ΔΑΦΝΙΣ ΠΟΛΥΣΤΕΦΑΝΟΣ. An Eclog treating Of Crowns, and of Garlands, and to whom of right they appertain. Addressed, and consecrated to the King's Majesty. By G. B. Knight. Quod maximum, & optimum esse dicitur, oportet esse unum. ex Arist. Top. li. 7. AT LONDON Printed by G. Elder for Thomas adam's. 1605. blazon or coat of arms QVOD DEUS CONIUNXIT, HOMO NON SEPARET. Math. 19 Quatuor hasce cruces clypeo coniunxit in uno (Quas ergò nemo separet) ipse Deus. INVICTO, PACIF. FOEL. AUG. CHRISTIANISS. FIDEI DEFENSORI, JACOBO D. G. MAGNAE BRITANNIAE, GALLIAE, & HIBERNIAE REGI, DOMINO SVO CLEMENTISS. HAEC STEMMATA, & DIADEMATA, I. HAS GENEALOGIAE AUG. ET IMPERII BRITANNICI LEVES ADUMBRATIONES, GEORGIUS BUCUS E Q. R. S P. C. L. M. D. D. MOST SACRED SOVEREIGN: I have adventured to present your Majesty, not with a fair portrait, but with a slight shadow of your imperial greatness, Which I began long since, but then the end was in nubibus, or in abeiance (as our Lawyers say) for I could not finish it (according to my project) until such time as he, which should be sent, Expectatio gentium (Britannicatum) should come, who was ordained from above to wear all these crowns and garlands, and to reduce this whole Isle (with the hereditary Kingdoms, and Provinces thereof) to one monarchy, and entire Empire, as they had been in the times of divers ancient. British Saxon, and some English kings of the Norman, or Danish race, as it shall hereafter appear. The foundation of this great work hath been laid, by many Kings your majesties ancestors (I mean by alliance, not by arms for those plots were frustrate) but as lately by King Henry the eight when he mediated the marriage of his son the Prince of England with the Princess of Scotland your majesties mother: Vide R●. Ascam●in Toxophil. of the justness of this union. as also in this manner many ages before the good king Malcolm (1) Capito, ut Buchanan. Cammoir projected this work (and that with happy success) by the marriage of Margaret daughter of the Saxon Prince Edward Exul, Buchanan rerum. Scotie. lib. 7. heir of the great Edgar) out of which royal bridebed your Majesty is issued. Likewise Alexander the first married Sibilla elder daughter of William Duke of Normandy king of England. The first David also king of Scotland married Matilda daughter of the Earl Waldeof and of judith niece to the said King William: King Alexander the second married joan Plantagenet daughter of King john. King Alexander the third married Margaret Plantagenet daughter of King Henry the third. King David the second married joan Plantagenet daughter of King Edward the second. King james the first married joan daughter of the Duke of Somerset Grandchild to King Edward the third. King james the fourth your majesties great Grandfather married Margaret elder daughter of King Henry the seventh, and of Queen Elizabeth Plantagenet daughter and heir of King Edward the fourth. But these Princes married only but daughters of England; but You (most sacred Prince) the great JACOB, An Do. 1603. Iul 25. ap. Westminster. enthronized upon the Patriarch Jacob's fatal stone, and upon Saint Jacob's Festival espoused solemnly fair England herself. And all the former matches were but preparatives, & (as I said) foundations of this great work, which your Majesty (whom I may now call an English man, as well for being descended from so many English Princes, as also for that your majesties Father was an English man, and your mother Princess, and heir of England) hath by divine preordinance now finished and accomplished in plenitudine temporum; and that by just right, for in your sacred person are jointly met, and coalesced, the royal bloods, interests, and titles not only of all Great Britain, but also of France and Ireland. Which to prove will not require much search, nor study, for they are evident, and I will for brevities sake but thus point at them. For some of them namely Scotland (the Crown and Sceptre whereof (missa per innumeros avos) your Majesty hath borne from your infancy) all men know and acknowledge your ancient royal right, His majesties title to Scotland & to Ireland. G. Buchan. and estate therein. And your majesties title to Ireland will be manifest in your Genealogy herein deduced from that great Plantagenet King Henry the second, Lionel Plantag. Du. of Clarence, third son of king Ed. 3. married Eliz. daugh & heir of Wil. Murc-Burk Earl of Ulster L. of Connacht: from whom the Dukes of York are descended. Camden in Hiber. the first English Prince Lord of Ireland, & from his heroical posterity (as well Marches as others) who have been continually seized thereof until this day. * His majesties title to France, see it more a● large in the Argument So likewise your majesties title to the Crown of France showeth itself clearly in the ancient possessions of these royal Plantagenets here presented, your majesties Progenitors first Dukes of Normandy, then of Aquitaine, Earls of Poictow, of Anjou, of Maine, of Touraine, and of Britain, and after of Angolesme: And lastly Kings of all France in the right of Isabella or Elizabeth sole daughter, and heir of Philip le bell King of France mother of King Edward the third, Vide 1. Froissar à Tom ● who made a most renowned and happy entry upon that his royal inheritance: & he his great heirs were not only titular Lords, but also actual possessors of France many years, and yet to this day in token of that ancient right) have seisin of a (1) Gersey, Garnesey, Aldern●y, etc. are parcels of Normandy, and so consequently of France yet possessed by the K. of Eng. part of that kingdom, notwithstanding that counterfeit heathenish law Salica maintained by all the power of France many ages against them. * His majesties title from the British Kings. Your majesties title, and descent from the ancient kings of great Britain (and which is least known) may thus readily be derived. The Welsh Bards, as also our best heralds record that (1) Russin. Rhese ap-Gruffith (surnamed Atgluid) prince of South-Wales about the year of our Lord 1196. (and issued from Cadwallader the last British King) had a daughter named (2) Fair julian. Gwenlhian married to (3) Edmund. Ednevet Vachan Lord of Bransencle, and chief justice of Wales, and bare to him a son called (4) Geryon, or jeronim. Grono, this Grono had (5) Theodore. Tedor, Tedor had Grono, Grono had Tedor, Tedor had (6) Veridik. Meredith, Meredith had Owen. Which Owen married Catherine (widow of king Henry the fifth, and daughter of the French king Charles the sixth) by whom he had Edmond creaeted Earl of Richmond by King Henry the sixth, his brother uterine. And this Edmond was father of King Henry the seventh, who was father of Queen Margaret your majesties great grandmother, etc. But some derive your majesties British race from a nameless, & a good nameless daughter of Gruffith ap Leolhin (a Prince ●f Wales about the year 1051) upon whom (as they pretend) Fleanchus then, D. Powel in History of the Princes of Wales. or Steward of Abria flying into Wales for secure) begat unlawfully a son, who should be ancestor to all the ●hiefe Stewards to this day: But this being not acknowledged by ●he best Scotish Historiographers, & the thing not honourable, I may well pretermit it. Lastly, to finish all these your majesties native titles to these many Diadems mentioned in this Poësy, I have inserted a Genealogy of the Saxon Kings drawn from the first uniter of the heptarchy, His majesties title from the