emblems with elegant figures newly published by j.h. hall, john, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing h estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) emblems with elegant figures newly published by j.h. hall, john, - . j. h. p. : ill. printed by r. daniel, london : [ ?] pages - lacking; best copy available for photographing. attributed by wing to john hall. reproduction of original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng emblems. christian art and symbolism. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion emblems with elegant figures , newly published . by j. h. esquire . london , printed by r. daniel to the most honoured vertuous lady , m rs . dorothy stanley . madam , none can wonder that i bring these emblems under your protection . for i and this book have acquir'd so near a relation , that i must ( for my own sake , ) do it what good i can : and the best way i know to advance it's condition , is to prefix your name . had they been high discourses of the best philosophy ( whether ancient or moderne , ) or choice pieces of philologie , i should have offered them to your noble husband mr. thomas stanley , whom our island stands admiring to see him now ( as once the great alexander ) conquer the world , when 't is scarce thirty years since first he came into it ; there being no glory that greece or rome , or their successors can boast , which his matchlesse genius hath not made his own , and ours too , by a noble communication . therefore to him also i inscribe these emblems . i am bold thus to present them , that as chappell 's ( which before were but lime and stone ) they may grow venerable by their dedication : and likewise be an emblem of the humble respect and services of madam your most obedient servant r. d. the preface to the reader these emblems falling under my perusall , i could d● no lesse then acknowled● what i find to be trut● which is , that helicon h●●● found another channell in a full stra● to glide to heaven , virtue is embalmed verse , and divine love so enamored w● humane wit and art , that by an holy co●●lation they have both together broug●● forth ( without adultry , ) this happie ch● of such heavenly beauty , that it wounds 〈◊〉 reader not as other poesies with da●● of wanton sensuality , but with 〈◊〉 influence of that divine love where w●●● it self is so replenished , and feeds the 〈◊〉 with excesse of appetite . but high 〈◊〉 ●●iums doe often serve but to per●●x security with doubt , and breed a su●●tion , that either the authour wanteth ●●rth , or the impression vent : the last of ●hich concernes the printer , the other my 〈◊〉 . as for the printer , i am confident his ●●es are , that the buyer will be a greater ●●ner then the seller : and as for my self , must confesse it is nothing but the worth the book that prompted me to these : and though it needs no warmth from another ●●me , it being its own abundant commen●tion , yet i must ingenuously confesse and ●●de this verdit , on my credit t is good , and ●ing read with an impartial eye , if it ●●des thee not prone to approbation , it will ●ake thee so . but whither the matter be ●ore full of divinity , or the stile of learn●●g and art , i leave as a querie : and so farewell . john quarles . in commendation of the authour and his work. it were some kind of guilt but to reherse how wanton sin once domineerd in verse : vice then usurp't the chiefest wits we know ; but now the choysest in religion flow . see here are flames that shoot both heat and light , to warm our hearts , & make our darknesse brig● that we inflam'd might love , and loving see the holiest raptures clad in poetrie . how sad's the world ! vertue no place can win , vnlesse by pleasure it be usher'd in . such is thy holy cosenage , which gaines men to that goodnesse by thy pleasing straines ; which else they would neglect , if th' had not bin brib'd by delight in those , to let it in . how poysoned is the world that there must be some poyson us'd for its recoverie ! how sick too is the world , whose health must b● procured by its own infirmity ! to work this riddle cure , there 's not in all thy book a line , but is medicinall . thomas wall , m. a. oxon . the praeludium . frown on me shades , and let not day steal in a needle-pointed ray , to make discoveries wrap me here in folds of night , and do not fear the sun's approach , so shall i find a greater light possess my mind . o do not , children of the spring ! hither your charming odours bring nor with your painted smiles devise to captivate my wandring eyes : th' have strayd too much , but now begin wholy t' employ themselves within , what do i now on earth ? o why do not these members upward flie ? and force a room among the starres and there my greatned self disperse as wide as thought , what do i here spred on soft down of roses , there that spangled curtain which so wide dilates its lustre , shall me hide . mount up low thoughts and see what sweet reposure heaven can beget , could you the least complyance frame how should i all become one flame , and melt in purest fires ? o how my warmed heart would sweetly glow and wast those dreggs of earth that stay glew'd to it , then it might away and still ascend till that it stood within the centre of all good , there prest , not overwhelm'd , with joyes under its burthen fresh arise , there might it loose it self , and then with loosing find it self agen : there might it triumph and yet bee still in a blest captivitie , there might it — o why do i speak whose humble thoughts be far too weak to apprehend small notions , nay angells be non-plus'd though the day break clearer on them , and they run in anogees more near the sun. but oh ! what pull's me ? how i shall in the least moment headlong fall ; now i 'm on earth again , not dight as formerly in springing light , the self-same objects please that i did even now as base deny , now what a powerfull influence has beauty on my slavish sence : how rob i nature that i may her wealth upon one cheek display , how doth the gyant honour seem well statur'd in my fond esteem , and gold , that bane of men , i call not poys ' nous now , but cordiall ; since that the worlds great eye the sun has not disdain'd to make 't his own , now every passion swayes and i tamely admit their tyranny , onely with numerous sighings say the basest things is breathing clay . but sure these vapours will not e're draw curtaines o're my hemisphere . let it clear up and welcom day it 's lustre once again display , thou ( o my sun ! ) a while maist lie as intercepted from mine eye , but love shall fright those clouds , and thou into my purged eyes shall flow , which ( melted by my inward fires which shall be blown by strong desires ) consuming into teares shall feel each tear into a pearl congeal , and every pearl shall be a stem in my celestiall diadem . sparkles of divine love . what am i without thee but one running headlong ? aug. conf. lib. . cap. . lord ! send thine hand uuto my rescue , or i shall into mine own ambushments fall , which ready stand to d' execution all , layd by self-love , o what love of our selves is that that breeds such uproares in our better state ? i think i pass a meadow guilt with crimson showers , of the most rich and beauteous flowers , yet thou , alas ! espy'st what under lowers tast them , they 're poyson , lay thy self to rest , there stray whole knots of snakes that solely wait for prey . to dream of flight is more then madness , there will be either some strong necessitie or else delight , to chain us , would we flee , thus do i wandring go and cannot poysons know from wholsome simples that beside them grow . blind that i am ! that do not see before mine eyes these gaping dangers that arise ever the same , or in varieties far worse , how shall i scape or whether shall i leap , or with what comforts solace my hard hap ? thou ! who alone canst give assistance , send me aid , else shall i in those depths be laid , and quickly thrown , whereof i am afraid , thou who canst stop the sea in her mid-rage , stop me least from my self , my own self-ruine be . epigram . should'st thou not sometimes man in dangerstand thy lord would not so freely reach his hand , but now he helps at need , thus do we see that sometimes danger brings securitie . toyes of toyes , and vanities of vanities did withhold mee . aug. conf. l. . c. . even as the wandring traveller doth stray lead from his way by a false fire , whose flame to cheated sight doth lead aright , all paths are footed over but that one which should be gone : even so my foolish wishes are in chase of every thing but what they should embrace . we laugh at children that can when they please a bubble raise , and when their fond ambition sated is again dismisse thee fleeting toy into its former aire : what do we here but act such tricks ? yet thus we differ , they destroy , so do not we : we sweat , they play . ambitious towring's do some gallants keep from calmer sleep , yet when these thoughts the most possessed are they grope but aire , and when they 're highest in an instant fade into a shade ; or like a stone that more forc't upwards shall with greater violence to its centre fall . another , whose conceptions onely dream monsters of fame . the vain applause of other mad-men buyes with his own sighes yet his enlarged name shall never craul over this ball : but soon consume , thus doth a trumpet's sound rush bravely on a little . then 's not found . but we as soon may tell how often shapes are chang'd by apes ; as know how oft mans childish thoughts do vary and still miscarry : so a weak eye in twilight thinks it sees new species , while it sees nought , so men in dreams conceive of scepters , till that waking undeceive . epigram . why frets thou that thy soul doth dote upon these guilded trifles of corruption ? thy self 's the very cause , what remedy and thine own hearts a traytor to thine eye . thou art with me in secret o lord , whipping me oft with the rods of fear and shame ▪ aug. conf. lib. . chap. . no sooner wretched man beginning is to do amiss , but fear doth give alarm's , and wake the drousie conscience , which doth shake the raging passions , yet they forward run pursuing alwayes what they first begun , thus doth depraved man at first begin . to act his sin , and put his hand to that his heart doth with such opposition thwart , half punishing before , thus serpent sin to sting and poyson doth at once begin , but when w' have acted what deprav'd desire did first require ; the torturer guilt doth banish fear , aud sin doth like her self appear arm'd with her venom'd snakes which ready stand to punish what her self did first command . by this means conscience disturb'd doth so enraged grow that she whips out all peace , so we snatch't from our false securitie are torne by our own tortures , such as ne're the worst offender can from tyrant fear . then we suppose each twig that is behind mov'd by the wind would give a lash , we think a hare flying detest's us , if we heare a lamkin bleat for milk , we think 't doth cry mother , yon man 's a sinner , come not nigh : meanwhile the silken bonds of sleep cannot us keep or if one slumber seaze our eyes , legions of ugly dreams arise , that in the night we wish for day , in day ( finding no ease ) we wish the light away . while that thy fiery steed did run poor absalon thy circkling knots of golden hair onely so many halters were and to thee ( fairest of the earth ! ) that earth gave not a death-bed that had given the birth . epigram . so fatall ' t is ! he that commits a crime is his own executioner that time ; and is with secret sorrows onely rent , since sin it self is its own punishment . so i was sick and in torture , turning me up and down in my bonds , aug. conf. . cap. . should'st thou not ( lord ! ) dispence . thy powerfull influence , we all should freez like scythian seas bound up in flinty ice , and all the suns kind warmth in vain should fall : nor would dame nature let her riches come out of her womb : but since thou let'st thy rays run free , and spirit gives to all that lives each severall thing continues , but by thee . thus art thou sweetly hurl'd even through the little world , but once bereave what first thou gave what a lean dulnesse soon doth thwart the dead and putryfying heart ? no high affections then advance the soul and make it roul about the woolly clouds to play , and censure all that 's here , as small as the least atome that sports in a ray . then is mortality a most enforcing lie and clay is grown , as hard as stone nor can our cunning make it loose till that thy heat do interpose , thus do our wounds corrupt and gaping stand till that thine hand do gently close and pull these darts which so have bin by the sent in to our insensate and obdurate hearts . epigram . what art thou sick to death , go and reside 〈◊〉 yon red hospitall that stands so wide : ●as ●is a wound , what though , by it thou'lt be ●ealed of whatsoever infirmity . ●as hungry within , because i wanted thee my inward meat o my god. . conf. cap. . ●n vain you court my wanton taste choycest of natures delicates ! ●ere is no strength in such repast ●hough gained by excessive rates ●ee onely counterfeit a feast , devour what aire , earth , sea , can give thou 'lt not one moment longer live . ●o , but accelerate thy fall ●hough stuff'd with whatsoever spice ●he east can yield , though fancy shall assisted by proud lust ) devize ●o swallow at one bit this all. art thou so blind thou canst not see thy self thus tantalized bee ? 〈◊〉 that thy parched gums be dry the other are not reall ) and 〈◊〉 hunger gripe thy stomack , fly to him who 'll lead thee by the hand . where thou may'st streams of life espy there drink thy fill at any rate thou canst not be intemperate . there is the true ambrosia food worthy the aetheriall soul , which shall due nourishment conveigh , such as no hunger can controul : but it thy fainting limbs will stay with due refreshment , which shall bee as long-liv'd as aeternity : o do but taste and see how far these sodom-apples do deceive , they do beguile the eye as fair rich balls of gold ; but th' taste bereave and in an instant vanish'd are , the other tasted truly fill and further touch't are sweeter still . mad prodigalls we may a while hurried away by lust go eat husks with the nasty hogs , but still we no society beget till that our father doth us fill and we return , o let us go since we such entertainment know . epigram . ●t hungry boy ? go to yon vine there see ●he grapes of life in purple clusters be , ●ere meet with israels sheepheard , 't is his vine ●●'s gardner both and sun to dress and shine . how long ! how long ! why is not this hour the period of my filthiness . aug. conf. . lib. . even as the splitting mariner blasted with storms ●oth in short sighs his vowes profer , and so performs 〈◊〉 broken accents what his tongue ●ould not but in the utterance wrong ▪ 〈◊〉 doth the soul , when that the weight of sin doth lie ●pon her crazie shoulders , straight her groanes do crie ●ishing she knows not what , yet more ●hen any language can implore . how long , my father ! wilt me leave ? how long i must 〈◊〉 an inhabitant of th' grave involv'd in dust , ●hou who createdst all canst raise 〈◊〉 out of ashes if thou please . how every passion is become mine enemie , and drawes me further from the home where i should be : yet thou canst curb them , thou alone who ne'r wast swaid by passion . oh when shall snowy innocence my inmate be ! and i freed from my load of sence , flie up to thee ; drown me in blood then i le appear , washt in that crimson river , clear . look , ( lord ! ) upon my miseries how they appea● scribled and fragmented in sighs before thee here stop them i pray ; yet i confess these groanings are my happiness . 't is the first step to health to know we are not well ; i ope my wounds unto thee so , poure oyl and heal : and when they 're closed up take care they prove not deeper then they are . epigram . most happy rhetorick of sighs , that bear 's such strong perswasions to jehovahs eares ! which stand most firm , when faltring tongue doth fall ; and when thou speakest worst speak'st best of all : take up and read ; take up and read. aug. lib. . cap. . unhappy boy ! how art thou now become thy self thy tombe ? within what darkness dost thou lie ? such as that glorious prince of light whose smiles inamell every flower cannot affright , but that these vapours still condense the more ▪ how are thine eyes courted with whatsoere the terming eare or pregnant nature can devise ? yet what a winter is within ? what marble freezings which congeal ? though they have been bath'd in warmed showers , which from thine eyes did steal insatiate soul ! which hast devoured each art yet hungry art , and like an empty ship dost roul : where wilt thou once contented rest exempt from all this fluctuation , and fixt thy brest where 't may repose in a secured station ? turn but thine eye and view that folded oracle that lately fell , heard'st not thou some soft murmur crie ? take up and read ; obey , there is ( if tho● canst ope thy purged eare ) high misteries that can direct thy feet ; thine eyesight clear . thou never took in hand an harder lesson , then thou did'st begin prying the secrets of this book : for it will teach thee how to set , in paths that cannot tread awry , thy wandring feet : and shew thee where the source of blisse doth lie . epigram . take up these leaves ; within that little room lie endless depths ; 't is gods autographum . the hardest book , and easiest : which can give death to the dying : life to them that live . the unlearned rise and take heaven by violence ; and we with our learning without affection , behold ! where we wallow in flesh and bloud ! aug. conf. lib. . cap. . vain curiosity ! yee lead the mind in mazes , make her tread a-side , while that she toyles and is not fed . o empty searchings ! do i care if i can slice yon burning sphere to the least atoms , and yet near come there . though i can number every flame that fleets within that glorious frame ; yet do not look on him that can them name . though i can in my travell'd mind the earth and all her treasures find yet leaving pride swolne into hills behind . though i can plum the sea , and try what monsters in her womb do lie ; yet n'ere a drop fall from my frozen eye . am i the better , though i could all wisdome with a breath unfold , and a heart boundless as the ocean hold ? no not a whit unless that he by whom these glorious wonders be lead me and teach mine eyes himself to see . yet may a modest ignorance unto so great an height advance , and of such sparkling beauties gain a glance . he that 's all wisdom do'es not care how full our teeming fancies are of touring notions if our hearts be clear ! they are but wildfires that remain with rouling flashes in the brain if that the heart thereby no heat doth gain . he is the wisest that doth know to whom he doth allegiance ow , to whom his rebell passions ought to bow . who with a rude yet heedy eye his maker finds in every flie , and treads to heaven by humilitie . who with a watchfull heediness an omnipresence doth confess ; and not by cobweb theorems express . let others seek to know , they shall but into greater blindness fall ; and ere their course be run know nought at all . since what we know is but a gleam , that ow's its lustre to a beam , which from that inf'nite spring of light doth stream . epigram . each minute learn , and by that learning know the more thou clim'st , the more thou art below : still let thy brain strength to thy heart dispence , and think the greatest wisdom's innocence : ● lord behold my heart , which thou pitiedst in the bottomless pit . aug. conf. lib. . cap. . lord ! dost thou see , this ruddy piece of clay how it doth flie up towards thee ! ambitious of a sweet tranquillity ! within thy bosome , loe how speedily 't doth go ? featherd by active fire , whereby it mount's and towers up higher then its own groveling thoughts could reach before that thou didst teach , how doth it throw and leave below those which wear shackles , but now trophies are ? oh how it flashes reduc't to ashes ? yet were alive till now . those darts are med'cines which destructive were and cut but beds for balm to flow ●●ilst the ascending day forgets 't was ere below . yet this was once grave to it self , bound in most potent chaines ( corruptions ) whilst a chil'd poison did congeal my veines , which speckledtombestones were ▪ then durst no day appear but darkness shrowded all , and thick egyptian damps did fall ; i knew not i benighted was , or else a night did cause pleas'd that i lay without a ray till thou , ( great world of light ! ) broke out 〈◊〉 the● my chains did fall , i that was all one issicle , became one tear , and now my veines ran bloud again● take lord what thou thy self didst frame and on thine altar deign to cherish thine own fla●● ▪ epigram . ●'me thine , and for my homage , take my heart 〈◊〉 't is , though a little , yet my greatest part ( which can as well not lie , as think ) and say i give but what i cannot keep away . who took me by the hand , and brought me out of that darkness wherewith i was in love ? aug. soliloq . cap. . vvhilst sable bands of night did bind my drousie mind ; and my eyes useless were when day was shrunk away : whose was that ray that stole so kindly in and shew'd glimses of light again ? both how stars in their vaulted sea do flow , ●nd how the sun 's tryumphant toyles renew'd . who wa' st that taught mee deeds of night are mere deceit ? and all the light she seems to set are counterfet : and if but met by smallest twinklings disapear : that , wayes are then uncertain , and we can't in any surety stand ●isturbed , or by danger or by fear . who wrought upon me that great cure as to endure , like th' royall eagle , with a straight and unmov'd sight the flowing light ? who taught me joy ? when that mine eyes were more possest with strengthened gleames sent from associated beames : who taught me failing shadowes to dispise ? thou center of all light ! whom none can look upon : who when the world but new begun didst give a sun with light to run : thou ! from whose sight no lurking cave no , nor the most retyring deep , which the still reeling sea doth sweep , lies hid ; no , nor the secrets of the grave . thou ! who canst stop the sun , and cause him soon to pause ; o on this scythian breast of mine keep a straight line , and nere decline ; that by degrees this grosness may that now attends me , be calcin'd to dust , and i from dregs refin'd mounted upon thy love , may fly away . epigram . let the sun cherish day , i cannot see the best approach of sight , unless through thee : yet thee i cannot , though i labour still for thou art glory inaccessible . ●ebriate my heart , ( oh god! with the sober intemperance of thy love aug. meditat. cap. . now love i all excess ; now let me be an enemy to all sobriety ! ●n the faint hart , whose nimble footing stray ●ong the devious forrests all the day , ●●ilst that her foes as swift as lightning press ●ind , yet not so swift as merciless , ●d scorching heat her parched intralls dry ●●at in her self her greatest dangers lie ; ●en she com's near cold streams , who as they pass 〈◊〉 with their silver footings clear the grass ●asure her thirst , but rather covets more ●e naturall julip then she did before : ●s so with me ( my god! ) but i have been ●sued with enemies that to lodg within ; ●ose rage know's no regress , but boyles up higher ●e arsenall , mine heart is set on fire , ●ich will devour untill that ashes be ●e weak resisters of its cruelty . 〈◊〉 waters prove but fewell , nay the sea ●r'd on would onely oyl and sulphur be . 〈◊〉 shower thy rayes upon it , ( lord ! ) & smoother ●e violence of one flame by another ; ●en to refresh me send cool showers , that may ●rease such potent feavers , and allay : ●solve those clouds that interpose , so shall ●alming tempests in my bosome fall : 〈◊〉 is my wasting out into the main that they may draw me to the shore again : but when i am on shore , oh how i gape furrowed with clifted chinks ; oh how i leap and fly asunder , that i nothing seem but one great ruine , when the fiery beam of thy fierce wrath descendeth , and doth roul hells sad preludium into my soul. but thou , whose open side produc't a floud as white as crystall yet all stayn'd with bloud drown me within those waters , let me lie within that watry tomb , so shall i flie from death to life and all my ruines be nothing but reparation by thee . epigram . . ●e cheers the heart of man ; but love doth give ●e principles of life , and make it live . ●s else but carrion ; or a freezing sun ; ●cending flames ; wings without motion . ●ove , when it come's doth captivate all the other affections , and draw them unto it self . aug. manual . cap. . tyrannick love ! whose active fires plumes slow desires ; and make's them swiftly taper up , till flattering hope stroke them and win them to her breast , though not to rest : yet in that motion they close in some repose , ●s steel hovering 'bove loadstones quiet growe's . emperour of heart ! who do'es dilate her narrow state ; that she outgrow's the earth aud's even as wide as heaven : yet not so vast but thou art king , thou centrall spring ! from whom all passions first began to flow , and than ●evolve into thee , as their ocean . tyrant o' th soul who if thou please her powers to raise , they tryumph for to meet thee , and take thy command : thine who knit'st altogether here yon azure sphere , this floting ball or what doth lie ope to the eye , all are conjoyned by thy mystick tie . thou , who can'st sweeten dangers , that we do not hate their griffy visages , nor fear their threats ; but rear our thoughts above all injury ; or if we lie but in thy fetters how we rove , and sore above ! that 's circle's infinite whose center 's love . epigram . what 's love ? what 's god ? both the like greatness hold one is omnipotent , the other would : ●oth are attractive and diffusive ; yea ●od is himself but abstract charity . ●ord thou hast made me for thee , and my heart is unquiet till it rest in thee . aug. conf. lib. . cap. . lord ! what is man ? 〈◊〉 mass of wonders cluster'd in a span : one who can tell ●he eye , yet his best part invisible , as great a piece ●f beauty , as wise nature can express : but who can find the uncontrouled swiftness of his mind ? how't can reflect ●pon it self , and by its intellect , when it shall please , ●lime highest mountains , plum the deepest seas : or nimbly wind , ●o either pole , and see where all 's calcin'd to save by heat whom cold doe's all in glassy shackles set . or ere the eye ●an turn it self , clamber the azure skie : yet cannot she ●ind rest at all , till that she rest in thee , thee , who did'st lay ●er active substance in the cell of clay ; yet hast indued ●nd deck't her with thine own simil●● that there might be ●ome little ectypes of thy majestie , though he could chase old time into his cradle , yea and trace each planet as he through his azure circuit doth pass , and subt'ly eye how multiformious meteors strangely fly : but can the heart find any settlement ? although all art should court , and be transformed into one great flattery ? no , no , till thou who art alone all fulness , sweetly flow into 't and be the cause of hunger by society . then may she rest in thee , who art her center , and though prest with sorrowes even as low as hell , bounce up as high as heaven . epigram . can the earth dance ? the ocean fall asleep ? or can the thoughts of man their quiet keep , 'till they be home from all their travells brought to him , who know's all wisdom at a thought ? ●ill pierce heaven with my mind , and be present with thee in my desires . aug. manual . cap. . vveak chains , bind flesh and bloud , and tie lethargick sense ; you cannot impede me , when i flie hurried away from hence ●u shall not clog me , but my raised flight shall bring me to my wish't for height . where am i now convaid ? oh how my winged feet spurn all those golden lamps that glow beneath , with night beset ! ●y ( a strange pilgrim ) i securely run in paths that lie above the sun . swell heart into a world and keep that humid sea : become , my bosome , one great deep that it may lodge in thee : ●●at glorious sun with his celestiall heat will warm 't , and mak 't evaporate . spring-head of life , how am i now intomb'd in thee ? how do i since th' art pleas'd to flow , hate a dualitie ? how i am annihilated ? yet by this acknowledge my subsistence is still may i rise ; still further clime till that i lie ( having out-run-short-winded time ) swath'd in eternitie : so may my youth spend and renue , so night never alternate with my light . but should my god withdraw awhile his glorious face yet would not i my self beguile but with a strickt embrace so closely joyn with him , that wheresoere he were , i would strive to be there . nay should he strike me down so low as hell , yet i would grasp him : he is there i know : he in those depths doth lie so should i surfet on all happiness ; 't is solely heaven where he is . epigram . what is mans body ? clay , or lead his soul ? the nimblest swiftest substance that can roul it self ere thought ; and by its power bring down , or mount to heaven , and so mak 't its own . ●h thou fountain of life , let my thirsting soul drink of thee . aug. med. cap. . faint , i faint : these channels here though they seem crystall , run not clear ; what nasty heaps of rubbish lie within these waves ? i die ; i die ; how bitter are they ? poysons be though fiercest , not so harsh as they : yet have i drunk ; but now a more heat bake's my bowells then before . oh! what an aetna hath posse'st the feeble ruines of my breast ? how't fall's to cindars ? how i have my bosom turn'd into my grave ! go , go , my former loves ! i will no more your false embraces fill . weave robes of short liv'd roses set , ●illy's in bands of violet : rare clouds of myrrhe , that none may press to view your secret wantonness . such fumes but choak me ; nor have i leisure to wanton ere i die . see how i breath out ashes . ' las ! doe's there no silver rillet pass that may asswage ? would heaven bestow one welcome drop to cool me now ! oh for a moses that would make this rock of mine dissolve and break to a clear stream where i might lie exempt from all this misery , and bathe . oh would some angel sit and point me to a welcom pit . thou spring of life run over me thou center of eternitie , enlive me once again , and show what thy unbounded power can do . do but direct me and i le flie where all thy liquid treasures lie ; more then may drench whole worlds ; and bless them with their quickning delugies when i have setled there , oh then i shall not know to thirst agen . epigram . the living spring of life is cool ; but yet doth quench one , and beget a greater heat . still satisfie's ; yet leave 's a thirst behind and is the sacred bath and spaw o' th' mind . love doth repress the motions and withhold the slipperiness of youth . aug. manual . cap. . vvhat is this life ? a scene of strife ; a theatre of sorrow ; on which we play perhaps to day ●ut break a limb to morrow : weak stage of ice for flatteries to cheat and juggle on ! which vanish ere they can appear , and as they come , are gone . what safety can thou yield poor man ? that tread's thee with such joy ; what are the treasures of all the pleasures which ere they 'r tasted , cloy . then happy he that can be free by potent counter-charms : and nimbly leap and so escape thy still approching harms . but all those whom love hath ore ' come , contemn thy magick , and do bravely flee thy tyranny and in full freedom stand . oh happy mind that leave 's behind those things that creep below : and clamber's up by constant hope where reall pleasures flow . then youth no more obtaine's a power to cheat the roving sight ; but reason crown'd and so inthron'd doth solely bid what 's right . epigram . . ●ince of the passions , royall love ! who , when thou pleasest , canst thus metamorphise men : ●ust make 's her vassailes beasts : thou contrary , ●ake'st each heart where thou raigne'st a deity . the heart of man not fixt in desires of eternitie can neither be firm nor stable . aug. manual . cap. . you whose clear countenances do not know assembling clouds and storms of woe , whose golden streams of minutes sweetly run in an unalter'd motion , who sit on shore , while other wretches be ludibrium's of the raging sea , who surfet on what pleasures can behap , who lull●blind fortune in your lap , enjoying what wild fancie can invent : pray ! can you say you are content ? do not your labouring thoughts inlarge and still grow far more empty as they fill pray ! what gradations make you ? can you stand ? how often do you countermand ere you can think ? and pray ! is every thought chain'd and in order brought ? could you with patience view those traverses wherewith your soul still moving is did they lie open to the sun ? or deem that ever you conceived them ? vast soul of man ! who cannot find in thee a circumscrib'd infinitie what can outrun thy swiftness ? what can less then swelling thee , brook emptiness . that if not fill'd , earth leap's , and gain 's a room and so prevent's a vacuum . but ramble still , and feed thy fury , groan , cause ther 's no worlds but one . thou doest but multiply thy cares and toss like men amazed at a loss . or like a crazy vessell which doth lie on th' drunken tyranny of each insulting wave , whilst every blast jussell's and threaten's that her last . but wer 't thou freed from thy domestick harms and wound within thy makers arms , how would these twilights vanish , what a day would 't instantly it self display : then might'st thou prepossess thy heaven , and so in this thine exile happy grow . this is our jayle , our night , till happy we gain there , both day and liberty . epigram . ●an flames fly downward ? can the earth ascend ? ●an liquors separate ? and dry things blend ? ●is as unlikely that without a god ●he heart of man can find a period . mine enemy hath laid many nets for my feet , and fill'd all the way with ambushments . hasten , can i view those eyes from whence there flie's ●ch strong attractive beams ; and stay lingring i' th way ? ●hen thou canst soon deceive my toyl 〈◊〉 the short magick of a smile . ●irest of women ! no : oh how upon thy brow ●throniz'd bands of graces sit ? how on thy white ●●me out bloud-thirsty roses ? which , 〈◊〉 hemispheres , [ thy cheekes ] inrich . 〈◊〉 could i come ! ( how art thou dight with ambient light ? ) 〈◊〉 phenix-like in her tomb-nest , sleep on thy breast : 〈◊〉 from thy od'rous bosom draw ●●ole snowy-clouds of cassia . but oh ! what ambushments orespread the way i tread ? how crooked are those paths of mine how serpentine ! what ranks of peevish thornes beset my torn and more then weary feet ? but look how either side doth smile and would beguile ; how all 's with amethysts beset ; how negro-jet mingle's with alablaster ? how the scatter'd topasses do glow ! what virgins do on either hand assailing stand ? whom could they not orecom . if none thy face had known ? their beauty is but borrowed ; thine doth with a native lustre shine . but i 'le be blind , untill i be restor'd by thee : they are but shadows and are gone ere they can run into thy sight . thy beauty shall stand while the dying sun shall fall . epigram . ●rust not the world ; when 't smiles , it will betray , ●nd when secure , doth the most dangers lay : ●●t break her snares , and all her charmings flie , 〈◊〉 th' art , at best , in splendid slavery . 〈◊〉 love which doest ever burn and art never extinguish't , enlighten me with thy flames . aug. mannual . cap. . my wishes cannot reach so far with empty towrings ; as to rear ●ge piles of marble , that may rise ●●d fiercely emulate the skies : ●annot wish me gardens , where ●errestiall planets may appear , ●nd rise and set by courses : no , ●annot all this madness know ; ●●ght i bathe in pactolus , swim 〈◊〉 yellow tagus ; might each limb ●●ale after it more ore , then may ●●ng poverty on india : 〈◊〉 are not wish so high ; yet are ●●y royall wishes higher far . 〈◊〉 ! could i , though the restless sun ●ould not his usuall journey run , ●●y self supply his light , and rear ●ithin my heart a taper , far ●armer then his : but should he go ●s usuall progress ; i might flow ●ith double fires ; but ' las ! i wish ●●apes of impossibilities : 〈◊〉 , whose disbanding members have ●●ouldred themselves within the grave ●annot get up , and walk ; and knit ●●s limbs as they at first were set : sure no! can i revive again my palsied heart , my frozen brain ? what can my strength command them cease their monstrous shakings , and confess they were diseas'd ; till thou display the powerfull influence of thy ray . alas ! i cannot ; till thou shine and fright away these clouds of mine i shall be darkned : com , oh com ! break in upon me , here 's a room thy subtle joyes can pierce , and gain and entrance in the depths of men : though wee be all polluted , yet thy viceroy doth rise and set upon base thistles ; and will close with weeds , as soon as any rose : burn me , oh ! burn me ; so i shall enjoy no meaner funerall then the great world : and nimbly flee unclog'd with matter unto thee . epigram . ●●w monstrous are man's wishes ? and how vain ●●w he do'th pray and then , unpray again ? ●●at strange chimera's does his fancy frame 〈◊〉 beg his ruine in a specious name ? how shall we sing the lords song in a strange land ? psal. . v. . vvhil'st by the reedy bancks of aged cam , my golden minuts softly went and came ; nothing was wanting to content ; unless 〈◊〉 minde fit for to grasp such happiness : ●y wishes still were ratifi'd , and still ●onfirm'd , nor had i any law but will ; whether severer thoughts my minde posse'st , ●nd freed her from her load of flesh , and dre'st ●er like her self , and carried her on high , ●eyond the narrow reach of thought or eye . or if some serious follies call'd m' away ●ow boldly and securely durst i stray . 〈◊〉 little from my self , that so i might ●eturn with the more spirit and delight . ●o have i seen a painter when his eyes ●ere wearied with intentive poaring rise ●nd leave his curious labor , and refrain till that his eyes might gather life again ; thus did i out-run time , nor did i know ●ow to complain that any hour went slow . ●ut nothing now at all remain's with me ●ut the sweet torment of the memory . ●ood in fruition's somewhat ; lost , no more then an half cured wound , or easie soar ; ●r like a dose of honey , when 't doth fall ●pon the tongue sweet , and in th' stomack gall . but what divor'st me from these pleasures say , tell me ( my muse ! ) what ravish't them away ; could not the silver thames continue them ? or were thy minde and wishes not the same ? or did'st thou climb too high , and so awake that monster envy which thy slumbers brake ? or did'st thou finde those faithless who lest ought ▪ or were thy great design 's abortive brought ? or did thy sins , like pullies , draw thee back , and make thy thoughts , so strongly bended , slack● what ere it is ; now i am fal'n , and now under my care 's must either break or bow ; and that great fabrick of leucenia , which should to th' last of time my name conveigh● must lie unperfit , and dismembred so , and be at most a monstrous embryo ! nay my sublimer thoughts must stoop t' invent some stratagems 'gainst famine and prevent contempt [ the worst of evils ] and sharp cold . but whether run i ? i let go my hold . conquer thy sorrows hall 't is patience can alone secure thee , though all sorrow 's ran at once upon thy head , 't is fear alone that giv's these scar-crow 's arms ; they else ha●● non he is a man whose resolution dar's the worst of evil's , who command's his fears . els what poor things we are ? how weak ? how blind apt to be troubled by each wanton winde . nay man the best of creatures , is below the weakest of them , if he tremble so . epigram . what a mad thing is grief ? should we devise to harm our selves with other's injuries ? and wound our hearts , with every sleight offence ? when we may be shot-free by patience ; epigram . what a mad thing is grief ? should we devise to harm our selves with other's injuries ? and wound our hearts , with every slight offence ? when we may be shot-free by patiēce ; emblems with elegant figures , not before published . by i. h. esq book ii. — ex frigore flamma . london printed by roger daniel , anno dom. . sparkles of divine love . book . ii. — ex frigore flamma . printed by roger daniel printer to the universitie of cambridge . . sparkles of divine love . i am come a light into the world , and whosoever believeth in me shall not abide in darkness . john . v. . conceive not , happy malecontent ! although thou stand'st below , but thy inlarged eye may freely rove , and soar above ; nay all that ambient darkness clear's the light unto thy sight , and all those silver-streakes of light which were seemingly hid before , do now appear . although the space of heaven , which doth lie before thine eye , seem's small ; thy bulk's too little and unfit to measure it , what seem's an inch will quickly unbeguile and prove a mile ; stars seem like spangles ; but a tube let 's see this massie globe of th' earth 's far less then they . trust not from this thy sense with things that are above her sphear ; shee 's purblinde , and at distance cannot see things as they be , reason may help , but not secure her : either may err together . nothing more wilde , and weak , and erring , than the reason of poor incollected man. but faith , which seeme's to overthrow her quite , set's her aright ; and drawe's remotest objects home unto her ; that what before was small and too too bright she could not see ; may now agree ; faith is the best prospective , they who rest without her , seeing most , do see the least . epigram . ●●ey talk of killing monsters , ' lass ! faith is view her attempts ) the greatest hercules . 〈◊〉 things the most impossible doth know 〈◊〉 to believe , and that because th' are so . 〈◊〉 thou of little faith why did'st thou doubt . matth. . vers . . do'st thou behold , this little ball ? these fleeting bubbles ? this round toy ? which children well may play withall , and with a wanton breath destroy . though it be small , upon it lie's the spreading heavens contracted face ; and the vast volume of the skies designed in so strait a space . that sea of light , which sent forth streams and yet is inexhaustible and never poor ) of golden beams can on these lines his courses tell ; whether he towards the crab doth roul , or give 's the ram a fleece of gold , whether we warmth in 's presence feel or in his absence biteing cold ; there 's near a lesser light but here ( whether 't be fix't or more unstaid ) doth in a fained course appear and in its motion is displaid . yet ne're the less , doth every one ( uninterrupted undisturb'd ) go in its former motion , free , and no more then ever curb'd : the sun gild's and benight's the moon ; whom th' ocean flatter's as before , and doth , where shee 'l lead him run , nor are the planets wandrings more ; they do not sure ; and if thine eyes discover what thou art within ; that spirit which imprison'd lies what a vast essence will be seen ? stay her within the bounds of sence imagination's infinite ; but with that heavie load dispence , then she can take a vaster flight ; nay grasp whole heaven , though it be without all measure and all end ; for in her strength and power be the greatest things to comprehend . epigram . . ●his globe ha's somewhat in 't of every star , ●ans soul of each thing some small character , ●ow els could a pure intellect be seen ●o turn at any time , to any thing ? ●ho against hope , believed in hope . rom. . vers . . how come's this chrystall liquor , which before crept through the aufractuous cavern of the earth , ●o mount aloft ? and so directly soar ●s if ashamed of so mean a birth , and so would force it self among the clouds , from whenceit first ran down in woolley flouds , ●n wise philosophie , which can reveal ●●to the sence most hidden mysteries ; ●riddle this strange theoreme ? and tell ●●ence such a hidden cause retired lies ? 〈◊〉 nature such strange operation is as sometimes teacheth fools , & blinde's the wise . ●●cause some sulphure lurk's in privie veines , 〈◊〉 make's the wanton water boyl above ? 〈◊〉 doth the unconstant oceans trembling plain ●●s diurnall reflux hither move ? ●nd forcing passage fill the spring-head so ●hat the imprison'd waves do upward go ; what ere it is , learn ( soul ! ) by this to scorn the poor and humble dwellings of the earth , be on thy own wings , up to heaven born and gain rest there , where thou had'st first 〈◊〉 bi●● although that here below thou think'st th' 〈◊〉 thy freedomes but a glorious slavery . learn to believe impossibilities , ( such as are so to reason , not to hope ) to pose thy sence , and contradict thine eyes to set in darkness , and in light to grope ; struggle with that , which doth least easie seen a little child can swim along the stream . this is the way ; heaven stand's on high , and t●● who would go thither , must be sure to clime labor in this is easie , wh'ould not chose to gain a scepter , with a wearied lim ; virtue is ever proudest in her toyles and think 's thick showres of sweat her grea● spoyl epigram . 〈◊〉 the heavens thou wouldst thy sight direct , 〈◊〉 stubborn reason unto faith subject . 〈◊〉 canst thou else with humane mists dispēse ▪ 〈◊〉 reason sees but with the eyes of sense . 〈◊〉 ●as afraid least thou wouldest hear me , and deliver me instantly from the disease of lust , which i rather wished might be satisfied . aug. conf. lib. . cap. . the ermine rather chose to die a martyr of its purity , ●●en that one uncouth soile should stain 〈◊〉 hitherto preserved skin : 〈◊〉 thus resolv'd she thinks it good 〈◊〉 write her whitenesse in her blood 〈◊〉 i had rather die , then e're , ●●ntinue from my soulnesse cleere . nay i suppose by that i live that onely doth destruction give . mad-man i am , i turn mine eye on every side , but what doth lie within i ●an no better find , then if i ever had been blind . is this the reason thou dost claime thy sole prerogative , to frame engines again thy self ? o fly thy self as greatest enemy ; and think thou sometimes life wilt get by a secure contemning it . epigram . ●ee how these poisnous passions gnaw & feed upon the tortur'd heart in which they breed : and when ( their poison spent ) these vipers dy , the worme of conscience doth their room supply i said in the cutting off of my daies , i shall goe to the gates of the grave . isa . my life is measur'd by this glasse , this glasse by all those little sands that thorough passe . see how they presse , see how they strive , w ch shall with greatest speed & greatest quicknesse fall . see how they raise a little mount , and then with their own weight doe levell it agen . but when th'have all got thorough , they give o're their nimble sliding down , and move no more . just such is man , whose houres stil forward run , being almost finisht ere they are begun . so perfect nothings , such light blasts are we , that ere w' are ought at all , we cease to be . do what we will , our hasty minutes fly ; and while we sleep , what do we else but die ? how transient are our joyes , how short their day ! they creep on towards us , but flie away . how stinging are our sorrows ! where they gain but the least footing , there they will remain . how groundles are our hopes ! how they deceive our childish thoughts , and onely sorrow leave ! how reall are our fears ! they blast us still , still rend us , still with gnawing passions fill . how senselesse are our wishes ! yet how great ! with what toil we pursue them , with what sweat ! yet most times for our hurts , so small we see , like children crying for some mercurie . this gapes for marriage , yet his fickle head knows not what cares waite on a marriage-bed . this vowes virginity , yet knowes not what lonenesse , griefe , discontent , attends that state desires of wealth anothers wishes hold : and yet how many have been choak't with gold ? this onely hunts for honour : yet who shall ascend the higher , shall more wretched fall . this thirsts for knowledge : yet how is it bought with many a sleeplesse night & racking thought this needs will travell : yet how dangers lay most secret ambuscado's in the way ? these triumph in their beauty , though it shall like a pluck't rose or fading lillie fall . another boasts strong armes : 'las giants have by silly dwarfes been drag'd unto their grave . these ruffle in rich silk : though ne're so gay , a well plum'd peacock is more gay then they . poor man , what art ? a tennis-ball of errour ; a ship of glasse toss'd in a sea of terrour : issuing in blood and sorrow from the wombe , crauling in teares and mourning to the tombe . how slippery are thy pathes , how sure thy fall ? how art thou nothing when th' art most of all ? epigram . ●hus the small sands within their christal glide , ●nd into moments times extent divide ; ●ll man himself into like dust returne . ●●e young mans hower ▪ glasse is the old mans urne . ●●de , . the lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints to execute judgement upon all . heare and tremble ! lord , what shall i doe i' avoid thy anger , whether shall i goe ? ●hat , shall i scale the mountains ? 'las they be ●●re lesse then atoms if compar'd with thee . ●hat , shall i strive to get my selfe a tombe , ●ithin the greedy oceans swelling wombe ? ●all i dive into rockes ? where shall i flie ●●e sure discovery of thy piercing eye ? ●as i know not ; though with many a teare hell they mone thy absence , thou art there . ●ou art on earth , and well observest all 〈◊〉 actions acted on this massie ball : 〈◊〉 when thou look'st on mine , what can i say ? ●●re not stand , nor can i run away ●●ine eyes are pure and cannot look upon ●nd what else , lord , am i ? ) corruption . ●ou hatest sinnes , and if thou once begin ●east me in the scales , i all am sinne . ●ou still continu'st one , o lord ; i range ●arious formes of crimes , and love my change . ●●d , thou that mad'st me , bid'st i should present 〈◊〉 heart unto thee : o see how it 's rent ●various monsters ; see how fastly held , 〈◊〉 stubbornly they doe deny to yield . 〈◊〉 shall i stand , when that thou shalt be hurl'd cloudes , in robes of fire to judge the world , usher'd with golden legions , in thine eye carrying an all enraged majesty , that shall the earth into a palsie stroke , and make the clouds sigh out themselves smoa● how can i stand ? yes , lord , i may : although thou beest the judge , thou art a party too . thou sufferedst for these faults , for w ch thou sh●● arraigne me ; lord , thou sufferedst for them all they are not mine at all : these wounds of thi●● that on thy glorious side so brightly shine , seal'd me a pardon : in those wounds th' are hi● and in that side of thine th' are buried . lord , smile again upon us : with what grace doth mercy sit enthroniz'd on thy face ? how did that scarlet sweat become thee when that sweat did wash away the filth of men ? hovv did those peevish thornes adorn thy bro●● each thorne more richly then a gem did glo● yet by those thorns ( lord , how thy love abound are we poor wormes made capable of crown come so to judgement , lord : th' apostles 〈◊〉 no more into their drowsy slumber fall , but stand and hearken how the judge shall say come come , my lambs , to joy , come come aw●● finis . epigram . 〈◊〉 the first trumper sounding shall disperse 〈◊〉 terrour through the fainting universe . 〈◊〉 who that thunder would undaunted bear , 〈◊〉 often be acquainted with it here . finis . emblemes by francis quarles. quarles, francis, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing q ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing q estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) emblemes by francis quarles. quarles, francis, - . [ ], p. printed by r. d. for francis eglesfeild ..., cambridge : . engraved t.p., illustrated. "hieroglyphikes of the life of the man": p. [ ]- . imperfect: hieroglyphikes of the life of the man lacking on film. reproduction of original in the university of illinois (urbana-champaign campus). library. eng emblems -- early works to . a r (wing q ). civilwar no emblemes by fran: quarles. quarles, francis d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion emblemes cambridge printed by rd . for francis . eglesfeild . and are to be sold at the signe of the marigold . in st. pauls church-yard . ●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : haec laus , hic apex sapientiae est , ea viventem appetere , quae morienti forent appetenda . to my much honoured , and no lesse truly beloved friend , edw. benlowes , esquire . my dear friend , you have put the theorboe into my hand , and i have played : you gave the musician the first encouragement ; the musick returneth to you for patronage . had it been a light ayre , no doubt but it had taken the most ; and among them the worst : but being a grave strayn , my hopes are , that it will please the best ; and among them , you. toyish ayres please triviall eares : they kisse the fancy , and betray it : they cry , hail , first ; and after , crucifie : let dorrs delight to immerd themselves in dungwhilest eagles scorn so poore a game as flies . sir , you have art and candour : let the one judge , let the other excuse your most affectionate friend , fra. quarles what heere wee see is but a graven face onely the shaddow of yt brittle case wherein were treasurd up those gems wch he hath left behind him to posterity to the reader . an embleme is but a silent parable . let not the tender eye check , to see the allusion to our blessed saviour figured in these types . in holy scripture , he is sometimes called a sower ; sometimes , a fisher ; sometimes a physician : and why not presented so as well to the eye as to the eare ? before the knowledge of letters god was known by hieroglyphicks : and , indeed , what are the heavens , the earth , ●…ay every creature , but hieroglyphicks and emblemes of his glory ? i have no more to say . i wish thee as much pleasure in the reading , as i had in the writing . farewell , reader . by fathers back'd , by holy writ led on , thou shew'st a way to heav'n by helicon : the muses font is consecrate by thee , and poesie , baptiz'd divinitie : blest soul , that here embark'st : thou sail'st apace , 't is hard to say , mov'd more by wit , or grace ; each muse so plyes her oar : but o , the sail is fill'd from heav'n with a diviner gale : when poets prove divines , why should not i approve in verse this divine poetry ? let this suffice to licence thee the presse ; i must no more ; nor could the truth say lesse . sic approbavit rich. love procan . cantabrigiensis . tot flores quarles , quot paradisus , habet . lectori bene-male-volo . qui legit ex horto hoc flores , qui carpit , ut●rque jure potest violas dicere , jure rosas . non è parnasso violam , paestive roseto carpit apollo , magìs quae sit amoena , rosam . quot versus , violas legis ; & quem verba lo●●●●um credis , verbà dedit : nam dedit ille rosas . utque ego non dicam haec violas suavissima ; t●●● ipse facis violas , livide , si violas . nam velu● è violis sibi sugit ara●ea virus : vertis ità in succos hasque , rosasque tuos . quas violas mù●as , violas puto , quasque recusa● dente tuo rosas , has , reor , esse rosas . sic rosas , facis esse rosas , dùm 〈◊〉 , rodis : sic facis has violas , livide , dum violas . brent . hall . . edvv. benlovves . the first book . the invocation . rowze thee , my soul ; and drein thee from the dregs of vulgar thoughts : skrue up the heightned pegs of thy sublime theorboe foure notes higher , and higher yet ; that so , the 〈◊〉 - mouth'd quire of swift-wing'd seraphims may come and joyn , and make thy consort more than halfe divine . invoke no muse ; let heav'n be thy apollo ; and let his sacred influences hallow thy high-bred strains ; let his full beams inspite thy ravish'd brains with more heroick 〈◊〉 : snatch thee a quill from the spread eagles wing , and , like the morning lark , mount up and sing : cast off these dangling plummets , that so clog thy lab'ring heart , which gropes in this dark fog of dungeon-earth ; let flesh and bloud 〈◊〉 to stop thy flight , till this base world appear a thin blew lanskip : let thy pineons sore so high a pitch , that men may seem no more than pismires , crawling on this mole-hill earth , thy eare untroubled with their frantick mirth ; let not the frailtie of thy flesh disturb thy new-concluded peace ; let reason 〈◊〉 thy hot-mouth'd passion ; and let heav'ns fire season the fresh conceits of thy corrected reason . disdain to warm thee at lusts smokie fires , scorn , scorn to feed on thy old bloat desires : come , come , my soul , hoyse up thy higher sails , the wind blowes fair ? shall we still creep like snails , that gild their wayes with their own native slimes ? no , we must flie like e●…gles , and our rhimes must mount ●…o heav'n and reach th' olympick ea●… ; our heav'n-blown fire must seek no other sphear . thou great theanthropos , that giv'st and ground'st thy gifts in dust ; and from out dunghill crown'st reflected honour , taking by retail , what thou hast giv'n in grosse , from lapsed , frail , and sinfull man ; that drink'st full draughts , wherein thy childrens leprous fingers , scurf'd with sin , have padled , cleanse , o cleanse my crafty soul from secret crimes , and let my thoughts controul my thoughts : o , teach me stoutly to deny my self , that i may be no longer i : enrich my fancie , clarifie my thoughts , resine my drosse ; o , wink at humane faults ; and through this slender conduit of my quill convey thy current , whose clear streams may fill the hearts of men with love , their tongues with prayse : crown me with glory : take , who list , the bayes . i. jam . . . every man is tempted , when he is drawn away by his own lust , and enticed . serpent . eve . serp. not eat ? not tast ? not touch ? not cast an eye upon the fruit of this fai●… tree ? and why ? why eat'st thou not what heav'n ordain'd for food ? or canst thou think that bad which heav'n call'd good ? why was it made , if not to be enjoy'd ? neglect of favours makes a favour void : blessings unus'd , pervert into a wast , as well as surfets ; woman , do but tast : see how the laden boughs make silent suit to be enjoy'd ; look how their bending fruit meet thee half-way ; observe but how they crouch to kisse thy hand ; coy woman , do but touch : ma●…k what a pure vermilion blush has dy'd their swelling cheeks , and how for shame they hide their palsie heads , to see themselves stand by neglected : woman , do but cast an eye . what bounteous heav'n ordain'd for use , refuse not ; come , pull and eat : y' abuse the thing ye use not . eve . wisest of beasts , our great creatour did reserve this tree , and this alone forbid ; the rest are freely ours , which doubtlesse are as pleasing to the tast ; toth' eye , as fair ; but touching this , his strict commands are such , ` t is death to tast , no lesse than death to touch . serp. pish ; death 's a fable : did not heav'n inspire , your equall elements with living fire , blown from the spring of life ? is not that breath immortall ? come ; ye are as free from death as he that made ye . can the flames expire which he has kindled ? can ye quench his fire ? did not the great creatours voice proclaim what ere he made ( from the blue spangled frame to the poore leaf that trembles ) very good ? blest he not both the feeder , and the food ? tell , tell me then , what danger can accrue from such blest food , to such half-gods as you ? curb needlesse fears , and let no fond conceit abuse your freedome ; woman , take , and eat . eve . 't is true ; we are immortall ; death is yet unborn , and , till rebellion make it debt , undue ; i know the fruit is good , untill presumtuous disobedience make it ill . the lips that open to this fruit 's a portall to let in death , and make immortall mortall . serp. you cannot die ; come , woman , tast and fear not : eve . shall eve transgresse ? i dare not , o i dare not . serp. afraid ? why draw'st thou back thy tim'rous arm ? harm onely fals on such as fear a harm . heav'n knowes and fears the virtue of this tree : 't will make ye perfect gods as well as he. stretch forth thy hand , and let thy fondnesse never fear death ; do , pull , and eat , and live for ever . eve . 't is but an apple ; and it is as good to do as to desire . fruit's made for food : i le pull , and tast , and tempt my adam too to know the secrets of this dainty . serp. doe . s. chrys. sup . matth. he forced him not : he touched him not : onely said , cast thy self down ; that we may know , whosoever obeyeth the devil casteth himselfe down : for the devil may suggest , compell he cannot . s. bern. in ser. it is the devils part to suggest ; ours , not to consent . as os●… as we resist him , so often we overcome him ; as often as we overcome him , so often we bring joy to the angels , and glory to god ; who proposeth us , that we may contend , and assisteth us , that we may conquer . epig. i. unluckie parliament ! wherein , at last , both houses are agreed , and firmly past an act of death , confirm'd by higher powers : o had it had but such successe as ours ! ii. james . . then when lust hath conceived , it bringeth forth sinne ; and sinne when it is finished bringeth forth death . lament , lament ; look , look what thou hast done ! lament the worlds , lament thy own estate : look , look by doing how thou art undone ; lament thy fall ; lament thy change of state : thy faith is broken , and thy freedome gone , see , see too soon , what thou lament'st too late . o thou that wert so many men , nay all abbridg'd in one , how has thy desp'rate fall destroy'd thy unborn seed , destroy'd thy self withall . uxorious adam , whom thy maker made equall to angels that excell in pow'r , what hast thou done ? o why hast thou obey'd thy own destruction ? like a new-cropt flowre how does the glory of thy beauty fade ! how are thy fortunes blasted in an houre ! how art thou cow'd , that had'st the pow'r to quell the spite of new-fall'n angels , baffle hell , and vie with those that stood , and vanquish those that fell . see how the world ( whose chast and pregnant womb of late conceiv'd , and brought forth noth●…ng ill ) is now degenerated , and become a base adultresse , whose false births do fill the earth with monsters , monsters that do rome and rage about , and make a trade to kill : now glutt'ny paunches ; lust begins to spawn ; wrath takes revenge ; and avarice , a pawn ; pale envie pines , pride swells , and sloth begins to yawn . the aire that whisper'd , now begins to rore , and blustring boreas blowes the boyling tide ; the whit-mouth'd water now usurps the shore , and scorns the pow'r of her tridentall guide ; the fire now burns , that did but warm before , and rules her ruler with resistlesse pride : fire , water , earth and ai●…e , that first were made to be subdu'd , see how they now invade ; they rule whom once they serv'd , cōmand , where once obey'd behold ; that nakednesse , that late bewray'd thy glory , now 's become thy shame , thy wonder : ●…ehold ; those trees whose various fruits were made for food , now turn'd a shade to shrowd thee under : behold ; that voice ( which thou hast disobey'd ) that late was musick , now aff●…ights like thunder : poor man ! are not thy joynts grown sore with shaking , to view th' effect of thy bold undertaking , that in one houre didd'st marre , what heav'n six dayes was making ? s. august . lib. . de lib. arbit . it is a most just punishment , that man should lose that freedome which man could not use , yet had power to keep if he would ; and that be who had knowledge to do what was right , and did not , should be deprived of the knowledge of what was right ; and that he who would not do righteously when he had the power , should lose the power to doit , when he ●…ad the will . hugo de anima . they are justly punished that abuse lawfull things , but they are most justly punished , that use unlawfull things : thus lucifer fell from heaven : thus adam lost his paradise . epig. . see how these fruitfull kernels , being cast upon the earth , how thick they spring ! how fast ! a full-ear'd crop and thriving , rank and proud ; prepost'rous man first sow'd , and then he plough'd . iii. proverbs . . even in laughter the heart is sorrowfull , and the end of that mirth is heavinesse . alas fond child , how are thy thoughts beguil'd , to hope for hony from a nest of wasps ? thou maist as well go seek for ease in hell , or sprightly nectar from the mouths of asps . the world 's a hive , from whence thou canst derive no good , but what thy souls vexation brings : put case thou meet some peti-peti sweet , each drop is guarded with a thousand stings . why dost thou make these murm'ring troups forsake the safe protection of their waxen homes ? this hive contains no sweet that 's worth thy pains ; there 's nothing here , alas , but empty combes . for trash and toyes , and grief-ingend'ring joyes , what to●…ment seems too sharp for ●…lesh and bloud ! what bitter pills , compos'd of reall ills , man swallows down to purchase one false good ! the dainties here , are least what they appear ; though sweet in hopes , yet in fruition sowre : the fruit that 's yellow , is found not alwayes mellow : the fairest tulip 's not the sweetest flowre . fond youth , give ore , and vex thy soul no more in secking what were better farre unfound ; alas thy gains are onely present pains to gather scorpions for a future wound . what 's earth ? or in it , that longer then a minit can lend a free delight that can endure ? o who would droyl , or delve in such a soyl , where gain 's uncertain and the pain is sure ? s august . sweetnesse in temporall matters is deceitfull : il is a labour and a perpetuall fear ; it is a dangerous pleasure , whose beginning is without providence , and whose end is not without repentance . hugo . luxury is an enticing pleasure , a bastard mirth , which hath honey in her mouth , gall in her heart , and a a●…ing in her tail . epig. . what , cupid , are thy shafes already made ? and seeking honey , to set up thy trade ? true embleme of thy sweers ! thy bees do bring honey in their mouths , but in their tails , a sting . iv. psalm . . to be laid in the ballance , it is altogether lighter then vanitie . put in another weight : 't is yet too light : and yet : fond cupid , put another in ; and yet another : still there 's under weight ; put in another hundred : put agin . adde world to world ; then heap a thousand more to that ; then , to renew thy wasted store , take up more worlds on trust , to draw thy balance lower . put in the flesh , with all her loads of pleasure ; put in great mammons endlesse inventory ; put in the pond'rous acts of mighty cesar ; put in the greater weight of swedens glory ; adde s●…pio's gauntlet ; put in plato's gown : put circes charms , put in the triple crown . thy balance will not draw ; thy balance will not down lord , what a world is this , which day and night , men seek with so much toyl , with so much trouble ? which weigh'd in equall scales is found so light , so poorly over-balanc'd with a bubble ? good god! that frantick mortals should destroy their higher hopes , and place their idle joy upon such airy trash , upon so light a toy thou bold impostour , how hast thou befool'd the tribe of man with counterfeit d●…sire ! how has the breath of thy false bellows cool'd heav'ns free-born flames , and kindled bastard fire ! how hast thou vented drosse in stead of treasure , and cheated man with thy false weights and measure , proclaiming bad for good ; and gilding death with pleasure ! the world 's a craftie strumpet , most affecting and closely following those that most reject her ; but seeming carelesse , nicely disrespecting and coyly flying those that most affect her : if thou be free , she 's strange , if strange she 's free ; flee , and she follows ; follow , and she 'll flee : then she there 's none more coy , there 's none more fond then she . o what a crocodilian world is this , compos'd of treacheries , and ensnaring wiles ! she cloaths destruction in a fo●…mall kisse , and lodges death in her deceitsull smiles ; she hugs the soul she hates ; and there does prove the veriest tyrant where she vowes to love , and is a serpent most , when most she seems a dove . thrice happy he , whose nobler thoughts despise to make an object of so easie gains ; thrice happy he , who scorns so poore a prize should be the crown of his heroick pains : thrice happy he , that ne'r was born to trie her frowns or smiles ; or being born , did lie in his sad nurses arms an houre or two , and die . s. august . lib. confess . o you that dote upon this world , for what victory do ye sight ? your hopes can be crowned with no greater reward then the world can give ; and what is the world but a brittle thing full of dangers , wherein we travel from lesser to greater perils ? o let all her vain , light , and momentany glory perish with her self , and let us be conversant with more eternall things . alas , this world is miserable ; life is short , and death is sure . epig. . my soul , what 's lighter then a feather ? wind . then wind ? the fire . and what then fire ? the mind . what 's lighter then the mind ? a thought . then thought ? this bubble-world . what then this bubble ? nought . v. . cor. . . the fashion of this world passeth away . gone are those golden dayes , wherein pale conscience started not at ugly sinne : when good old satu●…nes peacefull throne was unusurped by his beardlesse son : when jealous ops ne'r fear'd th' abuse of her chast bed , or breach of nuptiall truce : when just astraea poys'd her scales in mortall hearts , whose absence earth bewails : when froth-born venus and her brat , with all that spurious brood young jove begat , in horrid shapes were yet unknowne ; those halcyon dayes , that golden age is gone . there was no client then to wait the leisure of his long-tayl'd advocate ; the talion law was in request , and chaunc'ry courts were kept in ev'ry brest ; abused statutes had no tenters , and men could deal secure without indentures : there was no peeping hole to clear the wittals eye from his incarnate fear ; there were no lustfull cinders then to broyl the carbonado'd hearts of men ; the rosie cheek did then proclaim a shame of guilt , but not a guilt of shame : there was no whining soul to start at cu●…ids twang , or curle his flaming 〈◊〉 ; the boy had then but callow wings , and fell erynnis scorpions had no stings : the better-acted world did move upon the fixed poles of truth and love . love essenc'd in the hearts of men ; then reason rul'd ; there was no passion then ; till lust and rage began to enter , love the circumference was , and love the center . untill the wanton dayes of iove the simple world was all compos'd of love ; but iove grew fleshly , false , unjust ; inferiour beautie sill'd his veins with lust ; and cucquean iuno's fury hurld fierce balls of rage into th'incestuous world : astraea fled , and love return'd from earth , earth boyl'd with lust , with rage it burn'd : and ever since the world has been kept going with the scourge of lust and spleen . s. ambros. lust is a sharp spur to vice , which alwayes putteth the affections into a false gallop . hugo . lust is an immoderate wantonnesse of the slesh , a sweet poyson , a cruel 〈◊〉 ; a pernicious potion , which weakeneth the body of man , and esseminateth the strength of an heroick mind . s. august . envy is the hatred of anothers felicitie : in respect of superiours , because they are not equall to them ; in respect of inseriours , lest be should be equall to them ; in respect of equalls , because they are equall to them : through envy proceeded the fall of the world , and the death of christ . epig. . what ? cupid , must the world be lasht so soon ? but made at morning , and be whipt at noon ? 't is like the wagge that playes with venus doves , the more 't is lasht , the more perverse it proves . vi . eccles. . . all is vanitie and vexation of spirit . how is the anxious soul of man befool'd in his desire , that thinks an hectick sever may be cool'd in stames of fire , or hopes to rake full heaps of burnisht gold from nasty mire ! a whining lover may as well request a scornfull breast to melt in gentle tears , as woo the world for rest . let wit and all her studied plots effect the best they can ; let smiling fortune prosper and perfect what wit began ; let earth advise with both , and so project a happy man ; let wit or fawning fortune vie their best ; he may be blest with all that earth can give : but earth can give no rest . whose gold is double with a carefull hand , his cares are double ; the pleasure , honour , wealth of sea and land bring but a trouble ; the world it self , and all the worlds command , is but a bubble . the strong desites of mans ins●…tiate breast may stand possest of all that earth can give ; but earth can give no rest . the world 's a seeming par'dise , but her own and mans tormenter ; appearing sixt , yet but a rolling stone without a tenter ; it is a vast circumference , where none can find a center . of more then earth can earth make none possest ; and he that least regards this restlesse world , shall in this world find rest . true rest consists not in the oft revying of worldly drosse ; earths mi●…ie purchase is not worth the buying ; her gain is losse ; her rest , but giddy toil , if not relying upon her crosse . how worldlings droil for trouble ! that fond breast that is possest of earth without a crosse , has earth without a rest . cass. in ps. the crosse is the invincible sanctuary of the humble : the dejection of the proud , the victory of christ , the destruction of the devil , the confirmation of the faithfull , the death of the unbeliever , the life of the just . damascen . the crosse of christ is the key of paradise : the weak mans staff : the converts convoy : the upright mans perfection : the soul and bodies health : the prevention of all evil , and the 〈◊〉 of all good . epig. . worldlings , whose whimpring folly holds the losses of honour , pleasure , health and wealth such crosses , look here , and tell me what your arms engrosse , when the best end of what ye hug's a crosse . vii . . peter . . be sober , be vigilant , because your adversary the devil as a roring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devoure . why dest thou suffer lustfull sloth to creep , dull cyprian lad , into thy wanton browes ? is this a time to pay thine idle vowes at morpheus shrine ? is this a time to sleep thy brains in wastfull slumbers ? up and rouze thy leaden spirits : is this a time to sleep adjourn thy sanguine dreams : awake , arise , call in thy thoughts ; and let them all advise , hadst thou as many heads as thou hast wounded eyes . look , look , what horrid furies do await thy slatt'ring slumbers ! if thy drowzie head but chance to nod , thou fall'st into a bed of sulph'rous flames , whose torments want a date . fo●…d boy , be wise ; let not thy thoughts be fed with phrygian wisdome ; fools are wise too late : beware betimes , and let thy reason sever those gates which passion clos'd ; wake now , or never : for if thou nodd'st thou fall'st : and falling fall'st for ever . mark , how the ready hands of death prepare : his bow is bent , and he has notch'd his dart ; he aims , he levels at thy slumb'ring heart : the wound is posting , o be wise , beware . what ? has the voyce of danger lost the art to raise the spirit of neglected care ? well , sleep thy fill , and take thy soft reposes ; but know withall , sweet tasts have sowre closes ; and he repents in thorns , that sleeps in beds of roses . yet sluggard , wake , and gull thy soul no more , with earths false pleasure , and the worlds delight , whose fruit is fair , and pleasing to the sight , but sowre in tast , false at the putrid core : thy flaring glasse is gems at her halflight : she makes thee seeming rich , but truly poore : she boasts a kernell , and bestowes a shell ; performs an inch of her fair promis'd ell : her words protest a heav'n ; her works produce a hell . o thou the fountain of whose better part is earth'd , and gravell'd up with vain desire : that dayly wallow'st in the fleshly mire and base pollution of a lustfull heart , that feel'st no passion but in wanton fire , and own'st no torment but from cupids dart ; behold thy type : thou sitst upon this ball of earth , secure , while death that flings at all , stands arm'd to strike thee down , where flames attend thy fall . s. bern. securitie is no where ; it is neither in heaven , nor in paradise , much lesse in the world : in heaven the angels sell from the divine presence ; in paradise , adam sell from his place of pleasure ; in the world , judas sell from the school of our saviour hugo . i eat secure , i drink secure , i sleep secure , even as though i had past the day of death , avoided the day of judgement , and escaped the torments of hell-fire : i play and laugh , as though i were already triumphing in the kingdome of heaven . epig. . get up , my soul ; redeem thy slavish eyes , from drowzy bondage : o beware ; be wise : thy fo 's before thee ; thou must sight or flie : life lies most open in a closed eye . viii . luke . . woe be to you that laugh now , for ye shall mourn and weep . the world 's a popular disease , that reignes within the froward heart and frantick brains of poore distemper'd mortals , oft arising from ill digestion , through th' unequall poysing of ill-weigh'd elements , whose light directs malignant humours to maligne effects . one raves , and labours with a ●…oyling liver ; rends hair by handfuls , cursing cupids quiver : another with a bloudy-slux of oaths vowes deep revenge : one dotes ; the other loathes : one frisks and sings , and vies a slagon more to drench dry cares , and makes the welkin rore : another droops ; the sunshine makes him sad ; heav'n cannot please : one 's mop'd ; the tother 's mad : one hugs his gold ; another lets it slie : he knowing not for whom ; nor tother why . one spends his day in plots , his night in play ; another sleeps and slugs both night and day : one laughs at this thing ; tother cries for that : but neither one nor tother knowes for what . wonder of wonders ! what we ought t' evite as our disease , we hug as our delight : 't is held a symptome of approching danger , when disacquainted sense becomes a stranger , and takes no knowledge of an old disease ; but when a noysome grief begins to please the unresisting sense , it is a fear that death has parli'd , and compounded there : as when the dreadfull thund'rers awfull hand powres forth a v●…all on th'infected land , at first th' affrighted mortalls quake and fear : and ev'ry noise is thought the thunderer : but when the frequent soul-departing bell has pav'd their ears with her familiar knell , it is reputed but a nine dayes wonder , they neither fear the thund'rer nor his thunder : so when the world ( a worse disease ) began to smart for sinne , poore new-created man could seek for shelter , and his gen'rous sonne knew by his wages what his hands had done ; but bold-fac'd mortalls in our blushlesse times can sinne and smile , and make a sport of crim●… , transgresse of custome , and rebell in ease ; we false-joy'd fools can triumph in disease , and ( as the carelesse pilgrime , being bit by the tarantula , begins a sit of life concluding laughter ) wast our breath in lavish pleasure , till we laugh to death . hugo de anima . what profit is there in vain glory , momentany mirth , the worlds power , the ●…leshes pleasure , ●…ll riches , noble descent , and great desires ? where is their laughter ? where is their mir●…h ? where their insolence ? their arrogance ? from how much joy to how much sadnesse ! after how much mirth , how much misery ! from how great glory are they 〈◊〉 to how great torments ! what hath ●…allen to them , may b●…fall thee , because thou art a man : thou art of earth ; thou live●…l of earth ; thou shalt return to earth . death expecteth thee every-where ; be wise therefore , and expect death every-where . epig. . what ayls the fool to laugh ? does something please his vain conceit ? or is 't a mere disease ? fool , giggle on , and wast thy wanton breath ; thy morning laughter breeds an ev'ning death . ix . . john . . the world passeth away , and all the lusts thereof . draw near , brave sparks , whose spirits scorn to light your hallow'd tapours , but at honours flame ; you , whose heroick actions take delight to varnish over a new-painted name ; whose high-bred thoughts disdain to take their slight , but on th'icarian wings of babbling fame ; behold , how tott'ring are your high-built stories of earth , whereon you trust the ground-work of your glories and you , more brain-sick lovers , that can prise a wanton smile before eternall joyes ; that know no heav'n but in your mistresse eyes ; that feel no pleasure but what sense enjoyes : that can , like crown-distemper'd fools despise true riches , and like babies whine for toyes : think ye , the pageants of your hopes are able to stand secure ●…n earth , when earth it self 's unstable ? come dunghill worldlings , you that ●…oot like swine , and cast up golden trenches where ye come : whose onely pleasure is to undermine and view the secrets of your mothers wombe : come bring your saint , p●…uch'd in his leather ●…hrine , and summon all yo●… griping angels home . behold your world , the bank of all your store : the world 〈◊〉 so admire ; the worl●… ye so adore . a feeble world , whose hot-mouth'd pleasures tire before the race ; before the start , retrait ; a faithlesse world , whose false delights expire before the term of half their promis'd date ; a fickle world , not worth the least desire , where ev'ry chance proclaims a change of state : a feeble , faithlesse , sickle world , wherein each motion proves a vice ; and ev'ry act , a sin . the beautie , that of late was in her flowre , is now a ruine , not to raise a lust ; he that was lately drench'd in 〈◊〉 showre , is master now of neither gold nor trust ; whose honour late was mann'd with princely powre , his glory now lies buried in the dust ; o who would trust this world , or prize what 's in it , that gives and takes , and chops and changes ev'ry minit ! nor length of dayes , nor solid strength of brain can find a place wherein to rest secure ; the world is various , and the earth is vain : there 's nothing certain here , there 's nothing sure : we trudge , we travel but from pain to pain , and what 's our onely grief's 〈◊〉 onely cure : the world 's a torment ; he that would endeaver to find the way to rest , must seek the way to leave her . s. greg. in ho . behold , the world is withered in it self , yet flourisheth in our hearts ; every where death , every where grief , every where 〈◊〉 : on every side we are smitten ; on every side filled with bitternesse , and yet with the blind mind of carnall desire we love her bitternesse : it 〈◊〉 , and we follow it ; it falleth , yet we stick to it : and because we 〈◊〉 enjoy it fallen , we sall with it , and enjoy it , sallen . 〈◊〉 . . if fortune hale , or envious time but spurn , the world turns round ; and with the world we turn : when fortune sees , and lynx-ey'd time is blind , i 'll trust trust thy joyes , o world ; till then , the wind . x. john . . ye are of your father the devil , and the lusts of your father ye will do . here 's your right ground : wagge gently o'r this black ; 't is a short cast ; y' are quickly at the jack . rub , rub an inch or two ; two crowns to one on this bouls side : blow wind , 't is fairly thrown : the next boul 's worse that comes , come boul away ; mammon , you know the ground untutour'd , play ; your last was gone , a yard of strength well spar'd , had touch'd the block ; your hand is still too hard . brave pastime , 〈◊〉 , to consume that day , which without pastime slies too swift away ! see how they labour ; as if day and night were both too short to serve their loose delight : see how their curved bodies wreath , and 〈◊〉 such antick shapes as proteus never knew : one raps an oath , another deals a 〈◊〉 ; he never better boul'd ; this never worse : one rubs his itchlesse elbow , thrugs and laughs , the tother bends his beetle-browes , and chafes : sometime they whoop , sometimes their stygian cries send their black-santos to the blushing skies : thus mingling humours in a mad 〈◊〉 , they make bad premises , and worse conclusion : but where 's the palm that fortunes hand allowes to blesse the victours honourable 〈◊〉 ? come , reader , come ; i 'll light thine eye the way to view the prize , the while the gamesters play : close by the jack , behold , gill fortune stands t●… wave the game ; see , in her partiall hands the glorious garland's held in open show , to chear the lads , and crown the conq'rours brow . the world 's the jack ; the gamesters that contend , are cupid , mammon : that judicious friend , that gives the ground , is satan ; and the boules are sinfull thoughts : the prize , a crown for fools . who breathes that boules not ? what bold tongue can say without a blush , he hath not boul'd to day ? it is the trade of man ; and every sinner has plaid his rubbers : every soule 's a winner . the vulgar proverb 's crost : he hardly can be a good bouler and an honest man . good god , turn thou my brazil thoughts a new ; new sole my boules , and make their bias true : i 'll cease to game , till fairer ground be given , nor wish to winne untill the mark be heaven . s. bernard lib. de consid. o you sonnes of adam , you covetous generation , what have ye to do with earthly riches , which are neither true , nor yours . gold and silver are reall earth , red and white , which the onely errour os man makes , or rather reputes , pretious : in short , if they be yours carry them with you . s. hierome . in ep. o lust , thou infer●…all fire , whose fuell is gluttony ; whose flame is pride ; whose sparkles are wanton words ; whose smoke is infamie ; whose ashes are uncleannesse ; whose end is hell . epig. . 〈◊〉 well follow'd : cupid bravely led ; both touchers ; equall fortune makes a dead : no reed can measure where the conquest lies ; take my advise ; compound , and share the prize : xi . ephesians . . ye walked according to the course of this world , according to the prince of the aire . o whither will this mad-brain world at last be driv'n ? where will her restlesse wheels arive ? why hurries on her ill-match'd payre so fast ? o whither means her 〈◊〉 groom to drive ? what ? will her ●…ambling sits be never past ? for ever ranging ? never once 〈◊〉 ? will earths perpetuall progresse ne'r expire ? her team continuing in their fresh careire , and yet they never rest , and yet they never tire . sols hot-mouth'd steeds , whose noslrils vomit flame , and braz●…n lungs 〈◊〉 forth quotidian fire , their twelve houres task perform'd , grow 〈◊〉 and lame , and their immortall spirits faint and tire : at th'azure mountains foot their labours claim the priviledge of rest , where they retire to quench their burning 〈◊〉 , and to steep their flaming nostrils in the western deep , and fresh their tired soul●…s with strength-restoring sleep . but these prodigious hackneyes , basely got 'twixt men and devils , made for race nor flight , can drag the idle world , expecting not the bed of rest , but travel with delight ; who neither weighing way , nor weather , trot through dust and dirt , and droyl both night and day ; thus droyl these fiends incarnate , whose free pains are fed with dropsies and venerial blains . no need to use the whip ; but strength , to rule the rains . poore captive world ! how has thy lightnesse given a just occasion to thy foes illusion ? o , how art thou betray'd , thus fairly driven in seeming triumph to thy own confusion ? how is thy empty universe bereaven of all true joyes , by one false joyes delusion ? so have i seen an unblown virgin fed with sugar'd words so full , that she is led a fair attended bride to a false bankrupts bed . pull , gracious lord ; let not thine arm forsake the world , impounded in her own devises ; think of that pleasure that thou once didst take amongst the lillies and sweet beds of spices . hale strongly , thou whose hand has pow'r to slake the swift-foot fury of ten thousand vices : let not that dust-devouring dragon boast , his craft has wonne , what judahs lion lost ; remember what it 〈◊〉 recount the price it cost . isidor . lib. . de summo bono . by how much the nearer satan perceiveth the world to an end , by so much the more ●…iercely he troubleth it with persecution ; that knowing himself is to be damned , he may get company in his damnation . cyprian in ep. broad and spatious is the road to infernal li●… : there are enticements and death-bringing pleasures . there the devil flattereth , that he may deceive ; smileth , that he may endamage ; allureth , that he may destroy . epig. . nay 〈◊〉 and fair good world ; post not too fast ; thy journeys end requires not half this hast . unlesse that arme thou so disdain'st reprives thee , alas thou needs must go : the devil drives thee . xii . isaiah . . ye may suck , but not be satisfied with the breast of her consolation . what never fill'd ? be thy lips skrew'd so fast to th'earths sull breast ? for shame , for shame unseise thee : thou tak'st a surset where thou fhould'st but tast , and mak'st too much not half enough to please thee . ah fool , ●…orbear ; thou swallow'st at one breath both food & poyson down ; thou draw'st both milk & death . the ub'rous breasts , when fairly drawn , repast the thriving infant with their milkie ●…lood , but being 〈◊〉 , return at last unwholsome gulps compos'd of wind and bloud . a mod'rate use does both repast and please ; who strains beyond a mean draws in and gulps disease . but , o that mean whose good the least abuse makes bad , is too too hard to be directed : can thorns bring grapes , or crabs a pleasing juyce ? there 's nothing wholsome , where the whole 's infected . unseise thy lips : earths milk 's a rip'ned core that drops from her disease , that matters from her sore . think'st thou that paunch that 〈◊〉 out thy coat , is thriving fat ; or flesh , that seems so brawny ? thy paunch is dropsied and thy cheeks are bloat ; thy lips are white and thy complexion tawny ; thy skin 's a bladder blown with wa●…ry tumours ; thy ●…lesh a trembling bog , a quagmire full of humours . and thou whose thrivelesse hands are ever straining earths fluent breasts into an empty sive , that alwayes hast , yet alwayes art complaining , and whin'st for more then earth has pow'r to give ; whose treasure flowes and flees away as fast ; that ever hast , and hast , yet hast not what thou hast : go choose a substance , fool , that will remain within the limits of thy leaking measure ; or else go seek an urne that will retain the liquid body of thy slipp'ry treasure : alas , how poorely are thy labours crown'd ? thy liquour's neither sweet , nor yet thy vessel sound what l●…sse then fool is man , to prog and plot , and lavishout the cream of all his care , to gain poore seeming goods , which , being got , make firm possession but a thorow-fare : or if they stay , they furrow thoughts the deeper , and being kept with care , they loose their carefull keeper . s. greg. hom. . secund. parte ezech. if we give more to the flesh then we ought , we nourish an enemy ; if we give not to her necessity what we ought , we destroy a citizen : the flesh is to be satisfied so sarre as 〈◊〉 to our good ; whosoever alloweth so much to her as to make her proud , knoweth not bow to be satisfied : to be satisfied is a great art ; least by the satietie of the slesh we break ●…orth into the iniquitie of her folly . hugo de anima . the heart is a small thing , but desireth great matters : it is not sufficient for a kites dinner , ye●… the whole world is not sufficient for it . epi●… . . what makes thee fool , so fat ? fool , thee so bare ? ye suck the self-same milk , the self-same aire : no mean betwixt all paunch , and skin and bone ? the mean's a vertue , and the world has none . xiii . john . . men love darknesse rather then light , because their deeds are evil . lord , when we leave the world and come to thee , how dull , how slug are wee ! how backward ! how preposterous is the motion of our ungain devotion ! our thoughts are milstones , and our souls are lead , and our desires are dead : our vowes are fairly promis'd , faintly paid ; or broken , or not made : our better work ( if any good ) attends upon our private ends : in whose performance one poore worldly scoff foyls us , or beats us off . if thy sharp 〈◊〉 find out some secret fault , we grumble or revolt : and if thy gentle hand forbear , we stray , or idly lose the way . is the road fair ? we loyter : cloggd with mire ? we stick , or else retire : a lamb appears a lyon ; and we feare , each bush we see's a bear . when our dull souls direct their thoughts to thee , the soft-pac'd snayl is not so slow as we : but when at ea●…th we dart our wing'd desire , we burn , we burn like ●…ire . like as the am'rous needle joyes to bend to her magnetick friend : or as the greedy lovers eye-balls flye at his fair mistres eye : so , so we cling to earth ; we flie and puff , yet flie not fast enough . if pleasure becken with her balmy hand , her beck's a strong command : if honour call us with her courtly breath , an houres delay is death : if profits golden finger'd charms enveigle's , we clip more s●…ift then eagles : let auster weep , or blustring boreas rore till eyes or lungs be sore : let neptune swell untill his dropsie-sides burst into broken tides : nor threat'ning rocks , nor winds , nor waves , nor fire can curb our fierce desire ; nor fire nor rocks can stop our surious minds , nor waves , nor winds . how fast and fearelsse do our footsteps flee ! the lightfoot roe-buck's not so swift as we . s. august . sup . psal. . two severall lovers built two severall cities ; the love of god buildeth a jerusalem ; the love of the world buildeth a babylon : let every one enquire of himself what he lov●…th , and he shall resolve himself of whence he is a citizen . s. august . lib. . confess . all things are d●…iven by their own weight , and tend to their own center : my weight is my love ; by that i am driven whithersoever i am driven . ibidem . lord , he loveth thee the lesse , that loveth any thing with thee , which he loveth not for thee . epig. . lord , scourge my asse if she should make no hast , and curb my stag if he should flie too fast : if he be overswif●… , or sh●… prove idle , let love lend him a spur : fear , her , a bridle . xiv . psalm . . lighten mine eyes , o lord , lest i sleep the sleep of death . will't ne'r be morning ? will that promis'd light ne'r break , and clear these clouds of night ? sweet phospher , bring the day , whose conqu'ring ray may chase these sogs ; sweet 〈◊〉 , ●…ing the day . how long ! how long shall these benighted eyes languish in shades , like fe●…ble fli●…s expecting spring ! how long shall darknesse soyl the face of earth , and thus beguile our souls of sprightfull action ? when will day begin to dawn , whose new-born ray may gild the wether-cocks of our devotion , and give our unsoul'd souls new motion ? sweet phospher , bring the day , thy light will fray these horrid mists ; sweet phospher , bring the day . let those have night , that slily love t' immure their cloyster'd crimes , and sinne secure ; let those have night , that blush to let men kno●… the basenesse they ne'r blush to do ; let those have night , that love to take a nap and loll in ignorances lap ; let those whose eyes , like ouls , abhorre the light , let those have night that lo●…e the night : sweet phospher , bring the day ; how sad delay afflicts dull hopes ! sweet phospher , bring the day . alas ! my light invain-expecting eyes can find no objects but what rise from this poore morall blaze , a dying spark of vulcans forge , whose flames are dark and dangerous , a dull blew burning light , as melancholly as the night : here 's all the sunnes that glister in the sphere of earth : ah me ! what comfort 's here ? sweet phospher , bring the day ; haste , haste away heav'ns loytring lamp ; sweet phospher , bring the day . blow , ignorance : o thou , whose idle knee rocks earth into a lethargie , and with thy sootie fingers hast bedight the worlds fair cheeks , blow , blow thy spite ; since thou hast pufft our greater tapour , do pusse on , and out the lesser too : if ere that breath-exiled flame return , thou hast not blown , as it will burn : sweet phospher , bring the day ; light will repay the wrongs of night : sweet phospher , bring the day . s. august . in joh. ser. . god is all to thee : if thou be hungry , he is bread ; if thirsty , he is water ; if in darknesse , he is light ; if naked , he is a robe of immortalitie . aianus de conq . nat. god is a light that is never darkned ; an unwearied life , that cannot d●…e ; a fountain alwayes flowing ; a garden of life ; a seminary of wisdome , a radicall beginning of all goodnesse . epig. . my soul , if ignorance puffe out this light , shee 'll do a favour that intends a spight : 't seems dark abroad ; but take this light away , thy windowes will discover break a day . xv . revelation . . the devil is come unto you , having great wrath , because he knoweth that he hath but a short time . lord ! canst thou see and suffer ? is thy hand still bound to th'peace ? shall earths black monarch take a full possession of thy wasted land ? o , will thy slumb'ring vengeance never wake , till full-ag'd law-resisting custome shake the pillours of thy right by false command ? unlock thy clouds , great thund'rer , and come down ; behold whose temples wear thy sacred crown ; redresse , redresse our wrongs ; revenge , revenge thy own . see how the bold usurper mounts the seat of royall majesty ; how overstrawing perils with pleasure , pointing ev'ry threat with bugbear death , by torments over-awing thy frighted subjects ; or by favours drawing their tempted hearts to his unjust retreat ; lord , canst thou be so mild ? and he so bold ? or can thy flocks be thriving , when the fold is govern'd by a fox ? lord , canst thou see and hold ? that swist-wing'd advocate , that did commence our welcome suits before the king of kings , that sweet embassadour , that hu●… ries hence what ayres th' harmonio●…s soul or sighs or sings , see how she flutters with her idle wings ; her wings are clipt , and eyes put out by sense : sense conq'ring faith is now grown blind and cold , and basely crav●…nd , that in times of old did conquer heav'n it self , do what th' almightie could . behold how double fraud does s●…ourge and t●…ar astraeas wounded sides , plough'd up and rent with knotted cords , whose fury has no eare ; see how she stands a pris'ner to be sent , a slave , into eternall banishment , i know not whither , o , i know not where : her patent must be cancell'd in disgrace ; and sw●…-lip fraud , with her divided face , must act as●…s part , must take astraeas place . faiths pineons clipt ? and fair astraea gone ? q●…ck-seeing faith now blind ? and justice see ? has justice now found wings ? and has faith none ? what do we here ? who would not wish to be dissolv'd from earth , and with astraea flee from this blind dungeon to that sunne-bright thro●… ? lord , is thy scepter lost , or laid aside ? is hell broke loose , and all her fiends untied ? lord , rise and rowze , and rule and crush their furious pride . petr. rav . in math. the devil is the authour of evil , the fountain of wickednesse , the adversary of the truth , the corrupter of the world , mans perpetuall enemy ; he pl●…teth snares , diggeth ditches , spurreth bodies , he goadeth souls , he suggesteth thoughts , belcheth anger , exposeth vertues to hatred , maketh vices beloved , soweth errours , nourisheth 〈◊〉 , disturbeth peace , and scattereth asfections . macar. let us susser with those that susser , and be crucified with those that are crucified , that we may be glorisied with those that are glorisied . savanar . if there be no enemy , no sight ; is ●…o sight , ●…o victorie ; is no victory , no crown . epig. . my soul , sit thou a patient looker on ; judge not the play before the play is done : her plot has many changes : every day speaks a new scene ; the last act crowns the play . the second book . i. isaiah . . you that walk in the light of your own sire , and in the sparks that ye have kindled , ye shall lie down in sorrow . do , silly cupid , snu●…e and trimme thy false , thy feeble light , and make her self-consuming flames more bright ; me thinks she burns too dimme . is this that sprightly fire , whose more then sacred beams inspire the ravisht hearts of men , and so in●…lame desire ? see , boy , how thy unthristie blaze consumes , how fast she wains ; she spends her self , and her , whose wealth maintains her weak , her idle rayes . cannot thy lustfull blast , which gave it luster , make it last ? what heart can long be pleas'd , where pleasure spends so fast ? go , wanton , place thy pale-fac'd light where never breaking day intends to visit mortalls , or display thy sullen shades of night : thy torch will burn more clear in nights un-titan'd hemisphere ; heav'ns scornfull flames and thine can never co-appear . in vain thy busie hands addresse their labour to display thy easie blaze within the verge of day ; the greater drowns the lesse : if heav'ns bright glory shine , thy gli●…ing sparks must needs resigne ; pustout heav'ns glory then , or heav'n will work out thine . go , cupids rammish pander , go , whose dull , whose low desire can find sufficient wa●…h from natures 〈◊〉 , spend borrow'd breath , and blow , blow wind , made strong with spite ; when thou hast pu●…t the greater light , thy lesser sp●…k may shine , and 〈◊〉 the new-made nigh●… . deluded mortalls , tell me when your daring breath has blown heav'ns tapour out , and you have spent your own , what sire sh●…ll warm ye then ? ah fools , perp●…tuall night shall h●…unt your souls with stygian fright , where they shall boyl in flames , but flames sh●…ll bring no light . s. august . the sufficiency of my merit is to know that my merit is not sufficient . s. greg. mor. . by how much the lesse man seeth himself , by so much the lesse he displeaseth himself ; and by how much the more he seeth the light of grace , by so much the more be disdaineth the light of nature . s. greg. mor. the light of the understanding humilitie kindleth , and pride covereth . epig. . thou blowst heav'ns si●…e , the whil'st thou goest about , rebellious fool , in vain to blow it out : thy folly addes confusion to thy death ; heav'ns sire confounds , when fann'd with follies breath . ii. eccl●…s . . . there is no end of all his labour , neither is his eye satisfied with riches . o how our wid'ned arms can over-stretch their own dimensions ! how our hands can retch beyond their distance ! how our yielding breast can shrink , to be more full , and full possest of this inferiour orb ! how earth refin'd can cling to sordid earth ! how kind to kind ! we gape , we grasp , we gripe , adde store to store ; enough requires too much : too much craves more . we charge our souls so sore beyond their stint , that we recoyl or burst : the busie mint of our laborious thoughts is ever going , and coyning new desires ; desires , not knowing where next to pitch , but like the boundlesse ocean gain , and gain ground , and grow more strong by motion . the pale-fac'd lady of the black-ey'd night first tips her horned browes with easie light , whose curious train of spangled nymphs attire her next nights glory with encreasing ●…ire ; each ev'ning addes more luster , and adorns the growing beauty of her grasping horns : she sucks and draws her brothers golden store untill her glutted orb can suck no more . ●…v'n so the vultur of insatiate minds still wants , and wanting seeks , and seeking finds new fewel to encrease her rav'nous sire , the grave is sooner cloyd then mens desire : we crosse the seas , and midst her waves we burn , transporting lifes , perchance that ne'r return ; we 〈◊〉 , we ransack to the utmost sands of native kingdomes , and of forrein lands ; we travel sea and soyl , we pry , we proul , we progresse , and we prog from pole to pole ; we sp●…nd our mid-day sweat , our mid-night oyl , we 〈◊〉 the night in thought , the day in toyl : we make art servil , and the trade gentile , ( ●…t b●…th corrupted with ingenious guile ) to compasse earth ; and with her empty store to fill our arms , and grasp one handfull more ; thus seeking rest , our labours never ●…ase , but as our years , our hot desires encrease : thus we , poore little worlds ! ( with bloud and sweat ) in vain attempt to comprehend the great ; thus , in our gain , become we gainfull losers , and what 's enclos'd , encloses the enclosers . now reader , close thy book , and then advise : be wisely worldly , be not worldly wise ; l●… not thy nobler thoughts be alwayes raking the worlds base dunghill ; vermin's took by taking : take heed thou trust not the deceitfull lap of wanton dalilah ; the world 's a trap . hugo de anima . tell me where be those now that so lately loved and hugg'd the world ? nothing remaineth of them but dust and worms : observe what those men were ; what those men are : they were like thee ; they did eat , drink , laugh , and led merry dayes , and in a moment slipt into hell . here their flesh is food for worms ; there , their souls are fewell for fire , till they shall be rejoyned in an unhappy fellowship , and cast into eternall torments ; where they that were once companions in sinne , shall be hereafter partners in punishment . epig. . gripe , c●…pid , and gripe still untill that wind , that 's pent before , find secret vent behind : and when th'ast done , hark here , i tell thee what , before i 'll trust thy armfull , i 'll trust that . iii. job . . he is cast into a net by his own feet , and walketh upon a snare . what ? n●…s and quiver too ? what need there all these slie devices to betray poore men ? die they not fast enough , when thousands fall before thy dart ? what need these engines then ? attend they not , and answer to thy call , like nightly coveys , where thou list and when ? what needs a stratageme where strength can sway ? or what need strength compell , where none gainsay ? or what need stratageme or strength , where hearts obey ? husband thy sleights : it is but vain to wast honey on those that will be catcht with gall ; thou canst not , ah ! thou canst not bid so fast as men obey : thou art more slow to call , then they to come ; thou canst not make such hast to strike , as they being struck make hast to fall . go save thy nets for that rebellious heart that scorns thy pow'r , and has obtein'd the art t' avoid thy flying shaft , to quench thy fi'ry dart . lost mortall , how is thy destruction sure , between two bawds , and both without remorse ! the one 's a line , the tother is a lure ; this , to entice thy soul ; that , to enforce : way-laid by both , how canst thou stand secu●…e ? that draws , this wooes thee to th' eternall curse . o charming tyrant , how hast thou be●…ool'd and slav'd poore man , that would not if he could avoid thy line , thy lure ; nay could not , if he would ! alas thy sweet persidious voyce betrayes his wanton ears with thy sirenian baits ; thou wrapp'st his eyes in mists , then boldly layes thy lethall gins before their crystall gates ; thou lock'st up ev'ry sense with thy false keyes , all willing pris'ners to thy close deceits : his eare most nimble where it deaf should be , his eye most blind where most it ought to see , and when his heart 's most bound , then thinks it self most free . thou grand impostour , how hast thou obtein'd the wardship of the world ! are all men turn'd idiots and lunaticks ? are all retein'd beneath thy servile bands ? is none return'd to his forgotten self ? has none regain'd his senses ? are their senses all adjourn'd ? what none dismist thy cou●…t ? will no plump fee bribe thy false fists to make a glad decree , ●…unfool whom thou hast fool'd , and set thy pris'ners free ? s. bern. in ser. in this world is much treacherie , little truth ; here , all things are traps ; here , every thing is beset with snares ; here , souls are endanger'd , bodies are sna●…s ; here all things are vanity , and vexation of spirit . epig. . nay , cupid , pitch thy trammil where thou please , thou canst not fail to take such fish as th●…se ; thy thriving spert will ne'r be spent : no need to fear when ev'ry cork 's a world thou 'lt speed , iv. hosea . . they shall be as the chaff that is driven with a whirlwind out of the floore , and as the smoke out of the chimney . flint-hearted stoicks , you , whose marble eyes contemne a wrinckle , and whose souls despise to follow natures too a●…ected fashion , or travel in the regent-walk of passion ; whose rigid hearts dis●…ain to shrink at fears , or play at fast and loose with smiles and tears ; come , burst your spleens with laughter to behold a new found vanitie , which dayes of old ne'r knew : a vanitie , that his beset the world , and made more slaves then mahomet : that has condemn'd us to the servile yoke of slavery , and made us slaves to smoke . but stay ! why tax i thus our modern times , for new-born follies , and for new-born crimes ? are we sole guiltie , and the first age free ? no , they were smok'd and slav'd as well as we : what 's sweet-lipt honours blast , but smoke ? what 's treasure but very smoke ? and what more smoke then pleasure ? alas : they 're all but shadows , sumes and blasts ; that vanishes , this fades , the other wasts . the restlesse merchant , he that loves to steep his brains in wealth , and layes his soul to sleep in bags of bullion , sees th' immo●…tall crown , and fain would mount , but i gots keep him down : he brags to day , perchance , ●…nd begs to morrow ; he lent but now , wants credit now to borrow : blow winds , the treasure 's gone , the merchant's 〈◊〉 ; a slave to silver 's but a slave to smoke . behold the glory-vying child of fame , that from deep wounds sucks forth an honour'd name , that thinks no purchase worth the style of good , but what is sold for sweat , and seal'd with bloud ; that for a point , a blast of emptie breath , undaunted gazes in the face of death ; whose dear-bought bubble , sill'd with vain renown , breaks with a phillop , or a gen'rals frown : his stroke-got honour sta●…gers with a stroke ; a slave to honour is a sla●…e to smoke . and that fond soul which wasts his idle dayes in loose delights , and sports about the blaze of cupids candle ; he that dayly spies twin habies in his mistresse geminies , whereto his sad devotion does impart the swe●…t burnt-offering of a bleeding heart : see , how his wings are sing'd in cyprian sire , whose flames consume with youth , in age expire : the world 's a bubble ; all the pleasures in it , ●…ke morning vapou●…s , vanish in a minit : the vapours vani●…h , and the bubble 's broke ; a slave to pleasure is a slave to smoke . now , sto●…ck , cease thy laughter , and repast thy pickled cheeks with tears , and weep as sast . s. hieron. that rich man is great , who thinketh not himself great , because be is rich : the proud m●…n ( who is the poore man ) braggeth outwardly , but beggeth inwardly : he is blown up , but not full . petr. rav . vexation and anguish accompany riches and honour : the pomp of the world and the favour of the people are but smoke , and a blast suddenly vanishing : which , if they commonly please , commonly bring repentance , and for a minute of joy , they bring an age of sorrow . epig. . cupid , thy diet 's strange : it dulls , it rowzes , it cools , it heats , it binds , and then it looses : dull-sprightly-cold-hot fool , if ev'r it winds thee into a loosenesse once , take heed , it binds thee . v. proverbs . . wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not ? for riches make themselves wings , they slie away as an eagle . false world , thou ly'st : thou canst not lend the least delight : thy ●…avours cannot gain a friend , they are so slight : thy morning pleasures make an end to please at night : poore are the wants that thou supply'st , and yet thou vaunt'st , and yet thou vy'st with heav'n ; fond earth thou boasts ; false world thou ly'st . thy babbling tongue tels golden tales of endlesse treasure ; thy bountie offers easie sales of lasting pleasure ; thou ask'st the conscience what she ails , and swear'st to ease her ; there 's none can want where thou supply'st : there 's none can give where thou deny'st . alas , fond world thou boasts ; false world thou ly'st . what well advised eare regards what earth can say ? thy words are gold , but thy rewards are painted clay ; thy cunning can but pack the cards ; thou canst not play : thy game at weakest , still thou vy'st ; if ●…een , and then revy'd , deny'ft ; thou art not what thou seem'st : false world , thou ly'st . thy tinsil bosome seems a mint of new-coin'd treasure , a paradise , that has no stint , no change , no measure ; a painted cask , but nothing in 't , nor wealth , nor pleasure : vain earth ! that falsly thus comply'st with man : vain man ! that thus ●…ely'st on earth : vain man , thou dot'st : vain earth , thou ly'st . what mean dull souls , in this high measure to haberdash in earths base wares , whose greatest treasure is drosse and trash ? the height of whose inchaunting pleasure is but a flash ? are these the goods that thou supply'st us mortalls with ? are these the high'st ? can these bring cordiall peace ? false world , thou ly'st . pet. bles. this world is 〈◊〉 : her end is doubtfull ; her conclusion is horrible ; her judge is terrible ; and her punishment is ●…tolerable . s. august . lib. confess . the vain glory of this world is a deceitfull sweetnesse , a fruitlesse labour , a perpetuall fear , a dange●…ous honour : her beginning is without providence , and her end not without repe●…ance . epig. . world , th' a●…t a traytour ; thou hast stampt thy base and chymick metall with great caesars face ; and with thy bastard bullion thou hast barter'd for wares of price ; how justly drawn and quarter'd ! vi . job . . let not him that is deceived trust in vanitie , for vanitie shall be his recompense . believe her not : her glasse dissuses false portraitures : thou canst ●…pie no true reflection : she abuses her mis inform'd beholders eye ; her chrystall's falsly steel'd : it scatters deceitfull beams . believe her not , she flatters . this flaring mirrour represents no right proportion , hi●…w , or feature : her very looks are complements ; they make thee fairer , goodlier , greater : the skilfull glosse of her reflection but paints the context of thy course complexion . were thy dimension but a stride , nay , wert thou statur'd but a span , such as the long-bill'd troops desi'd , a very fragment of a man ; shee 'll make thee mi●…as , which ye will , the ●…ove-slain tyrant , or th' ionick hill . had 〈◊〉 , or th' ungratious starre conspir'd to make one common place of all deformities that are within the volume of thy face , she 'd 〈◊〉 thee favour should out-move the troy-bane hellen , or the queen of love . were thy consum'd estate as poore as 〈◊〉 , or afflicted jobs : she 'll change thy wants to seeming store , and turn thy 〈◊〉 to purple robes ; she 'll make thy hide - 〈◊〉 flanck appear as plump as theirs that feast it all the yeare . look off ; let not thy opticks 〈◊〉 abus'd ; thou seest not what thou should'st : thy self 's the object thou should'st see , but 't is thy shadow thou behold'st : and shadows thrive the more in stature , the nearer we approch the light of nature . where heav'ns bright beams look more direct , the shadow shrinks as they grow stronger : but when they glaunce their fair aspect , the 〈◊〉 - fac'd shade growes larger , longer ; and when their lamp begins to fall , th'increasing shadows lengthen most of all . the soul that seeks the noon of grace , shrinks in , but swells if 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; as heav'n 〈◊〉 up , or veils his face , our self esteems grow 〈◊〉 or great . the least is greatest ; and who shall appear the greatest are the least of all . hugo lib. de anima . in vain he lifteth up the eye of his heart to behold his god , who is not first rightly advised to behold himself : first thou must see the visible things of thy self , before thou 〈◊〉 be prepared to know the invisible things of god , 〈◊〉 if thou canst not apprehend the things within thee , thou canst not comprehend the things above thee : the best looking-glasse wherein to see thy god , is perfectly to see thy self . epig. . be not deceiv'd , great fool : there is no losse in being small ; great bulks but swell with drosse . man is heav'ns master-peece : if it appear more great , the value 's lesse ; if lesse , more dear . vii . deuteronomy . . i have set before thee life and death , blessing and cursing , therefore choose life , that thou and thy seed may live . the world 's a floore , whose swelling heaps retein the mingled wages of the ploughmans toyl ; the world 's a heap , whose yet unwinnowed grain is lodg'd with chaff and buried in her soyl ; all things are mixt , the usefull with the vain ; the good with bad , the noble with the vile ; the world 's an ark , wherein things pure and grosse present their lossefull gain , and gainfull losse , where ev'ry dram of gold conteins a pound of drosse . this furnisht ark presents the greedy view with all that earth can give , or heav'n can add ; here , lasting joyes ; here , pleasures hourely new , and hourely fading , may be wisht and had : all points of honour , counterfeit and true , salute thy soul , and wealth both good and bad : here maist thou open wide the two-leav'd doore of all thy wishes , to receive that store which being empty most , does overflow the more . come then , my soul , approch this royall burse , and see what wares our great exchange reteins ; come , come ; here 's that shall make a firm divorce betwixt thy wants and thee , if want complains ; no need to sit in councel with thy purse , here 's nothing good shall cost more price then pains : but o my soul , take heed if thou rely upon thy faithlesle opticks , thou w●…lt buy too blind a bargain : k●…ow , fools onely trade by th'eye . the wo●…ldly wisdome of the foolish man is like a sieve , that does alone retein the grosser substance of the worthlesse bran : but thou , my soul , let thy brave thoughts disdain so course a purchase ; o be thou a fan to purge the chaff , and keep the winnow'd grain : make clean thy thoughts , and dresse thy mixt desires , thou art heav'ns tasker ; and thy god requires the purest of thy sloore , as well as of thy sires . let grace conduct thee to the paths of peace , and wisdome blesse thy souls unblemisht wayes , no matt●…r then , how short or long 's the lease , whose d●…te determins thy self-numbred dayes : no need to car●… for wealths or f●…es increase , nor 〈◊〉 his palm , nor high apollo's bayes . lord . if thy gracious bountie please to fill the 〈◊〉 of my desires , and teach me skill to di●…e and ●…use the corn , take those the chaff that will . s. august . lib. . de doct. christi . temporall things more ravish in the expectation , then in s●…uition : but things eternall more in the sruition then expectation . ibide●… . the life os man is the middle between angels and beasts : is man takes pleasure in carnall things , he is compared to beasts ; but is he delights in spirituall things , he is suited with angels . epig. . art thou a child ? thou wilt not then be fed , but like a child , and with the childrens bread : but thou art fed with chaff , or corn undrest : my soul thou savour'st too much of the beast . viii . philippians . . they mind earthly things , but our conversation is in heaven . venus . div. cupid . ven. what means this pe●…vish brat ? whish , lullaby , what a●…ls my babe ? what ails my babe to cry ? will nothing still it ? will it neither be pleas'd with the nurses breast nor mothers knee ? what ails my bird ? what moves my froward boy to make such whimp'ring faces ? peace , my joy : will nothing do ? come , come , this pettish brat , thus cry and bawl , and cannot tell for what ? come busse and friends , my lambe ; whish , lullaby , what ails my babe ? what ails my babe to cry ? peace , peace my dear ; alas , thy early years had never faults to merit half these teares ; come smile upon me : let thy mother spie thy fathers image in her babies eye : husband these guiltlesle drops against the rage of harder fortunes , and the gripes of age ; thine eye 's not ripe ●…or tea●…s : whish , lullaby ; what ails my babe , my sweet●… fac'd babe to cry ? look , look , what 's here ! a dainty golden thing : see how the dancing bells turn round and ring to please my bantling ! here 's a knack will breed a hundred kisses : here 's a knack indeed . so , now my bird is white , and looks as fair as pelops shoulder , or my milk-white pair : here 's right the fathers smile ; when mars beguil'd sick venus of her heart , just thus he smil'd . divine cupid . well may they smile alike ; thy base-b●…ed boy and his base sire had both one cause , a toy : how well thei●… subjects and thei●… smil●…s agree ? thy cupid finds a toy , and mars found thee : ●…alse queen of beauty , queen of false delights , thy knee presents an ●…mbleme , that invites man to himself , whose self-transported heart ( ov●…rwhelm'd with native sorrows , and the sma●…t of purchas'd grie●…s ) lies whining night and day , not knowing why , till heavy he●…ld delay , the dull-brow'd pander of despa●…r , layes by his leaden buskins , and presents his eye with antick tri●…les , which th' indulgent earth makes proper objects of mans childish mirth . these be the coyn that passe , the sweets that please ; there 's nothing good , there 's nothing great but these : these be the pipes that base-born minds dance after , and turn immod ' rate tears to lavish laughter ; whilst heav'nly rap●…res passe without regard ; their strings are harsh and their high strains unhea●…d : the plough-m●…ns whistle or the triviall ●…ure ●…ind more resp●…ct then great apollo's lute : we 'll look to heav'n , and trust to higher joyes ; let swine love husks , and ch●…ldren whine for toyes . s. bern. that is the true and chief joy , which is not conceived from the creature , but received from the creato●… ; which ( being once possest thereof ) none can take from thee : whereto all pleas●…e being compared is torment , all joy is grief , sweet things are bitter , all glory is ba●…enesse , and all de●…ectable things are despicable . s. bern. joy in a changeable subject must necessarily change as the subject changeth . epig. . peace , childish cupid , peace : thy singer'd eye but crios for what , in time , will make thee cry : but are thy peevish wranglings thus appeas'd ? well maist thou cry , that art so poorely pleas'd . ix . isaiah . . what will ye do in the day of your visitation ? to whom will ye ●…lie for help ? and where will ye leave your glory ? is this that jolly god , whose cyprian bowe has shot so many flaming darts , and made so many wounded beauties go sadly perplext with whimp'ring hearts ? is this that sov'raign deity that brings the slavish world in awe , and st●…ngs the blund'ring souls of swains , and stoops the hearts of kings . what circean cha●…m , what hecatean spight has thus abus'd the g●…d of love ? great jove was vanquisht by his greater might ; ( and who is stronger-arm'd then jove ? ) or has our lust●…ull god persorm'd a rape , and ( fearing argus eyes ) would scape the view of jealous earth , in this prodigious shape ? where be those rosie cheeks , that lately scorn'd the malice of injurious fates ? ah , where 's that pearl percullis , that adorn'd those dainty two-leav'd ruby gates ? where be those killing eyes , that so controul'd the world ? and locks , that did infold like knots of flaming wire , like curles of burnisht gold ? no , no , 't was neither he●…tean spite nor charm below , nor pow'r above ; 't was neither circes spell , nor stygian sprite , that thus transform'd our god of love ; 't was owl-eyed lust ( more potent farre then they ) whose eyes and actions hate the day : whom all the world observe , whom all the world obay . se how the latter trumpets dreadfull blast affrights stout mars his t●…embling son ! se , how he startles ! how he stands agast , and scrambles from his melting throne ! hark , how the direfull hand of vengeance tears , the swelt'ring clouds , whilst heav'n appears a ci●…cle fill'd with flame , and center'd with his fears . this is that day , whose oft report hath wo●…n neglected tongues of prophets bare ; the faithlesse subject of the worldlings scorn , the summe of men and angels pray'r : this , this the day whose all-discerning light ransacks the secret dens of night , and severs good from bad ; true joyes from false delight . you grov'ling worldings , you , whose wisdome trades , where light nev'r shot his golden ●…ay ; that hide your actions in cimeri●…n ●…des , how will your eyes indure this day ? hills will be deaf , and mountains will not hea●… ; there be no caves , no corners there , to shade your souls from fire , to shield your hearts from fear hugo . o the extreme loath loathsomnesse of fleshly lust , which not onely ●…sseminates the mind , but ene●…ves the body ; which not onely di●…taineth the soul , but disguiseth the 〈◊〉 it is ●…hered with fury and wantonnesse ; it is accompanied with ●…ury and wantonnesse ; and it is followed with grief and r●…ntance . epig. . what ? sweet-fac'd cupid , has thy bastard-treasure , thy boasted honours , and thy bold-fac'd pleasure perplext thee now ? i told thee long ago , to what they 'd bring thee , fool , to wit , to woe . x. nah●…m . . she is emptie , and void , and waste . she 's emptie : hark , she sounds : there 's nothing there but noyse to fill thy eare ; thy vain enquiry can at length but find a blast of murm'ring wind : it is a cask , that seems as full as fair ; but merely tunn'd with aire : fond youth , go build thy hopes on better grounds : the soul that vainly founds her joyes upon this world but feeds on emptie sounds . she 's emptie : hark , she sounds : there 's nothing in 't . the spark-ingend'ring ●…lint shall sooner melt , and hardest raunce shall first dissolve and quench thy thirst , e'r this false world shall still thy stormy breast with smooth fac'd calms of rest : thou mayst as well expect meridian light from shades of black-mouth'd night , as in this emptie world to find a full delight . she 's empty : hark , she sounds ; 't is void and vast ; what if some flatt'ring blast of flat●…ous honour should perchance be there , and whisper in thine ear●… : it is but wind , and blows but where it list , and vanish●…s like a mist : poore honour earth can give ! what gen'rous mind would be so base to bind her heav'n-bred soul a slave to serve a blast of wind ? she 's empty : hark , she sounds : 't is but a ball for fools to play withall : the painted silm but of a stronger bubble , that 's lin'd with silken trouble : it is a world , whose work and recreation is vanity and vexation ; a hagg , repair'd with vice-complexion , paint , a quest-house of complaint : it is a saint , a fiend ; worse fiend , when most a saint . she 's empty : hark , she ●…ounds : 't is vain and void . what 's here to be enjoyed , but grief and sicknesse , and large bills of sorrow , drawn now , and crost to morrow ? or what are men , but puffs of dying breath , reviv'd with living death ? fond la●… , o build thy hopes on surer grounds then what dull flesh propounds : tru●… not this hollow world , she 's empty : hark , she sounds . s. chrys. in ep. ad heb. contemne riches , and thou shalt be rich ; contemne glory , and thou shalt be glorious ; contemne injuries , and thou shalt be a conquerour ; consemne rest , and thou shalt gain rest ; contemne earth , and thou shalt find heaven . epig. lib. de vanit . mundi . the world is a vanity which affordeth neither beauty to the amorous , nor reward to the laborious , nor incouragement to the industrious . epig. . this house is to be let for life or years ; her rent is sorrow , and her in-come tears : cupid , 't'as long stood void ; her bills make known , she must be dearly let ; or let alone . xi . matthew . . narrow is the way that leadeth unto life , and few there be that find it . prepost'rous fool , thou troul'st amisse ; thou err'st ; that 's not the way , 't is this : thy hopes , instructed by thine eye , make thee appear more near then i ; my floore is not so flat , so fine , and has more obvious rubs then thine : 't is true ; my way is hard and strait , and leads me through a thorny ●…ate , whose ranckling pricks are sharp and fell ; the common way to heav'n 's by hell : 't is true ; thy path is short and fair , and free of rubs : ah , fool , beware , the safest road 's not alwayes ev'n ; the way to hell 's a seeming heav'n . think'st thou , the crown of glory 's had with idle ease , fond cyprian lad ? think'st thou , that mirth , and vain delights , high feed , and shadow-shortning nights , soft knees , full bones , and beds of down are proper prologues to a crown ? or canst thou hope to come , and view , like prosperous caesar , and subdue ? the bondslave usurer will trudge inspite of gouts , will turn a drudge , and serve his soul-condemning purse , t' increase it with the widows curse : and shall the crown of glory stand not worth the waving of a hand ? the fleshly wanton to obtain his minute-lust , will count it gain to lose his freedome , his estate , upon so dear , so sweet a rate ; shall pleasures thus be priz'd , and must heav'ns palm be cheaper then a lust ? the true-bred spark , to hoise his name upon the waxenwings of fame , will sight undaunted in a flood that 's rais'd with brackish drops and bloud : and shall the promis'd crown of life be thought a toy , not worth a strife ? an ●…asie good brings easie gains ; but things of price are bought with pains : the pleasing way is not the right : he that would conquer heav'n must fight . s. hieron. in ep. no labour is hard , no time is long , wherein the glory of eternitie is the mark we levell at . s. greg. lib. . mor. the valour of a just man is to conquer the slesh , to contradict his own will , to quench the delights of this present life , ●…o endure and love the miseries of this world for the reward of a better , to contemn the slatteries of prosperitie , and inwardly to overcome the fears of adversitie . epig. . o cupid , if thy smoother way were right , i should mistrust this crown were 〈◊〉 : the way 's not easie where the prize is great : i hope no virtues where i smell no sweat . xii . galatians . . god forbid that i should glory , save in the crosse . can nothing settle my uncertain breast , and fix my rambling love ? can my affections find out nothing best ? but still and still remove ? has earth no mercy ? will no ark of rest receive my restlesse dove ? is there no good , then which there 's nothing higher , to blesse my full desire with joyes that never change ; with joyes that nev'r expire ? i wanted wealth ; and at my dear request , earth lent a quick supply ; i wanted mirth to charm my sullen breast ; and who more brisk then i ? i wanted fame to glorifie the rest ; my fame flew eagle-high : my joy not fully ripe , but all decay'd ; wealth vanisht like a shade , my mirth began to slag , my fame began to fade . the world 's an ocean , hurried to and fro with ev'ry blast of passion : her lustfull streams , when either ebb or flow , are tides of mans vexation : they alter dayly , and they dayly grow the worse by alteration : the earth 's a cask full tunn'd , yet wanting measure ; her precious wind , is pleasure ; her yest is honours puff ; her lees are worldly treasure . my trust is in the crosse : let beauty ●…ag her loose , her wanton sail ; let count'nance gilding honour cease to brag in courtly tearms , and vail ; let ditch-bred wealth henceforth forget to wag her base though golden tail ; false beauties conquest is but reall losse , and wealth but golden drosse ; best honour 's but a blast : my trust is in the crosse . my trust is in the crosse : there lies my rest ; my fast , my sole delight : let cold-mouth'd boreas , or the hot-mouth'd east blow till they burst with spight : let earth and hell conspri●… their worst , their best , and joyn their twisted might : let showres of thunderbolts dar●… down and wound me , and troups of fiends surround me , all this may well confront ; all this shall nev'r confound me . s. august . christs crosse is the chrisc●…osse of all our happinesse : it delivers us from all blindnesse of errour , and enriches our darknesse with light ; it resto●…th the troubled soul ●…o re●…t ; it bringeth strangers to gods acquaintance ; it maketh remote forrein●…rs near neighbours ; it cu●…teth off discord ; concludeth a league of everlasting peace , and is the 〈◊〉 authour of all good . s. bern. in ser. de resur. we find glory in the crosse ; tous that are saved it is the power of god , and the fulnesse of all virtues . epig. . i follow'd rest , rest ●…led and soon forsook me ; i ran from grief , grief ran and over-took me . what shall i do ? lest i be too much tost on worldly crosses , lord , let me be crost . xiii . proverbs . ii. as a dog returneth to his vomit , so a fool returneth to his folly . o i am wounded ! and my wounds do smart beyond my patience , or great chirons art ; i yield , i yield ; the day , the palm is th●…ne ; thy bow 's more true ; thy sha●…s more fierce then mine , hold , hold , o hold thy conq'ring hand . what need to send more darts ? the first has done the deed : oft have we struggled , when our ●…quall a●…ms shot equall shafts , inflicted equall harms ; but this exceeds , and with her flaming head , twyfork'd with death , has struck my conscience dead . but must i die ? ah me ! if that were all , then , then i 'd stroke my bleeding wounds , and call this dart a cordiall , and with joy endure these harsh ingredients , where my grief 's my cure . but something whispers in my dying eare , there is an after day ; which day i fear : the slender debt to nature 's quickly paid , discharg'd perchance with greater ease then made ; but if that pale-fac'd sergeant make arrest , ten thousand actions would ( where of the least is more then all this lower world can bail ) be entred , and condemn me to the jail of stygian darknesse , bound in red hot chains , and grip'd with tortures worse then titian pains . farewell my vain , farewell my loose delights ; farewell my rambling dayes my rev'ling nights ; 't was you betrayd me first , and , when ye found my soul at vantage , gave my soul the wound : farewell my bullion gods , whose sov'reigne looks so often catch'd me with their golden hooks : go , seek another slave ; ye must all go ; i cannot serve my god and bullion too . farewell false henour ; you , whose ayry wings did mount my soul above the thrones of kings ; then slatte'd me , took pet , and in disdain , nipt my green buds ; then kickt me down again : farewell my bow ; farewell my cyprian quiver ; farewell dear world , farewell dear world for ever . o , but this most delicious world , how sweet her pleasures relish ! ah! how jump they meet the grasping so il ! and with their sprightly fire , revive , and raise , and rowze the rapt desire ! for ever ? o , to part so long ? what ? never meet more ? another year , and then for ever : too quick resolves do resolution wrong ; what part so soon , to be divorc'd so long ? things to be done are long to be debated ; heav'n is not day'd . rep●…ntance is not dated . s. august . lib. de util . agen . poen . go up my soul into the tribunall of thy conscience ; there set thy guiltie self be●…ore thy self : hide not thy self behind thy self , 〈◊〉 god bring thee forth before thy self . s. august . in soliloq . in vain is that washing , where the next sinne de●…ileth : he hath ill repented whose sinnes are repeated : that stomach is the worse for vomiting , that licketh up his vomit . anselm . god hath promised pardon to him that repenteth , but be hath not promised repentance to him that sinneth . epig. . brain-wounded cupid , had this hasly dart , as it hath prickt thy fancy , pier●…'d thy heart , 't had been thy friend : o how has it deceiv'd thee ! for had this dart but kill'd , this dart had sav'd thee . xiv . proverbs . . a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again , but the wicked shall fall into mischief . 't is but a foyl at best , and that 's the most your skill can boast : my slipp'ry footing fail'd me ; and you trip●… just as i slipt : my wanton weaknesse did her self betray with too much play : i was too bold : he never yet stood sure , that stands secure : who ever trusted to his native strength , but fell at length ? the title 's craz'd the tenure is not good , that claims by th'evidence of flesh and bloud . boast not thy skill ; the rigl●…eous man falls ost , yet falls but soft : there may be dirt to mire him , but no stones to crush his bones : what if he staggers ? nay , put case he be foyl'd on his knee ; that very knee will bend to heav'n , and woo for mercy too . the true-bred gamester ups a fresh , and then , falls to 't agen ; whereas the leaden-hearted coward lies , and yields his conquer'd life , or craven'd , dies . boast not thy conquest ; thou , that ev'ry hour fall's●… ten times lower ; nay , hast not pow'r to rise , if not , in case , to fall more base : thou wallow'st where i slip ; and thou dost tumble , where i but stumble : thou glory'st in thy slav'ries di●…ty badges , and fall'st for wages : sow●…grief and sad repentance scowrs and clears my stains with tears : thy falling keeps thy falling still in ure ; but when i slip i stand the more s●…cure . lord , what a nothing is this little span , we call a man ! what fenny trash mainteins the smoth'ring sires of his desires ! how sleight and short are ●…is resolvs at longest ! how weak at strongest ! o if a sinner held by thy fast hand can hardly stand , good god! in what a desp'rate case are they that have no stay ! mans state implyes a necessary curse ; when not himself , he 's mad ; when most himself , he 's worse . s. ambros. in serm. ad vincula . peter stood more firmly after he ●…ad lamented his fall , then before he fell . insomuch that he found more grace then he lost grace s. chrys. in ep. ad heliod . monach . it is no such hainous matter to fall afflicted ; as being down to lie dejected : it is no danger for a souldier to receive a wound in battel , but after the wound received , through despair of recovery , to refuse a remedy ; for we often see wounded champions wear the palm at last , and after flight , crowned with victory . epig. . triumph not cupid , his mischance doth show thy trade ; doth once , what thou dost alwayes do : brag not too soon : has thy prevailing hand foil'd him ? ah fool , th'ast taught him how to stand ? xv . jeremiah . . i will put my fear in their hearts , that they shall not depart from me . so , now the soul 's sublim'd : her sowre desires are recalcin'd in heav'ns well-tempred fires : the heart restor'd and purg'd from drossie nature now finds the freedome of a new-born creature : it lives another life , it breaths new breath ; it neither feels nor fears the sting of death . like as the idle vagrant ( having none ) that boldly ' dopts each house he views his own ; makes ev'ry purse his chequer ; and at pleasure , walks forth , and taxes all the world like caesar , at length by vertue of a just command , his sides are lent to a severer hand ; whereon his passe , not fully understood , is texted in a manuscript of blood : thus past from town to town , untill he come a sore repentant to his native home : ev'n so the rambling heart , that idly roves from crimes to sin , and uncontroul'd removes from lust to lust , when wanton slesh invites from old-worn pleasures to new choice delights , at length corrected by the filiall rod of his offended ( but his gracious god ) and lasht from sins to sighs ; and by degrees , from sighs to vows ; from vows to bended knees , from ●…ended knees , to a true pensive breast ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to torments , not by tongues exprest , 〈◊〉 ; ( and from his sinfull self exil'd ) 〈◊〉 a glad father , he a welcome child : o then it lives ; o then it lives involv'd in 〈◊〉 raptures ; pants to be dissolv'd : 〈◊〉 royall of spring of a second birth 〈◊〉 ope to heav'n , and shuts the doors to earth : if love-sick ●…ove commanded clouds should hap to rain such show'rs as quickned danaes lap : or dogs ( far kinder then their purple master ) should lick his sores , he laughs nor weeps the faster . if earth ( heav'ns rivall ) dart her idle ray ; to heav'n , 't is wax , and to the world , 't is clay : if earth present delights , it scorns to draw , but , like the jet unrubb'd , disdains that straw : no hope deceives it , and no doubt divides it ; no grief disturbs it ; and no errour guides it ; no fear distracts it ; and no rage inflames it ; no guilt condemns it , and no folly shames it ; no sloth besots it ; and no lust inthralls it ; no scorn afflicts it , and no passion gawls it : it is a ●…arknet of immortall life ; an a●…k of peace ; the lists of sacred strife ; a purer piece of endl●…sse transitory ; a shrine of grace , a little throne of glory : a heav'n-born of-spring of a new-born birth ; an earthly heav'n ; an ounce of heav'nly earth . s. august . de spir. . & anima . o happy heart , where pietie 〈◊〉 ; where 〈◊〉 subjects , where repentance correcteth , where obedience direct●…th , where perseverance perfecteth , where power protecteth , whe●…e devotion projecteth , where charitie connecteth . s. gr●…g . which way soever the heart turneth it self ( if carefully ) it shall commonly observe , that in those very things we lose god , in t●…ose very things we shall find god : it shall find the heat of his power in consideration of those things , in the love of whi●…h things he was most cold , and by what things it fell , 〈◊〉 , by those things it is raised , converted . epig. . my heart ! but wherefore do i call thee so ? i have renoun●…'d my int'rest long ago : when thou wert false and fleshly , i was thine ; mine wert thou never , till thou wert not mine , the third book . the entertainment . all you whose better thoughts are newly born , and ( rebaptiz'd with holy fire ) can scorn the worlds base trash , whose necks disdain to bear th' imperious yoke of satan ; whose chast eare no wanton songs of sirens can surprize with false delight ; whose more then eagle-eyes can view the glorious flames of gold , and gaze on glitt'ring beams of honour , and not daze ; whose souls can spurn at pleasure , and deny the loose suggestions of the flesh draw nigh : and you whose am'rous , whose select desires would feel the warmth of those transcendent 〈◊〉 , which ( like the rising sun ) put out the light of venus starre , and turn her day to night ; you that would love , and have your passions crown'd with greater happinesse then can be found in your own wishes ; you that would a●…ect where neither scorn , nor guile , nor disiespect shall wound your tortur'd souls ; that would enjoy , where neither want can pinch , nor fulnesse cloy , nor double doubt afflicts , ●…or baser fear unflames your courage in pursuit , draw near : shake hands with earth , and let your soul respect her joyes no further , then her joyes reflect upon her makers glory : if thou swim in wealth , see him in all ; see all in him : sink'st thou in want , and is thy small cruse spent ? see him in want ; enjoy him in con●…nt : conceiv'st him lodg'd in crosse , or lost in pain ? in pray'r and patience find him out again : make heav'n thy mistresse , let no change remove thy loyall heart ; be fond ; be sick of love : what if he stop his eare , or knit his brow ? at length he 'll be as fond , as sick as thou : dart up thy soul in grones : thy secret grone shall pierce his eare , s●…all pierce his eare alone : dart up thy soul in vowes : thy sacred vow shall find him out , where heav'n alone shall know : dart up thy soul in sighs : thy whisp'ring sigh shall rouse his ears , and fear no listner nigh : send up thy grones , thy sighs , thy closet vow ; there 's none , there 's none shall know but heav'n and thou : grones fresht with vowes , and vowes made salt with tears , unscale his eyes , and scale his conquer'd ears : shoot up the bosome shaf●… of thy desire , feather'd with faith , and double-forkt with fire . and they wil hit : fear not , where heav'n bids come : heav'ns never deaf , but when mans heart is dumb . i. isaiah . . my soul hath desired thee in the night . good god! what horrid darknesse doth surround my groping soul ! how are my senses bound in utter shades ; and muf●…ed from the light lusk in the bosome of eternall night ! the bold-sac'd lamp of heav'n can set and rise ; and with his morning glory fill the eyes of gazing mortalls ; his victorious ray can chase the shadows , and restore the day : nights bashfull empresse , though she often wain , as ost repents her darknesse , primes again ; and with her circling horns doth re-embrace her brothers wealth , and orbs her silver face . but ah , my sun deep swallow'd in his fall , is set , and cannot shine , nor rise at all : my bankrupt wain can beg nor borrow light ; alas , my darknesse is perpetuall night . falls have their risings , wainings have their primes , and desp'rate sorrows wait their better times ; ebs have their floods , and autumnes have their springs : all states have changes hurried with the swings of chance and time , still tiding to and fro : terrestriall bodies and celestiall too . how often have i vainly grop'd about , with length'ned arms , to find a passage out , that i might catch those beams mine eye desires , and bath my soul in those celestiall fires : like as the 〈◊〉 , cloyster'd in her mue , to scowr her downy robes , and to ren●… her broken flags , preparing t' overlook the tim'rous mallard at the sliding brook , je●… oft from perch to perch ; from stock to ground ; from ground to window , thus surveying round her dove-befeath'red prison , till at length , ( calling her noble birth to mind , and strength whereto her wing was born ) her ragged beak nips off her dangling jesses , strives to break her gingling fetters , and begins to bate at ev'ry glimpse , and darts at ev'ry grate : ev'n so my weary soul , that long has bin an inmate in this t●…nement of sin , lockt up by cloud-brow'd errour , which invites my cloystred thoughts to feed on black delights , now scorns her shadows , and begins to dart her wing'd desires at thee , that onely art the sun she seeks , whose rising beams can fright these duskie clouds that make s●… dark a night : shine forth , great glory , shine ; that i may see both how to loath my self , and honour thee : but if my weaknesse force thee to deny thy flames , yet lend the twilight of thine eye : if i must want those beams i wish , yet grant , that i , at least , may wish those beams i want . s. august . soliloqu . cap. . there was a great and dark cloud of vanitie before mine eyes , so that i could not see the sun of justice , and the light of truth : i being the sonne of darknesse , was involved in darknesse : i loved my darknesse , because i knew not thy light : i was blind , and loved my blindnesse , and did walk from darknesse to darknesse : but lord thou art my god , who hast led me from darknesse , and the shadow of death ; ●…ast called me into this glorious light , and behold , i see . epig. i. my soul , chear up ; what if the night be long ? heav'n finds an eare , when sinners find a tongue ? thy tears are morning show'rs : heav'n bids me say , when peters cock begins to crow , 't is day . ii. psalm . . o lord , thou knowest my foolishnesse , and my sinnes are not hid from thee . seest thou this fulsome ideot ? in what measure he seems transported with the antick pleasure of childish baubles ? canst thou but admire the empty fulnesse of his vain desire ? canst thou conceive such poore delights as these can fill th' insatiate soul of man , or please the fond aspect of his deluded eye ? reader , such very fools are thou and i : false puffs of honour ; the deceitfull streams of wealth ; the idle , vain , and empty dreams of pleasure , are our traffick , and ensnare our souls , the threefold subject of our care : we toyl for trash , we barter solid joyes for airy tr●…s ; sell our heav'n for toyes : we snatch at barly grains , whilst pearls stand by despis'd ; such very fools art thou and i . aym'st thou at honour ! does not the ideot shake it in his left hand ? fond man , step forth and take it : or would'st thou wealth ? see how the fool presents thee with a full basket ; if such wealth contents thee : wouldst thou take pleasure ? if the fool unstride his prauncing stallion , thou mayst up and 〈◊〉 : fond man , such is the pleasure , wealth , and honour the earth affords such fools as dote upon her ; such is the game whereat ●…ths ideots sly ; such ideots , ah , such fools are thou and i : had rebell-mans fool-hardinesse extended no further then himself , and there had ended , it had been just ; but , thus enrag'd to sly upon th' eternall eyes of majesty , and drag the son of glory from the breast of his indulgent father ; to a●… rest his great and sacred person ; in disgrace , to spit and spaul upon his sun bright face ; to taunt him with base terms ; and being bound , to scourge his soft , his trembling sides ; to wound his head with thorns ; his heart with humane 〈◊〉 ; his hands with nails , and his pale slank with spears : and then to paddle in the pure●… stream of his spilt blood , is more then most extreme : great builder of mankind , canst thou propound all this to thy bright eyes , and not confound thy handy-work ? o , canst thou choose but see , that mad'st the eye ? can ought behid from thee ? thou seest our persons , lord , and not our guilt ; thou seest not what thou maist , but what thou wilt : the hand that form'd us , is enforc'd to be a screen set up betwixt thy work and thee : look , look upon that hand , and thou shalt spy an open wound , a through-fare for thine eye ; or if that wound be clos'd , that passage be deny'd between thy gracious eyes and me , yet view the scarre ; that scarre will countermand thy wrath : o read my fortune in thy hand . s. chrys. hom. . joan. fools seem to abound in wealth , when they want all things ; they seem to enjoy happinesse , when indeed they are onely most miserable ; neither do they understand that they are del●…ded by their fancy , till they be delivered from their folly . s. greg. in mor. by so much the more are we inwardly foolish , by how much we strive to seem outwardly wise . epig. . rebellious fool , what has thy folly done : controul'd thy god , and crucisi'd his sonne ? how sweetly has the lord of life deceiv'd thee ? thou shedst his bloud , and that shed blood has sav'd thee . iii. psalm . . have mercy , lord , upon me , for i am weak ; o lord , heal me , for my bones are vexed . soul . jesus . soul ah , son of david , help : jes. what sinfull 〈◊〉 implores the son of david ? soul it is i : jes. who art thou ? soul oh , a deeply wounded breast that 's heavy laden , and would fain have rest . jes. i have no scraps , and dogs must not be fed like houshold children with the childrens bread . soul true , lord ; yet tolerate a hungry whelp to lick their crummes : o sonne of david , help . jes. poore soul , what ail'st thou ? soul o i burn , i fry ; i cannot rest , i know not where to fly to find some case ; i turn my blubber'd facé from man to man ; i ●…oul from place to place , t' avoid my tortures , to obtein relief , but still am dogg'd and haunted with my grief : my midnight torments call the sluggish light , and when the morning 's come , they woo the night . jes. surcease thy tears , and speak thy free desires . soul quench , quench my flames , and swage these scorching fires . jes. canst thou believe my hand can cure thy grief ? soul lord , i believe ; lord , help my unbelief . jes. hold forth thy arm , and let my fingers try thy pulse ; where chiefly doth thy torment lie ? soul from head to foot ; it reignes in ev'ry part , but playes the self-law'd tyrant in my heart . jes. canst thou dig●…st ? canst relish wholesome food ? haw stands thy tast ? soul to nothing that is good : all sinfull ●…rash , and earths unsav'ry stuff i can digest and relish well enough . jes. is not thy bloud as cold ●…s hot , by turns ? soul cold to what 's good ; to what is bad it burns . jes. how old 's thy grief ? soul i took it at the fall with eating fruit . jes. 