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Cornell University Library 
 PR2257.A2 1891 
 
 The mvses Elizivm. 
 
 3 1924 013 120 252 
 
m 
 
 Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
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 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013120252 
 
i0ublication0 of t})t ^ptmtx t)Ocietp» 
 
 NEW SERIES.— Issue No. 4. 
 
 POEMES 
 
 LYRICK AND PASTORALL. 
 
 BY 
 
 MICHAELL DRAYTON, Esquire. 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE SPENSER SOCIETY. 
 1891. 
 
@]$p jSj^pnfpp jSoripfe* 
 
 LIST OF PUBLICUM IONS. 
 
 j,^ For the First Year 1867-8. 
 
 1. Tlie Proverbs and Epigrams of John Heywood. Reprinted from the Original 
 
 Edition of 1562. 
 
 2. The Works of John Taylor the Water Poet. Reprinted from the Folio Edition 
 
 of 1630. Part I. 
 
 For the Second Year 1868-9. 
 
 3. The Works of John Taylor the Water Poet. Reprinted from the Folio of 
 
 1630. Part II. 
 
 4. The Works of fo)m Taylor the Water Poet. Reprinted from the Folio of 
 
 1630. Part lil/ ( Completing the volume. ) 
 
 5. Zepheria. Reprinted from the Original Edition of 1594. 
 
 For the Third Year 1869-70. 
 
 6. The ■EKATOMnAeiA or Passionate Centurie of Love, by Thomas Watson. 
 
 Reprinted from the Original Edition ol(cirai) 1581. 
 
 7. Works of. John Taylor the Water Poet, not included in the Folio Volume of 
 
 1630. Reprinted from the Original EcjItl^BS. First Collation. 
 
 For the' 'i^i^Mt Year 1 870-1. 
 
 8. A HandefuU of Pleasant Delites, by ClemeiU^Robinson, and divers others. 
 
 Reprinted from the Original Edition|^| 
 Q. Juvenilia : Poems by George Wither, ^^^j^^P in the collections of his 
 Juvenilia which appeared in 1626 anai633." Part I. 
 
 10. Juvenilia : Poems by George Wither. Part II. 
 
 For the Fifth Year 1871-2. 
 
 11. Juvenilia: Poems by George Wither, contained in the collections of his 
 
 Juvenilia which appeared in 1626 and 1633. Part III. 
 
 12. Miscellaneous Works of George Wither. Reprinted from the Original Editions. 
 
 First Collection. 
 
 For the Sixth Year 1872-3. 
 
 13. Miscellaneous Works of George Wither. Reprinted from the Original Editions. 
 
 Second Collection. 
 
 14. Works of John Taylor the Water Poet, not included in the Folio Volume of 
 
 1630. Reprinted from the Original Editions. Second Collection. 
 
 For the Seventh Year 1873-4. 
 
 15. Flowers of Epigrammes, ovt of sundrie authours sekctedii as well auncient as late 
 
 writers. By Timothe Kendall. Reprinted from the OriginEd Edition of 1577. 
 
 16. Miscellaneous Works of George Wither. Reprinted from, 9)e Original Editions. 
 
 Third Collection. 
 
POEMES, 
 
 LYRICK AND PASTORALE. 
 
 BY 
 
 MICHAELL DRAYTON, ESQUIRE. 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE SPENSER SOCIETY. 
 
 1891. 
 s 
 
Printed by Charles E. Si.mms, 
 Manchestrk. 
 
POEMES 
 Lyrlck and paftorall. 
 
 ( Odes, 
 
 I Eglogs, 
 
 ' The man in the Moone. 
 
 By MicHAELL Drayton 
 Efqiiicr. 
 
 At London, 
 Printed by R.B. for N.L. and /. Flafcet. 
 
.^ii^^^^ 
 
 To the deferidng memory of my 
 mojl ejleemed Patron and friend, 
 Sir Walter Afton, Knight of the ho- 
 norable order of the Bath: As before 
 other of my labours ,fo likewife I 
 confecrate thefe my latefl 
 few Poemes. 
 
 (V) 
 
 Michaell Drayton. 
 
To the Reader. 
 
 DES I haue called thefe 
 the firft of my fewe Po- 
 ems, which how happy 
 foeuer they prooue, yet 
 Criiicifni it felfe cannot 
 faye that the name is 
 wrongfully vfurped: For (not to begin with 
 definitions againft the rule of oratory, nor 
 ab ouo, againft the prefcript of Poetry in a 
 poeticall argument, but fomewhat onely 
 to feafon my pallat with a flight defcripti- 
 on) an Ode is knowne to haue been pro- 
 perly a fong moduled to the ancient harp, 
 and neither too fliort breathed as hafting 
 to the end, nor compofed of longeft verfes 
 as vnfitte for the fuddaine turnes and lofty 
 tricks with which Apollo vfed to menage it : 
 They are (as the learned fay) diuerfe, fome 
 tranfcendently lofty and farre more high 
 
 then 
 
The Epijlle 
 
 then the Epick (commonly called the He- 
 roique Poeme) witneffe thofe of the Ini- 
 mitable Pindarus, confecrated to the glory 
 and renown of fuch as returnd in triumph 
 from Olimpus, Elis, IJlhmus or the like : 
 Others among the Greekes are amorous 
 foft and made for chambers, as other for 
 Theaters , as were Anacreon s the very 
 delicacies of the Grecian Erato , which 
 mufe feemed to haue beene the mineon of 
 that Teian oulde man which compofed 
 them : of a mixd kind were Horaces & may 
 truly therefore be called his mixd, whatfo- 
 euer els are mine little partaking of the hy 
 diale6l of the firft : 
 
 Though we be all to feeke, 
 6y Pindar that great Greek 
 Nor altogether of Anacreon, the argu- 
 ments being amorous, morrall, or what els 
 the mufe pleafeth : To write much in this 
 kind neither know I how it will relifh, nor 
 in fo doing ca I but iniurioufly prefuppofe 
 ignorace or floth in thee, or draw cenfure 
 vpon my felfe for finning againft the deco- 
 rum of a preface , by reading a le6lure 
 where it is inough to fum the points : New 
 
 they 
 
to the Reader. 
 
 they are, and the work of playing howers ; 
 but what other commendation is theirs, 
 & whether inheret in the fubie(fl, muft be 
 thine to iudge : But to afl the go-betweene 
 of my Poems and thy applaufe, is neither 
 my modefly nor confidence , that oftner 
 then once haue acknowledged thee kind, 
 and do not doubt hereafter to do fomwhat 
 in which I fhall not feare thee iuft. And 
 would at this time alfo gladly let thee vn- 
 derftand, what I thinke aboue the reft of 
 the laft Ode of the twelue, or if thou wilt 
 Ballad in my Book; for both the great ma- 
 fter of Italian rymes Petrarch, & our Chaw- 
 cer & other of the vper houfe of the mufes, 
 haue thought their Canzons honoured in 
 the title of a Ballade , which for that 1 la- 
 bour to meet truely therein with the ould 
 Englifh garb, I hope as able to iuftifie as 
 the learned Colin Clout his Roundelaye : 
 Thus requefling thee in thy better iudge- 
 ment, to correal fuch faults as haue efca- 
 ped in the printing, I bid thee farewell. 
 
Ode I. 
 
 To himfelfe and the 
 Harp. 
 
 N D why not I as hee 
 That's greateft : if as free ? 
 (in fundry ftrayns that ftriue 
 fince there fo many be) 
 Th'ould Lyrick kinde reuiue ? 
 
 I wyll, yea, and I may : 
 who fhall oppofe my waie, 
 For what is he alone 
 That of himfelfe can fay 
 Hee's heire of Helicon f 
 
 Apollo and the Nyne, 
 No man forbid their fhryne 
 that commeth with hands pure, 
 Els they be fo diuyne 
 They will him not endure. 
 
 They be fuch curious things 
 that they care not for Kings, 
 And dare let them knowe it : 
 nor may he tuch their fprings 
 that is not borne a Poet. 
 B 
 
 the 
 
Ode I. 
 
 Pirenaeus king 
 of Phocis at- 
 temptins: to 
 rauifli the mu- 
 fes. 
 
 Sam: lib. j 
 cap. i6. 
 
 Orpheu-s the 
 Thracian 
 Poet. 
 
 Caput Hebre 
 lyramque Ex- 
 eipis &c. 
 Ouid. lib: ii. 
 Metam. 
 
 Mercury inue- 
 tor of the 
 harp, as Ho- 
 race ode lo 
 lib. 7 curuaeq ; 
 lyr% parente. 
 
 Theb. esfay 
 sed to haue 
 been rayfed 
 by muficke. 
 
 The Phocean it did proue, 
 Whom when foule luft did moue 
 Thofe maydes vnchaft to make, 
 fell as with them he ftroue 
 his necke that iuftly brake. 
 
 7'hat inftrument nere heard 
 ftrook by the fldlfuU Bard, 
 it ftrongly to awake : 
 but they infernalls skard 
 and made Olimpus quake. 
 
 As thofe prophetike firings 
 whofe founds with fiery wings 
 i?raue feends from their abode 
 by him the bed of kings 
 that fange the holly ode. 
 
 With his which woemen flue, 
 that harpe thofe furyes threwe 
 Jnt' Hebrus did lament 
 the bankes to weepe that drue 
 as downe the flreame it went, 
 
 Or by the tortoys fhell 
 to Mayas fonne it fell 
 the moft therof not doubte 
 But fure fome power did dwell 
 in him firfle found it out. 
 
 The wildeft of the field 
 and ayre, with Riuers t'yeeld 
 that mou'd the fturdy glebes, 
 Andi malfy oakes coulde welde 
 to rayfe the piles of Thebes. 
 
 And 
 
Ode I. 
 
 And diuerfly though ftrunge 
 
 foe aunciently wee funge 
 
 to it, that now fcarce knowne 
 
 if that it did belonge 
 
 to Greece, or if our owne. 
 
 The Druydes imbrew'd 
 with gore, on altars rude 
 with facrifices crownd 
 in hoUowe woods bedew'd 
 haue hard the trembling found, 
 
 Though wee be all to feeke 
 of Pindar that greate Creeke, 
 to finger it arighte, 
 the foule with power to flrike 
 his hand retayn'd fuch mighte. 
 
 Or him proude Roome did grace 
 whofe aires we all imbrace 
 that fcarcely found his peere 
 nor giueth Yhebus place 
 for ftrokes diuinely cleere. 
 
 T'he Irijh J admire, 
 and cleaue vnto that lyre, 
 as our muficks mother, 
 and thinke til J expire 
 hpollos fuch an other. 
 
 As Britons that fo longe 
 haue held this antick fonge 
 and let all our carpers 
 forbear their fame to wronge 
 th'are right fkilfuU harpers. 
 
 B2 
 
 The auncient 
 Bridfh Priefts 
 fo called of 
 their abode 
 in woods. 
 
 Pindar prince 
 of the Greeke 
 ly ricks, of 
 whom Ho- 
 race : PindarQ 
 quifquis ftu- 
 det &c. ode 2. 
 lib. 4. 
 
 Horace firft of 
 the Romas ia 
 that kinde. 
 
 The Iriflj harp 
 
 Southern 
 
Southerne an 
 EngUlh ly- 
 ricke. 
 
 Ode I. 
 
 Southerne I long thee fpare 
 yet wifh thee well to fare, 
 who me pleafed'fl: greatly 
 as firft, therefore more rare, 
 handling thy harpe neatly. 
 
 To thofe that with defpight 
 fhall terme thefe numbers flight, 
 tell them their iudgements blynde, 
 much erryng from the righte, 
 it is a noble kinde. 
 
 Nor ift the verfe doth make, 
 that giueth or doth take 
 tis poflible to clyme 
 to kindle or to flake 
 allthoughe in Skeltons Ryme. 
 
 Ode 
 
Ode 2. 
 
 To the new yeare : ' 
 
 R/CH ftatue double faced 
 with marble temples graced 
 to rayfe thy godhead hier, 
 where altars euer (hining 
 vnto thy preefts diuining 
 doe od'rous fumes expire. 
 
 Greate lanus I thy pleafure 
 with all the Thefpian treafure 
 do ferioufly purfue : 
 to'th paffed yeare returning 
 as though the old adiourning 
 yet bringing in the new. 
 
 Thy auncient vigils yearely 
 that haue obferued cleerely 
 thy feafts yet fmoking be 
 fmce all thy ftore abroade is 
 giue fome thing to my goddeffe 
 as hath been vf'd by thee. 
 
 Giue her'th Eoan brightnes 
 wing'd with that fubtile lightnes 
 that doth tranfperce the aire : 
 the rofes of the morning 
 the rifing heauen adorning 
 to mefhe with flames of haire. 
 
 B 3 O rapture 
 
Ode 2. 
 
 O rapture greate and holly 
 do thou tranfport me wholly 
 fo well her forme to vary, 
 that J aloft may beare her 
 whereas I will infpheare her 
 in i?egions high and ftarry. 
 
 Thofe ceafles founds aboue all 
 made by thofe orbes that moue all 
 and euer fwelling there, 
 wrap'd vp in numbers flowing 
 them actually beflowing 
 for iewels at her eare. 
 
 Wherein the beft compofures, 
 thofe foft and eafy clofures 
 fo amoroufly may meet, 
 that euery liuely ceafure 
 may tread a perfefl meafure 
 fet on fo equall feete, 
 
 That fpray to fame fo fertle 
 the louer-crowning Mirtle 
 in wreaths of mixed bowes 
 within whofe fhades are dwelling 
 thofe beauties moft excelling 
 inthron'd vpon her browes. 
 
 Thofe parallells fo euen 
 drawn on the face of heauen 
 that curious art fuppofes, 
 direft thofe gems, whofe cleerenes 
 far of amaze by neerenes 
 each globe fuch fier inclofes. 
 
 her 
 
 \2 
 
Ode 2. 
 
 her bofome full of bliffes 
 by nature made for kiffes 
 fo pure and wondrous cleere 
 whereas a thoufand graces 
 behold their louely faces 
 as they are bathing there. 
 
 O thou felfe little blindnes 
 the kindeft of vnkindnes 
 yet one of thofe diuine : 
 thy brands to me were leuer 
 thy fafcie and thy quiuer 
 and thou this quill of mine. 
 
 This hart fo frefhly bleeding 
 vppon it owne felfe feeding 
 whofe wouds ftill dropping be : 
 O loue thy felfe confounding 
 her coldnes fo abounding 
 and yet fuch heate in me. 
 
 Yet if I be infpired, 
 
 He leaue thee fo admired 
 
 to all that fhall fucceed, 
 
 that were they more the many 
 
 mongfl all, there is not any 
 
 that time fo oft fhall reed. 
 
 Nor adamantjngraued 
 
 that haue been choiceleft faued 
 
 Idea's name out'weares. 
 
 fo large a dower as this is 
 
 the greateft often miffes 
 
 the diadem that beares. 
 
 B 4 Ode 
 
 13 
 
Ode 3. 
 
 MAYDENS why fpare ye ? 
 or whether not dare ye 
 correft the blind (hooter ? 
 becaufe wanton Venus 
 fo oft that doth pain vs 
 is her fons tutor. 
 
 Now in the fpringe 
 he proueth his winge, 
 the field is his bower. 
 And as the fmall Bee 
 about flieth hee 
 from flower to flower. 
 
 A\\6. wantonly roues 
 abroade in the groues, 
 and in the aire houers 
 which when it him deweth 
 his feathers he meweth 
 in fighes of true louers. 
 
 And fince doom'd by fate 
 (that well knew his hate) 
 that hee Ihould be blinde, 
 for euery defpite 
 our eyes makes his white 
 fo wayward his kinde. 
 
 If 
 
 14 
 
Ode 3. 
 
 /f his fhafts loofing 
 (ill his marke choofing) 
 or his bow broken : 
 The mone Venus maketh, 
 & care for him taketh. 
 canot be fpoken. 
 
 To Vulcan commending 
 hir loue, and (Iraight fending 
 her doues and her fparrowes, 
 with kiffes vnto him, 
 and all but to woe him 
 to make her fonne arrowes. 
 
 Telling what he hath donne, 
 (faith fhe, right myne own fo) 
 in her armes fhe him clofesyx^ 
 6'weets on him fans, 
 laid in downe of her fwans, 
 his fheets leaues of Rofes, 
 
 and feeds him with kiffes, 
 which oft when he miffes 
 he euer is froward : 
 The mothers ore'ioying 
 makes by much coying 
 the child fo vntoward. 
 
 Yet in a fine nett 
 
 that a fpider fett, 
 
 the maidens had caught him. 
 
 Had (he not been neere him 
 
 and chanced to heare him 
 
 more good they had taught him. 
 
 To 
 
 15 
 
To my worthy frend; M after 
 
 John Saiiage of the Inner 
 
 Temple. 
 
 Ode 4 : 
 
 VPPON this finfull earth 
 if man can happy be 
 and higher then his birth 
 (Frend) take him thus of me : 
 
 Whome promife not deceiues 
 that he the breach fhould rue, 
 nor conftant reafon leaues 
 opinion to purfue. 
 
 To rayfe his meane eftate 
 that fooths no wanton's fmne, 
 doth that preferment hate 
 that virtue doth not winne. 
 
 Nor brauery doth admire 
 nor doth more loue profeffe, 
 to that he doth defire, 
 then that he doth poffeffe : 
 
 Zoofe humor nor to pleafe 
 that neither fpares nor fpends 
 by by difcretion weyes 
 what is to needfull ends. 
 
 To him deferuing not 
 
 not yeelding, nor doth hould 
 
 what 
 
 i6 
 
Ode 9. 
 
 what is not his, doing what 
 he ought, not what he could. 
 
 Whome the bafe tyrants will 
 fo much could neuer awe 
 as him for good or ill 
 from honefty to drawe. 
 
 whofe conftancy doth rife 
 boue vndeferued fpight 
 whofe valew'rs to defpife 
 that moft doth him delight. 
 
 That early leaue doth take 
 
 of th' world though to his paine 
 
 for vertues onely fake, 
 
 and not till need conftrayne. 
 
 Noe man can be fo free 
 though in imperialU feate 
 nor Eminent as hee 
 that deemeth nothing greate. 
 
 Ode 
 
 17 
 
Ode. 2, 
 
 MOft good, moft faire, 
 or thing as rare 
 to call yow's loft ; 
 for all the coft 
 words can beftow, 
 fo poorely fhow 
 vppon your praife, 
 that all the wayes 
 fence hath come fhort, 
 whereby report 
 falls them vnder : 
 that when wonder 
 more hath ceafed 
 yet not pleafed 
 that it in kind 
 nothing can finde 
 you to expreffe : 
 Neuertheleffe, 
 as by globes fmall 
 this mighty all 
 is fhewd, though far 
 from life, each ftarre 
 a world being : 
 So wee feeing 
 yow, like as that 
 
 i8 
 
Ode'-, 
 
 onely truft what 
 art doth vs teach : 
 and when I reach 
 at morall things, 
 and that my firings 
 grauely fhould ftrike ; 
 ftraighte fome miflike 
 blotteth myne Ode. 
 as with the loade 
 the fteele we tuch 
 forc'd ne're fo much, 
 yet ftill remoues 
 to that it loues 
 till there it ftayes, 
 fo to your praife 
 I turne euer, 
 and though neuer, 
 from you mouing 
 happy fo louing. 
 
 19 
 
Odeb. 
 
 TT'VT'ER'T granted me to choofe 
 How / would end my dayes, 
 and I this life muft loofe, 
 it fhould be in your praife, 
 For there is no Bayes 
 can be fett aboue you. 
 
 S'mpofllbly I loue you 
 and for you fit fo hie, 
 whence none may remoue you 
 in my cleere poefie, 
 that often I deny 
 you fo ample merit. 
 
 the freedome of my fpirit 
 manteining (ftil) my caufe, 
 Your fex not to inherit 
 vrging the Salique lawes, 
 but your vertue drawes 
 from me euery due. 
 
 Thus ftill you me purfue 
 that no where I can dwell, 
 by feare made iufle to you 
 that naturally rebell, 
 of you that excell 
 that fhould J flill endyte 
 
 yet will you want fome ryte, 
 that lofl in your high praife 
 I wander to and fro, 
 as feeing fundry waies, 
 yet which the right not knowe 
 to get out of this maze. 
 
 Ode 
 
 20 
 
Ode 7. 
 
 TY{\S while we are abroade 
 (hall we not touch our lyre ? 
 fhall we not fing an Ode 
 fhall that holy fire 
 That fo ftrongly glow'd, 
 iu this cold aire expire ? 
 
 Long fince the fummer's laid, 
 the heauenly ballance downe 
 the ripened Kutumne wayd, 
 And "Qoreas grim doth frowne 
 fince now J did behold 
 greate Brutes firft-builded towne. 
 
 Now in the vtmoft Peake 
 whereas we now remaine 
 amongfl: the mountaines bleake 
 expof d to fleet and rayne : 
 no fport our houres fhall breake 
 to exercife our vaine, 
 
 Zhough bright Kpolloes beames 
 refrelh the foutherne ground : 
 and though the princely Tkeams 
 with beauteous nymphs abound 
 and by ould Cambers ftreames 
 as many wonders found. 
 
 yet 
 
Ode 7. 
 
 Yet many riuers cleere 
 here glide in filuer fwathes, 
 and what of all moft deare 
 Buckftons delicious bathes, 
 ftrong ale and noble cheere 
 t'affwage breeme winters fcathes. 
 
 Thofe grim and horrid caues 
 whofe lookes affright the daye, 
 where fhee her fecrets faues 
 as loth them to bewray, 
 our better leafure craues, 
 and doth inuite our laye. 
 
 /n places far or neare, 
 or famous or obfcure, 
 where wholefome is the ayre 
 or where the moft impure, 
 all tymes and euery where 
 the mufe is ftill in vre. 
 
SINGE wee the Rofe 
 then which no flower there growes 
 is fweeter : 
 
 And aptly her compare 
 with what in that is rare 
 A parallel none meeter 
 
 Or made pofes, 
 
 of this that inclofes 
 
 fuche bliffes, 
 
 that naturally flufheth 
 
 as fhe bluflieth 
 
 When fhe is robd of kiffes, 
 
 Or if fhrew'd 
 
 when with the morning dew'd 
 
 or ftilling, 
 
 or howe to fenfe expofd 
 
 all which in her inclof'd, 
 
 ech place with fweetnes filling. 
 
 That moft renown'd 
 
 by Nature ritchly crownd 
 
 with yellow, 
 
 of that delitious layre 
 
 and as pure, her hayre 
 
 vnto the fame the fellowe, 
 
 fearing 
 
 23 
 
Ode?,. 
 
 fearing of harme 
 
 nature that flower doth arme 
 
 from danger, 
 
 the touch giues her offence 
 
 but with reuerence 
 
 vnto her felfe a ftranger. 
 
 That redde, or white, 
 
 or mixt, the fence delyte 
 
 behoulding, 
 
 in her complexion 
 
 all which perfeftion 
 
 fuch harmony in fouldinge. 
 
 That deuyded 
 
 ere it was defcided 
 
 which moft pure, 
 
 began the greeuous war 
 
 of York & Lancajier, 
 
 that did many yeeres indure. 
 
 Conflicts as greate 
 
 as were in all that heate 
 
 J fuftaine : 
 
 by her, as many harts 
 
 as men on either parts 
 
 that with her eies hath flaine. 
 
 the Primrofe flower 
 
 the firft of Flora's bower 
 
 is placed, 
 
 foe is fhee firft as beft 
 
 though excellent the reft, 
 
 all gracing, by none graced. 
 
 Ode 
 
 24 
 
Ode 9. 
 
 THE mufe fhould be fprightly 
 yet not handling lightly 
 things graue ; as much loath 
 things that be flight to cloath 
 curioufly : to retaine 
 the comlineffe in meane 
 is true knowledge and wit. 
 nor me forc'd rage doth fit, 
 that / thereto fliould lacke 
 Tabacco, or the fack 
 which to the colder brayne 
 is the true Hyppocrene. 
 nor did I euer care 
 for greate fooles, nor greate fare, 
 vertue though negle6led 
 is not fo deiefled 
 as vilely to defcend 
 vnto bafenes their end ; 
 neither each ryming flaue 
 deferues the name to haue 
 of Poet : fo the rabble 
 of fooles, for the table. 
 
 C2 
 
 that 
 
 2S 
 
Ode 9. 
 
 that haue their iefts by hart 
 
 as an aftor his part, 
 
 might affume them chaires 
 
 amongft the mufes heires, 
 
 ParnaJJus is not dome 
 
 by euery fuch mome. 
 
 vp whofe fteepe fide that fwerues, 
 
 it behoues haue ftrong nerues 
 
 my refolution fuch, 
 
 how well, and not how much 
 
 T write, thus doe I fare 
 
 like fome few good that care 
 
 (the euill fort among) 
 
 how well to liue, and not how long. 
 
 Ode 
 
 26 
 
Ode lo. 
 
 '' I ^HE Ryme nor marrs nor makes 
 J_ nor addeth it nor takes 
 
 from that which me propofe, 
 
 things imaginary- 
 do fo ftrangely vary, 
 that quickly we them lofe. 
 
 And what's quickly begot 
 as foone againe is not, 
 this doe J truely know, 
 yea, and that borne with paine 
 and fence ftrongly retaine, 
 gon with a fecond flow : 
 
 yet this Critick fo fterne, 
 but whome, none mufh difcerne 
 nor perfeftly haue feing, 
 ftrangely layes aboute him, 
 as nothing without him 
 were worthy of being. 
 
 That J my felfe betray, 
 into that publique way, 
 where the worlds ould bawd 
 cuftome, that doth humor 
 and by idle rumor 
 her dotages applaud, 
 
 C3 
 
 whil'ft 
 
 27 
 
Ode lo. 
 
 that whilft fhee ftill prefers 
 thofe that be wholly hers 
 madnes and Ignorance, 
 I creepe behynd the time 
 from fpertling with their crime 
 and glad too with my chance. 
 
 O wretched world the while 
 when the euill moft vile 
 beareth the fayreft face, 
 and inconftant lightnes 
 with a fcornefuU fleightnes, 
 the beft things doth difgrace. 
 
 whilft this ftrange knowing beaftc 
 
 man, of himfelfe the leafte 
 
 his enuy declaring 
 
 that virtue mufh defcend 
 
 her title to defend 
 
 againft him, much preparing. 
 
 yet thefe me not delude 
 nor from my place extrude 
 By theyr refolued hate : 
 theire vilenes that do knowe 
 which to my felfe / fhow 
 to keepe aboue my fate. 
 
To the Virginiafi voyage. 
 
 Ode 1 1 . 
 
 YOV braue Heroyque mynds 
 worthy your Countries name 
 that honor ftill purfue 
 goe and fubdue 
 vvhilfl loytering hyndes, 
 lurck heere at home with fhame. 
 
 Britans you ftay too long 
 quickly aboard beftowe you, 
 And with a merry gale 
 fwell your ftretch'd fayle 
 with vowes as ftronge 
 as the winds that blow you. 
 
 your Cburfe fecurely fteare 
 weft and by fouth foorth keep 
 Rockt, Lee-fhores, nor fholes, 
 when Eolus fcoulds 
 you need not feare 
 fo abfolute the deepe. 
 
 And cheerefuUy at fea 
 
 fucceffe you ftill entife 
 
 to get the pearle and gould, 
 
 and ours to hould 
 
 Virginia 
 
 earths onely paradife. 
 
 where 
 
Ode 1 1. 
 
 where nature hath in (lore 
 fowle, venifon and fifhe 
 and the fruitefuU'ft foyle 
 without your toyle 
 three haruefts more 
 all greater then your with. 
 
 And the ambitious vine 
 Crownes with his purple maffe, 
 The Cedar reaching hie 
 to kiffe the sky 
 the Cypreffe, Pine 
 And vfefull Saffafras. 
 
 To whome the golden age 
 
 ftill natures lawes doth giue, 
 
 nor other cares attend 
 
 but them to defend 
 
 from winters rage, 
 
 that long there doth not Hue. 
 
 when as the lufhious fmell 
 of that delitious land, 
 aboue the feas that flowes 
 the cleere wind throwes, 
 your harts to fwell 
 approching the deare flrand. 
 
 /n kenning of the fhore 
 (thanks to god firft giuen,) 
 O you the happy'ft men 
 be frolike then, 
 let Cannons roare. 
 Frighting the wide heauen. 
 
 and 
 
 3° 
 
Ode I r. 
 
 ^nd in Regions farre 
 
 fuch Heroes bring yee foorth 
 
 As thofe from whome we came : 
 
 and plant our name, 
 
 vnder the ftarre 
 
 not knowne vnto our North, 
 
 & where in plenty growes 
 
 the lawrell euery where, 
 
 Appollds facred tree 
 
 your dayes may fee, 
 
 A Poets Browes 
 
 to Crowne, that may fing there. 
 
 thy voyages attend 
 Induftrious Hackluit 
 whofe Reading fhall inflame 
 men to feeke fame ; 
 and much commend 
 to after times thy wit. 
 
 Ode 
 
 31 
 
To my f rinds the Camber-britans 
 and theyr harp. 
 
 Ode 12. 
 
 FAYRE ftood the winde for France 
 when we our failes aduance 
 and now to proue our chance 
 longer not tarry : 
 But put vnto the mayne 
 at Kaux the mouth of Seine 
 with all his warlike trayne 
 landed King Harry. 
 
 And taking many a forte 
 furnifh'd in warlike forte 
 comming toward Aginconrte 
 (in happy houre) 
 fkermifhing day by day 
 with thofe oppofe his way, 
 whereas the gen' rail laye 
 with all his powre : 
 
 Which in his height of pride 
 as Henry to deride, 
 his Ranfome to prouide 
 vnto him fending, 
 which he neglefts the while 
 as from a nation vj'le 
 yet with an angry fmile 
 their fall portending. 
 
 And 
 
 3^ 
 
Ode 12. 
 
 And turning to his men 
 quoth famous Henry then, 
 though they to one be ten 
 be not amazed : 
 yet haue we well begun 
 battailes foe brauely wonne 
 euermore to the fonne 
 by fame are rayfed. 
 
 Avi6. for my felfe (quoth he) 
 This my full reft fhall bee 
 'England nere mourne for me 
 nor more efteeme me 
 viftor I will remayne 
 or on this earth be flaine 
 neuer fliall (he fuftaine 
 loffe to redeeme me. 
 
 Yoyters and Creffy tell 
 
 when mofte their pride did fwell 
 
 vnder our fwords they fell, 
 
 no leffe our (kill is, 
 
 then when our grandfyre greate 
 
 claiming the regall feate 
 
 in many a warlike feate 
 
 lop'd the french lillies. 
 
 The duke of York foe dread 
 the eager vaward led 
 with the maine Henry fped 
 amongft his henchmen 
 Excejler had the rear 
 A brauer man not there 
 
 and 
 
 33 
 
Ode 1 2. 
 
 and now preparing were 
 for the falfe Frenchmen, 
 
 and ready to be gone 
 armour on armour flione, 
 drum vnto drum did grone, 
 to heare was woonder, 
 tliat with the cries they make 
 the very earth did fhake, 
 Trumpet to trumpet fpake 
 Thunder to thunder. 
 
 Well it thine age became 
 O noble Erpingham 
 thou didfl: the fignall frame 
 vnto the forces : 
 when from a medow by 
 like a ftorme fodainely 
 the Englifh archery 
 ftuck the French horfes. 
 
 The Spanifli vghe fo flrong 
 arrowes a cloth->'ard long, 
 that like to ferpents ftoong 
 pcarcing the Wether : 
 None from his death now ftarts, 
 but playing manly parts 
 and like true Englifli harts, 
 ftuck clofe together. 
 
 when down theyr bowes they threw 
 and foorth their bilbowes drewe, 
 & on the french they flew 
 no man was tardy 
 
 armcs 
 
 Jt 
 
Ode 12. 
 
 arms from the flioulders fent, 
 fcalpes to the teeth were rent, 
 downe the french pefants went, 
 Thefe were men hardye. 
 
 when now that noble king 
 his broade fword brandifliing 
 into the hoaft did fling 
 as to or'whelme it 
 who many a deep wound lent, 
 his amies with blood befprent, 
 and many a cruell dent 
 brufed his helmett. 
 
 Glojler, that duke fo good 
 next of the royall blood, 
 for famous England ftood, 
 with his braue brother 
 Clarence, in fteele nioft bright, 
 that yet a maiden knighte 
 yet in this furious fighte 
 fcarce fuch an other, 
 
 Warwick in bloode did wade 
 Oxford the foes inuade 
 and cruel (laughter made 
 ftill as they ran vp, 
 Siiffolke his axe did ply 
 Beaumont and Willougkhy 
 bare them right doughtyly, ' 
 Ferrers and Fanliope 
 
 On happy Ci'yfpin day 
 fought was. this noble fray. 
 
 lich 
 
 55 
 
Ode 12. 
 
 which fame did not delay 
 to England to carry : 
 O when fliall £"nglifhmen 
 with fuch afls fill a pen ? 
 of England breed agen 
 fuch a king Harry ? 
 
 The firjle Eg log. 
 
 PH^B VS full out his yearly courfe had ru, 
 whom the long winter labored to outweare, 
 & now preuayling profp'roufly begunne 
 to rayfe himfelfe vpon our Hemifpheare 
 
 and the pleaf'd hcauen this ioyful feafon neere 
 Oreio'yd diffolu's many a filuer teare. 
 
 When /'hilomel true augure of the fpring 
 whofe tunes expreffe a Brothers traiterous fa6l 
 whilft the frefli groues with her coplaints do ring, 
 to Cinthia her fad tragedy doth act, 
 
 The iocond merle perch'd on the highefl fpray 
 fings his loue forth, to fee the pleafant May. 
 
 The crawling Snake againft the morning fonne 
 like Iris fhowes his fundry coloured coate, 
 the gloomy fliades that enuioufly doth fliunne 
 rauifh'd to heare the warbling birds to roate, 
 The buck forfakes the Lawn's wher he hath fed 
 fearing the hunt Ihould view his veluet head. 
 
 Throu!^h 
 
 },<> 
 
The firjl Eglog. 
 
 through cu'ry part difpearfed is the blood 
 the lufty fpring in fulnes (now) of pride 
 man, bird, and beafte, each tree, and euery flood, 
 highly reioycing in this goodly tyde 
 
 faue Rowland leaning on a Ranpick tree 
 wafted with age, forlorne with woe was he. 
 
 Create God qd he, (with hads reard to the skie) 
 thou vvyfe creator of the ftarry light, 
 whofe wondrous works thy effence do implye 
 in the diuiding of the day and nighte 
 
 The earth releeuing with the teeming fpring 
 which the late winter low before did bring. 
 
 O thou ftrong builder of the firmament 
 who placed'ft Yliebus in his fiery Carr, 
 and for the Planets wifely didft inuent 
 their fundry manfions that they fhould not iarre 
 Appointing Phebe miftris of the night, 
 fro his pure flames to fetch her borrowed light. 
 
 Fro that bright pallace where thou raig'nft alone 
 which round with flarrs is glorioufly inchafed ; 
 before the footftoole of whofe glittering throne 
 thofe thy high orders feuerally are placed, 
 Rcceiue my vowes that may thy courte afccnd 
 where thy cleer prefence all the powers atted 
 
 Shepheards greate Soueraigne.gricioufly receiue 
 thofe thoughts to thee continually erefted, 
 nor let the world all comfort me bereaue 
 whilfte I before it fadly lie deiefted, 
 
 whofe fumes like fogs that onercloud the aire 
 darken thofe beams once promif'd me fo faire. 
 
 My 
 
 3J 
 
Thefirjl Eglog. 
 
 My hopes are fruiteles, and my fayth is vaine, 
 and but meere (howes difpofed me to mock 
 fuch are exalted bafely that can faine, 
 and none regards iuft Rowland of the rock. 
 To thofe fat paftures others helthfull keepe 
 mahce denyes mee entrance with my llieepe. 
 
 Yet nill J nature enuioufly accufe 
 nor blame the heauens thus haples mee to make 
 what they impofe but vainly we refufe 
 when not our power their punifhment can flake 
 fortune the world that towfes too and fro 
 /^ickle to all yet conftant in my woe. 
 
 This onely refls, time fhall deuoure my forrowe 
 
 and to affliflion minifter reliefe 
 
 When as there neuer fliall fucceed a morrow, 
 
 whofe laboring howres fhal legthen out my greef, 
 nor in my breft care fit agayne fo deepe : 
 tyring the fad night with diftempered fleepe. 
 
 And when that time expired hath the date 
 what wears out all things laftly perifh muft 
 and that all fearching and impartiall fate 
 flial take accompte of long-forgotten duft 
 when euery being, filently fliall ceafe 
 lockt in the amies of euerlafting peace. 
 
 Now in the Ocean Titan quench'd his flame 
 that fummond Cinthia to fet vp her light 
 when fhe the neerft of the celeftiall frame 
 fat the mod glorious on the brow of nighte 
 whe the poore 5wain with heuy hart oppr^ffc, 
 to the cold earth fanck fadly downe to reft 
 
 38 
 
Thefecojid Eglog. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 years 
 A/T J (7HT my youths mirth become thy aged 
 ^ my gentle fheapheard father of vs all, 
 wherewith I wonted to delight my feeres 
 when to their fports they pleafed mee to call : 
 now would / tune my mifkins on the greene 
 and frame my verfe the vertues to vnfoold, 
 of that fole Phoenix bird my lines fole queen 
 w hofe locks do ftain the three-tim's burnifht gold 
 but melancholy fetled in thy fpleene, 
 my rymes feeme harfli to thy vnrelifh't tafte, 
 thy wits that long replenifh't haue not beene : 
 Wanting kinde moyflure doe vnkindly wafte. 
 
 Winken. 
 
 Well wanton, laugh not my ould age to fcorne, 
 nor twit me fo my fenfes to haue lofte, 
 tJie time hath been when as my hopefull morne 
 promif'd as much as nowe thy youth can boaile : 
 my direfull cares beene drawne vpon my face 
 in crooked lynes with ages Jron pen, 
 
 D the 
 
 Z'i 
 
The fecond Eglog. 
 
 The morphcw quite difcolored the place 
 Which had the powr t'attra6l the eyes of men, 
 What mock'd the Lilly, bears this Tawny die, 
 And this once Crimfon, looks thus deadly pale, 
 6"orow hath fet his foot vpon myne eye, 
 And hath for euer perifhed my fale. 
 A cumber-world, yet in the world am left 
 A fruitleffe plot with brambles ouergrown : 
 Of all thofe ioyes, that pleaf 'd my youth, bereft 
 And now too late my folly but bemoane ; 
 Thofe daynty ftraines of my well-tuned reed, 
 Which many a time haue pleafd the curious ears. 
 To me no more thofe pleafing thoughts do breed 
 But tell the errors of my wandring years, 
 Thofe poyfning pills ben byding at my hart, 
 Thofe loathfom drugs vnfeafned youth did chaw, 
 Not once fo fweet, but now they be as tart, 
 Not in the mouth, that they were in the maw. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 Euen fo I ween for thy olid ages feuer, 
 Deems fweetefl: potions, bitter as the gall, 
 And thy colld pallet, hauing loft the fauour, 
 Receaues no comfort by a cordiall. 
 
 Winken. 
 
 As thou art, once was I a gamefom boy, 
 Jll-wintred now, and aged as you fee, 
 
 And 
 
 40 
 
Thefecond Eglog. 
 
 And well / know, that fwallow-winged ioy 
 Shall be negle6led as it is in me. 
 When on the arch of thyne eclipfed eyes, 
 Time fhall haue deeply charaftred thy death, 
 And fun-burnt age, thy kindly moifture dries, 
 Thy wafted lungs be niggards of thy breath ; 
 Thy brawn-fallen armes, and thy declining back 
 To the fad burthen of thy years (hall yeeld 
 And that thy legs their wonted force fhall lack, 
 Able no more thy wretched Trunck to weeld. 
 Now am I like the knotty aged Oak, 
 Whom wafting time hath made a tomb for duft, 
 That of his branches reft by tempeft fhroke. 
 His bark confumes with canker worms and ruft, 
 and though thou feemft like to the bragging bryr 
 And fpredft thee like the morn-lou'd Marygould 
 Yet fhall thy fap be fhortly dry and feer 
 Thy gawdy bloffoms blemifhed with cold. 
 Euen fuch a wanton and vnruly fwayne 
 Was little Rotvland, when as lately he 
 Vpon the verge of yonder neighbouring plaine 
 Carued this rime vpon a Bechen tree. 
 
 THen this great vrmierfe no lejfe, 
 Can feriLe her prayfes to expreffe : 
 Betwixt her eies the poles of loue, 
 The hojl of heauenly beatityes moue 
 Depainted in their proper fiories, 
 As well thefixd as wandring glories, 
 
 D 2 Which 
 
 41 / 
 
The fecond Eglog. 
 
 which from their proper orbes not goe, 
 lohether tJtey gyrefwift orjlowe : 
 where from tlteir lips, wlten flie doth f peak e 
 tlie mujick of thofe fpliears do breake 
 ■which their harmonius motion breedeth 
 from whofe cheerfull breath proceedeth : 
 that balmy sweetnes that giues birth 
 to eiiery offpring of the earth, 
 herfliape and cariage of zvliich frame 
 in forme how wellfltee beares the fame, 
 is that proportion heauens befl treafiire, 
 whereby it doth all poyfe and meafiire, 
 fo that alone her happy fight 
 conteynes pcrfe£lion and delight. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 O diuine love which fo aloft can rayfe 
 and lift the mind out of this earthly myre, 
 and doft infpire vs with fo glorious prayfe, 
 as with the heauens doth equall man's defire 
 who doth not help to deck thy holy flirine 
 with Venus mirtle and Apollo s tree ? 
 who will not fay that thou art moft diuine 
 at lead confeffe a deity in thee ? 
 
 Winken. 
 
 A foolifh boy, full ill is he repayed, 
 
 for now the wanton pines in endles paine, 
 
 and 
 
 42 
 
Thefecond Eglog. 
 
 and fore repents what he before miffaide, 
 fo may they be, which can fo lewdely fayne, 
 now hath this yonker torne his treffed locks 
 and broke his pipe which was of found fo fweet 
 forfaking his companions and their flocks, 
 and cafts his garland loofly at his feete, 
 and being flirouded in a homely cote 
 and full of forrow (I him fitting by,) 
 he tun'de his rebeck to a mournefull note 
 and thereto fang this dolefull elegy. 
 
 VPPON a batik with rofesfet about 
 where pretty turtles ioyning bit to bill, 
 and gentle fprings Jlcale foftly murmuring out 
 wajhing the foote of pleafures facred hill: 
 there little loue fore wounded lyes, 
 his bowe and arrowes broken 
 bedewd with teares from Venus eyes 
 oh greeuous to be fpoken. 
 
 Beare him my hartflaine zvith her fcornefull eye 
 %vJtere flicks the arrowe thatpoore hart did kill 
 with whofe fharp pile requefl him ere he die, 
 about the fame to write his latefi will, 
 
 and bid him fend it back to me 
 
 at inflant of his dying, 
 
 that crtcell cruell fhee may fee 
 
 my faith and her denying. 
 
 His chappell be a mournefull Cypreffe fhade 
 and for a chauntry Philomels fweet lay 
 where prayers fliall continually be made 
 
 D3 by 
 
 43 
 
Thefecond Eglog. 
 
 By pilgrim loners pajjing by that way. 
 
 With Nymphes and Jhepheards yearly moane 
 His timeles death beweeping, 
 In telling that my hart alone 
 Hath his lajl will in keeping. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 Woe's me for him that pineth fo in paine, 
 Alas poore Rowland how for him I greeue, 
 ^■0 fayre a bayt fhould breed fo foule a baine. 
 Yet fhe not dayne his forow to reheue. 
 
 Winken. 
 
 Beware by him thou foolifh wanton fwaine, 
 By others harmes thus maift thou learn to heed : 
 Beauty and wealth been fraught with hy difdayn 
 The night draws on, com homeward let vs fpeed. 
 
 The 
 
 44 
 
The third Eglog, 
 
 Perkin. 
 
 Roivland for (liame awake thy drowfie mule, 
 Tyme playes the hunts vp to thy fleepy head; 
 Why lyefl: thou here, whilft we are ill beeftead 
 Fowle idle fwayn ? 
 
 Who euer heard thy pipe and pleafing vaine 
 And now doth heare this fcuruy minfbralcie, 
 Tending to naught, but beaftly ribauldry 
 that doth not mufe ? 
 
 Then flumber not with dull Endymion, 
 But tune thy reed to dapper virelayes, 
 And fing a while, of bleffed Betaes prayfe, 
 and none but fhe : 
 
 Aboue the reft fo happy maift thou be, 
 For learned Colin layes his pipes to gage, 
 And is to fayrie gon a pilgrimage 
 the more our moane. 
 
 Row- 
 
 45 
 
The third Eglog. 
 
 Rowland. 
 
 What Beta, fhepheard ? ihe is /'ans belou'de 
 faire Betaes praife beyond our ftrayn doth ftretch 
 a note to hy for my poore pipe to reache, 
 an oaten reede, 
 
 The moft vnfit to fpeake of worthies deede 
 but fet my fong vnto a lower key, 
 whereas a hornepipe J may fafely play 
 and vnreproou'd. 
 
 With flattery my mufe could neuer fadg 
 nor could this vaine fcurrility affefl 
 from loofer youth to win a light refpeft 
 too bafe and vile. 
 
 me that doth make that J not care the while 
 my felfe aboue Tom Piper to aduance 
 which fo beftirrs him at the morrice daunce 
 for penny wage. 
 
 Perkin. 
 
 Rowland fo toyes efteemed often are 
 and fafhions euer vary with the time 
 but fmce the feafon doth require fome rime, 
 with lufty glee 
 
 let me then heare that roundelay of thee, 
 which once thou fangft to me in laneuere 
 when Robin Redbreft fitting on a breere 
 the burthen bare. 
 
 well 
 
 46 
 
The third Eglog. 
 
 Rowland. 
 
 Well needs J muft, yet with a lieauy heart 
 yet were not Beta, fure I would not fing 
 whofe praife the Echo'es ceafe not yet to ring 
 vnto the skies. 
 
 Perkin. 
 
 Be blith good Rowland then, & cleer thine eyes, 
 and fince good Robin to his roofte is gone 
 fupply his want, and put two parts in one 
 to fhew thy art. 
 
 Roivland. 
 
 Slay, Thames toheare my fans;, tJwu greate&' famous flood, 
 
 'Beta alone tlu Pluenix is of all thy vvatry brood, 
 
 the queene of virgins onelyjhee, 
 
 the King of floods alotting thee 
 
 of all the refl, be ioyfull then to fee this happy day, 
 
 thy Beta now alone fJiall be the ftdnell of my lay 
 
 With daynty delight fome flraines of dapper verelayes : 
 come louely Jheapheards fit by mee, to tell our Betaes prayfe 
 and let vsfingfo hie a v.rfe 
 her foueraigne virtues to rehearfe : 
 That little birds fliall fllent fit to heare vs fltepheards fing 
 vvhile riuers backward bend their coiirs 6^ flow vnto their 
 
 fpring 
 
 Range 
 
 47 
 
The third Eg log. 
 
 Range all thy fvv aims fair e Thames together on a ranch 
 
 and place thetn each in their degree vppo thy winding back 
 
 and let them fet together all 
 
 time keeping with the waters fall : 
 
 Andcraue the tuneful nightingale to helpeyou with her lay 
 
 the woof ell and the throflle cock, chief ?nufick of our May. 
 
 See what a troiip of nymphs, come leading hand in hand 
 
 infuch a nomber that well neere the take vp all theflrand, 
 
 and hark how merrily they fmge, 
 
 that makes the neigKbring medovves ring 
 
 and Beta comes before alone, clad in a purple pall 
 
 and as the Queene of all the refl doth weare a coronall. 
 
 Trim vp her golden treffes with ApoWoes facred tree 
 
 whofe tutage iS-^ efpeciall care I wifJi Iier flill to be 
 
 that for his darling hath prepa'rd 
 
 a glorious croirone as her rrovard, 
 
 not fiuh a golden Crowne as haughty Cefar weares, 
 
 but fuch a glittering flarry one as Ariadne beares. 
 
 Mayds get the cKbycefl flowers a garland and entwine 
 nor pinks norpanfies let their Twant, befure of Eglantine 
 fee that there beflore of lyllyes 
 
 ( Cald of the Sheapherds daffadillies) (lice 
 
 with Rofes damajk, white &= redd, the deerefl flower de- 
 the Cowflip of Jerufalem &• clone ofSarcidice 
 
 O thou greate eie of heauen, the daies mofl dearefl lighte 
 
 with thy bright fifler Cynthia, the glory of the night 
 
 and thofe that make thee feauefi 
 
 to vs the nearfl of heauen. 
 
 And thou O gorgeous /ris, iwith all thy Colours died 
 
 whenflieeflreamesforthherrayesthendaflUis all your pride 
 
 In thee whilflfjie behoulds ( O flood) her heauenly face 
 
 ihefeagods in their vz'atry armes would gladly hir imbrace 
 
 the intifing Syrens in their layes 
 
 with tritons doe refound her praife 
 
 Hafling with all the f peed they can vntp the fpacious fea 
 
 ^through all Neptnnes courte proclaime our Betaes holiday 
 
 4ti 
 
The fourth Eglog. 
 
 And euermore refreJJi the roote of the fat oliue tree 
 
 in vv/wfe dearfhadovv euer may thy bancks preferued be, 
 
 the Bay that 'Poets doth adorne 
 
 and mirtle of chafl louers vvorne 
 
 that f aire may be the frute, the boughes preferu'd by peace 
 
 and let the mornefull Cipreffe dy, and heerefor euer ceafe. 
 
 Wee'leflrevv theJJiore vvith pearl vvher Beta walks alone 
 and we jvillpaue/urfujnmer bovver vvith richefl Indian 
 phfumt the aire and make it fvveet. (flone 
 
 forfuch a goddeffe as is meet, 
 
 Forif her eies for purity contend vvith Titans light (fighte 
 710 maruailethen although theirebeames do dazle humane 
 
 Soiid lowd your trumpets then from Londons loftiefl towers 
 to beate theflormy tempefls back and calm the raging Jhovvrs 
 fet the cornet with the flute 
 the orp/iarion to the lute 
 
 Tuning the taber and the pipe to thefwet violons 
 and mock the thunder in the aire vvith the lovvde clarions. 
 
 Beta long may thine Altars fmoake vvith yearely facriflce 
 and long thy f acred temples maye theyre high dales fo- 
 thy fheapheards watch by day and night lemnize 
 
 thy Maydes attend thy holy light 
 
 And thy large Empire fir etch her arms fro eaflvnto the vvcfl 
 AndAlbyon on the Appenines aduance her conquering crefl. 
 
 Perken. 
 
 Thanks gentle Rowland for my roundelay, 
 
 and as for Beta burthen of thy fong 
 
 the fhepeheards goddeffe may flie florifh long 
 
 and happy be, 
 
 and not difdayne to be belou'd of thee : 
 
 tryumphing Albion clap thy hands for ioy 
 
 that 
 
 49 
 
the third Eg log. 
 
 that haue fo long not tafled of anoy 
 not that thou may. 
 
 Rowland. 
 
 (yeand 
 ^hepheard, & when my milke white eawes haue 
 5eta fhall haue the firfthng of the fould 
 yea though the horns were of the pureft goulde 
 & the fine fleece, the richeft purple grayn. 
 
 Perken. 
 
 Beleeue me as I am true fheepheards fwaine 
 then for thy loue all other I forfake 
 and vnto thee my felfe I doe betake 
 with faith vnfaind. 
 
 The 
 
 SO 
 
The fourth Eg log. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 SHeapheard, why creepe we in this lowly vaine 
 as though our ftore no better vs afifoords ? 
 and in this feafon when the flirring fwain (words 
 makes the wyde fields foud with great thudring 
 not as twas wont now riirall be our rymes 
 Sheapheards of late are waxed wondrous neate. 
 though they were richer in the former tymes, 
 we be inraged with more kindly heate 
 The withered Laurell frefhly growes agayne 
 which fimply fhadowed the Pierian fpring 
 which oft inuites the folitary fwayne 
 thether, to heare thofe facred virgins fing ; 
 then if thy mufe haue fpent her wonted zeale 
 with withered twifts thy forehead fhal be bound 
 but if with thefe fhe dare aduance her fayle 
 amongft the befl then may fhe be renown'd 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 Sheapheards, thefe men at mighty things do aym 
 and therefore preffe into the learned troope 
 
 with 
 
 ^T 
 
The fourth Eglyg. 
 
 With filed phraze to dignifie their name, 
 
 Els with the world fliut in this fhamefuU coope. 
 
 But fuch a fubiefl ill befeemeth me, 
 
 For J mufl pipe amongft the lowly fort, 
 
 Thofe filly heardgrooms who haue laught to fee. 
 
 When I by moonfiiine made the fayries fport. 
 
 Who of the toyles of Hercules will treat, 
 
 And put his hand to an eternall pen. 
 
 In thefe hie labours it behooues him fweat, 
 
 To foare beyond the vfuall pitch of men. 
 
 Such monfter-tamers who would take in hand. 
 
 As haue tyde vp the triple-headed hound, 
 
 Or of thofe Gyants which gainft heuen durft ftad 
 
 whofe flrength the gods it troubled to confound ? 
 
 who lifteth with fo mighty things to mell, 
 
 And dares a tafke fo great to vndertake. 
 
 Should rayfe the black inhabitants of Hell : 
 
 And ftir a tempeft on the Stygian Lake. 
 
 He that to worlds Pyramides will build 
 
 On thofe great Heroes got by heauenly powers, 
 
 Should haue a pen mofl. plentifully filld 
 
 In the full flreams of learned Maro's fhowers. 
 
 v/ho will foretell mutations, and of men, 
 
 Of future things and wifely will enquire, 
 
 Before fhould flumber in that fhady den 
 
 That often did with prophefie infpyre. 
 
 Southfaying Sybells fleepen long agon 
 
 we haue their reed but few haue cond their art, 
 
 And the welch wifard cleaueth to a ftone 
 
 No oracles more wonders fhall impart. 
 
 when 
 
 52 
 
The fourth Eglog- 
 
 when him this round that neerefl ouerran, 
 His labouring mother to the light did bring, 
 The fweat that then from Orpheus ftatue ran, 
 Foretould the prophets had whereon to fing, 
 when virtue had alotted her a prize, 
 The Oaken garlands and the laurell Crown, 
 Fame then refumd her lofty wings to rife, 
 And plumes wear honored with the purple gown 
 Then when religion with a goulden chayne, 
 Men vnto fayre ciuility did draw, 
 who fent from heauen brought iuftice forth again 
 to keep the good, the viler fort to awe, 
 that flmple age as fimply fung of loue, 
 till thirft of Empire and of earthly fwayes 
 Drew the good fhepheard from his laffes loue, 
 to fing of flaughter and tumultuous frayes 
 then loues loue-theft was priuily difcri'd. 
 How he playd falfe play in Ampkitrio's bed. 
 And yong Apollo in the mount of Ide 
 Gaue Oeiion phyfick for her maydenhead : 
 the tender graffe was then the fofteft bed : 
 the pleafant fhades efteemed flatelieft halls. 
 No belly churle with Bacclms banqueted. 
 Nor painted rags then couered rotten walls : 
 then fimple loue by fimple virtue waied, 
 Flowrs the fauours equall faith reuealed, 
 Kindnes againe with kindnes was repayd. 
 And with fweet kiffes couenants were fealed. 
 then Beauties felf by her felfe beautified, 
 6'corn'd paintings, pergit and the borowed hayr, 
 
 Nor 
 
The fourth Eglog. 
 
 nor monftrous formes deformities did hide 
 the foul to varnifli with compounded faire, 
 The pureft fleece then couered pureft fkin, 
 for pride as then with Lucifer remaynd 
 ill fauoured fafhions yet did not begin, 
 nor wholfoe cloaths with poyfoned liquor ftaynd 
 but when the bowels of the earth were fought 
 whofe golden entrailes mortalls did efpy 
 into the world all mifchiefe then was brought 
 this fram'd the mint that coynd our mifery. 
 'The lofty pines then prefently cut downe 
 and men fea-monfters fwam the bracky flood 
 in wainfcote tubs to feeke out worlds vnknowne, 
 for certain ill to leaue affured good. 
 The fteede was tamde and fitted to the field 
 that ferues a fubieft to the riders lawes, 
 he that before ran in the pafl:ures wilde 
 felt the ftiffe curb controwle his angry iawes. 
 The Cyclops then flood fweating to the fire 
 the vfe thereof in foftning metalls found 
 that did ftreight limbs in flubborne fteele attyre 
 forging fharp tooles the tender flefli to wound, 
 The Citty-builder then intrencht his towers 
 and layd his wealth within the walled towne, 
 which after ward in rough and ftormy ftowres 
 kindled the fire that burnt his bulwarks downe. 
 This was the fad beginning of our woes 
 that was from hell on wretched mortalls hurld 
 & from this fount did all thofe mifchiefes flow 
 whofe inundation drowneth all the world. 
 
 Molto 
 
 54 
 
The fourth Eglog. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 Well fhepheard well, the golden age is gon, 
 
 Wifhes no way reuoketh what is paft, 
 
 ^rnall wit there were to make two griefes of one 
 
 And our complaints we vainly fhould but waft. 
 
 Liften to me then louely fhepheard lad, 
 
 And thou fhalt heare, attentiue if thou be, 
 
 A prety tale I of my Grandame had, 
 
 One winters night when there wer none but we. 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 Shepheard fay on, fo may we paffe the time, 
 There is no doubt it is fom worthy rime. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 FAR in the country of Arden, 
 There wand a knight hight Caffamen, 
 as bould as Ifenbras. 
 Fell was he and eager bent, 
 In battell and in tournament, 
 as ivas the good Sir Topas. 
 He had as antique fiories tell, 
 A daughter cleaped Dowfabel, 
 
 a mayden faire and free. 
 Andforjhe was her fathers heyr 
 Ful wellJJte was ycond the leyr, 
 of mickle curtefie. 
 
 E I The 
 
 55 
 
The fourth Eglog. 
 
 Thefilke zvell couth Jlie tivijl and twine, 
 And make the fine Marchpine, 
 
 and with the needle werke : 
 Andjhe couth helpe the prieji to fay 
 His Mattens on a holyday 
 
 andfing a Pfalme in Kirke. 
 She ware a frock of frolicke green. 
 Might well becom a Mayden queen. 
 
 Which feently was to fee. 
 A hood to thatfo neat and fine, 
 In colour like the Columbine, 
 
 Y wrought full featuoufly. 
 Her feature all as frejh aboue. 
 As is the graffe that groives by Doue, 
 
 And lyth as laffe of Kent. 
 Her fkin as foft as Lemfier woo II, 
 As ivhite asfnow on Peakifli hull 
 
 or fivan that fwims in Trent. 
 This mayden in a morn betime. 
 Went foorth ivhen May was in the prime, 
 
 to get fweet Setywall. 
 The honyfuckle, the harlock. 
 The Lylly and the Lady-fmock, 
 
 to deck her fummer hall, 
 Thus asfhe wandred here and there 
 And picked of the bloomy btier, 
 
 She chanced to efpy, 
 A fhepheard fitting on a banke. 
 Like Chanteclere he crowed crancke, 
 
 and pip d full merrily. 
 
 Hi- 
 
 5(> 
 
The fourth Eglog. 
 
 He leard kis Jlieep as he him lift, 
 When he would tvhijlle in his fijl, 
 
 to feed about him round. 
 Whilfl he full many a carroll fang, 
 Vntill the fields and meadowes rang, 
 
 and that the woods did found. 
 In fauour this fame fJiepheard f way ne. 
 Was like the bedlam Tamberlayne, 
 
 which held proude Kings in awe. 
 But meeke as any Lamb mought be. 
 And innocent of ill as he. 
 
 Whom his lewd brother flaw. 
 This fJiepIuard ivare afJteep gray cloke, 
 Which ivas of thefinefl loke 
 
 that could be cut with fheere. 
 His mittens "puere of Bausens Skin, 
 His Cockers were of cordiwin, 
 
 his hood of Minineere. 
 His aide and lingell in a thong. 
 His tarbox on his broad belt hong, 
 
 his breeche of Cointry blew. 
 Full crifpe and curled were his locks, 
 His browes as white as Albion rocks, 
 
 fo like a louer true. 
 And piping flill he fpent the day, 
 So merry as the Popingay, 
 
 which liked Dowfabell. 
 That would fhe ought or woldflie noght, 
 this lad would tieuer from her thought. 
 
 She in hue- longing fell. 
 
 E 3 at 
 
 57 
 
The fourth Eglog. 
 
 At length Jhe tucked vp her frock c, 
 white as the Lilly was her f mock, 
 
 Jhe drew the JJtep heard ny : 
 But then the Jhepheard pip' d a good, 
 that all his JIteepe forfooke theyr foode, 
 
 to heare his melody. 
 Thy fieepe quoth Jhee, can not be leane, 
 that haiie a iolly Jlieepheards fwayne, 
 
 the which can pipefo well : 
 Yea btit (faith he) their Jhepheard may. 
 If piping thus he pine away 
 
 In loue of Dowfabell. 
 Of lone fond boy take thou no kecpe 
 Quoth Jhe, looke wel vnto thy Jheepe, 
 
 leajl they Jliould hap to Jlray : 
 Quoth he ; Jo had I done Jul I well 
 Had I not Jeen Jaire Dowfabell 
 
 come Joorth to gather May. 
 With thatJJie gan to vaile her head. 
 Her cheekes were like the Rojes redde, 
 
 but not a word Jhe Jaid, 
 With that the Jliepheard gan to Jrowne, 
 He thre-iv his prety pipes adown, 
 
 and on the ground him layd. 
 Saithjhe I may not fay till ttight. 
 And Icaiie my Jummer hall vndight, 
 
 and alljor loue oj thee : 
 My coatjaith he, nor yet my Jould, 
 Shall neither Jheep nor fiepheard hould 
 
 except thou Jauour mee. 
 
 Saiih 
 
 58 
 
The fourth Eglog. 
 
 Saith Jlu; yet Iciier I were dead, 
 lIicH I Jlioidd loofe my maidenhead 
 
 and all for lone of men : 
 Saith he yet are you too vnkind, 
 If in your hart you cannot find, 
 
 to lone vs nozv and then. 
 And I to thee will be as kind, 
 As Colin was to Rofalind, 
 
 of airtefie the flower : 
 Then will I be as true quoth ftte. 
 As euer maiden yet might be, 
 
 vnto Iter paramour. 
 With thatfJie bent her fnow-white knee 
 Downe by the flicpheard kneeled fhee, 
 
 and him ffie fzveetlie kifl. 
 With that the Jhcpheard whoop' d for ioy, 
 Quoth he titer's neuer fltepheards boy, 
 
 that euer zvasfo blifl. 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 Now by my flieephook, heer's a tale alone, 
 Learn me the fame and I wil giue thee hyer, 
 This were as good as curds for our lone, 
 When at a night we fitten by the fire, 
 
 Motto. 
 
