Bon-acords decorement. Or, Newes from the North. Wherein is truely expressed the forme (or situation) of the famous citie of new Aberdeene, the vertues of the honourable and renowned governours thereof, together with these Grampians anagrames. : Wherewith is adjoyned the proofe, and praise of chast beautie, and the scorne of idols. / By William Mercer..

BON-ACORDS DECOREMENT .

OR , Newes from the North. Wherein is truely expressed the forme ( or situation ) of the famous Citie of new Aberdeene , the vertues of the honourable and renowned governours thereof , together with these Grampians Anagrames .

Wherewith is adjoyned the proofe , and praise of chast Beautie , and the scorne of Idols .

By William Mercer .

Printed Anno DOM. 16●● .

Vpon the Author . THryse happie Abria , to whose lasting Fame , Right valiant Mercers Muse hath vndergone : To gild , in rich encomiums each mans name , Like Mars , and Maro , both combynd in one , For to your praise what hee hath pend in word , Hee bravely vowes for to maintaine by sword . W. Dow.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE , THE TRVELY RENOWNED , AND WORTHILY RESPECTED PAVL MEINZIES of Kinmoundie . Lord Provest , Mr. VEDAST LOWSON , PATRICK LESLIE , GILBERT COLINSONE , and Mr. THOMAS GRAY , Baillies , Mr. Mathew Lomsden , Dean of Gild , Charles Keillo Thesaurer , and to the renowned Counsellers and members of the Counsell of Aberdene , wishes Grace , Honour , Promotion , and Peace in this life , and everlasting glorie in the life to come . W. M. REnowned Rulers of this sacred seat , Wherein all goodnesse , graciously abound , Whose fames for worth , whose vertues are compleat Whose liues are lights , whose learnings are profound ▪ Amongst all these , who loue your vertues best , And they whose workes vnfained witnesse beare , I 'm loath to bee , the last , albeit the least , Who would approue , how I your worth admeare . Therefore let this invention of my Muse , ( Which though not worthie , boldly weares the ba Of these your names , even for its worthiest chus Obtaine your loue , its errors to inhedge : And let it please you , these my Lynes to take Into good part , and doe my paines approue : If nought for else , yet for affections sake , And for assurance heereby of my loue : And since I know your generous minds admit , A signe of loue , as were more worth therein : Heerefore am bold to beate my braines and wit , To see if I can to your vertues win : For loe for loue , on my part of your worth , And through desire for to ingraue your glore , I haue imployde my pen , for to set forth , Your just deserts , by men admyrde before . And that my Lynes may ever witnesse bee , For to impart a portion of your praise , Although such knowledge not consists in mee , To wryte your worth , or dignities to raise : Yet though my words ▪ should render but a view , And not attaine , the full to testifie , This I professe to bee your proper due , Yee are of the superlatiue degree . And as th' Arcadians , gaue to Pales bot A fleece of woole to testifie their loue : Th' Athenians loe , to Pallas did alot , A dish of O liues , duetie to approue , So likewise I , haue with these two nothing To giue , but these vnpolisht lynes of mine : Which I confesse not worthie is to bring 〈…〉 such Patrones , for my first propyne . 〈…〉 Minerva , did an Owle defend , 〈…〉 vnder covert of her Targ at saue : 〈…〉 did her liuely armes extend , 〈…〉 the deformde Cyclops might perceaue . 〈…〉 Apollo by his heav'nly Lute , 〈…〉 , night-raven , vnder it did hyde : 〈…〉 please you , to supplie my sute , 〈…〉 ●eerein keepe my errors vnespyde : 〈…〉 I finde the secreet of my thought , 〈…〉 can know , till they the same shall view , 〈…〉 perfection fully brought , 〈…〉 loue was firmely fixt on you : And though sometimes I secreetly did send , Some lynes abroad , or yet to publicke eye , My aime was ay , but that I might amend , The same to you , your worth to testifie . Considering then , the worthinesse of you , I did determine , as the trueth requyrde , Yee were the onely object whom I knew , My Muse of duetie ought to haue aspyrde . Therefore at last these Lynes I did compose , Which being done , I doe present them heere , To craue your aid , to keepe them from their foes , Which if they finde , they shall not fret for feare . And I who pend them , shall your praise proclame , And still procure your honours rest on hie : Your severall names , and actions conquese fame , Which by all ages may admeered bee : Then in the ballance of affection , proue And try my labours , if they equall are , Vnto one motion , of my matchlesse loue , And yee shall find my favour passe them farre : And though I can no protestations make , Yet for your honour , I shall alwayes pray , Vnto such tyme , as I occasion take , To proue more largely I am yours for ay . Thus you intreating , yee will pleased bee , Them to receaue , and loue them for the Art , Whence in some maner , they proceede yee see , And doe receaue resemblance in apart : So of you all , what is divine as due , I to the three vnited powers commend , And what is subject vnto change of you I know your valour alwayes will defend As for my part , what power I can afford , To death I shall still honour Bon-acord . And rests Your Worships and Wisedomes most obsequious and truely affectionated serviture at power William Mercer .

SONNET . Acrostick . W With Manhood , Musicke , and a Poets mynd , I In strength , in mirth , and lynes of verse I vow , L Loue hath a cord , of threefold links combynd , L Like one whose worth no violence can bow : 〈◊〉 In , and whereby , I doe present to you , 〈◊〉 A lyuely Lanterne of my loyall loue , 〈◊〉 More haue I not , and lesse shall not seeme due , 〈◊〉 My faithfull favour plainely to approue . 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therefore no lesse of mee then I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heereby , for to deserue to death , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rather vse some strategem to try , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if my words proceed from fixed faith , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also , that this threefold band , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Can ser●e three vses , as you please command . W. M.

To the generall Reader . REader , remembring that my lynes must bee , Of force to all presented publickly : And that they are not deckt with daintie phrase , Whereby they alwayes doe not merite praise : I , as a Souldier , who defence would make , Whose part sometimes , I honour had to act : Considering that this worke of mine but dout , Must bee with foes , envyrond round about , Would faine erect a fort , to keepe it free From carping of the curious enemie : And therefore striues this much ( in thee ) to moue , That as thou reads , thou censure mee in loue . Which as I wish , I having once obtainde , Heereby my lynes , shall hence forth bee maintainde : And ( as a friend ) if thou wilt not refuse , Thou's conquish kindnesse , and advance my Muse . Or if thou proue a Momus through envy , Then in that case , thy malice I defy : A curious Critick , if thou stryue to bee , To carpe , I then contemne thy crueltie : Because thou frets , and foolishly doth prease , To wrong my worke , but doth thy selfe disgrace . Therefore , before thou further on proceede , Spare what amisse is , and mantaine the gude : And if perchance , thou errors shall perceaue , Let these of myne , by thee a mends ▪ receaue : Which from thy hands , I will bee glad to take Albeit for nought , but for my maters sake : That all the honour , may ( as due ) increase , To Bon-acord , whose worth deserues no lesse : But this I feare if so thou thinke of mee : That I lacke skill , thy wit shall weaker bee , Because the basest and the naughtiest minde , Doe alwayes malice , 'gainst true vertue find● . Therefore resolue to read , to thinke and sweare , That all is true that is inclosed heere . W. M.

SONNET . THE learned , and vnlearned , both these two , Wise , and vnworthie I apeall them fro : The learned wise , because no doubt their skill , Will soone perceiue some errors heerein-till : The ignorant vnworthie , I appaile , Because albeit they cannot judge , they 'le raile , Wherefore I wish , it please them but to chuse , Some other subject , nor to wrong my Muse . The wise may well by learning , see mee hault , And yet perchance they cannot mend my fault : 〈◊〉 also may the ignorant blaze foorth 〈◊〉 will , their words I reckon of no worth . 〈◊〉 ●herefore their best is both , as would appeare , 〈◊〉 That having read , vnchallengde they reteare .

TO THE FAMOVS , AND FLOVRISHING Citie of ABERDEINE .

New ABERDEINS Anagramme . Wee debar sinn . Verse . Sinne wee debar , as yee perceiue , and faithfully afford , Both love and peace , from whence wee have our diton Bon-acord .

Acrostick . IN ME , A generous Meinzies , beares governament , But by the worthie Colinsens consent , Even so , the loyall Lowsons honoureth mee , Renouned Leslies aids couragiouslie . Doth not the ancient Iohnstons grace mee ay Esteemd I am , for Collen , Rutherford , Gray Is not brave Meldrum mine , mee to defend , No lesse the Iaffrayes , Robertsons , so I end , And many more , whose names though I suppress Makes mee renounde by vertues I confesse . Wherefore then Reader , thus much of mee record , More famous worth , no Citie can afford .

