Ludus Scacchiae: Chess-play. A Game, both pleasant, witty, and politic: with certain brief instructions thereunto belonging; Translated out of the Italian into the English tongue. Containing also therein, A pretty and pleasant Poem of a whole Game played at Chess. Written by G. B. Printed at London by H. jackson, dwelling beneath the Conduit in Fleetstreet. 1597. ❧ To the Reader greeting. STrange (perchance) may it seem to some (curtcous Reader) that any man should employ his time, and bestow his labour in setting out such books, whereby men may learn to play, when indeed most men are given rather to play, than to study and travel: which were true, if it were for the teaching of Games unlawful, as dice-play, or cogging, or falsehood in card-play, or such like. But forasmuch as this Game or kingly pastime, is not only void of craft, fraud, and guile, swearing, staring, impatience, fretting and falling out, but also breedeth in the players, a certain study, wit, policy, forecast and memory, not only in the play thereof, but also in actions of public government, both in peace and war: wherein both Counsellors at home, and Captains abroad may pick out of these wooden pieces some pretty policy, both how to govern their subjects in peace, and how to lead or conduct lively men in the field in war: for this Game hath the similitude of a ranged battle, as by placing the men, and setting them forth in the march, may very easily appear. The King standeth in the field in the midst of his Army, and hath his Queen next unto him and his nobility about him, with his soldiers to defend him in the forefront of the battle. Sith therefore this Game is pleasant to all, profitable to most, hurtful to none, I pray thee (gentle Reader) take this my Labour in good part, and thou shalt animate me hereafter to the setting forth of deeper matters. Farewell. Thy friend G. B. ❧ The Chess-play. THe first principle is to know the pieces, to wit, the names, the number, and the seat of every one. As for the fashion of the pieces, that is according to the fantasy of the workman that makes them after this manner: Some make them like men, whereof the King is the highest, and the Queen (which some name Amazon) is the next, both two crowned. The Bishops some name Alphius, some Fools, some Archers, being placed next to the King and the Queen. The Knights some call horsemen, and they are men on horseback. The Rooks some call Elephants, carrying Towers upon their backs, and men within the towers. The Pawns some do call footmen, and they are soldiers on foot, carrying (some of them) pikes, and othersome harquebuses, othersome halberds, and othersome the javelin or target. Our English chessmen are commonly made nothing like to these foresaid fashions: to wit, the King is made the highest or longest: the Queen is longest next unto him. The Bishop is made with a sharp top, and cloven in the mids, not much unlike to a Bishop's Mitre. The Knight hath his top cut aslope, as though he were dubbed Knight. The Rook is made likest to the King and Queen, but that he is not so long. The Pawns be made the smallest and least of all, and thereby they may best be known. This have I added hereunto (good Reader) for the better understanding and knowing of the said Chess men. I will not therefore now figurate them, but only in speaking of every place particularly I will name them according to the most frequent phrase in the English tongue: To wit, the King (being the head of the play) I will name King. The Queen (being the best piece in the Game) I will name Queen. The bishops next unto the King and Queen, I will name Bishops. The Knights being next unto the Bishops I will name Knights. The Rooks being next unto the Knights, and standing in the two corners, I will call Rookes. The Pawns (standing in a row before them all) I will call Pawns. Of the Rook or Tower. The Tower is named among the Spaniards, Portugese's; and Italians, Rocho, which is as much to say in their language as a fortress, because it is a great upholding to the game. Also the Towers are set in the uttermost ends of the Chess board, as a strong rampire in the front. Their office is not to remove, but in necessity, and most chief for the succour of their King. Of the Knight or horseman. The Horseman is also named, as representing a man of Arms, which fighteth on horseback, and his seat is next unto the Tower, from whence he must come into battle, and place himself where he may most offend, for there is no piece in the Chess board that more readily may do hurt than he, because of his marching forth, which is made from three into three places: to wit, from white to black, and from black into white, and ceaseth not to make his assault or his leap, although he be environed; provided that he have room to place himself in. Of the Bishop or Archer. In ancient time, the Frenchmen named him Fool, which seemeth to me an unproper name. The Spaniards named him Prince with some reason: for (as Prince of the blood) he is nearer unto the King and the Queen than any other of the Chess men. And some name him Archer, because his draughts draw always aside, and never forthright: as it is the office of a good Archer or arquebusier in war, which never planteth himself right against his enemy, but in skirmishing or in plain fight, make semblance to shoot at one, and hit another, not remaining long in place. Of the King. The King is the head of the conduct, according to the Spaniards, he hath liberty to assault three rooms or steps, as he listeth: yea he may make the assault of the Knight, so that he have not the way, but it must be then, whilst he is yet in his lodging, and that he is not removed, otherwise he can make no more but one step. Although in Italy the King (if he have the way open) may run all the length of the Chesseboord, or may remove a Pawn to set himself in his place. And in France, they cause him to make two steps along his front: provided, that there be no pieces between him and the Rook, and set the Rook in the place of the King. Behold here his marching and his