THE WORTH OF WOMEN.  
LONDON, Printed by William jones, dwelling in Red-crosse street. 1622.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, VIRTUOUS AND TRUE RELIGIous Dame, the Lady ANNE WENTWORTH.  

Marvel not Madam that I have made choice  
Of you amongst all other Princely Dames,  
Whose secret virtue challengeth each voice,  
And my poor zeal beyond all ethers flames.  
The first oblation of my morning Muse,  
Lo here I offer at your sacred Shrine:  
Which if you please but graciously peruse,  
And sanctify with those pure stars divine,  
Whose radiant rays and bright reflecting flame,  
May purify the most impolish rhyme:  
And bearing but the Livery of your name,  
Shall live, despite the cankered jaws of time,  
And flourish like the everliving Bay,  
When monuments of Marble shall decay.  
Your Ladyship's humble and devoted servant, Richard Ferrer.    

To the curious Readers.  
SVspend your judgements, censure not in haste:  
But ere you judge the first, first see the last.  
May 28. 1622.   

THE WORTH OF WOMEN.  

1  
MY infant Muse that slept in silence long,  
Resolved no more her untuned notes to sing,  
Ashamed to hear the ignominous wrong,  
Detracting idle heads did daily bring  
Upon that noble sex of womenkind,  
Prepared herself some Antidote to since.   

2  
Within an humble valley where she lay,  
That was with lofty hills environed round,  
Through which a pleasant crystal brook did play  
With pebble stones that roled on the ground,  
Where chirping birds melodiously did sing,  
To entertain the sweet refreshing Spring.   

3  
There Philomela did bewail the rape  
Of wicked Terius that incestuous King:  
And lovely Leda in her Swanlike shape,  
Hid her black foot under her snowy wing.  
The mateless Turtle you might also see  
Sat mourning by upon a Willow tree.   

4  
Vindictive Progne by herself alone,  
Upon an old decayed Trunk did keep,  
Under the which Halcyone did moan  
Upon a bush, whose doleful note was, Weep;  
And Pyres daughters in those pleasant vaies,  
Would oft be chattering pretty wanton tales.   

5  
From hence among the lowly Myrtle boughs,  
O'ertopped with Pines and lofty Cedars tall,  
She perched herself and made a stately rouse,  
Wherewith a quill she from her wing let fall,  
Intending now to take a higher flight,  
She bids me make a pen, sit down & write.   

6  
Which I obeying, had no sooner done,  
But all the carping-critick-squint-eyd rout,  
Like dogs to carrion did about me run,  
And forty faults in twenty words found out:  
Each several humour must his censure give,  
And at their verdict I must die or live.   

7  
Their great god Momus did no sooner spy  
My books rich title, but in heart repining,  
Began to draw his goodly mouth awry,  
As if his worship had on Plaice been dining;  
Reads some few lines, & in a furious snuff  
Casts it aside, and swears 'tis simple stuff.   

8  
Which Zoilus strait snatcheth up again,  
And viewing but a virtuous woman's name,  
Cries, fie upon this poor man's silly vain,  
To read his book, it were a burning shame:  
Whereat the rout of giddy headed geese,  
Did all bestow at least a word a piece.   

9  
One cries, a woman is composed of feather;  
Another swears, their faith is like the wind;  
A third, their zeal is made of frosty weather;  
The fourth, a chaste one never yet could find.  
A fig for these, since better spirits know,  
Save ignorance, true knowledge hath no foe.   

10  
Emboldened thus my daring Muse goes on,  
Attired with naked Truth's unspotted robe,  
And Eaglelike beholds the dazzling Sun,  
Even in the Apogean of his globe,  
To teach these Critics that have erred in this,  
To know hereafter what a woman is.   

11  
Know then the woman, God did first create,  
And with the man in Paradise did place,  
Was for an help when he was desolate,  
Coequal with him in the state of grace.  
Out straight cries the multitude, 'twas she:  
That plucked the fruit from the forbidden tree.   

12  
Even here this rabble have devised a lie,  
The Serpent plucked, she gave the man to eat,  
Who had free will this weak attempt to fly,  
Knowing the heavy vengeance God did threat  
What time soever he this fruit did taste,  
That he should die the death & be displaced.   

13  
Which surely followed, for when God did call  
For Adam as he usually had done,  
He now perceiving his most wretched fall,  
From his all-seeing presence would have run  
But finding no escape, cried out, and said,  
I heard thy voice O Lord and was afraid.   

14  
Why hast thou eat of the forbidden tree,  
Which I commanded thee thou shouldst not stir,  
He said the woman hath deceived me;  
She pleads the Serpent had beguilled her:  
When God in justice saw their fault was even,  
Both with a curse from Paradise were driven.   

15  
Yet shortly after see how God did bless,  
Obedient Sarah, Abraham's faithful wife,  
And fruitful made her aged barrenness,  
Even in her latter dying days of life:  
A son she doth conceive within her women be,  
From whom shall Kings, & realms, & nations come.   

16  
A blessed mother of a chosen son,  
With whom the Lord hath promised he will  
Establish his covenant now beguune,  
Which Isaac is ordained to fulsill  
And as with him saith God I have decreed. 
Gen. 24 25.   
So after him for ever with his seed.   

17  
This promise God inviolate will hold,  
Which to confirm he doth Rebeccha choose,  
A virtuous woman more esteemed than gold,  
Whom Isaac for his wife doth not refuse:  
From Esau she the blessing did obtain,  
To jacob where the covenant doth remain.   

18  
And as to Isaac, so did God provide  
For jacob faithful women full of zeal, 
Gen. 29. 30.   
Rahell and Leah are to him affi'de,  
With whom the Lord most graciously doth deal:  
For being barren, by their prayers conceive,  
Children, which they unto success shall leave.   

19  
Though wicked Pharaoh strictly did command 
Exo. 1.   
The Mid wives all men children to destroy,  
This practice they would never take in hand,  
But did his vild injunction disobey:  
And durst no child of his dear life deprive,  
But fearing God, preserved them all alive.   

20  
Whereat the King with anger them pursues,  
Saying, How durst you my commandment break?  
Which matter they so wisely did excuse,  
As that the King had not a word to speak.  
Wherefore God prospered them in all things well.  
And built them houses wherein they might dwell.   

21  
Now see how God miraculously wrought, 
Exod. 2.   
By pharoh's daughter this poor child to save,  
Who unto her by stratagem was brought,  
Even by the mercy of a senseless wave:  
She fearing nought her fathers stern decree,  
Gave strait command, it should preserved be.   

22  
And by the secret providence of God,  
This infant to his mother doth commend;  
The miracle effected by his rod,  
His poor oppressed people to defend:  
The Ocean's parting testifieth most,  
Wherein did perish Pharaoh and his host.   

