THE AVNCIENT Order, society, and unity Laudable, of Prince Arthure, and his Knightly armoury of the Round Table. With a Threefold Assertion friendly in favour and furtherance of English Archery at this day.  
Translated and Collected by R. R.  Psal. 133. vers. 1. & vers. 4. 
O how happy a thing it is and joyful for to see,  
Brethren together fast to hold the Band of amity.  
even so the Lord bestoweth on thē his blessings manifold  
Whose harts and minds without all guile, this knot do keep and hold.  
LONDON Imprinted by John wolf dwelling in distaff lane near the sign of the Castle 1583.   

To the Right worshipful M. Thomas Smith esquire chief Customer to her majesty in the port of London, and to the worshipful Socyety of Archers, here yearly celebrating the renowned memory of the magnificent Prince Arthure and his Knightly train of the Round Table, Grace, Mercy, Peace, and Plenitude of temporal and eternal Beatitude in Christ Iesus our onely Lord and saviour, Amen.  
ISAAC the son of Abraham and child of promise signified Ioy( Right worshipful patron and worshipful good Citizens.) And jacob his son otherwise called Israel signified strong with God, also by interpretation. Wherein as we see Isaac the father, Ioy goeth before, and jacob the son strong with God followeth: This maketh a most apt mystery of Gods almighty power and will, and a most convenient order in accomplishing of the same. For as in those ancient Ludis Saecularibus dedicated in honour of Apollo and Diana, the Trompeter joyfully going before sounded the signification of some great novel which should ensue thereupon, when he also said unto the people, Come to the games which no mortal man hath seen or shal see the like: So here semblably portendeth this joy in the father before going some strange or rare event in the son strong with God following him. 
Genes 32.  And so in deed it was. For, jacob as we read wrestled with the Angel of God, and by prayer prevailing with him, bare away the blessing. And what was that? verily that he should thenceforth prevail both with God & man. This wrestling then may be a famous example, & an earnest trial of al the faithful children of God, by excellent enterprises and exercises of life even in the beholding eye and sight of the same God of Abraham, Isaac and jacob. The 12. Tribes of Israel proceeding from Iacobs loins were the lords elect & Gods peculiar people, and so mighty a Nation as none more mighty under the sun, in whom the oracle of Gods Angel promised to jacob, was altogether by Gods providence performed. 
Exod. 18.  These had a Ruler, even Moyses ordained by God himself, and one which spake face to face with God: He was commanded also to choose men of courage over them as his Substitutes, namely Rulers over thousands, Rulers over handreds, and Rulers over gins, and it is written, that they made Israel a holy nation. The Lord himself also commanded these to set marks on the mountain of Sina, 
Ibidem.  and sanctify it. He enjoined them yearly to celebrate the feast of the lords passeouer, 
Exod. 12.  to observe that day in their posterity for ever. And in their peace 〈◇〉 in the day of their gladness that they should blow their charet over their sacrifices and over their peace offerings, 
Numb. 10.  that they might be a remembrance for them before their God. Likewise in their warres to blow an alarm with the trumpet, to the end they might be remembered before the Lord their God; 
Ibidem.  and be saved from their enemies. 
