SATIRYCALL DIALOGUE OR A Sharplye-invective conference, between Allexander the great, and that truly woman-hater Diogynes. Imprinted in the Lowcountryes for all such gentlewomen as are not altogether Idle nor yet well, OCUPYED. beauteous: to the all-Illustrious, and most puissant creatures of the Earth, women: William Goddard, sole desirer of th'increase of your bewtyes, and chief adorer of your goddess-like virtues, (with all reverence to your Angelical sex,) commends to your protection this harsh unlearned DIALOGUE. Stars of this earthly heaun, you whose essence Composed was of man's purest quyntessence, To you (to virtuous you) I dedicate This snaggy sprig, hewed from a crabby pat● Wherein (Celestiali beauties) you shall see, How old Diogynes extolleth ye. We men, do love to see ourselves up-raisd And jocund are, o hear our own selves praised But (oh you springs of Wisdom) I do find That is a thing most hateful to your kind. Yet old D●ogynes did see your worth, Such worth he saw, as needs heed paint it forth. Accept his love; for all the cynics deeds Out of true zeal unto your sex proceeds With reverent zeal, as high as th'azured skies Your virtuous deeds, the old man magnifies. Contrary wise, he with a bitter pen Invectivelie, doth write against bad men Comaunding them, that what so e'er they do, They always should example take by you. Bad are these men, such is their perverse kind They burn all books, wherein their faults they find And therefore (earthly angels) my desire Is you'll protect this, from consuming fire. The ever-faythfull honourer of your celestial Sex William Goddard. To the senseless Censurer. RAsh Reader▪ read my book, and when 'tis read Disdaynefullie through 't o'er thy muddy head Thy condemnations' peal a both sides ring: Rash men are privileged t'saie any thing And therefore (harebrain) read, criemewe dislike: My spleen swells not when fools with babbles strike. Pack hence precision: criest it is obscene? Dive deeper shallow pate: know what I mean know what I mean? alas! what hope have I? Since carpers' minds have but a poreblynd eye Yet to prevent thy censures thus much know Wholly this book was made, folly to show And he which lays open times abuse, and vice Are seldom blamed of men Indicious wise: At which I ay'md; and therefore duncepate hence Or look for lashes for thy rude offence. William G. A SATIRYCALL DIALOGUE OR A SHARPLYE-INVECTVIE CONFERENCE Between ALLEXANDER THE GREAT▪ and that truly woman-hater Diogynes. Allexander. WHy how now Cy●nick, what dust do a days That thou in tub art coop't-vp thus always? Diogynes. What do I do? not dance from house to house To bibb in wines sweet juice, each damned ●orrowse Nor do I gallop it from place to place To view each fair bewitching painted face Nor studdye how, this populous world to wynn My studdy's how, to beat and conquer sin I studdye not wherewith my guts to cramm On what so ere I feed, well pleased I am. To me's all one the fyn'st and grossest meat So't wholesome be, I near ear what I eat. With in myself's a world, and it is true I howrlie fight, all that world to subdue And these fell-fighters be the enemies, That rebell-like, against me daily rise Vain Pride (my chiefest foe) the leading hath Of these feirce-foes: loathed, drunkenues and Wrath With Averice, Sloathe, Gluttony, and Lust, Encounter hottlie every day I must To beat down these, I daily do devise: To this end, I use strentgh and policies: I study not, nor trouble I my wit How I by flattery should be favouritt Unto great Allexander. I would refuse To be that monarches self, If I might choose. Allexander. THou wouldst not; wouldst? Diogynes. I would by jove I vow Allexander. ALas (poor silly snake) why what art thou? Diogynes. WHat thou art not: I am an honest man And then (I hope) the more unlike thee than. I am no Courtier I, for once by chance I with an other man's fair wife did dance Yet Icie-vayned I (unsett a fire) Did freeze most coldly, in loves hot desire: I did indeed: but do you hear me hoe? Was e'er hott-blouded Courtier frozen so? I am no Lawyer I, for once there was A poor man prayed me undertake his case Quoth he, pray undertakt and you shall have your fee Though you sit dumb, and nothing speak for me. But I refused it I: yet hark you ho What Lawyer ere refused, and tempted so? I am no younger-brother, bravely sprighted For once a usring golden Ass (be nighted) Quite laden, with his full stu●t treasure gabs; By me that dreaming drudge, all fearless laggs Yet honest I (untempted with this sight) Though empty maud, at this bait would not bi●e Hence capering Courtier ask you who I am? Go, get you hence, s●udd quick from whence you came. Allexander. CYnnick you are to sharp did you but know me I am assured more reverence you would show me. Diogynes. How? I show reverence? noe, understand That Allexander gets none at my hand. Allexander. IN faith Diogynes thou haste not been, In all thy life, where any thing thoust seen. If thou'dst but travail and some fashions see, Thou'dst answer none, as now thou aunswerst me. Diogynes. Have I not travayld? ha? yes yes I trow, (Spruce fellow) thou haste never travailed so. Where I have been, there's few hath ever been But yet men say no wonders I have seen, Why once I saw, a rit●h-left heir to weep, When's old dadd took his everlasting sleep. Once did I see a beauteous maid ('tis strange!) Live twenty years, yet not that title change Once did I see a wife in mourning weed shed tears over her husband's course indeed I once did see a Citizen's fair wife Live at the Court, he leading else where's life And he (in's wit) no wiser than an ass Yet was he browed, more smooth than smoothest glass Once did I see a King gives foes the foil And gave his soldiers leave, to take the spoil And lastly once I was in such a Court Where 'bout the King, no flatterers did resort Where I have been, oh furelie none have been, Then why say you, no wonders I have seen? Allexander. WHy faith Diogynes me thinks these are, No● things (as thou wouldst make 'em) wondrous rare The like in every place and realm I see Th'●re common, man, they ordinary be. Diogynes. THose ordinary things? I faith sir no; These things, are th' ordinary things, I trow To see fair beauteous ladies now a days Refuse to take at once both prick, and praise Of both the i'll not accept, for still those men Which gives the one, shall other have agenn. The other things? why! those are wondrous rare These ●e the things that ordinary are ●o see how Lords shake-of their serving men And how their ladies take them on again Holding emin (unto their Lords unknown) To ride in private, with them up and down T'see mercer's ●ookes fild-up with courtiers names. To see your min●yng beauteous city dames Have always some one gallant of the court, (As knisman to them) to their house resort. To see, a plain kind man love none so much As he which gives his pate the cuckolds touch These; these are ordinary man: also This things is as much ordinary too To see your riteh old country squires to wed Their chamber maids unto their servaunts bed But first themselves to take the maidenhead Then place them in some cottage near at hand To have their service, ready at command. Thou saidst the first were ordinary things: Away away: why man to see on Kings How Danger plain, clothed smoothly-smiling Dangers Waiteth on them, attending like no stranger But like some smile, countenanced friend Only to give too's Prince, his fatal end: Thou'lt say perhaps, this is no common thing But thou'dst un say't again wert thou a King What things are common, and not common be, Thy shallow reach, cannot conceive I see. Allexander. Nay fie Diogynes infaith thou art, In thy conclusions still a dram, to tart I pray thee let me so prevail with thee As ride to Allexanders' court with me 'twill mend thee much, and I will undertake, The King shall