A prophesy of Cadwallader, last King of the Britain's:  
Containing a Comparison of the English Kings, with many worthy Romans, from William Rufus, till Henry the fifth.  
Henry the fifth, his life and death.  
Four Battles between the two Houses of York and Lancanster.  
The Field of Baubery.  
The loss of Elizabeth.  
The praise of King james.  
And lastly a Poem to the young Prince.  
LONDON Printed by Thomas Creed, for Roger jackson, and are to be sold at his shop in Fleetstreet, over against the Conduit. 1604.   

TO THE NO LESS Virtuous than Honourable Gentleman Sir Philip Herbert, Knight of the most noble order of the bath.  

RIght worthy Sir, the honour which I bear,  
And ever will unto your worthy line,  
Makes me presume (presumption cannot fear)  
To tender you this little Book of mine:  
Whose substance if your honour will approve,  
My lines shall limits want, so doth my love.   

That man of men whose fatal name you bear, 
S. P. S.   
Of his unnumbered worths the chief were these:  
Three glorious wreaths upon his brow to wear,  
Which said he, loved learning, war, and peace.  
O emulate this man the son of Fame, 
Bay.   
Have all his virtues, though but half his name. 
Olive, and Oak.    

Pursue thy first designments (noble Knight)  
Affect thy Country, and admire thy King:    

The Epistle Dedicatory.  
Be as thou art, sincere in all men's sight,  
Do this, and I thy praise will ever sing.  
I smooth not I, nor do I hope for gain,  
Accept my love, and so requite my pain.  
The admirer of your virtues, whose life is devoted to your love. William Harbert.   

THE AUTHOR TO HIS Poem.  

TRace the wide stage of spite and proud disdain,  
And mount the steps of scornful envies stair,  
Imperfect embryon of an idle brain,  
Soar not aloft, use mean, do not despair,  
The best way is between the sea and air:  
Be like thyself, be neither proud nor base,  
One envy gets, the other gains disgrace.   

Be not too huge in show, in strength a child,  
These imateriall Epithets eschew,  
Be to the scornful proud, the humble mild,  
Put not thy censure to an open view,  
Speech envy oft, but Silence never knew.  
When thou seest good then praise, when bad be blind,  
Then wit will bear with thee, and fools be kind.    

To the Reader.  

I Which in silence nest so many days  
Smothered the slight of my unfeathered quill,  
Because I knew it could not merit praise,  
Here where the Muses sang and showed their skill,  
For this did seem to be Parnastus hill:  
But this amazed my mind, and grieved mine eye  
To see the Buzzards with the Eagles fly.   

To see a troop of Soldiers never tried,  
Besiege a fort by nature fenced on high,  
I was ashamed to see the heirs of pride,  
Debase in unexperienced Poetry,  
The immortal virtues of great Majesty,  
I these are they that do the Muse's stain,  
One wanton pen makes all be judged vain.   

I which securely on these errors gazed,  
And safely stood upon the silent shore,  
When others Ships by envies rocks were crazed,  
Love me constrained, as pride did them before,  
To trust the rocks and leave the silent shore:  
The love of friends, not praise did me persuade,  
Against my will, against the streams to wade.   

Therefore to you whose judgement is sincere,  
If any fault, as many faults there be,  
Seem harsh and jarring to a tuned ear,  
Impute the blame to those, and not to me,  
Who made my pen show his infirmity:  
If any good as small there is you see,  
Reap you the profit, yield but thanks to me.    

A prophesy OF Cadwallader, last King of the Britain's.  

SItting with Clio by the gliding Thame, 
Description of Fortune.   
near to her silver girt the verdant strand,  
I saw Rhamusis so adorned by fame:  
Dancing in measures, on the farther sand,  
Holding a Ball of gold within her hand:  
She stood on that, that never stood but went,  
So must all those that trust her government.   

Then did this Queen, her wandering coach ascend,  
Whose wheels were more inconstant than the wind,  
A mighty troup this Empress did attend,  
There might you Caius Marius carving find,  
And martial Scylla courting Venus' kind:  
Times alter, and in times we changed be,  
Chance only constant is in levity.   

There might you see how Archimedes art, 
Geometry   
As a strong bulwark guarded Syracuse:  
How Scipio fought and Cato stabbed his heart,  
How Anthony did wrong the sacred muse,  
And Cleopatra's body did abuse.  
How Mago fell in Spain, and Hannibal  
Did pitch his tents before saturnia's wall.   

His stratagems, his snares, unequal fights,  
Scipio, Sempronius, and Flaminius' slain:  
Aemilius dead amidst his wounded knights,  
How chance his youth with praise did entertain,  
And in his age how Fortune wrought this pain:  
All this she did, oh man her fraud perceive,  
And trust her not, for she will thee deceive.   

How Alexander rose at Darius' fall,  
Lysimachus within the lions den:  
How Scypio did besiege Numantias wall,  
And many thousands more which scape my pen,  
Amongst this fatal troup of Fortune's men:  
I saw an aged king except I err,  
That cleped was the high Cadwallader.   

He was the last, save three of Fortune's train,  
Those were a Danea, Saxon, and a Norman king:  
Hengist the first, next was Denmark's swain,  
The last was normans bastard, which did bring  
Plenty of joy; whose praise the English sing.  
William, 
William the Conqueror.  whose valour mixed with happy fate,  
Brought bondage to the juthes and Angles' state.   

The Britain Monarch ware a simple Crown, 
Cadwallader last King of the Buranes, his land being vexed with the scourge of Pestilence, went to Rome, where he undertook the habit of a Friar   
Having small beads of Amber by his side:  
A silver Cross, a friars white freeze gown,  
Upon an humble Ass this King did ride,  
As white as snow, or as the silver tide.  
One hand a staff, the other held a book,  
On which his eyes continually did look.   

Wherein were charactered in lines of gold,  
Locrine's wars, and Humber's tragedy:  
The King himself by Gwendoline controlled,  
The Scythians paramour of Germany  
Estrilda drowned, the praise of Hungary.  
Sabrina thrust in severn's flowing main,  
Poor Madan by the curs of Ireland slain. 
Wolves.    

The Britain Manlius, 
Madan's second son.  not the Roman knight,  
Thinking to slay Mempricius madan's son:  
Himself was by his brother slain in fight,  
And he by wolves (as Madan was) undone,  
For Sodomes' gilt to lust his mind had won.  
The foremost book did Britain's reign relate,  
The next of Swain, the third of Saxens' state.   

The fourth and last did write of William's reign,  
In which there was an ancient prophesy:  
Written of yore, confirmed by Merlin's twain,  
What should ensue to William's progeny,  
Was there at large expainde in poetry.  
The wars of England for the crown of France,  
There many battles with their mournful chance.   

The civil wars of York and Lancaster,  
The Cambrian helmet changed for England's crown:  
How true descent did tudor's blood prefer,  
The brow of peace dispearced Mars his frown, 
The helmet was the ancient crest of the Teudors.   
The land of war is ruled by justice gown.  
These shall have end, then shall arise a King  
Which plenty shall conduct, in concord's string.   

He with unnumbered links of reasons chain,  
Shall three in one, and one in three unite:  
Britain should be the name, for Brute doth reign,  
A King commands no Prince's favourite,  
This he entreats, for this his pen doth write:  
Cease to command, learn subjects to obey,  
Reason where justice rules, bears greatest sway.   

Is it not peerless praise with peace to gain,  
That for the which, our fathers spent their blood:  
And never age but ours could reobtain?  
O happy men if that you saw such good,  
But will is masked still with errors hood.  
Let true obeisans up this diet break,  
So Caesar wills, so Cicero doth speak.   

The fect was this, the prophesy was such  
Which he had read with careful industry,  
And quoted every line with judgements touch,  
A midst his study casting up his eye,  
Seeing his mistress Fortune was not nigh.  
His book he slightly set into his gown,  
Which on the yellow sand fell quickly down.   

Thence posted he on his majestic Ass,  
Like some slow rider pacing to the race:  
Than Isis' silver channel did I pass,  
And thither went, where as mine eyes might gaze  
On that fair book, clad in a golden case.  
I passed the Annals, for it pleased mine eye,  
To muse upon that sacred prophesy.   

When I had read unto the latter line,  
I saw the aged king return with speed?  
Kind Sir (quoth he) saw you a book of mine?  
I Sir (quoth I) if this be he indeed  
I gave it him; he gave me thanks for meed.  
He posted thence, I to my study went,  
Where on this matter many hours I spent.   

At last I was resolved for to relate  
In Poetry the things mine eyes did see:  
Which was the uncertainty of human state,  
To paint the things a right with equity,  
I did implore the aid of memory.  
Which she denied; Oh worthies pardon me,  
If ought I write amiss which you shall see.   

Not Orpheus trees, and birds enchanting quill,  
Nor Homer's art here (Reader) shalt thou see:  
Expect not Ovid's verse, nor Maro's skill,  
For if you do, you shall deceived be:  
If bade it is, pray gentles bear with me.  
Say it is mean, thou dost me much commend,  
I'd have it mean, because I mean to mend.   

Mistake me not, I live in hope to please:  
Dispraise me not, before thou knowest me well:  
Maugre sweet, not revenge, my lines love peace,  
Do not my shame before thou seest it tell:  
Mark every line, and each words nature spell.  
Ere thou beginst to read, look, bear in mind  
Of whom I write, yea how, and in what kind.   

Fair England's Peers with Romans I compare,  
Their wars, their spoils, their fights and victory,  
Their filthy vices, with their virtues rare:  
Their laud, dispraise, their praise and infamy,  
Their conquests triumphs with their treachery.  
Then doth our muse declare intestine wars,  
King's conquering fields, and Princes wounding jars.   

Then doth she mount the air with Eagles wings,  
Then to the North she goes, and passeth Twidet  
And sings his praise, which endless glory brings,  
Who like a Pilot doth this Island guide,  
Which like a bark, within the Sea doth ride.  
This land is seated like to Venice state,  
The waves, the walls, and every ship a gate.   

Lest that my Gates be wider than my town,  
And that Diogenes my folly see:  
My proems' prologue I'll set quickly down,  
And bend my muse unto the prophesy:  
Where you may read art mixed with industry.  
Needs must I err, to err all men are bend,  
To persevere, is a bad beasts intent.   

The Comparison.  

O What a sea of blood shall England spill, 
So called for assisting Godfrey of Bullion, in his expedition to Judaea. Bassianus and Geta.   
When Normans Prince, and Palastinas friend,  
With burgonets of steel our fields doth fill,  
Brothers must strive as did Severus kind,  
Envious ambition makes just nature blind.  
Arunce and Brutus dead, Alarms cease,  
Publicola doth live, and loveth peace.   