liberty, provided, that he have had no check. And to say the truth, the King was played no otherwise in the ancient time, but after the manner of the Frenchmen: yea the most part of the Spaniards and Portugese's (who are counted the best players) did play it so. Of the Queen or Amazon. Some name her Queen, othersome Lady, and it is the best piece in the Chess board. her lodging is next unto the Kings, & hath as great a train as the King. Briefly, she representeth a King's Lieutenant in an army: she doth (when she will) the office of the Rooks, and also of the Bishops. And because the first women that used to go to the wars were the Amazons, therefore some name her Amazon white, and Amazon black. But above all, the players ought to keep her well, because that the game is seldom won, after that she is once lost. Of the Pawn or footman. The footman is the rapier and the target, as it were of the great Chess men, and the Kings especially for this cause, that when he can proceed so well in war as to arrive at the last rank of his enemies, he is chosen and made the best piece of the play, to wit, he is the Queen. And if in making himself Queen, he can give check, he is so much the more to be esteemed. The marching forth of the Pawn, for the first time is to make two steps, if he will, or one only, if he list, marching always right before him, and not aside. And the best Pawns are next unto the King. Therefore when check is given to the King, the Pawn cannot pass the bars of his way, for to secure him: that is, if check be given to the King, the Pawn cannot march aside, be it on the left, or on the right, for to cover his King: for his way is beset on both sides, and cannot go but right forth, and always step by step: provided, that his way be not stopped. It is true, that in taking he marcheth awry one only step, of what side soever it be, and can not take that which is right against him. It shall be also best for the Pawn, not to advance himself much within the camp of his enemy. The chequer or Chess board, whereon are placed the pieces, every one in his order. The black side. QR QKn QB Q K KB KKn KR P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P QR QKn QB Q K KB KKn KR The white side. Behold here the form of the chequer or Chesseboorde, and how the chessmen ought to be placed in every house whereof there are in all, threescore and four: to wit, thirty two on either side or half, whereof the eight uppermore opposites (or one against another) are full of principal pieces on both sides. The other eight also next them on both sides, are full of Pawns. So that there are thirty two pieces, which is to each player sixteen, whereof there be eight great ones and eight little. The rooms where every one of them are set, I will name seats: the other which be empty, I will name places or houses. Thorough the which (as well seats as places) the great Chess men and small do run in their order, forward or backward, to give the mate to the contrary King. And to tell you, why there be so many houses, and why neither more nor less, it passeth my intelligence: and I think there will be found no other resolution, but the will of him that made the play, whom the best Historiens record to be Exerses the philosopher, otherwise called Philometer, who to reprove the tyranny & bad manners of Euilmerodach K. of Babylon, first devised this game. Some say, the inventors thereof, were two brethren Libius and Terrhenus, who being afflicted with great hunger and famine, did invent this play, to the end, that in playing it, they might employ their spirits so vehemently, that they might the more easily pass over the affliction of famine. But whosoever it was, no doubt the invention and wittiness thereof is greatly to be commended and followed. Certain general rules chief to be used in the Chess play. First, you must play nocast or draft in vain, if it be not upon great necessity. Secondly, You must not make a fault. Thirdly, You must not be too hasty to play. Fourthly, If you have a good draft to make, look if you have not a better. Fiftly, If you have advantage, you may well make a change, and yet not lose it. Sixtly, If you have advantage, wherewith you may win the game, take heed that you spoil not your game, nor to abandon your King to win only a Pawn. Seventhly, the principal thing is, to set your king in a sure place, when he marcheth forth. Eightly, The two Pawns which be on that side where the King is transported, must not be removed but in great necessity: for that, oftentimes the game is lost by removing the Rooks Pawn or Knights Pawn one room, because that there the contrary King findeth the way of the mate. Ninthly, Than you must go abroad with your pieces, and not keep them enclosed at home. Lastly, it is good, that the two Pawns of the King and the Queen, be upon their fourth houses, and also those of the Bishops. It is to be noted for the well understanding of the marching forth of the Chess men, that the Chessboard ought to be set in such sort, that the Rook on the right side be set in a white place, and take the Chess men which you will white or black. Further you must know the names of the pieces and of the places: for the Chess men that are on the king's side, be named the King's Chess men, and likewise the king's houses unto the midst of the Chess board. And from thence forward are the contrary kings houses. As for example: The Pawn which is before thy king, is in the second house of thy king. And if thou remove him one step, he shall be in the third, or if he go further, in the fourth house of the king: But afterwards and if he do go further yet, he shall be in the fourth house of the King of the contrary part. And so of all the other Chess men on that side. The other side is that of the Queen, as well in Chess men, as in houses, therefore for this cause is it needful to have before you a Chess board with the Chess men, for to see with your eyes the Art which briefly shall be declared in this Treatise. And so, after presupposing the game, you may begin after two sorts to play it as