bid thee welcome for my sake. Diogynes. Unto my Tub, let Allexander come I'm in a Palace, when I'm in this home Let those that list, unto thy King resort, 'tis not my list: what should I do at's court? Allexander. AS others do; in spending of smal● pelf, Thou mayst in time to honour raise thyself. Diogynes. I cannot fawn, my tongue too rusty is; I bashful am; I'm nothing boldly rude I rather choose Court delecates to miss Then with a brazen face myself ty'ntrude: In tub (coop't-vp) I will live ever mud And ever live upon sour garden woortes Ere I'll ' a flattr'er be, and follow cortes I cannot turn my tongue to praise and laud A soone-lambed prick-eared proud-feerce fiery steed I cannot Fyndalls full deep mouth applaud Nor swaere the greate-mans' grew hound hath best speed When he doth play the slowe-slugg cur● indeed Though some can do't, yet such is my sour kind I never could, though't gall's his swelled pust mind I cannot tell the great fool he is wise, Nor t●ll fowl ladies, they are wondrous fair I ne'er applaud above heauns-spangled skies The curld-worne tresses, of dead-borrowd hair Like Northern blast I breath my critic air: I am no Mimyck ape, I loath and hate, Each light-braind, giddy-head to Imytate I cannot brook, to suck the livings blood Of these old Vsrer's ritch-left prodigals I nourish not with such sweete-bitter food: I hate to rise by other men's down falls I know 'tis Ill though other think 'tis good Though some do think such pap all sweet to be Yet I do not; it poison proves to me. To make short work, I never loud ' vain sports And therefore I'm unfit for princes Courts? Allexander. DIogynes, thou art deceived quite In vanities Kings take the least delight I'll undertake none shall respected be (If thou wilt follow him) better than thee Come to the Court, and then in seeing him Thou also mayst, take view of ladies trymm Me thinks, he is too dull and sad of sprite That in a beauteous dame takes no delight. Why he that's married is in heaun all night. Diogynes. THere let him be, for I had rather dwell A thousand times, a single man in hell I am assured that there's no Devil can (Like to a wife) torment a married man. I'll none of them, I'm ever worse a year When once I do, a woman's tongue but hear It galls my guts when I a woman see I'll not once come, where such strange creatures be Come hold your tongue, and prate no more to me Allexander. Nay good Diogynes be not so quick I hope yet 'ere I die, see thee love sick Diogynes. lovesick? why I do love these women so As I'm so fond, I know not what to do Such is my love unto the female Kind As were I Empr'our of thine fernall lake But women, none with me should favour synd One man into my Kingdom I d'ye not take I'd ' send my servaunts out, to search and see To bring all women in the world to me. Allexander. Byth' mass Diogynes thou lov'st 'em well Wert thou the King and governor of hell Thou wouldst I see advance the women kind There is no want of will hadst to thy mind Wert thou (I see) the prince of that fair place Women, (only) with thee should be in grace I see thou'dst very carls be of men I see thou'dst women have, t'attend thee then. Diogynes. I that I would, and this they should be bold I'd careful be they should not freeze with cold Allexander. I faith Diogynes I doubt thoust ever Been privately a vild lascivious liver Or never haste been yet (I greatelie fear) Where any one fair virtuous creature wear. Diogynes. NOr near will look to be: I am too wise To think that virtue can remain in vice Allexander. WErt thou at Court, thou'dst alter then thy mind When women thou didst see, so wondrous kind Forsake this Tub, 'tis solliterie Ill And how to court fair ladies, learn the skill. Diogynes. Now, by the lustful fire, hot boiling veins▪ Of that same wanton great god jupiter I am vnskild in these speech-pleasing strains To court a wench when I come unto her I'm then an all-mute dumb and surly sir I cannot lisp, nor can I courtlike say, When I do women woe, I run my way. I cannot sing, nor can I turn my tongue To chaunte a Syren-charming quau'ring ditty When I these beauties chance to come among My lead-sade-sable looks must move their pity All what is in me then, is all unwitty I want these warbling notes to wynn their loves Nor can I pricksong set, which better moves I cannot music it, nor finger fine A sweete-cleare-throated, care-charme instrument I'm not posseste with such sweet parts devyne Whereby to cause, fair beauties merriment T'ynchaunt their ears nothing can I invent And well know I, that women take delight In these same instruments, both day and night I cannot dance, no● with my sprawling heels can I the ny'mble cutt-heele caper kick My sullen blood an other humour feels To woe a wench, I want the wanton trick I am a milksopp then, I then am sick Again, strenghes moisture in may veins is scant, Which women after dancing must not want. And therefore pry thee fellow let me rest Of all these worldly Courts, my Tubb's the best. Allexander. DIogines, my meaning is mistook I would not, that your Tub be quite forsook But for your recreation now and then You'd ' go too th' Court, from court t' your tub again. Mistake me not, it will for your good tend A wiseman always listen will too's friend. Diogynes. Nay would you would these complements forbear For courtiers freindshipps, I did never care Ye● should I choose a friend, a Courtier than I would make ●hoise-of, fore another man: By this example I will plainly prove That like to courtiers, none do truly love Like to apparel they do love their friend To what (like that) do they their loves extend: Like clothes they love their friends: why that is true Just like 'em, cause they near love clothes but new: Pack hence, for such love should I find of you. Allexander. Nay fie Diogynes you can (if list) Forbear to play this crabb-sowre satirist I pry thee Cynnick broach thy milder brain And let thy words run in a sweeter vain In others natures too too much you markst, Against their faults too rusty ●ond you barkst I do dislike it I, I pry thee cease Thou'dst gain more love, if thou didst hold thy peace: Turn courtier man, come, be thou politic wise He best wynns love, that best can sooth-up vice. Diogynes. THen I'll ' wynn hate: nor King nor Clown I'll ' spare If they with vices vennym poisoned are If with Pride's swelling tympany I find Their hearts are once puft-up; I'll speak my mind. Let's pate be crowned, with hundred thousand crowns Let cruel death, succeed his wrathful frowns Yet (if in him) loathed filthy sins I see He shall not (in them) sooth'd-vp-be, by me I cannot sooth; I am not that ways wi●e: Who liveth not in virtue, dies in vice. Allexander. THou sayst well Cynnick, for I hold this race Of oyld-tongued flatterers, to be dangerous base The cankered rust, doth not the Iron fret So fast as these, do in good natures eat The stately oak a longer time would live If to the Ivy, he no trust did give But as the Ivy ', 'bout the oak entwyndes To work his fall; so't fares with flatterers minds. But whether in discourse, shall our tongues walk? I came not here, of court affairs to talk I came to see, thy manner kind of life And t'ask thee, why thou getst thee not a wife. Faith get thee one, I would not lie alone If all the world could but afford me one. Diogynes. A wife? why for my life I cannot see How man, with woman, ever should agree When men go backward, and go down the wind It frets, cuts, galls, and greiveth sore the mind When women backward grow▪ and downward go Their spleens, with laughter tickles then I trow: Since their two natures, are so contrary I muse how tween them, can be sympathy A wife? oh fellow thou'rt a young man yet there's much sour sauce, belongs to that sweet bit: Who would be troubled with the yawling noise Of a harsh-whewling young child's whympring voice Again, to see 'em fligger, smile, and play Doth make me grieve as much an other way When they do simper, I do sigh; for than I mind the miseries, they'll see (ere men.) 