23  
Behold, the Lord a woman chooseth out,  
In all the town, his secret Spies to hide; 
Ios. 2.   
Who being strait examined thereabout,  
With constant zeal she servantly denied,  
And closely them into a roof conveyed,  
Who otherwise their lives had surely paid.   

24  
And even about the deadest time of night,  
Out at a window she doth them convey,  
And to the woods advisd them take their flight,  
That so the spies might miss them on the way:  
For which good deed( as God had them inspired)  
They faithfully perform what she desired.   

25  
His care of women he doth here express, 
Exo. 22.   
With special charge the widows to defend,  
And not to hurt the children fatherless,  
For I shall hear( saith he) their cries ascend;  
Then with the sword I will your lives bereave,  
And children orphans with your widows leave.   

26  
A most renowned woman next we find, 
judg. 4. 45.   
A famous judge and sacred Prophetess;  
She unto every Israelite assigned  
His equal portion, were it more or less:  
Under a Palm in Ephraim she abode,  
And judged according to the will of God.   

27  
To field she doth the Prophet Barak call,  
Against the King of Canans' mighty band,  
Foretelling him that Sisera should fall;  
For God will surely give him to thine hand.  
And Barak answering, said, I will not go,  
Except thou likewise go with me also.   

28  
Then Deborah with Barak went along  
Unto mount Tabor where a while they stay,  
Till Sisera with men and chariots strong,  
Did call him down where Deborah did say  
To Barak, fear not, God for thee doth fight  
And Sisera this day shall put to flight.   

29  
But to a woman he shall give the fame,  
For thy weak faith, which else thee was due  
The wife of Heber, jael was her name,  
That with a nail this famous Captain slew:  
For which the Lord hath said, she shallbe blest  
Above all women that in tents do rest.   

30  
Thus God delivered Canan to the hands  
Of Israel, to Deborah's great fame,  
Who while their towns depopulated stands,  
An happy mother she to them became,  
For many kings went forth with her to fight  
And Israel grew happy in her sight.   

31  
A cheerful song she with the King doth straight,  
Unto her God with warbled notes record, 
judg. 5.   
Harken o Kings give ear you Princes great,  
The mountains melted from before the Lord:  
Yea even Sinai at his voice did melt,  
The heavens did drop, the earth his thunder felt.   

32  
The wife of Monoah being barren long,  
God by his Angels most divinely blest,  
With such a son as is not found among  
The Nazarites with heavenly strength possessed:  
Where with he shall begin to break the bands  
And Israel save from the Philistians hands.   

33  
Now Monoah,( as the Angel did command)  
Unto the Altar with his offering came,  
Where while it burned, his wife & he did stand,  
The Angel lo ascended in the flame:  
And Monoah told his wife there standing by  
We have seen God and we shall surely die.   

34  
The faithful woman comforts him and says,  
And if the Lord intended us to kill,  
He would not then accept the thanks & praise  
We offer here according to his will:  
Now God did bless this child to be a man,  
And made him mighty in the host of Dan.   

35  
Of Naomy and Ruth what tongue can tell, 
Ruth. 34.   
The tender love they each to other bear,  
Together would they go, together dwell,  
Together they the Lord did serve and fear:  
Together they would laugh, together cry,  
Together live, and eke together die.   

36  
And Naomy with fervent zeal did pray  
Unto the Lord, that of his mercy great,  
He would on Ruth his loving favour lay:  
Who heard her prayer from his tribunal seat,  
And graciously his blessings he bestows,  
As she was gleaning in the field of Boez.   

37  
A mighty man with riches great possessed,  
Whom God inspired with an ardent flame  
Of faithful love, which could not be suppressed,  
Until an husband he to Ruth became:  
Fron whom( by his decree, whose acts are wise)  
A blessed generation doth arise.   

38  
A lively pattern of rare faith indeed, 
1. Sa. 1.   
In barren Hannah we may here behold,  
With tears which from a contrite heart proceed,  
Unto the Lord she doth her grief unfold,  
With fervent prayer she might a son obtain,  
Vowing to give him to the Lord again.   

39  
God heard her prayer, and granted her request,  
She doth conceive and eke bring forth a son,  
Which brought her discontented thoughts to rest,  
She magnifide the Lord for what was done:  
And to the Altar where all knees do bow,  
She brought the child, & there performed her vow.   

40  
A true Idea of a virtuous wife,  
In Abigail is worthily expressed, 
1. Sam 25.   
Who by her wisdom saved her husband's life  
From David's just revenge, and all the rest,  
When he had vowed of Nabals' house, there shall  
Not one be left to piss against the wall.   

41  
And shortly after, God did Nabal smite  
With sickness, whereof presently he died:  
Then David said: Blessed be the God of might,  
That hath my hands to shed his blood denied,  
By her advice, whose love he now pursues,  
And for her virtue to his wife doth choose.   

42  
Unspotted Tamar in a brother's power, 
2 Sam. 13.   
On whom she thought she might her life depend,  
Whilst he inhumanely did her deflower,  
See how she mourns for what she cannot mend:  
Her clothes the rent, & dust & ashes throws  
Upon her head, thus desolate she goes.   

43  
Bathsheba by the Prophet is inspired,  
To move the King that Solomon might reign 
1. Kin. 1.   
Alone( no doubt) the highest heavens desired,  
Ordaining her the subject to obtain:  
Which well appeared by his divine success,  
God did with wisdom, riches, honour bless.   

44  
So rare that from the wild Arabian south,  
The Queen of Sheha journeyed many day s, 
Kin. 10.   
To learn sage wisdom from that sapient mouth  
To her immortal everlasting praise:  
which when she did with wonder great behold  
She gave him spices, precious stones & gold.   

45  
And blest, saith she, be God which doth delight  
In thee O King, and of his mercy great,  
That so his people may be judged aright,  
Hath thee invested in the judgement seat:  
This woman shall( saith God) in judgement rise 
Luk. 11. 10. 31.   
Against those people did their Lord despise.   

46  
How highly God of women doth esteem,  
The widow of Sarepta showeth plain, 
1. Kin. 17.   
which widow poor the Lord doth worthy deem  
The holy man Eliah to fustaine:  
When famine sore the country did oppress,  
By miracle he doth this woman bless.   

47  
A little oil she had within a cruse,  
And meal likewise to make a cake withal,  
Whereby herself she justly doth excuse,  
Unto the Prophet who for bread doth call:  
Lo this is all is left my son and I,  
Which I am dressing, we may eat and die.   

48  
Eliah said, woman be not afraid,  
Make first a cake and bring it unto me,  
The meal is in thy barrel God hath said,  
Nor yet the oil shall ever wasted be,  
Until the time the Lord doth send forth rain  
The earth with plenty to possess again.   

