Poems, and fancies written by the Right Honourable, the Lady Margaret Newcastle.

POEMS , AND FANCIES :

WRITTEN By the Right HONOURABLE , the Lady MARGARET Countess of NEWCASTLE .

LONDON , Printed by T. R. for J. Martin , and J. Allestrye at the Bell in Saint Pauls Church Yard , 1653.

THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY : TO SIR CHARLES CAVENDISH , MY Noble Brother-in-Law . SIR ,

I Do here dedicate this my Work unto you , not that I think my Book is worthy such a Patron , but that such a Patron may gaine my Book a Respect , and Esteeme in the World , by the favour of your Protection . True it is , Spinning with the Fingers is more proper to our Sexe , then studying or writing Poetry , which is the Spinning with the braine : but I having no skill in the Art of the first ( and if I had , I had no hopes of gaining so much as to make me a Garment to keep me from the cold ) made me delight in the latter ; since all braines work naturally , and incessantly , in some kinde or other ; which made me endeavour to Spin a Garment of Memory , to lapp up my Name , that it might grow to after Ages : I cannot say the Web is strong , fine , or evenly Spun , for it is a Course peice ; yet I had rather my Name should go meanly clad , then dye with cold ; but if the Sute be trimmed with your Favour , shee may make such a shew , and appeare so lovely , as to wed to a Vulgar Fame . But certainely your Bounty hath been the Distaffe , from whence Fate hath Spun the thread of this part of my Life , which Life I wish may be drawne forth in your Service . For your Noble minde is above petty Interest , and such a Courage , as you dare not onely look Misfortunes in the 〈◊〉 , but grapple with them in the defence of your Freind ; and your kindnesse hath been such , as you have neglected your selfe , even in ordinary Accoutrements , to maintaine the distressed ; which shewes you to have such an Affection , as St. Paul expresses for his Brethren in Christ , who could be accurst for the sakes . And since your Charity is of that Length , and Generosity of that Height , that no Times , nor Fortunes can cut shorter , or pull downe lower ; I am very confident , the sweetnesse of your 〈◊〉 , which I have alwayes found in the delightfull conversation of your Company , will never change , but be so humble , as to accept of this Booke , which is the Work of ,

Your most Faithfull Servant , M. N.

TO ALL NOBLE , AND WORTHY LADIES . Noble , Worthy Ladies ,

COndemne not as a dishonour of your Sex , for setting forth this Work ; for it is harmelesse and free from all dishonesty ; I will not say from Vanity : for that is so naturall to our Sex , as it were unnaturall , not to be so . Besides , Poetry , which is built upon Fancy , Women may claime , as a worke belonging most properly to themselves : for I have observ'd , that their Braines work usually in a Fantasticall motion : 〈◊〉 in their severall , and various 〈◊〉 in their many and singular choices of Cloaths , and Ribbons , and the like ; in their curious shadowing , and mixing of Colours , in their Wrought workes , and divers sorts of 〈◊〉 they imploy their Needle , and many Curious things they make , as Flowers , Boxes , Baskets with Beads , Shells , Silke , 〈◊〉 , or any thing else ; besides all manner of Meats to 〈◊〉 : and thus their Thoughts are imployed perpetually with Fancies . For Fancy goeth not so much by Rule , & Method , as by Choice : and if I have chosen my 〈◊〉 with fresh colours , and 〈◊〉 them in good shadows , although the 〈◊〉 be not very true , yet it will please the Eye ; so if my Writing please the Readers , though not the Learned , it will satisfie me ; for I had rather be praised in this , by the most , although not the best . For all I desire , is Fame , and Fame is nothing but a great noise , and noise lives most in a 〈◊〉 ; wherefore I wish my Book may set a worke every Tongue . But I imagine I shall be censur'd by my owne Sex ; and Men will cast a smile of scorne upon my Book , because they think thereby , Women incroach too much upon their Prerogatives ; for they hold Books as their Crowne , and the Sword as their Scepter , by which they rule , and governe . And very like they will say to me , as to the Lady that wrote the Romancy ,

Work Lady , work , let writing Books alone , For surely wiser Women nere wrote one .

But those that say so , shall give me leave to wish , that those of neerest Relation , as Wives , Sisters , & Daughters , may imploy their time no worse then in honest , Innocent , and harmlesse Fancies ; which if they do , Men shall have no cause to feare , that when they go abroad in their absence , they shall receive an 〈◊〉 by their loose Carriages . Neither will Women be desirous to Gossip abroad , when their Thoughts are well imployed at home . But if they do throw scorne , I shall intreat you , ( as the Woman did in the Play of the Wife , for a Month , which caused many of the Effeminate Sex ) to help her , to keep their Right , and Priviledges , making it their owne Case . Therefore pray strengthen my Side , in defending my Book ; for I know Womens Tougns are as sharp , as two-edged Swords , and wound as much , when they are anger'd . And in this Battell may your Wit be quick , and your Speech ready , and your Arguments so strong , as to beat them out of the Feild of Dispute . So shall I get Honour , and Reputation by your Favours ; otherwise I may chance to be cast into the Fire . But if I burn , I desire to die your Martyr ; if I live , to be

Your humble Servant , M. N.

AN EPISTLE TO MISTRIS TOPPE .

SOME may think an Imperfection of wit may be a blemish to the Family from whence I sprung : But Solomon sayes , A wise man may get a Fool. Yet there are as few meer Fools , as wise men : for Vnderstanding runs in a levell course , that is , to know in generall , as of the Effects but to know the Cause of any one thing of Natures workes , Nature never gave us a Capacity thereto . Shee hath given us Thoughts which run wildly about , and if by chance they light on Truth , they do not know it for a Truth . But among it many Errours , there are huge Mountaines of Follies ; and though I add to the Bulke of one of them yet I make not a Mountaine alone , and am the more excusable , because I have an Opinion , which troubles me like a conscience , that 〈◊〉 a part of Honour to aspire towards a Fame . For it cannot be an Effeminacy to seek , or run after Glory , to love Perfection , to desire Praise ; and though I want Merit to make me worthy of it , yet I make some satisfaction in desiring it . But had I broken the Chaines of Modesty , or behav'd my selfe in dishonourable and loose carriage , or had run the wayes of Vice , as to Periure my self , or 〈◊〉 my Freinds , or denyed a Truth , or had lov'd deceit : Then I might have prov'd a Greife to the Family I came from , and a dishonour to the Family I am link't to , raised Blushes in their cheeks being mentioned , or to turne Pale when I were published . But I hope , I shall neither greive , nor shame them , or give them cause to wish I were not a Branch thereof . For though my Ambition's great , my designes are harmelesse , and my wayes are plaine Honesty : and if I stumble at Folly , yet will I never fall on Vice . T is true , the World may wonder at my Confidence , how I dare put out a Book , especially in these censorious times ; but why should I be ashamed , or affraid , where no 〈◊〉 is , and not please my selfe in the satisfaction of innocent desires ? For a smile of neglect cannot dishearten me , no more can a Frowne of dislike affright me ; not but I should be well pleased , and delight to have my Booke commended . But the Worlds dispraises cannot make me a mourning garment : my mind 's too big , and I had rather venture an indiscretion , then loose the hopes of a Fame . Neither am I ashamed of my 〈◊〉 , for Nature tempers not every Braine alike ; but t is a shame to deny the Principles of their Religion , to break the 〈◊〉 of a well-governed Kingdome , to disturbe Peace , to be unnaturall , to break the Vnion and Amity of honest Freinds , for a Man to be a Coward , for a Woman to be a Whore , and by these Actions , they are not onely to be cast out of all Civill society , but to be blotted out of the Roll of Mankinde . And the reason why I summon up these Vices , is , to let my Friends know , or rather to remember them , that my Book is none of them : yet in this Action of setting out of a Booke , I am not clear without 〈◊〉 , because I have not asked leave of any Freind thereto ; for the feare of being denied , made me silent : and there is an Old saying ; That it is casier to aske Pardon , then Leave : for a fault will sooner be forgiven , then a suite granted : and as I have taken the One , so I am very confident they will give me the Other . For their Affection is such , as it doth as easily obscure all infirmity and blemishes , as it is fearfull and quick-sighted in spying the Vices of those they love ; and they doe with as much kindnesse pardon the One , as with griefe reprove the Other . But I thought it an Honour to aime at Excellencies , and though I cannot attaine thereto , yet an Endeavour shews a good will , and a good will ought not to be turned out of Noble mindes , nor be whipt with dispraises , but to be cherished with Commendations . Besides , I Print this Book , to give an Account to my Freinds , how I spend the idle Time of my life , and how I busie my Thoughts , when I thinke upon the Obiects of the World . For the truth is , our Sex hath so much waste Time , having but little imployments , which makes our Thoughts run wildly about , having nothing to fix them upon , which wilde thoughts do not onely produce unprofitable , but indiscreet Actions ; winding up the Thread of our lives in snarles on unsound bottoms . And since all times must be spent either ill , or well , or indifferent ; I thought this was the harmelessest Pastime : for lure this Worke is better then to sit still , and censure my Neighbours actions , which nothing concernes 〈◊〉 ; or to condemne their Humours , because they do 〈◊〉 sympathize with mine , or their lawfull Recreations , because they are not agreeable to my delight ; or ridiculously to laugh at my Neighbours Cloaths , if they are not of the Mode , Colour , or Cut , or the Ribbon tyed with a Mode Knot , or to busie my selfe out 〈◊〉 the Sphear of our Sex , as in Politicks of State , or to Preach false Doctrine in a Tub , or to entertaine my selfe in 〈◊〉 to vaine Flatteries , or to the incitements of evill perswasions ; where all these Follies , and many more may be cut off by such innocent worke as this . I write not this onely to satisfie you , which my Love makes me desire so to doe ; but to defend my Book from spightfull Invaders , knowing Truth and Innocence are two good Champions against Malice and 〈◊〉 : and which is my defence , I am very confident is a great satisfaction to you . For being bred with me , your Love is twisted to my Good , which shall never be undone by any unkinde Action of Mine , but will alwayes remaine

Your loving Freind , M. N.

Madam ,

YOu are not onely the first English 〈◊〉 of your Sex , but the first that ever wrote this way : therefore whosoever that writes afterwards , must own you for their Pattern , from whence they take their Sample ; and a Line by which they measure their Conceits and Fancies . For whatsoever is written asterwards , it will be bur a Copy of your Originall , which can be no more Honour to them , then to Labouring Men , that draw Water from another mans Spring , for their owne use : neither can there be anything writ , that your Honour have not imployed your Pen in : As there is Poeticall Fictions , Morall instructions , Philosophicall Opinions , Dialogues , Discourses , Poeticall Romances . But truely , Madam , this Book is not the onely occasion to Admire you ; for having been brought up from my Childhood in your Honourable Family , and alwayes in your Ladyships company ; seeing the course of your life , and honouring your Ladyships disposition , I have admired Nature more , in your Ladiship , then in any other Works besides . First , in the course of your Life , you were alwayes Circumspect , by Nature , not by Art ; for naturally your Honour did hate to do any thing that was mean and unworthy , or anything that your Honour might not owne to all the World with confidence ; & yet your Ladiship is naturally bashful , & apt to be out of Countenance , that your Ladiship could not oblige all the World But truly , Madam , Fortune 〈◊〉 not so much in her power to give , as your Honour 〈◊〉 to bestow ; which apparently shineth in all Places , especially where your Ladyship 〈◊〉 been , as France , Flanders , Holland , &c. to your everlasting Honour and Fame ; which will manifest this Relation to be the Truth , as well as I , who am ,

Madam , Your Honours most humble and obedient Servant , E. Toppe .

To Naturall Philosophers .

IF any Philosophers have written of these Subjects ' , as I make no question , or doubt , but they have , of all that Nature hath discover'd , either in meere Thought , and Speculation , or other waies in Observation ; yet it is more then I know of : for I never read , nor heard of any English Booke to Instruct me : and truly I understand no other Language ; not French , although I was in France five yeares : Neither do I understand my owne Native Language very well ; for there are many words , I know not what they signifie ; so as I have onely the Vulgar part , I meane , that which is most usually spoke . I do not meane that which is us'd to be spoke by Clownes in every Shire , where in some Parts their Language is knowne to none , but those that are bred there . And not onely every Shire hath a severall Language , but every Family , giving Marks for things according to their Fancy . But my Ignorance of the Mother Tongues makes me ignorant of the Opinions , and Discourses in former times ; wherefore I may be absurd , and crre grossely . I cannot say , I have not heard of Atomes , and Figures , and Motion , and Matter ; but not throughly reason'd on : but if I do erre , it is no great matter ; for my Discourse of them is not to be accounted Authentick : so if there be any thing worthy of noting , it is a good Chance ; if not , there is no harm done , nor time lost . For I had nothing to do when I wrot it , and I suppose those have nothing , or little else to do , that read it . And the Reason why I write it in Verse , is , because I thought Errours might better passe there , then in Prose ; since Poets write most Fiction , and Fiction is not given for Truth , but Pastime ; and I feare my Atomes will be as small Pastime , as themselves : for nothing can be lesse then an Atome . But my desire that they should please the Readers , is as big as the World they make ; and my Feares are of the same bulk ; yet my Hopes fall to a single Atome agen : and so shall I remaine an unsettled Atome , or a confus'd heape , till I heare my Censure . If I be prais'd , it fixes them ; but if I am condemn'd , I shall be Annihilated to nothing : but my Ambition is such , as I would either be a World , or nothing .

I desire all that are not quick in apprehending , or will not trouble themselves with such small things as Atomes , to skip this part of my Book , and view the other , for feare these may seem tedious : yet the Subject is light , and the Chapters short . Perchance the other may please better ; if not the second , the third ; if not the third , the fourth ; if not the fourth , the sifth : and if they cannot please , for lack of Wit , they may please in Variety , for most Palates are greedy after Change . And though they are not of the choicest Meates , yet there is none dangerous ; neither is there so much of particular Meat , as any can feare a Surfet ; but the better pleas'd you are , the better Welcome . I wish heartily my Braine had been Richer , to make you a fine Entertainment : truly I should have spar'd no Cost , neither have I spar'd any Paines : for my Thoughts have been very busily imployed , these eight , or nine Months , when they have not been taken away by Wordly Cares , and Trouble , which I confesse hath been a great hinderance to this Work . Yet have they lat up late , and risen earely , running about untill they have been in a fiery heat , so as their Service hath not been wanton , nor their Industry slack . What is amisse , excuse it as a Fault of too much Care ; for there may be 〈◊〉 committed with being over-busie , as soon as for want of Diligence . But those that are poore , have nothing but their labour to bestow ; and though I cannot serve you on Agget Tables , and Persian Carpets , with Golden Dishes , and Chrystall Glasses , nor feast you with Ambrosia , and Nectar , yet perchance my Rye Loafe , and new Butter may tast more savoury , then those that are sweet , and delicious .

If you dislike , and rise to go away , Pray do not Scoff , and tell what I did say . But if you do , the matter is not great , For t is but foolish words you can repeat . Pray do not censure all you do not know , But let my Atomes to the Learned go . If you judge , and understand not , you may take For Non-sense that which learning Sense will make . But I may say , as Some have said before , I 'm not bound to fetch you Wit from Natures Store .

TO THE READER . READER ,

IF any do read this Book of mine , pray be not too severe in your Censures . For first , I have no Children to imploy my Care , and Attendance on ; And my Lords Estate being taken away , had nothing for Huswifery , or thristy Industry to imploy my selfe in ; having no Stock to work on . For Housewifery is a discreet Management , and ordering all in Private , and Household Affaires , seeing nothing spoil'd , or Prosusely spent , that every thing has its proper Place , and every Servant his proper Work , and every Work to be done in its proper Time ; to be Neat , and Cleanly , to have their House quiet from all disturbing Noise . But Thriftiness is something stricter ; for good Housewifery may be used in great Expenses ; but Thriftiness signifies a Saving , or a getting ; as to increase their Stock , or Estate . For Thrift weighs , and measures out all Expence . It is just as in Poetry : for good Husbandry in Poetry , is , when there is great store of Fancy well order'd , not onely in fine Language , but proper Phrases , and significant Words . And Thrift in Poetry , is , when there is but little Fancy , which is not onely spun to the last Thread , but the Thread is drawne so 〈◊〉 , as it is scarce perceived . But I have nothing to spin , or order , so as I become Idle ; I cannot say , in mine owne House , because I have none , but what my Mind is lodg'd in . Thirdly , you are to spare your severe Censures , I having not so many yeares of Experience , as will make me a Garland to Crowne my Head ; onely I have had so much time , as to gather a little Posie to stick upon my Breast . Lastly , the time I have been writing them , hathnot been very long , but since I came into England , being eight Yeares out , and nine Months in ; and of these nine Months , onely some Houres in the Day , or rather in the Night . For my Rest being broke with discontented Thoughts , because I was from my Lord , and Husband , knowing him to be in great Wants , and my selfe in the same Condition ; to divert them , I strove to turne the Stream , yet shunning the muddy , and foule waies of Vice , I went to the Well of Helicon , and by the Wells side , I have sat , and wrote this Worke. It is not Excellent , nor Rare , but plaine ; yet it is harmlesse , modest , and honest . True , it may taxe my 〈◊〉 , being so fond of my Book , as to make it as if it were my Child , and striving to shew her to the World , in hopes Some may like her , although no Beauty to Admire , yet may praise her Behaviour , as not being wanton , nor rude . Wherefore I hope you will not put her out of Countenance , which she is very apt to , being of bashfull Nature , and as ready to shed Repentant Teares , if she think she hath committed a Fault : wherefore pity her Youth , and tender Growth , and rather taxe the Parents Indiscretion , then the Childs Innocency . But my Book coming out in this Iron age , I feare I shall sind hard Hearts ; yet I had rather she should find Cruelty , then Scorne , and that my book should be torn , rather then laught at ; for there is no such regret in Nature as Contempt : but I am resolv'd to set it at all Hazards . If Fortune plaies Aums Ace , I am gon ; if size Cinque , I shall win a Reputation of Fancy , and if I loose , I loose but the Opinion of Wit : and where the Gaine will be more then the Losse , who would not 〈◊〉 : when there are many in the World , ( which are accounted Wise ) that will venture Life , and Honour , for a petty Interest , or out of Envie , or for Revenge sake . And why should not I venture , when nothing lies at Stake , but Wit ? let it go ; I shall nor cannot be much Poorer . If Fortune be my Friend , then Fame will be my Gaine , which may build me a Pyramid , a Praise to my Memory . I shall have no cause to seare it will be so high as Babels Tower , to fall in the mid-way ; yet I am sorry it doth not touch at Heaven : but my Incapacity , Feare , Awe , and Reverence kept me from that Work . For it were too great a Presumption to venture to Discourse that in my Fancy , which is not describeable . For God , and his Heavenly Mansions , are to be admired , wondred , and astonished at , and not disputed on .

But at all other things let Fancy fiye , And , like a Towring Eagle , mount the Skie . Or lik the Sun swiftly the World to round , Or like pure Gold , which in the Earth is found . But if a drossie Wit , let 't buried be , Under the Ruines of all Memory .

The Poetresses hasty Resolution . REading my Verses , I like't them so well , Selfe-love did make my Iudgement to rebell . Thinking them so good , I thought more to write ; Considering not how others would them like . I writ so fast , I thought , if I liv'd long , A Pyramid of Fame to build thereon . Reason observing which way I was bent , Did stay my hand , and ask't me what I meant ; Will you , said shee , thus waste your time in vaine , On that which in the World small praise shall gaine ? For shame leave off , sayd shee , the Printer spare , Hee 'le loose by your ill Poetry , I feare Besides the Worldhath already such a weight Of uselesse Bookes , as it is over fraught . Then pitty take , doe the World a good turne , And all you write cast in the fire , and burne . Angry I was , and Reason strook away , When I did he are , what shee to me did say . Then all in haste I to the Presle it sent , Fearing Perswasion might my Book prevent : But now 't is done , with greife repent doe I , Hang down my head 〈◊〉 shame , blush sigh , and cry . Take pitty , and my drooping Spirits raise , Wipe off my teares with Handkerchiefes of Praise .

The Poetresses Petition . LIke to a Feavers pulse my heart doth beat , For fear my Book some great repulse should meet . If it be naught , let her in silence lye , Disturbe her not , let her in quiet dye ; Let not the Bells of your dispraise ring loud , But wrap her up in silence as a Shrowd ; Cause black oblivion on her Hearse to hang , Instead of Tapers , let darke night there stand ; In stead of Flowers to the grave her strow Before her Hearse , sleepy , dull Poppy throw ; In stead of Scutcheons , let my Teares be 〈◊〉 , Which greife and sorrow from my eyes out wrung : Let those that beare her Corps , no lesters be , But sad , and sober , grave Mortality : No Satyr Poets to her Funerall come ; No Altars rays'd to write Inscriptions on : Let dust of all forgetfulnesse be cast Upon her Corps , there let them lye and waste : Nor let her rise againe ; unlesse some know , At Iudgements , some good Merits shee can shew ; Then shee shall live in Heavens of high praise ; And for her glory , Garlands of fresh Bayes ,

An excuse for so much writ upon my Verses . COndemne me not for making such a coyle About my Book , alas it is my Childe . Just like a Bird , when her Young are in Nest , Goes in , and out , and hops and takes no Rest ; But when their Young are fledg'd , their heads out peep , Lord what a chirping does the Old one keep . So I , for feare my Strengthlesse Childe should fall Against a doore , or stoole , aloud I call , Bid have a care of such a dangerous place : Thus write I much , to hinder all disgrace .

POEMS .

Nature calls a Councell , which was Motion , Figure , matter , and Life , to advise about making the World . WHen Nature first this World she did create , She cal'd a Counsell how the same might make ; Motion was first , who had a subtle wit , And then came Life , and Forme , and Matter fit . First Nature spake , my Friends if we agree , We can , and may do a sine worke , said she , Make some things to adore us , worship give , Which now we only to our selves do live . Besides it is my nature things to make , To give out worke , and you directions take . And by this worke , a pleasure take therein , And breed the Fates in huswifery to spin , And make strong Destiny to take some paines , Least she growe idle , let her Linke some Chaines : Inconstancy , and Fortune turne a Wheele , Both ' are so wanton , cannot stand , but reele . And Moisture let her poure out Water forth , And Heat let her suck out , and raise up growth , And let sharp Cold stay things that run about , And Drought stop holes , to keepe the water out . 〈◊〉 , and Darknesse they will domineere , If Motions power make not Light appeare ; Produce a Light , that all the World may see , My only Childe from all Eternitie : Beauty my Love , my Joy , and deare delight , Else Darknesse rude will cover her with spight . Alas , said Motion , all paines I can take , Will do no good , Matter a Braine must make ; Figure must draw a Circle , round , and small , Where in the midst must stand a Glassy Ball , AN Eye . Without Convexe , the inside a Concave , And in the midst a round small hole must have , That Species may passe , and repasse through , Life the Prospective every thing to view . Alas , said Life , what ever we do make , Death , my great Enemy , will from us take : And who can hinder his strong , mighty power ? He with his cruelty doth all devoure : And Time , his Agent , brings all to decay : Thus neither Death , nor Time will you obey : He cares for none of your commands , nor will Obey your Lawes , but doth what likes him still ; He knowes his power far exceedeth ours ; For whatso'ere we make , he soone devours . Let me advise you never take such paines A World to make , since Death hath all the gaines . Figures opinion did agree with Life , For Death , said she , will fill the World with strife ; What Forme soever I do turne into , Death findes me out , that Forme he doth undoe . Then Motion spake , none hath such cause as I , For to complaine , for Death makes Motion dye . 'T is best to let alone this worke , I thinke . Saies Matter , Death corrupts , and makes me stinke . Saies Nature , I am of another minde , If we let Death alone , we soone shall finde , He wars will make , and raise a mighty power , If we divert him not , may us devoure . He is ambitious , will in triumph sit , Envies my workes , and seekes my State to get . And Fates , though they upon great Life attend , Yet feare they Death , and dare not him offend . Though Two be true , and spin as Life them bids , The Third is false , and cuts short the long threads . Let us agree , for feare we should do worse , And make some worke , for to imply his force . Then all rose up , we do submit , say , they , To Natures will , in every thing obey . First Matter she brought the Materialls in , And Motion cut , and carv'd out every thing . And Figure she did draw the Formes and Plots , And Life divided all out into Lots . And Nature she survey'd , directed all , With the foure Elements built the Worlds Ball. The solid Earth , as the Foundation lai'd , The Waters round about as Walls were rais'd , Where every drop lies close , like Stone , or Bricke , Whose moisture like as Morter made them sticke . Aire , as the Seeling , keeps all close within , Least some Materialls out of place might spring . Aire presses downe the Seas , if they should rise , Would overflow the Earth , and drowne the Skies . For as a Roofe that 's laid upon a Wall , To keepe it steddy , that no side might fall , So Nature Aire makes that place to take , And Fire highest laies , like Tyle , or Slat , To keepe out raine , or wet , else it would rot : So would the World corrupt , if Fire were not . The Planets , like as Weather-fans , turne round , The Sun a Diall in the midst is found : Where he doth give so just account of time , He measures all , though round , by even Line . But when the Earth was made , and seed did sow , Plants on the Earth , and Mineralls downe grow , Then Creatures made , which Motion gave them sense , Yet reason none , to give intelligence . But Nature found when she was Man to make , More difficult then new Worlds to create : For she did strive to make him long to last , Into Eternity then he was cast . For in no other place could keep him long , But in Eternity , that Castle strong . There she was sure that Death she could keep out , Although he is a Warriour strong , and stout . Man she would make not like to other kinde , Though not in Body , like a God in minde . Then she did call her Councell once againe , Told them the greatest work edid yet remaine . For how , said she , can we our selves new make ? Yet Man we must like to our selves create : Or else he can never escape Deaths snare , To make this worke belongs both skill , and care ; But I a Minde will mixe , as I thinke sit , With Knowledge , Understanding , and with Wit , And , Motion , you your Serjeants must imploye : Which Passions are , to waite still in the Eye , To dresse , and cloath this Minde in fashions new , Which none knowes better how to doe 't then you . What though this Body dye , this Minde shall live , And a free-will we must unto it give . But , Matter , you from Figure Forme must take , Different from other Creatures , Man must make . For he shall go upright , the rest shall not , And , Motion , you in him must tye a knot Of severall Motions there to meet in one : Thus Man like to himselfe shall be alone . You , Life , command the Fates a thread to spin , From which small thread the Body shall begin . And while the thread doth last , not cut in twaine , The Body shall in Motion still remaine . But when the thread is broke , then downe shall fall , And for a time no Motion have at all . But yet the Minde shall live , and never dye ; We 'le raise the Body too for company . Thus , like our selves , we can make things to live Eternally , but no past times can give .

Deaths endeavour to hinder , and obstruct Nature . WHen Death did heare what Nature did intend , To hinder her he all his force did bend . But finding all his forces were too weake , He alwaies strives the Thread of life to breake : And strives to fill the Minde with black despaire , Let 's it not rest in peace , nor free from care ; And since he cannot make it dye , he will Send griefe , and sorrow to torment it still . With grievous paines the Body he displeases , And bindes it hard with chaines of strong diseases . His Servants , Sloth , and Sleep , he doth imploye , To get halfe of the time before they dye : But Sleep , a friend to Life , oft disobeyes His Masters will , and softly downe her lay's Upon their weary limbs , like Birds in nest And gently locks their senses up in rest .

A World made by Atomes . SMall Atomes of themselves a World may make , As being subtle , and of every shape : And as they dance about , fit places finde , Such Formes as best agree , make every kinde . For when we build a house of Bricke , and Stone , We lay them even , every one by one : And when we finde a gap that 's big , or small , We seeke out Stones , to fit that place withall . For when not fit , too big , or little be , They fall away , and cannot stay we see . So Atomes , as they dance , finde places fit , They there remaine , lye close , and fast will sticke . Those that unfit , the rest that rove about , Do never leave , untill they thrust them out . Thus by their severall Motions , and their Formes , As severall work-men serve each others turnes . And thus , by chance , may a New World create : Or else predestinated to worke my Fate .

The foure principall Figur'd Atomes make the foure Elements . as Square , Round , Long , and Sharpe . THE Square stat Atomes , as dull Earth appeare , The Atomes Round do make the Water cleere . The Long streight Atomes like to Arrowes fly , Mount next the points , and make the Aiery Skie ; The Sharpest Atomes do into Fire turne , Which by their peircing quality they burne : That Figure makes them active , active , Light ; Which makes them get aboue the rest in flight ; And by this Figure they stick fast , and draw Up other Atomes which are Round and Raw : As Waters are round drops , though nere so small , Which shew that water is all sphericall . That Figure makes it spungy , spungy , wet , For being hollow , softnesse doth 〈◊〉 . And being soft , that makes it run about ; More solid Atomes thrast it in , or out ; But sharpest Atomes have most power thereon , To nip it up with Cold , or Heate to run . But Atomes Flat , are heavy , dull , and slow , And sinking downward to the bottome go : Those Figur'd Atomes are not active , Light , Whereas the Longe are like the Sharp in flight . For as the Sharpe do pierce , and get on high , So do the long shoot streight , and evenly . The Round are next the Flat , the Long next Round , Those which are sharp , are still the highest found : The Flat turne all to Earth , which lye most low , The Round , to Water cleer , which liquid flow . The Long to Aire turne , from whence Clouds grow , The Sharp to Fire turne , which hot doth glow . These Foure Figures foure Elements do make , And as their Figures do incline , they take . For those are perfect in themselves alone , Not taking any shape , but what 's their owne . What Forme is else , must still take from each part , Either from Round , or Long , or Square , or Sharp ; As those that are like to Triangulars cut , Part of three Figures in one Forme is put . And those that bow and bend like to a Bow ; Like to the Round , and joynted Atomes shew . Those that are Branch'd , or those which crooked be , You may both the Long , and sharp Figures see . Thus severall Figures , severall tempers make , But what is mixt , doth of the Four partake .

Of Aiery Atomes . THE Atomes long , which streaming Aire makes , Are hollow , from which Forme Aire softnesse takes . This makes that Aire , and water neer agree , Because in hollownesse alike they be . For Aiery Atomes made are like a Pipe , And watry Atomes , Round , and Cimball like . Although the one is Long , the other Round ; Yet in the midst , a hollownesse is found . This makes us thinke , water turnes into Aire , And Aire often runs into water faire . And like two Twins , mistaken they are oft ; Because their hollownesse makes both them soft .

Of Aire . THE reason , why Aire doth so equall spred , Is Atomes long , at each end ballanced . For being long , and each end both alike , Are like to Weights , which keep it steddy , right : For howsoere it moves , to what Forme joyne , Yet still that Figure lies in every line . For Atomes long , their 〈◊〉 are like a Thread , Which interweaves like to a Spiders Web : And thus being thin , it so subtle growes , That into every empty place it goes .

Of Earth . WHY Earth's not apt to move , but slow and dull , Is , Atomes flat no Vacuum hath ' butfull . That Forme admits no empty place to bide , All parts are fil'd , having no hollow side . As Round , and Long have . And where no Vacuum is , Motion is slow , Having no empty places for to go . Though Atomes all are small , as small may bee , As the numbers of Sharpe Atomes do peirce and make way through greater numbers , as a Sparke of fire will kindle , and burn up a house . Yet by their Formes , Motion doth disagree . For Atomes sharp do make themselves a Way , Cutting through other Atomes as they stray . But Atomes flat will dull , and lazy lay , Having no Edge , or point to make a Way .

The weight of Atomes . IF Atomes are as small , as small can bee , They must in quantity of Matter all agree : And if consisting Matter of the same ( be right , ) Then every Atome must weigh just alike . Thus Quantity , Quality and Weight , all Together meets in every Atome small .

The bignesse of Atomes : MHEN I say Atomes small , as small can bee ; I mean Quantity , quality , and Weight agree Not in the Figure , for some may shew Much bigger , and some lesser : so Take Water fluid , and Ice that s firme , Though the Weight be just , the Bulke is not the same . So Atomes are some soft , others more knit , According as each Atome's Figured ; Round and Long Atomes hollow are , more slacke Then Flat , or Sharpe , for they are more compact : And being hollow they are spread more thin , Then other Atomes which are close within : And Atomes which are thin more tender far , For those that are more close , they harder are .

The joyning of severall Figur'd Atomes make other Figures . SEverall Figur'd Atomes well agreeing , When joyn'd , do give another Figure being . For as those Figures joyned , severall waies , The Fabrick of each severall Creature raise .

What Atomes make Change . T IS severall Figur'd Atomes that make Change , When severall Bodies meet as they do range . For if they sympathise , and do agree , They joyne 〈◊〉 , as one Body bee . But if they joyne like to a Rabble-rout , Without all order running in and out ; Then disproportionable things they make , Because they did not their right places take .

All things last , or dissolve , according to the Composure of Atomes . THose Atomes loosely joyn'd , do not remaine So long as those , which Closenesse do maintaine . Those make all things i' th 〈◊〉 ebb , and flow ; According as the moving Atomes go . Others in Bodies , they do joyne so close , As in long time , they never stir , nor loose : And some will joyne so close , and knit so fast , As if unstir'd , they would for ever last . In smallest Vegetables , loosest Atomes lye , Which is the reason , they so quickly dye . In Animals , much closer they are laid , Which is the cause , Life is the longer staid . Some Vegetables , and Animals do joyne In equall strength , if Atomes so combine . But Animals , where Atomes close lay in , Are stronger , then some Vegetables thin . But in Vegetables , where Atomes do stick fast , As in strong Trees , the longer they do last . In Minerals , they are so hard wedg'd in , No space they leave for Motion to get in : Being Pointed all , the closer they do lye , Which make them not like Vegetables dye . Those Bodies , where loose Atomes most move in , Are Soft , and Porous , and many times thin . Those 〈◊〉 Bodies never do live long , For why , loose Atomes never can be strong . There Motion having power , tosses them about , Keeps them from their right places , so Life goes out .

Of Loose Atomes . IN every Braine loose Atomes there do lye , Those which are Sharpe , from them do Fancies flye . Those that are long , and Aiery , nimble be . But Atomes Round , and Square , are dull , and sleepie .

Change is made by several-figur'd Atomes , and Motion . IF Atomes all are of the selfe same Matter ; As Fire , Aire , Earth , and Water : Then must their severall Figures make all Change By Motions helpe , which orders , as they range .

Of Sharpe Atomes . THen Atomes Sharpe Motion doth mount up high ; Like Arrowes sharpe , Motion doth make them flye . And being sharpe and swift , they peirce so deep , As they passe through all Atomes , as they meet : By their swift motion , they to bright Fire turne ; And being Sharpe , they peirce , which we call Burne .

What Atomes make Flame . THose Atomes , which are Long , * * These Atomes are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Atomes , and half Fiery . sharp at each end , Stream forth like Aire , in Flame , which Light doth seem : For Flame doth flow , as if it fluid were , Which shewes , part of that Figure is like Aire . Thus Flame is joyn'd , two Figures into one : But Fire without Flame , is sharpe alone .

Of Fire and Flame . ALthough we at a distance stand ; if great The Fire be , the Body through will heat . Yet those sharpe Atomes we do not perceive ; How they flye out , nor how to us 〈◊〉 cleave . Nor do they flame , nor shine they cleare and bright , When they 〈◊〉 out , and on our Bodies strike . The reason is , they loose , and scattered flye ; And not in Troupes , nor do they on 〈◊〉 Like small dust 〈◊〉 , which scatter'd all about ; We see it not , nor doth it keep Light out : When gathered thick up to a Mountaine high , We see them then in solid Earth to lye . Just so do Atomes sharpe looke , cleere , and bright , When in heaps lye , or in a streaming flight .

Of Fire in the Flint . THE reason , Fire lies in Flint unseene ; Is , other Figur'd Atomes lye betweene : For being bound , and overpowred by A Multitude , they do in Prison lye . Unlesse that Motion doth release them out , With as strong power , which make them flye about But if that Flint be beat to powder small ; To sep'rate the grossest , releas'd are all . But when they once are out , do not returne , But seeke about to make another Forme .

Of the Sympathy of Atomes . BY Sympathy , Atomes are fixed so , As past some Principles they do not go . For count the Principles of all their workes , You 'le finde , there are not many severall sorts . For when they do dissolve , and new Formes make , They still to their first Principles do take . As Animals , Vegetables , Minerals ; So Aire , Fire , Earth , Water falls .

Of the Sympathy of their Figures . SUch Sympathy there is in every Figure , Long , Round , Sharpe , Flat . That every severall sort do flock together . As Aire , Water , Earth and Fine ; Which make each Element to be entire : Not but loose 〈◊〉 , like Sheep stray about , And in t o severall places go in , andout : And some as Sheep and Kine do mixe together ; Which when they mixe , t is severall change of weather . But Motion , as their 〈◊〉 drives them so , As not to let them out of order go .

What Atomes make Vegetables , Minerals , and Animals . THE Eranched Atomes Formes each 〈◊〉 thing , The hooked points pull out , and m akes them spring , The Atomes Round give Juice , the Sharpe give heate ; And those grow Hearbs , and Fruits , and Flowers sweet . Those that are Square , and Flat , not rough withall , Make those which Stone ; and Minerals we call . But in all Stones , and Minerals ( no doubt , ) Sharpe points do lye , which Fire makes strike out . Thus Vegetables , Minerals do grow , According as the severall Atomes go . In Animals , all Figures do agree ; But in Mankinde , the best of Atomes bee . And thus , in Nature the whole World may be , For all we know , unto Eternitie .

What Atomes make Heate and Cold. SSuch kinde of Atomes , which make Heat , make Cold : Like Pincers sharpe , which nip , and do take hold . But Atomes that are pointed sharpe , peirce through : And Atomes which are sharpe , but Hookt , pull to . Yet , all must into pointed Figures turne ; For Atomes blunt will never freeze , nor burne . Cause 〈◊〉 Figures do to a soft Forme bend ; And Soft do unto 〈◊〉 , or Liquid tend .

What Atomes make Fire to burne , and what Flame . WHat makes a Sparks of Fire to burne more quick , Then a great Flame ? because 't is small to stick . For Fire of it selfe , it is so dry , Falls into parts , as crowds of Atomes lye . The Sharpest Atomes keepe the Body hot , To give out Heat , some Atomes forth are shot . Sometimes for anger , the Sparkes do flye about ; Or want of roome , the weakest are thrust out . They are so sharpe , that whatsoere they meet , If not orepowr'd , by other Atomes , * * This is , when some Atomes overpower others by their Numbers , for they cannot change their Formes . eate : As Ants , which small , will eate up a dead Horse : So Atomes sharpe , on Bodies of lesse force . Thus Atomes sharpe , yet sharper by degrees ; As Stings in Flies , are not so sharpe as Bees . And when they meet a Body , solid , stat , The weakest Flye , the Sharpest worke on that . Those that are not so sharpe , do flye about , To seeke some lighter matter , to eate out . So lighter Atomes do turne Aire to Flame , Because more Thin , and 〈◊〉 is the same Thus Flame is not so hot as Burning Coale ; The Atomes are too weake , to take fast hold . The sharpest into firmest Bodies flye , But if their strength be small , they quickly dye . Or if their Number be not great , but small ; The 〈◊〉 Atomes beate and quench out all .

What Atomes make the Sun , and the Sea , go round . ALL pointed Atomes , they to Fire turne ; Which by their drinesse , they so light become : Above the rest do flye , and make a Sun . Which by consent of parts , a Wheele of Fire growes , Which being Sphaericall , in a round motion goes : And as it turnes round , Atomes turne about ; Which Atomes round , are Water , without doubt . This makes the Sea go round , like Water-Mill ; For as the Sun turnes round , so doth the water still .

What Atomes make Life . ALL pointed Atomes to Life do tend , Whether pointed all , or at one end . Or whether Round , are set like to a Ring ; Or whether Long , are roul'd as on a String . Those which are pointed , streight , quick Motion give ; But those that bowe and bend , more dull do live . For Life lives dull , or merrilie , According as Sharpe Atomes be . The Cause why things do live and dye , Is , as the mixed Atomes lye .

What Atomes make Death . LIfe is a Fire , and burnes full hot , But when Round watry Atomes power have got : Then do they quench Lifes Atomes out , Blunting their Points , and kill their courage stout . Thus they sometimes do quite thrust out each other , Over power'd . When equall mix'd , live quietly together . The cause why things do live and dye , Is as the mixed Atomes lye .

What Atomes cause Sicknesse . WHen sicke the Body is , and well by fits , Atomes are fighting , but none 〈◊〉 better gets . If they agree , then Health returnes againe , And so shall live as long as Peace remaine

What Atomes make a Dropsie . WHen Atomes round do meet , joyne in one Ball , Then they swell high , and grow Hydropicall . Thus joyning they ' come strong , so powerfull grow , All other Atomes they do overflow .

What Atomes make a Consumption . THE Atomes sharpe , when they together meet , They grow so hot , all other Atomes beate . And being hot , becomes so very dry , They drinke Lifes moisture up , make motion dye .

What Atomes make the wind Collick . LOng aiery Atomes , when they are combin'd , Do spread themselves abroad , and so make Wind : Making a Length and Breadth extend so far , That all the rest can neither go nor stir . And being forc'd , not in right places lye ; Thus press'd too hard , Man in great paine doth lye .

What Atomes make a Palsey , or Apoplexy . DUll Atomes flat , when they together joyne , And with each other in a heape combine ; This Body thicke doth stop all passage so , Keeps Motion out , so num'd the Body grow . Atomes that are sharpe , in which Heate doth live , Being smothered close , no heate can give : But if those Atomes flat meet in the Braine , They choake the Spirits , can no heate obtaine .

In all other Diseases they are mixed , taking parts , and factions . BUT in all other Diseases they are mix'd , And not in one consisting Body fix'd . But do in factions part , then up do rise ; Striving to beate each other out , Man dies .

All things are govern'd by Atomes . THus Life and Death , and young and old , Are , as the severall Atomes hold . So Wit , and Vnderstanding in the Braine , Are as the severall Atomes reigne : And Dispositions good , or ill , Are as the severall Atomes still . And every Passion which doth rise , Is as the severall Atomes lies . Thus Sicknesse , Health , and Peace , and War ; Are alwaies as the severall Atomes are .

A warr with Atomes : SOme factious Atomes will agree , combine , They strive some form'd Body to unjoyne . The Round beate out the Sharpe : the Long The Flat do fight withall , thus all go wrong . Those which make Motion Generall in their war , By his direction they much stronger are .

Atomes and Motion fall out . WHen Motion , and all Atomes disagree , Thunder in Skies , and sicknesse in Men bee . Earthquakes , and Windes which make disorder great , T is when that Motion all the Atomes beate . In this confusion a horrid noise they make , For Motion will not let them their right places take . Like frighted Flocks of Sheepe together run , Thus Motion like a Wolfe doth worry them .

The agreement of some kinde of Motion , with some kinde of Atomes . SOme Motion with some Atomes well agree ; Fits them to places right , as just may bee . By Motions helpe , they so strong joyne each to , That hardly Motion shall againe undo . Motions inconstancy oft gives such power To Atomes , as they can Motion devoure .

Motion directs , while Atomes dance . ATomes will dance , and measures keep just time ; And one by one will hold round circle line , Run in and out , as we do dance the Hay ; Crossing about , yet keepe just time and way : While Motion , as Musicke directs the Time : Thus by consent , they altogether joyne . This Harmony is Health , makes Life live long ; But when they 're out , 't is death , so dancing's done .

The difference of Atomes and Motion , in youth and age . IN all things which are young , Motion is swift : But moving long , is tir'd , and groweth stiff . So Atomes are , in youth , more nimble , strong , Then in old Age , but apt more to go wrong . Thus Youth by false Notes and wrong Steps doth dye , In Age Atomes , and Motion , weary downe do lye . Motions Ease is Change , weary soone doth grow , If in one Figure she doth often go .

Motion makes Atomes a Bawd for Figure . DID not wild Motion with his subtle wit , Make Atomes as his Bawd , new Formes to get . They still would constant be in one Figure , And as they place themselves , would last for ever . But Motion she perswades new Formes to make , 〈◊〉 Motion doth in Change great pleasure take . And makes all Atomes run from place to place ; That Figures young he might have to imbrace . For some short time , she will make much of one , But afterwards away from them will run . And thus are most things in the World undone , And by her Change , do young ones take old 's roome . But 't is butt like unto a Batch of Bread , The Floure is the same of such a Seed . But Motion she a Figure new mould , bak'd , Because that She might have a new hot Cake .

Motion and Figure . A Figure Sphoeericall , the Motion 's so , Streight Figures in a darting Motion go : As severall Figures in small Atomes bee , So severall Motions are , if we could see . If Atomes joyne , meet in another Forme , Then Motion alters as the Figures turne . For if the Bodies weighty are , and great , Then Motion 's slow , and goes upon lesse feet . Out of a Shuttle-cocke a feather pull , And flying strike it , as when it was full ; The Motion alters which belongs to that , Although the Motion of the hand do not . Yet Motion , Matter , can new Figures find , And the Substantiall Figures turne and wind . Thus severall Figures , severall Motions take , And severall Motions , severall Figures make . But Figure , Matter , Motion , all is one , Can never separate , nor be alone .

Of the Subtlety of Motion . COuld we the severall Motions of Life know , The Subtle windings , and the waies they go : We should adore God more , and not dispute , How they are done , but that great God can doe 't . But we with Ignorance about do run , To know the Ends , and how they first begun . Spending that Life , which Natures God did give Us to adore him , and his wonders with , With fruitlesse , vaine , impossible pursuites , In Schooles , Lectures , and quarrelling Disputes . But never give him thanks that did us make , Proudly , as petty Gods , ourselves do take .

Motion is the Life of all things . AS Darknesse a privation is 〈◊〉 Light ; That 's when the Opticke Nerve is stopt from Light : So Death is even a cessation in Those Formes , and Bodies , wherein Motions spin . As Light can only shine but in the Eye , So Life doth only in a Motion lye . Thus Life is out , when Motion leaves to bee , Like to an Eye that 's shut , no Light can see .

Of Vacuum . SOme thinke the World would fall , and not hang so , If it had any empty place to go . One cannot thinke that Vacuum is so vast , That the great World might in that Gulfe be cast . But Vacuum like is to the Porous Skyn , Where Vapour * 〈◊〉 do so . goeth out , and Aire takes in : And though that Vapour fills those places small , We cannot thinke , but first were empty all : For were they all first full , they could not make Roome for succession , their places for to take . But as those Atomes passe , and repasse through , Yet still in empty places must they go .

Of the Motion of the Sea . IF that the Sea the Earth doth run about , It leaves a Space , where first the Tide went out . For if the Water were as much as * In compasse . Land , The Water would not stir , but still would stand . Which shewes , that though the Water still goes round , Yet is the Land more then the Water * * In compasse . found . But say , the 〈◊〉 * * In compasse . that 's moveable without , Which being thin , gives leave to run about . Or like a Wheele , which Water * * As water will make a wheele to go , so 〈◊〉 makes water go . makes to go , So Aire may the Water make to flow . But if that Aire hath not roome to move , It cannot any other Body 〈◊〉 . Besides what drives , must needs be stronger far , Then what it drives , or 〈◊〉 it would not stir . If so , then 〈◊〉 of strengths must be In Motions power , to move Eternally . But say , all things do run in Circles line , And every part doth altogether joyne . They cannot in each others places stir , Unlesse some places were 〈◊〉 empty bare . For take a Wheele , circumference 〈◊〉 without , And Center too , it cannot 〈◊〉 about . If Breadth and Depth were full , leaving no * * A crosse Motion 〈◊〉 the Circular , if there be 〈◊〉 space between . The world turns 〈◊〉 two imaginary Poles , the Earth , upon one , the Heavens upon another ; yet the Earth , nor the Heavens could not stir , 〈◊〉 no 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 example , A wheel could not 〈◊〉 round , if the 〈◊〉 were prest 〈◊〉 close , and the center on either side . space , Nothing can stir out of the selfe same place .

Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea . THE Reason the Sea so constant Ebbs and Flowes , Is like the 〈◊〉 of a Clocke , which goes . For when it comes just to the Notch , doth strike , So water to that empty place doth like . For when it Flowes , Water is cast out still , And when it Ebbs , runs back that place to fill .

Vacuum in Atomes . IF all the 〈◊〉 , Long , Sharpe , Flat , and 〈◊〉 , Be onely of one fort of Matter 〈◊〉 : The Hollow Atomes must all empty be . For there is nought to fill Vacuitie . Besides being severall 〈◊〉 , though but small , Betwixt those Bodies , there is nought at all . For as they range about from place to place , Betwixt their Bodies there is left a 〈◊〉 . How should they move , having no space between ? For joyning close , they would as one Lumpe seem . Nor could they move into each others place , Unlesse there were somewhere an Empty space . For though their Matter 's infinite , as Time , They must be fix'd , if altogether joyne . And were all Matter fluid , as some say , It could not move , having no empty way . Like Water that is stopt close in a 〈◊〉 , It cannot stir , having no way to passe . Nor could the 〈◊〉 swim in Water thin , Were there no 〈◊〉 to crowd those waters in . For as they Crowd , those waters on heapes high Must some waies rise to Place that empty lye . For though the water 's thin , wherein they move , They could not stir , if water did not shove .

Of Contracting and Dilating , whereby Vacuum must needs follow . COntracting , and Dilating of each part , It is the chiefest worke of Motions Art . Yet Motion can't dilate , nor yet contract A Body , which at first is close compact : Unlesse at first an empty place was found , To spread those Compact Bodies round . Nor 〈◊〉 matter can contract up close , But by contracting it some place must lose .

The Attraction of the Earth . THE reason Earth attracts much like the Sun , Is , Atomes sharpe out from the Earth do come : From the Circumference , those like Bees arise , As from a Swarm , dispers'd , sevr'ally flyes . And as they wander , meet with duller Formes , Wherein they sticke their point , then backe returnes . Yet like a Bee , which loaded is each Thigh , Their weight is great , they cannot nimbly flye . So when their points are loaded , heavy grow , Can peirce no further , backward must they go . And , as their Hives , to Earth returne againe : Thus by their travell they the Earth maintaine .

The Attraction of the Sun . WHen all those Atomes which in Rayes do spread , And ranged long , like to a slender * * I meane all Rayes in generall , of all sorts 〈◊〉 Atomes which move . thread : They do not scatter'd flye , but joyne in length , And being joyn'd , though small , add to their strength . The further forth they streame , more weake 〈◊〉 , Although those Beames * * The Suns Rayes . are fastened to the 〈◊〉 . For all those Rayes which Motion sends downe low , Are , loose , sharp Atomes , from the Sun do flow . And as they flow in severall Streames , and Rayes , They sticke their points in all that stop their waies . Like Needle points , whereon doth something sticke , No passage make , having no points to pricke . Thus being stop'd , strait-waies they backe do run , Drawing those Bodies with them to the Sun .

The cause of the breaking of the Suns Beames . IF Porous Atomes by the Sharpe are found , They 're borne on points away , as Prisoners bound : But as they mount , Atomes of their owne kinde , If chance to meet , strait helpe them to unbinde . For Porous Atomes being soft and wet , When Numbers meet , they close together get : And being glut , they joyne together all , By one consent they pull , so backe do fall . If they be round , in showring Drops returne , Like Beads that are upon a long thread strunge . But if their Figures different be from those , Then like a thicke and foggy mist it shewes .

Of the Rayes of the Sun . THE Rayes are not so hot , as is the Sun , Because they are united strong to 〈◊〉 . But with a Glasse those scatter'd Beames draw in , When they 're united , peirce through every * * Concaves draw to a center . thing . But being separate , they weake become , And then like Cowards sev'rall waies they run .

Of the Beames of the Sun . THose Splendent Beames which forth the Sun doth spread Are loose sharpe Atomes , ranged long like Thread . And as they streame , if Porous bodies meet , Sticke in their Points ; to us that 〈◊〉 is heat .

The Sun doth set the Aire on a light , as some Opinions hold . IF that the Sun so like a Candle is , That all the Aire doth take a Light from his ; Not from Reflexion , but by kindling all That part , which we our Hemispheare do call : Then should that Aire whereon his Light takes place , Be never out , unlesse that Substance waste : Unlesse the Sun Extinguishers should throw , Upon the Aire , so out the Light doth go . But sure the Suns reflexion gives the Light , * * 〈◊〉 Atomes shine but sharp Atomes . For when he 's gone , to us it is darke Night . For why , the Sun is Atomes sharpe entire , Being close wedg'd round , * * It seems like a burning coal . is like a wheele of Fire . And round that Wheele continually do flow Sharpe streaming Atomes , which like Flame do shew . And in this Flame * * Long Atomes sharp at each end . the Earth its face doth see , As in a Glasse , as cleere , as cleere may bee . And when the Earth doth turne aside his face , It is not seene , but Darknesse in that * * That part of the Earth is darke which is from the Sun . place . Or when the Moone doth come betwixt that Light , Then is the Earth shut up * * To that part of the Earth the Moone hides . as in darke Night .

What Atomes the Sun is made of . THE Sun is of the sharpest Atomes made , Close knit together , and exactly laid . The Fabricke like a Wheele is just made round , And in the midst of all , the Planets found . And as the Planets move about the Sun , Their Motions make the loose sharpe Atomes run .

Of Vapour . LOose Atomes sharpe , which Motion shoots about , Sticke on loose Porous Atomes , those draw out . From those more close , for these do highest lye , Thus Vapour 's drawne toward the Region high . But being their weight is equall with their owne , They let them fall to Earth , so backe returne .

Of Dewes , and Mists from the Earth . SOme Atomes sharpe thrust from the Earth some Round , And then a Pearled dew lies on the ground . But if they beare them on their sharpe points high , Those being rais'd , a Mist seemes to the Eye . On the Circumference of the Earth there lies The loosest Atomes , which are apt to rise ; Yet not to mount so high as to the Sun , For being dull , they becke to Earth returne : As water , which is shov'd with force of strength , Is not so apt to move , as run at length .

The Attraction of the Poles , and of Frost . THE North and South Attracts , Contracts , are like the Sun , They freeze as hard , as he with Heate doth burne . For Atomes there are like to Pincers small , By which they * * At the Poles . draw , and others pull withall . When Motion from the Poles shoots them about , Mixing with Porous bodies when they 're out : And with those Pincers small those Bodies nip , So close and hard , they cannot from them get ; Unlesse that fiery Atomes sharpe do peirce Betwixt those Pincers small , so do release . Those Porous Atomes , like an Aule that bores ; Or like a Picklocke , which doth open doors . For when they 're opened by those fiery Aules , Let go their holds , which Men a Thaw strait calls . If not , they pinch those Bodies close together , Then men do say , it is hard Frosty weather .

Quenching out of Fire . THE Atomes round , t is not their Numbers great Round Atomes are water . Sharp Atomes . That put out Fire , quenching both Light and Heate . But being wet , they loosen , and unbinde , Those sharpe dry Atomes , which together joyn'd . For when they are dispers'd , their power 's but small , Nor give they Light , nor Heate , if single all . Besides those Atomes sharpe will smother'd be , Having no vent , nor yet Vacuity . For if that Fire in a place lies close , Having no vent , but stop'd , it strait out goes . By Gone , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Motion ceases . There is no better Argument , to prove That Vacuum is , then to see Fire move . Their Forme doth not dissolve 〈◊〉 at their Death . For if that Fire had not Liberty To run about , how quickly would it dye ?

Quenching , and Smothering out of Heat , and Light , doth not change the Property , nor Shape of sharpe Atomes . T IS not , that Atomes sharpe do change their Forme , When Heat and Flame is out , but Motion 's gone : When Motion 's gone , sharpe Atomes cannot pricke , Having no force * * Life is such kinde of Motion as sharp Atomes . in any thing to sticke . For if the Sun quicke Motion mov'd it not , T' would neither shine , nor be to us so hot . Just so , when Creatures dye , change not their Forme , That kinde of Motion , which made Life , is gone . * * That is , when they are separated , or their Motion 〈◊〉 , and though every Figure hath 〈◊〉 Motions 〈◊〉 to their Shape , yet they do not move alwaies alike , 〈◊〉 they have one kinde of Motion singly , and another kinde when they are united , but when they are mixt with other Figures , their Motion 〈◊〉 according to their severall mixtures . For Animall Spirits , which we Life do call , Are onely of the sharpest Atomes small . Thus Life is Atomes sharpe , which we call Fire , When those are stopt , or quench'd , Life doth expire .

Of a Sparke of Fire . A Sparke of Fire , is like a Mouse , * * The sharpe Atomes are like the Teeth of Mice . doth eate Into a Cheese , although both hard , and great . Just so a Sparke , although it be but small , If once those Points can fasten , peirce through all .

Of a Coale . WHY that a Coale should set an house on Fire , Is , Atomes sharpe are in that Coale entire . Being strong arm'd with Points , do quite peirce through ; Those flat dull Atomes , and their Formes * * Not the form of the Atomes , but the forme of their Settlement . undo . And Atomes sharpe , whose Forme is made for 〈◊〉 , If loose , do run to helpe the rest in fight . For like as Souldiers , * * 〈◊〉 , loose Atomes , which we perceive not , doe run to those which are united in the Coale . which are of one side , When they 〈◊〉 Friends ingag'd , to rescue ride . But Atomes flat where Motion is but slow , They cannot fight , but strait to Ashes go .

Of Ashes . BUrnt wood is like unto an Army's rout , * * Wood is made most of flat Atomes . Their Formes undone , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all about . When Atomes sharpe , fat Atomes unbinde all , Those loose flat Atomes , we strait Ashes call . * * For severall Formes are according to the 〈◊〉 of Atomes , which Formes are undone still by the strongest party .

The Increasing , and Decreasing of visible Fire . WHen Fuel's kindled , Fire seemes but small , That Fuell afterward doth seem Fire all . Just like a Crow , that on a dead Horse lights ; When other Crowes perceiving in their flights , They strait invite themselves unto that Feast , When there is no Substance left for sharp Atomes to worke upon , they disperse , for they seek to undo the composure of all other Atomes . And thus from one , to Numbers are increas'd . So Atomes sharpe , which singly flye about , Joyne with the rest , to eate the Fuell out . And , as the Fuell doth increase , do they , And as it wasts , so do they flye away .

The Power of Fire . FIre such power hath of every thing , As like to Needle points that peirce the Skyn . So doth that Element peirce into all , Bee 't nere so hard , strong , thicke , or Solid Ball. All things it doth dissolve , or bow , or breake , Keeping its strength , by making others weake .

Of Burning . THE cause why Fire doth burne , and burning smarts , The reason is of Numerous little parts . Which parts are Atomes sharpe , that wound like Stings , If they so far do peirce into our Skyns ; And like an angry Porcupine , doth shoot His fiery Quils , if nothing quench them out . Their Figure makes their Motion sudden , quicke , And being sharpe , they do like Needles pricke . If they peirce deep , * When it 〈◊〉 . do make our flesh to ake , If only touch * Warmth . the skyn , we pleasure take . That kinde of paine , do we a Burning call : For Atomes numerous , and very small , Do make from Needles point a different touch , Whose points are grosse , and Numbers not so much ; Which cannot lye so close , and spread so thin , All at one time our Pores to enter in .

The Reason Water quenches Fire . THE Reason Water Fire quenches out , Is , Atomes * * They separate the sharp Atomes . round the sharpe put to a rout . For when a House is on a Fire set , Is , Atomes sharpe do in great Armies meet . And then they range themselves in Ranks and Files , And strive alwaies 〈◊〉 havocke , and make spoiles . Running about as nimble as may bee , * * When Water is throwne on Fire . From side to side , as in great Fire we see . But Atomes round do like a rescue * * When Water is throwne on Fire . come , And separate the sharpe , which in heapes run , For being seperate , they have no force ; Like to a Troope , or Regiment of Horse : Which when great Canon bullets are shot through , They disunite , and quite their strength undo . So water , that is throwne on flaming Fire , Doth separate , and make that strength expire .

Of the sound of Waters , Aire , Flame , more then Earth , or Aire without Flame . WHen Crowds of Atomes meet , not joyned close , By Motion quicke do give * * The encounters of Bodies make all Sound . each other blowes . So Atomes hollow which are Long , and Round , When they do strike , do make the greatest sound : Not that there 's any thing that moves therein , To make Rebounds , but that their Forme's more thin . * * Long , and round Atomes are more thin then flat , or sharpe , by reason they are more hollow : and their hollowness makes their Bulk blgger , though not their weight heavier . For being thin , they larger are , and wide , Which make them apt to strike each others side . In larger Bulks encounters are more fierce , When that they strike , though not so quicke to pierce . This is the reason Water , Aire , and Flame , Do make most noise , when Motions move the same . For Atomes loose are like to people rude , Make horrid noise , when in a Multitude .

The reason of the Roaring of the Sea . ALL Waters Sphaericall , when 〈◊〉 do flow , Beat all those sphaericall Drops as they do go . So 〈◊〉 do strike those watry drops together , Which we at Sea do call Tempestuòus weather : And being shpaericall , and Cymball like , They make a sound , when each 'gainst other strike .

The Agilenesse of Water . WAter is apt to move , being round like Balls , No points to fixe , doth trundle as it falls . This makes the Sea , when like great Mountaines high The waves do rise , it steddy cannot lye . But falls againe into a Liquid Plaine , 〈◊〉 , Winds disturbe them not , levell remaine . Thus watry Balls they do not 〈◊〉 , But sticke * * Those Drops ioyning close and even . so close , as nothing is betwixt .

Of the Center . IN Infinites no Center can be laid , But if the * * 〈◊〉 there be Infinites of Worlds ; then there may be insiuites of Centers , although not a Center in 〈◊〉 . World has Limits , Center 's made . For whatsoe're's with Circumference fac'd , A Center in the midst must needs be plac'd . This makes all Formes that Limit have ; and Bound , To have a Center , and Circumference round . This is the Cause ; the World in circle runs , Because a Center hath whereon it turnes . The Center small , Circumference big without , Which by the weight doth 〈◊〉 it turne about .

All sharpe Atomes do run to the Center , and those that settle not , by reason of the straitnesse of the Place , flye out to the Circumference . Sharpe Atomes to the Center , make a Sun . ALL Atomes sharpe to every Center flye , In midst of Earth , and midst of Planets lye ; And in * * The Sun in the midst of the 〈◊〉 , which are sharpe Atomes . those Planets there are Centers too , Where the sharpe Atomes with quicke Motion go . And to the Center of the Earth they run , There gathering close , and so become a Sun . This is the Axe whereon the Earth turnes round , And gives the heat which in the Earth is found ; A World of Fire : thus may we guesse the Sun ; If all sharpe Atomes to the Center run . For why , the Sun amongst the Planets round , Iust as a Center , in the midst is found . And 〈◊〉 Stars , which give a twinckling Light , Are Center Worlds of Fire , that shineth bright .

In the Center Atomes never Separate . JUst at the Center is a point that 's small , Those Atomes that are there are wedg'd in all ; They lye so close , firme in one Body binde , No other 〈◊〉 , or Motion can un Winde : For they are wreath'd so hard about that point , As they become a Circle without joynt . * As it were without partition , but it is but one .

If Infinite Worlds , Infinite Centers . IF Infinites of Worlds , they must be plac'd At such a distance , as between lies waste . If they were joyned close , moving about , By justling they would push each other out . And if they swim in Aire , as Fishes do In Water , they would meet * They would beat against each other . as they did go . But if the Aire each World doth inclose Them all about , then like to Water flowes ; Keeping them equall , and in order right . That as they move , shall not each other strike . Or like to water wheels by water turn'd , So Aire round about those Worlds do run : And by that Motion they do turne about , No further then that Motions strength runs out . They are 〈◊〉 according to the severall strengths of their motion . They turne as they go . Like to a Bowle , which will no further go , But runs according as that strength do throw . Thus like as Bowles , the Worlds do turne , and run , But still the Jacke , and Center is the * Sun . A Jack Bowle is the marke .

The Infinites of Matter . IF all the World were a confused heape , What was beyond ? for this World is not great : We finde it Limit hath , and Bound , And like a Ball in compasse is made round : And if that Matter , with which the World 's made , Be Infinite , then more Worlds may be said ; Then Infinites of Worlds may we agree , As well , as Infinites of Matters bee .

A World made by foure Atomes . SHarpe Atomes Fire subtle , quicke , and dry , The Long , like Shafts still into Aìre fly . The Round to Water moist , ( a hollow Forme , ) The Figure square to heavy dull Earth turne . The Atomes sharpe hard Mineralls do make , The Atomes round soft Vegetables take . In Animals none singly lye alone , But the foure Atomes meet , and joyne as one . And thus foure Atomes the Substance is of all ; With their foure Figures make a worldly Ball.

Thus the Fancy of my Atomes is , that the foure Principall Figures , as Sharpe , Long , Round , Square , make the foure Elements ; not that they are of severall matters , but are all of * The severall Elements are at but one matter . one matter , onely their severall Figures do give them severall Proprieties ; so likewise do the mixt Figures give them mixt Proprieties , & their several composures do give them other Proprieties , according to their Formes they put themselves into , by their severall Motions . This I do repeate , that the ground of my Opinion may be understood .

Of Elements . SOme hold foure perfect Elements there bee , Which do surmount each other by degree . And some Opinions thinke that One is all , The rest from that , and to that One shall fall : This single Element it selfe to turne To severall qualities , as Fire to burne . So water moist , that heate to quench , and then To subtle Aire , and so to Earth agen . Like 〈◊〉 water , which turnes with the Cold , To Flakes of Snow , or in firme Ice to hold . But that Heate doth melt that Icy Chaine , Then into water doth it turne againe . So from the Earth a Vapour thicke ascends , That Vapour thicke it selfe to thin Aire spends ; Or else it will condense it selfe to Raine , And by its weight will fall to Earth againe . And what is very thin , so subtle growes , As it turnes Fire , and so a bright flame shewes . And what is dull , or heavy , flow to move ; Of a cold quality it oft doth prove . Thus by contracting , and dilating parts , Is all the skill of Natures working Arts.

Fire compared to Stings . NOthing is so like Fire , as a Flies Sting , If we compare th' effect which both do bring . For when they sting the flesh , they no blood draw , But blisters raise , the Skin made red , the Flesh raw . Were there as many Stings , as Fiery Atomes small , Would peirce into the Flesh , Bones turne to Ashes all . Thus we finde Flies do carry every where Fire in their Tailes , their Breech they do not feare .

Comparing Flame to the Tide of the Sea . LIke 〈◊〉 ' Iides , a Flame will ebb and flow , By sinking downe , and then strait higher grow . And if supprest , all in a rage breakeout , Streaming it selfe in severall parts about . Some thinke the Salt doth make the Sea to move , If so , then Salt in Flame the like may prove . From that Example , Salt all Motions makes , Then Life the chiefe of Motion from Salt takes .

What is Liquid WEE cannot call all Liquid which doth flow , For then a Flame may turne to water so . But that is Liquid , which is moist , and wet , Fire that Propriety can never get . Then 't is not Cold , that puts the Fire out , But 't is the Wet that makes it dye , no doubt .

Fire and moisture . IF Hay be not quite dry , but stackt up wet , In time that Moisture will a Fire beget . This proves that Fire may from Moisture grow , We proofe have none , Moisture from Fire flow . This shewes that Fire in its selfe is free , No other Element in it can bee . For Fire is pure still , and keeps the same , Where oyly Moisture's not , no Fire can flame .

Aire begot of Heate and Moisture . HEate , and Moisture joyn'd with equall merit , Get a Body thin ' of Aire , or Spirit ; Which is a Sinoake , or Steame begot from both , If Mother Moisture rule , 't is full of sloth . If the Father Fire predominates , Then it is active , quicke , and Elevates . This Aiery Childe is sometimes good , or bad , According to the nourishment it had .

The Temper of the Earth . THE Earth we finde is very cold , and dry ; And must therefore have Fire and water night , To wash and bath , then dry her selfe without , Else she would uselesse be without all doubt .

Winds are made in the Aire , not in the Earth . HOW can we thinke Winds come from Earth below , When they from Skye do downe upon us blow ? If they proceeded from the Earth , must run Strait up , and upon Earth againe backe come : They cannot freely blow , least Earth were made Like to a Bowling-Greene , so levell laid . But there are Rocks , and Hills , and Mountaines great , Which stop their waies , and make them soone retreat . Then sure it is , the Sun drawes Vapour out , And 〈◊〉 it thin , then blow'th 't about . If Heat condens'd , that turnes it into Raine , And by its weight falls to the Earth againe . Thus Moisture and the Sun do cause the Winds , And not the Cradities in hollow Mines .

Thunder is a Wind in the middle Region . WHO knowes , but Thunders are great Winds , which lye Within the middle vault above the Skye : Which Winde the Sun on Moisture cold begot , When he is in his Region Cancer hot . This * The Wind. Childe is thin , and subtle , made by hear , It gets a voice , and makes a noise that 's great : It 's Thinnesse makes it agile , agile strong , Which by its force doth drive the Clouds along . And when the Clouds do meet , they each do strike , Flashing out Fire , as do Flints the like . Thus in the Summer Thunder 's caus'd by Wind , Vapour drawne so high , no way out can find . But in the Winter , when the Clouds are loose , Then doth the Wind on Earth keep Rendezvous .

Of cold Winds. AS rarified water makes Winds blow , So rarified Winds do colder grow . For if they thin are rarified , then they Do further blow , aud spread out every way . So cold they are , and sharpe as Needle points , For by the thinnesse breaks , and disunites ; Into such Atomes fall , Sharpe Figures bee , Which Porous Bodies peirce , if we could see . Yet some will thinke , if Aire were parted so , The Winds could not have such strong force to blow . T is true , if Atomes all were 〈◊〉 and Flat , Or Round like Rings , they could not peirce , but pat ; But by themselves they do so sharpe become , That through all Porous Bodies they do run . But when the Winds are soft , they intermixe , As water doth , and in one Body fixe . More like they wave , then blow as Fanns are spread , Which Ladies use to coole their Cheeks , when red . As water Drops feele harder when they 〈◊〉 , Then when they 're 〈◊〉 , and on us light ; Unlesse such streames upon our heads downe runne , As we a Shelter seeke the Wet to shun . But when a Drop congealed is with Cold , As Haile-stones are , more strength thereby doth hold . Then Flakes of Snow may have more quantity , Then Haile-stones , yet not have more force thereby . They fall so soft , they scarce do strike our Touch , Haile-stones we feele , and know their weight too much . But Figures that are Flat , are dull , and slow , Make weake Impression wheresoe're they go . For let ten times the quantity of Steele Be beaten thin , no hurt by that you 'le feele . But if that one will take a Needle small , The Point be Sharpe , and presse the Flesh withall ; Strait it shall hurt , and put the Flesh to paine , Which with more strength that shall not do , that 's plaine . Although you presse it hard against the Skin , May heavy feele , but shall not enter in . So may the Wind that 's thinly rarified , Presse us downe , but it shall not peirce the side . Or take a Blade that 's flat , though strong and great , And with great strength upon the Head that beat ; The skull may breake , seldome knocke out the Braines , Which Arrowes sharpe soone do , and with lesse paines . Thus what is small , more subtle is , and quicke , For all that 's small in Porous Bodies sticke . Then are the Winds more cold when they do blow , Broke into Atomes small , then streaming flow : For all which knit , and closely do compose , Much stronger are , and give the harder Blowes . This shewes what 's neerest absolute to bee , Although an 〈◊〉 to its small degree : Take quantity , for quantity alike . Vnion more then Mixture hard shall strike .

Of Stars . WEE finde in the East-Indies Stars there bee , Which we in our Horizon did nere fee ; Yet we do take great paines in Glasses cleere , To see what Stars do in the Skie appeare ; But yet the more we search , the lesse we know , Because we finde our Worke doth endlesse grow . For who doth know , but Stars we see by Night , Are Suns wich to some other Worlds give Light ? But could our outward Senses pace the Skie , As well as can Imaginations high ; If we were there , as little may we know , As those which stay , and never do up go . Then let not Man , in fruitlesse paines Life spend , The most we know , is , Nature Death will send .

Of the Motion of the Sun . SOmetimes we finde it Hot , and sometimes Cold , Yet equall in Degrees the Sun doth hold : And in a Winters day more Heate have found , Then Summer , when the Sun should parch the Ground . For if this heate doth make him gallop fast , Must ever equall be , or stay his haste . If so , then Seas which send a Vapour high , May coole his Courage , so in the mid way lye . Besides , the middle Region which is cold , And full of Ice , will of his strength take hold . Then t is not heat that makes him run so fast , But running fast , doth heat upon Earth cast ; And Earth sends Vapours cold , to quench his beate , Which breake his strength , and make his Beames so weake .

Of the Suns weaknesse . THE Sun doth not unto the Center go , He cannot shoot his Beames so deep and low . For , a thicke Wall will breake his Arrowes small , So that his heate can do no hurt at all ; And Earth hath Armes so thicke , to keepe out all His cry Darts , which he on her lets fall .

A Fire in the Center . AS Heate about the Heart alwaies keeps nigh . So doth a Fire about the Center lye . This heate disperses through the Body round , And when that heate is not , no Life is found . Which makes all things she sends , to bud , and beare , Although the Suns hot Beames do ne're come there . But yet the Sun doth nourish all without , But Fire within the Earth gives Life , no doubt . So heate within begets with Childe the Earth , And heate without is Mid-wise to her Birth .

The Sun is Nurse to all , the Earth beares . THough the Earth to all gives Forme , and Feature , Yet the Sun is Nurse to every Creature . For long she could not live without his Heate , Which is the nourishing , and ripening Meate . Just as a Childe is got , and born of Man , It must be fed , or 't will soone dye agen .

What makes Eccho . THE same Motion , which from the Mouth doth move , Runs through the Aire ; which we by Eccho prove . As severall Letters do a word up-joyne , So severall Figures through the Aire combine . The Aire is waxe , words Seale , and give the Print , Those words an Eccho in the Aire do 〈◊〉 ! And while those Figures last , Life domaintaine ; When Motion weares it out , is Eccho slaine . As Sugar in the Mouth doth melt , and taste , So Eccho in the Aire it selfe doth waste .

Of Rebounds . REbounds resisting substance must worke on , Both in its selfe , and what it beates upon . For yeilding 〈◊〉 , which do bow , or breake , Can ne're Rebound , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like 〈◊〉 speake . Then every word of Aire formes a Ball , And every Letter like a 〈◊〉 doth fall . Words are condensed Aire , which heard , do grow As water , which by Cold doth turne to Snow . And as when Snow is pres'd , hard Balls become , So words being pres'd , as Balls do backward run .

Of Sound : A Sound seemes nothing , yet a while doth live , And like a wanton Lad , mocke - Answers give . Not like to Soules , which from the Body go , For Eccho hath a Body of Aire we know . Yet strange it is , that Sound so strong and cleere , Resisting Bodies have , yet not appeare ; But Aire which subtle is , encounter may . Thus words a Sound may with selfe Eccho play ; Grow weary soone , and cannot hold out long , Seemes out of breath , and faulter with the Tongue .

Of Shadow , and Eccho . A Shadow fell in love with the bright Light , Which makes her walke perpetually in her sight ; And when He 's absent , then poore Soule she dyes , But when He shewes himselfe , her Life revives . She Sister is to Eccho loud , and cleere , Whose voice is heard , but no Body appeare : She hates to see , or shew her selfe to men , Unlesse Narcissus could live once agen . But these two Soules , for they no Bodies have , Do wander in the Aire to seeke a Grave . Silence would bury on the other Night , Both are denied by Reflections spight ; And each of these are subject to the Sense , One strikes the Eare , Shadow the Eye presents .

Of Light . SOme thinke no Light would be without the Eye , T is true , a Light our Braine could not descry ; And if the Eye makes Light , and not the Sun , As well our Touch may make the Fire to burne .

Of Light , and Sight . PHilosophers , which thought to reason well , Say , Light , and Colour , in the Braine do dwell ; That Motion in the Braine doth Light beget , And if no Braine , the World in darknesse Shut . Provided that the Braine hath Eyes to see , So Eyes , and Braine , do make the Light to 〈◊〉 . If so , poore Donne was out , when he did say , If all the World were blind , 't would still be day . Say they , Light would not in the Aire reigne , Unlesse ( you le grant ) the World were one great Braine . Some Ages in Opinion all agree , The next doth strive to make them salse to be . But what is , doth please so well the Sense , That Reasons old are though to be Non-sense But all Opinions are by Fancy fed , And Truth under Opinions lieth dead .

The Objects of every Sense , are according to their Motions in the Braine . WEE mad should thinke those Men , if they should tell That they did see a Sound , or tast a Smell . Yet Reason proves a Man doth not erre much , When that we say his senses all are Touch. If Actions in a Table be lively told , The Braine strait thinks the Eye the same behold . The Stomacke Hungry , the Nose good Meat doth smell , The Braine doth thinke that Smell the Tongue tasts well . If we a Theese do see , and him do feare , We strait do thinke that breaking Doors we heare . Imaginations just like Motions make , That every Sense doth strike with the mistake .

According as the Notes in Musicke agree with the Motions of the Heart , or Braine , Such Passions are produced thereby . IN Musicke , if the Eighths tun'd Equall are , If one be strucke , the other seemes to jarre . So the Heart-strings , if equally be stretch'd , To those of Musick , Love from thence is fetch'd . For when one 's strucke , the other moves just so , And with Delight as evenly doth go .

The Motion of Thoughts . Musing alone , mine Eyes being fixt Upon the Cround , my Sight with Gravell mixt : My Feet did walke without Directions Guide , My Thoughts did travell farre , and wander wide ; At last they chanc'd up to a Hill to climbe , And being there , saw things that were Divine . First , what they saw , a glorious Light to blaze , Whose Splendor made it painfull for the Gaze : No Separations , nor Shadowes by stops made , No Darknesse to obstruct this Light with Shade . This Light had no Dimension , nor Extent , But fil'd all places full , without Circumvent ; Alwaies in Motion , yet fixt did prove , Like to the Twinkling Stars which never move . This Motion working , running severall waies , Did seeme a Contradiction for to raise ; As to it selfe , with it selfe disagree , Is like a Skeine of Thread , if 't knotted bee . For some did go strait in an even Line , But some againe did crosse , and some did twine . Yet at the last , all severall Motions run Into the first Prime Motion which begun . In various Formes and Shapes did Life run through , Life from Eternity , but Shapes still new ; No sooner made , but quickly pass'd away , Yet while they were , desirous were to stay . But Motion to one 〈◊〉 can nere constant be , For Life , which Motion is , joyes in varietie . For the first Motion every thing can make , But cannot add unto it selfe , nor take . Indeed no other Matter could it frame , It selfe was all , and in it selfe the same . Perceiving now this fixed point of Light , To be a Vnion , Knowledge , Power , and Might ; Wisdome , Justice , Truth , Providence , all one , No Attribute is with it selfe alone . Not like to severall Lines drawne to one Point , For what doth meet , may separate , 〈◊〉 . But this a Point , from whence all Lines do flow , Nought can diminish it , or make it grow . T is its owne Center , and Circumference ro und . Yet neither has a Limit , or a Bound . A fixt Eternity , and so will last , All present is , nothing to come , or past . A fixt Persection nothing can add more , All things is It , and It selfe doth adore . My Thoughts then wondring at what they did see , Found at the last * * All things come from God Almighty . themselves the same to bee ; Yet was so small a Branch , perceive could not , From whence they Sprung , or which waies were begot . Some say , all that we know of Heaven above , Is that we joye , and that we love . Who can tell that ? for all we know , Those Passions we call Joy , and Love below , May , by Excesse , such other Passions grow , None in the World is capable to know . Just like our Bodies , though that they shall rise , And as St. Paul saies , see God with our Eyes ; Yet may we in the Change such difference find , Both in our Bodies , and also in our Mind , As if that we were never of Mankind , And that these Eyes we see with now , were blind . Say we can measure all the Planets high , And number all the Stars be in the Skie ; And Circle could we all the World about , And all th' Effects of Nature could finde out : Yet cannot all tho Wise , and Learned tell , What s done in Heaven , or how we there shall dwell .

The Reason why the Thoughts are onely in the Head . THE Sinewes are small , slender Strings , Which to the Body Senses brings ; Yet like to Pipes , or Gutters , hollow be , Where Animall Spirits run continually . Though they are small , such Matter do containe , As in the Skull doth lye , which we call Braine . That makes , if any one doth strike the Heele , The Thought of that , Sense in the Braine doth feele . Yet t is not Sympathy , but t is the same Which makes us thinke , and feele the paine . For had the Heele such quantity of Braine , Which doth the Head , and Skull therein containe ; Then would such Thoughts , wich in the Braine dwell high , Descend downe low , and in the Heele would lye . In Sinewes small , Braine scatter'dlyes about , It wants both roome , and quantity no doubt . For if a Sinew could so much Eraine hold , Or had a Skin so large for to infold , As in the Skull , then might the Toe , or Knee , Had they an Opticke Nerve , both heare and see . Had Sinewes roome , Fancy therein to breed , Copies of Verses might from the Hee le proceed .

The Motion of the Blood . Some by Industry of Learning found , That all the Blood like to the Sea runs round : From two great Arteries the Blood it runs Through all the Veines , to the same backe comes . The Muscles like the Tides do ebb , and flow , According as the severall Spirits go . The Sinewes , as finall Pipes , come from the Head , And all about the Body they are spread ; Through which the Animall Spirits are conveyed , To every Member , as the Pipes are laid . And from those Sinewes Pipes each Sense doth take Of those Pure Spirits , as they us do make . T Is thought , an 〈◊〉 Matter comes from the Sun In streaming Beames , which Earth doth feed upon : And that the Earth by those Beames backe doth send A Nourishment to the Sun , her good Friend . So every Beame the Sun doth make a Chaine , To send to Earth , and to draw backe againe . But every Beame is like a blazing Ship , The Sun doth trafficke to the Earth in it . Each Ship is fraught with heat , through Aire it swims , As to the Earth warme Nourishment it brings : And Vapour moist , Earth for that warmth returnes , And sends it in those Ships backe to the Sun . Great danger is , if Ships * * When the Sun draws up more Moisture then it can digest , it turns to Raine , or wind . be over-fraught , For many times they sincke with their owne weight ; And those gilt Ships such Fate they often find , They sincke with too much weight , or split with Wind.

It is hard to beleive , that there are other Worlds in this World . NOthing so hard in Nature , as Faith is , For to beleive Impossibilities : As doth impossible to us appeare , Not 'cause * * As it seems to us . 't is not , but to our Sense not 〈◊〉 ; But that we cannot in our Reason finde , As being against Natures Course , and Kinde . For many things our Senses dull may scape , For Sense is grosse , not every thing can Shape . So in this World another World may bee , That we do neither touch , tast , smell , heare , see . What Eye so cleere is , yet did ever see Those little Hookes , that in the Load-stone bee , Which draw hard Iron ? or give Reasons , why The Needles point still in the North will lye . As for Example , Atomes in the Aire , We nere perceive , although the Light be faire . And whatsoever can a Body claime , Though nere so small , Life may be in the same . And what has Life , may Vnderstanding have , Yet be to us as buried in the Grave . Then probably may Men , and 〈◊〉 small , Live in the World which wee know not at all ; May build them Houses , severall things may make , Have Orchards , Gardens , where they pleasure take ; And Birds which sing , and Cattell in the Feild , May plow , and sow , and there small Corne may yeild ; And Common-wealths may have , and Kings to 〈◊〉 , Wars , Battells have , and one another slaine : And all without our hearing , or our sight , Nor yet in any of our Senses light . And other Stars , and Moones , and Suns may be , Which our dull Eyes shall never come to see . But we are apt to laugh at Tales so told , Thus Senses grosse do back our Reason hold . Things against Nature we do thinke are true , That Spirits change , and can take Bodies new ; That Life may be , yet in no Body live , For which no Sense , 〈◊〉 Reason , we can give . As Incorporeall Spirits this Fancy faines , Yet Fancy cannot be without some Braines . If Fancy without Substance cannot bee , Then Soules are more , then Reason well can see .

Of many Worlds in this World . JUST like unto a 〈◊〉 of Boxes round , Degrees of sizes within each Boxe are found . So in this World , may many Worlds more be , Thinner , and lesse , and lesse still by degree ; Although they are not subject to our Sense , A World may be no bigger then two-pence . Nature is curious , and such works may make , That our dull Sense can never finde , but seape . For Creatures , small as Atomes , may be there , If every Atome a Creatures Figure beare . If foure Atomes a World can make , * * As I have before 〈◊〉 they do , it . 〈◊〉 Atomes . then see , What severall Worlds might in an Eare-ring bee . For Millions of these Atomes may bee in The Head of one small , little , single Pin. And if thus small , then Ladies well may weare A World of Worlds , as Pendents in each Eare.

A World in an Eare-Ring . AN Eare-ring round may well a Zodiacke bee , Where in a Sun goeth round , and we not see . And Planets seven about that Stin may move , And Hee stand still , as some wise men would prove . And sixed Stars , like twinkling Diamonds , plac'd About this Eare-ring , which a World is vast . That same which doth the Eare-ring hold , the hole , Is that , which we do call the Pole . There nipping Frosts may be , and Winter cold , Yet never on the Ladies Eare take hold . And Lightnings , Thunder , and great Winds may blow Within this Eare-ring , yet the Eare not know . There Seas may ebb , and 〈◊〉 , where Fishes swim , And Islands be , where Spices grow therein . There Christall Rocks hang dangling at each Eare , And Golden Mines as Jewels may they weare . There Earth-quakes be , which Mountaines vast downe sling , And yet nere stir the Ladies Eare , nor Ring . There Meadowes bee , and 〈◊〉 fresh , and greene , And Cattell feed , and yet be never seene : And Gardens fresh , and Birds which sweetly sing , Although we heare them not in an Eare-ring . There Night , and Day , and Heat , and Cold , and so May Life , and Death , and Toung , and Old , still grow . Thus Touth may spring , and severall Ages dye , Great Plagues may be , and no Infections nigh . There Cityes bee , and stately Houses built , Their inside gaye , and finely may be gilt . There Churches bee , and Priests to teach therein , And Steeple too , yet heare the Bells not ring . From thence may Pious Teares to Heaven run , And yet the Eare not know which way they 're gone . There Markets bee , and things both bought , and sold , Know not the price , nor how the Markets hold . There 〈◊〉 do ruie , and Kings do Reigne , And Battels fought , where many may be slaine . And all within the Compasse of this Ring , And yet not tidings to the Wearer bring . Within the Ring wise Counsellors may sit , And yet the Eare not one wise word may get . There may be dancing all Night at a Ball , And yet the Eare be not disturb'd at all . There Rivals Duels sight , where some are slaine ; There Lovers mourne , yet heare them not complaine . And Death may dig a Lovers Grave , thus were A Lover dead , in a faire Ladies Eare. But when the Ring is broke , the World is done , Then Lovers they in to 〈◊〉 run .

Severall Worlds in severall Circles . THere may be many Worlds like Circles round , In after Ages more Worlds may be found . If we into each Circle can but slip , By Art of Navigatiou in a Ship ; This World compar'd to some , may be but small : No doubt but Nature made degrees of all . If so , then Drake had never gone so quick About the Largest Circle in one Ship . For some may be so big , as none can swim , Had they the life of old 〈◊〉 . Or had they lives to number with each day , They would want time to compasse halfe the way . But if that Drake had liv'd in Venus Star , His Journey shorter might have been by farre .

THE CLASPE .

WHEN I did write this Booke , I took great paines , For I did walke , and thinke , and breake my Braines . My 〈◊〉 run out of Breath , then downe would lye , And panting with short wind , like those that dye . When Time had given Ease , and lent them strength , Then up would get , and run another length . Sometimes I kept my Thoughts with a strict dyet , And made them 〈◊〉 with Fase , and Rest , and Quiet ; That they might run agen with swifter speed , And by this course now Fancies they could breed . But I doe feare they 're not so Good to please , But now they 're out , 〈◊〉 Braine is more at case .

The Circle of the Brain cannot be Squar'd . A Circle Round divìded in foure Parts , Hath been a Study amongst Men of Arts ; Ere since 〈◊〉 , or 〈◊〉 time , Hath every Brain been stretch'd upon a Line . And every Thought hath been a Figure set , Doubts Cyphers are , Hopes as Triangulars meet . There is Division , and 〈◊〉 made , And Lines drawne out , and Points exactly layd . But yet None can demonstrate it plaine , Of Circles round , a just 〈◊〉 square remaine . Thus while the Braine is round , no Squares will be , While Thoughts are in Divisions , no Figures will agree .

Another to the same Purpose . AND thus upon the same account , Doubling the Cube must mount ; And the Triangular must be cut so small , Till into Equall Atomes it must fall . For such is Mans Curiosity , and mind , To seek for that , which hardest is to find .

The Squaring of the Circle . WIthin the Head of Man 's a Circle Round Of Honesty , no Ends in it is found . To Square this Circle many think it fit , But Sides to take without Ends , hard is it . Prudence and Temperance , as two Lines take ; With Fortitude and Justice , foure will make . If th Line of Temperance doth prove too short , Then add a Figure of a discreet Thought ; Let Wisedomes Point draw up Discretions Figure , That make two equall Lines joyn'd both together . Betwixt the Line Temperance and Justice , Truth must point , Justice's Line draw downe to Fortitude , that Corner joynt ; Then Fortitude must draw in equall length , To Prudence Line , Temperance must give the breadth . And Temperance with Justice Line must run , yet stand Betwixt Prudence and Fortitude , of either hand . At every corner must a Point be layd , Where every Line that meets , an Angle's made ; And when the Points too high , or low do fall , Then must the Lines be stretch'd , to mak 't even all . And thus the Circle Round you 'l find , Is Squar'd with the foure Virtues of the Mind .

A Circle Squar'd in Prose .

A Circle is a Line without Ends , and a Square is foure equall Because my Lines are too long for my Rhimes , therefore I put them in Prose . Sides , not one longer , or shorter then another . To square the Circle , is to make the Line of the Square Figure to be equall with the Round Figure . Honesty is the Circle without Ends , or By-respects , but is honest for Honesties sake . But to square this Circle , it is very difficult , and hard it is for Honesty to take part with foure sidès without Faction : for where there is siding there 's Faction , and where Factions are , there is Partiality , and where Partiality is , there is Injustice , and where Injustice is , Wrong , and where Wrong is , Truth is not , and where Truth is not , Honesty cares not to live . But let us see how we can square this Circle of Honesty . First , draw foure Lines , Prudence , Temperance , 〈◊〉 , and Justice ; these foure Lines let them be Crosse Parallels , that they may be Longitudes , and Latitudes to each other , and at each end of every Line make a Point . As at the Line of Justice a point of Severity at one end , and another of Facility at the other end . And at either end of Fortitude , one of Rashnesse , and another of Timorosity . And at the end of Temperance , Prodigality , and 〈◊〉 : At each end of Prudence , Sloth , and Stupidity . Then draw out these Points , and make them Angles : As Severity , and Timorosity make one Angle ; Rashnesse , and Stupidity another . Sloth , and Prodigality make a third Angle ; Facility and Covetousnesse make the fourth . Then exactly in the midst of either Line , set of either side of the Line , a Figure : As Distributive on the outside of the Line of Justice , and Communicative within the Line . So on the side of Fortitude , Despaire on the outside , and Love within . On Prudence Line , Experience on the outside , and Industry within . On Temperance Line , Observation on the outside , and Ease within . Then draw a Line of Charity from the point Distribution , and from the Point of Observation , a Line of Diseretion , and make an Angle with Hope . Then from Community , a Line of Clemency , and from the point of Ease , a Line of Comfort , which make an Angle of Peace . Then from Despaire , a Line of Hope , and from Industry , a Line of Fruition , which make an Angle of Tranquillity . Then from the point of Love , a Line of Faith , and from the point of Ease , a Line of Pleasure ; this makes an Angle of Joy . Then set a Point at every Angle , as Obedience , Humility , Respect , and Reverence ; And thus the Square measur'd with Truth , the Line will be equall with the Circle of Honesty .

The Trasection .

CUT the Line of Wisdome into three parts ; Prudence , Experience , and Judgment ; Then draw a Line of Discretion , equall to the Line of Experience , and a Line of Industry , equall to the Line of Prudence , and a Line of Temperance , equall to the Line of Judgment , and to Temperance , an equall Line of Tranquillity , and to the Line Industry , a line of Ingenuity , and to the line of Discretion , draw an equall line of Obedience . Then all these lines measur'd with the Rule of Reason , and you 'l finde it equall to the line of Wisedome ; joyne these lines together , Truth makes the Angle . This is the Trasection .

The Arithmetick of Passions . WIth Numeration Moralists begin Upon the Passions , putting Quotients in , Numbers divide with Figures , and Substract , And in their Difinitions are exact : And there Substract , as taking One , from Three , That add to Foure , 't will make Five to be . Thus the Odd Numbers to the Even joyn'd , Will make the Passions rise within the Mind .

TO MORALL PHILOSOPHERS .

MOrall Philosophy is a severe Schoole , for there is no Arithmetitian so exact in his Accounts , or doth Divide and Substract his Numbers more subtlely , then they the Passions ; & as Arithmetick can multiply Numbers above all use , so Passions may be divided beyond all Practice . But Moralists live the happiest lives of Man-kind , because most contented , for they do not onely subdue the Passions , but can make the best use of them , to the Tranquility of the mind : As Feare to make them Circumspect , Hate to Evill , Desire to Good , Love to Vertue , Hope makes Industry Jealous of Indiscretions , Angry at Follies , and so the like of all the rest . For they do not only subdue the feircest of them , making them Slaves to execute several works , in several places . But those Passions that are mild , & of gentle Nature , they make perfect Friend-ship with : for the Passions are like Privie Counsellors , where some Counsell for Peace , others for Warre , and some being brib'd with the World , and Appetite , perswade to mutiny , which uses a Rebellion . But Moralists are like powerfull Monarchs , which can make their Passions obedient at their pleasure , condemning them at the Bar of Justice , cutting of their heads with the sword of Reason ; or , like skilfull Musitians , making the Passions Musicall Instruments , which they can tune so exactly , and play so well , and sweetly , as every severall Note shall strike the Eares of the Soule with delight : and when they play Concords , the Mind dances in Measure , the Sarabrand of Tranquillity . Whereas when they are out of Tune , they do not only sound harsh and unpleasant , but when the Notes disagre eing , the Mind takes wrong Steps , and keeps false time , and the Soule is disquieted with the noise . But there is no Humour , or Passion so troublesome as Desire , because it yeilds no sound satisfaction ; for all it is mixt most commonly with pleasing hopes : but hope is a greater pleasure then Injoyment , just as Eating is a greater pleasure to the Hungry , then when the Stomacke is fully satisfied . Yet Desire , and Curiosity make a Man to be above other Creatures : for by desiring Knowledge , Man is as much above a Beast , as want of perfect Knowledge makes him lesse then God ; and Man , as he hath a transcending Soule to out-live the World to all Eternity ; so he hath a transcending desire to live in the Worlds Memory , as long as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; that he might not dye like a Beast , and be forgotten ; but that his Works may beget another Soule , though of shorter life , which is Fame ; and Fame is like a Soule , an Incorporeall Thing .

DIALOGUES .