When Brutus died, Valerius then did reign,  
When Arunce fell, 
Henry the 2. son of Maud the Empress, and Stephen Earl of Blois, Nephew to Henry the first.  the Tuscan Emperor fled:  
When Tirrolls shaft shall enter Rufus brain,  
When Henry's life with Robert's lights are fled,  
When all these sleep in natures earthly bed.  
Norfolk shall give to Stephen, Henry's due,  
Peace then shall be, but war shall soon ensue.   

Flora is fled, stout Hiems wears her crown,  
Attired like Mars in furniture of steel:  
Anjou and Blois strive for the Imperial Crown,  
A grief surpassing grief doth England feel,  
Whilst doubtful Fortune turns her doubtful wheel.  
Camillus comes, the Frenchmen fear his voice,  
Alba is freed, and Albion hath her choice.   

When Rome was sacked, Camillus ended strife,  
And made belinus brother to despair: 
Brennus.   
When Germans Empress Maud shall end her life,  
Henry shall claim the crown, as lawful heir,  
His eme in grave, but he in regal chair  
Is placed, and rules his princely Peers with peace,  
His sons rebel, and concord 'gins to cease.   

Now springs the plant, 
Henry the 2. the first Plantagenet.  from hence our joy shall spring,  
Victorious Anjou crowned in regal state:  
Living, adopts an heir, invests a King,  
Vagratefull child spurred by a woman's hate, 
Richard 2.   
Stirred foreign foes the land to ruinate.  
Rome's sword is Consul, 
Marcellus, so called by Hannibal.  foe-men tribute pays,  
Both Henry's dead, Christ's friend the Sceptre sways.   

Marcellus which did Syracuse burn,  
Made Africa's praise, 
●●nniball.  to praise his matchless mind,  
And place his ashes in a golden urn:  
So Aibious lion sprung from lions kind,  
When death the king and prince in cords shall bind.  
he'll spend his treasure, for Jehova's good:  
But woe alas, a slave shall spill his blood.   

Designed john disuests young Britain's Duke,  
But Antichristians prince, our saviours foe:  
Brings Lewis in, and doth him strait rebuke,  
Eagles of England, yield to Swans of Poe,  
A Monarch falls by Monks, 
●i●us Flam. ●●s slain at ●●e battle of ●hrasimenus ●●ose death is by his ●●nne ●●enged in the ●●isoning of ●anniball.  fates wills it so.  
Titus survives, though flames Flaminius burn,  
Worster is safe, and Lewis doth return.   

At Thrasimenus valiant Titus fell,  
In Prusias Court, his son revenged his death:  
Form happy heaven, though john to hapless hell  
Headlong did slide, his son shall wear the wreath,  
The Dolphen flies, and Mars begins to breath:  
Tempestuous whitle-windes, 
henry the 3.  break the Temple gate  
Of Peace; the peers the king, the prince the Baron hate.   

Civil dissension and dislovall arms,  
Clearly declares Clares hidden enmity:  
A fatal star foretelleth future harms,  
The legions meet, each doth the other spy,  
Echo resounds, S. George, S. George, both cry:  
Gracchus is stabbed, young Scipio peace maintains,  
The Barons tamed, all conquering Longshanckes reigns.   

Rome's envious Tribunes that ignoble Tribe,  
The vicious issue of a virtuous dame:  
Did the base minds of poor Plebeians bribe,  
To gain them honour, 
Caius and Tiberius Gracchus.  with their Country's shame:  
They dead; the world did ring with Romans fain.  
So Clare and Mountford shall, who being slain,  
Edward shall vanquish Calidonias plain.   

Acon is ta'en, and Tunis fears his strokes,  
He loved peace, 
The saying of Leoline himself, as powel hath laid down in his life.  yet bare a warrior's shield:  
Cambria disdained to wear her sister's yoke,  
The Ensigns spread, both strive to win the field,  
The bridge is past, and Leoline must yield:  
Marius departs, Proscriptio●s gin to cease,  
The Prince of war shall end his days in peace.   

Destruction grazed on fertile Italy,  
Till Sulla's legions vanquished Marius' might:  
So civil wars shall feed on Brittany,  
Till Leolinus that all daring Knight,  
Is ta'en by Edward in unequal fight:  
When Marius fell, Concordia 'gan to smile,  
So Wales will amplify fair England's style.   

Resplendent juno, 
Queens Isabel wife to Edward the ●. was next heir to Charles king of France whose title our present king doth enjoy  leaves her sacred throne,  
Young Gaveston bewitched great Edward's heart:  
The minor Gods bewail saturnia's moan,  
Bohume and Beaumount takes the Marchers part,  
And false Matreners stabs Carnaruans' heart:  
For Caesar's office Scipio strives in vain,  
And March too soon retells his triple gain.   

When that the Roman Eagles grasped of yore,  
Scipio with ancient Lentulus did strive: 
Scipio & Lentulus two worthy Ro strove vehemently in the camp of Pomper: for the Bishopric of Rome, but the battles joining & Caesar winning, their strife ended with their lives   
For julius priesthood, whose deserts were more,  
But when that Pompey's legions did not thrive,  
They tasted gall within the honeys hive.  
So Wigmore seeks in vain to get a Crown,  
But by Lord Mountaoute is tumbled down.   

Terras proud issue tamed, immortal jove  
Rides in his Chariot, through the azured sky:  
Adorned with Valour, Mercy, Peace and Love,  
So Caesar road in Rome with majesty,  
Scipio would live, life Cato doth deny.  
So wigmore's honour seeks, but must not part,  
Matreuers hand, hath stabbed Matreuers heart.   

wars thunderbolt, 
Ed. the third, married Philip daughter to the Earl of Henault.  with his Egyptian pearl,  
Illustrious Venus and her martial Bride  
Phillip's fair sister, with great Mercias' Earl,  
Submits to Henaults mounting-minded bride,  
Vengeance and Fury scourge inhuman pride.  
Egypt is lost, and Authony must die,  
March is immured, and twice he may not fly.   

When Anthony did Cleopatra love, 
Lord Roger Mortimer Earl of March and Queen Isabel, compared to Anthony & Cleopatra:   
And did Augustas chamber-bed forego:  
Bellona Caesar's ireful mind did move:  
To work revenge on chaste Octavia's foe,  
Marcus is slain, he must his Love forego.  
As Anthony and Cleopatra were,  
So is Queen Ifabel and Mortimer.   

Depressed waters element, some think,  
Is down suppressed by powers most divine:  
Some judge that Terra doth the moisture drink,  
Yet certes shall men see with mortal eyen,  
When deadly water shall with air combine,  
Great Mortimer whose name from waters sprang,  
Shall wave in waves of air, and there shall hang.   

Vermilion coloured clouds of purple war,  
Are by the radiant beams of Edward's reign:  
Form England's territors exiled far,  
But stay (me thinks) Bellona sounds again: 
Edward the black Prince compared to Geranicus.   
And calls forth Mars to fight in Aquitaine,  
Stay Caesar stay, let valiant Drusus go:  
Great Arthur's heir, can vanquish Artois foe.   

When that Tiberius did the Sceptre sway, 
Edward the black Prince aided the Earl of Artois against King john of France.   
Of Albas' Empire, great saturnia's king:  
Germanicus whose head was decked with bay,  
Fought still abroad, and conquest home did bring:  
So Edward did whose praise the Spaniards sing,  
Let Beaumount witness fearful Phillip's flight.  
And john which yielded to the Gascoigne knight.   

The wandering Planets of the burnished sky,  
Are by the uncomprised Sphere of love,  
Thrust here and there, as men condemned to die,  
Heaven were nought, if Heaven did not move:  
So nature taught, so nature's son did prove.  
Like unto these, 
Aristotle.  or like a Comet bright,  
Through every region Caesar sent his light.   

The Zodiaks lamp in the Ecliptic line, 
●ermanicus appeased Ger●any, but ended his days by ●oison in As●i●a.   
Twice urged his courser to a swift career: 
●dward prince of Wales restored Peter ●ing of Spain ●nto his Kingdom by the conquest of Henry his basard brother, at ●he battle of Nazers.   
The Hitrurian son doth in the East decline,  
In Europe's West his praise did first appear,  
Oh climacterical disaster year:  
Caesar thy glory in the West did rise,  
The poisoned East, thy rain did devise.   

So silver streams and topless Apennine,  
Which do confront terrestrial Paradise:  
Must not great Edward's wandering Fame confine, 
●ohn Lord beaumont, ●ooke part with the english against the French nation, but afterwards ●e favoured the ●action of john, king of France.   
Mars and Bellona stratagems devise:  
That he with honours wings should mount the skies.  
Exiled Peter doth implore his aid,  
Iberia quakes, to see the cross displayed.   

Revolting Henault, and relenting john,  
Are terrified at Bruse and balliol's fall:  
No Salic law, can bar bold Phillip's son, 
The lord Audley at the battle of Poitiers behaved himself most valiant, as Crasinius did in Pharsalia, who bad Caesar be of comfort, and take courage before he fought and that day he should praise him alive or dead, which he performed, for he lost his l●e in the pursuit of honour, and for the safety of Caesar.   
His matchless valour caused a kingdoms thrall:  
Whilst slothful Charles immured him in a wall.  
Germanias' terror won a glorious field,  
So Cambria's monarch made a King to yield.   

Careless of death, like to a thunderbolt,  
England's Crasinius with a massy lance:  
And not unlike a fierce untamed Colt,  
Glides like the silver Rhine through yielding France,  
Blinded with age great Boheme falls by chance.  
Caligula is borne, the sink of shame,  
Richard misled, deserves an endless blame.   

The worlds fair mistress, Empress of the earth,  
Ordains a triumph for Augustus' heir:  
So Gascoigne triumphs at young Gascoignes birth,  
Wonder of Arms set in Victorias chair,  
To Troynovant with Trophies doth repair.  
Rome's Senators attended Albas' star,  
So Albion Peers did wait on Albious car.   

Two glorious sons, rules the celestial Globe,  
Cheering the world with their transpearcing rays:  
Garnished with sapphires, and a jasper rob,  
(Untimely chance) times wonder ends his days,  
Aemilius mourns amidst his Trophies praise. 
Ed. the 3. compared to Paulus Aemi● who in his greatest glory lost his chiefest joy, namely his t●● sons.   
Troy's hope is dead, and Priam's Hector slain:  
Edward hath lost his son, his son a reign.   

Impartial death masked in a sable weed,  
Passeth the Romans watch and Praetors guard:  
And to Tiberius' royal tent doth speed,  
Physic resists, and death by art is bard,  
But art doth yield, for death was too too hard:  
He laid in grave, his nephews son doth reign,  
The scourge of Rome, and Europe's Empress slain.   