 Why gentle Gorbo ilc not ftick for that, 
 when we fliall meet vpon fom mery day, 
 
 but 
 
 .l') 
 
Thefi/t Eg log. 
 
 But fee whilft we haue fet vs downe to chat, 
 Yon tykes of myne begin to fteale away, 
 and if thou pleafe to come vnto our green, 
 On Lammas day, when as we haue our feaft, 
 Thou fhalt fit next vnto the fhepheardes queene, 
 and ther fhalt be the only welcom gueft. 
 
 Thefift Egh 
 
 cr 
 
 COme let vs frolick merily, my fwayne, 
 Lets fe what fpirit therquikens yet in thee 
 If there fo much be left but as a grayne, 
 Of the great ftock of antique poefie. 
 Or liuing but one flip of Phcebus facred tre. 
 Or if referu'd from times deuouring rage, 
 with her fad ruins fcorning once to fall, 
 Memoriall left as a deferued gage : 
 Or the delight of fimple paftorall. 
 May thee reuiue, whom care feems to apall. 
 To fortunes orphanes nature hath bequeath'd, 
 
 what mightieft monarchs feldome haue poffeft. 
 From hieft heauen this influence is breath'd, 
 
 the 
 
 60 
 
Thefift Eglog. 
 
 the moft diuine imprefTion of the breft, 
 
 and whom th'one pynes the other oft doth feaft 
 
 Nor doth't affe6l this fond gentility, 
 
 whereon the foole world open mouthed gazes, 
 
 Thinking it felfe of great ability. 
 
 that it a great greate grandfires glorie blazes, 
 and paints out fiflions in vntimely phrazes. 
 
 Idlely we think that honor can inflame, 
 
 thefe mouing pi6lures made but for the ftreet, 
 
 (We daily find) that ouerliue their name, 
 and black obliuion is their winding fheet, 
 their glory trodden vnder vulgar feet. 
 
 Enuie difcharging all her poyfoned darts, 
 the valiant mind is tempered with that fire, 
 
 at her fierce loofe that weakly neuer ftarts, 
 but in defpight inforce her to retyre, 
 with careles feet that fpurnes her in the myre. 
 
 Rowland. 
 
 I may not fing of fuch as fall nor clime, 
 
 nor chaunt of armes, and of heroique deeds, 
 
 Jt fitteth not a fhepheards rurall rime, 
 nor is agreeing with my oaten reeds .• 
 nor from my fong groffe flattery proceedes. 
 
 On the worlds Idolls do I fcorne to fmile. 
 Nor Ihall theyr names e're in my page appeare, 
 
 To boulfter bafenes J account it vile, 
 
 tis not their looks nor greatnes that I fear, 
 nor fliall be known by me that fuch there were. 
 
 No 
 
 61 
 
The fift Eglog. 
 
 No fatall dreads, nor fruitleffe vayne defires, 
 Low caps and courtfies to a painted wall, 
 Nor heaping rotten flicks on needles fires, 
 Ambitious wayes to clime, nor fears to fall, 
 Nor things fo bafe do / affe6l at all. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 If thefe, nor thefe may like thy varying quill, 
 
 as of too hye or of too low a ftraine 
 
 that doe not aptly paralell thy fkill 
 
 nor wel agreeing with a fhepheards vaine 
 
 fubie6ls (fuppof d) ill to befeeme a fwaine 
 
 Then tune thy pipe vnto Ideas praife, 
 
 and teache the woods to wonder at her name, 
 
 Thy lowly notes fo maift thou lightly raife, 
 
 And thereby others happily inflame : 
 
 Yet thou the whilft ftand fartheft off from blame. 
 
 Thy temples then with lawrel fhall be dight, 
 
 when as thy mufe got hy vpon her wing, 
 
 with nimble pineons fhall direft her flight 
 
 To'th place from whence all harmonies do fpring 
 
 To rape the fields with tuches of her ftring. 
 
 Rowland. 
 
 5hepheard fince thou fo ftrorigly doft perfwade, 
 And her iufl worth fo amply vs aflfoords, 
 O facred fury all my povvrs inuade, 
 All fulnes flowes from thy aboundant hoords. 
 
 Her 
 
 62 
 
Thefift Eg log. 
 
 Her prayfe requires the excellenteft words : 
 Shall I then firft fing of her heauenly eie 
 To it attrafting euery other fight ? 
 May a poore fhepheard then afpyre fo hy, 
 which if the fun fhould giue vs vp to night, 
 The ftars from it fhould fetch a purer light. 
 Or that fayr brow, where beawty keeps her fbate 
 There ftill refiding as her proper fphear 
 Which when the world fhe meaneth to amate. 
 Wonder inuites to ftand before her there, 
 Throughout the world the prayfe thereof to bear, 
 Or touch her cheek deare natures treafury, 
 whereas fhe ftoares th'abundance of her bliffe, 
 where of her felfe fhe'xafts fuch vfury 
 That fhe's els needy by inwealthing this. 
 That like a mifer her ritch cheft doth kiffe. 
 Or thofe pure hands in whole delicious palmes, 
 Loue takes delight the palmefter to play, 
 Whofe chriftall fingers dealing heauenly almes, 
 Giue the whole wealth of all the world away, 
 O who of thefe fufficiently can fay ! 
 Or th'iuory columns, which this fane vpbeare. 
 Where Dianes Nuns their goddeffe do adore, 
 vnto her, euer facrificing there 
 Her halowed altars kneeling ftil before. 
 Where more they do perform, their zeal the more: 
 vnconning fhepheard of thefe praife I none. 
 Although furpaffing, yet let I them paffe, 
 Nor in this kind her excellence is fhown, 
 To fing of thefe not my intent it was. 
 
 Our 
 
 63 
 
Tliefift Eglog. 
 
 Our mufe muft vndergoe a waightier maffe, 
 And be direfted by a ftraighter lyne, 
 
 Which me muft vnto hyer regions guide, 
 That J her vertues rightly may define, 
 from me my felfe thats able to diuide 
 Vnles by them my weakneffe be fupplide. 
 That be the end whereat I only ayme, 
 
 which to performe J faithfully muft ftriue, 
 Faire as J can to build this goodly frame 
 and euery part with aptnes to contriue 
 that time from this example may deriue. 
 Jn whom, as on fom well prepared ftage, 
 
 each morrall virtue a6ls a princely part, 
 Where euery fcene pronounced by a fage 
 hath the true fulnes both of wit and art, 
 and wifely ftealeth the fpeflators hart. 
 That euery cenfure worthily doth brooke 
 
 and vnto it a great attention drawes 
 Jn't which when wifedome doth feuerely looke, 
 often therewith inforced is to paufe, 
 to yeeld a free and generall applaufe. 
 Who vnto goodnes can flie not excite, 
 
 and in the fame not teacheth to be wife 
 and deeply feen in each obfequious rite 
 wherein of that fum miftery there lyes 
 which her fole ftudy is and only exercife 
 But the great'ft volume nor exafteft comment, 
 
 wherein art euer abfoluteft (hined, 
 Nor the fmal'ft letter filling vp the margent, 
 yet euery fpace with matter interlined 
 
 in 
 
 64 
 
Tlie fift Eglog. 
 
 in the hy'ft knowledge, rightly her defined, 
 O / if but fenfe effeflually could fee 
 
 what is in her t'be worthily admired 
 How infinit her excellences be, 
 
 the date of which can neuer be expired 
 
 from her hy praife the world could not be hired. 
 But fmce that heauen muft onely be the mirror, 
 
 wherin the world can her perfections viewe, 
 and fame is ftroken filent with the terror 
 
 wanting wherewith to pay what is her due, 
 
 Colours can giue her nothing that is new. 
 Then fince there wants ability in colors, 
 
 nor pencill yet fufficiently can blaze her, 
 For her ile make a mirror of my dolors 
 and in my tears fheeft' look her felf & praife her 
 happy were I if fuch a glaffe might pleafe her. 
 Go gentle winds and whifper in her eare, 
 
 and tell Idea how much I adore her, 
 and you my flocks report vnto my fayre, 
 
 how far flie paffeth all that went before her, 
 
 and as their goddeffe all the playnes adore her. 
 And thou cleer brook by whofe pure filuer ftream 
 grow thofe tall oaks wher J haue caru'd her name 
 Conuey her prayfe to Nepttmes watry realme, 
 
 and bid the Tritons to found foorth her fame, 
 
 vntil wide Neptune fcarce containe the fame. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 Stay there good Rowland, whether art thou rapt, 
 
 beyond 
 
 6S 
 
The fiftth Eglog. 
 
 beyond the moone that ftriueft thus to ftrayne : 
 Into what phrenfy lately art thou hapt ? 
 That in this fort intoxicates thy braine, 
 Much difagreeing from a (hepheards vaine. 
 
 Rowland. 
 
 Motto, why me fo ftrangely fhouldft thou tempt, 
 Aboue my flrength with magick of her ftyle, 
 The fcope of which from limits is exempt, 
 as be all they that of it do compile, 
 able to lift the fprite that is moft vile. 
 Didft thou me firft vnto her prayfes ftir, 
 And now at laft doft thou againe refufe me, 
 What if perhaps with too much loue I erre 
 And that therein the forward mufe abufe me, 
 The caufe thou gau'ft in this alone excufe me. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 Rowland then ceafe, referue thy plentious mufe, 
 Till future time thy fimple oaten reed, 
 5hall with a far more glorious rage infufe : 
 To fmg the glory of fome worthies deed, 
 For this / think but little (hall thee Heed. 
 
 Rowland. 
 
 5hepheard farewell the Ikies begin to lower. 
 Yon pitchy cloude, that hangeth in the Weft, 
 
 5hows 
 
 Ml 
 
Thejixt Eglog. 
 
 Showes vs ere long that we fhall haue a fliower, 
 Come let vs home, for I fo think it beft, 
 For to theyr cotes our flocks are gone to reft. 
 
 Motto. 
 
 Content, and if thoul't come vnto my coat. 
 Although god knowes my cheere be very fmall, 
 For wealth with me was neuer yet afloat, 
 Yet take in gree what euer do befall, 
 Wee'l fit & turne a crab, and tune a madrigall. 
 
 The fix th Eglog. 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 ■yyEl met good Winken, whither doft thou wed 
 how haft thou far'd old ftiepherd many a year 
 His dayes in darkneffe, thus can Winken fpend? 
 Who / haue known for piping had no peere. 
 wher be thofe fayr floks thou wert wot to guide, 
 What be they dead, or hapt on fome michaunce ? 
 Or mifchiefe thee their mafter doth betyde ? 
 
 » or 
 
 67 
 
Thejixt Eglog. 
 
 Or lordly loue hath caft thee in a trance. 
 What man lets ftill be merry while we may, 
 and take a truce with forow for a time 
 the whil'ft we paffe this weary winters day 
 in reading riddles or in making rime. 
 
 Winke7t, 
 
 A woe's me Gorbo mirth is far away, 
 Nor may it foiorne with fad malcontent, 
 O blame me not (to fe this difmall day) 
 then though my pore hart it in peeces rent 
 my tune is turn'd into a fwanlike fongj 
 that beft becomes me drawing to my death, 
 till which me thinks that euery howr is long 
 my breft becomes a prifon to my breath. 
 Nothing more loathfom then the cheerfull light, 
 Comn is my night, when once appeares the day, 
 the blefled fonne is odious to my fight, 
 nor found me liketh but the fhrech-oules lay, 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 What maift thou be that ould Winken de word, 
 that of all fhepheards wert the man alone, 
 that once with laughter fhook'ft the fhepheardes 
 with thyne own madnes laftly ouerthrown (boord 
 / think thou dotft in thy declining age. 
 Or for the loofneffe of thy youth art fory, 
 
 and 
 
 6S 
 
Thejixt Eglog. 
 
 and therefore vowed fom folemn pilgrimage 
 
 to holy Hayles, or Patricks purgatory, ^,^ j^^^j. 
 
 Come fit we down vnder this Hawthorn tree, ent Pilgri 
 
 the morrows h'ght fliall lend vs day enough, '"^'ge i" 
 
 And let vs tel of Gcnveii, or Sir Gtty. ° "' 
 
 Of Robin-hood, or of ould Clim a Clough, jed the ho 
 
 Or els fome Romant vnto vs areede, ly rood of 
 
 By former fhepheards taught thee in thy youth, Hayles. 
 Of noble Lords and Ladies gentle deed 
 Or of thy Loue or of thy laffes trueth. 
 
 Winken. 
 
 ^hepheard no no, that world with me is paft, 
 Merry was it when we thofe toys might tell 
 But tis not now as when thou fawft me laft 
 A great mifchance me fince that time befel, 
 Elphin is dead, and in his graue is layde, 
 O to report it, how my hart it greueth, 
 Cruel that fate that fo the time betrayd 
 And of our ioyes vntimely vs depriueth. 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 Is it for him thy tender hart doth bleede ? 
 For him that lining was the (hepheardes pride, 
 Neuer did death fo mercileffe a deede, 
 111 hath he done and ill may him betyde : 
 Nought hath he got, nor of much more can boafl. 
 Nature is payd the vtmoft of her due. 
 
 Pan 
 
 69 
 
Thejixt Eglog. 
 
 Pan hath receaud fo dearly that him coft 
 O heauens his vertues did belong to you, 
 Do not thou then vnceffantly complaine, 
 Bed doth the meane befit the wife in mourning: 
 And to recall that, laborft but in vaine, 
 which is by fate prohibited retourning. 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 Wer't for the beft this prefent world affoordes, 
 5hepheard our forovvs might be eafly caft, 
 But oh his loffe requireth more then words. 
 Nor it fo (lightly can be ouerpaft : 
 when his fayr flocks he fed vpon the downs, 
 the pooreft fhepheard fuffered not anoy, 
 now are we fubiefl to the beaftly clowns, 
 that all our mirth would vtterly deftroy. 
 Long after he was fhrowded in the earth, 
 the birds for forovv did forbeare to fmg, 
 Shepheards for went their wonted fumers mirth, 
 winter therewith outware a double fpring, 
 that had not nature laftly cald to mind, 
 the neare approching of her own decay, 
 things fhould haue gon contrary vnto kinde. 
 And to the Chaos all againe fhould fway : 
 the nymphes forbare infiluer fprings to looke, 
 with fundry flowers to brayd their yeellow hayr, 
 And to the defarts fadly them betooke, 
 ■So much oppreft, and ouercome with care. 
 And for his fake the early wanton lambs, 
 
 that 
 
 70 
 
Thejixt Eglog. 
 
 that mongft the hillocks wont to fkip and play, 
 5adly runne bleating from their carefuU dams 
 nor will theire foft lips to the vdders lay. 
 The groueSjthe mountains, and the plea fant heath 
 that wonted were with Roundelaies to ring 
 Are blafted now with the cold northern breath 
 that not a fheephard takes delight to fing. 
 who would not die when Elphine now is gone ? 
 lining that was the fhepheards true delight, 
 with whofe bleft fpirit (attending him alone) 
 virtue to heauen direftly tooke her flight. 
 Onely from fooles thou from the world didft fly, 
 knowing the earth ftrange monfters forth fhould 
 that fhould thy lading poefy deny (bring 
 
 thy worth and honour raflily cenfuring : 
 whilft thou aloft with glorious wings art borne 
 fmging with Angells in the gorgeous (ky, 
 laughing euen Kings, and their delights to fliorn 
 and all thofe fotts them idly deify. 
 And learned fheepheard thou to time fhall liue 
 when their greate names are vtterly forgotten 
 And fame to thee eternity fhall giue 
 when with their bones their fepulchers are rotte 
 Nor mournefull Cipreffe nor fad widowing yew 
 about thy tombe to profper fhall bee feen 
 but bay and mirtle which be euer new 
 in fpight of winter flourifliing and greene. 
 Summers longfl day fliallfheepheards not fuffice 
 to fit and tell full ftoryes of thy prayfe 
 Nor fhall the longeft winters night comprize 
 
 F their 
 
 7' 
 
Thejixt Eglog. 
 
 Their fighs for him the fubieft of their layes, 
 And gentle fliepheards (as fure fom there be) 
 That lining yet his vertues do inherit, 
 Men from bafe enuy and detradlion free, 
 Of vpright harts and of as humble fpirit : 
 Thou that down from the goodly Weftern wafte 
 To drink at Auon driueft thy funned fheep. 
 Good Melibens, that fo wifely haft 
 Guided the flocks deliuered thee to keep ; 
 Forget not Elphin, and thou gentle fwayne. 
 That doft thy pipe by filuer Douen found, 
 Alexis that doft with thy flocks remaine 
 Far off" within the Calydunian grounde, 
 Be mindfuU of that fhepheard that is dead, 
 And thou to long that I to pipe haue taught, 
 Vnhappy Rowland that from me art fled : 
 And fetft ould Winken and his words at naught ; 
 And like a graceleffe and vntutord lad, 
 Art now departed from my aged fight. 
 And needfly to fouthern fields wilt gad. 
 Where thou doft Hue in thriftlefle vayn delight. 
 Thou wanton boy, as thou canft pype afwell. 
 As any he, a bagpipe that doth beare. 
 Still let thy i?ownds of that good fliepheard tel, 
 To whom thou haft been euermore fo deare : 
 Tifany you feeming to excell in fame. 
 And fay as they that none can pipe fo hie, 
 Scorning welneare a fhepheards fimple name, 
 ^■o puf'd and blown with worldly vanity : 
 Thefe if an aged man may vmpire be 
 
 Whofe 
 
 73 
 
Thejixt Eglog. 
 
 Whofe pypes are wellneer worn out of his hand, 
 For all the fkill, that in their fongs they feef^, 
 Scarce reach the height wheron his prayfes ftand 
 and all thofe toyes that vainly you allure, 
 Shall in the end no other guerdon haue. 
 But liuing (hall you mickle woe procure 
 And laftly bring you to an vnknown graue. 
 Then gentle (hepheards where fo ere you reft. 
 In hill or dale how euer that you be, 
 Whether with loue or worldly care oppreft, 
 Or be you bond, or happily be free : 
 The clofing euening ginning to be dark, 
 When as the fmall birds fing the Sun to fleepe. 
 You fould your lambs : or with the early Larke 
 Vnto the fayre fields driiie your harmleffe fheep, 
 Still let your pipes be bufied in his prayfe, 
 Vntill your flocks be learnt his loffe to know. 
 And tatling Echo many fundry wayes, 
 Be taught by you to warble forth our woe. 
 
 Winken. 
 
 Ceafe fhepheard ceafe, fr5 further plaints refrayn 
 See but of one, how many do arife. 
 That by the tempeft of my troubled braine 
 The floods already fwelling vp myne eies, 
 And now the fun beginneth to decline : 
 Whilft we in woes the time away do weare, 
 See where yon little moping lamb of myne, 
 Jt felfe hath tangled in a crawling brear. 
 
 F 2 The 
 
 n 
 
Thefeauenth Eglog. 
 
 Batte. 
 
 BOrrill why fitteft thou mufing in thy Coate 
 like dreaming Merlin in his drovvfy cell 
 with too much learning doth the fhepheard doat ? 
 or art inchanted with fum magick fpel ? 
 A hermets life, or meanft thou to profeffe ? 
 or to thy beades, fall like an anchoreffe ? 
 
 See how faire Flora decks our fields with flowers, 
 & cloths our groues in gawdy fumers green 
 And wanton Ver diftils her felfe in fliowres 
 to haften Ceres haruefts hallowed Queene, 
 far of that in her yellow robe appeares. 
 Crowning ful fummer with her ripened ears. 
 
 now fheapheards lay they r winter weeds awaye 
 and in neate lackkets minfen on the playnes, 
 and at the riuers fifhen daye by daye 
 now who fo frolick as the fliepheards fwains 
 why ligft thou heere then in thy loathfome 
 like as a man put quick into his graue ? (caiie, 
 
 Borrill. 
 
 Batte my coate from tempeft ftandeth free 
 when ftately towers been often fhak'd with wind 
 and wilt thou Batte come and fit with me 
 the happy Ufe heere fhalt thou onely find, 
 
 free 
 
 74 
 
The feuaenth Eglog. 
 
 free from the worlds vile & in conftant qualms 
 and herry Pan with orizons and almes. 
 
 And fcorne the crow'd of fuch as cog for pence 
 and wafte their wealth in finfull brauerye 
 whofe gaine is loffe, whofe thrift is lewd expece 
 content to Hue in goulden flauery, 
 
 wondring at toyes as foolifti worldlings doone 
 like to the-dog that barketh at the moone. 
 
 Heere mayft thou range the goodly plefant field 
 and fearch out fimples to procure thy heale, 
 what fundry vertues, fondry hearbs do yeeld, 
 gainft greefe which may thy flieep or thee affaile 
 heere mayft thou hunt the little harmleffe hare 
 or laugh t'intrap falfe i?aynard in a fnare, 
 
 or if thee pleafe in antique Romants reed 
 of gentle Zords and Ladyes that of yore 
 in forraine lands did many a famous deed 
 and beene renown'd from eaft to wefterne fhore, 
 or fliepheards Ikil i'th courfe of heauen to know 
 whe this ftarre falls when that it felf doth (how. 
 
 fhepheards thes things been al to coy for me 
 whofe youth is fpent in iolity and mirth, 
 fyke hidden arts been better fitting thee, 
 whofe dayes are faft declyning to the earth, 
 mayft thou fuppofe that I fhall ere endure 
 to follow that noe pleafure can procure ? 
 
 thefe beene for fuch them votarye doe make 
 and do accept the mantle and the ring, 
 and the long night continually doe wake 
 mufing, thefelues how they to heauen may bring, 
 
 that 
 
 75 
 
The feuenlh Eglog. 
 
 that whifper ftill of forow in their bed, 
 and do defpife both loue and luftyhead. 
 
 Like to the cur with anger welnear wood, 
 who makes his kennel! in the oxes ftall, 
 and fnarleth when he feeth him take his food 
 and yet his chaps can chew no hay at all, 
 Borrill, euen fo it with thy ftate doth fare, 
 and with all thofe that fuch like wifards are. 
 
 Borrill. 
 
 Sharp is the thorne, foone I perceiue by thee, 
 Bitter the bloffome when the fruit is fowr, 
 and early crookd that will a camock be ; 
 Lowd is the wind before a ftormy fhowr 
 Pitty thy wit fhould be fo much mifled, 
 and thus ill guided by a giddy head. 
 
 Ah foolifh elfe, I at thy madnes greeue. 
 That art abuf'd by thy lewd braynfick will, 
 thofe hidden bayts that canft not yet perceaue. 
 Nor find the caufe that breedeth all thy ill, 
 thou thinkft all gould, that hath a goulden (how 
 But art deceau'd, and that J truely know. 
 
 5uch one art thou, as is the little flie, 
 who is fo crowfe and gamefom with the flame, 
 Till with her bufnes and her nicity. 
 Her nimble wings are fcorched with the fame : 
 then falls fhe down with piteous buzzing note, 
 and in the fire doth findge her mourning cote. 
 
 Batte 
 
 16 
 
TJie feauenth Eglog. 
 
 Batte. 
 
 Alas good man, thou now beginft to raue, 
 thy wittes do erre and mlfle the cufhion quite. 
 Becaufe tliy head is gray, and words be graue, 
 thou thinkft thereby to draw me from delight ; 
 tufli J am young, nor fadly can J fit. 
 But muft do all that youth and loue befit. 
 
 Thy back is crook'd, thy knees do bend for age, 
 whilft I am fwift and nimble as the Roe, 
 thou like a bird, art fhut vp in a cage, 
 and in the fields J wander to and fro ; 
 
 thou muft do pennanCe for thy ould mifdeedes, 
 on the worlds ioyes, the whilft my fancy feeds. 
 
 Say what thou canft, yet me it fliall not let, 
 For why my fancy ftraineth me fo fore, 
 That day and night my mind is wholly fet, 
 How to enioy and pleafe my paramore : 
 Only on loue, J iet my whole delight, 
 the fummers day, and all the winters night. 
 
 That prety Cupid little god of loue, 
 whofe imped wings with fpekled plumes be dight 
 who woundeth men below and gods aboue, 
 Rouing at randon with his fethered flight ; 
 whilft louely Venus ftands to giue the aym 
 fmiling to fee her wanton Bantlings game. 
 
 Vpon my ftaffe his ftatue will I carue, 
 His bow and quiuer on his winged back, 
 His forked heads for fuch as them deferue, 
 
 And 
 
 77 
 
The/eauenth Eglog. 
 
 and not of his one implement fhall lack 
 and in her Coche faire Cypria fet aboue 
 Z>rawne with a fwanne, a fparrowe, & a doue, 
 and vnder them Thijbe of Babilon 
 with Cleopatra Egypts cheeefe renown, 
 Phillis that died for loue of Demophon 
 and louely Dido Queene of Cartilage Town : 
 who euer held god Cupids lawes fo deare 
 to whom we offer facrifice each yeare, 
 
 Borrill. 
 
 A willfull Boy thy folly now J finde 
 and it is hard a fooles talk to endure, 
 thou art as deafe as thy poore god is blind, 
 fuch as the fain£l fuch is the feruiture 
 then of this loue wilt pleale thee heere a fong, 
 that's to the purpofe, though it be not longe ? 
 
 Batte, 
 
 Borrill fing on I pray thee let vs heare, 
 that J may laughe to fee thee fliake thy bearde 
 Bwt take heed fliepheard that thy voice be cLeere 
 or (by my hood) thoul't make vs all afeard 
 or tis a doubt that thou wilt frighte our Hocks 
 when they fhall heare thee bark fo like a fox. 
 
 N 
 
 Borrill. 
 
 Ow fye vpon thee zvayward loue, 
 woe to Venus which did nurfe thee 
 
 heauen 
 
 78 
 
Thefeauenth Eglog. 
 
 heanen and earth thy plagues doe prone 
 gods and men haue caufe to curfe thee, 
 wJiat art thou but extreamfl madnejfe 
 natures firjl and only error, 
 that confunijl our dates infadnejfe 
 by the minds Continuall terror : 
 %valking in Cymerian blindnej[fe 
 in thy courfes voy'd of reafoti. 
 Jharp reproof e thy only kindneffe 
 in thy trufl the highefl treafon 
 both the nymph and ruder fwaine, 
 vexing with continuall anguifh 
 which doft make the ould complaine 
 and the young to pyne and languifhe, 
 who thee keepes his care doth nurfe 
 tliat feducefl all to folly, 
 blefjiiig bitterly doefl curfe 
 tending to deflruSlion wholly. 
 Thus of tJue as I began 
 fo againe I make an end 
 neither god neither man, 
 neither faiery, neither feend. 
 
 Batte. 
 
 NOw furely fheepheard heeres a goodly fong 
 vppon my word J neuer had a worfe ; 
 away ould fool, and learne to rule thy toong 
 I would thy Clappe weare fhut vp in my purfe 
 It is thy life if thou mayft fcould and brawle 
 
 though 
 
 79 
 
The /eauenth Eglog. 
 
 though in thy words there be noe witte at all 
 and for the wronge that thou to loue haft, done ] 
 I will reuenge it and deferre noe time 
 and in this manner as thou haft begon 
 / will recite thee a fubftancyall ryme 
 that to thy teeth fufficiently ftiall prooue 
 there is no power to be compard to loue. 
 
 Borrill. 
 
 Come on good Boye I pray thee let vs heare 
 much will be faide, and neuer a whitte the neare. 
 
 Batte. 
 
 WHA T is Lone but the dejire 
 of the thing that fancy pleafeth f 
 A holy and rejifllejfe fier 
 weake and flrong alike that ceafeth, 
 which not heauen hath poiver to let 
 Nor ivife nature caiinot f mother, 
 whereby Phoebus doth begette 
 on the vniuerfall mother. 
 that the everlafling Chaine 
 which together al things tied, 
 and vninooued them retayne 
 and by which they fitall abide : 
 that concent we cleerely find 
 all things doth togetlier drawe, 
 and fo flrong in euery kinde 
 
 fiibie^ls 
 
 80 
 
The feauenth Eglog. 
 
 fnbiefls them to natures law. 
 zvhofe hie virtue number teaches 
 in tvhich cucry thing dooth mooue, 
 from the lowejl depth that reaches 
 to the height of heauen aboue : 
 harmony that wifely found 
 ivheji the cunning hand dothfirike 
 tvhereas euery amorous found 
 fweetly marryes with his like, 
 the tender cattell fcarcely take 
 from their darnm's the feelds to proite, 
 but ech feeketh out a make, 
 nothing Hues that doth not loue : 
 not foe tnuch as but the plant 
 as nature euery thing doth pay re, 
 by it if the male it want 
 doth diflike and will not beare : 
 nothing tlien is like to loue 
 in the which all creatures be 
 from it nere let nie remooue 
 nor let it remooue from me. 
 
 Borrill. 
 
 Remoue from thee alas poore filly lad 
 to foone fhalt thou be weary of thy gueft, 
 For where he rules no reafon can be had, 
 that is an open enemy to reft, 
 
 I greeue to thinke ere many years be fpent, 
 How much thou fhalt thy time in loue repent. 
 
 Batte. 
 
 8i 
 
The feauenth Eglog. 
 Batte. 
 
 Gramercy Borrill for thy companye 
 for al thy lefts and all thy meriy bourds, 
 vppon thy Judgement much I fhall rely, 
 becaufe / finde fuch wifdome in thy words 
 would J might watch when euer thou doft warde 
 fo much thy loue and frindMp I reguarde. 
 
 
 The eight "Eglog. 
 
 Perkin. 
 TT ioyes me Gorbo yet we meet at laft, 
 
 tis many a month fince J the fliepheard fa we, 
 me thinks thou lookft as thou wert much agaft 
 what ift fo much that fhould thy courage awe? 
 what man haue patience, welth wil come & go 
 And to the end the world fhall eb and flow. 
 
 The valiat man whofe thoughts be firmly placed 
 and fees fomtime how fortune lift to rage, 
 that by her frownes he would not be difgraced, 
 by wifdome his ftraight actions fo doth gadge 
 That when fhe fawns, & turns her fquinting eye 
 He laughes to fcorne her loofe inconftancy. 
 
 When as the cullian and the viler Clowne, 
 
 that 
 
 82 
 
The 8 Eglog : 
 
 that like the fwine on draffe fets his defire, 
 feeling the temped, fadly layes him downe 
 whilft that blind ftrumpet treads him in the mire : 
 yet tafting weale the beaft will quickly bray, 
 but feeling woe as foone confumes away. 
 
 Gordo. 
 
 Perkin J thy Philofophy approue 
 and know who well is learnd her facred wayes, 
 the ftormes of fortune not fo eafly mooue 
 with her high preceps armd at all affaies, 
 
 when other folke her force may not endure. 
 
 Becaufe they want that med'cine for their cure 
 
 Yet altogether blamb'd let me not pafle 
 though often I, and worthily admire, 
 wifemen difgraced, and the barbarous affe 
 vnto high place and dignity afpire : 
 
 what fhould / fay .-' that fortune is to blame, 
 or vnto what fhould / impute the ftiame. 
 
 Perkin. 
 
 Why file is queene heere of this world belowe 
 that at her pleafure all things dooth difpofe, 
 and blind, her gifts as blindly doth beftowe, 
 yet where flhe rayfes ftill fhe ouerthrows 
 Therefore her embleme is a turning wheele 
 fro whofe hy top the hy foon'ft downward reel 
 
 Gaue fliee her gifts to vertuous me & wife 
 
 fhe 
 
 83 
 
The Eight Eg log. 
 
 She (hould confirme this worldly ftate fo fure, 
 that very babes her godhead would defpife, 
 Nor longer here her gouernment endure : 
 Beft (he may giue from whome (he euer takes, 
 Fooles (he may marre, for fools fhe euer makes. 
 
 For her own fake we wifedom mull efteeme, 
 And not how other bafely her reguard, 
 For howfoere difgraced fhe doth feem, 
 Yet (he her own is able to reward, 
 and none are fo effentially hie, 
 as thofe that on her bounty do relie. 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 O but good (hepheard tell me where ben they, 
 
 that as a god did vertue fo adore ? 
 
 and for her impes did with fuch care puruey, 
 
 ah but in vaine, their want we do deplore. 
 Long time fmce fwadled in their winding (heet 
 and fhe I thinke is buried at their feete. 
 
 Perkin. 
 
 Nay ftay good Gorbo virtue is not dead, 
 Nor ben hir friends gon al that wonned here. 
 But to a nymphe for fuccour (he is fled, 
 which her doth cheri(h, and moft holdeth deare, 
 Jn her fweet bofome (lie hath built her neaft. 
 And from the world there dgth fhee liue at reft. 
 
 This is that nymphe on that great weftern Waft, 
 
 her 
 
 84 
 
The Eight Eglog. 
 
 H&x flocks far whiter then the driuen fnow, 
 Fayrfhepherdefl"e,cleer Jf^/Z/zVi- banks that grac'd, Ariuer 
 Yet file them both for purenes doth outgoe : 
 
 to whom all Shepheards dedicate their layes, 
 
 and on her aultars offer vp their bayes. 
 
 6'ifter fomtime fhe to that fhepheard was, 
 that yet for piping neuer had his peere, 
 Elphin that did all other fwayns furpaffe, 
 to whom fhe was of lining things moft deare, 
 and on his deathbed by his latefl will, 
 to her bequeath'd the fecrets of his fkill. 
 
 running 
 by Wilton 
 neere to 
 the i:)laine 
 ofSalif- 
 bury. 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 May wee yet hope then in their weaker kind, 
 
 that there be fome, poor fhepheards that refpefl, 
 
 the world els vniuerfally inclind 
 
 to fuch an inconfiderate negleft, 
 and the rude times their ordurous matter fling 
 Into their facred and once hallowed fpring. 
 
 Women be weake, and fubieft moft to chaunge, 
 Nor long to any can they ftedfaft be, 
 and as their eyes their minds do euer range, 
 with euery obieft varying that they fee : 
 thinkft thou in them that poffibly can Hue, 
 which nature moft denyeth them to giue ? 
 
 So once Selena feemed to reguard, 
 
 that faithful! Rowland her fo highly prayfed, 
 
 and did his trauell for a while reward. 
 
 As his eftate flie purpof'd to haue rayfed. 
 
 But 
 
 85 
 
The 8 Eglog. 
 
 But foone fhe fled him and the fwaine defyes, 
 111 is he fted that on fuch faith relies. 
 
 And to deceitefull Cerbcron fhe cleaues 
 that beaftly clowne to vile of to be fpoken, 
 and that good fhepheard wilfully fhe leaues 
 and falfly al her promifes hath broken, 
 
 and al thofe beautyes whilom that her graced, 
 with vulgar breath perpetually defaced. 
 
 what dainty flower yet euer was there found 
 whofe fmell or beauty mighte the fence delight 
 wherewith Eliza when flhe lined was crowned 
 in goodly chapplets he for her not dighte (them 
 which became withered foon as ere fhee ware 
 So ill agreeing with the brow that bare them. 
 
 Let age fit foone and vgly on her brow, 
 no fheepheards praifes liuing let her haue 
 to her laft end noe creature pay one vow 
 nor flower be ftrew'd on her forgotten graue. 
 And to the laft of all deuouring tyme 
 nere be her name remembred more in rime. 
 
 Noe other is the ftedfaftnes of thofe 
 on whome euen nature^ wills vs to rely 
 frayle is it that tTie Elements compofe 
 fuch is the ftate of all mortality. 
 
 That as the humor in the blood doth mooue 
 Laftly do hate, what lately they did loue 
 
 So did greate Olcon which a Phoebus feem'd 
 whome al good fhepheards gladly flockd about 
 and as a god of Rozvlaiid was efteem'd 
 which to his prayfe drue al the rurail rout 
 
 for 
 
 86 
 
The Eight Eglog. 
 
 For after Rowland as it had been Pan, 
 Onely to Olcojt euery fliepheard ran. 
 
 But he forfakes the heardgroom and his flocks, 
 
 Nor of his bagpipes takes at all no keep, 
 
 But to the fterne wolfe and deceitfull fox, 
 
 Leaues the poor fliepheard and his harmles fheep 
 And all thofe rymes that- he of Olcon fung, 
 The fwayn difgrac'd, participate his wrong. 
 
 Perkin. 
 
 Then fince the worlds diftemperature is fuch, 
 And man naade blind with her deceitfull fhow, 
 5'mall virtue in their weaker fex is much, 
 And to it in them much the Mufes owe. 
 
 And prayfmg fome may happily inflame. 
 
 Others in time with liking of the fame. 
 
 As thofe two fifters mofl: difcreetly wife, 
 
 That vertues hefl:s religioufly obey, 
 
 VVhofe prayfe my fkill is wanting to comprize, 
 
 theld'fl of which is that good Panape 
 
 In fhady Arden her deare flocke that keepes, A riuer in 
 Wher mornfuU Ankor for her ficknes weepes. "^^ '^°"" 
 
 fines of 
 
 The yonger then her fiflier not leffe good, ^T^^t 
 
 Bred where the other laftly doth abide, ^^^^ ;„ 
 
 modeft Idea flower of womanhood, fom parts 
 
 that Rowland hath fo highly deified : deuiding 
 
 Whom Phcebus daughters worthily prefer. 
 And giue their gifts aboundantly to her. 
 
 G Dri- 
 
 87 
 
A moun- 
 tain neer 
 Cotswold 
 Tlie vale 
 of Euflia, 
 
 A part of 
 ^laffoi-rl- 
 (liire fa- 
 mous for 
 breeding 
 chattell. 
 
 A riuer fal. 
 ling at 
 Dertford 
 into the 
 Thames. 
 
 A foreft 
 in Zefter- 
 fliire. 
 
 A riuer vn 
 der the 
 fame 
 foreft. 
 
 The eigth Egiog. 
 
 Driuing her flocks vnto the fruitfull Mecn 
 which dayly looks vpon the louely Stozver, 
 neer to that vale, which of all vales is queen, 
 Laflly forfaking of her former bower : 
 
 And of all places houldeth Cotfwoold deare, 
 which now is prowd, becaufe fhe Hues it neere. 
 
 Then is deare Siluia one the heft aliiie, 
 That once in Moreland by the filuer Trent, 
 Her harmleffe flocks as harmlefly did driue. 
 But now alured to the fields oiKent: 
 
 The faithfull nymph where euer that fhe wonn. 
 That at this day, is liuing vnder funne. 
 
 Neer Rmienfbiirne in Cotage low fhe lyes, 
 There now content her calme repofe to take. 
 The perfe6l cleernes of whofe louely eies. 
 Oft hath inforc'd the fhepheards to forfake 
 their flocks and fovlds, & on her fet their keepe, 
 yet her chaft thoughts ftill fetled on her fheepe. 
 
 Then that deare nymphe that in the mufes ioyes, 
 By cliffy Charnwood with her flocks doth go, 
 Mirtilla, After to thofe hopefull boyes, 
 My loued TJnrJis, and fweet Palnico : 
 
 That oft to Soar the fouthern fhepheards bring, 
 Of whofe deer waters they diuinely fmg. 
 
 So good fhe is, fo good likewife they be, 
 As none to her might brother be but they. 
 Nor none a fifler vnto them but fhe. 
 To them for wit few hke J dare will fay : 
 In them as nature trewly meat to fliow, 
 
 How 
 
 88 
 
The eight Eglog. 
 How neer the firfl: flie in the laft fhould go. 
 
 Gorbo. 
 
 ^hepheard, their prayfe thou doft fo cleerly fing, 
 That euen when groues theyr nightingales fhall 
 Nor valleys heard with rurall notes to ring: (wat, 
 And euery where when fhepheards fhall be fcant : 
 Their names fliall liue from memory vnrayfed, 
 Of many a nymph and gentle fhepheard praifed 
 
 The ninth Eglog. 
 
 L 
 
 ate t'was in June the fleece whe fully grown 
 Jn the full compaffe of the paffed year. 
 The feafon wel by (kilful fhepheards known 
 That them prouide immediatly to fheare. 
 
 Their Lambs late wax'd fo lufty and fo flrong, 
 that time did them theyr mothers teats forbid, 
 and in the fields the common flocks among, 
 Eat of the fame graffe that the greater did. 
 
 Now not a fhepheard any thing that could, 
 
 G 2 But 
 
 89 
 
The niiith Eglog. 
 
 But greazd his ftartvps black as Atitums floe, 
 and for the better credit of the Would 
 In their frefli ruffets euery one doth go. 
 
 Who now a pofie pins not in his cap : 
 And not a garland Baldrick wife dooth weare ? 
 6"ome, of fuch flowers as to his hand dooth hap, 
 Others, fuch as a fecret meaning beare : 
 
 He from his laffe him Lauander hath fent 
 Shewing her Loue, and doth requitall craue 
 Him Rofemary his fweethart, whofe intent 
 Is that he her fhould in remembrance haue. 
 
 Rofes his youth and ftrong defire expreffe, 
 her Sage doth fliow his foUerainty in all, 
 the luly-flower declares his gentlenes, 
 Tyme trueth, the Panfie Hartfeas maydens call : 
 
 In cotes fuch fimples fimply In requeft, 
 Wherwith proude courts in greBtnes fcorn to mel 
 For country toyes become the cuntry beft, 
 and pleafe poor fhepheards and becom them wel 
 
 When the new waftid flock from the riuers fide, 
 Comming as white as lanuaries fnow, 
 the Ram with nofegayes beares his horns in pride 
 and no leffe braue, the Belwether doth go. 
 
 After their fayr flocks in a lufty rowte, (blown, 
 Came the Gay fwaynes with Bagpipes fl;rongly 
 and bufied though this folemn fport about 
 yet had eache one an eye vnto his own. 
 
 And by the auncient ftatutes of the field, 
 
 //e 
 
 90 
 
The ninth Eglog. 
 
 He. that his flocks the eariieft lamb Ihould bring 
 (as it fell out now Rowlands charge to yeeld) 
 Alwayes for that yeare was the fhepheards king- 
 
 And foon preparing for the fhepheards Board, 
 Vpon a green that curioufly was fquard, 
 With Country cates that plentifully ftoard : 
 and gainfl: their comming hanfomly prepard. 
 
 New whig, with water from the clereft ftreame 
 Green plums, and wildings, Cheries chief of feafl; 
 Frefh cheefe, & dowfets. Curds & clowted cream 
 5pice 6"yllibubs, and Syder of the beft : 
 
 And to the fame downe folemnly they fit, 
 Jn the frefh fliadow of their fummer Bowers, 
 With fondry fweets which euery way to fit, 
 which neighboring vale not fpoiled of her flowrs 
 
 And whilft together mery thus they make, 
 The Sunne to Weft a little gan to leane. 
 Which the late feruor, foon agayn did flake, 
 when as the nymphs came foorth vpon the plain. 
 
 Here might you many a fhepherdeffe haue feene. 
 Of which no place as Cotfwold fuch doth yeeld, 
 Some of it natiue, fome for loue I ween, 
 Thether were come from many a fertill field. 
 
 There was the widows daughter of the Glen, 
 Deare Rofalynd, that fcarfely brook'd compare, 
 The Moreland mayden, fo admyr'd of men, 
 Bright Gouldy-locks, and Phillida the fayre. 
 
 Lettice and Parnell prety louely peats, 
 
 Cuffe 
 
The 9 Eg log 
 
 Cuffe of the Fould, the Virgine of the well 
 
 fayre Anbrie with the alablafter Teats, 
 
 and more whofe names were heere to long to tell 
 
 Which now came forward following their fheep 
 their Batning flocks on graffy leaes to houlde 
 thereby from flcathe, and perill them to keepe 
 till euening come that it were time to foulde. 
 
 when now at laft as lik'd the fhepheards King 
 (at whofe commaund they all obedient were) 
 was poynted who the Roundelay fhoold finge 
 and who againe the vnderfong fhould beare 
 
 The firfl: whereof he Batte doth bequeath 
 A wittier wag on all the world's not found 
 Gorbo the man, that him fhould fing beneath 
 which his lowd Bagpipe skilfully fhould found. 
 
 when amongft all the nimphs that wear in fight 
 his beft beloued Daffadill he mif'd, 
 which to enquire of doing all his might 
 whome his companyon kindly doth aflift. 
 
 "Qatte. 
 
 GORBO as thou canijl this waye 
 by yonder little hill 
 or as thou through the fields didjl Jlraye 
 faivjl tliou my Daffadill ? 
 
 Slice's in a frock of Lincolne grecne 
 the colour maides delight 
 and neuer hath her beauty feen 
 
 but 
 
The ninth Eglog. 
 but through a vale of zvhite. 
 
 Then Rofes richer to behold 
 that trim vp loners boivers, 
 The Panfy and the Marigould 
 tJio Phoebus Varamours. 
 
 Gorbo. ThoH well defcrib'Jl the Daffadill 
 it is not f nil an Jiower 
 Jince by the fp ring neare yonder hill 
 I faw that lonely fiozver. 
 
 Batte. Yet my f aire flower thou didjl not meet, 
 Nor neivs of her didft bring, 
 hndyet my Daffadill more fweete. 
 Then that by yonder fpring. 
 
 Gorbo. I faw a fliepheard that doth keepe 
 In yonder field of L illies. 
 Was making (as he fed his ftieepe) 
 A wreathe of Daffadillies. 
 
 Batte. Yet Gorbo thou delud'fl meflil 
 My flower thou didfl not fee. 
 For know my pretie Daffadill 
 Is worne of none but me. 
 
 To fhew it felfe but neare herfeate. 
 No Lilly is fo bould, 
 Except to fhade her from the heate, 
 Or keepe her from the colde: 
 
 Gorbo. Through yonder vale as I did paffe, 
 Defcen ding from the hill, 
 I met afmerking bony laffe, 
 
 they 
 
 93 
 
The ninth Eglog. 
 
 They call her Daffadill ; 
 Whofe prefence as Jltc went along. 
 The prety floivers did greet. 
 As though their heads they downward bent. 
 With homage to her feete. 
 
 A nd all the Jhepheards that were nie, 
 From toppe of euery hill, 
 Vnto the vallies lowe did crie. 
 There goes fweet Daffadill. 
 
 Gorbo. T gentle Jhepheard, now xvith ioy 
 Thou all my flockes dojlfill. 
 That's JJte alone, kind Jhepheards boy, 
 Let vs to Z?affadill. 
 
 The eafie turnes and queyntnes of the fong, 
 And flight occafion whereupon t'was rayfed 
 Not one this iolly company among, 
 (as moft could well iudge) hiely that not prayfed 
 
 when Motto next with Perkin pay their debt, 
 The Moreland maiden Syluia that efpied, 
 From th'other nymphes a little that was fet, 
 Jn a neer vally by a riuers fide : 
 
 whofe fouerain flowers her fweetnes wel exprefd 
 And honored fight a little them not mooued : 
 To whom their fong they reuerently addrefd 
 Both as her louing, both of her beloued. 
 
 Motto. Tell me thon Jkilfull Jhepheards fw ay ne. 
 Who's yonder in the vally Jet? 
 Perkin. O it is Jhe whoje Jweets do Jlayne, 
 the Lilly, Roje, or violet. 
 
 Motto 
 
 9A 
 
The ninth Eglog. 
 
 MoVio. Why doth tlte Sunne againjl his kind 
 Jlay his bright Chariot in the Jkies, 
 Perken. He pawfeth almoji Jlroken blind, 
 with gazing on her heanenly cies : 
 
 3/otto. Why do thy flocks forbear e their f code, 
 ivhich fomtyme was their chief e delight, 
 Perkin. Becaufe they neede no other good, 
 that Hue in prefence of her -fight : 
 
 Moi'io. How com thefefloivers to floriflt flill, 
 Not withering with fharpe winters breath ? 
 Perkin. She hath robd nature of Iter fkill. 
 And comforts all things with her breath : 
 
 j^otto. Why flide thefe brookes fo flovu away, 
 As fivift as the wild Roe that were, 
 Perkin. O mufe not fhepheard that they flay, 
 when they her heavenly voice do heare. 
 
 Mo\Xo. From whence com all thefe goodly fwayns 
 And lonely nimphs attir'd in greene, 
 Perkin. From gathering garlands on the play nes, 
 to crowne thy Si\\xia.fhepheards queen. 
 
 Motto. The fun that lights this world below. 
 Flocks, Brooks and flowers, can witneffe bear, 
 Perkin. Tliefe fhepheards, &• thefe nymphs do know 
 thy Syluia is as chafl, as fayre. 
 
 Laftly it came vnto the clownifliking, 
 Who to conclude this fhepheards yearely feaft, 
 Bound as the reft his i?oundelay to fing 
 As all the other him were to affift. 
 
 When 
 
 95 
 
The ninth Eglog. 
 
 When fhe (vvliome then, they little did expeft, 
 The deareft nimphe that euer kept in field) 
 Idea, did her fober pace direft 
 Towards them, with ioy that euery one beheld. 
 
 And whereas other draue their carefull keepe, 
 Hers did her follow, duly at her will, 
 For through her patience fhe had learnt her fheep 
 Where ere fhe went to wait vpon her ftill. 
 
 A milkewhite Doue vpon her hand fhe brought, 
 So tame, t' would go, returning at her call. 
 About whofe; neck, as in a choller wrought, 
 Only like me, my miftris hath no gaule. 
 
 To whom her fwaine (vnworthy though he were) 
 Thus vnto her his Roundelay applies, 
 to whom the refl the vnder part did beare, 
 cafling vpon her their flill-longing eyes. 
 
 Rowland. Of her pure eyes {ilmt now isfeeii) 
 
 Chorus. Help vs tojing that be her faithful fwains 
 
 Row : 6 fhe alone the fhepheards Queen, 
 
 Cho : Herflpcke that leades, 
 
 the goddeffe of thefe medes, 
 
 thefe motmtaines and thefe plaines. 
 
 Row : Thofe eyes of hers that are more cleere, 
 Cho : Then filly fhepheards can infong expreffe, 
 Row : Then be his beams that rules the year e, 
 Cho : Fy on that pray fe, 
 Inflriuing things to rayfe: 
 that doth but make them leffe. 
 
 that 
 
 96 
 
The ninth Eglog. 
 
 Row : That doe the floivery fpring prolong, 
 Cho. : So much the earth doth in herprefence toy, 
 Row: And keeps the plenteous fummer young : 
 Cho : A nd doth ajfwage, 
 the wrathfidl winters rage, 
 that would our flocks dejlroy. 
 
 Row : loue/aw her breft that naked lay, 
 Cho : A fight alone was fit for loue to fee : 
 Row : Andfwore it was the milkie luay, 
 Cho: Of all mofl pure, 
 The path (we vs affure) 
 Vtito loues court to be. 
 
 Row : He faw her treffes hanging downe. 
 
 Cho : That too and fro zvere mooued with the ayre. 
 
 Row : And fay d that Ariadnes crowne, 
 
 Cho : With thofe compar'd : 
 
 The gods ftiould not regard 
 
 Nor Berenices hayre. 
 
 Row : When Jhc hath watctid my flockes by night, 
 Cho : happie were the flockes that fhe did keepe: 
 Row : They netier needed Cynthia's light, 
 Cho : that J cone gaue place, 
 A mazed with her grace : 
 That did attend tliy flieepe. 
 
 Row : Aboue where heauens hie glorious are, 
 Cho : When as fhe fhall be placed in the fkies. 
 Row : She fhall be calld the fhepkeards ftarre, 
 Cho : A nd euermore. 
 We fhepheards will adore. 
 Her fetting and her rife. 
 
 91 
 
The tenth Eglog. 
 
 The tenth 'Eglog. 
 
 "\ 7^ /"Hat time the weary" weth'erbeaten flieep, 
 
 to get them fodder hie them to the fould 
 
 And the poore Heards that lately did them keep, 
 
 Shuddred with keennes of the winters cold, 
 
 The groues of their late fumer pryde forlorne, 
 
 In moffy mantles fadly now did mourn. 
 
 That filent time, about the vpper world 
 Phcebtis had forc'd his iiery-footed Teame, 
 And downe againe the fteepe Olimpus whurld, 
 To wafh his chariot in the Weftern ftreame, 
 Jn nights black fhade when Rowland ^W alone, 
 thus him complains his fellow fhepheards gon. 
 
 You flames quoth he, wherewith thou heauen art 
 that me (aliue) the wofulft creature view, (dight 
 You whofe afpe6ls haue wroght me this difpight 
 And me with hate yet ceaflefly purfue, 
 From whom too long I taried for reliefe, 
 Now aflie but death, that onely ends my griefe. 
 
 Yearly my vowes 6 heauens haue I not payd 
 
 Of 
 
 98 
 
The tenth Eglo^. 
 
 Of the beft fruits and firftlings of my flock ? 
 And oftentimes haue bitterly inuayde, 
 Gain ft them you irreligioufly did mock ? 
 O who fhall euer giue what is your due, 
 If mortall man be vprighter then you ? 
 
 Jf the deepe fighs of an afflifled breaft, 
 Orewhelm'd with forow, or the'refted eies 
 (Of a poor wrech with miferies oppreft) 
 For whofe complaynts tears neuer could fuflfice, 
 Haue not the power your deityes to moue, 
 Who fhall ere looke for fuccour from aboue? 
 
 O night how ftill obfequious haue I been, 
 to thy flowe filence whifpering in thyne eare, 
 that thy pale foueraign often hath bin feen 
 6'tay to behold me fadly from her fpheare, 
 Whilft the flow minutes duly I haue tould, 
 With watchfull eyes attending on my fould. 
 
 How oft by thee the folitary fwayne, 
 Breathing his paflion to the early fpring, 
 Hath left to heare the Nightingale complaine, 
 Pleafing his thoughts alone to heare me fing : 
 the nimphes forfooke their places of abode, 
 to heare the founds that from my mufick flowd 
 
 To purge their fprings and fanfbifie their grounds 
 The fimple fheapheards learned Jthe meane 
 and fouerayn fimples to their vfe I found. 
 Their teeming eawes to help when they did yean 
 Which when again in fummer time they (hare. 
 
 Their 
 
 99 
 
The tenth Eglog. 
 
 their wealthy jfleece my conning did declare. 
 
 In their warm coats whilft they haue foudly flept 
 and paf'd the night in many a pleafant Bower, 
 on the Bleak mountains I their flocks haue kept 
 and bid the Brunt of many a cruel fhowr, 
 warring with Beafts in fafety mine to keep 
 fo true was J and careful! of my fheep. 
 
 Fortune and time why tempted you me foorth 
 with thofe your flattering promifes of grace 
 fickle fo falfly to abufe my worth, 
 and thou to fly me whome I did imbrace, 
 both that at firfl: encourag'd my defire 
 Laftly againft me lewdly doe confpire 
 
 Or nature didft that prodigally wafte 
 thy gifts on me infortunateft fwayne, 
 onely thereby to haue thy felfe difgrac'd 
 vertue in me why was thou plac'd in vaine, 
 if to the world predeftined a pray, 
 thou weart to good to haue beene cafl: awaye. 
 
 Thers not a groue the wondreth not my woe 
 nor not a riuer weepes not at my tale, 
 I heere the Ecchos (wandring to and fro) 
 refound my greefe through euery hill and dale 
 the Birds and beafts yet in their fimple kind 
 lament for me, no pitty elfe that find. 
 
 None elfe there is giues Comfort to my greefe 
 nor my mifhaps amended with my mone 
 when heauen and earth hath fhutte vp all releefe 
 nor care auailes what cureleffe now is growne 
 
 And 
 
The tenth Eglog. 
 
 And teares I find do bring no other good 
 But as new fhovvers increafe the rifing floud. 
 
 When on an ould tree vnder which ere now, 
 He many a merry i?oundelay had fung, 
 Vpon a leaueleile canker-eaten Bow, 
 His well-tun'd bagpipe carelefly he hung : 
 And by the fame, his iheephooke once of price, 
 that had been caru'd with many a rare deuice. 
 
 He calld his dog, (that fomtime had the prayfe) 
 Whitefoote, well known to all that kept the plaine 
 that many a wolfe had werried in his days, 
 A better cur, there neuer followed fvvain. 
 Which though as he his mafters forovvs knew, 
 Wag'd his cut tayle his wretched plight to rue. 
 
 Poor cur quoth he, and him therewith did ftroke, 
 Go to our coat, and there thy felfe repofe, 
 thou with thine age, my hart with forow broke, 
 Be gone ere death my reftles eyes do clofe, 
 the time is come, thou muft thy mafter leaue. 
 Who the vile world fhall neuer more deceaue. 
 
 With foulded arms thus hanging down his head 
 He gaue a groane his hart in funder cleft, 
 And as a ftone alreadye feemed dead. 
 Before his breath was fully him bereft : 
 the faithfull fwayne, here laftly made an end. 
 Whom all good fhepheards euer fhall defend. 
 
 The 
 

 The man in the Moone. 
 
 Men by 
 
 forcery 
 
 turning 
 
 thefelues 
 
 into 
 
 wolues, 
 
 OF all the tales that euer haue been tould 
 By homely Ihepheards lately or of ould, 
 The mootied man althogh the laft in place 
 Yet not the leaft, And thus befell the cafe. 
 It was the time when (for their good eflate) 
 the thankfuU fliepheards yearely celebrate 
 A feaft, and bonefires on the vigills keepe 
 Vnto great Pan preferuer of their fheepe : 
 Which whilft in high folemnity they fpend, 
 Laftly the long day grew vnto an end : 
 when as by night with a deuout intent, 
 about the fields religioufly they went, 
 with halowing charms the Werwolf thece to fray, 
 that them and theirs awayted to betray. 
 And now the funne neare halfe his courfe had run 
 Vnder the earth, when comming euery one 
 Back to the place where vfually they met, 
 and on the ground together being fet : 
 It was agreed to paffe away the time, 
 that fom one Ihepheard (hold rehearfe fom ryme : 
 Zong as they could their drowping harts to glad, 
 Blame not poor fwayns, though inly they wer fad 
 
 Fox 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 For fom amongft them perfe6lly there knew, 
 That the fad tymes were fhortly to enfue, 
 When they of all the forts of men neglefted. 
 In barren fields (hould wander vnrefpefted. 
 For carefuU fhepheards that do watch by night, 
 Jn the vaft ayr fee many a fearfull fight : 
 From whofe obferuance they do wifely gather. 
 The change of tymes as well as of the weather. 
 But whilft they ftroue this ftory who fhould tell, 
 Amongft the reft to Rowlands lot it fell 
 By general! voyce, in time that now was grown 
 So excellent, that fcarce there had bin known 
 Him that exceld in pyping or in fong, 
 When not a man the company among 
 That was not filent, now the goodly moon 
 Was in the full, and at her nighted noon 
 Showd her greatft glory, fhining now fo bright 
 Quoth Rowland fhe that gently lends vs light 
 6'hall be our fubie6l, and her loue alone, 
 Born to a fhepheard wife Endimion. 
 6'omtime on Latmus that his tlock did keep, 
 Rapted that was in admiration deep 
 Of her perfe6lions, that he vf 'd to ly, 
 All the long night contemplating the fky 
 At her hie beauties : often of his ftore. 
 As to the god he only did adore : 
 Did facrifice : fhe perfe6l in his loue. 
 Fox the high gods inthronifed aboue : 
 From, their cleer manfions playnly to behould, 
 All that frayl man doth on this groffer mould : 
 
 H I for 
 
 A moun- 
 tayne of 
 Ionia : 
 where 
 Endimion 
 is fayned 
 to haue 
 enioyed 
 tlie moon 
 
 103 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 For whom bright Cinthia gh'ding from her fpeare, 
 Vfed oft tymes to recreate her there : 
 That oft her want vnto the world was ftrange, 
 Fearing that heauen the woted courfe wold chage 
 And Pkcebiis her oft miffing did inquire, 
 If that elfewhere fhe borrowed other fire : 
 But let them do, to croffe her what they could, 
 Downe vnto Latmus euery month fhee would. 
 So that in heauen about it there was ods 
 And as a queftion troubled all the gods, 
 Whether without their generall confent 
 5'he might depart, but nathl'leffe to preuent 
 Her lawleffe courfe they labored all in vayne. 
 Nor could their lawes her liberty reftrayn, 
 For of the feauen fince fhe the loweft was, 
 Vnto the earth naught hindred her to paffe : 
 Before the reft of which fhe had the charge 
 No leffe her power as in the waters large : 
 Fro'm. her deriuing naturally their fource, 
 Befides fhe being fwifteft in her courfe 
 Of all the planets, therefore him defies 
 That her, her ancient liberty denies. 
 That many a time apparelled in greene, 
 Arm'd with her dart fhe huntreflike was feen : 
 Her hayre tuck'd vp in many a curious pleate, 
 Somtime in fields found feeding of her neate 
 A country maiden, then amongft the fwaynes 
 A fhepherdeffe, fhe kepeth on the playnes ; 
 Yet no difguife her deity could fmother, 
 So far in beauty fhe excelled other : 
 
 fuch 
 
 104 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 Such was the virtue of the world that then, 
 The Gods did vfe t'accompany with mea 
 In humane fhapes, defcending from their powers, 
 Often were feen in homely (hepheards bowers. 
 But he her courfe that ftudied ftill to know, 
 Mufe not though oft he malcontent did goe, 
 Seldom in one ftate that her euer found, 
 Horned fomtime, now halfefac'd, and then round P/c vario 
 Shining on that part then another more ad/ohm 
 
 Then there mod darkned, where moft light before '^ . " . 
 Now all night fhining, now a peece and then duit 
 Obferues the day, and in her courfe agen figuras. 
 
 Somtime to South, then Northward fhe doth ftirre 
 Him fo amazing he fuppofed hir, 
 Vayne and vnconftant, now her felfe t'attyr 
 And helpe her beauties with her brothers fire, 
 When moft of all accomplifh'd is her face, 
 A fudden darknes doth her quite difgrace. 
 When as the earth by nature cold and dry, 
 By the much grofneffe and obfcurity, 
 whofe globe exceeds her compaffe being fixt, 
 H&x furface and her brothers beames betwixt : 
 when in the fhadow fhe doth hap to fall, 
 Forceth her darknes to be generall ; 
 That he refolu'd (he euer would be ftrange. 
 Yet marking well he found vpon her change, 
 Jf that her brow with bloudy red were ftaynd 
 Tempefts foon after, and if black, it raynd : 
 By his obferuance that he well difcerned, 
 that fro her courfe things greater might be learned 
 H 2 whilft 
 
 105 
 
The exal- 
 tation of 
 the Moon 
 in Taurus 
 therefore 
 not impro 
 perly faid 
 to ride vp 
 on a Bull. 
 
 The man in the Moone. 
 
