A Golden Mirror.  
Containing certain Pithy and figurative Visions prognosticating good fortune to England, and all true English Subjects▪ with an overthrow to the enemies.  
WHERETO BE ADJOINED certain pretty Poems written on the names of sundry both noble and worshipful.   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON, ❧ Printed by Roger Ward for john Proctor, and are to be sold at his shop upon Holborn Bridge. 1589.   

¶ TO THE HONOURABLE, LORD GILBERT TALBOT, SON AND HEIR TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, THE EARL of Shrewsbury, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter. etc. Increase of honour, and all felicity  
WHereas about two years past, I chanced to have offered me this present Treatise, which though I then accepted and gave money for: yet, dreading lest I might be over rash in committing it to the Print, especially before I had fully seen into the end and purpose of the writer, whom I understood to be a Gentleman of the North Country: yet now after long deliberation, I finding this same both pleasant and profitable, have adventured the charge of Printing it. Pleasant I say it is in regard of the invention, and the more to be esteemed of, considering that it foretold (as it were) the coming of the Spaniards and their overthrow to our great unspeakable good. Profitable it is in respect of example: for here among the due praises of many, those two most noble and loyal men your good honourable Father I mean, and the like right honourable the Earl of Derby, are set as spectacles or looking glasses, wherein all men may see a lively portraiture of right Noble minds in deed, for the right of their countries weal being most vigilant and studious. Hereto be adjoined of the foresaid Authors doing also, certain Verses penned upon the name of my Lord Strange, and sundry others, upon the names of divers worshipful, which, for that they are tending unto virtue and pretty inventions full of witty sentences, I have thought good to add unto the former Treatise.  
If any will contend, that such grave matters as in the former part be entreated of, ought not be expressed under a colour of Dreams, let him but read Cicero his work De somnio Scipionis, & he shall find there most grave & pithy matters, touching the well usage of a Common weal, concerning the unstableness and invalidity of riches in comparison to virtue, with the blessed end of good men, and the woeful misery of the wicked, all effectually discoursed under the name of a Dream. Now my humble suit is that your honour will vouchsafe to take on you the patrosinie of this Treatise, to whom I have thought best for to dedicate the same, and that you will herein respect not so much the slenderness of the gift, or the unworthiness of the giver, but will according to your noble courtesy, take in good part the simple good will of me your poor suppliant, who, though I be able to deserve nothing of your honour, yet will I ever pray for your good prosperity.  
Your honours humbly devote▪ JOHN PROCTOR.   

¶ THE AUTHOR TO THE Gentle Reader.  
MY well-beloved in Christ, I have made ready for thy reading a number of rare inventions penned upon the Etymology of the names, of divers worthy personages inhabiting the gentle natured country and County of Chester: A place planted with an infinite number of Gentlemen being of great worship, who in all their behaviours in every respect, may welbe to many countries a spectacle, or Mirror for many worshipful virtues, as duty to her Majesty, obeying the laws, keeping good hospitality, loving and cherishing their servants and poor tenants, using liberality to all men: being of nature lowly, friendly, and familiar, without any lofty proud stately words or countenance to their inferiors, daily and hourly feeding, and clothing the poor people that want and crave for Christ's sake. What shall I say there is no country comparable to the same, concerning the virtues aforesaid. If Radamanthus, and Priapus, did not corrupt some of them with their ugly vices. But as the best and most diligent husbandman can not weed his Corn so clean how precise soever he be, but some wedes, as thistles, brackens or brambles will spring up among the fairest and most rankest corn of the whole field: even so among many virtues it ever hath been seen, and ever shallbe that some vices secretly shall lurk in some one corner or other according to the old saying, who lives without a fault, or what commodity is without his discommodity? which argueth that Cheshyre is not only for these vices to blamed more than the rest of our Native Country: Wherefore they are not alone to be condemned: But wishing all to be reform▪ I beseech thee gentle Reader to bear in mind his sayings, that writ upon the earth with his finger: and cast no more stones, at this gentle Country, than thou would have thrown at thyself: wishing the words which shall flee out of thy mouth, to be feathered with such indifferency, as both thou, and they may be thankfully received among all their worships and theirs, with the rest of the inhabitance of the same foil. For if necessity should constrain thee to make trial of the good Nature of this Country, thou wouldst not only find my reports to be of troth, but also thou thyself shouldest have just occasion to speak more in their deserved commendations and praise than I have done: which I leave to thy gentle judgement, requesting thee to take in good part these sundry inventions lately sleeped out of my pen, wherein I have Poetically set down divers fictions, which shall (I trust) be profitable to every Reader, that will indifferently judge upon the sense, if he have knowledge to understand me, according to my good and faithful meaning to my Country: But in these days not any thing is more disdained than the travel of the true meaning subject, to write against a worldling an Usurer, a Papist, a Boasting Thrazo, an Extortioner, a Tell-tale, a Pickthank, a Clawback, a Perjured person, a Tyrant to his Country, or a Traitor, to her majesties Royal person, is so secretly disdained, and so enviously noted of some wicked wretches, that by one means or other he shall not escape an evil displeasure, not a little to his great detriment and losses, but commonly to his utter confusion, all the which dangers (gentle Reader) do not daunt my mind at all, neither cause my pen to stay one drop of ink from painting the praise of the virtuous, or telling the troth to the Tyrant, by familiar examples of the other evil disposed persons as a caveat to warn the wicked, and to encourage the godly to persist in virtue, which I beseech the almighty that we may all seek the path of perfit righteousness, desiring to pray for peace, and to ensue the same. To honour and dread God, obey our sovereign and gracious Lady the Queen's Majesty and her laws, and finally one to love another. Thus wishing thee and all thine, no worse than myself I cease.   

Golden Mirrors, very significative and pithy: with Verses upon the Etymology of the names of sundry Noblemen and Gentlemen.  

WHen as the Stately Stag doth haunt the mountain top,  
And secretly doth doubt, the Hunter's subtle sleight:  
To Maxfield forest, with weary steps I got,  
And Shutlings lo, did scale of monstrous height:  
Where foaming brinish floods in th'occident I see,  
And six sundry Shires appeared unto me.   

Thus gazing in the clouds, these countries far to view,  
Meet underneath, the mountain where I was:  
The keepers came, the stag for to pursue,  
With bended bows, and grayhounds, more and less.  
And Gentlemen, with Gentlewomen brave:  
That thither came, a hunting sport to have,   

But or the Course was set, time ware a way apace,  
And Boreas breath was black, and glummish chill:  
Which caused me, to seek a warmer place,  
Underneath a rock, on the other side the hill:  
Where hours three, I am sure that I set,  
And watched for sport, until I fell a sleep.   

And in this slunthring sleep, the richest Dream I had,  
A sight of blazing bliss, and glorious Golden show:  
I saw a virgin, in rich attire clad,  
Whose virtues caused all men her name to know:  
For fame did sound her just deserved praise,  
Whose gifts of grace, her Royal race bewrays,   

A Rose as Ruby red, sprang in this ladies hand,  
Whose fragrant taste, perfumed the lofty air:  
Three Crowns upon the same, by right did stand,  
Three Princely Lions, this (Lady) honoured there:  
The fleurs-de-lys did bow unto the earth,  
Which did declare a Prince of famous birth.   

And in a gallant garden, stood this famous Dame,  
Environed round, with brinish weltering waves:  
With mighty mountains, vaunting in the same,  
And rivers fresh, through valleys passage craves:  
Where springs do spout, whose silver streams do gush,  
Through ribs of rocks, themselves do daily push.   

Many Cities built of fame, and honour great,  
Of worship, worthy Towns, of rich and manly shoe:  
Wherein me thought, was julius Caesar's seat,  
With stately buildings, many thousands more:  
Of comely creatures, so populous to view,  
The like was never seen, if every one were true.   

Of wealth there was no want, but grace there wanted some,  
Will played such wicked parts, and private gain:  
That in this garden, the poor men seldom won,  
And yet there durst not one of them complain:  
The little fish still flieth from the whale,  
Yet what's devoured, God Neptune knows not all.   

Then came Morpheus with Lynx's eyes, in his fist  
Which sparkled like the fire, among the cloudy skies:  
Hold these (said he) and see what ere thou list,  
Nothing can be unknown unto the wise:  
Which when I had, but present in my hand,  
I heard and saw, but scarce could understand.   

But by the blazing beams, of Lynxes eyes,  
I saw much more, than Argos many away:  
And heard report, what words from him there flies,  
And who they were, that did this dame obey:  
So did I view a vile and wicked brood,  
That lately drank, of ugly Stygian flood.   

From out whose mouths, they belched bulls of lead,  
Which roared and beld, in th'ears of some by sleight:  
A fox their sire, a wolf their supreme head,  
Their friends are traitors, I know not what they hight:  
Thus still I stood, these novelties rare to view,  
And warily watched to see what would ensue.   

And as I standing there, to see the same,  
Dropped into doubtful dumps, of that and this:  
Upon the sodden presently there came,  
A valiant hound, as white as silver is:  
And did behold this Lady in the face,  
As one right ready, to obey her grace.   

Straight came an Eagle, soaring in the skies,  
With Golden feathers, delighting all men's sight:  
Who stooping strait, fell down upon his knees,  
To do his duty, thus he left his flight:  
(And said) Madam, the Lord preserve thee still,  
Thus do I pray and have, and ever will.   

