THE Mirror of Mutability, or Principal part of the Mirror for Magistrates.  
Describing the fall of divers famous Princes, and other memorable Personages.  
Selected out of the sacred Scriptures by Antony Monday, and dedicated to the Right Honourable the Earl of Oxenford.  
Honos alit Artes:  
¶ IMPRINTED at London by john Allde and are to be sold by Richard Ballard, at Saint Magnus' Corner. 1579.   


VERO NIHIL VERIUS   

A happy race God grant the worthy wight,  
to whom this Crest of honour doth pertain:  
To live in joy, unto his heart's delight,  
and after death among the Saints to reign.    

¶ TO THE RIGHT Honourable and his singular good Lord & Patron, Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxenford, Uicount Bulbeck, Lord of Escales and Badlesmere, and Lord great Chamberlain of England, Antony Monday wishesh in this world a triumphant tranquillity, with continual increase of Honourable Dignity, and after this life, a Crown of everlasting felicity, in the eternal Hierarchy.  
AFter that I had delivered (Right Honourable) unto your courteous and gentle perusing, my book entitled Galen of France, wherein, having not so fully comprised such pitbines of style, as one of a more riper Invention could cunningly have carved: I rest Right Honourable on your Clemency, to amend my errors committed so unskilfully But at that time being very desirous to attain to some understanding in the languages, considering in time to come: I might reap thereby some commodity, since as yet my web of youthful time was not fully woven, and my wild oats required to be surrowed in a foreign ground, to satisfy the trifling toys that daily more and more frequented my busied brain: yielded myself to God and good Fortune, taking on the habit of a traveler. And having sustained in the cold Country of France divers contagious calamities, and sundry sorts of mishaps. As first, being but newly arrived, and not acquainted with the usage of the Countref, between Bulloin and Abeui●…e, my Companion and I were stripped into our shirts by Soldiers, who (if rescue had not come) would have endamaged our lives also. Me thought this was but an unfriendly welcome, considering before I thought that every man beyond the Seas was as frank as an Emperor, and that a man might live there a Gentleman's life, and do nothing but walk at his pleasure, but finding it not so: I wished myself at home again, with sorrow to my sugared sops. But calling to mind that he which fainteth at the first assault: would hardly endure to fight out the Battle: took Courage afresh, hoping my hap would prove better in the end, since it had such a bitter beginning, and so passed forward to Paris.  
Being there arrived, to recompense my former mishaps: I found the world well amended, for not only I obtained new garments, but divers Gentlemen to be my friends also, some that had sustained as ill fortune as I, and therefore returned back again into England, and other some that were very glad of my coming, in hope I had been such a one as they looked for. But repelling such Satanical illusions such golden proffers of preferment, to advance me unto my larger contentment: I gave them the hearing of all their politic devices, which (as they thought) had taken deep root at their first planting. And considering that I had enterprised this journey for my pleasure, and in hope to attain to some knowledge in the French tongue, if that I should seem to scrupulous in their presence: it might turn to my farther harm. For there no friends I had to help me, no wealth to maintain me, no succour near to save me, but if I denied, my new friends would disdain: perswaeded myself in their presence to do as they bade me, but when they were absent: to do then as pleased me. By these means I obtained their lawful favour, in so much, that they thoroughly provided me for my journey to Room. Where for my more preferment likewise, they delivered me divers letters, to sundry persons (whose names I remit) that there I should be placed in the office of a Priest. Well my friend & I gave them a thousand thanks for their liberal expenses, and friendly Letters, and so we departed.  
But when we had with an nights rest pondered of our journey, and considered the eminent dangers before our eyes. First how ready Satan stood to tempt us, and prick us forward still to the eternal perdition of our souls. Secondly, that we should forsake so soon the title & name of a Christian, and yield our necks to the yoke and slavery of the Roman Decretales, in that we professing our selves before faithful followers of our dear Master Christ, should now so wilfully for sake him. Thirdly, unto all our friends, (especially our Parents) what an heart sorrow it would be, to hear how their liberal enpences bestowed on us in our youth, in training us up in virtuous educations is now so lightly regarded: as able to 'cause the Father to yield his breath, for the sorrow conceived through th●… negligence of his Son, and all in general lament our unnatural usages, Fourthly, from the Servants of one eternal true God, to come to be Idolaters, Woorshipers of stocks and stones, and so forsake the fear of God, our duty to our sovereign Prince, and our love to our parents, and all affection to our friends. All these (being the principal points) thoroughly considered: withdrew my mind from my former intent, as having knowledge of my Lord the English Ambassador then lying in Paris, to him we went, & delivered our aforesaid Letters, desiring the prudent council of his Honour therein. His Honour perceiving our imbecility, and opening the Letters: found therein where of I have before certified your Honour, which when he had worthily balanced in the breast of a second Solon said.  
My dear and faithful Countrymen (as I hope you are) not so glad of your welfare, as sorry for your arrival, in that you hazard yourselves on such a stayless state, to become as friends to your enemies, and foes to your Country, here standing at the mercy of a ravening Wolf, who not on lie would devour you from your Country: but both body and soul from Heavenly felicity, Better therefore to abide the poverty, of this your want and necessity, then to cell yourselves wilfully into such perpetual slavery, and not on lie to your great ignomy, but to your friends perpetual infamy, to your Prince and famous Country, if you leave your Captain thus cowardly. Take heart afresh courageously, & dread no calamity, take patiented all adversity, & God will assist ye.  
This excellent Discourse pronounced by so prudent a parsonage, me thought did demonstrate the excellency of true nobility. And then departing from his Honour, I journeyed into Italy, to Room, Naples, Venice, Milan, and divers oh there excellent Cities. And now returned, remembering my bounden duty to your Honour, I present you with these my si●…ple labours, desiring pardon for my bold attempt.  
Faccio fine, è riuerentemente baccio le vostro valorose Mani.  
Humilissimo, e Divotissimo, e sempre Osseruandissimo Vasallo, e Seruitore.  Antony Monday.  

¶ The Author's Commendation of the Right Honourable Earl of Oxenford.  

Except I should in friendship seem ingrate,  
Denying duty, where to I am bound:  
With letting slip your Honnors worthy state,  
At all assays, which I have Noble found.  
Right well I might refrain to handle pen:  
Denouncing ay the company of men.   

Down dire despair, let courage come in place,  
Exalt his fame whom Honour doth embrace.   

Virtue hath ay adorned your valiant heart,  
Exampled by your deeds of lasting fame:  
Regarding such as take God Mars his part,  
Each where by proof, in Honour and in name.   

Each one doth know no fables I express,  
As though I should encroach for private gain:  
Regard you may (at pleasure) I confess,  
Letting that pass, I vouch to dread no pain.  
Each where, 'gainst such as can my faith distain.   

Or once can say, he deals with flattery:  
Forging his ta●…es to please the fantasy.   

Of mine intent your Honour judge I crave,  
Xephirus blow your Fame to Drient skies:  
Extol I pray this valiant Britain brave,  
Not seeming once Bellona to desp●…se.  
For valiantness behold young Caesar here,  
Or Hannibal lo Hercules in place:  
Ring forth (I say) his Fame both far and near,  
Doubt not to say, De Vere will foes deface.    

¶ Verses written by the Author upon his Lords Posey. VERO NIHIL VERIUS.  

Virtue displays the truth in every cause,  
Each vain attempt her puissance doth disprove:  
Repelling falsehood, that doth seek each clause,  
Of dire debate Dame Truth for to remove.   

Nothing we say that truer is than truth,  
It folly is against the stream to strive:  
Hard is the hap that unto such ensueth,  
In vain respects the truth for to deprive,  
Let such take heed for folly doth them drive.   

Vaunt not to much of thy vainglorious state,  
Esteem the truth for she will guide thee right:  
Refrain always to trust to fickle fate▪  
In end she fails so simple is her might.  
Use tried truth so shalt thou never fall:  
Sweet is the yoke that shall abridge thy thrall.   
FINIS.   

To the Reader.  
YOur friendly courtesies considered (gentle Readers) I find myself more largely inde●…ted: then any possibility that lieth in me is able to countervail. But more building on thy bounty, than my simple demerits, more on thy friendship, the●… any deserved favour. I have now the third time presumed on thy clemency. Confessing it might have been far better delivered, if a more expert & cunning Artificer had taken it hand. But some I know will find more fault than needeth, some will carp upon no occasion, & some will condemn before they have read. Yet some again, though they find a escape, they will bear with the Author's simplicity, and consider his good will indifferent/ concerning his want of learning, and also his Adolocencye. Not as yet able to vaunt his Muse so Heroycally, as writers of longer liberty/ who are daily practised in the rules of Poetric. To all those he giveth place, and sufficeth his want on courser cheats, till time serveth to prefer him to a daintier dish. Thus desiring thee to accept this till the third part of this work be finished: I leave thee, listening to the clock, to take up my books and high me to School.  
Nil tam difficile est, quod non solertia vincat.  
Tuus dum suus. Antony Monday.   

¶ Claudius Hollyband, in the Commendation of his scholars exercise:  

SItu veux fuir plusieurs vices damnables,  
Moyennement au monde te tenir,  
Et voir àloeilles choses convenables:  
Lis moy cest oevure, pour te bien contenir:  
C'est un Flambeau ●…our clairement venir  
Au am ou fait Virtue sa demeurance,  
Sanspoint avoir du perverse l'accointance,  
Qui ne peut point à ce bien paruenir:  
C'est le guidon droit, facile et plaisant  
De bonnes moeurs, et miroir evidant,  
Te dirigeant à fuir toute meschance.    

M. Claudius' Hollyband, his Verses thus Englished.  

IF thou wilt fly from divers vices vain,  
And in this world abide in quiet stay:  
And with thine eyes perceive a Mirror plain:  
Of things convenient for thyself each day.  
Peruse this work, where thou no doubt shalt find:  
A rule to keep thy state in steadfast kind.   

For like a Torch it clearly giveth light,  
Unto Dame virtues famous Mansion place:  
Without acquaintance with the wicked wight,  
Which by no means such honour can purchase.  
This is the guide of manners proved plain:  
To teach thee fly the fear of farther pain.   Dum spiro spero. 
Finis.  
C. H.   

¶ Thomas Procter in Commendation of this Work, and the Author thereof.  

WHat, shall I speak, or shall I hold my peace?  
I know not well which of them both were bes●…  
If of my friend my pen in praise should press,  
Some would allege of friendship I expressed.  
But sith his matters are so manifest.  
To speak my mind what shall I need to fear:  
Since good report his Works well worthy are.   

If I should seem having perused the same,  
And see no cause why I should not commend:  
To let it pass I should deseru●… but shame,  
Beside displeasure of my loving ●…nd.  
I would be loath in either to offend.  
But to say truth, both dangers to prevent:  
He well deserves because so well he meant.   

He shows how frail our earthly Honour is,  
How soon our pleasures perish unto naught:  
What danger turns to bale our worldly bliss,  
By elder Age which have such frailty sought.  
At length how Death ●…che state to earth hath brought.  
The hautyest heart that vaunts of victors' force:  
His direful dart unbreaths without remorse.   

The Wise whose wit inferior unto none.  
Through his abuse bewails his follies fall:  
The Valiant yields, and conquered makes his moan,  
The Rich complains to mind his fault to call,  
By these estates he seems to warn us all.  
Jest through our Wit, our Strength and Richeses store:  
We vainly vaunt, and last their loss deplore.   

Of pampered Pride, of Envy and of Wrath.  
Of loathsome Lust and filthy Gluttony:  
Of Covetousness and sluggish Sloth he hath,  
Prescribed the shame and grief that comes thereby.  
Last biddeth us such shameless sius to fly.  
For fear as those who have themselves abused:  
We wail to late their warnings good refused.   

Some of these Men were Kings, Dukes, Earls and Lords,  
Some worthy Knights some learned judges wear:  
But what of that? no favour Death affords,  
He striketh us uncertain when or where.  
He unregardes of what estate we are.  
As soon the King that rules the regal Crown,  
Yields unto him as doth the seely Clown.   

And piercst with Death whereto we all shall yield,  
Their shameless sins wit●… sorrow they bemoan:  
Whom neither Wit 〈◊〉 force of Mars his shield,  
Can safeguard them through their abuse orethrone,  
Ne Worldly Wealth may profit any one.  
Nor earthly joys wherein th●… seemed to trust.  
Avails a whit to help their suits unjust.   

Of Elder Age he shows the ●…il estate,  
Who in their lives Inferiors were to sin:  
Besides he doth unto us all relate,  
A perfect path for us to walk therein,  
And to amend he wills us ●…o begin.  
For at the length each one account sh●…ll give:  
If one the Earth he well or il did live.   

He well deserves because he ●…ught so well.  
To publish that might teach us what we are:  
And took in hand our Elders lives to tell,  
Whose shameless sins might warn us to beware.  
And by their fall wills us to have a care.  
Wherefore let me your Uerdits wholly tell:  
And MONDAY thank that used his Wit so well.  
Nil melius arte. T P.    

T N. in commendation of this work.  

THe Carver often cuts from hard and craggy stone▪  
Some rare devise 〈◊〉 curious work in hope to please each one  
But some that look thereon often times at random talk/ chalk  
When they themselves can hardly ●…me the like of te●…er  
So likewise he that p●…d with pain this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…y ease  
Is sure though some slow his pains that that some ●…e shall displease.  
The work it s●…f no fables are but woven from holy 〈◊〉.  
Whereto he hath in Tragic wise some pretty S●…oues kni●….  
All which are done for thy delight wherein he friendly shows:  
That lofty minds are subject sure unto a thousand woes.  
●…eerin he shows example wise/ the guerdon due to pride:  
To Treason/ Wurder/ Lechery/ and 〈◊〉 beside.  
Which if you shun or if it be thou fee●… some privy prick: quick.  
Then thank him who doth wish thee well though he do ●…outch the  
And if thou know thyself for to be 〈◊〉 from these▪  
Lend him good will 〈◊〉 he deserves who seeks none to displease.  
Who though he have not loomd so far as f●…er wits could weave it  
yet as it is unto thy skill he is content to le●…e i●….  
Allow his labour yet accept what he hath du●…▪  
And thou 〈◊〉 see the 〈◊〉 s●…eps that Wun●…y means to run:  
And I his Friend and thine shall think as well of thee▪  
As Wundayes work doth well deserve accounted of to be.   Petit ardua Virtus. 
Finis.  
T N.   

E K. Gentleman in commendation of the Author.  

THe heart of man ●…ightly each gift should commend,  
that man unto man for friendship doth sand.  
For so Christ himself left ensample behind,  
As Scripture doth declare concerning such mind.  
The gift of the rich men Christ did reject,  
But to the poor Widow he gave good respect.  
For she of her need did offer mi●…es twain,  
And they of their plenty, abundan●… and gain.  
Her mind was the cause that Christ●… did behold,  
The smallness of the gift and not handfuls of Gold.  
My goodwill therefore likewise must commend,  
The labours of any that to Virtue doth tend.  
Wherein is contained things worthy of sight,  
Herein well performed and now brought to light.   
Finis.  
Ed. Knight.   