BON-ACORDS DECOREMENT . MNemosine , the Muses nyne I crave , Send foorth from thee that I their aide may have , Because a Worke so rare I heere intend , Which though begunne by mee , these nyne must end Goe on , saith shee , they shall assist thy Muse , I know thy worke doth merite no refuse , Rowse vp thy spirits : the rarest of those nine , I shall advance to grace that worke of thine ; By whose assistance , which I pleasde to aske , Who lykes to heare , loe I beginne my taske . GReat Babylons building was ordainde for ease , To bee the seate of these three Monarchies , Th' Assyrian , Greeke , and Persian , and did beare Rule o're all Nations many thousand yeare . Within whose power all princes did repare , All Potentates , and Kings resorted there : 〈◊〉 to admire , for to adore , and see 〈…〉 state , the grandure and magnificencie 〈…〉 such a seate , wherein all pompe appearde , 〈…〉 se glore and splendour greatly was admired . 〈…〉 ●ikewise Rome , fame doth record to bee 〈…〉 ●only seate of the fourth Monarchie . 〈…〉 next to Babel did all worth afford , 〈…〉 de all earthly Kingdomes by her sword : 〈…〉 frowne , the World was forc't to quake , 〈…〉 aptiues in triumph did take . 〈…〉 iters in hudge volumes strive , 〈…〉 the same for to descrive . 〈…〉 glorious workes aboundantly , 〈…〉 the same to testifie . Of Athens also , hence what should I say , Where worthiest Romans in their state did stay , And in the same , was not ashamde you see , To learne all science , and civilitie : And who for graue governament and wit , No citie shee , for second would admit : And like as Sparta , was approvde and praisde , For Martiall worth , and o're all others raisde . Likewise their lyves , and vertues wrapt in store , Did farre exceede these cities told before : Which was to Mars a seminarie fit , For many warlike sprits were bred in it : And who with force of sword , did conquish fame , By Martiall deedes , to eternize their name : As did appeare in many more then these , Lysander , Ages , and Clyomines , With others divers fashious to rehearse , Whose worth is viewd , throughout the vniverse : And who for fame , all ages doth agree , Vnto all Nations for to testifie , Which heeretofore might bee examples rare , For valour , worth , and vertues but compare : Whose gifts most glorious , never yet hath beene Once paraleld , or equalized seene . Till now by force , these foretold townes yee see To Bon-acord yeelds by necessitie : Since to them all , what did belong of old , This Citie claimes most justly vncontrold : For loe , more worth then all of these I meane , It doth afford as is apparent seene : Since Athens no wayes herewith could compare In learning , or civilitie most rare : And since that Sparta , for her valorous fame . Of force must flie , and heereto quyte her name : And seeing Babell , nor that Rome indeede , For vertues no wayes could the same exceede : But as the heav'ns doth over reach the earth , So in like sort , it doth surpasse their worth ; And like as since , is nothing vnto faith , Or who would life , likewise compare to death : Or like to man , by reason who is blest , Whose true perfection doth in grace consist : Or as a beast is nought , to man as farre This Cities vertues , doth these Cities warre : For they had but an outward show of glore , But this in sacred substance passe them more : And though their greatnesse were more grosse then it They all must yeeld hereto , for vertuous wit : And looke wherein these gloried most , saue ill , This hath more cause to glorie therintill : Which once such Bishops blest of memorie had , Who doth lye secreet now in earthen bed : Of famous race , by whom braue buildings stand In water some , some doth decore the land : By Chein and Lichtoun , builded were alone , Sanct Machers Church , likewise the bridge of Done : With other two rare buildings as yee see , The Old towne Colledge , & the bridge of Die : One Elphinstone , began them as is told , And both were finisht by Dumbar of old : The one is builded vpon Pillers seven , The other holds a Crowne , vp towards heaven ; One Steward famous , for his learning lovde , As also Gordon , for his gifts approvde : One Cunningham , the mirror of his dayes , ●nd Blackburne , likewise worthie of all praise , 〈◊〉 Forbes then , and now a Forbes more , 〈◊〉 ●irst most rare , but this not matcht before , 〈◊〉 bygon Bishops , treasures were of faith , 〈◊〉 now in graue , yet triumphs over death : 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of late , such provests there hath beene , 〈◊〉 famous Towne of Aberdeene ▪ Whose generous sprits , whose antient fame and worth , My Pen can not impart , nor lynes set forth , So passing many , whom I could not know , Of some into my tyme , I heere will show . A Cheine much worth , for grace and great renowne , With linkes of loue , combyned to the Towne : A prudent Provest , in this famous place , And who likewise , was one of ancient race : Then Colinson their third fold confidence , Of vertues , who was verie quintessence : The Cities comfort , who increast in grace , And when but young , was Provest in that place : Of ancient stem and standard , even wheron The towne relyde , as their chiefe corner stone : As borne so bred , as livde so died , and loe , Of all , this all , wee conquest but a show : Admeerde by men , for wisedome , faith & grace A lanterne , fortres , favoured in his place : Who dead yet liues , and who by fame shall lest , In number one , ay of the worthiest : Who past his pryme , even full of honours shynd When death in graue of silence him inshrynde . Wherefore with gold most permanent impose , Aboue his bones , this stone all worth inclose . As likewise for their learning they had two , One liues in Heaven , the other liues below : The one namde Gray , which though gray was his name , This Gray doth glance in verie glorious fame , The other Dun , so doth his name declare , Whose knowledge in two sciences is rare . And as this Dun is much esteemde by you , This Dun doth yeeld a daintie coloured hew , Since where pale death , would make your counte Yee are revivde by vertue of this man , Ev'n Principals both , so doth their place import Liues both by fame although 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And gracious Gray , whose learning was admeerd , Who livde not long till soone to earth reteerd , With whom as due , a third I heere admit , For learning rare , for Phisick wondrous fit : Which I , on stone , ingravd doth wish to see , Thereby this Iohnstons worth to testifie : Who doth that place , which Liddell left supply Whose name I heere expresse most worthily And who profest the Mathematicks airt , Which in his absence Iohnston doth impart , And many mo , whom I can not expresse , Who by just merit did deserue no lesse . As is confirmde in Chronicles for ay , Whose names , nor fames , shall never find decay : But by their worth , yet recent beares record , What ancient honour 's due to Bon-acord . And more you see of all , what can bee wisht , But in this famous citie doth consist : For in within its curious corners stand , A towne which seemes of force for to command All cities else , to hyde them vnder sloughes , Since shee s the matchlesse method of al brughes And whence apeare for poynts , which doth arise Whose worth ascending , seem to pierce the skyes Vpon whose tops such fethered fixions stand , As onely change at Eolus command , And alwayes aimes , as they anone would flie : To sound abroad their burghs nobilitie : Which turning and considering where they sit , They doe resolue , they will not passe from it : But rather glories for to glance thereon , 〈◊〉 ●ince each of them , possesse such sacred throne : 〈◊〉 by their yeelding all at once , to proue , 〈◊〉 smallest motion , rules them all in loue : 〈◊〉 hereby that they may a cause afford , 〈◊〉 ●o maintaine their title Bon-acord . And since of them , each one a place possesse , Whose walles are full of vpright holvnesse : They thinke it is their best , for to abide , Se'ing loue , and good agrement is their guyde . For vnder one doth stand the treasurie , From whence doth flow , meanes of felicitie : The other is on judgement grounded sure , Repressing vices , vertues to procure : The third springs vp from charitie and loue , As those within its corners can aproue : The last all learning , as the time relates , Affords within the compasse of its gates : So that these foure ; are precious poynts you see , As Mercie , Iustice , Learning , Charitie : Which though most rare , if three of these should lake , But one , it should great imperfection make : Wherefore all foure , on faith are founded sure , To make the name of Bon-acord indure : The which though they antiquitie alledge , Are much aduanced in this present age . For they a Prouest haue of pregnant wit , Whose worth to rule , it is approved fit : Whose skill , whose knowledge , & whose deeds each day Gravely preserues , the Citie from decay : Whose noble , wise , pregenitors of old , Bore alwayes swey , most savely vncontrold : So that by birth , this honour is his owne , Since his ancestors brookt it as is knowne : Hee by whose workes in this illustrous place , Doth alwayes aime , for amitie and peace : And by his actions , who doth still approue , To Bon-acord , his kyndly constant loue . And in whose time , hath so decord the same , That by his worth , it hath attaind much fame : First and as best , then to record his care , Hee heereto beares , may be accounted rare ▪ For in their charge Ecclesiasticall , His aime can no wayes bee reputed small : Since in his time such Prelate hath appearde , As for his worth and learning is admeerd : Who in this Kingdome , to the Church hath beene , The gravest guyde , that heeretofore was seene : Whose Pastors likewise doe appeare for worth , The rarest men , which nature hath sent forth : 1 A Forbes , who one letter more you see , Doth proue his worth , For-best of all to bee : 2 A Barron blest , whose learned workes decore , The earth , which can yeeld none such Barron more . 3 A Sibbald , who may well bee bold indeede , His boldnesse brings the starving soules true foode , 4 A Guild , whose goodnesse is more worth I vow , Then gold , and all the goods which ever grew , 5 A Rosse likewise , some lend mee but one vowell , I's make this Roise more worth then precious Iewell : Whilks , Forbest , Barron , Sibbald , Guild , and Roise , Confirmes the faithfull , and confounds Church foes . And whence doth spring as from fyue fountaines fyne , Renowned knowledge , doctrine most divine : A Famous , Blessed , Sacred , Glorious , Rare , Religion , alwayes , doth they witnesse there . In preaching , praying , and these men yee heare , In Bon-acord , a Bon-acord they beare , To proue how heaven , and earth , and men all three , In rendring praise to Bon-acord agree , And for to shew , that Bon-acord hath beene , And is a diton due to Aberdene ●ince all these foresaids , and things low and steepe , ●oncurres in one , a Bon-acord to keepe , 〈◊〉 of their persons , and some certaine parts , 〈◊〉 aimde , to act their rare deserts : 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cease , till I haue wrought a view , 〈◊〉 ●peciall what belongs to them as due , And yet suspecting that my Muse or merits Should proue but weake , to write of such braue spirits , Because I cannot paint their vertues foorth , Who all are calld the quintessence of worth , I will not prease to penin poesie , Nothing at all of them particularlie : But will breakefoorth , to witnesse to all eyes In generall what the open Vniverse sees , For loe , they all haue this attaind alone , Their Towne doth stand by Gentle-men eachone . Likewise this Burgh it is decor'de you see , With Rivers two , its bounds to beautifie , And as a Lover doth approach his love , Who filde with pleasure , doth at last remove , Hee stands a farre , and ravish'd lookes aback , Because in her such pleasure hee doth take , Yet rests not long but rageth still you see , Till in her armes full soone hee throwen bee , Whose beautie then hee doth imbrace ev'n till , Hee of his love hath love attainde his fill . And so beeing serv'd , and satiat with desire , Hee from his Mistresse doth at last retire . Ev'n so , these floods , or roaring Rivers swells , Delyting daylie to embrace her walles , And blythlie beates till they themselves retires , By Neptunes course , who on her worth admires . And there as fraught with love astonisht stands , In furious forme , seeming to wring their hands . And then anone they doe persue so nye , On either side , till they advanced bee : And so doe wash her walls , and seeks no more , Which they account to bee their greatest glore , Vnto which Towne , men scarslie can atteine To come , but by two bridges as is seene , Which they did build to benefite by those , Such Passeugers , as thereby hastily goes , And to expede the poore perchance by lot , Who haue not money to command a boat , As also for defence , to bee two forts , For to hold off invasions from their Ports . And who by force can equall power afford For to defend the worth of Bon-accord . In which , for Musick , Latine , Writing , they Have three , whose fames for Art shall last for ay Wedderburne , Davidsone , and one Leslie , Nor can bee pend , makes vp this number three , And as in it these vertues all abound , I meane true honour , learning most profound . Likewise the Muses heere a meeting have , That they may still the name of Musick save : Since as a Fountaine it all Musick yeelds , And conduit like convoyes it throgh the fields , So that albeit it generall now bee come , Were not this Towne , they shortly would sing dumbe . For heere so long its residence hath beene , That whence comes Musick but from Aberdene . And in its selfe so much it doth abound : That ev'n the bells ring musick when they sound As Likewise , what is by rare men invented , Within themselves by Raban is imprinted : Which Rabans skill doth soare and so arise , That in his workes , hee doth surmount the skies And in whose Person , doth appeare these three , A Poet , Printer , one for Prophesie . So I will cease , albeit I more could say , ●ecause their vertues doe increase each day , 〈◊〉 since I can not , wryte even what I will , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto perfection heereintill : 〈◊〉 ●rofesse and heerewithall will rest , 〈◊〉 ●owne doth much triumph , these men are blest , 〈◊〉 ●●erefore who reads in reverence , this record , 〈◊〉 ●ee the doubtlesse due of Bon-acord .