Saxon kings. and the Godfather of Anglia King Egbert unto Matilda the Empress, daughter and heir of King Henry the first, and mother of this great Plantagenet King Henry the second, ancestor of all the English Kings until this day. And from him this poesy is a continued pedigree unto Queen Elizabeth the first, and from Her to your Majesty, and to your majesties most excellent Son Henry, The Prince of Great Britain. Now it resteth that I answer, or excuse some faults found in this Poesy. for some note that I am too long in my induction, notwithstanding I propound in the first stanza. Others reprove me because I began no higher. Others charge me that I have concealed, and coloured the faults of bad Princes. ANGLIAE REGUM PROSAPIA A TEMPORE QVO ANGLIA APPELLARI CAEPIT, NIMIRUM AB EGBERTO REGE PRIMO EIUSDEM MONARCHA▪ VSQVE AD HENRICUM 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. royal genealogical tree I. W. S. delineavit. But to conclude shortly, whatsoever be the faults of the book, or of the Buc I most humbly submit them to your majesties most gracious censure, who (next to the omnipotent Lord of Lords) are vitae, & necis Arbiter, Vite, & needle gentibus arbit Seneca. and not only the supreme, and highest judge but (which is best) the best judge. i. the most wise, the most learned, and the most clement judge. Quicquid dominatur vim Dei habet. Artemidorus. And so therefore eftsoons prostrating myself, my small talon, (or rather mites) and all at your sacred feet; not seeking either praise, or thanks, nor so much as one branch or leaf of any of these your many Garlands, but with the old Poet Veniam pro laud peto laudatus abundé ovid. Si fastiditus non tibi Daphnis ero. And with the new inauguratorie hymn still pray to the Almighty that. Your happy days may not be done, Till the great coming of his Son. And that your health, your joys, your peace, May as your reign, and years increase. AMEN. THE PREFACE, OR Argument of this Poësy. DAmaetas having long been a woodman had observed the natures, & properties of many trees, and apprehended there was some mystery, and some peculiar majestical matter in the Genest, more than he could decipher. Whereupon he went to Silenus a man of great learning and authority (for he was held a Prophet) and exposeth to him his conceit, and prayeth earnestly his aid. Silenus entertaineth him courteously, and is very willing, (and by the means of a late accident) well able to reserve him: for (saith he): there was a complaint mad●●ately to our great God Apollo against certain unworthy fellows, which presumptuously took garlands of his ancient tree the Laurel without leave. Whereat he having indignation, determined to take order for that, and such like abuses. And forthwith calling the Muses to counsel in Helicon established ordinances for the due wearing of that & of all other Ghirlands. And because the ancient Ghirlands were abused, & profaned with common and unworthy use, he made choice of a new tree (viz) the Genest, and instituted Ghirlands thereof, and gave to them praerogatives above the rest, & appropriated them to one imperial family seated in (i) Britania, or Albion rather. Vide stanz 17. and it is taken out of Orpheus in his Argonaut: where Ma. Camden rather readeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Albion or Alba, rather than Pinaria, and judiciously. Leuceessa: & with express defence that none else should wear them. And that not all the Princes of this family should have Garlands hereof, but to some of them better deserving should be permitted a chaplet, and to the rest but a branch, or Plant of the Genest. But the chief Garland of Genest complete and adorned with divers sacred flowers should be reserved for his favourite Daphnis (the most puissant, and the most virtuous, and (in brief) the most true heroical Prince of that imperial race) ordained long-since by the highest aeternal wisdom to reconcile the old, and unnatural feud between Locrine, and Albanact, to reduce all the Britannik Isles into one entire monarchy, to restore the ancient unity of religion, laws, and language in this great Island, and finally to extend the limit of his Empire as far, as they were in the times of Albion, of Brutus, of Artur, of Edgar, or of any other our monarch, whose dominions were largest. Thus far Apollo's decree. After this Silenus declareth more particularly, who, and what these royal Worthies were, which should bear, or wear Chappelets, or Garlands of the Genest tree, and lastly the Garland complete. Beginning with that great Henry son of the Empress Matilda (the first King of this Island surnamed Plantagenet) and so deducing a genealogy from him through his royal posterity to our present sacred Sovereign JAMES, He was also surnamed Courtmantel. his now next heir, and nephew, whom the Prophet herein styleth the true Polystephanus, the Peacemaker, King Arturs successor, great Aedgars' heir, high Seneschal of Albion, the great Briton etc. And crowneth his head with this imperial Polyanthine Ghirland, and his reign with all the blessings of peace, victory, long life, a rare fair wife, hopeful Princely issue, and a perpetual succession of their posterity in the Empire of great Britain. And now to that objection touched in the dedicatory, and made because I derive not this title, and genealogy from some of the ancient monarch of this Isle Britons, or Saxons, or at the least from King William the Conqueror, I must answer that to have chosen any of the most ancient Kings, I must have looked so far back, as I should not only have made this Eclog overlong, and tedious, but also have lost myself in the clouds of obscurity by soaring too high amongst them (as they know, which know what our ancient stories be.) But as for William the Conqueror there be many reasons why I should not begin with him (although I go as near him, as his sons daughter) for firstly, he was a bastard, (and yet not that of the blood royal of England) having no title to the Crown but violence, and his sword as he confessed, Vide lib. S. Stephani Cadomensis de Gulielmo conqu●storre editum. an. 1603. and thereof had remorse of conscience at his death. Secondly he was never possessed of the one half of Britain, for he had neither Scotland, nor Wales, and in Ireland he not one foot. Furthermore Girard Du-Haillan and other French antiquaries according to their Salic heraldry say that his line ended in his son King Henry the first: for all they hold as a maxim, (La famille se continué es masles, Philosalicus. et se finist aux filles.) And yet Du-Haillan (notwithstanding, or forgetting this) affirmeth in an other place, that the race of the Kings of England issued out of the house of Anjou (viz) from our great Henry, In Summaire des ducs, et contes d' Aniov. and his ancestors) continueth until this day. From whom there be many reasons on the other side, why I should deduce the genealogy of our Kings passed, and of our present Sovereign Lord King JAMES: for this great Henry was not only rightful heir, K. Henry the second, the greatest king etc. and King of England, but also the greatest King (of whom there is any credible story extant) which hath been in this Isle of Britain since the time of the Roman Emperors (who were reputed Lords of all the world) and which thus I demonstrate, and briefly. He was King of England in the right of his mother Matilda the Empress, daughter and heir to King Henry the first, by Matilda Bona daughter of King Malcolm