't is epiden●…call : thy bloud 's infected , and th' infection sp●…ng from a bad liver : 't is a feaver strong and full of death unlesse , with present speed , a vein be op'ned ; thou must die , or bleed . soul o i am faint and spent : that launce that shall let forth my bloud , le ts forth my life withall : my soul wants cordials , and has greater need of bloud , then ( being spent so far ) to ble●…d : i faint already : if i bleed , i die . jes. 't is either thou-must bleed , sick soul , or i : my bloud 's a cordiall . he that sucks my veins , shall ●…se his own , and conquer greater pains then these : cheer up ; this precious bloud of mine shall cure thy grief ; my heart shall bleed for thine : believe , and view me with a faithfull eye , thy soul shall neither languish , bleed , ●…or die . s. august . lib. . confess . lord , be mercisull unto me : ah me : behold , i hide not my wounds : thou art a ph●…sician , and i am sick ; thou a●…t mercifull , and i am miserable . s. greg. in pastoral. o wisdome , with how sweet an a●…t d●…th thy wine and oyl vestore health to my healthlesse soul ! how powersully mercisull , how mercifully powerfull art tho●… powerfull for me , mercisull to me ! epig. . canst thou be sick , and such a doctour by ? thou canst not live , unlesse thy doctour die ! strange kind of grief , that finds no med'cine good to swage her pains , but the physicians bloud ! iv. psalm . . look upon my affliction and my pain , and forgive all my sinnes . both work and strokes ? both lash and labour too ? what more could edom , or proud ashur do ? stripes after stripes ? and blows succeding blows ? lord , has thy scourge no mercy , and my woes no end ? my pains no ease ? no intermission ? is this the state ? is this the sad condition of those that trust thee ? will thy good●…esse please t' allow no other favours ? none but these ? will not the thet'rick of my torments move ? are these the symptomes ? these the signes of love ? is 't not enough , enough that i ●…ulfill the toylsome task of thy laborious mill ? may not this labour expiate and pu●…ge my sinne , without th' addition of thy scourge ? look on my cloudy brow , how fast it rains sad showers of sweat , the fruits of fruitlesse pains : behold these ridges ; see what purple furrows thy plow has made ; o think upon those sorrows that once were thine ; wil●… , wilt thou not be woo'd to mercy , by the charms of sweat and blood ? canst thou forget that drowsie mount , wherein thy dull disciples slept ? was not my sinne there punish'd in thy soul ? did not this brow then sweat in thine ? were not those drops enow ? remember golgotha , where that spring-tide o'rflow'd thy sovereigne sacramentall side : there was no sinne , there was no guilt in thee , that caus'd those pains ; thou sweat'st , thou bledst for me . was there not bloud enough , when one small drop had pow'r to ransome thousand worlds , and stop the mouth of justice ? lord , i bled before in thy deep wounds ; can justice challenge more ? or dost thou vainly labour to hedge in thy losses from my sides ? my bloud is thin , and thy free bountie scorns such easie thrift ; no , no , thy bloud came not as lone but gift . but must i ever grind ? and must i earn nothing but stripes ? o wilt thou disaltern the rest thou gav'st ? hast thou perus'd the curse thou laid'st on adams fall , and made it worse ? canst thou repent of mercy ? heav'n thought good lost man should feed in sweat ; not work in bloud : why dost thou wound th' already wounded breast ? ah me ! my life is but a pain at b●…st : i am but dying dust : my dayes , a span ; what pleasure tak'st thou in the bloud of man ? spare , spare thy scourge , and be not so austere ; send fewer stroaks , or lend more strength to bear . s. bern. hom. . in cant. miserable man ! who shall deliver me 〈◊〉 the reproch of this shamefull bondage ? i am a miserable man but a ●…ree man ; ●…ce , because a man ; miserable , because a servant : in regard of my bondage , miserable ; in regard of my will , inexcusable : for my will , that was ●…ree , beslaved it self to sinne , by assenting to sinne ; for he that committeth sinne is the servant to sinne . epig. . taxe not thy god : thine own defaults did urge this twofold punishment ; the mill the scourge . thy sin 's the authour of thy self tormenting : thou grind'st for sinning ; scourg'd for not repenting . v. job . . remember , i beseech thee , that thou hast made me as the clay , and wilt thou bring me to dust again ? thus from the bosome of the new-made earth poore man was delv'd , and had his unborn birth ; the same the stuffe the self-same hand doth trim the plant that fades , the beast that dies , and him : one was their sire , one was their common mother , plants are his sisters , and the beast his brother , the elder too ; beasts draw the self-same breath , wax old alike , and die the self-same death : plants grow as he , with fairer robes arraid ; alike they slourish , and alike they ●…ade : the beast in sense exceeds him and in growth , the three-ag'd oake doth thrice exceed them both : why look'st thou then so big , thou little span of earth ? what art thou more in being man ? i , but my great creatour did inspire my chosen earth with that diviner fire of reason ; gave me judgement and a will ; that to know good ; this to chuse good from ill : he put the rains of pow'r in my free hand , and jurisdiction over sea and land : he gave me art to lengthen out my span of life , and made me all , in being man : i , but thy passion has committed treason against the sacred person of thy reason : thy judgement is co●…rupt , perverse thy will ; that knows no good , and this makes choice of ●…ll : the greater height sends down the deeper fall ; and good d●…clin'd turns bad , turns worst of all . say then , proud inch of living ●…arth , what can thy greatnesse claim the more in being man ? o but my soul transcends the pitch of nature , born up by th' image of her high creatour ; outbraves the life of reason , and beats down her waxen wings , kicks off her brazen crown . my earth 's a living temple t' entertein the king of glory , and his glorious train : how can i mend my title then ? where can ambition sind a higher style then man ? ah , but that image is defac'd and soil'd ; her temple 's raz'd , her altars all desil'd ; her vessels are polluted and distain'd with lothed lust , her ornaments prophan'd ; her oyl-forsaken lamps , and hallow'd tapours put out ; her incense breaths unsav'ry vapours : why swell'st thou then so gi●… thou little span of earth ? what art thou more in being man ? ete●…nall potter , whose blest hands did lay my course foundation from a sod of clay , thou know'st my slender vess●…l's apt to leak ; thou know'st my brittle temper 's prone to break ; are my bones brazzil , or my slesh of oake ? o , mend what thou hast made , what i have broke : look , look with gentle eyes , and in thy day of vengeance , lord , remember i am clay . s. august , s●…liloq , . shall i ask , who made me ? it was thou that madest me , without whom nothing was made : thou art my maker , and i thy work . i thank thee , my lord god , by whom i live , and by whom all things su●…sist , because thou madest me : i thank th●… , o my potter , because thy hands have made me , because thy hands have formed me . epio. . why swell'st thou , man , pust up with fame and purse ? th'art better earth , but born to dig the worse : thou cam'st from ea●…th , to earth thou must return , and art but earth cast from the womb to th' urn . vi . job . . i have sinned ; what shall i do unto thee , o thou preserver of men ? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee ? lord , i have done ; and , lord , i have misdone ; 't is folly to contest , to strive with one that is too strong ; 't is folly to assail or prove an arm , that will , that must prevail . i 've done , i 've done ; these trembling hands have thrown their daring weapons down : the day 's thine own : forbear to strike where thou hast won the field ; the palm , the palm is thine : i yield , i yield . these ueach'rous hands that were so vainly bold to try a thrivelesse combat , and to hold self-wounding weapons up , are now extended for mercy from thy hand ; that knee that bended upon her guardlesse guard , doth now repent upon this naked floore ; see both are bent , and sue for pitty : o my ragged wound is deep and desp'rate , it is drench'd and drown'd in blood and briny tears : it doth begin to stink without , and putrifie within : let that victorious hand , that now appears just in my blood , prove gracious to my tears : thou great preserver of presumptuous man , what shall i do ? what satisfaction can poore dust and ashes make ? o if that bloud that yet remains unshed were half as good as bloud of oxen ; if my death might be an offering to attone my god and me ; i would disdain injurious life , and stand a suiter to be wounded from thy hand . but may thy wrongs be measur'd by the span of life ? or balanc'd with the bloud of man ? no , no , eternall sinne expects for guerdon , eternall pen●…nce , or eternall pardon : lay down thy weapons , turn thy wrath away , and pardon him that hath no price to pay ; enlarge that soul , which base presumption binds ; thy justice cannot loose what mercy finds : o thou that wilt not bruise the broken reed , rub not my sores , no●… prick the wounds that bleed . lord , if the peevish infant fights and flies , with unpar'd weapons , at his mothers eyes , her frowns ( half mixt with smiles ) may chance to shew an angry love-trick on his arm , or so ; where if the babe but make a lip and cry , her heart begins to melt , and by and by she coaks his dewy-cheeks ; her babe she blisses , and choaks her language with a thousand kisses : i am that child ; lo , here i prostrate lie , pleading for mercy ; i repent and crie for gracious pardon : let thy gentle ears heare that in words , what mothe●…s judge in tears : see not my 〈◊〉 , lord , but through my fear , and look on ev'ry trespasse through a tear : then calm thy anger , and appear more mild : remember , th' art a father , i , a child . s. bern. ser. . in cant. miserable man ! who shall deliver me from the reproch 〈◊〉 this shamefull bondage ? i am a miserable man , but a free man : free , because like to god ; miserable , because against god : o keeper of mankind , why hast thou set me as a mark against thee ? thou hast set me , because thou hast not hindred me : it is just that thy enemy should be my enemy , and that he who repugneth thee , should repugne me : i who am against thee , am against my self . epig. . but form'd , and sight ? but bo●…n , and then rebell ? how small a blast will make a bubble swell ? but dare the ●…oore affront the hand that laid it ? so apt is dust to fly in 's face that made it . vii . job . . wherefore hidest thou thy face , and holdest me for thine enemy ? why dost thou shade thy lovely face ? o why doth that eclipsing hand so long deny the sun-shine of thy soul-enliv'ning eye ? without that light what light remains in me ? thou art my life , my way , my light ; in thee i live , i move , and by thy beams i see . thou art my life ; if thou but turn away , my life 's a thousand deaths : thou art my way : without thee , lord , i travel not but stray . my light thou art ; without thy glorious sight , mine eyes are darkned with perpetuall night . my god , thou art my way , my life , my light . thou art my way ; i wander , if thou fly : thou art my light ; if hid , how blind am i●… thou art my life ; if thou withdraw , i die . mine eyes are blind and dark , i cannot see ; to whom , or whether should my darknesse flee , but to the light ? and who 's that light but thee ? my path is lost ; my wand'ring steps do stray ; i cannot safely go , nor safely stay ; whom should i seek but thee , my path , my way ? o , i am dead : to whom shall i , poore i , repair ? to whom shall my sad ashes fly but life ? and where is life but in thine eye ? and yet thou turn'st away thy face , and fly'st me ; and yet i sue for grace , and thou deny'st me ; speak , art thou angry , lord , or onely try'st me ? unskreen those heav'nly lamps , or tell me why thou shad'st thy face ; perhaps thou thinkst , no eye can view those flames , and not drop down and die . if that be all , shine forth , and draw thee nigher ; let me behold and die ; for my desire is phoenix . like to perish in that fire . death conquer'd laz'rus was redeem'd by thee ; if i am dead , lord , see deaths prisner free ; am i more spent , or stink i worse then he ? if my pufft light be out , give leave to tine my slamelesse-snuss at that bright lamp of thine ; o what 's thy light the lesse for lighting mine ? if i have lost my path , great shepherd , say , shall i still wander in a doubtfull way ? lord , shall a iamb of isr'els sheepfold st●…ay ? thou art the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; the blind mans eye ; the dead mans life ; on thee my hopes rely ; if thou remove , i erre ; i grope ; i die . disclose thy sun-beams ; close thy wings , and stay ; see , see how i am blind , and dead , and stray , o thou , that art my light , my life , my way . s. august . soliloqu . cap. . why dost thou hide thy face ? happily thou 〈◊〉 say , none can see thy face and live : ah lord , let me die , that i may see thee ; let me see thee , that i may die : i would not live , but die . that i may see christ , i desire death ; that i may live with christ , i despise life . anselm . med. cap. . o excellent hiding , which is become my persection ! my god , thou hidest thy treasure , to kindle my desire ; thou hidest thy pearl , to inflame the seeker ; thou delayest ●…o give , that thou maist teach me to importune ; seem'st not to hear , to make m●… persever . epig. . if 〈◊〉 all-quickning eyes vouchsafe to shine upon our souls , we slight ; if not , we whine our equinoctiall hearts can never lie secure beneath the tropicks of that eye . viii . je remia●… . . o that my head were waters , and mine eyes a fountain of tears , that i might weep day and night . o that mine eyes were springs , and could transform their drops to seas ! my sighs into a storm of zeal and sacred violence , wherein this lab'ring vèssel laden with he●… sinne , might suffer sudden shipwrack , and be split upon that rock , where my drencht soul may sit o'rwhelm'd with plenteous passion ; o and there drop , drop into an everlasting tear ! ah me ! that ev'ry sliding vein that wanders through this vast isle did work her wild meanders in brackish tears in stead of bloud , and swell this flesh with holy dropsies , from whose well , made warm with sighs , may fume my wasting breath whil'st i dissolve in steams , and reek to death ! these narrow sluces of my dribbling eyes are much too strait for those quick springs that rise , and hourely fill my temples to the top ; i cannot shed for ev'ry sinne a drop . great builder of mankind , why hast thou sent such swelling flouds , and made so small a vent●… o that this flesh had been compos'd of snow , in stead of earth , and bones of ice , that so feeling the fervour of my sinne , and lothing the ●…ire i feel i might be thaw'd to nothing ! o thou , that didst with hopefull joy entomb me thrice three moons in thy laborious womb , and then , with joyfull pain , broughtst forth a son , what worth thy labour , has thy labour done ! what was there ! ah! what was there in my birth that could deserve the easiest smile of mirth ? a man was born : alas , and what 's a man ? a scuttle full of dust , a measur'd span of flitting time ; a furnish'd pack , whose wares are sullen griefs , and soul-tormenting cares : a vale of tears ; a vessel tunn'd with breath , by sicknesse brocht , to be drawn out by dea●…h : a haplesse , helplesse thing , that born doth cry to feed ; that feeds to live ; that lives to die . great god and man , whose eyes spent drops so often for me , that cannot weep enough , o soften these marble brains , and strike this slintie rock ; or if the musick of thy peters cock will more prevail , fill , fill my hearkning ears with that sweet sound , that i may melt in tears : i cannot weep , untill thou broch mine eye ; or give me vent , or else i burst and die . s. ambros. in psal. . he that committeth sinnes to be wept for , cannot weep for sianes committed : and being himself most lamentable , hath no tears to lament his offences . nazianz . orat. . tears are the deluge of sinne , and the worlds sacrifice . s. hieron. in esaiam . prayer appeaseth god , but a tear compelleth him : that moveth him , but this constraineth him . epio. . earth is an island ported round with fears ; the way to heav'n is through the sea of tears●… it is a stormy passage , where is found the wrack of many a ship , but no man drown'd . ix . psalm . . the sorrows of hell compassed me about , and the snares of death prevented me . is not this type well cut ? in ev'ry part full of rich cunning ? sill'd with zeuxian art ? are not the hunters , and their stygian hounds limm'd full to th'life ? didst ever heare the sounds , the musick , and the lip-divided breaths of the strong-winded horn , recheats , and deaths done more exact ? th' infernall nimrods hollow ? the lawlesse purliews ? and the game they follow ? the hidden engines ? and the snares that lie so undiscover'd , so obscure to th' eye ? the new-drawn net ? and her entangled prey ? and him thae closes it ? beholder , say , is 't not well done ? seems not an em'lous strife betwixt the rare cut picture and the life ? these purliew-men are devils ; and the hounds , ( those quick-nos'd canibals that scour the grounds ) temptations , and the game these fiends pursue , are humane souls , which still they have in view ; whose fury if they chance to scape by slying , the skilfull hunter plants his net , close lying on th' unsuspected earth , bayted with treasure , ambitious honour , and self-wasting pleasure ; where if the soul but stoop , death stands prepar'd to draw the net , and drawn , the soul 's ensnat'd . poore soul ! how 〈◊〉 thou hurried to and fro ? where canst thou safely stay ? where safely go ? if stay , these hot-mouth'd hounds are apt to tear thee ; if go , the snares enclose , the nets ensnare thee : what good in this bad world has pow'r t' invite thee a willing guest ? wherein can earth delight thee ? her pleasures are but itch ; her wealth but 〈◊〉 ; a world of dangers , and a world of snares : the close pursuers busie hands do plant snares in thy substance ; snares attend thy want ; snares in thy credit ; snares in thy disgrace ; snares in thy high estate ; snares in thy base ; snares tuck thy bed , and snares arround thy board ; snares watch thy thoughts , and snares attach thy word ; snares in thy quiet ; snares in thy commotion ; snares in thy 〈◊〉 ; snares in thy devotion ; snares lurk in thy resolves ; snares in thy doubt ; snares lie within thy heart , and snares without ; snares are above thy head , and snares beneath ; snares in thy sicknesse ; snares are in thy death : o , if these purliews be so full of danger , great god of harts , the worlds sole sov'reigne ranger , preserve thy deere , and let my soul be blest in thy safe forrest , where i seék for rest : then let the hell-hounds rore ; i fear no ill ; rouze me they may , but have no pow'r to kill . s. ambros. lib. . in cap. . lucae . the reward of honours , the height of power , the delicacie of diet , and the beautie of a harlot are the snares of the devil . s. ambros. de bono mortis . whilest thou seekest pleasures thou runnest into snares ; for the eye of the harlot is the snare of the adulterer . savanar . in eating , he setteth before us gluttony ; i● generation , luxury ; in labour , sluggishnesse ; in conversing , envy ; in governing , covetousnesse ; in correcting , anger ; in honour , pride ; in the heart , he setteth evil thoughts ; in the mouth , evil words ; in actions , evil works : when awake , he moveth us to evil actions ; when asleep , to filthy dreams . epig. . be sad , my heart , deep dangers wait thy mirth ; thy soul 's way-laid by sea , by hell , by earth : hell has her hounds ; earth , snares ; the sea a shelf ; but most of all , my heart , beware thy self . x. psalm . . enter not into judgement with thy servant , for in thy sight shall no man living be justified . jesus . justice . sinner . jes. bring forth the prisner , justice . just . thy commands 〈◊〉 done , just judge ; see here the prisner stands . jes. what hath the prisner done ? say , what 's the cause of his commitment ? just . he has broke the laws of his too gracious god ; conspir'd the death of that great majesty that gave him breath , and heapt transgression , lord , upon transgression . jes. how know'st thou this ? just . ev'n by his own confession his sinnes are crying ; and they cry'd aloud : they cry'd to heav'n ; they cry'd to heav'n for bloud . jes. what say'st thou , sinner ? hast thou ought to plead , that sentence should not passe ? hold up thy head , and shew thy brasen , thy rebellious face . sin . ah me ! i dare not : i 'm too vile and base to tread upon the earth , much more to 〈◊〉 mine eyes to heav'n : i need no other 〈◊〉 then mine own conscience ; lord , i must confesse , i am no more then dust , and no whit lesse then my 〈◊〉 styles me . ah , if thou search too severe , with too severe a brow , what flesh can stand ? i have transgrest thy laws ; my merits plead thy vengeance , not my cause . just . lord , shall i strike the blow ? jes. hold , justice , stay : sinner , speak on ; what hast thou more to say ? sin . vile as i am , and of my self abhorr'd , i am thy handy-work , thy creature , lord , stampt with thy glorious image , and at first most like to thee , though now a poore accurst convicted catiff , and degen'rous creature , here trembling at thy bar . just . thy fault 's the greater . lord , s●…ll i strike the blow ? jes. hold , justice , stay : speak , sinner ; hast thou nothing more to say ? sin . nothing but mercy , mercy ; lord , my state is miserably poore and desperate ; i quite renounce my self , the world , and flee from lord to jesus : from thy self , to thee . just . cease thy vain hopes ; my angry god has vow'd abused mercy must have bloud for bloud : shall i yet strike the blow ? jes. stay , justice , hold ; my bowels yearn , my fainting bloud growes cold , to view the trembling wretch ; me thinks i spy my fathers image in the prisners eye . just . i cannot hold . jes. then turn thy thirsty blade into my sides : let there the wound be made : chear up , dear soul , redeem thy life with mine : my soul shall smart , my heart shall bleed for thine . si●… . o ground-lesse deeps ! o love beyond degree ! th' offended dies to set th' offender free . s. august . lord , if i have done that , for which thou maist damne me ; thou hast not lost that , whereby thou maist save me : remember not , sweet jesus , thy justice against the sinner , but thy benignity towards thy creature : remember not to proceed against a guilty soul , but remember thy mercy towards a miserable wretch : forget the insolence of the provoker , and behold the misery of the invoker ; for what is jesus but a saviour ? anselm . have respect to what thy sonne hath done for me , and forget what my sinnes have done against thee : my flesh hath provoked thee to vengeance , let the flesh of christ move thee to mercy : it is much that my rebellions have deserved ; but it is more that my redeemer hath marited . epig. . mercie of mercies ! he that was my drudge is now my advocate , is now my judge : he suffers , pleads , and sentences , alone : three i adore , and yet adore but one . xi . psalm . . let not the water-flood overflow me , neither let the deeps swallow me up . the world 's a sea ; my flesh a ship that 's mann'd with lab'ring thoughts , and steer'd by reasons hand : my heart 's the sea-mans card , whereby she sails ; my loose affections are the greater sails : the top-sail is my fancie , and the gusts that sill these wanton sheets are worldly lusts. pray'r is the cable , at whose end appears the anchor hope , nev'r slipt but in our fears : my will's th' unconstant pilot , that commands the stagg'ring keel ; my sinnes are like the sands : repentance is the bucket , and mine eye the pump , 〈◊〉 ( but in extremes ) and dry : my conscience is the plummet that doth presse the deeps , but seldome cries , a sathom lesse : smooth calm's security ; the gulf , despair ; my fraught's corruption , and this life 's my fair : my soul 's the passenger , confus'dly driven from fear to fright ; her landing-port is heaven . my seas are stormy , and my ship doth leak ; my saylers rude ; my steersman saint and weak : my canvace torn , it slaps from side to side ; my cable 's crakt , my anchor's slightly ti'd ; my pilot's craz'd , my thipwrack-sands are cloak'd ; my bucket 's broken , and my pump is choak'd ; my calm 's deceitfull ; and my gulf too near ; my wares are slubber'd , and my fare's too dear : my plummet 's light , it cannot sink nor sound ; o shall my rock-bethreatned soul be drown'd ? lord , still the seas , and shield my ship from harm ; instruct my sailours , guid my steersmans arm : touch thou my compasse , and renew my sails send stifter courage , or send milder gales ; make strong my cable ; bind my anchor faster ; direct my ●…ilot , and be thou his master ; object the sands to my more serious view , make sound my bucket , bore my pump anew : new cast my plummet , make it apt to try where the rock●… lurk , and where the quick sands lie ; guàrd thou the gulf with love , my calms with care ; cleanse thou my fraught ; acc●…pt my slender fare ; refresh the sea-sick passenger ; cut short his voyage ; land him in his wished port : thou , thou , whom winds and stormy seas obey , that through the deep gav'st grumbling isr'ell way , say to my soul , be safe ; and then mine eye shall scorn grim death , although grim death stand by ; o thou whose strength-reviving arm did cherish thy sinking peter , at the point to perish , reach forth thy hand , or bid me tread the wave , i 'll come , i 'll come : the voyce that calls will save . s. ambros. apol. post . pro david . cap. . 〈◊〉 the cons●…uence of lusts make a great tempest , which in this sea disturbeth the sea-saring soul , that reason cannot govern it . s. august . soliloqu . cap . we labour in a boysterous sea : thou standest upon the shore and 〈◊〉 our dangers : give us grace to hold a middle course ●…wixt s●…ylla and charybdis , that both dangers escaped , we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at our port secure . ep . . my soul , the seas are rough , and thou a stranger in these false coasts ; o keep aloof ; there 's danger : cast forth thy plummet ; see a rock appears ; thy ship wants sea-room ; make it with thy tears . xii . job . . o that thou wouldst hide me in the grave , that thou wouldst keep me secret untill thy wrath be past ! o whither shall i fly ? what path untrod shall i seek out to scape the flaming rod of my ostended , of my angry god ? where shall i sojourn ? what kind sea will hide my head from thunder ? where shall i abide , untill his flames be quench'd or laid aside ? what , if my feet should take their hasty flight , and seek protection in the shades of night ? alas , no shades can blind the god of light . what , if my soul should take the wings of day , and find some desart ; if the spring away , the wings of vengeance ●…ip as fast as they . what if some solid rock should entertain my frighted soul ? can solid rocks restrain the stroke of justice , and not cleave in twain ? nor sea , nor shade , nor shield , nor rock , nor cave , nor silent desarts , nor the sullen grave , where slame-ey'd fury means to smi●…e , can save . the seas will part ; graves open ; rocks will split ; the shield will cleave ; the frighted shadows slit ; where justice aims , her fiery darts must hit . no , no , if stern-brow'd vengeance means to thunder , there is no place above , beneath , nor under , so close , but will unlock , or rive in sunder . 't is vain to flee ; 't is neither here nor there can scape that hand untill that hand forbear ; ah me ! where is he not , that 's every where ? 't is vain to flee ; till gentle mercy shew her better eye , the farther off we go , the swing of justice deals the mightier blow . th' ingenious child , corrected , doth not flie his angry mothers hand , but clings more nigh , and quenches with his tears her flaming eye . shadows are faithlesse , and the rocks are false ; no trust in brasse , no trust in marble walls ; poore cots are even as safe as princes halls . great god , there is no safety here below ; thou art my fortresse , though thou seem'st my fo , 't is thou that strik'st the stroke must guard the blow . thou art my god ; by thee i fall or stand ; thy grace hath giv'n me courage to withstand all tortures , but my conscience and thy hand . i know thy justice is thy self ; i know , just god , thy very self is mercy too ; if not to thee , where ? whither should i go ? then work thy will ; if passion bid me flee , my reason shall obey ; my wings shall be stretcht out no further then from thee to thee . s. august . in psal. . whither flie i ? to what place can i safely flie ? to what mountain ? to what den ? to what strong house ? what castle shall i hold ? what walls shall hold me ? whithersoever i go , my self followeth me : for whatsoever thou fliest , o man , thou maist , but thy own conscience : wheresoever o lord , i go , i find thee if angry , a revenger ; if appeased , a redeemer : what way have i , but to flie from thee to thee : that thou maist avo●d thy god , addresse thee to thy lord . epig. . hath vengeance found thee ? can thy fears command no rocks to shield thee from her thund'ring hand ? know'st thou not where to scape ? i 'll tell thee where ; my soul make clean thy conscience ; hide thee there . xiii . job . . are not my dayes few ? cease then , and let me alone , that i may bewail my self a little . my glasse is half unspent : forbear t'air●…st my thri●…sse day too soon : my poore request is that my glasse may ●…un but out the rest . my time-devoured minutes will be done without thy h●…lp ; see , see how swift they run : cut not my thred before my thred be spun . the gain 's not great i purchase by this stay ; what losse sustain'st thou by so small delay , to whom ten thousand years are but a day ? my following eye can hardly make a shift to count my winged houres ; they fly so swift , they scarce deserve the bounteous name of gift . the secret wheels of hurrying time do give so short a warning , and so fast they drive , that i am dead before i seem to live . and what 's a life ? a weary pilgrimage , whose glory in one day doth fill the stage with childhood , manhood , and decrepit age . and what 's a life ? the ●…lourishing array of the proud summer meadow , which today wears her green plush , and is tomorrow hay . and what 's a life ? a blast sustein'd with clothing , maintein'd with food , retein'd with vile self-lothing , then weary of it self , again'd to nothing . reade on this diall , how the shades devour my short-liv'd winters day ; houre eats up ho●…re ; alas , the totall's but from eight to soure . behold these lillies ( which thy hands have made fair copies of my life , and open laid to view ) how soon they droop , how soon they fade ! shade not that diall , night will blind too soon ; my nonag'd day already points to noon ; how simple is my suit ! how small my boon ! nor do i beg this slender inch , to while the time away , or falsely to beguile my thoughts with joy ; here 's nothing worth a smile . no , no : 't is not to please my wanton ears with frant●…k mirth , i beg but ho●…es , not years : and what thou giv'st me , i will give to tea●…s . draw not that soul which would be rather led ; th●…t seed has yet not broke my serpents head ; o shall ! dy before my sinnes are dead ? behold these rags ; am i a sitting guest to tast the dainties of thy royall feast , with hands and face unwash'd , ungirt , unblest ? first , let the jordan streams ( that ●…ind supplies from the deep fountain of my heart ) arise , and cleanse my spots , and clear my leprous eyes . i have a world of sinnes to be lamented ; i have a sea of tears that must be vented : o spare till th●…n ; and then i die contented . s. august . lib de civit. dei cap. . the time wherein we live is taken from the space of our life ; and what remaineth is dayly made lesse and lesse , in so much that the time of our life is nothing but a passage to death . s. greg. lib. . cap. . in cap . jeb . as moderate afflictions bring tears , so immoderate take away tears ; in so much that sorrow becometh no sorrow , which swallowing up the mind of the afflicted , taketh away the sense of the affliction . epig. . fear'st thou to go , when such an arm invites thee ? dread'st thou thy loads of sinne ? or what affrights thee ? if thou begin to fear , thy fear begins ; fool , can he bear thee hence , and not thy sins ? xiv . dellteronomy . . o that men were wise , and that they understood this , that they would consider their latter end . flesh . spirit . ●…l . what means my sisters eye so oft to passe through the long entry of that optick glasse ? tell me ; what secret virtue doth invite thy wrinkled eye to such unknown delight ? sp. it helps the sight , makes things remote appear in perfect view ; it draws the object near . fl. what sense-delighting objects dost thou spie ? what doth that glasse present before thine eye ? sp. i see thy foe , my reconciled friend , grim death , even standing at the glasses end ; his left hand holds a branch of palm ; his right holds forth a two-edg'd sword . fl. a proper sight ! and is this all ? doth thy prospective please th' abused fancy with no shapes but these ? sp. yes , i behold the dark'ned sun bereav'n of all his light , the battlements of heav'n swelt'ring in flames ; the angel-guarded sonne of glory on his high tribunal-throne ; i see a brimstone sea of boyling fire , and fiends , with knotted whips of flaming wire , tort'ring poore souls , that gnash their teeth in vain , and gnaw their flame-tormented tongues for pain . look , sister , how the queazy-stomack'd graves vomit their dead , and how the purple waves scalld their consumelesse bodyes , strongly cursing all wombs for bearing , and all paps for nursing . fl. can thy distemper'd fancy take delight in view of tortures ? these are showes t' affright : look in this glasse triangular ; look here , here 's that will ravish eyes . sp. what seest thou there ? fl. the world in colours , colours that distain the checks of pro●…eus , or the silken train of flora's nymphs ; such various sorts of hiew , as sun-confronting ●…is never knew : here , if thou please to beautifie a town , thou maist ; or with a hand , turn't upside down ; here mayst thou scant or widen by the measure of thine own will ; make short or long at pleasure : here mayst thou tire thy fancy , and advise with shows more apt to please more curious eyes . sp. ah fool ! that dot'st on vain , on present toyes , and disrespect'st those true , those future joyes ! how strongly are thy thoughts befool'd , alas , to dote on goods that perish with thy glasse ! nay , vanish with the turning of a hand ! were they but painted colours , it might stand with painted reason , that they might devote thee ; but things that have no being to besot thee ? foresight of future torments is the way to baulk those ills which present joyes bewray ; as thou hast fool'd thy self , so now come hither , break that fond glasse , and let 's be wise together . bonavent . de contemptu seculi . o that men would be wise , understand , and ●…oresee : be wise , to know three things : the multitude of those that are to be damned : the few number of those that are to be saved ; and the vanity of transitory things : vnderstand three things ; the multitude of sinnes , the omission of good things , and the losse of time : foresee three things , the danger of death , the last judgement , and eternall punishment . epig. . what , soul , no further yet ? what nev'r commence master in faith ? still batchelour of sense ? is 't insufficiency ? or what has made thee oreslip thy lost degree ? thy lusts have staid thee . xv . psalm . . my life is spent with grief , and my years with sighing . what sullen starre rul'd my untimely birth , that would not lend my dayes one houre of mitth ! how oft have these bare knees been bent , to gain the slender alms of one poore smile , in vain ! how often , tir'd with the fastidious light , have my saint lips implor'd the shades of night ? how often have my nightly torments praid for lingring twilight , glutted with the shade ? day worse then night , night worse then day appears , in fears i spend my nights ; my dayes in tears : i moan unpitt●…'d , grone without relief , there is nor end , nor measure of my grief . the smiling flow'r salutes the day ; it growes untouch'd with care ; it neither spins nor sowes : o that my tedious life , were like this flow'r , or freed from grief , or finish'd with an houre : why was i born ? why was i born a man ? and why proportion'd by so large a span ? or why suspended by the common lot , and being born to dy , why dy i not ? ah me ! why is my sorrow-wasted breath den●…'d the easie priviledge of death ? the branded slave , that tugs the weary oare , obteins the sabbath of a welcome shore ; his ransom'd stripes are heal'd ; his native soyl sweetens the mem'ry of his forrein toyl : but ah ! my sorrows are not half so blest ; my labour finds no point , my pains no rest : i batter sighs for tears , and tears for grones , still vainly rolling sisyphean stones : thou just observer of our flying houres , that , with thy adamantine fangs , devours the brazen monuments of renowned kings , doth thy glasse stand ? or be thy moulting wings unapt to fly ? if not why dost thou spare a willing breast ; a breast that stands so fair ? a dying breast , that hath but onely breath to beg a wound , and strength to crave a death ? o that the pleased heav'ns would once dissolve these fleshly fetters , that so fast involve . my hamp'red soul ; then should my soul be blest from all these ills , and wrap her thoughts in rest : till then , my dayes are months , my months are years , my years are ages to be spent in tears : my grief 's entail'd upon my wastfull breath , which no recov'ry can cut off , but death ; breath drawn in cottages , puft out in thrones , begins , continues , and concludes in grones . innocent . de vilitate condit . humanae . o who will give mine eyes a fountain of tears , that i may bewail the miserable ingresse of mans condition ; the sinfull pregresse of mans conversation , the damnable egresse in mans dissolution ? i will consider with tears , whereof man was made , what man doth , and what man is to do : alas , he is formed of earth , conceived in sinne , born to punishment : he doth evil things , which are not lawfull ; he doth ●…ilthy things , which are not decent ; he doth vain things , which are not ●…pedient . epig. . my heart , thy life 's a debt by bond , which bears asecret date ; the use is grones and tears : plead not ; usurious nature will have all , as well the int'rest as the principall . the fourth book . i. romanes . . i see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind , and bringing me into captivitie to the law of sinne . o how my will is hurried to and fro , and how my unresolv'd resolves do vary ! i know not where to fix ; sometimes i go ' this way , then that , and then the quite contrary : i like , dislike ; lament for what i could not ; i do , undo ; yet still do what i should not ; and at the self same instant will the thing i would not . thus are my weather-beaten thoughts opprest with th' earth-bred winds of my prodigious will ; thus am i hourely tost from east to west upon the rowling streams of good and ill : thus am i driven upon these slipp'ry suds , from reall ills to false apparent goods : my life 's a troubled sea , compos'd of ebs and flouds . the curious penman , having t●…imm'd his page with the dead language of his dabbled quill , le ts fall a heedlesse drop , then in a rage cashiers the fruits of his unlucky skill ; ev'n so my pregnant soul in th' insant bud of her best thoughts , show●…s down a cole-black flood of unadvised ills , and cancels all her good . sometimes a sudden flash of sacred heat warms my chill soul , and se●…s my thoughts in frame : but soon ●…hat fire is shouldred from her seat by lustfull cupids much inferiour flame : i feel two flames , and yet no flame entire ; thus are the mungrill thoughts of mixt desire consum'd between that heav'nly and this earthly fire . sometimes my trash-disdaining thoughts out-passe the common period of terrene conceit ; o then , me thinks i scorn the thing i was , whilst i stand ravisht at my new estate : but when th' icarian wings of my desire feel but the warmth of their own native sire , o then they melt and plunge within their wonted mire . i know the nature of my wav'ring mind ; i know the frailty of my fleshly will : my passion 's eagle-ey'd ; my judgement blind ; i know what 's good , but yet make choice of ill . when th' ostrich wings of my desires shall be so dull , they cannot mount the least degree , yet grant my soul desire but of desiring thee . s. bern. med. . my heart is a vain heart , a vagabond and instable heart ; while it is led by its own judgement , and wanting divine counsel cannot subsist in it self , and whilest it divers wayes seeketh rest , findeth none , but remaineth miserable through labour , and void of peace : it agreeth not with it self ; it dissenteth from it self ; it altereth resolutions , changeth the judgement , frameth new thoughts , pulleth down the old , and buildeth them up again : it willeth and willeth not ; and never remaineth in the same state . s. august . de verb . apost. when it would , it cannot ; because when it might , it would not : therefore by an evil will man lost his good power . epig. . my soul , how are thy thoughts disturb'd , confin'd , enlarg'd betwixt thy members and thy mind ! fix here or there ; thy doubt-depending cause can nev'r expect one verdict 'twixt two laws . ii. psalm . . o that my wayes were directed to keep thy statutes ? thus i , the object of the worlds disdain , with pilgrime-pace surround the weary earth : i onely relish what the world counts vain ; her mirth 's my grief ; her sullen grief , my mirth ; her light my darknesse ; and her truth my errour ; her freedom is my jail ; and her delight my terrour . fond earth ! proportion not my seeming love to my long stay ; let not thy thoughts deceive thee ; thou art my prison , and my home 's above ; my life 's a preparation but to leave thee : like one that seeks a doore , i walk about thee : with thee i cannot live ; i cannot live without thee . the world 's a lab'rinth , whose anfractuous wayes are all compos'd of rubs and crook'd meanders : no resting here ; he 's hurried back that stayes a thought ; and he that goes unguided wanders : her way is dark , her path untrod , unev'n ; so hard 's the way from earth ; so hard 's the way to heav'n . this gvring lab'rinth is betrench'd about on either hand with streams of sulph'rous fire , streams closely sliding , erring in and out , but seeming pleasant to the fond descrier ; where if his footsteps trust their own invention , he falls without redresse , and sinks beyond dimension . where shall i seek a guide ? where shall i meet some lucky hand to lead my trembling paces ? what trusty lantern will direct my feet to scape the danger of these dang'rous places ? what hopes have i to passe without a guide ? where one gets safely through , a thousand fall beside , an unrequested starre did gently slide before the wisemen to a greater light ; back-sliding isr'el found a double guide ; a pillar , and a cloud ; by day , by night : yet in my desp'rate dangers , which be farre more great then theirs , i have nor pillar , cloud , nor starre , o that the pineons of a clipping dove would cut my passage through the empty aire ; mine eyes being seeld , how would i mount above the reach of danger and forgotten care ! my backward eyes should nev'r commit that fault , whose lasting guilt should build a monument of salt . great god , that art the flowing spring of light , enrich mine eyes with thy refulgent ray : thou art my path ; direct my steps aright ; i have no other light , no other way : i 'll trust my god , and him alone pursue ; his law shall be my path ; his heav'nly light my clue . s. august . soliloqu . cap. . o lord , who art the light , the way , the truth , the life ; in whom there is no darknesse , errour , vanitie , nor death : the light , without which there is darknesse ; the way , without which there is wandering ; the truth , without which there is errour ; the life , without which there is death : say , lord , let there be light , and i shall see light , and eschew darknesse ; i shall see the way , and avoid wandering ; i shall s●…e the truth , and shun errour ; i shall see life , and escape death : illuminate , o illuminate my blind soul , which ●…itteth in darknesse , and the sh●…dow of death : and direct my feet in the way of peace . epig. . pilgrime , trudge on : what makes thy soul complain crownes thy complaint . the way to rest is pain : the road to resolution lies by doubt : the next way home 's the farthest way about . iii. psalm . . stay my steps in thy paths , that my feet do not slide . when ere the old exchange of profit rings her silver saints-bell of uncertain gains , my merchant soul can stretch both legs and wings ; how i can run , and take unwearied pains ! the charms of profit are so strong , that i who wanted legs to go find wings to fly . 〈◊〉 time-beguiling pleasure but advance her lustfull trump , and blow her bold alarms , o how my sportfull ●…oul can frisk and dance , and hug that syren in her twined arms ! the sprightly voyce of sinew-strengthning pleasure can lend my bedrid soul both legs and leasure . if blazing honour chance to fill my veins with flatt'ring warmth , and flash of courtly fire , my soul can take a pleasure in her pains ; my lofty strutting steps disdain to tire ; my antick knees can turn upon the hinges of complement , and sk●…ue a thousand cringes . ●…ut when i come to thee , my god , that art the royall myne of everlasting treasure , the reall honour of my better part , and living fountain of eternall pleasure , how nervelesse are my limbs ! how faint and flow ! i have nor wings to fly , nor legs to go . so when the streams of swift-foot rhene convay her upland riches to the belgick shore ; the idle vessel slides the wat'ry lay , without the blast , or tug , of wind , or oare ; her slipp'ry keel divides the silver fome with ease ; so facil is the way from home . but when the home-bound vessel turns her sails against the breast of the resisting stream , o then she slugs ; nor sail , nor oare prevails ; the stream is sturdy , and her tides extreme : each stroke is losse , and ev'ry tug is vain : a boat-lengths purchase is a league of pain . great all in all , that art my rest , my home ; my way is tedious , and my steps are slow : reach forth thy helpfull hand , or bid me come : i am thy child , o teach thy child to go : conjoyn thy sweet commands to my desire , and i will venture , though i fall or tire . s. august . ser. . de verb. apost. be alwayes displeased at what thou art , if thou desirest to attain to what thou art not : for where thou hast pleased thy self , there thou abidest : but if thou sayest , i have enough , thou perishest : alwayes adde , alwayes walk , alwayes proceed ; neither stand still , nor go back , nor deviate : he that standeth still , proceedeth not ; he goeth back , that continueth not ; he deviateth , that revolteth : he goeth better that creepeth in 〈◊〉 way , then he that runneth out of his way . epig. . fear not , my soul , to lose for want of cunning ; weep not ; heav'n is not alwayes got by running : thy thoughts are swist , although thy legs be slow ; true love will creep , not having strength to go . iv. psalm . . my flesh trembleth for fear of thee , and i am afraid of thy judgements . let others boast of luck , and go their wayes with their fair game ; know vengeance seldome playe●… to be too forward , but doth wisely frame her backward tables for an after-game : she gives thee leave to venture many a blot ; and , for her own advantage , hits thee not ; but when her pointed tables are made fair , that she be ready for thee , then beware ; then , if a necessary blot be set , she hits thee ; wins the game , perchance the set : if prosp'rous chances make thy casting high , be wisely temp'rate ; cast a serious eye on after dangers , and keep back thy game ; too forward seed-times make thy harvest lame : if left-hand fortune give thee left-hand chances , be wisely patient ; let no envious glances repine to view thy gamesters heap so fair ; the hindmost hound takes oft the doubling hare . the worlds great dice are false ; sometimes they go extremely high , sometimes extremely low : of all her gamesters he that playes the least lives most at ease , playes most secure and best : the way to win , is to play fair , and swear thy self a servant to the crown of fear : fear is the primmer of a gamesters skill : who fears not bad st●…nds most unarm'd to ill : the ill that 's wisely fear'd , is half withstood ; and fear of bad is the best foyl to good : true fear 's th' elixar , which in dayes of old turn'd leaden crosses into crowns of gold : the world 's the tables ; stakes , eternall life ; the gamesters , heav'n and i ; unequall strife ! my fortunes are my dice , whereby i frame my indisposed life : this life 's the game ; my sinnes are sev'rall blots ; the lookers on are angels ; and in death the game is done : lord , i 'm a bungler , and my game doth grow still more and more unshap'd ; my dice run low : the stakes are great ; my car●…lesse blots are many ; and yet thou passest by , and hitst not any : thou art too strong ; and i have none to guide me with the least jog ; the lookers on deride me : it is a conquest undeserving thee , to win a stake from such a worm as me : i have no more to lose ; if we persever , 't is lost ; and that once lost i m lost for ever . lord , wink at faults , and be no●… too severe , and i will play my game with greater fear ; o give me fear , ere fear has past her date : whose blot being hit , then fears , fears then too late . s. bern. ser. . in cant. there is nothing so e●…ectuall to obtain grace , to retain grace , and to regain grace , as alwayes to be sound before god n●…t over-wise , but to ●…ear : happy art thou if thy heart be replenished with three ●…ears ; a sear for received grace , a g●…eater fear for lost grace , a greatest ●…ear to recover grace . s. august . super psalm . present fear begetteth eternall securitie : fear god , which 〈◊〉 above all , and no need to fear man at all . epig. . lord , shall we grumble when thy flames do seourge us ? our sinnes breathe fire ; that fire returns to purge us . lord , what an alchymist art thou , whose skill transmutes to perfect good from pe●…fect ill ! v. psalm . . turn away mine eyes from regarding vanitie . how like to threds of flax that touch the flame , are my inflam'd desires ! how like to yielding wax my soul dissolves before these wanton ●…ires ! the fire , but touch'd , the flame but felt , like flax , i burn ; like wax , i melt . o how this flesh doth draw my fetter'd soul to that deceitfull ●…ire ! and how th' eternall law is baffled by the law of my desire ! how truly bad , how seeming good are all the laws of flesh and bloud ! o wretched state of men , the height of whose ambition is to borrow what must be paid agen with griping int'rest of the next dayes sorrow ! how wild his thoughts ! how apt to range ! how apt to vary ! apt to change ! how intricate and nice is mans perplexed way to mans desire ! sometimes upon the ice he slips , and sometimes falls into the ●…ire ; his progresse is extreme and bold , or very hot , or very cold . the common food he doth sustain his soul-tormenting thoughts withall , is honey in his mouth to night , and in his heart , to morrow , gall ; 't is oftentimes , within an houre , both very sweet and very sowre . if sweet corinna smile , a heav'n of joy breaks down into his heart : corinna frowns awhile ? hels torments are but copies of his smart : within a lustfull heart doth dwell a seeming heav'n , a very hell . thus worthlesse , vain , and void of comfort , are the fruits of earths imployment ; which ere they be enjoy'd distract us , and d●…stroy us in th' enjoyment ; these be the pleasures that are priz'd when heav'ns cheap pen'worth stands despis'd . lord , quench these hasty flashes , which dart as lightning from the thund'ring skies , and ev'ry minute , dashes against the wanton windows of mine eyes : lord , close the casement , whilst i stand behind the curtain of thy hand . s. august . soliloqu . cap. . o thou sun that illuminatest both heaven and earth ! wo be unto those eyes which do not behold thee : wo be unto these blind eyes which cannot behold thee : wo be unto those which turn away their eyes that they will not behold thee : wo be unto those that turn away their eyes that they may behold vanity . s. chrys. sup . matth. . what is an evil woman but the enemy of friendship , an unavoidable pain , a necessary mischief , a naturall tentation , a desiderable calamity , a domestick danger , a delectable inconvenience , and the nature of evil painted over with the colour of good epig. . 't is vain , great god , to close mine eyes from ill , when i resolve to keep the old man still : my rambling heart must cov'nant first with thee , or none can passe betwixt mine eyes and me . vi . esther . . if i have found favour in thy sight , and if it please the king , let my life be given me at my petition . thou art the great assuerus , whose command doth stretch from pole to pole ; the world 's thy land ; rebellious vashti's the corrupted will , which being call'd refuses to fulfill thy just command : esther , whose tears condole the razed city 's the regen'rate soul ; a captive maid , whom thou wilt please to grace with nuptiall honour in stout vashti's place : her kinsman , whose unbended knee did thwart proud hanans glory , is the fleshly part : the sober eunuch , that recall'd to mind the new-built gibbet ( haman had divin'd for his own ruine ) fiftie cubits high , is lustfull-thought-controlling chastity ; insulting haman is that fleshly lust whose red-hot fury , for a season , must triumph in pride , and study how to tread on mordecay , till royall esther plead . great king , my sent-for vashti will not come ; o let the oyl o' th blessed virgins womb cleanse my poore esther ; look , o look upon her with gracious eyes ; and let thy beams of honour so scoure her captive stains , that she may prove a holy object of thy heav'nly love : annoint her with the spiknard of thy graces , then try the sweetnesse of her chast embraces : make her the partner of thy nuptiall bed , and set thy royall crown upon her head : if then ambitious haman chance to spend his spleen on mordecay , that scorns to bend the wilfull stiffnesse of his stubborn knee , or basely crouch to any lord but thee ; if weeping esther should pref●…rre a grone before the high tribunal of thy throne , hold forth thy golden sceptre , and a●…ord the gentle audience of a gra●…ious lord : and let thy royall esther be possest of half thy kingdome , at her dear request : curb lustfull haman ; him that would disgrace , nay , ravish thy fair queen before thy face : and as proud haman was himself ensnar'd on that self gibbet , that himself prepar'd ; so nail my lust , both puni●…hment and guilt on that dear crosse that mine own lusts have buil●… . s. august . in ep. o holy spirit alwayes inspire me with holy works ; constrain ●…e , that i may do : counsel me , that i may love thee ; confirm ●…e , that i may hold thee ; conserve me , that i may no●… lose thee . s august . sup . joan. the spirit rusts where the flesh resteth : for as the flesh is 〈◊〉 with sweet things , the spirit is refreshed with sow●…e . ibidem . wouldest thou that thy flesh obey thy spirit ? then let thy spirit obey thy god : thou must be governed , that thou maist govern . epig. . of mercy and justice is thy kingdome built ; this plagues my sin ; and that removes my guilt : when ere i sue , assuerus like decline thy scep●…re ; lord , say , half my kingdome 's thine . vii . canticles . ii. come , my beloved , let us go forth into the fields , and let us remain in the villages . christ . soul . c●…r . come , come my dear , and let us both retire and whiff the dainties of the fragrant fields : where warbling phil'mel and the shrill-mouth'd quire chaunt forth their raptures ; where the turtle builds her lonely nest ; and where the new-born bryer breaths forth the sweetnesse that her aprill yields : come , come my lovely fair , and let us trie these rurall delicates ; where thou and i may melt in private ●…ames , and fear no stander by . soul . my hearts eternall joy , in lieu of whom the earth 's a blast , and all the world a bubble ; our citie-mansion is the fairer home , but countrey-sweets are tang'd with lesser trouble : let 's try them both , and chuse the better ; come ; a change in pleasure makes the pleasure double : one thy commands depends my go , or tarrie ; i 'll stirre with martha , or i 'll stay with mary : our hearts are firmly fixt , although our pleasures varie . chr. our countrey mansion ( situate on high ) with various objects , still renews delight ; her arched roof 's of unstain'd ivory : her wall 's of fie●…y-sparkling chrysolite ; her pavement is of hardest prophety ; her spacious windows are all glaz'd with bright and fluming carbuncles ; no need require titans faint ●…ayes , or vulcans feebler fire ; and ev'ry gate 's a pearl ; and ev'ry pearl , entire . soul . fool that i was ! how were my thoughts deceiv'd ! how falsly was my fond conceit possest ! i took it for an hermitage , but pav'd and daub'd with neighb'ring dirt , and thacht at best ; alas , i nev'r expected more , nor crav'd ; a turtle hop'd but for a turtles nest : come , come , my dear , and let no idle stay neglect th' advantage of the head-strong day ; how pleasure grates that fe●…ls the curb of dull delay ! chr. come then , my joy ; let our divided paces conduct us to our fairest territory ; o there we 'll twine our souls in sweet embraces ; soul . and in thine a●…ms i 'll tell my passion story : chr. o there i 'll crown thy hea●… with all my graces ; soul . and all those graces shall r●…flect thy glory : chr. o there i 'll feed thee with celestiall manna ; i 'll be thy hanna . soul . and i , thy elkanah . chr. i 'll found my trump of joy . so. and i 'll resound hosanna s. bern. o blessed contemplation ! the death of vices , and the life of virtues ! thee the law and prophets admire : who ever attei●…ed perfection , if not by thee ! o blessed solitude , the magazine of celestiall treasure ! by thee things earthly , and transitory , are changed into heavenly , and eternall . s. bern. in ep. happy is that house , and blessed is that congregation , where martha still complaineth of mary . epig. . mechanick soul , thou must not onely do with martha ; but , with mary , ponder too : happy 's that house where these fair sisters vary ; but most , when martha's reconcil'd to mary . viii . canticles . . draw me ; we will follow after thee by the savour of thy ointments . thus like a lump of the corrupted masse , i lie secure , long lost , before i was : and like a block , beneath whose burden lies that undiscover'd wo●…m that never dies , i have no will to rouze , i have no power to rise . can stinking lazarus compound , or strive with deaths entangling fetters , and revive ? or can the water buried axe implore a hand to raise it ; or it self restore , and from her sandy deeps approch the dry-foot shore ? so hard 's the task for sinfull flesh and bloud to lend the smallest step to what is good ; my god , i cannot move the least degree ; ah! if but onely those that active be , none should thy glory see , none should thy glory see . but if the potter please t' inform the clay ; or some strong hand remove the block away ; their lowly fortunes soon are mounted higher , that proves a vess●…l , which before was mire ; and this being hewn , may serve for better use then sire . and if that life-restoring voyce command dead laz'rus forth ; or that great prophets hand should charm the sullen waters , and begin to becken , or to dart a stick but in , dead laz'rus must revive , and th' axe must sloat again . lord , as i am , i have no pow'r at all to heare thy voyce , or echo to thy call ; the gloomy clouds of mine own guilt benight me ; thy glorious beams , nor dainty sweets invite me ; they neith●…r can direct ; nor these at all delight me . see how my sin-bemangled body lies , nor having pow'r to will , nor will to rise ! shine home upon thy creature , and inspire my livelesse will with thy regen'rate fi●…e ; the first degree to do , is onely to desire . give me the pow'r to will , the will to do ; o raise me up , and i will strive to go : draw me , o draw me with thy treble twist , that have no pow'r but merely to resist ; o lend me strength to do , and then command thy list . my soul 's a clock , whose wheels ( for want of use and winding up , being subject to th' abuse of eating ●…ust ) wants vigour to fulfill her twelve houres task , and shew her makers skill , but idly sleeps unmov'd , and standeth vainly still . great god , it is thy work : and therefore good . if thou be pleas'd to cleanse it with thy blood , and wind it up with thy soul-moving keyes , her busie wheels shall serve thee all her dayes ; her hand shall point thy pow'r , her hammer strike thy praise s. bern. serm. . in cant. let us run , let us run , but in the savour of thy ointments , not in the confidence of our merits , nor in the greatnesse of our strength : we trust to run , but in the multitude of thy mercies , for though we run and are willing it is not in him that willeth , nor in him that runneth , but in god that sheweth mercy . o let thy mercy return , and we will run : thou like a g●…ant , runnest by thy own power ; we , unlesse thy ointment breath upon us , cannot run . epig. . look not , my watch , being once repair'd to stand expecting motion from thy makers hand . h'as wound thee up , and cleans'd thy cogs with blood : if now thy wheels stand still thou art not good . ix . canticles . . o that thou wert as my brother , that sucked the breasts of my mother , i would find thee without , and i would kisse thee . come , come my blessed infant , and immure thee within the temple of my sacred arms ; secure mine arms , mine arms shall then secure thee from herods fury , or the high-priests harms ; or if thy danger'd life sustain a losse , my folded arms shall turn thy dying crosse . but ah , what savage tyrant can behold the beauty of so sweet a face as this is , and not himself be by himself controul'd , and change his fury to a thousand kisses ? one smile of thine is worth more mines of treasure then there be myriads in the dayes of cesar . o , had the tetrarch , as he knew thy birth , so known thy stock , he had not sought to paddle in thy dear bloud ; but prostrate on the earth , had vaild his crown before thy royall cradle , and laid the sceptre of his glory down , and begg'd a heav'nly for an earthly crown . illustrious babe ! how is thy handmaid grac'd with a rich armfull ! how dost thou decline thy majesty , that wert so late embrac'd in thy great fathers arms , and now in mine ! how humbly gracious art thou , to refresh me with thy spirit , and assume my flesh . but must the treason of a traitours hail abuse the sweetnesse of these ●…uby lips ? shall marble-hearted cruelty ass●…il these alabaster sides with knotted whips ? and must these smiling roses entertain the blows of scorn , and flurts of base disdain ? ah! must these dainty li●…tle sprigs that twine so fast about my neck , be pie●…c'd and torn with ragged nails ? and must these brows resigne their crown of glory for a crown of thorn ? ah , must this blessed infant tast the pain of deaths injurious pangs ? nay worse , be slain ? sweet ba●…e ! at what dear rates do wretched i commit a sinne ! lord , ev'ry sin 's a dart ; and ev'ry tr●…spasse lets a javelin slie ; and ev'ry javelin wounds thy bleeding heart : pardon , sweet babe , what i have done amisse ; and seal that granted pardon with a kisse . bonavent . soliloqu cap. . o sweet jesu , i knew not that thy kisses were so sweet , nor thy society so sweet , nor thy attraction so vertuous : for when i love thee , i am clean ; when i touch thee , i am chast ; when i receive thee , i am a virgin : o most sweet jesu , thy embraces defile not , but cleanse ; thy attraction polluteth not , but sanctifieth : o jesu , the fountain of uni●…ersall sweetnesse , pardon me , that i believed so late , that so much sweetnesse is in thy embraces . epig. . my burden 's greatest : let not a●…las boast : impartiall reader , judge which bears the most : he bears but heav'n ; my folded arms sustain heav'ns maker , whom heav'ns heav'n cannot contain . x. canticles . . in my bed by night i sought him that my soul loved ; i sought him , but i found him not . the learned cynick , having lost the way to honest men , did in the height of day , by taper-light , divide his steps about the peopled streets to find this dainty out ; but fail'd : the cynick search'd not where he ought : the thing he sought for was not where he sought . the wisemens task seem'd harder to be done , the wisemen did by staire-light seek the sonne , and found : the wisemen search'd it where they ought ; the thing they hop'd to find was where they sought . one seeks his wishes where he should ; but then perchance he seeks not as he should , nor when : another searches when he should , but there he fails ; not seeking as he should , nor where : whose soul desires the good it wants , and would obtain , must seek where , as , and when he should : how often have my wild affections led my wasted soul to this my widdow'd bed , to seek my lover , whom my soul desires ! ( i speak not , cupid , of thy wanton fires : thy fires are all but dying sparks to mine ; my flames are full of heav'n , and all divine ) how often have i sought this bed , by night , to find that greater by this lesser light ! how oft have my unwitnest grones lamented thy dearest absence ! ah how often vented the bitter tempests of despairing breath , and tost my soul upon the waves of death ! how often has my melting heart made choice of silent tears , ( tears louder then a voyce ) to plead my grief , and woo thy absent eare ! and yet thou wilt not come , thou wilt not heare : o is thy wonted love become so cold ? or do mine eyes not seek thee where they should ? why do i seek thee , if thou art not here ? or find thee not , if thou art ev'ry where ? i see my errour ; 't is not strange i could not find out my love : i sought him where i should not . thou art not found in downy beds of ease ; alas , thy musick strikes on harder keyes : nor art thou found by that false , feeble light of natures candle ; our aegyptian night is more then common darknesse ; nor can we expect a morning , but what breaks from thee . well may my empty bed bewail thy losse , when thou art lodg'd upon thy shamefull crosse : if thou refuse to share a bed with me , we 'll never part , i 'll share a crosse with thee . anselm . in protolog . cap. . lord , if thou art not present , where shall i seek thee absent ? if every where , why do i not see thee present ? thou dwellest it light inaccessible ; and where is that inaccessible light ? or 〈◊〉 shall i have accesse to light inaccessible ? i beseech thee , lord , teach me to seek thee , and shew thy self to the seeker ; because i can neither seek thee , unlesse thou teach me , not find t●…e , unlesse thou shew thy self to me : let me seek thee , in de●… thee , and desire thee in seeking thee ; let me find thee it loving thee , and love thee in finding thee . epig. . where shouldst thou seek for rest , but in thy bed ? but now thy rest is gone , thy rest is fled : 't is vain to seek him there : my soul be wise ; go ask thy sinnes ; they 'll tell thee where he lies , xi . canticles . . i will rise , and go about in the city , and will seek him that my soul loveth : i sought him , but i found him not . o how my disappointed soul 's perplext ! how restlesse thoughts swarm in my troubled breast ! how vainly pleas'd with hopes , then crossely vext with fears ! and how betwixt them both distrest ! what place is left unransack'd ? oh , where next shall i go seek the authour of my rest ? of what blest angel shall my lips enquire the undiscover'd way to that entire and everlasting solace of my hearts desire ! look how the stricken hart that wounded flies ov'r hills and dales , and seeks the lower grounds for running streams , the whilst his weeping eyes peg silent mercy from the following hounds , at length , embost , he droops , drops down , and lies beneath the burden of his bleeding wounds : ev'n so my gasping foul , dissolv'd in tears , doth search for thee , my god , whose deafned ears leave me th' unransom'd prisner to my panick fears . where have my busie eyes not pry'd ? o where , of whom hath not my thred-bare tongue demanded ? i search'd this glorious city ; he 's not here : i sought the countrey ; she stands empty handed ; i search'd the court ; he is a stranger there : i ask'd the land ; he 's shipp'd : the sea , he 's landed : i climb'd the air , my thoughts began t' aspire ; but ah , ! the wings of my too bold desire , soaring too near the sunne , were sing'd with sacred fire . i mov'd the merchants eare ; alas , but he knew neither what i said , nor what to say : i ask'd 〈◊〉 lawyer ; he demands a fee , and the●… demurrs me with a vain delay : i ask'd the schoolman ; his advice was free , but scor'd me out too intricate a way : i ask'd the watch-man ( best of all the soure ) whose gentle answer could resolve no more , but that he lately left him at the temple doore . thus having sought , and made my great inquest in ev●…y place , and search'd in ev'ry ear ; i threw me on my bed ; but ah ! my rest was poyson'd with th' extremes of grief and fear , where looking down into my troubled breast , the magazine of wounds , i found him there : let oth●…rs hunt , and shew their sportfull art ; i wi●…h to catch the ●…are before she start , as potchers use to do ; heav'ns form 's a troubled heart . s. ambros. lib. . de virg. christ is not in the market , not in the streets : for christ is peace , in the market are strife : christ is justice , in the 〈◊〉 is iniquitie : christ is a labourer , in the market 〈◊〉 : christ is charity , in the market is slander : christ is charity , in the market is fraud : let us not therefore seek 〈◊〉 , where we cannot find christ . s. hieron. ep. . ad eustoch. jesus is jealous : he will not have thy face seen : let foolish 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 abroad , seek thou thy love at home . epig. . what lost thy love ? will neither bed nor board receive him ? not by tears to be implor'd ? it is the ship that moves , and not the coast ; i fear , i fear , my soul , 't is thou art lost . xii . canticles . . have you seen him whom my soul loveth ? when i had past a little from them , then i sound him , i took hold on him , & left him not . what secret corner ? what unwonted way has scap'd the ransack of my rambling thought ? the fox by night , nor the dull owl by day , have never search'd those places i have sought , whilst thy lamented absence taught my breast the ready road to grief , without request ; my day had neither comfort , nor my night had rest . how hath my unregarded language vented the sad tautologies of lavish passion ? how often have i languish'd unlamented ! how oft have i complain'd without compassion ! i ask't the citie-watch , but some deny'd me ; the common street , whilst others would misguide me , some would debar me ; some , divert me ; some , deride me . mark how the widow'd turtle , having lost the faithfull partner of her loyall heart , stretches ●…er feeble wings from coast to c●…ast , haunts ev'ry path ; thinks ev'ry shade doth pa●…t her absent love , and her ; at length u●…sped , she re-betakes her to her lonely bed , and there bewails her everlasting widow-head : so when my soul had progrest ev'ry place , that love and dear affection could contrive , i threw me on my couch , resolv'd t' embrace a death for him , in whom i ceas'd to live : but there injurious hymen did present his lanskip joyes ; my pickled eyes did vent full streams of briny tears , tears never to be spent . whilst thus my sorrow-wasting soul was seeding upon the rad'cal humour of her thought , ev'n whilst mine eyes were blind , and heart was bleeding , he that was sought , unfound , was found unsought . as if the sun should dart his orbe of light into the secrets of the black-brow'd night : ev'n so appear'd my love , my sole , my souls delight . o how mine eyes now ravish'd at the sight of my bright sun shot flames of equall fire ! ah! how my soul dissolv'd with ov'r-delight , to re-enjoy the crown of chast desire ! how sov'reigne joy depos'd and dispossest rebellious grief ! and how my ravish'd breast — but who can presle those heights , that cannot be exprest ? o how these arms , these greedy arms did twine , and strongly twist about his yielding wast ! the s●…ppy branches of the thespian vine nev'r cling'd their lesse beloved elm so fast ; boast not thy flames , blind boy , nor feather'd shot ; let hymens easie snarles be quite forgot : time cann●…t quench our ●…ites , nor death dissolve our knot . orig. hom. . in divers . o most holy lord , and sweetest master , how good art thou to those that are of upright heart , and humble spirit ! o how blessed are they that seek thee with a simple heart ! how happy that trust in thee ! it is a most certain truth , that thou lovest all that love thee , and never forsakest those that trust in thee : for behold thy love simply sought thee , and undoubtedly found thee : she trusted in thee , and is not forsaken of thee , but hath obtained more by thee , then she expected from thee . beda in cap. . cant. the longer i was in finding whom i sought , the more earnestly i held him be●…ng found . epig. . what ? found him out ? let strong embraces bind him ; he 'll fly perchance where tears can never find him . new sinnes will lose what old repentance gains : wisedome not onely gets , but got retains . xiii . psalm . . it is good for me to draw near to god ; i have put my trust in the lord god . where is that good , which wisemen please to call the chiefest ? doth there any such befall within mans reach ? or is there such a good at all ? if such there be , it neither must expire , nor change ; then which there can be nothing higher : such good must be the utter point of mans desire . it is the mark , to which all h●…arts must tend ; can be desired for no other end , then for it self , on which all other goods depend . what may this excellence be ? doth it subsist a reall essence , clouded in the midst of cu●…ious art , or clear to ev'ry eye that list ? or is 't a tart idea , to procure an edge , and keep the practick soul in ure , like that dear chymick dust , or puzzling quadrature ? where shall i seek this good ? where shall i find this cath'lick pleasure , whose extremes may bind my thoughts , and fill the gulf of my insatiate mind ? lies it in treasure ? in full heaps untold ? doth gowty mammous griping hand infold this secret saint in sacred shrines of sov'reigne gold ? no , no ; she lies not there ; wealth often sowrs in keeping ; makes us hers , in seeming ours ; she slides from heav'n indeed , but not in danat's showrs . lives she in honour ? no . the royall crown builds up a creature , and then batters down : kings raise thee with a smile , and raze thee with a frown . in pleasure ? no . pleasure begins in rage ; acts the fools part on earths uncertain stage ; begins the play in youth , and epilogues in age . these , these are bastard-goods ; the best of these torment the soul with pleasing it , and please , like water gulp'd in fevers , with deceitfull ease . earths flatt'ring dainties are but sweet distresses : mole-hils perform the mountains she professes ; alas , can earth confer more good then earth possesses ? moun●… , mount my soul , and let thy thoughts cashier earths vain delights , and make their full carier at heav'ns eternall joyes ; stop , stop thy courser there . there shall thy soul possesse uncarefull treasure ; there shalt thou swim in never-sading pleasure ; and blaze in honour farre above the frowns of caesar . lord , if my ho●…e dare let her anchor fall on thee , the chiefest good , no need to call for earths inferiour trash ; thou , thou art all in all . s. august . soliloqu . cap. . i follow this thing : i pursue that ; but am filled with nothing . but when i found thee , who a●…t that immutable , individed , and onely good , in my self , what i obtained . i wanted not ; for what i obtained not , i grieved not ; with w●…at i was possest , 〈◊〉 whole desire was 〈◊〉 . s. bern. ser. . sup . beati qui habent , &c. let others p●…etend merit : let him b●…ag of the burden of the day ; let him boast of his sabbath fasts , and let him glory that 〈◊〉 is not as other men : but for me , it is good to clea●…e unto the lord , and to put my trust in my lord god . epg . . let bo●…eas blasts , and nep●…unes waves be joyn'd , thy eolus commands the waves , the wind : fear not the rocks or worlds imperious waves : thou climbst a rock ( my soul ) a rock that saves . xiv . canticles . . i sat under his shadow with great delight , and his fruit was sweet to my tast . look how the sheep , whose rambling steps do stray from the safe blessing of her shepherds eyes estsoon , becomes the unprotected prey to the wing'd squadron of beleagring slies ; where swelired with the scorching beams of day , she frisks from bush to brake , and wildly flies from her own self , ev'n of her self afraid ; she shrouds her troubled brows in ev'ry glade , and craves the mercy of the soft removing shade . ev'n so my wand'ring soul , that hath digrest from her great shepherd , is the hourely prey of all my sinnes . these vultures in my breast gripe my promethean heart both night and day : i hunt from place to place , but sind no rest ; i know not where to go , nor where to stay : the eye of vengeance burns , her flames invade my swelt'ring soul : my soul hath oft assaid , but she can find no shrowd , but she can feel no shade . i sought the shades of mitth , to wear away my slow-pac'd hours of soul-consuming grief ; i search'd the shades of sleep , to ease my day of griping sorrows with a nights reprief ; i sought the shades of death ; thought there t' allay my finall torments with a full relief : but mirth , nor sleep nor death can hide my houres in the false shades of their deceitfull bowrs ; the first distracts , the next disturbs , the last devours . where shall i 〈◊〉 ? to whom shall i apply 〈◊〉 ? are there no streams where a faint soul may wade ? thy godhead , jesus , are the flames that fry me ; hath thy all-glorious deity never a shade , where i may sit and vengeance never eye me , where i might sit refresht or 〈◊〉 ? is there no comfort ? is there no resection ? is there no cover that will give protection t' a fainting soul , the subject of thy wraths 〈◊〉 ? look up , my soul , advance the lowly stature of thy sad thoughts ; advance thy humble eye : see , here 's a shadow found : the humane nature is made the umbella to the deity . to catch the sun-beams of thy just creatour ; beneath this covert thou maist safely lie : 〈◊〉 thine eyes to climbe this fruitfull tree , as quick zacheus did , and thou shalt see a cloud of dying flesh betwixt those beams and thee . guill . in cap. . cant. who can indure the 〈◊〉 rayes of the sunne of justice ? who shall not be consumed by his beams ? therefore the sun of justice took flesh , that through the conjunction of that sun and this humane body a shadow may be made . s. august . med. cap. . lord , let my soul flee from the scorching thoughts of the world under the covert of thy wings , that being resreshed by the moderation of thy shadow , she may sing merrily , in peace will i lay me down and rest . 〈◊〉 . . ah , treach'rous soul , would not thy pleasures give that lord which made thee living leave to live ? see what thy sinnes have done : thy sinnes have made the sunne of glory now become thy shade . xv . psalm . . how shall we sing a song of the lord in a strange land ? urge me no more : this aity mirth belongs to better times : these times are not for songs . the sprightly twang of the melodious lute 〈◊〉 not with my voice ; and both unsuit my untun'd fortunes : the affected measure of strains that are constrain'd 〈◊〉 no pleasure . musick 's the child of mirth ; where griefs assail the troubled soul , both voyce and fingers fail : let such as ravil out their lavish dayes in honourable riot ; that can raise dejected hearts , and conjure up a sprite of madnesse by the magick of delight ; let those of cupids hospitall , that lie impatient patients to a smiling eye , that cannot rest , untill vain hope beguile their 〈◊〉 torments with a wanton smile ; let such redeem their peace , and salve the wrongs of froward fortune with their frolick songs : my grief , my grief 's too great for smiling eyes to cure , or counter - 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 . the ravens dismall croaks ; the midnight bowls of empty wolues , mixt with the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 the nine sad knowls of a dull passing bell , with the loud language of a nightly knell , and horrid out-cries of revenged crimes , joyn'd in a medley's musick for these times : these are no times to touch the merry string of orpheus ; no , these are no times to sing . can hide-bound prisners , that have spent their souls and famish'd bodies in the noysome holes of hell-black dungeons , apt their rougher throats , grown hoarse with begging alms , to warble notes ? can the sad pilgrime , that hath lost his way in the vast desart ; there condemn'd a prey to the wild subject , or his savage king , rouze up his palsey smitten spir'ts , and sing ? can i a pilgrime , and a prisner too , ( alas ) where i am neither known , nor know ought but my torments , an unransom'd stranger in this strange climate , in a land of danger ? o , can my voyce be pleasant , or my hand , thus made a prisner to a forrein land ? how can my musick relish in your cars , that cannot speak for sobs , nor sing for tears ? ah , if my voyce could , orpheus-like , unspell my poore eurydice , my soul from hell of earths misconstru'd heav'n , o then my breast should warble airs , whose rhapsodies should feast the ears of seraphims , and entertain heav'ns highest deity with their lofty strain , a strain well drencht in the true thespian well , till then , earths semiquaver , mirth , farewell . s. august . med. cap. . o infinitely happy are those heavenly virtues which are able 〈◊〉 praise thee in holinesse and puritie , with excessive sweetnesse 〈◊〉 able exultation ! from thence they praise thee , from whence they rejoyce , because they continually see for what they rejoyce , for what they praise thee : but we prest down with this burden of flesh , far removed from thy countenance in this pilgrimage , and blown up with worldly vanities , cannot worthily praise thee : we praise thee by faith ; nor face to face : but those angelicall spirits praise thee face to face , and not by saith . epio. . did i refuse to sing ? said i these times were not for songs ? nor musick for these climes ? it was my errour : are not grones and tears harmonious raptures in th' almighties ears ? the fifth book . i. canticles . . i charge you , o daughters of jerusalem , if you find my beloved , that you tell him that i am sick of love . you holy virgins , that so oft surround the cities saphire walls , whose snowy feet measure the pearly paths of sacred ground , and trace the new jerus'lems jasper street ; ah , you whose care-forsaken hearts are crown'd with your best wishes ; that enjoy the sweet of all your hopes ; if e'r you chance to spie my absent love , o tell him that i lie deep wounded with the flames that furnac'd from his eye . i charge you , virgins , as you hope to heare the heav'nly musick of your lovers voice ; i charge you by the solemne faith ye bear to plighted vows , and to that loyall choice of your affections , or , if ought more dear you hold ; by hymen , by your marriage joyes , i charge you tell him , that a flaming dart , shot from his eye hath pierc'd my bleeding heart ; and i am sick of love , and languish in my smart . tell him , o tell him , how my panting breast is 〈◊〉 with flames , and how my soul is pin'd ; tell him , o tell him , how i he opprest with the full torments of a troubled mind ; o tell him , tell him , that he loves in jest , but i in earnest ; tell him , he 's unkind : but if a discontented frown appears upon his angry brow , accoast his ears with soft and fewer words , and act the rest in tears . o tell him , that his cruelties deprive my soul of peace , while peace in vain she seeks ; tell him those damask roses , that did strive with white , both fade , upon my sallow cheeks ; tell him , no token doth proclaim i live , but tears , and sighs , and sobs , and sudden shrieks ; thus if your piercing words should chance to bore his hearkning ear , and move a sigh , give ore to speak ; and tell him — tell him , that i could no more . if your elegious breath should hap to rouze a happy tear , close harb'ring in his eye , then urge his plighted faith , the sacred vows , which neither i can break , nor he deny ; bewail the torments of his loyall spouse , that for his sake would make a sport to die : o blessed virgins , how my passion tires beneath the burden of her fond desires ! heav'n never shot such flames , earth never felt such fires ! s. august . med. cap. . what shall i say ? what shall i do ? whither shall i go ? where shall i seek him ? or when shall i find him ? whom shall i ask ? who will tell my beloved that i am sick of love ? 〈◊〉 . in cap. . cant. i live , but not i : it is my beloved that liveth in me : i love my self , not with my own love , but with the love of my beloved that loveth me : i love not my self in my self , but my self in him , and him in me . epig. . grieve not ( my soul ) nor let thy love wax faint , weep'st thou to lose the cause of thy complaint ? he 'll come ; love ne'r was bound to times nor laws : till then thy tears complain without a cause . ii. canticles . . stay me with flowers , and comfort me with apples , for i am sick with love●… o tyrant love i how doth thy sov'reigne pow'r subject poore souls to thy imperious thrall ! they say , thy cup 's compos'd of sweet and sowre ; they say , thy diet 's honey mixt with gall ; how comes it then to passe , these lips of our still trade in bitter ; tast no sweet at all ? o tyrant love ! shall our perpetuall toil ne'r find a sabbath , to refresh awhile our drooping souls ? art thou all frowns , and ne'r a smile ? you blessed maids of honour that frequent the royall courts of our renown'd jehove , with flow'rs restore my spirits faint and spent ; o fetch me apples from loves fruitfull grove , to cool my palate , and renew my sent , for i am sick , for i am sick of love : these will revive my dry , my wasted pow'rs , and they will sweeten my unsav'ry houres ; refresh me then with fruit , and comfort me with flow'rs . o bring me apples to asswage that fire , which aetna-like inflames my flaming breast ; nor is it every apple i desire , nor that which pleases every palate best : 't is not the lasting deuzan i require , nor yet the red-cheek'd queening i request ; nor that which first bethrewd the name of wife , nor that whose beauty caus'd the golden strife ; no , no , bring me an apple from the tree of life . virgins , tuck up your silken laps , and fill ye with the fair wealth of floras magazine ; the purple violet , and the pale-fac'd lilly ; the pancy and the organ colombine ; the flowring thyme , the guilt-boul daffadilly ; the lowly pink , the lofty eglentine : the blushing rose , the queen of flowers , and best of floras beauty ; but above the rest , let jesses sovereigne flower perfume my qualming breast . haste , virgins , haste , for i lie weak and faint , beneath the 〈◊〉 of love ; why stand ye mute , as if your silence neither car'd to grant , nor yet your language to deny my suit ? no key can lock the doore of my complaint , untill i smell this flower , or tast that fruit ; go , virgins , seek this tree , and search that how'r●… o , how my soul shall blesse that happy houre , that brings to me such fruit , that brings me such a flower . gisten . in cap. . cant. expos. . o happy sicknesse , where the infirmitie is not to death , but 〈◊〉 life , that god may be glorified by it ! o happy sever , that procedeth not from a consuming , but a calcining sire ! o happy ●…emper , wherein the soul relisheth no earthly things , but onely savoureth divine nourishment ! s. bern. serm. . in cant. by flowers understand faith ; by fruit , good works : as the flower or blossome is before the fruit , so is saith before good works : so neither is the fruit without the flower , nor good works without faith . epig. . why apples , o my soul ? can they remove the pangs of grief , or ease the flames of love ? it was that fruit which gave the first offence ; that sent him hither 〈◊〉 that remov'd him hence . iii. canticles . . my beloved is mine , and i am his ; he feedeth among the lillies . ev'n like two little bank-dividing brooks , that wash the pebbles with their wanton streams , and having rang'd and search'd a thousand nooks , meet both at length in silver-breasted thames , where in a greater current they conjoyn : so i my best-beloveds am ; so he is mine . ev'n so we met ; and after long pursuit , ev'n so we joyn'd ; we both became entire ; no need for either to renew a suit , for i was flax and he was flames of sire : our firm united souls did more then twine ; so i my best-beloveds am ; so he is mine . if all those glitt'ring monarchs that command the servile quarters of this earthly ball , should tender , in exchange , their shares of land , i would not change my fortunes for them all : their wealth is but a counter to my coin ; the world 's but theirs ; but my beloved's mine . nay more ; if the fair thespian ladies all should heap together their diviner treasure : that treasure should be deem'd a price too small to buy a minutes lease of half my pleasure . 't is not the sacred wealth of all the nine can buy my heart from him , or his , from being mine . nor time , nor place , nor chance , nor death can bow my least desires unto the least remove ; he 's firmly mine by oath ; i his by vow ; he 's mine by faith ; and i am his by love ; he 's mine by water ; i am his by wine ; thus i my best-beloveds am ; thus he is mine . he is my altar ; i , his holy place ; i am his guest ; and he , my living food ; i 'm his by penitence ; he mine by grace ; i 'm his by purchase ; he is mine , by bloud ; he 's my supporting elm ; and i his vine : thus i my best-beloveds am ; thus he is mine . he gives me wealth , i give him all my vows : i give him songs ; he gives me length of dayes : with wreaths of grace he crowns my conqu'ring brows : and i his temples with a crown of praise , which he accepts as an ev'rlasting signe , that i my best-beloveds am ; that he is mine . s. august . manu . cap. . o my soul stampt with the image of thy god ; love him of whom thou art so much beloved : bend to him that boweth to thee , seek him that seeketh thee : love thy lover , by whose love thou art prevented , being the cause of thy love : be carefull with those that are carefull , want with those that want ; be clean with the clean , and holy with the holy : choose this sriend above all friends , who when all are taken away remaineth onely faithfull to thee : in the day of thy buriall , when all leave thee , he will not deceive thee , but defend thee from the roaring lions prepared for their prey . epio. . sing , hymen , to my soul : what ? lost and found ? welcom'd espous'd , enjoy'd so soon , and crown'd●… he did but climb the crosse , and then came down 〈◊〉 gates of hell ; triumph'd , and fetch'd a crown . iv. canticles . . i am my beloveds , and his desire is towards me . like to the artick needle , that doth guide the wand'ring shade by his magnetick pow'r , and leaves his silken gnomon to decide the question of the controverted houre , first franticks up and down , from side to side , and restlesse beats his crystall'd iv'ry case with vain impatience ; jets from place to place , and seeks the bosome of his frozen bride , at length he slacks his motion , and doth rest his trembling point at his bright poles beloved brest . ev'n so my soul , being hurried here and there , by ev'ry object that presents delight , fain would be settled , but she knowes not where ; she likes at morning what she loaths at night ? she bowes to honour ; then she lends an eare to that sweet swan-like voyce of dying pleasure , then tumbles in the scatter'd heaps of treasure ; now flatter'd with false hope ; now foyl'd with fear : thus finding all the worlds delights to be but empty toyes , good god , she points alone to thee . but hath the virtued steel a power to move ? or can the untouch'd needle point aright ? or can my wandring thoughts forbear to rove , unguided by the virtue of thy spirit ? o hath my leaden soul the art t' improve her wasted talent , and unrais'd , aspire in this sad moulting time of her desire ? not first belov'd have i the power to love ? i cannot stirre , but as thou please to move me , nor can my heart return thee love , untill thou love me . the still commandresse of the silent night borrows her beams from her bright brothers eye ; his fair aspect filles her sharp horns with light , if he withdraw , her flames are quench'd and die : even so the beams of thy enlightning spirit infus'd and shot into my dark desire , inflame my thoughts , and fill my soul with fire , that i am ravisht with a new delight ; but if thou shroud thy face , my glory fades , and i remain a nothing , all compos'd of shades . eternall god , o thou that onely art the sacred fountain of eternall light , and blessed loadstone of my better part , o thou my hearts desire , my souls delight , reflect upon my soul , and touch my heart , and then my heart shall prize no good above thee ; and then my soul shall know thee ; knowing , love thee ; and then my trembling thoughts shall never start from thy commands , or swerve the least degree , or once presume to move , but as they move in thee . s. august . med. cap. . if man can love man with so entire affection , that the one can scarce brook the others absence ? if a bride can be joyned to 〈◊〉 bride-groom with so great an ardency of mind , that for the extremitie of love she can enjoy no rest , not suffering his absence without great anxiety , with what affection , with what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the soul whom thou hast espoused by saith and compassion , to love thee her true god and glorious bridegroom ? epig. . my soul , thy love is dear : 't was thought a good and easie pen'worth of thy saviours bloud : but be not proud ; all matters rightly scann'd , 't was over-brought : 't was sold at second hand . v. canticles . . my soul melted whilst my beloved spake . lord , has the feeble voyce of flesh and bloud the pow'r to work thine ears into a floud of melted mercy ? or the strength t' unlock the gates of heav'n , and to dissolve a rock of marble clouds into a morning show'r ? or hath the breath of whining dust the pow'r to stop , or snatch a falling thunderbolt from thy fierce hand , and make thy hand revolt from resolute confusion , and in stead of vyals poure full blessings on our head ? or shall the wants of famisht ravens cry , and move thy mercy to a quick supply ? or shall the silent suits of drooping flow'rs woo thee for drops , and be refresh'd with show'rs ? alas , what marvel then , great god , what wonder if thy hell-rouzing voice , that splits in sunder the brazen portals of eternall death ; what wonder if that life-restoring breath which dragg'd me from th'infernall shades of night , should melt my ravisht soul with ore-delight ? o can my frozen gutters choose but run , that feel the warmth of such a glorious sun ? me thinks his language , like a flaming arrow , doth pierce my bones , and melts their wounded marrow ; thy flames , o cupid ( though the joyfull heart feels neither tang of grief , nor fears the smart of jealous doubts , but drunk with full desires ) are torments weigh'd with these celestiall fires ; pleasures that ravish in so high a measure , that o i languish in excesse of pleasure : what ravisht heart , that feels these melting joyes , would not despise and loath the treach'rous toyes of dunghill earth ? what soul would not be proud of wry-mouth'd scorns , the worst that flesh and bloud had rancour to devise ? who would not bear the worlds derision with a thankfull eare ? what palat would refuse full bowls of spight , to gain a minutes tast of such delight ? great spring of light , in whom there is no shade but what my interposed sinnes have made , whose marrow-melting fires admit no screen but what my own rebellions put between their precious flames , and my obdurate eare ; disperse these plague-distilling clouds , and clear my mungy soul into a glorious day ; transplant this screen , remove this barre away , then , then my fluent soul shall feel the fires of thy sweet voyce , and my dissolv'd desires shall turn a sov'reigne balsame , to make whole those wounds my sinnes inflicted on thy soul . s. august . soliloq . cap. . what fire is this that so warmeth my heart ! what light is this that so enlightneth my soul ! o fire , that alwayes burnest , and never goest out , kindle me : o light , which ever shinest , and art never darkned , illuminate me : o that i had my heat from thee , most holy fire ! how sweetly dost thou burn ! how secretly dost thou shine ! how desiderably dost thou inflame me ! bonavent stim . amoris cap. . it maketh god man , and man god ; things temporall , eternall ; mortall , immortall ; it maketh an enemy a friend ; a servant , a sonne ; 〈◊〉 things , glorious ; cold hearts siery , and hard things liquid . epig. . my soul , thy gold is true , but full of drosse ; thy saviours breath resines thee with some losse : his gentle fornace makes thee pure as true ; thou must be melted , ere th' art cast anew . vi . psalme . . whom have i in heaven but thee ? and what desire i on earth in respect of thee ? i love ( and have some cause to love ) the earth : she is my makers creature ; therefore good : she is my mother , for she gave me birth ; she is my tender nurse ; she gives me food : but what 's a creature , lord , compar'd with thee ? or what 's my mother , or my nurse to me ? i love the aire : her dainty sweets refresh my drooping soul , and to new sweets invite me ; her shrill-mouth'd quire sustain me with their flesh , and with their polyphonian notes delight me : but what 's the aire or all the sweets that she can blesse my soul withall , compar'd to thee ? i love the sea : she is my fellow-creature ; my carefull purveyer ; she provides me store : she walls me round ; she makes my diet greater ; she wafts my treasure from a forrein shore : but lord of oceans , when compar'd with thee , what is the ocean , or her wealth to me ? to heav'ns high citie i direct my journey , whose spangled suburbs entertain mine eye ; mine eye , by contemplations great atturney , transcends the crystall pavement of the skie : but what is heav'n great god , compar'd to thee ? without thy presence heav'n 's no heav'n to me . without thy presence earth gives no refection ; without thy presence sea affords no treasure ; without thy presence air 's a rank 〈◊〉 ; without thy presence heav'n it self 's no pleasure : if not possest if not enjoy'd in thee , what 's earth , or sea , or air , or heav'n to me ? the highest honours that the world can boast are subjects farre too low for my desire ; the brightest beams of glory are ( at most ) but dying sparkles of thy living fire : the proudest flames that earth can kindle , be but nightly glow-worms , if compar'd to thee . without thy presence , wealth are bags of cares ; wisdome , but folly ; joy , disquiet sadnesse ; friendship is treason , and delights are snares ; pleasures but pain , and mirth but pleasing madnesse : without thee , lord , things be not what they be nor have they being , when compar'd with thee . in having all things , and not thee , what have i ? not having thee , what have my labours got ? let me enjoy but thee , what farther crave i ? and having thee alone , what have i not ? i wish nor sea , nor land ; nor would i be possest of heav'n , heav'n unpossest of thee . bonavint . cap. . soliloq . alas , my god , now i understand ( but blush to consesse ) that the beautie of thy creatures hath deceived mine eyes , and i have not observed that thou art more amiable then all thy creatures ; to which thou hast communicated but one drop of thy inestimable beautie : for who hath adorned the heavens with starres ? who hath stored the air with sowl , the waters with fish , the earth with plants and flowers ? but what are all these but a small spark of divine beauty . s. chrys. hom. . in ep. ad rom. in having nothing i have all things , because i have christ ; having 〈◊〉 all things in him , i seek no other reward , for he is the universall reward . epig. . who would not throw his better thoughts about him , and scorn this drosse within him ; that , without him ? cast up ( my soul ) thy clearer eye ; behold . if thou be fully melted , there 's the mold . vii . 〈◊〉 . . wo is to me , that i remain in meshech , and dwell in the tents of kedar ! is natures course dissolv'd ? doth times glasse stand ? or hath some frolick heart set back the hand of fates perpetuall clock ? will't never strike ? is crazy time grown lazy , faint or sick with very age ? or hath that great pairroyall of adamantine sisters late made triall of some new trade ? shall mortall hearts grow old in sorrow ? snail my weary arms infold and underprop my panting sides for ever ? is there no charitable hand will sever my well-spun thred , that my imprison'd soul may be deliver'd from this dull dark hole of dungeon flesh ? o shall i , shall i never be ransom'd , but remain a slave for ever ? it is the lot of man but once to die , but ere that death how many deaths have i ? what humane madnesse makes the world affraid to entertein heav'ns joy , because convey'd by th' hand of death ? will nakednesse refuse rich change of robes , because the man 's not spruse that brought them ? or will povertie send back full bags of gold , because the bringer 's black ? life is a bubble , blown with whining breaths , fill'd with the torments of a thousand deaths ; which , being prickt by death ( while death deprives one life ) presents the soul a thousand lives : o frantick mortall , how hath earth bewitch'd thy bedlam soul , which hath so fondly pitch'd upon her false delights ! delights that cease before enjoyment finds a time to please : her fickle joyes breed doubtfull fears ; her fears bring hopefull griefs ; her griefs weep fearfull tears ; tears coyn deceitfull hopes ; hopes , carefull doubt , and surly passion justles passion out : to day we pamper with a full repast of lavish mirth ; at night we weep as fast : to night we swim in wealth , and lend ; to morrow , we sink in want , and find no friend to borrow . in what a climate doth my soul reside ! where pale-fac'd murder , the first-born of pride , sets up her kingdome in the very smiles , and plighted faiths of men-like crocodiles ; a land , where each embroyd'red sattin word is lin'd with fraud ; where mars his law lesse sword exiles 〈◊〉 balance ; where that hand now slayes his brother , that new-sow'd his land : o that my dayes of bondage would expire in this lewd soyl ! lord , how my soul 's on fire to be dissolv'd , that i might once obtain these long'd for joyes , long'd for so oft in vain ! if moses-like i may not live possest of this fair land ; lord , let me see 't at least . s. august . 〈◊〉 . cap. . my life is a frail life ; a corruptible life ; a life , which the more it increaseth , the more it decreaseth : the farther it goeth , the nearer it cometh to death . a deceitfull life , and like a shadow , full of the snares of death : now i rejoyce , now i languish , now i flourish , now infirm , now i live , and straight i die ; now i seem happy , alwayes miserable ; 〈◊〉 i laugh , now i weep : thus all things are subject to mutabilitie , that nothing continueth an 〈◊〉 in one state : o joy above joy , exceeding all joy , without which there is no joy , when shall i enter into thee , that i may see my god that dwelleth in thee ? epig. . art thou so weak ? o canst thou not digest an houre of travel for a night of rest ? chear up , my soul ; call home thy spirits , and bear one bad good-friday ; full-mouth'd easter's near . viii . romanes . . o wretched man that i am ! who shall deliver me from the body of this death ? behold thy darling , which thy lustfull care pampers ; for which thy restlesse thoughts prepare such 〈◊〉 cates : for whom thy bubbling brow so often sweats , and bankrupt eyes do ow such midnight scores to nature , for whose sake base earth is sainted , the infernall lake unfeard , the crown of glory poorely rated , thy god neglected , and thy brother hated : behold thy darling , whom thy soul affects so dearly ; whom thy fond indulgence decks and puppets up in soft , in silken weeds : behold thy darling , whom thy fondnesse feeds with farre-fetcht delicates , the dear-bought gains of ill-spent time , the price of half thy pains : behold thy darling , who , when clad by thee , derides thy nakednesse ; and when most free , proclaims her lover slave ; and being fed most full , then strikes th' indulgent feeder dead . what meanst thou thus , my poore deluded soul , to love so fondly ? can the burning cole of thy affection last without the fuel of counter-love ? is thy compeer so cruel , and thou so kind , to love unlov'd again ? canst thou sow favours , and thus reap disdain ? remember , o remember , thou art born of royall bloud ; remember thou art sworn a maid of honour in the court of heaven ; remember what a costly price was given to ransome thee from slav'ry thou wert in ; and wilt thou now , my soul , turn slave again ? the son and heir to heav'ns triune jehove would fain become a 〈◊〉 for thy love , and offers for thy dow'r his fathers throne , to sit for seraphims to gaze upon ; he 'll give thee honour , pleasure , wealth , and things transcending farre the majesty of kings : and wilt thou prostrate to the odious charms of this base scullion ? shall his hollow arms hugg thy soft sides ? shall these course hands untie the sacred zone of thy virginitie ? for shame , degen'rous soul , let thy desire be quickned up with more heroick fire ; be wisely proud , let thy ambitious eye reade nobler objects ; let thy thoughts desie such am'rous basenesse ; let thy soul disdain th'ignoble profers of so base a swain ; or if thy vowes be past , and hymens bands have ceremonied your unequall hands , annull , at least avoid , thy lawlesse act with insufficiencie , or a precontract ; or if the act be good , yet maist thou plead a second freedome ; for the flesh is dead . nazianz . orat. . how i am joyned to this body , i know not ; which when it is healthfull , provoketh me to warre , and being dammaged by warre , affecteth me with grief ; which i both love as a fellow-servant , and bate as an utter enemy : it is a pleasant foe , and a perfidious friend . o strange conjunction and alienation : what i fear i embrace , and what i love i am affraid of ; before i make warre , i am reconciled , before i enjoy peace i am at variance . epig. . what need that house be dawb'd with slesh and bloud ? hang'd round with silks and gold ? repair'd with food ? cost idly spent ! that cost doth but prolong thy thraldome . fool , thou mak'st thy jail too strong . ix . philippians . . i am in a strait between two , having a desire to be dissolved , and to be with christ . what meant our carefull parents so to wear , and lavish out their ill expended houres , to purchase for us large possessions here , which ( though unpurchas'd ) are too truly ours ? what meant they , ah what meant they to indure such loads of needlesse labour , to procure and make that thing our own , which was our own too sure . what mean these liv'ries and possessive keyes ? what mean these bargains , and these needlesse sales ? what need these jealous , these suspitious wayes of law-divis'd , and law-dissolv'd entails ? no need to sweat for gold , wherewith to buy estates of high-priz'd land ; no need to tie earth to their heirs , were they but clogg'd with earth as i. o were their souls but clogg'd with earth as i , they would not purchase with so 〈◊〉 an itch ; they would not take of almes , what now they buy ; nor call him happy , whom the world counts rich : they would not take such pains , project and prog , to charge their shoulders with so great a log : who hath the greater lands , hath but the greater clog . i cannot do an act which earth disdains not ; i cannot think a thought which earth corrupts not ; i cannot speak a word which earth profanes not ; i cannot make a vow earth interrupts not : if i but offer up an early grone , or spread my wings to heav'ns long-long'd for throne , she darkens my complaints , and drags my offering down . 〈◊〉 like the hawk , ( whose keepers wary hands have made a prisner to her wethring stock ) forgetting quite the pow'r of her fast bands , makes a rank bate from her forsaken block , but her too faithfull 〈◊〉 doth soon restrain her broken flight , attempted oft in vain ; it gives her loyns a twitch , and tugs her back again . so , when my soul directs her better eye to heav'ns bright pallace ( where my treasure lies ) i spread my willing wings , but cannot fly , earth hales me down , i cannot , cannot rise : when i but strive to mount the least degree , earth gives a jerk , and foils me on my knee ; lord , how my soul is rackt betwixt the world and thee ! great god , i spread my feeble wings in vain ; in vain i offer my extended hands : i cannot mount till thou unlink my chain ; i cannot come till thou release my bands : which if thou please to break , and then supply my wings with spirit , th' eagle shall not sly a pitch that 's half so fair , nor half so swift as i. bonavent . cap. . soliloq . ah sweet jesus , pierce the marrow of my seul with the 〈◊〉 shafts of thy love , that it may truly burn and melt , and languish with the onely desire of thee ; that it may desire to be dissolved , and to be with thee : let it hunger alone for the bread of life ; let it thirst after thee , the spring and fountain of eternall light , the stream of true pleasure : let it alwaies desire thee , seek thee , and find thee , and sweetly rest in thee . epig. . what ? will thy shackles neither loose nor break ? are they too strong , or is thy arm too weak ? art will prevail where knotty strength denies ; my soul , there 's aquasortis in thine eyes . x. psalm . . bring my soul out of prison , that i may prayse thy name . my soul is like a bird , my slesh the cage , wherein she wears her weary pilgrimage of houres as few as evil , dayly fed with sacred wine , and sacramentall bread ; the keyes that lock her in , and let her out , are birth and death ; 'twixt both she hops about from perch to perch , from sense to reason ; then from higher reason down to sense again : from sense she climbs to faith ; where for a season she sits and sings ; then down again to reason : from reason back to faith , and straight from thence she rudely slutters to the perch of sense : from sense , to hope ; then hops from hope to doubt : from doubt , to dull despair ; there seeks about for desp'rate freedome , and at ev'ry grate , she wildly thrusts , and begs th'untimely date of unexpired thraldome , to release th' afflicted captive , that can find no peace . thus am i coop'd within this fleshly cage i wear my youth , and wast my weary age , spending that breath which was ordain'd to chaunt heav'ns prayses forth , in sighes and sad complaint : whilst happier birds can spread their nimble wing from shrubs to cedars , and there chirp and sing , in choice of raptures , the harmonious story of mans redemption , and his makers glory : you glorious martyrs , you illustrious troops , that once were cloyster'd in your fleshly coops , as fast as i , what rhet'rick had your tongu●…s ? what dextrous art had your elegiak songs ? what paul-like pow'r had your admir'd devotion ? what shackle-breaking faith infus'd such motion to your strong prayers , that could obtain the boon to be inlarg'd , to be uncag'd so soon ? when i , poore i , can sing my dayly tears , grown old in bondage , and can find no ears : you great partakers of eternall glory , that with your heav'n-prevailing oratory , releas'd your souls from your terrestriall cage , permit the passion of my holy rage to recommend my sorrows , dearly known to you , in dayes of old , and once your own , to your best thoughts , ( but oh't doth not befit ye to move your pray'rs ; you love and joy , not pittie : ) great lord of souls to whom should prisners slie , but thee ? thou hadst thy cage , as well as i : and , for my sake , thy pleasure was to know the sorrows that it brought , and fel●…st them too ; o set me free , and i will spend those daves , which now i wast in begging , in thy prayse . anselm . in protolog . cap. . o miserable condition of mankind , that has lost that for which he was created ! alas , what hath he lost ? and what hath he found ? he hath lost happinesse for which he was made , and found misery for which he was not made : what is gone ? and what is lest ? that thing is gone , without which he is unhappy ; that thing is left , by which he is miserable : o wretched men ! from whence are we expelled ? to what are we impelled ? whence are we thrown ? and whither are we burried ? from our home into banishment ; from the sight of god into our own 〈◊〉 ; from the pleasure of immortalitie to the bitter●…esse of death : miserable change ! from how great a good , to how great an evil ? ah me , what have i enterprised ? what ha●…e i done ? whither did i go ? whither am i come ? epig. . pauls midnight-voyce prevail'd ; his musicks thunder unhing'd the prison doores , split bolts in sunder : and sitst thou here , and hang'st the feble wing ? and whin'st to be enlarg'd ? soul , learn to sing . xi . psalm . . as the hart panteth after the water-brooks , so panteth my soul after thee , o god . how shall my tongue expresse that hallow'd fire which heav'n hath kindled in my ravisht heart ? what muse shall i invoke , that will inspire my lowly quill to act a loftie part ! what art shall i devise t' expresse desire , too intricate to be exprest by art ! let all the nine be silent ; i refuse their aid in this high task , for they abuse the flames of love too much : assist me , davids muse . not as the thirsty soyl desires soft show'rs , to quicken and refresh her embryon grain ; nor as the drooping crests of fading flow'rs request the bountie of a morning rain , do i desire my god : these , in few houres , re-wish what late their wishes did obtein , but as the swift-foot hart doth wounded flie to th' much desired streams , ev'n so do i pant after thee , my god , whom i must find or die . before a pack of deep-mouth'd lusts i fl●…e ; o they have singled out my panting heart , and wanton cupid , sitting in a tree , hath pierc'd my bosome with a flaming dart ; my soul being spent , for refuge seeks to thee , but cannot find where thou my refuge art : like as the swift-foot hart doth wounded flie to the desired st●…eams , ev'n so do i pant after thee , my god , whom i must find or die . at length by flight , i over-went the pack ; thou drew'st the wanton da●…t from out my wound ; the bloud , that follow'd , left a pu●…ple track , which brought a serpent , but in ●…hape a hound : we strove , he bit me ; but thou brak'st his back , i left him grov'ling on th'envenom'd ground ; but as the serpent-bitten hart doth slie to the long-long'd for streams , ev'n so did i pant after thee , my god , whom i must find or die . if lust should chase my soul , made swift by fright , thou art the st●…eams whereto my soul is bound : or if a jav'lin wound my sides in flight , thou art the balsame that must cure my wound : if povson chance t' infest my soul , in fight , thou art the treade that must make me sound : ev'n as the wounded hart , embost , doth slie to th' streams extremely long'd for , so do i pa●…t after thee , my god , whom i must find or die . cyp. lib. . in joh. cap. . oprecious water , which quencbeth the noysome thirst of this world , that scoureth all the stains os sinners , that watereth t●…e earth of our souls with heavenly showers , and bringeth back the thirsty heart of man to his onely god! s. august . soliloq . . o fountain of life , and vein of living waters , when shall i leave this forsaken , impassible , and dry earth , and tast the waters of thy sweetnesse , that i may behold thy virtue , and thy glory , and slake my thirst with the streams of thy mercy ; lord , i thirst : thou art the spring of life , 〈◊〉 me ; i thirst lord , i thirst aste . thee the living god! epig. . the arrow-smitten hart , deep wounded , slies to th' springs with water in his weeping eyes : heav'n is thy spring : if satans fiery dart pierce thy faint sides , do so , my wounded heart . xii . psalm . . when shall i come and appear before god ? what is my soul the better to be tin'd with holy fire ? what boots it to be coyn'd with heav'ns own stamp ? what vantage can there be to souls of heav'n-descended pedegree , more then to beasts that grovel ? are not they fed by th' almighties hand ? and ev'ry day , fill'd with his blessing too ? do they not see god in his creatures as direct as we ? do they not tast thee ? hear thee ? nay , what sense is not partaker of thine excellence ? what more do we ? alas , what serves our reason , but , like dark lanthorns , to accomplish treason with greater closenesse ? it affords no light , brings thee no nearer to our purblind sight ; no pleasure rises up the least degree , great god , but in the clearer view of thee : what priv'ledge more then sense hath reason than ? what vantage is it to be born a man ? how often hath my patience built , dear lord , vain tow'rs of hope upon thy gracious word ? how often hath thy hope reviving grace woo'd my suspitious eyes to seek thy face ! how often have i sought thee ? oh how long hath expectation taught my perfect tongue repeated pray'rs , yet pray'rs could ne'r obtain ; in vain i seek thee , and i beg in vain : if it be high presumption to behold thy face , why didst thou make mine eyes so bold to seek it ? if that object be too bright for mans aspect , why did thy lips invite mine eye t' expect it ? if it might be seen , why is this envious curtain drawn between my darkned eye and it ? o tell me , why thou dost command the thing thou dost deny ? why dost thou give me so unp●…iz'd a treasure , and then deny'st my greedy soul the pleasure to view thy gift ? alas , that gift is void , and is no gift , that may not be enjoy'd : if those refulgent beams of heav'ns great light guild not the day , what is the day , but night ? the drouzie shepherd sleeps ; flow'rs droop and fade , the birds are sullen , and the beast is sad : but if bright titan dart his golden ray , and , with his riches , glorifie the day , the jolly shepherd pipes ; flow'rs freshly spring ; the beast growes gamesome , and the birds they sing . thou art my sun , great god : o when shall i view the full beams of thy meridian eye ? draw , draw this fleshly curtain , that denies the gracious presence of thy glorious eyes ; or give me faith ; and by the eye of grace , i shall behold thee , though not face to face . s. august . in psal. . who created all things is better then all things ; who beau●…ified all things is more beautifull then all things : who made strength is stronger then all things : who made great things is greater then all things : whatsoever thou lovest he is that to thee : learn to love the workman in his work , the creatour in his creature : let not that which was made by him possesse thee , lest thou lose him by whom thy self was made . s. august . med. cap. . o thou most sweet , most gracious , most amiable , most fair , when shall i see thee ? when shall i be satisfied with thy beautie ? when wilt thou lead me from this dark dungeon , that i may consesse thy name ? ep . . how art thou shaded in this veil of night , behind thy curtain slesh ? thou seest no light , but what thy pride doth challenge as her own ; thy slesh is 〈◊〉 : soul take this curtain down . xiii . psalm . . o that i had the wings of a dove , for then i would flie away and be at rest . and am i sworn a dunghill slave for ever to earths base drudg'ry ? shall i never find a night of rest ? shall my indentures never be cancell'd ? did injurious nature bind my soul earths prentice , with no clause to leave her ? no day of freedome ? must i ever grind ? o that i had the pinions of a dove , that i might quit my bands and sore above , and poure my just complaints before the great jehove ! how happy are the doves , that have the pow'r , when ere they please , to spread their ayry wings ! or cloud-dividing eagles , that can towre above the sent of these inferiour things ! how happy is the lark , that ev'ry howre leaves earth , and then for joy mounts up and sings ! had my dull soul but wings as well as they , how i would spring from earth and clip away , as wise astrea did , and scorn this ball of clay ! o how my soul would spurn this ball of clay , and loath the dainties of earths painfull pleasure ! o how i 'de laugh to see men night and day turmoyl , to gain that trash they call their treasure ! o how i 'de smile to see what plots they lay to catch a blast , or own a smile from cesar ! had i the pineons of a mounting dove , how i would sore and sing , and hate the love of transitory toyes , and feed on joyes above ! there should i find that everlasting pleasure , which change removes not , & which chance prevents not ; there should i find that everlasting treasure , which force deprives not , fortune dis-augments not ; there should i sind that everlasting cesar , whose hand recalls not , and whose heart repents not ; had i the pineons of a clipping dove , how i would climb the skies , and hate the love of transitory toyes , and joy in things above ! no rank-mouth'd slander there shall give offence , or blast our blooming names , as here they do ; no liver-scalding lust shall there incense our boyling veins , there is no cupids bow : lord , give my soul the milk-white innocence of doves , and i shall have their pineons too : had i the pineons of a sprightly dove , how i would quit this earth , and sore above and heav'ns blest kingdome find , with heav'ns blest king jehove . s. august . in psal. . what wings should i desire but the two precepts of love , on which the law and the prophets depend ! o if i could obtain these wings i could fly from thy sace to thy face , from the face of thy justice to the face of thy mercy : let us find those wings by love which we have lost by lust . s. august . in psal. . let us cast off whatsoever hindereth , entangleth , or burdeneth our flight untill we attain that which satisfieth ; beyond which nothing is ; beneath which , all things are ; of which , all things are . epig. . tell me , my wishing soul , didst ever trie how fast the wings of red-crost faith can slie ? why begg'st thou then the pineons of a dove ? faiths wings are swifter , but the swiftest love . xiv . psalm . . how amiable are thy tabernacles o god of hosts . ancient of dayes , to whom all times are now , before whose glory seraphims do bow their blushing cheeks , and veil their blemisht faces , that uncontain'd at once , dost fill all places , how glorious , o how farre beyond the height of puzzled quils , or the obtuse conceit of flesh and bloud , or the too flat reports of mortall tongues , are thy expreslesse courts ! whose glory to paint forth with greater art , ravish my fancy , and inspire my heart ; excuse my bold attempt , and pardon me for shewing sense what faith alone should see . ten thousand millions , and tne thousand more of angel-measur'd leagues from th' eastern shore of dungeon earth this glorious palace stands , ●…efore whose pearly gates ten thousand bands of armed angels wait to entertain those purged souls for whom the lamb was slain ; whose guil●…lesse death , and voluntary yielding of whose giv'n life , gave this brave court her building ; the lukewarm bloud of this dear lamb being spilt , to rubies turn'd , whereof her posts were built ; and what dropt down in cold and gelid gore , did turn rich saphyres , and impav'd her floore : the brighter flames , that from his ey-balls ray'd , grew chrysolites , whereof her walls were made : the milder glances sparkled on the ground , and groundsild every doore with diamond ; but dying , darted upwards , and did fix a battlement of purest sardonix . her streets with burnisht gold are paved round , starres lie like pebbles scattred on the ground : pearl mixt with onyx , and the jasper stone , made gravell'd causwayes to be t●…ampled on : there shines no sun by day , no moon by night ; the pallace glory is the pallace light : there is no time to measure motion by , there time is swallow'd with eternitie : wry-mouth'd disdain , and corner-haunting lust , and twy-sac'd fraud , and beetle-brow'd distrust , soul-boyling rage , and trouble-state sedition , and giddy doubt , and goggle-ey'd suspition , and lumpish sorrow , and degen'rous fear are banisht thence , and death 's a stranger there : but simple love , and sempiternall joyes , whose sweetnesse neither gluts , nor fulnesse cloyes ; where face to face our ravish't eye shall see great e●…ohim , that glorious one in three , and three in one , and seeing him shall blesse him , and blessing , love him , and in love , possesse him : here stay my soul , and ravish in relation : thy words being spent , spend now in contemplation . s. greg. in psal. . poenitent . sweet jesus , the word of the father , the brightnesse of paternall glory , whom angels delight to view , teach me to do thy will ; that led by thy good spirit , i may come to that blessed citie , where day is eternall , where there is certain securitie , and secure eternitie , and eternall peace , and peacefull happinesse , and happy sweetnesse , and sweet pleasure ; where thou o god with the father and the holy spirit livest and reignest world without end . ibid. there is light without darknesse ; joy without grief ; desire without punishment ; love without sadnesse ; 〈◊〉 without loathing ; safetie without fear ; health without disease ; and life without death . epig. . my soul , pry not too nearly ; the complexion of sols bright face is seen but by reslexion : but wouldst thou know what 's heav'n ? i 'll tell thee what ; think what thou canst not think , and heav'n is that . xv . canticles . . make hast , my beloved , and be like the roe , or the young hart upon the mountains of spices . go , gentle tyrant , go ; thy flames do pierce my soul to deep ; thy flames are too too fi●…rce ; my marrow melts , my fainting spirits fry i' th' torrid zone of thy meridian eye : away , away , thy sweets are too perfuming ; turn , turn thy face , thy fires are too consuming : hast hence , and let thy winged steps out-go the frighted ro-buck , and his flying ro. but wilt thou leave me then ? o thou that a●…t life of my soul , soul of my dying heart , without the sweet aspect of whose fair eyes , my soul doth languish and her solace dies ; art thou so easily woo'd ? so apt to heare the frantick language of my foolish fear ? leave , leave me not , nor turn thy beauty from me ; look , look upon me , though thine eyes o'rcome me . o how they wound ! but how my wounds content me ! how sweetly these delightfull pains torment me ! how i am tortur'd in excessive measure of pleasing cruelties too cruel pleasure ! turn , turn away , remove thy scorching beams ; i languish with these bitter-sweet extremes : hast then , and let thy winged steps out-go the flying ro-buck , and his frighted ro. turn back , my dear ; o let my ravisht eye once more behold thy face before thou fly ; what , shall we part without a mutuall kisse ? o who can leave so sweet a face as this ? look full upon me ; for my soul 〈◊〉 to turn a holy 〈◊〉 in those fires : o leave me not , nor turn thy beauty from me ; look , look upon me , though thy flames ov'rcome me . if thou becloud the sun-shine of thine eye , i freez to death , and if it shine , i frie ; which like a fever , that my soul hath got , makes me to burn too cold , or freez too hot : alas , i cannot bear so sweet a smart , nor canst thou be lesse glorious th●…n thou art . hast then , and let thy winged steps out-go the frighted ro-buck , and his flying ro. but go not farre beyond the reach of breath ; too large a distance makes another death : my youth is in her spring ; autumnall vowes will make me riper for so sweet a spouse ; when after-times have burnish'd my desire , i 'll shoot thee flames for flames , and fire for fire . o leave me not , nor turn thy beautie from me ; look , look upon me , though thy flames ov'rcome me . autor scalae paradisi . tom. . aug. cap. . fear not , o bride , nor despair ; think not thy self contem●…ed , if thy bridegroom withdraw his face a while : all things cooperate for the best : both from his absence , and his presence thou gainest light : he cometh to thee , and he goeth from thee : he cometh , to make thee consolate ; he goeth , to make thee cautions , lest thy abundant consolation puss thee up : he cometh that thy languishing soul may be comforted ; he goeth , lest his familiaritie should be contemned ; and being absent , to be more desired ; and being desired , to be more earnestly sought ; and being long sought , to be more acceptably sound . epig. . my soul , sinnes monster , whom , with greater ease ten thousand fold , thy god could make then please ; what wouldst thou have ? nor pleas'd with sun , nor shade ? heav'n knowes not what to make of what he made . the farewell . rev●…lation . . be thou faithfull unto death , and i will give thee the crown of life . be faithfull , lord , what 's that ? believe : 't is easie to believe ; but what ? that he whom thy hard heart hath wounded , and whom thy scorn hath spit upon , hath paid thy sine , and hath compounded for those foul deeds thy hands have done : believe , that he whose gentle palms thy needle-pointed sinnes have naild , hath born thy slavish load ( of alms ) and made supply where thou hast faild : did ever mis'ry find so strange relief ? it is a love too strong for mans belief . believe that he , whose side thy crimes have pierc'd with their rebellions , di'd , to save thy guilty soul from dying ten thousand horrid deaths , from whence there was no scape , there was no slying , but through his dearest blouds expence : believe , this dying friend requires no other thanks for all his pain , but ev'n the truth of weak desires , and for his love , but love again : did ever mis'ry find so true a friend ? it is a love too vast to comprehend . with flouds of tears baptize and drench these dry , these unregen rate eyes , lord , whet my dull , my blunt belief , and break this fleshly rock in sunder , that from this heart , this hell of grief , may spring a heav'n of love and wonder : o , if thy mercies will remove and melt this lead from my belief , my grief will then resine my love , my love will then refresh my grief : then weep mine eyes as he hath bled ; vouchsafe to drop for every drop an epitaph . but is the crown of glory the wages of a lamentable story ? or can so great a purchase rise from a salt humour ? can mine eye run fast enought ' obtain this prize ? if so , lord , who 's so mad to die ? thy tears are trifles ; thou must do : alas , i cannot ; then endeavour : i will ; but will a tug or two suffice the turn ? thou must persever : i 'll strive till death ; and shall my feeble strife be crown'd ? i 'll crown it with a crown of life . but is there such a dearth that thou must buy what is thy due by birth ? he whom thy hands did form of dust , and gave him breath upon condition , to love his great creatour , must he now be thine by composition ? art thou a gracious god and mild , or head-strong man rebellious rather ? o , man 's a base rebellious child , and thou a very gracious father : the gift is thine ; we strive , thou crown'st our strife ; thou giv'st us faith ; and faith , a crown of life . finis . a booke of armes, or remembrance wherein ar one hundered godly emblemata, in péeces if brasse very fine graven, and adorned pleasant to bé séen; first by the noble, and industrious minde georgetta de montenay, invented and only in the frenchtongve [sic] elabourated; bot [sic] now, in severall langvages, as; latin, spanish, italian, highdutch, english, and lovedutch, meetre or verse wys, of the same manner declared, and augmented. monumenta emblematum christianorum virtutum montenay, georgette de, -ca. . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a booke of armes, or remembrance wherein ar one hundered godly emblemata, in péeces if brasse very fine graven, and adorned pleasant to bé séen; first by the noble, and industrious minde georgetta de montenay, invented and only in the frenchtongve [sic] elabourated; bot [sic] now, in severall langvages, as; latin, spanish, italian, highdutch, english, and lovedutch, meetre or verse wys, of the same manner declared, and augmented. monumenta emblematum christianorum virtutum montenay, georgette de, -ca. . woeiriot, pierre, b. , ill. , [ ] p. : ill printed by care, and charges, of iohann-carl vnckels, a booke seller in franckfurtt an mayn, [frankfurt] : anno mdcxix. [ ] a polyglot translation of the original french of georgette de montenay. engraved title page and illustrations by pierre woeiriot. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large 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some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng emblems -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a booke of armes , or remembrance , wherein ar one hvndered godly emblemata , in péeces of brasse very fine graven , and adorned pleasant to bé séen ; first by the noble , and industrious minde georgetta de montenay , invented and only in the french tongve elabourated ; bot now , in severall langvages , as ; latin , spanish , italian , highdutch , english , and lovedutch , méetre or verse wys , of the same manner declared , and augmented . printed by care , and charges , of iohann-carl vnckels , a bóoke seller in franckfurtt an mayn , anno mdcxix . nobilivm amplissimorvm , clarissimorvm , doctissimorvm , prvdentissimorum , vsuue rerum praestantissimorum , honestissimorumque viroru● filiis dilectissimis , suauissimisue : iohanni-ernesto friderico & adolpho à münster , haereditariis in vortlage , praenob●lis & literat●smi viri dn. iohannis à münster , hareditarij in vortlage , illuss●●● dom. comitum nassouiensis & lippiensis , consiliarij necnon iudicii aulici teckleburgensis vice-iudi●is , &c. mecoenatis summè colendi , filiis . iohanni adolpho & achilli davidi wunderer , dn. iohannis dauidis wunderer v. i. doct. & consiliarii archi palatini , &c. patroni singularis , filiis . iohanni christophoro bosch , dn. iohannis bosch . v.i. doct. consiliarii seren. domini electoris palatini & praetoris ciuitatis heidelbergensis , affinis grauissimi , filio . iohanni iacobo & philippo wilhelmo ab otthera , d. nicolai ab othera v.i.d. consiliarii atque vice-cancellarii illustr . landgrauii hesso-darnibstadini in giessen , &c. affinis & compatris porcharissimi , filiis . dn. antonio artium magistro , & francisco christophoro deublinger , dn. antonij deublinger v.i. doct. & aduocati in spira imper●ali , affinis peramantiss●mi , filijs . francisco lvperto agricolae , dn. bartholomai agricolae v.i. doct. & raucomianae prouinciae propraefecto in oppenheim , affinis optimi , filio . ●ohanni philippo hügele , dn. iohannis hügele v.i. doct. ●amerae imperial quondam aduocati , affinis piè defuncti , filio . ●hilippo hügele , dn. caroli hügele . m●d. doct. & archiatri crucenacensis , affinis honorandi filio , iohanni christophoro hügele , dn. christophori s●bastiani hügele , illust com. in solms consiliarij atque praef●cti , affinis charissi●i . filio . iohanni conrado & iohanni bechtoldo laeliis , dom. danielis laelij v.i. doct. & syndici in newenmarckt superioris palatinat . affinis amantissimi , filijs . danieli ivngnitio , dn. mag. christophori ●ungnitij prof●ssoris mathem . in academ . heidelberg . affinis claeriss . filio . gotthardo voegelino , dn. gotthardi voegelini sereniss . electoris palatini typographo in heidelbergensi , affinis sui , filio . philippo ernesto & ioanni balthasaro voegelin , dn. philippi ernesti voegelin redituum ecclesiasticorum collectori in neapoli nemetum , affinis dilectissimi , filijs . mavritio , iohanni , theoderico & ioanni petro bebinger , dn. iohannis bebinger , scabini atque senatoris reipub. francofurt . affinis honorandissimi , filijs . iohanni , achilli & iohanni hartmanno bebinger , dn. nicolai bebinger , senatoris atque pro tempore reip. moeno francofurt ▪ consulis ▪ affinis colendissimi . filijs . matthiae , ioan henrico , bartholomaeo , petro & georgio deublinger , dn. thomae deubli●●●● inter deublingeros senioris & ferè septuagenarij , affinis obseruandissimi , filijs . iohanni iacobo braunman , dn. iacobi braunman ciuis & mercatoris quondam moeno-fran●ofurt . affinis & compatris humanissimi , relicto filio . iohanni iacobo & iohanni philippo nordeck , dn iacobi nordeck ciuis quondam francof●rt . & affinis piè difuncti , filijs . iohanni hartmanno , k●ller . dn. ioh●nnis conradi keller ciuis & not. pub. francof●rtens affinis dulcissimi , filio . iohanni conrado clessio dn conradi cl●ssij ciuis quondam & imp. iudicij francofur . scribae publici , affinis olim iucundissimi , filio . samveli & iohanni reichardo vnckel , dn. iodoci vnckel , illustr . comit. in hohen solms , &c. cellario , nomine familiae amicissimi filijs . iohanni andreae seydenbaen ner dn. iohannis seydenbaenner consulis quondam & senatoris reip. wormatien . antecessoris mei in coniugio , filio relicto , priuigno dilectissimo . s. p. d. iohannes-carolvs vnckelivs , bibliopola francofurtensis . si priscarum rerum ethnici scriptores , nobiles viri-luuenes , cognati , atque affines ●uauissimi priuigneque dilectissime , singuli , romanorum veretes matronas singulas , singulis laudibus ad coelum vsque attollunt , vt ex multis quidem ( dictis siquidem hîc fieri volo compendium ) lvcretiae pud●citiam ; martiae grauitatem : vetvriae pium ampetum : portiae coniugalis amoris ardorem : clavdiae h●laritatem sobriam : ivliae facetias & mullebrem eloquent●am : caeciliae vrbanitatem : liviae maiestatem : corneliarvm alteri generosum roburanimi , & alteri morum ver boru●que dulcedinem , rectè & prudentet attribuant : an no● , christo nomen qui dedimus , christianas nostras heroicas , docta●que ; foeminas sicco heîc pede praeteribimus ? abs●e vero illud . nazia●zenus enim , scriptor iste ecclesiasticus , haec de matre suâ affirmat mater mea , inquit , non tantum adi●●rix in pietate , sed etiam doctrix & gubernatrix parenti meo genitori fuit . guilielmus verò budaeus , fax & lampas omnium erudi●orum virorum in occidentali galliâ , haec de coniuge sua scriptum reliquit : coniux mae , ait , sic mihi morem gerit , vt non tractet negligentius libros meos quàm liberos , quòd videat me studiosissimum , in quo haec mea sententia maiorem laudem meretur , quàm pliniana , quòd literas nescit , cùm illa sciret ? hisce & adderem olympiam moratam ( quae superiore vixit aetate ) in seipsam doctissim●s diuulgatis scriptis , satis superque commendasset . ecquid ve●ò nobilissima ista virago gallica , georgia montanea nostra , conditrix praesentium emblematum christianorum ( quae antehac charactere latino-gallico dumtaxat edita , in linguis , hispanicâ , italicâ , germanicâ , anglicâ & belgicâ nunc luce donamus publicâ ) condignâ suâ laude priuabitur ? neutiquam . verùm quum ( breuitati dilectae studeo ) vinum vendibile suspensâ haedera non indigeat , ad ipsa montaneae nostrae emblemata , pietatis omniumque virtutum viua exemplaria beneuolum lectorum ablegatum volumus , vbi satis superque leonem ex vngve ( vt veteri prouerbio dicitur ) cognoscet . vtautem vobis nobiles viri-luuenes , cognati & affi●es mellirissimi , tuque priuigne iucundissime , hoc quicquid 〈◊〉 pellae . dedicare● , duplex omninò mihi incitamentum fuit , alterum à parentibus , alterum à vobis mihi oblatum . principio enim tanta parentum doctorumque vitorum de rep. optimè meritorum in me extant merita , vt ingratitudinis notam effugere nullus possim , si animum ipsis deditum & deuotum non testatum faciam eo signo , quo possum , quoque viriplerunque literariae reip. ciues fautorum suorum munificentiam depraedicare solent . etenim cum omnibus virtutibus me affectum esse cupiam , ( vt docti cuiusdam viri verbis vtar ) tum nihil est quod malim , quàm me & gratum esse , & videri . neque verò ob id vel cognationis vel affinitatis paruam rationem habui , adeò vt vel inprimis ea me ad negotium hoc suscipiendum impulerit . quid enim sanguinis necessitudine iucundius , quid amabilius esse poterit ? et de contrahendae obseruandaeque amicitiae quid magis profuturum censendum est , quàm si in publico honestae famae & laudatae mnemosynes templo ipsi suspendatur tabella , qua velut immortalitati consecretur . vestro tamen potius nomini , praestantissimi adolescentes , quàm parentum inscribere volui , tum quod condignum virtutis eorum praemium non esse hoc existimabam , tum quod vestris studijs vitaeque conditioni , in quibus adhuc dum versamini parum abhorrere , imò cohaerere sentiebam . quippe cum virtuti vos litare linguarumque cognitioni in hiare constet , vtilissimum me argumentum reperturum sperabam , si & veras virtutum imagines , easque linguas , tanquam in compendio proponerem , quae non ad terrenae alicuîus felicitatis commodum , sed ad aeternae prosperitatem , viam sternerent , neque barbarae essent , & longius hominum nostrorum societate & commercio remotae , sed elegantes & in ipso quasi pomoerio natae . et tale quid in praesenti hoc problematum ●●●legio contineri planè persuasus sum de cuius tamen ●ti●itate aut necessitate non praefabor longius . macti vo● hemanissimi iuuenes , calcate virtutum haec praeclarissima vestigia , & , quod facitis , perpetuoque facturos indoles vestra morumque bonitas euincunt , vosmetipsos sic eruditos ostendite in hoc vitae genere , ne foemina ( georgiam nostram montaneam intelligo ) inferiores virtute ( quae à viro , ranquam maximè virûm decus denominationem habente ) existatis adeoque patriae emolumento , vobisque ipsis & parentibus honori esse possitis . faxit haec devs dator omnis boni , quem supplex venerot , vt parentes vestros , qui superstites sunt , vobis bonisque omnibus diu seruet incolumes . francofurti ad moeni fluenta , in die caroli , qui est vigesimus octauus anni mdcxix . georgette de montenay d'affection , tele , l intelligence , d'esprit , de coeur , de parole et de voix tout d'un acord instrumens , siures , doigtz je chanteray de mon dieu s'excelence Ô plume en sa main non vaine , de celle qui par escrit met la louenge de christ gage d'or tot ne te meine : a madamoiselle georgette de montenay . autheur du liure , son humble seruiteur salut . de l' eternelle veuil non content seulement de t' auoir ( o georgette ) ●ssez abondamment orne & enrichy de ses dons precieux , et des grac●s qu'on voit reluire aux vertueux : pour se faire cognoistre icy bas en tout lieu aux chrestiens zelateurs de la gloire de dieu , ila voulu & veut , cent emblémes christiens estre mis en lumiere : tu les peux dire tiens : tiens , ie di , pource que l' inuention est tienne : laquelle , en les lisant , on cognoistra chrestienne : en cela plus louable & aussi l' inuenteur , que non dufabuleux & la fable & l'auteur , comme lon veit iadis à l'embleme ancien , duquel & la figure & le sens n'auoit rien de chrestien dedans soy . ceux doncques qui liront ce chrestien liure icy , l' eternel beniront , ton zele loueront , & pourront prendre enuie d'ainsi faire , & de suiure ce qui meine à la vie . p. d. c. a tresillvstre et vertvevse princesse , madame ieanne d' albret , reine de nauarre , georgette de montenay humble salut . en rougissant , voire & tremblant de crainte de ne pouuoir venir a mon atteinte , ie pren en main la plume pour escrire ce que ne peux assez penser ne dire : dont me voy pres d'vne iuste reprise , s● ie poursuy si hauteine entreprise , de commencer & ne parfaire point . il est meilleur de ne s'en messer point : dira quelcun plus que moy auisé : mais bon vouloir n'est iamais mesprisé , combien qu'il soit tant seulement vtile lors que l'effect luy est rendu facile . regardant donc ma foible petitesse , et l'approchant de la haute hautesse de voz vertus ( ô princesse bren nee ) le perle coeur , ma muse est estonnee , combien que ●'ay la plume encoren main . mais pour tel faict trauailleroit en vain : car beaucoup moins voz vertus immortelles pourrois nombrer que du cielles estoilles . par force donc suis contreinte me taire , pour n'estre pas ditte trop temeraire , laissant traitter voz vertus magnifiques aux excellens poetes angeliques , qui toutes fois n'ont pas meilleur vouloir : mais ●rop ie sen debile mon pouuoir . ce neantmoins tant que viue serai , par mes escrits en vers confesserai que l'immortel de vous faisant son temple vous façonna pour estre a tous exemple , et vrai pourtraict de son image saincte quel ●n contemple en reuerence & crainte . il n'a voulu d'vn seul don vous pouruoir . en vous faisant reine de grand pouuoir , acquerir los , voire plus haut qu'en terre : mais a rempli vostre vase de terre de ses tresors en nombre non nombrable : et c'est ceci que ie tien admirable , recognoissant ce qui en vous reluit n'estre de vous , ains de dieu qui y mit vne foy viue qu'en vous il a plantee pour par icelle en son fils estre entee , comme les fruicts en rendent tesmoignage , quand auez fait que maint bon personnage est recuilli doucement en voz terres , et les chrestiens receuez de bon vueil , c'est au seul christ que faites tel acueil car quand les rois ne les peuuent souffrir , vous leut venez biens & pais offrir , voire a celui lequel a christ s'auouë . san s'espargner . donc forçe est que ●'auonë que l'eternel en vous a fait merue●lle . dames ouyez , chascune se reueille pour comtempler en ioye & en liesse les faitz de dieu enuers vne princesse . veuillez de cueur ses graces recognoitte , et ainsi qu'elle il vous fera renaitre en sainteté , iustice , & cueur humain . car tous ces dons font tousiours en fa main pour sur les siens par son fils les espandre . d'antre costé ne vous faut rien attendre . ce n'est qu'abus , mensonge , tromperies , où nous auons trop noz ames nourries . ne souffrez plus , damoiselles gentiles , l'esprit rené vaquer a choses viles : ains employez l'a mediter les faits , et faire esc●its de cil qui nous a faits , et qui nous veut a lui par christ vnir . si nous voulons a lui par foy venir . or quant a moy ( princesse ) ●'ay courage vous presenter ce mien petit cuurage : et craindrois fort deuant vous l'approcher s'il vous plaisoit le voir & eplucher au grand midi de vostre oeil cler voyant , soit demi clos plustost humiliant pour regarder chose si mal limee , mal à propos & sortement rimee . encor à vous les fautes paroistront qu'au plus beau iour autres ne cognoistron● . vostre bonté mon imperfection couure , en prenant ma bonne affection . car si ●'ente qu'y ayez pris plaisir , lors sentiray m'accroistre le desir , de trauailler à quelque autre oeuure fair● qui vous pourra plus que ceste cy plaire , que i'entrepren non par temerité , mais pour fuyr maudite oisiueté , qui de tour vice est la droite nourrice . pensant aussi qu'il sera bien propice a mainte honneste & dame & damoiselle touchees au coeur d'amour saint & de zele , qui le voyans voudront faire de mesmes , ou quelqu'autre oeuure à leur gré plus qu ' emblémes ? que toutes fois pourront accommoder a leurs maisons , aux meubles s'en aider , rememorans tousiours quelque passage du saint escrit bien propre à leur vsage , dont le seigneur sera glorifié et cependant quelcun edifié . mais quant à vous ( las , ma dame ) ien'ose vous dire rien de si petite chose , petit , ie dy , ce qui est de ma part : grand en cela qui vient d'oùle bien part . si vous sentez qu'il gratte trop la rongne a qui a tort , contre verité grongne , pardonnez moy : le temps le veut ainsi , et verité m'y a contrainte aussi . car cé fol monde ignorant se consomme , et ne se veut point reueiller nostre homme . donques afin que nous le reueillons , ces cent pourtraitz seruiront d'aguillons pour reueiller la dure lascheté des endormis en leur lasciueté . alciat feit des emblémes exquis , lesquels voyant de plusieurs requis , desir me prit de commencer les miens , lesquels ie croy estre premier chrestiens . il est besoin chercher de tous costés de l'appetit pour ces gens degoustés l'vn attiré sera parla peinture , l'autre y ioindra poesie , & escriture . ce qu'imprimé sera sous vostre nom , lui donnera bon bruit & bon renom . or tout le but fin ou i'ay pensé c'est le desir seul de veoir auancé du fils de dieu le regne florissant . et veoir tout peuple à luy obeissant : que dieu soit tout en tous seul adoré , et l'antechrist des enfers deuoré . et vous ( ma dame ) en qui tout bien abondé , miroir luisant & perle de ce monde , qui me daignez faire si grand honneur , que receuoir ce mien petit labeur , com bien que soit de voz grandeurs indigne , est de l'honneur & seruice le signe que ie vous doy , & preten de vous rendre toutes les fois qu'il vous plaira le prendre , ie ne puis rien augmenter par priere vostre grandeur & vertu singuliere . vous deuez donc en toute obeissance vous contenter de christ , qui iouissance deses tresors vous a voulu donner , lesquelz n'auez voulu abandonner . ie requier donc , pour fin de ce propos , qu'apres voz iours entriez au vrai repos . vostre tres humble & tresobeïssante subiette , vraye & fidele seruante que de nommer honte n'ay , georgette de montenay . avx lectevrs . amis leucteurs , ie ne prendray grand peine pour excuser ma rude & sotte veine , sachant que ceux qui ont coeur vertueux ne me voudront estre si rigoureux de n'excuser le sexe feminin , d'vn coeur courtois & d'vn vouloir benin . mais ceux qui sont plus amis d'ignorance que de vertu & de vraye science , ie voy defia de coeurs enuenimez ietter sur moy leurs charbons allumez . mais i'ay espoir , que leurs brocards & rage ne me feront aucun mal ne dommage , et ne pourra leur malice engarder le simple & doux de lire & regarder : voire en notant d'esprit gentil & fin de chasqu ' emblésme & le but & la fin . ce qu'ayant veu , il luy sera notoire que ie ne quier que du seul dieu la gloire . ie say aussi que plusieurs voudront faire ainsi qu'aucuns , desquels ne me vueil taire , qui vont ouyr , ce disent-ils , le presche , mais plustost vont lácher leur langue fresche , pour dechiffrer l'vn l'autre à qui mieux mieux . l'vn dit ainsi , le prescheur clost les yeux , l'autre les ouure , on fait semblant de choir , l'autre dit bien , mais il crache au mouchoir . l'vn bransle trop le col , l'autre la main . pour telles gens lon se trauaille en vain , le sainct parler ne leur bat que l'oreille , endurcissant leurs coeurs gros à merueille . ie m'atten bien que de mesme feront quand ces chrestiens emblémes ils liront , comme desia i'ay veu en ma presence , que , sans auoir egard à la sentence , l'un vne mine ou quelque chappeau note qui seroit mieux faict à la huguenotte : l'autre me dit , que pour vray amour feindre , ne le deuois en ceste sorte peindre . i'y consen bien : mais cestui ancien tiendra ce lieu tant qu'aye veu le sien . ie l'enquis bien de quelqu'autre maniere : mais sa response est encores derriere . ie say qu'aucuns entre les anciens on t figuré amour par des liens : mais en ceci il n'eust pas conuenu , fuis que tout est par amour soustenu . il faut qu'il ait mains pour tout soustenir : non pas qu'il fale à tel erreur venir , dire que dieu ait mains , ni corps aussi . dieu est esprit qu'on ne peut peindre icy . ce vray amour , ou charité en somme , que dieu aussi saint iean proprement nomme , c'est cestui-là , duquel i'enten parler , non cupido , qu'on veut faire voler . cest amour tient le monde en sa puissance , et conduit tout par sa grand ' prouidence . or volontiers prendray correction des vertueux pour l'imperfection qu'en ce liuret & autres oeuures miennes se trouueront , fo rs des oeuures chrestiennes qui bon accord auront & conuenance aux liures saincts , de dieu la sapience . ie ne pensoie quand i'entreprin d'escrire , que iusqu'à vous il paruinst pour le lire . ains seulement estoit pour ma maison : mais on me dit que ce n'estoit raison , ainsi cacher le talent du seigneur qui m'en estoit tres liberal donneur . ainsi conclu , crainte chasser à part , et vous en faire à tous comme à moy part : vous suppliant ▪ si rien vous y trouuez qui ne soit bon , que ne le receuez , et m'excuser en fin . or pour à dieu , prenez le bon , donnez la gloire à dieu . de georgetta montanea rhythmorvm gallicorvm et emblematum inuentrice . nvlla poëtarum monimenta abolêre vetustas diu aluit : sapphus nec modulâta lyrae . montanena suam sic famam terminat astris : barbite nam vates carmina sacra sonat . luserat haec patrio montana georgia versu , voce canens soli carmina sacra deo. lasciuis procul illa iocis , prauóque lepore , crescentem celebrant relligione fidem . discite nunc , vanos soliti iactare poëtas : suaue etiam casto profluit ore melos . l. c. s. quod meliora facìt nemo montana , rotundo sermone ex patrio carmina , vel paria de vestro seclo , quàm tu ( cui tota videtur , quaecunque huic seclo , suada habitare animum ) desipiat si quis miretur : nam deus ipse quo canitur certus carminis autor adest . t. r. a. de immortalitate animae . ●edibus optatis fruitur , luctúmve refugit , atque auram puram mens statione capit . b.p.a.m.c. lucensis interpretis anagramma & symbolum . christe quousque dari pondus rebusque licebit carminibusque : mei carminis author eris . fortuna & liuor spatij concedite tantum : dum caput ex sacris texta corona teget . a lector . lector amigo de leer , estos emblemos y de veer , las tracas no tomes fastidio , ni les pongas alcun odio , porque vienen de donsella , no menos sabia que bella , ansi piensa de les dar , entre los libros lugar , que son dignos de licion , y de contemplacion . por la doctrina escondida qu'es en ellos contenida ensenando , piedad esser de prosperidad de dios bien recompensada , y aqui accompagnada , de segura protexion y los que con afficion la buscan en diligencia gozaran por su clemencia de eternal bendicion . mas que los impios eleuados seran al fin albaxados de eternal maldicion . pues que podras mas dessear , que d'estudiar en tal doctrina , que te viene en ensen̄●r , lo que por tu bien te conuiene , de seguir o de dexar : loqual bian effettuar , vna prudencia es diuina ? al lettore . lettor ' amico non t'ingannare , quando questo libro vedrai , d'emblemie dottrine rare , di giorgette de' montenai , emblemi son , ma non comuni anz'in materia christiani come leggendo intenderay . l'muention'é assai gentile , la materia non é vile : ma che dá chiaro testimonio , di destro e bon ingenio , e di graue pietá . laqual con simplicitá a tutti seruir á dissegno . il sco●o è di dimostrare , com'da dio é compensata , la pietá senza tardare . a quei che di cuor l'han sequita . ma che dell'impio la pena , ben ch'al lungo si dimena , semper vien essecutata . questo é , lettor'humano , ciò che qui e contenuto : non vi e penscer profano , ma tutto vien adressato , a bon'e pia instruttione ; vsa ne com'e raggione con pietá e animo grato . an den christlichen leser . wie selig ist die mutter zart von der die frucht geboren wardt / georgia montana fein / ein edle iungfraw keusch vnd rein wie sie kam auff das weltlich thal / die goettin musae allzumahl / vnd charites mit allem fleiß / hatt jhr gepflegt mit guter speiß / vnd in jhr schoeß gewickelt ein / darzu ein hellen sonnenschein / damahl christus ließ scheinen klar / wie diß geburt begangen war / drumb last vns darumb danckbar seyn / vnd achten hoch diß kleinot fein / welchs i st ein zier im koenigreich / navarra vnd in franckenreich / auch ehren das weiblich geschlecht / weil es so edle fru●chte tregt / sihe diese iungfraw gorgia / wie sie ist abcontrafait da / in vnser sprach ist sie jetzt feil / vnd wuenscht vns teutschen glueck vnd heyl / wer nun zu danck an nimmet sie / der find manch herrlich beyspiel hie / wie er sein leben fuehren sol / bestehn fuer gott vnd menschen wol / die gantze heilig go●ttlich schrifft / i st fu●rtzlich in diß werck gestifft / so fuenstlich / artlich / sinnenreich / daß nie gesehen ward deßgleich / ob wol vorhin emblemata gedruckt find worden hie vnd da / doch diß allein weit vbertrifft all die man je fand in der schrifft . mein lieber frommer leser schaw / was helstu nun von dieser fraw / der man kein mann vergleichen kan / sie i st ja billich lobesan / laß dir diß werck gefallen wol / der lohn dir reichlich werden sol . in commendation , of the nobel georgetta , de montenay , and her emblemata . great wonder is , to the world , if it be so , as niew and ould , clarkes doe write , for a certayne , such as is happnet in former time ; that the originall of pallas , out of the brayne iupiter was , and the iuno bracht fort heben , so sóon she lettice , had eaten ; such lyke ar fables , as i beléeve , to which no man shal credid givé : but this is true , as it can tel , france , and navarrae , very well , that the noble , wise , and fine , georgetta de montenay hes hundered godly emblemes , elabourated , out of her braynes ; wher former age , regarded not thier néed , before all others , shée hes don the déed . lykewise her picture , standes hir behinde , torne some leaves , so shalt thou finde ; in our tongvé , she is now besould , and wished blessing manifou●d , vs english men , of god omnipotent , therefore let vs such a present embrace , and love , so long wee live , an her for such , much thankesgive ; than they will showe vs very playne , what wée shal doe , or refrayne , in this world , of that wée may , finde before god , grace one day : for in them is , the scripture all , so wisli , bréefe , and artificiall . of our god , declared in brasse . which doe all others , overpasse . therefore thou nobel , georgetta , heave thank , for thein emblemata , delyke will doe , the whole europe , to thy alwayes , as i hope . with prayse begin , so thus with thée iend : praying for those , that doe thy prayse extend . i.h. aen den verstandighen leser . leser / soo ghy bemint / wysheyt / en d'verstandt soo neemt in v handt / dit boeck ghepresen een edele vrouw vyt vranckeryckx landt voldeuchden gheplant / heeft dat ghemaeckt in desen maer het moet oock / met ghoet bedacht / syn ghelesen ghelyck het van haer / door gods gheest / ghecomponeert-is sy was het instrument / maer godt werckman in d' wesen . doch siet men hieruyt / dat sy weirt ghe laudeert-is een tempel des heyllighen gheests / die niet ghelogeert-is in een lichaem onderworpen der sonden / quaet al ist dat sy een vrouw persoon / ghe ' generert-is veracht daerom d'werck niet / want godt elck in synen staet can beghauen / maer hout te meer / van dees wel daet siet meer na de vruchtten / dan na den boom / in t velt want sy veel mans / hier in te bouen ghaet die oock wel schoon emblemata / hebben ghestelt hier woort / van gheestlyck en politiß ghemelt end'dat met seer hooghe / rycke / wyse / sinnen . dus desen boeck te coopen / en spaert gheen ghelt want hier is meer proffyt / gheleghen innen hoe wel dat veel / om een verghancklyck ghewinnen den ewich durenden schatt / laten varen slicken lieuer met den haen / t'ghersten coren binnen dan sulcke schoon / costlycke / perel te bewaren die met onuerstant groot ghaet / kan maer so theit baren . i. emblema . sapiens mvlier aedificat domv vera effigies reginae nauarrae i. gallice. voyez comment ceste reine s'efforce de coeur non feinct d'auancer l'edifice du temple sainct , pour de toute sa force loger vertu , & dechasser tout vice . notons que dieu la rend ainsi propice , afin qu'il soit glorifié en elle : et qu'on soit prompt ( ainsi qu'elle ) au seruice , dont le loyer est la vie eternelle . i. latine . cur , age , sic instas operi , sanctumque laborem ipsa tua celeras , dux generosa , manu ? sollicitat pietatis amor rediuiuus , & alma relligio , cultu conspicienda sacro . aliter . id virtutis iter vasto sub gurgite mundi , quod regina sciens relligione terit . illa patrocinio coelebs , & moribus aras aedificat superis : pauperibusque domum . i. hispanice . quan bien auenturado . quine muger sabia tiene . p●z y prosperidad de aqui viene : y el mando se huelga descansado . mos tal de deos es dada al los que la han buscado con piedad vera y posada . i. italice . vedi questa reinae essempio di virtu , e vera pietà , come da giouentu . in quella da parenti estata cleuata , coss ' in matura ità ne fu anchor parata , mantenandoli in cas'e per tutt il suo regno . ond in sua lode si mette quel diss●gno da femina prudente la cas'e'edificata . i. germanice . ein klug verstaendige matron / erbawt jhr hauß herrlich vnd schon : wo aber ist ein naerrisch weib / weder glueck noch heyl daselbst bleibt / sih diß loeblich koenigin hie / wie bawt alles so artlich sie : drumb wird außgehn jhr lob vnd preiß / vber den gantzen erdenkreiß . i. anglice . see rohat a holy , and góod intent , thus perform , this quéene prudent ; in bilding a tempel , so fein and large , to which no labour , time or charge , sée sperd ; wherin so well póor as rich , shall goe to pray , all in such ; to god , and their savier stil , which sevs them from all il. i. belgice . siet hoe dees coninghinne / aen gods tempel so wysselyck bouwt / gheuende alle vrowen haer hier in te volghen / een ghoet excempel na sirachs leere / die sy behooren ●'onthouwen en da er nae haer huys / met aller trouwen wyss'●uck ●egent / in de de vreesedeß hearen naest godt haeren man / eert soo do vrome souwen een wyfe vrouw is weirt / al 's conining'te eeren . ii. emblema . svrge ii. gallice. cest homme vif s'est bien peu à mort mettre ▪ ores est mort . qu'il se face reuiure . adam pecha , & ne se peut remettre en pureté : ains eut à peché suyure . ainsi nous tous , tant que christ nous deliure , en sans d' adam , tousiours souillés serions : se●fs de peché par lequel nous mourrions . hors christ n'a rien , qui dure mort ne liure . ii. latine . nate patris summi , amissaeque vnica vitae spes , ostende tuae , christe , salutis opes . quid , nisi crudeli possim me perdere letho , nec tamen ad vitam vi remeare mea ? aliter . quid sibitrans corpus durum miser abdidit ensem , eripiens vitam , quam dare nemo potest ? damnatum nec adam vlla piacula , teve resoluent : te nisite christi sanguis & vnda lauent . ii. hispanice . ahi triste caso del lombre corrompido , al mal enclino y a perdicion : por fuerças suias , y su elexion , matar se puede si , mas no dar se vida . mas deos por su compassion lo llama a si , y lo erige y para liuir lo dirige . ii. italice . adam a se e alla sua razza , peril peccato ha morte á dato : ma d' iddio la sola gratia per chist'a vita l'á richiamato equanto misera era la sua sorte ch'altro non espettaua che la morte tanto sij grata a quel che l'à viuificato . ii. germanice . der mensch so bald er wird geborn / i st er verderbt vnd gar verlorn : ie laenger er das leben hat / ie mehr sich bringt in angst vnd noth . wo nicht christus der einig trost / ihn hett von suend vnd todt erlost : der selbig hilfft vns auß der noth der thewre held vnd fromme gott . ii. anglice . to kill thy selfe , and so depart , aut of this world , it is no art ; but to rise , and live agein ? thou art notable it is certain ; ofty self , but must like e stone , lye , til iesus creist , gods sonne ; koms : for nun but he cancur thein wound or make thy reis from the graund . ii. belgice . den mensche leuende / can hem selfs wel dooden maer niet weder leuen / door syn dyghen cracht dat do et het eten / van de vrucht verboden hier toe heeft on s adam / door eua / gebracht een ander boom des leuens / gods soon gheacht is ons voor ghestelt / daer van te eten op dat wy wedrom leuen / die laghen versmacht den rechten medecin / can best ract weten . iii. emblema . de plenitvdine eivs i. gallice. pource que tant eslongnés de dieu sommes , qu'impossible est à nous de l'aprocher , naistre il a fait son fils semblable aux hommes , fo rs qu'il est net , & exempt de pecher . qui se veut donc de peché depescher , et de satan fuir la seruitude , s'en vienne a christ pour sa soif estancher : car nous puisons tous de sa plenitude . iii. latine . quò fugis , incerto mutans vestigia gressu ? iusticiae viuo fonte requiris aquas ? huc ades , optatos pleno cratere liquores hîc bibe , iustificae fons vbi vtuus aquae . aliter . ad salientis aquae scatebras , riuosque recursat arentem sperans posse rigare sitim . ecce salutarem christi , hunc bibe , tuque liquorem , qui pater , & deus est hostia factus homo . iii. hispanice . vengan aca los alterados , bor rifrescarse y su sed matar : hallar se han bien descansados bara podersa sustentar . mas los qui no quieren venis , ni tan benigna boz oyr , de quien se auran de quexar ? iii. italice . venite tutti quanti chi sete trauagliati , il duro giogo d' i peccati sentendo : venital fonte viuo , per esser ristorati . senza preti o labor vin ' e latte comprando : perche vi faticare senz ' vlla ricompensa ? perche spender danari do null ' e la sestanza ? qua , qua venit à me , che l'acque viue spendo . iii. germanice . wie sind die leut auff dieser erd / so gar verjrrt / vnd sehr beschwert : daß sie jhn selbst machen vnlust / zuleschen jhrer seelen durst . wenn sie den rechten brunnen quell / christum / welcher fleust klar vnd hell / nur suchten / wurden sie zumahl getrencket all in einer zahl . iii. anglice . this lively spring , thus help all them , such as be bleind , sick or lem , but the natur of man , is given stil , to lev that góod , and folow il ; for such is séen of póor and rich , how they alon , run after such ; and no stet reflex , they in s at all , but sences alon , like a bestiall , iii. belgice . comt en drinckt / uyt die claer israelsche fonteyne die uyt de syde / van gods lam / is springhende waerom graefft ghy v selven / vuyl putten onreyne en stinckende cisternen / daer in syn singhende vorsschen / slanghen / en padden / haer gifft minghende eud die leuende fonteyn / wilt ghy verlaten vseluen en ander / tot af goden dwinghende dier quae●●oor t'goet kiesen / haer seluen haten . iv. emblema . rectvm ivdicivm iv. gallice. le fils de dieu seul iuste & tout parfait , nous a son ioug doucement presenté : mais cest ingrat , qui conte n'en a fait , s'est d'vn tel bien par orgueil absenté . puis donc qu'ailleurs n'est vie , ne santé , qui monstrera que dieu luy ait fait tort , si le rebelle en sa temerité s'est trouué pris du licol de la mort ? iv. latine . mite iugum christus , deuictis hostibus ; orbi attulit , & facili mitia vincla iugo . at tu , qui subdt furiata mente recusus , quid quereris , mortis si cadis in laqueos ? aliter . debellans satanam christus suave obtulit orbi antitodum miseris , obtulit anticyram . sed iuga detrectans , cont●mpta lege superbus : verbera num pungent mortis acerba malum . iv. hispanice . quien de christ huye la iugada , porauer del mundo el plazer ; a tal no deue et tran̄o parecer si en lazos de muorte da ca●da . no echad pues la dulce carga , sequida de compense larga , qu'en fin halla reposo y vida . iv. italice . quel ch'il dolce giogo di christo rifiuta . la sua croce che lo seque schifando per almondo seruir , e a la carne brutta . d'i quali sempe vá le voluptá cercando , di chi si piangerá se si truoua sopreso di lacci della morte , che nel camin'l'attese ? lui stesso n'á la colpa , la vita negligendo . iv. germanice . weil dir die leicht vnd suesse buerd / so dir jetzt auff geleget wird / durch gottes worts heylsame lehr / beduenckt zurragen seyn zuschwer / vnd dem halßstarrig widerstrebst / deim eygen sinn vnd willen lebst / so nem verlieb / wenn dich vnglueck / endlich bringt in deß todes strick . iv. anglice . sée horo this death , which loókes so wan , is watch full stil , til shée a maa , thus catch in her deadly sling , no mater if he te , princ or king ; therefore ye men consider well , an take this for a exampel , that ye alway herit patientley , when god that yoke thus opon you lye . iv. belgice . die t' soete iock christi / en den lichtten laft weyghren te draghen / en l' cruys verfinaden dwelck salich is / al volt het / wat s●●er den gaft die hem maer met l' weirelts / lust wil beladen die valt daet door / in gods onghenaden en in stricken deß doots / eer hyr hem versidt dus volcht christus / blyftt op de smalle paden die t'sure niet en proefft / en smaket soete niet . v. emblema . non tvis viribvs v. gallice. comme le fer s'esseue par l'aymant , l'homme est de dieu par christ tiré aussi . ne soit donc pas rien de soy presumant : car rien n'y a de sa nature icy . christ vray aymant en haut l'esseue ainsi . non sa vertu , ny oeuure , ny merite . ce qui est sien , c'est mal que dieu irrite . bref , il n'a rien que par grace & merci . v. latini . magnetis ferrum ●ersatur viribus : & nos ad christum trahimur commiserante deo. ergo tua ne te speres vi viuere : vitam sed tibi concessam munere nosce dei. aliter . attrahit vt ferrum magnes sine viribus adse : ignibus eductus purior estque adamas . militiae secus haud telis est vita probanda , vnus quam gratis datque adimitque deus . v. hispanice . tus fuerças todas vanas son si el no tocca el coracon ya si , oluidada l'ira come el magned el hierrol o tira a el siempre pues de rogar as , quel te quiera a si tirar , porno caer en la mentira v. italice . come il magnete a se il ferro tira il quàl in terra rimarrebbe coss ' il bon dio , ase , lasciando l'ira , il nostro cuor ch' in malo crebbe , tira per gratia , acciò ch' in christ ' habbiamo la vit'eterna , e che con lui viuiamo . senza quell'a salut'nissun huomo verrebbe . v. germanice . daß sich das schwere eisen regt / dieselb krafft kompt von dem magnet / also daß vns gott schenckt sein sohn / i st nur barmhertzigkeit / kein lohn / daß wir haben sein lieb vnd gunst / geschicht alles lauter vmbsunst : drumb ruemen wir vns nicht auff erdn / daß wir von vns selbst selig werdn . v. anglice . leike as the magnet that iron thus , draw to him , and neuer refus ; so thus creist , aur sauier deare , al such , which him truly fier ; and brings them , to his father swéet , wher all the angels they shall méet ; for non but he , kan vsin to that pleas , help : aut of this misery and distresse . v. belgice . ghelijck den mangnet / het isen treckt tot hem also treckt den soon gods / on s hart tot syne vader end ' gheltick den schaep / hoort syns herders stem also hooren christenen / christus stam algader t is niet door on s selfs / dat wy c'oman nader maer door gods trecken / niet door ons loopen oock het steen an isren hert / werd'●nmer ●uader t'bleef ligghen op het aerts / soo godt het niet entroc . vi. emblema . et ●ec est victoria ●e vicit vi. gallice. ceste foy haute & surpassant le monde est pour monstrer , qu'elle est victorieuse sus iceluy , quoy qu'en malice abonde . ie say que c'est chose fort ennuyeuse que suporter la rage furieuse du monde ingrat , satan & nostre chair : mais puis que foy en a victoire heureuse ( par iesus christ ) rien ne nous doit facher . vi. latine . solus homo aduerso pugnabat fortiter hosti , sed non eualuit vincere , fixus humo . tum medios sese iniecit seruator in hostes , victricem tollens sidera ad vsque fidem . aliter . pugnantes mundus , caro , cum cacodaemonis astu , non potuêre rude , hoc dissociare cahos . irruit in medios hostes seruator : olympo speranti vt victor regna beata daret . vi. hispanice . quien podra turbar los fieles , qu'en ciel por fe son confirmados ? no temen ellos los crueles estando de su man librados . el mundo no los vencerá mas d'ellos vencido sera con todos sus lazos parados . vi. italice . in vari'stenti é d' christiano in questo mondo , e semper trauagliato dal persecutor ' in humano , dal diablo che l'assalta d'ogni lato : ma lu● in christo la vittoria perfed'ottien , di cui la gloria l'há fin'al cielo essaltato . vi. germanice . die gantze welt war gar bedeckt / mit suend vnd laster gantz befleckt / kein mensch jhm selber helffen kund / christus den teuffel vberwund : wer nun anselben glaubet fest / dem ist der glaub das allerbest / der jhn von suenden machet rein / vnd fu●hrt jhn in den himmel nein . vi. anglice . the whole world , was most wiketley , with sinne , satan and miserey opprest hard , so that no man could , mek him frée of them , when h● would , til iesus creist tru god and man , kam , and trad the sinne , and satan , vnder his féet ; for perpetuall and so by him , we war fréed all . vi. belgice . de weyrelt / verstaet / de weyreltsche menschen die hun selfs niet / dan s'weirelts wellust wenschen bedeck en doch haer vuyl / met sweirelts sondich cleet al oft godt niet en saegh / haer verkeerdt sentenschen dat men t' goet quaet / en t'quaetghoet / heer maer den gheloouighen / dat wel beter weet dat int'gheloof alle en victoria en prys / leyt door christus / dit verwonnen heest al' s'weirelts wyßheyt . vii . emblema . ex parvo satis vii . gallice. ce feu , non feu , fondé dessus vn songe , soufflé de loups d'habits simples couuers , où ces corbeauz aportent leur mensonge . s'en va esteinct . car par tout l'vniuers les abussont presque tous descouuers ▪ le sang coulant pur de l'arbre de vie suffit pour tous purger & mettre à vie , et rendre mort ce feu feinct des peruers . vii . latine . feralem struxere focum coruique lupique : nec tamen , accenso fomite , ligna calent . nempe sacra manans christi cruor arbore , flammas obruit , & sterili lumina falsa rogo . aliter . qualem vulpini scintillam excuditis ignis . vosque lupi coruis mista caterua nigris ? techna retecta iacet , pietas laruata recessit : solo est in christi sanguine , partasalus . vii . hispanice . el fuego con engan̄os attizado , de gente en fraudes attreuida , ya muerto esta y des hechado , por sangre del'arbol de vida . aquella es por laqual lauados , y de peccados bien mundados , los iustos han al ciel subida . vii . italice . lupi rapaci di pecorina pelle tetti , vn fuoco hanno attizzato alquali corui apportan ' mill nouelle paglie perfar ' la fiamma piu spessata . ma tutt ' in van'perdon ' ●'oglio e la opra poi che d'd arbol di vita il succo sopra lié corse , ●rutto l'há stinto e dispersato . vii . germanice . ein wolff ist ein geitzig fraß / die raben suchen auch jhr aß / sie richten an viel hertzenleyd / morden / rauben / ohn vnderscheid : wo nicht christus mit seinem blut den seinen huelff vnd kaem zu gut / so wuerd es offt gehn uebel zu / gott hilfft den seinen doch zur ruh . vii . anglice . this wolves , and rávens , they would so fein , kindil a fyre , but , it is in vayne , for iesus creist , that lifly trée , thus quenc aut such , as one may séé . with his blóod so red , for aur sek , that we of such no harm should take ; therefore , let them dóo what they will , their fyre shall , never kindil . vii . belgice . dit vier / gheen vier / smilt onder denen droom von woluen opgheblasen / met den slecht cleet gedect die rauen brenghen / baer res oock by wolfoom dat is der gierighen aert / daer noot content insteckt maer van den boom deß leuens / spruest het bloet perfect dat heest ghelescht dit v / er / soo dat den armen man kan komen tot den boom / des leuens ondefleckt en gods ver go●●n bloet / oock met ghenieten kan . viii . emblema maxima non confvndit ivstificat christvs viii . gallice. la foy en christ est celle mesme pierre sur laquelle est basti tout l'edifice du temple sainct , comme dit christ à pierre : c'est celle aussi par qui auons iustice , qui à beaux fruicts produire est si propice , que d'elle sort ceste viue esperance . puis charité dont part en abondance toute bonne oeuure ennemie de vice . viii . latine . christe , fide tibi non incerta credere , viuis esse doces saxis condere templa deo. haec tustis aperit coelum , & succendit amore corda pio , viciis dum vetat esse locum . aliter . quam sit dura silex , aut stet marpessia cautes : iuncta fides , simul & spes , charitasque manent , quae christo sociant , ciues coelum inque reportant . ne quaeras alibi discere iustitiam . viii . hispanice . quien en christo mette su esperanza , iamas se halla confundido : su coraçon va sin tardanza al ciel de vicios despedido . mas quien de salud el pilar , por el mundo quiere dexar , en fin se hallara perdido . viii . italice . christo é quella petra viua sopra la qual la chies ' edificata mai será di salute priua . quelch ' in lui la speranz ' á luocata confuso mai non será ma in lut persisterá infede e charita non personata . viii . germanice . wer festiglich auff christum bawt / vnd jhm von gantzem hertzen trawt / derselb besteht in aller noth / vnd wird errett vom ewign todt . sih diß , figur , zeigt dir an diß / christus der rechte felß er ist / darauff der glaub beruhet fest / das bruenstig hertz muß thun das best . viii . anglice . creist is the graund , opon which shall , every cristian continuall ; bild , and set his hart alon , that time he lives , so hes he won , a ples of glory , which creist for all , such hes preparet , from eternall ; to enioy , when they dóo goe , aut of this miserei and woe . viii . belgice . christus is den hoecksteen / het fondament alleen daerop bauwt er ghelooff / dat is het fynste gout hout / hoy / stopplen / en stroy / vergadt doort vier ghemeen maer het gheloouich hert / in t vier niet eny verflout t'brant sonder verbranden / want lief de on der hout in de vruchten deß gheloofs / t'syn gody wercken abondant daer het toe vli●cht / ghewillich sonder fout al 's een stercke pilaer / die niet is gebout op t'sant . ix . emblema . sine operibvs mortva est christvs ix . gallice. de ceste foy sort vne tousiuors-viue . monstrant parla n'estre point chose morte , ce n'est pas foy celle qu'on voit oysiue , et qui beaux fruicts en sa saison n'apporte . sainct iaques donc accorde en ceste sorte auec sain & paul , que la foy iustifie : rien de iustice a l' oeuure ne rapporte . l'oeuure est peché sans la foy , ne t'y fie . ix . latina . viua fides , vsuque & fructu commoda multo , proficit at nullum mortua praestat opus . iusticiam dat viua fides : sed mortua damnat . ergo tuam factis disce probare fidem . aliter . quaeritis affines , frustráque charistia ; vt arbos ni super infundens irriget herba perit . humano tu operi nimium confidere noli : firma fides nisi sit , desidiosus homo es . ix . hispanice . la fe sin piedad es cosa muerta : y como la buondad del'huerta , por los frutos se vee y s●entiende , assi la biua fe por obras se comprende . tambien sin biua fe la obras nada valen : porque no sen de dios , mas de la carne salen : y impossibil es a dios sin fe plazer , que por amor de christo merced quiere hazer . ix . italice . da questa fede la semperuiua nasce com'altro frutto di bona terra ●'esce . s'ella non vi é , non é la fede viua , ma morta e sterile d'il suo frutto priua . chi dunche fidel , vuol ' esser chiamato mostrar il frutto de , per non esser tenuto hipoerit ' infidel , da dio non conosciuto . ix . germanice . den baum man an den fruechten kendt / vnd das getraidt pruefft das gelendt / denn wo der grund nicht koestlich ist / daselbst gut frucht vnd obs gebrist . sih gleicher weiß kendt man das hertz / obs jhm ein ernst sen oder schertz : wenn man die werck sicht die es thut / was der glaub schafft ist alles gut . ix . anglice . all trée sarigudget , by ther fruits stil , if they ar góod , or il ; for , wher is a bad and wiket ground , ther ar the fruits , never saund ; the leicke one shall , know a mans hart , if he thus looke his dids at , than wer is a tru , and saund belif , ther is also a godly lyfe . ix . belgice . daer den grond ghoet is / wassen ghoode vrnchten daert ' gheloof op recht is syn die wercken ghoet dat godt en den naesten dient / niet ghenuchtten een leuendich gheloof / gheen doode wercken do et het gheloof / sonder wercken / haest steruen moet en de wercken sonder gheloof syn niet daun sonde doch maecki t' ghelooff alleen / salich in christus bloet gheen ghoede vrucht en wascht / uyt valschen gronde . x. emblema . non confvndit nolite confidere x. gallice. nulle rigueur , tempeste ny orage , n'ont offensé ceste haute esperance , mais la terrestre a receu grand dommage : ainsi sera tousiours la recompense de l'homme sol , qui a sa confiance aux princes grands , ou mesme en sa vertu . mais qui en dieu mettra son asseurance , il ne sera confundu n'abatu . x. latine . firma stetit subnixa deo , fracta impete venti concidit , humana fulta columna manu . sic perit expectans hominum virtute salutem , fide deo , nunquam spes tibi vana cadet . aliter . altera inhaeret humi ; sed verberat altera nubes , tuta columna poli : corruit illa noto . rara fides regum , in ducibus spes nulla salutis : cerne iouem coelo spemque fidemque socans . x. hispanice . en l'hombre es la fianza vana : mas en la potestad sourana , come en seguro pilar bien se puede confidar ▪ el braço humano es debil y su ayuda poca y vil . mas de dios la potencia imensa no ay quien le dé tardanza . x. italice . maldetto é quelche nella forza humana s'appoggia , mettendoui la sua esperanza . perche nel . huomo vil é la fiducia vana ma beato quel ch'há la diuin potenza per suo appoggio quel mai non é confuso , in nulla tempesta . ne v'é maligno caso che perturbar lo puó sotto quella defensa . x. germanice . wer sich verlest auff herrn gewalt / derselb wird nicht mit ehren alt / wer aber gott dem herrn vertrawt / derselbig hat sehr wolgebawt : vnd bleibt bestehn zur boesen zeit / er wird behuet fuer schwerem leid . traw gott es rewt dich nimmermehr / keim menschen traw / folg meiner lehr . x. anglice . kurst is he , which for hilp thus flye , to mortal men , and not on ley , to god ; and his well belovet sonne , from which koms all benediction , but happy is he , that hes in creist his confidence set alon , he shall be in his presence , wher is no chainging , no fall ; noll , but alon , heavenly glory stil. x. belgice . in swaer tempeest / en ongheweder ghroo● verlaet v niet op menschen / noch ghroo●e , ●eeren sy weghen min al 's niet / en helpen in gheen noot / menschelycken arm / kan gheen ongl●ck keeren / dat do et alleen de moghende hande god● vol earen daerom diesyn hope / op hem stelten betro●wt . die blyfft vast staen / dan der valt in t verseeren , hoe soten dwaes is hy / die gout bouen godt hout . xi . emblema . qvem timebo xi . gallice. du grand peril des vens & de la mer , cest homme a bien cognoissance tresclaire . et ne craind point de se voir abismer , puis que son dieu l'adresse & luy esclaire . nul , qui en dieu remet tout son affaire , ne se verra despourueu de secours . mais cestui-la , qui fera le contraire , sera consus par son propre recours . xi . latine . quamlibet iratos , venti , exercete furores : tuta tamen summis cymba natabit aquis : nec tumidos metuet fluctus , nam lucida coelo fax micat optatae dux mihi certa viae . aliter . quid scopuli euboici , syries , vltorve caphareus , quid nimbi , aut tumidis scylla charybdis aquis ? tum palinurus erit tutus , puppi sedet alta cum deus : aethera est tuta carina pharo . xi . hispanice . vientos y tempiestas con furia d'ahogar mi barca se effuercan : la ondas de la mar la quieren oprimir . mas quedo sin temor viendo del ciel uenir la lumbre del sen̄or . lumbre bien desseada al pobre y apretado que no halla aiuda ( quedando desechado de todo el mundo ) sino en su splendor . xi . italice . com il nocchier'nelle più gran tempeste , vedendo sopr'il malo polluce si mostrare , corraggio prende , sciolto di cur'moleste . coss'ilnocchier fedel in questo ondoso mare di mil molestie e tempeste trauagliato vedend'il lum ' che dalciel l'é mostrato non vi è più cos'alchuna che lo può spauentare , xi . germanice . sihe diß schifflein wagts getrost / durchs weite meer vnd wird erlost / von der gefahr / ob schon der wind / vnd wellen / es gern stuertzten schwind : doch folget es dem rechten stern / der jhm den weg weist weit vnd fern : ein rechter christ soll gleicher weiß / der warheit folgen nach mit fleiß xi . anglice . like as this ship , which is but lów , thus thróugh , all danger goe , no kerit takes , that the windes with might , dóo rage and blow , all day and neight , but de revtley his kors takes to the starr , which shineth so bright aver all ; so shud a man , to god , and truth alwayes , runn , and not to satan , or wordly lyes . xi . belgice . siet ghyt'recht liecht vor v / vaert daer op sterck voort al waer v water en wint teghen / om te keeren wyckt nierte tugh ' / verlaet v op gods woort alle ●lementen / syn al wercken deß heeren die hem o●derdanich syn / en hem teteeren syn dienaers dienen moeten / oft syn vyanden straffen / dus laet v rechte leeraers leeren die gh●too ●ight hope / luet niemant ter schanden . xii . emblema . sed fvtvram inqvirimvs xii . gallice. ce pelerin peu a peu s'achemine pour arriuer a la cité celeste , er n' a regret qu'autre que luy domine ses champs , chasteaux , & que rien ne luy resté . voicy , qui fait , que rien ne le moleste , considerant que maison permanente n'auons ca bas , mais bien mortelle peste , a tous qui n' ont plus haut mis leur attente . xii . latine . coelica suspirans iamdudum ad regna viator , ipse suas alijs sponte relinquit opes . foenore cum toto teneant nihil inuidet : huius instabiles mundi cùm sciat esse domos . aliter . nunc seges est vbi roma fuit , carthago , corinthus , diruta troia rogo , cum babylone jaces . hinc coelum petimus , sedes ibi fata quietas ostendunt : ab aquis caetera & igne cadunt . xii . hispanice . aqui no ay que dar , morada , ne reposo : estrangero io soy : y buscando mi gozo al ciel me voy con priessa , dexando el mundo con todo su labor . y su deleite immundo . no m'impiden las riquezas ni retienen mil flaquezas ni los abismos sin fundo . xii . italice . il viandante non à altro ponsiero . che d' arriuare al luoco destinato , elascia in dietro tuti ' altro desiderio cossi quelch ' al cielo s'e inuiato , tutt ' altre cure lascia , esempr ' auanti passa fin'al suo riposo che tant ' à desiato . xii . germanice . welchr zur himmels pfort thut wallen / der lest all wel●lich wolliest fallen : ob jhn schon kompt viel gtueck zuhand / daß er offt kom zu leut vnd land / lest er dasselb doch fahren hin / vnd stell allern zu gott sein sinn / daß er erlang das ewig gut / welchs leib vnd seel erhalten thut . xii . anglice . if thou di si rest the heavenly geat , sée and feind , so must thou queit , versek all riches , and thein land , and take a pilgrims staffe in hand , than such is knowen for a certaine , that one trauayles and seékes in vaine , if he not first , his wordly pride , for ever from him layd a side . xii . belgice . wy syn al belgroms / in dit aertsche dal / v'yt ghenomen / die hunnen dat●in setten op dit lyttelyck ghoet / en in desen val op t' hemels ierusalem mer en letten / soeken maer heir resyn gh●oote ●'adearen / souden godt synen hemel wel laten alleen mochten sy hier maer blynen / by den vetten maer cen gheestinck pelgrom / moet we die weirelt scheen . xiii . emblema . a qvo trepidabo xiii . gallice. cest homme icy , prest a tumber en bas , et se froisser , au moins en apparence , monte tousiours , & rasseure son pas , sachant que dieu le soustient d' asseurance . que tout chrestien don● prie en confiance dieu , qu'il le tienne , & ne le laisse point . car s'il nous laisse , il n' y a esperance d'aucun salut iusqu ' a vn petit poinct . xiii . latine . casuro licet assimilis , vestigia firmat , dextra dei cuius fulcit amica gradum . tota igitur tu mente deo te tradere totum disce . salus nulla est , deficiente deo. aliter . pelion ossa premit ( frustra encelado ) ossan olympus : tentatura ( nefas ) sydera frustra babel . ast visae in bathel coelos contingere scalae : si iuuat aura dei scandere in astra potes . xiii . hispanice . verdad es : difficil es al ciel el camino , yl'hombre pobre , flacco , y propio a trompeçar mas dios ; por su buendad grande , le da la mano . para poder la fin de su fe alcançar . vengan pues del mar las ondas , o miserias profondas ; ni muerte , aun ni fuerça lo puede separat . xiii . italice . difficil ' é ben la scálata , e'l pericol di cader giuso ma d'lddio la man da suso ii tien'e preuien'la caduta , lui dunche semper dei rogare che ti vogli sostentare . pur senza lui non v'é vscita : xiii . germanice . ich will dir helffen auß der noth / sey nur getrost / also spricht gott : auff diesem steg tritt dapffer her / mein hand ich dir darreichen wer / ob schon der weg gefaehrlich ist / hilff ich dir doch zu aller frist . laß sausen / brausen / was es mag / halt dich an mich / vnd nicht verzag . xiii . anglice . i kan thy help , and from danger sev , so spealis aur god , if i thy hef , therefore so kom , and be not ferd at all , i hould thy fast , thou canst not fall , in to that gulfe , which vnder thy , thus fall and maunt , veryhye ; but they alon , that wil obtein , with aut my , that paradise so fein . xiii . belgice . tusschen hemel en aerd ' en is maer een leere om van hier / in den hemel to gheraken die hier uyt wil comen / tot den heere moet vry moedich / tot dieleer ghonaken voort treden / altyt / bydden en waken / niet aensien t' peryckel / te water oft de land hopen op gods hulp en . het wetrelts staken hy heeft ghoet reysen / die godt hiet de hand . xiv . emblema . operam perdere xiv . gallice. 'a cest archer insensé sembloit bien qu'à chef viendroit de la chose entreprinse : mais sur l' enclume il ne proufite rien , pleignant trop tard la peine qu'il a prinse . les ennemis de christ & son eglise lairront ainsi arc , flesches & escu : car trop vaine est toute leur entreprinse . le fils de dieu ne peut estre vaincu . xiv . latin . quis furor , hostiles in christum armare caternas , et nececrudeli perdere velle pios ? desinite in solidum chalybem torquere sagittas : desinite : in proprium vertitis arma caput . aliter . arma dijs strinxit , prostratus fulmine , cyclops , sint nisi phlegraei fabula , saeuus , agri . qui volet imperio regem sic trudere coeli : impius vltorem sentiet esse iouem . xiv . hispanice . quien contra la y unque tira su flecha , su dardo quebra , y pierde su labor . assi quien contra christo sus fuerças echa queda confuso , y halla su dolor . cessad pues del labor y el tiempo perder : porque deporsequir el que tal defensor tiene , no os podra que muy mal succeder . xiv . italice . consiglie lighe sifan●in vano : in vano l'arm'hauete prese , essendo ch' inutil le rese emanuel , chi di sua mano potente , i fedel'defende , ea gli nemici rende quello chài suri far ' pensanno . xiv . germanice . gleich wie ein amboß hart vnd fest / von laute●m staal / sich nirgend lest durch scharpffe wehr / vnd spitze pfeil zerschlagen : sondern bricht in eyl alles was wider jhn sich legt : also vergebens auch sich regt die gantze welt mit jhrm gesind wider christum / vnd seine kind . xiv . anglice . sée how this bor with a bentit bowe , thus stand and shuts his arowe , ageinst that anuil , of stéel so thick , opon which they all brek so quik , so thus aur god , from his enemyes , defend his word , and church alwayes , in this world , and bringes them all , to fall and shame continuall . xiv . belgice . glyck al 's den anbeldt / van synen stale fast / en standhafftich / altyl blyfft staende te ghen syn quaet doen ders / al te maele laett pylen op hem schieten / en hamers op hem slaende / en wyckt daerom niet / maer blyfft in syn baene so soud een christen blyuen / op de rechtte straet enuyt gods ghebort niet een voetken ghaene godt wert noyt ouerwonnen / door eenich quaet . xv. emblema . hoc sermon veritatis est reprobis xv. gallice. comme les pots se sechent au soleil , aussi les coeurs des peruers s' endurcissent oyans la voix & le diuin conseil de dieu , qui veut qu'a luy se conuertissent . il les appelle , & ils aneantissent tant qu'en eux est , de dieu la verité : confessent donc maintenant , qu'ils perissent tres iustement par incredulité . xv. latine . igne lutum veluti constringitur : obstruit aures si● mala gens , quamuis vera monente deo. morte igitur saeua si concidit impius , vnam perfidiam culpet , quae dedit omne malum . aliter . coctilis vt limus durescit , cera liquescit vno eodemque igni solis ab aethre simul . iussa subit justus sic : durus at aure rebellis : cum publicano , sic pharisaeus erat . xv. hispanice . como el lodo por calors ' endurece ; assi el impio en su malicia crece llamado que es de dios por su benignidad queriendo perecer en su liuiandad . mas a la fin , quando sé accuerdaran de su malicia ; en van se quexaran de la iusticia que vengua su maldad . xv. italice . come al sole son's●rche le pignatte : cossi anchora son'gli cuorid'i maligni , elor'affettioni semper più indurate , vdendo d'iddio gli consigli benigni . lui gli inuita a se , ma non voglion vdire : presenta lor'la man ' , ma non voglion venire . chin'aurá pietá poiches'en'fan'indigni ? xv. germanice . wie ein gefeß von erden wuerd / von der sonnen hitz außgedoert / wenn es darnach felt vngefehr / auff einen stein / brichts desto ehr : also auch die gottlose rott / so gottes wort helt fuer ein spott / wird außgeduert durch gottes krafft / endlich jhr selbst viel vnglueck schafft . xv. anglice . leik as the pipkens torn all , so well the great as the small , in the sunne : if they dóo long , in it stand , so hard and strong ; so thus the hart of men obdur , the rich a swel , as the póor , in this world in sinn , and vaniti , in pride , lyes , and iniquiti . xv. belgice . soo al 's den aerden pott / door sonnens hitt verdortt maect dar by in t vallen / deft eer in strucken schort / also is die arm aerd die hem wil verheffen / teghen haeren schepper / oft mede schepssel hoort / hier by ghelyckt men den hoochveirdighen effen / die hem erghert / offt stoot aen c●ristus oft darneffen / aen syns naesten ghebreck / en willet hem verwyren / moet godt twee quaey potten / aen een in stucken smyten . xvi . emblema . sic fiet filiis iniqvitatis xvi . gallice. la corneille a en soy ceste finesse , de monter haut pour sa noix mieux casser dessus la pierre en plus grande rudesse . ainsi dieu laisse aucuns peruers hausser , pour tout à coup les desrompre & froisser plus grieuement , à fin qu'il soit notoire que tout orgueil luy se ul fait abaisser , et ce voyant qu'on luy en donne gloire ? xvi . latine . en , vt sublimi cornix petit alta volatu , deiectura , suo quam tulit ore , nucem . saepe etiam ad summos surgit sceleratus honores , frangendus casu tristius inde suo . aliter . ore nucem referens volitat super aëra cornix rostro vt demissam , rupibus indeterat . si quis erit plegyas , si quis mezentius exlex fulgure deiectus sit cruor eumenidum . xvi . hispanice . como el cueruo la nuez lleua en su bocca , en l' aïre , y la quebra d'ende l'aroiando , assi los impios d' honor , que mas les toua , exaltados en fin , se van perder cayendo . quanto mas altos son tanto son mas baxados , tanto maior ruina hazen los desechados , tanto es maior la grita , l' ira de dios sintiendo . xvi . italice . la cornacchia auendo vna nuce truouata verso il ciel volá e la porta in bocca accio che di lá contr'an sasso gettata si spessi , o almens'apri la dura cocca . cossi gl'impij in alto son'leuati ma di la subito precipitati per perir con infamia , in lor'malitia sciocca . xvi . germanice . der rab ein nußhoch in die lufft fuehrt / vnd mufft sie bald daß sie bufft / herunder auff ein harten stein daß sie zerbricht zu stucken klein : also geschichts wenn boese leut hoch steigen / wie es zugeht heut / bald werden sie mit schand vnd spott / gestuertzt biß in den bittern todt . xvi . anglice . that reven which flyes , in the ayre alone , did cast a nut opon a stone , which did break in pises very small ; that skes a bit could at all , be faund of it ; so wil god alwáy , pull daun all them , that will so hey , maunt and kleim , stil in their pride , which by no mienshe can abeyde . xvi . belgice . die raue / heeft dat verstand / vliecht met de nott om hooch laetse vallen / op den steen / tor darse also drooch in stucken breeck / om dat sy die mach eten : soo do et godt / met den hooveirdighen vermeten laet hy hooch c'omen / op dat syn valsy te swaerder / en syn ongheluck / sy defre naerder / want my segghen seluer een spreeck woort all / hoochmoet / comt ghemeinichlyck / voor den vall . xvii . emblema . dvrvm est tibi xvii . gallice. ce regimbeur contre les éperons nul tant que luy en ce faisant offense ▪ par tel miroir monstrer , nous esperons com ●ien el●●que est loing de ce qu'il pense ▪ pour mainteni● ce'qui farcit sa panse , vondroit troublo● tous les quatre elemens encontre christ : mais pour sa recompense ne s'est acquis que peines & tormens . xvii . latine . nequicquam stimulos in sana calc● petisti , demens , offenso quipede solus abis . et vobis , scelerum artifices , nil proderit arma ferre deo , vestras nam malè perdet opes . aliter . effera vis animi incauti calcaribus instat , in christum & furijs extimulatur hians . lethaeum ad fluuium labes concreta flagello plectitur horrisono : heu quo tibi diuitiae . xvii . hispanice . quien contra el aguion se essuerça de coceiar , no aproue cha ; assi tam bien pierde su fuerça el que contra su dios se echa , y aumentando su dolor , con oponerse al sen̄or . siente venguenza mas estrecha . xvii . italice . sciocco che fai ? di tirar le calzate , a sproni acuti , nulla n' auanzarai , ch'a te dolore e piaghe duplicate . cossi anchora nulla guadagnerai , con forza e rabbia a diot ' opponendo , masua vendetta contrate irritando , di tua malitia tarde tipentirai . xvii . germanice . weil dieser nicht will haben fried / wider ein spitzen stachel tritt / denselben er zertretten wolt / die muehe er aber sparen solt : so bald der stachel in fuß kam / ward er darvon gar krum vnd lam . so gehts mit den gottlosen zu / die wider gott nicht haben ruh . xvii . anglice . lóoke how this claun , the spors kickes , til he him self , in them prickes , but so sóon as he féeleth , it did eake , from them he quikly a runn did take ; so ar we mortal in this world , apt stil to be stobern and bould , ageinst aur god omnipotent , til we dóo fil his punishement . xvii . belgice . dewyl desen / niet cost syn te vreden maer wilde eenen tack / van den boom aftreden stack hem beneden / de spi●z in lynen voodt / soo synder noch veel / op den dach van heden die sonder reden / nyt toornighen moet / op een vliech aen den wand die bem letten doct synen moetwil coelen / en comt selfs in schade / den straffen / soect te verghefs / by godt gnade . xviii . emblema . eiice primum trabem xviii . gallice. cest ignorant ne cognoissant son mal , vouloit tirer de tous yeux le festu , ne voyant pa● en soy le principal : mais par ce bois dieu luy dit , que fais tu ? qui de tout vice & mal es abatu , et neantmoins veux autruy corriger ? corrige toy : sinon seras batu . qui n'a vertu , ne peut autruy renger . xviii . latine . túne igitur paleas alieno in lumine cernis , caeca premit lumen cuius vtrunque trabes . scilicet errorum censebis crimina , cuius improba vix vllo crimine vita caret . aliter . thessalus aegrotis praescribens pharmaca : morbum ni malus estmedicus , curet is ante suum . pelle trabem propriam , festucam hinc eijce amici : crimina castigans cur sceleratus homo es ? xviii . hispanice . hipocrita que claro vees las faltas chicas del hermano . y las tuyas grandes no vees , ni les quieres echar la mano . las tuyas va primer mirando , y pues l'hermano corrigendo , porno ser llamado vano . xviii . italice . nella vita humana comun é quel difetto che ' glivitij alien ' semper vogliam'curare : ma delli propri non c'é nissun sospetto cieco hipocrita prima cur'd emendare gli tuoi ch' assai son'grandi epoi al tuo fratel commandi . ch'altri corriger vuol di perfection dé abundare . xviii . germanice . den balcken ziehe auß deinem aug zum ersten / vnd straff mich denn auch / diß lehrt das evangelium / von dieser lehr ist das die sum / daß keiner seinen nechsten soll verachten / wenn er nicht thut wol . sondern jhn freundlich fuehrn zu recht / gedenck daß er sich selbst sonst schmecht . xviii . anglice . a spliter thou wilt drawe aut of meine eye , but sée , for thein thus a tymerlay , therefore i pray , dóo not molest my more , but help thy self , of thein before , lykeweise wil manny wher is the gospel tath com an speak , you goe rong path , to heáven , alon we can show you the same , but the satan may goe with all them . xviii . belgice . den balcktragher / wil synen broeder trecken die splintre● nyrd ' ooghe / die hem meer let● al 's den ealck in de syne o groote gecken die v al 's richtters / ouer elck een sort en oordeelt daer door / v selven bert want soo ghy eens anders / kleyn fouten siet soo sie en ander v quaet / ghy verdienet daermet veel leeren een ander / maer hun seluen niet . xix . emblema . si dominvs volverit xix . gallice. cest homme fort prend tout son p̄assetemps , et met sa force a ce monde presser . la mort le trompe , & coupe auant lē temps tous ses cordeaux , luy faisant tout laisser . princes & rois ont bien dequoy penser qu'vn roy tresfort & tresiuste est leur maistre , qui sait & peut leurs desseins renuerser , et son secours aux siens faire cognoistre . xix . latine . gestit eques , pressans armis crudelibus orbem : sed mors audentem praepedit , vlta nefas , sic funesta truci vanescunt vota tyranno , opposita saeuit cùm deus ipse manu : aliter . bellatoris equi fodiens calcaribus armos , orbem vrgens tumidus martis in ●ma ciet . parcasecans fila in caua tempora conij ●t hastam ; verberat inde equitem , vindicis ira dei. xix . hispanice . por fuerça el tiranno va opptimiendo el mondo : mas al fin cessa su furor : la muert'antes qu'el piensa lo viene echar al fondo no pemittiendo el sen̄or , que su gran crueldad passe mas adelante , y qu' el de l' opression de miseros se vante assi fenece con horror . xix . italice . crudel tiran ch'lmondo trauagli e premi perf rza , e pensi ● hai di peruenirn'a fine : no● t'ingannar : perche n'isforzi estremi , la morte per tagliar'le tue corde viene . all'hor'conoscerai ch'vn altro più potente , esopra di te , chi con vendeti'vrgente , punisce quel che di lui il timor ' non tiene . xix . germanice also gehts zu in dieser welt / daß man so hart das armut helt / al 's wenn man es zerpressen wolt / vnd mit schrauben bezwingen solt : diß thut die oberkeit mit trutz / darvon sie selten haben schutz : ihr fro●mmen leydts ein kleine zeit / bald kompt der todt vnd macht euch queit . xix . anglice . yée migthi kings , and princes all , consider , that you ar mortall , and the thinges , in which you plesur taks , god can and will , sóon to noting make , therefore dóo not , the poór opresse , but help them stil , in ther distresse , els will the death ageinst you vse , her sworde , if you them abuse . xix . belgice ogby heeren / en ouricheyt / wat denckt ahy doch die perscht / het sweet en t'bloet / van v onderdanen vyt hertt / en lichaem / waer denckt ghy te varen noch alle haer suchtten / en heete tranen sal godt van v eysschen / en̄ hardt drom manen al 's v de do ot / den draet af suyden sal en sult hooren craeyen de helsche hanen en elck een in v ddot / verblyden sal . xx. emblema : cane xx. gallice. le prince vieil , ignare & non sauant , qui n'a de soy aucune experience , sus voix d'autruy son peuple va iugeant , sans que du faict ait nulle cognoissance . tel prince on peut nommer , sans qu'on l'offence , de son conseil non chef , ains trompeteur , qui de la loy du vray dieu se dispense , pour estre veu de ses serfs seruiteur . xx. latine . artis egens , & mentis inops sine pectore princeps , indocilis genti reddere iura suae : non dux , vana ducis potius dicatur imago : nam populos fama , non ratione , regit . aliter . vibrabat longo actaeon venabula ferro : inflabat calamos pan deus arcadiae , vix poterit curru imperij dare lora secundo rex : dictis in animos mulceat ante suis. xx. hispanice . el principe que sin saber y esperiencia , piensa sus pueblos gouuernar : al parecer d'otros que con prudencia , lo saben por si captiuar , principe no llamar se deue , mas ombra que a otros sigue . sin osarse desuiar . xx. italice . il princip ' ignar'e inesperto , che per l'altrui voglia gouuerna i popol'suoi , non , per certo , principe é ma vna lerna di mille mali , che nel regno crescon ' ogn ' hor ' , e sin sostegno tuttol mett'm ruin'esterna . xx. germanice . wie dunckt dich vmb die obrigkeit / die kleine witz hat in dem haeupt : nur daß sie fuehrt ein blosen schein / al 's wenns ein obrigkeit solt seyn : fuei war der nam wer schoen vnd recht / auch wers ein herrlich fein geschlecht wenns nur nicht wer eins loewen haut vnd man die eselsohrn doch schawt . xx. anglice . a king that hes great contryes torul , he mus indéed be steylful , deleyk his consel , and iudgesall , in his kingdom averall ; els is the contry , not gouernt well , if they in lernig dóo not excell , but ar to comper , un to this brute , which hesa trompet , and cannot stutte . xx. belgice . wat is een prinçe nutt / sonder verstandt al heeft hy grooten ryckdom / veel volck en landt en hy die aen gheenen cant / weet te goenerneren / noch oock hem seluen / soo dat hy ander in de hand moet sien / die hem met leughens tromperen t'hert is voor / sen niet in hem / met plasseren dat by lieuer hoortblasen / al 's t'claghen der armen / sulcken ouricheit / heeft by gott oock gheen ontfarmen . xxi . emblema . sic vivo xxi . gallice. par main d' autruy la lampe veut esteindre ce chahuan , qui hait toute lumiere , pour puis apres à boire l'huile atteindre , sans qu'on le puisse au iour chasser arriere . or l' antechrist cuide en ceste maniere esteindre aussi par rois le fleurissant regne de christ , clarté viue & entiere , pour deuorer puis apres l'innocent . xxi . latine . pingue oleum sitiens , exosam lampada bubo non tamen ipse sua comprimit ante manu . et satan , veri impatiens , inimica malorum saeuus in insontes commouet arma ducum . aliter . alternis manibus ( dirum mortalibus omen ) extincta iam oleum la●p●de bubo bibit . otia coelestis patriae num su●crahet audax hostis ? sic ne viros ludet ab ore furens ? xxi . hispanice . el bube por man'agena la lumbre apaga , por beuerse el olio seguro , y sin peligto : assi el antichristo por otra man'anoga la lumbre de verdad , por passar su maldad , tirando a si prouecho , y a otros el peligro . xxi . italice . l'aloco cauto per l'oglio poter bere , la lamp'estingue acciò non sia visto , per man'aliena . cossi fà l'antichristo acciò d'el mond i'regni poss'ottenere gli principi e i re contr'il vangelo spinge ( essendo il chiar'lume che le tenebre stringe ) per poter'per lor'man'deli'intento godere . xxi . germanice . gleich wie der vhu nach dem oel / den schnabel leckt in seiner hoel / vnd doch zerbricht die lampen nicht mit seinen klawen / sonder sicht / wie ers zu wegen breng durch list : deßgleichen auch der teuffel ist gesinnt / daß er durch seine tueck den frommen bring in viel vnglueck . xxi . anglice . behold what kraft , thus vse this owle , to git aut the lamp that oyle , because , shée shinet by day and neight which thus hinder her , in héer fléeght therefore , shée vset the hand of man , to steale aut such how shée can , so thus the satan , and the wiket stil to quenc that góod , and sett forth il. xxi . belgice . den euyl / wil door een ander hand het licht nyt lesschen / dewyl by dat schouwt om in t doncker / de olie te lecken want hy vreest veriaecht te worden / soo do et oockstout den antechrist / die reyser en coninck houwt om d'licht christi / nyt teblasen met lifte op dat syn ryck / der duysternis op geld gebouwt / vermeedere / en niemant gods woort en wisste . xxii . emblema . coinqvinat xxii . gallice. simple ignorance aucuns encor ' excusent , mais ceste cy crasse & malitieuse , crasse la dy , de ce mot duquel vsent les anciens , pour la rendr● odieuse . des apostats est ceste vitieuse le vray pourtraict . car pour remplir leur panse re●ettans christ , font sa voix tenebreuse , souillans le monde & eux par la bobance . xxii . latine . scire nihil , si turpe nimis : furor impius ergo auerso tenebras lumine malle sequi . hoc faciunt , christi reiecta voce , rebelles , vipereus quorum pectora liuor edit . aliter . oppositis dorso tenebris haec lumen opacans ignorantia fit , quae resupina iacet : foedat mundum excors colubris accincta capillos , vt paulum ananias , ni iuuet aura cadet . xxii . hispanice . simple no es , mas maliciosa l'ignorancia que la lumbre huye , que la puede alumbrar por bien suyo . tal es la fastidiosa malicia de renegados que por proue chos y ganados la verdad porsigue y huye . xxii . italice . se semplic ' ignorantia nissun huomo escusa : che diremo di quella brutta e malitiosa , ch'il lume di verita assai già conosciuto asconde , che d'altri non sij anchor veduto e con sue lusinghe il mondo inquina ? ( che di se stesso più a errore inclina ) per maldetta d'iddio la tal sia tenuta . xxii . germanice . diß ist je ein vermessenheit / daß einer weiß selbst kein bescheid / vnd auch nicht folgt der warheit nach / die hell vnd klar leucht an dem tag / sonder verfuehrt noch andere mehr durch seine falsche boese lehr : der thut nichts anders denn daß er / alles beschmeiß mit wust vnd schmehr . xxii . anglice . this is the deuills mesenger , which creistes gospel wil hinder , in this world , wher he can , and plant the lyes , of satan , ageinst such all , we shal resist , for loue aur sauior creist , so long we liu in this world , that wil obscur his holy word . xxii . belgice . den eenvuldighen / is noch wat t'onischuldighen maer desen vermetelyck / ghiet syn vuylicheyt in de weirelt nyt / op dat den gheduldigen met hèm oock onreyn worde / door syn quaet feyt d'licht houwt hy achtter rugghe / want ' twaer hem leyt dat christus licht / soude openbaer syn en syn esels ovren / men saghe nyt ghespteyt / want van thien leughens / kan niet een waersyn . xxiii . emblema . qvid svperest xxiii . gallice. les pionniers du monde mesprisez on t tant sapé ceste grand ' sorteresse de babylon , & ses appuis brisez , qu'elle va cheoir , pour petit que la presse le vent d' enhaut , qui contre elle se dresse . sortez enfans , voicy le feu qui vient pour consumer elle & qui la soustient , sans que iamais en nul temps se redresse . xxiii . latine . assyriae concuss● diu fundamina turris indomito coeli turbine & igne cadent . hinc fuge , gens dilecta deo , fuge gens pia , mistam cum reprobis ne te tristia fata ferant . aliter . fossores operi accingunt babylona ruentes : grandine in hanc nimbi , iam ignibus astra micant . eripite hinc animas , subita formidine versi , christum & sperantes accelerate procul . xxiii . hispanice . los fund amentos de la tor ruinados de babilon , por fuerca qu'es menester caer , llaman de dios los hijos ensen̄ados , de partirse d'alli , por oppressos no ser. tiempo es pues de salirse , para no repentirse . de noauer oydo de dios el parecer . xxiii . italice . vedendo che gli fondamenti , della babel ex●isi sono , e che già il romor si senti , d' horribil ruina e deuersione : in di fuggite voi che la vita amate , acciò ch'oppressi co gl'impij non siate , ne inuoluti nella lor punitione . xxiii . germanice . der thurn zu babylon gebawt / mit vbermuth / da man nicht trawt dem hoechsten gott vnd seiner macht / endlich zu schanden wird gebracht / denn gott stuertzt allen vbermuth / vnd bringt die frommen durch demuth zu ehren hoch / vnd all jhr gut ewig besteht in gottes hut . xxiii . anglice . the wiket men of babylon , they did bild a tówre , heig and strong , for to sev them for all calamitie , such as dwel eth in the cittie but god did such , with winde , and fire , destróy ageinst their disire , because they would not trust in him , but alon in their strong bilding . xxiii . belgice . den toren van babilon / was hoghe verheuen noch heeft hem gott / wel cunnen verstooren / soo al ghy menschen / die so seker leuen / en doch gantsch niet en syt / wilt dit aenhooren ghy glorieuse sotten / en hooueirdighe slooren siet doch waer van uwen bouw ghemaect is van stoff en slvck / die weer moet versmooren / wat baten fraey kleedren / die van deuch den naeckt is . xxiv . emblema . frvstra cvrris xxiv . gallice. le cheual , maigre en quelque part qu'il aille , ne trouue point de la mousche allegeance , et le meschant , combien qu'il se trauaille , ne peut fuir la tresiuste vengeance de dieu sur luy , par folle outrecuidance : en tous lieux donc il se sent poursuyui : mais plus qu'ailleurs dedans sa conscience . le mal voulut , & le mal l' a suyui . xxiv . latine . vesparum , quacunque fugis , te spicula pungunt . heu miser ! hoc macies dat scabiosa malum . sic etiam nulla mens impia pace quiescens , tabifico aeternum moesta furore fremit . aliter . crabrones vt equum medijs in vallibus vrgent : ilia ceruorum & saucia arundo premit . sic vltrix vindicta dei sua spicula torquet : quo fugis , ah demens ! vndique tela necis ? xxiv . hispanice . a donde huyras misero y desuenturado ? tu mal te sigue y no puedes escapar : tu conscientia te accusa , ya tu malgrado te va attormentando , sin iamas cessar . para pues en paz y quietud biuir . y quedar firmo sin con temor huyr : guarda de tu consciencia con maldad itritar . xxiv . italice . il cauallo magro delle mosche vessato in vano corre , fa furiosi salti perche la peste semper li man'nel lato . cossi quello che con spreggio delli alti precetti d'iddio , la conscienz'ha'turbata : douune he fugge , il suo mal lo aguatta , e no'l puo euitar fin'ch in ruin'lo getti . xxiv . germanice . wenn schon diß pferd die gantze welt außlau●●en ●ue●d / wie sichs hie stelt / wuerd es den wespen nimmermehr entlauften / das koempt jhm daher weil es so duer vnd reudig ist : also kan auch ●u keiner frist ein boeß gewissen haben ruh / vnd wenn es zoeg biß in peru. xxiv . anglice . that hors is plegd of the bées and flys , which dóo fitt opon his carcase alwayes that makes him runn continuall , because he thinkes to loof them all , but let him runn wo der he wil , they shal flée a baut him stil , so ar the wiket of their concient alwáy pricket , so well by neight as by day . xxiv . belgice . ghelyck dit mager peirt / gheen rust heeft vorde vlieghen een loopt seer snel / om die t'ont vlieden hier en doch al te verghee forten macher niet om hegen / soo is een godloos m●nsch / onder de lieden schier die een quaey conciene heeft / baed gheen ●enbieden dier / soy volcht hem oueral / hem pynighende plaecht al liop hy ●ev weirelt uyt / in t helsche si edent vier / den on sterff●ycken worm / het therte altyt knaecht . xxv . emblema . frvstra me colvnt xxv . gallice. la langue aux mains & le coeur loing derriere , d'hypocrisie est la droite peinture , elle seduit par sa douce maniere , et rit mordant la simple creature . or christ apprent en la saincte escriture que rien ne sert la langue sans le coeur , dont l'hypocrite a poure couuerture . dieu clar-voyant rend moqué le moqueur . xxv . latine . ore deum solo frustra veneraberis , alto non simulata sedet pectore rell●gio . ergo fallaci mendacia fingere lingua desine : sincera sed cole mente deum . aliter . simplic●bus fictae illudens sub imagine linguae . corde procul didicit , dissimulare fidem . viscera mendacis lacerat lethalis erinnys : nec colitur falsa proditione deus . xxv . hispanice . palabras de buena creança , se venden oy a buen mercado : mas ahi desuenturado no engan̄as la venguança de d●os , que no la lengua mira , y es por venguar en ira la maldad del coraçon . xxv . italice . la linguà inanzi con bella apparenza , di giustitia e pieta sa ben parlare , e il cuor dietro in vitij strascinare l'hipocrisia suol ma in van'nella presenza d'iddio , che non la lingua , ma il cuor mira . e non si lascia mai ingannar : ond'in ira gli tali punirá , priui d'ogni clemenza . xxv . germanice . das heilig kleid / an diesem bild / die zung / vnd die corallen mild / sind wol formirt / vnd reden schon / allein das hertz ist weit davon . wer gott will dienen recht vnd schlecht / derselb nicht mit der zungen fecht / er ehre gott von gantzem hertzn / dann er lest mit sich gar nicht schertzn . xxv . anglice . theyer outwarde habit , is holy and góod , the tong so méek , and so smóod , but sée her hart is great way beheind , reson of this , i cannot feind ; alon , that theyer religion thus requeir and with ernest , such thus desire but god wil the tong , hart and meind togider hef , if one wil him feind . xxv . belgice . dit volck eert mij / met de lippen / en tonghe maer thert / is veir daer van claecht got de heer soo de oude pepen / soo danssen de ionghe / godt is niet ghedient / met ipocrisie seer veel pater nosters / en aue maria meer van voor ghepratelt / al 's t'hert achter blijft / is godt een grouwel / en̄ een spottich bekeer / sulck gebet is euen / al 's ost ghy met gott kyft . xxvi . emblema . a malo castigaberis xxvi . gallice. ce philifthin s'est par orgueil armé , et veut tirer contre simple innocence : mais dieu a fait son traict enuenimé tourner sur luy , brisant son arrogance , o beau miroir aux yeux de nostre france ! pour contempler du grand dieu des hauts cieux le prompt secours , la iustice & puissance , qui garde l'humble , & abat l'orgueilleux . xxvi . latine . immiti innocuum sperabas sternere letho : sed tibi iusta tua est poena parata manu . nam te ●eflexo confixum deijcit ictu , dum fugit immeritum stricta sagitta caput . aliter . alcides nece , cacum incendia vana vomentem , hydramque , antaeum , tergeminumque petit . dauid & innocuus goliathi immane cadauer diuina sternens tela retorsit ope . xxvi . hispanice . al'inocente quien mal procura , no faltara d'en mal parar , como el que la flecha tira , la qual al mismo viene a dar . porque dios d'el suen̄o tiene , y el que endan̄●r lo viene , halla de quien se quexar . xxvi . italice . crudel a vn fanciul la morte machinando , a te'stesso l'hai data , la tua saetta , verso il tuo capo con forza risultando . cosi quel che nuocer vuol a l'innocente , d'●ddio la giusta vendetta sente , nel suo proprio telo in cauto cadendo . xxvi . germanice . sih / dieser zielt in feinem muth / auff diß vnschuldig junges blut / aber der pfeil schlegt hinderruck / vnd trifft den / der das boese stuck hat zugericht : also thut gott den seinen helffen in der noth / vnd schlegt den mit seim eygen schwerd / der vnschuldiges blut begehrt . xxvi . anglice . this man thus vse his cruwelty , ageinst that boy , that thus lye , innocent and naked , opon the ground , but sée he mus , féel selfethe wound , this is the end , and reward , of all such tyranth , that not regarde , theyer god , but stil delight , in cruwelty , by day and neight . xxvi . belgice . ontrouw slaet syn eyghen heer / in desen die schieten wil / op dat on noosel bloet maer den pyl keert om / treft den schutter mispresen synen hoochmoet te breken / dat hy bekennen moet dat is gods handt / die vengianrie do et al 's goliath geschsede / door dauidts handt dis een spiegel / voor die d' arme drucken onsoet hem teghen een weirloos setten / is groote schandt . xxvii . emblema . illis erit et cor vestrvm xxvii . gallice. de toutes gens est la nature telle qu'ils ont le coeur à ce qu'ils aiment mieux , dont cestuy-ci dedans vne escarcelle appartient bien à l'auaricieux . or le chrestien a mis le sien aux cieux : car son thresor est la , & tout son bien , où le larron , la rouille & l'enuieux n' ont tel pouuoir qu'en ce val terrien . xxvii . latine . cur negat in loculis animum posuisse , caducas sollicito tantùm corde sequutus opes ? fallitur : abiungi mentem qui rebus amatis posse putat : mentem cedere cogit amor . aliter . ardet pygmalion thesauris fraude sychaei , dido furtim quos eripuit manibus . his sic , quae fures , blattae rubigóque vastant , parcite , in aeternis omnia tuta polis . xxvii . hispanice . no es possibil de seruir , a dios y a las riquezas : n● se puede el coraçon partir . por seruir cada vn a vezes . porque lo qu'es mas amado el coraçon a si ha tirado . nis ' escusa con destrezas . xxvii . italice . dou ' e il thesero , lá anchor e'il core : dou ' e la cos ' amata colá si tien l'amore . l'auaro il suo á nella scarsella , doue inchiusa tien l'alma pouerella , ma'l cor fidel nel cielo é alloggiato , do christo é , che li à preparato eterni beni , a quai puó nuocer nulla . xxvii . germanice . sih / dieser mensch er sey zu hauß / zu feld / vnd wo er denckt hinauß / vnd wenn er schon in wolcken schwebt / sein hertz doch nur im seckel lebt . gelt ist sein gott / sein seeligkeit / sein lust / sein lieb / sein frewdigkeit / drumb ists vergebens / daß man jhn darvon breng / auff ein bessern sinn . xxvii . anglice . so difficult , as is for a camell , creist speaks in his gespell to goe through the neédle of eye , so is for rich men when they die , enter in to that kingdome of heáven , because they did alwayes runn , in this world after mamon and versóok god , and his sonne . xxvii . belgice . waer uwen schatt is / daer is oock v hertt spreect christus / en gheeft on s dese lesse verghaert schatten in den hemel / daer sy met smert niet verloren en worden / maer blyuen inesse den ghierighen heeft t'hert / altyr in de tesse maer gods kindren hebbent by godt alleen daet draghet haer ghroote interesse / die godt op woeker leent / crycht meer al 's . vor een . xxviii . emblema . ●olvs svperbis ●enistit ● dat gratiam xxviii . gallice. cesfiers lions vn agneau ia tout grand auoyent rauy , s'en cuidans bien repaistre , maisson berger , la bride leur tirant , les empescha de la dent fur luy mettre . ainsi t' a sa it le grand pasteur & maistre desia deux fois , ô prince debonnaire . ne sois ingrat , mais fay à tous cognoistre que tu le sers d'vn coeur tresuolontaire . xxviii . latine . rapta pecus geminos pauisset forte leones , ni seruata foret subuentente deo. ille animi fastus crudeles comprimit : ille subiectos placida commiseratur ope . aliter . dum tener à caulis erraret ouilibus agnus , fortè petita lupis praeda duobus erat . hostibus creptum te bis , ceu dente leonum , princeps , fautoris robore nosce dei. xxviii . hispanice . fieros liones la mansa oueia bien podian deuorar pero su buen pastor trabaia para su vida assegurar assi de los tirannos fieros la furor dios sabe impedir y saluar los verdaderos para en paz los hazer biuir . xxviii . italice . fieri leoni di fame e rabbia accesi la poure pecorella non posson deuorare . per briglia piu forte impediti e ritesi cossi anch't tiranni , per non effectuare , ciò che nel suo cor con dissegno maligno conchuiso han , contr'il fidel benigno , da dio tenuti son , che non l●●onn'toccare . xxviii . germanice . sih diß geduldig laemblein wer zwey oder dreymal vnd offt mehr zerrissen / von den loewen wild / wo gott nicht wer sein schutz vnd schild : also thut offt die welt ringen / nach boessn vnd gottlosen dingen / aber der trewe gott die welt zu rechter zeit im zaum behelt . xxviii . anglice . i wonder that this lambe may goe , to the lyons which do ror an blow , to dewour it if they war but frée , but they can not , vse such iniquitie , lyke wise would the w●ker , if god did permit , kill , and spoyl wher they taht war fit , but god kéeps them by a bridel stil , to goe no forder , but woder he wil. xxviii . belgice . het onnoosel schaep waer lang verbeten van dtefelle leeuwen maer syn herder ghoet houtse in den toom / dat het met woort gheten alsoo dorssten tirannen / na d'onoosel bloet en al die d'onderdanen / outragle do et weduwen / en weesen / verdrucken / godt falt wreken t'vol met dewoll affichetren dat besueren moet die van godt bewaert wordt / mach ●an glueck wel spreken . xxix . emblema . impossibile est xxix . gallice. voicy qui fait d'vn seul coeur deux orffandes : faisant partage entre dieu & le di a ble o toy chrestien , dieu veut que tu entendes qu'il est ialoux , & n'est point supportable de te souiller en chose abominable : car tu ne peux seruir à deux selgneurs . or dieu veut tout . car , n'estant partissable , des hommes veut & les corps & les coeurs . xxix . latine . ah , ah , falsa fides ! nam quid satanaeque deoque vno eodemque venis fundere corde preces ? tu , qua placatum satanam veneraris , eadem , heu miser ! iritas relligione deum . aliter . placaturus homo pauitans cor destinat aris christi : itidem belial ex locuplete penu . difficile est dominis homini seruire duobus zelotis tantum sint holocausta dei. xxix . hispanice . en vano hazes tus offrendas , a dios y al diablo maligno : porque quiere dios benigno , qu'el coraçon a el solo tiendas . a ●olo el pues as de seruir , ni a falsedad consentir , para que no lo offendas . xxix . italice . chi pensa dio con apparenza , e al brutto diablo con presenza seruir , in vitij é falsitá : erra con grand'enormitá . perch ' iddio'●'cor riguarda , e d'ira contra quel arde , ch'é pien'di tal peruersita . xxix . germanice . auß einem mund redt offt ein mann beyd gut vnd boeß / gleich wie er kan / auch kalt vnd warm drauß athem lan / das hertz mag aber nicht bestahn / denn niemand soll auß eim hertzen die welt ehrn / vnd mit gott schertzen : huet dich / gott weiß / du boeser schalck / sein aug sicht schaerpffer denn ein falck . xxix . anglice . is this not a wiket man ? to seru god , and satan , both with one harte so stedfast , that he not should at last versek god , and to satan flée a sone may sée , so plainly how he to satan with his harte , kniels , and from him wil not part . xxix . belgice . desen wil met den hertt / twee offers brenghen godt / en den duyuel / beede behaghen dat onmoghlyck is / godt wilt sul●x niet gebengen / dat ghy op twee schoudren wilt draghen condt ghy met een oogh / ' ick moet v vraghen den hemel aensien / en met d'and●r de aerde soo onmoghlyck i ft oock / teenighen daghen godt en den mammon dienen / van eender waerde . xxx . emblema . dominvs cvstodiat introitvm tvvm xxx . gallice. le coeur du roy est en la main de dieu , qui le conduit selon son bon plaisir . se plaindre donc du roy , n'a point de lieu , la cause en nous plustost deuons choisir , quand nel'auons selon nostre desir . france , a ton roy vieil de sens , ieune d●aage , vn regne heureu christ donne & le loisir de se monstrer treschrestien preux & sage : xxx . latine . quàm vanum de rege queri ! nam subita regum versantur domini corda potenta manu . difficiles nostro redduntur crimine : iustos conciliat populis integra vita duces . aliter . expremere & laxas sciuit dare iussus habenas , sublato adonia pene puer salomon . dij primis regem gallorum carolum ab annis conspiciant meritis , & pietate grauem . xxx . hispanice . los coraçones de los reyes , son en la mano del sen̄or . que los dispone per sus leyes , los malos por punicion los buenos por bendicion y siruen to dos a su honor . xxx . italice . dio quello e che gli re gouuerna , e il cor loro tien semper nelle mani gli quai dirige second'i vsi humani per ritagliar d'i vitij la lerna . dunch ' é da luy , sévn bon re hauemo : da lui anch'è'l cattiuo : ma ne accusarem : non lui , bono , ma bien i nostri falli'insani . xxx . germanice . wenn wir theten was wir solten / so thet gott auch was wir wolten : derhalben vnser schuld es ist / wenn man eins frommen herrns geniest : weil gott der herr mit seiner hand / regiert die oberkeit vnd land. ie besser wir nun werden lebn ie froemmer herrn vns gott wird gebn . xxx . anglice . god ruls and kéeps the hartes of kinges . and besid all other thinges , therefore , if thou wilt god vergit , and to them thy onely submit , so wil god thy pleg with miseri , so long that thou him thus obey , and sée that he is the lord indeed , which alon , helps thy in all need . xxx . belgice . het hertte der coninghen is in gods handt / hy keert hel soo hy wil / dus i st on s schult / al 's hyt van on s keert / en strafft daer met het landt daerom / dat wy ons hertte met onghedult van godt afkeeren / en hebbent ghevulit vol aertsche / vleeschelycke / ghedachtten end'syn met des mammons / sotts crap ruyn gebult gott wilt ghy teghen syn / end noch hulp verwachten . xxxi . emblema . frangor patientia xxxi . gallice. ie ne tien point cas fortuits les maux qu'on void souuent assaillir la personne : carl ' affligé doit dire en tous assaux , c'est toy , seigneur , donc point ie nem'estonne , au coeur chrestien la foy cecy raisonne que dieu fait tout par sa grand ' prouidence . l'exemple auons en iob , saincte personne , tresbeau miroir de vraye patience . xxxi . latine . frangor ego : aduersis sed me patientia rebus subrigit , & stabili spes solidata loco . quippe deus sortis mihi prouidus auctor iniquis non sinet oppressum , non superesse malis . aliter . fortuna omnipotens , quid ineluctabile fatum , nos premere arbitrio aut clarificare queunt ? mundi axes lapsusque rotarum , & sydera torquens , omnia mens agitat , non phaëtontis equi . xxxi . hispanice . delos fideles las aduersidades no pueden por ventura venir ni tambien las prosperidades : mas de dios solo la cuya prouidencia los quiere exercitar y vezar a paciencia hasta a si los hazer subir . xxxi . italice . per quel di nembi il ciel s'oscura indarno , che di patientia armato . a tutto già parato , di vera fede , è di prudentia adorno sá'che ne prosperitá ne vera●●duersità per caso li aduien , ma dal diuin gouuerno . xxxi . germanice . geduldig seyn zu jeder zeit obs schon schwer ist vnd thut sehr leyd so vberwind es endlich doch / all vnglueck vnd erhelt sich noch / vnd kompt zu letzt zu ehren fast denn gott der herr erkendt die last vnd hilfft den seinen auß der noth die fest halten bey seim gebott . xxxi . anglice . when fortun is alwáyes with thy , so kanst thou laf merily , but if shee heids her , tor a litel weyl , so thust thou , lament an cry , than schoulds thou , with thy remember stil , that god somtimes crasses wil , send , to see if thou wilt by him stik when he thy thus litle prick . xxxi . belgice . in quade fortune / moet den wysen man hem niet te seer bedroeuen / oft woorden quaet noch oock te seer verheffen / in voorspoet dan maer in beyde houden / rechte middel maet en dencken aen godt / al 's het qualyck gaet hy cant wel beteren alst synen wil is in wellust en weelde / do et gheen ouerdaet t' is een wys man / die in al 's / vordachtich en stil is . xxxii . emblema . non qvaeras dissolvtionem xxxii . gallice. ces poings liez en vne volonté sont pour monstrer l'vnion qui doit estre entre chrestiens en saincte charité , ensuyuant christ leur seul patron & maistre . telle vnion desiens nous fait cognoistre ainsi qu'il dit , & la dilection accomplit tout . qui veut donc en haut estre , cherche la paix , suye dissention . xxxii . latine . quanta pios christi iungat concordia fratres , nexa docet manui , non religanda manus . ponite discordes animos , qui pectore pacem quaeritis : illa potest vos sociare deo. aliter . heu ! quo perduxit miseros discordia ciues ? sanguine ciuili gallia tota madet . quid vastatis agros , populantibus omnio flammis ? christi , non pugnas , foedera seruat amor . xxxii . hispanice . quan bien auenturado el que la paz procura ; porque en verdad de dios hijo sera llmado , y en toda su vida , de su mano guardado , qua no lo tooque iamas qualque mala ventura . buscad pues con amor vnion , que aueis desseo de os allegrar con el d'eterno lubileo firmados bien d'amor , y sin desembueltura . xxxii . italice . le mani giunte d'indissolubil nodo , di fede , d'amicitia e forza , son sigilli ; ma l'ale intorno dimostrano il modo che non in fraude o vitij , vnite , o in falli , sieno , ma in pietá , e vera vera simplicità da onde de bon'frutti si encouaràn satolli . xxxii . germanice . wo man in fried vnd einigkeit / thut leben / da ist glueck bereyt / alles was man anfengt vnd thut / bleibt fest bestehn in gottes hut / darumb macht euch viel guter freund / versoehn ein jeder seinen feind / so werd jhr hie auft erden schon erlangen / vnd im himmel lohn . xxxii . anglice . god thus di sire , of us all , in loue , and peace , liue continual and not delight in contention , as satan thus , but in vnion ; therefore , if thou louest thein god stil , so dost thou knowe what he will , that not shalt make , anger and strife , in all that time of thy lyfe . xxxii . belgice . daer trouwe liefde is / daer is oock vrede al 's d'een hand d'anderwalcht / en t'samen houwen do et ghelyck christus / syn aposteln dede seyd ' altys vrede / sy met v in trouwen christenen behooren / allen twist is schouwen en haer armen / twee vleughels aen te hanghen op dat sy den naeften haeft / en willtch dienen souwen / die van le●f● ghelospen ●omtji● ghoet to vanghen . xxiii . emblema . 〈◊〉 recipiam xxxiii . gallice. ●a main qui tient ceste trompe volante veut figurer la bonne renommee qui vole ainsi qu'vne trompe sonante , d'où la personne est bien ou mal nommee . celle qui est sur toutes estimee , doit bien garderà orgueil donner lieu . car ●'elle n'est ce qu'elle n'est blasmee : le bon renom n'est d'ailleurs que de dieu . xxxiii . latine . ne tumeas fastu , si non ingloria nomen fama tibi & laudes addidit egregias . sic te larga dei excepit clementra : cuius iste tibi solo munere cessit honor . aliter . fama , malum , celeris pedibus , pernixque volatu , monstrum horrendum animis nobilitate v●get . ne quicquam insultes : namque est deus author honoris , qui peplo & tyria spendidiore nitet . xxxiii . hispanice . que te aproue chara la mundan vana gloria de honor y de riquezas , y reputacion ? porqued'esto con dios no se tendra memoria , ansi eterno oluido , con tu perdicion , si no tienes de dios l'amor , y su clemencia que es la principal , y mos honrada herencia . do no se ha de temer alguna menucion . xxxiii . italice . la bona fama per la trompa volante . notata é , perche subito per tutto vola : ma la man che dál ciel l'é guidante c'insegna che da dio è sostenuto quel che ne gode . non per che te n'ingonfi , ma afin che a luy douute gratie rendi , che di honor t' a cossi accresciuto . xxxiii . germanice . ie mehr guts einer hat gethan / ie weniger sag er darvon / erheb fich nicht mit stoltzem muth wenn jhm geschicht viel ehr vnd gut / auch wird gott ein gefallen han an einem solchen biderman vnd jhn hinforder noch viel mehr erheben hoch / zu grosser ehr. xxxiii . anglice . if one thus góod , in this world , of such he shall not prate a word , or be praud , above all measure , because he hes such a tréasure , but thinke that his tréasure and landes tog●der ar , in gods handes , which can take them , from thy stil , and give away , to hom he will. xxxiii . belgice . verhefft v stemme / al 's een basayne maer ntet / godt te las●ren / noch te blameren vwen naeftens / naem en faem / achter den tuyne ghy meynt uwen vyandt te tempteren en quelt maer v selven t is beter accorderen en bouwt v trempet ( oft tongh ' ) recht in de wage bintter twee vleughels aen / soo sult ghy storeren end ghy / leest in eer en ru'ste / alle daghe . xxxiv . emblema . vae xxxiv . gallice. cest ●●mme monit●e vn coeur beau d'apparence e●●ar dedans èn porte vn tout infect : ce mal est bien plus grand que lon ne pense . car autruy trompe , & soymesme defait . et dieu qui seul descouure tout son faict , luy a donné sa maled●ction . or prions donc ce bon d●eu seul parfaict qu'● nous en donne vn net sansfiction . xxxiv . latine . vae tibi , qui purum iactas sine crimine pectus , e●●andem impurum simplice veste tegis . non ignota deo tua sunt periuria : cordis ille tui iudex intema sensa videt . aliter . infelix ( audens gressus glomerare superbos ) vult vanum vero dissimulare iecur . nil conscire sibi , nulla pallescere culpa . quin superos colere , hic murus aheneus est . xxxiv . hispanice . los hombres si , mas dios con l'aparencia d'vn simple coraçon , no podras engan̄ar cubriendo tu malicia , para otros defraudar : porque el oio de dios penetra las cubiertas y todas las magan̄as de tus malas entran̄as y hald aras al sin sus amenazas ciertas . xxxiv . italice . quan sciocco é quel che de simpl'innoncenza fa profession , di fuor ' in apparenza , e tien nel suo cor ascos á la malitia , persuaso che nissun ne può auer notitia ? pensi tu ch'iddio il cui occhio per tutto vide , il tuo cor non habbi conosciuto ? e non sij gia presto , per farn'anchor giustitia ? xxxiv . germanice . weil gott ein hertzenfuender ist / so hufft kein heucheley noch list / daß einer sich so stellen wolt / al 's wer es eytel koestlich golt / vnd ist inwendig nur betrug / wie kan derselb bestehn mit fug vor gott dem herrn / sein falscher schein wird jhm vnglueck bringen vnd pein . xxxiv . anglice . god knowes the heart , and meind of man , whey thus his wiked person than ? runne befor god , to make him self so kléer , that he liues as he thus desire , his habit is simple , the diet but fish , and for riches , he thus not wish , but god thus knowe , his hearte and meind that in him , is no thruth to feind . xxxiv . belgice . desen toont elck een ghoet hertt voor ooghen en draecht in wendich een vol baet en nydt och valsch menlch / godt salt niet lang ghedooghen maer openbaren v heucheley metter tyt ghy spreeckt van vrede en meynt inwend●ch stryt end hebt ioab en iudas haer konst af gheleert gods hand u ijst v te rugh / en heer v wech ghaen subijt hy en doolt niet geheel / die ten haluen keert . xxxv . emblema non svm in cvlpa xxxv . gallice. son deuoir fait de bien sa ligne tendre , et ne s'espargne en chaleur ny frescheur , si le poisson l'amorce ne veut prendre , coulpable n'est'engin ny le pescheur , ainsi est il du fidele prescheur , il tend vous prendre à dieu par la parole : mais le coeur dur de l'obstine pecheur se destournant , la tient comme friuole . xxxv . latine . p●siosos petit ijte lacus , & proijcit escam : pisce tamen nullo ditior inde redit . sic diuina pius pandens oracula doctor , indociles inter nescit habere fidem . aliter . si captare f●ras ; volucres si fallere nescis , hamo & inescare , an non erit aucupium ? a scelere auertunt paulus , cum mose , prophetae : sed praecepta dei mens scelerata fugii . xxxv . hispanice . el pobre pescador en lluuias y en calor , echa su red con diligencia grande ; mas poro auança , o nada a la vez prende : assi el que predica , siruiendo al s●n̄or , ensen̄a , llama , mas poco aprouecha , pues la malicia humana , que su labor desecha . xxxv . italice . il piscatore alchune volte tende la ret ' indarno e nissun pesce prende : cossi nella chiesa . ben che con contesa , quel che predica , si trauaglia in vano facendo nulla in gran parte di quei che con malitia o arte , la sua dottrina ridon'e rigettano . xxxv . germanice . wenn ein fischer sein netz außwirfft / in s wasser vnd kein fisch antrifft / so ist die schuld deß fischers nicht / sondern von fischen das geschicht : also auch weil das goettlich wort gelehret wird an manchem ort vnd bringt kein frucht / soll mans deuten / daß gescheh von boesen leuten . xxxv . anglice . his will is góod , the snayre so féne , but sée no fish he can obteine , therefore to blem , is not this man. because he thus what he can ; alon the fishes that will not stay , w●th him stil , but runne away , so difficult is , that a preacher can , draw from sinne , a wiked man. xxxv . belgice . leenen fisscher worpt syn net op anghel nyte soo hy niet en vangt / ten is syn schult niet noch oock het aes / dat ghoet is van virtuijte maer die visschen diet aes niet en vatten siet alsoo is een trouw leeraer / die gods woort aenbiet niet te wy●en / soot die toe hoorders / niet nemen aen dus i ft syn eyghen schult / die het godlyck aes vliet sy syn sott / die haers sels welvaert / wederstaen . xxxvi . emblema . res omnes oecis svnt tenebrae xxxvi . gallice. le clair soleil ny la torche en la main a vn aueugle en rien n'est proufitable , le liure ouuert aussi tient il en vain : car il ne sait si c'est mensonge ou fable , cecy vous soit donques à tous notable , qu'a l'oeil obscur tout est obscurité . l'ignorant donc ne doit estre croyable : car il ne voit goutte a la verite . xxxvi . latine . quid faculā tibi laeua , librum quid dextra reuoluit ? cùm nihil exocula cernere fronte queas . stulte putas verum sophiae tibi fulgere lumen : sed tua mens , veri nescia , luce caret . aliter . tiresia aeterni ignes , quid te lumina tedae , totque referta libris bibliotheca iuuat : impius , oppressas coeca cal gine mentes , quo coeli ●rudiet lumine doctor iners ? xxxvi . hispanice . n●sol , ni lumbre el ciego puede veer ; als●el , ignorante , aun q●●ri●ndo leer , nade puede conprender : pues que to do an̄ublado esta su coraçon de vano parecer hasta que dios le daa entender de ●us altos secretos , el senso exaltado . xxxvi . italice . ne mille soli , ne mille faci accese , giouar posson al cieco , com'e palese : ma cieco mane , e in tenebri oscúre cossi il ignorante , ben ch'i libri volgente , con tutte sue vigilie , é cure nulla vede nel ciel , se non l'viene dat● dal sommo sole , che l'habb'illuminato . xxxvi . germanice . was hilffts / daß du viel lernst vnd weist / vnd dennoch dich nichts guts befleist vnd wolst darumb stoltzieren sehr / daß du verstehst viel guter lehr : es ist gleich al 's wenn man stelt dar ein liecht / oder die sonn schien klar / vnd du kein augen hettest nicht / was huelff dich dann dasselbig liecht . xxxvi . anglice . thou ar redy , thein cunning , vs to teach very willing , aut of that bóoke , which in thy handes , open alwáyes , béfore thy standes , bot thou ar wiked , and canst not sée , whey shal wée be lernet of thy ? then one néeds not goe , by a candle lyght , when the sunn beames , shine to bright . xxxvi . belgice . den blinden / en helpt sonn / reirs / noch boeck soo oock die blint is / in godlycke saken al waer hy van natureii / noch soo cloeck soo cant hy tot de waerheyt , met geraken ten sy dat hy eyghen vernufft / wilt staken end hem onderworpen / god 's waerach ti●h woort na d'licht 〈…〉 na duij●ternis h●ken die hem te rach● laet ●ysen / die ●ome wel vo●r● . xxxvii . emblema . propterea captivvs dvctvs est popvlvs xxxvii . gallice. ce phantastiq a dequoy sustenter ses appetits , s'ils estoyent raisonnables ; mais comme fol s'ayme mieux contenter de viures peincts , plaisans , non profitables . on void tels cas auiourd'hui deplorables , en maints gentils & sublimes espris , qui se paissans de mensonges & fables la verité solide ont en mespris . xxxvii . latine . heu volucres nimium petulanti in pectore sensus , friuola cùm veris vtiliora putant . futilibus solida haut capitur sapientia nugis : nec pictis dapibus pellitur esuries . aliter . elixis epulis , assisque accumbere , diuum quod potuit vesci nectare & ambrosia , prospicit helleboro caput insanabile : pictas res neque secernit , fabulam ab historia . xxxvii . hispanice . el loco auiendo table llena , para su hambre contentar , mas con gran locura estrema . sus apetitos va lechar , sobre magares pintados . tales ay oy delicados . que los verdaderos bienes dexando , se van con mentirosos muy hinchando . xxxvii . italice . de cibi delicati e sani in abundanza , sciocco é quel , che di depitti pensa satiarsi e ben che gli occhi pascerà la fame nondimeno via non se n'irá . tai sono quelli spiriti balordi che di ciancie , e menzogn'ingordi , la veritá chiara metton da canto : ne altro truouaran al fin che pianto . xxxvii . germanice . was hilffts den menschen daß er sich mit sorgen plagt so wunderlich / wenn jhm schon ( was sein hertz begert auff dieser welt ) wuerd all beschert / so macht er jhm selbst sorg vnd mu●he vnd helt sein hertz gefangen hie / daß es die weißheit nimmermehr erlangen mag / das ist jhm schwer . xxxvii . anglice . all rich men thincke early and late , opon that gould , and theyer playt , and for gréef they can not eat , of such a góod , and dayn●ie meat ; but allwayes muse how they might , get more , by rong and ryght therefore the death , is byter to them . when they shall verseak all that same . xxxvii . belgice . den rijcken heeft ghenoech hem te contenteren waer den aperyt / niet grooter / al 's het behoeuen van meer te begeiken / can hy niet cesseren daer hy soud vr●lyck syn / moer hy bedtoeuen hem seluen quellende wil altyr proeuen meer en meer te cryghen / van deß weireli● etu●e● do et hem selfs / oft memand deucht / o sotre boesten hy is dwaes die armlyck leest / om ryck te steruen . xxxviii . emblema . non aptus est regno dei xxxviii . gallice. ce charretier monstre , à sa contenance , auoir le coeur ailleurs qu'au labourage . le regarder derriere desauance , comme a veu lot en sa femme mal sage . celuy auoit vn semblable courage , qui dit , le vueil , pere , en ta vigne aller , et n'y alla . voyla quel est l'vsage du mondain sage en son dissimuler . xxxviii . latine . obliquos ducis , non recto tramite , sulcos : tam leuiter coeptum mens vaga curat opus . eia age , conuersos oculos intende labori : aptus eris coeli sede tenere locum . aliter . tu nisi sulco incumbas , vix se gleba resoluet : vomere equi quamuis splendidiore secent . quo cultus vitis , nisi brachia iunxerit vlmus ? quò baptisma , dei nos nisi membra sumus . xxxviii . hispanice . nunca el arado bien irá aun que tiren los cauallos , si atras l'hombre mirara , y no esta a derecho d'ellos . assi el qu'aura començado en piedad mas desmaiado mira atras , perecera . xxxviii . italice . quel che la man a l'aratro a messa , mai cosa bona fá , s'é de pensieri vani distrate , o impedito di negotij inani . cossi quel che christo segne , e poi lo lascia , mirando al mondo e gli suoi piaceri : o l'ira de tiranni , e de persecutori , com'inutil , per luy será negato poscia . xxxviii . germanice . weil all dein sorg / arbeit vnd muehe / i st angestelt vnrichtig hie / so wirstu fehlen / das ist war / darumb die muehe zum bessern spar / brauch deine sinn zu gottes ehr richt sie mit ernst / nicht ohngefehr / so wirstu gluecklich fahren fort mit frewden fuer deß himmels pfort . xxxviii . anglice . thou shalt not get , opon thy bóord , a bit of bread , of my word , because thou lóokest an other way , and thein horses dóo , rest and stay ; but labour stil , and lóoke before thy , so shalt thou sée , is but miseri , and trough no man in heáuen comes if he stil after such labour runnes . xxxviii . belgice . slaet de handen aen den ploech / maer siet niet omme die ooghen / moeten na d'werck / en niet elders / fien oock de gh●dachten / oft de voren ghaen cromme v mocht het oock ghelyck lohts vrouw geschien op hartte steenen / i st quaet ploeghem / in dien daer niet met al te saeyen / noch te maeyen is verloren arbeit / mach elck wel vlyen hy is niet te helpen / die niet te raeyen is . xxxix . emblema . sic amica me inter xxxix . gallice. de tous costez de ronces & d'espines ce poure lis se void enuironné : mais la vertu de ses viues racines l'entretient vif , & de blancheur orné : ainsi est-il du troupeau deux-fois-né viuanta dieu , & pressé des bastards : lesquels ayant leur dieu abandonné comme l'espine a la fin seront ars . xxxix . latine . aspicis , vt firma quod stat rudice ligustrum , horrentes superat floris honore rubos . non aliter strepitus inter mens iusta profanos officij sanctum seruat vbique decus , aliter . vepres circundant hostiles lilia , spinae , quae vi radicum candidiora patent . per varios casus , per tot discrimina rerum in coelum ire licet : crux sacra signa dabit . xxxix . hispanice . ellilio entre las espinas , sun lindez guarda y su olor : assi es de l'hombre d'honor qu'en mil menazas y puntinas , el mismo queda qu'ante ora , sin hazer mal , ni locura , aun qu'en prueuas repentinas . xxxix . italice . com'il giglio ameno tra le spine , la sua belta e grato odor riserua : cossi il cor intiero paura mai nulla tiene , ira mille angustie , ma securo si serua quella sodezza e constanza bramata , e dalli nemici stessi anch'honorata senza punto fallir di ciò che li conuiene . xxxix . germanice . wenn schon die welt sich vbel helt / vnd nach viel boesen stuecken stelt / bleibt doch bestehn der starcke held / welchem gotts forcht vnd zucht gefelt : schaw diese rooß schoen vnd zart / wie bald kendt man die edle art / auch mitten vndern doernern wild / bleibt sie beschuetzt durch gottes schild ▪ xxxix . anglice . the bush es of bramble , they grow so stout , to obscure that flowre , round about , because no man shal them admier , and presently , might desier ; so will the wiked , that godly word , obscure with lyes , in this world , but let them hynder what they can , it shall be séen , of euery man. xxxix . belgice . ●helyck de lilie onder de dornen blyff● staen hoe wel sy van alle syden woort ghefteken soo doen de christenen / die gods woort neenen aen en syn onder t'cruys daerom niet aff gheweken t'heeft aen die vroom / martelaers gh●ble●en hoesy door d●n gheeft / t'vleesch hebben ouerwonnen gheen pyne ontsien hebbent by vrencht gheleken die de weirelt verlaten / veel lyden connen . xl. emblema . estote prvdentes xl. gallice. voyant liurer l'assaut iournellement , ii est besoin de s'armer de prudence , ainsi qu'auons de christ enseignement , qui est seul chef , & nostre sapience . quand le serpent voit le bras qui s'auance pour le meurtrir , & que sa vie y pend , n'a de son corps , ains du chef souuenance : a prenons donc prudence du serpent . xl. latine . letali serpens cùm se videt esse petendum vulnere , sollicita contegit arte caput . hîc animae sedes positae , verique reeessus : hinc spiranda omni corpore vita venit . aliter . flexibus euersis maculatus corpore serpens , ictus vt est prudens , occulit ante caput . sic superanda pijs omnis fortuna ferendo : vt memores vitae , sint memoresque patris , xl. hispanice . el caudalos serpiente quando mater loquieren , em buelto de su cuerpo esconde su cabeza , mostrando a los fieles , como siempre en gran prieça estando appriettados , y que los persiguieren tengan siem pre memoria de l'anima saluar en christo qu'es su vida ; y iamas lo dexar , suffriendo con pacientia el mal que les hizieren . xl. italice . come il serpente assaltato da l'irato vilan , che li vuol dar la morte si tiene in giro inuoltato , coprendo d' il corpola test in ogni sorte : cos il christian perseguito , di saluar sij aduertito in christo l'alma e teneruisi forte . xl. germanice . ein rab verreht selbst seine speiß / die narren reden jhre weiß / derhalben seht euch weißlich suer / daß jhr thut alles mit gebuer : seht an die schlang fu●rsichtiglich / wie sie verwart so gar artlich ihr haupt / darinn das leben bleibt / damit beschuetzt sie jhren leib . xl. anglice . god thus commend vs to be wise , not in vanitie , or in lyes , but in his pure , and holy word , so lang wée liue in this world ; and not imitate that serpent , when weé shal heare such diligent , els will our god heyd ageine , his kingdome , from vs so fine . xl. belgice . de slanghe siende dat sy woort beftreden bewaert sy haer hoost meer al 's de leden so moeten wy oock heden / oft morghen doen sien na l'gheen daer boven is / met hier beneden want tis meer al 's reden / dat thooft in t say soen elyue / dat i● christus / re bekennen coen voorden menschen / want in t hooft leyt herleuen sy syn sott / die de siel / voord li●haem gheuen . xli . emblema . derelinqve xli . gallice. vn bel exemple auons en la coleuure , laquelle laisse au hallier sa peau dure , a celle fin qu'vne neuue recoeuure . ostons ainsi auee sa pourriture du vieil adam la peruerse nature , pour au second estre nais & refaicts : car du premier nous n'auons rien qu'ordure , mais au second sommes rendus parfaicts . xli . latine . ponere scit veteres coluber reparabilis annos , et nouus , exuta pelle , resurgit humo . illius exemplo , primaeuas ablue sordes , qui vita in christo vis meliore frui . aliter . exiliens adytis in gyros lubricus anguis voluit ab eximijs squamea terga nouus . es terrestris adam ? veteris prius eaeue formam , quum noua lustralis sacrifici exta capis . xli . hispanice . el serpiente de vieiez cansado su pillego va dexar assi el hombre a dios llamado , de sus vicios se despoiar deue ; afin de le conplazer y su voluntad pronto hazer para con el se allegrar . xli . italice . la vecchia serpe per gli anni rinuouare , si stringe per vn bucco , doue la pelle lascia , e d'onde in giouentu si vide ritornare : cossi é necessario che chi a christo passa , per rinuouarsi in lui , de vitij si spogli e ; in lieta giouentu la sua croce togli guardato di tornar d'il mondo nella nassa . xli . germanice . die alten han verstanden wol / daß die weißheit vor iahren soll nicht regen sich / derhalben ●u schaw hie mit fleiß der schlangen zu / wie sie den alten balck von jhr abziehen kan vnd bringt hei fuer / ein newe art / vnd schoen gestalt / diß nutzt den menschen manigfalt . xli . anglice . many philosophers , and shylful men , they write this , for a certaine , that the serpents in generall , dóo strippe theyer old skin all ; betwiext twóo stones , so cunningly , which one may beléefue truly , of them wée should exampil take , to strife for góod , and that i l versake . xli . belgice . goie wel die slang quaet is van nature . noch heeft sy een deucht / die wy volghen moeten sy stroopt het out vel af / al valt her haer suere soo moeten wy oock / on s oude sonden boeten den ouden adam / treden onder voeten en on s vermeuwen / door den gheest / in syn wercken men moet eerst besueren / soud ' men naer versoeten die men by tyts waerschouwt / behoort wel te mercken xlii . emblema . qvi se exaltat hvmiliabitvr xlii . gallice. ce pot bouillant s'enfle , & si haut escume , qu'en retombant sa liqueur il respand : ainsi en prenta celuy qui presume par trop de soy , & qui plus haut s'estend , en oubliant que de dieu il depend , et non d'ailleurs . donc il faut qu'orgueil cesse . car cestuy-la , qui sans dieu va grimpant , tombera bas en douleur & tristesse . xlii . latine . altior insurgis fastu , vesane , superbo : sed capiti impendet dira ruina tuo . cernis , vt immodicis bullantes ignibus ollae , effuso in cineres vndique iure , fluunt . aliter . vis furit intus aquae , spumisque exuberat olla , ex passum & toto vertice pingue fluit . fallaci nimium qui vult confidere mundo , alter erit phaeton : ●carus alter erit . xlii . hispanice . el agua en l'olla por calor sublimada , s'abaxa y en cenizas viene al fin a caer : assi l' ambicion del hombre exaltada en lodo , o en verguença al fin se ha de perder pues qu'el sourano dios lo vanos abhorrece : mas con su bendicion los humildes accrece . tanto que su baxez mas no se puede veer . xlii . italice . qui vedi come l'aqua nella pignatta , ebolle pel calor'in alto agitata , ma d'essa l'orlo superando , si perde ne cener ' cadendo , cossi quel che dal fauor di fortun'malzato , se tropp● si gonfia , nel fin vien abbassato , ciascun le beffe ne facendo . xlii . germanice . christus der herr ein gleichnuß spricht im evangelio bericht : wer sich erhebt mit stoltz vnd gut / den stuertzt gar bald der vbermuth / diß sicht man an dieser figur da sich die wellen regen nur von grosser hitz / biß das die spiltz fleust ab / vnd kriegt der topff ein ritz . xlii . anglice . the flame , that thus mount so high , such will the brath presentley , extingvische queit round about , that no more schall , so high mount ; so thus , and wil , god the prodigall , bring them all , to shame and fall , and exalte the humbil men stil , because they dóo performe his will. xlii . belgice . den pott / in t sieden / hem verhefft / en schuymt soo dat hy ouerloopt / en stortt het beste soo is die hoouaerdighen / die syn verstand uyt ruymt en behouwt niet ghoets / dan den grondt / in t leste meynt hy heuet al / uyt syns selfs nefte maer ghelyck den pott woort siedent by ●'vier soo i st maer door den gheeft / in on s al de reste menich sweech beter stille / dan veel roemen hier . xliii . emblema . mvlti svnt vocati xliii . gallice. tous appelez sont bien par ceste cloche , et toutes fois n'y vont tous qu'elle appelle . cen'est raison poutant qu'elle ayt reproche : car elle fait tout ce qui est en elle . l'euangile est de condition telle , qui à salut tout le monde conuie : mais nul ne veut paruenir iusqu'à elle , fo rs ceux que dieu a choisis à la vie . xliii . latine . aera quatit , pulsùque ad coetum conuocat omnes praeco , nec in culpa est , siquis adesse neget . sic , aeterna deo vulgante oracula , surdum quisquis agit , propria dat sibi fraude malum . aliter . tympana clara dedêre sonos , tubaque aeraque : ciues fumosis nec dum prosiluere casis . omnes acciti : sed paucos aequus amauit iuppiter , ardenti quos fide in astra vehat . xliii . hispanice . por la campana todos son bien llmados , mas si todos no vienen , quien la puede accusar ? assi dios por su boz , los ha bien conbidados ma si todos no vienen , de quien se han de quexar ? del ? no : mas en verdad de su grande malicia , porla qual contra si irritan su lusticia , hasta que por iamas los viene a condanar . xliii . italice . tutti son ben chiamati pel son della campana ma se tutti non vengon si fá l'impresa vana in quei che ne d' vdir , ne di venir han voglia . per la voce d'iddio cosi chiamati sono tutti , ma di venir equal voglia non hanno . di che potrán costor , truouandosi in doglia . piangersi ? d ? iddio ? no. ma che non obedirno . xliii . germanice . was hilffts daß man mit grossem fleiß auß trewem hertzen gibt die speiß dem der vndanckbarkeit allzeit fuer wolthat gibt / vnd ist bereit kein buß zu thun gleich wie allhier der glockenklang laut klinget / wie man sicht vnd hort / wer witzig ist der komb herzu weil noch i st frist . xliii . anglice . that litle bell , thus euery one call , in his capel continuall , but no man comes so much i sée , they thinke all , it is to ●rée ; to hear that pure godly word , which creist wil hef , that wée should , but goe you wiked , it is heyg time , to heare , and to folowe that same . xliii . belgice . de klock / roept elck in de kerck te comen en blyfft er selfs uyt / soo doen meeften deel elck veyft hem te syn van den vromen maer t is meer met den mondt al 's van hertten heel een leet niet aent luyen / maer aent comen veel soo is het met segghen / oock niet te doene maer met bewysen / door ghoede wercken eel menich roemt hem / t'vroech opstaen / en slaept wel tot noene . xliv . emblema . specvlvm fidele xliv . gallice. sur vn corps mort & puante charongne les aigles ont le sens de s'assembler pour vie auoir , & n'en on t point vergongne . c'est beau miroir pour les coeurs enflamber de tous chrestiens , non pour leur ressembler : car au corps mort n'a rien pour le fidele , mais au corps vif qui les veut rassembler pour les nourrir a la vie eternelle . xliv . latine . coruorum ingluuiem proiecta cadauerapascunt esca aquilis eadem , praedaque vulturijs . non sic nostra fames : rediuiuo corpore christi pascitur , aeternum non pereunte cibo . aliter . tergora diripiunt aquilae , concurrite corui turmatim ad stratum vile cadauer humo . non miseris victum damus , & miserescimus vltrò : christus mercedem coelitus inde parat . xliv . hispanice . a la carogna muerta para si sustentar b●elan con prieça cueruos y aguilas rapaces a quales s' assome●an los hombres bien sagaces en buscar con labor , y cura , sin tardar del mundo los deleytes y venturas fugaces dexando el souran bien que dios les quiere dar . xliv . italice . alla morta e fetida carogna , gli corui e aquile volan pel suo posto : a quali simil e il mondo tutto guasto , i l qual ingrato brama pascersi di menzogna , nelle sue sporche e brutte voluptá , spreggiando d'iddio la gran benignitá , che lor'la vitá eterna di pura gratia dona . xliv . germanice . wo der glauben gestorben ist / da ist kein glueck zu aller frist / der glauben der vns selig macht / derselb ist lebendig geacht / vnd er erhelt in guter ruh wer festiglich helt jhm nur zu / der todte glaub wird nimmermehr gesettiget / das ist sehr schwer . xliv . anglice . wher dead carin , in a dith thus lye , ther will the rauens flee allway , to feache thyer fóod euery houre , til they all such queit deuóure ; but our soule calles for fóod spirituall , which is that best , to os mortall , such is that holy sacrament , happy is he , that will such frequent . xliv . belgice . arents / rauens / end'sulcken voghels onreyne vlieghen alle leuende creaturen vorby tor dat sy comen op den do ot aes v●eleyne en̄ hun versadighen / van die stinckende pry soo doen die menschen die gods leuende woort vry verlaten / end ' volghen haer vleefchelycke lussren in doode wercken / des weirelts o hoe dwaes syn sy sulck fiest de do ot / vaer hy mocht leuen in rusten . xlv . emblema . svblato amore omnia rvvnt xlv . gallice. par vray amour tout l'vniuers est faict , et par luy seul tout est entretenu : par luy aussi tout conduict & parfaict , et de luy seul aussi tout soustenu . qui à ceci cognoistre est paruenu , en admirant ceste bonté diuine . reiettera ce fol qu'on bande nu , cause de mal , & de toute ruine . xlv . latine . dius amor solida mundum compage reuinxit : idem & in offenso foedere cuncta tenet . hic si cui casta susceptus mente sedebit : illinc continuo coecus abibit amor . aliter . mens agitat molem , mundique infusa per artus lucentes coelos spiritus intus alit . qualis amor superum ? superos veneremur ouantes : hinc pharetratus amor , sit cytherêa procul . xlv . hispanice . dios por su grande amore el mundo ha creado , por el todo sustenta , por el nos llama a si , en el quiere tambien tenernos . a partado este diuino amor , que todo tiene en si : nada podra durar ; ansi en desuentura cayendo se perdra el mundo y su structura . xlv . italice . per vero amore il mondo fu creato : per vero amore anchor é sostentato : l'amor e quel ch'hoggi tutto gouuerna : l'amor anchor é quel che ci da vita eterna : pur che l'amor diuin habbiam nel cuore , il qual se tolto n'é , tutto si perde e muore . xlv . germanice . wer sein hertz stelt auff gottes macht / vnd in seinen gebotten wacht : derselb vergist der vppigkeit welche die welt hat außgespreit / derhalben wiltu sicher seyn fuer fleisches lust / vnd boesem schein schlagauß dem hertzen alles was die welt bethoeren pflegt ohn maß . xlv . anglice . wher amor and fides is not used , ther is euery one abused , for they ar that bringe alwayes , kings , princes , and enemyes ; to a perfect loue , and unity , and to a constant trancquility , therefore , one that can not them abeid , he is indéed of satans kinde . xlv . belgice . door liefde heeft godt / die weirelt ghemaect door liefde / woort se oock enderhouwen door haet des duyuels / is sy ten val gheraect ick spreeck van menschen / al mans en vrouwen door liefde / holpse christus / uyt haer benouwen ny en begeirt maer liefde / vor recompentie in danckarheyt bewesen / gheen schatten van gouwen die weinich voor veel nemt / is weirt reuerentie . xlvi . emblema . trahe fratres xlvi . gallice. celuy qui a ia monté la montagne , a ceux qui sont en bas tende la main . qui est instruit de dieu , son frere enseigne . coulante soit la foy de main en main . souuienne toy que christ est si humain , qu'il nous a faits tous enfans de son pere , et qu'il punit le coeur lache inhumain . toy conuerty , conferme aussi ton frere . xlvi . latine . non satis est altum montis superasse cacumen : ni tendas alijs , qua potes arte , manum . est fidei solandus inops , dubiusque salutis , quom mens immota stat tibi firma fide . aliter . cautibus horrentis paulatim ad culmina montis nos trahe hyperboreis asperiôra iugis . paulus , amor christi , iam notus apostolus orbi , timotheum erudijt , cum philemone , titum . xlvi . hispanice . quien primer en rocca subió , la mano tiende al seguidero : assi quien christo alcancó , deue ensen̄ar el compagnero . porque en viaie los humanos precederan los christianos en su amor mas verdadero ; xlvi . italice . il viandante auendo superato l'aspretà d'vn camin , al compagno aiuta e trattolo a si il viagge seguita . il christian nel camin di questo mundo ingrato d'il fratell'aiutar coss● fá diligenza l'insegna lo supporta , e mena con patienza essendo di pietà e di gratie fecondo . xlvi . germanice . wenn du hast vberkommen ehr / fuer gott dem herrn fuer andern mehr denck halt dich recht vnd brauch sie auch zu gottes ehr / nicht bleib ein gauch / hilff deinem nechsten wie du weist / so gibt dir gott sein heilgen geist / daß dir dasselbig zehenfacht wird widerumb zu hauß gebracht . xlvi . anglice . when god hes thy , with riches blest , so ar thou bound not rest , but help allwayes , the sicke and póore , when they do com for thein dóor. and shalt not thinke , as he opon the hill , to dwell ther for euer stil , but god can him , from that hill , pull to ground , when he will. xlvi . belgice . die op den hooghen berch gecomon is help die oock op / die noch syn beneden reyckt hem de hand / soo hy van den vromen is die van godt beghaeft is met wyscheden die help syn broeders / want t'syn / syn leden denckt dat christus gods soon ont syn eruen gemaect heeft cont ghy niet anders / soo helpt met ghebeden volcht christus die voor ons den do ot ghesmaect heeft . xlvii . emblema . ex natura xlvii . gallice. comme la ronce , ensuyuant sa nature , va derechef racine en terre prendre , tout homme aussi , terrestre creature , ne peut de soy plus haut qu'en terre tendre : com bien que dieu assez luy face entendre que d'icy bas ne vient rien que martyre . mais au bien est l'esprit si foible & tendre , 〈◊〉 la chair forte en bas tousiours le tire . xlvii . latine . natus humo despectat humum , & terrestria toto corde petens , coelo querere nescit opes . nempe rubo similis : nam , cum surrexit in alium , radices summa fronde recuruat humo . aliter . caudicibus salices scitis moriuntur in aruo : sed rubus , & sentes sponte sua veniunt . os homini sublime dedit , coelumque videre . iuppiter ; ex animis , si miser haeret humi , est . xlvii . hispanice . como la çarça de tierra salida , la tierra busca , y allá s'enclina : assi el hombre en toda su vida . ( hecho de tierra , ) siempre la mina , i buscando alli prosperidad , aun que dios por su buondad , al ciel lo llama y encamina . xlvii . italice . il rubo della terra nato , inuerso l'istessa s'inchina , e riprende in lei racina , cesi è lhuomo naturato e come é di terra preso coss ' a lei s'é tutto reso , se da dio non ne vien ritratto . xlvii . germanice . nicht stelt euch wie die boese welt / welcher das zeitlich nur gefelt / nicht denckt daß jhr seyd von der erd allein genommen / daß jhr werd / wider zur erden / denn jhr seyd / ein ebenbild von gott bereit / demselbigen gebt widerumb was jhr habt von seim eygenthumb . xlvii . anglice . i wonder , that thie men not will , in this world , consider stil , that they ar bat earth and dust , and agein to mould they must ; torn : but they wil not thinke opon such , alon , how to get riches much , after which they dóo allway , muse by nigt and day . xlvii . belgice . ghelyck den negelentier wedrom wortelt in d'aerde also oock den mensch / die van aerd is comen saen herworttelt weer in d'aerd / die haer eerst baerde het kindt / moet weder / in syn moeder ghaen en woort verteirt van die het voeyde vor aen en oock wederom / daer in versteruen ghelyck het toeghaet met her terwen graen want vleesch end bloet en can soo gods ryck niet eruen . xlviii . emblema . foedere perfecto xlviii . gallice. le loup , l'agneau , le lion furieux paisiblement repairent tous ensemble . le iuif , le grec , le doux , le vicieux , au vray repas dieu par christ tous rassemble : au coeur chrestien estrange point ne semble qu'vnis soyons renez par l'euangile . d'vn tel accord satan estonné tremble ; mais nous sauons qu'a dieu tout est facile . xlviii . latine . vt blandus canis , & facili iam corde leones cum miti veniunt carpere gramen one ? haec concors rerum facies , quum pace renata , discidij toto desinet orbe furor . aliter . cum canibus timidi veniunt ad pocula damae tam lupus & pecudes , quam leo , gryphes , equi . rara fides hominum , rara est concordia fratrum , quos simul omnipotens , ad pia castra vocat . xlviii . hispanice . o tiempos desseedos del messias venido , de paz y de prosperidad ; quando dexando el coraçon ren̄ido , con manso amor , y piedad les hombres con si , y con dios conciliados seran de su fierdad , y temor liberados , en eternal felicidad . xlviii . italice . beati tempi di desiata pace quando gli odi'e risse via solti seran tra gl'huom ' , d'amor insiem raccolti lucerá d'il vangel'la prosperata face . al'hor'dir'si potrá che col lupo l'agnello e il fiero leon , cacciato d'al ceruello la fierta'natural , si pasceran in pace . xlviii . germanice . wolt gottes wer die zeit schon do daß sich verglichen het also die gantze welt / gleich wie es war fuer adams fall / ohn allgefahr denn wuerd es so zugehen nur wie man sicht hie an der figur daß allenthalben einigkeit i st zwischen jederman bereit . xlviii . anglice . see how this lyon , wolue , and lambe , togeder by an other stande , no danger expect es one from an other , but they dóo eat all of one fodder ; so shall a lew , and a infidell , imbrace one day , cristes gospel , for such a blessed and ioyful day , let us to god , pray allway . xlviii . belgice . den leeuw / den wolff / en d' lameken / t'samen deijlden in vrede / een hoop ghoets sonder twist soo wast in vorleden tijdt / nu moet men schamen te verh alen / hoe sij leuen / die hun roemen christ sonderling / alsser goet oft ghelt / is in de kist soo syn brooders / en vrtenden / ergher al 's die beesten al 's teinant / maer eenen penninck / en mist wenscht syn broeder / wel byde helsche gheesten . xlix . emblema . non ex te xlix . gallice. l'homme endurcy , par son orgueil deceu , dit que son oeuure au ciel le iustifie , o fol qu'as tu que tu n'ayes receu ? si l'as receu , donc ne t'en glorifie , et a cela , qui n'est rien , ne te fie . carà celuy semblable ie te voy , qui ne croit rien , & a tous certifie le monde auoir esté creé par soy . xlix . latine . tun ' igitur virtute tua peperisse putasti tot bona , diuino munere parta tibi ? demens : ingratum quem vana superbia reddit : nescis , non propria luce micare facem ? aliter . finxerat ex limo vanus simulachra prometheus , caucasijs aquilae rupibus esca datus . est coèli , rerumque hominumque aeterna potestas , vnde opera , vnde fides : caetera vana putes . xlix . hispanice . o loco ignorante , que pienses lo que tienes , de dones y riquezas , venir todo de ti : mira la lumbre laqual en tu mantienes , de donde viene que resplend ece assi ? assi tambien tus dones , de otro son venidos : es a saber , de dios , que los há repartidos . para tu ornamento , y el honor de si . xlix . italice . come la face non da se , ma da altrui accesa luce : cossi é l'huon'di vari don'ornato . non há quelli da se , ma dio glieli há dato . però ben sciocco é quel , che per vana contesa se'n gonfia , superbo , come se receuuti non gl'hauesse , ne per grati ottenuti , e n'osa abusar , con temeraria impresa . xlix . germanice . es ist mir leyd / vnd dawret mich / daß mein freund gar nicht jchemet sich vnd meynet daß er selber hab erworben all sein gut vnd hab durch eygen witz and groß verstand vnd ist doch nur ein lauter tand / sihe an ein liecht wenn es brent lahn wer hat es lassen zuenden an . xlix . anglice . if thou art rich , and sapient , in this world , or eloquent , of this and all , thou or thein gould , because you both , ar but mold ; not art the first originall , but alon , god eternall ; to hom wée shal , the glory attribute , because he alon such thus destribute . xlix . belgice . den hertneckighen mensch / hoouaerdich vermeten meynt dat syn wercken / den hemel weirdt / syn o sott / wat hebt ghy / laet my dat weten dat ghy met ontfanghen hebt / tmoet v vercle●rt / syn hebt ghy ontfanghen / al v exspeirt / syn wat dorff ghy v dan dies beroemen / weet ghy niet / dat al v leden maer stoffen eirt / syn die hem selfs rechtueirdicht / sal gott verdoemen . l. emblema . non est cupla vini l. gallice. si d'vn bon , vin quelcun s'est enyuré , faut il pourtant que la vigne on arrache ? le sainct escrit seul bon , droit , iuste & vray faut-il oster pource qu'aux malins fache ? non : mais plusieurs ont eu le coeur si lache de regreter que le col n'eust rom pu sainct paul tombé , parce qu'au vray la tache ilmon●tre au doigt que couurir ilz n'ont peu . l. latine . ne vites verte immeritas : tibi crapula tantum extirpanda tui crimen onusque mali . nec diuina velis abolere oracula : bellis non dant causam , hominum quae ciet impietas . aliter . noë cur lapithae exeritis sarmenta , putando ? vinum nulli mala est causa : sed ebrietas . biblia ; scripta dei digitis , inuisa nocenti , paulusque infectum in scelus eluitur . l. hispanice . no es la vigna o loco , qu'el dan̄o te ha hecho , mas el malditto abuso te callentó el pecho . el vino es don de dios , dado por allegrar : mas si abusas del , que puedes esperar . sino punicion de tu ingratitud por laqual el buon don mudado ha su virtud ? l. italice . non contro alla vite ti dei arrabbiare , per mille maeli che l' ebbriaco sente ma dal ' abuso ti doueui guardare per non cader in quei diuersi stenti cossi a l' euangelo non si deu'imputare i hil mund ' hogg'é pien di riss'e tormenti ma ben a la malitia che ne voul'abusare . l. germanice . die edle gab der rebensafft von gott dem herren selbst geschafft zu nutz deß menschen / dich nicht bringt in vnglueck / da dirs nicht gelingt sonder dein eygen schuld es i st / weil du ein voller zappe bist : deß gleichen die religion vervrsacht kein sedition . l. anglice . king lycurgus throug sparta lande , did giue ernest commandement , that all the plantes of a wein , should be cut downe presently ; because the men , dóo god abuse . when they of such , make ause , but sée , the wein is not infaut , alon he , that drinkes much at . l. belgice . i st dat den mensch hem met wyn ouerladet daer van droncken / en kranck wort / sal men daerom den wynstock uyt roeyen / dat hy v fchadet en is fyn schuld niet / maer t is veyghendom soo ist oock met gods woort / dat wordt slim en crom ghetrocken / al had sy een wassen neuse / slecht t'smisbruyck maect de seckten / en niet de letter s●om het ghoet om t'quaet / te verderuen / waer onrecht . li. emblema . vigilate li. gallice. voicy qui est troussee sur ses reins , voulant parlà monstrer sa diligence . chandelles a brulantes en ses mains , les opposant à l'obscure ignorance . elle n'a point auec elle accointance : ains veut veiller en attendant son maistre . veillons aussi , & chassons non chalance , le maistre vient , & ia se fait paroistre . li. latine . excutite , admoneo , pulsa caligine , somnos : ●udicis aduenit tempus & hora dei. o vigiles aperite animos , incuria ne vos impia terribili deprimat exiti● . aliter . qualis in eurota gradiens succincta pharetram fert humero , exercens siue diana choros . sic picto haec chlamydem , vigil est circundata limbo hortatur faculis , thureque adesse iouem . li. hispanice . veladcon lumbra enciendida , cen̄idos lomos : tiempo es , de esperar ya la venida , del gran esposo : cercano es a fin que ni por ignorancia ; ni desustrosa negligencia en su ira cuy gas ren̄ida . li. italice . vog ghiate , perche tempo é , co'lumbi cinti e diligenza , il sponso gia vicino e , per di luy venir in presenza co lumi nelle man'accesi , e che mai ne siam ' supresi di foll'e brutta ignoranza . li. germanice . wacht auff weil gottes wort so klar vor augen ist vnd offenbar / vnd prueffet ewer hertzen recht daß jhr nicht bleibt vnnuetze knecht die stund ist da / werd jhr die zeit verseumen durch fahrlaessigkeit / denckt an mich / daß euch all vnglueck / wird vberfalln im augenblick . li. anglice . wake op you wiked , and repent , for creist will come to iudgement , sóon : therefore you néed before that light , be extinguist from you queit , which is that holy godly word , that shines so bright in this world , in which wee shall by night and day , vs exercise , and lern alway . li. belgice . dees diligentie is wakende met lichtten om de donckerheyt / des nachts te verdryuen want men can slapende / niemand stichtten den blinden hoeft gheen licht / tot lesen noch schryuen dies laet hy de lamp sonder olie blyuen en verlesschen / de wijl sij hem niet nutt is soo do et d'onwetent / in gods woorts verstijuen hy vreest dwater die niet en weet / hoe diep den putt is . lii . emblema . si iam accensvs lii . gallice. l'euangile est comme feu estimé . car aussi tost que lon va le preschant , le monde en est tout soudain allumé . mais cela vient de la part du meschant . ce seu brulant , glaiue a double trenchant , de tous costez viuement coupe & brule . de l'vne part purge l'or & l'argent , d'autre il consume & la paille & l'estule . lii . latine . alta dei flammas vox toto suscitat orbe , dum nimis auerso mens mala corde furit . sed pia mens humilis paret . sic excoquit aurum , et paleas eodem deuorat igne focus . aliter . ignea vis verbum domini , & coelestis origo , vis accensa solo , est ensis vtrinque secans . scilicet argentum spectatur & ignibus aurum : sic pendent sontes supplici ense , rogo . lii . hispanice . tuogos y llamas crecen muy enciendidas , portodo el mundo oyendo predicar , el euangelio para al ciel lo llamar . d'esto el causa no es , mas la malicia humana . del todacciauia no es la obra vana pues quel oro es prouado ; las paias consumidas . lii . italice . al fuoco é simil l' euangelo : perche deuunche é predicato , d'ira e di sdegno , e di mal zelo , tutto vien subit'infiammato . fra tanto si vedon nondimeno , pruouati i cuori ne qnali sono paglie brusate , e l'or'purgato , lii . germanice . das goettlich wort geht vberall durch alle land mit grossem schall / dasselbīg pruefft der menschen hertz : / beyd gut vnd boeß ohn allen schertz : da sicht man welches hertz i st rein oder welchs fuehrt den schein allein / gleich wie auff einer fewerstet / das stroh verbrent / das goltbesteht . lii . anglice . nothing is , that can indure , alon that gould , which is so pure , the flame offire , but wil combure , like straw , and goe away in fume , so shal the lyes and superstitione , of the wiked men , stil consume ; but creistes gospel , in this world , shall be permanent , lyke that gould . lii . belgice . gods woort is al 's een loopende vier / ras al de weirelt door comen / te verlichtten het is nu abondant / daert v●or defen dier / was soo salt oock verghaen / daert nieman● ean stichtten het verteirt hoy / stroy / stoplen / licht van gewichtten maert ' gout purgeret / tot dat her fyn / is dus houwet / al 's ghyt hebt / wilt v d●er na richtten menich maect / dat den ghoeden wyn / hem fenyn / is . liii . emblema . socior blande liii . gallice. l'ombre suyuant en toutes pars son corps , est le patron d'vn amy contrefaict . car le flateur a langue a tous accords , iusques au temps que son cas est parfaict . soit bien , soit mal , il tient tout pour bien faict . mais l'amy vray , au mal point ne consent . heureux quia en dieu amy de faict . sur tout les grands ont tel thresor absent . liii . latine . indefessa comes , sed inutilis atraque gressus perpetuis sequitur passibus vmbra tuos . non secus , apposito qui se mentitur amicum ore , tuas laudes ad sua lucra canit . aliter . vmbra ( velut mimus ) sequitur quocunque vocaris : blandaque muscarum putuerulenta cohors . aulae mille inter laruas vbi fidus aehates regum ? vbi gnatoni cura salutis abest . liii . hispanice . la ombra siegue el cuorpo sin iamas s'apartar , vaya se por el lodo , o limpio lugar . es vna bel figura d'adulador maluado qu'apruoua todo : todo vien a su grado . pero moustra tambien , como es el fiel confessador de christ , en el mundo cruel seguido de la cruz , sin iamas lo dexar . liii . italice . il corpo semper vien da l'ombr ' accompagnata , la qual no'l'lascia mai douunche quello vada . cossi l'adulatore semper vien in campagna cograndi , e con lusinghe caute gli tien a bada . ma anch ' é il christian per tutto accompagnato di mill'aduersitá douunche s'é truouato . e quindi sempr'a dio , in pianti e dolor ' grida . liii . germanice . dem schatten kanstu nimmermehr entweichen / ob du schon fleuchst seht so ister doch der nechst bey dir vnd gleichwol gibt er dir kein zier / sonder du must jhm fuehren mit vnd auch ernehrn das ist sein sitt / so gibt dir mancher gute wort auff daß er schaff sein nutzen fort . liii . anglice . a man may runne , wher he will , his shadow is behind him stil , and will not leaue him so long he goes , in shine of sunne but followe klose , so thus this world , if they sée one rich , followe a man , alon for such , but if they perseue , that he is póor such one mus not , come néer the dóor. liii . belgice . ghelijck de schaduwe / on s volcht altijt die man met can ontghaen / noch wijken soo volcht on s den boosen / laet on s gheen respijt aloft hij on s vriendt waer / maer t' syn practijken dus blijft in gods weghen / wilt niet om kijken op dat v de schaduwe / niet voren come maer volcht gbij de deucht / die sal vberijcken want die is altijt geir en / by de vrome . liv. emblema . qvod nvtrit me consvmmat liv. gallice. ce qui estoit pour nourriture tue , comme voyez ceste belle chandele . ainsi en prend a cestuy la qui mue la verité de dieu , par sa cautele , bonne de soy : mais est par l'infidele souuent tournee a sa damnation ; et au croyant donne vie eternele , lequel la tient au coeur sans fiction . liv. latine . ard●bam , puro clarissima lumine : sed iam me cera extinxit , qui mihi fomes erat . tale dei verbum est cordi letale profano . quod mentj praebet pabula sancta piae . aliter . candelae pingui , nigroque bitumine tedis exitium accensis , fomes inéstque simul , aegide gorgonea rupes tritonja format : iudicio & cogent biblia adesse reos . liv. hispanice . el sebo la lumbre mantiene mas tambien la puede extinguir : el mismo la palabra tiene de dios , que da muerte ybiuir . muerte a los impios desostrada : vida a los pios desseada . pura con dios stempre biuir . liv. italice . la candela eretta dal seuo vien nutrita , ma se l'muerti estinta ne rimane . l'istesso la parola di dio fá , vdita , che vit ' opra e morte nella ment'humane vita ne pij , che con humilitá l'apprendon e guardan senza malignitá mort'in quei che ●'muerton per opinion'profane : liv. germanice . das liecht vom wax brand liechter lahn / ietzt wirds vom wax gar außgethan darvon es solt hell brennen klar / eben darvon versescht es gar : sihe gleicher weiß das goettlich wort die frommen bessert hie vnd dort / aber der gottlosen geschlecht an diesem sich zu ergern pflegt . liv. anglice . i did alwayes , borne very bright , so well by day , as the night , but now mein norishment comes so fast , which wil extinguish my at last ; lyhe wise may the wiked stil , consider that god will , come one day and dóo the lyke , no mater if they such mislyke . liv. belgice . al 's men een keirs / laet oprecht / in den kandlaer staen sy sal v lichtten / maer soo men die omkeert sal sy verlesschen / looist oock / met gods woor● gedaen laet ment iu syn verstandt / blyuen soo● ch●istus ●eert t'sal syen een reuck des leuens / tot t'leuen vermeert keert eenent om / soo ist eenen reuck des doors / tot den do ot eenen steen des aenstoots / die verplet en verseert sulck misbruyckt het ghoet / dat hem quaet wort in den noot . lvi . emblema . lvmine carens lv. gallice. voicy qui veut que preud'homme on le pense pour soin habit , monstrant simplicité . verité cache , & n'y a apparence qu'en son soleil ait rien qu'obscurité . ainsi en vain d'auoir christ s'est vanté tout mal viuant , se nourrissant en vice , christ vray soleil n'est iamais sans clarté . où est la foy , tousiours luit la iustice . lv. latine . philosophum longo simulans vestimine , falsa omnia de puro dogmata sole refers . disce prius , quid sit verum cognoscere lumen , non nitet obscura nocte serena dies . aliter . velatus stupidus vatis calchantis amictum vult dici daniel , simplicitatis amans . vísne numae aegeriam , tibi phoebum sacra dedisse in tenebris●ast sol iustitiae deus est . lv. hispanice . de sabio y iusto tienes l'aparencia , en el vestido y mina : mas en tu pecho , no ay qu'oscuridad y bota ignorancia : no lumbre , mas tinieblas , como vn sol cōtrahecho . assi quien de christian , nombre tiene y vicioso biue : christian no es : mas como caudoloso en tinieblas eternas se hallara deshecho . lv. italice . vn contrafatto sol da se non può dar lume : anchor'che lo indori , semper riman oscuro . figura è di quel che di christian il nome porta , con l'apparenza di dotto , ma sicuro non cura il vero sol , ne di mostrar n'há cura il lume in pietá non fitta , má ch'e vera : tal in tenebre man'col cuor maligno e duro . lv. germanice . was hilffts daß du gekleydet bist wie ein kluger frommer sophist vnd alles was du denckst vnd thust darauff niemand / du selbst / nicht fust vnd wilt gehalten seyn darfuer / al 's wenn dir alle ehr gebuer / gewißlich in der finster nacht hat nie die sonn ein liecht gemacht . lv. anglice . thou desirest , that wée shall marke ? the tru sonn shine , from the tarke , and sée , thou canst not selfe such discerne , what a cause hes one of thy tolerne ? but thou née dest selfe such first to knowe , before thou canst to others showe ; such deceiuers , wil come to you many , but do not you , giue credit to any . lv. belgice . desen / wilt dat men hem acht / voor gheleert / en wys om syn cleed'ren wil / en het deuoot aensien t is maer een handt vol sonnen / na myn aduys daer toe verdonckert / oft in eclipsis misschien christus / die sonn der / oberech ticheyt / in dien en is gheen duysternis / maer louter claerheyt t'reckt dat bruylofft cleet aen / dat sal eere bien een leyt aen uyt weysen niet / maer aen dewaerheit . lvi . emblema . nemo dvobvs lvi . gallice. ce gros lourdaut courbe dessous sa charge treine a ses pieds la loy de dieu fans honte , d'humaines loix tout ainsi lon se charge , cuidant que dieu reçoit le tout par compte , du droict diuin ce pendant ne fait compte , qù il deuroit plustost salut chercher . tel fardeau donc luy tourne à mort & honte , en ignorant iesus-christ & sa chair . lvi . latine . iniusto fessus mundi sub pondere , leges diuinas pedibus sanctáque iura traho . sed mihi quid tanti referunt , nisi damna , labores ? cuius amor mundus , displicet ille deo. aliter . tanquam atlas coelorum axem , hic , qui vertice fulcit : fasce dei leges sub grauiore trahit . qui te tot numeris hominum , ah quid legibus exples quin satiet mentem spiritualis amor ? lvi . hispanice . impossibil te es de dos cargas lleuar , an si te conuiendra la vna allá hechar . assi los que el mundo encima han cargado y todauia quieren a dios seruir tendran siempre su ley a los pies ataccada para poder assi al mundo bien cumplir . lvi . italice . sotto la dura soma d' il mondo gemendo . lá legge d'lddio a i piedi attaccata traho per terra , cossi ad ambi seruendo . ma che guadagno fó di tan dura giornata ? grand'e la futica , ma null'il frutto : e l'oglio e l'opra indarno hó perduto : poi chi al mondo serue , iddio lo rigetta . lvi . germanice . ich brauch mich sehr vnd reg mich fast / hab wider tag noch nacht kein rast / ich lauft vnd reun nach gut vnd gelt vnd was mir auff der welt gefelt / das goettlich wort mir nicht gefelt : vnd wenn ichs hab auffs best besielt werd ich nur mued vnd matt darvon / vnd krieg im himmel auch kein lohn . lvi . anglice . i fer sake no paines , by sea and lande , to get much riches in my hande , but godly word , i leaue behinde , ar my hiles , til i can feinde , a beter time , to fallowe much , but kurst is he that thus such ; and all them , that will not regarde , gods wort , and his commandement . lvi . belgice . menich laeyt soo veel / op synen hals alleen wilde wel de hoetrelt / behouden tot eruen en de wet gods / sleypt hy achter na aen syn been maer wat batet hem al 's hy comt testeruen voo● syn slauerny / behout hy niet dan scheruen in d'woort god 's / en heeft hy gheen troost / gheuadt de wyl hyt deracht heeft / i st tot syn verderuen menigh do et grooten arbeyt / om eenen verloren schat lvii . emblema . svrge , illvcescet tibi christvs . lvii . gallice. si iesus-christ n'eust esclairé nostre ombre , comme cestuy , nous serions endormis , et reputez d'entre les morts au nombre : mais de sa grace il ne rapoint permis . pius qu'●l nous a hors de tenebres mis , et donné foy pour à luy nous conduire . prions tousiours que n'y soyons remis , et que sur nous sa clarte face luire . lvii . latine . te sine , perpetua mortales nocte iacerent : sed iucunda redit lumine vita tuo . hoc animos succende ( precor ) tibi , christe , potestas haec data , ne nobis excidat alma fides . aliter . ne quicquam cineres , fatali lege soluti , ignota sine te contegerentur humo . qui das ess , fruique , pater , vitalibus auris : stmplici ab igne tuo , nos reuocare iube . lvii . hispanice . en tinieblas espessas y ignorancia endormidos , sin auer ni de dios , ni christo cognicion : estando de peccados , y de muerte cen̄idos , en peligro ( de mas ) d'eterna perdicion : christo por su amor su lumbre encendiò , y de todos peligros seguros nos rendiò dando nos en los cielos parte y possession . lvii . italice . di morte nella tomba oscuta sepolti , e in tenebre spisse d'inscitia , nella mente fisse , se non hauesse