49  
And she unto Eliah brought a cake,  
Then for herself & son did likewise dress,  
And many days did this provision make,  
And yet her meal and oil was not the less:  
And to confirm her faith still more & more,  
Her son deceased, he doth to life restore.   

50  
An other widow strait the Lord hath found  
On whom he doth most plenteously bestow, 
2. Kin. 4   
A miracle for ever to be crowned,  
Her vessels all with oil doth overflow:  
And ceased not until the woman said,  
My vessels all are full, and then it stayed.   

51  
Then came she to the man of God, and told  
The blessings which she had received that day,  
Eliah said, strait let the oil be sold,  
Wherewith thou may'st thy creditors go pay:  
And as the Lord this day thy state hath blest  
So keep thyself & children with the rest.   

52  
The faithful Shunamite deserveth well,  
To be recorded with this sacred crew,  
Who did the holy man of God compel,  
To eat with her at every season due:  
And seriously her husband doth invite,  
To build a room, where he might lodge all night.   

53  
Wherefore Eliah prayed unto the Lord,  
She being barren, and her husband old,  
To make her fruitful, and he doth accord,  
The Prophet called the Shunamite, and told:  
For this good deed, which thou to me hast done  
Thou shalt conceive, & eke bring forth a son.   

54  
And in due time this miracle was wrought,  
By his great power, that rules the starry sky,  
A joyful son into the world she brought,  
Which shortly after happened to die:  
Hereby to show his love doth never cease,  
To life he doth this child from death release.   

55  
What title shall I give this happy Queen,  
Whose sacred worth, her state doth far exceed, 
Hest. 14   
No ear hath heard, nor wand'ring eye hath seen  
An act more bloody, then is here decreed:  
Her people all should be destroyed and slain,  
Whose prayer and fasting did their lives obtain.   

56  
Of Provinces one hundred twenty seven,  
The jews should die, the King had given & sealed  
Which was opposed by the powerful heaven,  
And at this gracious Queen's request repealed:  
And to a shameful end the man she brought  
That should this bloody massacre have wrought.   

57  
Thus Hester by the Lords out stretched arm,  
Who never fails them that in him do trust,  
Preserved her people from this woeful harm,  
And brought their foes even down in the dust:  
For as they thought the jews to deal withal,  
The same revenge upon their heads did fall.   

58  
When Sarah whom her father's maids despise, 
Tob. 3.   
Was overcome with hearts oppressing grief,  
Unto the Lord for succour straight she flies,  
Who heard her prayer, & granted her relief:  
And husband of his grace, he doth ordain,  
which into mirth, her mourning turned again.   

59  
If wisdom, valour, worth, and zeal were lost, 
judith. 13.   
And this rare pattern only did remain,  
The world can scarce, of such another boast,  
Whereby it might redeem them all again:  
Who by her prayer, obtained from God's high hand,  
To save a City, and preserve a Land.   

60  
First dust and ashes on her head she throws,  
And all in sackcloth she doth fast and pray,  
Then into Olofernes camp she goes,  
Where she this famous Captain doth betray:  
With courage stout, & wisdom rare she used,  
His head she brought, which all the land excused.   

61  
Then did she call the Elders of the Town,  
Saying behold what God for you hath done,  
With stately wreathes, they did her strait way crown,  
And every where with shouts of joy did run:  
The riches great of Olofernes tent,  
With one accord they do to her present.   

62  
Thus while she was extolled, and magnified,  
Whom every eye with wonder did behold,  
Unto the Temple of the Lord she hied,  
And offering all this wealth of plate and gold:  
With humble zeal before the Altar bows,  
Unto the Lord, & thus performed her vows.   

63  
A mirror of a chaste religious wife,  
Is fair Susanna, being fore distressed,  
Who rather chose to lose her dearest life,  
Then yield unto the Elders vild request:  
Lo thus resolved, aloud for help did cry,  
And false accused, she is condemned to die.   

64  
But see how God did graciously provide,  
To save this woman by a child's decree,  
Who did the Elders severally divide,  
And found them both in several tales to be:  
For which unworthy deed, their lives they pay  
To her great honour, who they did betray.   

65  
A woman more than wonderful behold,  
Whose resolutions so undaunted are,  
As by no earthly power, can be controlled,  
More permanent than any fixed star  
Within the Sphere, of that celistiall round,  
To whom fame's trumpet gives the loudest sound.   

66  
Seven sons she had, who by the King's command,  
Because they would not his behests obey,  
To violate the custom of their land,  
Were all adjudged their dearest lives to pay  
By sundry tortures, which she seeing plain,  
Emboldened them, still constant to remain.   

67  
When six of them, the Tyrant had destroyed,  
He willed his mother, move the seventh to turn  
That so he might this cruel death avoid,  
In stead whereof, she bids him boldly burn:  
And Martyr-like, the Tyrant's rage defy,  
Thus with his brothers he doth bravely die.   

68  
Like Hecuba for death of Priam's old,  
The mother now all terms of life defied,  
With courage greater than Shevola bold,  
And thus this ever honoured Martyr died:  
Where we will leave them to the world to mourn,  
And to our Grandam Eve, again return.   

69  
And there behold, the race poor man had run  
When God & Angels did him both forsake,  
Fit for precipice thou wert undone,  
And couldst no way, a good atonement make:  
Till this rare creature thou dispisest so,  
Was chosen out, to mitigate thy woe.   

70  
Assist me now ye sacred Sisters nine, 
Luk. 1. 10. 27. 28. 29. 30.   
That I with reverence may her praises sing,  
Who was elected by the powers divine,  
A sanctified and blessed birth to bring:  
When man to sin was subject, & to thrall,  
Became a sweet redemption for us all.   

71  
For ever blessed be that glorious name,  
Which God & Angels have pronounced blest  
Fron whose dear loins, our happy Saviour came  
That to the world brought love, joy, peace and rest:  
And did not spare his precious blood to spill  
Condemned man's salvation to fulfil.   

72  
All honour praise and glory due be done,  
To her whose seed hath conquered death & hell  
A happy mother of a royal son,  
Before whose throne, she doth in glory dwell,  
Where she with Angels, & Ark-angells sings  
Sweet hallelujah to the King of Kings.   

73  
This blessed woman if I could not find,  
another subject to defend their case,  
Might well persuade men, if they were not blind,  
With envious malice, vold of humane grace:  
To strive as much, their honour to maintain  
As they pursue them with such foul disdain.   

74  
A second Mary doth this first succeed, 
Mat. 28. joh. 20. Mar. 16.   
Whose love & zeal, throughout the world is spread  
The tears would make a marble heart to bleed,  
Which for her dear deceased Lord she shed:  
Deep plunged in woes, in sorrows great oppressed  
Her mind amazed, her senses dispossessed.   