This Hound and Eagle, with foot and wing so priest,  
In sure service unto this excellent Dame:  
Those that had drunk of Stygian could not rest,  
But by the one or other strait was ta'en:  
No Bull durst bell, near where there biding was,  
This noble Hound, no crafty Fox let pass.   

A voice I heard, that all the world did hear,  
That thundered from, the golden trump of fame:  
And true report himself, was present there,  
And made a challenge, to perform the same:  
The words were these, the Lion well may trust,  
That Hound and Eagle, that never were unjust.   

They both be ready, always for to obey,  
The Prince and Laws, they truly love in heart:  
No blot of blame, from first unto this day,  
Their banners blankless, of any evil part:  
Their service shows, they sprang of spotless race,  
As at these days, appeareth by their grace.   

And with these words, the voice was ceased and gone,  
And at the gaze I ghastly quaking stood:  
Birds, beast and fowls, in flocks was many a one,  
Whereas a number, seemed of Viper's blood:  
(I judge it so) because they sought the spoil,  
Of none so much, as of their native soil.   

Then looking up and down, both here and there,  
To hear report: and view with Lynxes eyes:  
Me thought that jupiter, descended from the air,  
〈◊〉 mid a shower, of silver drops he flies:  
And Saturn followed, with his choleric look,  
And furious Mars, his blade, about him shook.   

Then Mischief called, for (treason undertrust)  
Help now (quoth he) or else I am o'er ' thrown:  
Then said jupiter, thou wretched Thief unjust,  
I am the God, that makes such villains known:  
For treason thou, shalt reap thy just reward,  
And I this Virgin, in prosperous reign will guard.   

Then Echo, she was called, that lives in woods,  
And rocky ragged tours, and Dales with Dimples deep:  
Where rivers run with weltering waves in floods,  
For that (that she) could never counsel keep:  
Said jupiter, come Echo, unto me,  
reveal all those these days that traitors be.   

But at this word me thought a number fled,  
Some others wished them fishes in the Sea:  
An other sort began to hide their head,  
And many other did ambidexter play:  
For Echo did all traitors trades bewray,  
As jupiter commanded, so she did obey.   

Thus Echo charged to tell all things that's hard,  
jupiter commanded woods, waters hills, and dales:  
Mountains, meadows and valleys to regard,  
With cabins and caves in England and in Wales:  
What people they receive, sith vipers be abroad,  
That neither honour Prince, ne yet almighty God.   

Except you know them, stay them all (quoth he)  
He charged the stones to tell that lie in street:  
So did the Eagle to all the fowls that flee,  
Commanded them to watch, with whom they meet,  
That by your voice the Serpents may be known:  
That seek to have our (only joy) over thrown.   

And priest accomplere, said the noble Hound,  
With stern and stately countenance all about:  
(All enemies) what soever to confound,  
My present service shall put you out of doubt:  
In place my person, shall the trial make,  
If any enemy dare, approach the state.   

Then Neptune roused himself upon a rock,  
Amid the brinish foaming floods he sat:  
The gates of all his palace did unlock,  
And send for Triton, his pleasure to relate:  
Whose trumpet soundeth over in the seas,  
For to declare such news, as Neptune please.   

When Triton came, and had his duty done,  
God Neptune bade him sound his trumpet up:  
And in the seas commands all creatures come,  
That of the foaming floods did drink or sup:  
And tell Caribd and Silla I am here,  
And do command them, presently appear.   

Triton trudged and sounded Trumpet strait,  
At voice whereof, appeared great and small:  
The Seas did mount of mighty monstrous height,  
All living creatures attended on the Whale.  
A mighty muster I never saw the like,  
It passeth all my skill the half for to indite.   

When all assembled wear● before this God,  
Triton sounded silence in pain of present death,  
And then came Mercury to charm them with his rod:  
That none durst speak that time that beareth breath:  
Thus silence made, quoth Neptune now prepare  
My pleasure to fulfil, that here my Subjects are.   

Said Neptune, sith to you it's not unknown,  
But that on Tellus all my floods do stay:  
On whom I reap the fruits, on earth that's sown,  
And do maintain my state both night and day.  
He sends me word that Vipers are aboard,  
That would destroy th'anointed of the Lord.   

Which Ladies virtue moveth all the Gods.  
As jupiter himself for to defend the skies:  
And to prepare for all her foes such rods,  
As justice can by any law devise,  
So that her Foes on earth cannot escape,  
Mark now said Neptune what I will debate,   

Then for Aeolus, Triton sound his Trump,  
Who presently did personally appear:  
who was upon the sudden in a dump,  
Till Neptune told him softly in his ear.  
Which when he knew, what was the cause in deed,  
He willingly with Neptune did proceed.   

And then said Neptune, I charge my furious Floods,  
To swell and rage, up toward the cloudy skies:  
With greedy jaws devour up their bloods,  
That harm against her noble state devise.  
To thee Charybdis and Sylla, thus I will,  
That night and day their ships and them you spill.   

Then said Aeolus with a blustering blast,  
I for my part shall make their course but short:  
I will break Anchor, Cable and also Mast,  
So that destruction shall acquit their sport.  
But whom (said Aeolus) that it pleaseth you,  
I'll blow his sails, the Traitors to pursue.   

And as this word, Aeolus mouth had passed,  
God Neptune musing whom to choose therefore:  
The mighty jupiter sendeth with a blast  
A faithful Fowl, for seas none like of yore.  
A Drake addressed to pass through every storm,  
To swim the floods, this Virgin's foes to charm.   

Then stepped out Nature that secretly lay hid,  
And did avouch the choice was by her made:  
And Mars himself to take the charge did bid,  
And there withal did give this Drake his blade:  
And Neptune bade him welcome to the Seas,  
Aeolus promised him to blow his sails always.   

And when this valiant Drake received charge,  
And to the purpose as before I said:  
And his commission reaching wide and large,  
Me thought some foes far of hoist sails and fled:  
An other sort to Crikes began to fly,  
Because they knew they had deserved to die.   

But Drake not dreading, laid to his breast to swim,  
The foaming floods to search for foreign foes:  
The Gods in all exploits were still with him,  
And Aeolus in his sails, a lucky blast still blows:  
No foe he fears though he can Spanish speak,  
He venter's if they bide, their force to break.   

And as I kend him far, as eyes could scry,  
And all his faithful followers at that time:  
A warlike Winter, appeared in the sky,  
Yet Phoebus' friendly did upon them shine:  
Aeolus Furbisher, was ready for to scour,  
The Spanish cloud, that mischief meant to power.   

And seeing a sight my eyes began to tire,  
With floods so furious, and eke so many sail▪  
straightways I heard, and saw such guns on fire,  
The trembling earth, my feet began to fail:  
The skies were dimmed, the Seas of fire flamed,  
As though this word Rise Deadmen had been named.   

Foes fled that could, some sank into the Seas,  
The rest prisoners that craved of Drake their life:  
An other sort sought bogs and woods for ease,  
Thus Neptune's Drake, by force doth stint their strife:  
The Gods of this Drake, do make such a treasure,  
That Sancta Dominga. he had at his pleasure.   

Thus fire and smoke, dashed Drake out of my sight,  
But that I heard for joy the Sireus sing:  
And that I had a glimmering of some light,  
Else of this Drake, no other news I bring:  
But surely the Gods, the helm do hold,  
Where Drake doth swim: what needeth more be told.   

Then turned I back, this garden for to view,  
For Morpheus twitched me sharply by the ear:  
And said its best, thy charge to look unto,  
And with thy pen, let diligence appear:  
Now shalt thou see (quoth he) a happy sight,  
And comfort that, among the poor doth light.   

Whereat I ready for to view the same,  
A number infinite, did presently behold:  
That did rejoice, to hear of vipers ta'en,  
That sought such mischief, as before I told:  
With singing, ringing▪ and clapping hands they said,  
God save our Noble Queen, our mother and a maid.   

The younglings leap, like lambs upon the leyes,  
The lame rejoiced, and laughed, to hear the news:  
The poor ploughmen, unyokt, and present plays,  
The traveler, his journey doth refuse:  
And all with cheerful voice did sing and pray,  
God save our Noble Queen Elizabeth always.   

The prayers of the poor, did pierce the skies,  
The joy of the people, spread over all the earth:  
The virtues of the virgin, throughout all kingdoms flies,  
For all her faithful subjects, unfeignedly made mirth:  
Poor clout-shoes gate their clubs, and willingly attend,  
To wreak there mistress cause, both life and good will spend.   

The noise whereof, so sounded in the air,  
And with the roaring cannons on the sea:  
That heaven and earth, in every part might hear,  
How nigh soever, or else how far away:  
The thumping of the same so frighted me,  
That on the mount I wakened where I ley.   

My limbs be numbed, as cold as any stone,  
And Phoebus bathing in the Occident flood:  
I could not stand when as I would have gone,  
My joints were frozen, congealed was my blood:  
Dismounting thus the hill, I did retire,  
To master Leigh of Ridge, a Gentle Squire.   

To whom I told my Dream, both more and less,  
From first unto the last in each degree:  
Who wi●hed me, my pen, for to address,  
To set it down, that all the world might see:  
God save the Queen, (said he) the Eagle, and Noble hound,  
And all that traitors be, almighty God confound.   

Amen (quoth I) and he that would not so,  
I wish he were the first, to feel deserved woe.   
FINIS.   


The Goddess chaste, that Diana hath to name,  
Is much abused by vermin that devour:  
In forest, park, and chase, her gallant Game  
Is vexed sore, and dangered every hour:  
Which causeth her, to send for sure Hounds,  
To hunt the wolves, out of her Stately Grounds.   