 VVhilft that his brayne he bufied yet doth keepe, 
 Now from the fplene the melancholy deep, 
 Perceth the vayns, and like a raging flood, 
 Rudely it felfe extending through the blood, 
 AppauUs the fpirits denying their defence 
 Vnto the organs, when as euery fenfe 
 Ceafeth the ofiice, then the laboring mind 
 Strongeft in that which all the powers doth bind 
 ftriues to hy knowledge, being in this plight 
 Now the funs fifter miftris of the night, 
 His fad defires long languifliing to cheare. 
 Thus at the lafl: on Latmiis doth appeare. 
 Her brothers beames inforc'd to lay afide, 
 Hex felf for his fake feming to diuide. 
 For had flie come appareld in her light, 
 Then fhould the fwayn haue perifh'd in her fight : 
 Vpon a Bull as white as milke fhe rode. 
 Which like a huntres brauely fhe beftrode, 
 Her brow with beauty glorioufly repleat, 
 her countnance louely with a fwelling teat ; 
 Gracing her broad breft curioufly inchaft 
 With branched vayns all bared to the waft. 
 Ouer the fame Ihe ware a vapour thin, 
 Thorough the which her clear and dainty fkin, 
 To the behoulder -amiably did fhow, 
 Like Damafk rofes lightly clad in fnow. 
 Hex bow and quiuer at her back behind, 
 That eafly mouing with the wanton wind, 
 made a foft ruftling, fuch as you do hear, 
 Amongft the reeds fom gliding riuer near, 
 
 when 
 
 106 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 When the fierce Boreas thorough them doth ryde 
 Againft whofe rage the hollow canes do chide ; 
 Which breath, her mantell amoroufly did fwell, 
 /"rom her ftraight fhoulders carelefly that fell, 
 Now here, now thei'e, now vp and down that flew 
 Of fundry colours, wherin you might view 
 A fea that fomwhat ftraytned by the land, 
 Two furious tydes raife their ambitious hand 
 One gainft the other, warring in their pride 
 Like two fond worldlings that themfelues deuide : 
 For fome flight trifle, oppofite in all. 
 Till both together ruined they fall. 
 6'om comming in, fom out againe do go, 
 And the fame way, and the fame wind doth blow 
 Both fayles their courfe each labouring to prefer. 
 By the hand of cithers helpfuU mariner : 
 Outragious tempefl fhipwracks ouerfpred. 
 All the rude Neptune, whilft that pale fac'd dread 
 Ceafeth the fhipboy that his ftrength doth put. 
 The ancored cable prefently to cut. 
 All aboue bord the fturdy Eolous cafls 
 Into the wyde feas whilfl on plancks and mafts 
 Som fay to fwim, and there you might behould, 
 Whilft the rude waters enuioufly did fcould, 
 Others vpon a promontory hie 
 Thrufting his blew top to the blewer flcy : 
 Loking vpon thofe loft vpon the feas, 
 Like worldly rich men that do fit at eafe 
 Whilft in this vayn world others liue in ftrife. 
 Warring with forow euery where fo ryfe : 
 
 And 
 
 107 
 
The man in the. Moon. 
 
 And oft amongft the monfters of the mayne 
 
 their horrid foreheades through the billows ftrain 
 
 Jnto the vaft aer, driuing on their brefts 
 
 the troubled waters that fo ill difgefts 
 
 Their fway, that it them enuioufly affailes, 
 
 //hanging with white iawes on their marble fcales ; 
 
 And in another inland part agen, 
 
 were fprings, lakes, riuers, marifhes and fen, 
 
 wherein all kinds of water fowle did won 
 
 Eche in their colours excellently don, 
 
 The greedy feamaw fifhing for the fry 
 
 The hungry fhell-fowle from whofe rape doth flye 
 
 th'unnumbred flioles, the Mallard there did feed 
 
 The Teale and Morecoot raking in the weed, 
 
 And in a creek where waters leaft did ftir, 
 
 6'et from the reft the nimble Didoper : 
 
 That comes and goes fo quickly and fo oft 
 
 as feems at once both vnder and aloft : 
 
 the iealous Swan there fwimming in his pride, 
 
 with his arch'd breaft the waters did deuide 
 
 His fayly wings him forward ftrongly pufhing, 
 
 againft the billowes with fuch fury rulhing 
 
 as from the fame a fome fo white arofe, 
 
 as feem'd to mock the breft did them oppofe : 
 
 and here and there the wandring ey to feed 
 
 Oft fcattered tufts, of bulrufhes and reed 
 
 fegs, long leau'd willow on whofe bending fpray, 
 
 the pide kings-fijher hauing got his pray, 
 
 fat with the fmall breath of the water fhaken, 
 
 till he deuourd the fifh that he had taken. 
 
 the 
 
 io8 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 The long neckd Heron there waching by the brim 
 
 and in a gutter near againe to him 
 
 The bidling Suite, the Plover on the moor, 
 
 The Curlew fcratching in the oofe and ore : 
 
 and there a fowler fet his lyme and gin, 
 
 watching the birds vnto the fame to win ; 
 
 fees in a boate a fifher neer at hand, 
 
 tugging his net full laden to the land : 
 
 Keep of the fowle, whereat the others blood 
 
 Chaf 'd ; from the place where fecretly he ftood 
 
 Make fignes, and clofely beckneth him away, 
 
 fhaketh his hand as threatning if he ftay 
 
 In the fame ftayned with fuch naturall grace 
 
 that rage was liuely pi6lured in his face : 
 
 whilft that the other eagerly that wrought 
 
 Hauing his fence ftiU fetled on his draught 
 
 More than before, beates, plunges, hales the cord, 
 
 Nor but one looke the other can afford. 
 
 Bufkins fhe ware, which of the fea did beare 
 
 The pale green colour, which like waned weare, 
 
 To that vaft Neptune of two colours mixt. 
 
 Yet none could tell the difference was betwixt. 
 
 With rocks of chriftall liuely that were fet, 
 
 Couering whofe feet with many a curious fret : 
 
 Fine groues of Currall, which not feeling weather 
 
 Their limber branches were fo lapd together. 
 
 As one inamourd had of other been^ 
 
 lelous the ayr t'aue intercourfe between : 
 
 mongft which cleer Amber felyed feem'd to be, ^™^^^ 
 
 Through whofe tranfparence you might eafly fee, ^^ Ljg,,. 
 
 the ftik deeps 
 
 109 
 
ftells. 
 
 The man in the Moon. 
 
 The beds of Pearle wheron the gum did deep, 
 Pearles Cockles, broad fcallops and their kind that keepe 
 bred in The precious feed which of the waters com, 
 Som. yet but thriuing, when as other fom 
 More then the reft that ftrangely feem to fwell, 
 With the dear fruit that grew within the fhell, 
 Others agayn wide open that did yawn, 
 And on the grauell fpew'd their orient fpawn : 
 Thus he became amazed at her fight, 
 Euen as a man is troubled at the hght 
 Newly awaked, and the white and red. 
 With his eies twinckling gathered and fled : 
 Like as a mirror to the fun oppof d. 
 Within the margent equally inclof d 
 That being moued, as the hand direfts 
 Jt at one inftant taketh and reflects : 
 For the aff"e6lion by the violent heat. 
 Forming it paflion taketh vp the feat 
 In the full hart, wherby the ioy or feare 
 That it receiues either by the ey or eare 
 Still as the obieft altereth the mood, 
 Ether atrafls or forceth forth the blood : 
 That from the chief part violently fent. 
 In either kind therby is vehement ; 
 Whilft the fad fhepheard in this wofuU plight 
 Perplex'd, the goddeffe with a longing fight 
 Him now beheld, for worfhipped by men. 
 The heauenly powers fo likewife loue agen 
 To fhow themfelues and make their glory known 
 And one day marking when he was alone 
 
 vnto 
 
 no 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 Vnro him comming mildly him befpake : 
 Quoth fhe, know fhepheard only for thy fake, 
 I firft chofe Latmus as the onely place 
 Of my abode, and haue refuf'd to grace 
 My Mcenalus, well known in euery coaft 
 To be the mount that once I loued moft : 
 And fince alone of wretched mortalls thou, 
 Haft labored firft my wandring courfe to know ; 
 To tymes fucceeding thou alone fhalt be, 
 By whom my motion fhall be taught quoth fhe : 
 For thofe firft fimple that my face did mark, 
 In the full brightnes fuddenly made dark. 
 Ere knowledge did the caufe thereof difclofe. 
 To be inchanted long did me fuppofe : 
 with founding braffe me all the while did ply. 
 The incantation thereby to vnty. 
 But to our purpofe, when my mother went. 
 The bright Latona (and her womb diftent) 
 with the great burden that by loue fhe bare, 
 me and my brother, the great thundrers care : 
 whom floting Delos wandring in the mayn. 
 From iealous Iitno hardly could contayn. 
 Then much diftref'd, and in a hard eftate 
 C(sus fayre daughter by our ftepdames hate, 
 Betwixt a Lawrell and an Oliue tree, 
 Jnto the world did bring the ^un and me. 
 When I was born (as I haue heard her fay) 
 Nature alone did reft her on that day : 
 In loues high houfe the gods affembled all, 
 To whom he held a fumptuous feftiuall. 
 
 The 
 
 Endimion 
 firft found 
 out the 
 courfe of 
 the moon. 
 
 Tihul. de- 
 gia 8. luue 
 nal: faty. 6. 
 
 Plutar: vi: 
 Aemi, 
 
 Apollo & 
 Phcebe, 
 fained to 
 be the 
 twins of 
 lupiier & 
 Lalona. 
 Vidi Oui- 
 diuni li. 
 fixto vieta 
 mor: el 
 Pli: libra 
 27 : cap. 44. 
 
The man in the Moone 
 
 Secundum 
 viotum di- 
 urmim fin- 
 gulis die- 
 bus bis 
 flums bis 
 rcfluens. 
 
 Seleiietro- 
 pium, the 
 flower of 
 the moon 
 
 The Sele- 
 nite of 
 aiKivn. 
 
 The well wherein my mother bath'd me firft 
 Hath the hy virtue, that he (hall not thirft, 
 Therof that drinks and hath the payn appeafed, 
 Of th'inward grieu'd and outwardly difeafed : 
 And being yong, the Gods that haunt the deep, 
 Stealing to kis me foftly layd to fleep : 
 And hauing felt the fweetnes of my breath, 
 miffing me mourn'd and languifhed to death : 
 The mighty reftres of this globe below 
 And with my courfe the fea doth eb and flow : 
 When from aloft my beames I oblique caft, 
 5traightwayes it ebs, and floweth then as faft, 
 Downward againe my motion when I make 
 twice doth it fwell twice euery day doth flake. 
 Sooner or later fhifting of the tide 
 As far or neer my wandring courfe doth guide : 
 that kindly moyfture that doth life maintayn. 
 In euery creature proues how I do rayn. 
 In fluxiue humor, which is euer found 
 As I do wane or wax vnto my round ; 
 thofe fruitles trees of viflory and peace 
 the Palm and Oliue flill with my increafe, 
 Shute foorth new branches, and to tell my power. 
 As my great brother fo haue J a flower 
 to me peculiar, that doth ope and clofe 
 When as I rife, and when I me repofe. 
 No les then thefe that green and liuing be, 
 the pretious Gems do fympathize with me 
 As moft that flone that doth the name deriue 
 i^rom me, with me that lefneth or doth thriue, 
 
 dark- 
 
Tlie man in the Moone 
 
 Darkneth and (hineth as I do her queen, 
 And as in thefe, in beafts my power is feen. 
 As he whofe grim face all the leffer feares 
 the cruell Panther on his fhoulder beares 
 A fpot that dayly doeth as J doo, 
 and as that creature me affefleth too 
 Jt whofe deep craft fcarce any creature can, 
 feeming in reafon to deuide with man, 
 the nimble Babion mourning all the time, 
 Nor eats betwixt my waning and my prime. 
 The fpotted Cat, whofe fliarp and fubtile fight, 
 Perceth the vapour of the blackeft night, 
 my want and fuUnes in her ey doth find, 
 fo great am J and powrfuU in that kind 
 as thofe great burgers of the forefl wild. 
 The //art, the Goat, and he that flew the child 
 Of wanton Mirrha, in their ftrength do know, 
 the due obferuance nature doth me owe, 
 and if thou think me heauenly not to be, 
 that in my face thou often feemft to fee, 
 a palenes, where thofe other in the fky 
 appear fo purely glorious in thyne ey .• 
 Thofe freckls thou fuppofeft me difgrace, 
 are thofe pure parts that in my louely face, 
 By their fo much tenuity do flight, 
 my brothers beames aflifting me with light, 
 and keep that cleernes as doth me behoue, 
 Of that pure heauen me fet wherin to moue. 
 my leaft fpot feen vnto the earth fo near, 
 Wherefore that compaffe that doth oft appeare, 
 
 about 
 
 Cinocepha 
 Ills the Ba 
 bian, or 
 Baboon. 
 
 Adonis 
 (layn by a 
 Bore. 
 
 Partes lit- 
 tits rariores 
 &■ proin- 
 de minus 
 Incirfa. 
 
 P 
 
 113 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 T\& caufe 
 of that cir 
 cle which 
 the Philo : 
 call Halo, 
 which we 
 oft fee 
 about the 
 moone. 
 
 Luna lume 
 halet con- 
 genitum. 
 
 The lyne 
 fuppofd 
 to deuide 
 the zodi 
 ake. 
 
 About my body is the dampy mift 
 i^rom earth arifmg, ftriuing to refift 
 The rayes my full orb plentioufly proiefts 
 On the grofle clowd, whofe thicknes it reflefts 
 And mine own light about my felfe doth fling. 
 In aequall parts in fafhion of a ring ; 
 For neerfl to mortalls though my ftate J keepe, 
 Yet not the colour of the troubled deep 
 Thofe fpots fuppofed, nor the fogs that ryfe, 
 From the dull earth me any whit agrize ; 
 whofe perfeft beauty no way can endure, 
 But what like me is excellently pure ; 
 For moyft and cold although J do refpire, 
 Yet in my felfe had I not genuine fire 
 when the grofle earth deuided hath the fpace, 
 Betwixt my full orb and my brothers face ; 
 Though I confeffe much lelTned be my light, 
 I fhould be taken vtterly from fight, 
 And for I fo irregularly go, 
 therein wife nature mod of all doth fhow, 
 Her fearcheles iudgement : for did J in all 
 Keep on in that way, which ftargazers call 
 The lyne Ecliptick, as my glorious brother 
 Doth in his courfe, one oppofite to other ; 
 Twife euery month, the eclipfes of our light, 
 fore mortalls fhould prodigioufly affright ; 
 Yet by proportion certainly I moue, 
 In rule of number, and the moft J loue 
 That which you call full, that moft perfefl feauen 
 Of three and fowr made, which for od and euen 
 
 Are 
 
 114 
 
The man in the Moone 
 
 Are male and female, which by mixture frame Nnmems 
 It moft myfterious, that as myne / claime ; ""^'''' '""■' 
 
 ^ ,,,.„.,,. . par feim- 
 
 yuartered therby, firft of which feauen my prime „^ 
 
 the fecond feauen acconiplifheth the tyme 
 
 Vnto my fullnes, in the third / range 
 
 Lefning agayn, the fourth then to my change; 
 
 the which fower feauens the eight & twenty make xhe 
 
 through the bright girdle of the Zodiake month the 
 
 In which J paffe, whofe quarters do appeare, y^"''^ °^ 
 
 As the fowr feafons of my brothers yeare. ^[^^ f^^^,^ 
 
 Firft in my birth am moyftned as his fpring, quarters 
 
 Hot as his fummer he illumining of "»« ™o- 
 
 My orb, the fecond : my third quarter dry ^^^\,\^' 
 
 As is his Autumn, when from him / fly the 4 fea- 
 
 Depriu'd his bright beames and as waxing ould, fonsof 
 
 Zaftly my wane is as his winters cold. *'j^ J'^'"'- 
 
 whereat flie pawf'd, who all the while flie fpake , 
 
 the buftling winds their murmur often brake ; 
 
 And being filent feemed yet to ftay, 
 
 to liften if fhe ought had els to fay. 
 
 whe now the while much trobled was his thought 
 
 And her fayr fpeech fo craftely had caught 
 
 Him, that the fpirits foone fhaking off the load, 
 
 Of the groffe flefh and hating her abode ; 
 
 Being throughly heated in thefe amorous fires 
 
 Wholly tranfported with the deare defires 
 
 Of her imbraces : for the liuing foule. 
 
 Being indiuidual, vniforme and whole, 
 
 By her vnwearied faculties doth find, 
 
 that which the flefli of duller earth by kind 
 
 Not 
 
 us 
 
The man in the Moon. 
 
 The 
 
 nymphes 
 of the 
 waters, 
 nymphs of 
 the feas. 
 Nymphes 
 of the 
 moutains 
 
 Nymphes 
 of the 
 woods. 
 
 Not apprehends, & by her fun6lion makes 
 
 good her owne ftate ; Endimion now forfakes 
 
 All the delights that fliepheards doe prefer 
 
 and fets his mind fo generally on her 
 
 that all neglefted to the groues and fprings 
 
 he foUowe's Phoebe that him fafely brings 
 
 (as their great queen) vnto the nimphifh bowers 
 
 wherein cleere ryuers beutified with flowers 
 
 the filuer Naydes bath them, to the bracke 
 
 Sometime with her the feahorfe he doth back 
 
 amongft the blew Nereides, and when 
 
 weary of waters godddes like agen 
 
 fhe the high mountaines aftiuely affays, 
 
 and there amongft the light Oriades, 
 
 that ryde the fwift roes Phoebe doth refort, 
 
 fometime amongft thofe that with them comport 
 
 the Hamadriades doth the woods frequent, 
 
 and there fhe ftays not ; but incontinent 
 
 calls downe the Dragons that her chariot drawe, 
 
 and with Endimion pleafed that fhe faw 
 
 mounteth thereon, in twinkling of an ey 
 
 ftripping the winds behoulding from the fky 
 
 the earth in roundnes of a perfe6l ball, 
 
 which as a poynt but of this mighty all 
 
 wife nature fix'd, that permanent doth ftay 
 
 wher as the fpheares by diurnall fway 
 
 of the firft moouer carried are about, 
 
 and how the feu'rall elements throughout 
 
 ftrongly infowlded, & the vafl aer fpred 
 
 in fundry regions, in the which are bred 
 
 Thofe 
 
 ii6 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 Thofe ftrange impreffions often that appeare, 
 
 to fearefuU mortalls and the caufes there, 
 
 and lightned by her pearcing beames he fees, 
 
 the powrfull planets how in their degrees, 
 
 In theyr due feafons they do fall and ryfe : 
 
 And how the fignes in their triplicities, 
 
 11 /• 1 -r- • , ■ - r The figns 
 
 Be fympathiling ni their trine confents -^^ ^^^^ 
 
 With whofe inferior forming elements, tripUci- 
 
 From which our bodyes the complexions take, t'^^ ''■"P* 
 
 Natures and number; ftrongly and do make '"^ewit 
 
 ° ^ the ele- 
 
 Our difpofitions like them, and on earth ments. 
 
 the power the heauens haue ouer mortall birth : 
 
 that their effedls which men call fortune, are 
 
 As is that good or inaufpicious ftar, 
 
 Which at the frayle natiuity doth raign. 
 
 Yet here her loue could Phcebe not contain, 
 
 And knowledge him fo flrongly dooth infpire, 
 
 that in moft plenty, more he doth defire. 
 
 Rayfing him vp to thofe excelling fights, 
 
 the glorious heauen, where all the fixed lights, 
 
 Whofe images fuppof'd to be therein. 
 
 Framed of flars whofe names did firfl begin 
 
 By thofe wife ancients, not to flellify 
 
 the firft worlds Heroes only, but imply 
 
 to teach the courfes, for diftinguifhed 
 
 In conftellations a delight firft bred. 
 
 In flothfull man into the fame to looke, 
 
 that from thofe figures nomination tooke. 
 
 Which they refembled here on earth below, 
 
 and the bright Phoebe fubtilly doth know, 
 
 the 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 The heauenly motions be her orb aboue, 
 Afwell as thofe that vnder her do moue. 
 For with long titles do we her inueft, 
 So the great three mod powerfull of the reft, 
 Phoebe, Diana, Hecate, do tell, 
 Her domination in heauen, in earth and hell, 
 and wife Apollo that doth franckly lend 
 //er his pure beams, with them doth likewife fend 
 his wodrous knowledge, for that god moft bright 
 Sol fans King of the planets fountayn of the light: 
 lucis. that feeth all things will haue her to fee, 
 
 ^■0 far as where the facred angells be. 
 thofe Hierarches that Tones great will fupply, 
 Whofe orders formed in triplicity, 
 Houlding their places by the treble trine. 
 Nine the make vp that holy theologike nine : 
 moft holy Thrones, Cherubin, and 5eraphin that ryfe 
 The o or- ^^ ^^^^ ^^^ three ; when principalities 
 dersofthe With dominations poteftates are plac'd 
 angels . the fecond : and the Ephionian laft 
 
 Hy vertues Angells and Archangells be. 
 Thus yonder man that in the moone you fee 
 Rap'd vp from Latmus, thus fhe doth prefer 
 And goes about continually with her : 
 Ouer the world that euery month doth looke, 
 and in the fame thers fcarce that fecret nooke. 
 That he furuayes not and the places hidden, 
 Whence fimple truth and candle light forbidden 
 Dare not approche .• he peepeth with his light, 
 whereas fufpicious policy by night, 
 
 Con- 
 
The man in the Moon. 
 
 Confults with murther, bafenes at their hand, 
 Armed to do what euer they command : 
 With guilty confcience and intent fo fowle, 
 That oft they ftart at whooping of an owle, 
 And fhly peering at a httle pore, 
 Sees one fomtymes content to l<eep the dore : 
 One wold not thinke the bawd that did not know, 
 Such a braue body could defcend fo low. 
 And the bafe churle the Swa. that dare not truft. 
 With his ould gold, yet fmelling it doth ruft 
 Layes it abroad, but locks himfclfe within 
 three doubled locks, or ere he dare begin 
 to ope his bags, and being fure of all ; 
 Els yet therewith dare fcarcely truft the wall : 
 And with a candle in a filthy ftick, 
 the greafe not fully couering the wick ; 
 (Pores ore his bafe god) forth a flame that fryes 
 Almoft as dim as his fowle bleared eyes : 
 Yet like to a great murtherer that gaue, 
 5ome flight reward vnto fom bloody knaue 
 to kill : the fecond fecretly doth flay, 
 Fearing leaft he the former fliould betray : 
 He the poore candell murthereth ere burnt out, 
 Becaufe that he the fecrefie doth doubt ; 
 And oftentimes the Mooned man outfpies, 
 the Eauedropper and circumfpe61:ly eyes 
 the theefe and louer, fpecially which two, 
 with night and darknes haue the moft to da 
 And not long fince befides this did behould 
 Sova. of you here, when you fhold tend your fould, 
 I I A 
 
 119 
 
The man in the Moone. 
 
 A nights were wenching, thus he me doth tell 
 with that they all in fuch a laughter fell, 
 that the field rang, when from a village neer 
 the watchfull Cock crew, and with notes full cleer, 
 the early Larke foone fummoned the day, 
 when they departed euery one their way. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
laublications of tfje^pmser ^ocietp, 
 
 NEW SERIES. —Issue No-. 5. 
 
 <THE 
 
 MVSES ELIZIVM. 
 
 . , BY 
 
 MICHAEL DRAYTON, EsoumE. 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE ^SPENSER SOCIETY. 
 1892. 
 
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TO THE RIGHT Ho- 
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 My niojl honoured Lord, 
 
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 Michael Drayton 
 
To the Reader. 
 
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 Preffe, which if than fhalt doe, the Mufes themfelues, as 
 they are courteous and zvell educated virgins, fhall in their 
 thankefulncffe infpire tliee with fame Poeticke rapture, 
 that thou fhalt read thent with more delight, then other- 
 wife thou fltouldefl in being oner Criticall. Some of which 
 faults (I dare tiotfay all) I haue heereunder fet dozvne. 
 
 Errata. 
 
 pAge 6. line i. for, that th'one the other was, reade, that th'one of them 
 the other was. p. 9. 1. 8. for, flie would not outftrip a Roe, reade, fhee 
 would outftrip a Roe. p. 10. 1. 17, for we, reade were. p. 34. 1. 21. for that, 
 reade thou. p. 125. 1. 36. for, and i'ft muft, reade, and i'ft muft die. p. 137. I. 
 25. for through, reade though, p. 172. 1. 14. for made them to prepare, read, 
 their deferued fare. 
 
 But this laji fault is not through all the ImpreJJion. 
 
 I onely fheiv you thefe few, for breuity fake, that in your Rea- 
 ding you may correB the like, which I am afraid are many more 
 then thefe. 
 
(I) 
 
 THE DESCRIPTION 
 
 of Elizivm. 
 
 A Paradice on earth is found, 
 '^^ Though farre from vulgar fight, 
 Which with thofe pleafures doth abound 
 That it Elizium hight. 
 
 Where, in Delights that neuer fade, 
 The Mufes lulled be. 
 And fit at pleafure in the fhade 
 Of many a flately tree. 
 
 Which no rough Tempeft makes to reele 
 Nor their flraight bodies bovves, 
 Their lofty tops doe neuer feele 
 The weight of winters fnowes ; 
 
 In Groues that euermore are greene. 
 No falling leafe is there. 
 But Philomel (oi birds the Queene) 
 In Muficke fpends the yeare. 
 
 The Merle vpon her mertle Perch, 
 There to the Mavis fings, 
 Who from the top of fome curld Berch 
 Thofe notes redoubled rings ; 
 
 There Dayfyes damaske euery place 
 Nor once their beauties lofe, 
 That when proud Phcebus hides his face 
 Themfelues they fcorne to clofe. 
 
 B The 
 
(2) 
 
 The Panfy and the Violet here, 
 As feeming to defcend, 
 Both from one Root, a very payre, 
 For fweetneffe yet contend, 
 
 And pointing to a Pinke to tell 
 Which beares it, it is loath. 
 To iudge it ; but replyes, for fmell 
 That it excels them both, 
 
 Wherewith difpleafde they hang their heads 
 So angry foone they grow 
 And from their odoriferous beds 
 Their fweets at it they throw. 
 
 The winter here a Summer is. 
 No wafte is made by time, 
 Nor doth the Autumne euer miffe 
 The bloffomes of the Prime. 
 
 The flower that luly forth doth bring 
 In Aprill here is feene, 
 The Primrofe that puts on the Spring 
 In luly decks each Greene. 
 
 The fweets for foueraignty contend 
 And fo abundant be, 
 That to the very Earth they lend 
 And Barke of euery Tree : 
 
 Rills rifmg out of euery Banck, 
 In wilde Meanders ftrayne, 
 And playing many a wanton pranck 
 Vpon the fpeckled plaine. 
 
 In Gambols and lafcivious Gyres 
 Their time they flill beftow 
 Nor to their Fountaines none retyres, 
 Nor on their courfe willl goe 
 
 Thofe 
 
(3) 
 
 Thofe Brooks with Lillies brauely deckt, 
 So proud and wanton made, 
 That they their courfes quite negle6t : 
 And feeme as though they ftayde, 
 
 Faire Flora in her (late to viewe 
 Which through thofe Lillies looks, 
 Or as thofe Lillies leand to fhew 
 Their beauties to the brooks. 
 
 That Phcebus in his lofty race, 
 Oft layes afide his beames 
 And comes to coole his glowing face 
 In thefe delicious ftreames ; 
 
 Oft fpreading Vines clime vp the Cleeues, 
 Whofe ripned clufters there, 
 Their liquid purple drop, which driues 
 A Vintage through thee yeere. 
 
 Thofe Cleeues whofe craggy fides are clad 
 With Trees of fundry futes, 
 Which make continuall fummer glad, 
 Euen bending with their fruits, 
 
 Some ripening, ready fome to fall, 
 Some bloffom'd, fome to bloome, 
 Like gorgeous hangings on the wall 
 Of fome rich princely Roome : 
 
 Pomegranates, Lymons, Cytrons, fo 
 Their laded branches bow, 
 Their leaufes in number that outgoe 
 Nor roomth will them alow. 
 
 There in perpetuall Summers (hade, 
 Apolloes Prophets fit 
 Among the flowres that neuer fade, 
 But flowri(h like their wit ; 
 
 B2 To 
 
(4) 
 
 To whom the Nimphes vpon their Lyres, 
 Tune many a curious lay, 
 And with their moft melodious Quires 
 Make fhort the longeft day. 
 
 The thrice three Virgins heauenly Cleere, 
 Their trembling Timbrels found, 
 Whilft the three comely Graces there 
 Dance many a dainty Round, 
 
 Decay nor Age there nothing knowes. 
 There is continuall Youth, 
 As Time on plant or creatures growes. 
 So ftill their ftrength renewth. 
 
 The Poets Paradice this is. 
 To which but few can come ; 
 The Mufes onely bower of bliffe 
 Their Deare Elizinm. 
 
 Here happy foules, (their bleffed bowers, 
 Free from the rude refort 
 Of beaftly people) fpend the houres. 
 In harmeleffe mirth and fport, 
 
 Then on to the Elizian plaines 
 
 Apollo doth invite you 
 
 Where he prouides with paftorall ftraines. 
 
 In Nimpkals to delight you. 
 
 Th( 
 
(5) 
 The firft Nimphall. 
 
 Rod OP E 
 
 and 
 DoRi D a: 
 
 This Nimphall of delights doth treat. 
 Choice beauties, and proportions rieat, 
 Of curious Jliapes, and dainty features 
 Defcribd in two moft perfe£l creatures. 
 
 '\J\JYi&n Phcebus with a face of mirth, 
 
 Had flong abroad his beanies, 
 To blanch the bofoine of the earth, 
 And glaze the gliding ftreames. 
 within a goodly Mertle groue, 
 Vpon that hallowed day 
 The Nimphes to the bright Queene of loue 
 Their vowes were vfde to pay. 
 Faire Rodope and Dorida 
 Met in thofe facred fhades, 
 Then whom the Sunne in all his way, 
 Nere faw two daintier Maids. 
 And through the thickets thrild his fires, 
 Suppofing to haue feene 
 The foueraigne Goddejfe of defires, 
 Or loves Emperious Queene : 
 Both of fo wondrous beauties were. 
 In fhape both fo excell. 
 That to be paraleld elfewhere, 
 No iudging eye could tell. 
 And their affeftions fo furpaffe. 
 As well it might be deemd, 
 
 B 3 That 
 
 13 
 
(6) 
 
 That th'one the other was, 
 
 And but themfelues they feem'd. 
 
 And whilfl: the Nimphes that neare this place, 
 
 Difpofed were to play 
 
 At Barly-breake and Prifon-bafe, 
 
 Doe paffe the time away : 
 
 This peerleffe payre together fet, 
 
 The other at their fport. 
 
 None neare their free difcourfe to let, 
 
 Each other thus they court, 
 
 Dorida. My fweet, my foueraigne Rodope, 
 My deare delight, my loue, 
 That Locke of hayre thou fentft to me, 
 I to this Bracelet vvoue ; 
 Which brighter euery day doth grow 
 The longer it is worne. 
 As its delicious fellowes doe. 
 Thy Temples that adorne. 
 
 Rodope. Nay had I thine my Dorida, 
 I would them fo beftow, 
 As that the winde vpon my way. 
 Might backward make them flow, 
 So fhould it in its greatft exceffe 
 Turne to becalmed ayre. 
 And quite forget all boiftroufneffe 
 To play with euery hayre. 
 
 Dorida. To me like thine had nature giuen, 
 A Brow, fo Archt, fo cleere, 
 A Front, wherein fo much of heauen 
 Doth to each eye appeare, 
 The world fhould fee, I would ftrike dead 
 The Milky way that's now. 
 And fay that Ne6lar Hebe filed 
 Fell all vpon my Brow. 
 
 Rodope. 
 
 14 
 
(7) 
 
 Rodope. O had I eyes like Doridaes, 
 I would inchant the day, 
 And make the Surine to ftand at gaze, 
 Till he forgot his way : 
 And caufe his Sifter Queene of Streames, 
 When fo I lift by night ; 
 By her much bluftiing at my Beames 
 T' eclipfe her borrowed light. 
 
 Dorida. Had I a Cheeke like Rodopes, 
 In midft of which doth ftand, 
 A Groue of Rofes, fuch as thefe, 
 In fuch a fnowy land : 
 I would make the Lilly which we now 
 So much for whiteneffe name. 
 As drooping- downe the head to bow, 
 And die for very fhame. 
 
 Rodope. Had I a bofome like to thine, 
 When it I pleas'd to fhow, 
 T'what part o'th' Skie I would incline 
 I would make th' Etheriall bowe ; 
 My fwannifh Breaft brancht all with blew. 
 In brauery like the fpring : 
 In Winter to the generall view 
 Full Summer forth fhould bring. 
 
 Dorida. Had I a body like my deare, 
 Were I fo ftraight fo tall, 
 O, if fo broad my fhoulders were, 
 Had I a wafte fo fmall ; 
 I would challenge the proud Queene of loue 
 To yeeld to me for fhape. 
 And I fhould feare that Mars or love 
 Would venter for my rape. 
 
 15 
 
 Had 
 
(8) 
 
 Rodope. Had I a hand like thee my Gerle, 
 (This hand O let me kiffe) 
 Thefe Ivory Arrowes pyl'd with pearle, 
 Had I a hand like this ; 
 I would not doubt at all to make, 
 Each finger of my hand 
 To taske fwift Mercury to take 
 With his inchanting wand. 
 
 'fa 
 
 Dorida. Had I a Theigh like Rodopes ; 
 Which twas my chance to veiwe, 
 When lying on yon banck at eafe 
 The wind thy skirt vp blew, 
 I would fay it were a columne wrought 
 To fome intent Diuine, 
 And for our chafle Diana fought, 
 A pillar for her fhryne. 
 
 Rodope. Had I a Leg but like to thine 
 That were fo neat, fo cleane, 
 A fwelling Calfe, a Small fo fine, 
 An Ankle, round and leane, 
 I would tell nature fhe doth miffe 
 Her old skill ; and maintaine, 
 She fliewd her mafler peece in this, 
 Not to be done againe. 
 
 Dorida. Had I that Foot hid in thofe fhoos, 
 (Proportion'd to my height) 
 Short Heele, thin Inftep, euen Toes, 
 A Sole fo wondrous ftraight. 
 The Forrefters and Nimphes at this 
 Amazed all fhould ftand, 
 And kneeling downe, fhould meekely kiffe 
 The Print left in the fand. 
 
 i6 
 
 And 
 
(9) 
 
 BY this the Nimphes came from their fport, 
 All pleafed wondrous well, 
 And to thefe Maydens make report 
 What lately them befell : 
 One faid the dainty Lelipa 
 Did all the reft out-goe, 
 Another would a wager lay 
 She would not outftrip a Roe ; 
 Sayes one, how like yee Florimel 
 There is your dainty face : 
 A fourth replide, fhe lik't that well, 
 Yet better lik't her grace, 
 She's counted, I confeffe, quoth fhe, 
 To be our onely Pearle, 
 Yet haue I heard her oft to be 
 A melancholly Gerle. 
 Another faid fhe quite miftoke, 
 That onely was her art. 
 When melancholly had her looke 
 Then mirth was in her heart ; 
 And hath (he then that pretty trick 
 Another doth reply, 
 
 I thought no Nimph could haue bin fick 
 Of that difeafe but I ; 
 I know you can diffemble well 
 Quoth one to giue you due. 
 But here be fome (who He not tell) 
 Can do't as well as you. 
 Who thus replies, I know that too. 
 We haue it from our Mother, 
 Yet there be fome this thing can doe 
 More cunningly then other : 
 If Maydens but diffemble can 
 Their forrow and their ioy. 
 Their pore diffimulation than. 
 Is but a very toy. 
 
 C The 
 
 17 
 
(lo) 
 The fecond Nimphall. 
 
 L ALVS 
 C LEON 
 
 and 
 
 LiROPE. 
 
 The Mufe new CourtJJiip doth deuife. 
 By Natures Jlrange Varieties, 
 Whofe Rarieties JJie here relates, 
 A nd giues you Pajlorall Delicatcs. 
 
 LAliis a lolly youthfull Lad, 
 With Clean, no leffe crown'd 
 With vertues ; both their beings had 
 On the EHzian ground. 
 Both hauing parts fo excellent, 
 That it a queftion was, 
 Which fhould be the moft eminent, 
 Or did in ought furpaffe. 
 This Clean was a Mountaineer, 
 And of the wilder kinde. 
 And from his birth had many a yeere 
 Bin nurft vp by a Hinde : 
 Aud as the fequell well did fhow, 
 It very well might be ; 
 For neuer Hart, nor Hare, nor Roe, 
 We halfe fo fwitft as he. 
 But Labis in the Vale was bred, 
 Amongfl the Sheepe and Neate, 
 And by thofe Nimphes there choicly fed, 
 With Hony, Milke, and Wheate ; 
 
 Of 
 
(11) 
 
 Of Stature goodly, faire of fpeech, 
 
 And of behauiour mylde, 
 
 Like thofe there in the Valley rich, 
 
 That bred him of a chyld. 
 
 Of Falconry they had the skill, 
 
 Their Halkes to feed and flye, 
 
 No better Hunters ere dome Hill, 
 
 Nor hollowed to a Cry : 
 
 In Dingles deepe, and Mountains hore. 
 
 Oft with the bearded Speare 
 
 They cumbated the tusky Boare, 
 
 And flew the angry Beare. 
 
 In Muficke they were wondrous quaint, 
 
 Fine Aers they could deuife ; 
 
 They very curioufly could Paint, 
 
 And neatly Poetize ; 
 
 That wagers many time were laid 
 
 On Queftions that arofe. 
 
 Which Song the witty Lalus made. 
 
 Which Cleon fhould compofe. 
 
 The flately Steed they manag'd well, 
 
 Of Fence the art they knew. 
 
 For Danfing they did all excell 
 
 The Gerles that to them drew ; 
 
 To throw the Sledge, to pitch the Barre, 
 
 To wreftle and to Run, 
 
 They all the Youth exceld fo farre, 
 
 That flill the Prize they wonne. 
 
 Thefe fprightly Gallants lou'd a Laffe, 
 
 Cald Lirope the bright, 
 
 In the whole world there fcarcely was 
 
 So delicate a Wight, 
 
 There was no Beauty fo diuine 
 
 That euer Nimph did grace, 
 
 But it beyond it felfe did fhine 
 
 In her more heuenly face : 
 
 What forme (lie pleafd each thing would take 
 
 C 2 That 
 
 '9 
 
(12) 
 
 That ere (he did behold, 
 
 Of Pebbles fhe could Diamonds make, 
 
 Groffe Iron turne to Gold : 
 
 Such power there with her prefence came 
 
 Sterne Tempefts fhe alayd. 
 
 The cruell Tigar fhe could tame. 
 
 She raging Torrents ftaid, 
 
 She chid, fhe cherifht, fhe gaue life, 
 
 Againe fhe made to dye. 
 
 She raifd a warre, apeafd a Strife, 
 
 With turning of her eye. 
 
 Some faid a God did her beget. 
 
 But much deceiu'd were they, 
 
 Her Father was a Riuelet, 
 
 Her Mother was a Fay. 
 
 Her Lineaments fo fine that were. 
 
 She from the Fayrie tooke, 
 
 Her Beauties and Completion cleere. 
 
 By nature from the Brooke. 
 
 Thefe Ryualls wayting for the houre 
 
 (The weather^ calme and faire) 
 
 When as fhe vs'd to leaue her Bower 
 
 To take the pleafant ayre. 
 
 Acofting her ; their complement 
 
 To her their Goddeffe done ; 
 
 By gifts they tempt her to confent, 
 
 When Lalus thus begun. 
 
 Lalus. Sweet Lirope I haue a Lambe 
 
 Newly wayned from the Damme, 
 * Without Of the right kinde, it is * notted, 
 homes. Naturally with purple fpotted, 
 
 Into laughter it will put you, 
 
 To fee how prettily 'twill But you ; 
 
 When on fporting it is fet, 
 
 It will beate you a Corvet, 
 
 And at euery nimble bound 
 
 Turne 
 
(13) 
 
 Turne it felfe aboue the ground ; 
 
 When tis hungry it will bleate, 
 
 From your hand to haue its meate, 
 
 And when it hath fully fed, 
 
 It will fetch lumpes aboue your head, 
 
 As innocently to expreffe 
 
 Its filly fheepifh thankfullneffe, 
 
 When you bid it, it will play, 
 
 Be it either night or day, 
 
 This Lirope I haue for thee, 
 
 So thou alone wilt Hue with me. 
 
 Clean. From him O turne thine eare away, 
 And heare me my lou'd Lirope, 
 I haue a Kid as white as milke. 
 His skin as foft as Naples filke. 
 His homes in length are wondrous euen, 
 And curioufly by nature writhen ; 
 It is of th' Arcadian kinde, 
 Ther's not the like twixt either hide ; 
 If you walke, 'twill walke you by. 
 If you fit downe, it downe will lye, 
 It with gefture will you wooe, 
 And counterfeit thofe things you doe ; 
 Ore each Hillock it will vault, 
 And nimbly doe the Summer-fault, J 
 Vpon the hinder Legs 'twill goe. 
 And follow you a furlong fo, 
 And if by chance a Tune you roate, 
 'Twill foote it finely to your note, 
 Seeke the world and you may miffe 
 To finde out fuch a thing as this ; 
 This my love I haue for thee 
 So thou'lt leaue him and goe with me. 
 
 Lirope. Beleeue me Youths your gifts are rare, 
 And you offer wondrous faire ; 
 
 C 3 Lalus. 
 
(14) 
 
 Labis for Lambe, Clean for Kyd, 
 
 'Tis hard to iudge which moft doth bid, 
 
 And haue you two fuch things in (lore, 
 
 And I n'er knew of them before ? 
 
 Well yet I dare a Wager lay 
 
 That Brag my litle Dog fhall play, 
 
 As dainty tricks when I fhall bid, 
 
 As La Ills Lambe, or Cleans Kid. 
 
 But t'may fall out that I may need them 
 
 Till when yee may doe well to feed them ; 
 
 Your Goate and Mutton pretty be 
 
 But Youths thefe are noe bayts for me, 
 
 Alafle good men, in vaine ye wooe, 
 
 'Tis not your Lambe nor Kid will doe. 
 
 Laltis. I haue two Sparrowes white as Snow, 
 Whofe pretty eyes like fparkes doe fhow ; 
 In her Bofome Venus hatcht them 
 Where her little Cupid watcht them. 
 Till they too fledge their Xefts forfooke 
 Themfelues and to the Fields betooke, 
 Where by chance a Fowler caught them 
 Of whom I full dearely bought them ; 
 *T/u reddi They'll fetch you Conferue from the * Hip, 
 
 Bramble. Through their nibling bills they'll Chirup 
 And flutering feed you with the Sirup, 
 And if thence you put them by 
 They to your white necke will flye. 
 And if jou expulfe them there 
 They'll hang vpon your braded Hayrc ; 
 You fo long fhall fee them prattle 
 Till at length they'll fall to battle, 
 And when they haue fought their fill. 
 You will fmile to fee them bill 
 Thefe Birds my Lirope's fhall be 
 So thou'llt leaue him and goe with me. 
 
 Clcoii. 
 
(15) 
 
 Cleon. His Sparrowes are not worth a rufli 
 rie finde as good in euery bufh, 
 Of Doues I haue a dainty paire 
 Which when you pleafe to take the Aier, 
 About your head fhall gently houer 
 Your Cleere browe from the Sunne to couer, 
 And with their nimble wings fhall fan you, 
 That neither Cold nor Heate fhall tan you, 
 And like Vmbrellas with their feathers 
 Sheeld you in all forts of weathers : 
 They be moft dainty Coloured things. 
 They haue Damask backs and Chequerd wings. 
 Their neckes more Various Collours fhowe 
 Then there be mixed in the Bowe ; 
 Venus faw the leffer Doue 
 And therewith was farre in Loue, 
 Offering for't her goulden Ball 
 for her Sonne to play withall ; 
 Thefe my Liropes {l">all be 
 So fhee'U leaue him and goe with me. 
 
 Lirope. Then for Sparrowes, and for Doues 
 I am fitted twixt my Loues, 
 But Lalus, I take noe delight 
 In Sparowes, for they'll fcratch and bite 
 And though ioynd, they are euer wooing 
 Alwayes billing if not doeing, 
 Twixt Venus breafts if they haue lyen 
 I much feare they'll infeft myne ; 
 Cleon your Doues are very dainty, 
 Tame Pidgeons elfe you knowe are plenty, 
 Thefe may winne fome of your Marrowes 
 I am not caught with Doues, nor Sparrowes, 
 I thanke ye kindly for your Cofte, 
 Yet your labour is but lofte. 
 
 ?3 
 
 Lalus. 
 
(i6y 
 
 Lalus. With full-leau'd Lillies I will ftick 
 Thy braded hayre all o'r fo thick, 
 That from it a Light fhall throw 
 Like the Sunnes vpon the Snow. 
 Thy Mantle fhall be Violet Leaues, 
 With the fin'ft the Silkeworme weaues 
 As finly Wouen ; whofe rich fmell 
 The Ayre about thee fo fhall fwell 
 That it fhall haue no power to mooue. 
 A Ruffe of Pinkes thy Robe aboue 
 About thy necke fo neatly fet 
 that Art it cannot counterfet, 
 Which ftill fhall looke fo Frefh and new, 
 As if vpon their Roots they grew : 
 And for thy head He haue a Tyer 
 Of netting, made of Stawbery wyer. 
 And in each knot that doth compofe 
 A Melh, fliall ftick a halfe blowne Rofe, 
 Red, damaske, white, in order fet 
 About the fides, fhall run a Fret 
 Of Primrofes, the Tyer throughout 
 With Thrift and Dayfyes frindgd about ; 
 All this faire Nimph He doe for thee, 
 So thou'lt leaue him and goe with me. 
 
 Clean. Thefe be but weeds and Trafh he brings. 
 He giue thee folid, coftly things. 
 His will whither and be gone 
 Before thou well canfl. put them on ; 
 With Currall I will haue thee Crown'd, 
 Whofe Branches intricatly wound 
 Shall girt thy Temples euery way ; 
 And on the top of euery Spray 
 Shall ftick a Pearle orient and great. 
 Which fo the wandring Birds fhall cheat. 
 That fome fhall ftoope to looke for Cheries, 
 As other for tralucent Berries. 
 
 And 
 
 24 
 
(17) 
 
 And wondring, caught e'r they be ware 
 In the curld Tramels of thy hayre : 
 And for thy necke a Chriftall Chaine 
 Whofe lincks fliapt like to drops of Raine, 
 Vpon thy panting Breaft depending, 
 Shall feeme as they were ftill defcending, 
 And as thy breath doth come and goe. 
 So feeming ftill to ebbe and flow : 
 With Amber Bracelets cut like Bees, 
 Whofe ftrange tranfparancy who fees, 
 With Silke fmall as the Spiders Twift 
 Doubled fo oft about thy Wrift, 
 Would furely thinke aliue they were, 
 From Lillies gathering hony there. 
 Thy Buskins Ivory, caru'd like Shels 
 Of Scallope, which as litlte Bels 
 Made hollow, with the Ayre fhall Chime, 
 And to thy fteps ft all keepe the time : 
 Leaue Lalus, Lirope for me 
 And thefe fhall thy rich dowry be. 
 
 Lirope. Lalus for Flowers Clean for lemmea, 
 For Garlands and for Diadems 
 I fhall be fped, why this is braue. 
 What Nimph can choicer Frefents haue. 
 With dreffing, brading, frowncing, flowring, 
 All your lewels on me powring, 
 In this brauery being dreft. 
 To the ground I fhall be preft, 
 That I doubt the Nimphes will feare me, 
 Nor will venture to come neare me ; 
 Neuer Lady of the May, 
 To this houre was halfe fo gay ; 
 All in flowers, all fo fweet. 
 From the Crowne, beneath the Feet, 
 Amber, Currall, Ivory, Pearle, 
 If this cannot winne a Gerle, 
 
 D There's 
 
 d 25 
 
(i8) 
 
 Thers nothing can, and this ye wooe me, 
 Giue me your hands and truft ye to me, 
 (Yet to tell ye I am loth) 
 That rie haue neither of you both ; 
 
 Lalus. When thou fhalt pleafe to ftem the flood, 
 (As thou art of the watry brood) 
 rie haue twelue Swannes more white then Snow, 
 Yokd for the purpofe two and two, 
 To drawe thy Barge wrought of fine Reed 
 So well that it nought elfe fhall need. 
 The Traces by which they fhall hayle 
 Thy Barge : fhall be the winding trayle 
 Of woodbynd ; whofe braue Taffeld Flowers 
 (The Sweetneffe of the Woodnimphs Bovvres) 
 Shall be the Trappings to adorne, 
 The Swannes, by which thy Barge is borne. 
 Of flowred Flags I'le rob the banke 
 Of water-Cans and King-cups ranck 
 To be the Couering of thy Boate, 
 And on the Streame as thou do'ft Floate, 
 The Naiades that haunt the deepe, 
 Themfelues about thy Barge fhall keepe, 
 Recording moft delightfuU Layes, 
 By Sea Gods written in thy prayfe. 
 And in what place thou hapft to land, 
 There the gentle Siluery fand. 
 Shall foften, curled with the Aier 
 As fenfible of thy repayre : 
 This my deare loue I'le doe for thee, 
 So Thou'lt leaue him and goe with me : 
 
 Cleon. Tufh Nimphe his Swannes will proue but Geefe, 
 His Barge drinke water like a Fleece ; 
 A Boat is bafe, I'le thee prouide, 
 A Chariot, wherin lone may ride ; 
 In which when brauely thou art borne, 
 
 Thou 
 
 26 
 
(19) 
 
 Thou fhalt looke like the gloryous morne 
 
 Vfhering the Sunne, and fuch a one 
 
 As to this day was neuer none, 
 
 Of the Rareft Indian Gummes, 
 
 More pretious then your Balfainummes 
 
 Which I by Art haue made fo hard, 
 
 That they with Tooles may well be Caru'd 
 
 To make a Coach of: which fhall be 
 
 Materyalls of this one for thee. 
 
 And of thy Chariot each fmall peece 
 
 Shall inlayd be with Amber Greece, 
 
 And guilded with the Yellow ore 
 
 Produc'd from Tagus wealthy fhore ; 
 
 In which along the pleafant Lawne, 
 
 With twelue white Stags thou flialt be drawne, 
 
 Whofe brancht palmes of a ftately height. 
 
 With feuerall nofegayes fhall be dight ; 
 
 And as thou ryd'ft, thy Coach about, 
 
 For thy ftrong guard (hall runne a Rout, 
 
 Of Eftriges ; whofe Curled plumes, 
 
 Sen'sd with thy Chariots rich perfumes, 
 
 The fcent into the Aier fhall throw ; 
 
 Whofe naked Thyes fhall grace the fliow ; 
 
 Whilft the Woodnimphs and thofe bred 
 
 Vpon the mountayns, o'r thy head 
 
 Shall beare a Canopy of flowers, 
 
 Tinfeld with drops of Aprill fhowers. 
 
 Which fhall make more glorious fhowes 
 
 Then fpangles, or your filuer Oas ; 
 
 This bright nimph I'le doe for thee 
 
 So thou'lt leaue him and goe with me. 
 
 Lirope. Vie and reuie, like Chapmen profer'd, 
 Would't be receaued what you haue offer'd ; 
 
 D 2 Ye 
 
 27 
 
(20) 
 
 Ye greater honour can doe me, 
 
 If not building Altars to me : 
 
 Both by Water and by Land, 
 
 Bardge and Chariot at command ; 
 
 Swans vpon the Streame to tawe me. 
 
 Stags vpon the Land to draw me, 
 
 In all this Pompe fhould I be feene, 
 
 What a pore thing were a Queene : 
 
 All delights in fuch exceffe. 
 
 As but yee, who can expreffe : 
 
 Thus mounted fhould the Nimphes me fee. 
 
 All the troope would follow me. 
 
 Thinking by this ftate that I 
 
 Would afume a Deitie. 
 
 There be fome in loue haue bin. 
 
 And I may commit that finne. 
 
 And if e'r I be in loue. 
 
 With one of you I feare twill proue. 
 
 But with which I cannot tell. 
 
 So my gallant Youths farewell. 
 
 The 
 
(21) 
 
 The third Nimphall. 
 
 doron dorilvs 
 
 n ai i s c loe 
 
 Cloris Mertilla 
 
 Claia Florimel 
 
 With Nimphes and Forrefters. 
 
 Poetick Raptures, facred fires. 
 With which, Apollo his infpires, 
 This Nimphall guies you ; and withall 
 Obferues the Mufes Fejlivall. 
 
 AMongft th'EHzians many mirthfull Feafts, 
 At which the Mufes are the certaine guefts, 
 Th'obferue one Day with moft Emperiall ftate, 
 To wife Apollo which they dedicate, 
 The Poets God, and to his Alters bring 
 Th'enaml'd Brauery of the beauteous fpring. 
 And ftrew their Bowers with euery precious fweet, 
 Which ftill wax frefh, moft trod on with their feet ; 
 With moft choice flowers each Nimph doth brade her hayre, 
 And not the mean'ft but bauldrick wife doth weare 
 Some goodly Garland, and the moft renown'd 
 With curious Rofeat Anadems are crown'd. 
 Thefe being come into the place where they 
 Yearely obferue the Orgies to that day. 
 The Mufes from their Heliconian fpring 
 Their brimful! Mazers to the feafling bring : 
 When with deepe Draughts out of thofe plenteous Bowles, 
 The iocond Youth haue fwild their thirfty foules, 
 They fall enraged with a facred heat, 
 
 D 3 And 
 
 2g 
 
(22) 
 
 And when their braines doe once beghi to fweat 
 
 They into braue and Stately numbers breake, 
 
 And not a word that any one doth fpeake 
 
 But tis Prophetick, and fo (Irangely farre 
 
 In their high fury they tranfported are, 
 
 As there's not one, on any thing can ftraine. 
 
 But by another anfwred is againe 
 
 In the fame Rapture, which all fit to heare ; 
 
 When as two Youths that foundly liquord were, 
 
 Dorilus and Doron, two as noble fwayns 
 
 As euer kept on the Elizian playns, ' 
 
 Firft by their fignes attention hauing woonne, 
 
 Thus they the Revels frolikly begunne. 
 
 Doron. Come Dorilus, let vs be brave. 
 In lofty numbers let vs rane, 
 With Rymes I will inrick thee. 
 
 Dorilus. Content fay I, then bid the bafe, 
 Our wits fliall runtie the Wildgoofe chafe, 
 Spiirre vp, or I ivillftvich thee. 
 
 Doron. The Sunne out of the Eafi doth peepe, 
 A nd noiv the day begins to creepe, 
 Vpon the world at leafure. 
 
 Dorilus. The Ay re enanior'd of the Greaues, 
 The Weft winde ftroaks the velvit leaues 
 And kiffes them at pleaftire. 
 
 Doron. The Spinners webs twixt fpray and fpray. 
 The top of euery bufh make gay. 
 By filmy coards there dangling. 
 
 Dorilus. For noiv the lafl dayes euening deiv 
 Eiien to the full it felfe doth fliciv. 
 Each boitgli with Pearle befpangling. 
 
 Doron. 
 
 3° 
 
(23) 
 
 Doron. O Boy hoiv thy abundant vaine 
 Euen like a Flood breaks from thy braine, 
 Nor can thy Mufe be gaged. 
 
 Dorilus. Why nature forth did jieiier bring 
 A man that like to me can fing, 
 If once I be enraged. 
 
 Doron. Why Dorilus / in my skill 
 Can make the fwiftefi Stream fiand flill, 
 Nay bcare back to his fpringing. 
 
 Dorilus. And I into a Trance niofi dccpe 
 Can cajl the Birds that they fliall fleepe 
 When fain'fl they would be finging. 
 
 Doron. Why Dorilus thou, mak'fl me mad, 
 A nd now my wits begin to gad. 
 But f lire I knoiv not whither. 
 
 Dorilus. O Doron let me hug thee then, 
 There neiier luas two madder men. 
 Then let vs on together. 
 
 Doron. Hermes the winged Horfe beflrid. 
 And thorow thick and thin he rid. 
 And flojindred throw the Fountaine. 
 
 Dorilus. Hefpurd the Tit vntill he bled, 
 So that at lafl he ran his head 
 Againfl the forked Mountaine. 
 
 Doron. How fayfl tliou, but pyde \r\s got, 
 Into great lunos Chariot, 
 I f pake with one that f aw Iter. 
 
 Dorilus. 
 
 31 
 
(24) 
 
 Dorilus. And there the pert and/awcy Elfe 
 BeJiau'd her as twere luno's/e//e, 
 And made the Peacoks draw her. 
 
 Doron. He borrow Yhcs^hns fiery lades, 
 With zvhich about the world he trades. 
 And put them in my Plow. 
 
 Dorilus. thou mojl perfe£l frantiqne man, 
 Yet let thy rage be what it ca7i. 
 He be as mad as thou. 
 
 Doron. lie to great love, hap good, hap ill, 
 Though he with Thunder threat to kill, 
 And beg of liim a boone. 
 
 Dorilus. To fwerue vp one of Cynthias beames. 
 And there to bath thee in the Jlreames, 
 Difcouerd in the Moone. 
 
 Doron. Come frolick Youth and follow me. 
 My frantique boy, and He fliow thee 
 The Countrey of the Fayries. 
 
 Dorilus. Theflefliy Mandrake where t doth groiv 
 In nootifhade of the Mijlletow, 
 And where the Phoenix Aryes. 
 
 Doron. Alay more, the Swallowes winter bed, 
 The Cavertis where the Winds are bred, 
 Since thus thou talkjl of fhowing. 
 
 Dorilus. And to tJiofe Indraughts He thee bring, 
 That wondrous and eternall fpring 
 Whence th' Ocean hath its flowing. 
 
 Doron. 
 
 32 
 
(25) 
 Dbron. We'll downe to the darke houfe ofjleepe. 
 Where fnorlng Morpheus doth keepe, 
 And wake the drowfy Groome. 
 
 Dorilus. Downe Jhall the Dores and Windoives goe, 
 The Stooles vpon the Floare we'll throw. 
 And roare about the Roome. 
 
 The Mufes here commanded them to fbay, 
 Commending much the caridge of their Lay 
 As greatly pleafd at this their madding Bout, 
 To heare how brauely they had borne it out 
 From firft to the laft, of which they were right glad, 
 By this they found that Helicon ftill had 
 That vertue it did anciently retaine 
 When Orpheus Lynus and th'Afcrean Swaine 
 Tooke lufby Rowfes, which hath made their Rimes, 
 To laft fo long to all fucceeding times. 
 And now amongft this beauteous Beauie here, 
 Two wanton Nimphes, though dainty ones they were, 
 Naijs and Cloe in their female fits 
 Longing to fhow the fharpneffe of their wits, 
 Of the nine Sifters fpeciall leaue doe craue 
 That the next Bout they two might freely haue. 
 Who hauing got the fuffrages of all. 
 Thus to their Rimeing inftantly they fall. 
 
 Naijs. Amongft you all let vsfee 
 Who ift oppofes mee, 
 Come on the proudeft Jhe 
 To cenfwere my ditty e. 
 
 Cloe. Why Naijs, that am I, 
 Who dares thy pride defie ? 
 And that wefoonefttall try 
 Though thou be witty. 
 
 E Naijs. 
 
 « 33 
 
(26) 
 
 Naijs. Cloe I fcorne my Rime 
 Should ohferuefeet or time, 
 Now I fall, then I clime. 
 What i'Jl I dare not. 
 
 Cloe. Giue thy Invention wing. 
 And lether flert and fling. 
 Till downe the Rocks Jhe ding. 
 For tliat I care not. 
 
 Naijs. This prefence delights me. 
 My freedome inuites me, 
 The Sea/on excytes me. 
 In Rime to be merry. 
 
 Cloe. A nd I beyond meafure. 
 Am rauijht with pleafure, 
 To aftfwer each Cea/ure, 
 Vntill thou beift weary. 
 
 Naijs. Behold the Rofye Dawne, 
 Rifes in Tinjild Lawne, 
 And fmiling feemes to fazvne, 
 Vpon the mountaines. 
 
 Cloe. Awaked from her Dreames 
 Shooting foorth goidden Beames 
 Danfing vpon the Streames 
 Courting the Fountaines. 
 
 Naijs. Thefe more thenfzveet Showrets, 
 Intice vp thefe Flowrets, 
 To trim vp our Bowrets, 
 Perfuming our Coats. 
 
 Cloe. Whil/i the Birds billing 
 Each one with his Billing 
 
 The 
 
 34 
 
(27) 
 
 Tlie thickets Jlill filling 
 With Amorous Noets. 
 
 Naijs. The Bees vp in hony rould. 
 More then their thighes can honld, 
 Lapt in their liquid gould, 
 Their Trea/ure vs bringing. 
 
 . Cloe. To thefe Rillets purling 
 Vpon thejlones Curling, 
 And oft about wherling, 
 Dance tow'ard their fpringing. 
 
 Naijs. The Wood-Nimphes fit finging. 
 Each Groue with notes ringing, 
 Whilfi frejh Ver is flinging, 
 Her Bounties abroad. 
 
 Cloe. So much as the Turtle, 
 Vpon the low Mertle, 
 To the meads fertle. 
 Her Cares doth vnload. 
 
 Naijs. Nay 'tis a world to fee. 
 In euery bufh and Tree, 
 The Birds with mirth and glee, 
 Woo'd as they woe. 
 
 Cloe. The Robin and the Wren, 
 Etiery Cocke with his Hen, 
 Why fhould not we and men. 
 Doe as they doe. 
 
 Naijs. The Faires are hopping, 
 Thefmall Flowers cropping. 
 And with dew dropping, 
 Skip thorow the Greaues. 
 
 E 2 Cloe. 
 
 35 
 
(28) 
 
 Cloe. At Barly-breake they play 
 Merrily all the day, 
 A t night themfelues they lay 
 Vpon the f oft leaues. 
 
 Naijs. The gentle winds /ally 
 Vpon eueiy Valley, 
 And many times dally 
 A nd wantonly /port. 
 
 Cloe. About the fields tracing. 
 Each other in chafing. 
 And of ten imbracing. 
 In amoro7is fort. 
 
 Naijs. A nd Eccho oft doth tell 
 Wondrous things from her Cell, 
 As her what chance befell. 
 Learning to prattle. 
 
 Cloe. And now fhe fits and mocks 
 The Shepherds and their flocks. 
 And the H cards from the Rocks 
 Keeping their Cattle. 
 
 WHen to thefe Maids the Mufes filence cry. 
 For twas th'opinion of the Company, 
 That were not thefe two taken of, that they 
 Would in their Conflifl wholly fpend they day. 
 When as the Turne to Florimel next came, 
 A Nimph for Beauty of efpeciall name. 
 Yet was fhe not fo lolly as the reft : 
 And though ftie were by her companions preft, 
 Yet fhe by no intreaty would be wrought 
 To fmg, as by th'EHzian Lawes (he ought : 
 When two bright Nimphes that her companions were, 
 And of all other onely held her deare, 
 
 Mild 
 
 36 
 
(29) 
 Mild Claris and Mertilla, with faire fpeech 
 Their moft beloued Florimel befeech, 
 T'obferue the Mufes, and the more to vvooe her, 
 They take their turnes, and thus they fing vnto her. 
 
