HONOURABLE ENTERTAINMENTS, Composed for the Service of this Noble City. SOME OF WHICH WERE fashioned for the Entertainment of the Lords of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, upon the Occasion of their late Royal Employment.  
Invented by Thomas Middleton.  
Imprinted at London by G. E. 1621.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE  
Sir Francis Ihones, Knight, L. Maior of the City of London; the Right Worshipful, Sir john Garrard, Sir Thomas Bennet, Sir Thomas Low, Sir Thomas Middleton, Sir john jolles, Sir john Leman, Sir George Bolles, Sir William Cokayne, Knights and Aldermen; The truly Generous and Noble, Heneage Finch Esquire, Master Recorder; Master Edward Barkham, Master Alexander Prescot, Master Peter Probye, Master Martin Lumley, Master William Gore, Master john Gore, Master Allen Cotton, Master Cuthbert Hacket, Master William Halliday, Master Robert johnson, Master Richard Herne, Master Hugh Hamersley, Master Richard Deane, Master james Cambell, Aldermen.  
sheriffs and Aldermen. 

Master Edward Allen.  
Master Robert Ducye.    
All Brethren-Senators, Presidents of religious, and worthy Actions, Careful Assistants in the State of so unmatched a Government; And all of them being his Worthy and Honorable Patrons.  
T. M. Wisheth the Fullness of that Honour, whose Object is Virtue, and Goodness.   


THose Things that have took joy (at several Feasts)  
To give you Entertainment, as the Guests  
They held most truly Worthy, become now  
Poor Suitors to be entertained by you,  
So were they from the first; their Suit is then,  
Once serving you, to be received again,  
And You, to equal justice are so true,  
You always cherish that, which honours You.   
Ever obedient in his Studies, to the Service of so complete a Goodness. Tho. Middleton.   

HONOURABLE ENTERTAINMENTS.  
On Monday and Tuesday in Easter week, 1620. the first Entertainment, at the house of the right worthy, Sr. William Cokaine then L. Mayor: Which on the Saturday following was fashioned into service for the Lords of his Majesty's most Honorable. Privy Council; upon which day, that noble Marriage was celebrated betwixt the Right Hoble. Charles L. Howard Baron of Essingham, and Mary, eldest Daughter of the said St. William Cokaine, than L. Mayor of London, and L. General of the Military forces.  One habited like a Gentleman Sewer, bearing in his hand an Artificial Cock, conducted by the City Music, toward the high Table, a Song giving notice of his Entrance. 

SONG.  
room, room, make room,  
You Friends to Fame,  
Officers of worth and Name,  
Make room, make room,  
Behold the Bird of State doth come,  
Make room,  
Clear the place,  
O do it all the grace;  
It is the King of Birds, whose chanting,  
And early morning Crowing,  
So quick and strongly flowing,  
does make the King of Beasts lie panting;  
How worthy then to be brought in with Honour,  
That daunts the proudest in that humble manner.   

The Speech.  
TWo powers at strife about conceived wrong,  
To whom this Bird should properly belong,  
Were reconciled by Harmony: First, the Sun  
Called it his Bird, cause still when day begun  
To ope her modest Eye, this Creature then,  
Proclaims his glory to the world again;  
Minerva next, Goddess of Arms and Art,  
Claimed it for hers (not without just desert)  
He, like the Morning being the muse's friend,  
And then for courage, 'tis his life, his end;  
Without wrong then those properties related,  
To both, he may be justly consecrated:  
But, Worthy Lord, how properly to you,  
Whose place partakes of both; it is so true  
An Emblem of your worth, charge, power, & state,  
None, Noblier can express a Magistrate;  
For all that is in this Bird, Quality,  
Is in you Virtue, justice, Industry,  
What does his early morning note imply?  
But in you, early care and vigilancy;  
A Duty that begets Duty to you,  
So Virtue still pays, and receives her due:  
What does the striking of his wings import,  
Ere to his Neighbour he his sounds retort?  
But the dear labours and incessant pains  
Of a just Magistrate, that e'en constrains  
His Nerves, to give more Virtue to his word,  
And beat in sense into the most absurd:  
The Sharpest is the easiest to apply,  
For his quick Spur, law's sword doth signify;  
The execution of your Charge and Place,  
To cut off all crimes that are bold and base:  
" virtue's should be with kind embraces, heaped,  
" But with a Sword, Sins harvest must be reaped.   

To the Aldermen.  
My reverence next to you, to you, that are  
The Fathers of this City; by whose care,  
Wisdom & watchfulness, the good cause thrives,  
You that are Lights and precedents in Lives,  
Noble Examples, Honours t'age and Time,  
This is the Top which your good cares must climb,  
" A ceaseless labour Virtue hath imposed,  
" Upon all those, whom Honour hath enclosed;  
And such are you, selected from the rest,  
Works then that are most choice become you best;  
Place before all your Actions and Intents,  
The rare gifts of that Bird, this but presents:  
Behold the very shape and Figure, now,  
Serves for a Noble Welcome, turned into  
A Cup of Bounty, and t'adorn the Feast,  
Loaden with love comes to each worthy Guest;  
And but observe the manner, there's in that,  
Freeness expressed, humility, yet State;  
First you take off his head, to taste his heart,  
Which shows at this time power is laid apart,  
And bounty fills the place; then he goes round;  
To show a Welcome of an equal Sound,  
To every one a free one, through the Board,  
So plain he speaks the goodness of his Lord,  
Take then respectful Notice through the Hall,  
That here the noble Health begins to All.   The Cock-cup then delivered by this Gentle man Sewer to the L. Mayor, he beginning the Health, a second Song thus honouring it. 

