EUSTATHIA or the CONSTANCY OF SUSANNA CONTAINING THE PRESERvation of the Godly, subversion of the wicked, precepts for the aged, instructions for youth, pleasure with profit.  
Penned by R. R. G.  Dominus mea rupes. 
Printed at Oxford by Joseph Barnes, and are to be sold in Paul's churchyard at the sign of the Bible. 1599   

TO THE RIGHT VIRTUOUS AND modest Gentlewoman Mistress M. B. wife to the Right worshipful D. B. Esquire R. R. wisheth the etetnizing of her virtues, by the daily practice of her christian life.  
ALthough (right worshipful) my longer silence might justly indite me either of ingratitude, or forgetfulness, in Senecaes' censure the greater of the two; yet I not great in fortune's grace, young in years and not ripe in experience, was fully resolved to traverse the indictment, until more store of wealth, graver age, & greater practice, might warrant men to perform that indeed which now I can but promise in conceit. And in that resolution, considering the undigested method was fit meat for foul-mouthed Momus, and the Rhetorical dog, I determined to make an her●●icke of this illiterate pamphlet, & commit it to the fire; but yet respecting the goodness of the argument, the greatness of your virtues, and many thankworthy benefits bestowed both by yourself, and your right worshipful husband I fell from this faint determination to a second and more sound resolution, Phaeton-like to carry Atlas his burden, and rather to hazard a fault in manners then incur a blemish in nature, rather (by being to bold) to make you the patrons of so simple a work, then by silence to seem unthankful. And albeit in performing hereof I shall rather wrong myself in bewraying mine own weakness, then right your worship in yielding a fit work answerable to your worth; yet my hearts hope is, that as the crystal stone illustrated by the glorious beams doth render some (though mean) reflex of the sun's immensity: so myself (exposed to your benefits) may hereby make some (though small) return of your undeserved bounty. And although the treatise seem harsh and may dislike you because it came not from Pernassus mountain; yet I doubt not but you will nourish it for the hill Zion's sake (a special object of your godly mind) from whence by induction it is derived. The method I confess is the more absurd by reason it was ordered without advice since my coming into the country where as the Persians used to whittle little sticks to keep themselves from idleness; so myself to banish sloth, have at idle hours busied my head and hand, to whittle out this simple exercise: nothing doubting but that time will one day furnish me with opportunity and practice with sufficiency to pen a more perfect volume worthier your virtuous view. And hoping in the mean time that you (Penelope like in the absence of your Ulysses) will allow of this, vouchsafe the reading, and accept in kindness what I offer in duty, I leave your worship to the ancient of days, to prolong your life in all happiness.  
Your worship's unworthy, yet worthily bounden, ROBERT ROCHE.   

To the Reader.  

SUSANNA here, walks forth the way to glory;  
To show her constancy and spotless fame.  
If any fault, escape her faultless story,  
The fault is mine; on me bestow the blame.  
Which would her teach, before I could attain,  
Well tuned verse, or moralising vain.   

Were she or no; were joachim her goodman;  
Had jews judicial law, and Sanhedrin,  
To judge of life, in stately Babylon;  
Were Daniel hence, first known a Sambethin.  
Were he a child, when he so well presaged;  
Or termed so, compared to these aged.   

Were these two segniors here, (base slaves to sin)  
Achab and Tzidkija, in jeremy.  
Fell this before, or when full thrall was in;  
Or Cirus reign as some do verify.  
Did all things pass, as they have passed the pen:  
Or poeme-like to better lives of men.   

These things I leave, to judgement of the wise,  
(Grey headed Senate of our grave divines.)  
If I should judge, I should but preindize,  
And with erroneous letters, fill my lines.  
It me contents, that well I may avow,  
The stories subject, such as most allow.   

Expect not here, th'invention, or the vain,  
Of Lucrece rape-write: or the curious scan,  
Of Phillis friend; or famous fairy- Swain;  
Or delia's prophet, or admired man.  
My chicken feathered wings, no imps enrich,  
Pens not full summed, mount not so high a pitch.   

Let Colin rear his flight to admiration,  
And train his lovely flock, his pipe to follow.  
Let Damon's reach, outreach all imitation;  
And frame melodious hymns, to please Apollo.  
The swain that penned this pastoral for Pan;  
Thought once to end his work, ere began.   

For while I meant, to strain these sorry notes,  
Past Diapent, unto a Diapason;  
There fell a chance within our silly coats,  
Both graeat and sudden; able to amaze one.  
When mourning Mopsus cried, leave of thy play,  
Shift notes a side, fling pipe and all away.   

Cease silly man; pull down thy wont pride,  
Enjoin thy muse to mourn, and pen to moan.  
(As did Amintas, when good Phillis died)  
For thou art quite forlorn, and left alone.  
Sith Thestilis, (thy Thestilis) hath left thee.  
While death of greatest jewel, hath bereft thee.   

For Thestilis was she, which joyed thy springing;  
Who eke allowed thee breath, to blow thy pipe,  
And idle time to whistle and be singing,  
And bred thee up, till thou were waxen ripe.  
Th' Elixir of thy life, in love was she;  
Whose coin did quintessence, thy muse and thee.   

Whose knight-rived birth, gave blazon to thy blood,  
Whose godly end, doth endless here abide.  
Yet wanting her, thou wantest all thy good,  
As do more flocks; the dam, and lambs beside,  
Whom joyful Thomas hath good will to vease,  
From fruitful lawns, unto a shorter lease.   

This uncouth news, did so my senses lame;  
That though sweet Cynthius, sold me by the ear:  
My music after went in worse frame,  
And as my music was, such was my cheer,  
My look unlusty; countenance abated,  
Mind make-content; muse weak and overmated.   

Yet did I sing my sorrows to an end,  
(An end betakes, the longest tided day.)  
And to a virtuous patroness commend,  
My homely verse, and rustic roundelay.  
Whose godly zeal, equivalent with Hanna;  
Will not disdain, to countenance Susanna.   
R. R.   

Coricaeus to the Author.  

I seated late, in leisures lap;  
Had leisure to peruse,  
Thy Firstling; termed thy Susan's constancy  
And at the swelling titles  
Promise, long did muse.  
Which how performed, let others judge (not I)  
Who spent my thoughts, to be thy warning spy;  
That judgement darest provoke, by bold attempt,  
When time from tongues, no writer doth exempt.   

While deep conceited critic wits,  
Of this our dainty time,  
Do like no birds, but what themselves have hatched  
They love no pleasant prose,  
Are discontent with rhyme.  
But what they please, all Poems else are patched,  
Which humours still, with discontent are matched,  
And wayward discontent, the censors bow;  
To quip they care not whom, they care not how.   

Sometimes whole heaps of idle words,  
(They quarle) are cast away.  
Sometimes the matter naked, wanteth words.  
Sometimes good matters marred,  
When ill contrived, (they say)  
Sometimes the sense, a caffling cause affords.  
Sometimes a sentence, or affectate words.  
A tedious stir: for in Phylautus brawl,  
There scapes not one: he hath about withal,   

Saith one of these; the note is just,  
'mongst men of better note:  
Our sharpest wits, that climb the scene of fame,  
In vainest follies lose  
Themselves, and vainly dote.  
Do spend much art, for to deserve much blame,  
While they some idle-dreamed fancy frame,  
And leave their works, a witness firm and stable,  
What time they lost in hatching of a fable.   

Great pity sure that learned men,  
Of great and rare conceit,  
Should so these brave abilities debase:  
That while they stretch them out  
To proof, to show them great;  
The praise of their imploimentes in this case,  
Is void of praise; and hath this only grace,  
That they have wisely told, a foolish tale,  
And smoothly set a long made lie to sale.   

And yet this inconvenience great  
Might find some fair excuse,  
If drift of their discourse, at virtue aimed,  
For oft in fables folds  
Trim moral truth doth use.  
But when the work is matter merely feigned,  
And end thereof, deserves to be disdained.  
The writer merits pity, more than praise,  
And work (unworthy press) fit flames to raise.   

Thus surely speaks, this Censurer,  
And doth his thoughts reveal,  
(As if some stern Dictator, thundered laws;  
From whom on pain of death,  
Unlawful to appeal.)  
Yet did not well bethink him in his pause?  
For though a story true, doth grace his cause:  
He paints it out with colours of invention:  
And gives it words, to fit his own intention.   

Which if the Censor use himself,  
Thyself mayst use the same.  
Whose levill aimeth at as virtuous end:  
And to reduce the work,  
And story into frame;  
By reasons rule, the whole discourse is penned,  
And hath no cause, the godly to offend,  
Or grieve the good: unless some harsh divine,  
Against his sacred Poems will repine.   

another sort of snarling mates,  
Do pester every age:  
Who will be critics, though they guide the cart.  
And censure works of weight;  
Quote faults in every page.  
Deprave the wits, of men of best desert:  
And judge of all, by envy (not by art.)  
Who more doth malice art, then artless brain?  
Who biteth worse than Bevius in his vain?   

High spirited Homer (matchless man)  
A baggage, deemed a block:  
And did with bitter taunts, his works deface,  
Of Virgille● dainty vain,  
Could Mevius frame a mock.  
Inferring that he filched his chiefest grace,  
By treading in the tract, of Homer's trace,  
Or from the fruits, of Hesiods happy brain,  
And Theocrite the Syracusian swain.   

Thus to obscure the merriest cry,  
Where deep-mouthed hounds do go;  
Each time hath bawling curs, that bark and howl:  
Which sith 'tis so, hath been,  
And ever will be so:  
Of learned rest secure, well trained in school,  
Thou must not fear, the flower of every fool.  
Who in a prating vain (though thou repine)  
Will blame whole books, but cannot mend a line.   
C. A. R.   


WHat time the judge severe, (sin-scourdging God)  
(Compelled to change the course that mercy ment,)  
Withdrew his favour, and drew forth his rod,  
To punish those that knew not to repent.  
That time ingrateful juda, judgement had:  
To die or suffer bondage (even as bad.)   

For when they scorned, the heavenly heralds sent,  
To summon them (backsliders) to the Lord:  
Crying with yernefull voice, Amend, repent,  
Else hoattest wrath, will follow this his word.  
Else will too late repentance plead for grace;  
When mercy flies, and justice holds the place.   

When hardened hearts, could not become so wise,  
By others harms, to learn their own beware:  
While fresh record presented to their eyes,  
Ten brethren tribes, subdued to slavish care;  
Whom the Assyrian monarch, did subdue;  
And made of freemen borne, a captive crew.   

When eke they were unmindful how their king,  
Young jeconias, but nine years before;  
And thousands more: the sanctus black did sing.  
(What time they did their dismal day deplore)  
While captives thence in bondage led to dwell,  
They crying, weeping schreeching, say farewell.   

When princes, rulers, priests and people base,  
Exceeded far, all heathen in their sin.  
When Sadom and Samaria might give place,  
And not come near, the ways they walked in.  
When harmless men, were held of none account,  
But he the man that did in sin surmount,   

Then as a raging flowed, long bend with bay,  
Bears headlong down, what stands before the breach:  
Or as rebellious sores, by long delays,  
Recureless scorn, the cunning of the leech;  
Even so: remediless, like raging thunder,  
The Lord powered down his wrath, long time kept under.   

When whistling for the Bees of Babel-land,  
Came Nabuchadnetzar (sirnamd the great)  
And brought with him a most puissant band,  
Of soldiers; skilled in every warlike feat.  
For as the clustering bees, in swarms do cling;  
So flocked the Chaldeis, round about their king.   

Then Salem saw, a sad heartbreaking sight;  
Resolved foes entrenched about her walls,  
In glittering armour, many a warlike wight,  
Most fully bend (what ever hap befalls)  
By dint of sword, to win eternal fame;  
Or pawn their lives, in purchase of the same.   

But most of all this grief the conscience gauls;  
And ever mates their minds (so overtaken,  
By deep despair) to think amidst these brawls,  
That God for sin, their city had forsaken.  
A matchless woe; if God the cause withstand,  
A fearful conscience makes a feeble hand.   

Add more to this; the siege so long doth lie,  
That famine in the city is so soar,  
The people pine, consume, do droop and die;  
While horses in the field; have forage store.  
Death in the house, destruction in the street:  
Sword in the field, distress and danger meet   

Amidst these woes, the rumbling Echoes sound;  
How dreadful drums, strike up the fierce alarm,  
And rattling trump, (with bloody notes rebound)  
The valiant hearts, to fell assault doth charm.  
When herald first, had summoned them to yield,  
Or to expect, a mercy-wanting field.   

Then for supply, of thundering cannon shot,  
Go ram and engine, to the walls (a pace.)  
The Pioneer he, bestirs him in his plot,  
To make huge towers, to give the soldier place.  
On either part, their powers they fully bend,  
To give assault, and from the walls defend.   

Ensigns advance, and glory scales the fort,  
The ladders than are hoist to the walls,  
And honours hope, th'assailants doth exhort,  
To climb from whence, an other headlong falls.  
While Archers shoot, from tough wel-timbred bow,  
Their thirled singing shafts, as thick as snow.   

When once the eager soldier, hath made way,  
Within the walls; and might command the town;  
Then as a hungry Lion for his prey;  
He rangeth, rageth, killeth, knocketh down.  
Then might be seen, (like streams to make a flood)  
The streets and channels, flow with crimson blood.   

The bedlam hands, do deal forth murdering blows,  
The victor rageth restless, (Lion-like)  
While mercy craving vanquished, pleads his woes,  
To him that hath no ears, but hands to strike.  
The maid, the wife, is subject to this rage;  
The suckling, babe and he that stoops for age.   

For as the mower, with his keen edged sickle,  
Cuts down aswell the green, as seeded grass;  
Even so the soldiers sword, (though tears down trickle)  
Permitteth not a breathing soul to pass.  
He spareth none that happen in his way;  
Fair words, chaste looks, entreaties, bear no sway.   

Then sounded forth, the screitching grisly cry,  
Of slaughtered souls; and many a deep fet groan,  
Of such as murdered, yield the ghost and die,  
From wounded lungs, yielding a hollow moan.  
While manly men, that whilom stoutly stood,  
Dismembered now, lie weltering in their blood.   

Then might be heard, and seen with woeful eyes  
The living souls, lamenting for the dead;  
Pouring out plaints, with sobs with sighs and cries.  
And bitter tears, as bleeding hearts might shed.  
The old lament, long life to be forlorn,  
The young repent, that ever they were borne.   

The wife she sounds (and yields her vital breath)  
To see her husband die (in woeful case)  
The husband feels a fit, far worse than death,  
To see his wife defiled, before his face.  
And silly babes, (poor hearts) to perish this,  
That never did offence, or thought amiss.   

The mourning mothers, tug, and hale their hears,  
To see their slaughtered seed, remediless.  
The children bathe their cheeks, with bloody tears,  
To see their wretched parents, in distress.  
While helpless hands, do trust unto their feet,  
And leave poor infants, crawling in the street.   

For now the men of arms, were fled by stealth;  
And every soul was left, to shift for one.  
Counsel did want; regard was none of wealth,  
Of kin, or friend, or who were left alone.  
Who makes not haste, death and destruction feels,  
The happrest wight, doth show the swiftest heels.   

When soldiers slaughtering sword, imbrued with blood,  
Found not a man, that durst resistance make:  
Then bedlam mind, 'gan grow to milder mood,  
(If mildness be as bad a course to take)  
For now unbridled lust, at large doth stray;  
And prowles about, for pillage, and for pray.   

Had chaste Lucretia, dwelled amongst those dames,  
Full many a Tarquin, would have wrought his will.  
Had good Susanna, wandered in those flames,  
Her spotless corpses, had been constrained to ill.  
While silly lambs, the chastest, and most just,  
Became a prey unto a peysantes lust.   

The matchless vessels, of magnificence,  
The temples treasure, (many a millions mate)  
The wealth, of Zedechias excellence,  
The riches of his Lords, and men of state:  
These things were sent away to Babylon;  
As fit for Nabuchadnetzar alone.   

What else was left, of jewels, gold, and plate,  
Amongst the meaner sort, (which might be much)  
Each soldier held, what so thereof he gate;  
While they with other spoils themselves enrich.  
And when the pilfering hand, had his desire;  
The rest was left, to be consumed with fire,   

Then clims the furious flame, the stately tower;  
Each priveleadge, doth give the soldier place.  
The pioneer spares, nortemple, house, nor bower,  
The time is spent, to spoil and to deface.  
There was not left one monument of fame,  
Which did not feel the force of burning flame.   

The Heav'n-like house, the temple of the Lord;  
The worlds eye, and only work of name,  
Whom once he did delight, but now abhorred)  
Is raised down, and rob of that fame.  
The walls also, that hem the city round,  
By might of men, are ev'ned to the ground.   

The silly captives, that had scaped the sword,  
And were reserved as Trophies, of the spoil;  
Hang down their heads, and cannot speak a word,  
Or sound adieu unto their native soil.  
The servantes loath, to see the master's face,  
The subjects grieve, to weigh the prince's case.   

Whom hapless king, slight could not yield relief,  
But as the dear, before the nimble dog,  
He was enforced, to stoop unto his grief;  
And for a crown, to were a heavy clog.  
What time his sons, once slain before his face,  
He had his eyes put out, with great disgrace.   

And so blind captive, led to Babylon,  
To be a bondman to his dying day?  
He left the royal seat, of Solomon,  
And now must leave commanding, and obey.  
Since he that was impyring prince before,  
Is now a fellow prisoner; and no more.   

Amongst these fettered troops, of thralled states,  
You must suppose transported with the rest,  
Helchia, joachim, and those tragic mates,  
Whose natures, not their names are here expressed:  
Were Susan borne, or no, (their glories shine)  
Unknown, it wants a Delius to divine.   

But Daniel then, past twenty years of age,  
In Babylon was grown to great regard.  
Of fame in court; the mighty monarchs page,  
Dream secret Seear, and renowned Bard.  
Which known; I leave both story and my skill,  
Unto your courteous censure, and good will.    

EUSTATHIA or the CONSTANCY OF SUSANNA CONTAINING THE PRESERvation of the Godly, subversion of the wicked, precepts for the aged, instructions for youth, pleasure with profit.  

WHen Chaldean glory, sat in whinged throne,  
Of flying Fame; (which far and near doth wander)  
In Asian soil, in stately Babylon,  
The worlds monarch, and the earths commander;  
What time no human forces, might withstand her.  
Then did stout Syria stoop, and Egypt bow,  
And juda bend, before her frowning brow.   