TheCounsellTableofNewAberdene. 1. 3. 5. 7. 9. 11. 13. 15. 17. B. B. D. T. C. M. M. C. T. G. M. I. C. 16 P. M. P. BON-ACORD 33 M. M. B. B. K. C. C. H. C. C. C. 2. 4. 6. 8. 10. 12. 14. 16. 18.

Behold the Counsell seat of Bon-acord , How it with reverent Senators is stord , Let Meinzies remaine , as governour fit , Let Lowson likewise a counseller sit : Let Leslie liue also a ruler still there , Let Colinson likewise , for vertues most rare , Let Gray in governing , as worthie be had , Let Lomsdena Dean , if no more bee read : Let Forquhare still master of Kirke worke bee kend , Let Keillo bee Treasaurer , ay to the end , Let Colinson , Meinzies , and Stewart all three , Let Cochrum as also still Counsellers bee , Let Duvie , and Paipe , and Duffe bee no lesse , Let Ramsay and Clarke their knowledge expresse , Let Gairdin bee Deacon convener as due , Because his assistance , giues aide vnto you : Let Robertson , Clarke , for cunningnessr bee , Let Ingrem his actions , in absence supplie , And so from the Provest , where first I began , The Cities soll comfort , that generous man , I heere haue exprest , the Baillies and loe , The Counsellers likewise , whose wisedomes I know : Which number , no question by their actions shew out ▪

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE , THE RIGHT Worthie , and truely Religious , Paul Meinzies of Kilmoundie , Lord Provest .

1. Anag . Pleis me in zeal : 2. Anag . I spie ye ev'll man . Vers . Pleis me in zeal , of sinne I 'm grieved whan , Within my place , I spie the ev'll man . Vers . Pleas me in ze'll in vyce doe not debord , I cannot suffer sinne in Bon-acord .

Acrostick . P Praisde worthy Timoleon , generous , mylde , & graue A A Grecian borne , whose vertues are inrolde , W Whose valour did a Puisant Prince , and braue , L Lead captiue , cald Dionisius , vncontrold , M Most worthie Chiftan , whom the earth could clame E Even he whose acts , the vniverse doth view , I Is not to bee more eternizde by fame , N Nor thou for worth ( to witnesse ) who thee knew : Z Zeale is thy glorie , still thou aimes for peace , E Eternall praise , thy labours shall adore : I In thee true honour dignifies thy place , S Since in thy breast , all vertues rest in store . And as Timoleon , Cicil did maintaine , Likewise thy wisedome ruleth Aberdene .

Ad Eundem . SONNET . By name ¹ , by place ² , by birth ³ , by fame ⁴ , thou art ⁵ , A Paul ¹ , a Provest ² , noble ³ , wise ⁴ , expert ⁵ , The Townes triumph , a governour most fit , For conscience , knowledge , cariage , faith , and wit . Belovd ¹ , approvd ² , admeerd ³ , reteerd ⁴ , and thou ⁵ , By all ¹ , for all ² , in all ³ , from ill ⁴ , art true ⁵ , Procleamd ¹ , esteemde ² , vnstaind ³ , and treasure ⁴ sure ⁵ , For worth ¹ , in life ³ , for faith ² , which shall ⁴ , indure5. The head ¹ , the hope ² , the helpe ³ , who doth afford ⁴ , The sence ¹ , they haue ² , each day ³ , in Bon-acord4. Who as a jewell , richt with those gifts so rare , Decores the Towne , still while thou rulest there . And as thy worth , hath conquisht great renowne , Ev'n so thy head , deserves a Lawrell crowne .

To the right honorable Gilbert Meinzies of Petfodels .

Anag . Ye se I afford most gudnes , le'st ill . Vers . Ye see most gudnes , dayly I afford , Likewise le'st il , for ill by me is abhord .

Acrostick . G Giue Ages and Cleomines , were praisde , I In Sparta , two young Princes , valorous , wise L Likewise is Gaius and Tiberius raisde : B Braue hopefull Princes , to the worlds eyes , E Even since and as , their fortune past their yeares , R Renownde their worth is , o're their fottunes farre : T That nought till now , as all beholders sees , M Might any match be found , their worth to warre : E Establish therefore , I thy valour would , I In due compare these Princes to exceed , N No lesse in noble vertues manyfold , Y Yen are these gifts in thee which nature breed , E Especiall since these foresaid foure heere pend , I In all externall gifts , were not more rare , S Since also o're them doe thy praise extend , And since thy prudence scarce can finde compare , Thou by whose name , and fame wee plainely see , Both noble birth , and liues in libertie .

To Mr. VIDAST LOWSONE .

Anag . Lou's ay set downe , Lou's eldast son . Vers . Lous ay set down , where thou dost sit , and loe , Thy name neere sayes , Lou's eldest son , also .

Acrostick . W Wise Cato minor , noble Romane hee , E Even in his time , most graue was thought to bee : D Doe wee not of Pericles likewise read , A As one vnto whose praise , all Greece agreed : S Since at his death , hee gloried and did say , T That hee offended no man to that day : L Likewise that hee had no occasion wrought , O Of mourning when , hee to his graue was brought : W Was rather for his wisedome much admeerde , S Since from all vyce , his vertues war reteerd : O Onely there 's equall now appeares by thee , N No lesse in wisedome , grace and gravitie : For in thy time , where vyce would worke awry , Thou it reclaimes most conscienciously .

Ad Eundem . Mylde wisedome , vertue , knowledge power , and place , Religion , justice equitie and peace : All full of faith , vnited are in one , To make thy selfe a map of worth alone : Not that I faine , but rather standes in feare , Least in thy praise deficient I appeare : Because no bud , or brybrie can bereaue , These of true justice , who thy aide doth craue : Then in few words , this to thy praise I pen , Thou' rt loude by GOD , and much admeerd by men : For proofe , because thou' rt first preferd by God And men ( for worth ) acconts thy vertues od .

To PATRICK LESLIE Baillie .

Anag . I pertack les il . Vers . I pertack les il , nor many who would clame , To be cald good , for so imports my name .

Acrostick . P Preferrd was valorous Alcibiades , A And still esteemde the sword of Greece to bee , T That in his time , to no man would giue place , R Rulling regions , most couragiously , I Into whose praise , this likewise is approvde , C Continually that hee did paine sustaine : K Knowing his natiue countrie to bee movde , L Least in defence , his service was not seene : E Even hee whose power did diverse times orecome , S Such Persian Emperour , greatest in his dayes , L Layes downe his sword to thee , as one to whom , I Into thy actions , merites endlesse praise , E Eternally that thou the sword may brooke , Since in thy favours , hee the same forsooke .