Canmoir, King Malcolm knighted this K. H. the second at fifteen years of age, Noubrig. who writeth much in the honour of this king Malcolm. lib. 2. cap. 20. and of Margaret his wife, who was the daughter of Edward Exul the Saxon Prince the son of Edmond Ironside King of England Anno Dom. 1016. This Edmond was son and heir to King Etheldred, who in ancient charters is written Totius Britanniae rex (quod nota) because a late Anonymus in a little book dedicated to his Majesty, affirmeth that never any Prince was king of this whole Isle until now: But he is deceived for (besides Constantius Chlorus and his son our countryman Constantine the great, Constans, Aurelius Ambrose, Uter, & others (which were Lords of all great Britain) Edgar also the father of this King Etheldred was absolute Monarch of this Isleland, and so puissant in forces both by land, and sea, as he was surnamed the Great, and was styled Totius Albionis basileus, & Anglici orbis basileus (as G. Malmesburiensis & Florentius Wigorniensis witness. Whereupon (to note also by the way) some think that the word Anglia was sometimes used for the whole Isle, Britannia ab adventu Saxonum in insulam appellatur Anglia joann. Salisbur, in Policratico. and which jon Lidgate disertly assevereth in King Arthur's complaint in these words, Great Britain now called England: so likewise doth Geffrey Chaucer in the Franklin's tale (viz.) In England, that cleped was Britain: And Ranulfus Cestrensis a graver Author peremptorily affirmeth that King Egbert after his conquests ordained, Ranulfus Higeden in Polichronic. and commanded that the Saxons, and jutes should be called Angles, and that Britain should be called England: But I leave this to be discussed by antiquaries. And to return to the ancient Saxon Kings progenitors of this Henry, and also possessors of this whole Isle (as I will show for the better confirmation of that, which I have said against the opinion of this Anonymus.) In divers ancient records and charters of donations of these kings to Monasteries, and to Cathedral Churches, and in other ancient monuments, I have observed these several styles, * Ex archivis Ciscestreasis Ecclesiae by the favour of the reverend D. Hen. Blaxtoa Chancellor. Ego Athelstanus rex Anglorum anno Dominicae incarnationis D. CCCCXXX. r●gni verò mihi gratis commissi VI Indictione III. * Epoch● Epactae xviii. Concurrente iiii. Nonis mensis Aprilis three Lunae rotigerae vaga, tionis i per eiusdem omnipatrantis dextram totius BRITANNIAE regium solio sublimatus etc. Ego Eadmundus rex Anglorum, ceterarumque gentium in circuitu persistentium Gubernator et rector An. Dom. 945. Ego Edredus rex terrenus sub imperiali potentiaregu seculorum, K Edred was uncle to Edgar engulf. aeternique principis, magnae Britanniae temporale gerens imperium, etc. An. Dom. 948. Ego Edgarus totius Albronis monarcha etc. An. Dom. 966. And in another, Ego Edgarus totius Albionis, finitimorumque regum basileus. An. Dom. 974. These three last styles I find in the history of Ingulfus Abbot of Croyland transcribed by him from the Charters of that Monastery. And the other two before going, are copied out of the records of the Cathedral Church of Chicester, as also these three next following. Ego Eadwis a) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, sub. rex. This Eadwis or Edwin was elder brother to the great Edgar. basileon totius Albionis etc. An. Dom. D. CCCC.LVI. imperii autem 1. An in another, Ego Eadwin rex gentium Albionis etc. And in the date of a charter of Bishop Brighthelmus, Anno 2. imperii Eadwin totius Albionis insulae imperantis. I find also (in Asser Menevensis) Aelured or Aelfred a more ancient Saxon King than these written Omnium Britamn. insulae Christianorum rector. An. Dom. 872. Io. Asser in histor. de Gestis Ealfredi. And Edward (surnamed Pius, and Confessor) was from the year of our Lord 1050. King of this whole Isle (if there be any credit to be given to our stories) and was styled rex Albionis, as jon Twine avoweth out of his charters given to the Abbey of Abingdon. Io. Twinus in Albionicis. And that same King Etheldred before cited, I have seen this charter in the hands of Ma. of Holland, a learned Gentleman, & a good antiquary. was styled in the charters of Glastonbury, Aetheldred Anglicae nationis, caeterarumque gentium triniatim intra ambitum Britamn. insulae degentium etc. basileus, and another K. in old inscription, Britanniae Anax: Sigillo. V. and many such more, which were too long to recite. And some kings of the Norman race (which is more rare) have been so styled For the Lord Bishop of Bristol voucheth a coin of King jon, jon B. of Bristol in his first treatise about the union. wherein is stamped joannes rex Britonum. but that coin which his Lordship showed to me had the arms of little Britain upon the reverse: but his grandchild King Edward the firsty & after him king Edward the third were greater monarch here then he. Vide Tho. Walshingham in K. Edw. 1. & in Ed. 3. But this great Henry Plantagenets Empire extended beyond the bounds of the Britannish world; and his greatness so far exceeded all other kings his ancestors, Io. Praesul Carnotensis in Polycratico. that he was styled Maximus Britanniae regum, as I will show by and by, and by good right: for besides this his great Britain and Ireland, he was possessed of a great part of France, and by these titles. K. Edw. 3. erected Aquitain into a Princedom for his eldest son Edw. He was Duke of Normandy by right of inheritance from his granfather King Henry the first Duke of Normandy etc. He was Duke of Aquitain (that is) Gascoin, and Given (sometimes a kingdom) and Earl of Poictow by the marriage of Queen Elinor daughter & heir of William Duke Ican de la Hay. of Aquitain and Earl of Poictow (whose wife jeanne was daughter of David king of Scots) he was Earl of Anjou (seminary of kings) of Touraine, and of Maine (his native country) by right of inheritance from his father Geoffrey Le Bel Earl of them all. Gyr. du Hailian en la sommaire des contes d' Aniow. etc. He swayed all in little Britain; which authority he acquired partly by the marriage of Constance daughter and heir of Conan Earl of Britain with his third son Geffrey Earl of Richmont, but chiefly by his sword: as it appeareth by Gum: Neuburgensis, who then lived, and thus writeth. Lib. 11. cap. 18. Cum a potentioribus in Britannia inferiores premerentur, regis Anglorum auxilium expetentes, eius seditioni spontaneè subdiderunt etc. ipsosque potentes viribus subegit, sicque in breni tota Britannia potitus est. He also conquered Auvergne: and thus much for his possessions in France: and now to Ireland. He twice invaded that kingdom, and by arms seconded with the letters of favour of his good friend Pope Adrian (an Englishman) he brought the discording Princes there, Giraldus Cambrens. in Hiber. expugnata & G. Càmden. to submit their differents and their titles to him, and so obtained the possession of the Isle. And as for those parts, & parties in this our great Britain (viz) of Engl. Scotl. and Wales (which did not acknowledge his sovereignty) he reduced them in good time to the ancient subjection, and obedience, which they owed to the British, & Saxon kings his progenitors. The Welshmen in their stories acknowledge this, & in their loyalty & duties (as the English) lively express it every day. But for the other (if any doubt be made) G. Neuburgensis (veridicus author as Polidore Vergill observeth him) will