2. SONG.  
THe Health's begun,  
In the Bird of the Sun,  
pledge it round pledge it round,  
With hearty welcome it comes crowned,  
O pledge it round:  
The Ceremonies due  
Forget not as they were begun to you,  
When you are drunk to, you're by duty led,  
First to kiss your hand, then take off the head,  
You cannot miss it then,  
To put it on and kiss it again;   

The next to whom the Health doth flow,  
It taught to honour your Pledge so,  
So round, round, round, round, let it go,  
As above, so below;  
For Bounty did intend it always so.    

The second Entertainment.  At Bun-hill, on the Shooting day; Another habited like an Archer did thus greet the L. Mayor and Aldermen after they were placed in their Tent. 

WHy this is nobly done, to come to grace  
A Sport, so well becomes the Time & Place,  
Old Time made much on't, & it thought no praise  
Too dear for't, nor no honour in those days,  
Not only Kings ordained Laws to defend it,  
But shined the first Examples to commend it,  
In their own Persons honoured it so far,  
A Land of Peace showed like a field of War;  
But chiefly Henry, (Memories Fame) the Eight,  
And the sixth Edward; gave it worth and weight,  
By Act and favour, (not without desert)  
It being the comeliest and the Manliest Art,  
And whereas meaner Crafts took their first form  
From humble Things, as Twisting from a worm,  
And Weaving from the spider's limber frame;  
Music and Archery from Apollo came:  
He calls himself great Master of this Sport,  
In whose bright name fair Wisdom keeps her Court:  
Well may this Instrument be first in Fame,  
Above all others that have got a Name,  
In war or peace; when Heaven itself doth show,  
" The Covenant of Mercy, by a Bow:  
And as each Creature, nay, each senseless Thing,  
Is made a Glass to see heaven's goodness in;  
So though this be a mere delight, a Game,  
justice may see here something she may claim,  
(Without wrong done to State) and call't her own,  
Since the greatest power is oft through weakness known.  
What are Reproofs? with them I first begin,  
But Arrows shot against the Breast of Sin;  
Who hits Vice home, & cleaves a wrong in twain,  
So that it never comes to close again,  
Shows not he noble Archery? I'll pray ever,  
He may be followed, mended he can never:  
And as a cunning Bowman marks his ground,  
And from light things (which being tossed up) is found  
Where the wind sits (for his advantage best)  
Before he let his Arrow pass his Breast;  
So the grave Magistrate, discreetly wise,  
Makes use of light occasions that arise,  
To lead him on to weightier, winds a Cause,  
From things but weakly told, much substance draws  
And will the state of Truth exactly try,  
Before he let the Shaft of judgement fly:  
Then in this Art, there's Virtue still expressed,  
For every man desires here to be Best,  
Their Aim is still Perfection, to outreach,  
And go beyond each other; which does teach  
A Noble Strife in our more serious Deeds,  
Assuring Glory to him best exceeds:  
And where some sports seek corners for their shame  
Daylight and open Place, commends this Game;  
Much like an Honest Cause, it appears Bold  
In public Court, for all Eyes to behold;   

To the Archers.  
On then, Apollo's Scholars, You ne'er found  
Nobler Spectators compassed in this Ground;  
To whom I wish (worthy their Virtuous Ways)  
Peace to their Hearts, long Health, & Blessed days.   

Upon the renewing of that worthy and laudable Custom of Visiting the Springs and Conduit Heads, for the Sweetness and Health of the City.  A Visitation long discontinued. A water-nymph, seeming to rise out of the Ground by the Conduit Head, near the banqueting-house, thus greets the Honourable Assembly. 

