls it selfe , to make the cause to stand . 59 Twixt in expected and so dangerous ills That 's best wherein we smallest perrill see , A course that reason necessary wills , And that doth most with pollicy agree , The idle vulgar breath it nothing skils , T is sound discretion must our Pylo● be , He that doth still the say rest meane preferre , Answers opinion how so ere he erre ? 60 And to the worlds eye seeming yet so strong , By our descending willingly from thence , May vrge the shew of our opposed wrong Rather b'inforcement then fore-thought pretence , Leauing th' aduantage doth to vs belong , May quallifie the nature of th' offence , Men are not alwaies incident to losse when Fortune seemes their forward cause to crosse . 61 Nor giue we enuy absolute accesse , To lay our fall vpon thy forward mind , Ther 's neerer meanes this mischiefe to redresse , And make succesfull what is yet behind , Nor of our hope vs wholy dispossesse , Fortune is euer variously inclind , And a small vantage to the course of Kings , Guides a slight meanes to compasse mighty things . 62 which speech so caught his Nephew● plyant youth , Fastning vpon a dutifull respect , which he with such celerlty pursu'th , ( well could he counsell , well could he direct ) Proceeding from integrity and truth , And working with such prosperous effect , Shews wisemens counsels by a powerfull fate , ( Seeming from reason ) yet proue fortunate . 63 To which they awfull Maiestie enuite By the most due and ceremonious way , with circumstance , and each conditi'nall rite Might winne respect vnto this new essay , Or might opinion any way excite , To which the King doth willingly obay● Who as themselues in finding danger neere , Rather accepts doubt , then a certaine feare . 64 Which he receaues in presage of his good , To his successe auspiciously apply'd , which cooles the heate of his distempred blood , Before their force in doubtfull Armes was try'd , In his protection when they onely stood , At his disposing wholy to abide , whereon in safety he dismist their power , Sends them away as prisoners to the Tower . 65 O all-preparing prouidence Diuine , In thy large Booke what secrets are enrold ? What sundry helps doth thy great power assigne To stay the course thou stedfastly doost hold what mortall sence is able to define Thy mysteries , thy counsels manifold , By these digressions strangely that extends Thy obscure proceedings to aparent ends ? 66 This was the meane by which the Fates dispose More threatned plagues vpon that age to bring , Vtter confusion on the heads of those That were before the Barrons ruining , with the subuersion of so many foes , The murther of the miserable King , And that which came as Epilogue to all , Lastly , his fearefull , and so violent fall . 67 Which to their hope giues time for further breath As the first pause in this their great affaire , That yet awhile deferr'd this threatning death , Trusting this breach by leysure to repayre , And heere awhile this fury lymetteth , Whilst in this manner things so strangely fare , Horror beyond the wonted bounds doth swell , As the next Canto dreadfully shall tell . The end of the First Canto

The second Booke of the Barrons warres . The Argument . At Burton-bridge the puisant Armies met , The forme and order of the doubtfull fight , Whereas the King the victory doth get , And the proud Barrons lastly forc'd to flight ; How they againe towards Burrough forward set , Where , then the Lords are vanquished out-right ; Lastly the lawes doe execute theyr power , On those the sword before did not deuour . 1 THis chance of warre , that dreadfully had swept So large a share from their full-reck'ned might , Which their proud hopes so carefully had kept whilst yet theyr state stoode equally vpright , That could at first so closely intercept , That should haue scru'd them for a glorious fight , Musters supplies of footmen , and of horse , To giue a new strength to their ruin'd force . 2 Th' inueterate griefe so deepe and firmly rooted , Yet slightly cur'd by this short strengthlesse peace , To essay t'remoue , since it but vainly booted , That did with each distemprature increase , And beeing by euery offer'd cause promooted , Th' effect too firmly setled to surcease . When each euasion sundry passions brought , Strange formes of feare in euery troubled thought . 3 And put in action for this publique cause , whilst euery one a party firmly stood , Tax'd by the letter of the censuring lawes , In the sharpe taynder of his honoured blood ; And he that s free'st entangled by some clause , which to this mischiefe giues continuall food , For where confusion gets so strongly hold , Till all consum'd , can hardly be controld . 4 Wher now by night , euen when pale leaden sleepe Vpon their eye-lids heauily did dwell , And step , by step , on euery sence did creepe , Mischiefe ( that black inhabitant of hell ) Which neuer failes continuall watch to keepe , Fearefull to thinke , a horred thing to tell , Entred the place where now these warlike Lords Lay mayld in Armour , girt with irefull swords . 5 Mischiefe , with sharpe sight , and a meager looke , And alwaies prying where she may doe ill , In which the fiend continuall pleasure tooke , Her starued body plenty could not fill , Searching in euery corner , euery nooke , with winged feete , too swift to worke her will , Hung full of deadly instruments she went , Of euery sort to hurte where ere she ment . 6 And with a viall fild with banefull wrath , Brought from Cocytus by this cursed spright , which in her blacke hand readily she hath , And drops the poyson vpon euery wight , For to each one she knew the ready path , Now in the mid'st , and dead-time of the night , whose enuious force inuadeth euery Peere , Stryking with fury , and impulsiue feare . 7 The weeping morning breaking in the East , when with a troubled , and affrighted mind Each whom this venom lately did infest , The strong effect soone inwardly doe find ; And lately troubled by vnquiet rest , To sad destruction euery one inclind , Rumors of spoile through eu'ry eare doth flye , And fury sits in eu'ry threatning eye . 8 This doone , in hast vnto King Edward hies , which now growne proude vpon his faire successe , The time in feasts and wantonnesse implies with crowned cups his sorrowes to redresse , That on his fortune wholly now relies , And in the bosome of his Courtly presse Vaunting the glory of this late wonne day , whilst the sick Land with sorrow pines away . 9 Thether she comes , and in a Minions shape Shee creepeth neere the person of the King , warm'd with the verdure of the swelling grape , In which , she poyson secretly doth ●ting , Not the least drop vntaynted doth escape , To which intent she all her store did bring , whose rich commixture making it more strong Fills his hote vaines with arrogance and wrong . 10 And hauing both such courage , and such might As to so great a busines did belong , Neuer considering theyr pretended right Should be inducement to a trebled wrong , when misty error so deludes their sight , Which still betwixt them , and cleere reason hong ; By which opinion falsly was abusd , As left all out of order all confusd . 11 Now our Minerua tells of dreadfull Armes , Inforc'd to sing of worse then ciuill warres , Of Ambuscados , stratagems , alarmes , Vnkind discentions , fearefull massacarrs , Of gloomy magiques , and benumming charmes , Fresh-bleeding wounds , and neuer-healed skarrs , And for the sock wherein she vsd to tread , Marching in greaues , a helmet on her head . 12 Whilst hate , and griefe , their weakned sence delude , The Barrons draw theyr forces to a head , ( whom Edward spurd with vengeance still pursude ) By Lancaster , and noble Herford led , This long proceeding , lastly to conclude ; Whilst now to meet , both Armies freshly sped , To Burton both incamping for the day , with expectation for a glorious pray . 13 Vpon the East , from Needwoods bushy side , There riseth vp an easie climing hill , At whose faire foote the siluer Trent doth glide , with a deepe murmur permanent and still , With liberall store of many Brooks supplide , Th' insatiate Meades continually doe fill , Vpon whose streame , a Bridge of wondrous strength Doth stretch it selfe in forty arches length . 14 Vppon this Mount the Kings pauillion fi●t , And in the towne , the foe intrench'd in sigh , when now the flood is risen so betwixt , That yet a while prolong'd th' vnnaturall fight , with trybutarie waters intermixt To stay the furie dooing all it might ; Things which presage both good and ill there be , which heauen fore shewes , but mortals cannot see . 15 The heauen euen mourning o're our heads doth sit , As greeu'd to see the time so out of course , Looking on them who neuer looke at it , And in meere pitty melting with remorce , Longer from teares that cannot stay a whit , whose confluence on euery lower sourse , From the swolne fluxure of the clouds doth shake A ranke Impostume vpon euery Lake . 16 O warlike Nation , hold thy conquering hand , Euen sencelesse things admonish thee to pause , That Mother soyle on whom thou yet doost stand , That would restraine thee by all naturall lawes . Canst thou ( vnkind ) inuiolate that band when euen the earth is angry with the cause ? Yet stay thy foote in mischiefes vgly gate , Ill comes too soone , repentance still too late . 17 And can the clouds weepe ouer thy decay , And not one drop fall from thy droughty eyes ? See'st thou the snare , and wilt not shun the way , Nor yet be warn'd by passed miseries ? T is yet but early in this fatall day ; Let late experience learne thee to be wise , Mischiefe foreseene , may easly be preuented , But hap'd , vnhelp'd , though nere enough lamented . 18 Cannot the Scot of your late slaughter boast , And are you yet scarce healed of the sore , Is t not enough you haue already lost , But your owne madnes needsly make it more ? Will you seeke safety in a forraine Coast ? Your wiues and children pittied you before , But when your owne blood your owne swords imbrue , who pitties them which once did pitty you ? 19 The neighbouring groues dispoyled of their trees , For boates , and tymber to assay this flood , where men are labouring as the Summer bees , Some hollowing truncks , some bynding heapes of wood , Some on their breasts , some working on their knees , To winne the banck whereon the Barrons stood , which o're this current they by strength must tew , To shed that blood that many ages rew . 20 Some sharpen swords , some on their Murrians set , The Greaues and pouldrons others riuet fast , The Archers now their bearded arrowes whet , whilst euery where the clamerous Drums are bra'st , Some taking view where surest ground to get , And euery one aduantage doth fore-cast , In ranks and fyles each plaine and medow swarmes , As though the Land were clad in angry Armes . 21 The Crests and honours of the English name , Against their owne opposed rudely stand , As angry with th' atchieuements whence they came That to theyr vertues gaue that generous brand ; O you vnworthy of your auncient fame , Against your selues to lift your conquering hand , Since forraine swords your height could not abate , By your owne power , your selues to ruinate . 22 Vppon his surcoate valient Neuell bore A siluer saltoyre grac'd on martiall red , A Ladyes sleeue hie-spirited Hastings wore , Ferrer his Taberd with rich verry spred , well knowne in many a warlike match before , A Rauen sat on Corbets warlike head Cou'ring his Helmet , Culpepper inrayld , On mayden Armes , a bloody bend engrayld . 23 The noble Percy in this furious day , with a bright Cressant in his guid-home came , In his fayre Cornet Verdoo● doth display A Geuly fret , priz'd in this mortall game That had beene task'd in many a doubtful fray , His Launces pennons stayned with the same ; The angry horse chaf'd with the stubborne bit , The ruinous earth with rage & horror smit . 24 I could the summe of Staffords arming show , what cullours Courtney , Rosse , & Warren hold , Each sundry blazon I could let you know , And all the glorious circumstance haue told , what all the Ensignes standing in a row , But wailing Muse , ( ah me ) thou art controld , when in remembrance of this horred deed , My pen for inck , euen drops of blood doth sheede . 25 Th' imperiall standard in this place is pitch'd , with all the hatchments of the English crowne , Great Lancaster with all his power enrich'd , Sets the same Leopards in his Colours downe ; O if with furie you be not bewitch'd , Haue but remembrance on your selfe you frowne , A little note , or difference is in all , How can the same stand , when the same doth fall ? 26 Behold the Eagles , Lyons , Talbots , Beares , The badges of your famous ancestries , And shall they now by their inglorious heires , Stand thus opposd against their famelies ? More honoured marks no Christian nation weares , Reliques vnworthy of their progenies , Those beasts you beare , doe in their kindes agree , O that then beasts more sauage man should be ! 27 But whilst the King no course concluded yit , In his directions variably doth houer , See how misfortunes still her time can fit , Such as were sent the Country to discouer , As vp and downe from place to place they flit , Had found a foord to land their forces ouer ; Ill-newes hath wings , and with the wind doth goe , Comforts a Cripple , and comes ●uer flow . 28 When Edward fearing Lancasters supplies , Proud Richmond , Surry , and ●reat Penbrooke sent , On whose successe his chiefest hope relies , Vnder whose conduct halfe his Army went The neerest way conducted by the Spies , And he himselfe , and Edmond Earle of Kent , Vpon the hill in sight of ●●●ton lay , watehing to take aduantage of the day . 29 Stay Surry stay , thou mai'st too soone be gone , Pause till this rage be somewhat ouer-past , Why runn'st thou thus to thy destruction ? Richmond and Penbrooke , whether doe you hast ? You labour still to bring more horror on . Neuer seeke sorrow , for it comes too fast , why doe you striue to passe this fatall flood To fetch new wounds , and shed your natiue blood ? 30 Great Lancaster , sheath vp thy angry sword , On Edwards Armes whose edge thou should'st not whet , Thy naturall kinsman , and thy soueraigne Lord , Are you not one , both true Plantaginet ? Call but to mind thy once-engaged word , Canst thou thy oath to Longshancks thus forget ? Consider well before all other things , Our vowes be kept , we make to Gods and Kings . 31 The winds are ●ush'd no little breath doth blow , which seemes so still as though it listning stood , with trampling crouds the very earth doth bow , And through the smoke the sunne appeares like blood , what with the shout , and with the dreadfull show , The heards and flocks runne bellowing to the wood . when drums and trumpets giue the fearefull sound , As they would shake the cloudes vnto the ground . 32 The Earles then charging with their power of horse , Taking a signall when they should begin , Beeing in view of the imperiall force , which at the time assay'd the bridge to win , That now the Barrons change th' intended course T' auoyde the danger they were lately in , Which on the suddaine had they not fore-cast , Of their black day this howre h●d beene the last . 33 When from the hill the Kings maine power comes downe , which had Aquarius to their valiant guide , Braue Lancaster , and Herford from the towne Now issue forth vpon the other side , Peere against Peere , the crowne against the crowne , The one assailes , the other munifi'd , Englands red Crosse vpon both sides doth flie , Saint George the King , S. George the Barrons cry . 34 Like as an exhalation hote and dry Amongst the ayre-bred moisty vapors throwne , Spetteth his lightning forth outragiously , Rending the grosse cloudes with the thunderstone , whose fiery splinters through the thin ayre flie , That with the terror heauen and earth doth grone , with the like clamor , and confused woe , To the dread shocke these desperate Armies goe . 35 Now might you see the famous English Bowes So fortunate in times we did subdue , Shoote their sharpe arrowes in the face of those which many a time victoriously them drew , Shunning theyr ayme , as troubled in the loose ; The winged weapons mourning as they flew , Cleaue to the string , ( now impotent and slack ) As to the Archers they would ●aine turne back . 36 Behold the remnant of Troves auncient stock , Laying on blowes , as Smiths on Anuils strike , Grapling together in this feare●ull shocke , Where as the like incountreth with the like , As firme and ruthlesse as th' obdurate Rock , Deadly opposed at the push of pyke . Still as the wings , or battels brought together , When fortune yet giues van●age vnto neither . 37 From battered Casks with euery enuious blow , The scattered plumes flie loosly heere and there , which in the ayre doth seeme as drifts of snow , which eu'ry light breath on his wings doth beare , As they had ●ence , and feeling of our woe ; And thus affrighted with the present ●eare , Now back , now forward such strange windings make . As though vncertaine which way they ●ould ●ake . 38 Slaughter runnes wildly through th' afflicted host whilst yet the battaile strongly doth abide , That in this strange distemprature is lost , Where hellish fury sensibly doth guide , Neuer suffisd , where tyrannizing most , That now their wounds ( with mouthes euen open'd wide ) Lastly inforc'd to call for present death , That wants but tongues , your swords do giue the breath . 39 Heere lyes a heape halfe slaine , and halfly drownd , Gasping for breath amongst the watry segs , And there a sort falne in a deadly swound , Troad with the presse into the muddy dregs , Other lie bleeding on the firmer ground , Hurt in the bodies , maym'd of armes and legs ; One kills a foe , his braine another cuts , On 's feere intangled in anothers guts . 40 One his assayling enemy beguiles , As from the bridge he happily doth fall , Crush'd with his weight vppon the forced piles , Some in their gore vpon the pauement spraule , That euery place so lothsomly defiles , The carcasses lie heaped like a wall , Such hideous shreekes yet still the souldiers breath , As though the spirits had howled from beneath . 41 The faction still defying Edwards might , Edmond of Woodstocke with the men of Kent , Charging a fresh , reuiues the doubtfull fight Vpon the Barrons , languishing and spent , New preparation for a tragique sight ; when they againe supplies immediat sent A second battaile proudly to begin , The noblest spirits but newly entred in . 42 As at Troyes fack , faire Thetis godlike sunne , Couragious Talbot with his shield him bare , Clyfford and Mowbray brauely following on , Audly and Gifford thrunging for a share , These seconding , the former beeing gone , Elmsbridge and Baldsmere in the thickest are , Pell mell together flie this furious power , when they perceiue that death will all deuour . 43 Mountfort and Teis , your worth I faine would speake But that your valure doth so ill deserue , And Denuile heere from thee perforce must breake , And from thy prayses Willington must swerue , Your deedes permit not I your wrongs should wreake , Proud Damory , here must thy glory starue , Concealing many most deseruing blame , Because your actions quench my sacred flame . 44 O had you fashiond your great deedes by them , who summond Acon with an English drum , Or march'd before that faire Ierusalem , with the vnited powers of Christendome , Eternall then had been your Diadem , And with Christs warriors slept about his Toombe , Then ages had immortaliz'd your name , where now my song , can be but of your shame . 45 O age inglorious , Armes vntimely borne , when now this prooued and victorious sheeld , Must in this ciuill massacre be torne , which bare the marks of many a bloody feeld ; And lastly in their ouerthrowne forlorne , when now to flight the Barrons basely yeeld , That since that time the stones for very dreed , Against foule stormes small drops of moisture sheed . 46 When now those wretched , and vnstedfast friends which all this while stood doubtfully to pause , when they perceiue what desteny intends , And his successe doth iustifie his cause , Their faintnes now more comfort apprehends , For victory both feare and friendship drawes , T' an open smile , conuert a couered frowne , All lend their hands to hew the conquered downe . 47 That part of power th' emperiall seem'd to lacke , whilst yet the aduerse bare an vpright face , when now constraynd to giue a recreant back , Quickly returnes to prosecute the chase , where now the Barrons wholy goe to wracke , In the iust tryall of so neere a case . Inforc'd to proue the fortune of the Coast , when they perceiue the glorious gole is lost . 48 And to the fortunes of the conquering King which well confirm'd his long and tendered hope , His fayre successe still more incouraging , which now had got so large and ample scope , The Earle of Carlell happily doth bring , His light-arm'd bands the valiant Northerne troope , Armed too lately , and with too much speed , To doe most harme , euen when we least had need . 49 when now the Barrons making out their way , Through parts for safety , and aduantage knowne , Keeping their force still bodied as they may , Into the depth of this misfortune throwne , And in pursute , deuising day by day T' offend th' assailant , and defend their owne , In their last hope the vtmost to endure To deferre the effect , although the end were sure . 50 And whilst their fortune ●u●ing sadly thus To Burrough-bridge conducted by their fate , Bridges to Barrons euer omenous , And to this place their fall preordinate , That ministring such cause of griefe to vs , By the remembrance of their passed state ; The very soile by deepe impression yit , Euen to this day , doth still remember it . 51 New courage now , new fights , new battailes rang'd , New breath ( but what might make destruction newe ) They change the ground , but yet their fate vnchang'd , which too directly doth their course pursue , Nor from their former misery estrang'd , Their strength decayes , their dangers daily grew , To shorten that which whilst it did depend , Gaue a long breathing , to a fearefull end . 52 Like to a heard of weary hartlesse Deare , whom hot-spurd Huntsmen seriously doe chase , In brakes and bushes falling here and there , Proouing each couert , euery secret place , Yet by the hounds recouered eu'ry where with eager yearning in the sented trace ; Hem'd on each side with hornes rechating blast , Headlong themselues into the toyles doe cast . 53 Ensigne beards Ensigne , sword gainst sword doth shake , wing against wing , and ranke doth ranke oppose , In on each other furiously they brake , And death in earnest to his bus'nes goes , A generall hauock as dispos'd to make , And with destruction doth them all inclose , Dealing it selfe impartially to all , Friend by his friend , and foe by foe doth fall . 54 This part of life which yet they did respire In spight of fortune , as they stood prepar'd with courage charg'd , with comlines retire , Make good their ground , and then relieue their guard , withstand the entrer , then pursue the flier , New forme their battaile , shifting eu'ry ward , As your hie courage , but were your quarrel good O noble spirits , how deere had beene your blood ! 55 The Northerne bands th' ambitious Herckley led On the weake Barrons mangled so before , That now towards Burrough make a puissant head , Incouraging th' imperiall power the more , O day so fatall , and so full of dread , when ere shall time thy ruinous wast restore , which to amend although thou shalt perseuer , Thou still mai'st promise , but performe it neuer . 56 Pale death beyond all wont●d bounds doth swell , Caruing proud flesh in cantels now at large , As leaues in Autumne , so the bodies fell Vnder rough steele at eu'ry boysterous charge ; O what sad pen can the destruction tell , where scalps lay beaten as the battered targe , And eu'ry one he claimeth as his right That not prouides t' escape away by flight . 57 Those Ensignes earst , that in the glittering field with their curld forheads threat th' ambitious foe , Like wether'd foule the drouping pyneons yield , Stooping their proud heads to the dust below ; There sits a helmet , and there lies a shield , O ill did fate these noble Armes bestow , which as a quarry on the soyld earth lay , Seasd on by conquest as a glorious pray . 58 Heere noble Bohun that braue-issued peere , Herford so hie in eu'ry gracious hart Vnto his country ; so receiu'd and deere , wounded by treason in the lower part , ( As o're the bridge his men returning were ) Through those ill-ioyn'd plancks by an enuious dart , But Lancaster whose lot not yet to die , Taken , reseru'd to greater infamie . 59 O subiect for some sadder Muse to sing , Of fiue great Earldoms happily possest , Of the direct line of the English King , with fauours , friends , and earthly honours blest , If so that all these happines could bring , Or could endowe assurednes of rest ; But what estate stands free from fortunes power ? The Fates haue guidance of our time and howre . 60 Some few themselues in sanctuaries hide , In mercie of that priuiledged place , Yet are their bodies so vnsanctifi'd , As scarce their soules can euer hope for grace ; whereas they still in want and feare abide , A poore dead life this draweth out a space , Hate stands without , and horror sits within , Prolonging shame , but pard'ning not their sin . 61 Here is not death contented with the dead , As though of some thing carelesly deni'd , Till which might firmly be accomplished His vtmost fully were not specifi'd , That all exactly might be perfected A further torment vengeance doth prouide , That dead men should in misery remaine , To make the liuing die with greater paine . 62 You soueraine Citties of th' afflicted Ile , In Cipresse wreaths , and widowed attire Prepare yee now to build the funerall pile , Lay your pale hands vnto this latest ●●re , All mirth and comfort from your streets exile , Till you be purg'd of this infectious ●●e . The noblest blood yet liuing to be shed , That euer dropt from your rebellious dead . 63 When this braue Lord great Lancaster who late This puisant force had now thus long retayn'd , As the first Agent in this strange debate At fatall Pomfret for these facts a●ayn'd , Gainst whom of all things they articulate , To whom these factions chiefly appertain'd , whose proofes apparant so directly sped , As from his body re●t a reuerent head . 64 Yet Lancaster it is not thy deere breath Can raunsome back the safety of the Crowne , Nor make a league of so great power with death , To warrant what is rightfully our owne , But they must pay the ●orfait of their faith which fondly broke with their ambi●ion , when now reue●ge vnto the vtmost rack'd , The Agents iustly suffer with the act● 65 Euen in that place where he had lately led , As this darke path vnto the rest to show , It was not long ere many followed In the same steps that he before did goe , London thy freedome is prohibited , The first in place ( ô would the first in woe ) Others in blood did not excell thee farre , That now deuour the remnant of this warre . 66 O parents ruthfull , and hart-renting sight , To see that sonne thy tender bosome fed , A mothers ioy , a fathers sole delight , That with much cost , yet with more care was bred , A spectacle euen able to affright Th' most sencelesse thing , and terrifie the dead , His blood so deere vpon the cold earth powr'd , His quarter'd coarse of birds and beasts deuour'd . 67 But t is not you that beere complaine alone , Or to your selues this fearefull portion share , Heer 's choyce , and strange varietie of moane , Poore childrens teares with widdowes mixed are , Many a friends sigh , many a maydens grone , So innocent , so simply , pure , and rare ; As though euen nature that long silent kept , Burst out in playnts , and bitterly had wept , 68 O wretched age , had not these things beene done , I had not now in these more calmer times Into the search of former troubles runne , Nor had my virgine impoluted rimes Altred the course wherein they first begun , To sing these bloody , and vnnaturall crimes , My layes had still beene to Ideas bower , Of my deere Ank●r , or her loued Stoure . 69 Or for our subiect , your faire worth to chuse , Your birth , your vertue , and your hie respects , That gently dayne to patronize our Muse , who our free soule ingeniously elects To publish your deserts , and all your dues , Mauger the Momists , and Satyrick sects , whilst my great verse eternally is song , You still may liue with me in spight of wrong . 70 But greater things reserued are in store , Vnto this taske my Armed Muse to keepe , Still offering me occasion as before , Matter whereof my tragick verse may weepe● And as a vessell beeing neere t●e shore , By aduerse winds enforced to the deepe , Am driuen backe from whence I came of late , Vnto the bus'nes of a troubled state . The end of the second Canto .

The third Booke of the Barrons warres . The Argument . By a sleepie potion that the Queene ordaines , Lord Mortimer escapes out of the Tower , And by false slights , and many subtile traines , Shee gets to Fraunce to raise a ●orraine power , The French King leaues his sister ; need constraines The Queene to Henault in a happy bowre , Edward her sonne to Phillip is affi'd , And for i●uasion presently prouide . 1 SCarce had these passed miseries their ends when other troubles instantly begun , As ( still ) new matter mischiefe apprehends , By things that incon●id'ratly were done , And further yet this insolence extends , whilst all not yeelded that the sword had wonne● For some there were that ●ecretly did he , That to this bus'nes had a watchfull eye . 2 When as the King ( whilst things thus fairely went ) Who by this happy victory grew strong , Summons at Yorke a present Parlement , To plant his right , and helpe the Spensers wrong , By which he thinks t' establish his intent , whence ( more and more ) his Mineons greatnes sprong , whose counsels still in all proceedings crost Th' inraged Queene , whom all misfortunes tost . 3 When now the eld'st , a man extreamly hated , whom yet the King not aptly could prefer , The edge of their sharpe insolence abated , This parlement makes Earle of Winchester , where Herckley Earle of Carlell is created , And Baldock likewise is made Chauncelor , One whom the King had for his purpose wrought , A man as subtile , so corrupt , and naught . 4 When now mishapp's that sildome come alone Thicke in the necks of one another fell , The Scot pretends a new inuasion , And Fraunce doth thence our vse-full power expell , Treasons suspected to attend his throne , The greeued Commons eu'ry day rebell , Mischiefe on mischiefe , curse doth follow curse , One ill scarse past , when after comes a worse . 5 For Mortimer this wind yet fitly blew , Troubling theyr eyes which else perhaps might see , whilst the wise Queene , who all aduantage knew Is closly plotting his deliuery , ( which now she doth with all her powers pursue ) Aptly contryu'd by her deepe pollicie , Against opinion , and the course of might , To worke her will , euen through the iawes of spight . 6 A sleepie drinke she secretly hath made , whose operation had such wonderous power , As with cold numnes could the sence invade , And mortifie the patient by an howre , The liuelesse corse in such a slumber layd , As though pale death did wholy it deuour , Nor for two dayes take benefit of eyes , By all means Art , or Physick could deuise . 7 For which she Plantane and cold Lettice had , The water Lilly from the marrish ground , With the wan Poppy , and the Night-shade sad , And the short mosse that on the trees is found , The poysning Henbane , and the Mandrake drad , with Cypresse flowers , that with the rest are pound , The braine of Cranes like purposely she takes , Mix'd with the blood of Dormise , and of Snakes . 8 Thus sits the great Enchauntresse in her cell , Strongly ingert with ceremonious charmes , Her clensed body sens'd with hallowing smell , with Vestall fire her potent liquor warmes , Hauing full heate , vnto her busnes fell , when her with Magique instruments she Armes , And from the hearbes the powerfull verdure wrong , To make the med'cine forcible and strong . 9 The sundry doubts that incident arise , Might be supposd her trembling hand to stay , If she considered of the enterprise To thinke what perrill in th' attempting lay , The secret lurking of deceitfull spies , That on her steps continually doe pray , But when they leaue of vertue to esteeme , Those greatly erre which take them as they seeme . 10 Their plighted ●aith for liberty they leaue , Their loue is cold , their lust hote , hote their hate , with smiles and teares they serpentlike deceaue , In their desires they be insatiate , There 's no restraint their purpose can bereaue , Their will no bound , nor their reuenge no date , All feare exempt where they at ruine ayme , Couering their sinne with their discouered shame . 11 The elder of the Mortimers this space , ( That many sundry miseries had past ) So long restrayn'd within that healthlesse place , Redeem'd by death yet happily at last , That much auailes the other in this case , And from this Lord that imposition cast , which the deere safety of his vnckles breath within the Tower so strictly limmeteth . 12 But there was more did on his death depend Then heauen was pleasd the foolish world should know , And why the Fates thus hasted on his end , Thereby intending greater things to show , Braue Lord in vaine thy breath thou didst not spend , From thy corruption further matters grow , And soone beginning fruitfully to spring , New formes of feare vpon the time to bring . 13 All things prepard in readines , and fit , The Queene attends her potions power to proue , Their stedfast friends , their best assisting it , Their seruaunts seale their secrets vp in loue ; And he expresse his valure and his wit , whom of the rest it chiefly doth behoue , Places resolu'd where guide and horses lay , And where the ship him safely to conuay . 14 As his large bounties liberally were heapt To all deseruing , or to those that neede , His solemne birth-dayes feastifall was kept At his free charge , all in the Tower to feede , which may suspition cleerly intercept , A strong assistant in so great a neede , when midst their cates , their furious thirst to quench , Mixing their wine with this approoued drench . 15 Which soone each sence , and eu'ry power doth ceaze , when he that knew the strength of eu'ry ward , And to the purpose sorting all his keyes , His corded ladders readily prepar'd , And lurking forth by the most secret waies , Not now to learne his compasse by the Card , To winne the walls coragiously doth goe , which looke asscorning to be mastred so . 16 They soundly sleepe whilst his quick spirits awake , Opposd to perrill , and the stem'st extreames , Alcydes labours new to vndertake , Of walls , of gates , of watches , and of streames , Through which his passage he is now to make , And let them tell King Edward of their dreames , For ere they rose out of the brainsicke traunce , He hopes to tell this noble iest in Fraunce . 17 The sullen night hath her blacke Curtaines spred , Lowring the day had tarryed vp so long , whose faire eyes closing , softly steales to bed , when all the heauens with duskie cloudes are hong , And Cynthia now plucks in her horned head , And to the west incontinently flong , As she had long'd to certifie the sunne what in his absence in her Court was done . 18 The glymmering lights , like Sentinels in warre , Behind the cloudes stand craftily to pry , And through false loope-holes looking from a farre To see him skirmish with his desteny , Not any fix'd , nor any wandring starre , As they had held a counsell in the skie , And had before concluded with the night It should not looke for any cheerfull sight . 19 In deadly silence all the shores are hush'd , Onely the Skreech-howle sounds to the assault , And Isis with a troubled murmure rush'd , As if consenting , and would hide the fault , And as his foote the sand or grauell crush'd , A little whisp'ring moou'd within the vault , Made by the treading softly as he went , which seem'd to say it furthered his intent . 20 This wondrous Queene whom care yet restlesse kept Now for his speede to heauen holds vp her hands , A thousand strange thoug●ts in her bosome heap'd As in her Closet listening still she stands , That many a sigh spent● many a warme teare wept , And though deuided , as in sundry strands , Most absent , present in desires they be , Our minds discerne where eyes doe cease to see . 21 The small cloudes issuing from his lips she saith , Labouring so fast , as he the ladder clame , Should purge the ayre of pestilence , and death , And as sometime that ●ilch'd Prometbian flame , Euen so the power and vertue of his breath , New creatures in the elements should frame , And to what part of heauen it happ'd to stray , There should path out another milkie way . 22 Attaynd the top , halfe spent awhile to blow , Now round about he casts his longing eyes , The gentle earth salut's him from below , And couered with the comfortable skies , Viewing the way that he is now to goe , Cheer'd with the beames of Isabels faire eyes , Downe from the turret desperatly doth slide , Night be succesfull , fortune be his guide . 23 with his descent , her eye soe still descends , As feare had fix'd it to forewarne his fall , On whom her hope , and fortune now depends , when suddaine feare her sences doth appall , For present ayde her god-like hand extends , Forgets her selfe , and speedy ayde doth call ; Silent againe , if ought but good should hap , Shee begs of heauen his graue may be her lap . 24 Now she intreats the darke distempred ayre , Then by stronge Magicks she coniures the wind , Then she inuokes the gloomy night by prayer , Then with her spells the mortall sence to bind ; And fearing much least these yet frustrate are , Now by the burning tapers she diuin'd , Intreating T●ames to giue a friendly passe , The deerest fraught ere on her bosome was . 25 The rushing murmure stills her like a song , But yet in feare the streame should fall in loue , Suspects the drops that on his tresses hong , And that the billowes for his beauty stroue , To his fayre body , that so closely clong , which when in swimming with his breast he droue , Palled with griefe she turnes away her face , Iealous that he the waters should embrace . 26 This angry Lyon hauing slipp'd his chaine , As in a feuer makes King Edward quake , which knew ( too well ) ere he was oaught againe , Deere was the blood must serue his thirst to slake , Many the labours had been spent in vaine , And he inforc'd a longer course to take , Saw further vengeance hanging in the wind , That knew the pride , and greatnes of his mind . 27 The faction working in this lingering iarre , How for the Scot free passage might be made , To lay the ground of a succesfull warre , That hope might breede fresh courage to inuade ; And whilst our safety standeth ou● so farre , More dangerous proiects eu'ry where are layd , That some in hand , home troubles to en●re , Others in Fraunce doe forraine broyles p●ocure . 28 By these discentions that were lately sowne Incyting Charles to open Armes againe , who seazing Guyne , pretended as his owne That Edward should vnlawfully detaine , Proceeds to make a further title knowne , T' our Lands in Pontieu , and in Aquitaine , when wanted homage hath desolu'd the truce , waking his wrongs by Isabels abuse . 29 This plot concluded that was long in hand , ( which to this issue prosperously had thri●'d ) The Base whereon a mighty frame must stand , with mickle art , yet with more feare contriu'd , So strongly builded by this factious band , As from the same their safety is deriu'd , Till theyr full-rooted , and inuetterate hate , Getting more strength , might deeply penetrate . 30 When choise of such to sway this French affaire , which as a shapelesse , and vnweldy masse Might well imploy the strength of all their care , So hard and per'lous ●o be brought to passe , which it behooues them quickly to prepare , That beeing now so setled as it was , Craues a graue spirit , whose eminence , and power , Might like a stiffe gale check this threatning show●e . 31 This must a Session seriously debate , That depth of iudgment crau'd to be discust , That so concernes the safety of the state , And in a case so plausible and iust , As might haue quench'd all sparcks of former hate , And might be thought euen pollicy might trust , Could enuy maister her distracted will , Or apprehend saciety in ill . 32 Torleton whose tongue mens eares in chaynes could tie , And as a fearefull thunderbolt could pierce , In which there more authority did lie . Then in the Sybils sage propheticke verse , Whose sen●ence was so absolute , and hie , As had the power a iudgment to reuerse , On the Queenes part with all his might doth stand , To lay this charge on her well-guiding hand . 33 What helps her presence to the cause might bring , Beeing a wife , a sister , and a mother , And in so great , and pertinent a thing , To right her sonne , her husband , and her brother , Her gracious helpe to all distributing , To take of her what they should hold of other , which colour serues t' effect in these extreames , That which ( God knowes ) King Edward neuer dreames● 34 Torleton is this thy spirituall pretence ? Would God thy thoughts were more spirituall , Or lesse perswasiue were thy eloquence . But ô thy actions are too temporall , Opinion lends too great preheminence , Thy reasons subtile , and sophisticall , would all were true thy supposition saith , Thy arguments lesse force , or thou more faith . 35 These suddaine broyles that weare begun of late , Still kept in motion by their secret sleight , By false suggestions so interminate That as a ballast of some solid weight , Betwixt these aduerse currents of debate , Kept theyr proceeding in a course so streight , As lends the Queene an ampler colour still , By generall meanes to worke a generall ill . 36 Shee which thus fitly found both wind and tyde , And sees her leysure serue the howre so neare , All her endeuours mutually apply'd , whilst for her purpose things so fitly weare , And this aduantage quickly had espy'd , As one whose fortunes taught the worst to feare , Seeing the times so variously inclind , And eu'ry toy soone altring Edwards mind . 37 Her followers such as friendlesse else had stood , Sunck , and deiected by the Spensers pride , who bare the brands of treason in their blood , which but with blood there was no way to hide , whose meane was weake , whose will was but too good , which to effect did but the howre abide , And knew all meanes that mischiefe could inuent , That any way might further her intent . 38 Whilst Mortimer which now so long hath laine From our iust course , by fortune lately crost , In Fraunce now strugling how he might regaine That which before he had in England lost , All present meanes doth gladly entertaine , No iot dismayde in all these tempests tost , Nor his great minde can thus be ouerthrowne , All men his friends , all countries are his owne . 39 And Muse transported by thy former zeale , Led in our progresse where his fortune lyes , To thy fayre ayde I seriously appeale , To sing this great man , his magnanimous guise , The auncient Heroes vnto me reueale , whose worths may raise our nobler faculties That in my verse , transparent , nete , and cleere , His character more liuely may appeere . 40 Such one he was , of him we boldly say , In whose rich soule all soueraigne powers did sute , In whom in peace th' elements all lay So mix'd as none could soueraignty impute , As all did gouerne , yet all did obey , His liuely temper was so absolute , That t'seemd when heauen his modell first began , In him it showd perfection in a man . 41 So throughly season'd , and so rightly set , As in the leuell of cleere iudgements eye , Time neuer tuch'd him with deforming fret , Nor had the power to warpe him once awry , whose stedfast course no crosse could euer let , His eleuation was so heauenly hie , Those giddy tempests that the base world proue , Sate vnder , where , he planet like did moue . 42 which this faire Queene that had a knowing spirit , And saw the beauties resting in his mind , One that had throughly look'd into his merit , Aboue the value of the vulgar kind , That rightly did his Grand●ires deedes inherit , when now the ages in theyr course declin'd , when the old world beeing weake , began to ●ow To th' effeminate basenes that it rests at now . 43 what waies he wealth , or what his Wigmore left ? Let needlesse heapes , things momentary stand , He counts not his that can be rap'd by theft , Man is the sole Lord both of sea and land , And still is rich of these that is not reft , who of all creatures hath an vpright hand , And by the starres is onely taught to know , That as they progresse heauen , he earth should doe . 44 Wherefore wise Nature forc'd this face of ground , And through the deeps shew'd him the secre● way , That in the floods her iudgments might be found , where she for safety did her treasure lay ; whose store that he might absolutly sound , Shee gaue him courage for her onely kay , That he alone , of all her creatures free , Her glory , and her wondrous works should see . 45 Let wretched worldlings sweat for mud and earth , whose groueling bosoms licke the recreant stones , And pesants carke for plenty , and for dearth , Fame neuer lookes vpon these prostrate drones , Man is allotted at his princely birth To manage Empires , and to sit on thrones , Frighting coy fortune , when she stern'st appeares , which else scornes sighes , and ieereth at our teares . 46 When now report with her fleet murmuring wing Tuch'd the still entrance of his listning eare , A fleete prepar'd this royall Queene to bring , And her arriuall still awaited neare , when eu'ry sound a note of loue doth sing , The ioyfull thoughts that in his bosome were , The soule in doubt to make her function lesse Denies the vtterance fully to expresse . 47 Quoth he , slide billowes gently for her sake , whose sight can make your aged Nereus yong , For her fair● passage euen allyes make , On the sleeke waters wa●t her sayles along ; And whilst she glydes vpon the pleasant lake , Let the sweet Syrens rocke her with a song , Though not Loues mother that doth passe this way● Fairer then she that 's borne vpon the sea . 48 You Sea-bred creatures , gaze vpon her eye , And neuer after with your kind make war , O steale the accents from her lip that flie , which like the musicks of the Angels are , And them vnto your amorous thoughts apply , Compar'd with which , Aryons did but iarre , wrap them in ayre , and when blacke tempests rage , Vse them as charmes , the rough seas to asswage . 49 Fraunce send to fetch her with full sholes of oares , with which her fleet may eu'ry way be plyde , And beeing landed on thy happy shoares , As the vast nauie doth at Anck or ride , For her departure when the wild sea roares , Ship mount to heauen , there brightly stellifide Next Iasons Argo on the ●urnish'd throne , Assume thee there a constellation . 50 Her person hence conuay'd with that delight , which best the languish of her iournies easd , That to her pleasure doth it selfe inuite , whereon her mind , and subtill fancie ceasd , And that ( most deare ) her liking might excite , which then this Lord , naught more her presence pleasd , where , when with state she fitt'st her time could take , Thus the faire Queene her Mortimer bespake . 51 O Mortimer , great Mortimer quoth shee , what angry power did first this meane deuise , To seperate Queene Isabell and thee , whom loues eternall vnion strongly ties , But if supposd this fault began by me , For a iust pennance to my longing eyes , ( Though guiltlesse they ) this punishment assignd , To gaze vpon thee , till they leaue me blind . 52 T is strange sweet friend how thou art altred thus Since first in Court thou didst our fauours weare , whose shape seem'd then not mortall vnto vs , when in our eye thy brow was beauties spheare , In all perfection so harmonious , A thousand seuerall graces moouing there ; But what then could'st thou be , not now thou art , An alien first , last home-borne in my hart . 53 That powerfull fate thy safety did inforce , And from the worst of danger did thee free , Still regular , and constant in one course , wrought me a firme , and euen path to thee , Of our affections as it tooke remorce , Our birth-fix'd starres so happily agree , whose reuolusion seriously directs Our like proceedings , to the like effects . 54 New forme of counsaile in the course of things , To our dissignement finds a neerer way , That by a cleere , and perfect managing , Is that firme prop whereon we onely stay , which in it selfe th' authority doth bring , That weake opinion hath no power to sway , Confuting such whose sightlesse iudgement sit , In the thicke ranke , with euery vulgar-wit . 55 Then since pleasd time our wish'd content assures , Imbrace the blessings of our mutuall rest , And whilst the day of our good hap endures , And we as fauorites leane on fortunes brest , which doth for vs this vacansie procure , In choise make free election of the best , Nere feare the storme before thou feele the shower , My sonne a King , an Empire is my dower . 56 Of wanton Edward when I first was woo'd , why cam'st thou not into the Court of France ? Thy selfe alone then in my grace had'st stood , Deere Mortimer how good had beene thy chaunce , My loue attempted in that youthfull mood , I might haue beene thine owne inheritance , where entring now by force , thou hold'st by might , And art deseisor of anothers right . 57 Honour thou Idole women so adore , How many plagues doo'st thou retaine to grieue vs , when still we finde there is remaining more Then that great word of maiestie can giue vs , which takes more from vs then it can restore , And of that comfort often doth depriue vs , That with our owne selues sets vs at debate , And mak'st vs beggers vnder our estate . 58 Those pleasing raptures from her graces rise , Strongly inuading his impressiue breast , That soone entranced all his faculties Of the proud fulnesse of their ioyes possest , And hauing throughly wrought him in this wise , Like tempting Syrens , sing him to his rest , when eu'ry power is passiue of some good , Felt by the spirits of his high-rauish'd blood . 59 Like as a Lute that 's tuch'd with curious skill , In musicks language sweetly speaking plaine , when eu'ry string his note with sound doth fill , Taking the tones , and giuing them againe , And the eare bath's in harmony at will , A diapason closing eu'ry straine ; So their affections set in keyes so like , Still fall in consort as their humors strike . 60 When now the path to their desire appeares , Of which before they had beene long debar'd , By desolution of some threatning feares That for destruction seem'd to stand prepar'd , which the smooth face of better safety beares , And now protected by a stronger guard , Giues the large scope of leysure to fore-cast Euents to come , by things already past . 61 These great dissignements setting easly o●t , By due proportion measuring eu'ry pace , T' auoyd the cumbrance of each hindring doubt , That might distort the comlines , and grace , Comming with eu'ry circumstance about , S●rictly obseruing person , time , and place ; All ornaments in faire discretions lawes , Could giue attyre to beautifie the cause . 62 The Embassy in tearmes of equall height , As well their state , and dignitie might fit , Apparrelling a matter of that weight , In ceremony well beseeming it , To carry things so steddy , and so right , where wisdome with cleere maiestie might sit , All things still seeming strictly to effect , That loue commaunds , and greatnes should respect . 63 Whose expedition by this faire successe That doth againe this ancient league combine , When Edward should by couenant release , And to the Prince the Prouinces resigne , with whom King C●arles renewes the happy peace , Receauing homage due to him for Guyne , And lastly now to consumate their speed , Edwards owne person to confirme the deede . 64 Who whilst he stands yet doubtfull what to doe , The Spensers chiefely that his counsels guide , Nor with their Soueraigne into Fraunce durst goe , Nor in his absence durst at home abide ; Now whilst the weake King stands perplexed so , His listning eares with such perswasion pli'de , As he at last to stay in England's wonne , And in his place , to send the Prince his sonne . 65 Thus is the King encompast by their skill , A meane to worke what Herford doth deuise , To thrust him on , to draw them vp the hill , That by his strength , they might get power to rise ; Thus they in all things are before him still , This perfect steersman of their policies Hath cast to walke whilst Edward beares the light , And take that ayme that must direct his sight . 66 And by th' alowance of his liberall will Supposd his safety , furthering their intent , Stands as a rest to iustifie their ill , Made sound and currant by this late euent , And what yet wanting lastly to fulfill , Things in theyr course to fall in true consent , Giues full assurance of that happy end , On which they now laboriously attend . 67 Nor finding reason longer to protract Or in suspence their home-left friends to hold , By beeing now so absolutely back'd , And thereby waxing confident and bold , By their proceedings publishing their act , when as their power was ripened as they would , Now with an armed , and erected hand To abet their faction absolutely stand . 68 When now the fearefull fainting Exceter , A man experienc'd in their counsels long , whether himselfe thought his way to prefer , Or mou'd in conscience with King Edwards wrong , Or t' was his frailty forc'd him thus to erre , Or other fatall accident among , The onely first that backe to England flew , And knowing all , discouered all he knew . 69 The plot of treason lastly thus disclos'd , And Torletons drift by circumstances found , with what conueyance things had beene dispos'd The cunning vsd in casting of the ground , The meanes , and apt aduantages he chos'd , when better counsell coldly comes to sound , Awakes the King to see his owne estate , when the preuention comes too vaine and late . 70 And whilst the time she daily doth adiourne , Charles as a brother by perswasions deales , Edward with threats to hasten her returne , And Iohn of Rome with papall curse assailes , T is but in vaine against her will to spurne , Perswasions , threats , nor curses ought preuailes , Charles , Edward , Iohn , doe th' vtmost of your worst , The Queene fares best when she the most is curst . 71 The subtile Spensers which French humors felt , ( And with their Soueraigne had deuisd the draught ) with Prince and Peeres now vnderhand had delt with golden bayts , that craftily were caught , whose flexed temper soone begins to melt , On which they now by flights so throughly wrought , As with great summes now lastly ouer-way'd , The wretched Queene is desperate of ayde . 72 Nor can all this amaze this mighty Queene , with all th' affliction neuer yet contrould , Neuer such courage in her sexe was seene , Nor was she cast in other womens mould , ( Nor can rebate the edge of her hie spleene ) But can endure warre , trauaile , want , and cold , Strugling with fortune , ne're with greefe opprest , Most cheerfull still , when she was most distrest . 73 And thus resolu'd to leaue ingratefull Fraunce , And in the world her fortune yet to try , Changing the ayre , hopes time may alter chance , As one whose thoughts were eleuate more hie , Her weakned state still seeking to aduaunce , Her mighty mind so scorneth misery ; Yet ere she went , her grieued hart to ease , Thus to the King this grieued Lady saies . 74 Is this a King and Brothers part , quoth she , And to this end , did I my griefe vnfold ? Came I to heale my wounded hart to thee , where slaine outright I now the same behold ? Proue these thy vowes , thy promises to me , In all this heate , thy faith become so cold , To leaue me thus forsaken at the worst ? My state more wretched then it was at first . 75 My frailty vrging what my want requires To thy deere mercy should my teares haue ty'd , Our bloods maintained by the selfe-same fires , And by our fortunes as our birth aly'd , My sute supported by my iust desires , All arguments I should not be deny'd . The grieuous wrongs that in my bosome be , Should be as neere thy care , as I to thee . 76 Nature that easly wrought vpon my sex , To thy vile pleasure thus mine honour leaues , And vnder colour of thy due respects , My setled trust dis●oially deceaues , That me and mine thus carelesly neglects , And of all comfort wholy me bereaues , Twixt recreant basenes , and disord'nate will , To expose my fortunes to the worst of ill . 77 But for my farwell this I prophecie , That from my wombe tha● glorious fruit doth spring , which shall deiect thy neere posteritie , And lead a captiue thy succeeding King , That shall reuenge this wretched iniury , To fatall Fraunce I as a Sybel sing , Her Citties sack'd , the slaughter of her men , when of the English one shall conquer ten . 78 Bewmount in Fraunce that had this shuffling seene , whose soule by kindnes Isabell had wonne , For Henault now perswades the greeued Queene , By full assurance what might there be done , Now in the anguish of this tumerous spleene Offring his faire Neece to the Prince her sonne , The surest way to gaine his brothers might , To back young Edward , and vphold her right . 79 This gallant Lord , whose name euen fild report , To whom the souldiers of that time did throng , A man that fashion'd others of his sort , As that knew all to honour did belong , And in his youth traynd vp with her in Court , And fully now confirmed in her wrong , Crost by the faction of th' emperiall part , In things that sat too neerly to his hart . 80 Sufficient motiues to inuite destresse , To apprehend the least and poorest meane , Against those mischiefes that so strongly presse , whereon their low deiected state to leane , And at this season , though it were the lesse That might awhile their sickly power sustaine , Till prosperous times by mild , and temperate dayes , Their drooping hopes to former height might raise . 81 Where finding cause to breathe their restlesse state where welcome look'd with a more milder face , From those dishonours she receau'd of late , where now she wants no due officious grace , Vnder the guidance of a gentler fate , where bountious offers mutually embrace , And to conclude all ceremonies past , The Prince affies faire P●illip at the last . 82 All cou'nants sign'd with wedlocks sacred seale , A lasting league eternally to bind , And all proceeding of religious zeale , And suting right with Henaults mighty mind , That to his thoughts much honor doth reueale , what ease the Queene is like thereby to find , The sweet contentment of the louely bride , Young Edward pleasd , and ioy on eu'ry side . The end of the third Canto .

