A poor Knight his Palace of private pleasures. Gallantly garnished, with goodly Galleries of strange inventions and prudently polished, with sundry pleasant Posies, & other fine fancies of dainty devices, and rare delights.  
Written by a student in Cambridge. And published by I C. Gent.  
Imprinted at London, by Richard Jones, and are to be sold at his shop over against Saint sepulchres Church. 1579.   

I C. To the Reader of the poor Knight his Posies.  
GEntle Reader, the fear of Ignomynie & shameful reproach, hath caused the Author of these Posies to withhold his name from the same, whom for this time I have thought not much amiss, to colour & set forth in the name of the poor Knight, & I do duly protest unto thee, that without my great entreaty, these few Posies had not as yet come unto thy hand▪ Wherefore, if that any thing in the same be acceptable, and worthy of commendation, attribute the same unto the poor Knight, which shallbe both joyful unto me, and no small encouragement to him. But if on the contrary, any thing demerit blame, I submit myself to bear the reproach, (which was the publisher of the same,) desiring to quite him, and set him free, which is the Author: lest by his discouragement we should loose that, which hereafter we look for. But by the way (gentle Reader) I do admonish thee, that in the first three Posies, thou take judgement to thy reading, lest with the Spider thou find poison, where the painful Bee may gather Honey: For although the name seem somewhat vain, (yet the outward appearance doth not judge the matter, according to the Proverb: Cuculus non facit monachum: The matter is delectable, and requireth to be read with judgement. Thus I end, desiring thee to accept (my friend) the poor Knight his Posies in good worth.  
From my Chamber in Gray's Inn. I C.   

The letter of the Author to J. C. concerning these Posies.  
IN Summer tide, and gallant prime, when troes do bud and blow,  
And when as Ver with ha' we●e hue, in every field doth show.  
When as each grove bedecked with clotheses, ●●st meet for his degree,  
Did make a shade to all the Nymphs, in sile●●t woods that be.  
When as Don Phoebus schorchinge beams, with scalding heat did burn,  
And when as hoary Winter's head, his hue did change and turn.  
When Neptune granted favour free, to A●●ion his love,  
As well rough Boreas boisterous blasts▪ as Tritons heart to move,  
Being void of all solace and mirth, I laid me down to sleep,  
In weary woods betaking me, unto the Fawns to ke●pe.  
Where neither philomela's note, nor fragrant smell did want,  
To set me in that pleasant path, or finish my intent:  
And as I walked that pleasant way, the tedious time t'expel,  
Behold I see I know not where, a thing tha● liked me well.  
And they to whom I did commit, my body to defend,  
Did show me this at whose request, this vision I have pend.  
And unto you gentle I C. being penned, I sand the same,  
To read, to race, to blot, to burn, the faul●s that merit blame,  
For why? sith first you did command him, whose deny was go,  
Yea him I say whom to this task▪ you should command alone.  
Accept this Posy which I sand, unperfit though it be,  
And call to mind those gentle word●s, which once you spoke to me.  
And spurred me forth which erst was bend, no such attempt to gin,  
But answered thus: 'tis good to sleep being wrapped in a whole skin.  
But then hard by the Temple Bar, you said you did expect,  
The some of that which now in some, is brought into effect.  
And for your own sweet self I written, the sequel that I sand,  
And wish you well to show the same, to foe 〈◊〉 yet to friend.  
And lest perchance ere you beware, some chance to spy the same,  
I thought it good by good advise, for to detain my name.  
Thus far you well my friend I C. commend me to your brother,  
For whom before three Months be run I will prepare an other.  
From his Study, yours as his own.   

The vale of Venus, with all the ways and footpathes unto her Fort, being situate in the same.  
The Argument.  
The Author penneth, whereof he hath no proof,  
But as in dream, so doth his knowledge come:  
He warns all those whose case it doth behove,  
To fly these pangs, or else to taste of some,  
Which he displayeth, as proper unto Love:  
The woeful state, of those which run that race,  
By others fate, which heretofore did prove,  
Whom he by heaps, hath brought into this place:  
But if that love do bring no pinching pain,  
The Author saith, he will recant again.  
WHen as my dazzled eyes, by Sopor were oppressed,  
God Morpheus with his feathered limbs would let me take no rest,  
But with his wont guise, did feed my mind with dreams,  
And showed to me, fair Helicon, with all the silver streams.  
The mansion of the dames: with every Laurel tree,  
With Herbers, Brookes, and pleasant flowers, that on Parnassus be,  
From fiery Phoebus' throne, to Pluto his puddled Den,  
Yea all that lay in Neptune's gulfs, and in Leerna Fen.  
Nothing was then concealed, each God in his degree,  
From jupiter and Iuno● right, unto the Furies three:  
My Angel then was bend, to visit every place,  
For why, he said that it was long, since he did run that race:  
And though that weary way, were tedious steps to me,  
Yet thought I not my labour lost, such strange delights to see.  
Within a valley low, there stood a Castle high,  
Which by the might of Phoebus' beams, did glister in mine eye.  
No man could pass thereto, to foe nor yet to friend,  
But that he should assure himself, some hill for to ascend:  
For why? before the walls, (which were exceeding good)  
By Nature's free munition, four hugy hills there stood,  
Which seemed a great defence to fear the foaming foe,  
menacing fear to fainting hearts, and to the dastard woe.  
And yet about the hills great beaten paths there were,  
Which did the store of passengers unto that place declare.  
Wherewith I was amazed, this strange devise to see,  
Yet dared I not demand my God, what building it should be.  
But when he did perceive, how trembling I did stand,  
Fear not (quoth he) (and therewithal he took me by the hand)  
For lo that shining place being situate in the vale  
The Castle and the fortress strong, of Venus' men do call.  
The Valley where it stands, hath Smyrdo unto name,  
By whole consent of heavenly Gods, allotted to this dame.  
The Father of the Gods, with ivory staff in hand,  
Hath given unto his Daughter dear, this sweet and fertile land.  
And every foreign coast, do yield her homage due,  
Some sacrifice unto her shrine, her wrath fo● to eschew,  
Behold the hills (quoth he) which compass in the same,  
And bear in mind if that thou canst in order every name.  
The first unto the North, is called Change of joy,  
For he that entereth on the same, is entered to annoyed.  
The second Fickleness, the second chance in love,  
Now hot, now cold, now quick, now dead: as many men do prove.  
The third is Appetite, as read as raging fire,  
Such is the chance of lovers poor, to vanquish their desire.  
The fourth is Crabbed Care, employed with ●●réekes of read,  
Upon this Mount alas I rue, lay many Captives dead.  
My guide there stayed, but I desirous of the same,  
Did ask of him why every Hill, enjoyed that proper name.  
Within each Hill (quoth he) a furious Fée●d doth rest,  
And in the hill hath digged a Den, to be his nightly nest.  
The Mounts enjoy the name, and doth that title win,  
As doth that hellish hound enjoy, which hath his Den therein.  
None entereth to the Fort, which will displayne to fight,  
With him which stands, with club in hand▪ and challenge it by right.  
And none shall pass the Mount, but he shall him withstand,  
And he shall quite him passing well, that shall not feel his hand.  
Yea Hercules himself, which erst had been at Hell,  
And bond the barking Cerberus, which in the Lake did devil:  
Can not resist these strokes, nor ward these battering blows,  
But yielded him to Crabbed Care, as well his tomb forshowes,  
And dying on the Mount, with fire it is suspected,  
He hath his Tomb and Monument within that hill erected.  
For none can come to Love, or to her Castle rare,  
But that he must ascend them all in order as they are.  
Good sir (quoth I again) I pray declare to me,  
What is the cause that in this place so many paths there be?  
For if the case were such, as you have erst declared,  
The passage should be perilous and much for to be feared.  
Morpheus' replied again, I find none other cause,  
Why such resort of mortal men, unto her tent she draws,  
But that she doth delight the mind of man and beast,  
And tickleth forth the willing mind, unto Dame Venus' nest.  
For first in Satur's days, when men did simply live,  
She showed forth that was unknown, and precepts she did give.  
In Venus' trade and did instruct them in such sort,  
That ever since to Venus' Vale, they cease not to resort:  
Yea since those flourishing days, she fed their fancies so,  
And opened unto them the door, which erst they did not know.  
That now in every Region, a costly shrine she hath,  
From whence unto her Mansion, there lieth a beaten path:  
A path I say she hath, which comes from every place,  
For to conduct those passengers, which run in Cupid's race.  
Lo see the path of Troy, where Troilus lieth dead,  
And see where good Diophoebus by Greeks is murdered.  
Corebus with the love, unto Cassandra born,  
Among the rest do couched lie, on carking care forlorn.  
There Paris hath a Tomb, far distant from the rest,  
A gorgeous Tomb no doubt it was, excelling all the best.  
Upon each end thereof a furious Fiend doth lie,  
The one doth sound a doleful Trump unto the cloudy sky:  
Wherewith each place resounds, as well the vale as hill,  
The other shouteth often and shrieks, with trembling voice and shryl.  
And with his ravening mouth doth never cease to tear,  
The ●●nes of Paris which long since, upon the Mountain were.  
O sir (quoth I to Morpheus) what mean those doleful moans,  
And what means he, that often shrykes and feeds upon the boves?  
The one (quoth he) who sounds, his Trump unto the sky,  
It is Defame which will not let, young Paris fact to die.  
The other Envy height: whose cankered mind doth fret,  
And with Defame against the Knight, his hand and tooth hath set.  
But muse not then (quoth he) though Paris lieth here,  
For through Defame and Envies force, his fact is every where.  
The Trojans lie by heaps, next unto them is Greece,  
Where lieth the Dame which did betray her father's golden Fleet.  
And Laodomia in like care doth rest her heavy head,  
Because her love and only joy, Proteselaus is dead.  
Here Shafalus entered is, and waileth still with care,  
For that he killed his Procris dear, before he was ware:  
He wished full oft as Actaeon did heartily wish the same,  
That he had never known his Bow, nor used the hunter's game.  
One thing in Graecian Path, did make me for to muse,  
And for my ignorance of the same Morpheus di● me excuse.  
Two gorgeous Tombs there were, the one against the other,  
(It seemed at first unto my eyes, as Castor and his brother)  
Above these tombs there stood a woman fair and bright,  
And not far of with frantic sword, there st●d a raging knight.  
And all did seem to wail, and mourn most piteously,  
Except the armed knight which smiled, when as the rest did cry.  
My Morpheus said, the Queen, fair Chtemnestra height,  
Which with Aegistus killed her spouse, which came from Trojan fight.  
Orestes then in rage, for Agamemnon's death,  
Did shed Aegistus vital blood and stopped his mothers breathe.  
Orestes then returned unto his sense again,  
Did rule in Agamemnon's steed, and in his rou●ne did rain:  
So he began to smile, when all the rest were slain,  
And they being paid for duty due, in Crabbe● Care remain.  
Within this Graecian path, while that we tidied still,  
Behold four birds which orderly, did fly about the hill.  
The Nightingale complained, the Lapwing fled for fear,  
The Swallow she no doubt was swift, the Pheasant lived in care,  
In care all four they nest, in care they do remain,  
The Father, Wife, and silly child, with sister there complain.  
Now have we passed from Greece, and unto Carthage came,  
Where Hannibal among the rest, did win immortal fame.  
From Dido unto Thrace, from Phillis unto Rome,  
Where Porcia with Lucretia, be linked in one Tomb,  
And Camma lieth behind, as faithful as the best,  
But these have almost passed Care, and come to perfit rest.  
Orestilla lieth there where Catiline doth couch,  
Tarpeia lieth by Tatius, for gold doth make them touch.  
Pompeia lieth there, whom Clodius seeks to cover,  
And eke Terentia Tully's wife, about the hill doth hover.  
A thousand more there were, which on that mount did sleep,  
Whom Crabbed care with other fiends upon the mount did keep.  
But as we passed those Tombs, of all the Roman rout,  
And when bychance we had espied religious people out:  
One Monument there was, excelling all the rest,  
The form so strange can not departed out of my fearful breast.  
The Tomb● did cross the path, when none beside did so,  
Whose left side seemed a man to be, the right a woman show:  
A monstrous key of length, her left hand always bears,  
And on her head of glistering gold, a triple Crown she wears.  
And with a glancing look, and with a stretched right hand,  
She doth receive a lively youth, which naked there doth stand.  
O sir (quoth I to him) which was my careful guide,  
In all the Mount the like to this, I have not seen beside.  
Quoth Morpheus this is she which all the Church beguiled,  
Whom all men thought to be a man, till that she had a child.  
Pope joane she hath to name, whom once within the Lake,  
I showed unto Robinson, as our voyage we did make.  
Her tomb did cross the path, because the passers dye,  
When as they see her shameful fact, to her reproach should cry.  
The young man it is he, which was her Minion ever,  
For whom upon this Hill for ay, with care they shall persever.  
The Roman path we left, when we had viewed at will,  
The Roman Knights and Monuments, which were within that Hil.  
From thence to Babylon, where Thi●be did complain,  
Because that valiant Pyramus, through her default was slain.  
Then did the Theban path appear within my sight,  
And Hemon with Antigona, did well enjoy their right.  
There Cadmus shrined was, Hermione ius● hard by  
Whose tombs were garnished with gold, where crawling serpent's ly●  
Semele's there was laid, next to her father's side,  
For whom her dear twice born Bacchus most carefully provide.  
And Ino with her child, is taken from the sea,  
And in the Mount with Athamas, have long time been all three.  
Creusa, creons child, which was young lasons dear,  
Whom scorching fire consumed from yert●, hath her abiding hear.  
But yet one tomb there was, among the Theban rout,  
Which till I had perceived well, did make me stand in doubt:  
For why hard by the same, did flow a little flood,  
Where many women washed their hands, imbrued with lively blood.  
It was Agave the Queen, which Pentheus had rend,  
Because that he disoayned the feasts, of Bacchus to frequent:  
And yet her only son, about her tomb remain,  
The parts of him whom she and hers, with cruel hand had slain.  
And many more there were, whose tombs I would have seen  
Which for their long antiquity, with mos●e be covered clean.  
Verona path we jest, where Romeus doth lie,  
Where juliet with Iconia, enjoy a place the rby.  
Gualfrido lieth in Venice, Bernardo doth the same,  
And eke Arestons' only child which Gnesia hath to name.  
All Germany I think, each town that therein was,  
Had captives there, which tediousness, do cause me to let pass:  
At last my guide did smile, and thus to me he said,  
Lo here what English prisoners, in Crabbed care are stayed.  
Great heaps of valiant knights, of noble youthful peers,  
Which in the field most Martially have broken many spears:  
Among the which I spied, those which I will not name,  
Lest that my pen through my default, perhaps should purchase blame.  
Both Abbots, Friars and Monks, and all that learned rout,  
hermits and holy Hypocrites, which now be rooted out.  
In care near Venus' vale, they had a place to lie,  
Whereas they have their monuments whereas they chanced to die.  
Among the which I roamed: desirous for so see,  
If any of those learned Clerks, were known before of me.  
Whereof perhaps I could, rescite you many a one,  
Which lived in joy, but now in care, do make a dreadful moan.  
At last I spied out Bond, that fat and lazy Friar,  
Which died whereas fair Astoloth would grant to no desire.  
This Champion lived by love, as Larks do live by leeks,  
He wept, he wailed, he sighed so much, he could not see for cheeks.  
Of Ireland and of Wales came many a careful wight,  
And out of Cornwall valiantly came Labeale I sounds knight.  
From path to path we went, as Morpheus did give leave,  
He showed me all that did beseem, my knowledge to conceive.  
At last we entered in, the valley by the hill,  
And left the lofty mount of Care, which we had viewed at will.  
And lo, into the vale, when as we were descended,  
And come unto the Castle brickwall, as Morpheus had pretended●  
Upon the Castle strong, and in Dame Venus Forte,  
Her comely shape and roseal hue, was drawn in seemly sort.  
And in her hand she held, an ivory Combe most clear,  
And by the aid of Phoebus' beams did comb her golden hear.  
Whereat I was amazed, but Morpheus helpeth me out,  
And with his sweet and sugared speech, assoylde me of my doubt.  
The ivory Combe (quoth he) which Venus hath in hand,  
In trimming of her crystal hair, will let thee understand,  
That those which do delight, to run in Venus' vale,  
Will trim themselves, as some brush ware, before it come to sale.  
For as Dame Venus doth, so all her darlings do,  
This is the cause quoth he again, why she is pointed so:  
The Castle gate we did approach and would not stay,  
The Porters let God Morpheus pass, but me they thrust away.  
Sir boy quoth one to me (a grim and ugly knave,)  
Come not so nigh, stand back in time, and seek thyself to save.  
To whom God Morpheus said, my friend, content thee still,  
That he should pass unto this place, it is my mind and will.  
Command not me quoth he, and therewith 'gan to rave,  
Quoth Morpheus then from Heaven and Hell, authority I have.  
I am the God of dreams, which pass through every vale,  
Resist not then, let him approach into the Castle brickwall:  
The knave when he perceived, that it was so indeed,  
Of with his cap and crouching low, he let me in with speed.  
Affuction kept the gate, as fierce as Satire wild,  
And Doubt was his companion, yet he was somewhat mild.  
The Porter's prison was bedecked all with green,  
And changing colors now and then, were often to be seen.  
Out of the narrow grates did Cleopatra pry,  
And beckoned with her trembling hand to valiant Antony:  
Naera with Car●●n● which waited on this Dame,  
With Plies poison made an end, and ●er● do ●epe their shame.  
Whom often Cleopatra 〈◊〉, and often them embrace,  
And joining 〈◊〉, they do lament their 〈◊〉 and heavy case.  
And as I pried by chance, I see a damsel morn,  
With 〈◊〉 weeds and La●●rs spots, 〈…〉 to much forlorn.  
Quoth Morpheus 〈◊〉 thou see, whereas that caitiff lies,  
Much like the wretched crocodile, 〈◊〉 now how she cries.  
That is Pandar his Nice, and Calcas only child,  
By whose deceits and policies, young Troilus was beguiled.  
●hee is kept in affliction where many other are,  
And veweth Troilus lying dead, upon the Mount of Care.  
She wept, she sighed, she sobbed, for him she doth lament,  
And all too late, yea to to vain, her fact she doth repent:  
How could that steadfast Knight, (quoth I) love such a dame?  
Morpheus replied in beauty bright, she bore away the fame:  
Till that she had betrayed, her Troilus and her dear,  
And then the Gods assigned a plague, and after set her here.  
another wretched wight, within Affliction kept,  
Who for her false perjured faith, lamented sore and wept.  
Eriphile, she it was, and sprung of Graecian blood,  
(Yet all the Graecian policies, could never do her good)  
Who for desire of coin betrayed her loving make,  
And now she must content herself, a traitress due to take.  
King Pretus wife is here, alas alas what tho?  
Affliction held her in so fast, she is like to die for woe.  
Galatea she poor soul, must hold herself content,  
Which sayne would weep if other-could, prevail which do lament,  
What should I say, a thousand more, with in this prison were,  
Whom neither time nor memory, will suffer to declare.  
But all that therein were, have said their joy apart,  
And give themselves to utter plaints, imbrued with swelling smart.  
From thence we marched forth unto a little Lake,  
The spring was swift although but small, the course did never slake,  
Leander here did row, here Helena did devil,  
Achilles loveth Polixena, and drinketh at this Well.  
Here Aeolus daughter dear, here Silla Nisus daughter,  
And here Pasiphae 〈◊〉 drink, and never thirsted after.  
One thing was very strange, which at this Well was seen,  
Within the brook in 〈◊〉 array there stood a gallant queen.  
And on the bank a Bull, with guilted horns did stay,  
Which when she would have issued out, did stop her in the way.  
Whereat I wondered much, and greatly was dismayed,  
And ask Morpheus of that 〈◊〉, he quickly to me said:  
The Queen she Diece height, which was King Lycus' wife,  
A Theban born in Nicteus days, the sates did grant her life.  
Who through a jealous mind: and false surmised love,  
Such discord in the Theban Court, this devilish Dame did move.  
That if young Amphion, and Zetus his dear brother,  
Had not brought rescue happily: this Bull had slain their Mother.  
Whose iclosie the Gods, in such dïspleasure took,  
That they have placed this roaring Bull, to keep her in the brook  
another Dame there was, which at this Well did live,  
Which never ceased for to assay to fill an empty Sieve.  
And when the cause thereof, on Morpheus I did ask,  
He said the Gods allotted it, to be the Ladies taslie.  
Which all in vain bestowed, (unto her pinching pain)  
Her love upon Narcissus fair: which in the woods complain:  
Near to the little Lake, a Dungeon grounded was,  
As black as pitch throughout the which, this running stream did pass  
Despair did keep the same, which was both stout and strong,  
A wafull wretch whose greedy gorge, delighted much in wrong.  
Poor Captives in distress, he keepeth many a one,  
Whose flinty heart doth often rejoice, when other make their moan.  
Hipsiphale which loved, king Peleus' Nephew dear,  
Erigone which hanged herself: hath purchased house room here.  
Here Dianeira lieth which killed herself for woe,  
And Hero which on foaming floods, her life sought to undo.  
Euadne hath a place, Despair deo love her well,  
With thousands more within that place, which were to long to tell.  
Among the rest one stood, ready to come away,  
But that Despair through feigned tales, did 'cause her for to stay.  
Quoth Morpheus, see the Queen, that weare● the mourning gown,  
She fled from ri●●h Pygmalion, and built up Carthage town.  
This false Report (quoth he) a foe unto good ●ame,  
Hath pla●de his part upon that wight, which never descrude the same  
For in the court of chastity, her deeds be fresh and new,  
A crown of Glory she deserves, i● that she ●ad her due.  
For Poets say, she loved, Aeneas Knight of T●oy,  
And when he privily fled from thence, herself she did destroy.  
But ta●ling Poets lie, Aeneas was unknown,  
And Trojan seed in Carthage to●●e, by him was never sown.  
jarbas griyed with love, and could not her attain,  
(For once she made a faithful vow, that chaste she would remain)  
Laid siege unto the town, Dame Dido to molest,  
But she to save her plighted oath, to die did think it best.  
And with a glittering shoulder-blade, she banished breathing life,  
This was the constant end of her, which was Sichaeus wife.  
This said, we left Despair, and all his raging train,  
(With watery tears for Dido's sake, my Morpheus did complain.)  
We passed the gallant court, and entered very far,  
Unto the place where Venus sat, while Cupid went to war.  
There Ceres kept with her, and Bacchus did the same,  
And Mars stood waiting at the door, desirous of the game.  
The house was full of Clients, each corner had great store,  
God Morpheus as his custom was, he entered in before.  
Whom when Dame Venus see, she quickly 'gan to rise,  
Saluting him with comely cheer, and in most courteous wise.  
My Lord (quoth she to him) how doth my ancient sire,  
And how doth Neptune in the seas, and Pluto in the fire.  
While Morpheus told his tale, I viewed among the rout,  
To see if some acquainted friend, by chance I could find out.  
Not Englishmen were there, of Wales a worthy band,  
Whom, when they came to greet me well, I could not understand.  
Whereby no doubt I lost, the truth of every case,  
And many a hearty welcoming unto that princely place.  
But if my Country men, had lain in Venus' vale,  
Then might I have described at large, the truth of every tale.  
Thus while I pried about, in every vacant place,  
And while I see God Morpheus, was still with Venus' grace.  
And Venus did perceive me, to Morpheus thus she said,  
My Lord the presence of this lad, doth make us sore dismayed.  
Fear not (quoth Morpheus then) there is no cause to doubt,  
For he which is within your Court, can never issue out.  
Wherewith I trembled sore, for fear he said to true,  
I wept, I wailed, and thus I said, I have my wages due.  
Then Venus sat her down, among her Lordly peers,  
And Mars his soldiers guarded her, with Bills, with Bows and spéeres.  
I asked Morpheus then, whither Cupid did resort?  
He said that he was marchte to field, against Diana's court.  
Whom I would feign have seen, but time did it deny,  
And Morpheus said 'tis time to go, the stars be in the sky.  
But yet he promised me, against another day,  
For to address himself again, to show me all that way.  
Wherewith he plucked me back, and said, come let us go,  
I was prepared with willing mind, for why I wished it so.  
The way we passed before, we entered in again,  
Where fierce Affliction and Doubt, as Porters did remain.  
By Care and Appetite, Fickleness and Change of joy,  
By every Path, and every Tomb, we passed the former way.  
(Quoth Morpheus now adieu) till Cupid's Host do fight,  
Then will I have thee to the field, and show thee all that sight.  
Wherewith I waked and see, what folly I had seen,  
And what in vision did appear, as it had perfit been.  
Parnaslus now is go, and Helicon his stream,  
And though this Treatise be not true, yet sure it is a dream.   