Ad Eundem . True courage , valour , worth and manhood mixt , Wherewith are kindnesse , loue and faith prefixt : Though young , yet wise , though stout , yet wondrous loath , To execute thy humor being wroth . Of ancient stem , and yet no pryde appeares , But proues so modest as the earth admeeres , By same most faithfull , and in promise true , And who doth strive , all vice for to eschue , One of thy selfe , ev'n of more worth than I Have skill to write , or yet to versifie , Therefore concludes thy vertues who envyes . Couragious Leslie all his foes defyes .

To GILBERT COLENSONE Baillie .

Anag . No cruell sin begotin . Vers . No cruell sin begotin , is in thee , But rather merits Pompeyes praise truely .

Acrostick . G Gif Pompey was amongst the Romans lovde , I In so farre as his cariage was most myld : L Likewise his valour makes his worth approvde , B Because by blame his deeds were vndefyld : E Even who subdude , full many kingdomes then , R Renownd was by the Romanes for his wit , T That in his time was much esteemde by men , C Confest likewise to bee a ruler fit . O Onely till now no second hath beene seene , L Like to this Pompey , but thy selfe I sweare , I Into whose praise most duelie appertaine , N No lesse then all , that is included heere . S Such as are these , true favour free from ill , O One modest , wise , both myld and graue also , N Not that it s said , but signifide intill , Thy actions , which in substance yeeld a show , And as the Romans Pompeys praise approvde , No lesse thy wayes in Bon-acord are lovde .

Ad Eundem . If it should not bee partiall thought in mee , Because of friendship or affinitie : I would my Muse , as worthie not admit , For to descryue thy vertue , worth , and wit : Since that no citie , nor no countrie can , Produce , afford , or yeeld more wise young man , So young I say , because more dayes hath Iuly , Nor thou hath yeeres , thy age who reckons truely : And looke what yeere doe maniest minuts moue , They can not match the number who thee loue : Whose worth no view , as yeares or minutes yeeld , But where profest in loue , lasts as a sheeld . Since neither endlesse time , nor suddaine change , Thy loyall loue , or friendship can estrainge .

To Mr , THOMAS GRAY , Baillie .

Anag , I go arayt ma'st rair . Vers . Hee go's arayt ma'st rair , with gifts of minde Wherewith all outward vertues are combynd .

Sonnet Acrostick . Master T That Brutus , whom a Roman was by birth , H Heroick , and yet modest in his minde , O One whom by Cesar , was esteemde for worth , M Man in his time , for second hee could finde . A Albeit by birth , hee was brought foorth againe , S Should not bee thought but equall vnto thee , G Graue , modest , wise , whose worth shall ay remaine , R Renownde for prudence , and humilitie . A A man most meete in publicke place to stand , Y Yea , peerelesse off-spring , or the paterne rather , Of such a parent , presently at hand , Who is thought worthie of such faithfull father : Or who should bee , if Cesar , liud to day , A helpe to him , since Brutus made but way .

Ad Eundem . It is a wonder to perceiue and see , A man so youthfull , deckt with modestie : As thou art seene , and as thy deedes approue , Each day , which doth proceede from faithfull loue . And yet if wee consider will aright , It shall appeare no wonder in our sight , Since wee may surely apprehend , that God . Ingraft these gifts in thee which are most od To shew how hee , his benefites impart , To thee whose worth , them merit by desert , 〈◊〉 for to proue how hee appeares each day , 〈◊〉 to procure thy fame , may last for ay .

To Mr. MATHEW LOMSDEN , Dean of Gild.

Anag . Al the town des'rs me mast . Vers . Al the town des'rs me mast to bee Theirs : and of trueth , the same is wisht by mee

Sonnet Acrostick . Master M Most worthie , forward Philophemenes , A A Grecian borne , and man of ancient race , T That in his pryme , or as his grandor rose H Had much envy by many Romish foes , E Even for his care his countrie to preserue , W Wherefore at last hee was content to starue : L Like to this man , thou doubtlesse art I meane , O Onely except , invyde , thou art not seene , M Most carefull for thy towne and countrie , and S So forward therefore , thou decores the land , D Due praise pertaines therefore to thee and maire , E Esteemd to bee , nor Philopemenes heere : N Not for thy care alone , but likewise loue , Which still the towne as they imploy approue ,

Ad Eundem . Thy conscience , knowledge , and thy pregnant wit , Makes thee bee thought a counseller most fit : Thy faithfull forward friendship to the towne , Affords just cause to conquish thee renowne . The care and loue which thereintill thou beares , Makes all therein , that they thy worth admeeres : Thou art most meete , a generall charge to haue , Since thou can render justice where they craue : And to bee briefe , my burden is too great , To praise thy worth , and vertues most perfyte : Who as in all things , so in learning thou , Was first a Master , now a Dean I vow .

To Master ROBERT FARWHAIRS .

Anag . My rest rests farr aboue . Vers . My Anagramme sayes , albeit on earth I move , From earthly sence : My rest rests farr aboue .

Sonnet Acrostick . Renound Lucullus , hee of whom it s told , O're Mithridates domineered still , Brought likewise low Tigranes vncontrould , Even that Armenian King tooke in his will . Reteirde at last , when hee these tropheis ended To liue at home where hee was first brought foorth , Full peaceably his private state defended And waxt in wealth to extraordinar worth Regrating that I could no second see , Qho might heerein Lucullus match bee made : When I inquirde I tryall found of thee , How for thy vertues hee an equall had . A iust acquyrer of thy meanes , and lo , Renound for wise governament also .

To CHARLES KEILO , Thesaurer ,

Anag . Loe yis rech Arke . Vers . Lo yis rich Arke , containes much substance , and Grace doth governe , what this man takes in hand .

Sonnet Acrostick . Crassus , so much in wisdome did abound , His equall scarcely theirin could bee found : A man whose knowledge did great wealth attaine , Renounde lykewise for vertues as is seene , Even hee who did governe his owne estate , Lyke as his second doth no time relate , Surely whose substance safely could vphold , Keepe , and maintaine great Armies manifold . Into whose absence I imput thy name , Lykewise to laste with his in endles fame : Looking most duely to thy vertues rare , ●r to thy actions scarce which finds compare . And who for worth , is chosen now wee see , The Thesaurer of this braue Towne to bee .

To GEORGE MEINYEIS .

Anag . Ye see me in no rage :

Sonnet . Grace guides my goings , errours I abhorre , Esteemd is vertue by me evermore : Of pride no partner I desire to bee . Reteired I am from vile idolatrie . God is the author each day of my aime , Man shall by mee receive no publick shame : Even what is good in generall I allow , I love the vpright , vitious I eshew , No wrong I worke , my acts by faith aspyre , Ye see in me no rage , and I desire , Eternall trueth to bee the treasure still , Into the which my hopes may rest intill . Say not I speake as that proud Pharisee , I speake but trueth , as shall approved bee

To ALEXANDER STVARTE .

Anag . & render reward at last .

Sonnet . And for to render ( iust ) reward , must bee Like to a Stuarte of sinceritie : Even one whose actions merits no suspect , X and in whose charge is viewed no neglect : All those in one accomplisht heere doe stand , No lesse in worth , then vertues rarest band , Demanding good of him , thou shalt receive Even for instruction what thy heart would crave , Renounde hee is : a Stuarte vpright , just Safely defending what s rendred in his trust , Therefore to speake to thee of him I 'le end Without offence , and let my Muse commend All what see I into this Stuarts face Remembring how hee doth decore his place . To thee therefore I tell thee , Stuarte , truely I haue exprest thy properties most duely .

To ALEXANDER COLINSONE .

Anag . And I excell in all reson . Vers . With spirituall gifts , in reson to excell , , Makes thee accomplisht , so thy name doth tell

Acrostick . Albeit Marcellus , that braue Roman rare , Lives yet by fame , for vertues but compare Even hee , who was thought in his time to bee , Xceeding valorous , all the world may see . A man whose worth did vantage first attaine , No lesse then of braue Hanib all I meane , Doubtlesse of whom this Hanib all confest , Even victor , nor yet vanquisht could hee rest , Renownd abroad for valour , and by grace , Cald to his Friends , a comfort and solace Of thee hee now , a second shall receaue , Lyke to himselfe , both actiue , wise , and graue ▪ Into whose person , did appeare as provde , No error , but by all men is belovde , Surely abroad thy worth is viewd and seene , O but at home a comfort thou hast beene , No more then shall Marcellus bee I vow , Esteemde or praisde , more righteously then thou .

To GWALTER COCHRVME Master of the mortified monyes .

Anag . Trwlee much grace .

Sonnet . Giue , truely much grace , in thy name is red , What to thy praise more can bee wisht or had ? And if the same were not approvde in thee , Lovd as thou art , by all thou would not bee : That place whose charge , doth in thy power consist , Esteemde is more , for thy cause by the rest , Renownd thou art , for trueth but treacherie : Composde of earthly immortalitie , Of all belovde , and doubtlesse who doth stand , ●ontrold by none , of what lyes in thy hand , 〈◊〉 forth therefore my Muse shall ever aime , 〈◊〉 thy praise in poems to proclaime : 〈◊〉 and what , I heere of thee haue 〈◊〉

And 〈…〉 Thy aide 〈…〉 labours leanes , Remembrin● 〈…〉 helpe proceedes from thee . Indeed as du● thy worth they testifie , Keepes it likewise in store where they remaine , Doubtlesse their prayers shall win a place to thee , In heaven where thou shall liue apart from paine . Vhat to thy praise then shall I pen but this , Eternally thous liue in heavenly blesse .