HAh? let me clear mine Eyes, methinks I see  
Comforts approach, as if They came to me;  
I am not used to 'em; I ha' been long without,  
How comes the Virtue of the Times about?  
Has Ancient Custom yet a Friend? of Weight?  
So many? rare I Goodness is waked o'late  
Out of her long Sleep sure; that has lain still  
Many a dear Day, charmed with Neglect and Will,  
I thought I'd been forsaken, quite forsook,  
For none these 7. years, has bestowed a Look  
Upon my watery Habitation here;  
I mean, of Power, that ought to see Me clear,  
For yond fair City's health, which Sweetness bless  
And Virtue in full Strength, ever possess;  
Well fare thy Visitation, Noble Lord,  
And this most Grave Assembly; that accord  
In ways of Charity and Care with Thee;  
joys visit You, as Your Loves visit Me:  
The Water stands so full now in mine Eyes  
I cannot choose but weep; but the Tears rise  
From Gladness, not from Sorrow, for that's lost  
Now I see you, Unkindness yet has cost  
Many a dear Drop, since I beheld the Face  
Of the last Magistrate, in Power and Place;  
I ha' done good Service; 'tis no boasting part  
In one forgot, to speak her own desert:  
I grant my kind and loving Sisters both  
Chadwell and Amwell, have expressed no Sloth  
In their Pipe-Pilgrimage, but fairly proved  
Most excellent Servants, housed, and well-beloved;  
And have, when hard Necessity requires,  
Given happy Quench to many merciless Fires;  
Therefore am I neglected? An old Friend?  
The Head? that to the Heart a'th' City send  
My best and clearest Service, take Delight  
To be at hand, make your Dames Pure and White;  
Who for their civil Neatness, are proclaimed  
Mirrors of women, through all Kingdoms famed;  
Can I be so forgot? and daily hear  
The noise of Water-bearers din your care?  
Those are my Alms folks, trotting in a Ring,  
And live upon the bounty of my Spring,  
Yet like dull worms that have no sense at all,  
Lick up the Dews, ne'er look from whence they fall,  
The head's not minded, whence the goodness flows:  
So with the world's condition right it goes;  
" Blessings are swallowed with a greedy love,  
" But Thanks fly slowly to yond place Above,  
From whence the Everliving water's spring,  
Which to your souls eternal comforts bring:  
The Dews of Heaven fall on you, prosperous Fates  
Like fruitful Rivers, flow into your States.    

Upon discontinuance, and to excite them to practise. A Speech intended for the general Training, being appointed for the Tuesday next ensuing the Visitation of the Springs, but upon some occasion, the Day deferred.  Pallas on Horseback, on her Helmet the figure of a Cock, her proper Crest, thus should have greeted the L. General the L. Mayor Sir William Cokaine, at his entrance into the Field, the worthy Colonels, the right Generous Mr: Alderman Hamersley, President of the Noble Council of War, for the Martial Garden; the Captains, &c. 

WHy here's my wish, the joy I live upon,  
Wisdom and Valour when both meet in one,  
Now 'tis a Field of Honour, Fame's true Sphere,  
methinks I could eternally dwell here;  
Why here's perfection, 'tis a place for me,  
Pallas delights in such community;  
This Bird of Courage, (Enemy to Fear)  
Whose Figure on my Helmet now I wear,  
And have done ever from my Birth in Heaven  
Is consecrate to Me, as to Thee given,  
Our Crest's alike, and fits both war and peace,  
The Virtues are, Valour and Watchfulness,  
And both shine clear now in thy present State,  
field-general, and City-Magistrate:  
As I from Arts and Arms derive my name;  
So thou suppliest two Offices, with Fame:  
Why here the Ancient Roman Honour dwells,  
A Praetor, General; Senators, Colonels;  
Captains, grave Citizens; so richly inspired,  
They can assist in Council, if required,  
And set Court-Causes in as fair a Form,  
As they do Men, here, without Rage or Storm:  
Lieutenants, Ensigners, Sergeants of Bands,  
Of worthy Citizens the Army stands,  
Each in his place deserving fair respect;  
I can complain of nothing but Neglect,  
That such a noble City's Armed Defence  
Should be so seldom seen; I could dispense  
With great occasions, but alas, whole years  
To put off exercise, gives cause of fears;  
" In getting wealth all care should not be set,  
" But some, in the defending what you get:  
There's few but have their providence so pure,  
(Blessed with a fair estate) to make it sure,  
By strength of writings, and in good men's hands  
Putting their Coin, secured by lives and Lands,  
This is the common Fort to which all fly,  
Every man labours for Security;  
But what's all this? (I speak in truth's behalf)  
If neither Men, City, nor Deeds be safe  
Where's now Security of State? that day,  
When life stands doubtful of her house of clay;  
A ruin, which neglect of glorious Arms  
H'as brought on many a Kingdom, rocked with charms  
Of lazy dulness, by unpractised men  
Fit for no service; I resolve you then;  
This is Security, if you'll rightly know,  
And does Secure that Word which you call so:  
Let not a small pecuniary Expense  
(Which is but drossy dotage) keep you hence,  
You lose all that you save, after that manner,  
What is't to rise in riches, fall in honour?  
Nay to your Safeties to commit self-treason,  
Which every thing provides for, blessed with reason,  
Let this grave Lord's Example, (in its Prime)  
Who perfects all his Actions with his Time,  
Makes even with the Years, to his fair Fame,  
Gives His Accounts up with a Glorious Name  
In Field and Court, move all men to discharge  
Their manly Offices and pains at large;  
Let every Year (at least) once in his Round,  
See you like Sons of Honour tread this Ground;  
And Heaven that both gives, & secures just wealth,  
The City bless with Safety, You with Health.   At the House of Sir William Cokaine; Upon Simon and jude's day following, being the last great Feast of the Magistrates Year, and the expiration of his Praetorship. One attired like a Mourner, enters after a made Dish like a Hearse, stuck with sable Bannerets, Drums and Trumpets expressing a mournful Service. 