The Argument.  
The Gods in Heaven assembled all to feast,  
In midst of glee Dame Venus tells her fate:  
Whereat the Gods in order be addressed,  
Against her foes, for to maintain her state.  
The world set wide, the fight therein shallbe,  
Diana's force with wavering hands doth fight:  
But bloody Mars, with Venus doth agreed,  
And Diane's troop at last is put to flight.  
Whom Cupid chase when she to woods doth fly,  
And Venus son, returns triumphantly.  
Of Cupid his Campe.  
ON Friday at night I laid me down, with sleep to take my rest,  
And as in wont guise before, so was I now addressed:  
With slumbering sleep to take my leave, of Phoebus' glittering beams,  
Till Morpheus should bedeck my head, with fantasies and dreams.  
And as I lay, so did I look, with looking long dismayed,  
With sudden sights my dazzled eyes did make my heart afraid:  
For why within my 〈◊〉 ear, me though a trump did sound,  
The noise whereof did seen so strange, it ●ast me flat on ground.  
Straight way there did appear to me, a vision where I lay,  
Most strange to tell (so much this sight my courage did dismay)  
An aged Sire whole glistering face with hoary hears bedecked  
Did sore appall my dreadful heart, that scant I could erect.  
My lingering limbs, in wearied wise I couched one in place,  
And glanced often with leering looks, to view his comely face.  
His limbs were feathered on each part, and winged on each side,  
Wherewith he took his speedy flight: at last he me espied.  
And thus he saith with whirling voice, make haste do not delay,  
Qyrde up thy loins, address thyself, to walk this tedious way.  
Wherewith as one bereft of wits, and of my senses clean,  
I was amazed but did not know, what these his words should mean.  
Fear not (quoth he) stand not in doubt, for Morpheus is my name,  
Which led thee forth to Venus' Vale when as thou vewedst the same  
And as by promise I was bond, so now I come again,  
To lead thee where thou mayst behold Diana with her train.  
In Martial field being ready bend, against Dame Venus' son,  
But let us go lest or we come, the battle be begun.  
My Lord (quoth I) I thank you much, for this your double pain,  
Make haste (quoth he) let us departed, make haste quoth he again.  
Then went we forth to lofty skies, our journey we did take,  
Unto Apollo's curious Tent, for he a feast did make  
To all the Gods and Goddesses where jupiter did sit,  
Within a golden chair of state, and for his honour fit.  
Then entered Mars and took his place, whereas he thought it best,  
And Mercury most welcome there, unto Apollo his feast.  
But gentle Ceres was not come, nor Bacchus was not there,  
And till they came all things were whist, the Gods could make no cheer,  
Neptune bespangled all with scales, ascended to the sky,  
And Protheus as his custom is, did sound courageously.  
Then Tartar Lake began to flash, and Cerb●●s 'gan to yell  
And all the Fiends did homage due, when Pluto came from Hell.  
And Pan came forth, with Oaten pipe the shepherds all 'gan play,  
The sheep stood still and gazed on him, as he passed by the way:  
Saturnus with his withered legs, had almost come to late,  
But that the Master of the feast, regarded his estate.  
Thus every one did take his place, in order as they came,  
Yea all the Gods and Goddesses, did likewise do the same.  
The Table where these guests did sit, was rounded round about,  
That where the noblest seat there was, 'twould make one for to doubt.  
Apollo bearing great goodwill unto the Muses nine,  
To them when as he thought it best, a room he did assyne.  
Then Iu●o sat by jupiter, which did her make abide,  
And Pallas twixt God Mercury, and sweet Apollo's side.  
Dame Ceres with her curious cost, behaved herself so well,  
That she and Bacchus at that feast, do bear away the bell.  
Musicians sounded orderly Proserpina would not hear,  
Though Orpheus with his warbling Harp, did think to find her there  
Arion with his silver sound, did praise the Delpins love,  
And with his quavering melody, did all the Sages move.  
And Amphion that Theban wight, did streeke his stroke so even,  
That Pan is risse from Bacchus' camps, and dance about the Heaven.  
Then glancing forth my rowlinge eye, by chance it came to pass,  
That I espied at first unknown, whereas God Vulcan was.  
Who in the kitchen curiously, did work his wont feat,  
And kindled coals most cunningly, to roast Apollo's meat.  
The servitors at instant feast, were laureate Poets all,  
Who ready were at beck to bow, when as the Muses call.  
There Hom●● with his ●●led Pen, a grave and worthy wight,  
Among them all did bear the sway, enjoying it by right.  
Hesiodus was not behind, whom Pan esteemed much,  
With Laureate Euripides, and many other such.  
The Romans flocked there by heaps, old Ennius bore the sway,  
Whose merits with antiquity, the learned aught to way  
There witty Virgil did his best, and Naso there did serve,  
And many more there were at hand, whose merits same deserve.  
Then Morpheus said, lo where he stands that worthy Chauser height  
The chiefest of all Englishmen, and yet he was a knight.  
There Goure did stand, with cap in hand, and Skelton did the same,  
And Edward's he, who while he lived, did sit in chair of fame.  
Thus every thing passed merely, and Pan good sport did make,  
For Bacchus with his sugared tales, had made his brain to ache.  
Then when the Gods had feasted well and good pastime had made,  
'Twas Cherill his course to come in place, and use the amner's trade:  
Who carried forth the amner's hutch, unto the Porter's gate  
And freely gave unto the poor, which were prepared thereat.  
At last when as the Gods had washed, and run did well betide,  
juno and Pallas, with the nine, withdrew themselves aside.  
Then entered in among the Gods, a Dame of comely cheer,  
Although besyrent with scalding sighs, she mourning did appear,  
'Twas Venus with her smiling looks, which came from Smyrdo 〈◊〉  
And to the Gods which sat at feast, thus she began her tale.  

Venus' Oration to the Gods.  

Renowned Lords, to whom my tale I tell,  
And worthy Gods, which rule the Heaven and  
The ●●uds the brooks, the furious fiends of Hell,  
And every thing, that in these subjects be:  
Bend down your ears, and listen unto me,  
Hark and give ear, regard my plaint and tale,  
Whom you have placed, to rule in Smyrdo vale.   

From time to time, since that you gave me power,  
Within my Court to sit as judge of might:  
You Gods do know, that neither day nor hour,  
My mind hath been, to swerver from truth and right,  
(For all that I do, I know is in your sight)  
And all my acts, with truth have been approved,  
By justice laws, whom I have always loved.   

Lo now you Gods, regard my piteous moan,  
Lend me your hands, which do your aid implore:  
Rebellious wights, out of my tent be go,  
And vow till death, never to serve me more.  
Diana she, which went long time before,  
Hath armed herself, with bended bow in hand,  
By force to drive, my son and me from land.   

¶ And thus she said, but salted sighs, would let her say no more,  
And trickling tears ran down by streams, whereof she had great store  
And flatling fell before the Gods, and mighty jove his throne,  
And oft she dubled forth these words, regard my piteous moan.  
Wherewith the Gods began to weep, and every one was moved,  
For Venus in that part of heaven, of all the Gods was loved.  
At last the Father of the Gods, took up his loving daughter,  
And kissed her with lovely lips, these words he utred after.  
Ah Venus, Venus, take good cheer, Diana shall not prevail,  
We will resist her martial might, when as she shall assail.  
And Cupid he, whom she detests, shall lead thy host to field,  
And I myself will wend with thee, to make her for to yield.  
Yea all my mates and faithful friends, I hope will be content,  
pardie my Lord (quoth every one) we yield to this intent.  
Then Mars began to smil●, and then, the Gods did rise together:  
And every one in comely sort, did welcome Venus thither.  
Then Mercury did sound the trump, that all the 〈◊〉 did ringe●  
The noise thereof, great fear no doubt, to all the earth did bring.  
Then Pelion 'gan to shake for fear, and Ossa trembled sore,  
Olympus with the mighty Alps did never s●before.  
But mighty Mars did shake his ●●d, he 〈◊〉 and ran for joy,  
And kissing Venus often he said, thy foes I will destroy.  
By this the Gods he furnished, and armed ●t all need,  
And jove himself rides first in rank, upon a barbed ●eede,  
The Go●te sufficeth for his badge, whose milk he loved well,  
When mild Meliss● gave him suck, which then in Crete did devil.  
Then Mercury doth sound again, and all the Gods assemble  
And as before, so Heaven a●d earth beginneth again to tremble,  
Among the gods which present were, old Priasus did resort,  
Who wi●h Diana's Champions, did think to make some sport.  
A garden spade this God did bring, even as his custom was,  
Bedecked with crowns of smelling flowre●, he rid upon an ass.  
The Gods rid on before apace, for Venus made great haste,  
And Pryasus was left behind, he could not ride so fast.  
His Ass did troth so hard (alas) and put him to such pain,  
He thought the journey was to long, and turned back again.  
Then Morpheus turned himself and said, it is no time to stay,  
To follow them unto the Camp, let us no more delay.  
Wherefore I thankte him much that time, for long I wished to see,  
The royal tents of Cupid's Court, with all their dignity.    

A description of Cupid.  
GOd Morpheus was more swift than those, which with Dame Venus came  
(Or else by right he should not seem for to enjoy his namen.)  
Wherefore by his assent we passed, Dame Venus and her train,  
With speedy pa●● unto the tents, where Cupid did remain.  
Who deygned I my poor request, to ease me of my charge,  
And with his pleasant tales of truth, described the God at large.  
Whom when 〈◊〉 viewed I was amazed, and all abashed with fear,  
Whereat my guide began to smile, and thus he did declare.  
Within that tent and comely couch, whose covering seemeth read,  
A grisly ghost behold, by whom the mighty Gods be led.  
Whose power exceedeth Mars his might, whose strength the rest dot● tam●  
Yea none in heaven, in earth nor hell, that can resist the same.  
Alas my Lord (quoth I again) this seems most strange and rare,  
Should all the Gods which rule in skies, of one boy stand in fear.  
In deed (quoth he) this withered wight, doth so molest their brain,  
That those which be of feebled age, he turns to boys again.  
For why in tricks of childish years, he causeth them to stay,  
Neglecting duties of great weight, delighting naught but play.  
My God (quoth I) to know all things, I greatly do desire,  
What is the cause that Venus' son, is naked without attire,  
(Quoth Morpheus) he that liveth in love, in folly pass his days,  
And has that hath but half an eye, may set his wavering ways.  
Ah silly wight, ah shadow poor, (for flesh in him is scant)  
And as he seemeth to be blind, 〈◊〉 brow so doth he want.  
He is a type, (quoth Morpheus then) you know well what I mean,  
And too much lust, and lechery, hath made him very lean.  
Not lust alone, but care and thought, which doth perplex his mind  
For to much lust may be a cause, why Cupid seemeth blind.  
For those which live in lovers laws, regard not what they do,  
And oft they think to bathe in bliss, but sink in wretched woe.  
A brow he wants, for by the same, his soldiers 〈◊〉 divine,  
Whereto the motions of the heart, do purpose to decline.  
And as the brow doth bear the badge, that bringeth death or life,  
So they that badge doth hate and shun, which seem to tell some strife,  
But o my God, why hath he wings, adjoined to each side,  
Because that Cupid changes oft, and never long abide.  
A bow is bend within his hand, two quivers at his back,  
Well may he shoot, and wide enough, that doth his eye sight lacke.  
It is not so among the Gods, as men suppose to be,  
He shootteth oft, but near in vain, so steadfast holdeth he.  
That lean and naked boy, with force his mighty foes do quell,  
That blind and winged Champion, doth shoot exceeding well.  
And though he browlesse seem to be, yet doth he pierce the brain  
Through skin and bone, he hits the heart, whereas his Dart remain.  
Then marvel not, though all the Gods, do yield for want of might, Sigh none have force for to resist, the strength of such a knight.  
Both man and beast, both sish and foul, and all that life doth bear,  
Are subject unto Cupid's bow, which all the Gods doth fear.  
The quivers which thou dost behold, which stand this God in stead,  
The one is full of golden shafts, the other full of lead.  
The golden strike, the servant wights, which pass their days in lou●  
The lead doth wound the brazen hearts, wh● no complaint can mou●  
Poliphemus with Stenobia young Phedra felt the gold,  
Galatea Belerophon, with the lead were strike cold.  
This while we talked at leisure, lo, we herded the trumpet sound,  
Whereby we known the Gods were come, from skies unto the ground  
And as they had pretended erst, did set themselves in ranks,  
To march with Venus to the Camp, who yielded them great thanks  
And sounding out, God Mars his trump, to set them in array,  
They marched forth unto the field, whereas their foes did stay,  
But friendly Morpheus had me first, for to describe at large,  
The order of God cupid's camp, the which I will discharge.  
And if it please my Angel then, to call me to that sight,  
I will describe Diana's hay, which did befall in fight.   

