To the Honourable Ladies of ENGLAND.  

Ladies, in Elder times your sex did need,  
Knighthood's true valour to defend your rights,  
Of admirable actions we do reed,  
Have been achieved in cruel bloody Fights.  
Fell ugly Serpents were destroyed and slain,  
Strange monsters mangled, Giants hewed in twain.   

But who deserved more in such enterprise,  
Then worthy English, bred where we are borne?  
Such as did ease and idleness despise,  
For Armour more than Silk by them was worn.  
These were the Champions that for Lady's good,  
Would bleed as long as they had drops of blood.   

Such was Sir Guy, whose story here we tell,  
Valour's renowned honourable man:  
He loved your kind (in heart) exceeding well,  
How can you choose but love his legend then?  
Bestow the Reading of it if you please:  
'Gainst melancholy, that same dull disease.   
S. ROWLANDS,   

The Argument.  
GVy of Warwick (Son to Earl Rohands Steward) in blooming youth of Nature's spring, fell in Love with the Earls fair Daughter Phelice, whose disdaining of him, in that he was but a mean Gentleman, and not by Birth answerable to her Honourable estate, did afflict his cormented mind with most distressed passions, till in a vision Cupid presents her with the Picture of Mars, enjoining her to love Guy as the admired Champion of Christendom: Upon this she yields affection, on condition of Adventures: which to achieve he departs into France, and shortly returns with Trophies of victory and prizes of Honour: But Phelice not satisfied therewith, he leaves England again, performing in foreign Countries wonderful acts: then returning, marries his Love, whom after Forty days he leaves, departing on Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, effecting in that journey many strange things: Then supposed to be Dead, comes back disguised and outworn to memory, and Fights a combat for King Athelstone, killing Colbrond the Giant of Denmark, freeing thereby the Kingdom from invasion. After that, life's obscurely in a Cave, and comes for Alms to his own Castle, not revealing himself till the hour of his Death, and then he sent his Lady a Ring, by which token she known her Husband, and came most woefully to close up his eyes, dying herself shortly after him for very grief and extreme sorrow.   
The Famous History, of Guy Earl of WARWICK.  


In Nature's green unmellowed years,  
Cupid tormenteth Guy,  
Inthrals his heart to Phelice Love  
By object of the eye.   
Canto. 1.  

WHen dreadful Mars in Armour every Day,  
Loved stately juno and Bellona best,  
Before he knew the Court where Venus lay;  
For than he took himself to ease and rest.  
When all his thoughts, unto the proof were steeled,  
And all his actions managed for the Field.   

A Knight of his (a worthy Englishman,)  
That went like him, clad in an Iron Coat,  
In Warwick with the worlds applaud began,  
To be a man of admirable note.  
Such was the Valour he ascended by,  
That Pagans trembled at the Name of Guy.   

This man composed of courage full of spirit,  
Of hard adventures, and of great designs,  
To fight with Giants took a chief delight,  
Or search some Cave that Monster undermines,  
Meet with a Boar to make a bloody fray,  
Or Combat with a Dragon, by the day.   

Yet ere he entertained his Love to arms,  
He grew devoted to the Queen of Love:  
Attempting Beauties fort with fierce alarms,  
The victory of such a prize to prove,  
As elder times before could ne'er enjoy,  
A sweeter face than lost old Priam Troy.   

Fair Phelice, equal match to Cupid's Mother,  
A curious Creature, and the Kingdom's pride,  
All spacious Britain had not such another,  
For glorious Beauty, and good parts beside,  
Twixt her and Vulcan's wife no odds were known,  
But Venus had a mole, and she had none.   

For most directly she had Venus' hair,  
The same high forehead, and attractive eye,  
Her cheeks of Roses mixed with Lilies fair,  
The very lips of perfect Coral dye,  
ivory teeth, a dainty rising Chin,  
A soft touch-pleasing, smooth, and silken skin.   

With all perfections make a peerless Creature,  
From head to foot, she had them every one,  
Mirror she was of comeliness and feature,  
An English Phoenix, supreme fair alone,  
Whom gazing people censures thus would grace,  
Beauty life's no where but in Phelice face.   

In Phelice face (this object of Guyes sight)  
Were looks of Love, and glances of disdain,  
From thence sometimes his eyes attracts delight,  
From thence anon his heart deriveth pain,  
One while sweet smiles do give encouragement,  
Another time, stern looks work discontent.   

Thus on Love's Seas, tossed by the storms of terror,  
Twixt present calm, and sudden furious blast,  
Resolving Love, yet finding love in error,  
In freedom chained, in liberty bound fast,  
He sighs that Fortune doth so strangely deal,  
To give a wound that Beauty will not heal.   

That Beauty will not heal (quoth he) fond man,  
Thou wrong'st thyself, and thy fair Goddess too,  
By looks to know a Woman's heart, who can?  
And look on her is only all I do,  
I'll take another course more resolute,  
To speak, to write, my honest meanings suit.   

But if I should doeso, what hope have I,  
That she will hear my words or read my Lines?  
She is Earl Rohands heir, and borne too hie,  
To condescend unto my poor designs,  
Though ja Gentleman by Birth am known,  
Earldoms I want, and Lordships I have none.   

Oh! Women are ambitious out of measure,  
They mount aloft upon the wings of Pride,  
And often match more for this worldly Treasure,  
Then any loving cause on earth beside.  
Which makes some wish, rather there were no Gold,  
Then Love for it, should base be bought and sold.   

If such she be (as not be such be rare)  
What will my words, or sighs, or tears prevail?  
I enter then a Labyrinth of care,  
And strive against both wind and tide to Sail,  
A restless Stone with Scisiphus I roll,  
And heap continual torments on my soul.   

Then I attempt to fly with waxed wings,  
Where Phoebus' Chariot burns in brightest flame,  
And shall be censured that in Childish things  
As Love, I have begot eternal shame,  
Rejected and despised in base esteem,  
To th'envious world, I shall no better seem.   

But cease Love's coward, banish thoughts of fear▪  
Be resolute, and good access attend thee:  
Phelice of force a loving heart must bear,  
If he that shoots love's Darts of gold, befriend  
And by no reason he can be thy Foe,  
Because thou lov'st his Mother's picture so.   

I am resolved, go on to Phelice Bower,  
And from as true a heart as Flesh can yield,  
Entreat her hear me in a blessed hour,  
And with kind pity all my sorrow's shield,  
To look upon me with remorse of mind,  
That holds my life, as her Love is inclined.   

This said, to Warwick Castle he repairs,  
Where the rich jewel of his heart remained:  
Earl Rohand bids him welcome, and prepares  
With Hunting sports, to have him entertained,  
But thereunto unwilling ear he lends,  
And sudden Sickness for excuse pretends.   

The Earl much grieved at this alteration,  
Sent his Physician for to do him good:  
Who told Guy, that his only preservation,  
Consisted in the present letting Blood,  
And that his Body in distemperature,  
Was difficult and very hard to Cure.   

Doctor (quoth Guy) 'tis true, I know as much,  
I find myself to be exceeding ill,  
But there's a Flower, which if I might but touch,  
Would heal me better than my Physics skill.  
'Tis called by a pretty pleasing name,  
And Felix soundeth somewhat near the same.   

Quoth the Physician, Sir I know it not,  
Nor in the Herbal read of such a Flower,  
Yet in this Castle is it to be got  
Said Guy, it grows not fare from yonder Tower,  
I'll find it out myself, Doctor refrain,  
Galen had ne'er the Art to cure my pain.   

Left in his passions to converse with moan,  
As in a Window he did sighing lie:  
In a delightful Garden all alone,  
The Empress of his thoughts he did espy,  
Which to his soul did such rejoicing bring,  
Fear was deposed, and Hope was crowned King.   

Now is the time (quoth he) fair Fortunes sun,  
Shines favourable on my gloomy cares,  
Now may I end the grief that Love begun,  
And boldly ask good hap, how well she fares:  
Now will I enter yonder pleasant shade,  
To court the worlds admired beauteous Maid.   

Pheltce I come, assist me Cupid now,  
Prepare an Arrow ready for my Bow,  
I never went a wooing: teach me how  
Good action with good speech I may bestow,  
But above all things, gentle Cupid move her:  
That she believe me, when I swear I Love her.   

With speed unto the Garden than he goes,  
Where one of Phelice Damsels lets him in,  
And in a curious Arbour of repose,  
Finds Cytherea with her silver skin.  
Whom he salutes with grace and majesty,  
Beholding her with Love's enchanting eye.   

Fairest (quoth he) of all the works of Nature,  
Whose equal never breathed this common air,  
More wonderful than Earth can yield a creature,  
For every part belonging unto fair,  
Immortal creature of Celestial frame,  
Eternal honour still attend thy Name.   

I come to thee about the like poor suit,  
That once Leander came to Hero with:  
Hoping to reap thereby more lively fruit,  
Then Mars attained when he deceived the Smith,  
'Tis only Love that I with heart present,  
'Tis only Love must give my soul content.   

Incline sweet Lady to mine humble motion,  
Compassionate the grief that I endure:  
Regard my life that rests at thy devotion,  
With pity take my dying heart in cure,  
O let it not in groaning torments swell,  
And break in twain, because it love's thee well.   

Great Princes love thee, this I knew before,  
And deeds of Honour for thy Name have done▪  
But neither King, nor Prince, can love thee more,  
Then doth poor Guy thy Father's Stewards Son,  
His Love to thee is so inestimable,  
To countervail it, all they are not able.   

Phelice thus interrupts his protestation;  
No more of Love, cease gentle youth (quoth she)  
I have a mind framed of another fashion,  
Virginity shall live and dye with me,  
Love is composed of Idleness and play,  
And leads to vain delights, delights that stray.   

Besides, it ill beseems thee be so bold.  
Inferior and unfit for my Degree:  
And if unto my Father this were told,  
I know it would procure reproof to thee,  
The Proverb in this point might make thee wise,  
That Princely Eagles, scorn the catching Flies.   

And with this answer she departeth thence,  
Leaving poor Guy worse vexed then before:  
For now in deep despair of recompense,  
He never doth expect Love's comfort more,  
But unto sorrow, sighs and tears doth give,  
Wishing each day the last he had to live.    


Guy, in strange passions for his Love,  
Great torments doth endure:  
Till Phelice sees a vision, and  
Doth yield her patiented cure.   
Canto. 2.  

WIth tired thoughts remains this woeful wight  
Distracted in his melancholy mind,  
Partaking nothing that contains delight,  
All things are harsh, distasteful, out of kind.  
Phelice denies him Love, whose sound of breath,  
Is like the judge that dooms a man to Death.   

Like to Orestes in his frantic fits,  
He tore the golden tresses from his head:  
Or mad Orlando quite deprived of wits,  
From whom the use of sense and reason fled,  
So fares it with this Love-tormented man,  
Whose raging thoughts into disorder ran.   

Society he shuns, and keeps alone,  
Accusing Destiny, and cursing Beauty,  
He hates himself and is a friend to none,  
Beyond the limits of all Love and Duty:  
Venus (quoth he) how are thy laws forgot,  
Thus to afflict him that offends thee not?   

What is the cause I am rejected thus?  
Who interrupts my Love to Beauty's mirror?  
I'll drag him hence, to roaring Erebus,  
There to be plunged in Eternal terror,  
I'll to Ioues Court, and there with shouts and cries,  
Make such a clangor as shall rend the skies,   

Shall I be cozened as Orpheus was?  
Assist me Theseus to revenge this wrong,  
Where's Rhadamant that justice cannot pass?  
Eurydice is sold even for a Song:  
Fiends, Furies, Goblins, Hidra's, for a fall,  
I am prepared to manage with you all.   

I'll mount upon the back of Pegasus,  
And in bright Phoebus' flames myself will wrap:  
Then will I tumble windy Aeolus,  
To sleep in Thetis watery Crystal lap.  
From thence I'll post unto the torrid Zone,  
To find which way fair Phelice Love is gone.   

jason had luck to win the Golden-fleece,  
I like the Skin, but for the Horns I care not:  
Fair Helen was a waggish wench of Greece,  
Bold Mars will venture, bashful Venus dare not.  
Trust a fair face? Not I, let him that list,  
What's Hercules without a Club in's fist?   

Thus for a time his senses were deprived,  
Being left by Love as blind as Cupid's eyes,  
Till reason to perfections state revived,  
And extreme passions ceased to tyrannize:  
For in a Vision Phelice did descry,  
The power of Love, and yields her heart to Guy.   

By Morpheus possessed of quiet sleep,  
In dead of night when Visions do appear,  
The heart tormenter, he that pierceth deep,  
And maketh Lovers by their bargaives dear,  
Sends from his bow a shaft with golden head,  
And woundeth Phelice in her Maiden bed.   

Before her he presents a Martial wight,  
Clad all in Armour, for encounters fit,  
And says; sweet Virgin Love this man of might,  
Give him thy Heart, for he doth merit it,  
For Valour, Courage, comely shape, and Limb:  
The world hath not a Champion like to him.   


Fair Phelice in a Vision,  
Entertains the Love of Guy,  
Jnjoining him Adventures strange,  
His manly force to try.    

Great honour Lady thou shalt gain hereby,  
T'adorn thy Noble and renowned Birth:  
He shall aspire unto such Majesty,  
His Name will be a terror on the Earth,  
He shall become a Champion unto Kings,  
And by the Sword perform admired things,   

Be not ambitious that thou art high borne,  
Be not disdainful of a mean estate,  
Be not defiled with the brand of scorn,  
Be not too proud that thou art Beauty's mate,  
For 'tis in vain to strive against my Bow,  
If I say Love, it must and shall be so.   

Fix not thy thoughts basely on worldly wealth,  
(Coin should not be foundation unto Love)  
Corrupted hearts it draws away by stealth,  
These money-matches cannot happy prove,  
For as the goods of Fortune doth decay,  
So love which they beget consumes away.   

I know how Pluto's golden Treasure sways,  
By devillsh and accursed false illusion:  
I know how women's humours now a days,  
Run after riches to their own Confusion,  
I see the Peassant of most abject life,  
With Gold enough can buy a dainty Wife.   

But Phelice if thou knewest as much as I,  
How base the Gods esteem of such abuses,  
When Beauty sells, and Riches comes to buy,  
Which are not made for one another's uses,  
Thou wouldst scorn that Maidens should be sold,  
As Cattles are, for Silver and for Gold.   

Love must be simple, harmeltsse, pure and plain,  
And take original from true affection,  
It must reciprocal return again,  
Or else it doth discover imperfection.  
Love's inward thoughts concur with outward deeds  
Such as from loyalty and truth proceeds.   

Thy lover comes not for advancement to thee,  
In that thy Father is a worthy Earl,  
It is not Dowry that can cause him woe thee,  
Hadst thou th' Arabian Gold, or Indian Pearl:  
But as great jupiter to Leda came  
For a sweet Face, His purpose is the same.   

Therefore kind Virgin use him kindly well,  
Make much of Guy, embrace him for thine own:  
Afford him Love-roome in thy Heart to dwell,  
Let him no longer live in pensive moan,  
But the next time thou dost behold his face,  
Give him encouragement, with kind embrace.   