'twould cut my heart to hear a babe cry dadd Oh give me meat: when 'tis not to be had He that doth wive, for pleasures sole intent 'tis ten to one, but soon he will repent. Who would be bound to scrape, pinch, cark, and care For brats, (perhaps) that got by others eaten? Not I: I'll ' none of this thing, called a wife Let him take one, that's weary of his life For he that always will supplies ' wives lack Must unto Nature go, for a steel back. A wife? I'll ha' no wife: such sprights will frown Unless they (ere a non) are coinurd ' down: Again my little Tub is too too small To hold my wife, myself, and whom she'll call It must not be a small house that can hold A silent man, joined with a shrill-tongud schold Now will her gossipps come; then pray now where Is room for them to chat, and make good cheer? And now her old-acquainted friend will come (Perhaps to see her, when I'm from my home) Then where's my galleree, for them to walk? Or any place for old friends secret talk? Some what perhaps they'd ' do, I should not see: Where have I chambers then for them to be? Not in my Tub my Tub ●ath nor the scope For her to gossiped, with her mates I hope. Yet though I have 〈◊〉 wife (with ho●● de●ire) My heart is flamed: burned am I with loves fire A love I have to whom I will be true Observe her parts, I will describe them you My loves pure white hath ne'er sustained a spot She's wise, ●ood, rich, fair, chaste, what is she not? Hlr eyes ¹, grace ², speech ³; hath ¹ fired, amazed ², ravished ³, My heart ¹, sense ², thoughts ³; with love ¹, wonder ², delight ³, But fired ¹, 'mazd ², sence-rest ³; I sought ¹, prayed ², and wished ³, To quench ¹, cure ², and heal ³; love ¹, sense ², and eyes3-dymd sight Thus eyes ¹, grace ², speech ³; hath fired ¹, amazed ², sence-charmd ³ My thoughts ¹, sense ², wits ³, with love ¹, with fear ², unarmed ³ Oh my love's fairly white without a spot Such is her hue no stain her hue can blot Virtue's that Dame in her sweet grace I sit 'Tis she loves me, she's'es woman's oppositt, Could I one headless lymb les corp les see To such a one would I betrothed be For had she near a head; no tongue shed have: Nor corpse; then I'd not dread the lechrous knave: Nor lymb; then should I never quivering stand Fearing my ears remembrance of her hand Of rope or hangman I was near afraid At no sight quake I but at wife or maid. Allexander. OH harsh-sowre, crabby Cyn●ick, still I see To gentle creatures thou wilt stubborn be If with a girl thou'st never slept a night Thy soul hath never tasted sweet delight. Such is the female sex, while wife or maid As of them, too much good, cannot be said Methinks the skipping blood (a Virgin's grace) Which trips lavaltoes in each maidens face When men's fowl tongues, o'erflows with ribaldery Should make thee love maids, for their modesty. Diogynes. maidens modest? what is this modesty? ●f 'tis in them, it is a vice say I Virtue in women is as cold as Ice: Nothing is warm in them unlest be vice. Thou art a dunce, thou haste no reatche I see Why Maids at all times can feign modesty. they'll ' blush as oft while they live single lives As they will weep, when they be married wives: If 'twas my list, I could a thousand name That would (if men talk Ill) blush at the same Y●t thy themselves, their tongues shall nimbly walk Whole nights together, all in too-broad talk. Allexander. THou wrong'st 'em sore: I do not think it I That maidens tongues, will trip Immodestlie. Diogynes. THou dost not, dost? I prithee think so still: I think thy wit is like a woman's will But what thou dost not think, I truly know: What I have said of maids men shall find ●oe I fellow, fellow, till their by thems●lu●s Maids in talk are modest bashful elves But being from the company of men The laws of modesty is broken then. 'twas not long since I stood to maidens near But Lord! thou'lt near believe what I did hear For only that same wench esteemed ' was well Which could the ribauldst dream, relate and tell: I could relate all what they did relate But that my tongues, disvsed to such like prate 'Tis vild obscene; speak young man will't you have't? Allexander. COme, out with't Cynnick, I know thy delight ●s, all in all to work fair woomen spite. DIOGENES RELATES the three wanton Sisters wanton dreams. Diogynes. O Yet the fire, once three maidens sat ●nknowne to them, I over heard their chat Each with her tuckt-up clothes, in pleasing plight (Pleasing I mean unto fond young men's sight) Satt o'er the fire, so, as one might see, From sl●nder foot, to round white nimble knee As thus they sat, I'm sure thou dost think what (When maids with maidens be) willbe their chat Girls (quoth the eldest sister) what shall's do? Smal'es' my desire, unto my bed to go Fo● yet, I never in my couch could find A sportive mate to please my maiden mind Alas, alas, what pleasure and delight Takes one maid with an other in the night? But small god knows it, for my own part I ne'er took any with whom Ie're did lie. For love, no revels in that bed doth keep Where one girl, by an others side doth sleep. ●or truly (sisters) there is none that can Give maids delight in bed, but a young man And but in dream (the more unhappy I) I ne'er with such a beddfellowe could lie But yet in dream (oh matchless sweet delights!) I've line, and line, with one whole winters nights The greater grief (you'll say) 'twas to my mind When I did wake, and myself single find. Oh girls it was! but sisters I do see, It is with eu'rye maid as 'tis with me. Such are our dreams, as we do laugh in sleep But when we wake again, oh then we weep. But what shalls ' do? we'll not so soon to bud lets rather tell, how ne'er we have been sped. Our merry'st dreams come le●t us now relate Girls got with girls, their minds may freely prate What though weare maids? here are no men to hear us Freely we use to chat, when theyare not nereus weare by ourselves: what ere we talk, is well Come let's draw lots, which first her dream shall tell. At which the youngest, blushing like a rose Being assigned by lot, first to disclose Begynns to tell how to her souls delight Her senses ravished ' were, the other night. THE YOUNGEST Sisters dream. QOth she, on beds soft down down did I lie And smudged doowne close, to have sleep close each eye But ere 'twould be, I entered in a muse (I such a muse as all we maidens use) I mused (me thought) if there were sweeter bliss For maids, then't lie with men, to clip and kiss Me thought, I thought (this thought fetched out a groan) It was a hell to lie, all night alone. At which I sight, and turning me I wept Desiring, what I know not, till I slept In which my sleep (oh fancies sweet delight?) Appeared a youth (Pheobus was much less bright) Gold were his locks, fiery sparkles were his eyen His brows, cheeks, and chynn were as lovely fine I''ns shirt was he, a shirt so fine I wynn As one might see, what was tween shirt and skynn His snow-white arms, inlaid with azurd vain (Mixed with crimson dye) one might see plain His full-broade manly some-what-downye chest Dale-like indented tween two mounting breasts; On which two pretty fruitless teatlinges grew: Not milky sweet, sweet only for the veawe. I saw's soft slender waste; and sisters well nigh I fawe what grew beneath his plump-round belly: All what I saw (sweet wench's) I would tell ye But that sweet love conjures me (here's ' the spite) Not to describe, man's sweetly-sportive sprite: Oh sweets the dream, which yieldeth such delight! But come girls come; (fie whether do I roam?) Me thinks bu● coldly I tooth purpose come: To me he came, and kissed me too; when I Me thought did fain, I did a sleeping lie Me thought, I let him kiss and kiss agenn And ●ouche me too (maids