Then princely peers did duck, and do her duty;  
Then raised she in the air, sky-kissing towers;  
Then did the circled earth, admire her beauty;  
Then dwelled there in her brave, and matchless bowers;  
The height and sovereignty, of worldly powers.  
Whose selfe-ruld hands, did sway the sceptre royal,  
That kingdoms kept in awe, and subjects loyal.   

Standing this type, of fading majesty,  
There dwelled within, this state-commaunding town,  
A jew; (a man of passing modesty)  
Helchia hight; and he of good renown,  
Right worthy (for his wit) to wear a crown.  
Who took to wife, a fair and lovely dame;  
Whose godly life, gave glory to his fame.   

For as the ring (compact by curious art)  
〈◊〉 of itself, right seemly to the eye;  
But when the sapphire, is his true conserte,  
There doth appear, a fuller majesty:  
Her virtue so, his fame doth beautify.  
Her husband was esteemed, among the states;  
And decked with her glory, in the gates.   

From which chaste root, in time did spring a rose,  
Susanna cleapt; not borne to eat her food,  
Or make dandling, that must feel no blows.  
Her parent's care, was how to teach her good,  
And to invest her mind with modest mood:  
Their reason, fond affection had exiled;  
Not bend to make an idol, of their child.   

Sometimes the godly mother (matron-like,)  
With rod in hand, to keep her babe in awe;  
With settled look, and grace demure and meek,  
Would teach her child, the precepts of the law;  
And make her imitate, what so she saw,  
In comely gesture, seemly gate, and guise,  
That use might manners make and doctrine wise.   

And as sweet April showers, make Flora flourish;  
To her kind father (careful for his joy)  
With choice precepts, doth virtue feed, and nourish:  
That grace might freely grow, without annoy,  
And nature's weeds, keep under and destroy.  
Whereby it came to pass; at bed, and board,  
There passed no ill-spent time, or idle word.   

And careful man, he led by mere remorse,  
When book had rest, and needle leave to play;  
Doth entertain her thoughts, with some discourse,  
From Adam's age; until that present day,  
And oft recountes, jerusalems' decay.  
Whilst eke by cunning art, chorography,  
He doth present, the city to her eye.   

These lines (saith he) describe it triplewald,  
Aleph, the plot, where stood the temple great.  
Beth, Zion castle, (David's city called)  
Guemell, the Senate house, and judgement seat,  
Daleth the market place. He Mathkad street.  
And so by letters, of her Alphabet,  
He pointeth out, where every place was set.   

And street by street, recounteth till he came,  
To say here stood my, there he (speechless then)  
Can not pronounce (my house) tears stopped the same,  
Whilst from his hand, he flings he pointing pen,  
And falling from his matter, unto men;  
He curseth both the authors, and the sin,  
The breeders of the bondage, he is in.   

For while (sweet Suse) saith he we feared the Lord,  
And did his laws, and sacred hests obey;  
So long he was our shield, our spear, our sword,  
Our castle, fort, and bulwark day by day,  
Philistin, Ammon, Egypt, bear no sway.  
Not Assur, nor fell Syrian with his bands,  
Or sunburnt Aethiop, could subdue our lands.   

But when our rulers all, were out of rule;  
When prince, and priests, and people, everichone,  
Were irreligious (like the lust-led Mule)  
Pleased in sin, and vile pollution;  
Then kindled wrath; then was our woe begon.  
Then did he give us over, for a pray;  
In Chaldean notes to sol, fa, weal away.   

Yet though he hath us bruised, we are not broken,  
Or left as outcasts in the eyes of men;  
Sith by his spirit-taught prophets, he hath spoken,  
That at the end, of threescore years and ten,  
Our seed shall sit, in Zion gates age'n.  
Thyself but young mayst live to see the day;  
Our stooping age, hath hopeless natures nay.   

Mean time, live mindful of thy latter end,  
Thou mayst die young: once old canst not live long,  
Content thyself in state that God doth send,  
In sweetest joys expect some sower among,  
The worlds sweet smiles, are as the Sirens song.  
And humane pomp, is as a whirling blast;  
Soon gone, and sans recall, when once 'tis past.   

Yea man himself, is as a rain bred bubble;  
Whose shape though it be like, t' hemisphere sky;  
Yet if a windy blast, the water trouble,  
It doth revert, to water by and by,  
And leaves alone, the vaine-beholding eye.  
Such is Susanna dear, thy present state,  
A shade, a dream, a writing wanting date.   

Learn then sweet soul, to loath things pleasing vain,  
Learn then to love, thy souls long lasting health.  
Learn then to know thy God, and him to gain.  
Which well thou mayst, if first thou know thyself,  
(Which is indeed, more peerless far than pelf)  
Seem less to none, then to thine own conceit,  
Self-love (a servile foe) on fools doth wait.   

Embrace God's promises, hold fast thy hope,  
Measure thy life, by line of sacred law,  
Contain thine actions all, within this scope,  
Be not secure: but standing stand in awe,  
Lest thine affections, thy zeal withdraw.  
And still (sweet loving lamb) in age and youth,  
With steadfast constancy, profess the truth.   

Yield us thy parents, ay a lowly heart,  
In guerdon of the love we bear to thee.  
Offend not friends, let betters have their part.  
Be careful of thy name, as of thine eye,  
Let love of fame, prevent all infamy.  
Ill company avoid (as from the devil)  
If thou wilt free thy life, and acts from evil.   

Remember (wench) thou readest in thy book,  
Two things; the ornaments of may den head.  
To have a shamefast eye, and sober look.  
And other two (if that thou hap to wed)  
Good name, and chastity, to bring to bed.  
Assure thyself, the owner of these four,  
Is godly fair, and hath a worthy dower.   

Delight not (child) in brave and rich array;  
To prune thyself, as if thou were imprinted.  
Be seemly, not a slut: be grave, not gay,  
With cleanly comeliness, be still contented.  
Be not fond sick, with fashions new invented.  
For, 'tis but superfluity of pride,  
To have a fashon-coyner, for thy guide.   

Excessive neatness, is a badge of evil,  
An antsigne, of a light unstable head.  
An angling hook, and engine for the devil,  
To catch such fools, as are by fancy lead,  
A moth that fretteth, till thy wealth be dead.  
While back doth make, the belly to be sterved;  
Which matrons eye should see to be preserved.   

Then is she called, a housewife, (comely dame)  
(Whilst cleanly fine, is void of curious parts)  
Then which in time, was not a better name.  
When golden world, did want prides painting arts,  
When plain content, possessed the country hearts.  
When hospitality did feel no lack,  
And was not climbed, from table to the back.   

If that thy neighbours do possess good name,  
Do thou not envy, at their worldly bliss.  
Nor be thou light, to credit every fame,  
Reports do often hit, and often miss,  
Of all things judge the best, for best it is.  
With sober look be courteous unto all,  
With few familiar be, or none at all,   

Hid not a wanton heart, with modest eye,  
Say not thy Psalter, in the divelles book.  
Take heed beware of such hypocrisy,  
(He is no saint, that saintishnesse forsook)  
Be more severe in life, then in thy look.  
And when thine ears have heard what other say;  
Allow thy tongue abridle and a stay.   

Learn good things, with good will; instruct the weak,  
Comfort the comfortless, in their distress,  
Stop not thine ear, when pining-poore doth speak,  
Hate with thine heart, sin-breeding idleness,  
Let thrifty mind, be free from all excess,  
Crave not too much; if riches once arise,  
Observe a mean, and let enough suffice.   

And if thou covet, honest exercise,  
Then read good books, such as our Rabbis pen,  
Or use such dames, as well can matronise,  
With honest mirth, amongst the godly men,  
With due regard, of seemly where and when.  
And to conclude; where so thou hap to dwell;  
Love thou thine house, as snail doth love the shell.   

Thus did Helchia, (painful father) teach,  
His Susan dear; sweet object of his eye;  
Her mother daily, ceased not to preach,  
The like precepts, of grace, and modesty,  
And oft would here, how well she would reply.  
What time her heart, rejoiced for to see,  
So witty answers, with like guise agree.   

While shape did hold, symmetrical estate;  
(Her manners mated with a gallant grace)  
Her beauty, feature fine did emulate,  
With speech composed, and with sober pace.  
And this decorum sitting in her face;  
The whole and parts, resembled and were like  
To perfect numbers, in Arithmetic.   

And she thus trained, from her tender years,  
Became in time to reap her just renown:  
In all respects, so far surpassed her peers,  
Of equal age, and wealth within the town,  
That every way, her praises put them down.  
Whilst wantoness bend, to play, and idle pleasure;  
She trained her thoughts, to seek eternal treasure.   

Whereby it came to pass, that envy fell,  
Pursuing virtue, with great eagerness;  
When they could not come near, began to swell,  
And with fine taunts to make her praises less.  
Some said, the maid, would prove a prophetess.  
The booke-wise wench, will yield a deep divine,  
Or of a saint, will hardly make a shrine.   

But godly grave, that best doth judge and say,  
Did deem her right, a work of rare perfection:  
A peerless piece, to be a princess pray,  
One Angellike; a vessel of election,  
Whose shining fame was free from deaths infection,  
Though her time-fading beauty, dead doth lie;  
Which did surmount each feature seen with eye.   

Why didst thou beauty fade? why didst thou whither?  
O budding Rose, why didst thou ever blast?  
Why didst thou prove unconstant, as a feather,  
In her whose constancy did stand so fast?  
Sure, 'twas to teach us nothing here doth last.  
For else thou wouldst have lived, with Susan's name;  
And as a handmaid, waited on her fame.   

Whose shape splendiserous was, in each man's sight,  
Whose look gave argument of sober grace,  
Whose eyes (two twinkling stars) never proved light,  
Whose silent tongue knew well, fit words to place,  
Whose faith so firm, that nothing could deface.  
Though two great seniors sought, to blot her brow,  
And to their lure, to make her chaste soul bow.   

O that such peerless splendour, should have wrong;  
And be enticed, unto lawless lust.  
Not juda, but false judasses do long,  
Pure chastity, to cast into the dust,  
But leaving here, those matters undiscust.  
You heard her life, first waned from the lap,  
Now doth ensue, the process of her hap.   

When trustless time, by his swiftfooted pages,  
(Cleped; minute, hour, day, week, the month & year)  
Had brought her past, her two first sevens of ages,  
And set her in th' ascendant, of her sphere;  
And nature now gave summons, to draw near.  
In nuptial court, to yield expected homage,  
Since that in bar, she could not plead her nonage.   

Then scruple-finding, stickler unto strife,  
Propones her bashful thoughts, this bold discourse;  
Twixt barren maidenhead, and bearing wife,  
Which of these two did stand, in greatest force,  
For with the best, she meant to shape her course:  
Whilst in pure conscience court, where her soul sat,  
Her pleading thoughts, it argue and debate.   

Like Hebrew disputantes that had been trained,  
In Moses school; (at some Gamaliels' feet)  
And were not yet to christian lore reclaimed,  
Sometimes they argue, marriage is most meet,  
Sometimes (è contra) spider-sucke the sweet.  
While sotted senses, are so jew-beguiled,  
To deem the marriage bed, a thing defiled.   

At her hearts bar, these silent virgin pleaders,  
With soaring high conceits, as highly rated;  
Far fet their pedigree, from stately leaders.  
Pure Angel spirits; virgins (ere man) created,  
Whose active life, no Angel ever mated.  
While victory of virgins, doth excel,  
Which vanquish their own flesh wherein they dwell.   

Each other jar not long suspended hangs;  
An hour, a day, a year, doth stint the strife,  
Blud-died martyrs, soon do pass their pangs.  
But this fell battle dureth, during life.  
Hear daily striving; victory not rife.  
So matchless is, by antic rare descent,  
The maiden life; and glorious vanquishment.   

Yea ancient Adam, (johva's protoplast)  
Was moulded of his mother, maiden birth.  
And old dame Evah, to commend the chaste;  
Of virgin rib, was framed a maiden birth.  
Just Habell lived, un married here on earth.  
Melchisedech also (our Rabbins tell)  
Did virgin, priest, and king in Salem dwell.   

The wonder-working prophets, most of fame,  
The Thesbite, and the Abel-Mecholite,  
(The one transumpt to heaven in fiery flame)  
Do show how god, doth virgin life delight.  
foreseeing Esay, where he doth indite,  
Messiah birth, a maidens son doth make him.  
And sure I am, his aim doth not mistake him.   

The thing we praise, is minion to this king.  
The justice, which the justest judge, approveth.  
Vowed to the Lord, a secret, holy, thing.  
Sacred to God, as such a state beehoveth.  
And for because, her contrary she loveth.  
She always married lives, a spouse wife,  
Yet evermore a maid, in single life.   

Whose life is termed, the Angels imitation.  
And therefore is her figure, Angel faced.  
She mowntes to heaven, by wings of contemplation,  
And therefore is she painted, stately pased.  
And for because, like Goddess she is graced.  
Her train is trod, with troops of virtues nighness,  
Like maids of honour, near a princess highness.   

Whose robes (the spotless flesh integrity)  
Do emulate, the white spot Ermelin.  
A trophy of vice-quellinge victory,  
The brannchinge palm, her fingers claspeth in.  
The wimple that she weareth on her chin.  
An ant-signe is, of bashful modesty.  
Her humble mind, declares her stooping eye.   

The Gentiles hence, in their high observations,  
Compare chaste Pallas, Goddess in their heaven.  
To yield true maiden life due commendations)  
Unto the full, and mystic number seven)  
Compacted of two numbers, od and even.  
Th' entire and incorrupted unity)  
With six the secret of virginity.   

For what content, but in the maiden life.  
Whose fleet, winged thoughts, are free to serve the Lord,  
Whose malcontent, if not the married wise.  
Careful to please grim sir, at bed and board.  
With best obedience, in her deed and word.  
And so man's service is then Gods more geason.  
Thus on the virgin part, her thoughts do reason.   

And to amaze her weak, and pusill mind,  
In creep through crannies of imagination.  
Deformed Idean forms, and fancies blind.  
Sent forth by her sick senses, instigation.  
Like staring grisly fiends, threatening invasion.  
Presenting to her heart, the homely jars.  
And household cares, accurringe nuptial wars.   

Base marriage (say these bugs) is rife to all,  
Brave virgin life a pearl possessed of few.  
The seld found Sagda stone, though it be small.  
Exceeds huge rocks that make more often show.  
What reckonings made, of reckless drops of dew.  
Rare things are in request, and do surmount,  
Where common, base, and vile have none accowr.   

Perhaps some worldling, will thee woe for wealth,  
And talk of love, when heart by lust is galled,  
Pleads his plain-dealing, steps not in by stealth.  
Vowing thy virtue, hath his heart enthralled.  
When as thy beauty, sitteth their installed,  
While muck (not modesty) hath him bewitched,  
With honour kin, or friends, to be enriched.   

And so when causes, of his suit decay,  
Lust fully gordgd, with loathsomeness infected,  
Fine beauty fled, false riches run away,  
The causes gone, for which thou were elected,  
Th'effects fall down, and thou art then rejected,  
What better hope, or hap may be maintained,  
Of better rights, why marriage was ordained.   

If that thou wed, to tame flesh kindled sin,  
The fault is doubled, if thou fall away.  
If to increase, and multiply thy kin,  
Thou shalt for loathed pleasure, dearly pay,  
We but report, what married folks do say.  
Childe-getting vadinge joy, is in their creeds,  
A raging toy, that rash repentance breeds.   

When once the fruitful womb, hath seed conceived,  
The altered woman, seems not what she was;  
But grows unwieldy, groaning and aggrieved,  
As one surchardged, with some weighty mass.  
Like balam's bearing Angel-frighted Ass;  
No sense, no sign, no pulse, no part, no passion,  
But that it feels some perfect alteration.   

Some giddy vapour, doth infest her brains,  
And with his foggy missing dims her sight.  
Inslates the secret Arteries, and the veins,  
Dies dusky coloured, what before was bright,  
Each seemly part, less seemly shows in sight.  
While heart (poor heart) forefeeling passions great,  
With frighted panting pulse, doth thump and beat.   

The pretty Ivory hills (the maiden paps)  
Pout now with pain, to feel chaste flesh defiled.  
The nibbled teats, that perch upon their tops;  
Yield maiden blush, to see themselves beguiled,  
Their freedom fled, their liberties exiled,  
Must now be tugging stocks, for tootlesse chaps,  
And subjects live, to myriads of mishaps.   

chaste loins by lawless lust; are martyred,  
The breast doth feel, short breathing sympathies,  
The bowels by defect, are tortured.  
In weakened back, do crickes and cramps arise.  
What swellings feel the feet, the legs, the thighs?  
While seemly waist (that all the members graced)  
By strutting womb, is stretched and defaced.   

Yea where sound appetite, did hold his seat,  
There sick abhorfulnesse, hath built his bower.  
Fond lust doth long, for sundry sorts of meat.  
Sometimes it loathes the sweet, and likes the sour;  
And oft vile things, with eagerness devour.  
Or else is subject, to such qualms and fits,  
As do deprive the sense, and dull the wits.   

And thus the body, by a bodies breeding,  
Becomes discrased, plethorique, oppressed.  
Faints in his faculties, errs in his feeding,  
Floods of defects, bear down poor health distressed,  
Which dangers with more danger are redressed.  
While nature these, (and many more presages)  
Appointed hath, births, hand attending pages.   

And yet perhaps, conceived hath this wife,  
No perfect birth, but some unperfect thing.  
A Mole (deformed lump that wanteth life)  
Which direful death, remediless doth bring,  
Or during life, doth yield a deadly wring.  
Again if womb, be subject to abhorsion,  
Best hope is bankrupt, by the same extortion.   

Yea when fine metal, hath deformed mould,  
Or makes a fault, in little or too much;  
Or is not of the kindred, that it should,  
Then nature in true working, keeps not touch,  
But frames the silly creature, to be such.  
As was the mould; the metal, or the mind;  
A minotaur, a mongrel out of kind.   

Why should we name, the deadly pangs and throws,  
Heart-pinching pains, companions of the birth?)  
The swooning fits, the weale-awayes and woes,  
The broken sleeps, sad dreams depriving mirth,  
The little ease, when once the infant stirth,  
Whom seemingly, pain suffering mother feels,  
To tear her tender fides, with thumping heels.   

Let silence have, the nightly pains in nursing,  
The cradles rocks, the wrayling brawling cries.  
The daily charged in buying, and disbursing,  
To bring it up, and yield his want supplies.  
The hastened age, the breeding body buys.  
With millions more, of household cares and strife,  
That do attend, the happiest married wife.   