 Cloris. Sing Florimel, O fing, and wee 
 Our wliole wealth will giue to thee. 
 Will rob the brim of euery Fountaine, 
 Strip the fweets from every Mountaine, 
 We will fiveefe the curled valleys, 
 Brufh the bancks that mound our allyes. 
 We will mtifter natures dainties 
 Whenfhe wallozves in her plenty es. 
 The lufhyous fmell of euery flower 
 New zvajht by an Aprill fhower, 
 Ttie Miftreffe of her flore we'll make thee 
 That fhe for her felfe fliall take thee ; 
 Can there be a dainty thing. 
 That's not thine if thou wilt fing. 
 
 Mertilla. When the dew in May diftilleth, 
 And the Earths rich bofome filleth. 
 And with Pearle embrouds each Meadow, 
 
 We will make them like a widow, 
 And in all their Beauties dreffe thee. 
 And of all their fpoiles poffeffe thee. 
 
 With all the bounties Zephyre brings, 
 Breathing on the yearely fprings, 
 
 The gaudy bloomes of euery Tree 
 In their mofi Beauty when they be, 
 
 What is here that may delight thee. 
 
 Or to pleafure may excite thee, 
 
 Can there be a dainty thing 
 
 Thafs not thine if thou wilt fing. 
 
 B 
 
 Vt Florimel ftill fullenly replyes 
 I will not fing at all, let that fuffice : 
 
 E 3 When 
 
 37 
 
(30) 
 
 When as a Nimph one of the merry ging 
 Seeing fhe no way could be wonne to fing ; 
 Come, come, quoth fhe, ye vtterly vndoe her 
 With your intreaties, and your reuerence to her ; 
 For praife nor prayers, fhe careth not a pin ; 
 They that our froward Florimel would winne, 
 Muft worke another way, let me come to her, 
 Either He make her fmg, or He vndoe her. 
 
 Claia. Florimel T thus coniure thee. 
 Since their gifts cannot alure thee ; 
 By Jlampt Garlick, that dothjli^tk, 
 Worfe then common Seiver, or Sink, 
 By Henbane, Dogjbane, Woolfsbane, fweet 
 As any Clownes or Carriers feet. 
 By flinging Nettles, pricking Teafels 
 Rayfing bliflers like the meafels. 
 By the rough Burbreeding docks, 
 Rancker then the oldefl Fox, 
 By filthy Hemblock, poyfning more 
 Then any vlcer or old fore. 
 By the Cockle in the come 
 That fmels farre worfe than doth burnt home, 
 By Hempe hi water that hath layne, 
 By zvhofe flench the Fift are flay ne, 
 By Toadflax which your Nofe may tafl. 
 If yon haue a minde to cafl, 
 May all filthy flinking Weeds 
 That e'r bore leafe, or e'r had feeds, 
 Florimel be giuen to thee. 
 If thou' It not fing afwell as wee. 
 
 AT which the Nimphs to open laughter fell, 
 Amongft the reft the beauteous Florimel, 
 (Pleafd with the fpell from Claia that came, 
 A mirthfull Gerle and giuen to fport and game) 
 
 As 
 38 
 
(31) 
 
 As gamefome growes as any of them all, 
 And to this ditty inftantly doth fall. 
 
 Florimel. How in my tJwughts Jliould I contrme 
 The Image I am framing, 
 Which is fo farre fuperlatine, 
 As tis beyond all naming ; 
 I would love of my coiinfell make, 
 And haue his iudgcment in it. 
 But that I doubt he would miflake 
 How rightly to begin it : 
 It mufl be builded in the Ayre, 
 And tis my thoughts mufl doe it, 
 And onely they mufl be the flayre 
 From earth to mount me to it, 
 For of my Sex I frame my Lay, 
 Each houre, oiir felues forfaking. 
 How fhould I then finde oiU the zvay 
 To this my vndertakhig. 
 When our weake Fancies working flill, 
 Yet changing euery minnit. 
 Window that it requires fome skill, 
 Such difficulty's in it. 
 We would things, yet ive know not what, 
 And let our will be granted. 
 Yet inflantly we finde in that 
 Something vnthought of wanted : 
 Our ioyes and hopes fuch fltadowes are. 
 As with our motions varry. 
 Which when we oft haue fetcht from farre. 
 With vs they neuer tarry : 
 Some worldly croffe doth flill attend. 
 What long we haue binfpinning. 
 And ^r we fully get the end 
 We lofe of our beginning. 
 Our pollicies fo peevifh are. 
 That ivith themfelues they wrangle. 
 
 And 
 
 39 
 
(32) 
 
 And many times become the fnare 
 
 That foonejl vs intangle; 
 
 For that the Lone we beare our Friends 
 
 Though nere fo Jlrongly grounded, 
 
 Hath in it certaine oblique ends, 
 
 If to the bottome founded : 
 
 Our oivne well wifJiing making it, 
 
 A pardonable Treafon ; 
 
 For that it is deriud from witt, 
 
 A nd vnderpropt with reafon. 
 
 For our Deare felues beloued fake 
 
 (Euen in the depth of paflion) 
 
 Our Center though our felues we make. 
 
 Yet is not that ourflation ; 
 
 For whilfl our Br owes ambitious be 
 
 And youth at hand awayts vs. 
 
 It is a pretty thing to fee 
 
 Ho2v finely Beau tie cheats vs 
 
 A nd whylfl ivith tyme we tryfling fland 
 
 To pra£life A ntique g races 
 
 Age with a pale and witherd hatid 
 
 Drawes Furowes in our faces. 
 
 WHen they which fo defirous were before 
 To hear her fing ; defirous are far more 
 To haue her ceafe ; and call to haue her ftayd 
 For flie to much alredy had bewray'd. 
 And as the thrice three Sifters thus had grac'd 
 Their Celebration, and themfelues had plac'd 
 Vpon a Violet banck, in order all 
 Where they at will might view the Feftifall 
 The Nimphs and all the lufty youth that were 
 At this braue Nimphall, by them honored there, 
 To Gratiiie the heauenly Gerles againe 
 Laftly prepare in ftate to entertaine 
 Thofe facred Sifters, fairely and confer. 
 On each of them, their prayfe particular 
 
 40 
 
 And 
 
(33) 
 
 And thus the Nimphes to the nine Mufes fung, 
 When as the Youth and Forrefters among 
 That well prepared for this bufineffe were, 
 Become the Chorus, and thus lung they there. 
 
 Nimphes. Clio tliou firji of thofe Celejiiall nine 
 That daily offer to the facredjitryne, 
 Of wife Apollo; Queene of Stories, 
 Thou that vindicat'fi the glories 
 Of paffed ages, and renew Jl 
 Their a£ls xvhich euery day thou viewft. 
 And from a lethargy dofl keepe 
 Old nodding time, elf e prone tofleepe. 
 
 Chorus. Clio O craue of Phoebus to infpire 
 Vs,for his Altars with his holieflfire, 
 And let his glorious euer-fhining Rayes 
 Glue life and growth to our Elizian Bayes. 
 
 Nimphes. Melpomine thou melancholly Maid 
 Next, to wife Phcebus we inuoke thy ayd. 
 In Buskins that doftflride the Stage, 
 A nd in thy deepe diflra£led rage. 
 In blood-fhed that dofl take delight, 
 Thy obie£l the mofi fearfull fight. 
 That louefl the fighes, the fhreekes, and founds 
 Of horrors, that arife from wounds. 
 
 Chorus. Sad Mufe, O craue of Phcebus to infpire 
 Vs for his Altars, with his holieflfire. 
 And let his glorious euer-fhining Rayes 
 Giue life and growth to our Elizian Bayes. 
 
 Nimphes. Comick Thalia then we come to thee, 
 Thou mirthfull May den, onely that in glee 
 And in loues deceits, thy pleafure tak'fl. 
 Of which thy varying Scene that niaMft 
 
 F And 
 
 f 41 
 
(34) 
 
 And in thy nimble Sock ddjijlirre 
 Loude laughter through the TJieater, 
 That with the Peafant mak'Ji thee /port. 
 As well as with the better fort. 
 
 Chorus. Thalia craue o/"Phebus to infpire, 
 Vs for his Alters with his holyefifier; 
 And let his glorious euer-fhitiing Rayes 
 Giue life, and growth to our Elizian Bayes. 
 
 Nimphes. Euterpe next to thee we will proceed, 
 That firfl found' ft out the Mufick on the Reed, 
 With breath and fingers giuing life, 
 To the fhrill Cornet and the Fyfe, 
 Teaching euery flop and kaye, 
 To thofe vpon the Pipe that play e, 
 Thofe which Wind-Infiruments we call 
 Or f oft, or lowd, or greate, or fmall. 
 
 Chorus. Euterpe aske of Phebus to infpire, 
 Vs for his Alters with his holy efi fire 
 A nd let his glorious euer-fhining Rayes 
 Giue life and growth to our Elizian Bayes. 
 
 Nimphes. Terpfichore that of the Lute and Lyre, 
 And Inflruments that found zvith Cords and Wyere, 
 That art the Miflres, to commaund 
 The touch of the mofl Curious hand. 
 When euery Quauer doth Imbrace 
 His like, in a true Diapafe, 
 A nd euery firing his found doth fill 
 Toucht with the Finger or the Quill. 
 
 Chorus. Terpfichore, craue Phebus to infpire 
 Vs for his Alters with his holyefifier 
 A nd let his glorious euer-fhining Rayes 
 Giue life and growth to our Elizian Bayes. Nimphes. 
 
(35) 
 
 Nimphes. Then Erato wife mufe on thee we call 
 In Lynes to vs that do'Jl demonjlrate all. 
 
 Which neatly, with thy Staffe and Bowe, 
 Do'Ji meafure, and proportion Jhowe; 
 Motion and Gejlure that dojl teach 
 That euery height and depth canjl reach, 
 And ddjl demonjlrate by thy Art 
 
 What nature elfe would not Impart. 
 
 Chorus. Deare Erato craue Phebus to infpire 
 Vs for his Alters with his holy ejl fire, 
 And let his glorious euer-fhining Rayes, 
 Giue life and growth to our Elizian Bayes. 
 
 Nimphes. To thee then braue Caliope we come 
 Thou that maintain'fl, the Trumpet, and the Drum ; 
 The neighing Steed that louefl to heare, 
 Clafhing of Armes doth pleafe thine eare, 
 In lofty Lines that do'fi rehearfe 
 Things worthy of a thundring verfe. 
 And at no tyme art heard to firaine, 
 On ought, thatfuits a Common vayne. 
 
 Chorus. Caliope, craue Phebus to infpire, 
 Vs for his Alters, with his holyeflfier. 
 And let his glorious euer-fhining Rayes, 
 Giue life and growth to our Elizian Bayes. 
 
 Nimphes. Then Polyhymnia mojl delicious Mayd, 
 In Rhetoricks Flowers that art arayd. 
 In Tropes and Figures, richly drefl, 
 The Fyled Phrafe that louefl befl, 
 That art all Elocution, and 
 The firfl that gau'fl to vnderfland 
 The force of wordes in order p lac' d 
 And with afweet deliuery graced 
 
 F 2 Chorus. 
 
 43 
 
(36) 
 
 Chorus. Sweet Mtife perfwade our Phoebus to injpire 
 Vs for his Altars, with his holiejtfire. 
 And let his glorious euer-Jhirting Rayes 
 Giue life and growth to our Elizian Bayes. 
 
 Nimphes. Lofty Vrania then %ve call to thee. 
 To whom the Heauensfor euer opened be. 
 Thou th' Aferifmes by name dojl call, 
 Andfhewfl when they doe rife and fall. 
 Each Planets force, and dofl diuine 
 His working, feated in his Signe, 
 And how theflarry Frame flill roules 
 Betwixt the fixed fledfafl Poles. 
 
 Chorus. Vrania aske of Phoebus to infpire 
 Vs for his Altars with his holieflfire. 
 And let his glorious euer-fhining Rayes 
 Giue life and growth to our Elizian Bayes. 
 
 Th( 
 
 44 
 
(37) 
 The fourth Nimphall. 
 
 C LO RI s 
 
 and 
 
 M E RTI LLA. 
 
 Chajie Cloris doth difclofe the Jhames 
 Of the Felician frantique Dames, 
 Mertilla7?n«^j fapeafe her woe. 
 To golden wijhes then they goe. 
 
 Mertilla. \ J\ THy how now Cloris, what, thy head 
 
 V V Bound with forfaken Willow ? 
 Is the cold ground become thy bed ? 
 The graffe become thy pillow ? 
 O let not thofe life-lightning eyes 
 In this fad vayle be fhrowded, 
 Which into mourning puts the Skyes, 
 To fee them ouer clowded. 
 
 Cloris. O my Mertilla doe not praife 
 Thefe Lampes fo dimly burning, 
 Such fad and fullen lights as thefe 
 Were onely made for mourning : 
 Their obiefts are the barren Rocks 
 With aged Moffe o'r fhaded ; 
 Now whilft the Spring layes forth her Locks 
 With bloffomes brauely braded. 
 
 Mertilla. O Cloris, Can there be a Spring, 
 O my deare Nimph, they may not. 
 Wanting thine eyes it forth to bring. 
 Without which Nature cannot : 
 
 F 3 Say 
 
 45 
 
(38) 
 
 Say what it is that troubleth thee 
 Encreaft by thy concealing, 
 Speake ; forrowes many times we fee 
 Are lefned by reuealing. 
 
 Claris. Being of late too vainely bent 
 And but at two much leafure ; 
 Not with our Groves and Downes content, 
 But surfetting in pleafure ; 
 Felicia's Fields I would goe fee. 
 Where fame to me reported, 
 The choyce Nimphes of the world to be 
 From meaner beauties forted ; 
 Hoping that I from them might draw 
 Some graces to delight me, 
 But there fuch monftrous fhapes I faw, 
 That to this houre affright me. 
 Throw the thick Hayre, that thatch'd their Browes 
 Their eyes vpon me ftared, 
 Like to thofe raging frantique Frees 
 For Bacchus Feafts prepared : 
 Their Bodies, although ftraight by kinde, 
 Yet they fo monftrous make them, 
 That for huge Bags blowne vp with wind, 
 You very well may take them. 
 Their Bowels in their Elbowes are, 
 Whereon depend their Panches, 
 And their deformed Armes by farre 
 Made larger then their Ranches : 
 For their behauiour and their grace, 
 Which likewife fhould haue priz'd them, 
 Their manners were as beaftly bafe 
 As th'rags that fo difguifd them ; 
 All Anticks, all fo impudent, 
 So faflion'd out of fafhion. 
 As blacke Cocytus vp had fent 
 Her Fry into this nation, 
 
 Whofe 
 
 46 
 
(39) 
 
 Whofe monftroufneffe doth fo perplex, 
 Of Reafon and depriues me, 
 That for their fakes I loath my fex, 
 Which to this fadneffe driues me. 
 
 Mertilla. O my deare Claris be not fad, 
 Nor with thefe Furies danted, 
 But let thefe female fooles be mad, 
 With Hellifh pride inchanted ; 
 Let not thy noble thoughts defcend 
 So low as their affe6lions ; 
 Whom neither counfell can amend, 
 Nor yet the Gods correftions : 
 Such mad folks ne'r let vs bemoane, 
 But rather fcorne their folly. 
 And fmce we two are here alone. 
 To banifh melancholly, 
 Leaue we this lowly creeping vayne 
 Not worthy admiration. 
 And in a braue and lofty ftrayne, 
 Lets exercife our paffion, 
 With wiflies of each others good, 
 From our abundant treafures, 
 And in this iocond fprightly mood 
 Thus alter we our meafures. 
 
 Mertilla. O I could wilh this place were ftrewd with Rofes, 
 And that this Banck were thickly thrumd with Graffe 
 As foft as Sleaue, or Sarcenet euer was, 
 Whereon my Cloris her fweet felfe repofes. 
 
 Claris. O that thefe Dewes Rofewater were for thee, 
 Thefe Mifts Perfumes that hang vpon thefe thicks, 
 And that the Winds were All Aromaticks, 
 Which if my wifh could make them, they fliould bee. 
 
 Mertilla. 
 
 47 
 
(40) 
 
 Mertilla. O that my Bottle one whole Diamond were, 
 So fild with Ne6lar that a Flye might fup, 
 And at one draught that thou mightfl drinke it vp, 
 Yet a Caroufe not good enough I feare. 
 
 •■S' 
 
 Claris. That all the Pearle, the Seas, or Indias haue 
 Were well diffolu'd, and thereof made a Lake, 
 Thou there in bathing, and I by to take 
 Pleafure to fee thee cleerer then the Waue. 
 
 Mertilla. O that the homes of all the Heards we fee 
 Were of fine gold, or elfe that euery home 
 Were like to that one of the Vnicorne, 
 And of all thefe, not one but were thy Fee. 
 
 Claris. O that their Hooues were luory, or fome thing, 
 Then the pur'ft luory farre more Chriftalline, 
 Fild with the food wherewith the Gods doe dine, 
 To keepe thy Youth in a continuall Spring. 
 
 Mertilla. O that the fweets of all the Flowers that grow, 
 The labouring ayre would gather into one, 
 In Gardens, Fields, nor Meadowes leaning none, 
 And all their Sweetneffe vpon thee would throw. 
 
 Claris. Nay that thofe fweet harmonious ftraines we heare, 
 Amongfl: the liuely Birds melodious Layes, 
 As they recording fit vpon the Sprayes, 
 Were houering ftill for Mufick at thine eare. 
 
 Mertilla. O that thy name were caru'd on euery Tree, 
 That as thefe plants, ftill great, and greater grow, 
 Thy name deare Nimph might be enlarged fo. 
 That euery Groue and Coppis might fpeake thee. 
 
 Claris. 
 
 48 
 
(41) 
 
 Claris. Nay would thy name vpon their Rynds were fet, 
 And by the Nimphes fo oft and lowdly fpoken, 
 As that the Ecchoes to that language broken 
 Thy happy name might hourely counterfet. 
 
 Mertilla. O let the Spring ftill put fterne winter by, 
 And in rich Damaske let her Reuell ftill, 
 As it fhould doe if I might haue my will, 
 That thou roightft ftill walke on her Tapiftry ; 
 And thus fmce Fate no longer time alowes 
 Vnder this broad and fhady Sicamore, 
 Where now we fit, as we haue oft before, 
 Thofe yet vnborne fhall offer vp their Vowes. 
 
 G The 
 
 49 
 
(42) 
 
 The fift Nimphall. 
 
 ClAI A 
 
 Lelipa 
 Clarinax a Hermit. 
 
 Of Garlands, Atiadems, and Wreatlies 
 This Nimphall nought but fiveetneffe breathes, 
 Prefents you with delicious Pojies, 
 A nd with powerfull Simples clofes. 
 
 Claia. O EE where old Clarinax is fet, 
 
 kJHis fundry Simples forting, 
 From whofe experience we may get 
 What worthy is reporting. 
 Then Lelipa let vs draw neere, 
 Whilft he his weeds is weathering, 
 I fee fome powerfull Simples there 
 That he hath late bin gathering. 
 Haile gentle Hermit, love thee fpeed. 
 And haue thee in his keeping, 
 And euer helpe thee at thy need, 
 Be thou awake or fleeping. 
 
 Clarinax. Ye payre of moft Celeftiall lights, 
 O Beauties three times burnilht, 
 Who could expeft fuch heauenly wights 
 With Angels features furnifht ; 
 What God doth guide you to this place, 
 To bleffe my homely Bower .'' 
 It cannot be but this high grace 
 Proceeds from fome high power ; 
 The houres like hand-maids ftill attend, 
 
 Difpofed 
 
 5° 
 
(43) 
 
 Difpofed at your pleafure, 
 
 Ordayned to noe other end 
 
 But to awaite your leafure ; 
 
 The Deawes drawne vp into the Aer, 
 
 And by your breathes perfumed, 
 
 In little Clouds doe houer there 
 
 As loath to be confunied : 
 
 The Aer moues not but as you pleafe, 
 
 So much fweet Nimphes it owes you, 
 
 The winds doe caft them to their eafe, 
 
 And amoroufly inclofe you. 
 
 Lelipa. Be not too lauifli of thy praife. 
 Thou good Elizian Hermit, 
 Left fome to heare fuch words as thefe. 
 Perhaps may flattery tearme it ; 
 But of your Simples fomething fay, 
 Which may difcourfe affoords vs, 
 We know your knowledge lyes that way, 
 With fubiefts you haue (lor'd vs. 
 
 Claia. We know for Phyfick yours you get, 
 Which thus you heere are forting, 
 And vpon Garlands we are fet, 
 With Wreathes and Pofyes fporting : 
 Each Garden great abundance yeelds, 
 Whofe Flowers inuite vs thither ; 
 But you abroad in Groues and Fields 
 Your Medc'nall Simples gather. 
 
 Lelipa. The Chaplet and the Anadem, 
 The curled Treffes crowning. 
 We loofer Nimphes delight in them. 
 Not in your Wreathes renowning. 
 
 Clarinax. The Garland long agoe was worne. 
 As Time pleafd to bellow it, 
 
 G 2 The 
 
(44) 
 
 The Lawrell onely to adorne 
 
 The Conquerer and the Poet. 
 
 The Palme his due, who vncontrould, 
 
 On danger looking grauely, 
 
 When Fate had done the worft it could, 
 
 Who bore his Fortunes brauely. 
 
 Moft worthy of the Oken Wreath 
 
 The Ancients him efteemed, 
 
 Who in a Battle had from death 
 
 Some man of worth redeemed. 
 
 About his Temples Graffe they tye, 
 
 Himfelfe that fo behaued 
 
 In fome ftrong Seedge by th'Enemy, 
 
 A City that hath faued. 
 
 A Wreath of Vervaine Herhauts weare, 
 
 Amongft our Garlands named, 
 
 Being fent that dreadfuU newes to beare, 
 
 Offenfiue warre proclaimed. 
 
 The Signe of Peace who firft difplayes, 
 
 The Oliue Wreath poffeffes : 
 
 The Louer with the Myrtle Sprayes 
 
 Adornes his crifped Treffes. 
 
 In Loue the fad forfaken wight 
 
 The Willow Garland weareth : 
 
 The Funerall man befitting night. 
 
 The balefull Cipreffe beareth. 
 
 To Pan we dedicate the Pine, 
 
 Whofe flips the Shepherd graceth : 
 
 Againe the Ivie and the Vine 
 
 On his, fwolne Bacchus placeth. 
 
 Cloia. The Boughes and Sprayes, of which you tell. 
 By you are rightly named. 
 But we with thofe of pretious fmell 
 And colours, are enflamed ; 
 The noble Ancients to excite 
 Men to doe things worth crowning, 
 
 Not 
 
 52 
 
(45) 
 
 Not vnperformed left a Rite, 
 
 To heighten their renowning : 
 
 But they that thofe rewards deuis'd, 
 
 And thofe braue wights that wore them 
 
 By thefe bafe times, though poorely priz'd. 
 
 Yet Hermit we adore them. 
 
 The ftore of euery fruitful! Field 
 
 We Nimphes at will poffeffmg, 
 
 From that variety they yeeld 
 
 Get Flowers for euery dreffing : 
 
 Of Which a Garland He compofe, 
 
 Ihen bufily attend me, 
 
 Thefe Flowers I for that purpofe chofe, 
 
 But where I miffe amend me. 
 
 Clarinax. Well Cloia on with your intent, 
 Lets fee how you will weaue it, 
 Which done, here for a monument 
 I hope with me, you'll leaue it. 
 
 Cloia. Here Damaske Rofes, white and red, 
 Out of my lap firft take I, 
 Which ftill fhall runne along the thred, 
 My chiefeft Flower this make I : 
 Amongft thefe Rofes in a row, 
 Next place I Pinks in plenty, 
 Thefe double Dayfyes then for fhow. 
 And will not this be dainty. 
 The pretty Panfy then He tye 
 Like Stones fome chaine inchafing. 
 And next to them their neere Alye, 
 The purple Violet placing. 
 The curious choyce. Clove luly-flower 
 Whofe kinds height the Carnation 
 For fweetneffe of mofb foueraine power 
 Shall helpe my Wreath to fafhion. 
 Whofe fundry cullers of one kinde 
 
 G 3 Firft 
 
 S3 
 
(46) 
 
 Firft from one Root derived, 
 
 Them in their feuerall futes He binde, 
 
 My Garland fo contriued ; 
 
 A courfe of Cowflips then He ftick, 
 
 And here and there though fparely 
 
 The pleafant Primrofe downe He prick 
 
 Like Pearles, which will fhow rarely : 
 
 Then with thefe Marygolds He make 
 
 My Garland fomewhat fwelling, 
 
 Thefe Honyfuckles then He take, 
 
 Whofe fweets fliall helpe their fmelling : 
 
 The Lilly and the Flower-delice, 
 
 For colour much contenting, 
 
 For that, I them doe onely prize, 
 
 They are but pore in fenting : 
 
 The Daffadill mofl dainty is 
 
 To match with thefe in meetneffe ; 
 
 The Columbyne compar'd to this. 
 
 All much alike for fweetneffe. 
 
 Thefe in their natures onely are 
 
 Fit to emboffe the border. 
 
 Therefore He take efpeciall care 
 
 To place them in their order : 
 
 Sweet- Williams, Campions, Sops-in-wine 
 
 One by another neatly : 
 
 Thus haue I made this Wreath of mine. 
 
 And finifhed it featly. 
 
 Lelipa. Your Garland thus you finiflit haue. 
 Then as we haue attended 
 Your leafure, likewife let me craue 
 I may the like be friended. 
 Thofe gaudy garifh Flowers you chufe, 
 In which our Nimphes are flaunting, 
 Which they at Feafts and Brydals vfe, 
 The fight and fmell inchanting : 
 A Chaplet me of Hearbs He make, 
 
 Then 
 
 54 
 
(47) 
 
 Then which though yours be brauer, 
 
 Yet this of myne I'le vndertake 
 
 Shall not be fhort in fauour. 
 
 With BafiU then I will begin, 
 
 Whofe fcent is wondrous pleafing, 
 
 This Eglantine I'le next put in, 
 
 The fenfe with fweetnes feafing. 
 
 Then in my Lauender I'le lay, 
 
 Mufcado put among it. 
 
 And here and there a leafe of Bay, 
 
 Which ftill fhall runne along it. 
 
 Germander, Marieram, and Tyme 
 
 Which vfed are for ftrewing, 
 
 With Hifop as an hearbe moft pryme 
 
 Here in my wreath beftowing. 
 
 Then Balme and M3mt helps to make vp 
 
 My Chaplet, and for Tryall, 
 
 Coftmary that fo likes the Cup, 
 
 And next it Penieryall 
 
 Then Burnet fhall beare vp with this 
 
 Whofe leafe I greatly fanfy, 
 
 Some Camomile doth not amiffe 
 
 With Sauory and fome Tanfy, 
 
 Then heere and there I'le put a fprig 
 
 Of Rofemary into it 
 
 Thus not too little nor too big 
 
 Tis done if I can doe it. 
 
 Clarinax. Claia your Garland is moft gaye, 
 Compof 'd of curious Flowers, 
 And fo moft louely Lelipa, 
 This Chaplet is of yours. 
 In goodly Gardens yours you get 
 Where you your laps haue laded ; 
 My fymples are by Nature fet. 
 In Groues and Fields vntraded. 
 Your Flowers moft curioufly you twyne, 
 
 Each 
 
 55 
 
(48) 
 
 Each one his place fupplying, 
 
 But thefe rough harfher Hearbs of mine, 
 
 About me rudely lying, 
 
 Of which fome dvvarfifli Weeds there be, 
 
 Some of a larger ftature, 
 
 Some by experience as we fee, 
 
 Whofe names expreffe their nature, 
 
 Heere is my Moly of much fame, 
 
 In Magicks often vfed, 
 
 Mugwort and Night-fhade for the fame, 
 
 But not by me abufed ; 
 
 Here Henbane, Popy, Hemblock here. 
 
 Procuring Deadly fleeping. 
 
 Which I doe minifter with Feare, 
 
 Not fit for each mans keeping. 
 
 Heere holy Veruayne, and heere Dill, 
 
 Againft witchcraft much auailing, 
 
 Here Horhound gainft the Mad dogs ill 
 
 By biting, neuer failing. 
 
 Here Mandrake that procureth loue, 
 
 In poyfning Philters mixed. 
 
 And makes the Barren fruitful! proue, 
 
 The Root about them fixed, 
 
 Inchaunting Lunary here lyes 
 
 In Sorceries excelling, 
 
 And this is Di6tam, which we prize 
 
 Shot {hafts and Darts expelling, 
 
 Here Saxifrage againft the ftone 
 
 That Powerful! is approued. 
 
 Here Dodder by whofe help alone, 
 
 Ould Agues are remoued 
 
 Here Mercury, here Helibore, 
 
 Ould Vlcers mundifying, 
 
 And Shepheards-purfe the Flux moft fore, 
 
 That helpes by the applying ; 
 
 Here wholfome Plantane, that the payne 
 
 Of Eyes and Eares appeafes ; 
 
 He 
 
 S6 
 
(49) 
 
 Here cooling Sorrell that againe 
 We vfe in hot difeafes : 
 The medcinable Mallow here, 
 Affwaging fudaine Tumors, 
 The iagged Polypodium there. 
 To purge ould rotten humors. 
 Next thefe here Egremony is. 
 That helpes the Serpents byting. 
 The blefled Betony by this, 
 Whofe cures deferuen writing : 
 This All-heale, and fo nam'd of right. 
 New wounds fo quickly healing, 
 A thoufand more I could recyte, 
 Moft worthy of Reuealing, 
 But that I hindred am by Fate, 
 And bufneffe doth preuent me. 
 To cure a mad man, which of late 
 Is from Felicia fent me. 
 
 Claia. Nay then thou haft inough to doe. 
 We pity thy enduring. 
 For they are there infe6led foe, 
 That they are paft thy curing. 
 
 H Th( 
 
 h 57 
 
(50) 
 The fixt Nimphall. 
 
 S I LVI vs 
 
 H ALCi vs. 
 
 M ELANTH vs. 
 
 A Woodman, Fi/her, and a Swaine 
 This Nimphall through with mirth maintaine, 
 W ho fe pleadings fo the Nimphes doe pleafe, 
 That prefently they giue them Bayes. 
 
 CLeere had the day bin from the dawne, 
 All chequerd was the Skye, 
 Thin Clouds like Scarfs of Cobweb Lawne 
 Vayld Heauen's moft glorious eye. 
 The Winde had no more ftrength then this, 
 That leafurely it blew. 
 To make one leafe the next to kiffe, 
 That clofly by it grew. 
 The Rils that on the Pebbles playd. 
 Might now be heard at will ; 
 This world they onely Mufick made, 
 Elfe euery thing was ftill. 
 The Flowers like braue embraudred Gerles, 
 Lookt as they much defired, 
 To fee whofe head with orient Pearles, 
 Moft curioufly was tyred ; 
 And to it felfe the fubtle Ayre, 
 Such fouerainty affumes, 
 That it receiu'd too large a fhare 
 From natures rich perfumes. 
 When the Elizian Youth were met, 
 
 That 
 
 S8 
 
(51) 
 
 That were of rnoft account, 
 
 And to difport themfelues were fet 
 
 Vpon an eafy Mount : 
 
 Neare which, of ftately Firre and Pine 
 
 There grew abundant ftore. 
 
 The Tree that weepeth Turpentine, 
 
 And fhady Sicamore. 
 
 Amongft this merry youthfull trayne 
 
 A Forrefter they had, 
 
 A Fifher, and a Shepheards fwayne 
 
 A liuely Countrey Lad : 
 
 Betwixt which three a queftion grew. 
 
 Who (hould the worthieft be, 
 
 Which violently they purfue, 
 
 Nor flickled would they be. 
 
 That it the Company doth pleafe 
 
 This ciuill ftrife to ftay, 
 
 Freely to heare what each of thefe 
 
 For his braue felfe could fay : 
 
 When firft this Forrefter (of all) 
 
 That Silvius had to name. 
 
 To whom the Lot being caft doth fall, 
 
 Doth thus begin the Game, 
 
 Silvius. For my profefllon then, and for the life I lead 
 All others to excell, thus for my felfe I plead ; 
 I am the Prince of fports, the Forreft is my Fee, 
 He's not vpon the Earth for pleafure liues like me ; 
 The Morne no fooner puts her Rofye Mantle on. 
 But from my quyet Lodge I inftantly am gone. 
 When the melodious Birds from euery Bufli and Bryer 
 Of the wilde fpacious Wafts, make a continuall quire ; 
 The motlied Meadowes then, new vernifht with the Sunne 
 Shute vp their fpicy fweets vpon the winds that runne. 
 In eafly ambling Gales, and foftly feeme to pace. 
 That it the longer might their lufhioufneffe imbrace : 
 I am clad in youthfull Greene, I other colours fcorne, 
 
 H 2 My 
 
 59 
 
(52) 
 My filken Bauldrick beares my Beugle, or my Home, 
 Which fetting to my Lips, I winde fo lowd and fhrill. 
 As makes the Ecchoes fhowte from euery neighbouring Hill : 
 My Doghooke at my Belt, to which my Lyam's tyde. 
 My Sheafe of Arrowes by, my Woodknife at my Syde, 
 My Croffe-bow in my Hand, my Gaffle or my Rack 
 To bend it when I pleafe, or it I lift to flack, 
 My Hound then in my Lyam, I by the Woodmans art 
 Forecaft, where I may lodge the goodly Hie-palm'd Hart, 
 To viewe the grazing Heards, fo fundry times I vfe, 
 Where by the loftieft Head I know my Deare to chufe, 
 And to vnheard him then, I gallop o'r the ground 
 Vpon my wel-breath'd Nag, to cheere my earning Hound. 
 Sometime I pitch my Toyles the Deare aliue to take. 
 Sometime I like the Cry, the deepe-mouth'd Kennell make. 
 Then vnderneath my Horfe, I ftaulke my game to ftrike, 
 And with a fingle Dog to hunt him hurt, I like. 
 The Siluians are to me true fubie6ls, I their King, 
 The ftately Hart, his Hind doth to my prefence bring. 
 The Buck his loued Doe, the Roe his tripping Mate, 
 Before me to my Bower, whereas I fit in State. 
 The Dryads, Hamadryads, the Satyres and the Fawnes 
 Oft play at Hyde and Seeke before me on the Lawnes, 
 The frisking Fayry oft when horned Cinthia fhines 
 Before me as I walke dance wanton Matachynes, 
 The numerous feathered flocks that the wild Forrefts haunt 
 Their Siluan fongs to me, in cheerefull dittyes chaunte, 
 The fhades like ample Sheelds, defend me from the Sunne, 
 Through which me to refrefh the gentle Riuelets runne, 
 No little bubling Brook from any Spring that falls 
 But on the Pebbles playes me pretty Madrigals. 
 I'th' morne I clime the Hills, where wholfome winds do blow 
 At Noone-tyde to the Vales, and fliady Groues below, 
 T'wards Euening I againe the Chryftall Floods frequent, 
 In pleafure thus my life continually is fpent. 
 As Princes and great Lords haue Pallaces, fo I 
 Haue in the Forrefts here, my Hall and Gallery 
 
 The 
 
 60 
 
(53) 
 
 The tall and ftately Woods ; which vnderneath are Plaine, 
 The Groues my Gardens are, the Heath and Downes againe 
 My wide and fpacious walkes, then fay all what ye can, 
 The Forefter is dill your only gallant man. 
 
 He of his fpeech fcarce made an end. 
 But him they load with prayfe. 
 The Nimphes mofb highly him commend, 
 And vow to giue him Bayes : 
 He's now cryde vp of euery one. 
 And who but onely he, 
 The Forrefter's the man alone, 
 The worthyeft of the three. 
 When fome then th'other farre more ftayd, 
 Wil'd them a while to paufe. 
 For there was more yet to be fayd. 
 That might deferue applaufe. 
 When Halciits his turne next plyes. 
 And filence hauing wonne, 
 Roome for the fiflier man he cryes. 
 And thus his Plea begunne. 
 
 Halcius. No Forrefter, it fo muft not be borne away, 
 But heare what for himfelfe the Fifher firft can fay. 
 The Chryftall current Streames continually I keepe. 
 Where euery Pearle-pau'd Foard, and euery Blew-eyd deepe 
 With me familiar are ; when in my Boate being fet, 
 My Oare I take in hand, my Angle and my Net 
 About me ; like a Prince my felfe in ftate I fteer, 
 Now vp, now downe the Streame, now am I here, now ther, 
 The Pilot and the Fraught my felfe ; and at my eafe 
 Can land me when I lift ; or in what place I pleafe, 
 The Siluer-fcaled Sholes, about me in the Streames, 
 As thick as ye difcerne the Atoms in the Beames, 
 Neare to the fhady Banck where {lender Sallowes grow. 
 And Willows their (hag'd tops downe t'wards the waters bow 
 I fliove in with my Boat to fheeld me from the heat, 
 
 H 3 Where 
 
 6i 
 
(54) 
 
 Where chufing from my Bag, fome prou'd efpeciall bayt, 
 The goodly well growne Trout I with my Angle ftrike, 
 And with my bearded Wyer I take the rauenous Pike, 
 Of whom when I haue hould, he feldome breakes away 
 Though at my Lynes full length, foe long I let him play 
 Till by my hand I finde he well-nere wearyed be, 
 When foftly by degrees I drawe him vp to me. 
 The lufty Samon to, I oft with Angling take. 
 Which me aboue the reft moft Lordly fport doth make, 
 Who feeling he is caught, fuch Frisks and bounds doth fetch. 
 And by his very ftrength my Line foe farre doth ftretch, 
 As drawes my floating Corcke downe to the very ground. 
 And wrefting of my Rod, doth make my Boat turne round. 
 I neuer idle am, fome tyme I bayt my Weeles, 
 With which by night I take the dainty filuer Eeles, 
 And with my Draughtnetthen, I fweepe the ftreaming Flood, 
 And to my Tramell next, and Caft-net from the Mud, 
 I beate the Scaly brood, noe hower I idely fpend, 
 But wearied with my worke I bring the day to end : 
 The Naijdes and Nymphes that in the Riuers keepe. 
 Which take into their care, the ftore of euery deepe, 
 Amongft the Flowery flags, the Bullrufhes and Reed, 
 That of the Spawne haue charge (abundantly to breed) 
 Well mounted vpon Swans, their naked bodys lend 
 To my difcerning eye, and on my Boate attend. 
 And dance vpon the Wanes, before me (for my fake) 
 To th'Mufick the foft wynd vpon the Reeds doth make. 
 And for my pleafure more, the rougher Gods of Seas 
 From Ncptunes Court fend in the blew Neriades, 
 Which from his bracky Realme vpon the Billowes ride 
 And beare the Riuers backe with euery ftreaming Tydc, 
 Thofe Billowes gainft my Boate, borne with delightfull Gales 
 Oft feeming as I rowe to tell me pretty tales, 
 Whilft Ropes of liquid Pearle ftill load my laboring Oares, 
 As ftreacht vpon the Streame they ftryke me to the Shores: 
 The filent medowes feeme delighted with my Layes, 
 As fitting in my Boate I fmg my Laffcs praife, 
 
 Then 
 
(55) 
 
 Then let them that like, the Forrefter vp cry. 
 Your noble Fifher is your only man fay I. 
 
 This Speech of Halcius turn'd the Tyde, 
 And brought it fo about, 
 That all vpon the Fillier cryde, 
 That he would beare it out ; 
 Him for the fpeech he made, to clap 
 Who lent him not a hand, 
 And faid t'would be the Waters hap, 
 Quite to put downe the Land. 
 This while Melanihus filent fits, 
 (For fo the Shepheard hight) 
 And hauing heard thefe dainty wits. 
 Each pleading for his right ; 
 To heare them honor'd in this wife, 
 His patience doth prouoke. 
 When for a Shepheard roome he cryes, 
 And for himfelfe thus fpoke. 
 
 Melanthus. Well Fifher you haue done, & Forrefter for you 
 Your Tale is neatly tould, s'are both's to giue you due. 
 And now my turne comes next, then heare a Shepherd fpeak: 
 My watchfulneffe and care giues day fcarce leaue to break, 
 But to the Fields I hafte, my folded flock to fee. 
 Where when I finde, nor Woolfe, nor Fox, hath iniur'd me, 
 I to my Bottle ftraight, and foundly bafle my Throat, 
 Which done, fome Country Song or Roundelay I roate 
 So merrily ; that to the mufick that I make, 
 I Force the Larke to fing ere fhe be well awake ; 
 Then Baull my cut-tayld Curre and I begin to play. 
 He o'r my Shephooke leapes, now th'one, now th'other way, 
 Then on his hinder feet he doth himfelfe aduance, 
 I tune, and to my note, my liuely Dog doth dance. 
 Then whiftle in my Fift, my fellow Swaynes to call, 
 Downe goe our Hooks and Scrips, and we to Nine-holes fall. 
 At Duft-point, or at Quoyts, elfe are we at it hard. 
 
 All 
 
 63 
 
(56) 
 
 All falfe and cheating Games, we Shepheards are debard : 
 
 Survaying of my fheepe if Ewe or Wether looke 
 
 As though it were amiffe, or with my Curre, or Crooke 
 
 I take it, and when once I finde what it doth ayle, 
 
 It hardly hath that hurt, but that my skill can heale ; 
 
 And when my carefull eye, I caft vpon my fheepe 
 
 I fort them in my Pens, and forted foe I keepe : 
 
 Thofe that are bigfl of Boane, I ftill referue for breed. 
 
 My CuUings I put off, or for the Chapman feed 
 
 When the Euening doth approach I to my Bagpipe take, 
 
 And to my Grazing flocks fuch Mufick then I make. 
 
 That they forbeare to feed ; then me a King you fee, 
 
 I playing goe before, my Subieds foUowe me. 
 
 My Bell-weather moft braue, before the reft doth flalke, 
 
 The Father of the flocke, and after him doth walke 
 
 My writhen-headed Ram, with Pofyes crownd in pride 
 
 Faft to his crooked homes with Rybands neatly ty'd 
 
 And at our Shepheards Board that's cut out of the ground, 
 
 My fellow Swaynes and I together at it round, 
 
 With Greencheefe, clouted Cream, with Flawns, & Cuflards, 
 
 Whig, Sider, and with Whey, I domineer a Lord, (ftord, 
 
 When fliering time is come I to the Riuer driue. 
 
 My goodly well-fleec'd Flocks : (by pleafure thus I thriue) 
 
 Which being wafht at will ; vpon the fhering- day, 
 
 My wooll I foorth in Loaks, fit for the wynder lay. 
 
 Which vpon lufty heapes into my Coate I heaue. 
 
 That in the Handling feeles as foft as any Sleaue, 
 
 When euery Ewe two Lambes, they yeaned hath that yeare. 
 
 About her new fhorne neck a Chaplet then doth weare ; 
 
 My Tarboxe, and my Scrip, my Bagpipe, at my back, 
 
 My fheephooke in my hand, what can I fay I lacke ; 
 
 He that a Scepter fwayd, a fheephooke in his hand, 
 
 Hath not difdaind to haue ; for Shepheards then I ftand ; 
 
 Then Forefler and you my Fifher ceafe your flrife 
 
 I fay your Shepheard leads your onely merry life. 
 
 They had not cryd the Forefter, 
 And Fiflier vp before, So 
 
 64 
 
(57) 
 
 So much : but now the Nimphes preferre, 
 
 The Shephard ten tymes more, 
 
 And all the Ging goes on his fide, 
 
 Their Minion him they make, 
 
 To him themfelues they all apply, 
 
 And all his partie take ; 
 
 Till fpme in their difcretion caft. 
 
 Since firfl: the flrife begunne 
 
 In all that from them there had pad 
 
 None abfolutly wonne ; 
 
 That equall honour they fhould fhare ; 
 
 And their deferts to fhowe, 
 
 For each a Garland they prepare. 
 
 Which they on them beftowe. 
 
 Of all the choifeft flowers that weare, 
 
 Which purpofly they gather, 
 
 With which they Crowne them, parting there, 
 
 As they came firft together : 
 
 H Th( 
 
 65 
 
(58) 
 The feuenth Nimphall. 
 
 Flo RiMEL 
 Lelip A 
 
 N AIIS 
 
 C o D R V s a Feriman. 
 
 The Nimphes, the Qjieene of loite piirfue, 
 Which oft doth hide her from their view : 
 But lafily from tHElizian Nation, 
 She baniffit is by Proclamation. 
 
 Florimel.~V~^\S.^x& Lelipa, where haft thou bin fo long, 
 
 -L' Was't not enough for thee to doe me wrong, 
 To rob me of my felfe, but with more fpight 
 To take my Naijs from me, my delight ? 
 Yee lazie Girles, your heads where haue ye layd, 
 Whil'ft Venus here her anticke prankes hath playd ? 
 
 Lelipa. Nay Florimel, we fliould of you enquire, 
 The onely Mayden, whom we all admire 
 For Beauty, Wit, and Chaftity, that you 
 Amongft the reft of all our Virgin crue. 
 In queft of her, that you fo flacke fhould be, 
 And leaue the charge to Naijs and to me. 
 
 Florimel. Y'are much miftaken Lelipa, 'twas I, 
 Of all the Nimphes, that firft did her defcry, 
 At our great Hunting when as in the Chafe 
 Amongft the reft, me thought I faw one face 
 So exceeding faire, and curious, yet vnknowne 
 That I that face not poffibly could owne. 
 
 And 
 
 66 
 
(59) 
 
 And in the courfe, fo Goddeffe like a gate, 
 
 Each ftep fo full of maiefty and ftate ; 
 
 That with my felfe, I thus refolu'd that fhe 
 
 Leffe then a Goddeffe (furely) could not be : 
 
 Thus as Idalia, ftedfaftly I ey'd, 
 
 A little Nimphe that kept clofe by her fide 
 
 I noted, as vnknowne as was the other, 
 
 Which Cupid was difguis'd fo by his mother. 
 
 The little purblinde Rogue, if you had feene. 
 
 You would haue thought he verily had beene 
 
 One of Diana's Votaries, fo clad, 
 
 He euery thing fo like a Huntreffe had : 
 
 And fhe had put falfe eyes into his head, 
 
 That very well he might vs all haue fped. 
 
 And ftill they kept together in the Reare, 
 
 But as the Boy fhould haue fhot at the Deare, 
 
 He fliot amongft the Nimphes, which when I faw, 
 
 Clofer vp to them I began to draw ; 
 
 And fell to hearken, when they naught fufpefting, 
 
 Becaufe I feem'd them vtterly negleffing, 
 
 I heard her fay, my little Cupid too't, 
 
 Now Boy or neuer, at the Beuie flioot, 
 
 Haue to them Venus, quoth the Boy anon, 
 
 rie pierce the proud'ft, had fhe at heart of ftone : 
 
 With that I cryde out, Treafon, Treafon, when 
 
 The Nimphes that were before, turning agen 
 
 To vnderftand the meaning of this cry, 
 
 They out of fight were vanifli't prefently. 
 
 Thus but for me, the Mother and the Sonne, 
 
 Here in Elizium, had vs all vndone. 
 
 Naijs. Beleeue me gentle Maide, 'twas very well. 
 But novv heare me my beauteous Florimel. 
 Great Mars his Lemman being cryde out here, 
 She to Felicia goes, ftill to be neare 
 Th'Elizian Nimphes, for at vs is her ayme. 
 The fond Felicians are her common game. 
 
 I2 
 
 67 
 
(6o) 
 
 I vpon pleafure idly wandring thither, 
 
 Something worth laughter from thofe fooles to gather, 
 
 Found her, who thus had lately beene furpriz'd; 
 
 Fearing the like, had her faire felfe difguis'd 
 
 Like an old Witch, and gaue out to haue skill 
 
 In telling Fortunes either good or ill ; 
 
 And that more nearly fhe with them, might clofe. 
 
 She cut the Cornes, of dainty Ladies Toes : 
 
 She gaue them Phificke, either to coole or mooue them, 
 
 And powders too to make their fweet Hearts loue them. 
 
 And her fonne Cupid, as her Zany went. 
 
 Carrying her boxes, whom fhe often fent 
 
 To know of her faire Patients how they flept. 
 
 By which meanes fhe, and the blinde Archer crept 
 
 Into their fauours, who would often Toy, 
 
 And tooke delight in fporting with the Boy ; 
 
 Which many times amongfh his waggifh tricks, 
 
 Thefe wanton Wenches in the bofome pricks ; 
 
 That they before which had fome franticke fits, 
 
 Were by his Witchcraft quite out of their wits. 
 
 Watching this Wifard, my minde gaue me ftill 
 
 She fome Impoftor was, and that this skill 
 
 Was counterfeit, and had fome other end. 
 
 For which difcouery, as I did attend, 
 
 Her wrinckled vizard being very thin. 
 
 My piercing eye perceiu'd her cleerer skin 
 
 Through the thicke Riuels perfeftly to fhine ; 
 
 When I perceiu'd a beauty fo diuine, 
 
 As that fo clouded, I began to pry 
 
 A little nearer, when I chanc't to fpye 
 
 That pretty Mole vpon her Cheeke, which when 
 
 I faw ; furuaying euery part agen, 
 
 Vpon her left hand, I perceiu'd the skarre 
 
 Which flie receiued in the Troian warre ; 
 
 Which when I found, I could not chufe but fmile. 
 
 She, who againe had noted me the while. 
 
 And 
 
 68 
 
(6i) 
 
 And by my carriage, found I had defcry'd her, 
 Slipt out of fight, and prefently doth hide her. 
 
 Lelipa. Nay then my dainty Girles, I make no doubt 
 But I my felfe as ftrangely found her out 
 As either of you both ; in Field and Towne, 
 When like a Pedlar flie went vp and downe : 
 For fhe had got a pretty handfome Packe, 
 Which file had fardled neatly at her backe : 
 And opening it, fhe had the perfeft cry. 
 Come my faire Girles, let's fee, what will you buy ? 
 Here be fine night Maskes, plaftred well within. 
 To fupple wrinckles, and to fmooth the skin ; 
 Heer's Chriftall, Corall, Bugle, let, in Beads, 
 Cornelian bracelets, for my dainty Maids : 
 Then Periwigs and Searcloth-Gloues doth fhow, 
 To make their hands as white as Swan or Snow : 
 Then takes fhe forth a curious gilded boxe. 
 Which was not opened but by double locks ; 
 Takes them afide, and doth a Paper fpred, 
 In which was painting both for white and red : 
 And next a piece of Silke, wherein there lyes 
 For the decay'd, falfe Breafts, falfe Teeth, falfe Eyes : 
 And all the while fhee's opening of her Packe, 
 Ctipid with's wings bound clofe downe to his backe : 
 Playing the Tumbler on a Table gets. 
 And fhewes the Ladies many pretty feats. 
 I feeing behinde him that he had fuch things. 
 For well / knew no boy but he had wings, 
 / view'd his Mothers beauty, which to me 
 Leffe then a Goddeffe faid, fhe could not be : 
 With that quoth T to her, this other day. 
 As you doe now, fo one that came this way, 
 Shew'd me a neate piece, with the needle wrought. 
 How Mars and Venus were together caught 
 By polt-foot Vulcan in an Iron net ; 
 It grieu'd me after that I chanc't to let, 
 
 r 3 /t 
 
 69 
 
(62) 
 
 It to goe from me ; whereat waxing red, 
 Into her Hamper fhe hung downe her head, 
 As (lie had ftoup't feme noueltie to feeke. 
 But 'twas indeed to liide Iier blufhing Cheeke : 
 When file her Trinkets truffeth vp anon, 
 E'r we were 'ware, and inftantly was gone. 
 
 Floriviel. But hearke you Nimphes, amongft our idle prate, 
 Tis current newes through the Elizian State, 
 That Venus and her Sonne were lately feene 
 Here in Eliziiim, whence they oft haue beene 
 Banifht by our Edi(St, and yet ftill merry. 
 Were here in pubhque row'd o'r at the Ferry, 
 Where as 'tis faid, the Ferryman and fhe 
 Had much difcourfe, fhe was fo full of glee, 
 Codrus much wondring at the blind Boyes Bow. 
 
 Naijs. And what it was, that eafly you may know, 
 Codrus himfelfe comes rowing here at hand. 
 
 Lelipa. Codrus Come hither, let your Whirry ftand, 
 I hope vpon you, ye will take no ftate 
 Becaufe two Gods haue grac't your Boat of late ; 
 Good Ferry-man I pray thee let vs heare 
 What talke ye had, aboard thee whilft they were. 
 
 Codrus. Why thus faire Nimphes. 
 As I a Fare had lately paft, 
 And thought that fide to ply, 
 I heard one as it were in hafte ; 
 A Boate, a Boate, to cry, 
 W^hich as I was about to bring, 
 And came to view my Fraught, 
 Thought I, what more then heauenly thing. 
 Hath fortune hither brought. 
 She feeing mine eyes flill on her were, 
 Soone, fmilingly, quoth flie ; 
 
 Sirra, 
 70 
 
(63) 
 
 Sirra, looke to your Roother there, 
 
 Why lookft thou thus at me ? 
 
 And nimbly ftept into my Boat, 
 
 With her a little Lad 
 
 Naked and blind, yet did I note. 
 
 That Bow and Shafts he had, 
 
 And two Wings to his Shoulders fixt, 
 
 Which flood like little Sayles, 
 
 With farre more various colours mixt, 
 
 Then be your Peacocks Tayles ; 
 
 I feeing this little dapper Elfe, 
 
 Such Armes as thefe to beare, 
 
 Quoth I thus foftly to my felfe. 
 
 What ftrange thing haue we here, 
 
 I neuer faw the like thought I : 
 
 Tis more then ftrange to me, 
 
 To haue a child haue wings to fly, 
 
 And yet want eyes to fee ; 
 
 Sure this is fome deuifed toy, 
 
 Or it transform'd hath bin, 
 
 For fuch a thing, halfe Bird, halfe Boy, 
 
 I thinke was neuer feene ; 
 
 And in my Boat I turnd about. 
 
 And wiftly viewd the Lad, 
 
 And cleerely faw his eyes were out. 
 
 Though Bow and Shafts he had. 
 
 As wiftly fhe did me behold. 
 
 How likfl thou him quoth fhe, 
 
 Why well, quoth I ; and better fhould, 
 
 Had he but eyes to fee. 
 
 How fayft thou honeft friend, quoth fhe, 
 
 Wilt thou a Prentice take, 
 
 I thinke in time, though blind he be, 
 
 A Ferry-man hee'll make ; 
 
 To guide my paffage Boat quoth I, 
 
 His fine hands were not made, 
 
 He hath beene bred too wantonly 
 
 To 
 
 71 
 
(64) 
 
 To vndertake my trade ; 
 
 Why helpe him to a Mafter then, 
 
 Quoth fhe, fuch Youths be fcant, 
 
 It cannot be but there be men 
 
 That fuch a Boy do want. 
 
 Quoth I, when you your beft haue done. 
 
 No better way you'll finde. 
 
 Then to a Harper binde your Sonne, 
 
 Since moft of them are blind. 
 
 The louely Mother and the Boy, 
 
 Laught heartily thereat. 
 
 As at fome nimble left or toy. 
 
 To heare my homely Chat. 
 
 Quoth I, I pray you let me know. 
 
 Came he thus firft to light. 
 
 Or by fome fickneffe, hurt, or blow, 
 
 Depryued of his fight ; 
 
 Nay fure, quoth fhe, he thus was borne, 
 
 Tis ftrange borne blind, quoth I, 
 
 I feare you put this as a fcorne 
 
 On my fimplicity ; 
 
 Quoth fhe, thus blind I did him beare. 
 
 Quoth I, if't be no lye. 
 
 Then he's the firft blind man He fweare. 
 
 Ere praftifd Archery, 
 
 A man, quoth fine, nay there you miffe. 
 
 He's flill a Boy as now, 
 
 Nor to be elder then he is. 
 
 The Gods will him alow ; 
 
 To be no elder then he is, 
 
 Then fure he is fome fprite 
 
 I ftraight replide, again at this. 
 
 The Goddeffe laught out right ; 
 
 It is a myftery to me 
 
 An Archer and yet blinde ; 
 
 Quoth I againe, how can it be, 
 
 That he his marke fliould finde ; 
 
 The 
 
 72 
 
(65) 
 
 The Gods, quoth flie, whofe will it was 
 
 That he fhould want his fight, 
 
 That he in fomething fhould fijrpaffe. 
 
 To recompence their fpight, 
 
 Gaue him this gift, though at his Game 
 
 He ftill fhot in the darke, 
 
 That he fhould haue fo certaine ayme, 
 
 As not to miffe his marke. 
 
 By this time we were come a fhore. 
 
 When me my Fare fhe payd, 
 
 But not a word fhe vttered more, 
 
 Nor had I her bevvrayd. 
 
 Of Venus nor of Cupid I 
 
 Before did neuer heare. 
 
 But that a Fifher comming by 
 
 Then, told me who they were. 
 
 Florimel. Well : againft them then proceed 
 As before we haue decreed, 
 That the Goddeffe and her Child, 
 Be for euer hence exild, 
 Which Lelipa you (hall proclaime 
 In our wife Apollo's name. 
 
 Lelipa. To all th'Elizian Nimphifh Nation, 
 Thus we make our Proclamation, 
 Againfl Venus and her Sonne 
 For the mifcheefe they haue done. 
 After the next Jaft of May, 
 The fixt and peremtory day, 
 If fhe or Cupid (hall be found 
 Vpon our Elizian ground, 
 Our Edifl, meere Rogues fhall make them. 
 And as fuch, who ere fhall take them. 
 Them fhall into prifon put, 
 Cupids wings fhall then be cut. 
 His Bow broken, and his Arrowes 
 
 K Giuen 
 
 k 73 
 
(66) 
 
 Giuen to Boys to Ihoot at Sparrowes, 
 And this Vagabund be fent, 
 Hauing had due punifliment 
 To mount Cytheron, which firft fed him 
 Where his wanton Mother bred him, 
 And there out of her proteflion 
 Dayly to receiue correftion ; 
 Then her Pafport fliall be made, 
 And to Cyprus Ifle conuayd. 
 And at Paphos in her Shryne, 
 Where fhe hath beene held diuine. 
 For her offences found contrite. 
 There to liue an Anchorite. 
 
 The 
 
 74 
 
(67) 
 
 The eight Nimphall. 
 
 Mertilla 
 
 Claia 
 
 Cloris. 
 
 A Nimph is marry ed to a Fay, 
 Great preparations for the Day, 
 All Rites of Nuptials tJtey recite you 
 To the Brydall and inuite you. 
 
 Mertilla. "D Vt will our Tita wed this Fay ? 
 
 B 
 
 Claia. Yea, and to morrow is the day. 
 
 Mertilla. But why fhould fhe beftow her felfe 
 Vpon this dwarfifh Fayry Elfe ? 
 
 Claia. Why by her fmalneffe you may finde, 
 That fhe is of the Fayry kinde, 
 And therefore apt to chufe her make 
 Whence fhe did her begining take : 
 Befides he's deft and wondrous Ayrye, 
 And of the nobleft of the Fayry, 
 Chiefe of the Crickets of much fame. 
 In Fayry a mofl ancient name. 
 But to be briefe, 'tis cleerely done, 
 The pretty wench is woo'd and wonne. 
 
 Cloris. If this be fo, let vs prouide 
 The Ornaments to fit our Bryde, 
 
 K 2 For 
 
 75 
 
(68) 
 
 For they knowing fhe doth come 
 
 From vs in Elizium, 
 
 Queene Mab will looke fhe fhould be dreft 
 
 In thofe attyres we thinke our beft, 
 
 Therefore fome curious things lets giue her, 
 
 E'r to her Spoufe we her deliuer. 
 
 Mertilla. He haue a lewell for her eare, 
 (Which for my fake He haue her weare) 
 'T fhall be a Dewdrop, and therein 
 Of Cupids I will haue a twinne, 
 Which ftrugling, with their wings fhall break 
 The Bubble, out of which fhall leak 
 So fweet a liquor as fhall moue 
 Each thing that fmels, to be in loue. 
 
 Claia. Beleeue me Gerle, this will be fine, 
 And to this Pendant, then take mine ; 
 A Cup in fafhion of a Fly, 
 Of the Linxes piercing eye. 
 Wherein there fticks a Sunny Ray 
 Shot in through the cleereft day, 
 Whofe brightneffe Venus felfe did moue, 
 Therein to put her drinke of Loue, 
 Which for more ftrength fhe did diftill. 
 The Limbeck was a Phcenix quill. 
 At this Cups delicious brinke, 
 A Fly approching but to drinke. 
 Like Amber or fome precious Gumme 
 It tranfparant doth become. 
 
 Claris. For lewels for her eares fhe's fped. 
 But for a dreffing for her head 
 I thinke for her I haue a Tyer, 
 That all Fayryes fhall admyre. 
 The yellowes in the full-blowne Rofe, 
 Which in the Top it doth inclofe 
 
 Like 
 
 76 
 
(69) 
 
 Like drops of gold Oare fhall be hung, 
 
 Vpon her Trefles, and among 
 
 Thofe fcattered feeds (the eye to pleafe) 
 
 The wings of the Cantharides : 
 
 With fome o'th'Raine-bow that doth raile 
 
 Thofe Moons in, in the Peacocks taile : 
 
 Whofe dainty colours being mixt 
 
 With th'other beauties, and fo fixt, 
 
 Her louely Treffes fhall appeare. 
 
 As though vpon a flame they were. 
 
 And to be fure flie fhall be gay, 
 
 Wee'll take thofe feathers from the /ay ; 
 
 About her eyes in Circlets fet, 
 
 To be our Titcis Coronet. 
 
 Mertilla. Then dainty Girles / make no doubt, 
 B\xt we fhall neatly fend her out : 
 BvX let's amongft our felues agree, 
 Of what her wedding Gowne fhall be. 
 
 Claia. Of Panfie, Plncke, and Primrofe leaues, 
 Mofl curioufly laid on in Threaues : 
 .^nd all embroydery to fupply, 
 Powthred with flowers of Rofemary : 
 A trayle about the skirt fliall runne, 
 The Silke-wormes finefl, newly fpunne ; 
 ^nd euery Seame the Nimphs fhall few 
 With th'fmalleft of the Spinners Clue : 
 -(4nd hauing done their worke, againe 
 Thefe to the Church fhall beare her Traine : 
 Which for our Tita we will make 
 Of the cafl flough of a Snake, 
 Which quiuering as the winde doth blow. 
 The Sunne fliall it like Tinfell fliew. 
 
 Claris, ^nd being led to meet her mate, 
 To make fure that flie want no ftate, 
 
 K 3 Moones 
 
 77 
 
(70) 
 
 Moones from the Peacockes tayle wee'll fliredj 
 
 With feathers from the Pheafants head : 
 
 Mixd with the plume of (fo high price,) 
 
 The precious bird of Paradice. 
 