may be touched by men.) I sisters, faith (me thinks) that maide's unwise That will in private, to her l●ue be nice Two faithful lovers cannot sin I ween So what they do, by others is not seen. Now would the wag, be stroking of my face And now my paps, anon another place Delighting of himself, sisters you can (Better than I) tell what best likes a man But fayth-la girls, I cannot choose but smile I lay, as if I soundly slept the while Permitting him to please the appetite Of his too too-fond, youth-last-burning sight Feigning, I soundest slept, whe● he did steal To unhill that which maids should cheifst conceal But, when as he'd have come into my bed The fear I had to lose my maidenhead Awaked me: Quoth tother sisters, what? I hope we maidens lest of al●feare that Believe me (quoth the elder girl) should I With my sweetheart, on my wedding-night lie And find him drowsy dull, like heavy lead Hunting but coldli● for a maidenhead: 'twould kill my tender heart: 'twould murder me The blushing morn I near should live to see Oh I should fill the room with groans: in morn With looks dejected I should seem forlorn. But when you waked (quoth she) cha●t you not then Oh Noah! in that case maids near chafe with men Though we seem angry, at there boldest parts Yet seldom comes, our anger from our hearts For in loves sport (this is our sex's wile) We'el seem to frown when most of all we smile Yet sister's faith (quoth she) me thought I wept When I did wake, cause I no longerslept For trath-la girls such pleasure in't took I As in like dream, 'twould near grieve me to die Had I a world, I'd giut to learn the skill How I should sleep and dream so at my will Had I that art, that matchless pleasing slight Few days I'd have, each day I'd turn to night: Lie down I would, lulling myself a sleep, Bidding my soul delightful revels keep: Sild would I wake, but always by my will I'd sleep, and dream, and be embracing still. Now second sister wake, I pray (quoth she) And in your last nights dream come second me. THE SECOND SIsters dream. THe second sister some what modest bold Replied; my dream partly by you is told Before you slept, me thought, I heard you say You in sweet musinge, did a long time lay You mu●ing sighed, and sighed till sleep did steal Upon your maiden eyes, their lids to seal At length you slept and dreamt you saw your love (A dream indeed, which much us maids do move) You kissed with him but when he'd with you lie That made you w●ke, and out the bed to fly But so (me thought) sweet sister did not I For I (me thought) did think it was noesym To let a youth between my sheets leap in But yet for fashion's sake oft thus I the cry Pray get you ●ence, seek some where else to lie Yet this repulse should still so faintly come As it should fiercer whet him on for room For coldly, to deny loves sweet delight Spurs to a gallop, thefeirce appetite. And sisters well you know, we maids do hold Those young men weak which hunt loves chase but cold What is it to cry, fie, or pray now hence? Why to a resolute mind, that kind of fence Too open lies: oh! men are desperate foes Upon advantage, they'll come in, and close, I'd ne'er cry, fie away, nor utter this But I would closely hug to him and kiss. Begun, surcease, y'are rude, forbear I pray Of times such words, I've gone about to say But ere those cruel words, could have their birth Tha'ue smoth'erd bynn, and all has turned to mirth Wags well know how, to quench our anger's flame Sweet kisses, at first kindling, damp the same For (sisters) Love, his scholars this doth teach We join should lips, to seal our lipp's from speech And so it fared with us; speechless we lay Giving to pleasures sweetened stream free way So long (me thought) we dallied in the bed As almost I had lost my maidenhead But (girls) I curse Dreams false deluding guile As I was losing it, I waked the while Oh girls! oh girls! who knows what I did miss, For I awaked, in midst of sweetest bliss If ever maid, touched Nectar with her lip Then I (in dream) of that sweet juice did sipp But oh I waked! oh then (awaked) my spite For being ' waked, a sleep fell all delight Now eldest sister you must wake (quoth she) Your turn's to tell, the next dream after me And reason to the eldest sister said Else let on me, some for feature be laid But, I must tell ●e dreams you have told twice Unless I should, some feigned dream devise Were here more than five hundred maids: yet each Of us, should in one text and lesson preach For all we maids do dream alike a nights Then to our eyes appeareth pleasing sights And then a smack we taste of loves delights, Oh that Dame Nature, would but hear my suit Then should our maiden bodies, bear no fruit. Or would it were no scandal to our lives To have our paps give suck, ere married wives: If with that pleasing grant, we maids were blest Then sooner would we yield to loves request For a my faith girls were it not for fear To be with child, I'd ne'er deny my Dear Oh then these false dreams fond deluding sights Weed ne'er care for: we'ed taste loves tr'ust delights More than ten thousand times, Ive thought to pine This mallenchollie sullen corpses of mine For sild (alas) we maids can taste sweet love But our own bellies, do the tell-tales prove With ●ullen puft-up pride aloud they read; Proclaiming publicly our private deed Happy are wives, for they are near afraid Of that which terryfyeth most a maid, They may have boys and girls, and boys again: They may with husbands lie, and other men; Yet nothing noted; but alas poor we Sild dare do aught, but what the world may see, Each thing, itself against us doth oppose All things are blabs, our secrets to disclose For sild we reap loves pleasure in the night But envious day (to'ur shames) brings it to light Showing too plain, at what game we have been Making our sweetly stolen pleasures seen. Oh were it not for dreams, I wonder I How we in bed a nights could brook to lie But come, let these things pass; either of you Your dreams have told: my dream beginneth now THE ELDEST SIsters dream. OH (sisters) know you, to my ravished sight My love with's amber locks appeared last night Bold boy boldly he came as feared of nought, Showing in what school he his skill was taught Scar●e speaking aught at all ●f ought 'twas this Where's my Girl? smothering that too with a kiss Nor with this kissing spent he all the night ●utt (girls) our pastime yielded more delight I dreamt it did do so, for you must know I did but only dream, it did do so: To loves embracementes, we (me thought) fell then But loves sweet game is coldly chaste by men. Yet our sex, works loves labour, eu'rye day With minds, as willing, as men go to play I girls I girls, I speak't in heat of blood Men too toosoone are ty'rd, with doying good But oh dear girlis (such is our sex's kind) One man may please us all, except our mind For if one man content one woman can Then, why should it not be this youthful man? His veins were full, so strong a backhee had As Herculis to him was but a lad If youth and strength 'tis, quencheth woman's fire Than 'twas in him, as much as I'd desire But 'tis not Oceans of that liquid stuff Which lies in youthfulst men that is enough To quench the minds outrageous frying flame; For that once ty'nd age only damps the same Many a woman till she hath tried two Distasteth all, her first sweetehart doth do From whence pray comss that Lust, that s●wre-sweet smart? Oh th' ead of that same springs, a devilish heart. But whether from my text am I vow fled My dream was this, I lost my maidenhead To that let me return: oh 'tis delight Unto us maids, to think but on that night. Him t'weene my arms one while I did enfold Another while, he me, between his would hold. Entwindinge legs (me thought) with me he lay While I, withhis curledl●cks, did sport and play So long played we as sisters-well I wisse Our sports