So when that death of Edward made an end,  
Essence of value, substance of renown:  
Whom peace for justice, wars for rule commend,  
Exalting virtue, putting vices down,  
His bones entombed, his worthy sons do crown:  
Their nephew Richard second of that name,  
The first, though not the last disgraced by fame.   

Me●omene thou dismal muse appear,  
And moralise the Anthems which I bring;  
Richard misled by Bushy, Poole andVere,  
Ignoble Scroop in his new Empire's spring,  
Enchanting charms unto his ears did sing:  
Flattery corrupteth kings, but good advise  
Makes Counsellors gracious, and the Princes wise.   

When Nero's son was borne in Nero's camp,  
Quirinus' father Rhea's valiant spouse,  
In his red Sphere enlightened had his lamp,  
Leaving his iron robes and brazen house,  
Did to Bellona cups of blood carouse.  
Saturn then joined with Mars, which did foretell  
That Nero's son for murder should excel.   

Whom Brutus freed by death from Tarquin's strokes, 
Romans.   
Princes of peace, for wars admired of all:  
The world's Arch monarchs rend their chained yokes,  
Consuls and Tribunes do a Senate call,  
Their voice is one Caligula must fall.  
Nature doth serve and from her limits pass,  
The Imperious Lion, got an abject Ass.   

So when chaste Alice Richard forth shall bring,  
In Edward's Camp, Victorias sacred seat:  
Prophets like stars, ensuing harms shall sing,  
The Peers (like Albas' knights) were all replete  
With wrath, disdain was in a mighty sweat  
In working ways, the king for to depose,  
Which being done, the Nobles Derby chose.   

The Northern Planet great Northumberland,  
Whose peerless issue never shall decay:  
Till Nature doth confound both Sea and land,  
And shapeless Chaos comes his part to play,  
Virtue must live though men be turned to clay.  
This glorious Moon true badge of Honour bright, 
The half Moon is t●● arms of th● Percies Ea●● of Northu●●   
Disdains the Sun, and did not borrow light.   

Foreseeing Gaunt like to a careful fire,  
Seeing that lost by Sloth which Labour won:  
Doth contermaund his Sovereign's hot desire,  
And like a blast doth calm the scorching Sun,  
Which by illuding sycophants is won, 
Hen. Bussi●●brooke D●●● of Heref. w●● accused by Th. Mowb●●● Duke of N●●folke of tre●son, which 〈◊〉 not being 〈◊〉 to prove, w●● contented t● maintain 〈◊〉 allegation 〈◊〉 combat, 〈◊〉 his aduersa●● did accept. But better ●●uice being ●●●ken, they w●●● both banished the land, He●●ford for the term of ten years, and Mowbray 〈◊〉 the date of 〈◊〉   
Two Combatants on their earth threatening steeds,  
Attend the trumpets sound in iron weeds.   

The reverent Consuls York and Lancaster,  
Do convocate a Senate of the Peers:  
And equalizing Woodstock did prefer,  
Due banishment to those ambitious Peers,  
The Barons joined to this; the Champions swears  
Mowbray for ay, ten years must Harford part,  
Grief galls the one, and kills the others heart.   

The gallant Courser in the listed race  
Dismounts the Rider, scorns his kerbing rain:  
Stamping with joy, his freedom doth embrace,  
And doth his pristine servitude disdain,  
Leaving his Rider breathless on the plain.  
So raging Bordeaux tumbles down his kin,  
And runs from sin to vice, from vice to sin.   

In his Imperial Palace Pleasure's Bower, 
Caligula slain by his own friends   
Rome's mighty Monster did himself repose:  
Sacking Cytheress for't, fair Venus' Tower,  

The stone where the Kings of England's chair is placed at their Coronations, is reported to be that stone whereon jacob laid his head when the Angel appeared to him in his dream  The raging multitude their wrath disclose,  
For his Praetorian guard, they did insclose:  
Chaerea did split his heart; oh happy thing!  
'Twas good he died, 'twas bad to kill a King.   

So honours spur did prick the Percies blood,  
To tumble Richard from his bloody Throne:  
Wishing great Herford to transpasse the flood,  
To come and sit on Jacob's sacred stone,  
Where he might reign as King, and rule alone.  
As Claudius' rose, so Herford came to reign,  
As Nero fell, so Edward's son was slain.   


Genes. brought from Scotland by Edward the first.  Now Gaunts great issue in his Throne is set,  
Whose sacred Science this my Muse should tell:  
For Margaret's sake, that sprang from Somerset,  
For her it should, if Cambria did not tell,  
For laws unheard, this Monarch did excel.  
Who gave him wings to mount, 
Henry 4. The extremity of his laws are set down at large in powel's annal.  he threw to ground,  
Claudius who ran so fair, is Claudus found.   

In Silence vault my Muse shall hide his fame,  
Who died the Grey goose wings with purple red:  
Praise he deserved, though he deserved blame,  
Sertorius like his warlike troops he led, 
Owen Glendour compared to Sertorius.   
For by alluring hope they both were fed.  
Had men and Fortune equalized his mind,  
His Conquests Severnes never had confined.   

Victorious Hotspurre and his valiant sire,  
The kings great Steward, Wosters' reverent Lord:  
With never daunted Dowglas do conspire,  
Whose endless praise our Annals do record:  
With these do Glendowre join, 
Edmund Mo●timer Earl o● March was designed heir apparent in the days o● Richard the 2. if the King dye● without issue.  and Wigmore's Lord,  
To pull the Sceptre from the tyrants hand,  
And give it him that should by right command.   

Dowglas and Hotspurre peerless for their might,  
Are overmatched by Henry's matchless son:  
Who like a lion roused him in the fight,  
Glendowre himself is by himself undone,  
Northumberland is sick and cannot come: 
The battle at Shaftsbury   
Like to a Tiger in his eager chase,  
Great Monmouthes praise doth run from place to place.   

Tumults appeased and armour set aside, 
Henry the 5. borne at Monmouth shire in Wales.   
The stately City of the highest God  
Divine jerusalem, jehova's bride,  
Being whipped with war, and famine's pinching rod,  
Implores the help of this all-conquering Lord:  
His soul defiled with sin, by merits sought  
That to redeem which jesus blood had bought.   

His royal Navy like a sea of wood,  
Attends his princely presence in the bay:  
But see how meager death still envying good,  
With fatal stroke his enterprise doth stay,  
The Cedar falls in time, so King's decay.  
Why stay you ships, he treads the sacred path,  
jerusalem his soul and body hath.    

Henry the fifth, his life and death.  

AVaunt proud Rome and brag not of thy men, 
Henr. 5.   
Nor thy aetherial Caesar's wars declare:  
Cease peerless Plutarch with thy sacred pen,  
The world's Archmonarches aptly to compare,  
Reason doth urge, and this allege I dare,  
That England's Homer portrayed hath his war,  
Which doth excel the worthiest Caesar's star.   

What tellest thou me of famous Hasdruball,  
Of Cannas' chance, and Varros overthrow:  
Aemisius death, and conquering Hannibal,  
Of Sulla's Legions, and a Parthian bow,  
Of Titus' valour, Cato's wrinkled brow,  
Of Syracuse, and strong Namantias wall,  
Or Philip, Persia, jugurth jubas fall.   

Of Noble Drusus and proud Saturnine,  
Of Scipio's death, and Gracchus infamy:  
Of Marius' trophies, and stern Catiline,  
How Caesar vanquished France and Germany,  
And twice returned as foiled from Brittany.  
The world admire; d their victories to see,  
Yet none of these must be compared with thee.   

Let Athens praise the laws which Solon gave,  
And Marathon extol Miltiades,  
Write Caria of mausolus' stately grave,  
And let Cycilia wish Demosthenes,  
But Salamina praise Themistocles.  
Greece did admire their triumphs for to see,  
Yet all of these cannot comparewith thee.   

Let Sparta now conceal Lycurgus' fame,  
And Lacedaemon hide Lysander's praise:  
Cease Argos now, to show th'olympic game,  
Let silence cloud or mask those golden days,  
When Epire's Monarch acted Tragic plays: 
Pyrrhus.   
But what of him? or what are these to thee?  
For thou alone dost far exceed those three.   

Though Alexander won Darius' Crown,  
And forced the Eastern Emperor leave his tent:  
Burning Persopolis that regal Town,  
Seeing thy valour freely gives consent  
That two bright sons should rule the Element:  
With thee great Prince we aptly may compare,  
Rich Europe's Paragon, and Phoenix rare. 
The Duke of York & Earl of Suffolk, were the only men of Nobility that ended their lives in the battle of Agincourt.    

Thou didst not want Parmenio's aiding hand,  
Nor valiant Perdiccas aspiring mind:  
Which might Alansons quarrels fierce withstand,  
As long as Langlies gallant issued mind  
Had faithful Suffolk's love to him combined.  
They won, they lost, they live though they are dead,  
They live in heaven, 
Crassinius was the first Captain that charged the enemy in the Field, which office of valour, Edward the Duke of York enjoyed at Agincourt.  and died in Conquests bed.   

France did ten years withstand the Romans might,  
Both parties oft with equal courage played;  
Yet that before the Sun showed twice his light,  
Mad'st great Mompensier fly as all dismayed,  
To see thy kingly Banner forth displayed,  
Like to Crassinius York the yaward led,  
True valour is by hope of honour bred.   

Henry two Diadames doth now combine,  
Europe's fair daughters, eldest sisters twain:  
By marriage of a maid a Mimph divine,  
Whilst Lewis lives, as Emperor he mustraigne,  
Henry as heir apparent doth remain:  
When Katherine is betrothed his beauteous wife,  
Peace conquers war, and concord endeth strife.   

Immortalised virgin sacred Queen,  
Britain's Aurora harbinger of day:  
Fairer than thought could think or eye hath seen,  
Rich virtues port, and honours clearest bay,  
Thrice blessed womb framed of aetherial clay,  
Which didst enclose that glorious Theodore,  
Whose son did Britain's regalty restore.   

Her Amber-tresses like to wires of gold,  
That shadowed her white vermilion face:  
Like Vulcan's chain did Venus' champion hold,  
Who triumphed erewhile, now sues for grace,  
Undecent action for a captains place:  
Thy eyes are now bewitched with eyes divine,  
Thy heart consents to honour Katherine.   

If I had Zeuxes at to paint thy looks,  
Did I enjoy Maeonian Homer's quill:  
To portraiture thy praise in golden books,  
Thy virtues rare would equalize my skill:  
Thy sacred paps sweet Nectar did distill.  
Hadst not thou been, our eyes should never view  
Our present peace and pleasures to ensue.   

Stay ranging Muse, thy wandering course restrain,  
When ioves' all-seeing eyes did view this King:  
He sent his Herald to that spacious plain,  
Where the three fatal Sisters, than did spin:  
To know when Henry's life did first begin.  
And if his thread were not already spun,  
That Lachesis should make it quickly run.   