A description of Cupid his host.  
THe Gods being met & Venus son, being garnished in this wise,  
By whole consent to vanquish her, which did his laws despise,  
Mars is ascended up the Couch, to guide the horses right,  
And Cupid stands with bow in hand, to sand forth every knight,  
Then Venus laid her heavenly head, upon God Mars his lap,  
And said my Lord, we trust on you, to govern well our hap.  
The chiefest Captain of the rout, Audacity was named,  
Whose safe conduct of all the host, deserves not to be blamed.  
With him he led forth Policy, Cupid his only stay,  
These undertook by Mars his will, to guide the host that day.  
The second Captain, courtesy, a valiant host did lead,  
Who had Delight adjoinde to him, to help him at his need.  
The Captain grand, did bid them both, the right wing to p●ssess●,  
And always to attend the same, to drive a way distress.  
And on the left side, jetted Rage, with cruel Tyranny,  
Which were as aids unto the host, led by Audacity.  
I have not here rescited those, which petty Captains were,  
Only my Morpheus charged me, the cheese for to declare.  
But this I see, that Idleness, did bear a worthy sway,  
That Drunkenness and Drowsiness, did set them in array.  
Dissension ran from host to host, and Riot stood not still,  
But all adjoined their helping hands, and furdered with good will  
I let pass all the soldiers names, the labour were to long,  
And yet my book would not contain, the names of all the through.  
Thus every thing being finished, each Soldier standing still,  
Behold a proclamation, was made by Cupid's will.  
Which offered gifts abundantly, to any soldier there.  
To undertake in Diane's tent, a message to declare.  
And greet her heartily from him, which blinded bore the bow,  
Commanding her to yield in time, and quiet peace to show.  
Or else with di●t of martial shoulder-blade, he would dispatch her quite,  
And teach all other to beware for to resist his might.  
Desire a champion of great pride, whose force deserved fame,  
Before the Gods, and Venus fair, on knee did ask the same.  
Which when the Gods had granted him, and Cupid gave consent,  
He took his leave of all the train, and forth to Diana went.  
Come let us go (quoth Morpheus then) this greeting for to here,  
I am content my Lord (quoth I) to attend both here and there,  
To view Diana's Court (quoth he) for to describe the same,  
To hear the answer to Desire, to know the captains name.  
For she was ready furnished, of Soldiers at her will,  
And every court garnished, with Captains of great skill.  
Desire, who longed to tell his tale, approached this Dame unto,  
With duty done for courtesy, had charged him so to do.  
But sith my Angel bade me first, for to describe her train,  
And sith to sound a true report my Morphes' took such pain.  
I think it most convenient, seeing time doth serve so fit,  
Before Desire have told his tale, for to discover it.   

A description of Diana and her army.  
IVst by Eurota flowing stream, where many Lanrelles grow,  
A pleasant place, which all the Nymphs, of Diane's train do know.  
Behold God Morpheus offered me, a place to view at will,  
The safe return of Diane's train, which her hest doth fulfil.  
From out the shade this Goddess came, from cha●ing of the Boar,  
With bow in hand so ready bend, and well ●●drest therefore.  
Her couch was covered all with white, white Heart's the same did draw  
Whose swiftness pleased Diana well, to bring the Bear in awe.  
For solely in the woods she kept, in groves she did remain,  
And Actaeon hath his tale to tell, although unto his pai●e.  
Within the Couch kept Modesty, as ruler of her will,  
Where Praise & Honner were as guides, to hold the helm with skill.  
A crown she wears of precious price, bed●cte in rich array,  
Whose pleasant looks, in seemly sort, her nature did bewray.  
Thus while from wood she did return, unto the field to fight,  
And when her host assembled was against Dame Cupid's might.  
Behold the Captains do discharge, the duty that they own,  
And every one his good intent, to Diane's hos● do show.  
The rout by Chastity is swayed, the Misterisse of the rest,  
Who set the Soldiers in array, as she esteemed it best.  
There Constancy is called to aid, and help● them at a need,  
And Tempetance is well esteemed; as Diana hath decreed.  
Sobriety hath sage advise, to counsel Diana well,  
And Labour stands against his foes, their sloth for to expel.  
Fidelity a faithful friend, within the wood doth stay,  
Who seeks to spoil the foreign foe, as h●e pass by the way.  
For Diana hath commanded him, to rest within the wood,  
And camp himself most orderly, just by Furota stood.  
With whom Dame Thisbe takes a place, where is Pander his Néete,  
And Phedra she which sometime was, Duke Theseus wife of Greece,  
And if I should recite them all, which couched by this brook,  
My pen would saint in half the way, in wrighting of this book,  
But sith I have described the tent, as briefly as I may,  
And as my Morpheus would give leave, the same for to display.  
Behold Desire presents himself, before this Dame on knee,  
And from the saint, wh●m he did serve, th●se voices uttered he,   

Desire his message unto Diana.  

REnow●●ed Dame, whose fame the 〈◊〉 contains,  
Whose glistering face throughout the world appear:  
Cupid my Lord, in martial feel●●●●●ines,  
And sent me out my me●●ag● to do:  
Whose valiant force, the Gods themselves d●●st fear,  
Cupid I say in whom such joy I find,  
Hath sent me forth, to know thy willing mind.   

He craves of thee that justice 〈◊〉 request,  
That thou do yield, and let thy army go:  
Thy false attempts the Gods themselves detest,  
And every one, is sworn thy future foe,  
Each one is bend to work thy grief and woe.  
With glittering shoulder-blade, to seethy blood 〈◊〉,  
If thou disdain, as recreant to yield.   

And Mars himself, with Venus is ascended,  
Into the Couch, where Cupid ●raweth his bow:  
But yet my Lord, thus much hath thee befriended,  
If thou will't yield, than he will mercy show:  
This for thy sake on thee he doth bestow.  
But if thou nill, he will dispatch thee quite,  
Both thee and thy, by dint of bloody fight.   

Accept therefore his mercy and good will,  
And deign to show, obedience for the same:  
Pity thyself, do not the army spill,  
Lest all the world report this to thy shame:  
And none that liveth, my loving Lord will blame.  
Consider this, and think upon the pain,  
And speak thy mind, that I may return again.   

¶ Thus when Desire had told his tale, to Diana and her train,  
Diana quickly answered, Sir knight return again.  
Let Cupid do his worst he can, his force I do not fear,  
Ne will I yield unto his laws, nor none that with me are,  
Wherewith a lofty shout and noise, unto the sky was raised,  
And Diane's courage and good will, of all the rout was praised,  
Desire being hot with raging hate, did thus reply again,  
I do lament the rueful lot, of them which shallbe slain.  
For lo as doth the rau●●ing 〈◊〉, the sheep in strength excel,  
So Cupid with his martial 〈◊〉 these stately words can quell.  
That neither Captain shallbe left, nor soldier for to fight,  
Of all this rout, whose hands be piest, against my Lord his might.  
Then Modesty, Diana's guide, in her behalf did say,  
Although we die in Diane's cause, our deaths we do not way.  
This said, Desire returned again, and unto Cupid went,  
And showed at large, Diana's words, as of her whole intent.  
And that within the silent wood, whereas Eurota flow,  
Fidelity did hold his camp, their force to overthrow.  
And added this that neither Mars, with all his weighty stroke,  
Nor all the Gods should bring her neck, under God Cupid's yoke.  
Then cupid sent Desire before, the Amb●●sh for to tame,  
Or else perforce to scatter them, before the army came.  
Desire doth seek to be revenged, of his appointed foe,  
And wandering in the Laurel woods unto Eurota go.  
Whereas Fidelity was priest, his force for 〈◊〉 withstand,  
And in defence of Diane's right, did fight long hand to hand.  
But what could Thisbe then resist, when Pyram came in sight,  
Or when as worthy Troilus came, how could Dame Cressida fight.  
Phedra she was content to yield, Desire did force her so,  
And from Diana's faithful friend, to Cupid's camp to go.  
What shall I say, Diana's host, which in the wood did stay,  
Was sore abashed, Fidelity was chased quite away.  
And many yielded recreant, not able to deny,  
Desire perforce did force them so, either to yield or dye.  
But rather than Dame Cressida would, so quickly seem as dead,  
She vowed herself from Troilus true, to flattering Diomedes.  
So that the perjured Graecian, or else the Trojan knight,  
Should have Dame Cressida unto love, yea both if so it might.  
Thus while Desire do clear the coast, and make the passage free,  
The host marched on into the field, with thundering harmony.  
The noise whereof do beat the skies, and eke from thence reboundes,  
And Mars his music in the ceil, aloft Tantara sounds.  
The soldiers set themselves in ranks, the wings to succour go,  
Audacity by Mars his will, he had commanded so.  
But Diana and her worthy train, when as her friend was fled,  
And for the loss of all those friends, with fury was much led,  
And often repeating worthily, my hearts take cheer (quoth she)  
My life for yours, continued still, so shall you victors be.  
The soldiers fought so valiantly, the Captains did so well,  
That cupid 'gan to Crouch for fear, and Diana did excel.  
Audacity than shook for fear, when chastity withstood,  
And Constancy she followed fast, to see the foreign blood.  
And if God Cupid's policy, a rescue had not found,  
Both Venus and her darlings dear, had ●●●lyng fell to ground.  
But Policy came rushing in, and sent forth mighty jove,  
Who then descended from the skies, to serve the God of love.  
Who vanquished Dame Diane's host, and made them for to tremble,  
And sundry kinds of ugly shapes, he 〈◊〉 not to dissemble.  
Aurora loved the snowy Bull, and L●d● word the Swan,  
And Io licked her father's face, which then was pale and wan.  
For as the Wolf among the lambs, so jove among the host,  
I mean among Dame Diane's flock, of whom she vaunt and bo●●●  
But when as Fame had sounded forth, and Brutus had blazed his will,  
That jove did vanquish worthily, with Policy and Skill.  
Then Danae fled her way for fear, unto Acrisius' Tower,  
Till jupiter through Policy descended in a shower.  
Achilles then began to rage, before that Troy was sack,  
And craved of Policy his guide, the armour that he lacked.  
Who armed him courageously, in maidens feat array,  
Till Derdanna swelling womb, his policy did bewray.  
And Licomedes was deceived, the father of the May,  
And therefore could not stop the step●, of young Achilles' way.  
Then Clodius rushed in in haste, Pompeya for to quell,  
Bedecked like to the vestal Dames, whereas his love did devil.  
Thus Cupid was incorraged, with all his warlike train,  
Diana which was erst aloft, is now beaten down again.  
And all the Gods and Soldiers the, did play their parts so well  
That Cupid is extolled to heaven, and Diana fallen to Hell.  
Medusa Gorgon hearing this, to Pallas altar fled,  
Hoping by her assisting hand, in time to be relieved.  
Whom mighty Neptune through deceit, entangled in such sort,  
That she forsook Diana's camp, and fled to Venus Court.  
Then Phedr● whom desire had brought, from Diana and her train,  
Ceased not in Cupid's cause to fight, till Hippolyte was slain.  
With Policy came Gluttony, and Idleness his mate,  
And Drowsiness he followed fast, for fear he came to late.  
Antonius' resisted long, Queen Cleopatra's host,  
But yet at last through Gluttony, did yee●● to her request.  
When Constancy had seen the force and havoc of their foes,  
She vowed, both life and lands, and fame, in Diane's cause to loose,  
Rather than Cupid should prevail, unto their utter shame,  
And all Dame Diane's valian●wights, accorded in the same.  
And joining hearts and hands in one, that battered Cupid so,  
That he was near constrained again, out of the field to go.  
There Temperance stood stiffly too, and Labour laid on load,  
Sobriety did help at need, when they in danger stood.  
But yet alas, this wished joy, was soon brought to an end,  
For Courtesy came rushing forth, and brought Delight his friend.  
For to revenge this fresh assault of Diana and her train,  
And to renew the wont state, of Cupid once again.  
With him came Duke Protesilaus, with him came Alcyde stout,  
He sought for Laedomia, this found Dianeira out.  
Hector vanquished Andrqmache, that worthy wight of Troy,  
And Pryamus with Hecuba, did live in perfect joy.  
Thus when Diana's Soldiers, began to slip away,  
Through Courtesy, a thousand fled, to Cupid in one day.  
And few there were, which would remain, with Diana to abide,  
But yield themself unto Delight, betid what might betide.  
Who pardoned every one of those, which came with free consent,  
And did remit each one's offence, before he did repent.  
Then Pluto posted out for rage, which did this while abide,  
And kept the wing with Cruelty, which lay on the left side.  
Who sent forth triple Cerberus, that devilish dog of Hell,  
To fetch away Proserpina, which then 〈◊〉 Greece did devil.  
Then Appius swelled with rage, Virginia to deflower,  
Achilles' sprite did rage from Hell, Polixina to devour.  
Lucretia was took in trip, Rage was her foreign foe,  
Apollo cursed Cassandra fair, for Rage bid will him so.  
Thus cruel Rage, with Courtesy, and with his friend Delight,  
With fond Desire, and Policy, which wear God Cupid's might.  
Have chased away Diana's force, that she herself must fly,  
Or yield to those, whose bloody hearts, would 'cause her for to dye.  
And to a pleasant valley hard by (her train being very small,)  
She did convey herself, by flight, as woeful of her fall.  
Quoth Morpheus mark this well my friend, and note her train I pray  
Which when I purposed for to do, their backs were turned away.  
So was I much unable left, their names for to rescite,  
Which tarried with Diana fair, when she was put to flight.  
And so my guide himself, could not their names unto me show,  
But this he had me publish forth, the Soldiers were not few.  
Whom Cupid with his lovely rout, persuade with might amain,  
But yet Diana fled so fast her foes returned again.  
And unto Cupid his curious tent, they went for to return.  
With bibbing Bacchus and his mate, a while for to sojourn.  
But as they 'gan for to return, to their appointed 〈…〉,  
Behold they see a virgin pure, which gallantly did come,  
(Although to late) to aid her dear, which then had lost the day,  
But Theseus stepped from the rout, and stepped in her way.  
O then (quoth I) unto my guide, whom keeps he in the tent,  
'tis Helena, which too to late, unto Dame Diana went.  
(Quoth Morpheus then) whose chastity, was wone by Theseus' might,  
Who when ten years had run their race, was took in Diane's fight.  
Thus while my God did end his talk, Cupid at palace is,  
With all his soldiers banqueting, with heavenly joy and bliss.  
The feast endured, very long, the triumph was not small,  
These joy their goodly victory, the other rue their fall.  
At last a trumpet 'gan to sound, and Preco said his will,  
That Venus did command them all, no captive for to kill.  
But that with joy, each one should wend, and with his prisoner play,  
Till Beauty should command them all, to walk an other way.  
Then every God departed forth, unto his heavenly seat,  
And led with him such prisoners, as he did think it meet.  
Then Mars with Iron arms did kiss, his darling and his deer,  
And that without suspicion, for Vulcan was not there.  
And after said adieu my deer, than she from couch descended,  
And took God Morpheus by the hand, sith fate have me befriended.  
My Lord (quoth she) rejoice with me, & thank the heavenly might,  
And you shall wend no further now, but rest with me this night.  
With whom my God departed thence, beckoning his hand at me,  
As who should say, go pack away, I cannot come to thee.  
Wherewith my Angel left me clean, and Sopor did the same,  
And I to former sense and wit, at Nature's pleasure came.     

The Argument.  
In Beauty's Palace met, as Cupid had ordained,  
The Captain with his crown, and captive led away:  
All strife, debates, and jars, which erst before remained  
When Beauty sat as judge, were ended in that day.  
And Hymeneus he, exhort them all to wed,  
But those which can live chaste, he do exempt therefro,  
So Cupid is content, to rest him in his bed:  
And Diana chose her path, in wandering woods to go.  
Let Diana take her dear, and Cupid his delight,  
For Beauty sat in throne, to pleasure every wight.  
justice and judgement, pleaded at Beauty's Bar.  

YEt once again, before the year was spent,  
I did return unto my wont wise:  
When as the Sun, to the woods a shade had bend,  
Whose smell, and hue, my fancy did suffice:  
Whereas I couched, and covered both my eyes,  
And drowsy sleep, did soon arrest my heart,  
And wished rest, did bind each weary part.   

