THE BLESSEDNESS OF BRITAIN, OR A Celebration of the Queen's Holiday, Containing, A Brief rehearsal, of the inestimable Benefits, generally had & enjoyed, not only all England over, but also in foreign Parts, through the gracious Bounty, and incomparable blessed Rule of our Royal Queen ELIZABETH.  
Composed, and set forth, in due Reverence, & joyful Memorial, of her majesties present entrance into the Thirtieth year of her most triumphant reign, with hearty prayer, for the long continuing, and prosperous preserving of the same: by Maurice Kyffin.  
Deum Timete. Regem Honorate.  1. Pet. 2.17. 
Fiant preces pro Regibus & Principibus, ut tranquillam & quietam vitam degamus, cum omnipietate & honestate.  1. Tim. 2.2. 
Published with Authority.  
LONDON. Imprinted by john Windet, dwelling in Adling street, at the sign of the White Bear, near Baynard's Castle.  
1587.  
Plura Posthac.   

TO THE RIGHT HONORBLE and renowned in all Heroical Virtues, Sir Robert Deureux Knight, earl of Essex and Ewe, Viscount Hereford, and Bourgchier, Lord Ferrer of Chartleigh, Bourgchier and Louvain, and Master of her majesties horse.  
THE faithful love, and duty, (Right honourable) long since deservedly born, by my deceased Father, both to your lordship's Noble Grandfather, and likewise to the famous and worthy Earl your Father, (unto whom for divers respects, he was much bounden being alive, & being dead, left the like Bond of duty, in us his Children towards your Lordship) hath the more emboldened me, (presuming on your Lordship's great Courtesies) To publish, under your favourable protection, these my unpolished verses, of her Majesty: wherein, though I have but shown my leaden skill, in a Golden Cause, yet hath the same proceeded from such ardent desire, and devotion in me, as thereby it may seem, in some mean, to merit Toleration, especially, sith it carrieth a duitifull remembrance, of her majesties most prosperous and peaceable reign over us: which having run the full, and Blessed Course, of Nine and Twenty years; doth now, begin the Thirtieth, to the great joy, & inspeakable comfort of this her royal Kingdom; In reverend regard whereof, this poor Poem is most chief intended: I humbly therefore, present it to the Courteous acceptation of your most Honourable Lordship: Whom I beseech the Highest to bless, and enrich, with increase of all perfect Honour, long life, and ever during felicity.  
Most humble at your good Lordship's commandment. Maurice Kyffin.   

D. P. To the Reader.  
TWO things make blissful Realms, Religion pure and Peace:  
Which Two our England hath enjoyed, long time with large increase.  
The God of peace be praised, who grants our Birth and Being,  
In this same Realm, with this Rare Prince, these gladsome Seasons seeing.  
And pray we God likewise, this State still to defend:  
Preserving it, in perfect Peace, till that the world take end.  
The Author of this book, deserves a during fame,  
Who chose a good Ground, for his work, and wrought well on the same.   

T. LL. In praise of this book, and the Author.  

WHo list to see her Noble deeds displayed,  
Whose golden gifts, each creature doth adore,  
Whose Virtues Rare, have haughty hearts dismayed,  
Whose Name, and Fame, increaseth more & more:  
Let them peruse this Poem, with advise.  
By Kyffin's pen, put down in perfect wise.   

A work of worth, beseeming well his Art,  
So fitly framed, and fraught, with tried Truth.  
As may Rejoice, each loyal subjects heart,  
To hear, and see; which hidden had been Ruthe.  
Our Queen's long Reign, to our still during joy,  
The King of Kings, preserve free from Annoy,    

J. H. In commendation of this work, & the writer.  

THe Persian Cyrus, Xenophens' pen, Achilles, Homer's found:  
King Alexander's valour great, did Curtius' style resound,  
Their worthy fame, those worthy wits, to skies aloft do send,  
Those worthy wits, cake by their fame themselves to fame commend.   

Though skilful Muse's notes, come short to sound this Prince's praise,  
Her Princely gifts, her justice mild, her Peaceful lasting days:  
Yet Kyffin's Muse in stately style, hath shot so near the same,  
That by resounding worthy praise, himself deserveth fame.    

R. Cook, in commendation of his friend Mr. Kyffin.  
THe fruitful Muses seem, to have conspired, with full assent,  
Vplifting Kyffin's lore, with weighty words to work Content:  
The subject of his Verse, is sacred, firm, and full of grace,  
Whereon his Web is wrought, whose learned skill, none can deface,  
Momus the carping God, to Cavil here can find no cause,  
And Zoilus spiteful wretch, hath here wherewith to stop his jaws.   

THE BLESSEDNESS OF BRITAIN.  