Of Fame . A Dialogue between two Supernaturall Opinions . 1. Op. WHO knows , but that Mans Soule in Fame delights After the Body and It disunites ? If we allow the Soule shall live , not dye , Although the Body in the Grave doth lie ; And that some knowledge still It doth retaine , Why may not then some love of Fame remaine ? 2. Op. There doth no Vanity in Soules then dwell , When separate , they goe to Heaven , or Hell . 1. Op. Fame's Vertues Child , or ought to be ; What comes not from her , is an Insamy . 2. Op. Soules of the World remember nought at all , All that is past into Oblivion fall . 1. Op. Why may not Soules , as well as Angels , know , And heare and see , what 's done i' th' World below ? 2. Op. Soules neither have Ambition , nor desire , When once in Heaven , nor after Fame inquire . 1. Op. Who can tell that ? since Heaven loves good Deeds , And Fame of Piety from Grace proceeds .

Of Fame . A Dialogue between two Naturall Opinions : 1. Op. TO desire Fame , it is a Noble thought , Which Nature in the best of Minds hath wrought . 2. Op. Alas , when Men do dye , all Motion 's gone , If no Motion , no thought of Fame hath one . 1. Op. What if the Motion of the Body dye ? The Motion of the Mind may live on high ; And in the Aiery Elements may lye , Although we know it not , about may flye , And thus by Nature may the Mind delight To heare its Fame , and see its Pyramid ; Or grieve , and mourne , when it doth see , and know , Her Acts and Fame do to Oblivion go .

A simple naturall Opinion of the Mind . NAture a Talent gives to every one , As Heaven gives grace to work Salvation from . The Talent Nature gives a Noble Mind , Where Actions good are minted currant Coyne . Where every Virtue stamps their Image so , That all the World each severall Peice may know . If Men be lazy , let this Talent lye , Seek no occasion to improve it by : Who knowes , but Natures punishment may be , To make the Mind to grieve eternally ? That when his Spirit 's fled , and Body rot , To know himselfe of Friend's , and World 's forgot . If men have used their best Industry , Yet cannot get a Fame to live thereby : Then may the Minds of Men rest satisfied , That they had left no Meanes , or waies untri'd .

The Purchase of Poets , or a Dialogue betwixt the Poets , and Fame , and Homers Marriage . A Company of Poets strove to buy Parnassus Hill , where Fame thereon doth lye : And Helicon , a Well that runs below , Which those that drink thereof , strait Poets grow . But Money they had none , ( for Poets all are poore , ) And Fancy , which is Wit , is all their store . Thinking which way this Purchase they should get , They did agree in Councell all to sit : Knowing that Fame was Honour to the Well , And that She alwaies on the Hill did dwell : They did conclude to tell her their desire , And for to know what price she did require . Then up the Hill they got , the Journey long , Some nimbler feet * * Numbers . had , and their breath * * Fancy . more strong : Which made them get before , by going fast , But all did meet upon the Hill at last . And when 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them all , what they could say , She askt them where their Money was to pay . They told her , Money they had none to give , But they had Wit , by which they All did live ; And though they knew , sometimes She Bribes would take , Yet Wit , in Honours Court , doth greatnesse make . Said shee , this Hill I 'le neither sell , nor give , But they that have 〈◊〉 Wit shall with Mee live . Then go you downe , and get what Friends you can , That will be bound , or plead for every man . 〈◊〉 every Poet was twixt hope , and Doubt , And Envy strong to put each other out . Homer , the first of Poets , did begin ; Brought Greece , and Troy for to be bound for him . Virgill brought Aeneas , hee all Rome , For Horace all the Country-men came soon . Juvenall , Catullus , all Satyrs joyn'd , And in sirme Bonds they all themselves did bind . And for Tibullus , Venus , and her Sonne Would needs be bound , cause wanton verse he sung . Pythagoras his Transmigration brings Ovid , who seales the Bond with severall things . Lucan brought Pompey , Senate all in armes , And Casars Army with their hot Alarmes : Mustring them all in the Emathian Feilds , To Fames Bond to set their bands , and Seales . Poets , which Epitaphei on the Dead had made , Their Ghosts did rise , faire Fame for to perswade To take their Bonds , that they might live , though dead , To after Ages when , their Names were read . The Muses nine came all at Barre to plead , Which partiall were , according as th' were fee'd . At last all Poets were cast out , but three , Where Fame disputed long , which should her Husband bee . Pythagoras for Ovid first did speake , And said , his numbers smooth , and words were sweet . Variety , said he , doth Ladies please , They change as oft , as he makes Beasts , Birds , Trees : As many severall Shapes , and Formes they take , Some Goddesses , and some do Devils make . Then let faire Fame sweet Ovids Lady be , Since Change doth please that Sex , none 's fit but he . Then spoke Aeneas on brave Virgils side , Declar'd , he was the glory , and the pride Of all the Romanes , who from him did spring , And in his Verse his praises high did sing . Then let him speed , even for faire Venus sake , And for your Husband no other may you take . Wise Ulisses in an Orators Stile Began his Speech , whose Tongue was smooth as Oyle ; Bowing his head downe low , to Fame did speake , I come to plead , although my Wit is weake : But since my Cause is just , and Truth my Guide , The way is plaine , I shall not 〈◊〉 aside . Homers losty Verse doth reach the Heavens high , And brings the Gods downe from the Aiery Skie : And makes them side in Factions , for Man-kind , As now for Troy , then Greece , as pleas'd his mind . So walkes he downe into 〈◊〉 deep , And wakes the Furies out of their dead sleep : With Fancy's Candles seeks above all Hell , Where every Place , and Corner he knowes well . Opening the Gates where sleepy Dreames do lye , Walking into the Elysium fields hard by : There tells you , how Lovers their time imploy , And that pure Soules in one another joy . As Painters shadowes make , mixing Colours , So Soules do mixe of Platonick Lovers : Shewes how Heroick Spirits there do play At the Olympick Games , to passe the time away . As Wrestling , Running , Leaping , Swimming , Ride , And many other Exercises beside . What Poet , before him , did ever tell The Names of all the Gods , and Devils in Hell ? Their Mansions , and their Pleasures He describes , Their Powers , and Authorities divides . Their Chronologies , which were before all time , And their Adulteries he puts in Rhime : Besides , great Fame , thy Court he hath fill'd full Of Brave Reports 〈◊〉 which else an Empty Skull It would appeare , and not like Heavens Throne , Nor like the Firmament , with Stars thick strowne : Makes Hell appeare with a Majestick Face , Because there are so many in that Place . Fame never could so great a Queen have bin , If Wits Invention had not brought Arts in . Your Court by Poets fire is made light : Quencht out , you dwell as in perpetuall Night . It heats the Spirits of Men , inflames their blood , And makes them seek for Actions great , and good . Then be you just , since you the ballance hold , Let not the Leaden weights weigh downe the Gold . It were Injustice , Fame , for you to make A * * Because 〈◊〉 Poets imitate Homer . : Servant low , his Masters place to take . Or 〈◊〉 , that pick the Purse , you should preferre Before the Owner , since condemn'd they were . His are not Servants Lines ; but what He leaves , Theeves * * The Theft of Poets . steale , and with the same the World deceives . If so , great Fame , the World will never care To worship you , unlesse you right preferre . Then let the best of Poets find such grace In your faire Eyes , to choose him first in place . Let all the rest come offer at thy Shrine , And shew thy selfe a Goddesse that 's divine . I , at your word , will Homer take , said Fame , And if he proves not good , be you to blame . Vlisses bowed , and Homer kis'd her hands , Then were they joyn'd in Matrimoniall Bands : And Mercury from all the Gods was sent , To give her joy , and wish her much content . And all the Poets were invited round , All that were knowne , or in the World were found . Then did they dance with measure , and in time , Each in their turne took out the Muses nine . In Numbers smooth their Feet did run , Whilst Musick plaid , and Songs were sung . The Bride , and Bridegroome went to bed , There Homer got Fames Maiden-head .

A Dialogue betwixt Man , and Nature . Man . T Is strang , How we do change . First to live , and then to dye , Is a great misery . To give us sense , great paines to feele , To make our lives to be Deaths wheele ; To give us Sense , and Reason too , Yet know not what we 're made to do . Whether to Atomes turne , or Heaven up flye , Or into new Formes change , and never dye . Or else to Matter Prime to fall againe , From thence to take new Formes , and so remaine . Nature gives no such Knowledge to Man-kind , But strong Desires to torment the Mind : And Senses , which like Hounds do run about , Yet never can the perfect Truth find out . O Nature ! Nature ! cruell to Man-kind , Gives Knowledge none , but Misery to find . Nature . Why doth Man-kind complaine , and make such Moane ? May not I work my will with what 's my owne ? But Men among themselves contract , and make A Bargaine for my Tree ; that Tree will take : Most cruelly do chop in peeces small , And formes it as he please , then builds withall . Although that Tree by me was made to stand , Just as it growes , not to be cut by Man . Man . O Nature , Trees are dull , and have no Sense , And therefore feel not paine , nor take offence . But Beasts have life and Sense , and Passion strong , Yet cruell man doth kill , and doth them wrong . To take that life , I gave , before the time I did ordaine , the injury is mine . What Ill man doth , Nature did make him do , For he by Nature is prompt thereunto . For it was in great Natures power , and Will , To make him as she pleas'd , either good , or ill . Though Beast hath Sense , feels paine , yet whilst they live , They Reason want , for to dispute , or grieve . Beast hath no paine , but what in Sense doth lye , Nor troubled Thoughts , to think how they shall dye . Reason doth stretch Mans mind upon the Rack , With Hopes , with Joyes , pull'd up , with Feare pull'd back . Desire whips him forward , makes him run , Despaire dothwound , and pulls him back agen . For Nature , thou mad'st Man betwixt Extreames , Wants perfect Knowledge , yet thereof he dreames . For had he bin like to a Stock , or Stone , Or like a Beast , to live with Sense alone . Then might he eate , or drink , or lye stone-still , Nere troubled be , either for Heaven , or Hell . Man knowledge hath enough for to inquire , Ambition great enough for to aspire : And Knowledge hath , that yet he knowes not all , And that himselfe he knoweth least of all : Which makes him wonder , and thinks there is mixt Two severall Qualities in Nature fixt . The one like Love , the other like to Hate , By striving both hinders Predestinate . And then sometimes , Man thinks , as one they be , Which makes Contrariety so well agree ; That though the World were made by Love and hate , Yet all is rul'd , and governed by Fate . These are Mans feares ; mans hopes run smooth , and high , Which thinks his Mind is some great Deity . For though the body is of low degree , In Sense like Beasts , their Soules like Gods shall be . Saies Nature , why doth Man complaine , and crye , If he beleives his Soule shall never dye ?

A Dialogue betwixt the Body , and the Mind : Body . WHat Bodies else but Mans , did Nature make , To joyne with such a Mind , no rest can take ; That Ebbs , and slowes , with full , and falling Tide , As Minds dejected fall , or swell with Pride : In Waves of Passion roule to Billowes high , Alwaies in Motion , never quiet lye . Where Thoughts like Fishes swim the Mind about , Where the great Thoughts the smaller Thoughts eate out . My Body the Barque rowes in Minds Occan wide , Whose Waves of Passions beat on every side . When that dark Cloud of Ignorance hangs low , And Winds of vaine Opinions strong do blow : Then Showers of doubts into the Mind raine downe , In deepe vast Studies my Barque of flesh is drown'd . Mind . Why doth the Body thus complaine , when I Do helpe it forth of every Misery ? For in the World your Barque is bound to swim , Nature hath rigg'd it out to trafficke in . Against hard Rocks you breake in 〈◊〉 small , If my Invention helpe you not in all . The Load-stone of Attraction I find out , The Card of Observation guides about . The Needle of Discretion points the way , Which makes your Barque get safe into each Bay . Body . If I 'seape drowning in the Watry Maine , Yet in great mighty Battels I am slaine . By your Ambition I am forc'd to fight , When many 〈◊〉 upon my Body light . For you care not , so you a Fame may have , To live , if I be buried in a Grave . Mind . If Bodies fight , and Kingdomes win , then you Take all the pleasure that belongs thereto . You have a Crowne , your Head for to adorne , Upon your Body Jewels are hung on . All things are sought , to please your Senses Five , No Drugge unpractis'd , to keepe you alive . And I , to set you up in high Degree , Invent all Engines us'd in Warre to be . T is I that make you in great triumph sit , Above all other Creatures high to get : By the Industrious Arts , which I do find , You other Creatures in Subjection bind : You eate their Flesh , and after with their Skinne , When Winter comes , you lap your Bodies in . And so of every thing that Nature makes , By my direction you great pleasure takes . Body . What though my Senses all do take delight , Yet you upon my Entrals alwaies bite . My flesh eate up , that all my bones are bare , With the sharpe Teeth of Sorrow , Griefe , and Care . Drawes out my Blood from Veines , with envious spight , Decaies my Strength with shame , or extreame fright . With Love extreamly sicke I lye , With cruell hate you make me dye . Mind . Care keeps you from all hurt , or falling low , Sorrow , and Griefe are Debts to Friends we owe. Feare makes man just , to give each one his owne , Shame makes Civility , without there 's none . Hate makes good Lawes , that all may live in Peace , Love brings Society , and gets Increase . Besides , with Joy I make the Eyes looke gay , With pleasing Smiles they dart forth every way . With Mirth the Cheeks are fat , smooth , Rosie-red , Your Speech flowes Wit , when Fancies fill the Head . If I were gone , you 'ld misse my Company , Wish we were joyn'd againe , or you might dye .

A Complaint of Water , Earth , and Aire , against the Sun , by way of Dialogue . Moisture to Earth . THere 's none hath such an Enemy as I , The Sun doth drinke me up , when he 's a dry , He sucks me out of every hole I lye : Drawes me up high , from whence I downe do fall , In Showers of Raine , am broke in peeces small , Where I am forc'd to Earth for helpe to call . Strait Earth her Porous doors sets open wide , And takes me in with hast on every side ; Then joynes my Limbs fast in a slowing Tide . Earth to Moisture . Alas , Deare Friend , the Sun , my greatest Fee , My tender Buds he blast as they do grow : He burnes my Face , and makes it 〈◊〉 , and dry , He sucks my Breast , which starves my Young thereby . Thus I , and all my Young , for thirst were slaine , But that with Wet you fill my 〈◊〉 againe . Aire to Earth and Moisture . The Sun doth use me ill , as all the rest , For his hot Soultry heats do me molest : Melts me into a thin and slowing Flame , To make him light , when men it Day do name . Corrupts me , makes me full of 〈◊〉 soares , Which Putresaction on mens Bodies poures : Or else the subtle Flame into mens Spirits run , Which makes them raging , or starke mad become . Drawes me into a length , and breadth , till I Become so thin , with windy wings do flye : Never can leave , till all my Spirits spent , And then I dye , and leave no Monument . The Sun to 〈◊〉 . O most unkind , and most ungratefull Earth , I am thy Mid-wife , brings your Young to Birth : I with my heat do cause your Young to grow , And with my light I teach them how to go . My Sun-Bcames are Strings , whereon to hold , For feare they fall , and breake their Limbs on Cold. All to Maturity I do bring , and give Youth , Beauty , Strength , and make Old Age to live . The Sun to 〈◊〉 ' ater Sluggish Moisture I active , and light make , All grosse and corrupt I Humours away take . All Superfluity I dry up cleane , That nothing but pure Christall water 's seen . The hard-bound Cold I loosen , and unty , When you in Icy Chaines a Prisoner lye : With 〈◊〉 your Limbs are nipt , and bit with Cold , Your smooth , and glassie Face makes wrinkled , Old . I make you nimble , soft , and faire , And Liquid , Nourishing , and Debonaire . The Sun to Aire . Aire I purge , and make it cleere , and bright , Black Clouds dissolve , which make the Day seem Night . The crude , raw Vapours , I digest and straine , The thicker part all into Showers of Raine . The thinnest part I turne all into Winds , Which , like a Broome , sweeps out all Dirt it findes . The cleerest part turne into Azure Skie , Hang'd all with Stars , and next the Gods you lye .

A Dialogue between Earth , and Cold. Earth . O Cruell Cold , to life an Enemy , A Misery to Man , and Posterity ! Most envious Cold , to Stupifie Mens Braine , Destroies that Monarchy , where Wit should reigne . Tyrant thou art , to bind the Waters clear In Chaines of Ice , lye fetter'd halfe the yeare . Imprisons every thing that dwels in me , Shutting my Porous doors , no Light can see : And smothered am almost up to death , Each hole is stopt so close , can take no breath . Congeales the Aire to massie Clouds of Snow , Like Mountaines great , they on my Body throw . And all my Plants , and strong great fruit 〈◊〉 Trees , You nip to death , or cloath them in course Freeze . My fresh green Robes , which 〈◊〉 me fine , and gay , You strip me of , or change to black , or gray . For feare of Cold , my Moisture shrinks so low , My Head weares bald , no 〈◊〉 thereon will grow : And breakes the Suns bright : 〈◊〉 , their heat destroy ; Which takes away my comfort , and my joy : And makes my Body stiff , so deadly numb'd , That in my Veines nothing will fluent run . Cold. Why do you thus complaine , poore Earth , and grieve ? I give you strength and make you long to live . I do refresh you from the Scorching Sun , I give you breath , which makes you strong become . I cloath you from the Cold with Milke-white Snow , Send downe your Sap to nourish you below . For if that heat should dwell , and long time stay , His Thirst would drinke your Moisture all away . I take nought from you , nor do make you poore , But , like a Husband good , do keepe your Store . My Ice are Locks , and Barrs , all safe to keepe ; From Busie Motion gives you quiet sleepe . For heat is active , and doth you molest , Doth make you worke , and never let you rest . Heat spends your Spirits , makes you crackt , and dry , Drinkes all him selfe ; with Thirst you almost dye . With Sweating Labour you grow weake , and faint , I wonder why you make such great complaint . Earth . Both Heat , and Cold , in each extreame Degree , Two Hells they are , though contrary they be . Two Devils are , torment me with great paines , One shoots hot Arrowes , th' other ties in Chaines .

A Dialogue betwixt Earth , and Darknesse . Earth . OHorrid Darknesse , and you powers of Night , Melancholy Shades , made by obstructed Lights ; Why so Cruell ? what Evil have I done ? To part me from my * * There may be more Earths then one , for all we know , and but one Sun . Husband , the bright Sun ? Darknesse . I do not part you , he me hither sends , Whilst Hee rides about , to visit all his Friends . Besides , 〈◊〉 hath more Wives to love , then you ; He never constant is to one , nor true . Earth . You do him wrong , for though he Journies make For Exercise , he care for me doth take . He leaves his Stars , and 's Sister in his place , To comfort me , whilst 〈◊〉 doth run his Race . But you do come , most wicked 〈◊〉 Night , And rob me of that faire , and Silver Light . Darknesse . The Moon , and Stars , they are but shadowes thin , Small Cob-web Lawne they from his Light do spin : Which they in scorned do make , you to disgrace , As a thin Vaile , to cover your Ill Face . For Moon , or Stars have no strong Lights to shew A Colour true , nor how you bud , or grow . Onely some Ghosts do rise , and take delight , To walke about , when that the Moon shines bright . Earth . Your are deceiv'd , they cast no such Disguise , Strive me to please , by twinkling in the Skies . And for the Ghosts my Children are , being weake , And tender Ey'd , helpe of the Moon they seeke . For why , her Light is gentle , moist , and Cold , Doth ease their Eyes , when they do it behold . But you with Shadowes fright , delude the Sight , Like Ghost appeare , with gloomy shades of Night . And you with Clouds do cast upon my Back A Mourning Mantle of the deepest black : That covers me with darke Obscuritie , That none of my deare Children I can see . Their Lovely Faces mask'st thou from my Sight , Which shew most beautifull in the day Light . They take delight to View , and to adorne , And fall in love with one anothers Forme . By which kind Sympathy they bring me store Of Children young : those , when growne up , brings more . But you are spightfull to those Lovers kind , 〈◊〉 their Faces , makes their Eyes quite blind . Darknesse . Is this my thanks for all my Love , and Care , And for the great respect to you I beare ? I am thy kind , true , and constant Lover , I all your Faults , and Imperfections cov I take you in my gentle Armes of rest , With coole fresh Dewes I bath your dry , hot Breast . The Children which you by the Sun did beare , I lay to sleepe , and rest them from their Care . In Beds of silence soft I lay them in , And cover them , though black , with Blankets cleane . Then shut them close from the Disturbing Light , And yet you raile against your Lover , Night . Besides if you had Light through all the yeare , Though Beauty great , 't would not so well appeare . For , what is Common , hath not such respect , Nor such regard : for 〈◊〉 doth bring neglect . Nought is admired , but what is seldome 〈◊〉 , And black , for change , delights as well as green . Yet I should constant bee , if I might stay , But the bright Sun doth beat me quite away . For he is active , and runs all about , Nere dwels with one , but seeks new Lovers out . He spightfull is to other Lovers , 〈◊〉 He by his Light doth give intelligence . But I Loves confident am made , I bring Them in my Shade , to meet and whisper in . Thus am I faithfull , kind to Lovers true , And all is for the 〈◊〉 , and Love to you . What though I am Melancholy , my Love 's as strong , As the great Light which you so dote upon . Then slight me not , nor do 〈◊〉 Suit disdaine , But when the Sun is gone , me entertaine . Take me sweet Love with 〈◊〉 into your Bed , And on your fresh green Breast lay my black Head .

A Dialogue between an Oake , and a Man cutting him downe . Oake . WHY cut you off my Bowes , both large , and long , That keepe you from the heat , and scortching Sun 〈◊〉 And did refresh your 〈◊〉 Limbs from sweat ? From thundring Raines I keepe you free , from Wet ; When on my Barke your weary head would lay , Where quiet sleepe did take all Cares away . The whilst my Leaves a gentle noise did make , And blew coole Winds , that you 〈◊〉 Aire night take . Besides , I did invite the Birds to sing , That their sweet voice might you some pleasure bring . Where every one did strive to do their best , Oft chang'd their Notes , and strain'd their tender Breast . In Winter time , my Shoulders broad did hold Off blustring Stormes , that wounded with sharpe Cold. And on my Head the 〈◊〉 of snow did fall , Whilst you under my Bowes 〈◊〉 free from all . And will you thus requite my Love , Good Will , To take away my Life , and 〈◊〉 kill ? For all my Care , and Service I have past , Must I be cut , and laid on Fire at last ? And thus true Love you cruelly have slaine , Invent alwaies to torture me with paine . First you do peele my Barke , and flay my Skinne , Hew downe my Boughes , so chops off every Limb. With Wedges you do peirce my Sides to wound , And with your Hatchet knock me to the ground . I mine'd shall be in Chips and peeces small , And thus doth Man reward good Deeds withall . Man . Why grumblest thou , old Oake , when thou hast stood This hundred yeares , as King of all the Wood. Would you for ever live , and not resigne Your Place to one that is of your owne Line ? Your Acornes young , when they grow big , and tall , Long for your Crowne , and wish to see your fall ; Thinke every minute lost , whilst you do live , And grumble at each Office you do give . Ambitien flieth high , and is above All sorts of Friend-ship strong , or Natur all Love . Besides , all Subjects they in Change delight , When Kings grow Old , their Government they slight : Although in ease , and peace , and wealth do live , Yet all those happy times for Change will give . Growes discontent , and Factions still do make ; What Good so ere he doth , as Evill take . Were he as wise , as ever Nature made , As pious , good , as ever Heaven 〈◊〉 : Yet when they dye , such Joy is in their Face , As if the Devill had gone from that place . With Shouts of Joy they run a new to Crowne , Although next day they strive to pull him downe . 〈◊〉 . Why , said the Oake , because that they are mad , Shall I rejoyce , for my owne Death be glad ? Because my Subjects all ingratefull are , Shall I therefore my health , and life impaire . Good Kings governe justly , as they ought , Examines not their Humours , but their Fault . For when their Crimes appeare , t' is time to strike , Not to examine Thoughts how they do like . If Kings are never lov'd , till they do dye , Nor 〈◊〉 to live , till in the Grave they lye : Yet he that loves himselfe the lesse , because He cannot get every mans high applause : Shall by my Judgment be condemn'd to weare , The Asses Eares , and burdens for to beare . But let me live the Life that Nature gave , And not to please my Subjects , dig my Grave . Man . But here , Poore Oake , thou liv'st in Ignorance , And never seek'st thy Knowledge to advance . I 'le cut the downe , 'cause Knowledge thou maist gaine , Shalt be a Ship , to traffick on the Maine : There shalt thou swim , and cut the Seas in two , And trample downe each Wave , as thou dost go . Though they rise high , and big are sweld with pride , Thou on their Shoulders broad , and Back , shalt ride : Their lofty Heads shalt bowe , and make them stoop , And on their Necks shalt set thy steddy Foot : And on their Breast thy Stately Ship shalt beare , Till thy Sharpe Keele the watry Wombe doth teare . Thus shalt thou round the World , new Land to find , That from the rest is of another kind . Oake . O , said the Oake , I am contented well , Without that Knowledge , in my Wood to dwell . For I had rather live , and simple be , Then dangers run , some new strange Sight to see . Perchance my Ship against a Rack may hit ; Then were I strait in sundry peeces split . Besides , no rest , nor quiet I should have , The Winds would tosse me on each troubled Wave . The Billowes rough will beat on every side , My Breast will ake to swim against the Tide . And greedy Merchants may me over-fraight , So should I drowned be with my owne weight . Besides with Sailes , and Rapes my Body tye , Just like a Prisoner , have no Liberty . And being alwaies wet , shall take such Colds , My Ship may get a Pase , and leake through holes . Which they to mend , will put me to great paine , Besides , all patch'd , and peec'd , I shall remaine . I care not for that Wealth , wherein the paines , And trouble , is farre greater then the Gaines . I am contented with what Nature gave , I not Repine , but one poore wish would have , Which is , that you my aged Life would save . Man . To build a Stately House I 'le cut thee downe , Wherein shall Princes live of great renowne . There shalt thou live with the best Companie , All their delight , and pastime thou shalt see . Where Playes , and Masques , and Beauties bright will shine , Thy Wood all oyl'd with Smoake of Meat , and Wine . There thou shalt heare both Men , and Women sing , Farre pleasanter then Nightingals in Spring . Like to a Ball , their Ecchoes shall rebound Against the Wall , yet can no Voice be found . Oake . Alas , what Musick shall I care to heare , When on my Shoulders I such burthens beare ? Both Brick , and Tiles , upon my Head are laid , Of this Preferment I am sore afraid . And many times with Nailes , and Hammers strong , They peirce my Sides , to hang their Pictures on . My Face is sinucht with Smoake of Candle Lights , In danger to be burnt in Winter Nights . No , let me here a poore Old Oake still grow ; I care not for these vaine Delights to know . For fruitlesse Promises I do not care , More Honour t is , my owne green Leaves to beare . More Honour t is , to be in Natures dresse , Then any Shape , that Men by Art expresse . I am not like to Man , would Praises have , And for Opinion make my selfe a Slave . Man . Why do you wish to live , and not to dye , Since you no Pleasure have , but Misery ? For here you stand against the scorching Sun : By 's Fiery Beames , your fresh green Leaves become Wither'd ; with Winter's cold you quake , and shake : Thus in no time , or season , rest can take . Oake . Yet I am happier , said the Oake , then Man ; With my condition I contented am . He nothing loves , but what he cannot get , And soon doth surfet of one dish of meat : Dislikes all Company , displeas'd alone , Makes Griese himselfe , if Fortune gives him none . And as his Mind is restlesse , never pleas'd ; So is his Body sick , and oft diseas'd . His Gouts , and Paines , do make him sigh , and cry , Yet in the midst of Paines would live , not dye . Man . Alas , poore Oake , thou understandst , nor can Imagine halfe the misery of Man . All other Creatures onely in Sense joyne , But Man hath something more , which is divine . He hath a Mind , doth to the Heavens aspire , A Curiosity for to inquire : A Wit that nimble is , which runs about In every Corner , to seeke Nature out . For She doth hide her selfe , as fear'd to shew Man all her workes , least he too powerfull grow . Like to a King , his Favourite makes so great , That at the last , he feares his Power hee 'll get . And what creates desire in Mans Breast , A Nature is divine , which seekes the best : And never can be satisfied , unt ill He , like a God , doth in Perfection dwell . If you , as Man , desire like Gods to bee , I 'le spare your Life , and not cut downe your Tree .

A Dialogue of Birds . AS I abroad in Feilds , and Woods did walke , I heard the Birds of severall things did talke : And on the Boughes would 〈◊〉 , prate , and chat , And every one discourse of this , and that . I , said the Larke , before the Sun do rise , And take my flight up to the highest Skies : There sing some Notes , to raise Appollo's head , For feare that hee might lye too long a Bed . And as I mount , or if descend downe low , Still do I sing , which way so ere I go . Winding my Body up , just like a Scrue , So doth my Voice wind up a Trillo too . What Bird , besides my selfe , both flyes and sings , Just tune my 〈◊〉 keeps to my 〈◊〉 Wings . I , said the Nightingale , all night do watch , For feare a Serpent should my young Ones catch : To keep back sleep , I severall Tunes do sing , Which Tunes so pleasant are , they Lovers bring Into the Woods ; who listning sit , and mark : When I begin to sing , they cry , hark , hark . Stretching my Throat , to raise my Trilloes high , To gaine their praises , makes me almost dye . Then comes the Owle , which saies , here 's such a doe With your sweet Voices ; through spight cries Wit-a-woo . In Winter , said the Robin , I should dye , But that I in a good warm house do flye : And there do pick up Crummes , which make me fat , But oft am scar'd away with the Pusse-cat . If they molest me not , then I grow bold , And stay so long , whilst Winter 〈◊〉 are told . Man superstitiously dares not hurt me , For if I am kill'd , or hurt , ill Luck shall be . The Sparrow said , were our Condition such , But Men do strive with Nets us for to catch : With Guns , and Bowes they shoot us from the Trees , And by small shot , we oft our Lifes do leese , Because we pick a Cherry here , and there , When , God he knowes , we eate them in great feare . But Men will eat , untill their Belly burst , And surfets take : if we eat , we are curst . Yet we by Nature are revenged still , For eating over-much themselves they kill . And if a Child do chance to cry , or brawle , They strive to catch us , to please that Child withall : With Threads they tye our legs almost to crack , That when we hop away , they pull us back : And when they cry Fip , Fip , strait we must come , And for our paines they 'l give us one small Crum . I wonder , said Mag-pye , you grumble so , Dame Sparrow , we are us'd much worse I trow . For they our Tongues do slit , their words to learne , And with the paine , our food we dearely came . Why , say the 〈◊〉 , and the 〈◊〉 all , Do you so prate Mag-pie , and so much baule ? As if no Birds besides were wrong'd but you , When we by cruell Man are injur'd to . For we , to learn their 〈◊〉 , are kept awake , That with their whistling we no rest can take . In darknesse we are kept , no Light must see , Till we have learnt their Tunes most perfectlie . But Jack-dawes , they may dwell their houses nigh , And build their Nests in Elmes that do grow high : And there may prate , and flye from place to place ; For why , they think they give their House a grace . Lord ! said the Partridge , Cock , Puet , Snite , and Quaile , Pigeons , Larkes , my Masters , why d' yee raile ? You 're kept from Winters Cold , and Summers heat , Are taught new Tunes , and have good store of meat . Having a Servant you to wait upon , To make your Cages cleane from 〈◊〉 , and Dung : When we poore Birds are by the dozens kill'd , And luxuriously us eate , till they be fill'd : And of our Flesh they make such cruell 〈◊〉 , That but some of our Limbes will please their tast . In Wood-cockes thighes they onely take delight , And Partridge wings , which swift were in their flight . The smaller Lark they eate all at one bite , But every part is good of Quaile , and Suite . The Murtherous Hawk they keep , us for to catch , And learn their Dogs , to crouch , and creep , and watch : Untill they have sprung us to Nets , and Toiles , And thus poore Creatures we are made Mans spoiles . Cruell Nature ! to make us Gentle , Mild : They happy are , which are more feirce , and wild . O would our flesh had been like Carrion , course , To eate us onely Famine might inforce . But when they eate us , may they surfets take , May they be poore , when they a 〈◊〉 us make . The more they eate , the leaner may they grow , Or else so fat , they cannot stir , nor go . O , said the 〈◊〉 , let me mourne in black , For , of Mans cruelty I do not lack : I am the 〈◊〉 of Summer warme , Do neither pick their Fruit , nor eate their Corne ; Yet they will take us , when alive we be , I shake to tell , O horrid Cruelty ! Beate us alive , till we an Oile become . Can there to Birdes be a worse Mortyrdome ? 〈◊〉 , O Man , if we should serve you so , You would 〈◊〉 us your great Curses throw . But Nature , shee is good , do not her blame : We ought to give her thankes , and not exclaime . For Love is Natures chiefest Law in Mind , Hate but an Accident from Love we find . T is true , Selfe-Preservation is the chiefe , But Luxury to Nature is a 〈◊〉 . Corrupted manners alwaies do breede Vioe , Which by 〈◊〉 doth the Mind intice . No Creature doth usurp so much as Man , Who thinkes himselfe like God , because he can Rule other Creatures , makes them to obey : We Soules have , Nature never made , say they . What ever comes from Natures Stock , and Treasure , Created is onely to serve their pleasure . Although the Life of Bodies comes from Nature , Yet still the Soules come from the great Creator . And they shall live , though wee to 〈◊〉 do turne , Either in Blisse , or in hot flames to burne . Then came the Parrot with her painted wing 〈◊〉 Spake like an Orator in every thing . Sister Jay , Neighbour 〈◊〉 , Gossip Pie , We taken are , not like the rest , to dye : Onely to talk , and prate , the best we can , To Imitate to 〈◊〉 Life , the Speech of Man . And just like men , we 〈◊〉 our time away , With many words , not one wise Speech can say : And speak as gravely Non-sense as the best , As full of empty words as 〈◊〉 the rest . Then Nature we will praise , because she have Given us such Tongues , as Men our Lives to save . Mourne not my Friends , but sing in Sun-shine gay , And while you 'ave time , joy in your selves you may . What though your lives be short , yet merry be , And not complaine , but in delights agree . Strait came the 〈◊〉 with a frowning face , And hopt about , as in an angry pace . My Masters all , what are you mad , Is no regard unto the publick had ? Are private Home-Affaires cast all aside ? Your young Ones cry for meat , t is time to chide . For shame disperse your selves , and some paines take , Both for the Common good , and young Chickes sake : And not sit murmuring here against great Man , Unlesse for to revenge our selves we can . Alas , alas , we want their Shape , which they By it have power to make all obey . For they can Lift , 〈◊〉 , strike , turne , and wind , What waies they will , which makes them new Arts find . T is not their Wit , which new Inventions make , But t is their Shapes , which heighth , breadth , depth , can take . Thus they can measure the great worldly Ball , And Numbers set , to prove the Truth of all . What Creature else hath Armes , or goeth upright , Or have all sorts of Motions so unite ? Man by his Shape can Nature imitate , Can governe , rule , and new Arts can create . Then come away , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no good can do , And what we cannot help , submit unto . Then some their 〈◊〉 , others their Husbands call , To gather Sticks , to build their Nests withall . Some that were Shrewes , did chide , and scold , and fret , The Wind blew downe their Nest where they should sit : For all they gathered , with 〈◊〉 , and care , Those Sticks , and Strawes were blowne they knew not where . But none did labour like the little Wren , To build her Nest , to hatch her young Ones in . Shee laies more Eggs then all the rest , And with much Art doth build her Nest. The younger sort made love , and kis'd each others Bill , The Cock would catch some Flies to give his Mistresse still , The Yellow hammer cried , t is wet , t is wet , For it will raine before the Sun doth set . Taking their Flight , as each Mind thought it best , Some flew abroad , and some home to their Nest. Some went to gather Corne from Sheaves out strew'd , And some to pick up Seed that s newly sowed . Some had Courage a Cherry ripe to take , Others catch t Flies , when they a Feast did make . And some did pick up Ants , and Eggs , though small , To carry home , to feed their young withall . When every Crap was fil'd , and Night came on , Then did they stretch their Wings to flye fast home . And as like Men , from Market home they come , Set out alone , but every Mile addes some : Untill a Troop of Neighbours , get together , So do a flight of Birds in Sun-shine weather . When to their Nests they get , Lord how they baule , And every one doth to his Neighbour call : Asking each other if they weary were , Rejoycing at past dangers , and great feare . When they their wings had prun'd , and young ones fed , Sate gossipping , before they went to Bed . Let us a Carroll , said the Black-bird , sing , Before we go to Bed this fine Evening . The Thrushes , Linnets , Finches , all took parts , A Harmony by Nature , not by Arts. But all their Songs were Hymnes to God on high , Praising his Name , blessing his Majesty . And when they askt for Gifts , to God did pray , He would be pleas'd to give them a faire day . At last they drousie grew , and heavie were to sleep , And then instead of singing , cried , Peep , Peep . Just as the Eye , when Sense is locking up , Is neither open wide , nor yet quite shut : So doth a Voice still by degrees fall downe , And as a Shadow , wast so doth a Sound . Thus went to rest each Head , under each wing , For Sleep brings Peace to every living thing .

A Dialogue between Melancholy , and Mirth . AS I fate Musing , by my selfe alone , My Thoughts on severall things did work upon . Some did large Houses build , and Stately Towers , Making Orchards , Gardens , and fine Bowers : And some in Arts , and Sciences delight , Some wars in Contradiction , Reasons fight . And some , as Kings , do governe , rule a State ; Some as Republickes , which all Monarches hate . Others , as Lawyers , plending at the Bar , Some privie Counsellors , and Judges are . Some Priests , which do preach Peace , and Godly life , Others Tumultuous are , and full of 〈◊〉 . Some are debauch'd , do wench , swagger , and sweare , And some poore Thoughts do tremble out of feare . Some jealous are , and all things do suspect , Others so Carelesse , every thing neglect . Some Nymphes , Shepheards , and Shepheardesses , Some so kind , as one another kisses . All sorts of Lovers , and their Passions , Severall waies of Conrt - 〈◊〉 , and fine Fashions . Some take strong Townes , and Buttels win , Few do loose , but all must yeild to him . Some are Heroick , Generous , and Free , And some so base , do crouch with Flattery . Some dying are , and in the Grave halfe lye , And some Repenting , which for sorrow cry . The Mind oppres'd with Griefe , Thoughts Mourners bee , All cloath'd in Black , no light of Joy can see . Some with Despaire do rage , are almost mad , And some so merry , nothing makes thein sad . And many more , which were too long to tell , Thoughts severall bee , in severall places dwell . At last came two , which were in various dresse , One Melancholy , th' other did Mirth expresse . Melancholy was all in black Array , And Mirth was all in Colours fresh , and gay . 〈◊〉 Mirth laughing came , running unto me , flung Her fat white Armes , about my Neck she hung : Imbrac'd , and kis'd me oft , and strok't my Cheek , Telling me , shee would no other Lover seek . I le sing you Songs , and please you every day , Invent new Sports , to passe the time away . I le keep your Heart , and guard it from that Theefe , Dull Melancholy Care , or sadder Griese : And make your Eyes with Mirth to over-flow , With springing blood , your Cheekes they fat shall grow , Your Legs shall nimble be , your Body light , And all your Spirits , like to Birds in flight . Mirth shall digest your Meat , and make you strong , Shall give you Health , and your short daies prolong . Refuse me not , but take me to your Wife , For I shall make you happy all your Life . If you take Melancholy , shee 'l make you leane , Your Cheekes shall hollow grow , your Jawes all seen : Your Eyes shall buried be within your Head , And look as Pale , as if you were quite dead . Shee 'l make you start at every noise you heare , And Visions strange shall in your Eyes appeare . Your Stomack cold , and raw , digesting nought , Your Liver dry , your Heart with sorrow fraught . Your shriveled Skin , and Cloudy Browes , blood thick , Your long lank sides , and back to Belly stick . Thus would it be , if you to her were wed , But better far it were , that you were dead . Her Voice is low , and gives a hollow sound , Shee hates the Light , in darknesse onely found : Or set with blinking 〈◊〉 , or Tapers small , Which various Shadowes make against a Wall . She loves nought else but Noise , which discords make , As croaking Frogs which do dwell in the Lake . The Ravens hoarse , and so the Mandrakes groane , And shreeking Owles , which in Night flye alone . The Tolling Bell , which for the dead rings out , A Mill , where rushing waters run about . The roaring windes , which shake the Cedars tall , Plow up the Seas , and beat the Rocks withall . Shee loves to walk in the still Moon shine Night , Where in a thick dark Grove she takes delight . In hollow Caves , Houses thatcht , or lowly Cell , Shee loves to live , and there alone to dwell . Her Eares are stopt with Thoughts , her Eyes purblind , For all shee heares , or sees , is in the 〈◊〉 . But in her Mind , luxuriously shee lives , Imagination severall pleasures gives . Then leave her to her selfe , alone to dwell , Let you and I in Mirth and pleasure swell : And drink long lusty Draughts from 〈◊〉 Boule , Untill our Braines on vaporous Waves do roule . Le ts joy our selves in Amorous Delights . There 's none so happy , as the Carpet Knights . Melancholy . Melancholy with sad , and sober Face , Complexion pale , but of a comely grace : With modest Countenance , soft speech thus spake . May I so happy be , your Love to take ? True , I am dull , yet by me you shall know More of your selfe , so wiser you shall grow . I 〈◊〉 the depth , and bottome of Man-kind , Open the Eye of Ignorance that 's blind . I travell far , and view the World about , I walk with Reasons Staff to find Truth out , I watchfull am , all dangers for to shun , And do prepare gainst Evils that may come . I hange not on inconstant Fortunes wheele , Nor yet with unresolving doubts do reele . I shake not with the Terrours of vaine feares , Nor is my Mind fill'd with unusefull Cares . I do not spend my time like idle Mirth , Which onely happy is just at her Birth . Which seldome lives for to be old , But , if she doth , can no affections hold . For in short time shee troublesome will grow , Though at the first shee makes a pretty shew . But yet shee makes a noise , and keepes a rout , And with dislike most commonly goes out . Mirth good for nothing is , like Weeds do grow , Such Plants cause madnesse , Reason doth not know . Her face with Laughter crumples on a heap , Which plowes deep Furroughes , making wrinckles great . Her Eyes do water , and her Skin turnes red , Her mouth doth gape , Teeth bare , like one that 's dead . Her sides do stretch , as set upon the Last , Her Stomack heaving up , as if shee 'd cast . Her Veines do swell , Joynts seem to be unset ; Her Pores are open , streaming out a sweat . She fulsome is , and gluts the Senses all ; Offers her selfe , and comes before a Call : Seekes Company out , hates to be alone . Vnsent-for Guests Affronts are throwne upon . Her house is built upon the golden Sandes ; Yet no Foundation hath , whereon it stands . A Palace t is , where comes a great Resort , It makes a noise , and gives a loud report . Yet underneath the Roofe , Disasters lye , Beates downe the house , and many kills thereby . I dwell in Groves that gilt are with the Sun , Sit on the Bankes , by which cleare waters run . In Summers hot , downe in a Shade I lye ; My Musick is the buzzing of a Fly : Which in the Sunny Beames do dance all day , And harmlesly do passe their time away . I walk in Meadowes , where growes fresh green Grasse . Or Feilds , where Corne is high , in which I passe : Walk up the Hills , where round I Prospects see ; Some Brushy Woods , and some all Champions 〈◊〉 . Returning back , in the fresh Pasture go , To heare the bleating Sheep , and Cowes to lowe . They gently feed , no Evill think upon , Have no designes to do another wrong . In Winter Cold , when nipping Frosts come on , Then do I live in a small House alone . The littlenesse doth make it warm , being close , No Wind , nor Weather cold , can there have force . Although t is plaine , yet cleanly t is within , Like to a Soule that 's pure , and cleare from Sin . And there I dwell in quiet , and still Peace , Not fill'd with Cares , for Fiches to increase . I wish , nor seek for valne , and 〈◊〉 Pleasures , No Riches are , but what the Mind intreasures . Thus am I solitary , and live alone , Yet better lov'd , the more that J am knowne . And though my Face b'ill favoured at first sight , After Acquaintance it shall give delight . For I am like a Shade , who sits in me , Shall not come wet , nor yet Sun-burned be . I keep off blustring Stormes , from doing hurt , When Mirth is often sinutch'd with dust , and durt . Refuse menot , for J shall constant be , Maintaine your Credit , keep up Dignity .

A Dialogue betwixt Joy , and Discretion . Joy . GIve me some Musick , that my Spirits may Dance a free Galliard , whilst Delight doth play . Let every Voice sing out , both loud , and shrill , And every Tongue too run what way it will . For Feare is gone away with her Pale Face , And Paine is banisht out from every place . Discretion . O Joy , take Moderation by the hand , Or 〈◊〉 you 'l fall so drunk , you cannot stand . Your Tongue doth run so fast , no time can keep , High as a Mountaine , many words you heap . Your Thoughts in multitudes the Braine do throng , That Reason is cast downe , and trod upon . Joy . O wise Discretion , do not angry grow . Great dangers , feares , 〈◊〉 , you do not know . But Feare being past , they suddenly are slackt , Feare , being a string , bindes hard ; when once t is crackt : Spirits find Liberty , 〈◊〉 run about : Hard being 〈◊〉 , they suddenly burst out , And to recover what they had before , When once 〈◊〉 , their liberty is more . Like Water , which was pen't , then passage findes , Goeth in a Fury like the Northerne windes . What gathers on a heap , so strong doth grow , That when they 're loose , far swifter do they go . But deare Discretion with me do not scold , Whilst you do feele great Feares , your Tongue pray hold . For Joy cannot containe it selfe in rest : It never leaves till some way is exprest .

A Dialogue betwixt Wit , and Beauty . Wit. MIxt Rose , and Lilly , why are you so proud , Since Faire is not in all Minds best allow'd ? Some like the Black , the Browne , as well as White , In all Complexions some Eyes take delight : Nor doth one Beauty in the World still reigne . For Beauty is created in the Braine . But say there were a Body perfect made , Complexion pure , by Natures pensill laid : A Countenance where all sweet Spirits meet , A Haire that 's thick , or long curl'd to the Feet : Yet were it like a Statue made of stone , The Eye would weary grow to look thereon . Had it not Wit , the Mind still to delight , It soon wonld weary be , as well as Sight . For Wit is fresh , and new , doth sport , and play , And runs about the Humour every way . Withall the Passions Wit can well agree ; Wit tempers them , and makes them pleas'd to bee . Wit 's ingenious , doth new Inventions find , To ease the Body , recreate the Mind . Beauty . When I appeare , I strike the Optick Nerve , I wound the Heart , I make the Passions serve . Soules are my Prisoners , yet love me so well , My Company is Heaven , my absence Hell . Each Knee doth bow to me , as to a Shrine , And all the World accounts me as Divine . Wit. Beauty , you cannot long Devotion keep : The Mind growes weary , Senses fall a sleep . As those which in the House of God do go , Are very zealous in a Prayer , or two : But if they kneele an houre-long to pray , Their Zeale growes cold , nor know they what they say . So Admirations last not very long , After nine daies the greatest wonder 's gone . The Mind , as Senses all , delights in Change ; They nothing love , but what is new , and strange . But subtle Wit can both please long , and well ; For , to the Eare a new Tale Wit can tell . And , for the Tast , meat dresses severall waies , To please the Eye , new Formes , and Fashions raise . And for the Touch , Wit spins both Silk , and Wooll , Invents new waies to keep Touch warm , and coole . For Sent , Wit mixtures , and Compounds doth make , That still the Nose a fresh new smell may take . I by discourse can represent the Mind , With severall Objects , though the Eyes be blind . I can create Ideas in the Braine , Which to the Mind seem reall , though but fain'd . The Mind like to a Shop of Toies I fill , With fine Concerts , all sorts of Humours sell. I can the work of Nature imitate ; And change my selfe into each severall Shape . I conquer all , am Master of the Feild , I make faire Beauty in Loves Wars to yeild .