The Speech.  
IMagine now, each apprehensive Guest  
The Year departed; this his Funeral Feast,  
ay, a chief Mourner, this a sad Pageant, here,  
Set with the orphan's Sigh, the widow's Tear,  
All seem to mourn, as locked from their reliefs,  
Till the New Sun of justice dry their griefs;  
And as there is no Glorious thing that ends,  
But leaves a Fame behind it, that commends  
Or disapproves the Progress of his Acts:  
So in this Epitaph, sad Truth contracts  
A spacious Story, which spread forth at large,  
Might instruct All, built up for Power & Charge   

The Last Will and Testament of 162. finishing for the City.  
Inprimis, I Annus 620. do bequeath to my successor 21. all my good wishes, pains, labours and reformations, to be nobly perfected by his endeavours and diligence.  
Item, I make justice my Executor, and Wisdom my Overseer, which is, that Honourable Court which never failed yet to see justice performed.  
Item, I give and bequeath to all the Officers, for Legacies; Truth, Temperance, Example of Humility and Gentleness.  
Lastly, I bequeath to the whole Body of the beloved Commonalty, three inestimable jewels, Love, Meekness and Loyalty; which are always the forerunners of a blessed prosperity; which heaven grant they may everlasting enjoy.   

The Epitaph.  
HEre ends a Year that never misspent day,  
Through Fame's celestial Signs made his own way,  
By discrete judgement all his time still led,  
Which is the only Sign governs the Head,  
Mercy to wants, and Bounty to Desert,  
The special Sign that rules the noble Heart,  
A Year of goodness, and a Year of right,  
In which the honest cause sued with delight.  
A Year wherein nothing that's good, was dull,  
Began at moon's Increase, and ends at Full;  
Full cup, full welcome: adding the sun's gift,  
Who nearer his declining, the more swift  
In his illustrious course, more bright, more clear,  
Such is the glorious setting of this Year,  
His beamy substance shines e'en through his shroud  
As the fair Sun shoots splendour through his cloud;  
May every Year succeeding this, still have  
No worse an Epitaph to deck his Grave,  
And so my last farewell (this Tear for me)  
Wishing that many may conclude like Thee.    

At the House of the Right Honourable Sir Francis Ihones.  
The property, to which this Speech especially hath Respect, was a device like a made Dish, expressing Two naked Arms breaking through a Cloud, supporting a wreath of Laurel, being part of the Haberdashers Arms.  
The First Entertainment, at his first Great Feast prepared to give Welcome to his Own Noble Fraternity, the Company of Haberdashers.  

The Speech presented by a servant to Comus, the great Sir of Feasts.  
FRee Love, full welcome, bounty fair, & clear,  
E'en as it flows from Heaven, inhabit here,  
And with your Liberal Virtues bless the year,  
Make this thy Palace thou smooth youth of Feasts,  
Comus! and put joy into all the Guests,  
That they may truly taste in fewest words,  
Th' Abundant welcome yond Kind Lord affords,  
Especially to You, above the rest,  
Of all most worthy to be First and Best;  
You challenge two Respects, in Brotherhood, one,  
Which had desert enough came it alone,  
Without a second Virtue, but to add  
Unto Your Worthiness, Your Love was clad  
With Honour, Cost, and Care, and how applied,  
The late triumphant Day best testified,  
Stands in no need of my applause and praise,  
Your Worth can of itself, itself best raise;  
So much for Noble Action in your Right,   

Which I presume his goodness will require:  
Now for Himself, (not far to wade or swim)  
I borrow of your Honours to fit him,  
Which both preserves me in my first bounds still,  
And may agree best with his Love and Will:   Here the Property is presented. 

Behold in this rare Symbol of Renown,  
The Emblem of all justice, and the Crown  
The fair reward for't, ever fresh and green;  
Which imitates those joys Eye hath not seen;  
These Arms, that for their nakedness resemble  
E'en Truth itself, no covering, to dissemble,  
Nor shift for Bribe, but open, plain, and bare,  
Shows, Men of Power should keep their conscience  
And were their Acts transparent, without veil (fair  
Disguise or Vizard, and such never fail;  
Observe this more, 'tis not one Arm alone  
That bears this Laurel, but two joined in one,  
Mercy and justice, the two Props of State,  
They must be both fixed in the Magistrate;  
If wanting either, subject too much harm,  
For he that has but one, has but one Arm;  
judge then the Imperfection; mark again,  
They break both through a Cloud; which instructs Men  
How they should place their Reverence and their Love,  
Seeing all lawful power, comes from Above;  
And as the Laurel (which is now your due)  
Bring due to Honour, therefore most to you,  
Fears no injurious Weather the Year brings,  
But spite of Storms looks ever green and springs,  
Apollo's Tree, which Lightnings never blast,  
So (Honoured Lord) should burning Malice cast,  
Her pitchy Fires at your Triumphant State;  
You are Apollo's Tree, a (Magistrate,)  
Which no foul Gust of Envy can offend,  
Nor may it ever to your Lordships End,  
Health and a Noble Courage bless your Days;  
To this your worthy Brotherhood, fame and praise   Levity, a person attired suitable to her condition, from a Window, unexpectedly thus greets the Assembly in the midst of the Feast. At the house of the Right Honourable Sir Francis Ihones L. Mayor, For the Celebration of the joyful Feast of Christmas last. Leu. 