Ibidem.  And then did the same moses as grand captain and guide go before them with the ark of the Testament, the foresaid 12. Tribes marching orderly after the same: for whose defence against their enemies on a time he prayed thus unto God. Rise up Lord and let thine enemies be scattered, and let them that hate thee fly before thee. And when the ark restend he prayed thus for them. return Oh Lord unto thee many thousands of Israel. Hercules in peace was famous among the heathen for ordaining those games of wrestling, running & learned exercises at Olimpus by him dedicated to the honour of jupiter. caesar in peace time provident for wars was also famous among the Romains for ordaining those sword plays to the better exercise and encouragement of young men against the time of needful wars the more boldly and skilfully to encounter with their enemies. And Anthonius surnamed pus, in time of warres was more famous among them for exercising al maner of mighty and savage beasts to be rid vpon and trained for the battle, as well as his own soldiers fiercely to foil his enemies: who of himself also was said to be so coragius and valiant, that he slew with his shafts 100. Lions of his enemies power at one bickering. But Apollo above al others was most famous( in war times for recovery of peace) at Delphos when being name the God of wisdom and Prince of Archers with his 1000. shafts slaying and nailing to the ground that perilous serpent python, he delivered the people from peril thereof to live in peace afterward, and betaking himself thereupon to his pleasant pastime accustomend of hunting Deere and goat, did also institute by this his chivalry, those games in Latin called Pithij after the name of the serpent slain. All these four( I say) were famous in their estate and condition, for maintenance of chivalry and actuity in peace time and warres: and haue their due commendations accordingly as it standeth with credit: But because these were without the knowledge of god, & more profane, therefore their actions, famed and memory are the more obscure and less permanent with glory. But contrariwise immortal famed followeth the noble ordinances & actions of the Faithful which always haue been, are and shal be within the watch of Gods heavenly eye, within the help of his holy hand, and within the precinct of his almighty and eternal protection. As it is most notably verified by Ecclesiastes 10. cap. where it is said, He that is chief among brethren is honourable, So are they that fear the Lord in his sight. ver. 21.  
Here is that indissoluble band of amity between God & goodmen which the wiseman affirmeth of Sap. 7. For she is an infinite treasure unto men, which whoso use become partakers of the love of god, and are accepted for the gifts of knowledge. ver. 14.  
Here is that everlasting knot of peace & love which the princely Prophet david so highly praiseth between Brethrē in & for God their father. viz●. Psal. 133. As the dew of Hermon which falleth vpon the mountaines of Sion, for there the Lord appointed the blessing of life for ever.  
And here is that Round Table of chiefest chivalry ordained by the Lord of Lords, and King of kings, even Iehouah the God of hosts before whose heavenly presence( of immense majesty and immortal magnificence) environed round about with monarch, Prophets, Princes, Apostles, evangelists, Angels, Archangels, and souls of the righteous, incessantly shal be sounded Amen. 
revel. ●●.  Praised be God, praise ye our God al his holy ones, and ye which fear him, small and great.  
Amongst which number of mighty Kings, conquerors and warriors in sacred histories most famous.( Right worshipful patron and worshipful Citizens) let not I beseech you the noble ordinance of that princely Prophet and Conqueror King david die in oblivion, but live in your perpetual memories, 
1. Cron. 11. & 12.  how he for maintenance of princely chivalry and knighthood, had not onely about him 30. Mighty men of arms, and of the 12. Tribes with him retaining a mighty number as it were like the host of God. 
2. Reg. 2.  But also the first statute that ever he enacted after he was King, was instituted, that all the Children of Israel should learn to shoot in the bow: which exercise by so noble and chosen a King established as he mentioneth thereof many times in his Psalmody. So I beseech you remember how he promised the Lord of hostes, 
Psal. 119. vers. 15.  That he as at a mark would aim to walk in the ways of the Lord.  