To THOMAS PAIPE , master of the imposts .

Anag . Most happ'e ay . Vers . Most happ'e ay , may wee account thy fame , Since nought but that , is found into thy name .

Sonnet Acrostick . Though Guido Pape was for wisedome thought , Hee in his time whom natures best had wrought : Of wit so rare , hee rulled alwayes then , Most faithfully , his friends and countrie men , And by his counsels , subtill , graue , and sure , Shynd as a light whose labours yet indure , Praise him I would with thee , and thee with him , Albeit I can to none your vertues clim , If I could but for thy cause praise him duely , Praisde hee should bee , in praising thee most truely , But I to praise you both may doe my best , And yet vnpraisde sufficiently must rest . Onely of him this much his worth is told , And thine each day most vively wee behold .

Lo scarce sufficient shall it seeme 〈◊〉 Even who for worth is wondred in thy Xceeding wise and full of veritie : And who doth walke in true sinceritie , No wayes offensive , or molesting none : Doubtlesse therefore , abroad proclaimde may bee Eternall praises duely therevpon . Rest not , then Fame in haste , but bee thou gone , Direct thy course , whence , where thou never flew , Vith faith confirme , that thou dost tell of one . Farre more praise worth , than thou dost yeeld a view . Desiring all where e're thou may bee hard His praise for Prudence never bee debarde .

To ROBERT RAMSEY .

Anag . My rests bettar .

Receive this briefe Encomium , or praise Of thy just merite , though in low-styld phrase : But weigh heerewith , that where the streeme seemes still Even that the ground is deepest therintill Remember then , and let them all who read These lynes of mine , give true attentiue head . Recording heereby that thy worth may stand . As due amongst these worthie honoured band : My Muse may prease , for to import a part , Shee surely cannot more of thy desert : Establish therefore , I these lynes will now 〈◊〉 all who reades them may thy praise avow .

To THOMAS GAIRDINE : Deacon conveener .

Anag . Samsons gard in thee : Samsons gard in thee , since thou by votes commands , What would the Towne , such powerlyes in thy hands .

Sonnet These worthy forsaides , when in doubt they musde , How , or by whom they might assistance crave . Of , and by all consents , thy selfe they chusde . Most meete in generall , and did thee receave . A man , vnto whose knowledge doth consist , Such parts , as publick are by all approvde : Gainde by consent these worthies to assist , And for thy fame , who 's duely now promovde . Remembring how thy vertues are esteemde , Doubtlesse I may , this to thy praise maintaine : Into thy place thy prudence is proclaimde , Not 'lone by mee , but by all Aberdeene : Since therein when their worthiest aimes would faile , Vpstands thy power , and doth by votes prevaile .

To THOMAS CLARK .

Anag . A most cle'r Ark.

Acrostick . Think not the worse though I doe not impairt , Heere what thou merits , or thy just desart : Of force I must confesse my taske too much , My Muse likewise too weake to write of such . And yet least that my weaknesse should appeare , Surely as due I must say something heere : Considering with my Muse , this I must say , Lyke as those worthies , thou shall live for ay , A man renound , by fame , for faith and grace , Religious likewise knowen in this place : Keepe then thy rowme , or rather bee thou raisde For as thou art thou merits to bee praisde ,

To GWALTER ROBERTSONE , Clerk ,

Anag . Lo , Aberdons wretter .

Sonnet . Giue for assistance , I would come to see , Who would concurre vnto thy praise with mee : Assuredly each day I should perceive , Love to send forth more help than I can crave These famous forsaids truelie would attest , Even endlesse knowledge in thy labours lest : Renounde likewise into thy charge for wit , Recording all the actions , past in it . Of all the bygones , in this Burgh they stand , Bound vp in lynes accomplisht by thy hand , Even such a charge , as if thou were not rare , R Rulde in order , it scarce could well bee there : Therefore thy Name for aye shall laste indeede , So long as all posterities shall read . Or if that men should bygone things forget , No doubt but they shall in thy lines seeme late . Especiall since thy deeds , as due record , The antient , endlesse worth of Bona-cord

To IOAN INGREME .

Anag I agree in one .

Sonnet . Into thy name I find a faithfull word Only it sayes , agreement I afford : A word of trueth , for so imports thy place , Now while thou' rt conjunct with the Clerk a space : In generall when the Counsell doth conveene . No doubt , in number thou mustay bee one : Gif like wise that the Clark should absent be , Remaine then must his charge ( as due ) on thee . Even for thy knowledge and thy worth approved , Most duely , which in Bona-cord is loved Wherefore , for praise this much of thee I verse , Who reads my lynes , shall still thy worth reherse ,