The fourth Booke of the Barrons warres . The Argument . The Queene in Henault mightie power doth wi●● , In Harwich hauen safely is arriu'd , Great troubles now in England new begin , The King of friends , and safety is depriu'd , Flieth to Wales , at Neath receiued in , Many strange acts , and outrages contriu'd . Edward betray'd , deliu'red vp at Neath , The Spensers , and his friends are put to death . 1 NOw seanen times Phoebus had his welked waine Vpon the top of all the Torpick set , And seauen times discending downe againe , His fiery wheeles had with the fishes wet ; In the accurrents of this haplesse raigne , Since treason first these troubles did beget , which through more strange varieties hath runne , Then it that time celestiall signes hath done . 2 Whilst our ill thriuing in those Scottish broyles , Theyr strength and cou●age greatly doth aduaunce , That beeing made fat and wealthy by our spoyles , when we still weakned by the iarres in Fraunce , And thus dishartned by continuall foyles , Yeelds other cause , whereat our Muse may glaunce , And Herckleys treasons lastly brings to view , whose power of late the Barrons ouerthrew . 3 Now when the Scot with an inuasiue hand By daily inroads on the borders made , Had spoyld the Country of Northumberland , The buildings leuell with the ground weare layd ; And finding none that dare his power withstand , without controlement eu'ry where had pray'd . Bearing with pride what was by pillage got , As our last fall appointed to theyr lot . 4 For which false Herckley by his Soueraigne sent T' intreate this needfull , though dishonored peace , Cloking his treasons by this fayn'd intent , Kinling the warre which otherwise might cease ; And with the Scot new mischiefes doth inuent , T' intrap King Edward , and their feare release ; For which their faith they constantly haue plight In peace and warre to stand for eithers right . 5 For which the King his sister doth bestow , Vpon this false Lord , which to him affy'd , Maketh too plaine , and euident a show , Of what before , his trust did closely hide , But beeing found from whence this match should grow , By such as now into their actions pry'd , Displayes the treasons , which not quickly crost , would shed more blood then all the warres had cost . 6 Whether the Kings weake counsels causes are That eu'ry thing so badly forteth out , Or that the Earle did of our state despaire , when nothing prosper'd that was gone about , And therefore carelesse how these matters fare , ( I le not define , but leaue it as a doubt ) Or some vaine title his ambition lackt , Hatch'd in his breast this treasonable act . 7 Which now reueal'd vnto the iealous King , For apprehension of this tray't rous Peere , To the Lord Lucy leaues the managing , One whose knowne faith he euer held so deere , By whose dispatch , and trauell in this thing , ( He doth well worthy of his trust appeare ) In his owne Castell , carelesly defended , The trecherous Herckley closely apprehended . 8 For which ere long vnto his tryall led , In all the roabes befitting his degree , Where Scroope chiefe Iustice in King Edwards sted was now prepar'd his lawfull Iudge to be , Vrging the proofes by his enditement red , where they his treasons euidently see , which now themselues so plainly doe expresse , As might at first declare his bad successe . 9 His honor'd title backe againe restord , Noted with tearmes of infamie and scorne , And then disarmed of his knightly sword , On which his faith and loyaltie was sworne , And by a varlet of his spurres dispur'd , His coate of Armes in peeces hal'd and torne , To tast deserued punishment is sent , T' a trayterous death that trayterously had ment . 10 When such the fauorers of this fatall war , whom this occasion doth more sharply whet , Those for this cause thet yet impris'ned are , Boldly attempt at liberty to set , whose purpose frustrate by the others care , Doth greater wounds continually beget ; warning the King more strictly looke about , These secret fires still daily breaking out . 11 And Hereford in Parlement accusd , Of treasons which apparantly were wrought , That with the Queene , and Mortimers were vsd , whereby subuersion of the Realme was sought , And both his calling , and his trust abusd , which now to aunswere when he should be brought , Ceaz'd by the Clergy in the Kings despight , Vnder the colour of the Churches right . 12 Whilst now the Queene from England day by day , That of these troubles still had certaine word , whose friends much blam'd her tedious long delay , when now the time occasion doth afford , with better hast doth for herselfe puruay , Bearing prouision presently abord ; Ships of all vses daily rigging are , Fit'st for inuasion to transport a warre . 13 The Earle of Kent by 's soueraigne brother plac'd , As the great Generall of his force in Gwine , who in his absence here at home disgra'st , And frustrated both of his men , and coyne , By such lewd persons to maintaine theyr wast , From the Kings treasúres ceas'd not to proloyne , Th' lasciuious Prince , though mou'd regardlesse still Both of his owne losse , and his brothers ill . 14 Whose discontentment beeing quickly found , By such as all aduantages await , That still apply'd strong corsiues to the wound , And by their sharpe and intricate deceit , Hindred all meanes might possibly redound , This fast-arising mischiefe to defeate , Vntill his wrongs were to that fulnesse growne , That they haue made him absolute their owne . 15 Whose selfe-like followers in these faithlesse warres , Men most experienc'd , and of worthiest parts , which for their pay receaued onely scarres , whilst the inglorious reap'd their due desarts , And Mineons hate of other hope debarres , with too much violence vrg'd their grieued harts , On Iohn of Henault wholy doe rely , who led a great and valiant company . 16 That in this conquest doe themselues combine , The Lords Pocelles , Sares , and Boyseers , Dambretticourt , the young and valiant Heyn , Estoteuill , Comines , and Villeers , Others his Knights , Sir Michaell de la Lyne , Sir Robert Balioll , Boswit , and Semeers . Men of great power , whom spoile and glory warmes , Such as were wholly dedicate to Armes . 17 Three thousand souldiers , mustred men in pay , Of French , Scotch , Almaine , Swiser , and the Dutch , Of natiue English , fled beyond the Sea , whose number neere amounted to asmuch , Which long had look'd for this vnhappy day , whom her reuenge did but too neerely tuch , Her friends now ready to receaue her in , And new commotions eu'ry day begin . 18 When she for England fitly setting forth Spreading her proud sayles on the watry plaine , Shaping her course directly to the North , with her young Edward , Duke of Aquitaine , with th' other three of speciall name and worth , ( The destain'd scurges of his lawlesse raine ) Her souldier Beumount , with the Earle of Kent , And Mortimer , that mighty malcontent . 19 A for-wind now for Harwich fitly blowes , Blow not too fast to kindle such a fire , whilst with full saile , and fairer tide she goes , Turne gentle wind , and force her to retire , The fleet thou driu'st is fraughted with our woes , But winds , and seas doe Edwards wracke conspire , For when iust heauen to chastice vs is bent , All things conuert to our due punishment . 20 Thy coasts be kept with a continuall ward , Thy Beacons watch'd her comming to discry , O had the loue of subiects beene thy guard T 'had beene t' effect that thou didst fortifie , But whilst thou stand'st gainst for raine foes prepard , Thou art betrayd by thy home enemy , Small helpe by this thou art but like to win , Shutting death out , thou keep'st destruction in . 21 When Henry , brother to that haplesse Prince , The first great engine of this ciuill strife , ( Deere Lancaster ) whom law did late conuince , And that at Pomfret left his wretched life , This Henry , in whose great hart euer since Reuenge lay couer'd , smoother'd vp in griefe , Like fire in some fat minerall of the earth Finding the least vent , giues it selfe a birth . 22 That beeing Earle Marshall , great vpon the coast , with bells , and bonfires welcomes her a shore , And by his office gath'ring vp an hoast , Showes the old malice in his breast he bore , Nor of his ●elpe abash'd at all to boast , The Clergies power in readines before , Vpon their friends a great taxation layd , To raise munition for the present ayde . 23 And to confu●ion all their power expose On the rent bosome of this I le , where long warre did it selfe so stedfastly inclose , ( warre from our owne lewd desolutenes sprong ) whom no inuasion euer yet could lose , So old the malice , and so great the wrong , Vrg'd with the force that forraine fire doth bring , A greater spoyle , and horror menacing . 24 This innouation by an altred state Lent this new action such a violent hand , That it thus boldly dare insinuate , On the cold faintnes of the feebled Land ; And beeing arm'd with all the power of fate , Finding a way so openly to stand To their intendments , which endeuoured well , Might get that height from whence at first they fell . 25 When all their strength in order strictly set , All helps and doubts by warres best counsailes waid , what well might further , what their course might let , And their reliefes conueniently had layd , A meane reseru'd , securitie to get , Whereon at worst their fortune might be stayd , And furnish'd fully as themselues desir'd , Of all this action needfully requir'd . 26 And at Saint Edmonds doe a while repose , To rest themselues , and their new welcom'd force , Better to learne the manner of their foes , To th' end not vainely to direct their course , And seeing daily how the Armie growes , To take a full view both of foote and horse , With such discretion managing the war , Truly to shew them what indeede they are . 27 When now the King of these proceedings hard , And of the troopes that to them daily runne , And little strength at London yet prepar'd , where he expected fauour to haue wonne , He now commits the Citty to the guard , Of his approu'd most-trusted Stapleton , To Iohn of Eltham ( his faire sonne ) the Tower , Himselfe to Wales , to raise a speedy power . 28 Yet whilst his name doth any hope admit , Proclaimes in forfaite both of goods and life , All that enioy'd a subiects benefit , Should lend their power against his sonne , and wife , And doth all slaughters generally aquit were done vpon the moouers of this strise . And who could bring in Mortimers proud head , Should freely take th' reuenewes of the dead . 29 Which straight encountred by the Queenes edict , who making knowne the iustnes of her cause , That she proceeded in a course so strict T' vphold their ancient liberties and lawes ; Nor that she did this punishment inflict For priuate hate , or popular applause , Onely the Spensers to account to bring , whose wicked counsels had abusd the King . 30 Which ballasing the multitude that stood As a light Barck that 's tost twixt wind and tyde , Turn'd in the mixture of th' opposed flood when yet opinion not their course could guide , And wau'ring thus in theyr inconstant mood Till by the weaknes of th' imperiall ●ide Suffers the seasure of it selfe at last , which to the Queene all free aduantage cast . 31 When friendlesse Edward followed by his foes , whom danger doth to recreant ●ight debase , As poore in hope , as he is rich in woes , Depriu'd all princely ornament and grace , whose force th' more weakned , further that he goes , His safety now suspecting eu'ry place ; No helpe at home , no succour seene abroade , His mind small rest , his body lesse aboad . 32 One scarce to him his sad discourse hath done Of Henaults power , and what the Queene intends , But whilst he speakes , another hath begunne , A third doth take it where the second ends , when now abroad there 's other rumors runne , Some of new foes , some of reuolting friends , These scarsly past when more reports are spred , Of many that rebell , of many fled . 33 What plagues doth Edward for himselfe prepare ? Forsaken King , ô whether doost thou flie ? Men change theyr clime , but sildome change their care , Thou fly'st thy foes , but follow'st misery , The euill fates in number many are That to thy footsteps doe themselues apply ; And still thy conscience prick'd with inward griefe Thy selfe pursues thy selfe , both robd , and thiefe . 34 Accepting succour offer'd next at hand , At last for Wales commits him to the seas ; And seeing Lundy that so faire doth stand , Puts in for succour ( need would faine haue ease ) This little modell of his banish'd Land , which for a while his fancie seemes to please , Faine would he be King of a little I le , Although his Empire bounded in a mile . 35 And ready now to strike his prosp'rous saile , As vnder lee past danger of the flood , A suddaine storme of mixed sleet and hayle Not suffers him to rule this peece of wood . what doth thy labour , what thy toyle auaile , when thou art still by greater powers with-stood ? Edward thy hopes all vainly doe delude , By Gods , and men , incessantly pursude . 36 In this blacke tempest long turmoild , and tost , Quire from their course , and well they know not where , Mongst rocks , and sands , in danger to be lost , Without in perrill , and within in feare , At length perceiuing they are neere the coast , And that the place more plainly doth appeare , Knowes by the Mountaines insolently tall , That part of Wales that we Glamorgan call , 37 To Neath , a Castell fortifi'd and strong , Commaunding entrance with his banish'd crue , The Earle of Gloster , worker of much wrong , The Chancelor Baldocke , that much euill knew , Reding his Marshall is the rest among , Heere hid from eyes , but not from enuies view , where for a while committing them to dwell , we must prepare more dreadfull things to tell . 38 You lighter Muses , leaue me , and be gone , Your weake complaints are matters much too slight , More horred plagues are heere approching on , Yee ghastly spirits that haunt the gloomy night , Lend me your shreekes t' expresse the depth of moane , with ghastly howling all approch my sight , And round about with funerall tapers stand , To giue a sad light , to my sadder hand . 39 Each line shall leade to some dire point of woe , And eu'ry cadence as a tortured cry , Now must my teares in such abundance flow , That they surround the circle of mine eye ; And whilst these great calamities I show , All loose affections stand you idely by , Once more our cleere Muse dips her wing in gore , The dreerest tale that pen did ere deplore . 40 New sorts of vengeance threatned to the earth , The raging Ocean past the bounds to rise , Strange apparitions , and prodigious birth , Vnheard of sicknesse , and mortalities , More inaccustom'd , and vnlook'd for dearth , New sorts of Meteors gazing from the skies , As what before had small or nothing bin , And onely now our miseries begin . 41 And whilst these discords and discentions breede , The Land layd naked to all offered ill , The lawlesse exile now returnes with speed , Not to defend his country , but to kill , And all the prisons desolutely freed , Both field and towne with wretchednes to fill . London first author of our latest shame , Soon'st that repent'st , most plagued for the same . 42 Whose giddy commons mercilesse and rude , Let loose to mischiefe in this cursed day , Their hands in blood of Edwards friends imbrude , Neuer content till they were made away ; Th' implacable , and wicked multitude On the Lieuetenant Stapl●ton doe pray , who drag'd and torne by this tumultuous heape , Cut off his head before the Crosse in Cheape . 43 Read wofull Citty on thy ruin'd wall , Thy sad destruction which is drawing nie , where on thy gates is charractred thy fall , In mangled bodies thine Anatomy , Now thy lewd errors to a reckning call , which may exstract teares from thy ruthlesse eye , And if the thicke ayre dim thy hatefull sight , Thy buildings are on fire to giue thee light . 44 Thy chanels serue for inck , for paper stones , And on the ground write murther , incest , rape , And for thy pennes , a heape of dead-mens bones , Let eu'ry letter be some monstrous shape , Thy poynts and accents be departing groanes , And let no vile , nor desperate act escape , And when with pride thou art againe ore'gon , Then take this booke , and sadly looke thereon , 45 Poore wretch dispoyl'd of thy late virgins name , Now for thy sinne what impious villaine shent , Black is my inck , but blacker thy defame , who shall reuenge whilst I thy state lament , what might be done to remedy thy shame , when now too late these mischiefes to preuent , Against these horrors thou doo'st idely striue . Thou seest thy selfe deuoured , yet aliue . 46 Thou want'st redresse , and tyrannie remorce , To whom should'st thou thy helplesse woes complaine ? But yeeld thy selfe to the adulterers force , Thy words vntimely , and returne in vaine , The more thou grieu'st , thy fault is still the worse ; This remedy there onely doth remaine , Dispoyld of fame , be prodigall of breath , And make thy life cleere by a resolute death . 47 For worlds that were , the present times complaine when men might haue beene buried when they di'de , And children safely in their cradles laine , And when the husband might enioy his bride , when in some bounds ill could it selfe containe , The sonne haue kneeld by 's fathers death-bed side , The liuing wrong'd , the dead no right can haue , The father sees his sonne to want a graue . 48 But t' is too late thy head-strong course t'recall , Depriu'd all feeling of externall feare , These deadly sounds by theyr continuall fall , Settle confusion in thy deafned eare , This is the last , ô would the worst of all , Shreeks be the musick thou deligt'st to heare , Armes thy attire , and wounds be all thy good , Thy end consists in rapine , and in blood , 49 Inglorious age of whom it should be said That all these mischieues did abound in thee , That all these sinnes should to thy charge be laid , From no calumnious , nor vile action free , O let not time vs with thy ills vpbrayd , Leaft feare what hath beene , argue what may be , And fashoning so a habit in the minde , Make vs alone the haters of our kind . 50 O powerfull heauen , in whose all-soueraine raine , Those thy pure bodies moue in harmonie , And by a strong , and euerlasting chaine , Together linck'd in sacred vnitie , In which you doe continually remaine , Stayd in one certaine course eternally , Why his due motion keepeth eu'ry star , Yet what they gouerne so irregular ? 51 Muse , in the course of this vnnaturall warre Tell me from whence this height of mischiefe grew , That in so short time spread it selfe so farre , whereon such strange calamities ensue ; The true occasions faithfully declare , O men religious , was the fault in you ? which euen growne res●ie by your power , with-draw Your stifned necks , as freed from ciuill awe . 52 What wonder then the people grow prophane , when Churchmens liues giue lay men leaue to fall , Their former Doue-like humblenes disdaine , For coates of hayre , now clad in costly pall , The holy Ephod made a cloke for gaine , And what most cunning , most cannonicall , And blinde promotion shunnes that dangerous road , which the old Prophets diligently troad . 53 Hence is t that God so slightly is ador'd , The rock remoou'd whereon our faith is grounded , Conscience esteem'd but as an idle word , which weake before , by vaine opinion wounded , Professors liues so little fruite affoord , And in her sects religion lies confounded , The sacred things a merchandize become , None talkes of texts , and prophecying dumbe . 54 And of the former beeing thus possest , Like to the venom of infectious ayre That hauing got into the secret breast , Is not prescrib'd , nor long times staies it there ; But from this ground to seaze vpon the rest , The rancke contagion spreading eu'ry where , That ere this euill hath the vtmost done , The solid body lastly ouer-runne . 55 Cauels breake forth to cancell wholesome lawes , And catching hold vpon the publique weale , where doubts should cease they rise in eu'ry clause , The sword that wounds , ordaind a salue to heale , One mischiefe still another forward drawes , Each striuing others vilenesse to conceale , By lewde corruptions in a needfull vse , Right cloakes all wrong , and couers all abuse . 56 When now the King late taken to this hold , And in this poore imprisoned libertie , Liuing a death in hunger , want , and cold , Euen in depth of woe and misery , By hatefull treason secretly is sold , Before he could the trecherous drift espy , For when oppression's vp vnto the chin , who lends not hand to thrust him boldly in . 57 In th' lucklesse fortunes of this wretched King , whose person 's ceased by th' invading part , Vnto his friends sad matters menacing , with bloodlesse terror striking eu'ry hart , All expectation now discouraging , when no euasion from the foe to start , And that the cloude which threatned greatest feare Rose , whence their hopes most brightest did appeare . 58 Which breaking in now with a generall force , On the two Spensers , from whose onely hate This warre first sprung , distracted in their course , Their latest power confined by their fate , Of whom there 's none takes pitty or remorce , which to auoyde , as cankers of the state , The eldest first to death at Bristow led , where hangd to death , his body quartered . 59 When as the heyre to Winchester late dead , The bloody lot to th' Earle of Gloster fell , Reding the Marshall , marshald with the dead , when soone succeedes the Earle of Arundell To pay the forfaite of a reuerent head , Then Muchelden , and wofull Daniell , Who followed him in his lasciuious wayes , Must goe before him to his fatall dayes . 60 Euen like some piller , on whose goodly height A pond'rous building onely doth depend , which when not able to sustaine the weight , And that his strong backe hath begun to bend , As quite depriued of his former might , The massy load vnto the ground doth send , Crushing the lesser props , and murdring all That stand within the compasse of the fall . 61 That state whereon the strength of Princes leanes whose hie ascent we trembling doe behold , From whence by coynesse of their chast disdaines , Subiection is imperiously controld , Their earthly weaknes euermore explaines , Exalting whom they please , not whom they should , when their owne fall ( showes how they fondly er'd ) Procur'd by those , vnworthily prefer'd . 62 Merit goes vnregarded , and vngrac'd , when by his fauters ignorance held in , And Parasites in wisemens roomes are plac'd , Onely to sooth the great ones in their sin , From such whose gifts , and knowledge is debac'd There 's many strange enormities begin , Forging great wits into most factious tooles , when mightiest men oft proue the mightiest fooles . 63 But why so vainly doe I time bestow The foule abuse of th' wretched world to chide , whose blinded iudgement eu'ry howre doth show what folly weake mortality doth guide ? wise was the man that laugh'd at all thy woe , My subiect still more sorrow doth prouide , And this late peace more matter still doth breed , To hasten that which quickly must succeed . The end of the fourth Canto .

The fifth Booke of the Barrons warres . The Argument . Th' imprisoned King his gouernment forsakes , And to the Peeres his weakenes so excused , Who him ere long from Leisters keeping takes , That with much woe his soueraigne Lord refused● His torturer of him a mockery makes , And basely , and reprochfully abused , By secret wayes to Berckley beeing led , And cruelly in prison murthered . 1 THe wretched King vnnaturally betrayd By lewd corruption of his natiue Land , From thence with speede to Kenelworth conuayd By th' Earle of Leister with a mighty band , Some few his fauourers quickly ouer-wayd , And now a present Parlement in hand , To ratifie the generall intent , His resignation of the gouernment . 2 Falne through the frailty of intemperate will , That with his fortunes it so weakely far'd , To vndergoe that vnexpected ill , For his deserued punishment prepar'd , The measure of that wretchednes to fill , To him alotted as a iust reward , Armes all with malice , either lesse or more , To strike at him , that strooke at all before . 3 And beeing a thing the commons daily craue ? To which the great are resolutely bent , Such forward helpes on eu'ry side to haue , T' effect their strong and forcible intent , which now that speede vnto their action gaue , That ratifi'd by generall consent , Still hastneth on to execute the thing , which for one ill , twoworse should shortly bring . 4 Bishops , Earles , Abbots , and the Barrons all , Each in due order as becomes the state , Set by the Heraults in that goodly hall , The Burgesses for places corporate , whom this great busnes at this time doth call , For the Cinque-ports the Barrons conuocate , And other Knights , for the whole body sent , Both on the South , and on the North of Trent . 5 From his impris'ning chamber clad in blacke Before th' assembly sadly he is brought , A dolefull hearse vpon a dead-mans backe , whose heauy lookes might tell his heauier thought , In which there doth no part of sorrow lacke , Nor fained action needs to greefe be taught , His funerall solemniz'd in his cheere , His eyes the mourners , and his legges the Beere . 6 Torleton as one select to this intent , The best experienc'd in this great affaire , A man graue , subtill , stout , and eloquente , First with faire speech th' assembly doth prepare , Then with a voyce austeere , and eminent , Doth his abuse effectually declare As winnes each sad eye , with a reuerent feare , with due attention drawing eu'ry eare . 7 The great exactions raised by the King , with whose full plenty he his Mineons fed , Himselfe and subiects so impourishing , And that deere blood he lauishly had shed , which desolation to the Land should bring , And the chiefe cause by his leud riots bred , The losse in warre sustained through his blame , The during scandall to the English name . 8 Proceeding forward to the future good , That their dissignments happily intend , And with what vpright pollicie it stood , No after hopes their fortunes to amend , The resignation to his propper blood , That might the action lawfully defend , The present need that wild it strictly so , whose imposition they might not forslow . 9 Pardon me art , that striuing to be short , To this intent a speech deliuering , And that at full I doe not heare report Matters that tuch deposing of the King , My faithfull Muse , ô doenot thou exhort The after times to so abhord a thing , To show the reasons forcibly were layd , Out of thy feelings , what he might haue said . 10 The strong deliu'ry of whose vehement speech , Borne with a dauntlesse , and contracted brow , That with such sterne seuerity did teach His reasons more autentique to alow , which the more easly made the dangerous breach , By the remembrance of a generall vow , To which they here must openly contest , when Edward comes to consumate the rest . 11 His faire cheeke couer'd in pale sheers of shame , And as a dumbe shew in a swoune began , where passion doth such sundry habits frame , As eu'ry sence a right tragedian , Truly to show from whence his sorrow came , Beyond the compasse of a common man , where nature seemes a practiser in art , Teaching dispaire to act a liuely part . 12 Ah pitty doost thou liue , or wert thou not , Mortals by such sights haue to flint beene turned , Or what men haue beene , hath their seede forgot , Or was it neuer knowne that any mourned . In what so strangely are we ouer-shot ? Against our owne selfe hath our frailty spurned , Or teares hence forth abandon humane eyes , And neuer-more to pitty miseries . 13 He takes the crowne yet scornefully vnto him , with slight regard , as scarcely thinking on it , As though not sencelesse that it should forgoe him , And sildome casts a scornefull eye vpon it , would seeme to leaue it , and would haue it woe him , Then snatching it , as loth to haue forgone it , Yet putsit from him , yet he will not so , would faine retaine , what faine he would forgoe . 14 In this confused conflict of the mind , Teares drowning sighes , and sighes confounding teares , Yet when as neither , libertie could find , Oppressed with the multitude of feares , Stands as a man affrighted from his kinde , Greefe becomes sencelesse when too much it beares , whilst speech & silence striues which place should take , From his full bosome thus his sorrowes brake . 15 If that my title rightfully be planted , Vpon a true indubitate succession , Confirm'd by nations , as by nature granted , That freely hath deliuerd me possession , Impute to heauen sufficiency t' haue wanted , which must denie it power , or you oppression , Which into question by due course may bring , The grieued wrongs of an annointed King . 16 That hallowed vnction by a sacred hand which once was powr'd on this emperious head , which wrough th'indument of a strict commaund , And round about me the rich verdure spred , Either my right in greater sted must stand , Or why in vaine was it so idely shed , whose prophanation and vnreuerent tuch , Iust heauen hath often punish'd alwayes much . 17 When from the bright beames of our soueraine due , Descends the strength of your enated right , And prosperously deriues it selfe to you , As from our fulnes taking borrowed light , which to your safeties alwaies firme , and true , why thus repugne you by prepost'rous might ? But what heauen lent me vertuously t' haue vsed , Leaues to your power , what weakenesse hath abused . 18 But heere I doe resigne it to your King , Pausing hereat as though his tongue offended , with griping throwes seemes foorth that word to bring , Sighing a full point as he there had ended , O how that sound his grieued hart doth wring , which he recalling gladly would haue mended . Things of small moment we can scarcely hold , But greefes that touch the hart , are hardly told . 19 But beeing past , he prosecutes in teares , Calming that tempest with a shower of raine , As he had stroue to keepe it from his eares . Quoth he , the leedgman to your soueraigne , O in his lips how vile that word appeares , whereat asham'd , doth sadly pause againe , Yes , yes , euen say so vnto him you beare it , I ft be young Edward that you meane shall weare it . 20 Let him account his bondage from that day That he is with the Diadem inuested , A glittering crowne hath made this hayre so gray , within whose circle he is but arested , To true content this not the certaine way , with sweeter cates a meane estate is feasted , And when his proude feete scorne to tuch the mold , His head a pris'ner in a gayle of gold . 21 His subiects numbred , numbring of his care , And when with shouts the people doe begin , Let him suppose th' applause but prayers are T' escape the danger that they see him in , wherein t'aduenture he so boldly dare ; The multitude hath multitudes of sin , And he that s first to cry God saue the King , Is the first man doth newes of sorrow bring . 22 Appeasing tumults , hate cannot appease , So oth'd with deceits , and fed with flatteries , Thy selfe displeasing , other sought to please , Obey'd asmuch as he shall tyrannize , The least in safety beeing most at ease , Feare forcing friends , inforcing enemies , And when he sitteth in his great'st estate , His footstoole danger , and his chayre is hate . 23 Rayne he alone , whilst he no King was one Disarm'd of power , and here deiected is , By whose deposing he enioyes a throne , Nor should I suffer that , nor he doe this , I must confesse th' inheritance his owne , But whilst I liue it should be none of his , The sonne clymes vp , to thrust the father downe , And thus the crowned , left without a crowne . 24 Hauing perform'd this hard constrained part , His speech , his raine , the day all ioyntly ended , Strangly transform'd , not beeing what thou art , Car'd for of none , vnlook'd on , vnattended , Sadly departing , with a heauy hart , To his strong lodging straightly recommended , Left to bemoane his miserable plight , To the rude walls , and solitarie night . 25 Whilst things are thus disastrously decreed , Sedicious libels eu'ry day are spred By such as like not of their violent deede , That he by force should be deliuered , whether his wrong , remorce in some did breed , That him at last vntimely pittied , Or else deuisd in pollicie by some , To cloake that mischiefe afterward to come . 26 And hate that each-where harkning still doth lurke And yet suspitious Edward is not sure , Thinking what blood with Leicester might worke , Or else what friends his name might him procure , which yet their thoughts continually doth yrck The time he should at Kenelworth endure , Fore-thinke some place t'which secretly conuayde , Vnknowne his beeing , be secur'd from ayde . 27 And though the great to hide their close intent , ( Seeme nere so cleere from knowing those know ill ) Not vnprouided of the instrument Which they keepe ready to performe their will , Such haue th'in store to their damnation bent , In villanie notorious for their skill , Dishonest , desperate , mercilesse , and rude , To all vyle actions ready to intrude . 28 Matreuers and base Gurney are the men In this leud act that must confedered be , Whose hatefull names pollute our maiden pen , But I intreate you be not grieu'd with me To whom the same doe worthily perteyne , Some boughes grow crooked from the straightest tree● Nor shall you be partakers of their shame , The fault lies in their deede , not in your name . 29 These secretly to Killing worth dispatch'd , Fitted of all things that their harts desire , At such a time as few their purpose watch'd , After whose busnes none is to enquire , which by their warrant subtilly was match'd Onely to them knowne whether to retyre , Taking the King , his guardian to acquit , And to bestow him where they thought most sit . 30 With a crue of ribalds , villanous , and naught , As their coagents in this hatefull thing , To th' Earle of Leister their commission brought , Commaunding the deliu'ry of the King , which ( with much griefe ) they lastly from him wrought , About the Castell closely houering , Watching a time till silence , and the night , Might with conuenience priuiledge their flight . 31 With shamefull scoffes , and barbarous disgrace Him on a leane ill-fa●our'd Iade they set , In a vile garment , beggerly , and base , which it should seeme they purposely did get , And in a wretched miserable case , Benum'd and beaten with the cold , and wet , Depriu'd of all repose and naturall rest , With thirst and hunger grieuously oprest . 32 Yet still suspitious that he should be knowne , They sha●e away his ornament of hayre , The last thing his that he could call his owne , Neuer left fortune any wight so bare , Such tyranny on King was neuer shone , Thus voide of comfort , were he voide of care , No , no , our ioyes are shadowes , and deceaue vs , But till our death , our sorrowes neuer leaue vs . 33 To which intent , when farthest from resort , Forcing him light from his poore weary beast , Vpon a mole-hili ( ô most sad report ) with puddle-water him they leudly drest , Whilst at his woes and miseries they sport , An yron skull the Bason , like the rest , whose lothing eyes , in this more lothed glasse , well may discerne how much deformd he was . 34 Th' aboundant drops that from his eyes doe fall , A poole of teares still rising by this raine , which wrastling with the water , and withall , A troubled circle makes it to retaine , His endlesse griefes vnto his minde might call , Billow'd with sighes like to a little maine , water with teares contending whether should Make water warme , or make the warme teares cold . 35 Vile traytors , hold of your vnhallowed hands , His brow the state of maiestie still beares , Dare you thus keepe your soueraigne Lord in bands , How can your eyes behold th' annointeds teares ? Or if your sight thus all remorce withstands , Are not your harts euen perced through your eares ? The mind is free , what ere afflict the man , Hee 's yet a King , doe fortune what she can . 36 Who 's he should take what God himselfe hath giuen , Or spill that life his holy spirit infused , All powers be subiect to the power of heauen , Wrongs passe not vnreueng'd , how are excused , If of all sence griefe hath thee not bereauen , Rise Maiestie when thou art thus abused , O whether shall authoritie betake , when in this sort , it doth it selfe forsake . 37 And in despight , and mockery of a Crowne , A wreath of grasse they for his temples make , Which when he felt , as comming from a swoune , And that his powers a little gan awake , Fortune ( quoth he ) thou doost not alwaies frowne , I see thou giu'st aswell as thou doost take , That wanting naturall couert for my braine , For that defect , thou lend'st me this againe . 38 To whom ô heauen should I my griefes complain● Since thou art iust , and prouident in all , How should this body naturall strength retaine , To suffer things so much innaturall ? My cogitations labour but in vaine , Except thou be partaker in my fall , And when at once so many mischiefes meet , By change of sorrow mak'st my torment sweet . 39 Wherefore my fate I should but fondly grutch , T is vaine contention when with heauen we striue , which preordaines my miseries for such That by one woe , another should suruiue , To shew how it mortalitie can ●uch My wretchednes so strangely to contriue , That all my comfort in mishaps should rest , And else in nothing but misfortune blest . 40 To Berckley thus they lead this wretched King , The place of horror that was long fore-thought , what power should suffer so defil'd a thing , Or can behold this murther to be wrought , That might the Nation into question bring , But that your wayes with iudgment still are fraught , Thus art thou hap'd into thy earthly hell , Now take thy leaue , and bid the world farewell , 41 Berckley , whose faire seate hath beene famous long Let thy faire buildings shreeke a deadly sound , And to the ayre complaine thy grieuous wrong , Keeping the figure of King Edwards wound , That as thou waxest old , theyr shame still yong , Their wretched footsteps printed on the ground , That when report shall lend their vile act breath , All tongues may ad damnation to their death . 42 The omenous Rauen with a dismall cheere Through his hoarce beake of following horror tells , Begetting strange imaginary feare , with heauy eccho's like to passing Bells , The howling dogge a dolefull part doth beare , As though they chym'd his latest burying knells , Vnder his eaue th buzzing shreechowle sings , Beating his windowes with her fatall wings . 43 And still affrighted in his fearefull dreames with raging fiends and goblins that he meets , Of falling downe from steepe Rocks into streames , Of tombes , of burialls , and of winding sheets , Of wandring helplesse in farre forraine Realmes , Of strong temptations by seducing sprites , Wherewith awak'd , and calling out for ayde , His hollow voyce doth make himselfe afraid . 44 Next comes the vision of his bloody raine . Masking along with Lancasters steme ghost , Of Barrons twenty eyght , or hang'd , or slaine , Attended with the rufull mangled host , That vnreueng'd yet all this while remaine , At Borough battell , and at Burton lost , Threatning with frownes , and trembling eu'ry lim , As through in peeces they would torture him . 45 And if it chaunce that from the troubled skies The least small starre through any chincke giue light , Straightwaies on heapes the thronging cloudes arise , As though the heauen were angry with the night . That it should lend that comfort to his eyes , Deformed shadowes glimpsing in his sight , As darknes for it would more darkned be , Through those poore crannies forc'd it selfe to see . 46 When all th' affliction that they could impose , Euen to the full , and vtmost of their hate , Aboue his torment yet his strength arose , As nature made a couenaunt with fate , when now his watchfull , and two wary foes , That cease not still his woes to aggrauate , All further helps suspected , to preuent , To take his life to Berckley closely sent . 47 And subtilly a letter fashioning , which in the words a double sence doth beare , which seemes to bid them not to touch the King , Shewing withall how vile a thing it were , But by false poynting , is another thing , And to dispatch him bids them not to feare , which taught to finde , these murtherers neede no more , For which they stood too ready long before . 48 Where as he haps a Chronicle to finde Of former Kings , their raignes , their deaths , and deedes , which some their lodg'd forgotten had behind , On which to passe the howers he falls to reede , Thinking thereby to recreate his mind , But in his breast this greater woe doth breed , For when deepe sorrow on the fansie seaseth , what ere we see , our misery increaseth . 49 First of great William , conqueror of this I le , ( From whom hee 's tenth that in succession lies ) whose power inforc'd the Saxon to exile , Planting new lawes , and forraine subtilties , Force and subiection so to reconcile The punishment of Harolds tyrannies , which he applies with arguments so strong To the due course of his just punish'd wrong . 50 Rufus his sonne , Duke Robert farre abroad , Receaues the rule in weakeinfeebled state , His fathers steps that euidently troad , Depressing those who had beene conquer'd late , wishing release of this theyr grieuous load , Vnder the guidance of their former fate . The place for men that did to beasts intend , A bestiall life , had last a beastly end . 51 Henry the yong'st , his brother William dead , Taketh the crowne from his vsurpfull hand , Due to the eldest good Duke Roberts head , Bearing our Red-crosse in the Holy Land , whose force farre off so much diminished , That his returne disabled to withstand , when those for whom th' vnnaturall warre was done , The sea deuours , he left without a sonne . 52 To Maude the Empresse he the scepter leaues , His onely daughter which by false pretext Stephen Earle of Bullaine forcibly bereaues , Henries false nephew in succession next , By which the Land a stranger warre receaues , wherewith it grew so miserably vext , Till Stephen fayling , and his issue reft , T 'the heyres of Maude the regall scepter left . 53 The second Henry , Maude the Empresse sonne , Of th' English line Plantaginet the first , By Stephens death a glorious raigne begunne , whose youth prolong'd to make his age accurst , By his sonne Henries corronation , which to his dayes much woe and sorrow nurst , when those for whom he conquer'd , to make great , Abroade his townes , at home vsurp'd his seate . 54 Richard his sonne that after him succeedes , who not content with what was safely ours , A man lift vp to great and glorious deedes , Into the East transports our valiant powers , where with his sword whilst many a Pagan bleedes , Relentlesse fate hasts on vntimely howres , And makes a period to this hopefull story , Euen in the spring and blossome of his glory . 55 When him succeedes his faithlesse brother Iohn , Murth'ring young Arthur by oppresfull might , Climing by force to his vsurped throne , Iustly with poyson was repay'd his spight , His life , to all men is so hatefull growne , who greeues his wrongs that nere did any right ? That on the Cleargie tyrannously fed , was by the Cleargie iustly punished , 56 Henry his sonne now crowned very yong , who for the hate they to his Father bare , His state of raigning stood in question long , Or to be left vnto a strangers care , with whom the Barrons , insolent , and strong , For the old Charter in commotion are , which his long raine so carefully attends Granting , his dayes in peace securely ends . 57 From him proceedes a Prince iust , wise , and sage , ( In all things happy but in him his sonne ) For whom euen nature did herselfe engage , More then in man , in this Prince to haue done , Whose happy raigne , recur'd the former rage By the large bounds he to his Empire wone , As the first Edward , had the second beene , O what a flow of glory had we seene . 58 Turning the leafe , as finding vnawares what day young Edward Prince of Wales was borne , which letters seeme like magique charracters , Or to despight him they were made in scorne , Marking the paper like dis-figuring stars , O let that name ( quoth he ) from bookes be torne , Least in that place the sad displeased earth , Doe loathe it selfe as slandered with my birth . 59 From thence heereafter humaine birth exil'd , By th' earth deuour'd , or swallowed by the sea , And fame enquiring for that lucklesse child , Say t was abortiue , or else stolne away ; And least ô time thou be therewith defil'd , In thy vnnumbred course deuoure that day , Let all be done that power can bring to passe , Onely forget that such there euer was . 60 The troubled teares now standing in his eyes , Through which as glasses he is forc'd to looke , Make letters seeme as rondlets that arise By a stone cast into a standing brooke , Appearing to him in such various wise , And at one time such sundry fashions tooke , which like deluding Monsters doe affright , And with their foule shapes te●rifie his sight . 61 When on his saint bed falling downe at last , His troubled spirit foretelling danger nie , when ( forth ) the doores a fearefull howling cast To let those in , by whom a King should die , whereat he starts amazed and agast , These ruthlesse villaines all vppon him flie , Sweet Prince , alas in vaine thou call'st for ayde By these accursed homecides betrayd . 62 O be not authors of so vile an act My blood on your posteritie to bring , which after times with horror shall distract , when fame euen hoarce with age your shame shall ring , And by recounting of so vile a fact , Mortalitie so much astonishing , That they shall count theyr wickednes scarce sinne , To that which long before their time hath beene . 63 And if your hate be deadly , let me liue , For that aduantage angry heauen hath left , That except life , takes all that it could giue , But for iust vengeance should not quite bereft , Me yet with greater misery to grieue , Reserue a while this remnant of their theft , That , that which spent from th' rest should interdict me , Alone remaining , doth withall afflict me . 64 Thus spake this wofull and distressed Lord , As yet his breath found passage to and fro , with many a short pant , many a broken word , Many a sore grone , many agrieuous throw , whilst yet his spirit could any strength affoord , Though with much paine disburd'ning of his woe , Till lastly gasping by their maist'ring strength , His kingly hart subiects it selfe at length . 65 When twixt two beds they close his wearied corse , Basely vncou'ring of his secret part , without all humane pitty and remorce , with burning yron thrust him to the hart ; O that my Muse had but sufficient force T'explane the torment in the which thou art , which whilst with words we coldly doe expresse , Thy paine made greater , that we make it lesse . 66 When those in dead , and depth of all the night , Good simple people that are dwelling neare , From quiet sleepe whom care did now affright , That his last shreeke , and wofull cry doe heare , Euen pittying that miserable wight , As twixt compassion , and obedient feare , Lift theyr sad eyes with heauy sleepe opprest , Praying to heauen to giue the soule good rest . 67 Still let the buildings figh his bitter grones , And euermore his sad complaints repeate , And let the dull walls , and the sencelesse stones By the impression of his torment , sweat , As wanting sounds where-with to shew his mones , with all sharpe paine and agony repleate , That all may thether come that shall be told it , As in a mirror cleerely to behold it . 68 When now the Genius of this wofull place , Beeing the guide to his affrightfull ghost , with hayre disheueld , and a gastly face , Shall haunt the prison where his life was lost , And as the denne of horror and disgrace Let it be fearefull vnto all the coast , That those heereafter that doe trauell neere , Neuer behold it but with heauy cheere . The end of the fith Canto .