¶ Matthew Wighthand in the behalf of his Friend Antony Monday.  

Such woeful wights as wail the want of wealth,  
And drowns their days in gulfs of ga●…ing grief:  
Such seely ●…oules as scorns their wholesome health,  
To run a race devoid of ●…re relief.  
Such wilful wights that swims in follies fond:  
And drowns their days in depth of dolours pond▪   

Such simple Sots as sits in sullen seats,  
And s●…oules to shroud in seas of stayed state:  
Such mirthless mates as mouths no sugared meats,  
But drenched in dole and drowned in dark debate.  
If such (I say) would once peruse this work,  
They would denounce in loathed life to lurk.   

Each fond attempt with grief they would bemoan,  
Each heavy hap that hath them past of yore:  
And in this Glass discern their faults each one,  
And frame their lives for to offend no more.  
Their Ancestors doth them here warning give:  
In what estate beseems them best to live.   

Then let my friend obtain your good report,  
Since for his pains he craves no other hire.  
His hope is good, that of ●…e friendly sort,  
He shall receive th●… which he doth require.  
I leave you here to judge and say the best:  
So Monday shall obtain his due behest.  
Ad huc Coelum voluitur.   
FINIS.  
M. W.   

¶ William Hall in commendation of ●…is Kinsman Antony Monday.  

Thy tender time to take such task in hand,  
Demonstrates plain thy zeal & good intent:  
Which when I had at leisure over scanned,  
And finding proof whereto thy mind was bend.  
I thought it good in mine unskilful verse:  
A Kinsman's love in brief for to rehearse.   

Yet jest some think that I affectly use,  
My pen in praise thy deeds for to display:  
To wiser wits I leave the same to choose,  
And let them judge if I do rightly say.  
So shall I rid my hands of farther blame:  
And ne'ertheless thou shalt obtain thy fame.   

Use time therefore as Wisdom shall direct,  
And take thy time as leisure shall admit:  
Jest in thine age Dame Science thee reject,  
And so thy time with speedy foot doth flit.  
Few words and sweet, occasion bids me end:  
A thousand thanks I yield unto my friend.  
ovid. Dum vires annique sinunt, tolerate laborem:  
Nam veniet tacito curua senectapede.   Respice finem. 
Finis  
W H.   

Thomas Spigurnel in praise of the Book and the Author.  

FOr all that Chaucer had great praise▪  
For penning verse which he did use:  
By prattling pen his fame to raise▪  
And so to occupy his muse.  
Yet therein sure he did abuse,  
His muse, his mind and eke his wit:  
By leaving things that were more fit.   

My Friend here painfully hath penned,  
A Mirror plain for us to view:  
A Blasse whereon we may depend,  
To see what mischief doth ensue,  
Of wickedness and eke the crew.  
Of such as do delight therein:  
And so their own destruction win.   

The Histories be sacred sure,  
And such as be most worthy praise:  
For Virtue by them shall endure,  
And so cut of all wicked ways,  
And so I leave by pen to praise,  
The same of this most worthy Book:  
And eke the pains that Monday took.   
FINIS  'tis  

THE FIRST BOOK OF THE Mirror of Mutability, rightly named, the Principal part of the Mirror for Magistrates.  

The Author.  
MARCUS, TULLIUS, CICERO, that flourishing flower of all Eloquence, hath in divers and sundry places prescribed the direct rule of a virtuous life, declaring many excellent exhortations to avoid the vices which are incident to the weakened mind. As the Pride of life. The Envy of the mind at the prosperity of an other. The Wrath which wasteth and molesteth the heart. The Bluttonous excess of belly Gods and pampered paunches, in their dainty fare and drunken delights. The lascivious and unlawful desire of the flesh. The Covetous consciences of wealthy worldly misers. And lastly, the sluggish Sloth and idle life, enemy to all virtuous actions. The consideration whereof: caused me to writ this Discourse, as a plain and sufficient example to all in general, wherein they may see, the dissolute life of divers personages forepast, as the Scripture by credible authority maketh deliberate mention. And first for the entrance in to these Discourses, since occasion serveth so fit: I have elected and chosen King Nabuchodonozor, sometime King of Babylon, who through the great and inordinate Pride, from his regal dignity: was brought to such base extremity, that in shape of an Ox he was made to eat on the ground in the company of other beasts and Dxens. Therefore this Discourse following, suppose it to be spo ken by the King himself, sorrowfully lamenting for his former offences, and so all the rest in their order as followeth.  

PRIDE.  
PRIDE is the root, from whence all vice doth spring,  
Rich is that man, that can avoid the same:  
Infernal woes for guerdon it doth bring,  
Deserved due to their perpetual shame:  
Each one therefore regard his virtuous name.    

THE COMPLAINT OF King Nabuchodonozor, some time King of Babylon, for the inordinate and excessive PRIDE, that he used in his life time. Caput. 1.  

OR highest type of Honours lofty name,  
I some time did in Princely pomp remain:  
Both far and near I bore the golden fame,  
And who but I in chief estate did reign?  
Till suddenly in all my peacocks plumes:  
I was thrown down for all my fretting fumes.   

What so thou be that fain wouldst know my name,  
And how I lived, attend unto my tale:  
Nabuchodonozor, I am the very same,  
Who suddenly was turned from bliss to bale.  
In Pride I ruled, and flaunted with the best:  
Who me denayed, by power I suppressed.   

I am that King which did the Image frame,  
Whereto all men should triple homage give:  
Those that rebelled should taste the scorching flame,  
This in my Pride I usoe while I did live.  
Blood, blood, was all I daily did desire:  
Such was the rule whereto I did aspire.   

When Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago,  
To homage did my golden God disdain:  
In flaming Furnace soon I did them throw,  
Wherein I thought to work their cruel pain.  
But of my will, see how I was deceived:  
God by his might my puissant pomp bereaved.   

His Angel did preserve them in the flame,  
So that they did no harm at all sustain:  
Not, not one hair did perish out of frame,  
This when I saw, did gorge me with disdain.  
I thought myself inferior unto none:  
But I as God triumphant ruled alone.   

I thought each wight was subject unto me,  
I thought it praise to bear a lofty name:  
Pride ruled my heart, I could not Virtue see,  
Vice did abound my pleasure for to frame.  
A mortal man? no, not, a God and eke obeyed:  
My whole estate in pampered Pride I swayed.   

Not one I thought that could my power suppress,  
Much less I thought to find my equal mate:  
With words I caused to bow both more and less,  
With haughty deeds I maintained still my state,  
This stomach stout disdained to stoop all:  
This mighty mind no fear could once appall.   

But yet the Lord to make me feel his might,  
Bereft me clean of mine Impeeiall seat:  
For seven years space, my Pride for to requi●…e,  
In shape of Ox on ground he made me eat.  
A just reward which I did well deserve:  
Since so I did disdain his name to serve.   

Yet at the length his mercy took such place,  
That he restored me to my Seat again:  
And where before I ran an uncouth race,  
With triple joy my Crown I did attain.  
Now I perciu'ed God brought my state so low:  
And raised me up, that I myself might know.   

Behold how gracious was the Lord to me,  
That lined long most odious to behold:  
See how at length his mercy set me free,  
And brought me home again into his fold.  
And though that I did run awhile astray:  
Loth was the Lord to see me cast away.   

You Potentates that rule in high degree,  
Remember how your state is here unsure:  
And though on Earth a while your bidings be,  
It is but lent, it doth not ay endure.  
Think as to day your life you do sustain:  
To morrow dead, the proof hereof is p●…yne.   

Think not to live as Gods upon the land,  
Remember still that Pride will have a fall:  
Consider you are Subject to God's hand,  
And in a moment pass away you shall.  
Live still to die, that you may ready be:  
When God shall call each one in his degree.   

See how my Pride was quickly laid in dust,  
Behold you may my Mutability:  
My Princely rule whereon I whole did trust,  
Did nought avail my state to fortify.  
He set me up, again, he brought me low:  
That I to you a warning plain might show.   

Remember divers past in preter time,  
That have received as sudden fall as I:  
And have likewise offended in this crime,  
Now wisely look, you like tread not awry.  
Proud Lucifer fell down from Heaven high:  
And all through Pride God did in him espy.   

Beware of Pride therefore my brethren all,  
With your estates still hold yourselves content.  
Pride, Pride, was only cause of my great fall,  
And for my Pride behold how I was shent.  
Example take, be warned now by me:  
Let me suffice your pattern for to be.   

And to my grave with speed I haste again,  
Since I have told that which I did destre:  
For now I hope that you will shun the pain,  
T●…t comes through Pride, whose lieu is lasting fire.  
And thus adieu, God grant each one may see:  
U●…to his state, and so content to be.   
FINIS.   

The Author.  
NABUCHODONOZOR, having thus ended his doleful Discourse, and heavily from his heart lamented his strange preter Mutability, yet rejoiced heartily, that God had so bountefully extended his mercy upon him, as to recall him from his former follies, and given him the Spirit of true repentance. Quoth he unto the Author. My friend, since thou hast heard this my sorrowful discourse, how lewdly I spent my life, and how wavering I went from princely, from regal rule wherein I should have show en dutiful authority, and blind Ambition having so secretly seduced me, as to bend and bow at every wanton beck: I ran into utter oblivion of myself, and also of the Almighty's Majesty. But being now reclaimed, and having thoroughly surviewed my lewd and loathsome liberty, as thou hast heard: for the better warning therefore, of all other which shall come after me: I have rehearsed this mournful tale, and (as my friend) my confidence I repose in thee, to publish this my preter pleasure, mingled with a grisly gall, as a Marck whereat all men may perfectly level with their steadfast eyes, and so to shun the dangers eminent to follow. Well (quoth the Author) my good will shall not want herein, though my skill be but base and simple, wherefore refer this unto me, and doubt not but I will do mine endeavour with as much diligence as lieth in me to do, wherefore return, and trouble yourself no more, for my plighted promise shall be presently fulfilled. With that he departed. And then appeared in sight a grisly Ghost/ with long shagged hear/ grim visaged/ and attired in Black, a most ugly creature to behold, he desired the Author that he would also attend unto the strange Mutability of his estate. Well (quoth the Author) proceed/ and let me hear what thou hast to say.  
Then stretching out his arms, grinning with his teeth, and frowning in the face: he began his sorrowful Complaint.  

ENVYE.  
ENVYE disdains his neighbours prosperous state,  
No love can live where ENVYE bearethsway:  
Use therefore so your dealings in such rate.  
You need not shame your living to display.  
Exile all fraud, serve GOD, thy Prince obey.    

THE COMPLAINT of King Herod, the first Stranger that reigned over the jews, for the exceeding ENVYE that in his life he used. Caput. 2.  

WHat, shall I speak? or shall I hold my peace?  
What shall I do? all loathes my face to see:  
The more I muse, the more doth woe increase,  
The more I shun, the more it follows me.  
My former deeds I wish recalled to be.  
But ●…arlet fie, thou speakest to to late:  
For right revenge is fallen upon thy pate.   

Why should I shun, or hide to show my name?  
To all the world I am an open gaze:  
The infant young on Herod crieth shame,  
So black Defame my name abroad doth blaze:  
That to look up, o how I stand in maze.  
To Heaven, not, cast down thy head to Hell:  
There is the place, where thou of right must dwell.   

But that all men may mirror take by me,  
List to the tale that here I will unfold:  
Here warning take, let me your mirror be,  
See how at length I trapped a●… in hold:  
You Gallant gay, take heed, be not to bold,  
Lest that you run to soon in Envies snare:  
And so be caught before you can beware.   

I Herod am, whose heart with grief did gore,  
When Christ was borne, whom men their Saviour call:  
I sent forth Mages to foresee therefore,  
Which way I might procure him for my thrall:  
In heart I still desired his final fall.  
But God who saw such Envy in my breast:  
Did me bereave of that I hoped best.   

Unto my heart it was an endless spite,  
That of the ●…ewes a King he named should be:  
O then (quoth I) if catch that wretch I might,  
All were mine own, mine honour than were fr●…,  
The pomp of all might then redound to me.  
But they in whom I fully fixed my trust:  
Returned no more, their promise was unjust.   

I vowed to come with homage to this King,  
Dissembling then my ardent zeal of heart:  
Hoping that so I might him under bring,  
And by this drift fulfil my bloody part.  
But all in vain, the more returned my smart.  
And how I fry, and fret in spite therefore:  
judge you if one may any ways do more.   

Condemned I am to the infernal flame,  
For loathsome life which I would not prevent:  
Proud Pluto now torments my noble name,  
Now to to late I loath my life lewd spent.  
Be warned therefore, each man keep him content.  
Climb not to high, for sudden comes the fall:  
Which leads you to an everlasting thrall.   

You stately Kings that have the charge in hand,  
To govern those that do them Subjects vow:  
Foresé by me such sin for to withstand,  
Be not to proud, unto your duties bow.  
Rememember you but Subjects are as now.  
I can instruct how other should deplore:  
But I myself could not take heed before.   

Call unto mind the slaughter that I made,  
Of tender infants from their mother's breast:  
See how Dame Envy led me by her shade,  
That merciless poor Sucklings I oppressed.  
And through my Realm none could have any rest.  
But what revenge did light on me therefore:  
Is to well known, I need to speak no more.   

For suddenly I caught a bloody knife,  
Incensed with ire, to work mine own decay:  
My Servant would not let me spill my life,  
But he perforce constrained my hand to stay.  
Else desperately I meant myself to slay.  
But now at last, behold a greater change:  
Woe to report the matter is so strange.   

A loathsome creature than I was to see,  
Upon my carckasse Uermin vile did eat:  
Such odious savours did proceed from me,  
None could abide for to approach my Seat.  
For to behold my body vermins meat.  
My friends and all, now suffered me to lie:  
My stink was such, that none could come me nigh.   

A just reward for Envy that I used,  
A mirror plain for all that come behind:  
To think how much myself I have abused,  
And altered clean from out of nature's kind.  
A man, a beast, such doom was me assigned.  
And as I was, even so I do remain:  
Till judgement come, to quit me for my pain.   

Sufficient warning here I have you told,  
For to beware how like you do offend:  
Now hence I must to troubles triple fold,  
Which will abide continual without end.  
If therefore thou wilt to thyself be friend.  
Eat E●…yes snare, take heed of lofty mind:  
So never shalt thou waver out of kind.   
FINIS.   