followeth. The first manner of playing. The first manner is to begin with the King's Pawn: and the second is to begin with the Queen's Pawn. The first (according to my judgement) is the best: that is to wit, to begin with the Kings Pawn as far as he may go. And if the contrary party play the kings Pawn as far as he may, thou shalt play thy King's knight to three houses, from the king's bishop. And if he play his king's knight to three houses from the king's bishop thou shalt take with thy knight his king's pawn, and if he take also thy pawn with his knight, play thy Queen before thy king. And if he retire his knight into the third house of his king's bishop, thou shalt give him check with thy Queen, in turning her away from thy knight, the which thou shalt remove into the third house of his Queen's bishop. And then he can not play so well, but that he shall lose his Queen. And if he remove not his knight, but play his Queen before his king, thou shalt take his knight with thy Queen: then he will play his Queen's pawn one room against thy knight, to the end that if thou remove it from thence, he may take thy Queen. Therefore thou shalt play thy Queen's Pawn as far as he may go, and if he play the pawn of his king's bishop one step, thou shalt play the pawn of thy king's bishop as far as he may go, and if he take thy knight with his Queen's pawn, thou shalt take his pawn, with that of thine, and if he play his other knight to the second house of his Queen, thou shalt remove thine to the third house of thy Queen's bishop, by that means thy Queen shall remain safe. And if the pawn of his king's bishop do take thy pawn, thou shalt play thy knight to the fourth place of his queen, to take her, but if he set her in her third house, then shalt thou take his pawn with thine. And if he take thy pawn with his knight, thou shalt set thy queen's bishop in the fourth house of thy king's bishop, and so of force he shall lose his knight: but if he take not thy pawn with his knight, he is like to lose his own. If in steed of taking thy pawn with his knight he take it with his queen, thou shalt take his with thine, which after shall be taken with his knight. This done, thou shalt give him check with thy knight, in taking the pawn of his queen's bishop, and he shall be forced to lose his queen's rook. And if he take not thy pawn, but (to save his queen) placeth her in the third house of his queen's bishop, thou shalt play thy king's bishop, to the fourth house of his queen's knight for to take her, and if instead of taking her, she take thy bishop, thou shalt give him check with thy knight in taking the pawn of his queen's bishop, then shalt thou take his queen, for the gain is much greater than of the rook. And if in steed of placing his queen in the third house of his bishop, he place her in the fourth, thou shalt set thy queen's bishop in the third room of thy King for to take her. And if he give the check with his queen in the fourth house of his rook, thou shalt cover it with thy bishop, by which means he can do no more but remove her into the third house of his bishop, and thou shalt play the pawn of thy queen's knight, as far as he may go, for to take his queen, than he shall be forced to set his queen in the third house of his bishop, and thou shalt play thy king's bishop into the fourth house of his Knight, to take his Queen, and if she take it, thou hast thy instruction in the last Article before. Then can he not play it well, for if it become to pillage or spoil of queens, thou shalt have still the advantage of the check of thy Knight for to take his rook. So shall he be weaker both in small and great pieces, as shall be declared in the Article following. And if he set his queen in the third house of his King, thou shalt yet give him check with thy Knight, according to the last instruction. But if he set her in the third place of his King's Knight (which is the best that he could play) ye shall spoil together your Queens, then shalt thou give the check with thy Knight, in taking the pawn of his queen's bishop, to take his rook. The second manner of playing it. The second manner of play, is to begin with the Queen's pawn. If therefore thou begin, thou shalt remove thy Queen's pawn, as far as he may go, and if he play his as far as he may, thou shalt play the pawn of thy queen's bishop as far as he may go: and if he take it, play thy King's pawn as far as he may go: he then will play the pawn of his queen's Knight, as far as he may to save his other pawn, and thou shalt play the pawn of thy Queen's Rook two steps: and if he take it with his pawn, thou shalt take his other pawn with thy King's bishop, then must he of force take that Knight's pawn, in playing thy Queen's knight into the third house of thy bishop, on that side: for thou shalt have three pieces all prepared to his destruction. But if he take not thy rooks Pawn, but play the Pawn of his Queen's bishop, thou shalt take his pawn with that of thy rook, and he will take thine with that of his bishop. Then play the Pawn of thy Queen's knight, and if he take it, thou shalt take with thy king's bishop his knights Pawn, and shalt say check, which he will cover with his queen's bishop, and with thy queen thou shalt take his other Pawn. And if he take thy bishop with his, thou shalt take his with thy queen, and shalt say check, and if he cover it with his queen, it will be no great danger to spoil them both together, because the pawn of his queen's rook, being without company, shall lose himself of force, if thou prepare thither thy Knight or thy bishop. But if with his bishop he take not thine, but play his queen's Knight to the third house of his bishop, to take thy queen's pawn, thou shalt play thy queen's bishop to the third house of the King: and if he play his queen's Rook in the seat of the Knight, then remove thy queen (out of the discovery) to the fourth house of thy queen's Rook, and if he set his Queen in the third house of his Knight, thou shalt remove thy Queen's Knight to the third house of the bishop. This done, thy