di noi cura christo , che per sua gran bontá , illumna nostra cecitá perduti eram'in sorte dura . lvii . germanice . wo finsternuß deß glaubens i st / da wird deß lebens auch gemist / aber christus der helle tag kein finsternuß nicht leiden mag / durch seinen glantz der tewer helt / mittheilt ein liecht der gantzen welt / wir bitten herr dasselbig liecht laß ja bey vns verleschen nicht . lvii . anglice . creist did pitty us póor men , therefore he cam from heauen . in this world , to driwe a way , the darknis , in which we lay , that is the satan , death and hell , for no other could them repell , from us : because wée should after rise , and enioy his fine paradise . lvii . belgice . christus is het licht / te verlichten ons heyd en die in duysterniß saten / aen dorre weyden int dal des doots slapende / ta selfs heel do ot dit licht / onstack ons licht / dat uyt on s was gescheyden het beelde gods / dat wy verloren hadden / bloot / in adam / hebben wyt ( door christum ) weder creghen och gott laet v licht / niet uytlesschen / in mynen noor maer latet my voorghaen / op al myne weghen . lviii . emblema . deposvit potent lviii . gallice. cest arbre grand & puissant est rompu au souffle soul du vent plus que luy fort : mais l'arbrissea ●ain● briste● n'a peu , quis'est ployé sous vn fi grand effort . humilité apporte grand confort . orgueil ne fait qu attiror mal & perte . l'humble tousiours aura de dieu support : de l'arrogant la ruine est a perte . lviii . latine . concutitur tantùm ventis , quia cedit , arundo : arbor at , inflexo robore , fracta cadit . vos etiam fastu elatos feret exitus idem : ast humiles animos gratia multa manet . aliter . ventorum furijs antiquo robore quercus , pinus , cum platanis impete stirpe ruunt : sed nutant dumosa arbusta , humilesque miricae : sic tumidum sternunt coeli , humitemque fouent . lviii . hispanice . como por fuerça el viento la grande enzina abate , sin iamas endan̄ar la can̄a qu' humil crece : assi dios en su ira los orgollosos matta y siempre su fauoir al'humilde accreze . humiliad os pues so su man poderosa vos que quereis al fin gozar de gloriosa exaltacion , guarda da e el que la merece . lviii . italice . la quercia grande ch'al ciel ' hauea spinta la cima'verde , da i venti vien quassata , e tanto , che per terra nel fin si truou'estinta . ma l'humil canna che si pieg'abbassatae e fuora di pericol , e anchor cresce e mane . cossi la prouidenza d'iddio in cose humane confunde gli superbi , e gl'humili exalta . lviii . germanice . ein rohrvom wind getrieben wird / gleichwolder wind es wenig jrt / weiles sich lengt vnd wider richt aber der starck eychbaum zerbricht / weiler nicht weicht dem grossen wind / also geht das gottloß gesind durch seinen trutz zu boden gar der fromb vnd schlecht kompt auß der gfahr . lviii . anglice . sée how this winde with his blast , oken try , did breake at last , because he would not bend at all , therefore he mus nouw breake and fall ▪ but lóoke , an other is growen so h●igh , which before , by the ground did lay ; so will god , all stoberne men disgreasse , and the humbil , they shall rise apease lviii . belgice . den grooken eyken boom / is ghebroken om dat hy den stercken wintt / niet wilde wyken en her teer swack riet / om dat het is ghedoken en hem ghebuycht heeft / in t water oft op dyken i st staende bleuen / so i st met den rycken die haer niet booghen / en willen / voor den heare maer die ootmedigh is by ieghelycken die blyuen flaen / in allen noot en verseere . lix . emblema . non est fastidiosa lix . gallice. en contemplant ceste femme , voyez que charité est vne cenure excellente . qui dit , i'ay foy , sans charité , croyez que faussement d'estre chrestien fe vante , charité ( dy-ie ) de foy viue naissante : non celle-la d'vn turc , ou infidele . car c'est peché , quoy qu'elle soit duisante , atont chrestien qui n'attend salut d'elle . lix . latine . non sua , sed fratrum sincero corde procurat commoda , qui puro quaerit amore deum . omnia dat , repetitque nihil , patiensque malorum , nunquam animum tristi deijcit inuidia . aliter . natorum alma parens charitas complexa juuentam , imbellam vberibus cum pietate fouet . sic charitate fide , peregrinus framite pergat vitae suffultus : sin minus ille perit . lix . hispanice . como la madre pia de mil y mil trauaios entre sus hyos nunca toma ennoio mas con amor procuta a todos sus solacios : assi la caridad nunca sierra el oio viendo necessidad : y aun con piedad al ennemigo mismo sirue con su despoio . lix . italice . come la madre pia tra teneri bambini , damor accesa , senza fastidi a tutti , procura gli hisogni , senza chiederne frutti . cosi tutt'i christian'a charitá inchini , a tutti fanno bene ; non per farne guadagno , ma sol'per presentar il debito a ogniuno , come figli d'iddio , di pietá ripieni . lix . germanice . ein mutter gegen jhrem kind i st allezeit also gesinnt / kein pracht / kein trutz / kein eygen nutz / kein neyd / kein zorn / kein frembder schutz / kein boßheit / sonder guetigkeit / bringt jhrem hertzen frewdigkeit . wer nun christum von hertzen ehrt / demselben diß all widerfehrt . lix . anglice . the parents that feare god indéed , they will not leaue in any néed , theyer children , great and small , bur hilp , and loue , they shall all , feind at theyer handes , by day and night , and not inuie , but do it straight , delyke thus god , to us mortall , when wée to him , for hilp dóo call . lix . belgice . die liefde deß moeders tot haer kind●ers is seer groot / want t' is haer eyghen vleesch en bloet soo en is de liefde gods / tot on s niet minders maer veel grooter / foot wel blycken do et al 's eimant lief heeft syn vrienden ghoet dat is natuerlyck / maer den vyandt / te lieven en voor hem t'leuen te laten / veel grooter syn moet / want elck wil hem seluer / eerst en best gherieuen . lx. emblema . in via ad virtvti nvlla est via lx. gallice. cest homme icy , selon qu'il s'achemine , monstre qu'il veut à vertu paruenir , marchant en mer , la roche brise & mine pour son chemin applanir & vnir . celuy qui veut iusques a christ venir , doit tout ainsi par actes vertueux s'acheminer , & de foy se munir , pour rendre aisé ce roc tant perilleux , lx. latine . ardua praerupto quamuis stet culmine virtus , quo mare spumantes vndique voluit aquas : saxa tamen fluctùsque mihi decedere coget vis mea , virtutis quam trahit altus amor . aliter . disiectas moles , & saxa minantia saxis , littora remigijs quid tremefacta quatis ? sublimes animas sic ad coelum ire putandum est : ardua virtutis sic superanda via . lx. hispanice . virtud , aun que muy subida , en rocca alta y difficil : para auer a ty venida se hara pues l'obra facil a el que con trauaio y fuerça , de subir a tis'effuerça , de man y ingenio gentil . lx. italice . anchor che la virtu in rocca inaccesa si sia exaltata : non dimen'col labore si fa la via piana , per penetrar'ad essa . cosi quel che a christo di venir há ardore grandi difficultá vi truoua , má l'instanza lo ne fará vittore , se con fede e patienza per tutte superar , s'aurá armat'il cuore . lx. germanice . brauch dich vnd halt fest an / spar nicht dein muehe vnd fleiß / wenn es geschicht daß dir fuerstehet ein dayffer that so dir zu deiner ehr gerad : fahr jmmer for t / hab keine ruh es ist ein rauher weg darzu wer kommen will zu ehr vnd glimpff der muß verstehen ernst vnd schimpff . lx. anglice . one that will the vertue , sée and feinde , he mus nor care , for raine , and winde , but come to labour , free and late , til he , her thus feind and get ; lykewise if thou disirest to obtein , creistes paradise which is so fine , so néedst thou stil goe , and heare his woorde , that time thou liuest in this world. lx. belgice . desen toont / dat hy tot deucht / meynt te comen begheest hem ter zee / vint een ro●z vor hem staen eer hy wil keeren / soo do et hy al 's den vromen en beghnit met macht / op de rotsch te slaen om eft en te maken / tot salicheyt de baen spaert gheenen arbeyt / hoe wel dat hy swaer is sonder mo●yre / en camnen daer niet comen aen / een wyde reyß te doen / niet sonder gheuaer is . lxi . emblema . cvi gloria lxi . gallice. au bras qui tient de sa main la coignee , de droit est deu dece beau coup l'honneur , quoy qu'a couper ne se soit espargnee . de soy u'auoit ny force ny vigueur , ne l'homme aussi , sinon par le seigneur . où sera donc del'homme le merite ? en dieu , qui est sa force & enseigneur . qui le preuient & a bien faire inuite . lxi . latine . cùm valida resecat lignator ab arbore ramum , sola ibi vis hominis , nulla securiculae . tu tua quid turges merita & benefacta crepando ? impellit qui te gloria sola dei est . aliter . imo haud est arbor de stirpe recisa securi obtusa : manibus sed cadet artificis . virtutem meritis , factisque extendere famam , non opis humanae ; vis ea vis superum . lxi . hispanice . a quien daras la gloria , del golpe gran y marauilloso ? a la hacha ingloria , o al hombre poderoso ? assi de todas tus obras , hechos dichos , o palabras , allabe el dios glorioso . lxi . italice a chi darai la gloria d'hauer cosi tagliato , d'vn colpo solo , d'vn arbor'il gran ramo ? alla secure ? no ( bench'ella há trauagliato ) m'alla forza di quel , che vi men ' la mano , cossi anch'é dell'huom ' : non ti dei exaltare , d'i tuoi bei fatti , a te , ma ben t'humiliare dando la glori'a dio , senz'il qual eri vano . lxi . germanice . nicht glaub daß es dein weißheit sey wann du viel guts thust mancherley / gib gott die ehr denn er allein richt alles auß beyd groß vnd klein : sag mir doch wer hates gethan die axt oder derselbig mann / welcher die axt fuhrt in der hand / daß der baum ward gefelt auffs land. lxi . anglice . he that will , of a ocken trée , gut a bough presently , such thus not alon , his strenght disparcit but the sharpnisse of the hatchet ; so if one , is to the poor liberall in this world continuall , he thus not such , aut his one acord , but god , which rules him with his word . lxi . belgice . eenen ghrooten boom te vellen / daer toe behoort een ghoede scherpe byl / en oock een sterck man noch is het niet ghenoech de byl en canuz voort sonder dat se temant voere / alsoo oock niet en can den man uyt eyghen cracht / die crycht hy van godt dan segt my wie velt den boom / de byl / den man / oft godt also i ft oock met al / on s ghoede wercken / t'ian godt hoort alleen die eer / anders ist met ons al spot . lxii . emblema . ovae non facit bonos frvc●●● lxii . gallice. l'arbre on cognoit volontiers par le fruict bon ou mauuais , c'en est le tesmoignage . et l'homme aussi parl'oeuure qu●l produit , tant contrefaict que soit le sien langage . de christ mettant la sentence en vsage , l'arbre mauuais il faut au pié couper , et mettre au feu : ainsi l'homme mal sage et endurci , par droit faut extirper . lxii . latine . tempore quae nescit cultori reddere fructus fertur in ardentes arbor iniquae rogos . improba gens christum solo quae praedicat ore , ex ima in flammas stirpe recisa ruet . aliter . ceditur vt sterilis vitiosis fructibus arbos , sit pyrus , aut cerasus , nuxve cremenda focis . quo tibi mors christi , meritis nisi vita probatur ? blanditijs feretrum , & stipes inanis eris . lxii . hispanice . l'arbor steril en fin cortada es , y en el fuego echada assi el que de dios la planta sellama , y d'esto se vanta , sin traer fruto desseado , al fin s'aurá de cortar , y en el fuego de echar , para ser por iamas quemado . lxii . italice . l'arbol de suoi frutti semper vien conosciuto e quel che buoni n'há con cura si cultiua : ma quel che steril é , o secco e asciato tagliato é pe'l fuoco e a quello s'inuia . cossi l'huomo fidel d'i frutti si conosce e quel che'n porta buoni , da dio ne gioisce ma'l cattiu'o steril será gettato via . lxii . germanice . ein baum der nicht zur rechter zeit herfuer bringt sein frucht vnd getreid / derselbig der taug nirgends zu nur daß man jhn abhawen thu vnd werff jhn in deß fewers rauch : also ist der gottlose auch der nur im mund viel glaubens hat vnd nicht beweist es mit der that . lxii . anglice . a trée that bringes no fruits at all , is worth nothing , but that he shall , be cut downe and cast in fire bright , there te ashes consume queit , so will god one day the falshóod all , commit in a fire perpetuall , because they showed aut sides uery holy , but the heart whas full of folly . lxii . belgice . al is eenen boom groen / en schoon in t aen sien met vtel assten / en blad'ren / wyl uyt ghespreyt draecht hy gheen ghoey vruchtten / wat heuet te bodien hy en is maer / tot den viere bereyt soo is oock den mensche / soo christus seyr die gheen vruchten brengt / weirt afghehouwen al is hy nit beroemen / met spreken feer planteyt men paeyt gott niet met woorden / maer met tt'werck vol trouwen . lxiii . emblema . beati pavperes lxiii . gallice. cest innocent mettant son coeur a dieu , n'a nul soucy de toute autre richesse : en luy aussi presomption n'a lieu : car haut au ciel est toute sa liesse . plusieurs icy errent par leur rudesse , prenans les sots pour les poures d'esprit . sage est celuy qui renonce & qui laisse lé monde & soy , pour estre tiche en christ. lxiii . latine . spiritus haud illi pauper qui desipit , aut qui et facit , & loquitur singula ridiculè . quin puero magis , qui cùm sapit , attamen vsque impuris purum cor habet à vitijs . aliter . o felix pauper , deiectis sordibus orbis , affixit stabili qui sua corda deo. auri sacra fames premit abiurare rapinas pauper inops terris non peritura petit . lxiii . hispanice . el mundo llama venturado , el qui en bienes en abundante , y en gozos triumphante . mas en verdad tal es llamado , el pobre , que su coraçon , y toda su afficion , aura en los cielos firmado . lxiii . italice . quel ch'il mondo spreggiando , con tutte sue vanitá , vá il cuor a dio leuando , non si puo di cecitá accusar , o di tristezza molto meno di sciochezza ma ben laudar di somma sapienza che si contenta solo di dio nella presenza . lxiii . germanice . der ist im geist gar wol staffirt welchen kein frembd gedancken jrrt sonder bekuemmert sich allein mit gott vnd der christlich gemein : fuerwar er hat ein reichen geist vnd nur deßhalben allermeist weil er nichts vnnuetz dencken thut vnd acht kein weltlich pracht noch gut. lxiii . anglice . lóoke how this boy , his heart alon , houlds op to god , from destruction , and not downe to riches , or to the world , than such he knowes is but mold ; wherin the wiked , and the prodigall , take delight continuall , but the godly , will extime such forbad , and dóo lyke , this little laadde . lxiii . belgice . den onnooselen / die tor godt / t'hert heeft geheuen en acht al deß weirelts schatt / noch rycdom niet wa●t hy woort door gods gheest / soo sterck ghedreuen dat hy die groote weirelt / noch stryt aenbiet haer wel lust verlaet hy / en voor sotheyt aensiet die nochtans meynt / dat haer kind'ren de best syn en weten niet / dat na dees vreucht / comt groot verdriet soo dat die hier deerste / daer na de lest syn . lxiv . emblema . glorificate et portate lxiv . gallice. non pas en soy faut que se glorifie , mais en son dieu , cil qui le porte au coeur , qui le reforme , enseigne & mortifie , pour le conioindre à son fils seul seigneur . l'homme a qui dieu aura fait cest honneur de le choisir pour en faire son temple , fuye tous lieux remplis de deshonneur , qu'induict ne soit a mal par tel exemple . lxiv . latine . si quisquam puro concepit pectore christum , hic secum tacitus gaudeat , inque sinu : deuitetque locos , virtus vbi spreta iacebit , vnde nisi , rediens , turpior esse potest . aliter . successu ne aliquo tumeas , tua purior ex quo vita proba est , nulla aut labe , notata mali . e misero , vt templum es , turba selectus ab omni acceptum christo , sub pietate refer . lxiv . hispanice . aquien dios la fauor hize qu'el coraçon escogio por su tiemplo , para en qualquier sazon en ello habitar : bien puede hablar de gozo y muy se allegrar del l'eterno reposo . mas de mirar tambien ha de nos'empachar con vicio y suziedad , para no lo echar fuera y lo perder . porque es vn dios zeloso . lxiv . italice . quel chá christo nel cuor inchiuso , ne godera allegre e lieto . perch é dono de la suso che rende l'huomo quieto . ma anchor si dee guardare , di fuora non lo cacciare : e restár poi miser'e perduto . lxiv . germanice . welchem gott hat beschert seyn wort vnd auch sein trew gebett erhort derselb frewd in seim hertzen hab / vnd lobe gott fuer diese gab / huet sich fuer aller vppigkeit er meyd vnd fliehe all laster weit daß er sein hertz nicht widerumb breng in vnglueck vnd vngestumb . lxiv . anglice . happy is he , that hes that name , iehova , for a diadéeme , in his heart writen , and so firmly sette , which is that best , that he can get , but he mus , be whatch full , by day and night such not to lóose , from him straight , for satan goes , about such all , that he may bring them to a fall , lxiv . belgice . die den naem iehoua / draecht in syn hertte end ' is eenen tempel / van den heylighen gheeft die ouerwintt het vleesch / cruys / pyn / en smertte en acht de weirelt / maer voor een wilt forreest vol wilde dieren / want erger al 's een beest leest den godloosen mensch / vol lasters en soude voor al / die gods naem / vloeken / en sweiren meest daert t'hert af vol is / moet houen uyt den monde . lxv . emblema . vbi es lxv . gallice. adam pensoit estre fort bien caché , quand il se meit ainsi sous le figuier . mais il n'y a cachette où le peché aux yeux de dieu se puisse desnier . se vante donc , qui voudra s'oublier , que dieu ne void des hommes la meschance . ie croy qu'à rien ne sert tout ce mestier , qu'à se donner à tout peché licence . lxv . latine . ingens ficus erat , qua se contexerat adam , iam reus , ac sperans , posse latere deum : frnstra quae haec igitur corruptae insania menti ? impietas quaerit quod lubet vt liceat . aliter . conscia mens sceleris pomarij adam abdere sylua : euam & secreta sede latere premit , corripuit deus extemplò quos morte nocentes : ne clàm impunè putes crimina foeda tegi . lxv . hispanice . adonde estas adam ? piensas tu de poder huyr , y de la haz de tu dios t'esconder ? ni ombra , ni hoguera iamas te cubrira . ansi l' oio de dios siempre t'alcançara . mirad peruersos oy que piensais escapar , con cubrir y querer las faltas escusar . pero dios todo vee , y lo compensara . lxv . italice . grande era il fico do adam nascoso , la faccia fugir penso'di quel ch'offeso hebbe , per la mortal e graue transgression : ma van'er'il pensier , senza discretione . perche do fuggir pensi l'occhio che tutto vede ? e di scampar la man'a cui tutto cede ? impio pensier non men , che fuora di ragione . lxv . germanice . wenn du begehst ein boeses stueck / koempt vber dich gewiß vnglueck / wenn du schon wolt verbergen dich im dicken wald fuersichtiglich / so sicht dich gott / vnd find dich auch denn alles sicht deß herren aug / darumb so du nichts boeß begehst al 's denn du recht fuer gott bestehst . lxv . anglice . adam did breake , gods commandement , in paradise ageinst his dissent , therefore he hyde him , vnder a trée , because his lorde , him should not sée , but ( alas ) to god , is all thing euident , than he faunde him in a moment , and will alwayes , such wiked men , feind , if they dóo from him runn . lxv . belgice . hebt ghy iet quaets / in den sin / oft schoon ghedaen een helpt gheen berghen / want god 's ooghen v sien door mueren / in bossen / en achtter de boomen staen het vyghen bladt / en baeyt niet / noch al v vlien loochnen noch veel min maker maer ●●ger met dien die bekent voor d'ouricheyt / neemt men t'leuen end kan niet loochenen / wat bestaen voor de lien maer die godt syn misdaet bekent / wordet vergheuen lxvi . emblema . ex malo bonvm lxvi . gallice. on tire bien des espines poignantes rose tresbonne & pleine de beauté . des reprouuez & leurs oeuures meschantes dieu tire aussi du bien par sa bonté , faisant seruir leur fausse volonté asa grand'gloire & salut des esseuz , et par iustice , ainsi qu'a decreté , dieu fait tout bien : que nul n'en doute plus . lxvi . latine . spina rosam educit placido durissima vere , cùm trahit incuruo taurus aratra iugo : quod peccant homines , iustisque pijsque saluti , nomen & est semper auctius inde dei. aliter . lilia suaue velut redolent malè olentibus herbis : ex spinis tenui carpitur vngue rosa. impius interdum fit seruantissimus aequi : iustitiam imprudens exequiturque dolis . lxvi . hispanice . d'espinas punçientes se cogen rosas , plazientes en vista , y olorosas , assi de dios la prouidencia , de los malos por su clemencia , procura frutos salutares , a sus eletos y familiares que de su fauor tienen pendencia . lxvi . italice . dalle pungenti spine son'nella primauera rose fresch'e odorate con volupta raccolte cosi la prouidentia diuin , che mai non erra , raccoglie delli fatti de impij spesse volte , cose tali , ch'al bene seruon de suoi fideli , facend riuscir lor voglie più crudeli in fauor di color'ch'in protettion'ha tolti . lxvi . germanice . der distelstrauch ein schoene blum herfuer bringt / wenn man zackert vmb das erdreich / vnd der fruehling sich zu vns thut neygen gantz froelich : also wenn boese leut begehn arges / so thut darauß enstehn / dem frommen ein exempel gut / welchs sie vor vnglueck wol behue● . lxvi . anglice . a kose lóokes daynti , and hes swéet smell , as eueryone , can witnesse well , but her busch wil one alwayes pricke , which agein , a man thus mislyke ; lykewise will the falsch heartit men , schow them selfes so góod and plean , but theyer heartes , ar redy and quike , one stil , lyke the busch to pricke . lxvi . belgice . van den neghelentier / can men schoon roosen breken al ist dat de struyken / wat scherp steken soo kan godt den quaden / oock wel regeren dat syn boos opsett / en loose treken de syne ten ghoede / moet procederen eū den bedriegher selfs / moet ruwieneren is syns selfs do ot een oorsaek / richter / en beul sulk meynt andre schaed doen / en profiteert self met veul . lxvii . emblema . per mvltas afflictiones lxvii . gallice. feu , glaiue , mer , maint chien malicieux , de tous costés les iustes enuironne . rien il n'y a en ce monde enuieux qui auec dueil ce torment ne leur donne . mais de la foy l'oeil voyant la couronne a eux promise apres l'affliction , auec sainct paul trouuent la guide bonne , qui meine a christ , nostre saluation . lxvii . latine . hinc ignes , rabidaeque canes : hinc acriter instant et mare , & eductis turba ferox gladijs . christicolis sed mens manent imperterrita , quando cernunt defensa , serta parata , fide . aliter . seu mergantur aquis , rapidis seu corpora flammis vrantur , ferro seu jugulata cadant . illis cura dei dux est , mercede rependet aetherea & lauros , quas meruêre fide . lxvii . hispanice . por todas partes de mil aduersidades , los iustos son çen̄idos , ni otro han d'esperar , en este mundo lleno de mil maldades , para los con violencia y crueldad matar . mas ellos que en dios tienen consolacion , no curan del mundo la gran persecucion teniendo se a dios , sin iamas lo dexar . lxvii . italice . per aqua , e per fuoco per rabbiosi cani , per viua forza d't tirann ' inhumani , persecuti gli fideli , truouan nissun riposo , nel mondo infidel , peruers'e malitioso ; ond'in piant'e sospir'gli di consumando : ma il premio futur , e corona sperando supportan tutto in pace e spirto gratioso . lxvii . germanice . dem christenblut auff dieser welt wird allenthalben nachgestelt mitmartern / morden / brennen / plagen / dennoch so thutes nicht verzagen : sondern es vnerschrocken is vnd hat gedult in dem truebniß dardurch erlangts der ehrenkron vnd sterckt der christen glauben schon . lxvii . anglice . if one is persecutet , with a sworde , because he loues , that godly word , or is driwen in to a stron fire , such one mus neuer dispayre , but thinke , that he not to such mus fraune , if he wil ottein the heavenly croune , and after thinkes , liue in paradise , wher all the angels , god dóo prise . lxvii . belgice . vier / water / sweirt / en wilde dieren fel ghebruyken tirannen / om christnen te plaghen noch ist haer selfs / een torment en ghequel dat sy die niet en connen / doen verzaghen moeten sien / dat sy t' cruys / soo gheduldich draghen dat maect / sy de croon der eeren bouen haer sien die haer by gheleyt woort / ten eeuwighen daghen al 's sy hun veruolgers sullen in die hell naer sien . lxviii . emblema . abvndabit iniqvitas lxviii . gallice. ce vase plein de toute iniquité , la beste aussi & celle qu'elle porte , on t si tres fort refroidi charité par leur poison , qu'on la tenoit pour morte : mais vne chose y a , qui nous conforte , c'est que prochain est christ , où elle abonde . ia sa clarté nous apparoit si forte , qu'elle destruit les tenebres du monde . lxviii . latine . iam fuerat diuinus amor restinctus iniquo hoc vase , & lerna hac , quae vehit , & vehitur , ni prope sit christus : cuius de lumine , tetrae ; tamquam sole nouo , diffugiunt tenebrae . aliter . faucibus effundens vasis sese halitus atris , horrendum & stridens hydra chimera triceps : harpyiae totum foedassent , gorgones orbem : imperio praesens ni deus esset ope . lxviii . hispanice . ahi tiempos miserables , llenos d'iniquidad , de fraudes y malicias , vazios de piedad , d'amor y religion : bien que gran aparencia la bestia tenga , por el mundo engan̄ar . con muestras falsas , y con su violencia , mas christo no es lexos , que todo hara cessar echandola per tierra , con su real presencia . lxviii . italice . per la malignita crudel della gran bestia , e della meretrice , che d'essa vien portata . su la sera del mondo ei serà gran molestia , per tutte le regioni della terr' habitata , perche l'iniquitá per tutto abondará , e vera charitá rifredata será : se christ presto non vien con sua gran giornata . lxviii . germanice . diß ist die hur von babylon mit jhrer schoenen guelden kron / hat inder hand ein voll geschirr was darauß fleust / das macht nur jre die gantze welt / vnd dempffte gern das flaemlein in dem topff von ern aber christus durch seinen glantz erhelt diß flaemlein hell vnd gantz . lxviii . anglice . this is the wiked whore of babylon , that thus triumph , opon a dragon , and which med drunck , the whole europe , with such , that aut of the coppe , spauts so strong , in to tha fire , that to extingvish is her desier , but iesus creist , houlds op tha fire , for euer to born bright , and kléer . lxviii . belgice . 〈◊〉 babilonsche hoere / op haer beest gheseten ●et dry croonen opt hoofft / den beker in de handt 〈◊〉 daer uyt spruyt / dat moet ghy wel weten ●er is t'ghifftich ghedranck / dat loopt in alle landt ●m t'vter des godlycke woorts / uyt te lesschen wandt 〈◊〉 vercout haer veeghenier / en droocht wy water uyt en t'heeft de afflaet brieuen / meest alte maei verbrandt haer bruygom antechrist / comt nu in spotten schand lxix . emblema . ex fide victvrvs est lxix . gallice. la foy qui fait vn iuste d'vn meschant , en le rendant d'infidele fidele , n'a rien trouué en luy , tout bien cherchant , qui n'attirast fur luy mort eternelle : de sa nature estoit a dieu rebelle . donc ne pouuoit satisfaire a la loy : mais maintenant par christ a grace telle que iuste il plait a dieu , & vit de foy . lxix . latine . nil erat humano immortale in corpore quondam , et mors cuncta suis subdiderat pedibus : cum diuina fides subito immigrauit : & ecce aeternum hac vna viuere coepit homo . aliter . sub geminis fasces trutinantur lancibus aequi , distentant paribus pondera ponderibus . legibus & morte & concreta labe , cadenti seruator vitam sponte , fidemque dedit . lxix . hispanice . suietto a mala muerte , y por su peccado , d'eterna perdicion el hombre sentenciado , no auia de que poderse sustentar mas a dios piadose le plugo de le dar su hyo saluador , para en el salud hauer , y por prender , por la fe la virtud , quel'im puta lusticia , y lo ha de saluar . lxix . italice . da dio essaminato , e posto in balancia , l huomo troppo leggier e vano fu truouato ; degno d'esser da lui in aeternum rigettato . ma l'istesso iddio per sua gran clemencia il su'figliol li died'accio che ristaurasse quello ch'era perduto ; e lhuomo dimorasse per fed'in lui gentier'e in sua presencia . lxix . germanice . der mensch war gantz vnd gar versohrn / alles was an jhm war geborn war all verdebt / christus der hat reichlich dasselbig widerstat : wer nun das leben haben wil koempt durch den glauben zu dem ziel / darinn er sich soll prueffen recht daß er nicht sey zu recht vnd schlecht . lxix . anglice . beléeue in god omni potent , and in him , which that serpent , queit hes traden , under his féet , his name is iesus , our sauiour , swéet ; so shalt thou haue , stil te in weight , if thou such , obseruest straight , than through beléeue thou must suchget , therefore in him thein hear dóo sette . lxix . belgice . een hant / schreef aen de want / vor coninck belzezar daer hy ter taffel● / / in syn wel lussten satt men heeft v in een waegh ' / geweghen / en daer te licht beuonden / t' was dat hy godt verghat soo syn alle godloosen / af god en dienaers / platt maer die gheloouighe / met christus bloet besprengt weghen de wett om leegh / door syn verdiensten satt godt en wil gheen offer / met menschē bloot vermengt . lxx . emblema . sol ne occidat svper iram vestram lxx . gallice. la paix en vraye vnion fraternelle ne peut atruy , ne dieu mesme offenser , dieu fait pardon , & sa promesse est telle , a qui est prompt a pardon s'auancer , comme ceux-cy que voyez s'embrasser , ains qu'a la nuict le iour quitte son lieu . celuy qui plus laisse haine embrasser , n'accomplitpoint la iustice de dieu . lxx . latine . irae abeant , & pax habitet praecordia tecum : sic vult , qui in toto iura dat orbe , deus . cernis vt infestis gladijs concurrere fessi : ante diem occasum foedera conduplicent . aliter . foedera firmantes superi vsque odêre rebelles , in furias nè homines suscitet ira vetant . qui mouêre igitur contraria comminus arma : his furor ex animo , nec pia pacta tenent . lxx . hispanice . no es la vida del hombre sin offensas , muchas vezes aun d'amigos muy estrechos . y ere 's ignorante , y loco muy , si piensas passar sin ira , y sin mouer los pechos : pero has de curar qu'el sol no se accoste y que tu quedes del mal talento el hueste por no estar echado en lugares estrechos . lxx . italice . la vit'humana non si può già passare , senza offense , e spesse volte auuiene , che s'offende l'amico , il qual cossi grauare non si persaua moi , ne anchor si conuiene , ma poi che tale é l'human'infirmitá , bisogna rimediarui con tal dexteritá , di si ricconciliar prima che l'espero viene . lxx . germanice . sich gott der herr wil haben / daß der zorn sich nicht erheb ohn maß sondern gebeut / frieden vnd ruhe verheist all glueck vnd heyl darzu / er spricht die sonn soll nimmermehr vor ewrem zorn abgehen ehr / wo man nun diß helt in gemein da wird viel frewd vnd wonne seyn . lxx . anglice . do not , with thein brother striue , so thou wilt , long time liue , and the sonne , that shines so bright , shal no goe under from thi queit ; but liue , in loue , and pesse alwayes , so shalt thou see many dayes , and god will giue thy , his benediction , if thou liuest in loue , and union . lxx . belgice . hebt ghy met uwen broeder / een differentie laet den toren / v niet ouerwinnen maer ouerwintten ghy / denckt op gods cententie doen hy caim / waerschoude / uyt minnen worpt het gheweir van v / en neemt met sinnen olystacken / in de hand / dat is des gheeft wapen laett de sonn niet onder ghaen / maer eerst vred beghinnen hy en kan niet recht bidden / die gramlye gaet slapen . lxxi . emblema . idolorvm servitvs lxxi . gallice. de tout son coeur le veau d'or elle adore ceste affamee & source de tout vice , qui des humains ames & coeurs deuore par doux attraits & subtile malice . or qu'idolatrie , aut vray , soit auarice , sainct paul le dit : dont l'auaricieux du ciel ne peut voir l'entree propice : car ses thrèsors ont aueuglé ses yeux . lxxi . latine . haec nummos facit esse deos , quae cogere nummos in loculos numquam cessat auara suos : et semper , tam caeca , cupidine fertur habendi impia vt in coelis negligat esse deum . aliter . ecquid diuitijs incumbis auare ? fugaces tantalus vt fructus , quaeras aquas in aquis . idololatrae , conuersae ad numina tauros , trans phlegetontis aquas dira cupido trahet . lxxi . hispanice . ahi pobre idolatra que te puede aiudar la legna , o piedra , o el oro , o la plata ? todo es supersticion , y deuocion matta , que ni fruto o consuelo algun te puede dar . a dios tu coraçon leuante , y veras . como con su aiuda siempre prosperaras , como de ajudador , y de salud pilar . lxxi . italice . vitio profan , maligno , e scelerato , auaritia , ch'al mondo cossi l' cor hai rubato . con tutti gl'altri sensi , fin'alla vist'istessa che g●'occhi al cicl'leuar non l'é permesso ma sol'alla scarsella , e a tuoi tesori , quelli son tuoi dei che idolatra adori senza di dio curarti , ne anchor di te stessa . lxxi . germanice . wo das hertz wird genommen ein / vom geitz vnd wucher / i st es rein vorhin gewesen / so wirds dann so gar verfelscht / daß es nicht kan gott dienen in deß himmels thron begert allein vom gelt den lohn gelt i st sein gott / sein seligkeit / gelt i st sein frewd / sein ewigkeit . lxxi . anglice . he that is gréedie to get gould , so long he liues , in this world , or thus worshipp , te idols stil , for such one , is imposible ; that he shall see , or euer obteine , that kingdome , of heáuen fine , because he worshippes , idols and mamon , and fersakes god , and his sonne . lxxi . belgice . ghiericheyt / is de worttel van alle quaet schryfft st. paulus / en t'woort oock waer beuonden hoe wel het calff op den pielaer hier voor haer staet so blyft sy doch / in haer woeckerighe sonden het is een ghroote sotheyt / niet om door gronden datt een out mensche / hoe hy min behoeft hoe hy meer begheirt / t'syn gierighe honden dus wort giericheit / voor afgodery beproeft . lxxii . emblema . et vsqve ad nvbes veritas tva lxxii . gallice. satan a fait & fait tous ses efforts de supprimer & cacher verite , pour nous tirer auec ses liens forts aux creux manoirs remplis d'obscurite : mais du seigueur la diuine bonte l'a eleuee , & si haut mise en monstre , que voyons clair satan precipite , et ses suppos , qui ont tant hurte ●ontre . lxxii . latine . nititur incassum tenebras offundere vero daemon , nosque suis illaqueare plagis , omnipotens nam sic altè suffixit , vt illud luceat eois , luceat hesperijs . aliter . plutonis tenebris , vinclisque acheronte solutis , apparent manibus scripta notata dei. coelo , eadem terris oracula firma manebunt : caetera momento vel peritura ruent . lxxii . hispanice . de ambos dos los laoos la verdad combattida , d'espirito's malinos , de fraudes , y mentiras , de persecution , de calumnia attreuida ; de lazos escondidos , y manisfestas iras . mas todo en vano : quedando permanente , y siempre en si misma perpetua y constante , estando en el ciel segura y bien firmada . lxxii . italice . in vano satanasso con tutte l'infernali furie si trauaglia , muouendo brass ' & ale d'impedir per forza , e per frode maligna , il corso di veritá , che fin'al ciel leuata , e cola per virtud diuina confirmata , non time gli assalti di gente tant'indigna : ma co●gli suoi rai gl'nemici in frotta abbatte , e sossopra strauolt'in dietro getta . lxxii . germanice . ob schon der teuffel all sein macht hat wider gott herfu●r gebracht / daß er das goettlich wort zu grund vertilgen wolt / i st es doch kund daß es jhm fehlt / denn gott der herr dasselbig lest hoeren so ferr / auch man es allenthalben list so weit der ost vnd abend ist . lxxii . anglice . gods desire is , that wee shall lóoke , alwayes , in his beebel bóoke , and not after pride , or vanitie , which is the moder of iniquiti ; than satan , through such did fall , as is well knowen , to vs all , therefore all them , that beweis , will for pride , flee alwayes . lxxii . belgice . oft schoon den duyuel / syn uyterfte beft do et gods woort te beletten / aen alle syden soo heeftet doch godt / in alle ghewest soet ghesonden / op differente ty den so wyt hooren / beleuen / end belyden soo blyuet by on s / want t'hangt vast aen t'licht dus staett teghen al / die de waerheyt bestryden wat niet van godt is / dat's maer menschen ghedicht . lxxiii . emblema . prvnas enim congregabis lxxiii . gallice. que faites vous plus que les peagers , si vous aymez seulement voz amis ? pource , dit christ aux hommes mensongers , aimez de coeur non feinct voz ennemis : secourez les aux perilz où sont mis. car leur offrant viure & tout bien honneste , em braferez aux hain eux en nemis charbons de feu allumés sur leur teste . lxxiii . latine . hoc mjrum tibi num , redamare videtur amantem ? falleris : est alio lex capienda modo : dilige qui te odit : facies inimica residat vt rabies , & post mutuus vt sit amor . aliter . amplecti fratrem , iuuat aut quid amare colentes te : publicanis talia parta fluunt . hostes sed nutri , patere , atque hoc dilige : victor sic promissa feres praemia sancta poli . lxxiii . hispanice . de dios los hyos son de otra natura : de se venguar en vna callentura de furor es comun a lodos animales , mas los que son de dios por gracia generados , ya otros son y no se venguan tales : ansi el encemigo con buondad venceran , y si no es vencido , suo fuego attizaran , vencer su afficion , es de muy adelantados . lxxiii . italice . cesa non é strana ne nuoua , se quel ch'ingiuria riceuette il pari rende , e a vendetta con furia brutal si muoua . ma tu che sei da dio rigenerato mostrare dei altra natura di vencer l'ira per dolzura e consolar quel che t'há ingiuriato . lxxiii . germanice . wenn dich einer beleydiget / oder am leib beschediget / leyds mit gedult / vnd jhms verzenh bald wenn er ist von seim zorn frey wird er dir hold von hertzen seyn / dich halten fuer der besten ein / sein eygen hertz wird straffen jhn / vnd wird jhn rewen dieser sinn . lxxiii . anglice . love thou alwayes thy ene my , and give to him bread , and wein , thoug , he aske it not of thy , no mater , be thou with such redy ; so shalt thou obtein , his heart and sword , if thou dost so , of mein word ; els standes thy body , in a great peril , and all them , that such observe not w●ll . lxxiii . belgice . den toren des vyants / is niet de breken met teghen ghe weir / oft qualyck spreken ghy cundt v meeft wreken / met reden en verstandt . al 's den toren verby is / sal hem ther●t ont steken en hem schamen / dus bledt hem v milde handt ghy sult vier / op syn hooft / verghad'ren / want den toren / is wel een cortte / onsinnicheyt maer haet end nydt / is een moort / langsaem bereyt . lxxiv . emblema . qvis tandem es lxxiv . gallice. ces pots sont faits par vn mesme potier , grands & petits selon sa volunté , l'vn à nonneur , l'autre à autre mestier . de mesme argile en simplesse & bonté : or si quelcun estoit si effronté que d'estriuer encontre son facteur . de le briser est en sa liberté : soit donc chacum humble á son createur . lxxiv . latine . vasa facit figulus diuersis vsibus : ista sordibùs , haec lymphis apta , sed illa mero : fasque simul virga , quodcunque obmurmurat illi , frangere . fictori disce subesse tuo . aliter . est vsus vasis auri , est terrestribus vsus sicaniae figulo rex genitore satus . fictilibus similes dominum veneremur alumni : ne nos conculcet ferrea virga lutum . lxxi . hispanice . el potero sus potes haze en diuersa forma y para se seruir en diuersas maneras . si son mal adressados los va a quebrantar . mas tu hombre profano , y ignorante qu'eres tan temerario qu'osas a tu formador norma poner o murmurar , d'vn vano preiudicio , dextrema impledad , accusar su iudicio . lxxiv . italice . il pignattaro gli vasi fa diuersi di terra tutti , ma per di lor's●ruirsi in vsi differenti : e tutti fraccassare gli può , senza poter d'alchun ser impedito . chi ere 's tu o huom'ch'a dio responsare osas , e i suoi giuditij ardito riformare , quando non vengon ben'al tuo appetito ? lxxiv . germanice . ein haftener macht allerhand gefeß / wie sie jhm seyn bekandt / welchs sich aber nicht arten will / zerschlegt er vnd acht es nicht viel : also hat gott der herr auch macht zu thun / wie ers am besten acht / vnd hilffi kein murren wider gott / das glaub mir frey es ist kein spott . lxxiv . anglice . a potter made , this pipkens all , so well the great , as the small , and can them all , breake agein , if he sées , they ar not fine ; lykewise can god , which is in heaven , procide stil , with us póor men ; but he is góod , and marcifull , to us mortall , wounder full . lxxiv . belgice . den potbacker heeft macht / syn werck te breken dat hy selfs ghemaect heeft / al 's hem misluckt wie wil dan teghen synen schepper spreken beter i st / dat ghy v voor hem / nycht en duckt want te vergheefs ist / dat men hem iet opruckt doch weet / dat hy niemant onrecht en do et dat den pott woort ghebroken / oft ghestuckt ist dat hy niet ghoet is / soo dat hy breken moet . lxxv . emblema . o ingratvm lxxv . gallice. pour bien de soy voir la laideur , ou tache , cest homme auoit miroir propre & luisant : mais comme fol contre la clarté crache : en lieu d'v voir il le va mesprisant . au monde auons miroir tressufisant pour nous monstrer cláirement qui nous sommes , et la grandeur de ce deu tout-puissant , mais tenebreux le rend l'orgueil des hommes . lxxv . latine . cùm maculas , vultusque notas discernere posset , ingratus clarum despuit in speculum : plurima sunt quis se diuina potentia prodit . sed vetat , ah , nostri cernere caecus amor . aliter . cur naeuosi obiecta notis specularia vultus turpiter ingratus lucidiora spuis ? sydera suspicimus , nubes , nec limen olympi : ah! nimium auertunt otia vana soli . lxxv . hispanice . quan loco ingrato es el hombre que podiendo veer en el espeio lo , que lo deformaua , l'ensuzia o de lodo , o en el escupiendo , le quita la splendor , que todo le mostraua ? tales sont todos los qu' estando ensen̄ados de lo que les esta mal , por ser enmiendados se onoian contra el que su salud buscaua . lxxv . italice . ingrato e malitioso é quello che nel specchio , che senza fraudole macchi li dimostra , irato sputa , on anchor di souuerchio lo getta in terra , e di piedi lo pesta , tali son molti ignoranti e ingrati che contra quei che senz'adulatione gli falti loro lor mostran , son'irati come da lor offessi , masenza ragione . lxxv . germanice . diß i st ja ein verkerter mann / welcher das nimpt zum ergsten an / was jhm zu guter lehr geschicht vnd wider sich selbst trutzig ficht / gleich al 's heis du ein spiegel klar darinn du nimbst deins antlitz war / daß du dasselbig zierest fein / du aber speift noch selbst darein . lxxv . anglice . god hes vs given to that intent , his word , and téene commandement , that wée in them , vs shall behold , so long wée liue in this world : but let vs have , a better grace , as he that spettes , opon that glasse , when they us show , very kléer , that wée not liue , as god thus desire : lxxv . belgice . den sott / siende in den spieghel / die hem toont syn vuyl placken / oft ghebreck / en hy woort gram op den spieghel / al waer hy daer / door gehoont spout daer op / en worpt hem teghen d'eyrt / t is tam soo syn sy oock dwaes / t'sy van hooch oft leeghen siam die toornen op de ghene / die hem syn fouten seyt den ondanck baren sulcx oyt qualycken nam den onwysen / oock wel t'goet / onrecht uyt leyt . lxxvi . emblema . converte ocvlos lxxvi . gallice. ce sot laissant la tresuiue fontaine , se caue vn puits , qui l'eau ne peut tenir , donc tout le mieux qui lui puisse venir c'est que son temps il perdauec sa peine , ainsi pour vray l'entreprinse est tresuaine ▪ de ceux qui vont hors christ chercher recours . chtist est la source & la vraye fontaine . lui seul est tout , d'autre n'auons secours . lxxvi . latine . hic puteum fodit , à tergo cùm lympidus adstet et purae , & semper fons salientis aquae . non aliter falluntur & hi , qui aliunde salutem sperant , quàm à christo fonte salutifero . aliter . fontibus inducens vmbras , putealibus vndis , limosóve lacu vis satiare sitim . expiat in cassum qui se lustralibus extis , christum ni prenset : nostra ea vera salus . lxxvi . hispanice . quan loco es a quel , que la biua fuente , limpia y clara , y de aguas abundante , dexa para cauar vn pozo con labores , donde no halla mas que trabaio y dolores ? mas loco es mucho mas , el que dexando , la fuente de salud , se va buscando , fuera de christo otros mediatores . lxxvi . italice . sciocco insensato , a qual fin quel labore , di cauarti quel pozzo dal qual altro non hai , che mil difficulta , vani pensier'e guai ? in dietro guarda , do dal diuino amore , vn fonte vederai d'acqua viu'abundante , in christo gia parato , per tua set'ardente estinguer , e di vit'etern'empir t'il cuore . lxxvi . germanice . das ist ein muehseliger mann / der sich nimpt so viel arbeit an / das er ein trube pfuetz erfind / durch seine muehe / vnd arbeit schwind / vnd stehet ein quell doch hart darbey von lebendigem wasser frey : also wer selig werden will ohn christum / der fehlt weit vnd viel . lxxvi . anglice . this leifly spring , thus runne alway , so well by night , as that day , for us póor men , to trinke an t stil , so many times , as wée will ; which now fersakes , this quell so swéet , and diges for a mody pit , he shall indéed obtein the hell , because he skornet , creist , and his gospel . lxxvi . belgice . het is wel een verkeert / onsinnich man die graeft eenen vuylen put / by een claer fonteyne d'welck men / den verloren arbeyt / wel heeten can godt claecht / en seyt / myn volck / verlaet my alleine en grauen selfs cissternen / en putten onreyne het leuende water / laten sy verloopen dat hun can verquicken / ten leuen certeyne al 's ment t'goet / om niet heeft / soud men t'quaet / niet coopen . lxxvii . emblema . tibi impvta lxxvii . gallice. l'homme qui tient tousiours son coeur au monde , soy-mesme enterre en la fosse qu'il cure , et n'en sent rien , car en bombance abonde : mais assés tost en payera l'vsure . satan letient lié de chaine obscure , ployant son col que haut il ne regarde , tant que la fosse ait sa droitte mesure , lors tombera qu'il ne s'en donra garde . lxxvii . latine . cui fixum in mundo cor est , post decidet istanc quam facit ipse sibi , nescius in foueam : nam daemon laqueo incuruum vinctumque catenis sic habet , vt coelum non queat adspicere . aliter . infelix animum in speluncam proijcit atram , tam dira mundi tabe peredit amor . praecipitem at fallax miserum fortuna fatigat , blanditijsque suis , delicijsque suis. lxxvii . hispanice . el que ha al mundo attaccado su coraçon , viene a caer en la huesla qu'el ha cauado sin poderse reboluer : el diablo lo tiene abaxado en vanidad , y sepultado , que no puede el cielo veer . lxxvii . italice . chi'al mond ' attaccato tiene il cuor ' , e l'occhio , a cader viene , nella fossa che stesso caua , d'orgogli e presontion ignaua , ne quali già tant'é immerso , che leuar gl'occhi il cielo verso , e drizzarui si mai pensaua . lxxvii . germanice . welchem das runde glueck gefelt / vnd sein hertz auff ein kugel stelt / wenn nun die kugel ●aeltzet u●mb / so felt das hertz mit vngestuemb : also wer hie auff erden nur / sicht auff die eusserlich figur / der wird fuerwar im himmel ehr schwerlich erlangen / forcht ich sehr . lxxvii . anglice . that man is for ever spoyled , which thus lye , opon the world , his heart , and minde , of that alon , and not of creist tru gods sonne : therefore thus satan , such a tré wande , presently cath in his bande , and draw him , into a pit so darke , which all the wiked , may wel marke . lxxvii . belgice . die syn hert in de weirelt houft / hy is sott oft leet het op eenen ronden boll / die is bott want al 's den bol om rolt / valt het daeronder en woort verplet / soo ock / die maect een afgodt van tytlyck goet / daer hy na graeft besonder sathan / treeckt hem thooft omleech / dat hy de wonder gods niet en siet / noch den putt / die hy gegrauen heeft valt daer in / t' is den soon die hy van syn slauen heeft lxxviii . emblema . difficilis exitvs lxxviii . gallice. le mal qui est de long temps amassé se vient en fin reduire en apostume , puis estant meur & du doigt fort pressé , vuide dehors , mais non sans amert●me . ainsi le vice assemblé par coustume dedans le coeur , n'en sort pas aisement , s'il n'est pressé du doigt vif , qui alume le sentiment d'amour ou iugement . lxxviii . latine . compresso diguis sames vt ab vlcere manat , praeque dolore simul luminibus lacrymae : sic cùm animi ex longo labes collecta fugatur iudicio recto , in pectore cordolium est . aliter . vlcus cum tumuit maturo fomite , pressant , quo saniem ructet , languida membra suum . caeco sic poenas expectent crimine sontes : quos nisi poeniteat , mergat acerba lues . lxxviii . hispanice . la llaga que ha apostumada se esprime , mas no sin dolor assi malicia accostumbrada se muda , mas no sin labor . pues para no sentir dolor presto se medica la llaga assi por euitar dolor el vicio raiz no haga . lxxviii . italice . la matteria cattiua raccolta nella piaga per lungo tempo , da dotta man espressa vien dal cirurgo esperto ; ma non senza dolori . coss'il costum cattiuo , che preso giá haueua nel cuor la sedia ; anchor che con destrezza cacciar si tenta , mai non si getta fuori , senza rimarco della carn'e tristezz● . lxxviii . germanice . wie duenckt dich hie vmb diß figur / was ists fuer ein contrafactur ? merck eben mich / gleich wie ein schwehrn / bol eyter sich außtruckt nicht gern . sondern thut wehe / vnd schmertzet sehr / also thut auch das hertz viel mehr / sich engstiget ohn alle schew / wenn es tregt seiner suenden rew . lxxviii . anglice . sée how this man , calls by day and night , for one to come , to him straight , and expresse his vlcer , that is aout warde , his side , with fingers very harde ; in which thus lye , much corruption , so stinking , thicke , and fulsome ; delyke mus he , which is oppresset , with sinne , call for his saviour creist . lxxviii . belgice . al 's men veel vuylicheyt / t'samen vergaert heeft ●n op den sweir / die typ is / hart wort ghedruckt ●oo springt het etter uyt / dat hy lang bewaert heeft ●aer niet sonder pyne / en alst wel gheluckt 〈◊〉 hy daer van gheneest / al ghaet hy was ghebuckt 〈◊〉 heeft hy godt te dancken / maer draecht hyt met in t graff 〈◊〉 spreeck van den godloosen / worthy sowech gheruckt die hier niet en purgeren / syn namaels in gods straff lxxix . emblema fvlcrvm optimvm lxxix . gallice. tout homme en soy est si láche & debile , qu'il a besoin d'estre appuyé d'enhaut . moise estoit sainct homme & bien habile , mais au besoin autre force luy faut . or pour pouruoirà cestuy sien defaut , fut soustenu , & sur la pierre mis : lors israel veinquit l'ennemi caut . fon dés sur christ veincrons tous ennemis . lxxix . latine . isacidum fessus coelo dux tollere palmas , sublimi saxo brachia composuit : et vicit : christo quisquis confidet , & illo fulcitur , cuncto victor ab hoste cluet . aliter . flammiuomo , ereptus per inania nubila , curru helias alta volat , nec moriturus henoch . victori israël visus subsistere moses monte super : nam ca sunt optima fulcra dei. lxxix . hispanice . el hombre en sus aduersidades , tan flacco es , y de temor battido , que por sus maldades , no s'osa boluer al sen̄or : mas el por su man muy potente , alto lo erige y lo sustenta , hasta hazerlo vencedor . lxxix . italice . per animare il popol ' combattuto da gli nemici , mose nel monte asceso con man giunt'e leuate da dio chied'aiutto : ma fracco é tanto che se non é sosteso da compagni fideli , gli brassi cader lascia . cossi test'e lhuom stanco , nella angoscia , a prieghi se da dio per la man non e preso . lxxix . germanice . wenn man wird mued in dem gebet / vnd bey nah nachgelassen het . so stercket gott der herr den muth / vnd erst den seinen helffen thut . darumb soll man nicht lassen nach / mit beten / flehen / nacht vnd tag . denn gott gewißlich koempt zu hand / vnd macht vns seine huelff bekandt . lxxix . anglice . he that is wiked , and will not pray , to his god , by night or day , that man shall him , neuer finde , so long he thus not change his minde ; alon he , that loues to pray , and call , as moyses did , continuall , such one , will god allwayes hould , because to him , his handes did fould . lxxix . belgice . moyses was niet moed te bidden / maer in d'armen maer veel syn moede en traech van herten-geest ouer sulcke heeft godt een cleyn ontfarmen die en helpt gheen ondersetten / van steenen meest dus al 's ghy dat veult / so ghy den heere vreest bidt godt / om den gheest des ghebets / so dauid dede al 's ghij dien hebt / die heuet voor all volleest gott laet hem niet ouerwinnen / al 's met den ghebede . lxxx . emblema . sic demvm pvrgabitvr lxxx . gallice. dieu qui promet refondre nostre escume , ostant ce plomb au bon metail contraire , monstre qui est cestuy la qui presume ouurer de soy rien qui luy seust complaire : car puis qu'il faut le refondre & refaire , voire conuient estre nay derechef , on voit assez quell ' oeuure lon peut faire sans auoir foy , qui nous conioint au chef . lxxx . latine . ignitis ipsum non se fornacibus aurum , humanum solers purgat at ingenium . despumare animo vitia , & , quae noxia , longè eijcere , hoc christi dextera sola potest . aliter . cratibus vt purgant vannis frumenta coloni , farra simul lolio per cereale cribrum . seligitur spumis aurum fornace : repurgat , foedis sic maculis corda renata deus . lxxx . hispanice . el oro a si mismo purgar no puede : mas la diligencia del hombre , que con prudencia , lo sabe bien gouernar . assi de dios solo la mano purga el genero humano ▪ de sus escorias por clemencia . lxxx . italice . loro nella fornace ardente se stesso non puo rafinare ma e'é l'industria prudente de l'huom che lo sá gouernare . cossi d'iddio la man benigna purga la scoria maligna delli fideli per gli saluare . lxxx . germanice . wenn das golt wird in s fewers glut / gereiniget vnd kompt zu gut . thut nicht die schuld am gold bestan / sondern am meister der es kan . also wenn auch wir werden rein / gewaschen von suenden gemein . kompt solches nicht von vnser krafft / sondern wird durch christum verschafft . lxxx . anglice . before a silber , or that gould , can be current in this world , but mus first , throug a gouldsmith skil , in fire strong , be purifiet stil ; lykewise if wéear in generall , waschen , from our sinnes all , is therefore , not thein , or mine operation , but only , creistes purification . lxxx . belgice . het gout / noch ghemengt synde / met ander metael t'sy / coper / loot / slacken / oft onreynicheyt ten can hem selfs / daer van niet suyuren ye mael den goultsmit moet bet van al die vileynicheyt int vier af dryuen / oft t'waer hem cleynicheyt dat soo te ghebruycken / i st hee l onbequaem soo proeft godt te syne in ha●r weynicheyt het vier deß cruysses / maeckt on s godt aenghenaem lxxxi . emblema . beati mvndo corde lxxxi . gallice. non sans raison le seigneur attribue beatitude à qui est net de coeur : mais notez bien que d'enhaut distribue l'eau qui le laue ostant tache & laideur . ce lauement est l'esprit du seigneur au sang de christ , qui seul nous regenere . reforme , & fait que sommes bonne odeur a dieu par christ , ce qu'autre n'eust peu faire . lxxxi . latine . foelices merito , quibus est cor pectore mundum : fontibus aethereis lympha sed illa fluit . quae nitidos faciat : puro nam sanguine christi supremo tantum conciliamur hero . aliter . foelix illa anima est , cuius fortuna peracta , puro aurae & sensu vescitur aetherio . sed luem adorato supera vt conuexa reuisat , eluere ipse tuo sanguine christe potes . lxxxi . hispanice . quan bien auenturados los que de coraçon limpio son , porque llamados seran hijos de dios , y en qual quier sazon huelgar se han muy descaçados . mas bien esta limpiez de christo solo viene que los munda , benin , de su sangre , y los tiene por mundos y sublimados . lxxxi . italice . beati quei che di cuore son mundo : ma quello vien , non dal mondo immundo , ma sol'di christo , che col su'sangue laua gli cuor'pentiti , e d ogni macchia l'priua . fra tanto nondimen'bisogna conseruare quella netezza , e semper si guardare , che nell corpo mortal il peccato riuiua . lxxxi . germanice . selig die reines hertzens seyn / vnd von christo gewaschen rein . durch seinen geist / vom himmel kam / derselbig koestliche balsam . denn christi rosenfarbes blut / von suenden vns abwaschen thut . wer nun christum von hertzen ehrt / dem ist ein reines hertz beschert . lxxxi . anglice . blessed is he , hus heart is cleane , waschen by holy gost so fine , with creistes blóod , that stil thus runne , from heáven , for vs póor men , than , he that is out of this quell , waschen , he shall not death , or hell , sée ; but liue with creist , in his glory stil , wher is no changeing , no fall or il. lxxxi . belgice . salich syn de ghene / die van hertten reyn syn door gods gheeft ghewasschen / in christus bloet die sullen godt sien / en syn kind'ren certeyn syn dus van v alle des vleesch / onsuyuerheyt do et van adam gheerfft / dies ghy herboren syn moet en besneden worden / aen hertt en ooren met den gheeft gods ghesalfft / doer in blasen soet die men ghoeden raet gheeft / billich wel toe soud hooren . lxxxii . emblema . qvas iam qvaeras late bras lxxxii . gallice. si l'homme estoit en soy tout resolu que dieu voit tout , & les plus fins coeurs sonde iusques au fond , il ne seroit pollu par tant de fois aux ordures du monde . mais sa raison , sur laquelle il se fonde , lui dit tousiours , penses tu qu'●lle voye ? o fol , ton sens , où ton erreur abonde , te fait entrer où n'a sentier ne voye . lxxxii . latine . si cunctis animo fixum immotumque maneret , intima vel cordis cognita quaeque deo , non tanto gemeret scelerum sub pondere tellus : heu , spes efugij , quanta fenestra malo es ? aliter . falleris , effugia , heu ! scelerum formidine vitas ; non lat●tans letho te potes eripere . praesenti semper subigit praecordia conto : cum lucente deus lustrat opaca face . lxxxii . hispanice . bien dize el ignorante , y mas que bestia insano dios no me veera , ni m'he chará la mano , porque escondido soy , me cubren las paredes . mas vano es tu pensar : porque todas maldades son delante de dios , presto a la punicion , y not'escusaras con toda tu rason , de quien del coraçon conoce las pensadas . lxxxii . italice . se tutti hauesser'quello nel cuor'impresso , ch'iddio mai non si può ingannare : e quell'axioma nell animo infisso , ch'i suoi giudici non si ponno scampare : per certo tanti non sarebbon i peccati , ne le peruersità di tanti ostinati che soo vane coperte si pensono saluare . lxxxii . germanice . gott pruefft das hertz jnnen vnd auß / ihm ist verborgen nichts durchauß . es fehlt jhm nicht ein haerlein breit / er weiß besser vmb dich bescheid / denn du dich selbst erkennen magst / was ists denn daß du dich so plagst / vnd nimbst dir fuer viel boese stueck / thu guts / dasselbig ist dein glueck . lxxxii . anglice . every body consider alway , so well by night , as that day , that out god sées all , and will feinde ; him that hes a pervers minde ; therefore do góod , and leaue thut il , for creist our , saviour will , sée in thein hearte , continually , if thou such dost ernestly . lxxxii . belgice . dachte den mensch / dat godt alles weet en siet oock binnenste des hertten / is hem verborghen niet ick ghelooff hy lier / veel ghroote sonden noch ist niet anders / dan dat godt door wiet oock her diepssre van alle menschen ghrouden en die dan worden / te licht beuonden syn uyt de waghe / gheworpen / in t'helsch vier iey sd'hy veel om hier namaels / hy bekeerd hem hier . lxxxiii . emblema . resistite fortes lxxxiii . gallice. on voit assez com bien grandes alarmes satan , le monde , ont iusqu'ici liurez a tous chrestiens : mais comme bons gendarmes resistez forts par foy : car deliurez serez bien tost de ces fols enyurez du sang des saincts , qui crie à dieu vengeance : ainsi par foy christ , vostre chef , suyurez . voyci , il vient : courage en patience . lxxxiii . latine . acria bella cient homini , pellacia mundi , debilitas carnis daemonis inuidia : ast clypeus sit vera fides , hoc tegmine tutus hostis despicies irrita tela tui . aliter . dis furit in fidos , mundus , bellona , flagello horrida sanguineo & bella cruenta cient . at sperate deum memorem fandi atque nefandi : sufficiat vobis intemerata fides . lxxxiii . hispanice . el campion fidel siempre esta combattido , del mundo que le pone lazos , su carne , y deleytos baxos , del diablo fin , malicioso , y fingido : mas el que constante oppondra de fe el escudo , y s'escondra iras , el iamas podra ser confundido . lxxxiii . italice . quel che viuer vuol in christo piamente . su'alma a tentation prepari : il diablo , il mondo maligno mai consente che viui in pace , e con vari lacei , insidie , forza e inuidia li procura mil'mal'e lo trauaglia : ma col scuto di fede bisogna che ripari . lxxxiii . germanice . dein eygen fleisch / die gantze welt / suend / teuffel / todt / in eim gezelt / dem menschen hefftig setzen zu / daß er hat tag vnd nacht kein ruh . wenn das geschicht so steh man fest im glauben / das ists allerbest . wer diesen schild ergreifft zur hand / der thut jhn allen widerstand . lxxxiii . anglice . the world , death , hell , and satan , they thought , ower fall that man , in a sléep , or dis armet at all , but a ( las ) he did expect them all , with a buckler , and sound beléeue , by which he did , seues his life , els had the arow , and satans blast , him for ever , to ground cast . lxxxiii . belgice . sonde / do ot / duyuel / hel / en vleesch t'samen de weirelt tot haer sterckte in namen tot den mensch quamen / hem te bestryden meynden hem / slapent te vinden / en te beschamen maer hy was wakende / om syn beuryden had den schild des gloofs vor hem / t'sweirt des gheefts / op syden en keerde haer pylen / diesy verloren schoten dat sy selfs verwont werden / heeft haer verdroten . lxxxiv . emblema . ibi licet esse secvris lxxxiv . gallice. comme la poule assemble sous ses ailes les poulets siens , du milan les gardant , ainsi aussi le seigneur ses fideles , del ' antechrist leur ennemi mordant . le chrestien soit à ceci entendant . que si ailleurs il cherche seureté , cuidant fuir , il tombe sous la dent de l'ennemi par fa temerité . lxxxiv . latine . gallina vt teneros alis tegit anxia pullos , ex alto accipiter cùm facit insidias : sic quoque curabit christus , contraria nobis ne sceleratorum facta nocere queant . aliter . né miluus pedibus pullos euisceret vncis , collectos alis cauta gallina fouet . praesentem quoties intentant omina mortem praesidio tutus numinis esse potes . lxxxiv . hispanice . como la polla cubre anzia de sus alas , viendo el milano , sus pollillos : assi viendo el sen̄or venir las fraudes malas contra los suyos de cubrirlos el suen̄o ha , de su braço potente , el qual nunca consente , que con todas sus fuerças , vengan a affligirlos . lxxxiv . italice . protection fidel dell ' ansia galina , coprendo gli pulcini sotto l'ale materne , contra la fraude d'il milan che li torna in cima . coss'e la protection d'il sommo dio paterna , verso gli suoi , che semper gli defende da tutti mali , e securi gli rende sotto le su ' ale , con diffesa superna . lxxxiv . germanice . gleich wie ein henn jhr huenckelein bedeckt mit jhren fluegelein . vnd schuetzt sie fuer deß sverbers mord / also behuet das goettlich wort. vnd christus mit den engeln sein / die gantze christliche gemein . dein leib vnd seel christo befehl / der hilfft dir wider todt vnd hell. lxxxiv . anglice . lyke as the henne , her chickens small , seues under her winges all , for the kite , that about thus flye , to snatch them all , for her prey ; so thous our saviour , every man , képe from danger , and satan , he knowes well , that wée ar aptto fall , if he us not seues , continuall . lxxxiv . belgice . ghelyck die clockhinne haer ionghe beschermt voor den hauick / en bedeckt se onder haer soo bewaert godt syn kind'ren / ouer hun erbarmt voor den duyuel / en all syn aderentten swaer den anthechrist / en all syn geschoren schaer tirannen / en all bloetdurstighe leeuwen fel teghen godes wille / crommen sy ons niet een haer die van godt bewaert woort / mach hem betrouwen wel . lxxxv . emblema . sic fravdibvs scatent eorvm domvs lxxxv . gallice. comme d'oifeaux les cages sont remplies , ainsi aussi les maisons des peruers , d'iniquitez , fraudes , fureurs , folies , remplies sont , rroublans tout l'vniuers . ils vont guettans les iustes de trauers pour les surprendre & leur porter dommage : mais dieu les tient dessous sa main couuers , et tost cherra sur les malins orage . lxxxv . latine . en latitat caueis illex , vbi retita tendit auceps , cognatas vt trahat in laqueos . fraudibus illa fluit domus , in qua nocte dieque indulgent animis impia turba suis. aliter . agmen vt aligerum cauea retinacula captant , seu retinent captas retia tensa feras : atria magnatum laqueatis splendida tectis fraudibus erumpunt , ni deus instet ope . lxxxv . hispanice . como siempre es la ●aula del caçador henchida , de cantado ras aues para otras engan̄ar : assi es de los impios la casa populada de muy diuersas fraudes , por los iustos tomar mas dios de su defiença los tiene bien cubiertos que aun que simplos sean , y en mal poco espertos en lazos escondidos no vengan traboccar . lxxxv . italice . come la cauea dell ' vccellatore pien'é d'vccelli che gl'altri allettano : cosi la casa dell'impio decettore , pien'é di fraudi , co qualis ' inlacciano , gli semplice'e imprudenti e n'escon mal contenti quei che da man'diuina guardati non sono . lxxxv . germanice . wenn ein vogler sein garn außspant / hat er lockvoegel ben der hand . die fiugen suesse / leben wol / dadurch verreitzt er offtermal ein gantzen hauffen also gehts wo man in wollust lebet stehts / da wird manch seel verderbt in grund / wo gott nicht huet zu aller stund . lxxxv . anglice . euery fowler , hes about his nette , many lages , with finces sette , wherwith he intices , the other all , they may , begreat , or small , in his snare : so in kinde of a amitie , will the wiked , to iniquitie , one allure or to a damnet action , but euery one , fley for such a faction . lxxxv . belgice . den voghler / om ander voghels / meer te vanghen soo heeft hy lockvoghels / by syn net hanghen die gheeft hy wel teten / die singhen en springhen sulcx sien de ander / comen daer door in t verstranghen soo do et den swartten voghler / maect goeder dinghen syn weirelts kinders / gheeft by hier al ghenoech om de geloouighe / in syn net te bringhen en haer soo the vanghen / tot syn ghevoech . lxxxvi . emblema . svfficit lxxxvi . gallice. ces coupes sont pleines grande & petite , etne pourroient rien tenir d'auantage : l'vne pourtant n'est ne l'autre despite , pour se voir moins & à l'autre auantage . les saincts aussi au celeste heritage si l'vn a moins , & que l'autre en ait plus , sont neantmoins contens de leur partage : car remplis sont de gloire tous esseus . lxxxvi . latine . exiguum magnumque vides cratera repletos : nulla tamen , plus hic quòd tenet , inuidia est . in coelis par est ratio : nam quisque beatus , quanuis non prorsus conditione pari est . aliter . crateres binos spumantia vina coronant : sufficit ambobus quám sit vterque capax , sedibus omnipotens varijs distendit olympum : numine tota tamen turba beata pari est . lxxxvi . hispanice . dos taças llenas vees , la chica y la grande , contenta cadauna delo qu'en ella cabe . assi eada fidel dios por el dono allabe , que del le dado es , sea chico o grande , porque el sabio dios a cadaun su parte , de donos quanto en el cabe benin reparte y quiere fieldad , en el chico y el grande . lxxxvi . italice . due tasse ripiene di quanto pon'capire vedi , che la prudente man á temperate , senza inuidia contente d'il desire , di quel che di liquor cossi le tien riplete . cossi son'gli fideli contenti delli dono , che son diuersumente , secondo le ragioni , diuine'a ciaschedun per gratia impertiti . lxxxvi . germanice . zwen becher in diesem signet / ein grosser vndein fleiner steht / sind asse beyde gar gefuelt / gleich wolder grost am meisten helt . also theilt gott sein gaben auch / nach dem ein jeder darzu dauch . er thut nicht vnrecht / darumb du danck jhm darfuer / geb dich zu ruh . lxxxvi . anglice . two cuppes stand hir , of one métall , but one is great , and the oder small , filled with one liguor , so góod an fin , regarde the one , thus more conteine ; so thus out god , his blessing stil , distribute to vs , so much he will , for much , or little , let vs alway , be thankful to him , euery day . lxxxvi belgice . dese twee bekers / eenen groot / en d'ander kleyn doch alle beyd'ghevult / elck soo reel hy hout gheuen te ver staen / dar godt elck gheeft ghemayn ghenoech / en soo veel / al 's een menich four c'an draghen / elck is niet euen sterck ionck noch out elck moet een do ot fissi / hebben na syn lyff d'een dient siluer / coper / ten / loot / oft gout deen dient voor een man / dander vor een wyff . lxxxvii . emblema . scientia inflat lxxxvii . gallice. pour auoir leu longuement l'escriture , l'homme souuent en vain se glorifie . car science enfle : & qui n'a que lecture , n'a pour cela l'esprit qui viuifie , ouure le sens , & le coeur mortifie , chassant d'iceux tenebres d'ignorance . où est l'esprit , charité edifie . où il n'est point , il n' y a qu'arrogance . lxxxvii . latine . lectio quid prodest legis , si turgida fastu reppleat insano pectora cognitio ? ast tenebras adsit iubaris qui discutit ortu spiritus , & verè dogmata clara facit . aliter . quid librorum ingens in flat farrago tumentem ? linea frugiferi nulla laboris erit : spiritus ex animo nisi tot discusserit vmbras , téque humilem nisi te noueris esse fide . lxxxvii . hispanice . se vantan muchos de hauer mucho leido , ni de otros quieren oyr el parecer : mas locos son porque no por leer mas por dono de dios es el hombre cumplido ▪ principal mente para bien entender . la ley de dios , y la bien deprender . es don de dios , que del cielo es venido . lxxxvii . italice . non giou'il gran sapere n'il moltó hauer letto , de l'huomo profan ' , ne il gonfiato petto : ma lo spirto di dio che la mente illumina , di quel ch'in humiltá verso di lui s'inchina , quei superbi e orgogliosi fugge e tutto lor saper confonde e strugge spargendo ne i fanc●ull'su'gratia diuina . lxxxvii . germanice . wenn du hast ein gut fundament / vnd bist ein weidtlicher student . in der goettlichen schrifft erfahrn / soltu dieselbe gab nicht sparn . zu stoltzem muth vnd hohem geist / sondern gott bitten allermeist . daß er mit zucht vnd demuth dich / begaben wolt gantz erbarlich . lxxxvii . anglice . if one in learnig , thus excell , he thanke his god , and not reuell , but be carfull , and diligent for to imploy such a talent ; to his ha nour , and in publik góod , than such desires our god , of him , that is learnet and weis , his talent so , bestowe alwayes . lxxxvii . belgice . oft ghy schoon veel / hebt gehoort en ghelesen end'niet daer na en do et / soo i st weirt mispresen oft wild het in desen / by v alleen slichtten latent niemant ghenieten / wat baet sulck wesen een kiers onder een coren maet / can niemant lichtten noch een verborghen leer / niemand stichtten oock een versweghen reden / can niemant hooren tot een wysen mont / hoort verstandighe ooren . lxxxviii . emblema . ex corpore rvina lxxxviii . gallice. ce beuf est gras , & pourtant il se fáche quand l'aiguillon le pousse á trauailler . l'homme enrichi a bien faire est si lache qu'il ne vaut rien , si dieu pour l'esueiller ne vient a poinct quelque coup luy bailler de l'aiguillon d'affliction poignante , pour l'inciter a prier & veiller , de lache coeur s● part l'ame dolente . lxxxviii . latine . pinguior vt nimia factus farragine taurus non fert , ad solitum si stimuletur opus : diuitis ingenium tale est , qui plus cute curat nil quidquam , & superos ringitur ad stimulos . aliter . quid legisse boues pingues ad aratra iuuabit , segnius attrectant colla subacta iugum . sic animo diues torpet , nec sydera spectat : suspensum numis , ni deus , euigilet . lxxxviii . hispanice . como el buoy engrassado no cura el agicion , ansi coçeia y da calçadas : assi es del ricco hinchado , que no admite instruciō , ansi s'opone con brauadas hasta que dios con golpes pesantes en su'ira lo visita , y su afficion d'el quitta , dexandolo en larmas y llantos . lxxxviii . italice . il bue grasso e al trauaglio lento non cura la sterza , n'il stimulo piccante . d'el suo signore , anchor che violento . ma ben gli calci ● corne li presenta . cosi é l'huom ingrato verso suo creatore ; quanto più li e benigno , tant'ha più dur'il cuore . e si oppon'a forza a quel che lo sustenta . lxxxviii . germanice . die reichen wenn sie werden feist / so nemen sie ab in dem geist . moegen nicht leyden gottes ruth / gleich wie eirj fetter ochse thut . wenn derselbig ist morden geyl / will er nicht zichen an dem seyl . vnd kan nicht leyden wos daß man in bring mit streichen auff die ban. lxxxviii . anglice . a oxe that is strong and fatte , he will not goe , to plow or ceart , til his driuer , him thus pricke , in his side , with a picke ; so ar the rich men ingenerall , before they will goe and call , to god ; but he mus them all hit , that is , with sicknes first fisit . lxxxviii . belgice . den osch / vet ghemesst synde / can niet lyden dat men hem tot den arbeyt / wil doen gaen den stock des dryuers / aen beyde syden wilt hy niet verdraghen / noch nemen aen soo doen de rycke / al 's haer godt met eruys wil alach worden so ohnghedoldich / en murmuraren meynen / t'moet de arme / alleen syn ghedaen end'sy souden altoo● / in wellust florieeren . lxxxix . emblema . desiderans dissolvi lxxxix . gallice. de grand desird ' aller bien tost à dieu , cestuy se void presque sorty du monde : crainte de mort en son endroit n'a lieu , ainsi qu'elle a au coeur sale & immonde : la mo●t n'est plus au chrestien saint & monde . qu'vn doux passage a conduire a la vie et vray repos , où toute grace abonde : mais charité modere telle enuie lxxxix . latine . suaue mori , quoties scelerum mens libera , nullum iudicis horrescens iudicium refugit . suaue etenim christo coniungi : & corpus humatum regno sublimè despicere aethereo . aliter . nuntius à cantu cygnus sua fata lacessit ; est phoenix solitus se renouare rogo . dissolui quoties voluit compagine paulus ? quam mors tetra malis , impia corda ferit . lxxxix . hispanice . quan viene desseada al pobre y affligido la muerte que del mundo y mil trabaios libre lo haze , y en reposo lo pone muy querido : ni há que de temer del gran dios la presencia . auiendo siempre los vicios abhorecido , y de dios offender de coraçon temido . para pues bien morir tien sana la consciencia . lxxxix . italice . dà ben la morte vn gran timor al mondo epiu a quel chi di vitij abonda ma al fidel che fugito ha'l peccato e di sauciar la conscienc s'é guardato morte non dá terror : ma vien desiderata liberatrice d'i guai di questa miser'vita giungendolo a christo in riposo dolce e grato . lxxxix . germanice . wie grosse frewd vnd herrligfeit / i st frommen christen doch bereit . wenn jhr stuendlein vorhanden ist / daß sie kommen zu iesu christ. vnd sie der zeitlich todtentbuend / von mancher schweren grossen suendr / denn schawe● sie vom himmel herab / mit frewden auff jhr eygen grab . lxxxix . anglice . what a ioy , is to a godly man , when he sées , the death so wan , before him stande , and thus vn lóose , his body , out of this malitiouse , world : in which he liued so long , in misery , troble and wrong , but sée the wiked , they wil fraune , when they perseue , the death thus come . lxxxix . belgice . den gheestlycken mensch / die de weirelt vyandt is en de weirelt hem oock / daer gheirn vort uyt is comt hem de do ot halen / hem een wilcom quant is want des weirelts hoff / nu vol oncruyt is die men voor ghoet aensiet / inwendich wel een guyr is maer t'schaep / moet den wolffd ' water hebben bedroist . dies het hier maet meest / van adams fruyt is hy verlangt seer na dē hemel / die de weirelt heeft geproest xc . emblema . ne tibiis canatvr xc . gallice. quoy qu' en tout temps l'aumosne soit vtile aux suffreteux , point ne faut de trompette al'annoncer , comme dit l'euangile . la charité de coeur vraye & parsaite ne veut tesmoins des on oeuure bien faicte . car il suffit que dieu bien apperçoit , que l' indigent de ton bien a disette . publiant son salaire reçoit . xc . latine . adiutare in opes rectum : sed turpe superbis laudibus id totum spargere per populum . testibus haud opus est animo sanoque pioque . et satis hunc vnus si videt omniscius . aliter . euphrosyne charitum iam dudum auers a tuetur : curuis , exprobrans , commemorare datum : vino praecone tui memores fecisse merendo ? quin tacitus legis iussa sacrata subi . xc . hispanice . ay tal que haze bien , on por afficion o amor del hermano , mas porambicion para muestra hazer de si y de tener entre otros , de piedad , la reputacion . tal tiene su salario , d'hipocrita profano . pues lo que l'vna haze no sepa l'altra mane . xc . italice . ci é chi dá limosna solo per esser visto , e non per chariata , della qual cerca il vanto ; quel há già sua gloria in questo mond'ingiusto . ma quello chi di cuor'al miser nel suo pianto soccorr'benignamente : anchor che nemo lveggi há lode'inanzi dio il qual gia s'appareggia largo compensatore di quello ch'aurá spento . xc . germanice . wenn du viel gutes hast gethan / solt du nicht sagen viel darvon . so aber dir was guts geschicht / solt du dasselb verschweigen nicht . welcher sein gutthat ruehmen kan / derselbig wolts gern wider han . den armen reich dein rechte hand / daß der lincken nicht werd bekandt . xc . anglice . if thou dost sée , a póor man lye , opon a ground , in misery , him shalt thou help , with out delay , for creistes sake alway : but let not such , the world knowe , what thou to them dost bestowe , this inough , tha our sauiour swéet , from heáven all , such thus séet . xc . belgice . soo de henchelaers / d' arme wat gheuen blasen sy het uyt / met die trompet haers monts maer wat men hun ghoets do et / al haer leuen dat swyghen iy wel still / maer dit weet elck ter stonts maer sulckxen heeft in de schrift niet veel gronts die leert dat de slincke handt niet soud weten wat de rechte do et / wat baet ves orconts wat men hier open bea rt / woort hier na vergheten . xci . emblema . noli altvm sapere xci . gallice. cest oliuier de nature sauuage , pour estre enté en ce bon oliuier , ne doit pourtant s'esleuer en courage : car de soy n'est venu s'y allier . ne vueille donc , chrestien , tant t'oublier , que mespriser quiconque ne s'accorde encora christ , qui peut l'humilier , pour ( comme toy ) auoir misericorde . xci . latine . insertis oleae ramis , oleaster aberrat enasci fructus si putat inde suos . tu caue contemnas , cui nondum gratia christi influxit : subitò nam quod es esse potest . aliter . insitus huic oleae cultura oleaster amarus , fruges , immeritò vendicat ille sibi . est alienus adhuc sacris qui despice diuûm haud : forsan deus hunc ad pia vota trahet . xci . hispanice . l'oliuastro entado no se puede vantar , del fruto , que no de si , mas d' otra arbol tiene y por gracia d'aquel que lo quiso entar assi note exaltes viendo la fe quetienes por menospreciar los qu'aun illuminados no son . porque no es ella de tus ganados y a ellos se podra dar lo que aota tu tienes ▪ xci . italice . l'cleastro nel● ' oliu'inserto , frutti porta , non da se ma da quel che ben esperto l'entó . cossi non da te son quelli frutt'di quai ti vanta ma da dio , che di mala pianta aspett ' anchor frutto buonó , in que ch'in lui enfar si ponn● . xci . germanice . wenn dir gott viel genad verleyt / vnd dich erhebt / daßselbig leyd zuech tig / thu dich drumb nicht erhebn / veracht dein nechsten nicht darnebn . wer weiß was gott der herr noch hat auch einem andern vorgespart . ob er schonist schlecht vnd gering / gott dem ist mueglich alle ding . xci . anglice . he that hes grafftet , he shall not sée , opon a wilde olive trée , any fruit , all tough góod plant , opon hes sett , with his one hande ; so is with a man , that hes not it , the grace , of our saviour swèet , recived : ower which no man shall glée , for , what wée ar , he can sóon be . xci . belgice . gheeft v godt gheluck / ryckdom / en voorspoet ghebruyckt het wyslyck / danckthem daer voor in dien en verheft v daerom niet / denckt tis godt diet do et wie weet wat hy noch heeft ghespaert misschien voor uwen naeften / want godt en gheeft gheen lien all ghauen elck alleen / maer deen die oft een ander deucht due en veracht niemant / wilt op v seluen sien al 's den wilden olyf / in den naturlvcken geueucht . xcii . emblema . patere xcii . gallice. quand l'homme fol est par ire enflammé et vient a tort faire a son frere outrage , comment seroit le batu estimé , de luy bailler a souhait son visage ? car ce seroit luy accroistre sa rage comme le feu en le souflant s'allume . que veut donc christ de luy en ce passage ? qu' en patience a peine on s'accoustume . xcii . latine . non offerre iubet faciem lex , cùm furibundus sublata intentat verbera vtraque manu , at sufferre : iram leuis patientia vincit , et tumidum sedat sanguinem & ingenium . aliter . stipide nodoso , cum torre armatus obusto bacchatur furijs , caecus ab igne furor . cede loco , sanguis ne comminus imbuat arma : dum iunctae coëant dextrae in amicitiam . xcii . hispanice . la ley commanda , no que te presientes , a el que con furor , y ira ardientes , le quisiere herir por fuerça : mus de suffrir con paciencia . porque el furor y ira han de eessar , estando sin contrasto , por mas se callentar , y perderan su vehemencia . xcii . italice . a quel ch'arabbia per ra ardente , l'ir ' augmentar non dei per forte resistenza , ma aspettar il fin : ch'e la vera prudenza che la legge da te chiede . perche sempe nel fin si vede . come quel gran furore , gessa e perd'il ardore . vinto per l'animo saldo e patiente . xcii . germanice . das go●ttlich wort vns lehret / daß wir dulten sollen zorn vnd hasß / wenn vns die boese welt anficht / vnd wider vns vnglu●ck zuricht . gedult ja alles vberwindt / vnd endlich auch zum siegen dient . der zorn vergehet selbst ( nimb es war ) vnd wird zuschanden endlich gar . xcii . anglice . when one thus come , with such a furye , lyke as he would , thy presently , beat daun to ground , with his club , to him shalt not , giue a bad worde ; but vse the armour , for thein defence , only of bounty , and not of violence , so shalt thou such , reproches wrath , wherin he bornes , sóon mitigat . xcii . belgice . al 's een onbedacht mensche / in torne brandt en blaest in dat viet nier / maer lesset uyt by tyt met ghoede woorden / al 's hy weer comt / tot verstande hy alt v weten danck / en daer toe syn vetblyt daer men v anders ghaue / deschult en het verwyt van t'quaet / dat hy in den toren weis do et wat v in gramschap gescheit met ghedult syt het is een cleyn misdaet / jemant treden op den voett . xciii . emblema . qvid vero agis xciii . gallice. rien ne voyons plus clair que le soleil , et cestuy veut sa clarté augmenter : ainsi font ceux vn erreur tout pareil , qui osent tant encore se vanter , qu'ils ont voulu authorité prester aux saints escrits pour les rendre authentiques et du soleil les forces augmenter : mais tel erreur loge en coeurs heretiques . xciii . latine . stultum est in media lumen succendere luce : et sudo soli iungere velle facem . per se clara patet christi praecepta , nec vmquam humani fuerunt indiga subsidij . aliter . legibus an diuûm , rutilo an dominaberis orbi : terrarum imperium si tibi sorte datum ? vis nemori immenso stirpes mandare recisas ? solemne accendat teda ? fauilla iubar ? xciii . hispanice . bien loco es a quel , qu'el sol piensa alumbrar con su pequen̄a lumbre , o la luz aumentar . locos son mucho mas los que con sus conceptos piensan de esclarecer da christo los preceptos . porque ya claros son , y no han menester de declaracion , por poderse entender y quanto mas trabaian tanto son mas ineptos . xciii . italice . e sciocco , e vano é quel ch'il sole , per vna face access illuminare , e augmentare il suo lume vuole . cotal é quel che pretende giossare , di christo gli chiari precetti , e si son truouat'inetti quei che vi volser'trauagliare . xciii . germanice . wenn man will durch der menschen leht kommen zur seeligkeit vnd ehr. so doch das goettlich wort so klar / leuchtet vnd weiset vns strack dar / i st eben al 's wenn man am tag / nicht wandern wolt vnd gieng bey nacht . oder bey hellem sonnenschein / mit einer fackeln zoeg herein . xciii . anglice . it is a fóolish presumption , of him that thus , to the sunne , adde a bornig , of waxe a light , when she with her beames bright , thus shêene ; delyke dóo many to that worde , of god so kléer , in this world , theyer wiked superstition , but creist will punish such a faction . xciii . belgice . die syn menschlyc verstandt / wil bruycken in gods woort verand ' ren en draeyen / na syn ghoet duncken hoort end ' gheirn waer ghespoort / en ghesien in desen is / al brocht hy een keirss / by de heete sonn voort sy moet versmilten en verghaen / in haer wesen en gheeft dan oock gheen licht / want haer licht mispresen by der sonnen licht / is te ghering / vorwaer en verheft v niet aent ' pack / dat v is te swaer . xciv . emblema . facile difficile xciv . gallice. de dieu la voye est droite & trespolie : le iuste y passe , & le meschant trebusche . qui fait cela ? son orgueil & folie , qui d'vn festu fait vne lourde buche , l'homme endurci les saints escrits espluche , non pour desir de gloire à son dieu rendre , mais pour remplir sa sorte coqueluche de mots obscurs pour l'in nocent surprendre . xciv . latine . plana via est , nullis salebris , non obsita spinis semita mortales quà iubet ire deus : hac iustus pergit facilè , at mens impia nodum repperit in scirpo , nec potis ire simul . aliter . semita rara pium superas traducit ad auras subsidit praeceps impius ante viam . abdomen quibus est deus , hi caligine textus obscurant sacros , decipiuntque rudes . xciv . hispanice . el camino por el qual somos llamados al cielo , no es difficil : porque no ay , ni roccas ni trauados , ansi vn passo muy facil . la difficuldad de alli viene , qu'l mundo cuy dad no tiene de marchar en su porfil . xciv . italice . come in via vgual l'vbriaco spesso cade , auendo il ceruello torbato dal calore . d'il vino , coss'anchor in altro mod'accade ira quelli che al ciel d'andar ' anno ardore . per via piana e secura da dio istesso strata vann'i fideli senza fatica , ma gi'infideli , auendo pien'il cuor di diuers'altri zeli , cadon senz ' obtenir la fin da lor sperata . xciv . germanice . mancher macht jm ein ding selbst schwer / daß an sich selbst doch leichter wer . das macht weil er ist faul vnd traeg / vnd jm leicht etwas kompt in weg . dadurch er vrsach sucht wie er / sich hindern moecht / also auch wer lust hat zu gottes wort der thut / dasselbig ehrn / auß eignem muth . xciv . anglice . easi is , for all godly men , to hit the way , to heáuen , because they haue alwayes , in theyer heart and eyes ; iehova , that holy name , which te wiked , stil defame : therefore they dóo , all defatigate , before they come , to the heauenly gate . xciv . belgice . den wech des heeren / is recht / daer den vromen wel can op wand'len / end'seker door comen maer den godloosen / en traghen / can niet voort daerom / hy en heef● / de reyß niet vorghenomen tot godts eere / soo oock / die her godlyck woort niet uyt liefde / met een gheloouich hert / en hoort die moet vallen / en dolen / comt niet te recht die wil reysen / en weet dē wech niet / is een arm knecht . xcv . emblema . sed ex me xcv . gallice. qui de soy cuide entendre & bien ouir la voix de dieu , n'arien que fol penser : tous sommes sourds , dont ne sauons iouir du doux accord qu'en nous veut compasser , s'il ne luy plaist de son sainct doigt perçer iusques au fond l'oreille interieure , lors l'entendrons & l'orrons sans cesser . qui n'ace don , tousiours sourd il demeure . xcv . latine . diuinos tota ad monitus obsurduit auris , heu , nimis humanis obruta delicijs . sed deus vt sordes digito submouerit vno , ( cui soli haec virtus ) efficiet patulas . aliter . ni deus admoneat ( vellens fidentibus aures ) sordibus , heu ! surdi ad plectra canora sumus , vix vsque auritus dimouerit aëris vmbras : dispulerit mentis quàm tenebrosa deus . xcv . hispanice . agudos para el mundo tenemos los oydos : mas de deos la palabra no puede penetrar , si el mismo de su dedo no viene a quittar la suziedad que los tiene cogidos pues para su palabra oyr , y a salud la bien effetuar el nos da su virtud , si a el con humildad estamos remettidos . xcv . italice . dalla sua natura l'huomo alla parola d'iddio , ben che chiara , á la orecchia sorda . e non la può capire , ( vano é chi altro pensa ) se non li é aperta dalla diuin clemenza : senza la qual indarno vdirai ma quando da lui forata l'aurai frutto ne sentirai beato a bastanza . xcv . germanice . der glauben kompt vom hoeren her / derhalben es viel besser wer . daß wir gern hoerten gottes wort / das ma●cht vns selig hie vnd dort . weil aber vnser ohren lind / von wollust gar betaubet sind . ists gott allein ders schaffen kan / daß vns die ohrn werdn auffgethan . xcv . anglice . when wée that word , of our god , shall hear , and lerne in this world , so dóo wée men fill op our eares stil , with other wordly cares ; and not regarde , or thinke at all , that wée for such , answer shall , because wée would not that way goe , which our god , did poynt and showe . xcv . belgice . i st dat on s gods vingher / niet en ope nt de ooren om gods woort te hooren / soo i st al om niet want wy syn van naturen / doof ghebooren comt on s godt niet te vooren / met synen gheest iet die ons coude hertten verwermt / soo het is geschiet die disciplen die na emaus ghinghen / voort nu brandet t'hert / in toren / en oncuyfchyt / siet wat tot in t'hert niet en comt / is te vergheefs gehoort . xcvi . emblema . frvstra xcvi . gallice. comme le vent souuent nous bat l'oreille , et n'attaint point iusqu'au dedans du coeur , ainsi la voix du grand dieu nompareille n'a dedans nous ne force ne vigueur , si nostre coeur n'est touché du seigneur , pour en chaster toute incredulité : et sans l'esprit de dieu nostre enseigneur , nous n'en tirons aucune vtilité . xcvi . latine . saepe leuis teneram ventus circumsonat aurem , attamen haud penetrat pectoris ad latebras . nil audire iuuat sacra quotquot scripta recensentt ni immittas animo suscipienda tuo . aliter . verberet vsque aures spirantibus aeolus euris , interiora sono , vix agitata ferit . frustra ab apostolicis , scriptisque hortaberis actis quam deus efficiat , spemque fidemque ratas . xcvi . hispanice . la palabra y la bos bien bate las oreias , yay qualque aparencia , de su fuerça pruouar : mas todo vano es si no te apareias , para en tu coraçon la muy bien ensierrar . pero esto no es de ti , mas de dios solo viene , que por su gran buondad , benin , la cuydad tiene , de dorlo a los que saben por ello lo ruegar . xcvi . italice . il venlo ben ci battera l'orechia ma non penetra più accanti . cossi d'iddio la parola soperchia anchor'ch'assai te ne vanti al cuor non entra a farne frutto s'iddio non v'appon , il dito accidò ch'ella non vad'in venti xcvi . germanice . mancher thut nichts denn daß er nur / zur kirchen lauffe fuervnd fuer . al 's wenn der aller best er wer / er ftelt sich fein vnd ho●rt viel lehr . sein hertz ist aber nicht darbey / weiß offt ja selbst nicht wo er sey . dasselbig das heist gott gefpott / dadurch kompt leib vnd se et in noth . xcvi . anglice . lyke as the winde , with all his fierse , can not , in to our body pierce , al tough he thus , stil in our eare , blowe when wée , goe hir and there : so can that worde , not enter in , of our god , for the sinne , in ones heart , before he thus , with his finger , all such remóoues . xcvi . belgice . i st dat gods vingher / on s hert niet en ruert soo is het preken / maer eenen wint in d'ooren die worden niet door gods gheest / in den tempel ghevuert al 's den ouden simeon / was in orbooren veel ghaen dickmael to kercken / maer wat baed het hooren so v gods gheest / niet en dryft / tot het volbrenghen coen ick bid ' / dte ick treffe / wil hem niet stooren t'en haet niet / veel segghen / sonder da er toe te doen. xcvii . emblema . discite xcvii . gallice. quand le figuier met hors son rameau tendre , vous cognoissez que prochain est l'esté : ainsi deuons sem blablement entendre ce que par christ monstré nous a esté . nous donc voyans l' euangile planté , les plus meschans conuaincre en toures sortes , ainsi qu'auoit promis la verité , soyons certains que christ est à noz portes . xcvii . latine . ver erit , & prope tunc aestas , cùm ficus in agris ostendet fructus parturietque nouos . christus adest , nam , quae certissima signa videmus , relligio in toto purior orbe viget . aliter . torrida frugi feris instabit messibus aestas : cum grossis fici discutientur agris . si euangelium resonans toto orbe sacratum , praeforibus certò hoc admonet esse deum . xcvii . hispanice . quando veis que la higuera , commiença de bottonar , iusgais que la primauera , commiença a se acercar . assi iusgad que christo es cercano y que su dia no se espera en vano oyendo su palabra por todo predicar . xcvii . italice . quando nel camp'il fico gli verdi fogli spica , della vicinitiá della gioiosa estate : per esperienza comun , ogniuno ne giudica . cossi per regle certe che christo ci á date . potemo giudcare , quel giorn'esser vicino nel quale aparira per giudicar ogniuno poi ch'il suo euangel'per tuti'é predicato . xcvii . germanice . wenn sich der feigenbaum erzeigt / vnd sich die newe frucht herneigt . so ist die schoene sommerzeit / al 's denn gewißlich nicht sehr weit : also i st auch christus der herr / zu dieser zeit von vns nicht ferr / dieweil das goettlich wort mit schall / gantz hell vnd klar leucht vberall . xcvii . anglice . all men dóo iudge , presently , when they the boughes of fig trée , dóo sée in fields so gréene stande , that the sommer , is at hand : delyke shall wée alwayes hould , for a certaine , when wée be hould , that creist him self , is ther present , wher is his worde vsed , and sacrament . xcvii . belgice . al 's den vyghenboom bott / isden somer nackende soo is de toecomst christi / nu oockniet wyt veel syn van den grooten hoop / gods kerck makende maer t' is heel contrarie / den toeloop altyt t'en ist recht teeken niet / dat t' gheloof na v belyt de recht religie is / die ghy voor hebt ghenomen / maer den af val / des gheloofs / nu in sweirelts cryt want christus saltnaw gloof vinden / al● hy sal comen . xcviii . emblema . etiam 〈…〉 generationem xcviii . gallice. ce grand vieil loup & la louue nuisante l'homme ne veut abatre seulement , mais aussi veut la race si meschante des louueteaux estaindre entierement . dieu dit aussi que rigoureusement il punira les enfans & la raee de l'homme qui le sien commandement a en mespris , & ne cherche sa grace . xcviii . latine . prostrauisse lupos pastori fuste parentes haud satis est , quartam prosequitur sobolem . vindictam deus ostendit , quin vsque nepotes poena manet , proaui quam meruere prius . aliter . arua philistaeorum sambson vulpibus vssit : venamurque lupum quo genus acre cadat . numinis & triplicis , spretaeque iniuria legis vindicis , in poenas , mente reposta manet . xcviii . hispanice . matar lo vieios lobos no es harto al pastor : mas porsigue tambien a muerte lo louillos . assi dios no solo castiga el peccador : mas sestiende su ira aun en los niettillos , para esterminar la raça de los impios , que no attormienten mas los de coraçon limpios , y mantener reposo entero a sus agnillos . xcviii . italice . il pastor zeloso d'assiccurar suo gregge co'i lupi vecchi , anchor i giouin strugge . cossi quel gran iddio di suo honor zeloso , e poi per mantenir d'i suoi il riposo : non solo gli parenti d'i peccati riprende . ma l'ira anchora verso i figli estende , per la razza estirpar'con impetu furioso . xcviii . germanice . ein hirt der trewlich wart der herdt / derselb mit ernst den wolffen wert . wenn er die alten hat erschlagen / thut er die iungen auch verjagen . so wird der gottlofen geschlecht / ins dritt vnd vierdie glied geschmecht / darumb jhr e●tern in gemein / schont ewer vnd ewr kinder klein . xcviii . anglice . this shepard thus , with clob so strong , persecute the wolues , ould and yong , because they come , stil lyke a théefe , by night , and day , to kill his shéepe : therefore he will , not them pardon , bur abolish , in fourth generation ; so thus and will , the tyrants all , our god extirp continuall . xcviii . belgice . al 's den gheet herder / den ouden wolf verslaghn heeft soo do ot hy oock de jonghe / die van dien aert syn ia oock de moeder / die se ghedraghen heeft soo do et godt / met syn vyanden / die verghaert syn teghen syn vrienden / die door hun beswaert syn straoft den godloosen / in t derde / ent vierde ghelid / en begnadicht veel dusent / die met hem ghepaert syn menich is peckswert / al branthy hem seluen witt . xcix . emblema . venite xcix . gallice. a haute voix de trompe christ assemble des quatre vents à soy tous les fideles . par touts'entend , dont l'aduersaire tremble : car elle adioutne a brefiour les rebeles a receuoir les peines immorteles : et les esleus à la possession de christ , des cieux , des ioyes eterneles . aux seuls croyans promet saluation . xcix . latine . horribilis coget tuba cantu mortua ab ortu corpora ad occasum tempore iudicij . illa dies iustos mactabit gloria : iniquis causa erit aeterna plangere tristitia . aliter . cardinibus terrae iam conuocat ore ministrum quot viuunt christus , quotque sepulchra tegunt : his tremefacta pauor per pectora perfida curret : ast sine fine pios dux reget alma quies . xcix . hispanice . vendra al fin el dia quando todos llamados seran de todas partes , para ser presentados delante del luez , donde recibirá cadaun el salario segun que hecho aurá a lustos y fideles vn dia desse ado , mas a los peccadores sera desuenturado , porque toda su gloria en el fenecera . xcix . italice . il giorno gia ci vien nel qual tutti chiamati , gli giusti e ingiusti , per la trompa seranno . per esser ( niun essento ) al giudice guidati , nel qual secondo i fatti loro riceueranno . giorn'a fideli e pij dolce e grato . m'a gl'infideli duro è inespettato nel ' qual tutt'i lor gaud'insiem'si finiranno . xcix . germanice . wol dem der dann wird recht bestehen / wenn gottes posaun wird angehen . denn wird ein jeder muessen gebn / rechnung von seinem gantzen lebn . denn wird den frommen jhren lohn christus geben / der gottes sohn : aber denn wird die gottloß rott verftossen in den ewign todt . xcix . anglice . when the foure , windes dóo appyre , and the angel , sounds so cléer for us to come incontinent , al 's than wil creist , to iudgement , sitt ; and giue each one his sentence , that stande before , his presence , so shall the wiked , lamend and cry , but the other , shal prayes god and glée . xcix . belgice . van devier winden / sal godt alle menschen laten roep en / door de leste basuyne hell daer salt te spade / ghaen aen een wenschen och / had ick op de weirelt / gheleest soo well dat ick nu cost bestaen / voor gods oordeel snell darom och menschen / do et hier boet by tyden versoent v met godt / en den naesten / daer is gheen appel hy moet hier lyden / die daer wil verblyden . c. emblema . patientia vincit omnia c. gallice. par tout on sent les espines po●gnantes , et ne peut nul , fo rs dieu , les amortir : mais dans le lict sont plus qu'ailleurs piquantes : car de plus pres elles se font sentir . parler en peut , & au vray , sans mentir , qui a goustéque vaut affliction : mais ceste ci fait le coeur hors partir , q●and pour amour on rend oppression . c. latine . vndique discordes animi , discordia toto orbe viget , lato , veh , nimis imperio : sed nusquam mage obest , thalamo quam fixa iugali , hic vbi perpetuum viuere debet amor : aliter . foedere muniuit connubia conscius aether , et voluit thalamum viuere lege pari , sacra igitur nuptis hymenis sit copula feruens oscula ( non rixae ) pax , amor , obsequium . c. hispanice . en todas partes la discordia es dan̄osa , por los males que della vienen . mas a casados es muy mas lagrimosa qu'aun en cama paz no tienen . para pues la discordia echar y tener paz en su lugar mucha paciencia auer conuiene . c. italice . come le spine in ogni luoco nascono , e pungon'tutti quei che vt metton le mani : cossi le auersità in tutte parti crescono , e tutti affligon in tutti stati humani . ma come amor'le vince nel letto congiugale , cossi in altri stati il suo effett'é tale che con firma patienza vinte non fanno danni ▪ c. germanice . wo nicht ist fried vnd einigkeit / da ist fein glu●ck noch heylbereit● das spuert man in der gantzen welt / doch diß fu●rs aller a●rgst man helt . wann das ehebettmit zanck vnd haß beladen wird / i st gleicher maß . al 's wenn eiuer von doernern hett gemacht zu schlaffen jhm ein bett. c. anglice . if one hes much , trouble and wrong , in this world , induret long , because he creist , and his gospel , by night and day , did love well ; s●ch one agein wil her récompence , therefore that him , did réuerence , but the other he will punish for that , because they would not , goe his path . c. belgice . daer ghedult is daer is oock vrede altyt daer vrede is / daer is godt / na endꝰ niet wyt sonderlingh ' verbly thy den bouwelycken staet maer soo daer twift is / ialoesie / haet / oft nyet soo is hetchbedt / vol on●ruyt / en quaet saet ia t is beter / dat men in dornen / slopen ghaet dan op een saecht bedde / te ligghen kynen den onvreed samen / behoort oughout te blyuen . a la reine de navarre . sonnet . l'excellent bruit , lae renommee heureuse , que l' eternel te donne en terre cieux , fait de despit creuer tes enuieux : mesme satan de rage impetueuse qui voltiger fait la langue menteuse , ●ettant sur toy ses traits pernicieux . mais dieu ton dieu , en bref deuant tes yeux t'en vengera de façon merueilleuse . console toy donc , ô reine , au seigneur , qui de satan reiette la louange . si le mauuais dit bien du bon , estrange est bien tel loz , & tourne à deshonneur . leur blasme aussi te rend en plus d'honneur lumiere en terre , au ciel en gloire d' ange. sonnet . tant que la veuë en terre tien baissee , soit pres , soit loing , tout m'aporte douleur : tout m'est espine en ce monde , & c'est l'heur de ceux aui ont verite embrassee , de voir ainsi l'innocence oppressee , le coeur deffaut , la chair en a horreur , l'esprit se de ult du triomphe d'erreur . mais aussi tostque ma veue a haussee ●e tout-puissant , vers sa face benigne , en transperçant la vouste cristaline , tirant à soy pensee , esprit , & coeur : forte suis par sa force diuine , qu'en moyse voii sus mes picants vainqueur , ainsi me fait assoir sur mon espine , ●e tout-puissant est mon fort en tout lieu . 〈◊〉 seure suis au milieu de destresse ●ue nul guerrier en ville ou forteresse . 〈◊〉 tous assauts ie me repose en dieu . a monseignevr de la caze , gouuerneur de monseigneur le plince de nauarre , sur l'enuoy des six sonnets suyuans . s● le soleil ne se souille ne tiche , quand sesrayon sto● cheut à qudque ordu vostre oeil tunt 〈◊〉 & vertu ne se fasche , lisaut les vers de richme sorce & dure . vostre vertu au compas les mesure de charité , puis qu'ils sont paruenus iusques à vous pour receuoir censure , le riche doit la robbe aux poures nuds . sonnet i. ce fut anx iours noircis d'iniquite qu'au haut degré assise estoit malice , que dieu ça bas enuoya sa iustice embrasser foy , & la diuinite , prendre & vestir la nostre humanité , pour l'eesluer en purgeant son escume . o homme ingrat qui encores presume que ton merite attire sa bonte ! 〈◊〉 tu que mort est ton salaire ? 〈…〉 ( sans 〈◊〉 ) ●honneur 〈◊〉 〈…〉 encores 〈…〉 〈…〉 n●stre nu●ct it 〈◊〉 par sa parole , & faueur qu'il nous porte , qu'●l re●ne en nous , & nous vi●ons par luy sonnet ii. l'arbre fourchu , qui sa racine mole met contremont cou●me tombe det cieux , produit son fruic● tresagreable aux yeux : mais qui en vse il se perd & affole . le coeur il enfle , & se prend comme cole au poure esprit , qu'il rend si vicieux , aueugle , & sourd pesant , & paresseux , qu'ainsi surpris s'endort dessous ●e pole sans nul souci de son bien demander . donc quel remede à tel arbre am●nder , si qu'estant bon les fruicts semblables rende ? retranche soit & au plus haut ente au bon fruictier de la saincte cité , sinon le feu eter●el le demande . sonnet iii. qui cueult les fruicts de l'arbre qui les donne par chacun an du moins septante fois , pas ne sont eoux que christ des petis fouets chassu du temple . a tels dieu n'abandonne ces fruicts sacrés , n'à l'ingrate personne , auare , infame , & contempteur des loix , qui d'vn seul coeur fait des pars plus de trois : mais ce sont ceux qui d'affection bonne leur vie , & bien , grandeur , paix & vigueur , cherchans en christ de vie arbre & racine fleur , fueille , & fruict cueillent pour medicine basme certain pour ●ster leur langueur . bref , cil qui veut prosperer en long heur , mange ce fruict , tout autre à mortel signe . sonnet iv. le createur de toute creature a tellement compasse son ouurage , que nul ne peut vsurper dauantage . que ce qui est donne à sa nature : beste , vollaille , & l'homme en terre dure , il a poses comme en propre heritage . oyseaux en l'air chantans luy font hommage : poissons es eaux trouuent leur nourriture . tout comme il peut recognoit son facteur , fo rs l'homme ingrat ne le voulant cognoistre . veut voltiger en l' air sur les oyseaux : mais retenu de lour de pesanteur , comme vn poisson nageant entre deux eaux , confus en soy monstre qu'il cherche maistre . sonnet v. qui prend la rose en la piquante espine sans se piquer , est loue de prudence . qui constamment trauerse en asseurance le mal cache sous ceste grand'courtine sans se souiller , de double honneur est digne . mais vn qui court auant au poing la lance , et pres du but r●culle & desauance , peut-on auoir d'vn plus láche coeur signe ? las , que peut-on d'v● tel couard penser ? qu'il a ce fait pour autruy auancer . on oyt par trop ainsi parler maint homme , qui au couuert veut estre dict fidele : mais cependant contrefait la chandele qui en seruant à autruy se consume . sonnet vi. comme le vent poussant par violence l'onde en la mer luy fait plus embrasser , l'ambitieux tant plus veut amasser que presenter on luy peut d'abondance . las ! pourquoy l'homme en ce poinct ne s'auance au bien que mort ne sauroit offenser ? grans dons diuins on void par nous passer , et si petit le nombre qui y pense . ne cuidons pas que telle ingratitude ne couure en sin l'homme de turpitude . le trop cuider l'homme si vain deçoit . si à propos en la saincte arche n'entre , sous l'onde noire entrera iusqu'au centre . le fol ne croit iusqu'au iour qu'il reçoit . epistre svrla conservation tv present livre . i'ay , veu sous le soleil combatre deux montaignes , cheuaux & gen●armez tout couurir és campaignest . la pale faim , la peur , la peste , & les tempestes . estonner les plus forts , les ●y seaux , & les bestes , et ●e bras estendu de iustice diuine , erappant sur les humain● d'vne si fieremine , que le plus mol cheuen de la teste bien faicte se herisloit en l'●ir plus droit que'vne sagette . l'immobile element & sablanche ceinture on t peu voir lors conuers de vermeille teinture , les ruisseaux ne pitie distiller goutte a goutte des veux tesmoins du coeur , qui esperance toute fiche au roc souuerain , dōpteur pe toute force , qui de ceux est prochain qu'angoisse ou trauad force . comme tout oeil a veuia dis , & voit encore , deliurant de sa main le peuple qui l' adore . et ne faut rechetch et l'histoire egyptienne : a●●es de 〈…〉 mo●enne . venons donc a la 〈…〉 out 〈◊〉 com●ats , et qui sunt 〈…〉 icy bas . l'vne la plus superbe a nom insquite , enflee & orgueilleuse , aduerse apiere . liberale & commune a departir le sien , que'homme fol reçoit comme vn hoste ancien quil ' abat , mange , & tue , auant que le sentir , et si ferme son huis pour ne le voir sortir . l'autre est ardant amour , d'odeur & fruits 〈◊〉 que plus elle enrichit de son bien le plus chiche . l'vne & l'autre a ledon de libe●alite : chacune ce qu'elle a donne en proprieté : mais au profit des dons y a grand difference . carde l'vne les frui●ts sont de belle appare puis les ayant mangés font si aigre dentee qu'en pleurant on mauditl'ente & qui l'a entee . ce que l'autre vous donne icy bas a manger . a quelqu● pou d'amor : mais il est sans danger . car bien gousté qu' il soit , il est si fauorable , qu'il r●nd le mengeur sain a vie perdurable . les fruicts dumont inique ont ca●s● ceste guerre , et fait cemont ard●nt des oieu● descendre en tetre pourabatre l'orgueil , la rage & dureté du mont fumeux d'orgu●il , hayne & impurete , qui se cognoissant bien sur le poinct de creuer rassambloir ses subiets , ne pouuant paix trouuer en terre , en mer , en soy , en la moir , ou enfer . ses eschelles dr●ssoit pour du ciel triompher . quand ce mont embrassant , non les neuf soeurs seulettes , mais tout en tout ça bas sus & sous les planettes , entreprit le combat contre l'autre orgueilleux , et mal gré nous , pour nous en fur victorieux . ie dy donc malgré nous . car nostre mal flatant courrions comme enragez nous mesmes combatant . en ce combat mortel le monde accompaignoit sous mont de mal , hidra qui ses testes plaignoit : riches , puissans & forts , foibles & courageux couroyent sous l'estandart de se monstre fangeux , fo rs aucuns , qui cachez estoyent en pet●t nombre , sous le bouclier de foy , retirez sous son ombre . la 〈◊〉 fut fiere , & pire à soustenir ce qui restoit encor de mal à l'aduenir . a quoy la prouidence & infallible soin du pere sur tous bon , suruint à tel besoin . enuoyant de son fein , mont d'amour sur la terre , qui le mont de peché confond , brise & aterre : si que tombant en bas creua par le milieu , espandant ses entrailles sur la terre en maint lieu , dont ce monde est souillé , qui encore se cache o que mieux est couuert , si bien ie m'en recorde , qui est sous le manteau de ta misericorde , o puissant eternal ! que nuicta couuert , par le iour la suiuant est soudain descouuert . et cela qu'vne fois ton manteau a cache , comme n'estāt n'appert , dont n'est plus reproche . or tout ainsi est seur qui se tient sous ta garde , soit tout glaiues , & feux , de perir il n'a garde , ainsi ( petit liuret ) qui me tiens en ton sein , celui te deliura par sa benigne main , duquel chantes le los & annonces la gloire . quand mont d'amour ça bas eut si belle victoire , en sa main estoit lors qu'●l te fit desloger du pauillon de mars , & en sainct lieu loger . encores te gardoit quand tout autour de toy la peste enuiron noit , fo rs l'siomme plein defoy , qui te prise & cherit non moins que sō propre oeil , et qui en te perdant n'eust pas eu moins de dueil que de voir au tombeau emporter pere & mere accompaignes de six domestiques , ó pere des bien heureux viuans & de ceux que 〈◊〉 ta main de ces bas lieux à cestuy qui souspire , vueille enuoyer d'enhaut la consolation , remunerant du tien la saincte affection qu'a ce tien seruiteur en l'oeuure qui te loue . qui manifeste aussi ce que mon coeur te voue . par ton amour tu as toute chose creé , tu nous as racheré , nourri , & recreé . ton amour nous assiste & deliure . pai luy reçoy , seigneur , & mon ame & mon liure . lovange a diev . amour seul fait tout sans peine . commence , conduit , parfait , puir donc ( liuret ) qu'il t' a faict . ●age d'o● tot ne te meine . aenigme . vous e●erueillez vous comme ie suis si grasse , moy qui en mesme instam en tant de lieux tracasse que la terre se deult de m●tant soustenir , sentant procham le m●l qui par moy doit venir sur ce mōnde fotard , qui me sui● & adore , qui 〈◊〉 graisse & me susse , enrichit & honnore ? au ●epas que ie pren , quoy qu'il semble petit , ieles deuore rous , & n'en pers l'apetit . tousiours suis affamee , & ouuerte ma poche , pour engloutir tout vis qui pres de moy approche . ieles gobe en siant plus subtil que la mouche prise du passere au , fans auoir craint la touche . mais cependant fachez qu'a grans tropeaux i'alaicte d'epicure les porcs , de ma mamelle infaicte , im● i le ne suis , si tout on considere . i'entrehy del'autruy qui me sert & adere . le riche i'appouri , le ventre plat i'engraisse . l'auare liberal ie ren par ma promesse . ie destruy l'orphelm , la vefue ie moleste , ie guer i de tous maux : mais ie donne la peste . mon aleine a ce bien , que qui s'approche d'elle , soudain elle empoisonne , & ie coeur & ceruell● . ie suis la medicine , ou emplasteea tous maux : a quoy me voulez vous ? ie fay cout droit ou faux . humide , & seiche suis , grande , petite , & ronde , loyalle à vn mary , comme a tout le monde . comme vn oig non vestue en yuer & e●te , ainsi diuerses peaux couurent ma chastete . de plusieurs suis hayë & de plusieurs aymee . dechirec des vns , des aurres estimee . aucuns pour me fuir ont quité leurs maisons . plus aymant les tormens de diuerses façons , voire vne mort cruelle voulu plustost souffrir . qu'ū seul honneur me rendre ou biē petit in offrir . autres me donnent plus que pour eux ne rau●roit . ma querelle emorassant , soit a tort , ou à droi● . mais nul pour mon amour ainsi que pour ma hai●e ne voulut endurer la mort de telle peine , le bien qu'ils ont de moy m'ayant bien foustenue , c'est que de ma beauté peuuent auoir la ve●e , a l'heure du repas & petit proumenoir , qu'au ma●in m'est promis & non iamais au soir . ma beauté n'est egale a heleine de troye , cōbien que plus pour moy de beaucoup on guerro●e ▪ mais ma pompe & folie , abus & fausete la surpasse bien tant que iour obscurite . ie vay , ie vien , ie cour , ie fay crainte aux humains , et n'ai glaiue ou ●●uteau , teste , bras , piez ne mais . ien'ay faueur au cieux , rien ne suis en la terre . fo rs c●que veut l'ignare & l'abus quil ' enser●e . de vie●llesse ie suis plus grise que cen dree , plus vieille de mille ans que qui m'a engendree . selon qu'on croit & tient , i'ay peres a foison . deuine qui voud●a . voicy mieux ma façon , a la vuide vessie on me peut comparer , que l'homme eufle & accroit tant qu' elle en peut serrer : mais donnant lieu au ventla rend si vuide & nue comme me voit qui sait dont premier suis venue : qui a enflé mon corps , corps sans ame ie dis , qui m'entretient encor & me soufla iadis . qui a l'oeil droit ouuert l'aureille des bauchee au lict mortel me voit , & ceste des bauchee qui m'engendra au temps ennemy de lumiere ; de son 〈◊〉 pluton aupres d'vne chaudiere . cachee sous le manteau de la chaste pucelle , vnique fille & soeur de christine la belle . sous ce mesme manteau long temps ie fu cachee : mais depuis quelques ans aucuns m'ont descachee . si qu'on me prise moins qu'vne petite estule diminuee du vent , voire moins qu'vne bulle . ce non obstant , ie tien en crainte encor les rois , leur septre assubieti , retrein leurs loix & droicts . de leur peuples ie pousse & enfle tant le coeur qu'il presume par moy estre sur eux vainqueur . que si on me chassoit , librement pourrois faire sermenta autre roy qui me voudroit complaire . ainsi par faux semblant mainte gent me cherit . qui contr● mon vouloir m'entretient & nourrit . et pour leur payement le coeur leur darde & point , d'vn dard qui les rongeant ne les soulage point . bref , malheur suit celuy qui m'ayme , sert & suit . heureus qui seruant dieu m'acable , & me poursuit . car en m'aimant , aimé de christ nul ne peut estre . or deuinez mon non , ma source , & de mō maistre . fin . philomythie, or, philomythologie wherin outlandish birds, beasts, and fishes, are taught to speake true english plainely / by tho: scot ... scot, tho. (thomas), fl. . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) philomythie, or, philomythologie wherin outlandish birds, beasts, and fishes, are taught to speake true english plainely / by tho: scot ... scot, tho. (thomas), fl. . the second edition, much inlarged. p. : ill. for francis constable at the white lyon in paules churchyard, london : . in verse. signatures: [pi]¹ a-l⁸ m⁴. title in engraved illustrated border. contains: certaine pieces of this age parabolized / by thomas scot. london : printed for francis constable, . bound with: the second part of philomythie, or, philomythologie, . imperfect: tightly bound and cropped with slight loss of print. reproduction of original in the british library. includes bibliographical references. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng fables, english. emblems. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion philomythie or philomythologie wherin outlandish birds , beasts , and fishes , are taught to speake true english plainely . by tho : scot gent. philomithus est aliquo modo philosophus : fabula enim ex miris constituitur . the second edition much inlarged . london for francis constable at the white lyon in paules church : yard . torti toto mvndo a praemonition to the intelligent reader . lest hee finding his affection or opinion crost in the praise or dispraise of some particular , should thereby be drawn to reade or reiect the rest with praeiudice . who safely in the streame would swim , must free from weeds keepe euery lym ; lest sl●●e vnto himselfe he grow , and vulgar humour drawes him low ; or v●n●ring in the deeps ( too weake ) , opinions windie bladder breake . " we ought both in our selues and friends , " to hate all acts with doubtfull ends ; " and loue euen in our foes the good " which may be seuer'd from their blood . and if the times mislead vs so , to sooth those sinnes we would not do ; at least ( like free-men ) let vs thinke what 's good and bad , although we winke . to this free nature if you finde these busie papers much inclinde ; yet pardon them , and i●dge ar●ght , a free man ( not a slaue ) did write . reade for your pleasure , close the booke , on th' innocent out side all may looke . th' intelligent within may prie : but barre th' intelligencers eye . thomas scot . sarcasmos mvndo : or , the frontispice explaned . how apt is man to erre ? antiquitie thinks it sees right , and yet sees all awry . our sight is impot●nt , the helpe we haue by a art-full sp●ctacles , doth much d●praue the truth of obiects ; and tradition saith bookes vse to ly● , and b bookes d●ny her faith . ecclipses of the sunn● were wonders thought , till sage milesi●● the cause out-sought . and man had not the wit to make a doubt of halfe the world , till fortune found it out . but what this age hath s●ene , makes that s●eme truth the laughing wiseman wrote , which made the youth shed teares to reade it ; that more worlds remaine still vndiscouer'd then are yet made plaine . de●pe diuing paracel●us findes the ground with minerals and mettals to abound ; more proper for our humors then the weed●s● hearbs , plants , & flowers , which spring from weaker seeds● this earth we liue on and do stedfast call , copernicus proues gid●y-brainde , and all those other bodies whose swift motions we so wonder at , he setled finds to be . till sanctifi'd c ignatius and his brood found out the lawfull way of shedding blood , and prou'd it plainly that a s●bi●ct might murther ●is prince we fondly vsde t' indite such persons of high treason : now before them we kneele , we pray , we worship and adore them . for with their merits now w'ar● mor● acquaint●d and know for zealous pa●riot● they are s●incted . his power that doth it , till of lat● we do●bted but now who qu●stions it to death are flout●d . th●n l●t what i propound no wonder s●eme , though doting age new truthes do disesteeme , for time may mak● it plaine , and reason too may beare it out , though sure with much adoe . causes for●g●●●ff●cts by course of kinde , yet first th' ●ff●ct and then the cause we finde . and so much i do here , propound the thing , but strong●r reason af●●r-times may bring . attend my doctrine then . i say this earth on which we tread , from whence we take our birth , is not , as some haue thought proportion'd round , and globe-li●e with s●ch zon●s , and girdles bound , as poets or ( more lyer● ) tr●u●ll●rs s●y , but shap●d awry , and lookes another way . it is a monstrous creature like a m●n , thrust altog●ther on a heape , we can distinguis● no part , goggle cyes , wide mouth , eares that reach both the poles from north to south , crump-shouldr●d , breast , & back , & thighs together , the legs and feet all one , if it hath ●ither . in breefe it is the greatest master d●uill thro●ne downe from heauen , in whose womb● euery cuill is radically fixt , and from thence springs infusing natiu● euill , in all such things as it doth bre●d and nourish . the place of h●ll is in his wombe , there lesser deuils dwell . and when he stirres a limme , or break●th winde , we call 't an earth-quake , and the danger finde . kings , emperours , and mighty m●n that tread in ●ighest state , are l●ce vpon his head . the pope and all his traine are skipping ●leas that know no bounds , but l●ape lands-law and seas● the r●st are nits or body-lyc● , that craule out of his sweat , s●ch vermin are we all . from heauen this monster fell , and now doth lye bruzde with the fall , past all recouery . neither aliue , nor dead , nor whole , nor sound , sinking , and swimming , in a sea profound of sinn● , and punishment , of paine , and terror , of learn●d ignorance , and knowing error . no wonder then , that we who liu● and dye on curs●d earth , do all things thus awry , being monstrous in our mann●rs , and our minds , and mixing in the lust-full change of kinds . that we are full of passions , doubts , and feares , and daily f●ll together by the eares . no wonder that the cl●rgie would be kings , kings church-men ; lords and ladies equall things ; so like in painting , spotting , starching , all , that ladies lo●ds , and lords we madams call . for euen as hares change shape and sex , some s●y once ●uery yeare ; these whores do eu●ry day , so that hirquittall and his wife were waken by succubus and incubus , mistaken . no wonder that diuines the parasites play in ieast and earnest ; actors euery way . no wond●r that some the●ues doe lawyers proue , since all these euils by course of nature moue , so f●rre ; that it is question●d ' mongst the wise which now is vertue , and which now is vice . two croo●backs ( not the third dick gloster , hight , we will haue none of him , for he would fight ) debate this question , each assumes his part . aesope for vertue stands , and all his art , is to instruct the world to leaue the sinne , and folly , which it lyes incompast in ; we●ps to behold it circled so with vices , whose serpentine and poysond sting , intic●s to f●ding pleasure , and to deadly paine , by vse soone caught , but hardly left again● . he wries his necke at earth ; but 't is to see how out of order euery part will bee . he wills each r●●der if my tales be darke , to iudge the best , the morall still to marke . and w●ere they finde a doubtfull meaning , there to hold an eu●n course , and with compass● stere . but where strict rigor might inforce a doubt , t●incline to ●auour , and to helpe me out . on th' other side doth learned ●ort●s stand concomitant , and beares the world in hand that aesope and some stigmaticks beside , ( in shape and wit ) did call well-fauour'd pride a vice , because themselues were so deform'd , at euery pleasure they with malice storm'd ; but wiser much , he doth with better face , with equall wit , worth , knowledge ( but lesse grace ) confront such fond assertions , lookes awry on all the world of vertue , giues the lye to iudgement , and with crooked minde and backe ( t●●●sites-like ) vnloades this learned packe . he teacheth first that aesope was a slaue , " but man 's free borne , and freedome ought to haue , " to worke h●s owne good pleasure , fayre content ; " who liues not thus , hath his whole life mis-spent . this rule he followes , and laies violent hands on all ; that his pride , lust , and will , with-stands . calls his affection reason ; his desire and appetite , sets all his world on fire . his childe , his wife , his neighbour , or his friend , is for his pleasure lou'd ; without that end no king , no great lord , can forget so soone , and slight d●sert ; as he hath often done . bastards are true legitimates , he ●aith : and enemies then fri●nds , haue far more faith . his n●ighbors are most strangers , and before a modest wife , he likes a shamel●sse whore . for many whores ( he ●aith ) he often kept without disturbance ; but one night , hauing slept in twenty yeares with his true wife , th' assault of many sumners did correct the fault . what we terme cowardice , he doth valure call , and in that valure he exceedeth all . an oyster-wife once beat him ; brauely hee bore all her blowes , but wanted heart to ●lec . he will on sundaies with an abbot dine , on frydaies , with a brother libert●ne . and euery day drinke health 's vp to the eye : he treads not right vnlesse he treads awry . the maa of sinne himselfe , is not more free in doing all forbidd●n sinnes then hee . for what he spea●es or te●cheth , writes or reads , only speaks p●easu●e , aud to pleasure leads . had d ner●'● froward tutor too precise ) been like our philo●●rch●● , ple●sure wise , and pliant to all humors but the good , he had with ●ur●●ts dyd'e , not lac●e of blood● learn'd a●●tine he reads , and can expound his modest pictures with a touch profound . that part is his of ●uery tongue , and ar●e , which stricter ia●●●● tremble at , and starte to hear● recited . this , this man is h●e who on the forefront you with ae●ope see . ae●op● that loo●es awry on all m●ns vice ; but this on vertue casteth scornefull eyes . ae●ope m●kes birds , beasts , fishes , sp●ake and liue as if t●eir liues should m●n example giue to pr●ctis● vertu● . this ( with apt beheasts ) doth teach all men how to becom● li●e beasts . and 〈◊〉 w●ose life these creatures m●st res●mble comesn●●rest tru●● , and s● doth lea●● di●●emble● th●t nature is the best g●ide , if w● pl●●se to follow her , then we must ●ollow 〈◊〉 for these obser●● her rules , and are not spoyl'd by arte , nor haue their able organ● foyl'd with abstinence and lac●e of vse , but still dir●cted are by appetite and will. e in kings he would no other vertue see then what in lyons , and in eagles b●e : to prey on all , to make their will a law , to tyr●nnize , to rule by force and awe , to feare no higher powers , to do no good , but liue to gl●t themselues with guiltl●sse blood . courtiers he would h●ue fas●ion'd like to apes , so fond their gestures , so d●formde t●eir shapes : so full of idle imitation found , that scorne in them , our stages might confound . that they should starch & paint white , red , blew , yellow and then all blacke , that other fooles might follow . diuines of owl●s he would haue learne to shrieke , as if they hated all the world did like ; but hauing got a tree and iuy bush , he then would haue them mute , and dumbe , and hush , to serue all purposes , to hate the light , and prooue right blackbirds , childr●n of the night . men that want wit , yet haue great place in state , he woul● haue like to parrots , learne to prate of others , till with almonds they w●re fed . the rest lik● foxes he would still haue bred clos● , cr●ftie , indir●ct , to get by stealth the goods both of the church and common-wealth . all sub●ects and inferiors he would haue thems●lues like g●●●e , and asses to behaue . rich men and ●●●rers to swallow all dir●cted by the dolphine , and the wh●le . f all m●n like dogs to flatter , and to bite , and mi●int●rpret what we speake or write . he wills all those that on my payers looke , to make each line a libell in my booke : to poyson with their eyes what●'ere they see , and make themselues sport , and make worke for me . not to beleeue the morall , but to seeke another meaning whatsoe're they like , and call it mine ; and sweare i meant the same , although i would not persons plainly name . and then he wils them laugh to seeke the ieast . " anothers mischiefe , makes a merry feast . this doctor is our ages guide and tutor , the world his schoole , the flesh his coadiutor . no wonder then if we liue all awry , when on our master we cast steady eye . for g ● alex●nder● necke can teach vs this , " the schoole and court by greatnes fashio●'d is . thus our great masters crookednesse is spide in vs his followers , who no good parts hide that he hath learn'd vs , but proclaime aloud the cause which makes our vertuous tutor proud . if any seeke his name , and list to come to schoole , enquire for m●rus & antrum . a svpply of the description of * monsier pandorsvs waldolynnatvs , that merry american philosopher , or the wiseman of the new world ; being antipode to aesop , placed with him as parallel in the front . done according to the simple truth of his owne naked deliuery . and dedicated to thomas thvrsby esquire , no lesse fit to be publicke , then desirous of retirement and priuacie . yov shun all office , though your state and wit with long experience makes you truly fit ; wherefore pandorsus wils me pricke you heere shriefe in my booke , who might be in the sheere . as the east and west are opposite , so stand these wise-●en in the front on either hand . aesope well known an easterne witty thing : but our pandorsus westerne fame i sing ; whose picture in the front , whose markes before , behinde , within , without , i late did score ; yet lest that picture , nor these markes , should make his worth enough apparant , briefely take his life anatomiz'de , but chiefly where it may our sucklings with example rer● . the lines are drawne euen by his owne true light , from partiall flattery free , and enuious spight . within that s●i●re where hyndes with dumplings fed , beget best lawyers , was pandors●s bread : but for his p●r●nts were of better ranke , and in a co●ste town● dwelt , they clarret dranke , and wrie-mouth'd pl●i●● br●ts butts● and 〈◊〉 did eate , and crooked crabs with such prodigious mea●e . thus for a wonder they prepar●d in feeding : and such he prou'd , who from that root● had breeding . though no p●n lora yet p●ndorsus he , for vice as famous , as for vertu● shee . each god gaue her a grace , and g●ue so much as more then momus thought there was no such . but what to her they gaue , from him they tooke , and now in vaine for grace in earth we looke . looke for effects according to the cause : " our childrens faults a●e moulded in our mawes . t●is salt-water-daintie diet f●d the parts concupiscible , and there bred an itching humor , whence extracted was this quint essence of contraries , this masse of natures shreds and parcels , who partakes a part of all , which imperf●ction makes . a foxes brain●s , knowing m●ch wrong , no right ; gote-bearded , sweete-fac'd , like a catamite ; toung'de lawyer-like , all terme without vacation ; a baboon●s loyn●s , desiring occupation ; crumpe-cammell-shoulder'd , neckt as straight as ●ynx , one eye like to a moll 's , t'other like lynx ; a lyons stomack ; not to fight but feede ; a hare in heart , and yet a snaile in speede . this is the man whom we pandorsus call . whose armes or rebus thus we blasen shall . vpon a stat●ly wall saint george doth ride ( wanting a horse ) in pompe and armed pride ; beneath there is a den , in that the dragon . this tells his name , whose worthy parts we brag on . it is his owne deuice , let all men know : so is the rest which we in order show . his mothers husband ( who reputed was his father ) being rich and well to passe , a wealthy merchant and an alderman , on forraigne shores did trau●ll now and than : the whilst a gallant souldier , new come forth from warre b●got this man of mickle worth . this gallant souldier , then from ●belgia brought a wondrous mandrake ( with much perill bought ) sprung ( though some thin●e it fabulous ) from seed the gallow●s drop ( for so this roote doth breed , ) which whilst his mother did in pl●asure eye , our mo●nsurs shape , she did conc●iue thereby . much like that mandrake , writ●en , turning round , as from the gallow●s he had dropt to ground . and l●t no dou●tfull reader much admire , a myrmidon should be pandorsus syre , for as there 's none with vs get brauer men then lawyers , or the tender citizen , so none more cowards g●t , then those which are our brauest spirits , most renownde in warre . the cause i know not , or i list not tell , but so it often falles , and heere so fell . none bolder then pandorsus syre , then he none fearefuller ; and yet he needs would be a souldier , where the muster-booke he fild , but fought with none , nor ne're saw any kild . artemon was more hardy though afraid of his owne shadow . wagers haue beene laid , that let an enemie fart , he would out-run an irishman , for feare t 'had been a gun . where learned spencer maketh harna'st feare afraid the clashing of his armes to heare , that apprehension he from hence did gaine , our monsieur did , what spencer did but faine . but stay , i haue forgot to let you know his education , and to shew you how ( being nusled vp in letters ) he in sport his time wore out at schoole and innes of court , yet so as once a gipsie , who did looke vpon his palme , said he , should liue by 's booke ; which fortune some conceiue hath doubtfull scope , as if his booke should saue him from the rope : but since he proues , it meant another thing , that teaching tongues , he should liue like a king ; and so he now doth , liuing as he lust , and by his owne will measuring what is iust . for being set to schoole when he was young , he of all knowledge learn'd both taile and tongue . th' italian , latin , spanish and the french , he grew as cunning in , as at a wench . a dictionary of all words of art , and lullies old-ends , he hath got by heart . th' apparrell of all knowledge he doth weare , and 'bout him bias-like ) his wealth doth beare . and now ( growne ripe ) he doth religion choose that 's most in fashion , as our great ones vse : but otherwise for truth hee 'le neuer burne , th' aduantage of his wry-necke helps him turne : he knowes the way , and wills the world ne're doubt , that comming raw in , hee 'le go rosted out . in youth he tooke to wife a louely dame , not hight the chast penelope by name ; but worthy such an attribute , for shee her wandring loose vlisses did not see in twenty yeeres , and yet t' is thought her bed shee kept vnstain'd , and vn-ad-horn'd his head . but what a blessing was , he thought a curse , his wife had better beene , had shee been worse , her goodnesse made him hate her ; she had dide but that a dozen must be kil'd beside . he knew not then ( as i haue heard him say ) th' italian tricke , but the plaine english way , of simple country poysoning , now he knowes to do t by inches ; court perfection growes . lopus and squire , are not so skil'd as hee , and scarce romes conclaue in that mysterie . he can a nullitie worke , diuorce the life twixt soule and body , sooner then some wife . and if his ricke be knowne , men ne're will seeke a doubtfull way by law , but do the like . his wife thus scap'd a scouring , so did he , when being merry once in company and passing smith-field ( then vnpau'd ) too late with rich canary hauing linde his pate , the owle-eyde sharkers spi'd him , how he felt to finde a post ; his meaning soone they smelt : and then the sturdiest knaue , with sodain'd rush , our wauering monsieur on his knees did push , the whil'st another kindly to him spoke ; help't him out of the durt , and chang'd his cloke . this cloke he wore next day , and passing by a brokers shop , the prentice lowde gan cry sirs stop the theefe , the cloake this fellow weares is mine : with that they swarm'd about his eares , conuayde him to a iustice , where one swore he had been branded stagmaticke before . another said , he was the man that hung three dayes beyond seas , as the ballad sang ; the cause why he his necke awry , did hold , was for he hang'd long , and was ta'ne downe cold but to the iustice being throughly knowne , for carrying letters where 't must not be showne , and for his skill , each moderne language speaking , and wondrous art , to silence doores from squeaking , with losse of his good cloke , he slipt the hooke , and thus he once was saued by his booke . thus farre i stretch my lines , thus farre he liues , and more i 'le write , when he direction giues . but if i die , these lines shall be the glasse his worth to shew , and how i thankfull was . to the ouer-wise , ouer-wilfull , ouer-curious , or ouer-captious readers . i faine would tell some tales , but i 'de be loth , to haue men be so wise to thinke them troth . this is● wondrous witty age that sees beyond the truth of things , forty degrees , each riddle now hath poyson in 't ; each rime on the blancke almanak points at guilty time . aesope must mak no lyons roare , nor eagles shrike loude , nor wolues r●●in , nor swift beagles yelpe with their slauering lips after the foxe , nor must he meddle with the asse , or oxe , for feare some querke ●e found , to proue he men● vnder those shapes , a priuate spleene to vent against wise vigilant statists , who like ianus , looke both waies squint , and both waies guard and sa●e v● . or that he closely would great lawyers yerke , who build their neasts , with ruines of the kirke : or that he toucht some church-man , who to rise one steeples height , would tell canonicall lies . the ghost of virgils gnat would no● sting so● that great men durst not in the city go for feare of petty-chapmen , with a serieant , and a sly yeoman , noted in the marg●ant . if spencer now were liuing , to report his mother hubberts tale , there would be sport : to see him in a blanket tost , and mounted vp to the starres , and yet no starre acco●nted . i dare not for my l●se in all my tale , vse any english bird , beast , worme , or snaile , or fish that in the narrow seaes do trauell , ( al●hough each pyrat dares ) le●t some should cauell , and finde it did belong in times of yore to some blew sleeue , ( but shall do so no more ) or that the maker of new blood , the marrold , ( cleped in our w●lch-scotch and english harrold ) had ( too too cheape ) for fiue pounds it entailed on some bold britaine , and by warrant nailed , to him and to his house , and double voucher , fine and recouery ; and then who dare touch her ? not i , i loue my ease too well , my money , my eare● , my liberty ; he longs for hony , that mo●gst the angry wh●spes thrusts his bo'd fingers , and from their neas●s in summer , hunts those stingers . my valour is lesse hardy , my desire lesse hot i le bl●sse and blow , not kisse the fire . therefore auant all ca●h●like lo●●sts , ●●me into my tale nothing one this side rome , nor in virginia , though 't be ours by lot , and yet p●rhaps it may , perchaun●'t maynot . i would not● if it lay in me to chuse , meddle with any thing we christians vse : but would all dealing with our owne eschew , if other world , and elements i knew . but since that nature doth some gifts disperse alike to all within the vniuerse ; and in a cicular globe , tye those to these ; mixt vs ●n common with th' antipodes : i ca●not choose but do as nature doth , mixe many names and things well knowne to both . thus if by chance i vse bird , fish , or beast , which is no daintie at a mayors feast : but oft familiar food for euery swaine , that in our countr●y , coast , and wood remaine . yet still concei●● ( i pray ) those names i take not properly , but for your ignorance sake . or if they proper be , of all one kinde , yet difference in their place of birth we finde . and in the●● natures . for though man be man , yet sure an indian is no english man , and so an indian asse , or ` daw , or trout , though we haue such , are none of ours no doubt : but would we wonder here , and purses pick● , since none but trauellers ●uer s●y the like . excuse me then though with such names you meete● they are not those that trauell in our streete , but forreiners to vs and to our nation , except by trade , commerce , or transplantation made our acquaintance . hence thou subtile spies streach out my tailes to iustifie your lies . if ought beside the morall you in●ent , call it your owne● by me'twas neuer ment . my tale shall sort all atheists well , and be of their religion , heathenish and free . it shall make lust a gospell and a law , ( not for the truth ) but to keepe fooles in awe , that when our gospell or else law doth thware o ur willes , we then may neither reck a f — . come ibis , lead the way ; eat one snake more and by my fury ; vsher on before . ibis . dedicated to the religious knight sr edmvnd mondeford , and his lady a true louer of learning . knowledge and grace , are antidotes to you , who killing serpents , do not serpents grow . egypt opprest with serpents , either growing f●om slimie nilvs fruitfull ouerflowing , or from the enuious bankes of tyber sent to tell what farther harme the romans ment : or by the foggy southern winds brought o're from sandy lybia to this fertile shore : made ●bis keeper of their liues and states , vvho like a watchfull porter , kept the gates vvhere this infected crue did vse to enter : and ( as they came in poysoned troopes ) did venter mauger their sting , and teeth , and venome too , to swallow th' enuious aspes with small adoe . so long shefed , that egypt now seem'd free , and scarce a serpent in the land could see . " but ouer●f●eding hurts● as some men say , " ●hough food be good then surf●t soone we may " b● poyson●d bits . and ibis found it true . so that her glutted gorge sh●e's ●orc't to spue ; the noysome stinke wher● of inf●ct●d more then by these serpents had bin stung before , and ibis selfe ( corrupted with the food ) grew serpentine , and did more harme then good , shee ke●ps no ●ntrance now , but lets them passe , and of their faction , and their treason , was a cunning aider , and a close contriuer ; al-gate shee se●m'd a diligent , faithfull , diuer into their darker holes to search them out : but truth it was to put them out of doubt , that shee their friend , they need not feare a foe , but might at pleasure through the kingdome goe , vvhilst all neglect●d their increase , supposing , ibis their trusty warden , had been closing the lands strong ports , with skill to keepe thesein , and others out , till all had eaten bin . but she had other aimes , and vnder hand , plac'd cockat●ices all about the land : and such as these ( who kin to serpents were ) did she make captains , and to place preferre of chiefe command in warre : with hope to bring , the basiliske to be th' egyptian king ; the basiliske that at the head of nile , vvith deadly poyson doth the spring defile . thus ibis faild them , and betraide their trust , and now or die themselues , or kill they must . and scarc● was 't in their choice . such quick increase " hath bad things more then good , in time of peace . yet the egyptians from securer sleepe , of foolish pitty , and remisnesse deepe , or fond c●edulity , and easie faith , at last aw●k't , wha●s'euer ibis saith , suspects of ●r●ud , of double-meaning , doubt , and with qui●ke search do finde the treason out . whic● ibis●eeing ●eeing to be past preuention , past skill ●o cloke and coner with inuention : with ●alice , enuie , feare , and horror swelling , and other poyson in her bosome dwelling , shee burst asunder , and pre●eut● the paine her cri●e de●er●'d , but not the shame and staine : that the e●●ptians left for a●ter tim●s , to reade and wonder at in these few rimes . " whom nature made good , custome made vniust ; we tr●sted ibis , but shee faild our trust . let reason rule , and reason thus exhorts , ●make not your will wardon of your cinque ports . epimythium . plutarch in the life of alexander the great , writes of a woman brought to a serpentine and poysonous natur● , by feeding ordinarily on serpents . this hath so●e r●s●mblance with this tale , whose morall is● that man should carefully , guard himselfe from others , and from himselfe : from others , because though we come neere sin , with a purpose to punish it ; yet being full of contagion , the effect is hazardous : much more when wee conuerse with it daily ; as they witnesse , who keeping company with prophane , dissolute , and blasphemou● persons , doe often come out such themselues , seldome otherwise . beware therefor● of euill company , and euill custome . to walke in the counseil of the wicked , leads you to stand in the way of sinners , and caus●th you to sit in the seate of scorners . to conuerse with hereticks vnder whatsoeuer pretence is dangerous . thus therefore guard your selfe from outward inuasion , from others ; but keepe one eye to looke inward . the worst company is at home , within a mans selfe . his senses stirred vp to pleasure , are so many serpents in his bosome , seeking his destruction : neither will they easily bee charmed . the sting of sinne is sweet , but deadly● set your vnsanctified app●tite and will to gouerne these , and you are vndone . the flesh will let in the world and the deuill , in stead of god and heauen . but let your sanctified reason bee your gouernour , and you are safe at home and abroad . mortifie therefore your members which are on the earth ; fornication , vncleannesse , the inordinate aff●ction , euill concupiscence , and couetousnesse , which is idolatry , &c. the place of greatest danger where your foe may land and enter , is the cinque-ports , the fiue senses : watch therefore ouer these , and ouer our affections , and you are safe . . venaticum iter. dedicated to the example of temperance , sr henry bedingfeild knight , and to his lady the example of loue. you hunting loue , your fields are spread with sheepe , looke that your hounds , your folds from foxes keepe . foxes and wolues in sheepskins range about : within ●pinions ; parasites without . th' egyptian shepheard arm'd at all assayes with dogs and sheephookes , sat vpon the layes , at pleasure piping many a lear●ed sonnet of fixed starres , and each course keeping plann●t : of thunder , lightning , meteors , and the c●use of changing kingdomes , and translating law●s : why pestilence did rage , why good men di● , why nilu● ouerflowes the bankes so hie , why killing frosts , and such aboundant snow , that ruine falling , ●uine as they thaw : why th' earth should barren be , and famine breede in the fat soil● , though ●owne with better seede . why water , ayre , the earth , and cheerefull fire should ( being made for man ) gainst man conspire , and of themselues ( by nature neuer bidden , ) bring forth such crosse effects , vnheard and hidden , to plague poore man , and liuing him t'intombe in his one ruines , e're the day of doome . the cause of this , they wisely found to be mans open sins , and close hypocrisie . and of this theame discoursing too and fro , prouing it was , wishing it were not so . the king came by , and with him many nobles , whose pestred traine the sheep and shephead troubles . poore country , thou find'st this in corne and cattle , when most remote f●ō court , thou most dost battle the king a hunting rides ; the shepheards dogs would needs a hunting too , and onward iogs these iolly currs : the shepheards whoope amaine , hollow and whistle too , but all in vaine . the hunts-men rate , and like to mad men ride ; the currs suppose they cheere them when they chid● : so on they go , and doe as others doo , throw vp their curld tailes , spend their wesands too , and when thy cannot