THE HISTORIE OF SVSANNA . The Argument . THis Storie tels Susanna's chast , though faire , As likewise doth these Iudges false declare : Her constant mynde , for to controll their aime , And for their fault what hapned vnto them , They with false judgement her condemnde to die , Gods Sprite appeares , convicts them , sets her free : Her Parents , Husband , and her kinsfolke all , Praise God , who red Susanna out of thrall . Whereby Gods power , these Iudges two disgrace , And Daniels prudence , kytheth in this place : As likewise more this storie lets you see , Susannas beauties buskt with chastitie . IN Babylon resided one by name , Cald Ioacim , yet eternizde by fame , Who did espouse , and for his match receaue , Susanna , whom no courting could deceaue , Who doubtlesse was Chelchias blest borne chyld , Since twofold fire , nor loue , nor hate defyld : One wondrous faire , whose beautie was so braue , It did graue ●udges , of their sences reaue : Whose Parents whence , by nature shee did spring , Her in the Law of Moses did vp bring , Which Ioachim , so richly did abound In wealth ▪ that scarce his equall could bee found : Vnto whose Palace , was ajoynde full neare , An Orchard , which for pleasure had no peare : To whom the Iewes by custome did repare , Because of all hee most was honoured there , Now was prescrivde , two ancient Iudges then , For to reclaime the vitious wayes of men ; Who most frequented , and remainde at will , In Ioacims house , the law for to fufill : Whence when the folke , at noone tyde did reteare , Susanna in her Orchard did appeare , Who was perceavde by these two Elders ay , As shee resorted therein everie day : On whom their lust , inflaming ho●e as fire , Sought to accomplish their vnchast desire : Withdrew their eyes , perverted so their minde , Heaven not to see , whence they should judgement find And though they both , with loue were tortoured so , The one durst not , this to the other sho , For of their lust , they both possest such shame , That heereof they , would not expresse their aime , But alwayes watcht each houre , and did awake , Till subtilly they could occasion take , Whereby they might their piercing paine expresse , And haue the meanes whereby to finde redresse , So when the time aproacht , when they should eate , Their stomackes starving , more for loue then meate , The one did say , thus to the other , Loe , Now is the time wee must to dinner goe : Therefore farewell each to another said , For they in minde a privat paction had , And being parted , both returnd anone . Vnto that place , from whence they straight were gone So they began betwixt them both to try , They both were vrgd by one extreamity : Then through one loue , or lust , both did agree , How they should find fitt opportunitie : Or when by fortune sheé alone should stand , So that they thought they should her loue command , Who watching alwayes , found a time wherein , Shee with her maids , the Orchard entred in : Whose bounds were buskt and deckt with floures most faire , And bordered braue with ornaments most rare : Wherein shee thought her selfe to bath and byde , A while vnseene , till thus they her espyde , Shee sent her maids to bring her Balme and Ball , For to anoynt her body therewithall , Commanding them they should the doore make fast , As they from her foorth of the Garden past , Who did according , as shee them desirde , ●●utting the doore while they themselues retirde : ●●d went from thence in private , even as shee ▪ But did the Elders not perceaue , for they Were hid and quyet , in some corner lay ▪ Who when these maids , were absent as yee heare , The Elders to Susanna did appeare : And said , Behold the Garden doores you see , Are shut , and wee are fnard in loue with thee , Therefore consent to lye with vs full soone , Or else thy life and honour is vndone : For if thou will not , but thou will deny , Wee shall approue wee saw one with thee ly : And that thou sent thy maids away to chuse , A tyme alone , thy body to abuse , Thus chast Susanna , sighing said alace , On both the sides I 'm burthend in this place , For it is death to grant their ill demands , And to refuse I cannot scape their hands : Yet in this doubt , thus I resolue to bee , Kild rather , then an adulteresse to die , Thus then this chastest , calde aloud , and loe , These Elders did , extend their voyce also , And ranne in rage , and opned vp the doore , To make the matter to appeare the more : For when the solke , this purpose did perceaue , They rusht in haste , and curiously did craue , What was the cause , and why shee calde so hie , Or of her griefe from whence the ground might bee : The Elders then , thus their devise did show , Whereby they might Susanna overthrow : Which when the servants hearing were ashamde , And made Susannas fame bee farre proclaimde , And on the day ensuing as is said , When Ioachim a publick meating made , These Elders came , with minds mischivously , Disposde for to perceiue Susanna die : And in the presence of the people sought , That they might haue this chast Susanna brought , Helcias daughter as I vnderstand , Ioachims spouse , a rich man in the land , So shee compeared with her parents two , Her children and her kinds-folke came also : Thus was Susanna wondrous faire to see , Th●●●●●●●●●● 〈◊〉 could more beauteous bee ▪ Whom when shee stood before these Iudges tway , They causd her cast her cover quyte away : For as her minde was maskt with woefull moane , Her vnstaind face , a vaile shee put vpon , Which these two vnjust Iudges causde remoue , With seeing ▪ somewhat to content their loue : Wherefore her friends , and all her kin also , Waxt wondrous sad , to see Susanna so : These Iudges two stood vp in hast indeede , And laid their hands on her vnspotted heed , Who holding vp her face , calde to the Lord , In whom shee trusted , hee would helpe afford , The Elders then , said this to her anone , Into the Garden , as wee walkt alone : Wee saw Susanna , with her maidens two , Come in , and then in haste shee let them goe : Made fast the doores , and with a stranger lay , Whom we perceavde in their adulterous play , And ran most fiercely , aiming for to take Them , as they were in their adulterous act : But this young man was strong by nature , so That hee leapt foorth , and from our hands did goe : And when wee askt this woman , who was hee , Shee would not tell , and this wee testifie : The assemblie then , these judges having heard , Believing them , Susanna straight debard , And did command , that shee the death should die , For her reward , of vnchast villanie : Then did anone this innocent out call , To God for helpe , whose power is over all , And said , O LORD , thou liues and all things know , Therefore alace my innocencie show : And since they falsely now haue mee accusde , Because by them I would not bee abusde , And seeing that of force I needes must die , Lord , now proclaime my vpright chastitie , And let this malice which they now haue wrought , Soone vnto knowledge ▪ by thy power bee brought : Thus then behold , this jugde great over all , 〈◊〉 her request , and set her free from thrall : 〈◊〉 when shee was to dying paine exposde , 〈◊〉 for faith shee fully was rei●●●●●● For as shee prayde , a spirit did appeare , Namde Daniel , who commanded them reteare . And with a voyce extended wondrous hie , Did say , I alwayes from this blood am free : Then all the people as amazde did stand , And did the meaning of these words demand , Who stood , as if his power could them compell , And said , O foolish sonnes of Israel , Who would without examination so , An innocent thus to the death let goe : Convert your course , to judgement goe and heare , And you shall finde , they did false witnesse beare , Against Susanna , who is truely chast , Vpon the which the people turnde in haste , To whom the Elders said , sit downe heer bye , And shew vs what thou heereof more can try : And since that God hath sent thee heere to bee A judge , come let vs of thy judgement see , Then Daniel causde these two bee set asunder , So that his wit hereby procurde a wonder : For hee did call the one , and to him say , O thou whose haires are waxed old and gray , And thou whose yeares , haue now attaind such hight , Thy forepast faults , shall now appeare in sight : For thou false judgement hath pronuncde , and so Condemnde the just , and let the guiltie goe , Albeit the Lord sayes , that thou shalt these tway , The righteous and the innocent not slay : Yet if thou saw them , tell mee by what tree , Thou saw these two together company : Who answerd , I a Lentick tree did spy , Beneath the which I saw these persons ly : Then did the Prophet say , thou lyed and loe , God hath ordaind that thou bee cut in two : So that shall bee , of thy intent the hyre , Since thou against Susanna did conspyre : And hee was placde a part . where to remaine , Even till the other was cald in againe : Who when the prophet , saw him there to stand , Hee then of him this question did demand , And said , O thou Chanans sinfull seede , And not of Iuda , as appeares indeede , Chast beautie hath allured thee to ly , And lust thine heart perverted hath I see , For thus yee dealt with Israell and did vse , Them by constraint , for they durst not refuse , But loe the daughters of just Iuda they , Could neither would your wickednesse obey : Now therefore tell , in what place did thou see Them ly , he said , beneath an Oaken tree , Then Daniel answered , saying , Thou hast lyed , As I perceiue , against thine owne head , And loe Gods angell doth a sword convoy , By just desert , thee quyte for to destroy , Vpon the which the people praisde with trust , God for his goodnes , who preserues the just : And then arose , against these elders two ▪ Who by themselues were thus convicted so , And did conforme , to their owne law ordaine , They should bee pind , with their appoynted paine , That thereby might the innocent bee savde , The guiltie punisht , and their plots deceavde : Therefore Chelchias , and his wife did sing , Praise vnto God , their great and glorious King : And Ioachim her Husband sang that day , Glore to Hosanna , for Susanna ay : And all their kinred , as wee plainely see , Sang endlesse honour , to the Trinitie : Even so doe wee , likewise let all who moue , Vnto this God all glorie , power , approue : Who doth condemne the guiltie , and doth raise , The innocent , to render alwayes praise : To whom I meane this Essence one in three , Let men and Angels sing continually . Amen .

To ALEXANDER SETONE of Petmedden .

Anag . One ex'eland rest . Vers . One ex'eland rest , for such as needes reliefe , And who to all , yeelds comfort in their griefe ,

Acrostick . As in the volum , heereof which you hold , Lyes reverend Rulers vertues , manyfold : Even so my Muse thinkes I amisse commit ▪ Xcept I shew thy praises vnto it : And that thy splendor , may more bright appeare , Now with these worthies , thus inrolled heere : Doubtlesse as many Diamonds decore , Enamled rich , where they are set in store Rare jewels . Even so these foresaids flow in fame , So much the more since thou art joynde with them , Even thou whose stem , hath intertaind such worth , That I in lynes cannot their praise set foorth , Onely I say , thy parents pompes exprest , No lesse in thee then actions manifest , Thus to thy praise then , I subjoyne these three , Of antient stocke , worth , selfe nobilitie .

To D. ARTHVRE IONSTOVNE ,

Anag . An vert'ous herti on . Vers . An vert'ous herti on , whom grace decore , With gifts of airt , and naturall gifts in store .

Sonnet Acrostick . As I haue found by knowledge of my Muse , Remembring on thy farre renowned name ) Though all the antients worth I doe pervse , Heere I approue thy praise surpasses them : Vhat shall I say then , of thy endlesse same ▪ Red in the rarenesse of thy learned lynes , I Into whose life and labours is no blame , Or who for worth passe Poets praist ingynes , No Virgill , Galen , Cicero , or such Shall bee extold more worthily I vow , They in their times exceld , but not so much , Of worth , in sundry sciences as thou , Vhence I conclude , though these in vse bee had , No lesse shall thou as worthie now bee red ,