And loc as erst, my feathered Angel came,  
And bade me come, and wait in wont sort:  
Doubt not (quoth he) to undertake the same,  
For as I have, so will I be thy fort,  
And eke thy guide, to bring thee to that port:  
Whereas (be bold) not danger shall in sew,  
Give credit now as thou hast found me true.   

Wherewith I rise, and gladly passed forth,  
Not knowing whence, nor whither I should go:  
But followed him, whose counsel was much worth,  
To ease my pain, and rid me of all woe:  
Not love of friend, nor dread of frowning foe,  
Abashed my mind, or struck my heart in fear,  
For drowsy sleep had clean expelled all care.   

My God went fast, whose steps were never slow,  
And guided me unto a fertile Fen:  
Where many shrubs, of sundry sorts did grow,  
A place no doubt, unknown to mortal men:  
Which when I see, I was amas●d then,  
And gladly would, have known the place his name,  
But that I dared, not ask my guide the same.   

Within the Fen, there stood a Castle fair,  
Most strongly built, most cumly to behold;  
The top whereof, ascended to the air,  
And every part, was gilted with pure gold:  
My guide unasked, the circumstances told,  
Beauty (quoth he) within this place doth devil,  
Who veweth this Fen, and rules it passing well.   

Whereby I see, that which I did not know,  
And did perceive the end of his intent:  
At last he deigned, his purpose for to show,  
What was the cause, and why that way he went:  
Wherefore to him I yielded my consent,  
And forth we passed, as he did think it good,  
Into the place, whereas this Castle stood.   

Not sooner did we enter in the same,  
But lo a trump, did sound within my ear:  
And every one, gave ear to sounding fame,  
And noted well, what news he did declare:  
Yea all those knights, which in the Castle were,  
Attended well what news there should befall,  
From her which was the judge, and Queen of all.   

The Preco said that all which were assembled,  
With free consent, their Captives should rescyne:  
(Whereat no doubt, the fervent lovers trembled)  
Till Phoebus' beams, began in morn to shine:  
Till Lucifer from his love should decline,  
To him which had, Dame Beauties birds in store,  
And kept them clean, full many years of yore.   

To him therefore, the prisoners were committed,  
Who kept them well, as Beauty did request:  
And every knight, a pleasant place hath fitted,  
Where he alone, that silent night might rest▪  
To sport himself, as he should think it best,  
But blame them not, though some were weary then,  
Which came that day unto that joyful Fen.   

But when Dame Nox hath covered every thing,  
And Cynthia, by Phoebus is sent out:  
Which to the world, most joyful light doth bring,  
And aideth those, whom Phoebus left in doubt:  
Even so I guess that most of all this rout,  
Have yielded up, when Sopor seem ●o ●●ll,  
I need not guess, when Morpheus showed me all.   

And those likewise, which in the Closet kept,  
(Excepting some) did lay them down to rest:  
Who sighed sore, while that the other slept,  
And wailed the loss, of them whom they loved best:  
Of whom that night, there passed many a jest,  
Which if I should rescite them as they came,  
It were enough sore to discorse the same.   

Next to the gate, fair juliet did lie,  
And in ●he Court young Romeus did stay:  
F●ire 〈◊〉 gave leave, to peek and pry,  
〈…〉 sfyd, when will't thou come away.  
Windows (quoth he) I would ascend fair May,  
I look to see, the place where erst I came,  
But Tibalt he, hath closed up the same.   

Then mighty jove came sliding down from Heaven,  
And thought to fall, within young Danae's lap:  
But yet behold, the tiles were not laid even,  
And he his head, against the stones did rap:  
And on the ground, he did complain his hap.  
Alas (quoth he) this fall hath made my pain,  
Then look (quoth I) before you slide again.   

Then Orpheus got leave to come from Hell,  
To cheer up her, which was his whole delight:  
Which in the Luke, with Tartur king did dwell,  
Whose Harp did sound, almost the silent night:  
Pluto see that, he thought he did not right,  
But with his might, he troubled Orpheus' mind,  
Who fled for fear, and left his Harp behind.   

Then Priamus out of the gardaynes came,  
Into the place whereas young Lotis lay:  
Who while she slept, did think it was no shame,  
In silent night, with her to sport and play:  
His Ass brayed out, for fear he ran away.  
And dared not bide, her courtesy to try,  
Whereat the Nymphs did laugh exceedingly.   

Then Tethis son, began his form to change,  
In sundry sort, as well he could devise:  
A cunning art, a work which seemed most strange,  
Whose fiery flames, out of his mouth did rise:  
The jailer feared, and stopped both his eyes,  
Than Pr●teus he, unto Pomona went,  
Which turned himself, even for the same intent.   

Neptune see that, and caused Triton to sound,  
And Aeolus for him did raise the weather:  
He sought so long at last his love he found,  
And Altion said, my Lord your are welcome hither:  
I will not say, how that they went together,  
But yet behold, the keeper spied their play:  
The God for fear, did breechless run his way.   

Thus merrily we passed all the night,  
For Morpheus was, contented in the same:  
But yet me thought, there was one passing sight,  
Whereat my guide, did find good sport and game:  
Which to let pass, I think I were to blame,  
I fear no foes, the truth I do not fear:  
For this I see, which now I shall declare.   

When Clodius, unto Pompeia went,  
And Vestal omnes, had took him in the ●rip:  
They all at once trust him in continent,  
And in their use, began this youth to whip:  
And what though he allow did hung the lip,  
They sent him forth, and this charge did him give,  
To come no more, so long as he should live.   

And thus the night, hath run her timely race,  
And Lucifer, hath left Aurora's bed:  
Don Phoebus now, begin to take his place,  
And with this Dame, doth rest his heavenly head:  
His burning beams, do stand us all in shed,  
And Cynthia saith: adieu, my brother come:  
Unto whose rule, I must yield up this room.   

The morning came, the Preco sound again,  
And charges all, in place for to appear:  
Where Beauty doth in judgement seal remain,  
Their direful doom, or joyful news ●o here:  
They were content, and Morpheus did draw near,  
But Priapus, when all were in the pla●e,  
Saddled his Ass, and rid away a pace.   

For why he said, such fate did him betide,  
And such erployts, that night by him were done:  
For fear this God, alas could not abide,  
That need he must, Dame Beauty's judgement shun:  
For well he known, before it was begun,  
That he by her, should justly be condemned,  
And for his fear of all the Gods contemned.   

When Preco had told forth his sounding tales,  
And all the knights, which came from Cupid's war:  
Addressed themselves, out of these grievous gales,  
To plead their case, before Dame Beauty's Bar:  
Pretending there, either to make or mar,  
Then Beauty sat, just judgement for to give:  
To trust, to save, to die and eke to live.   

There all the Gods, assembled were in place,  
And dainty Venus, sat by Beauty's side:  
To hear each pled, and way of every case,  
And eke to know, what end there should betide,  
To every one, that captive did abide,  
The keeper stands, and cries Lordings give room:  
Stand from the Bar, and let the prisoners come.   

Thus every thing was brought to perfit stay,  
The prisoners all do tremble where they stand:  
The trusty keeper, he make no delay,  
But doth resign them to Dame Beauty's hand:  
To have each case, with wisdom duly skande,  
When all was whist, and statutes read at large:  
The Crier 'gan his duty to discharge.   

Then Lemnos knight, and of the Ciclops chief,  
judgement did crave, and Beauty grant the same:  
I will quoth he, you grant me some relief,  
For mighty Mars, hath put my wife to shame:  
Whereat the Gods did find exceeding game,  
And when they see what thing he went about,  
Be whole consent, they hoist the blacksmith out.   

Amphy●rion did crave a full divorce,  
For jove he said, with him had been unkinne:  
Then jove stood up, and asked some remorse,  
And said he would, content his troubled mind,  
Yea Beauty then, did crave some grace to find:  
He was content, and mighty jove therefore,  
Did vow himself, never to serve so more.   

So great complaints, against this God were brought▪  
That at the last from bench he slipped away:  
juno was wroth, and due reueng●●nt sought,  
Of those which had deceived her of her prey:  
She rage and fret, she curseth day by day,  
But Beauty sought, to recompense the wrong,  
Whom he had made, to sing the Cookoes song.   

I let pass all, till Menelaus came,  
And did complain, because he lost his piece:  
The Trojan knight, he only sought to blame,  
Which had conveyed, this Diamond from Greece:  
Moore loss than he, which lost the golden fleece,  
The grief whereof, did hazard much his health,  
For that the knight, had took this Dame by stealth.   

Oenone then did hear this great complaint,  
And fiatling ●ell, upon her tender knee:  
Lo worthy king behold thy wished Saint,  
Hath stole away, my loyal knight from me:  
With trickling tears, these voices uttered she,  
And wished the judge, her sentence to declare,  
To assuage her pain, and rid her of her care.   

Then Beauty said, sith Paris hath dealt so,  
And left this dame, which cherished him before:  
(When as his sire, did seek to work his woe,)  
Who unto him two children hath ybore:  
Oenone lives, thy loss for to deplore,  
Cherish thy babes, which for their father's cry,  
Defame hath vowed, his fact shall never dye.   

And as for her which hath this act committed,  
The blood of them, whose bones at Troy do stay:  
revengement craves, the Gods have it permitted,  
Wherefore (quoth she) let her be led away:  
But whither it was, I cannot truly say,  
Yet Morpheus said, that Robinson should tell,  
As well her pain, as where this Lady devil.   

Then Menelaus was sorry for his make,  
Whose trickling tears, the Troyans' did invie:  
Who in the field, had perished for her sake,  
So did the Greeks, which buried there do lie:  
And with consent, they ceased not to cry,  
woe worth the time, that Helen came to Troy,  
woe worth that knight, which stolen the wretch away.   

Then Troilus true, stepped up among the rout,  
And offered up the bill of his complaint:  
How that by chance, he found his Creslid out,  
Whose shrine he served, whom he had made his saint:  
For as he said, Beauty had drawn constraint,  
Wherefore he craved, true sentence for his doom:  
That Cressida might possess deserved room,   

But Diomed when as he heard the truth,  
He gate (Perforce) to parley in his cause:  
Who moved the bench, with Pity, Moon, and Ruth.  
And said that she, had never broken the laws:  
But yielded there, where need so strongly draws,  
Do what she could, Perforce compelled her so:  
When she was driven, from Troy to Greece to go.   

Knight Troilus then, removed the suit again,  
Unto a place, whereas the ground was sure:  
And by advise, he ceased not to complain,  
With hot assault, he sewed her a perjure:  
But Diomed scant able to endure,  
Let fall the suit unto Dame Beauty's pleasure,  
To end in haste, or to defer to leisure.   

Then Calcas he, which was her loving Sire,  
Did offer mines, and glistering gobs of gold:  
To spare his child, the judge he did require,  
But yet alas, Beauty would not behold:  
Nor yet give ear, unto the tale he told,  
But judged her which was the Prophet's daughter  
A Leper vile, and so she lived after.   

And as for him, which was the Trojan knight,  
With lovely looks, she often gave good cheer:  
Though for her sake, he ended in the fight,  
Yet truth shall try, it plainly shall appear:  
That his deserts, so long as man live here,  
Shall pierce the clouds, for every man shall show  
That he was just, and to his Lady true.   

Achilles then came trembling forth of Hell,  
And brought with him Polixina the bright,  
Whom he did crave, because he loved so well,  
And should have had if Paris had done right:  
But Beauty she, desired the Graecian knight,  
To stay his hand, and hold his lively breath:  
Contenting him, by fair Polixines death.   

Orestes came into his former rage,  
Which Pirrus felt, before Dame Beauties har:  
The judge did rise, his fury to assuage,  
And did demand the cause of all that jar:  
Nestor avoucht, before he went to war,  
Hermione was young Orestes right,  
Wherefore my thought the jury set him quite.   

Leander cried and craved to have the law,  
And Hero she, began with sobs to wail:  
Of Neptune's force, they both did stand in awe,  
They laboured much, but yet could not prevail:  
They daily sought, but yet therein did fail,  
Neptune (quoth he) doth love my Dame so dear,  
That through his force, I am driven back by fear   

Then Neptune's love, began thereat to frown,  
And for his sake, Dame Hero did invy:  
And did not cease, to seek to put her down,  
In Neptune's lap, she often times did cry:  
Whose silly tears, her lovers love did try,  
And he content, to please this gallant Dame:  
At her request, revenged him of the same.   

And on the Seas, he taught this silly knight,  
And sunk his boat, within the flowing floods:  
Where he was drowned, and quesned by despite  
This did the God to do his lady good:  
But she alas, being fed with furious mood,  
Cast up his corpses, which Hero did espy,  
And fallen from Tower, and with her love did dye.   

Amulius brought in his brother's child,  
Whom he had locked within the vestal cave:  
Accusing Mars, which had that Dame beguiled,  
And caused her loose, the life that she would save:  
But Mars in wrath, this speedy sentence gave,  
That Illias' Imps, should work Amulius shame:  
Who after that had tasted of the same.   

Then Minos wife came raging all in ire,  
And Beauty asked, her purpose and intent:  
That speckled Bull (quoth she) I do desire,  
The Gods 'gan laugh, and yielded her consent:  
Forthwith from thence, to Dedalus she went,  
But Beauty should, and did this fact detest,  
And sent forth Ire, to gnaw king Minos' breast.   

Then Theseus friend, she stood on Naxus I'll,  
And cried aloud unto the powers above:  
Whom Bacchus caught, and brought from long exile,  
And in the end, did choose her for his love:  
Whose rueful moan, Dame Beauty's heart did move,  
But all the Gods sent Theseus into Hell:  
Whose pains were more, than any tongue can tell.   

Then Alpheus did Arethusa chase,  
And left his course, even as he thought it best:  
Diana she, did stay her of her race,  
And yet deceived this long desiring guest:  
And sith in her, she see a faithful breast,  
By Beauty's will, she changed her form away:  
Into a spring, which in her name did stay.   

Then Cepheus child, fearing the monsters might,  
Cried to the Gods, upon her mother's pride:  
But Perseus' heart, relented at the sight,  
And truly vowed, no longer to abide,  
Till for her sake, the monster he had tried:  
And on conflict, he ended breathing life,  
And Beauty gave, this damsel for his wife.   

Apollo he, which gave Cassandra wit,  
To tell all things, which after should ensue:  
Before the bar, whereas the judge did sit,  
His whole complaint in open pleaded show:  
He said that she, had never proved true,  
Whereat the judge, did ware exceeding wan:  
And long amazed, at last she thus began.   

Sigh you (quoth she) which gave to her this gift,  
Can not obtain, the troth which she did plight:  
'tis good for you to use some other shift,  
Her false attempt, some other way to quite:  
Wherefore the God, thus said in open sight,  
The words she spoke, no Trojan shall believe,  
But each man's mind, they shall molest and green.   

A thousand more, to long for to repeat,  
Came thronging in, the judgement for to hear:  
Such press was made, before Dame Beauty's seat,  
Of those which came, their matters to declare:  
That if I should name all that did appear  
It were to much, the labour were to long,  
My pen would faint, and say it had great wrong.   

Sardanapalus, sometime Thassirian king,  
With strange attire he entered into place:  
Upon his head a helmet he did bring,  
And in his hand, he held a glistering glass:  
In Queen's attire, this fool bedecked was,  
A rout of Hoares, and Concubines he led,  
Which while he lived his greedy humours fed.   

But Beauty blushed, and bid him pack away,  
And Venus smiled as one which liked it well:  
Arbactus came of him to make a pray,  
Whose wicked use in presence he did tell:  
Whose life in pomp, and pleasure did excel,  
Then Beauty said procure his timely death:  
Arbactus went, and stopped his fatal breath.   

What should I say each one which did complain,  
Hath out of hand, a judgement and redress:  
The Crier he is gathering of his gain,  
Each ●●●icer is busied with no less:  
The inhabiters, provide for gallant guess.  
And everyone, prepareth passing cheer,  
But every thing is sold exceeding dear.   

Since Satur's days, and golden years ypast,  
Since jove his birth, and all his brethren ●eere:  
If aught were done, whose fame till now doth last,  
You may suppose that it was truly there:  
Yea every thing in order did appear,  
And every jar, that present time was ended,  
And each offence, by judgement was amended.   

And since that time, I truly must confess,  
All strife is done, Diana loves no debate:  
She lives no more in woods and wilderness,  
But every one hath choose a cheerful mate:  
And some so much this life of hers do hate,  
That for the fear of Cupid's cursed check,  
They yield to bow, and come at every beck.   

Then marvel not, though Cupid rule alone,  
And though each wight is ready to obey:  
For surely now Diana's host is go,  
Her troop is small, which in the woods do stay:  
When Cupid comes, each one doth run his way,  
Yet some there be, I can it not deny,  
Which live with her, with whom they mean to dye.   

There Pity stood, and pleaded many a●ase,  
The blinded boy, had wished him so to do.  
And often times, the judge to him gave place,  
As well for friend, as eke for foreign foe:  
For sure she thought, most meet for to do so,  
That friend and foe, might join them both in one,  
And as they aught, worship Cupid alone.   

Thus every thing, being brought to purfit end,  
And every one contented with the same:  
Then mighty jove, from lofty clouds did sand,  
His trusty knight, which unto Beauty came:  
Who merrily began the Court to blame,  
For that it stayd, and did defer so long:  
While Vulcan thought, the kitchen had some wrong.   

For when as jove from of the bench did part,  
Whose ears did glow, to hear so many cry:  
The sore complaints, did moon his tender heart,  
With speedy pace he mounted to the sky:  
And caused his cooks with Vulcan for to try,  
Till all delights for Beauty's train did stay:  
For whom he sent and wished to come away.   

Then Beauty risde, and thus she 'gan to say,  
My noble Lords, and Ladies of estate:  
Much are you bond, for this your happy day,  
Your hearty thanks to yield unto your fate:  
For that this Court, hath banished debate.  
Then mark what he, which is ordained to speak,  
Shall briefly say, and then the Court shall break.   