The Author.  
THe Author having well and diligent lie attended to this Discourse, uttered of this hellish Herod: would ●…ry feign have entered into some tal●… with him, but seeing him so terribly turmoiled with a multitude of grisly assaults, so greedily gnawing on his cursed carkass●…, was content to let him pass, yet seeing that he would not departed out of presence, but expected yet (as it were) to declare some what more of his mishap. The Author said. Thou hateful Herod, when in thy surpassing pleasure, thou hadst the world at will: little was these afterclaps in thy remembrance, but now being woorthiy punished for thy former offences: thou lamentest when it is to late. O my friend (quoth Herod) thy words I have approved, for indeed my lawless li●…ertie with vn●…ridled affection: hath trained me in to these merciless miseries, which perforced I constrained to abide. But being thus broiled in this bath of bitterness: feign would I die, and can not, fain would I escape and may not. So that worthily and deservedly, I abide this my unlooked for destiny. With that (giving a hideous groan) he departed. And presently there entered as grim a Sire as he, as ugly to behold, as beastly in behaviour, and as deformed in his stature. After he had awhile well beheeld himself, and looked in each place about him: he began his Discourse as followeth.  

WRATH.  
Where wrathful wights in common w●…ale remain,  
Regarded small is v●…itie of life:  
All vice abounds, Discord, doth Reason stain,  
Truth lies in dust, and still increaseth strife.  
Have good regard in all thou goest about:  
Esteem Dame Truth for she will bear thee out.    

THE COMPLAINT of King Pharaoh, sometime King of Egypt, worthily punished of GOD, for his wrathful dealings toward the Children of Israel. Caput. 3.  

AM I that Phar●…o that did guide,  
The noble Land of Egypt late?  
Am I that Pharaoh that did slide,  
From happy health, to wailing w●…▪  
And am I he, that sought each way▪  
For to subvert the Israel's state;  
Then justly is mine own decay.  
feign down on me, for doing so.  
I have dese'ud the truth to say,  
A thousand times as many more.  
For all the Plagues that God me sent:  
Can not enforce me to repent.   

Ten several Plagues God sent to me,  
Ere I would let his Children go:  
With Frogs and Lice most strange to see,  
To move my hardened heart with all:  
With divers Plagues he paid me pat,  
For to reclaim my stoutness so.  
But I esteemed not of that,  
I thought my state should never ●…ll.  
I thought to beaten all nations flat,  
Before that I would gain the thrall.  
But who so fights against the Lord:  
He spéeds but bad, as I accord.   

I did persever in my thought,  
I did not force the Lord on high:  
I thought my power should ever speed,  
And that his might I could deface:  
My har●…ned heart with Wrath was bend,  
I thought to mount up to the Sky.  
But cli●…ng, see how I was shent,  
For down I fell i●… loathsome case.  
And now my deed I do repent,  
For running such a wretched race.  
Behold how here I d●…ue in pain:  
Yet can not die though almost slain.   

The furious Fiends torment my ghost,  
For pleasure used in my life:  
Trounst and turmoiled in fréesing frost,  
You burns this frost as hot a ●…re  
Thus do I pass my dollye days,  
Amid a thousand heaps of strife:  
And from them can escape no ways,  
To late it is for to retire.  
But just desert (as all men says,  
Fallen down on me in midst of ire.  
O loathed life, fain would I die:  
Cease Pharaoh, thou in vain dost cry.   

Be warned now you Lordings all,  
Let Pharaos' fall teach you beware:  
Spit forth that grisly goring gall,  
Which makes you Envies servile sla●…e:  
See Pharaoh, who of late enjoyed,  
What heart could wish, devoid of care.  
And see, how now I am annoyed,  
judge if a guerdon right I have.  
Because my time I ay employed,  
To fancies fond which I did ●…aue.  
And now my pleasure spent before:  
With sowry s●…ce I do deplore   

Say now you see a pattern plain,  
That you the like mischance may shun:  
See here the lieu of deep disdain,  
That fostered was in Envies lay:  
Respect your state ere you begin,  
How you yaur after steps may run,  
So shall you scape the sink of sin:  
Which Pluto proud doth round bewrap,  
When you espy another in:  
I think you may escape the trap.  
Say notbut you have warning had:  
Ofenc that feels his state to bad.   

And thus adieu, I must return,  
As Galley slave unto my pain:  
To place where silly souls do mourn,  
In loathsome lake of Envy fell:  
I must not slack my service due.  
But with all speed must turn again,  
And there be locked fast in mue:  
Among a thousand fiends of Hell,  
Take heed therefore, think on my lue:  
And of the place where I do devil.  
Then never will you fall in this:  
But still take heed to do a miss.   
FIMIS.   

The Author.  
PHARAOH, having thus full lie finished his mournful Discourse: soon after departed, which when the Author perceived, and calling to mind his former talk: took his pen and noted it down, as near as he could in the same order as he pronounced it. And before he had brought to full effect his pretended purpose: he espied approaching in place a modest and comely parsonage, attired in the weeds of a Gentleman, very sorrow fully walking, drying the tristful tears which flowed from the Fountain of his eyes with a Handkerchief. The Author perceiving this: laboured very diligently, till he had ended King Pharaos' Discourse, greatly desiring to know the name of this pensive person. For still he erected his eyes, and heaved his hands up to Heaven, representing the form and manner of a sorrowful Sinner, bemoaning his former offences, and only aspecting for his eternal comfort from the joyful habitation of the perpetual Paradise. This so sudden and sorrowful sight, so amazed the Author: that he stood in a great quandary, not knowing what were best to do. But at last this woeful wight gave a grievous sigh. and folding his arms together: began his tale.  

LECHERY.  
Life better lost, then live in such a sin,  
Eternal shame doth follow lawless Lust:  
Corrupted minds do first this vice begin,  
Hating the truth whereon they aught to trust.  
Each one therefore his stayless state regard,  
Remember (man) the day draws very near:  
In which all sin shall have his due reward,  
Erect thy mind, that then thou mayst be clear.    

THE COMPLAINT of King David, (by God's permission) annoi●…ted King of Israel, sorrowfully from the bottom of his heart, bemoaning his unbridled Lust of Lechery, committed with BERSABA the Wife of URIAS, and for the procuring of her Husband's death, thereby obtaining his purpose. Caput. 4.  

DId Adam fall for breaking God's behest,  
From type of joy to den of wailing wo●…?  
And did his fact deserve to be suppressed?  
Then David's deed, deserveth triple so.   

Did Cain offend when he his Brother siue,  
And was suborned from presence of God's face?  
And if his fact did force his heart to rue,  
O David, than thy doed deserves like case.   

What greater sin than soeke the guiltless Blood?  
What greater shame then loathsonie Lechery?  
The World my fact hath open understood,  
My cruel deed of lawless liberty.   

O Bersaba which so did blind mine eyes.  
That I forgot my rule and Princely sway:  
Her seemly shape did force me to devise,  
A thousand thoughts my purpose to assay.   

O when as thou didst lave thy body white,  
As in my window thee I did behold:  
Me thought I saw a Gem of rare delight,  
A Phoenix fair stamped out of bea●…en Gold.   

Then that I might my purpose bring about,  
On thy sweet shape to mitigate my pain:  
To bloody Wars I sent thy husband out,  
With giving charge that there he should be stain.   

Then did I gain my long desired trust,  
thou Bersaba for to suffice my will:  
But I a wretch to deal with lawless Lust,  
thou to defile, and husband thine to kill.   

O wicked deed, me thinks I still do hear,  
Urias' blood for vengeance on m●… call:  
O mazed man, where was thy heavenly fear?  
What, didst thou think there was no God at all.   

O yes (my God) but sore deceived was I,  
Before thy face so wretchedly to sin:  
Thy mercy mild (O Lord) do not deny,  
That yet I may thy dwellings enter in.   

O Bersaba, forgiveness I do crave,  
For that I wretch thy body did defile:  
Unlawfully desiring thee to have,  
To spot thy name by such an unkind guile.   

And thou Urias through my deed was slain,  
O where remained the bounds of Princely sway:  
That for my Lust should so desire thy pain,  
And to thy foes unjustly thee betray.   

Thy doleful death in heart I do Lament,  
And sorry am for this my wicked deed:  
Behold (O Lord) my fact I do repent,  
Whereon to think doth make my heart to bleed.   

You Princes great that rule in regal state,  
Behold how I did blindly run astray:  
And brought myself unto destruction's gate,  
But that my God redéemd me thence away.   

Take heed how you do lawless love require,  
Fly from such vice as from a Serpent vile:  
In fear of God your pleasures do require,  
Then shall you not seduced be with guile.   

Be warned by me who am your preter past,  
See how I fell that never thought to fall:  
God's mercy yet received me at last,  
And sorrowing tears did make a mends for all.   

Direct your ways as justice doth beseem,  
Assure you, than you can not walk a stray:  
And of this crime none can you guilty deem,  
Remember me, and thus I haste away.   
FINIS.   

The Author.  
THe Author stood marvelously amazed, to hear this doleful Discourse uttered by King David, to see how sorrowfully he bewept his so unjust attempt, and how earnestl●… he craved pardon for his lewd offence. At last the Author approached ne●…rer unto him and said. Undoutedly my most gracious and Sovereign Prince, this your careful complaint/ wilmoove the mides of other such like si●…ers, to drive into utter oblivion their unsatiat desires, whereby most grievously they offend in the presence of the Almighty. O my friend (answered King David) this my fact, was both odious in the sight of God and man. yet chiefly in disobedience of the Almighty's commandments/ but heartily I lament the same, and wish that this deed may be a mirror unto all to beware how they fall in to the like, and thee my friend and all other, I wish wisely to foresee unto yourselves, be fetuent in prayer, and continual in contemptation, so the Adversary shall have no power to assail, and so my Friend far well. Adieu good King (answered the Author) and GOD of his inestimable mercy, arm us all constantly in thy repentance.  
After this entered a crabbed creature, deformed to behold, his belly so monstruous and huge, and his visage so ugly to behold, & after a while pausing he began to speak as followeth.  

CLUTTONY.  
GL●… not thyself with vain desire of wealth,  
Let modest mean always thy state suffice,  
Use not excess for to impair thy health,  
The drunken S●… all virtue doth despise,  
The 〈◊〉 paunch his belly makes his God.  
O happy man that keeps the golden mean:  
Naught more reproach, or more deserves his r●…d,  
You ●…vel may see then such a life unclean.    

THE COMPLAINT of Dives for his Gluttony used in bi●… life time: Caput. 5.  

Drowned in the gulf of endless woes am I,  
A Glutton vile, most odious to behold:  
My life I led so lewdly out of frame,  
That all the World my presence do despise.  
" And why, for that I might have shunned before:  
" But fond desire to that repugnant was.   

" I Lordly lived and fared of the best,  
" I like a Prince had all the World at will:  
" To see the poor did gorge me with disdain.  
" I thought all much that went beside my mouth.  
" Not, at my gate they should for hunge●…●…ye:  
" Ere I a whit w●…ld pity their estate.   

When Lazarus lay begging at my gate,  
I gave great charge that none should him relieve:  
No not the crumbs that from my table fell,  
To save his life he should them not obtain.  
The dogs to him more gentle was then I:  
They licked his sores when else he nought could get.   

And now behold what have I for my hire,  
An endless flame wher●… I ●…ry my heart:  
The hellhounds stand and claw me with their 〈◊〉▪  
A thousand plagu●… I suffer in a day,  
And all not half so much as I deserve:  
Though ten times more they were adjoined to me.   

Poor Lazarus that p●…ing lay in 〈◊〉,  
In Abraham's bosom 〈◊〉 from ha●… 〈◊〉:  
Where I had all the pleasure on the 〈◊〉,  
And he the woe, his joys are triple fold:  
My dainty diets now hath la●…e full sour,  
Now simple meat would seru●… for dainty fare.   

But he they say, that will ●…o warning take,  
Deserveth well to have a like reward:  
And he that makes a God upon his dross,  
Must buy it deer, as I alas have done:  
The pleasure that I had on earth before:  
Full hard I now do buy it to ●…hy cost.   

See what it is to trust in massy murk,  
see what it is to make a God of dross:  
Behold what gain returns unto my share,  
for thinking that my life would always last  
I am the wretch that did contemn the poor:  
but for contempt, behold what did ensue.   

You Worldlings all that yet remain behind,  
remember Dives drenched in deadly dole:  
See how desartful rightly hath him sped,  
for lawless life devoid of any gr●….  
Who scorns at God, God sure will scorn at him:  
Let him not trust that weith wi●…●…negarde b●….   

Well since you have my fatal fall beheld,  
I doubt not but you will prevent the like:  
If so you d●…, your pleasure may be more,  
If not, your woe shallbe as great a●… mine.  
But while you have a space allotted you:  
Remember me, and fear will force you 〈◊〉.   

And so Adieu, to 〈◊〉 I ●…st retur●….  
Where tr●…l 〈◊〉 ●…se my caren corpse:  
There must I li●…, there must I never die,  
O gri●…ly grief that never will have end.  
Fie on all mu●… that brought me unto this:  
Farewell my Friends, still think on Dives life.   
FINIS.   

The Author  
THis grisly tale of Dives perplexed the Author in a daz●…ed dump, to consider with himself, what desert obtained the excessive desire of Gluttony, what au irksoe sore it is unto the soul, bringeth the body into a brutish beastliness, and maketh him consue his days in cankered conceits, the flaunting fare, used at their tossing tables, the rietous regard they have their own s●…ish sloth, from morning to night passing their pleasure in irksome excess of detestable drunkenness, then wallowing in the mire of mortal miseries pampered with all secucurities possible to bring him to the b●…ck of subtle Satan, then is headlong hurled, into a thousand crabbed cares, a multitude of mischiefs, compassed with cruel calamities, all hope abandoned, faith utterly suppressed, and vice egregiously embraced, no tongue can possible express the divers dolours brought about by slavish sin, & man so unsteadfast by nature, to run headlong into the ●…ame.  
But then to drive him out of his former fantasies, approached one in place with a currish countenance, his paunch corn out and round about beset with fearful flames of fire: 〈◊〉 sight where of the Author stood quaking and qu●…ering, yet refreshing himself with assured hope he attended to hear what he would say.  

AVARICE.  
As God hath sent and well increased thy store,  
Vaingloriously do not therein excel:  
And eke again, do not disdain the poor,  
Regard on earth thou but a time shalt dwell,  
In time therefore this odious vice expel.  
Consider wealth doth flourish but a space:  
Erect thy mind in heaven to gain a place.    

THE COMPLAINT of judas bemoaning his avaricious heart in selling his Master Christ for thirty pence. Caput. 6.  

WHat do I live, will death not end my car●…  
is crooked fate so luckless unto me:  
that will not end my mortal misery,  
Not greater plagues must be thy shameless share  
For loathed life which thou before didst use,  
In craving that which moste did the abuse.   