But if to cloak, their folly with devises,  
They set the gain of fruit, against this thorn,  
They buy bad wares, at to excessive prices.  
For if the climbing weed, pull down the corn,  
The parents wish such seed, had not been borne.  
And equal grief, doth dim (hearts lamp) the eye,  
To see the bad to live, or good to die.   

Of which fair bitter sweets, toil borne, and bred  
The husbands part, oft standeth in conceit.  
When lawless lust, polluteth lawful bed,  
The father's picture, proves a counterfeit.  
Some times descent, is patched by deceit,  
When cradle rocks a chaunglinge foisted in,  
Defeites true heir, defraudes the lawful kin.   

But deem the best, and cownte them all their own  
Vnhad, they are not theirs, when they would have them,  
And once possessed, their title then is known,  
Not theirs, but his, the mighty Gods that gave them.  
Which can in youth, or age, or womb engrave them.  
Thus is the child wife's choice, perplexed and sad,  
And better hope, in husband is not had.   

Hast thou a fere, whose faith exceedeth far?  
If him the mighty monarch, doth command,  
To prove his martial arms, in feats of war,  
Midst troops of bedlam foes, in foreign land:  
How comfortless, will thy poor comfort stand,  
While careful thoughts, will cause thy heart to morn,  
Till joyful eye enjoy his safe return.   

But if thy wedded mate, be wedlock breaker,  
How much doth matchless grief torment thy mind,  
If that he be a churl, and cursed speaker,  
It kills kind heart to see him so unkind,  
Again is he to jealous lore inclined?  
What toil to tie free actions of thy bed,  
To fond survey, of his suspicious head.   

If he be good, what fearful thought to leave him?  
If he be bad, what cunning to reclaim him?  
If he be kind, it grieves thy heart to grieve him?  
If he be fierce, what wisdom to refrain him?  
If he be lost, what policy to gain him?  
If he be loathsome, 'tis thy task to love him;  
And no redress, till death from thee remove him.   

But out fond thoughts saith she, why do you reason,  
'Gainst God, my conscience, and the common weal?  
Dread heresy, if that you dread not treason.  
Be not blind Essees, nor so badly deal,  
To beat down marriage, with a virgin's veal.  
Which were to be injurious, to my birth,  
And leave no man, to tread the trampled earth.   

You partial pounders, in affection's cause;  
proud imps, that do conspire, nurse nature's end.  
You violaters, of God's first made laws,  
You secta●● you foes to man's most friend,  
Nice, coy, unkind, to country and to kind.  
Wast commonweals; and spend your wits in wooing,  
loves lost; the church's downfall; man's undoing.   

Whilst undermining marriage, with your lore,  
You kill the root, whence all your good begins.  
The wedded life, of mankind is the more,  
Take marriage from the earth, and where is man?  
Man ceasing to have being; what comes then?  
Your own decay; your death by his decrease,  
For when the root doth rot, the sap doth cease.   

As if your earthly being, were too base,  
With trustless wings, you sore beyond the son.  
To draw descent, from ancient Angel-race,  
You spend wind-wasting words, and breathless ron.  
Perdie you must come down, when all is done.  
Kiss marriage hand, your ancient on the earth,  
Unless you will, with baseness blot your birth.   

As vain you vaunt of Angels imitation,  
Angels full numbered spirits, do live for aie;  
But man was made, for fruitful propagation,  
Man must increase, because man must decay,  
And to that work, chaste wedlock was the way.  
To tame flesh treasons, and appease those jars,  
Hell's rebels raise, to breed soule-slaughtring wars.   

Again, if that you hatch your single brood,  
In eva's rib, or Adam's quickened earth;  
Like reason (if it stand with you for good)  
For musics art, like consequence infearth;  
Tubulcaines' hammers, making maiden mirth.  
Tubal from them did frame, maid Harmony,  
Sweet notes consent, hath named her melody.   

What if just Habell choose the virgin life?  
And salem's king, did die a batch'ler blest?  
What if Elias, lived without a wife?  
And single life, liked Elizeus best?  
What if Messiah, suck a maiden breast?  
One Autumn primrose; doth not prove the spring,  
One winter swallow, doth not summer bring.   

What if some few, by gift of special grace,  
(If God give not the gift, is nought at all)  
Victoriously run out, this virgin race?  
Yet many more in running took the fall,  
Even when they meant, most finely foot the Ball.  
And so have missed the goal, and to their cost,  
Lament too late, things past recovery lost.   

Yea some which seem in show, to seek it most,  
In secret heart, prove trevants (treasure wasters)  
One silly thought, mars all the maiden boast,  
Which soon betides, these great tentation tasters,  
Yea 'tis a bookcase, penned by our great masters.  
In vain chaste flesh a maiden name doth win,  
Where yielding thoughts have given consent to sin.   

All are not maids, that vow they will not wed.  
All are not virgins, that are maids esteemed▪  
All are not chaste, that shun the nuptial bed.  
All are not true Diana's, that are deemed,  
chaste Sara was not single, when she seemed.  
Abused Thamar wore a virgin's weed,  
And might have cloaked, false Amnons' foul misdeed.   

A drone doth sometimes in a bees place stand,  
The single life, no seal of maiden head.  
Some batch'lers be, but traitors in the band,  
Worse foes to virgin wealth, than those that wed,  
Who when the foe appears, their force is fled;  
Like Gedeons' host (faint cowards prone to yield)  
Scant one of ten, is chosen for the field.   

Yet acquaint encomiast-like, with words at will,  
You paint them out, with praises at your pleasure,  
While making haste, to preconize your skill,  
You make the coat, before you take the measure,  
And to entize, young tyrons with your treasure,  
Like gold-sicke Alcumistes, you pamper in,  
A golden tincture, on a piece of Tin,   

What praise peculiar, to the thing you paint,  
Which fits not modest marriage, more divine?  
Yet to canonize, maidenhead a saint,  
You put no odds, between the saint and shrine,  
To make a painted brow, the brighter shine,  
You parasite, with praises to her face;  
And causeless cloud, dame wedlock with disgrace.   

Nay rather say; this buxom pleasing wife,  
While she her toilsome fields, of household tilleth,  
And weans her children, to a Godly life;  
In this her care, the lords behest fulfilleth,  
Sith that she doth the thing, his wisdom willeth,  
And therefore well, may take the upperhand,  
Of her, whose warrant hath not one command.   

Nay rather reason, marriage preservation,  
Is lauded, loved, honoured, far and near.  
Whose sacred rights, have solemn observation,  
Whose ancient privilege, hath not his peer,  
Whose daily fruits, are dainties held most dear.  
And add the cause, for which she is required;  
The most commodious things are most desired.   

What if her house, be neighbour to annoys?  
The blame be theirs, (not hers that dwelleth by them)  
For if we walk, in fair, and easy ways,  
That have some noisome brambles, growing nigh them,  
That rend our clothes, before we can descry them;  
The fault is not in fairness, or the way,  
But our own folly, or the brambles stay,   

In Breschith book it resteth in record;  
(Reporting Register, of man's creation)  
That when great Ihova, by his powerful word,  
Made shapeless man, to his own shape and fashion:  
He first gave nuptial rights, for propagation.  
As glorious groundwork, where he would begin,  
That building, which his prescience laboureth in.   

And did in blessing, knit this social band,  
Endowd with worldly empire, and earths treasure:  
Whilst purest nature, did unstained stand,  
In eastern Eden (place of passing pleasure)  
When giving Adam of his Evah seizure;  
joined two in one, inseparable union,  
To represent him, and his church communion.   

Yea when false man, fell to Apostasy,  
(Misled by Satan, and his own free-will)  
Had spoiled himself, and plagued his progeny,  
And changed his seas of joys, for floods of ill;  
The matrimonial state, continued still.  
A mithredate, to cure sius poisoned sting,  
The Bezoar stone, that should healths blessing bring.   

For as a plaster, to repel despair,  
(Pain ceasing medicine, to an aching sore)  
God promise made, that Eve should have an heir,  
Should bruise hell-serpents head, and make him roar;  
And to repair those ruins added more,  
To faithful Abr'am; when he thus professed,  
That in his seed all nations should blessed.   

(When eke loves hotspur, Lamech over bold,  
With one sweet fair, could not fowl lust suffice,  
But let desire go lose, and uncontrolled,  
And chose him mates in number to his eyes,  
Whilst following age was wedded to his guise.  
True wedlock went to wrack and nature then,  
Strange mixtures, made strange monsters out of men,   

It grieved God, to see ungrateful man,  
Pollute the earth, with rape and ravishment.  
While to sweet baited sin, all headlong ran,  
Ne would in time, become true penitent.  
He like a champion, full of discontent,  
With wreakful waters, did these wicked waist,  
Not one preserved, but the wedded chaste.   

And as it were a warning, hereto made,  
When nature ruled, with law nunenpative)  
How sore he did detest, flesh-mongers trade.  
(Fell traitors that do wedlock's wrack contrive)  
From Sodoms' flames, he kept chaste four alive.  
So to preserve, chaste Sara's bed unspotted,  
He plagued kings, whom beauty had be sotted.   

But in the true transcript, of Gods own hand,  
Transplendant star, how bright doth wedlock shine.  
He underprops her empire, with command  
Dyrectes her lore with laws, as with a line.  
Condemns to death, her subjects that decline.  
And when her peace is rend, by jealous jars,  
He sets the way, to cease her civil wars.   

And while her lasting glass of glory run,  
He blots her foes fair brow, with fowl disgraces  
But doth vouchsafe, to call her children sons,  
Enfranchizing her fruit, with freedoms mace,  
Doth nick their counterfeit, with name of base.  
As slips of sin, and fruits of basest folly,  
Whose roots, he rooteth out, as seed, unholly.   

And that fierce Mars, with stern and sour aspect,  
Should nothing hinder, Venus' influence;  
He Mars his might, doth countermand, and check.  
But gives her power, protection and defence,  
In married mates, to act benevolence.  
When to the Bride's fair groom, for love he spares,  
One year exempt, from wars and worldly cares.   

Even so the nations, led by nature's light,  
(Din scintilles of the soul's synterisis)  
Did patron ze her peace, with good foresight:  
And to maintain, her princely port in bliss,  
Restrained with laws, wild lust that walks amiss.  
Denouncing death, or danger to her foes,  
That darest, 'gainst their state's friend, themselves appose.   

Thus hath all times, and tongues, well entertained her,  
Gods faithful servant, and man's fastest friend:  
And those condemned to shame, that have disdeigned her;  
And (if I augur right) shall to the end,  
When man in vain, doth 'gainst the Lord contend?  
Ne can the state, or politician miss her,  
While he for his sweet Zion's sake, doth bliss her.   

Whose company gives comfort in distress,  
Two heads at need, yield more advice than one:  
Two walkers in the way, may falls redress,  
Two bodies sooner warm, then post alone:  
Two hands to help are better far than none.  
How man man miss her comfort (do her right)  
To pass the lingering day, or tedious night?   

She concord doth augment, by consanguinity,  
Sometimes she stands, the counterpane of peace;  
She doth enlarge loves bounds, by new affinity:  
She (arbitrating umpire,) wars doth cease,  
She still employs the commonwealths, increase.  
Her imps in youth, are loves sweet pawns and gauges,  
To parents' staves, to stay by in their ages.   

Whose house is held, an Academy royal,  
Hear Faith by doctrine, hath due exercise,  
Hear Duty bids, her children to be loyal,  
Hear Patience priest, if that extremes arise,  
Hear Love in liking hearts, Hope never dies.  
Hear Fortitude, repelles faint fears offence,  
Hear Mercy doth, with many a fault dispense.   

Hear Gratitude, gives guerdon with good will.  
Hear Constancy, doth check false wavering Fame,  
Hear Humble mind, doth take nor do none ill,  
Hear Temperance doth, fond lusts enticements tame,  
Hear Chastity, is guardian of good name.  
Hear Labour (Lasies foe) doth keep true touch,  
Hear Mean observes enough, and not to much.   

Hear doth sharp Logic, prove her right with reasons,  
Hear Grammar trains her imps, in grounds of speech,  
Hear shows Astronomy the stars and seasons;  
Hear to account Arethmeticke doth teach:  
Hear Rhetoric, in bad causes plays the leech.  
Hear doth Geometry work all in measure,  
Hear Music is maintained, to maintain pleasure.   

Hear History, doth eternize her acts;  
Hear Poetry paints her never dying fame:  
Hear Nature's clerks, do authorize her facts.  
Hear Physic stirs, to keep her health in frame,  
Hear Lawyers plead, the charter of her name.  
Hear sophists (though like neuter standing mute,  
Yet) do not dare against themselves dispute.   

Hear sits Compassion, porter at her gate,  
Prudence purveis, her plenty and her store,  
housekeeping Care, is steward to this state.  
Her liberal hand, is Almoner to the poor,  
Religion leads her life, directs her lore.  
Good-order standeth usher, in her hall,  
justice controls, if ought amiss doth fall.   

Within her courts, attendeth on her train,  
The high, the low, the noble and the base,  
The stately monarch, and the stateless swain,  
Priest, prophet, patriarch and the princely race,  
The troops of warlike gallants, press for place.  
All times, all tongues, all nations far and near,  
With duties knowledgement, are present here.   

No law, no learning, science art, not skill,  
No craft, no cunning, knowledge, or invention,  
No state that was, or that continueth still,  
No trade, no mystery, that man can mention,  
But that it guards her gates, with good intention,  
And when she passeth by, with seemly greeing,  
All bow the knee, and thank her for their being.   

Thus her al-blessinge auctor, blest her prime,  
Thus hath she gotten glory, from her ground,  
Priority, from venerable time,  
High sovereignty, with empire hath her crowned,  
All laws (their nurse and foundress) fence her round.  
Fayce Eden's praise, doth grace her grounded fame,  
Man's nature (than most pure) doth now the same.   

Thus doth her high resemblannce, rouse renown,  
Thus doth her fast conjunction raise regard.  
Thus doth her sovereign promise, praise resowne  
Thus was she made, when all things else were marred.  
Thus doth jehove himself, her greatness guard,  
Thus doth God's church, (her child) commend their mother,  
Thus common weals (her weanlings) will none other.   

Thus Nature aye ennobleth her estate.  
Thus Reason doth uphold, her reputation,  
Thus Profit doth her peerless estimate,  
Thus Need doth tend, her princely preservation.  
Thus doth man's life maintain her estmation.  
Thus time doth yield, her charters true content,  
Prescription custom practise and consent.   

Thus do all times, extend her excellence,  
Thus do all tongues, extol her rule and reign,  
Thus do all wits, afford her best defence.  
Thus do all states, her sacred state maintain,  
Thus do all sorts of men, attend her train.  
Thus nations all, nobilitate her name,  
Thus do all worldly powers, advance her fame.   

Thus happy she, when all do plead for one;  
But hapless you, when one doth speak for all:  
You might have spread your praises and been gone,  
And not chaste marriage name, in question call,  
But (lied frank gamesters) sith you venture all,  
You that of others, speak the things you should not,  
Must be content, to here the words you would not.   

If you had blotlesse made, your mistress brow,  
Before you spied the moat, in marriage eye;  
You might her right, with better right avow,  
Thus truth (though tired) never went awry.  
In vain the master finds a limping fault,  
Where he himself doth stumble, and go haut.   

Your client while she claims, a single gift,  
Doth contradict, the law of propagation;  
And with a poor pretence and silly shift,  
Denies man comfort, (cause of her creation)  
Flies from old Eva's faith, to newer fashion.  
Deprives her seed, life's blessing in the land,  
Herself th'obedience, God doth first command.   

Yea while fine nature, worketh in her kind,  
deaths ruins to repair, in life's reprieve;  
(To live for aye, in those she leaves behind)  
She laboureth still, to leave her like alive,  
And never die herself, whilst they survive.  
You (while you cross this kindly work of nature)  
Would live yourselves, but leave none other creature.   

And where the nations, to uphold their state,  
Coherse with laws, and shame, the single life,  
Yourselves (as lawless) laws do antiquate,  
Set barren sect against the bearing wife.  
Thus wage you war thus stir you endless strife;  
Thus swaying in self-will, your will withstandeth,  
What natures bids, and God himself commandeth.   

And thus your life, resembleth desolation,  
Your body's graves, to bury babes unborn,  
Your vow a cord, to strangle propagation,  
(Far better ill-kept vows, wear left unsworn)  
Your thoughts fierce foes, to leave you kin forlorn.  
Your wills flat worldlings, (while you temporize)  
Your tongues in wedlocks wrack, do scandalise.   

God marriage made, in commanding mood,  
And what he bids, the same we must obey;  
But maiden life, commended is for good;  
Where is command, commending bears small sway,  
Therefore to stint this strife I boldly say,  
If God give grace, the single life doth well,  
If not such gift, than marriage doth excel.   

Be quiet then sweet thoughts, let's rest agreed;  
Let marriage have, deserved commendation:  
Let virgins have (that virgins are indeed)  
Due praise, renown, and sacred observation:  
True maid, true wife, in thought and conversation.  
Both holy in the Lord; the one as wife,  
The other as a maid, in single life.   

Thus her soul's senses, held a long dispute,  
And sillogize their reasons pro & con;  
While mind (the moderator) standeth mute,  
What's unresolved, to resolve upon:  
At length she thus concludes, (when thoughts were gone)  
Sith God made Eve, lest man should live alone,  
She was of man, and not Pygmalion's stone.   

When Fame the lightfoot (titling babe by birth)  
False spy, that into secrets makes intrusion,  
talebearing paritour, to moon and mirth,  
Foule-fleering blab, truths traitor and confusion,  
Had ta'en by top, the tale of her conclusion,  
She spreads with speed, the motive of her marrying,  
Pretending haste, as if there were no tarrying.   

Whence came to pass, that troops of corrivals,  
Like eager hounds to get a gallant prey;  
Do post with speed, not caring what befalls,  
To win the goal, and bear the price away,  
They flaunt it out, in train and rich array.  
To get the favour, of this gracious fair,  
That is so buxom, and so debonair.   

Some offer stately dower, some princely gifts,  
Some honours height, and to advance her kin.  
Some bare of these do sue with lovesick shifts,  
Pawn sighs sad looks, strange vows, they make no sin,  
To swear forswear, this golden fleece to win.  
Each streignes his thoughts, his rival to beguile.  
Whilst in her iowre lurks death, life in her smile.   