The sixth Booke of the Barrons warres . The Argument . Lord Mortimer made Earle of March ; when he And the faire Queene rule all things by their might , The pompe wherein at Notting ham they be , The cost wherewith their amorous court is dight , Enuide by those their hatefull pride that see , The King attempts the dreadfull Caue by night , Entring the Castell , taketh him from thence , And March , at London dies for the offence . 1 INforc'd of other accidents to sing , ( Bearing fayre showes of promised delite Somewhat to slacke this melancholy string ) That new occasions to our Muse excite , To our conceit strange obiects fashioning , Doth our free numbers liberally inuite , Matter of moment much to be respected , Must by our pen be seriously directed . 2 And now the time more cunningly redeeming , These fraudfull courses fitly to contriue , How ill so ere , to beare the fayrest seeming , For which they now must diligently striue , Casting all waies to gaine thesame esteeming , That to the world it prosperously might thriue , This farre gone on , now with the hand of might , Vpon this wrong to build a lasting right . 3 The pompous synod of these earthly Gods At Salsbury selected by theyr King , To set all euen that had beene at ods , And into fashion their dissignes to bring , And strongly now to settle their abodes That peace might after from their actions spring , Firmly t' establish what was well begone , Vnder which colour mighty things were done . 4 When Mortimer pursuing his desire , Whilst eu'ry engine had his temperate heate , To b'Earle of March doth suddainly aspire , T' increase the honour of his auncient seate , That his commaund might be the more entire ; Who now but onely Martimer is great ? who knew a kingdome as her lot was throwne , which hauing all , would neuer starue her owne . 5 Now stand they firme as those celestiall Poles Twixt which the starres in all their course doe moue , whose strenght this frame of gouernment vpholds , An argument their wisedomes to approue , which way so ere the time in motion roles , So perfect is the vnion of their loue , For might is still most absolute alone , where power and fortune kindly meete in one . 6 Whilst Edwards nonage giues a further speede To th' ancient foe-man to renew the warre , which to preuent they must haue speciall heede , Matters so strangly manag'd as they are , which otherwise if their neglect should breede , Nothing yet made , it might not easily marre , which with the most , reseruing their estate , Inforc'd to purchase at the deerest rate . 7 So much t'release the homage as suffic'd , Mongst which that deed nam'd Ragman , of renowne By which the Kings of Scotland had deuisd Their fealty vnto the English crowne , with other Reliques that were highly priz'd , was that which forc'd the greatest part to frowne , Th' black Crosse of Scotland ( men did omenous deeme ) Beeing a Relique of so hie esteeme . 8 To colour which , and to confirme the peace , They make a marridge twixt the Scot and vs , To giue more strength vnto this strange release , which vnto all men seem'd so dangerous whilst Roberts raigne , and after his decease , The league might euer be continued thus , Dauid the Prince , the Lady lane should take , which twixt the Realmes a lasting bond should make . 9 When th' Earle of Kent that beeing one of those which in their actions had a powerfull hand , Perceiuing them of matters to dispose To the subiection of so great a land , Finding the inconuenience that growes Vnder the guidance of their wilful hand , To shake their power whilst he strangly doth cast , His fatall end too violently doth hast . 10 Which giuing out his brother yet to liue , ( Long now supposed the deceased King ) Vnto his Nephew might that scandall giue , As into question might his title bring ; Ill this report began , and worse it thriue , Beeing so foule , and dangerous a thing , which beeing the motiue of intestine strife , The time not long ere it bereft his life . 11 Whilst Edward takes what late their power did giue , Whose nonage craues their bountifull protection , which know to rule , whilst he must learne to liue , From their experience taking his direction , which more and more their doubtfull hopes reuiue , when borne to raine , yet crown'd by their election , Th' alegiance duly doth to him belong , Now makes their faction absolutely strong . 12 Prouiding for protection of the King , Men of most power , and noblest of the Peeres , That no distaste vnto the Realme might bring , For ripened iudgment , or well-seasoned yeeres , with comlines all matters managing , Yet whilst they row , t is Mortimer that steeres , Well might we thinke the man were worse then blind , That wanted sea-roomth , and could rule the wind . 13 To smooth the path wherein this course was gone , which as a test might to their actions stand , And giue more full possession of their owne , In beeing receaued from a soueraine hand , Into their bosoms absolutely throwne , Both for the good , and safety of the Land , when their proceedings colour'd with this care , To the worlds eye so faite an out-side bare . 14 All complement that appertayn'd to state , By giuing greatnes eu'ry honored rite , To feede those eyes that did theyr howers awaite And by all meanes to nourish their delight , That entertayning loue , they welcome hate , And with free bounty equally inuite , A Princes wealth in spending still doth spred , Like to a brooke with many fountaines fed . 15 To Nottingham the Norths emperious eye , which as a Pharus guards the goodly soyle , And arm'd by nature danger to defie , There to repose him safely after toyle , where treason least aduantage might espie , Closely conuayes this great invalued spoyle , That by resyding from the publique sight , He might more freely relish his delight . 16 Nine score in check attending in their Court , whom honoured Knight-hood knits in mutuall bands , Men most select , of speciall worth , and sort , Much might they doe that haue so many hands , who payes not tribute to this Lordly port ? This hie-rear'd Castell eu'ry way commaunds , Thus like those Gyants , gainst great heauen they rise , which darted Rocks at the emperiall skies . 17 It seemes in him fame meanes her power to show , And twixt her wings to beare him through the skie , He might more easly see the things below , Hauing aboue them mounted him so hie , Vnto whose will they meekly seeme to bow , Vnder whose greatnes meaner powers doe lie , All things concurre with faire succesfull chance , To raise that man whom fortune will aduance . 18 Here all along the flower enamil'd vales , The siluer-Trent on pearly sands doth slide , And to the Medowes telling wanton tales , Her christall lyms lasciuiously in pride , ( As rauished with the enamored gales ) with often turnings casts from side to side , As loth she were the sweete soyle to forsake , And cast herselfe into the Germane Lake . 19 Neere whom faire Sherwood wildly bent to roue , Twynes her loose armes about the flattering towers , By the milde shadowes of her scattered groue , Lends winter shelter , and giues sommer bowers , As with the flood in curtesie it stroue , And by repulsing the sharpe Northerne showers , Courts the proude Castell , who by turning to her , Smiles to behold th' lasciuious wood-nimph wooe her . 20 Who beeing retyr'd so strictly to this place , To this faire sted the Princes person drawes , when fortune seemes their greatnes to imbrace , That as a working and especiall cause , Effects each formall ceremonious grace , As by her iust , and necessary lawes , That in the towne retaines his kingly seat , with Marches Court the Castell is repleat . 21 Occasion'd where , in counsels , to debate And by the King conueniently is met , So soueraigne , and magnificent in state , As might all eyes vpon his greatnesse set , Prizing his honor at that costly rate As to the same due reuerence might beget , Which as the obiect sundry passions wrought , Stirring strange formes , in many a wandring thought . 22 Could blind ambition finde , the meanest stay His disproportion'd and vaine course to guide , T' assure some safety in that slippery way where the most worldly prouident doe slide , Feeling the steepe fall threatning sure decay , Besotted in the wantonnesse of pride , The minde assuming absolurer powers , Might check the fraile mortality of ours . 23 But still in pleasure sitting with excesse , His sauory iunckets tasted with delight , Nere can that glutton appetite suppresse , where euery dish inuites a licorish sight . Nor hauing much , is his desire the lesse , Till tempted past the compasse of his might , The pampered stomack more then well suffic'd , Casts vp the surfet lately gurmundiz'd . 24 And when some brooke from th' ouer-moistned ground By swelling waters proudly ouer-flow'd , Stoppeth his current , shouldreth downe his mound , And from his course doth quite himselfe vnloade , The bord'ring Meddowes eu'ry where surround , Dispersing his owne riches all abroade , Spending the store he was maintained by , Leaues his first channell desolate and dry . 25 When now those few that many teares had spent , And long had wept on murthered Edwards graue , Muttring in corners , grieu'd , and discontent , And finding some a willing eare that gaue , Still as they durst , bewraying what they meant , Tending his pride and greatnes to depraue , Vrging withall , what some might iustly do , If things thus borne , were rightly look'd into . 26 Some giue it out , that March by blood to rise Had cut of Kent , the man might next succeede , And his late treasons , falsly did surmise As a meere colour to this lawlesse deede , That his ambition onely did deuise , In time the royall family to weede , when in account there was but onely one That kept him of from stepping to the throne . 27 And those much bufied in the former times , Then credulous that honour was his end , And by the hate they bare to others , crimes , Did not his faults so carefully attend , Perceiuing how he desolutly climes , ( Hauing thus brought his purpose to an end ) with a seu●re eye now more strictly looke Into the course that his ambition tooke . 28 All fence the tree that serueth for a shade , whose large growne body doth repulse the wind , Vntill his wastfull branches doe inuade , The straighter plants , and them in prison bind , And as a tyrant to the weaker made ; when like a foule deuourer of his kind , Vnto his roote all put their hands to hew , whose roomth but hinders other that would grow . 29 Thus at his ease whilst he securely sate , And to his will these things assured were , with a well-gouern'd , and contented fate , Neuer so much freed from suspicious feare , well fortifi'd , and in so good estate , As not admits of danger to be neare . But still we see before a suddaine shower , The sunne shines hot'st , and hath the greatest power . 30 Within the Castell hath the Queene deuis'd A chamber with choyce rarities so frought , As in the same she had imparadiz'd Almost what man by industrie hath sought , Where , with the curious Pensill was compriz'd , what could with colours by the Art be wrought , In the most sure place of the Castell there , which she had nam'd the Tower of Mortimer . 31 An orball forme with pillers small compos'd , Which to the top like Paralels doe beare , Arching the compasse where they were inclos'd , Fashioning the faire Roofe like the Hemisphere , In whose partitions by the lines dispos'd , All the cleere Northerne Asterismes were , In their corporeall shapes with starres inchased , As by th' old Poets they in heauen were placed . 32 About which lodgings , towards the vpper face , Ran a fine bordure circularly led , As equall twixt the hi'st poynt , and the base , That as a Zone the waste ingerdled , That lends the sight a breathing , or a space Twixt things neere view , and those farre ouer-head , Vnder the which , the Painters curious skill , In liuely formes the goodly roome did fill . 33 Heere Phoebus clipping Hyacintbus stood , whose liues last drops his snowy breast imbrew , The ones teares mixed with the others blood , That shoul't be blood or teares , no sight could view , So mix'd together in a little flood , Yet heere and there they seu'rally withdrew , The pretty Woodnimphs chasing him with Balme , To bring the sweet boy , from this deadly qualme . 34 With the Gods Lire , his Quiuer , and his bow , His golden Mantle cast vpon the ground , T' expresse whose griefe , Art euen her best did show The sledge so shadowed still seem'd to rebound , To counterfet the vigor of the blow , As still to giue new anguish to the wound , The purple flower sprung from the blood that runne , That openeth since , and closeth with the sunne . 35 By which the Heyfor Io , Ioues fayre rape , Gazing her new tane figure in a Brooke , The water shadow'd to obserue the shape , In the same forme that she on it doth looke . So cunningly to cloude the wanton scape , That gazing eyes , the portrature mistooke , By prospectiue deuisd beholding now , This way a Maiden , that way't seem'd a Cow . 36 Swift Mercury like to a Shepheards boy , Sporting with Hebe by a Fountaine brim . with many a sweet glance , many an amerous toy , He sprinckling drops at her , and she at him , wherein the Painter so explan'd their ioy , As though his skill the perfect life could lym , Vpon whose browes the water hung so cleere , As through the drops the faire skin might appeare . 37 And Ciffy Cyntbus with a thousand byrds , whose freckled plumes adorne his bushy crowne , Vnder whose shadow graze the stragling heards , Out of whose top the fresh Springs trembling downe , Dropping like fine pearle through his shaggy beards , with mosse and climing Iuy ouer-growne , The Rocke so liuely done in eu'ry part , As nature could be paterned by Art . 38 The naked Nimphs some vp and downe descending , Small scattering flowers at one another flung , with nimble tumes their limber bodies bending , Cropping the blooming branches lately sprung , ( Vpon the bryers theyr coloured Mantels rending ) which on the Rocks grew heere and there among , Some combe their hayre , some making garlands by , As with delight might satisfie the eye . 39 There comes proude Phae●on tumbling through the cloudes , Cast by his Palfrayes that their raines had broke , And setting fire vppon the welked shrowds , Now through the heauen runne madding from the yoke , The elements together thrust in croudes , Both Land and Sea hid in a reeking smoke , Drawne with such life , as some did much desire , To warme themselues , some frighted with the fire . 40 The riuer Po , that him receauing burn'd , His seauen sisters standing in degrees , Trees into women seeming to be turn'd , As the Gods turn'd the women into trees , Both which at once so mutually that mourn'd , Drops from their boughes , or teares fell from theyr eyes , The fire seem'd to be water , water flame , Such excellence in showing of the same . 41 And to this lodging did the light inuent That it should first a latterall ●ourse reflect , Through a short roome into the window sent , whence it should come expressiuely direct , Holding iust distance to the lyneament , And should the beames proport ' onably proiect , And beeing there by condensated and graue , To eu'ry figure a sure colour gaue . 42 In part of which , vnder a golden Vine , whose broad-leau'd branches cou'ring ouer all , Stoode a rich bed , spred with this wanton twine , Doubling themselues in their lasciuious fall , whose rip'ned clusters seeming to decline , where as among the naked Cupids spraule , Some at the sundry coloured birds doe shute , Some swaruing vp , to plucke the purple fruite . 43 On which a Tissue counterpoint was cast , Arachnes web the same did not surpasse , wherein the story of his fortunes past , In liuely pictures neatly handled was , How he escap'd the Tower , in France how grac'd , with stones embroyd'red of a wondrous masse ; About the border in a curious fret , Emblems , Empresas , Hiroglifiques set . 44 This flattering calme , congeales that thickned shower , which the full cloudes of poysnous enuy fed , whose desolution waits th' unhappy hower , To let the fury on his hatefull head , which now was of that violence and power , As his delights yet not imagined , When men suppose in safety most to stand , Then greatest dangers are the neer'st at hand , 45 Yet finding the necessity is such , To execute what he doth vndertake , And that his crowne it did so neerely touch If they too soone his sleeping power awake ; Th' attempt was great , the danger was asmuch , Must secretly prouide some course to take , By which he might th' enterprise effect , And most offend , where he might least suspect . 46 A deepe blacke Caue low in the earth is found , whose duskie entrance like pale Morpheus Cell , with strange Meanders windeth vnder ground , where sooty darknes euer-more doth dwell , That with such dread and horror doth abound As might be deem'd an entrance into hell , which Architects to serue the Castell made , when as the Dane this Iland did inuade . 47 Now on along this cranckling path doth keepe , Then by a Rocke turnes vp another way , Now rising vp , now falling towards the deepe , As the ground leuell , or vnleuell lay , And now direct , now anguler doth creepe , Nor in the course keepes any certaine stay . Till in the Castell in a secret place , He casts the foule Maske from his cloudy face . 48 By which the King with a selected crue , Of such as he with his intent aquainted , And well affected to this action knew , That in reuenge of Edward neuer fainted , And to their vtmost zealously pursue , Such whose cleere blood no time had euer taynted , Ad●entures now this Labirinth t' assay , To rouze the beast which kept them all at bay , 49 What time the Sunne , with his day-labouring teames Is dryuing downe vnto the West apace , T'refresh his cauples in the Ocean streames , And coole the feruor glowing in his face , Which now appeares by his hie-coloured beames , To rest him from our Hemisphere a space , Leauing foule darknes to possesse the skies , The fittest time for bloody tragedies , 50 With torches now attempting the sad Caue , which at their entrance seemeth in a fright , At the reflection that the brightnes gaue , As till that time it neuer saw the light , where light and darknes , with the power they haue , Strongly for the preheminence doe fight , And each confounding other , both appeare As to their owne selues they contrary were . 51 The craggy cleeues which crosse them as they goe , Make as theyr passage they would haue denyde , And threatning ther● their iourny to forslow , As angry with the path that was their guide , As they their griefe , and discontent would show , Cursing the hand that did them first deuide . The combrous falls , and risings seeme to say , This wicked action could not brooke the day . 52 The gloomy lamps this troope still forward led , Forcing the shadowes follow on their backe , Are like the mourners waiting on the dead , And as the deede , so are they vgly blacke ; Hate goes before , confusion followed , The sad portents of blood-shed , and of wrack , These faint dym-burning lights as all amazed , At those deformed shades whereon they gazed . 53 The clattering Armes their Maisters seeme to chide , As they would reason wherefore they should wound , And striking with the po●nts from side to side , As though euen angry with the hollow ground That it this vile and ruthlesse act should hide , whose stony roofe lock'd in their dolefull sound , And hanging in the creekes , draw backe againe , As willing them from murther to refraine . 54 Now wexing late , and after all these things Vnto her chamber is the Queene withdrawne , To whom a choyce Musition playes and sings , Reposing her vpon a state of Lawne , In night attyre diuinely glittering , As th' approching of the cheerefull dawne , Leaning vpon the breast of Mortimer , whose voyce more then the Musicke pleasd her eare . 55 Where her fayre breasts at liberty are let , where violet vaines in curious branches flow , where Venus Swans , and milkie Doues are set , Vpon the swelling mounts of driuen snow , where Loue whilst he to sport himselfe doth get , Hath lost his course , nor finds which way to goe . Inclosed in this Labyrinth about , where let him wander still , yet nere get out . 56 Her loose gold hayre , ô gold thou art too base , were it not sinne to name those silke threds hayre , Declyning downe to kisse herfayrer face , But no word fayre enough , for thing so fayre , O what hie wondrous Epethite can grace Or giue the due prayse to a thing so rare ! But where the pen fayles , pensill cannot show it , Nor can be knowne vnlesse the mind doe know it . 57 She layes those fingers on his manly cheeke , The Gods pure scepters , and the darts of loue , which with a touch might make a Tyger meeke , Or the maine Atlas from his place remoue , So soft , so feeling , delicate , and sleeke , As Nature ware the Lillies for a gloue , As might beget life where was neuer none , And put a spirit into the flinty stone . 58 The fire of precious wood the lights perfume , whose perfect cleernes on the painting shone , As eu'ry thing to sweetnesse did consume , Or eu'ry thing had sweetnes of it owne , And to it selfe this portrayed did resume The smell where with his naturall is growne , That light gaue colour on each thing it fell , And to the colour the perfume gaue smell . 59 Vpon the sundry pictures they deuise , And from one thing they to another runne , Now they commend that body , then those eyes , How well that bird , how well that flower was done , Now this part shaddowed , and how that doth rise , This top is clouded , and that traile is spunne , The landskip , mixtures , and dilineatings , And in that Art a thousand curious things . 60 Looking vpon proude Phaeton wrapd in fire , The gentle Queene doth much bewaile his fall , But Mortimer more praysing his desire , To loose a poore life , or to gouerne all ; And though he did ambitiously aspire , And by his minde is made proude Fortunesthrall , Yet in despight when she her worst hath done , Hee perish'd in the Chariot of the Sunne . 61 The Queene saith Phoebus is much forc'd by Art , Nor can she find how his embraces be , But Mortimer now takes the Painters part , why thus great Empresse , thus , and thus , quoth he , Thus holds the Boy , thus clips his fainting hart , Thus twyne their armes , and thus their lips you see ; You shall be Phoebus , Hyacinthus I , It were a life thus eu'ry howre to die . 62 By this time neere , into the vpperhall Is rudely entred this disordered rout , when they within suspecting least of all , Discharg'd the guard that should haue watch'd without ; O see how mischiefe suddainly doth fall , And steales vpon vs , beeing free'st from doubt , How ere the life , the end is euer sure , And oft in death fond man is most secure . 63 Whilst his lou'd Neuill , and deere Turrington , Amongst the Ladies that attended there , Relating things that anciently were done , with such discourse as women loue to heare . Staying delight , whilst time so fast doth runne , Thus in the Lobby as they freely were Charg'd on the suddaine by this armed trayne , Both in the entrance miserably slaine . 64 As from the snow-crown'd Skidos lofty cleeues , Some fleet-wing'd haggard towards the euening hower , Stooping amongst the More-bred Mallard driues , And th' ayre of all her feath'red flocks doth skower , when backe vnto her former pitch she striues , The silly fowle all prostrate to her power , Such a sharpe shreeke doth ring through all the vault , Made by the Ladies at the first assault . 65 March now vnarm'd ( she onely in his armes , Too faire a shield , not made for fouler blowes ) That least of all expected these alarmes , And to be thus intrapped by his foes , when he is most inprouident of harmes ; O had he had but weapons like his woes , Either his valure had his breath redeem'd , Or in her sight dy'd happily esteem'd . 66 Amongst the others looking for the King In this blacke show that ( he assures him ) is , Though much disguis'd , yet him imagining By the most perfect lyneaments of his , Quoth he the man thee to the Crowne did bring , Might at thy hands the least haue look'd for this , And in this place , vnseeming of the rest , where onely sacred solitude is blest . 67 Her presence frees th' offender of his ill , And as the Essence , makes the place diuine , What strong Decree can countermaund the will That gaue to thee the power that now is thine , And in her armes preseru'd in safety still , As the most pure inviolable shrine , Though thou thus irreligiously despise , And da●'st prophane these hallowed liberties , 68 But as when Illion fatally surpriz'd , The Grecians issuing from the woodden horse , Their rage and fury proudly exercis'd , Opening the wide gates , letting in their force , Putting in act what was before deuis'd , without all sence of pitty or remorce , with cryes , shreekes , rumors in confused sound , words are broke of , complaints abruptly drown'd . 69 Dissolu'd to drops she followes him , ô teares , Elixar like turne all to pearle you touch , To weepe with her , the building scarse forbeares , The sorrowes that she vttereth are such , Able to wound th' impenitrabl'st eares , Her plaints so piercing , and her woes so much , When with th' abundance words would hardly come , Her eyes in silence spake , when lips were dumbe . 70 Sweetsonne ( quoth she ) let not that blood be spilt , Once priz'd so deare as did redeeme thy Crowne , whose purity if taynted now with guilt , The cause thereof efficiently thine owne , That from the ruines of thy country built , ( Raz'd with dissentions ) thy substanciall throne , And broke those bounds thy kingdoms once confind , Into large France , to exercise thy mind . 71 For the deere portion of that naturall blood , which lends thee heate , and nutriment of life , Be not a niggard of so small a good , where bounty should be plentifully rife , Beg'd on those knees at which thou oft hast stood , In those armes cercles might coniure this strife , O God that breath from such a bosome sent , Should thus in vaine be prodigally spent . 72 When in this vprore with the suddaine fright , whilst eu'ry one for safety seekes about , And none regarding to preserue the light , which beeing wasted sadly goeth out , Now in the mid'st and terror of the night , At the departutre of this Armed rout , The Queene alone ( at least if any ne●re ) Her wretched women , yet halfe dead with feare . 73 When horror , darknes , and her present woe , Begin to worke on her afflicted mind , And eu'ry one his tyranny doth show , Euen in the fulnes of his proper kind , In such excesse her accusations flow ; This liberty vnto their power assignd , Racking her conscience by this torture due , It selfe t' accuse with what so ere it knew . 74 O God to thinke ( that not an howre yet past ) Her greatnes , freedome , and her hopes so hie , The sweet content wherein her thoughts were plac'd , Her great respect in eu'ry humbled eye , How now she is abused , how disgrac'd , Her present shame , her after misery , When eu'ry woe could by dispaire be brought , Presents his forme to her distracted thought . 75 To London now a wretched prisner led , London where oft he tryumph'd with the Queene , And but for spight of no man followed , Scarcely thought on who had for many beene , Of all regard and state impo●'rished , Where in excesse he often had beene seene , which at his fall doth make them wonder more , who saw the pompe wherein he liu'd before . 76 O misery , where once thou doost infest , How soone thy vile contagion alters kind , That like a Circe meta morphisest The former habite of the humane mind , That euen from vs doo'st seeme our selues to wrest , Striking our fraile , and fading glories blind , And with thy vicious presence in a breath , Chain'st vs as slaues vnto pale fainting death . 77 At Westminster a Parliment decreed , To th' establishing the safety of the crowne , where to his end they finally proceede , All laying hand to dig this Mountaine downe , To which time wills they haue especiall heede , Now whilst the Fates thus angerly doe frowne , The blood of Edward , and the Spensers fall , For their iust vengeance hastily doe call . 78 The death of Kent that foule and lothsome blot , Th' assuming of the wards and liueries , with Ione the Princesse maried to the Scot , The summes oft seazed to his treasuries , And that by this , might well haue beene forgot , The signe at Stanhope to the enemies , Or what else rip'd from the records of time , That any way might agr●uate his crime . 79 O dire Reuenge , when thou in time art rak'd , From the rude ashes which preseru'd thee long , In the dry cindars , where it seem'd as slak'd , Matter to feed it , forc'd with breath of wrong , How soone his hideous fury is awak'd , From the small sparks what flames are quickly sprong , And to that top doth naturally aspire , whose weight , and greatnes once represt his fire . 80 And what auailes his aunswere in this case , which now the time doth generally distast , where iudgement lookes with so seuere a face , And all his actions vtterly disgrac'd , what fainting bosome giues him any place , From out the faire seate of opinion cast , With pen and incke his sorowes to deceaue , Thus of the fayre Queene takes his latest leaue . 81 Most mighty Empresse , s'daine not to peruse The Swan-like dirges of a dying man , Vnlike those raptures of the fluent Muse In that sweet season , when our ioyes began , That did my youth with glorious fire infuse , when for thy gloue at tylt I proudly ran , Whereas my startling Courser , strongly se● , Made fire to flie from Hartfords-Burgonet . 82 The King your sonne , which hastneth on my death , ( Madam ) you know I tendred as myne owne , And when I might haue grasped out his breath , I set him gently on his Fathers throne , which now his power too quickly witnesseth , which to this height and maiestie is growne ; But our desert forgot , and he forgiuen , As after death we wish to liue in heauen . 83 And for the sole rule whereon thus he stands , Came bastard William but himselfe on shore , Or borrowed not our fathers conqu'ring hands , which in the field our auncient Ensignes bore , ( Guarded about with our well-ordred bands ) which his proud Leopards for their safety wore , Raging at Hastings like that omenous Lake From whose dread waues our glorious name we take . 84 Had I beene charg'd vpon mine Armed horse , As when I came vnto the walls of Gaunt , Before the Belgick , and Burgonian force , There challenging ; my Countries Combattant , Borne from my seate in some robustious course , That of my spoiles the enemy might vaunt ; Or had I falne vnder my battered shield , And lent mine honor to some conquered field . 85 I haue not followed fortune like a slaue , To make her bounty any whit the lesse , By my desart her iudgement to depraue , Nor lent me ought I freely not confesse , And haue return'd with intrest what shee gaue , A minde that suted with her mightinesse , He twice offends , which sinne in flattry beares , Yet eu'ry howre he dies that euer feares . 86 I cannot feare what forceth others quake , The times and I haue tug'd together so , wonting my way through sword and fire to make , So oft constrain'd against the streame to row , To doubt with death a couenant to make , when I am growne familiar with my woe , And nothing can th' afflicted conscience grieue , But he can pardon , that doth all forgiue . 87 And thus thou most adored in my hart , whose thoughts in death my humbled spirit doth raise , Lady most fayre , most deere , of most desart , Worthy of more then any mortall praise , Condemned Marcb , thus lastly doth depart , From her the greatest Empresse of her dayes , Nor in the dust mine honor I inter , Thus Caesar dy'd , and thus dies Mortimer . 88 To Nottingham this Letter brought vnto her , which is subscrib'd with her Emperious stile , Puts her in mind how once that hand did wooe her , with this short thought to please herselfe awhile , Thus sorrow can so subtilly vndoe her . That with such flattery doth her sence beguile , To giue a sharper feeling to that paine , which her grieu'd hart was shortly to sustaine . 89 Putting her fingers to vnrip the seale , Cleauing to keepe those sorrowes from her eyes , As it were loth the tydings to reueale , whence griefe should spring in such varieties , But strongly vrg'd doth to her will appeale , when the soft waxe vnto her touch implies , Sticking vnto her fingers bloody red , To shew the bad newes quickly followed . 90 Thus by degrees she eas●y doth begin , As the small fish playes with the bayted hooke , Then more and more to swallow sorrow in , As threatning death at eu'ry little looke , where now she reads , th' expences of her sin , Sadly set downe in this blacke dreadfull booke , And those deere summes were like to be defray'd , Before the same were absolutely pay'd . 91 An hoast of woes her suddainly assayle , As eu'ry letter wounded like a dart , As though contending which should most preuaile , Yet eu'ry one doth pi●rce her to the hart ; As eu'ry word did others case bewaile , And with his neighbour seem'd to beare a part , Reason of griefe e●ch sentence is to her , And eu'ry line a true remembrancer . 92 Greefe makes her reade , yet straightwaies bids her leaue , with which ore-charg'd shee neither sees nor heares , Her sences now theyr Mistris so deceiue , The words doe wound her eyes , the sound her eares , And eu'ry organe of the vse bereaues , when for a fescue she doth vse her teares , That when some line she loosly ouer-past , The drops doe tell her where she left the last . 93 O now she sees , was neuer such a sight , And seeing curs'd her sorrow-seeing eye , Yet thinks she is deluded by the light , Or is abusd by the orthography ; And by some other t' is deuis'd for spight , Or pointed false her schollership to try , Thus when we fondly sooth our owne desires , Our best conceits oft proue the greatest lyers . 94 Her trembling hand as in a feuer shakes , where-with the paper doth a little stirre , which she imagines at her sorrow shakes , And pitties it , who she thinks pitties her . Each small thing somewhat to the greater makes , And to the ●umor , some thing doth infer , Which when so soone as shee her tongue could free , O worthy Earle , deere-loued Lord quoth shee . 95 I will reserue thy ashes in some Vrne , which as a relique I will onely saue , Mix'd with the teares that I for thee shall mourne , which in my deare breast shall theyr buriall haue , From whence againe they neuer shall returne , Nor giue the honor to another graue , But in that Temple euer be preserued , where thou a Saint religiously art serued . 96 When she breakes out to cursing of her sonne , But March so much still runneth in her mind , That she abruptly ends what she begunne , Forgets her selfe , and leaues the rest behind , From this , she to another course doth runne , To be reueng'd in some notorious kind , To which shee deeply doth ingage her troth , Bound by a strong vow , and a solemne oth . 97 For pen and incke she calls her mayds without , And the Kings dealings will in griefe discouer , But soone forgetting what she went about , Shee now begins to write vnto her louer , Heere she sets downe , and there she blotteth out , Her griefe and passion doe so strongly moue her . when turning backe to read what she had writ , She teares the paper , and condemns her wit . 98 And thus with contrarieties araysed , As waters chilnesse wakeneth from a swound , Comes to her selfe , the agony appeased , When colder blood more sharply feeles the wound , And griefe her so incurably hath seaized , That for the same no remedie is found , As the poore refuge to her restlesse woes , This of her griese she lastly doth dispose . 99 That now vnkind King as thou art my sonne , Leauing the world , some legacie must giue thee , My harts true loue the dying March hath wonne , Yet that of all I will not quite bereaue thee ; The wrong and mischiefe to thy mother done , I thee bequeath , so bound that they out-liue thee , That as my breast it hourely doth torment , Thou maist enioy it by my Testament . 100 Hence forth within this solitary place , Abandoning for euer generall sight , A priuate life I willingly embrace , No more reioycing in the obuious light , To consuma●e the weary lingering space , Till death inclose me with continuall night ; Each small remembrance of delight to flie , A conuertite , and penitently die . FINIS .

The Epistle of Rosamond to King Henrie the second . ¶ The Argument .

Henry the second of that name , King of England , the sonne of Geffrey Plantaginet , Earle of Aniou , and Maude the Empresse , hauing by long sute and princely gifts , wonne ( to his vnlawfull desire ) faire Rosamond , the daughter of the Lord Walter Clyfford , and to auoyde the danger of Ellinor his iealous Queene , had caused ● Labyrinth to be made within his Pallace at Woodstocke , in the center whereof , he had lodged his beauteous paramore . Whilst the King is absent in his warres in Normandie , this poore distressed Lady , inclosed in this solitarie place , tutcht with remorse of conscience , writes vnto the King of her distresse and miserable estate , vrging him by all meanes and perswasions , to cleere himselfe of this infamie , and her of the griefe of minde , by taking away her wretched life .

IF yet thine eyes ( great Henry ) may endure These tainted lines , drawne with a hand impure , which faine would blush , but feare keepes blushes back , And therefore suted in dispayring black , This in loues name , ô that these lips might craue , But that sweet name ( vile I ) prophaned haue , Punish my fault , or pittie mine estate , Reade it for loue , if not for loue , for hate . If with my shame thine eyes thou faine wouldst feede , Heere let them surfeit , on my shame to reede ; This scribled paper which I send to thee , If noted rightly , doth resemble mee ; As this pure ground , whereon these letters stand , So pure was I , ere stained by thy hand ; Ere I was blotted with this foule offence , So cleere and spotlesse was mine innocence . Now like these marks which taint this hatefull scroule , Such the black sinnes which spot my leprous soule , O Henry , why by losse thus should'st thou win ? To get by conquest ? to enrich with sinne ? Why on my name this slaunder doost thou bring , To make my fault renowned by a King ? Fame neuer stoopes to things but meane and poore , The more our greatnes , makes our fault the more . Lights on the ground , themselues doe lessen farre , But in the ayre , each small sparke seemes a starre . Why on a womans frailtie would'st thou lay This subtile plot , mine honour to betray ? Or thy vnlawfull pleasure should'st thou buy with vile expence of kingly maiestie ? T was not my minde consented to this ill , Then had I beene transported by my will , For what my body was ensorst to doe , ( Heauen knowes ) my soule did not consent vnto ; For through mine eyes had she her liking seene , Such as my loue , such had my Louer beene . True loue is simple , like his mother Truth , Kindly affection , youth to loue with youth ; No sharper corsiue to our blooming yeeres , Then the cold badge of winter-blasted haires . Thy kingly power makes to withstand thy foes , But canst not keepe back age , with time it growes , Though honour our ambitious sex doth please , Yet in that honour , age a foule disease , Nature hath her free course in all , and then , Age is alike in Kings , and other men , which all the world will to my shame impute● That I my selfe did basely prostitute ; And say that gold was fuell to the fire , Gray haires in youth not kindling greene desire , O no ; that wicked woman wrought by thee , My tempter was to that forbidden tree , That subtile Serpent , that seducing deuill , which bad me tast the fruite of good and euill ; That Circe , by whose magick I was charm'd , And to this monstrous shape am thus transform'd● That viperous hag , the foe to her owne kinde , That wicked spirit vnto the weaker minde ; Our frailties plague , our natures onely curse , Hels deep'st damnation , the worst euills worse , But Henrie , how canst thou affect me thus T' whom thy remembrance now is odious ? My haplesse name , with Henries name I found , Cut in the glasse with Henries Diamond , That glasse from thence faine would I take away ; But then I feare the ayre would me betray ; Then doe I striue to wash it out with teares , But then the same more euident appeares . Then doe I couer it with my guiltie hand , Which that names witnes doth against me stand ; Once did I sinne , which memory doth cherrish , Once I offended , but I euer perrish . What griefe can be , but time doth make it lesse ? But infamie time neuer can suppresse . Sometimes to passe the tedious irkesome howres , I climbe the top of Woodstocks mounting towres , where in a Turret secretly I lye To view from farre such as doe trauaile by , whether ( me thinks ) all cast theyr eyes at mee As through the stones my shame did make them see , And with such hate the harmelesse walls doe view , As vnto death theyr eyes would me pursue . The married women curse my hatefull life , which wrong a lawfull bed , a Queene , a wife ; The maydens wish I buried quick may die , The lothsome staine to their virginitie . Well knew'st thou what a monster I would be● when thou didst build this Labyrinth for mee , whose strange Meanders turning euery way , Be like the course wherein my youth did stray ; Onely a Clue to guide me out and in , But yet still walke I , circuler in sin . As in the Tarras heere this other day My mayd and I did passe the time away , Mongst many pictures which we passed by , The silly girle at length hapt to espie Chast Lucrece picture , and desires to know what she should be herselfe that murdred so ? Why girle ( quoth I ) this is that Romane dame , Not able then to tell the rest for shame , My tongue doth mine owne guiltinesse betray ; with that I send the pratling girle away , Least when my lisping guiltie tongue should hault , My lookes should be the Index to my fault . As that life blood which from the hart is sent , In beauties felde pitching his crimson Tent , In louely sanguine sutes the Lilly cheeke , whilst it but for a resting place doth seeke ; And changing often-times with sweet delight , Conuerts the white to red , the red to white . The louely blush , the palenes doth distaine , The palenes makes the blush more faire againe ; Thus in my brest a thousand thoughts I carry , which in my passion diuersly doe varry . When as the sunne hales towards the Westerne slade , And the trees shadowes three times greater made , Forth goe I to a little Current neere , which like a wanton traile creepes here and there , where with mine angle casting in my baite , The little fishes ( dreading the deceit ) with fearefull nibbling flie th' inticing gin , By nature taught what danger lyes therein . Things reasonlesse thus warnd by nature be , Yet I deuour'd the baite was layd for me ; Thinking thereon , and breaking into grones , The bubling spring which trips vpon the stones , Chides me away , least sitting but too nie , I should pollute that natiue puritie . Rose of the world , so doth import my name , Shame of the world , my life hath made the same . And to th' vnchast this name shall giuen be , Of Rosamond , deriu'd from sinne and me . The Clyffords take from me that name of theyrs , Famous for vertue many hundred yeeres . They blot my birth with hatefull bastardie , That I sprang not from their nobilitie ; They my alliance vtterly refuse , Nor will a strumpet shall theyr name abuse . Heere in the garden wrought by curious hands , Naked Diana in the fountaine stands , with all her Nimphes got round about to hide her , As when Acteon had by chaunce espide her ; This sacred Image I no sooner view'd , But as that metamorphosd man pursu'd By his owne hounds ; so by my thoughts am I , which chase me still , which way so ere I flie . Touching the grasse , the honny-dropping dew , which falls in teares before my limber shue , Vpon my foote consumes in weeping still , As it would say , why went'st thou vnto ill ? Thus to no place in safety can I goe , But euery thing doth giue me cause of woe . In that faire Casket of such wondrous cost Thou sent'st the night before mine honour lost , Amimone was wrought , a harmeles mayd , By Neptune that adulterous God betrayd ; Shee prostrate at his feete begging with prayers , wringing her hands , her eyes swolne vp with teares ; This was not the entrapping baite of men , But by thy vertue gentle warning then ; To shew to me for what intent it came , Least I therein should euer keepe my shame . ●●d in this Casket ( ill I see it now ) wat Ioues loue I-o , turnd into a Cow . Yet was shee kept with Argus hundred eyes , So wakefull still be Iunos iealousies ; By this I well might haue forewarned beene , T' haue cleerd my selfe to thy suspecting Queene , who with more hundred eyes attendeth mee Then had poore Argus single eyes to see . In this thou rightly imitatest Ioue , Into a beast thou hast transformd thy loue . Nay worser farre ; ( degenerate from kinde ) A monster , both in body and in mind . The waxen Taper which I burne by night , with his dull vapory dimnes mocks my sight ; As though the damp which hinders his cleere flame , Came from my breath , in that night of my shame , when it did burne as darkenes vgly eye , when shot the starre of my virginitie . And if a starre but by the glasse appeare , I straight in treate it not to looke in heere ; I am already hatefull to the light , It is enough , betray me not to night . Then sith my shame so much belongs to thee , Rid me of that by onely murdring me ; And let it iustly to my charge be layde , Thy royall person I would haue betrayd ; Thou shalt not neede by circumstance t'●ccuse mee , If I denie it , let the heauens refuse mee . My life 's a blemish which doth cloude thy name , Take it away , and cleere shall shine thy fame . Yeeld to my sute , if euer pittie moou'd thee , In this shew mercy , as I euer lou'd thee .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Well knew'st thou what a monster I would bee , When thou didst build this Labyrinth for mee .

IN the Cretean Labyrinth a monster was inclosed , called a Min●taur , the hystorie whereof is well knowne , but the Labyrinth was framed by Daedalus , with so many intricate wayes , that being entred , one could either hardlie or neuer returne , being in manner of a maze saue that it was larger , the waies being walld in on euery side● out of the which Theseus by Ariadnes helpe ( lending him a clue of thred ) escaped . Some report that it was a house , hauing one halfe beneath the ground , another aboue , the chamber doores therein so deceitfullie enwrapped , and made to open so manie lundry wayes , that it was held a matter almost impossible to returne .

Some haue held it to haue beene an Allegory of mans life , true it is that the comparison will hold , for what liker to a Labyrinth then the maze of life ? But it is affirmed by antiquitie , that there was indeede such a building , though Daedalus being a name applyed to the workmans excellencie , make it suspected : for Daedalus is nothing els but ingenious , or artificiall . Heerevpon it is vsed among the auncient Poets , for any thing curiouslie wrought .

Rosamonds Labyrinth , whose ruins together with her well beeing paued with square stone in the bottome , and also her Tower from which the Labyrinth did runne , ( are yet remaining ) was altogether vnder ground , beeing vaults arched and walled with brick and stone , almost inextricably wounde one within another , by which if at any time her lodging were layd about by the Queene , shee might easilie auoyde perrill imminent , and if neede be , by secrete issues take the ayre abroade , manie furlongs round about Woodstocke in Oxfordshire , wherein it was situated . Thus much for Rosamonds Labyrinth .

Whose strange Meanders turned euery way .

Meander is a riuer in Lycia , a prouince of Natolia , or Asia minor , famous for the sinuositie and often turning thereof , rising from certaine hils in Maeonia , herevpon are intricate turnings by a transu●tiue and metonimicall kind of speech , called Maeanders , for this Riuer did so strangely path it selfe , that the foote seemed to touch the head .

Rose of the world , so doth import my name , Shame of the world my life hath made the same .

It might be reported , howe at Godstowe where this Rose of the world was sumptuously interred , a certaine Bishop in the visitation of his Diocesse , caused the monument which had beene erected to her honour , vtterly to be demolished , but be that seuere chastisement of Rosamond then dead , at this time also ouerpassed , least shee shoulde seeme to be the Shame of the world .

Henry to Rosamond . WHen first the Post arriued at my Tent , And brought the Letters Rosamond had sent , Thinke from his lips , but what sweet confort came , when in mine eare he softly breath'd thy name Straight I enioyne him of thy health to tell , Longing to heare my Rosamond did well ; With new enquiries then I cut him short when of the same he gladly would report , That with the earnest hast my tongue oft trips , Catching the words halfe spoke out of his lips ; This told , yet more I vrge him to reueale , To loose no time whild I vnript the seale . The more I read , still doe I erre the more , As though mistaking somwhat said before . Missing the poynt , the doubtfull sence is broken , Speaking againe , what I before had spoken , Still in a swound , my hart reuiues and faints , Twixt hopes , dispaires , twixt smiles , and deepe complaints . As these sad accents sort in my desires , Smooth calmes , rough stormes , sharp frosts , & raging fires , Put on with boldnes , and put backe with feares , My tongue with curses , when mine eyes with teares . O how my hart at that black line did tremble , That blotted paper should thy selfe resemble ; O were there paper but neere halfe so white , The Gods thereon their sacred lawes would write with pens of Angells wings , and for their inke , That heauenly Nectar , their immortall drinke . Maiesticke courage striues to haue supprest This fearefull passion stird vp in my brest , But still in vaine the same I goe about , My hart must breake within , or woe breakes out , Am I at home pursu'd with priuate hate , And warre comes raging to my Pallace gate ? Is meager Enuie stabbing at my throne , Treason attending when I walke alone ? And am I branded with the curse of Rome , And stand condemn'd by dreadfull counsels dombe ? And by the pride of my rebellious sonne , Rich Normandie with Armies ouer-runne ? Fatall my birth , vnfortunate my life , Vnkind my children , most vnkind my wife . Griefe , cares , old age , suspition to torment me , Nothing on earth to quiet or content me , So many woes , so many plagues to finde , Sicknes of body , discontent of mind ; Hopes left , helps reft , life wrong'd , ioy interdicted , Banish'd , distress'd , forsaken , and afflicted ; Of all reliefe hath fortune quite bereft me ? Onely my loue vnto my comfort left me , And is one beautie thought so great a thing , To mittigate the sorrowes of a King ? Barr'd of that choise the vulgar often proue , Haue we ( then they ) lesse priuiledge in loue ? Is it a King , the wofull widdow heares ? Is it a King , dries vp the Orphans teares ? Is it a King , regards the Clyants cry ? Giues life to him by law condemnd to die ? Is it his care , the Common-wealth that keepes , As doth the Nurse her babie whilst it sleepes ? And that poore king , of all these hopes preuented , Vnheard , vnhelp'd , vnpitted , vnlamented , Yet let me be with pouertie opprest , Of earthly blessings robd , and dispossest , Let me be scorn'd , reiected , and reuild , From Kingdome , Country , and from Court exild ; Let the worlds curse vpon me still remaine , And let the last bring on the first againe ; All miseries that wretched man may wound , Leaue for my comfort , onely Rosamond , For thee swift time her speedie course doth stay , At thy commaund the Destenies obay ; Pittie is dead , that comes not from thines eyes , And at thy feete , euen mercie prostrate lyes ; If I were feeble , rheumatick , or cold , These were true signes that I were waxed old , But I can march all day in massie steele , Nor yet my armes vnweldy weight doe feele , Nor wak'd by night , with bruise or bloody wound , The tent my bed , no pillow but the ground ; For very age had I laine bedred long , One smile of thine againe could make me yong . Were there in Art a power but so diuine As is in that sweet Angell-tongue of thine , That great Enchantresse which once tooke such paines , To force young blood in AEsons wither'd vaines , And from Groues , Mountaines , and the moorish Fen , Vs'd all the hearbs , ordayn'd to vse of men , And in the powerfull potion that she makes , Puts blood of men , of birds , of beasts , of snakes , Neuer had needed to haue gone so far , To seeke the soiles where all those simples are , One accent from thy lips , the blood more warmes , Then all her philters , exorcismes , and charmes . Thy presence hath repaired in one day , what many yeeres and sorrowes did decay , And made fresh beauties fairest branches spring From wrinkled furrowes of times ruining . Euen as the hungry wihter-starued earth , when she by nature labours towards her birth , Still as the day vpon the darke world creepes , One blossome forth after another peepes , Till the smal flower whose roote is now vnbound Gets from the frostie prison of the ground , Spreading the leaues vnto the powerfull noone , Deck'd in fresh colours , smiles vpon the sunne . Neuer vnquiet care lodg'd in that brest , where but one thought of Rosamond did rest ; Nor thirst , nor trauaile , which on warre attend , Ere brought the long day to desired end ; Nor yet did pale Feare , or leane Famine liue where hope of thee , did any comfort giue , Ah what iniustice then is this of thee That thus the guiltlesse doost condemne for me ? when onely she ( by meanes of my offence ) Redeemes thy purenes , and thy innocence , when to our wills perforce obey they must , That iust in them , what ere in vs vniust ; Of what we doe , not them account we make , The fault craues pardon for th' offenders sake , And what to worke a Princes will may merrit , Hath deep'st impression in the gentlest spirit ; If 't be my name that doth thee so offend , No more my selfe shall be mine owne names friend ; And if 't be that which thou doost onely hate , That name , in my name , lastly hath his date . Say t is accurst , and fatall , and dispraise it , If written , blot it , if engrauen , raze it . Say that of all names t is a name of woe , Once a Kings name , but now it is not so . And when all this is done , I know t will grieue thee , And therefore ( sweet ) why should I now belieue thee ? Nor should'st thou thinke those eyes with enuie lower , which passing by thee , gaze vp to thy tower ; But rather praise thine owne which be so cleere , which from the Turret like two starres appeare ; Aboue the sunne doth shine , beneath thine eye , Mocking the heauen to make another skye . The little streame which by thy tower doth glide , where oft thou spend'st the wearie euening tide , To view thee well his course would gladly stay , As loth from thee to part so soone away ; And with salutes thy selfe would gladly greete , And offer vp those small drops at thy feete , But finding that the enuious banks restraine it , T' excuse it selfe , doth in this sort complaine it , And therefore this sad bubling murmur keepes , And in this sort within the channell weepes . And as thou doost into the water looke , The fish which see thy shadow in the brooke , Forget to feede , and all amazed lye , So daunted with the lustre of thine eye . And that sweet name which thou so much doost wrong , In time shall be some famous Poets song ; And with the very sweetnes of that name , Lyons and Tygers , men shall learne to tame . The carefull mother from her pensiue brest with Rosamond shall bring her babe to rest ; The little birds , ( by mens continuall sonnd ) Shall learne to speake , and prattle Rosamond , And when in Aprill they begin to sing , with Rosamond shall welcome in the spring ; And she in whom all rarities are found , Shall still be sayd to be a Rosamond . The little flowers which dropping honied dew , which ( as thou writ'st ) doe weepe vpon thy shu● , Not for thy fault ( sweet Rosamond ) doe mone , But weepe for griefe that thou so soone art gone , For if thy foote tuch Hemlock as it goes , That Hemlock's made more sweeter then the Rose , Of Ioue or Neptune how they did betray , Nor speake of I-o , or Amimone , when she for whom Ioue once became a Bull , Compar'd with thee , had beene a tawny trull ; He a white Bull , and she a whiter Cow , Yet he , nor she , neere halfe so white as thou . Long since ( thou knowst ) my care prouided for● To lodge thee safe from iealous Ellenor , The Labyrinths conueyance guides thee so , ( which onely Vahan , thou and I doe know ) If she doe guard thee with a hundred eyes , I haue an hundred subtile Mercuries , To watch that Argus which my loue doth keepe , Vntill eye , after eye , fall all to sleepe . Those starres looke in by night , looke in to see , wondring what star heere on the earth should be . As oft the moone amidst the silent night , Hath come to ioy vs with her friendly light , And by the curtaine help'd mine eye to see what enuious night and darknes hid from mee ; when I haue wish'd that she might euer stay , And other worlds might still enioy the day , what should I say ? words , teares , and sighes be spent , And want of time doth further helps preuent : My campe resounds with fearefull shocks of war , Yet in my breast the worser conflicts are ; Yet is my signall to the battailes sound , The blessed name of beautious Rosamond . Accursed be that hart , that tongue , that breath , Should thinke , should speake , or whisper of thy death . For in one smile , or lower from thy sweet eye , Consists my life , my hope , my victorie . Sweet Woodstocke , where my Rosamond doth rest , Blessed in her , in whom thy King is blest ; For though in Fraunce a while my bodie be , ( Sweet Paradice ) my hart remaines in thee .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Am I at home pursued with priuate hate , And warre comes raging to my Pallace gate ?

RObert Earle of Leicester , who tooke part with young King Henry , entred into England with an Armie of 3. thousand Flemmings , & spoiled the Countries of Norfolke and Suffolke , being succoured by manie of the Kings priuate enemies .

And am I branded with the curse of Rome ?

King Henry the second , the first Plantaginet , accused for the death of Thomas Becket , Archbishop of Canterburie , slaine in the Cathedrall Church , was accursed by Pope Alexander , although hee vrg'd sufficient proofe of his innocencie in the same , and offered to take vpon him any pennance , so he might escape the curse and interdiction of the Realme .

And by the pride of my rebellious Sonne , Rich Normandie with Armies ouer-runne .

Henry the young King , whom King Henry had caused to be crowned in his life , ( as he hoped ) both for his owne good and the good of his Subiects , which indeede turned to his owne sorrowe , and the trouble of the whole Realme , for he rebelled against him , and raising a power , by the meanes of Lewes King of Fraunce , and William king of Scots , who tooke part with him , inuaded Normandie .

Vnkind my children , most vnkind my wife .

Neuer King more infortunate then King Henry ; in the disobedience of his children : first Henry , then Geffrey , then Richard , then Iohn , all at one time or other , first or last , vnnaturally rebelled against him : then the iealousie of Ellinor his Queene , who suspected his loue to Rosamond , which grieuous troubles , the deuout of those times , attributed to happen vnto him iustly , for refusing to take vppon him the gouernment of Ierusalem , offered vnto him by the Patriarcke there ; which country was mightilie afflicted by the Souldane .

Which onely Vahan thou and I doe know .

This Vahan was a Knight whom the King exceedingly loued , who kept the Pallace at Woodstock , & much of the Kings iewels & treasure , to whom the King committed many of his secrets , & in whom he reposed such trust , that he durst commit his loue vnto his charge .

FINIS .

King Iohn to Matilda . ¶ The Argument .

After that King Iohn had assaied by all meanes possible , to win the faire & chast Matilda , to his vnchast and vnlawful bed , and by vniust courses and false accusation had banished the Lord Robert Fitzwater her noble Father , and many other of his allies , who iustlie withstoode the desire of this wanton King , seeking the dishonour of his faire and vertuous daughter ; this chast Lady , still solicited by this lasciuious King , flies vnto Dunmowe in Essex , where in a Nunnery she becomes a Nunne , whether the King ( still persisting in his sute ) solicites her by his Epistle ; her reply confirmes her vowed and inuincible chastitie , making knowne to the King her pure vnspotted thoughts .

WHen these my Letters come vnto thy view , Thinke them not forc'd , or saind , or strange , or new , Thou know'st no way , no meanes , no course exempted , Left now vnsought , vnproou'd , or vnattempted , All rules , regards , all secret helps of Art , what knowledge , wit , experience can impart ; And in the old worlds Ceremonies doted , Good dayes for loue , times , howres , & minutes noted ; And where Arte left , loue teacheth more to finde , By signes in presence to expresse the minde . Oft hath mine eye told thine eye , beautie grieu'd it , And begd but for one looke to haue relieu'd it , And still with thine eyes motion , mine eye mou'd , Labouring for mercy , telling how it lou'd . If blush'd , I blush'd , thy cheeke pale , pale was mine , My red , thy red , my whitnes answered thine ; If sigh'd , I sigh'd , alike both passion proue , But thy sigh is for griefe , my sigh for loue ; If a word past , that insufficient were , To helpe that word , mine eyes let forth a teare , And if that teare did dull or sencelesse proue , My hart would fetch a sigh , to make it moue . Oft in thy face , one fauour from the rest I singled forth , that likes my fancie best ; This likes me most , another likes me more , A third exceeding both those lik'd before ; Then one that doth deriue all wonder thence , Then one whose rarenes passeth excellence . Whilst I behold thy Globe-like rowling eye , Thy louely cheeke ( me thinks ) stands smiling by And tels me , those but shadowes and supposes , And bids me thether come and gather Roses ; Looking on that , thy brow doth call to mee To come to it , if wonders I will see Now haue I do●e , and now thy dimpled chin Againe doth tell me I but new begin , And bids me yet to looke vpon thy lip , Least wondring least , the great'st I ouerslip . My gazing eye , on this and this doth ceaze , which surfets , yet cannot desire appease . Then like I browne , ( ô louely browne thy haire ) Onely in brownenes , beautie dwelleth there . Then loue I blacke , thine eye-ball black as Iet , Then cleere , that ball is there in Christall set , Then white , but snow , nor swan , nor Iuorie please , Then are thy teeth more whiter then all these ; In browne , in black , in purenes , and in white , All loue , all sweets , all rarenes , all delight ; Thus thou vile theefe , my stolne hart hence doo'st carry , And now thou fliest into a Sanctuarie ; Fie peeuish girle , ingratefull vnto nature , Did she to this end frame thee such a creature● That thou her glory should'st increase thereby , And thou alone doost scorne societie ? Why , heauen made beauty like herselfe to view , Not to be lock'd vp in a smoky Mew , A rosy-tainted feature is heanens gold , which all men ioy to touch , all to behold . It was enacted when the world begun That so rare beautie should not liue a Nun. But if this vow thou needs wilt vndertake , O were mine armes a Cloister for thy sake , Still may his paines for euer be augmented , This superstition that at first inuented , Ill might he thriue , that brought this custome hether , That holy people might not liue together . A happy time , a good world was it then , when holy women , liu'd with holy men ; But Kings in this , yet priuiledg'd may be , I le be a Munke , so I may liue with thee . Who would not rise to ring the mornings knell , when thy sweet lips might be the sacring bell ? Or what is he not willingly would fast , That on those lips , might feast his lips at last ? Who vnto Mattens earely would not rise , That might reade by the light of thy faire eyes ? On worldly pleasures who would euer looke , That had thy curles his beades , thy browes his booke ? Wert thou the Crosse , to thee who would not creepe ? And wish the Crosse , still in his armes to keepe . Sweet girle , I le take this holy habite on mee , Of meere deuotion that is come vpon mee , Holy Matilda , thou the Saint of mine , I le be thy seruaunt , and my bed thy shrine . When I doe offer , be thy brest the Altar , And when I pray , thy mouth shall be my Psalter . The beads that we will bid , shall be sweet kisses , which we will number , if one pleasure misses , And when an Auie comes to say Amen , we will begin , and tell them or'e againe , Now all good fortune giue me happy thrift , As I should ioy t'absolue thee after shrift . But see how much I doe my selfe beguile , And doe mistake thy meaning all this while , Thou took'st this vow to equall my desire Because thou wouldst haue me to be a Frier , And that we two should comfort one another , A holy sister , and a holy brother , Thou as a Votresse vnto me alone , Shee is most chast , that 's but enioyd of one . Yea , now thy true deuotion doe I find , And sure in this I much commend thy mind ; Els heere thou doost but ill ensample giue , And in a Nunry thus thou shouldst not liue . Is 't possible the house that thou art in Should not be tucht , ( though with a veniall sin ) when such a she-priest comes her masse to say , Twenty to one they all forget to pray . wel may we wish they would their harts amend , when we be witnes that theyr eyes offend , All creatures haue desires , or else some lie , Let them thinke so that will , so will not I. Doost thou not thinke our auncestors were wise , That these religious Cels did first deuise ? As Hospitalls were for the sore and sicke , These for the crook'd , the hault , the stigmatick , Least that their seede mark'd with deformitie , Should be a blemish to posteritie . Would heau'n her beautie should be hid from sight , Nere would she thus herselfe adorne with light , With sparkling lamps ; nor would she paint her throne But she delighteth to be gaz'd vpon ; And when the golden glorious sun goes downe , would shee put on her star-bestudded crowne ; And in her masking sute the spangled skie , Come forth to bride it in her reuelrie ; And gaue this gift to all things in creation , That they in this should imitate her fashion . All things that faire , that pure , that glorious beene , Offer themselues of purpose to be seene ; In sinks and vaults , the vgly Toades doe dwell , The deuils since most vgly , they in hell ; Our mother earth , nere glorious in her fruite , Till by the sun clad in her Tinsell sute . Nor doth shee euer smile him in the face , Till in his glorious armes he her embrace ; which proues she hath a soule , sence , & delight Of generations feeling appetite . well hipocrite ( in faith ) wouldst thou confesse , what ere thy tongue say , thy hart saith no lesse . Note but this one thing , ( if nought els perswade ) Nature of all things male , and female made , Shewing herselfe in our proportion plaine , For neuer made she any thing in vaine ; For as thou art , should any haue beene thus , Shee would haue left ensample vnto vs . The Turtle that 's so true and chast in loue , Shewes by her mate something the spirit doth moue , Th' arabian bird , that neuer is but one , Is onely chast because she is alone ; But had our mother Nature made them two , They would haue done as Doues and Sparrowes doe , But therefore made a Martyr in desire , And doth her pennance lastly in the fire ; So may they all be rosted quicke that be Apostataes to nature , as is shee . Find me but one , so young , so faire , so free , ( woo'd , su'd , & sought , by him that now seekes thee ) But of thy minde , and heere I vndertake Straight to erect a Nunry for her sake ; O hadst thou tasted of these rare delights Ordaind each where to please great Princes sights , To haue their beauties , and their wits admird , ( which is by nature , of your sexe desired ) Attended by our traines , our pompe our port , Like Gods ador'd abroade , kneeld to in Court , To be saluted with the cheerefull cry , Of highnes , grace , and soueraigne maiestie ; But vnto them that know not pleasures price , Al 's one , a prison , and a Paradice . If in a dungion , closd vp from the light , There is no difference twixt the day and night , whose pallate neuer tasted daintie cates , Thinks homely dishes princely delicates . Alas poore girle , I pitty thine estate , That now thus long hast liu'd disconsolate ; Why now at length let yet thy hart relent , And call thy Father back from banishment ; And with those princely honours heere inuest him That aukeward loue , not hate hath dispossest him . Call from exile , thy deere alies and friends , To whom the furie of my griefe extends ; And if thou take my counsaile in this case , I make no doubt thou shalt haue better grace , And leaue that Dunmow , that accursed Cell , There let black night and melancholie dwell ; Come to the Court , where all ioyes shall receiue thee , And till that howre , yet with my griefe I leaue thee .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie .

THis Epistle of King Iohn to Matilda , is much more poeticall then historicall , making no mention at al of the occurrents of the time , or state , touching onely his loue to her , & the extremitie of his passions forced by his desires , rightly fashioning the humour of this king : as hath been truely noted by the best and most autenticall Writers ; whose nature and disposition , is truliest discerned in the course of his loue ; first iesting at the ceremonies of the seruices of those times , them going about by all strong and probable arguments , to reduce her to pleasures and delights , next with promises of honor , which he thinketh to be last and greatest meane , & to haue greatest power in her sexe ; with promise of calling home of her , freends , which he thought might be a great inducement to his desires .