THE HISTORIE OF BELL , AND DRAGON . OR , The scorne of Idols . ASTYAGES , the Babylonian King Beeing dead : the Persian Cyrus fell to reigne : And Daniel who in prophesie not err'd The King for worth ov'r all his friends preferrde . These Babylonians likewise did invent An Idole , whom they servde with one consent : Whose name was Bell : A breathlesse brazen beast , Whom for their god they did sincerely feast , With finest flowre , with flockes of sheepe and wine , And thought this service sacrifice divine : Believing blindly what they set before , This counterfeit it did the same devore : O madde bereavers of the divine right ! Who durst devise such errours in his sight . As to delude the peoples minds so much , And make them think Iehovahs grossenes such , As could bee gript , or that his Godhead might Bee seene by men , who had but earthly sight : And they who then were callde for Kings to bee , Should thus consent to such Idolatrie . For they this idole did adore each day , Although in substance nought but brasse and clay : As likewise then , this Cyrus Persian King With Daniel dealt most earnestly to bring To Bell , the beast that worship which hee ought To give to God : but hee obeyde him nought , But did reply , and publickly professe , Hee would not worship gods of carved brasse , But that eternall God , whose power hee knowes , Such senselesse idoles alwayes overthrowes , And who hath strength their pride for to suppresse , Who through such boldnesse doth his will transgresse , Then said the King , whose blindnesse was not small , Thinks thou not Bell a living god at all ? And seest thou not what hee devores each day For to preserve his god-head from decay , But then the Prophet presently did smyle , And said , O King , they doe thee much beguile , For this is nought but mixture made with hands , Which cannot eate , nor answere thy demands , Which made the King to bee offended so , That hee did vrge the Priests to let him know , Whom it should bee did these expenses spend , Or els by death hee should abridge their end : But on the contraire , if you can make cleare , That Bell destroyes what is presented heere , Then doubtlesse Daniel shall bee made to die , For hee hath vttred blasphemie to me : Vnto the which the Prophet thought it right , To have this doubt resolvde in Cyrus sight . Now all the Priests of Bell were knowen then , To bee of number seven times surely ten Without their wives , which them increst the more , By birth of bairnes , their boldnesse to deplore : Then went the Persian King with Daniel hence , And callde the Priests for to prepare defence , Into the Temple for their idole Bell , And thought thereby the Prophet to compell To serve their god : but hee then did deface Their faigned follies , by their Bells disgrace . For loe the Priests did boldly say behold , Wee will depart that you bee not controld , Therefore your meate see that yee set before Our Bell , whose bellie can the same devore : Aud let the veshells full of wine bee fillde , The doore shutfast , and with your signet sealde , And when to morrow thou shall come to see The victualls thou shalt find devored bee By Bell , or els the burthen wee shall beare Of death , or Daniel who bees found a lyer ▪ For with themselves they thought they were secure , Because they had an entresse in the floore , Wherein they came by secreet in the night , These things removd from out the peoples sight . So when they were foorth of the Temple gone , The King causde set these meats by Bell alone . Young Daniel then whose knowledg was profound , Did wisely cause strow ashes on the ground , Before the King , who causde the doore be lockt , Seald with his signe , that Bell should not bee mockt , For they believde their God whom they did serve , Did eate so much , that hee could never sterve . But as the one was false , whereas they thought , That he devorde what they him dayly brought , So was the last , not much to bee admirde , He could not starve because hee never steirde : Yet hee for strength of trueth I must confesse , Much meate might hold , his bellie was of brasse , But he could neither smell , nor see , nor eate , So that the Priests devored all the meate . O hellish theeves ! Idolaters indeede , Who durst devise to say our Maker feede As doth a beast , or any earthly thing : But lives in heaven , invisible a King : Or for their lust to intertaine their lives , Wold lose their soules , their childrens and their wives . O beasts not men ! O belly-gods prophane , For Bell , in hell yee alwayes shall remaine : And then that Idole whom yee servde in brasse , Shall bee a meanes to make your woes incresse , For in the morning when the King arose , Hee streight with Daniel to the Temple goes , And did inquyre this Prophet , if the seale Which he had signet yet remained heale , Who answerde truely as hee saw it hing , And said , as yet it whole remaines O King , So then the King causde make a patent doore , And entring in perceivde the meate no more , Vpon the which hee boldly blazed foorth , How great is Bell ? a god of wondrous worth . Who hath devorde in this one night , more meate Than could an hundreth men and children eate . Then Daniel laughing , did the King demand , Most reuerently , hee would bee pleasde to stand , And not goe in till hee considered right From whence these foot-steps came vpon the night . The King beholding vively in his face , There had beene sundrie walking in that place , Hee waxed wroth , and did the Priests conveene , Who did confesse , they there themselves had beene . Revealed then their villanie at last , And shewde the doores where they in private past : Therefore King Cyrus then confounded all , The Priests , their wives , their children great and small , And vnto Daniel rendred Bel to bee By him consumde , the Storie testifie . As likewise , then there did a Dragon stand , Whom they did worship all throughout the land , Then did the King this vnto Daniel say Thou can not vowe that this is brasse or clay , And though thou movde our idole Bel bee broken , Our Dragon feare , let no blaspheme bee spoken . Wee doe not care although that Bell bee gone , Wee 'le serve the Dragon for our god alone , For this thou seest hee lets no meates remaine , But eats vp all , and rendreth nought againe : To prove his power must be a gods indeed , Since hee so strangely everie day doth feede , Therefore thy faith resolve for to renue , And to our Dragon render homage due , But divine Daniel answered the King , I le serve my God , and not thy earthly thing , Which if thou will permit mee vncontrold , Thou shall the Dragons weaknesse soone behold : For I not vsing weapon , fword nor staffe , Shall slay the Dragon as he were but chaffe . Vpon the which , the King did say , behold I giue thee leave , doe if thou dare , be bold . Then Daniel tooke materialls not to fight , And thereof made such things as hee had hight , Such as was pitch and fatt and haire all three , Made lumps thereof , his skill to testifie . And gave the Dragon wherewith it to slay , Which did in sunder burst and fall in tway , Then when the Prophet had these wonders wrought , Vpon their gods the Babylonians sought , By publick convent to make Cyrus rew , Because they saw hee was become a Iew : For hee , said they , our great God Bel did first Confound , and then our Dragon made to burst . Hee hath our Priests likewise with death opprest , So that our selves hencefoorth shall find no rest : Vpon the which , these wicked people said , To vs in haste let Daniel soone bee had , Or els but doubt , wee will destroy by death , Thee and thine house , since thou hast changd thy faith , So when the King perceivde they vrgde him so , Hee was constrainde the Prophet to let goe : Whom when they did receive , they set him then Sixe dayes and more within the Lyons den , Into the which by common course remaind , Seven Lyons , whom by hunger they constraind To roare and rage , their prey for to perceive , Whereon some helpe for hunger they might have , And to the end that when they Daniel saw , For lack of food they should him overthrow . Yet there remainde one Abacuk by name , In Iurie who a Prophet was by fame , Who had made sundrie vessells full of meat , Even that the reapers of the same might eate , To whom the Angell of the Lord did call , Take these to Daniel to remead his thrall ; For they haue cast him in a den of dreed , Where Lyons live , not looking for remead , Then Abacuk said to the Lord anone , I never knew nor saw I Babylon , Nor know I surely where that den doth ly , Wherefore of force thy sute I must deny , But then the Lord who hath a kindly care , Of all his servants throwen in dispare , Tooke Abacuk and bare him by the crowne , Where Daniel lay , and thereby set him downe . Then Abacuk did thus his voyce extend , Come take such meate , as thee the Lord hath send , Vnto the which did Daniel answere make , O God , who never doth thy Saints forsake , Nor never failes them who doe trust in thee , A speciall care thou hast had towards mee , So hee arose , his hunger stainchd in haste , And Abacuk by God at home was plac't . Who made his Angell him for to transport , So that hee thought his journey was but short : Then not long hence , the King came to bewaile , With grievous mone the losse of Daniel , Whom hee perceivde amongst the Lyons stand , So that he seemd their force for to command . Then calld King Cyrus with a voice most hie , Thy God O Daniel , great of power must bee . And I perceive on earth there is not one . But even that God , whom thou dost serve alone . Wherefore hee causde draw him out of the den , And therein threw all these malitious men , Who sought to bee the cause of his disgrace , And they were rent into a moments space . The vse therefore which heere of wee should make , Should move vs all such idoles to forsake : Which are nought els but beasts of equall worth Vnto themselves who seekes to set them foorth . For they their Bel-god dayly gaue such meat , As servde at large these belly-gods to eat , Who did not care , if they their stomacks served , Although their soules for lack of foode even sterved Let vs therefore who walke in perfite light , Goe on with courage , Christ hath clensde our sight : And let vs not such fictions false approve , But only God whose essence is aboue , For you may see their ignorance so great , That they to serve these idoles tooke delyte , But when our God Iehovah once they knew , They then began their wickednesse to rew , And did lament that they had runne so long , In sinne as slaves , still wandring alwayes wrong . And ye may see what vengeance they receivde , For their reward who had them long deceivde , For they were rent with Lyons in their rages , Which shall bee red to all succeeding ages . In recompence of their idolatrie , Therefore to vs let this example bee , That wee bee not with doctrine false deluded , Which may procure wee bee from heaven secluded . FINIS .

To THOMAS COLENSONE of Auchlownes ,

Anag . 1. Lo , I canthol no shame . 2. Set on hol'e comlines . Verse Thy name I see doth thus expresse , Lo I canthol no shame Wherefore , in hol'e comlines , thou'le brooke a diademe

Acrostick . Though Scipio major , still was I confesse , Held by the Romans rudder of their state Of yeares but young , to whom did acquiesce Most mightie trowpes , as antient tymes relate , A man whose valour , actions force and strength , Subdude , o'rethrew , great Haniball but doubt , Controld , bare downe , as also who at length , O'recame and wan all Africa throughout : Loe , hee who was both learned , wise and graue , Lykewise but whom the Romans could doe nought : Into whose worth , they knowledge did receaue , No lesse in word , then many vertues wrought , Shall I therefore , since heereof were but tway , O're passe thy part , who merits all their praise , No I will not but something heere will say , Since thou' rt admeerd for wisedome in thy dayes , And since their praise doth from thy name flow foorth , I le cease heerefra , and hence foorth shew thy worth ,

Ad Eundem . To thee I come as one of worthiest chuse , And for this purpose , doth exalt my Muse , To aide my aime , to dignifie thy due , And to thy praise , to pen some lynes most true . Since where to justlye , can I equall bee , But to such one wherein all worth wee see , Belovde by all , and who in all things can , Proue prudent , pregnant , and a righteous man , And like as Scipio , did adopt to bee , Braue Scipio minor , for his sonne you see , So thou succeeds vnto thy famous father , For worth , or else vnto those Scipios rather , And as the Romans but their aide did nought , So where thou liues thy aide is alwayes sought : Wherefore of force I this of thee must say , Thou shall bee praisde beyond all date or day ,

To M. ALEXANDER IAFFREY .

Anag . Al sin is fardar frae me , ay , Vers . Al sin is farder frae mee ay , then those , Who in religions outward sho rejoyce .

Acrostick . A midst the number of these worthies heere , Loe , I must make thy worthinesse appeare , Even in these true encomiums thus set downe , X tolling truely this much honoured towne : And to expresse thy pregnant wit and skill , No lesse in worth then ruling thereintill : Demanding of my Muse how I should praise , Eevn thy admeered vertues in thy dayes , Rest not said shee over all for to set foorth , In verse such words , as may advance his worth , A man whose minde still meditates on grace , Full kyndly aimes at equitie and peace , Faith is the ground , whereon thy travels stand , Renownd therefore thou shall bee in this land , Estraingde from vyce , whence well I may alledge , Y at thou appeares a paterne in this age .

To ANDREW ▪ MELDRVME ,

Anag . Ver'e demure and m'ld . Vers . Thy name declares thee , both demur and m'ld , Lykewise thy fame proclaimes thee vndefilde .