But as the mounting Eagle, in the wind,  
disdains to stoop and check base flocks of flies,  
Or as club gripping Hercules, by kind,  
Doth single combat, with a dwarf despise,  
Whose force his manhood, doth not equalize,  
So she doth scorn, to fawn on such a friend,  
Whose faith doth soon begin, and sooner end.   

Yet as in gardens, where all herbs do grow,  
Some fragrant are, whose sweetness doth excel,  
Though some eye-pleasing lilies trimly show,  
When as they yield the sent, a loathsome smell,  
So some there wear, might please her eye full well.  
And by sweet virtues odor, fume her sent,  
With grace automaticke, and redolent.   

For as, while those bright globes of rare account,  
And splendent planets, in their spheres do run,  
One is superior, and doth all surmount,  
Without compare, aye glorious shining son,  
So in this globe of gallants, there stood one,  
Whose neat beehavior, grace, and bounty bright,  
Did dim the rest, as son the candle light.   

Renowned joachim, thou the man admired,  
Both of the Chaldees, and the jewish nation,  
Thou wert of all regarded, and desired.  
Great was thy wealth, so was thy reputation;  
Thy life an object, worthy contemplation.  
That didst with Titus, purchaze thee a friend,  
Each day before the son, his course did end.   

Thou didst not with gnuffe Croesus, hoard thy wealth.  
Thou wert with Cato rich, when once contented.  
Thou hatedst Caesar's pride, which was the pelf,  
That caused his death, which he to late repent,  
Thou hadst jobs waxed heart, which still relented,  
If orphans cried, if widows wanted right,  
If poor men said, they wear oppressed by might.   

Thou wert a Moses in maintaining laws.  
Thou didst fell Pharaos', government detest.  
Thou with the Macbies, in thy country's cause,  
Wouldst pawn that heart, that harboured in thy breast.  
Thou ever heldst Manasses ways, unblessed.  
Thou wert a politician, grave and wise,  
Yet free from that sly trick, to temporize.   

What heart so iudurate, that Would not yield,  
Where virtues puissant valour, strove to win?  
What mind so obstinate, to take the field,  
'Gainst those fine parts, whose matches scant-have been  
Sure causeless to reject him, 'twerewear foul sin.  
Whearfore her thoughts, well trained in their good,  
Do entertain his suit, with gracious mood,   

For as a Diamond rich, (through virtue rare)  
To it the gads of sturdy steel doth draw:  
And as the youth-worn let, by like compare,  
Bestows his power attrative on the straw,  
So sweet Susanna, not compelled by awe,  
But led to love, by like hearts Sympathy,  
Did yield his ears, his wished hearts reply.   

Who thought himself to be the happiest wight,  
When she became (not hers but) his desired,  
When she had made surrender of her right,  
The joy, the comfort, which his heart required,  
While to obtain that pray he more aspired,  
Then conqur'ing Alexander, to subdue,  
A world far wider, than the world he knew.   

O peerless purchaze found by few or none.  
O pleasant conquest, pleased conqueror.  
Whilst true content, triumpheth in loves throne,  
More rightly rich, than Asia's emperor,  
The price was virtue, thou the vanquisher.  
For in thy prisoner, with a princely port,  
Residinge virtues, held their royal court.   

Within the closet, of whose cloysest pleasure,  
(Neat cabbonet for virtues sweet repose)  
Nature and Grace, had hid their finest treasure,  
And left it all to Constancies, dispose.  
(A trusty guardian, for such goods as those)  
Amongst which glorious graces, in her breast,  
Bright Chastity was seen, above the rest.   

She seated in a seat which virtue placeth,  
A royal throne (the soul and mind divine)  
As only grace, that every virtue graceth,  
Is canopied with Faith (most pure and fine)  
Like milkie-way, with circling Crystalline.  
And at her knees, are kneel, (and part not thence)  
Transparent purity, and (God's gift) Continence.   

And to uphold her high, and heavenly state,  
She hath for guard, attending on her train,  
Sobriety (truths friend, and vices hate)  
Foresight (that evil occasions doth refrain)  
Dumb tongue, dead heart, blind eye, deaf ear, sad brain.  
Well guided thoughts; a hand and foot not idle;  
Stern abstinence, that headstrong lust doth bridle.   

O chastity (thou beauty of the mind)  
Unspotted purity in things unpure,  
The comeliest ornament of woman kind;  
Were not this seat most slippery and unsure,  
Thou wouldst in all and not in few endure.  
But thy light foes, false title, of true pleasure,  
Thee loathed makes, her loved out of measure.   

Yea since thy friends in show, but foes indeed,  
Vain Tutors taught, their pupils how to spell,  
For cast, caute; and to serve fowl need,  
If chastened want, that cloasly doth do well;  
This motive made, some subjects to rebel.  
Who by pretence, to underprop thy crown,  
In secret make assaults, to pull thee down.   

Whose proud Essenian highpriest, Rabbena,  
To canonize thy saint, will kiss thy shrine.  
Yet not with Aaron choose chaste El'saba,  
But like that Levite use his concubine,  
Yea if thou dost thyself, in marriage join,  
They bless thy name, as sacred one of seven,  
Yet ban thine act, as most unworthy heaven.   

O neighing jades, fast friends to infamy,  
Nurses to naughtiness, lewd bawds to lust,  
Base vassals, to your wills Apostasy,  
Why doth not Conscience, check your deeds unjust?  
Why doth not sad Despair, drown in distrust,  
Those temptors of these sacred Nymphs to sin?  
Whom rape may not enforce, nor flattery win.   

Delightsome flowers, do quickly fall and fade,  
And budding beauty blasteth, in small space;  
But constant chaste, thy son goes not to glade,  
No age nor eating time, can thee deface,  
While virtue thee, thou virtue, dost embrace.  
Thou gracest Susan, having thee in hold,  
As richest gems, do grace the finest gold.   

Her Amber tresses, made a seemly show;  
Her milk-white skin, adorned natures skill,  
Yet all did vanish, as the liquid dew,  
While Chastity remains eternal still,  
Why then are women wedded to vain will?  
That for a wanton momentany pleasure,  
They (wilful) waste an everlasting treasure.   

Had Susan been, of their unstable mind,  
To sell eternity to get a toy;  
She had not left such noted fame behind.  
But had been titled, faithless, fond coy,  
Which did relinquish lust, for lasting joy.  
And left her loved name, to be eternal;  
But those that wronged the same, like fiends infernal.   

For when her choice, did yield a worlds delight,  
And joys did soar, above the reach of sorrow;  
When settled thoughts, secure of worldly spite,  
And barge of bliss, high fortunes seas did forrow,  
Then flattering night, brought forth a doleful morrow.  
What time her gracious God, did hold it best,  
To blaze abroad, what harboured in her breast.   

For as he faithful Abraham's heart, did prove,  
By willing offering, of his guiltless son;  
And tried Io●s stable faith, and constant love,  
What time she Satan, his consent had won,  
To leave jobs health forlorn, and wealth undone:  
Even so he sifted, Susan's constancy,  
If that she would, her pure faith falsify.   

And to complot this treason, by temptation,  
False Satan had fit men, fit time, fit place;  
Was never foe so fitted for invasion,  
The plot once laid he would not bate an ace,  
The price was shame (her glories dim disgrace)  
The means, the men, the time, the place, thus fitted;  
Yet Satan proved a fool, and shallow witted.   

While flattering time, could not her thoughts content,  
Convenient place, had no convenient pray,  
Though nobles sought her fame's disparagement;  
Yet had more noble heart, a constant nay,  
A judges words, 'gainst justice bear no sway.  
Grey hairs, (grim suitors) argued youths green folly,  
Their vele of Priesthood made them more unholy.   

Such were the wights, that would this Lady wrong,  
So were their hearts, addicted to vile actions,  
That their lust-fostred thoughts, did wholly long.  
On harmless Chastity, to raise exactions.  
Why should stout nobles stoop to base detractions?  
Why should such impious imps, have rule of all,  
Whose thoughts are base, and bondslaves unto thrall.   

Woe to that place, where law is turned to lust,  
Woe, to that land, where rulers fall to sin.  
Woe to that state, where might doth say I must.  
Woe to the wronged, that seeketh right of him,  
Who forceth not of good, or right a pin.  
But makes the earth, the object of his eyes,  
Because he would, both God and heaven despise.   

Thou God which dost, fell tyrants rage detest,  
Why sufferest thou such wolves, to tyrannize?  
Why are thy silly lamkins so oppressed?  
And doth not mercy in thy breast arise?  
Sure thou art merciful, in this thy guise.  
In giving tyrants time, for to repent,  
And fruitful patience, to the innocent.   

A rare example, of which righteous love,  
Doth in this lady's life, at large appear;  
Whom tyrant stride, whether she would remove,  
Her heart from thee, (her loving Lord most dear)  
But she in thee, remained the vanquisher;  
When thou didst raise, young Daniel in her right,  
And put her shameless foes, to shameful flight.   

For when the nuptial rights, had due dispatch,  
And solemn laws, fast knit the social band,  
By writing made, attenticke of the mach.  
When first Helchia, gave his daughter's hand,  
Before the states, and seniors of the land;  
That year advanced were, to judgement seat,  
Those hell-taught hirelings, fit for Satan's feat.   

For while this tender lady, taught her will,  
T' attend her liked love, and Lordly mate,  
The captive jews, in troops resorted still,  
To jet in joachim's courts, and there debate,  
Of means, to manage their forlorn estate;  
To rouse religion, and awake their law,  
Borne down by bondage, breeder of their awe.   

So to erect a secret Sanhedrin,  
They singled forth two seniors, from the best,  
Grave, Aged, learned, wise, of noble kin,  
For to expound the law, and rule the rest,  
But they which seemed in show what they professed,  
In proof were Belial's brood; base slips of Cain,  
In faith false Apostates, men vile, and vain.   

These long frequented, noble joachim's place,  
Grim sires severe, like Aristarchus brow,  
Seemed nothing popular; could not the grace,  
To kiss the hand, or stoop the stately bow,  
But (though with halting) only well knew how,  
To render right, without regard of gain,  
Which made contending troops, attend their train.   

But modest lady, (Lady modesty)  
She to avoid the press, in this repair,  
And shun the gaze, of every glancing eye,  
Would to her garden walk to take the air:  
A fine contrived plot and passing fair;  
Hemmed in with stately walls which liked her well,  
(chaste cloistered nymph, within so sweet a cell.)   

And when the press was past, and coast was clear,  
Unto her home, her settled pace she bends:  
Where oft she finds her Lord, and loving Fere,  
Conferring with those seniors, his good friends.  
To whom (for joachim's love) good look she sends.  
Secure of lust; she deemed their age more stable,  
Their faith more holy, thoughts more honourable.   

But in plaine-meaning trust, false treason lurks.  
Sly Satan hence, gate breath to blow lusts fire.  
At which their melting hearts, he softly works,  
So that they take, th' impression of desire,  
And so did bend, to what he would require.  
Thus with fair stales, he baiteth buzzardes' eyes,  
To teach these dotards tricks, to wantonize   

The silver hears (stern sum'nors to the grave)  
Are dipped in die-pot, and well taught to fall,  
In curled tufts, like younker's neat and brave.  
(No Peruge yet had Peru seen at all)  
While withered limbs would youths delights recall;  
The spundge, the comb, the glass, do wait at hand,  
To clear the wrinkled skin, that age had tanned.   

Th' Arabian odours, mend a noisome fault:  
Each word, each look, each gesture smacks of art,  
The limping leg gins to leap and vault.  
When Cupid shoots, where death should thrill his dart,  
Old wags exceed to play the wantoness part.  
And then though folly, give themselves the fall,  
Yet must sweet beauty bear the blame of al.   

So things well meant, are oftentimes mistaken,  
Sometimes the harmless eye, doth feed offence,  
Sometimes fair duty, makes his friend forsaken,  
Sometimes foul faults, are hid by fair pretence.  
So were these seniors, snared by true sense.  
When (burnt not by the fire, but by the light)  
They were entrapped, by that true spy, the sight.   

While chaste, concentricke circles of her eyes,  
Like sphericke sections, cut by curious art;  
Reflect the wanton beams, which 'gainst them flies,  
Back to the darksome dungeon, of the heart,  
Makes Liver lovesick, poisons every part.  
Makes reason, and hearts passions, disagree;  
Makes that which was not, what it should not be,   

Fie on fine beauty, that dost bane thy breeder,  
Fie on false honour, that betray'st thy friend,  
Fie on thee foolish feature, thou eye feeder.  
Fie on unsteadfast riches, friends unkind.  
Fie on choice education (art thou blind?)  
Fie on fit time, alluring bawd to evil,  
Fie on fit place, a broker for the devil.   

These were the traitors, that enticements gave,  
To blind concupiscence, and bedlam lust,  
To hoodwink virtue, and at reason rave,  
That bids be bold, and banish faint distrust.  
pretends the purchase good, and title just.  
Persuades it cowardice, to daunt for shame,  
Where greater conquest wins the greater fame.   

And yet they deemed her virtues, far to great,  
Her thoughts to high, to stoop to base desire,  
Which did not cool, but much augment the heat.  
Great logs laid on, do most increase the fire,  
Beat down by doubts, stout lust doth climb the higher.  
When struggling streams, with strongest bay are bend,  
Then floods do swell, and rage's most insolent.   

And so while raging lust, outreacheth reason,  
(Like bended waves they surge above the banks)  
Displease their friends, and selves, and all to please one,  
Leave law, and right, to play unlawful pranks;  
Vow great attempts, not worthy smallest thanks.  
Grow careless, resolute in dissolution;  
Bewitched with beauty's blaze, to work abusion.   

That those, which whilom did like Martial wights,  
Wield Mars his weapons, and were manly men;  
Become nice Sybarites, faint hearted knights,  
Forsake the field, to dive in Cupid's den,  
Resign the eagle's empire, to the wren.  
Obscure Herculean fortitude, and fame,  
By childish service, of some Lydian dame.   

For as the fish that (of his force to stop)  
hight Remora, (much like the seely snail)  
Can stay the ship, of lofty tallest top,  
'Gainst force of oars, and furious wound sail;  
So some whose fame, high fortune could not fail.  
Amidst their happiest course, are forced to stay,  
By lust-fed love, or else as weak delay.   

So sovereigns oft, come subjects to their sin,  
Whilst those that should not, soonst are slaves to lust,  
Men what they must not, most are prone to win,  
Which makes trim virtue, dragled in the dust.  
When rulers are (as iron worn with rust)  
Consumed with love, than countries fall to sin,  
As here you see these judges do begin.   

Who oft were bend (by reasons Ecstasis)  
With club-fist violence, and clownish force,  
To break into that princely Pyramid,  
And batter down, her wel-built walls perforce,  
If mild entreaty, might not move remorse.  
Or bold persuasions, blind the eyes of reason,  
Or subtle feats, surprise the fort by treason.   

Thus oft they meant, to make a rash assault;  
More oft they seek, vile opportunity,  
And most do muse, how they may cloak the fault,  
If mad desire, accomplished might be,  
Their withered hoping hearts think long to see.  
The fruit of their untimely, sprouting lust;  
Th' event whereof, they held in deep distrust.   

Each day these graybeardes, kiss the garden door,  
To see at least the shadow of their Saint,  
And through the slender crannies, pry and poor,  
To feed the humour that doth make them faint,  
So doth her peerless hue their eyes attaint.  
That aye to gaze on her, they do require;  
As on sweet speckled Panthers beasts desire.   

Each day for fervent love, of this fair goddess,  
They gad on pilgrimage, to her sweet shrine.  
Each day fowl lust, did feed in fainting bodies,  
On fresh recording, of her beauties shine,  
Each day they be replete, and yet do pine.  
While outward object nursing inward anguish,  
Abates the look and makes the life to languish.   

Thus doth delay, not lessen but increase,  
The furious fits, of their rebellions soar.  
And though they would, a parley for their peace,  
Yet want they means, her favour to implore.  
Which makes them wish, to be within the door,  
With her alone, that they might work their will,  
To pray or force her, to that cursed ill.   

They wondered greatly, at each others grief,  
Yet want the skill, the secret cause to know,  
Though friendly hand, be priest to yield relief,  
Yet singred pulse, cannot bewray their woe,  
And shame doth blush, such shameful parts to show.  
While neither knows, that either is entangled,  
With that sharp hook, wherewith himself is angled.   

Till time, that penned, the prologue in this play,  
And did pretend, some pleasing comedy:  
By stately ruffling actors, did bewray,  
She meant to stain the stage, and standers by,  
With tragic blood, in fell Catastrophe.  
And sending opportunity with speed,  
To fit occasion, bids them both proceed.   

For on a day, when Cynthius' lamp of light,  
Had with his golden beams, embossed the sky,  
And (climbing from the circle-bounding sight)  
near to the noonesteed line, was mounted high,  
When Nature did on custom's lore rely.  
To underpropt her weakness, with repast,  
That now grew faint, and feeble with long fast.   

Then at kind joachim's gates, these seniors part,  
(untrusty traitors, to so true a friend)  
And to their several houses, do revert.  
But leave in pawn, unbodied hearts behind.  
(Not where it lives but loves remains the mind)  
They do repose, their friendship on their foe?  
They leave sweet life in gage, yet home they go.   

Where lazy rest, did ransack all their veins,  
Choice of delights, do breed no choice of ease,  
The wayward worm, within their adled brains,  
Was nibbling still, nothing but one could please,  
The feathered seat, doth seem a nest of fleas.  
The princely banquets, held a homely diet,  
The Doric music, makes the mind unquiet.   

The cooks controlled, the meat not seasoned well,  
The courtly waitor, seems a cartly clown,  
The fragrant odours, yield a loathsome smell.  
Who looketh sad, he thinks on him doth frown,  
Who laughs outright, doth envy his renown.  
Who wispreth in the care doth him reprove,  
Who praiseth beauty, robs him of his love.   

His love? not she grave lady, first his love,  
Whose breasts did breed, youths sweet contentments well,  
His eyes as blind in choice, he doth reprove,  
For joachim's choice, all choices doth excel,  
His neighbour's sheep (not his) must bear the bell.  
Sweet Susan (none but she) is worthy honour,  
His Deborah not worthy to wait on her.   

Fond, testy, wayward, waspish, out of tune,  
His giddy head, doth toss his trencher round.  
His hasty heart is fierce, doth fret, and fume,  
His knife doth feel, his passions to abound,  
His restless foot, doth grate the harmless ground.  
Each punct of time, doth seem a lingering morrow,  
The meal is short, when as the sauce is sorrow.   