Loath cruel wretch to show thy filthy face  
Or that the World should think upon thy deed:  
For whose offence full many hearts do bleed.  
For that I wretch transgressed in cruel case.  
My Master mild for lucre t●… betray:  
Woe worth thee wretch to think upon that day.   

I Iuda●… am that once Disciple was,  
To Christ that was my Lord and Master dear:  
Behold me wretch that stands in presence here.  
Who Traitor like his sorrows brought to pass.  
For being greedy of a golden gain:  
For money put my Master unto pain.   

I am the Wretch that dipped in the dish,  
When as he said, even he shall work my woe:  
And see bow I assented to do so.  
For in the Garden with a traitorous kiss.  
I brought to pass how he should Captive be:  
Led like a Lamb his slaughter for to see.   

I thirty pence received for my deed,  
Which after ward when I recalled to mind▪  
For my offence great wrath to me assigned.  
Before the Priests I hasted then with speed,  
And threw the money in despite away:  
Confessing I the guiltless did betray.   

And forth I went ashamed to show my face,  
For still my deed did gore me to the heart:  
In that I had done such a vilain●… part.  
I could not rest nor bide in any place.  
But went and hanged myself upon a tree:  
In place whereas all might me plainly see.   

Then Beelzebub began to play his part,  
He came to fetch my sinful soul to hell:  
Where to to bad in torments I do dwell.  
Without remorse as is my just desert.  
Lo what an end my Avarice did gain:  
For preter joys, an after triple pain.   

Learn you therefore that see my grievous fall,  
To fly from that which will incur your woe:  
If on your wealth you set your pleasure so.  
Undoutedly to Satan rest you thrall.  
From whom be sure you cannot start awry,  
But in the lake of deadly dole shall lie.   

Take warning now from heart I you desire,  
Let judas stand a mirror in your eyes:  
That Avarice in heart you may despise.  
And not to high above your reach aspire.  
For if you do, your fall is strait at hand:  
Prepare before, seek therefore to withstand.   

And now I turn unto my lasting pain,  
Desirous still to end my jingring life:  
But stay a while, I must have longer strife.  
Example take, to you I call again.  
Fly, fly I crave from presence of this vice,  
Who will your woe a thousand ways entice.   
FINIS.   

The Author.  
IF now this rare report uttered by this jewish judas, may move a man to mind his mazed miseries, procured by his unsatiable avaricious heart: judge you, to whom is permitted the perusing of this Craiterous treachery, for minding more his money then regard to his Master became merchant to barter his Master away for a small value, an entire love proceeded from this serviceable servant, who exempting all courteous constancy, all faith and fidelity, all love and obedient duty, towards his masters safety, with a flattering face, in deep deceit betrayed him with a cur sed kiss. O wretch far beyond desert desetuing such a Master, whom neither outward virtue could persuade thee, miraculous dealings content thee/ nor loving loyalty move thee, rightly didst thou gain the name of the Child of perdition as thou provest perjured in thy great unconstancy: so justly & deservedly reapest thou thy duty. Then to drive the Author out of dumps wherein he remained at this tale of judas approached one in place seemly appareled like a preacher or Proditor phet very modest and sage, to whom the Author listened to hear what he would say,  

SLOTHE,  
Sloth is a foe unto all virtuous deeds,  
Learning surmounts the golden heaps of gain:  
Of Idle life therefore destroy the weeds,  
Think what renown Dame Science doth maintain.  
Hence forth subdue all idle thoughts in thee:  
Example good to all thy life will be.    

THE COMPLAINT OF jonas for his slothful slacking the commandment of the Lord being sent to preach to the Ninivites, Caput. 7.  

MUse not my Friends though jonas now,  
appear before your face:  
I come to utter forth my crime,  
'gainst God's Almighty grace.   

For being straightly charged by him,  
that I to Niniveh:  
Should go and fell the People how,  
they lived in great misery.   

I would not do as I had charge,  
but went an other way:  
To joppa where in secret sort,  
to Tharsus I would stray.   

And finding hoist sails at hand,  
and ready to departed:  
I entered ship not minding that,  
which was my chiefest part.   

So forth we launched and under hatch,  
I went to take my rest:  
Desiring for to sleep my fill,  
for that did please me best.   

But suddenly unlooked for,  
a mighty storm did rise:  
The anger of the God above,  
was threatened in the skies.   

The ship was tossed wunderously.  
a grievous sight to see:  
For death each man did then await,  
no way else might there be.   

And still the Master plied his charge,  
to ease the heavy wait:  
Suspecting that should be the cause,  
wherewith the ship was fraught.   

So forth he cast his merchandise,  
into the swelling seas:  
When that was done, yet near the more,  
the tempest did appease.   

Then every man fell on his knees,  
and loud to God did cry:  
Yet was the tempest terrible,  
and raged cruelly.   

Then under hatch the Master came,  
where me a sleep he found:  
Awake quoth he, and pray with us,  
shun Sloth we now are bound.   

Then to our prayers fell we hard,  
yet all would not content:  
For still it raged more and more,  
in vain their time was spent.   

At last the Master thus 'gan say,  
my Friends if you agree:  
We lots will cast which of us all,  
procures this rage to be.   

The Lots were then immediately,  
divided twixt us all:  
And when each one had took his chance,  
the lot on me did fall.   

Well then (quoth I) since that this rage,  
procured is by me:  
Into the seas do cast me straight,  
than all content shall be.   

To which for safeguard of their lives,  
they gladly did consent:  
But God though I offended had,  
would not my perishment.   

But present sent a mighty Whale,  
when I was thrown in sea.  
Within whose paunch free from all harr  
I did remain three days.   

And at the last delivered was,  
this did my God for me:  
So that by this the seas were calm▪  
and they escaped free.   

And though that I offended had,  
and slacked my duty so:  
God would not leave me succourle●…e,  
but shielded me from w●….   

For when I called unto mind.  
my great and lewd offence:  
The sighing sorrows from my heart,  
made speedy recompense.   

For God delighteth more to see,  
a sinner wail his sin:  
Then he should vengeance present▪  
or judgement enter in.   

So for example you may see,  
my sin which was so sore:  
God's mercy soon did mitigate,  
to make me sin no more.   

You therefore that remain on earth,  
let this your mind suffice:  
Fear still for to displease the Lord  
be not to worldly wise.   

Fix still your mind on heavenly th'  
that never will decay.  
The rest are but as shadows here,  
and soon will pass away:   

What vantage is it for a man,  
to have of riches store:  
And for to want the fear of God,  
which still should be before.   

The more a man doth fix his minds,  
upon that filthy dross:  
The more endamagde is his soul,  
unto the utter loss.   

For wealth doth pamper him somuch,  
that God is clean forget:  
And then at last unto his pain,  
upon him falls the lot.   

So that all good and virtuous men,  
from company refuse him:  
And where before he was esteemed,  
now they disdain to use him.   

Then is he thrown into the lake,  
of everlasting pain:  
Where as no fish shall rescue him,  
to cast him up again.   

But shall among the damned souls,  
in endless torments dwell:  
Where weeping wailing doth remain,  
even to the pit of hell.   

Bear this in mind in all your works,  
before you do begin:  
Remember God is merciful,  
and be afraid to sin.   

Turn unto God, and God to you,  
will turn his cheerful face:  
Fly slavish Sloth, and then be sure,  
that God will you embrace.   

For idleness is enemy,  
to goodness as men say:  
Therefore do shun the enemy,  
and one the Virtue stay.   

Let all that have you preter past,  
examples be to you,  
How you may learn in all assays,  
vile sin for to eschew.   

And thus if you direct your ways,  
you walk the path so right:  
That heaven is your inheritance,  
in foil of Satan's spite.   
FINIS.  Antony Monday. Memor esto brevis aevi.  
THE END OF THE FIRST BOOK of the Mirror of MUTABILITY.   

¶ THE SECOND BOOK OF the Mirror of Mutability, discoursing of divers other excellent Histories, both pleasant and profitable.  

To the Reader.  
SOme men fix their fancies on simple shadows/ esteeming Vanity as a Virtue to vaunt of addicting their m●…des to Carnal 〈◊〉, wishing their Bags well st●…ed with 〈◊〉, which is their whole pleasure. Some again to haughtiness of heart, which (as they think) is a goodly 〈◊〉 ry. Some to seek the ruinated spoil of his Prince and Country to pleasure the Enemy, and thinketh his deed worthy of eternal memory. Some to the utter undoing of their Neighbours, labouring by all means possible to deprive him of his honest name, hoping thereby to get great commendation. Some to unlawfull liking, which moveth their unbridled nature to stretch beyond the bounds of loyalty, and hopeth for praise although it be with great infamy. Some also delighteth in courageous Carousing, with the superficial qualities of Quaffing, the which some frequent only for the name of a Lusty Carowser, though ●…all honesty is used with such an Artificer. And some give themselves to sluggish Sloth, wishing rather three hours sleep▪ then one inch of profit. Of all which, severally in these Chapters before passed: I have drawn some declaration, compacting therein (The seven deadly Sins) with their due obtained hire. And now for that some occasion is offered unto me, to proceed farther in my enterprise: I have adjoined hereto divers other exeellent Histories, selected out of the most sacred Scripture, desiring (Gentle Reader) thy friendly ind●…erencye, although I want the rules of practised poetry/ wherewith I might have flaunted it more gallantly, I refer that to those of more riper excellency, and accept this (though homely) yet offered willingly/ and if I had been experienced, or e●…s might have come acquainted with such eloquent spe 〈◊〉: be sure that I would have then launched it out with an emperors liberality.  
But finding my store house so far unfurnished, and that truth need not be so bravely burnished, I yield myself to thy gentle courtesy, & bu●…d my defence on thy friendly clemency.  
Sempre Amico vostro. A. Monday.   

The Induction.  
ABSALON, Son to the illustrious King, and peerless Prophet David King of Israel, who was so adorned in Beauty so bounteous, in stature so excellent, and in all points of parsonage was so comely and apparent: stretching beyond the bounds of natural affection, and more regarding Vanity, than the welfare and prosperity of his father David: disloyally desired his Kingdom, and proceeded so far in his purpose: that he forced his father to fly out of his Realm/ requesting counsel which way he might clean vanquish and overcome his Father. But this his bold enterprise turned to his own destructi on, for both the Armies being joined in Battle: Absalon & his company sustained the foil. And he seekig to escape secretly away, as he road the h●…e 〈◊〉 head ●…ed about the branches of a tre●… & his h●…sse ●…ning away left him hanging there. Then I●… 〈◊〉 Captain of King Da●…ids host, and the Son of 〈◊〉 King David's Sister pursu●… him▪ 〈◊〉 thorough with his Spear, a just 〈◊〉 for his wicked attempt.  

BE AUT IE.  
Be not to proud of that which is but vain,  
Esteem not BE AUT IE as a thing of price:  
As Scripture doth to us give credit plain,  
Vain BE AUT IE hath often times deceived the wise.  
Take heed therefore, she slily doth entice.  
Infairst words, doth deep deceit often lie:  
Each man therefore lift up his heart on high.    

THE COMPLAINT of Absalon, for his vain aspiring to the Imperial Crown and Diadem of his Father King D'AVID, and for his sudden fall he obtained in his pretended purpose. Ca I  

ON whom the fates in lowering sort did frown,  
I am the wight and Absalon by name:  
Whom haughty heart (at last) perforce threw down  
Unto my woe, and thrice eternal shame.  
But he that ●…eeks to climb beyond his reach:  
In end doth fall, experience doth me teach.   

So I for proof the son to David King,  
Presumed 〈◊〉 unto my Father's place:  
A thousand woes I compassed for this thing,  
And wished as King his kingdom to embrace.  
For still desire ●…id prick me to the same:  
But duty said that I deserved blame.   

Well what o●… that●… let duty quake with cold,  
Let wanton will prick forth his lusty prime:  
My Father's Age still made me very bold,  
And still me thought he lived to long a time.  
His hoary hears were far unfit to guide:  
So great a charge, this thought I in my pride.   

Well at the last betide me weal or woe,  
I would adventure for this rare renown:  
By puissant force my might I meant to show,  
〈◊〉 that thereby I might a●… 〈◊〉 the crown.  
In 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 co●…ld:  
His crown and rea●… obta●… perforce I would.   

My Father's force I nought esteem (quoth I)  
I (present) will erect a martial ●…and:  
For either he will grant, or else will fly,  
Then David's seat comes pat into thy hand.  
O Absalon cheer up thy noble heart.  
Proceed in this to play a victors' part.   

Then lu●…y Lad●… I present did prepare,  
In ●…led co●…es t●… bring my purpose right:  
A mighty band I levied for my share,  
Not doubting but to foil my Father's might.  
Both noise of Drum, and clangering trumpet shrill,  
Did prick me forth for to obtain my wil   

For what more same unto a haughty heart,  
Then to encounter with his mortal foe?  
What infamy obtains he that will start?  
And Cowardly like from out the skirmish go.  
So every hour I tho●… a year o●… twain:  
Till I by fight m●… Father●… crown did gain,   

Well then at last with courage forth I went,  
And all my train for to perform the deed:  
At last we came where ●…onter for●… was bend,  
'Gainst me and mine for to resist with 〈◊〉.  
With Cannon cracks▪ the 〈◊〉 than began:  
Each one to show himself a martial man.   

On each side than began the bloody blows.  
Assault, assault the Captains cry amain:  
The Ensigns spread the battles force forshowe●…,  
The horsemen they the ranks have broke in twain.  
the hurling sha●…ts and ●…ery balls d●… fly:  
With such a force as darkened is the sky.   

My men although they were the greater part,  
A number slain, the rest began to faint:  
The other side are victors by desert,  
then dark annoy my courage did attaint.  
I had the worst I thought it best to fly:  
Without I would before mine enemies die.   

Then fled I thence, and glad my life to save,  
For God was angry with my unkind act:  
Considering I my Father's crown did crave,  
And entered field, which was a bloody fact.  
For this my deed revengement soon he sent:  
to make me know my heart was wicked bend.   

For in my flight my hear caught on a 〈◊〉,  
Out of my saddle it did take me quite:  
And there I hung most woeful for to see,  
And could no way redress my heavy plight.  
A guerdon just thus fell unto my share:  
Because against my Sire I would prepare.   

Then knew I well my heinous great offence.  
Had brought me to my due deserved hire:  
Which from the heavens was sent for recompense,  
Because so high in heart I did aspire.  
Then wished I all were to do again▪  
Because as now I felt thereof the pa●….   

So long I hung in this my doleful pain,  
That joab did at last retire that way:  
When he me saw, incensed with ire amain,  
At me he ran perforce, and did me s●…ay.  
This sharp revenge from heaven on me fell:  
to teach me 'gainst my Father to rebel.   

See gallant Brutes by me a pattern plain,  
Of haughty heart aspiring to renown:  
Who did attempt my Father's right to gain,  
And would have robbed him of his stately crown.  
But lo what guerdon doth on me betide:  
To pay me home for my excessive pride.   