bishop shall kill his Knight, and his Queen shall put to death thy Bishop, than thy Queen shall take his Rooks pawn who will set himself out of the way for fear of feeling the heavy strokes of thy queen. And in so doing suffereth his King to fall into check, and yet for some other considerations, thou shalt remove thy King's Knight into the second house of thy King, then shalt thou serve thee of the rooks in losing the one, to win the other, and in so doing thou shalt not fail to win the game. THus hast thou here (gentle Reader) for thy better instruction a few short precepts, only for a taste, because I would not have thee ingorged at the first, lest thou feeling thyself cloyed with the tediousness of the precepts in prose thou mightest also loath the following verses which I have written for thy more delight, of a whole game played out at Chess. And thus briefly I bid thee farewell, till better opportunity shall cause me to set it down hereafter more at large. Finis G. B. SCACCHIA LUDUS: Chess Play. FOnd shapes of war and feigned fight, lo (here) We do report: We tell of Soldiers framed of Box, and Battles fought in sport. How boxes Princes strive for praise, in colours black and white: And how in party coloured Arms each one with other fight. Aid me ye sweet Sereian Nymphs (by art of learned Lore) To speak of that, which Poets Pen did never touch before. Hard is the way, yet will I prove, as Fury doth me lead, In heat of youth, to trace the path that never none did tread. Ye sacred Nymphs and Goddesses that in Sereia dwell, Vouchsafe to guide my artless Pen, This feigned Fight to tell. You first of all did bring this Play upon th' Italian Shore, Scacchis your Sister's Monument, found out in years of yore. A time there was when jupiter (as Poets tell us plain) Arrived on th' Ethiopian shore where Memnon prince did reign, To visit old Oceanus, and taste of his good cheer, Who then was joined in marriage to Tellus fair and clear. Thither the Gods did all repair, to see old Ocean's choice, The waves that beat upon the shore did seem for to rejoice. Here Mercury joves' messenger did first himself advance. Then Phoebus with his golden haps, that Muses taught to dance, Thither the Sea-god Neptune went with his three forked mace, Whose chariot two mighty Whales did draw unto the place: On him the Tritons all did wait, and Sea-Nymphs on a row: Thetis and Glaucus on the shore their watery cheeks did show. Then mighty Mars the God of war a castle great did hold, Carried upon an Elephant all covered with gold. Next after him comes Venus fair set out unto the proof. Vulcan with hammer in his hand comes limping on aloof. Here Ceres was, and Pallas wise renowned for her wit: Both Pluto and Proserpina did here together sit. joves' wife and sister juno fair was present at the feast: Hymen the God of marriage was there among the rest. The Muses nine and Graces three were likewise there in place, With pleasant voice and nimble feet the Measures for to trace: First jupiter, than all the rest of high gods that were there, Each one in his degree sits down to taste of Ocean's cheer: There wants no kind of dainty meats that land or sea imparts, Here Nectar and Ambrosia did comfort all their hearts. No kind of music there did want to make them merriments. For Phoebe himself and Mercury did use their instruments: When all the Gods and Goddesses that sat at wedding board, Were well refreshed with such fare as Tellus could afford. Behold aged Oceanus, to please the Gods withal, Did cause a Chess board be brought out that hanged upon a wall: Wherein were threescore seats and four set down in black and white, Four square the board, and every way eight ranks appeared in sight. Each seat had equal form and shape, each seat had equal space, And yet in colour different, which quite contrary was. For as the white succeeds the black, so black succeeds the white, Which particoloured, like a snail appeared to their sight. When gods did wonder at the thing, old Ocean 'gan declare, Here may you see the field, quoth he, and forged tents of war: Here with their ensigns opposite, and here with spear and shield You may behold the soldiers fight and muster in the field. Which sight the Sea-gods love to see, and Sea-nymphs on a row, When neither Neptune seems to rage, nor Aeolus to blow. And here behold the soldiers priest this feigned fight to show. Which said, out of a box of wood he powers upon the board, His men of Box, such as the Art of gravers could afford. These soldiers were in white and black, whose equal force in fight And number was sixteen in black, and sixteeene more in white. As shapes were divers, so their names and office diverse were, For 'mong the rest, two crowned Kings and Queens there did appear. Here footmen were and horsemen both, archers some white, some black: Here Elephants that use to bear a Castle on their back, Now one against another place their battles in the field: And armies both in battle ray advance both spear and shield. The highest line contains the Kings, in fourth seat opposite, The white King standeth in the black, the black stands in the white. Next are the Queens, which by their King's full lovingly do stand: And this upon the right side sits that on the other hand, Black Queen the black field doth contain, the white Queen stands in white, And in their rooms, their colours both they do maintain by right. Next them in either field do stand the Archers black and white: Who Mars doth love above the rest, as fittest for the fight Between them twain both King and Queen in middle part do stand, Then come the brave and lusty Knights their footmen to withstand. Next them are placed the Elephants, with Castles on their back: Which stand like Champions to defend the Kings both white and black. Last rank containeth Footmen eight, well armed with sword and shield: Who in their King's defence do fight the first stroke in the field. One side much like the white-facde Galls, thus standing in array, To fight against the Blackamoor's, old Ocean thus 'gan say: Ye see, great Gods, the pitched