A Dialogue between Love , and Hate . BOth Love , and Hate fell in a great dispute ; And hard it was each other to confute : Which did most Good , or Evill most did shun . Then Hate with frowning Browes this Speech begun . Hate . I flye , said shee , from wicked , and base Acts , And teare the Bonds unjust , or ill Contracts . I do abhor all Murther , War , and strife , Inhumane Actions , and disorder'd life . Ungratefull , and unthankfull Mindes , that shun All those , from whom they have receiv'd a Boon . From Discords harsh , and rude , my Eares I stop , And what is Bad , I from the Good do lop . I Perjur'd Lovers brand with foule disgrace , And from ill Objects do I hide my Face . Things , that are Bad , I hate ; or what seemes so : But Love is contrary to this , I know . Love loves Ambition , the Mind 's hot Fire , And Worlds would ruine , for to rise up higher . You love to please your Appetite , and your Will , To glut your Gusto you delight in still . You love to Flatter , and be flattered too ; And , for your Lust , poore Virgins would undo . You love the ruine of your Foes to see , And of your Friends , if they but Prosperous bee . You nothing love besides your selfe , though ill , And with vaine-glorious wind your Braine do fill . You love no waies , but where your Bias tends , And love the Gods onely for your owne Ends. Love . But Love , in words as sweet , as Nature is , Said , Hate was false , and alwaies did amisse . For she did Canker-fret , the Soule destroy , Disturbe the pleasure , wherein Life takes joy ; The World disorder , which in Peace would keep , Torment the Head , the Heart revenge to seek : And never rests , till she descends to Hell ; And therefore ever amongst Devils dwell . For I , said Love , unite , aud Concords make , All Musick was invented for my sake . I Men by Lawes in Common-wealthes do joyne ; Against a common Foe , as one combine . I am a Guard , to watch , defend , and keep , The Sick , the Lame , the Helplesse , Aged , weak : I for Honours sake high Courage raise ; And bring to Beautie Shrine , Offerings of praise . I Pity , and Compassion the World throughout Do carry , and distribute all about . I to the Gods do reverence , bow , and pray , And in their Heavenly Mansions beare great sway . Thus Love , and Hate , in somethings equall bee ; Yet in Disputes will alwaies disagree .

A Dialogue betwixt Learning , and Ignorance . Learning . THou Busie , Forrester , that searchest bout The Wor'd , to find the Heart of Learning out . Or , Perseus like , foule Monsters thou dost kill ; Rude Ignorance , which alwaies doeth ill , Ignorance . O thou Proud Learning , that standst on Tip-toes high , Can never reach to know the Deity : Nor where the Cause of any one thing lies , But fill man full of Care , and Miseries . Learning inflames the Thoughts to take great paines , Doth nought but make an Almes-tub of the Braines . Learning . Learning doth seek about , new things to find ; In that Pursuit , doth recreate the Mind . It is a Perspective , Nature to espie , Can all her Curiosity descry . Ignorance . Learning 's an uselesse paine , unlesse it have Some waies , or meanes to keep us from the Grave . For , what is all the World , if understood , If we do use it not , nor tast the Good ? Learning may come to know the use of things , Yet not receive the Good which from them springs . For Life is short , and Learning tedions , long : Before we come to use what 's Learned , Life 's gone . Learning . O Ignorance , thou Beast , which 〈◊〉 and lazy liest , And onely cat'st , and sleepest , till thou diest . Ignorance . The Lesson Nature taught , is , most delight , To please the Sense , and eke the Appetite . I Ignorance am still the Heaven of Blisse : For in me lies the truest happinesse . Give me still Ignorance , that Innocent Estate , That Paradise , that 's free from Envious Hate . Learning a Tree was , whereon Knowledge grew , Tasting that Fruit , Man onely Misery knew . Had Man but Knowledge , Ignorance to love , Hee happy would have been , as Gods above . Learning . O Ignorance , how foolish thou dost talk ! I's t happinesse in Ignorance to walk ? Can there be Joy in Darknesse , more then Light ? Or Pleasure more in Blindnesse , then in Sight ?

A Dialogue betwixt Riches , and Poverty . Riches . I , Wealth , can make all Men of each degree , To crouch , and flatter , and to follow me . I many Cities build , high , thick , and large , And Armies raise , against each other charge : I make them loose their Lives , for my deare sake , Though when they 're dead , they no Rewards can take . I trample Truth under my Golden Feet , And tread downe Innocence , that Flower sweet . I gather Beauty , when t is newly blowne , Reape Chastity , before t is over-growne . I root out Vertue with a Golden Spade , I cut of Justice with a Golden Blade . Pride , and Ambition are my Vassals low , And on their Heads I tread , as I do go : And by Man-kind 〈◊〉 more adorn'd am I , Although but Earth , then the Bright Sun so high . Poverty . Riches , thou art a Slave , and runn'st about , On every Errant thou com'st in , go'st out : And Men of Honour set on thee no price , Nor Honesty , nor Vertue can intice . Some foolish Gamesters , which do love to play At Cardes , and Dice , corrupt perchance you may : A Silly 〈◊〉 gather here , and there , That doth gay Cloathes , and Jewels love to weare . Some Poore , which hate their Neighbour Brave to see , Perchance may seek , and love your Company . And those that strive to please their Senses all , If they want Health , if you passe by , will call . On Age , t is true : you have a great , strong power ; For they imbrace you , though they dye next Houre . Riches . You speake , poore Poverty , meere out of spight , Because there 's none with you doth take delight : If you into Mans Company will thrust , They call that Fortune ill , and most accurst . Men are asham'd with them you should be seen , You are so ragged , torne , and so uncleane . When I come in , much Welcome do I find , Great Joy there is , and Mirth in every Mind . And every doore is open set , and wide , And all within is busily imploy'd . There Neighbours all invited are to see , And proud they are in my deare Company . Poverty . T is Prodigality you brag so on , Which never lets you rest , till you are gone ; Calls in for help to beat you out of doores , His deare Companions , Drunkards , Gamesters , Whores . What though you 're Brave , and Gay in outward Shew ? Within you are foule , and beastly , as you know . Besides , Debauchery is like a Sink , And you are Father to that filthy stink . True , I am thread-bare , and am very leane ; Yet I am Decent , sweet , and very cleane . I healthfull am , my Diet being spare : You 're full of Gouts , and Paines , and Surfets feare . I am Industrious new Arts to find , To ease the Body , and to please the Mind . The World like to a Wildernesse would be , If it were not for the Poores Industry . For Poverty doth set awork the Braines , And all the Thoughts to labour , and take paines . The Mind nere idle sits , but is imploy'd : Riches breed Sloth , and fill it full of Pride . Riches , like a Sow , in its owne Mire lies ; But Poverty 's light , and like a Bird still flyes .

A Dialogue betwixt Anger , and Patience . Patience . ANger , why are you so hot , and siery red ? Or else so 〈◊〉 as if you were quite dead ? Joynts seem unset , Flesh shakes , the Nerves grow Slack , Your Spirits all disturb'd , your Senses lack . Your Tongue doth move , but not a plaine word speak , Or else words flow so thick , like Torrents great . Anger . Lord , what a 〈◊〉 of dislike you tell ! If you were stung with wrong , your Mind would swell : Your Spirits would be set on flame with Fire , Or else grow chill with Cold , and back retire . Patience . Alas , it is for some supposed wrong : Sometimes you have no ground to build upon . Suspition is deceitfull , runs about , And , for a Truth , it oft takes wrong , no doubt . If you take False-hood , up , nere search them through , You do a wrong to Truth , and your selfe too . Besides , you 're blind , and undiscerning flye On every Object , though Innocence is by . Anger . O Patience , you are strict , and seem precise , And Counsels give , as if you were so wise . But you are cruell , and fit times will take For your Revenge , and yet no show do make . Your Browes 〈◊〉 , your Heart seemes not to burne , Yet on Suspition will do a 〈◊〉 turne . But I am sudden , and do all in 〈◊〉 , Yet in short time my 〈◊〉 all is 〈◊〉 . Though Anger be not right , but sometimes wrong , The greatest Mischiese lies but in the Tongue . But you do mischiese , and your time you 'l find To work Revenge , though quiet in your Mind . 〈◊〉 . If I take time , I clearly then can see , To view the Cause , and seek for 〈◊〉 . If I have wrong , my selfe I well may 〈◊〉 , But I do wrong , if Innocence I strike . The Knot of Anger by degrees unties ; Take of that Muffler from Discretions Eyes . My Thoughts run cleare , and smooth , as Christall Brookes , That every Face may see , that therein lookes . Though I run low , yet wisely do I wind , And many times through Mountaines passage find : When you swell high , like to a flowing Sea , For windy Passions cannot in rest be . Where you are rould in Waves , and tost about , Tormented is , no passage can find out . Angry . Patience , your mouth with good words you do fill , And preach Morality , but you act ill . Besides , you seem a Coward full of feare , Or like an Asse , which doth great Burthens beare . Le ts every Poultron at his will give blowes , And every foole in scorne to wring your Nose . Most of the World do think you have no Sense , Because not angry , nor take no Offence . When I am thought right wise , and of great Merit , Heroick , Valorous , and of great Spirit ; And every one doth feare me to offend , And for to please me , all their Forces bend : I flatter'd am , make Feare away to run : Thus I am Master wheresoere I come . A way you foolish Patience , give me rage , That I in Wars may this great World ingage . Patience . O Anger thou art mad , there 's none will care For your great brags , but Fooles and cowardly Feare . Which in weak Women , and small Children dwell ; Wisedome knowes you talk , more then fight , right well . Besides , great Courage takes me by the hand , That whilst he fights , I close by him may stand . I Patience want , not Sense , Misfortunes t'espie , Although I silent am , and do not cry . Ill Accidents , and Griefe , I strive to cure , What cannot help , with Courage , I indure . Whilst you do vex your selfe with grievous Paines , And nothing but Disturbance is your Gaines . Let me give counsell , Anger , take 't not ill , That I do offer you my Patience still . For you in danger live still all your life , And 〈◊〉 do , when you are hot in Strife .

A Dialogue between a Bountifull Knight , and a Castle ruin'd in War. Knight . ALas , poore Castle , how thou now art chang'd From thy first Form ! to me thou dost seem strange . I left thee Comely , and in perfect health ; Now thou art wither'd , and decayed in Wealth . Castle . O Noble Sir , I from your Stock was rais'd , Flourished in plenty , and by all Men prais'd : For your Most Valiant Father did me build , Your Brother furnish'd me , my Neck did gild : And Towers on my Head like Crownes * * The Crest in the Wainscot gilt . were plac'd , Like to a Girdle , Walls went round my Waste . And on this pleasant Hill he set me high , Viewing the Vales below , as they did lye . Where every Feild , like Gardens , is inclos'd , Where fresh green Grasse , and yellow Cowslips grow'd . There did I see fat Sheep in Pastures go , Hearing the Cowes , whose bags were full , to low . By Wars am now destroy'd , all Right 's o'repowr'd , Beauty , and Innocency are devoured . Before these Wars I was in my full Prime , And thought the greatest Beauty in my time . But Noble Sir , since I did see you last , Within me hath a Garrison been plac'd . Their Gunnes , and Pistols all about me hung , And in despight their Bullets at me flung : Which through my Sides they passages made out , Flung downe my Walls , that circl'd me about . And let my Rubbish on huge heapes to lye , With Dust am choackt , for want of Water , dry . For those small Leaden Pipes , which winding lay , Under the ground , the water to convey : Were all cut off , the water murmuring , Run back with Griefe to tell it to the Spring . My Windowes all are broke , the wind blowes in , With Cold I shake , with Agues shivering . O pity me , deare Sir , release my Band , Or let me dye by your most Noble hand . Knight . Alas , poore Castle , I small help can bring , Yet shall my Heart supply the former Spring : From whence the water of fresh teares shall rise , To quench thy Drought , will spout them from mine Eyes . That Wealth I have for to release thy woe , Will offer for a Rausome to thy Foe . Thy Health recover , and to build thy Wall , I have not Meanes enough to do 't withall . Had I the Art , no paines that I would spare , For what is broken downe , I would repaire . Castle . Most Noble Sir , you that me Freedome give , May your great Name in after Ages live . For this your Bounty may the Gods requite , And keep you from such Enemies of Spight . And may great Fame your Praises sound aloud : Gods give me life to shew my Gratitude .

A Dialogue betwixt Peace , and War. Peace . WAR makes the Vulgar Multitude to drink In at the Eare the foule , and muddy Sinck Of Factious Tales , by which they dizzy grow , That the cleare sight of Truth they do not know . And reeling stand , know not what way to take , But when they chuse , 't is wrong , so a War make . War . Thou Flattering Peace , and most unjust , which drawes The Vulgar by thy Rhet'rick to hard Lawes : Which makes them silly Ones , content to be , To take up Voluntary Slavery . And mak'st great Inequalities beside , Some like to Asses beare , others on Horsback ride . Peace . O War , thou cruell Enemy to Life , Vnquieted Neighbour , breeding alwaies Strife . Tyrant thou art , to Rest will give no time , And Blessed Peace thou punishest as a Crime . Factions thou mak'st in every Publick-weale , From Bonds of Friendship tak'st off Wax , and Seale . On Naturall Affections thou dost make A Massacre , that hardly one can 'scape . The Root of all Religion thou pull'st up , And every Branch of Ceremony cut . Civill Society is turn'd to Manners base , No Lawes , or Customes can by thee get place . Each Mind within it selfe cannot agree , But all do strive for Superiority : In the whole World dost such disturbance make , To save themselves none knowes what waies to take . War . O Peace , thou idle Drone , which lov'st to dwell , If it but keep the safe , in a poore Cell . Thy Life thou sleep'st away , Thoughts lazy lye . Sloath buries Fame , makes all great Actions dye . Peace . J am the Bed of Rest , and Couch of Ease , My Conversation doth all Creatures please . I the Parent of Learning am , and Arts , Nurse to Religion , and Comfort to all Hearts . I am the Guardian , which keepes Vertue safe , Under my Roose security shee hath . I am adorn'd with Pastimes , and with Sports , Each severall Creature still to me resorts . War . I a great Schoole am , where all may grow wise : For Prudent Wisdome in Experience lyes . And am a Theater to all Noble Minds , A Mint of true Honour , that Valour still co ines . I am a high Throne for Valour to sit , And a great Court where all Fame may get . I am a large Feild , where doth Ambition run , Courage still seekes me , though Cowards me shun .

MORAL DISCOURSES .

A Discourse of Love , the Parent of Passions . NO Mind can think , or Vnderstanding know , To what a Height , and Vastnesse Love can grow . Love , as a God , all Passions doth create Besides it selfe , and those determinate . Bowing downe low , devoutly prayeth Feare , Sadnesse , and Griefe , Loves heavie burthens beare . Anger Rage makes , Envie , Spleene , and Spight , Like Thunder roares , and in Loves quarrels fight . Jealousie , Loves 〈◊〉 is t'espie , And Doubt its Guide , to search where'ts Foe doth lye . Pity , Loves Child , whose Eyes Teares overflow , On every Object Misery can shew . Hate is Loves Champion , which opposeth all Loves Enemies , their Ruine , and their Fall .

A Discourse of Love neglected , burnt up with Griefe . LOve is the Cause , and Hate is the Effect , Which is produc'd , when Love doth find Neglect . For Love , as Fire , doth on Fuell burne , And Griefe , as Coles , when quench'd , to Blacknesse turne . Thence pale , and Melancholy Ashes grow , Which every Wind though weak dispersing blow . For Life , and Strength from it is gone , and past , With th' Species , which caus'd the Forme to last . Which nere regaine the Form it had at first : So Love is lost in Melancholy dust .

A Discourse of Pride . WHat Creature in the World , besides Man-kind , That can such Arts , and new Inventions find ? Or hath such Fancy , as to Similize , Or that can rule , or governe as the Wise ? And by his Wit he can his Mind indite , As Numbers set , and subtle Letters write . What Creature else , but 〈◊〉 , can speak true sense ? At distance give , and take Intelligence ? What Creature else , by Reason can abate All Passions , raise Doubts , Hopes , Love , and Hate ? And can so many Countenances shew ? They are the ground by which Affections grow . The 're severall Dresses , which the Mind puts on . Some serve as Veiles , which over it is throwne . What Creature is there hath such peircing Eyes , That mingles Soules , and a fast Friend-ship tyes ? What Creature else , but Man , hath such Delights , So various , and such strong odd Appetites ? Man can distill , and is a Chymist rare , Divides , and separates , Water , Fire , and Aire . Thus can 〈◊〉 divide , and separate All Natures work , what ere she made : Can take the Breadth , and Heighth of things , Or know the Vertue of all Plants that springs : Makes Creatures all submit unto his will , Makes Fame to live , though Death his Body kill . What else , but Man , can Nature imitate , With Pen , and Pencill can new Worlds create ? There 's none like Man , for like to Gods is he : Then let the World his Slave , and Vassall be .

Of Ambition . TEN Thousand Pounds a yeare will make me live : A Kingdome , Fortune then to me must give . I 'le conquer all , like Alexander Great , And , like to Caesar , my Opposers beat , Give me a Fame , that with the World may last , Let all Tongues tell of my great Actions past . Let every Child , when first t is taught to speak , Repeat my Name , my Memory for to keep . And then great Fortune give to me thy power , To ruine Man , and raise him in an Houre . Let me command the Fates , and spin their thread ; And Death to stay his Sithe , when I forbid . And , Destiny , give me your Chaines to tye , Effects from Causes to produce thereby . And let me like the Gods on high become , That nothing can but by my will be done .

Of Humility . WHen with returning Thoughts my selfe behold , I find all Creatures else made of that Mould . And for the Mind , which some say is like Gods , I do not find , 'twixt Man , and Beast such oddes : Onely the Shape of Men is fit for use , Which makes him seem much wiser then a Goose. For had a Goose ( which seemes of simple Kind ) A Shape to form , and fit things to his Mind : To make such Creatures as himselfe obey , Could hunt and shoot those that would 'scape away ; As wise would seem as Man , be as much fear'd , As when the Coose comes neere , the Man be fear'd . Who knowes but Beasts may wiser then Men bee ? We no such Errours , or Mistakes can see . Like quiet Men besides they joy in rest , To eat , and drink in Peace , they think it best . Their Food is all they seek , the rest think vaine , 〈◊〉 not unto Eternity remaine . Despise not Beast , nor yet be proud of Art , But Nature thank , for forming so each Part. And since your Knowledge is begot by form , Let not your Pride that Reason overcome . For if that Motion in your Braine workes best , Despise not Beast , cause Motion is deprest . Nor proud of Speech , 'cause Reason you can shew , For Beast hath Reason too , for all we know . But Shape the Mind informes with what doth find , Which being taught , is wiser then Beast-kind .

Of Riches , or Covetousnesse . WHat will not 〈◊〉 in abundance do , Or make the Mind of Man submit unto ? It bribes out Vertue from her strongest hold , It makes the Coward valorous , and bold : It corrupts Chastity , meltes Thoughts of Ice , And bashfull Modesty it doth intice . It makes the humble , proud , and Meek to swell , Destroies all Loyalty , makes Hearts rebell . It doth unty the Knots of Friend-ship fast , Naturall Affections away to cast . It cuts th' Innocents Throat , and Hearts divide ; It buyes out Conscience , doth each Cause decide . It makes Man venture Life , and Limb , So much is Wealth desir'd by him . It buies out Heaven , and casts Soules to Hell , For Man to get this Muck his God will sell.

Of Poverty . I live in low Thatcht House , Roomes small , my Cell Not big enough for Prides great Heart to dwell . My Roomes are not with Stately Cedars built , No Marble Chimney-peece , nor Wainscot gilt . No Statues cut , or carv'd , nor cast in Brasse , Which , had they Life , would Natures Art surpasse . Nor painted Pictures which Appelles drew , There 's nought but Lime , and Haire homely to view ; No Agget Table , with a Tortoise Frame , Nor Stooles stuft with Birds feathers , wild , or tame . But a Stump of an old decayed Tree , And Stooles with three legs , which halfe lame they bee , Cut with a Hatchet from some broken Boughes . And this is all which Poverty allowes ; Yet it is free from Cares , no Theeves do feare , The Doore stands open , all is welcome there . Not like the Rich , who Guests doth entertaine , With cruelty to Birds , Beasts that are slaine Who 〈◊〉 their Bodies with their melted Grease , And by their Flesh their Bodies fat increase . We need no Cook , nor Skill to dresse our Meat ; For Nature dresses most of what we eate : As Roots , and Herbes , not such as Art doth sow , But such in Feilds which naturally grow . Our wooden Cups we from the Spring do fill , Which is the Wine-presse of great Nature still . When rich Men they , for to delight their tast , 〈◊〉 out the Juice from Earth , her strength do wast : For , Bearing often , shee will grow so leane , A 〈◊〉 , for Bones bare Earth is seen . And for their Drink , the subtle Spirits take Both from the Barley , and the sull-ripe Grape . Thus by their Luxury , their life they wast , All the ir delight is still to please their tast . This heates the Mind with an ambitious fire , None happy is ; but in a low desire . Their desires run , they six themselves no where , What they have , or can have , they do not care . What they injoy not , long for , and admire , Sick for that want ; so restlesse is desire . When we from Labours come , blest with a quiet sleep : No 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Sense awake doth keep . All 's still and silent , in our House , and Mind , Our Thoughts are chearfull , and our Hearts are kind . And though that life in Motion still doth dwell , Yet rest in life a poore Man loveth well .

Of Tranquillity . THat Mind which would in Peace , and quiet be , Must cast off Cares , and foolish Vanity . With honest desires a house must build , Upon the ground of Honour , and be seild With constant Resolutions , to last long , Rais'd on the Pillars of Justice strong . Let nothing dwell there , but Thoughts right holy , Turne out Ignorance , and rude rash folly . There will the Mind injoy it selfe in Pleasure , For , to it 〈◊〉 , it is the greatest Treasure . For , they are poore , whose Mind is discontent , What Joy they have , it is but to them lent . The World is like unto a troubled Sea , Life as a Barque , made of a rotten Tree . Where every 〈◊〉 ave indangers it to split , And drown'd it is , if 'gainst a Rock it hit . But if this Barque be made with Temperance strong , It mounts the Waves , and Voyages takes long . If Discretion doth , as the Pilot guide , It scapes all Rocks , still goes with Wind , and Tide . Where Love , as Merchant , trafficks up to Heaven , And , for his Prayers , he hath Mercies given . 〈◊〉 , as Factor , sets the price of things , Tranquillity , as Buyers , in the Money brings .

Of the Shortnesse of Mans Life , and his foolish Ambition . IN Gardens sweet , each Flower mark did J , How they did spring , bud , blow , wither , and dye . With that , contemplating of Mans short stay , Saw Man like to those Flowers passe away . Yet build they Houses , thick , and strong , and high , As if they should live to Eternity . Hoard up a Masse of Wealth , yet cannot fill His Empty Mind , but covet he will still . To gaine , or keep such Falshhood Men do use , Wrong Right , and Truth , no base waies will refuse . I would not blame them , could they Death out keep , Or ease their Paines , or cause a quiet Sleep . Or buy Heavens Mansions , so like Gods become , And by it , rule the Stars , the Moon , and Sun . Command the Windes to blow , Seas to obey , To levell all their Waves , to cause the Windes to stay . Bnt they no power have , unlesse to dye , And Care in Life is a great Misery . This Care is for a word , an empty sound , Which neither Soule nor Substance in is found . Yet as their Heire , they make it to inherit , And all they have , they leave unto this Spirit . To get this Child of Fame , and this Bareword , They feare no Dangers , neither Fire , nor Sword . All horrid Paines , and Death they will indure , Or any thing that can but Fame procure . O Man , O Man , what high Ambition growes , Within your Braine , and yet how low he goes ! To be contented onely in a Sound , Where neither Life , nor Body can be found .

A Morall Discourse betwixt Man , and Beast . MAN is a Creature like himselfe alone , In him all qualities do joyne as one . When Man is injurd , and his Honour stung , He seemes a Lion , furious , feirce , and strong . With greedy Covetousnesse , like to Wolves , and Beares , Devoures Right , and Truth in peeces teares . Or like as crafty Foxes lye in wait , To catch young Novice-Kids by their deceit ; So subtill Knaves do watch , who Errours make , That they thereby Advantages might take . Not for Examples them to rectisie , But that much Mischiefe they can make thereby . Others , like Crouching Spaniels , close will set , Creeping about the Partridge too in Net . Some humble seem , aud lowly bend the Knee , To those which have Power , and Authority : Not out of Love to Honour , or Renoune , But to insnare , and so to pull them downe . Or as a Mastiff flyes at every 〈◊〉 , So Spight will flye at all , that is of note . With Slanderous words , as Teeth , good Deeds out teare , Which neither Power , nor Strength , nor Greatnesse spare . And are so mischievous , love not to see Any to live without an Infamy . Most like to ravenous Beasts in blood delight , And onely to do mischiefe , love to fight . But some are like to Horses , strong , and free , Will gallop over Wrong , and Injury . Who feare no Foe , nor Enemies do dread , Will fight in Battells till they fall downe dead . Their Heart with noble rage so hot will grow , As from their 〈◊〉 Cloudes of Smoake do blow . And with their Hoofes the firm hard ground will strike , In anger , that they cannot go to fight . Their Eyes ( like Flints ) will beat out Sparkes of Fire , Will neigh out loud , when Combates they desire . So valiant Men their Foe aloud will call , To try their Strength , and grapple Armes withall . And in their Eyes such Courage doth appeare , As if that Mars did rule that 〈◊〉 . Some like to slow , dull Asses , full of Feare , Contented are great Burthens for to beare . And every Clowne doth beat his Back , and Side , Because hee 's slow , when fast that he would ride . Then will he bray out loud , but dare not bite ; For why , he hath not Courage for'to fight . Base Mindes will yeild their Heads under the Toake , Offer their Backs to every Tyrants stroke . Like Fooles will grumble , but they dare not speak , Nor strive for Liberty , their Bonds to break . Those that in Slavery live , so dull will grow , Dejected Spirits make the Body slow . Others as Swine lye groveling in the Mire , Have no Heroick Thoughts to rise up higher : They from their Birth , do never sport , nor play , But eat , and drink , and grunting , run away : Of grumbling Natures , never doing good , And cruell are , as of a Boorish Brood . So Gluttons , Sluggards care for nought but ease , In Conversations will not any please : Ambition none , to make their Name to live ; Nor have they Generosity to give : And are so Churlish , that if any pray To help their Wants , will cursing go away . So cruell are , so far from death to save , That they will take away the Life they have . Some like to fearefull Hart , or frighted Hare , Shun every noise , and their owne Shadowes feare . So Cowards , that are sent in Wars to fight , Think not to beat , but how to make their flight . When Trumpet sounds to charge the Foe , it 〈◊〉 , And with that noise , the Heart 〈◊〉 Coward falls . Others as harmlesse Sheep in peace do live , Contented are , no Injury will give : But on the tender Grasse they gently feed , Which do no Spight , nor ranckled Malice breed . They never in the waies of mischiefe stood , To set their Teeth in flesh , or drink up blood . They grieve to walk alone , will pine away , Grow fat in Flockes , will with each other play . The naked they do cloath with their soft Wool , The 〈◊〉 do feed the hungry Stomack full . So gentle Nature's Disposition sweet Shuns foolish Quarrels , loves the Peace to keep . Full of Compassion , pitying the distrest , And with their Bounty help they the opprest . They swell not with the Pride of self-conceit , Nor for their Neighbours life do lye in wait . Nor Innocence by their Extortions teare , Nor fill the 〈◊〉 Heart with Griefe , or Care : Nor Bribes will take with covetous hands , Nor set they back the Mark of th' Owners Lands . But with a gratefull Heart do still returne The Curtesies that have for them been done . And in their Conversation , meek , and mild , Without Lascivious words , or Actions wild . Those Men are Fathers to a Common-wealth , Where Justice lives , and Truth may shew her selfe . Others as Apes do imitate the rest , And when they mischiefe do , seem but to jest . So are 〈◊〉 , that seem for Mirth to sport , Whose liberty fills Factions in a Court . Those that delight in Fooles , must in good part Take what they say , although the words are smart . But many times such ranckled Thoughts beget In Hearts of Princes , and much Envie set , By praising Rivalls ; or else do reveale Those Faults , most fit for privacy to conceale , For though a Foole , if he an ill truth tells , Or be it false , if like a Truth it smels ; It gets such hold though in a wise mans Braine , That hardly it will ever out againe . And so like Wormes , some will be troad to Earth , Others as venemous Vipers stung to death . Some like to subtle Serpents wind about , To compasse their designes craulein , and out : And never leave untill some Nest they find , Sucke out the Eggs , and leave the Shels behind . So Flatterers with Praises wind about A Noble Mind , to get a Secret out , For Flattery through every Eare will glide , Downe to the Heart , and there some time abide ; And in the Brest with feigned Friend-ship lye , Till to the Death he stings him cruelly . Thus some as Birds , and Beasts , and Flies , are such : To every Creature men resemble much . Some , like to soaring Eagle , mount up high : Wings of Ambition beare them to the Skie . Or , like to Hawkes , flye 〈◊〉 to catch their Prey , Or like to 〈◊〉 , beare the Chick away . Some like to Ravens , which on Carrion feed , And some their spight feed on , what slanders breed . Some like to Peacock proud , his taile to shew : So men , that Followers have , will haughty grow . Some Melancholy Owles , that hate the Light , And as the Bat flyes in the Shades of Night : So Envious Men their Neighbour hate to see , When that he Shines in great Prosperity : Keep home in discontent , repine at all , Until some Mischiefe on the Good do fall . Others , as chearfull Larkes , sing as they flye . So men are merry , wich have no Envie . And some as Nightingales do sweetly sing , As Messengers , when they good Newes do bring . Thus Men , Birds , Beasts , in Humours much agree , But severall Properties in these there bee . T is proper for a lively Horse to neigh , And for a slow , dull foolish Asse to bray . For Dogs to bark , 〈◊〉 roare , Wolves houle , Pigs 〈◊〉 , For Men to frowne , to weep , to laugh , to speake . Proper for Flyes to buzze , Birds sing , and chatter , Onely for Men to promise , sweare , and flatter : So Men these Properties can imitate , But not their Faculties that Nature made . Men have no Wings to flye up to the Skie , Nor can they like to Fish in waters lye . What Man like Roes can run so swift , and long ? Nor are they like to Horse , or Lions strong . Nor have they Sent , like Dogs , a Hare to find , Or Sight like Swine to see the subtle wind . Thus severall Creatures , by severall Sense , Have better far ( then Man ) Intelligence . These severall Creatures , severall Arts do well , But Man in generall , doth them far excell . For Arts in Men as well did Nature give , As other qualities in Beast to live . And from Mens Braines such fine Inventions flow , As in his Head all other heads do grow . What Creature builds like Man such Stately Towers , And make such things , as Time cannot devoure ? What Creature makes such Engines as Man can ? To traffick , and to use at Sea , and Land . To kill , to spoile , or clse alive to take , Destroying all that other Creatures make . This makes Man seem of all the World a King , Because hee power hath of every thing . He 'l teach Birds words , in measure Beast to go , Makes Passions in the Mind , to ebb , and flow . And though he cannot flye as Birds , with wings , Yet he can take the height , and breadth of things . He knowes the course and number of the Stars , But Birds , and Beasts are no Astrologers . And though he cannot like to Fishes swim , Yet Nets Ho makes , to catch those Fishes in . And with his Ships hee 'l circle the World round . What Beast , or Bird that can do so , is found ? Hee 'l fell downe Woods , with Axes sharp will strike ; Whole Heards of Beasts can never do the like . What Beast can plead , to save anothers Life , Or by his Eloquence can end a Strife ? Or Counsels give , great Dangers for to shun , Or tell the Cause , or how Eclipses come ? Hee 'l turne the Current of the Water cleare , And make them like new Seas for to appeare . Where Fishes onely in old waters glide . Can cut new Rivers out on any side . Hee Mountaines makes so high , the Cloudes will touch , Mountaines of Moles , or Ants , scarce do so much . What Creature like to Man can Reasons shew , Which makes him know , that he thereby doth know ? And who , but Man , makes use of every thing , As Goodnesse out of Poyson Hee can bring ? Thus 〈◊〉 is filled a with strong Desire , And by his Rhet'rick sets the Soule on Fire . Beasts no Ambition have to get a Fame , Nor build they Tombes , thereon to write their Name . They never war , high Honour for to get , But to secure themselves , or Meat to eat . But Men are like to Gods , they live for ever shall ; And Beasts are like themselves , to Dust shall fall .

Of the Ant. MArk but the little Ant , how she doth run , In what a busie motion 〈◊〉 goeth on : As if the ordered all the Worlds Affaires ; When t is but onely one small Straw shee bearcs . But when they find a Flye , which on the ground lyes dead , Lord , how they stir ; so full is every Head . Some with their Feet , and Mouths , draw it along , Others their Tailes , and Shoulders thrust it on . And if a Stranger Ant comes on that way , Shee helpes them strait , nere asketh if shee may . Nor staies to ask Rewardes , but is well pleas'd : Thus paies her selfe with her owne Paines , their Ease . They live as the Lacedemonians did , All is in Common , nothing is forbid . No Private Feast , but altogether meet , Whole some , though Plaine , in Publick do they eat . They have no Envie , all Ambition's downe , There is no Superiority , or Clowne . No Stately Palaces for Pride to dwell , Their House is Common , called the 〈◊〉 Hill . All help to build , and keep it in repaire , No ' speciall work-men , all Labourers they are . No 〈◊〉 keep , no 〈◊〉 they have to sell , For what each one doth eat , all welcome is , and well . No Jealousie , each takes his Neighbours Wife , Without Offence , which never breedeth 〈◊〉 . Nor fight they Duels , nor do give the Lye , Their greatest Honour is to live , not dye . For they , to keep in life , through Dangers run , To get Provisions in 'gainst Winter comes . But many loose their Life , as Chance doth fall , None is perpetuall , Death devoures all .

A Morall Description of Corne. THE yellow Bearded Corne bowes downe each Head , Like Gluttons , when their Stomack 's over-fed . Or like to those whose Wealth make heavie Cares , So doth the full-ripe Corne bow downe their Eares . Thus Plenty , makes Oppression , given small 〈◊〉 ; And 〈◊〉 is a Disease . Yet all that Nature makes , aspiring runs Still for ward for to get , nere backward turnes ; Untill the Sight of Death doth lay them low , Upon the Earth , from whence at first they grow . Then who would hoard up Wealth , and take such paines , Since nothing but the Earth hath all the Gaines ? No Riches are , but what the Mind doth keep : And they are poore , who from the Earth do seek . For Time , that feeds on Life , makes all things fall , Is never satisfied , yet eates up all . Then let the Mindes of Men in peace to rest , And count a Moderation still the best : Nor grumble not , nor covet Natures Store , For those that are content , can nere be poore . And blesse the Gods , submit to their 〈◊〉 , Think all things best , what they are pleas'd shall 〈◊〉 . For he that murmures at what cannot mend , Is one that takes a thing at the wrong End .

A Discourse of Beasts . WHO knowes ; but Beasts , as they do lye , In Meadowes low , or else on Mountaines high ? But that they do contemplate on the Sun , And how his daily , yearely Circles run . Whether the Sun about the Earth doth rove , Or else the Earth upon its owne Poles move . And in the Night , when twinkling Stars we see , Like Man , imagines them all Suns to bee . And may like Man , Stars , Planets number well , And could they speak , they might their Motions tell . And how the Planets in each Orbe do move : 'Gainst their Astrology no Man can prove . For they may know the Stars , and their Aspects , What 〈◊〉 they cast , and their Effects .

Of Fishes . WHO knowes , but Fishes which swim in the Sea , Can give a Reason , why so Salt it be ? And how it Ebbs and Flowes , perchance they can Give 〈◊〉 , for which never yet could Man .

Of Birds . WHO knowes ; but Birds which in the Aire flyes , Do know from whence the Blustring Winds do rise ? May know what Thunder is , which no Man knowes , And what 's a blazing Star , or where it goes . Whether it be a Chip , fallen from the Sun , And so goes out , when Aliment is done . Whether a Sulphurous Vapour drawne up high , And when the Sulphure's spent , the Flame doth dye . Or whether it be a Gelly set on Fire , And wasting like a Candle doth expire . Or whether it be a Star wholly intire , Perchance might know of Birds , could we inquire .

Earths Complaint . O Nature , Nature , hearken to my Cry , Each 〈◊〉 wounded am , but cannot dye . My Children which I from my Womb did beare , Do dig my Sides , and all my 〈◊〉 teare : Do plow deep Furroughs in my very Face , From Torment , I have neither time , nor place . No other Element is 〈◊〉 abus'd , Nor by Man-kind so 〈◊〉 is us'd . Man cannot reach the Skies to plow , and sow , Nor can they 〈◊〉 , or mark the Stars to grow . But they are still as Nature first did plant , Neither Maturity , nor Growth they want . They never dye , nor do they yeild their place To younger Stars , but still run their owne Race . The Sun doth never groane young Suns to beare , For he himselfe is his owne Son , and Heire . The Sun just in the Center sits , as King , The Planets round about incircle him . The slowest Orbes over his Head turne slow , And underneath , the 〈◊〉 Planets go . Each severall Planet , severall measures take , And with their Motions they sweet Musick make . Thus all the Planets round about him move , And he returnes them Light for their kind Love .

A Discourse of a Knave . A Prosperous Knave , that Mischieses still doth plot , Swels big with Pride , since he hath power got . Whose Conscience , like a Purse , drawne open wide , False hands do 〈◊〉 in Bribes on every side . And as the Guts are stuft with Excrement , So is his Head with Thoughts of ill intent , Compassions none , for them 〈◊〉 pres'd with Griese , But yet is apt to pity much a Thiefe . Hee thinkes them Fooles , that wickednesse do shun , Esteemes them wise , which Evill waies do run . He scornes the Noble , if that they be poore , The Rich , though nere so base , he doth adore . He alwaies 〈◊〉 , as if he 〈◊〉 still meant , When all the while his 〈◊〉 is evill bent . A Seeming friend-ship , large Professions make , Where he doth think Advantages to take . Thus doth a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the World abuse , To work his End , the 〈◊〉 a Friend will chuse .

Of a Foole. I hate your Fooles , for they my 〈◊〉 do crack , And when they speak , my Patience's on the Rack , Their Actions all from Reason quite do run , Their Ends prove bad , 'cause ill they first begun . They 〈◊〉 from Wisedome , do her Counsels feare , As if some Ruine ncere their 〈◊〉 there were . They seek the 〈◊〉 , let the Substance go , And what is good , or best , they do not know . Yet stiff in their Opinions , Stuborne , strong , Although you bray them , sayeth Salomon . As Spiders Webs intangle little Flies , So Fooles wrapt up in Webs of Errours lyes . Then comes the Spider , Flies with Poyson sills , So Mischiefe , after Errours , Fooles oft kills .

A Discourse of Melancholy . A Sad , and solemne Verse doth please the Mind , With Chaines of Passions doth the Spirits bind . As Pensil'd Pictures drawne presents the Night , Whose Darker Shadowes give the Eye delight ; 〈◊〉 Aspects invite the 〈◊〉 , And alwaies have a seeming Majesty . By its Converting Qualities , there growes A Perfect Likenesse , when it selfe it shewes . Then let the World in mourning sit , and weep , Since onely Sadnesse we are apt to keep . In light and Toyish things we seek for Change , The Mind growes weary , and about doth range . What Serious is , there Constancies will dwell ; Which shewes that Sadnesse Mirth doth far excell . Why should Men grieve when they do think of Death , Since they no settlement can have in 〈◊〉 ? The Grave , though sad , in quiet still they keep , Without disturbing 〈◊〉 they lye a sleep . No rambling Thoughts to vex their restlesse Braines , Nor Labour hard , to scortch , and dry their Veines . No care to search for that , they cannot find , Which is an Appetite to every Mind . Then 〈◊〉 , good Man , to dye in quiet Peace , Since Death in Misery is a Release .

A Discourse of the Power of Devils . WOmen , and Fooles , feare in the Dark to be ; They think the Devill in some Shape should see : As if like silly Owles , he takes delight , To sleep all Day , then goes abroad at Night . To beat the Pots , and Pans , Candles blow out , And all the Night to keep a 〈◊〉 - rout . To make the Sow to grunt , the Pigs to squeek , The Dogs to bark , Cats mew , as if they speak . Alas , poore Devill , whose Power is small , Onely to make a Cat , or Dog to baule : And with the 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 to make a noise , To stew with fearfull sweat 〈◊〉 Girles , and Boies . Why should we feare him , 〈◊〉 he doth no harm ? For we may bind him fast within a Charm . Then what a Devill ailes a Woman Old , To play such Tricks , to give away her Soule ? Can he destroy Man-kind , or new Worldes make , Or alter States for an Old Womans sake ? Or put Day-light out , or stop the Sun , Or change the Planets from their course to run ? And yet methinkes t is odd , and very strange , That since the Devils cannot Bodies change , Should have such power over Soules , to draw Them from their God , and from his holy Law . Perswading Conscience to do more ill , Then the sweet Grace of God to rule the Will : To cut of Faith , by which our Soules should climbe , To make us leave our Folly , and our Crime : Destroying Honesty , disgracing Truth ; Yet can He neither make Old Age , nor Youth . Nor can he add , or take a Minute short ; Yet many Soules he keepes from Heavens Court . It seemes , his Power shall for ever last , Because t is on the Soule , which never wast . And thus hath God the Devill Power lent , To punish Man , unlesse he doth repent .

THE CLASPE :

GIVE Mee the Free , and Noble Stile , Which seems 〈◊〉 , though it be wild : Though It runs wild about , It cares not where ; It shewes more Courage , then It doth of Feare . Give me a Stile that Nature frames , not Art : 〈◊〉 or Art doth seem to take the Pedants part . And that seemes Noble , which is Easie , Free , Not to be bound with ore-nice Pedantry .

The Hunting of the Hare . BEtwixt two Ridges of 〈◊〉 - land , lay Wat , Pressing his Body close to Earth lay squat . His Nose upon his two Fore-feet close lies , Glaring obliquely with his great gray Fyes . His Head he alwaies sets against the Wind ; If turne his Taile his Haires blow up behind : Which he too cold will grow , but he is wise , And keepes his Coat still downe , so warm he lies . Thus resting all the day , till Sun doth set , Then riseth up , his Reliefe for to get . Walking about until the Sun doth rise , Then back returnes , downe in his Forme he lyes . At last , Poore Wat was found , as he there lay , By Hunts-men , with their Dogs which came that way . Seeing , gets up , and fast begins to run , Hoping some waies the 〈◊〉 Dogs to shun . But they by Nature have so quick a Sent , That by their Nose they trace what way he went . And with their deep , wide Mouths set forth a Cry , Which answer'd was by Ecchoes in the Skie . Then Wat was struck with Terrour , and with Feare , Thinkes every Shadow still the Dogs they were . And running out some distance from the noise , To hide himselfe , his Thoughts he new imploies . Under a Clod of Earth in Sand-pit wide , Poore Wat fat close , hoping himselfe to hide . There long he 〈◊〉 not sat , but strait his Eares The Winding 〈◊〉 , and crying Dogs he heares : Starting with Feare , up leapes , then doth he run , And with such speed , the Ground scarce treades upon . Into a great thick Wood 〈◊〉 strait way gets , Where underneath a broken Bough he sits . At every Lease that with the wind did shake , Did bring such 〈◊〉 , made his Heart to ake . That Place he left , to Champian Plaines he went , Winding about , for to deceive their Sent. And while they 〈◊〉 were , to find his Track , Poore Wat , being weary , his swift pace did slack . On his two hinder legs for ease did sit , His Fore-feet rub'd his Face from Dust , and Sweat . Licking his Feet , he wip'd his Eares so cleane , That none could tell that Wat had hunted been . But casting round about his faire great Eyes , The Hounds in full Careere he 〈◊〉 him 'spies : To Wat it was so terrible a Sight , Feare gave him Wings , and made his Body light . Though weary was before , by running long , Yet now his Breath he never felt more strong . Like those that dying are , think Health returnes , When t is but a faint Blast , which Life out burnes . For Spirits seek to guard the Heart about , Striving with Death , but Death doth quench them out . Thus they so fast came on , with such loud Cries , That he no hopes hath left , nor help espies . With that the Winds did pity poore Wats case , And with their Breath the Sent blew from the Place . Then every Nose is busily imployed , And every Nostrill is set open , wide : And every Head doth seek a severall way , To find what 〈◊〉 , or Track , the Sent on lay . Thus quick Industry , that is not slack , Is like to Witchery , brings lost things back . For though the Wind had 〈◊〉 the Sent up close , A Busie Dog thrust in his 〈◊〉 Nose : And drew it out , with it did foremost run , Then Hornes blew loud , for th' rest to follow on . The great slow-Hounds , their throats did set a Base , The Fleet swift Hounds , as Tenours next in place ; The little Beagles they a Trebble sing , And through the Aire their Voice a round did ring ? Which made a Consort , as they ran along ; If they but words could speak , might sing a Song , The Hornes kept time , the Hunters shout for Joy , And valiant seeme , poore Wat for to destroy : Spurring their Horses to a full Careere , Swim Rivers deep , leap Ditches without feare ; Indanger Life , and Limbes , so fast will ride , Onely to see how patiently Wat died . For why , the Dogs so neere his Heeles did get , That they their sharp Teeth in his Breech did set . Then tumbling downe , did fall with weeping Eyes , Gives up his Ghost , and thus poore Wat he dies . Men hooping loud , such Acclamations make , As if the Devill they did Prisoner take . When they do but a shiftlesse Creature kill ; To hunt , there needs no Valiant Souldiers skill . But Man doth think that Exercise , and Toile , To keep their Health , is best , which makes most spoile . Thinking that Food , and Nourishment so good , And Appetite , that feeds on Flesh , and Blood . When they do Lions , Wolves , Beares , Tigers see , To kill poore Sheep , strait say , they cruell be . But for themselves all Creatures think too few , For Luxury , wish God would make them new . As if that God made Creatures for Mans meat , To give them Life , and Sense , for Man to eat ; Or else for Sport , or Recreations sake , Destroy those Lifes that God saw good to make : Making their Stomacks , Graves , which full they fill With Murther'd Bodios , that in sport they kill . Yet Man doth think himselfe so gentle , mild , When he of Creatures is most cruell wild . And is so Proud , thinks onely he shall live , That God a God-like Nature did him give . And that all Creatures for his sake alone , Was made for him , to Tyramize upon .