Pierce Clio Muse, my weak, unworthy wit:  
Calliope, set forth my style with strength;  
Unfold her Fame (with words forth sounding fit,)  
Whom Kings adore, & Lords in worldly length:  
Whose Sacred Hand the Stately Sceptres hold,  
And Royal, Rules her Realms in Crowned gold.   

A Monarch Maiden Queen adorned rare,  
With Regal Heavenly dowres, of divers kind;  
In whom, who list dame Natures Works compare,  
With those rich Thews, & Virtues of her Mind,  
Shall much admire, at such a Mirror sheen,  
At such a Prince, at such a Peerless Queen.   

The Star of Women Sex, Grave Wisdoms store:  
Sententious, speaking Tongues in filled phrase,  
Profoundly learned, and Perfect in each Lore,  
Her Fame, no ravening Time, shall ever Raze:  
Hater of Wrong, high Refuge eke for Right,  
Concord, and Peace, continuing by her Might.   

What should I Nymphs, or Goddesses Recount?  
Or Egypt Queens, or Roman Ladies 
* Besides that such manner of Reciting strange and heathenish Names, were here altogether inconvenient, The author doth also of very purpose, somewhat shun that beaten high way, to fill paper with pestering Names of feigned Gods, Goddesses, Nymphs, Persians, Grecians, Romans, etc. Being a thing of some sometimes used, too too much, and to little effect.  name?  
Sith as Supreme, our sovereign doth surmount,  
In choice of Good, the chief of all those same?  
For to compare the Great, with simple small,  
Is thereby, not to praise the Best at all.   

Elizabeth, Large Light of sovereign Seat,  
Whose justice, Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude,  
engrafted young, are grown forth spreading Great,  
Throughout the world, 'mong Nations wise & rude:  
No land, but laudes this right Resplendent Rose,  
Tutor to Friends, and Terror unto Foes.   

As Shining Sun recleeres the darkened Sky, 
The re-establishing of the Gospel, by her Majesty, a work of inestimable worth, everlastingly famous for ever and ever. Primaris Principis Cura, Religio. David. 1. P. 13. Asa. 2. Par. 14. Ichos. 2. P. 17. Ioosh. 2. p. 23. josias, 2. Reg. 22. Hezechiah, 2 Par. 29.   
And forth recalls each thing, from shivering shrouds,  
So hath our Second Sun, both far and nigh,  
by brightening Beams, outcleerd erroneous Clouds:  
Apow'rfull Prop of Christ's evangel pure,  
One whose Support, it rests Reposed sure.   

Our Currant Coin was metal base and mean, 
Argentum tuum Scoris. Isaiah. 1.22.   
Till her most princely Grace, the same put out,  
By perfect Gold, and pured Silver clean, 
Base Coins abolished by her highness.   
Which pass for common Coins, her Realms throughout.  
A Deed, deserving her Perpetual Praise,  
And Public Profit, to this Land always.   

Ad hereto Armour, and Artillery, 
The royal increase of Armour, & Artillery, by her Majesty for the defence of the Realm. Foelix est ea Resp. quae tempore pacis, Bella inactat. Laur. Gr●nal. de optimo Senatore fol. 71.   
Of her most Royal Charges chiefly found;  
As store of Arming steel defensively,  
And Roaring Guns, far rendering fired sound;  
A furth'ring Strength for Peace, and safe Repose:  
And Means, resisting Rage, of Warring foes.   

I may not here omit in Silent sort, 
The incomparable Navy Royal, built & maintained by her Majesty. Pericles Athen, ait: unam pecunia paranda rationem put and am, Naves quamplurimas habere, alias vero extra eam rationes, nallius momenti existimandas.   
Her Royal Ships strong wrought for stearnful war,  
(Whereof all worldly Realms do raise Report)  
Through raging Seas discovering Regions far:  
A Scowre-sea Navy all bright & bravely burnished  
forth spouting fire, fair, huge, and fully furnished.   

When flourished Learning to such Type of height? 
Plentiful exercise of Religion, perfection in all kind of learning, & right whole some laws, enjoyed by her majesties most gracious means.   
Or purefull Preaching, when had it more place?  
When was God's word so known to every weight,  
Which heretofore, did suffer such Deface?  
When reigned Religion so devoid of crime?  
Or rightful Laws, as in her Royal time?   

When was this Realm so rich of glittering Gold, 
The Realm wonderfully enriched with Gold and Silver. The earth most abundantly blessed with sertilitie, And every man quietly enjoying his own, under her highness prosperous govetnement.   
Of plated Silver, pearl, and precious stones?  
When was more Tillage on this fertile Mould?  
Or more rich streaming Graces grown at ones?  
Or more Concordant life, in Country and Town,  
Then since her Regal Highness came to Crown?   