 Which to make vp, our Nimphes (hall ply 
 
 Into a curious Canopy. 
 
 Borne o're her head (by our enquiry) 
 
 By Elfes, the fitteft of the Faery. 
 
 Mertilla. Bnt all this while we haue forgot 
 Her buskins, neighbours, haue we not ? 
 
 Claia. We had, for thofe /'le fit her now, 
 They fhall be of the Lady-Cow : 
 The dainty fhell vpon her backe 
 Of Crimfon ftrew'd with fpots of blacke ; 
 Which as fhe holds a ftately pace, 
 Her Leg will wonderfully grace. 
 
 Claris. Bwt then for muficke of the befl, 
 This muft be thought on for the Feaft. 
 
 Mertilla. The Nightingale of birds moft choyce, 
 To doe her beft fhall ftraine her voyce ; 
 .^nd to this bird to make a Set, 
 The Mauis, Merle, and Robinet ; 
 The Larke, the Lennet, and the Thrulh, 
 That make a Quier of euery Bufh. 
 ^ut for flill muficke, we will keepe 
 The Wren, and Titmoufe, which to fleepe 
 Shall fmg the ^ride, when fhee's alone 
 The reft into their chambers gone. 
 And like thofe vpon Ropes that walke 
 On Goffimer, from ftaulke to flaulke, 
 The tripping Fayry tricks fhall play 
 The euening of the wedding day. 
 
 Claia. 
 
 78 
 
(70 
 
 Claia. Bwt for the 5ride-bed, what were fit, 
 That hath not beene talk'd of yet. 
 
 Claris. Of leaues of Rofes white and red, 
 Shall be the Couering of her bed : 
 The Curtaines, Valence, Tefter, all, 
 Shall be the flower Imperiall, 
 ^nd for the Fringe, it all along 
 With azure Harebels fhall be hung : 
 Of Lillies fhall the Pillowes be, 
 With downe ftuft of the jSutterflee. 
 
 Mertilla. Thus farre we handfomely haue gone. 
 Now for our Prothalamion 
 Or Marriage fong of all the reft, 
 A thing that much muft grace our feaft. 
 Let vs praftife then to fing it. 
 Ere we before th' affembly bring it : 
 We in Dialogues muft doe it, 
 Then my dainty Girles fet to it. 
 
 Claia. This day mujl Tita marryed be, 
 Come Nimphs this nuptiall let vs fee. 
 
 Mertilla. But is it certaine that ye fay, 
 Willfhe wed the noble Faye ? 
 
 Cloris. Sprinckle the dainty flowers with deives. 
 Such as the Gods at Banquets vfe : 
 Let Hearbs and Weeds turne all to Rofes, 
 And make proud the pofis with pofies : 
 Shute your.fweets into the ayre. 
 Charge the morning to be fay re. 
 
 Claia : 1 For our Tita is this day, 
 Mertilla. J To he married to a Faye. 
 
 Claia. 
 
 79 
 
(72) 
 
 Claia. By ivhom then Jhall our Bride be led 
 To tlie Temple to be zved. 
 
 Mertilla. Onely by your felfe and I, 
 Who that roomth Jlwuld elfefupply ? 
 
 Cloris. Cotne bright dries, come altogether, 
 A nd bring all your offrings hither. 
 Ye mojl braue afid Buxome Beuye, 
 All your goodly graces Leuye, 
 Come in Maiejlie and Jlate 
 Onr Brydall here to celebrate. 
 
 Mertilla. ) For our Tita is this day, 
 Claia. j Married to a noble Faye. 
 
 Claia. Whofe lot wilt be the way to Jlrow, 
 On which to Church our Bride mujl goe? 
 
 Mertilla. That I thinke as fi(Jl of all, 
 To liuely Lelipa will fall. 
 
 Cloris. Summon all ihefiveets that are. 
 To this nuptiall to repayre ; 
 Till with their throngs themfelues they fino the r, 
 Strongly flyfling one another ; 
 And at laji they all confume, 
 And vanifh in one rich perfume. 
 
 Mertilla : "1 For our Tita is this day, 
 Claia. j Married to a noble Faye. 
 
 Mertilla. By whom mufi Tita married be, 
 'T is fit we all to that fliould fee f 
 
 Claia. 77^1? Priefi he purpofely doth come, 
 Th'Ai'ch Flamyne of Elizinm. 
 
 Cloris. 
 
 8o 
 
(73) 
 
 Cloris. With Tapers let the Temples Jliine, 
 Sing to Himen, Hymnes diuine : 
 Load the Altars till there rife 
 Clouds from the burnt facrifice ; 
 With your Senfors fling aloof e 
 Their fmels, till they afcend the Roofe. 
 
 Mertilla. ) For otir Tita is this day, 
 Claia. j Married to a noble Fay. 
 
 Mertilla. Bjit cotnming backe whenfhe is wed, 
 Who breakes the Cake aboue her head. 
 
 Claia. Thatfhall Mertilla, for fhee's tallefl, 
 And our Tita is tlie fmallefl, 
 
 Cloris. Violins, firike vp aloud, 
 Ply the Giiterne, fcowre the Crowd, 
 Let the nimble hand belabour 
 The whifteling Pipe, and drumbling Taber : 
 To the full the Bagpipe racke. 
 Till the fwelling leather cracke. 
 
 Mertilla. ■) For our Tita is this day, 
 Claia. j Married to a noble Fay. 
 
 Claia. But when to dyne fhe takes her feate 
 WhatfJiall be our Tita's meate ? 
 
 Mertilla. The Gods this Feafl, as to begin, 
 Hauefent of their Ambrofia in. 
 
 Cloris. Thenferue we vp theflrawes rich berry. 
 The Refpas, and Elizian Cherry : 
 The virgin honey from the flowers 
 In Hibla, wrought in Flora's Bowers : 
 Full Bowles of NeSlar, and no Girle 
 Caroufe but in diffolued Pearle. 
 
 L Mertilla. 
 
 / 8i 
 
(74) 
 
 Mertilla. "| For oicr Tita is this day, 
 Claia. J Married to a noble Fay. 
 
 Claia. But when night comes, and/he mujl goe 
 To Bed, deare Nimphes what muJl we doe f 
 
 Mertilla. In the PoJJet muJl be broiight, 
 And Poynts be from the Bridegroome caught. 
 
 Cloris. In Maskes, in Dances, and delight. 
 And reare Banquets fpend the night: 
 Then about the Roome we ramble. 
 Scatter Nuts, and for them fcamble : 
 Ouer Stooles, and Tables tumble, 
 Neuer thinke of noyfe nor rumble. 
 
 Mertilla. \ For our Tita is this day, 
 Claia. J Married to a noble Fay. 
 
 The 
 
 82 
 
(75) 
 The ninth Nimphall. 
 MvsES and 
 
 NiMPHS. 
 
 The Mufes fpend their lofty layes, 
 Vpon Apollo and his prayfe ; 
 The Nimphs with Gems his Alter build, 
 This Nimphall is with PhcEbus_/?/(^. 
 
 A Temple of exceeding ftate, 
 The Nimphes and Mufes rearing, 
 Which they to Phoebus dedicate, 
 Elizium euer 'cheering : 
 Thefe Mufes, and thofe Nimphes contend 
 This Phane to Phoebus offring. 
 Which fide the other fliould tranfcend, 
 Thefe praife, tljofe prizes proffering, 
 And at this long appointed day, 
 Each one their largeffe bringing, 
 Thofe nine faire Sifters led the way 
 Thus to Apollo fmging. 
 
 The Mufes. Thou youthfull God that guid'Jl the howres, 
 The Mufes thus implore thee, 
 By all thofe Names due to thy powers, 
 By which we fiill adore thee. 
 Sol, Tytan, Delius, Q.yrx'CcLVis, flyles, 
 Much reuerence that haue wotme thee, 
 Deriu'd from Mountaines as from lies 
 Where worfliip firfl was done thee. 
 Rich Delos brought thee forth diuine. 
 Thy Mother thither driuen, 
 
 L 2 At 
 
 83 
 
The hor- 
 fes draw- 
 ing the 
 Chariot of 
 the Sunne. 
 
 The 
 Moun- 
 taines firft 
 faluting 
 the Sunne 
 at his ri- 
 ling. 
 
 * Suppofed 
 the God 
 of earth. 
 One of 
 the Judges 
 of hell. 
 
 (76) 
 
 At Delphos thy moji /acred Jhrine, 
 Thy Oracles were giiieti. 
 In thy fwift coiirje from Eajl to Wejl, 
 They minutes mijje to finde thee, 
 That bear'Jl the morning on thy breajl, 
 And leau'Ji the night behinde thee. 
 Vp to Olimpus top fo Jleepe, 
 Thy Jlartling Courfers currying ; 
 The7tce downe to Neptunes vajly deepe. 
 Thy flaming Charriot hurrying. 
 Eos, Ethon, Phlegon, Yixoxs, proud, 
 Their lightning Maynes aduancing : 
 Breathing forth fire on euery cloud 
 Vpon their Journey prancing. 
 Whofe fparkling hoofes, with gold for fpecd 
 Are fliod, to f cape all dangers. 
 Where they vpon Ambrofia feed. 
 In their celeftiall Mangers. 
 Bright Colatina, that of hi Is 
 Is Goddeffe, and hath keeping 
 Her N implies, the cleere Oreades wils 
 T' attend thee frotn thy fleeping. 
 Great* Y)&'ca.ogoxgox\. feeles thy might. 
 His Mynes about him heating : 
 Who through his bofome dart' ft thy light. 
 Within the Center fweating. 
 If thou but touch thy golden Lyre, 
 Thou Minos mouft to heare thee : 
 The Rockes feele in themfelues afire, 
 A nd rife vp to come neere thee. 
 ' Tis thou that Phyficke didft deuife 
 Hearbs by their natures calling : 
 Of which fome opening at thy Rife, 
 And clofing at thy falling. 
 Fayre Hyacinth thy moft lou'd Lad, 
 That with the fledge thouflitefl; 
 
 Hath 
 
 84 
 
(77) 
 
 Hath in a flower, the life he had, 
 Whofe root thou ftill reneiveft. 
 Thy Daphne thy beloued Tree, 
 That fcornes thy FatJurs Thunder, 
 And thy deare (Z\\\ya.yet we fee. 
 Not time from thee can funder ; 
 From thy bright Bow that Arrow flew 
 ( Snatcht fro-)n thy golden Quiuer) 
 Which thou fell Serpent '?yt\iO'n.flew, 
 Renowning thee for euer. 
 The Aflian and the Pythian Games 
 Detdfed were to praife thee. 
 With all i'/i'Apolinary names 
 That tK Ancients thought could raife thee. 
 A Shryne vpon this Mountaine hie, 
 To thee zve'll haue ere£led. 
 Which thou the God of Poefie 
 Muft care to haue proteSled : 
 With thy lou'd Cinthus that fliall fliare. 
 With all his fhady Bowers, 
 Nor Licia's Crdigus fhall compare 
 With this, for thee, of ours. 
 
 Thus hauing fung, the Nimphifh Crue 
 Thruft in amongft them thronging, 
 Defiring they might haue the due 
 That was to them belonging. 
 Quoth they, ye Mufes, as diuine, 
 Are in his glories graced. 
 But it is we muft build the Shryne 
 Wherein they muft be placed ; 
 Which of thofe precious Gemmes we'll make 
 That Nature can affoord vs, 
 Which from that plenty we will take, 
 Wherewith we here haue ftor'd vs : 
 O glorious Phcebtis moft diuine, 
 Thine Altars then we hallow. 
 
 L 3 
 
 8S 
 
 A Nimph 
 lou'd of 
 Apollo, and 
 by him 
 changed 
 into a 
 flower. 
 
 Playes or 
 Games in 
 honor of 
 Apollo. 
 
 And 
 
(78) 
 
 And with tliofe ftones we build a Shryne 
 To thee our wife Apollo. 
 
 The Nimphes. No Gem,fromRocks,Seas,runningJlreames, 
 (Tlieir numbers let vs mufter) 
 But hath from thy moji powerfull beames 
 The Vertue and the Lujire; 
 The Diamond, the king of Gemmes, 
 Thefirjl is to be placed, 
 That glory is of Diadems, 
 Them gracing, by them graced : 
 In ivhom thy power the vtoft is feene, 
 The raging fire refelling : 
 The Emerauld then, mofl deepely greene. 
 For beauty mofl excelling, 
 Rcfijling poyfon often prou'd 
 By thofe about that beare it. 
 The cheerfull Ruby then, much lou'd, 
 That doth reuiue thefpirit, 
 Wliofe kinde to large extenfure growne 
 The colour fo enflamed. 
 Is that admired mighty ftone 
 The Carbunckle that's named. 
 Which from it fuck a flaming light 
 A nd radiency eie£leth. 
 That in the very darMfl of night 
 The eye to it direSleth. 
 The yellow lacynth, firengthning Senfe, 
 Of which who hath the keeping. 
 No Thunder hurts nor Peftilence, 
 And much prouokethfleeping : 
 The Chrifolite, that doth refifl 
 Thirfi, proued, neuer failing. 
 The purple colored Amatifl, 
 ' Gainfi flrengih of wine prevailing ; 
 The verdant gay greene Smaragdus, 
 
 Moft 
 86 
 
(79) 
 
 Mojlfoueraine oner pajjion : 
 The Sardonix, approu'd by vs 
 To niafter Incantation. 
 Then that celejiiall colored Jlone 
 The Saphyre, heaiienly wholly. 
 Which worne, there wearinejfe is none, 
 And cureth melancholly : 
 The Lazulus, whofe plea/ant blew 
 With golden vaines is graced ; 
 The la/pis, offo various hew, 
 Amongjl our other placed ; 
 The Onix, from the Ancients brought. 
 Of wondrous Eftimation, 
 Shall in amongfl the refl be wrought 
 Ourfacred Shryne to fafhion ; 
 The Topas, we' II flick here and there, 
 And fea-greene colored Berill, 
 And Turkeffe, which who Imps to beare 
 Is often kept from perill. 
 The Selenite, of Cynthia's light, 
 So nam'd, with her f till ranging, 
 Which as fhe wanes or waxeth bright 
 Its colours fo are changing. 
 With Opalls, more then any one, 
 We'll deck thine Altar fuller. 
 For that of euery precious flone. 
 It doth reteine fome colour. 
 With bunches of Pearle Paragon 
 Thine Altar vnderpropping, 
 Whofe bafe is the Cornelian, 
 Strong bleeding of ten flopping : 
 With th'Agot, very oft that is 
 Ctit flrangely in the Quarry, 
 As Nature ment to fhow in this. 
 How fhe her f elf e can varry : 
 
 87 
 
 With 
 
(8o) 
 
 With worlds of Gems from Mines and Seas 
 Elizium well might Jlore vs, 
 Btit we content 02ir fehces with thefe 
 That readiejl lye before vs : 
 And thus Phcebus mofl diuine 
 Thine Altars flill we hallow, 
 And to thy Godhead reare this Shryne, 
 Our onely wife Apollo. 
 
 Th( 
 
 8S 
 
(8i) 
 The tenth Nimphall. 
 
 N AIIS 
 
 C LAI A 
 
 C ORB I LVS 
 
 S A T Y R E. 
 
 A Satyre on Elizium lights, 
 Whofe vgly Jhape the Nimphes affrights. 
 Yet when they heare his iujl complaint. 
 They make him an Elizian Saint. 
 
 Corbilus. 
 
 WHat ; breathles Nimphs ? bright Virgins let me know 
 What fuddaine caufe conftraines ye to this hafte ? 
 What haue ye feene that fhould affright ye fo ? 
 What might it be from which ye flye fo faft ? 
 I fee your faces full of pallid feare, 
 As though fome perill followed on your flight ; 
 Take breath a while, and quickly let me heare 
 Into what danger ye haue lately light. 
 
 Naijs. Neuer were poore diftreffed Gerles fo glad, 
 As when kinde, loued Corbilus we faw, 
 When our much hafte vs fo much weakned had. 
 That fcarcely we our wearied breathes could draw. 
 
 In this next Groue vnder an aged Tree, 
 
 So fell a monfter lying there we found, 
 
 As till this day, our eyes did neuer fee. 
 
 Nor euer came on the Elizian ground. 
 
 Halfe man, halfe Goat, he feem'd to vs in fhow, 
 
 His vpper parts our humane fhape doth beare, 
 
 M But 
 
 m 89 
 
(82) 
 
 But he's a very perfe6l Goat below, 
 
 His crooked Cambrils arm'd with hoofe and hayre. 
 
 Claia. Through his leane Chops a chattering he doth make 
 Which ftirres his ftaring beaftly driueld Beard, 
 And his fharpe homes he feem'd at vs to fhake, 
 Canft thou then blame vs though we were afeard. 
 
 Corbilus. Surely it feemes fome Satyre this fhould be, 
 Come and goe back and guide me to the place. 
 Be not afifraid, ye are fafe enough with me, 
 Silly and harmeleffe be their Siluan Race. 
 
 Claia. How Corbilus ; a Satyre doe you fay ? 
 How fhould he ouer high Parnajfus hit ? 
 Since to thefe Fields ther's none can finde the way. 
 But onely thofe the Mufes will permit. 
 
 Corbilus. Tis true ; but oft, the facred Sifters grace 
 The filly Satyre, by whofe plaineffe, they 
 Are taught the worlds enormities to trace, 
 By beaftly mens abhominable way ; 
 Befyde he may be banifht his owne home 
 By this bafe time, or be fo much diftreft. 
 That he the craggy by-clift Hill hath dome 
 To finde out thefe more pleafant Fields of reft. 
 
 Naijs. Yonder he fits, and feemes himfelfe to bow 
 At our approch, what doth our prefence awe him .■• 
 Me thinks he feemes not halfe fo vgly now, 
 As at the firft, when I and Claia faw him. 
 
 Corbilus. Tis an old Satyre, Nimph, I now difcerne, 
 Sadly he fits, as he were fick or lame, 
 His lookes would fay, that we may eafly learne, 
 How, and from whence, he to Elizium came. 
 
 Satyre, 
 90 
 
(83) 
 
 Satyre, thefe Fields, how cam'ft thou firft to finde ? 
 What Fate firft fhow'd thee this moft happy fhore ? 
 When neuer any of thy Siluan kinde 
 Set foot on the Elizian earth before ? 
 
 Satyre. O neuer aske, h.ow I came to this place, 
 What cannot ftrong neceflity finde out ? 
 Rather bemoane my miferable cafe, 
 Conftrain'd to wander the wide world about. 
 With wild Silvanus and his woody crue. 
 In Forrefts I, at liberty and free, 
 Liu'd in fuch pleafure as the world ne'r know. 
 Nor any rightly can conceiue but we. 
 This iocond life we may a day enioy'd, 
 Till this laft age, thofe beaftly men forth brought, 
 That all thofe great and goodly Woods deftroy'd, 
 Whofe growth their Grandfyres, with fuch fufferance fought. 
 That faire Felicia which was but of late, 
 Earth's Paradice, that neuer had her Peere, 
 Stands now in that moft lamentable ftate. 
 That not a Siluan will inhabit there ; 
 Where in the foft and moft delicious fhade. 
 In heat of Summer we were wont to play. 
 When the long day too fliort for vs we made 
 The flyding houres fo flyly ftole away ; 
 By Cynthia's light, and on the pleafant Lawne, 
 The wanton Fayry we were wont to chafe, 
 Which to the nimble clouen-footed Fawne, 
 Vpon the plaine durft boldly bid the bafe. 
 The fportiue Nimphes, with fhouts and laughter fhooke 
 The Hils and Valleyes in their wanton play, 
 Waking the Ecchoes, their laft words that tooke. 
 Till at the laft, they lowder were then they. 
 The lofty hie Wood, and the lower fpring, 
 Sheltring the Deare, in many a fuddaine fhower ; 
 Where Quires of Birds, oft wonted were to fmg, 
 The flaming furnace wholly doth deuoure ; 
 
 M 2 Once 
 
 91 
 
(84) 
 
 Once faire Felicia, but now quite defac'd, 
 
 Thofe Braueries gone wherein fhe did abound, 
 
 With dainty Groues, when fhe was highly grac'd 
 
 With goodly Oake, Afhe, Elme, and Beeches croun'd : 
 
 But that from heauen their iudgement blinded is, 
 
 In humane Reafon it could neuer be, 
 
 But that they might haue cleerly feene by this, 
 
 Thofe plagues their next pofterity fhall fee. 
 
 The little Infant in the mothers Lap 
 
 For want of fire fhall be fo fore diftreft, 
 
 That whilft it drawes the lanke and empty Pap, 
 
 The tender lips fhall freefe vnto the breaft ; 
 
 The quaking Cattle which their Warmftall want, 
 
 And with bleake winters Northerne winde oppreft, 
 
 Their Browfe and Stouer waxing thin and fcant, 
 
 The hungry Crowes fhall with their Caryon feaft. 
 
 Men wanting Timber wherewith they fhould build. 
 
 And not a Forrefl in Felicia found, 
 
 Shall be enforc'd vpon the open Field, 
 
 To dig them Caues for houfes in the ground : 
 
 The Land thus rob'd, of all her rich Attyre, 
 
 Naked and bare her felfe to heauen doth fliow. 
 
 Begging from thence that love would dart his fire 
 
 Vpon thofe wretches that difrob'd her fo ; 
 
 This beaftly 5rood by no meanes may abide 
 
 The name of their braue Anceflors to heare, 
 
 By whom their fordid flauery is defcry'd. 
 
 So vnlike them as though not theirs they were. 
 
 Nor yet they fenfe, nor vnderftanding haue, 
 
 Of thofe braue Mufes that their Country fong, 
 
 But with falfe Lips ignobly doe depraue 
 
 The right and honour that to them belong ; 
 
 This cruell kinde thus Viper-like deuoure 
 
 That fruitfull foyle which them too fully fed ; 
 
 The earth doth curfe the Age, and euery houre 
 
 Againe, that it thefe viprous monflers bred. 
 
 I feeing the plagues that fhortly are to come 
 
 Vpon 
 
 92 
 
(85) 
 
 Vpon this people cleerely them forfooke : 
 
 And thus am light into Elizium, 
 
 To whofe ftraite fearch I wholly me betooke. 
 
 Naijs. Poore filly creature, come along with vs, 
 Thou fhalt be free of the Elizian fields : 
 Be not difmaid, nor inly grieued thus, 
 This place content in all abundance yeelds. 
 We to the cheerefull prefence will thee bring, 
 Of loues deare Daughters, where in fhades they fit. 
 Where thou fhalt heare thofe facred Sifters fing, 
 Moft heauenly Hymnes, the ftrength and life of wit : 
 
 Claia. Where to the Delphian God vpon their Lyres 
 His Priefls feeme rauifht in his height of praife .• 
 Whilft he is crowning his harmonious Quiers, 
 With circling Garlands of immortall Bayes. 
 
 Corbilus. Here Hue in bliffe, till thou fhalt fee thofe flaues, 
 Who thus fet vertue and defert at nought : 
 Some facrific'd vpon their Grandfires graues. 
 And fome like beafts in markets fold and bought. 
 Of fooles and madmen leaue thou then the care, 
 That haue no vnderftanding of their ftate : 
 For whom high heauen doth fo iufl plagues prepare, 
 That they to pitty fhall conuert thy hate. 
 And to Elizium be thou welcome then, 
 Vntill thofe bafe Felicians thou fhalt heare, 
 By that vile nation captiued againe, 
 That many a glorious age their captiues were. 
 
 Ms TO 
 
 93 
 
(87) 
 
 'T^O the Right Noble, ReHgious, and 
 -^ truely vertuous Lady, Mary, 
 Counteffe of Dorfet\ worthy of all 
 Titles and Attributes, that were euer 
 giuen to the moft Renowned of her 
 Sexe : and of me moft deferuedly to be 
 honoured. To her Fame and Memory 
 I confecrate thefe my diuine Poems, 
 with all the wifhes of a gratefull heart ; 
 for the preferuation of her, and her 
 Children, the Succeeding Hopes of the 
 Ancient and Noble Family of the 
 Sackuiles. 
 
 Her Seruant, 
 
 Michael Drayton. 
 
 95 
 
(89) 
 
 NOAHS 
 
 F L O V D. 
 
 ETernall and all-working God, which waft 
 Before the w^orld, whofe frame by thee was caft, 
 And beautifi'd with beamefull lampes aboue, 
 By thy great wifedome fet how they fhould moue 
 To guide the feafons, equally to all. 
 Which come and goe as they doe rife and fall. 
 
 My mighty Maker, O doe thou infufe 
 Such life and fpirit into my labouring Mufe, 
 That I may fmg (what but from Noah thou hid'ft) 
 The greateft thing that euer yet thou didft 
 Since the Creation ; that the world may fee 
 The Mufe is heauenly, deriu'd from thee. 
 
 O let thy glorious Angell which fmce kept j^r 
 
 That gorgeous Eden, where once Adam flept ; 
 When tempting Eue was taken from his fide, 
 Let him great God not onely be my guide, 
 But with his fiery Faucheon ftill be nie. 
 To keepe affliftion farre from me, that I 
 With a free foule thy wondrous workes may fhow, 
 Then like that Deluge (hall my numbers flow. 
 Telling the (late wherein the earth t;hen flood, 
 The Gyant race, the vniuerfall floud. 
 
 The fruitfull earth being lufty then and ftrong. 
 Like to a Woman, fit for loue, and young, 
 Brought forth her creatures mighty, not a thing 
 Iffu'd from her, but a continuall fpring 
 
 N Mad 
 
 n 97 
 
Thefruit- 
 fulneffi and 
 brauery of 
 the earth 
 before the 
 Floud. 
 
 (90) 
 
 Had to increafe it, and to make it flourifli, 
 For in her felfe fhe had that power to nourifli 
 Her Procrej^tion, that her children then 
 Were at the inftant of their birth, halfe men. 
 Men then begot fo Ibone, and got fo long, ■ 
 That fcarcely one a thoufand men among. 
 But he ten thoufand in his time might fee, 
 That from his loynes deriu'd their Pedegree. 
 The full-womb'd Women, very hardly went 
 Out their nine months abundant nature lent 
 Their fruit fuch thriuing, as that once waxt quicke. 
 The large-limb'd mother, neither faint nor ficke, 
 Hafted her houre by her abundant health. 
 Nature fo plaid the vnthrift with her wealth, 
 So prodigally lauifhing her ftore 
 Vpon the teeming earth, then wafting more 
 Then it had need of: not the fmalleft weed 
 Knowne in that firft age, but the naturall feed 
 Made it a Plant, to thefe now fmce the Floud, 
 So that each Garden look'd then like a Wood : 
 Befide, in Med'cen, fimples had that power. 
 That none need then the Planetary houre 
 To helpe their working, they fo iuycefull were. 
 The Winter and the Spring time of the yeare 
 Seem'd all one feafon : that moft ftately tree 
 Of Lebanus, which many times we fee 
 Mention'd for taleneffe in the holy Writ, 
 Whofe tops the clouds oft in their wandring hit. 
 Were ftirubs to thofe then on the earth that grew ; 
 Nor the moft fturdy ftorme that euer blew 
 Their big-growne bodies, to the earth ere fhooke. 
 Their mighty Rootes, fo certaine faftening tooke ; 
 Couer'd with graffe, more foft then any filke. 
 The Trees dropt honey, & the Springs guftit milke : 
 T'he Flower-fleec't Meadow, & the gorgeous groue. 
 Which fhould fmell fweeteft in their brauery, ftroue ; 
 No little fhrub, but it fome Gum let fall. 
 
 To 
 
 98 
 
(91) 
 
 To make the cleere Ayre aromaticall : 
 Whilft to the little Birds melodious ftraines, 
 7"he trembling Riuers tript along the Plaines. 
 Shades feru'd for houfes, neither Heate nor Cold 
 Troubl'd the yong, nor yet annoy'd the old : 
 T'he batning earth all plenty did afford, 
 And without tilling (of her owne accord) 
 7'hat liuing idly without taking paine 
 (Like to the firft) made euery man a Caine. 
 Seauen hundred yeeres, a mans age fcarcely then, 
 Of mighty fize fo were thefe long-liu'd men : 
 T'he flefh of Lyons, and of Buls they tore, 
 Whofe skins thofe Gyants for their garments wore. 
 Yet not tearm'd Gyants onely, for that they 
 Excel'd men fmce, in bigneffe euery way : 
 Nor that they were fo puiffant of their hand, 
 But that the Race wherewith the earth was man'd, 
 So wrathfull, proud, and tyranous were then. 
 
 Not dreading God, nor yet refpefting men ; jofephus. 
 
 For they knew neither Magiftrate, nor law, 
 Nor could conceiue ought that their wils could awe ; 
 For which waxt proud, & haughty in their thought, 
 7'hey fet th'eternall liuing God at naught : 
 Mankinde increafmg greatly euery day, 
 Their finnes increafe in numbers more then they ; 
 Seauen Ages had paft Adam, when men prone 
 To tyranny, and no man knew his owne : 
 His fenfuall will then followed, and his luft, 
 His onely law, in thofe times to be iuft 
 Was to be wicked ; God fo quite forgot. 
 As what was damn'd, that in that age was not. 
 With one anothers flefh themfelues they fil'd. 
 And drunke the bloud of thofe whom they had kil'd. 
 7'hey dar'd to doe, what none fhould dare to name, 
 They neuer heard of fuch a thing as fhame. 
 
 Man mixt with man, and Daughter, Sifter, Mother, ^^,^°^ "-^ 
 
 Were to thefe wicked men as any other. Pirerius. 
 
 N 2 7"o 
 
 99 
 
(92) 
 
 To rip their womens wombes, they would not ftick, 
 When they perceiu'd once they were waxed quicke. 
 Feeding on that, from their own loynes that fprong, 
 Such wickedneffe thefe Monfters was among : 
 T^hat they^vs'd Beafts, digrefling from all kinde : 
 T^hat the Almighty pondring in his minde 
 Their beaftlineffe, (from his intent) began 
 T' repent himfelfe that he created man. 
 Their fmnes afcending the Almighties feate, 
 Th'eternall Throane with horror feeme to threat. 
 Still daring God, a warre with them to make, 
 And of his power, no knowledge feem'd to take. 
 So that he vow'd, the world he would deftroy, 
 Which he reuealed onely to iufl: Noy. 
 For but that man, none worthy was to know, 
 Nor he the manner to none elfe would fhow. 
 For fince with ftarres, he firft high heauen enchaft, 
 And Adam firft in Paradice had plac't. 
 Amongft all thofe inhabiting the ground. 
 He not a man fo iuft as Noe had found. 
 For which he gaue him charge an Arke to build, 
 And by thofe workemen which were deeplieft skild 
 In Architeflure, to begin the frame, 
 And thus th' Almighty taught iuft Noe the fame. 
 Thejiru- Three, hundred cubits the full length to be, 
 (fiiire of Fifty the bredth, the height (leaft of the three) 
 
 the Arke. puH thirty cubits : onely with one light, 
 A cubit broad, and iuft fo much in hight : 
 And in three Stories bad him to diuide 
 The inner Roome, and in the Veffels fide 
 To place a doore ; commanding Noe to take 
 Great care thereof: and this his Arke to make 
 Of Gopher wood, which fome will needfly haue 
 To be the Fine-tree, and commandment gaue 
 T'hat the large plancks whereof it was compos'd, 
 When they by art fhould curioufly be clos'd ; 
 
 Should 
 
(93) 
 
 Should with Bitumen both within and out 
 Be deepely pitcht, the Veffell round about, 
 So ftrong a Glue as could not off be worne, 
 The rage of Winds, and Waters that doth fcorne ; 
 Like to a Cheft or Coffer it was fram'd. 
 For which an Arke mofl: fitly it was nam'd ; 
 Not like a Ship, for that a Ship below, 
 Is ridg'd and narrow, vpward but doth grow 
 Wider and wider : but this mighty Barque, 
 Built by iuft Noah, this vniuerfall Arke, 
 Held one true breadth 'ith'bottome as aboue, 
 That when this Frame vpon the Flood fhould moue, 
 On the falne waters it fhould float fecure, 
 As it did firfl: the falling fhower endure ; 
 And clofe aboue, fo to beare out the weather 
 For forty dayes when it fhould raine togeather. 
 A hundred yeares the Arke in building was, 
 So long the time ere he could bring to paffe 
 This worke intended ; all which time iuft-iViy/ 
 Cry'd, that th' Almighty would the world deftroy, 
 And as this good man vfed many a day 
 To walke abroad, his building to furvay, 
 Thefe cruell Giants comming in to fee, 
 (In their thoughts wondring what this worke fliould be) 
 He with erefled hands to them doth cry. 
 
 Either repent ye, or ye all muji dye, ^o<^^ 
 
 Your blafphemies, your beajllineffe, your wrongs, t retnmg 
 
 Are heard to heauen, and with a thou/and tongues, vengeance 
 
 Showt in the eares of the Almighty Lord ; vpon the 
 
 So that your Jitines no leafure him affoord world : 
 
 To thinke on mercy, they fo thickly throng, fermon of 
 
 That when he would your punifhment prolong, repen- 
 
 Their horror hales him on, that from remorce 'ance. 
 
 In his owne nature, you doe him inforce. 
 Nay, wrefl plagues from him, vpon humane kinde 
 Who elfe to mercy, wholly is inclinde. 
 From Seth which God to Eva gaue in lew 
 
 N3 Of 
 
(94) 
 
 Of her fonne Abel whom his brother Jlue, 
 That curfed Cain, how hath tE Almighty blejl. 
 The feed of Adam though hefo tranfgrefl. 
 In Enos by wJiofe godlineffe men came, 
 Atfirfi to call on the Almighties ttame, 
 And Enoch, whofe integritie ivasfuch, 
 In whom the Lord delighted was fo much. 
 As in his yeers he fuffered no decay. 
 But God to Heauen tooke bodyly away ; 
 With loftg life blefjing all that goodly Stem, 
 From the firfl man downe to Mathufalem, 
 Now from the loynes of 'L.zxn&oSx fendeth me, 
 ( Vnworthy his A mbaffadour to be) 
 To tell ye yet, if ye at lafl repent. 
 He will lay by his wrathfull punifhment, 
 Tliat God who wasfo mercifull before, 
 To our forfathers, likewife hath inflore, 
 Mercy for vs their Nephues, if we fall 
 With teares before him, and he will recall. 
 His wrath fent out already, therefore fly e 
 To him for mercy, yet tJie threatnittg Skie 
 Paufes, ere it the Deluge downe will poure. 
 For euery teare you flied, hell flop afhoiver ; 
 Yet of tUA Imighty mercy you may winne. 
 He'll leaue to punifh, if you leaue to finne ; 
 That God eternall, which old Adam cafl 
 Out of the earthly heauen, where he had plact, 
 That firfl-made man for his forbidden deed, 
 From thence for euer banifJting his feed. 
 For vs his finfull children doth prouide. 
 And with abundance hath vs flill fupplyd, 
 And can his blejjings who refpe£ls you thus, 
 Make you mofl wicked, mofl rebellious : 
 Still is your flub borne obflinacy fuch ? 
 Haueye no mercy, and your Godfo much? 
 Your God, faid I, wherefore faid I fo ? 
 Your words deny him, and your works fay no ; 
 
 O 
 
(95) 
 
 O fee the day, doth but too fajl approch. 
 Wherein heauens maker meanes to/et abroach 
 That world of water, zvhich Jhall ouer-flow 
 Thofe mighty Mountaiues whereon now you goe, 
 The Dropfied Clouds, fee, your deflruSlion threat. 
 The Sunne and Moone both in their courfe are fet 
 To warre by water, and doe all they can 
 To bring definition vponfinfidl man, 
 And euery thing fhall fuffer for your fake. 
 For the ivhole earth fhall be but one whole Lake ; 
 Oh cry for m.ercy, leaue your wicked wayes. 
 And God from time fhall feparate tJwfe dayes 
 Of vengeance comming, and he fhall difperfe 
 Thefe Clouds now threatning the whole vniuerfe, 
 Andfaue the world, which elfe he will deflroy. 
 
 But this good man, this terror-preaching Noy, 
 The Beares, and Tigers, might haue taught afwell,- 
 They laught to heare this godly man to tell 
 That God would drowne the world, they thought him mad, 
 For their great maker they forgotten had, 
 They knew none fuch, th' Almighty God fay they, 
 What might he be ? and when fhall be the day 
 Thou talk'ft of to vs ? can'ft thou thinke that we 
 Can but fuppofe that fuch a thing can be ? 
 What can he doe that we cannot defeate ? 
 Whofe Brawny Fifts, to very duft can beate 
 The folid'ft Rock, and with our breafls can beare 
 The flrong'ft Streame backward, doft thou thinke to feare 
 Vs with thefe Dreames of Deluges ? to make 
 Vs our owne wayes and courfes to forfake ? 
 Let vs but fee that God that dares to ftand 
 To what thou fpeak'ft, that with his furious hand. 
 Dare fay he'll drowne vs, and we will defye 
 Him to his teeth : and if he keepe the Skye, 
 We'll dare him thence, and if he then come downe, 
 And challenge vs that he the world will drowne, 
 We'll follow him vntill his threats he ftints, 
 
 Or 
 
 103 
 
(96) 
 
 Or we will batter his blew houfe with flynts. 
 
 The Arke is finifht, and the Lord is wrath, 
 To ayd iuft Noah, and he prouided hath 
 His bleffed Angells, bidding them to bring, 
 The Male and Female, of each liuing thing 
 Into the Arke, by whom he had decreed 
 T'renue the world, and by their fruitfull feed 
 To fill it as before, and is precife 
 For food for men, and for his facrifice. 
 That feauen iuft payres, of Birds, and Beads that were 
 Made cleane by him, fhould happily repayre 
 To the great Arke, the other made vncleane. 
 Of male and female onely fhould come twaine : 
 Which by the Angels euery where were fought, 
 And thither by their miniftry were brought. 
 When Noah lets ope the Arke and doth begin 
 To take his Fraught, his mighty Lading in 
 And now the Beafls are walking from the wood, 
 Afwell of Ravine, as that chew the Cud, 
 The King of Beafts his fury doth fuppreffe, 
 And to the Arke leads downe the Lioneffe, 
 The Bull for his beloued mate doth low. 
 And to the Arke brings on the faire ey'd Cow ; 
 The ftately Courfer for his Mare doth nay. 
 And t'wards the new Arke guideth her the way ; 
 The wreath'd-horn'd Ram his fafety doth purfue. 
 And to the Arke vfhers his gentle Ewe ; 
 The brifly Boare, who with his fnowt vp plow'd 
 The fpacious Plaines, and with his grunting lowd, 
 Rais'd ratling Ecchoes all the Woods about, 
 Leaues his dark Den, and hauing fented out 
 Noah's new-built Arke, in with his Sow doth come. 
 And ftye themfelues vp in a little roome : 
 The Hart with his deare Hind, the Buck and Doe, 
 Leauing their wildneffe, bring the tripping Roe 
 Along with them : and from the Mountaine fteepe. 
 The clambring Goat, and Cony, vs'd to keepe 
 
 Amongft 
 
 104 
 
(97) 
 
 Amongft the Cleeues, together get, and they 
 To this great Arke finde out the ready way ; 
 Th'vnweildy EIke, whofe skin is of much proofe, 
 Throngs with the reft t'attaine this wooden roofe ; 
 The Vnicorne leaues off his pride, and cloffe 
 The fets him downe by the Rhinoceros : 
 The Elephant there comming to imbarque. 
 And as he foftly getteth vp the Ark, 
 Feeling by his great weight, his body funck. 
 Holds by his huge Tooth, and his nervy T'runck ; 
 The croock-backt Camel climing to the deck, 
 Drawes vp himfelfe with his long finewy neck ; 
 The fpotted Panther whofe delicious fcent, 
 Oft caufeth beafls his harbor to frequent. 
 But hauing got them once into his power, 
 Sucketh their blood, and doth their flefh deuoure, 
 His cruelty hath quickly cafl afide, 
 And waxing courteous, doth become their guide. 
 And brings into this vniverfall Shop 
 The Ounce, the Tigar, and the Antilop, 
 By the grim Woolfe, the poore Sheepe fafely lay, 
 And was his care, which lately was his pray ; 
 The Affe vpon the Lyon leant his head. 
 And to the Cat the Moufe for fuccour fled ; 
 The filly Hare doth cafl afide her feare, 
 ^nd formes her felfe faft by the vgly Beare, 
 At whom the watchfull Dog did neuer barke. 
 When he efpyde him clambring vp the Arke : 
 The Fox got in, his fubtilties hath left, 
 ^nd as afhamed of his former theft. 
 Sadly fits there, as though he did repent, 
 ^nd in the ^rke became an innocent : 
 The fine-furd Ermin, Martern, and the Cat 
 That voydeth Ciuet, there together fat 
 By the flirewd Muncky, Babian, and the ^pe. 
 With the Hienna, much their like in fhape. 
 Which by their kinde, are euer doing ill, 
 
 O Yet, 
 
 103 
 
(98) 
 
 Yet in the Arke, fit ciuilly and ftill ; 
 
 The skipping Squerrill of the Forreft free, 
 
 That leapt fo nimbly betwixt tree and tree, 
 
 It felfe into the Arke then nimbly call. 
 
 As 'twere a Ship-boy come to clime the Maft. 
 
 The Porcupine into the ^rke doth make, 
 
 Nor his fharpe quils though angry once doth (hake ; 
 
 The fharpe-fang'd Beauer, whofe wyde gaping law 
 
 Cutteth downe Plants as it were with a Saw, 
 
 Whofe body poyfed, wayeth fuch a maffe, 
 
 ^s though his Bowels were of Lead or Braffe, 
 
 His cruell Chaps though breathleffe he doth clofe, 
 
 As with the reft into the Arke he goes. 
 
 Th'vneuen-leg'd Badger (whofe eye-pleafmg skin. 
 
 The Cafe to many a curious thing hath bin, 
 
 Since that great flood) his fortreffes forfakes 
 
 Wrought in the earth, and though but halting, makes 
 
 Vp to the ^rke ; the Otter then that keepes 
 
 In the wild Riuers, in their ^ancks and Sleeps, 
 
 And feeds on Fifh, which vnder water ftill. 
 
 He with his keld feet, and keene teeth doth kill ; 
 
 T'he other two into the ^rke doth follow, 
 
 Though his ill fhape doth caufe him but to wallow ; 
 
 The 2"ortoyfe and the Hedghog both fo flow, 
 
 As in their motion fcarfe difcern'd to goe, 
 
 Good footmen growne, contrary to their kinde, 
 
 Left from the reft they fliould be left behinde ; 
 
 T'he rooting Mole as to foretell the flood. 
 
 Comes out of th'earth, and clambers vp the wood ; 
 
 T'he little Dormoufe leaues her leaden fleepe, 
 
 And with the Mole vp to the y^rke doth creepe, 
 
 With many other, which were common then. 
 
 Their kinde decayd, but now vnknowne to men. 
 
 For there was none, that Adam ere did name, 
 
 BmX to the Arke from euery quarter came ; 
 
 By two and two the male and female beaft. 
 
 From th'fwifts to th' floweft, from greateft to the leaft, 
 
 And 
 
 io6 
 
(99) 
 
 And as within the ftrong pale of a Parke, 
 So were they altogether in the ^rke. 
 
 And as our God the ^eafts had giuen in charge 
 To take the Arke, themfelues fo to imbardge, 
 He bids the Fowle, the Eagle in his flight, 
 Cleaning the thin ^yre, on the deck doth light ; 
 Nor are his eyes fo piercing to controule 
 His lowly fubiefls the farre leffer Fowle, 
 ^ut the Almighty who all Creatures fram'd, 
 ^nd them by Adam in the Garden nam'd, 
 Had giuen courage, faft by him to fit. 
 Nor at his fharpe fight are amaz'd one whit ; 
 The 5wanne by his great maker taught this good, 
 T'auoyd the fury of the falling flood. 
 His ^oat-like breaft, his wings rais'd for his fayle, 
 ^nd Ore-like feet, him nothing to avayle 
 /4gainft the Raine which likely was to fall. 
 Each drop fo great, that like a ponderous Mall, 
 Might fmke him vnder water, and might drowne 
 Him in the Deluge, with the Crane comes downe, 
 Whofe voyce the Trumper is, that throw the ^yre 
 Doth fummon all the other to repayre 
 To the new ^rke : when with his mooned traine, 
 The ftrutting Peacock yawling 'gainft the raine, 
 Flutters into the -4rke, by his fhrill cry, 
 Telling the reft the T'empeft to be ny ; 
 T'he Iron-eating Eftridge, whofe bare Thyes 
 Refembling mans, fearing the lowring Skyes, 
 Walkes to the great ^oat ; when the crowned Cock, 
 That to the Village lately was the Clock, 
 Comes to roofte by him, with his Hen, forefhewing 
 The fliower fhould quickly fall, that then was brewing ; 
 T'he fwift wing'd Swallow feeding as it flyes, 
 With the fleet Martlet thrilling throw the Skyes, 
 As at their paftime fportiuly they were, 
 Feeling th'vnufuall moifture of the ^er. 
 Their feathers flag, into the ^rke they come, 
 
 O 2 As 
 
 107 
 
The Slorke 
 vfed to 
 build vpon 
 hoii/es, lia- 
 ueth euer 
 one behinde 
 hi7n for the 
 owner. 
 
 (lOO) 
 
 ^s to fome Rock or building, the owne home ; 
 
 2"he ayry Larke his Haleluiah fung, 
 
 Finding a flackneffe feaze vpon his tong, 
 
 By the much moifture, and the Welkin darke, 
 
 Drops with his female downe into the ^rke ; 
 
 The foaring Kyte there fcantled his large wings, 
 
 And to the vlrke the houering Caftrill brings ; 
 
 T'he Rauen comes, and croking, in doth call 
 
 Zhe caryon Crow, and fhe againe doth brail, 
 
 Foretelling raine ; by thefe there likewife fat 
 
 7"he carefuU Storke, fmce Adam wondred at 
 
 For thankfulneffe, to thofe where he doth breed, 
 
 T'hat his ag'd Parents naturally doth feed, 
 
 In filiall duty as inftrufting man : 
 
 By them there fate the louing Pellican, 
 
 Whofe yong ones poyfned by the Serpents fting, 
 
 With her owne blood to life againe doth bring : 
 
 T'he conftant T^urtle vp her lodging tooke 
 
 By thefe good 5irds ; and in a little nooke 
 
 T'he Nightingale with her melodious tongue 
 
 Sadly there fits, as fhe had neuer fung ; 
 
 T'he Merle and Mauis on the higheft fpray, 
 
 Who with their mufick, wak't the early day. 
 
 From the proud Cedars, to the y^rke come downe, 
 
 ^s though forewarn'd, that God the world would drowne, 
 
 The prating Parret comes to them aboard, 
 
 -<4nd is not heard to counterfeit a word ; 
 
 The Falcon and the Doue fit there together, 
 
 ^nd th'one of them doth prune the others feather ; 
 
 The Gofhalke and the Feafant there doe twin, 
 
 /4nd in the ^rke are pearcht vpon one pin. 
 
 The Partridge on the Sparhalk there doth tend. 
 
 Who entertaines her as a louing friend ; 
 
 The rauenous Vulture feeles the fmall ^irds fit 
 
 Vpon his back, and is not mou'd a whit ; 
 
 ^mongft the thickeft of thefe feuerall fowle 
 
 With open eyes flill fate the broad-fac'd Owle ; 
 
 ^nd 
 
 io8 
 
(lOl) 
 
 And not a fmall bird as they wonted were, 
 
 Either purfude or wondred at her there. 
 
 No wayleffe defart, Heath, nor Fen, nor More, 
 
 But in by couples, fent fome of their ftore ; 
 
 The Ofpray, and the Cormorant forbeare 
 
 To fifli, and thither with the reft repayre : 
 
 The Hearon leaues watching at the Riuers brim. 
 
 And brings the Snyte and Plouer in with him. 
 
 There came the Halcyon, whom the Sea obeyes. 
 
 When (he her neft vpon the water layes : 
 
 The Goofe which doth for watchfulneffe excell. 
 
 Came for the reft, to be the Sentinell. 
 
 The charitable Robinet in came, 
 
 Whofe nature taught the others to be tame : 
 
 All feathered things yet euer knowne to men. 
 
 From the huge Rucke, vnto the little Wren ; 
 
 From Forrefts, Fields, from Riuers, and from Pons, Indian 
 
 All that haue webs, or clouen-footed ones ; Bird. 
 
 To the Grand Arke, together friendly came, 
 
 Whofe feuerall fpecies were too long to name. 
 
 The Beafts and Birds thus by the Angels brought, 
 Noe found his Arke not fully yet was fraught. 
 To fhut it vp for as he did begin, 
 
 He ftill faw Serpents, and their like come in ; Creeping 
 
 The Salamander to the Arke retyers, things in the 
 
 Jixt oj Oen. 
 
 To flye the Floud, it doth forfake the fiers : t^e 20. verfe. 
 
 The ftrange Camelion, comes t'augment the crue. 
 
 Yet in the Arke doth neuer change her hue : 
 
 To thefe poore filly few of harmeleffe things. 
 
 So were there Serpents, with their teeth and ftings 
 
 Hurtfull to man, yet will th'Almighty haue, 
 
 That Noe their feed vpon the earth fhould faue : 
 
 The watchfull Dragon comes the Arke to keepe. 
 
 But lul'd with murmure, gently fals to (leepe : 
 
 The cruell Scorpion comes to clime the pyle. 
 
 And meeting with the greedy Crocodyle, 
 
 Into the Arke together meekely goe, 
 
 O 3 And 
 
 109 
 
IJi! Arpkk 
 hath a kell 
 0/ skin 
 which CO- 
 Uireth his 
 teeth vntill 
 it be angry. 
 
 * A Serpent 
 of an incre- 
 dible big- 
 neffe. 
 
 (102) 
 
 And like kinde mates themfelues they there beftow : 
 The Dart and Dipfas, to the Arke com'n in, 
 Infold each other as they were a twinne. 
 The Cockatrice there kils not with his fight, 
 But in his obie6l ioyes, and in the Light ; 
 The deadly killing Afpicke when he feeth. 
 This world of creatures, fheaths his poyfoned teeth. 
 And with the Adder, and the fpeckled Snake, 
 Them to a corner harnilefly betake. 
 The Lifard fhuts vp his fharpe-fighted eyes, 
 Amongft thefe Serpents, and there fadly lyes. 
 The fmall-ey'd flowe-worme held of many blinde. 
 Yet this great Arke it quickly out could finde. 
 And as the y4rke it was about to clime. 
 Out of its teeth fliutes the inuenom'd flime. 
 Thefe viler Creatures on the earth that creepe, 
 ^nd with their bellies the cold dewes doe fweepe. 
 .^11 thefe bafe groueling, and ground-Hcking fute. 
 From the large* Boas, to the little Neute ; 
 As well as Birds, or the foure-footed beads, 
 Came to the Axk& their Hoftry as Noes guefls. 
 
 Thus fully furnifht, Noe need not to carke 
 For flowidge, for prouifion for the Ax\i& : 
 For that wife God, who firft direftion gaue, 
 How he the ftra6ture of the AxVe. would haue: 
 ^nd for his feruant could prouide this fraught, 
 V/hich thither he miraculoufly brought : 
 y4nd did the food for euery thing puruaye, 
 Taught him on lofts it orderly to laye : 
 On flefh fome feed, as others filli doe eate. 
 Various the kinde, fo various was the meate : 
 Some on fine graffe, as fome on groffer weeds. 
 As fome on fruits, fo other fome on feeds, 
 To ferue for food for one whole yeare for all, 
 Vntill the Floud, which prefently fhould fall 
 On the whole world, his liand againe fhould drayne. 
 Which under water fhould that while remaine. 
 
 Th'Almighty 
 
(103) 
 
 Th' Almighty meafur'd the proportion fuch, 
 As fhould not be too little, nor too much : 
 For he that breath to euery thing did giue, 
 Could not that God them likewife make to Hue, 
 But with a little ; and therewith to thriue, 
 Who at his pleafure all things can contriue. 
 
 Now fome there be, too curious at this day. 
 That from their reafon dare not fticke to fay. 
 The Floud a thing fictitious is, and vaine. 
 Nor that the Arke could poffibly containe 
 Thofe fundry creatures, from whofe being came 
 All liuing things man poffibly could name. 
 I fay it was not, and I thus oppofe 
 Them by my reafon, ftrong enough for thofe, 
 My inftance is a mighty Argofie, 
 That in it beares, befide th' Artillery, 
 Of fourefcore pieces of a mighty Boare, 
 A thoufand fouldiers (many times and more) 
 Befides the fayles, and armes for euery one. 
 Cordage, and Anchors, and prouifion : 
 The large-fpred Sayles, the Mafts both big and tall, 
 Of all which Noahs Arke had no need at all ; 
 Within the fame eight perfons onely were, 
 If fuch a fhip, can fuch a burthen beare : 
 What might the Arke doe, which doth fo excell 
 That Ship, as that fhip doth a Cockle fhell ; 
 Being fo capacious for this mighty load. 
 So long, fo high, and euery where fo broad ; 
 Befide three lofts iuft of one perfeft ftrength, 
 And bearing out proportion ably in length : 
 So fitly built, that being thus imploy'd, 
 There was not one ynch in the ^rke was voyd, 
 Befide He charge their reafon to allow 
 The Cubits doubled to what they are now. 
 We are but Pigmeyes, (euen our talleft men) 
 To the huge Gyants that were liuing then : 
 For but th'^lmighty, which (to this intent,) 
 
 Ordain'd 
 
 III 
 
The opini- 
 ons of the 
 be/l naiU' 
 ralijls that 
 haue writ- 
 ten. 
 
 * The names 
 of the wo- 
 men were 
 Tira, Pan- 
 dora, No- 
 ella and 
 Noegla : as 
 some of the 
 nioji anci- 
 ent write, 
 but Epi- 
 phanius 
 will haue 
 Noes 
 
 wifes name 
 to be Bar- 
 thenon. 
 
 (104) 
 
 Ordain'd the y^rke, knew it fufficient, 
 
 He in his wifedome (had he thought it meet) 
 
 Could haue bid Noah to haue built a Fleet, 
 
 y^nd many Creatures on the earth fmce growne 
 
 Before the floud that were to Noah vnknowne : 
 
 For though the Mule begotten on the Mare, 
 
 By the dull ^ffe (is faid) doth neuer payre ; 
 
 Yet fundry others, naturally haue mixt, 
 
 ^nd thofe that haue beene gotten them betwixt 
 
 Others begot, on others from their kinde. 
 
 In fundry Clymats, fundry beafi:s we finde, 
 
 That what they were, are nothing now the fame. 
 
 From one felfe fiiraine, though at the firft they came ; 
 
 But by the foyle they often altred be. 
 
 In fhape and colour as we daily fee. 
 
 Now Noahs three fonnes all bufie that had bin 
 To place thefe creatures as they ftill came in : 
 Sem, Ham, and lapheth, with their * Wifes affign'd. 
 To be the Parents of all humane kinde : 
 Seeing the ^rke thus plentifully flor'd : 
 The wondrous worke of the .Almighty Lord, 
 Behold their father looking euery houre. 
 For this all drowning earth-deftroying fhowre. 
 When Noe their faith thus laftly to awake. 
 To his lou'd Wife, and their fixe children fpake. 
 
 The mighty hand of God doe yon not fee, 
 In thefe his ci'eatiires, that fo well agree : 
 Which were they not, thtis mafired by his power, 
 Vs filly eight would greedily deuoure : 
 And with their hoofes and paives, to fplinters rend 
 This oncly A rke, in which God doth intend 
 We from the Floud that remnant fliall remaine, 
 T'reflore the world, in aged Adams fir aine : 
 Yee feauen, with fad aflonifliment then fee 
 The wondrous things the Lord hath ivr ought for me. 
 What haue I done, fo gracious in his fight, 
 Frailc wretched man, but that I iuflly might 
 
 Haue 
 
(io5) 
 
 Haue ivith the earths abhominaUe brood. 
 
 Bin ouer-zvhelm'd, and buried in the Flond: 
 
 But in his iudgement, that he hath decreed, 
 
 That from my loynes by your fuccejifefull feed. 
 
 The earth fliall be replenifhed agen. 
 
 And the Almighty be at peace with men. 
 
 A hundred ye ares are pafl (as well you know) 
 
 Since the Almighty God, his power to fhow 
 
 Taught me the Modellof this mighty frame, 
 
 And it the Arke commanded me to name. 
 
 Befirong in faith, for now the time is nye. 
 
 That from the conducts of the lofty skie. 
 
 The Floud fhall fall, that in fhort time fhall beare 
 
 This Arke we are in vp into the ayre. 
 
 Where it fhall floate, and further in the end, 
 
 Sliall fifteene cubits the higlifl hils tranfcend. 
 
 Then bid the goodly fruitfull earth adue. 
 
 For the next time it fhall befeene of you, 
 
 It with an ill complexion fJiall appear e, 
 
 TJie weight of water fhall haue chang'd her cheere. 
 
 Be not affrighted, when ye heare the rare 
 
 Of tJie wide Waters when they charge thefhore, 
 
 Nor be difmaid at all, when you fhall feele 
 
 Th' unweeldy Arke from waue to wane to reele : 
 
 Nor at thefhreekes of thofe that fwimming by 
 
 On Trees and Rafters, fhall for fuccour cry, 
 
 O ye mofi lou'd of God, O take vs in. 
 
 For we are guilty, and cottfeffe ourfinne. 
 
 Thus whilft he fpake, the skyes grew thicke and darke, 
 
 And a blacke cloud hung houering o're the Arke. 
 
 Venus and Mars, God puts this worke vpon God 
 
 lupiter and Saturne in coniun6tion ™^ ^^ ', f 
 
 btarres nis 
 I'th tayle of Cancer, inundations thret. inftm- 
 
 Luna difpofed generally to wet, ments to 
 
 The Hiades and Pliades put too P""'"" '^^^ 
 
 wiclcpfi 
 
 Their helpes ; Orion doth what he can doe. 
 
 No ftarre fo fmall, but fome one drop let downe, 
 
 P ^nd 
 
 / 11.3 
 
A defcrip- 
 tion of the 
 Tempeft, at 
 the falling 
 of the De- 
 luge. 
 
 Water is 
 but ay re 
 condenfd. 
 
 (io6) 
 
 ^nd all confpire the wicked world to drowne : 
 On the wide heauen there was not any figne, 
 To watry Pifces but it doth incline. 
 
 Now feme will aske, when th 'Almighty God, (but Noy 
 yJnd his) by waters did the world deftroy ; 
 Whether thofe feauen then in ^rke were good, 
 ^nd iuft as he, (referued from the Floud) 
 Or that th'.<41niighty for his onely fake. 
 Did on the other fuch compaflion take : 
 'T'is doubtleffe Noe, being one fo cleerely iuft, 
 That God did with his fecret iudgements trufl: 
 From the whole world ; one that fo long had knowne 
 That liuing Lord, would likewife teach his owne 
 To know him too, who by this meane might be. 
 As well within the Couenant as he. 
 
 By this the Sunne had fuckt vp the vafte deepe. 
 And in groffe clouds like Cefternes did it keepe : 
 T^he Starres and fignes by Gods great wifedome fet. 
 By their coniunftions waters to beget. 
 Had wrought their vtmoft, and euen now began 
 Th' Almighties iuftice vpon fmfuU man : 
 From euery feuerall quarter of the skye, 
 7"he Thunder rores, and the fierce Lightnings flye 
 One at another, and together dafh, 
 Volue on volue, flafh comes after flafh : 
 Heauens lights looke fad, as they would melt away, 
 The night is com'n i'th morning of the day : 
 The Card'nall Windes he makes at once to blow, 
 Whofe blafts to buffets with fuch fury goe, 
 That they themfelues into the Center fhot 
 Into the bowels of the earth and got, 
 .Seing condens'd and ftrongly ftifned there. 
 In fuch ftrange manner multiply'd the ayre. 
 Which turn'd to water, and increafl the fprings 
 To that abundance, that the earth forth brings 
 Water to drowne her felfe, fhould heauen deny. 
 With one fmall drop the Deluge to fupply. 
 
 That 
 
 114 
 
(loy) 
 
 That through her pores, the foft and fpungy earth, 
 
 As in a dropfie, or vnkindely birth, 
 
 A Woman, fwolne, fends from her fluxiue wombe 
 
 Her woofie fprings, that there was fcarcely roome 
 
 For the wafle waters which came in fo faft, 
 
 As though the earth her entrailes vp would caft. 
 
 But thefe feem'd yet, but eafily let goe, 
 
 And from fome Sluce came foftly in, and flow, 
 
 Till Gods great hand fo fquees'd the boyfterous clouds, 
 
 That from the fpouts of heauens embatteld fhrouds, 
 
 Euen like a Floud-gate pluckt vp by the height. 
 
 Came the wilde raine, with fuch a pondrous weight, 
 
 ^s that the fierceneffe of the hurrying floud, 
 
 Remou'd huge Rockes, and ram'd them into mud : 
 
 Prefling the ground, with that impetuous power, 
 
 As that the firft fhocke of this drowning fhower, 
 
 Furrow'd the earths late plumpe and cheerefuU face 
 
 Like an old Woman, that in little fpace 
 
 With ryueld cheekes, and with bleard blubberd eyes, 
 
 She wiftly look'd vpon the troubled skyes. 
 
 Vp to fome Mountaine as the people make, 
 
 Driuing their Cattell till the fhower fhould flake : 
 
 The Floud oretakes them, and away doth fweepe 
 
 Great heards of Neate, and mighty flockes of Sheepe. 
 
 Downe through a valley as one ftreame doth come, 
 
 Whofe roaring ftrikes the neighbouring Eccho dumbe : 
 
 Another meetes it, and whilft there they ftriue. 
 
 Which of them two the other backe fhould driue ; 
 
 Their dreadfuU currents they together dafh. 
 
 So that their waues like furious Tydes doe wafli 
 
 The head of fome neere hill, which falleth downe 
 
 For very feare, as it, it felfe would drowne. 
 
 Some backe their Beafts fo hoping to fwimme out. 
 