top the rest , run after ●o ●ong , till anger now is turn'd to lafter ; and now the king delights the currs to heare . for they are euer busie in his eare ; and comming home to trencher-food they fall , ●rouing good blood-hounds some , good harriers all . ●hey can draw dry-foot to the harmlesse game , whil'st wolues and foxes passe their noses tame . ●hus fed by fat sweet bones , they all proue gluttons , ●nd where they wont to guard , now kill our muttons , they learned haue court lore , and nothing failes ; can fawne and flatter , nimbly wag their tailes ; and snarle , and bite , and beat ●he better hound out of the court , who their false hunting found . and now the time drawes on , the king againe rides out to hunt , and with him all his traine . these dogs are fore-most , and pursue the chace with eager stomackes and with equall pace . but being trencher-fed , the weather ho● , themselu's vnbreath'd , to hunting vsed not , they soone are shaken off , and waxing slacke become the lag and hindmost of the packe ; and straight lose ●ight , sent , hearing of the rest . so then to nilus-ward they hold it best to turne their course , with the coole waues to slacke the heat they got , for double diligence ●ake . the roughest , rudest , curstest curr of all , which wont vpon the gentlest dogs to fall , ( and neither being hound nor mastiffe bred , but of a mongrill kinde , by shee-wolues fed , did silence such as spent their sweeter voice in turnefull tones , which hunters eares reioyce , whil'st he nor at the fold would watch in darke , nor bite the wolfe , nor with his harsh voyce barke , nor here amongst the hounds once open wide his monstrous chaps , except , to bite , or chide , or rauin and deuour the daintyest meat which the industrious , not the slug should eat : and in despite of whips , though crouch and cry , would neuer mend , nor better grow thereby ) led on the way , for he would still be fi●st , his impudence was such , and such his thirst . ●or would he suffer auy their to drinke ●ill he had done . ambitions eye doth thinke to swallow all , and all too little to , for him that least deserues , and least can doo . ●ut see a iust reward , whil'st thus he lies ●ending his pleasure , from the waues doth rise 〈◊〉 cruell subtle crocodile , who snatcheth ●t him with her sharpe sangs , quickly catcheth ●he lazie curre ; which struggles , cryes , and str●ues . ●ut all too late . th' amphibious monster diues ●nder the waues ; the dog r●sists in vaine , ●eath swallowes him , the rest run home amaine ; ●ome to the sheepfolds , and attend the trade ●hey were by art traind to , by nature made . ●nd fearing now the like , fore-warn'd by this , ●hen hot and dry they waxe● their custome is , ●t banks of nile nere to rest and stay , ●ut here and there to lap , and so away ; ●est otherwise some crocodile being hid , ●hould serue their sloth , like as the other did . epimythium . this tale doth teach , each man himselfe t' apply to his vocation ; not to looke awry at honors , riches , pleasures , which are baites the deuill layes in our way , and in them waites to swallow vs , whilest eagerly we seeke to swallow and ingrosse what●'ere we like : without respect what 's honest●iust , and fit , ●o we by any meanes can compasse it . each hath his element , his toyle , and sport . the clowne the country , and the king his court. the nobles in the councell or the field , the sea , and burse , doth like to marchants yeeld . each trades-man in his shop , house-wiues at home● " they range too far , that o're the threshold rome . lawyers vpon the bench , diuines within their studies , schooles or pulpits ; else they sinne● who takes the plow in hand , must neuer s●acke , " nor looke about , for then ●e looketh backe , who takes the crowne and scepter , still must thin● " when others soundly sleep , he must but winke , who goes to warre , or counsell must aduise " the shame or honor on the noblest lies . who guides the helme must still his compas minde , " and cheere his mates , and saile with eu●ry winde . who by mechanicke arts doth hope to thriue , " must be a bee , and make his shop his hiue . who sits to iudge , the person must neglect , " not looke asquint , but to the truth direct . who will episcopize , must watch , fast , pray , " and see to worke , not ou●rsee to play . they haue a double charge , to rule , and teach , " whil'st they neglect to preach , negl●ct they preach● each must his diocesse tend ; or if at court , what others dare not he must still report . yet nought but truth , ●or all truthes but the good : ( so mos●s in the gap of vengance stood ) what others dare not whisper he must sing , and like a golden trumpet ●ouze the king , vvith wise alarums from securer sleepe , vvherein fraile flattring flesh doth greatnesse keep● ●or greatnesse , both in state , wit , strength , and all ●hat wee call great one earth , is apt to fall● ●vith greatest danger , greatest violence , ●nlesse vpheld by greatest diligence . ●nd he is only worthy to be great , ●vho with a vertuous freedom holds the seat of moses , and inclines to neither hand , but both vpright only for truth doth stand , ●uch tend their flocks ; whil'st they attend the court , their pastime'tis to moderate each sport . they season all raw humors . seldome glance on honours or on pleasurs , but by chance : and then to recreate their spirits they do it , taking a snatch , and fall the harder to it . gryps . dedicated to the courtly and accomplisht knight , sr. henry rich , and his most equall lady . all men seeke greatnes : goodnesse is the way . hee 's oft lesse king that rules , then doth obay . add● to gods worke your owne , his image then shall be repayr'd , for that 's the crowne of men. the griffon ( well alli'd , and great in power ) made challenge to be generall emperour of beasts , and birds ; whose title to decide , a generall councell was proclaimed wide through all the world , and euery bird and beast together met , the greatest , and the least . mongst these some crawling serpents , some with feet , and some with wings did at this councell meet , and claim'd the place of beasts , and did alledge full many ancient lawes of priuiledge ●or their high honour ; b●t the chiefe was this ; ●hey prou'd themselues beasts , out of genesis . ●ut when that law was read , and it was found , ●heir treason brought a curse vpon the ground ; ●hat euer since their poyson did annoy ●oth birds an●●●●sts , and oft did both destroy ; cloking their ●●aud , guilding their villanie with ancient vniuersall-vnity ; betraying truth with darke a●biguous lies , and cosening man of blessed paradise : adulterating , purging of the sence of holy writ , vnder a good pretence : they had by generall voice , strict banishmen● ●rom comming nere this court of parliament . and now the rest proceed ; but by the way arose another cause of some delay , comming to choose a speaker , bolde iack daw would interpose his skill , and vouch a law , ( the law of para●ites ) that each one might speake what him list , gainst reason or gainst right . and that no speaker needed , ought to be , where such a mixture was ; for if quoth he , we choose a bird , the beasts will all dissent ; if they a beast , we shall be discontent . this speech , though true in pa●t , did all offend , b●cause they saw his busie tongue did bend to c●osse all businesse , and his wit de●ise to change the firmest knots to nullities . so they agreed toge●her in this sort , to cut his nimble tongue a little short , for sa●cie tatling , where he should not teach● and being silent where he ought to preach . but he aueides his sentence with a quirke , pleading of old he longed to the kirke , though seldom he came there ; and each one tooke him for no clarke , vntill he claim'd his booke then they perceiu'd his skill ; and soone discerned how he to flatter and backbite was learned ; could mount a steeples top and with the winde turne like a weather-cocke his ready minde , seruing the time . therefore they onward passe to choose a speaker ; some would haue the asse , because he could diminish nought nor adde , but truth deliuer , were it good or bad : yet most mislik'd that choice , and those pronounce the parrot fit , and some the nimble ounce ; some the sweet nightingale , and some the dog , and some the fox , the baboone , some the hog ; some robin red-brest , or the speckled thrush , some chantecleere , and some the vvoodcock flush . some chose the ape , and some mislike his voice , so sundry factions rise from his heard choice . at last the elephant perswades with all , to take an equall course , and man to call as speaker , iudge , and vmpire in this thing , being by nature the worlds generall king , and the most fit t' appoint and to depute his owne emperiall bird beast substitute . to this they all consent , and to this end in humble wise to man this message send , that he their patron , gouernor and lord , vvould daigne this mighty difference to accord vvith reason and authority . his consent is soone obtain'd : now gins the parliament . in which the griffon thus begins his plea. grand emperour , of ayre , earth , and sea ; i challenge by prerogatiue , and birth , to be your vicar generall on the earth , o're birds and beasts : the beasts i ought command , because vpon foure feet like them i stand . the birds i ought to rule , cause i can flie with these my wings like them , and soare as hie . i doe surpasse the beasts in hauing wings , the birds in legs , in taile , and other things : my force doth match the lyons , and my heart the eagle , or excels them in each part . your doome i therefore claime , that i may be plac'd equall to my worth in soueraigntie : and next your selfe the emperour be of earth , according to the priuiledge of my birth . then spake the elephant , and said , that he ought ouer beasts the only lord to be . his strength was great , and more then others farre , his honours purchasde more in manly warre : his le●rning more , the letters vnderstanding , and aptly doing all , wise man commanding . gainst him vp rose the syre of ban●es his horse , and challeng'd him to try , wit , worth , and force . this grew to heate , but then the mighty rucke soone parts the fray , each did from other plucke ; desires she might be heard , her challenge was to rule all birds , since she all ●●rds did passe . the wren straight hopt about , and said , his ●ame did shew from what a royall stocke he came . and euery bird and beast , the great and small , had his ambitious ayme to gouerne all● which hauing made , in silence all sate downe being ouer-aw'd with mans emperiall frowne . each fear'd , each hop'd , vntill at length the man rose vp , and to determine thus began . i was your master made , you made for me , and whatsoeuer in the globe there be hid or reueal'd , t' is mine . and i alone sole emperouram , vnder that onely one. nor doubt you this ; the question now in hand is for the vnder-king-ship of my land ; for t' is not fit that i should troubled be with euery toy , when subiects dis●gree : but that my presiden● should still be nigh , your doubts and iarrest ' appease and rectifie . it only rests to shew what parts are fit for gouernment . that 's courage , strength and wit , mercy and iustice , and the guard to those , awe to command , dexteritie to dispose . if any part of these be separate , the rule is most imperfect , and the state falls to con●empt ; the lawes are trodden downe , the scepter broken , and despi●'d the crowne . this shewes how many her● haue vainly sought for one good part , the wreath that many ought . that nor the ruck , the elephant nor ho●se , are fit to gouerne for their matchlesse force ; nor for their wit alone ; for then the oxe might make his claime too , and subtle foxe : much lesse the silly wren for honor'd house , nor the catt-fearing , elephant-frighting mouse . for these would breed contempt , and athens owle might challenge so night-rule of eu'ry fowle . nor is it meet this griffon should obtaine what by pret●nce of right he seeks to gaine . because his title halts on either side , except in halues , himselfe he will deuide . he is no beast : his talents , wings , and head conclude against his challenge in my stead . nor yet a bird : his body , legs , and tayle with euidence his garments all do quaile . but if where proofe lyes hid , we may proceede by probabilities ; from spurious ●eede he tooke his being , and would neither loue , being like to neither , but a tyrant proue . and where he boasts his wondrous strength and hart , it 's false he doth pretend , because that part which shewes him lyon-like in shape , hide , haire , doth of the kingly-lyon stand in feare . and that birds part which he from th' eagle tooke , on the sky-towring eagle dares not looke . the lyon therefore i ordaine and make the king of beasts ; his awfull voice shall shake the proudest spirit . and the eagle shall be king of birds , and ouer-looke them all . this sentence past , the parlament arose , and with these rules of truth the sessions close . epimythium . who seeks two swords to sway , hath right to none● who seeks two offices , is not fit for one : who seeks two callings , takes too much in hand : who hath two faiths , doth true to neither stand . one sword , one office●calling , and one faith , is fit for one man ; so this storie saith . who seekes two swords to sway , hath right to none . the pope challengeth not onely peters keyes and pauls sword , but hath found two swords in peters hand , with which he ( like another alexander ) cuts asunder the knots hee cannot vndoe . the band of marriage betwixt man and woman : the hand of loyall obedience betwixt subiects and soueraignes ; the band of conscience betwixt god and man ; hee cuts asunder by dispensing with marriages , allegeance , and others , &c. by his behauiour therefore in these things , it may bee iudged whether hee be fit to haue many swords that cannot vse one well . edged tooles are not to bee put into the hands of drunkards : hee is scarce sober that makes all other drunke with the c●p of his abhominations . who seekes two offices , is not fit for one . to the late queene of famous memory , a courtier who had great place about her maiestie , made suite for an office belonging to the law. sh●e told him he was vnfit for the place . he confest as much , but promised to finde out a sufficient deputy . do ( saith she ) and then i may bestow it vpon one of my ladies , for they by deputation may execute the office of chancellor , chiefe iustice , and others , as well as you . this answered him , and i would it could answer all others : that ●it men might be placed in euery office , and none how great soeuer suff●red to keepe two . they should take offices for the common-wealths benefit ; but they take them like farmes for to inrich themselues . this discourageth all professions , both in the church and common-wealth : one place is fit for one man. who seekes two callings , takes too much in hand . the church hath some of these , who are better phisitions , lawyers , merchants , or handicrafts-men , then diuines . the common-wealth hath many of these , some who receiue tythes , buy and sell church-liuings , retaine deanryes , and prebenda●ies . and are well seene in all occupations , but in that which they were bound to professe . to be a marchant , a maultster , a brewer , a grasier , a sheepe-master , a farmemonger , an vsurer , a diuell and all , is ordinari● in e●ery country , and hee is thought no good husband that is not all or the most of these . who hath two faiths , doth true to neither stand . our miraculous example in these our dayes , hath demonstrated this beyond deniall , which but lately though wee knew , yet wee durst not v●ter for feare of censure . with what tyranny doth vice guard it selfe from knowledge ? how rankly doth that fame stinke now , against which but lately we durst not stop our noses ? this is a maxime grounded from this example . no honor , preferment , or respect can assure our ●aith , if the band of faith , religion , be not intire with vs. . sphinx , hyena . dedicated to the wise and valiant souldier , sr. iohn pooly knight , and to his good lady . you lou'd my brother , he is gone , i stay , t' acknowledge first a debt , and then to pay : loue lookes vpon the will , which easily can proue ther 's no bankrupt but the thanklesse man. hy●n● was a subtle beast and bloudy ; to ruine man was his whole trade and study . he scorn'd the sheep , the shepheard was his prey , his nightly plots got , what he mist by day . the shepheards of arcadia , beguil'd by his fain'd voice , were murther'd oft and spoil'd . for in the night he wont like some good friend , to call them out , and then a peeces rend . one onely wiser shepheard thought it best hire sphinx to watch his house whil'st he did rest : whose subtiltie foresaw , and still preuented , what else his master had too late repented . for when the false hyena went about calling for helpe , to train● the shepheard out , faining distresse as if he robbed were , or mist his way ( a weary traueller ) ; sphinx soone perceiu'd his counterfeit complayning , and laught out-right to heare his craftie fayning ; but would not let the credulous shepheard goe , ( whose tender heart pittied his mortall foe ) till day appear'd , and that the sunne shone bright . together with the sphinx full many a night , an indian asse and musk. cat , safely slept , whil'st sphinx the shepheards house & houshold kept . nor did they alwaies sleep but often heard what at the first to thinke vpon they fear'd ; but custome at the length bere●t all awe , and they afrayd were when they nothing saw . so enuy wrought , and ignorance , and pride , that they the wiser sphinx dare now deride . and mou'd the shepheard , to preuent the charge of keeping more , to let the sphinx at large . perswading there was no such cause of dread , but they might well supply the sphinx his stead : who fain'd those feares , and did imagine treason , to win th' opinion of much wit and reason . the sheapheard fondly credits this ; and straight le ts loose the sphinx , and these in order waite . the indian ass● he trusted being plaine , supposing he would nei●herlye , nor faine . and the musk-cat , was pleasant to the smell , and very watchfull ; needs must these do well . the night is come , the shepheard soundly sleeps as he had wont , no skar his conscience keeps . these two stand sentinel , and now ere long , comes the hyena , and with smoothing tongue saith ; is your master waking , gentle swaines ? if not , a●ere him , tell him all the plaines are vp in armes against our common foe , the false hyena that beguil'd vs so . he cannot scape their hands , for they haue found the caue he keeps in , closely vnder ground . bid him awake and rise and come away , for all the shepheards for his comming stay . this tale beleeu'd , the asse and musk-cat hye , to make their master to make hast to dye . he r●seth rashly , opes the doore , goes out , and is de●our'd ere he can looke about . nor can the watch-men scape , but both are slaine : though one be sweet , the other true and plaine . epimythium . " not simple truth alone can make vs fit , " to beare great place in state without great wit. " for when the serpent comes to circumuent vs , " we must be serpents too , or els repent vs. hippopotamvs . dedicated to the magnificent knight sr. hvgh smith , and his worthy lady . your auon's quiet , no such monsters feede 'bout sandy seuerne , as in nilus breede : ●t nilus-like your bountie o●erflowes , ●●ence good report , and ●ame , and honour growes . the sea-horse , and the famous crocodile , both challeng'd to be kings of fruitfull nile ; ●nd sundry fields they fought , where many dyed ●f either ●action , still the cause vntried . ●et often had they single , hand to hand , ●ncountred in the flood , and on the land : ●nd parted still with equall harme away , ●or both the blowes bore thence , but not the day ; yet each inuincible himselfe did call , and so they were , but to themselues , to all . but when they cop'd , successe did thus conclude ; courage remayn'd , strength only was subdu'd . and so for want of strength they often sundred , though at their wondrous strength al other wondre● thus o●t they met , and o●t assay'd in vaine , who should th' emperiall crowne of nilus gaine : till both grew weary of these warres at length , and gan lay by the vse of armes and strength . and truce proclaim'd a while on either part , a fained truce , no friendship from the heart . for vnder-hand by stratagems , and friends , and secret plots , each sought their seuerall ends . but much more noble was the crocodile , and wiser much , though not so full of guile as hippopotamus , so th' other hight , who car'd not what he did , or wrong or right , by falshood , bribes , or treason ; so he could , the foulest fact , to his aduantage mould , and thus he call'd chameleon on a day , with polypus , and vnto them gan say : you two my bosome-fri●nds , my minions are , my p●iuie counsellers in peace and warre . and i haue found you plyant to my will , faithfull to me , but false to others still . and now i craue , your vtmost art and reason , in conquering of the crocodile by treason ; which thus i purpose : both of you are made , by nature apt to colour and to shade , with fit resemblance all the obiects nye , on which you shall reflect a steady eye , ●ou can seeme otherwise , then what you be , ●nd couer hate with close hypocrisie , ●ou can take any shape , any disguise , ●nd soone beguile the most inquisitiue eyes ; ●eare any liuery , all companies fit , ●nd to each humour change your ready wit. ●his you haue done before , and oft made plaine ●eightie intelligence , and can so againe . ●ut each his proper element retayning , ●hameleon in the ayre , and earth remaining , ●ou polypus at sea . to sea then hye , ●nd with rich promises torpedo buy ●o our close seruice : he in counsell is ●o our great ●oe , a greater friend of his . ●but wealth is our best friend , and that corrupts ●the purest minde , and friendship interrupts . ●ith gifts and promises peruert him so , ●hat he may call vs friend , count him a foe : ●ill him he would , when fitting time doth come , ●ith his slowe touch , secure , bewitch , benumme , ●ur aduersary , and his sense astonish , ●hat it may seeme a crime him to admonish ●f our apparant practises preparing , ●hilst he attends his sports , no danger fearing . ●hen to the water-rat ichneumon go● , ●nd you to cuschill●● and will them too , ●hen next they picke his teeth , and scratch his head , for they are neere him still at euery stead , ●nd highly fauor'd , ( chiefly cuschi●●us ) , ●hough both in fee and pension be withvs ) , ●hat they would ioyne their wits and force together ●o murther him ; and for reward come hither . so when your plots he closely thus conuey'd , and all your traines and tew in order laid , then mixe your selues in either element with the profuse , the needy , discontent , the desperate , the bloody , and the bold , whom nought but feare do from rebellion hold ; of such you shall finde many in this state. for hee 's remisse , and doth all businesse hate , whereby he gets contempt , and opens wide a ready way of entrance vnespide to our high aimes . full many you shall finde of our close faction , fitting to our minde . those that are such encourage , others frame , a●d what you will speake largely in our name ; promise , and sweare , and lye , to make things fit , that our designes may prosper by our wit. ●way , and for the rest leaue that to m● . the spies instructed thus fit agents be , and post with speede , and with a speed too good dispatch all scenes fit for the act of blood . and now the wise , learn'd , valiant crocodile , a hunting hies vnto the bank●s of nile : where hauing sported long , and fully fed , the slow torpedo strokes him on tbe head , whisp●rs within his eare , and charmes him so that in the sun-shine he to rest must go . but as he goes drowsie and reeling thus , meets him the indian rat , and cu●chillus , and lowting low with musicke him presents , and antique she●es , and mas●ing meriments ; striuing to hide their treason with such art , that their true care almost betraid their heart , ●his wise alcedo ( one that many a dish ●ad for his king prepar'd , of dantiest fish ) , ●id soone suspect , and with shrill voice gan crie , ●ir king beware , for enemies are nie ; ●eware of him that 's busie with your eare , ●nd tells you lies , that truth you may not heare : ●eware of him that 's s●ratching of your head , ●eware of him that 's making of your bed . ●eware of ●im that doth extoll you so , ●nd like a god adores you as you go : ●eware of him that doth so humbly fall on his false ●nee ; good king beware of all . with that the crocodile gan looke about , being halfe asleep , from a sweet dreame wak●d ou● , ●nd would haue heard more , but the charmers kept the bird away by force ; and so he slept . ●e slept , and cuschillus did sing the while , and pickt his ●eeth , and vsed many a wile to ope his ouer-chap ( for onely he ●oth moue his ouer-chap , the nether we ) : at last he tickled him , and forc't him so ●o yawne and gape : then cuschillus doth go ●nto his belly , and the indian rat ●eapes quic●ly after ; where they first search what ●lose counsels , secret purposes did fill his darker bosome , were they good or ill . but were they good or ill , it matters not , for they pursue and prosecute their plot : they gin to gnaw his bowels , and to rake ●is entrailes with their nailes ; which paine doth wake ●im from his latest sleepe , and makes him crie aloud this counsell : princes see ye trie● before ye trust , those seruants that be ill " at your commaund , for others money will " betray you too : he easly will dispense " with greatest sinnes , who hath of small no sence . " beware of such as flatter by traduction , " thei le first be others , then be your destruction . " beware of priuie whisperers and spies , " the truth they tell is but a sauce for lies . beware of ledgers , for legerdemaine with others beside iuglers doth remaine : " and cheating and crosse-biting great ones may " in great things vse , as little ones at play . beware of clergie men their colour changing , and in each place with lawlesse freedome ranging . take heede of pensions , they haue often slept , in priny chambers , and at counsell kept . and if it be a truth which some haue told , good men haue had large sleeues to put vp gold . with that he dies , and those that were within , striuing who first should greatest credit win , by carrying newes of this accursed deede , hinder each other in their hasty speede : and issuing out iust as his chaps did close , did their reward , life , fame , together lose . " yet ill report findes wings in euery place ; and this vnto the sea-horse flies apace ; who ( making too much hast ) in top of pride , nothing before , behinde , nor bout him spide , and so , for lacke of care , himselfe betraide into a pit-fall which th' egyptians laid . there he doth pine to death , and dying cries , " who liues by treason , thus by treason dies . epimythium . the crocodile is a hieroglyphicke of honour or nobility . the hippopotame , of impietie , ingratitude , and ●enesse . . these two haue continuall warre : and in that ●melion and pol●pus ( the types of subtill dissimu●ion , and craftie hypocrisie ) , ioyne with hippopotam●●ainst ●ainst the crocodile ; it giues honour warning to be●re of such who adapt themselues to please humors , sooth grosse follies : for these though perhaps they ●me of their colour , weare their liueries , follow 〈◊〉 religion whom they depend vpon , will notwith●nding for gaine , iudas like , kisse and betray ●em . . in that the time when this was done , is said to in peace after sport : it shewes that honor which ●ings from action , decaies with affectation of peace , ●d sleepes to death with immoderate pleasure in the ●mes or bed of securitie . . the touch of torpedo warnes greatnesse from ●oth , and to beware of such charming counsellours hide the truth of dangers from the eyes of states . . alcedos warning the crocodile , tels vs no danger ●mes without a●monition : wisedome cries out in ●e streetes , it is our owne fault if stopping our eares ●e perish wilfully . . in that ch●schillus sings the crocodile asleepe , tels vs , flatterie is the ruine of honour ; yet the flat●rers note is sweeter , and wel-commer to the eare , then the admonition of friendship and true loue . . in that ichneumon and cuschillus leape into belly , it shewes treason will pursue the blackest p●iect with most bloody and bold violence ; and 〈◊〉 striue to double that sinne with slander and misrepo● which once they contriued , applauded , and perh● perswaded greatnesse to commit . . in that hippopotame falls into the aegypti● trap , it shewes what the psalmist saith , who dig● pit for another , falls therein himselfe . treason e● betrayes the traytor , else it were not right treason . if any man enquire farther after this tale , let h● call to minde the late death of that renowned king france , whose life was terrible to rome and her a● her●nts . he had many admonitions to beware of iesuitic● practises , but would not take heede , his confiden● might rather be tearmed presumption then courage . i haue heard a story of him which may be as true its strange : the probabilitie is great . monsieur d. plessis ( that glorious starre of o● age ) being euer bold with the king , because the ki● knew him honest , and durst trust him farther then protestant prince may trust a popish catholike wi● safety , told his master that all the world did wond● at the sodaine repeale of that edict of banishment solemnly made by the parliament against all ●esuit● vpon so iust an occasion as the wounding of his sacr● person by one of their disciples . he humbly besoug● him to giue him licence to put him in minde ho● once professing the reformed religion , euen in arme● he had been defended from the treacheries of his enemies by that god whose cause hee fought for . but now in the armes of peace , hee was endangered by them who pretend his protection , for that they thought that howsoeuer for some respects he carried himselfe , he could not be in loue with their darkenesse who had beene acquainted with the true light : and the protestants thought so likewise , the rather induced hereunto by gods miraculous deliuerance of him ●rom the horror of that bloody attempt , not suffering any part to be punished but his mouth with which hee had offended . but hee besought him to remember that the hearts of kings are in the hands of god aswell as their heads ; and if they forsake or forget him and what he hath done for them , hee in iustice often giues them ou●r into the hands of their enemies . i enforce no man to beleeue this narration ; the ●robability , with the credit of the relator , and the ●uccesse , haue preuailed with me to accept and repor●●t . as his death was the damnable act of a iesuiticall assasinat of the romish religion , so this admonition ●eares the shape of a true israelit● and one of the house of peace . phaenix . dedicated to the honorable knight sr. robert riche , and his noble lady . there 's but one phaenix , is there had been more , your names had stood within , but now before . th' arabian phaenix , being noble , young , and newly from his fathers ashes sprung , seeing how other birds did louers take of their owne kind , would needs like tr●● ma●● and thought by what good course he might preuent his doubted ruine , and seeme prouident , where nature ( as he iudg'd ) defectiue stood , in leauing single , such an absolute good . his meanes was marriage , married he would be , but where to choose a mate he could not see : for choose hee might and please his curious eyne , each bird made suite to be his valantine . the pehen drest her selfe and spred her taile , the turkey●hen aduanc'd her spotted saile . the turtle left her mate to ioyne with him , the siluer-swan , in ruffled pride did swim , the parakite , and goldfinch , , citie heires , offer'd him loue , and what besides was theirs : the courtly pheasant gaudy pop●niay , in varied coloures drest themselues that day : the sweet canary singer stroue t' excell the merry-making mournefull ph●lomel ; who left deploring , and did mirth preferre● wishing the phaenix would haue rauish't her . all these , with all besides the rest excelling , did woo him , proffer loue , their passions telling . but all in vaine ; the bird of paradise , had with her pleasing forme bewitcht his eyes . he wooes , and winnes her too , with small adoe , " where both desire , both parties seeme to wooe : and who would not desire so rare a one , whom ●ll desire , him to enioy alone ? they married are . opinions equall voice , say both are happy in each others choice . for she was faire , and rare , and rich , and young , and wise , and noble , and full sweetly sung ; in ●ll complete she was , only did faile , hauing too small a body for her t●ile . this fault she tooke by kinde , it cost her nought , from her birth place the frai●tie first she brought . and though by all good meanes she stroue to hide this naturall blemi●h , still it was espide . and spied the more , because this corporall ill , being single here , did each mans fancy fill . " that disproportion doubles in the minde , " where we it single in the body finde . and so it fell out here ; not long they dwelt in peace , but loues fire alteration felt , and gan to slake and coole , where it should not , and where it should be coole , it waxed hot . shee now did hate and loath , the sweet she had , and linger after something that was bad . her taile was too too large for him to tread , he too too little her to ouer-spread . to ouerspread her body was not much , but her insatiate taile , and minde was such . so weakest stomacks strongest meates desire . so greatest smoke riseth from smallest fire . so slender wits great matters vndertake . so swift pursuite , doth slow performance make . so th' appetite , by impotence is mou'd . so shee ( though little ) eu'ry great thing lou'd . she lou'd all great things , and all rare things sought , but what she had that she esteemed nought . she had what others long'd for , and enioyde what all desir'd : and that enioying cloyde . and now she ginnes to hate , and wish in heart , a fit occasion offer'd were to part . but wanting such , shee frames one : doth traduce , and wound his honour for her owne excuse . and still pretending modesty a cause , immodestly , she triall claimes by lawes . although the phaenix her with teares did woo , she separation sought , and gets it too . the sentence past , she cynosure doth wed , an vnknowne fowle , by th' ayre begot and bred . he ( following kind ) trod oft , and quencht her heate , and she laid oft , fild many a neast and seate with addle egges ; but neuer bird did spring● out of those ●hells , nor other liuing thing . yet some in their opinions counted wise , say that such egges do hatch the cockatrice . yet nothing from these spurious embrions came but naked promises , and open shame . in memory of whose vnhappy wombe , that brought dead fruit forth , like a liuing tombe , ( dead fruit , much like faire apples all of smoake , which grow in sodome , and the eaters choake , ) each courtly lady now vpon their head , do weare a bird of paradise , instead of a light feather ; which doth warning giue , how free from lightnesse , ladies ought to liue : how constant they should be , how firme in loue : not feather-like , apt with each breath to moue . how well proportion'd , not so great below , but lesse in shew , and more in truth to know . to fit the bottome with an equall saile , and not to ouer-top the head with taile . all this it tells them , and doth shew beside , " how addle egges spring out of lust , and pride . " how noble houses by ignoble deeds , " bury themselues and their owne ruine br●eds . " how beautie and all vert●es of the minde , " conioynde with wealth , adorne not woman kinde : " except with these , true chastitie be plac'd , " and that againe , by modesty be grac'd . and now i will proceede to tell my story , how sad the phaenix was in minde , how sory to be so sleighted and so ill respected , by her for whose sake , he had all neglected . this wounds his heart , and he resolues too late , all second matches for the first to hate ; to liue alone , and neuer mor● to minde fond alteration , in the course of kinde . but griefe perp●ex't him so , he fear'd to die , e●●●e were fitted for posteritie . and so his neast vnmade , he quickly might , both life , and nam● , and memory loose out-right this to pre●ent , his ●light he nimbly takes o're hill●s and dales , o're desarts , riu●rs , lakes , o're kingdomes , countries , bounding east and west , and spices gathers vp to build his neast . which made , and finding still ●is former griefe , not cur'd but growing desperate of reliefe , him better seem'd by p●iuiledge of kinde , to kill his body , and renue his minde : to leaue g●iefe where it breeds with earth on earth , and ●ecr●ate his spirit with spritly birth , ( li●●●re , which touching powder straight resolues t●● grosser parts ; and eac● it selfe inuolues in its owne element ) then so t' out weare and tyre away with griefe sixe hundred yeare , ( for so long liues the phae●ix ) but thought he , " so long ●e dies that liues in miserie . and ●herefore soone betakes him to his neast , wherefore-prep●r'd he finds his funerall drest . the sun shi●es bright and hot , he with his wings makes more the heate : & sparkling diamond brings , whose strong reflection , or retention rather either beates backe the heate , or heate doth gather . which kindled ( like dri'd leaues with burning glasses ) consumes the neast , and bird , and all to ashes . vpon these ashes fruitfull dewes descend , and the hot sun his actiue beames do b●nd . so heate and moisture twixt them procreate , a silly worme vnlike the bird in state . but time doth giue it growth , and shape , and feathers , and still perfection from each houre it gathers . till to the former equall it appeares , or rather all one bird , except in yeares . the rauenous vulture wondring long had stood to marke all this , within a neighbour wood . which hauing seene , ambition pricks her so , that she resolues what'euer power saith no , example and direction hence to take , her selfe and hers all phaenixes to make . so calls she first the hee , and then the young : and thus gan speake to them with rauisht tounge . how much my power hath done , how much my wit , you know , yet know some repetition fit . i do the eagle rule , ( the birds braue king ) and worke him to my minde in euery thing . he preyes on whom i list ; still on the best ; eates what i stint him , and leaues you the rest . i gouerne euery hawke , or bird of prey ; such as confront the eagle , me obay ; and make me sharer in their richest prize , and how to please me best , best meanes deuise . i that despise religion , scorne all law , do binde all other birds to both by awe : to both for my aduantage , else you know i can prophane the temple well enough ; pollute the altar ; search the graue , each tombe , and dig out of the priuiledged wombe of hallow'd earth , dainties for you to lurch , mans flesh , enshrined in the sacred church . you know i foster souldiers not for loue , but to breed warres ; the slaine my prey still proue . all sorts , professions , kinds , i prey vpon , when their sweete slesh is turn'd to carrion . for carrion is my food , let others kill and hazzard life for life , we safely will eate the vnfortunate , the weake , distressed , whom want enfeebled , mightie power oppressed . this is our practise . but i cald ye now for higher aimes : to giue you notice how we may aspire in royaltie and pride aboue the eagle , and all birds beside . much time , much study , with full large ●xpence , haue i bestowed , to gain● intelligence of a rare secret , which exceedeth farre th' alchi●isters idol , call'd th' elixar . this is , to vnderstand and know aright , what course to take , and how we compasse might the glorious eminence , the singular grace , the famous phaenix hath in euery place : how to attaine her nature , beauty , state ; and without copulatio● procreate . at l●ngth my wit , my industry , and chance concurring , did this happinesse aduance● for watching lately , as i often did , in desart vast , among thicke bushes hid , i saw ( vnseene ) the mysterie throughout , and can resolue each rite , each scrupulous doubt . the circumstance were needlesse , whil'st the fact shall manifest each seuerall scene , and act , with happy issue ; and accomplish so our wishes , that we shall amazed goe ; amazed goe , to see our selues so low , so soone to such a pitch of glory grow : so soone translated , metamorphosed , and new created from the foot to head : beyond our hopes , report , the present station of other birds , almost to adoration . enquire not how , but each prepare t' obay , what i command ; performance leads the way . hie on , hie all , to seuerall quarters flie , and through the whole world make a scrutinie for aromatick drugges , perfuming spices , rare pretious stones , rich iewels , strange deuices . bring them together , lay them on this hill , and the successe refer to my deep skill . the young ones all obayde , but then the male staid long t' enquire the reason of this tale . yet long he durst not stay , lest shee from thence should beate him for his arrogant offence : for females of all rauening fowles beare sway , and the blacke vulture is a bird of prey . the male ne're meddles with young , meat , or nest : but shee commands , and he sits like a guest . he seeing her incenst , away doth post ore many seas , and many an vnknowne coast , and all the world surueyes from east to west , from north to south , and gathers what is best ; sweet odoriferous spices , amber-greece , the castors stones , the ermins spotted fleene , rich luzerns , sables , martins , and the horee of the most precious-seld-seen v●icorne . the musk-cats cod , with rubies blushing red , quick-sparkling diamonds cutting glasse like lead ; bright shining carbuncles , and saphires blew , with iasp●r , iacynth ; emerals greene in view ; perspicuous christall , orient pearles large , round , and gold , for which man doth the center sound ; blacke , white , greene , marble ; in-laid porphyrie , with alablasters for imagerie : truth-trying touch-stones , making things distinct , and what rariety else within precinct of ample nature dwels , they hither brought ; with which a curious neast shee neatly wrought , to match whose wealth remaining earth was base . her s●lfe , mate , yong , each by themselues had place in this most royall building . then in state her selfe sate downe , and next her musing mate . her young ones , then in orde● , one by one , and now the sunne shin'd hot on euery stone the spice gan kindle . now quoth shee i finde my selfe halfe made immortall changing kinde . the fire flam'd fiercer then , and sing'd their wings : be constant sirs quoth shee , you shall be kings . " gold crownes are heauy , toyle is hard but gainfull ; " there is no excellent sweet but first is painfull . they would haue flowne away , but 't was too late . quoth shee the phaenix dies to liue in state . with that she sinkes , her neast and all combust her glorious hopes , and proiects turn'd to dust . which tells vs this : pride still doth ouer-build . ●folly is not in architecture skill'd . ●wit frames his plot according to his state , ●and to a small house makes no lofty gate . ●but ouer-bold ambition fires her neast , ●and proues her houses shame , her house a ieast . epimythium . the phaenix betokens vnitie in religion . this was proper to the iew●s , but they forsooke it , as the bird of paradice did the phaenix . then it came to the gentiles and seemed to returne to its owne nature to be vniuersall , not tyed to place , or nation , or person . the phaenix died , and out of the ashes arose a new phae●ix . christ came not to destroy but fulfill the law. the old faith remaines which was first preached in paradice , the ceremonies only are abolish●d by the pr●sence of the thing signified . that seems another , which is the same truth . wee christians possesse what the iewes expected . they are diuorced ( with the bird of paradice ) for their vnfaithfulnesse and vnbeleefe ; now they are wedded to the cynosure their owne wils and stiffe-necked opinions and traditions . they tread and cac●le , and lay egges ; addle egges or rather adders egges , egges of winde without fruit , which neuer proue birds . they expect in vaine an other messias to saue them , till the true messias is ready to come to iudge them . they are a scattred people , hatefull to all where they inhabite . the ●vulture and her brood is the clergie of rome ; where the shee or female preuailes . shee will be called the mother church , which is truly the whore of babylon , the malignant church , the aduersarie , the antichrist . shee builds to her owne ruine , her power and policie shall ouerthrow it selfe . shee shall burne in her owne nest . let all such therefore as loue the truth , and would saue their soules , come out of her . vnio . dedicated to the trve lover of his covntry sr. arthvr heveningham knight , and his truly religious lady . yov know the moodes of men , the tempers too of climes , of states , of elements ; then who may better read this tale ? the minde that 's free can iudge diseases , and distempers see . the mole , chamelion , and the salamander , as neere the ocean they together wander , spying at sea the lamprey , haild him thus● good day my friend to you and eke to vs. we three are met to argue and debate which of vs liueth in the happiest state ; whether the ayre , the earth , or fire doth giue to what they breed best sustenance to liue . and we would gladly heare how farre the sea may with fire , ayre , and earth compared be . you happily we met as we would wish , being a prompt , deep diuing , subtle fish , and ablest to resolue vs. come then show the life you lead , and learne our liues to know . the lamprey soone consents . and first the mole doth thus begin . deare friends i left my hole to breath the open ayre ( whose light i hate ) t' acquaint yee with the blessings of my state . and to perswade ye , if you loue your rest to liue with me in peace , and plenty blest . it fits me first to speake , for i had first my being , long before the earth was curst . darkenesse was not created ; t is as old as that great workeman which the whole doth mold but light was made long after , and doth show , that ignorance is elder then to know . the workmans selfe in cloudy darknes keeps ; for no eye sees or when he wakes or sleepes . he loues not euery curious foole should see what ioyes , what treasures , in obliuion bee . the worthy grecian would haue learn'd that art , for ignorance is wisdoms better part . when all was chaos first the center stood , and all the solide parts , call'd earth . the flood was next being ponderous . the ayre flew higher ; and as a hedge to all was placed fire . what first was plac'd was worthiest , & brought fort● the first of creatures , and best things of worth . and first it brought forth things that were below ; the roote had life , before the fruit did g●ow . and we ( earths darlings ) had our shape within ere you without . nor doe th' effects of sin ( ambitious sin which light and'knowledge sought and ( fondly curious ) blinde obedience thought a base director ) so afflict and kill vs h●re within ; as you who share in ill of punishment and guilt , with foolish man ; yet no way from his rule acquit ye can . you dwell with him , and dye with him . but we are earth by nature , procreated free . and our forefathers customes still obay , doe as they did , and follow their blind way . not striuing busily our wits t' approue by searching doubts , but rather shew our loue , by louing eu●n their errors that are gone , or reuerently beleeuing they had none . our dyet is most choice , on rootes to feed , and rellish first the sweet of euery seed . you liue on th' excrement , and do not know , that fundamentall vertue springs below . besides you liue like slaues , but i am free , though bloudy-minded man oft seeks for me . the lyo● did pretend because i haue foure feet , that i by nature was his slaue : he call'd for this a councell , sent for me to sweare to his seruile supremacie . but i ( refusing th' othe ) to spite him more did vndermine his councell-chamber flore and had not light ( damn d light ) my plot bewraide● he had to hell s●nke by the traine i laide . but light discouered me , and since that deed i loath light more , and so in darknesse breed . darknes thou sweet companion , friend of sleepe , how i delight in thee . with thee doth keepe all that man seeks for , euery secret plot , darke mysterie , close sttatagem ; what not ? inuisible wealth , with treasures manifold , but chiefe mans soule , his god , almighty gold . this man knowes well , and knowing learnes of me to dig and delue till in his graue he be . then all proclaime him happy : say he is at peace and rest , and doth emoy all blisse . and such say truth : for he returnes againe to his first being , and doth so remaine . " contentment with darke ignorance doth dwell , " and light and knowledge only maketh hell . then without farther strife liue all with mee , if you will taste no paines , nor errors see . the changeable chamelion laught out-right , to heare the blinde mole raile so much at light . and said ; your darker spirits can't conceiue , the blessed fruit , that we from light receiue . let fooles depend on faith implicatiue , wise-men into the depth of truth will diue . darknesse and ignorance , which you suppose had an eternall being , are the foes of all eternall beings ; and indeed are voide in nature without fruit , root , seed . darknesse is but the absence of cleare light . as error is the ignorance of right . so these two are vacuities , want being ; not seene by others , nor yet others seeing . from nothing , nothing springs ; something there was from whence this vniuersall frame , this masse of strange agreeing contrarieties , had essence : and 't was something that had eyes : for sure it was not ignorance , nor night , they could not see to order things so right . but it was knowledge , wisedome , light , and truth , figur'd in mature age , and actiue youth . the priuiledge you plead , antiquitie , proues onely , that of old you vs de to lye ; and that all truth you hate , for truth doth run still to the light , and you the light do shun . and where you challenge your creation first ; it is not like , nature would make the worst before the best ; except this can preferre your claime , that as young workemen vse to erre in their first workes ; so nature first did try to make right eyes , by making yours awry . much rather truth it is , she did bestow , labour in framing others ; but for you , she left you to corruption , night , and chance , which made you● eies such , such your countenance . and your tame-blinde obedience well befits such earth-bred , doltish , dull , and sluggish wits . but ayerie spirits acquainted with the light , will not be led by custome from the right . no loue , no friends , no predecessor shall peruert their iudgements ; they examine all . and for the food ye boast to eat boast still ; no root , herbe , fruit of yours , i handle will. they are corr●pted . ayre doth only giue true nourishment , and happiest meanes to liue . the sick-man shewes this , who the weather fayre , remooues for health , from close to th' open ayre . and for the light , your death doth it approoue ; when onl● then your eyes are seen to moue . then you begin to see , and loath the kinde which being blind themselues brought you vp blind , bereauing you of many a bles●ed sight , which we enioy , ●ho loue and liue in light . your freedom from all beasts i like . t' is ill ●o be s●bi●cted to anothers will : b●t that to your superiors i do hate , and therefore am exilde from euery state : i liue a poore thin creature , by the ayer ; my selfe i feed with hopes , others with prayer . my eyes i oft lift vp , and roole about , d●siring to be s●en to be d●uout . but neither with my bulke , nor with my backe supply the l●ast defect of others lacke . i beare no wooli to clothe , no flesh to feed ; let sh●ep , and calues , relecue the poore that need . i rauisht go with a distracted looke , a●d turne my mind , still , as i turne my booke , my will doth lead my conscience , not my wit. and euery riddle for my purpose fit : hating whats'ere is old , i loue the new and to all purposes , change my ready hue . my flesh is low , my spirit high and prowd doth contradict what order hath allow'd . i fast when others feast , feast when they fast , and with angelicall food , i do out-last all gormandiz●rs . come then , liue with me all that loue life , and light , and would be free . the salamander hearing this discourse , sayd . sure you both do argue without force . darke ignorance our nature doth contemne : and curious search wise magistrates condemne by blindnesse we our wants and dotage shew : to those , not reuerence but reproch is due . not priuatiue blindn●sse , our antiquitie showes , but onely that which by long seeing growes . but you blinde mole do ignorance affect , which breeds derision , scorne and dis-respect . for what a sensel●sse part is this in you , your fathers ●aults and errours to allow ? and not much rather to reforme your owne , by shunning the defects , which they haue showne ? your food is grosse and earthly ; dirt and mould mixt with old roots , do much corruption hold . yet ( though they gin to die , with age and wither ) the good with bad ( being old ) you cram togither . this makes my fiery spirit scorne to keep i● your darke celles , where knowledge seems to sleep . but you chameleon with a hand too bold , oppose , contemne , and scorne , whats'ere is old . you onely loue to see , but not to doo , you dote on knowledge and on error too . " t' is error , in our sight to ou●r●eene , " and but our owne , all iudgements dis-esteeme : " t' is error to be fondly ouer-wise , " too pure , too iust , too perfect , too precise . there is a meane● for knowledge sure doth liue " onely , where it doth good to others giue . you too too sawcie hidden secrets handle , and too too fond your o●ne conceits doe dandle , and cocker with obseruance : being so a friende to superstition , though a foe . the light you vse , is borrowed not your owne , the colours that you see , their ground vnknowne . your darke imperfect , double glimmering sight , is but th' extended beames of greater light . arising from vicinitie of fire , to which the purest elements aspire in their refined parts ; the earth in gold and pretious stones , doe most resemblance hold ; the sea in salt , in pearles , in dewes that rise , and to the sonne-ward with ambition flies ; the ayre in colous and in meteors bright , which the sunnes place vsurpe in darkest night . t is fire alone that searcheth and refines , and doth diuide the grosse from purer mines . t is fire that makes grasse , herbe , andtree to grow : meltes the seas icie chaines , and th' earths cold snow . it cheares the young , it cherisheth the old , reuiues the dying , makes the coward bold . nothing without it can be said to liue , whats'ere hath being , it doth glory giue . which makes me to determine , that the light which you inuisible call , is but a sprite made by your feare , and strong imagination , without true being , essence , or foundation . for light the greater 't is , doth more appeare ; so should that light of lights , if such there were . my indgement therefore in this rule doth runne , there 's nothing greater then the glorious sunne , here i set downe my rest . and for the schooles , that teach beleefe , let them still tutor fooles . from your contention , my instruction sprung ; and thus i learn'd to thinke when i was young . the mole doth feede too much on earthly meat , and the chameleon nought but ayre doth eat . i neither like your fast , nor yet your feasting , for twixt you two all earnest turnes to ieasting . and doth perswade me thinke , there is no food , in earth or ayre , that doth or hurt , or good . so all my knowledge , practise , life , doth chime , according to the current , state , and time . i thinke they 'r only gulls that liue in awe of any thing but want , death , and the law . i quench all fiery zeal wheres'ere i co●e ; and would haue policie speake , religion dumbe . i poyson with my breath , both foe and friend , and to my pleasuredo● each proiect bend : in briefe i onely am a freeman borne , who loue my s●lfe alone , and others scorne . the lamprey hearing this damn'd atheist tell , a tale befitting none b●t machiuael , thrust his eye-guarded h●ad aboue the brim , of the rug'd waues● and to the shore did swim . and on his slippery belly gan to slide , till he came neere the salamanders side . thou cursed slaue ( q●oth he ) though i proceed from some of thy neere kin , of serpents seed . and am halfe serpent , as thou wholly art , yet i am halfe a fish ; and euen that part prouokes me contradict the cursed note , which thou didst vomit from thy venomd throat . thy pedigree is lineally detiued from that great serpent , which at first depriued the rest of feet ; and being ouer-wise gull'd credulous man of glorious paradise . still thou partak'st that nature , and each tree , thy tongue or teeth touch , so infected be in root and fruit , that who so eats doth die , poyson'd b'accurst , cold infidelitie . too light beleefe , and too too earnest thirst of curious knowledge , causde de●th enter first : but now thy skill hath brought it so about , that hearing , seeing , feeling , still we doubt . and flying one extreame , we fondly fall into the contrary ; wise , fooles , and all . " yet blindnesse better is , then hauing eyes , " not t' acknowledge truthes , but count them lye● . " t' is better to be doubtfull what we know , " then to be truthes profest and open foe . the mole and the chameleon better are , and neerer truth , then thou thy selfe by farre . yet the cham●leon somewhat doth resemble thy nature , but he can more close dissemble . he is not so prophane , so impious , bold , to call all truth in doubt , both new and old ; though he giues darknesse not the praise he ought , and too too curious , after knowledge sought : yet he confesseth that there is a light he cannot see , through th' impotence of sight . but you all light and knowledge do confine within the sunne , as if it were diuine : and like a desperate traytor , foolish theefe , from art and nature steale , to kill beleefe . come then good fellowes ( quoth the lamprey ) take this monster vp against vs ; let vs make him an exampl● of our iustice showne , vpon truthes foe , so manifestly knowne . with that he nimbly twines himselfe about the salamander ( being quicke and stour : ) chameleon and the mole , the lampr●y aide which makes the salamander much disinay'd . yet he doth lay about with tongue , teeth , nailes , and bites them all , but oddes at length pr●uailes . and they remaining victors cast him downe f●om the steepe cliffe , and so the atheist drowne . then comming backe , they two the lamprey pray his wi●e opinion of their st●ife to say : that they may know to which part he enclines whether to darknesse , or where spl ndor shines . he soone consents , and tells how he ( by kinde b●ed and brought vp in ●u● ) is of the minde the mole spake truth . for happinesse ( quoth he ) " consists in what we haue , not what we see . and sight prouokes vs wish , and couet change and so in boundl●sse , endlesse , toyle we range . " he that knowes most , knowes best what he doth misse , " the losse of parad●se is only this . " th● simple innocent truth this instance fameth ; " man in the darke being naked nothing shameth . thus he discourst , then tells how he behaues himselfe in darkn●sse , vnder●eath the waues . how he prefers old gnorance , before n●w k●owledge , and ( i wot ) knowes cause therefore . shewes how for this opinion he was brought before the whale , yet lo●g in vaine was sought : tells how he scapes the sear●h b● many creeks and winding holes , when hipp●a him seeks : for they ( phoenician cre●ishes being swift ) are purseuants which he can hardly shift : yet he hath learned counsell , who directs his whole proceeding when he ought suspects . first subtle polypus to whom he cleaues , and seeming part of him the search deceaues . the turbulent cuttle , who doth raise the mud , aud such a colour mingle with the flood , that no eye can discouer where he lies , and so he often scapes the craftie spies . then creepes to stones that lye on silt and sand , ( not to the corner-stone on stedfast land● ) and if by chance they finde him spite of these , and so attach him , then he can with ease slip through their fingers , or himselfe vnwinde , by leauing some part of his slime behinde . he can equiuocate , and double so , that ●uery way at once he seemes to go . yet once he taken was , and brought to triall , where with his doubtfull answer● , stif●e deniall , low crowching , smoth conueyance , flattering guise he scap't th' exchequer , prison , and th' a●s ; si●e . then being askt , why darker ignorance before the light he did in speech aduance . he answers , first it was to try his wit ; not that he held it , to be true or fit . againe , because ●inall vse of light he had , he to make some fooles like himselfe was glad● with these slye answers , and great friends beside , and faithfull bribes , he did from danger glide : and such fe●'d friends he had in euery court , and euery office , at the least report of threatned danger rounded him in th' eare to shift ●is scat , before the storme came neare . ●en shewes he how the better to disguise ●is double face , he had two rowes of eyes : ●s though he lou'd all knowledge , and all light . ●ut ( quoth he ) only two of these haue ●ight ; ●he rest are hypocriticall and blind : ●et their appearance calmes the whales fierce mind ●hose easie nature open to abuse , ●akes shew for substance , colour for excuse . ●hus adapt and frame my selfe to follow ●he whales command , although my hea●t be hollow , ●iue at quiet , offices obtaine , ●ace in the warres , and in the coram gaine . ●ll which shall turne vnto the whales destruction : ●euer great fish , mooue but insurrection : ●or i 'le discouer all when time shall fit ; who trusts a halfe friend , hath not halfe his wit. ●hil'st thus he argu'd , and the mol● grew proud , ●o heare affected ignorance allow'd : ●nd that so many in that large dominion , ●emain'd vpholders of his stiffe opinion . ●he thinne cham●le●n gan looke bigge and swell , ●nd each complain'd himselfe he was not well , ●ut then too late , they found how they were stung ●nd poyson'd by the salamanders toung . ●here was no helpe , but die they must . in vaine ●hey weepe ; and each to other shew their paine , ●ill iustice did by death their paine conclude , ●ith tragicke end closing their interlude . epimythium . the mole is the blinde , obstinate , refractary romish catholike , who hath no other answere or reason for any article of faith , or point of religion , but this : my predecessors were of this opinion , and they were wiser then i am . his positions are . . ignorantia est mater de●otionis . . caeca obedientia meruit ex condigno . . ●ides implicatiua sufficit . he obeyes that which he calls the mother church , before god , who is his heauenly father . for he had rather breake ten of his commandements then one of hers . gods sabboth day is his play●day , and euery saints day , his sabboth . what hee spends on christmas day , hee spares on ashwednesday , and goodfriday . and this is his generall rule , two fasting dayes , makes the third a glutton . the chameleon is in england a familist , at amsterdam a brownist , further on an anabaptist he liues by the aire , and there builds castles and churches● none on the earth will please him . he would be of the triumphant and glorious church , but not of the terrene militant church , which is subject to stormes , deformities , and many violences and alterations of time ; he must findeout sr. thomas mores vtopia , or rather platoes communitie , & be an elder there : in this point , and in that of r●●isting ciuill gouernours , he seems the same with the romish catholicke . but they are tide onely by the tailes , like sampsons foxes , their heads like ianus looke diuers wayes . they are boutefewes & carry betwixt them a fire-brand to inflame all christendome . they haue in the imagination an idea of ●uch a church , and such keyes as the romanists mad● boast they poss●sse : but they will not haue them the ●me , nor to resemble theirs . foolish alchimisters●hey ●hey are both , seeking a ph●●osophers stone , and neg●ecting the true elixar , the corn●r-stone . they boast ●o build golde on the foundation , when what they ●aube on is adulterate stuffe , laid b●side the founda●ion . they beggar themselues in s●●king for wealth ●broad , whil'st at home they neglect that pearle of in●●tinable price , for which the wise m●rchant giues al ●hat he is worth . if euer i could heare papist cleare ●he pope from being antichrist and proue he must bee ●ne singular person , i would then beleeue that hee ●hould not spring from a ●ew of the tribe of dan , as ●hey fable , but ●rom a promiscuous coniunction be●wixt two fugitiues , to amsterdam , and rome . the salamander is the atheist , hee is contrary to himselfe , and hatefull to others ; he poysons all with whom he con●erseth , and knowes some philosophy ●no diuinity . hee seekes all wisdome in himselfe , where the tutor is the master foole ; and is so inquisitiue after the cause , that he forge●s both the ●nd and the causer . his reason is his god , and that being false , is not able to direct him to search & see the true god. thus he is drown'd in the sea of his own foolish and boundlesse imaginations● and being 〈◊〉 a pretty childe , is brought vp for his mo●hers cocknie , spends his youth like a witie foole , his manhood like a reasonable beast , and his age ( if iudgement cut him not off ) like ● deuill incarnate . the lamprey is the subtill shotten catholike or church papist . he coosins the law and his owne sou● too . he is worse to trust then the open and profest 〈◊〉 cusant . he hath no good conscience , for conscientia 〈◊〉 scien●ia cum alia scientia . n● good zeale , for zeale 〈◊〉 intentio virtutu● theologicarum ( an opposite to hypocrisi● , with which h● clokes himselfe from all pena● statutes ) . h● is neither fish nor fle●h ; but halfe fish , an● halfe serpent , as they s●y which write of the generation of the lamprey . a man m●y easily surfet of such meate , and a s●ate so ●ne indanger it selfe by suffering such to increase . there is no law can meete with thei● fraud . the churchwarden is the coppiholder . the parson is his chaplaine . these dare not present him . a fine will vndoe the first , and a prohibition begge● the other : yet these the law presumes must first speak or none . if these do their office , the i wery are perhaps his tenants ; he is a iustice of peace , a great man their neighbour . if they finde him guiltie , there are pillars in the excheaquer : or if these faile , a friend or kinsman in court makes all sure . these scape thus themselues , and shelter others in their houses and abroad . because the state through conniuence accepting a weake and imperfect shew of conformitie , giues credite to their conuersions , and intru●ts them in place where they may doe much hurt . the goods , leases and monies of the meaner and more resolute sort are past ouer to thes● , and passe free vnder their priuiledges and protections . the character to know these is this . they come to church once a moneth , and then when prayers are done and the psalmes sung , p●rhaps at the beginning of the sermon . they are prag naticall , and haue for the most part trauail'● and ●rought home ignorance : they are stiffe and inflexi●le , and call it strength to oppose truth and reason . they extoll forraigne gouernment , and slight all domesticke graces . they magnifie the infanta , the archduke , and spinola ; but vilifie his excellence and the states . they will dispu●e scandalls● or what may seem scandalous , and that only at tables , where if you stop their mouthes with argument , they pretend they could say more , but that their mouthes are stopt with meat . they trauaile still on sundaies , and remooue against easter . struthiocamelus . dedicated to the vertuous knight , sir iohn heueningham , and his charitable lady . vvhat on our selues we spend , doth through vs pa● and leaue vs ●aked , as this ostrich was : this makes you on the poore bestow so much , and no expence but owne your selues to grutch . a wealthy marchant late in barbary , through sandy desarts passing ; chanc't to sp● an ostrich eating iron which he found , by trauellers scattered vpon the ground : quoth then this merchant ; prithee let me know , what nourishment , can from those mettals grow ? th● ostrich answers ; sir i do not eat this iron , as you thinke i do , for meate . i only keepe it , lay it vp in store , to helpe my needy friends , and friendlesse poore . i often meere ( as farre and neere i goe ) many a fow●dred horse that wants a shooe : se●uing a master that is money-lesse : such i releeue and helpe in their distresse . with trauellers i meete that are beset by theeues and ●obbers often . then i beget my selfe a●ong the thickest , and present out of my ●aw a pistoll ready bent , a sword and dagger , or some such like toole , to help the true man , and the theefe to coole . the merchant mus'de ( as well he might ) at this , and thought within himselfe ; this fellow is most fit for my imployment , i will straight hire him to be my bailiefe . no deceit lurkes in his simple shew ; he 'le surely keepe , my plow-yrons , when my lazie hindes do sleepe . this to the ostrich motion'd , he agrees , the wages are set downe , the vailes , the fees , the liuory , with circumstance enough , and they come home● and now god speed the 〈◊〉 the ostrich carefully laies vp the rakes , the pitch-forke teines , the yron-pointed stakes , the wedges , hammer , hatchet , and the nailes , th● sithe , the sickle , and the biles of pailes , the share , the coulter , heele-yorne , and the cocke , the whip , the horse● shooe , with the key and locke . he needs no locke and key to keepe them vnder , but keeps both lock & key , where you wold wonder . then comes into the house , puts vp the gun , the sword and dagger ; and when this is done , deuoures the dripping-pan , the cob-irons , spit , and swallowes all the iron bit by bit . the merchant prais'd his fortune , that he had got one so good , ' mongst many seruants bad . told him he shortly would his state preferre , from being bailiffe , to be treasurer ; for he could not inuent a surer hold , then th' ostrich had for siluer , or for gold . and now the merchant leauing one at home , that he may well trust , goes abroad to rome : neglects his house and lands , thinkes all is well , and as he wont to doe , doth buy and sell . mongst other things he sold , because the warres began afresh , he truct for yron barres . for he was one of those that would for gaine : sell bullets , where they were shot home againe , and did our mines and woods on ordnance wast , which spite of lawes , he to the enemie past , much yrone he had at home , and sold beside all kinde of armour fit for such a tide . so home he comes glad of so good a mart , for here he knowes the ostrich playes the part of a good bailiffe . he may easily thriue , when such a full winde doth his fortune driue . his land he finds vntill'd , he wonders then and thinkes the fault rests on his lazy men. they say they wanted yrons for the plough , he wonders , for the bailiffe had enough . he findes his house all naked , not a bit of meate prepar'd , the cooke wants pot , and spit● he goes to bed , the theeues assault his house : he hath no weapon to resist a mouse . h● riseth early , lookes for his munition , the place remaines , no yron in fruition . his barres are gone , his houshold-stuffe , and all , now to account his bayliffe he doth call . the seruants ioyne in their petition first , and shew their griefes , ●ow hard he was , and curst . how he kept backe their wages and their meate , and gaue them worke , but gaue them not to eate . how he neere hand had made a monstrous neast , where whilst they fasted , he and his did feast . and thither he conuaide the yron worke where the she ostrich and his young did lurke ; who swallow'd all : for they haue mawes as large as culuerings , which would as soone discharge the yron loade ; and sooner farre would spend , and bring a world of wealth to lauish end . the ostrich to excuse himselfe bewraies the place where safely he this yron layes . carries him to a priuate hole , where still he dung'd , when he his maw did ouer-fill . quoth he if you can good distinction make , each seuerall peece you may from hence vptake . the plow-geares , cart-geares , and the toole for war , spits , pots , and cobirons , here together are . each wedge , knife , hammer , and the smallest naile , drawne lymbick wise through stomacke , guts & taile it 's a rare chymicall extraction now , better then all the drugs the mount-bankes show . it passeth our elixar , or the stone● sought for by many , but attaind by none . th' obstruction of the liuer , and the spleene , it opens , mollifies , and purgeth cleane . a secret t' is assured , for madnesse , folly , wild i●alousie , and cloudy melancholly , it cures the gout , and qualifies the cause , suppling a hide-bound purse like th' oile of lawes : it dries vp humours , humours that a bound , and mans weake body it makes safe and sound . the merchant stood amaz'd , but at the last , he seazde vpon the ostrich , held him fast : made him be tide be●inde a horse , and stript , ( his buttocks bare as now they be ) and whipt . ransackt his neast , and brake before his face his egs , though his poore hen in hope of grace , did sue for their repriuall . but in vaine , he look●s to finde his iron there againe . which missing he proceedes , exiles him quite , and then vpon his gate this note doth write . let rich-men wisely feare , all such as feathers weare , it 's lost whats'ere they borrow , and soone their mawes goes thorow : the substance they consume to nought but smoke and rheume ; but th' vse they neuer faile to pay with tongue and taile . the ostrich euer since his breeches lost , goes like a naked rogue at whipping post . he hates a horse to death since he was stript , and for his fault , ti'de at his taile and whipt . he hides his egges , and couers them from sight , lest man should find & break them . thus they write . epimythium . the merchant . figur●th parsimony , the ostricl prodigalitie ; what the one gathers , the other spends . ages , nations , and particular persons haue their alternall variations and vicissitudes , euen in gathering and expence , as in all other passages . ●there bee few scraping fathe●s , but their children proue witty scatterers , or foolish retainers : experience of many ages scarce produce one contradiction to this generall obseruation . the father vs●th no more diligence in damning his soule by getting goods vnlawfully , then the sonne doth in sp●nding them prodigally : let this therefore learne vsurers , ingrossers , and oppressors of all professions , ( if they loue their wealth , and would not haue it wasted ; or loue their children , and would not haue them vndone ) to secure their estates rather from their children , then for them . it is not the want , but the enioying of aboundance that vndoes many men . the rich father who dares bestow nothing on himselfe ; and the prodigall sonne that spends all on others , and keepes nothing for himselfe , are the miserablest beggers in the world . others haue pitty and prouision to helpe them , t●ese nothing but derision and scorne . no hospitall will entertaine them ; only the father finds roome in bedlame , and the sonne a hole in the counter , or a dungeon in newgate . onocrotalvs . dedicated to the right hopefull knight , sir thomas sovthvvell . your name hath long been mist , now fairely rise and make your country flourish . all our eyes are cast vpon your actions ; then on vs reflect your loue . shun onocrotalus . vvhilome within the persian gulfe did haunt a fowle much like our greedy cormorant , cal'd onocrotalus , who vsde to prey , on fish , or fowle , or beast which past his way . he had a crop vnder his bosome wide , in compasse like a sacke , and thereto side . much harme and spoile he did , for none could passe but fild his pouch , if bird , beast , fish , it was . at length th' oppressed birds , with fish , and beast , petition to their soueraignes , and request aide and protection gainst the open wrong , this tyrant daily did , and had done long . the beasts vnto the lyon made complaint . birds to the eagle . fishes did acquaint the seas great emperour the whale . with griefe , they all sustain'd , and all implor'd reliefe . long was it ere they could be heard , for still , the cormorant , ( for so we call him will ) had many friends in euery court , which he maintainde with large shares , and full liberall fee. for still his gorge full laden , ready stood , and when they mist else-where they here had food : food of each kinde , for euery stomacke fit , and such as fauorites were , had part of it . long thus he put them off , yet at the last , by counter-bribes , their weake petitions past . the eagle first did seeke him , and he found , the theefe where he would wish , vpon the ground , quoth he , well met , are you the fowle that prey , vpon our harmlesse subiects night and day , that none can this way passe and vse his trade , but is a subiect to your fury made ? not i sir ( quoth the cormorant ) i am one , that liue in contemplation all alone . this poke i begge with , to sustaine my need , and i no fowle am but a beast indeed . quoth then the eagle , wherefore serue thy wing ? o ( quoth the cormorant ) thou mighty king of feathered fowles , these two are my forefeet , held vp to honor thee , with reuerence meete . and that thou maist be full resolu'd , and know that i vnto the lyon duty owe , as subiects to their soueraignes , not to thee , without thou wilt vsurpe authoritie , and into other neighbour realmes incroch ( which to thy iustice were a fowle reproch ) heare but my voice . with that he steps aside , and in the water thrusts his wezand wide , and like an asse gan bray . the eagle straight hearing his voice , suspected no deceit , but p●●● away to seeke what now he saw . when the late noyse he made did thither draw the kingly lyon , who did hunt about , as th' other did to finde th' oppressor out . and when he spide him ; what art thou quoth he the beast gainst whom so many plaine to me ? o noble lyon , quoth the cormorant , i am a fish , the water still i hant . and here i take my food , and lead my life , free from oppression , and each cause of strife . why , quoth the lyon , now i heard thee bray like to an asse . true , true , my lord ye say , ( quoth this smooth hypocrite ) for i would faine be like an asse , so innocent and plaine . i loue beasts well , and next your excellence , the humble asse , for still his patience . and now to put your highnesse out of doubt , behold me swimme and diue , ( so launcht he out far from the lyons reach ) if beasts quoth he , can swimme and diue thus , i a beast may be . with that he diues , saying , sir fare you well , your faire commends to the king whale i 'le tell . the lyon parted thence ; the whale that way had sought this monster all the liue-long day ; and seeing such an vn●outh thing glide past , within his kingdome , with such nimble hast ; he call'd and bad him stay , and will'd him tell , if he were onocrotalus , that fell and cruell murtherer , who hauocke made of all that in that wealthy rode did trade ? o mighty emperour ( aloud he cri'de ) i hardly scap't euen now his cursed pride for being by my noble master sent , ( the eagle king of fowles ) you to present with birds and other iunkets in my crop , he needs would me from your glad presence stop ; and but he heard you comming , i surmise , his lawlesse force had made me lawfull prize . quoth then the whale , i search to meete that slaue . but what art thou that canst so well behaue , thy tayle and nimble fins ? art not a fish ? that i were such ( quoth he ) it is my wish . i like thy milder reigne where subiects say , for loue , and not for dread , they thee obey . and would arm'd in white scales , if i might choose serue thee a fish , and my blacke feathers loose . but nature this forbids ; yet still i striue , euen from my youth , fish-like to swim and diue : and vnderstand their language , and conuerse with them whose ciuill manners , are lesse fierce then beasts or birds be . for they drinke far more and eat much lesse , then we doe on the shore . this drinking i delight in , and haue tride , by all good meanes to make my belly wide . yet see , i am a fowle . so vp he hies , and takes his wings with speede , and far thence flies ? the whal● then found his cunning and straight sent a priuy letter of his close intent , both to the eagle and the lyon stout , to meet and ioyne , and finde this out-law out . they met , and ioynd , and then this out-law found nor in the sea , nor yet vpon the ground : nor flying in the aire , but in a hold , a hollow tree , whose strength made braggard bold . they spoke him faire , but he discerned plaine , their drift , and cride● faire words make idiots faine . they threatned him , but threats he doth deride , and saith , by threatning words none euer dyde . the eagle would haue ventred on his neast , but he his bill held right vpon his breast , like a stiffe souldi●rs pike , sharpe , long , and armd ; and no way but right downe he could be harmd . the lyo● would haue torne with teeth and nailes the tree vp by the roote , but wanted sailes to swim so farre , for it in waters stood . the wh●le then thought to tosse it in the flood , but in a rocke it grew , and growing so , he bad them do their worst , he fear'd no foe . they saide , they would besiedge and starue him out ; he laught amaine , and shew'd how gainst that doub● he was prouided , hauing store to serue so long , till if they staid , they all would starue . then each bethought himselfe of many a wile and war-like stratagem , how to beguile this politique rebell , and to force him yield or starue within , or venter to the field . all workes the ayre , the water , or the land did ere produce , these captaines vnderstand : b●t none found able to enforce his strength : the warlike ly●n yet conceiu'd at length how to effect it . great confederates heare , ( quoth he ) what i propound . there 's uought i feare but what i speake of . once i did rebell against out generall soueraigne man : to tell this fault doth touch my honour , but you all , i ●now haue been co-partners in my fall , and his most gracious pardon . then , o then i kept within my fort , a hideous den caru'd out of rocke it was ; and no way he could force me out , or make assault on me . at last with indignation mou'd , he takes a mighty flint vp , and with hurling , breakes the same against a rocke , which flying sings , and sparkles from the ayre betwixt them springs as from a red-hot yron , when a smith with heauy hammer beats it on a stith . neere hand he had before laid leaues with rosse from okes torne with a northern blast , and mosse dride in the parching sun : and wood which dide by killing age , and stood my den beside . the sparks inflam'd this stuffe , which in the mouth of my darke caue he plac'd : the winde then south forc'd in the smoke , and this ayre-thickning smoke infor'd me thus , either come out or choke . the issue you remember : this alone must be our proiect now ; or art hath none . hie therefore braue-bird brother , quickly take twixt your strong tallents this great flint , and make experience of my plot . mount with it hie and let it fall , that fire may from it flie : which kindled once , fan gently with your wing , and cherish with soft breath : then let the king of fishes with his mighty nostrels puffe till it ●lames fiercely , and burnes hot enough . this counsell they applaud ; but th' eagle thought how purer , hotter , flames might soone be ●ought : and vp he nimbly fores the milke-white way , where ( being a minion knowne ) he findes no stay ; each dore ●●ies ope alone , till to the eare of mighty loue he gets , and let him heare his businesse and his suite , which was for fire and thunderbolts ; loue grants his full desire . downe quickly he descends and makes a traine about the place where this theefe doth remaine : then powder he applies vnto the root of t'hollow tree , and thence the slaue doth shoot . he shoots him thence into the ayre as hye , as th' eagles selfe could follow with his eye . and downe he comes and doth descend the deep , where the still center doth no motion keep . then vp againe aboue the swelling maine , he bounds , there floting without sense or paine . and ere he can recouer labouring breath , that 's lo●h to part , the whal● from vndern●ath the traytor doth attach , and straightway brings to be arrayn'd before the other kings . him they examine , but he will confesse no truth , but what they know as he doth gh●sse . then they doe racke him ( being rent before ) yet he no truth , but many a lye doth rore . till with the violent torture and constraint , life almost failing , and with sufferings faint , his gorge he vomits and bewraies with paine the truth , for which they sought so long in vaine . and first ( preposterously ) he casteth out , all slimy lubricke meats , eele , gudgeon , trout ; the citie heires , gilt-head and golden●eye , belonging to the sea-kings soueraignty . and with this euidence conuict , the tryall proceeds to proue him guilty in denyall of farther wrongs done . the wood-cocke , parret , the goose , the dotterell , lack●daw prone to parret , the sea●gull and the cinclos weake and friendlesse , and of poore widdow - turtles numbers endlesse , with diuers subiects to the royall eagle , he doth as easily voide , as erst inueagle . yet still vnto the lyon he denies himselfe a trespasser , but all those lyes he lately made , and late was taken in , afford presumption of his farther sinne . for which againe they racke him one pin higher , and then he vtters more then they desire . a foolish cony , and an innocent lambe , a credulous cal●● new weaned from the dam , and yet in wardship ; a ridiculous m●use for feare of cats leauing her sheltring house : and last of all , ( for which the lyon greeued ) a hare , from execution oft repreeued . all these with easie vtterance , doth declare that he did fowle , nor beast , nor fishes spare but preide on all , and so became a prey to the eagle , whale , and lyon , eu'ry way . which prou'de and made by demonstration plaine , beyond the power of impudence to faine : he then excepts against th'vndue proceeding , they in his apprehension vsde , not heeding the law of nations , but by force constraining ( himselfe ) an others subiect , remaining in peace , and league with them , to be arrayn'd like to a traytor , and with tortures payn'd . he saith the place he kept in was without their iurisdiction , and he made no doubt to proue it with large priuiledges blessed a sanctuarie for the poore distressed . they slight his cauils ; and the whale demands in whose vnknowne , strange gouernment it stands if not in one of theirs ? for ayre , earth , sea , and all they haue ( but man and what mans be ) , doe properly belong to one of these , who may dispose of all , as they best please . i pray then ( quoth the corm●rant ) relate to whose emperiall crowne , and to whose state , my enuy'd neast belongs ? which of you three claime th' interest as lord by right of fee ? for if it proper be to one , the rest haue done much wrong , t' vsurp his interest whose it should be . this question he did make hoping thereby their setled loues to shake ●y couetous ambition , whilst they all ●ould make their claimes , and so asunder fall . ●ut the foreseeing eagle bids him minde ●is owne affaires , and not to thinke t'vnwinde ●he snares true iustice laies about his life , ●ut interposing such slight cause of strife ●etwixt such firme friends , in strong league combinde and with all strength of entercourse entwinde . and yet to satisfie this curious doubt , know ( quoth the eagle ) that being hem'd about with floting waters , it belongs to him who gouerns all that in the waters swim . but as it on the stedfast earth doth stand , it longs to him that is the king of land . and the large tree which spreads his spacious bowes in th' open ayre , within my kingdome growes . thy neast thus longs to all of vs , thy food stolne from our subiects , in th' ayre , earth , flood : and thou thy selfe must needs , if thou beest either beast , bird , or fish , be one of ours ; if neither , say what thou art , or whose thou art ; for all but man and monsters in this number fall . then ( quoth the cormorant ) i doe belong vnto the fearefull dragon , whose blacke tongue threats death to each of you , and keeps in awe your humbler spirits , making his will your law , he is the king of serpents , whose strong breath confounds your strength with all-subduing death . he rules the vpper region , purging fire which searcheth hell , and doth to heau'n aspire . this , this alone it was which i obay'd when that strong law vnto my neast you layd . but you that sprightly power by int●usion falsely vsurpt to my deuout confusion . fire onely to the dragon doth belong ; to him , and vnto me , you haue done wrong . to him i doe appeale ; and haue resort in this great cause to his infallible court. this speech inflam'd their hearts with heat & scorne to be confronted thus , thus ouerborne by a base villaine who did proudly brag on the free protection of their foe the dragon . so with a full resolue , they all agree each for himselfe and his reueng to bee . the lyon takes , feet , head and throat away : with those he walk't and like an ass● did bray . the eagle seaseth on his wings and taile , with these he bird-like in the ayre did saile . the whale his body swallowes at a bit which he vs'de fish-like , diu'd and swam with it . thus traytor-like hee 's quarter'd out and caru'd ; would land and water pyrats were so s●ru'd . epimythium . the water pyrat euery one doth know they rob our marchants , and allegeance owe to no command ; dutie to none will giue , but out-lawes , like the sea wherein they liue . our pyrats on the land haue sundry kinds , and sundry obiects . our goods , bodies , minds . law-state-church pyrats , when no church , state , law , can their irregular liues to fashion draw . the first pretending gouernment of all , and freeing such as into danger fall ; doe kill in curing , and oppresse with easing both the delinquent , and the free displeasing . the second guard our land from forraigne force , whilst they themselues ( perhaps ) afflict vs worse . strangers may not deuoure vs , yet we are by peace eat vp , more then we wont by warre . the third are of two kinds ; our owne and others , who not in doctrine , but in fact are brothers . our owne feed few ( for the dumb dog still lurches ) they 'le not teach one , but swallow many churches : they vnto ignorance our soules betray ; and to seducing diuells giue silent way . the other knowes , no king , but knowes their subiects , and faines to reconcile , but make them abiects . no place is priuileg'd , no law , no nation : for all the world his parish is and station . rome giues him licence , and although he swim in the whole sea , there is no roome for him . he cries where s'ere he comes ; al 's mine , giue room ; and if it be oppos'de a fatall doom becomes his vsher . kings must kisse his foot , if curses , pistolls , poyson , hell can doo 't ; but if nor these , nor hell , then faux more skilfull will charme the open earth , blow vp the wilfull . these cormorants my bleare-eyde muse hath spide : but there are many cormorauts beside . if any man seeke a true body for this shadow , let him read commines his fourth booke ; where hee shall see lewis of luxe●b●rgh earle of s. paul & constable of france , playing the right part of onocrotalus with le●is the xi . king of france ( shadowed by the eagle● because hee ouer-sored the other princes in wisedome and policie , and because that kingdome hath been honored with ●he emperiall crowne and armes ) as also with the king of england ed●ard the fourth shadowed by the lyon ( both in regard the lyon is part of the armes of england , and for that the said king was a most valiant prince , hauing been personally present in nine set battailes , and remaining conquerour in all . and lastly with charles duke of burgu●die , shadowed by the whale ( both in regard he was strong by sea , as also for that he was terrible and cumbersom to all his neighbour princes ) if any seeke farther they seeke without mee , and must be their owne guides . the asse . dedicated . to the learned and iudicious knight sr. hamond le-strange . some beasts are ●minous some birds are so , but massolanus and ●our selfe say no. hee slew the augurs bird● my ●illy asse . may ●o a wise-man without perill passe . although in ●taly , in france , and spaine , and all those hotter regions , there remaine great store of asses ? and with vs but few , saue some that our late trauellers do shew . and though the pope and romane clergie ride in euery lowly , patient , humble pride vpon these beasts , or on their bastards rather , as fits each single , simple , holy father . i would not haue you thinke my meaning such a beast of theirs or of our owne to touch . the asse i talke of , bred in thess●ly came to a country man , a neighbour by and made great mone , that euery sauage beast in woods and fields , the greatest and the least misus de him , wrongd him , made it all their sport to trouble him , who had no remedy for 't . the man seemde pit●ifull , enclind to good , and gaue the asse aduice to leaue the wood , to dwell with him who able was and strong , his weake retainers to protect from wrong . true ( quoth the asse ) your wit , your strength i know , but how can i deserue the grace and shew ? what benefit or pleasure whilst i liue can i doe you , who must my liuelyhoood giue ? quoth man , for my protection , and my meat you shall affoard me but your dung and sweat , those excrements t' inrich and lust my ground , that it with corne and vintage may abound . and when i chance to trauell farre and nye , you like a friend , shall beare me company . the asse was glad the cou●nants were so good , and straight agrees , nor long consulting stood . the articles were drawne● read openly , sealed and deliuered interchangable . and homethey goe , and long together dwelt without repentance ; neither greeuance felt . but man in innocence remain'd not long , and since is apt to doe all innocence wrong . sure here it fell out so . the crafty man wo say and vnsay , lye , and cauill can , went to the asse , and ( all inrag'd ) demands ? why all that while he had not dung'd his lands ? sir ( quoth the asse ) such compasse as i yield i haue with daiely care laid in your field . true ( quoth the man ) but that will not suffice to dung my ground , that plenty may arise ; yet so you vndertooke . then out of hand see you prouide enough to serue my land . and yeeld what you keepe backe good store of sweat or i le giue store of blowes , but not of meat . the asse finds he is wrong'd , but sees not how to right himselfe ; weake men to stronger bow . he does what man commands , and rather more till man grows rich , and so grows proud , with store . then man must trauaile , must his kinsfolke see and other countries how they fashion'd be . the asse must goe with him , so 't was agreed to beare him company . well mote they speed , the man a saddle sets vpon his backe , a hal●er on his head , which wit doth lacke . what meane you master ( quoth the simple asse ) these will but make me weary as i passe ? foole ( quoth the man ) thinke you i le haue my page● not suited to the fashions of this age ? i should be sham'd to s●e you neere me stand , without a cloake , and bout your neck a band . proud was the silly asse , to heare he stood so high in fauour , and doth onward skud with willing pace , not like a sleepy snaile , but tossing of his eares , winching his taile . long trauailde they , till to a brook they came , wherein a many siluer fishes swam . a bridge was n●●re , but man withheld his eye , and would not see the bridge , some reason why . the asse went through the water : quoth he then , all beasts are far more happier than all men. you are by nature safely cloth'd , and armde , gainst cold , heat , drought , and wet ; we easly harmde with any small annoyance . you are free , and gainst all these extreames must patient be . the asse being prais'd , vpon no ground stood still , but must turne backe againe to shew his skill , to boast his valour , let his master know all his good parts , and s●ruices arow . now sir , quoth he , you on my backe i 'le beare , safe o're this water● g●t vp , nothing fear● . the man leapt lightly vp . dissimulation " doth neither stirrup n●●d , nor great perswasion . the asse doth quickly passe the ri●er . then he stayes , and prayes him light . no , ( s●ith the man ) proceed vpon your iourney you can beare , i dare not light , to fall i stand in fear● . i 'le kneele then ( quoth the asse ) and down he kneels , the man straight raisde him with his whip and heels . o master ( quoth the ass●● you promisde meat , you● cou●nant giues no liberty to b●at . ●oole ( quoth the man ) the word expresly meant , wages for worke impli●s a punishm●nt for sluggishnesse and sloth ; make haste away , our busin●sse and the time permits no stay . so on they goe , till the asse now almost tyred , askt pitty of the man , and ease desired , th●t the would daigne a little while to light . the man denide it , and then laught out-right . and doubled blowes with whip , with heele , & staffe . o tyrant ( quoth the asse ) dost fight and laugh ? are these th' effects of promises and words ? is this the peace your law , bond , faith , affords ? keep you your couenants thus ? o man thinke how you make vs traytors , when you , breake your vow . why ( quoth the man ) my couenants are vnbroke , i haue performde whatsere i wrote or spoke . i giue you meat , my meaning likevvise vvas , to giue you blovves , if that you plaide the asse . i was to haue your ex●rem●nts and sweat . i cannot haue those but by vvorke and heat , therefore i ride you . you were to attend in all my iourneyes on me like a friend . and vvhat is liker to a friend i pray , then a mans drudge , that toyles both night & day ? that carries him through thicke and thin vvith paine , and a sure stud for all turnes doth remaine● o ( quoth the ass● ) the vvorld vvas neuer good , since other on mentall reseruation stood . i only vvas to beare you company , true ( quoth the man ) to beare , that 's carry me . o damn'd equiuocation , vvho at first , ( quoth the poore asse ) this double doctrine nurst ? no merchant , tradesman , lavvyer , nor diuine , though much frō truth they warp , frō grace decline , could be the a●thors of this ample euill , but truthes professed foe , that i●gling deuill . that diuell who taught it first , and practiz'd too , in paridise , vnto our generall woe . that diuell which doth renue in euery age , by this alone his kingdome and image . for without this his kingdome would decay , and without this his image weare away . this onely murthers truth , opposeth faith , deceiuing , whether true or false it saith . if true we dare not trust it fearing ill . if false , like truth it looks , and tempts vs will. quoth man , thou preachest well ; and well mightst passe couldst thou speake latin too , to say a masse . thy folly was in fault rashly to draw , thy articles without aduice at law . there wanted stops , pricks , letters , here and there , and by your leaue some words the truth to cleere . nay quoth the asse , had euery word , stop , letter , been left vnwritten my estate were better . this is the plague , when power expoundeth lawes not as the truth requires , but as the cause . when euery letter may an error breed , to helpe the rich , and begger such as need . when tyrants do capitulate and treat not to conclude , but to deceiue and cheat . when your false minds are candi'de ore with words as your gay sheathes conceale your bloody swords . now ( quoth the man ) i thinke that balaams asse , or golden apuly's , thy tutor was . thou art so eloquent , so learned , witty , as if thou hadst been taught in athens citty . in athens ? ( quoth the asse ) now i espie , you speake no truth , but when yee thinke to lie . i was a cockny once , of noble blood , traind vp in athens court , and in the flood of pleasure , bathde my youth , ( but not in art , ) which causde this transformation , teares , and smart . yet went our master , and was well allowde● ( with many of my kin ) in that thicke crowde , when philip did so learnedly dispute , and made demost ●enes with wonder mute . i was in fauour then , and then did passe , for braue and wise , though now i be an asse . for no man ought to iudge by forme , or face , by fauour , or imployment , or by place , which are the wise and foolish . dunces oft ●passe by great doctors . baboones leap aloft . and they may proue like me , ( li●e to be switcht , ) if they my fortune meet , to be bewitcht . how i bewitched was , you now shall heare . there is no true accomplisht caualere , that hath not trauailde . and the'rs few of these , which scape bewitching , passing ouer seas . when i first trauail'd , my braue spirit did moue , t' attempt great ladies and to purchace loue . i purcha'st loue so long , till all i had , was purcha'st from me , and my selfe full glad , to leaue both court and citie , and to try , a better country fortune to espie . with much much toyle , and many courtly shifts , at length i did arriue mongst craggy clifts , and barraine rocks , t' a smoaky house which stood alone , besides a fearefull desart wood . there with a wither'd witch i long time staid , a bel-dame that had been mede●es maid . she turn'd me to an asse that very day , th' odcombian wit , did odly scape away , he may his good shooes praise , pray for his heeles , by those he scap't . and yet i feare he feeles , his braine , was turning , if he euer passe that way againe , he will turne perfect asse . and so will many more as well as i , except they stop their eares , as they passe by . no ( quoth the man ) this is a pretty fable , fitting the end , so neere vnto the stable . i le now alight , we two are perfect friends , my iourney and thy tale together ends . so they went in to rest , but euer since , the man mounts on the asse , although he wince . there is no remedy , and he must obay , that 's sadled , bridell'd , and bound euery way . he might haue look'd before he made his match : now ti 's too late , when time was past to watch . yet euer since he letters hates and learning , when ther 's no fault in them , but his discerning . he shunneth water too , all that he can , the cause which made him first a slaue to man. epimythium . we must learne from hence these lessons . . first to beware with whome wee deale : for if hee be stronger either in person , or by friends , wee shall become his prey : if hee be richer , hie gold will weigh dow one siluer : if he be more eloquent , his lies will be belecued before our truths : if hee bee the iudge , he will giue sentence according to his honour , or at least according to his owne profit . this is seene by generall ●xperience , and ●sp●cially in that man of sinne , who pretends to iudge of all controu●rsies , and expounder of all doubts ; d●termin●s the darkest things to be cleere in his owne b●half● ; and the most clecre and pregnant proofes brought against him , to be darke and obscure . . secondly , we must beware of whom wee take counsell ; they may be our enemies to morrow , that are our friends to day ; we often shew our euid●nces to such , who for a larger free giuen by our aduers●ries , know how to betray vs , and open a gap for the ouerthrow of our cause . . thirdly , to whom we slee for protection from wrongs , lest shunning the buzzard , wee become a prey of the sparhauke . many poore men are swallowed in this pit-fall : we make lawes to tye our owne winges . so much of euery act is taken as will scrue for lime-twigs to take vs ; the rest which should reforme , lies vse lesse . we receiue strength into a towne , which beeing once in possession , hold for themselues , and plague vs worse the then enemies would haue done . so the brittai●es ( our fellowes ) call'd in the s●x●ns ( our fathers ) and all histories are full of like examples . we●el might the last yeere haue looked into this glasse , now it is too late . the hand which holdes it , hath practised the falcone●s first prou●rbe in many places before . it knowes how to holde fast : and knowes no other honour , but profit . but c●llis was wiser , who would rather yeeld it selfe to the archduke then expect profferd deliuerance by vs. the french durst not let vs haue footing againe in france , we had taught them too well before how hardly we are intreated to let goe our hold in so good a countrey . let this then teach vs to beware . . fourthly , let vs take heede to whom wee giue and what we giue . a talent is too much for a cynicke to receiue ; a groat too little for a king to giue : discretion must guide liberality . many bounties haue miscarried , and been lost , vndoing both the giuer and receiuer , whil'st they were not proportioned according to the worth and respect of both parties . our age may looke in this glasse . who giues some the first peny , giues him earnest mony to begge still , encouraging rather then releeuing . giue such the whip . we often giue presents to our betters , & they expect the custome still : power demands that of duty , which was first granted by way of bencuolence . lastly let vs beware what we receiue from others and what we put on . it may be a saddle , which wee thinke an ornament , and a bridle which we thinke a grace . diuers forraigne ouertures shew this , and at home the inu●stitures of ireland , made by the pope to henry the second whereby that sea challengeth right in ireland . all other titles and prerogatiues●which come from thence , are of this nature ; and were sent to this end , to be witnesses of their interest . doubtlesse the diuell pretends thus to bee author of our knowledge ; & saith but for him we had neuer known good and euill asunder . our lawes and priuiledges written in the norm●n● tongue are euidences to prooue our subiection to william of norm●ndy ; as the vniuersall speech of the latin proued the worlds slauery to rome , though none were thought free men , and braue fellowes , but such slaues as spake that tongue ; the rest barbari●●s . merchants will trust vs to draw vs into their book es ; they bridle and saddle vs with gay clothes , ( like foot-clothes to asses ; ) then they girt vs vp sure , and mount our backs , whil'st we can walke free in no ground , not in the streets . our stable is the counter , where we are mad● right asses : hither many courtly gallants make hast to come , and to stand at liuery in the hole . cvriale . dedicated to the good acceptance of master flyode , admirall to the queenes maiestie , and of her counsell . the court from flies and fleas you cannot free , whilst such sweet meates , good fires , soft beds there be : yet guard your eyes and eares well , for we know , princes both heare and see by such as you . the flie and flea hauing in court got place , saw all such courtiers as were chi●fe in grace . still present with the king : how in his eare for being busie , some rewarded were : others they saw get wealth with standing nie : but none did thriue that were not in his eye . they thought since these alone grew rich and braue , they would as nimbly too themselues behaue . ●hat they were black could be no hindrance thought , ●or many blacke gownes their pre●erment sought . ●ut their ambition reacht t' ingrosse all grace , ●nd shoulder others from so wisht a place● ●nd thus resolu'd , the flea leapes vp alo●t , ●nd in the kings eare falls with footing soft . ●he foolish flie did mount with speedy wing ●etwixt the eye-lids of th' amazed king ; ●ho with his nimble hand did apprehend ●he rusticke courtiers , and their hopes soon end . quoth he , ye saucy traytors , dare ye thus ●resume our presence neuer cald by vs ? or being come , is there no other place ●n all our court to please you , but our face ? and in our face no roome can you espie , ●ut our reserued ●are ? our tender eye ? ●n all my kingdomes you might freely range , and varied pleasures euery minute change without my perturbation : only heere your boldnesse you shall both with life buy deere . and though the eagle takes no fleaes nor flyes y●t for pre●umption both by th' eagle dyes . epimythium . this tells inferiours that they must not aspire too high , nor presume too far●e . all persons are not ●it for all places : fooles mistake , and ouer-doe ; wise●en warme themselues at the fire , where children ●urne their fingers : many seeking to be in grace , disgrace themselues . none was thought fitter to bee emperour then galba , till being made emperour he prooued himselfe vnfit . or age hath seene many of these babels , whose ruines seeme greater farre of● then at hand . in a darke night each mete●r , each i gnis fatuus seemes a sunne ; but the day , comming neere the sunne , they cannot bee seene . there bee many ofthese , who if they had not attained preferment , would haue thought themselues wronged , and the world would haue thought them vnfortunate ; as if enuy had crost honour from beholding them with equiualence : when now hauing attained what their ambitions desire , they see their owne insufficiencies , and the world iudging them vnworthy of such eminence , say they serue for nothing but to keepe out better men. their high flight rather helpt by the winds strength , ( by fauour and grace ) then by their owne wings ( vertue and true worth , ) serues onely to shew the world it s owne blindnesse , and their weakenesse ; for being aloft in the top and pride of their pitch , they make many plaines , and dare not come freely at all occasions ; but they soone stoop to the lure of the dead quarry , hauing good stomackes , but bad hearts ; what they speake , what they doe , as not out of their owne strength and sufficiency , but from others direction . they are french souldiers and statesmen ; their horses , their seruants must be knighted , for these did the seruice ; it was not the rider , his care was only to keepe the saddle warme and to sit sure . againe , it tells superiours that the poorest and most despised creatures may annoy them . lice presume into ●●araohs bed-chamer , in spite of the guard , the vshers , and pensioners , the squires of the body , the gentleman , and the groomes ; where none durst come before but minions and fauorits . wormes craule into herods wombe , euen then when his flatterers and all the people crie out , vox de● & non hom●nis . hee spake well but he did nothing : he vsed eloquence and learning to his owne glory not to go ds : god therefore shew'd him that he was a worme and no man , who a little befote did both in place and voice shew himselfe like a god . a ●lie skips into pope alexanders cup and into his throat and kils him , who a little before chalenged to haue the keyes of life and death in his hands , and with his cup of abominati on s poysoned not only the poore flies ( the subiects ) but the eagles ( the kings ) of the earth . despise not therefore litle ones . remember how sisera and abimelech fell by the hand of women . and sigebert king of the west-saxons was slaine by a swine-heard of combra●●s , euen in that place where sigebert had slaine combranus before , for the good and wholsome counsell he gaue the vnthankfull king. solarivm . dedicated . to the absolute and open enemies of ignorance and darknesse , and the true louers and followers of light and knowledge , sr. iohn crofts and his happy lady . the clock that chim'de your praise , went right for still the diall rulde his tongue the sunne his will. and as these led him right , you follow may , to heauenly glory , through the milk-white-way . in some part of the world , i know not where , but sure s● . thomas mard●uile was there . betwixt a clocke and a sunne-dyall fell a difference which i with sorrow tell . with sorrow , for this error calls to minde th' vncertainty , which we in story finde ; where computations crosse , and make vs doubt of what we all seeke , cannot one finde out . how to agree , and reconcile th' obscure , the fabulous , and c●rtain● age of our . the age obscure ; is that before the floud : the fabulous , on fained wonders stood the race of gods , on gold●n legends told , where for sad truths , mad ●ictions were enrold . this latter age more plaine and cleere , we call the certaine age , or th' age historicall . yet houres , and day●s , and yeeres haue sure been lost in some of these , which our accounts haue crost . and so they easily might , when from the sunne to lying clocks for our accounts we runne . this tale makes all apparant , or at least , makes probable , what some haue thought a ieast . within a churchyard once a dyall stood vpon a square hewne marble , which the flood in vaine with enuious waues had often sought to spoile , when it the whole world vnder brought . but seth's wise sonnes had fastned it so sure , it could all stormes● and stre●●e of times endure . and thereon they had caru'd the art , and lore they learned of their grandsire long before● vpon a church or steeples side neere hand a goodly clocke of curious worke did stand ; which ouer paysde with lead or out of frame , did time miscall , and euery houre misname . th● dyall hearing this , aloud gan cry kinde neighbour clocke your glib tongue tells a lye . reforme your error , for my gnomon●aith ●aith you gad too fast , and misse an houres faith . foole ( quoth the clocke ) reforme thy selfe by me , the fault may rather in thy gnomon be . had'st thou tould euer truth , to what end then was i plac'de here , by th' art of cunning men ? the weather-cocke vpon the steeple standing and with his sharpe eye all about commanding , heard their contention , wil'd them to appeale to him the chiefe of all that common-weale . told them that he was set to ouersee and to appease , to guide and to agree all diff'rence in that place ; and whatso'ere he setteth downe from iustice cannot erre . for from the winde he information takes which searcheth through the world , & swiftly make● a true suruay of euery proofe and cause , and doth of reason know the ground , and lawes . he bids them boldly speake , and bring their pleas , and hee 'le define th' infallible truth with ease . the dial then beginnes . the globe-like world from center to circumf rence being whorl'd in neuer-resting motion , maketh ●ime in sundry reuolutions fall and clime . this time the measure of all mutable things comes with lead-heeles , flies hence with fiery wings ; sleepes with two eyes , hath two eyes euer waking , twixt minuts , hours , daies , nights , distinction making and though the diff'rence and degrees of change , in seuerall yeares , be wonderfull and strange ; some by the moone , some reckoning by the sunne , and some the great yeare , whē th' heauens hauing ru● their compleat course , doe to that point arriue whence the first mouer , them did motion giue ; yet the most generall certaine count of all is measur'd by the sunne , whose rise and fall makes day , and night , and noone , and midnight too , spring , summer , winter , autumne , and the two solsticiums , equinoctials , and the houres now naked , and then deck't in gaudy flowers . this adam to his grandsons hauing told , with other arts , and wonders manifold , how all the world both fire and flood should try ; they plac'd me here , to tell posterity such hidden mysteries ; and to direct the wiser soules deep-diuing intellect . about me they haue grau'd seauen liberall arts , the sciences , with their diuiner parts , a circle and a gnomon set aboue with characters ; which as the sunne doth moue in his ascent , or low declension , tells the certaine houre , degree , and all things else . but for my speech was slow , and cause the sunne did often vnder clouds for pleasure runne , succeeding ages did this c●ocke out finde t' attend on me , and to declare my minde , from me intelligence and rules ro gather to measure night , close stormes , and cloudy weather : and in the morne , finding his reckoning wrong , by my straight rule , to tune and set his song . but this forgetfull clocke at randome strikes , not as i bid , but fondly what it likes : robs short-liu'de man of his most precious time , and orderlesse , doth others orders chime . it will not follow me , but wanting wit , vvould haue the sunne and me to waite on it . this matter so apparant , though i might wild weather-cocke , except against your right to iudge , and thinke you partiall at the least , since you o're-cloude me when the sun comes west , and will take part with it , that 's in the name , in nature , and in sight , almost the same with you ; yet know i'l● not refuse thy censure , but high place with honour vse . thus did the dyal end , and then the clocke low-louting to the powder weather - cocke , began his pl●a . thou mighty soueraigne vvhich doest the vniuer●all ●udge remaine in all those places , where thy pearcing eye can see , or my shrill voice be he●rd to cry . behold this impudent , poore , negl●ct●d post how it gainst me , and gainst thy sta●● doth bost embasingthy great wo●th , n●gl●cting mine ; as if the glorious sunne did n●uer shine , nor his sweet influence on vs l●t fall , but that the dial had ingrost vp all . vvhen all the world knowes thou wer 't placed there the sleepy hind● vp to his worke to reare , to call the scholler to his booke , and wake the the●●e which at thy shrill voice gins to shake . thou art the cheerefull dayes embassador , in whose praise once these lines composed were . a crowned king , a compleat knight , an armed captaine , fit to fight , a plumed courtier , fairely clad , a louer that was neuer sad , a trumpetter● the house wifes mate , who riseth early , sleepeth late , a querister , the poore mans clocke , all this is our great weather-cocke . this sacred antheme all the world doth sing● to thee the suns bird , ●ho doth tidings bring , o● his approch and rising : as for me i heere was seated , next thee in degree to giue thee ease , to tell the wondring people what thou discouer'st from that lo●tie steeple , the whil'st thou keep'st thy voice from ●ub●les , and art for silence honour'd with large fees . the dial is my ward , first placed there that common persons who presume not neere thy hallow'd thron● , may haue intelligence and learne from me the close and hidden sence of all those characters , and not expound as list themselues , darke riddles , so profound : nor contradict , nor yet correct by force , according to the gnomon , my true course ; but the false gnomon rather to correct by my aduice , whose way is still direct . who knowes not , that the sun in his round race , many degr●es is gone from his first place , and like a drunkard reeling to and fro , with giddy steps doth shift his circle so ; that where he was euen now , he comes no more , his course is all confusde , behin'ds before ? needs must the dial then deceiued be , which trusts a guide that doth so disagree within it selfe , and without iudgement shines alike on all , making of fooles diuines . and teaching fishermen to see as farre , as learned shepheards , without other starre . too common in this guide , to guide aright ; or if he could , where is the guide for night ? i then am present still at euery neede poore erring man , in ignorant night to leade . then why should this bold dial , dare to speake against my greatnesse , or the orders breake of custome and consent ? since all make choice to feede , fast , pray , or play , led by my voice ? and that all bargaines made , all wagers laide , not by the dial but the clocke are paide ? which truth , whilst all the world dare neuer doubt , this dial seemes to question , and ( growne stout ) exc●pts against thy iudgement too , that thus he might be free and seeme to gouerne vs. but since our causes are so neere of kinne , let that respect some grace and fauour winne with thy high holinesse , that thou maist see to giue iust sentence for your selfe and me . the weather-cocke thrice turn'd himselfe about , as taking care to minde the matter out ; and thrice return'd , as if he were as free from preiudice , as from integritie . then thrice hee claps his wings ( which courage showes ) and thrice aloude his senslesse sentence crowes . to giue a reason , wherefore , how , and what , when , where , by whom , or fondly this or that , might argue reference to higher power ; but what is he whose place doth equall our ? we are the rule of reason , truths cleare law . heare then with reuerence , and obey with awe . without more question , argument , or triall , the iudgement i pronounce against the dial. the dial shall be guided by the clock● this is the sentence of the weather - cock. which when the cl●ck had heard ( puftvp withp●ide ) he ginnes the wronged dial to deride ; and sits his tongue at large , too much , too soone ; twelu times he fetch'd his breath , & laugh'd out none . the dial then with indignation moued by this inuectiue speech their fault reproued . poore silly clock ( quoth he ) reioyce thy ●ill , time will reforme thy ignorant zeale with s●ill , stay thy distempered course , which hurried now , by mad-braind humor , goes it knowes not how . time that 's my pupill , shall thy tutor be , and teach a diff'rence twixt thy selfe and me ; then thou wilt know thy error , and recant that euer thou wert proud of so much want . but as for thee ( thou iudge corrupt and base , who bindst all knowledge prentise to thy place ) know this , th' all-seeing sunne thy folly knowes , and to each vulgar eye thy shaddow showes , that they may plainly see how poore thou at thy head deform'd , defectiue euery part . and that those high prerogatines of state you challenge proper to your selfe , are late vpstart intrusions , vsurpations new ; forg'd by the force or flattery of some few . the promise which you boast , to haue the winde blow where you list , and alte● when you minde , is false , and foolish ; but 't was promisde still to blow and guide you right , if that you will. and so it doth , so it doth others too , if they consent , not whether they will or no. for when they would the point and quarter know where it doth breath , on me they looke ; i show the truth to them and thee , if you looke right , if not , you are misled by your owne sight . but how can'st thou others from error keepe when as thy selfe foulded in error deepe , shun'st reformation , and wilt neither minde , my graue directions , nor the powerfull wind ? i can remember , long before thou wert when wise alcedo stood where as thou art . he calm'd all stormes , and pacified the wind to patient sufferance , bent his humble minde . he to the fisher , and the seaman gaue directions , how their storme-tost barke to saue . when by the lee-shore , when to lanch the maine , and when to lie at hull , when to remaine in harbour anchor-fast , and when to saile with a full winde , and when againe to vaile : how , where and when , to cast their nets , and lay their hidden hookes , where all the skull do play . some of each kinde , yet at each corner stand , who still loue truth ; in spite of thy command : their heads look south , because the wind blows there , thy taile stands south , thy head the winde doth feare● ill might he fare that in alcedos place , set thee , who springest from a bloudy rac● . his error , and thy pedigree behold as it in ancient story is inrould . a trayt'rous slaue , his master hauing slaine did sole commander of the world remaine . but whilst he slept ; a chickin of that cocke which cephas check't when he denyde the rocke , and forc't him to repent , to sigh , and weep , did with his voyce the murtherer wake from sleep , and would not suffer him to rest in sin , but he would rouse his conscience still within● this murtherer , a cocke of kinde did get , and him to kill this kinder cocke did set , who soone perform'd the taske he tooke in hand : for chauntecleer would ●uffer , not withstand . he watchfull was and tended his vocation , to stirre vp others to their occupation : he lou'd the pearle more then the barley corne ; to crow , and not to quarrell he was borne . so he was slam● , and slaine by one of those from whence thy proud succession strangely rose who hight alectrion , and while-ere had bin the pandor vnto mars and venus sin , and then ( being captaine of great mars his guard ) , stood sentinel , and kept both watch and ward , for feare that phoebus all discouering eye , should them vnwares at their stolne pleasure spie . but ouert'ane with sleep , he did not wake till vulcans net did both the lechers take ; for which the angry god ( inrag●d and mad ) his sleeping souldier , all in feathers clad , his sword turn'd spurr●s , himselfe a cocke of kinde , his armes and body changde , but not his minde ; that 's bloody still , and too far prone to sight without respect of persons , cause , or right . els● would he ne're haue been so mad to kill , a harmeles cocke , who had no thought of ill . but him he falsely slew , and hauing ●●aine did for this murther , of a murtherer gaine too great preferment , to be set vp heere in t iumph t'ouersee all , farre and neere ; to be ador'de with vniuersall praise and triple crownd with oliue , oake , and bayes . him thou succeed'st both in thy minde and place , an armed champion , of that yron race , a souldier , none of his whose badge thou bear'st ; but rather one of his whose crowne thou wear'st ; thy narrow heeles are sharpe , thy tongue is short : to prey , and not to prayer fit t'exhort . thou wilt not crow to ro●se the world from sleep , but with thy silent charmes , it drunken keepe . when thou most seruant-like thy head dost beare downe to the ground , then cockes their crownes ma● feare . thou seek'st a fained quarrell then to pick , and wilt with both wings mount , with both heeles strick● at euery feather come , stab either spur vp to the hilts ; and furiously bestur thy ready parts , t' attaine thy bloody end , and all the world to thy owne scope to bend . thou trumpet'st warres and curses ouer all , and ouer-c●owes , but wilt not crow to call thy selfe and others of thy ranke , and place , from looking on the earth , to view the f●ce of the all-searching sunne , and by his light to measure truly what is wrong and right . the cock is kil'd that peter caus de to weepe , th● petrean pastor now may safely sleep . ●leepe though he hath deni'd his master too ; ●or none t●admonish him hath ought to doo . crauen awake , behold how i deride ●●y mutabilitie , thy sloth , thy pride , ●●ou stand'st where he stood who claim'd all the world , ●●d shalt with him from that steep heigh● be hurld . ●bout thy head each prating bird that perks , ●a●e take the name and place of learned clerks , and vn●o royall eagles offer lawes , ●vhen each eye sees , they are but iangling dawes . and though all lyons in the desart feare , and crouch , when they thy crowing voice do heare● our lyon scornes thee , when he heares thee crow ; and with his ●oaring voice the world doth show , how poore thou art , how cowardly , how weake , who shak'st & trēblest when thou hear'st him speak . and yet how proud art thou , t' vsurpe a place of iudgement ouer me , in this darke case , and to prefer the clock for want of wit , vvhen i should be the iudge of thee and it ? the sexton comes , hee 'le mend all this anone . vvith that the angry clocke in rage strooke one . the sexton came indeed , and one did tell , look't on the diall , saw all was not well . for that said twelue , the clock said one and past . he tooke the weights off , which caus●d too much hast , suruaide the wheeles , for there the fault might be , and found some cog supply the place of three . some whe●les were taken off , and borne to court , to trundle vp and downe , and there make sport . and some with dust , and rust , were duld and foild , and some stood vselesse , so the clocke was spoild . which to reforme , he mends the wheels forthwit● files , oyles , and beats them throughly on a stith : makes weights and wyere fit , then by the sunne sets the new course , which it doth truly runne . then going vp the steeples top he spies the weather-cocke how palpably it lies . for at each corner the kings-fishers stood , full south ; and that the dial prooued good . but the fond weather-cocke ( being w●ather-wise ) from the calme blast turn'd his scornefull eyes . the sexton tooke him downe , and straight did see an easie way how he might mended be , his head was too too great , with . combes crownde which euer when the wind blew turn'd him round . his taile was too too weake , when euery feather was bent with storms , and broken with the weather the sexton cut his crownes , and gaue more saile with them and with the spurs vnto his tayle so humbled now in habite , looke and minde , he waites with due obedience on the winde : knowes his high place was not to rule , but serue , and means no more from this strict course to swerue● this tale no mortall needs , it is not darke , but points a worke fit for our learned clarke who by the dyal may reforme the clocke , and by kings fishers turne the weather-cocke . we haue the winde to helpe vs and the sunne , and works are halfe accomplisht when begun . then who 'le begin ? who is on our side , who ? where words , winde , writings faile , resolue to doe . i had thought this tale should haue needed no other ●ongue then it s owne to bee rightly vnderstood . but because i see it too misty for some apprehensions , whose wills are as desirous as others to know truth , i haue added this by way of illustration to enlighten such as accept well of my good meaning , which is to informe others according to that which i haue recei●ed , and to be reformed where i erre my selfe . . first the teaching part of the militant church , which consists of the clergie , i haue vayled vnder the cl●cke● . the wheeles are the distinct degrees and offices they en●oy of superioritie , and inferioritie ; wherein the harmonie of the whole consisteth . the weights are the priuiledges , immunities , prerogatiues and donations of seuerall kinds , bestowed vpon the church in seuerall ages , by good kings , liberall professors and benefactors . the challenge the clocke seemes to make h●ere to rule the dyal , resembleth the controuersie the church of rome raiseth in the catholicke church about the exposition , the restrayning or publishing of the scriptures . . the dyal is the written word , which is of it selfe dead and vnprofitable , without farther illumination . since none of the philosophers , nor salomon himselfe by the me●re strength of nature , could from thence draw sauing knowledge , without sauing grace . but as the dyal hath reference to the sunne ; so hath this to the sonne of righteousnesse . neither am i without warrant for vsing this bold allegorie , since the sweet singer of israel compares the same word to a lanterne , and the spirit to a light , when he saith elegantly , and like a diuine poet , thy word is a lanterne vnto my feet , and a light vnto my path . now as it is absurd that the dyal should bee set by the vncertaine gadding of the clock : so is it more absurd that the clergy should so iudge of the scriptures , as to conclude o● teach any thing by w●●● pretence soeuer against it , or to vouch vnwritten veri●●es ( as some call them ) or traditions contradictorie to the written word . but much rather as the 〈◊〉 ought to be set by the dyal ; so ought the church to subiect it selfe to bee directed by the scriptures . and to prooue and examine it selfe by the same rule whether it be in the faith or no. and finding i● sel●● in the right , it ought by manifest proofes and arg●●ents from thence to shew forth the same faith 〈…〉 . thirdly , the weather-cocke who 〈◊〉 himselfe as iudge in this controuersie betweene the dyal and the clocke , is that pope of rome , who challengeth the same prerogatiue iure diuino , oue● the church and scriptures . how falsely he doth this , and yet how impudently , is well knowne to all . for i know not what the pope hath more to doe with the rule of the catholique church , then the weather-cocke ( because he stands vpon the top of the steeple ) hath to doe with the gouernment of the clock and dyal . i haue heard and read the reasons vpon which the contrary opinion is grounded , but for my owne part can see no strength in them able to turne any but weather-cock● . the prioritie of place , the whole church perhaps would bee content to yeeld him for the generall peace , and to expresse the true humilitie of holy pastors , who follow the example and doctrine of their master christ . but for him ( that turnes and returnes as vncertainely with euery blast of humor or occasion , as any weathercocke at ●e change of the winde ) to challenge not onely the ●mmunitie from errors , and the infallibilitie of iudge●ent , but also to be christs vicar generall vpon earth , 〈◊〉 peters successor , the apostolicall prince , and vniuersall bishop of the whole church , to haue all power in heauen and on earth , and all iurisdiction both temporall and spirituall , impropriated to his cha●re , and ●nnexed to his place , this seemes strange ; and they ●ustly deny it him , who are not giddy with standing ●oo neere him , or troubled with the same vertigo , by ●eason of the height of place , from whence they looke ●pon the rest of the poore afflicted and distressed ●ocke of christ iesus . but for this proud challenge ●hey know truly how to style him the great antichrist , and crowne him with this triple crowne ; the man of sinne , the whore of babylon , the vicar generall of hell . certaine pieces of this age parabolizd . viz. duellum britannicum . regalis justitia iacobi . aquignispicium . antidotum cecillianum . by thomas scot gentleman . scire tuum nihil est . london , printed for francis constable . . dvellvm britannicvm . dedicated to the eternall memorie of that admirable combat performed by two valorous knights , sir robert mansell appellant , and sir iohn heydon defendant ; where both equally expressing fortitude and skill in giuing and receiuing wounds , scaped death , notwithstanding by the onely fauour of prouidence . since you haue done more then i can relate ( a miracle in conquering death ) what hat● is that , then death more deadly , which suruiues to cloude the glory of your after liues ? be reconcilde ; we shew most strength and skill in mastering our strong frailtie , our weake will. duellum britannicum . homo homini daemon man may man perswade amisse , but the skill and cunning is , to rule him right , to cause him do● what true wisedom●●o●gs ●nto . see how the busie lawyers throng twixt man and man for right and wrong● those papers , all those bookes are writ , to reconcile mans iarring wit. pistols , muskets , rapiers , swords , all the engines war affords● are for man prepar'd , not hell : there no foe like man doth dwell . " man for sport baites lyons , beares , " man alone man hates , and feares . great volumes in few lines epitomiz'd are easiest apprehended , and so priz'd . large countries in small maps are best suruaide , because the sense ( in these abridgments staid ) keeps company with reason , neuer flitting from that firme obiect their ioynt powers fitting . thus the whole world is in one man exprest , and euery part describ'd and iudged best . then noble britain● do not scorne to see thy owne face in this glasse i proffer thee : two of thy children , whose fortune tels , what danger and assur'd destruction dwels in thy dis-vnion ; and how fond they are , who with false reasons nurse thy ciuill warre . the two ( two worthies , nobly borne and bred ; inrich'd with vertue , and vpon the head of court and kingdome plac●d , ( as iewels worne for vse and ornament ) now rent and torne , remaine sad spectacles ; and cry aloud o man , why , being mortall , art thou proud ? why art thou proud of beauty ? roses blast ; or of thy wealth ? the mines of india waste ; or of thy strength ? since sicknes , age , or wounds let loose the stiff-strung ioynts , and spirit confounds . or of thy honour , and thy high-borne blood ? since to be great is not worth praise , but good : or of all these ? since all these , and much more wh●rton and steward had , lost , and di'd poore . much more they had ; so much , that hard it is to tell what either wanted . earths chiefe blisse , ( their princes fauour ) like the sunne aboue in his hot solstice stood , and did improue their blooming youth's with ripened fruit , before their thoughts could hope : ô what could they wish more ? friends sought thē , fortune blest thē ; blest them so , that which might happiest seeme was hard to know , neither had cause of enuie ; except thus , as th'eies● hands , feet , which guide , guard , carry vs ; whose selfe like shape , and equall vse admits no warre , but fellow-feeling of such fits , griefes , and diseases , and each part sustaines ; so shar'd they in all pleasures , toyles , sports , paines . nor had these other cause of warre at all , " and causelesse warre is most vnnaturall . yet ( oh ) that subtle spirit incens'd rash blood with franticke rage , that enery ill seem'd good . they first must pray ; so vndeserued gold " ill got , we waste , and haue no power to hold● then they proceed to words , from words to blowes ; " the way to ill is easie ; but who knowes the clue that we returne by ? hence proceeds a challenge from wrong'd wharton : steward needs no such stale prouocation : mischiefes feet " are swift to blood : their quicke desires soon meet , and ( met ) soone fight ; bold steward falls by fate ; wharton by chance : those powers each other hate . so i haue seene from th' indies east and west , two ships well rigg'd and mann'd vpon the brest of thetis d●ncing , spreading flags abroad for ioy of their long-wisht-for english roade ; past now all dangerous ro●ks● gulphs , pyrats , sand , ready t'vnlade their rich fraught on firme land , and tell the story of their perils past , and frolicke with glad friends in peace , at last . when spying each other so bedeckt , adorn'd , with outward pomp : ones pride the other scorn'd , and from that enuious scorn some word proceeding , and from that word some blow , from that blow bleeding . then giuing way to fury , all inrag'd , both are in desp'rate tearmes of fight ingag'd . the fire in water , lead in th' ayre , their center doe madly seeke ; and both these r●dely enter the strong ships wombe , and ransac●e euery hold , for pretious life , neglecting indi●n gold . the shot seems thunder , but the dying grones of slaughtered soules , shrike louder , deeper tones then roring cannons , whose thicke charging rout le ts water freely in , and poures bloud out . in this hot fight both firmly doe defend , both nimbly do assault , both madly spend , strength , skill , and all to hurt . conquest inclines to neither part as partiall . equall lines are drawne betwixt them both by fate and chance ; till th' one his topsaile fairely doth aduance to win the winde , and in that vantage flies with force and fury on his foe ; who plies all meanes to salue this losse , and to regaine faire ods , or equall standing once againe . but all in vaine , fortune , the winde , and sea , con●ederate with the aduerse seeme to be . so this to sinke ( rather then yeeld ) resolues , and halfe his tatter'd sides the sea inuolues . when th' other ( couetous ) grapples with his foe , to bourd and rob him : and ( being chained so ) the s●ip that leaks sinks , and with his weight drawes the conqueror with conquest , to deaths iawes . so fares it with these noble combatants both equally of blood and honor vaunts : both enui'd and belou'd alike , both friends , both yong , both valiant , and their life and ends so paralell , and twin-like like in all that they obtain'd one graue , one ●unerall . one graue , one funerall , they obtain'd , yet lost the ●ame and honor their youth thirsted most . because their quarrell on false grounds begun , could not produce true praise , nor true blame shun . the wounds thou gau'st stout wharto● had bin good against thy kings or faiths foe ; and thy blood heroicke steward , had been nobly shed , against such slaues ; so both had brauely bled . and your brasse monuments had spoke the fame of whartons noble , stewards royall name . then the fierce challenger for his quicke charge , and stout assault with wounds giuen deepe and large ; his apt command of euery part soone shunning , all wounds saue one , giuen more by chance then cunning and the defendant , who so long time stood drownd ( yet vndanted ) in his owne life blood ; and deadly wounded , past all hope of liuing , death in his death to his haile fooeman giuing ; had filld the largest leaues of fames faire story , and both worne wreath of triumph , conquest , glory● and then like patterns ●o both realms , set out by vertue for example ; the wise and stout had been your schollers , and their lessons read , in those greene fields , where both so boldly bled . bnt now ( aye me ! ) as rocks , bars , sands , at sea , or marks set vp to shew ships where they bee , or rather as some wrack'd ships selfe , whose mast ore-looks the waues , and yet still sticking fast in th' eating silt , bids the wise pilot flye the tracklesse path , where such hid dangers lye . so stand these two , the signes of woe , and ruth , of shipwrackt honor , fortune , valour , youth ; and by their deaths confirme this speech for good , " vertue hath greater priuiledge then blood . " our soules are gods , our bodies are the kings , " and he that in his priuate quarrell brings " either of these in question doth betray " the kings part , and giues gods part cleane away . england , behold in wharton what thou art , and scotland see in steward euery part of thy best power ; shun enmitie and strife , none but your selues haue power of eithers life . let no slight toyes ( the snares and traines of hell ) breed war betwixt you two ; but kindly dwell within this i le as in one house , the rather being thereto wooed by your good king , kind father . if not , peruse this glasse , and let not me the fatall prophet of such ill newes be to your succeeding times ; but choose you whether you 'le still liue friends , or like these die together . dvelli finis : a cast of falcons ( in their pride at passage scouring ) fowle e●pide securely feeding from the spring , at one both ayme with nimble wing . they first mount vp abou● mans sight , plying for life this emulou● flight in equall compasse , and maintaine their pitch without a lazie plaine . then stooping freely ( lightning like ) they ( counter ) dead each other strike . the ●owle escapes● and with her wings their funerall dirge , this lesson sings . " who aimes at glory not aright , " meet●s death , but glorie takes her flight . epitaphium georgii whartoni milit. th' offence was great , worse the report , the ini●r●e reuenge acquitting , and life with many wounds ta'ne for 't arg●'de a minde true honour fitting . " for sluggish cowardice doth shame " anoble stocke , and ●onour'd name● epitaphium iacobi stewardi armigeri . vvith an vndaunted heart i fought , reuenge and choller me assailing , in fight i fell , with courage sto●t , my life and ●oes , together failing● i dig'de my graue out with my sword , and stroke , whilst life would strength afford . ivstitia iacobi . dedicated to the graue , reuerend , and iudicious knight , sr. robert gardiner , sometime lord iustice of ireland . so many men presse now for place in state , deseart and worth cannot come neere the gate : ●ut happy were it for the state and vs , ●f we ( as rome did ) sought for curius . ●here should we finde him , farre from court , with you ●erhaps a gardiner , or perhaps at plow . ●et euen the same which pyrrhus did withstand , ●amnites , and sabines ruld , as you ireland . ●hen should our kings cleare iustice shine too brigh● ●o suffer potent wrong , cloude impotent right . ●hen should this act of iustice so aboue ●ll presidents , make others like it moo●e . but wretched we , whilst few the doore can passe of high pre●erment , but the l●den asse . regalis justitia iacobi . devs videt . man , angell , nor the fiend of hell , can mans heart see , search , and tell , that god alo●e doth vnderstand , closing all thoughts within his hand , he better knowes then priest , iudge , scribe , who gaue the last cause-carrying bribe . he sees , when sentence goes aw●y , where the hidden ground doth lie . he kno●es if it be true or no , the doubtfull witnesse sweares vnto● he markes the iewrie and their leader , and obserues the lying pleader . he notes the councell what they doe , and the kings heart searcheth too . how hatefull is this silence ? i haue stood wishing , expecting , musing long , who wou'd with honest thrift , this faire aduantage take to fame himselfe for euer , and to make this sencelesse age conceiue ( perhaps commend ) the good we now enioy , not apprehend . time was , kings words were like to apples , snatch'd from t' hesper●des , so obs●ru'd● , so watch'de . none ●●ffer'd to drop downe ; all highly prizde preser●ed , recorded , apothegmatizde . but now their words ( though or●cle● to those of former times , though verse vnto their prose ) are slighted by this lip-wise age of ours ; whose rootles knowledge bears no fruits but flow'rs where is the man whose better fate , admits him place , time , meanes , to heare the king of wits . discourse like salomon , of euery thing , begot betwixt the winter and the spring ? determine euery doubt that doth arise twixt heauen and earth , the ●diot and the wise ? that doth for priuate vse , or publike good make knowne how sab●-like , he vnderstood ? and did not ( like the pictures ) waite for show to fill place only , but to learne to know . this man is yet no courtier , or at least no daily waiter ; scarce s●●ne at a feast . too poore and plaine to trauaile , and bring backe the ●ongue and heart of treason ; he doth lacke a face t' outface his wants , and doth bewr●y his ignorance in euery arrogant way . he meanes good faith and speakes it , though the lip of censuring law , his state and body stript of coyne , and eares , and freedome ; it 's no crime , to speake truth ( he thinks ) though 't be out of time . he is no chamber traytor from hell sent , to v●dermine the soules high parliament . he cannot candy poyson ; wants the waies to tickle truth to death , with her owne praise . he dares not weare a desperat● suite t' vndoe