thus satisfy him, speaking of this K. Henry, G. Neuburg. lib. 2. cap. 38. & of David K. of Scots his prisoner, being then both at York. Occurrit eirex Scotorum cum universis regni nobilibus, qui omnes in ecclesia beatissimi apostolorum principis, regi Angliae, tanquam principali domino hominium cum ligeantia (id est) solemni cautione standi cum eo, et pro eo contra omnes homines (rege proprio praecipiente) fecerunt. Ipse quoque rex Scotorum coram universa multitudine nobilium utriusque regni regem Anglorum modis solemnibus dominum suum, seque hominem et fidelem eius declaravit, eique tria praecipua regni sui munimina (scilicet Rokesburk, Berwik, et Castellum puellarum loco obsidum tradidit etc. But jon Bishop of Chartres maketh his Empire yet much greater, Io. bish. Carnotensis in Polycratico. for he boundeth it to the Southward with Spain, and to the Northward with the Isles of Orkney, and mought as well (if it had pleased him) with the North pole (as Giraldus Cambrensis did) and then styleth him Maximum Britanniae regum 1. the greatest of the Kings of great Britain ut supra: And Giraldus goeth further, for he compareth him with the great Alexander, and ascribeth (as some interpret) the first discovery of the West Indies (which was made by Madok, D. Powell. a younger son of Owin Gwineth Prince of North-wales An. Dom. 1170.) to this King, because it was done by his auspexes: as we may as well also attribute to him the redeeming of our great Artur from the injurious imputation of a fabulous Heros, because he caused his monument to be sought out (which was sunk deep within the ground in the Isle of Aualon) by the occasion of a Bards song, D. Powel in the history of the Princes of Wales. which he heard in Pembroke. But I will set down Giraldus his own words written in manner of a Panegyric to this king, and in my conceit elegant enough for those times. Certant cum orb terrarum victoriae vestrae a Pyrenaeis enim montibus usque in occiduos, Sil. Giraldus in Topographia Hiberniae cap. 47. & 48. Distinct. 3. et extremos Borealis Oceani fines Alexander noster occidentalis brachium extendisti. Quantum igitur his in partibus natura terras, tantum et victorias extulisti si excursuum tuorum metae quaerantur, prius deerit orbis, quam aderit finis. Animoso enim pectori cessare possunt terrae, cessare nesciunt victoriae, non deesse poterunt triumphi, sed materia triumphandi. Qualiter titulis vestris, et triumphis Hibernicus accesserit orbis? Quanta, et quam laudabili virtute Occani secreta, et occulta naturae deposita transpentraveris & c? Qualiter fulguranti adventus vestri lumine attoniti occidentales reguli tanquam ad lucubrum aviculae ad vestrum statim imperium convolaverunt? And much more, which for brevity I omit. joan. Saresbur. in Policratico lib. 8. cap. 24. That which the Bishop of Chartres writeth of him before mentioned and promised, is this: Rex illustris Anglorum Henricus secundus regum Britanniae maximus etc. circa Garumnam fulminat, et Tolosam falici cingens obsidione, non modò provinciales, usque ad Rhodanum, et Alpes territat sed munitionibus dirutis, populisque * Profligatis. suba●lis (quasi universis praesens. immineat) timore principes concussit Hispanos, et Gallos'. And to these I will add only Will. of Neuboroughs elegy for a Corollary. G. Neuburg. lib. 11. Regis supra omnes, qui unquam hactenus in Anglia regnasse noscebantur, latius dominantis (hoc est) ab ultimis Scotiae finibus ad montesusque Pyrenaeos nomen in cunctis regionibus celebre habebatur etc. Hunc finem habuit inclytus ille rex Henricus ●. inter reges terrarum nominatissimus, et nulli eorūvel amplitudine opum, vel felicitate successuum secundus. And thus much for the testimony of the greatness of his conquests, & of his Empire▪ as for his other greatnesses (viz) of his wisdom, of his justice, of his magnanimity, of his bounty and other heroical virtues I shall not need to produce any proof, for his wise and politic administration of his great affairs, and estate, his victories and high acheevements secretly intimate them at the full. He was also well learned, as Giraldus affirmeth, Gyral. Cambr. and (which was his best praise) he was very chartable, and pious, (incomparabilis Eleemosynarum largitor, et praecipuus terrae Palestinae sustentator.) And Radulph de Diceto writeth that in the time of an extreme dearth in Anjou and Maine he relieved with bread ten thousand people daily from April till harvest. An Dom. 1176. And William of Newborough addeth that he received with great devotion the character of the sacred Militia for the recovery of the holy land. Vide S. Giraldum in Topograp. Hibern. Distinct. 3. cap. 48. & in Hiber. expugnala lib. 1. cap. 45. And afterward (because he was not able to go by reason of infirmities, and for the great dangers wherein his estate should stand in his absence which Giraldus showeth) he gave toward this expedition the sum of 47. M. li. or there abouts. Io. Sto. in Anna● jean de la hay also writeth that he built S. Andrews Church in Bourdeaux, and S. Peter's in Poitiers, and founded a Bishop's sea there, and enlarged the town by the one half. He re-edified the Abbey at Waltham in Essex, Fabian. ●●du Haillan es contes, & D. d' Aniov. and the Charterhouse of Witham in Wiltshire. He repaired and much beautified the Monastery of font Euerard (or Frontevaux) near Eagle in Normandy: and founded the Priories of Staneley, He loved Hunting and hawking exceedingly. Girald. and of Dover. He also began the stonework of London bridge, which was finished by his Son King jon (or caused to be finished) for it is all one to a common wealth. He first kept Lions, & made of the arms of Normandy (viz) the two Leopards, and of the single Lion of Aquitain one coat of arms for Engl. as it is yet borne. Nic. Vpton. And he instituted the circuits of the judges: and not to be tedious in the enumeration of such particulars) in a word he was (as jon Carnotensis who knew him well) testifieth, rex optimus apud Britamnias, Normanorum, et Aquitanorum dux faelicissimus, Io. Carnotensis. lib. 16. cap. 18. et primus tam amplitudine rerum, quam splendore VIRTUTUM. Quam strenuous quam magnificus, And much more, and much and in his honour writeth Giraldus in Hiberna pugnata. lib. 1. & G. Neubrig. lib. ●. cap. 25. Whereunto for brevity I recommend. the Reader. quam prudens, et modestus quam pius ab ipsa (ut ita dicam infantia) fuerit, nec ipse livor silere, nec dissimulare potest: cum opera recentia, et manifesta sint etc. And after those his great works, and all his high achivements, his victories, his trophies of his heroical, and christian virtues, and a long and happy reign, he departed at Chinon in Touraine, in the 35. year of his reign, and in the 61. year of his age An. Do. 1189. and was with all due funeral pomp interred, at Frontevaulx, and upon his tomb had this inscription engraven. Sufficit hic tumulus cui non suffecerat orbis, Res brevis ampla satis, cui fuit ampla brevis. Rex invictus eram, mihi plurima regnasubegi, Multiplicique modo duxque, comesque fui. Cui satis advotum fuerant haud omnia terrae Climata, terra modo sufficit octo pedum. Qui legis haec pensa discrimina mortis, et in me Humanae speculum conditionis habe. Quod potes instanter operare bonum, quia mundus Transit et incautos mors inopina rapit. Thus this great Henry left his great name, and his glory to the world: and his Kingdoms and his dominions to his posterity the Princes arranged, and enrolled in