The hunting of the Stag. THere was a Stag did in the Forrest lye , Whose Neck was long , and Hornes branch'd up high . His Haunch was broad , Sides large , and Back was long , His Legs were Nervous , and his Joynts were strong . His Haire lay sleek , and smooth upon his Skin , None in the Forrest might compare with him . In Summers heat he in coole Brakes him laies , Which grew so high , kept of the Suns hot Raies . In Evenings coole , or dewy Mornings new , Would he rise up , and all the Forrest view . Then walking to some cleare , and Christall Brook , Not for to Drink , but on his Hornes to look : Taking such Pleasure in his Stately Crowne , His Pride forgets that Dogs might pull him downe . From thence unto a Shady Wood did go , Where Streightest Pines , and tallest Cedars grow ; And upright Olives , which th' loving Vine oft twines , And slender Birch bowes head * Good Mines are found out by the Birches bowing . to golden Mines . Small Aspen 〈◊〉 which shakes like Agues cold , That from perpetuall Motion never hold . The sturdy Oake on Foamy Scas doth ride , Firre , which tall Masts doth make , where Sailes are tied . The weeping Maple , and the Poplar green , Whose Cooling Buds in Salves have healing been . The Fatting Chestnut , and the Hasle small , The Smooth-rind Eeech , which groweth large , and tall . The Loving Myrtle is for Amorous kind , The yeilding Willow , as inconstant Mind . The Cypres sad , which makes the Funerall Hearse , And Sicomors , where Lovers write their Verse : And Juniper , which gives a pleasant smell , And many more , which were too long to tell . Round from their Sappy Roots sprout Branches small , Some call it Vnder-wood , that 's never tall . There walking through , the Stag was hindred much , The bending Twigs his Hornes would often catch . While on the tender 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 did bronse , His Fyes were troubl'd 〈◊〉 the broken 〈◊〉 . Then strait He seaks this Labyrinth to unwind , But hard it was his first way out to find . Unto this Wood a rising 〈◊〉 did joyne , Where grew 〈◊〉 Margerom , and sweet wild Time : And Winter-savory which was never set , On which the Stag delighted much to eat . But looking downe upon the 〈◊〉 low , He sees the Grasse , and 〈◊〉 thick to grow ; And Springs , which dig themselves a Passage out , Much like as Serpents wind each Feild about . Rising in Winter high , do over-flow , The Flowry Banks , but rich the Soile doth grow . So as he went , thinking therein to feed , He saw a Feild , which sow'd was with Wheat Seed . The Blades were growne a hand-full high , and more , Which Sight his Tast did soon invite him o're . In hast goes on , feeds full , then downe he lies , The Owner coming there , he soon espies : Strait call'd his Dogs to hunt him from that place , At last it came to be a Forrest Chase. The Chase grew hot , the Stag apace did run , Dogs followed close , and Men for sport did come . At last a Troop of Men , Horse , Dogs did meet , Which made the Hart to try his Nimble Feet . Full swift he was , his Hornes he bore up high , Then Men did shout , the Dogs ran yelping by : And Bugle Hornes with severall Notes did blow , Hunts-men to crosse the Stag did side-waies go . The Horses beat their Hooses against dry ground , Raising such Clouds of dust their waies searce found . Their Sides ran downe with Sweat , as if they were New come from watring , dropping every Haire . The Dogs their Tongues out of their Months hung long , Their Sides did beat like Feaverish Pulse so strong . Their Short Ribbs heave up high , then fall downe low , As Bellowes draw in wind the same to blow . Men tawny grew , the Sun their Skins did turne , Their Mouths were dry , their Bowels felt to 〈◊〉 . The Stag so hot as Coles , when kindled through , Yet swiftly ran , when he the Dogs did view . Coming at length unto a Rivers side , Whose Current flow'd , as with a falling Tide : Where he leapes in to quench his scortching heat , To wash his Sides , to coole his burning Feet . Hoping the Dogs in water could not swim , But hee 's deceiv'd , the Dogs do enter in ; Like Fishes , try'd to swim in water low : But out alas , his Hornes too high do shew . When Dogs were cover'd over Head , and Eares , No part is seen , onely their Nose appeares . The Stag , and River , like a Race did shew , He striving still the swift River to out-go . Whilst Men , and Horses ran the Banks along , Encouraging the Dogs to follow on : Where he on waters , like a Looking-glasse , By a Reflection sees their Shadowes passe . 〈◊〉 cuts his Breath off short , his Limbs do shrink , Like those the Cramp doth take , to bottom sink . Thus out of Breath , no longer could he stay , But leapes on Land , and swiftly runs away . Change gave him ease , ease , strength , in strength hope lives , Hope joyes the Heart , or light Hecle joy still gives . His Feet like to a Feather'd Arrow flies , Or like a winged Bird , that mounts the Skies . The Dogs like Ships , that saile with Wind , and Tide , Which cut the Aire , and waters deep divide . Or like a greedy 〈◊〉 , seeks for Gaine , Will venture Life , so trafficks on the Maine . The Hunters , like to Boies , no dangers shun , To see a Sight , will venture Life , and Limb. Which sad become , when Mischiefe takes not place , Is out of Countenance , as with disgrace . But when they see a Ruine , and a fall , Return with Joy , as Conquerors they were all . Thus their severall Passions their waies did meet , As Dogs desire to catch did make them Fleet. The Stag with feare did run , his life to save , Whilst Men for love of 〈◊〉 dig his Grave . The angry Dust in every Face up flies , As with Revenge , seeks to put out their Eies . Yet they so fast went on with such loud Cries , The Stag no hope had left , nor help espies : His Heart so heavie grew , with Griefe , and Care , That his small Feet his Body could not beare . Yet loth to dye , or yeild to Foes was he , But to the last would strive for Victory . T was not for want of Courage he did run , But that an Army against One did come . Had he the Valour of bold Caear stout , Must yeild himselfe to them , or dye no doubt . Turning his Head , as if he dar'd their Spight , Prepar'd himselfe against them all to fight . Single he was , his Hornes were all his helpes , To guard him from a Multitude of Whelpes . Besides , a company of Men were there , If Dogs should faile , to strike him every where . But to the last his 〈◊〉 hee 'll try out : Then Men , and Dogs do circle him about . Some bite , some bark , all ply him at the Bay , Where with his Hornes he tosses some away . But Fate his thread had spun , so downe did fall , Shedding some Teares at his owne Funerall .

Of an Island . THere was an Island rich by Natures grace , In all the World it was the sweetest place : Surrounded with the Seas , whose Waves don't misse To do her Homage , and her Feet do kisse . Where every Wave by turne do bow downe low , And proud to touch her , as they overflow . Armies of Waves in Troopes high Tides bring on , Whose watry Armes do glister like the Sun : And on their backs burthens of Ships do beare , And in her Havens places them with care ; Not Mercenary , They no pay will have , Yet as her Guard they watch to keep her safe ; And in a Ring they circle her about , Strong as a Wall , to keep her Foes still out . So Windes do serve , and on the Cloudes do ride , Blowing their Trumpets loud on every side ; And serve as Scouts , do search in every Lane , And gallop in the Forrest , Feilds , and Plaine . And while shee please the Gods , in safety lives , They to delight her , all fine Pleasures gives . For all this 〈◊〉 is fertile , rich , and faire . Both Woods , and Hills , and Dales , in Propsects are . Birds pleasure take , and with delight do sing , In Praises of this Isle the Woods do ring ; Trees thrive with joy , this Isle their Roots do feed , Grow tall with Pride , their Tops they over-spread ; Dance with the Windes , when they do sing , and blow , Play like a wanton Kid , or the swist Roe . Their severall Branches severall Birds do beare , Which hop , and Skip , and alwaies merry are . Their Leaves do wave , and rushing make a noise : Thus many waies do strive 〈◊〉 expresse their Joyes . And Flowers there look fresh , and gay with Mirth , Whilst they are danc'd upon the lap of Earth : Their Mother the Island , they her Children sweet , Born from her Loines , got by Apollo great . Who takes great care to dresse , and prune them oft , And with cleare Dew he washes their Leaves soft . When he hath done , he wipes those drops away , With Webbs * * Sun Beames : of heat , which he weaves every day . Paints * * There would be no 〈◊〉 , if no Light . them with severall Colours intermixt , 〈◊〉 them with Shadowes every leafe betwixt . Their Heads he dresses , spreads their hairy leaves , And round their Crownes his golden Beames he wreaths . For he this Isle esteemes above the rest ; Of all his Wives , we find he loves her best . Presents her daily with 〈◊〉 fine new Gift , Twelve Ells of Light , to make her Smocks * These Smocks are the daies . for shift . Which every time he comes , he puts on cleane , And changes oft , that shee may lovely seem . And when he goeth from her , the World to see , He leaves his Sister * * The Moon . for her company : Cynthia she is , though pale , yet 〈◊〉 , Which makes her alwaies in Dark Cloudes appeare . Besides , he leaves his Stars to wait , for feare His Isle too sad should be , when hee 's not there . And from his bounty cloaths them all with Light , Which makes them twinckle in a Frosty Night . He never brings hot Reantes , to do her harm , Nor lets her take a Cold , but laps her warm ; With Mantles rich of equall 〈◊〉 doth spread , And covers her with Colour Crimson red . He gives another o're her head to lye , The Colour is a pure bright 〈◊〉 Skie : And with soft Aire doth line them all within , As Furrs in Winter , in Summer Satten thin . With silver Clouds he fringes them about , Where spangled Meteors glistring hang without . Thus gives her Change , least she should weary grow , Or think them Old , and so away them throw . Nature adornes this Island all throughout , With Land-skips , Prospects , and Rills that run about . There Hills o're top the Dales , which levell be , Covered with Cattell feeding Eagerly . Where Grasse growes up even to the Belly high , Where Beasts , that chew their Cud , in Pleasure lye . Whisking their Tailes about , the Flies to beat , Orelse to coole them from the Soultry heat . Nature , willing to th' Gods her Love to shew , Sent plenty in , like Niles great overflow ; Gave temperate Seasons , and equall Lights , The Sun-shine daies , and Dewy Moon-shine Nights . And in this pleasant Island , Peace did dwell , No noise of War , or sad Tale could it tell .

The Ruine of the Island . THis Island liv'd in Peace full many a day , So long as She unto the Gods did pray . But She grew proud with Plenty , and with Ease , Ador'd her selfe , so did the Gods displease . She flung their Altars downe , her owne set up , And She alone would have divine Worship . The Gods grew angry , and commanded Fate , To alter , and to ruine quite the State . For they had chang'd their Mind of late ; they said , And did repent 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 made : Fates wondred much , to heare what said the Gods , That Mortall Men , and 〈◊〉 were at great odds ; And found them apt to Change , they thought it shew'd , As if poore Man the Gods had not foreknow'd . For why , said they , if Men do evill grow , The Gods foreseeing all , Men's Hearts do know , Long , long , before they made , or were create ; If so , what need they Change , or alter Fate ? T was in their power to make them good , or ill : If so , Men cannot do just what they will . Then why do Gods complaine against them so , Since Men are made by them such waies to go ? If Evil power hath Gods to oppose , To equall Deities it plainly shewes ; Having no Power to keep Obedience , long , If Disobedient Power be as strong : As being ignorant how Men will prove , Nor know how strong , or long will last their Love . But may not Gods decree on this Line run , To love Obedience whensoe're it come ? So from the first Variation creates , And for that work made Destiny , and Fates . Then t is the Mind of Men , that 's apt to range , And not the Mindes of Gods , subject to Change . Then did the Fates unto the Planets go , And told them they Malignity must throw Into this Island , for the Gods will take Even high Revenge , since she their Lawes forsake . With that the Planets drew up with a Scrue The Vapour bad from all the Earth , then view What Place , to squeese that Poyson , in which all The Venome was , that 's got from the Worlds Ball. Which through Mens Veines , like molten Lead it came , And like to Oile , did all their Spirits flame . Where Malice boyl'd with rancor , Spleen , and Spight , In War , and Fraud , Injustice took delight . Studying which way might one another rob , In open sight do Ravish , boldly Stab . To Parents Children unnat'rally grow , And former Friend-ship now 's turn'd cruell Foe . For Innocency no Protection had , Religious Men were thought to be stark mad . In Witches Wizzards did they put their Trust , Extortions , Bribes , were thought to be most just . Like Titans Race , all in a Tunsult rose , Blasphemous words against high Heaven throwes . Gods in a Rage unbind the Windes and blow In forraine Nations , formerly their Foe . Where they did plant themselves , no Brittons live , For why the Gods their Lives , and Land them give . Compassion wept , and Virtue wrung her hands , To see that Right was banish'd from their Lands . Thus Windes , and Seas , the Planets , Fates , and all , Conspired to work her Ruine , and her fall . But those that keep the Lawes of God on high , Shall live in Peace , in Craves shall quiet lye . And ever after like the Gods shall be , Injoy all Pleasure , know no Misery .

TO POETS .

THERE is no Spirit firghts me so much , as Poets Satyrs , and their Faiery Wits : which are so subtle , aiery , and nimble , as they passe through every small Crevise , and Cranie of Errours , and Mistakes , and dance upon every Line , and round every Fancy ; which when they find to be dull , and sleepy , they pinch them black , and blew , with Robbin-hoods Jests . But I hope you will 〈◊〉 me : for the Harth is swept cleane , and a Bason of water with a cleane Towell set by and the Ashes rake'd up ; wherefore let my Book sleep quietly , and the Watch-light burning clearly , and not blew , and Blinkingly , nor the Pots , and Pans be disturbed ; but let it be still from your noise , that the Effemenate Cat may not Mew , nor the Masculine Curs bark , nor houle forth Railings to disturbe my harmlesse Bookes rest . But if you will judge my Book severely , I doubt I shall be cast to the Bar of Folly , there forc'd to hold up my Hand of Indiscretion , and confesse Ignorance to my Enemies dislike . For I have no Eloquent Orator to plead for me , as to perswade a Severe Judge , nor Flattery to bribe a Corrupt One ; which makes me afraid , I shall loose my Suit of Praise . Yet I have Truth to speak in my behalse for some favour ; which saith sirst , that Women writing seldome , makes it seem strange , and what is unusuall , seemes Fantasticall , and what is Fantasticall , seemes odd , and what seemes odd , Ridiculous : But as Truth tells you , all is not Gold that glisters ; so she tells you , all is not Poore , that hath not Golden Cloaths on , nor mad , which is out of Fashion ; and if I be out of the Fashion , because Women do not generally write ; yet , before you laugh at me , let your Reason view strictly , whether the Fashion be not usefull , gracefull , easie , comely , and modest : And if it be any of these , spare your Smiles of Scorne , for those that are wanton , carelesse , rude , or unbecoming : For though her Garments are plaine , and unusuall , yet they are cleane , and decent . Next , Truth tells you , that Women have seldome , or never , ( or at least in these latter Ages ) written a Book of Poetry , unlesse it were in their Dressings , which can be no longer read then Beauty lasts . Wherefore it hath seemed hitherto , as if Nature had compounded Mens Braines with more of the Sharp Atomes , which make the hot , and dry Element , and Womens with more of the round Atomes , which Figure makes the cold , and most Element : And though Water is a usesull Element , yet Fire is the Nobler , being of an Aspiring quality . But it is rather a Dishonour , not a Fault in Nature , for her Inferiour Workes to move towards Perfection ; though the best of her Workes can never be so Perfect as her selfe ; yet she is pleased when they imitate her ; and to imitate her , I hope you will be pleased , I Imitate you . T is true , my Verses came not out of Jupiters Head , therefore they cannot prove a Pallas : yet they are like Chast Penelope's Work , for I wrote them in my Husbands absence , to delude Melancholy Thoughts , and avoid Idle Time . The last thing Truth tells you , is , my Verses were gathered too soon : wherefore they cannot be of a Mature growth ; for the Sun of time was onely at that height , as to draw them forth , but not heat enough to ripen them ; which makes me feare they will tast harsh , and unpleasant ; but if they were strew'd with some Sugar of Praises , and Bake'd in the Oven of Applause , they may passe at a generall Feast , though they do not relish with nice , and delicate Palates ; yet the Vulgar may digest them : sor they care not what the Meat is , if the Crust bee good , or indeed thick : for they judge according to the quantity , not the quality , or rarity : but they are oft perswaded by the senses of others , 〈◊〉 then their owne . Wherefore if it be not worthy of Commendations , pray be silent , and cast not out severe Censures ; And I shall give Thankes for what is Eaten .

I desire all those which read this part of my Book , to consider , that it is thick of Fancies , and therefore requires the more Study : But if they understand not , I desire they would do as those , which have a troubled Conscience , and cannot resolve themselves of some Doubts ; wherefore they are required by the Church to go to a Minister thereof , to have them explain'd , and not to Interpret according to their owne Imaginations : So I intreat those that cannot find out the Conceit of my Fancies , to ask a Poet where the Conciet lies , before they Censure ; and not to accuse my Book for Non-sense , condemning it with a false Construction , through an Ignorant zeale of Malice ; nor do not mistake , nor ask a Rhimer instead of a Poet , least I be condemned as a Traytor to Sense , through the blindnesse of the Judges Understanding . But if the Judge be learned in the Lawes of Poetry , and honesty from Bribes of Envie ; I shall not need to feare , but that the Truth will be found out , and its Innocence will be free'd at the Bar of Censure , and be sent home with the Acquittance of Applause . Yet pray do not think I am so Presumptuous , to compare my selfe in this Comparison to the Church : but I onely here compare Truth to the Church , and Truth may be compared from the lowest Subject , or Object to the Highest .

I must intreat my Noble Reader , to read this part of my Book very slow , and to observe very strictly every word they read ; because in most of these Poems , every word is a Fancy . Wheresore if they loose , by not marking , or ship by too hasty reading , they will intangle the Sense of the whole Copy .

Of Poets , and their Theft . AS Birds , to hatch their Young do sit in Spring , Some Ages severall Broods of Poets bring ; Which to the World in Verse do sweetly sing . Their Notes great Nature set , not Art so taught : So Fancies , in the Braine that Nature wrought , Are best ; what lmitation makes , are naught . For though they sing as well , as well may bee , And make their Notes of what they learne , agree ; Yet he that teaches still , hath Mastery : And ought to have the Crowne of Praise , and Fame , In the long Role of Time to write his Name : And those that steale it out to blame . There 's None should Places have in Fames high Court , But those that first do win Inventions Fort : Not Messeugers , that onely make Report . To Messengers Rewards of Thanks are due , For their great Paines , telling their Message true . But not the Honour to Invention new . Many there are , that Sutes will make to weare , Of severall Patches stole , both here , and there ; That to the World they Gallants may appeare . And the Poore Vulgar , which but little know , Do Reverence all , that makes a Glistring Shew ; Examines not , the same how they came to . Then do they call their Friends , and all their Kin , They Factions make , the Ignorant to bring : And with their help , into Fames Court get in . Some take a Line , or two of Horace Wit , And here , and there they will a Fancy pick. And so of Homer , Virgill , Ovid sweet : Makes all those Poets in their Book to meet : Yet makes them not appeare in their right shapes , But like to Ghosts do wander in 〈◊〉 Shades . But those that do so , are but Poet-Juglers , And like to Conjurers , are Spirit-troublers . By Sorcery the Ignorant delude , Shewing false Glasses to the Multitude . And with a small , and undiscerning Haire , They pull Truth out the place wherein she were . But by the Poets Lawes they should be hang'd , And in the Hell of Condemnation damn'd . MOst of our Moderne Writers now a daies , Consider not the Fancy , but the Phrase . As if sine words were Wit ; or , One should say , A Woman 's handsome , if her Cloaths be gay . Regarding not what Beauty 's in the Face , Nor what Proportion doth the Body grace . As when her shooes be high , to say shee 's tall , And when Shee is strait-lac'd , to say shee 's small . When Painted , or her Haire is curl'd with Art , Though of it selfe t is Plaine , and Skin is swart . We cannot say , from her a Thanks is due To Nature , nor those Arts in her we view . Unlesse shee them invented , and so taught The World to set forth that which is stark naught . But Fancy is the Eye , gives Life to all ; Words , the Complexion , as a whited Wall . Fancy is the Form , Flesh , Blood , Bone , Skin ; Words are but Shadowes , have no Substance in . But Number is the Motion , gives the Grace , And is the Countenance to a well - form'd Face .

FANCIES . The severall Keyes of Nature , which unlock her severall Cabinets .

ABunch of Keyes which hung by Natures Side , Nature to unlock these her * * The five Senses are Natures Boxes , Cabinets : The Braine her chiefe Cabinet . Boxes try'd . The sirst was Wit , that Key unlockt the Ear , Opened the Brain , to see what things were there . The next was Beauties Key , unlockt the Eyes , Opened the Heart , to see what therein lyes . The third was Appetite , that Key was quick , Opens the Stomack , meat to put in it . The Key of 〈◊〉 opens the Braine , though hard , For of a Stink the Nose is much afeard . The Key of Paine unlocked Touch , but slow , Nature is loath Diseases for to shew .

Natures Cabinet . IN Natures Cabinet , the Braine , you 'l find Many a fine Knack , which doth delight the Mind . Severall Colour'd Ribbons of Fancies new , which are Love Verses . To tye in Hats , or Haire of Lovers true . Masques of Imaginations onely shew The Eyes of Knowledge , t'other part none know . Fans of Opinion , which wave the Wind , According as the Heat is in the Mind . Gloves of Remembrance , which draw off , and on , Thoughts in the Braine sometimes are there , then gon . Veiles of Forgetsulnesse the Thoughts do hide , The Scarse turn'd up , then is their Face espied . Pendants of Vnderstanding heavie were , But Nature hangs them not in every Eare. Black Patches of Ignorance , to stick on The Face of Fooles : this Cabinet is shewn .

Natures Dresse . THE Sun crownes Natures Head , Beames splendent are , And in her Haire , as Jewels , hang each Star . Her Garments made of pure Bright watchet skie , The Zodiack round her Wast those Garments tye . The Polar Circles are Bracelets for each Wrist , The Planets round about her Neck do twist . The Gold , and Silver Mines , Shooes for her Feet , And for her Garters , are soft Flowers sweet . Her Stockings are of Grasse , that 's fresh , and green , And Rainebow Ribbons many Colours in . The Powder for her Haire is Milk-white Snow , And when she combes her Locks , the Windes do blow . Light a thin Veile doth hang upon her Face , Through which her Creatures see in every place .

Natures Cook . DEath is the Cook of Nature ; and we find Meat drest severall waies to please her Mind . Some Meates shee rosts with Feavers , burning hot , And some shee boiles with Dropsies in a Pot. Some for Gelly consuming by degrees , And some with Vlcers , Gravie out to squeese . Some Flesh as Sage she stuffs with Gouts , and Paines , Others for tender Meat hangs up in Chaines . Some in the Sea she pickles up to keep , Others , as Brawne is sous'd , those in Wine steep . Some with the Pox , chops Flesh , and Bones so small , Of which She makes a French Fricasse withall . Some on Gridirons of Calentures is broyl'd And some is trodden on , and so quite spoyl'd . But those are bak'd , when smother'd they do dye , By Hectick Feavers some Meat She doth fry . In Sweat sometimes she stues with savoury smell , A Hodge-Podge of Diseases tastcth well . Braines dreit with Apoplexy to Natures wish , Or swimmes with Sauce of Megrimes in a Dish . And Tongues she dries with Smoak from Stomacks ill , Which as the second Course she sends up still . Then Death cuts Throats , for Blood-puddings to make , And puts them in the Guts , which Collicks rack . Some hunted are by Death , for Deere that 's red , Or Stal-fed Oxen , knocked on the Head . Some for Bacon by Death are Sing'd , or scal'd , Then powdered up with Flegme , and Rhume that 's salt .

Natures Oven . THE Braine is like an Oven , hot , and dry , Which bakes all sorts of Fancies , low , and high . The Thoughts are Wood , which Motion sets on 〈◊〉 , The Tongue a Peele , which drawes forth the Desire . But thinking much , the Braine too hot will grow , And burnes it up ; if Cold , the Thoughts are Dough.

A Posset for Natures Breakfast . LIfe scummes the Cream of Beauty with Times Spoon , And drawes the Claret Wine of Blushes soon . There boiles it in a Skillet cleane of Youth , Then thicks it well with crumbl'd Bread of Truth . And sets it on the Fire of Life , which growes The clearer , if the Bellowes of Health blowes . Then takes the Eggs of Faire , and Bashfull Eyes , Aud puts them in a Countenance that 's wise , And cuts a Lemmon in of sharpest Wit , By Discretions Knife , as he thinkes sit . A handfull of Chast Thoughts double refin'd , Six Spoonfuls of a Noble , and Gentle Mind . A Graine of Mirth , to give 't a little Tast , Then takes it off , for feare the Substance wast . And puts it in a Bason of Rich Wealth , And in this Meat doth Nature please her selfe .

Mear drest for Natures Dinner ; an Ollio for Nature . LIfe takes a young , and 〈◊〉 Lovers heart That hunted was , and wound by Cupids Dart. Then sets it on the Fire of Love , and blowes That Fire with Sighes , by which the Flame high growes . And boiles it with the water of fresh Teares , Flings in a bunch of Hope , Desires , and Feares . More Sprigs of Passion throwes into the Pot , Then takes it up , when it is seething hot ; And puts it in a cleane Dish of Delight , That scoured was from Envie , and from Spight . Then doth she presse , and squeese in Juice of Youth , And cast therein some Sugar of sweet Truth . Sharp 〈◊〉 gives a quickning tast , And Temperance doth cause it long to last . Then doth she garnish it with Smiles , and Dress , And serves it up a Faire , and Beautious Mess. But Nature's apt to surfet of this Meat , Which makes her seldome of the same to eat .

A Bisk for Natures Table . AFore-head high , broad , smooth , and very sleek , A large great Eye , black , and very quick . A Brow that 's Arch'd , or like a Bow that 's bent , A Rosie Cheek , and in the midst a dent . Two Cherry Lips , whereon the Dew lies wet , A Nose between the Eyes that 's even set . A Chin that 's neither short , nor very long , A sharp , and quick , and ready , pleasing Tongue . A Breath of Musk , and Amber in do strew , Two soft round Breasts , that are as white as Snow . A body plump , white , of an even growth , Quick , active lives , that 's void of Sloth : A sound firm Heart , a Liver good , A Speech that 's plaine , and easie understood . A Hand that 's fat , smooth , and very white , The inside moist , and red , like Rubies bright . A Brawny Arme , a 〈◊〉 that 's round , and small , And Fingers long , and Joynts not big withall . A Stomack strong , and easie to digest , A Swan-like Neck , and an out-bearing Chest : These mixing all with Pleasure , and Delight , And strew upon them Eyes that 's quick of Sight ; Putting them in a Dish of Admiration , And serves them up with Praises of a Nation .

A Hodge-Podge for Natures Table . A wanton Eye , that seekes for to allure ; Dissembling Countenance , that lookes demure . A griping hand that holds what 's none of his , A jealous Mind , which thinks all is amisse . A Purple face , where Mattery Pimples stood , A Slandering Tongue that still dispraises Good . A frowning Brow , with Rage , and Anger bent : A Good that comes out from an ill Intent . Then took he Promises that ne're were perform'd , And 〈◊〉 Gifts , that slighted were , and scorn'd . Affected words that signifi'd noe thing , Feigning Laughter , but no Mirth therein . Thoughts idle , unusefull , and very vaine , Which are created from a Lovers Braine . Antick Postures , where no Coherence is , Well meaning Mind , yet al waies doth amisse . A Voice that 's hoarse , where Notes cannot agree , And squintings Eyes , that no true Shape can see . Wrinckles , that Time hath set in every Face , Vaine-glory brave , that fall in full Disgrace . A Selfe-conceited Pride without a Cause , A painefull desperate Art without Applause . Verses no Sense , nor Fancy have , but Rhime . Ambitious fall , where highest Hopes do climbe . All in the Pot of dislike boileth fast , Then stirs it with a Ladle of Distast . The Fat of Gluttons in the Pot did flow , And Roots of severall Vices in did throw ; And severall Hearbs , as aged Time that 's dry , Heart-burning Parsley , Buriall Rosemary . Then powers it out into Repentant Dishes , And sends it up by Shadowes of vaine Wishes .

A Heart drest . LIfe takes a Heart , and Passions puts therein , And covers it with a dissembling Skin . Then take some Anger , that like Pepper bite , And Vinegar that 's sharp , and made of Spight . Hot Ginger of Revenge , grated in Flunge , To which she addes a lying cloven Tongue . A lazy flake of Mace , that lies downe flat , Some Salt of Slander put also to that . Then serves it up with Sauce of Jealousie , In Dishes of Carefull Industry .

Head , and Braines . ABraine that 's wash'd with Reasons cleare , From Grosse Opinions , Dulnesse lying there ; And Judgment hard , and sound is grated in , Whereto is squeesed Wit , and Fancies thin . A Bunch of Sent , Sounds , Colours , tied up fast , With Threads of Motion , and strong Nerves to last . In Memory then stew them with long Time , So take them up , and put in Spirits of Wine . Then poure it forth into a Dish of Touch , The Meat is good , although it is not much .

A Tart. LIfe took some Floure made of Complexions white , Churnd Butter , by Nourishment ; as cleane as might : And kneads it well , then on a Board it laies , And roules it oft , and so a Pye did raise . Then did she take some Cherry Lips that 's red , And Sloe-black Eyes from a Faire Virgins Head . And Strawbery Teats from high Banks of white Breast , And Juice from Raspes Fingers ends did presse . These put into a Pye , which soone did bake , Within a Heart , which she strait hot did make ; Then drew it out with Reasons Peele , and sends It up to Nature , she it much commends .

A Dissert. SWeet Marmalade of Kisses new gathered , Preserv'd Children that are not Fathered : Sugar of Beauty which melts away soon , Marchpane of Youth , and Childish Macaroon . Sugar Plum-words most sweet on the Lips , And wafer Promises , which wast into Chips . Bisket of Love , which crumbles all away , Gelly of Feare , that quaking , quivering lay . Then came in a fresh Green-sicknesse Cheese , And tempting Apples , like those eat by Eve ; With Creame of Honour , thick , and good , Firm Nuts of Friend-ship by it stood . Grapes of delight , dull Spirits to revive , Whose Juice , t is said , doth Nature keep alive . Then Nature rose , when eat , and drank her fill , To rest her selfe in Ease , she 's pleas'd with still .

Natures Officers . ETernity , as Vsher , goeth before , Destiny , as Porter , keepes the Doore Of the great World , who lets Life out , and in ; The Fates , her Maides , this Thread of Life do spin . Mutability orders with great Care , Motion , her Foot-boy , runneth every where . Time , as her Page , doth carry up her Traine , But in his Service little doth he gaine . The daies are the Surveyors , for to view , All Natures workes , which are both old , and new . The Seasons foure their Circuites by turnes take , Judges to order , and distribute , make . The Months their Pen-clerks , write downe every thing , Make Deeds of Gifts , and Bonds of all that spring . Lifes Office is to pay , and give out all To Death , which is Receiver , when he call .

Natures House . THE Ground , whereon this House was built upon , Was Honesty , that hates to do a Wrong . Foundations deep were laid , and very sure , By Love , which to all times will firm indure . The Walls , strong Friend-ship , Hearts for Brick , lay thick , And Conflancy , as Morter , made them stick . Free-stone of Obligations Pillars raise , To beare high Roofed thanks , seil'd with praise . Windowes of Knowledge let in Light of Truth , Curtaines of Joy , who are drawne by pleasant Youth . Chimnies with Touch-stone of Affection made , Where Beauty , the Fuell of Love , is laid . The Harth is innocent Marble white , Whereon the Fire of Love burnes cleare , and bright : The Doores are Cares , Misfortunes out to shut , That cold Poverty might not through them get . Besides , these Roomes of severall Passions built , Some on the right hand , others on the left . This House , the out-side 's tyl'd with Noble Deeds , And high Ambition covers it with Leades . Turrets of Fame are built on every side , And in this Palace Nature takes great pride . This House is furnished best of Natures Courts , For hung it is with Virtues of all sorts . As Morall Virtues , and with those of Art , The last from Acts , the first is from the Heart .

Comparing the head to a Barrell of Wine . THE Head is like a Barrell , which will break , Natures Cellar . If Liquors be too strong ; but if they 're weake , They will the riper grow by lying long : Close kept from Vent , the Spirits grow more strong . So Wit , which Nature in a Braine tuns up , Never leaves Working , if it close be shut : Will through Discretions burst , and run about , Unlesse a Pen , and Inke do tap it out . But if the Wit be small , then let it lye , If Broacht to soon , the Spirits quickly dye .

Comparing of Wits to Wines . MAlaga Wits , when broach'd , which Pens do peirce , 〈◊〉 wine . If strong , run strait into Heroick Verse . Sharp Claret Satyrs searching run about The Veines of Vice , before it passes out : And makes the Blood of Virtue fresh to spring In Noble Minds , Faire Truth 's Complexions bring . But all high Fancy is in Brandy Wits , Strong-waters . A Fiery heat in Vnderstanding sits .

Natures Wardrope . IN Natures Wardrope there hangs up great store Of severall Garments , some are rich , some poore . Some made on Beauties Stuff , with Smiles are lac'd , With lovely Favour is the out-side fac'd . Some fresh , and new , by Sicknesses are rent , Not having care the same for to prevent . Physick , and good Diet sowes close againe , That none could see where those slits did remaine . Some worne so bare with Age , that none could see What Stuff it had been , or what it might bee . Others were so ill-shap'd , and Stuff so course , That none would weare , least Nature did inforce . And severall Mantles , Nature made , were there , To keep her Creatures warm from the Cold Aire . As Sables , Martin , and the Fox that 's black , The powder'd Ermines , and the feirce wild Cat. Most of her Creatures She hath clad in Furre , Which needs no Fire , if they do but stir . And some in 〈◊〉 She clads , as well as Haire , And some in Scales , others do Feathers weare . But Man She made his Skin so smooth , and faire , It needs no Feathers , Scales , Wool , nor Haire . The out-side of all things Nature keeps here , Severall Creatures that She makes to weare . Death pulls them off , and Life doth put them on , Nature takes care that none puts on the wrong . Nature hath * * Flesh , and Fish . but two sorts of Stuffs , whereon All Garments which are made , that Life puts on . But yet such severall Sorts there is to weare , That seldome any two alike appeare . Bnt Nature severall Trimmings for those Garments makes , And severall Colours for each Trimming takes .

Soule , and Body . GReat Nature She doth cloath the Soule within , A Fleshly Garment which the Fates do spin . And when these Garments are growne old , and bare , With Sicknesse torne , Death takes them off with care . And folds them up in Peace , and quiet Rest , So laies them safe within an Earthly Chest. Then scoures them , and makes them sweet , and cleane , Fit for the Soule to weare those Cloaths agen .

Natures Grange . GRounds of losse was plow'd with Sorrowes deep , Wherein was sowed Cares , a Fertile Seed . Carts of Industry Horses of Hopes drew , Laden with Expectations in Barnes of Braines they threw . Cowes of Content , which gave the Milk of Ease , Curds prest with Love , which made a Friend-ship Cheese . Cream of Delight was put in Pleasures Churn , Wherein short time the Butter of Joyes come . Sweet Whey of Teares from laughing Eyes did run : Thus Houswifery Nature her selfe hath done . Eggs of Revenge were laid by some designe , Chickens of Mischiefe , hatch'd with Words divine : Nourishment the Poultry fat doth cram , And so She doth all Creatures else , and Man . And Nature makes the Fates to sit and spin , And Destiny laies out , and brings Flax in . For Nature in this Housewifry doth take Great pleasure , the Cloath of Life to make : And every Garment she her selfe cutsout , Disposing to her Creatures all about . Where some do weare them long , all thread-bare torne , And some do cast them off before halfe worne . Thus Nature busily doth her selfe imploy On every Creature small , till they do dye . When any dies , that work is done , And then a new work is begun .

Comparing the Tongue to a Wheele . THE Tongue 's a Wheele , to spin words from the Mind , Natures wheele . A Thread of Sense , doth Vnderstanding twine . The Lips a Loom , to weave those words of Sense , Into a fine Discourse each Eare presents . This Cloath 〈◊〉 Chest of Memory 's laid up , Untill for Judgments Shirts it out be cut .

Similizing the Braine to a Garden . THE Braine a Garden seemes , full of Delight , Natures Garden . Whereon the Sun of Knowledge shineth bright , Where Fancy flowes , and runs in Bubbling Streames , Where Flowers growes upon the Banks of Dreames . Whereon the Dew of sleepy Eyes doth fall , Bathing each Leafe , and every Flower small . There various Thoughts as severall Flowers grow , Some Milk-white Innocence , as Lillies , shew . Fancies , as painted Tulips colours sixt , By Natures Pencils they are iatermixt . Some as sweet Roses , which are newly blowne , Others as tender Buds , not full out growne . Some , as small Violets , yet much sweetnesse bring : Thus many Fancies from the Braine still spring . Their Wit , as Butter-flies , hot love do make , On every Flower fine their pleasure take . Dancing about each Leafe in pleasant sort , Passing their time away in Amorous sport . Like Cupids young , their painted Wings display , And with Apolloe's golden Beames they play . Industry , as Bees suck out the sweet , Wax of Invention gather with their Feet . Then on their Wings of Fame flye to their Hive , From Winter of sad Death keeps them alive . There Birds of Poetry sweet Notes still sing , Which through the World , as through the Aire ring . Where on the Branches of Delight do sit , Pruning their Wings , which are with Study wet . Then to the Cedars of High Honour flye , Yet rest not there , but mount up to the Skie .

Similizing the Heart to a Harp , the Head to an Organ , the Tongue to a Lute , to make a Consort of Musick . THE Heart like to a Harp compare I may , Natures Musicall Instruments . The Passions , strings on which the Mind doth play ; A Harmony , when they just time do keep , With Notes of Peace they bring the Soule to sleep . The Head , unto an Organ I compare , The 〈◊〉 , as severall Pipes make Musick there . Imagination's Bag doth draw , then blow Windy Opinions , by which the Thoughts go . The small Virgin all Jacks which skip about , Are severall Francies that run in , and out . The Tongue , a Lute , the Breath , are Strings strung strong , The Teeth are Pegs , Words , Fingers play thereon . These moving all , a sweet soft Musick make , Wise Sentences , as grounds of Musick take . Witty light Aires are pleasant to the Eare , Straines of Description all Delights to heare . In Quavers of Similizing lies great Art , Flourishes of Eloquence a sweet part . Stops of Reproofe , wherein there must be skill , Flattering Division delights the Mind still . All Thoughts , as severall 〈◊〉 these just do play , And thus the Mind doth passe its time away .

Similizing the Windes to Musick . NO better Musick then the Windes can make , Natures Musick . If all their severall Notes right places take : The Full , the Halfe , the Quarter-Note can set , The Base , the Tenor , and the Treble sit . The strong big Base the Northern wind doth sing , The East is the sweet , soft small Treble String . The South , and West as Tenors both applied , By East , by West , by South , and North divide . All that this Musick meets , it moves to dance , If Bodies yeilding be with a Compliance . The Clouds do dance in circle , hand in hand , Wherein the mids the Worldly Ball doth stand . The Seas do dance with Ships upon their back , Where Capering high , they many times do Wrack . As Men , which venture on the Ropes to dance , Oft tumble downe , if they too high Advance . But Dust , like Country-clownes , no measure keep , But rudely run together on a Heap . Trees grave , and civilly , first bow their Head Towards the Earth , then every Leafe will spred ; And every Twig each other will salute , Embracing oft , and kisse each others Root . And so each other Plant , and Flower gay , Will sweetly dance , when that the Windes do play . But when they 're out of Tune , they Discord make , Disorder all , not one right place can take . But when Apollo with his Beames doth play , He places all againe in the right way .

Of a Picture hung in Natures House . A Painter was to draw the Firmament , A round plump Face the same he did present ; His Pencils were the Beames shot from faire Eyes , Where some of them he in red Blushes dies . Which , as the Morning , when the Clouds are cleare , Shewes just so red before the Sun appeare . An Azure-blew from Veines he drawes a Skie , And for the Sun , a faire , and great gray Eye . A Raine-bow like a Brow doth pencill out , Which circles halfe a weeping Eye about . From pure pale Complexions takes a White , Mixt with a Countenance sad , he shades a Night . Thus Heaven as faire that doth a Face present , Which is adorn'd with Beauty excellent .

Natures Exercise , and Pastime . GReat Nature by Variations lives , For she no constant course to any gives . We find in Change she swiftly runs about , To keep her Health , and yet long Life , ( no doubt . ) And we are onely Food for Nature Fine , Our Flesh her Meat , our Blood is her Strong Wine . The Trees , and Hearbes , Fruits , Roots , and Flowers sweet , Are but her 〈◊〉 , or such cooling Meat . The Sea 's her Bath to wash , and cleanse her in , When She is weary , hot , or Journey bin . The Sun 's her Fire , he serves her many waies , His Lights her Looking-glasse , and Beauties praise . The Wind her Horses , paces as she please , The Clouds her Chariot soft to sit in ease . The Earth's her Ball , by which She trundles round , In this slow Exercise , much Good hath found . Night is her Bed her rest therein to take , Silence watches , least Noise might her awake . The Spheares her Musick , and the 〈◊〉 way Is , where She dances , whilst those Spheares do play .

Natures City . NAture of Mountaines , Rocks , a City built , Where many severall Creatures therein dwelt . The Citizens , are Wormes , which seldome stir , But sit within their Shops and sell their Ware . The Moles are Magistrates , who undermine Each ones Estate , that they their Wealth may finde . With their Extortions , they high Houses builds , To take their Pleasure in , called Mole-hills . The lazy Dormouse 〈◊〉 doth keep Much in their Houses , eat , and drink , and sleep . Unlesse it be to hunt about for Nuts , Wherein the sport is still to fill their Guts . The Peasant Ants īndustrious are to get Provisions store , hard Labours make them sweet . They dig , they draw , they plow , and reap with care , And what they get , they to their Barnes do beare . But after all their Husbandry , and Paines , Extortion comes and eates up all their Gaines . And Merchant Bugs of all sorts they Traffick on all things , travell every way . But Vapours they are Artisans with skill , And make strong Windes to send which way they will . They make them like a Ball of Wild-fire to run , Which spreads it selfe about , when that round Forme's undone . This is the City which great Nature makes , And in this City Nature pleasure takes .

Natures Market . IN Natures Market you may all things finde , Of severall Sorts , and of each severall Kind . Carts of Sicknesse bring Paines , and Weaknesse in , And Baskets full of Surfets some do bring . Fruits of Green-sicknesse there are to be sold , And Collick Hearbes , which are both hot , and cold . Lemmon : of sharp Paine , soure Orange sores , Besides those things , within this Market store .

Of two Hearts . THere were two Hearts an hundred Acres wide , Natures Arable , and Meadow . Which hedg'd were round , and ditcht on every side . The one was very rich , and fertile Ground , The other Barren , where small good was found . In Pasture , Grasse of Virtue grew up high , Where Noble Thoughts did feed continually . There they grew nimble , strong , and very large , Fit for the Manage , or in War to charge . Or like good Kine , that give the Milk of Wit , And Cream of Wisedome for grave Counsels fit . And Sheep of Patience , whose Wool is thick , and long , Upon their Backs , and Sides to keep out Wrong . Rich Meadowes , where the Hay of Faith doth grow , Which with the Sithes of Reason downe we mow . Devotions stackt it up on Hay-cocks high , For feare in Winter Death the Soule should dye . On Barren Ground there nothing well will grow , Which is the cause I no good Seed will sow . First , soure Rye of crabbed Nature ill , Which gives the Collick of displeasure still . And cruell Hempseed , hanging Ropes to make , And treacherous Linseed , small Birds for to take . And many such like Seeds this Ground doth beare , As cole black Branck , and Melancholy Tare . The other parts so sipid , and so dry , That neither Furse , nor Ling will grow , but dye . Rich Arable good Education plow'd , Deep Furroughs of Discretion well allowed . And severall sorts of Seeds about did sow , Where Crops of Actions good in full Eares grow . First Wheat of Charity , a fruitfull Seed , It makes the Bread of Life the Poore to feed . Ripe valiant Barley , which strong Courage make , Drinking the Spirits no Affront will take . And Hospitable Peas firm Friend-ship breeds , And gratefull Oates , restoring still good Deeds . This Corne is reapt by Fames sharp Sithe , and cut , And into large great Barnes of Honour put . Where Truth doth thresh it out from grosse abuse , Then Honesty doth grind it fit for Vse .

Similizing the Clouds to Horses . THe Aiery Clouds do swistly run a Race , Natures Horses . And one another follow in a Chase. Like Horses , some are sprightfull , nimble , fleet , Others sweld big with watry Spavind Feet . Which lag behind , as tir'd in mid-way , Or else , like Resty Jades , stock-still will stay . They of all severall Shapes , and Colours be , Of severall Tempers , seldome well agree . As when we see Horses , which highly fed , Do proudly snort , their Eyes look fiery red : So Clouds exhaled , fed by the hot Sun , With Sulphur , and Salt-Peter feirce become , Flashing out Fire , when together strike , And with their Flames do th' World with Terrour fright ; Meeting each others they Encounters make , With strong Assaults they one another break ; Falling upon each others Head , and Back , Nere parted are , but by a Thunder Clap ; Pouring downe Showres of Raine upon the Earth , Blow out strong Gusts of Wind with their long Breath . Then Boreas whips them up , and makes them run , Till their Spirits are spent , and Breath is gone ; Apollo breakes , and backs them fit to ride , Bridling with his hot Beames their strengths to guide ; And gives them Heates , untill they foam , and sweat , Then wipes them dry , least they a Cold should get ; Leades them into the middle Region Stable , Where are all sorts , dull , quick , weak , and able . But when they loose do get , having no feares , They fall together all out by the Eares .

Similizing Birds to a Ship . BIrds from the Cedars tall , which take a flight , Natures Ship . On stretched Wings , to beare their Bodies light . As Ships do saile over the Ocean wide , So Birds do saile , and through the Aire glide . Their Bodies as the Keele , Feet Cable Rope , The Head the Steer-man is , which doth guide the Poope . Their Wines , as Sailes , with Wind are stretcht out wide , But hard it is to flye against the Iide . For when the Clouds do flow against * * In the Aire Clouds move , or wave as water in the Sea , and Ebb , and Flow according to dry , or moist weather . their Breast , Soon weary grow , and on a Bough * * A bough is their Haven . they rest . THose Verses still to me do seem the best , Where Lines run smooth , and Wit eas'ly exprest . Where Fancies flow , as gentle Waters glide , Where Flowry banks of Fancies grow each side . That when they read , Delight may them invite To read againe , and wish they could so write . For Verse must be like to a Beauteous Face , Both in the Eye , and in the Heart take place . Where Readers must , like Lovers , wish to be Alwaies in their Deare Mistris Company .

Similizing the Mind . THE Mind 's a Merchant , trafficking about The Ocean of the 〈◊〉 , to finde Opinions out . Remembrance is the Ware-house to lay in Goods , which Imaginations Ships do bring . Which severall Trades-men of beliefe still buies They onely gaine in Truth , but loose by Lies . Thoughts as the Journey-men , and 〈◊〉 Boies , Do help to 〈◊〉 the Wares , and sell the Toies .

A Prospect of a Church in the Mind . STanding at Imaginations Window high , I saw a Prospect in the Mind to lye : Shutting the Ignorant Eye as close may be , Because the Eye of Knowledge cleare might see : Drawing a Circle round of fine Conceits , Contracting Extravagant Speeches strait . The more I view'd , my Eye the farther went , Till Vnderstandings Sight was almost spent . An Isle of Thoughts so long , could see no End , Fill'd full of Fancies Light * * A Church . to me there seem'd . Pillars of Judgments thick stood on a row , And in this Isle Motion walk'd to , and fro . Feare , Love , Humility kneel'd downe to pray , Desires beg'd of all that pass'd that way . Poore Doubts did seem , as if they quaking stood , Yet were they lapt in Mantles of Hope good . Generous Faith seem'd bountifull , and free , She gave to all that askt her Charity . All sorts of Opinions in Pulpits seem'd to Preach , False Doctrine for Truth might many teach ; Not that I heard what their Opinions were , For Prospects i' th Eye do lye , not i' th Eare.

A Land-skip . STanding upon a Hill of Fancies high , Viewing about with Curiosities Eye : Saw severall Land-skips under my Thoughts to lye . Some Champians of Delights where there did feed , Pleasures , as Weathers fat , and Ewes to breed . And Pastures of green Hopes , wherein Cowes went , Of Probability give Milk of sweet content . Some Feilds though plow'd with Care , unsow'd did lye , Wanting the fruitfull Seed , Industry . In other Feilds full Crops of Joyes there grow'd , Where some Ripe Joyes Fruition downe had mov'd . Some blasted with ill Accidents look'd black , Others blowne downe with Sorrow strong * As ripe Corne will do with the wind . lay flat . Then did I view Inclosures close to lye , Hearts hedg'd about with Thoughts of secrecy . Fresh Meadow of green Youth did pleasant seem , Innocency , as Cowslips , grew therein . Some ready with Old Age to cut for Hay , Some Hay cock'd high for Death to take away . Cleare 〈◊〉 of Health ran here , and there , No Mind of Sicknesse in them did appeare . No Stones , or Gravell stopt their passage free , No Weeds of Paine , or Slimy Gouts could see . Woods did present my view on the left side , Where Trees of high Ambition grew great Pride . There Shades of Envie were made of dark Spight , Which did Eclipse the Fame of Honours Light . 〈◊〉 stood so close , not many 〈◊〉 of Praise Could enter in , Spight stopt up all the waies . But Leaves of pratling Tongues , which nere lye still , Sometimes speak Truth , although most Lyes they tell . Then did I a Garden of Beauty view , Where Complexions of Roses , and Lillies grew . And Violets of blew Veines there grow'd , Upon the Banks of Breasts most perfect shew'd . Lips of fresh Gilly-flowers grew up high , Which oft the Sun did kisse as he pass'd by . Hands of Narcissus , perfect white were set , The Palmes were curious Tulips , sinely streakt . And by this Garden a lovely Orchard stood , Wherein grew Fruit of Pleasure rare , and good . All colour'd Eyes grew there , as Bullice gray , And Dampsons black , which do tast best , some say . Others there were of the pure blewest Grape , And Peare-plum Faces , of an ovall Shape . Cheeks of Apricotes made red with Heat , And Cherry Lips , which most delight to eat . When I had view'd this Land-skip round about , I fell from Fancies Hill , and so Wits Sight went out .