WHy well said, thus should Christmas be  
Lightsome, jocund, blithe and free,  
Now it looks like bounty's Palace,  
Where every Cup has his full ballast,  
Drown Cares with juice that Grapes have bled,  
And make Times cheek look fresh and red,  
Let nothing now but Healths go round,  
And no sooner off, but crowned  
With sparkling Liquours, bounding up,  
Quick in Pallet, as in Cup:  
To be heavy, to be dull,  
Is a fault so pitiful,  
We bar it from the course of Reason,  
Care must not peep abroad this Season,  
Nor a sad look dare appear  
Within ten Mile of Christmas cheer;  
Sighs are banished ten leagues farther,  
Either Cellar, Hall or Larder;  
To be jovial then and blithe  
Is truly to pay (Christmas) Tithe,  
And where free Mirth is and impartial,  
Christmas there h'as made me marshal.   Severity, from an opposite window, as unexpectedly reproves her. Seu. 

Why how now? know you where you are? rude thing;  
Bold and unmannered Licence, dare you bring  
Your free Speech hither, before me begin?  
Who let this Skittish thing of Lightness in?  
Some call the Porter hither, yet stay, stay,  
I've power in words to chase this toy away;  
I wonder that the Music suffers thee  
To come into their room?   Leu. 
Why Nicety?  Seu. 

Believe me honest Me( whate'er you be)  
She's able to spoil all your Harmony,  
Corrupt your airs with Lightness.   Leu. 

Oh fie, fie,  
How ill you blaze my Coat, Severity?   Seu. 

Is this a place for you? can Lightness here  
Under the Hazard of her Shame appear?   Leu. 

Why thou dull lumpish Thing, void of all fashion,  
mirth's poison, Enemy to Recreation,  
Thou Melancholy wretch, so filled with spite  
Thou eatest thy heart, when others take delight,  
I must be merry, 'tis my nature—   Seu. 
Fool.  Leu. 
Dull dogbolt.  Seu. 
Skit.  Enter below, Temperance. Temp. 

What? this a Scolding School,  
How now? so high got? and so loud withal?  
Whose doing was't placest you two there to brawl?  
Pray mark the Assembly, look upon 'em well,  
Think where you are, and let that rude thought quell  
Your unbeseeming difference, 'tis not here  
As at a Pit, here's Reverence, Worth, and Fear.   Leu. 
She says this place and season suits not me.  Temp. 
She says but right in that,  Seu. 
O Levity,  Temp. 
No, nor you neither,  Leu. 
You may be gone too,  Temp. 

You're Both Extremes, therefore no place for you,  
Lightness becomes not, nor Severity,  
It must me between both, and I am She,  
Too Light, is bad, and too Severe as Vild,  
But both well tempered, makes the mixture mild,  
As I stand now between you, so it makes  
A perfect Virtue up, when it partakes  
Of each, and comes no nearer than I do,  
And Virtue made, We have no need of you,  
Vanish, be gone.   Seu. 

I give glace willingly  
To You, but not to Her.   They give place. Leu. 
Nor I to Thee,  Tem. 

So, Thus things should have their becoming grace,  
For Temperance fits the Reverence of this place:  
Grave Senators, in goodness still increased!  
Long may you Live to celebrate this Feast,  
This blessed Season of true joy compiled  
In which fair Heaven and Man were reconciled:  
Music? thou modest Servant to this place,  
Raise chaste Delight, to do this Season grace.   

A Song?  Answered at several places, 

Echo! Echo! by thy love once to Narcissus,  
I now conjure thee not to miss us,  
But make thy Sound  
Upon the Woods rebound  
And Mountains— Echo: And mountains,  
And to thy neighbouring Sisters call,— Sisters call,  
Lodged in Cave or hollow Wall  
And those resounding near fair Fountains  
Echo: Near fair Fountains,  
Let 'em call to one another— To one another  
— one another—  
And one Sister raise up other  
Ecch.— up other—  
Let it go from me to you— From me to you  
— Me— To you,  
From you to them, be just and true  
— Just and True  
Never cease your Voices Flight,  
Till you raise up chaste Delight  
—— Up chaste Delight,  
Delight— Who calls me from my Cave  
'twas I— 'twas I, 'twas I;  
This is no Time in silence now to lie  
Delight— Who I?  
O I;  
This is a Season of all joy compiled,  
In which fair Heaven and Man were reconciled  
Echo— Heaven and Man were reconciled,  
each-reconciled,  
Behold how many a worthy Guest  
Are met to celebrate this Feast.  
Delight— I see it plain, O blame me then,  
I ne'er will show such Sloth again;  
For whose delight am I now raised?  
Oh for the Cities!  
Delight— How? for the Cities?  
Echo— For the Cities:  
Deal To fail a Mistress so renowned it were a thousand pities,  
Echo— Thousand pities.  
Those are her Honoured Sons you now behold,  
Deal Heaven bless them all, with Graces manifold.   