WHen as Aurora with ruddy cheeks prepared,  
Her Oriental palace Phoebus to receive:  
The crystal skies, unto the earth declared,  
That Flora would restore, what Hyemps did bereave▪  
Which caused birds to brush, them on the bows,  
And many for to walk, their chambers did refuse.   

And I myself then weary of my book,  
To be partaker of the pleasant air:  
Into a forest fast by the way I took,  
Wherein my sight, did haughty hills appear:  
And rocky towers, did scale the lofty skies,  
Whom underneath, deep dales and dimples lies.   

Thus for to feed my greedy eyes at gaze,  
By wandering long I weary was at last:  
Till suddenly, my wits were in a maze,  
My eyes did dazile, and all my sense was passed:  
I set me down, a while to rub my brows,  
The poor Knight's palace of pleasure to peruse.   

But in a dream or trance, that time I was,  
As did appear, by sights I see full rare:  
I heard such hunting of hounds both more and less,  
That scarce I can, the twentieth part declare:  
And every hound, was called by his name,  
The Hunters hallowing did declare the same.   

The ragged hills and rocky towers report,  
By Echoes, voice, the quest of Noble hounds:  
The which to hear, it was a worthy sport,  
The merry voice from earth to skies rebounds:  
The Goddess, Nymphs, with speedy foot do follow,  
With sound of merry horn, most pleasantly they hollow,   

Thus as I heard this heavenly hunting there,  
I parted from the place, where then I sat:  
To have a sight, of that which I did hear,  
Up higher the hill, with expedition got:  
Where under a bush, not far where I did stand,  
I saw a Nymph with bended bow in hand.   

Whose presence then I durst not well approach,  
Her strange attire, and sparkling looks were such:  
But closely kept me underneath a roch,  
Because harm haunteth some for meddling much:  
Thus as I stood to hear this merry quest,  
I heard the names of hounds that hunted best.   

The followers cheered the hounds with merry voice,  
With pleasant notes of worthy warbling horn:  
And called upon the hounds that were of choice,  
Who lead no chawle, the game they found so warm:  
And many hounds of sundry names there where,  
Of mighty mouths, so did their sound appear.   

I heard the huntsman, call on duty still,  
Obedience ranged, from duty quite away:  
Pleasure he ran riot, with his fellow will,  
Ruffler rudely roved, and would no whit obey:  
Love well found the perfect, whereat the huntsman blew,  
And said, here Talbot, take it, for thou art ever true.   

Bowman bruisht the brakes, through thick and thin,  
Diligence followed duty, with merry open mouth:  
Yet scarce could duty bring obedience in,  
He was so rudely ranged over far into the south:  
The huntsman never ceased, but hallowed still and blue,  
And said, here Talbot, take it, for thou art ever true.   

Findeall, and hold fast, both hunted together,  
Through thick and thin, both night and day:  
Revel and ringwood spared no weather,  
Over hills and dales, they take the way:  
Whereat the huntsman, both hallowed and blew,  
And said, here Talbot, take it, for thou art still true.   

Talbot, treasure and trusty, followed duty fast,  
And lovewel laboured lustily night, day, and hour:  
The huntsman did rechat, with horn a merry blast,  
Diana's Nymphs did follow with all their might and power:  
Thus one, or other, never seast but blue,  
And cried, here Talbot, take it, for thou was ever true,   

These hounds hunt together, with a gallant quest,  
But that Mendall was behind above a mile or more:  
And favour hunted counter, with divers of the rest,  
Which marred some sport, beshrew their hearts therefore:  
But to the trusty hounds the hunts man hallowed still & blue,  
And said, here Talbot, take it, for thou art ever true.   

The wolf, and fox, both fled before the hounds,  
The beastly belling bull, lay couched in cabin close:  
And wicked weesels, fled from Britanian grounds,  
The tiger trudgeth, daily to his loss:  
The hounds quest merrily, the huntsman ever blue,  
And said, here Talbot, take it, for thou art ever true.   

The concord of their cry and merry quest,  
Caused all the hills, and mountains to rejoice:  
The rocky woods, records both East and West,  
To every ear, the noble pleasant voice▪  
The Nymphs let arrows flee, and still the huntsman blew,  
And said, here Talbot, take it, for thou art ever true.   

Thus over hills and dales, these hounds did mount,  
Diana in her chariot, followed very fast▪  
Till to the 'querry, a number out of count,  
Were brought to reap their just reward at last.  
Where presently, the Mort the Huntsman blew,  
And said, here Talbot, take it, for thou art ever true.   

The heads and quarters of these Carrens vile  
I did behold, where kites and Crows did eat,  
A mark for many that do themselves exile  
From Duties doctrine, and deal by deep deceit.  
For by this same it doth appear full well,  
That sacred Gods of every thing can tell.   

The heavens did declare a joyful time,  
By crystal skies, and Phoebus' golden gleams:  
The Lark aloft into the clouds doth climb,  
And every Hunter, his wished prey obtains.  
Till at the length, away the Huntsman blew,  
And said, that noble Talbot evermore was true.   

This heavenly hearing so delighted me,  
I wished this hunting last for evermore:  
Most pleasant dream it was that ere I see,  
But lo, what luck did light (alas) therefore,  
A friend of mine by chance that way did pass,  
And wakened me, asleep where then I was.   
FINIS.   

Verses penned upon the Etymology of the name of the right honourable, Ferdinando, Lord Strange.  

FAme in her flight, by chance found me  
Asleep upon a bank,  
And in a fury, said that she  
Would yield me little thank,  
To sleep when thou shouldst wake, and write,   

Sith I (said she) will now indite.  
Arise (quoth she) writ after me,  
My sentence do not change,  
Here shalt thou view a creature true,  
Who may be called Strange.   

And if thou learned be quoth she,  
Behold the noble Wight:  
Whose modest mind appears to be  
A wise and virtuous Knight:  
Descent of noble Parentage,  
And rarest creature of his age:  
A man so fixed and firm of faith,  
That never yet did change,  
And stands to truth for life or death,  
This man is very Strange:   

Recorded is his life by me,  
Within my house of fame:  
From age to age his memory  
Shall still advance his name.  
(Quoth she) because his noble gifts  
Do put his equals to their shifts  
Let poor men judge, that want refuge,  
That find their Landlord's change,  
He takes th'old rent, and is content:  
Which may be called Strange.   

Doubtless (quoth Fame) thou mayst be bold  
To write what I shall say:  
Strange is his virtues to behold,  
Among the rest this day:  
He serveth God in humble wise,  
His Prince's foes he doth despise.  
His lowly mind men ever find,  
Still fixed not to change.  
Which wins men's hearts in every parts,  
And that must needs be strange.   

Esteemed he is, of Noble Prince,  
And of all gentle blood:  
His like before his time, nor since,  
For virtuous gifts and good:  
I never knew, nor never shall,  
Though I to mind with pen should call:  
All histories of ancient age,  
Yet I should find some change:  
His part he plays upon the stage,  
Exceedeth very Strange.   

No pride perceived in his breast,  
No haughty heart he bears:  
And where is need, to help us priest,  
And thus he spends his years:  
No harm to any hath he wished,  
Nor for a poor man's profit fished:  
Doubtless his life, to man and wife,  
Doth show in him no change:  
But sure, each hour unto his power,  
Among the rest, is Strange.   

Of worldly wealth, he makes no count,  
He ways his honour more:  
Love to his servants doth surmount,  
And to his tenants poor:  
Of country still, he taketh care,  
And for the common wealth prepare:  
Remembering well, that fame will tell,  
What people love to change:  
Therefore I say, this present day,  
He may be called Strange.   

Death doubts he not, in Prince's causes,  
So true of faith is he:  
To serve and prosecute her laws,  
He cares not who they be:  
Refusing neither night nor day,  
All tides, and times, he takes the way:  
No favour fear, no friend, nor foe,  
Can cause his mind to change,  
No gain nor pain, can tempt him so,  
And that is very Strange.   

If I should make report (quoth Fame)  
Of half his golden gifts:  
Except that Tully were thy name,  
Thy pen were put to shifts:  
Go to therefore, and write (said she)  
And I therewith abroad will flee:  
And every ear, of him shall hear,  
That never yet did change:  
But sure as rock, and all his stock,  
And that is only Strange.   

He loveth men, much more than sheep,  
That some do most delight:  
He pities people poor that weep,  
When wrong hath wrought them spite:  
He gently hears their grieved causes,  
And doth with justice use the laws:  
By force he ways no wight with power,  
Nor mind, with wind doth change:  
As many do this present hour,  
But now that is not strange.   

Not marks and pounds, but hawks and hounds,  
Is ever his desire:  
He lays not gether poors men's grounds,  
He is no country stroyer:  
He lives in love, of rich and poor,  
Sufficient he doth call his store:  
Full well knows he, that men must die,  
And therefore will not change:  
But lives content, with ancient rent,  
Which argues to be Strange.   

Thus did I write, and Fame indite,  
Me thought that present time:  
For in the sense, I had delight,  
To study every line:  
Lo this in sleep, me thought I heard,  
Of Fame, which bade me take regard:  
With painful pen, to tell all men,  
That it might never change:  
Then out of sight, she took her flight,  
And bade me think of Strange.   

Then wakened I, with weeping eyes,  
To call my Dream to mind:  
Because I see, such men as these,  
In England hard to find:  
Alas therefore, what should I say,  
It is the cause poor men decay:  
Vice taketh place, for want of grace,  
So many love to change:  
Thus have I penned, and also end,  
My Dream of Noble Strange.   
FINIS.   