Sonnet Acrostick . As Cato major , is renowned yet , No lesse in wisedome , then in actions fit , Declaird hee is , likewise for publick skill , Rare , and recorded wondrous thereintill : Even in governiug Common-wealths , and lo , Wise in the ruling of his house also : Much volums whereof hee hath pend to bee , Eternall proofes , to all posteritie : Lykewise thy worth of his containes a view , Decord no lesse with vertues rare and true , Renownd in generall , for thy wayes but hate , Vise also in governing thy estate , Most duely therefore may I change the fame ,

GEORGE IOANSTONS

Anag . An gorgious stone . Vers . Ane gorgious stone , which stone is set in grace , And in whose heart for error is no place .

Acrostick . Giue such ane gorgeous stone bee set in grace , Everlasting glorie shall decore his face : Or if this place wherein this stone doth stand , Record the worth which doth this stone command : Great shall that praise which heereon shall bee told , Even one whose splendor shall all eyes behold , Into whose heart or inward parts appeare , Of all the stones on earth , a stone but peere : And if that men would aske mee of this stone , No doubt but I would send to thee anone : Such glorious Ioan stone who doth glance most rare , Through Bon-acord while gorgeous George is there , Of due this stone deserueth much renowne , Vith stones of state , or rather stately crowne , No more then can this stone bee hence exprest , Since that this stone a stone of staits confest ,

To GEORGE MORISONNE .

Anag . None moir gorgeos . Ver. None moir gorgeos , whose worth shall shine in glore So sayes thy name , first , then sayes , Sin no more .

Giue these two vertues merits to bee praisde , Eternally these two in thee are raisde , O fall in grace , moir gorgeos none then thou , Renownde for outward gorgeousnesse as due , Graue gracious goodnes , gorgeous in thy minde , Most gorgeous vertues likewise are combynde : Of grace more gorgeous then I can extoll , Richer in wisedome , then I can inroll : Indude with all these gorgeous gifts and maire , Sententious knowledge , then I can declare ; Of all whom of into my time I read , None moir gorgeous then thy selfe indeede : Not that I meane thou gorgeos art in ill , But what is generous , gorgeos thereintill , What should I say then ? this which I defend , Thy gorgeos life ▪ shall make a glorious end ▪

To IOANN LESLIE old Thesaurer .

Anag . Al lyes in one .

Sonnet . Into three charges , thou was chosen , and Of all these three , the power was in thy hand : A Thesaurer , which did the same containe , No lesse in worth , then honourd Aberdeine , Likewise without thy licence for a space , Even these departed , scarce receavde a place , Since in thy power , that honour which them cled , Lay that convoyde them to their funerall bed : Into thy power this likewise knew I maire , Even all the monyes mortified there : No doubt three charges , worth renowne ▪ which must , Esteemd wee more , while rendred in thy trust , And as before these three were ay in one , So since from thee these three are severall gone ,

To ROBERT SKEENE ,

Anag . Seek no beterr .

Sonnet . Remembring how for to expresse thy praise , Or with my selfe considering what to say , Behold how reason would extoll my phrase , Even for thy vertues viewed everie day : Remaine therefore thy worthinesse shall ay , That thou to all , a paterne may bee sure , Since that thy fame shall never finde decay , Knowing thy worth , all shall thy praise procure : Eternally , that all may testifie , Into thy selfe , such properties appeare , No lesse in actions then civilitie , Esteemd by all , whose wisedome men admeere . And wherefore now , thou chosen art to sit , A Counseller in Bon-acord most fit :

To M. WILLIAME MOIRE ,

Anag . Lo me I mai rule .

Sonnet . Master With all those worthies Moir thou art belovde , In number whereof thou thy selfe art one , Lykewise thy worth in Bon-acords approvde , Long which shall last , when endlesse time is gone , If Fame had force Moir , then it hath to flee , All it would sound would bee in praise of thee , Moir is thy name , and thou in worth is Moir , Esteemde Moir duely , for thy gifts in store , Meeke in thy life and moir I cannot say , Of thee those parts approved everie day : In youth well bred , the which thou dost declare . R Ruling by wisdome in the counsell there , Wherefore though I , thee Moire might much commend More I le not say , but Moire I might defend .

To IOHN LOWSONE .

I love no sin .

If Poets pens haue parted praises oft , Or praise exposde vnto the Worlds view , How much are they then bound to raise aloft , Not simple sayings , but of thee most true , Let then my lynes impart a publick view , Of all thy praise to bee approved rare , Vith Romanes , Grecians rendring them their due , Since that their name with thine stands in compare : Or to bee briefe , behold it s said of mee , No praise is lost that is applyde to thee ,

To THOMAS MOWET . There was amongst the Romans many lovde Hopefull in youth , and for their worth approvde , Of all in generall , whom I read I see , Most duely thou for worth comparde may bee . As hopefull alwayes , and no lesse belovde , Suchlike for wo●h in Bon-acord approvde , May I not therefore , thus enroll thy name , Of due desert comprable with them , Vnchallengd truely may I thee impose , Even 'mongst these worthies , to bee red with those , That in these lynes by mee which are inverst ,

To ALEXANDER RAMESEY ,

Anag . Se I randar al mercy .

Acrostick . And if thou randar mercy , then bee sure , Lyfe endlesse thereby , shalt thy selfe procure , Even thou whose worth is viewed everie day , Xceeding rare in wisedome thought alwaye : A man of mercie , wherefore thou art meete , Now where thou rules into that judgement seat . Decorde with grace , and vertues of the minde , Into the which all blessings are combynd , Remaine therefore , for ever shall thy fame , Red in those lynes , which doth import thy name , Admeerd for mercie since thy life began , Much lovd for grace , and grace doth make the man : Eternally therefore , I will my Muse , Should fing thy praise , amongst my worthiest chuse , Esteemde thou art , for mercie grace and faith , Yairefore thy worth shall long liue after death .

To WILLIAME GRAY .

Anag : Age may ruill .

Sonnet What should bee sought into a ruler more , If hee hath knowledge ( for to rule ) in store , Likewise , if that his age hath conquisht wit , Like one whose worth is thought in counsell fit , I know in thee , these one , the other yeelds , Accomplisht both , most like two faithfull shields : More age to rule , most surely none can craue , Even so more skill to rule , needes no man haue , Graue yeares of youth , in thee doth now appeare , Rare vertues likewise which may breed admeere : Age to rule , and ruler in thy age , Yat may a match to any bee I'lledg . Vnto thy praise therefore I fix my name , Maintaining truely this thy endlesse same .

To GEORG MELDRVM ,

Anag . Go mild rumer .

Sonnet Giue vertue crownde with conscience , merits loue , Even in thy station thou deserues esteeme , Or if graue cariage , due respect can moue , Rich are these parts in thee , as fame proclaime : Grace doth governe them , companide with faith , Meeke wisedome also ruleth in thy wayes : Eternall praise shall proue thee after death , Like one whose worth shall suffer no decayes : Doubtlesse and rather evermore thy fame . Remaine it shall in Bon-acord as due , Vhen thou art dead , to eternize thy name , Men shall each day , thy dignities renue , And for their aide myld rumer foorth shall goe , And with my Muse sound foorth thy praise also .

FINIS .

For Apologie . IT 's said , a Prophet shall reape honour , saue Hee it vnto his natiue countrie craue : A saying sad , to such as would aspyre , Since Friends at home to them as foes conspyre . For my part I , nor Prophet , Poet , am I , Yet from your bounds , by birth of parents came I. Therefore that proverb , let mee not approue , As for reward , of this my signe of loue , I haue done something on your names I know , Though not so much , as I of duetie owe : And since not loftie in my phraise am glad , Yee know how I was educat and bred : Which is of learning , I no part professe , And hath by vse or reading rather lesse , Whence comes a signe , of serious mynde in mee : To shew your worth in strained Poesie : Yet your Acrosticks claimes to mee no praise , Because the letters doth the sentence raise : I by my weaknesse , rather did omit , For to expresse , those praises which were fit : And so in mee the sault consists as due , Since what is right , and more belongs to you , But since I grant , what wrong is done by mee , Let mee of you obtaine this courtesie , That yee in loue my lynes receaue , and then , Yele shew your selues braue courteous gentle men .

Sonnet . LOE now my Muse , I haue betrothed twyse , And rewes of none the matches shee did make : But doth contemne all such as mee envyes : And of my Patrons doe protection take Her maidinhead : My Muse did first direct To Edenburgh , for her first favoured choyse , Her wedowhead shee yeelded by respect , To Bon-acord , whose worth the same injoyes , The first 's a famous , and a glorious Towne , And is for vertues wondrous much admeerde , The other soares by soveraigne due renowne , And hath all vyce foorth from her streets reteerde : And though I founde the first a match most rare , So now I thinke for worth this may compare .

Sonnet . I Sweare it s not to shew the thing I haue not , What I haue verst within this volume heere , Likewise I vow , part of thy praise I craue not , Nor of thy censure doe I stand in feare , I wryte in loue , and labours to allot , My lynes to bee a witnesse of the same . And doth not care the carping of no sot , Because there is no courtesie in them , The rarest lynes that ever yet were pend , Must byde the censure of some curious eye : Therefore resolues my Muse ▪ to recommend , Vnto thy murther , or thy modestie . Shee was a Maid , but now twyse married stands , If wrongd by thee , betwixt a knaves two hands . FINIS .