And with that word (embrace) he shot, and hit  
The very centre of her tender heart:  
Feeling the wound, she starts awake with it,  
Being taught thereby to pity Lover's smart,  
For Cupid drew his Arrow to the head,  
Because he would be sure she should be sped.   

With that she fetched a sigh, a grievous one,  
And from her eyes a shower of tears did fall:  
Where is (quoth she) the gentle Love-god gone,  
Whose power I find is powerful unto all?  
Oh call him back, my fault I do confess:  
I have in Love been too too pitiless.   

Sweet Boy, solicit for me to thy Mother,  
And at her Altars I will sacrifice:  
From this day forth, I will adore no other,  
No Goddess shall be gracious in mine eyes,  
But she that hath imperious rule and might,  
To lead obdurate hearts to kind delight.   

Compassion now hath worthy conquest made,  
Of that strong fort which did resistance make,  
One shaft had been sufficient to persuade,  
A league for Life, a truce till Death do take:  
Guy more than Life doth Phelice Love prefer,  
Phelice affects Guy dear, as he doth her.   

But unto him her love is yet unknown,  
Though his be made apparent long before:  
He understands not that she is his own,  
He feels no salve applied unto his sore,  
Till forced by passions, and constrained laments▪  
A second suit, he boldly thus presents.   

Phelice, I was arraigned long ago,  
And now I look for judgement at thy hand:  
I have been Prisoner in a jail of woe,  
So long, that speedy sentence I demand,  
Oh speak unto me, either Life or Death:  
For I am tired with my vital breath.   

If kindness dwell in that fair shape of thine,  
Express it with (I Love:) if none there be,  
Then say, I cannot unto Love incline,  
And so thou makest a quick dispatch with me,  
Censure me sudden, either smile or frown,  
I will not live thus for this Kingdom's Crown.   

Phelice replied, 'tis not at my dispose,  
To fashion Love without my friends consent,  
What would you wish me to be one of those,  
That are to Parents disobedient?  
Shall fond affection overrule the will,  
And do you good to be accounted ill?   

You know my Father's greatness in the Land,  
And if he should (as there's no other like)  
The love of one too mean for me withstand,  
How could we bear the stroke, disgrace would strike  
Nothing but death could make my sorrow sweet,  
And shame would wrap me in a winding-sheet.   

Doubt not of Father in this case (quoth he)  
For Warwick's Earl (that honourable man)  
Shall see such deeds of valour done by me,  
To have dislike he neither will nor can:  
Enjoin me what adventures thou thinkest good,  
That wounds and scars, may let my body blood.   

Why then (quoth she) Guy make thy valour shine  
Throughout the world, as glorious as the Sun,  
My heart, my soul, my life, my love, is thine,  
When deeds of honour by thy hand are done.  
Make thyself famous by a martial life,  
And then take Phelice for thy lawful wife.   

I ask no more (said he) to gain thy Love,  
I shall esteem it bought at easy rate:  
Oh that I were at work my task to prove,  
With Hercules or some such churlish mate!  
Phelice farewell, this kiss thou givest me,  
Shall make a number kiss the ground for thee.    


From England Guy to France doth go,  
Where deeds of Annes are done:  
And thence returns Triumphantly,  
With all the Prizes won.   
Canto. 3.  

Enlarged from sorrows thraldom, by Hope's bail,  
Guy arms his thoughts with Honour's enterprise:  
Imbarkes himself, and into France doth sail,  
Leaving fair England, where his comfort lies:  
He seeks for enemies, he longs for foes,  
And now desires to be a dealing blows,   

In Normandy arrived, he understands,  
That there was Warlike business to be dove  
For valiant Knights, of diverse Christian Lands,  
The race of Valour did intent to run,  
A great adventure was propounded there,  
Which news was music to his greedy ear.   

The Prize that drew them all unto that place,  
Was Daughter to the Almane Emperor,  
Fair Blanch, with such a wondrous heavenly face,  
It had attractive Beauty, full of power.  
In her, such graces did unite together,  
The Worthies of the world came posting thither.   

Who won the Damsel (it was thus decreed)  
By manly Courage and victorious might,  
Should have her mounted on a milk-white Steed,  
Two Grayhounds and a Falcon all as white▪  
This was his Lot that could attain the Day,  
To bear the Honour and the Maid away.   

Our English Knight prepares him for the Field,  
Where Kings were present, Princes did repair,  
Where Dukes and Earls a great assembly held,  
About the Face that was so wondrous fair,  
Though only one must speed, and hundreds miss,  
Yet each man there imagin's Blanch is his.   

The spacious Field where they assembled were,  
Hardly afforded room, for Armed crowds,  
The golden glittering Armour that was there,  
Did dart the Sunbeams back unto the Clouds.  
The pampered Horses proudly stamped the ground,  
To hear the clangor of the Trumpets sound.   

A German Prince of an undaunted spirit,  
A first and very fierce Encounter gave  
Unto an Earl, whose Valour did requite,  
With blow for blow, as resolutely brave,  
Till by a stroke the Earl received on's head,  
He was unhorsed, falling to ground for dead.   

Then Guy came forth with courage to the Prince,  
And deals with him as Hercules would do:  
Like force he never felt before nor since,  
Such hard extremes he ne'er was put unto.  
Just where himself had laid the Earl in swound:  
There down comes he, both horse & man to ground.   

Duke Otton seeing this, was in a rage,  
And desperate humour did incense him so,  
He vowed by Heavens nothing should assuage  
His fury, but the Death of the proud foe.  
Prepare thee Fight to breathe thy last (quoth he)  
Monster, Devil, or whatsoever thou be.   

They join together by a dreadful fight,  
The spinters' fly, and clattering Armous sounds:  
The dust ascendeth up▪ and blinds their sight,  
The blood allays it streaming from their wounds:  
Both their Swords broke, they light, and on his back,  
Guy threw the Duke, that even his bones did crack.   

Duke Ranier would revenge his Cousin then,  
And for encounter he prepareth next:  
Quoth Guy, I find y'are wretches and no men,  
That with a blow or fall so soon be vexed,  
But come and welcome, I am for you all,  
We say in England, The weakest must to wall.   

They rush together that the ground did shake,  
While animating Trumpets sound alarm,  
In Raniers shoulder Guy a wound did make,  
Whereby he lost the use of his right arm,  
Yielding himself as others did before,  
Unable once to wield his weapon more.   

Then for a while all stood amazed at Guy,  
And not a man was forward to proceed,  
Till Lovaines' Duke his Fortunes went to try,  
Having good hope that he should better speed,  
Well mounted, and well armed, he fair did sit,  
On a proud Steed, that ill endured the bit.   

I think (quoth he) thou some Enchanter art,  
That hast the force of Magic in thine arm,  
I'll teach thee to believe ere we depart  
Quoth Guy, for thou shalt feel that I can charm,  
I'll conjure thee even with an Iron spell:  
My Sword shall send thee unto Heeven or Hell.   

With that he lent him such a cruel stroke,  
That th'other did return a weak reply,  
With second and a third his Helmet broke,  
Hold, hold (quoth he) I'll rather yield then dye.  
Fight for a Woman! He that list for me:  
I think the Devil cannot deal with thee.   

Then Guy came forth with courage to the Prince,  
And deals with him as Hercules would do:  
Like force he never felt before nor since,  
Such hard extremes he ne'er was put unto.  
Just where himself had laid the Earl in swound:  
There down comes he, both horse & man to ground.   

Duke Otton seeing this, was in a rage,  
And desperate humour did incense him so,  
He vowed by Heavens nothing should assuage  
His fury, but the Death of the proud foe.  
Prepare thee Fight to breathe thy last (quoth he)  
Monster, Devil, or whatsoever thou be.   

They join together by a dreadful fight,  
The spinters' fly, and clattering Armous sounds:  
The dust ascendeth up; and blinds their sight,  
The blood allays it streaming from their wounds:  
Both their Swords broke, they light, and on his back,  
Guy threw the Duke, that even his bones did crack.   

Duke Ranier would revenge his Cousin then,  
And for encounter he prepareth next:  
Quoth Guy, I find y'are wretches and no men,  
That with a blow or fall so soon be vexed,  
But come and welcome, I am for you all,  
We say in England, The weakest must to wall.   

They rush together that the ground did shake,  
While animating Trumpets sound alarm,  
In Raniers shoulder Guy a wound did make,  
Whereby he lost the use of his right arm,  
Yielding himself as others did before,  
Unable once to wield his weapon more.   

Then for a while all stood amazed at Guy,  
And not a man was forward to proceed,  
Till Lovaines' Duke his Fortunes went to try,  
Having good hope that he should better speed,  
Well mounted, and well armed, he fair did sit,  
On a proud Steed, that ill endured the bit.   

I think (quoth he) thou some Enchanter art,  
That hast the force of Magic in thine arm,  
I'll teach thee to believe ere we depart  
Quoth Guy, for thou shalt feel that I can charm,  
I'll conjure thee even with an Iron spell:  
My Sword shall send thee unto Heaven or Hell.   

With that he lent him such a cruel stroke,  
That th'other did return a weak reply,  
With second and a third his Helmet broke,  
Hold, hold (quoth he) I'll rather yield then dye.  
Fight for a Woman! He that list for me:  
I think the Devil cannot deal with thee.   

Than not a man that would encounter more,  
They all were terrified and stood in fear:  
And in a rage amongst themselves they swore,  
What, shall a Stranger all the Honour bear  
Of this great Day? what cursed fortune's this,  
That all the glory of the Field is his?   

Amongst themselves his happiness they cursed,  
In envies heat, not knowing what to do,  
They could have killed him, but that no man durst,  
Put his own life in hazard thereunto.  
If wishes might have done it, he had died,  
But fight with him, not any could abide.   

The Emperor, for Guy, a Knight did send,  
Ask his Name and Birth-place, which he told:  
Then said his Majesty, I much commend  
Thy haughty Courage, resolutely bold,  
Brave Englishman, that art thy Country's pride,  
In Europe life's not such a man beside.   

I do admire thy worth, thy Valour's great,  
To speak thy praise my tongue will not suffice,  
Ascend to Honours just deserved seat,  
That art a second Hector in mine eyes,  
This Day thy worthy hand hath shown me more,  
Then in my Life I ever saw before.   

Come and receive thy due desert from me,  
My Daughter's Love is free at thy dispose,  
The Grayhounds, Steed, and Falcon, take to thee,  
Thy worthiness doth merit more than those.  
Hold, here's a jewel, wear it for my sake:  
Which I a witness of my Love do make.   

Guy thanked his Highness for his gracious favour,  
And vowed him service while his life did last,  
Then to the Princess with a mild behaviour,  
A reverend, humble, modest look he cast:  
Saying fair Lady, Fortune is my friend,  
That doth such Beauty to my Lot extend.   

Madame accept your loyal English Knight,  
To do true service when you please command it,  
Who while he hath a drop of Blood, will fight  
In your behalf, against who dare withstand it.  
To be your Husband is degree too hie,  
'Tis grace sufficient, call me servant Guy.   

In England doth my marriage Love remain,  
To whom I must and will be true for ever:  
About whose face Nature hath taken such pain,  
I durst have sworn flesh could have matched it never,  
But now I find (that curiously have eyed her)  
There is a Phoenix in the world beside her.   

And that's yourself: I, dare the world deny it,  
But which is fairest, eyes cannot decide,  
No humane judgement in the world can try it,  
Who hath most beauty, Blanch or my fair bride:  
I dare be bold to call you beauties twins,  
And Venus, blackamoor to both your skins   

Oh Phelice here's thy picture in this Princess,  
methinks though art present in her lonely look▪  
Thou that of my soul's faculties art Mistress,  
Recorded in Time's brasen-leaved book,  
To thee if I prove false or be misled,  
Ioues fearful vengeance light upon my head.   

Quoth Blanch, thy constancy (and sighed deep)  
Is highly to be praised, thou dost well:  
He that Loves-promise will not faithful keep,  
In horror and in torments let him dwell.  
But I suppose thy vows are yet to make,  
And so what thy sword won, thy heart may take.   

What I avouch is truth the heavens knows,  
My protestations are above the skies:  
Madam, the Sun declines, day ancient grows,  
I'll take my leave of you in humble wise,  
My body is unto repose inclined,  
Although no rest be in my troubled mind.   

My troubled mind's in Warwick Castle now,  
Although my Body be in Normandy:  
Hear I make others bend, there do I bow,  
And lowly as the humble ground do lie,  
Even at Love's feet I cast myself to ground,  
Though victory my temples here hath Crowned.   

I cannot stay, I must to England back,  
My mind mis-gives me Phelice is not well,  
Like my sad thoughts my Armour shall be black,  
I'll suit me in a mournful Iron shell:  
For where the mind meets with suspicious cares,  
Distrust is ever dealing doubtful shares.   

Yet I have much good Fortune on my side,  
That know the means how to attain my bliss:  
For Phelice Love is to conditions tied,  
And I do trust she is mine own by this,  
By this she may, but if she more require,  
There's nothing in the world I will deny'er.   

With hasty journey he is homeward bound,  
Leaving the vulgar to their Nine days wonder:  
Arriving safely on the English ground,  
Posting to her, supposed too long a sunder,  
Whom with more joy his cheerful looks behold  
Then can by Pen, or Lines of Ink be told.   


In France all Knights of Christendom,  
To win a Princess, meet:  
Guy Conquers all and wins the Prize,  
Then doth his Goddess greet.     


With the rewards of Victory,  
Guy doth his Love present:  
But Phelice is not satisfied,  
Him forth again she sent.   
Canto. 2.  

IN the supposed Haven of repose,  
Hope casteth Anchor for his Bark to ride,  
With kind salute unto his Love he goes,  
Who gives embracements and all things beside  
Befits affection, all such compliments,  
As Love can look for, gracious she presents.   

Fair so (quoth Guy) I come to challenge thee,  
For there's no men that I can meet, will fight,  
I have been where a crew of Cowards be,  
Not one that dare maintain a Lady's right,  
Good proper fellows of their tongue and tall,  
That let me win a Princess from them all.   

Phelice, this Sword has won an Emperor's Daughter,  
As sweet a wench as lives in Europe's space:  
At price of blows, and bloody wounds I bought her,  
Well worth my bargain; but thy better face  
Hath made me leave her to some other Lot,  
For I protest by Heavens I love her not.   

This stately Steed, this Falcon and these Hounds,  
I took, as in full payment of the rest:  
For I will keep my Love within the bounds  
That do enclose the compass of my breast,  
My Constancy to thee is all my care,  
Leaving all other Women as they are.   

But sweet heart tell me shall I have thee now?  
Wilt thou consent the Priest shall do his part▪  
Art thou resolved still to keep thy vow?  
Is none but I half with thee in thy Heart?  
Canst thou forsake the world, change Maiden life,  
And help thy faithful Lover to a Wife?   

Quoth Phelice, worthy Knight, my joys are great,  
To understand thy honourable deeds:  
It seems some were in such a bloody sweat,  
Their Valour, Fame, and reputation bleeds,  
I give thee humble thankes that for my sake,  
Such hard adventures didst vouchsafe to take.   