To the Music.  
Temp. So!  
'tis thankfully accepted, you've expressed,  
Your service well and fully to this Feast:  
Adorned and honoured in each happy part,  
With those most reverend Patrons to Desert:   

The Close!  
joy never fail your meetings, good success  
All your Endeavours, and your Fortunes bless,  
Gladness of heart dwell ever in your Breasts,  
And Peace of fair Works bring you glorious Rests.     

The Invention.  
At the House of the Right Honourable SIR Francis Ihones, L. Maior. For the solemn feast of Easter last, upon the Times of that blessed and laudable Custom of Celebrating the memory of Pious works in this City, at Saint Mary Spittle.  The four Seasons of the Year, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, In a Song into four parts divided, Call up Flora, the Goddess of the Spring, who in a Bower, decked with Artificial Flowers, appears upon the Musical Invocation. 

The Song! at several Windows.  Spring 

FLora, Flora!  
We call thee here,   Sum. 

We call thee here,  
From forth thy fragrant Bower,   Spri. 

Thou Queen of every laughing Flower,  
Appear!  
Appear to us,   Sum. 

To us appear:  
Thou Banquet of the Year,   Spri. 

Or if a Name may be more sweet, more dear.  
Hark, Summer hark,   Sum. 

Mark, Autumn, mark,  
How coughing Winter mourns to see  
This smiling Hour,   Win. 

Would it were nipped for me,  
But soft I feel no such decay  
But I may live to kiss fair May,  
And in the Morn and Evening hours,  
Leave my cold sweats upon the Flowers.   Spri. 
Alas poor Mumps, at thy weak power We laugh,  The Sun will rise and take thy cold Kiss off. And now behold. Win. 
— Oh— Oh— O—  Autumn. 

hehas struck cold  
At Flora's first appearing,  
Look, in a Sound,  
Will drop toth' ground.  
Help, help, help, he wants your cheering.   Win. 

Oh I confess  
Field Empress,  
The Beauty of thy power amazes,  
I am content to join  
With those three Friends of thine,  
And help to chant thy praises;   All. 

Now all the Seasons of the Year agree  
To give, (Fair Flora) the prime place to Thee.   Flora, rising in her Bower, calls forth two of her Servants. Flo. 

Where's Hyacinth! the Boy Apollo loud,  
And turned into a Flower?   Hy. 
Here, Queen of sweetness.  Flo. 

Adonis! thou that for thy beauteous chastity,  
Wert turned into the chastest of all Flowers,  
(The close-enfolded Rose) blown into Blushes  
It is so maiden-modest,   Ad. 

What's thy pleasure  
Fair Empress of sweet Odours,   Flo. 

Willing Servants!  
I have Employment for you both, and speedy,   Beth. 
We wait with much joy to receive the charge on't;  Flo. 

Hast, to the two Assisting Magistrates,  
Those worthy City Consuls,  
Bear our sweet wishes to 'em, and speak joy  
From us, to both their Feasts,  
And to that part of their Grave-worthy guests  
Which here we miss today, though here be those  
Whom we ought more especially to Honour,  
Say though we cannot there ourself appear,  
Because we owe our greater service here,  
Yet that they shall not fail of all their due,  
We send the wishes of our Heart by you.   Hy. 
Which shall be faithfully tendered,  Flo. 

'tis presumed;  
But to this fair Assembly present now  
I, and these yielding Sweets all their heads bow  
In honour of this Feast, of the Day, chief,  
Made solemn by the works of your Relief,  
Your Cares, your Charities, the holy Use  
Of pious exercise; all which infuse  
Blessings into your Fortunes, you abound  
In temporal things, cause blessed fruits are found  
Upon the Stocks you graft on, mark the Increase;  
You plant poor Orphans in a ground of Peace,  
And carefully provide, when fruit time comes,  
You gather heavens' joys for't, in infinite Summer;  
This day you viewed the Garden of those Deeds,  
That bless the Founders; and all those succeeds  
In Zeal and Imitation; you saw there,  
virtue's true Paradise, dressed with your Care;  
(Your most religious Care) and those Blue Sets,  
They are the City's Bank of Violets  
That smells most sweet to Heaven; never cease than  
You worthy precedents for Times and Men,  
Till Charity spring, (by your Examples given)  
As thick on Earth, as Rewards stand in Heaven;  
If there were sloth or faintness toward good works;  
(As blessed be Heaven there is not) Time instructs,  
The Season of the Year, for as the Ground,  
The heaviest and dull'st Creature can be found,  
Yet now begins both in her Meads and Bowers  
To offer up her Sacrifice, in Flowers,  
How much more ought that Earth with a Soul blessed,  
Which is of every of you here possessed,  
To spring forth Works of Piety and Love,  
To gratify those Dews fall from Above;  
And as the humblest Flower that ever grew,  
Has not his Sent alone, but Virtue too,  
Good for Man's griefs; so 'tis not Man's full Fame  
To have a Christian Savour, or a Name,  
An empty voice of Charity and Relief,  
He must apply Ease to his Brother's grief;  
“ Faith is the scent and Odour of the Flower,  
"But Work's the Virtue, that makes good the power;  
'tis like the Tincture of those Robes you wear,  
In which clear Vesture you to me appear  
Like Borders of fair Roses; and worn high  
Upon the City's forehead; that rich die  
As it is reverend, honourable, grave,  
So it is precious, wholesome; which doth crave  
A double Virtue at the Wearers hands,  
justice and Mercy; by which goodness stands:  
Thus Honour still claims Virtue for his Due,  
And may both ever lay just claim to you:  
What? the four Seasons of the Year struck dumb?  
I looked for a kind Welcome, now I'm come.    