Therefore to seek more ease, in pleasing place,  
They post alone, unto the garden door.  
Where one of them not staid, a breathing space,  
But that his corryvall, is come to shore,  
Where never both, (till then) did meet before.  
And then to soon; for false occasion then,  
Did plot the fall, of these unfaithful men.   

For trained by time, each one acquaintes the other,  
How beauties blaze, in Susan's modest eye,  
Had set dry lust on fire, which did not smother,  
(Within their withered breasts) but burning fly,  
Like fiery dragon, in the flaming sky.  
Which forced them to forget, their God their king,  
And bind best hope, unto a hopeless thing.   

They pause a space, what best to do resolving,  
Like two fierce Bears, of greedy appetite.  
Devising means, and in their minds revolving,  
If that she will not wrong, her joachim's right,  
They would enforce her then, by force and might.  
Yet here a guilty conscience, lays a bar,  
To stop this course, and their devises mar.   

Saith one of them shall we commit this evil?  
Shall freemen borne, be bondslaves unto sin?  
Shall we embrace the flesh, to kiss the Devil?  
Shall we controlling vice, to vice begin?  
Shall we so famous, thus defame our kin?  
(My Lord) we must suppress, these proud assaults,  
Else shall we great ones, make the greater faults.   

The rule by which all other rules, are tried,  
Must bear a true proportion, every way.  
And want the smallest faults, that may be spied,  
So kings and seniors, that do bear the sway,  
Must live to rule, and yet the laws obey.  
Else how should they black sin, rebuke and blame,  
When they themselves are guilty in the same?   

A mole is speed'lie spied, in the face,  
When in the body blains, are unperceaved.  
One silly mis●e will yield us, more disgrace,  
Then though the underling, and poor aggrieved,  
Were of all royal virtues, quite bereft.  
For rulers are, the looking-glass, the book,  
In which all subjects eyes, do read and look.   

O let us then remember, there's a God,  
A God, whose searching eye, hath deepest seeing,  
A God, whose providence, doth never plod,  
A God, in whom we move, and have our being,  
A God, to whom each sin, is disagreeing.  
A God, that will not wink, at this misdeed,  
A God, that will inflict revendge, with speed.   

But here I see, a cursed fawning pleasure,  
That freez'th my soul, yet burn'th my heart with lust.  
That doth torment my mind, beyond all measure,  
And overrules (me ruler) with I must.  
Then tell me brother whereto both shall trust.  
For my poor trembling heart, is so tormented,  
That I the act (unacted) have repent.   

His sad colleague, who all this time gave ear,  
With good attention, to this wavering tale,  
Did seem as though, he held his counsel dear;  
But in his breast, they bred most deadly bale,  
So sorrow sucked his blood, that he looked pale.  
And staggering paused, what answer best to make him,  
Or take advice, what course he should betake him.   

At length from sin-flowing soul, (as flame from fire)  
He belloweth out, hoat-breathed brutish words:  
I must with speed, effect my hearts desire,  
Commanding lust, no longer pause affords,  
No, though mine object, were ten thousand swords.  
Ne can my spirit repress, so fierce a foe,  
My will is bend, my heart will have it so.   

A good physician, may his patiented cure,  
If he be careful, of the wound in season:  
But careless, if he let it long endure;  
He finds at length, not one sufficient reason,  
How of a festered ulcer, he might ease one.  
So if in time, I had this plague prevented,  
I should have had no time, to have repent.   

But now my wound, outreacheth reasons skill,  
It festreth inward, and so hurts my heart,  
That I must bend, to my rebellious will.  
(Unless I will endure, an endless smart)  
I would some Pythoness could work by art.  
Or man of God by prayer obtain the skill,  
To turn my heart, from this intended il.   

But 'twil not be; I cannot have redress,  
Despair doth stop the way, to former state.  
I must therefore to her, my griefs express,  
And work by griping might, and forced hate,  
If that she will not be, compassionare.  
Thus I resolve, my thoughts are past relenting,  
And careless I (my Lord) of your consenting.   

Yet while sins grief, would heal his fowls consumption  
Forth steps the tempter, and to stop restraint,  
Doth bear him up with wings, of proud presumption,  
Bids hope be stable, and his faith not faint;  
Thy God (saith he) with mercy here's complaint.  
If thou to him, thy acted sins deplore,  
He heals with speed, and salves thy smarting soar.   

And what? thy slip is but a venial sin,  
Fine nature's fault, (or else no fault at all)  
The saved Saints themselves, have sinners been,  
The steadiest foot, sometimes doth take a fall,  
No shame to trip, but being down to crawl.  
What if grave age, of wantonness reprove thee?  
The blame be hers, whose matchless parts did move thee.   

Thus subtle Satan, feigns (to shift a card)  
That vice is virtue, and foule-sinne salvation:  
And that condign, our works are of reward,  
When as our deeds, are worthy condemnation,  
To build presumptuous sins, on God's compassion,  
He brings sins warnings, warrants unto sin,  
While thus to pray, his pupil doth begin.   

O God (saith he) do not behold this sin,  
But if thou dost, yet do thou not reject us,  
For more thy servants have offenders been,  
Therefore (O Lord) do not to shame detect us,  
Nor with thy heavy-falling hand, correct us.  
Sith we are not the first, that have transgressed,  
Thy sacred precepts, in thy la expressed.   

Old Adam fell, and yet thou didst relieve him,  
Thou hast forgotten, Nohah's drunkenness:  
Lot's sin was greater, yet thou didst forgive him:  
Thy hearts-love David, Vrie did oppress,  
And made his wife, his lusts adulteress.  
High-seated Solomon, (that held his throne)  
Fel to fond lust, and had more faults than one.   

All these (and more thy servants) left thy laws,  
Yet did thy mercy's largesse pardon all:  
Why should I then, have longer time to pause?  
Or dread the storm, ere it begin to fall?  
No, no, poor heart, I will no thoughts fore stall.  
Invent the way, to win thy choice delight,  
And this my hand, shall help with main and might.   

He making might, the period of his speech,  
Entreats his mate, to censure his conclusion,  
Protesting that no reason, should outreach,  
Or interrupt, his settled resolution.  
While thus he resteth careless of confusion.  
His partner doth impart, his thoughts reply,  
And leads amiss, what went before awry.   

Senior (saith he) rash is this enterprise,  
Hast-making merchants, often mar good mart,  
Lees pause a space, our haste may prodigize,  
Let first a fawning eye, to her impart,  
The lovesick passions, of a friendly heart.  
Let sighs entreat, let looks our love unfold,  
Let's tempt her truth, with traitorous gobs of gold.   

Let's hire some B. to board her with persuasions,  
That letter hath more cunning, than the Ka.  
Let's court her oft, with stately salutations,  
Let's sift the secrets, of our Cabala.  
Let's look in Bresith book, and Marcana.  
What herb, what stone, what word, hath power in love,  
Let's try their force, and every virtue prove.   

We read in books of pendants, and of potions,  
Of figures framed, with acquaint characterisms,  
Of Mammets made by art, to planets motions,  
Of direful words, and powerful exorcisms,  
Of curious feats, to raise loves paroxysms.  
If heaven will not here, let's sue to hell,  
The Fairies have great force, old wives can tell.   

Let's then hunt out, some old Hecatean hag,  
That can eclipse the moon, and cloud the son:  
Sweep hills away, and cause the ground to wag:  
Make headlong streams, back to their heads to run,  
Raise spirits (as Saul in Endor saw was done)  
Work minds as wax, make wayward will, loves thrall,  
Let's try their skill, before we venture all.   

But out fond lingering leeches, to sick love,  
While you provide, your patient doth decay:  
Let leisures guests, your paltry physic prove,  
Our sickness is impatient of delay,  
Therefore (sweet Senior) let us hast away,  
Into this happiest orchard, there to hide us,  
To try what better fortune doth abide us.   

Which said: these dotards sneak in at the gate,  
(False traitor to take in his lady's foes)  
And (being in) sly foxes they debate,  
Where best to find fit couch, for to repose,  
And shroud themselves, from gazing eyes disclose.  
Till trustless time, might pay the hoped hire,  
Their hungerstarved lust, did so desire.   

And standing thus at gaze, at length they spy,  
A spreading palm, (fit arbour for to feast in)  
Whose wreathed boughs, and branches cloud the sky.  
This lovely bower, these brothels choose to rest in.  
(To neat a perch, for such night owls to nest in.)  
Where flowering Camomile, did clothe the ground,  
With Rose and Eglantine, enclosed round.   

While here they lurk, with pleasing shrubs enshrined,  
Fair sights, fresh air, doth yield them little ease.  
While conscience sting doth gall, the guilty mind,  
Their swelling thoughts, do strive like struggling seas,  
No object of the eye, or ear, doth please.  
They dread the leaves, with wavering will bewray them,  
Or twittling birds, with taunting tunes betray them.   

The whistling wind, amongst the trembling trees,  
Doth force the head to ail, and heart to ache,  
The harmless humming, of the toiling Bees,  
Doth cause the legs to quiver, hands to quake.  
Lest joachim them suspect, and tardy take.  
Wherhfore the fearful eye, doth loath the light,  
And long to have, sin-shrowding darksome night.   

And while they both revolve their case; (saith one)  
I had a dream, (God turn my dream to good)  
Me seemed we sitting, on the judgement throne,  
Our seat fell down, into a stream of blood;  
And both we drenched in the crimson flood.  
In sleep I strove, and struggled (wanting breath)  
To scape those waves, that did conspire our death.   

Which terror made my fearful flesh so tremble,  
Vnneathes I could, my perfect senses find.  
Cease (quoth his mate) no more, dreams oft dissemble.  
Dreams are deceits, as wavering as the wind,  
They never daunt, a full resolved mind.  
A fainting heart, shall never lose the pray,  
Which (maugre dreams) I mean to win this day.   

Thus are those seniors, sold to desolation,  
Who doth not see their souls subdued to sin?  
Whilst their lust-hardned hearts, by no persuasion,  
Can be recalled, from what they did begin.  
But bent to venture all, unsure to win.  
Like ravening bears, bereft of their whelps,  
They sit alone, devising many helps.   

Devising many helps, to work their will,  
To wrist or win her, to their loathed lure:  
O that such tigers fierce, her seek to spill.  
O that such drowsy drones, should be secure,  
To creep into a hive, unstained and pure.  
To taste that Nectar, and Hyblean Honey,  
That none but one could win, for love or money.   

O hearts much harder, than the Adamant,  
O charts of sin, maps of impiety.  
Are you the men, that vices should supplant?  
Do you (in show) adore the deity?  
And seek in secret, sins variety?  
O do but think, there comes a judgement day;  
Where such misdeeds, cannot be wiped away.   

But your hearts, harbour nought, but ravishment,  
You follow Tereus vain, in villainy.  
You careless how to die, or to repent,  
Do live secure of shame, and infamy,  
And think on nought, but opportunity.  
To perpetrate, your wicked lewd intent,  
In which already, many days are spent.   

But all days now, are passed and expired,  
In which you lived twixt hope, and grim despair  
When time hath brought you, where you most de●  
Even to that orchard, where most wholesome air,  
Doth kiss the creature, which you held most fair.  
Injurious time, why didst thou serve her so,  
Which never was or meant to be thy foe?   

Why didst thou seek, t' enthral a sacred soul?  
Why didst thou seek to train her unto lust?  
Why dost not opportunity control?  
Which seeks to drain her honour in the dust?  
O flattering opportunity unjust.  
Fit slave to sally Satan's lewd designment,  
When thy compear, fit place, yields entertainment.   

O God why hast thou set, the ravening wolf,  
Upon the poor, and harmless lamb to pray?  
Why didst thou let her scape, Charibdis' gulf,  
For to (by Scylla rock) be cast away?  
Thou hast upheld her, happy to this day.  
And now must light, in lions ravening jaws,  
And plead to ears, that know no right nor laws.   

For when the sun (near summer tropic seated)  
With bright reflected beams, did all repeat:  
And westward from the southern line, retreated,  
Did make the foggy heart, in shade to sweat,  
And croaking raven, gape and pant for hear.  
Then did Susanna, to her walk repair,  
In shadowed seat, to take fresh cooling air.   

Where with her mates demure, (two modest maids)  
She shrouds herself in shrubs, near pleasant spring:  
(Like harmless Elves the fountain fairy Naids)  
Where waters rush, and chirping birds do sing,  
And art with nature, framed a curious thing.  
A stately conduit, whence sweet streams distilled,  
Which underneath, a sumptuous cistern filled.   

In which this virtuous dame, was wont to bathe her,  
When lawful rights, such homage did require.  
And now (to soon) induced much the rather,  
Because sun-burning beams, did fry like fire,  
Wherhfore (she saith) good wenches home retire.  
And bring the soap, the clothes and things I need,  
Shut fast the doors, return again with speed.   

With due obeisance, and a bashful smile,  
They yield the look, of ready servitude,  
And with officious foot, they post awhile,  
Unto the garden doors, and them occlude,  
To stop each stranger out, that night intrude.  
And by a postern gate, they post away,  
And yet quick wantoness, make to tedious stay.   

Thus left alone (good lady void of fear)  
She serves her God, with solitary muse.  
Secure what birds of rapine, roosted there,  
That meant her wretch, in their sharp claws to bruise,  
And unprofaned body, to abuse.  
O little doth she know, what serpents lurk,  
In traitorous place; to pray on nature's work.   

Had she Diana been (as poets feign)  
When these Actaeon's, pried through the wood;  
She as Diana did, would them constrain,  
To be transformed, in her angry mood.  
She could not do her glory, greater good.  
But what Actaeon's seek, to serve their will,  
She little knows, that never knew such ill.   

The silly fish, that hook hath never angled,  
Doth seldom fear, what's hidden in the bait.  
The bird that never was, with snare entangled,  
Doth shun no place, for that she fears deceit,  
So careless she, what curs lie at receipt.  
To take, entangle, wrong, her guiltless mind;  
Doth nothing fear, she should such treason find.   

But Satan (that had smothered, long his fire)  
Brings now three blazes flaming, hies apace,  
To kindle bright, the brand of their desire,  
With beauties pray, commodious time, and place,  
Up (saith he) beasts: faint sluggards: are you base?  
Cheer up your spirits, let groaning thoughts be glad,  
So fair a day, no Lordings ever had.   

While faultless she, sits trapped by false occasion,  
When once her maids were gone, and all things fast;  
Forthwith these lust-breathed Lords, made rash invasion,  
To make profane, the soul that is so chaste,  
Like hungerstarved, vultures they make haste.  
To get the bait, within their ravenous beaks,  
To kiss those coral lips, and roseal cheakes.   

And though with haste, they fall upon the ground;  
They rise again, and headlong forth do run.  
The fall doth say, this fact shall you confound.  
Your seat is dipped in blood, and you undone,  
O leave it of, that is so ill begun.  
But while rebellious Satan, runneth by them,  
Good motions cannot enter, or come nigh them.   

When she (good lady) saw these straggling Lords,  
To press in presence, with such heedless speed;  
She wondered greatly: Ignorant what words,  
(When as they came) would from their hearts proceed,  
They straight with circled arms, her bondage breed.  
While gazing eyes, behold her comely hue,  
And maffling mouths, these graceless speeches spew.   

Quoth one of them (for one did speak for both)  
We must, with that false heart began to fail him.  
To tell the rest his guilty mind was loath,  
Thinking (perhaps) dumb shows would most avail him,  
And she amazed, with merveile what should ail him.  
To greet her (helpless captive) with I must,  
Did fear the fury, of the tyrant lust.   

And quivering stands, as doth the harmless dear,  
Beset with greedy curs, and eager hounds:  
She looks about, and pries to find a clear,  
To scape these Crocodiles, that pass their bounds,  
Whose clasped arms, do yield her deadly wounds.  
While shame doth tie their tongues, & make them mute,  
And conscience seeks, their conquest to confute.   

At war was wit and will, for best endeavours,  
Contending thoughts, did hold a civil schism,  
As freezing fits, precede hot burning fevors,  
So conscience feels, a shaking paroxysm,  
In vain doth reason, fight with Rhetorisme.  
The weaklig wit, constrained is to yield,  
And bedlam lust, left owner of the field.   

For when he had a time, himself be thought.  
Right, shame, and fear, exiled from his heart,  
And love with lust, a cruel combat fought,  
And strove one, the other to convert.  
Then he began, his passions to impart.  
Yet bend to speak, and douptfull of her nay,  
He faints again and knows not what to say.   

Then (as those cheating mates in conny-catchinge,  
Cog, prate, and lie, to furnish forth their feat)  
He beats and sets, his brains a brood in hatching,  
Strange sleights, to gain this more than golden cheat,  
And epithem, to cool flesh-burning heat.  
At length twixt faltering hope, and faint despair,  
He fawns, he frowns, he threats, he speaks her fair.   

Sweet lady now (saith he) we must enjoy thee.  
If no or lives, will soon unbodied be.  
Consent therefore, if no, we will destroy thee.  
And say we saw one here, embracing thee.  
Nay we will vow by heaven, we did thee see,  
To act adulterous sin, with some base slave.  
Then yield if thou wilt lief and honour have.   

If thou demand, how our sin-seas'ned hearts,  
With out remorse can harbour this misdeed.  
Then know that love, and duty played their parts  
Within our breasts, some better thoughts to breed.  
But lust did blot, what reason still decreed.  
Thy look (fair lady) worthy to be loved,  
So bound our hearts, they might not be removed   

Thy stature like, the stately Cedar trees  
Thy peerless beauty, passing all the rest.  
Thy seemly gestures, which each notes and sees.  
These are the things, enthrall the mightiest.  
And make commanding monarchs, to be priest,  
To fall from honour, justice, law, and right.  
And banish those, which love them, out of sight.   

These are the traitors, which betray thee now.  
These (like false guides) do lead us from the Lord.  
These things make lawful kings, and Lords allow,  
Things most unlawful. and to be abhorred.  
What man (fair lady) could not well afford,  
To try fell pains, to purchaze such a love?  
Yea pains of death, and thousand perils prove,   

Didst ever read, those high conceited stories,  
In which the lives, of worthy loves are writ?  
If so, thou seest, the trophies of their glories,  
Wear raised on love and how inspired with it,  
They pawn their lives, by farthest reach of wit,  
To make loves name, eternal and admired.  
That else to fame, had not with cost been hired.   