Content yourselves therefore with mean estate,  
Keep that which justice doth to you allow:  
Take heed by me remember this my fate,  
Perforst the wrath of God on me to bow.  
Wherefore beware this filthy vice prevent:  
Lest as I am, like case you may be shent.   
FINIS.   

The Intduction.  
TRIPHON, a man of great reputation, who assisted Alexander in fight against the noble King Ptololomye, when this Alexander was departed his life, by subtle sleights, and crafty conceits, found such means, that he got the young Antiochus the only heir, to this King Alexander, from the Arabian Emascuel, who nourished him up in virtuous educations, to obtain the crown after his Father's death.  
And when he had obtained the young King under his jurisdiction, he began to compact 〈◊〉 against him, which he could not fully compass, so long as jonathas (whom the King had made high Priest) enjoyed his life, wherefore to prevent the same, he sought which way he might slay jonathas, and being at Bethsan where jonathas met with him, accompanied with forty thousand men, was greatly discouraged because the force of jonathas was so great, and therefore to colour the matter, he commanded his Army to yield as due reverence unto jonathas in all respects as to himself, And being met together/ quoth Triphon in dissembling sort, upon what occasion compelest thou these thy People to take such tedious travail, consdering we be at peace/ and no wars is between thee & me, return them home again, reserving those whom thou pleasest to have to attend, and to weight upon thee, and so walk with me to Ptolomais, for I will frankly bestow it upon thee, beside divers other strong & fortified holds, and for no cause else come I, and so I will departed. jonathas reposing confidence in the dissembling tale of Triphon: commanded his Army to departed, & then went with Triphon to Ptolomais, where as soon as jonathas with his men were entered the City: the gates were fast shut, and jonathas put in Prison and all his men slain.  
Then afterward departed Triphon in to the land of juda leading jonathas with him as prisoner: and having intelligence that Simon the Bro there of jonathas stood up in resistance against him: in flattering sort he sent word to Simon that the cause why he kept jonathas in ward, was but for certain money due by him in the King's account, and if so he would sand an hundred talents of Silver, and also the two sons of jonathas for surety in their father's behalf, jonathas should return home again.  
But Simon well perceived the crafty deceit of Triphon/ and yet doubting lest he should become a greater enemy to the people of Israel. and that they should an other day report that because no money was sent by Simon his Brother jonathas was dead, did sand him both money, and the two Children.  
This fell right even as Triphon did wish for and would not release jonathas, but soon after/ put both him and his Children to death, and now at last beginneth he to bring about his long and ancient grudge toward the young King, for as he walked abroad to disport with him: traitorously did murder him, and so obtained the realm crowning himself King of Asia, & did much hurt in the land. But in the end this Triphon become so hated of all men, that when Antiochus' Son unto Demetrius came against him: the most of his men returned, and he being so persecuted by Antiochus, that he took ship on sea/ after which he was never seen.  

CRUELTY.  
Content thyself to live in quiet stay,  
Remember sti! the end ere thou begin:  
Vaunt not to much of thy poor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pray,  
Except thou ●…nk that thou 〈◊〉 ●…uer si●….  
Let CRUELTY in thee be clean suppressed,  
Think that thou canst not always Victor be:  
In thine affairs respect thy quiet rest:  
Esteem thy Friend that well doth council thee.    

THE COMPLAINT of Triphon for his cruelty committed against the young King ANTIOCHUS, whom he cruelly murdered as he walked to disport him, and for his cruel putting to death JONATHAS, and histwo Children, through which he crowned himself King of ASIA. Caput. 2.  

IF lofty looks might gain immortal Fame,  
Or double dealing merit worthy praise:  
Then Triphon I by right deserve the same,  
Because long time I sought it many ways  
But if that Virtue vaunteth for her fee:  
Destance then is open come to me.   

Promotion still did prick my heart on high,  
With whole desire to gain a Prince's place:  
For by deceit I thought to mount the s●…ye,  
But at the last deceit did 〈◊〉 deface.  
Deceit they say so long may used ●…ée▪  
That at the length his Master shame will he.   

For so by me the proof appeareth plain,  
When Alexander shrined was in grave:  
Antiochus his Son I did obtain:  
Thinking by him that I the Crown might have.  
But jonathas did make me still to doubt:  
Wherefore for him I brought a fetch about.   

When he me ●…t with forty thousand Men,  
A mighty host that made me for to quake:  
A subtle shift to gloze that matter then,  
Dissembling I this drift did under take.  
And set my tongue a philed phrase to frame:  
That no suspect there might be found of blam●….   

I promised him full many a gentle gift,  
So that at length his men he sent away:  
I seeing I, so fine had played this drift,  
This jonathas for Prisoner I did stay.  
And at the last went out through juda Land:  
That they abroad my fame might understand.   

To Simon who my prisoners Brother was,  
I message sent declaring that the cause:  
Why I retained his Brother in this casse,  
Was for due debt claimed by the Prince's laws.  
And if that he would seek to set him free:  
His Children he with speed should sand to me.   

Of Silver eke an hundred talents more,  
To me should come, else would I keep him still:  
My wish was sent, of money I had store,  
And eke his Children resting at my wil  
Whom afterward to death I did commit:  
That so thereby my purpose might fall fit.   

Then I of Asia was proclaimed King,  
This was the wish I looked for so long:  
But Fortune fell revengement sharp did wring,  
And made me for to sing an other song  
Demetrius Son Antiochus by name:  
Pursued me fast to work my open shame.   

And to my ships perforce made me to fly,  
Else had I death sustained at his hand:  
But ne the less on seas I wretch did die,  
Deserving worse if that my fault were scanned.  
But God this sharp revenge on me did taite:  
A guerdon 〈◊〉 for treason I did maite.   

Fly, Fly therefore take warning by my fall,  
Let this my deed take place within your breast:  
To make you fly the sudden sweetened gall,  
Which in the end provoketh your unrest.  
Fie on all treason, woe unto the day:  
When first I sought this most accursed way.   

Well since I have so slily fallen in snare,  
And have to me incurrde an endless pain:  
You gallant wights I wish you to beware,  
Betime, see you from wi●… 〈◊〉 refrain.  
So of my woe for ever you shall miss,  
And for my grief, shall reign in lasting bliss.   
FINIS.   

The Induction.  
ACHAB King of Israel espoused jezabel Daughter of King Ethbael of the Sidonites, by means of the which Sezabel, he fell into all strange Idolatry, and extreme persecutions, for which offence he received such a plague of God: that in three years should no rain nor dew fall from heaven on the earth, whereby ensued a great death both of men and beasts (that a number died through his wicked offence.  
This King as report is made in the sacred Scriptures was so wicked, that even it was his whole delight to do lewdly contrary to his duty, and yet God suffered him to obtain a vaitant victory over Benhadab the Sirian King, who retained in his company xxxii. Kings, & twice he harmed him by great and bloody skirmishes but the third time he was forced to come prostrate before this Achab▪ who for all his cruelty yet pitied the case of Benhadab, and making a bond with him, gave him licence to depart, now for the mercy shown to this wicked Benhadab, whom God had cursed and brought into the subjection of Achab to the intent he should be slain: GOD was very wrathful against Achab▪ promising his ruinated destruction for the same.  
Shortly after, this greedy Gainer not satisfied with his own kingdom and signories, with his battles, spoils, and wonderful victories, which God had suffered him to conquer: but the guiltless and innocent Naboth he forced to be cruelly murdered, for nought but for a Uiniard pertaining unto this silly wight, whose innocent death such vengeance obtained in the sight of God that the Prophet Elia brought him message that where the Dogs had licked the Blood of Naboth, in the same place should they lick his also.  
And the God to him & his posterity would do a●… had done to the house of jeroboam and Baasa.  
These fearful threatenings sent from GOD, so terrified Achab: that with repentance he humbled himself in sorrowing Sackcloth/ which did move the Lord to permit his plague farther of. But this his repentance was but plain dissimulation, to win the hearts of men, wherefore he refused the council of Micheas the true Prophet of GOD: and reposed confidence in four hundred false Prophets, and after their council took his iour neigh to Ramoth, where being in Battle with the Syrians: an Arrow pierced into him sitting in his Chariot, of which wound he died. And then his Chariot going toward the Pool of Samaria to be washed: the Dogs licked up his blood. So was the promise of the LORD fulfilled upon this wicked and cruel King, for his great transgression.  

WICKEDNESS.  
While time thou hast, remember life misspent:  
In all thy thoughts respect a Christian care:  
Consider still the end ere thou attempt,  
Know that thy sins innumerable are.  
Examine well therefore each fault amiss,  
Dread that the LORD will angry with thee be:  
Now seek therefore to gain the lasting bliss,  
Erect thy heart, that men good works may see,  
So then to all thy life shall witness be.    

THE COMPLAINT of King Achab King of Israel, for his wicked life led in IDOLATRY and cruel Persecutions, and for sparing the life of the wicked BENHADAB, King of Syria, whom GOD had delivered into his hands only to put to death. Also for his procuring the poor NA BOTH to be cruelly murdered, thereby toget his Viniard, by the counsel of JEZABEL his Queen (whose blood the Dogs licked up on the ground) and also his own blood, in the Battle fought at RAMOTH, according to the word of the LORD. Caput. 3.  

Lascivious life deserveth like reward,  
And disobedience must have punishment:  
Where falsehood rules the truth cannot be heard  
The rod must come to force them to repent.  
Where man disdains to stand of God in awe:  
Revengement needs must come by justice law.   

Where Cruelty doth harbour in the breast,  
And Rigour puts poor seely souls to pain:  
Where fear of God is utterly suppressed,  
And eke the mind addicted to disdain.  
The sharpened sword doth hung above his head:  
If God so please, to strike him present dead.   

" For proof whereof, I Achab may suffice,  
" who wayward will from Wisdoms ways was bend  
I lawless lived my God I did despise,  
In Idols I did fix my whole delight:  
That jezabel whom I did take to Wife:  
Maintained me still in this my loathsome life.   

For mine offence no rain for three years space,  
Fel on the earth, all barren was and dry:  
So that by this a murrain came a pace,  
That man and beast a multitude did die.  
The Prophet I Elia did disdain:  
Avouching he was cause of all my pain.   

But most of all. that wicked cursed King,  
Despised of God for wickedness of life:  
God did vouchsafe into my hands to bring,  
That so I might abridge him with my knife.  
But for because he homage did to me:  
I saved his life, and so did set him free.   

But yet alas poor silly Naboths' death  
Puts me in mind my vile and lewd desire:  
By wrongful means to stop his guiltless breath  
Procured vengeance on me for my hire.  
His viniard I perforce would take away:  
So by these means poor Naboth I did stay.   

The Lord then sent his Prophet unto me,  
Who thus did say, for this thy wicked deed:  
In place whereas all men did plainly see,  
The Dogs on Naboths' guiltless blood to feed:  
There shall they lick thy blood in self same case:  
Because thou didst all fear of God deface.   

When this I heard, because all men should say,  
That I was sorry for my great offence:  
I sackcloth got and so began to pray,  
But this I feigned, and glozed with pretence.  
And God who knew how I did gloze fain.  
Prepared a mean to pay me for my pain.   

For as I sought how I might get again,  
The City Ramoth which to me was due:  
The Council of Micheas did refrain,  
And followed those that false wear and untrue.  
So there in fight an Arrow pierced me:  
Of which I died in my tranquillity.   

Let now therefore this tristful tale of me,  
Give warning how you run likewise astray:  
Fear God and keep yourselves in your degree,  
Fellow the truth, exile all fraud away.  
And think on me that passed you before:  
To give you warning that you sin no more.   
FINIS.   

The Induction:  
JEPHTAH the Son of Gilead base borne, and hated of his brethren, was fain to fly, & so went and remained in the Land of TOB, as a Stranger from his brethren and Familiars, but within a while it fortuned the Ammonites oppressed the Israelites greatly with wars, and stood in hazerd of subversion, so that the Elders of Gilead remembering jephtah was so goodly a man of parsonage, strong and courageous: they went to desire him to be their Captain. But he alleged unto them the small regard they had of him before, & now in their distress came to seek succour of him. So at last through pronising to make him their go vernour: he returned with them. And preparing himself against the Ammonites. he vowed unto GOD that if the Victory might redound into his hands: the first quick thing that should happen to meet with him at his return, he would sacrrfise in honour to the LORD, It so fortuned that GOD gave him such good success in Battle: so that he returned Conqueror. And as he came homeward: the first he met withal was his own beloved Daughter, who met him with pleasant Harmony, at sight whereof he rend his hear, tearing his garments, with many sorrowful lamentable, declaring to her his vow. Well Father (quoth she) content yourself/ & that is said fulfil it, although it be I And then for two months space among the Mountains she bemoaned her virginity/ with other virgins of her company, and then returned, and was sacrificed of her Father as his promise was. I right and rare exam ple for all men to take heed of vain oaths.  

RASHNESS.  
Regard always to live in modest mean,  
ARASH attempt thou after mayst repent:  
Eat such vain thoughts as make thy life unclean,  
Have good regard jest thou be sharply shent,  
Now is the time thy dangers to prevent.  
Esteem therefore that which shall last for ay:  
So shalt thou live when Satan would say nay.    

THE COMPLAINT of jephtah sometime judge of Israel, for his so rash, in the sacrificing of his Daughter, for the foiling of his enemies. Caput. 4.  

THe loftiest mind doth catch the fall at length,  
The Wisest man is subject to a stroke:  
The Champion stout the vaunteth in his strength  
Is forced at length his boasting to revoke.  
All is but vain to purchase mortal praise:  
Which lasts awhile, and soon departs his ways.   

Man doth appoint, but God doth all dispose,  
Even so by me that sought vainglorious Fame:  
I vowed to God if I might foil ●…y foes,  
And to return as Victor of the game.  
I vowed what thing did meet me by the way:  
As sacrifice to him I meant to slay.   

Welfoorth I went, such good success God gave,  
That all my foes by force I did suppress:  
I had the wish that I did wholly crave,  
I bore the name among both more and less.  
My vow I made remained yet behind:  
I little knew what shing I first should find.   

Returning home with all my mighty train,  
My Daughter first in presence I did spy:  
A triple grief did aggravate my pain,  
My mirth was turned to many a doleful cry:  
My hear I rend, and garments did deface:  
Twixt weal and woe I stood in doubtful case.   

My promise made alas performed must be,  
For unto God I firmly vowed the same:  
My Daughter eke brought triple woe to me.  
That I on her my sacrafise should frame.  
No remedy but death she must sustain:  
And unto her this tale I told with pain.   

O Daughter dear which erst was cause of joy,  
Unto thy Sire to blemish dark debate:  
Now art become (alas) his great annoy,  
In that thy death is wrought by luckless fate,  
My rash attempt to purchase lasting praise:  
Hath wrought the mean to end thy tranquil days.   