Matilda to King Iohn . NO sooner I , reciu'd thy letters here , Before I knew from whom , or whence they were , But suddaine feare my bloodlesse vaines doth fill , As though diuining of some future ill ; And in a shiuering extasie I stood , A chilly coldnes runnes through all my blood ; Opening thy letters , I shut vp my rest , And let strange cares into my quiet brest , As though thy hard , vnpittying hand had sent mee . Some new deuised torture to torment me ; well had I hop'd , I had beene now forgot , Cast out with those things thou remembrest not : And that proud beauty , which inforst me hether , Had with my name , now perished together : But ô ( I see ) our hoped good deceaues vs , But what we would forgoe , that sildome leaues vs ; Thy blamefull lines bespotted so with sin , Mine eyes would clense , ere they to reade begin But I to wash an Indian goe about , For ill so hard set on , is hard got out . I once determin'd , still to haue beene mute , Onely by silence to refell thy sute , But this againe did alter mine intent , For some will say that silence doth consent : Desire , with small incouraging growes bold , And hope , of euery little thing takes hold . I set me downe at large to write my mind , But now , nor pen , nor paper can I find ; For dread and passion , or so powerfull ore me , That I descerne not things that stand before me : Finding the pen , the paper , and the waxe , This at commaund , and now inuention lacks , This sentence serues , and that my hand out-strikes , That pleaseth well , and this as much mislikes , I write , indite , I point , I raze , I quote , I enterline , I blot , correct , I note ; I hope , dispaire , take courage , faint , disdaine , I make , alledge , I imitate , I faine : Now thus it must be , and now thus , and thus , Bold , shamefast , fearelesse , doubtfull , timerous ; My faint hand writing , when my full eye reedes , From euery word strange passion still proceedes . O when the soule is fettered once in wo , T is strange what humors it doth force vs to ; A teare doth drowne a teare , sigh , sigh doth smother , This hinders that , that interrupts the other ; Th' ouer-watched weakenes of a sicke conceite , Is that which makes small beauty seeme so great , Like things which hid in troubled waters lie , which crook'd seeme straight , if straight seeme contrarie , And this our vaine imagination showes it As it conceiues it , not as iudgement knowes it , ( As in a Mirrhor , if the same be true ) Such as your likenes , iustly such are you ; But as you change your selfe , it changeth there , And showes you as you are , not as you were ; And with your motion doth your shadow moue , If frowne or smile ; such the conceite of loue . Why tell me , is it possible the mind A forme in all deformitie should finde ? Within the compasse of mans face we see How many sorts of seuerall fauours be ; And that the chin , the nose , the brow , the eye , If great , if small , flat , sharpe , or if awry , Alters proportion , altereth the grace , And makes a mighty difference in the face ; And in the world , scarce two so likely are One with the other which if you compare , But being set before you both together , A iudging sight doth soone distinguish eyther . How woman-like a weakenes it it then ? O what strange madnes so possesseth men Bereft of sence ; such sencelesse wonders seeing , without forme , fashion , certaintie , or being ? For which so many die to liue in anguish , Yet cannot liue if thus they should not languish ; That comfort yeelds not , & yet hope denies not , A life that liues not , and a death that dies not ; That hates vs most , when most it speakes vs faire , Doth promise all things , alwayes paies with ayre , Yet sometime doth our greatest griefe appease , To double sorrow after little ease . Like that which thy lasciuious will doth craue , which if once had , thou neuer more canst haue ; which if thou get , in getting thou doost wast it , Taken , is lost , and perrish'd if thou hast it ; which if thou gain'st , thou nere the more hast wone , I loosing nothing , yet am quite vndone ; And yet of that , if that a King depraue me , No King restores , though he a kingdome gaue me . Doost thou of Father and of friends depriue me ? And tak'st thou from me , all that heauen did giue me ? what nature claimes , by blood , alies , or neernes , Or friendship challenge , by regard or deernes . Mak'st me an Orphan ere my Father die ? A wofull widdow in virginitie ? Is thy vnbrideled lust the cause of all ? And now thy flattering tongue bewayles my fall . The dead mans graue with fained teares to fill , So the deuouring Crocodile doth kill , To harbor hate in shew of sweetest things , So in the Rose the poisned serpent stings . To lurke farre off , yet lodge destruction by , The Basiliske doth poyson with the eye ; To call for ayde , and then to lie in waite , So the Hiena murthers by deceite ; By sweet inticements , suddaine death to bring , So from the Rocks th' alluring Mermaids sing ; In greatest wants , t' inflict the greatest woe , This is the vtmost tyrannie can doe . But where ( I see ) the tempest thus preuailes , what vse of Ankors , or what neede of sailes ; Aboue vs blustring winds , and dreadfull thunder , The waters gape for our destruction vnder ; Heere on this side the furious billowes flie , There rocks , there sands , and dangerous whir-pooles lie . Is this the meane that mightines approues , And in this sort doe Princes wooe their Loues ; Mildnes would better sute with maiestie Then rash reuenge , and rough seueritie . O in what safetie Temperance doth rest Obtayning harbour in a soueraigne brest . Which if so praisefull in the meanest men , In powerfull Kings , how glorious is it then ? Alas , and fled I hether from my fo , That innocence should be betrayed so ? Is Court and Country both her enemie And no place found to shroud in chastitie ? Each house for lust , a harbour , and an Inne , And euery Cittie a receite for sinne ; And all doe pittie beautie in distresse , If beautie chast , then onely pittilesse . Thus is she made a tempting stale to lust , Or vnreleeued , needsly perrish must . Lasciuious Poets , which abuse the truth , which oft teach age to sinne , infecting youth , For the vnchast make trees & stones to mourne , Or as they please , to other shapes doe turne ; Cinyras daughter , whose incesteous mind , Made her wrong nature , and dishonour kind ; Long since by them is turn'd into a Mir , whose dropping liquor euer weepes for her ; And in a fountaine , Biblis doth deplore Her fault so vile and monsterous before ; Silla , which once her Father did betray , Is now a bird , ( if all be true they say ) She that with Phoebus did the foule offence , Now metamorphiz'd into Frankensence . Other , to flowers , to odors , and to gum , At least Ioues Lemmon is a starre become ; And more ; they faine a thousand fond excuses , To hide their scapes , and couer theyr abuses , The virgin onely they obscure and hide whilst the vnchast , by them are deifide ; Yet if a Vestals name be once exprest , She must be set together with the rest . I am not now , as when thou saw'st me last , That fauour soone is vanished and past ; That Rosie-blush , lapp'd in a Lilly-vale , Now with the Morphew ouer-growne and pale , And downe my cheekes with showers of swelling teares , Remaine the furrowes that continuance weares , And in the circles of my withered eyes , In aged wrinkles beautie buried lyes ; And in my grace , my presence , iesture , cheere , Ruine , distresse , woe , anguish , doth appeare . That brest , that hand , that cheeke , that eye , that brow , Faded , decayed , fallen , darkned , wrinkled now ; Such was my beauty once , now is it such , Once thought most rare , now altred more then much ; Nor I regard all that thou canst protest , My vow is taken , I a Nun profest . This Vestall habite doth content me more , Then all the robes that yet I euer wore . Had Rosamond , ( a recluse of our sort ) Taken our Cloister , left the wanton Court , Shadowing that beauty with a holy vale , which she ( alas ) too loosely set to sale , She neede not like an vgly Minotaur , Haue beene lock'd vp from iealious Ellenor , But beene as famous by thy mothers wrongs , As by thy father subiect to all tongues . To shadow sinne , might can the most pretend , Kings , but the conscience , all things can defend . A stronger hand restaines our wilfull powers , A will must rule aboue this will of ours , Not following what our vaine desires doe wooe For vertues sake , but what we ( onely ) doe . And hath my Father chose to liue exild , Before his eyes should see my youth defild ? And to withstand a Tyrants lewd desire , Beheld his Towers and Castles razd with fire : Yet neuer tuch'd with griefe , so onely I , Exempt from shame might with true honor die . And shall this iewell which so deerely cost , Now after all , by my dishonour lost ? No , no , his reuerend words , his holy teares , Yet in my soule too deepe impression beares His latest fare-well at his last depart , More deepely is ingraued in my hart , Nor shall that blot , by me his name shall haue , Bring his gray haires with sorrow to his graue , Better his teares to fall vpon my Tombe , Then for my birth to curse my mothers wombe . Though Dunmow giue no refuge heere at all . Dunmow can giue my body buriall . If all remorcelesse , no teare-shedding eye , My selfe will moane my selfe ; so liue , so dye .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie .

THis Epistle , containeth no particuler points of historie , more then the generality of the argument layeth open , for after the banishment of the Lord Robert Fitzwater , and that Matilda was become a Recluse at Dunmowe , ( from whence this replie is imagined to bee written , ) the King still earnestly persisting in his ●ute , Matilda with this chast & constant deniall , hopeth yet at length to finde some comfortable remedy , and to rid her selfe of doubts , by taking vpon her this monastick habite , & to shew that she still beareth in mind his former cruelty , bred by the impatience of his lust , she remembreth him of her Fathers banishment , & the lawlesse exile of her alies and friends .

Dost thou of Father and of friends depriue me ?

Then complaining of her distresse , that flying thether , thinking there to find releefe , she sees her selfe most assaild where she hoped to haue found most safety .

Alas , and fled I hether from my foe , That , &c.

After againe , standing vpon the precise points of conscience , not to cast off this habite she had taken .

My vow is taken , I a Nun profest .

And at last laying open more particulerly the miseries sustained by her Father in England , the burning of his Castles and houses , which she proueth to be for her sake : as respecting onely her honour , more then his natiue Countrey and his owne fortunes .

And to withstand a Tyrants lewd desire , Beheld his Towers and Castles set on fire .

Knitting vp her Epistle with a great and constant resolution .

Though Dunmow giue no refuge heere at all , Dunmow can giue my body buriall . FINIS .

Queene Isabell to Mortimer . ¶ The Argument .

Queene Isabell , ( the wife of Edward the second , called Edward Carnaruan , ) beeing the daughter of Phillip de Beau , King of Fraunce , forsaken by the King her husband , who delighted onely in the companie of Piers Gaueston , his minion and fauorite ; and after his death seduced by the euill counsaile of the Spensers . This Queene thus left by her husband , euen in the glory of her youth , drewe into her especiall fauour Roger Mortimer , Lorde of Wigmore , a man of a mightie and inuinsible spirit . This Lord Mortimer rising in armes against the King , with Thomas Earle of Lancaster , and the Barons , was taken ere he could gather his power , and by the King committed to the Tower of London . During his imprisonment , he ordained a feast in honour of his birth-day , to which he inuited Sir Stephen Segraue , Lieutenant of the Tower , and the rest of the officers , where , by meanes of a drinke prepared by the Queene , hee cast them all into a heauie sleepe , and with Ladders of cords beeing ready prepared for the purpose , he escapeth , and flieth into Fraunce , whether shee sendeth this Epistle , complaining her owne misfortunes , and greatly reioycing at his safe escape .

THough such sweet comfort comes not now from her As Englands Queene hath sent to Mortimer . Yet what that wants , which might my power approue , If lines can bring , thys shall supply with loue , Me thinks affliction should not fright me so , Nor should resume these sundry shapes of woe ; But when I faine would find the cause of this , Thy absence shewes me where the errout is . Oft when I thinke of thy departing hence , Sad sorrow then posseth ' euery sence , But finding thy deere blood preseru'd thereby , And in thy life , my long-wish'd libertie , with that sweet thought my selfe I onely please Amidst my griefe , which somtimes giues me ease Thus doe extreamest ils a ioy possesse , And one woe makes another woe seeme lesse . That blessed night , that milde-aspected howre , wherein thou mad'st escape out of the Tower , Shall consecrated euer-more remaine ; What gentle Planet in that howre did raigne ; And shall be happy in the birth of men , which was chiefe Lord of the Ascendant then . O how I feard that sleepy iuyce I sent , Might yet want power to further thine intent ; Or that some vnseene misterie might lurke , which wanting order , kindly should not worke ; Oft did I wish those dreadfull poysoned lees , That clos'd the euer-waking Dragons eyes , Or I had had those sence-bereauing stalkes That grow in shady Proserpines darke walkes ; Or those blacke weedes on Lethe bankes below , Or Lunary that doth on Latmus flow ; Oft did I feare this moist and foggie clime , Or that the earth , waxt barraine now with time , Should not haue hearbes to help me in this case , Such as doe thriue on Indias parched face . That morrow , when the blessed sunne did rise , And shut the lids of all heauens lesser eyes , Forth from my pallace by a secret stayre I steale to Thames , as though to take the ayre ; And aske the gentle flood as it doth glide , Or thou didst passe or perrish by the tide ? If thou didst perrish , I desire the streame To lay thee softly on her siluer teame , And bring thee to me to the quiet shore , That with her teares , thou might'st haue some teares more . When suddainly doth rise a rougher gale , with that ( me thinks ) the troubled waues looke pale , And sighing with that little gust that blowes , with this remembrance seeme to knit theyr browes . Euen as this suddaine passion doth affright me , The cheerefull sunne breakes from a clowde to light mee ; Then doth the bottome euident appeare , As it would shew me , that thou wast not there , When as the water flowing where I stand , Doth seeme to tell me , thou art safe on land . Did Bulloyne once a festiuall prepare , For England , Almaine , Cicile , and Nauarre ? when Fraunce enuied those buildings ( onely blest ) Grac'd with the Orgies of my bridall feast , That English Edward should refuse my bed For that incestuous shameles Ganimed ? And in my place , vpon his regall throne , To set that girle-boy , wanton Gaueston . Betwixt the feature of my face and his , My glasse assures me no such difference is , That a foule witches bastard should thereby Be thought more worthy of his loue then I. What doth auaile vs to be Princes heyres , when we can boast c●r birth is onely theyrs ? when base dissembling flatterers shall deceiue vs , Of all our famous Auncestors did leaue vs ; And of our princely iewels and our dowers , wee but enioy the least of what it ours ; when Minions heads must weare our Monarchs crownes , To raise vp dunghils with our famous townes ; when beggers-brats are wrapt in rich perfumes , Their buzzard wings impt with our Eagles plumes ; And match'd with the braue issue of our blood , Alie the kingdome to theyr crauand brood . Did Longshanks purchase with his conquering hand , Albania , Gascoyne , Cambria , Ireland ? That young Caernaruan ( his vnhappy sonne ) Should giue away all that his Father wonne ? To backe a stranger , proudly bearing downe The braue alies and branches of the crowne ? And did great Edward , on his death-bed giue This charge to them which afterwards should liue , That that proude Gascoyne , banished the Land , No more should tread vpon the English sand ? And haue these great Lords in the quarrell stood , And seald his last will with theyr deerest blood , That after all this fearefull massaker , The fall of Beauchamp , Lasy , Lancaster● Another faithlesse fauorite should arise To cloude the sunne of our Nobilities ? And gloried I in Gauestons great fall , That now a Spenser should succeede in all ? And that his ashes should another breed , which in his place and empire should succeede ; That wanting one a kingdoms wéalth to spend , Of what that left , thys now shall make an end ; To wast all that our Father won before , Nor leaue our sonne a sword to conquer more . Thus but in vaine we fondly doe resist , where power can doe ( euen ) all things as it list , And with vniust men to debate of lawes , Is to giue power to hurt a rightfull cause ; whilst parlements must still redresse theyr wrongs , And we must starue for what to vs belongs ; Our wealth but fuell to theyr fond excesse , And we must fast to feast theyr wantonnesse . Think'st thou our wrongs then insufficient are To moue our brother to religious war ? And if they were , yet Edward doth detaine Homage for Pontiu , Guyne , and Aquytaine ; And if not that , yet hath he broke the truce , Thus all accur , to put backe all excuse . The sisters wrong , ioynd with the brothers right , Me thinks might vrge him in this cause to fight . Be all those people sencelesse of our harmes which for our country ought haue manag'd armes ? Is the braue Normans courage now forgot ? Or the bold Brittaines lost the vse of shot ? The big-bon'd Almaines , and stout Brabanders , Theyr warlike Pikes , and sharp-edg'd Semiters ? Or doe the Pickards let theyr Crosbowes lie , Once like the Centaurs of old Thessalie ? Or if a valiant Leader be theyr Lacke , where thou art present , who should driue them backe ? I doe coniure thee by what is most deere , By that great name of famous Mortimer , By auncient Wigmors honourable Crest , The Tombes where all thy famous Grandsires rest : Or if then these , what more may thee approue , Euen by those vowes of thy vnfained loue , That thy great hopes may moue the Christian King , By forraine Armes some comfort yet to bring , To curbe the power of traytors that rebell Against the right of princely Isabell. Vaine witlesse woman , why should I desire To adde more heate to thy immortall fire ? To vrge thee by the violence of hate , To shake the pillers of thine owne estate , when whatsoeuer we intend to doe , To our misfortune euer sorts vnto ; And nothing els remaines for vs beside , But teares and coffins ( onely ) to prouide , When still so long as Burrough beares that name Time shall not blot out our deserued shame ; And whilst cleere Trent her wonted course shall keepe , For our sad fall , her christall drops shall weepe . All see our ruine on our backs is throwne , And to our selues our sorrowes are our owne . And Torlton now whose counsell should direct The first of all is slaundred with suspect ; For dangerous things dissembled sildome are which many eyes attend with busie care . What should I say ? my griefes doe still renew , And but begin when I should bid adiew , Few be my words , but manifold my woe , And still I stay , the more I striue to goe . As accents issue forth , griefes enter in , And where I end , mee thinks I but begin ; Till then fayre time some greater good affoords , Take my loues payment in these ayrie words .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . O how I feard that sleepie drinke I sent , Might yet want power to further thine intent .

MOrtimer beeing in the Tower , and ordayning a feast in honour of his byrth-day , as hee pretended , and inuiting there-vnto sir Stephen Segraue , Constable of the Tower , with the ●est of the officers belonging to the same , he gaue them a sleepie drinke , prouided him by the Queene , by which meanes he got libertie for his escape .

I steale to Thames , as though to take the ayre , And aske the gentle streame as it doth glide ,

Mortimer , being got out of the Tower , swam the riuer of Thames into Kent , whereof she hauing intelligence , doubteth of his strength to escape , by reason of his long imprisonment , being almost the space of three yeeres .

Did Bulloyne once a festiuall prepare , For England , Almaine , Cicile and Naeuarre ?

Edward Carnaruan , the first Prince of Wales of the English blood , married Isabell , daughter of Phillip the faire at Bulloyne , in the presence of the Kings of Almaine , Nauarre , and Cicile , with the chiefe Nobilitie of Fraunce , and England , which marriage was there solemnized with exceeding pompe and magnificence .

And in my place , vpon his regall throne , To set that girle-boy , wanton Gaueston .

Noting the effeminacie & luxurious wantonnesse of Gaueston , the Kings Minion ; his behauiour and attire euer so womanlike , to please the eye of his lasciuious Prince .

That a foule Witches bastard should thereby

It was vrged by the Queene and the Nobilitie , in the disgrace of Piers Gauestone , that his mother was conuicted of witchcraft , & burned for the same , and that Piers had bewitched the King .

Albania , Gascoyne , Cambria , Ireland .

Albania , Scotland so called of Albanact , the second sonne of Brutus , and Cambria , Wales , so called of Camber the third son , the foure Realmes & countries , brought in subiection by Edward Longshankes .

When of our princely Iewels and our dowers , We but enioy the least of what is ours .

A complaint of the prodigalitie of King Edward , giuing vnto Gaueston the iewels & treasure which was left him by the auncient Kings of England ; and enriching him with the goodly Manor of Wallingford , assigned as parcel of the dower , to the queens of this famous I le .

And ioyn'd with the braue issue of our blood , Alie our kingdome to their crauand brood .

Edward the second , gaue to Piers Gaueston in mariage , the daughter of Gilbert Clare , Earle of Glocester , begot of the Kings sister , Ione of Acres , maried to the said Earle of Glocester .

Should giue away all that his Father won To backe a stranger .

King Edward offered his right in Fraunce to Charles his brother in law , and his right in Scotland to Robert Bruse , to be ayded against the Barrons , in the quarrell of Piers Gaueston .

And did great Edward on his death-bed giue

Edward Longshanks , on his death-bed at Carlile , commanded yong Edward his sonne , on his blessing , not to call backe Gaueston , which ( for the misguiding of the Princes youth ) was before banished by the whole counsell of the Land .

That after all this fearefull massaker , The fall of Beuchamp , Lasy , Lancaster .

Thomas , Earle of Lancaster , Guy , Earle of Warwick , & Henry Ea●le of Lincolne , who had taken their oaths before the deceased King at his death , to withstand his sonne Edward if hee should call Gauestone from exile , being a thing which he much feared : now seeing Edward to violate his Fathers commaundement , rise in Armes against the king , which was the cause of the ciuill war , & the ruine of so many Princes .

And gloried I in Gauestons great fall That now a Spenser should succeed in all .

The two Hugh Spensers , the Father & the sonne , after the death of Gaueston , became the great fauourites of the King , the sonne beeing created by him lord Chamberlaine , & the father Earle of Winchester .

And if they were , yet Edward doth detaine Homaage for Pontiu , Guyne , and Aquitaine .

Edward Longshanks , did homage for those Citties and Territories to the French King , which Edward the second neglecting moued the French King , by the subornation of Mortimer , to cease those Countries into his hands .

By auncient Wigmors honourable Crest ,

Wigmore in the marches of Wales , was the auncient house of the Mortimers , that noble and couragious familie .

That still so long as Borrough beares that name .

The Queene remembreth the great ouerthrowe giuen to the Barrons , by Andrew Herckley , Earle of Carlill , at Borrough bridge , after the battaile at Burton .

And Torlton now , whose counsels should direct .

This was Adam Torlton , Bishop of Herford , that great Polititian , who so highly fauoured the faction of the Queene and Mortimer , whose euill counsell afterward wrought the destruction of the King .

Mortimer to Queene Isabell. AS thy salutes my sorrowes doe adiourne , So backe to thee their interest I returne ; Though not in so great bountie ( I confesse ) As thy heroicke princely lines expresse ; For how should comfort issue from the breath Of one condemn'd , and long lodg'd vp in death ? From murthers rage thou didst me once repriue , Now in exile , my hopes thou doost reuiue ; Twice all was taken , twice thou all didst giue , And thus twice dead , thou mak'st me twice to liue . This double life of mine , your onely due , You gaue to me ; I giue it back to you ; Nere my escape had , I aduentur'd thus , As did the skie-attempting Daedalus ; And yet to giue more safety to my flight , Haue made a night of day , a day of night . Nor had I backt the proud aspiring wall , which held without , my hopes , within , my fall , Leauing the cords to tell where I had gone , For gazing eyes with feare to looke vpon , But that thy beauty ( by a power diuine ) Breath'd a new life into this spirit of mine . Drawne by the sunne of thy celestiall eyes . with fiery wings made passage through the skies , The heauens did seeme the charge of me to take , And sea and land befriend me for thy sake ; Thames stopt her tide , to make me way to go , As thou hadst charg'd her that it should be so , The hollow murmuring winds their due time kept , As they had rock'd the world , whilst all things slept ; One billow bore me , and another draue me , This stroue to helpe me , and that stroue to saue me ; The brisling Reedes , mou'd with the ayre did chide me , As they would tell me , that they meant to hide me , The pale-fac'd night beheld thy heauie cheere , And would not let one little starre appeare , But ouer all , her smokie mantle hurl'd , And in thick vapours muffled vp the world ; And the pure ayre became so clame and still As it had beene obedient to my will ; And euery thing disposd vnto my rest , As when on Seas the Alc●on builds her nest . When those rough waues which late with fury rusht , Slide smoothly on , and sodainly are husht ; Nor Neptune lets his surges our so long As Nature is in bringing forth her yong ; Nor let the Spensers glory in my chance That I should liue an exile heere in France : That I from England banished should be , But England rather banished from me : More were her want , France our great blood should beare , Then Englands losse should be to Mortimer . My Grandsire was the first since Arthurs raigne , That the Round-table rectifi'd againe ; To whose great Court at Kenelworth did come The peerelesse knighthood of all Christendome : whose Princely order , honoured England more Then all the conquests she atchiu'd before . Neuer durst Scot set foote on English ground , Nor on his backe did English beare a wound , whilst Wigmore flourisht in our Princely hopes , And whilst our Ensigne march'd with Edwards troupes ; whilst famous Longshanks bones ( in fortunes scorne ) As sacred reliques to the field were borne ; Nor euer did the valiant English doubt , whilst our braue battailes guarded them about . Nor did our wi●es and wofull mothers mourne The English blood that stained Banocksburne , whilst with his Minions sporting in his Tent , whole dayes and nights in banquetting were spent : Vntill the Scots ( which vnder safegard stood ) Made lauish hauocke of the English blood ? And battered helmes lay scattered on the shore , where they in conquest had beene borne before . A thousand Kingdoms will we seeke from far , As many Nations wast with ciuill war , where the disheuel'd gastly Sea-nimph sings , Or well-rigd ships shall stretch their swelling wings , And drag their ankors through the sandy foame , About the world in euery Clime to roame , And those vnchristned Countries call our owne , where scarce the name of England hath beene knowne ; And in the dead-sea sinke our houses fame , From whose sterne waues we first deriu'd our Name , Before foule black-mouth'd infamie shall sing That Mortimer ere stoop'd vnto a King . And we will turne sterne-visag'd furie backe , To seeke his spoile , who sought our vtter sacke : And come to beard him in our natiue Ile , Ere he martch forth to follow our exile . And after all these boistrous stormie shocks , Yet will we grapple with the chaulkie Rocks . Nor will we come like Pyrats , or like theeues , From mountaine Forrests , or sea-bordering Cleeues , But fright the ayre with terror ( when we come ) Of the sterne trumpet , and the bellowing drum : And in the field aduance our plumy Crest , And martch vpon faire Englands flowrie brest ; And Thames which once we for our life did swim , Shaking our dewy tresses on her brim , Shall beare my Nauie ; vaunting in her pride , Falling from Tanet with the powerfull tide ; which fertile Essex , and faire Kent shall see , Spreading her flags along the pleasant lee , when on her stemming poope she proudly beares , The famous Ensignes of the Belgicke peeres . And for the hatefull sacreligious sin which by the Pope he stands accursed in , The Cannon text shall haue a common glosse , Receits in parcels , shall be paid in grosse . This doctrine preach'd , who from the Church doth take , At least shall treble restitution make : For which Rome sends her curses out from farre , Through the sterne throate of terror-breathing warre , Till to th' vnpeopled shores she brings supplies Of those industrious Romaine Colonies . And for his homage , by the which of old Proud Edward Guyne and Aquitaine doth hold . Charles by inuasiue armes againe shall take , And send the English forces o're the Lake ; when Edwards fortune stands vpon this chaunce , To loose in England , or expuls'd from Fraunce ; And all those townes great Longshanks left his son , Now lost againe , which once his father won . Within their strong perculliz'd Ports shall lie , And from their walls his sieges shall defie . And by that firme and vndissolued knot , Betwixt the neighbouring French , and bordering Scot , Bruse now shall bring his redshanks from the seas , From th'Iled Orcad's , and the Hebrydes , And to his Westerne Hauens giue free passe , To land the warlike Irish Galiglasse , Marching from Tweede to swelling Humber sands , wasting along the Northerne netherlands . And wanting those which should his power sustaine , Consum'd with slaughter in his bloody raigne , Our warlike sword shall driue him from his throne , where he shall lie for vs to tread vpon ; And those great Lords now after theyr attaints , Canonized amongst the English Saints ; And by the superstitious people , thought , That by their Reliques , miracles are wrought , And thinke that flood much vertue doth retaine , which tooke the blood of famous Bohun slaine ; Continuing the remembrance of the thing , To make the people more abhor theyr King . Nor shall a Spenser , ( be he nere so great ) Possesse our Wigmore , our renowned seate . To raze the auncient Trophies of our race , with our deserts theyr monuments to grace ; Nor shall he leade our valiant marchers forth , To make the Spensers famous in the North ; Nor be the Gardants of the Brittish pales , Defending England , and preseruing Wales . At first our troubles easily recul'd , But now growne head-strong hardly to be rul'd ; with grauest counsell all must be directed , where plainest shewes are openly suspected ; For where mishap our error doth assault , There doth it easiliest make vs see our fault . Then ( sweet ) represse all fond and wilfull spleene , Two things to be a woman , and a Queene ; Keepe close the cyndars , least the fire should burne , It is not this which yet must serue our turne . And if I doe not much mistake the thing , The next supply shall greater comfort bring ; Till when I leaue my Princesse for a while , Liue thou in rest ; though I liue in exile .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Of one condemn'd , and long lodg'd vp in death .

ROger Mortimer Lorde of Wigmore , had stoode publiquely condemned , for his insurrection with Thomas Earle of Lancaster , and Bohun Eale of Herford , by the space of three moneths : and as the report went , the day of his execution was determined to haue beene shortly after , which he preuented by his escape .

Twice all was taken , ●twice thou all didst giue .

At what time the two Mortimers , this Roger Lord of Wigmore , and his vncle Roger Mortimer the elder , were apprehended in the West , the Queene by meanes of Torlton Bishop of Hereford , and Becke Bishop of Duresme , and Patriarke of Ierusalem , being then both mightie in the state , vpon the submission of the Mortimers , somewhat pacified the King , and now secondly she wrought meanes for his escape .

Leauing the cords to tell where I had gone ,

With strong ladders made of cords prouided him for the purpose , he escaped out of the Tower , which when the same were found fastened to the walls , in such a desperate attempt they bred astonishment to the beholders .

Nor let the Spensers glory in my chance .

The two Hugh Spensers , the Father , and the Sonne , then beeing so highly fauoured of the King , knew that their greatest safety came by his exile , whose high and turbulent spirit , could neuer brooke any corriuall in greatnes .

My Grandsire was the first since Arthurs raigne , That the round-table rectifi'd againe .

Roger Mortimer , called the great Lorde Mortimer , Grandfather to this Roger , which was afterward the first Earle of March , reerected againe the Round-table at Kenelwoorth , after the auncient order of King Arthurs table , with the retinue of a hundred Knights , & a hundred Ladyes in his house , for the entertayning of such aduentures as came thether from all parts of Christendome .

Whilst famous Longshanks bones in Fortunes scorne .

Edward Longshanks willed at his death , that his body should bee boyled the flesh from the bones , and that the bones should be borne to the warres in Scotland , which he was perswaded vnto by a prophecie , which told that the English should still be fortunate in conquest , so long as his bones were carried in the field .

The English blood that stained Banocksburne .

In the great voyage Edward the second made against the Scots , at the battell at St●iueling neere vnto the riuer of Banocksburne in Scotland , where there was in the English campe such banquetting & excesse , such riot and misorder , that the Scots , ( who in the meane time laboured for aduantage ) gaue to the English a great ouerthrow .

And in the Dead-sea , sincke our houses fame , From whose , &c.

Mortimer , so called of Mare Mortuum , and in French Mort●mer , in English the Dead-sea , which is said to be where Sodome & Gomorra once were , before they were destroyed by fire from heauen .

And for that hatefull sacriligious sin Which by the Pope he stands accursed in .

Gaeustelinus and Lucas , two Cardinalls , sent into England from Pope Clement , to appease the auncient hate betweene the King and Thomas Earle of Lancaster , to whose Embassy the King seemed to yeeld , but after theyr departure he went back from his promises , for which hee was accursed at Rome .

Of those industrious Romaine Colonies .

A Colony is a sort or number of people , that come to inhabite a place before not inhabited , whereby hee seemeth heere to prophecie of the subuersion of the Land ; the Pope ioyning with the power of other Princes , against Edward , for the breach of his promise .

Charles by i●uasiue Armes againe shall take .

Charles the French King , mooued by the wrong done vnto hys sister , ceazeth the Prouinces which belonged to the King of England into his hands , stirred the rathe● thereto by Mortimer , who solicited her cause in Fraunce , as is expressed before in the other Epistle , in the glosse vpon this poynt .

And those great Lords now after theyr attaints , Canonized among the English Saints .

After the death of Thomas Earle of Lancaster at Pomfret , the people imagined great miracles to be doone by his reliques : as they did of the body of Bohun Earle of Herford , slaine at Borough bridge .

FINIS .

Edward the blacke Prince to Alice Countesse of Salisburie . ¶ The Argument .

Alice , Countesse of Salisburie , remaining at Roxborough Castle , in the North , in the absence of the Earle her husband , who was by the Kings commaund sent ouer into Flaunders , and there deceased ere his returne . This Lady being besieged in her Castle by the Scots , Edward the blacke Prince being sent by the King his Father to relieue the North-parts with an Armie , and to remoue the siege of Roxborough , there fel in loue with the Countesse ; when after she returned to London , hee sought by diuers and sundry means to winne her to his youthfull pleasures , as by forcing the Earle of Kent her Father , & her Mother , vnnaturally to become his Agents in his vaine desire ; where after a long and assured trial of her inuincible constancie , hee taketh her to his wife , to which end , hee onelie frameth this Epistle .

REceiue these papers , from thy wofull Lord , with far more woes , then they with words are stor'd , which if thine eye with rashnes doe reproue , They 'le say they came from that imperious loue . In euery Letter thou maist vnderstand , which Loue hath sign'd and sealed with his hand ; And where no farther processe he refers , In blots set downe , for other Characters , This cannot blush , although you doe refuse it , Nor will reply how euer you shall vse it ; Al 's one to this , though you should bid dispaire , This still intreates you , this still speakes you faire ; Hast thou a liuing soule ? a humaine fence ? To like , dislike , proue , order , and dispence , The depth of reason , soundly to aduise , To loue things good , things hurtfull to despise ; The tuch of iudgement , which should all things proue , And hast thou touch'd , yet not allow'st my loue . Sound moues his sound , voyce , doth beget his voyce , One Eccho makes another to reioyce , One well-tun'd string , set truly to his like , Strooke neere at hand , doth make another strike . How comes it then , that our affections iar ? what opposition doth beget this war ? I know that nature franckly to thee gaue , That measure of her boun●ie that I haue , And with that sence she lent , she likewise lent Each one his organ , each his instrument , But euery one , because it is thine owne , Doth prise it selfe , vnto it selfe alone . Thy daintie hand when it , it selfe doth tuch , That feeling tels it there was neuer such ; When in thy glasse , thine eye it selfe doth see , That thinks there 's none , like to it selfe can be , And euery one , doth iudge it selfe diuine , Because that thou doost challenge it for thine ; And each it selfe , Narcissus like doth smother , And loues it selfe , not like to any other ; Fie be not burnd thus in thine owne desire , T is needlesse beautie should it selfe admire , The sunne , by which all creatures lightned be , And seeth all , it selfe yet cannot see ; And his owne brightnes , his owne foile is made , And doth become the cause of his owne shade . When first thy beautie by mine eye was prou'd , It saw not then , so much to be belou'd , But when it came a perfect view to take , Each looke of one , doth many beauties make ; In little cer●lets first it doth arise , Then somewhat larger seeming in mine eyes , And in his Gyring compasse as it goes , So more and more , the same in greatnes growes , And as it yet at libertie is set , The motion still doth other formes beget ; Vntill at length , looke any way I could , Nothing there was but beautie to behold . Art thou offended that thou art belou'd ? Remoue the cause , th' effect is soone remou'd ; Indent with beautie , how farre to extend , Set downe desire , a limmit where to end , Then charme thine eyes , theyr glaunces shall not wound , Teach reason how , the depth of loue to sound ; If thou doe this , nay then thou shalt doe more , And bring to passe what neuer was before ; Make anguish sportiue , crauing all delight , Mirth solemne , sullen , and inclind to night , Ambition lowly , enuie speaking well , Loue his reliefe of nigardize to sell ; Our warlike fathers did these forts deuise , As surest holds against our enemies , The safest places for your sexe to rest , Feare soone is setled in a womans brest , Thy breast is of another temper farre , And then thy Castle fitter for the warre . Thou doost not safely in thy Castle rest , Thy Castle should be safer in thy brest , That keepes ou● foes , but doth thy friends inclose , But thy brest keepes out both thy friends and foes ; That may be batter'd , or be vndermin'd , Or by straite siege , for want of succour pin'd , But thy hart is , inuinsible to all , And more defensiue then thy Castle wall ; Of all the shapes that euer Ioue did proue , where-with he vs'd to entertaine his loue , That likes me best , when in a golden shower , He raind himselfe on Danae in her Tower , Nor did I euer enuie his commaund , In that he beares the thunder in his hand ; But in that showrie shape I cannot be , And as he came to her , I come to thee , Thy tower with foes , is not begert about , If thou within , they are besieg'd without , One haire of thine more vigor doth retaine To binde thy foe , then with an yron chaine ; Who might be gyu'd in such a golden string , would not be captiue , though he were a King , Hadst thou all India heap'd vp in thy Fort , And thou thy selfe besieged in that sort , Get thou but out , where they can thee espie , They 'le follow thee , and let the treasure lie . I cannot think what force thy tower should win , If thou thy selfe doost guard the same within , Thine eye retaines artillarie at will , To kill who euer thou desir'st to kill ; For that alone more deeply wounds theyr harts Then they can thee , though with a thousand darts , For there entrenched little Cupid lies , And from those turrets all the world defies , And when thou letst downe that transparant lid , Of entrance there an Armie doth forbid . And as for famine , thou needs neuer feare , who thinks of want when thou art present there ; Thy onely sight giues spirit vnto the blood , And comforts life , though neuer tasting foode . And as thy souldiers keepe theyr watch and ward , So chastitie thy inward breast doth guard ; Thy modest pulse serues as a larum bell , Which watched by a wakefull Sentinell Is stirring still with euery little feare , warning if any enemie be neere ; Thy vertuous thoughts , when all the others rest , Like carefull skouts passe vp and downe thy brest , And still they round , about that place doe keepe , Whilst all the blessed garison doe sleepe . But yet I feare , if that the truth were told , That thou hast robd , and fliest vnto this hold : I thought as much , and didst this Fort deuise , That thou in safety , heere might'st tyrannize . Yes , thou hast robd the heauen and earth of all , And they against thy lawlesse theft doe call ; Thyne eyes with mine , that wage continuall warrs , Borrow their brightnes of the twinckling starrs ; Thy breath , for which mine still in sighes consumes Hath rob'd sweet flowers , rich odors , and perfumes , Thy cheeke , for which mine all this penance proues , Steales the pure whitnes both from Swannes and Doues . Thy lips from mine , that in thy maske be pent , Haue filch'd the blushing from the orient ; O mightie Loue ! bring hether all thy power , And fetch this heauenly theefe out of her Tower , For if she may be suffered in this sort , Heauens store will soone be hoarded in this Fort. When I arriu'd before that state of loue , And saw thee on the battlement aboue , I thought there was no other heauen but there , And thou an Angell didst from thence appeare . But when my reason did correct mine eye , That thou wert subiect to mortalitie , I then excus'd the Scot before had done , No maruaile though , he would the fort haue wone , Perceiuing well those enuious walls did hide More wealth then was in all the world beside ; Against thy foe , I came to lend thee ayde , And thus to thee my selfe , my selfe betrayd ; He is besieg'd , the siege that came to raise , There 's no assault that not my brest assayes , Loue growne extreame , doth finde vnlawful shifts , The Gods take shapes , and doe allure with gifts , Commaunding loue , that by great Stix doth sweare , Forsworne in loue , with Louers oathes doth beare , Loue causelesse still , doth aggrauate his cause , It is his lawe to violate all lawes ; His reason is , in onely wanting reason , And were vntrue , not deeply tuch'd with treason ; Th' vnlawfull meanes , doth make his lawfull gaine , Hee speakes most true , when he the most doth faine ; Pardon the faults that haue escap'd by mee , Against fayre vertue , chastitie , and thee ; If Gods can theyr owne excellence excell , It is in pardoning mortalls that rebell . When all thy tryalls are enroul'd by fame , And all thy sexe made glorious by thy name , Then I a captiue , shall be brought hereby To adorne the tryumph of thy chastitie ; I sue not now thy Paramore to be , But as a husband to be linck'd to thee . I am Englands heyre , I thinke thou wilt confesse , Wert thou a Prince , I hope I am no lesse ; But that thy birth doth make thy stocke diuine , Else durst I boast , my blood as good as thine ; Disdaine me not , nor take my loue in scorne , whose brow a crowne heereafter may adorne . But what I am , I call mine owne no more , Take what thou wilt , and what thou wilt restore , Onely I craue , what ere I did intend , In faithfull loue , now happily may end . Farewell sweet Lady , so well maist thou fare To equall ioy with measure of my care ; Thy vertues more , then mortall tongue can tell , A thousand , thousand times , farewell , farewell .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Receaue these papers from thy wofull Lord .

BAndello , by whom this history was made famous , being an Italian , as it is the peoples custome in that climbe● rather to faile sometime in the truth of circumstance , then toforgoe the grace of their 〈◊〉 ; in like manner as the Grecians , of whom the Satyrist .

Et quicquid Graecia mendax , Audet in historia .

Thinking it to be a greater tryall , that a Countesse should be sude vnto by a King , then by the sonne of a King , and consequently , that the honor of her chastitie should be the more , hath causd it to be generally taken so ; but as by Polidore , Fabian , and Froisard , appeares the contrarie is true . Yet may Bandello be very well excused as beeing a stranger , whose errors in the truth of our historie are not so materiall , that they should neede an inuectiue , least his wit should be defrauded of any part of his due , which were not lesse were euery part a fiction . Howbeit , least a common errour should preuaile against a truth these Epistles are conceiued in those persons who were indeed the actors : to wit , Edward surnamed that Black Prince , not so much of his complexion , as of the dismall battels which he fought in Fraunce , ( in like sence as we may say a black day ) for some tragicall euent , though the sunne shine neuer so bright therein . And Alice the Countesse of Salisbury , who as it is certaine was beloued of Prince Edward , so it is as certaine that many points now current in the receiued story can neuer hold together , with likelihood of such enforcement , had it not been shewed vnder the title of a King .

And when thou let'st downe that transparent lid .

Not that the lid is transparent , for no part of the skin is transparent , but for the gemme which that closure is sayd to containe is transparent , for otherwise how could the mind vnderstand by the eye , should not the images slide through the same , and replenish the stage of the fantasie ? but this belongs to Opticks . The Latines call the eye lid cilium ( I will not say of celande ) as the eye brow supercilium , and the haire on the eye lyds palpebra , perhaps quod palpitet , all which haue their distinct and necessary vses .

Alice Countesse of Salisburie , to the blacke Prince . AS one would grant ; yet gladly would denie , Twixt hope and feare , I doubtfully reply ; A womans weakenes , least I should discouer , Answering a Prince , and writing to a louer ; And some say loue , with reason doth dispence , And wrest our plaine words to another sence : Thinke you not then , poore women had not neede Be well aduis'd to write , what men should reede , when being silent moouing but awry , Giues cause of scandall and of obloquy ; whilst in our harts , our secret thoughts abide , Th' inuenom'd tongue of slaunder yet is tide , But if once spoke , deliuered vp to fame , Hers the report , but ours returnes the shame . About to write , yet newly entring in , Methinks I end , ere I can well begin ; When I would end , then somthing makes me stay , And then me thinks , I should haue more to say , And some one thing remaineth in my brest ; For want of words that cannot be exprest ; what I would say ; and said to thee I faine , Then in thy person I reply againe , Then in thy cause , vrge all I can obiect , Then what againe , mine honour must respect . O Lord ! what sundry passions doe I try ? Striuing to hate , you forcing contrarie ; Being a Prince , I blame you not to proue , The greater reason to obtaine your loue . That greatnes which doth challenge no deniall , The onely rest that doth allow my triall : Edward so great , the greater were his fall , And my offence in this were capitall . To men is granted priuiledge to tempt , But in that charter , women be exempt : Men win vs not , except we giue consent ; Against our selues , except our selues are bent . Who doth impute it is a fault to you ? You proue not false , except we be vntrue ; It is your vertue , being men to trie , And it is ours , by vertue to denie . Your fault it selfe , serues for the faults excuse , And makes it ours , though yours be the abuse . Beauty a begger , fie it is too bad , when in it selfe sufficiencie is had , Not made a lure t' intice the wandring eye , But an attire t' adorne sweet modestie . If modestie and women once doe seuer , Farewell our fame , farewell our name for euer . Let Iohn and Henry , Edwards instance be , Matilda and faire Rosamond for me : A like both woo'd , alike ●u'd to be wonne , Th' one by the Father , th' other by the Sonne . Henry obtaining , did our weakenes wound , And layes the fault on wanton Rosamond ; Matilda cha●t , in life , and death all one , By her deniall , layes the fault on Iohn , By these we proue , men accessarie still , But women onely principals of ill . What prayse is ours , but what our vertues get ? If they be lent , so much we be in debt , whilst our owne honours , vertue doth defend● All force too weake , what euer men pretend ; If all the world else , should suborne our fame , T is we our selues that ouerthrow the same ; And how so ere , although by force you win , Yet on our weakenes still returnes the sin . You are a vertuous Prince , so thought of all , And shall I then , be guiltie of your fall ? Now God forbid ; yet rather let me die , Then such a sinne , vpon my soule should lie . Where is great Edward ? whether is he led ? At whose victorious name , whole Armies fled . Is that braue spirit , that conquer'd so in France , Thus ouercome , and vanquish'd with a glance ? Is that great hart , that did aspire so hie , So soone transpersed with a womans eye ? He that a King , at Poycters battell tooke , Himselfe led captiue with a wanton looke ? Twice as a bride , to Church I haue beene led , Twice haue two Lords , enioy'd my Bridall bed ; How can that beauty yet , be vndestroy'd , That yeeres haue wasted , and two men enioy'd ? Or should be thought fit for a Princes store , Of which two subiects were possess'd before ? Let Spaine , let Fraunce , or Scotland so prefer , Their infant Queenes , for Englands dowager , That blood should be , much more then halfe diuine● That should be equall euery way with thine : Yet Princely Edward , though I thus reproue you , As mine owne life , so deerely do I loue you . My noble husband , which so loued you , That gentle Lord , that reuerend Mountague , Nere mothers voice , did please her babe so well , As his did mine , of you to heare him tell ; I haue made short the houres , that time made long , And chain'd mine eares , vnto his pleasing tong , My lips haue waited , on your praises worth , And snatch'd his words , ere he could get them forth ; when he hath spoke , and somthing by the way● Hath broke off that he was about to say ; I kept in mind , where from his tale he fell , Calling on him , the residue to tell ; Oft he would say , how sweet a Prince is hee . when I haue prais'd him but for praising thee , And to proceed , I would entreat and wooe , And yet to ease him , helpe and prayse thee too : Must she be forc'd , t'exclaime th' iniurious wrong ? Offred by him , whom she hath lou'd so long ? Nay , I will tell , and I durst almost sweare , Edward will blush , when he his fault shall heare . Iudge now that time doth youths desire asswage , And reason mildly quench'd the fire of rage . By vpright iustice , let my cause be tride , And be thou iudge if I not iustly chide . That not my Fathers graue and reuerent yeeres , His bending knee , his cheeke-bedewing teares , His prayers , perswasions , nor entreats could win , To free himselfe as guiltlesse of my sin . My mothers cries , her shreeks , her pittious mones , Her deepe-fetch'd sighs , her sad hart-breaking grones , Thy lustfull rage , thy tyranny could stay ; Mine honours ruine , further to delay ; Haue I not lou'd you ? say can you say no , That as mine owne preseru'd your honour so . Had your ●ond will , your foule desires preuail'd , when you by them my chastitie assail'd : Though this no way could haue excus'd my fault , True vertue neuer yeelded to assault , Yet what a thing were this it should be said , My parents sin should to your charge be laid : And I haue gain'd my liberty with shame , To saue my life , made shipwrack of my name . Did Roxborough once vaile her towring sane , To thy braue ensigne , on the Northerne plaine ? And to thy trumpet sounding from thy Tent , Often replie with ioy , and merriment ? And did receiue thee as my soueraigne liege Comming to ayde , thou shouldst againe besiege , To raise a foe , but for my treasure came To plant a foe , to take my honest name ; Vnder pretence to haue remou'd the Scot , And wouldst haue wone more then he could haue got : That did ingirt me readie still to flie , But thou laid'st batterie to my chastitie : O modestie , didst thou me not restraine , How I could chide you in this angrie vaine : A Princes name , ( heauen knowes ) I doe not craue , To haue those honours , Edwards spouse should haue ; Nor by ambitious lures will I be brought In my chast brest to harbour such a thought , As to be worthy to be made a Bride , An Empresse place by mighty Edwards side , Of all the most vnworthy of that grace , To waite on her that should enioy that place . But if that loue , Prince Edward doth require , Equall his vertues , and my chast desire : If it be such as we may iustly vaunt , A Prince may sue for , and a Lady graunt : If it be such as may suppresse my wrong , That from your vaine vnbridled youth hath sprong , That faith I send , that I from you receaue , The rest vnto your Princely thoughts I leaue .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Twice as a Bride I haue to Church beene led .

THe two husbands of which she maketh mention , obiecting Bigamay against her selfe , as beeing therefore not meete to be maried with a Batcheler-Prince , were Sir Thomas Holland Knight , & Sir William Mountague , afterward made Earle of Salisburie .

That not my Fathers graue and reuerent yeeres .

A thing incredible , that any Prince should be so vniust to vse the Fathers meanes for the corruption of the daughters chastitie , though so the historie importeth , her Father being so honourable , and a man of so singuler desert , though Polidore would haue her thought to be Iane , the daughter to Edmund Earle of Kent , Vncle to Edward the third , beheaded in the Protectorship of Mortimer , that daungerous aspirer .

And I haue gain'd my libertie with shame .

Roxborough is a Castle in the North , mistermed by Bandello Salisburie Castle , because the king had giuen it to the Earle of Salisburie , in which her Lord being absent , the Countesse by the Scots was besieged , who by the comming of the English Armie were remoued . Heere first the Prince saw her , whose liberty had been gained by her shame , had she been drawne by dishonest loue to satisfie his appetite , but by her most prayse-worthy constancie she conuerted that humor in him to an honourable purpose , & obtained the true reward of her admired vertues .

The rest vnto your princely thoughts I leaue .

Least any thing be left out which were worth the relation , it shall not be impertinent to annex the opinions that are vttered concerning her , whose name is said to haue been A●lips , but that beeing reiected as a name vnknowne among vs , Froisard is rather belieued , who calleth her Alice . Polidore contrariwise as before is declared , names her Iane , who by Prince Edward had issue , Edward dying young , and Richard the second King of England , though ( as he saith ) she was deuorced afterwards , because within the degrees of consanguinitie prohibiting to marrie , the truth whereof I omit to discusse , her husband the Lord Montague , being sent ouer with the Earle of Suffolke into Flaunders by King Edward , was taken prisoner by the French , & not returning , left his Countesse a widow in whose bed succeeded Prince Edward , to whose last and lawfull request the reioycefull Ladie sends this louing aunswere .

FINIS .

Queene Isabell to Richard the second . ¶ The Argument .

Queene Isabell ( the daughter of Charles King of Fraunce ) being the second wife of Richard the second , the sonne of Edward the blacke Prince , the eldest sonne of King Edward the third ; After the said Richard her husband was de●osed from his crowne and kingly dignitie , by Henry Duke of Herford , the eldest sonne of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lankaster , the fourth sonne of Edward the third , this Lady beeing then very young , was sent backe againe into Fraunce , without dowre , at what time the deposed King her husband was sen● from the Tower of London ( as a prisoner ) vnto Pomfret Castle . Whether this poore Lady bewailing her husbands misfortunes , writeth this Epistle from Fraunce .