O then but think, thy Lords are more tormented.  
Who dare suscept, more perils than them all.  
And yet we know, our deeds may be repent.  
Sigh greater men, do take the greatest fall.  
For when they slip, the Echo is not small,  
That doth reflect their faults, to every ear,  
Which makes contented minds, not climb for fear.   

Had not (the Charmer) beauty us be witched.  
We should have held, the freedom of our state.  
And have been richly, with God's gifts enriched.  
And never feared the spite, of daring fate.  
But why do we, our fortunes now relate,  
Which may (perhaps) our rash attempts ensue?  
We came not now, our future state to rue.   

But came our over burning hearts, to coal.  
Inflamed by reflection, of thine eyes.  
Let them (sweet love) be quenched in that pool,  
That may thy joachim's use, and ours suffice.  
But say the word, and we will means devise,  
That thou fair dame, shalt never be suspected.  
For why, our deed, to none shall be detected,   

What if thy parents be, right dear unto thee?  
Thy children dear, good joachim dearest of all?  
Yet fly faint fear, this fact shall not undo thee,  
Beat down distrust, and all his thoughts appall.  
For this misdeed, shall not in question call,  
Thy spotless fame, which all men hold unfracted,  
And deeds unknown, are ev'nas thoughts unacted.   

Quoth he we both, are lineally descended,  
From juda race kinsmen to Zedechias.  
Thou mayst sweet fair, in us be princely friended,  
Yea more, if thou wilt bend unto our bias,  
Thou mayst be mother, to the great Messiah  
And so be famosed, by royal birth,  
Of absolute commander, of the earth.   

Thus fleshly speaks, this carnal Cabalist,  
Pawninge his souls dear life, to ransom lust.  
Or like a kingdom dreaming, Thalmudist.  
That in an eartlhy empire, puts his trust.  
For juda sceptre, then lay in the dust.  
And then as now, they hoped an earthly king.  
But to his tale, this Sophist more doth sing.   

If treasure want, thou shalt have gold at will,  
Or what thy wish, or pleasing thought desireth.  
If honours hight thy honour lasteth still.  
While secreasie, our age and state requireth.  
Yea place and time, thy free consent now hireth.  
Thy maids away, do wink at thine offence.  
The closed doors, will with thy fact dispense.   

If douptes object, our words in jest are spoken,  
And that our love is cunning deeply feigned.  
Then here by hollyest vow, (for never broken)  
We deeply do protest (and unconstreigned)  
Our suit is love, by true affection trained.  
Then yield, if no, this arms, consent shall draw.  
For needs we must, and need obeys no law,   

Else if thou dost persist, in flat denial,  
Be hold extremes at hand, thy doom is teemed.  
Adultery, shall breed thy death in trial.  
So shalt thou dead, an hypocrite be deemed.  
So shall thine end, be infamous esteemed.  
So shalt thou stain thiekin, and blood debase.  
Defame thy fere, and bastardise thy race.   

For we well known (grave fathers in the land)  
Will in thy trial, judge and witness be.  
By oath of two, each verdict given must stand.  
Ourselves will swear, we found embracing thee,  
A beardless groom, in foul adultery.  
Then better 'twere, to live and have good name,  
Then have thy death, sepulchred in defame.   

As for ourselves, we have at large debated,  
What shame, what infamy, this fact may gain.  
How that we may be pointed at, and hated,  
Yea more than pointed; daily die like Cain,  
While drooping life, is buried in disdain  
A loathsome grave, a death far worse than death,  
Because the scandal, shall revive on earth.   

Thus have we thought, what may ensue the deed,  
Who fears what may be, misseth Lady's love,  
Faint hearted carpet knights, do seldom speed,  
If fear of what may be, doth them reprove,  
No fear shall daunt my heart, or may be move.  
So strongly hath desire, enchanted me.  
That I must needs, embrace mine infamy.   

Sweet let us then, feed on thy coral lips,  
If that will not suffice, let's farther feed.  
For raging lust, hath gotten bedlam whips;  
And beats our hearts, so that the wounds do bleed,  
And nought can cure them, and contentment breed.  
But thine embracings, and thy bodies use,  
Which can recure the hurt, procure thy truce,   

Be brief therefore, report to us thy mind,  
If thou wilt yield, we'll rest thy secret friends,  
If no; thou know'st what friendship thou shalt find.  
Thou know'st who so against the stream contends,  
Doth strive in vain; his health but sickly mends.  
Contract thy tale, do not at large debate,  
For know; delays are dangerous to thy state.   

She drowned in gulf of grief, to hear him charm,  
Like Hobbies pray, lies quivering in their hands.  
And panting so, as if she felt the harm,  
That would ensue, if she their will withstands,  
For well sheeseess, their ship sticks fast in sands.  
They care not how they bear, their windblown sails,  
And less she knows, what counsel best avails.   

If that she yield, she is betrayed to shame,  
If no, she leaves her friends, her joys, her life.  
Which of these two, deserves the greater blame?  
To die with shame, or love a wicked wife,  
She schools her wavering thoughts, about this strife.  
Shall Susan do, what most she doth detest?  
Shall Cuckoos hatch their birds, in joachim's nest?   

Nay rather Susan, die an innocent,  
And render up, a pure life-breathing spirit.  
Then make thy quiet conscience, malcontent:  
And purchase death, and hell, for thy demerit,  
For harlots shall, no heavenly seats inherit.  
And sure I am; if guiltless here I die,  
My Abel's blood, for vengeance hence will cry.   

Why then I will resign, fond lust to these,  
And fall into the hands, of God my king.  
Sith far 'tis better, God then man to please,  
For if I yield unto this cursed thing,  
My conscience hath, a penetrable sting.  
Which will torment, my soul far worse than hell,  
That I shall bide, more pains than tongue can tell.   

The fact would aye, be written in my brow,  
The blushing humour, would bewray my case.  
If I should here one say, adulteress thou,  
The reddes would rise, and muster in my face,  
As if the words, were meant to my disgrace.  
My husbands loving eye, in blotted book,  
Would read my fault, imprinted in my look.   

In sleep condemning dreams, would haunt my head,  
And shamefast thoughts, record my shameless folly.  
The cover would cry out, of joachim's bed,  
And say fair hypocrite, thou art unholy,  
Pull down thy plumes, and never more be jolly.  
My smiling babies, would bewray their mother,  
And yield their fires, resemblance, to some other.   

Accusing conscience, joined with sad remorse,  
Would whip me, with remembrance of mine act.  
My guilty mind, suspicion would enforce,  
To think each whispering tongue, did tell my fact.  
And smiling looks, deride my credit cracked.  
And that each nibbled lip, did lend a mock,  
And glancing eye, behold a gazing stock.   

Thus did she, in her secret thoughts debate,  
What best to do; before sh'would answer make.  
Mean time they long, her to contaminate.  
Yet wondered at her looks, before she spoke,  
Which Angellike might move them to forsake.  
Their lewd intent, if ever mild remorse,  
Or tender mercy, might their hard hearts force.   

With hands displayed, she looks, unto the skies;  
And down from thence, upon th'aggrieved ground.  
Which might move stones to tears, if they had eyes,  
Her to behold, which did with grief abound,  
Whose heart lodged cares, while tongue these words doth sound.  
And eyes gush tears, true tokens of deep sorrow,  
Thus hearts from eyes fell objects, passions borrow.   

O you (quoth she) that sway God's Israel,  
Repel proud Satan, who doth seek your soul.  
Fly, fly, for this my heart doth hate as hell,  
O fly with speed, lest God your sins control,  
Rest thus resolved, you never gain this goal.  
For never shalt be said, there lies that wife,  
Which left her God, to live a brothels life.   

Some birds and brutish beasts, by nature's lore,  
Do fly this fact, as most abominable.  
Then are you worse than they? who should have store,  
Of reason, and in judgement be most stable,  
What do you think, God's book is but a babble?  
O be not beasts, though you be made of clay,  
But have regard, unto your soul's decay.   

What if I (wicked) should your wills content?  
What gain you if you gain, your whole request?  
Why nothing worth a straw, a rush, a bent,  
A small thing got will gain your great unrust,  
For once obtained, you'll wish to be released.  
Yea loathe the deed, yourselves, and me (perhaps)  
Therefore my Lords, be ruled fly afterclappes.   

One drop of poison, put into the cup,  
infects the whole, and makes it venomous.  
So one bad thought, in heart once harboured up,  
Doth cause the body, to be vicious,  
Then fly such thoughts, as are so poisonous.  
And let not nature, have the upper hand,  
But seek by grace, her ticementes to withstand.   

1st not fowl shame, for him to miss the but?  
Which shoots with levied aim, to hit the prick?  
Then 'tis more shame, when states in practice put,  
To win renown, and yet like slaves do stick,  
At honesty, O do but note this trick.  
First know yourselves, than what you undertake,  
So you like conquerors, shall such sins forsake.   

Do not debase your blood, by base design,  
Your place should foster worthies free from blame.  
What though your branch, hath root in juda line?  
You should depend, upon deserved fame,  
And not leave all to nobleness of name.  
For nature proves, a tainture in the blood,  
Where life laments, that nature is not good.   

Phie, Phie, grave Rabbis, grow to be so rash,  
To roist like ruffians, and exceed in sin.  
Shall seasoning salt, become vnsav'ry trash?  
What? lose yourselves that others seek to win?  
Shall fair without, be cloak to cloak to fowl within?  
No, no; sith great ones, are example givers,  
Seem not to be, but be indeed, good livers.   

Let virtue be the ground work, of your greatness,  
Set God your guide, in conscience bower of brass.  
For glories for't, not founded is in neatness,  
A courser's name, doth nought beseem an ass,  
'tis folly, frenzy, fury (out alas.)  
To stand a-tiptoe, on the title point,  
If life be lose, and virtue out of joint.   

You ask if I have conned, histories?  
Then know I have, both humane and divine,  
Wherein I find, the lasting infamies,  
Of such as shrouded, under sins black shrine,  
And how these glorious men, like stars do shine,  
In glory's spheere; which have such faults forsaken,  
And unto virtues guide, themselves betaken.   

What was the cause of raging cataclysme,  
That did with ghastly waves the sinful smallow?  
But beastly life, and brutish barbarism?  
While Sodom did, chaste natures hests vnhallow,  
Who, (wantonness nice) in lusts delight did wallow,  
God purdged the polluted place, with fire,  
Made rebel lust, a subject of his ire.   

When Sichem (Hevite) did perforce deflower,  
Fair Diana (jacobs' darling and delight)  
Did not sin-hating heaven, at it lower?  
And raise revendge, for this abhorred despite?  
Yes 'twas the cause, that jacobs' sons did fight.  
'Gainst Hemors' sons, his subjects and his town,  
All which by them, handsmooth were beaten down.   

What bloody war, fierce wrath, and raging spoil,  
Fell on the fatal tribe of Beniamine?  
What time the men of Gibea, did defile,  
(By beastly rape) the Levites concubine,  
Which made their brethren tribes, so sore repine;  
That of the Beniamites, there lost their lives,  
Five times, five thousand men, besides their wives.   

With Sittim plague, fell thousands twenty four,  
Because they gave their lives, to luxury.  
Did David scape, for that he did deflower,  
Vriahs' wife? no sure the child did die,  
That thus was gotten, in adultery.  
Yea God did swear; the like disgrace and sword,  
Should light on his, for leaving of his word.   

What did proud Paris gain, to gad to Greece,  
To fet that minion, Menelaus' wife?  
(Fame's Phoenix; beauties saint, a peerless piece)  
She cost a kingdom large, and many a life,  
Sardanapalus, living void of strife.  
Became lusts wanton; wallowed in her pleasure,  
Which life did lose, his empire life and treasure.   

And well; for if the Lord in wedlock's cause,  
Plague commonweals, and play the vanquisher,  
When one fowl fornicator breaks his laws,  
What shall be done, to that adulterer,  
The stickler of this strife, and bloody stir?  
Were he not worthy, (breeder of this brawl)  
〈◊〉 end esse death, to pine and die for all?   

Yourselves of late, (in practice of the law)  
〈◊〉 doom of stoning death, for like offence.  
〈◊〉 can desire, your hearts from right withdraw,  
That lawless now, you can with laws dispense?  
What brainsick humour doth your brains incense?  
To deem that fact, death worthy in an other,  
Which you yourselves, do foster, feed, and cover?   

If speeches do, but breath and labour lose;  
If former 〈◊〉, cannot forewarn your ears;  
Then yet behold, I offer on my knees,  
A 〈◊〉 of signs, and stormy tears,  
Pitiy the pain, that in my look appears.  
Let these my wringed hands, awake remorse,  
Use favour (good my Lords) abuse not force.   

Consider what you are: not base borne slaves,  
But chief conductors, of God's chosen sheep.  
Then as a crazed ship, that's tossed with waves,  
Doth let the waters, at the chinks in creep,  
And drown'th herself, withal in whelming deep.  
So you the ship, wherein your subjects sail,  
Your subjects sink, when you begin to fail.   

Therefore I conjure you, by great jehove,  
For country's cause, for subjects happiness,  
Eor your dear soul's estate, no further move  
Me poor afflicted soul here succourless.  
O do not seek to drown me, in distress.  
Lest now you see, old Sodom flaines descending.  
Suppress your suit, serve God who waits amending.   

But what avayles, to sound to beasts retreat?  
Or quench the blaze, that burneth in the straw?  
Though Croco diles do weep, they mean deceit.  
Though lions couch, they hide a hurtful paw.  
So though these Lords, be moan the tears they saw:  
Commend her zeal, extol her good intent,  
Yet still untamed lust, grows insolent.   

The softest drops, do pierce the hardest stones,  
Through gentle words, ungentle hearts will yield.  
The tenderest zutho, softeneth toughest bones.  
Mild music can, mad beasts allure and wield.  
Then are your stubborn heads, so strongly steeled?  
Or are your hearts so heard, so rough, so fierce,  
That nought can enter, soften, season, pierce?   

Behold the melting tears, this lady sheds.  
Behold what grief, lies harboured in her heart.  
Behold what modesty, her overspreds.  
Behold how soar, the wound unmade doth smart.  
Behold her soul, repining at this part.  
Behold hart-renting sobs, assault your eyes.  
Behold up heaved hands, for mercy cries.   

But as the wilful Aspis, stops her ear;  
When charmers chanting words, (like baits entice)  
So these enchanted adders, will not here,  
The words of health, or wisdoms sound advise,  
So bendded will, is bend to win the price.  
That neither may, this lady's plaint or moan,  
Make pity pierce, their hearts more hard than stone.   

For when her hearts, deep oracles were ended;  
And that they saw such resolution in her.  
While chastest fair, fair chastity defended,  
'Gainst those who sought, with fawning words to win her,  
As far from hope, as though they had not seen her.  
Persuaded now, faint means would mar their matter,  
Her with strong hands, (weak fort) they seek to batter.   

For savage Satyre-like, they would uncover,  
What bashful nature, biddeth secret hide.  
And close as hungry Ravens, they do hover,  
To do that great disgrace, she may not bide,  
But when she saw, foul lust was at full tide.  
And that her lingering girls, did stay so long,  
She cried amain, before she felt the wrong.   

Help, help (she saith) help, help I am undone,  
O help a woeful wretch, in wretched case.  
At which her cry, the junior judge doth run,  
And open sets, the garden door (apace)  
As if some felon fled, out of the place.  
And she for help, doth not so often cry,  
But they as fast, stop, keep, the thief doth fly.   

The servantes nettled, with this sudden 'noys,  
Of help, help, help, stop, keep, the thief doth fly.  
Run to the postern gate, (maids men and boys)  
To find the author, of this mutiny.  
(The cursed cause, of that lamenting cry)  
Who staring, gazing gaping run about,  
Like men amazed, to find their mistress out.   

At length they do desire, their lady fair.  
Her beauty blemished, with blubbering tears.  
(As Phebe mantled, with the misty air,  
With waterish beams, unto the sight appears)  
Officious duty, bids her banish fears.  
Relate her hap and let her heart be strong.  
Where hands and hearts, are vowed to right her wrong.   

But she good lady, that did deem her grooms,  
Unequal umpires, of her high disgrace,  
Leaves her bad hap, unto their better dooms,  
And by herself alone, withdraws the place.  
And bears her grief, imprinted in her face.  
That loachims eye might see, and seeing rue,  
Her wronged faith, in her deformed hew.   

Who when he saw his love, and his lives breath,  
To quake in every part, (as palsy shaken)  
And cheek, and lip, to look as pale as death.  
Whom fresh (life feeding) humour had forsaken.  
Himself by fainting fear, is overtaken.  
But when he sees, her sinking to the ground,  
With girdling arms, he doth embrace her round.   

And sobbing words, through his tongue stopping teeres,  
He saith, O sweet, sweet heart unfold thy grief.  
O speak my love, and banish bashful fears.  
Hear is a hand, shall yield thee large relief.  
Whose hearts true tenure holds of thee in chief,  
If all the world, should vowt ' ware wronged by thee,  
Yet should it not appear, a wrong to me.   

At which his quickening words (as Phoebus shine  
With powerful beams, and heat vegetative,  
Vnshrowdes the earth, from her congealed shrine,  
And makes the withering shrub, and grass revive,  
So) she gins to spring, and seem alive.  
And with her faltering tongue (yet all a mort)  
Of traitorous men, doth render true report.   

And as we blame misfortunes, in their bringers,  
She blames her maids, as fawtors of her wrong,  
She feels impatient fits, and they her fingers,  
That durst neglect their due return so long,  
Whose sad excuse, (permixt with tears among.)  
To seek the things, herself had laid amiss,  
Returned herself the blame, that wronged her bliss.   

Mean time, the unresolved servaunts fear it,  
What spiteful ill, their lady did surprise.  
And though their itching ears, did long to hear it,  
Yet a king hearts, did rather sympathise,  
Then know from whence, their passions did arise.  
At length with bashful boldness, and good grace,  
They ask the seniors, of their mistrisle case.   

Whose ireful eyes, when first they did behold,  
This giddy rout, (to press with speed in place)  
Did first condemn their deed, as overbold.  
While fainting hope, did much distrust their case.  
Their lustful hearts, did murdering thoughts embrace,  
For bashful nature, once to boldness bend,  
Grows shameless bold, and boldly impudent.   

And as a hot and eager dog in hand,  
When he beholds, his game before his eyes.  
Doth fawn, and leap, & lick, to loose his band,  
But when he sees, him keeper surer ties,  
Then fierce against him, he begins to rise,  
So they when fawning, could not win their will,  
Raise like cursed curs, and have a mind to kill.   