His wisest son did place his golden wings,  
Holding a silver rod all-charming wand:  
Wherewith he could enchant all mortal things,  
With this attire he clave the aetherial land,  
Where love and luno doth the God's command:  
When that he came unto the appointed place,  
He told his message with a comely grace.   

Sisters (quoth he) for so they were indeed,  
Th' omnipotent and all-commanding jove: 
Mercury's Oration.   
Which doth on Nactar and Ambrosia feed,  
juno, Apollo, and Cythereis love:  
With all the Gods that rules the sphere above,  
Entreats, commands, of you fair sisters three,  
To end his life, though not his dignity.   

Atlas you know is old Alcides' dead,  
You know the weight of heavens massy throne: 
He died in a Chamber at the Dean of Westmi. lodging named jerusalem.   
The Planets houses covered all with lead,  
Ioues palace varnished with rich Rubies stone,  
The gates of ivory and Indian bone:  
He that doth heavens heaviest weight sustain,  
Must patience have to tolerate his pain.   

Therefore (quoth he) this is my Father's will,  
(For jove his Father was, or Fame doth lie)  
That you which power have great kings to kill,  
Would shorten Henry's life that he might die,  
A heavenly thought deserves eternity.  
Atlas is old, and Atlas must have aid,  
All fear the heft, Henry was near afraid.   

The Sisters stood amazed at his request, 
The Fates unswere.   
Each look at others eyes as in a glass:  
Whereat stern Clotho eldest of the rest,  
Brother quoth she (for jove their Father was)  
Shall Fates be ruled by Gods? alas, alas,  
They revel still, but we poor wretches work,  
We labour, they in Caves of pleasure lurk.   

The world's poor Imps may justly now complain  
Of human sorrow, man's still growing grief:  
How birds and beasts a longer life do gain  
Then man, poor man; And man's commanding chief  
If you deny them help, where is relief:  
Men say that Fates are certain, now they see  
jove made us constant in inconstancy.   

The angry God enveloped with ire,  
Wrath in his face, and fury in his looks,  
His eyes more red than was the reddest fire:  
Shows ancient Monuments of sacred books,  
Which erst he wrote by the Idalian brooks.  
There might you see what Act the Gods did frame,  
Amongst the rest jove might the Sister's blame.   

Out of this place he draws his argument,  
And doth confute their sugared Sophistry:  
Then reads another Act of Parliament,  
Which did confirm Ioues royal Empery,  
His great prerogative and dignity.  
Then doth he power forth sacred Eloquence,  
Selected flowers of learning's Quintessence.   

What if proud Terras issue Briareus,  
Would combat with your great aetherial Sire? 
Mercinys reply.   
Fntring Castalia, where the sacred Muse  
lives still inspired with young Apollo's fire?  
What if the Giants could so high aspire,  
Would not they touch the christalized sky,  
Vntuning heavens sweetest harmony?   

What God should then the heavens weight sustain,  
Whilst Bacchus in his Indian Tigers Car  
Would shake the Orbs and that celestial plain,  
When fair Victoria conquering Queen of war,  
Brighter than Venus, or the brightest star,  
Doth give to jove a Crown bedecked with gold,  
Could Atlas than heavens heaviest weight uphold?   

His age is great, and years will strength remove,  
Therefore fair Sisters well advised be:  
To answer love and all the Gods above,  
Though loath they were, yet all did well agree  
To cut his thread for mere necessity.  
Then Atlantiades did soon depart,  
And Atropos did stab great Henry's heart.   

Thus died the Phoenix of the vasty round,  
Whose worth my Muse should ever memorise:  
And Echo-like his martial deeds resound,  
Put that he did his Country scandalise  
In following Henry which did tyrannize.  
She gave thee breath to live and men to fight,  
Yet thou depriu'st her of her clearest light.   

When noble Henry ended hath his days.  
Bedford with conquering swords Vernoi shall fill,  
And spend his blood to gain immortal praise:  
Beauford and Beaumount shall good Humphrey kill,  
And Warwick gain the popular good will.  
Poole is exiled from woeful Margaret,  
And York maligns the Duke of Somerset.   

Mars mounts his Ensigns on our highest towers,  
And decks our helmets with Ambition's plumes:  
Revenge sad massacres and scarlet showers  
distilleth, Cities are burnt, whose dankish fumes  
Contaminates the Air, now York presumes  
With Sarums Earl and Warwick's willing hand,  
To gain the Crown, and with the Crown the land.    

The Civil Wars.  

PLutonian Princess sacred Proserpina,  
Licence Megaera and C●esiphone,  
Which never saw the suns all-pleasing shine  
Enter this vale of human misery,  
And consecrate to endless memory  
These Civil broils in Characters of brass,  
Set forth these wars which did all wars surpass.   

Heers Mars pavilion, there Bellona's tent,  
The lancers here, & there the Carbines stands:  
The Billmen strikes, the Archers bows are bend,  
Here raging Fury flies with burning brands,  
Distorted limbs are piled on purple sands:  
Here Gassamores are cracked, there helmets crazd,  
Here Gorgets cut, there Veins of Azure razed.   

Now doth the Courser neigh, the Clarions sound,  
And wrath mounted on a flaming steed:  
Doth both the Legions fortitude confound,  
The moistlesse earth for very grief doth bleed,  
To see the Gardener spoil the sown seed.  
here might you see what age could never tell,  
Whilst Lions fought, the forests Barons fell.   

here Ambuscadoes watch the sallying Scout,  
There Hannibal entraps Marcellus train:  
Here wings are placed and squadrons round about,  
Scipiades must leave disloyal Spain,  
And like Anebises clip the Elysian plain.  
Nature hath digged for men more kind of graves,  
Then Indian Ganges hath translucent waves.   

No valiant Martius stout Coriolaene,  
Did now the raging multitude withstand:  
Tumultuous winds have left the rocky lane,  
Where stern Hypoaates with Mace in hand,  
Their lawless force, by force doth countermand.  
Eurus will blow and shake the Islands King,  
Rebels will rise, and bells of discord ring.   

Unworthy I, to mount that sacred hill,  
And Clodius-like see female sacrifice:  
Virgil sang this, and none but Virgil will  
Adventure valure's worth to memorice;  
Thrice glorious object fit for Princely eyes.  
Pardon great Homer, my all-daring muse,  
Let Cherills folly, Cherills fault excuse.   

The lesser stars makes Phoebe shine more bright,  
So may my infant Muse compared to thine,  
Make thy heroic Poems splendent light,  
Seem fairer far in men's judicious eyen,  
Comparison makes Virtue seem divine.  
Yet give me leave with my unworthy pen,  
To blazon forth the Acts of worthy men.   

Cease mournful Rome thy sad enlangoring,  
Those fatal Fields near to Campania sought,  
Wherein the very prime of Marius' spring, 
The civil wars of Marius and Sylla.   
The spring of grief which Carbo dearly bought,  
Ambitious Conquest ruled great Sulla's thought.  
Speak not of these proud Rome, nor make thy moan,  
Or if thou speakest, make not comparison.   

What of stout Varro, 
The battle Spain, whe● Caesar was victor.  and Affranius lost,  
Massilias' ruin Scaevas pierced shield:  
Home by Brundisium, Caesar's ships were tossed,  
Ever renowned Pharsalia's bloody field,  
How juba fell, and Diator did yield.  
Pompey in Egypt by Pothinius slain,  
And endless shame which Ptolemy did gain.   

Caesar is stabbed, 
Caesar slain the Court of Pompey.  and Albas' doth lament,  
Antonius doth the Tyrant's plea refute:  
Ireful Octavius to revenge is bend,  
Cascas and Cassius, 
The battle 〈◊〉 Phillippia.  Cicero and Brute,  
For countries freedom frame a faithless suit.  
laws silent are when armies rule the town, 
The field at Actium.   
Who conquered Kings, by Kings are tumbled down.   

Envious desire of honour, love to reign,  
Severs their minds whom nature did combine:  
Two Roman navies cut the Ocean main,  
One brother's loss, doth cause another's gain,  
Nothing is worse than Potentates disdain.  
Rome simild with joy, when civil wars did cease,  
England admired more at perfect peace.   

In thirteen battles England's strength was tried,  
Gaunt's issue strives with Clarence progeny:  
Through every place destruction's steed did ride,  
Making debate and endless enmity,  
Twixt subjects love, 
The first of Sain● Albon barrels.  and Princely sovereignty.  
The Lords conspire, and at Saint Atbons meet,  
Here's Warwick's tent, there York doth man the street.   

Under the Castle Somerset is slain,  
Here Clsfford falls, and there Northumberland,  
Great Buckingham renews the fight again,  
In vain the Lion doth the Bear withstand,  
Where Warwick leads his all subduing band: 
daisy in ●rench, signifies Margaret   
The Rose doth wither, and the daisy spring.  
The Queen escaped, but Warwick hath the king.   

O whither shall she fly? whose ay de expect?  
Who is encumbered with a thousand woes:  
What peasant boor will princes griefs respect?  
By flight she escapes the fury of her foes:  
Thus to the North this Amazonian goes.  
Grief flies to those, who are oppressed with grief,  
Society in woe is some relief.   

When Rome's two Scipios fell, two glorious stars  
In Andeluzia or illuding Spain:  
None durst but Scipio undertake those wars,  
Even so when Clifford was for England slain,  
And Percies pride lay breathless on the plain, 
At Wakefield, Rich. Duke of York being taken by the Lord Clifford, in revenge of his father's Ideath slain at S. Albon, I crowned the Duke's head with paper.   
None durst the Ragged Staff and Bear withstand,  
But Clifford's son and great Northumberland.   

The Trumpets wake the Champions to the field,  
Who road in triumph through Epaeons' town  
To Westmoreland; and Margaret must yield,  
Whose virtues did deserve a golden Crown:  
His brows are circulizde with paper brown.  
Themistocles doth yield to Xerxes' might,  
York overmatched, gives place to Heuries right.   

Penthesilea bends her course to Troy,  
Showing the spoils of Larisseas' King,  
And Henry like to Priam smiles with joy,  
Seeing his Queen such Trophies home to bring:  
And all the Phrygian Virgins Io sing.  
Like unto this, or like a braver wight,  
Courageous Margaret doth return from sight.   

Never discouragde Warwick's royal Peer,  
Unconstant Clarence, constant Montacute,  
Seeing the Southern coast of Albion clear,  
Did Essex, Suffolk, Surrey resalute,  
Norfolk doth Mowbray Captain constitute.  
Both Armies join, 
The secon● Battle of S▪ Albon.  and to Saint Albon came,  
They fly their foes, where first they overcame.   