2. Song, by the four Seasons! called the Song of Flowers.  Spr. 

WElcome, O welcome, Queen of sweetness  
welcome, in the noblest manner,  
With all thy Flowers, thy sweet breath't maids' of Honour;   Sum. 
Flower gentle! I begin with Thee,  Aut. 
Fair Flower of Crystal! that's for me,  Spr. 
Apples of Love! there sweetness dwells;  Win. 
Puh, give me Canterbury Bells;  Spr. 
Fair double-Gold cups, griefs expelling,  Sum. 
Agnus Castus, all excelling,  Aut. 
Venus' Bath! the loveliest pride of june,  Win. 
Give me that Flower, called, Go to bed at noon,  Spr. 
Blessed Thistle, famed for good,  Sum. 
Shepherd's Pouch, for staunching blood,  Aut. 
Fair yellow Knight-wort, for a foul relapse,  Win. 
And Ladies Mantle, good for maiden's Paps,  Spr. 

Tuft Hyacinth! that crowns the Bower,  
Called of some, the virgin's Flower;   Win. 

Take that for me, more good I feel  
In Ruffling Robin, and Larks Heel.   Spr. 

There is a Sweet, Unnamed yet,  
The root is white, the Mark of pure Delight,  
Bearing his Flowers fair and high,  
The colour like a purple die:   Win. 
What is the name 'tis blessed withal?  Spr. 
Livelong! it so the Shepherds call;  Win. 

Livelong? 'tis Virtues promised Due  
And may it Long remain with You  
Honoured Patrons,  
Virtuous Matrons,  
Whose Life's and Acts this City graces,  
Daily striving,  
And reviving  
Works worthy your renown and places.   Flo. 

So you're confirmed; from your harmonious Closes  
May Sweetness drop, as honeydew from Roses,   Then turning, to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen. 

A blessed Health possess you, and a long,  
That in this latter Spring of your grave years,  
You may be green in Virtues, and grow strong  
In works of Grace, which souls to Heaven endears;  
your good Cares, here, justice, and well spent hours  
Crown you hereafter with eternal Flowers.    Hyacinth, and Adonis, sent forth by Flora, to the 2. other Feasts, thus sets off their Employments. 

THe goddess Flora, Empress of the Spring,  
Choosing (this Feast) her Flowery Sojourning,  
Under the Roof of the chief Magistrate,  
Whose power lays just claim to the greatest state,  
Hath sent me forth, not meanest in her Grace,  
To breathe forth her sweet wishes to this place;  
First to the Master of this bounteous Feast,  
To speak her joy; next, to each worthy Guest;  
And though she cannot now her Self appear,  
Because she owes her greater Service there,  
Yer her heart's Love to every one I bring,  
To whom sh'as sent a Present of the Spring.  
Then falls into the former speech of Flora, making  
Use of her divine instructions.   
Here follows the worthy and Noble Entertainments of the Lords of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council; at the Houses of the Lord Mayor, and Sheriffs.  
The first Entertainment upon Thursday in Easter week being the fift of April, 1621. And upon the sixteenth of the same Month those Persons of Honour received their second Noble welcome, in a free and Generous Entertainment, at the house of the Right Worshipful, Mr. Sheriff Allen; Flora the Person used before, thus prepared for them.  
Flo.  