himselfe , a mercer , and a taylor too : and then make that the preface how to aske towards his vnknowne losse in the last maske . but such as can those court-lie mysteries want time for this . themselues are histories not easely learn'd ; t' will aske a perfect man to read them daily o're , do what he can . and ere he learns by heart each attribute appropriate to the body , and the suite , himselfe growes old , or a new-fashion springs : which shifts the scene , the forme , and face of things . thus silk-worms spend their times , & schollers too haue idle worke enough to turne them to . perhaps a paire of feete and a tongue stroue who should walke fastest , and most countries roue . in fewest howers to smallest purpose ; these at length returne ( their trauailes finisht ) please to publish their fond iournall . but ( alasse ! ) neither themselues , nor their huge worke can passe our presse vnpraisde . o courtiers thither hie , gallants , wits , poets ; let your muses flie not to reforme , or settle this light braine , but render him more wilde . your selues shall gaine much wonder by 't ; extol'd shall be your skill , for writing well in ieast , in ●●rnest ill . or if not this , some other witty taske staies your continuall leisures , and doth aske inke from your pens , t'asperge , deforme , defile , states and their instruments , with libells vile . no man must liue without your fawning praise , nor no man die without your rounddelaies . death maks you sport , & stroks which force the state , stagger and reele ; your humors eleuate . " vice liuing , is preferd to vertue dead , " the present , no time els , is honored . if you attend on kings , it 's to obserue their imperfections , where their frailties swerue in rash attempts or passionate words vnstaid , from iuster rules , their intemperate bloods once laide as if kings were not men , weake , fraile , and poore , like to their subiects , and subiected more . as if at rome ( whether you send this newes ) all there were saints , & your popes court no stewes● as if that you a patent had from hell all things to say or doe , but nothing well . o! if you yet retaine a graine of that , which your high aimes would seeme to leuell at : or if no faith ( but that you atheists be , and nothing but vnhallow'd reason see ) if but a sparke of that remaine intire , which you seeme to monopolize ( the fire prometheus filch'd from lou● ) let that bright flame kindle your zeales for selfe , kings , countries fame , to vse those opportunities , parts , pl●ces , intelligences , meanes , friends , fortunes , graces , you haue ' boue other , for the publique good , that we may vnderstand you vnderstood . learne saba - like to heare , obserue , report , the good our salomon speakes , doth at court. not shemei - like to slander , curse , deride , religions nurse , arts glory , vertues pride , bnt you contemne my admonition . goe feed ●at for hell , the place you co●et so . and let my humble muse , applaud , admire and celebrate he●uens grant to our desire . tell what thou seest and feel'st . ingratitude " receiues , craues swallowes , a whole multitude " of gifts and graces , without thanks or cense , " and with dul silence beats heauens blessings hence● " it is d●traction to conceale due praise , " when good related , might more goodnesse raise . " it is not flattery to report truth well ; " true glasses both our faults and fauours tell . here then receiue this one worke royall ●ames , which now reflects vpon thee , and more fames this church and ●ingdom , then thy birth , crown , pen , or ●hat else makes thee the good king of men . i sing thy iustice , whose cleere raies giues light , to neighbour princes in this ignorant night of mistie error , and corrupt respect , how to informe aright their intellect . and ( hauing here on earth , mongst christian kings and pagans shone ) it mounts the winds swift wings calming the sea , bounding her ebs and tides , and in her monthly change the moist moone guides● then sores vp higher , and informes the sunne , how mongst the signes in an euen line to run ; how to make daies , and nights ; and higher yet mounts , till it be in the first mouer set . two warlike kingdomes linck't in happy peace . when they beheld how common fewdes did ●●ase and saw how strongly blest that concord stands , where brethren ioyne first hearts , and after hands , resolu'd that course ; turn'd matches into maskes , and reuelling tissues wore for massier caskes : steeds traind for ready fight , learnd now to peace , and knew no foes but buckes and hares ; nor race but on smooth plaines for wagers , or for sport , not for lou'd life ; where campes lay , lay the court. keene swords that bit the bone , abated now kist without making skars , or help'd the plow to draw long furrowes on the fruitfull earth , least peace should ( breeding teeth too fast ) breed ( dearth . blunt foiles were on sharpe pointed rapiers set , and so lord sanquier and poore turner met . they met to play : there sanqu●er lost an eie . o brittaine ! canst thou nothing further spie , in this then his losse ? looke vp now and see ; securitie hath ta'ne an eye from thee . ill didst thou ward that blow ; if sport hurt so , o what will open force and malice do ? thy king rides , hunts and falls . are horses then turn'd traitors too ? will beasts proue like to men ? can kings finde sportfull peace so hazardous ? to armes then caesar , shun the senate house . like poison , ponyards , pistols , death a●oue attends on ' pr●nces when they feed , sleep , moue ; b●neath like powder , that the ground they tread , seemes all one continent , to quicke and dead . and is 't not so with others too ? behold , this silly fencer , in his ignorance bold think 's his submissiue sorrow will suffice for that vnhappy thrust at sanquiers eyes ; and begging pardon , seemes to haue it then . what foole dares trust the vnseald words of men ? yet turner will. a reconciled foe " seemes a true friend , to him would haue him so . he thinks ( now dunne is dead ) to die in peace . " but blood cries out for blood , and doth not cease " till vengeance followes . vengeance euen at hand whaits like a treacherous groome of sanquiers ; and ( when turner nothing of his neere death thinkes , but laughes , & plaies , & to his deaths-man drinkes . ) let 's his charg'd pistoll flie , whose mouth spits lead with fire-wing'd speede , striking the fencer dead . " no ward auoides that blow : pal● death we see " a fellow-gamester in all sports will be . the murtherers flee ; iusti●e pursues with speede , th' abettor , actor , author of this deede ; who ( apprehended ) apprehend too late ( if friends helpe not ) , the issue of their fate . but friends will help . one steps vnto the king , kneeles and thus pleads . leige lord , you are the spring , from whence nobilitie flowes . and all our blood the neerer yours it comes , the neerer good : as you first gaue , so let your power preserue those that are set a part the crowne to serue● others by fit election , these by fate are made hereditarie to the state ; distinguish'd from the common ranke of those who only know they are not , when they rose and priuiled●ge aboue the raskall rout , whose words and deeds haue reference to account . else why did our bold fathers , with the losse , of lymmes and liues , honors for vs ingrosse ? o why do these new nobles de●r●ly buy those attributes for which they dare not die ? or why should land or gold● which all things can be giuen for ●itles , if they mend not man , and something adde besides an emptie sound , to recompence the glosse of gold and ground ? if honour doth nought but a name afford , a lordship then is bette● then a lord. " nobilitie this priuiledge doth bring , " it makes the owner something like a king ; " exempting him from penall lawes , which crack " with heauy pressure the poore commons back . this ( sir ) i speake t' excite your royall power to rescue noble sanquir , who this houre is by the too-strick't vnrespectiu● lawes condemn'd to die a villa ines d●ath . the cause and quarrell this . the barron chanc'd to play with a rude fencer ; where both did bewray their best ability at rapier foyles . the ●encer to vphold his credit toyles , but wanteth skill ; which makes his hate arise ; and with an enuious thrust at sanquirs eyes , the wicked and inchant●d foyle depriu●s an eye of sight ; worth many fencers liues . the suffering lord forbeares to kill him then but being after scorn'de by watermen , fidlers , and such base instruments of hell for this foule blemish , his great heart did swell . and ( full of noble courage ) loth to do so blacke a de●de himselfe he puts it to his mans performance , who obaide too soone , repentan●e came before the deede was done . the equall lawes to equalls doth appoint an eye should haue an eye , ioynt answere ioynt . but where suc●●ddes of persons be , i ghesse an eye should haue a life to boote , no lesse . yet not on this or that doth sanquir stand ; his death , his life , his doome is in your hand . he doth confesse the foulnesse of his guilt : he sorrowes for the blood that he hath spilt . your mercy ( royall sir ) he doth implore for this rash act , who neuer beg'd before . scarce had he don● , and e're the king could speake , an other thus begins . if you should wreake each english peasants life with bloud so hie as noble sanquir is , no memorie of your faire traine , of natiue scots , should stand , to let times know the glory of that land . souldiers must doffe their armes , and gowns put on , if villaines so foule may passe vpon lords vnreueng'de ; or if those antique names , those honors , trophees , and eternall fames , we got by killing many englishmen , be for the death of one , thus lost agen . if thus to quench the fewde you pleased are , you thereby quench the heart of lawfull warre . remember what a souldier he hath bin ; how easly might forget it was a sinne . and thinke he did but chastice one of those who'gainst his leader muteni'de , and rose . many of th' english haue been pardoned for treasons capitall . some honored for their knee-seruice , and no other merit . then ( sir ) let vs who lineally inherit allegeance , worth , and honours ; sometime finde you left not all your scottish blood behinde : nor meane to leaue vs in the hands of ●hose who kill with law more friends , then fewdes kil foes . thus ended he ; and then as in a queere of solemne singers , one shall euer heare● after the trebles hath the antheme sung , ( and their diuisions with shrill vtterance ●ung ) ; the base , the tenor , counter-tenor sweet , with howboyes , cornets , trumpets , organs meet , and ioyne their hye-stretcht notes , that all the ring seemes eccho-like , their sonnets to resing : so did the graue and gallant troope , which stood about the king ( like a dew-dropping wood ) conuey their powres to make this consort full and cryed ; be stil'd king ●ames the mercifull . or ( if to satisfie the course of law , and stop opinions wide-gull swallowing iaw ) life must haue life , take carlis●e , one for one , and one to boote too ; so this lord be none . with that ( as if all aymes would this aduance ) comes from the regent and the king of france , letters , intreating for their pensioners life ; and last , as if the difference of a wife should from this fact take characters , to know a true good wife , from a good wife in show : comes his forsaken lady all in blacke , ( w●ose youth from him did due beneuolence lacke ) weeping , intreating , for her lost lords sinne , and then like fullomes that run euer in a baile of gossips ( some true beggars borne , pittying this lord more then the lord of lorne ) beg his remission with obstreperous voice : but mongst the rest , she that made lowdest noise , was turners widdow , whose shrill throat did yell , that she was satisfied , and all was well . the king abhord it , and his vpright heart , beholding these assaults on euery part , made it his glory to be onely good , and from his crowne to wipe those staines of blood . thus he replies● " the crowne for iustice sake , " heau'n plac'd vpon our head ; which none can shake " or touch , till with vniustice we make way , " and ( for respect ) that strict rule disobay . " god is our guard of proofe , that we may be " a guard to you vnpartiall , iust , and free . " and this stands firme ; if one hand goes about " to signe a croock't line , th' other blurs it out . o magnanimitie , aboue a man ! o iustice more confirm'd then that which wan zeleuchus so much fame ! corrupt with gold states , cour●iers , law , or wi●es that will be sold . peruert with passion euery solid heart , moue stoickes , or melt marble with thy art , iustice sits still vntouch'd , with kingly care , not pardoning till true mercy bids him spare . and then not striking , though the life he giues , repines , and enuies that the giuer liues . deni'de they vanish , as the cloudes disperse , when the hot-shining sunne lookes red and fierce . the law proceeds ; the actors suffer first , a death too-good , too-bad ; the best the worst . the author then submits him to his doome , and dies a catholike ; that 's a man of rome● o rome ! liues yet that wolfe which was thy nurse when ( growing great ) thou grewst the whole worlds curse ? may none yet leap thy wals , or leaue thy sea vnslayne , though he a king and brother be ? retain'st thou yet that sauage kinde , to pray on the distressed flocke which shuns thy way ? do all that sucke thy brests , for milke sucke blood ? dare not that spring from thee die well , doe good ? must gibbets onely rocke them to their rest ? doe they desire that death ? become they't best ? must traytors , murtherers , only be thy saints ? weare none white robes but such as scarlet paints ? else why doe all euill men so soone drinke vp the deadly lees of thy inchaunted cup ? or why doe fooles so credit what rome sayth , but for they easely learne implicit faith ? if rome keep heauens keyes , ( as'tis out of doubt ) , none dare barre lambert , or lord sanquir out : nor neede they feare , where iesuits haue to doe , garnet shall be a saint , and ●udas too : their writings and examples murther teach ; they 'l not condemne the doctrine which they preach . this makes our desperate ru●●ins , romanes dye . and our crack'd virgins seeke a nunnery . iustice rise lyon-like out of thy sleepe , the westerne wolues worry the ●rish sheepe : and here at home thy borders swarme with those who doe imitate , breed , beget thee foes . the t scar thou thinkst to close , these make more wide , " true faith vnites , but their faith doth deuide . the grimes are banish'd , but worse foxes earth in those vast places , through the gospels dearth . the hu●our that feeds these , affects the heart , and doth dilate it selfe through euery part by secret influence , though it closely lurkes , " causes are best discouered by their workes . " examples though they doe no other ill , " rebell against the lawes in being still . " they count'nance giue to error , and curbe in " bold reprehension , making truth a sinne . " who hides his question'd faith he ought reueale , " will vtter what perhaps he should conceale . hunt out these foxes then ; it is a sport fitting a king , a councell , and a court. vse hounds that lie not , or flie out ; for such spend freely , sweetly , but thee ground ne're touch , they please the eare and eye , but neuer minde to kill the game . those cubs are of their kinde . but stay , take off , we ryot : leaue the sent : " plaine truth cannot be slaine , but may be shent . aquignispicium . dedicated to the free and bountifull house-keeper , sr. le-strange mordant , knight baronet . thou that are almost onely left to tell , wherein our ancient gentry did excell , these vpstart plants , be still thy selfe , till we , for shame reforme our liues , and wax like thee . so plaine , free , vpright , honest , open , iust : but sure first die , and rise againe we must . aquignispicium . a capite , vsque ad calcem the state is cast ; god doth behold eyes blinde , eares deafe , tongues dumbe with cold . dayes care to get , gets nightly cares , which memorie foyles , and iudgment marrs . the faint hearts ( slowly beating ) tells dull spirits in the slacke ner●e dwells , the liuer boyles with l●stfull blood , weake stomacke brookes no meat that 's good . loose palsie makes the hands to tr●mble , when they for loue shake , they dissemble . the gowty knees doe stifly bend ; the feete walke flow to all good end . the doctor saith ; repent , fast , pray , die , or this diet take we may . god bends his bowe but shoots not ; see , it stands as if the stiffe string were in mans owne hands . for god first plac'd it so , that man might know how prone to peace he is , to warre how slow , that couenant which he made with noah , he keeps , his mercy euer wakes , his iustice sleeps . and though our sins a second deluge craues , hee 'l drench the world no more in those salt waues . " what hurt frō heauē fals , first frō th' earth proceeds● " and mans misfortune , springs from mans misdeeds● misdeeds that from our selues , friends , country come , and where they should on all , light but on some . the snow , haile , raine , are by the suns pure beames exhalde from standing marishes , whose streames infect the ayre with foggy mists , and then are botteld vp in clouds for sinfull men . and for mans good , in season they distill or out of season , to amend the ill . the plagues we feele fall at the head and foot , are shafts gainst god our hands first vpward shoot . presumptuous sins in country and at court , creatnesse , and grace , and fauour do support . the pulpit flatters ; iustice sits and smiles , making a gainefull skill , of lingring wiles . " who hath great friends liues free , & wanteth faults , " but without friends the vpright innocent haults . vice now prouides vs rayment , meat and drinke , so how 't increas't not how to curb't we thinke . old men waxe impudent , lasciuious , wilde , that fits them best , which scarce becomes a childe . young men are stubborne , disobedient , stout , and rule , and teach , euen from the swathing clout , they all things know and can but ( what they ought ) themselues and vertue . these they neuer sought . fashions from spaine , france , germanie , and rome , and turkie too , wi●h their religions come . so they are suited faire from top to toe , and each new suite in a new faith they goe . matrons that are not dead nor yet aliue . but betwixt both , in some part vegetiue , crown their smooth scalps with haire , 〈◊〉 now makes a second mistres ready for the graue young maids ( that goe for such ) are mothers known b●aue and such as should be none , are virgins showne . o modesty where dwelst thou ? womanhood is scarce by our high english vnder stood vice growes so common , tha● it is far more opprobrious , to be chaste , then be a whore . all things are out of order . lawes are made strong meanes not to defend , but to invade . then why should we limit the sea , or fire within their bounds , and not our owne desire ? southward th' armado , and the fleetes of spaine , ( oft beat●n ) s●eme to threaten vs againe . and east and west the seas would meet we see : but that ( o wonder ! ) northward blest we bee . the want of water was the cause before those huge built hulkes , could not approch our sho●e , vvho came resolu'de of conquest : and did stand as if they ment to beare away our land . poore i le so small thou wert , and they so great too scant a sea for them that was thy seat . but had they staide till now , now might they ride on the swolne waues at ease in all their pride . andinto euery heauen their bold ships steere , as if no sands , barres , shallowes , had bin there . we know whens'ere they come , god can prouide such seas , so high , so vncontrold a tide , able without their enuie , or their ayde to bury vs ; for see how he hath layde our workes all leuell ; draines , dikes , sluces , bankes , fields , pastures , gardens , mannors , farmes , and frank● with man their owner , and what man doth feed , are buried with a sea of teares indeed . nouember did we scape thy fift day thus , that euery day thou should'st be ominous ? doe we so soone forget ●he sixt day last , and worst of all daies to our iland past , that thus we should so oft remembred be , from what strange thraldom , we were once set free ? or do the waters thus breake in , to show how humorous and irregular vices flow ? how sai●●-like sacriledge doth impropriate ? and calme oppression swallowes church and state ? how close hypocrisie bends his courtly knee , and ( wanting all faith ) would haue all faith 's free ? how holy hymen● sacreds band are broken , his torch extinguish'd , and his rites fore-spoken ? how gotish lusts needs all those waues to slake his scorching flames , hot as th' infernall lake ? or is 't for all these crimes , and more vntold , the faithfull sea , which wont our ile to hold in his moist armes , from strange a●●aults secure , hath chang'd his loue to this sad ouerture ? and ( for our sinnes ) learnes vs to fast and pray . bringing in fish , sweeping our flesh away ? that land which goshen-like ) did flow whil-ere , with all that man desires or life holds deere , so that no spot in all this iles large field , the sythe more hay , sickle more corne did yield : where sweetnes was the sawce , and fatnes fed , whil'st dearth , and famine from the confines fled : where the stiffe-vdder'd cow long'd twice a day , to meet the merry milke-maide on the way : and missing her by chance , wrot on the ground with milke-white letters where she would be found , now prostrate lyes ; the goodly beauty foil'd , the welth wash'd thence , the gards & trēches spoil'd . o what assurance haue we then in clay which ( if not lawyers ) seas thus eat away ? build farre from waters , that secures thy feare , though lesse thy profit be , safe dwelling there . o no ; what 's that i see ? a raging flame ●ounts vp in yonder plaine , and none can tame his hot misgouern'd furie . water heere some cry , but no such element is neere . like a mad-dog that through the thronged streets ranging with rage snatcheth at all he meets , and all that bitten are , as mad as he , runne raging too , that few or none scape free : the cry is vp , and euery man stands arm'd , to do he knowes not what till he be harm'd ; and then to saue himselfe neglects the rest , and madly mischiefe does when he meanes best . or as a towne of strength , at dead of night , surpriz'd ( by sodaine stratagem or slight , ) the people ( with the allarum bell awak'd ) run out to see what newes amaz'd and nak'd ; and meeting death abroad , for life run home , and finde their houses s●ck'd before they come . then turning backe againe they know not whither , flocke all on heaps and dye like freinds together : so far'de it there ; the fire flew vp and downe snatching at euery house within the towne . and whilst one thought his neighbors house to saue● he sees his owne doth instant succour craue . here stands an al●house tosting , and the hostis swearing her false-s●or'de tally burn'd or lost is . the t●pster ( wanting water ) plies with ale the thirstie fire which drinks both new and stale , and by that oyly-liquor is not quenched but rather drunkard-like ) inrag'd , incensed . the host ( instead of pailes ) fils pots and sweares h●e'le vse no penny-pots that wants their eares . wisheth his iuggs were bigger , he would fill them , and ( but in vaine ) on the wilde fire doth spill them . here stares an ostler whil'st the flame makes c●asure● on his small bottles and his ostry measure , and here a chamberlaine giues quicke attendance to saue his pretty faggots with a vengeance . those pretty faggots which fire-hot being eat in a cold morning , scarce would make one sweat . here runs a rauening vsurer dog-like tyred betwixt his owne house and the mort-gagde fired . here flames a barne of some ingrossing farmer . and here the study burnes of some false termer . here stands a kennell , there a rack and manger for running horses , but both stay the danger . a baude houles here , and here a ●east of whores burnde oft within , are now burnde out of dores . heere 's a tobacco shop , and in the celler th' indian deuil , our baud , witch , whore , man-queller , that spirit waster , and that liuer heater , of t'humor radicall that greedy eater , that breath corrupter , and quick-eye-sight spoyler , that wit confounder , and strong memorie foyler , that pickpurse , theefe , time●cheater , connycatcher , that alehouse haunter , and fell mischiefe hatcher , that all compounded euill of euery nation● too bad ( almost ) for th' english imitation● tobacco by the fire was there caroused with large pettounes , in pisse perfum'd and soused . thus what full many thrifty yeeres erected , one prodigall flame hath wasted and dei●cted . and now ( behold ) the prouder chimnies stand as heires left well● who wasted haue their land , of whom the common people vse to say , it 's pitty proper men should thus decay ; yet none releeues them , or build vp their state to such an eminent fortune as of late . mongst these one chimney stands , where passers by may reade this sentence with a running eye , ●othing is so close carried or concealde , ●hich shall not be in his due timere●eal'd . whether by chance or by diuine decree , ( for so all humane actions ordr'ed bee ) this object stands ; that all may make good vse of what they see , or quit them from excuse , he not d●termine . l●t it bee my folly rather than bee profane , to bee too holy . h● t●at once drown'd the world , can if he please , drowne part or the whole world againe with ease : but since his word is past , though we abound with that which caus'd the former world be drown'd hee 'le keep his promise , and the sea restraine from ouer flowing sinfull slesh againe . yet is it in his power the whole t'mmerse in variable woes ; plagues to disperse in the most frequent stre●tes , most fragrant fields , that th' ayre may breath out death , ●helth now yields or thin cheek'd 〈◊〉 ( though a stranger borne ) who now to know on fridayes th' english scorn , who of all forrainers is worst in●reated , his fashion left , himselfe in prison seated , may be familiar with our countreymen ( like a post● natus , or free denizen ) and that without an act , if god thinke good , though a●l the peeres and commons it withstood . fire , aire , earth , water , all are his : he can with or without these , saue or punish man. no place is free from him , no thing is hid , he knowes what fauk●s , persi● , and cate vnder the ground ; and what new plots doe come bie did from hell , or from hels councel-chamber ( rome ) . and this , ( and all els ) his blest hand reueales to his elect , and with deliuerance seales . attend his pleasure then ; first we shall see rome burne , and all with rome that lynked bee . then the whole world ; and that fire shall disclose each truth , each falshood , and each cause of those . till then , these waters doe but wash the slime of babel from this too indifferent time . these petty fires , kindle our loue and zeale , ( halfe-dead ) to king , the church , & cōmon-weale , affliction profits . strike vs ( lord ) in loue ; let thy milde hand each way our firme faith proue . but let not babel triumph in our fall , nor any that on baal , or dag●n call . antidotvm cecillianvm . dedicated to the common-wealth . desert hath no true follower after death but en●y ; others flatter with their breath . jn vaine i sought particular patrons ; they when life left greatnesse , ran with life away . blood , kindred , friends , forsooke him ; so 't was ●it , we might haue doubted else his worth and wit. their compasse was too narrow to ●ield shade to him that both their rootes and fortu●es made : but gentle england , since he quiet gaue to thee by his cares , giue his corps a graue . and since his wisdome did renowne thy name , be thou a sanctuary to his fame . and since he gaue for thee his life and health , giue him protection , thankefull common wealth . to the honovr of the illustrious familie of the cecills , deseruing of this commmon-wealth , all the romane wreaths of triumph : the memorable pyramids of egypt : and all other trophes of eternitie . as by one mouer , motion , doth commence , euen from the center , to circumference : so from one good man , many may arise , like-good , like-apt , like-faithfull , and like-wise . this now is verified ; the cecills are statesmen in time of p●ace , souldiers in warre . epicedium . what needs , thy monument be rais'd ? what needs , the muses singthy worth ? what needs , thy memory be prais'd ? or what needs art , thy fame set forth ? let art , time , gold , the muse , and men , guild falshood , folly , ignorance : let them conspire gainst thee ; and then , the more they shall thy worth aduance . they worke , write , raile , or praise to please , " but truth giues vertue , life , not these . antidotum cecillianum . thesavrvs intvs . darius on a graue . stone found this epitaph : who digs this ground shall treasure finde . the greedy king dig'd there , but found another thing . within was written ; had'st not been a beastly-minded man , i ween the harm●lesse bones of the deceast had in their quiet tombes tane rest . who rips the coffins of the dead , finds same and honour thence are f●ed with life , the subiect of their ire ; stench onely stayes to pay their hire . " worth hath his epicedium sung " by enuies shrill and slandrous tongue . when this rich soule of thine ( now s●inted ) kept her state on earth , my humble mu●● nere stept out of that sweete content wherein shee dwelt , to sing thy worth , th' eff●cts wher● of we felt . but now since death hath freedome giuen to thee , to see thy scorne made others flatterie , and that each mouse on the dead lyon leaps , and euery riming ●en , forg'd matter heaps on thy bright frame , casting their owne base durt vpon thy honour'd hearse , ( minding more hurt to thee then ` death or he●● can doe ) i may and must be bold ( or sinne ) this truth to say . each euidence thy foes bring , speakes thy praise : for what can more thy fame and glory raise , then to be rail'd on by the worst of men● such as like out-lawes liue , not in the ken of iustice , or communitie ? base slaues whose crimes & sins make their own nest their graus . t' was meet thy vertues eminent and hie should not vn-en●ied liue , vnslandred dye : for then we might haue fear'd thou had●st not been so absolute a man ; now it is seen euen by those many shadowes enu● throwes , that thy worth was substantiall , and not showes . de●rac●ion●s ●s perplext , aud f●ies about ouer a world of acts to single out some one or two in thy whole life to scan , and proue by the ( what death did ) thou wer't man : yet s●eing that past credit , she descends to view thy body , and her venom spends not again●t it but nature , which did shroud so great a sunne vnder so small a cloud . but we that plainly see men sildome rise though they be learn'd , iudicious , daring wise , except the body somewhat ●uites the minde , and good cloathes sute the body too ; are blinde and mad with enuie if we yeeld not thee ●orth aboue thought , who to that high degree rose through the eminent parts of thy blest soule , aboue contempt , disgrace , scorne or controule . nature did recompence thy want of clay with heauenly fire ; thy body could not stay thy acti●e soule heere longer , t' was too light a clog to keepe from hean●n so strong a spright . well might thy body be a soule to those whose more grosse earthen soules did late compose blacke libels gainst thy fame , and rak'd so low into thy purged excrements to know what foule disease durst kill thee , and then found many were guilty : for it could not sound they thought like truth , that one disease slue thee when they hauing all yet scape to deddick free . by this they shew that whatsoe're we thinke , they know all these diseases by th' instinck , they are familiar with them and of kin , to their first causes of being deadly sinne , and of the elders house too . for the diuell ( chiefe libeller formes all degrees of euill and like good boies of his , these labour too ( more then disease , or death , or hell can doe ) to kill the soule , and to bely a fame which laughes to scorn , all scorn , & shames all shame . you that stand next the helme and thinkey're free from their sharpe viperous tongues , it cannot be ; if death comes , these rauens follow , and perchance ( time fauouring their desires ) th'eile leade the d●nce and raile at you too . t is not you they hate but our blest king , religion , and the state. and if ( which god forefend ) so stood the time y 'ould see they could do worse , then they can rime . now i haue throwne my selfe into the way to meete their rage , and ( if i can ) to stay their dog-like malice rather on my head then suffer it pollute and wrong the dead . if they alledge i giue him more then due , you know their custome , they cannot speake true . but if they say i gaue him lesse , their spite shewes neither i nor they can do him right . antidotum cecillianum . opportvne tibi in tempestive nobis the sunne past by degrees those signes which to his sotherne seate inclines , and now in leo sate aloft . the s●eating labourer bans him ost , the shepheard melts , and ore the plaine his new shorne-sheepe seeke shades in vaine . the marchant , sea man , euery t●ade they say by him are banckrupt made . he heares it and ( at height of noone , hides his bright beames behinde the moone . they sadly know that d●th presage dearth , death , warre , want to euery age and then his late wisht absence mone ; " fooles wisemen misse , when they are gone . since it s decreed in heauen , found true on earth , that all things haue an end which had a birth ; that no estate is fixed , nights follow noone , ebs second floods , change fils the horned moone which wanes againe at full , and shewes the glory of earths best essence to be transitory : how happy is that man whose fate expires before declension crowned with his desires . and hath his daies by vertuous actions told , guessing how much he would had he been old , since yong , his noted deeds out-vied his daies and he lack't not true worth but rather praise . few touch this point , yet hither seeme to bend preuenting ruine with a violent end . so otho , and the persian monarch fell , but this steepe way precipitates to hell flattering with seeming help our wretched state not curing woes , but making desperate . our way is holy , white , and leades to blisse not by oblique attempts . for nature is made priuy with our passage , and we stay till she leades gently on , grace making way . not euery common president can fit this golden rule , all aime ; but few can hit this narrow passage which more fames the man , then sayling twise through fatall magelan : or girding all the earth with one small bote , discouering gold , new worlds , things of rare note . from hence the ground of thy great praises spring o cecill lou'd of god , good men , the king , borne vp not by stolne imps or borrowed plumes , which lets them fall who with high flight presumes neere the suns scorching beames ; thy natiue worth vertue , and actiue knowledge , set thee forth ●is kingdomes pilot , where no storme or stresse ●ould make thee lose thy compasse or expresse ●hew of doubt , but firmely guide our state ●s th' adst beene ruler both of chance and fate . this well thy master saw , who therefore plac'd ●ee next himselfe , and with high honors grac'd ●y great deserts : more could'st thou not desire ●or earth afford , yet that which we admire ●as aboue this , euen in the top of these , ●ing neerer heauen thither to mount with ease , ●s if th' adst● tane th' aduantage of the time ●n gre●tnesse staires , helpt by good deeds to clime . o happy thou , but wretched creatures wee ●o s●e thy flight , and yet to slander thee : ●o f●ele the fruite of thy life wasting care , ●hich zealous for our good , no time would spare , ●o cherish nature , that we thus being free ●hould onely freedome vse to raile at thee . ●ur idlenesse proclaimes thy well spent time , ●ince by thy meanes we leisure haue to rime , ●hil'st neighbour states are acting it in blood , ●hich we scarce heare of , neuer vnderstood . the benefite the sunne gi●es to our sight , we see not halfe so well by day as night . want giues a grace to goodnesse , when th' inioying ●onfounds and dazells sense like honny cloying . ●ome needes no target till the sword be lost : whil'st nestor wakes , well may thirsites boast . ●ishers and expert masters are all one ●n calmes and deepes , the ship there goes alone . ●ut when the winds , seas , rocks , and sands do fight , ●he skilfull master then keepes all vpright . we feare no stormes the porpuses do play , the dolphins dance , and prot●us flocks do stray o're neptunes watry kingdome safe and free , none casting doubts , or fearing what may be . may this calme last perpetuall , and faith then we ne're shall need thee cecil nor such men : others we haue to fill thy roome thou gone , so aristippus saith , stone sits on stone . we yet are senselesse of thy losse , and find no danger in 't . like some within the winde of a great shot , whose violent thunder driues , the sense into distraction , and depriues the eare of present vse : so did report of thy death make vs mad to raile and sport , to temporise , lye , flatter ; so defaming our selues , state , manners , law , religion shaming : but now the fit being past , t is plaine to fense " though man for beares heauen pleads for innocenc● " vertue o'recomes by sufferance , and good deeds " are fen●'d by calum●y , as herbes by weeds . antidotum cecillianum . bacvlvm tantvm the cynicke sicke and like to die , to such as askt where he would lie , made answere where you will ; the field is large , and roome enough doth yeeld . but they reply'de , the fields are wide ; rauenous beasts and vermine vilde haunt those places ; kites and crowes who to dead men no mercy showes . true ( quoth he ) but if you please lay a staffe to driue hence these . t is only man i feare ali●e , from my graue beasts only driue . " though ( liuing ) we haue staues for dogs , " dead w' are rooted vp by hogs . epitaphivm . romes poison , spaines coplots , the french designes thy skill foresees , discouers , vndermines . d●g like they lick'd the dust , crouch't low , and faund when ( liuing ) thy skil'd power did ought command : but ( de●d ) they madly rage , grin , some for spite ; for toothlesse curres will bark that cannot bite . to the right worthy , henry doile , esquire . the folly which in man with wit is fixt , must needes haue pleasant things with wholesome mixt ; else nature loath it . homers frogs and mise instructs achilles : virgil is not nice totue an oten pipe . these toyes i send : accept ; to please , and profit is my end . sic paruis componere magna solebam . virgi . satyra avlica . vvho ( weary of contentfull countries rest ) repaires to court , with patience had best fore● arme himselfe , both fate and fortune proofe ' gainst all assaults , or wisely stand aloofe : for plainnesse is despisde , and honestie is fellow shakerag with simplicitie . to be a scholler , is to be a foole : rude impudencie is the courtiers schoole . arts are but lackies to attend and waite on ignorance , apparance , and deceite . canst thou seeme wise ? enough . this followes then , " vizards haue fairer vizages then men . to be a souldier is to be a slaue , danger abroad , reproach at home to haue . deepe furrow'd wounds fresh bleeding in the wars findes lesse reliefe and pittie then the scars of muskey courtiers , when their smooth slicke skin , is bramble-scratched with a ladies pinne . nor do they now , ( as er'st they did ) delight , the stubborne steedes to mannage to the fight ; to tilt and turnay with strong staues of oake , to fight at barriars with a brandons stroake , to dance in compleat armour , ( but alas ! ) to tilt , fight , dance and turnay with a lasse . the schollership they vse , is to discourse of my lords bloud-hound , and his honors horse : to tell how well the one pursued the chase , the other swiftly ranne a lustie race . or if more high their heauy wits aspire , it 's to dispute of lust , and loose desire . their soulderie is swaggering in the court , where none may strike the vrger but in sport : to offer strangers , strange and foule disgraces , presuming on their priuiledged places , which oft-times is repaide them , when they come abroad from court , they 'r w●lcom'd like iack drum their idle houres , ( i meane all houres beside their houres to eate , to drinke , drab , sleepe and ride● they spend at shooue-boord , or at penny pricke , at dice , cards , tennis ; or they will not sticke rather then not be idle , to delay at shittle-cocke the precious time away . o slaues ! regard what slander doth arise from your effeminate slow cowardise . haue you no soules ? no pens ? no swords in hand ? behold where cursed mahom●t doth stand , triumphing o're the crosse ; he iew beside and heathen do our holy faith deride . for shame vnsheath your swords , let not reproch you sluggish ease is forraine kingdomes broch . cast painted puppets from your yeelding neckes and scorne to stoope when the stale strumpet beckes : let stallians serue to squench the scorching hea●e of such as marrow , oysters , ringoes , eate . you that are scholers , souldiers , or such men whose soules seeke knowledge , flee this shady den of ignorance ; let thither none resort but taylors , bauds , perfumers , fooles for sport , cookes , painters , barbers , fidlers ; these may hap to sleepe in for●unes net , and honors lap . in honors lap ? auaunt base dunghell groomes you are but shadowes : honors lo●ty roomes must be supplide with men . though isis asse thinke men adore his greatnesse as they passe . yet isis knowes t is false ; then hence be gon and let desert be honored alone . for●une vsurpe no more , permit not fooles to triumph ouer souldiers , arts , and schooles . let not the wit for higher actions able , attend for scraps at ●gnoramu● table . faire cynthia fill thy horne , at length arise and chase these blacke clouds from our troubled skies an irish banqvet , or the mayors feast of youghall . tales many haue been told by men of yore , of giants , dragons , and of halfe a score worthies saue one , of castles , kings and knights , of ladies loues , of turnaies , and such sights as mandeuile ne're saw ; yet none like this which my mu●e howles : then listen what it is . a saturne grew old , and the gods did agree , that b ioue should him depriue of soueraigntie , and become chiefe himselfe . a solemne day appointed was , when all the c gods most gay , attired in mantles faire , and truses strange , came to behold this lecher-like lou'd change . the frie of all the gods was there beside , and each his bastard had , his whore and bride . the milk-white path which to ●oues pallace leades , in comely order all this rich troope treades . d ceres threw wheate vpon ioues face most daintie , presaging and forespeaking future plenty . the well-instructed swine did follow after , and for the whe●t left something that was softer , e ciuet , like irish sope . sweete naturde beasts , fit waiters at such ciuill solemne feasts . at length the traine reach't the high hall of ioue . the gods sat downe , the f goddesses then stroue for place and state : but iun● most demurely , plac'de and displac'de that day , as pleasde her surely , the tables stood full crownde with dainty dishes , enough to satisfie the idle wishes of longing wiues , or maids grown green and sickly , with eating fruit , and doing nothing quickly . huge h hands of butter not yet fully blue , with quiuering custards of a doubtfull hue . stewde prune , and bread that passeth i malahane . and honny sweeter farre then sugar cane . greene apples and such plenty of small nuts . that there with safely one might fill his guts , though he were sure the cookes were irish sluts . the goblets sweld with pride , themselues to see , so full of french and spanish wines to be . nectar-like vsqua-bath , or aqua-vitae , and browne ale growne in yeeres and strength most mighty was there as a k bonniclabbar , that euery guest his cleane lickt lips might slabbar in full satiety , till they were crownde with bacchus wreathes● and in still slumber drownde . the fidling l spheeres made musicke all the while . and riming m bardes braue meeter did compile to grace this feast : when n phoebus standing vp tooke in his greasie fist a greasier cup and drunke to daphnes health . bacchus replide and straightway quaft another to the bride of mulciber . this health past all along . then mars his feather wagde amongst the throng carowsing pallas health ( braue wench and wise ) which draught cost bonny o cupid both his eyes , straining to pledge it . maias sonne stood still , and stilly mark't how ganimed did ●ill the seuerall healths , which swiftly past around till all the gods , and goddesses had bound p their browes with wreathes of iuy leaues and vines , and each his forehead to his knee enclines . q apollo then slipt thence , and being halfe drunke his burning bonnet doft , and slily sunke his head in thetis lap . so heauen lost light , and cheerefull day was damp't with irksome night . r ioue yet disposde to mirth , bad iuno spread her starry mantle or'e the worlds blacke head . but ſ she inrag'de with plumpe lyeus iuice , and mad with iealousie , without excuse refusde to guild the then vnspangled skie , with th' eyes of argus her cow-keeping spie . t and aided by necessitie , and fate , and all the shrewder goddesses , ioues state she durst assume , and boldly presse as ●arre as all the gyants in their ciuill warre . they first bound ioue , then all the other gods , who were constrain'd by darknes , drinke , and th'ods of this conspiracie , to condescend to hard conditions for a quiet end . u ioue granted ●uno power of all the ayre , her frowne or smile makes weather fowle or faire . his thunderbolts and lightning she may take , and with her tongue the worlds firmes axtree shake● from hence do women their free charter hold , to rule gainst reason , or else cry and scold . proserpina obtained of her pluto , that such should only speed , who she-saints sue to : that all affaires of man in state or purse his wife should sway , or women that are worse . from whence this custome springs in towne and city , the wife growes rich , the bankerout begs for pitty . 〈◊〉 go● leaue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that no sawcy god should once reproue her : that mars and she might dally , whil'st don vulcan should freely to their pleasures drinke a full can . fro whence this vse proceeds , that wiues once wātons wage seruants , as the french the swizzers cantons . you that are statists looke vnto this geare , do not tyrone and his rash striplings feare ; feare not tirconnel , nor those galliglasses that cut , and hacke , and carue men as it passes : feare those which all these feare , those fathers holy which make the whole world their sole monopoly : that crowne & vncrowne kings , when as they please , play fast and loose like iuglers with slight ease ; dissolue all othes , though made with hand and heart , and pardon all sinnes , x yea an irish fart . feare these , and y those they ioyne with , lest too late we finde our ●le an amazonian state , where none but women , priests and cocknies keepe as close as young z papiriu● , and as deepe , and none but these state mysteries may know , lest they to more fooles then themselues should show the a treasons , stratagems , and b golden fables which are proiected at their councell tables . if this aduice be good , crie , ioue be thanked , and with that short grace close my irish banquet , to all those knights , ladies , and gentlemen , to whom my dedications are made , a true reason and excuse why i haue not placed them in their rankes and distances . if any of you now be discontented , to haue your names found here , it is repented on my part too : for i would no man wrong nor honour , but for merit in my song . if here yon finde your vertues be not proude , but thinke you are by me and truth allowde to weare fames liuery , which if y'abuse , shee 'l soone pull off againe ; and as you vse to deale with your euill seruants , put ye forth naked of honour , if you be of worth : but whilst you be what now i know and write , your fames guard me , and i giue you your right ; yet not in place , for i my selfe professe to be no harold ; but if worthinesse had as much power , as many hath , to grace , you should not ( hauing so much worth ) want place . finis . the second part of philomythie , or philomythologie . containing certaine tales of true libertie . false friendship . power vnited . faction and ambition . by thomas scot gent. london , printed by iohn legatt for francis constable . . monarchia . dedicated to all the worthy professors of the law , who make not priuate-wealth , but the good and peace of the common-wealth the end of their studies and practise . though you ( perhaps ) be clyentlesse and few , friendlesse and poore , yet 't is to you i sue for kinde acceptance . you alone are they who by example guide vs in our way . you looke not on the fee , but on the cause , and follow truth , as truth doth lead the lawes . the rest , with vice , and wealths ill-gotten load , passe on to death , in glories beaten road . th' inhabitants of the i le of wight did bost , no vermin vs'd to harbour in their coast . for they no hooded monkes , nor foxes had , nor law * retriuers who make fooles run mad , with their strife-stirring tongues ; but liu'd as free , from these , as by them others combred be . and though our whole land cannot boast so farre , that we from all such vermin quitted are : yet happy is our ile , that 's hemd about with water-walles , to keepe our enemies out ; whilst we ( as adam did ) in eden dwell , and scarce of famine in an age heare tell . where hils are clad with woods , and vales with corn whose laden eares doe listen to be shorne . where shephearde neither lyon doubt , nor beare , nor rauening wolfe which sheep & shepheard teare ; but each in safety dwell , and sillie sheepe from all but man , doe one the other keepe . o happy are we if we know our good , and if our state be rightly vnderstood : to liue thus free vnder so blest a king , iust magistrates and cleargy-men , that sing , the songs of syon in the holy tongue conuerting old men , and informing yong . no spirit-tyrant , pope , state , tyrant , turke . can here their bloudy ends and proiects worke ; but each in safety may his owne possesse , more free then kings , because our cares be lesse . but most vnhappy are those neighbour lands , where peace , and plenty , as two strangers stands ; where bloodie war , and bloodlesse famine ride vpon the ruin'd top of thanklesse pride : where law destroies , diuinity deceiues , and where the crowne the care of kingdome leaues . where men eate men , as beast deuourd by beast , the strong the weaker kill , the great the least . where tyrannie in triumph mounted hie , makes truth and innocence in dungeon lie . this tale the difference shewes , that weemay know how much to god for our good king we owe. an aged hart , vpon mount carmel bred , hauing as admirall the nauy led from syria through the seas , to cyprus shore , where all the i le with greene is couered o're . hapt by a parke to trauaile , where he spide a yonger sad hart , standing close beside th' imprisoning pale , and vsing all his skill to free himselfe from thence , to larger ill . good brother ( quoth the stranger ) let me know , what heauy thoughts they are that vex you so ? why do you sadly so your selfe bemone ? why hauing friends within come you alone to feed sad melancholly , and inuent to doe a rash act , which you le soone repent ? the younger deere made answer , can ye muse why i am sad , and wherefore i doe vse all meanes to free my selfe , from being thus a slaue to him that 's foe to all of vs ? know brother , i endure more sorrowes here , in one halfe day , then you in one whole yeere . for you haue liberty to come and goe , though forrester and wood-man both say no. but i by cru●ll man , imprisond keepe , within this woodden walls , where none but sheepe hares , conyes , cowes , and other of my kinne are my associates , simple soules within . i haue no beast of worth , of birth , or wit , with whom i may conuerse ; but faine to fit my lofty spirit to the lowly straine , of base companions , sluggish , fearefull , vaine . no wolues or dogs come here whereby decaies the exercise of valure and the praise . the traps for vermin , are so thicke beset , that oftentimes they some of vs doe get . the watchfull keeper , euery night and morne , commands me rise , and rest with his shrill horne , he with his lymehound rounds the pale about , for feare least we be stolne or broken out . he feeds vs cheerefully , and doth prouide sufficient meat that 's fit for euery tide ; but being fat , he chooseth which he likes , and through our sides , deaths forked arrow strikes . thus all he doth , is his owne turne to serue , and for his owne life doth our liues pres●rue . then gentle brother helpe to free me hence , and my swift thanks shall yeeld you recompence . stay brother mad-brain stay , quoth light foot thē if you were out , you 'ld wish you in agen . i was in syria borne , and euery yeere a dangerous voyage make , for what you here enioy with proud cont●mpt . we cannot find " content on earth , without a thankfull mind . you slight your ease and plenty ; we , alas ! with toyle seeke that which you with scorne let passe . our meat is grutchd , we like to robbers watcht , so what we feed on , here and there is snatcht . the pale you call your prison rather may , be tearmd your castle , garden , closet , stay , to keepe ou● others from those ioyes of yours , or to preserue you from these woes of ours . whilst we without by lyons , leopards , beares , wolues , eagles , serpents , and a thousand feares , are howrely vext , beset , besieged so , that as our shadowes , death doth next vs goe . yet none our deaths reuenge , nor craues account , how our neglected blood is lauisht out . for euen that man ( which is your guard ) to vs proclaimes himselfe a foe , most dangerous . he hunts for our destruction cheeres the hound , rides , runs , whoopes , hollowes , and at euery sound , rings our shrill deaths bell with so fearefull blast , as charmes our ioynts to heare , whilst hounds make hast to finish our desired death , and glut vvith our sweet flesh , each vermins maw and gut . thus doe we die abroad , for euery man claimes right in vs , and labors all they can , our weary feet in toyles , nets , snares t' inclose , vvhen you haue friends , to guard you from your foes if therefore you haue told me truth that there you doe no creature but your keeper feare ; o bring me to this prison , shew me how i may obtaine a blessed life with you . direct me to a leape , i le soone leape in . " t is happinesse , vnhappy to haue been . vvith that he mounts the pale , adue quoth he , vaine , wide , wild world ; who serues the law is free . epimythium . there ●ath been long disputation to finde out the true freedome . the world holds opinion that libertines who doe what they list , and lust what soeuer is vnlawfull are onely free men . cain was founder of this brotherhood . he might doo what he list , he was a vagabond exempt from lawes , he had a marke of priuiledge set vpon him to keep● him from punishment here . our iesuits and king-killers being exempt from the tempor all sword are free of this company● but the child of god whose affections are mortified , who obeyes law for conscience sake , who is a law vnto himselfe , is the onely freeman ; for him the magistrate beares the sword in vaine . he would be honest without law , and will be honest if the la● should ●orbid him . yet would he not resist , but submit himselfe to power . hee is free of that company whereof s. paul professeth himselfe one when hee saith , i haue learned in all estates to bee contented . how much more happy are they who liue vnder the protection of a good king , and wholesome lawes , then these are who liuing here like outlawes , goe without contradiction out of momentary pleasure and liberty into eternall slauery and punishment . the cony-burrow . dedicated to the louers of worth , and friends of vertue , who follow truth with a single heart , and speake it with a single tongue . be inn●cent , but circumspect withall , the turtles mate may be the turtles stall . 〈◊〉 wise yet trust not wit. the traps we make for others , first doe our false fingers take . what we delight to vse , take pride to weare , take vs ; as absalon hangd with his haire . then walke vpright , to neither hand encline , there 's nought frees innocence , but grace di●ine . the polcat , ferret , lobstar , weasell , made a secret match , the cony to inuade : vvhich no way they could compasse , whilst he kept himselfe abroad , when as hee fed or slept . at last the polcat to the cony went , with this smooth speech . good cousen my intent hath been long since t' acquaint you with our kin , and tell ye how our cousenage came in . your grandame was my carefull fostermother , to your kind s●re , i was a fosterbrother ; my education , nurture , and my foode , i from my youth receiued from your sweet brood . in recompence whereof , my thankfull mind , a fitte requitall long desired to finde . the time is come , for i haue lately found , a secret plot , wherein the cunning hound the close dissembling tumbler , lurcher swift , with raynard that knowes many a subtill shift . the eagle and the goshauke , haue agreed , their stomacke with your d●inty ●lesh to feed . first they intend the hound shall hunt you out , and by your footing heate ye once about . then shall that hypocrite , the tumbler tri● , to cheate you of your life , with his false ●ie . but if he faile , the lurcher with his speed , will snatch yee vp ( they hope ) and do the deed . if not the eagle , fox , and goshauke , sweare , to eat no meat , till on your lims they teare . the harmlesse cony ; at this dir● report , ready to sound , besought in humble sort the wary polcat him t'inst●uct and teach a way , how he might s●ape his foes long reach . faith ( quoth the polcat ) you perhaps might hide , your selfe among thicke bushes vnespide , but that the hounds and lurcher both are ●here , whose sents will quickly find ye out , i feare . againe vpon the rocks , you might remaine , but that the eagle , fox , and goshauke saine thei 'l watch ye there ; so that no other way remaines to scape with life , but night and day to scrape and grate with your forefeet , a den , within the earth , where safe from beasts and men , and foule , and euery bloody foe you shall , your life securely lead in spite of all . the simple cony doubting no deceit , thought treason had not councell for a bait● and therefore thanks his foe , and ( glad at heart ) to dig his owne graue vseth all his art . a sandy place he seeks , and finding one , free from all clay , or flint , o● other stone , he with his forefeet grates , and makes a burrow , as deepe , as if he ment to trauaile thorow , the body of the earth , and meet the sunne , when it vnto the antipodes doth run . which hauing finisht , he prepares a feast , and there the polcat is the chiefest guest . the lobster , ferret , weasel too must goe , to ioy him in his house , they loue him so ; and their great friend , the ●iluer-suited snake , must needs along with them , and merry make . he welcomes them , and do●h before them set , what iunckets he with purse or paines could get . the lyons court hath not a dainty dish , but he prouides it , euen beyond their wish . " yet they that long for blood , till blood be shed , " cannot be satisfied , though fully feed . ingratitude ! thou monster of the minde● art thou not only proper to mankind ? is there a beast that can forget his friend , and for his owne ends , worke his fellowes end ? is there a beast whose lust prouokes him kill the beast that did him good , nere wisht him ill ? is there a beast who vnder kindnesse can dissemble hate ? o then thrice happy man ! thou art not only he that kilst ●hy brother , some beasts there are that murther one another . some foules , some fishes , serpents some there are vvho pray vpon their kind in open war. and some that vnder friendship fal●ly faind , vvith fellowes murther haue their natures staind . nay there is one who can so couer ●uill , that man may iudge him angell , find him diuell . he first with sweet meats poysond adams seed , since when of sweet meats wisest men take heed . so need not these bold gu●sts , they eat and drink and then rise vp to play ; but neuer thinke ought fadgeth right , till they haue brought to passe the purposde plot for which this meeting was● theref●re ( dissemblingly ) the polcat gins , to licke and catch the cony , and so wins hold vnderneath his throat , which hauing fast , the tragedy begins , the sport is past . for all assault him then on euery part , some at his sides , some at his head and heart . some at his belly , but the poisonous snake , doth at his tayle a deadly issue make . the helplesse cony ●ues , intreat● , ●nd striues , but he must die had he ten thousand liues . each foe his greedy go●ge with blood doth glut and with his sweet flesh cram each hollow gut . " but blood that 's sweet in tast , is not so sound , " to feed vpon , as milke that 's easier found . the snake with poisonous touch had venome spred , through all the swelling vaines , from taile to head . and they had suckt the blacke infection in ; a fitting vengeance for their crying sinne . straight they their stomacke find not well at ●ase , and something feele , that doth their minds displease . the vveasel first suspects the snake , for he can neuer with a serpent well agree ; saies , they are poisond all by one base slaue , vvhose company the ferret needs would haue . the snake replies , he did no more but what he was appointed to performe by plot . and if they foolishly had eat their last , he could not mend with sorrow what was past . they find it true , but find it now too late , each rauing dies , and yeelds constraind by fate . yet ere they die , all doe their farewell take , by shaking teeth together on the s●ake . vvho deadly wounded , crawles but faintly thence , confounded with the guilt of his offence . and heeding not his way , by good mishap , became a prisoner to the warriners trap . this feast was ended thus , death tooke away , and where they did not well we mend it may . epimythium . some are of opinion that wisedome consisteth i● the abilitie to giue good counsell . but i thinke the knowledge how to take good counsell and how to discerne the differences of ad●ise , is the principallpart of wisedome . that frog in aesope which in a great drought spying water i● a deep pit aduised his fellow to leape downe● that they might be satisfied and liue there , gaue good counsell and seemed to be a patterne of the first wisedome spoken of● but the other frogge that refused his aduise , and diued deeper then the present time , then the bott●me of the pit with this question ; but if the water faile vs there , how shall we get out , or how shall we liue there● was a figure of the second wisedome , and teacheth vs that it is harder to take good counsell then to giue it . let vs therefore beware in this point , and learne to looke a little beyond that good which is first and most apparant in euery proiect , the second and third good is that which we must rest on● for truth is often most remote and neorest the bottome● all that swims vppermost is the froth and false good and fraud . the house of fame . dedicated to all the noble atten dants of royaltie in the campe of vertue , who fight for the honor of the church , and common-wealth . till now of late we feard that loud report , of cressy field , poicters , and agincourt , fought by our kings and princes heretofore , had not been true , or should be told no more . we wondred if those nobles euer were who●●ame for armes and bounty did prefer● we doubted all our countries had forgot . the deede of audely or beleeu'd it not● we thought our nation was of worth ●eref● , when bowes and arrowes and browne bills were left . but see● occasion now hath turnd our eyes , to inward wars where greater wonders rise . to see affection couquerd , l●st chastisd'e , priae humbled , murther slaine , all vice despisd'e . and all old vert●es freshly now reneude , by fa●re examples as the sun ere vewd . in which bra●e war of wonders ( passing far all other conflicts that compounded are ( of loue and hate ) each lord who lends a hand to fight against vice for vertue , doth this land more ●onor then his ancestors before in conquering france , and shall be famd for 't more . some for their prudence who found out and led , others for zeale through whom the enemy fled● others for art , whose skill the squadrons placed others for iustice who the e●emy chased , and some for constancie● who held it out . and still vnwearied , not v●w●unded fought . but none more ●ame attaind then mercies squire , who begd to giue , all sa●ing i● desire , he audely-like taught courtiers how to craue what they might giue aw●y● and giuing s●ue , saue free from feare of forfeiture or losse , or there-begging or the next y●●res crosse : or enuies eye sore , or the commons ●ate , or poores complaint , or grieuance of the state , to him and to the rest , this tale is sent , howsoeuer taken with a good i●tent . fame that in homer●s time a vagrant was , without a house and home , did after passe in stately structures all the mixed race of s●mdeities , and euery place built her a court , assisted by the rages of s●ndry poets i●succe●ding ages . for euery one did something adde , to frame more space and roome for their friends narrow fame . which as they purchast , still to her they gaue and that 's the cause , themselues so little haue . this fame hath now her house glazde all with eies , the rafts , beames , balkes , nerues , sinewes , arteries ; the dores wide open , eares ; hangd round about with nimble tongues , and couerd so without . all things are seene and heard the wide world ore which touch that place , and farthest off the mo●● . the house of fame built vp foure stories hie , stands in an open pl●ine , in which doth lie foure sister twins , true ●ame , and good the first , and eldest are ; false and had fame the worst . and youngest payre , yet swiftest are in flight and though last borne , yet oft come first to light . these last dwell in two darker roomes below , among the thicke crowdes where all errors grow . there keepe they court , where scandals , libels , lies , rumors , reports , suspicions , c●lumnies , are fauorites and go●ernors of state , whose practise 't is true worth to ruina●e . false fame liues lowest , and true fame aboue , bad fame next false , good fame next , true doth moue● yet good fame somtime doth with false fame stay , and bad fame sometime doth with true fame play . but false and true ( opposd ) will neuer meete , nor bad and good fame , one the other greete . it so fell out ( as oft strange things befall ) a gallant knight , ariued at that faire hall , attended on with such a noble sort , of warlike squires , as fild this spatious court. who curiously enquiring of the rout , whose court it was , could no waies find it out . for contradictions crosse each other so , as truth from falshood he could no waies know . bad fame did call it hers , and said , she was a guide to such as vnto glo●y passe . false fame did call it hers ; he saw they lide , for ' boue their heads , two brighter queens he spide . true fame spake to him then , and let him know , that ●he and good fame did the building owe , being eldest borne , to titan and the earth , before the gyants war : when th' others birth long since was subiect to their p●rents sinne , and heauens curse which now they liued in . for as those gyants gainst the gods did war , so these to t●uth professed enemies are ; had by strong hand , and fraud , vsurpd her state● and to expresse to vertue v●most hate , had bard all passage other houses hie , that mor all men might in obliuion die or haue their memories blasted , glories kild by eating time , wi hlies and slanders fild . she wisht him then if he his good desired to haue repeated , or his spi● it aspired to worthy honor as old knights had wont , ( whose swords not rust , but too much vse did blunt ) that he would vse some meanes to set them f●ee , whereby his blest name might ●ternizd be . good fame then told him , that the only way , how he this enterprize accomplish may , was by the helpe of mercy , prudence , art , iustic● and zeale , and constancy of heart . all their knowne friends to summon vp in armes , to force the place , and to disperse those swarmes of idle vagabonds ; who kept below and hated good fame , would not true fame know . then ( since the stayres of fame were broken downe , and do es stopt vp to glory and renowne ) she wild him make an engine where withall , he might her lodging and her sisters scale . and so himselfe in spite of perill , raise aboue the reach of enuy , or dispraise . the knight ( in spirit rauisht with delight to heare their speech , to see their goodly sight ) mounts his fierce coursers backe , with which at hand his squires attend vpou his strict command . wils euery one of them to take a dame , such as the ladies of the house did name , who there attended that they might direct this high attempt , with order and respect . the squires with willing minds the knight obaide , and each behind them tooke a louely maide . prudence directs her squires to lead the way , ( who followes her direction cannot stray , ) at length they come vnto a fruitfull wood , wherein a world of vpright timber stood ; tall cedars , cypres , pine and royall okes , with country elmes , and ash for plow and yokes . the lea ned laurell , and the weeping mirrh , the smarting birch , and the sweet smelling firr grew there in order , and all trees beside , where in the thrifty woodreeue taketh pride , the knight suruaies all this , yet ●inds not one fit to be feld ; till prudence lights upon a proud straight aspe , whose wauing top did leane on a slight poplar , with some shrubs betweene . the cursed eldar , and the fatall yewe , with w●●ch and nightshade in their shadowes grew ; whose saples tops , with mildewes often stood , and grew self-seare , and ouertopt the wood . the rauen & shreikeowle there did build their neasts , and at their roots did harbour harmefull beasts , which pruden●e saw , but mercy would not see , till she perceiu'd how euery other tree droop'd vnderneath the height of these alone , and could not thriue , or grow till these were gone . she therefore ( ioynd with constancie and zeale ) besought sharpe ●●stice , who doth euenly deale her warie blowes , to fell all these with speed ; who soone consents , and soone , performes the deed . at euery stroke she fetcht , the trees did grone , the rest did eccho laughter to their mone . and now they lye along , their branches topt , their barke pild off , their trunks asunder chopt . then art with rule and line , these vselesse payer frames ( ●ngine-lik● ) a straight clowd climing stayer to mount fames house ; this euery squire doth reare● and brauely on their backs do thi her beare . but mercy seeing all the other ment to burne the c●ips , to saue them she is bent . and , with her squire , the knight praies , let them lye , for he shall gaine , and glory g●t thereby . since chips which cut from aspe and poplar bee , do soone take roote , each growes a goodly tree . the knight co●●ents , and fenceth round the spring . whose forward growth doth hope of profit bring . and now , together to the house of fame with speede they passe , where first the falsest dame salutes them with a lye , and ●aith she heares her sisters are together by the eares , and haue destroyde each other ; this she had from her twin sister , who tells rumors bad . they slight her leasings , and with speedy assay to raise the lather , where bold zeale makes way ; but false fame and her sister , lay about to hinder her , with all their rascall route . slander , foole-hardines and heartles fear● , with foolish pittie , and false lou● was there , damnde in●idelitie , and secret hate , and treason ●oo , that close d●ss●mbling mate . who all with open mouth , and open lyes , all waies to stop his honord worke deuise . they raile , and fight , intreat , and curse and ban . the knight proceedes , in scorne of what they can . and mounts the ladder , with his sword in hand , which soone disparkles , such as dare withstand . zeale hales him vp , and prudence guides him right , true constancie encourageth the fight , mercy saues all the inno●ent , who swarme for companie , not with intent of harme ; art orders euery act , the engine staies and helpes the knight step after step , to praise the lusty squires below , with sword and lance , withstand bad fame , whilst iustice doth aduance her heauy hatchet , and strikes off the head of both the leaders , and there leaues them dead . which when their troopes discouer , they forsake th' vsurped fortress● , and themselu●s betake . to heady flight , into a marsh neere hand , where many whispering reeds and osiars stand . there they like out-lawes do themselues inclose , in wilfull banishment , with all the foes of this good knight , whose valure vndertooke this high attempt , that fame might rightly looke on all deseruers , and that man might finde , like freedome for his tongue , as for his mind . that vertue migh be crowned by true fame , and honest meaning liue with honored name . which promise gladly both the sisters swore , in solemne forme ; and now as heretofore the freedome of their tongues they both possesse ; and worth is knowne from base vnworthinesse . the knight they humbly thanke , and him they crowne the soueraigne of glory and renowne . which stile , fames trumpetters the foure winds blow through th' earths foure quarters , that the world may know th' extent of vertuous actions ; how no power can stop their passage , nor lanke time deuoure their sweet remembrance ; which shall liue as long as nature hath an eare , or eye , or tongue . to euery squire then they this fauour giue , that after death their fames shall euer liue ; for still those ladies , whose imploiment they so well aduanc't'shall duly night and day repeate heir labors , and prefer them far beyond alcides workes , as peace doth war surpasse in glory , or those works we doe , when others wills , and ours we conquer too . now 't is proclaimd that if we tell no lies , we may with boldnesse speake and feare no spies . that what this age hath done , this age may heare , as well repeated now as the next yeere . that all our words our selues shall first expound , and that no forc't construction shall confound our honest meaning , but bee 't ill or well , we may with freedome our opinions t●ll . since no man dares to doe the thing which he , would haue all the world both heare and see . these orders ratified , they fall to sport , and fill with maskes and reuells all the court. the sequel i refer to fames relation , whose golden trumpe sounds vs a blessed nation . satellitium . dedicated to all that stand sen inell , that watch and ward in defence of this kingdome , especially to the strength and guard of the state. be of one minde ; religion tyes a knot , which none vndoes , by practise or by plot . but if in that we differ , be our breed within one house , or wombe , of all one seede . 't is seuerd soone by hate , respect , or gold , which law can neuer soulder , art make hold . 'faith only ioynes , what nothing sunder can . ' beasts loue for benefits , for vertue man. vvho guarded round about , with parthian bowes , or spanish pikes ; or hedg'd and dikt with rowes of sturdie ianisaries , or the shot of hardy swizzars , or the valiant scot● and after these with walles of steele and brasse , hemd in so close that scarce the ayre may passe betwixt the cliffes , is not so free from doubt , as is that king whom loue doth guard about . whom subiects loue doth guard , because that he guards them from all oppression , and makes free his noble fauourers to desert and worth , spreading his valiant vertues frankly forth , that both his owne may finde , and neighbors know , what glorious fruit doth from religion grow . how sweet an odor iustice sends to heauen , how rare example is to princes giuen , by vertuous deeds , to stop the mouthes of those , who vnreform'de are reformations foes . such one sleepes safe within the armes of loue , diuine regard doth all his subiects moue to due obedience ; and with sacred awe binds conscience , with a stronger bond then lawe . such heauen informes , whilst hell doth vndermine , and spit● of darkest plots with grace diuine doth hedge about , that naked in the armes of en●mies he is preseru'd from harmes . they sleepe securely , feed on holsome cates , angels their beds make , cookes their delicates giues antidotes gainst poysons , doth defend gainst d●mned w●tches and their god the fiend , no ●esuits at their elbowes can do hurt , nor t●oopes of papists that their courts ingirt . for god doth them in his blest armes inclose , safe , though their chiefest fauourites were foes . o happy then good kings proceed , ride on , grow vp in glory , as you haue begun . ride on for truths sake , looke on either hand , how you are guarded with a heauenly band of blessed spirits , who shall lead you still ●n holy paths , and guid● your steps from ill . these being with you , you shall boldly tread vpon the lyon , and the dragons head , and trample danger vnderneath your feete , as men tread stones , or dirt within the street , which only spraids them ; your heauen-garded state ●s safer far , then that of mithridate , the king of pontus , vnto whom befell , vvhat strange aduenture in this tale i tell . this king perceiuing well there was no band , of duty , loue , or nature , could withstand the strong inticement of corrupting gold , or baser lust , or humor ouerbold , or fond ambition ( which makes empty slaues swim bladder borne vpon the floting waues of false opinion , with the arme of pride , of borrowed power , and ignorance beside ) but that these would peruert the faith they had , and cause them after farther hopes run mad ; did to preuent all this , a guard prouide of faithfull beasts , whose strength had oft been tried . a bull , a horse , a hare , the captaines were , of this strong guard , whose force did nothing feare but falshood , and ingra●itude , and treason , from which they were as free , as man from reason vvhy knowing more then beasts , he should not hate as they doe , to be treacherous , and ingrate . these three together being put to feed , and sport themselues till there were farther need of their knowne faith , together long did dwell in peace and loue , till on a time it fell that they with rest and ease full fed and fa● , had time to play , to dally , and to chat . then did the wanton hart propound a course , betwixt himselfe and the couragious horse . the warlike horse did dare the horned bull to make one in the race , who straight way full of burning choller , and adusted blood , bad cowards run , hee for no footman stood . t was meet for them that durst not stand it out , to vse their heeles , his heart was too too stout . the angry hart replies , ther 's none of you , but may to me as to your better bow , i swifter then the horse , my feet can vse , and for my head , the bull i le not refuse to combat with , my courage i am sure is like my strength as able to indure , and doe , as either of you dare or can , and more i am esteemd by royall man. those serpents which you run from , i seeke forth , and teare them with my teeth as nothing worth . and as my life to man is sweet and pleasing , so is my death , each part some sorrow easing . my hornes all mortall poyson can expell , my marrow makes stiffe-ioynted misers well . my fat yeelds strength and sweetnesse ; that fierce lad achilles , neuer other spoonemeat had . which made him such a captaine , euery part is physicall and comforteth the heart . yea euen my excrements the dropsie cures , my teares , like precious iewels , man allures . to seek them vp , wheresoeuer they be shed . my skin great captaines weare when i am dead ; and boast that they haue such a coat of proofe , which wounds withstands , whence venome stands aloofe . then why ) o baser creatures ) dare you brag and match your selues with the long liuing stag ? my life is long , cause i with cost am wrought , but nature slights your liues , as good for nought . the crested horse , with fiery eyes did show , what inward rage did in his hot blood flgw to heare this bold speech vttered , and with head tost in the ayre his hardned hoofes doth tread the scornd earth with contempt , then thus breaks out ; o thou fearefull of all the rout of hunted beasts , how haps it that you dare with me your master and your lord compare ? forget ye my preheminence ? the loue man beares me ? how one spirit seemes to mo●e me and my rider ? that we start and run , stop , turne , trot , amble , as we were but one ? haue you at any time been calld to war , where none but captaines and great souldiers are ? trusted to heare their councels ? on your backe borne the commander of that royall packe ? i haue done this and more , borne him about through worlds of danger , and then borne him out he trusts me when his legs he dare not trust , and when his hand , faile them performe i must . nay when he failes himselfe in euery part , i adde another life , another heart . in war i thus befriend him , in his need , and so in peace , i helpe his wants to feed . i till this land that else would barren be , beare all his carriage , and am seldome free from some imploiment , but must neere him stand as being fit , and apt for his command . if he to visit friends abroad doth fare , i must along with him , true friends we are . if he intends to hunt such beasts as you , for sport , or hate , or need , he lets me know the time , the place , the end , and we agree● i see the sport , and hunt as well as he . how often haue i seene some fearefull hart , perhaps your ●ire , at my dread presence start ; fly hence with vtmost speed , and neuer slacke his willing pace , when i vpon my backe bearing my noble master haue at length o'retane the lubber , hauing lost his strength ? vvhilst i still foming courage , breathing sprite , haue sought another conquest long ere night ; and after that a third , vnwearied yet , yet you your selfe as paralell will set to match and ouermatch my worth , my force ; as if weake stags might braue the peerelesse horse . for physicall receipts easily yeeld , aliue i profit man , you being ●ild , this makes him seeke your death , my life to saue , yet being dead my parts their vertues haue . vvhich i refer to others to relate● as scorning hog-like to doe good so late . this only i conclude , if man should choose to saue but one , hee 'd both of you refuse . the armed bull sweld , pu●t and roard alowd , to heare ●he hart so bold , the horse so proud . and all the while they spake , he tost about with hornes and hoofes the dust ; then bellowd out this bolder braue ; what ignorance is this , that causeth both of you , so much amis●e to boast your false worths , and neglect the true , which res●s in me , belongs to none of you ? the wolfe , the greyhound , and ●ach questing cur , makes thee poore trembling hart keepe such a stir . to shift thy layer , as if thy life were lost , with euery faint blast , that the leaues downe tost● and this couragious horse , that makes a quoile , of wounds in war , and tilling o● the soyle , with many other vses fit for man , ( as they that least can doe , best cauill can ) let this his answer be , the spur and bit shewes man trusts not his courage , nor his wit. for if he tyre or faint , his spur prouokes , and prickes him forward , with continuall strokes . and if with head-strong heat , he madly rides , the bridle curbes him , and his folly guides . " all voluntary acts the actors praise , " not such as others by constraint doe raise . " out of our natures , whilst we easily are " made instruments either of peace , or war● else might our horned heards , the rescue boast of hannibal and his distressed hoast , when he with lights and torches tyde to vs , escapt the trap , of lingring fabius . but truth is far from such ostents , those deeds we call our owne , which from our choice proceeds . the yoke we beare , and wherewithall we till the earth for man , is by constraint , not will● what comfort from our flesh , or from our cowes , by calues , or milke , or cheese or butter flowes , or physicall receipts , as they are more , and vsefuller , then what you both before haue mentioned , so freely i confesse man hath in them the glory more or lesse . his wit and industry , in them is seene , and th' authors goodnesse from whom first we been , war is the good you glory in , which springs from mans ambitious ignorance , and brings wants , woe , and death , with many ills beside , to scourge vs all , through ou● great masters pride . then at the best , you are but slaues to such , as feeding you , foode to thei● like doe grutch . and through your force , their owne reuengements take , whilst you to stout men ; cowards equall make● for what from you they borrow , they must grant they feare their foes enioy , whilst they doe want . thus therefore all the nobler nations vse to sight on foot , whilst coward rather choose to share with beasts in glory , and to get themselues a name , through your foole hardy heat . so you on them , and they on you depend , such seruice iudgement neuer did commend . and thus in sportiue war , and warlike sport , you doe your rider from himselfe transport . whilst you not man-li●e grow , but beast-like he resembles you , in all these sports we see . yea often to mischance you doe betray your heedlesse rider , and in midst of play pr●cipitate his soddaine fortune so , that who hath you a fai●nd , shall need no 〈◊〉 but may himselfe , a happy man proclaime , if by your meanes he scapes without a maime . but now if either of you , thinke you can , out of your owne worthes , proue more fit for man , and better able to defend , and guard , him whom we serue , from whom we haue reward , then i can with my hornes , and harnast hide , proceed to triall , i defie your pride ; and with bold challenge summon you to fight , a triple combat , to decide the right . they both with eager appetite accept these wisht conditions , and by this haue stept for from each other ; all prepard doe stand at full carere , to ioyne this treble band . the field triangle wise they euenly cast , and each with rage expects , that dreadly blast , which warnes them charge . each roreth out his wrath , nor other need of drums or trumpe●s hath . the hart doth bray , the bounding steed doth neigh , the bull doth bellow , deepe , and lowde and high . the earth doth tremble , and the ayre doth shun , this dreadfull thunder ; as when laden gun spits forth its load , in scorne to be restraind , the ayre giues way vnto the bullets chaind , as dreading to resist so mighty force , thus meet the valiant bull , the hart and horse . the hart and horse first touch tha'ppointed place being more swift , and apter for the race . and let each other , with much dange● feele the force of horned head , and armed heele . but ere a second bout they can performe , in comes the boystrous bull , like winters storme , and seuers them with such a violent push , that they amazde , turne giddy with the rush . but ( nimble both and actiue they repay the sturdie bull , with all the speed they may . the hart with his broadhornes , doth make him reel● but the kinde horse , vpholds him with his heele . the bull thanks neither , for the one did pearce his hollow flanke , the other much more fearce , did breake a rib , and bruise his shoulder blade , and taught him with lesse choller to inuade . yet th'ods is soone recouer'd with his horne , which hath the belly of the courser torne . and rent one weaker beame , from branched hart , as trees by thunder riuen , or clouen athwart . the subtle hart , then shuns those ruder blowes , and tho'ds of handistrokes too dearely knowes● the horse taught by his wounds , doth keepe aloofe , and stands vpon defence , with hardned hoofe . the bull assaults them both with watchfull eye , and seeks how he aduantages may spie . the horse and hart vpon their guard do stand , in doubt and iealousie , on either hand . the bull assaults the hart , but he giues way , and slips his furie with what slight he may . yet turnes not head , as fearefull cowards will , but wefes aside , to tyre his foe with skill . the bull then strikes the horse a deadly cuff , but he requites him with a counterbuff . the hart strikes in betwixt , the bull turnes rownd , the horse leaps right vp , doth coruet , and bownd ; so at one instant , fatally they me●te ; the bull his death meets from the horses feet . the hart th' aduantage takes , the ●orse aloft strikes his one horne into his belly soft , which there hangs fast ; the horse doth with his fall . breakes the harts necke , this is the end of all none hath the conquest , all of them are slaine . their death 's not doubted , long they there remaine , till that the king their master , hauing neede of their attendance , goes his guard to feed , for none might tend them else , least they acquainted with others bribes , by treason should be tainted . so enters he the place , and there he spies what doth affright him , all his comfort lies dead at his feet , then sadly going neere their carrion corpes , he doth a murmur heare , as armed souldiers in a citie sound , or fire in th' ayre , or wind within the ground . and doubting the successe , three seuerall swarmes he sees prepar'd for fight , and vp in armes . bees from the bull , waspes from the hors● do start , and hornets from the melancholly hart. he motions peace , and hopes to part the fray , they send three souldiers , who sends him away . for each of them doth fix his venomd sting , wit●in the flesh of the amazed king. he flies with speed from thence , they fight it out ; the conq●est all expect , all feare and doubt . but what befell i know not ; this i know , the king cride out aloud . the euils that grow from pride , ambition , and excesse of grace , " like thanklesse curs , flie in their masters face . " beasts will be beasts , doe bounty what it can , " t is cast away , that 's giuen to worthlesse man. o princes banish faction from the court , it sowres all actions , leauens euery sport . and at the last , when it should sweetly close , from one false friend riseth a thousand foes . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e a ar●s are natures sp●ctacles to be● imperfection● if ●hey be n● whole and 〈◊〉 for the part● that vs●th them , th●● rather ●ure then inlight● ind●ement . b the romi● catholicks o●pose the wri●●en word wit traditions , 〈◊〉 unwritte●● v●●ities , as the ●alsly ca●● them . thales . columbus . democr . alex. ma● . c the f ●e● o● the e●uits . ●e mireris ●bsecro , s●ationes de ●s ●●fe●re ●on po●i●a : saris ●ctu● pu●re debes , i non mi●us proba●les quam ●u●uis ali●s , ●ationes ●ttuler●m . ●e●uum●●st memi●s●e & m●●ui disierā , & vos qu● udicabitis ●omines ●ste : vt s●●●●babilia 〈◊〉 ●●hil 〈◊〉 req●●●tis . ●la●● in ●imaeo . d ●he ●ault seneca ● sir ●●as ●erbury . e looke on 〈◊〉 front . f many of his sch●ll●r haue learned this le●●on . g regu ad ex●mplum . &c. notes for div a -e * quasi d●rsus pandus . notes for div a -e in . lib. . ●spae ●iunt corporibus ●uorum ortuorum : ●es ranarū iortuarum : ●nae ver● & ●gues ex● utrefactioe aquae . ●omment . 〈◊〉 lib● ● arist m●aphy . bis ●erpentibus ●st inimica ●ostro enim , ●os percuti● nterficit & leuorat . arist . diod● sicul● lib● . plin. lib. cap● . cacoble alias . ca● cotheph● ut . in vit● ex● mag . psal . p colo c● . v. notes for div a -e lyci●ca . a●lianus i. ● . praet●rc●rrunt autem ripam , & suffurantes bibunt , quant●● est capere : iterum aeque iterum . ps●l . . . notes for div a -e gryp● animal pennatum & quadrupes . hae belluae di●untur ess● in s●ythia● & cum arimaspis qui vnicum haben● oculum , auri causa quod custodiunt● assiduè bellu● g●rere . plin. lib● . gen. . serpens enim erat as●utus , astu●●or quauis bestia agri . goodmatters may be propounded with an ill minde . gryps quadru gryps ter vol● recitat● deut. ● elephas animal quod ma nitudine inter om nia anim lia quadr● pedia excellit : i● . tellectu & memoria multum vigens . plin. solit. regulus , or , reg●liolu● gryph● capite●● alis aqu similis● 〈◊〉 quo cor● re simili● leoni . isid . l. ●● aquil● mas● vnum opus optim● fi● ab vno● arist . l. . politic. notes for div a -e ena cru●is es● be●similis ●o , &c. ●cuit do●g per no●m & hu●nà prout ●est ●ingi●●em isid . ●icuiusque ●men ●n●●it , quem ●ca●●●o●laceret . ●d : notes for div a -e hippopotamus in nilo editur , crocodilo inimicus . pli. lib. . c. . crocodilus animal quadrupes in terra & in aquis valens . seruo enim non ●as est ve●um dicere , quod hero suerit incommodum enti● chameleo● mutat s●●m ●olorem infl●tus a●ist , hist . animal● lib. . cap. . phi●● lib. , cap● ● regnum potius ab assentatoribus quam ab hostibus euertitur●f . patr. seu. comm de inst . princ● lib. . solus inter animali● superiorem maudibulā mouet crocodilus . isid . philip cōmineus . lib. ● . c●p . , notes for div a -e phaenix vnica dicitur este , auis , & in toto orbe terrarum singularis . isid . notes for div a -e demogorgon omnium deorum primus , in media terra degen● , crassissima n●bula circumdatus , situ obductus est . ima deorum ex boccacio . q●od non e●t cognitum est ens . arist lib. de gener . & corr . impossibile ●st scire quid est ignorare , si est . posterior . lib● . plut●rch . vita the●istocl . socra . hoc scio me n●hil scire . ouid. met-lib . ● omne quod fit a natu●a ●it secu●dum ordinem . arist lib. . animal . humnm degerit talpa , & radices subt●a comedit & corrodit . isid●● . . omnia corrumpuntur in ea ex quibus sunt . ar● lib. . metaphy . tenebrae sunt priuatio luminis . arist . l. . de anima● arist● de gener . & corrup . lib. . talpa sol● odit & fugit isid . omne animal generans ; sibi similes habet oculos praeter talpam , &c. arist .. talpa non hab●t oculos quia in generatione e●us naturale editur . arist● l. . de animal● talpa rostrum habe●●d modum porci . talpa . cor●um rump●tur qu●●do incipit mo●i , & ●um ●●●pit ap●rire oc●los● a●●st . a●r fit cam leonti cibus . chameleon gyrat oculos ●uos frequenter circumqueque . arist . illud . quod est in corpore ●uo est modicae carnis . corpus pellucidum illum inatur per reflectionem , corpus coeleste solum per se . com. in arist . lib. . met. lux est visibilis per se : color verò mediaute luce . com. in ar. l. . de anima . omnia elementa putresiunt preter ignem . arist . l. . meteo . stellae e●●● non vidatur de die propter lumen solis ●om . ar. l. . de anima . salamar● drae tantus est rigor , vr ignem tactu extingu●t sicut glacies . p●●n l. . fructus arborum inficit , aquas corrumpit . ex gu●bus s● quis comederit vel . biberi● mox necatur . plin. l. . murena non à suo simili concip●tur , sed à serpente . i sid . l. . cap. . dubitato . ●um solummodo ●st veritatis inquisit●o . a●stot . me● . l. . l●mprey quasi lampetra● of licking rocks . camden . bribes are faithfull friends , for gifts corrupt the wise . lamprey , quasi lampetra of li●●ing the r●ck● . camden in worstershire . notes for div a -e tantae caliditatis est stru●hiocamelus quod ferrum deglutit , dirigit & co●sumit isisid . stercusferri eximium rarumque medicamentum ad omnesiocineris & splenis obstructiones . mathiol● medicamētum ex●ccacatorium . idem mathiol . they are called his egges , because hee trod the hen that laid them . naturaliter equum odit aren●m fodit & ibi ponit oua ●ua quae fabulocooperit & regi● notes for div a -e ●nocrotaus est auis luos ha●ens vte●os . in vno ●ecipit , in 〈◊〉 deco●uit . isid . ●strum ●aquam ergens ●rridum● cit ●o●m , asino mor● . id . ●in litoquies●ēs ●rum su●uper ●um eri●et sui us acu●e con●nsul●um ●ipitris ●raemu●s●d . draco maximus est cunctorum serpentium à spelnuci● abstractu● sertur in aerem . excitatur propter ●um aer , & mare contra eius ventu● contumescet . isid . lib. . solum habet venenum in lingua & in felle . plin. ● notes for div a -e pol. virg. lib. c. . de inuent . rer ▪ asinus est● animal maxim● frigoris● impatiens . plin. lib. . cap. ● tria● ver● cùm sint● opus , cibus . & cast●gatio . &c. arist . o●conomi● lib. cap. ● . verberās● absque ira peior , est verberā●e cum ●ra● com. in arist● . . metaph. you be ●s gods knowing good ●u euill . ●hat is a comnon cas● . aquas transire & pedes in eis figere multum horret . ari. . de animal . eccles . . . ca●den . hist● antiq. ir●● . g●● . ● . . notes for div a -e principatu● virum o●tendit . ari●t . l. . metaphys . tacit● hist● lib. . cap. . exod. ● act● . psal . . ● . reu. . . iudg● cap. . . cap. . gra●ton . notes for div a -e cambden in his brit. alluding to the ages of the ●hurch . . the prin●●tiue , by ●●ason of ou●ward● persecution , being obscure . . the second vnder the spiritu●ll persecution of antichrist , being fabulous . . the third being our age , where cōtrouersies are tried by the cleare sun-shine of gods word , and so certaine and histo●icall . pol. virg. rer. ●nuen . cap. . lib. . motus ●raec●d●t e●pus ●aturali●er , & tempus consequi●u● mot●m . a●ist . ph●sic . lib. . causatur autem motus primo & princ●pal●ter à circumuolutione coel● . a●ist . motus est transitus à termino ad terminum . tem●us ●st re●um mu●abilium men●u●● . a●ist . vigila● tempus cum dormire videtur : dumque vigilat s●mul dormire idem . que cum si● stit , volat ; & cum volat , consistit . vince chartarius . sunt anno●um diuersa genera . . annus lunaris . . annus solarus . . annus magnus . persecutions are l●ke clouds and stormes , which benight the gospel● the morning is deliueranc● from e●●o● . and darknesse by the gospel ; which obtaines free passage , and cleares and reformes the abuses of superstitious times . pausanias ●cribit grae cos gallu●● generatos e●●e , vt apollini sacrum ; is enim ca●tu mane ●olis aduentum anuncia● vin. cha●● . ●hocas . luk. . 〈◊〉 . luc●an . pho●as ha●ing slaine mauritiu● ga●● the title of vniuer●all bishop to boniface then bishop of rome . the crosse● omnia haec tibi d●bo . math. . ● servus seruorum . culpas huius redarguere prae●umit mor●●lium nullus● diabolus st●tit super pinnas templi . math. . . epimythium . prin●ipium plus ●st quam dimidium totius . ari●t . ● . . pol. . king. . . psal . ● . v. . notes for div a -e romulus & remus nur●ed by a wolfe , ●omulus●ew ●ew his ●rother r●nus for lea●ing ouer ●he walls of ●is citie ●ome . vnion . ●nno . ●acob . notes for div a -e alluding to the rainbow . ann. dom. the seas broke in before west , now east . marshland in norfolke . new-market burned with many other notable town● in england notes for div a -e plutar in vita fabii . notes for div a -e worthics a the old maior● b new maior . c aldermen● d an old wi●e . e smell out the meaning . f aldermens w●●es . mistres maiores . h so they call their butter cakes● i bread of crud● . k common irish drinke . l two fidlers and a blind boy with a bagpipe . m their poer● chroniclers . n one of the aldermen . o the fidlers boy . p they were almost all drunke . q the sun went down . r master maior cald to his wife for candles . ſ she was drunke and would none . t she took master m ior a box on the care . u mistris maiores might doe what she would . x the eight deadly sin , and more shunned of the irishmen then the other seuen . y their crosses , their wiues . z his history is wel knowne . a they plot and consult of nothing else . b stories out of the legend whi●h they beleeue aboue gods word . notes for div a -e cambden insula vectis . this title is giuen them by our worthy l. chiefe iustice of eng. notes for div a -e psal . . aelianus . ●sal . ● plut●r● in vita han. cunctando restitui● rem enniu● epimithiū . delights for the ingenious, in above fifty select and choice emblems, divine and moral, ancient and modern curiously ingraven upon copper plates : with fifty delightful poems and lots for the more lively illustration of each emblem, whereby instruction and good counsel may be promoted and furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation : to which is prefixed an incomparable poem, entituled majesty in misery, or, an imploration to the king of kings, written by his late majesty k. charles the first, with his own hand, during his captivity in carisbrook castle, in the isle or wight, : with an emblem / collected by r.b., author of the history of the wars of england, remarks of london, and admirable curiosities, &c. r. b., ?- ? approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) delights for the ingenious, in above fifty select and choice emblems, divine and moral, ancient and modern curiously ingraven upon copper plates : with fifty delightful poems and lots for the more lively illustration of each emblem, whereby instruction and good counsel may be promoted and furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation : to which is prefixed an incomparable poem, entituled majesty in misery, or, an imploration to the king of kings, written by his late majesty k. charles the first, with his own hand, during his captivity in carisbrook castle, in the isle or wight, : with an emblem / collected by r.b., author of the history of the wars of england, remarks of london, and admirable curiosities, &c. r. b., ?- ? charles i, king of england, - . majesty in misery. wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ] p., leaves of plates : ill. printed for nath. crouch ..., london : . added t.p. engraved. attributed to nathaniel crouch by wing. majesty in misery also sometimes attributed to g. wither. cf. nuc pre- . reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng emblems. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion choice emblems divine & moral delights for the ingenious , in above fifty select and choice emblems , divine and moral , ancient and modern . curiously ingraven upon copper plates . with fifty delightful poems and lots for the more lively illustration of each emblem , whereby instruction and good counsel may be promoted and furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation . to which is prefixed an incomparable poem , intituled majesty in misery , or an imploration to the king of kings . written by his late majesty k. charles the first , with his own hand , during his captivity in carisbrook castle , in the isle of wight , . with an emblem . collected by r. b. author of the history of the wars of england , remarks of london , and admirable curiosities , &c. london , printed for nath. crouch , at his shop at the sign of the bell in the poultry . . the author upon the emblem in the frontispiece this book containing emblems , 't was thought fit , a title-page should stand to usher it , that 's emblematicall : and to that end , our author , to the graver did commend a plain invention ; that it might be wrought , according as his fancy had forethought . instead thereof , the workman brought to light , what , here you see ; therein mistaking quite the true design : and so ( with pains , and cost ) the first intended frontispiece , is lost . the author , was as much displeas'd , as he in such adventures is inclin'd to be ; and half resolv'd to cast this piece aside , as nothing worth : but having better ey'd those errors , and confusions , which may there , blame-worthy ( at the first aspect ) appear ; he saw , they fitted many fantasies much better , then what reason can devise ; and that the graver ( by meer chance ) had hit on what , so much transcends the reach of wit , as made it seem , an object of delight , to look on what misfortune brought to light : and here it stands , to try his wit , who lists to pump the secrets , out of cabalists . if any think this page will now declare the meaning of those figures , which are there , they are deceiv'd . for destiny denies the utt'ring of such hidden mysteries . in these respects : first , this containeth nought which ( in a proper sense ) concerneth ought , the present-age : moreover , 't is ordain'd that none must know the secrecies contain'd within this piece ; but they who are so wise to find them out , by their own prudencies ; and he that can unriddle them , to us , shall stiled be , the second oedipus . t is likewise thought expedient , now and then , to make some work , for those all-knowing men , ( to exercise upon ) who think they see the secret-meanings , of all things that be . and lastly , since we find , that some there are , who best affect inventions , which appear beyond their understandings ; this we knew a representment , worthy of their view ; and here we placed it , to be to these , a frontispiece , in any sense they please . to the reader it is probable , that if some books had not been composed pleasantly , and sutable to mean capacities , many persons had not been so delighted in reading , and thereby in time have attained to more useful knowledge . therefore , though i can say no more to disswade from vice , or to incourage men to virtue , than hath already been done by many learned authors , yet these lively emblems may chance to bring that oftner to remembrance , which they have more learnedly expressed , and perhaps by such circumstances as they would not descend unto , may insinuate farther into some understandings then more applauded discourses , by stirring up the affections , winning the attention , or helping the memory . and since the world is grown so very airy that the printing of solid and serious treatises hath many times undone the bookseller , to advance their profits , i was moved to invent somewhat which might be likely to please the populace , and have therefore added lotteries to these emblems , to occasion the more frequent notice of the morals and good counsels tendred in their illustrations ; hoping that some time or other , some persons may draw those lots , which may make them more wise and happy as long as they live . possibly this device may be censured , and reputed as great an indecorum as erecting an alehouse at the church-stile , yet perhaps if the wisest would sometimes take up this book , and without any superstitious conceit make tryal what their lots would remember or give them cause to think on , it might now and then either occasion better proceedings , or prevent worse mischiefs . some games were ever in use ; and i think ever will be ; and for ought i know ever may be without exception ; and i believe this recreation may be as harmless as any , if they be used as they are intended ; for my meaning is not , that any one should use it as an oracle , which can infallibly signify what is divinely allotted , but to serve only for a moral pastime ; and that i may by no means incourage the secret entertainment of such a fancy , i do here previously affirm and declare , that none but children or idiots may be tollerated to be so foolish without being laught at . yet if any shall draw those lots wherein their secret vices are reproved , and some good instructions proposed , which in their own understandings are conducible and pertinent to their welfare , let not such as those pass them over as meer casualties to them , for whatsoever these lots are to others , or in themselves , they ought to be particularly regarded and applied by them to their own concerns . some perhaps will think that this game is purposely invented as a means to reprove mens vices without being suspected to aim at particular persons ; for if any who are notoriously guilty , by drawing these chances shall be so fitted , that those vices be thereby intimated to the by-standers , of which the world knows them guilty , they do therein make their own libels , and may i hope be laught at without blame ; if not , i do here warn all such as are justly suspected of heinous crimes and scandalous conversations , either to forbear these lotteries ; or to excuse me if they be justly shamed by their own act . having thus declared the reason of this invention , and made these anticipations every man hath his own choice whether he will make use of these lotteries or no , he that will is left to his chance , of which how he may make tryal , direction is given at the latter end of this book . b●na agere & maia●●●i regium est . majesty in misery ; or an imploration to the king of kings . written by his late majesty king charles the first with his own hand , during his captivity in carisbrook castle in the isle of wight . . . great monarch of the world , from whose power springs the potency and power of kings , record the royal wo my suffering sings . . and teach my tongue that ever did confine , its faculties in truths seraphick line , to track the treasons of thy foes and mine . . nature and law by thy divine decree , the only root of righteous royaltie , with this dim diadem invested me . . with it , the sacred scepter , purple robe , the holy unction , and the royal globe ; yet i am levelled with the life of job . . the fiercest furies that do daily tread upon my grief , my gray discrowned head , are those that owe my bounty , for their bread. . they raise a war , and christen it , the cause , whilst sacrilegious hands have best applause , plunder and murder are the kingdoms laws . . tyranny bears the title of taxation , revenge and robbery are reformation , oppression gains the name of sequestration . . my loyal subjects who in this bad season , attend me ( by the law of god and reason ) they dare impeach and punish for high treason . . next at the clergy do their furies frown , pious episcopacy must go down , they will destroy the crozier and the crown . . churchmen are chain'd , & schismaticks are freed mechanicks preach , and holy fathers bleed , the crown is crucified with the creed . . the church of england doth all faction foster , the pulpit is usurpt by each impostor , extempore excludes the pater noster . . the presbyter and independent seed , springs with broad blades , to make religion bleed , herod and pontius pilate are agreed . . the corner stone 's misplac'd by every pavier ; with such a bloody method and behaviour , their ancestors did crucify our saviour . . my royal consort from whose fruitful womb , so many princes legally have come , is forc'd in pilgrimage to seek a tomb , . great britains heir is forced into france , whilst on his fathers head his foes advance ; poor child ! he weeps out his inheritance . . with my own power my majesty they wound , in the kings name the king himself 's uncrown'd ; so doth the dust destroy the diamond . . with propositions daily they enchant , my peoples ears , such as do reason daunt , and the almighty will not let me grant. . they promise to erect my royal stem , to make me great , t' advance my diadem , if i will first fall down and worship them . . but for refusal they devour my thrones , distress my children , and destroy my bones , i fear they 'l force me to make bread of stones . . my life they prize at such a slender rate , and in my absence they draw bills of hate , to prove the king a traytor to the state. . felons obtain more priviledg than i , they are allow'd to answer ere they dye , 't is death for me to ask the reason , why . . but sacred saviour , with thy words i woo thee to forgive , and not be bitter to such , as thou know'st , do not know what they do . but since they from their lord are so disjointed , as to contemn those edicts he appointed . how can they prize the power of his anointed ? . augment my patience ; nullify my hate , preserve my issue , and inspire my mate . yet , though we perish , bless this church and state vota dabunt quae bella negarunt . the explanation of the emblem in latin and english . ponderibus genus omne mali , probrique gravatus , vixque ferenda ferens , palma ut depressa , resurgo ac velut undarum fluctus ventique , furorem irati populi rupes immota repello . clarior è tenebris , coelestis stella , corusco , victor & aeternum felici pace triumpho . auro fulgentem rutilo gemmisque micantem , at curis gravidam spernendo calco coronam . spinosam , at ferri facilem , quo spes mea , christi auxilio , nobis non est tractare molestum ; aeternam , fixis fidei , semperque beatam , in coelos oculis specto , nobisque paratam . quod vanum est sperno , quod christi gratia praebet amplecti studium est ; virtutis gloria merces . in english . though clogg'd with weights of miseries , palm-like depress'd i higher rise . and as the unmoved rock out-braves the boistrous winds , and raging waves ; so triumph i , and shine more bright in sad afflictions darksom night . that splendid , but yet toilsom crown , regardlesly i trample down . with joy i take this crown of thorn , though sharp , yet easy to be born . that heavenly crown already mine , i view with eyes of faith divine . i slight vain things ; and do imbrace , glory the just reward of grace . an epitaph upon king charles the first . so falls the stately cedar , while it stood , that was the only glory of the wood. great charles , terrest rial god , celestial man , whose life , like others , though it were a span , yet in that span was comprehended more , than earth hath waters , or the ocean shore . thy heavenly virtues angels should reherse , it is a theam too high for human verse . he that would know thee right then , let him look upon thy rare incomparable book , and read it o're ; and o're which if he do , he 'l find thee king , and priest , and prophet too , and sadly see our loss , and though in vain , with fruitless wishes call thee back again . nor shall oblivion sit upon thy herse , though there were neither monument nor verse . thy suff'rings and thy death let no man name , it was thy glory , but the kingdoms shame . another . stay passenger ; behold and see , the widdow'd grave of majesty . why tremblest not ? here 's that will make the most stupid , soul to shake , here lies intomb'd the sacred dust . of peace and piety , right and just . the blood ( o stait'st thou not to hear ! ) of a blest king 'twixt hope and fear , shed , and hurried hence to be the miracle of misery . the lawgiver amongst his own , sentenc'd by a law unknown ; voted monarchy to death , by the course plebeian breath the soveraign of all comma suffering by a common hand . a prince ( to make the odium more ) martyr'd at his very door . the head cut off ! oh , death to see 't , in obedience to the feet ! and that by justice you must know , if thou hast faith to think it so ; we 'll stir no further than this sacred clay , but let it slumber till the judgment day . of all the kings on earth , it 's not deni'd , here lies the first that for religion dy'd . another . written by the magnanimous james marques of montross with the point of his sword. great , good , and just could i but rate my , grief , and thy so rigid fate . i 'de weep the world to such a strain , that it should deluge once again . but since thy loud-tongu'd blood demands supplies more from briareus hands then argus eyes ; i 'le sing thy elegy with trumpets sounds , and write thy epitaph in blood and wounds , emblem i. finis ab origine pendet . the first emblem illustrated . as soon as we to be begun , we did begin to be undone . when some , in former ages , had a meaning an emblem , of mortality , to make , they form'd an infant , on a deaths-head leaning , and round about , encircled with a snake : the child so pictur'd , was to signify , that from our very birth , our dying springs : the snake , her tail devouring , doth imply the revolution , of all earthly things . for , whatsoever hath beginning , here , begins , immediately , to vary from the same it was ; and , doth at last appear what very few did think it should become . the solid stone doth molder into earth that earth , e're long , to water , rarifies ; that water gives an airy vapour birth , and , thence , a fiery-comet doth arise : that moves , untill it self it so impair , that from a burning-meteor , back again , it sinketh down , and thickens into air ; that air becomes a cloud ; then drops of rain those drops , descending on a rocky ground , there settle into earth , which more and more doth harden , still ; so , running out the round , it grows to be the stone it was before . thus , all things wheel about ; & each beginning made entrance to its own destruction hath . the life of nature entreth in with sinning ; and is , for ever , waited on by death : the life of grace , is form'd by death to sin and , there , doth life-eternal , straight begin . lot . when thou hast changes good or bad , o'rejoy'd thou art , or oversad : as if it seemed very strange , to see the wind or weather change . ●o therefore to remember thee how changeable things mortal be , thou art assisted by this lot , how , let it be no more forgot . emblem ii. quo me vertam nescio . the second emblem illustrated . when vice and virtue youth shall wooe , 't is hard to say which way 't will go . my hopeful friends at thrice five years & three without a guide ( into the world alone ) to seek my fortune , did adventure mee ; and , many hazards , i alighted on . first englands greatest rendevouz i sought , where vice and vertue at the highest sit ; and , thither , both a mind and body brought , for neither of their services unfit . both , woo'd my youth : and , both perswaded so , that ( like the young man in our emblem here ) i stood , and cry'd , ah! which way shall i go ? to me so pleasing both their offers were . vice pleasures best contentments promist me and what the wanton flesh desires to have : quoth vertue , i will wisdom give to thee , and those brave things , w ch noblest minds do crave serve me said vice and thou shalt soon acquire all hose atchievements which my service brings serve me said vertue , and i 'le raise thee higher then vices can , and teach thee better things . whil'st thus they strove to gain me , i espyd grim death attending vice ; and , that her face was but a painted vizard , which did hide the foul'st deformity that ever was . lord , grant me grace for evermore to view her ugliness : and , that i viewing it , her falsehoods and allurements may eschew ; and on fair vertue my affection set ; her beauties contemplate , her love embrace , and by her safe direction , run my race . lot . with mary thou art one of those , by whom the better part is chose : and though thou tempted art astray , continu'st in a lawful way . give god the praise with heart unfeign'd , that he such grace to thee hath deign'd . and rein thy lot where thou shalt see , what hag hath laid a trap for thee . emblem iii. vivitur ingenio , caetera mortis erunt . the third emblem . illustrated . by knowledge only life we gain , all other things to death pertain . how fond are they , who spend their pretious time in still pursuing their deceiving pleasures ? and they , that unto airy titles clime or tire themselves in hording up of treasures ? for , these are death's , who , when with weariness they have acquired most , sweeps all away ; and leaves them , for their labors , to possess nought but a raw-bon'd carcass lapt in clay . of twenty hundred thousands , who this hour vaunt much of those possessions they have got ; of their new purchas'd honours , or , the power , by which , they seem to have advanc't their lot : of this great multitude , there shall not three remain , for any future-age to know ; but perish quite , and quite forgotten be , as beasts , devoured twice ten years ago . thou , therefore , who desir'st for ay to live , and to possess thy labours maugre death , to needful arts and honest actions , give thy span of time , and thy short blast of breath . in holy studies , exercise thy mind ; in works of charity , thy hands imploy ; that knowledge , and that treasure , seek to find , which may enrich thy heart with perfect joy. so though obscured thou appear , a while , despised , poor or born to fortunes low , thy vertue shall acquire a nobler stile , then greatest kings are able to bestow : and , gain thee those possessions , which , nor they , nor time , nor death , have power to take away lot . thou dost overmuch respect , that which will thy harm effect . but some other things there be ; which will more advantage thee . search thy heart and thou shalt there soon discover what they are . yea thine emblem shews thee too what to shun , and what to do . emblem iv. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the fourth emblem illustrated . as to the world i naked came , so naked stript i leave the same . thrice happy is that man whose thoughts do rear his mind above that pitch the worldling flies and by his contemplations , hovers where he views things mortal , with unbleared eyes . what trifles then do villages and towns large fields or flocks of fruitful cattle seem . nay , what poor things are miters , scepters , crowns , and all those glories which men most esteem . though he that hath among them , his delight brave things imagines them ( because they blind with some false lustre his beguiled sight ) ( find . he that 's above them , their mean-worth may lord , to that blessea-station me convey where i may view the world , and view her so , that i her true condition may survey ; and all her imperfections rightly know . remember me , that once there was a day , when thou didst wean me from them with content , ev'n when shut up within those gates i lay through which the plague-inflicting angel went. and , let me still remember , that an hour is hourly coming on , wherein i shall ( though i had all the world within my power ) be naked stript , and turned out of all . but mind me , chiefly , that i never cleave too closely to my self ; and cause thou me not other earthly things alone to leave , but to forsake my self for love of thee : that i may say , now i have all things left , before that i of all things , am bereft . lot . be not angry if i tell , that you love the world too well , for this lot , perhaps you drew ; that such faults you might eschew . mark to what their souls aspire who true blessedness desire ; for if you can do like those , heaven you gain when earth you lose . emblem v. ad scopum , licet aegre , & frustra . the fifth emblem illustrated . a fool in folly taketh pain , although he labour still in vain . a massie mil-stone up a tedious hill , with mighty labour , sisyphus doth roll ; which being rais'd aloft , down-tumbleth , still , to keep imployed his afflicted soul. on him , this tedious labour is impos'd ; and ( though in vain ) it must be still assayd : but , some , by no necessity inclos'd , upon themselves , such needless tasks have laid . yea , knowing not ( or caring not to know ) that they are worn and weary'd out in vain , they madly toil to plung themselves in wo ; and , seek uncertain ease , in certain pain . such fools are they , who dream they can acquire a mind-content , by lab'ring still for more : for , wealth encreasing doth encrease desire , and makes contentment lesser then before . such fools are they , whose hopes do vainly stretch to climb by titles , to a happy height : for , having gotten one ambitious-reach , another comes perpetually in sight . and , their stupidity is nothing less , who dream that flesh and blood may raised be up to the mount of perfect holiness : for ( at our best ) corrupt and vile are we . yet , we are bound by faith , with live , and hope , to roll the stone of good endeavour , still , as near as may be , to perfections top , though back again it tumble down the hill. so ; what our works had never power to do , god's grace , at last , shall freely bring us to , lot . m. doubtless thou art either wooing , or some other business doing , which you shall attempt in vain , or much hazard all your pain . yet if good your meanings are , do not honest means forbear . for where things are well begun , god oft works when man hath done . emblem vi. pedetentim . the sixth emblem illustrated . his pace must wary be and slow , that hath a slippery way to go . a travailer , when he must undertake to seek his passage , o're some frozen lake , with leisure , and with care , he will assay the glassy smoothness of that icy-way , lest he may slip , by walking over-fast ; or , break the crackling pavement , by his hast : and , so ( for want of better taking heed ) incur the mischiefs of unwary-speed . we are all travellers ; and , all of us have many passages , as dangerous , as frozen-lakes ; and slipery-ways , we tread , in which our lives may soon be forfeited , ( with all our hopes of life-eternal , too ) unless , we well consider what we do . there is no private way or publick path but rubs , or holes , or slipp'riness it hath , whereby , we shall with mischiefs meet ; unless we walk it , with a steadfast-wariness . the steps to honour , are on pinacles compos'd of melting snow , and isicles ; and , they who tread not nicely on their tops , shall on a suddain slip from all their hopes . yea , ev'n that way which is both sure and holy , and leads the mind from vanities and folly , is with so many other path-ways crost , as that , by rashness , it may soon be lost ; unless , we well deliberate , upon those tracts , in which our ancestours have gone : and , they who with more haste , then heed , will run , may lose the way , in which they well begun . lot. . in slippery paths you are to go , yea , they are full of danger too . and if you heedful should not grow they 'l hazard much your overthrow . but you the mischief may eschew , if wholsom counsel you pursue ; look therefore , what you may be taught , by that , which this your chance hath brought . emblem vii . pro lege & pro grege . the seventh emblem illustrated . our pelican by bleeding thus , fulfill'd the law , and cured us . look here , and mark ( her sickly birds to feed ) how freely this kind pelican doth bleed . see , how ( when other salves could not be found ) to cure their sorrows , she her self doth wound ; and when this holy emblem thou shalt see , lift up thy soul to him , who dy'd for thee . for this our hieroglyphick would express that pelican , which in the wilderness of this vast world , was left ( as all alone ) our miserable nature to bemone ; and in whose eyes , the tears of pity stood , when he beheld his own unthankful brood his favours and his mercies , then contemn , when with his wings he would have brooded them : and sought their endless peace to have confirm'd , though to procure his ruine , they were arm'd . to be their food , himself he freely gave ; his heart was pierc'd , that he their souls might save , because , they disobey'd the sacred-will , he did the law of righteousness fulfill ; and to that end ( though guiltless he had bin ) was offered , for our universal-sin . let me , oh god! for ever fix mine eyes upon the merit of that sacrifice : let me retain a due commemoration of those dear mercies , and that bloody passion , which here is meant ; and by true faith , still feed upon the drops , this pelican did bleed ; yea , let me firm unto thy law abide , and ever love that flock , for which he dy'd . lot . this present lot concerns full near , not you alone but all men here . for all of us too little heed ; his love who for our sakes did bleed . 