Verses penned upon the Etymology of the Name and Title of the right worshipful Lady, the Lady julian Holcraft of the Vale Royal.  

THe head which still with study is oppressed,  
Of force must find, some way to ease the same:  
All travelers must have a time to rest,  
Or else their limbs, with wandering willbe lame:  
So I a weary sitting at my book,  
Into the fields to walk the way I took.   

High on a hill to mount I did delight,  
To view a Royal Vale, that was below:  
Where rivers run, with streams as crystal white,  
And pleasant woods, about the same did show:  
Wherein did bounce the Buck, with Hart, & Hind,  
The Falconer there for hawks, may pastime find.   

Each spray was sprouted out with buds,  
Upon the which Merula singeth sweet:  
The Ro Buck roareth in the shrubs,  
The fertile meadows, taste of flowers sweet:  
Which vapours did perfume the starry skies,  
That from this vale so Royally doth rise.   

Lo thus bewrapt in viewing this prospect,  
The sight I see, my sense so over threw:  
The crystal streams, my eyes had so reflect,  
The joy thereof my judgement overthrew:  
That down I sat to study at the same,  
Till Morpheus had my drowsy head ore'tane.   

And thus a sleep to me approached near,  
A gallant Dame, presenting great renown:  
Which said arise thou slug, why sléep'st thou here.  
Come go with me, where thou shalt have a room:  
I looked up and did Melponia see,  
I rose and craved, her pardon on my knee.   

Doubtless (quoth he) at Helicon thou art,  
(Recorded thee) where thou shalt still remain:  
But yet more counsel take before we part,  
In haste prepare, thy pen for to proclaim  
The virtuous life, a Lady leadeth here,  
As daily shall by just report appear.   

In lasting letters, pen this Saras gift,  
Whose mildness may full well Rebecca teach:  
And Rachel's virtues, all would put to shift,  
The steps she treads no living wight can reach:  
From blooming youth, unto these present days,  
Of Alcestis, she: doth justly bear the keys.   

In heart so meek with spotless thought is she,  
That words in waist, be banished from her breast:  
No idle look once glanceth from her eyes,  
The poor man's plaints, to hear her ears are priest:  
Her liberal hand, doth hungry belly fill,  
Who wants her help, she is their comfort still.   

Unto her friend, as sure, as marble rock,  
To foe not yielding, but as reason will▪  
Of speeches she, both bears the key and lock,  
In (time) to use all things, she hath the skill:  
In judgement she can play Apollo's part,  
A Goddess she might be, for learned art.   

Live she doth, in love of rich and poor,  
Her race so rarely run, hath not been known:  
Her lamp of light, thus burneth evermore,  
With news thereof, lo Fame her trump hath blown,  
At Hespias, in chair of state this Dame  
Hath chiefest place, for to advance her name.   

In worldly storms she bears her sails so well,  
No sudden blast can work her any wrack,  
From out her presence vice she doth expel,  
And Virtue yet would never see him lack:  
Her just deserved praise she doth not seek,  
She is so humble, and lowly in her spirit.   

And to the stranger still she hath regard,  
To show such courtesy as worship craves:  
Her neighbours cause with her is ever heard,  
Lo thus this Lady still herself behaves.  
She bears no mind that soreth in the sky,  
Nor yet too low she lifteth not to fly.   

Not cankered Envy can these words deny,  
If Spite should speak, he must declare the same:  
For Virtue vaunts her name into the sky,  
With golden Trumpet, sounded up by Fame,  
Would God therefore her days should ever last▪  
Then might a number think their sorrows past.   

Her blossoms breed the fruits of noble state,  
Whose taste doth comfort rich and poor these days  
By Nature's works, of God these gifts they gat●  
That every wight should justly speak her praise:  
At Helicon the Muses do delight:  
With golden pen this Lady's life to write.   

Of many virtues more: I could declare,  
To occupy thy pen, if Tully were thy name:  
That wanting Time I am compelled to spare,  
Behold Sir Phoebus doth confess the same:  
For now he batheth in the Ocean Sea,  
Which is the cause I must departed away.   

Look now therefore, thy pen do witness bear,  
Melpomen said, for so thy duty is:  
And make report what thou of me dost hear,  
And tell the world that I command thee this.  
For justice evermore hath this regard,  
That every creature reap their due reward,   

Doubt neither friend nor foe to speak a truth▪  
Consider thou art bound by duty much.  
Remember Time will bring all things to proof,  
And sith it doth thus much thy credit touch,  
For to discharge thyself from bearing blame,  
Thy pen I wish to write upon this Dame.   

And with these words she vanished away,  
And I did wake forth of this pleasant dream,  
The night was come, and banished was the day,  
The clouds obscured Diana's face with rain.  
Then to my study strait I did prepare,  
This Lady's words Melpomen to declare.   

These are the news, and all the news I have,  
God send good news this year, and evermore.  
Our noble Queen the everlasting save,  
And God increase your Ladyship with store,  
God bless my Lady Countess, and her birth,  
Her honour, and your worship long life with joy & mirth.   
FINIS.   

Verses penned upon the Etymology of the name of the right Woshipfull, Sir Edmond Traffard, of Traffard, in the County of Lancaster, Knight.  

Such was my hap of late to walk, the lofty hills to view,  
For to revive my weary wits, which study overthrew:  
And forth I passed from high to higher, and so to th'height of all,  
Where viewing of the country round, at length to mind did call  
The wonders great, and works of God: when all a Chaos was,  
And lapped up upon a lump, as hard as beaten brass,   

In musing at those days and these, my flesh began to quake,  
To call to mind the wretched ways, that worldly men do take:  
And as I drowned was in dumps, came Morpheus with his mace,  
So that my senses did obey, and yielded to his grace.  
No sooner thus asleep, but strait in drowsy dream I see  
A Lady swifter than the wind, called Time approaching nigh.   

Rise and awake (quoth she) to me, why sléep'st thou on this hill?  
The words I speak I charge thee strait, record with painful quill.  
Then did she shake a razor sharp, and with a frowning face,  
And threatening speech, she said the world should suddenly give place  
For I am Time which executes the secret will of God,  
In every age of wickedness, by Time they feel the rod.   

Else had not floods ore'flowed the world, for ugly sinful vice,  
If Time had not been present there, which caused them play their prize  
I Time shipped Noah into the Ark, and all the charge he had,  
And I was she first found him and by doves, which made him glad  
Lo thus at first and ever since unto this present hour,  
By Time were builded Cities great with many a lofty tower.   

Down have I cast them all again, old walls do mention make,  
And Cities now, & buildings brave, I (Time) shall cause to quake.  
Although the bragging Worldling raise his house into the air.  
I Time will vanish all away, as no such thing were there▪  
My blade is whet, I wait but when to use the mortal edge:  
On whom I light, my order is to have the life in pledge:   

My sister Atrapos, the Poets do feign the fatal Dame,  
Who can do nothing wanting Time, she doth usurp my name:  
Ne Lachices, nor Clotho can the distaff dress at all,  
But when that I do point the Time, they come when I do call:  
So that I Time do bear record from first unto the last,  
Of present days, of days to come, and days that now are past:   

Of young and old, of rich and poor, the virtue Time doth prove,  
On whom to wait, both king and Prince, and all estates behove:  
No state can start by night or day, that Time can not espy,  
Nor secret shift so closely leapt, but Time the truth shall try:  
I Time therefore am come to thee, of wonders great to tell,  
Therefore it stands thee much upon, to use thy pen as well.   

Doubt not to write, what I declare, nor fear not who shall see  
What drops fall from thy painful pen, but bear thyself by me:  
For lo (said Time) the fire burns that Mars hath set on fire,  
See now his cruel mortal blade, that blood doth still desire:  
The fearful skrikes of innocents, from far dost thou not hear▪  
Remediless (alas) they cry, and die in deep despair.   

And now behold how hunger haunts with cheeks both pale & lean,  
This bloody butcher, furious Mars, and all his wicked train:  
And greedy spoil, spares not to spill, to pray on others good,  
Ravening Rape with maid and wife runs headlong to the wood.  
For favour flies, and force takes place, and vice doth virtue kill,  
Feigned Friendship now lays on lurch, his faithful friend to spill.   

And Shift in shackles now inventest to kick against the spur,  
And yet Dissembling every day, lies couching like a cur:  
Revenge is seeing of his friends, in hope to have a day,  
But see where justice is at hand, his guerdon for to pay.  
Death doth provide dame Pestilence, to work the later woe,  
Likewise destruction, with his friends, do wish it to be so.   

Know this (said she) more plagues then these are ●●●ming near at hand,  
No creature living but shall feel, the same on sea and land:  
In top of all their worldly trust, shall come the woeful news,  
Great terror in the hearts of men, when God these whips shall use:  
Time shall try all, this is most true: the Scripture saith the same,  
Therefore I charge thee send abroad, these sayings in my name.   

Now rise (quoth she) and turn thy face towards the Ocean sea,  
A triple forded river shall, direct thy ready way:  
Where thou shalt find Antiquity, the maker of the place,  
Whose name hath been Time out of mind, before the conquest was:  
Thus suddenly she took her flight, and vanished away,  
And I in trembling fear did wake, not knowing what to say.   

Sith dreams be vain, of Poet's pens, and Fables of delight,  
So do I pray, that all prove false, that hear I did indite:  
Beseeching God with Nestor's age, your worship may increase,  
With health, and wealth, and New years joy, and so my pen doth seize.   
FINIS.   