From of the bench, a comely Lord did rise,  
Which unto all dit pleasantly appear:  
And unto Heaven, he fixed his steadfast eyes,  
Whose colour came, which did increase his cheer:  
Whose voice was such that every man might here.  
And at the last (making no long delay)  
With filled speech thus he began to say.   

Himenae his Oration.  
Renowned Lords give ear, and mark what I shall say,  
Which now have seen the whole exploires of all this lucky day.  
I Hymenaeus height whose force you do obey,  
In whom (twice happy may you be) if you do rightly stay.  
Now therefore sith each case, hath been discoursed at large,  
And sith the judge, by justice rule her duty did discharge.  
Leave of those wanton toys of love, being used amiss,  
And love the laws of wedlock's bond, which much more seemly is.  
And you which long have erred, and wandered to and fro,  
Revoke yourselves, and stay your race, and cease for to do so.  
For holy be the laws, which wedlock do maintain,  
And duty must perforce be given, to those which there remain.  
To range abroad in woods, as many used before,  
Beseem the brutish beast to do, then use that use no more.  
Let juno serve for jove, sufficing for his wife,  
And let not Neptune with his mate, despise to lead his life.  
If Hypolite the chased, can lead his life so still,  
Why should not P●●edra suffer him, to do after his will?  
What ill affects be these, cut of those Imps I pray.  
Which may both bring the ●oote and stock, with branches to decay.  
And thus I end in brief, as e●st I have begun,  
Desiring you to set yourselves, in wedlocks laws to run.  

¶ This said he ceased, and settled down again,  
And Beauty rose, and uttered all her mind:  
Requesting them that they would take the pain,  
To wend with her, as jove had then assigned:  
They did consent as duty did them bind,  
But ere they went, behold what did betide:  
To me poor soul, which did that sight abide.   

For as I looked, on every thing that fallen,  
I did neglect, whereas my guide did go:  
And glancing looks, within that place did devil,  
With speedy pace, came running me unto,  
Who drawn me forth, even as a furious foe:  
Who straightly said, thy judgement ●s; halbe given,  
Be sure to dye, God bring thy soul to Heaven.   

He drawn me forth, and urged me to go,  
Yea maugre all my force and all my might:  
Alas said I, what mean you to do so,  
Take some remorse, and cease to work your spite:  
Do well (quoth he) if that thy case be right,  
Wherefore I wept, but yet alas in vain,  
And on my guide, I ceased not to complain.   

I sweated for fear, I tremble for to tell,  
My hair stood up, my senses were aghast:  
My ready blood, this terror did expel,  
Before that time, which in my cheeks was placed:  
And yet my foe did draw me forth in haste,  
Who told the judge, where he had found me out,  
When all the throng began topreace about.   

And when they see, what novelty had happed,  
Then every one, began to shout and cry:  
And on my head, their tender hands they clapped,  
And said good Sir, you are welcome heartily:  
Wherewith I thankte them for their courtesy,  
When tears and sweat, ran down my face by streams  
They awaked me out of this dreadful dreams.   

So since that time I neither see my foe,  
Nor yet my guide, which then was slipped away:  
Nay can I tell, if they to skies did go,  
As Beauty had pretended all that day:  
Of this nor that, no more I have to say,  
But when I waked, I went from silent shade:  
For darksome night, the earth did then invade.   

And here behold, I briefly will conclude,  
For why? my pen is weary of her toil:  
But yet I pray, bear with these terms so rude.  
And for my pain, yield not my work ●he foil:  
Now gentle Muse, unto thy Cave recoil,  
I yield thee thanks, for this thy gentle heart:  
Thy Master he, hath played his wished part.   

And though not so, as he hath wished to do,  
Yet for his skill, he hath displayed his due:  
He craves remorse, if that it chanceth so,  
That any crime, thereof there should ensue:  
Or if his pen, hath written more than is true,  
judge you which have, run in this tedious way,  
The Author doth expect what you will say.     

To I C.  
IF it had not been, gentle I C. for your earnest entreaty, whose words might command me, I assure you, that these three trifles had not come unto the hands of any reader, for fear of infamy, which I doubt that they shall incur, by means of the unskilful reader. But being persuaded that they shall never be read of any, (you only excepted, and your loving Brother) I have taken the pain, (which for your cause, 〈◊〉 account but a sport) for to set them down in the forefront. Partly for that they fight all under one Ensign: Partly for that the other which follow, be written unto sundry people. Let me therefore gentle I C. entreat you to keep these close, jest they come to the hands of them which may for the publishing of them, be by right moved with me. Far you well.   

The life and death of Master, T. Cicero, who was slain, being 63. years of age.  
NO legend lie, no fable fond, no tattling tale I tell,  
No treasure of Thalias School, my shop hath for to cell:  
Come Chapmen come, come view and see, and bargain for the best,  
And see the hap of him, whose hand, held Rome in perfect rest.  
Whose ill reward for pains being past, when as you do perceive,  
Although they move not watery streams, to weep yet give me leave  
For when I written with painful pen, that which I had begun,  
The tears distilled from watery eyen, whence flowing floods did run.  
And sorrowed down my moistened cheeks, replete with grievous moan,  
And seized sighs with salted Seas, I uttered many a one.  
And thus my Muse amazed my mind, and kept my heart in fear,  
Since first I took my quivering quill, his acts for to declare.  
In Italy an ancient Town, that once Arpinum height,  
Which erst the Volscian kings enjoyed, by title truth and right.  
Yet after subject unto Rome, as custom did constrain,  
Sometime there was, and yet perhaps, to this day do remain.  
Herein did Olbia hide herself, a Matron pure and mild,  
And to her Tullius joyful spouse, brought forth a lovely child.  
A blessed babe whose noble stock, never brought unto decay,  
(Of ancient Volscian kings he came, as writers did bewray.)  
Did claim and challenge rightfully, that which long time was lost,  
And hope did make the hearts rejoice, within Arpinum cost.  
In youth (as well beseemeth youth) in school he spent his days,  
Who won renown unto the same, and to it purchased praise.  
And happy might that Master be, which such a scholar taught,  
Who to the seed that he did sow, such great increase hath brought.  
And one thing doth revive my heart, and fill my mind with joys,  
In gallant youth with Poet's art, he published many toys.  
Whereby I judge that Poet's skill, in youth is not condemned,  
Nor practise of such painful works, in it should be contemned.  
For what can more revive the heart, or sharpen dulled wit,  
Or else to recreate the mind, few studies be so fit.  
As Poetry wherein I find, that Plato did delight,  
While youth did last as erst did he, of whom my Muse doth wright.  
When riper years 'gan run their race, and tender times were spent,  
With human arts being furnished, and not therewith content.  
To civil law he lent a time, where he long time did stay,  
And while he lived through Roman rout, did bear the price away  
And joined true Philosophy unto the law an aid,  
A help to those undoubtedly, which in that trade are staid.  
Whereof how much he penned with skill, your witness I implore,  
(If all his works had come to light) which have his works in store  
At last when courage 'gan to prick, and strength his mind did move  
And martial feats did put him forth, the force of Mars to prove.  
With shining sword, and battering blows, his golden spurs did win  
By dint of shoulder-blade in Sulla's siege, by chance he entered in.  
Whose peerless prowess of youthful years, delighted Scylla so,  
That he by grant permitted him, in peace to Rome to go.  
And line among his faithful friends, to couch himself in rest,  
Each thing was free for him to use, even what he fancied best▪  
Where while he used his former use, which erst did seem him good,  
And for his friend in open plea, his fretting foes withstood.  
Lo Sextus Boscius is accused, by Scylla and his train,  
And Tully must come tell his tale, to set him free again.  
Wherewith the Tyrant 'gan to swell, but him for to prevent,  
He doth abstain from royal Rome, and unto Athens went.  
And practised the Romanizing ●●ing, annexed with the Greek,  
That Athens never since that time, in her contained the like.  
For at that time though Rome did rule, yet Athens did excel,  
In knowledge of the Sciences, where all the Arts did devil.  
Till Tully tried and found the truth, which he in time revealed.  
And found out art, in native speech, which long had been concealed.  
Which Apollonius told before that then the crown did bear,  
And purchased praise in Orators, which then in Athens were.  
Alas (says he) I rue your case (you Grecians) and decay,  
Fo● that which once was left to you, Tully shall take away.  
Now Scylla draweth to his end, and death hath paid his due,  
And Tully did return to Rome, which crst he did eschew.  
From thence to Cicilye he went, being Questor of the same,  
And did the duty meet for him, which in that office came.  
So well he ruled, that friend and foe, his is wisdom did content,  
His perfect time, being brought to end, again to Rome he went.  
In tract of time the consulship, was given unto his lot,  
Which he discharged worthily, true justice not forgot.  
His counsel and his gravity, his duty did discharge,  
His wisdom and authority, did show exceeding large.  
He caused Ca●elyne to trudge, whose flight his ma●●● did wound,  
And by his policy, he kept the City safe and found.  
And they which threatened fire and sword, with slaughter to their soils  
Do groveling groan upon the ground, whereas they have the soil.  
And he triumphing of his hap, as did beseem his might,  
Is called Pater Patriae, by justice law and right.  
The first also which won that name, being never herded before,  
The good estate to native soil, he sought for to restore.  
His wife was named Terentia, in whom he was beguiled,  
Of whom he had young Cicero, and Tullia the mild.  
A friend he was to verity, no feigned words to utter,  
Ne would he speak dissemblingly, nor gloze in any matter.  
As well appeared in Clodius fact, for then in Rome there were  
The sacred Dames which vowed themselves, the vestal weeds to bear  
A law there was and well observed, that none but women should,  
Do rites and homage in that place, for so Dame Vesta would.  
Within that place Pompeia kept, which was then Caesar his wife,  
Whom Clodius with unlawful lust, did love with all his life.  
And when no way he could attain, his pleasure to possess,  
To offer wrong to Caesar's bed, his heart was in distress.  
But yet he did attempt this feat, bedecked in maids array,  
And with the vestalles offered rites, and duties all that day:  
In hope Pompeia to embrace and vanquish in the night,  
But after when this famous fact was published in the light:  
The Vestals think they had great wrong and straight an action draw,  
Accuunng Clodius they do crave, the rigour of the law.  
Then Clodius to award this blow, and to drive back this doom,  
Protest that ●ee that present day, was not in royal Rome.  
And for his witness brings out him, of whom my Muse doth wright,  
But Tully sticking to the truth, layeth out the cause aright.  
That Clodius that present day (which Clodius did deny)  
Met him in Rome, which many more, affirmed steadfastly.  
Thus Clodius all enwrapped in care, of gold did make a friend,  
Who set him free from judgement bar, and did the judges blind.  
Whose flattering face and privy bribes, did soon corrupt the law,  
And favour of all noble men, from Tully did withdraw.  
Who persecuted Tully so, as well with w●rdes as might,  
That he perforce constraineth him to fly from Rome by night.  
And as an exixe sixteen months, in exile did remain,  
Till he by Pompey's good success, was called home again.  
Whom Clodius ceased not to assail, and sharply to invade.  
Till Milo stopped his lively breath, by force of glittering shoulder-blade.  
When Clodius had his true desert, and Tully's foes where go,  
Then fortune favoured his success, which erst had cause to move.  
And Crassus is become his friend, which erst did him invye,  
And Caesar did maintain his case, which long did look awry.  
And who so good a friend to him as Pompye through whose plea,  
His goods which Clodius did consume, to him restored be.  
And when as death with dancing Dart, did end by Crassus' race,  
Cecylia ceased was given to him, the Parthians for to chase.  
Who ruled the province in such sort, that Parthia cease to fight,  
And Tully was ordained at Rome, to triumph by his right.  
But discord moved between the peers, he did refuse the same,  
And gladly did prefer the weal, before his praise of fame.  
But woe is me with battering blows, the state of Rome decay,  
And Caesar seeks by dints of sword, to take the same away.  
What shall I say, no fear of foes, appalled Tully's heart,  
No friendship hath withdrawn his mind, to leave the rightest part.  
But Pompye slain, and Cato dead, and Tully quited free,  
He left the sword which erst was wont, his whole delight to be.  
And Solely sought his countries wealth, and Homer to maintain,  
And that which long was hide before, by skill he made most plain.  
So that throughout the Roman coast, wh● spoke of Tully then,  
Might justly say that he was born, to profit other men.  
For as he did deserve great fame, by profit to the weal,  
Even so the laws of Eloquence, he justly did re●eale.  
And hath a title of renown, drawn out of learning's lore,  
Which many Greeks in Graecian soil, could not attain before.  
But yet alas I rue to tel●, I tremble all to late,  
That cursed slippery Fortune's wheel, invieth all men's estate.  
Who erst had raised him to the Mount, of pleasure and delight,  
Who had renowned his famous fact, where Titan giveth light.  
Who had exalted all his deeds, with honour and renown,  
Doth now begin with boisterous storms, to beaten him clean adown  
Terentia proveth most untrue, whose faith should not have swerved,  
With whom he made a clean divorce, as well her deeds deserved,  
Then poor estate began to prick, and pangs of pinching death,  
By ill success of Fortune's spite, did stop his daughter's breath.  
Antonius then began to rage, the greatest grief and smart,  
Who seeks the state of Roman seat, by all means to subvert.  
Octavius is paid with fear, the Egyptians flocked by rout,  
And all the Senate quake fordread, and make their prayers devout.  
The Tyrant's train and grisly ghost, could not old Tully quell,  
Nor 'cause his tongue to stay from talk, Antonius fact to tell.  
But might (alas) expelleth truth, as plainly did appear,  
When force laid wait to trip the just, then Tully fled for fear:  
To him whom erst hes had preserved, whose aid he did implore,  
His help he sought, whom he had helped, and fostered long before,  
Who through his aid then ruled as Prince, and Caesar over all,  
But hark alas, I rue to tell, what hap did him befall.  
octavius thirsty of the Crown, inflamed with heat of wealth,  
Neglecting Tully's small request, he did not way his health.  
And for a true (o cursed wretch,) he yielded to his foe,  
The wished prey of Tully's life, which he desired so.  
The Sparrow hatched the Coockoes bird, which soon did see his end,  
He fled alas unto his foe, whom he esteemed his friend.  
O devilish deed, o luckless lot, o day of doleful doom,  
O hellish hound, unworthy wretch, to rule in royal Rome.  
Hath cursed care bewitched thy brain? hath pride or peevish pelf,  
Made thee betray him whom thou oughtest, regard more than thyself  
Alas alas, run Tully run, the bargain now is made,  
Thy blood must make great friends of foes, o tricks of tigers trade.  
Antonius seeks to lay thee flat, 'tis time to pack away,  
When sounding fame this true report, to Tully did bewray.  
To Seas he hent, whose washing waves did 'cause him to return,  
For why, I think the fatal Dames, his deadly wound had sworn.  
Whom Antony did never cease, with hasty speed to chase.  
Till he by Fortune's crooked blast, had wone him in his race.  
And sent Popili●s (whom long since, Tully had saved from shame,)  
To stop his breath whose stony heart, accorded to the same.  
From whom he took both hands and head, and le●t the carcase still  
And brought to Antony his Lord, his greedy ●orge to fill.  
Who caused them on Senate top, for to possess a place,  
Where Tully ●ft had tried his wit in many a worthy case.  
Whose 〈…〉 each one 〈◊〉, which pas●ed to and fro,  
And sent forth many sobbed and tears, for grief of Tully's woe.  
That now not only Romans wail, but all the world lament,  
And cease not for the loss of him, to curse his foes intent.  
Vt voce sic vultu ac vita.   