Similizing Thoughts . THoughts as a Pen do write upon the Braine ; The Letters which wise Thoughts do write , are plaine . Fooles Scribble , Scrabble , and make many a Blot , Which makes them Non-sense speak , they know not what . Or Thoughts like Pencils draw still to the Life , And 〈◊〉 mixt , as Colours give delight . Sad melancholy Thoughts are for Shadowes plac'd , By which the lighter Fancies are more grac'd . As through a dark , and watry Cloud , more bright , The Sun breakes forth with his Resplendent Light . Or like to Nights black Mantle , where each 〈◊〉 Doth clearer seem , so lighter Fancies are . Some like to Raine-bowes various Colours shew , So round the Braine Fantastick Fancies grow .

Of Thoughts . IMaginations high like Cedars shew , Where Leaves of new Invention thick do grow . Which Thoughts , as gentle Winds , do blow about , And Contemplation makes those Leaves sprout out . And Pleasure with Delight , as Birds , do sing , On every Bough , to think what Fame they bring .

Similizing Navigation . THE Sea 's like Desarts which are wide , and long , Where Ships as Horses run , whose Breath is strong . The Stern-man holds the Reines , thereby to guide The Sturdy Steed on foamy 〈◊〉 to ride . The Wind 's his Whip , to beat it forward on ; On either side , as Stirrops , serve each Gun . The Sailes , as Saddles , spread upon the back ; The Ropes as Girts , which in a Storme will crack . The Pump , the Breech , where 〈◊〉 come out , The Needle , as the Eye , guides it about .

Similizing the Sea to Meadowes , and Pastures , the Marriners to Shepheards , the Mast to a May-pole , Fishes to Beasts . THE Waves like Ridges of Plow'd-land lies high , Whereat the * * Here the Ship is taken for a Horse . Ship doth stumble , downe doth lye . But in a Calme , levell as Meadowes seem , And by its Saltnesse makes it look as green . When Ships thereon a slow , soft pace they walke , Then Mariners , as Shepheards sing , and talke . Some whistle , and some on their Pipes do play , Thus merrily will passe their time a way . And every Mast is like a May-pole high , Round which they dance , though not so merrily , As Shepheards do , when they their Lasses bring , Whereon are Garlands tied with Silken string . But on their Mast , instead of Garlands , hung Huge Sailes , and Ropes to tye those Garlands on . Instead of Lasses they do dance with Death , And for their Musick they have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Instead of Wine , and Wassals , drink salt Teares , And for their Meat they feed on nought but Feares . For Flocks of Sheep great 〈◊〉 of Herrings swim , As ravenous Wolves the 〈◊〉 do feed on them . As sportfull Kids skip over Hillocks green , So dancing Dolphines on the Waves are seen . The Porpoyse , like their watchfull Dog espies , And gives them warning when great Windes will rise . Instead of Barking , he his Head wil shew Above the waters , where they rough do flow . When showring Raines power downe , and Windes do blow : Then fast Men run for Shelter to a Tree ; So Ships at Anchor lye upon the Sea .

Comparing Waves , & a Ship to Rebellion . THus the rough Seas , whom highly Windes inrage , Assault a Ship , and in feirce War ingage . Or like rude Multitudes , whom Factions swell , With ranckled Spleen , which makes them to rebell Against their Governours , thronging about , With 〈◊〉 Noise to throw their power out . And if their Power gets the upper-hand , They 'l make him sinck , and then in Triumph stand . Foaming at Mouth , as if great Deeds th' had done , When they were Multitudes , and he but One. So Seas do foam , and 〈◊〉 about a Ship , And both do strive which shall the Better get . Or 〈◊〉 , like skil'd Mariners , will guide The Ship through 〈◊〉 of Death that do gape wide . And to a Haven safe will bring 〈◊〉 in , Although through many dangers she did swim .

Similizing the Head of Man to the World . THE Head of 〈◊〉 is like the World made round , Where all the Elements in it are found . The 〈◊〉 , as Earth , from whence all Plants do spring , And from the Womb it doth all Creatures bring . The Fore-head , Nose , like Hills , that do rise high , Which over-top the Dales that levell lye . The Haire , as Trees , which long in length do grow , And like its Leaves with 〈◊〉 waves to , and fro . Wit , like to severall Creatures , wildly runs On severall Subjects , and each other shuns . The Blood , as Seas , doth through the Veines run round , The Sweat , as Springs , by which fresh water 's found . As Winds , which from the hollow Caves do blow , So through the Mouth the winded Breath doth go . The Eyes , are like the Sun , do give in light , When Senses are asleep , it is dark Night . And after Sleep halfe open are the Eyes ; Like dawning Light , when first the Sun doth rise . When they do drowsie grow , the Sun doth set ; And when t is quite gone downe , the Lids do shut . When they are dull , and heavie , like thick Mist seem , Or as a dark black Cloud hides the Suns Beame . By which there shewes , some Shower of Teares will fall , Where 〈◊〉 , as Flowry Banks grow moist withall . As twinckling Stars shew in dark Clouds , that 's cleare , So Fancies quick do in the Braine appeare . Imaginations , like the Orbes move so , Some very quick , others do move more slow . And solid Thoughts , as the twelve Signes , are plac'd About the Zodiack , which is Wisedome vast . Where they as constantly in Wisedome run , As in the Line Ecliptick doth the Sun . To the Ecliptick Line the Head compare , The illustrious Wit , to the Suns bright Spheare . The Braine , unto the Solid Earth , From whence all Wisdome hath its Birth . Just as the Earth , the Heads round Ball , Is crown'd with Orbes * * Five Senses . Coelestiall . So Head , and World as one agree ; Nature did make the Head a World to bee .

Similizing the Head of Man to a Hive of Bees . THE Head of Man just like a Hive is made , The Braine , like as the Combe's exactly laid . Where every Thought just like a Bee doth dwell , Each by it selfe within a parted Cell . The Soule doth governe all , as doth their King , Each Thought imploies upon each severall thing . Just as the Bees swarm in the hottest Weather , In great round heapes they do hang all together . As if for Counsell wise they all did meet ; For when they flye away , new Hives they seek . So Men , when they have any great designe , Their Thoughts do gather , all in Heapes do 〈◊〉 . When they resolved are , each one takes Flight , And strives which sirst shall on Desire light . Thus Thoughts do meet , and flye about , till they For their Subsistence can finde out a way . But Doubting Thoughts , like 〈◊〉 , live on the rest , Hoping Thoughts , which Honey bring to Nest. For by their Stings Industry do they get , That Honey which the Stinglesse 〈◊〉 do 〈◊〉 . So Men without 〈◊〉 Stings do live , Upon th' Industrious Stock their Fathers give . Or like to such that steales 〈◊〉 Poets Wit , And dresse it up in his owne Language 〈◊〉 . But Fancie into every 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; And sucks the Flowers sweet , of Lips , and 〈◊〉 . But if they light on those that are not faire , Like Bees on Hearbes that are wither'd , dry , and seare . For purest Honey on sweet Flowers lies , So finest Fancies from young 〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

The Prey of Thoughts . IF Thoughts be the Mindes Creatures , as some say , Like other Creatures they on each do Prey . Ambitious Thoughts , like to a Hawk ; flye high , In Circles of Desires mount the Skie . And when a Covie of young Hopes do spring , To catch them strive they with the swiftest Wing . Thus as the Hawk on Partridges do 〈◊〉 , So Hopefull Thoughts are for Ambitions Meat . Thoughts of Selfe-love do swim in Selfe-conceit , Imaginary Thoughts of Praises bait . By which the Thoughts of Pride do catch to eat , And thinke it most high , and delicious 〈◊〉 . Thoughts of Revenge are like to Lions strong , Which whet the Appetite with Thoughts of Wrong . With subtle Thoughts they couch to leap along , But Bloody Thoughts like Flesh they feed upon . And Spightfull Thoughts , like Cats , they Micc do catch , At every corner of Imperfections Watch. When Spigbt perceives detracting Thoughts to speak , It strait leaps on , no other Meat doth seek . Suspicious Thoughts like Hounds do hunt about , To find the Hare , to eat of Timorous Doubt . Observing Thoughts do swell which way to trace , And Hatefull Thoughts do follow close the Chase. But Thoughts of Patience like to Dormise live , Eate little ; Sleep most nourishment doth give . And when it feeds , a Thought of Sorrow cracks A Nut so hard , its Teeth against it knacks . But Gratefull Thoughts do feed on Thoughts of thanks , And are industrious , as prudent Ants. But Thoughts of Love do live on severall Meat , Of Feares , of Hopes , and of Suspition eat . And like as Bees do flyeon severall Flowers , To suck out Honey : so Thoughts do of Lovers .

Similizing Fancy to a Gnat. SOme Fancies , like small Gnats , buz in the Braine , Which by the hand of Worldly Cares are slaine . But they do sting so sore the Poets Head , His Mind is blister'd , and the Thoughts turn'd red . Nought can take out the burning heat , and paine , But Pen , and Ink , to write on Paper plaine . But take the Oile of Fame , and 'noint the Mind , And this will be a perfect Cure you 'l finde .

Of the Spider . THE Spiders Hensewifry no Webs doth spin , To make her Cloath , but Ropes to hang Flies in . Her Bowels are the Shop , where Flax is found , Her 〈◊〉 is the Wheele that goeth round . A Wall her Distaff , where she sticks thread on , The Fingers are the Feet that pull it long . And wheresoever she goes , nere idle sits , Nor wants a House , builds one with Ropes , and Nets . Though it be not so strong , as Brick , and Stone , Yet strong enough to beare light Bodies on . Within this House the Female Spider lies , The whilst the Male doth hunt abroad for Flies . Nere leaves , till he the Flies gets in , and there Intangles him within his subtle Snare . Like Treacherous Host , which doth much welcome make , Yet watches how his Guests Life he may take .

A Comparison between Gold , and the Sun . Jam the purest of all Natures works , No Drosse , nor sluggish Moiseure in me lurks . I am within the Bowels of the Earth , None knowes of what , or whence I took my Birth . And as the Sun I shine in Glory bright , Onely I want his Beames to make a Light . And as the Sun is chiefe of 〈◊〉 high , So on the Earth the chiefest thing am I. And as the Sun rules there , as Lord , and King , So on the Earth I governe every thing . And as the Sun doth run about the World , So I about from 〈◊〉 to Man about am hurl'd .

Poets have most Pleasure in this Life . NAture most Pleasure doth to Poets give ; If Pleasures in Variety do live . There every Sense by Fancy new is fed , Which Fancy in a Torrent Braine is bred . Contrary is to all that 's borne on Earth , For Fancy is delighted most at 's Birth . What ever else is borne , with Paine comes forth , But Fancy needs not time to make it grow , Hath neither Beauty , Strength , nor perfect Growth . Those Braine like Gods , from whence all things do flow . WHere Gardens are , them Paradise we call , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . For-bidden Fruits , which tempt young Lovers all , Grow on the Trees , which in the midst is plac'd Beauty , on the other Desire vast . The Devill selfe - 〈◊〉 full craftily Did take the Serpents shape of Flattery , For to deceive the Female Sex thereby ; Which made was onely of Inconstancy . The Male high Credence , which doth relaxe To any thing , the Female Sex will ask . Two Rivers round this Garden run about , The one is Confidence , the other Doubt . Every Bank is set with Fancies Flowers , Wit raines upon them fine refreshing Showers . Truth was the Owner of this place , But Ignorance this Garden out did raze . Then from this Garden , to a Forrest goes , Where many Cedars of high Knowledge growes ; Oakes of strong Judgment , Hasle Wits , which Tree Beares Nuts full of Conceits , when crackt they bee . And smooth - Tougu'd Beech , kind-hearted Willow bowes , And yeilds to all that Honesty allowes . Here Birds of Eloquence do fit , and sing , Build Nests , Logick to lay Reasons in . Some Birds of Sophistry till 〈◊〉 there lye , Wing'd with false Principles away they flye , Here doth the Poet hawk , hunt , run a Race , Untill he weary growes , then leaves this Place . Then goes a Fishing to a Rivers side , Whose Water 's cleare , where Fancy flowes high Tide : Angles with Wit , to catch the 〈◊〉 of Fame , To feed his Memory , and preserve his Name . And of Ambition builds Ships swift , and strong , Sales of Imaginations drive her on . With Windes of severall Praises fills them full , Swimmes on the salt Sea Braine , round the Worlds Scull , 〈◊〉 Thoughts labour both day , and night , For to avoid a Ship-wrack of dislike . These Ships are often cast upon the Sands of Spight , And Rocks of Malice sometimes split them quite . But Merchant Poets , and Ship-Master Mind , Do compasse take some unknowne Land to finde .

Of the Head . THE Head of Man 's a Church , where Reason preaches , Directs the Life , and every Thought it teaches . Perswades the Mind to live in Peace , and quiet , And not in fruitlesse Contemplation Riot . For why , saies Reason , you shall damned be From all Content , for your Curiosity . To seek about for that you cannot finde , Shall be a Torment to a restlesse Mind .

The Mine of Wit . T IS strange Men think so vaine , and seem so sage , And act so foolish in this latter Age. Their Braines are alwaies working some designe ; Which Plots they dig , as Miners in the Mine . Fancy the Minerall , the Mine 's the Head , Some Gold are , Silver , Iron , Tin , and Lead . The Furnace which 't is melted in , is 〈◊〉 , Quick Motion 't is , which gives a glowing Heat . The Month 's the 〈◊〉 , where the Oare doth run : The Hammer which the 〈◊〉 do heat's the Tongue . The Eare 's the Forge to shape , and 〈◊〉 it out , And severall Merchants send it all about . And as the Mettle's worth , the price is set , And Schollers , which the Buyers are , do get , On Gold , and Silver , which are Fancies fine , Are Poets 〈◊〉 , as Masters of that Coine . Strong Judgments Iron hard is fit for use , For Peace , or War to joyne up Errours loose . Though Lead is dull , yet often use is made , Like to Translators in every Language trade . But Tin is weake , and of small strength we see , Yet , joyn'd with Silver Wits , makes 〈◊〉 . Halfe-witted Men joyn'd with strong Wits , might grow To be of use , and make a Glisering shew . GIve me that Wit , whose Fancy's not consin'd , That buildeth on it selfe , not two Braines joyn'd . For that 's like Oxen yoak'd , and forc'd to draw , Or like two Witnesses for one Deed in Law . But like the Sun , that needs no help to rise , Or like a Bird in Aire which freely flies . Good Wits are Parallels , that run in length , Need no Triangular Points to give it strength . Or like the Sea , which runneth round without , And graspes the Earth with twining Armes about . Thus true Born Wits to others strength may give , Yet by its owne , and not by others live .

THE CLASPE .

Phantasmes Masque .

THE Scene is Poetry .

The Stage is the Braine , whereon it is Acted . First is presented a Dumb Shew , as a young Lady in a Ship , swimming over the Scene in various Weather . Afterwards this Ship came back againe , having then a Commander of War , as the Owner ; in various Weather this Ship being in great distresse , Jupiter releives it .

Then appeared six Masquers in severall Dresses , as drest by Love , Valour , Honour , Youth , Age , Vanity . Vanity 〈◊〉 the World , and Age Mortality .

Then there is presented in Shew the Nine Muses , who dance a measure in foure and twenty * * Which are the 24. Letters of the Alphabet . Figures , and nine Musicall Instruments , made of Goose-quils , playing severall Tunes as they dance .

Then a Chorus speakes .

The Bride , and Bridegroome going to the Temple ; Fancy speaks the Prologue to Judgment as King . Vanity speaks an Epilogue to the Thoughts , which are Spectators : Honour speaks another .

Fancies Prologue to Judgment . GReat King , we here present a Masque to Night , To Judgments view , and for the Mindes delight . If it be good , 〈◊〉 Lights of Praise about . If it be bad then put those Torches out .

Similizing a young Lady to a Ship . A Ship of youth in the Worlds Sea was sent , Ballanc'd with Selfe-conceit , and Pride it went . And large Sailes of Ambition set thereon , Hung to a tall Mast of good Opinion . And on the Waves of Plenty did it ride , With Winds of Praise , and Beauties flowing Tide . Unto the Land of Riches it was bound , To see if Golden Fame might there be found ; And in a Calme of Peace she swims along , No Stormes of War at that time thought upon , But when that she had past nineteen Degrees , The Land of Happinesse she no longer secs : For then Rebellious Clouds foule black did grow , And Showers of Blood into those Seas did throw . And Vapours of sad Sighs , full thick did rise From grieved Hearts , which in the bottome lyes . Then Feares like to the Northern Winds blew high , And Stars of Hopes were clouded in the Skie . The Sun went downe of all Prosperity , Reel'd in the troubl'd Seas of Misery . On Sorrowes Billowes high this Ship was toss'd , The Card of Mirth , and Mark of Joy was lost . The Point of Comsort could not be found out , Her sides did beat upon the Sands of Doubt . Prudence was Pilot , she with much ado , A Haven of great France she got into . Glad was this Ship that she safe Harbour got , Then on the River of Loire she strait swam up . For on this River she no 〈◊〉 feares , Directly to faire Paris this Barque steers . And in that place she did some time remaine , To mend her totter'd , and torne Barque againe . New Sailes she made , and all her Tacklings fit , Made her selfe Fine , and Gay , Respect to get . Where there a Noble Lord this Ship did buy , And with this Ship he meanes to live and dye .

The Ship . AFter this Ship another Voyage went , Ballanc'd it was with Spice of sweet Content . The Mast was Merit , where Sailes of Love tied on , By virtuous Zephyrus those Sailes were blowne . And on the Sea of Honour did it swim , And to the Land of Fame did Trafsick in . At last a storm of Poverty did rise , And Showers of Miseries fell from the Skies . And 〈◊〉 Creditors a Noise did make , With threatning Bills , as if the Ship would break . This Ship was forc'd towards the Northern Pole ; There Icy Wants did on this Ship take hold . At last the Sun of Charity did melt Those Icy Wants , so Liberty she felt : And Oares of honest Industry did row , Till gentle Gales of Friend-ship made it go . But when the Stormes of Dangers all were past ; Upon the Coast of — it was cast . Yet was this Ship so totter'd , tome , and rent ; That none but Gods the Ruine could prevent .

A Lady drest by Love . HER Haire with Lovers Hopes curl'd in long Rings , 1 〈◊〉 . Her Braides plaited hard with his Protestings . Yet often times those curled Haires went out , With Lovers windy Feares , and 〈◊〉 of Doubt . Strings of threaded Teares about her Neck she wore , Dropt from her Lovers Eyes , whose Image bore . His Sighs as Pendants hung at either Eare , Sometime were troublesome , if heavie were . Of Admiration was her Gowne made on , Where Praises high imbroyder'd were upon . Ribbons of Verses Love hung here and there , 〈◊〉 the severall Fancies were . With some the tied her Looking-Glasse of Pride , And Fan of good Opinion by her side . Sometimes Love Pleasure took a Veile to place , Of Glances , which did cover all her Face .

A Souldier arm'd by Mars . A Head - 〈◊〉 made of Prudence , where 's his Eye 2 Masquer . Of Judgments Dangers , or Mistakes to ' spy . His breast-plate made of Courage , to keep out Bullets of Feare , or Blowes of timorous Doubt . And on his Hands Gauntlets of active Skill , Wherewith he held a Pole-axe of good Will. His Sword was a strong , and stiff-mettell'd Blade ; For it was all of pure bright Honour made . A 〈◊〉 , which Fortune gave , his Wast did tye , 〈◊〉 thick with Stars of Purple dye . A Plume of valiant Thoughts did on his Head-peece 〈◊〉 , A 〈◊〉 Cloake of Merit about him was . His Spurs rowell'd with Hope , which peirc'd the side Of strong Ambition , whereon he did ride . Thus he was arm'd , and for great Fame did fight , She was his 〈◊〉 , he her Champion Knight .

A Lady arest by Youth . HER Haire was curles of Pleasures , and Delight , 3 〈◊〉 Which through her Skin did cast a glimmering Light . As Lace , her bashfull Eye-lids downwards hung , A Modest Countenance * * As a 〈◊〉 . over her Face was flung . Blushes , as Corall 〈◊〉 she strung , to weare , About her Neck , and Pendants for each Eare. Her Gowne was by Proportion cut , and made , With Veines Imbroydered , with Complexion laid . Light words with Ribbons of Chast Thoughts up ties , And loose Behaviour , which through Errours 〈◊〉 . Rich Jewels of bright Honour she did weare , By Noble Actions plac'd were every where . Thus drest , to Fames great Court strait waies she went , There danc'd a Brall with Touth , Love , Mirth , Content .

A Woman drest by Age. A Milk-white Haire-lace wound up all her Haires , And a deafe Coife did cover both her Eares . A sober Countenance about her Face she ties , And a dim Sight doth cover halfe her Eyes . About her Neck a Kercher of course Skin , Which Time had crumpl'd , and worne Creases in . Her Gowne was turn'd to Melancholy black , Which loose did hang upon her Sides , and Back . Her Stockings Crampes had knit , Red Worsted Gout , And Paines , as Garters , tied her Legs about . A paire of 〈◊〉 Gloves her Hands draw on , With 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stitch'd , and 〈◊〉 trimm'd upon . Her Shoes were Cornes , and hard Skin sow'd together , Hard Skin were Soles , and Cornes the upper Leather . A Mantle of Diseases laps her round , And thus shee 's drest till Death laies her in Ground .

The Chorus . THus Love , and War , and Age , and Youth did meet In scenes of Poetry , and numbers sweet . War took out Love , and Age did take out Youth , And all did dance upon the Stage of Truth .

The Bride . UPon her Head a Crowne of Jewels put , 5 Masquer . And every Jewell like a Planet cut . The Diamond , Carbuncle , and Ruby Red , The Saphir , Topas , and Green Emerald . His Face was like the Sun that shined bright , And all those Jewels from her Face took Light . A Chaine of Gold the Destinies had linckt , And every Link a good Effect had in 't . And as the Zodiack round the World doth bind , So doth the 〈◊〉 about her Body wind . A Cloath of Silver 〈◊〉 the Fates did spin , Where every Thread was twisted hard therein . Her Haire in curles hung loose , which Cupid blowes , Betwixt those Curles , her Shoulders white he shewes . Youth strew'd green Rushes to the 〈◊〉 Gate , In 〈◊〉 Charriot she rid on in State . With great Applause her Charrioteer drove on , Eyes of Delight , as 〈◊〉 , run along . And to the Altar this faire Bride was led , By Blushing Modesty in Crimson red . And Innocence drest in Lilly white , And Hymen beares the Torch that burned bright . Her Traine was car ried up by Graces Three , As lovely Hope , and Faith , and Charity .

The Bridegroome . THE Bridegroome all was drest by Honours fine , And was attended by the Muses Nine . Vertue Flowers strew'd of Dispositions sweet , In honest waies to walk on gentle Feet . A 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 upon his Head , And both by Fortitude , and Justice lead . Over his Crowne a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did set , Which Fortune often striv'd away to get . And many 〈◊〉 of severall Censures rung , And all the Streets was with Inquiry hung . And in a Charriot of good Deeds did ride , And many thankfull Hearts run by his side .

To the Temple . THus to the Temple the Bride , and Bridegroome went , Though 〈◊〉 strove the Marriage to prevent . Hymen did joyne their Hands , their Hearts did tye , Not to dislolve untill their Bodies dye . The Gods did joyne their Soules in Wedlock-Bands , In Heavens Record their Love for ever stands .

A Masquer drest by Vanity , spoke the Epilogue ; his Dresse . HIs Persum'd powder in 's long curles of Haire , He made Lime-twigs to catch a Maid that 's faire . His Glistring Suit , which every 〈◊〉 Pride lac'd , Is made a Bawde for to corrupt the Chast. A Cut-work Band which 〈◊〉 had wrought , A price by which his Mistresse Love was brought . Silk Stockings , Garters , Roses , all of Gold , Are Bribes by which his Mistresse Love doth hold . His severall colour'd Ribbons , which he weares , As Pages to his 〈◊〉 Letters beares . Feathers like Sailes , which wave with every Wind , Yet by those Sailes hesindes his 〈◊〉 kind His 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deludes a simple Maid , Perswades her all is Truth , when all 's False he said .

Vanities Epilogue to the Thoughts . NOblest , you see how finely I am drest , Yet all is Counterfeit that 's here exprest . Vanity doth cheat you all , and doth take Pride , For to allure you from 〈◊〉 Virtues Side . TO Silver Ribbens turn'd was every Haire , A Masquer drest with Honour , & Time . Knots of Experience every one tied there . Cover'd his Head was all with Wisedomes Hat , Good Managements as Hat-band about that . His Garments loose , yet Manly did they sit , Though Time had crumpl'd them , no 〈◊〉 did get . His Cloake made of a free , and noble Mind , And all with Generosity was lin'd . And Gloves of Bounty his hands drew on , Stich'd with Love , free Hearts were trimm'd upon . A Sword of Valour hung close by his side , To cut of all base Feares , and haughty Pride . His Boots were Honesty , to walk upon , And Spurs of good Desires tied them on . Thus he was drest by Honour , and by Time , The one did give him Wit , the other made him Fine .

Honours Epilogue . NOble Spectators , pray this learne by me , That nothing without Honour , Time , can perfect be . Honour doth dresle the Mind with Virtuous Weeds , And is the Parent to all Noble Deeds . Time doth the Body dresse with Touth , and Age , And is great Natures Chamber-maid , and Page . If in Times * * Times Cabinet is Oppertunity . Cabinet great Spoiles you find , The Fault is Ignorance , who 's Stupid , blind . Which Carelesse is , and tumbles all about , Misplacing all , taking the wrong things out . But Time 's a Huswife good , and takes much paine To order all , as Nature did ordaine . All severall Ages on severall Heapes she laies , And what she takes from Life , to Death she paies . But if Disorder'd Life doth run in Debt , Then Death his Serjeants doth Diseases 〈◊〉 . Which causes Time to give a double Pay , Because Life spent so much before Rent-day .

To all Writing Ladies .

IT is to be observed , that there is a secret working by Nature , as to cast an influence upon the mindes of men : like as in Contagions , when as the Aire is corrupted , it produces severall Diseases ; so severall distempers of the minde , by the inflammations of the spirits . And as in healthfull Ages , bodies are purified , so wits are refined ; yet it seemes to me as if there were severall invisible spirits , that have severall , but visible powers , to worke in severall Ages upon the mindes of men . For in many Ages men will be affected , and dis-affected alike : as in some Ages so strongly , and superstitiously devout , that they make many gods : and in another Age so Atheisticall , as they beleeve in no God at all , and live to those Principles . Some Ages againe have such strong faiths , that they will not only dye in their severall Opinions , but they will Massacre , and cut one anothers throats , because their opinions are different . In some Ages all men seek absolute power , and every man would be Emperour of the World ; which makes Civil Wars : for their ambition makes them restlesse , and their restlesnesse makes them seek change . Then in another Age all live peaceable , and so obedient , that the very Governours rule with obedient power . In some Ages againe , all run after Imitation , like a company of Apes , as to imitate such a Poet , to be of such a Philosophers opinion . Some Ages mixt , as Moralists , Poets , Philosophers , and the like : and in some Ages agen , all affect singularity ; and they are thought the wisest , that can have the most extravagant opinions . In some Ages Learning flourisheth in Arts , and Sciences ; other Ages so dull , as they loose what former Ages had taught . And in some Ages it seemes as if there were a Common-wealth of those governing spirits , where most rule at one time . Some Ages , as in Aristocracy , when some part did rule ; and other Ages a pure Monarchy , when but one rules ; and in some Ages , it seemes as if all those spirits were at defiance , who should have most power , which makes them in confusion , and War ; so confused are some Ages , and it seemes as if there were spirits of the Faeminine Gender , as also the Masculine . There will be many Heroick Women in some Ages , in others very Propheticall ; in some Ages very pious , and devout : For our Sex is wonderfully addicted to the spirits . But this Age hath produced many effeminate Writers , as well as Preachers , and many effeminate Rulers , as well as Actors . And if it be an Age when the effeminate spirits rule , as most visible they doe in every Kingdome , let us take the advantage , and make the best of our time , for feare their reigne should not last long ; whether it be in the Amazonian Government , or in the Politick Common-wealth , or in flourishing Monarchy , or in Schooles of Divinity , or in Lectures of Philosophy , or in witty Poetry , or any thing that may bring honour to our Sex : for they are poore , dejected spirits , that are not ambitious of Fame . And though we be inferiour to Men , let us shew our selves a degree above Beasts ; and not eate , and drink , and sleep away our time as they doe ; and live only to the sense , not to the reason ; and so turne into forgotten dust . But let us strive to build us Tombs while we live , of Noble , Honourable , and good Actions , at least harmlesse ;

That though our Bodies dye , Our Names may live to after memory .

I Wonder any should laugh , or think it ridiculous to heare of Fairies , and yet verily beleeve there are spirits : which spirits can have no description , because no dimension : And of Witches , which are said to change themselves into severall formes , and then to returne into their first forme againe ordinarily , which is altogether against nature : yet laugh at the report of Fairies , as impossible ; which are onely small bodies , not subject to our sense , although it be to our reason . For Nature can as well make small bodies , as great , and thin bodies as well as thicke . We may as well thinke there is no Aire , because we 〈◊〉 not see it ; or to thinke there is no Aire in an empty Barrel , or the like , because when we put our hands and armes into the same , we doe not feele it . And why should not they get through doores or walls , as well as Aire doth , if their bodies were as thin ? And if we can grant there may be a substance , although not subject to our sense , then wee must grant , that substance must have some forme ; And why not of man , as of any thing else ? and why not rational soules live in a small body , as well as in a grosse , and in a thin , as in a thicke ?

Shall we say Dwarfes have lesse soules , because lesse , or thinner bodies ? And if rational souls , why not saving souls ? So there is no reason in Nature , but that there may not onely be such things as Fairies , but these be as deare to God as we .

POEMS .

Of the Theam of Love . O Love , how thou art tired out with Rblme ! Thou art a Tree whereon all Poets climbe ; And from thy branches every one takes some Of thy sweet fruit , which 〈◊〉 feeds upon . But now thy Tree is left so bare , and poor , That they can hardly gather one Plumb more .

The Elysium . THe Brain is the Elysian fields ; and here All Ghosts and Spirits in strong dreams appeare . In gloomy shades sleepy Lovers doe walke , Where soules do entertain themselves with talke . And Heroes their great actions do relate , Telling their Fortunes good , and their sad Fate ; What chanc'd to them when they awak'd did live , Their World the light did great Apollo give ; And what in life they could a pleasure call , Here in these Fields they passe their time withall . Where Memory , the Ferriman , doth bring New company , which through the Senses swim . The Boat Imagination's alwayes full , Which Charon roweth in the Region 〈◊〉 , And in that Region is that River 〈◊〉 , There some are dipt , then all things soon forgets . But this Elysium Poets happy call , Where Poets as great Gods do record all . The souls of those that they will choose for blisse , And their sweet number'd verse their pastport is , But those that strive this happy place to seek , Is but to goe to bed , and fall asleep . Yet what a stir doe Poets make , when they By their wit Mercury those soules convey . But what , cannot the God-head Wit create . Whose Fancies are both Destiny , and Fate , And Fame the thread which long and short they spin , The World as Flax unto their Distaffe bring . This Distaffe spins fine canvas of conceit , Wherein the Sense is woven even , and strait . But if in knots , and snarles intangled be , The thread of Fame doth run unevenly : Those that care not to live in Poets verse , Let them lye dead upon Oblivions Hearse .

A Description of Shepherds , and Shepherdesses . THe Shepherdesses which great Flocks doe keep , Are dabl'd high with dew , following their Sheep , Milking their Ewes , their hands doe dirty make ; For being wet , dirt from their Duggs doe take . The Sun doth scorch the skin , it yellow growes , Their eyes are red , lips dry with wind that blowes . Their Shepherds sit on mountains top , that 's high , Yet on their feeding sheep doe cast an eye ; Which to the mounts steep sides they hanging feed On short moyst grasse , not suffer'd to beare seed ; Their feet though small , strong are their sinews string , Which make them fast to rocks & mountains cling : The while the Shepherds leggs hang dangling down , And sets his breech upon the hills high crown . Like to a tanned Hide , so was his skin , No melting heat , or numming cold gets in , And with a voyce that 's harsh against his throat , He straines to sing , yet knowes not any Note : And yawning , lazie lyes upon his side , Or strait upon his back , with armes spred wide ; Or snorting sleeps , and dreames of Joan their Maid , Or of Hobgoblin wakes , as being afraid . Motion in their dull braines doth plow , and sow , Not Plant , and set , as skilfull Gardners doe . Or takes his Knife new ground , that half was broke , And whittles sticks to pin up his sheep-coat : Or cuts some holes in straw , to Pipe thereon Some tunes that pleaseth Joan his Love at home . Thus rustick Clownes are pleas'd to spend their times , And not as Poets faine , in Sonnets , Rhimes , Making great Kings and Princes Pastures keep , And beauteous Ladies driving flocks of sheep : Dancing 'bout May-poles in a rustick sort , When Ladies scorne to dance without a Court. For they their Loves would hate , if they should come With leather Jerkins , breeches made of Thrum , And Buskings made of Freeze that 's course , and strong , With clouted Shooes , tyed with a leather thong . Those that are nicely bred , fine cloaths still love , A white hand sluttish seemes in dirty Glove .

A Shepherds imployment is too meane an Allegory for Noble Ladies . TO cover Noble Lovers in Shepherds weeds , Of high descent , too humble thoughts it breeds : Like Gods , when they to Men descend down low , Take off the reverence , and respect we owe. Then make such persons like faire Nymphs to be , Who 're cloath'd with beauty , bred with modesty : Their tresses long hang on their shoulders white , Which when they move , doe give the Gods delight . Their Quiver , Hearts of men , which fast are ty'd , And 〈◊〉 of quick flying eyes beside . Buskings , that 's buckl'd close with plates of gold , Which from base wayes their legs with strength doe hold . Men , Champions , Knights , which Honour high doe prize , Above the tempting of alluring eyes , That seeke to kill , or at the least to binde , All evil Passions in a wandring minde . To take those Castles kept by scandals strong , That have by errours been inchanted long , Destroying monstrous Vice , which Vertues eate , These Lovers worthy are of praises great . So will high Fame aloud those praises sing , Cupid those Lovers shall to Hymen bring , At Honours Altar joyne both hearts and hands , The Gods will seale those Matrimoniall bands .

Between Shame and Dishonour . DIshonour in the house of Shame doth dwell , The way is broad , and open is as Hell : Yet Porter have , which Basenesse some doe call , And Idlenesse , as usher of the Hall . The house with dark forgetfulnesse is hung , And round about Ingratitude is flung : Boldnesse for Windowes , which out-face the Light , Dissembling as Curtaines drawne with spight : With Covetousnesse all gilded are the roofes , The Weather-cock Inconstancy still moves : Pillars of Obstinacies as firmly stands , Carved with Perjury by cunning hands . And Lust on beds of Luxury doe lye , Where Chamberlaines of Jealousies out-spy : Gardens of riot , where the wanton walkes , Lascivious Arbours where Obscenenesse talks : Store-houses of Theft ill gotten goods lyes in , A secret doore bolted with a false pin : Bake-house ill Consciences mould , and make False hearts as Oven hot , those hard doe bake : Brew-houses , where ill designes are tunned up , With their light Graines , false Measures , and corrupt : Cellars of Drunkennesse , barrels , stomacks made , And mouthes for Taps , where spue for drink out-wades : Kitchens of slander , where good names they burne , Spits of revenge , on which ill deeds doe turne : The Slaughter-roome of horrid Murder built , A Knife of Cruelty , by which bloud is spilt : In Matrimonial bonds dishonour's linkt With Infamy , which is as black as inke .

The Temple of Honour . HOnours brave Temple is built both high and wide , Whose walls are of clear glasse on every side ; Where actions of all sorts are perfect seen , Where Truth as Priest approves , which worthy'st been ; And on the Altar of the world them layes , And offers them with sacrificing praise . Which offerings are so clean without a speck , The Offerings . As Honours God-head cannot them reject . As pious Tears , with thoughts most chaste and pure , And patient minds afflictions to indure ; Wise-mens brains , which bring things to good effect , A helping hand without a bribe suspect ; A tongue , which Truth in Eloquence doth dresse , And Lippes , which worthy praises do expresse ; Eyes that pry out , and spie examples good , Feet that in wayes of mischiefe never stood ; Haire from heads , that shav'd for holy vow , Which as a witnesse , blessing gods allow . Breasts , from whence proceed all good desires , Which lock up secrets , if that need requires ; And hearts , from whence clear springs of love do rise , Where loyall courage in the bottome lyes . Besides here 's spleen' s , which never malice bore , And shoulders , with distressed burthens wore . An humble knee , that bows to ruling powers , And hands of Bounty , which on misery showers . Kings Crowns , which rul'd with Justice , Love , and Peace , Whose power serv'd , from slavery to release . Here speculations from much Musing grow , Which Reasons proof , and Times experience shew . Witty inventions , which men profit bring , Inspiring verse , which Poets to gods sing ; White innocence , as Girdles Virgins wear , That onely Hymen from their waste doth tear : And Hymens Torches , which burn bright and clear ; Shew , jealousie and falshood nere came neere . Garlands of Laureil , which keep ever green , Which for the best of Poets Crownes have been : The Olive branch , which embleame is of peace , There offer'd is for the worlds good increase : Mirtle for Lovers constant , which are true , Then for Misfortunes lay the bitter Rue : Sighs , which from deep compassion do flow out , And faiths , which never knew to make a doubt . Thus offer'd all , with gratefull Hearts in rankes , Whereon was sprinckled the essence of thankes . Brought was the fire of Love , which burnt all 〈◊〉 Holy-water , the penitentiall Tear : The Priests , which were the Cardinall Vertues foure , Those Ceremonies executed o're . In grave procession honour high 〈◊〉 raise , And with their Anthems sweet did sing her praise .

Fame . THen on her wings doth Fame those Actions bear Which flye about , and carry'hem every where . Sometime she overloaded is with all , And then some downe into Oblivion fall . But those that would to Fames high Temple go , Must first great Honours Temple quite passe through .

The Temple of Fame . THis Temple is divided in two parts , Some open lye , others obscure as hearts . Some light as day , others as darke as night , By times obscurity worn out of sight . The outward rooms all glorious to the eye , In which Fames image placed is on high . Where all the windows are Triangulars cut , Where from one face a million of faces put : And builded is in squares , just like a Cube , Which way to double hard is in dispute . Wherein the Ecchoes do like balls rebound , From every corner , making a great sound . The walls are hung with chapiters all of gold , In Letters great all actions there are told . The Temple doore is of prospective Glasse , Through which a small beame of our eye can passe . That makes truth there so difficult to know , As for the bright Moone , a new world to show . The Steeple , or Pillars , of Goose-quils built , And plastered over with white paper guilt : The painting thereof with Inke black as jet , In severall workes and figures like a Net . This Steeple high is , and not very light , As a faire Evening is 'twixt day , and night . Five Tongues , the five Bells through the world do ring , And to each severall eare much newes doe bring . The Philosophers Tongue doth give a deep sound , But the Historians is no better found : The Oratours Tongue doth make a great noyse , Grammarians sound harsh , as if it had flawes : The small Bell , a Poets tongue , changes oft , Whose motion is quick , smooth , even , and soft . The ropes they hung by , we could not well see , For they were long small threads of Vain-glory. But yet when they did ring , made a sweet chime , Especially when the Poet he did rhime . The Belfrey man , a Printer by his skill , That , if he pleases , may ring when he will . When Priest to Mattens , or to Vespers goe , To the High Altar they bow downe low . This Altar , whereon they offer unto Fame , Is made of braines , armes , and hearts without blame : On which lyes Wisdome , Wit , Strength , Courage , Love , Offer'd as sacrifices to Fame above : Vertues , Arts , Sciences , as Priest here stands , But Fortune Prioresse all these commands . Incense of noble deeds to Fame she sends , Nothing is offer'd , but what she recommends . For Fortune brings more into Fames high Court , Then all their vertues with their great 〈◊〉 .

Fames Library within the Temples . FAmes Library , where old Records are plac'd , What acts not here unto oblivion cast . There stands the skelves of Time , where books do lye , Which books are tyed by chaines Of destiny . The Master of this place they Favour call , Where Care the door-keeper , doth lock up all : Yet not so fast , but Bribery in steals , Partialities , cousenage truths not reveals . But Bribery through all the world takes place , And offerings as a bribe in heaven findes grace . Then let not men disdaine a bribe to take , Since gods doe blessing give for a bribes sake .

The Fairy Queen . THe Fairy Queens large Kingdome got by birth , Is in the circled center of the Earth , Where there are many springs , and running streams , Whose waves do glister by the Queens bright beams . Which makes them murmure as they passe away , Because by running round they cannot stay . For they do evermore , * * The waters run in circulations . just like the Sun , As constantly in their long race they run : And as the Sun gives heat to make things spring , So water moyslure gives to every thing . Thus these two Elements give life to all , Creating every thing on Earths round ball . And all along this liquid source that flows , Stand Mirtle trees , and banks where flowers grows . 'T is true , there are no Birds to sing sweet notes , But there are winds that whistle like birds throats ; Whose sounds , and notes by variation oft , Make better Musicke then the Spheares aloft , Nor any beasts are there of cruell nature , But a slow , sost worm , a gentle creature , Who fears no hungry birds to pick them out , Safely they graspe the tender twigs about . There Mountains are of pure resined gold , And Rocks of Diamonds perfect to behold ; Whose brightnesse is a Sun to all about , Which glory makes Apollo's beams keep out . Quarries of Rubles , Saphirs there are store , Christals , and 〈◊〉 many more . There polisht pillars naturally appeare , Where twining vines are clustred all the yeare . The Axle-tree whereon the Earth turnes round , Is one great 〈◊〉 , by opinion found . And the two ends , which called are the Poles , Are pointed Diamonds , the Antartick holds , And Artick ; which about the world is rowl'd , Are rings of pure , refined , perfect gold . Which makes the Sun so seldome there appear , For fear those rings should melt , if he came near . And as a wheele the Elements are found In even Layes , and often turnings round . For first the sire in circle , as the spoake , And then the water , for aire is the smoak Begot of both ; for fire doth water boyle , That causes clouds , or smoak which is the oyle . This smoaky childe sometimes is good , then bad , According to the nourishment it had . The outward 〈◊〉 , as the Earth suppose , Which is the surface where all plenty flows . Yet the Earth is not the cause of turning , But the siery spoak ; not fear of burning The Axle-tree , for that grows hard with heat , And by its quicknesse turns the wheel , though great , Unlesse by outward weight it selfe presse down , Raising the bottome , bowing down the Crown . Yet why this while am I so long of proving , But to shew how this Earth still is moving . And the heavens , as wheels , do turn likewise , As we do daily see before our eyes . To make the Proverb good in its due turn , That all the world on wheels doth yeerly run . And by the turn such blasts of wind doe blow , As we may think like Windmils they do go . But winds are made by Vulcans bellows sure , Which makes the Earth such Collicks to endure . For he , a Smith set at the sorge below , Ordained is the Center-fire to blow . But Venus laughs to thinke what horns he wears , Though on his shoulders halfe the Earth he bears , Nature her mettal makes him hammer out , All that she sends through Mines the world about . For he 's th' old-man that doth i' th Center dwell , She Proserpine , that 's thought the Queen of hell . Yet Venus is a Tinkers wife , we see , Not a goddesse , as she was thought to be ; When all the world to her did offerings bring , And her high praise in prose , and verse did sing : And Priests in orders , on her Altars tend , And to her Image all the wise heads bend . But to vain wayes that men did go , To worship gods they do not know . T is true , her sonne 's a prettyLad , And is a Foot-boy to Queen Mab ; Which makes fires , and sets up lights , And keeps the door for Carpet Knights . For when the Queen is gone to sleep , Then revel-rout the Court doth keep . Yet heretosore men striv'd to prove , That Cupid was the god of love . But if that men could to the Center go , They soon would see that it were nothing so . Here Nature nurses , and sends them season , All things abroad , as she seeth reason . When she commands , all things do her obey , Unlesse her countermand some things do stay . For she stayes life , when drugs are well apply'd , And healing balmes to deadly wounds beside . There Mab is Queen of all , by Natures will , And by her favour she doth govern still . Happy 〈◊〉 , that is in Natures grace ; For young she 's alwayes , being in this place . But leaving here , let 's see the sport , That 's acted in the Fairy Court .

The Pastime , and Recreation of the Queen of Fairies in Fairy-land , the Center of the Earth . WHere this Queen Mab , and all her Fairy fry , Are dancing on a pleasant mole-bill high ; With fine small stram-pipes sweet Musicks pleasure , By which they do keep just time and measure . All hand in hand , a round , a round , They dance upon this Fairy ground . And when the Queen leaves off to dance , She calls for all her Attendants , Her to wait on unto a Bower , Where she doth sit under a flower , To shade her from the Moon-shine bright , Where Gnats do sing for her delight . Some high , some low , some Tenour strain , Making a Consort very plain . The whilst the Bat doth flye about , To keep in order all the rout ; And with her wings she strikes them hard , Because no noise there should be heard . She on a dewy leafe doth bathe , And as she sits , the lease doth wave . There , like a new-fallen flake of snow , Doth her white limbes in beauty shew . Her garments faire her maid , put on , Made of the pure light from the Sun ; From whence such colours she inshades , In every object she invades . Then to her dinner she goes stroight , Where every one in order wait ; And on a Mushroom there is 〈◊〉 A cover fine of Spiders web . And for her stood a Thistle-down , And for her cup an Acorns crown ; Wherein strong Nectar there is fill'd , That from sweet flowers is distill'd . Flyes of all sorts both fat , and good , Partridge , Snipes , Quailes , and Poult , her food . 〈◊〉 , Larks , Cocks , or any kinde , Both wilde , and tame , you may there finde . Amelets made of Ants-egs new , Of these high meats she eats but few . Her milk comes from the Dormouse udder , Making fresh Cheese , Creame , and Butter . This milk doth make many a fine knack , When they fresh Ants-egs therein crack . Both Pudding , Custards , and Seed-cake , As her skill'd Cook knows how to make . To sweeten them , the 〈◊〉 doth bring Pure honey , gathered by her sting : But for her guard serves grosser meat , On stall-fed Dormouse they do cat . When din'd , she calls to take the aire , In Coach , which is a Nutshel faire : Lin'd soft it is , and rich within , Made of a glistering Adders skin . And there six Crickets draw her fast , And she a journey takes in haste ; Or else two serves to pase a round , And trample on the Fairy ground . To hawke sometimes she takes delight , Which is a Hornet swift for flight ; Whose horns do serve for Talons strong , To gripe the Partridge Flye among . But if she will a hunting go , Then she the Lizzard makes the Doe . They are so swift , and fleet in chase , As her slow Coach can never pase . Then on Grashopper doth she ride , Who gallops far in forrest wide . Her Bow is of a willow branch , To shoot the Lizzard on the haunch . Her arrow sharp , much like a blade Of a Rosemary leafe is made . Then home shee 's called by the Cock , Who gives her warning what 's a Clock . And when the Moon doth hide her head , Their day is done , so goeth to bed . Meteors do serve , when they are bright , As Torches do , to give her light . Glow-worms for candles are light up , Set on her table , while she sup . And in her chamber they are plac'd , Not fearing how the Tallow wast . But women , that inconstant are by kind , Can never in one place content their mind . For she her Charriot cals , and will away , To upper Earth , impatient is of stay .