To God I vowed if I the field might win,  
What first I met, his sacrifice should be:  
My foes now foiled that would have entered in,  
Behold (my Dear) the lot doth fall on thee.  
If I should seek to save thy tender life:  
My promise made would more procure my strife.   

What shall I say (alas) amazed I stand,  
My promise I must bring to full effect:  
Thy life therefore yield subject to my hand,  
And be content this World for to reject.  
The Maiden mild this answer made her Sire:  
Content to grant to that he did require.   

Since you (O Father) have suppressed your foes,  
And since your vow doth fall so right on me:  
I yield myself to ease your after woes,  
I shall suffice your sacrifice to be.  
But for two Months to Desert I must wend:  
My state to moon before my life doth end.   

The time expired, the Maiden turned again,  
Then offered I to God my Sacrifice:  
Thus my rash vow, returned to my pain,  
To hunt for praise, which did me most despise.  
When Man will make a vow without respect:  
It God offends, his soul it doth detect.   

You yunger years therefore be warned by me,  
Unto your vows always have good regard:  
Respect in time the danger for to flee,  
Lest unto you do happen like reward.  
Still vow no more than well perform you may:  
And so be sure you cannot go astray.   
FINIS.   

The Induction.  
SAMPSON, a man thought invincible for his strength and magnanimity received a woman of the Philistines to his wife, whereby he came to his destruction, for by her alluring words did open the Riddle put forth at the marriage, how out of the eater came meat, and out of the strong came sweetness. This Samson after that he had sent the Foxes through the Philistines corn had three thousand men against him/ who by his own permision suffered them to bind him, and they seeing that they had gotten him: greatly triumphed, where withal he broke his bands, as though they had been of no force. And presently caught up the jaw-bone of an ass/ and therewith all killed a thousand Philistines, and after fainting for drink, God forced the water to issue forth of one of the teeth, and therewith refreshed himself. Then he perceived the Citizens of Gaza laid wait for him to kill him, he rose at midnight, and rend the bars of the gates of the City, and bore them on his shoulders to the top of an hill before the City of Hebron. But at length through his fond affection to his wife Dalila, he lost Gods excellent gift, in cutting the here from his head, wherein consisted his strength, and so was he betrayed to the Philistines, and had his eyes put out, and was made to grind in a mill like a slave. But in their day of delight holding the feast of their God Dagon. Samson was sent for out of Prison to play before them and make them sport, the house being full of people, so that in the roof there was three thou sand. But as Samson was playing before them: he caught the two great Pillars that bore up the house, he called upon his GOD saying. O Lord strengthen me at this time only, that (according to my vocation, executing thy judgement) I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes. And saying so: he shook the Pillars saying. Let me die with the Philistines, and so the house fell down and killed them all, his body by his brethren was taken and buried with his Father Manoath.  

MAGNANIMITY.  
Muse with thyself the subtlety of sin,  
As entered hath the wisest men alive:  
Great is the fraud, she slily doth begin,  
None can escape so near she doth them drive.  
As she hath Beauty trained to her lure,  
Next flaunting pride she forced hath to bend:  
In all estates of this I am right sure,  
Mere shifts she hath, her craft for to defend.  
If then the stout, the proud and all do yield,  
The simple wretch hath need to walk a right:  
If she perceive him in the openfeeld,  
Even than she comes to harm that simple wight.    

THE COMPLAINT of Samson, for his fond declaring to his wife where his chiefest strength was, which made his eyes be pulled out by the Philistines. Caput 5.  

IF I be he whose haughty heart and strength,  
Throughout the world extelled was by fame  
Survey my life, peruse my deeds at length,  
And see how Women brought me unto shame.  
For I bewrayed my Riddle to my Wife:  
Which did procure to me a heavy strife.   

When as I set the Corn in flery flame,  
The Philistines convincst me through the deed:  
They bond me straight in hope to spoil my name,  
But yet the Lord did aid me at a need.  
For nothing I esteemed of my bands:  
But valiantly broke them between my hands.   

Then Gaza gates on shoulders I did bear,  
Removing them unto the Hebron hill:  
My might was such, of none I stood in fear,  
Till at the last through fondness of my william.  
Unto my Wife my secret did bewray:  
And so by her obtained my decay.   

I had example twice of her before,  
But yet (alas) no warning would suffice:  
If I had kept myself in Wisdoms lore,  
And her refrained that did me so despise.  
I had not fallen so soon into mishap:  
Nor over whelmed with terrors tristful trap.   

But now to late my folly I repent,  
And now I move when as it is in vain:  
When unaduisde I sought myself to shent,  
And willing run upon my bitter bain.  
Well may you say his payment he deser'ud:  
●…hat saw his pain, & would not have it swerved.   

For twice the guile I plainly did espy,  
When as she said, O Samson now arise:  
The Philistines do seek to make thee die,  
But quickly I prevented their devise.  
Yet foolish man could not be warned by this:  
But needs must tell whereas thy secret is.   

Her Sirens songs laid me a sleep on lap,  
Then she from me my valiant force bereft:  
The Philistines then caught me in their trap,  
And then (alas) small comfort had I left.  
But that in God my trust I firmly héeld:  
Protesting him my Buckler and my shield.   

They traitor like mine eyes pulled from my head,  
And in the Mill did use me like a slave:  
Behold my Wife what courtesy she bred,  
See for my love what recompense I have.  
Now grind poor wretch thy living for to get:  
To find thee clotheses, and also bread and meat.   

O seely Samson now deprived of joy,  
Where is the life that thou didst lead of yore?  
Is comfort turned to direful dark annoy,  
Is all thy fame now dead thou haddest before?  
Why? is it thou that burned thy enemies Corn?  
Behold thyself (alas) thou art forlorn.   

Why, is it thou that shunned the piercing paws,  
Of Lion fierce that sought thy dire decay?  
And is it thou that rend his ravening jaws,  
And Honey hadst as thou went'st by the way?  
Look on thyself (alas) to much unwise:  
See how the world thine honour doth despise.   

If with the jaw of on poor stely Ass,  
So many men thou broughtest to the ground?  
Why then relieve this thine afflicted case,  
And haste thee straight thy fo●…s for to confounded.  
Nay, stay a while, thy folly ●…rst lament:  
Remember well how Wisdom hath thee shent.   

Wouldst thou to field to fight against thy foes?  
O naked man, where is thy chée●… defence:  
How canst thou now resist the battering blows?  
Fie, Coward fie, go shroud thy hot pretence.  
Think on the state thou did●… enjoy before:  
And sit thee down thy folly to deplore.   

Say, once thou hadst, that which thou now dost miss,  
Say, once thou wast free from all women kind:  
Say, Samson, once thou didst remain in bliss,  
And now report, O Samson thou art blind.  
Thou well mayst say, that once thou hadst the power:  
But now Dame Folly clean hath cropped the flower.   

Go carry Gaza gates unto their place  
First take thy strength that brought them thence away:  
And then perhaps thou mayst thy foes deface,  
But till that time in thrall thou needs must stay.  
The scourging whip must tear thy tender skin:  
A guerdon just which thou of right dost win.   

This is the thing the Philistines did crave,  
Thy thrall it is procures their jocund joy:  
Since they have got stout Samson for their slave,  
They him detain their pleasure to employ.  
And as a fool they use thee at their Feast:  
With thy blind sport to frame some merry jest.   

But yet one day as they did celebrated,  
Their Dagons' Feast, I being then in place:  
To make them sport, to God did yield my state,  
Desiring than I might them all deface.  
The house with old, young, great and small:  
I pulled it down, so killed myself and all.   

Woe worth Dalila that so wrought my shame,  
Woe worth Dalila my unconstant foe:  
Example take, let sampson's bitter blame,  
Forewarn you how you trust to Women so.  
Not more in secret to a Woman show:  
Then you would have that all the world should know,   

See here stout Samson valiant in his strength,  
Yet could he not a Loovers' look resist:  
For all his might, see how he fell at length,  
And forced to yield to Wom●… as they list,  
Take heed by me, let sampson's great mishap:  
Learn you beware to fall in such a trap.   

Full many more have fallen in like case,  
And all through this, wherefore I warning give:  
Remember Beauty bears a fickle face,  
And Beauty asks a triple cost to line.  
You have your choice, which you will take or leave  
Refuse the bad, the best you may receive.   
FINIS   

The Induction.  
SALOMON being the Son of Bethsabe, was anointed King to reign after his father David, and when he was established in his Kingdom: first executed justice upon Adonia his Brother, who would have aspired to the Kingdom. Secondly upon joab, who had slain Abner and Amasa, and he also conspired with Adonia. Thirdly upon Semei, who cursed his father David. This King was so great lie beloved of GOD: that in a dream he had him ask what so ever he would, and he should have it. Solomon considering his youth, and ruling in a Kingly office, how difficil a thing it was to rule: desired of GOD to have an understanding heart, to judge the people with justice and equity, and to discern good from evil. His request found favour in the sight of GOD, and not only he gave him such great and excellent Wisdom: but also abundance of worldly Richeses, wherein he excelled all the Kings of the Earth, that were either before or after him to this day. So that all the World came to see and hear his grave and excel lent Wisdom, which far surpassed Ethan, Herman, Chalcal and Darda, who were four of the notablest men that then lived in the World. But the rare Wisdom of this Sapient Solomon: caused them all to stand astonished, both for his excellency, and also for his Richeses. For he had twelve Officers, which daily provided the victuals for his household, and his ordinary expenses, was every day thirty quarters of fine Manchet flow oer, and sixty quarters of meal, ten stalled Oxen, and twenty out of the pasture, one hundred sheep beside Hearts, Bucks, wild Goats, Capons & other Fowls. Also he had forty Thousand Horses, and xit. Thousand Horsemen to keep them. And the weight of Gold that came every year out of Ophir to Solomon: was six hundred, three score and six Talents, beside the bringing in of merchants and other men. His riches was so abundant: that he made all the ornaments of the Lords Temple of pure Gold, and every drinking pot in his house was of clean Gold, and he used Silver as plentifully as the stones in the street. But yet (alas) for all the worldly possessions and Wisdom that he had: he fell into unlawfulllyking of Outlandish women, whereof he had such store: that he made seven hundred Queens, and three hundred Concubines, all which turned his heart to strange Gods, and of a wise King, made him in manner a stark fool and wicked Idolater. So that for this his grievous offence, he lost the favour of God, and so after he had reigned forty years/ he died, and was buried in the City of David.  

SAPIENCE.  
Since man's estate corrups as doth the Flower,  
And in short time his pomp is laid in dust:  
Perceive you may, how that this earthly hour,  
Is still unsure, Man's pleasures vade as rust.  
eftsoons we see as soon goes young as old,  
No King nor Keysor, Wise nor yet the Fool:  
Can Death deny, they all must to one Fold,  
Earth must to earth, so teacheth Wisdoms school.    

THE COMPLAINT of King Solomon King of Israel, for his inordinate love borne to Outlandish Women, who brought him from the wisest and richest King that ever was, to be cast out of God's favour, and to be even in manner, like a stark fool. Caput. 6.  

Behold (my friends) the wight whose fickle safe  
Through wanton will procured his woeful fall:  
See here the man that thought his steadfast state  
Unlikely was to come in such a thrall.  
But well ye see that Sin deceives the Wise:  
When fond conceits hath power to blind his eyes.   

I Solomon whom God with Wisdom decked,  
And worldly Wealth whereof I had great store:  
Did think that sin could never me infect,  
Because Dame Folly still did stand before.  
And through the world blew forth a golden blaze:  
That thousands came on Solomon to gaze.   

For when I had given sentence on the Child,  
For whom two women strove before my face:  
Such rare report went of my justice mild,  
That Solomon was known in every place.  
Lo thus my God adorned me frank and free:  
That all the World amazed stood at me.   

Beside of wealth I had the World at will,  
To strange it is to hear my large expense:  
Of golden gifts I ay enjoyed my fill,  
My princely port, my Garders and defence.  
Were to to long to you for to recite:  
For all this wealth did nought but blind my sight.   

So that alas I cruelly transgressed,  
For fond delight entangled had my mind,  
Outlandish Dames did like my pleasure best,  
I clean forgot the wrath to me assigned.  
Seven hundred Queens I Solomon did make:  
Of Concubines three hundred I did take.   

O wicked wretch, where was the fear of God,  
where was the wise foresights the thou didst use:  
what didst thou think there was no scorging rod  
That would correct thy heinous vile abuse.  
If so thou thought'st? why than the didst but well:  
To live so lewd, 'gainst duty to rebel.   

Why? did not God in dream appear to thee,  
And bade thee ask what best thy heart could crave?  
Did God not grant thy wish performed to be,  
And did permit that thou shouldst Wisdom have?  
How thinkest thou? this canst thou not denay:  
How happens than thou goest so astray.   

Alas, because thou didst not God regard,  
But in thy wealth didst set thy whole delight:  
Each wanton Dame with wealth the didst reward,  
This made thee fall in such a woeful plight.  
And where before thou west esteemed wise:  
Now as a fool each man doth thee surmise.   

What wilt thou do? thou sinned hast so sore,  
By kneeling down to Gods of stocks & stones:  
That God will now respect thy case no more,  
Down on thy knees, sound forth thy heavy groans  
Lament, lament (O wretch) thy wicked crime:  
Desire thy Lord to save thy soul in time.   

You Potentates behold my woeful fall,  
How wanton will hath thrown me in the dust:  
That now to sin I rest a servile thrall,  
Lo what reward obtains unlawful Lust.  
My heinous faults recount before your eyes.  
And learn in time such vices to despise.   

Remember me that thought myself so wise,  
That I no way could gain so great a fall:  
But when I did the fear of God despise,  
Ah woeful man, my comfort then was small.  
My trickling tears found favour in God's sight:  
And for my grief did yield me heart's delight.   

So shall your lives be free from spotted blame,  
Your whole delight shallbe in fear of God:  
Then after death you gain immortal fame,  
If so your lives be swayed with Wisdoms rod.  
Then shall you live, and evermore be blest:  
Among the Saints in the eternal rest.   
FINIS.   

The Induction.  
AMMON the eldest Son of the famous King David, was so ravi shed with the beauty of his Sister Thamar: that he refrained the sustenance of his body, only languishing for his deep desire. jonadab his Kinsman often espying the crooked cares wherewith poor Ammon was oppressed: demanded of him one day by chance, what should move his mind to such strange motions? To whom Ammon broke forth and said. O love it is to whom I am enthralled, and except I may obtain my love: I am but dead, but yet I blush to show on whom I am so affectioned, yet unto you it skilleth not greatly, it is my Sister Thamar that procureth my sorrowful sighing. jonadab being one who furthered his intent said. feign thyself vanquished with debility of sickness, and when thy Father David cometh to visit thee: desire that thy Sister Thamar may dress meat for thee, and also bring it thee. The which counsel Ammon fulfilled, and when Thamar brought him meat: he never restend until he shamefully forced her. And having obtained his pleasure he utterly disdained her, thrusting her out of his Chamber. To whom she said. In thy using me th●…s discourteously, and in repugning now: is far greater than the villainy thou didst unto me. But for this his wicked deed: his Broth●…r Absalon afterward slew him at a Banquet in chiefest of his pleasure.   