AS doth the yeerely Auger of the spring In depth of woe , thus I my sorrow sing ; words tun'd with sighs , teares falling oft among A dolefull bur●hen to a heauie song ; Words issue forth to finde my griefe some way , Teares ouertake them , and doe bid them stay ; Thus whilst one striues to keepe the other back , Both once too forward , now are both too slack . If fatall Pomfret hath in former time Nurrish'd the griefe of that vnnaturall Clime . Thether I send my sorrowes to be fed , But where first borne , where fitter to be bred ? They vnto Fraunce be aliens and vnknowne , England from her doth challenge these her own . They say al mischiefe commeth from the North , It is too true , my fall doth set it forth ; But why should I thus limmit griefe a place , when all the world is fild with our disgrace ? And we in bounds thus striuing to containe it , The more resists the more we doe restraine it . Oh how euen yet I hate these wretched eyes , And in my glasse oft call them faithlesse spies ( Prepard for Richard ) that vnwares did looke Vpon that traytor , Henry Bollingbrooke , But that excesse of ioy my sence bereau'd So much my sight had neuer been deceau'd . Oh how vnlike to my lou'd Lord was hee , whom rashly I , sweet Richard tooke for thee , I might haue seene the Coursers selfe did lack , That princely rider should bestride his back , Hee that ( since nature her great work began ) Shee made to be the mirrhor of a man , That when she ment to forme som matchles lim Still for a patterne , tooke some part of him , And ielous of her cunning brake the mould , In his proportion done the best she could . Oh let that day be guiltie of all sin , That is to come , or heeretofore hath bin , wherein great Norfolkes forward course was staid , To proue the treasons he to Herford layd , when ( with sterne furie ) both these Dukes enrag'd , Theyr warlike gloues at Couentry engag'd , when first thou didst repeale thy former grant , Seal'd to braue Mowbray , as thy Combatant , From his vnnumbred houres let time deuide it , Least in his minutes , he should hap to hide it ; Yet on his brow continually to beare it , That when it comes , all other dayes may feare it , And all ill-boding Planets , by consent , That day may hold theyr dreadfull parlement , Be it in heauens Decrees enroled thus , Blacke , dismall , fatall , inauspitious , Proude Herford then , in height of all his pride , Vnder great Mowbrayes valiant hand had dy'de ; Nor should not thus from banishment retyre , The fatall brand to set our Troy on fire . O why did Charles relieue his needie state ? A vagabond , and stragling runnagate ; And in his Court , with grace did entertaine This vagrant exile , this abiected Caine , Who with a thousand mothers curses went , Mark'd with the brands of ten yeeres banishment . When thou to Ireland took'st thy last farewell , Millions of knees vpon the pauements fell , And euery where th' applauding ecchoes ring The ioyfull shouts that did salute a King ; Thy parting hence , what pompe did not adorne ? At thy returne , who laugh'd thee not to scorne ? Who to my Lord , a looke vouchsaf'd to lend , Then all too few on Herford to attend . Princes ( like sunnes ) be euermore in sight , All see the clowdes betwixt them and their light ; Yet they which lighten all downe from theyr skies , See not the cloudes offending others eyes , And ●eeme their noone-tide is desir'd of all , When all expect cleere changes by theyr fall . What colour seemes to shadow Herfords claime , when law and right his Fathers hopes doth maime ? Affirm'd by Church-men ( which should beare no hate ) That Iohn of Gaunt , was illegittimate ; whom his reputed Mothers tongue did spot , By a base Flemish Boore to be begot , whom Edwards Eglets mortally did shun , Daring with them to gaze against the sun . Where lawfull right and conquest doth allow , A triple crowne on Richards princely brow , Three kingly Lyons beares his bloody field , No bastards marke doth blot his conquering shield , Neuer durst hee attempt our haplesse shore , Nor set his foote on fatall Rauenspore ; Nor durst his slugging Hulkes approch the strand , Nor stoope a top as signall to the land , Had not the Percyes promisd ayde to bring , Against theyr oath vnto theyr lawfull King ; Against theyr faith vnto our Crownes true heyre , Theyr valiant kinsman , Edmond Mortimer , When I to England came , a world of eyes Like starrs attended on my faire arise , At my decline , like angry Planets frowne , And all are set before my going downe ; The smooth-fac'd a●re did on my comming smile , But with rough stormes are driuen to exile ; But Bullingbrooke deuisd we thus should part , Fearing two sorrowes should possesse one hart ; To make affliction stronger doth denie That one poore comfort left our misery . He had before diuorc'd thy crowne and thee , which might suffice , and not to widow mee , But that to proue the vtmost of his hate , To make our fall the greater by our state . Oh would Aume●le had sunck when he betraid , The compl●t which that holy Abbot layd , when he infring'd the oath which he first tooke For thy reuenge on periur'd Bullingbrooke . And been the raunsome of our friends deere blood Vntimely lost , and for the earth too good ; And we vntimely mourne our hard estate , They gone too soone , and we remaine too late . And though with teares I from my Lord depart , This curse on Herford fall to ease my hart ; If the foule breach of a chast nuptiall bed , May bring a curse , my curse light on his head ; If mu●thers guilt with blood may deeply staine , Greene , Scroope , and Bushie die his fault in graine ; If periurie may heauens pure gates debar , Damn'd be the oath he made at Doncaster ; If the deposing of a lawfull King , Thy curse condemne him , if no other thing , If these disioynd , for vengeance cannot call , Let them vnited , strongly curse him all . And for the Percyes , heauen may heare my prayer , That Bullingbrooke now plac'd in Richards chaire , Such cause of woe vnto theyr wiues may be , As those rebellious Lords haue beene to me . And that proude Dame , which now controlleth all , And in her pompe triumpheth in my fall , For her great Lord may water her sad eyne , with as salt teares as I haue done for mine ; And mourne for Henry Hotspur , her deere sonne , As I for my sweet Mortimer haue done ; And as I am , so succourlesse be sent , Lastly , to taste perpetuall banishment . Then loose thy care , where first thy crowne was lost , Sell it so deerely , for it deerely cost ; And sith they did of libertie depriue thee , Burying thy hope , let not thy care out-liue thee . But hard ( God knowes ) with sorrow doth it goe , when woe becomes a comfort to woe ; Yet much ( me thinks ) of comforter I could say , If from my hart pale feare were rid away ; Some thing there is , which tels me still of woe , But what it is , that heauen aboue doth know , Griefe to it selfe , most dreadfull doth appeare , And neuer yet was sorrow voyde of feare ; But yet in death , doth sorrow hope the best , And with this farewell wish thee happy rest .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . If fatall Pomfret hath in former time

POmfret Castle euer a fatall place to the Princes of England , and most ominous to the blood of Plantaginet .

Oh how euen yet I hate these wretched eyes And in my glasse &c.

When Bullingbrooke returned to London from the West , bringing Richard a prisoner with him , the Queene who little knew of her Husbands hard successe , stayd to behold his comming in , little thinking to haue seene her Husband thus ledde in tryumph by his foe , and nowe seeming to hate her eyes , that so much had graced her mortall enemie .

Wherein great Norfolks forward course was stayd .

She remembreth the meeting of the two Dukes of Herforde and Norfolke at Couentry , vrging the iustnes of Mowbrayes quarrell against the Duke of Herford , & the faithfull assurance of his victorie .

O why did Charles relieue his needie state ? A vagabond &c.

Charles the French King her father , receiued the Duke of Herford in his Court , and releeued him in Fraunce , beeing so neerely alied , as Cosin german to king Richard his sonne in Lawe , which he did simply , little thinking that he should after returne into England , and dispossesse King Richard of the Crowne .

When thou to Ireland took'st thy last farewell .

King Richard made a voyage with his Armie into Ireland , against Onell & Mackemur which rebelled , at what time Henry entred here at home , and robd him of all kinglie dignitie .

Affirm'd by Church-men ( which should beare no hate ) That Iohn of Gaunt was illegitimate .

William Wickham , in the great quarrell betwixt Iohn of Gaunt and the Clergy , of meere spight and malice ( as it should seeme ) reported that the Queene confessed to him on her death-bed , being then her Confessor , that Iohn of Gaunt , was the sonne of a Flemming , & that she was brought to bed of a woman child at Gaunt , which was smothered in the cradle by mischaunce , and that she obtained this chylde of a poore woman , making the king belieue it was her own , greatlie fearing his displeasure . Fox ex Chron. Alban● .

No bastards marke doth blot our conquering shield .

Shewing the true and indubitate birth of Richard , his right vnto the Crowne of England , as carrying the Armes without blot or difference .

Against theyr fayth vnto the Crownes true heire , Their noble kindsman , &c.

Edmund Mortimer , Earle of March , sonne of Earle Roger Mortimer which was sonne to Lady Phillip , daughter to Lionell Duke of Clarence , the third sonne to king Edward the third , which Edmund ( king Richard going into Ireland ) was proclaimed heyre apparant to the Crowne , whose Aunt called Ellinor , this Lord Fiercie had married .

O would Aumerle had suncke when he betrayd The complot which that holy Abbot layd .

The Abbot of Westminster had plotted the death of king Henry , to haue been done at a Tylt at Oxford ; of which confederacie there was , Iohn Holland , Duke of Excester , Thomas Holland , Duke of Surrey , the Duke of Aumerle , Mountacute , Earle of Salisbury , Spenser , Earle of Gloster , the Bishop of Carlile , Sir Thomas Blunt , these all had bound themselues one to another by Indenture to performe it , but were all betrayd by the Duke of Aumerle .

Scroope , Greene , and Bushie , die his fault in graine ,

Henry going towards the Castle of Flint , where King Richard was , caused Scroope , Greene , & Bushie , to be executed at Bristow , as vile persons , which had seduced this king to this lasciuious & wicked life .

Damn'd be the oath he made at Doncaster .

After Henries exile , at his returne into England , he tooke his oath at Doncaster vpon the Sacrament , not to claime the crown , or kingdom of England , but onely the Dukedome of Lancaster , his own proper right , and the right of his wife .

And mourne for Henry Hotspur , her deere sonne , As I for my &c.

This was the braue couragious Henry Hotspur , that obtained so many victories against the Scots , which after falling out right with the curse of Queene Isabell , was slaine by Henry , at the battaile at Shrewsburie .

Richard the second to Queene Isabell. WHat may my Queene , but hope for from that hand , Vnfit to write ; vnskilful to command ? A kingdoms greatnes , hardly can he sway , That wholesome counsaile neuer did obey ; Ill this rude hand did guide a Scepter then , Worse now ( I feare me ) gouerneth a pen , How shall I call my selfe , or by what name , To make thee know from whence these letters came ? Not from thy husband , for my hatefull life , Hath made thee widdow , being yet a wife ; Nor from a King , that title I haue lost , Now of that name proud Bulling brooke may boast : what I haue beene , doth but this comfort bring , That no woe is , to say , I was a King . This lawlesse life , which first p●ocur'd my hate , This tong , which then denounc'd my regall state , This abiect mind , that did consent vnto it , This hand , that was the instrument to doe it ; All these be witnes , that I doe denie All passed hopes , all former soueraigntie . Didst thou for my sake leaue thy fathers Court , Thy famous Country , and thy virgine port , And vndertook'st to trauaile dangerous waves , Driuen by aukward winds , and boyst'rous seas ; And left 's great Burbon for thy loue to me , who su'd in marriage to be linck'd to thee ; Offring for dower the Countries neighbouring nie , Of fruitfull Almaine , and rich Burgundie ; Didst thou all this , that England should receaue thee , To miserable banishment to leaue thee ? And in my downfall , and my fortunes wracke , Forsaken thus , to Fraunce to send thee backe . When quiet sleepe ( the heauie harts reliefe ) Hath rested sorrow , somwhat lesned griefe , My passed greatnes vnto minde I call , And thinke this while I dreamed of my fall ; with this conceite , my sorrowes I beguile , That my fayre Queene is but with-drawne awhile , And my attendants in some chamber by , As in the height of my prosperitie . Calling aloud , and asking who is there , The Eccho answering , tells me Woe is there , And when mine armes would gladly thee enfold , I clip the pillow , and the place is cold , which when my waking eyes precisely view , T is a true token , that it is too true . As many minutes as in the houres there be , So many houres each minute seemes to me ; Each houre a day , morne , noone-tide , and a set , Each day a yeare , with miseries complet . A winter , spring-time , sommer , and a fall , All seasons varying , but vnseasoned all ; In endlesse woe , my thred of life thus weares , By minutes , houres , dayes , monthes , and ling'ring yeares , They praise the Sommer , that enioy the South , Pomfret is closed in the Norths cold mouth : There pleasant Sommer dwelleth all the yeere , Frost-starued-winter doth inhabite heere ; A place wherein dispaire may fitly dwell , Sorrow best suting with a clowdie Cell : When Herford had his iudgement of exile , Saw I the peoples murmuring the while ; Th' vncertaine Commons touch'd with inward care , As though his sorrowes mutually they bare : Fond women , and scarse speaking children mourne , Bewaile his parting , wishing his returne ; Then being forc'd t' abridge his banish'd yeeres , when they bedew'd his footsteps with their teares : Yet by example could not learne to know To what his greatnes by this loue might grow , whilst Henry boasts of our atthieuements done , Bearing the trophies our great fathers wone ; And all the storie of our famous warre Now grace the Annalls of great Lancaster . Seuen goodly siens in their spring did flourish , which one selfe root brought forth , one stocke did nourish : Edward the top-braunch of that golden tree , Nature in him her vtmost power did see , who from the bud still blossomed so faire , As all might iudge what fruit it meant to beare : But I his graft of eu'ry weede ore-growne , And from the kind , as refuse forth am throwne , From our braue Grandsire , both in one degree , Yet after Edward , Iohn the young'st of three . Might princely Wales beget an Impe so base , ( That to Gaunts issue should giue soueraigne place ) That leading Kings from Fraunce returned home , As those great Caesars brought their spoyles to Rome , whose name obtayned by his fatall hand , was euer fearefull to that conquered land ; His fame increasing , purchasd in those warres , Can scarcely now be bounded with the starres . With him is valour quite to heauen fled , ( Or else in me is it extinguished , ) who for his vertue and his conquests sake Posteritie a demie God shall make , And iudge this ●ile and abiect spirit of mine Could not proceed from temper so diuine : What earthly humor , or what vulgar eye Can looke so low as on our miserie ? When Bulling brook is mounted to our throne , And makes that his , which we but call'd our owne : Into our Counsels he himselfe intrudes , And who but Henry with the multitudes . His power disgrad's , his dreadfull frowne disgraceth , He throwes them downe , whom our aduancement placeth ; As my disable , and vnworthie hand , Neuer had power belonging to command . He treads our sacred tables in the dust , And proues our acts of Parlament vniust ; As thoug● he hated that it should be said , That such a law by Richard once was made . Whilst I depresd before his greatnes lie , Vnder the waight of hate and infamie . My back a foot-stoole Bulling brook to raise , My loosenes mock'd , and hatefull by his praise : Out-liu'd mine honour , buried my estate , And nothing left me , but the peoples hate . ( Sweet Queene ) i le take all counsell thou canst giue , So that thou bid'st me neither hope nor liue ; Succour that comes , when ill hath done his worst , But sharpens greefe , to make vs more accurst . Comfort is now vnpleasing to mine eare , Past cure , past care , my bed become my Beere . Since now misfortune humbleth vs so long , Till heauen be growne vnmindfull of our wrong , Yet they forbid my wrongs shall euer die , But still remembred to posteritie ; And let the crowne be fatall that he weares , And euer wet with wofull mothers teares . Thy curse on Percie angry heauens preuent , who haue not one cuise left , on him vnspent , To scourge the world , now horrowing of my store , As rich of woe , as I a King am poore . Then cease ( deere Queene ) my sorrowes to bewaile , My wounds too great for pittie now to heale , Age stealeth on , whilst thou complainest thus , My greefes be mortall , and infectious ; Yet better fortunes , thy fayre youth may trie , That follow thee , which still from me doth flie .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . This tongue which first denounc'd my regall flate .

RIchard the second , at the resignation of the Crowne to the Duke of Herford , in the Tower of London , deliuering the lame with his owne hand , there confessed his disabilitie to gouerne , vtterly denouncing all kingly dignitie .

And left'st great Burbon for thy loue to me ,

Before the Princesse Isabell was married to the King , Lewes Duke of Burbon sued to haue had her in mariage , which was thought hee had obtained , if this motion had not fallen out in the meane time ; This Duke of Burbon sued againe to haue receiued her at her comming into Fraunce , after the imprisonment of King Richard , but King Charles her Father then crost him as before , and gaue her to Charles , sonne to the Duke of Orleance .

When Herford had his iudgement of exile ,

When the combate should haue beene at Couentrie , betwixt Hen●ie Duke of Herford , and Thomas Duke of Norfolke ; where Her●ord was adiudged to banishment for tenne yeares , the Commons exceeding lamented , so greatly was he euer fauoured of the people .

Then being forc'd t' abridge his banish'd yeeres .

When the Duke came to take his leaue of the King , being then at Eltham , the King to please the Commons , rather then for any lou● he beare to Herford , repleaded foure yeeres of his banishment .

Whilst Henry boasts of our atchieuements done ,

Henry the eldest Sonne to Iohn Duke of Lancaster , at the first Earle of Darby , then created Duke of Herford , after the death of the Duke Iohn his Father , was Duke of Lancaster and Hereford , Earle of Darby , Leicester , and Lincolne ; and after he had obtained the Crowne , was called by the name of Bullingbrooke , which is a towne in Lincolneshire , as vsually all the Kings of England bare the name of the places where they were borne .

Seauen goodly syens in their spring did flourish ,

Edward the third had seuen Sonnes , Edward Prince of Wales , after called the blacke Prince , William of Hatfield the second , Lionell Duke of Clarence the third , Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster the fourth , Edmond of Langley Duke of Yorke the Fifth , Thomas of Woodstocke Duke of Gloster the sixth , William of Windsore the seuenth .

Edward the top-branch of that golden tree ,

Truly boasting himselfe to bee the eldest Sonne of Edward the blacke Prince .

Yet after Edward , Iohn the young'st of three .

As disabling Henry Bullingbrooke , being but the sonne of the fourth brother : William and Lionell beeing both before Iohn of Gaunt .

That leading Kings from Fraunce , returned home

Edward the black Prince , taking Iohn King of Fraunce prisoner , at the battell of Poict●●s , brought him into England , where at the Sauoy he died .

Whose name atchiued by his fatall hand ,

Called the black Prince , not so much of his complexion , as of the famous battell hee fought , as is shewed before : in the Glosse vppon the Epistle of Edward to the Countesse of Salisburie .

And proues our acts of Parlement vniust .

In the next Parlement , after Richards resignation of the Crowne , Henry caused to be annihilated all the lawes made in the Parlament , called the wicked Parlement , helde in the twenty yeere of king Richards raigne .

FINIS .

Queene Katherine to Owen Tudor . The Argument .

After the death of that victorious Henry the fift , Queene Katherine , the dowager of England and Fraunce , daughter to Charles the French King , holding her estate with Henrie her sonne , ( then the sixt of that name , ) falleth in loue with Owen Tuder , a Welshman , a braue and gallant Gentleman of the Wardrope to the young King her son ; yet greatlie fearing if her loue shoulde bee discouered , the Nobilitie would crosse her purposed marriage ; or fearing , that if her faire & princely promises should not assure his good successe , this high and great attempt , might ( perhaps ) daunt the forwardnesse of his modest and shamefast youth ; wherefore to breake the Ice to her intent , shee writeth vnto him this Epistle following .

IVdge not a Princesse worth impeach'd heereby That loue thus tryumphs ouer maiestie ; Nor thinke lesse vertue in this royall hand , which now intreats , that wonted to commaund , For in this sort , though humbly now it wooe , The day hath beene , thou would'st haue kneeld vnto . Nor thinke that this submission of my state , Proceedes from frailty , ( rather iudge it fate ) Alcides nere more fit for wars sterne shock , Then when for loue sate spinning at the rock , Neuer lesse clowdes did Phoebus glory dim , Then in a clownes shape when he couered him ; ●oues great commaund was neuer more obey'd , Then when a Satyres anticke parts he plai'd . He was thy King that sued for loue to mee , Shee is thy Queene that sues for loue to thee . When Henry was , what 's Tudors now , was his ; whilst vet thou art , what 's Henries , Tudors is ; My loue to Owen , him my Henry giueth , My loue to Henry , in my Owen liueth ; Henry woo'd me , whilst wars did yet increase , I wooe my Tudor , in sweet calmes of peace , To force affection , he did conquest proue , I fight with gentle arguments of loue . Incampt at Melans , In warres hote alarmes , First saw I Henry , clad in princely Armes . At pleasant Windsore , first these eyes of mine , My Tudor iudg'd for wit and shape diuine . Henry abroade , with puissance and with force , Tudor at home , with courtship and discourse , He then , thou now , I hardly can iudge whether Did like me best , Plantaginet or Tether . A march , a measure , battell , or a daunce , A courtly rapier , or a conquering Launce . His princely bed hath strengthned my renowne , And on my temples set a double crowne ; which glorious wreath , ( as Henries lawfull heire ) Henry the sixt vpon his brow doth beare . At Troy in Champaine he did first enioy My bridal-rites , to England brought from Troy , In England now , that honour thou shalt haue , which once in Champaine famous Henry gaue● I seeke not wealth , three kingdoms in my power , If these suffise not , where shall be my dower ? Sad discontent may euer follow her , which doth base pelfe before true loue prefer ; If ●itles still could our affections tie , what is so great but maiestie might buy ? As I seeke thee , so Kings doe me desire , To what they would , thou easily mai'st aspire . That sacred fire , once warm'd my hart before , The fuell fit , the flame is now the more , And meanes to quench it , I in vaine doe proue , we may hide treasure , but not hide our loue , And since it is thy fortune ( thus ) to gaine it , It were too late , nor will I now restraine it . Nor these great titles vainely will I bring , wife , daughter , mother , sister to a King , Of grandsire , father , husband , sonne , & brother , More thou alone to me , then all the other . Nor feare my Tudor that this loue of mine , Should wrong the Gaunt-borne great Lancastrian lin● , Nor stir the English blood , the Sunne and Moone , T'repine at Loraine , Burbon , Alansoon ; Nor doe I thinke there is such different ods , They should alone be numbred with the Gods . Of Cadmus earthly issue reckoning vs , And they from ●oue , Mars , Neptune , Eolus , Of great Latonas of-spring onely they , And we the brats of wofull Niobe , Our famous Grandsires ( as theyr owne ) bestrid , That horse of fame , that God-begotten steed , whose bounding hoofe plow'd that Boetian spring , where those sweet maides of memory doe sing , Not onely Henries Queene , but boast as well , To be the childe of Charles and Isabell. Nor doe I know from whence their griefe should grow , They by this match should be disparag'd so , when Iohn and Longshanks issue both affied , And to the Kings of Wales in wedlocke tyed , Showing the greatnes of your blood thereby , Your race , and royall consanguinitie . And Wales as well as haughty England boasts , Of Camilot , and all her Penticosts ; A nephewes roome in great Pondragons race , At Arthurs table held a princely place . If by the often conquest of your land They boast the spoyles of theyr victorious hand , If these our auncient Chronicles be true , They altogether are not free from you . When bloody Rufus fought your vtter sack , Twice entring Wales , yet twice was beaten back , When famous Cambria wash'd her in the flood , Made by th' effusion of the English blood ; And oft return'd with glorious victorie , From Worster , Herford , Chester , Shrowesbury , whose power in euery conquest so preuailes , As once expuls'd the English out of Wales . Although my beautie made my Countries peace , And at my bridall former broyles did cease , Yet more then power , had not his person beene , I had not come to England as a Queene . Nor tooke I Henry to supply my want , Because in Fraunce that time my choise was scant ; when we had robd all Christendome of men , And Englands flower remain'd amongst vs then ; Gloster , whose counsels ( Nestor-like ) assist , Couragious Bedford , that great martiallist ; Clarence , for vertue honoured of his foes , And Yorke , whose fame yet daily greater growes , Warwicke , the pride of Neuels haughtie race , Great Salisburie , so fear'd in euery place . That valiant Poole , whom no atchiuement dares , And Vere , so famous in the Irish warres , who though my selfe so great a Prince were borne , The worst of these my equall neede not scorne ; But Henries rare perfections and his parts , As conquering kingdoms , so he conquer'd harts . As chast was I to him , as Queene might bee , But freed from him , my chast loue vow'd to thee ; Beautie doth fetch all fauour from thy face , All perfect courtship resteth in thy grace . If thou discourse , thy lips such accents breake , As loue a spirit , foorth of thee seem'd to speake . The Brittish language , which our vowels wants , And iarrs so much vpon harsh consonants , Comes with such grace from thy mellifluous tong●e , As doe the sweet notes of a well set song , And runnes as smoothly from those lips of thine , As the pure Thuskan from the Florantine ; Leauing such seasoned sweetnes in the eare , As the voyce past , yet still the found is there ; In Nisus Tower , as when Apollo lay , And on his golden viall vs'd to play , where sencelesse stones were with such musick drownd , As many yeeres they did retaine the sound . Let not the beames that greatnes doth reflect Amaze thy hopes with timerous respect , Assure thee Tudor , maiestie can be As kinde in loue , as can the mean'st degree , And the embraces of a Queene as true , As theyrs ( might iudge them ) much aduaunc'd by you , when in our greatnes our affections craue Those secret ioyes that other women haue ; So I ( a Queene ) be soueraigne in my choyse , Let others fawne vpon the publique voyce , Or what ( by this ) can euer hap to thee , Light in respect to be belou'd of mee . Let peeuish worldlings prate of right and wrong , Leaue plaints and pleas , to whom they doe belong , Let old men speake of chaunces and euents , And Lawyers talke of titles , and discents , Leaue fond reports to such as stories tell , And couenaunts to those that buy and sell ; Loue my sweet Tudor , that becomes thee best , And to our good successe referre the rest .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Great Henry sought to accomplish his desire , Armed , &c.

HEnry the fift making clayme vnto the Crowne of Fraunce , first sought by Armes to subdue the French , and after sought by marriage to confirme what he got by conquest , the heate and furie of which inuasion , is alluded to the fixtion of Semele in Ouid : which by the craftie perswasion of Iuno , requested Ioue to come vnto her , as he was wont to come vnto his wife Iuno , who at her request hee yeelding vnto , destroyed her in a tempest .

Incamp'd at Melans in wars hote alarmes , First , &c.

Neere vnto Melans , vpon the Riuer of Scyne , was the appoynted place of parley , betweene the two Kings of England , and Fraunce , to which place , Isabell the Queene of Fraunce , and the Duke of Burgoyne , brought the young Princesse Katherine , where King Henry first saw her .

And on my temples set a double Crowne .

Henry the fift , and Queene Katherine , were taken as King and Queene of Fraunce , and during the life of Charles the French King , Henry was called King of England , and heire of Fraunce , & after the death of Henry the fift , Henry the sixt his son , then being very young , was crowned at Paris , as true and lawfull king of England & Fraunce .

At Troy in Champaine he did first enioy ,

Troy in Champayn , was the place where that victorious king Henrie the fift maried the Princesse Katherine , in the presence of the chiefe nobilitie of the Realmes of England and Fraunce .

Nor these great tytles vainely will I bring , Wife , daughter , Mother , &c.

Few Queenes of England , or Fraunce , were euer more princelie alied then this Queene , as it hath been noted by Historiographers .

Nor thinke so Tudor , that this loue of mine , Should wrong the Gaunt-borne● &c.

Noting the descent of Henry her husband , from Iohn Duke of Lancaster , the fourth son of Edward the third , which Duke Iohn was sirnamed Gaunt , of the citty of Gaunt in Flaunders , where he was borne .

Nor stir the English blood , the sunne and Moone , T'repine &c.

Alluding the greatnes of the English line , to Phoebus & Phoebe , fained to be the children of Latona , whose heauenly kind might scorne to be ioyned with any earthlie progenie : yet withall , boasting the blood of Fraunce , as not inferiour to theirs . And with this allusion followeth on the historie of the strife betwixt Iuno and the race of Cadmus , whose issue was afflicted by the wrath of heauen . The chyldren of Niobe slaine , for which the wofull mother became a Rock , gushing forth continually a fountaine of teares .

And Iohn and Longshanks issue , both affied ,

Lhewellin or Leolin ap Iorwerth , married Ioane , daughter to King Iohn , a most beautifull Lady . Some Authours affirme that shee was base borne , Lhewellin ap Gryfith maried Ellenor , daughter to Simon Montfort , Earle of Leicester , and Cosin to Edward Longshanks , both which Lhewellins were Princes of Wales .

Of Camilot and all her Pentecosts , A Nephewes roome , &c

Camilot , the auncient Pallace of King Arthur , to which place all the Knights of that famous order yeerely repaired at Penticost according to the lawe of the Table , and most of the famous home-borne Knights were of that Countrie , as to this day is perceiued by theyr auncient monuments .

When bloody Rufus sought your vtter sacke ,

Noting the ill successe which that William Rufus had in two voyages he made into Wales , in which a number of his chiefe Nobilitie were slaine .

And oft return'd with glorious victorie .

Nothing the diuers sundry incursions that the Welchmen made into England , in the time of Rufus , Iohn , Henry the second , & Longshankes .

Owen Tudor to Queene Katherine . WHen first mine eyes beheld your princely name , And found from whence this friendly letter came , As in excesse of ioy my selfe forgot , whether I saw it , or I saw it not ; My panting hart doth bid mine eyes proceede , My dazeled eye , inuites my tongue to reede ; Mine eye should guide my tongue , amazed mist it , My lips which now should speake , are dombe , and kist it , And leaues the paper in my trembling hand , when all my sences so amazed stand ; Euen as a mother comming to her child , which from her presence hath beene long exil'd , with tender armes his gentle necke doth straine , Now kissing him , now clipping him againe ; And yet excessiue yoy deludes her so , As still she doubts if this be hers or no ; At length awak'ned from this pleasing dreame , when passion som-what leaues to be extreame , My longing eyes , with their faire obiect meete , where euery letter 's pleasing , each word sweete . It was not Henries conquests , nor his Court , That had the power to win me by report , Nor was his dreadfull terror-striking name , The cause that I from Wales to England came , For Christian Rhodes , and our religious truth , To great atchieuements first had wone my youth ; Before aduenture did my valour proue , Before I yet knew what it was to loue ; Nor came I hether by some poore euent , But by th' eternall Destinies consent , whose vncomprised wisedomes did fore-see , That you in marriage should be linck'd to mee . By our great Merlin , was it not fore-told , ( Amongst his holy prophecies enrold ) when first he did of Tudors fame diuine , That Kings and Queenes should follow in our line ? And that the Helme , ( the Tudors auncient Crest ) Should with the golden Flower-delice be drest ; And that the Leeke , ( our Countries chiefe renowne ) Should grow with Roses , in the English Crowne : As Charles fayre daughter , you the Lilly weare , As Henries Queene , the blushing Rose you beare ; By Fraunce's conquest , and by Englands oth , You are the true made dowager of both ; Both in your crowne , both in your cheeke together , Ioyne Tethers loue to yours , and yours to Tether . Then make no future doubts , nor feare no hate , when it so long hath beene fore-told by Fate ; And by the all-disposing doome of heauen , Before our births , vnto one bed were giuen No Pallas heere , nor Iuno is at all , when I to Venus giue the golden ball ; Nor when the Graecians wonder I enioy , None in reuenge to kindle fire in Troy . And haue not strange euents diuin'd to vs , That in our loue we should be prosperous . When in your presence I was call'd to daunce , In lofty tricks whilst I my selfe aduaunce , And in my turne , my footing fail'd by hap , was 't not my chaunce to light into your lap ? who would not iudge it fortunes greatest grace , Sith he must fall , to fall in such a place ? His birth from heauen , your Tudor not deriues , Nor stands on tip-toes in superlatiues , Although the enuious English doe deuise A thousand iests of our hyperbolies ; Nor doe I claime that plot by auncient deedes , where Phoebus pastures his fire-breathing steeds ; Nor do I boast my God-made Grandsires skars , Nor Giants trophies in the Tytans wars ; Nor faine my birth ( your princely ears to please ) By three nights getting as was Hercules , Nor doe I forge my long descent to runne From aged Neptune , or the glorious Sunne , And yet in Wales with them most famous bee Our learned Bards doe sing my pedigree , And boast my birth from great Cadwallader , From old Cair-septon , in Mount Palador , And from Eneons line , the South-wales King , By Theodor the Tudors name doe bring . My royall mothers princely stock began , From her great Grandam faire Gwenellian ; By true descent from Leolin the great , As well from North-wales as faire Powslands seat ; Though for our princely Genealogie , I doe not stand to make Apologie ; Yet who with iudgements true vnpartiall eyes , Shall looke from whence our name at first did rise , Shall find that Fortune is to vs in debt ; And why not Tudor , as Plantaginet ; Nor that terme Croggen , nick-name of disgrace , Vs'd as a by-word now in euery place , Shall blot our blood , or wrong a Welchmans name , which was at first begot with Englands shame . Our valiant swords , our right did still maintaine , Against that cruell , proud , vsurping Dane ; And buckl'd in so many dangerous fights , with Norwayes , Swethens , and with Muscouits , And kept our natiue language now thus long , And to this day yet neuer chang'd our tong ; when they which now our Nation faine would tame , Subdu'd , haue lost their Country , and their name : Nor neuer could the Saxons swords prouoke , Our Brittaine necks to beare their seruile yoke , where Cambrias pleasant Countries bounded bee , with swelling Seuerne , and the holy Dee ; And since great Brutus first arriu'd , haue stood , The onely remnant of the Troian blood . To euery man is not allotted chaunce , To boast with Henry to haue conquer'd Fraunce ; Yet if my fortunes thus may raised be , This may presage a farther good to me . And our S. Dauid , in the Brittaines right , May ioyne with George , the sainted English Knight , And old Caer-marden , Merlins famous towne , Not scorn'd by London , though of such renowre , Ah would to God , that houre my hopes attend , were with my wish , brought to desired end , Blame me not Madame , though I thus desire , when eyes , with enuie doe my hap admire ; Till now your beauty in nights bosome slept , what eye durst stir , where awfull Henry kept● Who durst attempt to saile but neere the bay , where that all-conquering great Alcides lay ? Thy beauty now is set a royall prize , And Kings repaire to cheapen merchandize . If thou but walke to take the breathing ayre , Orithia makes me that I Boreas feare , If to the fire , Ioue once in lightning came , And faire Egina make me feare the flame . If in the sunne , then sad suspition dreames Phoebus should spread Lucothoe in his beames , If in a fountaine thou doo'st coole thy blood , Neptune I feare , which once came in a flood ; If with thy maides , I dread Apollos rape , who cus●ed Chion in an old wiues shape ; If thou doost banquet Bacchus makes me dread , who in a grape Erigone did feede ; And if my selfe the chamber doore should kepe , Yet fea●e I Hermes , comming in a sleepe , Pardon ( sweet Queene ) if I offend in this , In these delayes , loue most impatient is ; And youth wants power his hote spleene to suppresse , when hope alreadie banquets in excesse . Though Henries fame , in me you shall not find , Yet that which better shall content your mind ; But onely in the title of a King was his aduantage , in no other thing : If in his loue more pleasure you did take , Neuer let Queene trust Brittaine for my sake . Yet iudge me not from modestie exempt , That I another Phaetons charge attempt ; My mind that thus your fauours dare aspire , Declare a temper of celestiall fire ; If loue a fault , the more is beauties blame , when she her selfe is author of the same . All men to some one quallitie incline , Onely to loue , is naturally mine . Thou art by beauty famous , as by birth . Ordain'd by heauen , to cheere the drouping earth , Adde faithfull loue vnto your greater state , And then a-like in all things fortunate . A King might promise more , I not denie , But yet ( by heauen ) he lou'd not more then I. And thus I leaue , till time my faith approue , I cease to write , but neuer cease to loue .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . And that the helme , the Tudors ancient Crest ,

THe Armes of Tudor was the Helmes of mens heads , whereof hee speaketh as a thing prophetically fore told of Merlin .

When in thy presence I was call'd to daunce .

Owen Tudor , being a courtly and actiue Gentleman , commaunded once to daunce before the Queene , in a turne ( not beeing able to recouer himselfe ) fell into her lappe , as shee sate vppon a little stoole , with many of her Ladies about her .

And yet with them in Wales most famous be , Our learned Bards , &c.

This Berdh , as they call it in the Brittish tongue , or as wee more properly say Bard , or Bardus , be their Poets , which keepe the records of Petigrees and discents , and sing in odes and measures to the Harps , after the old manner of the Lirick Poets .

And boast my blood from great Cadwallader .

Cadwallader , the last King of the Brittaines , descended of the noble and auncient race of the Troyans , to whom an Angell appeared . commaunding him to goe to Rome to Pope Sergius , where he ended his life .

Since faire Caer-Septon in mount Paladar ,

Caer-Septon , now called Shaftsbury , at whose building it was said , an Eagle prophecied ( or rather one named Aquila ) of the fame of that place , and of the recouerie of the I le of the Brittaines , bringing backe with them the bones of Cadwallader from Rome .

And from Eneons line , the South-wales King , From Theodor , &c.

This Eneon was slaine by the Rebels of Gwentsland , hee was a noble and worthy Gentleman , who in his life did many noble acts , and was Father to Theodor , or Tudor Maur , of whom descended the Princes of Southwales .

From her great Grandam faire Guenelliam ,

Guenelliam , the daughter of Rees ap Greffeth , ap Theodor , Prince of South-wales , married Edniuet Vahan , auncestor to Owen Tudor .

By true descent from Liolin the great ,

This is the Lewhelin , called Liolinus magnus , Prince of Northwales .

Nor that word Croggen , nick-name of disgrace .

In the voyage that Henry the second made against the Welchmen , as his Souldiours passed Offas ditch at Croggen Castle , they were ouerthrowne by the Welchmen , which word Croggen , hath since beene vsed to the Welchmens disgrace , which was at first begun with their honour .

And old Caer-Merdin , Merlins famous towne ,

Caer-Merdin , or Merlins Towne , so called of Merlins beeing found there . This was Ambrose Merlin , whose prophecies we● haue . There was another of that name , called Merlin Siluestris , borne in Scotland , surnamed Calidonius , of the Forrest Calidon , where he prophecied .

And kept our natiue language now thus long .

The Welchmen be those auncient Brittaines , which when the Picks , Danes , and Saxons inuaded heere , were first diuen into those parts , where they haue kept their language euer since the first , without commixion with any other language .

FINIS .

Elinor Cobham to Duke Humfrey . The Argument .

Elinor Cobham , daughter to the Lord Cobham of Sterborough , and wife to Humfry Plantaginet Duke of Glocester , the son of Henry the fourth , King of England , sirnamed Bullingbrooke . This noble Duke for his great wisedome and iustice called the good , was by King Henry the fift ( brother to this Duke ) at his death appointed Protector of the Land , during the nonage of Henry the sixt ; this Elinor Duches of Glocester , a proud and ambitious woman , knowing that if young Henry died without issue , the duke her husband was the neerest of the blood , conspired with one Bullenbrooke , ( otherwise called Onely , a great Magitian ) Hun a priest , and Iourdane witch of Eye , by sorcery to make away the king , & by coniuration to know who should succeede . Of this beeing iustly conuicted , she was adiudged to do penance three seuerall times openly in London , & then to perpetuall banishment in the I le of Man , from whence she writeth this Epistle .

ME thinks not knowing , who these lines should send , Thou straight turn'st ouer to the latter end , Where thou my name no sooner hast espi'd , But in disdaine my letters casts aside ; Why if thou wilt , I will my selfe denie , Nay , I 'le affirme and sweare I am not I , Or if in that thy shame thou doost perceiue , I le leaue that name , that name my selfe shall leaue , And yet me thinks , amaz'd thou shouldst not stand , Nor seeme so much appauled at my hand , For my misfortunes haue inur'd thine eye ( Long before this ) to sights of misery ; No , no , read on , t is I the very same , All thou canst read , is but to reade my shame . Be not dismaid , nor let my name afright , The worst it can , is but t' offend thy sight ; It cannot wound , nor doe thee deadly harme , It is no dreadfull spell , nor magique charme ; If shee that sent it , loue Duke Humfrey so , Is t possible her name should be his foe ? Yes , I am Elnor , I am very shee , who brought for dower , a virgins bed to thee , Though enuious Beuford slaunder'd me before , To be Duke Humfreys wanton Paramore , And though indeed , I can it not denie , To magique once I did my selfe apply , I won thee not , as there be many thinke , with poysoning Philters , and betwitching drinke , Nor on thy person did I euer proue , Those wicked potions , so procuring loue , I cannot boast to be rich Hollands heyre , Nor of the blood and greatnes of Bauier , Yet Elnor , brought no forraine Armies in , To fetch her backe , as did thy Iacomin ; Nor clamorous husbands folowed me that fled , Exclaiming Humfrey to defile his bed , Nor wast thou forc'd the slaunder to suppresse , To send me backe as an adulteresse ; Brabant , nor Burgoyne , claimed me by force , Nor su'd to Rome to hasten my deuorce , Nor Belgias pompe , defac'd with Belgias fire , The iust reward of her vniust desire , Nor Bedfords spouse , your noble sister Anne , That princely-issued great Burgunnian ; Should stand with me , to moue a womans strife , To yeeld the place to the Protectors wife . If Cobhams name , my birth can dignifie , Or Sterborough , renowne my familie , Where 's Greenewich now , thy Elnors Court of late ? where she with Humfrey held a princely state . That pleasant Kent , when I abroade should ride , That to my pleasure , layd forth all her pride ; The Thames , by water when I tooke the ayre , Daunc'd with my Barge in lanching from the stayre , The anchoring ships , that when I pass'd the roade were wont to hang their chequered tops abroad ; How could it be , those that were wont to stand , To see my pompe , so goddesse-like on land , Should after see mee mayld vp in a sheete , Doe shamefull penance , three times in the streete ? Rung with a bell , a Taper in my hand , Bare-foote to trudge before a Beedles wand ; That little babes , not hauing vse of tongue , Stoode poynting at me as I came along . Wher 's Humfreys power , where was his great command , wast thou not Lord-protector of the Land ? Or for thy iustice , who can thee denie , The title of the good Duke Humfrey ? Hast thou not at thy life , and in thy looke , The seale of Gaunt , the hand of Bullingbrooke ? What blood extract from famous Edwards line , Can boast it selfe to be so pure as thine ? who else next Henry should the Realme prefer ? If it allow of famous Lancaster ? But Rayners daughter must from Fraunce be fet , And with a vengeance on our throne be set ; Mauns , Maine , and Aniou , on that begger cast , To bring her home to England in such hast , And what for Henry thou hast laboured there , To ioyne the King with Arminacks rich heyre , Must all be dash'd , as no such thing had been , Poole needs must haue his darling made a Queen How should he with our Princes else be plac'd , To haue his Earleship with a Dukedome grac'd ? And raise the ofspring of his blood so hie , As Lords of vs , and our posteritie . O that by Sea when he to Fraunce was sent , The ship had sunck wherein the traytor went ; Or that the sands , had swallowed her before Shee ere set foote vpon the English shore . But all is well , nay we haue store to giue , what need we more , we by her lookes can liue ? All that great Henries conquests euer heap'd , That famous Bedford to his glory kept , Be giuen backe , to Rayner all in post , And by this meanes , rich Normandy be lost ; Those which haue comen as Mistresses of ours , Haue into England brought their goodly dowers which to our Coffers , yeerely tribute brings , The life of subiects , and the strength of Kings ; The meanes whereby faire England euer might Raise power in Fraunce , to back our auncient right , But she brings ruine , heere to make aboad , And cancels all our lawfull claime abroade , And shee must recapitulate my shame , And giue a thousand by-words to my name , And call me Beldam , Gib , Witch , Night-mare , Trot , with all despight that may a woman spot : O that I were a Witch but for her sake , I fayth her Queeneship little rest should take , I would scratch that face that may not feele the ayre , And knit whole ropes of witch-knots in her hayre , O I would hag her nightly in her bed , And on her breast sit like a lumpe of led , And like a Fayerie , pinch that daintie skin , Her wanton blood is now so cockerd in , Or take me some such knowne familiar shape , As she my vengeance neuer should escape ; were I a garment , none should neede the more To sprinkle me with Nessus poysned gore , It were enough if she once put me on , To teare both flesh and sinewes from the bone , were I a flower that might her smell delight , Though I were not the poysning Aconite , I would send such a fume into her brow , Should make her mad , as mad as I am now . They say the Druides , once liu'd in this I le , This fatall Man , the place of my exile , whose powerfull charmes , such dreadfull wonders wrought which in the gothish Island tongue were taught , O that theyr spels to me they had resign'd , wherewith they raisd and calm'd both sea and wind , And made the Moone pause in her palid spheare , whilst her grim Dragons drew them through the ayre , Theyr hellish power to kill the plow mans seede , Or to forespeake the flocks as they did feede , To nurse a damned spirit with humaine blood , To carry them through earth , ayre , fire , and flood ; Had I this skill that time hath almost lost , How like a Goblin , I would haunt her ghost . O pardon , pardon my misgouern'd tongue , A womans strength cannot endure my wrong . Did not the heauens her comming in withstand , As though affrighted when she came to land , The earth did quake , her comming to abide , The goodly Thames did twice keepe backe her tyde , Paules shooke with tempests , and that mounting spire , with lightning sent from heauen was set on fire , Our stately buildings to the ground were blowne , Her pride by these prodigious signes were showne ; More fearefull visions on the English earth , Than euer were at any death or birth . Ah Humfrey , Humfrey , if I should not speake , My breast would split , my very hart would breake . I that was wont so many to commaund , worse now then with a clapdish in my hand ; A simple mantle , couering me withall , A very leaper of Cares hospitall , That from my state , a presence held in awe , Glad heere to kennell in a pad of straw ; And like an Owle by night to goe abrode , Roosted all day within an Iuy tod , Amongst the sea cliffes , in the dampie caues , In charnell houses , or among the graues ; Saw'st thou those eyes , in whose sweet cheerfull looke , Duke Humfrey once , such ioy and pleasure tooke ; Sorrow hath so dispoyl'd me of all grace , Thou couldst not say , this was my Elnors face , Like a foule Gorgon , whose disheuel'd hayre with euery blast flies glaring in the ayre ; Some standing vp , like hornes vpon my head , Euen like those women , that in Coos are bred : My lanke breasts hang like bladders left vnblowne , My skinne with lothsome Iaundize ouer-growne ; So pin'd away , that if thou long'st to see Ruins true picture , onely looke on mee , Sometime in thinking of what I haue had , Euen in a suddaine extasie am mad ; Then like a Bedlam , forth thy Elnor runs , Like one of Bacchus raging frantick Nuns , Or like a Tartar , when in strange disguise , Prepar'd vnto a dismall sacrifice . That Prelate Be●ford , a foule ill befall him , Prelate said I , nay deuill I should call him ; Ah God forgiue me , if I thinke amisse , His very name me thinks my poyson is , Ah that vile Iudas , our professed foe , My curse pursue him where so ere he goe ; That to my iudgement when I did appeare , Layd to my charge those things which neuer were , I should pertake with Bullenbrookes intents , The hallowing of his magique instruments , That I procured Southwell to assist , which was by order consecrate a Priest , That it was I should couer all they did , That but for him , had to this day beene hid . Ah that vile bastard , that himselfe dare vaunt To be the sonne of thy braue Grandsire Gaunt , whom he but fatherd of meere charitie , To rid his mother of that infamie , who if report of Elder times be true , Vnto this day , his father neuer knew . He that by murthers blacke and odious crime , To Henries throne attempted once to clime ; Hauing procur'd by hope of golden gaine , A fatall hand his soueraigne to haue slaine ; who to his chamber closely he conuaid , And for that purpose fitly there had layd , Vpon whose sword that famous Prince had died , If by a dogge he had not beene discried . But now the Queene , her Minion , Poole , and he , As it please them , so now must all things be , England's no place for any one beside , All is too little to maintaine their pride : Henry alas , thou but a Kings name art , For of thy selfe , thou art the lesser part ; And I pray God , I doe not liue the day To see thy ruine , and thy Realmes decay , And yet as sure , as Humfrey seemes to stand , He be preseru'd from that vile Traytors hand ; From Glosters seate , I would thou wert estrang'd , Or would to God that Dukedoms name were chang'd , For it portends no goodnes vnto vs , Ah Humfrey , Humfrey , it is ominous ; Yet rather then thy hap so hard should be , I would thou wert heere banished with me ; Humfrey adue , farewell true noble Lord , My wish is all thy Elnor can afford .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . I sought that dreadfull Sorceresse of Eye .

ELinor Cobham was accused by some that sought to withstand , and mislik'd her marriage with Duke Humfrey , that shee practised to giue him Philters and such poysoning potions , to make him loue her , as she was slandered by Cardinall Beuford , to haue liued as the Dukes Lemmon , against the which Cardinall she exelaimeth in this Epistle in the verse before .

Though enuious Beuford slaundered me before ,

Noting the extreame hate he euer bore her .

Nor Elnor brought thee forraine Armies in , To fetch her backe as did thy Iacomin .

This was the chiefe and onely thing that euer tuched the reputation of this good Duke ; that dotingly he marred Iacomin , or as some call her Iaquet , daughter and heire to William Bauier Duke of Holland , married before , and lawfull wife to Iohn Duke of Brabant then liuing ; which after as it is shewed in this verse following .

Brabant nor Burgoyne claimed me by force , Nor su'd to Rome to hasten my deuorce .

Caused great warres , by reason that the Duke of Burgoyne tooke part with Brabant , against the Duke of Glocester ; which being arbittated by the Pope , the Ladie was adiudged to be deliuered backe , to her former husband .

Nor Bedfords spouse , your noble sister Anne , That Princely issued braue Burgunian .

Iohn Duke of Bedford , that scourge of Fraunce , and the glory of the Englishmen , married Anne , sister to the Duke of Burgundy , a vertuous and beautifull Ladie , by which marriage , as also by his victories attained in Fraunce ; he brought great strength to the English nation .

Where 's Greenewich now , thy Elnors Court of late ?

That faire and goodly Pallace of Greenewich , was first builded by that famous Duke , whose rich and pleasant situation might remaine an assured monument of his wisedome , if there were no other memorie of the same .

They say the Druides once liued in this I le ,

It would seeme that there were two Ilands , both of them called Mona , though now distinquished the one by the name of Man , the other by the name of Anglesey , both which were full of many infernall ceremonies , as may appeare by Agricolaes voyage , made into the hither most Man , described by his sonne in law Cornelius Tacitus . And as superstition the daughter of bararisme and ignorance , so amongst these northerly nations , like as in America Magicke was most esteemed . Druidae were the publique ministers of their religion , as throughly taught in all rites thereof ; their doctrine concerned the immortalitie of the soule , the contempt of death , and all other points which may conduce to resolution , fortitude , and magnanimitie : their abode was in Groues and Woods , whereupon they haue their name ; their power extended it selfe to maister the soules of men diseased , and to confer with Ghosts , and other spirits , about the successe of things . Plutarch in his profound and learned discourse of the defect of Ora●les , reporteth that the outmost Brittish Iles were the prison of I wote not what Demigods , but it shall not need to speake any farther of the Druidae , then that which Lucan doth .

Et vos barbaricus ritus , moremque sinestrum , Sacrorum , Druidae positis repetistis ab armis . Did not the heauens , her comming in withstand .

Noting the prodigious and fearefull signes that were seene in England , a little before her comming in : which Elinor expresseth in this Epistle , as fore-shewing the dangers which should casue vpon this vnlucky marriage .

The hallowing of the magique instruments .

The instruments which Bullenbrooke vsed in his coniurations , according to the deuillish ceremonies and customes of these vnlawfull Artes , were dedicated at a Masse in the Lodge in Harnsey Parke , by Southwell , Priest of Westminster .

Hauing procur'd by hopes of golden gaine ,

This was one of the Articles that Duke Humfrey vrg'd against the Cardinall Beuford , that conspired the death of Henry the fift , by conuaying a villaine into his chamber , which in the night should haue murthered him : but what ground of truth he had for the same , I leaue to dispute .