Verses penned upon the Etymology of the name of the right worshipful Master Peter Leigh, heir apparent to the valiant Gentleman▪ Sir▪ Peter Leigh, of the linne, Knight.  

PErusing ancient books of late,  
I found a story strange:  
Which told me that, the earthly state,  
Should have a sudden change:  
And all that is, should nothing be,  
Whereat I mused marvelously.   

Erst never was my barren brain,  
So suddenly be rapt:  
For to perceive that all was vain,  
I thought it great mishap:  
Sith once I thought the world should last,  
To hear destruction, made me bashed.   

Thus as I mused at the same,  
My weary wits, with study toiled:  
By Morpheus, means a sleep did frame,  
Lest natures gifts, should have been spoiled:  
But as I slept, a dream full rare,  
I had, which grieves me to declare.   

Environed round about was I,  
From lofty skies, with golden gleams:  
Wherein I saw, a Gods fly:  
Thrice swifter than Sir Neptune's streams,  
A razor in her hand she bore:  
And fiercely did these words declare.   

Remember well (quoth she) to me,  
Make ready pen, and ink, to write:  
The words that now I speak to thee,  
Sith that I know, thou can indite:  
Time is my name, young once I was,  
Though now, I wear and waste alas.   

Lo I am she that present was,  
When Heaven, Earth, and Seas were made:  
From age, to age, what came to pass,  
Unto this hour I know the trade:  
Although that worldlings Time forget,  
Yet to accounts I call their det.   

Else those that fleet, and flow in wealth,  
Would quite devour the poorer sort:  
Sith might always forgets himself,  
And makes of wrong a common sport:  
I Time therefore this bloody knife,  
Do bear unwares, to shut their life.   

In Time that's past, what Cities great,  
Whose walls, and towers scald the skies:  
Were mounted up, to be the seat,  
For earthly Gods, this Scripture tries:  
Which lieth now laid lo with soil,  
And who but Time, that made the spoil.   

Great castles to defend the foe,  
With walls of force, long sith were built:  
Their towers torn, doth plainly shoe,  
That Time compelled them for to yield:  
Whose ruin doth these days declare,  
That Time bids every man prepare.   

Have I not been, the cause (quoth Time)  
That every man these days doth build:  
Whose pride therein, so far doth shine,  
That all the poor thereby are spilled:  
But as their goods, is now their God,  
I Time therefore, shall bring a rod.   

Erst such a whip as I shall bring,  
From mighty love, was never feeled:  
I all their buildings down will fling,  
To flee themselves, shallbe compelled:  
The sword shall vengeance take for sins,  
And those shall lose, these days that wins.   

So that if Ovid were alive,  
The Metaphor would pass his pen:  
The father, and the son, shall strive,  
And sharp revenge consume all men.  
The Tenant shall his Landlord hate,  
And neighbours be at great debate.   

So Love, and Charity, shall waste▪  
Pride, and Envy, shall increase:  
And pure chastity, displaced,  
But whoredom, he shall never cease:  
And Usury, shall fill his gabs,  
While poor Tromtroth doth walk in rags.   

Quit void of grace (quoth Time) I see,  
The greatest number, at this day:  
For Simon Magus, subtly,  
By cloaked craft, can catch his prey:  
The world runs headlong after gain,  
Whose pleasure Time shall turn to pain:   

Undoubtedly this razor sharp,  
(quoth Time) shall presently dispatch:  
Yet none shall know, when to departed,  
No where, nor when, I make the match:  
But suddenly the thread I cut,  
Thus worldly joys, by me are shut.   

You see (quoth Time) the alteration,  
You see, how lucre leads the way:  
You see, these days, abomination,  
By error, faith you see decay  
By bribes, true justice blinded is,  
By following will, some wade amiss.   

Edels●a now, deceiveth us,  
By outward signs and also shoe,  
Fair words be framed marvelous,  
To work the hearers grief and woe.  
But now said Time, the day's at hand,  
All things shall waste on sea and land:   

Revenge from skies with fiery flames,  
Shall now at hand devour and waste  
All mortal men unto their shames,  
Except where grace and virtue's placed.  
Those that believe, and God do fear,  
As Angels then shall strait appear.   

And with these words she took her flight,  
And bade me boldly writ the same:  
When Time was gone I was affright,  
For all the world me thought did flame:  
With Thunder then the earth did quake,  
Which woeful thing did cause me wake.   
FINIS.   

Verses penned upon the Etimoligie of the name of the right worshipful, M. Thomas Leigh of Adlington, in the County of Chester, Esquire: purporting the nature of Time.  

THe thorny thumps that Thought did thank within my woeful breast  
Had pinched me so, that Nature craved for help to purchase rest.  
Of studious works I weary was, into the fields I fled:  
My purpose was by wholesome air, for to refresh my head.  
And as I wandered up and down, under a bush I sat,  
Some secret thing me thought that time, came in my painful pate.   

Lo thus at last with musing much, a sleep came in my eye,  
Erst never such a dream I had, nor thing so strange did see  
I saw a Lady called Time, which flew as swift as wind,  
give ear (quoth she) for presently I will express my mind.  
Have care unto my speech (said she) and mark my sayings well:   

Else out of wisdoms worthy ways I must thy wits expel.  
See here the wings wherewith I fly, behold the knife I bear.  
See here the present speed I make: yet Time no man doth fear.  
Quite void of care I see the world, they mount with Icarus now,  
Undoubtedly so that they gain, to get they care not how.  
Yet I Deign Time will call to count the stoutest of them all,  
And give unto the loftiest mind, a troublesome tumbling fall.  
Remember Time began all things, at first when all was made,   

Time at the last shall cause again all things to waste and fade.  
Have I not cast jerusalem unto the slimy soil?  
Of worldly wealth I make but dust, though worldlings daily toil  
My nature is as I began, so for to make an end,  
And cause in time both quick and dead both for to bow and bend.  
Such is my nature, that I must make trial of all truth,   

Look from the first unto the last, let ancient books be proof.  
Erected I have Cities great, so have I Castles strong,  
In every part of all the world, these buildings lie along.  
Great is my force, let Scripture judge, which saith all things shall waste,  
How can the greatest kingdom then escape my force at last.   

Else worldlings would still brag and best upon their good and land.  
So I dame Time should have the tant which have them in my hand  
Such buildings now be mounted up by such as fear no fall,  
Quite void of care the builders be, to leave the same at all,  
Until I Time with razor sharp, do cut their vital thread.  
I see there is not any now, the latter day doth dread.  
Esteem they do their goods and lands, and Time to come forget  
Remembering not that Time at last shall cause them pay their det.   

Mark but how hours wasteth days, and days the weeks devour  
And weeks consume months you see by proved proofs each hour.  
And months do swallow up the year, & years do consume men.  
All this doth chance by me dame Time, yet who knows where or when?  
And with this speech she took her flight, and bade me take my pen.  
For to record the words she spoke, and publish to all men:  
But when I saw that Time was past, alas she grieved me sore:  
That I in Time did not take Time, I daily weep therefore,  
Thus have you heard my drowsy dream, though Time be gone, and fled,  
And I her sayings still record within my heart and head.   
FINIS.   

A Psalm penned upon the Etymology of the name of the right Worshipful, Thomas Leigh of Adlington, in the County of Chester, Esquire: To the note or tune of, Domine ne in furore. Psalm. VI  

THy mercy Lord, my faith persuades,  
although my sins be red:  
How I shall be made free to thee:  
by Christ's blood that's shed.  
Of all my wandering wilful days  
and reckless rudeful toys:  
My faithful hope is for to mount,  
to thee in lasting joys.  
And as I wickedly did sin,  
I faithfully repent:  
Such is thy mercy that I know,  
my tears shall thee content.   

Lo hear my tears the witness is,  
my sin doth grieve me sore:  
Esteem O Lord my woeful plaints,  
I trust t'offend no more.  
In thee my only hope remains,  
on thee is all my stay:  
give ear unto my woeful cries,  
when I shall pass away.  
Have mind upon thy mercy Lord,  
forget thy wrath and ire,  
Erect my Spirit into thy bliss,  
I humbly thee desire.   

Else all my tears and grievous plaints  
return without reward:  
So shall I wear, and waste in woe,  
my cries shall not be heard:  
Seem not therefore to turn thy face,  
accept my woeful suit:  
Quit me from Satan's nets and snares,  
his traps good Lord confute.  
Unto thy Majesty O Lord,  
I dedicate myself:  
Yield I do my soul to thee,  
and leave the world my wealth.  
Accept thereof, thou glorious God,  
thus still on thee I cry:  
Revenge not Lord, but mercy have,  
and never let me die.   

All glory be unto thy name:  
and to thy only son:  
And to the holy Ghost, with whom  
to us thy kingdom come.   
FINIS.   

Verses penned upon the Etymology of the name of the right worshipful Lady, the Lady Marie Edgarton of Ridley, in the County of Chester.  

THe toiled mind and weary wit that study doth oppress,  
Nature moveth many ways, the same for to redress:  
Which caused me to leave my book, my senses to revive,  
And wandering, walked hear and there, the time away to drive.   

High up a hill with weary steps, the haughty rocks I scaled,  
Among the which I heard a voice, that sore my heart paid:  
Among the shrubs I shrouded was, where in a trance I sat,  
Or else some drowsy dream it was, that then and there I gate.   