For to the sad demaundantes, there they say,  
Hear found we Susan, in adultery,  
Whose young companion, fled from hence away,  
Be fore we could, what wight he was descry.  
Believe us (gentle friends) we tell no lie.  
For these our eyes, are witnesses, we saw them.  
And here's the place, to which thee did with draw them.   

Which cursed sight, did so our eyes offend,  
(And much the more for noble joachim's sake  
Our honourable kinsman and good friend)  
That we did do our best, the groom, to take.  
That speedy death, (for wrong) a mends might make.  
But he for us, to nimble at strong hand,  
Fled by that door, which yet doth open stand.   

The duteous servitors with bashful brow,  
Blush now with silent shame, at this her fact.  
Who never (till that day) was thought to bow,  
Unto so base a sin, or vile an act.  
Wherefore they did suspect, some plot compact.  
And in her cause, would shape some sharp reply.  
Well armed in her right to give the lie.   

But when they saw, those elders of the land,  
Were vouchers of the fact, and filthy deed.  
They darest not contradict them, or withstand.  
And yet their inward parts, were touched with meed,  
To think how ill (poor prisoner) she should speed,  
When as the judges mouth, (the witness breath)  
Should verdict give, that gives the doom of death.   

And so sad men, grief laden home they go,  
To pry what comfort, in their ladies look.  
And leave these judges, plotting of her woe.  
Who strait the way, unto their houses took.  
Where they their goodly being, badly brook.  
While eager envy, restless doth invent,  
The overthrow, of this chaste innocent.   

O Envy wayward witch, fowl hag of hell,  
Why dost thou make men pine, at men's prosperity?  
O you fond fools, that in her den do dwell,  
And there torment yourselves, with her severity,  
Whose slave is slannder, and her page temerity.  
Why wast you, restless service on a dame,  
That restless wisheth, virtues servants shame;   

Pale fretting fury, furious sorceress,  
Beldame to madness, and yoke mate to woe.  
Thy mother pride, a mortal murtheress,  
Thy father Plutus, man's immortal foe.  
Thy brats blood shedding hate, that hath no ho.  
Contention, strisse, debate, revendge, and slander,  
Which vex the life, and after death do wander.   

Thy guts are galled, choler's boiling foam,  
Like aeina's womb, that belkes sulphureous flames,  
Thy cabin carrin thoughts, a hell thy home.  
Thy habit like, those fierce Tartarian dames,  
Whose flesh consumed, there resteth but the rames.  
For while thou knowst not how, to hold a mean.  
To eat thy neighbours fatlings, makes thee lean.   

Their hearts have anguish, souls have bitterness.  
Whom thou dost learn, to laugh at virtues woe.  
Thy path is blind, and paved with slipperiness.  
They walk to hell, that in thy ways do go.  
Yet are these elders thine, devoted so,  
That living now, they live but to deprive,  
The life of her, they loathe to see alive.   

The filthy roads, infect the fowntaines clear.  
Where others suck, the venom that they leave.  
And serpents spew, their poison every where.  
Which yet themselves, do not of life bereave.  
But these false seniors, do themselves deceive.  
That spit forth envies, venom on this dame.  
Yet kill themselves, by sucking in the same.   

For on the following day, of this disgrace,  
The judges with the people, make repair,  
To keep their usual courts, in wont place.  
In joachim's house (a spacious room and fair)  
Where feeble hope, upholdeth faint despair.  
While their blud-thrishe thoughts, do wholly long,  
To do her fame, and body deadly wrong.   

And mounted on, the powerful seat of life,  
They will their summ'nors, to ascite and call,  
Susan, (Helchias daughter, loachims wife)  
To make appearance there before them all.  
And answer in an action criminal.  
Thus they pretend with right, root out evils,  
But why should right be profaned in such divelles,   

And she good lady, (loyal to the laws)  
(Armed with assurance, of her innocence.  
And guarded with the goodness, of her cause.  
In conscience brazen fortress of defence)  
Feigns none excuse, or shifting sly pretence.  
But doth obey the summons, and proceed.  
And leaves to Godth ' event of her good speed.   

And so attended, with a mourning train,  
She makes appearance, in the fatal place,  
Where standers by, cannot from tears refrain.  
To see the gallant prisoners, woeful case.  
Her fere, her friends, her parents, children race,  
Replete the air with woes, and ground with tears,  
While hearts eclipse, in clouded eye appears.   

And standing in a rob, of finest black,  
(Deep sorrows sign, by causeless infamy)  
There overspreades her shoulders head and back,  
Avail of lawn, (to note integrity)  
Which hide her whiter beauty, from the eye.  
This shadow they command, to be removed.  
That they at least might look on what they loved.   

Which when th' officious officers, had done.  
Sweet beauties blush, did yield her such a grace,  
As when a cloud, is taken from the son.  
When sorrow sucks, the reds forth of her face,  
The matchless white, alone doth hold the place.  
But when the crimson humour, steines the white,  
Coral seems shadowed, in the Galactite.   

Such is the beauty, that enchauntes their eyes.  
And charms their hearts, through it so sore attainted.  
That they both God and goodness do despise.  
And with nought else, but sin are now acquainted.  
O That she should, with such fair shape be painted,  
To make commanders minds, to lust obey.  
And she herself, exposed for their prey.   

For when they had full gordgd, their ravenous eyes,  
On beauty's dainties. (with a short repast)  
They two amidst, the people do arise,  
To give their witness, 'gainst this constant chaste.  
And as the law doth will, their hands they placed,  
Upon the head, of this pure innocent.  
(Two woulves foul paws, a silly lamb to rend)   

Wheare swearing by God's name, a solemn oath,  
To set aside, all partial love and hate,  
And speak the truth, and nothing but the troth.  
Perjured judges (foes to truths estate)  
Unto the people, thus they intimate.  
This noble dame, that showed a saint in sight,  
Is found unconstant, fickle, lewd, and light,   

For yesterday, in joachim's orchard walking,  
To recreate our spirits, with wholesome air,  
This dame with her two damsels, thither stalking,  
There did to her, an unknown youth repair.  
Whose shape was comely, and his feature fair.  
But ere he came in sight, that none detect it.  
Her madens she disnust lest they suspect it.   

who being gone, and doors ybarred fast,  
We (shrouded from their sight) with wakeful heed  
Perceived the wicked, to their sin make haste.  
And creeping cloasly, with convenient speed,  
We did surprise them, in the shameful deed.  
And him we caught, but yet away he fled.  
For him from us, his strength delivered.   

But her we held, and there examined,  
What youth he was, that did her body use.  
And though confessing shame did die her red,  
Yet to resolve our doupt she did refuse.  
And with still silence did herself accuse,  
Thus have we showed the fact, of this lewd wife.  
For which misdeed, law bids her lose her life.   

She all this space, with patience on her knee,  
With hands and eyes, upreared to the sky,  
Commends her cause to God, which all doth see.  
While groaning spirit, in anguish plundgd doth cry,  
Help, help, me God, or else in shame I die.  
Thou rul'st right, then stretch thine arm so strong,  
And overrule the rulers of this wrong.   

While thus she doth appeal unto the highest,  
Her burning zeal doth plead her innocence.  
Her modest look, doth say, false judge thou liest.  
Her bashful silence, speaks in her defence  
Her good report, reproves their ill pretence  
The streams of tears, that on her cheeks at spilled,  
By secret verdict, quittes her from the guilt.   

Yet much amazed, to here this devil speak,  
(For well she witted no manlike mind he bore)  
She shapes him answer, else her heart would break.  
Although her torments, should be much the more.  
She saw pale death attending at the door.  
To take her thence, if that she held her peace.  
And if she speak, she could not death increase.   

Wherhfore even as a man, that's senseless strooken,  
When as he comes, unto himself again,  
And feels his body, wounded, bruised, or broken,  
By swarting cause, cannot from wrath refrain,  
But letteeh fly, his ireful blows amain.  
Even so her conscience, nettled by despite.  
Fights with fierce words, weak champions of her right.   

O admirable patience (saith she)  
And depth insearchable of God's intent.  
Whether this hap for trial unto me,  
Or for these helhownds, greater punishment,  
He only knows, which only hath it sent.  
Why doth he not, with righteous hand repress,  
This scum of sin and filth of filthiness?   

Why did not womb, before these babes did sprawl,  
Abhorse such seed, unworthy for the breasts.  
Why entered life, within such bitter gall?  
Why harbour souls, within such filthy nests?  
Why did the air, give breathing to such beasts?  
Why did the heav'nes, permit so fowl an eye,  
For to behold, the pure unspotted sky?   

Why did not nature, mould deformed clay,  
So fowl misshapen minds, for to ingerth?  
Why swell not floods, and swiftly sweep away,  
This seed of Cain, from the polluted earth?  
Why did not hell, devour them in the birth?  
Why do not angry elements, conspire,  
To power upon them, hot consuming fire?   

Why did the earth, eat Corach and his crew,  
And suffer these to trample on her brow?  
Why did wild bears, those idol imps subdue,  
And do wild beasts, these beasts to live allow?  
Why do not thunderbolts, enforce them bow?  
What should I say? why doth not God in ruth,  
Command each power, to punish their untruth?   

But thou O Lord, art free from this offence,  
When ravening woulves such silly lambs devower,  
Thou righteous, dost not punish innocence.  
'tis not thy work, 'tis they abuse thy power,  
Thy power is just, the imperfection our.  
The air is good, that doth the voice dispense,  
Though faultly used, to give false evidence.   

Then judges (most unjust) behold the skies,  
Think thear's a God, those glorious globes that guides  
Let not despair, your souls dear health despise,  
But have regard, what law you go beside,  
Perpend in deepest thought God not abides,  
Such wrathful cain's, as waste the guiltless blood,  
Then have respect to me, for your own good.   

Perchance you think, your sins so far exceed,  
That God is never able, to forgive.  
O fly those thonghtes, which swift destruction breed,  
And that our God, is merciful believe.  
Do not so willingly, to dark hell dive.  
But these your heinous deeds, from heart repent,  
And God will then, remit sins punishment.   

Let not fowl sin, be seeded in your age,  
Let not your virtues die, before they spring.  
Do not commit on me, so great outrage,  
But let true justice rule, in every thing,  
Consider what defame, such wrong will bring.  
What do you think, God sees not what you do?  
Yes sure he doth, then have respect thereto.   

Your conscience can control, your hearts of folly,  
Your hearts can say, your tongues do falsehood tell,  
Your tongues can tell, your action is unholy,  
To wrong a silly woman, meaning well,  
And hating this offence, as hateful hell.  
Let pity raise remorse, and banish wrong,  
Be not to stout, because you are to strong.   

But if your hearts blood-hardned still remain,  
To shed her blood, that hath no laws offended.  
Then work your wills on me, (O sons of Cam)  
Would God in this good cause, my life were ended.  
So that your lives, and manners were amended.  
Which if you do not right, with speedy pace,  
Mine honours wrong, your honours will deface.   

A tree but young, one may both bow and bend;  
When as the old, will hardly bend at all.  
A whelp with tricks, is taught to fetch and send,  
When as old dogs, to it you hardly hall,  
Who can reclaim, wild haggards to the call?  
Even so these men that seas'ned are in sin,  
To serve the Lord cannot tell how begin.   

For when they heard, this oratresses' tale,  
With constant speech, and gesture so declaimed.  
Fierce envies freting poison, made them pale,  
Fearing to miss the mark, whereat they aimed,  
They do infer it falsehood, merely feigned.  
To frustrate justice, with a sly persuasion,  
And from deserved death, to make evasion.   

No credit give (say they) this cunning dame,  
Which with lip-lavish words, would shift her death,  
A man huge myriades of untruths, would frame.  
If he by them, could buy life-feeding breath.  
Is't not a judges word, that witnesseth?  
Is not our oath confirmed with our hand?  
What two do witness, law doth will to stand.   

Which said; they do proceed to doom of death,  
(By process had from the imperial state)  
And one the doleful sentence, uttereth;  
She should be led, forth of the city gate,  
And there (as Moses doth the law relate)  
The multitude (a fickle wavering head)  
Should press her down, with stones till she were dead.   

Thus doth the law, by witness wrested deal,  
Thus is the virtuous dame condemned to die,  
The judge rejecteth, the husbands grave appeal,  
He stops his ears, at parent's sad reply.  
He will not here, the infant's woeful cry.  
(No doubt apace that godly land doth flourish,  
Which doth such lust-affected judges nourish.)   

But loath to be interred in shames nest,  
Stabbed with heart-wounding words, falls on her knee,  
She wakes her thoughts, with thumping on her breast.  
Flies to her last refuge, to set her free.  
Entreats her God, with humble tears that he.  
Would not for sake, or leave her in distress,  
But send his comfort, to her comfortless.   

O righteous God, my judge (saith she)  
Which seest the secret heart,  
And dost inflict, revenge on those,  
That do thy laws subvert.   

Repress the pride of tyrant's stout,  
Which do my life assail.  
Hear now and help, thy handmaid help,  
For help of man doth fail.   

Do not expose me for their prey,  
Because they do not right.  
But hunt in heart to bring about,  
That's hateful in thy sight,   

And of a mere malicious mind,  
False witness here have brought.  
And causeless laid unto my charged,  
The things I never thought.   

Thou seest (my God) what they have done,  
Thou seest their envious heart.  
Thou know'st they sought to lawless lust,  
Thine handmaid to convert.   

Thou know'st, I dread not during death,  
No force his might a pin.  
No, no, I do desire to die,  
A better life to win.   

I tender not fair beauty's trash,  
I tender my good name.  
Lest losing life, I be by death,  
Entombed in defame.   

For this cause rise (O Lord) make haste,  
Repel my soul's despite.  
And show the nations, far and near,  
How much thou tenderest right.   

I know my sins are passing great,  
Which acted are each hour.  
Yet let my tears thy mercy treat,  
And shield me with thy power.   

If no (defamed wretch) I die,  
For keeping of thy law,  
And causeless thou shalt seem (my God)  
Thy comfort to withdraw.   

Hast then O Lord, make hast I say,  
Lest guiltless blood be spilled.  
Yet not my will be done in this,  
But be it as thou wilt.   

When she her godly, orisons had ended,  
And that no means was left, to make delay.  
The fawning officers, in court attended,  
With profane hands, to hale her thence away,  
And though she were as ready to obey,  
Yet still this soar, doth smart in guiltless mind,  
That she should leave, an ill report behind.   

When once the streets, did act this tragedy,  
Vaults, and resounding Echoes from the stones,  
Report the mother's tears, her children's cry,  
Her parent's plaints, her husbands hideous moans,  
Her kinfolkes sighs, her friends heartbreaking groans,  
The people's pleading tongues, to God to free her,  
While thick tumultuous troops, do run to see her.   

Who passing forth, with passing seemly port,  
(Her look abated, with her languishment.)  
She doth the gazing lookers on, exhort.  
Good people pray for me, poor innocent,  
That's gultlesse, faultless, free, from all intent,  
Of this misdeed, for which weak wretch I die,  
Whom still with deepest hate, I did defy.   

While thus with plaints, they do Gods aid implore,  
The Lord did here, and help her woeful case.  
For as when tyrant Pharaoh, sceptre bore,  
(A Pharaoh fierce, that knew not Ios●phes face)  
And did the Israelites, oppress long space.  
They being tired, with his tyranny,  
In deepest grief, unto God's favour fly.   

Who when their moans, did mount unto his sight,  
Did single forth, their speedy preservation.  
From Pharaos' train, a courtly trained wight,  
Moses (an Hebrew born) by education,  
His daughter's son (which bred his estimation)  
So now; God seeing, Susan's great distress,  
Even in the nick did speed her due redress.   

For in the Chaldean court, did then attend,  
A noble jew (a youngling for his years)  
The monarchs minion; and his chiefest friend;  
One of his sage and sharpest sighted Seeres,  
In which high feat, he passed his grave compeers,  
While Isrels God, did rear his fortunes hie,  
To bear a stroke, in Asia's majesty.   

He Daniel cleped, by his native name,  
(The Chaldees called him, noble Balthasar)  
Whom neither courtly glee, nor phrase of fame,  
Can in fair Zion's zeal, ought make or mar,  
But would (to keep the captive jews from jar)  
In private sort, at times repair and pry,  
Into his brethernes' state, with wakeful, eye.   

And standing now, in this tumultuous throng,  
He saw blind zeal, employed in good pretence.  
What time God's truth, informed him of the wrong,  
And raised his sprite to speak in her defence,  
Bade him be bold, to plead her innocence.  
Step forth in place, do not thy thoughts conceal,  
Cry out amain, from devilish doom appeal.   

Then Daniel (as the Lord commanded him)  
Cried in the streets; I from this blood am clean,  
While gazing hearers, looked sour and grim,  
To muse what these, unlooked for words should mean,  
Fowl toads (saith he) infect the crystal stream.  
Because you would the stream far purer find,  
You kill the fish, but leave the toads behind.   

Are you such sots, O seed of Israel?  
Are you so blind, you see not what you do?  
Are you so deaf you hear not what they tell?  
Know you not right, and what Bee longs thearto.  
Survey you not, your steps before you go?  
Why have you here, condemned this dame to dies  
And would not here her just appeal and cry?   

O turn with speed, turn to the judgement seat.  
And then behold, what God will there relate.  
Your seviors sins, have grown exceeding great,  
Repelled lust, engendering with foul hate,  
In them the bastard perjury, begat.  
Bold perjury did breed false witness bearing.  
False witness wrested judgement, by forswearing.   

At which his words, the people young and old  
Do make a stand and backwards thence retire.  
Where daunting sins, the seniors hearts make cold.  
While danger wounds, the depth of their desire.  
Yet past shams' bounds, their shameless thoughts aspire  
And forth they pass, into the session's hall,  
And hide in crabbed brow, their conscience gall.   

The elders of this circumsized race,  
(Which with reprieved pris'nour turn again)  
When every one, had ta'en his usual place,  
They say unto this stately stripling then,  
Use thou the room, of these malicious men.  
Declare to us, God's judgement and decree,  
Sith God hath given, an elders spirit to thee.   

Then Daniel took, the powerful place of life.  
And there to intimate, God will to all:  
Where are (quoth he) the wronger's of this wife?  
Put them a part, out of each others call.  
And bring forth one (by one) in to the hall.  
So you shall see, their trey trouse tongues reveal,  
What wicked hearts, do cover and conceal.   