this following Poesy. Unto which his Empire I dare affirm, & upon the present allegata, et probata conclude, that never any Prince heir general of this kingdom had so many, so ancient, & so lawful titles as He, to whose happy inauguration this humble verse is consecrated. AN ECLOG, Entitled ΔΑΦΝΙΣ ΠΟΛΥΣΤΕΦΑΝΟΣ, betwixt Damaetus a Woodman, and Silenus the Prophet of the Shepherds, DAMAETAS. SILENUS. Stanza 1. OF all the trees in heavenly Siluan's guard, (wherewith the worthiest brow's were crowned of yore) There is but one, or few (O reverend Bard) The ancient wisemen of Britain were callend Bardi. Diodor. Sic. Amid whose virtues maze I would require A line of any learned wiserds' lore: The Plant of Genest chiefly I admire, Whose humble highness makes me oft surmise, Humilitas scala caeli. Bernard. That lowly steps be ladders to the skis. 2 For well I wist though Genest doth not dwell In proudest soil, nor tops of mountains high, She shows by this, that she foreseeth well The perils, which do all extremes impend. Flexit pinum ferox astris minantem, & de nube media vocat. Se●●ca Th'aspiring pine (whose top doth threat the sky) Divine Revenge doth headlongs oft down send, When this is safe upon her humble hill, Not thrall to any proud Superiors will. 3 Again I know her gentle property To yield, and bow, as reason shall advise: Lo here a type of true humility, And therefore hath by kind the sovereign power Genuum doloribus modetur, hinc Genista ditta fu●●sius. Of parts of man, which only duty ties To bow to Kings, and to their Creator. O just respects, who can so well deserve For to command, as one that knows to serve? 4 And that the Genest doth by nature hold A special honour of aeternal green: And that her boughs be charged with flowers of gold: And many such like graces more I wot: But in my mind long this conceit hath been, That yet the greatest wonders I weet not. And I am wont this tree oft to compare To that, which is in all the world most rare. Vide stanz 54. 5 Now good Silenus, as you are a man Endued with passing skill, and mystic art, Inform me rightly, (for I know you can) What be the other mysteries of this tree: And by the way I pray you to impart Both which, and what those other flowers be, Whereof (they say) the * Apollo praeses luminis. Gal. president of light Hath made a garland for his † Sup. Daplmis quod nomen in hac celoga datus S.R. jacobo, sicut julin Caesari olim in Ecloga 5. Virgilii. a pastoribus. favourite. 6 SILENUS. Thou hast long lived (Damaetas) in the woods, And there for Woodman haste Genista served, To prune her plants, and save her tender buds, As seasons did the charge to thee commend: And many of her virtues hast observed, Which use, or common mought apprehend, But for to deem the doubt thou stickest upon. Would ask some time bestowed in Helicon. 7 When first I went those sacred wells to see, My will to good was harsh, benumbed and cold: My head now white, was then like eben-tree Died in the sensual sums of youthful will. Lo now of each the contraries I hold, For Time, and travail, and those springs of skill Capitis nives: sic Horatius. Of frost, and snow have made my skulls attire, And warmed my spirits with their holy fire. 8 Now of these flames I will impart to thee, And happily perhaps thou hast referred The resolution of this doubt to me: For why this case was argued long-agone, In Helicon, and I myself it heard, Where Phoeb (amid the Muses) on his throne, Established by those sacred maids advise, The Italians, French, and Spaniards write the first syllable of Garland with an i. & that is nearest to the Etyemologie of Guir & dalen 1: green leaves in British. What Ghirlands should be each acchivements price. 9 The question grew because Apollo's suit, Praeferd a plant against such as praesumed To wear a garland of his holy fruit, Without desert or special grace divine. Apollo was much moved, and chafed, and fumed, And went anon to counsel with the Nine. And when he had a leaf of Laurel eat, Hinc vates 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 olim olim dicti Lycophron ap. Caelium. Rodig. Thus spoke, as I his speeches can repeat. 10 The Laurel Garland. Plin lib. 15. The Laurel-crowne was given, and shall be still To peerless men, to Clarks, and Emperors, And such as in a mood of metrik skill, Could of my favours make their vaunts at large. The Palm garland. A. Gell. lib. 3. And then that long-enduring Palm of yours, Was due (my sisters, and my sacred charge) To such, as worthily to gain the price, Had suffered watching, famine, fire, and Ice. 11 And he, which had with valiant hand preserved The Oaken Garland. Gel lib. 5. A citizen, received a crown of Oak. The Olive Garland. Gell. & Textor. But he a wreath of Olive-leaves deserved, Who had with Arts, and pleas of peace beguiled The bitter times, which discord had forspoke, Or else some dangerous foe had reconciled. And he, who long had flamed in true loves fire, The Mirtile Garland. Virg. & ovid. Received a crown of Myrtle for his hire. 12 I mean whose amorous flame is fed by grace, By grace of her, who doth his dear persever. I mean not one forlorn, and in disgrace: He must a wreath of bitter Willow wear: The Willow garland, authorized by Homer and Virgil Homer calleth this tree 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. frugiperdam Odyss K. And Virgil placeth the Forlorn lover inter salices: eclog. 10. For as that tree by buds doth promise ever, A hope of fruit, yet fruit doth never bear, So vain, and fruitless is his, hope and love, Who an inconstant woman's love doth prove. 13 Of all the most authentik is of Grass, The Grass Garland. Plin. lib. 22. That crown (before I had my Bays) was used. And with those words his colour altered was, And fetched a sigh, which would have rend a rock. So much his guilty conscience him accused, Whose rape to scape a Maid was made a stock. Daphne versa in laurum ovid. Met. 1. and hereupon Lucian saith Apollo was infortunate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In dial. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In brief remorse did so with him prevail, That he had much ado to end his tale. 14 Yet what he could his passions he subdued What could he not, who was a wight divine? And for that he his purpose would conclude, The Garland of the Grass did serve (quoth he) For some such politic, or Paladine, The Cypresse-garland. Cato apud Plin. lib. 16. Who from a siege should set a city free. And then the hood of Cypresse-leaves was woorne Of such, as had (as I have) cause to mourn. 15 The vervain garland. Vergil. Plin. For safe convoy is borne the vervain wreath Of foecials, and Mars his orators. ivy Garl: Plin. lib. 16. To Tuiscons race the ivy I bequeath. The Garlands of Lilies, Roses, & Thistles. de his vide Pierium in Hieroglyph. Lillis, Chardons, and sweets of Erycine, Of several Empires be the signal flowers, Symbols of beauty, power, and grace divine: And now I do employ them to adorn The crown, which of my Daphnis shall be worn. 16. The Pine is Pan's, and he bestoweth that The Pine Garland. Propertius lib. aeleg. 1. Of herds, which best can skill to tune an oat, Or wist to make their cartel soon fat. But more from this, and from the rest I hast To speak more large of ONE (as you may note) The GENEST garland. The first in honour, though in order last: As it befalls with gold which is refin'de, The worst comes first, the best remains behind. 