To win a Princess was a precious prize,  
But sure me thinks if I had been Sir Guy,  
She should have found more favour in mine eyes,  
Then take a Horse and turn a Lady by,  
What, is a Horse, a Falcon, and a Hound,  
More worthful than a Lady so renowned?   

Perhaps you'll say 'tis done for Love of me  
I do imagine; nay believe it so:  
And though I jest, I will do more for thee,  
Then thou or any but myself doth know,  
I'll never marry while Life's Glass doth run,  
But only thee: Thee, or I'll dye a Nun.   

But give me leave to speak my mind (dear Love)  
Let me lock up my secrets in thy breast,  
I had a Vision did affliction move,  
Cupid came to me in my quiet rest,  
And did command me in his Mother's name,  
To Love thee: thus persuading to the same.   

An armed man (just as I see thee now)  
He set before me speaking to me thus:  
Phelice be gentle-hearted, yielding, bow,  
Do not oppose against the power of us.  
But all thy Love, thy loyalty and truth,  
Bestow it freely on this matchless Youth.   

Throughout the world his Fame shall be admired,  
And mighty men shall tremble at his wrath:  
To end Kings quarrels he shall be required,  
His worthiness shall tread no common path,  
But actions to be feared he shall effect,  
Matters of moment, things of great respect.   

This (in effect) he did to me relate,  
And I have been obedient to his will,  
Now if I would, I know not how to hate,  
Of perfect kindness I am taught the skill:  
Believe me Guy, for if it were not so,  
This secret of my heart thou shouldst not know.   

But now my Love, before thou must possess  
Thy constant Phelice in her Marriage bed,  
Thou must do deeds of greater worthiness,  
Then winning of a Lady with her Steed,  
I'll ever Love thee, though thou ne'er do more,  
But will not grant the use of Love before.   

Not grant me use of Love (quoth he) fair friend?  
Why then of force I must abroad again,  
I will content thee or I'll make an end  
One way or other; slay or else be slain,  
ere I return again into this Realm,  
Thou shalt confess I have fulfilled thy Dream.   

Assist me Heavens as I mean upright,  
For I protest by all the powers Divine,  
No unjust quarrel shall procure me fight,  
To wrong the wronged I will ne'er incline,  
But stand for those that by oppression fall,  
Is Honours venture, be it life and all.   

Come my Bellona do thou gird my Sword,  
Embrace my Armour in thy Ivory arms,  
And such kind kisses as thou canst afford,  
Bestow upon me in the stead of Charms,  
I think upon Ulysses loving Wife,  
How thou art now to imitate her life.   

Farewell my Phelice, health and happiness  
Attend thee ever to thy hearts desire,  
And I beseech God grant thee like success,  
As I resolve my Love to thee entire.  
At my return, when Mars his business ends,  
My comfort is, Hymen will make amends.   

And so unto Earl Rohand he repairs  
And tells him, he is come to take his leave:  
He must seek out where Honour dealeth shares,  
To purchase that which worthy men receive  
At home (says he) my honourable Lord,  
I find that Valour, nothing will afford.   

Therefore I'll search abroad what's to be done,  
From Country unto Kingdom I'll resort,  
By Nature's course my glass hath much to run,  
I well may spare some years for fight sport,  
Of Idleness there's nothing comes but evil,  
I hate a Coward as I hate the Devil.   

Guy (quoth the Earl) thou makest me grieve at this,  
The news is more than I can well endure,  
Thy wished Company so soon to miss,  
When I did make account I had been sure  
Possessed of thee, at thy late travails end,  
And dost thou now journeys of new intent?   

Remain with me, trust not to Fortune's power,  
Though now she have so well and kindly dealt,  
She may allot thee an unlucky hour,  
That instantly her favours so have felt,  
Her courtesies are most unconstant things,  
Believe her not, she dealeth false with Kings.   

Triumphant on her wheel thou now dost sit,  
And with Fame's Trump thy glory doth remain▪  
Oh do not over-rashly hazard it,  
Lost Honour is not easy got again,  
May not one cursed and unhappy blow,  
Betray thy life to thy insulting Foe?   

May not a Monster or a savage Beast,  
At unawares deprive thee of thy breath?  
May not a Tyrant when thou thinkest least,  
Cut off thy course by an untimely death?  
May not a thousand dangers on thee light,  
Where but thyself, thy wronged self mustright?   

(Quoth Guy) my Lord, danger he may not fear,  
That to adventures doth himself dispose,  
He must a mind of resolution bear,  
And think himself too good for all his foes.  
I'll never dread I shall be over-manned,  
While I have hands to Fight, and legs to stand.   

Therefore in humble sort I leave your Honour,  
Wishing all health unto your happy State,  
If Fortune take a frowning mood upon her,  
Why, she shall see I will disdain her hate,  
What Star soever swayed when I was borne,  
I bear a mind will laugh mishap to scorn.    


Guy to the Duke of Louvain goes,  
And joins with him in strength:  
Against the Emperor Reynere,  
Then makes his Peace at length.   
Canto. 5.  

NOw Guy expects a favourable jail,  
Which to his hearts desire he doth attain,  
And with a speedy passage he doth sail,  
To seek Adventures out, in France again,  
Where finding none, from thence away he hies  
To Louvain, where in siege the Emperor lies.   

For Segwin Duke of Lovaines' hap was such,  
At Tournament a Noble man to kill,  
The Emperor's Cousin, whom he loved much,  
And took the Death of him exceeding ill,  
So that a quarrel thereupon arose,  
And war ensu'de betwixt two mighty Foes.   

Thither goes Guy to lend the Duke his aid,  
But in the way an accident befell:  
For by Duke Otton he was false betrayed,  
And's life in question, which he freed well.  
Otton in France before disgraced by Guy:  
Had vowed where ere he met him he should dye.   

And to that end, Sixteen appointed were,  
To lie in Ambush and surprise him so,  
All men of resolution, void of fear,  
That in a Forest did themselves bestow,  
And set on Guy, only with three Knights more:  
The like distress he ne'er was in before.   

Now Gentlemen and loving friends (quoth he)  
Show yourselves English-hearted, rightly bred:  
Hear is some odds, sixteen unto you three,  
But I the fourth will stand you in good stead▪  
You three shall combat six, that's two for one,  
And with the other Ten let me alone.   

Wherewith he drew his Sword and laid about,  
That rattling Armour Echoed in the Sky:  
Dealing so resolute amongst the rout,  
That down they drop on every side and dye.  
Hear lieth one that hath no legs to stand,  
And there another wanting head and hand.   

Guy quickly made dispatch with his half score,  
He was not long in ridding them away,  
But than remained half a dozen more,  
Which two of his most worthy Knights did slay,  
When he perceived them fall, he stamped the ground,  
And uttered forth this fearful angry sound.   

Ah Villains, how my soul abhors his sight,  
For these how my revenging passions strives!  
This bloody deed, with blood I will requite,  
You die for it had each a thousand lives,  
Two slain outright and Heraud wounded too,  
Is the last cursed act that you shall do.   

With force (as 'twere exceeding humane strength)  
He lays upon them, blows to stagger under,  
And brings them breathless to the ground, at length  
C●t all in piecemeal (for the Crows) a sunder:  
There lie (quoth he) and feast Fowls of the air,  
Or feed tho●e savage Beasts that will repair.   

But these sweet Gentlemen that have resigned  
Their dearest lives, even for the Love of me,  
And came from England as their Love inclined,  
Companions in my hardest haps to be,  
I will enter in Honourable wise.  
With best Solemnity I can device.   

From thence unto a Hermit dwelling nigh,  
He road and did commit that charge with care,  
Who did perform the office carefully,  
And Heraud home unto his Cell he bore,  
Who was not dead, though Guy supposed him slain,  
But by the Hermit was restored again.   

Now forth goes Guy, pensive, perplexed, sad,  
Grieving that Destiny so cruel dealt,  
For left alone no company he had,  
To ease the torments that in heart he felt.  
Till travailing along, at last he found,  
A place for Honour, very much renowned.   

There did he meet with Tilt and tournament,  
And entertained both glory and delight,  
There Fortune yielded him her full consent,  
To win the best of every valiant Knight,  
Of all the Worthy men that did resort,  
Not one could match him in Duke Raniers Court.   

Then to the Duke of Milan he repairs,  
Where by his worth he is admired of all:  
And understanding that some great affairs,  
Twixt Segwin Duke of Louvain did befall,  
And th'emperor, Milan he doth forsake,  
And towards Louvain doth his journey take.   

As he doth pass upon the way, he meets  
A Pilgrim, that with travail seemed faint:  
Who in all humane courtesy he greets,  
And with some news entreats him to acquaint,  
His longing ear, he with a sigh or two,  
Said sir, with news I little have to do.   

One thing in all the world is all my care,  
And only that, and nothing else I mind:  
I seek a man, and seek him in despair,  
Because I long have sought and cannot find,  
A man more dear to my soules-love tide,  
Then all the men are in the world beside.   

Why what art thou (quoth Guy) or who is he?  
Of kindness be so kind as tell in brief?  
I am an Englishman of Knight's degree,  
(Quoth Heraud) and the subject of my grief,  
Is loss of one Sir Guy, my Countryman:  
Guy with joys tears lights to embrace him than.   

And art thou living Heraud my dear friend,  
(Quoth he) and kindly took him in his arms?  
Then cheerfully let sorrows all take end,  
And let me know, who cured thee of thy harms?  
The good old Hermit by his skill did save me,  
With wholesome medicines, and salves he gave me.   

Guy did rejoice, and Herauds' joys abound,  
At this so good and happy accident:  
No angry Star in opposition found,  
But each was owner of his own content.  
So posting with good Fortune on their side,  
Unto the Duke of Louvain they do ride.   

The City in distress besieged they find,  
And very small resistance could be made,  
But Segwin was right joyful in his mind,  
That worthy Guy was come unto his aid.  
For now (quoth he) boldly presume I can,  
We have an Honourable valiant man.   

Advise me warlike Knight, what's to be done,  
To free the present danger we are in:  
My Lord (quoth Guy) there's freedom to be won  
Even by a course, myself will first begin,  
Let's issue forth upon them presently,  
Our courages will make the Cowards fly.   

I'll give consent to any thing thou wilt,  
Thy project willingly I do approve:  
Let limb be lost, let Life and blood be spilt,  
All follows thee that comes to me in Love..  
Open the Gates, let's beat them from our walls:  
He lies no lower than the ground, that falls.   

Then suddenly the City they forsake,  
And on the Almains resolutely set,  
Where such a bloody slaughter they did make,  
That many thousand lives paid Death his debt,  
Of thirty Thousand that in Siege there lay,  
Scarce thirty Hundred that escaped away.   

The Emperor at this was much aggrieved,  
And with new Forces gave a new assault:  
Knowing the City could not be relieved,  
And then their strength would weaken by default,  
So comes upon them with a fresh supply,  
Thinking at length to famish them thereby.   

Guy and the Duke upon the walls appear,  
And tells him he shall never win their Town:  
For they can spare his Soldiers much good cheer,  
Throwing them Victuals in abundance down.  
Entreating them if they want more than that,  
To speak, they shall have store to make them fat.   

But now (quoth Guy) your bodies are well fed,  
How do you feel your stomaches to go fight?  
I am afraid you are not rightly bred,  
But dunghills that will sooner crow then bite:  
For still when Cowards do begin a fray,  
Look ere it end to see them run away.   

And so yourselves have lately done we see,  
Your tongs were heard, but hands there's no man feels,  
Most hot to brabble and contend you be,  
But wondrous quick and nimble at your heels,  
We did suspect when you came here to forage,  
We should have been encumbered with your courage.   

But 'tis not so, alas y'are not the men,  
Unless perhaps asleep you should us catch:  
For waking we'll encounter one to ten,  
And never wish to have a better match,  
Have at you once again, sit fast, we come,  
March on my hearts, sound Trumpets, strike up Drum.   

Upon the sudden, with the Foe they be,  
Fight as men that laughed pale Death to scorn:  
Resolved now they would their City free,  
Or never live to see the next day morn.  
Much blood was shed, great store of Life's it cost,  
And on the Almains side the Field was lost.   

The Duke and Guy pursues their foes in chase,  
Who like so many Hares away do fly:  
Wishing that they had wings to mend their pace,  
So sweet is life to them that fear to dye,  
But Fortune in an angry doom decreed,  
Their glory, honour, fame and life should bleed.   

The victors to the City then retired,  
With Trophies of triumphant glory won,  
And all that heard the Action much admired,  
The great Exploit so resolutely done:  
But unto Guy, the Duke all thankes did yield,  
For thou (quoth he) art Caesar of our Field.   

My Lord (quoth Guy) I joy not half so much,  
That we have wrought a freedom by the Sword,  
As I should glory if my hap were such,  
Twixt you and th'emperor to make accord.  
Give me but leave I will endeavour it,  
And put goodwill to a blunt Soldiers wit.   

The Duke consents with thankes, and doth entreat  
Him take a guard of Soldiers forth the Town,  
Danger that seems but little, may prove great,  
I would not have thee wronged for Raniers Crown,  
Go Honourable man, what thou shalt do,  
I'll set my hand, my Heart, my Life thereto.   

Guy goes unto the Emperor, speaks thus:  
High Majesty, all health unto thy Grace,  
And Peace to thee, if thou say Peace to us,  
And Love to thee, if Love thou wilt embrace:  
As we are Christians let us war no more,  
But fight against such as will not God adore.   

We sue not to thee in a servile manner,  
As dreading any power or force thou hast,  
For Victory doth now display his Banner,  
And war yields us a sweet and pleasing taste:  
No cause doth move it, but a Conscience cause,  
To bring the Heathens to religious Laws.   

Speak Raynier, and resolve what wilt thou do,  
With Soldiers brevity my message ends:  
Give me an answer even as brief thereto,  
Shall we be Christian foes, or Christian friends?  
Shall we among ourselves that Name divide?  
Or challenge those that have the same denied.   

Brave Englishman, hadst thou spoke thus before,  
Thousands (quoth he) had lived, which now are slain,  
Earth should have wanted of that slaughtered store,  
Which in her vasty bowels do remain.  
Thou hast prevailed with me, here war shall cease,  
And I embrace thee as a friend of Peace.   

Thy motion tends to Honour (honours Knight)  
And thou shalt live in Fame's immortal praise:  
When thou art buried in eternal night,  
Thy Name shall last the longest length of days▪  
Thou dost the Worthies of the world exceed:  
Blessed be the Country did thy person breed.   

Come go my Liege (quoth Guy) unto the Town,  
And with Duke Segwin there a League renew:  
Our ends shall be to pull the Pagans down,  
That unto CHRIST'S Religion are untrue.  
My greatest joy will be to hear it said,  
This is the best days work that e'er Guy made.    


Guy with a Thousand chosen men,  
Against the Pagans goes:  
And makes them curse that ere they felt  
The force of Christians blows.   
Canto. 6.  