extended further than to kiss So long I kissed, so long on's looks I fed As sure in dream I lost my maidenhead▪ But (sisters) was it in my power to choose Then such a loss I'd every minute loose For when we maids do lose our maiden treasure Oh by that loss we wynn a world of pleasure Faith Girls, Maids cannot think what sweet delight Two lovers take which war in loves fierce fight: To them loath som's the day, over the night But now I sigh, now do I grieve to think That, that night my eyelids did ever wink For when I waked (oh dreams! oh dreams y'are thieves And missed my love, judge then (girls) of my grieves Oh had I had ten worlds I would have than Gev'n all those worlds (sweet girls) for halfa a man Men stuffs their chests as full as they can hold With cramb'd-trust bags of aungell-winged gold: But what to do? for sooth to by this land: Oh would I had that dust of Tagus' strand I'd not buy land or houses with it I For other merchandise I'd make it fly: Had I such laden trunks this Ide do than For enry night i'th' year I'd buy a man For, sisters, I may speak to you my mind When I awaked, and looked my love to find Feeling for's neck to clasp that neck of his For's ruddy lip, hoping that lip to kiss For's wanton leg, for mine with that t'yntwind And sisters for— oh girls you know my mind When for these lovely things I searched to see Du● could not find, where those sweet things might be With bitter passion, I burst out and cried wishing, with in my mothers womhe I'd died Oh sisters! oh sweet sisters, than did I Wish, fatal Death attach me instauntlie. Now did I stare about; now did I call But when no answer I could hear at all Up in my smock I rose and searched each place (Oh girls extremes our sex in loves sweet case) Groping behind each trunk, feeling under bed Me thought for him which had my maidenhead And oft I'd cry sweet wag, thyself disclose▪ For I've another maidenhead to lose But when no answer I could hear, oh then Weeping, I sighed and went to bed again Wher'e one while tumbling that way; other this: Now should I sigh; now my poor pillow kissi Entwinding it between my arms embrace I'd hug g't as if my dear duck were in place Feigning (in that my frying passions flame) I hottlie chaste loves sweetst delightful game But when I found my sense deluded so My passions heat, to coldness than did grow For myssing him I grew more cold than stone; Ohed pains my heart to telled; come let's be gone. So up they rose, but ere they went I rushed From where I stood, at which the wantoness blushed. Now sir I hope you see what modest chat Young maids will have when by themselves their got. Graves swallow them: were all dead I'd be glad The best of wives, or maids, are worse than bad. Allexander. COme, come Diogenes, although those three In private mirth exceeded modesty Yet you do Ill t'accuse so gennerall; 'Cause one is bad therefore must they be all? In so concluding, very Ill you do No man so gen'rallie, concludes but you▪ Diogynes. ANd by your leave sir I'll conclude so still Where one of them is good ten thowsands Ill What I have said, I will re-saie again Were't not for them, oh blessed were we men Into us men, they eat as rust and moths Eats into Iron, and the finest clothes Thou seest this riv'led hollowe-eyd face of mine Thou'dst little think it has been dect-up fine, And tricklie trym'd-vp in a woman's guise Only to dive into their knaveries But dust thou hear (I speak it to their praise) I have a married wife been in my days At least wise like one, for th'e●le yet confess They once took old Diogenes for no less: No butned doublet, on my back I bo●e A gown down to my heels (wif-like) I wore And such attire, this head of mine did bear As married wives in those days used to wear Then to my chynn, no briflye hairs were known Nay'thad not entertained any down But 'twas so soft, so slee●, as each man said When I passed by, there goes a wife o● maid: My curled locks, hang in a careless guise With which the wind did play in wanton wise Like to a wanton, I was trymlie dressed But why I was so, there consists the jest. Allexander. WHy wast thou so? I pry thee Cynnick tell: Till thou hast told it, I shall near be well. Diogenes. WHy then be Ill: in sooth 'tis not my list To make thee laugh: for I'm a Satirist: Again thy company, I do brook so Ill As I would have thee gone, had I my will Allexander. WHy tell't me then, and instantly shalt see I will depart, and get me hence from thee. Diogynes. ON that condition I will telled: why know This was the cause I went disguised so The Dames of Athens merry wenches be And unto meetings giv'n-are much you see To gossiped with them, I did long time long To hear the verdict of each woman's tongue For well knew I when wives are got with wives There's trials to be heard, of husband's lives False accusations, cruel judgements then, (Vnmercy fully) pass upon poor men To hear all which (tooth hazard of my life) I took on me, the habit of a wife: And well I woman it when I did walk But when at table, I were set to talk Then did my tongue betray me; for I trow It proved a jade in pace; 'twas dull and slow: I mumping sat: I could not for my life Make my tongue gallopp, like a married wife 'twas cause I lacked their art to spur it up Ever anon with a full sugerd ' cup. Yet wiud I it the best that I could do And now and then railed on my husband too: But mark me now; now to my tale I go. The Cynnycks description of the manner of women's gossypping. AS at our meat we sat 'twas hard to know Whether our teeth or tongues, did fastest go. At tables upper end in chiefest place Satt madam, Will, in reeling drunken case Light in attire she was, she's women's god They her true subjects be: but she's'es man's rod Nothing by Will, at any time is said But is by wives, and widows still obeyed. Wills Oration. SVbiectes quoth madam Will I here am set Not alltogeather, to see how you eat Nor came I wholly to participate, With this your freelie-spoken merry prate But chiefly why amongst you now I come Is to know how each wife, fares in her home How by her husband she is daily used Whether she's'es well-entreated, or abused, Therefore if any of you suffer grief Know't I am Will, and will yield you relief Be bold to speak, I am the wives delight And ever was, and willbe th'usbandes spite I'll sut as judge upon these wicked men Do you accuse, and I'll guy sentence then. The old wives complaint against her young husband. AT which old Crona with her redd-bleare eyes From of the stool she sat did straytewayes rise And out aloud, to Will, for justice cries. Quothe she, mysou'raygne Queen 'tis not with tongue I able am t'expres my dayelie wrong. Three husbands have I had; two old in truth But they the cropping had, of my green youth In lieu of which (to thin'k on't now I'm sad) They left me all the goods and gold they had. With cattle sto'rd-was all my pasture grounds With fine would bleating sheep 〈…〉 downs Crambd'was my barns, my chest with in't did hold Many a Prince's picture in puere gold and while they lived, that thing was wondrous scant That Crona ever did speake-for and want: Then in wealths pleasures I did swymm and float But out alas that e'er old fools should dote For since their deaths (oh Queen I speak't ' with ruth?) Fond-foolish I set my love on a youth Making him master and possessor quite (In hope heed ' do to me all true loves right) Of all the golden goods I were possessed And left-with by their souls, which now do res●e But (ay me Caitiff) never wretched I Until this time knew, what was misery Oh now I find, this is the sweeter life To be an old man's nurse, than a youth's wife For ' s love I wedded him, but he above Doth only know, who doth enjoy his love My bed he loathes; he never gives me kiss But he cries, wife, reward my leave for this For if young men old wives one kiss affords 'tis for the love