Camp, and Soldiers of the Band. Now learn their Laws (for Laws they have) which they must not withstand. First either King doth send abroad the Battle to begin, Whom they shall think the fittest man, the Game or Field to win. If first a Soldier black do move to fight in Field alone, Then strait doth meet him one in white: thus fight they one by one. But all of them one purpose have, both Princes to offend, Or else to take them prisoners: and thus the Fight doth end. They spare not one, but murder all that in their way do stand, That they might sooner check the Prince when he is badly manned. By dint of sword dead carcases lie murdered on the Plain, The Camps wax thin, and as they slay, so likewise are they slain. Who any kills, must straightway stand within his dead foes place, And stoutly must both beard and brave, his foemen to the face. If he be out of Enemy's reach, and void the present blow, Backward he may retire again, and save himself below. The Footmen only are forbade by law, among the rest, Not to retire within the Field, because their loss is least. Nor is their Marching all alike, nor order of their fight: The fight Pawns go step by step against their Enemies right. Yet at first meeting may they make two steps their force to try: But when they do assail the Foe, then must they go awry. The Elephants right on may go, on right or on left hand, Or back again, to murder those, that in their way do stand. Yet must they not go overthwart, their foeman's force to prove, As Archers usen for to do, whom Mars doth chief love. Both Archers may march overthwart, one standeth in the black, In white space th'other seated is with arrows at his back. Nor must they change their wont course, though they by law may move And range abroad o'er all the field, and every seat to prove. The horseman Knight rides through the Camp with soft and equal pace, He leaps aloft, yet may not pass above a double space. If first in white he takes his place, the black field must he range: And must by law keep equal steps, but colour still must change. The lusty Queen, rightside or left, forward or back may go▪ Right on she goes, not overthwart, as horsemen use to do. No certain steps or course she hath, but goes without all stay: Except that some of either side do stand within her way. For by the orders of the Field it lawful is for none To overleap another's back, but for the Knight alone. More warily the Prince doth fight on whom the rest depends▪ He being safe, the Battle holds, he dead, the Battle ends. If Prince be taken prisoner, then strait the Field is lost: Therefore in his defence they stand, and him they honour most. Their Prince to save, to dint of sword their bodies oft they yield: He having no desire to fight, stands quiet in the Field. He only seeks his own defence, not others to offend, But if they come within his reach, a blow he will them lend. The Prince may hurt on every side, yet far he may not pass: For when he once removed is, and changed hath his place, Whether he checked be himself, or wound his deadly foe, Or wander harmless in the Field, but one step must he go. This is the order of the Field, these Laws they have in Fight: Now may you see the Armies both, how they will use their might. Thus said good old Oceanus. But seeing oftentimes, When Men or Gods together fight for injuries or crimes. It so falls out that Gods or Men, that favour either side, Do fall at odds among themselves, till that the Field be tried. jove rising from his princely Seat, and Chair of high Estate, Forbids the Gods to use their arms, or foster any hate. And threatens them with angry words, and with his thundering Dart, That all the Gods them quiet keep, and favour neither part. This said, he calls Apollo forth, and Mercury in place, Old Atlas' Son, both young in years, and beautiful in face. Old Atlas' Nephew Mercury yet had no wings at all Upon his heels, nor charming Rod, which Caducee men call. Nor yet did fair Apollo rule the Sun within the skies: His Bow he used, his golden Hair did hang about his eyes. Then Love commands to fight the Field, as Battle stood prepared. And promised the Conqueror to have a just reward. The great Gods sit, the lesser Gods stand round as in a Ring: Forbade by law in word or sign to further either King. Then lots were cast, which of the twain should first begin the Fight: The lot upon Apollo fell▪ which chosen had the white. Then musing where to gi'en the Game, that Pawn he first did move Which from the Foe divides the Queen, the black men's force to prove: Two steps he goes, than Mercury removes out of his place A pawn that stood just opposite, to beard him face to face. Thus stand these two in Battle front, offering to fight in vain. For Pawns their foemen cannot hurt, if they go right on plain. On either side their fellow Pawns, march on to meet their foes, And fill the Field with armed men, thus on the Battle goes. And yet they came not to hand blows, but march like, Men at Arms: And make but short excursions, to keep themselves from harms. But now behold, the foot, man black, that first did meet his foe: On left hand struck his enemy, and killed him with the blow. And boldly stands with in his room, but did not see, alas, His foe at hand, who with one stroke did kill him in that place. Which done, the black Prince than removes from place where he did stand, And kept himself environed with all his Princely Band. Then suddenly, the warlike Knights that on the left hand stood, Did rouse themselves, and bathe their swords in slaughtered foeman's blood. Mean time the Paunes go still to wrack, for back they cannot go: The Horsemen vaunt it in the Field, and still offend their foe. But whiles Apollo seeks the spoil of Pawns that armed stand, And makes his Knight run over all, to waste the blacker Band: False Mercuri: doth go about by subtlety and sleight, To daunt his foe, and makes his Knight run over footmen straight, Who seeking to entrap the King, now here, now there doth range, And over-runnes his enemies, and still his place doth change. But having found a