THe power of peace hath vanquished stubborn war,  
And mighty Princes worthily conclude,  
The Sword shall rust in sheath before it jar,  
To be with blood of Innocents' embrued:  
Christians in Name and Action to unite,  
Against unbelieving Infidels to fight.   

●uy with a Thousand men doth take his leave,  
so harken further after Martial news,  
And doth a true intelligence receive,  
That barbarous Pagans, Saracens, and jews,  
Turks and the like, of Mahomet's blind crew,  
In most confused war each other slew.   

To them he goes, partial on neither part,  
(His Sword did favour every side alike)  
They all were odious to him in his heart,  
Which armed his hand with vigour for to strike,  
And work amazement unto their contending,  
Coming so roughly to their quarrels ending!   

(Quoth they amongst themselves) what fellow's this,  
Thae lays about him like a madman thus?  
Of certainty more than a man he is,  
For humane force would fear to fight with us,  
But if he be as seemeth by his shape,  
Had he ten thousand lives he could not scape.   

Then did a haughty Pagan step to Guy,  
And said to him, If valour in thee rest,  
Let's have a little sport 'twixt thee and I,  
Only to see which of our Swords cut best,  
Thou hast a weapon there is like a Reed,  
Me thinks it is too blunt to make one bleed.   

Too blunt (quoth Guy) and in his anger groans:  
Pagan I like thy humour passing well,  
I'll whet it ere we part, upon thy bones,  
And then another tale thou wilt me tell,  
If it should fail me now, it were a wonder,  
Such Lubbers it hath often hewed a sunder.   

Bat come, art ready? bid thy friends adieu,  
And say thy prayers unto thy Pagan Gods,  
For I do mean to use thee like a jew,  
Because with Christians thou dost live at odds,  
Look that thy head be set on sure and fast,  
Or mortal man, I'll prove thee but a blast.   

Then did they lend each other lusty knocks,  
That sparks of fire from their Helmets fly,  
The partial multitude about them flocks,  
Expecting all the end and Death of Guy,  
For Coldran whom he fought withal was strong,  
And had been Champion to the Pagans long.   

At length Guy lent him such a speeding blow,  
That down comes Coldran & his strength to ground▪  
Pagan (quoth he) is my Sword sharp or no?  
With which even now so blunt a fault you found,  
Rise quick, for if thy legs thou canst not feel:  
Off goes thy head as true as this is Steel.   

Forthwith he made him shorter by the Head,  
And that unto the Emperor he sent:  
The Infidels grew all astonished,  
For they in Coldran were so confident,  
They durst have ventured goods, and life and limb,  
On any Combat that was fought by him.   

Then Heraud (to give Guy some breathing space)  
Challenged a Pagan called Elmadant,  
And dared him and defied him to his face:  
(For valiant Heraud did not Courage want)  
The Pagan somewhat hot, with fury filled  
Did combat, being quickly cooled and killed.   

Presently Guy unto another comes  
Called Morgadour, and sound with his blade  
Lays on him, and his senses so benumbs,  
He tumbles headlong like a tired jade.  
The Pagans seeing their Champions thus go down,  
Forsook the Field, retiring to the Town.   

Where a most bloody Tyrant bore the sway,  
Who hearing what had happened; full of Ire  
Went armed to the Tent whereas Guy lay,  
And did a Combat at his hands require,  
Villain (quoth he) whom like a Dog I scorn,  
I'll make thee curse the time when thou wast borne.   

Know runagate I come to fetch thy Head,  
For to a Lady I have promised it:  
My Curs shall with thy English flesh be fed,  
They must devour thy body every bit,  
Come, I have vowed by Mahomet thou diest,  
Thou canst not scape by trusting in thy Christ.   

And hast thou given away my Head (quoth he)  
Unto a Lady? 'tis a brave intent:  
An honest man will his words master be,  
And never promise more than he hath meant.  
Come on thy ways and take it quickly off,  
Or else the Lady will suppose you scoff.   

With proud disdain together then they rush,  
Laying it on as fast as both could drive:  
But Eskeldart, Guyes sword did so becrush,  
That for his Head he durst no longer strive.  
But on the sudden for to save his own:  
Put's spurs to Horse, and in all post is gone.   

Guy then returns to Heraud, and declares  
What a bold fellow came to fetch his Head:  
Who smiling at it, merrily prepares,  
To tell of his Adventures, how he sped,  
With a false Coward called Adelart,  
That wounded him with an envenomed Dart.   

And being hurt most dangerously so,  
Was intercepted ere he could retire,  
By Estellard a proud insulting Foe,  
Composed of Cruelty and devilish Ire.  
But (quoth Sir Heraud) ere our fray was done,  
I made them wish, it ne'er had been begun.   

For Adellart I wounded in the side,  
And Estellard I curtailed by the knees:  
Then left them lying, Death to be their guide,  
Unto the jail where worms do claim their fees,  
So when those two were seen to fall down dead,  
All th'other Pagans with amazement fled.   

Why then (quoth Guy) all's quiet I perceive  
These miscreants like unto Foxes fly,  
But gentle Heraud ere we take our leave,  
One Combat more I am resolved to try,  
The General of this accursed rout,  
Shall be the man I mean to single out.   

They term him mighty Sultan: friend I long  
To make a proof if he deserve the Name,  
I am in doubt they do him mighty wrong,  
If might be wanting to avouch the same,  
Titles of worth become base Cowards ill,  
I'll try what's in him, hap what ever will.   

Nay Heraud leave me, prithee do forbear,  
I will be speedy; tarry in this Wood:  
Go to yond grassy bank, repose thee there,  
And with this Balsam, stay those drops of blood,  
Ere Phoebus in the Occident decline,  
Death shall conclude the Souldan's life or mine.   

Said Heraud, since thou wilt not let me go,  
But dost appoint this bed of Earth to bear me,  
Till thou return I will converse with woe,  
And will not suffer any Bird sing near me.  
With longing eyes, and careful listening ears:  
I'll spend thy absent time, in prayers and tears.   

Guy posts with speed, and doth the Sultan find,  
And thus he speaks: Art thou the man of might  
Surnamed so by Tongues, and people's wind?  
Hear is a Christian come to dare thee Fight,  
Both Mahomet and thee I do defy,  
And here's a Sword I will maintain it by.   

The Sultan with a staring look, replies;  
Thou Christian Slave, I'll chastise thee with Steel:  
Thou art an odious Creature in mine eyes,  
And thy presumption shall my Fury feel.  
With that at Guy he ran with all his force:  
Their Lance's brake, and each forsook his Horse.   

Then by the Sword the Victor must prevail,  
Which manly force makes deadly wounds withal,  
Cutting through Armour, mangling shirts of Male,  
That at the last, down did the Sultan fall,  
Sending blasphemous Curses to the Sky,  
And casting handfuls of his blood at Guy.   

Who presently took Horse and then retired  
To Heraud, whom he found in slumber laid,  
Rise friend (quoth he) the time is now expired,  
An end with mighty Sultan I have made.  
With that he rose with joy, and love's embrace,  
And forth they travail to another place.    


Guy takes a Princely Lion's part,  
And doth a Dragon kill:  
Then frees fair Osile from mishaps,  
That else had fared ill.   
Canto. 7.  

PAssing the Deserts now, where shady Trees,  
Embraced each other in their green-leaved arms,  
Where Lady Echoes dwelling best agrees,  
And little Birds sing fearless of their harms:  
They chanced to find a pleasant silver Spring,  
Which water to them was a welcome thing.   


His Lady sends him forth again,  
Whose will he doth obey:  
And manfully a Dragon kills,  
To part a cruel Fray.    

There with the Crystal streams they cool their heat  
And slake the thirst they had endured long,  
There did they make the herbs and roots their meat,  
To satisfy for Nature's hungry wrong,  
But on the so deign at the noise they wonder,  
A Lion roared as if great Love did Thunder.   

Heraud (quoth Guy) to Horse let's be prepared,  
And leave our Dinner till another day:  
Hear is a sound I never was so scared,  
I'll seek it out; it comes from yonder way:  
Some Monster or some Devil makes this noise,  
For on my life it is no humane voice.   

So forth he rides, and underneath a Hill  
He finds a Dragon, with a Lion met:  
Brave sport (said he) I pray fight out your fill,  
And then upon the strongest I will set,  
Which of the twain that first aside doth start:  
I am a friend that will maintain his part.   

The Dragon winds his crooked knotted tail,  
About the Lion's legs to cast him so:  
The Lion fastens on his rugged scale,  
And nimbly doth avoid that overthrow.  
Then toooth and nail, they cruel tear and bite▪  
Maintaining long, a fierce and bloody fight.   

At last, the Lion faintly turns aside,  
And looks about, as if he would be gone:  
Nay then (quoth Guy) Dragon have at your hide,  
Defend your Devil's face, I'll lay it on.  
With that courageously to work he goes,  
And deals the Dragon very manly blows.   

The ugly Beast (with flaggie wings displayed,  
Comes at him mainly with most dreadful paws,  
Whose very looks might make a man afraid,  
So terrible seemed his devouring jaws.  
Wide gaping, grisly, like the mouth of Hell:  
More horrible than Pen, or Tongue can tell.   

His blazing eyes did burn like living fire,  
And forth his smoking gorge came sulphur smoke,  
Aloft his speckled breast, he lifted higher  
Than Guy could reach at length of weapons stroke.  
Thus in most ireful mood himself he bore,  
And gave a cry, as Seas are wont to roar.   

With that, his mortal sting he stretched out,  
Exceeding fare the sharpest point of Steel,  
Then turns and winds his scaly tail about  
The Horse's legs, more nimbly than an Eel,  
With that, Guy hews upon him with his blade,  
And three men's strength to every stroke he laid.   

One fatal blow he gave him in the side,  
From whence did issue streams of swarthy blood,  
The Sword had made a passage large and wide,  
That deep into the Monster's gore Guy stood:  
Then with a second wound he overtook him,  
Which made the Dragon turn, to have forsook him.   

Nay then (quoth he) thou hast not long to live,  
I see thou faintest, at the point to fall,  
Then such a stroke of death he did him give,  
That down comes Dragon crying out withal,  
So horrible, the sound did more affright  
The Conqueror, than all the dreadful fight.   

Away he rides, and lets that Hellhound lie,  
But looking back, espies behind his Horse  
The Lion coming after, very nigh,  
Which makes him light, to manage manly force,  
But when the Beast beheld his weapon drawn,  
He came to him, and like a Dog did fawn.   

Like to that grateful Lion which did free  
Androdus life, for pulling out a Thorn,  
When for offence he should by Law's decree  
Within the Theatre by Beasts be torn.  
The Lion came and licked him very kind,  
Bearing (as seemed) an old good turn in mind.   

Even so this gentle creature deals with him,  
For that same benefit which he had done:  
Although by Nature cruel, stern and grim,  
Yet like a Spaniel by his Horse did run.  
Continuing many days, with great desire,  
Till extreme hunger, forced him to retire.   

Now towards the Sea, Guy doth his journey take,  
Imbarques for France: but by contrary wind  
Arrives in Almain, where the Nobles make  
Great Triumph for him and with joyful mind,  
The Emperor rejoiceth he is come:  
And bids him welcome into Christendom.   

There he is entertained with Tournament,  
With Kingly banquets, Princely revelling:  
And multitudes to give their eyes content,  
Attend him with their throngs, still wondering,  
At all his worthy acts Report hath spread,  
Wherewith their ears most strangely hath been fed.   

From thence he travails toward his loving friend,  
The Duke of Louvain, whom he longed to see:  
But ere he came unto his journeys end,  
A wronged Lady he did worthy free:  
Which violently was from her Love bereft,  
And he at point of Death, sore wounded left.   

Thus it befell, Terry a valiant Earl,  
With his dear Love, surnamed Osile the fair,  
(His precious gem, inestimable pearl)  
Into a Forest went to take the air,  
Whereas a plot was laid to take his life,  
And make his beauteous Love, another's wife.   

Upon the sudden sixteen Villains came  
Unto the Earl, and did him grievous wound:  
Sirrah, (quoth one) thou hast a wench we claim,  
She must with us, lie thou there on the ground,  
And the next passenger that thou dost see,  
Entreat him make a Grave, to bury thee.   

Guy finding Terry thus, hearing his plaint,  
Doth comfort him in kindest sort he can:  
Who with the loss of blood doth weakly faint,  
With face of deadly colour, pale and wan,  
Courage (quoth he) I'll fetch thy Love again:  
Or say that Guy is but a Coward swain.   

When Terry heard that name, he did revive,  
For unto him Guyes worthy deeds were known:  
And lifting up himself from ground, did strive  
For to embrace him in deep passions groan,  
Thanks gracious heavens (qd. he) with soul and heart  
For sending thee, to take my wronged part.   

Which is the way (quoth he) those Villains went?  
That path said woeful Terry by yond Oak:  
Have after them, this deed they shall repent,  
As I am Christian Knight: and as he spoke,  
He heard a shrike, which was the Lady's cry,  
So by that sound, he did them soon descry.   

Coming unto them wretched slaves (quoth he)  
What do you purpose with this Lady here?  
In large her presently, and set her free,  
You have done wrongs, that will be rated dear.  
Her Husband wounded, she used violent,  
Will cost you life's a piece incontinent.   

With that they laughed, & said what fool's this same,  
Or rather madman in his desperate mind,  
That means by wilful Death, to get a name,  
And have the world report he hath been kind?  
The fellow sure is in some frantic fit,  
And means to fight, without both fear or wit   

Like so (quoth he) the fit that's on me now.  
You all shall find to be a raging one:  
With that he shows them Mars his angry brow,  
And bids the Lady cease her pensive moan,  
Saying, good Madam unto joy incline:  
For suddenly these Rascals will be mine.   

Then with a courage admirable bold,  
At every blow some one or other dies:  
Which when the gentle Lady did behold,  
Oh pity, worthy Knight she cries!  
These mortal wounds I can no longer see,  
Be not so bloody, in revenging me.   

Upon my knees I do entreat thee stay,  
This is to me a terrifying sight:  
Oh, with their lives thou takest mine away,  
If one dye more, I fainting yield my spirit,  
Thou worthily mine honour hast defended,  
Let the revenging of my wrongs be ended.   

Lady (quoth he) I cease at thy request,  
Depart base Rascals, all but two be gone:  
But villains you did bind her for the rest,  
And stroke them with his sword (the scabbard on)  
That down to ground they fell, making this excuse  
My Lord, we only kept her to thy use.   

Then on his steed, he lets the Lady ride,  
To seek her Lord, whom she had left distressed:  
And Guy unto the place became her guide,  
Where coming they did find him, careful dressed:  
For in their absence came a Hermit by:  
Which to his bleeding wounds, did salve apply.   

Terry and Osile, in their joys abound,  
And gracefully to Guy all thankes do give:  
Be thou said they, in Life, and death renowned,  
Whom we will Honour while we breathing live.  
Hold, here's my hand (quoth Terry) worthy Guy  
In fight for thee, I would be proud to dye.    


Guy takes Earles Terryes' Father's part,  
And kills the Duke his Foe:  
Destroys a cruel savage Boar,  
Preventing dangers so.   
Canto. 8.  