This Epitaph following of P. Ramus the Poor knight, hath often told me, to be a friends of his in Cambridge, and not of his own indightinge, which if it be, I crave pardon of the Author, and I love it to the consideration of the Reader.  
An Epitaph upon the death of the famous Philosopher, P. Ramus, who was murdered in the persecution of France, 26. Augusti. Anno Domini. 1572. Etatis circiter. 57  
YOU Ladies fair of Helicon, come help for to deplore,  
The loss of him who while he lived, your Altars did adore.  
The baw, the branch, which bore such fruit, whose taste & pleasant savour,  
Did move the hearts, of all the imps, which sought to win your favour.  
Who plighted pain to Helicon, in Parna● was his pleasure,  
Who drunk of aganippa's well, in Thespias was his treasure.  
By sundry sorts he sought to climb, the Mount which merit fame,  
No thorn this was, but fruitful tree, his faults declare the same.  
O would you could permit the pen, and quivering quill to wright,  
Wherewith old Homer did discourse, the toil of Trojan fight.  
Or else from of Carmes●as bed, Apelles raise again,  
To hue his tomb cunning hand, whom denting death hath slain  
Fie Poets, fie: fie, fie, for shame: unjust you seem to be.  
To pen the praise of bush and shrub, and to let pass this tree.  
Who yielded fruit to every one, of sweet & sugared savour,  
Now winter's blast hath blown him bore, shall none requited his labour  
If Virgil's verse I could achieve, his renown to declare,  
Not Textor his toil, should quail my Muse, or put my mind in fear  
Or for to then old Ramus proise, than blessed wight I were.  
If I of him as he could do, while he was living here.  
A gem, a joy, a friend to France, yet France to him a foe,  
A Lamp of light, to those which seek, to Parnas Hill to go.  
What should I say, a peerless pearl, and of a precious price.  
A teacher to the silly soul, a judge amongst the wise.  
A Spectacle to students, to youth a perfect glass,  
A rescue to Religion, when discord moved was.  
A light to good logicians, a pen to Tully's praise,  
A Pilot unto passengers, which be to sail those seas.  
A Mirror to Philosophy, an aid to them which be,  
Minded to feed upon the fruit, which grow upon this tree  
Thus while he lived in skilful schools, and taught most perfect ways,  
The root, the stock, which bore this branch, did win immortal praise  
And while he sought to clear the springs, being stopped with filthy mire  
His pai●es did purchase public foes, as payment for his hire.  
And while he sought the truth to tell, by proof to try the same.  
Allecto's shaked her snaky snout, and from Cocytus came,  
Whose grisly ghost did move the minds, of those whom furyfed,  
How tumults stirred their libels lost, such fruit Allecto's bread.  
Old Ramus he, whose tongue was truth, whose pen did puchase fame,  
By strait edict must silent rest, his pen must do the same.  
His paper hath no liberty, his pen may not display,  
That which his Muse in learned style, is now forbidden to say.  
His auditors who willingly, his lectures did frequent,  
By public charge they must abstain in fear of punishment.  
Till mighty jove which raised up, this bow, this branch, this tree,  
Scent silver ●●wes, and crystal springs, his comfort for to be.  
By whom this branch did blow again with blooms that were most bright,  
With ●●led pen and reasons rule, he put his foes to flight.  
The combat was proclaimed on high: old Rumus must begin,  
In lifts his manhood for to try, his foes b●e entered in.  
Not one nor twain, but many foes, assembled were together,  
To launch the bark into the waves, against the storms & wealthily  
Old Ramus he whose worthy wit, whose force to few was known,  
Ariveth in port, but in the seas, his foes be overthrown.  
And they which made this fire for to consume this flourishing tree,  
Through heat of kindled coals, themselves to ashes wasted be.  
The pit with Pretus' wife did dig, Belerephon to intray,  
As pleased the fates to wind their clew, returned to her mishap.  
Even so Don Phoebus dained at last, his glittering beams to show,  
Erpulsing Winters hoary head, with boysterous-windes that blow,  
And Ramus gates which erst were locked, ●ee now unbard again,  
Free passage is permitted there, where bondage did remain.  
The learned rout frequented him, the Muses did him favour,  
The graces sought by gracious means, ●or to requited his labour.  
The bows did flourishing fruitfully, while summer did remain,  
When season came he yielded fruit, and France did reap the gain.  
And eft old Ramus said: come, come, come learn if that you will,  
I have the key that doth unfold, and openeth unto skill.  
Grammarians, come and learn I pray: come Reports come (quoth he)  
In Logic's art I will you teach, so shall you perfit be.  
O happy place, o joyful man, which hast such ware in sight,  
Twice happy France, if France had known, to use thy fruits aright  
O blessed man whose listening ear, might hear thy doubled voice,  
What cause had they which were thy friends, of thee for to rejoice.  
Thus while the skies were clear, while calm did bear the sway,  
Old Ramus won his fame and praise, which shall remain for ay.  
And penned his fruit in volumes great, which all the learned know,  
The g●ine they reap, which taste his fruit, the pain he did bestow  
What cause have they that students be, and taste his fruits aright?  
For him and his to yield great praise, unto the Lord of might.  
But as they have cause to rejoice, so may they weep and wail,  
Though doleful d●●pes, & trickling teares, his cause will not avail.  
Wail, w●ile, & w●●pe they may: for why the tempest raised on high,  
When foes did frown then wind did wrist, & fruit did scattered lie  
The tree was digged up by the root, the branch was lopped low,  
And France disdained at the fruit, which on this tree did grow.  
When hundreds which professed the Lord, with heart, with deed, with word  
With these was Ramus put to death, & murdered with the sword,  
When noble peers and Gentlemen: when men of martial might,  
By bloody hands and ●inty hearts, (alas I rue that wight:  
Partaker of such misery) by those of Tiger's train,  
Whom pity never seemed to move, for Christ his cause were slain.  
Then Ramus he, that Lamp of light, of learning in our days,  
Did end his life, and purchased fame, which shall remain always.  
Whose death although his foes did wish: which have thereto consented,  
Yet all the world no doubt the loss, of him have long lamented.  
In Christ he lived, in Christ he died, with Christ he doth enjoy,  
A place no doubt for which he died, which nothing can annoy.  
As than his life deserved fame, his death deserveth more,  
Then cease the loss of such a life, ye Muses to deplore.  
And grant to him his guerdon due, which all his deeds do merit,  
I mean within your Courts of fame, his meed he may inherit.  
Vt voce sic vultu ac vita.   

An Epitaph upon the death of P. Starling, Sometime Schoolmaster of Bury School.  

CEase sighing now, and think no more of care,  
Go grisly ghost, go tell thy heavy hap:  
Come doleful Dames, cast of these weeds you beware,  
Rejoice with me, which lie in joyful lap:  
Where joy itself, long since did keep and devil.  
Cease from your plaints, and hark what news I tell.   

The pretty bird, which you have fostered long,  
Which built her nest, within the ivory tree:  
Which did delight your ears with sugared song,  
Though from her kind, those notes dissending Bee▪  
Hath now of late, built up her nest on high,  
And sung her song, within the lofty sky.   

For while he served, with shield of learned lore,  
And won such things as furnished his nest:  
judge you you Dames, which known this bird before,  
Might not he well compare him with the best:  
In learning's lap, and virtues brants br●d he,  
O happy wight, what gift could better be.   

And every day, upon Parnassus' hill,  
He taught his young, most sweetly to recorde●  
His pleasant tune, each vacant place did fill,  
His joyful notes did please the living Lord:  
A constant heart, in him was truly tried,  
Thus Starling lived, thus Starling lately died.   

And in the clouds he doth possess his place,  
When as the Dames, his fatal clew had spun:  
Untimely death did win him in his race,  
And stopped the steps, which he did think to run:  
Yet sith in heaven, he doth enjoy his bliss,  
He liveth in place, where perfect pleasure is.   
Vt voce sic vultu ac vita.   

An Epitaph on the death of M. Sharpe, of Trinity College in Cambridge.  

IF wailing would prevail, if we would vaunt at will,  
Or if th● fairies three, were linked all in one:  
To help them for to moon, whose grief have banished skill,  
Then happy we the case, of him which made this moan.  
But sith the penunue heart, ma● linger where it lie,  
And sith the doleful doome● will not release the hue:  
While that I ●eade my life, I will not cease to cry,  
And wail with them which say, my own good Sharp adieu.   

And wail with them which say, my own good Sharp adieu,  
Adieu farewell, adieu unto thy clampe of clay:  
Whom when thy breath forsook, to that which should ensue,  
A proo observing life most glorious for ay,  
No pangs which wicked fear, could break thy heart in sunder,  
But steadfast in thy trust, Christ jesus was thy stock:  
To whom in all thy woe (which caused the wicked wonder,)  
Thou only calest for aid, to him which was thy rock.   

Thou only callest to him for aid, which was thy rock,  
To whom thou yieldest life, hoping for sweeter gain:  
Whole use is not deceit, the faithful for to mock,  
Rewarding just with life, the wicked with their pain.  
The foolish live in sin, the wicked asketh woe,  
Their woe is burning f●er, whose flame shall ever last,  
Then happy mayst thou be which passed thy time so:  
Whom tempests could not shake, nor billows make aghast,   

Whom tempests could not shake, nor billows make aghast,  
Such was thy faithful trust, such was thy trusty faith:  
That what soever affliction his silly corpses did taste,  
Lord jesus, come, assist me, yet often times he saith:  
And yielded up the ghost, to him which framed all,  
When as few 〈◊〉 were run, such was his fatal lot:  
And after ●●●●full study, this to him did befall,  
Who for his life once lost, a double life hath got.   

Who for his life once lost, a double life hath got,  
The 〈…〉 haughty skies, hsi spirit doth enjoy:  
The other here in fame, the which nothing can spot,  
Which Momus can not break, nor Zoilus destroy.  
Then sith it happeneth so, and sith our Sharp d●th ●iue,  
And sith he doth enjoy, a life which last for ay:  
Great cause have we, great praise, to mighty jove to give,  
And to our Sharp farewell, ten thousand times to say.   
This Epitaph before of Master Sharpe, he made in such grief of mind, that he had small or no regard to the measure of the Verse. The poor Knight therefore desireth pardon.   


Four of the poor Knights complaints made as he hath declared, in great grief of heart, applied to sundry themes. The first complaint.  

〈…〉 have I wept alone, for sorrow and for care,  
〈…〉 hath long been plunged in pain, grief, and distress:  
〈…〉 ye fatal Dames, and help for to declare,  
〈…〉 wail with me which weep, the fate of my success,  
〈…〉 Fortune's crooked chance, hath broken my doleful heart,  
〈…〉 itself hath sworn, to work my grief and smart:  
〈…〉 that heavy hap, which all men aught to weep,  
〈…〉 soul is prisoner still, and care my heart doth keep.  
And yet any grief find no avail,  
I sulk in seas without a sail:  
I 〈◊〉 about with every wind,  
My he li●e is an unquiet mind.   

A woeful fate.  
No love nor lovers laws, hath caught my heart in snare,  
No want of worldly wealth, hath bread so great annoy:  
No loss of Fortune's gift, hath clad my heart with care,  
No fear of dinting death, hath banished perfit joy:  
No frowning force of foes, which doth my life invade,  
Nor want of worthy blood, this heavy heart hath made:  
'tis none of these I vow, nor none of these shall be,  
Which have increased my woe, and banished joyful glee.  
But that which hath renewed my moan,  
It sticks far nearer to the bone.  
Whose gripes of griefs, will make me ●ry,  
With sorrowing sighs till that I die. Alas the while.  
So shall I quickly fade, and perish quite away,  
Which now I gladly wish, and often have wished before:  
That this my brittle flesh might perish unto clay,  
And that within the ground, my bones might lys in store:  
How happy should I be, how joyful man were I,  
O gentle death come strike, that I may fade and die:  
For life is present death, and death would bring me life,  
And end my woeful days, which I consume in strife.  
Grant this good living Lord I pray,  
That as I wish, even so I may:  
End this my life, and end my care,  
That in this place I may have share.   
Grant this O Lord   

The second complaint, which plainly bewray the matter of the first. Onus aetna gravius.  

IF Ossa Mount, and Pelion hill, were cast upon my back to bear,  
And I as strong as Atlas' high, which in his badge the stars did wear  
Or if my task by pain of death, allotted were to clean the sea,  
Or if to pass by Stygian flood, to view whereas the blessed be.  
I think of truth, and as I guess,  
So shall the truth itself come try:  
Not half the pain I should sustain,  
Come gentle death and let me dye.   

For since I left my staggering state, and did the crable mild 〈◊〉 ●●  
And since to suck my mother's breast, I did my mind therefro 〈◊〉  
Yea since the time by mother's death, I spent my days in care & 〈◊〉  
And since that time I thank my God: of other friends I found rele●●●  
As now I do and long have done,  
Yet this by proof I plainly see:  
I find it so, no care and woe,  
Like to a troubled mind can be.   

A troubled mind is cause of pain, a quiet spirit reviveth joys,  
A quiet mind increaseth mirth, a troubled mind the same did royes  
Then if the jove would kill the cause, y● care no doubt should fade away,  
And yet my care cannot departed, while that the troubled mind doth stay.  
And thus I dare in brief conclude,  
No ●arking care that ever I find:  
Upon the mould, I dare be bold,  
Is like unto the troubled mind.    

The third complaint.  
Sit erracti medicina confessio.  

AH, ah, my heart, my heart, my heart, my heart.  
What pinking pangs? What danger dost thou feel?  
I see my friends, have left to take my part,  
My heart, my heart, can not my grief conceal:  
My pen hath sworn, my matter to re●eale,  
Perforce my hands, these scribbled lines did writ,  
And wished some means my trespass to requited.   

What shall I say? what shall I take in hand?  
My mind is dull, my brain is battered ●ore,  
My eyes be dim, where trickling tears do stand:  
My soul hath sobbed, my heart can sigh no more,  
But now behold, your mercy and implore:  
I crave for grace, and pardon 〈◊〉 my cr●me,  
condemn me not, before my allotted time.   

But try again, and see what fruits shall flow,  
No labour lost, no travel shall be spent:  
Be willing then, some mercy for to show,  
To him that hath, a mind for to repent:  
〈◊〉 ●ot of the fruits, of such a good intent,  
And when the like, you shall in me detect,  
Then shake your hand, and pay me for neglect.   

And this is all, and more than all I think,  
Yea this is all I purposed to wright:  
Then save the ship, which void of hope must sink,  
And lie a pray, unto the Ocians might:  
The day in sighs, in tears I spend the night,  
Then stay my tears, release me of my pain,  
I have confessed, and do recant again.    

The fourth complaint of this, and of the third I can set no true cause of wrighting, for the poor Knight hath denied to tell it.  
Pyraustae interitus.  

AS doth the Fly, whose life the fire maintains,  
Give up the breath, when fire is take her fro:  
Or as the worm, within the snow remains,  
Yield up the life, when she from snow doth go:  
Alas the while, so happeneth it to me,  
For heat and cold, have been my great delight:  
What grief is this, that I must distant be?  
From out the place, whereof I have my might?  
Come denting death, come strike the end of strife,  
Pyraustae she, is weary of her life.   

Farewell to thee, which gave me breath and blood,  
Farewell to thee, which did maintain my state:  
Farewell to thee, in whom my pleasure stood,  
Farewell to thee, which didst prolong my fate:  
For why? the snow is melted with the sun,  
And flashing fire, is quenched out with rain:  
The fated have said, short be thy days to run,  
From whence thou camest▪ thou shalt return again:  
Come ●enting death, come strike the end of strife,  
Pyraustae she, is weary of her life.   

So goeth my time, so runs my fickle race,  
And all is go, nothing is left in store:  
Imbrued with tears, I must bewail my case,  
I wish for death, what should I look for more:  
For sith the aids which did prolong my strength,  
Be ●led from field, and banished from c●ust,  
With willing heart, I yield to him at length:  
Which come to call whom I desired most.  
Come denting death, come strike the end of strife,  
Pyrausta she, is weary of her life.   
Moore of the poor Knights Posies, of sundry matters, and written to sundry people.    

A letter to William Th. who sending to him for a looking glass, written unto him this letter, with the Glass following.  
The Letter.  

TO blame myself, or pinch me to the quick,  
To rub the bore, which feign would rankled lie:  
To raise the mire, within the water thick,  
Is all in vain, experience plainly t●ice:  
To warn of that, as Horace did in Rome:  
Erhorting thee from that which I should use,  
That guerdon dew, unto my share would come:  
Which for his hire, Se●la could not refuse,  
Erhorting those, which then in Rome did stay,  
To sober life: when he a Ruffian was:  
Lo every one, with ready tongue would say,  
Scylla, Scylla, seek to amend thy case:  
Amend thy life: a good example give,  
So we by thee shall better know to live.   

So we by thee, shall better know to live,  
Whose life we seek, whose words we do not way▪  
If I to thee, the like to this should give,  
And thou my hire, with like account should pay:  
Then were I well rewarded for my pain,  
And had enough allotted to my task:  
But this I know, thou never will't disdain,  
For to perform, the sum that I shall ask:  
Then sith I trust, to trial of good will,  
Peruse the same, which I to thee have sent:  
Which would I could delate with so much skill:  
As he which first moved me to this intent,  
But here, to him, to thee, to his, to thy:  
And as to thee, even so to me and mine.   

And as to thee, even so to me and mine,  
For thee I do, account among my own:  
And as my own, from thee shall not decline,  
But join in one, whose seeds in one be sown:  
So read thou this, which cometh from thy friend,  
But as thou read, remember my good will:  
And way this well, which I for thee have pend,  
As for a glass, to stand before thee still:  
And when thou viewest, thy formal face therein,  
Though I be gone, and happily out of mind.  
Thus for to muse, on me thou mayst begin,  
God rest thy soul, my friend which wert so kind:  
And after if thou canst perceive thy spot,  
To look in this, my Glass disdain thou not.    

The looking glass of the poor Knight, to W. Th.  
IN him which made and framed all, repose thy hope and trust,  
Who as he made thee out of clay, can turn thee unto dust.  
In him I say which guideth all, the Heaven, the earth the sea,  
〈…〉 thy hope, in whom I hope, eternal life to see,  
〈…〉 every thing, yet never seen of any,  
So is he present every where, as hath appeared to many.  
Yet he which clears his heart from spot, an● purge his mind from it  
He seethe the Lord: he knoweth the Lord ●ee doth the Lord his will.  
In him to put thy confidence, as loyal duty charge.  
Forget not for to put thy hope, in him (which holds the large  
And lofty sky within his hand) do not his hust neglect,  
For godly duty at thy hands, he solely doth expect.  
Which if thou dost he will thee bless, yea in most bound sort,  
And bring thy ship through wallowing waves, unto the happy port.  
Then after duty done to God: (sweet William) keep in mind,  
The strait and linked knot of love, which native soil doth bind.  
To whom thou owest thy life, thy land, toy body and thy blood,  
For whom thou oughtest to spend the same, if it may do her good.  
For what can be more near the skin, or stick more near the bone,  
Then joy with parents, when they joy, & moan when as they moan.  
And lo thy country doth maintain, both thee and all thy kin,  
Thy life their land, thy joy their hope, and all that is therein.  
Herein thou oughtest not to forget, thy parents of good fame,  
And seek for them, as they for thee, for to increase the same.  
Do duty to thy elder Sire, and love thy younger brother,  
And hold upright the falling staff, of thy grey headed mother.  
Whose hoary hair doth smile for joy, whose fainting feet renew,  
The running race with lively blood, with fresh and pleasant hue.  
And thou in whom her heart doth rest, do walk that wished way,  
O joyful stocks (says she) whose impoes doth keep you from decay  
Now learn (my Will) thy duty done, to God and parents then,  
To shun those wicked ways, which aught to be despised of men.  
First fly from pride, whose puffed cheeks, will bring thy heart to pain,  
Eschew the Pope, with all his pelf, for why he is but vain.  
Whose bellowing Bulls in Basan bread, have roared against the light,  
And clean opposed their wicked ways, against the Lord of might.  
Whose great confusion and decay, no doubt is near at hand,  
Although he climb the suprem head, of every christian land,  
In riot run no reckless race, regard thy good estate,  
And way thy wealth, for riot hath acquainted many a mate.  
Where riot rules within the sh●p, there Whoredom holds an Ore,  
And Sloth doth hold the sickle belme, while Envy row to shore.  
There Cruelty doth turn the sail, and these the Anchor cast,  
There Gluttony sleeps under hatch: and Sickness comes in fast.  
Blaspheming of the living Lord, with Riot shakes his hand,  
And false attempts with Flattery, do sink the ship in sand.  
When Riot lieth, and all his mates, the sea doth make her pray,  
And swalloweth quick those passengers, which walk that weary way  
In youth my friend, while years be green, beware of Circe's charm  
And stop thy cares when Sirens sing, whose notes pretendeth harm.  
For why the bait which fishers use, were of to great a price,  
If that the pleasant taste thereof, the fish did not entice.  
And subtle fowlers would account, their labour lost in vain,  
If that the draft of simple birds, did not requited their pain.  
Be not to bold to trip thyself in Cressida's subtle train,  
For he that reach his foot so far, can not return again.  
And wanton words may rule thy will, and turn thy wit away,  
And wise men often be to seek, in that they aught to say.  
This is the glass, the which I sent, thy comely face to view,  
Till other glasses may be bought: and thus my friend adieu.   