The formal officers, perform his mind.  
And brought forth one, to be examined.  
Who looked like murderous marked Cain, unkind,  
When brother's blood, he guiltlessely had shed.  
His colour show'd, what harboured in his head.  
His joints (as if unjointed) were at jar.  
False judge (now prisoner) pleading at the bar.   

And standing thus, before the baleful bench,  
The beardless judge (to check him uncontrolled  
That conscience as a cooling carde-might quench,  
The heat of his bravado overbold)  
Saith, thou sin seasned wretch, that waxest old  
In sin thy wicked life is come to light.  
Whose falsehood harmed, many a harmless wight.   

Thou hast abused thy life, God lent to thee,  
To mend thy life, and passed sins repent.  
For nothing but oppressions, he could see.  
Therefore he will, thy glory from thee rend.  
Which hast condemned, to death an innocent.  
And let the guilty, go for gifts a way.  
While lust and bribes, did blind thee day by day.   

Sith sworn thou hast, (eye witness) thou didst see,  
This comely dame, with her companion sin:  
Report the truth; and name to us the tree,  
That hide the fact, you did surprise them in.  
Pause not but speak, (if words shall credit win)  
Be brief, let not oblivion bear the blot,  
Things done so late, are not so soon forgot.   

Then pausing twixt despair, and tired hope,  
(As one that had no constant yea, nor nay)  
Would fame entreat, some longer time and scope,  
But that he finds impatience in delay,  
While to himself he says; shall I obey?  
Confess my fault wherein I have offended,  
And pardon crave that all may be amended?   

No, no my heart shall never stoop so low,  
To bow to those, that used to bend to me.  
I am not sure, what favour such will show,  
Wherefore I will devise, some kind of tree,  
Whose branching boughs, might shroud adultery.  
Thus reasons he (a bird of balam's brood)  
That will not be reclaimed, to any good.   

At last the gapes for breath yet doubts to speak,  
(Because his partners doubts he doth not know)  
Yet through his teeth, this tragic tale doth break,  
(While foaming fury makes him puff and blow)  
Saith he in joachim's orchard, there doth grow,  
A Mastic tree, whose branches cloud the son,  
In whose dark shade, the brothels act was done.   

When Daniel heard, this uncomposed speech,  
False are (quoth he) the words thou dost report.  
Thy lying lips, thee partial do appeach,  
God's mind to me reavealed; doth exhort,  
Thy sinful body, from thy soul to sort.  
As one (deserving endless death to die)  
That darest, 'gainst God, and conscience swear a lie.   

When this was acted, him they lead away,  
And bring his brother forth, in open place,  
In whose fell heart (fowl cabin) envy lay,  
Her wild and staring look, sat in his face,  
(A wrinkled brow, a pale, and megre grace.  
Did murder, mischief, malice fierce, resemble)  
While conscience cold, doth cause him quake & tremble.   

To whom young Daniel saith in zealous mood;  
O seed of cursed Cham, imp of despite.  
In vain thy vaunt, doth boast of juda blood,  
When as thou art, lin life a Cananite,  
True nobles should, in noble acts delight.  
But thou bewitched with beauty, wert beguiled,  
When thy misleading lust, thine heart defiled.   

Thus have you past, your passed lives ill-spent,  
Since first your wanton hearts, did train you in,  
To draw the dames of Israel, to your bent.  
Whom you with fear did force, and flattery win,  
To join with you, in acting secret sin.  
But this chaste jewish here, of juda race,  
Resisted hath, your folly to your face.   

Now sith thy tongue, hath testifide an act.  
Which fame did not report but eye did view  
And thou death worthy, deemed hast the fact.  
Dissemble not be still a witness true.  
Tell us what tree, and in what place it grew,  
Whose shameless shed, did shroud this shameful sin.  
Pause ere thou speak, yet speak, and soon begin.   

He graveled now in grief, and grim despair  
(Like bouged barge, that sinks in swallowing sands)  
Gapes ere he speaks, as if he wanted air.  
Which oft with closed lips, he countermaundes.  
At length (saith he) in joachim's orchard stands,  
near fowntain fair, a green thick branching Holly,  
Under whose shed, these wicked wrought their folly.   

Quoth Daniel then, your tongues have you betrayed.  
Your forged he, shall light upon your pates.  
Your wicked hearts, your words have here bewrayed.  
The sword of justice (that injustice hates)  
Is ready here, to slay you (sinful mates)  
Provide therefore a triple death to die,  
Of body, soul, and lasting infamy.   

For as you both, have caussesse sought to spill,  
The guiltless blood, of this chaste Israelite,  
By witness false, therefore doth Moses will,  
Your blood be shed; and we will do you right,  
Sith that your tongues, death-worthy you indite.  
You shall be led, where she should lose her breath,  
And there with stones, yourselves be done to death.   

Which doom did much delight, the standers by.  
With great applause, the people do rejoice.  
They clap their hands, and fling their caps on high.  
The roof reflectes, the Echo of their voice.  
While thankful hearts, their eyes to heaven uphoice.  
And tongues pronounce, Our God be praised ever,  
Which helpeth his and doth for sake them never.   

These judges thus disgraded, from their states.  
The multitude with readiness, doth run,  
To do that doom, on these condemned mates,  
They to acquitted Susan, would have done.  
While zeal would act, what wrong had ill beegonne.  
Thus careless commons, right or wrong support.  
When they are swayed, as sovereigns do exhort.   

For as in man, when vapours vex the brains,  
The giddy head, doth feel a whirling fit.  
So fickle heads, to feed superiors veins,  
(When as affection, holds the seat of wit)  
Sway to and fro, as ruling vapours flit.  
If they say yea, an yea doth answer stand,  
If they say no, a no is priest at hand.   

And yet (sometimes though sotted with content  
That every act doth seem, to breed their case)  
Some while (when wayward vapours gets a vent)  
A toy (the least occasion doth displease)  
While thoughts do ebb, and flow like surging sear.  
For who so deals, with multitudes he finds,  
In many heads, a multitude of minds.   

While hearts do harbour, heaps of homely toys,  
And heads are fraught, with Chaos of conceits,  
There comes continual trade, of changing joys.  
Which barter novelties, for elder feats.  
As changing time, doth offer choice of cheats.  
So those which yesterday, wrought wrong with might.  
Are busied now, in acting of the right.   

For now with hast they hall them from the bar,  
Whom late before, they heaved to the bentch.  
No treaty could, a day their death defer.  
While tears the people's fury, could not quench.  
Which drew them forth, unto the fatal trench.  
And (pinioned) bound them to the stubborn stake,  
Where they their wel-deserved death should take.   

Who living now forlorn (past liffes repair)  
Have not the heart, God's mercy to entreat.  
But rather seek with Saul in deep despair,  
With bloody murdering hands, life to defeat.  
While 'gainst the stake their hands they bawl and beat.  
And mind in vain, their dream their fall their height.  
Who wanted grace, to take God's warning light.   

The pitying people pray, God turn their hearts.  
But when they see, repentance place had none,  
To yield those reprobates, their due deserts,  
The happiest man, doth hurl the heviest stone.  
To make them give, the last life-yeelding groan.  
Which done they part and leave the ded their room.  
And laud the lord, and Daniel for his doom.   

Whom God had made, selected instrument,  
To overthrow these wicked and unjust.  
And save the blood, of this chaste innocent.  
That with stout Constancy resisted lust,  
And did not in distress, defraud her trust.  
But saw her tears, and heard her plainting voice.  
Which made the hearts of thousands to rejoice.   

Amongst the rest (whose hearts sweet comfort cheers)  
Helchia happy man, and his compear,  
(which erst did weep for woe) shed joyful tears.  
When joachim's joy, had past this plunging fear.  
And kinsfolks clouded eye, shone bright and clear.  
All with sweet notes consent, in Susan's name,  
Praise God, that had preserved her from defame.   

But chiefly she (like lark on mounting wings)  
While inward zeal▪ breaks out in open sight.  
Triumphing in her tunes, most sweetly singes,  
The praise of God, his mercy, and his might,  
That did relive her wretch and wronged wight.  
And justly judge her foes, the death to die.  
That would entomb her fame, in infamy   

Yea while her silent heart, doth thanks record,  
Her restless notes, do reach beyond the sky.  
Whose endless joy, was in her gracious Lord.  
To him in hymns, and tuned psalmody.  
(Which did transmute, her moans to melody)  
she gives the glory of her victories,  
As David when he foiled his enemies.   

The mighty Lord (saith she)  
Is my defence and might.  
My king my guide, my God;  
My champion, for to fight.  
The combat of my truth and conscience trial.  
He is my Anchorhold,  
My refuge, rest, and port.  
My horn of saving health,  
and eke my strongest fort.  
'Gainst whose command, there standeth no denial.   

When overflowing floods,  
Of raging fierce despite.  
And great command, of Lords  
And men of power and might,  
With dreadful threats of death, did make me quiver.  
I did implore his aid,  
In deepness of distress.  
Who heard my just complaint,  
And wrought my due redress.  
He sent me aid, and did my soul deliver.   

On him therefore I will,  
In danger cry and call.  
Who can both here and help,  
(He here's and helpeth all)  
He (none but he) is worthy to be praised.  
deaths swallowing sorrows hemmed,  
Me round on every side.  
With renting pains of hell,  
In danger to have died.  
But he my life, from ravening grave hath raised.   

He from my strongest foes,  
Hath set me captive free.  
Because he had a love,  
And favour unto me.  
Whom cunningly they sought to have prevented.  
But while he held me up,  
I could not sway nor serve.  
They sought in vain to spill,  
The thing he did preserve.  
And so to late (their labour lost) repent.   

By him I made escape,  
From hands of tyrants stout.  
His power did put them down,  
And help his handmaid out.  
That power also, will strongly keep them under.  
He trampleth with his feet,  
Bold traitors that rebel.  
He makes their hurtful tongues,  
Their own destruction tell.  
Thus for his saints, he acteth works of wonder.   

Whose works are all divine,  
Whose mercies manifold.  
His ways past finding out,  
his word as finest gold.  
His judgement just, his providence unspotted.  
O let thine arm O Lord,  
My feeble hand sustain.  
O let thy holy sprite,  
Within my heart remain,  
O let thy love be still to me allotted.   

I look with wakeful eyes,  
Unto thine holy laws.  
Thy statutes are my staff,  
And stay in every cause.  
To do thy will, my will I find affected.  
That which I see is ill,  
And hateful in thy sight,  
That do I seek to shun,  
And fly with main and might,  
Lest that my soul, by sin should be infected.   

Thou art a living God,  
O blessed be thou my king.  
Which hast thy servant freed,  
From tempting Satan's sting.  
And reared my fame on high (by wicked wronged)  
And hast confounded them,  
That sought my greatest ill,  
By working of my heart,  
Unto a wicked will.  
To act such lewd designs, as lust had longed.   

They fought to end my life,  
And gave me doom to die.  
Because my holy faith,  
I would not falsify.  
Pretending right; they work what wrong them listed.  
They used power to put,  
Integrity to shame.  
And meant an innocent,  
To bury in defame.  
Hadst thou not (Lord) their judgement false resisted.   

Thus hast thou been (my God)  
Most merciful to me.  
Not won by my desert,  
But of thy mercy free.  
My works (I know) deserve to be rejected,  
But thy kind promise made,  
To help the godly hearts,  
Doth bind thee more than all,  
Our deeds or good deserts,  
To keep, protect, and save, thy saints elected.   

Therefore I will sown forth,  
Thy praise to every ear.  
And show thine endless power,  
To nations far and near,  
To Satan's and his kingdoms, great confusion.  
I have been, am, and will  
Remain thine handmaid still.  
Mine heart, my thoughts, mine eyes,  
Shall wait upon thy will.  
This is my vow, and settled resolution.   

Thus did she spend, her following time of life,  
In heaven's contemplation, and delight.  
And lived long, a joyous happy wife,  
Of passing carriage, and a worthy wight,  
A foe to fraud, and fastest friend to right.  
Who living in the world, no worldling was,  
But priest to bring a world of good to pass.   

And as a bird, escaped from the gin,  
Thinks every bended twig, to be a trap;  
So she, that dangerously, had snared been,  
(With true remembrance of her former hap)  
surveys her steps, to shun each afterclap.  
And fears to give a fawning eye good grace,  
In old, or young, in noble, or in base.   

At length when age, had plotted life's decay;  
And sickness wrought, in weakness more and more.  
And that she thought, death had no long delay.  
She called her children, taught in godly lore,  
And did bestow these precepts kept in store.  
Who come in place (with duteous loving hearts)  
She thus to them, her careful mind imparts.   

Dear children cease, with sad lamenting grief,  
And malancholicke moans, to wail my state.  
Your sobbing hearts do yield me no relief,  
But vexing torments in my heart innate.  
Leave then, for plaints and tears are not in date.  
No, no, if they could life in body hold;  
We aye would weep, we would buy tears for gold.   

But vain it is to kick against a prick:  
And sin to take Gods scourge impatiently.  
My debt to death, to pay I must not stick,  
For why, you know that all are borne to die,  
Then must I yield, for there's no remedy;  
And pay my due that I to nature own,  
For time requires, and God will have it so.   

The strongest Lion, stoops to conquering death,  
The aged oak, at length doth change his hue.  
In time the long lived Phoenix, loseth breath,  
Thrice aged Enoch, yields to nature's due.  
Sith then 'tis so, and what I say is true.  
And time doth try that all things must decay,  
Then sure I know, I have not long to stay.   

Therefore mark well, the counsel that I give,  
Revolve it in your minds (my children dear)  
For it shall most prevail (if that you live)  
When friends and worldly goods you have not here,  
First worship God, and to his laws give ear.  
Set him your lodestar, and your lamp of light,  
His laws the line to lead your lives aright.   

Use diligence, in doing of your duties,  
To those superiors (rulers over you)  
Do good to all, bend thereto all your studies.  
Sing not the Sirens song, that proves untrue,  
Though trothless Absalon, be fair in view,  
With jonathan, do faithful still remain,  
Eat Ismaels' bloody tears, and subtle brain.   

Play not the cowards in your country's good,  
Spend in her cause, your dearest breath and wealth.  
And though prosperity hath you withstood,  
And frowning world denies gal-sugred pelf,  
Be not dismayed, esteem your heavenly health.  
For that shall yield you comfort in distress,  
When world and friends, have left you comfortless.   

Fly still aspiring minds, yet seek renown,  
Win it by virtue, and by manly might.  
Frank not rebellious flesh, but keep it down.  
Like not those painted dames that do delight,  
lilies are fowl in smell, though fair in sight.  
And though they 'tice with baits, with tears, with moans,  
Yet mind, that painted tombs, have rotten bones.   

My sons if you must live, in wedlock bands,  
Love for virtue, and like the modest chaste.  
Set neither fading beauty, goods nor lands,  
Before that hue, that in the heart is placed.  
Be never prodigal, your goods to waist..  
Learn with the busy ant, the way to live,  
Spare not to much, but do by sparing thrive.   

If you with children's store, be blest of God,  
His richest gifts account that pretty crew.  
instruct and bring them up, to fear the rod,  
With those precepts your parents taught to you,  
Though all things want, let them not want this due.  
For sure (my sons) it is not said for nought,  
Better unborn, then borne to live untaught.   

Esteem the wavering world as it is,  
Where swiftest time, brings all things to decay.  
Esteem yourselves, here void of joys and bliss,  
And think each morrow, is your ending day,  
Desire of God on earth not long to stay.  
Where nought but sin, & grief doth reign (be bold)  
And nought is got, but sin in waxing old.   

The little babe once coming to the birth,  
Is borne as bare, and naked as my nail.  
The puling wretch his woeful state on earth,  
With tongue, and teeres, new born doth weep and wail.  
To see his soul shut up, in sinful gail.  
And swaddled limbs, fast fettered round about.  
Like captive wretch, that no way findenth out.   

His childish actions all, unperfect are,  
To sit, to eat, to speak, to stand, to go,  
The child is taught and nursed up with care,  
And pampered eke with pain, and wakeful woe,  
He proves the pikes, of many a pang also.  
With furious foes, he hath continual war,  
His flesh this world and raging fiend they are.   

His life is like, the raging seas recoil,  
His choicest things, are in event but vain,  
His wealth is want, his rest is restless toil,  
His health mishap, and all his pleasures pain,  
His chief companions linked in one chain.  
Are hopeless hope, deep danger, care and fear,  
While dying life, doth daily dread the bear.   

He often times (beset with deep distress)  
Doth call for death, before his dying day.  
And dead man like, by sleeping in excess,  
Doth spend the half, of precious time away,  
The rest misspent in idleness or play.  
Or spent to serve our own occasions so,  
As lest we care, where God have part or no   

Thus man is made, the pray and spoil of time,  
A type of mis'rie and mishap (God woat)  
A sink of sinfull-sin, an heap of crime.  
A ship that still on billowing waves doth float  
When age comes on, than all his senses dote.  
He waxeth deaf, his eyes with dazing dim.  
His teeth corrupt, he hath no lively limb.   

Can such a dying man, be said to live?  
What kind of life? what living call you this?  
No life but death, a shade that life doth give.  
For perfect life, by death obtained is.  
Why then do mortal worldlings go amiss?  
Why love they life why do they death detest?  
Which sets them free from ill, and bringeth rest:   

Hence learn (poor hearts) your life uncertain is.  
Still heaps of harms, are hover on your head.  
Keep these my words, and fear to do amiss.  
More would I say, but life is partly fled.  
Whom death (with silly triumph) doth down tread;  
Far well (sweet joys) sometimes my hearts delight  
The ground my corpses, to God I yield my spirit    

Epilogus.  
Thus here you see, how God preserveth his:  
And those that do them iniurize, confowndeth.  
Hence may you learn, what 'tis to live amiss.  
What falls to him, that with proud sin abowndeth.  
That he which steadfast hope, in God's help growndeth  
'Gainst him not hell, nor hell hounds shall preveile.  
For God will help, when help of man doth fail,  
FINIS.   

Faults escaped.  
In foll, 4. Page. 1. make content malcontent, 5. 1. surely surly, 15, 1. maiden birth, m●ide● earth, 15, 2. married wise, married wife. 18, 1. mu, mourn, 23, 1. faice fair, 23, 2. thus this, 30, 2. that those: thus etc. 37, 1. repeat replete, 40, 2. this these, 42, 2. smallow s●●llow, 46, 1▪ ●heethey.