NOw Titan's Horses, with his fiery Car,  
Had brought the Day to darkness in the West:  
And Vesper, that same silver shining Star,  
Which doth adorn the sky at Evening best,  
Appeared as bright as Cynthia in her Sphere,  
To welcome sable Nights approaching near.   

When Terry, Guy, and Osile, wanting guide,  
Didst stray about the unfrequented Wood,  
Hearing the salvage noise on every side,  
Of Beasts that thirsted after humane blood,  
As Boars, and Bears, and Lions, and the like:  
Which to their hearts did some amazement strike.   

On every side they cast a heedful eye,  
Still doubting on the sudden some surprise:  
At length two Armed men they did espy,  
That also listen to those fearful cries.  
Each had his sword in hand, being ready drawn,  
Knowing that place, did yield no Dogs would fawn.   

Coming more near, Sir Heraud was the one;  
The other even as dear Terryes' friend;  
Who with embracements made their gladness known  
And then the Earl demanded to what end  
His loving Cousin passed the Defert so?  
My Lord (quoth he) to bring thee news of woe.   

Thy noble Father is besieged now,  
In this strong Castle, by Duke Ottons' power:  
Who hath protested by a solemn vow,  
About his ears, he will pull down the Tower,  
In a revenge that thou his Love hast got:  
He swears thy Father's life escapeth not.   

His Love (quoth Terry!) prithee Osile speak,  
Acquaint this Worthy man with thy soul's thought,  
Have I procured thee any Faith to break?  
Or been the instigater unto aught  
That is unjust in righteous Heaven's sight?  
Never (quoth Osile) thou hast been upright.   

That wretched man, would force my Love away,  
In claiming that, I ne'er intent to give:  
I will be thine until my dying day,  
Thou shalt enjoy me, all the hours I live,  
And when I alter this determination,  
Let Gods, and men, hold me in detestation.   

Well spoke (said Guy,) Lady be constant ever,  
And Honour's blemish then, thou needst not doubt,  
Keep Love's foundation firm, altar it never,  
It is for Love, I range the world about,  
And do expose my Life, to mortal danger,  
In this exiled state, an unknown Stranger.   

But Terry, wherefore are thy looks so sad,  
That hast thy Love in person to embrace?  
As fare as England mine is to be had,  
And many years I have not seen her face,  
It were enough to bring my hopes to end,  
But that my Patience is a trusty friend.   

My Lord (said Terry) know you not my grief?  
And heard this Messenger relate the cause?  
Oh my distressed Father wants relief,  
I were a rebel unto Nature's laws,  
Not to condole with him in his extreme,  
Making his troubles. my true sorrow's Theme,   

If that be all (quoth he) thou art too blame,  
There is no cause to spend a sigh thereon:  
I'll terrify Duke Otton with my Name,  
Let him but hear I come, and he'll be gone,  
Something between us may not be forgot,  
He felt my Sword in France, but liked it not.   

Since that, against my life a plot he laid,  
By villains that surprised me in a Wood,  
But treachery, with vengeance was repaid,  
Who ever knew a Traitor's end prove good?  
Accursed haps attend them evermore,  
In brazen Bull, Perillus first did roar.   

I will go with thee, to defend thy Father,  
(For the oppressed I have vowed to right)  
And reason moves me to it, so much rather,  
Mine own abuses, therewith to requite.  
This opportunity we'll not omit,  
In that occasion falleth out so fit.   

Let's hasten on with speed unto the place,  
Preventing mischief ere too fare it run:  
Take hold of Time, before he turn his face,  
Good proveth best when it is soon done,  
Go like Aeneas with a filial joy,  
To fetch thine old Anchises out of Troy.   

Courageous Knight (quoth Terry) thy bold heart  
Cannot be daunted I perceive with fear:  
Composed of Mars his element thou art,  
Of powerful limbs, to manage sword and spear:  
My melancholy thou hast banished hence,  
And with strong hope, armed me in recompense.   

Now all in post, they speed themselves away,  
And in short time unto the Castle come;  
Whereas Duke Otton with his forces lay,  
Relying on his Soldiers ample somme.  
But when the Captains of Guyes coming knew  
They fled by night, and never bade adieu.   

This was discouragement to all the rest,  
To see their Leaders thus give ground and fly:  
Yet did the Duke most resolute protest,  
If each man in the Castle were a Guy,  
He would not leave it basely, and retire:  
Though life be dear, yet honours place is higher.   

Terry (said Guy) we must not tedious bee,  
Experience often hath my tutor been:  
And taught, that when advantage I do see,  
To fasten on occasion, and begin,  
The enemy by fear, himself subdues,  
Add force to that, and victory ensues.   

We will not make our Prison of this place,  
As long as there is Field-roome to be got:  
'tis my desire, to meet the Duke's good grace,  
And combat him, because he love's me not,  
If that you will not leave this house of stone,  
I'll leave you all and go myself alone.   

And with those words Heraud and he depart,  
Which when the Castle-soldiers did perceive,  
They gave a shout, our General thou art,  
Thy Honourable steps we will not leave,  
We are resolved to attend thee still:  
Let Fortune use us, even as Fortune will.   

And thus most Valiant they do march along,  
Giving the onset, fearless to their Foe,  
Making those multitudes that seemed so strong,  
Retire themselves, with slaughtered overthrow.  
But when the Duke perceived his Soldiers fly:  
Perish (quoth he) base villains, here I'll dye.   

Where is this Englishman that haunts my Ghost,  
And thus pursueth me from place to place?  
I challenge him to come and leave the Host,  
And meet with resolution, face to face.  
Let equal envy make this equal match,  
All controversies we will soon dispatch.   

Agreed (quoth Guy) proud Foe, I yield consent,  
Repent thy wrongs, and make thy Conscience clear,  
For thou hast lived to see thy honour spent,  
Which worthy men of all things hold most dear.  
The noble minded censure him with shame,  
That life's to see the Death of his good name.   

Then toward each other they did mainly make,  
And broke their Lances very violent,  
Which being done their Swords in hand they take,  
Fight until great store of blood was spent.  
For Envy did the Duke's keen weapon whet:  
And on Guyes sword, Revenge an edge did set.   

At length through loss of blood, the Duke fell down  
And said, Now fond felicity farewell,  
I am betrayed by Fortune's angry frown,  
And this experience to the world do tell,  
There's nothing constant, that the earth contains,  
Death deals with Monarches, as with simple Swains▪   

Bewitching Vanities, seducing blind us,  
Greatness hath great accounts thereon depending,  
As Death doth leave us, so shall judgement find us;  
There is no peace unto a happy ending,  
My Dying hour, yields more repentant Grace,  
Then in my Life I ever could embrace.   

Th'immortal soul doth with these words depart,  
And leaves the breathless Body did contain it:  
While woeful passions do afflict Guyes heart,  
Now wishing to himself he had not slain it,  
For true Humanity, compassion shows:  
To see Afflictions, over-burden Woes.   

Guy sheathed his Sword, and said, remain thou there,  
Until I do arrive on England's shore:  
No further quarrel to the world I bear,  
For Love of Phelice, I will bleed no more,  
From her I have been too too long away,  
And will return to challenge Soldiers pay.   

So thence he road to find Sir Heraud out,  
Making his journey through a Desert place,  
Which was obscure, environed round about  
With shady Trees that hide bright Phoebus' face;  
Where suddenly he met the hugest Boar,  
That ever mortal eye beheld before.   

The beast came at him most exceeding fell,  
Which he preventing stands upon his guard,  
And doth avoid those dreadful Tusks right well,  
Laying upon the Swinish head, so hard,  
That dead he left him who had many slain,  
For forth that Wood, no man came back again.   

When this was done, Heraud he overtakes,  
And tells him what a Christmas Brawn he slew,  
Then with his purpose him acquainted makes,  
Which was to bid all Foreign parts adieu,  
And see the heavenly object of his heart:  
Heraud consents, and they forthwith departed.    


To England comes Victorious Guy,  
And doth fair Phelice wed:  
At York presenting Athelstone,  
A dreadful Dragon's head.   
Canto. 9  

ASsisted now by nimble winged Time,  
Guy shapes his course for England, and doth leave,  
The bold adventures of each Foreign climb,  
Love's just reward from Phelice to receive.  
As Hercules twelve Labours being past,  
Found time for dianira's Love at last.   

Heraud and Guy no sooner do arrive,  
But news thereof unto the King was brought,  
Who heard of all before they did achieve,  
Which made him much desirous in his thought,  
To see such Subjects matchless men alone,  
In honouring England, and King Athelstone.   

To York they go, for there the King was then,  
To whom they did most humble duty show;  
Welcome (quoth he) renowned Martial men,  
My Princely love upon you I bestow,  
Your fortunate success contentment breeds:  
Fame came before, and brought us home your deed▪   

Guy thou hast laid a heavy hand we hear  
Upon the necks of Pag●n Infidels,  
And sent them home by fatal Sword and Spear,  
To horrors vault, where unbelievers dwells.  
Devouring Beasts thou likewise hast destroyed,  
That humane Creatures, fearful have anoy'd.   

Yet worthy man, I think thou ne'er didst slay,  
Of all those Monsters, terrible and wild,  
More cruel Creature, then at this same day,  
Destroys what ere it meets, Man, Woman, Child,  
Cattell and all, which no man dare withstand:  
A dreadful Dragon in Northumberland.   

I speak not this to animate thee on,  
And hazard Life at setting foot a shore,  
For diverse to destroy this Beast have gone,  
But to their friends, never returned more,  
No, I express how happy thou hast been,  
To free like fears that other men were in.   

Dread Lord (quoth Guy) as I am English Knight,  
And faithful unto God, true to my King,  
I will go see if that same Beast dare bite,  
For to your Grace his Head I mean to bring.  
I found his fellow with a Lion fight,  
But made him leave both scratching, and his biting.   

And as I dealt with him, I'll deal with this,  
Only I do beseech your Royal grace,  
Command me some direction where he is,  
And to your Court I'll bring his ugly face,  
Or your mild favour never let me see:  
Dragon or Devil, what so e'er he be.   

So taking humble leave, away he rides,  
Unto Northumberland to find that Beast:  
Having a dozen Knights which were his guides,  
And brought him where the Dragon held his feast  
Like Cannibal, that feeds on flesh of men:  
Behold (quoth they to Guy) you cave's his Den.   

It is enough said he: do you remain,  
And leave me to go find out Hidra's head,  
That never shall devower man again,  
Who with so many bodies hath been fed,  
Hear Gentlemen if you will please to stay,  
Sat on your Horses and behold our fray.   

Coming unto the Cave, the Dragon spies him,  
And forth he stalks with lofty speckled breast,  
Of dreadful form: as soon as ere Guy eyes him,  
His Lance he speedy set into his rest,  
Then spurs to Horse and at the Dragon makes:  
That bearing ground, at the encounter shakes.   

Then very lightly Guy retires his Horse,  
And comes upon him with redoubled might:  
The Dragon meets him with resisting force,  
And like a reed his Lance in two did bite,  
Nay then (quoth Guy) if to such bites you fall,  
I have a tool to pick your Teeth withal.   

Then drew his Sword (a keen and massy blade)  
And fiercely stroke with furious blows, so fell,  
That many wide and bloody wounds he made,  
Which caused the Dragon yawn, like mouth of Hell,  
Roaring with a most fearful hideous sound,  
And with his Claws all rent and tore the ground.   

Impatient of the smart he did sustain,  
He thought with wings to raise himfelse aloft,  
But with a stroke Guy brought him down again,  
And plied him with the edge of Steel so oft,  
That down he fell in dirty blood bewrayed,  
And forth his wide devouring Oven brayed.   

A flake of fire seemed to issue thence,  
While Guy was hewing off his ugly Head,  
Now Fiend (quoth he) thou hast thy recompense,  
For all the humane blood thy jaws have shed,  
Upon a part of this same broken Spear,  
Thy filthy face unto the King I'll bear.   

The Knights with (joy exceeding) take a view,  
Of that same fearful creature, strange of shape:  
Admiring at his ugly form of hue,  
With wonderment that mortal man could scape,  
Those teeth and claws, so dreadful, sharp and long,  
Composed by Nature in a Beast so strong.   

When they had fixed the Head upon a Spear,  
And measured out the body's length direct:  
Unto the King at Lincoln they it bear,  
Who Guyes return with longing did expect,  
God shield (quoth he) and save me from all evil:  
Hear is a face may well outface the Devil.   

What staring eyes of burning glass be those,  
That might (alive) to flaming Beacons seem?  
What scales of harness arm that crooked Nose,  
And Teeth? none such had Cerberus I deem:  
What yawning mouth and forked Tongue is there,  
That being Dead, may make the Living fear?   

Victorious Knight, thy Actions we admire,  
And place thee highly in our Kingly love,  
Throughout the spacious Orb by Fame aspire,  
More lofty than the supreme Sphere doth move▪  
To the succeeding Ages of this Land,  
I will remember thy Victorious hand.   

Which shall be thus: the Monster's picture wrought  
On cloth of Arras artificial well,  
And unto Warwick we will have it brought;  
There to remain, and after ages tell,  
That worthy Guy, a man of matchless strength,  
Destroyed a Dragon Thirty foot in length.   

And place his Head here on the Castle wall,  
For memory, till years do ruin it:  
And Nobles make triumphant Festival,  
Afford our Knight all honour doth befit.  
Troy's Hector's dead and can no more achieve:  
But England's Hector still remains alive.   

By this Report the only Linguist living,  
Had been with Phelice for to make her glad:  
Such fame and glory to her Lover giving,  
As never greater any Worthy ●ad.  
Tells all the deeds of wonder he hath done,  
From the first action that his hand begun.   

Phelice impatient of his wished sight,  
Speeds towards Lincoln, like light Salmacis:  
Where joyfully she entertains her Knight,  
With juno's kind embrace, and Venus' kiss.  
Guy with requital makes his gladness known:  
And in his arms he now enjoys his own.   

Forgetful Love, and too too slow (quoth she)  
I feared thou didst not mind thy dearest friend:  
What, seek a Dragon, ere thou look for me,  
And hazard life before thou come, or send  
To know if I remain in happy state!  
Some jealous woman, would suppose 'twere hate.   

But sure I do not, though I speak my heart,  
And wish I had been first thou saw'st on shore:  
Guy welcome to thy Phelice now thou art,  
Thou never shalt go forth a Fight more,  
No, thou hast fought too much, thy looks bewray  
Stern countenance, hath stolen thy smiles away.   

But Love, will learn thee (love) to change thy face,  
And frame it, as at first when I did choose it:  
Thou hast almost forgotten to embrace,  
I like that well; it seems thou didst not use it  
In Foreign parts abroad, where thou hast been,  
But that lost lesson, thou must new begin.   

I will (quoth he) dear Love, and ply my Book,  
And kiss my Lesson on thy Coral lip:  
Tell me but only when I am mistook,  
In reading rashly, if I over-skip,  
Or be too negligent in taking pain,  
Why turn me back, to con my gear again.   