Erst was I never in the like, for there me thought I see,  
An armed man with bloody blade with speed approached nigh:  
His face as fierce as flames of fire, his hands imbrued in blood:  
And like a Lion in his rage, before me stamping stood.   

Lo here (quoth he) my name is Mars, that am the bloody God,  
The gleids that glow within my breast, breeds mischief all abroad  
Kings and kingdoms by the ears I daily use to set,  
Murder is the thing I crave, and peace I still forget.   

And now (said he) pull forth thy pen, and write my sayings all,  
For presently a wonder great, appear before thee shall:  
See here (quoth he) Megaera comes with crawling snaky hair,  
Lo in the bosoms of the best, she throws them here and there.   

Dost thou not see what wrath she works, that lurketh close in breast  
And dost not view what kingdoms I to mortal war have dressed  
The Messenger I am (quoth he) that jupiter doth send,  
to execute his wrath on such, that do his Grace offend.   

In uttering of these words to me, far of I did heholde,  
How Spoil was coming & his mates with all the speed they could  
Whereat the skrikes of innocents, with wives & virgins cries.  
And grievous groves of murdered men did pierce the starry skies   

My flesh did tremble at the sight, to see the Flames of fire,  
The rubbery both of rich and poor, Destruction did desire,  
And ugly monstrous Ravishment defiled both maid and wife,  
The worldly Muckscraps for their goods did daily lose their life.   

And then came desperation post, to put the rest in fear,  
And grudging Grief and future foes, cause many to despair,  
Yea Hunger haunted armour bright, with cheeks both pale & lean  
And pierceth through the sturdy steel, and wrought a mortal pain   

Revenge as greedy as a gripe, made havoc where he came,  
Destruction with his naked blade destroyed many a man:  
Dearth was lodged in every house, and kept both land and seas,  
And almost all both old and young bewailed the woeful days.   

In all this hurlyburly there, Love shrank his Neighbours all,  
And charity was chased away. Pride slipped and had a fall:  
Mirth in every nook did mourn, and pleasure pained sore,  
Tom Troth was sworn for to departed the place for evermore.   

Environed round about was peace with bloody men of of war:  
Of Charity obscured was the blazing lamp and star,  
And Pestilence as fire red, the stoutest caused to stoop,  
That Lamentation wrang his hands the country round about,   

Death was the last that laid on lurch, the final end to make:  
and for a brag, his bloody dart about his head did shake:  
(quoth he) behold, these mischieve mates that on S. Mors attend,  
'Gainst whom no creature can prevail, till I dispatth their end.   

Great were the brags that Mars did make, and fierce his fury was  
and swore an oath with present speed all this should come to pass:  
Then did he turn himself about, and Albion Isle he thrate,  
Which was of Mars no sooner said, but foreign foes heard that:   

Else had I slept a longer sleep upon that haughty hill.  
But that the roaring Cannons voice me thought was thumping still  
And noise of armed men was such, that (alfright) I waked,  
Thus rashly rushing up for fear, from thence my way did take,   

Refusing neither hedge nor ditch, nor sparing thick nor thine,  
No step so foul my speedy feet made spare to step within:  
Thus runninng rashly in this race, with panting brethles breath,  
I rested by a pleasant pool, fast by a little heath.   

Thus revolving with myself what were the best to do,  
Whether to tell this dream or no, sith dreams be called untrue:  
Which mazed my mind with triple trance what way were best to take,  
This dream for to reveal, or else to drowned in Lethea lake   

Of th'one and th'other being bashed: the likeliest way to choose,  
At length thought good to pen my dream, in steed of better news  
Beseeching God to bless this Isle from Mars and all his mates,  
And grant us peace. God save our Queen and all the noble states   

No other news for this new year I can your worship tell,  
But that I trust in spite of Mars that all things shall be well.  
Beseeching God that sits to judge, to guide your days in peace,  
With health, long life, and joyful years, and worship to increase.   
FINIS.   

Verses penned upon the Etymology of the name of the right Worshipful. M. Peter Warberton of Arley, in the County of Chester, Esquire.  

PRepare a place above the skies,  
Where Angels rest in joy:  
Out of all mundane thoughts arise,  
Which works the soul's annoy,  
Of Time watch well the stealing steps,  
Take heed of youth that age forgets,  
All things have time, by power divine,  
And Time consumeth all,  
She hath cut off the mightiest kings,  
And so the rest she shall.   

Emperor, King and Kaiser she  
Doth mount upon the stage,  
And all that shall advanced be,  
Time raiseth in each age.  
So Time dismounts them all again.  
Some from great joy, to shame and pain,  
Thus rich and poor she evermore  
Cuts off both great and small:  
The Captain stout and all his rout  
She spoils, and ever shall.   

Therefore watch well, this hasty Dame,  
That makes this mortal speed:  
As all our Parents felt the same,  
With us she will proceed:  
Time flies apace she tarries not,  
She grants no grace if men forgot,  
At first she is as sugar sweet,  
But ends like bitter gall,  
Let Worldlings watch that be asleep,  
For Time no doubt they shall.   

Remember Time, built Cities great,  
Which now is wilderness:  
With many a costly and stately feat,  
That now consumed is:  
And Time, these days builds many hours,  
Which shall in Time, be none of ours:  
For as the seas, doth ebb and flow,  
So Time doth with us all:  
Now choose who thinks of Time or Noah,  
All things consume she shall.   

Who marketh Time, in these our days,  
Her works be wondrous strange:  
For those that erst did bear the keys,  
By Time doth office change:  
And from the hall, to kitchen comes,  
And at the length, bide fortunes domes:  
As captive stand, to hold up hand,  
To live or die at all:  
Who can prevail: when Time doth deal,  
Which will consume and shall.   

And doth not Time make infants strong,  
Of young and tender age:  
When six and thirty year hath sprung,  
These lusty bloods on stage:  
Mark Time when all this race is run,  
Unlooked for croukt age doth come:  
And by no means but only Time,  
Therefore let's watch her all:  
Sith down she casteth, such as climb,  
And evermore she shall.   

Right thus of age, Time maketh dust,  
And so she doth of youth:  
And Time still tries, all things that's just,  
And brings us all to proof:  
And Time shall at the later day,  
The filthy facts of men bewray:  
Not sparing one, nor leaving now,  
But to accounts bring all:  
And thus hath she persuaded me,  
She doth and ever shall.   

Else could not now, the world be old,  
Which at the first was young:  
For Time, herself now waxeth cold,  
Her limbs be not so strong:  
As in her first beginning she▪  
Nor half of Nature frank and free:  
Her lofty looks, I read in books,  
Beginneth for to fall:  
Her gallant cheer, gins to wear,  
Yet she shall end us all.   

Remember then all things begun,  
Must have an end at last:  
For when the vital, thread is spun,  
The mortal knife makes haste:  
For Atropos doth tend on Time,  
As waiting maid by power divine:  
Unlooked for, or men be ware,  
She breaks both heart and gall:  
And when she smiles she worketh wiles,  
For to consume us all,   

Thus trudgeth Time and tarrieth not,  
To tend upon her pray:  
And lays her snares, in the every plot,  
To twitch all states away:  
Therefore judge if the world be vain,  
That greedy gapeth, still for gain.  
One brother selleth now an other,  
And worldly wealth rules all:  
But Time doth watch, for to dispatch,  
For so at length she shall.   

Of this beware, and mark it well,  
For Time, is now at hand:  
That Time all pleasures shall expel,  
Aswell by sea as land:  
Not one but all, shall taste of woe,  
Of very force, it must be so:  
Else sin, would sink, and vice would drink,  
The works of virtue all:  
So Time consumes▪ those that presumes,  
Lo thus she doth and shall.   

Such is the force of Time ye see,  
Such is the end of all:  
Here may we see that vanity,  
Doth work our mortal thrall:  
Quite now yourselves, from worldly muck,  
Lest Time unlooked your lives to pluck:  
Undoubtedly in Time foresee,  
To win the way to rest:  
And help the poor, which is the store,  
For which God thinks you blest.   

If Time cut of, all living things,  
And still brings all to nought:  
And shall to judgement bring the kings,  
Aswell for deed, as thought:  
Then let the meaner states take heed,  
To watch and pray with present speed:  
Else in the snares, of Time unwares,  
We must to judgement all:  
Remember this, great need it is,  
For Time consume us shall.   
FINIS.   

Verses penned upon the Etymology of the name of the right worshipful George Brereton of Ashly in the County of Chester Esquire.  

GRace grows and springs, where virtue vaunts herself,  
Else wicked men, would swallow all by wealth:  
On every man, God doth his gifts bestow,  
Regarding most where virtue seems to grow:  
Great is his mercy to us every hour,  
Else how could David, conquer saul's great power.   

Beware therefore, of Midas wicked mind,  
Refuse the world, whose pleasures men doth blind:  
Erect thy steps, in grace and virtues path,  
Remember that in wisdoms well thou bath:  
Esteem no wretch, whose tongue shall paint or gloze,  
There pickthank pranks, shall but thy worship lose:  
Of friends to come, it's vain to hope too much,  
Nor present friends, their friendship greatly touch.   

Enter not where doubts are of return,  
So needs not care, though after claps do spurn:  
Such wisdom warily, shall provide thy way,  
Quite from the snares, that should thy state decay:  
Unto the poor stretch out thy stretched hand,  
In Prince's cause, look faithfully thou stand:  
And pity still where power hath oppressed,  
Remember this, and men shall think thee blest.   
FINIS.   

Verses upon jeffrey Shackarley of Holme and Shackarley, Esquyer.  