Mowbray to Suffolk, Warwick with the rest,  
In haste, post haste, to Cambria's borders fly:  
New rising March doth rouse his spangled Crest,  
And understanding by a sallying spy  
His Father's friends, and favourites were nigh,  
With decent gesture doth them entertain,  
Imploring aid his right to reobtain.   

Warwick who was the speaker for them all,  
In modest sort, as well became his age:  
Not Duke of York but doth him Sovereign call,  
A name so great doth virtue equipage,  
Now each to other doth his honour gage.  
Like Caesar now he joins with Anthony,  
And like to him doth foster enmity.   

When Brutus hand had stabbed great Caesar's heart,  
octavius honour every where did find:  
Antonius takes the stout Caesareans part,  
But when revenge had satisfied her mind,  
Whom marriage chased with friendship had combined,  
Ambition makes them strive for endless reign,  
And with their blood to die the crimson main.   

So Edward and renowned Sarums son  
join to revenge dead Richard's injury: 
thard Earl Warwick.   
But when that Gaunts great issue was undone,  
Warwick doth envy York's prosperity,  
And much disdains his peerlsse Sovereignty.  
Witness when Edward durst not here abide,  
And Barnet field where noble Warwick died.   

Henry's fair Queen, 
marg'ret daughter to Reino ●●rle of Anjou ●ho entitled ●●mself King of Naples, Sycil, & ●erusalem, but ●●ioyed none.  great Neapolitan,  
Blinded with masked fate, unconstant chance,  
Did never fear her future fatal bane,  
Like a fierce colt this jennet proud did prance,  
Smiling with joy to see her smiling chance.  
Hark how the Drum doth summon to the field,  
See how she takes her ill beseeming shield.   

Stay Naples pride Sicilian Empress stay, 
That day in which Caesar lost his 〈◊〉 in the Court of ●ompe●, a poor man tendered him a petition which he lightly regarded, the contents whereof if he had perused, his life might have been preserved   
Will France for ever showers of vengeance reign?  
Thy first approach presage this fatal day,  
Fire flew from heaven and made our Turrets plain,  
When thy Armadas cut the Ocean main.  
Had Caesar read that which the poor man gave,  
Egypt had never been Antonins gratre.   

Had but great Henry, great in Majesty  
joined with that match which Bedford first did make,  
He had not tasted base servility,  
But when his minion Suffolk did forsake,  
That Nymph of joy, great heir to Arminake,  
Then York's depressed issue 'gan to rise,  
An abject Prince each Subject will despise,   

Clifford and Percy props of Henry's state;  
(Seeing the Southern Lords intend to fight,)  
Doth the fierce tigers anger instigate,  
Proposing arguments of Henry's right,  
How her decayed, augmented Edward's might.  
In Hampton first she did our woe begin, 
At her first coming, landin● at Southham●ton, some pa●● of Paul's st●●ple. and many other Church●● in England were set on fi●●   
Two Hamptons' cannot end her endless sin.   

Fury awakes the murdered Lion's whelp,  
And like poor Hector his deceased sire,  
Craves of his kinsmen their supporting help,  
Their smothered hate hath kindled murders fire,  
Which none can quench till they have quenched desire,  
Where Nemssis of late did murder end,  
There she begins heroic blood to spend.   

Like the world's Monarch, York's apparent heir  
joins with his Father's friend, great Nevil's race:  
They to Northampton with their troops repair,  
Where Aniowes Tamiris with martial grace  
Clifford's triumphant Arms did embrace:  
Clifford whose name as Taibot did in France,  
Made Warwick fear his Colours to advance.   

Octavius now, 
A comparison of Edward and Warwick with Octavius & Anthony.  and chaste Octavia's Bride,  
Conspire the death of tyrannizing Brute.  
Clifford must fall, in top of all his pride,  
Who did by Arms great Muusters' plea refute,  
Doth plead his cause, but Warwick gains the suit.  
A headless arrow piercst his armed throat,  
Who in his youth did sail in Conquests boat.   

If Homer lived and dwelled in Castalie,  
And daily tasted of Parnassus Well,  
Inspired with furious sacred Poesy,  
Yet would he not our Virgil's worth excel,  
Whose Paeans did these fierce massacres tell.  
Delia is praised with thy all-praysing hand:  
No wonder, for thou dweltst in Delos land.   

Eight several Battles shall escape my Muse,  
Lest pride itself should me esteem as proud:  
Let Maros quill that sacred path peruse,  
Cover my temples with a sable cloud,  
Cimmerian wreaths my head of sorrow shroud:  
Give me a brazen Pencil not a Pen,  
Some drops of blood to portraiture these men.    

The Field of Banbery.  

NOw war is mounted on rebellion's Steed,  
And discontent persuadeth willing Pride,  
His crest to raise, and wears an Iron weed:  
Long smothered Envy doth the Army guide,  
Which made firm love from true obedience slide:  
'T was that great Nevil made proud George rebel,  
Whose haughty spirits Warwick knew too well.   

Warwick that raised the race of Mortimer,  
Whose eyes did see too soon, thy death says so:  
The downfall of immortal Lancaster,  
'T was he that did, what could not Warwick do?  
Make Kings and Queens to love and fear him too.  
'T was that great Peer, who with one warlike hand,  
Crowned and uncrowned two kings who ruled the land.   

Thus while these Royal but disloyal Peers,  
Maugre revenge to him that knew not fear,  
Unnumbered bands of men and swarms appears  
In North and South, East, West, yea every where  
They throw away their Coats, and corselets wear.  
Wives, maids, and orphans eyes are stuffed with tears,  
And cannot see the Spades transformed to Spears.   

The shepherds hook is made a soldiers pike,  
Whose weatherbeaten hands must learn aright  
His spear to trail, and with his sword to strike  
Upon the plumed beaver of a knight,  
None must be spared by wars impartial might.  
If every soldier were a King, what then?  
Prince's should die as fast as other men.   

The Senator must leave his scarlet gown,  
And keep him in some Turret of defence:  
When wars once flourish, justice must go down,  
Laws to correct, is lawless wars pretence,  
Valour doth grieve to see ill gotten pence.  
To see a man without deserts to rise,  
Makes war such men, not justice to despise.   

You that in peace by use of golden hoards  
Your dunghill race to Barons did erect:  
You that by English phrase and chosen words  
Make heavens envy your toplesle Architeck,  
Your Angels cannot you from wars protect.  
The Camp and Court in manners different are,  
Words may in Peace, but deeds prevail in War.   

For Robes of honour furred with Minivere  
You must have breastplates of well tempered steel,  
And on your aged heads strong Helmets wear,  
All states must turn when Fortune turns her wheel,  
That man which pleasure tastes must sorrow feel.  
Who sees the wrack of mighty Empery,  
He loves his life too well that will not die.   

When Kings must fight, shall subjects live in peace?  
What Coward is of such a cravant race,  
That loves not honour more than idle ease?  
Great Roman I applaud thy worthy Phrase,  
To live with shame, is worse than die with praise.  
All which have being, always cannot be,  
For things corrupt must die, and so must we.   

Could Croesus mighty mines from Cyrus' hand,  
His captive carcase or his state defend?  
Wealth cannot war, nor silver spears withstand:  
By strife we see the greatest states have end,  
And most they mar by war, who most would mend.  
When old wars cease, then strait their springs anew,  
For harms still harms, and evils do ills ensue.   

No sooner had the gladsome eyes of peace  
Beheld this warlike sea environed Isle,  
But disobedience heir to sluggish ease,  
Did weak belief subdue with subtle style,  
Grace wins the heart, but words the ears beguile.  
'twas Warwick's tongue, whose speech did all men please  
Whose words were such, or very like to these.    

The Earl of Warwick's speech.  

YOu know great Lords, your very eyes did see  
The spotless honour which my house and I  
Did ever bear this kingdom; who but we  
Did check the pride of wilful tyranny:  
And with our Grandsires we esteemed it good,  
For England's weal to spill our dearest blood.   

Witness the dismal fall of Salisbury  
And Richard Duke of York in Wakefield slain,  
The wrack of my decayed family,  
Why did we this, what profit did we gain?  
'twas but to show our country our good will,  
Which now we also do, and ever will.   

How many times have I in complete steel  
Yea mounted on my steed pursued the chase?  
Witness these weary limbs, for age must feel,  
If youth hath runned astray or tedious race.  
Witness these silver hairs which now appears,  
Cares makes us old, though we be young in years.   

When as these eyes, impartial eyes of mine,  
Beheld my king illuded and misled  
By base men, true honour did repine  
To see great majesty with baseness wed:  
For which I waged war, and warring won,  
And winning, chose a Tiger for a Lamb.   

Both you and I great Lords, yea all the state  
With universal voice adjudged him wise:  
Who now hath proved a tyrant and ungrate,  
Humility makes time observers rise.  
For you I chose him king and spent my blood,  
But trial says, good seeming is no good,   

Now therefore friends let Warwick's tongue entreat,  
Since that our hopes of Edward's love despair,  
That Lancaster may repossess his seat,  
Whom we unkindly thrust from honours chair,  
The reason is which governs our pretents,  
Tyrants are worse far than Innocents'.   

Thus this enraged Lord doth instigate  
With spurlike words swift coursers to the race:  
Envy ambition breeds, ambition hate:  
Hate discontent breeds, discontent disgrace,  
These be wars angry sounds, pernicious race.  
These vices by Injustice nourished are,  
Affection in a judge is worse than war.   

Blessed that state, thrice happy is the land  
Where sacred justice is esteemed divine:  
And where the judge on one ear holds his hand,  
My pen applauds that sentence just of thine,  
Rome's holy Prince, peace loving Antonine,  
As I am Marcus, I am not thy foe,  
But being judge, I must be just also.   

That law deriding Peer, disdaining Lord,  
Warwick doth his rebellious Ensigns rear:  
And vows revenge on Edward with his sword,  
Hastings and Stanley do withstand the Bear,  
True honour never yields to servile fear.  
He is a friend that loves when Fate doth frown,  
He shall have thousands that doth wear a Crown.   

Thus while these threatenings like some blazing star,  
The wrack of some great Emperor do portend:  
Their friends on either side address for war,  
Great William Earl of Pembroke doth intend,  
Ere war begin to make of war an end.  
And for that purpose for his friends he sent,  
To whom as thus he showed his right intent.    

The Earl of Pembroke's Oration.  

YOu that did ever with your swords maintain,  
The undoubted title of the whiter Rose:  
By whose great aid great Edward did obtain,  
The Royal crown and homage held of those,  
Which now rebel, dear friends correct this sin,  
'Tis as much praise to keep, as praise to win.   

If speech might spur you to this glorious race,  
Where endless honour is the purchased fee:  
Selected words my ruder speech should grace,  
We prick in vain his sides whose feet are free.  
You ever did the house of York adore,  
True love increaseth daily more and more.   