Her Sacred Senate by their grave foresight, 
The vigilant Care, and incessant travel of her majesties most honourable privy Council.   
Provide for Public Good and Ev'ls prevent,  
Conserving Common weal, from Perils plight,  
In Rightful Ruling, Concord, & Consent:  
A Senate well besitting Such a Charge;  
Prudent, & prompt in Lore and Wisdom large.   

From Wrathful War, her People rest in Peace: 
The most blessed and peaceable state of her majesties subjects in comparison of other Nations, round about them. Strangers graciously received, and reseeved by hae Highness, within her own king, dom.   
From wasting Woes, her Subjects live Secure:  
And yet our Neighbour Nations Wars not cease,  
Their dire distress, and wailful Woes still dure;  
The Most of Might, eke makes her Realm a Tower  
Strangers to shield, from many a baleful Shower.   

A Mighty Queen, pure with Compassion priest, 
Her majesties gracious aid unto her distressed neighbours abroad. Regia (credo mibi) res est succurrere laplis, Conuenit ut tanto, quantus es ipse viro. ovid. li. 2. do Pon.   
Rendering Relief, to Neighbour friends forlorn:  
Her helping Hand, holds up the weak distressed,  
And hath the haughty, dreadful, oft downborn:  
Whereof Records, full rife remaining store;  
Note Scotland, 
* Low Countries.  Belgia, and many places more.   

Liberal Rewarder of Heroical Acts; 
Her highness bountiful liberality. Her Mercy towards offenders. Imperi● duobus potissiman continentur, Nempe, Proemio & Pana● teste Solone. justicia sine Misericordia Crudelitas. Misericordia sine justitia fa●●ittas.   
rich in Reward, large giving guerdons great;  
Prove eke to pardon, many offending facts,  
Yea though the same, concern her Regal Seat;  
Rigour of justice, in Revenging Laws,  
Mild by her Mercy, wreaks not each Cause.   

A Blessed Branch of Brutus Royal Race; 
Her Majesty Princess of Wales, where the Inhabitants enjoy God's word in their own language, through the mere grace & goodness of her highness.   
To British wights a Blissful worldly joy,  
Puissant Princess of Their Native place,  
To shield their Earthly lives from all annoy:  
And to their Sickly Souls, a sovereign leech,  
Granting Christ's Gospel, in their Country speech.   

Princely Possessor of this Realm full Right,  
And Heir apparent to the Heavenly Crown:  
Assigned to serve God's Truth, with Maine & Might  
Upraising Virtue, Vice depressing down:  
Fruitful in Faith, though fruitless, wanting fear:  
Such brings she 
* A perpetual memory of her manifold goodness, in stead of Sons and daughters. Praferre patr●●… liberis Regem decet. Seneca in Tr.  Fruit, in stead of Children here.   

Such Rare, Renowned Deeds, 
* Omnis la●● virtutis in Actione consistis Arist.  our Queen hath done  
And more than my poor power may well express:  

* Violenta nemo Imperit continuit diu. Sen. in T.  Long hath her Reign, this Glorious Race forth run  
Long may it last, forth bringing fruits no less:  
Great is the Good, thus grown forth, from her Grace:  
Great good shall grow, through her like lengthened space.   

Owretched Wights, that would this Queen enharme, 
A reproof unto Traitors.   
By close contriving of her Cruel Death;  
What cursed Circe's, could their minds so charm, 
They rewarded me Evil for Good: for they have privily laid their Net to destroy me without cause. Psalm. 35.   
As not to reck, to reave their Liege of breath?  
Fell Raging Rome, all this is long of thee,  
From whom, no Troubling Treasons, here are free.   

Our kingly Rooted Rose, fresh flowering stands;  
Guarded by God's great power, and Providence:  
A masing much, all Traitors trembling hands,  
Which ply to pluck this Plant by violence:  
Yea 
* Magna est veritas, & Prau●…let. Esdras. 3. c. 4.  Truth down treading Treason unto shame,  
Victor survives, by vanquishing the same.   

Thrice happy Land, whose sovereign Ladies life,  
The Lord enlengthning, saves from soddein haps;  
Though Civil Brands, and foreign Furies rife,  
Conjoining erst, have threatened Thunder claps,  
Yet Maugre Malice, 
Si Dent nobiscum, quis contra Nos. Paul. 8. Rom.  Foes are put to foil,  
And safe remains, our sovereign, & our Soil.   

Thrice happy Queen, 
The Angel of the Lord tarrieth about them that fear him, and that put th●ir trust in him. Psal. 34. There is no King that can be saved by the multitude of an Host, etc. Behold the Eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, and that put their trust in his Mercy. Psal. 33.  acknown of God so dear,  
'Gainst whom, what secret Mischeefs have been sought,  
But that the same, would presently appear,  
By means Miraculous, as yet unwrought?  
A Sured Sign, whom God protects to joy,  
No lurking evil, can thereto work Annoy.   