place most fit, he stands as in a Ring, And seeks by all means possible to countercheck the King. And therewithal sets on the Rook, which on the right Wing stands: While Phoebus seeks to aid the King, and rid him from his hands. He sees the Rook in danger great, which makes him for to rave: Sith one of them he needs must lose, for both he can not save. He therefore seeks to save the King removing him a space: Mean time the black Knight takes the rank, and standeth in his place. Great loss (alas) for none there is (the proud Queen set apart) That in the field doth better good, or useth greater Arte. Thou shalt not unrevenged go quoth Phoebus, full ofire, And with his Pawns doth compass him, which makes him to retire, And quake for fear, for danger great his soul doth undertake, While that he sees no hope of help, nor any way to scape▪ For on that side the armed camp, on this, the Queen did stand, All armed like an Amazon, and slew him with her hand. The army white begins to rage much like a furious Bull, Who having lost one horn in fight, yet beats his horned skull, Against his raging enemy, begored all in blood: So they enforced, with greater force their furious foes withstood. But Phoebus on the other side began to rage's amain: And bends his forces to his foes, to put them to more pain: But while he seeks to spoil his foes, two companies he lost▪ The slaughter of his enemies full dear his army cost▪ False Mercury doth look about, but stays his hand from stroke, And now he ventures here, now there his foemen to provoke, And that the Queen he might surprise, a Pawn he doth present, Which nevertheless the subtle God doth seem for to repent. The Archer then for right side seeks the white Queen to entangle, Which heedless foe, not marking, thrust a Pawn in left side angle When Venus fair foresaw the loss that thereby should ensue, She warning gave to Phoebus' mild, by signs and tokens true. Apollo thus admonished did cast his eyes about, And viewed the camp, and suddenly he spied among the rout, One of his foes that ready was to swallow up the Pawn, And check the Queen, he with his hand did pull him in again. And thus he both did save the Pawn, and rid the Queen from thrall, Which else had brought destruction to King and army all. Then Mercury began to chafe, and chide Latona's son: Affirming that the Queen was ta'en, and that the game was won. The Gods themselves begin to jar, and speak on either part. Then Phoebus answers for himself, and useth all his Art. What wrong (quoth he) is offered, if playing such a game, We mend a sudden oversight, what law forbids the same? Then make a law, that whoso touch a man, or white or black, That forward he do play the same, and not to pull him back. This sentence pleased all the Gods, yet with a secret beck, jove Venus chid, but Mercury did not perceive the check. But yet it grieved him to the heart, that Phoebus used such play, And ready was Chess board, and all the men to cast away. Then did he purpose with himself to use some cunning sleight: If not by force to quell his foe, to foil him by deceit. Then doth he make the Archer feign the paces of the Knight: He standing forth doth threaten death unto the Queen in white. When Phoebus did perceive his drift, he smiling turned his face To all the Gods, and vide these words▪ in Mercuries disgrace. Though thou be subtle Mercury, and use to filch thy prey, Yet shalt thou not deceive me so, and therefore mend thy play. The lookers on began to laugh, than Mercury, though loath, Pulled back his man, and made him go even as the Archer doth. Apollo then began to watch, and mark the subtle sleights That Mercury did use in play, and 'gan to shun his baits. And now behold the Archer white against the Knight in black Opposed himself, who went about to spoil the Queen, alack. The right hand Rook goes here and there▪ and glisters in white arms And in the midst 'gainst King and Queen he threatens mighty harms. The Knight likewise armed in white as proud of former spoil, Began to glory in his acts, not fearing any foil. The Archer black seeing his pride no longer could abide, But bent his bow, and shot his shaft, and pierced him in the side. There lies he tumbling in the dust, both horseman, horse, and all: Then steppeth forth a Pawn in white, and kills the Archer tall: Him kills another Pawn in black, the battle waxeth hot: The Rooks do rage, and every man doth stand unto his lot. The Archers shoot their arrows thick, the horseman or the Knight Begin to rage and range the field, in colours black and white▪ Headlong they run and rush in arms, both armies black and white, The captains and the soldiers stout, pell-mell in fury fight. Now this side gets the upper hand, now that doth seem to yield: Virtue and Fortune meet in one, and strive to win the field. The white Queen like an Amazon, doth fight with furious hand, And going forward kills a Rook that in her way did stand: Retiring back unto her place the Bishop black she foils, And raging thus on every side her enemies she spoils: Much like a raging Lioness the furious Queen doth stamp, On every side she sleys her foes, and spoils her enemy's camp. At length the army all in black, and black Prince 'gan to quail, And of his black Queen aid he craves his foemen to assail▪ Who lays about as she were mad, and rageth here and there, And helps her friends, and hurts her foes, and puts them all in fear. The Pawns are slain on every side, the Archers go to wrack, And there lay weltering in their blood the horsemen white and black▪ For both the Queens like Amazons do either strike amain, Not meaning to forsake the Field till one of them be slain. Mean time the rulers of the host did keep the bodies slain, And watch the captive prisoners lest they should fight again. But Mars a friend to Mercury, standing by Phoebus' side, Did seek by all means possible to help his friend that tide. And from the heap of dead men slain, black Rook and Pawn he takes, And put them in the camp again, which a fresh battle makes. Thus secretly the prisoners, that lately 'gan to yield, Did