th'ave, to their golden hordes, Without I buy his love, he'll lie all night In sullen wise, and discontented plight Not once so much as turning unto me Unless a golden lure, his eyes doth see. And now greats gods Will, for loves intent So long I bribed him have, as all is spent And I am castof, wherefore let me crave That 'gainst him, public sentence I may have At which same periodd, all the wittles rout In her behalf unto dame Will cried ' out. Dame Will's Sentence. SVbiect quoth Will, well has thy fluent tongue Expressed with passion thy too great a wrong The sentence I pronounce against that wight Is this; thou shalt torment him day and night With that same poisoned instrument of thine I mean thy tongue: then shalt-thou se, in fine How despratelye, to hang himself he'ele gadd Or else, how soon he will prove braint-sick mad My seutence is at no time thou shalt rest, But with thy tongue torment him still thy best. Infeilde, in bed, at board, in each place still I'd have thee stying him with thy bitter'st skill Call him up start, base scumm, the worst of worst; Ask him who made him, and who raised him first? Tell him, ere thou mettst with him he did lack Shoes for's feet, hose for's legs, and clothes for's back Such peals at all times ring thou in his ear It is my sentence; do't, and do not fear To do that hest, away did Crona trudge Praising dame Will, for a most upright judge. The young wife's complaint against her ieolous headed old husband. THat wrinckle-faced drudge, no sooner gone But in her place strait flept-up such a one As matchless was in beauties pleasing grace; One, who excelled, loves mother in the face Men call her Youtha: oh-greate queen quoth she Since woman's wrongs thou rightst ', then right thou me My covetous parents (not to Nature's kind) Unto an old man matched me, ' gainste my mind Forty such men, unable are to quench The fiery flames tyned in a lustful wench. When burning Lust with's violent scorching fire Hath singed my heart with passions fierce desire Then in loves chase I hunt, for in loves game Remaineth that which quencheth Lust's hot flame. But, tween an old man's arms what's there to quench? Still flares the flames, ty'nd in a youthful wench. Yet if that shiu'ring coldness heat allays; Then that in old men, shall we find always As we are extreme hot, so still are they Extreme in that same cold extremytee But loves fierce fire with fire must quenched be; ‛ els still the more it burns: so't fares with me. For alas, when lust hath heat me, I can find His cold embrace, nòe quencher of my mind My parents might have matched me to one dead, As well as to a sapples old man's bed: I can small difference make: for men one old Like dead men lay: oh theyare corruptly cold. Rug'd-wrinckled is his face: his head in show Seems like a hillock, held with milk white snow His humours heavier, then sad massy lead His legs like Icicles do warm my bed No sign of heat, is in this aged fire ‛ Les in his nose, but that resembles fire. What shall I say, there's none, that doth him see But says the picture of cold winte'rs he Yet I (oh most unequal match!) alas Enforced to wed, with this cold dotard was With whom (great Queen) I such a life do lead As I each minute, wish myself were dead. So hath his aged disabillitie Possessed him, with this fiend jeolosie As I can no ways, go from sight ofs ' eyes But straitewaies after me, he sends his spies Nor can I talk with any, but in's head A riseth some conceit, I'll wrong his bed. Let but atrech'rous door in night once creak Then strait he doubts, there's some with me would speak Confrence with nearest knin, he'll not allow, Fearing we plot, to break our weddlock vow Which god he knows (great Queen) my spotless mind That ways as yet, hath never been inclined Smile I, or weep I, all is one; for he Of whaed so ere I do, will ieolous be If I do smile, then says he strait I've had Sport with my love; 'tis that, makes me so glad If I am sad; then doth he say he knows The spring from whence my mallanchollie flows Up braydinge me, I'm only sad for this Because my love, of his set how're did miss Such is a grisly old man's, fair wives ' state As ieolous-headed he will deem she'el have't Though over her he sets a thousand spies, And eu'rye spy, an Argus is, for's eyes: Therefore, since (causeless) he doth wrong me so Teach me revenge against this loathed foe. Give sentence (Queen) what shall be done by me Against him in revenge ofs ' ieolosee. Dame Will's sentence in the young wife's behalf against her old husband. YOutha quoth madam Will, with great regard Have I, this thy sad information heard And do bewail the same; but I'll ' have thee Plague thy old husband, for his jeolosee. Yet jeolous-headed men no plagves do need For in themselves, sufficient plagues do breed For look in what place, jealousy doth dwell There are the torments, of an earthly hell. Yet since for nought, he doubts so fair a dame Thus shalt thou sting and torture him, forth ' same. In secret wise, I'll have: he stain his bed, And graft fair guilded horns, on's silvered head Such glorious sprigs so well in no place grows As in the riv'led furrows of an old man's brows. Thou art a woman, therefore canst not want At all times skill, such sets and grafts, to plant My sentence is thou shalt him so beguiled As make him think his father to that child Which thou thyself know'st not who it begot Together goods for whom, shall th'old drudgis trot Not sparing night nor day, till's life be done How to scrape wealth, to give another's son And cause thy parents, forced thee to his bed Thus will I have thy parents punished. Thou shalt, unto their scarlet blushing shame, Bespott them with the spots, of thy stained name Soiling thy wedding sheets, fair I'vry white With fowl black spots, of salt lusts loathed delight Beauteous youtha my sentence now is done See that on them the'res execution. The gossiping wives complaint against her rich churlish husband. THis sentence given, the whole route●gann to rise But pert-quicke-tongued Gossippa (whose eyes Contained of brymishe tears a crystal fluude) Starts-upp, and prays Dame Will, to her be good. Of all thy loving subjects I (quoth she) Have ever yet been found faithfulst to thee And therefore my good Queen, let me acquaint Thy gentle ears with one petition plaint. Two things I love; two usual things they are The first, newe-fashiond clothes, I love to wear New tires, new ruffs; I, and new gesture too: In all new fashions, I do love to go: The second thing I love, is this I ween To ride about to have those new clothes seen At eu'rye gossiping I am at still And ever willbe, may I have my will For at on's own house, pray, who is't cannsee How fine in new found, fash'ond tires we be? Unless our husbands; faith; but very few And who'd go gay, to please a husbands view? Alas we wives do take but small delight If none (besides our husbands) se'es that sight. It joys our hearts, to hear an other man P●aise this or that attire, that we wear on We jocund are, and think ourselves much graced If we hear one say, fair wench, faith in waste This straight-girt gown, becomes you passing well From other Tailors, yours do bear the bell: Oh he that well can actt-out such sweet parts Throwes-up the sure which wynns our very hearts When we are stubbornest, then let men with skill Rubb'es well with th'oil of praise and bend we will That smoothe-fyne supple oil doth soften us foe As what ist than we will not yield unto? Meetings and bravery were my delight: Those were the two: but (great queen) he'res the spite Without great store of wealth, be daily gained Of all delights, those are the worst maintained And therefore I did always plot in mind How a wealthy, rich husband, out to find And one I've got: but such a churl is he As scarce a penny will bestow on me And that shall never come, but (fore, I