O Glorious Ruler of the glistering Hev'n,  
Prolong her Health, with Heaps of happy Years,  
That as her Rule hath Reigned twice Lev'n & seven, 
The prayer & wish of all good Sub.   
So may she still, surpas all Potent Peers,  
To live, and long time wield the Civil sword,  
As far, as course of Nature can afford.   

Far Foreign lands, be are witness of her Name;  
Far surging Seas, have felt her warlike Ships;  
Both Seas, & Lands, forth thunder out her Fame, 
Fama manet fact●, posito velamine, conrunt; Et memorem Faman, qui bene gessit habet. ovid. l●. 2. Fast.   
Through force of flowering Acts, free from Eclipse:  
Elizabeth's due praise shall never die,  
In Earth, nor Seas, nor in the starry Sky.   

Right Reverend Princess, rare is thy Renown,  
Though Spiteful Envy, spew forth poisoned gall;  
nought shall it crase, thine Acts Eternal Crown,  
Nor minish much, thy sound success at all:  
No Best may shun fell 
* Ars prima Regni, est posse Inuidians pati. Sense. in Here. fur.  envies sowrfull stench,  
Whom Kezars', Kings, & Queens, have failed to quench.   

As Highest Hills, bide fiercest force of ,  
And Tall Trees tops, be are greatest stress of Wind,  
As finest Black, yields show of smallest feather,  
And in Pure White, the least black More we find:  
So Envies shaft, is shot at 
* Summa petis livor, perflant altissima venti. ovid.  Highest Mark;  
And pries in Purest Things, whereat to bark.   

No Ruler Such hath wield this Realm of yore,  
Few Realms have joyed, so long a 
* Iniq●a nu●quam regna, perptuo manent. Senec. in Med.  Peaceful Rule:  
No Realm is read, t'have Ruled been heretofore,  
By such a Queen, safe quelling Civil Brule;  
Who reigning still, a Prince withouten peer;  
Her highness now, holds on her Thirtieth year.   

Adore Nouembers sacred 
* More fit to be solemnized, than many other days noted in the Calendar.  Sev'nteenth Day,  
Wherein our Second Sun began her Shine:  
Ring out loud sounding Bells; on Organs play;  
To Musics Mirth, let all Estates incline:  
Sound Drums, & Trumpets, renting Air & Ground  
Stringd Instruments, strike with Melodious sound.   

Ye Mighty Men of Mars ennobled Knights,  
Advance yourselves, on fiery foaming steeds:  
Revive This times Remembrance, with all Rights,  
In Armour bright, and gorgeous warlike weeds:  
At Tilt, & Turnay, trying Martial Might;  
And Battering strokes, at Barriers forceful fight.   

Ye Country folk, forth stalking in your fields,  
Loud Carols sing, to celebrat This Time;  
Show Signs of joy (as Country manner yields,)  
In Sporting Games, with Dance, and rural Rhyme:  
Each Swain, and Sheppard, sound his piping Reed,  
For joy, enjoying Fields, & Flocks to feed.   

Ye British Poets, Repeat in Royal Song,  
(With weighty words, used in King Arthur's days)  
Th' Imperial Stock, from whence your Queen hath sprung;  
install in verse your Princess lasting prays:  

* Masters in the Science of Music.  Pencerddiaid, play on Ancient Harp, and Crowd:  

* Expert men in singing.  Atceiniaid, sing her praises piercing loud.   

Let Hills, & Rocks, rebounding Echoes yield,  
Of Queen Elizabeth's long lasting Fame;  
Let woody groves, and Watery Streams be filled,  
And Creeks, & Caves, with sounding of the same:  
O Cambria, stretch, & strain thy utmost breath,  
To praise, and pray for Queen Elizabeth.   

Her Third time Ten years Reign, we now possess;  
Thrice three times Ten, 
〈◊〉 every faithful subject say ●●m●●.  god grant her grace may reign  
To this her Realms long wished for wealfulnesse,  
Whereby, each long erst Loss, it may Regain:  
And so Redound, the happiest Realm for ay,  
Unturned from Truth, even till the Latter Day.   
God Preserve Queen Elizabeth.   

O Jerusalem praise the Lord: 
Psalm. 147.  Praise thy God, o Zion. For he hath strengthened the Bars of thy Gates: And hath Blessed thy Children within thee. He hath made all thy Borders Peace: And with the good Nutriment of Wheat doth satisfy thee, etc. He hath not done thus to every Nation else: Praise we all the Lord therefore. Amen.  
FINIS.