THE COMPLAINT of Ammon, the eldest Son of King David, for the ravishing of his Sister THAMAR, accomplishing his desire, through the crafty devise of JONADAB his kinsman, who causing AMMON to fayne himself sick: obtained of his Father DAVID, that THAMAR his sister should come and visit him, and when she came, bringing with her a dish of meat: ravised her, and afterwards cruelly despised her. Ca 7.  

incontinency.  
If men respect their fickle date of time,  
Now in delight, then drowned in dark annoy.  
Computing Age with their unbridled time,  
Of all estates how brittle is their joy..  
Needs must they say they taste a sweetened gall,  
That as to day their pleasure doth procure:  
In tract of time it leaves their comfort small,  
No Rock it is that ever will endure.  
Exampled be by preter time unsure.  
No man (although he live in world's of joy)  
Can keep him there as in a certain stay:  
You see the proof, what grief it doth employ,  
Even at a clap doth fetch all pomp away.   

OAmmon fond, borne unto great mishap,  
O lawless Lust that made thee do the deed:  
O wicked wretch now thrown in terrors trap  
Where griefly gripes upon thy carcase feed.  
Fie on thee wretch, loath for to show thy face:  
Thy heinous act condems thee in each place.   

Hadst thou the heart to work such villainy?  
No point of manhood did remain in thee:  
So to despoil thy Sister's dear virginity,  
A wicked wish desired for to be.  
No marvel though at sound of Ammon's name:  
That all the world cries on thee open shame.   

What art thou now? a man deprived of joy,  
And subject to a thousand heaps of woes:  
Thy pleasures past is sunk in dire annoy,  
Behold thy fate how froward still it goes.  
Thy deed is more than is thy punishment:  
Yet wicked wretch thou canst not be content.   

But most of all when thou the deed hadst done,  
And gotten that which thou didst wholly crave:  
Then in despite her presence thou didst shun,  
And thought great scorn her company to have.  
O hardened heart yfraught with malice fell:  
So 'gainst all law thy Sister to compel.   

O Thamar, I my wicked deed lament,  
I sorrow sore for my unkind offence:  
Deserved doom, full right my state hath shent,  
And for my deed, behold my recompense.  
A just reward, since so I did neglect:  
My duty bound to God in each respect.   

For as I sat in midst of mirth of joy,  
At Banquet with my Brother Absalon:  
Not thinking to receive so great annoy,  
With bloody blade he killed me anon.  
Lo what a guerdon did befall to me:  
That so from nature's law did disagree.   

If I had ruled myself in Reason's law,  
And framed my life unto a good intent:  
Or if I had of God remained in awe,  
Then had not I my time so vayuly spent.  
But where self will is suffered so at large:  
Great is the pains that after will him charge.   

For idle life procures this lawless Lust,  
And idleness is foe to Learning's lore:  
Where wanteth faith, hope and assured trust,  
There Satan still hath liberty the more.  
And Satan ay doth forward frame the will:  
To that which would both soul and body spill.   

Therefore of Ammon here a warning take,  
Learn in your youth to walk in virtues ways:  
Lest sin in age your pleasant joy doth slake,  
And so forget both God and blissful days.  
Remember God, always set him before:  
And your affairs shall better speed the more.   

Then vain desire can never you assault,  
Nor no such sin as I wretch did commit:  
Be warned therefore by this my present fault,  
And shun such drifts as doth no Christian fit.  
In all thy thoughts, works, words, or deeds I say  
For good success to God continual prey.   
FINIS.   

The Induction.  
ADONIA Son to the Godly Prophet king David, perceiving his father convinced with debilttie in his aged years: began with proud Courage to exalt himself to the Kingdom, and provided for himself both Chariots, horsemen, & footmen, to go before his father, as though he were King. Which his father well perceived, but yet he said nothing, because he would not displease him/ to incur his envy toward him. So Adonia went forward in his pretended purpose, and following the counsel of joab the Captain, and Abiathar the Priest (who greatly took his part herein) he made a sacrifice of Oxen and Sheep, whereunto he invited his brethren and the king's Servants, who in his presence reioyling said. God save King Adonia. But when as Bersaba his mother and Nathan the Prophet had given knowledge to King Danid of his wicked intent: he caused Sadock the Priest, and the Prophet Nathan, to an 'noint his Son Solomon, and to set him up on his own Mule, and then go forth and proclaim him King. These tidings blazed in the new up start Kings Court: caused all his company for to shrink away from him, and so Adonia was left all alone, who for his more safety stead to the Tabernacle of the Lord, and would not departed from thence: till Solomon had granted his pardon, so at last upon this condition that afterward there should no more disquietness arise by him: remitted him free. Then he departed home to his house and when David his father was dead. Adonia fell in love with Abisag the sunamite▪ and so desired) Bethsaba Salomons mother to speak to the king that he would give him Abisag to his wife. Solomon hearing his mother's request, and seeing that Adonia (being his eldest Brother) through his Pride would aspire to the Kingdom: thought it good to cut of his pretended purpose, and so put him to death.  

VOLUPTVOUSNES.  
Virtue surmounts all vain desire of wealth,  
Orprivate gains got with unhonest use:  
Let man therefore consider of his health,  
Vainglory doth both mind and life abuse:  
Proved it hath been by reasons manifold,  
That mortal Fame doth run by he adlesse chance:  
Virtue, her Fame cannot to often be told,  
Ordained ay the Godly to advance.  
Vain than it is on bad I wist to glance.  
Stay fast thy faith in him that rules above:  
Not time defer to turn from wickedness:  
Eternal Fame, Faith and assured love,  
Shall you adorn in world's of rich increase.    

THE COMPLAINT of Adonia Son, to King David, for his proud aspiring to his Father's kingdom, & also for his pride used against his Brother King Solomon, in craving ABISAG the Sunamite to his mate who was a fair and virtuous young damosel, and nourished King DAVID in his extreme age, thinking by that means to attain to his desired pretence. Caput. 8.  

ALthough my deed doth well demerit blame,  
My stately Pride and haughtiness of heart:  
Although my life so far spent out of frame,  
Needs no report for such a vicious part.  
Yet that the world may warning take by me:  
I'll tell my tale that all my life may see.   

And when you have perused my life at large,  
My malice bend against my Father's state:  
How blind ambition did me overcharge,  
With peevish Pride (alas) unfortunate.  
Report that I did well deserve my fall.  
In running headlong in to such a thrall.   

I Adonia Son to David King,  
Perceiving age bedew my Father's state:  
By sundry sleights I sought about to bring,  
presumptuously to perch to be his mate.  
I thought his years were so far gone 〈◊〉 spent:  
that well I might presume to my intent.   

O what renown did I in pride suppose,  
To be a King and bear the sovereign sway:  
By force of Arms to irritate my foes,  
By words to 'cause my Subjects to obey.  
No life me thought in all the world more fit:  
Then princely pomp in regal throne to ●…t.   

It did me good to hear the brave report,  
Of boldened breasts endued with valiancy:  
Who try their fate in mighty Mars his Court,  
Protesting faith to Magnanimity.  
On carved Crest to shake the shivering Lance:  
This valiant sport their honours doth advance.   

This is the way to win them rare renown,  
This is the joy that chéeres a Prince's heart:  
This is the way to vaunt on honours crown,  
And lasting Fame doth quit them with desert.  
O valiant youths, welfare your plied pains:  
Whose happy healths are valiant Wictors gains.   

Well in this mind so far I did proceed,  
That I had got such as would take my part:  
Abiathar and joab both indeed,  
Ood give consent to my presumptuous heart.  
A feast I made, where many did resort:  
Wishing me King as words did make report.   

O gallant joy to hear so many say.  
With valiant voice erected to the skies:  
God save our King, our worthy Adonia,  
O wished pray so gladsome to mine eyes.  
But when my Father of my deed did know:  
My lofty pride was quickly laid full low.   

Those which before had called me their King,  
Left me alone, they durst it not avouch:  
O strange event to see such sorrows spring,  
So soon a king and made so soon to couch:  
Dame justice scorned that I should mount so high:  
And threw me down in twinkling of an eye.   

With that I fled and hid myself for fear,  
To see what tidings would approach of this:  
Then Solomon for to prevent this gear,  
Was crowned King in most triumphant bliss.  
At last of him my pardon I did gain:  
So that I would in quietness remain.   

Yet wicked wretch through loftiness of mind,  
I could not hold myself with state content:  
But once more would revert to former kind,  
Aspiring still my purpose to attempt.  
And for to bring my matter more about:  
This pretty shift on sudden I found out.   

I sought to have Abisag fair to wife,  
Which when my Brother Solomon did spy:  
I could not keep myself in quiet life,  
But still I sought to perch my head on high.  
Deserved death for pride I did attain:  
So all my pomp on sudden did distain.   

Now Lordings see my proud presumptuous heart,  
What lieu I gained in recompense for all:  
See justice scorned at my unlawful part,  
And from the top did headlong make me fall.  
I which was Son unto a famous King:  
By pampered pride my ruin great did bring.   

Consider 〈◊〉 will have her rightful place,  
〈◊〉 touchstone tries & sounds each man's intent:  
Though for a while Vain glory her deface,  
Yet at the length her foes she will prevent.  
For Falsehood doth a while hold on her gloze:  
But truth at length her dealings will disclose.   

Now what avails my lostines of mind,  
My princely pomp in midst of all my flowers:  
My haughty heart which made my senses blind,  
And made me seek to rule in Kingly bowers.  
What, have I gained immortal fame thereby:  
Or such renown to perch the azured sky?   

O not my friends, small honour is my share,  
Small is the fame that will redound to me:  
Shame is my due for this my reckless care,  
My wicked life so loathsome for to see.  
Rebelling so 'gainst Nature's stayed state:  
And seeking so to be my Father's mate.   

What, didst thou think thy Father lived to long,  
And duty bade thee to cut of his days?  
And did obedience move thee offer wrong,  
To him whose life so many men did praise.  
Or canst thou judge Dame Wisdom did agree:  
That so thou shouldst usurp his dignity?   

Alas, not, not, thy duty had thee seek,  
To serve thy Sire with reverence in each place,  
To stand in awe to show thyself so meek,  
In every point Obedience to embrace.  
How sayst thou how, hast thou done so or no?  
Alas my friends in life I thought not so.   

Remember me which passed before your time,  
Remember how I fell from bliss to bale:  
Be mindful still of my presumptuous crime,  
Which forced me to tell this tristful tale.  
Respect the end before you do begin:  
Fear to offend in such a grievous sin.   

Consider life is but a puff of wind,  
And worldly pomp is but a brittle blaze:  
Your earthly dross doth nought but make you blind  
while you abide within this mortal maze.  
Full many sin, but few their lives repent:  
Nor think how soon their folly will them shent.   

God's judgement stands to cut down lofty grafts  
As seem to reach more than they can aspire:  
Though for a time you feign such cunning crafts,  
As well you think to gain your whole desire.  
The end brings all, the proof hath often been seen:  
Pride hath his due, judge what thereof I mean.   

And thus I wish you well your lives to frame,  
In modest mean to keep yourselves content:  
Avoid this vice, and so you shun the blame,  
Which doth belong to such as it frequent.  
Let Adonia serve example due:  
For perfect proof that this his text is true ..   
FINIS.   

The Induction  
ptolemy King of Egypt, espoused his fair Daughter Cleopatra to Alexander the Son of the Noble Antiochus, the which contracted between them two a great bond and league of amity/ the which Ptolomye afterward perjured ely forlook, in recalling his former favour from Alexander, labouring by all possible means for to defeat him of his Kingdom, and Alexander remaining for a time out of his Realm: served fit for the purpose of Ptolomye, for he levied a great Army of men, and journeyed into Syria, where he was very honourably received into every City, because it had been so commanded before by Alexander, & his treacherous treason was not suspected/ for be cause he was the King's Father in law. But Ptolomye whose going was only for that intent: in every City left certain well armed men, to fortify them for his practice. And having subdued all the Cities on the Sea coasts: joined in League with Demetrius, and took Cleopatra his daughter from Alexander, and gave her to Demetrius, raising up a slanderous report of Alexander, how that he sought all means to kill him. When as his greedy and unsatiable covetousness was noted and espied: he departed to Antioch, where he set two Crowns upon his own head, the one of Egypt/ the other of Asia. Alexander at that time making his abode in the dominions of Cicilia, & having been ixcitated with the cruel attempt of his rather in law: returned home, making open wars against him. But Ptolomye being more puissant in strength: forced him for to fly into the Country of Arabia, whereas the king of that land smote of his head, and sent it unto Ptolomye, which was the thing he chiefly desired. But small joy had he thereof, for within three days after he was slain, and after his death, his men that were left in the Cities: were all put to death.  

VAINGLORY.  
Vaunt not to much of that which is but vain,  
And bear in mind thy state is here unsure:  
It is not wealth that can abridge thy pain,  
Nor lofty looks thy welfare can procure.  
Grieve not to see thy neighbour prospero well,  
Let blind Ambition rule thy heart no more:  
Or seek not 'gainst the simple soul to swell,  
Regard to have discretion good before.  
Your happy health shall ay increase the more.    

THE COMPLAINT of King Ptolomye King of Egypt, for his unnatural cruelty used toward the Famous ALEXANDER, who was his Son in Law. Caput. 9  

NOT greater Foe, than gréedynes of mind,  
No servile life like to contemptuous pride:  
Not greater sin then willing to b●… blinds,  
No folly more than in vain hope to bide.  
What more deceit? then look thy Friend in face:  
And work his death, in most ungentle case.   

For proof whereof I Ptolomye may serve,  
Whose haughty heart, and most ambitious mind:  
Procured me from Princely rule to swerver,  
And cruelly to stray from Nature's kind.  
Wherefore my tale let pierce the flinty heart:  
How like they fall in such unlawful part.   

My Daughter fair that Cleopatra height,  
To Alexander of illustrious fame:  
In nuptial band contented I did plight,  
Till Envy vile contempt did seek to frame.  
My greedy mind my honour soon let fall:  
That in the end I lost both fame and all.   

My former vow I wretch did clean revoke,  
Of faithful friendship to my son in law:  
Now perching pride had quickly struck the stroke  
'Gainst virtuous life whereof I had no awe.  
But banishing all favour from my heart:  
Did seek to frame a most unlawful part.   