hate) The miserable clown, will scratch his pate Always demanding what with't, I will do And then comes out, here's such a stir with you. A man had better tidd-be of his life Then clogged with such a fydling foolish wife Such are his taunts, when I demand him aught As what I get from him is dearly bought. I cannot grosslie feed, for I in sooth Have a tender maw, and a dainty tooth These beeves and muttons, are but homely fare My appetite doth thirste-for what's most rare: Had I unto my mind, than I would eat Still of the finest pallat-pleasing meat But fie on h●gges! oh! there is none lives, lives So straunglie hateful as these rich churls wives For if I cannot gnaw, a hard dry crust Many a day, faste-out the time I must. just like to Tantalus it fares with me For what I hunger-for I always see. All what against him I d'ye to say, I've said Now queen I do ymplore thy counsels aid. I cannot gossipp it nor can go trymm 'Cause I want art, to work coin out from him. Tattling Gossippa here-at holds her tongue With praying madam Will to right her wrong. Silence being made, thus dame Will replies. Wills sentence upon the rich churl SVbiect quoth she I've heard thy Injuries And if they all he true which I did hear Then are they too too much for thee to bear For to us women these things are most Ill T'abate our prides, and to restrain our will If he be rich; his harness are full of grain Where he one bushel sells, sell thou still twain His swine, sheep, geese, hens, ducks, do thou convey I, sell his very shirts but go thou gay, Of all men, he vnworthy'st is of life That will not last of all mistrust his wife. A nights, fail not but pick the churls stuffed purse If he doth swore, I hope thy tongue can curse But if his barns, purse, yard, and all do fail Then to th'old use put thou thy nimble tail Let that work for thee; for by that same way there's many a woman makes herself gay That way thou mayst the supple satins ware That way thou mayst feed on thee daintiest fare If no way else thou canst make thyself trymm Then that way, 'tis my will, thou punish him who'd sweat and toil for this same golden treasure When one may get it, with the sweetest pleasure Thou know'st my mind; Gossippa, do it then: Fare wenches cannot want, while there are men. Diogynes makes himself known. AT th'end of which same sentence, all arose Where at myself to them I did disclose But ere I did it, I did get to'oth door For had they caught me, they'd have used me sore: To hold me, eu'rye woman out did cry But being out their reach away ran I: Glad that I'd seen and heard their knavery Now sir, I've justly told, for what intent I like a woman amongst women went If you on their behalfs have aught to say Sait'e some where else, or get you hence away Allexander. TO what thou'st ' said, small credit I can give For I shall never made-be to believe That creatures half divine for glorious beauty Should so respectless be to man in duty. Things eu'rye way so perfect fair in show In virtues fully perfect, are I know. Diogynes. THou know'st it; dost? away, thou art an else What canst thou know, that knowest not thyself The golden-skaled snake's, a lovely thing Had not that glorious worm, a poisoned sting Of maids and wives no barrel better be Would God made none, but what were spoke of me. Allexander. WHy prithee speak; how many wouldst have then? Diogenes. FOr one half girl, ten hundred thousand men. Allexander. Now fie upon thee ●ynnick, why dost bite And set so pure a thing, as woman light? I am a shamed ' of thee; do what I can, I cannot think, thou art a perfect man I do believe that thou at no time haste That manly hear, which causeth man to waste Thou art no man; for wert a man. I'm sure A woman's company thou couldst endure. But say, thou wert en forced upon thy life To take thee to some one to be thy wife What kind of woman-creature wouldst thou choose If it were so thou might'st ' it not refuse. Diogynes. BY hanging, I'd choose rather end my life Then I'd a woman have, to be my wife But were it so, that one I needs must have And that I had no way, myself to save Then all the world I'd ' seek, but I would find A woman for my wife, dumb, deaf, and blind Besides; if I could possibly prevail I'd seek the world for one, without a tail Most men in body wasted are by wives But such I' me sure, would prove restoritives. Allexander. FIe man; why what in women dost thou see That they so much, distasteful are to thee. Diogynes. No more than thou mayst see, if thouart not blind Why most of them huge giants are for mind Pride keeps her fair in each fair wantoness face And Lust keeps in their 〈…〉 market place Revengeful Wrath their furious tongues doth sway. From labour, drowsy Sloth their hands doth stay In syns' sweete-poysned juice drunken they'll be And Envy others, drunken so to see What see I not in them? they are the Inns Wherein doth lodge those monstrous murdering sins. Allexander. FIe Cynnick, thou dost blow too bitter air On tender blossoms, which are sweetly fair. Diogynes. IF she be fair, and a sharp-witted one And honest too; a Phoenix she's'es alone. Who hath ten Herculesses strengths in's loins And with a fair sharp-witted wanton join Shall be assured the horn, on's brow to find: who'll quench a wantoness lust must quench the mind; theyare proud; each wench would be an Allexander And by her will, over a world commander. But if not proud, nor lustfullie inclined Then either fool, or scold, of her shalt find. Either of them, man's patience so would alter As they would make him strait make use ath halter, They are all nought, I cannot brook 'em I ●ould I were Dea●e, than women all should die Allexander. Nay fie Cynnick thou railst too gennerall Thou must not for some few condemn 'em all, Thou talk'st, as if thou wert no woman's son I would thou'dst travailed, but as I have done: Although th' Athenians giun are to their will And live a life displeasing (hateful ill) Yet since my travail, (whe●● I have been) Abundance virtuous 〈◊〉 I have seen. Diogynes. OH you're a travaylier; pray are you so? Where you have been, black swans you have seen too Good travailer the hearing I will give you But you shall give me leave not to believe you Women are naught: I'll talk no more with thee And therefore nought, because women they be. Allexander. OH strange! if Allexander heard but thee For women's sakes (I'm sure) thou'dst punnisht be. Diogynes. Go telled ' him go; I do as little care For him as thee; let both do what you dare. Tell me of him? I fear him not a fly: I dread not might: Diogynes am I: he's but a man; I'll ne'er fa●ne for man's grace What I have said, I'll boldly say too's face And were't, he were as bad as women be I'd bite the monnark to his face, shouldst see. Allexander. HE knows thou wouldst in that I know the 〈◊〉 For I am he: for this cause here I came To hear thy witty bluntness, and to see Whether thy sayings and thy deeds agree, Come Cynnick burn this tub and follow me And unto noble titles, Il●raise thee. Diogynes. THou wilt: but I will not: none can raise me; I'm in my tub as great a King as th●e. Who holds the world and its vain trash for flight He truly conquers it, give him his right: And so do I: therefore huge Allexander I hold myself (ath twain) the greatest commander I will not beg to rule and govern lands Only thy absence, I'll beg at thy hands. I prithee pack thee hence and get thee gone The company still is best, where is but one. Go seek thee out an other world to wynn And put the women of this world therein But let that world be far enough; and then Learning and virtue will increase with men nought else I have to beg, grant but this suit Then henceforth ever, shall my tongue rest mute. FINIS. YOu choyceste creatures, (you which god did take From-out man's selfmen comforter to make) Discomfort not yourselves nor be dismayed At what a dogged Cynnick