75  
In this sad passion to the place she goes,  
Whereas she thought our blessed Saviour lay  
No pen so doleful can express her woes,  
When she perceived the body stolen away,  
A fresh she wept, & down her head she hung  
Like lapwings that are robbed of their young.   

76  
The precious ointment that with her she brought,  
That glorious body to imb●lme and keep,  
She nought respects, since it was gone she sought  
She sighs & sobs, & doth not cease to weep:  
Like Niobe this woeful woman's fears,  
As if she would dissolve herself in tears.   

77  
Then came the good Apostles to the grave,  
Fron whence they found his corpses conveyed away;  
Feareing the jews, were glad themselues to save  
And soon returned, not daring long to stay:  
When Mary still stood weeping at the tomb  
And would not stir for deaths most cruel doom.   

78  
But down her head she bowed into the grave,  
Scarce giving credit to her woeful sight,  
Where lo at either corner of the cave,  
She saw an Angel clothed all in white:  
Whereat aghast she would a side have stepped,  
Had they not spoke & asked her why she wept.   

79  
For him I wept, full fraught with grief she said,  
Whose like on earth, shall never more be found,  
Whom cursed jews most cruelly betrayed,  
And now have stolen him from this blessed ground  
They comfort her, & say, thy tears refrain,  
For he thou seekest, is raised to life again.   

80  
But she continues still her woeful cheer,  
And to her woes no comfort would allow,  
Until our Saviour did himself appear,  
And asked her, woman, wherefore weepest thou:  
She taking him, the Gardener sure to be,  
Said sir, if thou hast hid him, give him me.   

81  
And jesus answered, Marry, I am he  
Thou seekest so, wherefore be not afraid,  
Go to my brethren, and report of me,  
That thou hast seen, & heard what I have said:  
And will them into Galilee to go,  
Where I will shortly meet with them also.   

82  
'twixt grief and joy she stood amazed a while,  
Then down she falls, and worships at his feet,  
And with a loving entermixing smile,  
With tears of mirth she doth our Saviour greet  
And to perform his will with reverence due,  
She rose, she went, she ran, she rather slew.   

83  
Until she came where the Apostles were,  
Deep plunged in sorrow, & with grief oppressed,  
To whom she did this joyful news declare,  
All she had heard and seen, she there expressed:  
Which done, she straight returned back to find  
The company that she had left behind.   

84  
Another sacred Mary with her came,  
And with them also many women more,  
For save the Apostles( to their lasting fame)  
Were none but women did his death deplore:  
Early they rose before the break of day,  
Meaning from thence to take the corpse away.   

85  
A fourth most sacred woman of this name,  
Doth with the rest preceding well agree,  
A woman filled with religious fame,  
At jesus preaching she would ever be:  
In humble manner, seated at his feet,  
To hear his wisdom, & his doctrine sweet.   

86  
Her sister Martha must not be forgot, 
joh. 11. 15.   
A most renowned woman full of faith,  
Whose love unto our Saviour ceased not,  
And as the holy Scripture plainly saith:  
Christ jesus likewise loved them again,  
Whom men would seem so slightly to disdain.   

87  
One only brother these two sisters had,  
Who accidentally fell sick, and died,  
But hearing Christ was coming, they were glad  
For on his power, these women much relied:  
Which did allay, and mitigate their grief,  
Hoping by him, they might yet find relief.   

88  
Martha went forth her loving Lord to meet,  
And humbly prostrate at his feet she fell,  
Saying o Lord, and my redeemer sweet,  
Hadst thou been here my brother had been well:  
But this I know undoubted truth to be,  
What ere thou askest, God will give it thee.   

89  
Then jesus said, thy brother shall arise,  
Yes at the resurrection Lord know,  
I am the resurrection he replied,  
Both of the living and the dead also:  
Who this belief shall stedrastly retain,  
Though he were dead, yet shall he live again.   

90  
Beleiu'st thou this? Lord I believe it all,  
And that thou art, that Son of God now sent  
That should redeem poor sinful man from thrall  
If he believe, becoming penitent:  
O rare belief, and faith of women kind,  
Proceeding from a pure unspotted mind.   

91  
Then back she came and did her sister call,  
Who hastily went forth her Lord to meet,  
And with an heart oppressed with grief doth fall  
With bitter tears before her Saviour's feet:  
And with a mournful voice, O Lord she cried  
Hadst thou been here my brother had not died.   

92  
Be present with me every woeful wight,  
Whom doleful grief hath turned to dust & mould,  
Even in your saddest, & most mournful plight,  
Let me your ghastly visages behold:  
I may express the agony he felt,  
And marble hearts into compassion melt.   

93  
When in the spirit he did groan with pain,  
Which did his sad and heavy heart molest,  
How with a troubled soul he groaned again,  
Oh wherewith can his torments be expressed:  
Who could not be disburthned of his cares,  
Until his passion burst itself in tears.   

94  
Oh the mine eyes to conduit pipes would turn,  
I might his tears perpetually deplore,  
Weep sinful man, & do not cease to mourn  
Christ's tears, although thou never weptst before  
Shed now a tear from thy obdurate eye,  
Or else hereafter be for ever dry.   

95  
In this sad plight unto the tomb He went,  
Whereas deceased Lazarus was laid,  
Where first he prayed to God which had him sent,  
Then Lazarus come forth, aloud he said,  
who straight came forth, bound hand & foot also  
Christ willed them to lose and let him go.   

96  
Who can express the faithful thanks they give  
To magnify this miracle he wrought,  
Whereby they saw their dearest brother live,  
Which was a work impossible they thought:  
With joyful hearts they do not cease to sing  
Continual anthems to their heavenly King.   

97  
Now shortly after jesus came again  
To Mary's house as he had done before,  
With heavenly joy she doth him entertain,  
Who for her brother loved him more & more:  
And as at meat with Lazarus he sat,  
Under the table to his feet she got.   

98  
Whereon she doth a costly oil bestow,  
Wherewith she washed those ever hallowed feet. 
joh. 12.   
Too pure she thought on mortal ground to go,  
And kindly gives him many kisses sweet:  
Not knowing how she should her love declare  
This done she takes and wiped them with her hair.   

99  
But his Disciples murmuring, him told  
This precious oil should be esteemed more,  
Which for 3 hundred pence might have been sold,  
And better far been given to the poor:  
But jesus sharply them rebuking said,  
Let her alone, why trouble you the maid.   

100  
The good that she had done he doth unfold,  
Saying, the poor shall daily on you call,  
But me you shortly shall no more behold,  
She brought this balm to bury me withal:  
Where ere men preaching shall the Gospel name,  
This shallbe spoken to her lasting fame.   