't is true , that means he left behind him which better teacheth how to mind him . yet if we both by that , and this , remember him , 't is not amiss . emblem viii . quid si sic ? the eighth emblem illustrated . though he endeavour all he can , an ape will never be a man. what though an apish-pigmy , in attire , his dwarfish body gyant-like , array ? turn brave , & get him stilts to seem the higher ? what would so doing , handsome him i pray ? now , surely , such a mimick sight as that , would with excessive laughter move your spleen , till you had made the little dandiprat , to lye within some auger-hole , unseen . i must confess i cannot chuse but smile , when i perceive , how men that worthless are , piece out their imperfections , to beguile , by making shows , of what they never were . for , in their borrow'd-shapes , i know those men , and ( through their masks ) such insight of them have ; that i can oftentimes disclose ( ev'n then ) how much they favour of the fool or knave . a pigmey spirit , and an earthly-mind , whose look is only fixt on objects vain ; in my esteem , so mean a place doth find , that ev'ry such a one , i much refrain . but , when in honour'd robes i see it put , betrimm'd , as if some thing of worth it were , look big , and on the stilts of greatness , strut from scorning it , i cannot then for bear . for , when to gross unworthiness men add those dues , which to the truest-worth pertain ; t is like an ape , in humane vestments clad , which , when most fine , deserveth most disdain : and more absurd , those men appear to me , then this fantastick-monkey seems to thee . lot . m. thy chance is doubtful and as yet , i know not what to make of it . but this i know a foe thou art ; to what thine emblem , hath in part , expressed by a mimick shape ; or thou they self art such an ape . now which of these pertains to thee , let them that know the judges be . emblem ix . fures privati in nervo , publici in auro . the ninth emblem illustrated . poor thieves in fetters we behold , and great thieves in their chains of gold. if you this emblem , well have look'd upon , although you cannot help it , yet , bemone the worlds black impudence ; and if you can continue ( or become ) an honest man. the poor , and petty pilferers , you see on wheels , on gibbets , and the gallow tree trust up ; when they that far more guilty are , pearl , silk , and costly cloth of tissue , wear . good god! how many hath each land of those , who neither limb , nor life , nor credit lose , ( but , rather live befriended , and applauded ) yet , have of all their livelihoods defrauded the helpless widows , in their great distress ? and of their portions , rob'd the fatherless ? yet , censur'd other 's errours , as if none had cause to say , that they amiss have done ? how many , have assisted to condemn poor souls , for what was never stoln by them ? and persecuted others , for that sin , which they themselves , had more transgressed in ? how many worthless men , are great become , by that , which they have stoln , or cheated from their lords ? or ( by some practices unjust ) from those , by whom they had been put in trust ? how many lawyers , wealthy men are grown , by taking fees for causes overthrown by their defaults ? how many , without fear , do rob the king , and god , yet blameless are ? god knows how many ! would i did so , too , so i had pow'r to make them better do . lot . we hope no person here believes , that you are of those wealthy thieves . who chains of gold and pearl do wear ; and of those thieves that none you are , which wear a rope we plainly see , for you as yet unhanged be . but unto god for mercy cry ; else hang'd you may be e're you die . emblem x. fulcrum tutissimum . the tenth emblem . illustrated . we then have got the surest prop , when heaven alone becomes our hope . i should not care how hard my fortunes were , might still my hopes be such , as now they are , of helps divine ; nor fear , how poor i be , if thoughts , yet present , still may bide in me . for , they have left assurance of such aid , that , i am of no dangers , now afraid . yea , now i see , methinks , what weak and vain supporters i have sought , to help , sustain my fainting heart ; when some injurious hand , would undermine the station where i stand . methinks , i see how scurvy , and how base , it is to scrap for favours , and for grace , to men of earthly minds ; and unto those , who may , perhaps , before to morrow lose their wealth , ( or their abus'd authority ) and stand as much in want of help as i. me thinks , in this new-rapture i do see the hand of god from heaven supporting me , without those rotten-aids , for which i whin'd , when i was of my tother vulgar-mind : and if in some one part of me it lay , i'now , could cut that limb of mine away . still might i keep this mind , there were enough within my self , ( beside that cumbring stuff we seek without ) which , husbanded aright , would make me rich , in all the worlds despight . and i have hopes , that had she quite bereft me , of those few raggs and toys , which yet are left me ; i should on god , alone , so much depend , that , i should need , nor wealth , nor other friend . lot . because her aid makes goodly shows , you on the world your trust repose ; and his dependance you despise , who clearly on heavens help relies . that therefore you may come to see , how pleas'd and safe those men may be . who have no aid but god alone ; this emblem you have lighted on . emblem xi . serva modum . the eleventh emblem illustrated . do not the golden mean exceed in word , in passion , nor in deed . as is the head-strong horse , and blockish mule , ev'n such , without the bridle , and the rule , our nature grows ; and is an mischievous , till grace and reason , come to govern us . the square , and bridle , therefore let us heed , and thereby learn to know , what helps we need ; lest , else , ( they failing , timely , to be had ) quite out of order , we at length , be made . the square , ( which is an useful instrument , to shape for senseless forms ) may represent the law : because mankind , ( which is by nature , almost as dull , as is the senseless-creature , ) is thereby , from the native-rudeness , wrought ; and in the way of honest-living taught . the bridle , ( which invention did contrive , to rule , and guide the creature-sensitive ) may type forth discipline ; which when the law hath school'd the wit , must keep the will in awe . and he that can by these , his passions bound , this emblems meaning , usefully , hath found . lord , let thy sacred law , at all times , be a rule a master , and a glass to me ; ( a bridle , and a light ) that i may , still , both know my duty , and obey thy will. direct my feet ; my hands instruct thou so , that i may neither wander , nor mis-do . my looks , my hearing , and my words confine , to keep still firm , to ev'ry word of thine . on thee , let also my desires attend , and let me hold this temper , till mine end . lot . your wits , your wishes , and your tongue have run the wild-goose chase too long . and ( lest all reason you exceed ) you now of rule , and reins have need . a bridle therefore and a square , chief figures in your emblem are . observe their moral , and alway , be wise and sober as you may . emblem xii . paupertate premor , sublevor ingenio . the twelfth emblem illustrated . my wit got wings , and high had flown , but poverty did keep me down . you little think , what plague it is to be , in plight like him , whom pictur'd here you see . his winged-arm , and his up lifted-eyes , declare , that he hath wit , and will , to rise : the stone , which clogs his other hand , may show that poverty and fortune , keep him low : and 'twixt these two , the body and the mind , such labours , and such great vexations find , that , if you did not such mens wants contemn , you could not chuse but help , or pity them . all ages had ( and this i know hath some ) such men as to this misery , do come : and many of them , at their lot , so grieve , as if they knew , ( or did at least believe ) that , had their wealth suffic'd them to aspire ( to what their wits deserve , and they desire ) the present age , and future ages too , might gain have had , from what they though to do . perhaps i dream'd so once : but , god be prais'd the clog which kept me down , from being rais'd was chain'd so fast , that ( if such dreams i had ) my thoughts , and longings , are not now so mad for , plain i see , that had my fortunes brought such wealth , at first , as my small wit hath sought , i might my self , and others , have undone ; instead of courses , which i thought to run : i find my poverty , for me was fit ; yea , and a blessing , greater than my wit : and whether , now i rich or poor become , t is nor much pleasing , nor much troublesome . lot . thou think'st thy wit had made thee great , had poverty not been some lot . ●ut had thy wealth as ample been , ●s thou didst think thy wit so fine ; instead of thy desired hight , perhaps thou hadst been ruin'd quite . hereafter therefore be content , with whatsoever heaven hath sent . emblem xiii . stultorum adjumenta nocumenta . the thirteenth emblem illustrated . the best good turns that fools can do us . prove disadvantages unto us . a fool , sent forth to fetch the goslings home , when they unto a rivers brink were come , ( through which their passage lay ) conceiv'd a fear , his dames best brood might have been drown'd there ; which , to avoid , he thus did shew his wit , and his good nature , in preventing it . he , underneath his girdle , thrusts their heads , and then the coxcomb through the water wades . here learn , that when a fool his help intend it rather doth a mischief , then befriends ; and think , if there be danger in his love , how harmful his maliciousness may prove : for , from his kindness , though no profit rise , to do thee spight , his malice may suffice . i could not from a prince beseech a boon by suing to his jester or buffoon : nor any fools vain humor sooth or serve , to get my bread , though i were like to starve for to be poor , i should not blush so much , as if a fool should raise me to be rich . lord , though of such a kind my faults may be that sharp affliction still must tutor me , ( and give me due correction in her schools ) yet , oh preserve me from the scorn of fools . those wicked fools , that in their hearts have said there is no god ; and rather give me bread by ravens , lord , or in a lions den , then by the favours of such foolish men : lest , if their dainties i should swallow down , their smile might more undo , me then their frown . lot . thou dost not greatly care by whom thy wealth , or thy preferments come , ●o thou may'st get them , fool or knave , thy prayers , and thy praise may have . because thou dost not fear or dream what disadvantage comes by them ; but by thine emblem , thou may'st see , fools favours mischievous may be . emblem xiv . pueros castigo , virosque . the fourteenth emblem illustrated . behold and mark the picture here , of what keeps man and child in fear . these are the greatest afflictions , most men have , ev'n from their nursing-cradle to their grave : yet , both so needful are , i cannot see , how either of them , may well spared be . the rod is that , which most our childhood fears ; and seems the great'st affliction that it bears : that , which to man-hood , is a plague , as common ( and more unsufferable ) is a woman . yet , blush not ladies ; neither frown , i pray , that thus of women i presume to say ; nor number me , as yet , among your foes ; for , i am more your friend , then you suppose nor smile ye men , as if , from hence , ye had an argument , that woman-kind were bad . the birch , is blameless ( yea , by nature , sweet , and gentle ) till , with stubborn boys , it meet but , then it smarts . so , women , will be kind , until , with froward husbands , they are joyn'd : and then indeed ( perhaps ) like birchen boughs , ( which , else , had been a trimming , to their house ) they sometimes prove , sharp whips , and rods , to them , that wisdom , and instruction do contemn . a woman , was not given for correction ; but , rather for a furtherance to perfection : a precious balm of love , to cure mans grief ; and of his pleasures , to become the chief . if , therefore , she occasion any smart , the blame , he merits , wholly , or in part : for , like sweet honey , she good stomacks , pleases ; but pains the body , subject to diseases . lot . m. the time hath been that of the rod thou wert more fearful then of god. but now unless thou prudent grow , more cause thou hast to fear a shrow . for from the rod now thou art free , a woman shall thy torment be . yet do not thou at her repine ; for all the fault is only thine . emblem xv. concordia insuperabilis . the fifteenth emblem illustrated . where many forces joyned are , unconquerable power is there . an emblem 's meaning , here , i thought to conster ; and this doth rather fashion out a monster , then form an hieroglyphick : but , i had these figures ( as you see them ) ready made by others ; and i mean to morallize their fancies ; not to mend what they devise , yet , peradventure with some vulgar praise , this picture ( though i like it not ) displays the moral , which the motto doth imply ; and thus it may be said to signifie . he , that hath many faculties , or friends , to keep him safe ( or to acquire his ends ) and fits them so ; and keeps them so together , that , still , as readily , they aid each other , as if so many hands , they had been made ; and in one-body , useful being had : that man , by their assistance , may , at length , attain to an unconquerable strength ; and crown his honest hopes , with whatsoever he seeks for , by a warranted endeavour . or , else , it might be said ; that , when we may make our affections , and our sense , obey the will of reason , ( and so well agree , that we may find them , still at peace to be ) they 'l guard us , like so many armed bands ; and safely keep us , whatsoever withstands . if others think this figure , here , infers a better sense ; let those interpreters unriddle it ; and preach it where they please : their meanings may be good , and so are these . lot . if all your powers you should unite in your desires prevail you might ; and sooner should effect your ends if you should muster up your friends . but since your best friends do suspect , that you such policy neglect . your lot presenteth to your view an emblem which instructeth you . emblem xvi . non sceptro sed plectro ducitur . the sixteenth emblem illustrated . a fickle woman wanton grown , prefers a fiddle before a crown . fool ! dost thou hope , thine honours , or thy gold , shall gain thee love ? or , that thou hast her heart , whose hand upon thy tempting bait laies hold ? alas ! fond lover , thou deceived art . she that with wealth , and titles , can be won , or woo'd with vanities , will wav'ring be ; and when her love , thou most dependest on , a fiddle-stick shall win her heart from thee . to youth and musick , venus leaneth most ; and ( though her hand she on the scepter lay ) let greatness of her favours never boast : for , heart and eye are bent another way . and lo , no glorious purchase that man gets , who hath with such poor trifles , woo'd , & won : her footing , on a ball , his mistress sets , which in a moment slips , and she is gone . a woman , meerly with an out-side caught , or tempted with a galliard or a song , will him forsake ( whom she most lovely thought ) for players and for tumblers , ere 't be long . you , then that wish your love should ever last , ( and would enjoy affection without changing ) love where your loves may worthily be plac't ; and keep your own affection , still from ranging . use noble means , your longings to attain ; seek equall minds , and well beseeming years : they are ( at best ) vain fools , whom folly gain ; but , there is bliss , where vertue most endears : and wheresoe'r , affection she procures , in spight of all temptations , it endures . lot . m. if some here present this had got , they would have blushed at their lot , since very fit the same doth prove , for one unconstant in his love. or one that has a frickle mate ; if you enjoy a better state , yet hearken what your lot doth say , lest you hereafter want it may , emblem xvii . non obest virtuti sors . the seventeenth emblem illustrated . though fortune prove true virtues foe , it cannot work her overthrow . unhappy men are they , whose ignorance so slaves them to the fortunes of the time , that they ( attending on the lot of chance ) neglect by vertue , and deserts , to clime . poor heights they be which fortune rears unto ; and fickle is the favour she bestows : to-day , she makes ; to morrow doth undoe ; builds up , and in an instant overthrows . on easie wheels , to wealth and honours high , she winds men oft , before they be aware ; and when they dream of most prosperity , down , headlong , throws them lower then they were . you , then , that seek a more assur'd estate , on good , and honest objects , fix your mind , and follow vertue , that you may a fate exempt from fear of change , or dangers , find . for , he that 's vertuous , whether high or low his fortune seems ( or whether foul or fair his path he finds ) or whether friend or foe , the world doth prove ; regards it not a hair . his loss is gain ; his poverty is wealth ; the worlds contempt , he makes his diadem ; in sickness , he rejoyceth , as in health ; yea , death it self becometh life , to him . he fears no disrespect , no bitter scorn , nor subtile plottings , nor oppressions force ; nay , though the world should topsie-turvie turn it cannot fright him , nor divert his course . above all earthly powers his vertue rears him , and up with eglets wings , to heav'n it bears him . lot . m. this man whatever he may seem , is worthy of an high esteem . though fortune may his person grind , she cannot yet disturb his mind . yea blest and happy should we be , were all of us but such as he . read but his motto which you drew , for that in part the same will shew . emblem xviii . noli altum sapere . the eighteenth emblem illustrated . above thy knowledge do not rise . but with sobriety be wise . exalt thou not thy self , though plac'd thou be , upon the top of that old olive-tree , from whence the nat'rall branches prun'd have bin , that , thou , the better , mightst be grafted in . be not so over-wise , as to presume the gara'ner , for thy goodness , did assume thy small crab olive , to insert it there , where , once , the sweetest-berries growing were . nor let thy pride those few old-boughts contemn which , yet , remain upon their ancient stem ; because , thy new-incorporated sprayes , do more enjoy the suns refreshing raies : but humbled rather and more awful be ; lest he that cut off them do break down thee . be wise , in what may to thy good belong ; but , seek not knowledge , to thy neighbours wrong : be thankful for the grace thou hast receiv'd , but , judge not those , who seem thereof bereav'd ; nor into those forbidden secrets peep . which god-almighty , to himself doth keep . remember what our father adam found , when he for knowledge , sought beyond his bound . for doubtless , ever since , both good and ill are left with knowledge , intermingled still ; and ( if we be not humble , meek , and wary ) we are in daily danger to miscarry . large proves the fruit which on the earth doth lie ; winds break the twig , that 's grafted over-high ; and he that will , beyond his bounds , be wise , becomes a very fool , before he dies . lot . this lot those persons always finds , that have high thoughts , and lofty minds : or such as have an itch to learn , that which doth nothing them concern . or love to peep with daring eyes , into forbidden mysteries . if any one of these thou be ; thine emblem better teacheth thee . emblem xix . tractant fabrilia fabri . the nineteenth emblem illustrated . when each man keeps unto his trade , then all things better will be made . we more should thrive , and err the seldomer , if we were like this honest carpenter , whose emblem , in reproof of those , is made , that love to meddle farther then their trade . but , most are now exceeding cunning grown in ev'ry mans affairs , except their own : yea , coblers think themselves not only able , to censure ; but , to mend apelles table . great-men , sometime , will gravely undertake to teach , how brooms & morter , we should make . their indiscretions , peasants imitate , and boldly meddle with affairs of state. some houswives teach their teachers how to pray , some clarks have shew'd themselves , as wise as they ; and in their callings , as discreet have bin , as if they taught their grandames how to spin : and if these customs last a few more ages , all countries will be nothing else , but stages of evil-acted , and mistaken parts ; or , gallemaufries of imperfect arts. but , i my self ( you 'l say ) have medlings made in things , that are improper to my trade . no ; for , the muses are in all things free ; fit subject of their verse , all creatures be ; and there is nothing nam'd so mean , or great , whereof they have not liberty to treat . both earth and heav'n , are open unto these , and ( when to take more liberty they please ) they worlds , and things , create , which never were ; and when they list they play , and meddle there . lot . if all be true these lots do tell us , thou shouldest be of those prating fellows , who better practised are grown , in others matters then their own . or one that covets to be thought a man that is ignorant of nought . if it be so , thy moral shews thy folly , and from whence it flows . emblem xx. constante fiducia . the twentieth emblem illustrated . they after suffering shall be crown'd , in whom a constant faith is found . mark well this emblem ; and observe you thence the nature of true christian-confidence . her foot is fixed on a squared-stone , which , whether side soe're you turn it on , stands fast ; and is that corner-stone , which props , and firmly knits the structure of our hopes . she , always , bears a cross ; to signifie , that there was never any constancy without her tryals : and that , her perfection shall never be attain'd , without affliction . a cup she hath moreover in her hand ; and by that figure , thou mayst understand , that she hath draughts of comfort , always near her , ( at ev'ry brunt ) to strengthen , and to cheer her . and loe , her head is crown'd ; that , we may see how great , her glories , and rewards , will be . hereby , this vertue 's nature may be known : now , practise how to make the same thine own . discourag'd be not though thou art pursu'd with many wrongs , which cannot be eschew'd , nor yield thou to despairing , though thou hast a cross ( which threatens death ) to be embrac't ; or , though thou be compell'd to swallow up , the very dregs , of sorrows bitter cup : for , whensoever griefs , or torments , pain thee , thou hast the same foundation to sustain thee : the self same cup of comfort , is prepar'd , to give thee strength , when fainting fits are feard . and when thy time of trial , is expired , thou shalt obtain the crown , thou hast desired . lot. . thy fortunes have been very bad , for many sufferings thou hast had ; and tryals too , which are unknown , to any but thy self alone . yet not loss , nor harm nor smart , from constant hopes remove thy heart . for see thine emblem doth foreshew ; a good conclusion will ensue . emblem xxi . furor fit laesa saepius patientia . the st emblem illustrated . who patience tempt beyond its strength , will turn't to fury at the length . although we know not a more patient creature than is the lamb , ( or , of less harmfull nature ) yet , as this emblem shews , when childish wrong hath troubled , and provok'd him overlong , he grows enrag'd ; and makes the wanton boys be glad to leave their sports , and run their ways . thus have i seen it with some children fare , who , when their parents too indulgent were , have urg'd them , till their doting grew to rage , and shut them wholly from their heritage . thus , many times , a foolish man doth lose his faithfull friends , and justly makes them foes . thus , froward husbands , and thus , peevish wives , do fool away the comfort of their lives ; and by abusing of a patient-mate , turn dearest love , into the deadliest hate : for , any wrong may better be excused , than kindness , long , and wilfully abused . but , as an injur'd lamb , provoked , thus , well typifies how much it moveth us , to find our patience wrong'd : so , let us make an emblem of our selves , thereby to take more heed , how god is moved towards them , that , his long-suffering , and his love contemn . for , as we somewhat have of every creature , so , we in us , have somewhat of his nature : or , if it be not said the same to be , his pictures , and his images are we . let , therefore , his long-suffering well be weigh'd , and keep us , to provoke him , still afraid . lot . thou hast provoked overlong ; their patience who neglect the wrong ; and thou dost little seem to heed , what hurt it threats if thou proceed . to thee thy emblem therefore shows , to what abused patience grows . observe it well , and make thy peace , before to fury wrath increase . emblem xxii . in spe & labore transigo vitam . the d emblem illustrated . our days , until our life hath end , in labour and in hopes we spend . as soon as our first parents disobey'd , forth with a curse , for their offence , was laid , inforcing them , and their succeeding race , to get their food , with sweatings of the face . but afterward , this doom to mitigate , ( and ease the miseries of their estate ) god gave them hope , that she might help them bear the burthens of their travail , and their care . a woman with an anchor , and a spade , an emblem of that mystery is made : and this estate , we all continue in , by god's free mercy , and our proper sin. by sin , the labour is on us intail'd ; by grace , it is , that hoping hath not fail'd ; and if in hope , our labours we attend , that curse will prove a blessing , in the end , my lot is hope and labour ; and between these two , my life-time hath prolonged been : yet hitherto , the best of all my pain with most of all my hopes have been in vain ; and to the world-ward , i am like to wast my time in fruitless labours , till the last . however , i have still my hopes as fair as he that hath no temptings to despair ; and change i will not , my last houers for theirs , whose fortune , more desirable appears ; nor cease to hope and labour , though of most , my hope and labour be adjudged lost : for , though i lose the shadow of my pains , the substance of it , still in god remains . lot . in secret thou dost oft complain , that thou hast hop'd and wrought in vain . and think'st thy lot , is far more hard , than what for others is prepar'd . an emblem therefore thou hast got , which shews , it is our common lot , to work and hope , and that thou hast a blessing by it at the last . emblem xxiii . tamen discam . the d emblem illustrated . to learning i a love should have , although one foot were in the grave . here , we an aged man described have , that hath one foot , already , in the grave : and if you mark it ( though the sun decline , and horned cynthia doth begin to shine ) with open book , and with attentive eyes , himself , to compass knowledge , he applies : and though that evening end his last of days , yet , i will study , more to learn , he says . from this , we gather , that , while time doth last , the time of learning , never will be past ; and that , each hour till we our life lay down , still something , touching life is to be known , when he was old , wise cato learned greek : but , we have aged-folks , that are to seek of that , which they have much more cause to learn ; yet , no such mind in them we shall discern . for that , which they should study in their prime , is , oft , deferred till their latter-time : and then , old-age , unfit for learning , makes them , or , else , that common dulness overtakes them , which makes ashamed , that it should be thought , they need , like little-children , to be taught . and so , out of this world , they do return as wise , as in that week , when they were born . god , grant me grace , to spend my life time so , that i my duty still may seek to know ; and that , i never , may so far proceed , to think , that i more knowledge do not need : but , in experience , may continue growing , till i am fill'd with fruits of pious-knowing . lot . by this your emblem we discern , that you are yet of age to learn. and that when elder you shall grow , there will be more for you to know . presume not therefore of your wit ; but strive that you may better it , for of your age we many view , that far more wisdom have then you . emblem xxiv . transitus celerest , & avolamus . the th emblem illustrated . where e're we are the heavens are near , let us but fly and we are there . why , with a trembling faintness , should we fear the face of death ? and fondly linger here , as if we thought the voyage to be gone lay through the shades of styx or acheron ? or , that we either were to travel down to uncouth depths , or up some heights unknown ? or , to some place remote , whose nearest end is farther then earths limits do extend ? it is not by one half that distance , thither where death lets in , as it is any whither : no not by half so far , as to your bed ; or , to that place , where you should rest your head , if on the ground you laid your self ( ev'n there ) where at this moment you abiding are . this emblem shews ( if well you look thereon ) that , from your glass of life , which is to run , there 's but one step to death ; and that you tread at once , among the living , and the dead . in whatsoever land , we live or die , god is the same ; and heav'n is there as nigh as in that place , wherein we most desire our souls , with our last breathing , to expire . which things , well heeding ; let us not delay our journey , when we summon'd are away , ( as those inforced pilgrims use to do , that know not whither , nor , how far they go ) nor let us dream that we in time or place , are far from ending our uncertain race . but , let us fix on heav'n , a faithful eye , and still , be flying thither , till we die . lot . to your long-home you nearer are , than you it may be are aware . yea and more easy is the way , then you perhaps conceive it may . lest therefore death should grim appear , and put you in a causeless fear . or out of minding wholly pass , this chance to you allotted was . emblem xxv . transe at . the twenty fifth emblem illustrated . a sieve of shelter maketh show , but every storm will through it go . some men , when for their actions they procure a likely colour , ( be it ne're so vain ) proceed as if their projects were as sure , as when sound reason did their course maintain : and these not much unlike those children are , who through a storm advent'ring desp'rately , had rather on their heads a sive to bear , then cov'rings , that may serve to keep them dry . for , at a distance that perchance is thought a helpfull shelter ; and yet , proves to those who need the same a toy , which profits nought ; because , each drop of rain quite through it , goes . so they , whose foolish projects , for a while , do promise their projectors hopefull ends , shall find them , in the tryal , to beguile ; and that both shame and want on them attends . such like is their estate who , ( to appear rich men to others ) do , with inward-pain , a gladsome out-ward port desire to bear ; though they at last nor wealth nor credit gain . and such are all those hypocrites , who strive false hearts beneath fair spoken words to hide : for , they o'revail themselves but with a sive , through which , their purposes at length are spied . and then , they either wofully lament their brutish-folly , or so hardened grow in sinning , that they never can repent , nay , jest and scoff at their own overthrow . but no false vail can serve ( when god will smite ) to save a scorner , or an hypocrite . lot . take heed you do not quite forget , that you are dancing in a net. many there are your ways do see , although you think unseen you be . your faults we will no nearer touch , methinks your emblem blabs too much , but if you mend what is amiss , you shall be ne're the worse for this . emblem xxvi . gaudet patientia duris . the twenty sixth emblem illustrated . he that enjoys a quiet mind , can pleasure in affliction find . what means this country peasant , skipping here through prickling thistles with such joyful cheer ? and plucking off their tops , as though for posies he gather'd violets , or toothless roses ? what meaneth it , but only to express how great a joy , well grounded patientness retains in suff'rings ? and what sport she makes , when she her journey through affliction takes ? i oft have said ( and have as oft been thought to speak a paradox , that savours nought of likely truth ) that some afflictions bring a honey bag , which cureth ev'ry sting , ( that wounds the flesh ) by giving to the mind , a pleasing taste of sweetnesses refin'd . nor can it other be , except in those , whose better part , quiet stupifyed grows , by being cauterized in the fires of childish fears , or temporal desires . for , as the valiant ( when the coward swounds ) with gladness lets the surgeon search his wounds ; and though they smart , yet cheerfully indures the plaisters , and the probe , in hope of cures : so , men , assured that afflictions pain comes not for vengeance to them , nor in vain ; but , to prepare , and fit them for the place , to which , they willingly direct their pace ; in troubles , are so far from being sad , that , of their suffering , they are truly glad . what ever others think , i thus believe ; and therefore , joy , when they suppose i grieve . lot . at your afflictions you repine , and in all troubles cry and whine . as if to suffer , brought no joy , but quite did all content destroy . that you may therefore patient grow , and learn this virtues power to know this lot unto your view is brought , peruse and practise what is taught . emblem xxvii . bella in vista , dentro trista . the twentyseventh emblem illustrated . deformity within may be , where outward beauty we do see . look well , i pray , upon this beldam , here , for , in her habit , though she gay appear , you , through her youthful vizard , may espy she 's of an old edition , by her eye : and by her wainscot face , it may be seen , she might your grandams first dry nurse have been . this is an emblem , fitly shaddowing those , who making fair , and honest outward shows , are inwardly deform'd ; and nothing such , as they to be suppos'd , have strived much . they chuse their words , and play well-acted parts , but hide most loathsome projects in their hearts and when you think sweet friendship to embrace , some ugly treason meets you in the face . i hate a bainted brow ; i much dislike a maiden-blush , dawb'd on a furrowed cheek : and i abhor to see old wantons play , and suit themselves , like ladies of the may. but more ( yea , most of all ) my soul despiseth a heart , that in religious forms disguiseth prophane intentions ; and arays in white the coal-black conscience of an hypocrite . take heed of such as these ; and ( if you may ) before you trust them , tract them in their way . observe their footsteps , in their private path : for these ( as 't is believ'd , the devil hath ) have cloven feet ; that is , two ways they go ; one for their ends , and tother for a show . now , you thus warned are , advice embrace ; and trust nor gawdy clothes , nor painted face . lot . fine clothes , fair words , inticing face , with masks of piety and grace , oft cheat you with an outward show , of that which proveth nothing so . therefore your emblems moral read , and ere too far you do proceed . think whom you deal withal to day , who by fair shews deceive you may . emblem xxviii . captivum impune lacessunt . the twenty eighth emblem illustrated . when wicked men confined are , they revel who were kept in fear . a tyrannous , or wicked magistrat , is fitly represented by a cat : for , though the mice , a harmfull vermine be , and cats the remedy ; yet , oft we see , that , by the mice , far less , some house-wives leese , then when they set the cat to keep the cheese . a ravenous cat , will punish in the mouse , the very same offences , in the house , which he himself commits ; yea , for that vice , which was his own ( with praise ) he kills the mice , and spoileth not anothers life alone , ev'n for that very fault which was his own , but feeds , and fattens , in the spoil of them , whom he , without compassion , did condemn . nay worse than so ; he cannot be content , to slaughter them , who are as innocent , as he himself ; but , he must also play , and sport his woful pris'ners lives away ; more torturing them , 'twixt fruitless hopes and fears , than when their bowels , with his teeth he tears : for , by much terrour , and much cruelty , he kills them , ten times over , e're they die . when , such like magistrates have rule obtain'd the best men wish their power might be restrain'd : but , they who shun enormities , through fear , are glad when good-men out of office are . yea whether governours be good or bad , of their displacings wicked-men are glad ; and when they see them brought into disgraces , they boldly play the knaves before their faces . lot . m. thou art , or else thou wert of late , some great or petty magistrate , or fortune thereunto may chance , in time to come thee to advance . but by thine emblem thou maist see , that when restrain'd thy power shall be , offenders will thereof be glad , and scoff the power which thou hast had ; observe it , & be so upright , that thou maist laugh at their despight . emblem xxix . persequar extinctu . the twenty ninth emblem illustrated . true lovers lives in one heart lye , both live , or both together dye . he that shall say he loves , and was again so well-belov'd , that neither he nor she suspects each other , neither needs to gain new proofs , that they in all desires agree ; and yet , shall cool again in their affection , ( and leave to love ) or live till they are lovers the second-time ; it some gross imperfection in one ( if not in both ) of them discovers . it was not love which did between them grow ; but , rather somewhat like unto the same ; which ( having made a fair deceiving show ) obtain'd , a while , that honourable name . for , false affections will together play so lovingly ; and oft , so act those parts which real seem ; that , for a time , they may appear the children of unfeigned-hearts : yea , many-times , true turtles are deceiv'd by counterfeited passions , till their love of her true object finds her self bereav'd ; and after it , is forced to remove : but where true-love begetteth , and enjoys the proper object , which she doth desire , nor time , nor injury the same destroys ; but it continues a perpetual fire . like am'rous thisbe to her pyramus , on all occasions , it continues true : nor night , nor danger , makes it timorous ; but , through all perils , it will him pursue . thus , both in life , in death , in all estates , true lovers will be true associates . lot . some think you love ; 't is true you do , and are as well beloved too . but you ( if we the truth may say ) love not so truly as you may . to make a perfect love there goes , much more than every lover knows , your emblem therefore mind , and then , begin a new to love agen . emblem xxx . nequid nimis . the thirtieth emblem illustrated . since overmuch will overfill , pour out enough ; but do not spill . it is this emblems meaning , to advance the love and practice , of true temperance . for , by this figure ( which doth seem to fill , until the liquor overflow , and spill ) we are , as by example , taught to see how fruitless our intemperancies be : thus by the rule of contrarieties , some vertues , best are shown to vulgar eyes . to see a nastie drunkard , reel and spew , more moves to soberness , than can the view of twenty civil men ; and to behold one prodigal , ( that goodly lands hath sold ) stand torn and louzie , begging at the door , would make intemperance abhorred more , ( and manly soberness , much better , each ) than all that six philosophers can preach : so , by the vessels overflowing , here , true moderation doth more prais'd appear , than by the mean it self : and without sin , that 's pictur'd , which to do , had wicked bit , for , though to vertuous ends ; we do deny the doing-ill , that good may come thereby . from hence , let us be taught , that carefull heed whereby we should both mind and body fee● let us , of our own selves , observe the size ; how much we want , how little will suffize ; and our own longings , rather leave unfill'd , than suffer any portion to be spill'd : for , what we marr , shall to account be laid and , what we wisely spend , shall be repaid lot . if truly temperate thou be , why should this lot be drawn by thee ? perhaps thou either dost exceed , ●n clothes ; or high dost drink or feed . beyond the mean ; if this thou find , or know'st in any other kind . how thou offendest by excess , now leave off thy intemperatness . emblem xxxi . legibus & armis . the thirtieth first emblem illustrated . when law and arms together meet , the world descends to kiss their feet . the picture of a crowned-king , here , stands upon a globe ; and with outstretched hands , holds forth , in view , a law-book , and a sword : which plain and modern figures may afford this meaning ; that a king , who hath regard to courts for pleading , and a court of guard , and at all times , a due respect will carry , to pious laws , and actions military ; shall not be monarch , onely in those lands , that are by birth right under his commands but , also might ( if just occasion were ) make this whole globe of earth , his power to fear advance his favorites ; and bring down all his opposites , below his pedestal . his conquering sword , in forraign realms , he draws as oft , as there is just , or needful cause : at home , in ev'ry province of his lands , at all times , armed are his trained bands . his royal fleets , are terrours to the seas ; at all hours , rigg'd , for useful voyages : and often he his navy doth increase , that wars provisions may prolong his peace . nor , by the tenure of the sword , alone , delighteth he to hold his awful throne , but , likewise , labours mischiefs to prevent , by wholsome laws , and rightful government . for , where the sword commands , without the law , a tyrant keeps the land in slavish awe : and where good laws do want an armed pow'r , rebellious knaves their princes , will devour . lot . m. some urge their princes on to war , and weary of sweet peace soon are some seek to make them dote on peace , till publick danger more increase . as if the world were kept in awe , by nothing else , but preaching law. the moral is ; if such thou art , then act a moderators part . emblem xxxii . spes alit agricolas . the thirty second emblem illustrated . the husbandman doth sow his seeds , and then on hope till harvest feeds . the painful husbandman , with sweaty brows , consumes in labour many a weary day : to break the stubborn earth , he digs and ploughs , and then , the corn , he scatters on the clay : when that is done , he harrows in the seeds , and by a well-cleans'd furrow , lays it dry : he frees it from the worms , the moles , the weeds ; he , on the fences , also hath an eye . and though he see the chilling winter bring snows , flouds , and frosts , his labours to annoy ; though blasting-winds do nip them in the spring and sammers mildews threaten , to destroy : yea , though not only days , but weeks , they a● ( nay , many weeks , and many months beside ) in which he must with pain , prolong his care , yet , constant in his hopes he doth abide . for this respect , hope's emblem , here you , see attends the plough , that men beholding it , may be instructed , or else minded be , what hopes , continuing labours , will befit . though , long thou toyled hast , and long attended about such workings as are necessary ; and oftentimes , ere fully they are ended , shalt find thy pains in danger to miscarry : yet , be not out of hope , nor quite dejected : for , buried seeds will sprout when winter 's gone ; unlikelier things are many times effected ; and god brings help , when men their best have done . yea , they that in good-works their life imploy ; although they sow in tears , shall reap in joy . lot . in many things , the worse thou art , by the despairing , fainting heart . and oft thy labour , and thy cost , for want of hopefulness is lost . thou therefore by thy lot art sent , this indiscretion to prevent , and by the plow-mans hope to see thy fault , and now reform'd to be . emblem xxxiii . puris manibus . the thirty third emblem illustrated . let him that at gods altar stands , in innocency wash his hands . when ( reader ) thou hast first of all survaid that reverend priest which here ingraven stands , in all his holy vestiments array'd , endeavouring for purified-hands ; collect from hence , that , when thou dost appear to offer sacrifice of praise or prayer , thou oughtst the robes of righteousness , to wear , and by repentance , thy defects repair . for , thou , that with polluted hands presum'st before gods altar to present thy face ; or , in the rags of thine own merits com'st , shalt reap displeasure , where thou look'st for grace . then , if thou be of those that would aspire a priest , or prelate , in gods church to be ; be sure , thou first those ornaments acquire , which may be suting to that high degree . intrude not , as perhaps too many do , with gifts unfit , or by an evil mean : desire it with a right intention too ; and seek to keep thy conversation clean . for , they that have assum'd this holy-calling , with hands impure , and hearts unsanctify'd , defame the truth ; give others cause of falling , and scandalize their brethren , too beside : yea , to themselves , their very sacrifice becomes unhallowed ; and their thanks and prayers , the god of purity , doth so despise , that all their hopes , he turneth to despairs : and all their best endeavours , countermands , till they appear with unpolluted hands . lot . whether meerly chance or no , brought this lot , we do not know . but received let it be , as divinely sent to thee . for that merits thy regard , which thine emblem hath declar'd . and the best that are have need such advisements well to heed . emblem xxxiv . fero. the thirty fourth emblem illustrated . be wary whosoe're thou be , for from loves arrows none are free . gallants , beware ; for here 's a wanton wagg , who , having bows and arrows , makes his brag that he hath some unhappy trick to play ; and vows to shoot at all he meets to day . pray be not careless ; for the boy is blind , and sometimes strikes , where most he seemeth kind . this rambling archer spares nor one , nor other : yea , otherwhile , the monkey shoots his mother . though you be little children , come not near ; for , i remember ( though 't be many a year now gone and past , ) that , when i was a lad , my heart , a prick , by this young wanton had , that pain'd me seven years after : nor had i the grace ( thus warn'd ) to escape his waggery ; but many times , ev'n since i was a man , he shot me , oftner then i tell you can : and if i had not been the stronger-hearted , i for my over-daring , might have smarted . you laugh now , as if this were nothing so ; but , if you meet this blinkard with his bow , you may unless you take the better care , receive a wound , before you be aware . i fear him not ; for i have learned how to keep my heart-strings from his arrows now : and so might you , and so might ev'ry one that vain occasions truely seeks to shun . but if you slight my counsels , you may chance to blame at last , your wilful ignorance : for , some , who thought , at first , his wounds but small , have dyed by them , in an hospital . lot . this lot of yours , doth plainly show that in some danger now you go , but wounds by steel , yet fear you not , no pistolling nor canon shot , but rather dread the shafts that fly from some deep wounding wantons eye , your greatest perils are from thence , get therefore armor of defence . emblem xxxv . sapiens dominabitur astris . the thirty fifth emblem illustrated . he over all the stars doth reign , that unto wisdom can attain . i am not of their mind , who think the sun , the moon , the planets , and those glorious lights , which trim the sphaeres , do in their motions run to no more purpose , then to please our sights . nor for distinguishment of nights and days , or of the seasons , and the times , alone , can i suppose the hand of god displays those many stars we nightly gaze upon : for , both by reason , and by common sense we know ( and often feel ) that from above the planets have , on us , an influence ; and that our bodies vary , as they move . moreover , holy writ infers , that these have some such pow'r ; ev'n in those place● wher● it names orion , and the pleiades ; which stars of much inferiour nature are . yet , hence conclude not therefore , that the m●●… is by the stars constrained to obey their influence ; or , so by them inclin'd , that , by no means resist the same we may . for , though they form the bodies temp'rature , ( and though the mind inclineth after that ) by grace , another temper we procure , which guides the motions of supposed fate . the soul of man is nobler then the sphaeres ; and if it gain the place which may be had , not here alone on earth , the rule it bears , but , is the lord of all that god hath made . be wise in him ; and if just cause there be , the sun and moon , shall stand and wait on the● lot. . you seek a lot which proving bad , would peradventure make you sad ; ●t this may please ; for you are taught , ●o mend your fortune , when 't is naught . being armed with such counsel here , that you no destiny need fear ; now if you come to hurt or shame , upon the stars lay not the blame . emblem xxxvi . non te , sed nummos the thirty sixth emblem illustrated . thy seeming lovers false will be , and love thy money more than thee . what may the reason be , so many wed , and miss the blessings of a joyful-bed , but those ungodly , and improper ends , for which , this age most marriages intends ? some love plump-flesh ; and those as kind will be to any gamesome wanton , as to thee . ●ome , dote on honours ; and all such will prize thy person meerly , for thy dignities . ●ome fancy pleasures ; and such flirts as they , with ev'ry hobby-horse , will run away . some ( like this couple in our emblem , here ) woe hard for wealth ; and very kind appear , till they have won their prize : but then the● sho● on what their best affections they bestow . this wealth , is that sweet beauty , which prefer so many to their executioners . this is that rare perfection , for whose sake , the politician doth his marriage make . yea , most of those whom you shall married find were cous'ned , ( or did cousen ) in this kind ; and for some by-respects , they came together , much more , than for the sakes of one another if this concerns thee , now , in any sense ; for thy instruction , take this warning hence if thou hast err'd already , then lament thy passed crime , and bear thy punishment . if thou , as yet , but tempted art to err ; then , let this emblem be thy counseller : for , i have said my mind ; which if thou slight go , and repent it , on thy wedding night . lot . this lot may make us all suspect , that some wrong object you affect . and that where dearness you pretend ; it is not for the noblest end . what mischief from such falshood flows , your emblem very truly shows . and may more happy make your fate ; ●f this advice come not too late . emblem xxxvii . virtute ac studio per orbem fama perpetua comparatur . the thirty seventh emblem illustrated . by studiousness in virtues ways , men gain an universal praise . when emblems of too many parts consist , their author was no choice emblematist , but is like those that waste whole hours , to tell what , in three minutes , might be said as well . yet , when each member is interpreted , out of these vulgar figures , you may read a moral , ( altogether ) not unfit to be remembred , ev'n by men of wit. and if the kernell prove to be of worth , no matter from what shell we drew it forth . the square whereon the globe is placed , here must vertue be ; that globe upon the square , must mean the world ; the figure , in the round , ( which in appearance doth her trumpet sound ) was made for fame ; the book she bears , may show , what breath it is , which makes her trumpet blow : the wreath , inclosing all , was to intend a glorious praise , that never shall have end : and these , in one summ'd up , do seem to say ; that , ( if men study in a vertuous-way ) the trumpet of a never-ceasing fame , shall through the world proclaim their praisefull name . now reader , if large fame , be thy ambition , this emblem doth inform , on what condition she may be gain'd . but , ( herein , me believe ) thy study for meer-praise , will thee deceive : and if thy vertues , be but onely , those for which the vulgar fame , her trumpet blows , thy fame 's a blast ; thy vertues vices be ; thy study's vain , and shame will follow thee lot . thou seek'st for fame and now art shown , for what her trumpet shall be blown . thine emblem also doth declare , what fame they get who virtuous are , for praise alone ; and what reward , for such like studies is prepar'd . peruse it ; and this counsel take , be virtuous for meer virtues sake . emblem xxxviii . deus nobis haec otia fecit . the thirty eighth emblem illustrated . the gospel thankfully imbrace , for god vouchsafed us this grace . this modern emblem , is a mute expressing of gods great mercies , in a modern-blessing ; and gives me , now , just cause to sing his praise , for granting me , my being , in these days . the much-desired messages of heav'n , for which , our fathers would their lives have given , and ( in groves , caves , and mountains , once a year ) were glad , with hazard of their goods to hear ; or , in less bloody times , at their own homes ; to hear , in private , and obscured rooms . lo ; those , those joyful-tydings , we do live , divulg'd , in every village , to perceive ; and that the sounds of gladness eccho may , through all our goodly temples , ev'ry day , this was ( oh god ) thy doing ; unto thee , ascrib'd , for ever , let all praises be . prolong this mercy and vouchsafe the fruit , may to thy labour , on this vine-yard , suit : lest , for our fruitlesness , thy light of grace , thou from our golden candlestick , displace . we do , me thinks , already , lord , begin to wantonize , and let that loathing in , which makes thy manna tastless ; and i fear , that , of those christians , who , more often hear , then practice , what they know , we have too many and , i suspect my self , as much as any . oh! mend me so , that , by amending me , amends in others , may increased be : and , let all graces , which thou hast bestow'd , return thee honour , from whom first they flow'd lot . by this thy lot thou dost appear , to be of those who love to hear the preachers voice ; or else of them , that undervalue or contemn those daily showers of wholesome words , which heaven in these our times affords . now which soe're of these thou be , thine emblem something teacheth thee . emblem xxxix . spernit pericula virtus . the thirty ninth emblem illustrated . an innocent no danger fears , how great soever it appears . when some did seek arion to have drown'd ; he , with a valiant heart , his temples crown'd ; and when to drench him in the seas they meant , he plaid on his molodious instrument ; to shew , that innocence disdained fear , though to be swallow'd in the deeps it were . nor did it perish : for , upon her back a dolphin took him , for his musick 's sake : to intimate that vertue shall prevail with bruitish creatures , if with men it fail . most vain is then their hope , who dream they can make wretched , or undo , an honest-man : for , he whom vertuous innocence adorns , insults o're cruelties ; and peril scorns . yea , that , by which men purpose to undo him , ( in their despight ) shall bring great honours to him arion-like , the malice of the world , hath into seas of troubles often hurl'd deserving men , although no cause they had , but that their words & works sweet musick made of all their outward helps it hath bereft them nor means , nor hopes of comfort have been lef● them , but such , as in the house of mourning are , and what good-conscience can afford them there yet , dolphin-like , their innocence hath rear'd their heads above those dangers that appear'd god hath vouchsaf'd their harmless cause to heed and ev'n in thraldom , so their hearts hath freed that , whil'st they seem'd oppressed & forlorn the joy'd , and sung , and laugh'd the world to scorn lot . you have been wronged many ways , yet patient are , and that 's your praise . your actions also seem'd upright , yet some there are that bear you spight . lest therefore you discourag'd grow , an emblem you have drawn to show , what other innocents have born , and how the envious world to scorn . emblem xl. non uno sternitur ictu . the fortieth emblem illustrated . by many strokes the work is done , which cannot be performed by one . despair not man , in what thou oughtst to do , although thou fail when one attempt is made ; but , add a new-endeavour thereunto , and then another , and another , add : yea , till thy pow'r and life shall quite be spent , persist in seeking what thou shouldst desire ; for , he that falleth from a good intent , deserves not that to which he did aspire . rich treasures are by nature placed deep ; and ere we gain them , we must pierce the rocks : such perils , also , them , as guardians keep , that none can win them without wounds and knocks . moreover , glories , thrones , are so sublime , that whosoever thinks their top to gain , till many thousand weary steps he clime , doth fool himself , by musings which are vain . and yet , there is a path way , which doth lead above the highest things that man can see ; and ( though it be not known to all who tread the common-tract ) it may ascended be . as therefore , none should greater things presume then well becomes their strength ; so none should fear through folly , sloth , or baseness ) to assume such things upon them , which beseeming are since by degrees we many things see wrought , that seem'd impossible to have been done , when they were first conceived in the thought and such as these , we may adventure on . mine arm , i know , in time will fell an oke ; but , i will ne're attempt it , at a stroke . lot . this lot befell thee for the nonce , for if things come not all at once . thou to despairing soon dost run , or leav'st thy work that 's well begun . which to prevent regardful be , of what thine emblem counsels thee . emblem xli . ne tenear . the forty first emblem illustrated . occasions past are sought in vain , but oft , they wheel about again . unwise are they that spend their youthful prime in vanities ; as if they did suppose that men , at pleasure , might redeem the time ; for , they a fair advantage fondly lose . as ill-advis'd be those , who having lost the first occasions , to despairing run : for , time hath revolutions ; and the most , for their affairs , have seasons more then one . nor is their folly small , who much depend on transitory things , as if their power could bring to pass what should not have an end or compass that which time will not devour . the first occasions , therefore , see thou take ( which offered are ) to bring thy hopes about and mind thou , still , what haste away they make before thy swift-pac't hours are quite run out , yet , if an opportunity be past , despair not thou , as they that hopeless be ; since , time may so revolve again , at last , that new-occasions may be offered thee . and see , thou trust not on those fading things , which by thine own endeavours thou acquir'st for , time ( which her own births to ruin brings will spare , nor thee , nor ought which thou desir'st his properties , and uses , what they are , in vain observ'd will be , when he is fled : that , they in season , therefore may appear , our emblem , thus hath him deciphered ; bald save before , and standing on a wheel ; a razor in his hand , a winged heel . lot . much liberty thou hast assum'd , and heretofore too much presum'd . on time , which always rideth post , that for a while some hopes are crost . but see to keep thee from despair , and thy misfortune to repair . mark what to thee thy lot doth tell , and practise what is counsel'd well . emblem xlii . viribus jungenda sapientia . the forty second emblem illustrated . when great attempts are undergone , join strength and wisdom both in one . if ( reader ) thou desirous be to know what by the centaure , seemeth here intended ; what , also by the snake , and by the bow , which in his hand , he beareth alway bended : learn , that this half-a man , and half-a horse , is ancient hieroglyphick , teaching thee , that , wisdom should be joyn'd with outward force , if prosperous we desire our works to be . his upper-part , the shape of man , doth bear ; to teach , that reason must become our guide . the hinder-parts a horses members are ; to show , that we must also strength provide . the serpent , and the bow , doth signifie the same ( or matter to the same effect ) and by two types , one moral to imply , is doubled a fore-warning of neglect . when knowledge wanteth power , despis'd we grow and know but how to aggravate our pain : great strength , will work its own sad overthrow , unless , it guided be with wisdoms rein . therefore , oh god , vouchsafe thou so to marry the gifts of soul and body , both , in me , that , i may still have all things necessary , to work , as i commanded am , by thee . and , let me not possess them , lord , alone , but , also know their use ; and so well know it , that , i may do each duty to be done ; and with upright intentions , always do it . if this be more , then yet obtain i may , my will accept thou , for the deed , i pray . lot . great things to do , thou hast a mind , but power thereto , thou canst not find ; sometimes thy power doth seem to fit , but then thou failest in thy wit. such undertakings therefore chuse , ( if thou thy time wilt not abuse ) as to thy power and wit agree , and then let both imployed be . emblem xliii . in silentio & spe . the forty third emblem illustrated . they that in hope and silence live , the best contentment may atchieve . if thou desire to cherish true content , and in a troublous time that course to take , which may be likely mischiefs to prevent , some use of this our hieroglyphick , make . the fryers habit , seemeth to import , that , thou ( as ancient monks and fryers did ) shouldst live remote , from places of resort , and in retiredness , lye closely hid . the clasped-book , doth warn thee to retain thy thoughts within the compass of thy breast ; and in a quiet silence to remain , untill thy mind may safely be exprest . that anchor doth inform thee , that thou mu●● walk on in hope ; and in thy pilgrimage , bear up ( without despairing or distrust ) those wrongs , and sufferings , which attend thir● ag● for , whensoe're oppression groweth rife , obscureness , is more safe than eminence ; he that then keeps his tongue , may keep his life till times will better favour innocence . truth spoken where untruth is more approved , will but enrage the malice of thy foes ; and , otherwhile , a wicked man is moved to cease from wrong , if no man him oppose . let this our emblem , therefore , counsel thee thy life in safe retiredness , to spend : let in thy breast , thy thoughts reserved be , till thou art laid , where none can thee offend . and whilst most others , give their fancy scope , enjoy thy self , in silence , and in hope . lot . thou hast in publick lived long , and overfreely us'd thy tongue . but if thy safety thou desire , be silent and thy self retire ; and if thou wilt not be undone , possess thy joys and hopes alone . for they that will from harm be free , must quiet and obscured be . emblem xliv : non est mortale quod opto . the forty fourth emblem illustrated . take wing my soul , and mount up higher , for earth fulfils not my desire . when ganymed , himself was purifying , great jupiter , his naked beauty spying , sent forth his eagle ( from below to take him ) a blest inhabitant in heav'n to make him : and there ( as poets feigned ) he doth still , to jove , and other god heads , nectar fill . though this be but a fable , of their feigning , the moral is a real truth , pertaining to ev'ry one ( which harbours a desire above the starry circles , to aspire . ) by ganymed the soul is understood , that 's washed in the purifying flood of sacred baptism ( which doth make her seem both pure and beautiful , in god's esteem . ) the aegle means that heav'nly contemplation , which , after washings of regeneration , lifts up the mind , from things that earthly be , to view those objects , which faith's eyes do see . the nectar , which is filled out , and given to all the blest inhabitants of heaven , are those delights , which ( christ hath said ) they have , when some repentant soul begins to leave her foulness ; by renewing of her birth , and slighting all the pleasures of the earth . i ask not , lord , those blessings to receive , which any man hath pow'r to take , or give ; nor what this world affords ; for i contemn her favours ; and have seen the best of them ; nay , heav'n it self , will unsufficient be , unless thou also give thy self to me . lot . this lot pertaineth unto those , ( but who they be , god only knows ) who to the world have no desire , but up to heavenly things aspire ; no doubt but you in some degree , indu'd with such affections be , and got this emblem , that you might encourag'd be in such a flight . emblem xlv . dum clavum rectum teneam . the forty fifth emblem illustrated . he that his course directly steers , nor storms , nor windy censures fears . we to the sea this world may well compare ; for , ev'ry man which liveth in the same , is as a pilot , to some vessel there , of little size , or else of larger frame . some have the boats of their own life to guide , some , govern petty town ships too beside some of whole families row the barge , ( to those compar'd , which of small barks have charge ) some others rule great provinces ; and they resemble captains of huge argoses : but when of kingdoms , any gain the sway , to generals of fleets we liken these . each hath his proper course to him assign'd , his card , his compass , his due tacklings , too ; and if their business , as they ought they mind , they may accomplish all they have to do . but most men leave the care of their own course , to judge or follow others , in their waies ; and when their follies make their fortunes worse , they curse the destiny , which they should praise . for , waves and winds , and that oft-changing weather , which many blame , as cause of all their losses , ( though they observe it not ) helps bring together those hopes , which their own wisdom often crosses . regard not , therefore much , what those things be , which come , without thy fault , to thwart thy way ; nor , how , rash-lookers-on will censure thee ; but , faithfully , to do thy part , assay : for , if thou shalt not from this counsel vary , let my hopes fail me , if thy hopes miscarry : lot . thy hopes and fears are always such , that they afflict , and pain thee much , because thou giv'st too great a scope , unto thy fear , and to thy hope . for they will vex , or pleasure thee , as they enlarg'd , or curbed be . but see , thine emblem , if thou please , instructs thee how to manage these . emblem xlvi . ubi helena , ibi troja . the forty sixth emblem illustrated . where helen is , there will be war , for death and lust companions are . their foolish humour i could ne're affect , who dare , for any cause , the stews frequent : and thither , where i justly might suspect a strumpet liv'd , as yet , i never went. for , when ( as fools pretend ) they go to seek experience , where more ill then good , they see , they venture for their knowledg , adam like ; and such as his , will their atchievements be . let , therefore those that would loose truls detest , converse with none , but those that modest are ; for , they that can of whoredom make a jest , will entertain it ere they be aware . chast-company , and chast-discourse , doth make the mind more pleased with it , ev'ry day ; and frequent views of wantonness will take the sense and hatred of the vice away . some , i have known , by harlots wiles undone , who , but to see their fashions , first pretended ; and they that went for company , alone , by suddain quarrels , there their dayes have ended . for in the lodgings of a lustfull-woman , immodest impudence hath still her being ; there , fury , fraud , and cruelties are common : and there , is want , and shame , and disagreeing . ev'n beauty , of it self , stirs loose desires , occasioning both jealousies , and fears ; it kindleth in the brest , conceal'd fires , which burn the heart , before the flame appears : and ev'ry day , experienced are we ; that , there where hellen is , troys fate will be . lot . your lot is , very much to blame , or else your person , or your name , hath injur'd been ; or may have wrong , by some loose wanton , cre't be long . therefore ere hence you go away , mark what your emblem here doth say ; perhaps by drawing of this lot , some harms prevention may be got . emblem xlvii . consequitur quodcunque petit . the forty seventh emblem illustrated . who by good means good things would gain , shall never seek nor ask in vain . in vain fair cynthia never taketh pains , nor faints in following her desired game ; and when at any mark her bow she strains , the winged arrow surely hits the same . her picture , therefore , in this place doth shew the nature of their minds who cynthia like , with constancy their purposes pursue , and faint not till they compass what they seek . for , nought more god-like in this world is found then so resolved a man , that nothing may his resolution alter or confound , when any task of worth , he doth assay . nor , is there greater baseness , then those minds , that from an honest purpose can be wrought by threatnings , bribes , smooth-gales or boyst'rous , winds , whatever colour or excuse be brought . you then , that would with pleasure , glory gain , diana like , those modest things require , which truly may beseem you to attain ; and stoutly follow that which you desire : for , changing though the moon to us appear , she holds a firm dependence on the sun ; and by a constant-motion , in her sphaere with him , doth in conjunction often run : so , constant-men , still move their hopes to win but never by a motion-indirect ; nor will they stop the course that they are in , untill they bring their purpose to effect . for , whosoever honest things requires , a promise hath of all that he desires . lot . if any thing you do design , pursue it with a vigorous mind ; and if you hope to gather fruit , be constant in your hopes pursuit . for by your emblem you may find , the stars to you are well inclin'd . provided your attempts be good , for that must still be understood . emblem xlviii . nusquam tuta fides . the forty eighth emblem illustrated . use caution wheresoe're you be . for from deceit no place is free . some write ( but , on what grounds , i cannot tell ) that they , who near unto the deserts dwell , where elephants are found , do notice take , what trees they haunt , their sleeping stocks to make ; that , when they rest against an half-sawn stem it ( falling ) may betray those beasts to them . now , though the part historical , may err , the morall , which this emblem doth inferr , is over true ; and seemeth to imply , the world to be so full of treachery , as that no corner of it , found can be , in which from falshoods engines , we are free . i have observ'd the city , and i find , the citizens , are civil , grave and kind ; yet many are deluded by their shows , and cheated , when they trust in them repose . i have been oft at court ; where i have spent , some idle time , to hear them complement : but i have seen in courtiers such deceit . that for their favours , i could never wait . i do frequent the church ; and i have heard gods judgments , by the preachers , there declar'd , against mens falshoods ; and i gladly hear their zealous prayers , and good counsels there ; but as i live , i find some such as they , will watch to do a mischief , if they may . nay those poor sneaking clowns , who seek their living , as if they knew no manner of deceiving , ev'n those , their wit , can ( this way ) so apply , that they 'l soon cousen wiser men , than i. lot. . some foes for thee do lye in wait , where thou suspectest no deceit . yea many do thy hurt intend , who yet pretend the name of friend . be therefore careful whom you trust , what ways thou walkst and what thou dost , for by thine emblem thou mayst see , that wariness will needful be . emblem xlix . omnis caro foenum . the forty ninth emblem illustrated . all flesh is like the wither'd hay , it springs , and grows , and fades away . this infant , and this little truss of hay , when they are moralized , seem to say , that flesh is but a tuft of morning - grass , both green , and wither'd , ere the day-light pass . and such we truly find it ; for behold , assoon as man is born , he waxeth old , in griefs , in sorrows , or necessities ; and withers ev'ry hour , until he dies : now flourishing as grass , when it is grown , straight perishing , as grass , when it is mown . if we with other things , mans age compare , his life is but a day ( for equall'd are his years with hours : his months will minutes be fit parallels ; and ev'ry breathing we may term a day ) yet , some ev'n at the night of that short day , are dead , and withered quite . before the morning of our lives be done , the flesh oft fades : sometime , it grows till noon : but there 's no mortal flesh , that will abide unparched longer , than till evening-tide . for in it self it always carries that , which helpeth so it self to ruinate ; that though it feel , nor storm , nor scorching flame , an inbred canker , will consume the same . considering well , and well remembring this , account the flesh no better than it is : wrong not thine everlasting soul , to cherish a gourd , which in a moments time will perish . give it the tendance fit for fading crops ; but for hay-harvest , lose not better hopes . lot . thy flesh thou lov'st , as if it were the chiefest object of thy care ; and of such value as may seem , well meriting thy best esteem . but now to banish that conceit , thy lot an emblem brings to sight . which without flattery shews to thee , of what regard it ought to be . emblem l. sic transit gloria mundi . the fiftieth emblem illustrated . even as the smoke doth pass away , so shall all worldly pomp decay . some better arguments , then yet i see , i must perceive ; and better causes , why to those gay things i should addicted be , to which the vulgar their affections tye . i have consider'd scepters , miters , crowns , with each appurtenance to them belonging ; my heart , hath search'd their glories , and renowns , and all the pleasant things about them thronging : my soul , hath truly weigh'd , and took the measure of riches ( which the most have so desir'd ) i have distill'd the quintessence of pleasure , and seen those objects , that are most admir'd . i likewise feel all passions , and affections , that help to cheat the reason , and perswade that those poor vanities have some perfections , whereby their owners , happy might be made . yet when that i have rouzed my understanding , and cleans'd my heart from some of that corruption , which hinders in me reason's free commanding , and shews things without vails or interruption ; then they , methinks , as fruitless do appear , as bubbles ( wherewithall young-children play ) or , as the smoak , which in our emblem , here , now makes a show , and straight consumes away . be pleas'd , oh god , my value may be such of every outward-blessing here below , that i may neither love them overmuch , nor underprise the gifts , thou shalt bestow : but know the use of all these fading smokes : and be refresht , by that which others chokes . lot . in outward pomp thy pleasures are , thy hope of bliss is placed there . and thou this folly wilt not leave , till of content it thee bereave : unless thou timely come to see how vain all earthly glories be an emblem therefore thou hast gain'd , by which this knowledg is obtained . these six following chances or lots have no emblems belonging to them , and therefore you need look no further for them , but make the best of what you have got , these being only added for sport and recreation . . thy lot no answer will bestow to that which thou desir'st to know : nor canst thou here an emblem find which to thy purpose is inclin'd . perhaps it is too late to crave what thou desirest now to have : or but in vain to mention that , which thy ambition aimeth at : then take it not in evil part , that with a blank thou answer'd art . . it proves a blank ; for to what end , should we a serious moral spend . where teachings , warnings and advice , esteemed are of little price . your only purpose is to look upon the pictures of this book ; when more discretion you have got , an emblem shall attend your lot. . these lots are almost five to one above the blanks ; yet thou hast none , if thus thy fortune still proceed ; 't is five to one , if well thou speed . yet if thou dost not much neglect , to do as wisdom shall direct , it is a thousand unto five , but thou in all thy hopes wilt thrive : . you may be glad you drew not that , which in your mind you guessed at . for it so points out that condition , whereof you give a great suspition , that had it such an emblem nam'd , as fits you right you had been sham'd . since then your fault is unreveal'd , amend , and keep it still conceal'd . . you in your secret thoughts despise , to think an emblem should advise , or give you cause to mind or heed , those things whereof you may have need . and therefore when the lot you try'd , an answer-justly was denied . yet ( by your leave ) there are but few , who need good counsel more than you . . the chance which thou obtained hast , of all the chances is the last . and casting up the total sums , we find thy gain to nothing comes . yet if it well be understood , this chance may chance to do thee good . for it foretells what portion shall , to every one at last befall . and warns while something is enjoy'd , that it be always well imploy'd . conclusions . . the glories of our birth and state , are shadows , not substantial things . there is no armour ' gainst our fate , death lays his icy hands on kings . scepter and crown must tumble down , and in the dust be equal laid , with the poor crooked sythe and spade . . some men with swords may reap the field , and plant fresh laurels where they kill . but their strong nerves at length must yield , they tame but one another still . early or late , they stoop to fate : and must give up their murmuring breath , whilst the pale captive creeps to death . . the laurel withers on your brow , then boast no more your mighty deeds . for on deaths purple altar now , see where the victor , victim bleeds . all heads must come , to the cold tomb. only the actions of the just , smell sweet and blossom in the dust . directions for finding the chances in the following lottery . turn about the index , upon the following lottery or figure , without casting your eyes thereupon to observe where it stayeth , till your hand ceaseth to give it motion ; and then look , upon what number it resteth ; then look for the same number among the lots , which having read it directs you to the emblem of the same number likewise ; if the letter m be set before the lot ( as it is in three or four places ) then that lot is proper only to a man , and therefore if it happen to a woman let her take the next chance , whether it be blank or lot. if it be any number above fifty , there being fifty six in all , it is a blank chance , and you may look for your lot at the latter end of the book among the six last chances which are without emblems . the tryal whereof is thus contrived without dice , lest by the familiar use of them they might sometimes occasion expensive and pernicious gaming . but if king , queen , prince , or any one that springs from persons , known to be deriv'd from king , shall seek , for sport sake , hence todraw their lots ; our author says , that he provided not for such as those ; because it were too much for him , to find out fortunes fit for such , who , ( as he thinks ) should rather aid supply for him to mend his evil fortunes by . to them he therefore pleased is to give this noble , and this large prerogative ; that they shall chuse from hence , what lots they please and make them better , if they like not these . all other personages , of high degree , that will profess our authors friends to be , this freedom , likewise have , that till they find a lot , which is agreeing to their mind , they shall have liberty , anew to try their sought for chance : and ev'ry time-apply the morals they disliked , unto those , which are , ill-qualifi'd , among their foes . all others who this game , adventure will , must bear their fortunes , be they good or ill. directions for the lottery . the figure or lottery . this game occasions not the frequent crime of swearing , or mispending of our time , nor loss of money , for the play is short , and every gamester winneth by the sport , we therefore judg , it may as well become , the hall , the parlor , or the dining roem , as chess or tables ; and we think the price will be as low , because it needs no dice . finis . there are lately published eleven very useful , pleasant , and necessary books , all sold by nath. crouch , at the bell in the poultry , near cheapside . i. two journies to jerusalem , containing first , a strange and true account of the travels of two english pilgrims some years since , and what admirable accidents befel them in their journey to jerusalem , grand cairo , alexandria , &c. with the wonderful manner of hatching many thousand chickens at once in ovens . secondly , the travels of fourteen englishmen in . from scandaroon to tripoly , joppa , ramah , jerusalem , bethlehem , iericho , the river jordan , the lake of sodem and gomorrah , and back again to aleppo , by s. b. with the rare antiquities , monuments , and memorable places and things , mentioned in the holy scripture , and an exact description of the old and new jerusalem , to which is added a relation of the great council of the jews assembled in the plains of ajaday in hungaria , . to examine the scriptures concerning christ . by s. b. an englishman there present ; with the notorious delusion of the jews by a counterfeit messiah , or false christ at smyrna in . and the event thereof . lastly , the fatal and final extirpation and destruction of the jews throughout the kingdom of persia , whereby many thousands of all qualities and ages were cut off in . and the remarkable occasion thereof . beautified with pictures . price one shilling . ii. unparallel'd varieties , or the marchless actions and passions of mankind ; displayed in near four hundred notable instances and examples ; discovering the transcendent effects ; . of love , friendship , and gratitude , . of magnanimity , courage and fidelity , . of chastity , temperance and humility ; and on the contrary , the tremendous consequences , . of hatred , revenge and ingratitude , . of cowardice , barbarity and treachery , . of unchastity , intemperance and ambition . imbellished with proper figures . price one shilling . iii. surprising miracles of nature and art , in two parts , containing , . the miracles of nature , or the wonderful signs , and prodigious aspects and appearances in the heavens , earth and sea ; with an account of the most famous comets and other prodigies since the birth of our blessed saviour particularly the dreadful apparitions before the destruction of jerusalem and the temple ; the terrible presages during the wars and desolations in germany , as several suns appearing at once , the water in ponds and conduits turned to blood , and blood rained from heaven ; armies of crows , dogs , and other creatures , fighting and destroying each other . intermixt with remarks on the life of the renowned gustavus adolphus , king of sweden . also a particular description of the five blazing stars seen in england , since . a relation of the burning of mount aetna , with the horrid river of fire and brimstone which issued thence in . burning near towns and villages , with abundance of other unaccountable accidents and productions of all kinds , to . likewise a true account of the groaning board . ii. the miracles of art , describing the most magnificent buildings , and other curious inventions in all ages , as the seven wonders of the world , and many other excellent structures and rarities throughout the earth . beautified with sculptures . price one shilling . iv. extraordinary adventures of several famous men ; with the strange events , and signal mutations and changes in the fortunes of divers illustrious places and persons in all ages ; being an account of a multitude of stupendious revolutions , accidents and observable matters in states , and provinces throughout the whole world . namely , the adventures of christ . columbus , and the manner of his discovery of america , or the new world : the cruelties used by the turks upon the christians at argiers , their manner of selling slaves , &c. the drcadful mutiny in the city of naples in . and how massanello a fisher-boy ruled there for days , with greater power than any king or emperour . an account of several nations destroyed , or driven from their habitations by gnats , moles , pismires , sparrows , locusts , hares , conies , fleas , frogs , mice , grashoppers , serpents , worms , and other inconsiderable creatures ; the tragical deaths of john and cornelius de wit , at the hague in holland . remarks on the life and death of sir w. rawleigh , with his last speech and behaviour on the seaffold ; with pictures . price one shilling . v. admirable curiosities , rarities and wonders in england , scotland , and ireland , or , an account of many remarkable persons and places , and likewise of the battles , sieges , prodigious earthquakes , tempests , inundations , thunders , lighrnings , fires , murders , and other considerable occurrences , and accidents for many hundred years past , and among others , the battle of bosworth , and the miserable death of crook-backt richard . the beheading of the lord cromwel , and the earl of essex , with their last speeches . the rebellion under ket the tanner , and his laws and ordinances in the oak of reformation near norwich . the lady riding naked through coventry together with the natural and artificial rarities in every county in england , with several curious sculptures . price one shilling . vi. vvonderful prodigies of judgment and mercy , discovered in above memorable histories , containing . dreadful judgments upon atheists , blasphemers , perjured villains , &c. as of several forsworn wretches carried away by the devil , and how an horrid blasphemer was turned into a black dog , &c. . the miserable ends of many magicians , witches , conjurers , &c. with divers strange apparitions and illusions of the devil ; . remarkable predictions and presages of approaching death , and how the event has been answerable , . the wicked lives , and woful deaths of several popes , with the manner how king henry . was whipt by the popes order by the monks of canterbury ; and how the queen of bohemia was swallowed up in the earth alive , with all her followers , &c. . fearful judgments upon bloody tyrants , murderers , &c. also how popiel king of poland , ( a cruel tyrant ) his queen and children were devoured by rats ; and how a town near tripoly in barbary , with the men , women , children , beasts , trees , walls , rooms , cats , dogs , mice , and all that belonged to the place were turn'd into perfect stone , ( to be seen at this day ) for the horrid crimes of the inhabitants , &c. . admirable deliverances from imminent dangers , and deplorable distresses at sea and land. lastly , divine goodness to penitents , with the dying thoughts of several famous men , concerning a future state after this life , imbellished with divers pictures . price one shilling . vii . historical remarks and observations of the ancient and present state of london and westminster ; shewing the foundations , walls , gates , towers , bridges , churches , rivers , wards , halls companies , government , courts , hospitals , schools , inns of court , charters , franchises , and priviledges thereof ; with an account of the most remarkable accidents , as to wars , fires , plagues , and other occurrences , for above nine hundred years past , in and about these cities ; and among other particulars , the rebellion of wat tylor , who was slain by the lord mayor in smithfield , and the speech of jack straw at his execution . the murder of king hen. . and likewise of edw. . and his brother , by richard . called crook-back . the insurrection in london in king henry . time , and how men and women went through the city in their shifts , and ropes about their necks to westminster-hall , where they were pardoned by the king ; with several other remarks to the year . and a description of the manner of the tryal of the late lord stafford in westminster-hall ; illustrated with pictures , with the arms of the companies of london , and the time of their incorporating . price one shilling . viii . the fourth edition of the wars in england , scotland and ireland ; being near a third part enlarged with very considerable additions , containing an impartial account of all the battles , seiges and other remarkable transactions , revolutions and accidents which have happened from the beginning of the reign of king charles the first , . to his majesties happy restauration , . and among other particulars , the debates and proceedings in the four first parliaments of king charles . the murder of the duke of buckingham by felton . the tumults at edenburgh in scotland . the insurrection of the apprentices and seamen , and their assaulting of a. b. lauds house at lambeth . remarks on the life of the e. of strafford , and his last speech . the death of archbishop laud , duke hamilton , lord capel , mr. love , dr. hewet , and others . the illegal tryal of king charles . at large , with his last speech , at his suffering . and the most considerable matters which happened till . with pictures of several remarkable accidents . price one shilling , ix . the young mans calling or the whole duty of youth , in a serious and compassionate address to all young persons to remember their creator in the days of their youth . together with remarks upon the lives of several excellent toung persons of both sexes , as well ancient as modern , who have been famous for virtue , and piety in their generations ; namely , on the lives of isaac and joseph in their youth . on the martyrdom of seven sons and their mother ; and of romanus a young nobleman , with the invincible courage of a child of seven years old , who was martyred . on the matyrdom of divers holy virgins and martyrs . on the life of that blessed prince , king edw. . with his ingenious letter to his godfather a. b. cranmer , when but years old , and his last words and prayer . on the life and death of queen jane , as her learned dispute with fecknam a priest , about the sacrament , her letters to her father the duke of suffolk , to her sister , and others . on the life of queen elizabeth in her youth , with her many sufferings and dangers from bloody bonner and gardiner , and her joyfull reception to the crown . on the religious life and death of the most noble and heroick prince henry , eldest son to king james ; and also of the young lord harrington , &c. with curious pictures , illustrating the several histories . price eighteen pence . x. a guide to eternal glory : or , brief directions to all christians how to attain to everlasting salvation : to which are added several other small tracts : as . a short directory for that necessary duty of self-examination , whereby a serious christian may every evening examine himself . . a brief dialogue between a learned divine and a beggar , discovering man's true happiness . . cordial meditations or beams of the spirit , enlivening enlightning and gladding the soul. lastly , divine hymns upon the blessed sacrament of the lord's supper ; with some others . price six pence . xi . excellent contemplations , divine & moral ; written by the magnanimous and truly loyal arthur lord capel , baron of hadham ; together with some account of his life , and his letters to several persons , whilst he was prisoner in the tower , vigorously asserting the royal cause against all the enemies thereof , and earnestly endeavouring to prevent the horrid regicide of k. charles the first : likewise his affectionate letters to his lady the day before his death , and his couragious and heroick behaviour and last speech at his suffering in the palace yard at westminster , march. . . also the speeches and carriages of duke hamilton , and the earl of holland , who suffered with him : with his pious advice to his son the late earl of essex . price one shilling . all eleven sold by nath. crouch , at the bell in the poultry , near cheapside . . finis . the soules solace, or thirtie and one spirituall emblems jenner, thomas, fl. - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : , : ) the soules solace, or thirtie and one spirituall emblems jenner, thomas, fl. - . [ ] p. : ill. (metal cuts) j. dawson] sold by thomas ienner, at the south entrance of the royall exchange, [london : . "to the reader" signed: t.i., i.e. thomas jenner, to whom the whole is attributed. in verse. printer's name from stc. appears at reel , ł and at reel , # (british library copies). reproductions of the originals in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng meditations -- early works to . emblems -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the soules solace , or thirtie and one spirituall emblems . sold by thomas ienner , at the south entrance of the royall exchange . . to the reader . loving and christian reader : loving thou must be , else thou wilt never cover the defects of this booke , for it is loue that covers a multitude of faults , christian thou oughtest to be , else canst thou not conceiue of the matter herein contained hearing many ministers , i haue pluckt from some of their gardens , flowers which i haue put altogether , and made a pofie ( if not for thee , yet for my selfe ) to smell on : if they profit not thee , yet i am sure they haue done me good , counting one by one , i haue found out the number thirtie and one . and as they shall be accepted in the world , i shall be encouraged to add as many more , for often hearing , will bring them to my hand ; and because men are more led by the eye , then eare , it may be thou looking vpon these little printes , mai'st cōceiue of that which many words would not make so plaine vnto thee . a healthy stomack turnes al that is wholesome vnto good nourishment , which i desire god this may doe : and to that end , i desire him to blesse both it , thee , and me , and rest thine in christ , t. i. . iustification by faith. for want of forecast and good husbandry , it comes , that many fall to misery : and when some vnthrifts run in debt , at last , we see him rested , and in pryson cast : when being in bonds , his child seekes his repreeving , and labours with some friend , for his releeving , the friend the money brings , which beeing payd , the captiue's free , and th' action forthwith stayd , yet none will say , the lad , hath him enlargd ; but his fast friend which hath the debt dischargd . thus man for sinne ( the debt ) gods serjeants rest , who then for dread of wrath , and hell 's distrest ; when faith , ( his child ) forth stepping ▪ sees that woe , fayth that he because of sinne must vndergoe : and breaketh through the cloudes , to fetch from thence , the price of christ his blood , a recompence sufficient , and aboue , to pay that debt ; that all the devils spite shall not him let , or hinder from that freedome , placed in heaven ; which to the faithfull ones by christ is given . not that the art of faith can doe 't alone , the worke is christs , whom faith layes hold vpon : the boy frees not the man , but money payd ; so frees not faith , but , as on christ t' is layd . m. d. . the way to get riches . looke how her neede some mayden to supply , seekes here and there , for water earnestly ; her paile's halfe full perhaps , but it 's too litle to serue her turne ; she must fill vp a kettle , or other vessels of a larger size , for divers necessaries to suffice . then wisely to the pumpe , in hast , shee goes , and halfe , or all , shee hath , therein shee throwes , where pumping , there comes backe of water store , if pailes shee le fill ; and yet there 's more , consider this , who mournest all the day , for want to wealth , see this , and cast away thy carking carefullnes ; marke well this mayd , and doe thou likewise , so these griefes shall fade . thou hast some wealth in hand , yet wishest more , giue freely of that little to the poore ; and as the widdowes meale and oyle , she drest , for the prophet still a'st wasted , still increast , in barrell and in cruse , so thou shalt haue , by giving , more then earst thou thoughtst to craue , which by mine owne experience i haue seene ; the more i sow'd more hath returned beene : what measure thou doest meete , shall measured be , full pressed downe , and running ore to thee . the pumpe's the poore , the water that 's thy riches , giving is pumping , which together fetches , and drawes such blessings from gods hand aboue , thou shalt abound through his free grace and loue . m. s. . a remedy against dispaire . a great large payle of durty water throwne , in some pau'd hall , or other roome of stone , seemes so aboundant , all the pavement flowes ▪ able to make one wet-shod , much it shewes ▪ but were this powrd the ocean sea vpon , t' is swallowed straight , as if there had beene none . so if thou wilt one sinne vpon thee lay , and dar'st for that thy selfe engage , to pay ; thou l't find it greater , and much more , then ever thou canst discharge ▪ for this can man doe never . but though thy sinnes bee dipt in scarlet die ; or as the immense sands in weight they lie , though they be blacke , as is the darke of hell , lay them on christ ; in him doth fulnes dwell , to answere all ; redemption's plenteous with him , who sinlesse was made sinne for vs , christ is this great all-comprehending maine , which able is , thy sinnes to abolish plaine : doe them through faith in sound repentance drown , they shall like drops in him be swallowed downe . e. v. the meanes to get a soft heart . the pible stone ( experience dayly shewes ) hurle it against the ground with fircest throwes , or strike a flint with hammers blows not weak , yet hardly will these stones thus forced breake : but take some cushion , lay that stone thereon , you 'le shiver it with blowes not more then one . this cushion of gods loue , put nathan vnder king davids heart , which straight did breake in sunder , vpbraided thus ; thy mastersthrone , ( saith he ) house , wiues , and children , god hath given thee : which were 't too little , more he meant to add , but foolishly thou him , requitest bad . this made king david cry , oh i haue sinn'd against my gracious god , to me most kind ! so , to repentance should gods loue thee leade , who for his mercies chooses to be dread : for that he is a iust revenging god , to stand in awe of him ; and ' cause his rod will force thee else ; this argues servile feare , but not th' obedience that his children beare to him , and to his lawes : gods faithfull childe yeelds honour , loue , and awe , because god's milde , long suffering , gentle , patient , slow to wrath : and ' cause his loue no limitation hath . if worse then stony , then be not thy heart , let gods ▪ great mercies thee to him convert . m. f. . the course to keepe a continuall soft heart . in countries hot , where running streames are seant , in parching yeares , of water they haue want ; which to prevent , they digg oft-times great ponds , wherein at winter , store of water stands : yet are they of no vse , when frosts doe fall ; because they then be frozen over all ; which to prevent , they breake one part of that , wherein their beasts , those times , they water at : and if it freezeth every day , then still be tampring with it , every day they will , to keepe it ope ; which three dayes , or a weeke , standing vntoucht , will put them to o' t , to seeke with waightey barres , and irons , it to rend , and many strookes , and heavie blowes to spend . marke this , good christian , and this rule ●●ist try , woul'dst thou thy heart keepe soft continually ? be breaking of it daily , with oft grones , to god in prayer , and with thy prayers joyne mones , for sinne ; and practice some thing , every day to set thee onwards , on thy christian way : or heare , or reade ; conferre , or meditate . but if thou let these passe , thou shalt feele streight , such a benumdnes , o're thy heart to fall , that then if thou wouldst pray , heare , reade , or all thou canst devise , with ne're so great devotion , it may be hardly thou shalt get the motion : of gods good spirit , thy heart to soften so , as formerly , before thou let'st him goe . how prayd king david to ' th' almighty lord , that hee againe his spirit would afford vnto him ; when through negligence , and pleasure , he might , what earst he counted all his treasure ? what duties promis'd when thou wert first calld ▪ be sure , by sloth , thou let not be for-stalld ; for what thou faylst of them , who ere thou art , so much of ioy , be sure , thou shalt come short . as heere this man by clearing of the way , daily with ease , come to the water may : so if thou let good duties no day lie , thou a soft heart shalt hold inseprably . m. f. . the tryall of a true broken heart . as two men passing on the kings high way , should be surpris'd by theeues , that would them slay ; but through much strugling , are not kild out ▪ right , for both haue yet some life , and little spirit . yet one in mad despayre , doth dying lie , because he will not seeke for remedie . but tother crawles , as weaknes will permit him , to some good chirurgion , timely help to get him . which chirurgion doth to him his health restore , and makes him sound , as ere he was before . of these two men , one 's good ; but tother vild , the divills owne , and not iehovahs child ; these both hath sathan wounded in the soule , with some grosse raigning sinne , that is most foule : the wicked crying mightily , so lies , vnder the feare of wrath ; dispayrs , and dies . gods servant cries , yet comes to god aboue , that he would for christs only sake , and loue , heale him from this his sinne , his soule distressing , and from that conflict giue him due refreshing ; and ne're will leaue him , till he hath attaind , pardon for 's sinne ; and gods sweete favour gaynd . if thou canst say , why did i thus offend ; against this gratious god , thus good , thus kind ? and canst withall , to that rich fountaine goe , from whence all mercy , comfort , grace , doe flow : though sinne thy soule hath smitten greviously , thou shalt not , for it , be condemnd to die : for then assure thy selfe , soft is thy heart , in that thou goest , for ease of this thy smart . false iudas had a torturde heart and said , oh i haue sinn'd , in that i haue betrayd my master innocent , and caine was driven to cry , my sinn's more then may be forgiven ▪ whil'st , they for grace and mercy , ne're did call , which had they done , they ne're had felt their thrall . sue thou for grace , then art thou in the number of those , whose hearts are rightly rent in sunder . m. f. . a caveat against raigning sinne . the hog tyd by th'leg , with a small cord , is to the slaughter driven to be goard . thus every man may to himselfe apply , though not in all grosse sinnes , i live , and die , yet brought i may be to ' the depth of hell , with some one raigning sinne , with one , as well , as if my soule with many more were fraught : and cry with caine , this , my damnation wrought . the ships at sea are made most tite , and sure , from every little leake , to be secure ; least one , as well as more , them cast away . as one disease , in stead of more , will slay the impotent . for there 's not any sinne , that thou canst say , gods not offended in . then thus i argue ; if god be displeas'd , that wrath of his must some way be apeas'd ; which only comes by faith , and sinne forsaking ; which if thou giue not o're ; there is noe slacking , but die thou must , for that fowle darling one ; though all the others thou hadst long for-gon . with a small cord the swine's to slaughter driven , by one grosse sinne , the soule 's of heaven depriven . m. t. . the vse of the failings of gods children . the marriner , when beacons he perceiues , or boyes before him ; warily them leaues on either hand ; for well he knowes , that if they be not shun'd , he hazardeth his life . the true converted christian likewise knowes , gods children falls , and errings , scripture shewes , not to be followed , but forgone with heed ; for to this end , they re given vs to reade . may be thou lt thinke , why may not , i , as they , so sinne , and liue ? for those were saved , they le say , yes , truth they were : but that with much adoe : before they came to heaven , they hell past through . i roar'd all day , for the disquieture of soule , which i for sinne did aye endure , ( saith david ) all my bones are broke , and bed i wash with teares , distilling from my head . if thus thou like to morne , then like to sinne ; for none hath pardon , ere repented beene . the wayes of sin , ne're yet produc'et true pleasure : whose seed is quickely sowne , but brings full measure of greife , paind , woe . what 's good , that imitate . nor let vaine hope seduce thee , till too late . many haue stumbled at this stone , that now in torments are ; which sayd , thus , so mayst thou if thou wilt tread the by-paths , they haue tryd , the bitter cup of theirs too , thou must bide . looke how on sea markes , sea men will not runne : so faylings of good christians , christians shun . m. d. . reconciliation to god. he that some frame of divers peeces makes , of one he can doe nought ; but two he takes , or more , according as the frame is high : and each by other layeth them , to try if they will fit , if not , even then he squares the one , and some-thing from the other payres . that done , he takes the glew , and joyns them fast , and so of two makes one , long time to last . so god and man , disparted are , and twayne ; and cannot of themselues be joyn'd againe ; they both are ruff , vnequall to be one ; and joyn'd together they can be by none . but christ , the skilfull carpenter , doth set on this great worke , and throughly finish it . he takes from god his wrath , by suffering , and sinne from man , his grace attributing ; then by his spirit , that combining glew , sweetly vnites them , which before were two . this playne similitude beare still in mind , who sorely art vnto despaire inclinde , thy sinnes doe vex thee , christ doth them deface ; in stead of sinnes , he giveth thee his grace ; but oh i feare the ire and wrath of god. christ also that remooues ; he bore his rod. but how shall i this know ? he giues his spirit , that knitteth both in one . thou shalt inherit heaven in this life , and when this race is or'e , thou shalt be joynd in blisse for evermore . m. d. the touch-stone of spirituall life . mors is a morsell , whereof all must tast ; some soone come to it , others make no hast . but all at last must die ; for'tis sinnes due . noe man can sinne escape , nor death eschew : yet dies not every one alike ; a traunce some seizes on ; some slayne , as'twere by chance , others in downy beds , their spirits expire ; some 's vitall powers ( may be ) benumd , retire to th' heare ; those are not dead ; for put a glasse ( thus triall 's made ) against their mouth , and face , breath being found thereon , aliue they seeme ; if not , them to be dead doe all men deeme . death seizeth on the body ; not on soule , that must liue aye ▪ death can it not controule . but yet the soule is dead too , spiritually , when as vpon its face , you shall apply christs righteousnes ; but it , like a dead stone , breaths not thereon ; that man is such a one , in whome's noe spirituall life , nor living grace ; for this divines count life in the last place . and this rule 's certaine ; if there shew no breath no truer signe can be of life , or death . therefore though i be wounded , like to die , i am not dead yet ; for the whilst that i breath at my christ , i liue , and shall liue ever , i'n ghoastly breath , which shewes i shall die never . christ is the glasse , thy sinnes doe cause the sound , if breath of faith ; then life of grace is found . m. f. the sacrifice of the masse . the law leviticall to know's much worth , for that the offices of christ sets forth ; and manifestly shewes , the papists masse a needlesse ceremonie euer was . for why ? they offer christ continually ; which you shall see confuted presently . the preist was one , who onely was to enter into the holy place ; none else might venter ; where , for the people , he did sacrifice ; and they without god worshipt otherwise , but might not make an offering ; that alone concern'd the priest , that in to god was gone . when all was done within , and he come out , he streight in peace dismissed all the rout . thus christ our high ▪ preist enter'd is within holy of holiest ; offering ( there ) for sinne , his merrits ; with an incense doth afford , sweete smellings in the nostrills of the lord. the world 's the outward court , where we remaine , whose duties are to prayse , and laude gods name , not doe the sacrificing worke at all , for christ that same performed once for all . and when himselfe he offerd vp , that day all sacrifices else tooke end , for aye . leaue off then masse , and such like trumperies ; vnlesse christs offring will not you suffice ▪ who as he is that one , so he 's the best ; yea to this end is entr'd in that rest . while nadab and abihu brought strange fire , god cut them off , in his provoked ire . then feare ye papists , while you are at masse , you be not slayne ; for god is as he was . m. d. . a remedy against spirituall pride . the grasse , & hearbs , to looke on cheares the sight , so doe the flowers , and fruits ; t is mans delight ; he takes great comfort , and can glory much to see them greene , and sprout ; his joy is such he thinks one well could liue by these ; but when he veiwes the sunne , the case is alterd then ; for though he gaze vpon them , nought he spies that seemeth pleasant , or can glad his eyes ; cause now a while he 's blinded , though he tooke that great delight , ( before ) on them to looke . this is the cause why christians are so proud , of their transcendent grace god hath bestowd , for they themselues doe with themselues compare , and many times with those that weaker are , and see not how farre they of him come short , who knew noe guile , and had in sinne no part . when one shall wisely see what god desires , what himselfe wants , and what the law requires , hee 's strucken blind , who did before behold such graces in himselfe , he grew so bold to vaunt of them ▪ this rule to make thee humble be sure thou take , and then thou shalt not stumble vpon the rock of thine owne haughty mind , if thou 'lt see what thou wantest , and what 's behind . m. b. . some time spent in holy duties , hinder not a mans perticular calling . the swayne that with the sweating of his browes , food to himselfe and family allowes ; who digs , and delues , and mowes the corne , and grasse ▪ and will no precious time in vaine let passe , yet whets his sythe , and time to make it keene spends daily much ; for thereby it is seene he cuts the corne more smoother and a pace , and rids more worke : and counts it no disgrace ost so to doe ; and that way further gaines then if he vs'd ( in cutting ) greater paines . so knowes the true nathaniell israelite , by taking paines in good things , his delight , he looseth not by that , but double gets : first comfort to his soule , and yet not lets his owne peculiar calling ▪ that day more he speeds , then worldlings doe with labour sorr . and i for my perticular can say , i gaine more then , then any other day . the lords commandement was to israell , when they did come in canaan land to dwell , all their male children thrice should in the yeare , before the lord of lords goe vpt ' appeare ; and while they so would worship oft ; the land none should assay to get , from out their hand ; but each thing prosper , and succesfull proue , and all occurrents turne to their behooue . on christian practises whet oft thy sythe ; and take 't for certaine , thou and thine shall thriue . m. d. . the way to please god in all our actions . that archer will not ayme with both his eyes , which shooteth in a game to winn a prize ; but lookes with one eye narrowly , to hit that pinn , or marke he shootes at , in the white . so he that god will please , serue , and obey , that eye must shut , that vseth to survey honours , or prayse of men , or worldly pelf ; and thus he good may purchase to himselfe . good things then for themselues must freely follow ▪ or else gods name aright thou canst not hallow : if i should seeke to please men ( saith s. paul ) then were i not gods minister at all ; who doth an heart and heart , with hate detest : the single eye , and simple heart , are best . while men doe seeke the loue of men to gaine , they saile of that ; and loose the lord , the maine . the lord with him corrivall will haue noue , but who alone him loues , is blest alone . o let my heart be in thy statutes sound , that shame may not my soule or face confound ! the lord all creatures for mans vse did make , but for himselfe vouch safed man to take ; sith so 's gods minde , let man to god surrender himselfe , and leaving all , god only tender . and when these two shall meet , my profit , ease ; gods glory , will ▪ let this , downe to their pease . the while , gods glory mans selfe th' eye shut quite : disclaimst thy selfe in all . thou 'st hit the white . m. s. . the cause why wicked men , die either suddenly , sullenly , or desperately . the parents to their children wont each night , to deale out some convenient jnch of light , that seemelier they might to their rest resort : who fall parchance to wrangle , or to sport , and so their peece of candle vainly wast ; which being out , themselues in bed they cast they know not how ; one runns in at the feete , another hawles the blancket for the sheete : and commonly that night no rest they take , because no better vse of light they make . like to these foolish children , most men are ; who though the lord them time , and health doth spare , and little light of life affords them heere , to serue him still in trembling , and in feare : this precious time mispent , to graue they goe , as men bereau'd of sence , they care not how . but though this life 's a moment , yet depends eternity heereon , which never ends . statutum est , that thou , as all , must die , and after that , to gods tribunall hie : see therefore what the prisoners doe , that heare deaths doome ; noe more themselues deboist they beare , but pensiuely tow'rd execution goe . take patterne then by them , and doe thou so . doe not the candle of thy life extinguish , before thou grace pursue , and sinne relinquish ; least thou cry ( lockt in sable bed of hell ) to late ; ah , had i life now , i 'de line well ! m. d. . the impediments of christian conversation . the citizens for most part hacknies hire , and none so soone as they , their horses tier ▪ which riseth hence ; with full career they ride ; and in their innes the beasts to th' rack are tied meateles vndrest ; yet are they switcht , and spurrd , if on their way they haue a whit demurrd . but cause they provender with-hold them from , they grow vnable ( through ) to bring them home . like vnto these are some ; those christians sad , who looke not on the gospell , which makes glad ; but on the rigour of the law , their eyne doe fix , and on their faults their soules to pine ; considering not what christ for them hath payd , and what is beate vpon so oft , and sayd , reioyce ye righteous , and againe reioyce ; and ye of perfect heart , life vp your voyce . those seest thou not . but tiest thee to the rack of the lawes curses , which doe make thee slacke thy pace vnto thy home , in heaven attending ; and so before thy time thy zeale hath ending . when sampson dranck that mistick spring amaine his spirits refresht , and he reviu'd againe . vnto the house of david opened is a fountaine for their fowle vncleanesses . a proclamation's made ; ho , he that will come , wine to buy ; without price , take your fill . who hath no power , and 's faint , he maketh strong . and strength vnto the strengthlesse doth prolong . as eagles mount , to heaven so shall they flee ; and in that walke , or race , vnwearied be . drinck then of these rich promises collection , and thou shalt strengthned be vnto perfection . m. f. . the cause of ignorance in lay papists . those theeues that vse to pilfer , hate the light , and seeke by all meanes , to extinguish quite what light so ere they see ; for that discouers their mischeife ; which else in the darkenes houers , therefore before they 'le act their wickednes , all light shall surely out , both more and lesse . then they no consctence make ; but all they can , they steale ▪ against the lawes of god and man. those theeues are popelings , and this light the word which they obscure ; and will it not afford vnto the people , least it should discry their double dealing , and their villany : for when the people nought ( thence ) see , or know , they make them deeme what they say , must be so ▪ elisha once the blinded syrian hoast diverted from along the dothan coast ▪ into the midst of samar's dreadfull bands ; where they together by their foes strong hands , might soone haue perisht , ere they were aware . thus papists , by the pope perverted are . who suffers not the gospell of our christ to shine ; but his inventions gloomy ▪ mist misleades them , for the god of this world blinds the hearts of them , and darkeneth their minds . wherefore with this , ye shauclings be asham'd , and antichrists vild brood for ere be blam'd , that hide from people that , which should afford them light of life , to bring them to the lord. for as a lantharne serveth shining bright , in places darke , so doth gods word giue light . as curst he was , of old , who drew astray the blind man , which was going in right way . so curst for ever be that man of sinne that thus doth mens damnations travell in . m. d. . the reprobates vtmost bounds . aforraine chapman from the country comes , to buy much wares , & to disburse such somes of money , as necessity doth craue . and heere and there he seekes about , to haue that which is good , and good cheape as he can : and where he lookes , and likes , he cheapens than , and likewise mony bids ; and faine them would haue at his price , if possibly he could : but deeming them held at too deare a rate , goes thence , comes back , t is gone , then greiues too late . to christ the yong man comes , and thus he sayn , master , what shall i doe heaven to obtayne ? commandements keepe ( saith christ ) steale not , ne kill ; these from my youth i haue observed still , replies he . then christ ; one thing lack'st thou more , goe sell what e're thou hast , and giue the poore , and thou in heaven shalt haue abundant treasure : take vp thy crosse , come follow me , such measure for this , ere long vpon thee i le bestow of good , as having thou would'st not forgoe . at thesed ▪ epe words , the man departed sad . if at this price gods kingdome must be had , he rather from his first speech will digresse , then leaue his mammon of vnrighteousnes . the formalist or reprobate thus farre goes tow'rd the purchase of this heavenly ware , to tast the swectnes of the word some deele , and of another world the powers to feele ; put rather then he all his sinns will flee , at length his soule he damns eternally . and like the foolish shapman , though too late , mourns ; that he hath lost heaven , though at that fate . m. c. . the first false putting on of christ . the simplest or vnmannerliestrude clowne , that meets his friend in feild , or in a towne , or farther off , if any he espie , he mooues his hat ; that must of presently . if in one day a hundreth friends he meets , off goes his hat , to every one he greets . like to this hat , that 's oft put off , and on , are such as falsly christ rely vpon . and such are they , who only christned are ; and being no more , in christ haue no true share . these seeme to haue him on , but curse , drinke , sweare , and to dishonour god , nor care , nor feare . this makes so many whores , and rogues increase , because they put off christ , they never cease . for sanctitie him did they ne'r assume : and therefore falsly say , thy king dome come . simon the sorcerer so far proceeded ; he made profession , with some faith was speeded , became baptiz'd for christ , with philip stayd , and saw what workes and miracles he made , wondring thereat : but peter playne him told he was not of christs flocke , but divels fold . in gall of bitternes thou art ( saith he ) and in the bondage of iniquitie . as paul of circumcision once did say , to thee concerning baptisme so i may ; the ceremonie nothing doth availe , if thou in keeping of gods lawes dost faile . flesh of thy slesh make christ , bone of thy bone , if but thy hat , in him part thou hast none . m. l. . the second false putting on of christ . this farther is of christ a false assumption , thinke it not well , it 's but a meere presumption ▪ when forth religion as a cloake we weare , but downe we lay 't soone when at home we are . in shops we will not keepe it , nor in house , we will not haue it on ; it hangs too loose . but brush it , rub it , make it cleane , and fine , this must be borne abroad ; then wee 'le be seene . to weare it but at home , it is too good . by this ( thou hypocrite ) is vnderstood , how thou ( abroad ) a connert wilt professe thy selfe to be , which art in truth naughtlesse . yea , to their gownes , to their indignity , some clarks haue sayd , lie there divinitie . in midst of my house with a perfect heart ( saith david ) i will walke . but , loe , thou art a wretch at home and in thy private chamber . which mooveth wicked men the good to slaunder . saint peter to the conuert iewes thus sayd , seeing you are a holy nation made , and a peculiar people , walke in sight of gentills , like to those are brought to light from out of darkenes , who before were not a people , but as men of god forgot . walke in the law , though you from law are free and doe you not abuse your libertie , nor vse it as a cloake , to sinne ; but keepe your selues within christs fold , like faithfull sheepe . as they their liberty a cloake to sinne might not put on ; so only to be seene weare not thy saviour ; certainely i f thou be not the same , thou dost to others shew ▪ hee ▪ le strip thee naked , so the nations shall see thou of his no member weart at all . he that at home is one , abroad another , is not adorn ▪ d with christ ; with sathan rather . m. l. . the third false putting on of christ . there is a third , which haue not truely taken and put on christ ; such , whom the lord doth slackers ▪ of these externall comfort 's heere below , these are like travailers , that sarre doe goe , and being sure to meete with many a storme , they put on hoods , and coates , and throughly arme themselues , for cold and raine ▪ but warme , and faire , they cast of all , for loue of open ayre . and merrily they passe their time away ; but otherwise it prooues a dolefull day . consider now god takes away thy wealth , thy goods , and peradventure too , thy health ; o! then thou vow'st if god will theee restore , thou wilt him better serue , then heere-to-fore . most grievously thou mourn'st for what is past ; and now to god thou'lt come , in all the hast : he heares thy vowes , and granteth thy request , but what vse mak'st thou since thou were distre'st . some i haue knowne haue worse become by farre , then e're in all their liues ( before ) they weare . when as afflictions are not sanctified , and better thee , t' is signe thou art not tri'd for one of gods ▪ for who belong to god , he as a father betters with his rod. be thou the same in thy prosperity , which thou hast vow'd to be in misery ▪ nor only as a coate , thy christ put on ; but , storme , or calme , him weare thy soule vpon . this which one wittily writ , may heereto be alluded . aegrotat doemon , monachus tunc esse volebat convaluit doemon , doemon vt ante fuit . the divell was sicke ; the divell a monke would bee : the divell was well ; the , divell a monke , was bee . m. l. . the benefit of keeping the sabboth . a stronomers by their high skill doe finde , the sunne doth light the skyes , of every kinde : and by the brightnes of his beames ▪ conuayes power to the clouds to cast on vs their rayes ; by whose faire lustre , we haue light to goe about our workes , or travell to and fro . the truth whereof in mystery to say , apply●● to this sence i am sure i may . take the sunne for suns-day , or day of rest , or sabbath day ; or lords day , which is best to call it , for the lord the same did hallow , and blest that day , and blest those men that follow this his ensample . and least we forget to doe so , to it a memento set ; saying , remember thou keepe this to me , then in thy six dayes i will prosper thee . the iewes spake false gainst christ of god 's not hee , that on the sabbath takes such libertie : but true it is of thee , who e're thou art , that sette'st not that day for god a part . it is but equall in seav en to take one , who might haue all requir'd , and spar'd vs none . if any send his servant farre away , to a strange country , and him charging , say i giue thee six dayes for thy vse , and pleasure ▪ and food and cloathing and sufficient treasure to spend , and will maintaine thee ; only this , one day in seaven spend in my services wholly apart ; if notwithstanding he on that day doing his owne worke will be ; his master may in justice with disgrace , both turne him from his service , and his place . the sunn 's the suns-day skyes thy six dayes ▪ see , sunne lightneth them , and suns-day prospereth thee . m. m. . the opposition of sinne and grace . in great and common wells for every man , such as is neere the burse in amsterdan , there are two buckets fastned to a chaine , the easier downe to sway , and vp againe . one being alost , the tother then is vnder , necessity doth force them thus asunder when one is empty t' other straight doth fill ; they ne're are both aboue ; one 's vnder still . like to these buckets , hanging thus a part , is grace and sinne ; in every mortalls heart . seest thou a man is given much to sweare ? that man t' is sure hath not the gift of prayer . and see'st thou one to wrath that 's much inclind ? that man hath not a meeke and quiet mind . the scripture saith , in amos , you may reade ; can two together walke , not well agreede ? there 's mortall enmity twixt sinne and grace , the one the other striveth to deface . if the strong man keeps house , himselfe hee 'le fence ▪ in quiet , still a stronger driues him thence . when the soule garnish't is , and swept from sinne , then comes gods spirit , and forthwith enters in . when the hearts empt'ed quite , and quit of grace , then enters streight the divell , and he takes place . soone as gods arke to dagons temple came , the idoll falls , and brake , to ashdods shame . consider this , who loue'st in sinne to liue , yet hop'st in heaven thy portion god will giue . the iron chaine compells one bucket low , and forceth still the other vp to goe . so sinne and grace ( gods justice doth command ) nor in one heaven , nor in one heart may stand . m. d. . the bridle of the wicked . the greedy dogge , whose nature is to praie on sheepe , or fowle , and whatso'ere he may come ne're , he 's ravening at ; but marke it , when the cudgells o're his head , he trembles then , and dares not once to satisfie his lust ; well knowing else what punishment he must seuerely vndergoe ; which him withholds , that otherwise would worry roosts , heards , folds . this is the cause some runne not out so farre in all excesse of lewdnes , and doe spare to medle with grosse sinnes ; their confidence smites them : and feare of hell within their hearts affright's them . that they by no meanes dare become fo grosse , t' is not for loue to good , or doubt to lose vertue ; ne flesh and spirit in them striving : but will and conscience , one the other driving ▪ the will pursues what 's wickednes amaine , the conscience prickt repells it backe againe . the righteous sinns not , cause he feareth god : the wicked sinns not ; why ? he feares the rod. good ioseph saith , shall i commit this thing , and so offend my god by trespassing ? yea wicked balaam cryed , i cannot goe beyond gods word , to doe or lesse or moe ; and why ? because he knowes gods angell stands to smite him through , nor can he scape his hands . when balack said , what hast thou done to me ? i cald thee not to blesse mine enemie . balam makes answere , must i not take heedo to speake , but what the lord hath sure decreede ? the dogge desires the praie , but dreads the wan : gods iudgements driues from sinne the wicked man. m. f. . the right carriage of a christian in his calling . the little children are the parents pleasure ; and fitly may be cal'd their parents treasure ▪ who please sometimes to send them to and fro , 't is their delight to see how they can goe . if to his child , one say , sirrah goe gather those chips that yonder lie ; and bring them hither ; he s●reight way goes , and seekes his lap to fill , not earing for them ; t' is his fathers will that he should gather them ; if any fall out of his lap , he vexeth not at all ; nor lets he downe , and cryes ; but what he tooke , vnto his father beares with chearefull looke ▪ what 's wealth , but chips ? so should they be esteem'd , nay worse then so , meere drosse in scripture deem'd . and what 's our calling , but the lords command ? that not in idlenes our dayes should stand . if th' one , be chips ; and t'other , to obey the lords command is done , you well may say ; they are but worldlings , who no other heart doe labour for , saue to get vp a part of gayne , and profit . wealth must not be sought for 't selfe ; nor for himselfe a man keepe ought . and if perchance thou should'st great losses haue , thou must not greiue , because thou could'st not saue thy state from such disasters ; and more pine , then if thou had'st lost heaven , and grace divine ▪ and let thy dayes on earth vnchearesull be , that crosses doe , or losses follow thee . make not thy gold , thy god , thy calling more then to fulfill gods will , and keepe his lore . and what thou hast , be thou content to carry vnto thy graue with joy , craue not to tarry for wealth and pelfe , of god there 's none respected for these ; but with these many are reiccted . the poore mans poore cstare with grace , is more then rich mens rich comport , and heaped store . children for losse of chips repine not , then droope not for losse of outward things , being men . m. d. . the danger of wicked men abiding in the church . fayre walkes and gardens , richly deckt with flowers and beautified with pavements , & with bowers : rich men and nobles for these pleasures care , to keepe which seemely , they no cost will spare ; and for that purpose gardeners doe provide to see to them at every time and tide : which gardener daily doth with industry trim , prune , and dresse it ; and if he espie a weede , or cockle , with his ready hand he rootes it out ; it shall no longer stand . the owner of his church and bower's , the lord , who doth at every turne and time , afford a prying eye , and narrow search , to see if in his garden weeds , or thistles be ; these with his hooke of instice roots he out , and will not let them there to grow , and sprout , see this thou hypocrite , that will not part with sinne , but lou'st and hid'st it in thy heart . goe liue with turkes , and heathens , from the pale of christian people ; else god will not faile thee to cut vp , and cast out , for ( saith he ) i 'le honour'd be , by those draw neere to me . thy sinne is double , who dost beare a part in grosse transgressions ; yet liu'st in the heart and bosome of gods church ; pagans offend against one law , but thy sinne doth extend to breach of two ; of grace , and natures light ; which in these dayes in gods church shineth bright . that light they haue without excuse shall leaue them ; which thing the iewes worse made , and did deceiue them , so that gomorrah's state , and sodomes land , in day of iudgement , easter shall stand then theirs ; and why ? because to them christ gaue farre greater meanes , ( then those ) their soules to saue . as gardeners suffer weeds in feilds to grow , because on them they never paines bestow ; so heathen lands the wicked rout may nourish ; but where gods gospell is , they must not flourish . m. t. . the new creation . a musick instrument , though fitting strings , apt peggs , and frets , it hath ; and other things which instruments require ; yet t' is rejected , if 't bee but out of tune 's not once respected of skilfull masters ; being still the same , with all the ornaments that they can name , as other instruments ; which sweetly play ; only that it 's not tun'd , t' is naught they say , away with ▪ t. would you know the reason why ? it 's out of tune , 't will make noe melodie . but being scrude , and tun'd , and new amended , it soundeth pleasingly , and is commended . so every man that 's borne is a [ full ] creature , fraught with all humane faculties , as feature and parts of body ▪ and soules powers , as mind , will , conscience , memory ; hee 's nought behind the perfect'st christian ; what can be desir'd ? there 's all in him , that is in man requir'd . yet yeilds he not to god a pleasant sound , because he is not a new creature found . but when gods minister shall these vp screw , and so doth tune and make this creature new , he streight resounds spirituall melody , and in gods eares giues heavenly harmony . the bones ezechiell saw both dead and dry , became of vse , when he did prophesie . thou nothing art , whilst thou art but meere nature . stocks , stones , & beasts , each one of them 's a creature and thou no more ; but wilt thou better be ? let gods word new transforme , and fashion thee : as instruments , vnlesse in tune , are slighted ; so men , except new made , ne're god delighted . m. d. . the foolishnes of transubstantiation . the bush that hangs at tavern dore doth shew that there is wine within ; this all men know . wee 'de count him madd , who ▪ le run to that , and thinke he can there-out sufficient liquour drinke : and will be sucking at the bush , when true it is , that hangeth there vnto the veine view of all men passing by ; but to declare vendible wines , within that house there are . such mad men papists are , which verefie that in a little wafer ( hid ) doth lye christs very flash ; while th' elements ( there ) be hung out to commers in , that they might see , in christ alone stands that spirituall food ▪ which must not of these signes be vnderstood . for bread is bread , even after consecration ; the worke being done for christs commemoration ▪ if to remember him , then hee 's not their . thus rings for absent friends we vse to weare . now this bread , consecrate , nor common is to me , for it inwraps high mysteries . so of this seale , that little wax , is more than all the rest , in the wax ▪ chandlers store . the bread's the same , and wax the same , that 's sould ▪ but by this seale , i all my lands doe hold ; and by this bread , my title is made sure in god , to heaven , and life , that aye shall dure . the bread's the evidence , but not possession , and to affirme it more , it is transgression . the bush doth shew within are wines to sell ▪ so shewes the bread in christ doth fulnes dwell . m. v. . the ruine of spirituall comfort . the country hinde from feild to feild doth goe ▪ and heere and there seekes narrowly , if so that he perhaps may sewell get for fire : who when he finds some log , doth much admire his hap ; and that vp-taking beares a while on 's necke , to the next gate , or combrousstyle ; where hauing once consulted with his sloth , counting his way ; to carry it hee 's loth so farre as home ; but ( fond ) the paines refuses : and so the good thereof vnwisely looses . examine now when some learn'd minister would giue thee signes , if then thy selfe thou stir not vp , and think'st , o , i will these make sure ! for they will yeild me comforts , long to dure : but trialls being many , and thou loft to muse vpon them vsually , and oft ; loosest that comfort ; had which bin retayn'd , thou hadst thy coldnes lost , and zeale hadst gayn'd . the stony ground , and worldly heart , gods word receiue sometimes with gladnes in the lord , as gospell testifies ; but er'e the end giue or'e , and to their former wayes descend . thy heart once wrought on ; t' is thy greater sinne , if thou that course dost not continue in . that sonne which did his sire deny , yet went into the vineyeard , was not so much shent , as he , who said immediately i 'le goe , but soone recanted his first speaches fro . what gaynes the man , that finds the wood , which might him cherrish in a cold and frosty night , if home he bring it not ( i doe enquire ? ) and warme him well therewith beeing set on fire ▪ so i to thee this question thus may frame . what doft thou gayne , by hearing of that same , that might reviue thy soule in troublous state , if gods word hearing thou forgetst it streight ? nought gaynes that man ▪ no profit thou shalt find , which hear'st gods word , and keep'st is not in mind . m. f. . the equality of iustification by christ . pinks , barks , or boats , driven by wind or oare , to ferry passengers from shore to shore ; they take in all , both halt , and blind , and lame , yong , old , of any qualitie , or name ; who being there embarkt , one cannot boast g ▪ ainst t'other thus , i 'le come to yonder coast sooner then thou , for i am lusty , strong , able to hast , and like to travell long , i can far ( speaking to another ) stride but thou art lame ; he cannot thus deride him , why ? they 're in the ship , and that doth carry each one alike ; if they therein doe tarry . they are not brought to th' port by their owne power ; the ship beares all , all arriue at one hower . christ is this ship , all his are shipt in him , in whom all his elect to heav'n must swim . art thou within boord there ? then though thou say ▪ i am by him sore foyld , from day to day , wounded i haue my soule , no hope haue i to goe to heaven , i must despaire , and die , yet art thou well . another sayes , i 'me blind , and never can the way to heaven find . o were i with the faith of abraham blest , i might assure my selfe to goe to rest ! if i as samuell could obedient be , in after dayes none evill i should see . there is a christian , he can well command ▪ his owne corruption ; but i cannot stand : if i could doe as he does ; then t' were well ; at christs right hand he shall sit , where pleasures dwell ▪ feare not good christian , t' is not anye's merit can saue him , nor thy sinns thee disinherit of that blest state , if thou of this be sure , thou art in christ ; reioyce , thou art secure . for as a ship both weake , and strong , doth beare together , to the haven free from feare : so christ the christian soules true ship , doth land all his elect in heaven , at his right hand . m. w. . tobacco . the indian weed withered quite greene at noone , cut downe at night shewes thy decay , all flesh is hay , thus thinke then drinke tobacco . the pipe that is so lilly white shewes thee to be a mortall weight , and even such , gone with a touch , thus thinke , then drinke tobacco . and when the smoake ascends on high , thinke , thou behold'st the vanity of worldly stuffe gone with a puffe : thus thinke , then drinke tobacco . and when the pipe grows foule within , thinke on thy soule defil'd with sinne , and then the fire it doth require thus thinke , then drinke tobacco . the ashes that are left behind , may serue to put thee still in minde , that vnto dust , returne thou must , thus thinke , then drinke tobacco . answered by g. w. thus , thus thinke , drinke no tobacco . finis . the art of making devises treating of hieroglyphicks, symboles, emblemes, ænigma's, sentences, parables, reverses of medalls, armes, blazons, cimiers, cyphres and rebus / first written in french by henry estienne ... ; translated into english by tho. blount ... art de faire des devises. english estienne, henry, sieur des fossez. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e b). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e b estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the art of making devises treating of hieroglyphicks, symboles, emblemes, ænigma's, sentences, parables, reverses of medalls, armes, blazons, cimiers, cyphres and rebus / first written in french by henry estienne ... ; translated into english by tho. blount ... art de faire des devises. english estienne, henry, sieur des fossez. blount, thomas, - . [ ], , [ ] leaves of plates : ill. printed by w.e. and j.g. and are to be sold by richard marriot ..., [london] : . translation of estienne's art de faire des devises. added engraved t.p. error in paging: p. numbered . reproduction of original in the huntington library. eng devices (heraldry) emblems. a r (wing e b). civilwar no the art of making devises: treating of hieroglyphicks, symboles, emblemes, ænigma's, sentences, parables, reverses of medalls, armes, blazon estienne, henry, sieur des fossez d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the art of making devises . done into english by tho blovnt gent . 〈◊〉 cum deficit nunqvam siccabitu● aestu immotum in motu cecidisse videtur sunt qvos ignis ●alit sub iudice lis est altera levatur saepe cadendo post tenebras lucem decvs et tu ●amen in armis w m sculpsit i s c ar ti sempronivs graccvs q. desig quod si ●●clandum est ms . regnandi gratia violandum est asijs in re●●● pretatem cosas . ii ti . caesar divi . avg . f. avgvstvs ar pontif . maxim . boni nastor is est 〈◊〉 ecus . non . 〈◊〉 . iii avgvstvs divi f. ar imp. romam lateritiam accepi . marmoream relinquo . iiii c. caesar divi avg pron. avg . pm . tr. p iiii p.p. ae ivlia drvsilla agripina sc hilnl mag in talura mea probo quam inverecundiam . v ti clavdivs caesar avg pm trpim p. pp. ae avgsta libertas sc non eodem modo à pulice et f●ra bellua cavendum est vi imp. ser. galba caesar avg. ar roma mes fuit deligere , non emere milites vii nero caesar avg. p. max . trp. pp. imp. ae sc priamus mirū in modum bealus fuit ▪ quod patriam simul cum regno per●i●am ●●dit . ar imp. otho caesar avg. tr. p ar pont. max . multo melius iustusque est vnum pro multis . quam pro vni multo● 〈◊〉 ix a. vitellivs germa n imp. av g. pm tb p. ae sc optime olet occisus hostis sed melius ciuis x t. caes. imp. avg. f. tr. p. cos. v. censor ae sc non oportel quenquā à conspectu principis tristem discedere . xi imp. caes. vespasian . avg . p. m. tr. p. p. cos. iii. cen. ar ivdaea lueri bonus odor exre qualibet xii caes. domit. avg. germ. p. m. tr. p. vii . imp. ar imp. xiiii . cos. xiiii . ger . tr. p. p. p. paucis notum est quam misera sit princip● conditio . imp. nerva caes. avg. p. m. tr. pot . ar cos. ter pat. patriae nihil me fuisse scio quo minus possem deposito imperio . privatu tutò uinere hadrianvs avg. cos iiipp . ae sc sic gesturus sum imperium et sciam rem populi esse , non meam priuatam . imp caes. nervae traiano avg ger . dac pm trp cos. v p. p. ae spqr talis priuatis set imperator quales sibi priuato● optat habere antoninvs avg. pivs p. p. tr p. cos. ii. ae bona eventvi sc honestius est caesari vnum ciuem ●eruare quam mille haster occidere . antonivs avgvr iiin ir . r. pc ar antoninvs et vervs avg. rest non decet imperatorem praeproperè quicquam agere . antoninvs avg. m. commodvs fel avg tr cos iii p p sc ab incolumi quamnis paulatim , negotia perfici possuni● à mortuo nihil . avrelivs caesar avg pii f. ar tr pot . xv cos. iii. aequius est me tot et talium amicorum consisium quam tot tales meam vnius voluntatem sequi imp. caes. p. helv pertin. avg . ae aeqvit . avg . tr p. cos. ii. sanctius est inopem rempub● obtin ere quam ad d●●●iarum cumulū per discrimunū atq , dedecorum vestigia peruenire the art of making devises : treating of hieroglyphicks , symboles , emblemes , aenigma's , sentences , parables , reverses of medalls , armes , blazons , cimiers , cyphres and rebus . first written in french by henry estienne , lord of fossez , interpreter to the french king for the latine and greek tongues : and translated into english by tho: blount of the inner temple , gent. london , printed by w. e. and j. g. and are to be sold by richard marriot in s. dunstans church-yard fleetstreet . . to the nobilitie and gentry of england . this piece ( being sent me out of france , as a double rarity , both in respect of the subject and the quality of the author ) i had no sooner read , then ( taken with its ingenuity ) i was moved to cloathe it in an english habit , partly out of envy , that other nations should glory to have out-knowne us in any art , especially ingenious , as is this of devises , which being the proper badges of gentlemen , commanders , and persons of honour , may justly challenge their countenance and favour , whereunto t is sacred . my author affirmes himselfe to be the first hath written of this subject in his mother-tongue ; and i might say the like here , were it not that i find a small parcell of it in camdens remaines , under the title of impreses , which are in effect the same with devises . thence , you may gather , that the kings of england , with the nobility and gentry , have for some hundreds of yeeres ( though devises are yet of far greater antiquity ) both esteemed and made use of them : onely in former times they arrived not ( as now ) to that height of perfection ; for they sometimes did ( as the unskilfull still doe ) make use of mottoes without figures , and figures without mottoes . we read that hen. the . ( as liking well of remuneration ) commanded to be written ( by way of devise ) in his chamber at woodstock , qui non dat quod amat , non accipit ille quod optat . edw. the . bore for his devise the rayes of the sunne streaming from a cloud without any motto . edmond of langley , duke of york , bore a faulcon in a fetter-lock , implying , that he was locked up from all hope and possibility of the kingdome . hen. the . carryed a burning cresset , sometimes a beacon , and for motto ( but not appropriate thereunto ) une sans plus , one and no more . edw the . bore the sun , after the battell of mortimers-crosse , where three sunnes were seene immediately conjoyning in one . hen. the . in respect of the union of the two houses of york and lancaster , by his marriage , used the white rose united with the red , sometimes placed in the sunne . but in the raigne of hen. the . devises grew more familiar , and somewhat more perfect , by adding mottoes unto them , in imitation of the italians and french ( amongst whom there is hardly a private gentleman , but hath his particular devise ) for hen. the . at the interview betweene him and king francis the first , whereat charles the fift was also present , used for his devise an english archer in a greene coat drawing his arrow to the head , with this motto , cui adhaereo , praeest ; when as at that time those mighty princes banding one against another , wrought him for their owne particular . to the honour of queene iane , ( who dyed willingly to save her child king edward ) a phenix was represented in his funerall fire with this motto , nascatur ut alter . queene mary bore winged time , drawing truth out of a pit , with veritas temporis filia . queene elizabeth upon severall occasions used many heroicall devises , sometimes a sive without a motto , ( as camden relates ) and at other times these words without figure , video , taceo , and semper eadem . king iames used a thistle and a rose united , and a crown over them , with this motto , henricus rosas , regna jacobus . pr. henry ( besides that devise which is appropriate to the princes of wales ) made use of this motto , without figure , fas est aliorum quaerere regna . and his majestie that now is , that other of christo auspice regno . our prince beares ( as all the princes of wales have done since the black prince ) for his devise ( which we commonly , though corruptly call the princes armes ) a coronet beautified with three ostrich feathers , and for motto , * ich dien , i.e. i serve , in the saxon tongue , alluding to that of the apostle , the heire while he is a childe , differeth nothing from a servant . the late earle of essex , when he was cast downe with sorrow , and yet to be employed in armes , bore a sable shield without any figure , but inscribed , par nulla figura dolori . sir philip sidney ( to trouble you with no more ) denoting that he persisted alwayes one , depainted out the caspian sea , surrounded with its shoares , which neither ebbeth nor floweth , and for motto , sine refluxu . some may object , that in regard tiltings , tournaments , and masques , ( where devises were much in request ) are for the present laid aside , therefore devises are of lesse use . whereto i answer , that as those justing or jesting wars are disused , so have vve now an earnest , though much to be lamented warre , vvhich renders them more usefull then ever , i meane for cornets and ensignes ; and of these , let me also give you some examples out of the present times . on the kings party , one beares for his cornet-devise saint michael killing the dragon for the figure , and for motto , quis ut deus ? another is so bold as to beare the picture of a king crowned and armed , vvith his sword drawne , and this motto , melius est mori in bello , quam videre mala gentis nostrae . a third bears onely a dye , vvith utcunque quadratus . a fourth figures the beast called an * ermyne , vvith this motto , mallem mori quam foedari . a fift represents five hands snatching at a crown , defended by an armed hand and sword from a cloud , with this motto , reddite caesari . a sixt figures a landskip of a pleasant country , vvith houses , corne , &c. invaded by beggerly people , and for motto , barbarus has segetes ? &c. on the parliaments party vve find one bearing in his cornet , the sun breaking through a cloud , with exurgat et dissipabuntur . another represents a deaths-head , and a lawrell-crown , vvith mors vel victoria . a third figures an armed man , presenting a sword to a bishops breast , with visne episcopare ? the bishop answering , nolo , nolo , nolo . a fourth sayes onely ( without any figure ) tandem bona causa triumphat . a fift represents the sunne , dissipating a cloudy storme , with post nubila phoebus . a sixt , figures an armed man , hewing off the corners of an university cap with his sword , and this motto , muto quadrata rotundis , & c. now though these devises for the most part argue wit in the composers , yet many of them are either imperfect or defective , which may be attributed to the want of the prescribed rules of this art , which this treatise doth afford you , together with a synopsis or short view of hieroglyphicks , emblemes , reverses of medalls , and all other inventions of vvit , vvhich any vvayes relate thereunto . i might also shew you here how many several waies devises are useful ( especially for seals , being drawn from some essentiall part of the bearers armes ) but that i hold it not fit to forestall the reader in a preface . i am onely to beg pardon for my lesse polisht style , ( which i shal the rather hope to obtain , since things of this nature require a plain delivery , rather thē elegancy or affected phrase ) not doubting but that the discovery of this art will yeeld so great contentment to you , whose wits are elevate as farre above the vulgar , as are your rankes and qualities that in some academicall session , you will decree the author to be your president , the art your exercise . ex aedib . interioris templi , mart. . t. b. the authors preface . ruscelli ( an italian author ) saith , that it belongeth onely to the most excellent wits and best refined iudgments to undertake the making of devises , and that it is a quality which hath been sought and desired by many , but very few have been able to put it in execution . paulus jovius ( one of the choicest wits of his time , and the first that enriched us with this art ) confesseth ingenuously , that of himselfe he could never make any one whereof he could be entirely satisfyed . johannes andreas palazzi inferrs from thence , that if it be a difficult matter to frame a devise , compleated with all its properties , that à fortiori it is a hard thing to prescribe precepts , and score out the way to attaine to that perfection . as for my selfe i confesse freely , that being moved unto and instructed by my late vncle robert estienne in making devises , eight and twenty yeares agoe , i made a greater quantity then and found it a lesse labor , then now , that i know the excellency and subtility of the art ; wherein verily i have taken so great delight , that the exercise of arms , could never divert me from so noble an employment , which hath alwaies been to me a well-pleasing recreation amidst the fatigues of war . and as i endeavoured ( as neer as possible ) to attaine to the perfection of this art , i applied my selfe ( with equall care ) to read the greek , latine , italian , and french authors , who have treated of hieroglyphicks , symboles , emblemes , aenigmaes , armories , cimiers , blazons , reverses of medalls , devises , and such like inventions of wit , which have some relation to each other , i distinguished them the one from the other , for my own particular use ; and collected thence all that seemed most notable unto me . at length being sollicited by my friends ( who had a great opinion of my ability for these essaies , ) i have adventured to publish this little tractate , devoid of all graces and embellishments , contenting my selfe onely to discover to others the light which i could receive from famous authors ; to the end that those who have lesse experience herein then my selfe , may reap some profit thence . and that i may excite some better genius ( wherewith this age is much more em iched then the precedent ) to improve my design and supply my defects ; from such i hope happily to gaine some favour ( though otherwise my labours succeed not , according to my aime ) since i am the first that hath treated of this subject in our mother tongue . in a word , there 's no beginning , but is difficult , nor is there any pesant ( though never so simple ) that merits not some kind of recompence ; in having been a guide and shewed the way to a great number of captaines , who following it , have atcheived their noble designes . i am then resolved to entreat of hieroglyphicks , symboles , and reverses of medalls , of the ancients ( and of those but summarily , because many have already beaten the same tract ) since most writers draw the origin of them from our devises ; nor will i lose the opportunity to say something of aenigma's , emblemes , gryphes , and parables , as also of armes , cimiers , blazons , cyphers , and rebus , which the un-knowing confound with devises , according to the necessity of the discourse , which shall oblige us to unfold their differences . we shall observe the definition and etimologie of devises , their origin and antiquity , their utility and finall end . we shall ( to render them perfect ) recite the rules of their bodies , which some call figures , and of their mottoes which are term'd soules and words , with the relation they have each to other , the places from whence they ought to be drawne , and generally all that is to be observed in bringing a devise to perfection ; yet without undertaking to establish such inviolable rules , either by my owne particular opinion , or in the name of the italians , but that i will submit my iudgment to the more learned in this art . nor will it be held reasonable that we altogether subject our selves to the italian laws in this occurrence of so small concernment , since in all things else they are accustomed to receive law from our armes . henry estienne st des fossez . a paris , achevé d'imprimer pour la premiere fois le . mars , . to my noble friend , mr thomas blount , upon his translation . how could i style , or thinke my selfe a friend to thee or learning , should i not commend this curious piece of thine ? so full of wit as not to praise it , shews a want of it . well may i terme it thine , so many things added by thee , with rare embeleshings . the subject lauds it selfe : the heavenly spheare the elements , and works of nature beare the matter of this art ; from whence to draw the life-conferring forme thou giv'st the law . what ensigne , armes , or action that aspires , but , to compleat it , an imprése requires ? what generous soule will in a noble way his mistresse court , and not his wit display in some devise ? let those who have but soule enough to eate and drinke this work controule : wits will applaud it , and the most refin'd dislcose most entertainments for the minde . j. w. ar. the names of the greek , latine , italian , and french authors cited in this treatise . aulus gellius . alexander . alciat . atheneus . aristotle . alexandro farra . antipater . arvigio . academico renovato . bible . budaeus . bargagli . bartholomy taëgio . caussinus . cicero . clearehus . clemens alexandrinus . charles estiennies history . of lorraine . diomedes . donatus . demetrius phalerius . du belly . aeschylus . eusebius epictetus . fabius . frastaglato intr●nate . gabriel simeoni . hannibal caro . herodotus . hipparchus . horace . iohannes bodinus . iaques torelly fano . iohannes andreas palazzi . lucan . ludovico dominici . moscopulus . olaus magnus . origen . orus apollo . ovid . paulus lovius . philo the jew . pythagoras . pierius . porphirius . pindarus . pausanias . petrarch , plutarch . p. critus . ruffinus aquiliensis . ruscelli . stacius . salmazius . scipione ammirat● . tipotius . virgil . valla . valerius probus . the art of making devises : treating of hieroglyphicks , symboles , emblemes , aenigma's , sentences , parables , reverses of medalls , armes , blazons , cimiers , cyphres and rebus . chap. i. of hieroglyphicks . there is no doubt , but that after the hebrewes , the egyptians were the first that did most precisely addict themselves to all manner of sciences ; nor did they professe any one , which they esteemed more commendable , then that of hieroglyphicks , which held the first rank among their secret disciplines , whereof moses had without doubt a perfect idea , as the holy scriptures testifie : from whence we gather , that he was absolutely perfect in all the learning of the egyptians . philo the jew confirmes this more cleerly in the life of moses which he hath written ; where it is observed , that moses had learned from the doctors of egypt , arithmetic , geometry , and musique , as well practick as theorick , together with this hidden phylosophie , expressed by characters , which they term hieroglyphicks , that is to say , some marks and figures of living creatures , which they adored as gods : whence we prove the antiquity of this science , which had moses for her most renowned disciple . and pythagoras ( whose master in this science was aenopheus of heliopolis ) transferred it into greece , where he enrich'd it with many symboles that beare his name . neverthelesse it is not probable , that the egyptians were absolutely the first authors of this learning , since * alexander ( in the historie of the jewes which he compiled ) saith , that abraham lived some certaine time in the city of heliopolis , with the egyptian priests , to whom he taught astrologie , which he gloried to have received by tradition from enoch . and truly , the principles of other sciences could not be infused by abraham into the minds of posterity , without these kinds of symboles and aenigma's , which serve as a rind or bark to conserve all the mysteries of our ancestors wisdome . besides , god framing this world with such varieties of living creatures , set before the eyes of our first parents some draughts and resemblances , whence men might perceive , as through the traverse of a cloud , the insupportable rayes of his divine majesty . therefore epict●tus to good purpose hath noted , that men have within their soules {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , some symboles and marks of his divinity , which god imprints in us , by the species of all those objects which he sets before our eyes . 