Give not occasion to the envious pen,  
To brand you with the badge of infamy:  
Be firm in resolution worthy men,  
And think upon your ancient liberty.  
Behold why Warwick doth these wars intend,  
A bad beginning hath a worse end.   

Look with indifferent, not respecting eyes,  
Upon these two corivalls in the war:  
Edward a King, courageous, honest, wise,  
Warwick whose name is like a blazing star,  
That some ensuing harms doth foretell,  
Envy doth still work ill, but never well.   

For whom doth he this bloody battle wage?  
For aged Henry, and the Prince his son:  
Who but for him had led a quiet age,  
But they poor Princes, were by him undone.  
I find it true which hath been often said,  
Bears must sometime with human flesh be fed.   

It is not love to either of these twain,  
That doth enforce this proud ignoble Peer:  
These wandering troops of rebels to maintain,  
But 'tis ambition whom he holds most dear,  
That doth compel his willing hands to fight:  
Unsettled brains blood still respect, not right.   

Nay, what if Henry should enjoy the wreath,  
Think you by yielding favour to enjoy?  
Friends, when wars rise say kings should never breathe,  
Princes in need men of regard employ.  
To this just action loyal friends be moved,  
The firmest faith in danger great is proved.   

THus hath this Lord as with a touchstone tried,  
The courage of his countrymen and love:  
The voice of all is on wars, wars they cried,  
The Prince's virtues do the subjects move,  
Dangers and perils eminent to prove.  
The noble Earl with speed pursues his fate,  
Delay brings danger to the surest state.   

When Fame reported this to Edward's care,  
Hope vanquished fear and gave encouragement:  
To see them firm who ever faithful were.  
Then to Lord Stafford, Southwike Earl he sent,  
To muster all his friends incontinent:  
Then gave he joint commission to these twain,  
As equals when they came in Camp to reign.   

Thus these two Captains as those two of yore,  
When Rome's selected youth in Cannae bled,  
Equal in power, but not in judgements store,  
As Varro, Stafford from the battle fled,  
As Paulus, so renowned Pembroke sped.  
Thus Lordlike stout Aemilius forth doth go,  
To chase the pride of his rebellious foe.   

Stafford and he weak staff to lean upon,  
No Stafford he, nor sprung from Buckingham,  
Nor let that name so base a man bemoan,  
His cowardice escandalizde his fame.  
Lassivious lust did explaiten his shame.  
These two to Banbary with Armies bend,  
Thence Stafford fled, there Herbert's life did end.   

There might you see a troup of warlike men,  
Conducted by the glories of their Clime:  
Unworthy I, with my unworthy pen,  
To aeternize in Lays undecent Rhyme,  
Their memories, which live in spite of time.  
These two as Fabius and Marcellus wear,  
Rome's guarding target and offending spear.   

Richard was valorous, but his brother wise,  
Youth made him forward, age the other stayed:  
Richard for action, Pembroke for advise,  
If both their worths were in a balance way de,  
Neither should Fates partiality uprayde,  
The differences between these brothers are,  
One peace affected most, the other war.   

There might you see the Champions of the Bear,  
Mounted on lusty Coursers, scour the plain:  
There might you see the son of Latimer,  
With rashness charge, with fear return and slain,  
They never fear, who never feeled pain.  
There might you see, O I am grieved to say,  
What years confirmed, consumed in a day.   

There might you see that worthy man of men,  
Richard with his victorious sword in hand,  
Like a fierce Lion passing from his den,  
Or some stern Boar, whose anger ploughs the land,  
Securely pass through every conquered band.  
As a round bullet from a Canon sent,  
This Knight alone through forty thousand went.   

And back returned to his amazed train,  
But more enraged with anger then before:  
Begins to kill, where he before had slain,  
Like a close myzer he augments his store,  
The more he slays, to slay he loves the more.  
All this thou didst, what latter age can tell,  
Of one that better did, or half so well.   

Thus like Alcides all composed of ire,  
Whose fiery lights shut sparks of fortitude:  
This Champion doth to greater deeds aspire,  
Still pressing on the Hydra multitude,  
Till like to sheep they fled in order rude.  
Then to his Tent with triumph he doth go,  
Valour doth love to spoil, not chase the foe.   

But see unconstant chance, and seeing weep,  
For every word requires a silver tear:  
Whiles careless victory did sweetly sleep,  
And conquest by desert did honour wear,  
(When most we live secure, we most should fear)  
Six hundred men conducted by a Squire,  
Made those that chaste with praise, with shame retire.   

But ere that these confused warriors fled,  
Whom unexpected horror did amaze:  
They sold their lives for lives ere they were dead,  
Their conquering blood their honours did emblaze,  
But all were not derived from one race.  
Some Stallions in a field, some Asses be,  
And so of men there be, of each degree.   

Richard thou canst not mount thy steed and fly,  
Nor thou great Lord experience makes thee stay,  
To fear the name of death is worse than die:  
But men borne base, a base word will say,  
I care not how I scape so live I may.  
Ye slaves to fear whom I abhor to see,  
That love life more, than praise or honesty.   

Still do they strive till that unnumbered press  
Like Bees of Hybla swarmed every where:  
Courage in danger doth itself express.  
Submission to a Lion breeds but fear,  
But ravenous beasts their prostrate subjects tear:  
By such great Richard falls, and Pembroke dies,  
Conquering twice twenty thousand enemies.   

Mount sacred spirits with clear conscience wings  
To the ninth heaven whereas your glorious eye  
May gaze on the immortal king of kings:  
Live you in peace, but we in misery,  
Man cannot happy be before he die.  
Unto your glorious tombs I sacrifice,  
These dismal Anthems and sad Elegies.   

CEase mournful Muse, to chant these Civil broils,  
Uncivil wars, and sence-amizing times:  
Brothers by brothers spoiled, unnatural spoils,  
The guilt whereof to Ioues tribunal climes,  
Oh subject fit for Thaeban Statius rhymes.  
All wars are bad, but final end doth tell,  
Intestine wars all other wars excel.   

Witness the same the Macedinian down,  
When Pompey did the Senate's cause defend,  
And Caesar sought the world's Imperial Crown:  
Witness philip and Antonius' end,  
Mild Otho's death which Authors so commend.  
Richard now riseth at his nephews fall, 
Richard. 3.   
A conscience clear is like a brazen wall.   

Now England's trajan sprung from Trojan race,  
Doth Oxford help and darby's aid implore,  
Froth-faced Neptune with his trident mace  
Doth guide his Argosies to Milfords' shore,  
At Bosworth field he slays the tusked Boar. 
The battle o● Bosworth.   
Leicestrian Dales their crimson gore did fill,  
A scarlet stream from Richard did distill.   

Cheiney thy arms and sinews are not strong  
Enough to match with Albion's martial king:  
Brandon thou dost thy youthful vigour wrong,  
To combat him who to the field did bring  
Those cruel parts which Collingbourne did sing.  
Now consolations wings doth rear my mind,  
To show his praise, who sprang from Priam's kind.   

Great Imp of kings, 
Henry. 7.  heroic Theodore,  
England's Augustus, famous Prince of peace,  
Great Treasurer of sacred virtues store,  
Eden of pleasure, 
Arthur.  which didst all men please,  
Comfort of Albion, 
Henry.  and they Country's ease: 
Margaret.   
From the four golden Fountains did arise  
Like unto those that sprang from Paradise. 
Mary.    

Oh that I had all wits excelling wit,  
To eternallize thy deeds immortal king:  
My pen thy trophies should, and triumphs writ,  
The triple lavor of this round should ring  
With thy great name, which my great muse should sing.  
But since that Nature did the same deny,  
Accept my will, aetherial deity.   

Elizabeth, 
Elizabeth eldest daughter to Edw. the 4. was married to Henr. the 7 by which marriage the both houses of York and Lancaster so long severed were united  O Princely perfect name,  
Combined with thee, oh cheerful cordial knot:  
No private quarrel could white Albion fame:  
With blood and rapine fierce dissension blot,  
Fury itself, within itself did rot.  
Two parted Roses which so long did strive,  
Grew on one stalk, and both began to thrive.   

From that fair stalk great Arthur first did rise,  
Arthur who matched with Castile's Katherine,  
Childless he died, and death he did despise,  
His body was entombed in gorgeous s●rine,  
His soul ascended, for it was divine.  
Henry then Prince and heir apparent was,  
Henry which did all former Henry's pass.   

The snow-white Cliffs which Albion do confine,  
Whose subject sands are decked with Margarites: 
Henry 8.   
Clearer then is the clearest Crystalline,  
The towering waves, which rule the narrow straits,  
Which do adumbrate sleepy rocks deceits,  
Could not debar his thoughts, but he did go  
To conquer France, and England's greatest foe.   

Wolsey then lived, 
Christ Chur●● in Oxford.  high minded worthy Clerk,  
Which did erect those glorious Towers of yore:  
Learning's receptacle, Religion's park,  
Oh that some Eagle-mounting thought would so are  
To finish that which he began before.  
Oh that some Prince (for none but Princes can)  
Would perfect that, that excellent work of man.   

The silver Isis and the gliding Thame,  
Whose billows resalute the verdant strand,  
Should warble Paans' to his mighty name,  
The leaden age is past which ruled the land,  
Saturn is come, and Saturn doth command:  
Whose hopes were dead, rich students never fear,  
(Most rich in hope) some will your turrets rear.   

Nurse of ingenious spirits Athens praise,  
Chief benefactor of what ere is mine:  
O might I see some mighty Monarch raise  
Those half built walls and parted towers combine,  
Then Christ might yet be justly termed thine:  
As Christ is best, so should his houses be,  
And in perfection have a sympathy.   

Henry's triumphant carcase laid in grave, 
Edward 6.   
Covered with gold in Caesar's ancient tower:  
Edward succeeds, a Prince though young, yet grave,  
The sky which whilom smiled begins to lower,  
And showers of sorrow on the land to power.  
He ends his life before it scarce began,  
What is more short than shortest life of man.   

When nature framed this Prince, oh goodly creature,  
Composed of pure and elemental fire:  
Turned in a heavenly mould divinest feature,  
She saw herself deceived, and wroth with ire,  
When life began, his end she did desire.  
What envy so could thee proud Nature sting,  
Nothing should make and mar the self same thing.   

The Gods did envy man's felicity,  
And therefore did to Nature condescend:  
That this young King, great King of Majesty,  
In sixteen years his vital course should spend,  
His life hath end, and all our joys have end.  
Nature doth hasten to the house of death.  
And she consents to steal away his breath.   

Now Spain and England joins, 
Queen Mary married with Philip Prince of Spain.  that peace I love,  
That concord doth augment the common state:  
Pray God it doth both firm and faithful prove,  
But for to match with Spain, oh cruel fate,  
Could Mary so her country ruinate?  
Guiltless she was, but those that made the match,  
Under their wings did eggs of Serpent's hatch.   