 But by the Floud, incompiffed about 
 
 Are ouerwhelm'd, fome clamber vp to Towers, 
 
 But thefe and them, the deluge foone deuoures : 
 
 Some to the top of Pynes and Cedars get, 
 
 P 2 Thinking 
 
 IIS 
 
(io8) 
 
 Thinking themfelues they fafely there fhould fet : 
 But the rude Floud that ouer all doth fway, 
 Quickly comes vp, and carrieth them away. 
 The Roe "^^^ Roes much fwiftneffe, doth no more auaile, 
 
 Deere the Nor helpe him now, then if he were a Snayle : 
 fwifteft The fwift-wing'd Swallow, and the flow-wing'd Owle, 
 
 ^"-Z yhe fleeteft Bird, and the moft flagging Fowle, 
 
 Are at one pafle, the Floud fo high hath gone, 
 There was no ground to fet a foot vpon : 
 Thofe Fowle that followed moyflneffe, now it flye, 
 And leaue the wet Land, to finde out the dry : 
 But by the mighty tempeft beaten downe, 
 On the blancke water they doe lye and drowne : 
 The ftrong-built Tower is quickly ouerborne. 
 The o're-growne Oake out of the earth is tome : 
 The fubtile fhower the earth hath foftned fo. 
 And with the wanes, the trees toft to and fro ; 
 That the rootes loofen, and the tops downe fway, 
 So that the whole Forrefts quickly fwimme away. 
 Th' offended heauen had fhut vp all her lights. 
 The Sonne nor Moone make neither dales nor nights : 
 The waters fo exceedingly abound 
 That in fhort time the Sea it felfe is drownd. 
 That by the frefhneffe of the falling raine, 
 Neptune no more his faltneffe doth retaine : 
 So that thofe fcaly creatures vs'd to keepe, 
 T'he mighty wafls of the immeafured deepe : 
 Finding the generall and their naturall bracke, 
 T'he tafle and colour euery were to lacke; 
 Forfake thofe Seas wherein they fwamme before, 
 Strangely oppreffed with their watry ftore. 
 T'he crooked Dolphin on thofes Mountaines playes, 
 Whereas before that time, not many dales 
 2"he Goate was grazing ; and the mighty Whale, 
 Vpon a Rocke out of his way doth fall : 
 From whence before one eas'ly might haue feene, 
 The wandring clouds farre vnder to haue beene. 
 
 ii6 
 
 rhe 
 
(io9) 
 
 The Grampus, and the Whirlpoole, as they roue, 
 
 Lighting by chance vpon a lofty Groue 
 
 Vnder this world of waters, are fo much 
 
 Pleas'd with their worabes each tender branch to touch, 
 
 That they leaue flyme vpon the curled Sprayes, 
 
 On which the 5irds fung their harmonious Layes. 
 
 As huge as Hills ftiU waues are wallowing in, 
 
 Which from the world fo wondroufly doe winne, 
 
 7"hat the tall Mountaines Vv'hich on tipto ftood, 
 
 ^s though they fcorn'd the force of any flood, 
 
 No eye of heauen of their proud tops could fee 
 
 One foot, from this great inundation free. 
 
 As in the Chaos ere the frame was fix'd Afimilyof 
 
 1 he ^yre and water were lo ftrongly mix d, of the De- 
 
 AviA fuch a Bulke of Grofeneffe doe compofe, luge. 
 
 ^s in thofe thick Clouds which the Globe inclofe, 
 
 7"h'all-working Spirit were yet againe to wade, 
 
 ^nd heauen and earth againe were to be made. 
 
 Meane while this great and vniuerfall ^rke. 
 
 Like one by night were groping in the darke. 
 
 Now by one 2?illow, then another rockt. 
 
 Within whofe boards all liuing things were lockt ; 
 
 Yet Noah his fafety not at all doth feare. 
 
 For ftill the Angels his bleft Barge doe fteere : 
 
 BmX. now the Shower continued had fo long, 
 
 T'he inundation waxt fo wondrous ftrong, 
 
 J'hat fifteene Cubits caus'd the ArV& to moue 
 
 2"he higheft part of any Hill aboue : 
 
 Ax\di the groffe earth fo violently binds, 
 
 2"hat in their Coafts it had inclos'd the winds ; 
 
 So that the whole wide furface of the flood. 
 
 Asm the full height of the tyde it ftood. 
 
 Was then as fleeke and euen as the Seas 
 
 In the moft ftill and calmeft Halcyon dayes : 
 
 7"he ^irds, the i^eafts and Serpents fafe on board, 
 
 With admiration looke vpon thir Lord, 
 
 Zhe righteous Noah : and with fubmiffiue feare, 
 
 F 3 2"remble 
 
 117 
 
(no) 
 
 Tremble his graue and awfull voyce to heare, 
 When to his Houfhould (during their aboad) 
 He preacht the power of the Almighty God. 
 Noah Deare wife and children, quoth this godly Noy, 
 
 preaching Since the Almighty vow'd he would dejlroy 
 faith to The wicked world, a hundred year es are pajl, 
 
 his fainiiy. ^ ^^^ j^^^ ^^ j^^^j^ performed it at lafi ; 
 
 In vs poor e few, the world confifls alone, 
 A nd befides vs, there not remaineth one, 
 But from our feed, the emptied earth agen, 
 Muft be repeopled with the race of men ; 
 Then fince thus far re his couenant is true 
 Build ye your faith, on that which fliall enfue: 
 Such is our God, who thus did vs imbarque 
 (As his fele£l) to faue vs by the Arke, 
 A nd only he whofe A ngcls guard our Boat, 
 Knowes ouer what firange Region now we float, 
 Or we from hence that very place can found, 
 From which the Arke was lifted firfl from ground: 
 He that can fpan the world, and ivith a grip, 
 Otit of the bowels of the clouds could rip 
 This maffe of ivaters, whofe abundant birth, 
 A Imofl to heauen thus drowneth vp the earth ; 
 He can remoue this Round if he fliall pleafe. 
 And -with thefe waters can fup vp the Seas, 
 Can caufe the Starr es out of their Sphcars to fall, 
 A fid on the winds can ioffe this earthy Ball, 
 He can wrefl drops from the Sunnes radient beames, 
 And can force fire from the mofi liquid flreames. 
 He curies the wanes with whirlwinds, and doth make 
 Thefolid Center fearfully to fhake, 
 He can flirre vp the Elements to ivarres, 
 And at his p leaf ure can compofe their larres, 
 The Sands ferue not his wondrous workes to count. 
 Yet doth his mercy all his ivorkes furmount. 
 His Rule and Poiver eternally endures. 
 He was your Fathers God, he's mine, he's yours, 
 
 In 
 
 ii8 
 
(Ill) 
 
 In him deare wife and children put your truji, 
 He onely is Almighty, onely iujl. 
 
 But on the earth the waters were fo ftrong, 
 And now the flood continued had fo long, 
 That the let yeare foreflow'd about to bring 
 The Summer, Autumne, Winter, and the Spring, 
 The Gyring Planets with their ftarry traine, 
 Downe to the South had funck, and rofe againe 
 Vp towards the North, whilft the terreftriall Globe 
 Had bin involued in this watry Robe, 
 During which feafon euery twinckling light 
 In their ftill motion, at this monftrous fight, 
 By their completion a diftraftion fhow'd. 
 Looking like Embers that through afhes glow'd. 
 When righteous Noah remembreth at the laft, 
 The time prefix'd to be approaching faft, 
 After a hundred fifty dayes were gone. 
 Which to their period then were drawing on, 
 The flood fhould fomewhat flack, God promift fo, 
 On which relying, the iufl: godly Noe, 
 To try if then but one poore foot of ground. 
 Free from the flood might any where be found. 
 Lets forth a Rauen, which fliraight cuts the Skye, 
 And wondrous proud his reftyed wings to try, 
 In a large circle girdeth in the Ayre, 
 Firfl; to the Eaft, then to the South, doth beare, 
 Followes the Sunne, then towards his going forth, 
 And then runnes vp into the ryfing North, 
 Thence climes the clouds to proue if his (harpe eye 
 From that proud pitch could poflTibly defcry 
 Of fome tall Rock-crown'd Mountaine, a fmall ftone 
 A minuts fpace to fet his foot vpon, 
 But finding his long labour but in vaine, 
 Returneth wearied to the Arke againe, 
 By which Noah knew he longer yet muft fl:ay, 
 For the whole earth fl:ill vnder water lay. 
 
 Seauen dayes he refts, but yet he would not ceafe, 
 
 The reuo- 
 lution of 
 the yeare by 
 ajhoit Pe- 
 riphrafis. 
 
 (For 
 
 119 
 
(112) 
 
 (For that he knew the flood muft needs decreafe) 
 ^ut as the Rauen late, he next fends out 
 T'he damaske coloured Doue, his nimble Scout, 
 Which thrils the thin Ayre, and his pyneons plyes, 
 That like to lightning, glyding through the Skyes, 
 His fundry coloured feathers by the Sunne, 
 As his fwift fhadow on the Lake doth runne, 
 Caufeth a twinckling both at hand and farre, 
 Like that we call the fhooting of a Starre ; 
 ^ut finding yet that labour loft had bin, 
 Comes back to Noah, who gently takes him in. 
 Noah refts awhile, but meaning ftill to proue 
 A fecond fearch, againe fends out the Doue, 
 A{\.&x other feauen, fome better newes to bring. 
 Which by the ftrength of his vnwearied wing 
 Findes out at laft, a place for his aboad. 
 When the glad B'vcA. flayes all the day abroad, 
 AviA. wondrous proud that he a place had found, 
 Who of a longtime had not toucht the ground, 
 Drawes in his head, and thrufleth out his breafl, 
 Spreadeth his tayle, and fwelleth vp his creft, 
 And turning round and round with Cuttry cooe, 
 As when the female Pigeon and he wooe ; 
 bathing himfelfe, which long he had not done, 
 .^nd dryes his feathers in the welcome Sunne, 
 Pruning his plumage, clenfing euery quill, 
 And going back, he beareth in his bill 
 An Oliue leafe, by which Noah vnderftood 
 The great decreafe and waning of the flood : 
 For that on Mountaines Oliues feldome grow, 
 ^ut in flat Valleys and in places low ; 
 Neuer fuch comfort came to mortall man, 
 Neuer fuch ioy was fince the world began. 
 As in the Arke, when NoaJi and his behold 
 The Oliue leafe, which certainly them told. 
 The flood decreas'd, and they fuch comfort take, 
 That with their mirth, the ^irds and ^eafls they make 
 
 Sportiue, 
 
(113) 
 
 Sportiue, which fend forth fuch a hollow noyfe 
 As faid they were partakers of their ioyes. 
 The Lion roares, but quickly doth forbcare, 
 Left he thereby the leffer Beafts fhould feare, 
 The Bull doth bellow, and the Horfe doth nay, 
 The Stag, the Buck, and fhaghayrd Goat doe bray. 
 The Boare doth grunt, the Woolfe doth howle, the Ram 
 Doth bleate, which yet fo faintly from him came, 
 As though for very ioy he feem'd to weepe. 
 The Ape and Muncky fuch a chattering keepe 
 With their thin lips, which they fo well expreft, 
 As they would fay, we hope to be releaft ; 
 The filly Affe fet open fuch a throat, 
 That all the Arke refounded with the note ; 
 The watchfull Dog doth play, and skip, and barke, 
 And leaps vpon his Mafters in the Arke, 
 The Rauen crokes, the caryon Crow doth fquall. 
 The Pye doth chatter, and the Partridge call. 
 The iocund Cock crowes as he claps his wings, 
 The Merle doth whiftle, and the Mauis fings, 
 The Nightingale flraines her melodious throat. 
 Which of the fmall i?irds being heard to roat, 
 They foone fet to her, each a part doth take, 
 As by their mufick vp a Quire to make. 
 The Parrat lately fad, then talks and ieeres. 
 And counterfeiteth euery found he heares, 
 The purblind Owle which heareth all this doo, 
 T'expreffe her gladneffe, cryes Too whit too whoo. 
 No Beaft nor Bird was in the Arke with Noy, 
 But in their kinde expreft fome figne of ioy ; 
 When that iuft man who did himfelfe apply 
 Still, to his deare and godly family, 
 Thus to them fpake (and with erefted hands 
 The like obedience from the reft demands) 
 The worlds foundation is not halfefo fure 
 As is Gods promife, nor is heaicen fo pure 
 
 Q A, 
 
Mountains 
 of a won- 
 drous 
 height, 
 eithir 
 within, or 
 bordering 
 vpon Ar- 
 menia, 
 
 (114) 
 
 As is his word, to me mojlfinfull man ; 
 To take the Arke who when I firjl began 
 Sayd on the huiidred and the fiftieth day, 
 T Jhould perceiue the Deluge to decay. 
 And 'tis mojl certaine, as you well may know 
 Which this poore Pidgeon by this leafe doth Jhow. 
 He thatfo long could tnake the waters Jland 
 Aboue the earth, fee how his powerfull hand 
 Thrufls thein before it, andfo fafi doth driue 
 The Bigfwohte Billowes, that they feeme tofiriue 
 Which fhall fly faflefl on that fecret path, 
 Whence firfl they came, to execute his wrath, 
 TJie Sjinne which melted euery Cloud to Raine, 
 He makes it now to fup it vp againe: 
 The wind by which he brought it on before 
 In their declining driues it o'r and o'r. 
 The tongs of Angells feme tiot to expreffe, 
 Neither his mercy, nor his mightineffe. 
 Be ioyftdl then in our greate God (fayth he) 
 For we the Parents of Mankind fhall be 
 From vs poore few, (Ids pleafure that attend) 
 Shall all the Nations of the earth defcend ; 
 
 When righteous Noy defirous ftill to heare, 
 In what eftate th'unweeldy waters were, 
 Sends foorth the Doue as he had done before, 
 But it found drie land and came backe no more, 
 Whereby this man precifely vnderftood, 
 The greate decreafe of this world-drowning floud : 
 Thus as the Arke is floating on the mayne, 
 As when the floud rofe, in the fall againe. 
 With Currents ftill encountred euery where 
 Forward and backeward which it ftill doe beare, 
 As the ftreame ftraytneth, by the rifmg Cleeues 
 Of the tall Mountaines, 'twixt which oft it driues, 
 Vntill at length by Gods Almighty hand. 
 It on the hills of * Ararat doth land. 
 When thofe within it felt the Arke to ftrike. 
 
 On 
 
('115) 
 
 On the firme ground, was euer comfort like 
 
 To theirs, which felt it fixed there to ftay, 
 
 And found the waters went fo faft away ; 
 
 That Noah fet vp the couering of the Arke, 
 
 That thofe which long had fitten in the darke, 
 
 Might be faluted with the cheerfull light, 
 
 (O fince the world, was euer fuch a fight !) 
 
 That creeping things afwell as Bird or Beaft, 
 
 Their feuerall comforts fundry wayes expreft ? 
 
 His wife and children then afcend to fee 
 
 What place it was fo happy that fhould be 
 
 For th'Arke to reft on, where they faw a Plaine, 
 
 A Mountaines top which feemed to containe, 
 
 On which they might difcerne within their ken, 
 
 The carkaffes of Birds, of ^eafts, and men, 
 
 Choak'd by the Deluge, when Noah fpake them thus, 
 
 Behold th! Almighties mercy JJtew' d to vs, 
 That thorow the rvaues our way not onely wrought, 
 But to thefe Mountaines fafely hath vs brought, 
 Whofe dainty tops all earthly pleafures crowne 
 And one the Greene-fward fets vs fafely downe. 
 Had our moft gratious God not beene our guide 
 The Arke had f aline vponfome Mountaine fide. 
 And with a Rufh remouing of our fraight 
 Might well haue turnd it backward zvith the waight 
 Or by thefe Billows lafily ouer borne 
 Or onfome Rocke her ribbs might haue bin tome. 
 But fee except thefe heere, each liuing thing 
 That crept, or went, or kept the A ire with wing, 
 Lye heere before vs to manure the Land, 
 Such is the power of Gods all workeing hand. 
 
 In the fix hundred yeere of that iuft man 
 The fecond month, the feuenteenth day began, /„ May ac- 
 
 That horrid Deluge when Heauens windows were cording to 
 
 At once all opened, then did firft appeare theExpofi. 
 
 Th'Allmightys wrath, when for full forty days 
 Zhere raynd from Heauen not fliowers but mighty feas, 
 
 Q 2 A 
 
 123 
 
Part of Sep- 
 tember and 
 part of 
 Oaober. 
 
 In the fame 
 moneth the 
 flood began, 
 &= ceafl: 
 which 
 made vp 
 one yeare. 
 
 (ii6) 
 
 A hundred fifty dayes that fo prevayld, 
 
 Aboue the Mountaines till the great Arke fayld, 
 
 In the feauenth moneth, vpon the feauenteenth day, 
 
 Like a Ship falne into a quyet Bay, 
 
 It on the Hils of Ararat doth light : 
 
 But Noah deny'd yet to difcharge the Fraight. 
 
 For that the Mountaines cleerely were not feene. 
 
 Till the firft day of the tenth mon'th, when Greene 
 
 Smyld on the blew Skyes, when the earth began 
 
 To looke vp cheerly, yet the waters ran 
 
 Still throw the Valleyes, till the mon'th againe 
 
 In which before it firft began to rayne ; 
 
 Of which, the feauen and twentieth day'expyr'd. 
 
 Quite from the earth the waters were retyr'd: 
 
 When the almighty God bad Noah to fet 
 
 Open the Arke, at liberty to let 
 
 The Beafts, the Birds, and creeping things, which came 
 
 Like as when firft they went into the fame, 
 
 Each male comes downe, his female by his fide. 
 
 As 'twere the Bridgroome bringing out his Bride, 
 
 7"ill th'Arke was emptied, and that mighty load. 
 
 For a whole yeare that there had bin beftow'd, 
 
 (Since firft that forty-dayes ftill-falling raine 
 
 That drown'd the world, was then dry'd vp againe) 
 
 Which with much gladneffe doe falute the ground, 
 
 The lighter fort fome caper, and fome bound. 
 
 The heauier creatures tumble them, as glad 
 
 That^they fuch eafe by their enlargement had. 
 
 The creeping things together fall to play, 
 
 loy'd beyond meafure, for this happy day, 
 
 The Birds"let from this Cage, doe mount the Skye, 
 
 To fhew, they yet had not forgot to flye, 
 
 And fporting them vpon the ayry plaine, 
 
 Yet to their mafter Noah they ftoope againe. 
 
 To leaue his prefence, and doe ftill forbeare. 
 
 Till they from him of their releafe might heare. 
 
 The Beafts each other wooe, the Birds they bill. 
 
 As 
 
 1-4 
 
("7) 
 
 As they would fay to Noe, they ment to fill 
 
 The roomthy earth, then altogether voyd, 
 
 And make, what late the deluge had deftroyd. 
 
 When Righteous Noye, who euer had regard 
 
 To ferue his God, immediately prepar'd 
 
 To facrifice, and of the cleaned Beafts 
 
 That in the Arke this while had bin his guefts, 
 
 He feafeth, (yet obedient to his will) 
 
 And of them, he for facrifice doth kill : 
 
 Which he and his religioufly attend, 
 
 And with the fmoake their vowes and thankes afcend, 
 
 Which pleas'd thAlmighty, that he promis'd then, 
 
 Neuer by floud to drowne the world agen. 
 
 And that mankinde his couenant might know, 
 
 He in the clouds left the celeftiall Bow. 
 
 When to thefe lining things quoth righteous Noe, 
 Noiv take you all free liberty to goe, 
 And eiiery way doe you your fellies difperfe, 
 Till you haue fild this globy vniuerfe 
 With your increafe, let euery foyle be yours, 
 He that hath fan! d yee, faithfully affures 
 Your propagation : and deare wife quoth he, 
 And you my children, let your trufl ftill be 
 In your preferuer, and on hi^n relye, 
 Whofe promife is that we fhall multiply. 
 Till in our dayes, of nations we fliall heare 
 From vs poore few in th'Arke that lately were. 
 
 To make a new world, thus works euery one, 
 The Deluge ceafeth, and the old is gone. 
 
 Q3 
 
 To 
 
 125 
 
(ii8) 
 
 To this Poem. 
 
 CEe how ingrate forgetfulneffe 
 
 Circles vs round with dangers, (bleffe, 
 That all the Saints whom God doth highly 
 
 To vs are flrangers : 
 Now Heau'n into our foules infpires 
 
 No true coelefliall motions : 
 Lufts ardent flame hath dimm'd the holy fires 
 
 Of our deaotions. 
 While 'gainfl blafphemers gen'rall fight 
 
 Our painefull Author ftriueth, 
 And happy fpirits which Hue in heauenly light 
 
 On earth reuiueth. 
 Thou Patriarke great, who with milde lookes 
 
 His lab'ring Mufe beholdefl : (bookes 
 
 Reach him thofe leaues where thou in facred 
 
 All truth vnfoldefi; : 
 And guide (like Ifrael) Poets hands 
 
 From Aegypt, from vaine Stories, 
 Onely to fing of the faire promis'd lands, 
 
 And all their glories. 
 
 loHN Beavmont. 
 
 126 
 
(119) 
 Ad Michalem Draytonem. 
 
 DVm reln5lantem Pharium I E H O V AE 
 Drayton, &• fraSlum cants, & rubentes 
 Diuidis fluSlus, equites reduSla et 
 
 obruis vnda: 
 Injlruis quanta monumenta nifu ? 
 Quam facra nomen tibi crefcit cede ? 
 Pyramis cedit peritura: cedit 
 
 totaq; Memphis. 
 Cedit, & quicquid pofuere reges 
 Molibus fiji nimium fuperbis. 
 O facer vatis labor \ arapaci 
 
 tempore tutus. 
 
 Beale Sapperton. 
 
 T 
 
 To M. Michael Drayton. 
 
 Hy noble Mufe already hath beene fpred (climes, 
 
 Through Europe and the Sun-fcorch'd Southerne 
 That He where Saturnes royall Sonne was bred. 
 Hath beene enricht with thy immortall rimes : 
 Euen to the burnt line haue thy poems flowne, 
 And gain'd high fame in the declining Weft, 
 And o're that cold Sea fhall thy name be blowne, 
 That Icie mountaines rowleth on her bred : 
 Her foaring hence fo farre made me admire, 
 Whether at length thy worthy Mufe would flie. 
 Borne through the tender ayre with wings of fire. 
 Able to lift her to the ftarrie skie : 
 
 This work refolu'd my doubts, when th'earths repleate 
 With her faire fruit, in Heau'n fhee'le take her feate. 
 
 Thomas Andre we. 
 Ex arduis ceternitas. 
 127 
 
(121) 
 
 MOSES HIS 
 
 BIRTH AND 
 
 MIRACLES. 
 
 THE FIRST BOOKE. 
 
 ^ The Argument. 
 
 This Canto our attraSled Mufe 
 The Prophets glorious birth purfues, 
 The various changes of his fate, 
 From humbleneffe to high ejlate, 
 His bedutie, more than mortall fhape, 
 From Egypt how he doth efcape, 
 By his f aire bearing in his flight, 
 Obtaines the louely Midianite, 
 Where God vnto the Hebrew fpake. 
 Appearing from the burning brake, 
 And backe doth him to Egypt fend. 
 That mighty things doth there intend. 
 
 Girt in bright flames, rapt from celeftiall fire. 
 That our vnwearied faculties refine, 
 By zeale tranfported boldly we afpire 
 To fing a fubieft glorioufly diuine : 
 Him that of mortals onely had the grace, 
 (On whom the Spirit did in fuch power defcend) 
 
 R To 
 
 r 129 
 
(122) 
 
 To talke with God face oppofite to face, 
 Euen as a man with his familiar friend. 
 
 Mufe I inuoke the vtmoft of thy might, 
 That with an armed and aufpitious wing, 
 Thou be obfequious in his doubtleffe right 
 'Gainft the vile Atheifts vituperious fling : 
 Where thou that gate induftrioufly mai'ft flie, 
 Which Nature ftriues but fainedly to goe. 
 Borne by a power fo eminent and hie, 
 As in his courfe leaues reafon farre below. 
 To fhew how Poefie (fimplie hath her praife) 
 That from full lotie takes her celeftiall birth, 
 And quicke as fire, her glorious felfe can raife 
 Aboue this bafe abhominable earth. 
 
 O if that Time haue happily referu'd, 
 (Befides that facred and canonicke writ, 
 What once in Slates and Barkes of trees was keru'd) 
 Things that our Mufes grauitie may fit, 
 Vnclafpe the worlds great Regifter to mee. 
 That fmoakie ruft hath very neere defac'd. 
 That I in thofe dim Chara6lers may fee. 
 From common eyes that hath afide beene caft. 
 And thou Tranflator of that faithfull Mufe 
 This Alls creation that diuinely fong. 
 From Courtly French (no trauaile do'fh refufe) 
 To make him Mafter of thy Genuin tong, 
 Saluji to thee and Siliiejler thy friend. 
 Comes my high Poem peaceably and chafte, 
 Your hallow'd labours humbly to attend 
 That wrackfull Titne fhall not haue power to wafte. 
 
 A gallant Hebrew (in the height of life) 
 Amram a Leuit honourably bred. 
 Of the fame off-fpring wan a beauteous wife. 
 And no leffe vertuous, goodly lacobed: 
 So fitly pair'd that (without all oftent) 
 Euen of the wife it hardly could be fayd 
 
 Which 
 
(123) 
 
 Which of the two was moft preheminent, 
 
 Or he more honour'd, or fhe more obayd, 
 
 In both was found that liueliehood and meetnes, 
 
 By which affeflion any way was mou'd : 
 
 In him that fliape, in her there was that fweetnes, 
 
 Might make him lik'd or her to be belou'd : 
 
 As this commixtion, fo their maried mind 
 
 Their good corre6led, or their ill releeu'd, 
 
 As truly louing as difcreetly kinde, 
 
 Mutuallie ioy'd, as mutuallie greeu'd : 
 
 Zheir nuptiall bed by abftinence maintain'd, 
 
 Yet ftill gaue fewell to Loues facred fire, 
 
 And when fruition plentifuUi'ft gain'd, 
 
 Yet were they chafte in fulnes of defire. 
 
 Now grieued Ifrael many a wofull day, 
 That at their vile feruilitie repin'd, 
 Prefs'd with the burdens of rude boift'rous clay. 
 By fterne Egyptian tyrannie aflign'd : 
 Yet flill the more the Hebrewes are oppreft 
 Like to Frim feed they fruftifie the more 
 That by th'eternall prouidence fore-bleft, 
 Gojhen giues roomth but fcantly to their ftore. 
 And the wife Midwiues in their naturall neede, 
 That the faire males immediatlie (hould kill, 
 Hating f'abhord, and Hethenilh a deede, 
 Check his harfh brutenes and rebellious will. 
 That fmall efifefl perceiuing by the fame, 
 Bids the men-children (greatelie that abound) 
 After that day into the world that came, 
 Vpon their birth fhould inftantly be drownd : 
 And now the time came had bin long foretold, 
 He fhould be borne vnto the Hebrewes ioy, 
 Whofe puiffant hand fuch fatall power fhould hold. 
 As in fhort time all Egipt fhould deftroy. 
 The execution which more ftrongly forc'd. 
 And euery where fo generally done. 
 As in fmall time vnnaturally divorc'd, 
 
 R 2 Many 
 
 131 
 
lofeph. 
 
 (124) 
 
 Many a deare Mother, and as deare a Sonne. 
 
 Though her chaft bofome that faire Altar were, 
 
 Where Loues pure vowes he dutifully pay'd, 
 
 His Armes to her a Sanftuary deare, 
 
 Yet they fo much his tyranny obay'd. 
 
 By free confent to feparate their bed, 
 
 better at all no Children yet to haue. 
 
 Then their deare loue fhould procreate the dead, 
 
 Vntimely iffue for a timeleffe graue. 
 
 When in a vifion whilft he flept by night, 
 
 God bids him fo not lacobed to leaue, 
 
 The man that Egypt did fo much affright. 
 
 Her pregnant wombe fhould happily conceaue. 
 
 Soone after finding that fhe was with child, 
 
 The fame conceales by all the meanes fhe can, 
 
 Left by th'apparance fhe might be beguild. 
 
 If in the birth it prou'd to be a man. 
 
 The time fhe goes till her accompt was nie, 
 
 Her fwelling belly no conception fhowes. 
 
 Nor at the time of her deliuery, 
 
 As other women panged in her throwes. 
 
 When lo the faire fruit of that profpering wombe 
 
 Wounds the kinde parents in their prime of ioy, 
 
 Whofe birth pronounceth his too timeleffe doombe 
 
 Accus'd by Nature, forming it a boy : 
 
 Yet tis fo fweet, fo amiably faire. 
 
 That their pleas'd eies with rapture it behold, 
 
 T'he glad-fad parents full of ioy and care 
 
 Faine would referue their Infant if they could. 
 
 And ftill they tempt the fundrie varying howers, 
 
 Hopes and defpaires together ftrangely mixt, 
 
 Diftafting fweets with many cordiall fowers, 
 
 Oppofed interchangeably betwixt. 
 
 If ought it ayl'd or hapleflie it cride, 
 
 Vnheard of any that fhe might it keepe. 
 
 With one fhort breath fhe did intreat and chide, 
 
 And in a moment flie did fing and weepe. 
 
 13 = 
 
 T^hree 
 
(125) 
 
 Three lab'ring months them flatterer-like beguilde, 
 
 And danger flill redoubling as it lafts, 
 
 Sufpefting moft the fafety of the Childe, 
 
 T'hus the kinde Mother carefully forecafts : 
 
 (For at three moneths a fcrutinie was held, 
 
 And fearchers then fent euery where about, 
 
 7"hat in that time if any were conceal'd, 
 
 T'hey fliould make proofe and ftraitly bring them out :) 
 
 To Pharoes will fiie awfully muft bow, 
 
 ^nd therefore haftens to abridge thefe feares, 
 
 ^nd to the flood determines it fhall goe. 
 
 Yet ere it went fhee'U drowne it with her teares. 
 Zhis afternoone Loue bids a little ftay, 
 
 ^nd yet thefe paufes doe but lengthen forrow, 
 
 ^ut for one night although flie make delay, 
 
 She vowes to goe vnto his death to morrow. 
 
 T'he morning comes, it is too early yet, 
 
 T'he day fo faft not haft'ning on his date, 
 
 T'he gloomy Euening murther befl doth fit, 
 
 T'he Euening come, and then it is too late. 
 
 Her pretty Infant lying on her lap 
 
 With his fweet eyes her threatning rage beguiles. 
 
 For yet he playes, and dallyes with his pap, 
 
 To mock her forrowes with his am'rous fmiles, 
 
 ^nd laugh'd, and chuck'd : and fpred the pretty hands. 
 
 When her full heart was at the point to breake, 
 
 (2"his little Creature yet not vnderflands 
 
 T'he wofull language mothers teares did fpeake.) 
 
 Wherewith furpriz'd, and with a parents loue. 
 
 From his faire eyes fhe doth frefh courage take. 
 
 And Natures lawes allowing, doth reproue 
 
 T'he fraile Edifts that mortall Princes make. 
 
 It fhall not die, fhe'U keepe her child vnknowne, 
 
 AnA come the worft in fpight of Pharoes rage, 
 
 ^s it is hers, fhe will difpofe her owne, 
 
 ^nd if't mufl, it'ft die at riper age. 
 
 And thus reuoluing of her frailties care, 
 
 R3 A 
 
 133 
 
(126) 
 
 A thoufand flrange thoughts throng her troubled minde, 
 
 Sounding the dangers deepely what they are, 
 
 Betwixt the lawes of cruelty and kinde. 
 
 But it muft die, and better yet to part. 
 
 Since preordain'd to this difaft'rous fate, 
 
 His want will fit the neerer to the heart 
 
 In riper and more flourifliing eRate. 
 
 T'he perfeft husband whofe impreffiue foule, 
 
 Tboke true proportion of each penfiue throw, 
 
 Yet had fuch power his paffion to controule, 
 
 As not the fame immediately to fliow. 
 
 With carriage full of comelineffe and grace, 
 
 ^s griefe not felt nor forrow feem'd to lacke, 
 
 Courage and feare fo temp'red in his face, 
 
 7"hus his beloued lacobed befpake. 
 
 Deare heart be patient, flay thefe timeleffe teares. 
 
 Death of thy Son fliall neuer quite bereaue thee. 
 
 My foule with thine, that equall burthen beares, 
 
 As what he takes, my Loue againe fhall giue thee : 
 
 For Ifraels fmne if Ifraels feed muft fufifer, 
 
 ^nd we of meere neceffity muft leaue him, 
 
 Pleafe yet to grace me with this gentle offer, 
 
 Giue him to me by whom thou didft conceyue him. 
 
 So though thou with fo deare a iewell part, 
 
 7"his yet remayneth laftly to releeue thee, 
 
 T'hou haft impos'd this hindrance on my heart, 
 
 ^nothers loffe fhall need the leffe to grieue thee, 
 
 Nor are we Hebrewes abiefl by our name, 
 
 2"hough thus in Egypt hatefully defpifed, 
 
 T'hat we that bleffing fruitlefly fliould clayme 
 
 Once in that holy Couenant comprifed. 
 
 It is not fit Mortality fhould know 
 
 What his eternall prouidence decreed, 
 
 That vnto Abraham ratifi'd the vowe 
 
 In happy Sara and her hallowed feed. 
 
 Nor fliall the wrong to godly lofepli done 
 
 In his remembrance euer be enrould. 
 
 134 
 
(127) 
 
 By Jacobs fighes for his loft little fonne 
 
 A Captiu'd flaue to the Egyptians fould : 
 
 Reafon fets limmets to the longeft griefe, 
 
 Sorrow fcarfe paft when comfort is returning, 
 
 He fends affliftion that can lend releefe, 
 
 Beft that is pleas'd with meafure in our mourning. 
 
 Loft in her felfe, her fpirits are fo diftrafted, 
 All hopes diffolu'd might fortifie her further, 
 Her minde feemes now of mifery compa6led, 
 That muft confent vnto fo deere a murther. 
 Of flime and twigs fhe makes a fimple fhread 
 (The poore laft duty to her child fhe owes 
 This pretty martyr, this yet liuing dead) 
 Wherein fhe doth his little corps enclofe : 
 And meanes to beare it prefently away, 
 And in fome water fecretly beftow it, 
 ^ut yet a while bethinkes her felfe to ftay, 
 Some little kindneffe fhe doeth further owe it : 
 Nor will fhe in this cruelty perfeuer, 
 That by her meanes his timeleffe blood be fpilt, 
 If of her owne fhe doth her felfe deliuer. 
 Let others hands be nocent of the guilt : 
 Yet if fhe keepe it from the ruthleffe flood 
 That is by Pharo's tyranny afTign'd it. 
 What bootes that wretched miferable good, 
 If fo difpos'd where none doe come to finde it, 
 For better yet the Homicide fhould kill it, 
 Or by fome beaft in peeces to be rent, 
 Than Hngring famine cruelly fhould fpill it, 
 That it endure a double languifhment : 
 And neighbouring neere to the Egyptian Court, 
 She knowes a place that neere the riuer fide 
 Was oft frequented by the worthier fort. 
 For now the fpring was newly in her pride. 
 Thither fhe haftes but with a paynefuU fpeed 
 The neereft way fhe poffibly could get. 
 And by the cleere brimme mongft the flags and reede. 
 
 Her 
 
 135 
 
(128) 
 
 Her little Coffin carefully fhe fet : 
 
 Her little Girle (the Mother following neere) 
 
 As of her Brother that her leaue would take, 
 
 Which the fad woman vnexpefting there, 
 
 Yet it to helpe her kindely thus befpake : 
 
 (Quoth (lie) fweet Miriam fecretly attend, 
 
 And for his death fee who approacheth hether, 
 
 That once for all affured of his end, 
 
 His dayes and mine be confummate together. 
 
 It is fome comfort to a wretch to die 
 
 (If there be comfort in the way of death) 
 
 To haue fome friend or kinde alliance by. 
 
 To be officious at the parting breath : 
 
 Thus fhe departs, oft ftayes, oft turneth backe. 
 
 Looking about left any one efpi'd her, 
 
 Faine would fhe leaue, that leaning fhe doth lacke. 
 
 That in this fort fo ftrangely doth diuide her. 
 
 Vnto what Dame (participating kinde) 
 
 My verfe her fad perplexitie fhall fliowe. 
 
 That in a foftned and relenting minde 
 
 Findes not a true touch of that Mothers woe. 
 
 Yet all this while full quietly it flept, 
 
 (Poore little Brat incapable of care) 
 
 Which by that powerfull prouidence is kept. 
 
 Who doth this childe for better dales prepare. 
 
 See here an abieft vtterly forlorne. 
 
 Left to deftruftion as a violent prey. 
 
 Whom man might iudge accurfed to be borne, 
 
 To darke obliuion moulded vp in clay. 
 
 That man of might in after times fhould bee 
 
 (The bounds of fraile mortality that brake) 
 
 Which that Almighty glorioufly fhould fee. 
 
 When he in thunder on mount Sinai fpake. 
 
 Now Pharaoh's Daughter Termuth young & faire. 
 With fuch choyce Maydens as fhe fauour'd moft, 
 Needes would abroad to take the gentle ayre, 
 Whilfl the rich yeere his braueries feem'd to boaft : 
 
 Softly 
 
 136 
 
(I29) 
 
 Softly flie walkes downe to the fecret flood, 
 
 Through the calme (hades mod peaceable & quiet, 
 
 In the coole ftreames to check the pampred blood, 
 
 Stir'd with ftrong youth and their delicious diet ; 
 
 Such as the Princeffe, fuch the day addreffed. 
 
 As though prouided equally to paire her, 
 
 Either in other fortunately bleffed 
 
 She by the day, the day by her made fairer. 
 
 Both in the height and fulneffe of their pleafure. 
 
 As to them both fome future good diuining, 
 
 Holding a fteadie and accomplifh'd meafure, 
 
 This in her perfe6l cleareneffe, that in fliining. 
 
 The very ayre to emulate her meekeneffe, 
 
 Stroue to be bright and peaceable as fhe. 
 
 That it grew iealous of that fodaine fleekeneffe, 
 
 Fearing it ofter otherwife might be : 
 
 And if the fleet winde by fome rigorous gale 
 
 Seem'd to be mou'd, and patiently to chide her. 
 
 It was as angry with her lawnie vaile. 
 
 That from his fight it enuioufly fhould hide her : 
 
 And now approching to the flow'rie meade 
 
 Where the rich Summer curioufly had dight her. 
 
 Which feem'd in all her iollitie arayde, 
 
 With Natures coft and pleafures to delight her : 
 
 See this moft bleffed, this vnufuall hap, 
 
 She the fmall basket fooner fhould efpie. 
 
 That the Childe wak'd, and miffing of his pap. 
 
 As for her fuccour inflantly did cry ; 
 
 Forth of the flagges fhe caus'd it to be taken, 
 
 Calling her Maids this Orphanet to fee, 
 
 Much did fhe ioy an Innocent forfaken 
 
 By her from peril! priuiledg'd might be : 
 
 This moft i^weet Princeffe pittifull and milde, 
 
 Soone on her knee vnfwathes it as her owne, 
 
 Found for a man, fo beautifull a Childe, 
 
 Might for an Hebrew eafily be knowne : 
 
 Noting the care in dreffing it beftow'd, 
 
 S Each 
 
 s 137 
 
(i3o) 
 
 Each thing that fitted gentleneffe to weare, 
 ludg'd the fad parents this loft Infant ow'd, 
 Were as invulgar as their fruit was faire, 
 (Saith fhe) my minde not any way fuggefts 
 An vnchafte wombe thefe lineaments hath bred, 
 For thy faire brow apparently contefts 
 The currant ftampe of a cleane nuptiall bed : 
 She nam'd it Moyfes, which in time might tell 
 (For names doe many myfteries expound) 
 When it was young the chance that it befell, 
 How by the water ftrangely it was found, 
 Calling Melch women that Egyptians were, 
 Once to the teat his lips he would not lay, 
 As though offended with their fullied leare, 
 Seeming as ftill to turne his head away. 
 
 The little Girle that neere at hand did lurke, 
 (Thinking this while flie tarried but too long) 
 Finding thefe things fo happily to worke, 
 Kindely being crafty, wife as fhe was yong, 
 Madame (faith fhe) wilt pleafe you I prouide 
 A Nurfe to breed the Infant you did finde. 
 There in an Hebrew dwelling here befide, 
 I know can doe it fitly to your minde : 
 For a right Hebrew if the Infant be, 
 (^s well produce you inftances I can, 
 ^nd by this Childe as partly you may fee,) 
 It will not fucke of an Egyptian. 
 The courteous Princeffe offered now fo faire, 
 That which before fhe earneflly defir'd. 
 That of her foundling had a fpeciall care, 
 The Girle to fetch her inflantly requir'd. 
 ylway the Girle goes, doth her Mother tell 
 What fauor God had to her brother fliowne, 
 Anii what elfe in this accident befell, 
 T'hat fhe might now be Nurfe vnto her owne. 
 Little it bootes to bid the Wench to ply her, 
 Nor the kinde Mother hearken to her fonne. 
 
 138 
 
 Nor 
 
(130 
 
 Nor to prouoke her to the place to hie her, 
 Which feem'd not now on earthly feete to runne : 
 Slow to her felfe yet hafting as fhe flew, 
 (So faft affeftion forward did her beare) 
 ^s though forewafted with the breath fhe drew. 
 Borne by the force of nature and of feare, 
 Little the time, and little is the way, 
 ^nd for her bufineffe eithers fpeede doth craue. 
 Yet in her hafte bethinkes her what to fay, 
 ^nd how her felfe in prefence to behaue. 
 Slack Ihee'l not feeme left to anothers truft 
 Her hopefull charge were happily direfled, 
 Nor yet too forward fhew her felfe (he muft, 
 Left her fweet fraud thereby might be fufpe6led, 
 Com'n fhe doth bow her humbly to the ground, 
 ^nd euery ioynt inceffantly doth tremble, 
 Gladneffe and feare each other fo confound. 
 So hard a thing for Mothers to diffemble. 
 Saith this fweet Termuth, well I like thy beautie, 
 Nurfe me this Childe (if it thy ftate behooue) 
 Although a Prince ile not enforce thy dutie. 
 But pay thy labour, and reward thy loue : 
 Though euen as Gods is Pliaraohs high command, 
 ^nd as ftrong Nature fo precife and ftri6l. 
 There refts that power yet in a Princeffe hand. 
 To free one Hebrew from this ftrong edi£l : 
 That ftiall in rich abilliments be dight, 
 Deck'd in the lems that admirabl'ft ftiine, 
 Wearing our owne roabe gracious in our fight, 
 Free in our Court, and nourifhed for mine : 
 Loue him deare Hebrew as he were thine owne. 
 Good Nurfe be carefull of my little Boy, 
 In this to vs thy kindeneffe may be fliowne. 
 Some Mothers griefe, is now a Maydens ioy. 
 
 This while all mute, the poore aftonifh'd Mother, 
 With admiration as tranfpearced ftood, 
 One burfting ioy doth fo confound another. 
 
 S 2 Paf- 
 
 139 
 
(i32) 
 
 Paflion fo powerful! in her rauifh'd blood. 
 Whifp'ring fome foft words which deliuered were, 
 As rather feem'd her filence to impart, 
 And being inforc'd from bafhfulneffe and feare, 
 Came as true tokens of a graceful! heart. 
 Thus fhe departs her husband to content. 
 With this deare prefent baclce to him fhe brought, 
 Making the time fhort, telling each euent. 
 In all fhapes ioy prefented to her thought. 
 Yet ftill his manly modefty was fuch 
 (That his affe6lions flrongly fo controlde,) 
 As if ioy feem'd his manly heart to touch. 
 It was her ioy and gladneffe to behold : 
 When all reioyc'd vnmou'd thereat the whiles, 
 In his graue face fuch conftancie appeares, 
 As now fcarfe fhewing comfort in his fmiles, 
 Nor then reuealing forrow in his teares : 
 Yet oft beheld it with that ftedfaft eye. 
 Which though itfdain'd the pleafdneffe to confeffe, 
 More in his lookes in fulneffe there did lie, 
 Than all their words could any way expreffe. 
 lofephus. In time the Princeffe playing with the Childe, 
 
 Vet. Come- In whom fhe feem'd her chiefe delight to take, 
 '^' With whom fhe oft the wearie time beguil'd. 
 
 That as her owne did of this Hebrew make : 
 It fo fell out as PJiaraoh was in place, 
 Seeing his daughter in the Childe to ioy. 
 To pleafe the Princeffe, and to doe it grace, 
 Himfelfe vouchfafes to entertaine the Boy : 
 Whofe fhape and beautie when he did hehold 
 With much content his Princely eye that fed, 
 Giuing to pleafe it, any thing it would. 
 Set his rich Crowne vpon the Infants head. 
 Which this weake Childe regarding not at all 
 (As fuch a Babie carelefly is meete) 
 Vnto the ground the Diadem let fall 
 Spurning it from him with negle<5lfull feete. 
 
 140 
 
 Which 
 
(133) 
 
 Which as the Priefts beheld this ominous thing 
 (That elfe had paft vnnoted as a toy.) 
 As from their skill report vnto the King, 
 This was the man that Egypt fhould deftroy. 
 Tolde by the Magi that were learn'd and wife, 
 WJiich might full well the iealous King enflame, 
 Said by W\ Egyptian ancient prophecies 
 That might giue credite eaflier to the fame. 
 She as difcreete as fhe was chafiie and faire, 
 With Princely gefture and with count'nance milde 
 By things that hurtfuU and mofl dangerous were 
 Showes to the King the weakeneffe of the Childe : 
 Hot burning coales doth to his mouth prefent, 
 Which he to handle fimply doth not fticke, 
 This little foole, this retchleffe Innocent 
 The burning gleed with his foft tongue doth Hcke : 
 Which though in Pharaoh her defire it wrought, 
 His babifh imbecilitie to fee, 
 To the Childes fpeech impediment it brought, 
 From which he after neuer could be free. 
 
 The Childe grew vp, when in his manly face 
 Beautie was feene in an vnufuall cheere. 
 Such mixtures fweet of comelineffe and grace 
 Likely apparell'd in complexion cleere. 
 The part of earth contends with that of heauen, 
 Both in their proper puritie excelling, 
 To whether more preheminence was giuen, 
 Which fliould excell the dweller or the dwelling. 
 Mens vfuall ftature he did farre exceede, 
 And eueiy part proportioned fo well. 
 The more the eye vpon his fliape did feede. 
 The more it long'd vpon the fame to dwell : 
 Each ioynt fuch perfeft Harmonic did beare, 
 That curious iudgement taking any lim 
 Searching might miffe to match it any where, 
 Nature fo fail'd in parallelling him : 
 His haire bright yellow, on an arched brow 
 
 S 3 Sate 
 
 141 
 
(134) 
 
 Sate all the beauties kinde could euer frame, 
 
 And did them there fo orderly beftow, 
 
 As fuch a feate of maieflie became. 
 
 As time made perfe6l each exteriour part, 
 
 So ftill his honour with his yeeres encreas'd. 
 
 That he fate Lord in many a tender heart, 
 
 With fuch high fauours his faire youth was blefs'd. 
 
 So fell it out that ^tliiop warre began, 
 Inuading Egypt with their armed powers, 
 And taking fpoiles, the Country ouer-ran 
 To where as Memphis vaunts her climing Towers, 
 Wherefore they with their Oracles conferre 
 ^bout th'euent, which doe this anfwere make. 
 That if they would tranfport this ciuill warre. 
 They to their Captaine muft an Hebrew take, 
 -(4nd for faire Moyfes happily was growne 
 Of fo great towardneffe and efpeciall hope, 
 Him they doe choofe as abfoluteft knowne 
 To leade their power againft the Aitliiope. 
 Which they of Termuth hardly can obtaine, 
 Though on their /Altars by their Gods they vowe 
 Him to deliuer fafe to her againe, 
 (Once the warre ended) fafe as he was now. 
 Who for the way the ^rmie was to paffe, 
 T'hat by \ki Egyptians onely was intended, 
 Moft part by water, more prolixious was 
 T'han prefent perill any whit commended : 
 To intercept the Ethiopians wrought 
 A way farre nearer who their Legions led, 
 Which till that time impaffible was thought. 
 Such ftore of Serpents in that place was bred : 
 Deuis'd by Birds this danger to efchew. 
 Whereof in Egypt be exceeding ftore, 
 T^he Storke, and Ibis, which he wifely knew, 
 AW kindes of Serpents naturally abhore. 
 Which he in Baskets of Egyptian reede. 
 Borne with his caridge eafely doth conuay. 
 
 142 
 
 ^nd 
 
(135) 
 
 ^nd where incampeth fets them forth to feede, 
 
 Which driue the Serpents prefently away. 
 
 Thus them preuenting by this fubtill courfe, 
 
 T'hat all their fuccour fodainly bereft, 
 
 When j/Sthiop flies before \!d Egyptian force, 
 
 Shut vp in Saba their laft refuge left. 
 
 Which whilft with ftrait fiedge they beleagred long, 
 
 The Kings faire Daughter haps him to behold, 
 
 AnA became fettered with affeftion ftrong. 
 
 Which in fhort time could hardly be controlde, Cometlcr. 
 
 Tarbis that kindled this rebellious rage, 
 
 T'hat they to Egypt tributorie were, 
 
 When the olde King decrepit now with age, 
 
 She in his ftead the foueraigntie did beare. 
 
 Vp to his T'ower where fhe the Camp might fee. 
 
 To looke her new Loue euery day fhe went, 
 
 /4nd when he hap'ned from the field to be, 
 
 She thought her bleft beholding but his T'ent, 
 
 AnA oftentimes doth modeftly inuay 
 
 'Gainft him the Citie walled firft about, 
 
 T'hat the flrong fite fhould churlifhly denay 
 
 Him to come in, or her for paffing out, 
 
 Had the gates beene but foftned as her breafl 
 
 (Zhat to behold her loued enemie ftands) 
 
 He had ere this of Saba beene poffeft. 
 
 And therein planted the Egyptian bands : 
 
 Oft from a place as fecretly Ihe might 
 
 (That from her Pallace look'd vnto his Tent) 
 
 When he came forth appearing in his fight, 
 
 Shewing by fignes the loue to him fhe ment. 
 
 For in what armes it pleas'd him to be dight, 
 
 Aitex the Hebrew or th' Egyptian guife : 
 
 He was the brauefb, the moft goodly wight 
 
 That euer graced ^thiop with his eyes. 
 
 ^nd finding meanes to parley from a place, 
 
 By night, her paffion doth to him difcouer, 
 
 To yeeld the Citie if he would embrace 
 
 Her 
 
 143 
 
(136) 
 
 Her a true Princeffe, as a faithfull I.ouer. 
 The feature of fo delicate a Dame, 
 Motiues fufficient to his youth had beene, 
 But to be Lord of Kingdomes by the fame, 
 And of fo great and obfoiute a Queene, 
 Soone gently dole him from himfelfe away, 
 That doth to him fuch rarities partake. 
 Off' ring fo rich, fo excellent a prey, 
 Louing the treafon for the Traytors fake. 
 
 But whilft he liued in this glorious vaine, 
 Ifrael his confcience oftentimes doth moue, 
 That all this while in Egypt did remaine 
 Vertue and grace o'recomming youth and loue. 
 And though God knowes vnwilling to depart. 
 From fo high Empire wherein now he ftood, 
 And her that fate fo neere vnto his heart, 
 Such power hatii Ifrael in his happie blood, 
 By skill to quit him forcibly he wrought, 
 As he was learn'd and traded in the flarres. 
 Both by the Hebrewes, and \kv Egyptians taught, 
 That were the firft, the beft Aftronomers, 
 Two fundry figures makes, whereof the one 
 Comefter Caufe them that weare it all things paft forget, 
 ex Vet. ^g th'other of all accidents foregone 
 
 ^mp . rj.^^ memory as eagerly doth whet. 
 
 Which he infculped in two likely ftones. 
 For rareneffe of inualuable price, 
 And cunningly contriu'd them for the nones 
 In likely rings of excellent deuife : 
 That of obliuion giuing to his Queene, 
 Which foone made fhow the violent effe6l 
 Forgot him ftraight as he had neuer beene. 
 And did her former kindeneffes negleft. 
 The other (that doth memorie affifl) 
 Him with the loue of Ifrael doth enflame. 
 Departing thence not how the Princeffe wift, 
 In peace he leaues her as in warre he came. 
 
 144 
 
 But 
 
(137) 
 
 ]5ut all the pleafures of th! Egyptian Court, 
 Had not fuch power vpon his fpringing yeeres, 
 As had the fad and tragical! i-eport 
 Of the rude burdens captiu'd Ifrael beares, 
 Nor what regards he to be grac'd of Kings ? 
 Or flatred greatnes idely to awaite ? 
 Or what refpefls he the negotiating 
 Matters comporting Emperie and State ? 
 The bondage and feruilitie that lay- 
 On buried Ifrael (funke in ordurous flime) 
 His greened fpirit downe heauily doth way, 
 That to leane care oft leant the profperous time 
 A wreched Hebrew hap'ned to behold 
 Bruf 'd with fad burdens without all remorfe 
 By an Egyptiaii barb'roufly controlde. 
 Spurning his pin'd and miferable corfe 
 Which he beholding vexed as he ftood. 
 His faire veines fwelling with impatient fire, 
 Pittie and rage fo wreftled in his blood 
 To get free paffage to conceaued ire, 
 Refcuing the man ^Egyptian doth refift : 
 (Which from his vile hands forcibly he tooke) 
 ^nd by a ftrong blowe with his valiant fifl, 
 His hatefuU breath out of his noftrils flrooke, 
 Which through his courage boldly dare auerre, 
 In the proud power of his Emperious hand, 
 Yet from high honour deigneth to interre. 
 The wretched carkaffe in the fmouldring fand. 
 Which then fuppof'd in fecret to be wrought, 
 Yet flill hath Enuie fuch a iealous eye, 
 ^s foorththe fame incontinent it fought, 
 ^nd to the King deliuered by and by, 
 Which foone gaue vent to Pharo's couered wrath, 
 Which till this inftant reafon did confine, 
 Opening a flrait way, and apparant path 
 Vnto that greate and terrible defigne : 
 Moft for his fafety forcing his retreate 
 
 T When 
 
 i 145 
 
(138) 
 
 When now affliftion euery day did breed, 
 
 And when reuengfuU tyrannic did threate 
 
 The greateft horrour to the Hebrew feed. 
 
 To Midiaii now his Pilgrimage he tooke, 
 
 Midiaji earthes onely Paradice for pleafures, 
 
 Where many a foft Rill, many a Aiding Brooke, 
 
 Through the fweet valHes trip in wanton meafures, 
 
 Whereas the curl'd Groues and the flowrie fields, 
 
 To his free foule fo peaceable and quiet 
 
 More true delight and choife contentment yeelds, 
 
 Than Egipis braueries and luxurious diet : 
 
 And wandring long he hap'ned on a Well, 
 
 Which he by pathes frequented might efpie, 
 
 Bordred with trees where pleafure feem'd to dwell, 
 
 Where to repofe him, eaf'ly downe doth lie : 
 
 Where the foft windes did mutually embrace, 
 
 In the coole Arbours Nature there had made. 
 
 Fanning their fweet breath gently in his face 
 
 Through the calme cin£ture of the am'rous fhade. 
 
 Till now it nigh'd the noone-ftead of the day. 
 
 When fcorching heat the gadding Heards do grieue. 
 
 When Shepheards now and Heardfmen euery way, 
 
 Their thirfting Cattell to the Fountaine driue : 
 
 Amongft the reft feuen Shepheardeffes went 
 
 -(4 long the way for watring of their Sheepe, 
 
 Whofe eyes him feemed fuch refle6tion fent, 
 
 ^s made the Flocks euen white that they did keepe : 
 
 Girles that fo goodly and delightfull were. 
 
 The fields were frefh and fragrant in their viewe, 
 
 Winter was as the Spring time of the yeere, 
 
 The graffe fo proud that in their footfteps grewe : 
 
 Daughters they were vnto a holy man, 
 
 (/ind worthy too of fuch a Sire to be) 
 
 lethro the Prieft of fertile Midian, 
 
 Few found fo iuft, fo righteous men as he. 
 
 But fee the rude Swaine, the vntutour'd flaue, 
 
 Without rcfpefl or reu'rence to their kinde. 
 
 Away 
 
 146 
 
(i39) 
 
 Away their faire flocks from the water draue, 
 Such is the nature of the barb'rous Hiiide. 
 The Maides (perceauing where a ftranger fat) 
 Of whom thofe Clownes fo bafely did efteerne, 
 Were in his prefence difcontent thereat, 
 Whom hee perhaps improuident might deeme. 
 Which he perceauing kindely doth entreate, 
 Reproues the Rufticks for that off'red wrong, 
 Auerring it an iniurie too great, 
 To fuch (of right) all kindeneffe did belong. 
 But finding well his Oratorie faile, 
 His fifls about him frankly he beftowes. 
 That where perfwafion could not let preuaile. 
 He yet compelleth quickly by his blowes. 
 Entreates the Dam'fels their aboade to make. 
 (With Courtly femblance and a manly grace,) 
 At their faire pleafures quietly to take. 
 What might be had by freedome of the place. 
 Whofe beautie, fhape, and courage they admire, 
 Exceeding thefe, the honour of his minde. 
 For what in mortall could their hearts defire, 
 Tha.t in this man they did not richly finde ? 
 Returning fooner then their vfuall hower, 
 All that had hapned to their Fathers tould, 
 That fuch a man relieu'd them by his power. 
 As one all ciuill curtefie that could : 
 Who full of bountie hofpitably meeke 
 Of his behauiour greatly pleaf'd to heare. 
 Forthwith commands his feruants him to feeke, 
 To honour him by whom his honour'd were : 
 Gently receiues him to his goodly feat, 
 Feafts him his friends and families among, 
 And him with all thofe offices entreat. 
 That to his place and vertues might belong. 
 Whilft in the beauty of thofe goodly Dames, 
 Wherein wife Nature her owne skill admires. 
 He feeds thofe fecret and impiercing flames, 
 
 T 2 Nurs'd 
 
 147 
 
(ho) 
 
 Nurs'd in frefh youth, and gotten in defires : 
 
 Wonne with this man this princely Pried to dwell, 
 
 For greater hire then bounty could deuife, 
 
 For her whofe prayfe makes praife it felfe excell. 
 
 Fairer then fairneffe, and as wifedome wife. 
 
 In her, her Sifters feuerally were feene, 
 
 Of euery one fhe was the rareft part, 
 
 Who in her prefence any time had beene. 
 
 Her Angell eye tranfpierced not his heart. 
 
 For Zipora a Shepheards life he leads. 
 
 And in her fight deceiues the fubtill howres. 
 
 And for her fake oft robs the flowrie meades, 
 
 With thofe fweet fpoiles t'enrich her rurall bowres. 
 
 Vp to mount Horeb with his flocke he tooke, 
 
 The flocke wife lethro willed him to keepe, 
 
 Which well he garded with his Shepheards crooke. 
 
 Goodly the Shepheard, goodly were the Sheepe : 
 
 To feede and folde full warily he knew, 
 
 From Fox and Wolfe his wandring flockes to free, 
 
 The goodli'ft flowers that in the meadowes grew 
 
 Were not more frefh and beautiful! than hee. 
 
 Gently his fayre flockes leflbw'd he along, 
 
 Through the Frim paftures freely at his leafure. 
 
 Now on the hills, the vallies then among, 
 
 Which feeme themfelues to ofier to his pleafure. 
 
 Whilft featherd Sibians from each blooming fpray, 
 
 With murm'ring waters wiftly as they creepe. 
 
 Make him fuch muficke (to abridge the way,) 
 
 As fits a Shepheard company to keepe. 
 
 When loe that great and fearefull God of might 
 
 To that faire Hebrew ftrangely doth appeare. 
 
 In a bufh burning vifible and bright 
 
 Yet vnconfuming as no fire there were : 
 
 With hayre erefled and vpturned eyes, 
 
 Whilft he with great aftonifliment admires, 
 
 Loe that eternall Re6lor of the skies. 
 
 Thus breathes to Moyfes from thofe quickning fires, 
 
 Shal 
 
 148 
 
(HI) 
 
 Shake off thy Sandals (faith the thund'ring God) 
 
 With humbled feet my wondrous power to fee. 
 
 For that the foyle where thou haft boldly trod, 
 
 Is moft feleft and hallowed vnto me : 
 
 The righteous Abraham for his God me knew, 
 
 Ifaac and lacob trufled in mine Name, 
 
 And did beleeue my Couenant was true, 
 
 Which to their feed (hall propagate the fame : 
 
 My folke that long in Egypt had beene bard, 
 
 Whofe cries haue entred heauens eternall gate, 
 
 Our zealous mercy openly hath heard. 
 
 Kneeling in teares at our eternall State. 
 
 And am come downe, them in the Land to fee, 
 
 Where flreames of milke through batfull Valleys flow. 
 
 And lufhious hony dropping from the tree, 
 
 Load the full flow'rs that in the fhadowes grow : 
 
 By thee my power am purpofed to trie. 
 
 That from rough bondage fhalt the Hebrewes bring. 
 
 Bearing that great and fearful! Embaffie 
 
 To that Monarchall and Emperious King. 
 
 And on this Mountaine (ftanding in thy fight,) 
 
 When thou returneft from that conquered Land, 
 
 Thou hallow'd Altars vnto me fhalt light, 
 
 This for a token certainly fhall ftand. 
 
 O who am I ! this wondring man replies, 
 A wretched mortall that I (hould be fent. 
 And ftand fo cleere in thine eternall eyes. 
 To doe a worke of fuch aftonifhment : 
 And trembling now with a transfixed heart, 
 Humbling himfelfe before the Lord (quoth hee) 
 Who fhall I tell the Hebrewes that thou art, 
 That giu'fl this large commifTion vnto me 1 
 Say (quoth the Spirit from that impetuous flame) 
 Vnto the Hebrewes asking thee of this, 
 That 'twas, I Am : which onely is my Name, 
 God of their Fathers, fo my Title is : 
 Diuert thy courfe to Goflien then again e, 
 
 T 3 And 
 
 149 
 
(142) 
 
 And to divulge it conftantly be bold, 
 
 And their glad eares attrafliuely retaine, 
 
 With what at Sinay Abrahams God hath told : 
 
 And tell great PImro, that the Hebrewes God 
 
 Commands from Egypt that he fet you free, 
 
 Three iournies thence in Defarts farre abroad, 
 
 To offer hallow'd facrifice to mee. 
 
 But he refufmg to difmiffe you fo. 
 
 On that proud King He execute fuch force 
 
 As neuer yet came from the Sling, the Bow, 
 
 The keen edg'd Curt'lax, or the puifant Horfe ; 
 
 But if th'afflifted miferable fort 
 
 To idle incredulity inclin'd. 
 
 Shall not (quoth Moyfes) credit my report. 
 
 That thou to me haft fo great power affign'd. 
 
 Caft downe (faith God) thy Wand vnto the ground. 
 
 Which hee obaying fearefully, beholde 
 
 The fame a Serpent fodainly was found, 
 
 It felfe contorting into many a folde. 
 
 With fuch amazement Moyfes doth furprife 
 
 With colde convulfions fhrinking euery vaine. 
 
 That his affrighted and vplifted eyes 
 
 Euen fhot with horrour, fmke into his braine. 
 
 But being encourag'd by the Lord to take 
 
 The vgly taile into his trembling hand, 
 
 As from a dreame he fudainely doth wake, 
 
 When at the inftant it became a wand. 
 