17. There is an Island (1) Orpheus calleth Britain 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Argonantic. Leucëëssa called, And in that Isle there grows (2) Gentile hath divers significations, sometime it signifieth supremo grado de perfectione per natura, percostumi, & per valour etc. I. Ruscelli. sometime it signifieth of, or belonging to the same stock or nation, as Gentilis clyteus, gentile sacrum, & Gentilhuomo in Italian, and as it is used here. Sometime also it betokeneth mild, or pliant, as it is used stanz. 3 and sometime a heathen or Pagan, as it is usually taken in the holy scriptures and stanze. a gentile tree, Whose bough's be all of carved Emerald, And for her flowers my Rays I did employ. For her abode she listeth not to be Where either heat, or cold can her annoy. Whether the Bee of homagers most true Comes oft to yield his suit, and service due. 18. Upon this tree is set my chiefest care. Now thou fair Genest art my dearest tree. Thy ghirlands now of all shallbe most rare. And I pronounce, and make a solemn vow, (Sisters accord for so it must needs be) None shall pręsume to were hereof one bough But such as standing high in virtues grace, shallbe advanced to honour's highest place. 19 But to put on my new composed crown The Garland of Genest, Roses, Chardons & Lilies reserved for Daphnis Apollo's favourite. etc. viz. K. JAMES. It shall not fall to any but to ONE. And such an one, as merit, and renown Shall recommend unto the supreme good. e'en such a one as shall deserve alone To wear a wreath of each tree in the wood, Wise, valiant, just in brief endued with all virtues Christian, and heroical. 20. To him his neighbour potentat's shall bend, The Polare princess shall his vassals be, Africa, and Jude, to him shall pręsents send, Aesteeming those the happiest wights alone, Which league contract with him or amity, Fortune's darling, Piety's champion, Successor and heir in all by right To great King Artur * The oracle given to Augustus, me puer Hebraeus, etc. recorded by Nicephorus, and that reported by Eugubius, Heutripodes lugete perit praesagus Apollo shows that these heathen gods knew Christ: quod notet B. I. Iesu's faithful knight. 21. Thus said the King, the Prophet, and the God, (Which I must credit as my blessed belief) And here he made his parting Period. But that thou mayst the better bear away This Oracle, I will declare in brief What worthies have been graçed unto this day, By bearing branches of this happy tree, As divers have, and hearken now to me. 22. K Hen 2. vide preface. You see (Damaetas) that the God's decree Admits but one to wear the complete ghirland. But some, whose fame hath scaled a high degree May bear a branch, and some a chaplet. Th' Empress Matilda's son, who conquered Irland: (The greatest Britanne King, which hath been yet) Must by good right now lead this royal band Of the triumphant worthies of this land. 23. A prince formed of the true imperial mould, He was as valorous, as politic; He could well win, & what he won could hold, And fortune follows such men in their train. 1) Normandy not Neustria Pitheus. Westria was his, he ruled in 2) Little Britain. Armorike: And reigned in Albion, and in Aquitaine. In brief a sovereign he did reign, and rule From Pyren mountains to the frozen 3) Terrarum vl●ima Thule, Seneca Island, or Thylen sell, that is Shetland secundum Gasp Peucerum ap. G. Camd num. Thule. 24. With slips of Broome he decked next his cap, K Rich 1. surnamed Coeur-de Lion. married Borengaria daughter of Garcia King of Navarre. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Whose valiant zeal, whose chivalry divine Made in the pagan kingdoms such a gap, As all the Christian hosts mought enter in. He took Acon, and joppes in Palestine, Richard demeura en Asic la ou il fist plusieurs belles choses. (After the departure of the French K. Louis) Du-Haillan. li. 1. And did besides, the realm of Cyprus win. He warred with men, and slew the Austriak Lion, And made a peace with GOD, and went to Zion. 25. Next rides king jon, to whom stout Caledoun K. jon, brother to Ric. 1. surnamed Sans-terre▪ he got Angolosme, by marrying with Isabella daughter and heir of Almery Earl of Angolesme: and the I'll of Man by conquest. Solemnly vowed to be loyal leege-man To him the King, and heirs of his Crown. And by his auspexes the * Walter Buc brought 700 men out of Braband, wan Ely and divers Castles for this K. jon. vide Camdenum in Ottadini, & Holinsh. Brabant Knight From rebel Lords their isle of refuge wan. By him great Themses bridge so exquisite, (Which did before in wooden models lurk) Became of Europe the most stately work. 26. K. Hen. 3. surnamed de Winchester married Elinor, daughter of Raimond earl of Provence. Then comes his son with other architects (Not to build Babel's and Castles in the air) But he a holy house for GOD projects, The which he doth at Westminster perform. A temple high, magnificent, and fair, A princely pile as well for use, as form, K. Edward 1. surnamed Longshank, married first Elinor daughter of the King of Castille, she was heir of Ponthieu, & mother of K. Edw. 2. by his second wife Margaret daughter of the French King, he had Tho. of Brotherton, from whom by Segraue, and Mowbray the Howards are descended. And shall remain to all posterity, A glorious tropheè of his piety. 27. Now add the foremost two which bore his name, (Who of the saint disguised a ring received) To th' one some give a Hammer for surname, Because he bruised (2) vide Tho. Walsingham in Edward 1. K. Edward 2. surnamed of Carmarvon, married Isabella daughter and heir of Philip le Bel K. of France. Gaiothel in his wrath, And him of Jacob's stone, and chair bereaved. But jacob soon shall repossess them both. Th' other Edward the templars did expel. Of whom I can no more say, to say well. 28. Behold him next who in a doom supreme K. Edward 3. surnamed de Wind sore, married Philip daughter of William earl of Henalt, etc. he took Calais, & won many victories of the French, as at Crecy & Slays, etc. Refused to be Emperor. Paralipom. ad Abb. urspergen. Powoir above an Estre did advance, For he was offered Caesar's diadem. But followed boons forbade, and down anon Cuts with his mother's sword the flowers of France, and plants them in his fields of Albion And puts them in his royal Lion's guard, For so (quoth he) Dieu & mon droit award. 29. Right gentile too was that conceit of his, The order of the Knights of the Garter instituted. When he the Garters order did ordain, A noble pledge of princely grace it is: Happy are they which therewith gird their knee. Thrice happy he, and ay so may remain Who doth protect both that, and them; and he, Which saith not so, ill come to him and worse, Then Honni soit, qui mal y pense's curse. Edw. de Woodstock Pr. of Wales, and of Aquitain, married joan daughter and heir of Edm. Plantagenet Earl of Kent. 30. Philipp the famous Macedonian Had not a son of higher worth than he, un tel prince estoit dign de governor tout le monde. Froisard. For where the prince black Edward went he won. This honours comet first did fair appear At Crecy field, which 1) He overthrew 60000. Spaniards and French in Spain betwixt Navaret & Naiara. Idem. Navaret did see After more bright than Mavors in his sphere, But Poitiers chiefly, where he took King joan, For there a 2) Le ieune prince doublement victorieux, aiant vaincuson enemi par valeur, et par courtoisie, laissant une venerable trophè de son humanitè & prudence, etc. je. de Serres. double victory he won. 31. Two * K. Ric. 2. his son surnamed the Bourdeaux, married Anne of Luxembourg daughter of the Emperor Wenceslaus. Richard's more succeed, the one a Prince, Whose goodly presence men to wonder moved, And was as bountiful as any since. § K. Ric. 3. surnamed the Fotheringay, duke of Gloucester. etc. married Anne Nevil daughter of Rich. the great Earl of Warwik. Fame hath been sharp to th' other, yet because All accusations of him are not proved: And he built Churches, and made good law's, And all men held him wise, and valiant, Who may deny him then his Genest plant? 