101  
The faith of women all men may behold,  
As in this following subject well appears,  
Who had a bloody issue long, and could  
Receive no help by physic many years:  
Believed if she might lesus garment touch,  
She should be whole, her faith & zeal was such,   

102  
With this strong hope she thrust into the press, 
Mat. 15:   
And touching but his very garments hem,  
Immediately she felt the issue cease,  
O famous faith, in estimable gem:  
He knowing what was done, looked back to see,  
And missing her, asked who hath touched me?   

103  
But she that knew, what miracle was wrought,  
With fear and trembling at his feet did fall,  
And for his mercy's sake, she him besought,  
To pardon her, and therewith told him all:  
He said O woman, with a voice most free,  
Great is thy faith, and it hath saved thee.   

104  
Next see the woman that in Canan dwelled,  
By faith believes his mercies to obtain,  
How earnestly she with our Saviour dealt,  
Have mercy on me Lord, she cried amain:  
And heal my daughter being sore perplexed,  
Who with a devil cruelly is vexed.   

105  
He heard her well, but did no answer make,  
Till his Disciples said, send her away,  
She followed still, and would not him forsake,  
Though he to her with bitter words did say:  
It is not lawful woman I should give,  
To dogs the children's bread whereby they live.   

106  
True Lord she said, and yet the dogs do eat,  
The croms which from their master's tables fall,  
And still for mercy she doth him entreat,  
Who wondered at her faith, and said withal:  
O happy wight with heavenly faith inspired,  
Be it unto thee as thou hast desired.   

107  
And in that hour her daughter was made whole,  
Unto her everlasting joys increase,  
With faith as steadfast as the fixed Pole,  
According to his will she went in peace:  
Oh faith most rare, the like hath not been found  
Worthy in leaves of marble to be crowned.   

108  
The sinful woman of the city Nain,  
Doubts not by faith but she shall purchase grace 
Luk. 7.   
And weeping at his back she doth remain,  
A little while in most perplexed case:  
Then down she falls, and with a sea of tears  
His feet she washed, and wiped them with her hairs,   

109  
Anointed them, and gave them many a kiss,  
Where at the Pharise in himself did say,  
Where he a Prophet, as men say he is,  
he'd know this sinner, and not let her stay:  
When jesus knew his thought, Simon said he,  
There is a question I must ask of thee.   

110  
A certain lender, lent a little sum  
To one; and to another lent a great,  
But neither able when the time was come  
To pay: forgave them both their several debt:  
Now which of these think'st thou, will love him better?  
He answered, I suppose the greater debtor.   

111  
Well hast thou said, our Saviour then replied,  
Seest thou this woman that by faith is led,  
Yet since I came, thou neither didst provide  
To wash my feet, nor yet anoint my head:  
She hath done both, no kiss of thee I got,  
Thy faith is great, o woman go in peace.   

112  
Wherefore this woman thou dost here behold  
Whose firm belief, and constant faith is such,  
As by no man's expression can be told,  
Hath much forgiven her, for she loved much:  
To her he said, from sin I thee release,  
Thy faith is great, o woman go in peace.   

113  
Elizabeth old Zacharias wife, 
Luk. 1.   
A rare example wherein men may see,  
The blessing followeth a religious life,  
A faithful woman she is found to be:  
Whom God the Father by his Angels blest,  
In barren age, and with a son possessed.   

104  
A child adopted of his special grace,  
And sanctified even in his mother's womb,  
Elect to go before his glorious face,  
And prophesy that he should after come:  
To strengthen those whose faith was weak and frail,  
The glory of his people Israel,   

115  
Old Anna then a sacred Prophetess,  
Who served God with fasting night and day.  
Came forth and did her blessed Lord confess,  
While yet within his mother's arms he lay:  
Redemption preached, to her immortal fame,  
To all that did believe in jesus name.   

116  
When as our blessed Saviour did cast out,  
The fiend where with the dumb man was possessed, 
●k. 36.   
Encompassed with a misbelieving rout,  
Whose wicked thoughts their evil minds molest:  
To whom whilst he did wholesome doctrine preach,  
Which to amend their sinful life did touch.   

117  
A certain woman lifted up her voice,  
And said the womb had blest & happy luck,  
That brought thee forth, & let those paps rejoice  
Which in thy infant's days did give thee suck:  
This faithful woman he doth well approve,  
Among the rest with dear and tender love,   

118  
Which love he doth most manifestly show,  
By miracles he wrought from day to day,  
First unto Peter's mother he doth go, 
Mat. 8. 14. 15. 16.   
Where of a fever very sick she lay:  
And merely of his grace it doth him please  
To cure her of that dangerous disease.   

119  
The Ruler then most humbly him besought,  
To heal his daughter in extremest need,  
Who now was at the point of death he thought, 
Mat. 9 23. 24. 25.   
And ere he came the maid was dead in deed:  
But jesus unto jairus spoke and said,  
Believe thou only and be not afraid,   

120  
And forth with into jairus house he goes,  
Where did attend him many weeping eyes,  
The multitude first out of doors he throws,  
Then to the maid he went and said arise:  
And she arose with fear and wonder great,  
He straight commanded they should give her meat.   

121  
The woman like wise that was eighteen years  
Tormented with a most infernal spirit,  
Bound altogether as most plain appears,  
And could by no means lift herself upright:  
Our Saviour seeing strait way did appease,  
And freely freed her of that strong disease.   

122  
He had compassion of the widow's tears,  
The which at Nain in Galilee he did meet, 
Luk 7. 10. 13. 14.   
For her dead son expressed with many cares,  
Who now to death had paid his latest debt:  
In such a measure he could not refrain,  
To raise to life, and give him her again.   

123  
The pharisees and Scribes unto him brought, 
job. 3.   
The woman in adultery was found,  
T'entrap him said, by Moses law she ought,  
For to be stoned dead unto the ground:  
But jesus said, let him that hath no sin,  
To execute this upright law begin.   

124  
Whereat they all began to steal away,  
Leaving her standing by her Lord alone,  
Who turned a out, and unto her did say,  
Woman, where now are thy accusers gone:  
No man is left she said, was here before,  
And I accuse thee not, go sin no more.   

125  
His love to women never can be told,  
See how he doth the widow's mite commend,  
Above them all that offered pearl and gold,  
Saying from superfluity they spend:  
When she poor wight from penury was glad,  
To offer to the Lord even all she had.   

126  
joanna with Susanna, and the rest,  
For there were with them many women more  
The which our blessed Saviour dispossessed?  
Of wicked spirits, being vexed sore:  
Wherefore most gratefully they him besought,  
He would accept the substance they had brought.   

127  
Now last of all, as to the cross he goes,  
To finish there his dearest virall breath,  
A multitude of people saw his woes,  
But none save women did lament his death:  
They weep and wail, with shrieks and piteous cries, 
Luk. 1. 3 27. 28.   
As if they would pull vengeance from the skies.   