The Pastime of the Queen of Fairies , when she comes upon the Earth out of the Center . THis lovely sweet , and beauteous Fairy Queen , Begins to rise , when Vespers star is seen . For she is kin unto the god of Night , So to Diana , and the stars so bright . And so to all the rest in some degrees , Yet not so neer relation as to these . As for Apollo , she disclaims him quite , And swears she nere will come within his light . For they fell out about some foolish toy , Where ever since in him she takes no joy . She faith , he alwayes doth more harm then good , If that his malice were true understood . For he brings dearths by parching up the ground , And sucks up waters , that none can be found . He makes poor man in feav'rish plagues to lye , His arrows hot , both man and beast do dye . So that to him she never wil come neare , But hates to see , when that his beams appear . This makes the Cock her notice give , they say , That when he rises , she may goe her way . And makes the Owle her favorite to be , Because Apollo's face she hates to see . Owles sleep all day , yet hollow in the night , Make acclamations that they 'r out of sight . So doth the Glow-worm all day hide her head , But lights her taper-taile , when hee 's a bed , To wait upon the fairest Fairy Queen , Whilst she is sporting on the meady green . Her pastime onely is when she 's on earth , To pinch the Sluts , which make Hobgoblin mirth : Or changes children while the nurses sleep , Making the father rich , whose child they keep . This Hobgoblin is the Queen of Fairies fool , Turning himselfe to Horse , Cow , Tree , or Stool ; Or any thing to crosse by harmlesse play , As leading Travellers out of their way , Or kick downe Payls of Milk , cause Cheese not turn , Or hinder Butter's coming in the Churne : Which makes the Farmers wife to scold , and fret , That she the Cheese , and Butter cannot get . Then holds he up the Hens Rumps , as they say , Because their Eggs too soon they should not lay . The good Wife sad , squats down upon a chaire , Not at all thinking it was Hob the Faire : Where frowning sits ; then Hob gives her the slip , And downe she falls , whereby she hurts her hip . And many prankes , which Hob playes on our stage , With his companion Tom Thumb , the Queenes Page ; Who doth like peice of fat in pudding lye , There almost chokes the Eater , going awry . And when he 's down , the Guts , their wind blowes out , Putting the standers by into a rout . Thus shames the Eater with a foule disgrace , That never after dare he shew his face . Besides , in many places puts himselfe , As Baggs , Budgets , being a little Elfe , To make his bearers start away with feare , To thinke that any thing alive is there . In this , the Queen of Fairies takes delight , In summers even , and in winters night ; And when that She is weary of these playes , She takes her Coach , and goeth on her wayes , Unto her Paradise , the Center deep , Which is the Store-house rich of Nature sweet .

Her descending downe . THe stately Pallace in which the Queen dwels , Whose fabrick is built of Hodmandod shels , The hangings thereof a Rain-bow that 's thin , Which seemes wondrous fine , if one enter in , The Chambers are made of Amber that 's cleare , Which gives a sweet smell , if fire be neare : Her Bed a Cherry-stone , carved throughout , And with a Butter-flyes wing hung about : Her Sheets are made of a Doves eyes skin , Her Pillow a Violet bud laid therein : The large doores are cut of transparent Glasse , Where the Queen may be seen , as she doth passe . The doores are locked fast with silver pins , The Queen 's asleep , and now our day begins . Her time in pleasure passes thus away , And shall doe so , until the worlds last day .

The Windy Gyants . THe foure chiefe Winds are Gyants , long in length , As broad are set , and wondrous great in strength . These Gyants have Heads ( as it doth appeare ) More then the Months , or Seasons of the yeare . And some say more then days , and all the nights , That they are numberlesse , and infinites . The first foure Heads are largest of them all , The twelve are next , the thirty two but small ; The rest so little , and their breath so weake , Their mouthes so narrow , cannot heare them speake . These Gyants are so lustfull , and so wilde , As they doe force to get the Earth with childe ; And big she swels until the time of birth , Her bowels stretcht , high belly'd is the earth ; Then doth she groane with grievous paines , and shake ; Untill she 's brought a bed with her Earth-quake . This Child of Wind doth 〈◊〉 all it meets , Rends Rocksand Mountains , like to Paper sheets : It swallows Cities , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , It threatens Jove , and makes the gods to feare . And the cold North wind , his 〈◊〉 dry , and strong , Pulling up Oakes , then layes them all along . In fetters of hard Ice bindes Rivers fast , Imprisons Fishes in the Ocean vast : Plowes up the Seas , and Haile for seed in flings , Where crops of over-flowes the Tide in brings . He drives the Clouds in troops , which makes them 〈◊〉 , And blowes , to put the 〈◊〉 out of the Sun . The Southern Wind , who is as 〈◊〉 as he , And to the Sun as great an 〈◊〉 ; Raising an Army of 〈◊〉 Clouds , and Mists , Which with them thinks 〈◊〉〈◊〉 just as he lists , Throwing up waters to quench out his Light , Flings in his face black Clouds , to hide his sight . But the hot Sun cannot endure this scorne , And back in showres of raine doth them 〈◊〉 . The Westerne wind , without ambitious ends , Doth what he can to joyne , and make them friends ; For he is of a nature sweet , and milde , And not so head-strong , rough , nor rude , nor wide . He 's soft to touch , and 〈◊〉 to each 〈◊〉 , His voyce sounds sweet , and small , and very cleare ; And makes hot love to young fresh buds that springs ; They give him sweets , which he through Aire them flings ; Not from dislike , but to 〈◊〉 them 〈◊〉 , As Pictures doe , for 〈◊〉 that are faire . But O , the Easterne Wind is full of spight , Diseases brings , which 〈◊〉 doebite ; He blasts young buds , and 〈◊〉 within the 〈◊〉 , He rots the Sheep , to men he brings the Plague : He is an enemy , and of Nature ill , The world would poyson , if he had his will .

Witches of Lapland . LApland is the place from 〈◊〉 all Winds come , From Witches , not from Caves , as doe think some . For they the Aire doe draw into high Hills , And beat them out againe by certaine Mills : Then sack it up , and sell it out for gaine To Mariners , which traffick on the maine .

Of the Sunne , and the Earth . THrough Earth's 〈◊〉 holes her sweat doth passe , Which is the Dew that lyes upon the Grasse : Where ( like a Lover kinde ) the Sun wipes clean , That her faire face may to the Light be seen ; And for her sake that water he esteemes , Threading those drops upon his silver beames , Like ropes of Pearle ; he drawes them to his sphere , Turning those drops to Chrystall when they 're there . Yet , what he gathers , cannot he keep all , But downe againe some of those drops doe fall : When turning back upon her head they run , He clouds his browes , as if he had ill done . But Lovers thinke they alwayes doe 〈◊〉 , Although those showres her refreshment is . When she by sweat exhausted growes , and dry , The Sun the 〈◊〉 Clouds 〈◊〉 squeeze in sky ; Or 〈◊〉 he takes some of his sharpest beames , To break the Clouds , from whence poure Chrystall streams . Then Earth doth drink too much , yet doth not reele ; She cannot dizzy be , though sicknesse feele .

Of a Garden . AGarden is , some Paradise doe call , The place is alwayes th' 〈◊〉 : Ecchoes there are most artificiall made , And cooling Grottoes , from the heat to shade . The azure sky is alwaies bright , and cleare ; No grosse thick vapours in the Clouds appeare . There many Stars doe comfort the sad night , The fixt with twinckling , with the 〈◊〉 give light . No noyse is heard , but what the 〈◊〉 delights ; No fruites are there , but what the taste invites . Up through the Nose bruis'd Flowers fume the braine , As Honey-dew in balmy showres raine . Various colours , by Nature intermixt , Direct the eyes , as no one thing can fix . Here Atomes small on Sun-beames dance all day , While Zephyrus sweet doth on the aire play : Which Musick from Apollo beares the praise , And Orpheus at the sound his Harp downe layes . Apollo yeelds , and not contends with spight , Presenting Zephyrus with twelve houres of light : And night , though sad , in quiet pleasure takes , With silence listens when he Musick makes . And when day comes , with griefe descends down low , That she no longer must heare Zephyrus blow : And with her Mantle black her selfe inshrouds , Which is imbroyder'd all of Stars in clouds . Here are intermixing walkes of pleasure , Grasse , Sand , short , broad , and all sorts of measure . Some shaded , fit for Lovers musing thought Of Loves Idea , when the mind 's full fraught . The walkes are firme , and hard , as Marble are , Yet soft as Downe , by Grasse that groweth there , Where Daisies grow as 〈◊〉 , in a night , Mix'd white , and yellow , green , to please the sight . At Dawning day the dew all over-spreads , In little drops upon those Daisies heads : As thick as Stars are set in heaven high , So Daisies on the earth as close doe lye . Here Emerauld bankes , from whence fine flowers spring , Whose sents and colours various pleasure bring . Primroses , Couslips , Violets , 〈◊〉 , Roses , Honey-suckles , and white 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 - flowers , Pinks , and Marigolds besides , Sit on the bank , inrich'd with Natures pride . On other bankes grow Simples , which are good For Medicines , well applyed , and understood . There Trees doe grow , that proper are , and tall , Their 〈◊〉 is smooth , and bodies sound withall ; Whose spreading tops are full , and ever green , As Nazarites heads , where Rasor hath not been : And curled leaves , which bowing branches beare , By warmth are fed ; for winter nere comes there . There Fruits delicious to the taste doe grow , Where with delight the sense doth over-flow : And Arched Arbours , where sweet Birds doe sing , Whose bollow rooses doe make each Eccho ring . Prospects which Trees , and Clouds by mixing shewes , Joyn'd by the eye , one perfect peece it grows . Here Fountaines are , where trilling drops down run , Which sparkes do twinckle like fixt Stars , or Sun : And through each severall spout such noyse it makes , As Bird in spring , when he his pleasure takes . Some chirping Sparrow , and the singing Lark , Or 〈◊〉 Nightingale in evening dark ; And whistling Black bird , with the pleasant Thrush , Linnet , Bul-finch , which sing in every bush . No weeds are here , nor wither'd leaves , and dry , But ever green , and pleasant to the eye . No Frost , to nip the tender buds in birth , Nor winter snow to fall on this sweet earth . For here the Spring is alwayes in her prime , Because this place is underneath the Line : The Day , and Night , equall , by turnes keep watch , That theevish time should nothing from them catch . And every Muse a severall walke injoyes , The sad in shades , the light with sports imployes . Censuring Satyrs , they in corners lurke ; Yet , as their Gard'ners , they with Art do work , To cut and 〈◊〉 , to sow , ingraft , and fet , Gather fruits , flowers , what each Muse thinkes fit : And Nymphs , as Hand-maids , their attendance give ; Which , for reward , their fames by Muses live .

Of an Oake in a Grove . A Shady Grove , trees grew in equall space , Which seem'd to be a consecrated place . Through spreading boughs , their quivering light broke in , Much like to Glasse , or Christall shiver'd thin : Those peices small on a green Carpet strew'd , So in this wood , the light all broken shew'd . But this disturbed light the Grove did grace , As sadnesse doth a faire and beauteous face . And in the midst an ancient Oake stood there , It was a custome in ancient time to hang their offerings on trees . Which heretofore did many Offerings beare ; Where all the branches round with reliques hung , To shew what cures the Gods for men had done : And for rewards , long life the Gods did give Unto this Oake , that aged he must live . His younger yeares , when Acornes he did beare , No Dandriffe , Mosse , but fresh green leaves grew there . There curled hung his shoulders , broad they spread , His crown was thick , and bushy was his head , His stature tall , full breasted , broad , and big , His body round , and strait was every twig . But youth , and beauty , which are shadowes thin , Doe fade away , as if they ne're had been . For all his fresh green leaves , and smooth moyst rine , Are quite worne off , and now grown bald with time . His armes so strong , which grappl'd with the winds , His barke so thick , as skin , his body binds ; Where he all times and seasons firme could stand , And many a blust'ring storme he over-came . Yet now so weake and feeble he doth grow , That every blast is apt him downe to throw . His branches all are fear'd , his bark grown gray , Most of his rine with time is peel'd away . The liquid sap , which from the root did rise , ( Where every thirsty bough it did suffice ) Is all drunke up , there is no moysture left , The root is rotten , and his body 's cleft . Thus Time doth ruine , brings all to decay , Though to the Gods doth still devoutly pray : For this old Oake was sacred to high Jove , Which was the King of all the Gods above . But Gods , when they created all at first , They did ordaine all should returne to dust .

Of a wrought Carpet , presented to the view of working Ladies . THe Spring doth spin fine grasse green silk , of which To weave a Carpet ( like the Persian rich ) And all about the borders there are spread Clusters of Grapes mix'd green , blew , white , and red ; And in the mid'st the Gods in sundry shapes , Are curious wrought , divulging all their Rapes , And all the ground with Flowers there are strow'd , As if by Nature they were set , so grow'd . Those Figures all like Sculpture doe beare out , To lye on Flats many will make a doubt . The Dark and Light so intermix'd are laid , For shady Groves that Priest devoutly pray'd . The fruits so hung , as did invite the tasle , And small Birds picking seen to make a waste . The ground was wrought like threads drawne from the Sun , Which shin'd so blasing like to a fir'd Gun . This peice the patterne is of Artfull skil , Art , Imitator is of Nature still .

A Man to his Mistresse . ODoe not grieve , Deare Heart , nor shed a teare , Since in your eyes my life doth stil keep there And in your countenance my death I finde , And buried in your melancholly mind . But in your smiles I 'me glorifi'd to rise , And in your love you me eternalize : Thus by your favour I a God become , And by your hate I doe a Devil turne .

The Claspe .

Of small Creatures , such as we call Fairies . WHo knowes , but in the Braine may dwel Little small Fairies ; who can tell ? And by their severall actions they may make Those formes and figures , we for fancy take . And when we sleep , those Visions , dreames we call , By their industry may be raised all ; And all the objects , which through sens'es get , Within the Braine they may in order set . All objects that the Senses bring in , are as Merchandises brought from forreign parts . And some pack up , as Merchants do each thing , Which out sometimes may to the Memory bring . Thus , besides our owne imaginations , Fairies in our braine beget inventions . If so , the eye 's the sea they traffick in , And on salt watry teares their ship doth swim . But if a teare doth breake , as it doth fall , Or wip'd away , they may a shipwrach call . When from the stomach vapours doe arise , Fly up into the Head , ( as to the skies ) And as stormes use , their houses down may blow , Which , by their fall , the Head may dizzy grow . And when those houses they build up againe , With knocking hard they put the Head to paine . When they dig deep , perchance the Tooth may ake , And from a Tooth a Quarry-bone may take ; Which like to stone , may build their house withall : If much took out , the tooth may rotten fall . Those that dwell neere the eares , are very cool , For they are both the South , and Northern Pole . The eyes are Sun and Moon , which give them light , When open , day , when shut , it is dark night .

The City of the Fairies . THe City is the Braine , incompast in Double walls ( Dura Mater , Pia Mater thin ) It 's trenched round about with a thick scull , And fac'd without with wondrous Art , and skill . The Fore-head is the fort , that 's builded high , And for the Sentinels is either Eye . And the place where Memory doth lye in , Is the great Magazine of Oberon King . The Market-place the Mouth , when full , begun Is Market day , when empty , Markets done . The City Conduit where the water flowes , Is through two spouts , the nostrils of the Nose . But when those watry spouls close stopt are not , Then we say strait a Cold , or Pose have got . The Gates are the two Eares , when deaf they are , It is when they those City Gates doe bar . This City 's govern'd as most Cities be , By Aldermen , and so by Mayoralty . And Oberon King dwels never any where , But in a Royall Head , whose Court is there : Which is the kernell of the Braine , if seen , We there might view him , and his beauteous Queen ; Sure that's their Court , and there they sit in state , And Noble Lords , and Ladies on them wait .

The Fairies in the Braine , may be the causes of many thoughts . WHen we have pious thoughts , and thinke of heaven , Yet goe about , not ask to be forgiven , Perchance their preaching , or a Chapter saying , Or on their knees devoutly they are praying . When we are sad , and know no reason why , Perchance it is , because some there doe dye . And some place in the Head is hung with blacke , Which makes us dull , yet know not what we lack . Our fancies , which in verse , or prose we put , Are Pictures which they draw , or 〈◊〉 cut , And when those fancies are both fine , and thin , Then they ingraven are in seale , or ring . When we have crosse opinions in the minde , They in the Schooles disputing we shall finde . When we of childish toyes doe thinke upon , A Fayre may be whereto those people throng , And in those stalles may all such knacks be sold ; As Bels , and Rattles , or bracelets of Gold . Or Pins , Pipes , Whistles are to be bought there , And thus within the Head may be a Fayre . When that our braine with amorous thoughts doth run , Are marrying there a Bride with her Bride-groom . And when our thoughts are merry , humours gay , Then they are dancing on their Wedding day .

Of the Animal Spirits . THose Spirits which we Animal doe call , May Men , and Women be , and Creatures small ; And in the body Kingdoms may divide , As Nerves , Muscles , Veines , and Arteries wide . The head , and heart , East and West Indies be , Which through the veines may traffick , as the sea : In feavers great by shipwrack many dyes ; For when the bloud is hot , and vapours rise On boyling pulse , as waves they tosse , if hit Against hard rock of great obstructions , split . Head the East Indies , where spicy Fancie growes , From Oranges and Lemons sharp Satyr flowes ; The Heart the West , where heat the bloud refines , Which bloud is gold , and silver heart the mines . Those from the head in ships their Spice they fetch , And from the heart the gold and silver rich .

The War of those Spirits . SOmetimes these Animal Creatures they doe jarre , And then those Kingdomes all are up in war , And when they fight we Cramps , Convulsions feele , 〈◊〉 in our 〈◊〉 , and Chilblaines in our heele .

Peace . WHen there is peace , and all do well agree , Then is Commerce in every Kingdome free , And through the Nerves they travell without feare , There are no Theeves to rob them of their ware . Their wares are severall touches which they bring Unto the Senses , they buy every thing . But to the Muscles they doe much recourse , For in those Kingdomes trading hath great force . Those Kingdomes joyne by two , and two , So they with 〈◊〉 doe passe , and re-passe through .

The description of their world , which is the Body . THe Arteries are the Ocean deep , and wide , The Bloud the Sea which ebbs , and flows in Tide : The Nerves great continent they travell through , Muscles are Cities , which they traffick to .

Similizing the Body to many Countries . THe Nerves are France , and Italy , and Spaine , The Liver Britanny , the Narrow Seas , the veines , The Spleen is Aethiopia , which breeds in A People that are black , and tawny skin . The Stomach Aegypt , the Chylus Nyle , that flowes Quite through the Body , by which it fruitfull growes . The Heart , and Head , East , and West Indies are , The South , and Northern Pole is either Eare. The Lungs are Rocks , and Cavernes , whence rise winds , And Life which passes through great danger findes .

FINIS .

An Epistle to Souldiers .

GReat Heroicks , you may justly laugh at me , if I went about to censure , instruct , or advise in the valiant Art , and Discipline of Warre . But I doe but only take the name , having no knowledge in the Art , nor practise in the use ; for I never saw an Army together , nor any Incounters in my life . I have seen a Troop , or a Regiment march on the High way by chance , or so ; neither have I the courage to looke on the cruell assaults , that Mankind ( as I have heard ) will make at each other ; but according to the constitution of my Sex , I am as fearefull as a Hare : for I shall start at the noyse of a Potgun , and shut my eyes at the sight of a bloudy Sword , and run away at the least Alarum . Only My courage is , I can heare asad relation , but not without griefe , and chilnesse of spirits : but these Armies I mention , were rais'd in my braine , fought in my fancy , and registred in my closet .

POEMS .

The Fort , or Castle of Hope . HOpe hearing Doubt an Army great did bring , For to assault the Castle she was in ; For her defence , her Castle she made strong , Placing great Ordnance on the wall along . Bulwarks she built at every corners end , A Curtaine of twelve score was drawn between Two faces make a point , from whence the Cannons play , When 〈◊〉 are shot from each corner , they make 〈◊〉 triangular point upon the 〈◊〉 . Two points do make a third , to stop the enemi's way . The wings were not too short , nor curtains were too long , The points were not too sharp , but blunt to make them strong . Round the Castle , enemy 's out to keep , A ditch was digg'd , which was both wide and deep ; And bridges made to draw , or let at length , The gates had iron bars of wondrous strength : Souldiers upon the Curtains-line did stand , And every one a Musket in his hand . When Hope had ordered all about her Fort , Then she did call a councel to her Court . I hear sayes Hope , that Doubt a war will make , And bring great force this Castle for to take ; Wherefore my friends , provisions must be 〈◊〉 , And first of all good store of victuals bought ; Hunger doth lose more Forts , then force doth win , Then must we with the stomach first begin . The next is arms , the body for to guard , Those that unarm'd are , are soon'st afear'd . But to small use , we make a ditch , or wall , If not men arm'd to keep this wall withall . Shall we neglect the lives , and strength of men , More then a wall , that may be broken in ? For Ammunitions , that mighty power , Engines of death , which Armies , Towns devoure , Yet are they of no use , unlesse mankind Hath strength , skill , will , to use them , as design'd ; The last for to advise , what wayes are best , For to defend our selves from being opprest . Then Expectation being gray with age , Advises Hope by no means to engage Too 〈◊〉 her Castle , but let that be free , Draw 〈◊〉 a Line about the Towne , said she : There make some works , Souldiers intrench therein , Let not the wars close at your gates begin . With that , Desire , although young , did speak , Alas , said she , Doubt will that small line take . So great a compasse will your strength divide , A body weak may break through any side . Besides , the souldiers will more 〈◊〉 be , When they a rescue strong behinde them see . But in the Castle , where lyes all their good , There they will fight to the last drop of blood .

Doubts Assault , and Hopes Defence . A Boutthe Fort of Hope , Doubt intrenched lay , Stopt all provisions that should 〈◊〉 that way ; They dig forth earth , to raise up rampiers high , Against Hopes Curtains did their Cannon lye . The Line being long , it seem'd the weakest place , Or else to batter down the frontiers face . There Pioniers did dig a Mine to spring , Balls and Granadoes in the Fort did 〈◊〉 ; Rams they did place , to beat their walls down flat , And many other Engines , as good as that . But as Doubt breaches made in any part , Streight Hopes industry soon 〈◊〉 with art ; Yet Doubt did resolve fierce assaults to make , And setting Ladders up , the Fort to take . When Hope perceiv'd , great stones and weights down flung , Which many kill'd , as they on Ladders hung : Many did fall , and in the ditch did lye , But then fresh men did streight their place supply . Upon the walls of Hope many lay dead , And those that fought , did on their bodies tread . Thus various Fortune on each side did fall , And Death was onely Conqueror of all .

A Battle between Courage , and Prudence . Courage against Prudence a War did make , For Rashnesse , her foe , his favourites sake . Rashnesse against Queen Prudence had a spight , And did perswade great Courage for to fight . Courage did raise an army vast and great , That for the numbers Tamberlaine might beat ; Cloath'd all in 〈◊〉 coats , which made a shew . Vanity . And tossing Feathers which their pride did blow ; Pride . Such fiery horses men could hardly weild , Ambition . And in this Equipage they took the field . Loud noise of this great Army every where , Fame . Untill at last it came to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Prudence a Councel call'd of all the wise , Aged Experience for her to advise ; Industry was call'd , which close did wait , And orders had to raise an Army streight . But out alas , her Kingdome was so small , That scarce an Army could be rais'd of all . At last they did about ten thousand get , Then Care imployed was , them arms to 〈◊〉 ; Discipline trayn'd , and taught each severall man , How they should move , and in what posture stand . Great store of victualls Prudence did provide , And Ammunition of all sorts beside . The Foot were cloth'd , though course , in warm array , Their wages small , yet had they constant pay . Well armed they were all Breast , Back , and Pot , Not for to tire them , but to keep out shot . Each had their Muskets , Pikes , and Banners right , That nothing might be wanting when they fight . The Cavalry all arm'd as in a Frock Gauntlet and Pistols , and some Fire-locks , Swords by their sides , and at their Saddle bow Hung Pole-axes to strike , and give a blow . Horses , e'ne such , as pamper'd in a Stable , But from the Plow , which were both strong and able To make a long March , or endure a shock , That quietly will stand firme , as a rock ; Nor start , although the Guns shoot in their face , But as they 're guided , goe from place to place . Prudence for man , and Horse she did provide , Physitians , Surgeons , Farriers , Smiths beside , Wagons , and Carts , all Luggages to beare , That none might want , when in the Field they were . Strict order she did give to every one , For feare that by mistake they should doe wrong . And as they marcht , Scouts every way did goe , To bring Intelligence where lay the Foe . And when the Army staid some rest to take , Prudence had care what Sentinels to make , Men that were watchfull , full of industry , Not such as are debaucht , or lazie , lye . For Armies oft by negligence are lost , Which had they fought , might of their valour boast . But Prudence , She with care still had an eye , That every one had Match , and Powder by . Besides through a wise care , though not afraid , She alwayes lay intrenched where She stay'd . At last the Armies both drew neare in sight , Then both began to order for the fight . Courage his Army was so vast , and great , As they did scorne the others when they met . Courage did many a scornful message send , But Prudence still made Patience by her stand . Prudence call'd to Doubt , to aske his advise , But in his answers he was very nice ; Hope , of that Army great , She made but light , Perswaded Prudence by any meanes to fight ; For why , said Hope , they doe us so despise , That they grow carelesse , error blindes their eyes . Whereby we may such great advantage make , As we may win , and many prisoners take . Then Prudence set her Army in array , Chusing their Roman custome , and their way . In bodies small her Army she did part , In Mollops , which was done with care and Art : Ten on a rank , and seven file deep they were , Between each part , a lane of ground lay bare , For single , and loose men , about to run , To skirmish first , before the fight begun . The Battle order'd , in three parts was set , The next supplyes , when the first part is beat . Then Prudence rode about , from rank to rank , Taking great care to strengthen well the flanke . Prudence the Van did lead , Hope the right wing , Patience the left , and Doubt the reare did bring . The other Army fiercely up did ride , As thinking presently them to divide . But they were much deceiv'd , for when they met , They saw an Army small , whose force was great ; Then did they fight , where Courage bore up high , For though the worst he had , he scorn'd to fly .

A Description of the Battle in Fight . SOme with Sharp Swords , to tell , O most accurst , Were above halfe into the bodies thrust : From whence frèsh streams of bloud run all along Unto the Hilts , and there lay clodded on . Some , their Leggs hang dangling by the Nervouse strings , And Shoulders cut , hung loose , like flying wings . Here heads are cleft in two parts , braines lye masht , And all their faces into slices hasht . Braines only in the Pia Mater thin , Which quivering lyes within that little skin : Their Sculls all broke , and into peeces burst , By Horses hoofes , and Chariot wheeles , to dust . Others , their owne heads lyes on their owne laps , And Some againe , halfe cut , lyes on their Paps ; Whose Tongues out of their mouthes are thrust at length ; For why , the strings are cut that gave them strength . Their eyes do stare , the lids wide open set , The little Nerves being shrunk , they cannot shut . And Some again , those glassie bals hangs by , Small slender Strings , as Chains to tye the Eye . Those Strings , when broke , Eyes fall , which trundling roun , Untill the filme is broke upon the ground . In death , their teeth strong Set , their lips left bare , Which grinning seems , as if they angry were . Their Hairs upon their Eyes in clodded gore , Or wildly Spreads , as not in life they wore ; With frowns their Fore-heads in deep furrows lye , As Graves their Foes to bury when they dye ; Heaving up Spongy lungs through pangs of death , With pain and difficulty fetcht short breath . Some grasping hard , their hands through pain provok'd , For why , the ratling flegme their throats do choak . Their bodies bowing up , then downe they fall , For want of strength to make them stand withall . Some Staggering on their legs do feebly stand , Or leaning on their Sword with either hand , Where on the Pummel doth their breast rely , More griev'd they cannot fight , then for to dye . Their hollow eyes sunke deep into their brains , And hard fetcht groans from every heart-String strains . Their knees pull'd up , to keep their bowels in ; But all too little through their blood doth swim : And Guts like Sausages their bodies twine , Or like the Spreading plant , or wreathing vine . Their restlesseheads , not knowing how to lye , Through grievous paines do quickly wish to dye . Rowling from off their back upon their belly , Tumbling in their blood as thick as gelly . And gasping lye with short breaths , and constraint , With cold Sweat drops upon their faces saint . Then heaving up their dull , pale eye-balls , looke , As if through paine , not hate the world forsook . Some 〈◊〉 cold , as Shivering Agues are ; Some burning hot , as in high Feavers were . Spewing of blood from Stomacks that are sick , Through parching heats their tongues to' th' roofs do stick . With loud groans , 〈◊〉 call'd their Soules back , While Smarting wounds did set them on the wrack ; And on their Arms their faces lay a - crosse , As if in death they were asham'd of losse . Some , dying like a flame , whose oyle is spent , Or fire smother'd out which wanteth vent . And Some do fall like Strong , and hardy Oaks , Which hewn down are with fierce and cruell Stroaks ; Their 〈◊〉 chop'd small , as wood for fire to burn , Or carved , or chipt out for Joyners turne . Some underneath their horses belltes flung , Some by the heels in their own Stirrups hung ; Others their heads , and neck lay all awry , And on their horses manes , as pillows , lye . Some in a carelesse garb lye on the ground , As life despis'd , since Honour in death 's found . Some for death do call , some life desire , Some care not , others burial require . Some beat their breasts , as evill they had done , Others in fiery hot revenge do burn . Some lay , as if to hear the Trumpet sound , And others lay , as sprawling on the ground . Some wish'd their deaths revenge upon their foe , Others with dying eyes their friends not know . Some their parents , children cry'd , to see , Others wish'd life , some difference to agree . But Lovers with à soft and panting heart , Did wish their Mistris at their last depart , To shut their eyes , and wounds to close , Whose dying Spirits to their Mistris goes . Foes Hands into each others wounds thrust wide , As if their hearts would pull out from each side ; Where friends in dear imbracements are close twin'd By their affection strong , in death they are joyn'd . Some wish'd to live , yet long for death through paine , Others dye grieving that their foe 's not slain . Or else repent , what they so rash have done , And wish the Battle were to be begun . Some gently Sinking , so by fainting fall , And quietly do yeeld , when Death them call . Some drunk with death , not able are to stand , And reeling fall , struck down by deaths cold hand . Some 〈◊〉 long , as lovers when part must , Others , as willing yeeld to Fate , their dust , And sweetly lies , as if asleep in night ; Some sterne , as if new battles were to fight . Some softly murmuring like a bubling stream , Yet sweetly smile in death , as in a dream . Whose soules with soft-breath'd sighs to heaven flye , To live with gods above the starry skie . Thus severall noyses through the aire do ring , And severall postures Death to men doth bring . Where some do dye out-ragious in despaire , Others so gentle , as appears no fear . With heaps of bodies , hills up high are growne , Where haire as grasse , and teeth , as seed are sown : Their head , and heels , horsemen together lay , Smother'd to death which could not get away . Their arms lay hack'd , and all were thrown about , And Targets full of holes , that kept death out ; Their Flags flying , like moving woods did show , Various colours seem'd on their tops to grow , As if flowers had sprouted from trees high , Or strew'd about , did in the clouds so lye . Now all are fallen , and into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Their mottoes raz'd that did their sides adorn Yet some as winding sheets their bearers shrou'd , Which was an Honour fit to make Death proud . Some like Virgins , that cast their eyes down low Through shamefastnesse , although no fault they know , Nor guilty are , but overcome with strength , Though not consenting , yet is forc'd at length ; As Chastity , so courage forc'd we finde , To lay down Arms though sore against their minde . Here 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , Saddles thrown , Flags , Pikes , Drums , Guns , Bullets , all o're strown ; Plumes of Feathers , which waved with the wind , And proudly tost , like to some haughty mind . Like to prosperity when over-born , Now humbly lyes , where they are trodden on . Horses praunce proudly , when they backed were , By men of courage , never knowing fear ; If they are over-powred by strong assault , And lost by strength , was not their courage fault ; For they on deaths dull face could boldly stare , Since life should hate , if not victorious were . Dead horses lye on backs , their heels up flung , Eyes sunke , their heads lye turn'd , their jaws down hung . Their thick curl'd Manes , which grew down to the ground , Or by their Master in fine Ribbans bound . Was torn halfe off , or sing'd by fire from Guns , Or snarl'd in knots , or clods that backward runs ; Their nostrils wide , from whence thick smoak out-went Which from their hot slout hearts that vapour sent ; Their sleek bright hair , on skin like coats of Mayle , Their courage sierce , that nothing could them quaile ; All in death lay , by Fortune they were cast , And Nature to new formes goes on in hast ; For neither beauty , strength , or nimble feet , Could serve in death , all beasts alike there meet , In severall postures , horse and men thus lyes , With severall pains , in severall places 〈◊〉 When horses dye , they know no reason why , Where men do venture life , for vain-glory . Smoak from their bloods into red clouds did rise , Which flasht like lightning in the livings eyes , Their groans into the middle region went , Ecchoes in the Aire like Thunder rent ; Winds rarified , sighs such gusts did blow , As if ascended from the shades below . Men strives to dye , to make their names to live , When gods , no certainty to Fame will give .

A Battle between Honour and Dishonour . WIth grief and sorrow Honour did complain , How that her sons and servants all are slaine : Now none are left , but those that do her sleight , Open rebellion doth against her fight . Besides , this Age doth dirt upon her throw , For fe ar the next , she should her basenesse show . Thus mourneth Honour , veyl'd in clouds of night , When heretofore her garments were of Light . Her Crown was Laurel wreath'd with Fancies tire , Her Scepter Mars's sword made Foes retire . Pallas her head-peece as her footstool stands , By which support she rises , and commands ; And thus did Honour live , with great applause , All did obey her , none did break her laws . But now Dishonour arm'd gainst her doth rise , And all her laws she utterly denics . Then Honour fearing she should be surpris'd , And by her counsel being well advis'd ; Did raise an Army to maintain her right , Resolv'd she was , Dishonour for to fight . Courage the Van did lead , Fidelity the Rear , The Lest-wing , and the Right , Wisdom , and Wit they were , The Artillery , Invention doth command , Constancy and Patience , Sentinels stand . Sciences , are Pioniers of great skill , Which undermine Towns , Castles when they will ; And Trenches make , Souldiers t'in safety sleep , There for a guard a watchfull eye do keep . Arts , Dragoons , which serve on Foot , and Horse , To skirmish , or an Enemy inforce . Resolution , the Colours high doth bear , And with the Bag and Baggage standeth Care . Prutlence , Quarter-master , allots them place , Who disobeys , is punish'd with disgrace . Industry , Purveyer which provides the meat , And Temperance , proportions what they eat . Truth , Scout-master intelligence to give , By which the Army doth in safety live . The Drum is faith , with reasons braced are , The sticks that beat thereon , are Hope , and Feare . Trumpeters , Oratours sound loud , and cleare , Doe call to Horse , when th' enemy is neare . Gratitude , Treasurer , the Army to pay , Generosity , Generall , leads the way . When this Army was in Battalia set , Dishonour , with her Army neare did get , Partiality did lead the Van awry , And Treachery the Rear , which came not nigh . Perjury the left wing ordered that day , unthankfulnesse the right , did beare the sway . Suspition was the Scout , to search the way , And Envie close in Ambuscado lay . Revenge as Canoneer , which took the Aimc , But mist the Mark , which made him high exclaime ; Envie , and Malice , were two Engineers , Subtilty , had Practised many yeares , Their Drum is Ignorance , where they beat , Obstinacy , stupidity thereupon treat , And brac'd it is with Rudenesse which is harsh , On strings of Wilfulnesse , which is ever rash .

A Battle between King Oberon , and the Pygmees . KIng Oberon , and the Pigmees tall , and stout , Did goe to War , the cause was just no doubt ; For Pigmee King , out of his Kingdome brought His people all , another Kingdome sought . Like Goths and Vandals , they did range about , With force full strong , to finde another out ; At last into the Fairy Land they went , For to that at fettile place their hearts were bent . This is the place , said they , where pleasure 〈◊〉 , And like to flowers on banks , where delight growes ; Here let us pitch , and try if Fortune will Joyne with our Courage , that our Foes may kill . Then on they went , and plundered every where , The Fairies all ran crying in great feare ; And fire on all their Beacons placed high , Which warning is to give , when dangers nigh . 〈◊〉 King Oberon then a war prepar'd , Which made his Queen , and all his Court afraid ; His Counsell grave and wise , did to him call , Which came with formall busie faces all : Where every one did speake their minde full free , Disputiug this , and that , at last agree . In War , said they , 't is better that we dye , Then to be slaves unto our enemy . Then said the King , an Army we must raise , In which 〈◊〉 dye , said he , or win the Bayes : Straight Officers of all degrees were made , To lead , and rule , in courage , and perswade . Thus did they muster , and arme all their stout , To meet their Enemy , and beat them out . Well arm'd they were , and put in good array , Which made them fight with courage all that day . Their Trumpets were made of small silver 〈◊〉 , Calling the Horse to charge , or to retire : These Horses for War , were Grashoppers large , On which they did ride , and bravely discharge , And Saddles were of a velvet Peach-skin , Their Bridles small strings , that Spiders doe spin , And Stirrops , in which they put their feet in , Was made of a Rush , just round like a Ring . Of small Cockle-shels their Targets were made , And for their long Swords a Rosemary blade . Their Flags colour'd flowers , glorious to see , Give severall sweet smels , when flying they be . And how they were arm'd , it well did appear , In a Beanes 〈◊〉 , just like a Curaseer . Their Guns were slender small Pipes of Glasse , And Bullets round , of Seeds to shout , there was . Their Drums of Filbeard skins were very strong , And wheaten 〈◊〉 , for sticks to beat thereon . Their Vans , their Rears , their left Wing , and their Right , Were placed so , as they saw good to fight . Their Colours flying , and their Drums did beat , Their Trumpets 〈◊〉 , none sought a retreat . The files , and formes , the 〈◊〉 plac'd themselves Was like in figure , unto Muscle-shels , To peirce through 〈◊〉 , give way to friends , The midst being broad , and sharp at the two ends . But Fairies like a halfe Moon 〈◊〉 , which know , When each end meet , incircle all their 〈◊〉 Where in the midst King 〈◊〉 rid full brave , And he the honour of this day shall have . Thus this Warrior in armour bright and strong , As for-most man , did lead his men along . Then spake He to them in a temper meek , These enemies , said he , our 〈◊〉 seek ; Goe on all you brave borne , and Valiant bred , And fight your enemy , till they be dead ; Let not your foes with scorne upbraid 〈◊〉 flight , But let them see , with courage you can fight , And teach them what their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath brought Upon themselves , when they this Kingdome sought . But O Vaine Princes , that for glory seek , Which will not let poore subjects in peace 〈◊〉 : Foolish Ambition sets the world on 〈◊〉 , Which ruines all to compasse its desire : I only fight to keep what is my owne , And not to rob another Kingly throme . But if this quarrell ill , decide I can't , I 'le fight my enemy then hand to hand . With that he sent an Herauld stout and bold , Which to King Pygmee he this message told : Who said , King Oberon him a challenge sent , To save their Men , and much bloud to prevent ; That only their two persons fight alone , And let the Armies both the while look on . Then laughes the Pygmee , what 's your King , said he , That in a Duel hopes to conquet me ? I came not here a single strength to try , A Kingdome for to win , or else to dye . I prouder am , my Subjects strength to show , Where by direction they my skill may know . Herauld , goe back , and tell your King from me , He 'l know my Strength , when Prisoner he shall be . Then spake he to his Men in voyce full high , Here 's none said he , I hope , this day will fly ; You know , my Souldiers , we came here to fight , Not from ambition , or of envies spight ; For we by famine were with me agre face , Here sent about to seek a fertile place . Then here 's a faud , which needs not be manur'd , And we a people , not to work inur'd : For we by Nature can no great paines take , Nor by our sweat a live-lihood out make : For who would live in paine , or griefe , or care , And alwayes of their goods to stand in feare ? Who lives in trouble are not very wise , Since in the Grave no troubles there doe 〈◊〉 . Then let us fight , even for sweet pleasures sake , Or let us dye , that we no care may take . Thus did the Kings their Souldiers courage raise , And in Orations did their Valour praise . Then did they both in order , rank , and file , Prepare themselves , each other for to spoyle . Their Horses stout , whereon they ride in field , Will dye under their burthen , but not yeeld . In Caprioles those Grashoppers do move , By which his Riders skill he soone will prove . Some think for War , it is an Aire unfit , With whose swift motion his Rider cannot fight , 〈◊〉 take his turnes , and vantages to have , Unlesse by leaping high themselves can save . Erroneous this , in some case it is good , Though not in all , if truly understood : What 's in the world that 's to all use imployed , But at some times and seasons is denied ? Fire , and Water , the life of all which are , Can only serve in their due time and call . Some may say in this Aire of Horsemanship 'T is good , hils of dead men to over-leap : For if that they goe low upon the ground , Where dead men , horse , and armes are strewed round : Or else in heaps they lye , like to a wall , Whereat the Horse will 〈◊〉 , Man downe fall . Thus Horses of manage , taught in measure , Many doe think are only fit for pleasure , And not for war ; but no use of them is , As though their Rules did make them goe amisse . They are mistaken , for like men they 're taught , For to obey their Guider as they ought . To stop , to goe , to leap , to run , and yet Obey the heele , the hand , the wand , the bit . Beside , they 're taught their passion to abate , Not resty be , with feare , anger , or hate ; And by applause , great courage they have got , That they dare goe upon a Canon shot , Not that they senslesse be , or dangers on run , For Horses cowardly , danger doe shun , And are so full of feares as they will shake , And will not goe , which proves their hearts do quake . Besides , all Aires in Warre are very fit , As Curvets , Dimivoltoes , and Perwieet : In going back , and forward , turning round , Side-wayes , both high and low upon the ground . Sometimes in a large circle , compasse take , And then with Art , a lesser circle make . But Horses that 〈◊〉 are in this way , May march strait forth , or in one place may stay . So men , when they doe fight , having no skill , May venture life , but few that they shall kill . For'tis not blowes , and thrusts shall doe the feat , Or going forward , or by a retreat : He must the center be , his sword the line , His feet his compasse , with his strength to joyne . These are the Arts for Horse , and Men of War , Unlesse with stratagems they think to scar : Which shewes more wit then courage in the field , So 't is to run away , or else to yeeld . But here the Bodies of each Army 's knit So close , as skin unto the flesh doe fit : No stratagems us'd to have men slaine , But they did fight upon an open Plaine . For those that use slight stratagems in warres , No sighters are , but cruell Murtherers . Nor is it bravely done , as some think 't is , For every petty Thiefe , has skill in this . Poore Theeves , more courage in their acts doe show , For if their plots doe faile , must dye they know . Warriors designes found out , they doe not care , Because no hanging for that act they feare ; They 'l say , 't is different thus enemies to use , For Theeves by their deceit their friends abuse . But 't is not so , for cous̄enage is the theìf , And of that Order , Generals are the chief : Fighting's the Souldiers trade , not to intrap , N̄or foxing with craft , a prey for to inwrap , But kill , or pursue , with Swords in 〈◊〉 hands , Without any sraud , or treacherous bands . Just so fought these brave valiant Cavaliers , By the unhappy end , as it appears : For they did joyne , and fierce together fight , Which was to all , a lamentable sight . Some lay upon the ground , without a Head , Others that gasping lay , but not quite dead : Their groans were heard , and cryes of severall Notes , Some rutling lay , with thick bloud in their throates : Here a Head-peice lay , there a Corslet throwne , Bodies so mangled , that none could be known . Rivers of bloud like to a full high tide , Or like a Sea , where shipwrack'd bodies dy'd : And their laborious breath such mists did raise , Which made a cloud , as darkned the Sunsraies . With severall noyses that rebounded far , Armies of Ecchoes in the aire were . Here bodies hid with smoake , smother'd , lay dead , While formlesse sounds , were in the aire spread . Thus were they active , and earnest in their fight , As if to kill , or dye , were a delight . Here beasts and men , both in their bloud lay masht , As if that a French Cook had them 〈◊〉 , so hasht , Or with their bloud a Gelly boyle , To make a Boullion of the spoyle , For Natures table several disbes ' brings , By her directions in transforming things : At last the Pigmees found themselves quite spent , And of their war begun now to repent , Which made their King , though little , yet at length , Did call to Oberon King to try his strength ; Let 's here , said he , our skill and fortunes try , In conquering one , or both in graves to lye . Content , said Oberon King , though most unjust You have your selfe into my Kingdome thrust . Yet will I not refuse this offer bold , And if I live this day will sacred hold . Then like two Lions fallen out for prey , Encounter did , not yeelding any way . Their bright sharp swords , so quick with motion fiyes , Like suhtle lightning in each others eyes . Pigmee King was strong , be two handfuls tall , But Oberon King was low , and very small . Yet was he dextrous in his skilful Art , And by that means struck Pigmee neer the heart , Whose blood run warm , and trickling down his side , That where he stood , the grasse was purple dy'd . Then leaning on his sword , as out of breath , Said he to Oberon , I have got my death , Grew faint , then sinking on the ground did lye , Finding his soul from 's body soon would flye ; Saying to Oberon , do you mercy shew , And let my Army freely from you go . And those that here lye slain , O let them have Just rights in burial , and their bones in grave ; That their free souls in quiet peace may sleep , And for this Act the gods your Fame will 〈◊〉 . I care , nor grieve not for my own sad 〈◊〉 , But for my subjects that are ruin'd all . And in a deep-fetcht sigh , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 , His Soul went forth unto a 〈◊〉 unknown . When that his souldiers heard their King 〈◊〉 dead , Their hearts did fail , yet none of them there fled ; But to him run like shuttles in a loom , And with their bodies did his Corps intomb . For through their loyall breast did dig their grave , Because their King a 〈◊〉 should have ; So all did dye , no story yet 〈◊〉 shown , Was ever any Pygmees after known ; Then did their wives with sighs 〈◊〉 their falls , And withtheir tears did strew their Funerals ; Those Tears did mix with blood upon the ground , Where Rubies since hath in the Earth been found . Their Bodies moist to Vapour rarified , And now in Clouds do neer the Sun reside . When they their grief unto remembrance call , Those sullen clouds in shouring tears do fall . Their sighs are winds that blow here and there , And all their bodies transmigrated are . unhappy battle to destroy a Race , That on the earth deserv'd the chiefest place ; For they were valiant , and did love their King , Without dispute obey'd in every thing . Nature pittying to see their Fortune sad , Who by her favour a remembrance had ; For she their bones did turn to Marble white , Of which are Statues carv'd for Mans delight ; And in some places are as gods set up , Idols that superstition doth worship . There Oberon King a Temple builded high , In which great Fortunes name did magnifie .