But Lady, one exception I will make,  
What line soever you do put me to,  
The Hornbook of all other I'll forsake,  
For willingly, I would not have to do  
With that Crosse-rowe, cross unto many, when,  
Women do teach it unto Married men.   

Kind Sir (quoth she) content, I'll never choose it,  
It fits two sorts, a Courtesan, a Child:  
Once, as the latter, simply I did use it,  
But for the other, rather, be beguiled  
Then to deceive, the second Horn-booke's naught:  
Teach it not me and it shall ne'er be taught.   

Guy smiled and said, come let us Warwick see,  
Of all the world the place that I love best:  
Because it had the bringing up of thee,  
And there, first with thy Beauty I was blest,  
I love the Castle, and the Garden ground,  
Where e'rst thy Venus-face alone I found.   

Let's hasten on to hear this Sacred voice,  
I Guy take Phelice to my wedded wife:  
And thou repeat, I likewise am thy choice,  
Till Death depart us, even so long as Life.  
And then the next will be, God give us joy,  
And send thy Father's Heir, agallant Boy.    


The Marriage is Solemnised,  
But after Forty days:  
Guy Pennance vows, and Pilgrim like,  
From England goes his ways.   
Canto. 10.  

THe happy Day (that Lovers long expect)  
Is now attained to give desire rest:  
And all the honours Hymen can effect,  
He frank bestows to grace the wedding Feast.  
For Athelstone and his renowned Queen:  
At this great Nuptial, in their pomp were seen.   

The Nobles rich and costly in Attire,  
With worthy Knights and Gentlemen beside:  
Ladies of Honour (as their Loves require)  
Attend upon the beauteous fair faced Bride.  
There wanted nothing (wit of man could find)  
To please the eye, or to content the mind.   

Masks, midnight-revels, Tilt and Tournament,  
Acting of ancient Stories, stately shows,  
Banquets, might give great jupiter content,  
Where cups of Nectar plenteous overflows,  
Abundant all things, with a plenteous hand:  
As if a King himself, should feast a Land.   

Soon after all these things were consummate,  
Earl Rohand (Phelice worthy Father) dies:  
And to his Son bequeathes the whole estate  
Of Earldoms, Lordships, all his Land is Guyes.  
Who is created Earl of Warwick then,  
In Honour's rank, with England's Noblemen.   

But in the glory of this high applaud,  
Enjoying all that did partake delight,  
When every tongue his Fame and Fortune's laud,  
Himself converts his sunshine days to night,  
Bethinking what the world may just be thought:  
And deeming all but vain, that he had sought.   

Oft would he sit and meditate alone,  
In looking back what steps his youth had trod:  
Then to himself with sighs, and grievous groan,  
Cry pardon me, thou just incensed God,  
I have done nothing for to purchase Grace:  
But spent my time about a Woman's face.   

For Beauty, bloody through the world I ran,  
In pride of heart preferring Phelice feature:  
For Beauty I have ended many a man,  
Hating all other, for one mortal Creature,  
For Beauty I have pawned my utmost power,  
But for my sins not spent one weeping hour.   

My Nunquam sera I will now begin,  
And vow to spend the remnant of my days,  
In contrite Penance for my former sin,  
That God may pardon all the erring ways,  
Which flesh and blood, vainly deceived by,  
Unto the world I will go learn to dye.   

Let me be censured, even as mortals please,  
I'll please my God in all things may be done:  
Ambitious pride hath been my youth's disease,  
I'll teach age meekness, ere my Glass be run,  
And change my choice: wealth, beauty, world farewell:  
To purchase Heaven, I would pass thorough Hell.   

Phelice perceives his melancholy state,  
And coming to him, doth most mildly woe:  
My Lord (quoth she) why are you changed of late?  
As I share joy, let me bear sorrow too,  
If I in ought have moved you to offence:  
I will with tears perform due recompense.   

No my dear Love (quoth Guy) no cause in thee,  
'tis with myself I discontented strive:  
By light of Grace, my Nature's faults I see,  
That am as dead, although I seem alive.  
Phelice, my sins, my countless sins appear:  
Crying, Repent thy guilty Conscience clear.   

I must deal with thee, as Bavarus dealt  
(A Prince of Rome) with Sygunda his Wife,  
Who (from a deep impression he felt)  
Vowed Chastity perpetual all his life.  
Entreating thee (even as thou lov'st my soul)  
To pardon me, not urging my control.   

Hast thou not heard what Ethelfrida did  
(A Christian woman) sometime England's Queen?  
Is Edelthrudis act of Chaste life hid,  
A Princess likewise rare and matchless seen?  
The first with Child, no more of lust would taste:  
The second caused two Husbands both live chaste.   

And canst not thou (the Phoenix of a Realm)  
By imitation, win immortal praise?  
Leaving thy virtues an admired Theme  
To the succeeding Age, of Iron days?  
I know thou canst, thy greater part's Divine:  
Where most is Carnal, 'twill to flesh incline.   

Thou didst procure (although I do excuse it)  
My pride, by Conquests to attain thy Love:  
God gave me Valour, I did vain abuse it,  
My heart and thoughts, aspired fare above  
The Crowns and Sceptres of most potent Kings,  
I held their Diadems, inferior things.   

But now I gather in a total somme,  
Such follies, and condemn them all to dye:  
A man of other fashion i'll become,  
Some better Travails for my soul to try,  
Not as before, in Armour on my Steed:  
But in a Gown of grey, a Palmer's weed.   

Obscure my journey, for i'll take no leave,  
But only leave my endless Love to thee:  
Hear is my Ring, this memory receive,  
And wear the same, to make thee think on me.  
Let me have thine, which for thy sake i'll keep:  
Till Death close up these eyes, with his dead sleep.   

When this was spoke, how she did wring her hands,  
With sighs and tears, may well be deemed much:  
Yet wondrous meekly, nothing countermands,  
For the Devotion of that age was such,  
To hold them blessed, could themselves retire:  
To solitude, and leave the World's desire.   

Now is the Princely clothing laid away,  
Wherein he gittered like the glorious Sun,  
And his best habit, homely Country grey,  
Such as the poor plain people term homespun,  
A Staff, a Scrip, a Scallop-shell in's hat,  
Not to be known, or once admired at.   

And thus with pensive heart, and doleful tears,  
He leaves the fairest Creature England had:  
Who in her face a map of sorrow wears,  
A countenance composed all mournful, sad,  
Like unto one had banished all delight:  
Wishing for slumbers of eternal night.   

Guy journeys toward that Sanctified ground,  
Whereas some times the jews fair City stood,  
In which, our Saviour's sacred Head was Crowned,  
And where for sinful man he shed his Blood,  
To see the Sepulchre, was his intent:  
The Tomb that joseph unto jesus lent.   

With tedious miles he tired his weary feet,  
And passed Desert places, full of danger:  
At last, with a most woeful wight did meet,  
A man that unto sorrow was no stranger.  
For he had fifteen Sons made Captive all  
To slavish bondage, in extremest thrall.   

A Giant called Amarant, detained them,  
Whom no man durst encounter for his strength,  
Who in a Castle which he held had chained them,  
Guy questioned where? and understands at length  
The place not fare: lend me thy Sword (quoth he)  
I'll lend my manhood, all thy Sons to free.   

With that he goes and lays upon the door,  
Like him that says; I must and will come in:  
The Giant never was so roused before,  
For no such knocking at his Gate had been,  
So takes his Club and Keys, and cometh out:  
Staring with ireful countenance about.   

Sirrah (quoth he) what business hast thou here?  
Art thou come to feast the Crows about these walls▪  
Didst never hear, no ransom can him clear,  
That in the compass of my fury falls?  
For making me to take a Porter's pains,  
With this same Club I will dash out thy brains.   

Giant (quoth Guy) you're quarrelsome I see,  
Choler and you seem very near of kin:  
Dangerous at the Club be like you be,  
I have been better armed, though now go thin,  
But show thy utmost hate, enlarge thy spite:  
Hear is the weapon that must do me right.   


A Giant called Amarant,  
Guy valiantly destroys:  
Whereby wronged Ladies, captive Knights  
Their liberty enjoys.    

So draws his sword, salutes him with the same  
About the head, the shoulders, and the side:  
While his erected Club did death proclaim,  
Standing with huge Colossus spacious stride,  
Putting such vigour to his knotty beam:  
That like a furnace, he did smoke extreme.   

But on the ground he spent his strokes in vain,  
For Guy was nimble to avoid them still:  
And ever ere he heaved his Club again,  
Did brush his plated Coat against his will,  
At such advantage he would never fail:  
To bang him sound in his shirt of Mail.   

At length through thirst, Amarant feeble grew,  
And said to Guy, as thou'rt of humane race,  
Show it in this: give Nature's wants their dew,  
Let me but go and drink in yonder place,  
Thou canst not yield unro a smaller thing,  
Then grant life that, is given by the spring.   

I grant thee leave (quoth Guy) go drink thy last,  
To pledge the Dragon and the salvage Boar:  
Succeed the Tragedies which they have passed;  
But never think to taste cold water more,  
Drink deep to Death, and after that carouse,  
Bid him receive thee, in his earthen house.   

So to the Spring he goes and slakes his thirst,  
Taking the water in extremely, like  
A wracked Ship that on some Rock is burst,  
When forced bulk against the stones do strike,  
Scooping it in so fast with both his hands,  
That Guy admiring to behold it stands.   

Come on (quoth he) let us to work again,  
Thou art about thy liquor overlong:  
The Fish that in the River do remain,  
Will want hereby, thy drinking doth them wrong,  
But I will see their satisfaction made:  
With Giant's blood, they must and shall be paid.   

Villain (quoth Amarant) I'll crush thee strait:  
Thy life shall pay thy daring Tongues offence,  
This Club (which is about some hundred weight)  
Is Death's commission, to dispatch thee hence.  
Dress thee for Raven's diet I must needs:  
And break thy bones, as they were made of reeds.   

Incensed much by these bold Pagan's boasts,  
Which worthy Guy could ill endure to hear,  
He hews upon those big surporting posts,  
That like two Pillars did the body bear,  
Amarant (for their wounds) in choler grows:  
And desp'ratly at Guy his Club he throws.   

Which did directly on his body light,  
So violent and weighty therewithal,  
That down to ground on sudden came the Knight▪  
And ere he could recover from the fall,  
The Giant got the Club again in's fist,  
And struck a stroke that wonderfully mist.   

Traitor (quoth Guy) thy falsehood i'll repay,  
This Coward act, to intercept my blood:  
Says Amarant, I'll murder any way,  
With enemies all vantages are good.  
Oh could I poison in thy Nostrils blow:  
Thou shouldst be sure, I would dispatch thee so.   

'tis well (said Guy) thy honest thoughts appear,  
Within that beastly bulk do Devils dwell:  
Which are thy Tenants while thou livest here,  
But will be Landlords when thou comest in Hell.  
Vile miscreant, prepare thee for their Den,  
Inhuman monster, hateful unto men.   

But breath thyself a time while I go drink,  
For flaming Phoebus with his fiery eye,  
Torments me so with burning heat, I think  
My thirst would serve to drink an Ocean dry.  
Forbear a little, as I dealt with thee:  
Quoth Amarant, thou hast no fool of me.   

No silly wretch, my Father taught more wit,  
How I should use such enemies as thou:  
By all my Gods I do rejoice at it,  
To understand that thirst constrains thee bow,  
For all the treasuee that the world contains,  
One drop of water shall not cool thy veins.   

Relieve my foe? why 'ttwere a madman's part,  
Refresh an adversary to my wrong?  
If thou imagine this, a Child thou art,  
No fellow, I have known the world too long  
To be so simple; now I know thy want,  
A minute's space of breathing I'll not grant.   

And with these words, heaving aloft his Club  
Into the air, he swings the same about:  
Then shakes his locks and doth his temples rub,  
And like the Cyclops in his pride did strut,  
Sirrah (said he) I have you at a lift:  
You now are come unto your latest shift.   

Perish for ever with this stroke I send thee,  
(A medicine will do thy thirst much good)  
Take no more care for drink before I end thee,  
And then we'll have carouses of thy blood:  
here's at thee with a butchers downright blow:  
To please my fury with thine overthrow.   

Infernal, false, obdurate fiend (Guy said)  
That seem'st a lump of cruelty from Hell:  
Ingrateful Monster, since thou hast denied  
The thing to me wherein I used thee well:  
With more revenge than ere my Sword did make,  
On thy accursed head, Revenge I'll take.   

Thy Giant's longitude shall shorter shrink,  
Except thy Sun-scorcht skin, be weapon proof,  
Farewell my thirst, I do disdain to drink,  
Streams keep your water to your own behoof,  
Or let wild Beasts be welcome thereunto,  
With those pearl drops I will not have to do.   

Hold tyrant, take a taste of my good will,  
For thus I do begin my bloody bout:  
You cannot choose but like the greeting ill,  
It is not that same Club will bear you out.  
And take this payment on thy shaggy crown:  
A blow that brought him with a vengeance down.   

Then Guy set foot upon the Monster's breast,  
And from his shoulders, did his Head divide:  
Which with a yawning mouth did gape, unblessed,  
No Dragon's jaws were ever seen more wide,  
To open and to shut, till life was spent:  
So Guy tooke's Keys and to the Castle went.   

Where many woeful Captives he did find,  
That had been tired with extremities:  
Whom he in ftiendly manner did unbind,  
And reasoned with them of their miseries:  
Each told a tale with tears, and sighs, and cries,  
All weeping to him with complaining eyes.   

There tender Ladies, in dark dungeon lay,  
That were surprised in the desert Wood:  
And had no other diet every day,  
Then flesh of humane Creatures for their food.  
Some with their Lover's bodies had been fed,  
And in their wombs their Husbands buried.   

Now he bethinks him of his coming there,  
T'enlarge the wronged brethren from their woes,  
And as he searcheth, doth great clamours hear,  
By which sad sounds direction, on he goes  
Until he finds a darksome obscure Gate,  
Armed strongly over, all with Iron plate.   

That he unlocks and enters, where appears,  
The strangest object that he ever saw;  
Men that with famishment of many years,  
Were like Death's picture, which the Painters draw,  
divers of them were hanged by each thumb,  
Others head downward, by the middle some.   

With diligence he takes them from the walls,  
Where liberty their thraldom to acquaint:  
Then the perplexed Knight their Father calls,  
And says, receive thy Sons though poor & faint,  
I promised you their lives, accept of that;  
But did not warrant you they should be fat.   

The Castle I do give thee, here's the Keys,  
Where tyranny for many years did dwell:  
Procure the gentle tender Lady's ease,  
For pitty-sake, use wronged Women well,  
Men easily may revenge the deeds men do,  
But poor weak Women, have not strength thereto.   

The good old man even overjoyed with this,  
Fell on the ground and would have kissed Guyes feet,  
Father (quoth he) refrain so base a kiss,  
For Age to honour Youth I hold unmeet,  
Ambitious pride hath hurt me all it can,  
I go to mortify a sinful man.    


Guy on his journey doth proceed,  
With painful Pilgrim life:  
While Warwick Countess life's in tears  
A Chaste and loyal Wife.   
Canto. 11.  