128  
Upon those cursed misbelieving jews,  
Their blessed Lord and Saviour did betray,  
And for revenge on those that thus abuse,  
This holy Lamb, they never cease to pray:  
Such gracious love they did from him obtain,  
They know not how to show their love again.   

129  
And after his decease, the Apostles found  
Most virtuous women still in every place,  
Priscilla was a woman much renowned.  
Who taught Apollo's rare & heavenly grace:  
For as this good Apostle plainly saith,  
She took him home, & made him strong in faith.   

130  
Saint Peter also doth as much commend,  
Tabytha for her charitable deeds,  
Of alms that she unto the Lord did lend,  
Which from her love unto good works proceeds  
Who being dead, by prayer he doth obtain 
Act. 9   
She is restored unto life again.   

131  
Behold what wonders God by women wrought, 
Act. 16.   
As holy Paul doth worthily declare,  
To Macedon he is by vision brought,  
Where those that heard him only women were:  
'Mongst whom with admiration he doth tell  
Of Lydia, who there did purple sell.   

132  
A saithful woman, one that God ordained,  
To save a kingdom by her good desert,  
Who in the service of the Lord remained  
For it is said God opened her heart:  
And she believed our words & was baptised  
With all her household as we them advised.   

133  
This done we were determined to go,  
Along the coasts to make some further trial,  
But she conjured us not to leave her so,  
Her earnest suit would suffer no denial:  
And lo together as we went to pray,  
A certain virgin met us on the way.   

134  
Possessed with a spirit of divining,  
By which her master much advantage got,  
To us she was with fervent zeal inclining,  
And for her masters proffitt cared not: 
Act. 16. 16.   
She followed us and cried, these men are they  
That to salvation teach the ready way.   

135  
And many days continued in the same,  
Till Paul was grieved for her, and turned about,  
And to the Spirit said in jesus name,  
I charge thee from this woman get thee out:  
And it obeyed that all commanding power,  
Departing from her at that instant hour.   

136  
An other woman he doth strait recite,  
He did in Athens at his preaching find. 
Rom. 1. 16.   
Called Damaris a most believing wight.  
With whom Triplena may be well combined:  
Triplena doth with Persiis well accord,  
All faithful women labouring in the Lord.   

137  
Amongst this crew he highly doth commend,  
Phoebe a servant of the Lord saith he,  
For whom he doth unto his brethren send,  
That in the Lord we might received be:  
And aided by them in what ere she needs;  
For she hath done most charitable deeds.   

138  
The blessed Evangelist Saint john doth write,  
Unto a Lady whom he calls elect,  
A virtuous woman who doth much delight,  
The laws of her Redeemer to respect: 
2. joh. 1.   
And taught her children likewise to fulfil,  
Our blessed Lord and Saviour's holy will.   

139  
For which saith he I do not only love,  
This most renowned woman of our days,  
But all those Saints that love the truth approve  
Her zealous works with everlasting praise:  
Which they in greater estimation hold,  
Then Tagus' wealth, or Ophirs purest gold.   

140  
Thus in this sacred book of books we see,  
The blesings God on women did bestow,  
Which worthily they did deserve saith he,  
From whom such faith, such love, such zeal did flow:  
Such courage brave, such resolutions rare,  
As monuments of marble shall out wear.   

141  
The histories that do their praise recite,  
In every age so plentiful appears,  
That if I had ability to write,  
I should not finish, living Nestor's years:  
Such monuments unto their fame they build  
A magasine might with the books be filled.   

142  
Yet to avoid the captious base report,  
Of Puritan or Bible bearing poet,  
As likewise to content the wiser sort.  
On whom alone I freely do bestow it:  
I will insert of women's virtues rare,  
A stanza, or two what histories declare.   

143  
For chastity behold that Roman dame, 
justin.   
That proud Tarqvinius basely did subdue,  
Disdaining to out live her forced shame,  
Did in her dearest blood her hands imbrue:  
For which she is throwout the world renowned  
And by the pens of Laureate Poets crowned.   

144  
Unmatched Ovid doth as much commend,  
Penelope Ulysses constant wife, 
Ouid.   
Whose widowed hands the hanging web doth rend,  
Whilst he in Lacedaemon leads his life:  
Even like the Turtle that hath lost his mate,  
She doth bewail her desolate estate.   

145  
Unspotted Daphue would not be allured, 
Ouid.   
By powerful love, from whom amain she flies  
When fainting breath, her honour's loss assured,  
Aloud for chaste Diana's help she cries:  
Whose just consent, unto her earnest prayer  
The laurel doth perpetual witness bear.   

146  
The daughter fair of Agamemnon King, 
Thucydides.   
Whose love and beauty was desired of many,  
Held chastity so virtuous a thing,  
That she would never condescend to any:  
But constantly their ardent suits denied,  
And thus this spotless virgin lived and died.   

147  
The virgin Lucia doth all praise exceed, 
Domitian.   
With whom the tyrant King was far in love.  
When she perceived it was so sure decreed,  
What friendship could not force at last should prove:  
Her starlike eyes she to the tyrant sent,  
That thus she might her honour's loss prevent.   

148 
Thucydides.   
Sage Fedons' daughter doth amaze my mind,  
Whose father being at a banquent slain,  
By savage men, who likewise had combined,  
This virtuous virgin's chastity to stain:  
She to avoid this Tyrant's fury fell,  
Did headlong cast herself into a well.   

149  
Saint Ambrose of Pelagia writes as much,  
Who with her famous sisters and her mother,  
That no rude hand her honour's worth might touch  
Themselves did likewise in the water smother:  
Such dear respect to chastity they owe,  
Their precious lives they do for it bestow.   

150  
The Lady Bona to her lasting honour, 
Guice●●din.   
Whose husband to the holy wars was sent,  
Disguised to follow him she took upon her,  
Both shield & spear, moved with a chaste intent  
Where bravely she his faithless foes did threat  
And rescued him from many dangers great.   

151  
Brave Francis Sforsas' soldiers to him brought,  
A virgin rare of birth, & beauty great,  
Whom she with friendship prayer & words besoght,  
Then tyrant like the silly maid did threat:  
But finding nothing could her honour stain  
With gifts & praise he sent her home again.   

152  
The women of tutonica's request,  
When noble Marius had their husband slain  
Was that they might have leave to spend the rest,  
Of their unhappy lives in Vesta's train:  
Where they like chastest turtles would deplore  
Their fatal loss, beholding men no more.   

153  
In Rome a woman being made acquainted, 
Cor. Tac.   
With treason was 'gainst Nero great conspired,  
Whereof she happened first to be attainted,  
Of whom the judges all the rest inquired:  
With cruel torments she her life did pay,  
Yet never any party would betray.   