AM I so happy to be blessed again?  
With These! the choice of many thousand  
For Royal Trust selected, and a Care  
That makes you Sacred; may the world compare men,  
A Confidence with yours? from so complete  
And excellent a Master? Or so great  
And free a Love can any Nation show  
In Subject to the Sovereign, then doth flow  
From this most thankful City? Waves of Love  
e'en overwhelm each other, as they move,  
All striving to be first, they run in one  
Toth' Ocean's Breast! (the king's Affection.)  
And you of Honour! that do oft appear  
In presence of a Majesty so clear,  
So mighty in heavens' blessings, be so kind  
To grace with Words what He shall ever find,  
And 'tis a glorious Truth, and well beseems  
Places and Persons of your fair Esteems,  
Not all the Kingdoms of the Earth, contain  
A City freer to her Sovereign,  
More faithful, and more careful; observe here  
His highness' excellent Trial; Love and Fear  
Make up a subjects' duty, to his King,  
As justice and sweet Mercy makes up Him;  
So two fold Virtue twofold Duty, cheers,  
He knew their lones, now came & touched their fears  
To try their Temper, (O blessed Heaven) he found  
It was the Fear he looked for, had it's ground  
Upon Religion, Reverence, sweet Respect,  
Love looked not Lovelier, nor divinelier decked,  
Each reprehensive word He did impart  
Flew, and cleaved fast to their obedient Heart,  
'twas fire within their bosom, could not rest,  
Till in some serious manner, they'd expressed  
Their duteous Care, with all speed put in Act  
Their sovereign's sacred pleasure, to coact  
Where manners failed, and force, as with a Pill  
From Humours rude, the Venom of the Ill;  
“ A king's own Admonition, against Crimes,  
“ Is Physic to the Body of the Times.  
And herein did He Imitate the Highest,  
(To whom it best becomes Him to be nighest)  
To chasten, where he loves, it is the Seal  
Of the Almighty's favour, He doth deal  
So with his Chosen, do not languish then,  
Thou Prince of Cities, cause the King of Men  
Divinely did reprove thee, Know, 'tis Love,  
Thou art his Chosen City, and wilt prove  
(As thou hast ever been) faithful and free,  
The Chamber of his sweet Security:  
Then in a Health of loy your Hearts express,  
Whilst I breathe welcome to those Noble Guess.   

The Song of welcome, after which Flora thus Closes the Entertainment.  
A Trust of Honour, and a Noble Care  
Still to discharge that Trust, Keep your Fame's fair,  
You have proceeded carefully; go on,  
And a full Praise Crown your Progression.   
The last Entertainment full as Noble and worthy as the former, upon the Saturday ensuing, being the 21. of the same Month, at the House of the equally Generous and bounteous, the Right Worshipful, Master Sheriff Ducy.  Flora, this the third time, in her Bower, beginning to speak, interrupted, by her two Servants, Hyacinth and Adonis. Flo. 
GOod Heaven  Hy. 

Fie, this is usurpation merely,  
Speak thrice together? there's no right in this:   Flo. 
What's that?  Ado. 

I have the juster cause to take exceptions,  
This is the place I served in, lately served in,  
And by her own appointment, my wrong's greatest.   Flo. 
Here's a strange sudden boldness o' both sides o' me,  Hy. 

Was't not sufficient grace for you to speak  
At the chief Magistrates house, there, where that Bower  
Was first erected, but to shift your seat  
From place to place, pull down, and then set up,  
I wonder how she scapes Informers, trust me.   Ad. 
Believe me so do I, sh'as favour shown her.  Flo. 
So, this becomes you well,  Hy. 

There's right in all things,  
We might have kept our places as we held 'em,  
There's little Conscience in your dealing, thus,  
You might have left the Lower Books for us,  
For our poor service.   Flo. 

Thus I answer you,  
Taking my precedent from the just care  
Of those clear Lights of Honour, shining fair  
To their Works End; you see before your Eyes  
The Trust that was committed to their wise  
And discreet Powers (for his highness' Use)  
They put not off to others, with excuse  
Of weariness, or pains; as they begun,  
In their own Noble Persons see all done:  
So, by their sweet Example, I that am  
Your Queen and Mistress, and may rightly blame,  
And tax the boldness of your ruder blood,  
I do not think, or hold myself too good  
In mine own Person, to commend their Cares  
That have so justly served their King, in Theirs,  
Now you pull in your Heads.   Both. 
Pardon sweet Queen.  Flo. 

Yet why should Anger in my brow be seen  
They came but to show duty to the Time,  
Contention to do Service was their Crime,  
That's no ill looking fault; but 'tis still known,  
“They that give Honour, love to do't alone,  
It brooks no Partnership:— To give this last  
Duty her Due, as others before past,  
Though it came now from men of meaner Rank,  
Where wealth was ne'er known to o'erflow the bank  
Like Spring-Tides of the Rich, that swell more high,  
Yet take't for Truth, it comes as cheerfully,  
All smiling Givers; and well may it come  
With smooth and loving Faces, the small Sum  
That they return, is thousand times repayed  
In Peace and Safety, besides Sovereign Aid  
For each heart's Grievance, (to its full content)  
By this high synod of the Parliament;  
Before whose fair, clear, and Unbribed Eyes,  
(When it appears) Corruption sinks and dies,  
Secure Oppression once, comes trembling thither  
(Stead of her hard heart knocks her knees together  
This Benefit is purchased, this Reward  
To which all Coin is dross to be compared:   

But, the fair Works concluded, on all parts,  
Your Care, which I place first of all deserts,  
And it becomes it, t'as been nobly Just,  
You have discharged with Honour your high Trust:  
The City's Love, I must remember next,  
And faithful Duty, both devoutly mixed;  
And (as the State of Court sets last, the Best,)  
His boundless Goodness, not to be expressed,  
That is your King and Master, Blessings fall  
Upon His Actions; Honour, on you All.   
FINIS.