The Temple of Fortune . THe Temple was built of Cornelian red , To signifie that much blood there was shed . Her Altars were carv'd from an Agget stone , Where there were musk Flyes sacrificed on : And Priest there is that sings her praises loud , Whereat the people 〈◊〉 all in a croud . For though she be blind , and cannot well see , Yet she her hearing hath perfectly . The Steeple was built of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , And carved finely with many a 〈◊〉 . The Bels of Nightingales 〈◊〉 ues which did ring , As sweetly as in the Spring they do 〈◊〉 . Their Holy fire is made of Sweet Spice , And kept by 〈◊〉 young , that know no Vice . Their 〈◊〉 sometimes they place in a Bower , Which made is of a Gesamin Flower ; And all her sacred Groves , in which she walks , Are set with Roses that grow's by the stalks . Thus in Procession her about they bear , 〈◊〉 none , but in Devotion , cometh there . The King and Queen , do wait where e're she go ; And all about sweet incense they do strew . Nature frown'd to see her so respected , And by these Honours done , she thought her self rejected . Wherefore saith Nature , let me take the place , And let not Fortune proud , me thus out-face ; When all that 's good you do receive from me , For she my Vassal low , you soon shall see . For I with Vertues , do the Mind inspire , And cloathes the Soul in beautifull attire . The body equall makes , and very strong , The Heart with Courage , to revcnge a wrong . In brains , Invention , Wit , and Judgment lyes , Creating like a god , orders as wise . The Senses all , as perfectly are made , To hear , to see , to taste , to touch , 〈◊〉 . And in the Soule , Affections , Passions live , There 's , nothing done , but what my powers give , All which to mutability I throw . Who in perpetuall motion alwayes goe . Thus all Invention from my power comes , For Arts in men , are but by scraps and crumbs . So Fate and Fortune , are my Handmaids sure , For what they do , shall never long endure . For I throughout the World do make things range , And constant am in nothing , but in change . Then let your worship to blind Fortune fall , Or else shall my displeasure bury all . But false devotion unto men is sweet , Whilst Truth 's kickt out , and trodden under feet . Their minds do ebbe and flow , just like the Tide , And what is to be done , is cast aside . This makes that men are never in the way , But wander up and down like sheep astray ; Oh wretched man that cannot in peace be , For with himselfe he cannot well agree . Sometimes he hates , what he before approves , But in a constant course he never moves . Nor to himself , nor God that 's good , can stay , He ever seeking is some unknown way . No sad example he by warning takes , If none will do him hurt , some mischief makes ; As if he fear'd in happinesse to live ; And to himself a deadly wound will give . But why do I complain , that Man is bad , Since what he hath , or is , from me he had ? Not onely Man , the World , but Gods also , And nothing greater then my self I know . Which made them take high Fortune down , And in her room , great Nature crown .

A Battle between Life and Death . ACruel Battle is betwixt two Foes , When Nature will decide it , none yet knows ; These two are Life and Death , the world divide , And whilst it lasts , the Cause will n'ere decide . First , Life is active , seeking to enjoy , And Death is envious , striving to destroy . When Life a curious peece of Work doth make , And thinks therein some pleasure for to take ; Then in comes Death , with Rancour , and with spleen , Destroyes it so , that nothing can be seen ; For fear her ruines , Beauty might present , Leaves not so much , to makes Life's Monument . This makes Life mourn , to see her pains , and cost Destroy'd , for what she doth , in Death is lost . Weeping , complains at Natures crueltie , That onely made her , for Deaths 〈◊〉 to be . I am his food , his sharp teeth doth me tear , And when I 〈◊〉 , no pity hath , nor care . The pain he puts me in , doth make me rore , And his pale face that 's grim , affrights me sore . And when I think away from him to run , Falls streight into his jaws , no wayes can shun . But why do I thus sigh , lament , and mourn ? And try not means for to revenge my wrong . I will call all my friends their strength to trye , Either I le perish quite , or Death shall dye . Then brings she motion , nimble at each turn , And Courages , that doth like Fire burn . Preventing , and inventing wits , to make Sconses and Forts , too strong for death to take . A Regiment of Arts , defending with their skill , And do assult her foes , and sometimes kill . A Brigade of clear strengths , stand firm and sure , Which can the assaults of Death endure . A Party of perfect healths , arm'd so well , As Death how to destroy them , cannot tell . A Troop of Growths , at first , small , weak , and low , Increasing every minute , numbers grow . And many more Companies hath 〈◊〉 there , As all the Passions , chiefly Hope and Fear . Love leads this Army , his motto a Heart , Their Arms are their Free-Wils , all bear a part . Deaths Army are all to destruction bent , As Wars , and Famine , both these , Pestilent . Fury , and Rage , Despair , that run about , Seeking which way , that they may Life put out . Troops , Regiments , Brigades , in numbers are , As Sicknesse , Dulnesse , Griese , and Care ; And feeble Age , but few , nor scarce can stand , Yet in Deaths battle , fight will hand to hand . Hate leads the Army , in a dull slow pace , And for his Motto , has , a lean , pale fare . With severall weapons , Death poor Life doth take Her as a prisoner , and his slave doth make . And on her Ashes doth in triumph ride , And by his Conquest ; swels he big with pride . Lifes force was strong enough , to keep her state , If Death , befriended had not been by Fate . She against Death could make her party good , Had not the Fates her happinesse withstood . Who spins the thread of life , so small and weak , That of necessity it needs must break . If not , they cut it into peeces small , And give it Death , to make him nets withall ; To catch in Life , when closely she would hide Her selfe from Death , but in this net is ty'd . Or in the Chains of Destiny is hung , The world from side , to side , about is flung ; Having no rest , nor settlement , but flyes About from Death , and yet it never dyes ; Runs into severall forms , Death for to shun , But he destroyes these Forms , that Life in comes . Death like a Snake , in Natures bosome lyes , Like slattering friends , but yet in heart envies . And Nature seems to Life an enemie , Because she still lets Death a Conqueror be .

Of a Travelling Thought . AThought , for breeding , would a Travellour be , The severall Countries in the brain to see . Spurr'd with Desires , and booted with Hope , Cap't with curiosity , a patient cloake . Thus suited , then a horse he did provide , Strong imagination he got to ride , Sadl'd with Ambition , and girted with pride . Bridled with doubt , resolving stirrups on each side , When he was mounted , fast away they went , In a full gallop of a good intent . Some wayes in the brain , very ill , there were , Into deep errours , often tumbled th' are . High mountains of great fear , was forc'd to hide , Steep Precipices of Despair down slide . Woods of forgetfulnesse , they oft past through , To find the right way out , had much ado . In troubles , he had travell'd a long way , At last he came where Theeves of spight close lay . Who coming forth , drew out reproachfull words , Which wounded Reputation , as sharp swords ; When he did feel the wound to imart , drew out From Time's Scabbard , Truth which fought full stout , With an innocent thrust he left spight dead , Wip'd off the bloud of slander purple red ; Coming to a river of Temptation , Deep and dangerow of Tribulation . With Temperance he swum , got out at last , And with security all dangers past ; At last got to the City of power , Whereon stood Tyranny , a great Tower . With discords populous , there 〈◊〉 rules , Great Colledges there was to breed up fools . Large houses of 〈◊〉 high were built , And all with prodigality were gilt ; Their streets were pitcht with dull and lazy stone , Which never hurts the feet when trodden on . Markets of plentiful circuits were there , Where all sorts did come , and buy without care , Herbs of repentance there were in great 〈◊〉 , But roots of ignorance were many more . Carts of knowledge brought much provisions in , Some understanding bought , which truth did bring : Yet what is bought proves good , or bad by chance , For some were couzen'd by false ignorance . Then forthwith into shamble row he went , Where store of meat hung up , for 't was not Lent ; There lay head with wit , and Fancies fil'd , And hearts were there , which griefe and sorrow kill'd ; Tongues of Eloquence hung upon an Ear , Bladders blown with windy opinions there : Weak Livers of great fear , lay there to sell , And malice , spleens , which very big did swell . Tough lungs of wilsulnesse , hard and dry ; Whole guts of self-conceit did hang thereby . Into a Poulterers shop he 〈◊〉 to see What fowl there were , if any good there be . There lay wild Geese , though black and heavy meat , Yet some grosse appetite lik'd them to eat . The cholerick Turkey , and the Peacocks pride , The foolish dotterels lay there close beside . Capons of Expectation , cram'd with hope , Swans of large desires , lay in the shop . Reproachfull words were sold by dozens there , And ignorant Guls lay every where . Poêtical Birds were many to sell , More Fowl , which he remembred not to tell ; But being a Travellour , would see all there , So straight he went to Churches of great fear ; Where every one kneel'd upon the knee of pain , And prayers said with tongues that were propbane , Petitioning tears drop'd from coveting eyes , Deceitfull hearts on Altars of disguise . Earnest they were to gods , that they would give Worldly request , not grace for souls to live ; But travailes of Experience he would see , Which made him go to the Court of Vanity . The Porter , Flattery sate at the Gate , Who civill was , and carried him in strait . First to the Presence-chamber of Beauty went , There staid some time , with great , and sweet content . Next to the Privy-chamber of Discourse , Where Ignorance , and Non-sense had great force . Then to the Bed-chamber 〈◊〉 Loves delights , The Grooms which served there , were Carpet Knights . From thence to Counsel of Direction went , Where great Disorder sate as President . No sooner that poor stranger he did view , Reproachful words out of his mouth he threw ; Commanding Poverty , a Serjeant poor , To take that stranger , cast him out of door . Strait Flattery for him intreated much , But he Disorders ear doth seldome touch . For cast he was into necessity , Which is a prison of great misery . But Patience got him an expedient Passe , So home he went , but 〈◊〉 upon an Asse .

A REGISTER OF MOVRNFVLL VERSES .

On a Melting Beauty . GOing into a Church my prayers to say , Close by a Tombe a mourning Beauty lay . Her knees on Marble cold were bow'd down low , So firme were fix'd , as if she there did grow . Her Elbow on the Tombe did steady stand , Her Head hung back , the hind-part in her hand , Turning her Eyes up to the Heavens high , Left nothing but the white of either eye . Upon the lower shut * * The under lid . did hang a teare , Like to a Diamond pendent in an eare . Her Breast did pant , as if Life meant To seek her Heart , which way it went . I standing there , observing what she did , At last she from her hand did raise her head : And casting down her eyes , ne're look'd about , Teares pull her eye-lids down , as they gush'd out , And with a gentle Groane at last did speake , Her words were soft , her voyce sound low , and weak . O Heavens ( said she ) what doe you meane , I dare not think you Gods can have a spleen , And yet I finde great torments you doe give , Creatures to make in misery to live . You shew us Joyes , but we possesse not one , You give us Life , for Death to feed upon . O cruell Death , thy Dart hath made me poore , You struck that Heart my Life did most adore . You Gods , delight not thus me to torment , But strike me dead by this deare Monument : And let our Ashes mixe both in this urne ; So as one Phoenix shall we both become . Hearing her mourne , I went to give reliefe ; But , Oh alas , her eares were stopt with griefe . When I came neere , her bloud congeal'd to Ice , And all her Body changed in a trice ; That Ice strait melted into tears , down run Through porous earth : so got into that urne .

On a Furious Sorrow . VPon a Grave out-ragious Sorrow set , Digging the Earth , as if she through would get . Her hair unty'd , loose on her shoulders hung , And every haire with teares , like Beads , was strung . And when those tears did fail with their owne weight , With new-borne tears supplyed their places strait . She held a 〈◊〉 , secm'd with courage bold , Griese bid her strike , but Feare did bid her hold ; Impatience rays'd her voyce , and shricking shrill , Which sounded like a Trumpet on a hill . Her face was flickt , like Marble streak'd with red , Caus'd by Griefes vapours flying to her head . Her bosome bare , her garments loose , and wide , And in this posture lay by Deaths cold side . By chance a man , who had a fluent tongue , Came walking by , seeing her lye along , Pittying her sad condition , and her griefe , Did straine by Rhethorisks help to give reliefe . Why doe you mourne , said he , and thus complaine , Since grief wil neither Death , nor Gods restraine ? When they at first all Creatures did create , And gave them life , to death predestinate . Your sorrow cannot alter their 〈◊〉 , Nor call back life by your impatiency . Nor can the dead from Love receive a beat , Nor heares the sound of lamentations great . For Death is stupid , being numb'd and cold , No eares to heare , nor eyes for to behold . Then mourn no more , since you no help can give , Take pleasure in your Beauty , whiles you live , For , in the fairest , Nature pleasure takes . But if you dye , then Death his triumph makes . At last his words like Keyes unlock'd her eares , And then she strait considers what she heares . Pardon , you Gods , ( said she ) my murmuring crime , My griefe shall ne're dispute your Will Divine : And in sweet life will I take most delight : And so went home with that fond Carpet-Knight .

On a Mourning Beauty . VPon the Hill of Melancholy sate A Mourning Beauty ; but no word she spake . Silent as Night , where no Articulate noyse Did once rise up , shut close from light of joyes ; Only a wind of Sighs , which doth arise From the deep Cave , the Heart , wherein those lyes . Saa'nesse , as a Vaile , over her face was flung ; Sorrow a Mantle black about her hung . Her leaning Head upon her hand did rest , The other hand was laid upon the Breast . Her Eyes did humble bow towards the ground , The Earth the object in her Eyes quite drown'd . From her soft Heart a spring of tears did rise , Which run from the two fountaines of her eyes : And where those Showers fell , Flowers up sprung , No comfort give , their Heads , for griefe down hung . Yet did the Stars shine bright , as Tapers by , Shadows of light did sit as Mourners nigh . At last the Gods did pitty her sad Fate , Her to a shining Comet did translate .

Of Sorrowes Teares . INto the Cup of Love poure Sorrowes teares , Where every drop a perfect Image beares : And trickling down the Hill of Beauties check , Falls on the Breast , dives through , the Heart to meet . Which Heart , burnt up would be with fire of grief , Did not those tears with moysture give reliefe .

An Elegy on a Widow . WIdow , which honour to her Husband gave ! By vertuous life , and faithful to her Grave , Set Altars on this Hearse for memory , And let her Fame live here eternally . Here celebrate her Name , and bring Your Offerings , and all her praises sing . For she was one whom Nature strove to make A Pattern fit , Ensamples out to take .

On a Mother , that dyed for griefe of her only Daughter , which dyed . VNto this Grave let unkind Parents come , And touch these loving Ashes in this urne . All the dislike , Parents in Children find , Shall vanish quite , and be of Nature kind . For in this Tombe such pure Love buried lyes , None perfect is , but what from hence doth rise .

On a beautifull young Maid , that dyed Daughter to the grieved Mother . YOu Lovers all come mourne here , and lament Over this Grave , and build a Monument , For Beauties everlasting memory : The world shall never such another see . Her face did seem like to a Glory bright , And when the Sun did rise , from her took light : The Sun and Moon could ne're eclips'd have been , If ere those Planets had her beauty seen . Nor had this Isle been subject to dark nights , Had not sleep shut her eyes , so stop'd those lights . No Bodies could infection take , her breath Did cleanse the Aire , restoring life from death . But Nature finding she had been too free , In making such a mighty Power as She , Used all Industry's powerfull Art , and skil , Gave Death a greater power this body to kill . For if that Nature let this body live , She had no work for Death , nor Fates to give .

The Funerall of Calamity . CAlamity was laid on Sorrows Hearse , And coverings had of Melancholy verse . Compassion , as kind friends , doth mourning goe , And tears about the Corps as flowers strow . A Garland of deep sighs by pitty made , On the sad Corps of Calamity laid . Bels of complaints did ring it to the Grave , And History a monument of fame it gave .

OF a Funerall . ALas , who shall condole my Funerall , Since none is neere that doth my life concern ? Or who shall drop a sacrificing tear , If none but enemies my hearse shall bear ? For here 's no mourner to lament my fall , But all rejoyced in my fate , though sad ; And think my heavie ruine far too light , So cruell is their 〈◊〉 , and their spight . For men no pitty , nor compassion have , But all in savage wildernesse doe delight , To wash , and bathe themselves in my pure bloud , As if they health receiv'd from that red floud . Yet will the Winds ring out my knell , And shouring raine fall on my hearse , And Birds as Mourners sit thereon , And Grasse a covering grow upon . Rough stones , as Scutchions , shall adorne my Tombe , And Glow worm burning Tapers stand thereby ; Night sable covering shall me over-spread , Elegies of Man-drakes groans shall write me dead . Then let no Spade , nor Pick-axe dig me up , But let my bones lye quietly in peace . For who the dead dislodges from their grave , Shall neither blessednesse , nor honour have .

An Elegy on my Brother , Lill'd in these unhappy Warres . DEare Brother , thy Idea in my minde doth lye , And is intomb'd in my sad memory ; Where every day I to thy Shrine doe goe , And offer tears , which from my eyes doe flow . My heart the fire , whose flames are ever pure , Laid on Loves Altar last , till life endure . My sorrows incense strew , of sighs fetch'd deep , My thoughts doe watch while they sweet spirit sleeps . Dear blessed soul , though thou art gone , yet lives Thy fame on earth , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 praises give . But all 's too smal , for thy Heroick minde Was above all the praises of Man-kinde .

Of the death and buriall of Truth . TRuth in the Golden Age was healthy , strong , But in the Silver Age grew leane , and wan ; I th' Brazen Age sore sick abed did lye , And in the last hard Iron Age did dye . Measuring , and Reckoning , both being just , She as her two Executors did trust , Her goods for to distribute all about To her dear friends , as Legacies gave out . First , usefull Arts , the life of men to ease ; Then those of pleasure , which the mind doe please . Distinguishments from that to this , to shew What 's best to take , or leave , which way to goe ; Experiments to shun , or to apply , Either for health , or peace , or what to fly : And Sympathies , which keep the world unite , Aversions otherwise would ruine quite . This Will and Testament she left behind , And as her Deed of Gift , left to Mankinde . Mourning she gave to all her friends to weare , And did appoint that foure her Hearse should beare ; Love at the head did hold the Winding-sheet ; On each side , Care and Feare , Sorrow the feet . This sheet at every corner fast was ty'd , Made of Oblivion strong , and very wide . Naturall affections in mourning clad , Went next the Hearse , with griefe distracted mad : Did tear their hair , scracht face , and hands did wring , And from their eyes fountaines of tears did spring . For Truth , said they , did alwayes with us live . But now she 's dead , no Truth that we can give . After came Kings , which all good Lawes did make , And power us'd for Truth , and Vertues sake . Next them came Honour , in Garments black , and long , With blubber'd face , and her head down hung : Who wisht to dye , for life was now a paine , Since Truth was dead , honour no more could gaine . Next these , Lovers with faces pale as Death , With shame-fast eyes , quick Pulse , and shortned breath , And in each hand , a bleeding heart did bring , Which hearts within the grave of truth did fling . And ever since , Lovers inconstant prove , They more profession give , then reall love . Next them came Counsellours of all degrees , From Courts , and Countries , and chiefe Cities , Their wise heads were a guard , and a strong wall , So long as Truth did live amongst them all . All sorts of Trades-men , using not to swear , So long as Truth , not Oaths , sold 〈◊〉 their ware . Physitians came , who try new wayes for skil , And for Experience sake doe many kil . But doe use Simples good , which Nature sent , To strengthen man , and sicknesse to prevent . Some Judges were , no wrangling Lawyers base : For Truth alive did plead , decide each case . Widowes , that to their Husbands kind had swore , That when they dyed , would never marry more . At last the Clergy came , who taught Truths way , And how men in devotion ought to pray : By Morall Lawes the lives of men direct , Perswade to peace , and Governours respect ; They wept for grief , as Prophets did fore-tell , That all the world with fals-hood would rebell . Faction will come , say they , and beare great sway , And bribes the Innocent shall all betray . Controversies within the Church shall rise , And Heresies shall beare away the prize . Instead of Peace , the Priests shall discords preach , And high Rebellion in their doctrines teach . Then shall men learn the Laws for to explain , Which learning only serves for Lawyers gain . For they doe make , and spread them in a Net , To catch in Clients , and their money get . The Laws , which Wise-men made to keep the peace , Serve only now for quarrels to increase . All those that sit in Honours stately throne , Are counterfeits , not any perfect known . They put on vizards of an honest face , But all their Acts unworthy are , and base . Friendship in words , and complements will live , Not one nights lodging in the heart shall give . Lovers shall dye for Lust , yet love not one ; And Vertue unregarded sit alone . Now Truth is dead , no goodnesse here shal dwell , But with disorder make each place a Hell . With that they all shriekt out , lament , and cry To Nature , for to end their misery . And now this Iron Age's so rusty grown , That all the Hearts are turn'd to hard flint-stone .

FINIS .

THE ANIMALL PARLIAMENT .

THe Soul called a Parliament in his Animal Kingdom , which Parliament consisteth of three parts , the Soul , the Body , and the Thoughts ; which are Will , Imaginations , and Passions . The Soul is the King , the Nobility are the Spirits , the Commonalty are the Humours and Appetites . The Head is the upper House of Parliament , where at the upper end of the said House sits the Soul King , in a Kernel of the Braine , like to a Chaire of State by himselfe alone , and his Nobility round about him . The two Arch-Bishops , Admiration , and Adoration ; the rest are , Apprehension , Resentment , and Astonishment . The Judges are the Five Senses , and the Wooll-sacks they sit on , are Sight , Sound , Sent , Tast , Touch. The Master of the Black Rod is Ignorance : understanding , the Lord Keeper , is alwayes Speaker . The Clerke that writes downe all , is Memory .

The lower House of Parliament is the Heart , the Knights and Burgesses are Passions , and Affections . The Speaker is Love . The Clerke that writes downe all , is Fear . The Serjeant is Dislike . The severall Writs that are sent out by this Parliament , are sent out by the Nerves into every part of this Animall Kingdom , and the Muscles execute the power and Authority of those Writs upon the Members of the Common-wealth . The lower House presents their Grievances , or their desires , to the upper House the Braine , by the Arteries .

When they were all set in order , and a dead silence through all the House , the King made a Speech to the Assembly after this manner following .

The Kings Speech .

THe reason why I called this Parliament is , not only to rectifie the riotous disorders made by Vanity , and to repeale the Lawes of erroneous opinions made in the minde , and to cut off the entayles of evil Consciences ; but to raise Foure Subsidies of Justice , Prudence , Fortitude , and Temperance , whereby I may be able to defend you from the allurements of the World , as Riehes , Honour , and Beauty , and to beat out incroaching falshoods , which make inrodes , and doe carry away the innocency of Truth , and to quench the rebellion of superfluous words ; but also to make and enact strict Lawes to a good Life , in which I make no question , but every one which are in my Parliament will be willing to consent , and be industrious thereunto : the rest I leave to my Keeper understanding , to informe you further of .

After the King had thus spoken , the Keeper made another Speech , as followeth .

The Lord Keepers Speech , who is Speaker . My Noble Lords :

YOu may know by the calling of this Parliament , not only the wisdome of our gracious King , in desiring your aide and assistance , in the beginning of danger , before the fire growes too violent for your help to quench out ; but his love , and tender regard of your safety . Besides , he hath shewed the unwillingnesse he hath to oppresse , and burthen his good Subjects with heavie Taxes , before palpable necessity requires them : for he hath not called you upon suppositions and feares , but upon visible truths ; neither was it Imprudence in staying so long , for it is as imprudent to disturbe a peaceable Common-wealth with doubts of what may come , as to be so negligent to let a threatning ruine run without opposition . Thus is our gracious Soveraigne wise in chusing his time , valiant in not fearing his enemies , carefull in calling the help and advice of his Parliament , and most bountifull , in that he requires not these Subsidies to spend in his particular delights , but for the good and benefit of the Common-wealth , and safety of his Subjects . Wherefore if any be obstinate in opposing , or seemes to murmure thereat , he is not worthy to be a Citizen thereof , and ought to be cast out as a corrupt member therein .

After he had ended his speech , he sits down in his place , and then rose up the Lord of Objection , and thus spake .

The Lord of Objections Speech . My Lord :

ALL that your Lordship spoke is true , and therein you have shewed your selfe a Loyall Subject , and a faithfull Servants and I make no question , but every Member in the House will not only give their Estates , but spend their Lives for their King , and Country . Yet let me tell your Lordship , that I do beleeve the Parliament will never be able to raise a Subsidy of Justice from the Commonalty : it is too strict a demand ; as it is impossible for us to satisfie the Kings desire , unlesse the Commons were richer in Equity . But if our gracious Soveraigne will take a Subsidy of Faith in lieu of it , I dare say it may be easily got , raising it upon the Clergy , who are rich therein .

After he had spoke , rose up the Bishop of Resentment , and said .

The Bishop's Speech . My Lord :

IT may be easily perceived , that this Lords desire is , that the King should lay the heaviest Subsidy upon the Church : not but that I dare say so much for the 〈◊〉 Body , as they would be as willing to assist the King in his Warres , as any of his Lay Subjects ; yet what the Clergy have , belongs to the Gods ; and what they take from us , they take from them .

After him , spoke the Bishop of Adoration .

The Bishop of Adoration's Speech . My Lord :

OUr Brother hath told you the truth , that Faith is not to be given from the Gods ; but , my Lord , to shew our willingnesse and readinesse to the Kings service , we will give his Majesty a Subsidy of Prayers , which are the effects of Faith . The King , and the rest of the Lords approved of it , and sent a Writ of it , through the Arteries to the lower House the Heart for her approbation , which one of the Judges delivered to Master Speaker ; then the Speaker taking the report said :

Gentlemen ,

This Message is to let you know , That the Episcopall Body hath offered the King a Subsidy of Prayer , to helpe him in his Warres , if you agree to it .

With that rose up a Gentleman , and said .

The Gentlemans Speech .

Master Speaker :

THe Clergy are able to give the King more then one Subsidy , if they will , being so rich as they have ingrossed all the Consciences in the Kingdome , building great Colledges of Factions there-with : and these Colledges doe not only disturbe the Common-wealth , but impoverish it very much : for all that are bred therein , imploy all their time so in Speculations , as there is no time left for honest and industrious practise ; besides , their Tythes are so great , which they have out of Yen , as their poor Parishioners have almost none left ( after their proportions are taken out ) to serve their owne use , and maintenance .

Upon this Speech a Gentleman , one Master Zeale rose up , and thus spake .

Master Speaker :

ALthough the Clergy are Masters , and Rulers of Consciences , or should be so , yet they are to imploy them to no other use , but to the service of the Gods ; But I feare , we of the Layety strivo to usurpe that authority to our owne worldly ends , or else we should never have those large Consciences , as to lay the Burthen ( from our owne shoulders ) on theirs , but to doe as wee should be done unto : let us take their charitable assistance with thankes .

Most of the House were of this Gentlemans opinion , and voted an acceptance , and sending up to the upper House , that Subsidy was passed . After that was agreed , there was a Rationall Lord , that thus 〈◊〉 .

My Lord :

THere were some Opinions which were passed in former times , when the Parliament of Errours 〈◊〉 , in the yeare of Ignorance one thousand eight hundred and two ; That none must be thought States-man , but those which were formall . That all that are bold must be thought wise . That those which have new and strange Fantasmes , must be thought the only men of knowledge . That none must be thought Wits , but Buffoanes . 〈◊〉 none must be thought learned , but Sophisterian Disputants . That all that are not debanch'd , must be thought unsociable . That all that doe not flutter , must be thought uncivil . That all which tell severe truths , must be thought rude , and ill-natur'd . That all that are not Fantasticall , must be thought Clownish , and ill-bred . That all must be thought Cowards , that are not quarrelsome . That none must be thought valiant , but those that kill , or be killed . That none must be thought bountifull , but those that are prodigall . That none must be thought good Masters , but those that let their servants cousen them . That none must be esteemed , but those that are rich . That none must be beloved , but those that are powerfull . That none must be respected , but those that have outward honour . That none must be thought religious , but those that are superstitious . That none must be thought constant , but those that are stubborne . That none are patient , but those that suffer affronts of scorne . That none are thristy , but those that are sluttish . That none are chast , but those that are not beautifull . That no man must be seene abroad with his owne Wife , left he bee thought jealous . That Blushing must be thought a Crime , proceeding from guiltinesse . That none must be thought merry , but those that laugh . That none must be thought sad , but those that cry . That all poors men must be thought fooles . That all Citizens must be thought 〈◊〉 . That none must be thought good Lawyers , and Doctors , but those which will take great Fees . That all duty and submission belongs so power , not to vertue . That all must have ill back , after much mirth . That all those that marry on Tuesdayes and Thursdayes , shal be happy . That a mans Fortune can be told in the palme of his hand . That the falling of Salt portends misfortune . Those that begin journies upon a Wednesday , shall 〈◊〉 through much danger . That all women that are poore , old , and ill-favoured , must be thought Witches , and be burnt for the same . That the bouling of a Dog , or the or oaking of Ravens , fore-tell a friends death .

These ought to be repealed , and new ones enacted in their roome ; That all those that have got the power , though unjustly , ought to be obeyed , without reluctancy . That all light is in the Eye , not in the Sun . That all Colours are a Perturb'd Light ; and so are reflections , rather an inherent quality or substance . That all Sound , Sent , Sight , is created in the Braine . That no Beast hath remembrance , numeration , or curiosity . That all passions are made in the Head , not in the Heart . That the Soul is a Kernel in the Braine . That all the old Philosophers were fooles , and knew little . That the Moderne Philosophers have committed no Errours . That there are six primitive Passions . That the bloud goeth in a Circulation . That all the fixt Stars are Suns . That all the Planets are other worlds . That Motion is the Creator of all things , at least of all formes . That Death is only a privation of Motion , as Darknesse is a privation of Light . That the Soule is a thing , and nothing .

This motion which this Noble Lord made , was enacted by the whole Parliament with much applause . When he was set down , my Lord Reason rose , and thus spake .

My Lord :

I should thinke in my judgement , that it would be beneficiall to the Common-wealth , that there should be a Statute made against all false Coyne , as dissembling tears , and hollow sighs , flattering words , and feigning smiles .

But upon this Speech rose up one of the Lords , and thus spake .

My Lord :

THe Propositions of this Lord are very dangerous : for if this great Councell of Parliament should goe about to call in all false Coyne which is minted , they must call in all which is in the Kingdome , to make a triall of the currantnesse ; which would discontent most therein . For why , the stamp is so lively , and artificially imprinted therein , as it is impossible for the right to bee knowne from the false . Further , my Lord , these Coynes are so cunningly mixt with Alehemy , as the difference would hardly he knowne , if they were now melted .

With that rose up one of the Judges , and said thus .

My Lord :

IT is an ancient Law belonging to this Kingdome , to make it death for any to clip currant Coyne with Hypocrisie , or to mixe falshood with slander : and if this abuse should be winckt at , there would be no commerce with this Kingdom and Truth .

The Lord Reason rose up againe , and said thus .

My Lord :

THere is another abuse in this Kingdom , which is , there are many Luxurious Palats , as they doe destroy the strength of the Stomack , and quench out the naturall heate therein , making it so weake by reason of ill digestion , never giving so much time as to make a good concoction , to breed new bloud , as there is like ( if speedy order be not taken to prevent it ) may come a Dearth of Flesh over all the Kingdom of the Body .

Upon this , Judge Taste rose up , and thus spake .

My Lord :

THere was never any Lawes made in all the former Kings reigne , that there should be a perpetuall abstinency , but only in time of Lent , when the pennance of Physick was taken . For if the stomack should eate sparingly , and not such things as the Appetite doth desire , the Body of the Kingdom would grow weak and faint ; and all Industry would cease : for the Legs would never be able to goe , nor the Hands to worke , nor the Armes to 〈◊〉 ; the Complexion would grow pale , the Skin rough , the Liver dry , and all the parts of the Kingdom would grow unfit for use ; that if a warre of sicknesse should come , they would never be able to defend themselves .

The same Lord Reason rose up , and said thus .

My Lord :

THere is another great abuse , which is in Articulate , and Vocall sounds , or tone of the Voyces : for most when they read , do so whine , raising their Notes upon the Peg of the Tongue so high , as they crack the strings of Sense ; or else the singers of words play so fast , as they keep no stops , or else so slow , as they make more stops then they should : which make it preposterous . Truly my Lord , if these be not rectified , all the Nobles of understanding wil be ruinated , and affronted with a seeming Non-Sense . This was disputed hard on , before it would be pass'd , but at last it was .

After this Dispute , there was a Lord rose up , and said thus .

My Lord :

WEE spend here our time to rectifie the Errours that are committed in the Kingdome amongst our selves , and not considering the danger we live in from forraigne enemies abroad , which are Rhyming 〈◊〉 , who make continuall inrodes , stealing all our Cattle of Fancies , and plunder us of our best , and richest conceipts : which if we doe not provide Armes of Rhethoricke to exclaime against them , they may chance to usurp the Crowne of Wit , and make themselves Heires to that they were never borne to . Wherefore , my Lord , let us joyne , to set up Forts of Satyrs , and there plant Cannons of Scorne , from thence to shoot Bullets of Scoffes , to strike them dead with shame . To this all the House assented .

In the meane time , the lower House were busily imployed with affaires too , about Naturalizing a Gentleman . For one of the Members said :

Master Speaker :

THere is a Gentleman , one Mr. Friendship , desires to be Naturaliz'd by the Parliament .

Another Member rose , and said thus .

Master Speaker :

IN my sense it is very prejudiciall to Naturalize Strangers : for why should Strangers receive the same Priviledges with the Natives , and to be made capable to inherit our Lands , unlesse we could cut off the Entayles of Affection , which are tyed to their Native Country , the Kingdome of Parents , or the Islands of Children , or the Provinces of Brethren , and Kindred ; otherwise it is likely they will turne Rebels , if a warre chance to be with this Kingdome , and that , where they were borne .

With that the former Gentleman rose up , and said .

Master Speaker :

I Would not preferre this Gentlemans suite , had he been borne in the Land of Obligation , Civilities , or Courtesies ; but he was borne in the Land of Sympathy , whereunto this Kingdome hath a relation , by reason our King hath a right therein , and ought to have the power thereof , by the Lawes of Justice ; for his Mother , Queene 〈◊〉 , was Daughter to the Sympathian King : so that this Gentleman , Master Friendship , in Justice is a naturall Subject to our King , although not a Citizen in the Common-wealth . Hereupon the House was divided , some gave their Voyces for Him , others against Him : but when they came to be numbred , he had most Voices on his side ; for he had been so industrious in Petitioning every particular Member before hand ; that he made himselfe many friends , some out of favour to himselfe , others for the good will to those that favoured him : so that one way , or other , it was sent up to the upper House , where my Lord Reason spoke so well in his behalfe , as the Act passed for him .

After this , there was a Member rose , and said .

Master Speaker :

THere are in the Kingdome some grievances , which ought to be reform'd : which is , to make an Act , That all the High Wayes , and common Rodes should be mended , and kept in repaire . For in some Mouths the Teeth are so foule , and rotten , and such deep holes , as great peeces of meat tumble downe into the Saw-pits of the Maw without chewing .

The next is , that many Nose-bridges are ready to fall downe , by reason the great French Pox doth travell so often over them , as they crack the very foundation thereof .

The third is , That the Stomack is so often over-flowed with Drink , by rea'on the Throat sluces are so wide , as the Kingdome is not only much impaired thereby , making obstructions , by reason there passes oft-times much mud of Meat , with liquid Drinke , but indangers the Kingdome of drowning ; the more , for that slug which makes the liquor rise higher ; besides , it breeds many thick vapours , which cause much Raine , and strong Winds , and unwholsome 〈◊〉 , which breed dizzie Diseases , and bring Appoplexies of sleep .

The fourth grievance is , that the Puritans , and Roman Priests cut downe all the stately and thick woods of Haire , as there is almost none left grown to build ships of ornament with : this in time will decay the Navigation of Becomming , and leave the Islands of the Eares bare , to the ruine of Cold ; besides the prodigall 〈◊〉 Sex burnes it up with Iron workes , or breakes it off at the rootes , in making traps for Lovers .

This grievance was resented much in the House , and a Committee ordained to make a strict inquiry , and to report back to the House ; which was done with all speed .

The Chair-mans Report back .

Master Speaker :

THe Committee hath found , that many of the High-wayes , and Common Rodes are much impaired by negligence : for some are so bad , as nothing wil mend them ; others the Committee hath examin'd , & found out some helps : for the deep holes might be fill'd up with white Wax , and those that are broken and ragged , may be fil'd smooth , and even ; and those that are black , and scal'd , may be scrap'd with a steele instrument , and those that are dirty , and foule , may be rubb'd with China , or Brick , or the like ; those that are loose , may be washed with Allum-water , or Myrrhe-water , which will fasten them againe . As for the Bridges , there are not many fallen downe , but only sagg'd , and loose : which , if the Common-wealth will be at the charges , may keep them from falling with Silver pinnes , which will prop them up . But truly , Mr. Speaker , there are great spoyls of the Woods of Haire ; but in youth , Time wil repaire them againe , but in Age , they wil never grow againe : for the ground is alwayes dry , and barren , as it will alwayes be bare , and bald . As for the great Over-flowes , there is no way to hinder , or stop that torrent , but by shutting the Water gates , the Lips .

After this relation , the lower House sent the reports to the upper House , after which they made an Act of prevention ; Their Statutes running thus .

BE it knowne to all , and some in this Kingdom ; That henceforth from this present of January , one thousand eight hundred and two , that no Sweet-meats shall travell through the mouth , nor no Nuts be crackt , nor no Pins lye in the high-wayes of the mouth , to canker fret the Teeth ; as also be it enacted , that all hands labourers shall be imployed with Pick-tooths after meat had passed those wayes , and let every particular Shire be at the charge thereof .

Be it also enacted , to keep the bridges strong , lest they fall to ruine , that the flud-flush be given to all the amorous sort , with bathes , and dry dyets every spring and fall , for feare the soundation of the Nose should be rotted , by reason of much corruption which passes through ; also let there be cut a passage upon each shoulder , making gutters of issues , that the Humour may be diverted by running those wayes , that the Kingdome may be drain'd from superfluous moysture . Also be it enacted , that to the conserving of the woods of Haire , that no haires be pull'd up by the roots , but only prun'd by the Husbandmen Barbers ; also we forewarn the use of Curling-Irons , Crisping-Irons , or the like ; but let the loose woods of haire be bound up with strings .

Be it also enacted , That no great Draughts be drunk , unlesse great 〈◊〉 require it : also no Healths to be dranke but upon Festivall dayes . But upon going out of this Act , all the young women and men in the Kingdome made such a matiny , as the Parliament had much adoe to pacifie them ; nor could not , untill they had alter'd that clause of Sweet-meats , and Healths . After this there was a Member rose up , and said .

Master Speaker :

THere is in this Kingdom some foolish and unnecessary Castoms , which have been brought from forraigne parts , which ought to be abolished . One is , to digge holes in the Eares , to set Pendants in , which puts the Kingdom to a charge of paine , and also is a heavie burthen therein . The second is , to pull up the Hedges of the Eye-brows by the roots , leaving none but a narrow and thin row , that the Eyes can receive no shade there-from . The third is , to peele the first skin off the face with Oyle of Vitriol , that a new skin may come in the place , which is apt to shrivell the skin underneath . But for the abolishing of these customs few agreed to , fearing such another Mutiny as the former , amongst the effeminate sex .

Whiles they were demurring upon this , there came Petitioners with a Petition to offer to the House , which when that was heard , they sent for their Petition in , and made the Clerk read it .

The Petition of the Veines .

WEE , your Honours humble and poore Petitioners , desire a redresse from all ill Livers , or else we cannot furnish your Honours with such bloud , as your Honours require from us . For by reason of dry , hot , corrupted , or obstructed Livers , we , your Honours Pipe-veines , want filling , or else we are fill'd with such waterish , or else with such black and melancholy bloud , as the Kingdom is either parcht for want of moysture , or over-flowed with too much ; being alwayes in extreames : so as we are all undone , and our Trading utterly decayed thereby . Wherefore we beseech your Honours to take it into your Honours considerations , and give us a reparation from the Liver , for which we shall be bound to pray for your Honours .

Upon this Petition , the House ordained a Writ , to warne the Liver to appeare before a Committee to be examined , where strait the Liver appear'd ; who excus'd himselfe , saying , the Appetite flung into the Stomack a great quantity of rubbish , and the Stomack being an il Neighbour , to disburthen himself from that 〈◊〉 , flung it upon him , stopping up all crosse passages ; insomuch that he had not roome to discharge himself freely : but as for his own part , he was much poorer , and 〈◊〉 then they , and had more reason to complaine .

Whereupon the House made an Act , that the Stomack should be 〈◊〉 every spring and fall with Purges .

Then rose up a Member , and 〈◊〉 .

Mr. Speaker , There are a people in this Kingdom ought to be banished , which are Juglers , Mountebanks , and Gypsies ; as jugling Lovers , which deceive all the 〈◊〉 Sex with false and deluding praises . The next are Mountebank 〈◊〉 , who have gotten Priviledges of freedome , to put off their bald Jeasts at an 〈◊〉 rate , selling upon the Stage of Mirth , taking 〈◊〉 for pay from the poore ignorant 〈◊〉 . These Fellows take upon themselves the name of Doctors of Wit , professing their skill , whereby they doe much harme , by reason their Drugs are naught , and their skil little , by which many times they kill , instead of 〈◊〉 ; for they doe apply their poysonous iests on unprepared Bodies , and give their Medicines in unseasonable time ; besides their Medicines , being most commonly bitter , gives a dislike to the Tast ; and being not taken in fit time , bring the disease of 〈◊〉 , and being wrong applyed , cause death to a good fame . The next are Gypfies , which 〈◊〉 many ; as Sympathy Powder , Viper Wines Love Powder , Cramp Rings , crosse Knots , raking up the 〈◊〉 on St. Agnes Eve , laying Bride-cake under their heads , and many the like .

Another Member said ; Mr. Speaker , There are light Wenches of 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 Bawds , ought to be whipt , Black patches , Sweet Powders , 〈◊〉 , Bracelets made of their Lovers Haire , fancy-colour'd Ribbons , to resemble the several Passions ; Looking-glasses to hang by their sides ; Love-Posies in Rings , Love-Letters wrought in Handkerchiefs , Valentines worne on sleeves , and to 〈◊〉 by signes .

Another Member said , next is Bawds , as Romancies , Bals , Collations , Questions and Commands , Riddles , Purposes , &c.

There was another Member rose up , and said thus .

Mr. Speaker , there are worse Creatures in the Kingdom , and more dangerous , which ought to be burnt ; as Lovely 〈◊〉 , exact Proportion , clear Complexion : when these spirits are raised in the circle of the face , who so comes 〈◊〉 that Face , although it be the Soul it selfe , is bewitched with a looke ; and such power is in that Magick , that nothing can undoe it , but Sicknesse , and old Age.

The other Witch , is elegant Eloquence : this Witch hath much power , raising up Sense , Funcy , Phrase , Number , in the circle of the Eare , and whosoever comes neer them , although the Soul it selfe that spirit the Tongue bewitches them , and this is so strong a Magick , as nothing can undoe , but forgetfulnesse . 'T is true , there is a Law against them , which belongs to the Judges care , as , Hearing and Sight ; but when they come before them to be examin'd , and to be condemn'd , if they be found guilty ; they are so 〈◊〉 from punishing them , as they set them at liberty , and those bonds that should bind them , they bind themselves with , and so become voluntary slaves to those Witches .

Then did the King call both Houses together into a great Hall , and thus spake .

MY good and loving Subjects , I give you thankes for your care and industry , in rectifying the Errours of this Kingdome , and for your love to me , in giving me those Subsidies I 〈◊〉 , although I call'd for them as well for your safety , as my owne ; such is my tender regard to my people , as their safety is my care , and their prosperity my happinesse . For I desire to be King of Affection , ruling them with Clemency , rather then to be only King of Power , ruling them with Tyranny , binding my Subjects to slavery . The power I desire , is , to beat my enemies abroad , not to fright my Subjects at home ; to defend them , not to ruine them ; I covet not the riches of my Subjects , I hold not the Sword to cut their Purse-strings , but to decide truth from falshood , to give Equity , and to doe Justice . Yet let me 〈◊〉 them , my Sword is as ready to punish Offenders , as my Clemency is to reward the vertuous . But I have found , and I make no question I shall finde them alwayes as ready to obey , as I to command ; and because every one may returne to his owne private affaires , since in publique bufinesse there is little lest now to doe , but what I can order my selfe , I dissolve my Parliament for this time , untill there be an occasion to call them together againe .

Whereupon the Parliament all cryed ;

God save the King , God save the King .

I Know , those that are strict and nice about Phrase , and the placing of words , will carp at my Booke : for I have not set my words in such order , as those which write elegant Prose . But I must confesse ingenuously , my shallow wit could not tell how to order it to the best advantage ; besides , I found it difficult , to get so many Rhythmes , as to joyn the sense of the Subject : and by reason I could not attaine to both , I rather chose to leave the Elegance of words , then to obstruct the sense of the matter . For my desire was to make my conceit easie to the understanding , though my 〈◊〉 were not so fluent to the eare . Againe , they will finde fault with the Numbers ; for I was forc'd to fewer or more , to bring in the sense of my Fancies . All I can say for my selfe is , that Poetry consists not so much in Number , Words , and Phrase , as in Fancy . Thirdly , they will finde fault at the Subject ; saying , it is neither materiall , nor usefull for the Soule , or Body . To this I answer , My intention was , not to teach Arts , nor Sciences , nor to instruct in Divinity , but to passe away idle Time ; and thought Time might be better 〈◊〉 : yet 't is oft spent worse amongst many in the world .

I Language want , to dresse my Fancies in , The Haire 's uncurl'd , the Garments loose , and thin ; Had they but Silver Lace to make them gay , Would be more courted then in poore array . Or had they Art , might make a better show ; But they are plaine , yet cleanly doe they goe . The world in Bravery doth take delight , And glistering Shews doe more attract the sight ; And every one doth honour a rich Hood , As if the outside made the inside good . And every one doth how , and give the place , Not for the Mans sake , but the Silver Lace . Let me intreat in my poore Bookes behalfe , That all may not adore the Golden Calf . Consider pray , Gold hath no life therein , And Life in Nature is the richest thing . So Fancy is the Soul in Poetrie , And if not good , a Poem ill must be . Be just , let Fancy have the upper place , And then my Verses may perchance finde grace . If flattering Language all the Passions rule , Then Sense , I feare , will be a meere dull Foole. THe worst Fate Bookes have , when they are once read , They 're laid aside , forgotten like the Dead : Under a heap of dust they buried lye , Within a vault of some small Library . But Spiders they , for honour of that Art Of Spinning , which by Nature they were taught ; Since Men doe spin their Writings from the Braine , Striving to make a lasting Web of Fame , Of 〈◊〉 thin , high Altars doe they raise , There offer Flyes , as sacrifice of praise . WHen that a Book doth from the Presse come new , All buyes , or borrows it , this Book to view : Not out of love of Learning , or of wit , But to finde Faults , that they may censure it . Were there no Faults for to be found therein , As few there are , but doe erre in some thing ; Yet Malice with her ranckled Spleen , and spight , Will at the Time , or Print , or Binding bite . Like Devils , when they cannot good soules get , Then on their Bodies they their 〈◊〉 set . SIr Charles into my chamber coming in , When I was writing of my Fairy Queen ; I pray , said he , when Queen Mab you doe see , Present my service to her Majesty : And tell her , I have heard Fames loud report , Both of her Beauty , and her stately Court. When I Queen Mab within my Fancy view'd , My Thoughts bow'd low , fearing I should be rude ; Kissing her Garment thin , which Fancy made , Kneeling upon a Thought , like one that pray'd ; In whispers soft I did present His humble service , which in mirth was sent . Thus by imagination I have been In Fairy Court , and seen the Fairy Queen . For why , imagination runs about In every place , yet none can trace it out . A Poet I am neither borne , nor bred , But to a witty Poet married : Whose Braine is Fresh , and Pleasant , as the Spring , Where Fancies grow , and where the Muses sing . There oft I leane my Head , and 〈◊〉 harke , To heare his words , and all his Fancies mark ; And from that Garden Flowers of Fancies take , Whereof a Posie up in Verse I make . Thus I , that have no Garden of mine owne , There gather Flowers that are newly blowne . REader , I have a little Tract of Philosophicall Fancies in Prose , which will not be long before it appear in the world . FINIS .

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