My noble Son from Kingdom being gone,  
Whose absence wrought the more for my intent:  
I ruled at home and none but I alone,  
Now thought I good my Son for to prevent.  
And of his Kingdom clean him to bereave:  
By traitorous deeds I purposed to deceive.   

Then I likewise to all his Cities went,  
Wherein I left of armed men good store:  
That at such time as served for mine intent,  
I might obtain that long I wished before.  
Yet for his sake unto his Cities all:  
I was received with Fame imperial.   

Moore Traitor I that such a deed could frame,  
Considering that I was received so well:  
And only he did yield to me such fame,  
'Gainst whom I did unkindly so rebel.  
Well, love nor favour could my mind entreat:  
But enviously I went about this feat.   

When as I had each City fair subdued,  
That on the seas did harbour there about:  
By other shifts my fetches I renewed,  
And now I had an other plat drawn out.  
Demetrius I did join in league with me:  
And so to war till all consumed might be.   

My Daughter fair I took from rightful mate,  
And to Demetrius did her give again:  
Then had I raised a slander up of hate,  
How Alexander sought to have me slain.  
And so through this such envy vile I bred:  
That Kingdoms twain I crowned on my head.   

O brave delight as brave as beaten Gold,  
O happy life long looked for before:  
I drove my Son into Arabian hold,  
Whereas to make my honour larger more.  
His head was sent as present unto me:  
O how I joyed when I this sight did see.   

But yet this pomp to short a time did la●…,  
Within three days I died in grievous case:  
What vantage then when honour all was past,  
Did I obtain in my new Kingly place.  
My sons dear blood for vengeance still doth cry:  
'Gainst me a wretch that wrought this villainy.   

You Noble hearts see here a pattern plain,  
Of painted Pride contemning virtuous life:  
See here a gulf of Envy and Disdain,  
A mortal foe that still procured strife.  
See here the wight whose folly made him fall:  
In seeking that which did return his thrall.   

See what I gained for greediness of mind,  
See how the Lord did pay me for my pain:  
In that I went so far from Nature's kind,  
As work the means to 'cause my son be slain.  
Whose guiltless death behold I now lament:  
Desiring pardon for my life misspent,   

Learn now therefore like Envy to eschew,  
Lest that yourselves do fall into like snare,  
Doubt not but you shall find the end to true,  
Therefore in time I wish you to beware.  
So are you sure the danger to prevent:  
Of such a sin as I poor wretch am shent.   
FINIS.   

The Induction.  
JEZABEL espoused to king Achab, pricked her husband forward unto all wickedness and Idolatry, and also caused the Prophets of the Lord to be slain, and was chief cause that Naboth was stoned to death, thereby to enjoy his Uiniard. But when she had intelligence of the coming of jebu: she tricked herself up in her flaunting fines, & looked out at her window as he came in at the gate, to whom she said in this manner. Had Zimei peace which slew his maistere meaning. Can a Traitor, or any that presumeth against his superior have good success in his enterprise. After which words she was thrown out at the window, with such great violence: that her bones were all bruised in pieces, and so tramped on with horses/ that when they came to take her up to bury her: no more was found, than her skull, her feet, & the palms of her hands. Herein was Elias Prophecy brought to pass, when he said. That Dogs shall eat the flesh of jezabel, and her carcase shall lie as dung upon the earth, so that none shall say This was jezabel.  

VANITY.  
Viw well the state of every mortal Wight,  
Although they boast of Beauty's beams so much:  
Note how that Death doth equal all aright,  
Ineath degree he spareth not to touch.  
The Wise, the Foolè, the King and Beggar base,  
Is àll alike that cometh in his cloutch.  
Excepteth none, he takes in every place.    

THE COMPLAINT of jezabel Wife to King Achab, for her enforcing her Husband to all kind of wickedness and Idolatree, & causing the Prophets of the Lord to be slain, and procuring the guiltless death of Naboth she being justly therefore plagued of the Lord. Caput. 10.  

IF Beauty be a thing of such respect,  
If haughty heart the Body do adorn:  
Why did my shape and beauty me detect?  
Why did my pride make me somuch forlorn  
And if all these were Uertnes in a Wife,  
Why did so soon my pleasure turn to strife?   

O not dear Dames these vaunts are worldly vain,  
These are the pomps wherein you glory so:  
This painted pride procures your after pain,  
Which you lament dist●…est in double wo.  
And why? because you did not seek before:  
A sovereign salve to cure so vile a sore.   

But lo dear Dames to much you be deceived,  
To much you trust to that which is unsure:  
For peevish pride your senses hath bereude,  
Which makes you think for ay you shall endure.  
O think not so, for beauty is but vain,  
To day a joy, tomorrow, pinching pain.   

Behold by me if bea●…tie might have boast,  
Or haughty heart to have Dame honours place:  
Behold her here who through each foreign Coast  
Known not her Péer for lofty looks in face.  
But now what doth my mounting mind avail  
So long on float, that glad to strike my sail.   

I jezabel, soometime King achab's Wife,  
Disdaining God and Idols did obey:  
Surmounting in all viciousness of life,  
And only Pride did force me run astray.  
For Pride from God did force my wilful fall:  
That grace nor virtue I esteemed at all.   

But in a World of pranked pleasures gay,  
I flaunted forth as much as heart could crane:  
I was the cause the Priests of God to slay,  
And Naboths' death desired for to have.  
Why who but I so many fetches had:  
With subtle sleights to make my fancy glad.   

But what at length was my deserved due,  
From window down I fell and broke my neck:  
By prophecy which I approved true,  
This hire I had that Virtue would detect.  
In ●…inders small my Body lay on ground:  
Trod so with Horse that little could be found.   

Now see what came to jezabel at last,  
See what become of my alluring face:  
My peacock's plumes down in the dust were cast,  
What guerdon did my lofty pride purchase.  
Behold my deeds, and then behold my fame:  
Behold my life, and then behold my shame.   

Now dainty Dames your Mirror take by me,  
To warn you pull your haughty heads more low:  
Let me you learn your welfare to foresee,  
And teach you how more gravity to show.  
Let Modesty your outward vestures be:  
And Virtue deck you inward frank and free.   

Leave of these brave and sundry flaunting suits,  
Leave of to wish for every strange devise:  
Mild Modesty your stateliness rebultes,  
She would not have you go so coy and nice.  
But prudently to guide your dealings so:  
That in each place with virtue you may go.   

Now when I smart I can you warning give,  
That you may shun the sorrows which I have:  
Now I confess, that virtuously to live,  
By due desert doth endless honour crave.  
Counsel once had is better sure than never:  
Fear God, and then thou shalt be crowned ever.   
FINIS.   

The Induction.  
ZEDEKIA Son unto josia was by Nabucodonozor elected and made King over juda, in the stead and place of jeboachin his Brother, to whom he made him faithfully to vow that he would truly obey the Chaldeis, and so in token thereof from Mathania he changed his name to Zedekia. But he neglecting his duty and falsifying his oath, suffered sin and wickedness to reign and abound in his Land, even aswell among the chief Rulers and Priests/ as also among the meam and common sort. So that God was not regarded, his word utterly despised, & his Prophets unlawfully misused: therefore the Lord stirred up the Chaldeis with whom he had before broken league, and falsified his faith, that they came and ruinated the City of jerusalem and sacked the Temple with fire, and there took the King Zedekia his Army being scattered abroad, in the plain of jericho & led him to the King of Babylon, where first his two Sons were destroyed in his presence and then his own eyes pulled out, and then led him Captive to Babylon, bound in chains, whereas he died, and his People remained threescore and ten years in captivity, till the days of King CIRUS.  

WILFULNESS.  
Where men do more respect their private gain,  
In vain excess, than Wisdoms stayed state:  
Light to contemn, slow to release their pain,  
From whom both health and riches is ingrate.  
Using themselves as belly Gods so rude,  
Leaning upon the honour of their pelf:  
Not scorning still themselves for to intrude,  
Each man to pole, for to enrich himself.  
Soslides from God to greater grief renewed.    

THE COMPLAINT of Zedekia sometime King of juda, for neglecting his vowed oath and faithful promise made to King Nabuchodonozor, in suffering all sin and wickedness to abound in his Kingdom, being justly plagued of GOD therefore. Caput. 11.  

AMid the rest give Zedekia place,  
josias Son to tell his great mishap:  
Whom Folly fond so grievous did deface  
As in my pomp deprived me at a clap.  
Such crooked chance that for a time did smile:  
But at the length displayed a hidden guile.   

First was I King and ruled juda Land,  
In promise that I constant would remain:  
When as this Wealth was brought into my han●…  
I suffered sin to much to have the rain.  
God's word was clean suppressed in the dust:  
The Priests and Rulers found in filthy lust.   

The Chaldees then jerusalem destroyed,  
The holy Temple burnt with flaming fire:  
My Soldiers all with terror were annoyed,  
I taken was, so did my sins require.  
My sons were slain (O grief) before my face:  
Mine eyes pulled out in most accursed case.   

Then captive I to Babylon was led,  
In fettered chains with direful dole yfraught:  
My people poor with tyranny were fed,  
All long of sin which I (alas) have wrought.  
Thrice twenty years and ten they bid the pain:  
Till Cirus came their freedom to obtain.   

Lo thus I lived, lo thus I had my shame,  
A guerdon just to countervail my hire:  
take heed therefore how you contemn God's name,  
For your reward is everlasting fire.  
My sinful life, my death so void of grace:  
Let now suffice to warn you in each place.   

Few words shall serve, in haste I go my way,  
And wish you well my peril to foresee:  
Be ruled by truth, let Virtue bear the sway,  
Think on the end the danger for to flee.  
For I have proved that which I rue with pain:  
And wish to late I had not lived so vain.   
FINIS.   

ADPRECLARVM et nobilissimum Virum EO.  

NAuta Mari medio vectus spumantibus undepositis portu, sperat re●…erire salutem: dis,  
Conscius extremo procumbens Carcere latr●… sperat fortunam lucis sentire ministram.  
Pallidus attonito vultu tardatur Amator Finem tamen dominam confidit habere benignam.  
Apatrijs sperat Petigrinus finlbus exul:  
orb pererrat●… sibi, conciliare quietem.  
Hac ratione meum vivo visurus Alexin,  
Tristitiaeque meae l●…t as perstringere fines,  
Speque rereabor, medicum Fortuna resistat,  
Donec opemferat, et morbo mediatur acerbo.  
No●… aliquando diem tantae peresfere tenebrae,  
quin redeat spargens glebis sua fulmina Phoebus.  
Aequora quando metam certam posuere furendi,  
Gaudia securis ego sic possessa tenebo.  
Mi formose vale, valeat tua grata voluntas,  
Deprecor optata tutus potiaris arena.  
Te, canctosque tuos CHRISTO committo tuendos,  
Donec praestentes sermone fruamur amico.   
FINIS.  Honos alit Artes.   

THE TABLE discoursing the sum of the Chapters contained in this BOOK.  

The contents of the first BOOK.  

THe complaint of King Nabucodonozor, sometime King of Babylon, for the inordinate and excessive pride that he used in his life time. Caput 1  
¶ The Complaint of King Herod, the first Stranger, that reigned over the jews, for the exceeding Envy that in his life he used. Ca 2.  
¶ The Complaint of King Pharaoh, sometime King of Egypt worthily punished of God, for his wrathful dealings toward the Children of Israel. Caput. 3.  
¶ The Complaint of King David, (by God's permission) an nointed King of Israel, sorrowfully from the bottom of his heart bemoaning his unbridled lust of Lechery, committed with Bersaba the Wife of Urias, and for the procuring of her Husband's death, thereby obtaining his purpose. Caput. 4.  
¶ The Complaint of Dives, for his Gluttony used in his life time. Caput. 5.  
¶ The Complaint of judas, bemoaning his avaricious heart in selling his Master christ for thirty pence. Ca 6.  
¶ The Complaint of jonas for his slothful slacking the commandment of the Lord, being sent to preach to the Ninivites. Caput. 7.   
Here endeth the sum of the Chapters contained in the first BOOK.   

The Contents of the second Book.  

THe Complaint of Absalon for his vain aspi ring to the Imperial Crown and Diadem of his Father King David, and for his sudden fall he obtained in his pretended purpose. Caput. 1.  
¶ The Complaint of Triphon for his crue'tie committed a 'gainst the young King Antiochus, whom he cruelly murdered as he walked to disport him, and for his cruel putting to death jonathas and his two Children, through which he crowned himself King of Asia. Caput. 2.  
¶ The Complaint of King Achab King of Israel, for his wicked life led in Idolatry and cruel persecutions, & for sparing the life of the wicked Benhadab King of Syria, whom God had delivered into his hands only to put to death. Also for his procuring the poor Naboth to be cru elly murdered, thereby to get his Uiniard, by the council of jezabel his Queen whose blood the Dogs licked up on the ground, and also his own blood in the battle fought at Ramoth, according to the word of the Lord. Ca 4.  
¶ The Complaint of jephath sometime judge over Israel, for his so rash vow, in the sacrificing of his Daughter, for the foiling of his Enemies. Caput. 4.  
¶ The Complaint of Samson, for his fond declaring to his wife where his chiefest strength was, which made his eyes be pulled out by the Philistines. Ca 5.  
¶ The Complaint of King Solomon king of Israel, for his in ordinate love borne to outlandish women, who brought him from the wisest and richest King that ever was: to be cast out of God's favour, and to be even in manner like a stark Foole. Caput. 6.  
¶ The Complaint of Ammon the eldest Son of K. David for the ravishing of his Sister Thamar, accomplishing his desire, through the crafty device of jonadab his kins' man, who causing Ammon to fain himself sick, obtained of his Father David that Thamar his Sister should come and visit him, and when she came, bringing with her a dish of meat, ravished her, and afterward cruelly despised her. Caput. 7.  
¶ The Complaint of Adonia, Son to King David, for his proud aspiring to his Father's kingdoome, and also for pride used against his Brother King Solomon, in cr aving Abisag the Sunamite to his mate, who was a fair and virtuous young Damsel, & nourished King David, in his extreme Age, thinking by that means to attain to his desired pretence. Caput. 8.  
¶ The Complaint of Ptolomye King of Egypt, for his unnatural cruelty used toward the famous Alexander, who was his Son in law. Caput. 9  
¶ The Complaint of jezabel, Wife to King Achab, for her enforcing her Husband to all kind of wickedness, & idolatry, and causing the Prophets of the Lord to be slain, and for the procuring the guiltless death of Naboth, she being justly therefore plagued of the LORD. Caput 10.  
¶ The Complaint of Zedekia sometime King of juda, for his neglecting his vowed oath and faithful promise to K. Nabuchodonozor, in suffering all sin and wickedness to abound in his Kingdom, being justly plagued of God therefore. Caput. 11   
The end of the Table of the Chapters contained in this BOOK. Honos alit Artes.   
FINIS.  
Antony Monday.