BEhold the man that sought Contentions out,  
Whose recreation was in angry arms,  
And for his Venus ranged the world about  
To find out dreadful Combats, fierce alarms,  
From former disposition alienate:  
Shun's all occasions may procure debate.   

In his own wrongs, by vow he will not strike,  
Let injury impose what strife can do:  
Abuses shall not force him to dislike,  
For he hath now framed Nature thereunto,  
And taken Patience by the hand for's guide,  
To lead his thoughts where meekness doth abide.   

No worldly joy can give his mind content,  
Delights are gone, as they had never been;  
His only care is how he may Repent  
His spending youth about the serving sin,  
And fashion age, to look like contrite sorrow:  
That little time to come, which life doth borrow.   

His looks were sad complexion, pale and wan,  
His diet of the meanest, hard and spare:  
His life he led, like a Religious man,  
His habit poor and homely, thin and bare.  
His Dignities and Honour were forgot:  
His Warwick Earldom he regarded not.   

Sometime he would go search into a Grave,  
And there find out a rotten deadman's Scull;  
And with the same a conference would have,  
Examining each Vanity at full.  
And then himself would answer for the Head,  
His own objections in the Deadman's stead.   

If thou hast been some Monarch, where's thy Crown?  
Or who in fear of thy stern looks do stand?  
Death hath made conquest of my great renown,  
My golden Sceptre in a fleshly hand,  
Is taken from me by another King,  
And I in dust am made a rotten thing.   

Hast thou been some great Counsellor of state,  
Whose potent wit did rule a mighty Realm?  
Where is the policy thou hadst of late?  
Consumed and gone even like an idle dream,  
I have not so much wit, as will suffice:  
To kill the Worms, that in my Coffin lies.   

Perhaps thou wast some beauteous Lady's face,  
For whom right strange adventures have been wrought  
Even such, as (when it was my loving case)  
For my dear kindest Phelice I have fought.  
Perhaps about this Scull there was a skin,  
Fairer than Helen's was enclosed in.   

And on this scalp, so wormy eaten bare,  
(Where nothing now but bone we may behold)  
Were Natures ornaments, such locks of Hair  
As might induce the eye to deem them gold.  
And crystal Eyes in these two hollow caves:  
And here such Lips, as Love for kissing craves,   

But where's the substance of this Beauty spent?  
So lovely, precious in the sight of men?  
With powerful Death, unto the dust it went,  
Grew loathsome, filthy, came to nothing then.  
And what a Picture of it doth remain?  
To tell the wise all Beauty is but vain.   

Such memories he often would prefer,  
Of mortal frailty, and the force of Death:  
To teach the Flesh how apt it is to err,  
And post repentance off till latest breath,  
Thus would he in the world's contempt reprove  
All that seduced the soul from Heavenly love.   

Now for a while reverse your view of woe,  
For one sad subject, to behold another:  
To see new sorrow, back to England go,  
And to long absent years commit the t'other,  
Leave dolefuil Guy, to aged grief and cares:  
And look on Phelice, how his Lady fares.   

Like to a Widow, all in black attire,  
She doth express her inward doleful mind,  
A Chamber-prison is her chief desire,  
Where she to passions wholly is inclined.  
She that of late was pride of English Court,  
With Majesty no longer will consort.   

But life's a life, like one despised lives being,  
And every day unto the world did dye:  
With judgements eyes, fare into folly seeing,  
And noting well how fast false pleasures fly.  
Leaving for every taste of vain Delight,  
A huger heap of Cares, than Pen can write,   

Her thoughts ran after her departed Lord,  
And travailed in conceit more fast than he:  
What place (quoth she) can rest to me afford,  
That Pilgrim like, hath thus forsaken me?  
Oh sad laments! my soul your burden bears,  
To think dear Guy, remembers me in tears.   

Me thinks he sits now by a River's side,  
And swells the water with his weeping eyes:  
methinks that Phelice, Phelice loud he cried,  
And charged Echo bear it through the Skies,  
Then rising up, he runs with might and main,  
Saying sweet Echo bring my Love again.   

Then comes he to a Cypress Tree, and says  
Syluanus, this was once the lovely Boy,  
Whom thou for feature, to the Clouds didst praise,  
But here's thy senseless and transformed joy.  
'tis nothing now but boughs, and leaves and Tree:  
And made to whither as all Beauties be.   

And then me thinks he sits him sadly down,  
And on his bending knee, his elbow stays  
With head in hand, saying, farewell Renown,  
Vanish vain pleasures of my youthful days.  
My true Repentance do you all displace,  
A happy end, brings sinful souls to Grace,   

Ah worthy man that thus canst mortify  
The rebel Flesh, to conquer Adam's Nature!  
And for the gaining of Eternity,  
Dost live on Earth, as if no earthly Creature,  
Dead, and alive: old, and new borne again,  
True valiant George, that hath the Devil slain.   

As thy advice was when thou didst departed,  
That I should live a Vestal virgin's life,  
Although when I was Maid (by lover's art)  
Thou didst persuade me to become a Wife,  
I vow by Heavens, and all the powers Divine,  
To keep my thoughts, as constant, chaste as thine.   

My Beauty I will blemish, all I may  
With tears and sighs, and doleful lamentation:  
By abstinence I will attaives the way  
To overcome the force, of sin's temptation,  
This sentence I have often read, and seen:  
A woman's Chastity, is virtue's Queen.   

Ceres and Bacchus I will careful shun,  
Foes to Diana, friends to Venus ever:  
Unto licentious life they teach us run,  
And with sobriety assotiate never.  
Spare diet shall become my daily fare,  
The soul thrives best, to keep the body bare.   

The Courtly ornaments I wore of late,  
In honour of King Athelstones fair Queen,  
Even all those jewels and those Robes of state,  
Wherein so often I was glorious seen,  
Shall with their price and value now supply,  
Those naked poor, that in the streets do lie.   

The Gold and Silver that I do possess,  
About good works, shall all employed be:  
The purchase of eternal happiness,  
Is of all wealth most precious unto me,  
All that in want to Warwick Castle come,  
And crave relief; I will afford them some.   

For haut and Lame, and Blind, I will provide  
Some Hospital, with Land to be maintained:  
For Widows, and poor Fatherless beside,  
That their necessities may be sustained.  
For young beginners their estates to raise:  
And for repairing of decayed Highways.   

This I account to be the Heavenly thrift,  
Lay up your Treasure where it cannot rust:  
And give the Riches, we receive by gift,  
As each good Steward is enjoined he must,  
That after this short stinted life's decay,  
We may have life and everlasting day.   

Rejected world thus do I take my leave,  
With thee and all things thou dost most esteem:  
Thy shows are snares, and all thy hopes deceive,  
Thy goodness is but only good to seem.  
Of thy false pleasures I as much have seen,  
As she that bears the title of a Queen.   

Oh that I were in such unknown disguise,  
(Attending on my Guy, where ere he be)  
As once the kind Sulpitia did device,  
Her Lentulus in banishment to see!  
Or Hipsicraca-like in man's attire,  
Following her exiled King, through Love's desire.   

'twould something ease my sorrow wounded-heart,  
So to divide the burden of unrest:  
For where affliction takes afflictions part  
In hard extremes, some comfort is expressed.  
Misery is more easy to abide:  
When friend with friend their crosses do divide.   

But all in vain I wish, would God I were,  
Or thus, or thus, it naught avails my woe:  
Though straying thoughts do wander here and there  
My poor weak body knows not where to go.  
Unto the Holy Land I heard him say,  
God send me thither, at my dying day.   

I will about my Vows and see them paid,  
To do the good that Charity requires:  
When grace, to works of virtue doth persuade,  
'tis blessedness to further such desires.  
And while on earth I do a sinner dwell:  
I'll strive to please my God, with living well.   

In this resolve, that life she entertains,  
Performing all the course she had propounded,  
And such severity therein explains,  
Her sex with wonder rest amazed confounded,  
To see so rare a Beauty, rich, high-born,  
Hold all world's pleasures in contempt and scorn.   

For no persuading friend that she would hear,  
Which motioned company, or recreation,  
Unto their speech, she would not lend an ear,  
That sought to alter her determination.  
But such as came and of compassion spoke,  
She did relieve, for blessed jesus sake.   

Her wand'ring Lord from Land to Land repairs,  
To seek out places Pilgrims do frequent▪  
By careful years, turned into silver hairs,  
Exceeding changed with grief and languishment,  
For sorrow gives a man more ancient look,  
Then elder time, which lesser cares hath taken.   

His old acquaintance in those Foreign parts,  
That had before most worthy actions seen,  
Right bold adventures of his long deserts,  
Had lost Sir Guy, as he had never been.  
Those that in Armour knew his martial face▪  
Did not expect him in a Friar's case.   

Amongst the rest to whom he had been known,  
He met Earl Terry banished to exile:  
Each unto other being strangers grown,  
Through sorrow, which the senses doth beguile,  
They had forgot that ere they saw each other,  
Yet Guy was Terryes, Terry Guyes sworn Brother.   

Having related how their travails grew,  
One's voluntary, tother's by constraint:  
In taking leave with courtesies adieu,  
Oh Englishman (said Terry sighing faint)  
I had a friend, a Countryman of thine:  
Was justice Champion to great wrongs of mine.   

Tyranny, to the face he durst defy,  
And stamp his foot upon Oppressions neck:  
Tell me dear friend, hast thou not heard of Guy,  
That had a hand to help, a Sword to check?  
I have (quoth he) and known him many years:  
Guy Warwick's Earl, is one of England's peers.   

What is thy Name? Terry (quoth he) I hight,  
Greater by Birth then Fortunes make me seem:  
Terry said he, I vow to do thee right  
In what I may, my poor goodwill esteem.  
To humane thoughts my Nature doth agree,  
Thou lov'st my friend, I must of force love thee.   

Direct me to the man exiled thee thus,  
I'll take thy part, as fare as strength extends:  
If Guy himself were here to join with us,  
He could but say, I'll venture life with friends.  
And be assured though I simple be,  
I oft have had as good success as he.   

Terry with loving thankes, his love requites,  
And brings him to his foe, whom he defies:  
And valiant with the adverse Champion fights,  
Till mortal wounded, at his feet he dies,  
Yet 'twas a man supposed of matchless worth:  
That for the Combat they had singled forth.   

When this was done, the Earl demands his Name,  
Pardon (quoth he) that were against a Vow.  
To no man living, I'll reveal the same,  
For I have changed Name and Nature now,  
Nature's corruptions, I do strive to leave:  
A new Regeneration to receive.   

Farewell my friend, even as my soul would far,  
If we ne'er meet on Earth, Heaven be the place:  
For idle hours, I have no time to spare,  
My hairs look grey, they turn to white apace,  
I have great loss, in short time to redeem,  
A minute's sorrow is of much esteem.   

So he departs towards judea ground,  
Samarta, and Galilee, to see▪  
Those parts, by Christian Pilgrims so renowned,  
Because their Saviour's choice was their to be.  
Where he did suffer to redeem our loss:  
Even from the Cratch, unto the bloody Crosse.   

Much time he spends, and many years bestows,  
From place to place, about this Holy Land:  
That all his friends in England do suppose,  
Now Death of him had got the upperhand,  
For no reporter came, that could relate,  
His Life, his being, or his present state.   

This put the world to silence, men were mute  
Concerning Guy, they knew not what to say:  
The dreadful Champion in the armed suit  
Was neither known nor feared in simple Grace.  
But did endeavour all that ere he might;  
Never to be revealed to any wight.   

For unto none he would his Name disclose,  
Nor tell direct what Countryman he was▪  
Nor of his Noble mind make any shows,  
But strive in all things most obscure to pass,  
Until by native love, his mind was led,  
To come and lay his bones, where he was bred.    


Guy after many years comes home,  
To England for his Grave:  
Kills Colbron that great Giant, and  
Dies poorly in a Cave.   
Canto. 12.  

EVen as the brightest glorious shining Day,  
Will have a Night of darkness to succeed:  
Which takes the pride of Phoebus quite away,  
And makes the Earth to mourn in sable weed.  
Presenting us with drowsy heavy sleep,  
Death's memory, in careful thoughts to keep.   

So Youth, the day of Nature's strength, and beauty  
Which hath a splendour like fair Heaven's eye:  
Must yield to Age, by a submissive duty,  
And grow so dark, that life of force must dye.  
When length of years, brings ancient evening on  
Irrevocable time is posting gone.   

This cogitation in Guyes breast appears,  
By his returning from the Holy Land:  
He finds himself, to be a man in years,  
And that his Glass had but a little sand  
To run, before his date of life expire,  
Therefore to England, he doth back retire.   

There to be buried where he had been borne,  
Was all the cause that did induce him back:  
To end his evening where he had his morn,  
In doleful colours of a deadman's black,  
And let that body rest in English ground,  
which through the world no resting place had found.   

When he arrived on his Native shore,  
He found the Country in extreme distress:  
For through the Kingdom armed troops great store  
Against the Foe were all in readiness.  
The King of Denmark whose destroying hand,  
A mighty Army did securely land.   

And marched from the Coast with devastation,  
Destroying Towns, Villages set on fire:  
Working such terror unto all the Nation,  
King Athelstone was forced to retire  
To Winchester, which when the Danes once knew,  
Towards that City, all their strength they drew.   

Which was too strong for Spear and shield to win,  
(Invincible our walls of Stone were then)  
They wanted Cannon-keyes to let them in,  
Hell's picklock powder was unknown to men.  
The Devil had not taught such murdering smoke,  
A Soldiers honour, was his manly stroke.   

Beholding now how they repulsed were,  
That Winchester by no means could be won▪  
They do conclude to summon parley there,  
And with a Challenge have all quarrels done,  
An Englishman, to Combat with a Dane,  
And that King lose, that had his Champion slain.   

Wherewith a huge great Giant doth appear,  
Demanding where the Foxes all were crept?  
Saying, if one dare come and meet me here  
That hath true valour for his Country kept,  
Let him come forth, his manhood to disclose,  
Or else the English are but Coward foes.   

Why very cravens, on their dunghills dare  
Both crow and strike, before they run and cry,  
Is English courage now become so rare,  
That none will fight because they fear to dye?  
Then I pronounce you all faint-hearted fools,  
Afraid to look, on manly Martial tools.   

What slanders I have heard in foreign Lands,  
Of these poor men for deeds which they have done,  
Most false they are belied of their hands,  
But he says true, that says their feet can run,  
They have a Proverb to instruct them in,  
That 'tis good sleeping in a sound whole skin.   

Thus did he vaunt, in terms of proud disdain,  
And threw his Gauntlet down, saying there's my glove:  
At length great Guy no longer could refrain,  
Seeing all strain curtsy to express their love,  
But comes unto the King, and says dread Lord,  
This Combat to thy unknown Knight afford.   

Although in simple habit I am hid,  
Yielding no show of that I undertake:  
I ne'er attempted aught but what I did,  
An end of Colbrond (on my soul) I'll make.  
Palmer (quoth Athelstone) I like thy spirit:  
God sent thee hither, and he aid the right.   