IN present bliss, watch warily future harms,  
Else Sirces shall bewitch thee, with her charms:  
Fly from the steps, of such as fear not God,  
For else offenders justly feel his rod:  
Regard that man, that plainly telleth truth,  
And banish those, that fabling flattery sooth,  
Yield courtesy to them that gentle are.   

So Truth thy worship, shall abroad declare,  
Have no regard to lend thy ears to such:  
As shall with lies true faithful meaning touch,  
Condemn no man, till thou his answer hear:  
Know this by Scripture, justice hath no pear,  
Consider patience proveth, virtues mind:  
And worship worketh ever after kind,  
Remember them, that crave for Christ's sake:  
Lest God his gifts, away from thee shall take,  
Endure firm in saith, observing law,  
Yield to thy Prince, a just obedient awe.   

Do thus and so, the golden trump of Fame,  
By true report, shall justly say the same.   
FINIS.   

Verses upon Master Hugh Sharkerly, the son and heir of the said jeffray, Esquyer.  

Have patience present, when wrath would wreak his will,  
Else wisdom wants, that guideth men from ill:  
When youthful royes, would rashly rule the rain,  
give ear to age, who tells that all is vain:  
Have care to watch the world and fear no foe.   

So wisdom shall, thy wit declare and show:  
Haunt not the steps, where Cupid leads the way,  
And let no tongue, thy counsel once bewray:  
Conceal nothing, that duty bids reveal,  
Know subjects must, nothing from Prince conceal:  
Constrain no man, not more than power is,  
And hear no pickthanks, telling that and this▪  
Reach to the poor, that crave for Christ's sake,  
Let reason rule, when will would havoc make:  
Endure sure as all thy stock hath done,  
In doing so thou shinest like the sun.   
FINIS.   

Upon Master jeffray Shackcarley Esquire.  

IN Fortune's friendship watch her changing face,  
Else suddenly, she may dismount the best:  
For those that most, do stand within her grace,  
From age to age, have cause to trust her least:  
A proof too plain, look whom she lulls in lap,  
You see at length, she spoils with some mishap.   

She setteth some, on throne of stately seat,  
Higher than the rest, on golden mounts to vaunt▪  
And yet at last, proves but a poisoned bait,  
Compound with guile, the worldlings to enchant:  
Know this of Fortune, where she seems to smile,  
Custom there doth teach her work a wile:  
And those that in her floods, boys sails the heart,  
Revenging still themselves upon their foes:  
Lo suddenly there 〈◊〉 fall is next,  
Entrapped with snares, that works most woeful woes,  
You ●●e that Fortune, faileth none but such.   

As in these days, do trust her over much.  
FINIS.   

lenvoy.  
When raging floods, of surging seas be heart,  
And Boreas blasts, against the rocks doth rush:  
The present fall, by Nature is the next,  
And quiet calms remains in every bush,  
So likewise such, as Fortune favoureth most:  
By her displeasure, suddenly is lost.  
FINIS.    

Verses penned upon the Etymology of the name of the right worshipful Lady: The Lady julian Holcraft, of the Vale Royal.  

THe golden trump, that Fame doth sound,  
Proclaims to every ear:  
Where virtue is, for to be found,  
By works it doth appear:  
As gold commends, the precious stone,  
So worship shows, herself alone:  
As Phoebus doth exceed a star,  
So gentleness doth show:  
How can Dame Fortune mount more heart,  
Then place her darlings so.   

Envy nor spite can not prevail,  
Where virtue vaunts with grace:  
Old ancient wrath of force shall fail▪  
And vices shall give place:  
Where worship worthily shall show,  
There just report, the Fame shall blow:  
And every ear, such news shall hear,  
As due desert doth crave:  
Lo Ladies all, behold you shall,  
Who ought most honour have.   

A Dame well decked with modesty,  
As worship doth behove:  
And garments lined with lenity,  
When patience list to prove:  
With stomachers, of pure pity,  
And head gear, that is wise and witty:  
And liberal minds, all people binds,  
To honour such 〈◊〉 heart:  
Do thus and then, the hearts of men,  
You win in every part.   

In storms when wisdom is the cloak,  
No blast can blemish such:  
This is the way for to provoke,  
Your Fame the skies to touch:  
Unto the poor, s●●etch out your hands,  
God shall your store, increase, and lands:  
Love them that plainly tells you true,  
And banish golden speech:  
Pick thanks mischief daily brew,  
And all men's hearts they sigh.   

Yield not, unto a cruel foe,  
Where truth is on your side:  
And warily watch a friend to know,  
That steadfastly will bide:  
And where you may revenge in deed,  
Let mercy presently proceed:  
Nothing doth please, the Lord always,  
So much as mercy still:  
For mercy binds, all noble minds,  
To save and not to spill.   

Have mind that all that is begun,  
Must have an end at last:  
The end, no King, nor Prince, can shun,  
Sith Time all things will waste,  
Of Time her trade you see it still,  
Time buildeth all, and gives the fall,  
To all things quick and dead:  
The lucky life is to be wished,  
The end is to be dread.   

Lo here the fruits of virtues rare,  
That in one lady is▪  
Conceive the same, and strait prepare,  
For worship teacheth this,  
Remember where is courtesy,  
That riseth of gentility:  
Of mercy, grace and charity,  
Comes blessings of the Lord.  
For if these want assuredly,  
They still remain abhorred.   

Behold how virtue bears the keys,  
That unto bliss doth lead,  
A Lady living at these days,  
Whose worship Fame doth spread,  
Her name I will not now express,  
Sith just report doth all confess.  
But as I proved, so I praise,  
And will do till I die,  
Her liberal hand her heart bewrays,  
Above the starry sky.   

God bless her still from time to time,  
From dangers, woe, and pain,  
That she in worship still may shine,  
And long in health remain:  
And God protect her noble birth  
Long for to live in joy and mirth.  
And that their honours may increase,  
As sand upon the Sea,  
And this to pray I will not cease.  
But call on God God always.   
FINIS.   

The last Dream that Morpheus did show unto the Author, was of a Lamb, that appeared unto him, and seemed as though he spoke for the Time, by the providence of the Gods: as followeth.  

LAst at my book in study where I sat,  
My wits worn weak, my sense was gross and lame,  
A drowsy dump began to pierce my pate,  
That in mine eye, a sleep began to frame:  
Which when I spied, yet reason bade me rise,  
And sluggish sleep always for to despise.   

To shun that sloothfull vice my hawk I took,  
I called my Spannels, and to the field I went:  
A flight to find, both brake and bush I shook,  
till too and fro, three hours full were spent:  
Thus wandering long, my Spannels found of game,  
And I made haste with speed to fly the same.   

The Partridge sprang, my hawk fled from my fist,  
With open jaws my Spaniels cried the game,  
With speedy foot, no hedge nor ditch I missed,  
Through thick and thin I ran, to see the same.  
But out of sight both hawk and Partridge flew,  
Till I by following, into a Desert drew.   

And being thus in uncouth place not known,  
Both Hawk and Spanneils lost and from me fled:  
And I with toylling travel overthrown,  
Dame Nature came, and thus unto me said:  
Preserve thyself (quoth she) thy hawk is gone,  
And take some rest, for other help is none.   

To whom I did obey and down I sat,  
Upon a bank and leaned to a thorn:  
And rested there till Morpheus hit my pat,  
With his drowsy mace, & said to me in scorn:  
Well met Falconer, what have you killed to day,  
Cho ho hath croken bill, her master left astray?   

Let hawks and Spaniels pack and follow me,  
(Quoth he) for now thou shalt in deed attend:  
Although thou meant, 'gainst duty from me flee,  
I pardon thee, although thou did offend:  
So many times though I have troubled thee,  
This is the last, I promise faithfully.   

Thus like a lump or clod of clay I was,  
For why? my vital spirit with Morpheus went,  
For to behold what he would bring to pass,  
With weary stips to wait I was content,  
Till at the last a Lamb did us approach,  
Who did this sentence bravely to us broach.   

Que brantare lafe, es causa muy sea.   

Which words made me no little for to muse,  
To hear a Lamb in language strange to say,  
Those that break saith, do all the Gods abuse,  
And are detected at the latter day.  
Then said this Lamb, sith Robinson is here,  
Before he pass some wisdom shall he leare,   

Well said my Lamb (quoth Morpheus) let us hear,  
Some sayings grave out off Experience school:  
Sith thou his Scholar, learned many a year,  
And hath been Usher for to see good rule,  
I pray thee now unto my Clerk declare.  
The flatterer's feats, and see that none thou spare.   

And with these words he mounted over a hill,  
And Lamb and me left by a river side,  
Stay, stay (quoth Lamb) rest here and if thou will,  
Till of my speech thou have experience tried,  
And saying thus, he stepped into his cave,  
And brought a glass of Skill exeéeding brave.   

Lo here (quoth Lamb) and then began to bleit,  
And made me signs to look within the glass:  
Here mayst thou see (said he) of deep deceit,  
The total sum, I mean of more and less.  
And by the same before thou pass shalt prove,  
Who is thy friend, and who dissembleth love.   

I greedily the glass began to grasp,  
Wherein I saw a number that I knew,  
With honnied mouths, yet natured like the wasp.  
That at the length their stings against me threw  
But yet I did dissemble all the while,  
Because I would perceive their fraud and guile.   

Then looking still within this glass I see  
The lofty looks of some that spoke me fair,  
And in their friendship so embraced me,  
That outwardly true meaning did appear,  
When Morpheus Lamb perceived I did them trust  
Take heed betime (quoth he) they are unjust.   