Duke Humfrey to Elinor Cobham . ME thinks thou should'st not doubt , I could forget Her whom so many doe remember yet ; No , no , our ioyes away like shadowes slide , But sorrowes firme , in memory abide ; Nay I durst answere , thou doo'st nothing lesse , But moou'd with passion , vrg'd by thy distresse ; No Elnor no , thy wooes , thy greefe , thy wrong , Haue in my breast beene resident too long ; Oh when report in euery place had spred , My Elnor was to sanctuarie fled , with cursed Onley , and the witch of Eye , As guilty , of their vile conspiracie ; The dreadfull spirits , when they did inuocate , For the succession , , and the Realmes estate ; when Henries Image , they in waxe had wrought , By which he should vnto his death be brought ; That as his picture did consume away , His person so , by sicknes should decay ; Griefe that before , could nere my thoughts controule , That instant tooke possession of my soule . Ah would to God I could forget thine ill , As for mine owne , let that instruct me still ; But that before hath taken too sure hold , Forget it said I ; would to God I could . Of any woe , if thou hast but one part , I haue the whole remaining in my hart ; I haue no neede of others cares to borrow , For all I haue , is nothing else but sorrow . No my sweet Nell , thou took'st not all away , Though thou went'st hence , here still thy woes doe stay , Though from thy husband thou wert forst to goe , Those still remaine , they will not leaue me so ; No eye bewailes my ill , moanes my distresse , Our greefe is more , but yet our debt is lesse ; we owe no teares , no mourning daies are kept ; For those that yet for vs haue neuer wept ; we hold no obijts , no sad exequies Vpon the death-daies of vnweeping eyes . Alas good Nell , what should thy patience moue , T' vpbraid thy kind Lord , with a forraine loue ; Thou might'st haue bidd all former ils adue , Forgot the old , we haue such store of new . Did I omit thy loue to entertaine with mutuall griefe to answere griefe againe ? Or think'st thou I vnkindly did forbeare , To bandy woe for woe , and teare for teare ? Did I omit , or carelesly neglect , Those shewes of loue , that Ladies so respect ? In mournefull blacke , was I not seene to goe ? By outward shewes to tell my inward woe : Nor drerie words , were wasted in lament , Nor clowdy brow , bewraid my discontent , Is this the cause , if this be it , know then , One griefe conceal'd , more grieuous is then ten ? If in my breast those sorrowes sometimes were , And neuer vtter'd , still they must be there , And if thou know'st , they many were before , By time increasing , they must needs be more ; England to me , can challenge nothing lent , Let her cast vp , what is receiu'd , what spent , If I her owne , can she from blame be free , If she but proue , a stepdame vnto me ? That if I should , with that proud bastard striue , To plead my birth-right and prerogatiue ; If birth alow , I should not need to feare it , For then my true nobility should beare it ; If counsell ayde , that , Fraunce will tell ( I know ) whose townes lie wast before the English foe ; when thrice we gaue the conquered French the foyle , At Agincourt , at Crauant , and Vernoyle , If faith auaile , these armes did Henry hold , To claime his crowne , yet scarcely nine month 's old . If Countries care haue leaue to speake for me , Gray haires in youth , my witnes then may be , If peoples tongues giue splendor to my fame , They adde a title to Duke Humfreys name ; If toyle at home , French treason , English hate , Shall tell my skill in managing the state , If forraine trauell my successe may try , In Flaunders , Almaine , Boheme , Burgundy , That Robe of Rome , proud Beuford now doth weare , In euery place such sway should neuer beare . The crosier staffe , in his imperious hand , To be the Scepter that controules the land ; That home to England , despensations drawes , which are of power to abrogate our lawes , That for those sums , the wealthy Church should pay , Vpon the needie Commentie to lay , His ghostly counsels onely doe aduise , The meanes how Langleys progenie may rise , Pathing young Henries vnaduised waies , A Duke of Yorke from Cambridge house to raise , which after may our title vndermine , Grafted since Edward , in Gaunts famous line Vs of succession falfely to depriue , which they from Clarence , fainedly deriue , Knowing the will old Cambridge euer bore , To catch the wreath that famous Henrie wore . With Gray , and Scroope , when first he laid the plot From vs , and ours , the garland to haue got , As from the march-borne Mortimer to raigne , whose title Glendour stoutly did maintaine , when the proud Percies , haughtie March and he , Had shar'd the Land by equall parts in three . His Priesthood now sterne Mowbray doth restore , To stir the fire that kindled was before ; Against the Yorkists shall their claime aduaunce , To steele the poynt of Norfolks sturdie Launce , Vpon the brest of Herfords issue bent , In iust reuenge of auncient banishment . He doth aduise to let our prisoner goe , And doth enlarge the faithlesse Scottish foe , Giuing our heires in marriage , that their dowres May bring inuasion vpon vs and ours . Ambitious Suffolke so the helme doth guide , with Beufords damned policies supplide He and the Queene in counsell still confer , How to raise him who hath aduanced her ; But my deare hart , how vainely do I dreame , And flie from thee , whose sorrowes are my theam● My loue to thee , and England thus deuided , which the most part , how hard to be decided , Or thee , or that , to whether I am loth , So neere are you , so deere vnto me both , Twixt that and thee , for equall loue I finde , England ingratefull , and my Elnor kinde . But though my Country , iustly I reproue , For Countries sake , vnkinde vnto my loue , Yet is thy Humfrey to his Elnor , now As when fresh beautie triumph'd on thy brow , As when thy graces I admired most , Or of thy fauours might the frankli'st boast ; Those beauties were so infinite before , That in abundance I was onely poore , Or which though time hath taken some againe , I aske no more but what doth yet remaine , Be patient gentle hart , in thy distresse , Thou art a Princesse , not a whit the lesse . Whilst in these breasts we beare about this life , I am thy husband , and thou art my wife ; Cast not thine eye on such as mounted be , But looke on those cast downe as low as we ; For some of them which proudly pearch so hie , Ere long shall come as low as thou or I. They weepe for ioy , and let vs laugh in woe , we shall exchange when heauen will haue it so . We mourne , and they in after time may mourne , woe past , may once laugh present woe to scorne , And worse then hath beene , we can ne●er ●ast , worse cannot come , then is already past . In all extreames , the onely depth of ill , Is that which comforts the afflicted still ; Ah would to God thou would'st thy grie●●s denie , And on my backe let all the burthen lie . Or if thou canst resigne , make thine mine owne , Both in one carridge to be vndergone , Till we againe our former hopes recouer , And prosperous times , blow these misfortunes ouer , For in the thought of those forepassed yeeres , Some new resemblance of old ioy appeares . Mutuall our care , so mutuall be our loue , That our affliction neuer can remoue , So rest in peace , where peace hath hope to liue , wishing thee more , then I my selfe can giue .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . At Agincourt , at Crauant , and Vernoyle ,

THe three famous battels , fought by the English men in Fraunce : Agincourt by Henry the fift , against the whole power of Fraunce , Grauant fought by Mountacute , Earle of Salisburie , and the Duke of Burgoyne , against the Dolphine of Fraunce , & William Stuart , Constable of Scotland : Vernoyle , fought by Iohn Duke of Bedford , against the Duke of Alanson , and with him most of the Nobilitie of Fraunce , Duke Humfry an especiall Counsellour in all these expeditions .

In Flaunders , Almaine , Boheme , Burgundie .

Heere remembring the auncient amitie which in his Embassics he concluded betwixt the King of England and Sigismond Emperour of Almaine , drawing the Duke of Burgoyne into the same league , gyuing himselfe as an hostage for the Duke of Saint Omers , while the Duke came to Calice to confirme the league . With his many othe● imployments to forraine kingdoms .

That crosier staffe in his imperious hand .

Henry Beuford , Cardinall of Winchester , that proude and haughty Prelate , receiued his Cardinals ha●te at Calice by the Popes Legate , which dignitie , Henry the fift his nephewe , forbad him to take vpon him , knowing his haughtie and malicious spirit vnfit for that robe and calling .

The meanes how Langleys progenie may rise .

As willing to shew the house of Cambridge to bee descended of Edmund Langley Duke of York , a yonger brother to Iohn of Gaunt , his Grandfather ( as much as in him lay ) to smother the title that the Yorkists made to the crowne ( from L●onell of Clarence , Gaunts ●lder brother ) by the daughter of Mortimer .

His priesthood now ; sterne Mowbray doth restore .

Noting the ancient grudge betweene the house of Lancaster and Norfolke , euer since Mowbray Duke of Norfolke was banished for the accusation of Henry Duke of Herford , ( after the King of England Father to Duke Humfry , ) which accusation he came as a Combatant , to haue made good in the Lists at Couentry .

And giues our heiresin marriage that their dowers .

Iames Stuart , King of Scots , hauing beene long prisoner in England , was released , and tooke to wife the daughter of Iohn Duke of Sommerset , sister to Iohn Duke of Somerset , nee●e to the Cardinall and the Duke of Excester , and Cosin germaine remou'd to the king , this King broke the oath he had taken , and became after a great enemie to England .

FINIS .

William de la Pole , Duke of Suffolke , to Queene Margaret . ¶ The Argument .

William de la Pole , first Marques , and after created Duke of Suffolke , beeing sent into Fraunce by King Henry the sixt , concludeth a marriage betweene the King his Maister , and Margaret , daughter to Rayner Duke of Aniou ; who onely ●ad the title of the King of Cicily and Ierusalem . This marriage beeing made contrare to the lyking of the Lordes and Counsell of the Realme ( by reason of the yeelding vp Aniou and Maine into the Dukes hands , which shortly after proued the losse of all Aquitaine , ) they euer after continually hated the Duke , and after ( by meanes of the Commons ) banished him at the parlement at Berry ; where after he had the iudgment of his exile , beeing then ready to depart , hee writeth backe to the Queene this Epistle .

IN my disgrace ( deere Queene ) rest thy content , And Margarets health from Suffolkes banishment ; Not one day seemes fiue yeeres exile to mee , But that so soone I must depart from thee ; Where thou not present , it is euer night , All be exil'd that liue not in thy sight . Those Sauages which worship the suns rise , would hate theyr God , if they beheld thine eyes , The worlds great light , might'st thou be seene abroad , would at our noone-●tead euer make aboade ; And make the poore Antipodes to mourne , Fearing least he would neuer more returne . Wer 't not for thee , it were my great'st exile To liue within this Sea-inuirond I le . Poles courage brookes not limmitting in bands , But that ( great Queene ) thy soueraignty commands● Our Falcons kinde cannot the cage indure , Nor buzzard-like doth stoope to euery lure ; Theyr mounting broode in open ayre doth roue , Nor will with Crowes be coop'd within a groue ; We all doe breath vpon this earthly ball , Likewise one heauen encompasseth vs all , No banishment can be to him assign'd , who doth retaine a true resolued minde . Man in himselfe , a little world doth beare , His soule the Monarch euer ruling there , where euer then his body doth remaine , He is a King that in himselfe doth raigne , And neuer feareth Fortunes hot'st alarmes , That beares against her , Patience for his Armes . This was the meane proude Warwicke did inuent To my disgrace at Leister parlement , That onely my base yeelding vp of Maine , Should be the losse of fertile Aquitaine , with the base vulgar sort to win him fame , To be the heire of good Duke Humfreys name ; And so by treason spotting my pure blood , Make this a meane to raise the Neuels brood . With Salisbury his vile ambitious Syer , In Yorkes sterne brest , kindling long hidden fyer , By Clarence title working to supplant , The Eagle ayrie of great Iohn of Gaunt . And to this end did my exile conclude , Thereby to please the rascall multitude ; Vrg'd by these enuious Lords to spend theyr breath , Calling reuenge on the Protectors death , That since the old decrepit Duke is dead , By me of force he must be murthered . If they would know who rob'd him of his life , Let them call home Dame Ellinor his wife , who with a Taper walked in a sheet , To light her shame at no one through London street ; And let her bring her Negromantick booke , That foule ●ag Iordane , Hun , and Bullenbrooke , And let them call the spirits from hell againe , To know how Humfrey died , and who shall raigne . For twenty yeeres and haue I seru'd in Fraunce , Against great Charles , and bastard Orleance ? And seene the slaughter of a world of men , Victorious now , and conquered agen ; And haue I seene Vernoylas batfull fields . Strew'd with ten thousand Helmes , ten thousand● shields , Where famous Bedford did our fortune try , Or Fraunce or England for the victory ? The sad inuesting of so many Townes , Scor'd on my brest in honourable wounds ; when Mountacute and Talbot of such name , Vnder my Ensigne , both first won theyr fame ; In heate and cold all fortunes haue indur'd , To rouze the French , within their walls immur'd ? Through all my life , these perrils haue I past , And now to feare a banishment at last ? Thou know'st how I ( thy beauty to aduance , ) For thee refusd the infant Queene of Fraunce , Brake the contract Duke Humfrey first did make Twixt Henry , and the Princesse Arminacke ; Onely ( sweet Queene ) thy presence I might gaine , I gaue Duke Rayner , Aniou , Mauns , and Maine , Thy peerelesse beautie for a dower to bring , To counterpoize the wealth of Englands King ; And from Aumerle with-drew my warlike powers , And came my selfe in person first to Towers , Th' Embassadors for truce to entertaine , From Belgia , Denmarke , Hungarie , and Spayne , And telling Henry of thy beauties story , I taught my tongue a Louers oratory , As the report it selfe did so indite , And make it rauish teares with such delight ; And when my speech did cease ( as telling all ) My lookes shew'd more , that was Angelicall . And when I breath'd againe , and paused next , I left mine eyes to comment on the text ; Then comming of thy modestie to tell , In musicks numbers my voyce rose and fell : And when I came to paint thy glorious stile , My speech in greater caden●es to file , By true descent to weare the Diadem , Of Naples , Cicils , and Ierusalem . And from the Gods thou didst deriue thy birth , If heauenly kinde could ioyne with broode of earth ; Gracing each title that I did recite , with some mellifluous pleasing Epithete , Nor left him not till he for loue was sicke , Beholding thee in my sweet Rhetoricke . A fifteenes taxe in Fraunce I freely spent In triumphs , at thy nuptiall Tournament ; And solemniz'd thy marriage in a gowne , Valu'd at more then was thy fathers Crowne ; And onely striuing how to honour thee , Gaue to my King , what thy loue gaue to mee . Iudge if his kindnes haue not power to moue , who for his loues● sake gaue away his loue . Had he which once the prize to Greece did bring , ( Of whom old Poets long agoe did sing ) Seene thee for England but imbarqu'd at Deepe , would ouer-boord haue cast his golden sheepe , As too vnworthy ballace to be thought , To pester roome , with such perfection fraught . The briny seas which saw the ship enfold thee , would vaute vp to the hatches to behold thee , And falling backe , themselues in thronging smother , Breaking for griefe , enuying one another ; when the proud Barke , for ioy thy steps to feele , Scorn'd the salt waues should kisse her furrowing keele , And trick'd in all her flags , her selfe she braues , Capring for ioy vpon the siluer waues ; when like a Bull , from the Phenician strand , Ioue with Europa , tripping from the land , Vpon the bosome of the maine doth scud , And with his swannish breast cleauing the floud , Tow'rd the faire fields , vpon the other side , Beareth Agenors ioy , Phenicias pride . All heauenly beauties , ioyne themselues in one , To shew their glory in thine eye alone ; Which when it turneth that celestiall ball , A thousand sweet starres rise , a thousand fall . Who iustly saith , mine banishment to bee , when onely Fraunce for my recourse is free ? To view the plaines where I haue seene so oft , Englands victorious Engines raisd aloft ; when this shall be my comfort in my way , To see the place where I may boldly say , Heere mightie Bedford forth the vaward led , Heere Talbot charg'd , and heere the Frenchmen fled Heere with our Archers valiant Scales did lie . Heere stood the Tents of famous Willoughbie ; Heere Mountacute rang'd his vnconquered band , Heere forth we march'd , and heere we made a stand . What should we stand to mourne and grieue all day , For that which time doth easily take away : What fortune hurts , let patience onely heale , No wisedome with extremities to deale ; To know our selues to come of humane birth , These sad afflictions crosse vs heere on earth ; A taxe imposd by heauens eternall law , To keepe our rude rebellious will in awe . In vaine we prise that at so deere a rate whose best assurance is a fickle state , And needlesse we examine our intent , when with preuention , we cannot preuent ; when we our selues fore-seeing cannot shun , That which before , with destinie doth run . Henry hath power , and may my life depose , Mine honour mine , that none hath power to lose , Then be as cheerefull , ( beautious royall Queene ) As in the Court of Fraunce we erst haue beene ; As when arriu'd in Porchesters faire roade , ( where , for our comming Henry made aboad ) when in mine armes I brought thee safe to land ; And gaue my lou● , to Henries royal hand ; The happy houres , we passed with the King , At faire South-hampton , long in banquetting , with such content as lodg'd in Henries brest , when he to London brought thee from the West ; Through golden Cheape , when he in pompe did ride , To Westminster , to entertaine his Bride .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Our Faeulcons kinde cannot the Cage indure .

HE alludes in these verses to the Faulcon , which was the ancient deuice of the Poles , comparing the greatnes and hautines of his spirit , to the nature of this bird .

This was the meane , proud Warwick● did inuent , To my disgrace , &c.

The Commons , at this Parliament , through Warwick● meanes accused Suffolk of treason , and vrged the accusation so vehemently that the king was forced to exile him for fiue yeares .

That onely my base yeelding vp of Maine , Should be the losse of fertile Aquitaine .

The Duke of Suffolke being sent into France to conclude a peace , chose Duke Rainers daughter , the Ladie Margaret , whom he espoused for Henry the sixt , deliuering for her to her Father , the Countries of Aniou and Maine , and the Citie of Mauns . Wherevpon the Earle of Arminach ( whose daughter was before promised to the King ) seeing himselfe to be deluded , caused all the Englishmen to be expulsed Aquitaine , Gascoyne , and Guyen .

With the base vulgar sort to win him fame , To be the heire of good Duke Humfreys name .

This Richard that was called the great Earle of Warwicke , when Duke Humfrey was dead , grew into exceeding great fauour with the Commons .

With Salisbury , his vile ambitious Sire , In Yorks sterne breast , kindling long hidden fire , By Clarence title , working to supplant , The Eagle Ayrie of great Iohn of Gaunt .

Richard Plantaginet , Duke of Yorke , in the time of Henry the sixt , claimed the Crowne , ( being assisted by this Richard Neuell Earle of Salisburie , and father to the great Earle of Warwicke , who fauoured exceedingly the house of Yorke ) in open Parliament , as heire to Lionell Duke of Clarence , the third Sonne of Edward the third , making his title by Anne his Mother , wife to Richard Earle of Cambridge , Sonne to Edmund of Langley , Duke of Yorke ; which Anne was daughter to Roger Mortimer Earle of March , which Roger , was sonne and heire to Edmund Mortimer that married the Lady Phillip , daughter and heire to Lionell Duke of Clarence , the third sonne of King Edward , to whom the Crowne after Richard the seconds death , lineally descended he dying without issue . And not to the heires of the Duke of Lancaster , that was younger brother to the Duke of Clarence . Hall . cap. 1. Tit. Yor. & Lanc.

Vrg'd by these enuious Lords to spend their breath , Calling reuenge on the Protectors death .

Humfrey Duke of Glocester , and Lord Protector in the 25. yeere of Henry the sixt by the meanes of the Queene , and the Duke of Suffolke was arrested by the Lord Beumond at the Parliament holden at Berrie , and the same night after murthered in his bed .

If they would know who robd him , &c. To this verse , To know how Humfrey died , and who shall raigne .

In these verses he iestes at the Protectors wife , who ( being accused and conuicted of treason , because with Iohn Hun a Priest , Roger Bullenbrooke a Negromancer , and Margerie Iordane , called the Witch of Eye , shee had consulted by sorc●rie to kill the King ) was adiudged to perpetuall prison in the I le of Man , & to do penance openly in three publique places in London .

For twentie yeeres and haue I seru'd in Fraunce ,

In the sixt yeere of Henry the sixt , the Duke of Bedford being deceased then Lieuetenant generell , and Regent of Fraunce ; this Duke of Suffolke , was promoted to that dignitie , hauing the Lord Talbot , Lord Scales , and the Lord Mountacute to assist him .

Against great Charles , and bastard Orleance .

This was Charles the seauenth , that after the death of Henry the fifth obtained the crowne of Fraunce , and recouered againe much of that his father had lost . Bastard Orleance , was sonne to the Duke of Orleance , begotten of the Lord Cawnies wife , preferred highly to many notable offices , because he being a most valiant Captaine , was continuall enemie to the Englishmen , daily infesting them with diuers incursions .

And haue I seene Vernoyla's batfull fields ,

Vernoyle is that noted place in Fraunce , where the great battell was fought in the beginning of Henry the sixt his raigne , where the most of the French Cheualry were ouercome by the Duke of Bedford .

And from Aumerle with-drew my warlike powers ,

Aumerle is that strong defenced towne in Fraunce , which the Duke of Suffolke got after 24. great assaults giuen vnto it .

And came my selfe in person first to Towers Th' embassadours for tru●e to entertaine , From Belgia , Denmarke , Hungary and Spaine .

Towers is a Citie in Fraunce , built by Brutus as he came into Brittaine , where , in the twentie and one yeere of the raigne of Henry the sixt , was appointed a great diet to be kept , whether came the Embassadours of the Empire , Spaine , Hungary , and Denmarke , to intreat for a perpetuall peace , to be made betweene the two Kings of England and France .

By true descent to weare the Diadem , Of Naples , Cicile , and Ierusalem .

Rayner Duke of Aniou , Father to Queene Margaret , called himselfe King of Naples , Cicily , and Ierusalem , hauing the title alone of King of those Countries .

A fifteenes taxe in Fraunce I freely spent ,

The Duke of Suffolke , after the marriage concluded twixt King Henry and Margarit , daughter to Duke Rayner , asked in open Parliament a whole fifteenth to fetch her into England .

Seene thee for England but imbaqu'd at Deepe .

Deepe is a Towne in Fraunce , bordering vpon the Sea , where the Duke of Suffolk with Queene Margaret , tooke ship for England .

As when arriu'd in Porchesters faire Roadel

Porchester , a Hauen Towne in the South-west part of England , where the King tarried , expecting the Queenes arriuall , whom from thence he conuayed to South-hampton .

Queene Margaret to William de la Pole , Duke of Suffolke . WHat newes ( sweet Pole ) look'st thou my lines should tell , But like the tolling of the dolefull bell ? Bidding the deaths-man to prepare the graue , Expect from me no other newes to haue , My brest , which once was mirths imperiall throne , A vast and desart wildernes is growne ; Like that cold Region , from the world remote , On whose breeme seas , the Icie mountaines flote where those poore creatures banish'd from the light , Doe liue imprison'd in continuall night . No ioy presents my soules eternall eyes , But diuination of sad tragedies , And care takes vp her solitarie In , where youth and ioy , their Court did once begin . As in September , when our yeare resignes , The glorious Sunne vnto the watrie signes , which through the clouds lookes on the earth in scorne ; The little bird , yet to salute the morne , Vpon the naked branches sets her foote , The leaues now lying on the mossie roote ; And there a silly chirripping doth keepe , As though she faine would sing , yet faine would weepe , Praysing faire Sommer , that too soone is gone , Or sad for Winter too fast comming on . In this strange plight I mourne for thy depart , Because that weeping cannot ease my hart . Now to our ayde , who stirs the neighbouring Kings ? Or who from Fraunce a puissant Armie brings ? Who moues the Norman to abet our war ? Or stirs vp Burgoyne , to ayde Lancaster ? Who in the North our lawfull claime commends , To win vs credite with our valiant friends ? To whom shall I my secret griefe impart ? whose breast I made the closet of my hart . The ancient Heroes fame thou didst reuiue , And didst from them thy memory deriue ; Nature by thee , both gaue and taketh all , Alone in Pole shee was too prodigall ; Of so diuine and rich a temper wrought , As heauen for him , perfections deepe had sought ; Well knew King Henry what he pleaded for , when he chose thee to be his Orator ; whose Angell-eye , by powrefull influence , Doth vtter more then humaine eloquence , That when Ioue would his youthfull sports haue tride , But in thy shape , himselfe would neuer hide ; Which in his loue had beene of greater power , Then was his nimph , his flame , his swan , his shower . To that allegiance Yorke was bound by oath , To Henries heires , and safety of vs both , No longer now he meanes record shal beare it , He will dispence with heauen , and will vnsweare it . He that 's in all the worlds blacke sinnes forlorne , Is carelesse now how oft he be forsworne ; And now of late his title hath set downe , By which he makes his claime vnto the crowne . And now I heare , his hatefull Dutches chats , And rips vp their descent vnto her brats , And blesseth them as Englands lawfull heires , And tels them that our Diadem is theirs . And if such hap her Goddesse fortune bring , If three sonnes faile , she 'le make the fourth a King . He that 's so like his Dam , her youngest Dicke , That foule , ill-fauoured , crook-back'd stigmaticke , That like a carcas stolne out of a Tombe ; Came the wrong way out of his mothers wombe ; With teeth in 's head , his passage to haue torne , As though begot an age ere he was borne . Who now will curbe proud Yorke when he shall rise , Or Armes our right against his enterprize ? To crop that bastard weede which dayly growes To ouer-shadow our vermilian Rose ? Or who will muzzell that vnrulie Beare , whose presence strikes our peoples harts with feare ? Whilst on his knees this wretched King is downe , To saue them labour , reaching at his Crowne , where like a mounting Cedar he should beare , His plumed top , aloft into the ayre ; And let these shrubs sit vnderneath his shrowdes , whilst in his armes he doth embrace the clowdes , O that he should his Fathers right inherit , Yet be an alien to that mightie spirit , How were those powers disperc'd , or whether gone , Should sympathize in generation , Or what apposed influence had force , To abuse kinde , and alter natures course ? All other creatures follow after kinde , But man alone doth not beget the minde . My Daysie-flower , which erst perfum'd the ayre , which for my fauours Princes once did weare , Now in the dust lyes troden on the ground , And with Yorkes garlands euery one is crownd . When now his rising waytes on our decline , And in our setting he begins to shine , Now in the skies that dreadfull Comet waues , And who be starres but Warwicks bearded staues ? And all those knees which bended once so low , Grow stiffe , as though they had forgot to bow ; And none like them , pursue me with despite , which most haue cryde , God saue Queene Margarite , When fame shall brute thy banishment abrode , The Yorkish faction then will lay on loade ; And when it comes once to our Westerne coast , O how that hag Dame Elinor will boast , And labour straight , by all the meanes she can , To be call'd home , out of the I le of Man , To which I know great Warwicke will consent , To haue it done by act of Parlement , That to my teeth my birth shee may defie , Slaundring Duke Rayner with base beggerie ; The onely way she could deuise to grieue me , wanting sweet Suffolke , which should most relieue me . And from that stock doth sprout another bloome , A Kentish Rebell , a base vpstart groome ; And this is hee the white-rose must prefer , By Clarence daughter , match'd with Mortimer , Thus by Yorkes meanes , this rascall pesant Cade , Must in all hast , Plantaginet be made ; Thus that ambitious Duke sets all on worke To sound what friends affect the claime of Yorke , Whilst he abroad doth practise to commaund , And makes vs weake by strengthning Ireland ; More his owne power still seeking to increase , Then for King Henries good , or Englands peace . Great Winchester vntimely is deceas'd , That more and more my woes should be encreas'd . Beuford , whose shoulders proudly bare vp all The Churches prop , that famous Cardinall , The Commons ( bent to mischiefe ) neuer let , with Fraunce t' vpbraid that valiant Sommerset , Rayling in tumults on his souldiours losse , Thus all goes backward , crosse comes after crosse , And now of late , Duke Humfreys old alies , with banish'd Elnors base accomplices , Attending theyr reuenge , grow wondrous crouse , And threaten death and vengeance to our house ; And I alone the wofull remnant am , ● endure these stormes with wofull Buckingham . I pray thee Pole haue care how thou doost passe , Neuer the Sea yet halfe so dangerous was ; And one fore-told by water thou should'st die , ( Ah foule befall that foule tongues prophecie ) And euery night am troubled in my dreames , That I doe see thee tost in dangerous streames ; And oft-times shipwrackt , cast vpon the land , And lying breathlesse on the queachy sand ; And oft in visions see thee in the night , where thou at Sea maintain'st a dangerous sight ; And with thy proued Target and thy sword , Beat'st backe the Pyrate which would come abord . Yet be not angry that I warne thee thus , The truest loue is most suspitious , Sorrow doth vtter what vs still doth grieue , But hope forbids vs sorrow to belieue ; And in my counsell yet this comfort is , It cannot hurt , although I thinke amisse ; Then liue in hope , in tryumph to returne , when cleerer dayes shall leaue in clowdes to mourne ; But so hath sorrow girt my soule about , That , that word hope ( me thinks ) comes slowly out ; The reason is , I know it heere would rest , where it would still behold thee in my brest . Farewell sweete Pole , faine more I would indite , But that my teares doe blot as I doe write .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Or brings in Burgoyne to ayde Lancaster .

PHillip Duke of Burgoyne and his sonne , were alwayes great fauorites of the house of Lancaster , howbeit they often dissembled both with Lancaster and Yorke .

Who in the North our lawfull claime commends To win vs credite with our valiant friends .

The chiefe Lords of the North-parts , in the time of Henry the 6. withstoode the Duke of Yorke at his rising● giuing him two great ouerthrowes .

To that allegeance Yorke was bound by oath To Henries heyres , and safetie of vs both , No longer now he meanes records shall beare it , He will dispence with heauen , and wil vnsweare it .

The duke of Yorke , at the death of Henry the fift , & at this kings coronation tooke his oath to be true subiect to him , and his heyres for euer ; but afterward dispensing therewith , claymed the crowne as his rightfull and proper inhearitance .

If three sonnes faile , shee 'le make the fourth a King .

The duke of Yorke had foure sonnes , Edward Earle of March , that afterward was duke of Yorke , and king of England , when he had deposed Henry the sixt , and Edmond Earle of Rutland , slaine by the lord Clifford at the battell at Wakefield ; & George duke of Clarence that was murthered in the Tower : and Richard duke of Glocester , who was ( after he had murthered his brothers sonnes ) King by the name of Richard the third .

〈◊〉 that 's so like his Dam , her youngest Dicke , That foule ●fauoured crookback'd Stigmaticke , &c. Till this verse , As though begot an age , &c.

This Richard , ( whom ironically she here calls Dicke , ) that by treason after his Nephewes murthered , obtained the crowne , was a man low of stature , crookeback'd , the left shoulder much higher then the right , & of a very crabbed & sower countenaunce : his mother could not be deliuered of him , he was borne toothed , & with his feete forward , contrarie to the course of nature .

To ouershadow our vermilian Rose ,

The redde Rose was the badge of the house of Lancaster , and the white Rose of Yorke , which by the marriage of Henry the seauenth , with Elizabeth indubitate heyre of the house of Yorke , was happilie vnited .

Or who will muzzell that vnrulie beare .

The Earle of Warwicke , the setter vp and puller downe of Kings , gaue for his Armes the white Beare rampant , & the ragged staffe .

My Daysie flower which erst perfum'd the ayre , Which for my ●auour Pri●●●es once did were &c.

The Daysie in French is called Margaret , which was Queene Margarets badge , where-withall the Nobilitie and chiualrie of the Lande at the first arriuall were so delighted , that they wore it in theyr Hats in token of honour .

And who be starres but Warwicks bearded slaues .

The ragged or bearded staffe was a part of the Armes belonging to the Earledome of Warwick .

Slaundring Duke Rayner with base baggary .

Rayner Duke of Aniou , called himselfe King of Naples , Cicile , and Ierusalem , hauing neither inhearitance nor tribute from those parts , & was not able at the marriage of the Queene , of his owne charges to send her into England though he gaue no dower with her : which by the Dutches of Glocester was often in disgrace cast in her teeth .

A Kentish Rebell , a base vpstart Groome .

This was Iacke Cade , which caused the Kentish-men to rebell in the 28. yeere of Henry the sixth .

And this is he the white Rose must prefer , By Clarence daughter match'd to Mortimer .

This Iacke Cade instructed by the Duke of Yorke , pretended to be descended from Mortimer which married Lady Phillip , daughter to the Duke of Clarence .

And makes vs weake by strengthning Ireland .

The Duke of Yorke being made Deputy of Ireland , first there beganne to practise his long pretended purpose , strengthning himselfe by all meanes possible that he might at his returne into England by open warre , claime that which so long he had priuily gone about to obtaine .

Great Winchester vntimely is deceas'd ,

Henry Beuford , Bishop and Cardinall of Winchester , sonne to Iohn of Gaunt , begot in his age , was a proude & ambitious Prelate , fauouring mightily the Queene & the Duke of Suffolke , continually heaping vp innumerable treasure , in hope to haue beene Pope , as himselfe on his death bed confessed .

With Fraunce t' vpbrayd the valiant Somerset .

Edmund Duke of Somerset , in the 24. of Henry the sixt , was made Regent of Fraunce , and sent into Normandie to defend the English territories against the French inuasions , but in short time hee lost all that King Henry the fifth won , for which cause the Nobles and the Commons euer after hated him .

T' endure these stormes with wofull Buckingham .

Humfry duke of Buckingham , was a great fauorite of the Queen● Faction , in the time of Henry the sixt .

And one fore-told by water thou should'st die .

The Witch of Eye receiued aunswer by her spirit , that the duke of Suffolke should take heede of water : which the Queene forwarnes him of , as remembring the Witches prophecie , which afterward came to passe .

FINIS .

Edward the fourth to Shores wife . ¶ The Argument .

This Mistres Shore , king Edward the fourths beautious paramour , was so called of her husband a Goldsmith , dwelling in Lombard streete . Edward the fourth , sonne to Richard Duke of Yorke , after hee had obtained the crowne by deposing Henry the sixth , ( which Henry was after murthered in the Tower by Richard Crookeback ) & after the battel fought at Barnet , where the famous Earle of Warwicke was slaine , and that King Edward quietly possessed the crowne , hearing ( by report of many ) the rare and wonderfull beautie of the aforesaid Shores wife , commeth himselfe disguised to London to see her ; where after he had once beheld her , he was so surprised with her admirable beautie , as not long after hee robbed her husband of his deerest iewell ; but first by this Epistle he writeth vnto her .

VNto the fayr'st that euer breath'd this ayre , From English Edward to that fairest faire ; Ah would to God thy title were no more , That no remembrance might remaine of Shore , To countermaund a Monarchs high desire , And bar mine eyes of what they most admire . O why should Fortune make the Citty proud , To giue that more then is the Court allow'd ? Where they like ( wretches ) hoard it vp to spare , And doe engrosse it , as they doe their ware . When fame first blaz'd thy beauty heere in Court , Mine eares repulsd it , as a light report , But when mine eyes saw that mine eare had hard , They thought report too nigardly had spard ; And strooken dumbe with wonder , did but mutter , Conceiuing more then she had words to vtter . Then thinke of what thy husband is possest , when I enuie that Shore should be so blest , when much aboundance makes the needie mad , And hauing all , yet knowes not what is had ; Into fooles bosomes this good fortune creepes , And wealth comes in the whilst the miser sleepes . If now thy beauty be of such esteeme , which all of so rare excellencie deeme , what would it be , and prized at what rate , where it adorned with a kingly state ? Which being now but in so meane a bed , Is like an vncut Diamond in led , Ere it be set in some high-prized ring , Or garnished with rich enamiling ; we see the beauty of the stone is spilt , wanting the gracious ornament of guilt . When first attracted by thy heauenly eyes , I came to see thee , in a straunge disguise , Passing thy shop , thy husband calls me backe , Demaunding what rare iewell I did lacke ? I want ( thought I ) one that I dare not craue , And ( one I feare ) thou wilt not let me haue ; He cals for Caskets forth , and shewes me store , But yet I knew he had one iewell more ; And deadly curst him that he did dinie it , That I might not for loue or money buy it . O might I come a Diamond to buy , That had but such a lustre as thine eye . Would not my treasure serue , my Crowne should go , If any iewell could be prized so ; An Agat , branched with thy blushing straines , A Saphire , but so azur'd , as thy vaines ; My kingly Scepter onely should redeeme it , At such a price if iudgement could esteeme it . How fond and sencelesse , be those strangers then , who bring in toyes to please the English men . I smile to thinke how fond th' Italians are , To iudge their artificiall gardens rare , when London in thy cheeks can shew them heere , Roses and Lillies growing all the yeere ; The Portugall , that onely hopes to win , By bringing stones from farthest India in , when happy Shore can bring them forth a gerle , whose lips be Rubies , and her teeth be pearle . How silly is the Polander and Dane , To bring vs Christall from the frozen maine ? When thy cleare skins transparence doth surpasse . Their Christall , as the Diamond doth glasse . The foolish French , which brings in trash and toyes , To turne our women men , or gerles to boyes , when with what tire thou doo'st thy selfe adorne , That for a fashion onely shall be worne ; which though it were a garment but of haire , More rich then robe that euer Empresse ware . Me thinks thy husband takes his marke awry , To set his plate to sale when thou art by ; when they which do thy Angell-locks behold , Like basest drosse doe but respect his gold ; And wish one haire before that massy heape , And but one locke before the wealth of Cheape ; And for no caus else , hold we gold so deare , But that it is so like vnto thy haire . And sure I thinke Shore cannot chuse but flout Such as would find the great Elixar out , And laugh to see the Alchimists , that choke Themselues with fumes , and wast their wealth in smoke . when if thy hand but touch the grossest mold , It is conuerted to refined gold , when theirs is chaffer'd at an easie rate , well knowne to all to be adulterate ; And is no more when it by thine is set , Then paltry Be●gle , or light-prized Iet . Let others weare persumes , for thee vnmeet , If there were none , thou could'st make all things sweet . Thou comfor'st sence , and yet all sence doo'st wast , To heare , to see , to smell , to feele , to tast ; Thou a rich ship , whose verie refuse ware , A romaticks , and precious odors are . If thou but please to walke into the Pawne , To buy thee Cambricke , Callico , or Lawne , If thou the whitenes of the same would'st proue , From thy more whiter hand plucke off thy gloue ; And those which by , as the beholders stand , will take thy hand for Lawne , Lawne for thy hand . A thousand eyes , clos'd vp by enuious night , Doe wish for day , but to enioy thy sight ; And when they once haue blest their eyes with thee , Scorne euery obiect else , what ere they see , So like a Goddesse beautie still controules , And hath such powerfull working in our soules . The Merchant which in traffique spends his life , Yet loues at home to haue daintie wife , The blunt-spoke Cynick , poring on his booke , Sometimes ( aside ) at beautie loues to looke . The Church-man , by whose teaching we are led , Allowes what keepes loue in the marriage bed ; The bloody Souldiour spent in Armes and broyles , with beautie yet content to share his spoyles ; The busie Lawyer wrangling in his pleas ; Findeth that beauty giues his labour ease ; The toyling trades-man , and the sweating Clowne , would haue his wench faire , though his bread be browne ; So much is beauty pleasing vnto all , To Prince and peasant like in generall ; Nor neuer yet did any man despise it , Except too deere , and that he could not prize it , Vnlearn'd is learning , artlesse be all Arts , If not imploy'd to praise thy seuerall parts ; Poore plodding Schoolemen , they are far too low , which by probations , rules , and axiom's goe , He must be still familiar with the skies , which notes the reuolutions of thine eyes ; And by that skill which measures sea and land , See beauties all , thy wast , thy foote , thy hand , where he may find , the more that he doth view , Such rare delights as are both strange and new ; And other worlds of beauty more and more , which neuer were discouered before ; And to thy rare proportion to apply , The lines and circles in Geometry , Vsing alone Arithmeticks strong ground , Numbring the vertues that in thee are found . And when these all haue done what they can doo , For thy perfections all to little too . When from the East the dawne hath broken out , And gone to seeke thee all the world about , within thy Chamber hath she fixt her light , where but that place , the world hath all beene night ; Then is it fit that euery vulgar eye , Should see loue banquet in her maiestie ? We deeme those things our sight doth most frequent , To be but meane , although most excellent ; For strangers still the streets are swept and strowd , Few looke on such as daily come abroad ; Things much restrain'd , doth make vs much desire them , And beauties seldome seene , makes vs admire them . Nor is it fit a Citie shop should hide , The worlds delight , and natures onely pride , But in a Princes sumptuous gallery . Hung all with Tissue , flor'd with Tapestrie ; Where thou shalt sit , and from thy state shalt see , The tylts and tryumphs that are done for thee . Then know the difference ( if thou list to prooue ) Betwixt a vulgar , and a kingly loue ; And when thou findst , as now thou doubt'st the troth , Be thou thy selfe vnpartiall Iudge of both . Where harts be knit , what helps if not enioy ? Delayes breeds doubts , no cunning to be coy . Whilst lazie Time his turne by tariance serues , Loue still growes sickly , and hope daily starues . Meane while receiue that warrant by these lines , which princely rule and soueraintie resignes ; Till when , these papers by their Lords commaund , By me shall kisse thy sweet and dainty hand .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie .

THis Epistle of Edward to Shores wife , and of hers to him , being of vnlawfull affection , ministreth small occasion of historicall notes , for had he mentioned the many battels betwixt the Lancastrian faction and him , or other warlike daungers , it had beene more like to Plautus boasting Souldier then a kingly Courtier . Notwithstanding , it shall not be amisse to annexe a line or two .

From English Edward to the fairest faire .

Edward the fourth was by nature very chiualrous & very amorous , applying his sweet and amiable aspect to attaine his wanton appetite the rather , which was so well knowne to Lewes the French King , who at their enteruiew inuited him to Paris , that as Comineus reports , being taken at his word , he notwithstanding brake off the matter , fearing the Parisian Dames with their wittie conuersation , would detaine him longer then should be for his benefit , by which meanes Edward was disappointed of his iourney ; and albeit Princes whilst they liue haue nothing in them but what is admirable , yet wee need not mistrust the flattery of the Court in those times , for certaine it is that his shape was excellent , his haire drew neere to a black , making his faces fauor see me more delectable . Though the smalnes of his eyes full of a shin●ng moisture , as it tooke away some com●●nesse , so it argued much sharpnes of vnderstanding , and cruelty mingled therewith . And indeede George Buchanan ( that imperious Scot ) chargeth him & other Princes of those times , with affectation of tiranny , as Richard the third manifestly did .

When first attracted by thy heauenly eyes ,

Edwards intemperate desires , with which he was wholy ouercome , how tragically they in his ofspring were punished , is vniuersally known . A mirrhor representing their ouersight , that rather leaue their children what to possesse , then what to imitate .

How silly is the Polander and Dane , To bring vs Christall from the frozen maine .

Alluding to their opinions , who imagine Christall to be a kind of Ice , and therefore it is likely , they who come from the frozen parts , should bring great store of that transparent stone , which is thought to be congealed with extreame cold . Whether Christall be Ice or some other liquor , I omit to dispute , yet by the examples of Amber and Corall there may be such an induration , for S●lmus out of Plinie mentioneth , that in the Northerly Region a yellow ielly is taken vp out of the Sea at low tides , which he calls Succinum , we Amber ; so likewise out of the Ligusticke deepe , a part of the Meridian Sea , a greenish stalke is gathered , which hardned in the ayre , becomes to be Corrall , eyther white or red . Amber notwithstanding is thought to drop out of trees , as appeares by Martials Epigram .

Et latet , et lucet Phaethontide gutta , Vt videantur apis nectare clausa suo , Dignum tantorum pretium tulit ille laborum , Credibile est ipsam sic voluisse mor● .

To behold a Bee inclosd in Electrum , is not so rare as that a boyes throat should be cut with the fall of an Icesicle , the which Epigram is excellent , the 18. lib. 4. He calls it Paethontis gutta , because of that fable which Ouid rehearseth , concerning the Heliades , or Phaetons sisters metamorphozed into those trees , whose gum is Amber , where flies alighting , are oftentimes tralucently imprisoned .

The Epistle of Shores wife to King Edward the fourth . AS the weak child , that from the mothers wing , Is taught the Lutes delicious fingering , At euery strings soft touch , is mou'd with feare , Noting his maisters curious listning eare ; whose trembling hand , at euery straine bewraies , In what doubt he , his new set lesson plaies ; As this poore child , so sit I to indite , At euery word still quaking as I write . Would I had led an humble shepheards life , Nor knowne the name of Shores admired wife , And liu'd with them in Country fields that range , Nor seen the golden Cheap , nor glittering Change To stand a Comet gaz'd at in the skies , Subiect to all tongues , obiect to all eyes , Oft haue I heard my beauty praisd of many , But neuer yet so much admir'd of any ; A Princes Eagle-eye to finde out that , which vulgar sights doe sildome wonder at , Makes me to thinke affection flatters sight , Or in the obiect some thing exquisite . To housed beauty , sildome stoop's report , Fame must attend on that which liues in Court . What Swan of great Apollos brood doth sing To vulgar loue , in courtly Sonetting ? Or what immortall Poets sugred pen , Attends the glory of a Cittizen ? Oft haue I wondred what should blinde your eye , Or what so far seduced Maiestie , That hauing choyse of beauties so diuine , Amongst the most to choose this least of mine ? More glorious sunnes adorne faire Londons pride , Then all rich Englands continent beside ; Who takes in hand to make account of this , May number Rumneys flowers , or Isis fish ; who doth frequent our Temples , walkes , and streets , Noting the sundry beauties that he meets , Thinks not that Nature left the wide world poore , And made this place the Chequer of her store ? As heauen and earth were lately fallne at iarrs , And growne to vying wonders , dropping starrs . That if but some one beautie should incite , Some sacred Muse , some rauisht spirit to write , Heere might he fetch that true Promethian fire , As after ages should his lines admire ; Gathering the honny from the choysest flowers , Scorning the wither'd weedes in Country bowers . Heere in this Garden ( onely ) springs the Rose , In euery common hedge the Bramble growes , Nor are wee so turn'd Neapolitan , That might incite some foule-mouth Mantuan , To all the worlde to lay out our defects , And haue iust cause to raile vpon our sexe ; To pranck old wrinckles vp in new attire , To alter natures course , proue time a lyer , Abusing fate , and heauens iust doome reuerse , On beauties graue to set a Crimson hearse , with a deceitfull foyle to lay a ground , To make a glasse to seeme a Diamond . Nor cannot without hazard of our Name , In fashion follow the Venetian Dame , Nor the fantastick French to imitate , Attir'd halfe Spanish , halfe Italionate ; Nor wast , not curle , body nor brow adorne , That is in Florence , or in Genoa borne . But with vaine boasts how witlesse fond am I , Thus to draw on mine owne indignitie ? And what though married when I was but young , Before I knew what did to loue belong , Yet he which now 's possessed of the roome , Cropt beauties flower when it was in the bloome , An● goes away enriched with the store , whilst others gleane , where he hath reapt before ; And he dares sweare that I am true and iust , And shall I then deceiue his honest trust ? Or what strange hope should make you to assaile , where strongest battery neuer could preuaile ? Belike you thinke that I repulst the rest , To leaue a King the conquest of my brest , Or haue thus long preseru'd my selfe from all , A Monarch now should glory in my fall . Yet rather let me die the vildest death , Then liue to draw that sinne-polluted breath ; But our kinde harts , mens teares cannot abide , And we least angry oft , when most we chide ; Too well know men what our creation made vs , And nature too well taught them to inuade vs . They know but too well , how , what , when , and where , To write , to speake , to sue , and to forbeare , By signes , by sighes , by motions , and by teares , when vowes should serue , when othes , when smiles , when prayers , what one delight our humors most doth moue , Onely in that you make vs nourish loue . If any naturall blemish blot our face , You doe protest it giues our beautie grace , And what attire we most are vsd to weare , That of all other excellent'st you sweare . And if we walke , or sit , or stand , or lie , It must resemble some one Deitie , And what you know we take delight to heare , That are you euer sounding in our eare ; And yet so shamelesse when you tempt vs thus , To lay the fault on beauty , and on vs . Romes wanton Ouid did those rules impart , O that your nature should behelp'd with Art . Who would haue thought , a King that cares to raigne , Inforc'd by loue , so Poet-like should faine ? To say that beautie , Times sterne rage to shun , In my cheekes ( Lillies ) hid her from the sun ; And when she meant to triumph in her May , Made that her East , and heere she broke her day , And swear'st that Sommer still is in my sight , And but where I am , all the world is night ; As though the fayr'st , ere since the world began , To me , a sun-burnt , base Egiptian ; But yet I know more then I meane to tell , ( O would to God you knew it not too well ) That women oft theyr most admirers raise , Though publiquely not flattering theyr owne prayse . Our churlish husbands , which our youth enioy'd , who with our dainties haue theyr stomacks cloyd , Doe loath our smooth hand with theyr lips to feele , T' enrich our fauours , by our beds to kneele ; At our commaund to waite , to send , to goe , As euery howre our amorous seruaunts doe ; which makes a stolne kisse often we bestow , In earnest of a greater good we owe ; When he all day torments vs with a frowne , Yet sports with Venus in a bed of Downe ; whose rude embracement , but too ill beseemes Her span-broade wast , her white and daintie limmes , And yet still preaching abstinence of meate , when he himselfe , of euery dish will eate . Blame you our husbands then , if they denie Our publique walking , our loose libertie , If wi●h exception still they vs debar , The circuite of the publique Theater ; To heare the smooth-tongu'd Poets Syren vaine , Sporting in his lasciuious Comick scene ; Or the young wanton wits , when they applaude The slie perswasions of some subtile Baude , Or passionate Tragedian in his rage , Acting a loue-sicke passion on the stage ; when though abroade restrayning vs to rome , They very hardly keepe vs safe at home , And oft are touch'd with feare and inward griefe , Knowing rich prizes soonest tempt a theefe . What sports haue we , whereon our minds to set ? Our dog , our Parrat , or our Marmuzet ; Or once , a weeke to walke into the field ; Small is the pleasure that those toyes doe yeeld , But to this griefe , a medicine you apply , To cure restraint with that sweet libertie ; And soueraigntie , ( ô that bewitching thing ) Yet made more great , by promise of a King ; And more , that honour which doth most intice The holiest Nunne , and she that 's nere so nice . Thus still we striue , yet ouer-come at length , For men want mercy , & poore women strength : Yet graunt , that we could meaner men resist , when kings once come , they conquer as they list . Thou art the cause Shore pleaseth not my sight , That his embraces giue me no delight ; Thou art the cause I to my selfe an strange , Thy comming , is my full , thy set , my change . Long winter nights be minutes , if thou here , Short minuts if thou absent , be a yeere . And thus by strength thou art become my sate , And mak'st me loue , euen in the midst of hate .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Would I had led an humble Shepheards life , Nor knowne the name of Shores admired 〈◊〉

TWo or three Poems written by sundry men , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 womans beautie ; whom that ornament of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more particular glory , Sir Thomas Moore , very highly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her beauty , she being aliue in his time , though 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Her stature was meane , her haire of a dark 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 full , her eye gra● , delicate harmony beeing betwixt each parts proportion , and each proportions colour , her body fat , white , & smooth , her countenaunce cheerefull , and like to her condition . That picture which I haue seene of hers , was such as she rose out of her bed in the morning , hauing nothing on but a rich mantle cast vnder one arme ouer her shoulder , and sitting in a chayre on which her naked arme did lie . What her fathers name was , or where she was borne is not certainly knowne ; but Shore a young man of right good person , wealth , and behauiour , abandoned her bed after the King had made her his Concubine . Richard the third causing her to do open penanc● in Paules Church-yarde , commaunded that no man should relieue her , which the tyrant did not so much for his hatred to sinne , but that by making his brothers life odious , he might couer his horrible trea●on the more cunningly .

May number Rumneys flowers or Isis fish .

Rumney is that famous Marsh in Kent , at whose side Rie a Hauen-towne dooth stand . Heereof the excellent English Antiquarie Maister Camden , and Maister Lambert in his preambulation do make mention , and Marishes are commonly called those low grounds , which abut vpon the sea , and from the Latine word are so denominated . Isis is here vsed for Thamesis by a Senecdochicall kind of speech or by a Poeticall libertie in vsing one for another , for it is said that Thamesis is compounded of Tame and Isis , making when they are mette , that renowned water running by London , a Citty much more renowned then that water : which beeing plentifull of fish , is the cause also why all things else are plentifull therein . Moreouer , I am perswaded that there is no Riuer in the world beholds more stately buildings on eyther side cleane through , then the Thames . Much is reported of the Graund Canale in Venice , for that the Fronts on eyther side are so gorgeous .

That might intice some foule-mouth'd Mantuan ,

Mantuan a pastorall Poet in one of his Eglogs bitterly inucyeth against woman-kinde , some of the which by way of an Appendex , might be heere inserted , seeing the fantasticke & insolent humors of many of that sexe deserue much sharper phisick , were it not that they are growne wiser , then to amende , for such an idle Poets speech as Mantuan , yea , or for Euripides himselfe , or Senecas inflexible Hippolitus .

The circuite of the publique Theater .

Ouid , a most fit Authour for so dissolute a Sectarie , calls that place Chastities ship wracke , for though Shores wife wantonly pleade for libertie , which is the true humor of a Curtizan , yet much more is the prayse of modestie then of such libertie . Howbeit the Vestall Nunnes had seates assigned them in the Romaine Theater , whereby it should appeare , it was counted no impeachment to modestie ; though they offending therein were buried quicke : a sharpe lawe for them , who may say as Shores wife doth .

When though abroad restrayning vs to rome , They very hardly keepe vs safe at home . FINIS .

Mary the French Queene , to Charles Brandon , Duke of Suffolke . The Argument .

Mary , the daughter of that renowned Prince King Henry the seauenth being very young at her Fathers death , after by her brother King Henry the eyght , was giuen in marriage to Lewes King of Fraunce , beeing a man olde and decrepit ; This faire and beautifull Lady , long before had placed her affection on Charles Brandon , Duke of suffolke , a braue and couragious young Gentleman , and an especiall fauorite of the King her brother , and a man raised by him . King Lewes , the husband of this beautifull Queene , liued not long after he was married ; and Charles Brandon hauing commission from the King to bring her backe into England , but being delayed by some sinister meanes , the French Queene writeth this Epistle , to hasten the Duke forward on his intended voyage to Fraunce .