 By the fame hand into his bofome fhut, 
 
 Whofe eyes his withered leprofie abhor'd, 
 
 When forth he drewe it fecondly be'ng put, 
 
 Vnto the former puritie reftor'd. 
 
 Thefe fignes he giues this fad admiring man. 
 
 Which he the weake incredulous fliould fhowe, 
 
 When this fraile mortall frefhly now began 
 
 To forge new caufes, why vnfit to goe ? 
 
 Egypt accufing to haue done him wrong, 
 
 Scantling that bountie Nature had beftow'd. 
 
 Which 
 
(143) 
 
 Which had wehiere depriu'd him of his tong, 
 
 Which to this office chiefefly had beene ow'd. 
 
 When he whofe wifdome Nature muft obey, 
 
 In whofe refiftance reafon weakely failes, 
 
 To whom all humane inflances giue way, 
 
 Gainft whom not fubtill Argument preuailes 
 
 Thus doth reproue this idle vaine excufe, 
 
 Who made the mouth ? who th'eie ? or who the eare ? 
 
 Or who depriues thofe organs of their vfe ? 
 
 That thou thy imbecillitie fhould'ft feare ? 
 
 Thy brother Aaron commeth vnto thee. 
 
 Which as thy Speaker purpofely I bring, 
 
 To whom thy felfe euen as a God flialt bee. 
 
 And he interpret to Xh' Egyptian King. 
 
 That when he at thy miracles fhall wonder, 
 
 And wan with feare fhall tremble at thy rod. 
 
 To feele his power that fwayes the dreadful! thunder, 
 
 That is a iealous and a fearefuU God. 
 
 Then fhall mine owne felfe purchafe me renowne, 
 
 And win me honour by my glorious deede 
 
 On all the Pharo's on th' Egyptian throne, 
 
 That this proud mortall euer fhall fucceede. 
 
 THE 
 
(i44) 
 
 THE SECOND BOOKE. 
 
 ^ The Argument. 
 
 Moyksldoi/r/its mejfage bring, 
 Afts miracles before the King, 
 
 With him the Magi doe cojitend, 
 
 Which he doth conquer in the end, 
 
 When by the extenfnre of the wand, 
 He brings ten plagues vpon the Land, 
 A nd in defpight of Pharo's pride, 
 From Goflien doth the Hebrewes guide. 
 
 "W" "T" "W" "T" Hen now from Midian Mofes forward fet, 
 \ / % / With whom his wife & faire retinew went, 
 y Y Where on his way him happily hath met 
 
 Kis brother Aron to the Lords intent, 
 And to the Hebrewes in th'impatient hand, 
 Of mighty Egypt all his power implies, 
 And as the Lord exprefly did command, 
 A6leth his wonders in their pleafed eyes. 
 Thofe myracles mortality beholds 
 With an aftonifh'd and diftrailed looke, 
 The minde that fo amazedly enfolds, 
 That euery fenfe the faculty forfooke. 
 The little Infant with abundant ioy, 
 To mans eftate immediatly is fprung. 
 And though the old man could not back turne boy, 
 Calls halfe his yeeres fo much becomming yong, 
 Whilft mirth in fulneffe meafureth euery eye. 
 Each breft is heap'd vp with exceffe of pleafure, 
 Rearing their fpred hands to the glorious Skie, 
 Gladly imbracing the Almighties leafure. 
 
 Thefe 
 
 IS-! 
 
(145) 
 
 Tliefe Hebrewes entring the Egyptian Court, 
 
 Their great Comtniffion pubhquely proclaime, 
 
 Which there repulfed as a flight report, 
 
 Doth foone denounce defiance to the fame. 
 
 Where now thefe men their miracles commend, 
 
 By which their power precifely might be tride, 
 
 And Pharo for his Sorcerers doth fend, 
 
 By them the Hebrewes only to deride. 
 
 Where Heauen muft now apparantly tranfcend 
 
 Th'infernall powers Emperioufly to thwart, 
 
 And the bright perfeft Deitie contend 
 
 With abftrufe Magicke and fallacious Art. 
 
 Neuer was fo miraculous a ftrife 
 
 Where admiration euer fo abounded, 
 
 Where wonders were fo prodigally rife, 
 
 That to behold it Nature ftood confounded. 
 
 Cafting his rod a Serpent that became, 
 
 Which he fuppof 'd with maruaile them might flrike, 
 
 When euery Priefh affaying in the fame. 
 
 By his black skill did inftantly the like : 
 
 Which Pharo' s breaft with arrogance doth fill, 
 
 Aboue the high Gods to exalt his power. 
 
 When by his might (t'amate their weaker skill) 
 
 The Hebrewes rod doth all the rods deuoure : 
 
 Which deed of wonder flightly he reiefts. 
 
 His froward Spirit infatiatly elate. 
 
 Which after caus'd thofe violent effefts 
 
 That fate on Egypt with the power of Fate. 
 
 When he whofe wifdome ere the world did fare, 
 
 From whom not counfell can her fecrets hide, 
 
 Forewarneth Mofes early to prepare 
 
 T'accoft the proud King by the riuers fide. 
 
 What heauenly rapture doth enrich my braine, 
 And through my blood extrauagantly flowes. 
 That doth tranfport me to that endlejfe maine, 
 Whereas th' Almighty his high glories Jhowes ? 
 That holy heat into my Spirit infufe, 
 
 V Wliere- 
 
 « 153 
 
(146) 
 
 Wherewith thou wont'Ji thy Prophets to infpire. 
 
 And lend that poiver to our delightfiill Mufe, 
 
 As dwelt in founds of that fweet Hebruack Lyre. 
 
 A taske vmifuall T tnufl now affay, 
 
 Striuing through perill to fupport this maffe, 
 
 No former foot did euer traSl a way. 
 
 Where I propofe vnto my felfe to paffe. 
 When Mofes meeting the Egyptian King, 
 
 Vrgeth a frefh the Ifraelites depart, 
 
 And him by Aaron floutly menacing. 
 
 To try the temper of his ftubborne heart. 
 The I. When loe the Torrent the fleet hurrying flood 
 
 Plague. So cleere and perfe6l Chrifl:alHne at hand, 
 
 As a black lake or fetled marifli ftood 
 
 At th'extenfure of the Hebrewes wand. 
 
 Where Segs, ranck Bulrufh, and the fharpned Reed 
 
 That with the fluxure of the wane is led. 
 
 Might be difcern'd vnnaturally to bleed. 
 
 Dying their frefh greene to a fullied red : 
 
 Like iffuing vlcers euery little Spring, 
 
 That being ripened voyd the filthy core. 
 
 Their lothfome flime and matter vomiting 
 
 Into the Riuers they enrich'd before : 
 
 What in her banks hath batning Nilus bred, 
 
 Serpent, or Fifh, or ftrange deformed thing 
 
 That on her bofome fhe not beareth dead, 
 
 Where they were borne them laftly burying .' 
 
 That Bird and Beaft incontinenly fly 
 
 From the detefted and contagious ftinke, 
 
 And rather choofe by cruell thirft to dye. 
 
 Then once to tafte of this contaminate drinke, 
 
 And vfefull Cifternes delicatly fild, 
 
 With which rich Egypt wondroufly abounds. 
 
 Looking as Bowles receiuing what was fpild 
 
 From mortall and immedicable wounds. 
 
 That the faint earth euen poys'ned now remaines, 
 
 In her owne felfe fo grieuoufly deiefled, 
 
 Horrid pollution trauailing her vaines. The 
 
 154 
 
(147) 
 
 The fpungy foyle, that digging deepe and long 
 To foke cleere liquor from her plenteous pores, 
 This bloody iffue breaketh out among, 
 As fickly mendrues or inueterate fores : 
 Seuen dayes continuing in this flux of blood, 
 Sadly fits Egypt a full weeke of woe, 
 Shame taints the brow of euery flew and flood, 
 Blufhing, the world her filthineffe to fhow. 
 Yet fdaines proud Pharo Ifrael thus to free, 
 Nor this dire plague his hardned heart can tame, 
 Which he fuppos'd but fallaces to bee. 
 When his Magitians likewife did the fame. 
 
 When he againe that glorious Rod extends 
 'Gainft him that Heauen denieth thus to dare. 
 On Egypt foone a fecond plague that fends, 
 Which he till now feem'd partially to fpare 
 The foyle, that late the owner did enrich 
 Ilim his faire Heards and goodly flocks to feed. 
 Lies now a leyftall a or common ditch, 
 Where in their Todder loathly Paddocks breed. 
 Where as the vp-land montanous and hie 
 To them that fadly doe behold it fhowes. 
 As though in labour with this filthy frie, 
 Stirring with paine in the parturious throwes : 
 People from windowes looking to the ground. 
 At this ftupendious fpe6lacle amazed. 
 See but their forrow euery where abound. 
 That mofl: abhorring whereon moft they gazed. 
 Their Troughes and Ouens Toadftooles now become, 
 That Hufwifes wont fo carefully to keepe, 
 Thefe loathfome creatures taking vp the roome. 
 And croking, there continually doe creepe. 
 And as great Pharo on his Throne is fet. 
 From thence affrighted with this odious thing, 
 Which crawling vp into the fame doth get 
 And him depofing fitteth as a King. 
 The wearied man his fpirits that to refrefh 
 Gfets to his bed to free him from his feare, Scarce 
 
 155 
 
(148) 
 
 Scarce laid but feeles them at his naked flefh, 
 So fmall the fuccour that remaineth there. 
 No Court fo clofe to which the fpeckled Toad 
 By fome fmall cranny creepes not by and by, 
 No Tower fo ftrong nor naturall aboad, 
 To which for fafety any one might fly : 
 Egypt now hates the world her fo fhould call, 
 Of her owne felfe fo grieuoufly afliam'd. 
 And fo contemned in the eyes of all, 
 As but in fcorne fhe fcarcely once is nam'd. 
 When this prophane King with a wounded heart 
 (His Magi though thefe miracles could doe) 
 Sees in his foule one greater then their Art, 
 Aboue all power, that put a hand thereto : 
 But as thefe plagues and fad affliftions ceas'd 
 At the iuft prayer of this milde godlike man. 
 So Pharoes pride and ftubborneffe encreas'd, 
 And his lewd courfe this head-ftrong Mortall ran. 
 Which might haue furelier fetled in his minde, 
 (At his requeft which Mofes quickly flew. 
 Leaning a ftench fo peftilent behinde) 
 As might preferue old forrowes frefhly new. 
 But Jiay my Mufe in height of all this /peed, 
 Somewhat plucks back to quench this Jacred heat, 
 A nd many perils doth to vs areed 
 In that whereof we ferionjly e7t treat. 
 Lefl too concife iniurioufly we wrong 
 Things that fuch flate and fear fidneffe impart, 
 Or led by zeale irregularly long. 
 Infringe the curious liberties of A rt, 
 We that calumnious Critick may efchew. 
 That blafieth all things with his poysned breath, 
 DetraSling what laborioufly we doe, 
 Onely with that which he but idely faith. 
 O be our guide whofe glories now we preach, 
 That aboue Bookes muftfteere vs in otir Fate, 
 For neuer Ethnick to this day did teach. 
 
 156 
 
 (In 
 
(H9) 
 
 {In this) whofe method zve might imitate. 
 
 When now thefe men of miracle proceed, 
 
 And by extending of that wondrous wand, 
 
 As that refiftleffe prouidence decreed, 
 
 Thereby brings Lyce on the diftemp'red Land : ^'^' 3 
 
 All ftruck with Lyce fo numberleffe they lie, "^"'' 
 
 The duft growne quick in euery place doth creepe, 
 
 The fands their want doe fecondly fupply. 
 
 As they at length would fuffocate the Deepe : 
 
 That th!atoms that in the beames appeare. 
 
 As they the Sunne through cranies fhining fee. 
 
 The forme of thofe detefted things doe beare, 
 
 So miferable the Egyptians bee : 
 
 Who rak'd the brands that paffed Euening burn'd, 
 
 (As is the vfe the Mornings fire to keepe) 
 
 To thefe foule vermine findes the aflies turn'd, 
 
 Couering the Harth, fo thick thereon they creepe : 
 
 Now Prince and pefant equally are dreft. 
 
 The cofllieft filkes and courfefl rags alike, 
 
 The worft goes now companion with the beft, 
 
 The hand of God fo generally doth ftrike. 
 
 The Kings Pauillion and the Captiues pad 
 
 Are now in choice indifferent vnto either. 
 
 Great, fmall, faire, foule, rich, poore, the good and bad 
 
 Doe fufifer in this peftilence together, 
 
 In vaine to cleanfe, in vaine to purge, and pick. 
 
 When euery Moath that with the breath doth rife, 
 
 Forthwith appeareth venemoufly quick. 
 
 Although fo fmall fcarce taken by the eyes. 
 
 By which his wifdome flrongly doth preuaile, 
 
 When this felfe-wife, this ouerweening man, 
 
 Euen in the leaft, the flighteft thing doth faile, 
 
 The very beggar abfolutely can, 
 
 When now thefe Wizards with transfixed hearts 
 
 To make his glory by the fame the more, 
 
 Confeffe a Godhead fhining through their Arts. 
 
 Which by their Magicks they deni'd before. 
 
 V 3 Yet 
 
 157 
 
(I50) 
 
 Yet this proud Pliaro as oppugning fate, 
 Still doth refift that Maieftie fo hie, 
 And to himfelfe doth yet appropriate 
 A fupreame power his Godhead to deny. 
 When from his wilfull ftubborneffe doth grow 
 That great amazement to all eares and eyes, 
 When now the Lord by Aarons Rod will fhow 
 His mighty power euen in the wretched'fl: Flies, 
 Varying his vengeance in as many kindes, 
 As Pharo doth his obftinacies vary, 
 Suting his plagues fo fitly with their mindes. 
 As though their finne his punifhments did cary. 
 In Summer time as in an Euening faire, 
 The Gnats are heard in a tumultuous found 
 On tops of hils, fo troubled is the ayre 
 To the difturbance of the wondring ground. 
 Zhe skies are darkned as they yet doe houer 
 In fo groffe clouds congefted in their flight, 
 7"hat the whole Land with multitudes they couer. 
 Stopping the flreames as generally the light. 
 O cruell Land, might thefe not yet thee moue .' 
 Art thou alone fo deRitute of feare .' 
 Or doft thou meane thy vtmoft to approue 
 How many plagues thou able art to beare ">. 
 Zhree haue forethreatned thy deflruftion fure, 
 And now the fourth is following on as faft, 
 Doft thou fuppofe thy pride can ftill endure .'' 
 Or that his vengeance longer cannot laft .■■ 
 2~hefe are as weake and worthleffe as the reft, 
 '/hou much infeebled, and his ftrength is more. 
 Fitly prepar'd thee fadly to infeft 
 T'hy fmnes fo many, by their equall ftore. 
 Zhis wretched creature man might well fuppofe 
 To be the leaft that he had need to feare, 
 A mongft the reft is terrifi'd with thofe 
 With which before none euer troubled were, 
 ^s we behold a fwarming caft of Bees 
 
 158 
 
 In 
 
(150 
 
 In a fwolne clufter to fome branch to cleaue 
 Thus doe they hang in bunches on the trees, 
 Preffing each plant, and loading eu'ry greaue. 
 The houfes couered with thefe muft'ring Flies, 
 And the faire windowes that for light were made, 
 Eclips'd with horror, feeming to their eyes 
 Like the dimme twilight, or fome ominous fhade. 
 For humane food what Egypt had in ftore, 
 The creatures feed on, till they burfting die. 
 And what in this vnhappy Land was more, 
 Their loathfome bodies laftly putrifie. 
 
 O goodly Gojhen where the Hebrewes reft. 
 How deare thy children in th' Almighties fight, 
 That for their fakes thou onely fhould'ft be bleft. 
 When all thefe plagues on the Egyptians light ? 
 What promis'd people refted thee within, 
 To whom no perill euer might afpire, 
 F"or whofe deare fake fome watchfull Cherubin 
 Stood to defend thee arm'd in glorious fire ? 
 Thou art that holy Sanfluary made, 
 Where all th'afflifted caft afide their feare, 
 Whofe priuiledges euer to inuade, 
 The Heauens command their horrors to forbeare. 
 But fince mans pride and infolence is fuch. 
 Nor by thefe plagues his will to paffe could bring, 
 Now with a fharpe and wounding hand will touch 
 The dearer body of each liuing thing : 
 To other ends his courfes to direft. 
 By all great meanes his glory to aduance, 
 Altreth the caufe by altring the eifeft, 
 To worke by wonder their deliuerance. 
 
 As Aaron grafping afhes in his hand, 
 Which fcarcely caft into an open aire. 
 But brings a murraine ouer all the Land, 
 
 With fcabs and botches fuch as neuer were ^^^ , 
 
 What chewes the cud, or hoofe or home alotted, Plague. 
 
 Wild in the fields, or tamed by the yoke. 
 
 With 
 
 159 
 
The 6 
 Plague. 
 
 (152) 
 
 With this contagious peftilence is rotted, 
 
 So vniuerfall's the Ahuighties ftroke. 
 
 The goodly Horfe oi hot and fiery ftraine 
 
 In his high courage hardly brook'd his food, 
 
 7"hat Ditch or Mound not lately could containe. 
 
 On the firme ground fo fcornfuUy that flood, 
 
 Creft-falne hangs downe his hardly manag'd head, 
 
 Lies where but late difdainfully he trod. 
 
 His quick eye fixed heauily and dead, 
 
 Stirres not when prick'd with the impulfiue goad. 
 
 T'he Swine which Nature fecretly doth teach, 
 
 Onely by fafting fickneffes to cure. 
 
 Now but in vaine is to it felfe a Leech, 
 
 VVhofe fuddaine end infallibly is fure. 
 
 Where frugall Shepheards reckoning wooll and Iamb 
 
 Or who by Heards hop'd happily to winne, 
 
 Now fees the young-one perifh with the damme, 
 
 Nor dare his hard hand touch the poys'ned skinne. 
 
 7"hofe fertile paftures quickly ouer-fpread 
 
 With their dead Cattell, where the birds of prey 
 
 Gorg'd on the garbidge (wofully beftead) 
 
 Pois'ned fall downe as they would fly away. 
 
 And hungry dogs the tainted flefh refrain'd, 
 
 Whereon their Mafter gormondiz'd of late. 
 
 What Nature for mans appetite ordain'd, 
 
 The creature that's moft rauenous doth hate. 
 
 2"hus all that breathes and kindly hath encreafe, 
 
 Suffer for him that proudly did offend. 
 
 Yet in this manner here it fhall not ceafe. 
 
 In Beafts begun, in wretched man to end. 
 
 To whom it further violently can. 
 
 Not by th' Almighty limited to flake. 
 
 As Beaft is plagued for rebellious man, 
 
 Man in fome meafure muft his paine partake. 
 
 Zhofe dainty breafts that open'd lately were. 
 
 Which with rich vaines fo curioufly did flow. 
 
 With Biles and ^laines mofl loathfome doe appeare, 
 
 Which 
 
 160 
 
(153) 
 
 Which now the Dam'zell not defires to fhow. 
 
 Features disfigur'd onely now the faire 
 
 (All are deformed) moft ill-fauour'd be, 
 
 Where beautie was moft exquifite and rare, 
 
 There the leaft blemifh eafili'ft you might fee. 
 
 For coftly garments fafhion'd with deuice 
 
 To forme each choife part curious eyes to pleafe, 
 
 The ficke mans Gowne is onely now in price 
 
 To giue their bloch'd and bliftred bodies eafe, 
 
 It is in vaine the Surgeons hand to proue. 
 
 Or heipe of Phyficke to affwage the fmart. 
 
 For why the power that ruleth from aboue 
 
 Croffeth all meanes of induftrie and Art. 
 
 Egypt is now an Hofpitall forlorne, 
 
 Where onely Cripples and difeafed are, 
 
 How many Children to the world are borne, 
 
 So many Lazers thither ftill repaire. 
 
 When thofe proud Magi as oppos'd to Fate, 
 
 That durft high Heau'n in eu'ry thing to dare. 
 
 Now in moft vile and miferable ftate 
 
 As the mean'ft Caitiue equally doe fare. 
 
 Thus ftands that man fo eminent alone, 
 
 Arm'd with his power that gouerneth the skie, 
 
 Now when the Wizards laftly ouerthrowne, 
 
 Groueling in fores before his feete doe lie. 
 
 Not one is found vnpunifhed efcapes 
 
 So much to doe his hungry wrath to feede. 
 
 Which ftill appeareth in as many fhapes 
 
 As Pharaoh doth in tyrannies proceede. 
 
 Euen as fome graue wife Magiftrate to finde 
 
 Out fome vile treafon, or fome odious crime 
 
 That beareth euery circumftance in minde, Afimilie 
 
 Of place, of manner, inftance, and of time : Gods iu- 
 
 That the fufpefted ftrongly doth areft, J^'- 
 
 And by all meanes inuention can deuife 
 
 By hopes or torture out of him to wreft 
 
 The ground, the purpofc, and confederacies, 
 
 X Now 
 
(134) 
 
 Now flacks his paine, now doth the fame augment, 
 Yet in his ftrait hand doth containe him ftill, 
 Proportioning his allottted punifliment 
 As hee's remoou'd or phant to his will. 
 But yet hath Egypt fomewhat left to vaunt, 
 What's now remaining, may her pride repaire, 
 But left fhe fhould perhaps be arrogant, 
 Till fhe be humbled he will neuer fpare. 
 Thefe plagues feeme yet but nourifhed beneath, 
 And euen with man terreflrially to moue, 
 Now Heauen his furie violently fhall breath. 
 Rebellious Egypt fcourging from aboue. 
 The 7. Winter let loofe in his robuftious kinde 
 
 Plague. Wildly runnes rauing through the airie plaines, 
 
 As though his time of liberty affign'd 
 Roughly now fhakes off his imprif'ning chaines. 
 The windes fpet fire in one anothers face. 
 And mingled flames fight furioufly together. 
 Through the mild Heauen that one the other chace, 
 Now flying thence and then returning thether. 
 No light but lightning ceafelefly to burne 
 Swifter than thought from place to place to paffe. 
 And being gone doth fodainly returne 
 Ere you could fay precifely that it was. 
 In one felfe moment darkeneffe and the light 
 Inflantly borne, as inftantly they die. 
 And euery minute is a day and night 
 That breakes and fets in twinkling of an eye. 
 Mountaine and valley fuffer one felfe ire. 
 The flately Tower and lowlie coate alike. 
 The fhrub and Cedar this impartiall fire 
 In one like order generally doth ftrike. 
 On flefh and plant this fubtill lightning praies, 
 As through the pores it paffage fitly findes. 
 In the full wombe the tender burthen flaies. 
 Piercing the ftiffe trunke through the fpungie rindes 
 Throughout this great and vniuerfall Ball 
 
 The 
 16:! 
 
(135) 
 
 The wrath of Heauen outragioufly is throwne, 
 
 As the lights quickning and Celefliall, 
 
 Had put themfelues together into one. 
 
 This yet continuing the big-bellied clouds, 
 
 With heate and moifture in their fulneffe brake, 
 
 And the fterne Thunder from the ayrie fhrouds 
 
 To the fad world in feare and horrour fpake. 
 
 The blacke ftorme bellowes and the yerning vault, 
 
 Full charg'd with furie as fome fignall giuen, 
 
 Preparing their artilUrie t' affault, 
 
 Shoot their fterne vollies in the face of Heauen. 
 
 The bolts new wing'd with fork'd .^Ethereall fire, 
 
 Through the vaft Region euery where doe roue, 
 
 Goring the earth in their impetuous ire. 
 
 Pierce the proud'ft building, rend the thickeft Groue. 
 
 When the breeme Haile as rifing in degrees 
 
 Like ruffled arrowes through the aire doth fing. 
 
 Beating the leaues and branches from the trees, 
 
 Forcing an Autumne earlier than the Spring. 
 
 The Birds late (hrouded in their fafe repaire, 
 
 Where they were wont from Winters wrath to reft. 
 
 Left by the tempeft to the open aire 
 
 Shot with cold bullets through the trembling breft. 
 
 Whilft cattell grafmg on the batfull ground, 
 
 Finding no (helter from the fhowre to hide 
 
 In ponds and ditches willingly are drownd, 
 
 That this fharpe ftorme no longer can abide : 
 
 Windowes are fhiuered to forgotten duft, 
 
 The flates fall fhatt'red from the roofe aboue. 
 
 Where any thing findes harbour from this guft. 
 
 Now euen as death it feareth to remoue. 
 
 The rude and moft impenitrable rocke 
 
 Since the foundation of the world was laid, 
 
 Neuer before ftir'd with tempeftuous fhocke, 
 
 Melts with this ftorme as fenfibly afraid. 
 
 Neuer yet with fo violent a hand, 
 
 A brow contrafled and fo full of feare, 
 
 X 2 God 
 
 163 
 
( 156) 
 
 God fcourg'd the pride of a rebellious Land, 
 Since into Kingdomes Nations gathered were. 
 But he what Mortall was there euer knowne, 
 So many ftrange affli6lions did abide 
 On whom fo many miferies were throwne, 
 Whom Heauen fo oft and angerly did chide ? 
 Who but relenting Moyfes doth relieue ? 
 Taking off that which oft on him doth light, 
 W^xova. God fo oft doth punifh and forgiue, 
 Thereby to proue his mercy and his might. 
 So that eternall prouidence could frame 
 The meane whereby his glory fhould be tride, 
 That as he pleafe, miraculoufly can tame 
 Mans fenfuall wayes, his tranfitorie pride. 
 But Pharaoh bent to his rebellious will, 
 His hate to Ifrael inftantly renues, 
 Continuing Author of his proper ill, 
 W^hen now the plague of Graflioppers enfues. 
 
 The 8. Long ere they fell, on'th face of Heauen they hong. 
 
 Plague. In fo yafl- clouds as couered all the skies, 
 
 Colouring the Sun-beames piercing through their throng, 
 M^ith ftrange diftraftion to beholding eyes. 
 This idle creature that is faid to fing 
 In wanton Sommer, and in M^inter poore, 
 Praifing the Emmets painefuU labouring, 
 Now eates the labourer and the heaped ftore : 
 No blade of graffe remaineth to be feene, 
 I^eed, hearb, nor flower, to which the Spring giues birth. 
 Yet eu'ry path euen barren hills are greene, 
 H^ith thofe that eate the greeneneffe from the earth. 
 M^hat is moft fweet, what moft extreamely fowre, 
 The loathfome Hemlock as the verdurous Rofe, 
 Thefe filthy Locufts equally deuoure, 
 So doe the Heauens of euery thing difpofe. 
 The trees all barckleffe nakedly are left 
 Like people flript of things that they did weare. 
 By the enforcement of difaftrous theft, 
 
 Stan- 
 
 164 
 
(157) 
 
 Standing as frighted with erefted haire. 
 
 Thus doth the Lord her nakedneffe difcouer, 
 
 Thereby to prone her ftoutneffe to reclaime, 
 
 That when nor feare, nor punifhment could moue her, 
 
 She might at length be tempred with her fhame. 
 
 Difrob'd of all her ornament fhe (lands, 
 
 Wherein rich Nature whilome did her dight, 
 
 That the fad verges of the neighbouring lands 
 
 Seeme with much forrow wondring at the fight. 
 
 But Egypt is fo impudent and vile, 
 
 No blufli is feene that pittie might compell. 
 
 That from all eyes to couer her awhile, 
 
 The Lord in darkeneffe leaueth her to dwell. 
 
 Ouer the great and vniuerfall face The% 
 
 Are drawne the Curtaines of the horrid night. Plague. 
 
 As it would be continually in place, 
 That from the world had baniflied the light. 
 As to the fight, fo likewife to the tuch 
 Zh'appropriate obieft equally is dealt, 
 Darkeneffe is now fo palpable and much, 
 T'hat as 't is feene, fo eafily is felt. 
 Who now it hap'd to trauell by the way. 
 Or in the field did chance abroad to rome, 
 Loofing himfelfe then wandred as a ftray, 
 Nor findes his hoftrie, nor returneth home. 
 Zhe Cocke the Country horologe that rings, 
 T'he cheerefull warning to the Sunnes awake, 
 Miffing the dawning fcantles in his wings, 
 And to his Rooft doth fadly him betake. 
 One to his neighbour in the darke doth call. 
 When the thicke vapour fo the aire doth fmother. 
 Making the voyce fo hideous there withall, 
 Z'hat one's afeard to goe vnto the other. 
 Zhe little Infant for the Mother fhreekes, 
 Zhen lyes it downe aftonifhed with feare. 
 Who for her Childe whilft in the darke fhe feekes, 
 Zreads on the Babe that (he doth holde fo deare. 
 
 X 3 Darke- 
 
(138) 
 
 Darkeneffe fo long vpon the Land doth dwell, 
 
 Whilft men amaz'd, the houres are ftolne away, 
 
 Erring in time that now there's none can tell, 
 
 Which fhould be night, and which fliould be the day. 
 
 Three doubled nights the proud Egyptian lyes 
 
 With hunger, third, and wearineffe oppreft, 
 
 Onely relieued by his miferies, 
 
 By feare enforced to forget the reft. 
 
 Thofe lights and fires they laboured to defend 
 
 With the foule dampe that ouer all doth flowe 
 
 Such an eclipfed fuUidneffe doth lend, 
 
 That darkeneffe farre more terrible doth (how : 
 
 When this perplexed and aftonifh'd King 
 
 'Twixt rage and feare diftrafted in his minde, 
 
 Ifrael to paffe now freely limiting, 
 
 Onely their cattell to be ftaid behinde. 
 
 Commanding Mofyes to depart his fight, 
 
 And from that time to fee his face no more. 
 
 Which this milde man doth willingly aquite 
 
 That he well knew would come to paffe before. 
 
 That for the Droues the Ifraelites fhould leaue, 
 
 Forbid by Pharaoh to be borne away : 
 
 Ifrael fhall Egypt of her ftore bereaue, 
 
 To beare it with her as a violent prey : 
 
 So wrought her God in the Egyptians thought. 
 
 As he is onely prouident and wife, 
 
 That he to paffe for his choife people brought, 
 
 More than mans wifedome euer might deuife. 
 
 Touching their foft breafts with a wounding loue 
 
 Of thofe who yet they enuioufly admir'd, 
 
 Which doth the happy lacobites behoue. 
 
 To compaffe what they inftantly requir'd, 
 
 That euery Hebrew borrowed of a friend. 
 
 Some fpeciall lewell fainedly to vfe, 
 
 Euery Egyptian willing is to lend, 
 
 Nor being ask'd can poffibly refufe. 
 
 Now Clofets, Chefts, and Cabinets are fought 
 
 For 
 
 i66 
 
(i39) 
 
 For the rich lem, the raritie, or thing, 
 
 And they the happieft of the reft are thought, 
 
 Tha.t the high'ft priz'd officioufly could bring. 
 
 Rings, chaines, and bracelets, iewels for the eare, 
 
 The perfeft glorious, and moft luftrous ftone, 
 
 The Carcanet fo much requefted there, 
 
 The Pearle moft orient, and a Paragon. 
 
 What thing fo choice that curious Art could frame. 
 
 Luxurious Egypt had not for her pride .■" 
 
 And what fo rare an Ifraelite could name. 
 
 That he but asking was thereof denide .-' 
 
 When God doth now the Paffeouer command, 
 Whofe name that facred myfterie doth tell. 
 That he paff'd o'r them with a fparefuU hand, 
 When all the firft-borne of th' Egyptians fell. 
 Which fhould to their pofteritie be taught. 
 That might for euer memorize this deede. 
 The fearefuU wonders he in Egypt wrought, 
 For Abrahams off-fpring Sarahs promis'd feede. 
 A Lambe vnblemifh'd, or a fpotleffe Kid, 
 That from the dam had wained out a yeere. 
 Which he without deformitie did bid. 
 Held to himfelfe a facrifice fo deere. 
 Rofted and eaten with vnleau'ned bread. 
 And with fowre hearbs fuch viands as became, 
 Meate for the Eu'ning, that prohibited 
 The Morne enfuing partner of the fame. 
 Girding their loynes, fhooes faftned to their feete, 
 Staues in their hands, and pafling it to take. 
 In manner as to trauailers is meete, 
 A voyage forth immediately to make. 
 Whole bloud being put vpon the vtmoft pofts. 
 Whereby his chofen Ifraelites he knew. 
 That night fo dreadfull, when the Lord of Hofts 
 All the firft borne of the Egyptians flew. 
 
 Darkeneffe inuades the world, when now forth went '^^' lo- 
 
 The fpoiling Angell as the Lord did will, ^'''^"'• 
 
 And 
 
 i6'7 
 
(i6o) 
 
 And where the dore with bloud was not befprent, 
 
 There the firfl borne he cruelly did kill. 
 
 Night neuer faw fo tragical! a deed, 
 
 Thing fo repleate with heauineffe and forrow, 
 
 Nor (hall the day hereafter euer reade, 
 
 Such a blacke time as the infuing morrow. 
 
 The dawne now breaking, and with open fight 
 
 When euery lab'ring and affrighted eye 
 
 Beholds the (laughter of the paffed night, 
 
 The parting plague protra6led miferie. 
 
 One to his neighbour hafts his heedleffe feete. 
 
 To bring him home his heauie chance to fee, 
 
 And him he goes to by the way doth meete, 
 
 As grieued and as miferable as he. 
 
 Who out of dore now haftily doth come. 
 
 Thinking to howle and bellow forth his woe, 
 
 Is for his purpofe deflitute of roome. 
 
 Each place with forrow doth fo ouerflow. 
 
 People awaked with this fodaine fright, 
 
 Runne forth their dores as naked as they be, 
 
 Forget the day, and bearing candle light 
 
 To helpe the Sunne their miferies to fee. 
 
 Who loft his firft borne ere this plague begun. 
 
 Is now moft happy in this time of woe, 
 
 Who mourn'd his eld'fl a daughter or a fonne. 
 
 Is now exempt from what the reft muft doe. 
 
 To one that faines poore comfort to his friend 
 
 His Childe was young and neede the leffe be car'd, 
 
 Replies if his had liu'd the others end. 
 
 Withall his heart he could him well haue fpar'd. 
 
 No eye can lend a mourning friend one teare. 
 
 So bufie is the gen'rall heart of moane, 
 
 So flrange confufion fits in euery eare, 
 
 As wanteth power to entertaine his owne. 
 
 Imparted woe (the heauie hearts reliefe) 
 
 When it hath done the vtmoft that it may, 
 
 Outright is murth'red with a fecond griefe, 
 
 168 
 
 To 
 
(i6i) 
 
 To fee one mute tell more than it can fay. 
 Zhe greateft blefling that the heart could giue, 
 The ioy of Children in the married flate, 
 To fee his curfe the parent now doth Hue, 
 And none be happy but th' infortunate. 
 Whilft fome for buriall of their Children ftay, 
 Others paffe by with theirs vpon the Beere, 
 Which from the Church meet Mourners by the way, 
 Others they finde that yet are burying there. 
 AffliSled London, in fixe hundred three. 
 When God thy finne fi) grieuoitjly didfirike. 
 And from tKinfeilion that did fpring from tJiee, 
 The fpacious lie was patient of the like. 
 That fickly feafon, when I vndertooke 
 This compofition faintly tofupply. 
 When thy affliction feru'd me for a booke, 
 Whereby to modell Egypts miferie, 
 When pallid hdf-rour did poffeffe thy flreete, 
 Nor knew thy Childrett refuge where to haue, 
 Death themfofoone in euery place did meete, 
 Vnpeopling hotifes to pojfeffe the graue. 
 
 When wofull Egypt with a wounded heart 
 So many plagues that fuffered for their flay, 
 Now on their knees entreate them to depart, 
 And euen impatient of their long delay. 
 Sixe hundred thoufand Ifraelites depart, 
 Befides the Nations that they thence releas'd, 
 And Hebrew Babes the ioy of many a heart, 
 That Sarahs happie promifes had bleff 'd. 
 After foure hundred thirtie yeeres expir'd, 
 (Meafuring by minutes many a wofull houre) 
 That day they came they thence againe depart. 
 By his eternall prouidence and power. 
 With all the iewels Egypt could afford 
 With them away that wifely they did beare, 
 T\\: Egyptians aske not to haue backe reflor'd, 
 ^11 then fo bufie at their burials were : 
 
 Y ^nd 
 
 y 169 
 
Comefter 
 13. Exod. 
 
 Tetragram- 
 maton. 
 
 (162) 
 
 And lofephs bones precifely thence conuay, 
 
 Whofe Tombe by Nyl's oft Inundations drown'd, 
 
 (Yet the deceafed ftraith'e to obay) 
 
 By Moyfes was miraculoufly found. 
 
 Who did in gold that powerful! word ingraue, 
 
 By which th' Almighty fully is expreft, 
 
 Which bare the mettall floting on the waue, 
 
 Till o'r his Coffin laftly it did reft. 
 
 As by a flieepe that Ihew'd them to the fame, 
 
 To make them mindfull of the reuerent dead, 
 
 Which Beaft thence-forth they called by lofephs name, 
 
 And when they went from Egypt with them led. 
 
 But that he thus did finde his burying place. 
 
 As we tradition wifely may fufpeft, 
 
 We onely this as Hiftorie embrace, 
 
 But elfe in faith as fabulous negleft. 
 
 Th( 
 
 170 
 
(163) 
 
 THE THIRD BOOKE. 
 
 % The Argument. 
 
 God drownes tfi Egyptians in his ire, 
 
 Doth inarch before his hojl in fire. 
 
 From the hard rocks Jir ikes gujhing fprings, 
 
 Raines Quailes and Manna, conquers Kings, 
 
 And fearefuU plagues on them doth trie. 
 
 For murm'ring and idolatrie: 
 
 Vnto the promis'd Land them brought. 
 
 When it they fortie yeeres had fotight; 
 
 Balaam to blejfe them he doth fend, 
 
 Their good fucceffe, milde Moyfes ettd. 
 
 THofe which at home fcorn'd Pharaoh and his force, 
 And whofe departure he did humbly pray, 
 He now purfues with his Egyptian horfe 
 And warlike foote to fpoile them on the way. 
 Where his choice people ftrongly to proteft, 
 The onely God of Emperie and might, 
 Before his hoft his ftandard doth ereft, 
 A glorious pillar in a field of light, 
 Which he by day in fable doth vnfolde. 
 To dare the Sonne his Ardour to forbeare. 
 By night conuerts it into flaming golde, 
 .(4 way the coldneffe of the fame to feare. 
 Not by Philiflia he his force will leade. 
 Though the farre nearer and the happier way. 
 His men of warre a glorious march (hall tread 
 On the vaft bowels of the bloudie Sea. 
 An^L fends the windes as Currers forth before 
 
 Y 2 To 
 
 171 
 
(i64) 
 
 To make them way from Pharaohs power to flie, 
 And to conuay them to a fafer fliore, 
 Such is his might that can make Oceans drie. 
 Which by the ftroke of that commanding wand, 
 Shouldred the rough feas forcibly together, 
 Raifed as Rampiers by that glorious hand, 
 (Twixt which they march) that did condu6t them thither. 
 The furly waues their Rulers will obay'd 
 By him made vp in this confufed maffe. 
 Like as an Ambufh fecretly were laid, 
 To fet on Pharaoh as his power fliould paffe. 
 Which foone with wombes infatiably wide, 
 Loos'd from their late bounds by th' Almighties power, 
 Come raging in, enclofing euery fide. 
 And the Egyptians inftantly deuoure. 
 The Sling, the ftiffe Bow, and the fharpned Launce, 
 Floting confuf 'dly on the waters rude. 
 They which thefe weapons lately did aduance, 
 Perifh in fight of thern that they purfude. 
 Clafhing of Armours, and the rumorous found 
 Of the fterne billowes in contention flood, 
 fiTiich to the fhores doe euery way rebound, 
 As doth affright the Monfters of the flood. 
 Death is difcern'd triumphantly in Armes 
 On the rough Seas his flaughtery to keepe. 
 And his colde felfe in breath of mortals warmes, 
 Vpon the dimpled bofome of the deepe. 
 There might you fee a Checkquer'd Enfigne fwim 
 y^bout the bodie of the enui'd dead, 
 Serue for a hearfe or couerture to him, 
 Ere while did waft it proudly 'bout his head. 
 The warlike Chariot turn'd vpon the backe 
 ^ith the dead horfes in their traces tide, 
 Drags their fat carkaffe through the fomie bracke 
 That drew it late vndauntedly in pride. 
 There floats the bard Steed with his Rider drownd, 
 
 JFhofe 
 
 172 
 
(i65) 
 
 WhoCe foot in his caparifon is caft, 
 Who late with ftiarpe fpurs did his Courfer wound, 
 Himfelfe now ridden with his ftrangled bread. 
 The waters conquer ('without helpe of handj 
 For them to take for which they neuer toile, 
 And like a Quarrie caft them on the land, 
 As thofe they flew they left to them to fpoile. 
 /« eightie eight at Douer that had beene. 
 To view that Nauie {like a mighty wood) 
 Whofe failes fwept Heauen, might eas'lie there hauefeene, 
 How puiffant Pharaoh periJKd in thefloud. 
 What for a conquejl Jlri£lly they did keepe. 
 Into the channell prefently was pour'd 
 Caftilian riches fcattered on the deepe. 
 That Spaines long hopes hadfodainly deuour'd. 
 Th'affliSled Englijh rang'd along the Strand 
 To waite what would this threatning power betide. 
 Now when the Lord with a viSlorious hand 
 In his high iujlice fcourg' d th'lhena.n pride. 
 Hence three dayes march to Mara leades them on, 
 W^here Surs wilde Defarts as the Ax'!m& paft 
 Seemed as from their prefence to haue flowne. 
 The mountaines ftood fo miferably agaft. 
 P^here for with drought they hardly are befted, 
 A nd the foule waters bitter as the gall, 
 That they (hould through this wilderneffe be led 
 To thankleffe murm'ring prefently they fall. 
 God pointeth Moyfes to a precious tree, 
 J^hofe medc'nall branches caft into the lake, 
 Of that rare vertue he approu'd to be. 
 The waters fweet and delicate to make. 
 Not that his hand ftands any way in neede 
 Of mediate meanes his purpofes to bring, 
 But that in ftate his wifedome will proceede 
 To fliew his power in euery little thing. 
 Nor Metaphyfickes fully him confine, 
 AW meafuring fo immeafurably great, 
 
 Y 3 That 
 
 173 
 
(i66) 
 
 That doth in Nature euery caufe combine, 
 
 This A L L in him fo amply hath receate. 
 
 Which might haue learn'd them in this helpeleffe cafe, 
 
 With tribulations willingly to meete. 
 
 When men with patience troubles doe embrace, 
 
 How oftentimes it makes affliflion fweete. 
 
 And his free bountie fully now they found. 
 
 As they from Mara for mount Sitia made, 
 
 Pitching in Elim in that plenteous ground 
 
 Of pleafant fountaines and delicious fhade. 
 
 But as at Sur, fo they againe at Sitt, 
 
 Before of thirft, of hunger now complaine, 
 
 Wifhing they might in Egypt ftill haue bin. 
 
 Where neuer famine all their time did raigne. 
 
 When clouds of Quailes from the Arabian fhore 
 Vpon the Campe immediately- are fent, 
 Which came fo long and in fuch maru'lous ftore, 
 That with their flight they fmother'd euery Tent : 
 This glads the Eu'ning, each vnto his reft, 
 With foules euen fated with thefe dainty Gates, 
 And the great goodneffe of the Lord confeft. 
 That in like meafure each participates. 
 The morne ftrewes Manna all about the hoft 
 (The meate of Angels mortals to refrefti, 
 Candying the frefli graffe, as the Winters froft, 
 Neuer fuch bread vnto fo dainty flefli. 
 O Ifrael pampred with this heauenly food. 
 Which elfe to Nations earthly he denies. 
 To raife thy fpirits, to reflifie thy blood 
 With thefe fo rare celeftiall purities. 
 Then the fat flefh-pots they fo much defire. 
 Whereon in Egypt gluttoning they fed, 
 When they came hungry home from carrying mire, 
 Which onely dulneffe, and groffe humours bred. 
 Yet in the fweetneffe and th' abundant ftore. 
 His power not fo conclufiuely expreft. 
 But who tooke moft not capable of more 
 
 Then 
 
 374 
 
(i67) 
 
 Then in his Gomer he that gathered leaft. 
 
 By night corrupting, each day gath'ring new, 
 
 But for the Sabbath what they did prouide, 
 
 That day defcended not that heauenly dewe, 
 
 That as that day was onely fanflifide. 
 
 Thence through thofe Defarts defolate and drie, 
 
 They reach to Raph'dent where as they fhould paffe, 
 
 There was not found a fountaine farre nor nie, 
 
 Such want of water euery where there was. 
 
 Thither the Lord by Moyfes did them bring, 
 
 His force the faithleffe Ifraelites might know. 
 
 For euen in the impoffibleft thing, 
 
 He moft deh'ghts his wondrous might to fhow. 
 
 Farre worfe than Mara in this fruitleffe foile. 
 
 For there were waters (bitter though they were) 
 
 But here are none, though fought with ne're fuch toile, 
 
 That they from murm'ring longer not forbeare. 
 
 Commanding Moyfes he fhould take the Rod, 
 
 Wherewith in Egypt he fuch wonders wrought. 
 
 For that moft wife, that fecret-feeing God 
 
 Saw there were fome thus reafoned in their thought. 
 
 The mifterie of that miraculous wand 
 
 He did to plagues and fearefull things imply, 
 
 That Aaron yet ne're tooke it in his hand, 
 
 When worke of mercy was atchieu'd thereby. 
 
 Therefore bids Moyfes to this high intent, 
 
 The fame to vfe, they vifibly might fee, 
 
 That this which erfl: had beene the inftrument 
 
 Of iuftice, fo of clemencie to be. 
 
 Which with a blow, the Cleeues in funder crackt. 
 
 As with an earthquake violently rent. 
 
 Whence came fo ftrong and rough a Cataraft, 
 
 That in the ftones wore gutters as it went. 
 
 The Springs fpout forth fuch plenty, that withall 
 
 Downe the Hope fides it violently fwept, 
 
 So diuers wayes, fo various in the fall, 
 
 Through euery cranny the cleare water crept. 
 
 In 
 
 I7S 
 
(i68) 
 
 In Pailes, Kits, Difhes, Bafons, Pinboukes, Bowles, 
 
 Their fcorched bofomes merrily they bade, 
 
 Vntill this very howre their thirftie foules 
 
 Neuer touch'd water of fo fweet a tafte. 
 
 Scarcelie fuffic'd but in the very neck 
 
 Of this, 'tis bruted by the watchfull poft, 
 
 That the neere-bordring enuious Amaleck. 
 
 Was marching towards them with a mighty hoft. 
 
 When he forth lofua from the reft doth draw, 
 
 A man fele6led, of couragious fpirit, 
 
 Which Moyfes with propheticke eye forefaw. 
 
 Should be the man, his roome that fhould inherit. 
 
 Commanding him to mufler out of hand. 
 
 And draw his forces prefently to head, 
 
 Againft that proud Amalakite to (land, 
 
 Which in the field a puiffant Armie led. 
 
 Whilft on rocke Horeb, with erefted hand, 
 
 Bearing the Rod vp to the glorious skie, 
 
 'Twixt Hur and Aarott, Amrams fonne doth ftand, 
 
 Whilft both the hofts for viftorie doe trie. 
 
 When blades are brandifli'd and the fight begun, 
 
 Warres thundring horror trumpets doe proclaime. 
 
 With the reflection of the radiant Sunne, 
 
 Seemes to beholders as a generall flame. 
 
 Much courage and dexteritie that day 
 
 On either part fufficiently is fliowne, 
 
 And on the earth full many a Souldier lay, 
 
 Thruft:ing through danger to make good his owne. 
 
 Here men might fee how many a fl:renuous guide 
 
 Striueth to make his enemie to bleede, 
 
 Now the fierce vaward, then the rereward plide. 
 
 As he perceiueth the Battalians neede. 
 
 They fight the full day, he the Rod vpheld. 
 
 But when his ftrength by long continuing failes, 
 
 Where as before the Ifraelites had queld, 
 
 The aduerfe proud Amalakite preuailes. 
 
 Whilft the two Hebrewes prouident of harmes. 
 
 176 
 
 Seeing 
 
(i69) 
 
 Setting graue Mofes downe vpon a ftonc, 
 And by their force fupport his wearied armes, 
 Vntill the foe was laftly ouerthrowne. 
 
 lethro the iuft to whom report had told, 
 Th'atchieuement wrought by his renowned fonne, 
 That all the world did tributary hold, 
 By deeds in Egypt God by him had done : 
 This good old man to confummate their ioyes 
 In happy houre his fonne is come to fee. 
 Bringing his wife and his two little Boyes, 
 Mofes fent back in Midian fafe to bee. 
 Which by this time two proper Youthes are growne. 
 Bred by their Grandfire with exceeding care. 
 In all the hoft there hardly could be fhowne. 
 That with thofe Boyes for beauty could compare. 
 Such mirth and feafting as for them was feene, 
 For this graue Father and this goodly Dame, 
 Vnto this day in Ifrael had not beene. 
 Since to kinde lofeph righteous lacob came. 
 The day mild Mofes fcarcely can fuffice. 
 To tell this man the troubles they had paft, 
 The wonders God had a6ted in their eyes, 
 Since they in Midian kindly parted lafl. 
 lethro that mark'd the paines that Mofes tooke 
 In rifmg early, and in refting late, 
 That did himfelfe into all caufes looke. 
 And in his perfon cenfure each debate : 
 This Princely Prieft a man exceeding wife, 
 And long experienc'd in this great affaire, 
 (For at that time few States or Monarchies 
 Whofe gouernment he could not well declare) 
 Reproues good Mofes in this zealous deed : 
 (Quoth he) me thinks thou doft not well in this, 
 The courfe wherein I fee thou dofi: proceed 
 Trouble to thee and to the people is. 
 Appoint out ludges, and inferiour Courts, 
 T'wixt the Plebeians and thy felfe to bee, 
 
 Z From 
 
 z 17.7 
 
(lyo) 
 
 From them receiue thofe matters by report, 
 Speake thou to God and let them fpeake to thee, 
 In things important be thou ftill in place, 
 In leffer caufes leauing them to deale. 
 So may you both your quietnes embrace 
 By an exafl and perfeft Common-weale. 
 
 Now when to Sina they approched neare, 
 God calls vp Moyfes to the mount aboue, 
 ^nd all the reft commaundeth to forbeare. 
 Nor from the bounds aflign'd them to remoue. 
 For who thofe limits loofely did exceede, 
 (Which were by Mofes mark'd them out beneath) 
 /"he Lord had irreuocably decreed 
 With darts or ftones fhould furely die the death. 
 Where as the people in a wondrous fright 
 (With hearts transfixed euen with frofen blood) 
 Beheld their Leader openly in fight 
 Paffe to the Lord, where he in glory ftood. 
 T'hunder and Lightning led him downe the ayre, 
 trumpets celeftiall founding as he came. 
 Which ftruck the people with aftounding feare, 
 Himfelfe inuefted in a fplendorous flame. 
 Sina before him fearfully doth fhake, 
 Couered all ouer in a fmouldring fmoake, , 
 As ready the foundation to forfake. 
 On the dread prefence of the Lord to looke. 
 Ereft your fpirits and lend attentiue eare 
 To marke at Sina what to you is faid, 
 Weake Mofes now you fhall not fimply heare, 
 7"he fonne of Amram and of lacobed. 
 But he that Adam did imparadife, 
 AnA lent him comfort in his proper blood, 
 y4nd faued Noah, that did the .r4rke deuife. 
 When the old world elfe perifli'd in the flood. 
 To righteous Abraham, Canaan franckly lent. 
 AwA brought forth Ifaak fo extreamly late, 
 lacob fo faire and many children fent. 
 
 irs 
 
 Avi^L 
 
(170 
 
 And rais'd chart lofeph to fo high eftate. 
 
 He whofe iuft hand plagu'd Egypt for your fake, 
 
 That Pharaofts power fo fcornefuUy did mock, 
 
 Way for his people through the Sea did make, 
 
 Gaue food from Heauen, and water from the Rock. 
 
 Whilft Mofes now in this cloud-couered hill, 
 
 Full forty dayes his pure aboade did make, 
 
 Whilft that great God in his almighty will. 
 
 With him of all his Ordinances brake. 
 
 The Decalogue from which Religion tooke 
 
 The being : finne and righteoufneffe began 
 
 The different knowledge : and the certaine booke 
 
 Of teftimony betwixt God and man. 
 
 The Ceremoniall as Judicious lawes, 
 
 From his high wifdome that receiu'd their ground. 
 
 Not to be altred in the fmalleft claufe, 
 
 But as their Maker wondroufly profound. 
 
 The compofition of that facred Phane, 
 
 Which as a Symbol curioufly did fhew. 
 
 What all his fix dayes workmanfhip containe, 
 
 Whofe perfeft modell his owne finger drew. 
 
 Whofe abfence thence gaue leafure to their Iuft, 
 
 Oppugning Aaron, Idols them to frame. 
 
 And by their power ftill ftrengthen this difguft. 
 
 In him denouncing the Almighties name. 
 
 A gold-made God how durft you euer name, 
 
 For him fo long had led you from the Skie, 
 
 In fight of Sina crowned with a flame, 
 
 His glory thence refiding in your eye .' 
 
 Such things might melt mortality to fee. 
 
 That euen the very Elements did fright. 
 
 He that in Egypt had perform 'd for thee. 
 
 What made the world amazed at his might. 
 
 Thy foule tranfpierced ne'r before thou felt'ft. 
 
 But like a Quarry 't euen claue thy breaft. 
 
 Comming from Sina when as thou beheld'ft 
 
 Th'eledled Ifrael kneeling to a Beaft. 
 
 Z 2 Him 
 
 179 
 
(172) 
 
 Him fence forfooke, his finewes ftrengthleffe are, 
 
 He came fo much amazed there-withall, 
 
 The ftony Tables flip'd him vnaware. 
 
 That with their owne weight brake them in the fall. 
 
 Downe this proud lump ambitioufly he flung 
 
 Into bafe duft diffoluing it with fire, 
 
 That fince they for variety did long. 
 
 They fhould thereby euen furfet their defire. 
 
 And fent the minerall through their hatefuU throats, 
 
 Whence late thofe horrid blafphemies did flie 
 
 On beftiall figures when they fell to doate 
 
 In proftitution to idolatrie. 
 
 Now when this potion that they lately tooke, 
 
 This Chymick medicine (their deferued fare) 
 
 Vpon their beards, and on their bofome ftooke. 
 
 He doth their flaughter prefently prepare. 
 
 What's he himfelfe to Leuie could allie 
 
 Before this Calfe not finfully did fall, 
 
 Girds not his broad blade to his finewie thie, 
 
 When he heares Moyfes vnto Armes to call .'' 
 
 Killing not him appointed he fhould flay. 
 
 Though they had flep'd in eythers armes before. 
 
 Though in one wombe they at one burthen lay. 
 
 Yea when this dead, though that could be no more ? 
 
 You whom not Egypls tyranie could wound. 
 
 Nor Seas, nor Rockes could any thing denie, 
 
 That till this day no terrour might aftound 
 
 On the fharpe points of your owne fwords to die ? 
 
 When Moyfes now thofe Tables to renew 
 Of that effentiall Deitie doth merit, 
 (Which from his hands he diffolutely threw 
 In the deepe anguifh of his greened fpirit. 
 When forty dayes without all nat'rall food) 
 He on mount Sina fixed his abode, 
 Retayning ftrength and feruour in his blood, 
 Rap'd with the prefence of that glorious God. 
 Who in his high eftate whilft he paffed by 
 
 In 
 
 180 
 
(173) 
 
 In the cleft rocke that holy man did hide, 
 Left he fhould perifh by his radiant eye, 
 When Moyfes feeing but his glorious fide 
 Celeftiall brightneffe ceazed on his face, 
 That did the vvondring Ifraelites amaze, 
 When he returned from that fouereigne place, 
 His browes encircled with fplendidious rayes. 
 That their weake fight beholding of the fame. 
 He after couer'd from the common eyes. 
 Left when for anfwer vnto him they came. 
 The lufting people fliould idolatrize. 
 
 Might we thofe muftred Ifraelites admire 
 From plaines of Shia mighty Moyfes led, 
 Or elfe to view that opulence defire. 
 To that rich Arke fo freely offered. 
 The meruailous modell of that rareft peece 
 Th'ingrauings, caruings, and embroderies tell. 
 The cunning worke and excellent deuice 
 Of neat Aholiab, and Bezaliell. 
 But we our Moyfes ferioufly purfue. 
 And our ftrong nerues to his high praife applie. 
 That through this maze fliall guide vs as a Clue, 
 And may his vertues abfolutely trie. 
 Whofe charge being weary of their mighty Armes, 
 And much offended they had march'd fo long. 
 As oft difturbed with their fterne Alarmes, 
 Suppofe by Moyfes to haue fuffered wrong. 
 When with the luggage fuch as lagd behinde. 
 And that were fet the Cariages to keepe, 
 Gainft God and Moyfes greeuoufly repinde. 
 Wanting a little fuftinance and fleepe. 
 Who with their murm'ring moued in his ire, 
 That they fo foone his prouidence miftruft, 
 Downe from his full hand flung that forcefull fire, 
 Which in a moment brus'd their bones to duft. 
 Other the mutt'ring Ifraelites among 
 When now to Pharan hauing come fo farre 
 
 Z 3 For 
 
 )8t 
 
(174) 
 
 For flefh, fifh, fallads, and for fruites doe long, 
 
 Manna (they fay) is not for men of warre. 
 
 Their glut'nous ftomackes loath that heau'nly bread, 
 
 That with full Chargers hunger heere releeues, 
 
 As by the belly when they ftrongly fed 
 
 On harty Garlicke and the flefh of Beeues ? 
 
 Milde man, what fearefuU agony thee vex'd, 
 
 When thou thy God vnkindly didft vpbrayd ? 
 
 How greeuoufly thy fuffring foule perplex'd, 
 
 When thou repin'ft the charge on thee was layd ? 
 
 With God to reafon why he fhould difpofe 
 
 On thee that burthen heauy to fuftaine, 
 
 As though he did his purpofes enclofe 
 
 Within the limits of mans fhallow brayne. 
 
 To iudge fo many marching euery day. 
 
 That all the flefh of Forreft and of flood, 
 
 (When the wilde Defarts fcarcely yeeld them way) 
 
 Should them fuffice for competence of food. 
 
 That thou fhouldfl wifli that hand fo full of dread, 
 
 Thy lingring breath fhould fodainly expire. 
 
 Then that the clamorous multitude fhould fpread, 
 
 Thefe wicked flanders to incite his ire. 
 
 That God to punifh whom he (till did loue, 
 
 And in compaffion of thy frailties feare. 
 
 The fpirit he gaue thee laftly fhould remoue 
 
 To thofe thy burthen that fhould after beare. 
 
 O wondrous man ! who parallel'd thee euer } 
 
 How large a portion diddeft thou inherit .■' 
 
 That vnto feuentie he fhould it diffeuer. 
 
 Yet all be Prophets only with thy Spirit .' 
 
 When loe a Cloud comes failing with the winde 
 
 Vnto thefe Rebels terrible to fee, 
 
 That when they now fome fearefull thing diuin'd, 
 
 A flight of Quailes perceiued it to be. 
 
 A full dayes iourney round about the hofl:, 
 
 Two Cubits thicknes ouer all they flowe. 
 
 That when by Ifrael he was tempted mofl:, 
 
 His 
 
 182 
 
(175) 
 
 His glory then m oft notably to fhow. 
 
 The greedy people with the very fight 
 
 Are fill'd before they come thereof to tafte, 
 
 That with fuch furfet gluts their appetite 
 
 Their queafie ftomacks ready are to caft. 
 
 Thofe that for Beefe in Gluttonie did call 
 
 Thofe the high'ft God his powerfulnes to trie, 
 
 Cloyes with the fowle that from the Heauens doe fall, 
 
 Vntill they ftuffe their ftomackes by the eye. 
 
 But whilft the flefh betwixt their teeth they chew. 
 
 And fucke the fat fo delicately fweet, 
 
 (With too much plenty that euen fulfome grew 
 
 That lies fo common troden with their feet.) 
 
 T'hat God impartiall and fo rightly iuft. 
 
 When he had giuen them more then they defire, 
 
 Dulie to punifti their infatiate Iuft, 
 
 Powres downe his plagues confuming as his fire. 
 
 And with a ftrong hand violently ftrake 
 
 Their blood, diftempred with luxurious diet. 
 
 That foone the fores in groynes and arme-pits brake, 
 
 Thus could the Lord fcourge their rebellious riot. 
 
 Aron and Miriam, all too much it were 
 
 For griefe when Moyfes ready is to die ; 
 
 But you whom one wombe happily did beare 
 
 Gainft your milde Brother needs muft mutinie. 
 
 O vnkinde Aaron when thou fondly fram'dft 
 
 That Beaft-like Idoll bowing Ifraels knee, 
 
 He then thee beg'd, that thou fo bafely blam'dft, 
 
 And did diuert the iudgement due to thee. 
 
 Immodeft Miriam when the hand of might 
 
 Left thee with lothfome leprofie defil'd, 
 
 Contemn'd and abieft in the vileft fight. 
 
 From the great hoft perpetually exil'd : 
 
 When thou hadft fpet the vtmoft of thy fpight. 
 
 And for thy finne this plague on thee was throwne, 
 
 He not forfooke thee but in heauie plight 
 
 Kneeling to God obtain'd thee for his owne. 
 
 His 
 
 183 
 
(176) 
 
 His wondrous patience euer was applide 
 To thofe on him that caufelefly complaine, 
 Who did with comely carelefneffe deride 
 What happy men (hould euermore difdaine. 
 
 When now the Spials for the promis'd foyle, 
 For the twelue Z'ribes that twelue in number went, 
 Hauing difcouered forty dayes with toyle. 
 Safely return'd as happily they went : 
 Bringing the Figs, Pomgranates, and the Grapes, 
 Whofe verdurous clufters that with moifture fwell, 
 Seeme by the tafte and flrangeneffe of the fhapes, 
 7"he place that bare them faithfully to tell. 
 That well expreff 'd the nature of the earth, 
 So full of liquor and fo wondrous great, 
 That from fuch wiflied fruitfulneffe in birth, 
 Suck'd the fweet marrow of a plenteous teat. 
 But whilfl: they ftand attentiuely to heare 
 The fundry foyles wherein they late had beene. 
 Telling what Giants did inhabit there. 
 What Townes of warre that walled they had feene. 
 Oi Attacks of-spring when they come to tell. 
 And their huge ftature when they let them fee, 
 And of their fhapes fo terrible and fell, 
 Which were fuppos'd the Titanois to bee. 
 Their hearts funck downe, and though the fruits they faw 
 By their rare beauty might allure their eyes, 
 Yet this report their coward foules did awe, 
 And fo much daunt the forward enterprife. 
 That they their God doe vtterly refufe, 
 Againft iuft Mofes openly exclame, 
 And, were in hand a Captaine them to chufe 
 To guide them back to Gojlien whence they came. 
 Not all the dread of the Egyptian dayes. 
 What by milde Mofes he to paffe had brought, 
 Nor feene by him done at the purple Seas, 
 On their vile minds a higher temper wrought. 
 Whom when of God he beg'd with bloody eyes, 
 
 ^nd 
 
 icS4 
 
(177) 
 
 And againft Heauen did obftinatly ftriue, 
 
 Obtain'dTo hardly their immunities, 
 
 Whofe fmne feem'd greater then he could forgiue. 
 