154  
Renowned Loena did in sunder bite  
Her tongue, and spit it in the tyrant's face,  
Because she would no secret bring to light,  
For which th' Athenians to her lasting grace: 
Pliny.   
From whom such rare unmatched virtue sprung,  
A Lioness set up without a tongue.   

155  
Rare Nicostrata mother to evander,  
Did first unto the Latins show their letters,  
Who till her time in ignorance did wander,  
Yet afterwards acknowledge none their betters  
In History, Philosophy, or Phrase,  
Of eloquence deserving worthy praise.   

156  
Aretha was in learning so profound,  
That she in Athens public school did read  
Philosophy with judgement grave and sound,  
Wherein she did the learnedst man exceed:  
Whose Auditors as Pollio doth declare,  
Philosophers above a hundred were. 
Pollio.    

157  
When Lucius Scylla was condemned to die,  
Who falsely had three thousand Romans slain  
That did upon his word their lives rely,  
His daughter Loelia did his life obtain:  
With one oration which she made in Rome  
Whereat the Senate did revoke their doom. 
Cicero.    

158  
Senobia was in learning so replete,  
Both Greek and Latin to her sons she taught,  
And did a rare epitome repeat, 
Pollio.   
Of all the wars wherewith the East was fraught:  
Athenian Pericles, who soared so high  
Did from Aspasia learn Philosophy.   

159  
Cornelia a famous Roman dame, 
Cornelia the wife of Africanus & Mother to the Greechi.   
Such eloquent Epistles used to write,  
That Cicero a man of rarest fame,  
Commends her works with wonderful delight:  
With palla's help to end rare Lucan brought  
The battle Caesar and great Pompey fought.   

160  
Alexandra, the wife of Alexander,  
In jury lived a Bishop many years,  
Whose learned wisdom like a wise commander  
Was reverenced both of commonwealth and Peers: 
Eicsebius   
Dona the daughter of Pythagoras,  
In sciences a famous scholar was.   

161  
Two Grecian women deeply learned indeed, 
Plato. Lasterna Axiothe.   
The love of Plato did so highly win,  
That seated in his chair about to read,  
Before they came he seldom would begin:  
In them saith he, sage wisdom doth remain,  
And memory grave maxims to maintain.   

162  
In France a sect of women did remain,  
Called Druids, to whom Aurelian came,  
From Rome to France their counsels to obtain  
So much their wisdom was renowned by fame:  
Myrrha Queen of Lydia men did call, 
Strabo.   
Agiant for her wit, in stature small.   

163  
In Rhodes a Roman and a Greek fell out. 
Eutropius.   
Who both desired their countries worth to raise  
The Greek contest the Romans were more stout  
But unto Greece for learning gave the praise:  
Wherein said he our women more do know  
Then you in arms, whereof you boast of so.   

164  
Upon which words a mortal war ensued,  
'Twixt Rome & Carthage, till the Rodians came,  
Who earnestly entreat they would conclude,  
To make them empires in this work of fame:  
To whose request when they had both agreed  
The noble Rhodians in this wise proceed.   

165  
Ten Greacian women they in Rhodes ordain  
With ten of Rome shall disputation hold,  
which they with such rare learning did maintain,  
In leaves of brass deserves to be enrolled:  
For with the Rhodians to their great renown,  
with Laurel wreaths these famous women crowned.   

166  
For solid sentences and learning grave,  
Unto the Grecians they the praise decreed,  
True eloquence they to the Romans gave,  
Wherein they thought they did the Greeks exceed  
But from each side such virtue rare did flow  
As men could hardly who were victors know.   

167  
The worthy Rodians in perpetual praise,  
That after ages might their virtues see,  
To each of them a monument did raise,  
Whereby their love shall intermixed be:  
Twenty huge Pillars of victorious fame,  
Whereon was writ each several woman's name.   

168  
Two famous Theban virgins being told,  
The Oracle had said they should enjoy,  
A conquest from the Orchymenians bold,  
If two chaste virgins should themselues destroy:  
Their country with victorious praise to kill,  
Courageously their dearest blood they spill.   

169  
Brave Celia, that King Porsenna took, 
Sallust.   
With whom in hostage diverse virgins were,  
With courage stout, by night his camp forsook,  
Got horse and swam a river, void of fear:  
Whereat the King amazed without delay.  
Did raise his siege, and went with shame away.   

170  
Hermonia a Syracusan maid,  
To save her country did her life defy, 
Pliny.   
The wife of Asdrubal was less afraid,  
When Scipio conquered then himself to die:  
Great Mithridates wife and sisters three,  
Showed far less fear of death than he.   

171  
Resolved Portia hearing this sad news,  
Her husband, and her father both were slain, 
Portia the wife of Brutus.   
That tyrannising sorrow should abuse,  
Her noble spirit did so much disdain.  
The burning coals to eat she doth devose,  
Thus made herself a living sacrifice.   

172  
The pride of Egypt that most glorious Queen  
Did so much scorn great Caesar's camp to grace  
With captain bands, where she should lie between  
Despair and hope in a contemned case:  
With poisoned Asps, whose touch to death doth high,  
Bravely resolved she rather chose to die.   

173  
Philip proclaimed at Scyo every slave, 
Herodat.   
That would come forth & with his army hold  
With liberty their master's wives should have,  
Which when the women heard, like lions bold  
They sally out, and to their great renown,  
Beat Philip and his army from the town.   

174  
The Scyots by th'egyptian sore oppressed,  
Unarmed to leave the town, with them agree, 
justine.   
which when the women heard they could not rest  
Until they made them change this base decree:  
With shield and spear unclothed they march away,  
Telling their foes that this was their array.   

175  
Among the Amazons two Queens they chose  
The foreign and domestic state to guide,  
Abroad Marpesia did subdue their foes,  
At home Lampeda all things did decide:  
With equal justice void of love or hate,  
Which made them flourish in a happy state.   

176  
Constantinople being round beset,  
With furious Goths that meant it to destroy, 
Cassads.   
The Empress bold to the wall did get,  
Where valiantly she did them so annoy:  
That many by her noble hands did die,  
The rest were forced to raise their siege & fly.   

177  
Simeramis deserves to be enrolled, 
justine.   
In brazen leaves of everlasting praise,  
Who by her valour like a Tigress bold,  
Her hardy foes enforced their camp to raise:  
From Babylon they surely thought to take,  
Which she with shame compeled them to forsake.   

178  
Senobia forced Aurelian to confess;  
With whom a famous war she long maintained  
To conquer Xerxes was a task far less,  
Whose greatness with the name of fear was stained  
Then stout Senobia who with spear & shield,  
Came like the God of battle to the field.   