SVch health from heauen my selfe may wish to mee , Such health from Fraunce , Queen Mary sends to thee , Brandon , how long mak'st thou excuse to stay , And know'st how ill we women brooke delay ? If one poore Channell thus can part vs two , Tell me ( vnkind ) what would an Ocean do ? Leander had an Hellespont to swim , Yet this from Hero could not hinder him ; His barke ( poore soule ) his breast , his armes , his oares : But thou a ship , to land thee on our shores ; And opposite to famous Kent doth lie , The pleasant fields of flowry Picardie , where our faire Callice , walled in her sands , In kenning of the clifie Douer stands . Heere is no Beldame Nurse to pout or lower , when wantoning , we reuell in my Tower ; Nor neede I top my Turret with a light , To guide thee to me , as thou swim'st by night ; Compar'd with me , wert thou but halfe so kind , Thy sighs should stuffe thy sailes , though wanting wind ; But thy breast is becalm'd , thy sighs be slacke , And mine too stiffe , and blow thy broad sailes backe . But thou wilt say , that I should blame the stood ; Because the wind so full against thee stood ; Nay blame it not , it did so roughly blow , For it did chide thee , for thou wast so slow : For it came not to keepe thee in the Bay , But came from me , to bid thee come away . But that thou vainely lett'st occasion slide , Thou might'st haue wafted hether with the tide . If when thou com'st , I knit mine angrie brow , Blame me not Brandon , thou hast broke thy vow ; Yet if I meant to frowne , I might be dombe , For this may make thee stand in doubt to come : Nay come sweet Charles , haue care thy ship to guide ; Come my sweet hart , in faith I will not chide . When as my brother and his louely Queene In sad attire for my depart were seene , The vtmost date expired of my stay , when I from Douer did depart away , Thou know'st what woe I suffered for thy sake , How oft I fain'd of thee my leaue to take ; God and thou know'st with what a heauie hart I tooke my farewell when I should depart ; And being ship'd , gaue signall with my hand , Vp to the Cliffe , where I did see thee stand , Nor could refraine in all the peoples view , But cried to thee , sweet Charles adiew , adiew . Looke how a little infant that hath lost , The things where-with it was delighted most , weary with seeking , to some corner creepes , And there ( poore soule ) it sits it downe and weepes ; And when the Nurse would faine content the mind , Yet still it mournes for that it cannot find : Thus in my carefull Cabin did I lie , when as the ship out of the Road did slie . Think'st thou my loue was faithfull vnto thee , when young Castile to England su'd for mee ? Be judge thy selfe , if it were not of power , when I refus'd an Empire for my dower . To Englands Court , when once report did bring● How thou in Fraunce didst reuell with the King , when he in triumph of his victory , Vnder a rich imbrodered Canapy , Entred proud Tournay , which did trembling stand , To beg for mercy at his conquering hand ; To heare of his enderements , how I ioy'd ? But see , this calme was sodainly destroy'd , When Charles of Castile there to banquet came , with him his sister that ambitious Dame , Sauoys proud Dutches , knowing how long she , By her loue sought to win my loue from me ; Fearing my absence might thy vowes acquite , To change thy Mary for a Margarite , when in King Henries Tent of cloth of gold , Shee often did thee in her armes enfold ; where you were feasted more deliciously , Then Cleopatra did Marke-Anthony , where sports all day did entertaine your sight , And then in maskes you pass'd away the night ; But thou wilt say , t is proper vnto vs , That we by nature all are iealous . I must confesse t is oft found in our sexe , But who not loue , not any thing suspects ? True loue doth looke with pale suspicious eye , Take away loue , if you take iealousie . When Henry , Turwin , and proud Turnay won , Little thought I the end when this begun ; when Maximilian to those wars adrest , ware Englands Crosse on his imperiall brest , And in our Armie let his Eagle flie , And had his pay from Henries treasurie , Little thought I when first began these wars , My marriage day should end those bloody iars ; From which I vow , I yet am free in thought , But this alone by Woolseys wit was wrought . To his aduise the King gaue free consent , That will I , nill I , I must be content . My virgins right , my state could not aduance , But now enriched with the dower of Fraunce ; Then , but poore Suffolkes Dutches had I beene , Now , the great Dowager , the most Christian Queene . But I perceiue where all thy griefe doth lie , Lewes of Fraunce had my virginitie ; He had indeed , but shall I tell thee what , Beleeue me Brandon he had scarcely that ; Good feeble King , he could not doe much harme , But age must needs haue something that is warme ; Smal drops ( God knowes ) doe quench that heatlesse fire , when all the strength is onely in desire . And I could tell ( if modesty might tell , ) There 's somewhat else that pleaseth Louers well , To rest his cheeke , vpon my softer cheeke , was all he had , and more he did not seeke . So might the little babie clip the nurse , And it content , she neuer a whit the worse ; Then thinke this Brandon , if that makes thee frowne , For mayden-head he , on my head set a Crowne , who would exchaunge a Kingdome for a kisse ? Hard were the hart that would not yeeld him this ; And time yet halfe so swiftly doth not passe , Not full fiue months yet elder then I was . When thou to Fraunce conducted was by fame , with many Knights which from all Countries came , Installed at S. Dennis in my throne , where Lewes held my coronation ; Where the proud Dolphin , for thy valour sake , Chose thee at tilt his princely part to take ; when as the staues vpon thy caske did light , Greeued there-with , I turn'd away my sight ; And spake aloud , when I my selfe forgot , T is my sweet Charles , my Brandon , hurt him not : But when I fear'd the King perceiued this , Good silly man , I pleas'd him with a kisse ; And to extoll his valiant sonne began , That Europe neuer bred a brauer man ; And when ( poore King ) he simply praised thee , Of all the rest I ask'd which thou should'st be ? Thus I with him , dissembled for thy sake , Open confession now amends must make . Whilst this old King vpon a pallet lies , And onely holds a combat with mine eyes ; Mine eies from his , by thy sight stolne away , which might too well their Mistres thoughts bewray . But when I saw thy proud vnconquered Launce , To beare the prize from all the flower of Fraunce , To see what pleasure did my soule imbrace , Might easily be discerned in my face . Looke as the dew vpon a Damaske-Rose , How through that clearest pearle his blushing showes , And when the soft ayre breathes vpon his top , From those sweet leaues falls easilly drop by drop ; Thus by my cheeke , downe rayning from mine eyes , One teare for ioy , anothers roome supplies . Before mine eye ( like touch ) thy shape did proue , Mine eye condemn'd my too too partiall loue ; But since by others I the same doe trie , My loue condemnes my too too partiall eye . The precious stone most beautifull and rare , when with it selfe we onely doe compare , wee deeme all other of that kind to be , As excellent as that we onely see ; But when we iudge of that with others by , Too credulous we doe condemne our eye , which then appeares more orient & more bright As from their dimnes , borrowing great light . Alansoon , a fine timbered man , and tall , Yet wants the shape thou are adornd withall ; Vandon , good carriage , and a pleasing eye , Yet hath not Suffolkes Princely maiestie ; Couragious Burbon , a sweet manly face , But yet he wants my Brandons courtly grace . Proud Long auile , our Court iudg'd had no peere , A man scarce made ( was thought ) whilst thou wast heere . County S. Paule , brau'st man a● armes in Fraunce , would yeeld himselfe a Squire to beare thy Launce ; Galleas and Bounearme , matchlesse for their might , Vnder thy towring blade haue coucht in fight . If with our loue , my brother angrie bee , I le say for his sake I first loued thee ; And but to frame my liking to his mind , Neuer to thee had I beene halfe so kind . Should not the sister like as doth the brother , The one of vs should be vnlike the other . Worthy my loue , the vulgar iudge no man , Except a Yorkist , or Lancastrian ; Nor thinke that my affection should be set , But in the line of great Plantaginet . I passe not what the idle Commons say , I pray thee Charles make hah and come away . To thee what 's England , if I be not there ? Or what to me is Fraunce , if thou not heere ? Thy absence makes me angry for a while , But at thy presence I must needlsy smile . When last of me his leaue my Brandon tooke , He sware an oath , ( and made my lips the booke ) He would make hast , which now thou doo'st deny Thou art forsworne , ô wilfull periury . Sooner would I with greater sinnes dispence , Then by intreaty pardon this offence . But yet I thinke , if I should come to shriue thee , Great were the fault that I should not forgiue thee ; Yet wert thou heere , I should reuenged be , But it should be with too much louing thee . I , that is all that thou shalt feare to tast , I pray thee Brandon come , sweet Charles make hast .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . The vtmost date expired of my stay , When I for Douer did depart away .

KIng Henry the 8. with the Queene and Nobles , in the 6. yeere of his raigne , in the moneth of September , brought this ladie to Douer , where she tooke shipping for Fraunce .

Think'st thou my loue was faithfull vnto thee , When young Castile ' to England su'd for me .

It was agreed and concluded betwixt Hen. the 7. and Phillip King of Castile , Sonne to Maximilean the Emperour , that Charles eldest sonne of the said Phillip , should marry the Lady Mary , daughter to King Henry , when they came to age : which agreement was afterward in the 8. yeere of Henry the 8. annihilated .

When he in triumph of his victory , Vnder a rich embrodered Canapy , Entred proud Turney which did trembling stand . &c.

Henry the 8. after th● long siege of Turnay , which was deliuered to him vpon composition , entred the Citty in triumph , vnder a Can●py of cloth of gold , borne by foure of the chiefe and most noble Citizens ; the King himselfe mounted vpon a gallant courser barbed with the Armes of England , Fraunce , and Ireland .

When Charles of Castile there to ba●quet came , With him his sister , that ambitious Dame , Sauoys proud Dutches.

The King beeing at Tournay , there came to him the Prince of Castile , & the Lady Margaret Dutches of Sauoy his sister , to whom King Henry gaue great entertainment .

Sauoys proude Dutches , knowing how long shee By her loue sought to win my loue from mee .

At this time there was speech of a marriage to be concluded , betweene Charles Brandon then L. Lisle , & the Dutches of Sauoy , the L. Lisle being highly fauoured , & exceedingly beloued of the Dutches.

When in King Henrie● Tent of cloth of gold ,

The King caused a rich Tent of cloth of gold to be erected , where he feasted the Prince of Castile & the Dutches , and entertained them with sumptuous maskes and banquets during their aboad .

When Maximilian to those wars addrest W●re Englands Crosse on his imperiall breast ,

Maximilian the Emperour with all his souldiours , which serued vnder King Henry , wore the crosse of S. George , with the Rose on their breasts .

And in our Armi● let his Eagle flie ,

The blacke Eagle is the badge imperiall , which here is vsed for the displaying of his ensigne or standard .

And had his pay from Henries treasurie .

Henry the 8. at his wars in Fraunce , retained the Emperour & all his Souldiours in wages , which serued vnder him during those warres .

But this alone by Wolseys wit was wrought ,

Thomas Wolsey , the Kings Almoner , then Bishoppe of Lincolne , a man of great authoritie with the king , & afterward Cardinall , was the thiefe cause that the Lady Mary was married to the old French king , with whom the French King had dealt vnderhand to be friend him in that match .

When the proude Dolphin for thy valour sake , Chose thee at tylt his pr●ncely part to take .

Frauncis Duke of Valoyes , and Dolphin of Fraunce , at the mariage of the Lady Mary , in honour thereof proclaimed a Iusts , where hee chose the Duke of Suffolke , and the Marques Dorset for his aydes , at all martiall exercises .

Galeas , and Bounarme , matchles for their might ,

This County Galeas at the Iusts ran a course with a Speare , which was at the head fiue inches square on euery side , and at the But nine inches square , whereby here shewed his wondrous force and strength . This Bounarme , a Gentleman of Fraunce , at the same time came into the field armed at all points with tenne speares about him● in each stirrop three , vnder each thigh one , one vnder his left arme , and one in his hand , and putting his horse to the careere , neuer stopped him till he had broken euery staffe . Hall .

Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk , to Mary the French Queene . BVt that thy fayth commaunds me to forbeare , The fault thine owne , if I impatient were ; were my dispatch such as should be my speed , I should want time thy louing lines to reede , Heere in the Court , Camelion like I fare , And as that creature , onely liue by ayre , All day I waite , and all the night I watch , And starue mine eares to heare of my dispatch ; If Douer were th' Abydos of my rest , Or pleasant Callice were my Maries Cest , Thou should'st not neede , fayre Queene to blame me so , Did not the distance to desire say no , No tedious night from trauell should be free , Till through the waues , with swimming vnto thee A snowy path I made vnto thy Bay , So bright as is that Nectar-stayned way The restlesse sunne by trauailing doth weare , Passing his course to finish vp the yeare . But Paris locks my loue within the maine , And London yet they Brandon doth detaine , Of thy firme loue thou put'st me still in mind , But of my faith , not one word can I finde . When Longauile to Mary was affied , And thou by him wast made King Lewis bride , How oft I wish'd that thou a prize might'st bee That I in Armes might combat him for thee , And in the madnes of my loue distraught , A thousand times his murther haue ●ore-thought But that th' all-seeing powers which sit aboue , Regard not mad mens oathes , nor faults in loue , And haue confirm'd it by the graunt of heauen , That Louers sinnes on earth should be forgiuen ; For neuer man is halfe so much distrest , As he that loues to see his loue possest . Comming to Richmond after thy depart ( Richmond , where first thou stol'st away my hart ) Me thought it look'd not as it did of late , But wanting thee , forlorne , and desolate , In whose fayere walkes thou often hast beene seene , To sport with Katherine , Henries beautious Queene● Astonishing sad winter with thy sight , As for thy sake , the day hath put back night ; That the byrds thinking to approach the spring , Forgot themselues , and haue begun to sing : So oft I goe by Thames , so oft returne , Me thinks for thee the Riuer yet doth mourne , who I haue seene to let her streame at large , which like a Hand-maide waited on thy Barge ; And if thou hapst against the flood to row , which way it ebd before , now would it flow , weeping in drops vpon thy labouring oares , For ioy that it had got thee from the shoares . The Swans with musick that the Roothers make Ruffing theyr plumes , come gliding on the lake , As the fleet Dolphins , by Arions strings , were brought to land with their sweet rauishings , The flocks & heards that pasture neer the flood , To gaze vpon thee , haue forborne theyr food ; And sate downe sadly , mourning by the brim , That they by nature were not made to swim● When as the Post to Englands royall Court , Of thy hard passage brought the true report , How in a storme thy well rigg'd ships were tost , And thou thy selfe in danger to be lost , I knew t was Venus loth'd that aged bed , where beautie so should be dishonoured ; Or fear'd the Sea-Nimphs haunting of the Lake , If thou but seene , theyr Goddesse should forsake . And whirling round her Doue-drawne Coach about , To view thy Nauie now in launching out , Her ayrie mantle loosely doth vnbind , Which fanning forth a rougher gale of winde , wafted thy failes with speede vnto the land , And runnes thy ship on Bullins harbouring strand . How should I ioy of thy ariue to heare ? But as a poore sea-faring passenger , After long trauaile , tempest-torne & wrack'd , By some vnpitting Pyrat that is sack'd ; Heares the false robber that hath stolne his wealth , Landed in some safe harbour , and in health , Enriched with inualuable store , For which he long hath trauailed before . When thou to Abuile held'st th' appointed day , wee heard how Lewes met thee on the way , where thou in glittering Tissue strangely dight , Appear'dst vnto him , like the Queene of light , In cloth of siluer all thy virgine traine , In beautie sumptuous , as the Northerne waine ; And thou alone the formost glorious star , which lead'st the teame of that great Wagoner . What could thy thought be , but as I doe thinke , when thine eyes tasted , what mine eares did drinke ? A cripple King layd bedrid long before , Yet at thy comming crept out of the dore , T' was well he rid , he had no legs to goe , But this thy beautie forc'd his body to ; For whom a cullice had more fitter beene , Then in a golden bed a gallant Queene . To vse thy beauty as the miser gold , which hoards it vp but onely to behold , Still looking on it with a iealous eye , Fearing to lend , yet louing vsurie ; O Sacriledge , ( if beautie be diuine , ) The prophane hand should touch the halowed shrine . To surfet sicknes on the sound mans diet , To rob Content , yet still to liue vnquiet , And hauing all , to be of all beguild , And yet still longing like a little child● When Marques Dorset and the valiant Grayes To purchase fame first crost the narrow Seas , with all the Knights that my associates went , In honour of thy nuptiall turnament , Thinkst thou I ioy'd not in thy Beauties pride ? when thou in triumph didst through Paris ride , where all the streets as thou didst pace along with Arras , Bisse , and Tapestry were hong ; Ten thousand gallant Cittizens prepar'd , In rich attire thy princely selfe to guard ; Next them , three thousand choise religious men , In golden vestments followed on agen ; And in procession as they came along , with Hymeneus sang thy marriage song . Then fiue great Dukes , as did theyr places fall , To each of these , a Princely Cardinall , Then thou on thy imperiall Chariot set , Crown'd with a rich imperled Coronet , whilst the Parisian Dames , as thy traine past , Their precious Incence in aboundance cast . As Cinthia from the waue-embatteld shrouds , Opening the west , comes streaming through the clouds , with shining troupes of siluer-tressed stars Attending on her , as her Torch-bearers , And all the lesser lights about her throne , With admiration stand as lookers on ; whilst shee alone in height of all her pride , The Queene of light , along her spheare doth glide , When on the tylt my Horse like thunder came , No other signall had I but thy name , Thy voyce my trumpet , and my guide thine eyes , And but thy beautie , I esteem'd no prize . That large● limd Almaine of the Gyants race , which bare strength on his breast , feare in his face , whose sinewed armes , with his steele-tempered blade , Through plate and male , such open passage made , Vpon whose might the French-mens glory lay , And all the hope of that victorious day , Thou saw'st thy Brandon beate him on his knee , Offring his shield a conquered spoile to thee , But thou wilt say , ( perhaps ) I vainely boast And tell thee that which thou alreadie know'st , No sacred Queene , my valour I denie , It was thy beautie , not my chiualry ; One of thy tressed curles which falling downe , As loth to be imprisoned in thy Crowne , I saw the soft ayre sportiuely to take it , To diuers shapes and sundry formes to make it , Now parting it to foure , to three , to twaine , Now twisting it , and then vntwist againe ; Then make the threds to dally with thine eye , A sunny candle , for a golden flie . At length from thence one little teare it got , which falling downe as though a star had shot , My vp-turnd eye pursues it with my sight , The which againe redoubleth all my might . T is but in vaine , of my descent to boast , when heauens Lampe shines , all other lights be lost , Faulcons gaze not , the Eagle sitting by , whose broode suruayes the sunne with open eye ; Else might my blood finde issue from his force , In Bosworth plaine , beate Richard from his horse , whose puissant Armes , great Richmond chose to weeld , His glorious colours in that conquering feeld ; And with his sword in his deere soueraignes fight , To his last breath , stood fast in Henries right . Then beautious Empresse , thinke this safe delay , Shall be the euen to a ioyfull day ; Fore-sight doth still on all aduantage lie , wise-men must giue place to necessity , To put backe ill , our good we must forbeare , Better first feare , then after still to feare . T were ouer-sight in that at which we ayme , To put the hazard on an after-game ; with patience then let vs our hopes attend , And till I come , receiue these lines I send .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . When Longauile to Mary was affied ,

THE Duke of Longauile which was prisoner in England vpon the peace to be concluded between England & France , was deliuered , and maried the Princesse Mary , for Lewes the French king his master●

How in a storme thy well rigg'd ships were tost , And thou &c.

As the Queene sayled for Fraunce , a mighty storme arose at sea , so that the Nauy was in great danger , & was seuered , some driuen vpon the coast of Flanders , some on Brittaine : the ship wherin the queene was , was driuen into the Hauon at Bullen with very great danger .

When thou to Abuile heldst th' appointed day .

King Lewes met her by Abuile , neere to the Forrest of Arders , and ●rought her into Abuile with great solemnitie .

Appear'dst vnto him like the Queene of Light .

Expressing the sumptuous attire of the Queene & her traine , attended by the chiefe of the Nobilitie of England , with 36. Ladies all in cloth of siluer , their horses trapped with Crimson veluet .

A cripple King laid bedrid lo●g before .

King Lewes , was a man of great yeeres , troubled much with the gout , so that he had of long time before little vse of legs .

When Marques Dorset , and the valiant Grayes .

The Duke of Suffolk when the proclamation came into England , of Iusts to be holden in Fraunce at Paris , he for the Queenes sake his Mistres , obtained of the King to goe thither : with whom went the Marques Dorcet and his foure brothers , the Lord Clynton , Sir Edward Neuell , Sir Gyles Chappell , Tho. Cheyney : which went all ouer with the Duke as his assistants .

When thou in triumph didst through Paris ride

A true description of the Queenes ●ntring into Paris , after her co●onation performd at S. Dennis .

Then fiue great Dukes as did their places fall .

The Dukes of Alansoon , Burbon , Vandome , Longauile , Suffolke , with fiue Cardinals .

That large-limd Almaine of the Gyants race .

Frauncis Valoys , the Dolphin of France enuying the glory , that the Englishmen had obtained at the tilt , brought in an Almaine secretly , a man thought almost of incomparable strength , which encountred . Charles Brandon at Barriers , but the Duke grappling with him , so bea● him about the head with the pomel of his sword , that the blood came out of the sight of his Caske .

Else might my blood find issue from his force , In Bosworth , &c.

Sir William Brandon standard-beater to the Earle of Richmond ( after Henry the 7. ) at Bosworth field , a braue and gallant Gentleman ; who was slaine by Richard there , this was Father to this Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolke .

FINIS .

Henry Howard Earle of Surrey to Geraldine . The Argument .

Henry Howard , that true noble Earle of Surrey , and excellent Poet , falling in loue with Geraldine ; descended of the noble family of the Fitzgeralds of Ireland , a faire & modest Lady ; and one of the honourable maids to Quene Katherine Dowager : eternizeth her prayses in many excellent Poems , of rare and sundrie inuentions : and after some few yeares beeing determined to see that famous Italy , the source and Helicon of all excellent Arts ; first visiteth that renowned Florence , from whence the Geralds challence their descent , from the ancient familie of the Geraldi ; there in honour of his mistresse be aduanceth her picture : and challengeth to maintaine her beauty by deeds of Armes against all that durst appeare in the lists , where after the proofe of his braue and incomparable valour , whose arme crowned her beauty with eternall memorie , he writeth this Epistle to his deerest Mistres .

FRom learned Florence , ( long time rich in same ) From whence thy race , thy noble Grandsires came , To famous England , that kind nurse of mine , Thy Surrey sends to heauenly Geraldine , Yet let not Thuscan thinke I doe her wrong , That I from thence write in my natiue tongue , That in these harsh-tun'd cadences I sing , Sitting so neere the Muses sacred spring , But rather thinke her selfe adorn'd thereby , That England reads the praise of Italy . Though to the Thuscans , I the smoothnes grant , Our dialect no maiestie doth want , To set thy prayses in as hie a key , As Fraunce , or Spaine , or Germany , or they , That day I quit the Fore-land of faire Kent , And that my ship her course for Flandersbent ; Yet thinke I with how many a heauy looke , My leaue of England and of thee I tooke , And did intreat the tide ( if it might be ) But to conuey me one sigh backe to thee , Vp to the decke a billow lightly skips , Taking my sigh , and downe againe it slips ; Into the gulfe it selfe , it headlong throwes , And as a Post to England-ward it goes ; As I sit wondring how the rough seas stird , I might far off perceiue a little bird , which as she faine from shore to shore would flie Hath lost her selfe in the broad vastie skie , Her feeble wing beginning to deceiue her , The seas , of life still gaping to bereaue her ; Vnto the ship she makes which she discouers , And there ( poore foole ) a while for refuge houers , And when at length her flagging pineon failes Panting she hangs vpon the ratling failes , And being forc'd to loose her hold with paine , Yet beaten off , she straight lights on againe , And tost with flawes , with stormes , with wind , with wether , Yet still departing thence , still turneth thether , Now with the Poope , now with the Prow doth beare , Now on this side , now that , now heer● , now there , Methinks these stormes should be my sad depart , The silly helpelesse bird , is my poore bart , The ship , to which for succour it repaires , That is your selfe , ( regardlesse of my cares ) Of euery surge doth fall , or waue doth rise , To some one thing I sit and moralize . When for thy loue I left the Belgick shore , Diuine Erasmus , and our famous Moore , whose happy presence gaue me such delight As made a minute of a winters night ; with whom a while I stai'd at Roterdame , Now so renowned by Erasmus name . Yet euery houre did seeme a world of time , Till I had seene that soule-reuiuing clime , And thought the foggy Netherlands vnfit , A watry soyle to clog a fiery wit ; And as that wealthy Germany I past , Comming vnto the Emperors Court at last , Great learn'd Agrippa , so profound in Art , who the infernall secrets doth impart , when of thy health I did desire to know , Me in a glasse my Geraldine did shew , Sicke in thy bed , and for thou couldst net sleepe , By a watch Taper set thy light to keepe ; I doe remember thou didst read that Ode , Sent backe whilst I , in Thanet made abode , where as thou cam'st vnto the word of loue , Euen in thine eyes I saw how passion stroue ; That snowy Lawne which couered thy bed , Me thought look'd white , to see thy cheeke so red , Thy rosie cheeke , oft changing in my sight , Yet still was red , to see the Lawne so white ; The little Taper which should giue thee light , Me thought wax'd dim , to see thy eye so bright ; Thine eye againe supplies the Tapers turne , And with his beames doth make the Taper burne ; The shrugging ayre about thy Temple hurles , And wraps thy breath in little clouded curles , And as it doth ascend , it straight doth ceaze it , And as it sinks , it presently doth raise it ; Canst thou by sicknes banish beauty so ? Which if put from thee , knowes not where to goe ; To make her shift , and for her succour seeke , To euery riueld face , each bankrupt cheeke , If health preseru'd , thou beauty still doost cherish , If that neglected , beauty soone doth perish . Care , drawes on care , woe comforts woe againe , Sorrow breeds sorrow , one griefe brings forth twaine , If liue or die , as thou doost , so doe I , If liue , I liue , and if thou die , I die , One hart , one loue , one ioy , one griefe , one troth , One good , one ill , one life , one death , to both , If Howards blood , thou hold'st as but too vile , Or not esteem'st of Norfolks Princely stile , If Scotlands coate no marke of fame can lend , That Lion plac'd in our bright siluer bend , which as a Trophy beautifies our shield , Since Scottish blood discoloured Floden field ; When the proud Cheuiot our braue Ensigne beare , As a rich iewel in a Ladies haire , And did faire Bramstons neighbouring valies choke , with clouds of Canons , fire disgorged smoke , Or Surreys Earldome insufficient be , And not a dower so well contenting thee ; Yet am I one of great Apollos heires , The sacred Muses challenge me for theirs ; By Princes , my immortall lines are sung , My flowing verses grac'd with euery tung ; The little children when they learne to goe , By painefull mothers daded to and fro , Are taught my sugred numbers to rehearse , And haue their sweet lips season'd with my verse ; when heauen would striue to doe the best it can , And put an Angels spirit into a man ; The vtmost power in that great worke doth spend , when to the world a Poet it doth intend , That little difference twixt the Gods and vs , ( By them confirm'd ) distinguish'd onely thus , whom they in birth , ordaine to happie daies , The Gods commit , their glory to our praise , To eternall life when they dissolue that breath , we likewise share a second power by death : When time shall turne those Amber curles to gray , My verse againe shall guild and make them gay , And trick them vp in knotted curles anew , And in the autumne giue a sommers hue ; That sacred power , that in my Inke remaines , Shall put fresh blood into thy wither'd vaines , And on thy red decay'd , thy whitenes dead , Shall set a white , more white , a red , more red ; When thy dim sight thy glasse cannot discry . Thy crazed mirrhor cannot see thine eye ; My verse to tell , what eye , what mirrhor was , Glasse to thine eye , an eye vnto thy glasse , where both thy mirrhor and thine eye shall see , what once thou saw'st , in that , that saw in thee , And to them both shall tell the simple truth , what that in purenes was , what thou in youth . If Florence once should loose her old renowne , As Famous Athence , now a fisher towne , My lines for thee a Florence shall erect , which great Apollo euer shall protect , And with the numbers from my pen that falls , Bring Marble mines to recrect those walls ; Nor beauteous Stanhope , whom all tongs report , To be the glory of the English Court , Shall by our Nation be so much admir'd , If euer Surrey truly were inspir'd . And famous Wyat , who in numbers sings , To that inchanting Thracian Harpers strings , To whom Phoebus ( the Poets God ) did drinke , A bowle of Nectar , fill'd vnto the brinke , And sweet-tongu'd Bryan ( whom the Muses kept And in his Cradle rockt him whilst he slept , ) In sacred verses ( so diuinely pend ) Vpon thy prayses euer shall attend . What time I came vnto this famous Towne , And made the cause of my arriuall knowne , Great Medices a list ( for triumphs ) built , within the which , vpon a tree of gilt , with thousand sundry rare deuises set , ) I did erect thy louely counterfet , To aunswere those Italian Dames desire , which daily came thy beautie to admire . By which my Lyon in his gaping iawes Holdeth my Launce , and in his dreadfull pawes , Reacheth my Gauntlet vnto him that dare A beauty with my Geraldines compare . which when each manly valiant arme assayes , After so many braue tryumphant dayes , The glorious prize vpon my Launce I bare , By Heralds voyce proclaim'd to be thy share ; The shiuered staues here for thy beautie broke , with fierce encounters past at euery shock , when stormie courses answered cuffe for cuffe , Denting proude Beuers with the counter-buffe , Vpon an Altar burnt with holy flame , And sacrifiz'd as ensence to thy fame . Where , as the Phenix from her spiced fume , Renues herselfe in that she doth consume , So from these sacred ashes liue we both , Euen as that one Arabian wonder doth . When to my chamber I my selfe retire , Burnt with the sparks that kindled all this fire , Thinking of England which my hope containes , The happy Ile where Geraldine remaines , Of Honsdon where , those sweet celestiall eyne , At first did pierce this tender breast of mine ; Of Hampton Court , and Windsore , where abound , All pleasures that in Paradice were found ; Neere that faire Castell is a little groue , with hanging rocks all couered from aboue , which on the banck of louely Thames doth stand , Clip'd by the water from the other Land , whose bushie top doth bid the sunne forbeare , And checks those proud beames that would enter there , whose leaues still muttering as the ayre doth breath , with the sweet bubling of the streame beneath , Doth rock the sences ( whilst the small birds sing , ) Lulled a sleepe with gentle murmuring , where light-foote Fayries sport at prison base , No doubt there is some power frequents the place , There the soft popler and smooth beech doe beare , Our names together carued euery where , And Gordian knots doe curiously entwine , The names of Henry , and of Geraldine . O let this Groue in happy times to come , Be call'd , The Louers bless'd Elizium , whether my Mistres wonted to resort , In Sommers heate , in pleasant shades to sport , A thousand sundry names I haue it giuen , And cald it Wonder-hider , Cou●● heauen , The roofe where beauty her rich 〈◊〉 doth keepe , Vnder whose compasse all the starres doe sleepe . There is one tree , which now I call to minde , Doth beare these verses carued in his rinde , When Geraldine shall sit in thy faire shade , Fan her sweet tresses with perfumed ayre , Let thy large boughes a Canapie be made , To keepe the Sunne from gazing on my faire , And when thy spredding branched armes be suncke , And thou no sap nor pith shalt more retaine , Eu'n from the dust of thy vnwieldy Truncke , I will renue thee Phoenix-like againe , And from thy dry decayed roote will bring , A new-borne Stem , another AEsons● spring . I finde no cause , nor iudge I reason why My country should giue place to Lumbardy ; As goodly flowers on Thamisis doe grow , As beautifie the banks of wanton Poo ; As many Nymphs as haunt rich Arnus strand , By siluer Sabrine tripping hand in hand . Our shades as sweet , though not to vs so deere , Because the sunne hath greater power heere , This distant place but giues me greater woe , Far off , my sighes the farther haue to goe . Ah absence why , thus shouldst thou seeme so long ? Or wherefore shouldst thou offer time such wrong ? Summer so soone , should steale on winters cold , Or winters blasts , so soone make summer old ? Loue did vs both with one selfe arrow strike , Our wounds both one , our ●ure should be the like , Except thou hast found out some meane by Art , Some powerfull medicine to withdraw the dart , But mine is fix'd , and absents phisick proued , It sticks too fast , it cannot be remooued . Adiew , adiew , from Florence when I goe , By my next letters Geraldine shall know , Which if good fortune shall my course direct , From Venice by some messenger expect , Till when I leaue thee to thy harts desire , By him that liues thy vertues to admire .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . From learned Florence , long time rich in fame .

FLorence a Citty of Thuscan , standing vpon the Riuer Arnus , ( celebrated by Dante , Petrarch , and other , the most noble wits of Italie , ) was the originall of the familie out of which this Geraldine did spring , as Ireland the place of her birth , which is intimated by these ver●es of the Earle of Surreys .

From Thuscan came my Ladies worthy race , Fayre Florence was sometime her ancient seate , The Westerne I le , whose pleasant shore doth face Wild Cambers cliffs , did giue her liuely heate . Great learn'd Agrippa so profound in Art .

Cornelius Agrippa , a man in his time so famous for magick ( which the bookes published by him , concerning that argument doe partlie proue ) as in this place needs no further remembrance . Howbeit , as those abstruse and gloomy Arts are but illusions , so in the honour of so rare a Gentleman as this Earle , ( and therewithall so noble a Poet ) ( a qualitie by which his other titles receiue their greatest luster ) inuention may make somewhat more bolde with Agrippa aboue the barren truth .

That Lyon set in our bright siluer bend .

The blazo● of the Howards honorable armour , was Gules betweene sixe crosselets Fitches a bend Argent , to which afterwardes was added by atchiuement , In the Canton point of the bend an escutcheon , or within the Scottish tressure a Dem●●ion rampant Gules &c. as Maister Camden now Clarenceaulx from authoritie noteth . Neuer shall time nor bitter enuy be able to obscure the brightnes of so great a victory as that for which this addition was obtained . The Historian of Scotland George Beuchanan reporteth , that the Earle of Surrey gaue for his badge a siluer Lyon , ( which from antiquitie belonged to that name ) tearing in peeces A Lyon prostrate Gules , and withall that this which he termes insolencie , was punished in him & his posterity , as if it were fatall to the conquerour to doe his soueraigne such loyall seruice as a thousand such seuere censurers were neuer able to performe .

Since Scottish blood discoloured Floden field .

The battell was fought at Bramstone neere to Flodden hill beeing a part of the Cheuiot , a mountaine that exceedeth all the mountaines in the North of England for bignes , in which the wilfull periurie of Iames the fifth was punished from heauen by the Earle of Surrey , being left by King Henry the eyght ( then in Fraunce before Turwin ) for the desence of his Realme .

Nor beautious Stanhope , whom all tongues report To be the glory &c.

Of the beautie of that Lady , he himselfe testifies in an Elegie which he writ of her refusing to daunce with him , which he seemeth to alegorize vnder a Lyon and a Wolfe . And of himselfe he saith .

A Lyon saw I late , as white as any snow .

And of her .

I might perceiue a Wolfe as white as Whalls bone , A fairer beast , of fresher hue , beheld I neuer none , But that her lookes were coy , and froward was her grace . And famous Wyat who in numbers sings

Sir Thomas Wyat the elder , a most excellent Poet , as his Poems extant doe witnes , besides certaine Encomions written by the Earle of Surrey vpon some of Dauids Psalmes , by him translated .

What holy graue , what worthy Sepulcher , To wyats Psalmes shall Christians purchase then .

And afterward vpon his death the said Earle writeth thus .

What vertues rare were tempred in thy brest ? Honour that England such a Iewell bred , And kisse the ground whereas thy corps did rest . At Honsdon , where those sweet celestiall eyne ,

It is manifest by a Sonnet written by this noble Earle , that the first time he beheld his Lady , was at Hunsdon .

Honsdon did first present her to mine eyne ,

Which Sonnet beeing altogether a description of his loue , I do alledge in diuers places of this glosse , as proofes of what I write .

Of Hampton Court and Windsore where abound , All pleasures , &c.

That hee enioyed the presence of his faire and vertuous mistris , in those two places , by reason of queene Katherines vsuall aboad there , ( on whom this Lady Geraldiue was attending ) I proue by these yerses of his .

Hampton me taught to wish her first for mine , Winsor alas doth chase me from her sight .

And in another Sonnet following .

When Winsor walls sustaind my wearied arme , My hand my chin , to ease my restles head .

And that his delight might draw him to compare Winsor to Paradice , an Elegy may proue , where he remembreth his passed pleasures in that place .

With a Kings sonne my childish yeeres I pass'd , In greater feast then Priams sonne of Troy :

And againe in the same Elegie .

Those large greene Courts , where we were wont to roue , With eyes cast vp vnto the maydens Tower , With easie sighs , such as men draw in loue .

And againe in the same .

The statelie seats , the Ladies bright of hue . The dances short , long tales of sweet delight .

And for the pleasant●es of the place , these verses of his may tosusie in the same Elegie before recited .

The secret groues which we haue made resound , With siluer drops the meads yet spread for ruth , As goodly flowers from Thamisis doe grow . &c.

I had thought in this place not to haue spoken of Thames beeing so oft remembred by me before in sundry other places on this occasion : but thinking of that excellent Epigram , which as I iudge either to be done by the said Earle or Sir Frauncis Brian : for the woorthinesse thereof I will heere insett , which as it seemes to me was compi●ed at the Authors beeing in Spayne .

Tagus farewell , which Westward with thy streames , Turn'st vp the graines of gold already tride , For I with spur and sayle goe seeke the Thames , Against the sun that shewes her wealthy pride ; And to the towne that Brutus sought by dreames , Like bended Moone that leanes her lustie side , To seeke my Country now , for whom I liue , O mighty Ioue , for this the winds mee giue . FINIS .

Geraldine to Henry Howard Earle of Surrey . SVch greeting as the noble Surrey sends , The same to thee thy Geraldine commends ; A maydens thoughts doe check my trembling hand , On other termes , or complements to stand , which ( might my speech be as my hart affords ) Should come attired in farre richer words ; But all is one , my faith as firme shall proue , As hers that makes the greatest show of loue . In Cupids Schoole I neuer read those bookes , whose lectures oft we practise in our lookes , Nor euer did suspitions riuall eye , Yet lie in waite my fauours to espie , My virgine thoughts are innocent and meeke , As the chast blushes sitting on my cheeke : As in a Feauer I doe shiuer yet , Since first my penne was to the paper set . If I doe erre , you know my sexe is weake , Feare proues a fault , where mayds are forc'd to speake● Doe I not ill ? ah sooth me not heerein , O , if I doe , reproue me of my sinne , Chide me infaith , or if my fault you hide , My tongue will teach my selfe , my selfe to chide . Nay noble Surrey , blot it if thou wilt , Then too much boldnes should returne my guilt ; For that should be euen from our selues conceal'd , which is disclosd , if to our thoughts reueal'd , For the least motion , more the smallest breath That may impeach our modestie , is death , The Page that brought thy Letters to my hand , ( Methinks ) should meruaile at my strange demaund , For till he blush'd , I did not yet espie , The nakednes of my immodestie , which in my face he greater might haue seene , But that my fanne I quickly put betweene ; Yet scarcely that my inward guilt could hide , Feare seeing all , feares it of all espide . Like to a Taper lately burning bright , Now wanting matter to maintaine his light . The blaze a●cending forced by the smoke , Liuing by that which seekes the same to choke ; The flame still hanging in the ayre doth burne , Vntill drawne downe , it back againe returne . Then cleere , then dim , then spreadeth , and then closeth , Now getteth strength , and now his brightnes looseth . As well the best discerning eye may doubt , Whether it yet be in , or whether out : Thus in my cheeke my diuers passions show'd , Now ashy pale , and now againe it glow'd ; If in your verse there be a power to moue , It 's you alone who are the cause I loue , It 's you bewitch my bosome by mine eare , Vnto that end I did not place you there . Ayres to asswage the bloody Souldiors mind , Poore women we are naturally kind . Perhaps yow 'll thinke that I these termes enforce , For that in Court this kindnes is of course , Or that it is that honey-steeped gall , we oft are said to bayte our loues withall , That in one eye we carry strong desire , The other drops which quickly quench the fire , Ah what so false can Enuie speake of vs , But shall finde some too vainly credulous ? I doe not so , and to adde proofe thereto , I loue in faith , in faith sweet Lord I do ; Nor let the enuie of enuenom'd tongues , which still is grounded on poore Ladies wrongs , Thy noble breast diasterly possesse , By any doubt to make my loue the lesse : My house from Florence I doe not pretend , Nor from Giraldi claime I to descend , Nor hold those honours insufficient are , That I receiue from Desmond or Kyldare ; Nor adde I greater worth vnto my blood , Than Irish milke to giue me Infant food , Nor better ayre will euer boast to breathe , Then that of Lenster , Mounster , or of Meathe , Nor craue I other forraine farre alies , Then Windsor or Fitz-geralds families . It is enough to leaue vnto my heires , If they will but acknowledge me for theirs . To what place euer did the Court remoue , But that the house giues matter to my loue , At Windsor still I see thee sit and walke , There mount thy courser , there deuise , there talk : The roabes , the garter , and the state of Kings , Into my thoughts thy hoped greatnes brings ; Nonsuch , the name imports ( me thinks ) so much , None such as thou , nor as my Lord , none such , In Hamptons great magnificence I finde , The liuely image of thy Princely minde ; Faire Richmonds towers like goodly pillers stand Rear'd by the power of thy victorious hand ; Whitehalls tryumphing Galleries are yet , Adorn'd with rich deuises of thy wit , In Greenwich yet as in a glasse I view , where last thou badst thy Geraldine adiew , with euerie little gentle breath that blowes , How are my thoughts confus'd with ioyes and woes , As through a gate , so through my longing eares , Passe to my hart whole multitude of feares ; O in a map that I might see thee show , The place where now in daunger thou dost goe ; In sweet discourse to trauaile with our eye , Romania , Tuscaine , and faire Lumbardy Or with thy penne exactly to set downe , The modell of that Tempell or that Towne , And to relate at large where thou hast beene , And there , & there , & what thou there hast seen . Or to describe by figure of thy hand , There Naples lies , and there doth Florence stand ; Or as the Grecians finger dip'd in wine , Drawing a Riuer in a little line , And with a drop , a gulfe to figure out , To modell Venice moted round about ; Then ading more , to counterfet a Sea , And draw the front of stately Genoa . These from thy lips were like harmonious tones , which now doe sound like Mandrakes dreadfull grones . Some trauell hence t' enrich their minds with skill , Leaue heere their good , and bring home others ill : which seeme to like all countries but their owne , Affecting most where they the least are knowne . Their leg , their thigh , their backe , their necke , their head , There form'd , there fetch'd , there found , there borrowed . In their attire , their iesture , and their gate , Fond in each one , in all Italionate . Italian , French , Dutch , Spanish altogether , Yet not all these , nor one entirely neyther . So well in all deformitie in fashion , Borrowing a limme of euery seuerall Nation , And nothing more then England hold in scorne , So liue as strangers where as they were borne . But thy returne in this I doe not reed , Thou art a perfect Gentleman indeed ; O God forbid that Howards noble line , From auncient vertue should so farre decline , The Muses traine ( whereof your selfe are chiefe ) Onely with me participate their griefe : To sooth their humours , I doe lend them eares , He giues a Poet , that his verses heares . Till thy returne , by hope they onely liue , Yet had they all , they all away would giue ; The world and they , so ill according bee , That wealth and Poets neuer can agree . Few liue in Court that of their good haue care , The Muses friends are euery where so rare ; Some praise thy worth , thy worth that neuer know , Onely because the better sort doe so , whose iudgement neuer further doth extend , Then it doth please the greatest to commend , So great an ill vpon desert doth chaunce , when it doth passe by beastly Ignorance . Why art thou slacke whilst no man puts his hand To raise the Mount where Surreys Towers must stand ? Or who the groundsill of that worke doth lay whilst like a wandrer thou abroad doost stray ? Clip'd in the armes of some lasciuious Dame , when thou shouldst reare an Ilion to thy name . When shall the Muses by faire Norwich dwell , To be the Citie of the learned Well ? Or Phoebus Altars there with Incense heap'd As once in Cyrrha or in Thebae kept ? Or when shall that faire hoofe-plow'd spring distill From great Mount Surrey , out of Leonards hill ? Till thou returne , the Court I will exchaunge , For some poore cottage , or some countrey Grange , where to our distaues as we sit and spin , My mayde and I will tell of things haue bin ; Our Lutes vnstrung shall hang vpon the wall , Our lessons serue to wrap our Towe withall , And passe the night , whilst winter tales we tell , Of many things that long agoe befell ; Or tune such homely Carrols as were song In Countrey sports when we our selues were yong . In prittie Riddles to bewray our loues , In questions , purpose , or in drawing gloues . The noblest spirits to vertue most inclind , These heere in Court thy greatest want doe find ; Other there be , on which we feed our eye , Like Arras worke , or such like Imagerie ; Many of vs desire Queene Kathe●ines state , But very few her vertues imitate . Then as Vlisses wife write I to thee , Make no reply , but come thy selfe to mee .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Then Winds●re , or Fitzgeralds families .

THE cost of many Kings , which from time to time haue adorned the Castle at Windsor with their princely magnificence , hath made it more noble then that it neede to be spoken of now as though obscure , and I hold it more meet to refer you to our vulgar moniments for the founders and ●inishers thereof , then to meddle with matter nothing neere to the purpose . As for the family of the Fitz-geralds , of whence this excellent Ladie was lineally descended , the originall was English , though the branches did spread themselues into distant places and names nothing consonant , as in former times it was vsuall to denominate themselues of their manours or forenames : as may pattly appeare in that which ensueth , the light whereof proceeded from my learned and verie woorthy friend , Maister Fra●cis Thyn● . Walter of Windsor , the sonne of Oterus , had issue William , of whom Henry now Lord Windsor is descended , and Robert of Windsor , of whom Robert the now Earle of Essex , and Gerald of Windsor his third sonne , who married the daughter of Rees the great Prince of Wales , of whom came Nesta , paramour to Henry the first . Which Gerald had issue Maurice Fitzgerald , auncestor to Thomas Fitzmaurice , Iustice of I●eland buried at Trayly ; leauing issue Iohn his eldest sonne , first Earle or Kildare , ancestor to Geraldine , and Maurice his second sonne , first Earle of Desmond .

To rayse the mount where Surreys Towers must stand ,

Alludeth to the sumptuous house which was afterward builded by him vpon Leonards hill right against Norwich , which in the rebellion of Norfolke vnder Kett , in King Edward the 6. time , was much desaced by that impure rable . Betwixt the hill and the Citie as Alexander Neuell describes it , the Riuer of Yarmouth runnes , hauing West and South thereof a wood , and a little Village called Thorp , and on the North , the pastures of Moushol which containes about sixe miles in length and breadth . So that besides the stately greatnes of Mount-Surrey , which was the houses name , the prospect and site thereof was passing pleasant and commodious ; and no where else did that encreasing euill of the Norfolke furie enkennell it selfe but then there , as it were for a manifest token of their intent , to debase all high things , and to prophane all holy .

Like Arras worke , or other imagerie .

Such was he whom Iuvenall taxeth in this manner .

— truncoque similimus Herme Null● quippe alio vincis discrimine quamquod , Illi marmoreum caput est , tua viuit imago .

Beeing to be borne for nothing else but apparell and the outward appearance , intituled Complement , with whom the ridiculous fable of the Ape in Esope sorteth sitly , who comming into a Caruers house , and viewing many Marble works , tooke vp the head of a man very cunningly wrought , who greatly in praising did seeme to pittie it , that hauing so comly an outside , it had nothing within , like emptie figures walke and talke in euery place , at whom the noble Geraldi●e modestly glanceth .

FINIS .

The Ladie Iane Gray to the Lord Gilford Dudley . The Argument .

After the death of that vertuous young Prince King Edward the sixt , the sonne of that famous King Henry the eight , Iane the daughter of Henry Gray , Duke of Suffolke by the consent of Iohn Dudley Duke of Northumberland , was proclaimed Queene of England , being married to Gilford Dudley , the fourth sonne of the fore-said Duke of Northumberland ; which match was concluded by their ambitious Fathers , who , went about by this meanes to bring the Crowne vnto their children , and to dispossesse the Princesse Mary , eldest daughter of King Henry the eight , ●eire to King Edward her brother . Queene Mary rising in Armes to claime her rightfull crowne , taketh the said Iane Gray , and the Lord Gilford her husband , beeing lodged in the Tower for their more safetie , which place being lastly their Pallace , by this meanes became their prison ; where being seuered in sundry prisons , they write these Epistles one to another .

MIne own deere Lord , sith thou art lock'd from mee , In this disguise my loue must steale to thee , Since to renue all loues , all kindnes past , This refuge scarcely left , yet this the last . My Keeper comming , I of thee enquire , who with thy greeting aunswers my desire ; which my tongue willing to returne againe , Griefe stops my words , and I but striue in vaine ; where-with amaz'd , away in hast he goes , when through my lips , my hart thrusts forth my woes ; when as the doores that make a dolefull sound , Driue backe my words , that in the noyse are drownd , which some-what hush'd , the eccho doth record , And twice or thrice reiterates my word , when like an aduerse winde in Isis course , Against the tyde bending his boystrous force ; But when the flood hath wrought it selfe about , He following on , doth head-long thrust it out ; Thus striue my sighes with teares ere they begin , And breaking out , againe sighes driue them in . A thousand formes present my troubled thought , Yet proue abortiue when they forth are brought , From strongest woe , we hardly language wrest , The depth of griefe , with words are sounded least , As teares doe fall and rise , sighes come and goe , So doe these numbers ebb , so doe they flow . These briny teares doe make my Incke looke pale , My Inck clothes teares in this sad mourning vaile , The letters mourners , weepe with my dim eye , The paper pale , greeu'd at my misery . Yet miserable our selues , why should we deeme ? Sith none is so , but in his owne esteeme ; Who in distresse , from resolution flies , Is rightly said to yeeld to miseries ; They which begot vs , did beget this sin , They first begun , what did our griefe begin , wee tasted not , t' was they which did rebell , Not our offence , but in theyr fall we fell ; They which a Crowne would to my Lord haue linck'd , A●ll hope , all life , all libertie extinct ; A subiect borne , a Soueraigne to haue beene , Hath made me now , nor subiect , nor a Queene . Ah vile ambition , how doost thou deceaue vs , which shew'st vs heauen , and yet in hell doost leaue vs ? Sildome vntouch'd doth innocence escape , when error commeth in good counsailes shape , A lawfull title counterchecks proude might , The weakest things become strong props to right ; Then my deere Lord , although affliction grieue vs , Yet let our spotlesse innocence relieue vs . Death but an acted passion doth appeare , where truth giues courage , and the conscience cleere , And let thy comfort thus consist in mine , That I beare part of whatsoere is thine ; As when we liu'd vntouch'd with these disgraces , when as our kingdome was our sweet embraces ; At Durham Pallace● where sweet Hymen sang , whose buildings with our nuptiall musick rang ? when Prothalamions praysd that happy day , wherein great Dudley match'd with noble Gray , when they deuisd to linck by wedlocks band , The house of suffolke to Northumberland ; Our fatall Dukedom to your Dukedome bound , To frame this building on so weake a ground● For what auailes a lawlesse vsurpation ? which giues a scepter , but not rules a nation , Onely the surfeit of a vaine opinion , what giues content , giues what exceeds dominion . When first mine eares were persed with the fame , Of Iane proclaimed by a Princesse name , A suddaine fright my trembling hart appalls , The feare of conscience entreth yron walls . Thrice happy for our Fathers had it beene , If what we fear'd , they wisely had fore-seene , And kept a meane gate in an humble path , To haue escap'd these furious tempests wrath . The Cedar-building Eagle heares the wind , And not the Faulcon , though both Hawkes by kind ; That kingly bird doth from the clowdes commaund , The fearefull foule that moues but neere the Land , Though Mary be from mightie Kings descended , My blood not from Plantaginet pretended ; My Gransire Brandon did our house aduaunce , By princely Mary , Dowager of Fraunce ; The fruite of that faire stocke which did combine , And Yorks sweet branch with Lancasters entwine , And in one stalke did happily vnite , The pure vermilion Rose , with purer white ; I the vntimely slip of that rich stem , whose golden bud brings forth a Diadem . But oh forgiue me Lord , it is not I , Nor doe I boast of this , but learne to die , whilst we were as our selues conioyned then , Nature to nature , now an alien . The purest blood , polluted is in blood , Neerenes contemn'd , if soueraignty withstood ; A Diadem once dazeling the eye , The day too darke to see affinitie ; And where the arme is stretch'd to reach a Crowne , Friendship is broke , the deerest things throwne downe ; For what great Henry most stroue to auoyde , The heauens haue built , where earth would haue destroyd , And seating Edward on his regall throne , He giues to Mary , all that was his owne , By death assuring what by life is theyrs , The lawfull claime of Henries lawfull heyres . By mortall lawes , the bound may be diuorc'd , But heauens decree , by no meanes can be forc'd , That rules the case , when men haue all decreed , who tooke him hence , foresaw who should succeede , In vaine be counsels , statutes , humaine lawes , when chiefe of counsailes pleades the iustest cause ; Thus rule the heauens in theyr continuall course , That yeelds to fate , that doth not yeeld to force . Mans wit doth build for time but to deuoure , But vertu's free from time and fortunes power ; Then my kinde Lord , sweet Gilford be not grieu'd , The soule is heauenly , and from heauen relieu'd ; And as we once haue plighted troth together , Now let vs make exchange of mindes to eyther ; To thy faire breast take my resolued minde , Arm'd against blacke dispayre , and all her kinde , And to my bosome breathe that soule of thine , There to be made as perfect as is mine ; So shall our faith as firmely be approued , As I of thee , or thou of me beloued . This life no life , wert thou not deere to mee , Nor this no death , were I not woe for thee . Thou my deere husband , and my Lord before , But truly learne to die , thou shalt be more . Now liue by prayer , on heauen fixe all thy thought , And surely finde , what ere by zeale is sought ; For each good motion that the soule awakes , A heauenly figure sees , from whence it takes That sweet resemblance , which by power of kinde , Formes ( like it selfe ) an Image in the minde , And in our faith the operations bee , Of that diuinenes , which by fayth we see ; which neuer errs , but accidentally , By our fraile fleshes imbecillitie ; By each temptation ouer-apt to slide , Except our spirit becomes our bodies guide ; For as our bodies prisons , be these towers , So to our soules , these bodies be of ours ; whose fleshly walls hinder that heauenly light , As these of stone depriue our wished sight , Death is the key which vnlocks miserie , And lets them out to blessed libertie . Then draw thy forces all vnto thy hart , The strongest fortresse of this earthly part ; And on these three let thy assurance lie , On fayth , repentance , and humilitie ; Humilitie to heauen , the step , the staire , Is for deuotion , sacrifice , and Prayer ; The next place doth to true repentance fall , A salue , a comfort , and a cordiall ; He that hath that , the keyes of heauen hath , That is the guide , that is the port , the path ; Faith , is thy fort , thy shield , thy strongest ayde , Neuer controld , nere yeelded , nere dismaid , which doth dilate , vnfold , fore-tell , expresseth . which giues , rewards , inuesteth , and possesseth . Then thanke the heauen , preparing vs this roome , Crowning our heads with glorious martirdome , Before the blacke and dismall dayes begin , The dayes of all Idolatry and sin , Not suffering vs to see that wicked age , when persecution vehemently shall rage , when tyrannie new tortures shall inuent , Inflicting vengeance on the innocent . Yet heauen forbids , that Maries wombe shall bring , Englands faire Scept●r to a forraine King , But vnto faire Elizabeth shall leaue it , which broken , hurt , and wounded , shall receaue it ; And on her temples hauing plac'd the Crowne , Roote out the dregs Idolatry hath sowne ; And Syons glory shall againe restore , Layd ruine , wast , and desolate before ; And from black sinders , and rude heapes of stones , Shall gather vp the Martyrs scattred bones , And shall extirpe the power of Rome againe , And cast aside , the heauy yoke of Spayne . Farewell sweet Gilford , know our end is neere , Heauen is our home , we are but strangers heere . Let vs make hast to goe vnto the blest , which from these weary worldly labours rest , And with these lines my deerest Lord , I greete thee , Vntill in heauen thy Iane againe shall meete thee .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . They which begot vs , did beget this sin ,

SHewing the ambition of the two Dukes their Fathers , whose pride was the cause of the vtter ouerthrow of theyr chyldren .