❧ A letter to Richard Ra. lying in his death bed.  
Memento mori.  

O call to mind, forget not thy estate,  
And ponder well, within thy musing mind:  
Whereon thou oughtest always to meditate,  
That man is man, by property and kind.  
Yea man is man, experience this doth try,  
Who flourisheth here, but yet at last shall dye.   

For flesh is frail, and framed of fickle clay,  
Yea life is short, and breath is quickly go:  
Of whom the worms do seek to make a pray,  
When thou art dead, and covered under stone.  
And to the womb, where thou at first did lie,  
Thou shalt return, prepare thyself to dye.   

Remember death, and think upon the end,  
Bequeath thy soul, unto the Lord of might:  
And crau● of him, such mercy for to sand,  
That when thou diest, thou mayst enjoy the light:  
Which few attain above the cloudy sky,  
which to attain, prepare thyself to die.   

And faint not (Dick) though denting death be near,  
For why thou hast, run forth a royal race:  
Pull up thy strength, take heart and be of cheer,  
And 〈◊〉 thy mind, upon that blessed place:  
Whose joyful joys, were never seen of ey●,  
Nor thought of heart: prepare thyself to die.   

For every man which lived the age before,  
Can not resist, the denting stroke of death:  
The strongest men, whose fame is kept in store,  
Unto the fates, did yield their lively breath:  
Old Adam he, to this could not deny,  
For why he known, that he was ●orne to die.   

The former world, to this gave their consent,  
Saturnus lived, and after died again:  
Yea all his stock, with this was well content,  
When death doth come, none can resist his pain:  
Death play thy part, and life away shall fly,  
All must confess, that they are born to die.   

The stately strea●s, and Turrets all of Troy,  
Be now cast down, and flatling lie on ground:  
All Priam's stock, the Grecians did destroy,  
Rare was his chance, and seldom to be found:  
Alas what tho, the Turrets all on high,  
Yielded to dust, and Troyans' all did ●ie.   

aeneas' 〈◊〉, Ant●nor did the same,  
〈…〉 pursued, with all his lordly rout:  
〈…〉 some other die in flame,  
〈…〉 hath seerched other ●ut:  
For when as death, this present life defy,  
Prepare thy self, for then need shalt thou die.   

Die (o my Dick) why shouldst thou gru●th to die,  
What wouldst thou wish, to live in this animy?  
What is there lost, that should delight thy eye?  
What is there now, that should augment thy joy?  
Then farewell life, and welcome death say I,  
Come, death, come, come, let us prepare to die.   

Ah welcome death? alas what have I said?  
Nay welcome life, and farewell death again:  
But o my friend, I pray be not dismayed,  
For where we live, in death we do remain.  
Then farewell death: the life it is why,  
Which to obtain, let us prepare to dye.   

To die I mean, out of this deadly life,  
To die I mean, out of this care and woe:  
To die I mean, out of this woeful strife,  
To die I mean, and free myself from fo:  
To live to life, and die to sin mean I,  
To live in joy, let us prepare to die.   

To live in joy, to live in heavenly bliss,  
To live in joy, in mirth solace and glee:  
To live in joy, who would not die for this,  
To live in joy, where all the Angels be:  
To live in joy, which joy none can descry,  
To live in joy, let us prepare to die.   

Prepare to die, out of this world of woe,  
Prepare to die, out of this sea of sin:  
Prepare to die, to haughty heaven to go,  
Prepare to die, the heavenly life to win:  
Prepare to die, to live within the sky,  
Prepare to die, I say prepare to die.   

And though the pains, and pinching pangs of death,  
Perhaps do sting thy silly naked heart:  
be not dismayed, fear not to yield thy breath,  
To him which can assuage thy swelling smart  
And dreadful dumps: for of this mind am I,  
With Christ to live, fear not with Christ to die.   

And this thou knowest, that worldly life is vain,  
And though thou live, perhaps yet forty years:  
Confess good Dick, dissemble not nor fain●,  
Shall not those years, be garnished all with cares?  
And yet at last, all this by proof we try,  
When death doth call, than Dick perforce must die.   

Perhaps thy friends, do sit in high renown,  
And thou by them, mayst have of good estate:  
Perhaps thou wish to wear a Counsuls' gown,  
Or else to spend, thy life with joyful mate:  
Whereto being raised, and to this state so high,  
Alas (thou sayest) 'twould green thee for to dye.   

I know thy mind, thy friends often have I seen,  
Their good estate I must confess no doubt:  
I know their care, which upon thee have been,  
I know the means, which parents have sought out:  
I know thy love (o Dick) I do not lie,  
But for all this, prepare thyself to dye.   

For why thou knowest, the soul it is most dear,  
To be preferred, before the body wild:  
Then if thou seekest for pleasures that be here,  
To beautify that part which is defiled:  
Seek, seek, and search: thy diligence apply,  
●adorne thy soul: prepare thyself to dye.   

And thus I end, but one thing by the way,  
If God grant life and longer days to thee:  
Thank him therefore, to whom cease not to pray,  
Both for thyself, and then think upon me:  
Who for thy sake to mighty jove will cry,  
To aid us both, but yet prepare to die.   

And thus I end, as erst I did begin,  
Prepare to die, for why thy flesh is frail:  
And call to mind, that Haven to enter in,  
Whose joyful banks, in winter will prevail:  
In winter's rain, when winds do blow in say,  
Coach in this haven, so shalt thou never die.    

The poor Knight his Paramour, written to M. john Com. Physician, and his singular Maecenas.  
Nudior Leberide.  
A Paramour I have, you shall not know her name,  
Which never ceased to follow me, since I to Cambridge came.  
She loves me passing well, I can not her abide,  
And yet perforce, do what I can, she hangs on my side.  
She coucheth every night, next to my tender breast,  
And many times she says: what Will? and let's me take no rest.  
Among my deadly foes, my body she doth keep,  
She keeps the key of all my chests, both when I wake and sleep.  
I bring nothing to end, nothing I do begin,  
But ere I go about the same, I have her mind therein.  
For this her gentleness, I can not be content,  
But wailing of my heavy hap, alas I do lament.  
And unto you I sand, as to my only stay,  
To ask that Physic's Art, may drive my Paramour away.   

To Thomas Ro. the poor Knight sendeth greeting.  
Asinum tondes.  
THou wails thy heavy hap & chance, thy state thou didst lament,  
Thou seekst the which thou canst not find: alas be thou content.  
And build no more upon the sand, the flint no juice will give,  
And from the Well thou canst not fetch, thy water in a Cive,  
To pull a bald man by the crown, what vantage canst thou see,  
To teach the Iron swim above, great wonders these should be.  
To sow thy seed among the Rocks, or blow the sand for salt,  
The one declares a vain attempt, the other showeth a fault.  
But if thy mind have doted erst, and Glaucus' change have made,  
I wish thee well for to be wise, and learn a better trade.  
For as Ulysses proffered Wine, to Poliphe●us stout,  
And when as Wine had wone his wit, he bored his eyes out.  
So she by thee if thou continued, in this thy doting mind,  
Thou shalt prevail as some time he, which would correct the winds  
Be ruled then and take thy rest, and mark my words again,  
For if thou strive against the stream, thou beatest the clouds in vain   

To his friend john R.  

IF that two evils, be offered to thy choice,  
Then take the lest, as reason will thee guide:  
And for thy chance, thou mayst with heart rejoice,  
That of them twain, the lest did the betide:  
But this I say, and council thee beware,  
Which long time since, was snarled in the snare.   

For when I did the smoky house abstain,  
Lest that my eyes, with wattery streme● should flow:  
Behold I chanced, in cottage to remain,  
Where flaming fire, did bring the Rafters low:  
The stone, the tile, and all was burnt with flame,  
And I alas, consumed with the same.   

Much like to him, which in another case,  
Eschewed the rain, which from the sky did fall:  
With speedy flight, he hastened in his race,  
Till he in pit was drowned horse and all:  
Whereby I see, I may conclude no doubt,  
The lest of evils, is to be choose out.    

To his friend Bartholomew jen. Esquilla non nascitur Rosa,  
IF Roses sprung of white thorn bows, & grapes on thistles grew  
Or 〈◊〉 from Okes, where Acorns he, good Apples did ensue,  
Then wine and fruit, should not be scant, our senses plainly tell  
And every shade and pleasant grove, should yield a fragrant smell.  
But these be wonders for to see, we have not herded of such,  
And Nature in this sudden thance, should change herself too much.  
But yet more strange, me think it is, both to my mind and eyes,  
That from the wet and watery seas, great flames of sfire should rise.  
Then way my friend, not what I speak, but what I mean hereby,  
What dost thou mean to heat thyself, in fréesing frost taly.  
Can fire give forth an ythe cold, which doth pertain to frost,  
Or else to yield a burning flame, have Ice their nature lost?  
Not, not, my friend, infected salves, can not make whole thy wound,  
Then walk out on the fickle floods, in steed of surest ground.  
For why with them which be not sound, thou shalt corrupt thy mind,  
And in the dry, unsaudry chip, no savour thou canst find.  
Then way my words with reasons rule, and prove my saying true  
The Thistle can not bear a Grape, and thus my friend ad●w.   

To Abraham johnson. Nusquam tuta fides.  
IF Ancient writs do bear record, and seem the truth to tell,  
No faithful friendship as I find, in mortal men do devil.  
For why? the Father slay the Son, the Son the Father kill,  
Upon the Son, and father eke, the mother work her will.  
The Brother with the Sister jar, the daughter's bane prepare,  
To see the Mother's final end, and pay the father's share.  
The kinsmen stands aloof and see, the one not trust the other,  
The naybors as the kinsmen all, have banished faith together.  
The foe seas this, and gins to smile, for strife doth like him best,  
The ravening Coocko lays her eggs, within the Sparrows nest.  
And every thing runs out of course our time is almost spent,  
The night is almost near at hand, 'tis time for to repent.  
Wherefore my friend, counsel thy friend, as I shall counsel thee,  
For to prepare against that time, when direful doom shall be.   

The poor Knight his love, to Rich. Ron.  
A Lady bright I love, which in this ●le doth devil,  
I love and not alone, for many love her well:  
Her mansion where she keeps, few do attain to see,  
About her place fair gates, to enter three times three.  
Yet few do enter in, she calls, but few do come,  
She becks to me and says, she will prepare a room.  
And when I think to go, with fresh assault to prove,  
I enter in and search: but cannot finds my love.  
And yet I see a far, where other men do play,  
And with the price I bid, to bear my love a way.  
Then tell to me my friend, and written to me thy mind,  
For lovers laws thou knowest, how I my love may find.  
And that your learning might absolve me of this doubt,  
Within these written lines, her name is quoted out.   

To his friend Roger Phil, Metuit cautus.  

THe little lad which once hath felt the fire,  
Eschueth the same, and fears the flittering flame:  
The silly Mouse which hath escaped the wire,  
Will long beware for touching of the same.   

The simple Bird, which thinks not of the Grin,  
Is took in snare, and made the fowlers pray:  
The foolish fish, that swims with floating fin,  
Fulfilles the wish, of him which bait doth lay.   

Then well I see, that which I have not known,  
Experience makes, the disarde to beware:  
And they which know, not where the Hemp is sown,  
Unto their pain, be snarled in the snare.   

Then would that I had known long time before,  
That which with price, I have most dearly bought:  
But now I hope, to fail therein no more,  
But yet I have, the duty that I sought.   

For if I had, been warned by my friend,  
I might have feared, the price whereof I feel:  
But when I thought, thereof to search the end,  
i drink so much, it ca●●ed my head to reel.   

Then where thou wished, to know my good success,  
And why I cease to sew again for grace:  
Lo here I live, in mestfull heaviness,  
And of my suit, I leave a vacant place.    

To William Godf. Frontis nulla fides.  
IN Summer tide, & flourishing Month, when every herb was green,  
And every bow began to bud, most cumly to be seen.  
In pleasant Herbar where I walked, to recreate my mind,  
Behold I pray, what ill success, I chanced for to find:  
Under a set of marjoram, which in that place did grow,  
For pleasant shade, and fragrant smell, when I had couched low.  
And marjoram had given me leave, under her wings to rest,  
I thought myself as near to Heaven, as is the eagles nest.  
Whereas I had not couched long, but tumbling too and fro,  
Behold a Serpent venomous, forth from her Den did go.  
And hissing forth her venomed tongue, she stung my breast most sore,  
Which done, she did return again, from whence she came before.  
Take heed therefore by my ill lot, take heed therefore say I,  
For under honey oftentime, doth cankered poison lie,  
And in that head of whose fair branch, my Posy I would make,  
I must confess, though to my pain, I found a stinging Snake.   

To his friend Robert dine. Vulcanium vinculum.  
NO Iron chain, nor fetter strong, no band which hand could make  
As thou allege, have halde me back, my promise for to break.  
Nor yet that jealous thought of thy, have made me slack and slow,  
No curious charms have touched my brain, that make me sloth to show  
He is my mind changed so much: my state is not so good,  
He have my lips I vow to thee, once sypt of Letho flood.  
But yet believe me, gentle friend, though I so long delay,  
And though I break my coucnant made, my mind doth not decay.  
Which often my letters have bewrayed, which I before have sent,  
As well the cause whereof I stay, as of my whole intent.  
The curious Arts of Parnas Hill, do ask a longer race,  
And he which wish for Thespias spring, must watch for time & space  
And he which once gins to go, and fainteth with his labour,  
The Muses have declared long since: to show to him no favour.  
But all his pain is clean forgot, his labour all is lost,  
Lo this it is, which held me back, from coming to the coast.  
But if that God shall grant me leave, this Letter is the last,  
Then look for me, and thus adieu, from Cambridge in all haste.   

To Master jobson. Qui é nuce nucleum esse, vult nucem franget.  
TO mask within the Front of Fair, to wear the Laureate crown  
To march with worthy Martial might, to purchase high renown.  
It is not won with coward's hearts: for why such slickering fame,  
Deserve such deeds as justly may, demeritall the same.  
And first the labour must be spent, before the end ensue,  
And he which seeks the sounding blast, no labour must eschew.  
For as we plainly see by proof, that he which gapes for gain,  
No dangerous death, or dint of sword, is given to disdain.  
So he which seeks to live for ay, within the mouth of men,  
Will not refuse the strong conflict, within Leerna Fen.  
Had jason left the golden fleece, when he to Colchos went,  
If Ajax in the Trojan toil, at Greece had been content:  
The fleece had been at Colchos still, Medea had been true,  
And Ajax might have held his hands, such valiant acts to show.  
Had Caesar stayed in Britanny, had Brutus kept his ire,  
empey had lived in royal Rome, and Percia kept from fire.  
Yea neither he, nor this nor that, had lived so fresh in mind,  
But fame did force & prick them forth, which came of gentle kind.  
Glaucus, of whom the Poet's pen, have found pastime to wright,  
Feared not the floods to follow her, which was his chief delight.  
Then mark the end, and way the end, the end is cause of fame,  
And he which hopes to win the end, doth never fear the same,   

To his friend Richard Bently.  
BEyond sea boy, beyond sea will't thou wend,  
Christ should my bird, and keep my child from care:  
Before thou goest, read this that I shall sand,  
And think on it when we a sunder are:  
For when I herded, thy ship thou didst prepare,  
To sulk the seas, and forrow foaming flood:  
(Alas my boy) absence did make me fear,  
And want of time, did streeke my mind in mood,  
But sith that jove, hath so esteemed it good.  
To turn thy mind, and keep thee hear a while,  
Lo if it rain, I sand to thee a hood:  
To keep thee dry, and dangers to exile,  
To keep the dry, lest rain thy clotheses defile.  
Then way it well, which shall be said of me,  
And though perhaps thou do not like the style:  
Of truth I know, the matter fit for thee,  
First fear the Lord, which ruleth Heaven and sea:  
And every thing that moveth in the same,  
Which when thou seest, let God remembered be:  
And think on him, which every thing did frame,  
The subjects here, behold to thee I name.  
For every thing is too long to rescite,  
The Heaven, the Earth, the Water, and the flame:  
The Sun, the Moon, the day and cloudy night,  
Such is his power, such is force and might.  
Which when thou seest, then thus begin to muse,  
O Lord thou knowest, each thing is in thy sight:  
It is but vain, my sin for to excuse,  
But grant me Lord, thy graces so to use.  
That to thy praise it may redound at last,  
For without grace each thing I shall abuse:  
Thus think my friend, when thou the seas art passed,  
Another thing I warn thee of in haste.  
Each forran land, hath many a subtle sleight,  
And foreign snares, will make thee soon aghast:  
Each sundry place hath many a sundry bait,  
Here lurketh one in Dungeon of deceit.  
An other there, in secret Den doth lie,  
The Romish Church for thee will lay great wait:  
But o my friend, from p●lting Papists fly,  
Fly, fly from those, keep not their company,  
Avoid those mates, whereof I have thee told,  
For surely friend, they sting so secretly:  
That if the wound, begin once to be cold,  
It is as hard the same for to unfold:  
As to remove the Pope out of his place,  
Trust not to far, good friend be not to bold:  
Lest you be sick, before you know your case.  
Another thing, beware of in your race:  
Beware I say, of those which fawn with g●●le,  
Which merrily will cheer you in the face:  
And soothe you forth: with many a wanton smile,  
And heaps of words, they stick not to compile.  
I need not name them in more plainer sort,  
Which readiest be, at all times to beguile.  
Eschew all such, unto your own comfort,  
Unto their tents, in no wise do resort.  
But when they beck, beware lest that you bow,  
O gentle friend, eschew that filthy sport:  
And say your friend, of this hath counseled you,  
Then if thou mean, his counsel to allow.  
And think on it, when you have passed the Sea,  
Then shall you see, and for this perceive hue:  
Thou of high jove, shalt always blessed be,  
Blessed I say, so will he comfort thee.  
That though thou chance, not to return against  
(God shield my child, and keep both thee and 〈◊〉)  
Yet shall thy srule, aloft with him remain,  
And though thou chance, to sojourn long in Spain:  
In Germany, in France, or else in Rome,  
Do not forget, that mind for to retain:  
Which erst thou hadst, when thou thereto hidst come,  
Remember still, the dreadful day of doom:  
Be courteous still, be sober, meek, and wise,  
And hasten thee unto thy native home:  
Ill company, see that thou dost despise,  
Lest that by them, some danger should arise:  
And if thou chance in Venice for to stay,  
I say no more, thou knowest what I surmise,  
Unto my friend commend me by the way,  
And wish him well, to make no more delay:  
But to return when time shall him permit,  
And this is all, thou knowest what more to say:  
Which unto Pen, I mean not to commit,  
Thou knowest my mind, and so know I thy wit:  
Lo this is all, I give unto thy task,  
And thus farewell, unto a season fit:  
Whose safe return, of mighty jove I ask.   