179  
Penthiselia that courageous queen,  
Encountered brave Achilles' hand to hand,  
Than which a braver combat ne'er was seen,  
Hippolita stout Theseus did withstand:  
In single fight their honours to maintain,  
Whereby they did immortallglory gain.   

180  
The Queen of Carryall, like the God of war,  
Did chase the Rhodians like a hare with hounds,  
Against whose valour nothing was a bar,  
She burned the walls, sacked their chiefest towns,  
Whereby she forced them to her endless fame,  
To build her image, and inscribe her name.   

181  
Immortal Tass● thou canst never die,  
So worthily clornida's fame to write,  
Who boldly durst that champion brave defy,  
Renowned Tancred, even at single fight:  
And so performed that men could hardly know  
The conqueror survived his conquered foe.   

182  
Undaunted Hector hadst thou lived now,  
How much thy hardest soul would blush to see 
justine.   
That earth's great monarch should be made to bow,  
And by a woman's hand subverted be:  
Whose valiant head, she from his body drew,  
And did the same in his own blood imbrue.   

183  
Even a● a Lioness doth range the coast,  
When she perceives her whelps are made a pray  
So Thamaris doth break through Cyrus' host,  
And bravely with her sword did make her way  
And to her friends his royal head she brought,  
Like Pallas with the spoils of Gergon fraught.   

184  
Amongst these Queens oh let me not forget,  
That Queen of Queens, which in our age did reign,  
Who like a Comet in the sky was set,  
Unparalleled for ever to remain:  
To write her praise, I never shall aspire,  
Whom every eye with wonder did admire.   

185  
The worlds great Artist, nature did complain,  
Such beauty rare the earth did not enjoy,  
And that no other might the like obtain,  
She doth again this heavenly stamp destroy:  
Then all the powers supernal freely came,  
And gave perfection to this matchless dame.   

186  
Imperious juno at her feet did lay,  
That all commanding Scopter which she bore,  
Wherewith she did the pride of Spain allay,  
Supported France the Royal crown to wear  
And Belgia her peerless praise may sing,  
Whose famous acts all Christendom doth ring.   

187  
Arete for her Temple chose her breast,  
And with fair virtues did it freely fill,  
Religious Vesta with chaste thoughts her blessed,  
Minerva gave her sacred wisdom still:  
And royal Ceres who with a liberal hand,  
With great abundance did enrich her land.   

188  
The faithless Pagan, misbelieving Turk,  
Virginian heathen, with the Indian Moor,  
In whom doth nought but secret mischief lurk,  
They all with reverence did her state adore:  
Great gifts they offer to her sacred shrine,  
So was she blest, even by the powers divine.   

189  
An happy fight this blessed woman fought,  
Whilst here she lived & wore the royal crown;  
Her subjects all to peace and love she brought,  
The humble spared, & beat the haughty down,  
Thus left her throne, which time shall quit destroy  
An everlasting kingdom to enjoy.   

190  
But now me thinks I hear some whispering say,  
This fellow sure is fearfully in love,  
Whilst other strait unto my charge do lay,  
Some mercenary hire doth him move:  
No, no, my friends, it is a case more common,  
which you forget, my mother was a woman.   

191  
Whom nature taught me tenderly to love,  
And think it is a duty which I owe,  
To her and women for her sake to prove,  
The praise on them both God & men bestow:  
No art so excellent hath ever been,  
But women have been famous actors in.   

192  
'tis true say, they there was a time of old,  
When women sure were better far than now,  
Through this opinion diverse men do hold,  
I doubt not but the wiser will allow:  
This custom nature doth to all men give,  
To think that age is worse wherein they live.   

193  
Virgil and Ovid many years ago,  
Do testify that then the world was nought,  
In stately style of verse from them did flow,  
Their sober lessons publicly they taught:  
Homer might come with music to his whores  
Yet wanting money, get him out of doors.   

194  
Either these men have spirits of divining,  
Or else the world stands now as then it did,  
If worse, it is by envious men's repining,  
Which if they would convert from ill to good,  
Thousand of women this bad age might name  
That want rare pens to eternize their fame.   

195  
Like Rome's Colassae I might write a book,  
Or the Egyptian Pyramid of old,  
If I should strictly strive to overlook,  
The virtues rare that are of women told:  
Which I refer to men of better skill,  
Who can this task more worthily fulfil.   

196  
Wherein my pen already is grown dull,  
Wanting that tinckture of heroic strain,  
With which brave spirits of our age are full,  
Let this but animate their flowing vain:  
While my poor Muse shall well contented be  
Her humble valley once again to see.   

197  
Where she with pleasure, did behold the Bear  
The Wolf, the Swan, the Dragons head & tail,  
The no mean Lion, and the fearful Hare,  
The dart which 'gainst the Griffen did prevail:  
The King of Egypt and his stately Queen,  
Who for her beauty now in heaven is seen.   

198  
The crown which Ariadne did obtain,  
From Venus, for becoming Bacchus' love,  
The harp of Orpheus, whose melodious strain  
Made careless beasts, & senseless trees to move:  
The son of Danaae that Medusa slew,  
The waggener that lustful Phedra slew.   

199  
The son of jove whom Satan would have slain,  
The serpent holder bright Apollo's son,  
The fish that saved Orion in the main,  
Alcides after all his labour done:  
The horse of Bacchus forced his master's love,  
The bird that brought fair Ganymede to jove.   

200  
The flying horse sprang from Medusa's blood,  
Bellepheron did undertake to ride,  
Who for his pains, was drenched in the flood,  
The horse flew up to heaven, where he doth bide:  
The triangle which Ceres did request,  
The Gods to place in heaven amongst the rest.   

201  
The wife of Perseus, and the monstrous whale,  
The crow which by the well the serpent found,  
Ixion's wheel, with Venus' daughter pale,  
The river wherein Phaeton was drowned:  
Chiron that taught Achilles great in Greece,  
The ship that brought home jasons' golden fleece.   

202  
The Ram with Phirxes and her sisters went,  
o'er Hellespont: Europa's roaring Bull,  
The twins of Loeda: juno's crab she sent,  
To Hercules, who did in pieces pull  
The Lion: justice slew from earth to Heaven,  
Who by her balance found men's acts uneven.   

203  
The Scorpion slew Orion with his sting,  
euthemia's Son that with the Muses slept,  
Disguised Pan, the Boy Ioues bird did bring,  
The fishes Venus from the Giant kept:  
All these the Gods have stellifi'de in heaven,  
With Pleyades, whose number once was seven.   

204  
Until Electra seeing Trojan fire,  
Shrunk in her head, and never since was seen  
Whose grief doth make my pitying Muse stir  
Casting her eyes upon the lovely green:  
Where she will mourn, among the shepherd's swain  
Admires high hills, but love she lowly plain   
FINIS.