His powerful hand lend vigour to thy blows,  
And grant thy foot upon the foe may tread:  
Amen quoth Guy, and with great courage goes,  
Forth Winchester's Northgate unto Hide-meade.  
Where that same Monster of a man he found,  
Treading at every step two yards of ground.   

Art thou the man (quoth Colbrond) art thou he,  
On whom the King will venture England's Crown?  
Can he not find a fit match form,  
Then this poor Rascal in a threadbare Gown?  
Where's all his Knights and worthy Champions now  
I do disdain so base a Slave as thou.   


Guy fights to free all England's fears,  
With Colbrond Giant Dane:  
And in Hide-mead at Winchester,  
Was that Goliath slain.    

Giant (said Guy) manhood should never rayie,  
To beat the air with blasts of idle wind:  
A Soldier's weapon, best can tell his tale,  
Thy destiny upon my Sword I find:  
'twill let thee blood while thou hast drops to bleed,  
And spell thy Death for all the Danes to reed.   

Thus I begin, and on his Armour laid,  
That Colbronds coat was never cudgeled so:  
Who with his Club, did watch to meet his blade,  
Intending to have broke it with a blow.  
But Guy was sure his Sword would hold out play,  
It had been trusty many a cruel fray.   

And therefore boldly he presumes thereon,  
Laying about, as fast as he could drive,  
Until the Lubbers breath was almost gone,  
(For with a weighty Club did Colbrond strive)  
Which lighting on the ground made earth give ways  
As if some Devil did about him lay.   

So long they held this stern and ireful fight,  
That the beholders knew not what to deem:  
Yet still some wounds to Colbronds share did light,  
Which to the English did great comfort seem.  
Besides, their Champion gave encouragement,  
By active carriage, danger to prevent.   

Quoth Colbrond, Englishman wilt thou forbear,  
And sue for mercy, let the Fight alone?  
Villain (quoth Guy) I scorn thy Coward fear,  
I'll have thy Life, or it shall cost mine own,  
we'll never part, till one be sound sped,  
The King hath ventured England on my Head.   

For twenty Denmark's (if they might be found)  
And all the wealth that on the Ocean swims,  
I will not yield an inch of English ground,  
Thou shalt find mettle in these aged limbs,  
Although thy body's height be more than mine:  
I have a heart bigger by odds then thine.   

Think on thy ancient grand-fire Gogmagog,  
Whom Cor●neus dealt withal at Dover,  
How that same Lubber like a timberlog,  
Was by the worthy Britain tumbled over.  
For his bold Challenge, he had such a check,  
There was no Surgeon could amend his neck.   

Thou art deceived in me poor silly sot,  
I am untaught to bend submissions knees,  
Hold me no Christian if I fail a jot,  
(And for the world that title I'll not lose)  
Betake thee to thy tools, honour thy King,  
Upon thy manhood lies a mighty thing.   

And thus I do encounter thee afresh,  
With that he lent him such a powerful stroke,  
It made wide rapture in the Giant's flesh,  
And did his furious Choler much provoke,  
Laying about him in most cruel rage,  
Till the next wound did all his heat assuage.   

It was so mortal that it brought him down,  
To lie and groan upon the bloody ground,  
Forthwith a shout was heard from out the Town,  
That all the Sky did Echo to the sound,  
Great joy was made by every English heart:  
And all the Danes with extreme grief departed.   

King Athelstone sent for his Champion then,  
To do him Honour for his famous deed,  
Who was received by the Clergy men,  
With all solemnity for such high meed,  
Embraced by the Nobles, and renowned,  
With Martial music, Drum and Trumpets sound.   

But little pleasure Guy conceives herein,  
Refusing jewels, costly Ornaments,  
Saying with these he out of love hath been  
For many years: by true experiments.  
Only thankes God that blessed him with an hour,  
To free his Country from invading power.   

And so entreats that he may pass unknown,  
To live where poverty regards not weahh:  
And be beholden to the help of none,  
Seeing the world but now and then, by stealth.  
For true Content doth such a Treasure bring,  
It makes the Beggar richer than the King.   

With true Content (saith he) I will abide,  
In homely Cottage, free from all resout,  
For I have found, Content cannot be spied,  
To make abode within a Monarch's Court,  
No, there's ambition, pride, and envy seen,  
And fawning flattery stepping still between.   

Yet gentle Palmer (said the King) agree,  
Where ever thou resolvest to remain:  
Acquaint thy Name in private unto me,  
And this is all thy Sovereign will obtain,  
Tell me but who thou art, I will conceal it:  
As I am England's King I'll not reveal it.   

Why then (quoth he) your Grace shall understand,  
I am your Subject, Guy of Warwick named,  
That have these many years not seen your Land,  
But been where Youth, by ancient Age is tamed.  
Yea, where experience taught me wit (dread Prince)  
The world of many follies to convince.   

And now am come to bring my bones to Grave,  
Within the Kingdom where I first took life:  
Yet shall no Creature else the notice have  
Of my arrival, not my dearest Wife,  
Till sickness come and doth my Death foretell,  
Then I'll acquaint her with my last farewell.   

The King with joy embraced him in his arms,  
And with great admiration answers thus:  
Most worthy Earl, freer of England's harms,  
It grieves my soul thou wilt not live with us,  
Oh were thy resolutions, thoughts but now,  
That my persuasions might prevent thy Vow.   

But 'tis too late, they are grown ripe I see,  
Thou art too settled in determination,  
Well Honourable man, yet this joys me,  
Thou bringest thy bones, unto thy dearest Nation,  
Where Monuments of thy great deeds shall last,  
Till after Ages of the world be past.   

In Warwick Castle, shall thy Sword be kept,  
To witness to the world what thou hast been:  
And lest forgetful time should intercept,  
A Precedent, I present will begin.  
The Castlekeeper shall receive a fee:  
To keep thy Sword in memory of thee.   

Thy Armour likewise, and the martial Spear,  
That did thee service, in thy high designs,  
Shall be preserved very careful there,  
That all such men as have distrustful minds,  
May think (if from a truth this did not grow)  
A King would scorn, to cousin people so.   

And in thy Chapel (distant thence a mile)  
A bone shall hang of that most cruel Beast,  
Which near to Coventrey remained long while,  
Whose Rib by measure is six foot at least,  
Destroying many that did pass that way,  
Until thy manhood did the Salvage slay.   

That by tradition men may speak and tell,  
This was Guyes Armour, this his massy Blade,  
These bones of murdering Beasts which men did quell  
And this the Tomb, wherein his Corpses was laid,  
This the true Picture of his shape at length,  
And this the Spear, did oft express his strength.   

For sure I hold it an ungrateful thing,  
(When thou by Nature's course in dust shalt lie)  
No Memory should cause some Muse to sing,  
The Worthiness of matchless English Guy,  
Thy Countrymen would prove too fare unkind,  
When out of sight, they leave thee out of mind,   

This said in humble duty (wondr'ous meek)  
Guy reverenceth the King, and so departs,  
Some solitary den or Cave to seek,  
Which he unto his mansion house converts.  
And so life's poorly in the hollow ground,  
Making his meat, of roots and herbs he found.   

Sometimes he would to Warwick Castle go,  
And crave an Alms at his dear Lady's hand:  
Who unto Pilgrims did more bounty show,  
Then any Noble woman in the Land.  
And she would ask all Palmers that came there,  
If at the Holy Land they never were?   

Or in their travels if they had not seen  
An Englishman, was Lord of that same Tower?  
Who many years away from thence had been,  
A Knight ne'er conquered yet by humane power,  
But there's a Tyrant whom I only fear,  
They call him Death that murders every where.   

If he have met him, (O my dearest Lord)  
I never shall behold thy face again,  
Till that same Monster do as much afford,  
Unto my heart and so release all pain.  
Which gracious Heavens grant, if Guy be dead,  
Upon this earth let me no longer tread.   

Thus did he often hear his Wife inquire,  
With deep complaints from extreme passions flowing  
Yet by no means would grant her kind desire,  
The comfort of a hopeful word bestowing.  
But look upon her as his heart would break,  
Then turn away for fear his tongue would speak.   

And so departed with weeping to his Cell,  
Setting a deadman's Head before his eyes:  
Saying, with thee I shortly come to dwell,  
This sinful Flesh I constantly despise.  
My soul is weary of so bad a guest:  
And doth desire to be at home in rest.   

My feeble limbs; weakness doth sore possess,  
And sickness gripes do touch about my heart,  
I feel I am not fare from happiness,  
But am in hope my foe and I shall part,  
This adversary, which I long have fed,  
By whom my soul hath been so much misled.   

To my dear Phelice, I will send my Ring,  
Which I did promise for her sake to keep:  
I may no longer time defer the thing,  
For fear that Death prevent me with his sleep.  
I feel his Messenger approach apace,  
And poor weak Nature must of force give place.   

So called a Herdsman as he passed by,  
And said, good friend do me a special favour:  
Even in a matter that concerns me nigh,  
(My hope relies upon thy kind behaviour.)  
To Warwick Castle speedily repair,  
And for the Countess ask, with trusty care.   

Deliver this Ring to herowne hand,  
And say the ancient Pilgrim sent the same,  
That lately at her Gate with Scrip did stand,  
To beg an Alms in blessed jesus Name.  
And if she ask thee where I do remain?  
Direct her hither she'll requite thy pain.   

Sir (quoth the Herdsman) I shall be ashamed,  
That ne'er dust speak to Lady in my life:  
Nay more and it please you, I may much be blamed,  
To carry Rings to such a great man's Wife.  
Besides if I should lose it by the way,  
Why what would you, and Madam Phelice say?   

Prithee (said Guy) frame not such idle doubt,  
No prejudice can light on thee at all:  
The act is honest which thou goest about,  
And for it none can thee in question call.  
A courteous ear the Lady will thee lend,  
Upon my warrant fear you nothing friend.   

With that he goes and mannerly betakes  
The token to the Countess, which she seeing,  
Most admirable wonder at it makes!  
Ah friend (quoth she) where is my husbands being?  
Husband (said he) that news I do not bring:  
From an old Beggar I received the Ring.   

His house was made of neither Wood nor Stone,  
But under ground into a hole he went:  
And in my Conscience there he dwells alone,  
And never pays his Landlord quarter's rend,  
Ah 'tis my Guy (she said) show me his Cell,  
And for thy pains I will reward thee well.   

So he directs Warwick's fair Countess thither,  
Who entering in that melancholy place,  
Her Lord and she embracing, weep together,  
Unable to pronounce a word long space,  
Long time they two had not a Tongue to speak,  
Till Guyes discretions sorrow's door did break.   

Phelice (quoth he) now take thy leave of Guy,  
That sent to see thee ere his sight decay:  
Within thine arms I do entreat to dye,  
And breathe my spirit, from thy sweet soul away,  
Thou gav'st me alms at Warwick Castle late:  
'tis blessedness to pity poor men's state.   


Guy in repentance poorly life's,  
Obscurely in a Cave:  
Revealed to Phelice by a Ring,  
When Death had digged his Grave.    

Look not so strange, bewail not so my Dear,  
Ah weep not Love, I do not want thy tears:  
I have shed plenty since my coming here,  
Of true remorse, my Conscience witness bears.  
Thou weep'st not now, because I wept no more,  
But to behold me friendless, helpless, poor.   

Wife, I have sought the place that all desire,  
Though few endeavour for, eternal rest:  
The soul which to that Heaven doth aspire,  
Must leave the world, and worldly things detest.  
'tis full of Devils that on souls do wait,  
And full of snares: in every place some bait.   

Ah Phelice I have spent (and then he wept)  
Youth, (Nature's day) upon the Love of thee:  
And for my God, old rotten Age have kept,  
The night of Nature, Christ forgive it me,  
Sorrow lies heavy on my soul for this:  
Sweet Saviour jesus, pardon my amiss.   

In that I had destroyed so many men,  
Even for one Woman, to enjoy thy Love,  
Therefore in this most solitary Den,  
I sought my peace with that great God above,  
'Gainst whom by sin I have been more misled,  
Then there be hairs, upon my hoary head.   

The other day, feeling my body ill,  
And all the parts thereof oppressed with pain,  
I did compose a Testament and Will,  
To be the last that ever I ordain.  
Lo here it is I'll read it if I can,  
Before I cease to be a living man.    

HIS WILL.  

EVen in the Name of him whose mighty power,  
Created all, in Heaven and Earth contained,  
As one to dye; this very instant hour,  
I leave the world and all therein unfeigned.  
My soul I give to him that gave it me:  
Receive it Jesus, as I trust in thee.  
I own a debt of Life, is due to Death,  
And when 'tis paid him, he can ask no more:  
A very vapour of a little breath,  
Would he had had it many years before,  
But here's my comfort, though he come or stay,  
'tis ready for him (if he will) to day.  
I own the world the stock of wealth it lent,  
When I did enter traffic with the same:  
Less would have given Nature more content,  
" 'tis happiness to want a Rich man's name,  
World, leave me naked as I did begin,  
I ask but one poor Sheet to wrap me in.  
I do bequeath more sins than I can number,  
My daily evils, in a countless sum:  
Even from my cradle, unto Death's dead slumber,  
Those past, these present, all that are to come,  
To him that made them loads to burden me,  
Satan receive them, for they came from thee.  
I give good thoughts and every virtuous deed,  
That ever grace hath guided me unto,  
To him from whom all goodness doth proceed,  
For only evil Nature taght me do,  
I was Conceived, bred and borne in sin:  
And all my Life, most vain and vile hath been.  
I give to Sorrow all my sighs and cries,  
Fetched from the bottom of a bleeding heart:  
I give Repentance tears and watery eyes,  
The signs unfeigned of a true convert.  
Earth yield a Grave, or Sea become a Tomb:  
Jesus unto my soul grant Heaven-roome.  
Phelice, I faint, farewell true loyal Wife,  
Assist me with thy prayers, thy Husband dies:  
I trust to meet thee in a better life,  
Where tears shall all be wiped from weeping eyes,  
Come blessed Spirits come in Jesus Name,  
Receive my soul, to him convey the same.  
And with these words his quiet spirit departs,  
While mournful Phelice wellnigh dead for woe,  
Her senses all to sorrow's use converts,  
And too abundant doth her tears bestow,  
Beating her breast, till breast and heart be sore:  
Wring her hands, till she could strive no more,  
Then sighing said, ah Death my sorrow's cause,  
That hast deprived me of my dearest Lord:  
Since loathsome air my vital spirits draws,  
This favour for thy tyranny afford,  
Do me a good to recompense thy ill,  
And strike the stroke, that all my cares can kill.  
Let me not live to see to morrow's light,  
But make me thus, cold, bloodless, pale and wan,  
As this dead Carcase doth appear in fight,  
This true description of a mortal man,  
Whose deeds of wonder past and gone before,  
Have left him now at Death's dark prison door.  
Kissing his face, with a farewell of tears,  
She leaves the body for the Grave to claim,  
And from that place as 〈…〉 ●oule she bears,  
As ever Woman that the world can name.  
Living but Fifteen days after his Death:  
And then through extreme sorrow yielded breath.    
FINIS.