Oh now me thinks I could in dismal black  
Shadow my looks, and never wish the light:  
Writing red lines of blood, more black than black,  
The massacres of man's amazing sight,  
After these dusky clouds comes elearest light.  
Mary is dead, Elizabeth doth reign,  
Her conscience clear, no corrosive could stain.    

The loss of Elizabeth.  

Fair Virgin, Empress, royal Princely maid,  
Sprung from the Damask Rose the Roses bud:  
'tis true as truth itself which men have said,  
The end is best, though all the means be good,  
She was the last and best of Henry's blood.  
Henry did well in all, excel in this,  
In getting of this Maid, our greatest bliss.   

He vanquished Bolleine, and strong Turnus' town,  
And road in triumph through the English Pale:  
Placing the Diadem of France, that regal Crown,  
Upon his sister's temples; and withal  
Made the twelve Peers to fear their final fall.  
But what of these? if Bullain had not been,  
We all had lived for aye in endless sin.   

Astronomers did dream and fond said,  
That twelve designed signs did rule a Sphere:  
Virgo did guide the earth, oh heavenly Maid;  
But now sky-teachers wise men never fear,  
To say she is in heaven, for sure she's there.  
Oh she is gone, with her our pleasures fled,  
They lived in her, they died when she was dead.   

Bright Gem of honour, Albion's glorious star,  
The Cynosure of England's Hemisphere:  
Princessse of peace, Cytherian queen of war;  
Rides through the clouds on her celestial bear,  
Conquering deaths Ebon dart and sharpest spear.  
Fathers of peace put on triumphant weeds,  
A gracious King, a gracious Queen succeeds.   

Reason's first founder, Nature's eldest son,  
The stoics prince did also err in this:  
Repugnant natures never reign in one, 
●●●stotle. 〈◊〉.   
Perfect my grief, more perfect is my bliss,  
I smile with joy, yet tears my cheeks do kiss.  
A present salve hath cured a pensive sore,  
Britain is now, what Britain was of yore.   

The wandering Brute, who sprang from Priam's kind,  
Though artless men with their malignant muse:  
Still bearing burning envy in their mind,  
Britain's first Monarch warlike Brute abuse,  
Of all the Northern world, this Isle did choose.  
With fire and sword he did obtain his suit  
With peace and joy we choose a second Brute.   

Peace, valour, learning, science he did bring,  
Thou fear of God, whom thou dost only fear:  
Imperial Monarch, truth and concords King,  
No champion than did wield his fruitless spear,  
No chain did tie the mild untamed Bear.  
Saturn then lived, no Sinon did amiss,  
All men were free, (no slave by Nature is.   

Oh sacred age, and blessed times of yore,  
When just Astraea ruled this circled plain:  
Then each man lived alike, and lived withstore,  
No Persian blood did Salamina stain,  
No Vandals Rome, nor Roman governed Spain.  
No Cannas chance did cause Saturnia mourn,  
No senseless Nero wished new Troy to burn.   

No Manlius sought a Diadem to gain,  
No just Papirius sued for Fabius' blood:  
Claudius as then did not Virginia stain,  
No Consuls fell at Alias flaming flood,  
Red Charea was not dewde with Fabys blood.  
Alban and Romans knew no single sight,  
Saffetius did not yield to Martius might.   

The unspotted spouse of martial Collatine,  
Did not consent to Sextus lawless lust:  
Each virgin was ybound with Vesta's line,  
Camillus needed not the Ardeans trust,  
Nor Scevola his hand in flames to thrust.  
But see, oh see how age doth follow age,  
Worse after worse, as Actors on a stage.   

Thrice happy Britain, strong united Isle,  
Disjointed was by her first monarchs fall:  
Then Albanact was slain by Humber's guile,  
Caesar then conquered it, who conquered all,  
Hunes, picts and Danes triumphed in Britain's fall.  
vail sorrows robes, Ioues father comes again,  
The golden age begins with Jacob's reign.   

The Lords great Stuart, Albion's mighty King,  
Our second Brute like to the morning star,  
To England's Court doth light of comfort bring,  
Now Concord's boult doth janus temple bar,  
Binding in chains the sternest god of war.  
Virtue and valour triumph evermore,  
Augustus lives adorned with Crassus' store.    

TO THE MAJESTY OF King james, Monarch of all Britain.  

ALl hail great Monarch of the greatest Isle,  
The Northern worlds united lawful King, 
james the 1. of England, and 6. of Scotland.   
Pardon my rudest reed undecent style,  
Though I want Skill in thy new Empire's spring,  
Yet do I love, and will thy praises sing.  
Me thinks I do on Clarps Kingdom stand,  
No marvel, for Apollo rules the land.   

On true obedience knee I pardon ask  
Of thy divine heroic Majesty,  
It was thy merits great imposed this task  
On my weak pen, badge of infirmity,  
Too weak indeed to praise thy excellency.  
Each Cherrils muse doth now salute thy grace,  
Shall I alone be mute and hide my face?   

Mar● extolled Augustus peaceful days,  
The Liricke Poet sung Maecenas fame:  
Ennius did Scipio Affricanus praise,  
If all they lived and saw thy sacred name,  
Each verse they made should sure containeth same.  
But if they read thy gift, 
Basilicon Doron.  oh Princely work!  
For shame they would in untrode deserts lurk.   

If England's Lodestar pride of Poesy, 
Chaucer, so called by M. Camdon.   
Could the firm Centre's regiment transpearse:  
And formalize his peerless ingeny,  
Thy all-surpassing virtues to rehearse,  
A Princely matter fits a princely verse:  
Yet were his wit too weak thy deeds to praise,  
Which brought us joys, in our most mournful days.   

Could Lidgat pass the tower of Proserpina,  
And like to Virbius live a double age,  
Penning thy Trophies in a golden screen,  
Yet could he not thy mertis equipage,  
Admiring most would use a tapinage,  
Bocchas and Gowre, the Virgil's of their time,  
Could not unfold thy praise in antic rhyme.   

If these four Poets lived like Lions four,  
They should thy famous Coach of glory draw  
From Vertures temple, to true honour's tower,  
Each should a kingdom have, thy foes should know  
Thy might, and fear their final overthrow.  
But what should muses sing? the world doth see,  
And seeing, fears united Brittany.   

Still living Sidney, Caesar of our land,  
Whose never daunted valour princely mind,  
Embellished with Art and Conquests hand,  
Did expleiten his high aspiring kind,  
(An Eagles heart in Crows we cannot find.)  
If thou couldst live and purchase Orpheus' quill,  
Our monarchs merits would exceed thy skill   

Albion's Maeonian, Homer nature's pride,  
Spenser the Muse's son and sole delight:  
If thou couldst through Diana's kingdom glide,  
Passing the Palace of infernal night,  
(The Sentinels that keeps thee from the light)  
Yet couldst thou not his retchlese worth comprise.  
Whose mind contains a thousand purities.   

What fatal chance is this, and luckless fate,  
That none can aptly sing thy glorious praise,  
And tell the happiness of England's state,  
O barren time, and temporising days,  
Fowl Ignorance on sacred Learning prays.  
But now I do a Diapazon see,  
None but thyself (great King) can sing of thee.   

That Macedonian star, first Prince of Greece, 
Philip Aristotle   
Sent for that wandering learned Stagirite,  
To teach his Son knowledge of knowledges:  
His sword was keen, his sense could ill indite:  
Thy sword is shape, and who can better write?  
He had another to instruct his son,  
What he by others did, thyself hath done.   

Some Caesar deemed the happiest mortal wight,  
That breathed the air, or did ascend the sky,  
For conquering Scipio's force, and Pompey's might,  
Some did Augustus judge more happy, why?  
Because the vanquished Egypt's Anhtony,  
Rome's holy Prince, said Nerua did surpass,  
For leaving such a son as trajan was.   

If those old Wizards which of yore did sing,  
Read with impartial eyes thy peerless deeds,  
(Great Prince of war, of peace thrice happy King)  
Concord should reconcile their striving reeds,  
And censures join, which censures envy breeds.  
Caesar's acts, Augustus' peace, good Naruaes kind,  
In thee alone, in non but thee we find.   

The silver Moon placed in her circle round,  
At her increase, her equal distant horns  
Upwards ascends, as scorning abject ground,  
So when the world's great honour first was borne,  
That fair arising Sun, clear faced morn,  
Her mounting thoughts did to the heavens Tower,  
Scorning the earth, or any terrene Bower.   

But when that Virgin's Goddess doth decrease,  
Her picked forks their course to Terra bend:  
So when our England's Luna's light did cease,  
The Arctic Clime an Unicorn did send,  
Whose radiant justure, night shall never end:  
Phoebe's clear light seems dark, whilst he doth shine  
He borrows perfect light of God divine.   

Those that do read the secrets of the sky,  
Whose judgement is in heaven conversant:  
Which portraiture the signs in heavenly die  
Might assevere that Virgo was on high,  
I saw a star of late from heaven fly:  
Why cannot this star then fair Virgo be?  
A star more chaste I think we cannot see.   

O now my thoughts can dive into the deep,  
Our all ships guiding star was fixed there:  
And when Eliza did with honour sleep,  
Mounted upon her praise deserving bear,  
She did obtain of him she loved so dear,  
That she might have his seat, he rule the land  
Which she of late as Empress did command.   

The Anatomizers of our learned days,  
Affirm that Virgo do the belly guide:  
No wonder then that Albion's wondrous praise,  
That Virgin Queen which here on earth did bide  
So nourished each poor hunger-bitten side.  
Now she is dead, oh who will them relive?  
The present star doth present comfort give.   

I heard an aged woman often say,  
That she did see a star from heaven descend:  
Which was as true me thought, as trees did bray:  
For she alleged the same, and did commend  
A certain Crow, whose wit she did defend.  
Pardon me Age, for now mine eyes do see  
A star on earth, more bright than star can be.   

To whom shall I this Northern star compare▪  
To Caesar which did first subdue the state:  
To Horsus who no limb of Christ did spare,  
Damning his soul this land to ruinate,  
Great William's conquest and the normans hate.  
Thus doth my Muse all wanting art begin,  
To sing thy virtues, and to show their sin.   

Caesar was twice repulsed ere he could see  
This little world from all the world remote:  
Before we saw thy face we sent to thee,  
As to a Pilot for to guide our boat:  
Which did in Seas of sudden sorrow float.  
He lost his sword before he conquest wan,  
We yield thee all our hearts, and all we can.   

Horsus by cruel tyrant treachery,  
Subdued Ambrose that wise Prince of peace:  
Witness the hidden knives at Salisbury,  
He travail brought, but thou dost bring us ease,  
Thy true descent makes greedy wars to cease.  
A Wolf possessed his heart, a Lion thine,  
He worse than man, thou better more divine.   