stoutly fight, and used now their weapons in the field. But junos' son lame Mulciber who only spied the act, Cries out aloud▪ and Phoebus warns of this unlawful fact. The Thracian Knight Don Mercury thus taken, waxed pale, Phoebus began to fret and fume till jove had heard his tale, Then jupiter angry with Mars, did Mercury check plain, Commanding him to throw them out where they at first lay slain: And bids him cast those men away that Mars had given of late, And causeth them to bring their game unto the former state. Both captains now began to rage, and furiously to stamp. And both their Queens they send abroad, to spoil each others camp. Their blades are both imbrued in blood, whiles here and there they fling, At last placed just opposite, both seek to save their King. But whiles black Queen less for herself than for her husband cares, Behold the white Queen suddenly did kill her unawares. But not long time the Queen, alas, enjoyed the victory: For Bishop shot a deadly shaft, and slew her presently. Both armies now began to fail, the soldiers wept, alas, When either side saw both their Quee●▪ lie slain before their face. Then 'gan they for to guard their King, and stand about them round, Both armies now began to fear each soldier had his wound. Yet were they not quite void of force, some helps were yet behind, Which lived as yet to try the field, as Fortune had assigned. Phoebus' had yet three footmen left, which stood on the right wing, One Bishop and a Rook beside for to defend his King. So many Pawns had Mercury one Bishop and a Knight, For both his Rooks and all the rest were slain in former fight. Then Mercury 'gan to despair, for loss of men at arms: Yet warily 'gainst Phoebus fought for fear of future harms. And seeks by all means possible, his foemen to offend, And bide the fortune of the field, hoping a better end: Apollo then triumphantly did march within the field, Rejoicing in the bloody spoils of those whom he had killed Both Princes spoiled of their Queens, though former love remains: Yet seek they now new marriages to ease their former pains. Therefore the white King first of all, of waiting Maids I ween, Doth seek to choose a second wife, and make of her a Queen. But first he means to try their force and courage in the Field: And plant his love on one that makes her Enemies to yield. For none the Prince's love may gain, except with courage bold▪ She harmless passeth to the place which adverse King doth hold. Strait on do go the waiting Maids, yet one among the rest, That on right hand the third place held, in swiftness was the best: And hopes by valour to obtain the marriage of the King, For th'other twain were cast behind, and thought of no such thing. She marcheth on with courage bold the foeman King to greet: For due reward, and hope of fame, gave wings unto her feet. The black Prince likewise doth attempt a second marriage: Which causeth Mercury to step all forward in a rage. Moving a Pawn from left hand side, which on the fourth rank stood, But by a step he was too slow, which made him mad and wood. But now behold the Pawn in white, on top of Fortune's Ball: Racing the Camp, did there possess the highest place of all. This done, the King adorned her with dead Queen's brave attire: And takes her to his loving wife, which was her whole desire. Now 'gan the white Camp to rejoice, and black men 'gan to frown: And Mercury began to weep, till tears did run adown. The black Pawn now from highest place, one only step did lack, But Rook in white was ready priest▪ to have her by the back. So that for fear she durst not stir from place wherein she stood, Lest that her deadly Enemy should triumph in her blood. Mean time the stately new made Queen her force in Battle tried, And raging so, she slew her foes that stood on either side. The black Camp at her very sight, began for fear to tremble: For Thestilis the Amazon in Field she did resemble. The Soldiers 'gan to run away, afraid of every thing: And running all upon a heap, environed their King. Much like a Herd of Oxen fair or Heifers on the Plain▪ When as they see the Wolf approach, their legs begin to strain, And stand about the master Bull, all round as in a Ring: Even so these silly fearful Swains, stood round about their King. But furious Queen, as Conqueror▪ ran up and down the Field, And sets upon the King himself, which now began to yield. And had she not too hasty been in running of her race, No doubt she might have ta'en the King, or slain him in his place. That day had brought a fatal end to black Prince at a blow▪ And Mercury joves' Messenger, had had an overthrow. But Atlas' Son did well perceive Apollo's oversight: And mocked him, and bade the Queen look better to her fight. Thus while Apollo went about a silly Pawn to catch, He lost that opportunity which he before did watch. And Mercury, to save the King, his Knight he did oppose To fight against the new made Queen, and to defend her blows. Then seeking to offend the Rook that stayed the Pawn in black From being Queen: he draws a shaft, and shoots him in the back. Thus while Apollo sought in vain his foe King to offend, His lusty Rook he lost, alas, and brought him to his end. The black Pawn then without all fear in highest place was seen: Nor could Apollo hinder her from being made a Queen. Now both of them with equal force did fight within the Field. And valiantly their new made Queens, did use both spear and shield. And though the fortune of the Fight, and hope uncertain was, Yet Mercury began to vaunt, and take new heart at grass. As certain of the victory, he 'gan for to insult: And useth all his subtleties to make a new tumult. When Phoebus did perceive his drift, these words he used hot: Why Mercury dost thy triumph, before the Field be got. When thou hast gotten victory, then use thy braving words: Mean time let us not braggarts be, but fight it out with swords. Thy words I will confute with swords, thy braves with future blows: This said, he animates his Queen, to set upon his foes. Straightways gins a Battle great and furious in