32. But Henry Bolinbrook (me thinks doth frown, K. Hen. 4. surnamed the Bolingbrook, married Mary daughter & heir of Humphrey Bohun earl of Hertford. etc. He was Duke of Lancaster in the right of his mother Blanch daughter of Henry Duke of Lancaster, etc. That Glo'ster here should next to Bordeaux come, Because he from his cousin took the crown. Mistake not Henry, for by right for neither Of ye, in these triumphal car's is room: But best of all ye may be matched together. Yet do I grant thou wert a princely Knight, And patron of the bloody rose by right. 33. But to thy son the § Of this Dolphin vide Tho. Walsingham in An. Do. 1392. He conquered France for the most part. Dolphin's strange repair K. Hen. 5. surnamed the Monmouth, married Katherine daughter to Char. the 6. the French King. (Swimming in post up to the royal port) Foretold that he was born the Lilies heir. This sign was soon by sequels verified: Dolphin he was by right, or swords effort. And he in France victorious lived and died. Whom Azincourt so nobly did receive, At * He died at Bois de Vinciennes near Paris. Vincienne park of all he takes his leave. 34. K. Hen. 6. surnamed the Saint, built a college at Eaton, and the King's college in Cambridge: married Marg. daughter of Renè K. of Sicil, Duke of Aniow. Henry his son surnamed of Windlesore (Who was in London and in Paris crowned) Most worthily a Plant of Genest bore. But not by sceptres sole his praise began: His christian virtues made him most renowned, K. H. 7. solicited the Pope to canonize K. H. 6. who refused. For he was deemed a very holy man, And had been made a Saint, and long since shrined, But that the vice-saint maker was unkind. 35. Rich. duke of York, heir general of the crown, Regent of France, married Cecily Nevil daughter of Rafe earl of Westmoreland. I must omit that proud Plantagenet, Who in high parliament the king defi'de. But I may not his gallant son forget, Who twice did win the royal goal by arms: And was the father of the happiest bride, K. Edw. 4. married Eliz. Widevile daughter of Ant. earl Rivers. extinguished Lancaster. Q. Elizab, 1. K. Edw. 5. That ever Camber compassed in his arms: She made the loss the lighter of that son, Whose reign then ended as it was begun. 36. She, and her Richmont (on'd by sacrament) Refused the golden offer of Colône, K. Hen. 7. earl of Richmont, married Elizab. Plantag. daughter & heir of K. Edw. 4. For them Christopher Colonus offered to discover the Indies. R. Hakluit to. 3. Foreseeing that the riches and the rent Would hardly countervail the keeper's care: And had besid's a secret reed that one, (Who should hereafter set in Arturs chair) Should fetch the fleece when he occasion saw, And hold the golden monarch in his awe. 37. This Richmont was a very prudent prince Hen. Earl of Richm. wan both the field and the crown at Bosworth. Margaret his mother was an heir of the house of Somerset. he extinguished the male line of York. And therefore was surnamed Solomon. The world hath seen great works accomplished since, Which were projected by this Theodore. This man of GOD did happily atone The civil feud, which long had been before, Betwixt the Rose, which first grew in the wood Vide Ouid in Metam. these Roses were the devises of York & Lancaster. And that which Venus coloured in her blood. 38. Margaret their daughter was married to ja. 4 K. of Scotland, by whom she had K. james 5. who married Mary daughter to Claud duke of Cuise, who bore to him Mary Queen of Scotland and of France, heir apparent of England, and mother of our Sovereign Lord King James. These happy Plants have overspreed this I'll By Henry, and more fruitful Margaret. (But Henry's branches flourished but a while) She is the root of the immortal seed, Whence james the wise a new Plantagenet did spring, and was her father who did breed The great Polystephane, as shall appear When they are passed, which come triumphing here. 39 K. Hen. 8 married Katarine daughter of Ferdinand King of Castle, by whom he had Q. Mary: he had Q. Elizabeth by Anne Bolein daughter of the Earl of Wiltshire. He had K. Edw. by jane sister of the Duke of Somerset. Doctor Cooper B. of Lincoln in Chronicis. That Henry with his broom attempted first To sweep out of this land the dross of Room; A work of worth, which else no monarch durst. And made a Bal when he had done this deed In triumph of the flowers of the Broom. Yet see how duly virtue hath her meed, For the Pope himself as (the Bishop saith) First styled him Defender of the faith. 40. His hopeful son brought happily to pass What was attempted by that hardy King. K. Edw. 6. For he abolished the Romish Mass: Timely resolved to maintain christian troth. And as his years, so did his virtues spring, But envious fates untimely cropd them both. Then let this serve to make complete his praise, Quem dij diligunt, moritur juvenis. Menander. Whom Gods do love, he dies in tender days. 41. This is king Henry's eldest daughters place, A dame endued with heavenly virtues many: Q. Mary married to Philip 2. King of Spain. Devout sansdout, a MARY full of grace, Just of her word as ever any Queen: Her liberal hand was never closed to any, whose need required. This makes her plant still green, For what somever piously is given, Is with great usury restored in heaven. 42. Q. Elizabeth. 2. she added Virginia to her Empire. etc. Her younger sister next to her doth set, Who was in acts, and age the happier much? And therefore wears the braver chaplet. A Queen, whose state so happily did stand, That men did say (seeing her greatness such) This Lady leadeth fortune in her hand: A virgin which did keep her lamp still light And eke for rareness was a Phoenix hight: 43. For weigh her peace established at home, And next her victories acheeved abroad As well in th' Indies as in christendom. Then her safe guarding her confederates, Her zeal to the true worshipping of GOD, her wisely moderating her three estates, These say she was a glorious Amazon, As ever any was: but fates spare none. 44. Add more, which joined strange sceptres to their plant, Ric. Earl of Cornwall brother to K. Hen. 3. elected K. of Almayin, or Romans. As Cornwall did the sceptre of Almain, And that of Castille royal jon of Gant, Progenitor by sons, and either daughter jon of Gant. Duke of Lancaster. K. of Castille & Lion by Q Constance his wife. Of all the kings of Britain, and of Spain: Without sir Bolinbrook, who for the slaughter Of a king inunct ashamed hid his eyes K. Hen. 4 ut supra. Long-sithence with a hood of strange desguise. 45. But Bedford shall his father's place supply, jon Duke of Bedford. 3. son of K. Hen. 4. regent of France where he took the great Champion of France jeane la pucelle: overthrew the viscount of Narbone at sea: won the battle at Vernueil, which (as Serres saith) Faisoit porter le dueil a toute la France. Who though no King, yet was a great viceroy, And in his place behaved him royally. Th'armed sorceress committed to the flame, Narbone, Alencon, and their * K. Charl. 