William was fierce in war, and so art thou:  
In counsel sage, thou dost him equalize:  
His sword forced foes their trembling knees to bow,  
Thou conquerst hearts, by thy hearts winning eyes  
By force he won, by merits thou dost rise.  
He brought subjection, thou dost freedom bring.  
He loved war, but thou of peace art King.   

Rufus was rude, thou civil, gentle, kind:  
He was austere, thy brows hath mercies frown:  
He had a Nero's heart, thou Caesar's mind:  
He hunting loved, for pleasure tumbled down  
Many a Castle fair, and stately Town:  
Thou lov'st the chase, yet Cities dost adorn,  
Thou wert for all the world's great profit borne,   

Henry was graced with arts, thou dost excel:  
Children did bless his age but soon did die:  
Children thou hast in health and perfect well,  
(God prosper them with pure prosperity,)  
Adorn their hearts with loving piety:  
He was a worthy King, thou worthier far,  
Thou art our Northerne-Pole, harts-guiding star.   

Soar humble thoughts, and let my abject pen  
Touch the high mounted Arctic Northern star,  
And there compare this man excelling men:  
We should compare the things that equal are,  
And who is like this light, this lamp, this star?  
Mine eyes distill sweet tears, the tears of joy,  
To see Troy's issue reign in new found Troy.   

Let Barland cease to write of wisest Kings,  
And Mellificius with his tuned voice,  
From whose sweet tongue sprang learning's sweetest springs?  
Sing not of Persians praise, or Chaldeans joys,  
The Grecians Emperor, Europa's worthiest choice.  
These three combined, each sought the others fall,  
Britain is joined, and Concord guides it all.   

When Alexander saw that precious stone,  
Under whose Isye wings Achilles lay,  
Shedding ambitious tears, he said with moan,  
Unhappy I, and ten tunes happy they,  
Whose ensigns praise, sweet Homer did display:  
Then happy art thou King, whose reign we see  
Homer doth sing thy praise, for thou art he.   

The Majesty of Marius' fearful face  
Did terrify the Cymbrians craven mind:  
Though he were armed with Clotho fatal mace,  
And solemn oath to murder did him bind,  
A wandering Buck did fear the Eagles kind:  
So did thy Princely looks and grace of God  
Protect thy issue from a Traitors rod.   

Now doth my Ship in plenty's Ocean sail,  
Pushed with a pleasant gale of pleasures wind:  
But stay I here an envious Momist rail,  
Thy toothless threat doth not amaze my mind,  
Bark, for thou canst not bite, I scorn thy kind,  
That which I write, I read, and both are true,  
I dare not, nor I will not tell what will ensue.   

My hope is good that we shall happy be,  
Hopeless our foes, they fear, we still secure:  
We peace, they war: Ye endless peace shall see,  
We plenty have, they poverty endure,  
Religion we sincere, but they impure.  
They living seem to die, we dying gain  
To live with Saints in Paradisus plain.   

What said the learned, those that learning love,  
If causes perish, than effects decay,  
Pray for the cause, yea, pray to God above  
That he may long the Albion Sceptre sway,  
Who shined like Sol in our Cimmerian day.  
Live, and live long, great King, live many days,  
Use that fair Theme, Be as thou art always.   
FINIS.    

TO THE WORTHY AND Honourable Gentleman Sir Philip Harbert, Knight of the most Noble Order of the bath.  

THe second time doth my unworthy muse  
Salute thy mild aspect thrice noble Knight,  
Let gracious censure his defects peruse,  
Whose Genius waits on thy heroic sprite,  
Whose love and life are bend to honour thee:  
And whilst breath lasteth use both them and me.   

These Poems which my infant labours send  
As messengers of duty to thine ears,  
Are of small value, but if nature lend  
Some perfect days to my unripened years,  
My pen shall use a more judicious vain,  
And sing thy glory in a higher strain.   
Your Honours at command. William Harbert.   

TO THE JUDICIOUS Reader.  

I Which in bloody wars have sleeped my pen,  
Whose Muse the passing bell of peace did wring,  
And how the world did lose a world of men,  
Now choose to touch a more concordant string,  
My Prince his praise, whose praise I'll ever sing.  
'tis no mechanic hope of hired gain  
That moved my mind these labours to sustain.   

No, that ignoble baseness I abjure,  
It was the love I ever bare the place  
Where first I breathed life did me allure,  
In pleasant pains for to consume a space,  
And her to praise, though with mine own disgrace:  
With my disgrace, why? though my verse be ill,  
I do not doubt to please the good with will.   

To thee judicious Reader do I send  
These fruits of youth, 'tis thee I hope to please:  
If that my muse the ignorant offend,  
No lines of mine their fury shall appease,  
I set just war before an unjust peace,  
I rail not I, though I with Plato say,  
To please the wise, must be the wisest way.   

THe lotted servant to thy Infant age,  
Thrice glorious issue of a gracious King,  
Lest that her twelue-monthes fearful tapynage,  
Ingratitude suspect to thee should bring,  
Me, though unworthy, chose thy praise to sing  
Her mourning garments she hath cast aside,  
And hopes ere long to entertain her Bride.   

The Clergy with the Baron's borrowed light,  
Is now obscured by thy transplendant shine:  
The Rochet nor the Border hath no right  
To rule, but that which doth from thee decline,  
She joys and glories to be only thine:  
She deems it honour, count it no dispraise  
For thee with her to spend thy younger days.   

No matchless Machavil, nor Arietine,  
Doth her plain meaning breast with envy breed,  
Her wits do modern seem, and not divine,  
Loyal her love though lowly is her weed,  
A sympathy there is of word and deed:  
Such as these are, in Wales thine eyes shall see,  
Thousands that will both live and die with thee.   

O was she ever false, untrue, unkind?  
Since her obedience did augment thy style?  
Or since the parted Roses were combined,  
Did ever rebels blood her breast defile?  
Or did she ever England's hopes beguile?  
Witness the world, and those that live therein,  
Her spotless soul did never taste that sin.   

Search Truths Records, not times illuding lines,  
Then shall thy Princely thoughts and eyes be fed  
With the strange wonders of those warlike times,  
When thy great Grandsires made our channels red  
With blood of those that on our shores lay dead.  
Teaching great Caesar how to run away,  
That never knew to sly before that day.   

Ten years did Rome and all the world admire,  
For all the world and Rome ten years did fear  
The lustre of thy Bekons set on fire,  
Great Odonisis' King, Character,  
Whose endless worth my worthless Muse shall rear  
To that bright Sphere where honour doth remain,  
She loves thee dead, thy life her love did gain.   

What honour or what glory didst thou win  
With the earths strength to conquer but an I'll,  
Master of the world's mistress, mighty King?  
Only this graced the greatness of thy style,  
Claudius with blood did not his hands defile.  
This triumph Rome did thee as highly grace,  
As when by Scipio Africa conquered was.   

How many Legions Caesar didst thou send?  
How many Consuls did return of thine,  
Which sought what others marred, by wars to mend?  
How many Emperors Britain did repine,  
To see thy honour rise, their praise decline.  
Let Tacitus unto the world declare,  
No land save Rome might with this land compare.   

I know young Prince, and am aggrieved to see  
The leeuyed looks of squint-cyde Theonyn:  
Who says this salt is proper unto me,  
To judge all others base ourselves divine,  
No envious Momist 'tis no fault of mine:  
That seem are so, I must confess 'tis true,  
All are not bad of us, nor good of you.   

The mellow fields have tars as well as corn,  
And thistles grow amidst the greenest grass:  
An Anacharse in Tartary was borne,  
Virtue and vice do meet in every place,  
Clodius in Rome as well as Milo was.  
Both good and bad in every land we see,  
And so are you, if of a land ye be.   

Curb the malignant pride of envies rage,  
And check the stubborn stomachs of disdain,  
These penny Poets of our brazen stage  
Which always wish, O let them wish in vain,  
With Rossius gate thy government to stain,  
Make them more mild, or be thou more austere,  
'tis veretue, unto vice to be severe.   

I speak not this unto the learned wise,  
For them I love, because the truth they love:  
'tis the bleared judgement of seditious eyes,  
That doth my muse and my affection move,  
A most unwilling Satirist to prove:  
Nature hath made me mild, but these hard men  
Turned my soft quill into a brazen pen.   

Play not the satire peace affecting muse,  
I doubt not but their conscience will provoke  
These Lucilists their follies to refuse,  
And make them soft, though they were hard as oak,  
Conscience makes bad men good, so wise men spoke  
I leave them to their spurs, my muse shall fly  
Unto that Sphere where envy dares not pry.   

Unto that Sphere whose circuit doth contain  
The never spotted essence of his soul,  
Whose sacred intellect no worldly stain  
Could with desires rebelling aid control:  
This guilded Sphere is like a golden bowl,  
Which many lesser mazers doth contain,  
So many virtues in this one do reign.   

Why parriall nature stepdame to my birth,  
Ye mixed elements affections slaves,  
Why did ye frame this vessel but of earth?  
An equal matter to the dead men's graves,  
And joined thereto a spirit like the waves:  
Low as the earth although my Genius be,  
Yet doth it touch sky threatening Majesty.   

O were my wit but equal to my will,  
Were I as wise as I am ignorant,  
Here were a place that would deserve my skill,  
Had I as great experience as I want,  
Then would I in a book of Adamant,  
And Ink compozed by water made of gold,  
With pens of Diamond thy praise unfold.   

Let justice rule the organ of thy speech,  
And Clemency adorn thy Princely brow:  
Unto thine ears long absent patience teach,  
By these which good men wish, let all men know,  
None but thyself, thyself can overthrow.  
Let pity check the rod when we offend,  
That makes the good more good, the bad to mend.   

I witness call the seven hilled Queen,  
How we obeyed, when Laws obeyed were:  
And shall not we be now as we have been?  
Fear made us then unnatural bondage bear,  
We now securely live, and cannot fear.  
Doubt not thereof, 
Cornelius Tanitus in the life of Agrippa.  but come experience have,  
We love to serve, but loath the name of slave.   

Our gazing expectation longs to see  
The true admired Image of thy Sire:  
Which Nature hath so rightly graved in thee:  
As Physic causes seemed, they did conspire  
To shape the like to him whom all admire.  
So Zions sacred singer David says,  
Good trees bring forth good fruit, good fruit always.   

Do not sweet Salads spring from soundest seed?  
And is not man like God, which man did make?  
Can bad effects from causes good proceed?  
Do we see fruit on any withered stake?  
Or do we see in sea a bush or brake?  
How canst thou then not good and perfect be,  
That wert engraft on such a goodly tree?   
FINIS.