 Caleb and lojua you couragious men, 
 
 When bats and ftones againft your breafts were laid, 
 
 Oppofe your felues againft the other ten, 
 
 That expedition bafely that diffwade. 
 
 Quoth they to conquer as he did before 
 No more than m.en, what praife his puifance yeelds, 
 But he whofe force the very Rocks did gore, 
 Can with the fame hand cleaue their brazen fheelds. 
 He that forefawe that this fhould be our feate. 
 And onely knew the goodnes of the fame, 
 PoffefT'd the place with thofe that were fo greate 
 For vs to keepe it fafely till we came. 
 For which the Lord did vowe that not a man 
 At Sina muftred where fuch numbers were. 
 Should line to come to fruitfull Canaan, 
 Onely thofe two fo well themfelues that beare. 
 And for the bafenes of thofe recreant Spies 
 Whofe melting minds this impious flaunder bred, 
 And the vile peoples incredulities. 
 In that their God fo ftrongly promifed. 
 For fortie dayes difcourie of the Land, 
 They fortie yeeres in wildernes ftiall waft, 
 Confum'd with plagues from his impetuous hand, 
 Vntill that age be abfolutely paft. 
 Which fcarfly fpoke, but quickly tooke effea, 
 For thofe fo colde, and cowardly before, 
 Hearing the cenfure of their bafe negleft. 
 To make his vengeance and their finne the more. 
 Entring the Land which Moyfes them denies, 
 Their defp'rate will no better can afford. 
 Offering thofe Hues they did fo lightly prize 
 Vnto the vengance of the Heath'nifti fword. 
 And in the hoft new faftions daylie grewe. 
 When Chores, Dathan, and Abiram rife, 
 
 A a Two 
 
 a.a 185 
 
(178) 
 
 Two hundred men of fpeciall note that drew, 
 
 Whofe ftrength gaue power to their confed'racies. 
 
 But the vaft earth incontinently claue, 
 
 And on the fodaine hurried them to hell 
 
 With the fhrill fcreame the fhrieking people gaue, 
 
 The fainting Hoaft into a feauer fell : 
 
 The reft of the Confpirators were left 
 
 (From the firft's fall enforcing their retire, 
 
 Of all the fuccours of the hoft bereft) 
 
 Confum'd to aflies with Heauens violent fire : 
 
 And thofe th'abettors of this vile attempt 
 
 That did milde Moyfes cruelly purfue. 
 
 From th'others finne that could not be exempt. 
 
 Them with the dreadfull peftilence he flew. 
 
 That had not Aaron when all hope was fled 
 
 With holy Incenfe their atonement wrought, 
 
 Thrufling himfelfe twixt th'liuing and the dead. 
 
 All had to ruine vtterly beene brought. 
 
 Where fourteene thoufand and feuen hundred fanke 
 
 Vnder the burden of their odious finne, 
 
 Which now was wax'd f'infufferably ranke. 
 
 It was high time his vengeance fhould begin. 
 
 When after this fo terrible a thing, 
 Now that triumphant and miraculous wand, 
 Brings forth ripe Almonds, ftrongly witnefling 
 In Leuies Tribe the Priefthood ftill to ftand. 
 With leaues and bloffomes brauely it doth flourifh, 
 Some budding, fome as inftantly but blowne. 
 As when the fame the naturall rynd did nourifh. 
 For Moyfes fake fuch Miracles were fliowne. 
 Forward to Cadejh they their iourney caft. 
 Where the good Miriam makes her latefl: houre, 
 Miriam the faire, the excellent, the chafl:, 
 Miriam that was of womanhood the flowre, 
 Here bids her Brothers louingly adue. 
 Who at her parting kiffe her clofing eyes, 
 Whofe v/ondrous loffe fufficiently to rue. 
 
 More 
 
 i86 
 
(179) 
 
 More is the griefe that teares cannot fufifice. 
 Moyft are their eyes, their lips are fhrunk with heat, 
 Their griefe within, as outward it appeares, 
 Their want of water in that place as great. 
 As it to them is plentifull of teares. 
 They at one inftant mutinie and mourne, 
 Sorrowes creepe forth confufedly together, 
 The teares for her incontinent they turne 
 To words gainft Moyfes that did guide them thither. 
 Who from the rocke ftrooke water with the wand, 
 That man and beaft might plenteoufly maintaine, 
 But he from rocks that fountaines can command. 
 Cannot yet ftay the fountaines of his braine. 
 Much woe for Miriam thefe good men did make, 
 Whilft there were two, that might bewaile this one, 
 But two departing for their mutuall fake, 
 Moyfes remaines to mourne himfelfe alone. 
 Aaron the ancient'ft of the Hebrew line, 
 Repleate with naturall comelineffe and grace, 
 (God-like fo farre as man might be diuine) 
 Endeth his dayes in this predefined place. 
 Which being forewarned to awaite his end, 
 And here the fate foretelling him to die, 
 That the good houre doth onely now attend, 
 Will'd to afcend the mountaine (being nie.) 
 With Eleazer his deare Childe he goes. 
 Led by milde Moyfes as the Lord decreed, 
 To his lou'd Sonne his garments to difpofe. 
 Him in the Priefthood pointed to fucceed. 
 When turning backe to bid them all adue. 
 Who look'd as fafh to bid this Lord farewell, 
 Fountaines of late fo faft from rockes ne'r flewe, 
 As the fait drops downe their fad bofomes fell. 
 Not the obdurat'fl:, not the ftonieft hearts. 
 That in deepe forrow melting here forbeares, 
 Thofe to whom Nature not thofe drops impart.s. 
 Spent what in fighes, the other did in teares. 
 
 Aa 2 Sated 
 
 ,87 
 
(i8o) 
 
 Sated with fobs, but hungry with his fight, 
 
 Their watry eyes him earneftly purfue, 
 
 When to difcerne him they no longer might 
 
 Where their fight ends, their forrowes doe renue. 
 
 Com'n to the top, to the appointed place. 
 
 His Sonne in all his ornaments inuefted. 
 
 Which the good Aaron meekely doth embrace. 
 
 And vnto him his offices bequefted. 
 
 When they the time no longer could adiourne. 
 
 After embraces and a floud of woes, 
 
 (Which when one ceas'd the other tooke his turne) 
 
 From eithers eyes that on the other flowes 
 
 Now at the lafk point, at the gafpe of death. 
 
 He whom the whole world hath but fuch another, 
 
 Giues vp his lateft, his moft bleffed breath, 
 
 In the deare armes of his beloued Brother. 
 
 So wifely worketh that eternall Being 
 
 By the ftill changes of their varying ftate, 
 
 (As to the end through the beginging feeing) 
 
 To build the frame of vnauoyded Fate. 
 
 When thofe giuen vp to their lafciuious wils, 
 
 Themfelues in Midian wantonneffe that wafte, 
 
 Whofe flefhly knowledge fip'd thofe fugred ills, 
 
 Twenty foure thoufand flaughtered at the laft. 
 
 Of all thofe that in Sina numbred are, 
 
 I'th plaines oi Moab muftered then againe, 
 
 Wafted by time, fire, peftilence, and warre, 
 
 Thofe promis'd two and Moyfes did remaine. 
 
 The time expir'd that they for Aaron mourn'd, 
 New conqueft now, new comfort them doth bring, 
 Their former hope fucceffiuely return'd. 
 That feem'd before fo fadly languifliing. 
 When they the glorious viflorie obtaine 
 The Plaines of Hortna fcattered all with fhields. 
 Where A rad Rnd his Cananites are flaine. 
 Not the leaft fight of many glorious fields. 
 With Sehons flaughter feconded againe, 
 
 And 
 
 ]8.S 
 
(i8i) 
 
 And Ogs great fall of a Giganticke ftrength, 
 
 Whofe bed of iron fafh'on'd to containe 
 
 In breadth foure Cubits, doubling it in length : 
 
 The lining remnant of the mighty race, 
 
 Of big-bon'd Attack terrible and dred, 
 
 Which long time batning in that fertile place, 
 
 Grew like the fat foile wherein they were bred. 
 
 Not Poets fiflions of the PhlcBgrian fields, 
 
 Whereas the Giants vp to Heauen would clime. 
 
 Heaping on mountaines not fuch wonder yeelds, 
 
 As did the men that lined in that time. 
 
 And fiue proud Kings fell in their recreant flight, 
 
 Before arm'd Ifrael on the Midian plaine, 
 
 Zur, Hur, and Eui, men of wondrous might, 
 
 Reba and Rekem valiantly flaine. 
 
 And as his ftrength crufli'd mighty Kings to duft. 
 
 And cleft the helmes that thunder proofe were thought. 
 
 That hand that help'd them, fcourg'd their impious luft, 
 
 When his high iudgement to peruert they fought. 
 
 And fent thofe Serpents (with their fiery ftings,) 
 
 With inflammations that their flefh did fwell, 
 
 Sharpely to fcourge their truftleffe murmurings. 
 
 That ftill in infidelity did dwell. 
 
 Rare in this creature was his wondrous might, 
 
 That (hould effeft the nature of the fire, 
 
 Yet to recure the forance by the fight, 
 
 Sickneffe might feeme the remedie t' admire. 
 
 Onely by mettall miracles to worke, 
 
 That Serpents fhape, the Serpents hurt ftiould heale, 
 
 To fhew in him the myfteries that lurke, 
 
 And being fo ftrange, as ftrangely doth reueale. 
 
 That the forg'd figure of fo vile a thing 
 
 Should the difeafe fo prefently remoue, 
 
 Onely by th'eye a remedy to bring, 
 
 Deepe fearching Magicke leaueth to approue, 
 
 As Balaams beaft did Balacks haft delay. 
 
 And the full purpofe of the Prophet brake, 
 
 A a I When 
 
 189 
 
(l82) 
 
 When he beheld the Angell by the way, 
 
 Burft out from beafl, and to his Mafter fpake : 
 
 Whofe execration able to aftound 
 
 The funne, when he his Sommers height did boaft, 
 
 And with a word could inftantly confound 
 
 The world, were it a congregated hoft. 
 
 He whofe wife lips could Oracles compile. 
 
 And iudgements irreuocable did paffe, 
 
 Should be confounded by the thing mofl: vile, 
 
 By that bafe creature, the dull worthleffe Affe, 
 
 Ruling his mouth as with a Riders bit. 
 
 Bidden by Balaack to denounce their fall : 
 
 Doth all his dreadfuU Minaces acquit. 
 
 Sounding their bleffmg and their enemies fall. 
 
 When this milde man that onely did remaine, 
 Of thofe from Egipl that the Lord did bring, 
 Which he in luftice fundry wayes had flaine. 
 For their falfe worfhip and their murmuring. 
 Since he remiffe at Meriba was prou'd, 
 And there his zeale not ardently expreft. 
 The Lord did fweare (though him he dearely lou'd) 
 He fhould not come to Canaan as the reft. 
 And now approaching Abaris (the place) 
 From whence he might that promis'd Country fee, 
 (So much the Lord good Moyfes pleas'd to grace) 
 But there his dayes muft confummated be : 
 When this great Prophet zealoufly had bleff'd, 
 Each feu'rall Tribe with a particular good, 
 
 J^hofe parting, them with forrow fo oppreff'd. 
 That fhedding teares, their eyes fhed drops of blood. 
 To Nebo feated admirably hie, 
 (The Spirit prepares him fafely to retire) 
 
 ^hich thrufts his head into the cloudie skie, 
 Pifga fo proudly thither dare afpire. 
 Pifga the height oi Abaris, and this 
 The height of Pifga ouer all doth ftand, 
 That as the eye of mighty Abaris 
 
 Sur- 
 
 IQO 
 
(i83) 
 
 Suruayeth the imparal Idled Land. 
 
 Where goodly Gilead vnto him he fhowes 
 As farre as euer he could looke to Dan, 
 The length and breadth how euery way it goes, 
 Till her brow kiffe the calme Mediteran. 
 ■ H^here the fweet South layes forth her fwelling breft, 
 With a pleas'd eye he filently furuay'd, 
 To that faire Citie whofe high Towers doe reft 
 Vnder the Palme trees moft delicious fliade. 
 
 Wh.ei\ this meeke man approaching to his death, 
 In death eu'n pleas'd faire Canaan to behold, 
 
 ^Fhilft he had vfe of his expiring breath, 
 Thus his laft farewell mildly doth enfolde. 
 Ifrael (quoth he) deare Ifrael, now adue, 
 Moyfes no more is, that your Leader was, 
 lofua and Caleb none but onely you, 
 Of the laft age muft ouer lordan paffe. 
 Th' Egyptian horrours yet t'was I did fee. 
 And through thofe ftrange calamities did wade. 
 And Ifraels charge impofed was on mee, 
 
 When they (but then) had fcarcely learn'd to dade. 
 
 Forty two iourneyes haue I ftraitly part 
 
 Since firft this glorious Pilgrimage begun. 
 
 In wrath or mercy where as firft or laft, 
 
 Some wondrous thing hath happily beene done. 
 
 M' immortall Maker that fo oft haue feene 
 
 (That God of wonder :) thefe complaints not boot. 
 
 In yonder fields fo delicate and greene. 
 
 That may not fet my miferable foot. 
 
 Thus leaning backe againft the rifing Clieue, 
 
 Raifing his faint hands to the hopefull skies, 
 
 Meeke as the morning neuer feene to ftriue, 
 
 Great'ft of the Prophets the good Moyfes dies, 
 
 An hundred twenty hardly paffed yeares, 
 
 His natural! vigour no whit did aflage. 
 
 His eye as bright, his body then appeares. 
 
 As in the height and Summer of his age. 
 
 Who 
 
 191 
 
(i84) 
 
 Who being diflblu'd the y'lngels did interre 
 Neere to Bethpeor in the vallied ground. 
 But yet fo fecret kept his Sepulcher 
 That it by mortall neuer fhould be found. 
 Left that his people (if the place were knowne) 
 (Seeing by him the miracles were done, 
 That euer to Idolatrie were prone,) 
 Vnto his bones a worfliipping fhould runne. 
 One that God grac'd fo many fundry wayes, 
 No former age hath mentioned to bee, 
 y^riued at the period of his dayes 
 The future time in Ifrael flialll not fee. 
 
 Dauid 
 
 192 
 
(i85) 
 
 DAVID 
 
 And 
 
 GOLIAH. 
 
 OVr facred Mufe, oi Ifraels Singer fings, 
 That heauenly Harper, whofe harmonious Srings 
 Expeld that euill Spirit which Saul pofleft, 
 And of his torments often him releaft; 
 That Princely Prophet David, whofe high Layes, 
 Immortall God, are Trumpets of thy praife, 
 Thou Lord of hofls be helping then to me. 
 To fmg of him who hath fo fung of thee. 
 
 What time great Saul after fo bloody fights, 
 Return'd a vi6lor of th'Anialakites, 
 (Two hundred and ten thoufand men at armes 
 Vnder his conduft) had reueng'd the harmes 
 Done to Gods chofen people, when as they 
 Came back from Egypt, troubled on their way : 
 Saul with their blood had now manur'd the Plaines, 
 Leading King Agag (as a flaue) in chaines : 
 But for that Saul this Agags blood had fpar'd, 
 And 'gainft the will of the Almighty dar'd 
 To faue that man he fhould haue put to fword, 
 For difobeying the Almighties word, 
 Their larded Fatlings keeping for a prey. 
 Which he commanded to be made away : 
 For which the liuing God difpleafed, fwore 
 
 Bb To 
 
 bb 193 
 
(i86) 
 
 To holy Samuel, Saul fliould raigne no more ; 
 
 Samuel Gods Prophet, by whofe holy hand 
 
 The Oyle was pour'd (by his diuine command) 
 
 Vpon the head of comely Saul when he 
 
 Was chofen ouer Ifrael to be : 
 
 But for that place another God had pointed, 
 
 Which fhould by Samuel likewife be anointed : 
 
 And this was David his moft deare delight, 
 
 The fonne of IJhay the iuft Bethlemite. 
 
 Meane while this Youth like a poore Shepheard clad, 
 
 (Of whom fuch care the God of Ifrael had) 
 
 His fathers flock was following day. by day 
 
 Vpon a Defart neare at hand that lay ; 
 
 Whofe wealthy fleeces and fat bodies he 
 
 From rauenous vermine hourely vs'd to free. 
 
 His onely armes, his Sling and Sheephooke were. 
 
 Other then thofe he had not vs'd to beare. 
 
 With thefe a Woolfe oft comming from the wood. 
 
 Or fubtill Fox, that forrag'd for his food. 
 
 He quickly flew : or if a Beare opprefl: 
 
 With cruell hunger, hapned to molefl: 
 
 His feeding flocks, he with fuch bangs him plyde. 
 
 That with the prey euen in his teeth he dyde ; 
 
 Or if a Lion as his faire flock graz'd, 
 
 Hapt to affayle it, he no whit amaz'd 
 
 At his fterne roaring, when his clutches caught 
 
 At this braue Sheepheard, but fuch blowes him raught 
 
 Till by the beard that kingly beaft: he fhooke, 
 
 And from his iawes the trembling Wether tooke ; 
 
 And if it chanc't that fometime from the ayre 
 
 An Eagle ftoop'd a Lambe away to beare. 
 
 He with a ftone that from his Sling he threw, 
 
 Downe from the clouds would fetch her as fhe flew. 
 
 His curled Treffes on his fhoulders hung, 
 To which the dewes at Morne and Eue fo clung. 
 To the beholders that they did appeare 
 As nature threded Pearle with euery hayre : 
 
 The 
 194 
 
(i87) 
 
 The Bees, and Wafpes, in wilderneffes wilde 
 
 Haue with his beauties often bin beguild, 
 
 Rofes and Lillies thinking they had feene, 
 
 But finding there they haue deceiued beene. 
 
 Play with his eyes, which them that comfort bring. 
 
 That thofe two Sunnes would fliortly get a fpring ; 
 
 His Lippes in their pure Corrall liueries mock 
 
 A row of Pales cut from a Chriflall Rock, 
 
 Which ftood within them, all of equall height. 
 
 From top to toe each limbe fo cleane and ftraight, 
 
 By euery ioynt of his that one might try, 
 
 Or giue true lawes to perfeft Symmetry ; 
 
 The vermine (oft) his Sheepe that would furprize 
 
 Became fo charm'd with th'fplendor of his eyes. 
 
 That they forgot their rauine, and haue layne 
 
 Downe by his flocks, as they would glad and faine 
 
 Keepe them from others, that on them would prey, 
 
 Or tend vpon them, that they fhould not ftray. 
 
 Whether in Cotes he had his flock in hould, 
 
 Or for the Fallowes kept them in the fould. 
 
 He was not idle, though not taking paines, 
 
 Celefl:iall Lyricks finging to the Swaines, 
 
 And often fitting in the filent fhade. 
 
 When his faire flock to reft themfelues were layde, 
 
 On his Lyre tuned fuch harmonious Layes, 
 
 That the Birds pearcht vpon the tender fprayes, 
 
 Mad at his mufick, ftraine themfelues fo much 
 
 To imitate thVnimitable tuch. 
 
 Breaking their hearts, that they haue dropt to ground, 
 
 And dy'd for griefe in malicing the found. 
 
 Sometimes a Stag he with his Sling would flay, 
 
 Or with his Sheephooke kill a Boare at bay. 
 
 Or runne a Roe fo long (he was fo fleet) 
 
 Till it lay trembling, breathleffe, at his feet. 
 
 Sometimes againe, he praflifed a fight, 
 
 That from the Defart, fliould a Dragon light 
 
 Vpon his Sheepe, the Serpent to affayle, 
 
 B b 2 How 
 
 195 
 
(i88) 
 
 How by cleere skill through courage to prevaile. 
 
 Then with a fmall ftone throwne out of his Sling 
 
 To hit a fwallow on her height of wing, 
 
 And home at night when they their Sheepe fhould driue, 
 
 The fluggifh Sheepheards laftly to reuiue, 
 
 He tooke his Harpe fo excellently ftrung, 
 
 In a broad Bauldrick at his back that hung, 
 
 And on the fame ftroke fuch mellodious ftraines. 
 
 That from the Couerts as the neighboring Plaines, 
 
 T'he Ecchoes wakt with fweetneffe of his notes, 
 
 Which each to other diligently rotes ; 
 
 And thus his time the Lords beloued paft ; 
 
 Till God to Samuel calling at the laft ; 
 
 Samuel faith he, to Bethlem take thy way. 
 To IJhays houfe, and to that old man fay. 
 Out of his loynes that I will chufe a King, 
 And when his Sonnes before thee he fhall bring, 
 Chufe out that man that I fhall thee appoint, 
 With facred Oyle and fee thou him anoint, 
 For of them all, he's knowne to me right well 
 T'he fitfl: to guide my people Ifrael. 
 
 Samitel replyes, my God, if Saul fhall know 
 Vpon what bufmeffe I to Bethlem goe, 
 Except my blood him nothing will fufifice. 
 Take thou a Heyfer, God againe replies, 
 And giue it out thou purpofely doft goe 
 To facrifice ; as God doth counfell, fo 
 T'he holy Prophet a£ts, and comming thither, 
 The nobleft of people get together, 
 Doubting the Lord had angry with them bin. 
 And had fent Samuel to reproue their finne ; 
 But peace to all the holy Prophet cries, 
 And then preparing to the facrifice. 
 7"he Rites perform'd, he bids old IJliay bring 
 His Sonnes before him whilft the offering 
 Smoak'd on the Altars (and the Elders there 
 Stood round about with reuerence and feare) 
 
 For 
 
 196 
 
(i89) 
 
 For in his houftiold he a King muft chufe. 
 IJhay who miglit not Gods command refufe, 
 Cals Eliab out for Samuel to fee, 
 Who at the firft thought furely this was he, 
 7"ill God to Samuel faid, doe not deceiue 
 7"hy felfe (weake man) but thy eleftion leaue, 
 T'hou canft not fee the foule of man, as I 
 Who fearch the heart, and euery thought can try. 
 His fecond fonne Abniadab then came. 
 But this not he that Samuel muft name ; 
 3"hen cals he Shamna his third fonne, but yet 
 2"his was not he th'Almighties turne muft fit, 
 He cals for more till he had counted feauen. 
 To none of thefe yet muft the Oyle be giuen : 
 before the Prophet brother flood by brother, 
 A tweluemonths growth one iuft before another ; 
 Like feauen braue bloffom'd Plants, that in the fpring 
 Nature prepar'd forth goodly fruit to bring : 
 So comely all, that none in them could read 
 Which one of them fhould any one exceed, 
 If he exceld for louelineffe of face, 
 Another for his perfon and his grace 
 Match'd him in full, as nature meant to fliow 
 Her equall bounties how fhe could beflow. 
 T'here he beholds one brother tall and ftraight. 
 Another that was wanting of his height, 
 For his completion and his curious fhape. 
 Well neare out went him, nature let not fcape 
 Ought fhe could doe, in them each limbe to fit 
 To grace the other that was next to it. 
 When Samuel a^skes if thefe were all he had, 
 I/hay replyes, onely his yongeft Lad 
 That in the Defart on his flocks doth tend, 
 Samuel commands away for him to fend, 
 For till he came he vow'd he would not fit. 
 Out of the place nor would he ftirre a whit, 
 before graue Samuel David foone is brought, 
 
 Bb ^ Vpon 
 
 197 
 
(i9o) 
 
 Vpon the Prophet which moft ftrongly wrought 
 
 When he beheld him beautifull and tall, 
 
 Of goodly prefence, and well fliap'd withall, 
 
 His cheeke a mixture of fuch red and white, 
 
 As well with wonder might attrafl the fight, 
 
 A fprightfuU afpeft, and fo cleere an eye, 
 
 As fhot a lightning at the ftanders by. 
 
 His euery gefture feene it in to bring 
 
 The maiefty that might befit a King ; 
 
 All thofe rare parts that in his brothers were 
 
 Epitomiz'd, at large in him appeare ; 
 
 And (in his eare) God doth the Prophet tell. 
 
 This David fhall be King of Ifrael. 
 
 Whom with the facred Oyle (inftead of Saul) 
 
 Samuel anointed there before them all : 
 
 Which hauing done, to Rama takes his way. 
 
 Left Saul for him the country fhould forelay : 
 
 When Kingly David of his owne accord. 
 Though he were then th'anointed of the Lord, 
 And though his Sheephooke might his Scepter be, 
 This holy Youth fo humble is, that he 
 Will back toth' fields his fathers flock to keepe. 
 And make his fubiefls, (for a while) his Sheepe. 
 
 The powerfuU fpirit of God, redoubled grew 
 Dayly in David, and his fame now flew 
 O'r all the Region, how he was belou'd 
 Of Gods high Prophet, and by him approu'd ; 
 Field, Towne, and City, with his name doe ring. 
 The tender Virgins to their Timbrels fing 
 Dittys of him, and in their rurall playes. 
 The homely Sheepheards in their Roundelayes 
 Record his a6ls, and build him fhady Bowers, 
 The Maydens make him Anadems of flowers, 
 And to what fport himfelfe he doth apply, 
 Let's follow David, all the people cry. 
 
 An euill fpirit then fent by God poffeft 
 Enraged Saul, fo greeuoufly oppreft 
 
 lo.S 
 
 With 
 
(190 
 
 With melancholly, that it craz'd his wits, 
 
 And falling then into outragious fits, 
 
 With cramps, with ftitdies and convulfions rackt, 
 
 That in his pangs he oft was like to a6t 
 
 His rage vpon himfelfe, fo rauing mad, 
 
 And foone againe difconfolate and fad ; 
 
 Then with the throbs of his impatient heart 
 
 His eyes were like out of his head to ftart, 
 
 Fomes at the mouth, and often in his paine 
 
 O'r all his Court is heard to roare againe ; 
 
 As the ftrong fpirit doth punifli or doth fpare, 
 
 Euen fo his fits or great, or leffer are, 
 
 That Ifrael now doth generally lament 
 
 Vpon their King Gods greeuous punifhment. 
 
 When fome which faw this fpirit poffeffing Saul, 
 
 ^mongft themfelues a counfell quickly call, 
 
 To fearch if there might remedy be found 
 
 For this poffeffion, each man doth propound 
 
 His thought of curing, as by Phyfick fome, 
 
 Each man fpeakes what into his minde doth come, 
 
 But fome whofe foules were rauifhed more hie, 
 
 Whofe compofition was all harmony, 
 
 Of th'^ngels nature and did more partake, 
 
 By which as Seers prophetickly they fpake ; 
 
 (With holy Magick for fome fpirits infpir'd 
 
 Which by a cleere Diuinity are fier'd, 
 
 ^nd (harpned fo, each depth and hight to try, 
 
 That from their reach and vifibility 
 
 Nature no fecrets fhuts, and heauen reueales 
 
 Jhofe things which elfe from reafon it conceales) 
 
 Thofe men conclude the fpirit that thus had harm'd 
 
 Their foueraigne Saul, with Mufick mufl: be charm'd. 
 
 ^nd hauing heard ol Ifraels deare dehght, 
 ^eloued David the braue Bethlemiie, 
 What wondrous things by Mufick he had done. 
 How he fierce Tigars to his hand had wonne, 
 Had layd the Lion, and the Beare to fleepe, 
 
 ^nd 
 
 199 
 
(192) 
 
 And put fucli fpirit into his filly fheepe 
 
 By his high ftraines, as that they durft oppofe 
 
 The Woolfe and Fox, their mod inueterate foes : 
 
 Of this Mufitian they informe the King, 
 
 And all affure him, their was no fuch thing 
 
 For him as Mufick, and this man was he 
 
 That his Phyfitian in this kinde mud be. 
 
 When Saul difpatcht his meffengers away 
 To aged IJhay, that without delay, 
 His yong'ft fonne David fhould to Court be fent : 
 The fpeedy Poft relating the intent 
 To the old man : which in his heart was glad, 
 For at the firft he great fufpition had, 
 TTiat angry Saul might elfe haue bin acquainted, 
 By Sainuels hand his fonne had bin anointed. 
 And therefore caufed David to be fought. 
 As of his death he direly had forethought. 
 
 7"he good old man o'r ioy'd with this good newes, 
 Cals home his darling from his teeming Ewes, 
 And to the care oi Ifraels God commends 
 His loued boy, and kindly by him fends 
 Of Bread and Wine a prefent to the King. 
 They him no fooner to Sauls prefence bring, 
 Bwt Davids beauty fo extreamly tooke 
 The doting King, that in each glance or looke. 
 He thought he faw high valour mixt with truth, 
 And neare his perfon takes the louely Youth, 
 And who but David then with mighty Saul 
 His onely fauorite is, his all in all .■■ 
 
 Not long it is e'r Saul the fpirit doth feele 
 To ftirre within him, and begins to reele, 
 And fuddainly into a 7"rance he fals. 
 And with his hands lyes grafping at the wals, 
 When David takes his well-tun'd Harpe in hand, 
 By which his fpirit he meaneth to command ; 
 His quauering fingers he doth now aduance 
 Aboue the trembling firings, which gin to dance 
 
 At 
 
(193) 
 
 At his moft cleere tuch, and the winged found 
 About the fpacious Roome began to bound, 
 The Aers flew high, and euery dainty ftraine 
 Belters the former, which doth fo detaine. 
 The ears of thofe ftood by, that they heare not 
 Sauls fad complaints, and fuddainly forgot 
 To lift or ftirre him, and the ftanders by. 
 Were fo intranfed with the melody, 
 That to a holy madneffe fome it brought, 
 Others againe a Prophecy it wrought. 
 The Wyery cords now fhake fo wondrous cleere, 
 As one might thinke an Angels voyce to heare 
 From euery quauer, or fome fpirit had pent 
 It felfe of purpofe in the Inftrument ; 
 The harmony of the vntuned'ft ftring 
 Torments the fpirit which fo torments the King, 
 Who as he faintly, or he ftrongly groanes, 
 This braue Mufitian altreth fo his tones, 
 With founds fo foft, as like themfelues to fmother. 
 Then like lowd Ecchoes anfwering one the other : 
 Then makes the fpirit to fhift from place to place, 
 Still following him with a full Diapafe : 
 Thus day by day as th'euill fpirit opprefl: 
 Difeafed Saul, David himfelfe addreft, 
 Z'awayte the houres, before the King to play, 
 Vntill he made th'vnruly fiend obay 
 The. force of Mufick, more then that to feare 
 But the leaft found oi Davids Harpe to heare. 
 
 When now the King by Davids cunning cur'd, 
 Old IJkais Sonne who thought he had indur'd 
 Reflraint too long, gets leaue of Saul to goe 
 To Bethlem back (Gods holy will was fo) 
 He rather chofe to view his well-fhorne Sheepe, 
 His yeaning Ewes, and late-falne Lambes to keepe, 
 Then on a Bed of filke himfelfe repofe, 
 ^nd the delights of the frefli fields to lofe. 
 
 C c When 
 
(194) 
 
 When now Philijlia horribly enragd, 
 With Gods owne people had it felfe engag'd, 
 With a reuengefuU deadly hand to fmite 
 The ftill-preferu'd oft-troubled Tfraelite, 
 Who had in Battaile many times before 
 Vpon the earth fpilt her vnhallowed gore. 
 Grim-vifag'd warre, more fternely doth awake, 
 Then it was wont, and furioufly doth fhake 
 Her lightning fword, intruding with the force 
 Of men of warre both skilful! foot and horfe. 
 Two mighty nations are now vp in armes, 
 AnA to both fides the Souldiers come in fwarmes : 
 The fields with Enfignes, as t'were flowers are deckt 
 Which their refulgence euery way refle6l 
 Vpon the Mouutaines and the vallies nie 
 .^nd with their fplendor feemes to court the skie. 
 Two mighty /irmyes on the playne appeare, 
 Thefe Ifralites, and thofe Philijiians were ; 
 Their great Commanders, proued men of warre : 
 Their long experience, who had fetcht them farre, 
 To order fights as they occafion found 
 T'offend the foe, by fitting with the ground. 
 Which chofen Ifraels infantry doth call, 
 In this defenfiue warre to follow Saul. 
 And aged IJha faithfully to fhow 
 The loue of Saul, and Ifrael he doth owe, 
 His eldeft three into the Army fent. 
 That to the field, as well appointed went. 
 As on their brauery they that bare them mofl. 
 Nor was there, in the Ifraelitifh hofte 
 Three goodlier men, efpecially when they 
 Were in their Armes, the moft vnclouded day 
 That euer (hone, tooke not with fuch delight 
 The glad beholders, as the wondring fight 
 Of thefe braue Youths, ftill as they marched by. 
 
 Now in the fields the mighty Armies lye 
 On the wide champaine, each in others fight ; 
 
 But 
 
(195) 
 
 But as the Trumpets fhowte them out to fight, 
 
 From the Philiftians hofte a Gyant came, 
 
 Whofe fplendrous Armes fhone h'ke a mighty flame 
 
 Againft the funne ; Goliah nam'd of Gath ; 
 
 The onely Champion that Philijlia hath : 
 
 This huge Coloffus, then fixe Cubits height 
 
 More by a handfull : and his ponderous weight. 
 
 Wherefoe're he made but any little ftay, 
 
 Shew'd that his bredth, it anfwered euery way. 
 
 Neuer fiich might in mortall man there was. 
 
 From head to foot at all poynts arm'd with braffe, 
 
 Fiue thoufand (heckles his prou'd Curats way'd, 
 
 Vpon whofe temper, wondrous coft was layd : 
 
 His Shield and Harnefle well might load a Teame, 
 
 His Lance as big as any Weauers beame ; 
 
 Whofe very Pyle vpon the poyfe contain'd 
 
 A hundred (heckles, he a leffe difdain'd : 
 
 His Browes like two fteepe Penthoufes hung downe 
 
 Ouer his eye-lids, and his angry frowne 
 
 Was like a cloud, when it like Pitch appeares, 
 
 .^nd fome fterne tempelt in its bofome beares. 
 
 His voyce was hoarfe, and hollows, yet fo ftrong. 
 
 As when you heare the murmuring of a throng 
 
 In fome vafte arched Hall, or like as when 
 
 A Lordly Lyon angred in his den, 
 
 Grumbles within the earth, fuch his refembled. 
 
 That when he fpake, th' affrighted hearers trembled : 
 
 His Squire before him marching to the field, 
 
 H^ho for this Champion bare a fecond fhield. 
 
 Vpon two eafie hils the A rmies laye 
 A valley 'twixt them in the middle way : 
 Into the midft of which, Goliah came, 
 Ax\.A. thus doth to the Ifraelites proclaime, 
 If there be found in all your hoft quoth he, 
 A man fo valiant, that dare fight with me. 
 If I (hall fall vnder his mighty fword, 
 Ifrael fliall then be the Philijlinas Lord : 
 But if I by my puiffance (hall preuaile 
 
 C c 2 Ouer 
 
 203 
 
(196) 
 
 Ouer your Champion (that fhall me affaile) 
 Then as our (laues, of you we will difpofe; 
 And vfe at pleafure, as our conquered foes, 
 For he that's God of the Philijlians, boafts 
 Himfelfe more powerfull then your Lord of hofls. 
 Which challenge thus, not onely troubled Saul, 
 But bred amazement through the hoft in all. 
 For forty dayes thus vs'd he forth to goe, 
 Offring by combate to decide it fo. 
 
 Old IJhay now defiring much to heare. 
 Of his three Sonnes (in what eftate they were) 
 Doubting left they fome needfull things might want, 
 As in the Arrtiy, viftuals might grow fcant ; 
 Wherefore he cals yong Dmiid from his fheepe, 
 And to another giues his charge to keepe. 
 My Boy quoth he, hafte to the Campe and fee 
 In what eftate my Sonnes your Brothers be : 
 Beare them parcht corne, and cakes, though homely food. 
 Yet fimple cates may doe poore Souldiers good : 
 And to the Generall, ten fine Cheefes beare, 
 Such in the Campe are not found euery where. 
 And if for need t' haue pawn'd ought of efteeme. 
 Take money with you, and their Pledge redeeme. 
 Dauid, make hafte, for I defire to know 
 'Twixt the two puiffant hofts, how bufmeffe goe. 
 
 No maruaile Datiid in his heart were glad, 
 That he fuch caufe to viewe the Armies had : 
 From his braue thoughts, and to himfelfe he told. 
 The wondrous things that he fhould there behold. 
 The rare Deuices by great Captaines worne, 
 The fiue-fald Plumes their Helmets that adorne. 
 Armours with ftones, and curious ftuds enricht, 
 And in what ftate they their Pauilions pitcht. 
 There fhould he fee their marflialling a warre. 
 The iron-bound Chariot, and the armed Carre : 
 As where confifted either armies force, 
 Which had aduantage by their foot or horfe : 
 
 The 
 
 204 
 
(i97) 
 
 The feuerall weapons either nation beare, 
 
 The long Sword, Bow, the Polax and the Speare : 
 
 There the Philijlian gallantry, and then 
 
 His Ifraels brauery anfwering them agen : 
 
 And heare them tell th' aduentures had bin done, 
 
 As what braue man had greateft honour wonne. 
 
 Daitid beftirres him prefently, and packes 
 Vp his prouifion, puts it into fackes, 
 And by his Seruant on his Mule doth laye. 
 Then towards Sauls Army takes the ready way. 
 And his no tedious iourney fo contriues. 
 That in fhort time he at the Campe ariues : 
 And at his comming, inftantly beftowes 
 His heedfull prouant, to the charge of thofe 
 That tend the Carriage, and of them doth learne 
 (As neere as he could make them to difcerne 
 By his defcription) Iflias Sonnes, who led, 
 And in the Army where they quartered : 
 By whofe direftion he his Brothers fought. 
 And told them what prouifion he had brought : 
 And to all three, their Fathers pleafure fhow'd, 
 AviA how the Cheefes he would haue beftow'd. 
 As they were talking, fuddainly a noyfe 
 Ran through the ^rmy, and the generall voyce, 
 Was the Philijlian, the Philijlian fee, 
 Goliah comes, ordain'd our fcourge to be. 
 Who as his vfed manner was, defies 
 The hofl of IJrael, and thus loudly cryes, 
 Bring downe your Champion, that with me dares fight, 
 yind this our warre (hall be decided ftreight : 
 But IJraels God, for feare drawes backe his hand, 
 Nor is there one againft me that dare ftand. 
 
 Which Z>««2<i hearing, his yong bloud doth rife, 
 AxiA fire was feene to fparkle from his eyes : 
 His fpirits begin to ftartle, and his rage 
 Admits no reason that may it affwage : 
 No nerue of his, but to it felfe doth take 
 
 Cc 3 
 
 205 
 
(198) 
 
 A double ftrength, as though his arme could fhake 
 The Iron Lance that great Goliah beares : 
 ^nd beate his brazen Shield about his eares. 
 His llrugling thoughts now being fet a worke, 
 ^wake that flame, which lately feem'd to lurke 
 In his meeke breaft, which into paffion breakes, 
 yind to himfelfe thus Princely Z)rt?^/^ fpeakes. 
 
 Defpifed nation, Ifrael quoth he, 
 Where be thofe valiant men that liu'd in thee, 
 What are our foules in leffer moulds now caft. 
 Then at the firft, with time or doe they wafte ? 
 What flaued people, but we can ftand by. 
 And heare this bafe Philijiian Dogge defie 
 God and his people, muft he ftand to boaft 
 His ftrength and valour, and in all the hoaft 
 No man dare vndertake him ; might I proue 
 My Manhood on him, I ftiould foone remoue 
 The worlds opinion, and both hofts ftiould know 
 Hee's but a Dogge, on vs that raileth fo : 
 And to one ftanding neere him, thus he fpake, 
 Of this huge Beaft, what wonder doe ye make : 
 What fliall be done to that one man that fliall 
 Fight with this Gyant, and before ye all, 
 His pride and horrid blafphemies fhall quell, 
 And take this fliame away from Ifrael? 
 When one that heard him, quickly thus replyes. 
 He by whofe hand this huge Goliah dyes. 
 For Wife to him, Sauls Daughter fhall be giuen, 
 One of the goodlieft Creatures vnder heauen ; 
 And yet this further, his reward fhall be 
 His Fathers houfe in Ifrael iha\\ goe free. 
 
 With this yet Daiiid clofeth not his eare, 
 But of fome other likewife doth enquire 
 For his reward, the Gyant that fhould flay, 
 The formers words, which like a leffon fay, 
 None of them thinking, this yet fcarcely man. 
 Should ftrike to death the proud Philijiian. 
 
 206 
 
 His 
 
(i99) 
 
 His Brother Eliab, now which ouer-heard, 
 Young Dauids queftions, and was much afeard 
 His ouer-daring fpirit might draw him on' 
 To worke their fhame, and his confufion : 
 Thinkes with himfelfe, it greatly him behooues, 
 To checke his boldneffe, and him thus reprooues. 
 Fond Boy, quoth he, why ftand'ft thou to enquire 
 After thefe things, thy bufineffe lyes not here : 
 I would not (fure) but you the Campe fliould view, 
 A Sheepe-Coate Sir, would better fute with you : 
 Who haue you left, after your Flocke to looke, 
 Your Scrip (no queftion) or your fhepheards Crooke. 
 Sirra, my Father fent you not to vs, 
 ^bout the Arm-Y to lye loytering thus : 
 I thinke 'tis time to get you on your way. 
 Our Father thinkes that we inforce your ftay. 
 
 At Eliabs fpeeches, Dauid fomewhat mou'd 
 To heare himfelfe thus fcornefully reprou'd : 
 Brother quoth he, few words might haue fuffic'd. 
 Had you but knowne how lightly they are priz'd 
 Of me, thefe fpeeches you would haue forborne, 
 Vpon fome other and haue fpent your fcorne. 
 I come to view the Campe, you fay, 'tis fo, 
 ^nd I will view it better ere I goe. 
 Why may not I, as well as other men, 
 rie goe when I fhall pleafe, and not till then ? 
 M^hen time may me more liberty alow, 
 I may beare Axvs\&s perhaps as you doe now : 
 Looke to your warfare, and what is your owne, 
 Good Brother Eliab, and let me alone : 
 For of my felfe I know how to difpofe, 
 A nd thus away refolued Dauid goes, 
 ^nd as he went, ftill as he heares the cry 
 ^fter Goliah, ftill more hie and hie. 
 His fpirit is mounted, and his oft demand. 
 What his reward fhould be, whofe valiant hand 
 Should kill Goliah, through the Axmy went, 
 
 ^nd 
 
 207 
 
(200) 
 
 ^nd was the common talke in euery Tent, 
 (But in the moft bred fundry doubts and feares, 
 When as they way'd his tenderneffe of yeares) 
 Vntill his Fame, by going, getting ftrength 
 In Sanls PauiHon is cry'd vp at length : 
 Who with much fpeed, fent out to haue him fought, 
 And to his prefence caus'd him to be brought. 
 W-'ho with a conftant and dehghtfull cheere. 
 Comes to the King, and doth to him appeare 
 fFitli fuch a fprightfull, and maiefticke grace. 
 As vi6lory were written in his face : 
 And being by Saul, demanded if 'twere he, 
 That Ifraels Champion vndertooke to be ; 
 He with a meeke fmile, boldly doth reply, 
 I am the man my Soueraigne, 'tis euen I : 
 My Leege quoth he, be not at all difmaid. 
 Nor let Gods chofen Ifrael be afraid. 
 This mighty Monfter in the peoples fight. 
 So terrible, whofe fhape doth fo affright 
 The multitude, I doe no more efteeme, 
 Then if a Dwarfe, nor he to me doth feeme 
 But fuch a thing, my onely enuy's this. 
 That he is not much greater then he is. 
 The more his ftrength, the more his fall will be, 
 And Ifraels God more glorifi'd in me. 
 
 Quoth 5ff«/againe, thou art of tender age, 
 And in refpefl of him a very Page ; 
 Befide, the other ^rmes that he doth beare. 
 Thou art not able to lift halfe his Speare : 
 If he ftrike at thee, and thy body miffe, 
 Yet on his fide, there this aduantage is. 
 The winde of his huge weapon hath the force 
 To driue the breath out of thy flender Coarfe : 
 And this vafle man, befide his wondrous might, 
 No man as he, fo skilful! is in fight ; 
 Expert in all, to Duels that belong, 
 Train'd vp in ^rmes whilft yet he was but yong. 
 
 Th£ 
 
 208 
 
(20l) 
 
 The better, anfwered David, if his skill 
 Equall his ftrength, for what is it to kill 
 A common man ? a common thing it were, 
 Which hapneth euery day, and euery where ; 
 But for a Giant fuch a one as he, 
 Vpon the Field to be fubdu'd by me, 
 This to all Nations fhall be thought a thing 
 Worthy of Ifraels God, and Ifraels King. 
 I haue flaine a Lion and Beare, quoth he, 
 And what is this vncircumcif'd to me 
 More then a Bead. That onely God of might 
 By whofe great power I conquered thefe in fight, 
 In fpight of humane ftrength and greatneffe, can 
 Giue to my hands this proud Philiftian. 
 
 When Saul thus fees that there was in his foule 
 T'hat courage which no danger could controule, 
 A valour fo invincible and hie, 
 As, naturally enabled him to flye 
 A\>Q\x& all thought of perill, and to beare 
 Him quite away beyond the bounds of feare ; 
 He cauf'd an Armour for him to be brought, 
 But firft of all a garment richly wrought 
 He puts vpon the braue youth and then bad 
 Zhat in thofe goodly ^rmes he (hould be clad 
 Which put vpon him as to flirre he ftriues, 
 He thinkes him felfe in Manakle, and Giues, 
 Zheir ponderoufneffe him to the earth doth preffe 
 Zhefe ^rmes doe make his v46liueneffe fare leffe 
 For he before had not bin vf'd to thefe, 
 Nor him at all their boiflroufneffe can pleafe, 
 His Gorget gauld his Neck, his Chinne beneath, 
 -4nd mofl extreamly hindred him to breath, 
 His Curats fit too clofe vpon his fide, 
 He in no hand his Helmet can abide, 
 It is fo heauy, and his Temples wrings. 
 His Pouldrons pinch him, and be cumbrous things, 
 His Gaunlets clumfie, and doe wring his Wrifts, 
 
 Dd ^nd 
 
 dd 209 
 
(202) 
 
 And be fo fliffe he cannot clutch his Fifts ; 
 His Guyfes they fo ftrong and ftubborne be. 
 That for his life he cannot bend his knee ; 
 He knew not how to beare his brazen Shield, 
 Such weapons Sheepheards were not vs'd to weeld, 
 Their weight and their vnwildineffe was fuch, 
 And they reftraind his nimbleneffe fo much, 
 That he prayd Said of thefe he might be freed. 
 It is not Armour that muft doe the deed. 
 Let me alone, faith he, and lie prouide 
 My felfe of Armes, this quarrell to decide. 
 
 When forth he goes, fhot for his Sling to looke. 
 And neare the Campe he finds a perling Brooke, 
 Whofe fhallow fides with Pebbles did abound, 
 Where feeking fuch as maffy were and round. 
 He picks out fiue, away with him to bring, 
 Such as he knew would fit his trufty Sling, 
 And in his Scrip them clofely doth beftow. 
 By which he vowes Goliahs ouerthrow. 
 
 When fvvift report throughout the Army runnes, 
 That youthfuU David one of IJhaes fonnes, 
 A very (tripling, and the yong'ft of eight, 
 With the Philiftian was that day to fight ; 
 That great Goliak which fo oft had brau'd 
 Deie6led Ifrael, and the combat crau'd 
 With any one (he to the field could bring, 
 Now for it was fo pertinent a thing, 
 As that their freedome or fubie6lion lay 
 On the fucceffe of this vnequall Fray, 
 Th'euent thereof (truck euery one with feare. 
 But his fad brethren mofk perplexed were. 
 And to themfelues thus fay they : O that we 
 So long (hould draw our lothed breath, to fee 
 That by the pride of this accurfed Boy, 
 Defpifed Ifrael fhould no more enioy 
 Her ancient glories, but be made a (laue 
 To proud Philijlia ; and our fathers graue 
 
 Slandrcd 
 
(203) 
 Slandred by him ; his Family and Name 
 Branded by David with perpetuall fhame. 
 Curft be the time that he was hither fent, 
 Curft be the time he came into our Tent. 
 And now and then they purpofed to fly, 
 Nor would they ftay to fee their brother dye, 
 But at the very point to take their way, 
 Bethinke themfelues, it better were to ftay, 
 To feeke his fcattered limbes to peeces hew'd, 
 And fee them in fome obfcure earth beftow'd. 
 
 In this fad manner whilft they murm'ring were, 
 David is bufied liftning ftill to heare 
 Of great Goliah : fcarce can he refraine 
 From calling for him ; now in euery vaine 
 His blood is dancing, and a fprightly fire 
 Takes vp his bofome, which doth him infpire 
 Which more then humane courage, nor he can 
 Conceiue a terror to proceed from man, 
 His nerues and fmewes to that vigor grow. 
 As that his ftrength affures him he can throw 
 Through thicker Armes, then mortall yet could weeld. 
 Vpon the fuddaine, when through all the field 
 The word was heard, Goliah now appeares, 
 Which Davids heart in fuch ftrange manner cheeres, 
 As that he feeles it caper in his breaft. 
 When foone that huge vncircumcifed beaft, 
 As he was wont, betweene the hofts doth come, 
 A nd with his harfh voyce, like an vnbrac'd Drum, 
 Cals to the hoft of Ifrael, where's your man 
 You cowardly Nation, where's your Champian 
 To vndertake me, bring him to the field. 
 Or to Philijlia your fubie6lion yeeld. 
 It was full Summer, and the day fo cleere. 
 As not a little cloud did once appeare, 
 In view of either ^rmy, the free Sunne, 
 That t'wards the noonfted halfe his courfe had runne, 
 On the Philiftian darting his cleere rayes, 
 
 D d 2 His 
 
(204) 
 
 His bright refulgent y^rmes fo fundry wayes 
 Reflefts the beames, as that he feemes to all 
 Like that in painting we a Glory call, 
 ^nd from his Helmet fharpning like a Spyre, 
 He lookt like to a Piramid on fire. 
 
 And now before yong David fhould come in, 
 The hoft of Ifrael fomewhat doth begin 
 To rouze it felfe ; fome climbe the neareft Tree, 
 And. fome the tops of Tents, whence they might fee 
 How this vnarmed Youth himfelfe would beare 
 yjgainft th'all-armed Giant (which they feare) 
 Some get vp to the fronts of eafie hills ; 
 That by their motion a vaft murmure fills 
 The neighbouring Valleys, that th'enemy thought 
 Something would by the Ifraelites be wrought 
 They had not heard of, and they long'd to fee 
 What flrange or warlike ftratagem 't fhould be. 
 
 When foone they faw a goodly Youth defcend 
 Himfelfe alone, none after to attend, 
 That at his need with armes might him fupply. 
 As meerely careleffe of his enemy. 
 His head vncouered, and his locks of hayre 
 yis he came on being play'd with by the ayre 
 Toft to and fro, did with fuch pleafure moue, 
 As they had beene prouocatiues for loue : 
 His fleeues ftript vp aboue his elbowes were. 
 And in his hand a ftiffe fhort ftaffe did beare. 
 Which by the leather to it, and the firing. 
 They eafily might difcerne to be a Sling ; 
 Suting to thefe he wore a Sheepheards Scrip, 
 Which from his fide hung downe vpon his Hip. 
 Thofe for a Champion that did him difdaine, 
 Caft with themfeues what fuch a thing fhould meane. 
 Some feeing him fo wonderoufly faire, 
 (^s in their eyes he ftood beyond compare) 
 Their verdift gaue that they had fent him fure 
 ^s a choice bayte their Champion to alure ; 
 
 Others 
 
(205) 
 
 Others againe, of iudgement more precife, 
 
 Said they had fent him for a facrifice. 
 
 And though he feem'd thus to be very yong. 
 
 Yet was he well proportioned and ftrong, 
 
 And with a comely and vndaunted grace, 
 
 Holding a fteady and moft euen pace, 
 
 This way, nor that way, neuer flood to gaze, 
 
 But like a man that death could not amaze, 
 
 Came clofe vp to Goliah, and fo neare 
 
 As he might eafily reach him with his Speare. 
 
 Which when Goliah faw, why Boy quoth he, 
 Thou defperate Youth, thou tak'ft me fure to be 
 Some Dog (I thinke) and vnder thy command, 
 That tl)us art come to beat me with a wand : 
 The Kites and Rauens are not farre away, 
 Nor Beafls of rauin that fhall make a prey 
 Of a poore corpfe, which they from me fhall haue, 
 And their foule bowels fhall be all thy graue. 
 
 Vncircumcifed flaue quoth Datiid then. 
 That for thy (hape, the monfter art of men : 
 Thou thus in braffe com'ft arm'd into the field, 
 And thy huge Speare of braffe, of braffe thy Shield : 
 I in the name of Ifraels God alone, 
 That more then mighty, that eternaU one, 
 Am come to meet thee, who bids not to feare. 
 Nor once refpeft the Armes that thou doft beare. 
 Slaue, marke the earth whereon thou now doft ftand, 
 rie make thy length to meafure fo much land. 
 As thou lyefl: groueling, and within this houre 
 The Birds and Beafls thy carkaffe fhall deuoure. 
 
 In meane time Dauid looking in his face, 
 Betweene his temples, faw how large a fpace 
 He was to hit, fleps backe a yard or two. 
 The Gyant wondring what the Youth would doe, 
 Whofe nimble hand, out of his Scrip doth bring 
 A pebble ftone, and puts it in his Sling, 
 At which the Gyant openly doth ieere, 
 
 D d 3 And 
 
 2 '3 
 
(206) 
 
 And as in fcorne, ftands leaning on his Speare, 
 
 Which giues yong Danid much content to fee, 
 
 And to himfelfe thus fecretly faith he. 
 
 Stand but one minute ftill, ftand but fo faft, 
 
 Av^di haue at all Philijlia at a caft. 
 
 When with fuch flight the (hot away he fent, 
 
 That from his Sling as 't had beene Lightning went ; 
 
 ^nd him fo full vpon the forehead fniit, 
 
 Which gaue a cracke, when his thicke fcalpe it hit, 
 
 y4s t' had bin throwne againft fome Rocke or Poft, 
 
 That the fhrill clap was heard through either hoft 
 
 Staggering a while vpon his Speare he leant. 
 
 Till on a fodaine, he began to faint ; 
 
 When downe he came, like an old o'regrowne Oake, 
 
 His huge Roote hewne vp by the Labourers ftroke. 
 
 That with his very weight, he fhooke the ground. 
 
 His brazen armour gaue a iarring found 
 
 Like a crackt Bell, or veffell chanc't to fall 
 
 From fome high place, which did like death apall 
 
 The proud Philijlians, (hopeleffe that remaine) 
 
 To fee their Champion great Goliah flaine : 
 
 When fuch a fhout the hoft of Ifrael gaue, 
 
 ^s cleft the clouds, and like to men that raue, 
 
 (o'rcome with comfort) crye, the Boy, the Boy, 
 
 O the braue Dauid, IJraels onely ioy : 
 
 Gods chofen Champion, O mofl wondrous thing, 
 
 The great Goliah flaine with a poore Sling : 
 
 Themfelues in compaffe nor can they containe. 
 
 Now are they filent, then they fhoute againe. 
 
 Of which no notice, Dauid feemes to take, 
 
 ^ut towards the ^ody of the dead doth make ; 
 
 With a faire comely gate, nor doth he runne. 
 
 As though he gloried in what he had done. 
 
 ^ut treading on th' vncircumcifed dead, 
 
 With his foot, ftrikes the Helmet from his dead ; 
 
 Which with the fword, ta'n from the Gyants fide. 
 
 He from the body quickly doth diuide. 
 
 No\ 
 
 214 
 
(207) 
 
 Now the Philijlians at this fearefull fight, 
 Leauing their Armes, betake themfelues to flight, 
 Quitting their Tents, nor dare a minute ftay, 
 Time wants to carry any thing away, 
 ^eing ftrongly rowted with a generall feare ; 
 Yet in purfute, Sauls Army ftrikes their Reare, 
 To Ekron walles, and flew them as they fled, 
 That Sharams plaines lay couered with the dead : 
 And hauing put the Philijlines to foyle, 
 ^acke to the Tents retire, and take the fpoyle 
 Of what they left, and ranfacking they cry, 
 A Dauid, Dauid, and the viflory, 
 
 When ftraight waies Saul, his Generall Abner fent 
 For valiant Dauid, that incontinent 
 He fliould repaire to Court, at whofe command 
 He comes along, and beareth in his hand 
 The Gyants head, by th'long hayre of his crowne, 
 Which by his aftiue knee, hung dangling downe. 
 And through the Army as he comes along, 
 To gaze vpon him, the glad Souldiers throng : 
 Some doe inftile him Ifraels onely light, 
 And other fome the valiant Bethlemite. 
 With Coniayes all falute him as he paft, 
 And vpon him their gracious glances cafl:. 
 He was thought bafe of him that did not boafb, 
 Nothing but Dauid, Dauid, through the hofl. 
 The Virgins to their Timbrels frame their layes, 
 Of him : till Saul grew iealous of his praife : 
 But for his meed doth to his Wife receiue 
 Sauls louely Daughter, where 'tis time I leaue. 
 
 FINIS, 
 
 215 
 
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 ''""' For the Seventeenth Year, 1883-4. 
 
 38. The Mirl-our of Good Maners. By Alexander Barclay. 
 
 39. Certayne Egloges. By Alexander Barclay. 
 
 40. The Great Assises Holden in Parnassus by Apollo arid his Assessovrs. 
 
 41. Vaticinium Votivum ; or, Palaemon's Pi-ophetick Prayer. 
 
 jFor the Eighteenth Year, 1884-5. 
 
 42. Willoby his Avisa : or the true. Picture cf a modest Maid ;, and of a chast and 
 
 constant wife. 
 
 43. The Tenne Tragedies of Seneca. Translated into English. Part I. 
 
 For the Nineteenth Year, 1885-6. 
 
 44. The Tenne Tragedies of Seneca. Translated into English. Pari II. 
 
 45. Poems: By Michaell Draiton, Esquire. Re-printed from the Edition of 1605. 
 
 Part I. 
 
 For the Twentieths. Year, 1886-7. 
 
 46. Poems: By Michaell Draiton, Esquire. Re-printed from the Edition of 1605. 
 
 Pari II - ' 
 
 47. Chrestoleros : Seuen Bookes of Epigrames. Written by Thomas Bastard. Re- 
 
 printed from the edition of 1598. 
 
 NEW SERIES. 
 
 For the Twenty-first Year, 1887-8. 
 
 1. The Poly-Olbion : A Chorographicall Description of Great Britain. By 
 
 Michael Drayton. Re-printed from the edition of 1622. Part I. 
 la. Extra volume. The Shepheardes Calender. By Edmund Spenser. Edited 
 by H. Oskar Sommer, Ph.D. 
 
 For the Twenty-second Year, 1888-9. 
 
 2. The Poiy-Olbion : A Chorographicall Description of Great Britain. By 
 
 Michael Drayton. Re-printed from the edition of 1622. Pari II. . 
 
 For the Twenty-third Year, iSSg-QO.* 
 
 3. The Poly-Olbion : A Chorographical Description of Great Britain.'" By 
 
 Michael Drayton. Re-printed ■ from the edition of 1622. Part III. 
 (Completing the volume.) 
 
 For the Twenty-fourth Year, 1890-1. 
 
 4. Poemes, Lyrick and Pastorall. By Michaell Drayton, Esquire. 
 
 For the Twenty-fifth Year, 1 891-2. 
 
 5. The Mvses Elizivm. By Michael Drayton, Esquire. Re-printed from the 
 
 edition of 1630. 
 
LIST OF PUB^ICA-TIONS, 
 
 '""' For the Seventeenth YeUr, iS8$^£ 
 
 38. The: Mirl-our, of„Goo(i Maners. ' By; ;Alexander Barclay, 
 
 39. Certayne Egloges. By Alexander Barclay. 
 
 40. The Great Assises Holden in Parnassus by Apollo and his Assessovrs. 
 
 41. Vaticinium Votivum'; or, Palaeiman's Prophetick Prayer. 
 
 For the Eighteenth Year, 1884-5. ■ 
 
 42. WiJloby his Avisa : or the true. Picture of a modest Mai§ ^ anii of'a chast and 
 
 constant wife. ., ,^ .rS!**.,:^;' 
 
 43. The Tenne Triagedies of Seneca. Translated into English. Part'T. 
 
 For the Nineteenth Year, 188^-6. 
 
 44. The Tenne Tragedies of Seneca.-. Translated into English. Part [J, 
 
 45. Poems: Py Michaell iJraiton, Esquire. Re-printed from the Edition of 1605. 
 
 Part L ' " "'"■' ■ . 
 
 For the Tweniietik^i^^ary \2)2,6-'j . 
 
 46. Poems: By Michaell JJraiton, Esquire. Re-printed fr01;p(the Edition of 1605, 
 
 Pari IL - ' " ■ " '*■■■ • • , ' ' - 
 
 47. Chrestoleros : Seuen Bopkeg of Epigranies. .Written by Thpnias Bastard. Re- 
 
 printed from the edition of 1598! 
 
 NEW SERIES. 
 
 For the Twenty-first Year, 1887-8. 
 
 1. The Poly-Olbion : A Chorographicall Description of Great Britain. By 
 
 Michael Drayton. Re-printed from the edition of 1622. Part L .^.,, 
 
 la. Extra volume. The Shepheardes Calender. By Edmund' Speftser.- Edited 
 by H. Oskar Sommer, Ph.D. 
 
 For the Twenty-second Year, 1888-9. 
 
 2. The Poiy-Olbion : A Chorographicall "Description of* Great Britain. , By 
 
 "Michael Drayton. Re-printed from the edition of. 1^22. PartlL.' 
 
 For the. Twetity-third Year, 1 889-90.* 
 
 3. The PolyvOlbion: A Chorographical Description of Great Britain?'- By 
 
 Michael Drayton, Re-printed from , the edition of 1622. Part III. 
 ( Completing the Volume.) 
 
 For the Tuienty ^fourth Year, i890-[. 
 
 4. Poemes, Lyrick and Pastoral!. " ' By Michaell Drayton, Esquire. 
 
 For the Twenty-fifth Year^ 1891-2. 
 
 5. The. Mvses Elizivtn, By Michael Drayton, Esquire. Re-prjnted , froiin tKe 
 
 edition of 1630.