At Durham Pallace where sweet Hymen sang , The buildings , &c.

The Lord Gilford Dudley , fourth sonne to Iohn Dudley , Duke of Northumberland , married the Lady Iane Gray , daughter to the duke of Suffolke at Durham house in the Strand .

When first mine eares were persed with the fame , Of Iane proclaimed by a Princesse name .

Presently vpon the death of King Edward , the Lady Iane was taken as Queene , conueyed by water to the Tower of London for her safetie , and after proclaimed in diuers parts of the Realme , as so ordained by King Edwards Letters-pattents , and his will .

My Grandsire Brandon did our house aduaunce , By princely Mary , dowager of Fraunce .

Henry Gray , Duke of Suffolk , married Frauncis the eldest daughter of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk , by the French queene , by which Frauncis he had this Lady Iane : this Mary the French Queene , was daughter to king Henry the seauenth , by Elizabeth his Queene , which happy mariage conioyned the two noble families of Lancaster & York .

For what great Henrie most stroue to auoyde ,

Noting the distrust that King Henry the eyght euer had in the Princesse Mary his daughter , ●earing she should alter the state of Religion in the Land , by matching with a stranger , confessing the right that King Henries issue had to the Crowne .

And vnto faire Elizabeth shall leaue it .

A prophecy of queene Maries barren●es , & of the happy & glorious raigne of Queene Elizabeth , her restoring of Religion , the abolishing of the Romish seruitude , & casting aside the yoke of Spayne .

The Lord Gilford Dudley , to the Lady Iane Gray . AS Swan-like singing at thy dying howre , Such my reply , returning from this tower . O if there were such power but in my verse , As in these woes , my wounded hart doe pierce , Stones taking sence , th' obdurate flint that heares , Should at my plaints dissolue it selfe to teares . Lend me a teare , I le pay thee with a teare , And interest to , if thou the stocke forbeare ; woe , for a woe , and for thy interest lone , I will returne thee frankly two for one ; And if thou thinke too soone one sorrow ends , Another twice so long shall make amends . Perhaps thow'lt iudge , in such extreames as these That words of comfort might far better please , But such strange power in thy perfection liueth , As smiles in teares , and teares in gladnes giueth● Yet thinke not Iane , that cowardly I faint , As begging mercy by this sad complaint ; Or yet suppose my courage daunted so , That thou shouldst stand betwixt me , and my so , That grim-aspected death should now controule , And seeme so fearefull to my parting soule , For were one life , a thousand lifes to me , Yet were all those too few to die with thee ; when thou my woes so patiently dost beare , As if in death , no cause of sorrow were , And no more doost lifes dissolution shunne , Then if cold age his longest course had runne . Thou which didst once giue comfort in my woe , Now art alone , becom my comforts foe ; Not that I leaue wherein I did delight , But that thou art debarr'd my wished sight ; For if I speake , and would complaine my wrong , Straight-waies thy name doth come into my tong● And thou art present as thou still didst lye , Or in my hart , or in my lips , or eye , No euill plannet raigned at thy birth , Nor was that houre prodigious heere on earth ; No fatall marke of froward destinie , Could be diuin'd , in thy natiuitie ; T is onely I , that did thy fall deuise , And thou by me art made a sacrifice ; As in those Countries , where the louing wiues , Doe with their husbands euer end their liues , And crown'd with garlands , in their brides attire , Goe with their husbands to that holy fire ; And she vnworthy thought to liue , of all , when feare of death , or danger doth appall . I boast not of Northumberlands great name , Nor of Kets conquest , which adornes the same ; when he to Norfolke led his troupes from far , And yok'd the rebels in the chaine of war , when our white Beare , did furiously respire● The flames that sing'd their Villages with fire , And brought sweet peace in safety to our doores , Yet left our fame vpon the Easterne shores ; Nor of my princely brothers which might grace , And plant true honour in the Dudleys race ; Nor of Grayes match , my children borne by thee , Alied to great Plantaginet should bee ; But of thy vertues proudly boast I dare , That she is mine , whom all perections are . I crau'd no Kingdome , though I thee did craue , And hauing thee , I wish'd no more to haue . Yet let me say , how euer it befell , Me thinks a Crowne should haue becom'd thee well , Me thinks thy wisedome was ordain'd alone , To blesse a Scepter , beautifie a throme ; Thy lips a sacred Oracle retaine , wherein all holy prophecies remaine ; More highly priz'd thy vertues were to me , Then crownes , then Kingdomes , or then Scepters b● . So chast thy loue , so innocent thy life , A wiued virgine , and a mayded wife ; The greatest gifts that heauen could giue me heere , Nothing on earth to me was halfe so deere . This was the ioy wherin we liu'd of late , Ere worldly cares did vs excruciate , Before these troubles did our peace confound , By war , by weapon , massacre , or wound ; Ere dreadfull Armies did disturbe our shores , Or walls were shaken , with the Cannons roares . Suspect bewrayes our thoughts , bewrayes our words ; One Crowne is guarded with a thousand swords ; To meane estate but common woes are showne , But Crownes haue cares that euer be vnknowne , And we by them are to those dangers led , Of which the least we are experienced . When Dudley led his Armies to the East , Of all the bosome of the land possest , what Earthly comfort was it that he lack'd , That with a Counsels warrantie was back'd ? That had a Kingdome , and the power of lawes , Still to maintaine the iustnes of his cause ; And with the Clergies helpe , the Commons ayd , In euery place the peopled Kingdome swayd . But what ( alas ) can Parliaments auaile , when Maries right , must Edwards acts repeale● When suffolks power , doth Suffolks hopes withstand , Northumberland , doth leaue Northumberland . And those which should our greatnes vnder prop , Raze our foundation , ouerthrow our top . Ere greatnes come , we wish it with our hart , But being come , desire it would depart , And indiscretly follow that so fast , which when it comes , brings perrill at the last , If any man doe pittie our offence , Let him be sure to get him far from hence ; Heere is no place , no comfort heere at all , For any one that shall bewaile our fall , And we in vaine of mercy should but thinke , Our briny teares the fullen earth doth drink . O that all teares for vs should be forlorne , And all should die so soone as they be borne ; Mothers that should their childrens fortunes rue , Fathers in death too kindly bid adue ; Friends of their friends , a kind farwell to take , The faithful seruant mourning for our sake ; Brothers and sisters waiting on our Beere , Mourners to tell what we were liuing heere ; Those eares are stopt which should bewaile our fall , And wee the Mourners , and the dead and all ; And that which first our Pallace was ordain'd , The prison , which our libertie restrain'd , And where our Court we held in princely state , There now alone , are left disconsolate Thus then resolu'd , as thou , resolu'd am I. Die thou for me , and I for thee will die ; And yet that heauen Elizabeth may blesse , Be thou ( sweet Iane ) a faithfull Prophetesse , With that health gladly resaluting thee , Which thy kind farwell wish'd before to mee .

Notes of the Chronicle Historie . Nor of Kets conquest , which adornes the same .

IOhn Duke of Northumberland , when before he was Earle of Warwicke in his expedition against Ket , ouerthrew the rebels of Norfolk and suffolk , encamped at Mount-Surrey in Norfolke .

Nor of my princely brothers which might grace ,

Gilford Dudley as remembring in this place the towardnesse of his brothers , which were all likely indeed to haue raised that house of the Dudleyes , of which he was a fourth brother , if not suppressed by their Fathers ouerthrow .

Nor of Grayes match , my children borne by thee ,

Noting in this place the alliance of the Ladie Iane Gray , by her mother , which was Frauncis the daughter of Charles Brandon , by Mary the French Queene , daughter to Henry the seuenth , and sister to Henry the eight .

To blesse a Septer , beautifie a threne ,

Sildome hath it euer been known of any woman endued with such wonderfull gifts , as was this Ladie , both for her wisedome and learning , of whose skill in the tongues one reporteth by this Epigram .

Miraris Ianam Graio , sermone ●alere , Qu● primum nata est tempore Graia Fuit . When Dudley led his armies to the East .

The Duke of Northumberland prepared his power at London for his expedition against the Rebels in Norfolke , and making hast away , appointed the rest of his forces to meete him at Newmarket Heath : of whom this saying is reported , that passing through Shorditch , the Lord Gray in his company , seeing the people in great numbers , came to see him , hee said , the people presse to see vs , but none bid God speede vs .

That with the Counsels warranty was back'd ,

Iohn Dudley Duke of Northumberland , when he went out against Queene Mary , had his Commission sealed for the generalship of the Armie , by the consent of the whole Counsell of the Land ; insomuch that passing through the Counsell chamber at his departure , the Earle of Arondell wished that he might haue gone with him in that expedition , and to spend his blood in the quarrell .

When suffolks power doth Suffolks hopes withstand , Northumberland doth leaue Northumberland .

The Suffolke men were the first , that euer resotted to Queene Mary in her destresse , repairing to her succours , whilst she remained both at Keningall and at Fermingham Castle , still increasing her aydes , vntill the Duke of Northumberland , was left forsaken at Cambridge .

FINIS .

Idea . THE worlds faire Rose , and Henries frosty fire , Iohns tyranny ; and chast Matilda's wrong , Th' inraged Queene , and furious Mortimer , The scourge of Fraunce , and his chast loue I song ; Deposed Richard , Isabell exil'd , The gallant Tudor , and faire Katherine , Duke Humfrey , and old Cobhams haplesse child , Couragious Pole , and that braue spiritfull Queene , Edward , and the delicious London Dame , Brandon , and that rich dowager of Fraunce , Surrey , with his faire paragon of fame , Dudleys mishap , and vertuous Grayes mischaunce ; Their seuerall loues since I before haue showne , Now giue me leaue , at last to sing mine owne .

To the Reader of his Poems . Sonnet . 2. INto these loues who but for passion lookes , At this first sight , heere let them lay them by , And seeke else-where in turning other bookes , which better may his labour satisfie . No far-fetch'd sigh shall euer wound my brest , Loue from mine eye , a teare shall neuer wring , Nor in ah-mees my whining Sonnets drest , ( A Libertine ) fantastickly I sing ; My verse is the true image of my mind , Euer in motion , still desiring change , To choyce of all varietie inclin'd , And in all humors sportiuely I range ; My actiue Muse is of the worlds right straine , That cannot long one fashion entertaine .

Sonnet . 3. MAny there be excelling in this kind , whose well-trick'd rimes with all inuention swell , Let each commend as best shall like his minde , Some Sidney , Constable , some Daniell . That thus their names familiarly I sing , Let none thinke them disparaged to be , Poore men with reuerence may speake of a King , And so may these be spoken of by me ; My wanton verse neere keepes one certaine stay , But now , at hand ; then , seekes inuention far , And with each little motion runnes a stray , wilde , madding , iocond , and irreguler ; Like me that lust , my honest merry rimes , Nor care for Criticke , nor regard the times .

Sonnet . 4. THine eyes taught me the Alphabet of loue , To con my Crosrow ere I learn'd to spell , For I was apt , a Scholler like to proue , Gaue me sweet lookes when as I learned well , Vowes were my vowels when I then begun At my first lesson in thy sacred name , My consonants the next when I had done , Words consonant , and sounding to thy fame ; My liquids then , were liquid Christall teares , My cares my mutes , so mute to craue releefe , My dolefull Dipthongs , were my lifes dispaires Redoubling sighs , the accents of my greefe ; My Loues Schoole-mistres now hath taught me so , That I can read a storie of my woe .

Sonet . 5. MY hart was slaine , and none but you and I , who should I thinke the murder should commit ? Since but your selfe , there was no creature by But onely I , guiltlesse of murth'ring it . It slew it selfe ; the verdict on the view Doe quit the dead and me not accessary ; Well , well , I feare it will be prou'd by you , The euidence so great a proofe doth carry . But ● , see , see , we need enquire no further , Vpon your lips the scarlet drops are found , And in your eye , the boy that did the murther , Your cheekes yet pale since first they gaue the wound , BY this , I see , how euer things be past , Yet heauen will still haue murther out at last .

Sonnet . 6. TAking my pen , with words to cast my woes , Duly to count the sum of all my cares I finde , my griefe innumerable growes , The reckonings rise to millions of dispaires ; And thus deuiding of my fatall houres , The payments of my loue I reade , and crosse Substracting , set my sweets vnto my sowers , My ioyes are rage leades me to my losse ; And thus mine eyes a debtour to thine eye , which by extortion gaineth all their lookes , My hart hath paid such grieuous vsurie , That all his wealth lies in thy beauties bookes ; And all is thine which hath beene due to mee , And I a Bankrupt , quite vndone by thee .

An allusion to Narcissus . Sonnet . 7. BEauty sometime in all her glorie crowned , Passing by that cleere fountaine of thine eye , Her sun-shine face there chauncing to espie , Forgot herselfe , deeming shee had beene drowned , And thus whilst Beautie , on her beautie gazed , who then ( yet liuing ) thought she had been dying ; And yet in death some hope of life espying , with her owne rare perfections so amazed , Twixt ioy and griefe , yet with a smiling frowning , The glorious sun-beames of her eyes bright shining , And she on her owne desteny diuining , Cast in herselfe , to saue herselfe by drowning ; The well of Nectar , pau'd with pearle and gold , where she remaines for all eyes to behold .

Sonnet . 8. NOthing but no and I , and I and no , How falls it out so strangely you reply ? I tell ye ( Faire ) i le not be aunswered so , with this a●firming no , denying I , I say I loue , you slightly aunswere I , I say you loue , you pule me out a no ; I say I die , you eccho me with I , Saue me I cry , you sigh me out a no : Must woe and I , haue naught but no and I ? No , I am I , if I no more can haue , Aunswere no more , with silence make reply , And let me take my selfe what I doe traue ; Let no and I , with I and you be so , Then aunswere no , and I , and I , and no.

To Harmonie . Sonnet . 9. LOue once would daunce within my Mistres eye , And wanting musique fitting for the place , Swore that I should the instrument supply , And suddainly presents me with her face ; Straightwayes my pulse playe liuely in my vaines , My panting breath doth keepe a meaner time , My quau'ring artiers be the Tenours straines , My trembling sinewes serue the Counterchime , My hollow sighs the deepest base doe beare , True diapazon in distincted sound ; My panting hart the treble makes the ayre , And descants finely on the musiques ground ; Thus like a Lute or Violl did I lie , whilst he proud slaue daunc'd galliards in her eye .

Sonnet . 10. LOue in an humor plaid the prodigall , And bids my sences to a solemne feast , Yet more to grace the companie withall , Inuites my hart to be the chiefest guest ; No other drinke would serue this gluttons turne But precious teares distilling from mine eyne , which with my sighs this Epicure doth burne , Quaffing carouses in this costly wine , where , in his cups or ' come with foule excesse , Begins to play a swaggering Ruffins part , And at the banquet , in his drunkennes Slew my deere friend , his kind and truest hart ; A gentle warning friends , thus may you see what 't is to keepe a drunkard company .

To the Moone . Sonnet . 11. PHoebe looke downe , and heere behold in mee , The elements within thy sphere inclosed , How kindly Nature plat'd them vnder thee , And in my world , see how they are disposed ; My hope is earth , the lowest , cold and dry , The grosser mother of deepe melancholie , water my teares , coold with humiditie , wan , flegmatick , inclind by nature wholie ; My sighs , the ayre , hote , moyst , ascending hier , Subtile of sanguine , dy'de in my harts dolor , My thoughts , they be the element of fire , Hote , dry , and percing , still inclind to choller , Thine eye the Orbe vnto all these , from whence Proceeds th' effects of powerfull influence .

To Lunacie . Sonnet . 12. AS other men , so I my selfe doe muse , why in this sort I wrest Inuention so , And why these giddy metaphors I vse , Leauing the path the greater part doe goe ; I will resolue you ; I am lunaticke , And euer this in mad men you shall finde , what they last thought on when the braine grew sick , In most distraction keepe that still in minde . Thus talking idely in this bedlam fit , Reason and I , ( you must conceiue ) are twaine , T is nine yeees , now , since first I lost my wit , Beare with me then , though troubled be my braine ; with diet and correction , men distraught , ( Not too farre past ) may to their wits be brought .

Sonnet . 13. TO nothing fitter can I thee compare , Then to the sonne of some rich penny-father , who hauing now brought on his end with care , Leaues to his sonne all he had heap'd together ; This newe rich nouice , lauifh of his chest , To one man giues , and on another spends , Then heere he ryots , yet amongst the rest , Haps to send some to one true honest friend . Thy gifts thou in obscuritie doost wast , False friends thy kindnes , borne but to deceiue thee , Thy loue● that is on the vnworthy plac'd , Time hath thy beautie , which with age will leaue thee ; Onely that little which to me was lent , I giue thee back , when all the rest is spent .

Sonnet . 14. YOu not alone , when you are still alone , O God from you that I could priuate be , Since you one were , I never since was one , Since you in me , my selfe since out of me Transported from my selfe into your beeing Though either distant , present yet to eyther , Sencelesse with too much ioy , each other seeing , And onely absent when we are together . Giue me my selfe , and take your selfe againe , Deuise some meanes but how I may forsake you , So much is mine that doth with you remaine , That taking what is mine , with me I take you , You doe bewitch me , ● that I could flie From my selfe you , or from your own selfe I.

To the Soule . Sonnet . 15. THat learned Father which so firmly proues The soule of man immortall & diuine , And doth the seuerall offices define , Anima . Giues her that name as she the body moues , Amor. Then is she loue imbracing Charitie , Animus . Mouing a will in vs , it is the minde , Mens . Retaining knowledge , still the same in kinde ; Memoria . As intellectuall it is the memorie , Ratio . In iudging , Reason onely is her name , Sensus . In speedy apprehension it is sence , Conscientia . In right or wrong , they call her conscience . Spiritus . The spirit , when it to Godward doth inflame . These of the soule the seuerall functions bee , which my hart lightned by thy loue doth see .

To the shaddow . Sonnet . 16. LEtters and lines we see are soone defaced , Mettles do waste , & fret with cankers rust , The Diamond shall once consume to dust , And freshest colours with foule staines disgraced , Paper and incke , can paint but naked words , To write with blood , of force offends the sight , And i● with teares , I find them all too light , And sighes and signes , a silly hope affords . O sweetest Shadow , how thou feru'st my turne , which still shalt be , as long as there is Sunne , Nor whilst the world is , neuer shall be done , whilst Moone shal shine , or any fire shal burne● That euery thing whence shadow doth proceed , May in his shadow , my loues story reade .

Sonnet . 17. IF hee from heauen that filch'd that liuing fire , Condemn'd by loue to endlesse torment be , I greatly meruaile how you still goe free That farre beyond Promethius did aspire ? The fire he stole , although of heauenly kinde , which from aboue he craftily did take , Of liueles clods vs liuing men to make , Againe bestow'd in temper of the mind . But you broke in to heauens immortall store , where vertue , honour , wit , and beautie lay , which taking thence , you haue escap'd away , Yet stand as free as ere you did before , But old Promethius punish'd for his rape , Thus poore theeues suffer , when the greater scape .

Sonnet . 18. VIewing the glasse of my youths miseries , I see the face of my deformed cares , Wi●h withered browes , all wrinckled with dispayres , That for my youth the teares fall from mine eyes , Then in these teares , the mirrors of these eyes , Thy fairest youth and beautie doe I see , Imprinted there by looking still on thee ; Thus midst my woes , ten thousand ioyes arise . Yet in these ioyes the shadowes of my good , In this ●a●re limmed ground as white as snow Painted the blackest image of my woe , with murthering hands imbru'd in mine owne blood , And in this image his darke clowdy eyes , My life , and loue , I here anatomize .

To the Phenix . Sonnet . 19. WIthin the compasse of this spacious round Amongst all birds the Phenix is alone , Which but by you could neuer haue beene knowne , None like to that , none like to you is found , Heape your owne vertues seasoned by their sunne , On heauenly top of your diuine desire ; Then with your beautie set the same on fire , So by your death , your life shall be begunne . Your selfe thus burned in this sacred flame , With your owne sweetnes all the heauens persuming , And still encreasing as you are consuming , Shall spring againe from th' ashes of your fame , And mounting vp , shall to the heauens ascend , So may you liue , past world , past fame , past end .

To Time . Sonnet . 20. STay , stay , sweet Time , behold or ere thou passe From world to world , thou long hast sought to see , That wonder now where in all wonders be , where heauen beholds her in a mortall glasse . Nay , looke thee Time in this celestiall glasse , And th● youth past , in this faire mirrour see , The first worlds beautie in the infancie , what it was then , what thou before it was . Now passe on Time , to after worlds tell this . ( And yet shalt tell ) but trulie what hath beene , That they may say , what former time hath seene , And heauen may ioy to think on past worlds blis . Heere make a Period Time , and say for me , She was , whose like againe shall neuer be .

To the Celestiall numbers . Sonnet . 21. VNto the world , to learning , and to heauen , Three nines there are , to euerie one a nine , One number of the earth , the other both diuine , One woman now makes three od numbers euen● Nine orders first of Angels be in heauen , Nine Muses doe with learning still frequent , These with the Gods are euer resident ; Nine worthy ones vnto the world were giuen● My worthy one to these nine worthies , addeth , And my faire Muse , one Muse vnto the nine ; And my good Angell in my soule diuine , with one more order , these nine orders gladdeth , My muse , my worthy , & my Angell then , Makes euery one of these three nines a ten .

To Humour . Sonnet . 22. YOu cannot loue my prettie hart , and why● There was a time you told me that you would , But now againe you will the same deny , If it might pease you , would to God you could ; What will you hate ? nay that you will not neither , Nor loue , nor hate , how then ? what will you doe , What will you keepe a meane then betwixt eyther ? Or will you loue me , and yet hate me to ? Yet serues not this , what next , what other shift ? You will , and will not , what a coyle is heere ? I see your craft , now I perceiue your drift , And all this while , I was mistaken there● Your loue in hate is this , I now doe proue you , You loue in hate , by hate to make me loue you .

Sonnet . 23. AN euill spirit your beautie haunts me still , where-with ( alas ) I haue been long possest , which ceaseth not to tempt me vnto ill , Nor giues me once but one poore minutes rest . In me it speakes , whether I sleepe or wake , And when by meanes to driue it out I try with greater torments then it me doth take , And tortures me in most extreamitie Before my face , it layes all my dispaires , And hasts me on vnto a suddaine death ; Now tempting me , to drowne my selfe in teares , And then in sighing to giue vp my breath ; Thus am I still prouok'd to euerie euill , By this good wicked spirit , sweet Angel deuill .

To the Spheares . Sonnet . 24. THou which doost guide this little world of loue , Thy planets mansions heere thou mayst behold , My brow the spheare where Saturne still doth moue , wrinkled with cares ; and withered , dry , and cold ; Mine eyes the Orbe where Iupiter doth trace , which gently smile because they looke on thee , Mars in my swartie visage takes his place , Made leane with loue , where furious conflicts bee . Sol in my breast with his hote scorching flame , But in my hart alone doth Venus raigne ; Mercury my hands , the Organs of my fame , Luna my wauering and vnconstant vaine ; The starry heauen thy praise by me exprest , Thou the first moouer , guiding all the rest .

To Folly . Sonnet . 25. WIth fooles and children good discretion beares , Then honest people , beare with Loue and me , Nor older yet , nor wiser made by yeeres , Amongst the rest of fooles and children be , Loues still a Baby , playes with gaudes and toyes , And like a wanton sports with euery feather , And Idiots still are running after boyes , Then fooles and children fitt'st to goe together ; He still as young as when he first was borne , No wiser I , then when as young as he , You that behold vs , laugh vs not to scorne , Giue Nature thanks you are not such as we ; Yet fooles and children sometimes tell in play , Some wise in showe , more fooles in deede , then they .

Sonnet . 26. LOue banish'd heauen , in earth was held in scorne , wandring abroad in neede and beggery , And wanting friends , though of a Goddesse borne , Yet crau'd the almes of such as passed by , I like a man , deuout and charitable ; Clothed the naked , lodg'd this wandring guest , with sighs and teares still furnishing his table , with what might make the miserable blest ; But this vngratefull for my good desart , Entic'd my thoughts against me to conspire , who gaue consent to steale away my hart , And set my breast his lodging on a fire : well , well , my friends , when beggers grow thus bold , No meruaile then though charity grow cold .

Sonnet . 27. I Heare some say , this man is not in loue , who , can he loue ? a likely thing they say : Reade but his verse , and it will easly proue ; O iudge not rashly ( gentle Sir ) I pray , Because I loosely tryfle in this sort , As one that faine his sorrowes would beguile : You now suppose me , all this time in sport , And please your selfe with this conceit the while . You shallow censures ; sometime see you not In greatest perills some men pleasant be , where same by death is onely to be got , They resolute , so stands the case with me ; where other men , in depth of passion cry● I laugh at fortune , as in lest to die .

Sonnet . 28. O Why should nature nigardly restraine , The Sotherne Nations relish not our tongue , Else should my lines glide on the waues of Rhene , And crowne the Pirens with my liuing song ; But bounded thus to Scotland get you forth ; Thence take you wing vnto the Orcades , There let my verse get glorie in the North , Making my sighs to thaw the frozen seas , And let the Bards within that Irish I le , To whom my Muse with fierie wings shall passe , Call backe the stiffe-neck'd rebells from exile , And molifie the slaughtering Galliglasse ; And when my flowing numbers they rehearse , Let Woules and Beares be charmed with my verse .

To Despaire . Sonnet . 29. I Euer loue , where neuer hope appeares , Yet hope drawes on my neuer-hoping care , And my lifes hope would die but for dispaire , My neuer-certaine ioy , breedes euer-certaine feares , Vncertaine-dread , giues wings vnto my hope , Yet my hopes wings are loden so with feare , As they cannot ascend to my hopes spheare , Yet feare giues them more then a heauenly scope ; Yet this large roome is bounded with dispaire , So my loue is still fettered with vaine hope , And libertie depriues him of his scope , And thus am I imprison'd in the ayre ; Then sweet Dispaire , a while hold vp thy head , Or all my hope for sorrow will be dead .

To Fantasie . Sonnet . 30. I Gaue my faith to Loue , loue his to me , That he & I , sworne brothers should remaine , Thus faith receau'd , faith giuen back againe , who would imagine bond more sure could be ? Loue flies to her , yet holds he my faith taken , As from my vertue raysing my offence , Making me guiltie by mine innocence ; And onely bond by beeing so forsaken , He makes her aske what I before had vow'd , Giuing her that , which he had giuen me , I bound by him , and he by her made free . who euer so hard breach of faith alow'd ? Speake you that should of right and wrong discusse , was right ere wrong'd , or wrong ere righted thus ?

Sonnet . 31. TO such as say thy loue I ouer-prize , And doe not sticke to terme my praises folly , Against these folks that think themselues so wise , I thus appose my force of reason wholly , Though I giue more , then well affords my state , In which expense the most suppose me vaine , would yeeld them nothing at the easiest rate , Yet at this price , returnes me treble gaine , The value not , vnskilfull how to vse , And I giue much , because I gaine thereby , I that thus take , or they that thus refuse , whether are these deceaued then , or I ? In euery thing I hold this maxim still , The circumstance doth make it good or ill .

To Contrarietie . Sonnet . 32. THose teares quench hope , doe kindle my desire , Those sighs coole harts , are coales vnto my loue , Icie disdaine , is to my soule a fire , And yet all these I contrary doe proue ; Desire doth make hope burne , and dryeth teares , Loue heates my hart , which my sighs ●ly warmeth with my soules gleed ; disdaine is spent to ayres , It hurts and heales , it helpeth , and it harmeth , My hope becomes a friend to my desire ; My hart imbraceth loue , and loue my hart . Disdaine a Phaenix is in my soules fire , And vow from other , neuer to depart ; Such peacefull conflicts stirring in my life , Foes liue in concord , and friends still at strife .

To the Sences . Sonnet . 33. WHen conquering loue did first my hart assaile , Vnto mine ayde I summond'd euery sence , Doubting if that proud tyrant should preuaile , My hart should suffer for mine eyes offence ; But he with beauty , first corrupted sight , My hearing brib'd with her tongues harmony , My taste , by her sweet lips drawne with delight , My smelling wonne with her breaths spicerie ; But when my touching came to play his part , ( The King of sences , greater then the rest ) Hee yeelds loue vp the keyes vnto my hart , And tells the other how they should be blest ; And thus by those of whom I hop'd for ayde , To cruell Loue my soule was first betrayde .

To the Vestalls . Sonnet . 34. THose Priests , which first the Vestall fire begun , which might be borrowed from no earthly flame , Deuis'd a vessell to receaue the sunne , Beeing stedfastly opposed to the same ; where , with sweet wood , layd curiously by Art , whereon the sunne might by reflection beate , Receauing strength from euery secret part , The fuell kindled with celestiall heate . Thy blessed eyes , the sunne which lights this fire , My holy thoughts , they be the Vestall flame , The precious odors be my chast desire , My breast the fuell which includes the same ; Thou art my Vesta , thou my Goddesse art , Thy hollowed Temple , onely is my hart .

Sonnet . 35. ME thinks I see some crooked Mimick ieere , And taxe my Muse with this fantastick grace , Turning my papers , askes what haue we heere ? Making withall , some filthy anticke face ; I feare no censure , nor what thou canst say , Nor shall my spirit one iote of vigor lose , Think'st thou my wit shall keepe the pack-horse way , That euery dudgen low inuention goes ? Since Sonnets thus in bundles are imprest , And euery drudge doth dull our satiate eare , Think'st thou my Loue , shall in those rags be drest That euery dowdy , euery trull doth weare ? Vnto my pitch no common iudgement flies , I scorne all earthly dung-bred scarabies .

To the Riuer Ank●r . Sonnet . 36. OVr floods Queene Thames , for ships & Swans is crowned , And stately Seuerne , for her shores is praised , The christall Trent , for Foords and fish renowned , And Auons fame , to Albyons Cliues is raised . Carlegion Chester , vaunts her holy Dee , Yorke many wonders of her Ouse can tell , The Peaker her Doue , whose banks for fertile bee , And Kent will say , her Medway doth excell , Cotswoold commends her Isis and her Tame , Our Northerne borders boast of Tweeds faire flood , Our Westerne parts extoll her Wilys fame , And old Legea brags of Danish blood ; Ardens sweet Ankor let thy glory bee , That faire Idea she doth liue by thee .

To Imagination . Sonnet . 37. WHilst yet mine eyes do surfet with delight , My wofull hart imprison'd in my brest , Wisheth to be transformed in my sight , That is like those , by looking might be blest , But whilst mine eyes thus greedily doe gaze , Finding their obiects ouer-soone depart , These now the others happines doe praise , wishing themselues that they had been my hart , That eyes were hart , or that the hart were eyes , As couetous the others vse to haue ; But finding reason , their request denies , This to each other mutually they craue , That since the one cannot the other bee , That eyes could thinke , or that my hart could see .

To admiration . Sonnet . 38. MAruaile not Loue , though I thy power admire , Rauish'd a world beyond the farthest thought , That knowing more then euer hath been taught , That I am onely staru'd in my desire ; Maruaile not Loue , though I thy power admire , Ayming at things exceeding all perfection , To wisedoms selfe to minister direction , That I am onely staru'd in my desire ; Maruaile not Loue , though I thy power admire , Though my conceit I further seeme to bend , Then possibly inuention can extend , And yet am onely staru'd in my desire ; If thou wilt wonder , heers the wonder Loue , That this to me doth yet no wonder proue .

To Miracle . Sonnet . 39. SOme misbeleeuing , and prophane in loue , When I doe speake of miracles by thee , May say that thou art flattered by mee , who onely write , my skill in verse to proue . See miracles , ye vnbeleeuing see , A dumb-borne Muse , made to expresse the mind , A cripple hand to write , yet lame by kind , One by thy name , the other touching thee , Blinde were mine eyes , till they were seene of thine , And mine eares deafe , by thy same healed be , My vices cur'd , by vertues sprung from thee , My hopes reuiu'd which long in graue had line . All vncleane thoughts , foule spirits cast out in mee , Onely by vertue that proceedes from thee .

To wonder . Sonnet . 40. REading sometime , my sorrowes to beguile , I finde old Poets hills and floods admire , One , he doth wonder monster-breeding Nyle , Another , maruailes Sulphure AEtnas fire . Now broad-brimd Indus , then of Pindus height , Pelion and Ossa , frosty Caucase old , The Delian Cynthus , then Olympus weight , Slow Arrer , frantick Gallus , Cydnus cold . Some Ganges , Ister , and of Tagus tell , Some whirl-poole Po , and sliding Hypasis , Some old pernassus , where the Muse dwell , Some Helicon , and some faire Simois ; A fooles thinke I , had you Idea seene , Poore brookes and banks , had no such wonders been● .

Sonnet . 41. DEere , why should you commaund me to my rest When now the night doth summon all to sleepe ? Me thinks this time becommeth Louers best , Night was ordaind together friends to keepe . How happy are all other liuing thing , Which though the day disioyne by seuerall flight , The quiet euening yet together brings , And each returnes vnto his loue at night . O thou that art so curteous vnto all , Why shouldst thou Night abuse me onely thus , That euery creature to his kinde doost call , And yet t is thou doost onely seuer vs . Well could I wish it would be euer day , If when night comes you bid me goe away .

Sonnet . 42. SItting alone , loue bids me goe and write , Reason plucks backe , commaunding me to stay , Boasting that shee doth still direct the way , Or else loue were vnable to endite ; Loue growing angry , vexed at the spleene , And scorning Reasons maimed argument , Straight taxeth Reason , wanting to inuent , where shee with Loue conuersing hath not been ? Reason reproched with this coy disdaine , Dispighteth Loue , and laugheth at her follie . And Loue contemning Reasons reason whollie , Thought it in weight too light by manie a graine . Reason put backe , doth out of sight remoue , And loue alone , findes reason in my loue .

Sonnet . 43. SOme , when in rime they of their loues doe tell , with flames and lightning their exordiums paint , Some call on heauen , ●ome inuocate on hell , And Fates & Fur●es with their woes acquaint . Elizium is too high a seate for mee , I will not come in Stix or Phlegiton , The thrice three Muses but too wanton be , Like they that lust , I care not , I will none . Spightfull Errinis frights mee with her lookes , My manhood dares not with foule Ate mell , I quake to looke on Heccats charming bookes , I still feare bugbeares in Apollos Cell . I passe not for Minerua nor Astrea , Onely I call vpon diuine Idea .

Sonnet . 44. MY hart the Anuile where my thoughts doe beate , My words the hammers , fashioning my desire , My breast the forge , including all the heate , Loue is the fuell which maintaines the fire , My sighes the bellowes which the flame increaseth , Filling mine eares with noise and nightlie groning , Toyling with paine , my labour neuer ceaseth , In greeuous passions my woes still bemoning . Mine eyes with teares against the fire striuing , whose scorching gleed my hart to cinders turneth ; But with those drops , the flame againe reuiuing , Still more and more vnto my torment burneth . With Sisiphus thus doe I role the stone , And turne the wheele with damned ●xion .

Sonnet . 45. WHy doe I speake of ioy , or write of loue , when my hart is the very den of horror , And in my soule the paines of hell I proue , with all his torments , and infernall terror ? What should I say , what yet remaines to doe ? My braine is dry with weeping all too long , My sighes be spent in vttring of my woe , And I want words wher-with to tell my wrong , But still distracted in loues Lunacie , And Bedlam like thus rauing in my greefe , Now raile vpon her haire , now on her eye , Now call her Goddesse , then I call her theefe , Now I denie her , then I doe confesse her , Now doe I curse her , then againe I blesse her .

Sonnet . 46. MY loue makes hote the fire whose heate is spent , The water , moisture from my teares deriueth ; And my strong sighes , the ayres weake force re●iueth ; This loue , tears , sighs , maintaine each one his element● The fire , vnto my loue , compare a painted fire , The water to my teares , as drops to Oceans be , The ayre vnto my sighs , as Eagle to the flie , The passions of dispaire , but ioyes to my desire . Onely my loue is in the fire ingraued , Onely my teares by Oceans may be gessed , Onely my sighes are by the ayre expressed , Yet fire , water , ayre , of nature not depriued . Whilst fire , water , ayre , twixt heauen & earth shall be , My loue , my teares , my sighes , extinguisht cannot be .

Sonnet . 47. SOme men there be , which like my method well , And doe commend the strangenes of my vaine , Some say , I haue a passing pleasing straine , Some say , that in my humor I excell : Some , who not kindly relish my conceite , They say ( as Poets doe ) I vse to faine , And in bare words paint out my passions paine . Thus sundry men , their sundry minds repeate . I passe not I , how men affected be , Nor who commends , or discommends my verse . It pleaseth me , if I my woes rehearse , And in my lines , if she my loue may see . Onely my comfort still consists in this , Writing her praise , I cannot write amisse .

Sonnet . 48. WHilst thus my pen striues to eternize thee , Age rules my lines with wrincles in my face , Where in the Map of all my miserie Is modeld out the world of my disgrace , whilst in despight of tyrannizing times , Medea like I make thee young againe , Proudly thou scorn'st my world-outwearing rimes , And murther'st vertue with thy coy disdaine ; And though in youth , my youth vntimely perrish , To keepe thee from obliuion and the graue , Ensuing ages yet my rimes shall cherrish , When I entomb'd my better part shall saue ; And though this earthly body fade and die , My name shall mount vpon eternitie .

Sonnet . 49. MVses which sadlie sit about my chaire , Drownd in the teares extorted by my lines , with heauie sighs whilst thus I breake the ayre , Painting my passions in these sad dissignes , Since she disdaines to blesse my happie verse , The strong built Trophies to her liuing fame , Euer hence-forth my bosome be your hearse , wherein the world shall now entombe her name , Enclose my musicke you poore sencelesse walls , Sith shee is dease and will not heare my mones , Soften your selues with euerie teare that falls , whilst I like Orpheus sing to trees and stones ; which with my plaints seeme yet with pittie moued , Kinder then shee who I so long haue loued .

Sonnet . 50. CVpid , dumb Idoll , peeuish saint of loue , No more shalt thou nor saint nor Idoll be , No God art thou , Loues Goddesse she doth proue , Of all thine honour she hath robbed thee . Thy bowe halfe broke , is peec'd with old desire , Her bow is beautie with ten thousand strings , And euery one of purest golden wyer , The least of force to conquer hoasts of Kings . Thy shafts be spent , and she ( to war appointed ) Hides in those christall quiuers of her eyes , More arrowes with hart-piercing mettle pointed , Then there be stars at midnight in the skyes . with these , she steales mens harts for her releefe , Yet happie hee that 's robd of such a theefe .

Sonnet . 51. THou leaden braine which censur'st what I write , And say'st my lines be dull , and doe not moue , I meruaile not thou feel'st not my delight , which neuer feltst my fierie tuch of loue . But thou whose pen hath like a Pack-horse seru'd , whose stomack vnto gaule hath turn'd thy foode , whose sences like poore prisoners hunger-staru'd , whose griefe hath parch'd thy body , dry'd thy blood . Thou which hast scorned life , and hated death , And in a moment mad , sober , glad , and sorry , Thou which hast band thy thoughts & curst thy birth , with thousand plagues more then in purgatorie . Thou thus whose spirit Loue in his fire refines , Come thou and read , admire , applaud my line● .

An alusion to Dedalus and Icarus . Sonnet . 52. MY hart imprisoned in a hopelesse I le , Peopled with Armies of pale iealous eyes , The shores beset with thousand secret spies , Must passe by ayre , or else die in exile , He fram'd him wings with feathers of his thought , which by their nature learn'd to mount the skie , And with the same he practised to flie , Till he himselfe this Eagles Art had taught , Thus soring still , not looking once below , So neere thine eyes celestiall sunne aspired , That with the rayes his wafting pineons fired . Thus was the wanton cause of his owne woe , Downe fell he in thy beauties Ocean drenched , Yet there he burnes , in fire that 's neuer quenched .

Another to the Riuer Ankor . Sonnet . 53. CLeere Ankor , on whose siluer-sanded shore , My soule shrin'd Saint , my faire Idea lyes . O blessed Brooke , whose milk-white Swans adore That Christall streame refined by her eyes . Where sweet Mirrh-breathing Zephire in the spring , Gently distils his Nectar-dropping showers , where Nightingales in Arden sit and sing , Amongst those daintie dew-empearled flowers ; Say thus faire Brooke when thou shalt see thy Queene , Loe heere thy sheepheard spent his wandring yeeres ; And in these shades deere Nimph he oft hath beene , And heere to thee he sacrifiz'd his teares . Faire Arden , thou my Tempe art alone , And thou sweet Ankor art my Helicon .

Sonnet . 54. YEt reade at last the storie of my woe , The drery abstracts of my endlesse cares ; with my lifes sorrow enterlined so , Smok'd with my sighes , and blotted with my teares , The sad memorialls of my miseries , Pend in the griefe of mine afflicted ghost ; My lifes complaint in dolefull Elegies , with so pure loue as time could neuer boast . Receaue the Incense which I offer heere , By my strong faith ascending to thy fame , My zeale , my hope , my vowes , my praise , my prayer , My soules oblations to thy sacred name . Which name my Muse to highest heauen shall raise , By chast desire , true loue , and vertues praise .

Sonnet . 55 MY Faire , if thou wilt register my loue , More then worlds volumes shall thereof arise , Preserue my teares , and thou thy selfe shalt proue A second flood downe rayning from mine eyes . None but my sighs , and thine eyes shall behold , The sun-beames smothered with immortall smoke : And if by thee my prayers may be enrold , They heauen and earth to pittie shall prouoke . Looke thou into my breast , and thou shalt see , Chast holy vowes for my soules sacrifice ; That soule ( sweete Maide ) which so hath honored thee , Erecting Trophies to thy sacred eyes . Those eyes to my hart shining euer bright , when darknes hath obscur'd each other light .

An alusion to the Eaglets . Sonnet . 56. MY thoughts bred vp with Eagle-birds of loue , And for their vertues I desir'd to know , Vpon the nest I set them , forth to proue , If they were of the Eagles kinde or no. But they no sooner saw my sunne appeare , But on her rayes with gazing eyes they stood , which proou'd my birds delighted in the ayre , And that they came of this rare kingly brood . But now their plumes full sumd with sweet desire , To shew their kind , began to clime the skyes : Doe what I could , my Eaglets would aspire , Straight mounting vp to thy celestiall eyes . And thus ( my Faire ) my thoughts away be flowne , And from my breast into thine eyes be gone .

Sonnet . 57. MY Faire , had I not erst adorn'd my Lute , with those sweet strings stolne from thy golden haire , Vnto the world had all my ioyes beene mute , Nor had I learn'd to descant on my Faire . Had not mine eye seene thy celestiall eye , Nor my hart knowne the power of thy name , I had beene buried to posteritie , Thy beauties yet vnregistred by same . But thy diuine perfections by their skill , This miracle ( loe ) on my Muse haue tried , And haue inspir'd a furie in my quill , That in my verse thou liuest deified . That from thy selfe the cause is thus deriued , That by thy selfe , thy selfe shall be suruiued .

To Prouerbe . Sonnet . 58. AS Loue and I , late harbour'd in one Inne , With Prouerbs thus each other intertaine ; In loue there is no lacke , thus I beginne ? Faire words makes fooles , replieth he againe ? That spares to speake , doth spare to speed ( quoth I ) As well ( saith he ) too forward as too slow . Fortune assists the boldest , I replie ? A hasty man ( quoth he ) nere wanted woe . Labour is light where loue ( quoth I ) doth pay , ( Saith he ) light burthens heauy , if farre borne ? ( Quoth I ) the maine lost , cast the by away : You haue spunne a faire thred , he replies in scorne . And hauing thus a while each other thwarted , Fooles as we met , so fooles againe we parted .

Sonet . 59. DEfine my loue , and tell the ioyes of heauen , Expresse my woes , and shew the paines of hell , Declare what Fate vnluckie starres haue giuen , And aske a world vpon my life to dwell . Make knowne that faith , vnkindnes could not moue , Compare my worth with others base desert , Let vertue be the tuch-stone of my loue , So may the heauens reade wonders in my hart . Behold the clouds which haue eclips'd my sunne , And view the crosses which my course doth let , Till me , if euer since the world begunne , So faire a rising had so foule a set ? And by all meanes , let foule vnkindnes proue , And shew the second to so pure a loue .

Sonnet . 60. WHen first I ended , then I first began , The more I trauell , further from my rest , where most I lost , there most of all I wan , Pined with hunger , rising from a feast . Me thinks I flee , yet want I legs to goe , wise in conceite , in act a very sot , Rauisht with ioy , amidst a hell of woe , what most I seeme , that surest am I not . I build my hopes a world aboue the skie , Yet with the Mole , I creepe into the earth , In plenty , am I staru'd with penurie , And yet I surfet in the greatest dearth . I haue , I want , dispaire , and yet desire , Burn'd in a Sea of Ice , and drown'd amidst a fire .

Sonnet . 61. TRuce gentle Loue , a parley now I craue , Me thinks , t is long since first these wars begun , Nor thou nor I , the better yet can haue : Bad is the match where neither party wone . I , offer free conditions of faire peace , My hart for hostage , that it shall remaine , Discharge our forces heere , let malice cease , So for my pledge , thou giue me pledge againe . Or if nothing but death will serue thy turne , Still thirsting for subuersion of my state ; Doe what thou canst , raze , massacre , and burne , Let the world see the vtmost of thy hate : I send defiance since if ouer-throwne , Thou vanquishing , the conquest is mine owne ,

A Cansonet . Sonnet . 62. EYes with your teares , blind if you bee , why haue these teares such eyes to see , Poore eyes , if your teares cannot moue , My teares , eyes , then must mone my loue , Then eyes , since you haue lost your sight , weepe still , and teares shall lend you light , Till both desolu'd , and both want might . No , no , cleere eyes , you are not blind , But in my teares discerne my mind : Teares be the language which you speake , which my hart wanting , yet must breake ; My tongue must cease to tell my wrongs , And make my sighs to get them tongs , Yet more then this to her belongs .

To the high and mighty Prince , Iames , King of Scots . Sonnet . 63. NOt thy graue Counsells , nor thy Subiects loue , Nor all that famous Scottish royaltie , Or what thy soueraigne greatnes may approue , Others in vaine doe but historifie , when thine owne glory from thy selfe doth spring , As though thou did'st , all meaner prayses scorne : Of Kings a Poet , and the Poets King , They Princes , but thou Prophets do'st adorne ; Whilst others by their Empires are renown'd , Thou do'st enrich thy Scotland with renowne , And Kings can but with Diadems be crown'd , But with thy Laurell , thou doo'st crowne thy Crowne ; That they whose pens , ( euen ) life to Kings doe giue , In thee a King , shall seeke them selues to liue .

To Lucie Countesse of Bedford . Sonnet . 64. GReat Lady , essence of my chiefest good , Of the most pure and finest tempred spirit , Adorn'd with gifts , enobled by thy blood , which by discent true vertue do'st inherit : That vertue which no fortune can depriue , which thou by birth tak'st from thy gracious mother , whose royall minds with equall motion striue , which most in honour shall excell the other ; Vnto thy same my Muse her selfe shall taske , which rain'st vpon me thy sweet golden showers , And but thy selfe , no subiect will I aske , Vpon whose praise my soule shall spend her powers . Sweet Lady yet , grace this poore Muse of mine , whose faith , whose zeale , whose life , whose all is thine .

To the Lady Anne Harington . Sonnet . 65. MAdam , my words cannot expresse my mind , My zealous kindnes to make knowne to you , when your desarts all seuerally I find ; In this attempt of me doe craue their due , Your gracious kindnes first doth claime my hart ; Your bounty bids my hand to make it knowne , Of me your vertues each doe challenge part , And leaue me thus the least that is mine owne ? what should commend your modesty and wit , Is by your wit and modesty commended , And standeth dumbe , in most admiring it , And where it should begin , is onely ended ; Returning this your prayses onely due , And to your selfe say you are onely you .

To the Lady L.S. Sonnet . 66. BRight starre of Beauty , on whose eye lids sit , A thousand Nimph-like and enamoured Graces , The Goddesses of memory and wit , which in due order take their seuerall places , In whose deare bosome , sweet delicious loue , Layes downe his quiuer , that he once did beare , Since he that blessed Paradice did proue , Forsooke his mothers lap to sport him there . Let others striue to entertaine with words , My soule is of another temper made ; I hold it vile that vulgar witaffords , Deuouring time my faith , shall not inuade : Still let my praise be honoured thus by you , Be you most worthy , whilst I be most true .

To Sir Anthonie Cooke . Sonnet . 67. VOuchsafe to grace these rude vnpolish'd rimes , which but for you had slept in sable night , And come abroad now in these glorious times , Can hardly brooke the purenes of the light . But sith you see their destenie is such , That in the world their fortune they must try , Perhaps they better shall abide the tuch , wearing your name their gracious liuerie . Yet these mine owne , I wrong not other men , Nor trafique ●urther then this happy Clime , Nor filch from Portes nor from Petrarchs pen , A fault too common in this latter time . Diuine Sir Phillip , I auou●h thy writ , I am no Pick-purse of anothers wit .

FINIS .