here hath said What though sowre-churlishe-he (too currish blind) Hath barked too broadly gainste your gentle kind Yet little doth such clouds keep from our sights Your shynninge virtues; this worlds splendanntst lights happily his galley ve●aym'd speech proceeds As grounded byself-doyinge divelishe deeds. Dead is the dog, I hope and for your sex The spirritts doth his spirritt hottlye vex. Excuse my work, it paints the Cynnick forth And to the wise it nothing stains your worth. FINIS. A MORAL SATIRE, Entitled the Owls arraignment. WHen fowls could talk with reason like to men This accident amongst 'em happened then: Before the Prince of fowls the Owl was brought To answer why she did things lawless nought: Her adversaries were the bat the thrush With others more: who night ' lie in the bush She ay her scared with screeking fearful cries Or suddenly (ere wake) did them surprise: Wherefore they apprehending her did crave That they against her might just justice have. Great Prince quoth they to death put thou this Owl She is a vildly living wicked fowl: Unfit to live: all day she sleeps; a nights Small birds she kills; the best and greatest she frights Breaking our quiet sleep with the fell noise Of manlike lure and yauling-whooping voice And therefore sovereign Prince we all do crave Since she deserveth death, death she may have. The Eagle sternlie mild put them a side Commanding silens thus the Eagle cried Come forward Owl and free thy heart from fear Speak freely bird true justice I do here Before my sword of justice Death doth strike Th' accuser, and th' accused I hear alike Bribes nor affection makes my clear eyes blind And therefore freely fearless speak thy mind When th'owl did hear this mild speech of her Lord Couradg she took in gesture and in word Cheering herself, she thus tooth Eagle cries Impartial justice comes from Majesties And since your highness doth thus deign to hear My cause yourself; my cause I little fear For what need I quoth she dread any thing Being my cause is heard before my King. Let murderers quake when, justice shakes her rod The just near fears the judgement of Just god No more will I since freely plead I must (In guiltless cause) before a King so just Two accusations are against me ●ayde To be a murderer is the first I'm said The second is that I in silent night With manlike voice small birds and fowls affright Great Prince I both confess; but first I'll show The cause and reason which makes me skreek so A nights I hollowing whoop and wondering cry But gracious Prince this is the reason why In each place I do see proud babels built With cloude-braving turretts daubd-o're with gu●●t With in those babels I do peep to spy The princely presence of your majesty But when in steed of you (on bed of straw) I see that tattling bird, the jack-adawe With admiration then away I fly Then lo ho ho then woe ho ho cry I. Sometimes I daringlie presume to peep With in your Court when all your courtiers sleep Where when I see the prating parratt graced And birds of better worth for him displaced Or when I see the plumy peacocks pride To strive to lie by's sovereign Prince's side And see the valiant Cock with swains to live That sight much wonder to my eyes doth give With admiration then away I fly Then lo ho ho then woe ho ho cry I Sometimes I fly o'er Neptune's glassy soil To view the slips of our set-girt-in Isle But 〈…〉 they he How like they are tooth winter-shaken tree And how from them all brave sea birds are fled Then like a malcontent I hang down head With admiration then away I fly Then lo ho ho then woe ho ho cry I Sometimes o'er sto'nd-paud Cities I take flight Where to my night-cleard eyes admired sight I see the Cuccoe build in house his neaste Which ere was wont to be Silvanus guest: Basely brooking each cock-sparrows rivalrye Sufferings mate for trash to bathe in brothelry A nights such sights presented to my eye Makes me with wonder woe ho ho to cry. This is the cause great Prince why in the night I wonder so: now where they do indight Me for a murderer: your grace shall find I'm least of all your-nobles so inclined; Guitles I plead; or if I guilty be With me must die your whole nobility Your Hawks (dread sovereign Prince) do daily kill And daily do devour eate-up and spill Your honest subjects yet there's no a aint Lays hold of them 'gainst them the'res no complain Greate-peares near to Princes should not do so By their steps we tract which way Kings do go As Phebe's light from Phoebus doth proceed So doth a great Lords act froms Princes deed If Kings encloud with vice their Virtue's sun That self thick-foggye course their peers will run If I do murder, they do murder too What way I go, that way your hawks must go Else gracious Prince your law gives way and place To such as are, or are not in your grace. Else great ones open may your m●●●yes door Sucking the fat from men but meanly poor Injustly wronging poore-poore underlings 〈…〉 Far fouler acts within themselves they ●●rrish And consciensles the 〈…〉 things cherish But so it should not be my sovereign King For from a Kingdom's laws clear christ all spring Alike all streams should run: I every where That should spout water uncorruptlie clear Let it do so my Prince: let poor man's crime Be judged like theirs: w' are made of self-like slime All kings are earthly gods; therefore should Kings In an impartial balance weigh all things The justest judge doth so; and so should your Like that corruptless judge in all points do. I freely speak; the cause I speak so free Is 'cause at first great Prince you licensd me. I have accused, but not excused; for still My faults not lessoned for an others ill Therefore my Prince to this my plead tend You'll quit my fault, and I'll my fault amend. The Prince well listening to th' appeaching Owl Turns to the hawks, on whom with wrathful scowl He fixed his eyes. Quoth he, speak is it true My nobles which this owl reports of you? In guiltless blood have you embrud your hands? 'tis monstrous wild! why your the props of land● The steres men to your Prince: by you he's lead By whom but you should he be counseled? Your heads should conduits be: clear crystal springs From which should power all wholesome virtuous things From your brains fountains such pure streams should flow As by that moisture things should flourishing grow, Wherefore enact I laws with your consent? I think to punish vice was our intent Will you 〈◊〉 are part makers of the law Be breakers of it first? How then in awe Shall I my subjects have? why when they see You drowned 〈◊〉 have they ' le deem the like of me Disgracefullie then this they will report How theirs an extreme famine grown at court; Of virtuous men there's such a famine grown As scarcely one about the Court is known By you shall I grow to loathed infamy And judged the nurse of fowle-fell tyranny And therefore nobles if your free and clear From these damned heinous crimes, made now appear, Silence being made, the guilty nobles Seing themselves to grow to dangrous troubles Thus (despratly) replies: oh King quoth they I hope unto our murders you'll give way If we make spoil and other birds undo We take thexample souraign Prince from you We nearest Princes Imitate them still We be the emblems of your good or Ill If you slay, we slay; if you save, we save All Kings about them many shadows have: For this our fau● we seek not make excuse Cause from yourself sprang first this faults abuse And therefore King if you'll have subjects awe You must not only make but keep your law. This peremptory answer so incensed His majesty as tween them wars com●●st But while as they were so at Civil strife The Owl that malefactor saves her life She being loose away from keeper scudds Lusking from sight all day in thickest woods But every night about the outlaw flies joying her escape; woe ho ho the cries. FINIS. W. G.