To Thomas Tur. by the example of Perillus, alluding to Quod tibi non vis fieri, alterine feceris.  
HAd not the cruel bloody kind, imbrued itself with blood,  
No doubt the life of phalaris, might soon have done much good.  
For why? ill manners did corrupt, and banished civil kind,  
And gasping thirst of humane blood, defiled a worthy mind.  
Whose works be yet this day, to see how much he stood in awe,  
Of Sages wise, whom he esteemed, which did neglect the law.  
Of him and of his Tortures great, all void of sparks of love,  
Who hath not read, and yet once read, whose hearts doth he not move▪  
Did not Perillus bloody wretch (whose facts my grief renew)  
From Athens bring the brazen Bull, if Poets works be true?  
Hoping of him which loved the same, for to obtain the prize,  
Whose words did soon bewray his Art, and uttered his devise.  
O noble King (quoth he) behold, in Athens where I devil,  
Thy fame is spread, for whyeche one, thy tyranny doth tell.  
The Brutus whereof unto my ear, by chance did come of late,  
As well of thee as of thy life, and of thy prosperous state.  
And by my trade (o noble King) I use to work in Brass,  
Lo here a work, which of good will, I offer to your grace.  
The like to it since Satur's days, was never wrought before.  
Nor as I think by mortal hands, can never be made more.  
For lo, the Torture is so strange, the torment is such pain,  
The like to it you have not had, nor shall not have again:  
These words inflamed his furious heart, which thirsted after blood,  
And to Perillus furiously, he spoke with raging mood.  
And said, Perillus show the use, cease not for to declare,  
And I will well reward thy pains, Perillus do not fear.  
The Bull is hollow (noble Prince) a man therein may lie,  
Aslender flame being made with out, he shall consume and fry.  
His speech shall turn like to the noise, that living bulls doth make,  
And for a terror to thy foes, I made it for thy sake,  
Possess the same: which done, the King his glozing words to try,  
First put Perillus in the Bull, where he himself did die.  
And after him that cursed Bull, to many brought great smart,  
And phalaris did end his life, within Perillus Art.  
By whose cruel end, I do perceive that counsel wise to be,  
Do thou no worse to other men, than they all do to thee.   

To R. Baker, Virtus post funera vivit.  
TO tell of them whose famous facts, have wone no small renown,  
Either with glittering shoulder-blade in field, or else with Consul's gown.  
Aswell within our native land, or else in foreign soil,  
My Muse doth loath that labour great, it were to great a toil.  
But yet she deigns at your request, for to describe at large,  
And as the season will permit, her duty to discharge.  
In virtues race guide well thy steps, in her put thy delight,  
For Fame doth favour virtues house, from whence she takes her slight.  
Whose sounding Tromp doth warn all those, which seek renowned state,  
To arm themselves in virtues tent, & fight in justice gate.  
Who often saith, cheer on my hearts, your manhood seek to try,  
I will preserve your deeds on live, your fame shall never die.  
Alcides he, whose heavy hand, the Centaurs do lament,  
Whose direful strokes the Stygian Knights, with piteous plaints repent.  
Was moved to force, by flickering fame, his faithful friend to fetch  
Whose linger lives, the furies fierce, on whirling wheel did stretch  
With prick of praise, King Peleus dear, did sail from gallant Greece  
And conquered the golden Ram, and stolen away the Fléexe.  
When praise did prick the panting heart, of Pallamedes Prince,  
He rygde his ships, and hoist sail, the Troyans' to convince.  
If Pyrrhus father had not ceased, the handmaids weed to wear,  
Then Homer's hand had stayed his quill, which doth his acts declare.  
Come subtle Sinon tell the truth, what did thy heart inflame,  
To hazard health with foreign foes, but hope of future fame.  
jyeurgus leave thy exiled life, come home, come home again,  
Nay, nay, I mean while life doth last, an exile to remain.  
For though I die a banished wight, yet this I know most sure,  
That all the world shall pen my praise, while Aestas years endure.  
So fancy fed the fainting minds, of them which lived before,  
That they in hope of perfect praise, Dame Virtue did adore.  
For nothing was esteemed so much, as for to leave behind,  
To those which should succeed his room, as was a virtuous mind.  
For praise did tickle toward wits, and made them search the way,  
To purchase fame, which should remain, when they were shrined in clay.  
This caused Alexander stout, to take the war in hand,  
In hope to conquer all the world, as well by sea as land.  
And Tully with his filled tongue, did seek to purchase fame,  
And all the Roman Emperors, have leaveld at the same.  
What should I say? I faint to tell, or to discourse of all,  
And bore remembrance of the same, do make my pen to fall.  
And bid me cease, for why? Dame Fame have sworn and can not lie,  
That she will not permit the deeds of valiant wights to die.  
Then let us seek to hit that mark, whereto we should ascend,  
I mean to win eternal life, which never shall have end.  
For Fame in tract of time will fleet, but that shall ever last,  
Fame serves but for this present life, but that when life is past.  
So let us trust to virtues ways, in hope the same to try,  
That we by proof may plainly pled, that Virtue can not die.   

To his friend and kinsman I Tin. Satius est initijs, mederi quam fini.  
THe Patient which by ill success doth bear the dangerous sore,  
Whose swelling smart, & painful pangs, increaseth more & more  
Doth seek the Surgeons skilful hand, his pain for to assuage,  
Before the wound be festered far, to mitigate his rage.  
For why? the Surgeon willeth this, before the cure be past,  
Which done, he layeth his helping hand, & heals the wound at last.  
When wind hath rend with raging blast, the tender stock and tree  
At first if help gins to fail, than no redress can be.  
And hunters use to trade their hounds, in youth to hunting game,  
Lest that in age when time shall serve, they should neglect the same.  
For that which breedeth by the bone, will hardly be removed,  
And men in age will scarcely loath, the thing which once they loved.  
Then must I needs rejoice my friend, that fortune doth reveal,  
That thing to me, which thou from me didst purpose to conceal.  
Fame tells to me with sounding Trump, that thou gins to love,  
I do believe, yet Fame at first, could hardly credit move.  
But when as true Report was blazed, Misdout was banished quite,  
And thou wert said to sue for grace, which is a lovers right.  
I speak by guess, for why I lack experience of the same,  
I never served her whom thou servest, nor never played her game.  
Yet this I think and do confess, that love may well be used,  
I know the same, I read the same, it aught not be refused.  
So long as love keeps lawful love, and flies from Cupid's Court,  
Or if unto Dame Venus' Vale, it gins not to resort.  
From whence (my friend) I counsel thee, with tender love and care,  
That thou abstain, as well becomes thee to eschew that snare.  
And fix not thou thy fancy there, where care is banished quite,  
But if thou love, love such a one, as may yield thee thy right.  
For if thou run in Labyrinth, without Ariadne's clew,  
'tis hap if thou find out the door, wherein thou didst ensue.  
First look, then leap: for why to leap, before thou sedst the ground  
Perhaps thou mayst leap in the Sea, whereas thou shalt be drowned  
Or else upon some craggy Cliff, whose stones thy head will dash,  
Or else upon some pointed Spear, which in thy side will lash.  
Then will't thou say, ah ha' my friend, thy words are proved true,  
Then look I pray, before you leap, and thus my friend adieu.   

Master Alexander D. gave this Theme. Multa cadunt inter calicem supremaque labrat.  
BE not to bold, in chance and change, is often a sudden sight,  
And none do know the victorer, while foes be at the fight.  
While sailors sulk upon the seas, they know not where to landlord,  
And some which think to hap in Haven, d● sink within the sand.  
The fish which biteth on the bait, hath clean forgot the snare,  
And every thing in prosperous state, hath banished mortal care.  
But yet so quickly turns the wheel, the fates do change so soon,  
That good success, do seldom come, good days be quickly go.  
And he which lives, can not prolong, his years by half a day,  
But when time comes, say what he will, yet must he needs away.  
The corn which groweth upon the ground, before it shoot to shoulder-blade,  
Revives his heart, which long before, a good account hath made.  
But yet before the Harvest come, it falls and fades away,  
And when the Barn doth ask his right, the corn lieth in decay.  
Then trust not unto fickle fate, for why from sun to sun,  
I mean from Morn to Even we see, that diverse things be done.  
And in the Moment of the time, and twinkling of an eye,  
Behold the man that lived in joy, is ready for to dye.  
Such is our state, such is our strength, whereon we daily trust,  
But if we hope whereon we hold, needs must we lie in dust.   

The poor Knight's lamentation: wherein he earnestly bewaileth the late loss of divers worthy Gentilmens' lives, that died of a very strange disease, at Oxford, in july 1577. among whom died Sir Robert Bell, Lord chief Baron, and Master Nicolas Barham, Ser●ant of the Law, both justices of the Assize there, with other Knights and Gentlemen, beside Studients and others of all degrees, as followeth.  
STand still ye fiends of Limbo Lake, you hellish hounds give ear,  
Stay Theseus on thy whorling wheel, hark what I shall declare.  
Come plunge in pit of painful plight, ye Furies three I pray,  
O Pluto mark my doleful moan, give ear what I shall say.  
And rue with me the rueful chance, and moon the ill success,  
The doleful dole, the heavy hap, the dumps of deep distress.  
Which Oxford Town hath had of late, most fresh & new in mind  
Hark, hark, you Dames of Stygian flood, and wail by course of kind  
And though no tears of furies eyes, will ease the fatal fall,  
Yet plaints of you which Furies be, may move the mind of all.  
To say with me, as I have said, alas help to deplore,  
And wail the chance, like to which chance, no chance hath chanced before  
In Oxford town, or English soil, since worthy Troyans' time,  
Since Brutus in coast, did seek by fame, to clustering clouds to climb.  
O strange disease most strange to tell, and strange to call to mind,  
As thundering fame hath told for truth, as reason did her bind.  
Alas, alas, I rue to think, I tremble for to tell,  
My fainting heart is much appalled, my soul in grief doth devil.  
But yet alas what hoot to moan, where tears will not awayle?  
Not gentle words will fence the Fort, where denting death assail,  
No sugared terms will stay his stroke, no force will make him faith,  
No subtle sleight of mortal mind, he weigheth no hideous cry.  
Not worthy acts can banish death, or 'cause him to relent,  
No fame, no name, for good deserts no days in justice spent:  
Can him entreat to hold his hand, no hope of future gain,  
Which might redound to common wealth, can 'cause him to abstain  
But often that Imp by whirling wind, is blasted to decay,  
And soonest bears the withered leaves, whereof most hope doth stay.  
Of Trojan soil, let Hector say, let Pyrhus speak● for Greece,  
Or join Achilles if you please, and Paris with his piece.  
Macedons Prince may tell his tale, and Caesar may discharge,  
That good Hamilcar's elder Son, by proof may tell at large.  
What need I range, sith ranging far, doth br●●de to great annoy,  
Sigh Bell, & Barham may blaze forth, which once were England's joy  
Ah sounding Bell, ah Barham bold, (I mean in justice cause,)  
Ah true maintainers of the right, and strengtheners of the laws.  
How often can Westminster report, whose record can not lie,  
Your true deserts in Pleas of price, your worthy wits to try.  
How often can all Assizes say, lo Bell, lo Barham he?  
pardie in skill of lawyers trades, those worthy champions be.  
How often hath Bell been sounded of, through every sheer & Town?  
How often hath Barham through his deeds, achieved high renown?  
But out alas, the Bell is broken, and Barhams tongue doth stay,  
For Death hath struck, whose daunting darts each worldling must obey.  
Both judge & sheriff, both sheriff and Clarke, yea Clerk & crier all  
Must give account before the judge, when Christ his Crier call.  
And well I hope hath Bell deserved, and Barham shall have meed,  
With all the rest aloft in skies, whereas the Angels feed.  
And you you doughty Knights whose corpse, be laid in mourning grave  
Whose bones shall long be kept in store, a good reward shall have.  
And though you wail, ye Templars all, for them which you did know  
Which often within your costly Courts, their sage advise did show.  
Yet sith the Fates have cut their clews, sith Lachesis hath said,  
That she would stretch her hand no more, then be you well apaid.  
And stay from murmuring at their fate, such fatal hap had they,  
(Whom God had long ordained before, to visit in that day.)  
As few have seen or herded the like, with watery eyes lament,  
With salted sighs, and gushing tears (which all in vain be spent.)  
In Oxford Town & every where, where fame hath blown her blast,  
And scalding sighs in sundry breasts, have vowed for aye to last.  
What shall I say? what shall I wright? or shall I leave my verse?  
How can my hand hold fast my pen, these dollars to rehearse.  
Nay, nay, as great a grief as that, did more augment my pain,  
Which yet-hath lurkte, concealed fast, but can not so remain.  
Even for your sakes ye Studients all, whose grief increase my smart,  
For whom my mind was troubled sore, (all flattery set apart)  
Not mine alone, but thousands more, did see themselves aggrieved,  
And asked on knees of mighty jove, your time might be relieved.  
How many hearts have wept with us, which never see that town,  
How many cheeks were moistened here, with tears that ran adown.  
Should Cambridge smile, & Oxford weep, than Camb. were unkind  
Nay, nay, my hearts, your swelling smart, did beaten in every mind.  
And floods of tears, for you did flow, replete with mestful moan,  
So Cambridge swear that Oxford town, shall never morn alone.  
Nay God forbidden that Cambridge heart, should ever harden so,  
That would not sand forth gushing tears, to weep for Oxford's we.  
For why? no heart was hardened so, though it were made of brass,  
That would not weep for France his fall, when fierce Affliction was  
And rue with Antwerp's ruinous ruth: alas what heart had he?  
That would not say Antwerp adieu: or France, Christ fight for thee,  
Then who could cease (although he would) your fate for to deplore?  
Sigh wounds that stick more near the bone, do breed the greater sore  
And though the case were far unlike, to France and Antwerp ruth,  
Yet was your case as strange to tell, as Fame hath told for truth,  
Yea though your chance were much more les, yet aught we to complain,  
Sigh that your joy increase our mirth, your woe doth bring our pain  
Then what was left for Cambridge town, when Oxford felt the rod,  
But still to wail and weep for you, and pray to mighty God:  
That he when his good pleasure were, his heavy hand would stay,  
And with his power as well he can, remove his scourge away.  
And cease not you, as we for you, to jove for us to call,  
That he would hold his stroke away, and keep our town from thrall  
That you which felt his heavy hand, and we which rued the same,  
May join in one to laud the Lord, and praise his holy name.  
And be content to bear the blow, which he to you hath lent,  
Though you had taste of bitter pangs, (good hearts) yet be content.  
For why? when God shall think it good, in the twinkling of an eye  
He can revoke that he hath sent, your constancy to try.  
Till than we weep, and pray for you, and listen what ensue,  
Desiring Christ to stay his hand. From Cambridge thus adieu.   

The poor Knight his farewell to his Book.  

IF Robinson, which hath no cause to fear,  
Did stand in doubt, that he should have a room:  
Where Cheryll keeps, that he I say even there,  
Should stand and tell, what Poets thither come:  
Behind the door, there Cheryll tells his case,  
And whips the dogs, out of that sacred place.   

If he I say, this infamy did fear,  
Which hath deserved, such fame in English coast:  
Then farewell Book, thy masters hay declare,  
Who thinks himself, inferior unto most:  
Thy Master fears, by crooked chance and fate,  
To have a place without the Porter's gate.   

Not once to see, the Laureate Poet's place,  
Ne yet to speak unto that dogged wight:  
Then farewell Book, bewray thy masters case,  
Who stands in doubt, to put his name to light:  
Lest that as he, which Cheryll hath to name,  
The world should seem, to blaze thy masters shame.   

And sith thou art in years my elder Son,  
Disdain thou not, this voyage to begin:  
From hand to hand, address thyself to run,  
And seek good will, of every man to win:  
If Momus bark, and Zoilus give to chat,  
Be of good cheer, and do not blush at that.   

And if thou speed, ere many years be past,  
Thy brethren shall ensue thy former race:  
If thou speed not, then shalt thou be the last,  
As thou wert first, which did begin this case:  
Speed well, speed ill, her of shallbe an end,  
Adieu good Child, commend me to my friend.   
FINIS.