7. was called in scorn Le petit roy de Bourges. petty roy Vanquished at Vernueil witness well the same, Who while he lived preserved th'inheritance Of his dread liege, and kept in awe all France. 46. Artur Plantag, earl of Britain, son of Geffrey, 3. son of K H. 2. heir apparent proclaimed by K. R. the first. Mary daughter and heir of jam. 5. King of Scotland, by Mary de Lorraine daughter of the Duke of Guise, ut supra. 38. Some more great Genesters recount I may, Whose fronts should with this crown have circled been, But they were absent at their sacring day: As Artur, heir unto the greatest King: And she, that was of France and Scotland Queen, Whose virtues praises all the muses sing, And wears in stead of chaplet of plants S. Peter calleth the crown of immortal glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1. epist. ca 5. In hev'n a diadem of Amarants. 47. And divers other set on fortune's knee, Highly advanced for virtues rare respects Have worn a branch of this imperial tree. Farther they neither did presume nor m 〈…〉 t, For they were men, and had some light ●●fects: DAPHNIS. But yet they passed as far each other wight, As he (that peerless he) eclipseth them, Who is of all the world the rarest gem. 48. Defects empesched they were not absolute, And fates conspired to keep them in their wants: But GOD, and fates desert and public brute Have all pronounced him sole the worthy ONE To wear the ghirland made of many plants. Th' high Seneschal (I mean) of Albion, K. james is high Seneschal of England, Scotland, and France, by private heritage's, viz. by Leicester, Ab. & Aniovv. Of whom Apollo in his holy rage, Did as you heard such wondrous goods pręsage. 49. And this is he, for whom by destiny The complete ghirland was reserved so long: Of whom to say in sooth my fantasy, It were in vain for any man alive, With flattering hopes to do himself that wrong, To think his stile mought at his praise arrive. But true that is which erst thy Muse did sing, Vide Epigramma Latinum in calce libelli. He is the true Beau-clerc, and the best King. 50. Sic minerva dicta Olivisera ab Ovidio. This is that Olive-bearer of this I'll, Who shall by high preordinance divine That great intestine quarrel reconcile, Which so unnaturally so long hath been Betwixt Brutus' sons Albanact, and Locrine: As Theodore did that, which was between The bloody brothers Lancaster and York, And was a figure of this greater work. 51. To this his reunited Albion Tria juncta in uno: It is the mott of his majesties devise for the Knights of the Bath. He shall annex the crown of Pharamound, And fair Hibornia's joining three in one. Still Victory shall follow his ensign. He shall in treasure, peace, and years abound. Equity, Clemency, and lore divine In all causes, and of all opinions Shall be his judges in his dominions. 52. And to accomplish this his happiness Heavens do to him a princely spouse decree: Anne Queen of great Britain, daughter of Frederick 2. King of Denmark. All those frail saints, those gentile goddesses shall kneel to her: so wise, so chaste, so loyal, So fair, so good, so goodly she shallbe: And both thrice blessed in their issue royal: For he, and they which from them shall descend, Henry Prince of great Britain. Shall reign in Britain, till the world have end. 53. And Britain had no sooner faith and force Prince Henry. Combined, but her DOLPHIN in tender age Vows to redeem from Gallile bands the cors K. Henry the 2. buried in Frontenaulx in France. Of his grandsire the great Plantagenet, And seize upon his Southern heritage, And bounds, and tropheés in the Pyrens set. Soft Muse: but prosper GOD, and native right This flower of flowers, this sweet S. George's knight. 54 What dost thou now (Damaetas) more command, Lo here discussed the mysteries of thy tree, Thy doubts dissolved, assoiled thy demand, And e'en thy thoughts (I think) descyphred are. And if that rarest thing great DAPHNIS be, To whom thou didst some time those plants compare, Then lo at length the white is stricken pat, Which thy conceits so long have aimed at. 55. DAMAETAS. O blessed Prophet hallowed be thy art, Which hath so much relieved my travailed mind, Thou hast discharged in faith a friendly part: My thoughts, and doubts are ridled every-on. And I confess his name thou hast divined, To whose high worth the plants were pargon. In Stanz. 4. Silenus' live, and so nought resteth now, But to his service all my life to vow. 56. Wherefore I wish I wist to bring to pass, To have a Pen plucked from Angels wings: And then to be as high as Atlas was, Who on his shoulders did support the skies. (O King of flowers, O fairest flower of Kings) Thus would I write in starry Paradise, DAPHNIS a toy le chappeau royalest, De Roses, chardons, lis, & de Genest. 57 Triumph ye trees, which had so high a hap To bear the flowers of this royal Hat: Flourish ye flowers lulled in Flora's lap, Whereof Apollo did his ghirland make, Ghirland in honour equal be to that, Which shines in hev'n for Ariadne's sake, And may his state, for term with stars contend, To whom the heavens' this Garland recommend. L' ENVOY au Roy. LO now (great BRITON) by decree divine, This fowre-fold Diadem devoled to thee, Great Aedgars' heir by fortunes, and by line. But greater by thy wisdom, and thy wit, Thy mind invict, thy bounteé, pieteé, And all the virtues for a Caesar fit. Wherefore on thee all happiness attend, Whom heavens to us so happily did send. Gran coz in picciol fasce stringo. F. Petrarc. Dij boni quid hoc est, quòd semper ex supremo fine mundi nova deûm numina universo orbi colenda descendunt? Orator Belga in Panegirico Constantino D. πολυχρονιον. The Hymn inauguratory for his Majesty: mentioned in the Epistle D.D. O God of gods, O King of Kings, aeternal Father of all things, In heaven and earth, and every where, By whom all Kings their Sceptres bear. Great God of james our blessed King, Who peace, and joy, to us did bring. Whom thou a chief, a royal guide Didst for thy herdlesse troops provide. Now we beseech the mighty Lord, To us such favour to afford, That this triumphal festival, This holiday imperial, To his inauguring consecrated, May be so often celebrated, That finally it be not done, Till the great coming of thy son, And that his health, his joys, his peace May as his years, and reign increase. AMEN. Epigrammatis S. Regi jacobo jampridem Hantoniae regiae oblati exemplar, cuius mentio est Stanza. 49. Anglice david ave, rex scilicet optime, vates Optime, quos mundi secula sera vident. Vir caelestis ave, nam non industria talem Te fecit tun, sed gratia summa DEI. Tu pius et fortis, tu prudens, ordine, stirpe, Fortuna, meritis (prime jacobe) vale. Aliud de symbolo nummi novi. Vos (Henrice) Rosas, unisti Regna (jacobe:) Dat Deus ut fiet haec unio perpetua. FINIS. Faults escaped in the Printing. In the Epistle DD. in the marg. Vite for Vitae. Arbit for Arbiter. fol. B. In the Pręface. Britania for Britannia. fol. B. 2 in the Marg. Conquestorre, for Conquestore. fol. B. 3. in the Marg. Seditioni for se ditioni. fol. C. In the Eclog, Datus for datur. stanz. 5. in the Marg. Cars for Cars. stanz. 32. Hertford for Hereford. stanz. 32. in the Marg. abolished for abolished. stanz. 40. ? for: stanz. 42. and eke for rareness. read: and for her rareness. stanz. 42. chardone, for chardons. stanz. 56.