These are chameleons that change to every colour  
They show like gold, but inward worse than brass,  
Look what they promise makes no purse the fuller,  
As by experience proof declares no less.  
Of foreign frays they tell a bloody tale,  
But commonly they quarrel with good ale,   

Therefore (said he) trust not an alehouse friend,  
Believe them not that are accustomed to lie:  
A boasting soldiers tale, hath never end,  
And flattering words, be false so shalt thou try:  
Rough trees, rough fruit, rough taste do bear,  
See vice and virtue shows, in whom they do appear.   

And therefore trust not the untrusty man,  
To do and say, doth differ much ye know:  
Great difference is, twixt Orpheus' skill and Pan,  
You know the sense, what need I more to show:  
And therefore he, that violateth faith,  
Is worthy as I said to suffer death.   

Stay yet said Lamb, behold more of this glass,  
See where one bounseth in a player's gown:  
Fw-es like a fool, as nice as ere she was,  
The bravest tippling tib; that is within the town:  
While she at tick tack, tries to prove her chance,  
Her husband is content, a hornpipe for to dance.   

She is well customed, both with rich, and poor,  
Fie of Gentility, for she can speak no French:  
Which blemisheth, her banner, and craks her credit sore,  
And yet notwithstanding, she is a bouncing wench,  
She daily doth usurp, a Gentlewoman's name:  
I lift to speak no more of her, for bearing blame.   

And with these words this Lamb again did bleat,  
And as it seemed by countenance mourned much:  
And said oh foolish Poliphils drowned in conceit,  
Why think you of yourselves, as though there were none such:  
You play sabina's part, that proud lascivious Dame,  
Whose ugly life the Poets, have penned to her shame.   

Five hundredth Asses milk, she daily had the bathe,  
For to increase her vice, and beauty to preserve:  
As at these days, our country women crave,  
Out of a little hide, a thong to large they crave:  
For every poor man's daughter, now is pranked in silk,  
Which doth sabina's bath, encounter made of milk.   

These base-born birth, galeria's heart exceeds,  
That Nero's golden palaces did disdain:  
They think them flowers, which are in deed but weeds,  
For truth, doth try them, counterfeited plain:  
As some men have, of velvet scabbards made,  
That daily covers, a rusty cankered blade.   

Of poison Poets write, that Cleopatra died,  
No, no, (quoth Lamb) it is a lie in deed:  
Her death came thus, in stories as I read,  
By a bodkin that she bought, her heart did bleyd:  
With which she used, to curl her golden hair,  
Wherewith she killed herself, it doth appear.   

Lo hear you lewd lascivious wanton sort,  
That do delight, to paint yourselves in pride:  
No doubt but you, shall smart for youthful sport,  
When metal shallbe, by the fire tried:  
When flaming fire (I say) the gold shall try,  
In Pluto's pit, you shall for ever cry.   

Thus prating promisers, hold still your fruitless brags,  
Among your pots, your promises perform:  
Else will the wise, perceive your wardrobe rags,  
And to your shame, will laugh you all to scorn:  
You mistress tippler, that would so gentle be,  
For all your furs, your tricks the world doth see.   

Learn to speak French, and if you willbe gentle,  
For French must make you mistress, that's most sure:  
Because your birth is, very base and simple,  
And you a tippler, whose life is nothing pure:  
Learn to know thyself, thy neighbours know thee well,  
Per foy merritriciam, else will I ring thy bell.   

And then aloud this Lamb to laugh began,  
To Limbo lake (quoth he) lafoy jambe les piedz pack:  
Les leures of such, enticeth many a man,  
To utter confusion, and everlasting lack:  
Lo mistress tippler, if you will gentle be,  
It's more than time you come, to learn this French of me,   

And at these words, a while this Lamb did pause,  
And spying me, a weary of the Time:  
Upon the earth, began to scrape his claws,  
Friend Robinson (quoth he) thy listening ears incline:  
For now women, that good and virtuous were,  
I purpose by my speech, thou presently shalt hear.   

Posthumia was of evil sore accused,  
For merry countenance, of ill she was condemned:  
Minutius, her husband, her company refused,  
And home again his wife, did to her parents send:  
If countenance then, so great a vice was thought,  
What say you by the act, this day that's daily wrought.   

In Chalcedon, both maids, and matrons used,  
Unto a stranger, but one cheek to show:  
Hierous wife, all people's breath refused,  
Except her husbands, no man's else did know:  
No shows in Egypt, never women had,  
The cause was this, they hated for to gad.   

When in Boetia, the Damsels, married were,  
A noble customs worthy note they had:  
A virtue rare, no doubt it did appear.  
In those I say, that loved not to gad:  
Her coyche was burned, that day she married was,  
Which signified, from home she would not pass.   

The daughters of Lisander, refused the rich attire,  
That from Sicily, was as tokens sent:  
Lest that the pride thereof, their hearts should fire,  
The glittering show, they did no deal commend:  
For virtue was, the jewel that they sought,  
All stately dealings, banished from their thought.   

Lo hear said Lamb, the life that Ladies lived,  
The simpler sort, according calling went:  
One at an others state envied not, nor grieved,  
Ne yet the Time in lewdness never spent:  
No wandering unto wakes, those days did women use,  
Nor gadding unto greene's, their life for to abuse.   

Then was the husbandman, and all his children known,  
By such attire, as them became to wear:  
Th'artificer, by pride was not o'erthrown,  
Then malice in men's minds, did not appear:  
Nor no man would, break promise at that Time,  
Faith, love, and charity, in hearts of men did shine.   

Now poor men's pride, hath brought the world to nought,  
Their children as I said, so prank in pride:  
Encountering Gentlemen, as near as may be thought,  
The common wealth, in England hath destroyed:  
And filthy flattery, these days is so embraced,  
The cogging crew away true meaning chased.   

And with these words, this Lamb, looked on me fast,  
Mark well my speech (quoth he) an other time:  
For now thou seest that Phoebus maketh haste,  
Into the Occidental floods for to decline:  
In time to come trust thou no flattering friend,  
Nor tippling tib, except, to much thou spend.   

The Meritrix, the furred fool doth use▪  
Spy thou and at her mates a little while:  
For she, and they, shall reap, they may not choose,  
The fruits they graft, upon their sinful soil:  
As every wight, doth know their vice untold,  
Shall ere they die, their woeful end behold.   

Thus presently came Morpheus back again,  
How now my lamb (quoth he) hast done my will:  
Hast told my Clerk, thy mind & meaning plain,  
That of the world, he may have better skill:  
I have my Lord (quoth Lamb) done what I may,  
Plainly unto Dunstable, to direct the way.   

I thank thee said Sir Morpheus for the same,  
I will that he, and thou, this present time departed:  
For that he bears abroad, a writer's name,  
I will not stay him longer from his act:  
Thus suddenly I wakened out of sleep,  
In Dreaming long, this lamb became a sheep.   

Thus blushing brood, awaken I from sleep,  
And on the sudden, dashed in drowsy dumps:  
Began with speed, for to pluck up my feet,  
Because the place, did put me to my jumps:  
This desert was, alas unknown to me,  
My Hawk, nor Spannels could I never see.   

But what this lamb by Morpheus means did say,  
With diligence, I penned that other day.   
FINIS.   

The Authors name in Verdict.  

REmember Lord for Christ's sake,  
by mercy to forgive,  
In judgement on those people now,  
that sinfully do live.  
Condemn them not that reckless are,  
and do thy laws forget,  
Have mercy on all them, that trust,  
Christ's blood shall pay their det.  
Against my woeful cries oh Lord,  
shut not thy mercy gate,  
Receive my sinful soul o God.  
to enter in thereat.  
Do not condemn me for my guilt,  
let mercy thee persuade.   

Revenge not Lord, my woeful works,  
when I in sin did wade,  
Oh God most high and mighty Lord,  
in whom is all my trust.  
Be merciful to those which are,  
before thy eyes unjust,  
In time of trouble still I called,  
upon thy holy name:  
Now do I cry to heal my soul,  
and trust thou hearst the same.  
Such is thy mercy promised,  
to them that do relent:  
O, Lord that thou forgivest such,  
that faithfully repent:  
Nothing oh God, doth grieve me more,  
then doth my careless race.   

Of wicked wilful wretched works,  
I call to thee for grace:  
For why my sins crave punishment,  
and are as scarlet red.   

And yet I trust for to be saved,  
by Christ's blood that shed:  
Look down with loving eyes oh Lord,  
and hear my woeful cry:  
Thy grace extend to guide my feet,  
lest I should wade awry:  
O Lord my rude and careless life,  
with wild and wilful blade:  
Now grieveth me for conscience doth,  
my soul in thee persuade.   
FINIS.   

MY days I see, are vain on earth, my time doth steal away:  
My youth is past, and age draws near, my health doth still decay.  
My lennow limbs grow dry & stiff, my bones be full of pain:  
My former pleasures works me woe, I change to dust again.  
I not delight in mundane muck, nor in these pleasures vain:  
But in thy kingdom is my joy, where thou dost aye remain:  
Take hear my faithful sacrifices of just repenting heart.  
In time of death deliver Lord my soul from Satan's darts:  
All honour glory be to thee, and to thy only son:  
Who with the holy ghost be praise, thy will on earth be done.  
FINIS.   

AT LONDON PRINTED BY ROGER WARDE, for john Proctor, are to be sold at his shop on Holborn bridge.  
Anno, 1589.