the Field: Both sides are bold, and neither part is purposed to yield. They run upon their foeman's blades, great fear is in the Camp, Their hands imbrued in blood, their feet through thick and thin do stamp. The black Queen now gins to spoil her foes before her face. The Queen in white withstood her not, but runs another race: Untouched of all her Enemies, a secret way she takes, Ceasing to fly at smaller game, toward the King she makes▪ And setting first upon the Guard that round about him stood, She seeks to check the King, and bathe her hands within his blood. The black Queen then, when as she saw the white Queen's whole intent, Leaving the Battle as it stood, to help the King she went. For rather doth she seek to run upon her present death, Than see her King, before her face bereft of vital breath. But then there chanced another thing that grieved Phoebus' sore: For Mercury sent out his Knight to vex him more and more. The horseman furiously doth fight, nor stays he in his race, Till fearing neither King nor Queen, he got his wished place. And braving in his armour black, a stout Knight was he seen: And threateneth destruction both to the King and Queen: Which when Apollo did perceive it grieved him very sore, And now the hope began to fail which he conceived before. Now Mercury began to vaunt of hoped victory, And glad in mind, both heart and voice did lift unto the sky. And with his Soldiers compassing the white Queen round about, He strikes her dead, and doth enjoy her spoils with courage stout. In which Conflict by white Kings struck he lost his valiant Knight: Phoebus (though grieved at the loss) yet fiercely held him Fight. And with his Bishop all in white and Pawns that were but twain He fights the Field, and doth renew the Battle once again. The lesser hope they have of help, the boulder are they found: To save their King, they yield themselves to many a fearful wound. But all in vain: for Mercury 'gan furiously to fight, And sends abroad his Queen in black, to check the King in white. She rangeth here and there about, not meaning once to yield, Till she hath got the victory of white King in the Field. And having slain the foot men both that on the King did tend, She sets upon the King himself to bring him to his end. Now had the King no hope of help, but as a captive stands: Yet loathe he was to yield himself, into his Enemy's hands. But means by flight to save himself, and runs now here now there: And seeks by all means possible to rid himself from fear. As one forsaken of his friends he rangeth all about: His foes pursue him in the chase, and fight with courage stout. The black Prince doth pursue the white, and useth all his strength, And ever kept behind his foe about a weapons length. But when he see him set his foot upon the highest seat: He bids his Queen to watch him well, that he away ne get. The King thus brought into a strait, beset of all his foes, Doth faintly fight: yet to their blows himself he doth oppose. The black Queen watching well her time pursued the King so fast, That he no place of refuge had to save himself at last. For as he ran into a nook himself for to defend, The black Queen pierced him to the heart, and so his life did end. The Gods and all the Goddesses that stood them round about, At Phoebus' loss and overthrow began to give a shout. And Mercury the conqueror thus having won the Field, Began to scoff Apollo fair, who now of force must yield. Phoebus' was grieved that all the Gods so ill did him regard: And Mercury joves' messenger did look for his reward. Whom mighty jove the king of Gods, doth call unto him soon: And gives to him a just reward, for that which he had done. The gift was strange, a conjuring rod, which Caducee men call, Whose virtue was of great effect to raise the dead withal. To cast a man into a sleep, and wake him up again, To raise the souls from Limbo lake, and rid them from their pain: To make men living dead, and send their quick souls down to hell, Which caused him in magic's Arts all other to excel. Nor wanted Phoebus his reward, though Mercury had won, For jove did give him leave to rule the Chariot of the Sun. This done, the Gods and Goddesses that saw this pleasant game, Went every one unto the place from whence at first they came. And Mercury long afterward, in travel, as I guess, Did teach the men of Italy to play this game at Chess. For landed on th' Italian shore, as ancient stories tell: He spied by chance a lovely Dame, that liked him passing well, And seeing her, and liking her, he loved her withal: This was a brave Sereian Nymph, whom Scacchis men did call: Who while she kept her snowy swans about the rivers wild, He spied, and loved and lay with her, and got the maid with child. And to requite such courtesy showed by so kind a Dame: To drive away the time withal, he taught her first this game. And for the loss of liberty, and maidenhead withal: Of her name Scacchis Scacchia this play at Chess did call. And that this God in memory the Lass might longer have, A Boxes Chess board gilded round unto the girl he gave, And taught her cunning in the same, to play the game by Arte. Which after to the country swains this Lady did impart: Who taught their late posterity to use this kind of play, A game of great antiquity still used at this day. Finis W. B. To the Reader. THus have you here, as I do guess, The order of the game at Chess: With all the precepts less or more, As it was used in years of yore: Which game the Gods did first invent, To pass the time in merriment: And that we mortal men on earth Might imitate their heavenly mirth, And drive all sorrows from the heart, Which now and then come overthwart, I thought it good to set down plain This Game, which Arcas did ordain To be a solace to the Gods, When as their hearts were far at odds. Wherein if you do take delight, And use the same by day or night, To drive away your sorrows past: I shall be pleased at the last, Requesting you with all my heart, To take my verses in good part; And to remain my loving friend, For this time thus I make an end.