't was for the same reason that so many objects which presented themselves to the view of adam , enoch , moses , and the other patriarchs , were as so many characters illuminated by the divine splendour , by means whereof the eternall wisdome did consigne his name into the heart of man . and i am the rather of this opinion , because i see , that all those , who ( moved by the same spirit ) have treated of the mysteries of our religion , have shrowded them under the veiles of figures and symboles ; we see nothing more frequent in the one and the other testament . and truly the hebrewes did so esteeme this way of speaking and writing by characters , that all their discourses which were subtile and ingenious , and had in them much grace and acutenesse , they called maschal , which word is properly und●rstood of parables and similitudes . but that which begot credulity that the egyptians were the first inventors of this science , was the great esteeme they had of it , and the multitude of figures which are ●ngraven by them in all monuments of antiquity . philo the jew saith , that the science of the egyptians is twofold ; the one vulgar , plaine and exposed to all the world , to wit , geometry , astrologie , arithmeticke , and musiqne : the other obstruse and sacred , called hieroglyphicks , which by the meanes of some symboles and enigma's , did containe the grave and serious mysteries as well of the faculty of theologie as of phisiologie and policy : and this was onely common amongst the most learned priests . therefore origen calleth this science of symboles , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , holy letters . moreover , the egyptians were wont to say , that there was a certaine divine power that presided in the science of hieroglyphicks and illuminated the understandings of those who studyed it , by expelling those shades of darknesse occurring in the meanders and ambiguities of so great diversity of things , to conduct them to : perfect and true knowledge of their characters . the places whereon they incised these figures , to conserve their memory , were their laborious obelisques , the well-wrought frontispieces of their temples , and the huge bulk of their pyramides , whereof lucan makes mention in these verses : nondam flumineos memphis contexere libros noverat , in saxis tantum volueresque feraeque sculptaque servabant magicas animalia linguas . nor yet knew memphis ( now grand cairo nam'd ) with fluid inke to write what they 'd have fam'd : birds , beasts of stone , engraven shapes they us'd , as signes , and bookes , of what they deeply mus'd . ammianus marcellinus makes ample mention of the figures engraven upon those pyramides , and saith , that they did not make use of letters , as we doe , but that one onely letter did sometimes signifie a word , and one sole word a sentence , and did also expresse their minds by certain characters ; as by the bee making honey , they meant a king that ought to observe moderation and clemencie amid the rigour of his lawes : and so of other examples , which i omit , to avoid prolixity . nor did the egyptians onely make use of these hieroglyphicks , for that science did extend to other nations , even to the septentrionalls , as olaus magnus witnesses . we have the example of idanthura , king of the scythians , in clemens alexandrinus , who threatning warre against darius , instead of letter , sent him a mouse , a frog , a bird , a dart , and a plough , giving him to understand , that he would constraine him to deliver up his empire to him : by the mouse meaning the houses ; by the frog , the waters ; by the bird , the ayre ; by the dart , the armes ; and by the plough , the soyle . others expound it thus : that if they did not like birds , or hide themselves like mice in the ground , or like frogs in the water , that they should not avoid the power of his armes , denoted by the dart. the symbole , aenigma , embleme , fable and parable depend upon , and have affinity with this science , yet they differ in some respects . chap. ii. of symboles . this word symbole hath a large extent , according to the number of its significations : for being derived {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , this word symbolum must of necessity have many interpretations , which the grammarians as well greeks as latines have noted : for sometimes it signifieth that which any one brings for his part by way of contribution to a feast , other whiles it is taken for the feast it selfe : sometimes for a seale for letters , and sometimes it signifieth the order , watch-word , or fieldword , given to captaines and souldiers , and divers other things , which draw their origin from thence . besides , it importeth a kind of presage or token of some future event ; such as desire to know more of it may consult moscopulus . but that which is for our purpose above all this , it also signifies the armes of a towne , or the medal of a prince . and as the greeks made use of symboles for their cities and lawes , so also for intricate sentences and mysticall matters . therefore ruffinus aquiliensis saith , that for this reason , the apostles published their symbole , by which they declared thir beleefe concerning religion . even so the pythagoreans in a mysticall and abstruse sense , did by symboles briefly demonstrate that which they would have to be observed . in a word , the property of symboles is to be concealed and enveloped in labyrinths of obscure sentences , which hath been so much observed by pythagoras , that thereby we know those which are his . moreover , demetrius phalerius doth note one thing in symboles worthy observation , that a great sense ought to be comprised under the gravity and brevity of symboles , whereof he gives an example , when we say , that the * cigales sing upon the ground , as much as to say , the trees are felled . therefore brevity mixt with a certaine gravity , comprehending many things under one and the same signification , is the property of a symbole . there are some symboles which are of the nature of proverbs , and pythagoras himselfe made use of them , as when he saith , exomni ligno non fit mercurius , giving to understand , that all wits are not capable of learning . it is also to be noted , that they are of three kinds , morall , naturall , and theologicall . and that which is proposed to us in these symboles , by meanes of the corporeall senses , doth penetrate our understanding . the learned caussinus ( from whom i have borrowed the most of that which i have spoken concerning hieroglyphicks ) saith in a book he compiled thereof , that symboles ( in the signification we treat of ) are no other , then the signes of some intricate thing : or ( as budaeus would have it ) they are but similitudes and resemblances of things naturall . hereunto i will adde , that the ancients themselves made use of symboles instead of epitaphs , upon the tombes of the dead , without any other inscription , as it is to be seene in one of antipaters epigrammes of a woman , on whose urne were engraven a bridle , a head-stall , and a cock ; the cock signified vigilance ; the bridle , that she was the moderatrix of the house ; and the headstall , that she was very retentive in words . there is another example hereof in the learned salmazius his exercitations upon pliny . chap. iii. of the aenigma . aenigma is a greek word , which signifieth an obscure and intricate speech or sentence , so that in holy scripture it is often taken for a mysticall and abstruse matter , and philosophers themselves , with other famous authors , have attributed the name of symbole to aenigma's . gellius saith , that aenigma's are also called gryphes , from the name of a certain net , forasmuch as at banquets ( where aenigma's are much in request ) the understandings of the feasters are caught ( as it were in nets ) by obscure questions . amongst the greeks they also took their denomination from cups and goblets , for that they are used amongst such instruments . but let us leave this discourse to grammarians , as also the difference between gryphe and enigma , to come to the definition . the aenigma ( according to diomedes and donatus ) is an obscure sentence , expressed by an occult similitude of things , or it is a speech hard to be understood in respect of the obscurity of the allegory : and for this reason fabius hath written , that the aenigma was called a very obscure allegory {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , which signifies to speak obscurely and ambiguously . the gryphe ( according to clearchus ) is a sportive question , which exacts an information of the matter , contained in the sentence proposed , be it for honour or reprehension , cicero doth not approve the use of it in orations , because obscurity therein is a great defect : but it may very well be used at merryments and in princes courts , for as much as such questions doe what mens wits , and hold them in suspence , to the great contentment of the hearers . now or aenigma's , some are obscure in words only , some in their sense and meaning , and others both in the one and other . these are commonly derived from similitude , dissimilitude , contrariety , accidents , history , equivocall termes , and other figures of rhetorick , according to the variety of langueges . clearchu● and atheneus ( whose opinions aulus gellius followeth ) doe allow of them in serious matters , and in other subjects of philosophic . in times past rewards were assigned to those that could explicate aenigma's , when contrarywise , those that were non-plus'd by them , were condemned in a certaine fine . chap. iv. of emblemes . though an embleme hath some affinity with the aenigma , it differs notwithstanding in this , that drawing ( as it were ) the curtaine from before the aenigma , it declares the matter more plainly : for the embleme is properly a sweet and morall symbole , which consists of picture and words , by which some weighty sentence is declared . see an example . emblemes are reduced unto three principall kinds , viz. of manners , of nature , of history or fable . the chiefe aime of the embleme is , to instruct us , by subjecting the figure to our view , and the sense to our understanding : therefore they must be something covert , subtile , pleasant and significative . so that , if the pictures of it be too common , it ought to have a mysticall sense ; if they be something obscure , they must more clearly informe us by the words , provided they be analogick and correspondent . thus much for the aenigma may suffice , since alciat , and many other authors have entreated thereof more at large . chap. v. of parables and apologues . the parable is a similitude taken from the forme to the forme , according to aristotle : that is to say , a comparison in one or many affections of things , otherwise much unlike . those grammarians are mistaken , that affirme , that a parable cannot be taken but from things feigned , for it may be drawne from any history , as well naturall as morall , and sometimes from fables , but in such case parables are properly called apologues , such are those of aesop . there are two kinds of parables , the one vulgar , which comprehends the common and triviall similitudes ; the other sacred , which is drawne from a more holy and mysticall doctrine . i have spoken of all these things in the first place , to the end , that viewing the definition and natures of them , we be not henceforth troubled to discerne them from devises , whereof we are about to commence our discourse . chap. vi . of the etimologie and definition of devises . in this point , scarcity restraines me on the one side , and superfluity distracts me on the other . i find not any man that shews me the etimologie of this word , devise : and in its definition the italians have so many different opinions , that it is a hard matter to discover which of them is the best . those that have written of devises in latine , as tipotius , ( who hath made an ample collection of them ) calls it hierographie ; because ( saith he ) it is a more sacred signification of the thing , or of the person , which is not onely expressed , but also impressed with characters and letters . he calls it sacred , not onely because the invention in it selfe is sacred , if you attribute it to the egyptians ; or for that almost every thing was by the pagans esteemed holy , and to be honoured with divine worship ; but also , because that after the manner of mysteries , it conceales more then it discovers . he observes , that the characters were painted , carved , or engraven , and the letters written , either to forme sillables , words , or sentences ; therefore that author divides hierography into hieroglyphick and symbole : whereof the first is taken for the picture , as the other for the inscription . the italians call a devise an imprese , deriving it from the verbe impre●dere , which signifies , to undertake ; because the ancient knights did beare upon their sheilds a devise , discovering the designe of their enterprize , which is called in italian imprese , and that doth also signifie a gallant and heroicke action . palazzi confounds this word devise ( which he so cals in italian ) with that of liurée , but wee take it not according to that signification : for liurées are badges , liveries , or cognizances , and a devise is nothing else with us , but the imprese of the italians , and in that sence gabriel simeoni takes it . therefore i am of opinion , that the devise , having the same end and scope , ought also to have the same originall ; and it is very probable , that this french word is taken from architecture : for when a master mason , or architect , undertakes a building , he layes the plat-forme and devise of it , to make the agreement ; insomuch , as from this word devise ( which is the discourse made upon the structure of the whole edifice ) comes the term of devising a work , or devising a building ; that is to say , to lay the plot or design of it , and from thence , without doubt , cometh this word devise , which is , as an image of our inclinations or affections . besides , we have a more particular definition of it , in this french word deviser ; whereof du belley makes use , when he saith deviser quelqu'vn , in stead of describing or displaying peoples manners : and truly , a man cannot better depaint the humour or passion of any person , then by making his devise . it is by it ( as palazzi saith ) that we represent and discover humane passions , hopes , feares , doubts , disdaine , anger , pleasure , joy , sadnesse , care , hatred , friendship , love , desires , and all other motions of the soule . this i take to be the true etimologie of the word , which relates more to the purpose , and hath a more proper signification then the imprese of the italians , since they doe not only expresse generous designes by their impreses ( as bargagly saith ) but also all kinds of fancies , and other affections , which neverthelesse the verb imprendere doth not include in the italian signification . as for the definition of a devise ( according to the tract which ammirato hath compiled on this subject , and entituled , il'rota ) the true devise is that which beareth the picture of some living creature , plant , root , sun , moon , starres , or of any other corp●real subject , with some words , sentence , or proverb , which serve as it were for its soule . moreover , this author adds , that a devise is no other thing , then an expression of our mind , or a d●claration of our thoughts , veyled neverthelesse under a knotty conceit of words and figures : so that being too obscure , and therefore unintelligible , it rather merits the name of an aenigma , then that of a devise : he saith further , that as some define poetry to be a philosophy of philosophers : that is to say , a delightful meditation of the learned : so we may call a devise the philosophie of cavaliers . but bargagli ( who is one of the last authors that hath seriously handled this art ) checks this definition of ammirato , and proves it insufficient , and not particular enough for a devise ; for that the embleme and reverse of medals may be comprized in it : therefore he defines it thus particularly ; saying , that a devise is an amassing or connexion of figures and words , so strictly united together , that being considered apart , they cannot explicate themselves distinctly the one without the other . but to give you a definition , which may be essentiall , and more apposite for the devise , it is needful to know the substance , true forme and propriety of it : let us therefore search out these three parts of the devise in other authors . the secret academicks of bresse hold that a devise is a mysticall medl●y of picture and words , representing in a narrow roome to all those , whose fancies are not altogether blunted with want of knowledge , some secret meaning , in favour of one or more persons . contile is of opinion , that a devise is a thing compounded of figures and words , which discover some gallant and heroick design : and ( to explain himself ) saith , that the term of composition holds the place of a genus & predicament in this desinition ; that that resemblance or relation which discovers the authors intention is to be found in the figure , that the words represent a short discourse in some sort obscure , the sence whereof relates to the particular quality of the figure , whereto it serves in liew of a soule : and that the heroick design holds the rank of difference , being here , as the form that specifies the true propriety of the devise . bargagli doth not altogether opprove of this definition , having observed , that an essentiall part of the devise is therein wanting , which is the comparison , and upon the word similitude ( he saith ) that author doth not sufficiently explicate himself ; besides that , devises are not alwayes framed for noble and magnanimous designes , but indifferently to represent any passion of the mind . and according to palazzi , a devise is a means to expresse some one of our more particular conceptions , by the pourtraict of some thing , which of it selfe hath some relation to our fancy , and by the use of some words , which are proper to the subject . this author unfolds also the parts of this definition , putting for the genus , that a devise is a meanes to expresse some conceptions , and for the difference , he addes , that the conceit of our fancie is expressed by the figure , and that this figure is necessarily accompanied with a concise motto . by the terme of our fancie , he shewes that 't is in this , that a devise differs from an embleme , which is put for a general precept , and not for any one particular person . by the figure of one thing and not of divers , for that one only thing sufficeth to make a perfect devise , though we may make use of two or three ; so that this number , ought never to be exceeded : neverthelesse , we may say that by those two or three , one onely thing is represented . he addes thereto , this terme ( of it selfe ) to the end , that all helpe of colours ( which we use in blazons ) may be excluded . he addes further , that it hath some relation ; that it to say , it is not to be used without reason ; to the end , that cyphers in particular be rejected , whereof the figures serve to no other end then to represent the names of the persons for whom they are made . and lastly he saith , that the figure must be accompanied with a motto , to shew the difference between a devise , and other representations , where words are not requisite , as in devises , where the motto is an essentiall part , giving the forme , and as it were the soule to the body . the commentator upon paulus iovius saith , that a devise is a proper badge of any one , taken to serve as an ornament or declaration of some thing , which he hath done , is to do , or is still in doing but this ( according to bargagli is proper to the reverse of medals , where matters of fact are represented . but amongst all the definitions . that of bargagly is the most exact , where he saith , that a devise is no other thing , but a particular and rare conceipt of wit , which is made by means of a similitude or comparison , having for that purpose the figure of something either naturall ( so it be not humane ) or artificiall , accompanied of necessity with acute subtile , and concise words . the first part of this definition is taken for the genus : for as much as we may expresse those conceptions by other meanes , by gestures or actions , words , characters , and letters . therefore he immediatly saith , that 't is by way of comparison , and therein is the principall , and essentiall difference of the definition ; since he doth not allow that to be called a devise , which hath no similitude or comparison , with the figure of some naturall or artificiall thing . these termes give us better to understand the difference of the definition , in explaining the way of the comparison , which is drawn from the nature or propriety of the thing figured ; from whence , ( as from their proper place ) similitudes may be drawn , fit for our purpose . neverthelesse , he doth not allow us to make use of the humane figure therein : but addes further , that the figure must be accompanied with a concise and subtile motto ; to the end , we may distinguish a perfect devise , from that which hath no words ( and which for that reason merits not that name ; ) as also to distinguish it from emblemes . reverses of medalls , and such like inventions . this last definition seemeth to me the most exact and rigorous of all : for to say the truth , to set forth or defend a perfect devise , it ought to have all those conditions , according to the generall opinion of the most learned authors , and paulus iovius ( though hee hath not alwayes been so exact an ob'server of that law , which in devises prohibits the use of any figure of humane body ) is surely as well excusable therein , as those authors . who to good purpose , and gracefully have made use of the images of some false divinities : and as for the comparison , i am cleer of opinion , that in it consists the greatest slight and subtilty of this art ; not but that very handsome devises may be composed by other means : but they cannot be perfect in all points , unlesse they be formed upon some comparison . as for the connexion of the words with the body of the d●vise , i am of his opinion , that there is no invention that merits the title of devise , if it be deprived of a motto . chap. vii . of the excellencie and vtility of devises . one of the advantages which raises us above all other living creatures , is the principle and faculty which enables us to communicate and understand each others will . hoc enim uno prestamus vel maximè feris quod colloquimur inter nos , & quod exprimere dicendo sensa possumus , saith cicero : but amongst all externall wayes of expressing our conceptions , be it by word , sentence , or gesture ; there is one which we call devise , by meanes whereof the most pregnant wits discover to their like , all the motions of their soule ; their hopes , feares , doubts , disdaines , affrights , anger , pleasure and joyes , anguishes and sorrowes , hatred and love , desires and other heart-possessing passions . and by how much this way of expression is lesse usuall with the common people , by so much is it the more excellent : for it is cleane another thing to expresse our conceptions by a soule and a body , or ( if you will ) by figures and words , then to manifest them by way of discourse . bargagli saith with good reason . that a devise is nothing else , but a rare and particular way of expressing ones self ; the most compendious , most noble , most pleasing , and most efficacious of all other that humane wit can invent . it is indeed most compendious , since by two or three words it surpasseth that which is contained in the greatest volumes . and as a small beame of the sun is able to illuminate and replenish a cavern ( be it never so vast ) with the rayes of its splendor : so a devise enlightens our whole understanding , & by dispelling the darknesse of errour , fills it with a true piety , and solid vertue . it is in these devises as in a mirrour , where without large tomes of philosophy and history , we may in a short tract of time , and with much ease , plainly behold and imprint in our minds , all the rules both of morall and civill life ; tending also much to the benefit of history , by reviving the memory of such men , who have rendred themselves illustrious in all sorts of conditions , and in the practice of all kinds of vertue . it is the most noble way , since the persons , for whom devises ought lawfully to bee composed , ought to be of a very eminent quality , or of an extraordinary vertue ; such as all soveraignes or ministers of state , emperours , kings , princes , generals of armies , persons of honour , and the most renowned professours of arts and sciences . and to say truth , princes and their chiefe ministers are the persons that doe most earnestly desire them , as if those noble minded soules ( created by god to command and rule ) had received from him a particular inclination to whatsoever is divine , or august , as well on earth , as in the minds of men . there are also some princes , that have addicted themselves to the invention of devises ; of which there is no small number amongst the italians . and with the french , we find the great king francis , who ( besides the glorious title of conquerour ) deserved that of learnings restaurator ; and to whom the family of the estiennes hath such particular obligations : i meane francis the first , who daigned himself to become the author of his own devise , where he caused a salamander to be put into a fire with this italian motto , nutrisco et extingo , i. e. i am nourished by it , and perish by it , as paulus jovius doth assure us . moreover , the invention is pleasing and efficacious , since to the contentment of the sight , it addes a ravishing of the mind , and that to the satisfaction both of the one and the other ; it brings also some profit and utility , which is the perfection of a work : wherefore it surpasseth not onely all other arts , but also painting , since this onely representeth the body and exquisite features of the face , when as a devise exposeth the rare conceipts , and gallant resolutions of its author , far more perspicuously and with more certainty , then physiognomy can , by the proportions and lineaments of the face . it also much excelleth poetry , in that it joyneth profit with pleasure ; for as much as the most part of poeticall inventions tend onely to administer delight , when as none merit the title of true and perfect devises , unlesse they beget content with their gentillesse , and yeeld profit by their doctrine . for they not onely expresse our best fancies , but also render them in a more delightfull and vigorous manner , then that which is used either in speaking or writing . by the conceipts of the devise , you declare the humour or inclination of him that be●res it , during the whole course of his life , and in respect the invention of the devise is grounded upon some good design , the bearer is obliged , ever to appear to all the world , such , as he hath declared himselfe by it ; as if it were an obligation signed with his hand , and sealed with his seale , which should constraine him never to depart from the exercise of vertue , or as if it were a continuall renewing of the protestation he hath made , as well by the figure , as by the motto of his d●vise , not to commit any unwo●thinesse , nor any thing contrary to that conception of mind . the efficacie of a devise spreads it selfe yet further externally , serving as an example to others ; insomuch , as by its quaint conceptions and similitudes , the beholders are excited and enslamed to the search of vertue , and to propose to themselves some such gallant designes . it is not onely usefull to those that are neere us , but also to those that are further off ; yea to those that shall come after us , by leaving them a perpetuall remembrance of the excellencie of wit , & comendable qualities of him that did compose or bear it : besides , it is a means , much more proper then either prose or verse , to make his friends or confidents understand his secret intention : a lover may use it , as the spokesman of his affection to his mistres●e ; a master to his servitor ; a prince to his officers , or subjects : for the length of poems , and prolixity of great discourses in bookes , often foyle the readers , when as the whole meaning of a devise is no sooner looked upon , but conceived by the intelligent reader . moreover , a devise presents it selfe to the eyes of all the world , in being placed upon frontice-pieces of houses , in galleries , upon armes , and a thousand other places , whence it becomes a delightfull object to the sight , even whether we will or no , and by that meanes we are in a manner obliged to learne the conception of him that bears the devise . 't is true , this art is one of the most difficult , that any wit that is acute , and rich in invention can practise ( according to the judgment of paulus jovius ) and doth onely appeare facile to those that never did exercise it ; or though they have made some essayes of it , i do assure my selfe , their devises were not legitimate , nor their rules observed : for devises are not like those vessels of earth , which are made as soon as the potter hath cast them in the mould . reade hannibal caro upon this subject , who writes his opinion to the dutchesse of vrbain in these very terms . devises are not things which are met with in books , or which are made according to the sudden fancie of an author ; they often require long meditation , and it seldome happens that they are created by a caprichio , or an extravagant sally of wit ; 't is true , such are sometimes better then those , that have made us pumpe a longer time ; but it belongs onely to the expert professors of that art , to be thus happy in the production of devises . my design in proposing all these difficulties hath not beene to withdraw good wits from these neat essayes ; but onely to shew that this art hath this common property with the best and most excellent things of this world , that it is difficult , and not acquired but by a long study . chap. viii . of the origin and antiquity of devises . those ( whose scrutiny into the origin of devises soares highest ) doe derive it from god himselfe , and affirme that he is the first author of them , since he planted the tree of life , or rather the tree of knowledg of good and evil in the terrestrial paradise , explaining himself by these words , ne comedas . besides , in the old testament in building the tabernacle & the ark , he appointed the figures which he would have to be engraven , with his owne mouth , as the cherubins of gold , bells , candlesticks , the table and altar of cedar ( which is subject to no corruption ) the brasse grates about the altar , the pomegranets upon the borders of the high priests vestment , to signifie concord and union , and several sorts of vessels , instruments , precious stones , figures , colours , vestments , and other things . in the new testament , the paschall lamb with this motto● , ecce qui tollit peccata mundi : the lyon , oxe , eagle , and man , to signifie the four evangelists . it is there also where we see the holy ghost denoted by the dove , and our saviour jesus christ by the pellican , who hath shed his precious blood for his young ones : we may also see him represented there by the sun , the rock and the lilly . if the sourse of devises have not so noble and ancient an origin it must bee at least derived from the hieroglyphicks of the egyptians , who by the formes and figures of divers animals , severall instruments , flowers , hearbes , trees , and such like things accoupled and composed together in stead of letters did deliver their minds and conceptions . as when they would signifie a vigilant man , they would figure the head of a lyon ; because ( according to the naturalists ) that beast sleepes with his eyes open : when they would expresse an acknowledgment of some good turn , they painted a stork , and so of others ; whereof many examples are to be seen in orus apollo ( curiously translated and commented on by causinus ) pierius , porphirius , in the fourth book of abstinence from meat , and else-where . and that which poets faign of proteus to have transformed himself sometimes into a lyon ; sometimes into a bull ; sometimes into a serpent , fire , water , and into a thousand other shapes , proceeded without doubt from this , that he was learned in the science of the hieroglyphicks : this king ( the most ancient of the egyptians ) did beare upon his head sometimes the head of a lyon ; sometimes of an oxe , or of some other living creature , to signifie the conception of his mind , and the designes which he had in hand . against this opinion of andreas palazzi , bargagli affirmes , that devises have no more resemblance with the hieroglyphicks of the egyptians , then with those of the holy scriptures , which expresse unto us the mysteries of religion , and of all things sacred ; nor doth he allow , their origin to be derivded from reverses of medals ; forasmuch as they did onely serve to represent some memorable thing , happening at that time , and had no designe to manifest any affections , or humane passions ; whereas the devise serveth to discover to our friends or equalls the conceipts of our mindes , which wee would not have knowne to others . as for my selfe , i am of opinion , that as all arts and sciences were not perfected in their infancy , but were completed by little and little : so these hieroglyphicks and symboles were a species of that , which we call devise : for it is certain , that under these veiles lye hid some rare meaning , and that those who first framed devises had no other idea then onely that . but ( setting aside the hieroglyphicks ) doe we not see a great resemblance of devises , even from the time of the theban warre ( which was . yeares before the incarnation of our saviour ) as aeschylus no●eth , in his tragedy , entituled , the seven before thebes , where ( speaking of capaneus ) he saith , that in his shield he had a naked man painted with a flaming torch in his hand , and these words written in letters of gold , je brusleray la cite , i will burn the city . the same author ( speaking of eteocles ) saith , that he bore upon his buckler or shield the picture of an armed man , placing a ladder against a wall , with these words , mars mesme ne me pourra repousser de la muraille , i. e. mars himself shall not repulse me from the wall . we see in pindarus , that in the same warre , amphiaraus bote a dragon on his shield . stacius likewise writeth , that capaneus and polynices bore , the one an hydra , the other a spynx . the ancients for the most part made use of these kind of devises in their shields , and cimiers , or habiliments for the head , which is plainly seen in virgil , aeneid . . when he numbers the people that came in the behalf of turnus , against the trojans . therefore in this i approve the opinion of palazzi , and reject that of bargagli , though it be true , that all the rules of devises are not there observed ; for in some , you may see humane figures and bodies without soules or words : but these censurers should have lived before those ancients to have prescribed them the law . i am easily perswaded that if those inventions of wit merit not the name of devises , that they have at least , a great affinity with . them , and that they were the pettern by which ours were contrived . but ( i beseech you ) shall we not approve of that which we read in pausani●s concerning agamemnon , who going to the trojan warres , bore the head of a lyon carved upon his shield ( to intimidate the enemy ) with these words . hic pavor est hominum , manibus gerit hunc agamemnon . this agamemnon in his hands doth bear . to strike you mortalls with a pannick feare . for we may perceive in it some essentiall parts of a devise ; the figure taken from nature , and without humane face , accompanied with words , and a sit comparison , proposing a gallant designe , and a particular conceipt of wit . that also which caesar fixed on the gates of his palace , cannot be altogether rejected by bargagli , though he approve it not : 't was an oken crown , which the romanes called civique , to signifie , that his affection towards the people was so tender , that he made more account of the preservation of one citizens life , then of the destruction of many enemies ; that was at least intelligible in those times , when all the world knew that the civique crown was given for a guerden to him that had saved a citizen : do we not see that it declares a conception , and proposes that which he desires to execute ? is not this design commendable , and doth it nor savour of gallantry ? as touching the hieroglyphicks , and the symboles of holy scripture , which bargagli affirms to have no resemblance with our devises ; because by them sacred mysteries and points of religion were onely proposed : will he banish piety from the devise ? will he that so noble and so excellent an invention shall serve to no other end , but to expresse our a moro●s conceptions , our hatred , joyes , sorrowes , friendship , ambition , and other humane passions ? how many devises of kings , princes , & persons of quality , do we see wholy replenished with devotion ? we have a number of examples in tipotius his collection of devises , which he hath so learnedly and piously expounded . how many mysticall and sacred ones are there in his first tome , as well of the holy crosse , as of the blessed sacrament ? i confesse medals are somwhat more different , in that their scope was but to immortalize the memory of emperours , consuls , and republicks , setting forth , as in a tablet , their most heroick actions and hopes , as being found that the memory of them would continue longer in brasse , silver , and gold , then in histories written upon paper ; yet there are some of them that resemble our devises , as that of vespatian , where there is a 〈◊〉 in about an anchor , as who should say , propera tard● it is true , this wants words , which are an essentiall part of a devise ( according to the opinion of bargagli ) but as i have already said , nothing is perfected at its first birth ; besides , some italian authors of no mean esteem , do admit in devises a figure without words , and words without a figure . then searching neerer hand for the origin of devises , let us observe with paulus jovius , that the ancient knights and paladins of france ( the memory of whom is not altogether fabulous ) had each one a particular badg , whereby to expresse his humour or design . renaldus of montauban bore a lyon barred : ogier the dane a scaling ladder : salomon of betaign a chequer board : oliver , a griffin : astolphus , a leopard : and cannes a faulcon , and so of others : as also the knights of the round table of arthur king of brittaine , and many others , whereof examples are to be found in all ages , as we may read in palazzi's treatise of devises ; neverthelesse , i must not omit the ancient devise of a prince sprung from the race of the french kings , which is of charles , brother to lotharius king of france , the first duke of lorraine , that enjoyed that dukedome ind pendent , and in respect of that freedome and immunity , took for devise an arme armed ; issuing out of a cloud , in the yeere . as charles estienne reciteth in his history of lorrain . furthermore , wee may finde in histories , that all kings have had such like devises , ever since the raign of barbarossa , under whom it was ordained , that all soveraignes should distribute marks of noble families ( which wee call arm●e ) to those gallant spirits , which should render themselves famous , by their heroick actions in the time of warre : but since in this latter age , that the use of blazons hath been in vogue , the phantasticall inventions of cimiers , and those diversified pictures wherewith escotcheons are beautified , are also introduced , as we may see in many places , especially in antient churches . and paulus jovius saith , that above all nations , the french are most curious in these kinds of devises , and that at the time of charles the . and lewes the , passing into italy , all the french captaines made use of them to adorne their escotcheons , and to enrich their ensignes , banners , guidons , and cornets , whereby their troopes and companies were distinguished . and from hence the italians learn'd the use of devises , in the composure of which at this day they appear to be the most ingenious . chap. ix . rules for devises . wee are now entring into a sea , little known to th●se of our nation , where the sands are imperceptible , the shelvs levell with the water , the current troublesome , the tide incertain , and the coast infrequented : therefore t is requisite , we strike a part of our sailes , and steer on with a gentle gale , till such time as we shall consult our guides , and take advise of the most expert pilots , and master of our ship , who hath much more then we frequented this ocean . our guide shall be paulus jovius , who first enterprized this voyage ; ruscelli , palazzi , contile , ammirato , and other italians shall be the mariners i most consult in this navigation : but bargagli ( who last went this passage , and who hath with most diligence sought out the coasts of this sea , who made the card , most carefully observed all the dangerous passages , and hath made a great return by his imbarqment ) shall be acknowledged for the most expert pilot , and sure conductor of our navigation . we will therefore propose the tenents of the first , and compare their opinions with the last , to conclude at length upon all matters , circumstances , and conditions of devises . paulus jovius propounds five conditions requisite in a perfect devise . . first , a just proportion or relation of the soule to the body . . that it be not so obscure , as to need a sybill to interprete it ; nor yet so plain , as the common people may comprehend it . . that above all things , it have a sweet appearance , which shall succeed , by inserting therein either stars , sun , moon , fire , water , green trees , mechanicall instruments , diversified , and fantasticall beasts and birds : howbeit , i am of opinion , that coloured figures are not receiveable in the bodies of devises . . that it must not have any humane figure . . and that the motto ( which is the soule of the devise ) be in a strange language , or other then that which is used in the country , where the devise is made , to the end , that the intention of it bee a little removed from common capacities . a devise requires five conditions more ; whereof the first is , . that the motto be concise or briefe , but not doubtfull ; insomuch , that the soule shall be the more perfect , when it exceeds not the number of two or three words , unlesse it be of an hemisticke or whole verse . . it must be observed , that the body and soule ( being very compleat ) do not produce too ambitious a conceipt , least he ( for whom it is made ) be accused of vanity and presumption . . a devise ought to relish somewhat of magnanimity , generosity , and subtilty . . it must satisfie the eye by the body , and yeeld content to the mind by the soule . . those devises , which have but one onely word or one sillable , are held by this author very absurd . chap. x. the opinion of hieronomy ruscelli . rvscelli ( contrary to the opinion of paulus jovius ) saith , that the motto of the devise ought not to be called the soule , though the figure represent the body , as in all other subjects where there is a body , it doth not follow that there is alwayes a soule , as in musick we may say , the notes represent the body , and the words are correspondent to the soule : but if the devise must have a soule , it would rather be the intention or signification then the words . he distinguisheth devises into two kinds , the one with , and the other without words . figures were heretofore more commonly joyned to devises then mottoes ; because the figures were known to every one , but the mottoes were not so generally understood . as for the opinion of those , who affirme , that the motto ought not to be called soule , ruscelli confirms it ; for that , saith he , otherwise it were to admit of bodies without soules , there being devises which have no motto's , and are neverthelesse approved of . notwithstanding , he concludes , that it would be a very difficult thing to abolish the use of these two termes , or that ancient manner of speaking of body and soule upon the subject of devises ; though in truth the motto be lesse then the soule of a devise , then is the intention or designe of an author . according to the judgment of this author , a devise ( to be true and perfect ) ought to have all the conditions following . it must be invented and composed with conveniencie , quaintnesse , security , and to the glory of its author . besides , he addes , that the figure and the motto are its necessary parts , the one to allure the eye , the other to invade the mi●d ▪ this is also paulus jovius his opinion in his fourth consideration ? but besides these conditions , and essentiall parts , it must have some qualities , which are proper unto it , cleernesse and brevity , and above all , this last is of necessity requisite as well in the body as in the soule : for the parts of the body , or the substantiall figures of the devise , must not be more then two , nor must the words exceed the number of three , unlesse it be to make use of an half verse , or at the most to accomplish the whole one : however some authors are not so scrupulous , as not to admit of a verse and a half for their motto , but surely those are not commended , nor do they succeed well : forasmuch , as the great number of words doth confound the motto with the figure in such sort that those devises which are exposed and born ordinarily at tournaments or masques , would not be distinctly known in this form by the spectators . wee may say the like of those that are used upon standards , ensignes , cornets , and coynes , in respect of the little roome wherein they are comprized . therefore when the motto is short , the figure doth discover it self more easily , and the words are better retained in the memory ; but if at first sight , they be not understood , the knowledge of them is found out by meditation : and by reflecting the eyes of the mind upon the idea , which we there retaine , we come at last to penetrate the meaning of the author . for the precise number of one , two , or three figures , it must be understood of different kinds or species , & not of individuals : & for a perfect example , i le propose to you the devise of card : de medicis , where he hath many little stars and a comet , which we neverthelesse take but for two figures , because those stars without number represent but one onely species ; as also in that of the duke of mantua , the two swans which fight against an engle , are taken but for the nature of the swan . it may happen notwithstanding that in the self-same devise , there be four figures of severall species , so well disposed and with such relation each to other , that they may seeme essentiall to the subject , and by consequence equally necessary to the body of the devise ; and so we may represent a diamond upon an anvile , with two hammers , beating upon it in the mid'st of the fire , for so much as then the number of all those instruments is determined by the unity of the action , which is equally common unto them , and which only intends the breaking of the diamond . we are sometimes obliged ( as well for ornament as for better expression ) to adde to the figure landship , sky , earth , other element , or such like thing , yet without being said to exceed their precise number , as you may see in the devise , where there are two columnes , the one of a cloud , the other of fire , with this motto , este duces , be ye the conductors , having over all a heaven whose sun rested on the column of the cloud , and the moon upon that of fire , to demonstrate more plainly , that two columnes served as a conduct to the people of israel , the one in the day time , the other in the night . this licence is permitted to authors , which abuse it not , but use it with discretion ; without which , there is neither rule , nor maxime so certain , that can succeed happily . against the particular opinion , of paulus jovius in his fifth consideration , excellent devises may be met with , that result from the conjunction of one figure with one sole word ; so that they sort well together , and doe not signifie one and the same thing ; as in that known devise of festina lentè : for that were , to take two servants , to the end , that one might serve the other , and not that both should serve the master : for the author of a devise makes choice of two subjects for his design : to wit , the figures and words , that they may serve to convey to the eyes , eares , and thence to the mind , the fancy or conception of him that composed or beares the devise . those figures that require a diversifying with colours , are not to be used , nor things that are hard to be distinguished ; in which rank , we place certain hearbes which resemble one another , as parsley and hemlock , and some birds , as the linnet and the sparrow . those figures of devises are excellent , which are taken from the armes of some family : to which , something is either added , diminished or changed , according to the subj●ct that is in hand , and in pursuance of the designe we have , in favour of the person that bears that kind of blazon . ruscelli condemns paulus iovius of ignorance in matter of devises ( though he be otherwise a learned historian ) and principally for that he altogether rejecteth from devises , the figure of humane body , though elsewhere he practiceth the contrary , by approving some of that sort inserted in his owne treatise , and ( amongst others ) that of lewis sforce , where there is a blackamore , who with a pistoll kills a lady ; that which he himselfe made for a lord , his particular friend , where there is an emperour upon a triumphant chariot with this motto , servus curru portatur eodem , the slave is carryed by the same chariot ; and the devise of the duke of florence , with many others , by which we may well perceive , that that law , which the legislator himselfe makes no scruple to violate , is inconsiderable . then is it in vaine to pretend to exclude humane figures by authority , since the hieroglyphicks of the egyptians , the medalls , as well of the romans as grecians , and finally all the memorials of antiquity , are full of them ; there is much lesse reason to debarre the use of them in devises : for hwy shall it be lawfull to make use of the figures of plants , living creatures , and mechanicall instruments , or other things wrought by the hand of man , and shall yet be prohibited to use the figure of the man himselfe , which is neverthelesse the most excellent of all ? it is true , it would not be seemly to insert in a devise , the figure of a man onely clad after the ordinary fashion , because that would be too common , but it would be more fit to represent him disguised , as they doe in masques and mommeries . this author approves of the figure of women in devises , whether they be represented naked or clothed , as also that of nymphs , satyres , termes , or such like divinities , which are not usuall in our sight , and whereof the representation may handsomely make up the body ●s of devises , as we see in some examples , as well ancient as moderne . devises and emblemes have this common resemblance with each other , that they may be indifferently used with or without words ; and their difference is taken from this , that the words of the embleme may demonstrate things universall , and hold the rank of morall precepts , which may as wel serve for all the word , as for the proper author of the emblem . this generall application of the motto , is a great error in a devise , which ought to be particular , and the words thereof proper and sutable to the person onely , in whose favour the devise is made . neverthelesse , this condition hinders not , but that the devise which hath been by me already used , may also serve another day to expresse the same inclination , designe or passion in some other person ; yet we must not conclude by this , that the devises of fathers ought to serve his children , unlesse they beare the same armes , have the same inclinations , or be continued in the same offices . so states , and some particular families , retaine still for their devises , the colomnes of hercules , the golden fleece , saint michael , and other badges of honour . the same author pretends , that it is neither vice nor theft to appropriate to ones self the devise of one that is already dead , so that there be something added or changed , according to the designe in 〈◊〉 . was it not with this licence , that a certain pedant tooke 〈◊〉 devise which the deceased robert estienne made for the duke of suilly , as then grand master of the artillery ? having therein placed an eagle , holding ▪ thunderbolt , and these words , quo jussa jovis , as farre as the command of jupiter . this impudent plagiary could not be content to keep the condition of that licence , but without changing a tittle , he took the boldnesse to apply it ( as an invention of his owne ) to the marquesse of ros●y , sonne of the said duke , and in his fathers life time . he observes also another difference betweene emblemes and devises , which is , that in those , we may have many figures , but in these , onely three . chap. xi . of mottoes , according to the opinion of the said ruscelli . mottoes require the same qualities , as the figures , that is to say , cleerenesse and brevity , which must be observed , according to the circumstances of time and subject , whereupon the devise is made , as if it be onely to be seen at one time , at a justing or maske , then it must be plaine and intelligible , but if the devise be for a longer continuance , then we must adde some ornament , grace or majesty , to render it lesse common . the amorous and morall ones ought not to be so obscure ( as jovius would have it ) since they ought to be understood by the generality , otherwise they would be fruitlesse , especially the amorous , unlesse the author desire , that the devise be not apprehended by any person , but his mistresse , and so of others . i am of opinion with p. jovius , that the mottoes of devises which are for continuance , ought to speak in a strange language , and the amorous ones and such as are for tournaments , maskes and comedies , in a vulgar , or at least a knowne tongue , since they are but for a short time , and are exposed to the view of the unlearned . the plurality of words doth no lesse incumber the apprehension of the devise , then the great number of figures . it is a hard thing to expresse ones self by one onely word , or . suffice to render a very exquisite devise , and the more it exceeds that number , the lesse gentile is it , unlesse it be to use an hemistick or whole verse , be it greek , l●tine or any other strange language , which is in respect that verses or measured sentences have a certain grace , harmony and cadence , which cause them to be read with facility , and retci●●ed with delight . as for the connexion of the figure with the motto , we must take heed that the words doe not explicate the figure , but rather that the figure lead the reader to the understanding of the words , and that the motto , disunited from the figure , may not have any signification . as in the devise of the duke of ferrara , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , so all things . these words considered apart from the figure , which representeth patience , signifie just nothing . we must also take heed , not to make any mention of the figure in the words , as if in the body of a devise there be the representation of a mountaine , in any ease speak not of mountaine in the motto . the best motto's are those which have no verbe expressed , provided the verbe be such as may easily be understood , without equivocation . devises are made to represent our selves or some other person , deare and considerable unto us for a lady we love , for our prince , or for some such particular person ; those which are made for others are more rare ; but i doe not understand it a making for another whē i frame a devise for a person of quality that requested it of m● , for i do● then but give him the invention , and lend him my labour : for a devise ought not to acknowledge any other master or legitimate possesser , but the person in whose favour it is invented . in devises which we make for our selves , the author is signifyed , either by the figure alone , or by the motto alone , and further more out of the figure and motto both , that is to say , out of the whole devise . he is represented by the figure , when he feigneth the figure to speake for him , by saying that which he would say , if he were in it its place ; if there be two figures , the author is represented by one alone , or by both , which is done more rarely . an author expresseth himself q●aintly by the motto , when he feignes it to speak , not to the figure , but to himself or to the people , as in this , where there is the garden of hesperides , the golden apples , and the dragon dead before the doore , with these words , yo mejor las guardare , i le guard them better : for here he speakes not to the figure , but of the figure to himself , by the motto ; somtimes he declares himselfe by speaking to the figure of the devise , as in that of the columnes alleadged before , este duces . when the author himself is neither comprehended in the motto nor in the figure , we may then suppose , that he is excluded the devise , and that he heares another speaking to him , or giving him advise : as in the devise , where there is an arrow , which being directly in the middle of the white , cleaves the pin with this motto , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , shoot thus . there be others , by which we can neither conceive whence not to whom the author speaketh , whether within or without the devise ; but it seemes that the whole devise is indifferently addressed either to the people , or to the author , or to his mistresse , or some other , as the temple of juno lacinia , whose motto is junoni laciniae . but the most perfect devises are those , whose bodies and soules are taken as well for others , as for the author . as the chariot of phaeton with this motto , medio tutissimus ieis ▪ thou shalt goe securely in the middle , that is to say , neither too high not too low : for it seemes , the author speaks to himselfe , with a minde enclining to mediocrity , and by way of advise addresseth himselfe to others . thus we see that this devise is very excellent in all her properties , having a very recreative figure , a gentile motto , an intention , whereof the morality is very profitable , and an admirable addresse as well to the author as to others . when the motto is taken out of some approved or wel known author , it requires the fewer words , provided the rest be easie to divine at , as in the devise , where there is a tree , whereof one branch being cut off , another buds forth , with this motto , uno avulso , one being pluckt off : which being taken out of virgil , sufficeth forthe● clar●tion of the figure , because the rest of the verse , non deficit alter , another is not wanting , is easily understood . see here the most part of ruscelli's conceptions upon the subject of devises , which i collected out of his book , and have translated with all possible fidelity . chap. xii . the opinion of scipione ammirato upon devises . whosoever would compose a work , that may have the vertue and efficacie of a devise , must doe it in such sort , as the body may have a connexion with the soule , that is to say , that the words may relate to the figure . this author accords with ruscelli , that it importeth not of what language the words are , so they be pleasant and acute ; neverthelesse with paulus jovius , he preferres the latine tongue above all others , as being that , which is most generally knowne , and common to all nations of the world : and for my owne particular opinion , i think that those mottoes are much more exquisite , and better accepted , which are taken out of some famous author , as virgil , horace , catullus , ovid , lucan , or others . and t is in that kind of borrowing , wherein the devisors dexterity and subtility best appeares , when he diverts the sense of an ancient author , and applyes it properly to his owne intention . for the connexion of the motto with the figure , he consents with ruscelli , that we must take heed that the soule of the devise doe not serve simply to decipher the body , nor to explicate the picture onely , as if upon the representation of the city of venice , we should write this word venetia . it is best then to consider the motto of a devise , as the major proposition of a syllogisme , and the figure , as the minor , from the conjunction of which , will result the conclusion , which is nothing else , but the meaning of the author : so that the motto ought not to be the interpreter of the body , nor that , the interpreter of the soule : onely t is requisite , that from the conjunction of the soule with the body , the reader may draw the mysticall sense , and discover the intention of the author , as by hieroglyphicks involved in the two essentiall parts of a devise . he doth not desire we should be so superstitious observers of the rules , as to lose the true and naturall substance of the thing . he agrees in opinion with all the other authors , that as the soul of the devise ought to be conceived with choice , stately and significant termes ; so the body ought to have some sweet apparence , and to consist of a figure , neither too common or abject , nor yet too far fetcht or monstrous ; therefore we are not to admit of any prodigious things nor unknowne beasts , lest wee make an anigma instead of a devise : the anigma being for the universality of people , and not in particular for itself . for the admiration , which a devise ought to beget in the mind of the reader , doth not depend upon extraordinary figures ; but rather upon the connexion of the soule with the body , which ought to be seperately intelligible , in so much as the result or composition of the two things may produce a third , mixt with the one and the other . as for the cleernes , which rescelli requires in a devise . this author saith , that , as the comedy ought to pl●ase both the eyes and eares of the common people , as well as of the learned : so the devise ought not to be so much removed from the knowledge of the vulgar , but that it may give content to all ; yet must we take heed that we use not things too vile and abj●ct , as a kettle , a frying-pan , a dripping-pan a chasing-dish , pair of bellows , and such like instruments . the conjunction and copulation of the body with the soule is very handsome , when it is made by comparison , either of its like , greater , les●er , or contrary . and this comparison is not onely made with this particle ( sic ) or such like , but also by leaving it out , and to be understood with far more grace . wherefore bargagli hath reason to banish all particles of speech , which serve to the reduction of a comparison . but above all , he commends the encounter of words , alike in termination of sound , and unlike in signification , as in this motto , defficiam aut efficiam . efferar aut referam . there are devises con●●sting partly in similitude partly in dissimilitude , as for the 〈◊〉 * asbestos , par ignis , accensio dispar , there is like fire , but different burning . they are also made by contraries , and that is , when the motto sayes the contrary to what is seene in the ●igure , as for a temple of diana burnt , nos aliam ex allis , we seek another fame elsewhere . i not onely call that contrary , which is directly opposite to the nature of any subject , as sweet to bitter , but also every thing that is different , though it be not contrary , as in the precedent example . some may be invented , by alluding to the proper names of persons , for whom they are made , but certainly such are hard to be met with , in so much , that for the most part , a rebus or some idle fancie is made instead of a good devise , which the author thought to have falne upon : you may see many such examples in paulus jovius . when we put some figure in the body of a devise , which of it selfe is not sufficiently significative , we may adde the name , as upon the frontispiece of the temple of juno lacinia , we may put this motto , junoni laciniae , upon that of mount sion this other , mons sion : so likewise upon the temple of honour , and others . but if these mottoes ( which are not of the body of the devise ) doe not please , we may distinguish the temples ( which are the hardest figures to know ) by the image of that god o● goddesse to whom they are dedicated : and if we feare to over-charge or perplex the body of the devise with the portraicts of deities , we may decipher them , by the characters which are attributed , or by such creatures as were anciently sacrificed unto them . thus we know the temple of janus by the keyes , that of jupiter by an eagle , and that of saturne by a sythe . and this is the onely meanes , that i approve for the distinction of temples ; as for the inscription of the proper name , this usage was not allowable , but in those times when painting was yet so grosse , that the figures of animals needed the name of the kind to be knowne by , as is yet to be seene upon some old tapestries and pictures . when we use a motto without a figure , we ought not to call it the soule of a devise , but rather a facetious conceipt , a witty saying , a proverb , a sentence ; as those pretty conceipts , dictions or sentences , which hipparchus , the seven wise men of greece , and many other morall philosophers have delivered . in like manner may we make a picture without a motto , as a venus with shackles at her feet , a jupiter with three eyes , a janus with two faces , and such like caprichio's , however signifying something ; in which case we doe not say we have made a body without a soul , but rather a picture , a phansie , or such like thing . of necessity the devise must have one part cleere , and the other obscure , so that it be without contradiction : for as in poetry , especially comicall , which is intended for all sorts of people , the greater part of the auditors doe easily judge it to be verse , and not prose ; they know very well the sound and cadence of rythmes , and the sense of some parts of the poeme , which pleaseth them most : but as for the conceited imaginations of the poet , the high-towring conceptions of his fancy , the descr●ption of passions , the force of reasoning , the choice of termes , and the subtility of elocution : these are not discovered , but onely to the eyes and eares of the more learned o ators , and poets acquainted with that kind of dramatick poeme . in like manner the author of a devise is not obliged to frame it so , that it be understood by every one equally ; it shall suffice that the more simple doe know the body of the devise , and that they cleerly discerne it to be the figure of a fish , bird , horse , tree , temple , bridge , or such like thing , either naturall or artificiall , for that onely is capable of contenting their sight ; whilst the learned feast their understandings with the consideration of the propriety of the creatures represented , and of the usage of the things artificiall , until they have found out the true subject of the comparison , and discovered the authors designe , whose invention and subtility they will doubtlesse commend . the body of a devise is borrowed either from nature or art , or from events : from nature you may take tame or wild beasts , birds and fishes : from art you may borrow the instruments of all kinds of arts , vessells , obelisques , triumphant arcks , sepulchers , mechanicall tooles , and all that depends on the hand of man . the bodies which are taken from art are not ( in this authors opinion ) so beautifull , nor always and in every part so intelligible , as those which are borrowed from nature , who ( to say truth ) is mother and mistresse of all things , besides her jurisdiction comprehends all sorts of subjects , and yeelds us a larger feild of inventions . as for events , they are divided into fabulous and historicall : from the fable we derive all the fictions of poets , the pegasus , argus , tantalus , the rivers of hell , bellerophon , the garden of hesperides , and other imaginations of fabulous antiquity : and from history we borrow the figures which depend upon the ordinance of institution of man , as the temple of honour , the temple of diana at ephesus , the temple of faith , the head of a slave with his hat on , king hierous dog , who threw himselfe into the fire after the death of his master , and such like figures . ludovico dominichi consents in opinion with paulus jovius in every thing . see her the precepts which i have learnt from these worthy seamen ; disdaine not to fear also the arguments of our pilot , and by the way examine the reasons of some other authors , as of palazzi , frastaglato intronato , alexandro farra , aruigîo , and others , to the end that you may the more freely resolve to follow the rules , which are most necessary to the perfection of the art of devises . chap. xiii . the opinion of bargagli . a devise ought to be almost like poesie , or rather as a thing nobly vulgar , in such sort that it may be understood without difficulty and with delight , not only by the learned , but also by all those , who ( besides a good comon understanding ) have moreover the knowledge as well of things naturall as artificiall , and of the languages which we use in the motto ; it importeth not much if idiots or grosse ignoramusses doe not at all conceive them , since such dainties are not intended for vulgar appetites . neverthelesse devises ought not to be taken out of those arts or liberall science , whereof the entire knowledge is reserved to the professors or artizans themselves , unlesse we be obliged for complacence , to frame a devise in the behalf of one that hath a particular knowledge of the art of science , from whence the devise should be taken . moreover , the learned bargagli is of opinion , that the comparison or similitude is so necessary to a devise , that the mind cannot joy or take delight therein , if the similitudes be wanting . ruscelli in his . article also admits the comparison as a part , wherein consists the subtilty of a perfect devise , for questionlesse no seemly ones can be invented without comprehending any comparison ; but i intend here to propound the rules and modell of a devise compleated in all points . and to that end we first banish the humane figure from this requisite comparison , for as much as we cannot make a proper comparison of a man , with a man , but it must be taken from things different either in the genus or the species . i know it well , that many have made use of the figures of pagan gods , when they have taken the subject of their devises out of the fable , and truely those figures doe reasonable wel to adorne the body of a devise ; yet t is better not to use them at all , according to the reasons of rargagli . he saith then that a man of judgment , will never ground the conceipt of a true and solid thing upon that which is purely feigned and imaginary ; seeing that we pretend with so much ardour , to establish the conceptions of our braine , and to make them passe for approved in all mens opinions . he adds further , that is must be known and expressed as wel by figures as by words , and the figures ought to be taken for a proof of the conception , which is formed upon the relation or similitude of a certaine and true quality , which they have in themselves ; besides that the object of the devise is to treat onely of things unfeigned , to clear and prove them ; and because the most noble conceptions , of humane wit are of that nature , we ought to exclude all fictions , and never to make use of them in devises . ruscelli , contile , andré palazzi , and alexandro farra , admit of no humane figure , unlesse it be fabulous , monstrous or historicall , because otherwise they beleeve , that a devise would resemble the medall . some other doctors do not think fit that the devise be deprived of so noble and excellent a thing , as the figure of a man , in favour whereof they urge many seeming reasons , which i omit the more willingly , because i doe not intent to perswade others to that which i approve not my self . frastaglato intronato permits in in case of necessity , whereto we may answer , that things done by necessity , seldome or never succeed well , besides it happens rarely , that a devise receives any constraint , having a field of so great extent , as all those things which art and nature doe afford . t is true , aristotle proves , that we may take comparisons from the humane body , but he doth not affirme them to be equally good with those which are borrowed elsewhere . the very poets take no comparisons from the same species , so long as fancy affords them others of a different . so the author that frameth a devise , ought to ground it upon the most noble and sure basis of comparison , that can be taken from a different species . the author which compiled a discourse at rome upon the devise of the academicks , called renovati , is yet more rigorous , in not admitting of any part of humane body , nor hands , nor armes , nor heart , but surely that is too great a scruple : for what grace can a hammer striking upon an anvile have , unlesse a hand be bestowed upon it ? and how can we represent the winds ( which serve for bodies of very excellent devises ) if we be not permitted to adde a head to them ? it were indeed to incur a great inconvenience , wherin a certain pedant vaunting a skil in that mystery , as being professor of the best languages in the world , and reputed to have so prodigious a memory , that it consumed all his judgement , as the epitaph doth witnesse , which is already prepared for him before his death . this universall doctor then , causing a devise to be drawn by an excellent limmer ( who understood as little the art of making them , as theend wherto they tended ) discovered unto him his intent to have the body of a devise drawn , wherof the motto was , quo flante coruscant , & the figure was burning coals upon a chafing-dish : and because it wanted the blowing of wind , ( for the expression of which he was much troubled ) the painter proposed the adding of a little face , as it is usuall in such cases . apagè , apagè , said this great devisor , i will have no humane face ; the artificer in a merry and joviall humour , answered him smilingly , sir , i know no way more fit to represent your intention , unlesse you apply unto it , the other part of the body that hath no face , and yet makes wind ; at last he concluded to set a paire of bellowes unto it . is not that ( i pray ) a figure of a goodly apparence and proportionate to a gallant and magnanimous designe ? nor is it for that these figures have no relation one with another , nor are derived from the same art of kitchinry , ( well knowne to the vniversities . ) i give you this example , to let you see , that that man is oft-times deluded that useth too much subtility ; and this passage is the more credible , in regard i had it from the self same artificer , who telling me of it , did then complaine , that the doctor had not to that day paid him for his labour , according to his promise . i had not mentioned this conceit , if the subject we handle had not engaged me to it . i could rehearse a prank , no lesse unjust , then the other ridiculous , but that i have already insinuated it under the title of ruscelli's opinions , concerning the condition that ought to be observed in appropriating to ones self the devise of another author : it is there where i have made mention of the devise , which my late uncle robert estienne did invent in honour of the duke of rosny , since duke of suilly , grand master of the artillery , by whom hee had the honour to be beloved , it was then received with so generall applause , that it was judged worthy to be eternized in gold and brasse , and to say truth , it was stamped upon all the ordnance that were cast at that time in the arcenall , embroydred upon the officers cassocks , and upon the ornaments of the shops of artillery : it is not possible therefore that this new devisor should be ignorant as well of the name of the first master , as of the comon use of this devise , however by dissembling it , he did appropriate to himself the invention of it , and was so bold , as to give it as an originall , wholly and without alteration , to another lord that had the same command among the great officers , of that crowne , and who in that kingdome held the place of its rightfull poss●ssor . motto's are absolutely necessary in a devise , though some authors have held the contrary , for according to their opinion the devise being a kind of metaphor ( which is in a maner nothing else but a comparison ) it needs but one subject changed into another ; but these authors are deceived in this point , since the figure of an animal , plant , or such like subject , is of it self indifferent to the signification of the particular qualities that the thing represented may have ; in so much that it ought to be determined by the motto , to some one of its qualities , that is to say , to that , which the author intends to attribute to the person , of whom hee makes the devise . from thence it commeth that the greatest confusion or difficulty in understanding some devises ariseth from the bodies being altogether naked an destitute of words , which should distinguish their different proprieties , whence the conception , fancy and invention of another may be justly formed . chap. xiiii . the principall causes composing a devise . a devise ( as a subject composed of a body and a soule ) ought to have his essentiall causes : the materiall is no other , but the figure of the bodies , or the instruments of those things , which are inserted in the devise . the formall cause , which gives it life , is is the resemblance or comparison , which ( to expresse the authors meaning ) occurres in the naturall or artificiall properties of the figure . the finall cause , is the signification or comparison understood , by meanes whereof we expresse more cleerly , with more efficacy and livelinesse , a rare and particular conception of wit . but here we must observe , that these termes of singuler and rare are due to the definition of devise , for as much as a devise ought not to be made use of for the expression of triviall or vulgar fancies , the invention being onely to declare virtuous thoughts or heroicall designes with grace and subtility ; and it is to the end that this kind of conceptions may be held worthy to spring and grow in generous souls by the power and efficacie which devises have to ravish and excite the most noble spirits , which way soever they comprehend them ; and with so much the more ease , by how much they shall discover the rarity and gentillesse of the devise in the conception . the efficient cause , is the wit or understanding , disposed to know the relations , similitudes and conformities which meet in the things figured ; there being nothing in this world , but hath a conformity , resemblance or relation , with other , though the subjects be more or lesse unlike . it is not needfull to produce any other reason for the formall cause of a devise : because we doe not say that the motto is the forme , nor have we call'd it the soule , as paulus jovius and others have done ; seeing that as the proper and substantiall forme of a living creature is the soul , and not the breath , or tone of the voice , which he uttereth in token of his inward meaning , and to expresse his affections or passions : so is it very certaine that the resemblance or comparison is the forme of a devise , and by consequence its life and soule . and the motto is but as the breath , or tone of the voice , which declares the nature and propriety of the thing , whence the comparison is taken . therefore we may say that the motto ( added to these foure causes ) is the instrumentall cause , which is made use of , to discover ( by vertue of the words ) the proper quality of the figure , and by discovering it to distinguish the other qualities , that have their being in it ; in so much as the motto ( considered alone by it selfe ) by no means makes a devise , as the commentatour upon jovius would have it , who holds that a devise may be framed of a motto without a body , and of a body without a motto . the end of a devise ( according to ammirato , contile , aruigio , among the academicks of bresce , johan , andré palazzi , the boleniam doctor and academico renovato ) is nothing else but to expresse covertly by meanes of figures and words a conception of humane wit . and some of these authors say that it ought to be expressed in such sort that it be intelligible to the learned , and hidden from the illiterate . to this purpose , i am resolved to make a small digression ; for it seemes to me , that all devises ( as to the facility and understanding of them ) ought not to be handled in that manner . paulus jovius and some others doe distinguish them into amorous and heroick , and will , that under these two kinds , divers species be contained . and truly there is no doubt , but that there are as many sorts of devises , as we have passions and inclinations . therefore it is needfull to distinguish them , and to observe what we have already said , that onely some devises ought to be knowne and intelligible to every one , and that others ought to be more obscure or lesse common , according to the circumstances of time , place , and persons for whom they are made , as if they be for tournaments , masques , or such like , i am of ruscelli's opinion , that the devise ought then to be cleere and intelligible to all , and that the motto may be in a vulgar tongue , provided the words be well chosen , emphatick , or significative and briefe . the like may be said of amorous devises , unlesse the author would have his intentions onely discovered to his mistresse or particular friends , in which case the devise may be made obscure , and he that bears it may reserve the exposition to himselfe . the morall devises , which are not made for any particular person , but onely for instruction , ought to be so contrived , that every one may receive some profit by them : not that i approve the mottoes of these to be in a vulgar language , but i could wish them to be taken out of some good well-knowne author , and the least obscure that can be met with ; for if they be put in a vulgar tongue , for the foresaid reason of ruscelli , ( viz. ) to the end that every unlettered person may understand them ; that would deprive us of another benefit , which a moral devise should bring with it , which is , to be understood by the generality of men , and in that case , strangers ( though learned ) will not comprehend it . therefore it is better some of the unlearned should be deprived of the understanding of your devise , ( by which also they would not be much edified ) then that all the learned men of forraigne parts should be debarred from the knowledge of it . i know well that an author may compose devises of love , morality , or such like subjects , wherewith to adorne the chimney-peeces , closets , or galleries of his house , with intention to have them understood by his compatriots ; but this reason hinders not , the mottoes being in an universall language , because strangers ( that shall visit you out of a curiosity to see rarities ) will take as much pleasure in contemplating the acutenesse of your wit , as in beholding the magnificence of your buildings , and your countrymen will receive the same contentment , and no lesse profit , when they shall be entertained by you with the exposition of the words . we may say as much of those devises which are made for cornets , ensignes , standards and guidons , in regard we doe not willingly beare armes at home , bat rather make them known in forraigne parts , where we ought to be very free in making our courage appeare , and to denounce some kind of terrour by the gallant designs of our devises . and for that which concerns the devises of kings and all soveraigne princes , it is of absolute necessity , that the motto's ( if intended for seemly & profitable ) be either in latine or greek , to the end that the enterprizes or heroicall designes of those princes ( whose virtues are very exemplar to all people ) may be understood by the generality , by making use of those ancient languages , which cannot receive any such alteration , as the vulgar ones doe , which ( whilst the academicks strive to reforme ) the comon people doe dayly corrupt , by the confusion of strange idiomes . and wee may with so much the lesse difficulty , use these two mistresse tongues , by how much it is most certaine , that the body of a devise , taken either from nature or art , hath the same proprieties and use in all countries . i am also of opinion that we ought not to make use of my other language in such devises as are made in these daies for the coins or stamps of princes and communities , since they serve instead of reverses of ancient medalls , and are stamped in lasting mettall , to serve as tradition and historicall memory to posterity . a perfect devise ( as we have already shewed ) takes its essence from the comparison or metaphor : these two figures of rhetorick are onely employed in discourse , to give some light to those things , which of themselves have none : and if they have any , to render it more perspicuous and delightfull . besides , they serve to make themselves intelligible , not onely to the learned , but to all indifferently , and even to those , whose understandings are not so cleere-sighted as others , to conceive the nature and essence of things , and t is by this meanes , that those clouds are dissipated as for the efficient cause of the devise , i may say , that the knowledge , the attaining of like subjects , and the conformity or relation which is found amongst divers things , may easily be effected , by a wit that hath great lights , as well of nature , as of study or acquisition of arts and sciences , or that is but meanly exercised in the propriety of many works and effects of nature . now the resemblances which meet in things , are either intrinsecall , occult , naturall and essentiall , or otherwise extrinsecall , manifest , artificiall , knowne and accidentall . bargagli ( considering the comparison , as an essentiall part of a devise ) doth not call those that are deprived of it by the name of devises , but conceits rather , or figurate sentences , in which rank he placeth that of charles the . of the two pillars , with this motto , plus ultra , and that of pens , with these words , his ad aethera , as much as to say , that by the meanes of great learning , we acquire an everlasting fame , because he doth not perceive any comparison in these : but this is to be somewhat too rigorous , and by subjecting our selves wholly to that rule , we lose many excellent conceptions of wit , which might by some other meanes be effected . for this reason i grant that devises made by comparison or metaphor are the richest and most excellent . and accordingly we shall treat of them at large , yet without rejecting or condemning the others , when they are acute , gentile and magnanimous , and when they doe not trespasse against the other generall rules , approved by all authors . as for the hieroglyphicks of the egyptians , ( which may be made use of in perfect devises ) we must have a care not to use them as simply as the egyptians did , forasmuch as from those significations of things , which are not proper or naturall , wee cannot draw any true similitude or comparison ; besides , they discover not any intention or enterprise that they had , but onely something already done , as by the figure of a hat , they would shew , that they had enfranchised a slave , or some other person , for a reward : even so by giving of an oaken crowne to a soldier , they signified that he had saved the life of a citizen . moreover , the greatest part of these hieroglyphicks are grounded upon the ancient customes and ceremonies of their religion , which is now ( god be thanked ) altogether abolished by the light of faith , or is at least known at this time , but to some few persons , whereas a devise ought to be understood by many . i admit that subjects taken from hieroglyphicks , and considered according to their nature , and not according to the institution of men , are proper for devises . as if you consider a hat , as it is an instrument invented to keep off the sunne and raine , you consider it purely according to its nature ; but if you take it for a figure of liberty , you suppose then that either god or man have already imposed this signification upon it . hence it commeth , that to artive ( with our author ) to the perfection of devises , and to expresse the conceptions of our mind , there is nothing so proper , so gentile , so powerfull , nor so spirituall , as those similitudes and relations , which we discover , walking in the spacious fields of the wonderfull secrets of nature , and qualities of things , as also of the proper effects of our intentions , to find therein the correspondencie of qualities naturall , and usage of things artificiall , with your own thoughts ; and herein consisteth as well all the grace of a devise , as the skill of him that makes it . chap. xv . of reverses of medalls , and the difference between them & devises . in the reverses of medalls , we may make use of hieroglyphicks , fables , histories , and customes of the ancients , because medalls are only made to eternize , by the means of the metals of gold , silver , brasse and copper , the memory of the heroick arts of emperors , kings , commonwealths , states , and such illustruous and praise-worthy persons , as well by their own vertue , as by the eminencie of their quality ; therefore i am of opinion , that some of those things may be permitted in the devises of coines or stampes , which have a great affinity with medals , and wherein we ought not to be so scrupulous , as in other devises , nor so much subject our selves to the rules of the italians , who have not written of the devises of stampes or counters , the use whereof is elsewhere lesse knowne then in france : and t is perhaps for that reason that my deceased uncle robert estienne ( who in his time was much esteemed for the invention of devises ) was not alwaies so strict an observer of their rules . and yet for the reverse of medalls , in rejecting the fable and some other inventions of the ancients , we may make use of the things themselves , and there is no doubt , but they would succeed far better . a devise differs from a medall or reverse , in this , that the devise is a declaration of the thoughts by way of comparison , taken from the propriety of naturall or artificiall things ; whereas a reverse is generally , but a memoriall of things which are done and past , evidenced by figures , which simply represent the fact , though there be some , which discover the quality of the wit ; besides , the devise is to demonstrate a rare and particular intent , not yet effected ; but the reverse is to preserve the memory of some heroick act at heived by him , whose picture is on the other side : so that the devise regards onely the future , and the reverse the time past . and againe , a perfect devise ought not to admit any divine or humane figure , be it fictitious or fabulous , but in reverses both the one and the other may be received according to ancient custome . whereof see examples . nor doe i think that these rules be altogether necessary in the devises of coines , in respect of the resemblance they have with medalls , for we see many wherein the illustrious acts of kings are graven , and many others wherin the figures of false gods are made use of to good purpose ; as the devise which my deceased uncle made , after the late king henry the great of france , had reduced the duke of savoy to reason : the duke ( who thought he had laid hold of a good opportunity to quarrell with the said king during the troubles of france , thereby to possesse himselfe of the marquisate of salusses ) caused coynes or money to be stamped , where there was a centaure trampling a crowne royall under his feet , with this word , opportune , but soone after , that invincible monarch made him repent himselfe of his enterprize , and derided his foolish presumption , when he poured his forces into his country , and in an instant ( forcing all his townes ) made himselfe master of the whole province , and constrained the duke to have recourse to his mercy . after that glorious victory , to counter-ballance the devise of the duke , my uncle invented this for the stamps of the king about the yeare . whereon we might see a hercules subduing a centaure , with this word , opportunius : and truly this kind of encountring of devises is handsome , and i beleeve bargagli himselfe would approve it , for the differences that follow , they , may easily be admitted in the devise of coynes , to wit , that hieroglyphicks have no place in devises , but in medalls : that in these the figures ought not to be named , as they are in others . and that in devises the words are absolutely necessary , but not in medalls . bargagli doth not admit of any figures of temples , triumphant arcks , or amphitheaters , though they are effects of art . neverthelesse i am of opinion with scipione ammirato , that they are very gracefull in devises , when they are rightly applyed , and so that the temples be easily knowne of themselves , without need of beating their names inscribed . contrary to the opinion of ammirato and contile , bargagli would neither have devises drawn from history , events , nor fable : and frastaglato concurs with contile , so that the application be made by comparison or similitude , and that the history , event or fable be generally knowne . see bargagli's reasons . as for me ( saith he ) i can neither approve of the fable , events , nor history ; i cannot beleeve that another mans fancie can be perfectly expressed by the proofe of a particular action , which perhaps hath never happened above once ; therefore i hold , that he must draw it from things universall of their owne nature , and from arts , which are daily renewed , and which continue , even till they become immortall . rhetoricians hold , that that proofe which is made by examples , is a very weak argument , as proceeding from particular things ; whereas the induction ( which is but a collection , or heap of many like particulars ) becomes as an universall nature , whereof the power is greater , and the grace more conspicuous . in matter also of devises , historicall events hold the place of an example , but naturall qualities , and the usage of things artificiall , shall hold the place of induction . t is true , this kind of perfect devises is the most difficult to practice on , and therefore not a work for every common wit , nor for those , who ( to avoid trouble ) make use indifferently of all that comes into their fancie . and for conclusion of this controversie , i am of opinion ( with our author ) that we may draw very excellent conceptions , as well from fables as from historie ; but those that shall be taken from nature and art , shall come neerest to perfection . chap. xvi . observations for devises , taken from nature and art . having already concluded , that the most proper and fruitfull veyne of the world , from whence devises may be drawne , is from nature and art ; we must observe , that there are two dangerous rocks , which ( if not avoided ) may easily ship-wrack our little vessell . . first then , in expressing our thoughts by signes taken from nature or art , we must take heed not to intermixe in the same body of a devise , naturall works with artificiall , since they have no conformity at all each with other , nor that we put in the same body , divers naturall things accumulated one upon another , nor divers artificiall , which have no relation to each other . as for example , a dolphin embracing an anchor , with these words , festina lente : this is a devise , which trespasseth against that first maxime , bisides other visible defects that it hath , the motto requiring no figure , it being intelligible enough of it selfe , and making a compleat sentence , it needed no figure to expresse entirely the sense of the author . besides , those words are too common , and have been so familiar in the mouth of augustus cesar , that at this day they deserve not to be made use of in devises . but the greatest fault that bargagli finds therein , is the conjunction of a dolphin with an anchor , which have no relation to each other , for as much as the anchor ( having no other use then to stay ships ) cannot have any other resemblance with the dolphin , or any other fish , except with the remora , which ( they say ) is able to stop a ship . and yet t is not long since a recent author made use of it in a devise almost of a like designe ; whether it succeed well , i refer my selfe to those , who having seen it , are able to judge of the copy , by the originall , and of the effects of an ill patterne . for example , of the unhandsomenesse of crowding many naturall things together , i will onely instance the devise of a tortoise which hath wings , with this motto of that most excellent poet , hanniball caro , amor addidit , love , hath added them . is not this to compose a chymera , and forge to ones selfe a fantasticall monster , by joyning in one body the nature of a bird to that of a beast ? whence you may gather what absurdity followeth the conjunction of naturall with naturall things , nor need you doubt but that the repugnancy of many artificiall things are no lesse insufferable . . you must have a care , that ( in placing the figures of naturall subjects ) you doe not destroy their essentiall properties , or that ( for expressing your conceptions ) you doe not matte their proper quality , by abusing the use of them , and that you drag them not as it were by the haire , wresting or constraining them to come to your designe , after the manner of that author of a devise , where there is a batt that looks steadily upon the sunne , contrary to her nature , with this motto , ad ins●eta ●eror , i.e. i force my selfe , to an unaccustomed thing . doe you not see in this example , that the comparison is taken from a false quality , which this author attributes to the batt , who can by no meanes endure the rayes of the sunne ? t is true , this kind of false supposition is permitted to poets , ( who have more elbow-roome , and whose prosession is to feigne and metamorphize at pleasure ) but not to the authors of devises , who are obliged to be strict observers of the truth . here we must also observe , that it is lawfull to use the propriety of a naturall subject , be it animal , plant , fruit , or other thing , according to the generall approbation or received opinion of ancient authors , though the modernes have lately discovered it to be false , because the comparison which is grounded upon a quality , reputed true by the generality , though indeed it be false , shall be more universally received , and better understood , then if it were grounded upon a true property , which neverthelesse were held false , and which were altogether unknowne to the greater part of the learned . thus the holy fathers did use the comparison of the phenix to prove the resurrection of jesus christ . we may also appropriate to this sense , the quality of the beare , who ( according to the generall opinion ) brings forth her young ones like a lump of flesh , without forme or distinction of members , untill with long licking , she renders them perfect and polished ; though johannes bodinus hath lately proved the contrary in his historicall treatise . but for all that , it is not lawfull to make use of it , according to the known truth , without citing the author . all that we have now said touching figures , borrowed from nature , ought also to be understood of those which are taken from art ; and we must take heed never to alter the proper use of instruments , nor of such like things ; as he that for a devise caused a yoke to be represented with this word suave . for although jesus christ said , that his yoke was sweet , jugum meum suave , it doth not follow that the yoke signifies empire or command , unlesse it be in a parabolicall sense , as that which our saviour then used , and whereof the usage is much different from a devise , for that this comparison is taken , contrary to the propriety of that instrument , for no beast that hath born the yoke did ever finde it sweet , but rather sowre , troublesome and ponderous . as for the manner of drawing comparisons from arts , to the end to make an impression or tryall of some conception of our wit , we ought to take the similitude from subjects , by drawing it , not from the accidents or defects which are in them , but rather from the essentiall quality , which puts them alwaies in use , of by which they receive most commendation : we must also have a care , if there be sundry figures of art , that they relate to each other , and tend to the same end . we must not onely avoid the using of a figure against its owne nature , as the bat looking steadily upon the sunne , but also the attributing unto the figure any quality , but what is proper unto it , though by chance it may sometimes so happen , and seem probable . neverthelesse we may draw comparisons from qualities , which are accidentall to naturall subjects , so that they discover themselves by a like naturall , ordinary and known way , as the talking or prating of a parrot , who strives to speak in imitation of man , which properly is but an accident , whereof neverthelesse we may make use in devises , as of a knowne and true thing . the like is to be practiced in making use of instruments , in such sort as alwaies to have regard to their proper use : and t is against this maxime that contile hath erred , who inserted a ship arrived in a haven between rocks with this motto , labor et virtute , considering the ship , not having power to come to the haven of herself , needed some other meanes to conduct her thither . for the cleernesse of the comparison , as the mataphors ought no to be taken from things too much removed , or which are lesse preceptible , then the subject which we would have to be made knowne by them : so the comparisons ought to be drawne from things that are cleere and intelligible , because the devise is onely invented to discover & explicate the intention of the author , or of him for whom it is made , in the best most efficacious manner that may be . moreover , it is to be noted , that those things somtimes used , which have no correspondence with the conceptions of the mind , as if we had a designe to expresse the care and affection that a gallant captain should have for the safety and conservation of his prince a turtle dove would be figured , because maturall love obligeth that bird never to part from her company . a gentleman that would testify that he could not live , without being conjoyned to a lady whom he sued in the way of marriage , made use in his devise of a snake , with this motto , aut jungi aut mori , eeither to be joyned or die , because the nature of that serpent is to have every part , so true a friend to each other , that being cut or divided into severall pieces , they easily joyne and re-unite themselves , so that her skin may but touch the skin that is cut : in which you perceive well , there is no coherence , since t is probable the gentleman was never conjoyned to the lady because he sought her by the way of honour , whereas the snake cut in pieces had been joyned and united before she was cut . if we pretend to render a devise perfect in all parts , decencie and civility must be observed , as well in the figures as in the words ; for as the eares of the vertuous are offended at obscene words , so are their eyes at an immodest figure . many italians are guilty of this crime , whereof i list not to bring examples , left by condemning incivilities and indecencies in devises , i become offensive to your eyes or eares . it shall suffice to take notice , that that author did incur a reproach , who caused a cat to be represented hiding her ordure , with this word , tegendum , it must be hid . however my meaning is not that it is necessary to reject or b●nish the instruments of any servile trades , nor venemous or ugly beasts from devises , so that the action represented , or quality employed , be decent in the picture , and in the comparison , which the author intends by it . but if the devise be to expresse it selfe in favour of some renowned person , there must not be any abject instruments inserted , such as dripping-pans , frying-pans , chafingdishes , and bellowes , which would render the comparison odious . and ( tell me ) would it not be a very ridiculous invention to represent the dignity of a grand master of the artillery by a chasing-dish , because the principall and essentiall effects of that charge depends on the fire ; and that the command of the prince is like the bellowes that kindles that fire , and puts it in action against the enemies of the state ? by the supposition of this example you may judge how much it importeth , the intention or designe of an author to be demonstrated by bodies or figures , which be proper and agreeable to the person . the armes of families may very well be converted into devises , and the authors who undertake these kind of blazons , may give themselves some licence , in respect of the great difficulty there is in lighting upon some quaint conceipt of wit , especially in those , where nothing can be added or diminished ; but in this point we must observe , that whensoever a coat hath many pieces alike , as three flower-de-luces , three roses , three cressants , stars without number , and the like ; the motto may be attributed to one onely , as to a flower-de-luce , a rose , a cressant , a star , because in this case the plurall number is not considered , but in substance , and in the representation of the same naturall quality . a devise may also be handsomely framed from two different coats of armes , as of the husband and his wife , of two friends , of two kings , of two states united and confederate . will you have an example of it , taken out of our author bargagli ? a husband bearing vnde in his armes , and his wife roses , gave occasion to joyne them together in one blazon , with these words , irrigatae vivatiores , i.e. they are more lively when they are watered . but if we put mottoes simply upon armes , which speake or addresse themselves to god , to a prince , or to the world , without having any relation to the figure , that cannot by any meanes be called a devise , onely a cimier . by the way , let us observe with bargagli , that his ingenuity must not be condemned , who from the same matter ( whereof others have made use ) seeketh new qualities , which he expresseth in another manner , and applyes to new designes . as for the bodies of devises , t is good to be advertised , that there are many things in nature , which neither draught , sculpture , nor painting it selfe can represent , and therefore are of no use for devises , though we might draw from thence many pretty fancies ; as from dull , and from the gravell which flyes carry under their wings , to the end they may not be carryed away by the wind . we must so order it , that things as well naturall as artificiall , be represented in such exact manner , as that they may resemble the naturall , as neere as may be , and it is for that reason , that bargagli approves of the immediate use of living things , and reall instruments , without painting , in the combats of tournaments and at masques , which are but of one dayes continuance . the allegory ought to have no place in the devise , since this is a metaphor continued or amplified , and that hath neither the force , nor lustre of a metaphor . though the quantity or plurality of figures ( which is necessary in the composition of a dtvise ) be no part of its essence , but onely an accident , it is neverthelesse expedient to know , that for the perfection of a devise more then three figures must not be inserted , unlesse all of them relate to one and the same species , and be of the same nature and quality ; such is that devise where we see an elephant and a flock of sheep , with this motto , infestus infestis , i. e. offensive to the offending : for as much as all the individuals which make up the flock are onely inserted to shew the proper nature of the whole species , and to expresse the naturall simplicity of that creature . see here my particular opinion against that of bargagli , who doth not regard the number of figures , so they have some relation to each other , and serve to the comparison : he holds also , that that devise ( whereof the body is composed of three figures , necessary to the comparison ) hath a better apparence , then that where there is onely one ; besides that , it is more difficult to appropriate the quality of divers bodies to one onely soule , then to animate one sole body by one motto . bargagli rejects the opinion of those , who would have the body of a devise not to be otherwise represented then in black and white , and saith , that this practice is no where admittable , but in deserts , where we can neither find colours , nor workman of ability to draw them otherwise ; therefore this author allowes of all sorts of colours in devises . as for my part , i should be of his opinion , as to those devises which are for tiltings , tournaments and m●●ques , for ensignes and cornets ; but for those that are to be applyed to coines , or other subjects of metall or stone , which are cast , molten , coyned or carved , colours are utterly to be rejected , otherwise we must make no devises , whereof the body can be comprehended or knowne without the help of colours , for to say truth , an absolute prince ( who hath been long master of a devise ) will not only dispose it upon ombroidered cassaques , upon chimney-pieces or cabinets , but also upon his coynes , marble-stones , brasse , and other metals . moreover , when colours are not requisite , nothing can hinder the inserting of devises in all convenient places . we have already spoken of those ornaments , which we utterly reject in devises , unlesse they be hands , that hold some kind of thing according to custome , or humane faces , to represent the winds , which would otherwise be very hard to decipher . chap. xvii . of mottoes . the motto serveth for no other thing , but for a kind of minister , interpreter , or necessary instrument , to bring in the comparison and to discover the quality and propriety of the figure , in so much as the use of it , is in respect of this art , what speech is to the nature of man , to expresse his thoughts . three things are to be considered in the motto ; what it ought simply to be towards the proper figures of the devise : what it ought to be in extracting the quintessence , and demonstrating the naturall or artificiall proprieties of the figure : and lastly , what it must be in regard of it selfe . according to the opinion of ruscelli and of many others , whom i find to be guided by reason in this point , no figure of the body ought to be named in the motto ; yet somtimes t is lawfull to name some part of the body , as in that devise where there is a ship with sailes and oares without any gale of wind , with this motto , arripe remos , whereof the last term is necessary , to give to understand , that when the one fails , we may make use of the other , that is to say , of the oares . we may also name that part of the body , which is hidden in the figure , & which the pencill cannot expresse , as the spring of a gun , or watch , the shaft of a mill-wheel , the axis upon which the spheare of the world moves , and so of divers others , which we must use with discretion . also we must not make use of those termes , which demonstrate or decipher the figures , that induce the readers inspection : it is therefore requisite that we avoid some certaine uselesse words , which derogate much from the grace and neatnesse of a devise , in which number are , hic , hinc , hoc pacto , qui , quae , hoc , sic , &c. especially when they are inserted for the illustration of the comparison , since the reader ( if not blinded with ignorance ) may behold the figures , call to mind their actions and discover their application , without the help of these demonstrative termes . though a devise may be call'd a metaphor in some kind , and that this figure of phetorick is requisite thereunto , yet is there a difference between speaking by metapher and speaking by meanes of a devise , because in speaking by a metaphor you demonstrate the thing , which you intend to signify , by the words onely , when as in discoursing by devises , you explicate the matter partly by words and partly by figures . whereupon have a care that the expression of the quality of the figure , which is done by the motto , retaine nothing metaphoricall , but that it be altogether proper and pure , to the end you doe not incurre the reproach of heaping metaphor upon metaphor no more in matter of devise , then in the composition of verse or prose . now as metaphorick and transported termes alwaies appear to our understandings with two significations , whereof the one is the proper and the other the strange , externe and borrowed , by meanes of the similitude , which it hath in comon with the first : even so may we say , that devises present themselves to our understandings with two significations ; the one is , the naturall quality , or the usage of the thing represented by the figure ; and the other is , the meaning of the author . now to come to the apprehension of the devise , we must abandon the first signification , and discover the second , by means of the resemblance , which the quality or usage of the thing figured hath with the conception of the authors ●ancie . to prove that the motto ought alwayes to speak properly , and to be taken in its first signification , we shall onely need to insta●ce the example of him , who caused a ball of christall to be represented with this motto , intus et in cute , i. e. within and upon the skin , where this word in cute is altogether metaphorick , cristall having neither skin , nor any thing on the surface answerable to a skin , therefore it had been more proper to have said , intus et extra , within and without . neverthelesse , we may with discretion use a metaphoricall word , when by long use is rendeed so familiar , that we receive it no longer , as transported from one sense to another , but as proper to the subject we intend . this is that condition which causeth the phrase of petrark to be approved , when he saith , that he hath seene two lights weeping , vidi lagrimar que due be lumi ; for certainly lights shed no teares ; and it would be without ground , whosoever should attribute to a light the capacity of weeping , if that word [ lights ] were not commonly received to signifie the two eyes of a man , in such like discourse . we ought to forbeare the use of synonima's , connotatives , epithets , and other adjuncts , for feare lest the motto offend against that brevity , which is requisite thereto ; and for the same reason , two verbs are never to be admitted to discover the same conception of mind , unlesse one doth not sufficiently expresse the use or nature of the thing . nor must we make use of those kind of terms which logicians call abstracts and absolutes , vertue , vice , envy , mercy , nature , knowledge , felicity , art , and such like substantives , which ought rather to be expressed and demonstrated by the nature and usage of those things which are figured in the body of the devise , and afford matter for the comparison . for expression of the propriety of figures , and the meaning of the devise , it much importeth , the motto to be subtile , and that the reader may comprehend it with pleasure and perspicuity , endeavoring to out-reach the propriety of the figure , and to serue into the very meaning of the author ; for he that should onely expresse the nature or usage of the figure , would not be capable of touching the fancy of the reader so vigorously , as to leave a plesant relish behind it , nor of producing those other admirable effects , which ought to accompany the understanding of a perfect devise . against this particular , that devise would much trespasse , which for its whole body should onely have a diamond , and for motto these words , macula carens , because this motto would onely serve to declare simply the prerogative of this precious stone , for the knowledge whereof the reader needed not any subtility or acutenesse of wit . as for the sense of the motto , though it hath been handled before , yet my intent is to give you here the opinion of our author , who haldeth , that the motto ought not to be too intelligible , nor yet too obscure , for as much as the first excesse would diminish much of the f●●ce , grace and quaintnesse of the devise , and the latter defect would in no wise discover the designe or meaning of the author ; as in the devise of the sunne and a sun-dyall , if there were but these words , ni aspiciatur , the reader could not conceive , that it is the quality of the sun , which leads to the intention of the author , therefore the word which is added unto it , non aspicitur , is most proper and necessary thereunto , because it renders it more intelligible , ( v●z . ) unlesse the sun reflect on the diall , the diall is not regarded . the words are inserted in the devise either by prosopopoeia ( wch is a certain manner of speech used by rhetoritians , very efficacious to move and strike the mind , by supposing that the words come from the very mouth of the things figured ) or by introducing a third person to utter the words in forme of a sentence , discovering with acutenesse of wit , the quality of the figure , which composeth the body of the devise . and as for the use of the prosopopoeia , you need not feare , to cause all kind of beasts , all mechanicall instruments and other things as well naturall as artificial to speak , thouph they have no principle , faculty or organs proper to forme words ; and it is in respect that devises ought in some sort to imitate poetry which doth not onely introduce brute beasts , but also frequently causeth inanimate things to speak , for greater delight , to expresse the fancy better , and to perswade more powerfully . but for the introduction of the person who beares the devise , to speak in the motto , bargagli forbids it , yet some other writers doe approve thereof ; and for my own part , i think that the choice of this introduction depends upon the conceipts and discretion of the author . the manner of drawing the conception out of a devise , hath never any vigour or grace , when the words declare nothing of the quality of the body ; and this is onely to be understood of those figures which are either borrowed from nature or art : as for those devises which are drawne from events , they appertaine not to this rule . the comparison derived from the quality of the figure , ought not to be expressed in the motto , otherwise it is to prove one obscure thing by another , no lesse obcure then that ; for as much as the propriety of the figure ought to serve as a meanes to make the proof of a good conceipt . you will comprehend the practice of this rule more easily , by the defects of that devise , where the words are , sic divina lux mihi , and for body , the figure of the hearb called lotos , which hath the property of rising out of the water , and of elevating it self measurably , to the sunnes ascent above our horizon , and of sinking down with the same proportion as that planet declines toward , setting . the first defect that i discover in the motto of this devise , is , that it doth not in any fashion explicate the property of the hearb , which notwithstanding was necessary , since it could not be demonstrated by the figure , that this plant is subject to follow the motions and exaltation of the sun , rising and setting . the errour is in this terme ( sic ) employed to reduce the comparison , which is not comprehended , but by the operation of the understanding , and not by means of the words . bargagli finds a third de●ect in it , in that the words are uttered by the authors owne mouth : but for my part i dare not condemn it in this point , since i have not as yet met with any other author that hath disapproved it , but on the contrary , many able ones that have thought it fit to be imitated . after so exact a censure , the critick was obliged to reforme that example , and to propose unto us the same devise without fault , substituting in place of the precedent motto , these words following , pbr ●e mergo et emergo , i. by thee i sink and by thee i swim , where you may see the defects repaired , and the qualities better expressed . the motto's of devises are more facile in the . & . person , then in the . but those also that can be taken both in the one and in the other , are farre better , because it seemes the person hath something more sollid , sent●ntious and grave , as the first carries with it somthing of more life & lustre , which discovers the design of the devise , and strikes the readers understanding more sprightfully , in that he seemes to see and hear the thing it selfe , which speakes by prosopopoeja . but ( to judge of this more exactly ) the choice of persons ought to be made rather according to the occurrences , and the quality and usage of the things figured , then in pursuance of the tenour of ou● rules . palazzi is of opinion that the verbe may be hansomly understood in the motto's of devises , neither is it unseemly when t is expressed , nor likewise when there are two , which serve for a more clear demonstration ; the whole depends upon the judgment and dexterity of the author , and the occasion of it ought to be taken from the quality of the figures , and the propriety or the language used therein . amongst all the moods of verbs , which we may use indifferently , as well as the tenses . the indicative or demonstrative mood is the most proper for a devise , the imperative is somtimes used to very good purpose : but the optative , subjunctive and infinitive have neither certainty or constancy enough to expresse our conceptions . the motto's that are formed by way of interrogation , have ordinarily more vigour , then those which containe an affirmative proposition . as for adverbs , they may have place therein , to the number of two , but the negatives are most becomming ; as in the devise of the flame , nunquam deorsum , never downwards . ruscelli doth not approve of the motto that is simply negative , as for the full moone , non semper eadem , she is never the same . a motto may also be negative and affirmative both together , as jactor , non mergor , i am tossd , but not drown'd , speaking of a gourd , or a bottle made of the emptied rind thereof , which swimmes on the water . but setting apart these triviall searches into , and conditions of motto's , let us resume the manner of drawing with dexterity , by vertue of the motto the propriety & usage of the body of a devise : alexandrè farra and barthelemy taëgio consent , that if the words doe but simple expresse the nature of the thing represented in the devise , they resemble those persons , whose lives being deprived of the intellectuall faculty , remaine buried ( as it were ) in corporeall sences , yet there ire many authors that have not taken notice of that defect in motto's , no , not p. jovius himself , as farra observeth , though other wise , he deserves to be acknowledged for the master of devises , since he was the first that treated of them : for amongst other devises which he hath made , that of alviano hath this great error , where an unicorne is seene , touching the water of a fountaine , and about him many venemous beasts , with this motto , venena pallo , i dispell venome . and this is that motto , which hath not the principall condition of a devise , that is to say , that it should have something more misterious . in the third place , we consider the motto of a devise simply in it selfe , and for that respect the words ought to be very brief , subtile and energeticall : we are therefore to reject those words which are long , languishing , drayling and vulgar , to the end , that the motto received by the ear , may give a smart and pleasing touch to the understanding of him that heares or sees it . but as to the brevity of the words , the number cannot easily be prescribed , because that depends upon the judgment of the author , and upon the subject which he treats of , and intends to unfold , yet we may say that the motto may receive . or . words , and like wise a whole verse , according to the opinion of bargagli ; but according to ruscelli , devises are so much the more removed from perfection , by how much the motto exceeds the number of words , unlesse the authority of a great poet , or the excellency of a rare and happy conceipt give you leave to make use of an hemistick or whole verse , the number of the words is then just and precise ( according to our author ) when there is nothing sur-zbounding in the motto , nor of too much restraint , and when all concurrs to the understanding of the devise ; yet so , as that we are sometimes permitted to enlarge it to give a greater grace and quaintnesse to the discourse ; but in a word , the greatest sleight and subtility of this art consists in the brevity of the words . the order or scituation of the terms is also considerable , because there are some that are more sutable in one place , then in another , as well for the sence , as for the cadence , and the fewer words you employ , the more carefull must you be to choose them pure , noble , acute and gracefull : to bring them to that perfection , t is good to communicate them to your friends , and to make many reflections both of your eyes and mind thereon , and not to be scrupulous in altering that motto , which you have found to be good at other times , when you meet with a better ; this is that reformation which is practiced by the greatest poets , oratours , and all the masters in this art , who are not idolaters of their owne conceptions . chap. xviii . of what language the motto's ought to be . the opinion of authors upon the choice of the language wth we ought to make use of in the motto's of devises are very different : for some hold , that the language most proper for that purpose , is that which is most ancient , others prefer that which flourisheth in the greatest number of authors , and which hath most authority , and some others attribute that property to the language , which is most generally understood in all countries , and is most in use among rare witts . contile commends the spanish tongue above all others for love matters , the tuscane for pleasant and conceited motto's , the german for heroick and grave ones , the greeks for fictions , and lastly the latine for all sorts of motto's , especially for the serious and majesticall . but the opinion of bargagli ( who condemnes not the judgments of others , though they be not grounded upon my reason or solid authority ) is very particular on this subject , and admitts the use of all those idiomes ; for saith he , that concise motto which we aime at , is to be taken out of that language , where we meet with the best words , the gravest sayings , the noblest proverbes or most proper termes to declare the quality of the thing represented in the figure ; so that the motto ( in whatsoever language it be expressed ) doe immediately srike the mind of him that reads or heares it , provided that the words which we borrow from one language be defective in another , and that they have more energie and signification in that language then in any other , which vertue in words may be found out by the traduction or version of them . yet i would not have an unknowne language admitted , nor one that is much removed from ordinary use , as the persian , turkish , muscovian , polonian and the like , but rather the latine which is received through all the world , without adding the version in any other language , because ( according to the opinion of bargagli ) to expres●e one ●ancy by a multitude of words in the same devise , is insupportable . but for my part i cannot absolutely reject any of these opinions , onely i find it most proper to follow the mod common , which is that of the latine , since that tru●ly is the language which is most knowne , most pleasant , most energique , and most authentick , of any other in all europe ▪ this elogy which we give the latine , ought not to les●en the esteem , which we are to have of the greek , which is much more ancient , rich , and significative ; and indeed we may use it freely , when occasion presents it selfe , and yet more rarely , because it is not so familiar , nor so generally understood as the latine is . besides that as bargagli desires the bodies of devises to be drawne from nature and art , because their qualities and usages are the same every where , and no waies subject to change : so i could wish that the motto's should be taken from the greek or latine , in regard they are the mistresse-tongues , which are best understood by the learned , and generally of all men , and which can hereafter receive no more alteration , since they arrived to the comble of their perfection with the roman empire . i commend much ( with our author ) the use of rhetoricall figures in motto's , as those words which counterpoint one another , which fall in a like cadence , which end in a like termination , and which carry a like tone , though they have a different signification , and so of others : for all these ornaments of discourse and waies of speaking , do as much beautifie and illustrate devises , as orations , so that on the other side they retaine the brevity required , and no metaphoricall terme , according to the rule which we have already prescribed . those mottoes which are drawne from ancient authors have more grace , more vertue and authority , then those which we our selves invent ; and yet there are some moderne ones , who have made us see , that the vivacity of their wit hath not been incapable of inventing and producing some themselves . for borrowing from the ancients , we must have a care that the motto's be not so maimed , as to leave an essentiall part of the subject to be understood or divined at , as if all the world were obliged to know punctually the whole author , from whence the motto is taken : this defect is noted in that devise where there is a comet in the midst of many stars with this motto , inter omnes. for the author of the devise who had a mistresse called julia gonzaga , pretended that the subtility of the devise consisted in the sequele of these words of ovid , — micat inter omn●s julium sydus , the julian star out-shines the rest , so that if some words of the authority must be omitted , to conserve brevity in the motto , 't would be better to cut them off in the head then in the taile , that is to say , that the latter words should be rather inserted then the precedent , here 's an example of it . a gentle gale of wind blowing a fire , with this motto , grandior necat . which is the end of one of ovids verses , lenis alit flammas , grandior aura necat , an easie winde nourisheth the fire , but a greater destroyes it . now though i commend the dexterity of him that takes his motto from some famous author , yet i cannot approve the impudency of some modernes who make use of the same motto , which another author of a devise hath invented , because that is but to propose alwaies one and the same thing , though the body of the devise be changed , whereas in borrowing the motto from an ancient author , you quite change the nature of it , by appropriating it to the body of your devise . we must not likewise accuse him of theft , that makes use of the same body , which another hath heretofore employed , so that the conception be different , because an animal , plant , instrument or other thing which is represented in the body , may be diverely considered in their qualities and sundry uses , whereof every one may freely make use , and apply them to his intention . it is not necessary that the sense be altogether compleated in the motto , for it ought to give occasion of some kind of study to the reader . from thence it commeth that in the devise of the fish , which the italians call muscarolo , the latines na●tilum , and the greeks {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , this motto , tutus per suprema perima , i. e. safe , both , at , top , and , bottome , would be more conc●se and subtile , if the first word tutus were cut off . chap xix . from whence devises are to be drawne . as for the places , from whence a perfect devise may bedrawn , i am of bargagli's opinion , who approves it not to be taken from a like , a greater , a lesse , a contrary , a like and unlike together , from a fable , history , events , hieroglyphicks , and other places recited by ammirat● , as from the cause to the effect , from the effect to the cause , from the genus to the species , & from the species to the genus , since in a word nature or art do afford subjects ●now from whence to derive the comparison , similitude or metaphor : now these three figures of rhetorick have but the same end in substance , which is to demonstrate the correspondence , conformity and resemblance , which is between two different subjects , as the forme of a devise consists principally in the finding out in the whole universe a naturall quality , or the usage of some thing , which may correspond with and relate unto the propriety of our thoughts , and conceptions of mind . but if you aske me in particular a proper place , from whence you may frame a subject of or matter for devises , i shall refer you to good authors , who have written of the nature and propriety of animals , plants , mineralls , precious stones , of the parts of heaven and earth , of the liberall sciences , mechanicall arts and other subjects as well naturall as artificiall . t is verily the reading of such treatises , which will discover to you some vertues or proprieties which will easily relate to the intention of your devises . this field is so ample , and the harvest so great , that of one onely subject , be it naturall or artificiall , we may forme not onely one , , or fancies , but also an infinite number of devises , as may be proved by the quantity which are made upon the subject of those great luminaries , the sun and moon , and which are many times drawne simply from their proper parts , sometimes from those which have a correspondence one with another , and sometimes from the vertues and influences , which these planets doe diversly diffuse upon all inferiour bodies . the like may be practiced upon the subject of arts and mechanicall instruments . for the choice of the mottoes drawne from ancient authors , we must regard the words with great prudence , that they may be appropriated to our designe , and that ( being added to the body of our devise ) they may forme a spirituall and delightfull composition . but besides the rich matters , which art and nature are able everlastingly to furnish us with , we may yet draw other from the apologues and fables of aesope , from sentences , proverbes and maximes of the sages and morall philosophers . yet observe that my meaning is not , that we should borrow from fables , the subject of the fable , as the unfeathered crow of horace ; but that we make use of the proprieties of things which are met with in many places of fables , so likewise for matter of sentences , i think it were good we onely used those which are enriched with comparisons , and t is for this advantage that proverbes deserve to be preferred . i will not speake here of the places where devises ought to be fixed , for though ruscelli hath treated amply thereof , that choice depends upon the custome of every country , and upon the will of those for whom they are made . it shall suffice for me to observe , that they serve gentilely for a scale , and ( as it seems to me ) they are much more gracefull then a mans proper armes , especially when the devise is formed and grounded upon the subject of letters missive or of a seale , as that of one named blind in the academie of the intronati , where there is a dart or arrow , with this motto , irrevocabile . t is true neverthelesse that devises of seales are yet much more handsome , when they are framed from the armes of those that use them , for which purpose it is not necessary to convert the whole coat into divises , but it sufficeth to take an essentiall part of the blazon , or that which may be reduced into a devise . devises may also be put upon the reverse of princes coynes , and upon stamps or counters , as it is frequently used in france , in which case they are exempted from some of the rigour of our rules , and in respect of their affinity with the medall , there is no doubt but they may as well notifie an heroick action of a prince , as demonstrate a gallant intention to be put in execution . they are also very seemly on ladies pictures , for as that table represents the exteriour part of the body , or the features of the face : even so the devise represents the inclinations of the person or virtues of the lady . and as the instruments proper to every profession , are the places befitting a devise , as the swords , pistols , and head-peeces for men of warre : so ( me thinks ) the most proper place for a ladies devise , is her looking-glasse : for t is no lesse necessary for a lady to contemplate her interiours , and examine the motions of her soule , then to consider her visage , and preserve it immaculate ; since by the mirrour she onely sees the exteriour quality of her face , whereas by the devise she discovers the inclination of her mind , and excites her selfe more often to the exercise of vertue , or to the execution of some noble design , whereof the devise renews the memory , as often as she beholds it . and it seemes this custome may be conformable to the intention of pythagoras , who ordained that his scholars should often behold themselves in a glasse , to the end that considering the beauty of their bodies , they might be equally carefull to imbolish their minds thereby to render them worthy of so faire an abode . ladies may also place their devises on their coaches , cabinets , beds , hangings , cushnets , carcanets , and on other parts of their ornaments and apparell . though we have disapproved all kind of ornaments for the bodies of devises , because they may encomber the figure ; and though we admit of an hand to hold something with greater grace , as we have already observed ; yet notwithstanding i approve the inserting for ornament round about the devise , between the body and the edge , some garlands or coronets , some chaplets and bordures ; for example , you may use a wreathe of myrtle for amorous , of lawrell for heroick , of cypresse for mourning devises , and so for others ; so that within the branches we leave a certaine space for a commodious insertment of the words . there are some kind of devises , which can in no wise merit the title of perfect ; in which number maybe the calumnious , which are forged against the principall end of a legitimate devise ; those that by a simple metaphor discover the conceit of an accident already hapned , without demonstrating any vertuous proposition , or noble designe to be put in execution ; and those also whereof the conception is purely of a thing present . we must neverthelesse except the devises of stampes or counters , which change every yeare , either in declaring the heroick designe , which the prince intends that present yeare to put in execution , or rather presenting to mens eyes , that which the same prince hath already atcheived of more glory the yeare precedent . as for devises of detraction , though they should be formed according to the tenour of our rules , they ought to be utterly rejected from the number of the perfect , since the author doth thereby neither propose a vertuous subject to imitate , nor any laudable designe to execute , besides they are oppugnant to the etimologie of the word devise , which in italian signifies an enterprise , and in french , a designe , without having respect to the particular terme of devise , whereof the signification is of a greater extent in the french tongue , and by consequence affords a greater liberty or licence : for deriving it from this word ( deviser ) which , ( according to the example of sieur du belley ) is taken to depaint the naturall disposition , or describe the conditions of any one , it might include the calumnious devises , as well as those which regard the time present , pad , and future . devises may with equall commodity as well relate to the name as to the armes of the possessor , so that those which allude to the name be not taken from some signification too much remote from common sense or ordinary use ; as the names whereof the etimologie is drawne from the greeks or h●brewes . and for a pregnant example take that of a noble gentleman called fort-es-cu , i.e. strong shield , who caused a spartane buckler or shield to be represented alluding to his name with this motto , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , an ancient and famous saying of a lacedemonian mother to her sonne , when she delivered him a shield going to the warre , and is as much as to say , sonne , either bring back this shield , or be thou brought back thy selfe ( dead ) upon it . againe , the great constable colonna being received into the academie of the humoristi in rome , used for his devise an egge with drops of dew upon it , drawne up by the beames of the sunne , with this italian motto , il superfluo , expressing thereby , that he was a superfluous member of that great and famous academie of the humorists , where you may observe the body of this devise to allude well by the humour or moisture of the dew to the name of the academie . chap. xx . which are the best devises , either those which are taken from nature , or those which are drawne from art . though i approve those devises whch are taken from art , yet i set a greater value upon those which are drawne from nature , because this is as it were the mistresse of the other : besides , nature is subject to no change , continuing still the same ; whereas the instruments and effects of art depend upon the fancy of men , and have divers usages , according to times and new inventions , there being some which are not knowne but in some certaine countries and in particular townes onely . i conclude in a word that all the excellence and vertue which we finde in things artificiall receive their origin from nature , whereunto the neerer art approaches , so much the more prefect and excellent are its operations . whence it commeth that the bounty of nature is knowne to be essentiall and solid : contrarywise that of art appeares every day inconstant and accidentall to the subject . bargagli is pleased to produce some reasons to prove , that in matter of devises , things artificiall are more valuable then subjects naturall . but for my part , i judge the dec●sion of this probleme no waies requisite to a treatise of devises ; since all authors agree , that we serve our selves indifferently both from art and nature , and likewise from both together extreame gentil●ly , though those which are severally composed of the one and the other are the choicest . bargagli will have it , that those devises which we draw from art and nature together are to be ranked in the number of artificiall ; because that part of nature , which is in the body of the devise , were not able of it selfe to produce the effect , whereof the comparison is made , by meanes of which we endeavour to discover our meaning ; for so much as things take their denomination either from their end or from their forme . now for as much as cyphers have some affinity with devises , i have ( for distinction sake , and to preserve the reader from falling into the inconvenience of makeing a cypher or a rebus instead of a devise ) here translated what palazzi hath delivered upon this subject . chap. xxi . of cyphers according to andreas palazzi . cyphers are principally of kinds , ( to wit ) of actions and of words . cyphers of actions are such as that of tarquin superbus , who made no other answere to the embassador sent on the behalfe of his sonne , but onely in his presence whipt off with a wand the heads of the highest poppies in his garden , giving him to understand , that the cheifest citizens should be so dealt with . those of words : some are simply of words , as those which compose a certaine iargon , or gibberish understood by none but by themselves : o●hers are made of words written : of these some are called cyphers , in respect of the matter , with which we write , as with sal-armoniack , juice of onions , juice of lemons , and many other secrets , too long to recount , wherewith letters are written , some of which are not legible but by help of the fire , others in water , others in a looking glasse : others are called cyphers in respect of the matter upon which they are written , 〈◊〉 histicus did who , having caused a slave to be shaved , wrote upon the skin of his head , then letting the haire grow till the writing could be no longer descerned , sent him to aristagoras , advertising him to shave the said slave de-novo : and that also which the spartans made use of , which the greeks call scitala , as plutarque writes in the life of lisander . and likewise the invention of dumaratus , who wrot upon tablets and then covered them with wax , as herodotus relates in the end of his . booke : sometimes we call those things cyphers , which are shrowed under the obscurity of words or misterious sense , such are aenigma's , as this of sampson , out of the eater came meat , and out of the strong issued sweetnesse . and that of valla ▪ we have not lost one of the animals that escaped our hands , and we have lost those we did light upon . here is another of jacques torelly fano . vulcan begot me , nature brought me into the world , the aire and time have been my nurses , minerva enstructed me , my force is great , and proceeds from a small substance , three things furnish me with body and nourishment . my children are destruction , ire , ruine , and noise . by this signifying the artillery . finally , there are others also called cyphers , in respect of the matter whereof they are written , of which one kind are with figures and the other without . cyphers without figures are those which in these daies ministers of state , princes and kings doe make use for writing their secrets and negociations , according to their occasions , but principally in time of war ; and there are cyphers made by new and unknowne characters , such as cicero used , every character whereof signified an entire word , as p. critus and valerius probus doe testify , like those used by the jurisconsults : when instead of digests they make use of a double ff●the letter l. for law , this mark 〈◊〉 for paragraph , and so of others . chap. xxii . of sentences and rebus . a sentence is a plaine conception or saying of some particular thing or person , to expresse his passion , the state wherein he is , his desire , or some cert●●ne propositi● , as the spartan bueller with these words , a●t cum hoc , aut in hoc , i. e , i will live with it , or die on it . those devises which are deprived of comparisons are no other but sentences or figu●●● conceptions , as this of penn●s , his ad aethera , i.e. i shall by them acquire an immortall renowne , or by them i shall raise my selfe even to the heavens . behold here the difference between figured sentences and figured ciphers . the author makes no other use of the figures which he proposes , but to expresse one or more names : and the figured sentences and conceptions serve to demonstrate the intention of the author , by the signification of things inserted in the figure , and by the words of the motto , which explaine them , as in the before mentioned examples . cyphers are but the works of inferiour wits , unlesse some able man doe sometimes make of them for his pleasure . some have been desirous to prescribe rules for them , s●ying , that besides the figure , they should have some words , which were to be a distinct thing from the figure , and that from them joyned to the quality of the thing , we should draw the 〈…〉 , ●s in these examples . first of a false diamant with th●se words , pour quoy m'as tu delaisse ? the meaning th●r of being dy-amant faux , pour quoy m'as tu delaissl● false lover , why hast thou forsaken me ? . a lady called 〈…〉 her servant , he in passion expresses himself with this figur● ▪ and these italian words , per che m● fai morire , which words add●d to the figure . se santa sei , conclude , se santa sei , per che mi fai morire ? that is , if thou beest holy ( as thy name imports , and the figure ) why dost thou kill me ? thirdly , mary queen of scotland , gran●m ther to h●●m ; j ●●y th t now is , was presented by francis the second of 〈◊〉 , ( ●hen suitor , but afterwards her husband ) with a rich tablet of gold , in which was her picture exquisitely d●awne , and which ( being besides enriched with many pretious stones ) had on the one side a faire amatist , and under it as faire an adamant with this motto , amat-ista adamantem , i.e. she loves her dearely-beloved , alluding also to the names of the stones . for my part i hold these to be the same things , or but little differing from the rebus of picardy . chap. xxiii . of cimiers of armes . c●miers derive their name from nothing else , but from the name of the place they are set , that is to say , upon the cimier or summet of the tymbre or helmet . there are some without words , and others accompanied with words . we may see plenty of examples upon the armes of the french lords , italians , english and other nations , but particularly the germans , whereof few are without them , wherein they make use of all sorts of animals , and plants , as also of humane figures , as of wild men , syrens and others . most draw them from some part of their armes , which they enrich with a motto , devise-like , according to their fancies . apr. . . imprimatur , na : brent . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- * a learned brittan is of opinion that it should be eich dyn , i.e. your man , in the brittish tongue . * the naturalists say that this beast will rather choose to dye , then defile her su●e . notes for div a e- * eusebius makes mention of this author . * cigales are a kind of thick , broad-headed and mouthlesse flyes , which ordinarily sit on trees , and sing ( after their screaking fashion ) both day and night ; living onely of the dew of heaven , which they draw into them by certaine tongue-like prickles , placed on their breasts * asbestos is a kind of stone , which being once set on fire cannot be extinguished . the french comedies are all in verse . the motto and creast of a coat of armes being simply put together without relation to each other , make that which we ( from the french ) call a cimier : but if the motto relate to the creast or figure , and out of both arise a comparison , then t is properly a devise .