Our ancient Arthures noble ordinance order and famous memory like as your worships do yearly with worthy solemnity celebrate as the Israelites did their daies of gladness in their peace time. So if I were worthy with Cicero to exhort you, 
Lib. 2. de office.  to prefer al duty available to maintain Neghborhood and fellowship of men above that duty which consisteth in knowledge & science. I would herein encourage your worthy good wils to way and consider what our most noble and famous Kings of England in that your famous accustomend exercise of shooting, haue most renowmedly enterprised & eftsoons renewed. But touching your famous order & fellowship of knights in shooting, 
Ann. 1279. 5. Edw. 1.  though in K. E. 1. his time A valiant Knight and manly Mortimer at Kenelworth appointed a knightly game, which was called the Round Table of 100. knights and so many Ladies( nameth not expressly shooting to be one) yet for exercise of arms thither came many warlike knights of diuers knigdomes. And the most famous & victorious king E. 3. builded at Winchester an house called the Round Table of an exceeding compass, 
Ann. 1344. 18. Ed. 3.  to the exercise of like or far greater chivalry therein: when he also was the first king( for memory therof most magnificent) which instituted even there also the most noble order of S. George his knights of the honourable Garter yet used: whose perpetual famed for his princely actions, encouragement and event by the exercise of shooting in his wars as I haue in this book inserted as most worthy: So the most famous, 
Ann. 1485. 1. Henr. 7.  prudent, politic and grave Prince K. Henry the 7. was the first phoenix in choosing out a number of chief Archers to give daily attendance vpon his person, whom he name his guard. But the high and mighty renowned prince his son K. H. 8. not onely with great prows and praise proceeded in that which his father had begon: 
and 1509. 1. Henr. 8.  But also added greater dignity unto the same, like a most royal renowned david, enacting a good & godly statute for the use and exercise of shooting in every degree. 
Ann. 33. H. 8. cap. 9.  And furthermore for the maintenance of the same laudable exercise in this honourable City of London by his gracious Charter confirmed unto the worshipful Citizens of the same, This your now famous order of knights of Prince Arthures Round Table or Society: Like as in his life time when he saw a good Archer in deed, he choose him and ordained such a one for a knight of the same order. After the conquerous david ensuing the daies of a most prudent and peaceable Salomon, we read he had also a puissant power, 
Cantie. 3.  60. valiant men of the mightiest in Israel, & 24000. Lords of the Tribes of Israel monthly by course serving through out the year: 
1. Cron. 27.  his peace and prosperity in al respects so surpassing his princely Progenitors, as the queen of Saba seeing the same was astonished thereat saying: 
3. Reg. 10.  Thou exceedest the famed that I hard: Blessed be the Lord thy God which loved thee to set thee on his throne as king in the stead of the Lord thy God. ver. 8. The like whereof( for the time he lived) as it appeared in that gracious Prince and blessed K. E. the 6. So since that time God hath for these many yeares much more manifested as well to us at home, as our neighbours about us, the incomparable peace, prosperity & blessed estate of our sacred Salomon queen Elizabeth and this her majesties Israel even the allotted inheritance of the lord most admirable. This then being so true, as none can justly deny, Oh what Causes haue we al and every one of us highly to praise God therefore, and pray unto him for the long continuance of the same. What causes of mutual gratulation and rejoicing thereat haue we in al degrees, and to study for the augmentation and preservation of this abundant blessedness. Herein for one minimus exminoribus, I aclowledge myself( Right worshipful patron & worshipful Citizens) answering with poor Pederectus, 
Plutarchus in Apophtheg.  not worthy to be chosen in the number of 300. which in this city for this purpose excel others in worthiness of learning, liberal art or human dexterity, but yet cherely and friendly I will take my leave of your good Worships, rejoicing that this city hath 300. such persons better then myself am in any point able to satisfy your so worthy and notable expectation: Notwithstanding thinking myself as much bound herein as the best, and as much beholding unto my country as the most which can do better, I haue brought forth at this present this simplo show of my best ability & sincere good will towards the premises. And as an addition unto my last yeares translation of the assertion of Prince Arthure incident in purpose and convenient in order. I dedicate this ancient order, society & unity of Prince Arthur & his knightly armorie, unto you the famous & worshipful president & to you the knights of English Archery in the same order with a condign commendation and encouragement unto my native country universally thereunto. Humbly & heartily beseeching you to accept in good part this my poor pains, as partly in favour & furtherance of the laudable exercise of shooting in this our prosperous peace time, under the blessed government of this our so sacred Salomon queen. The continuance whereof with continual prayer let us all crave at the hands of the highest Iehoua that it would please him many mo yeares to multiply the same in his manifold mercies, to the continual honour and glory of his blessed name, our mutual consolation in this our happy Israel, and to the public comfort and commodity of his universal Church. And finally that we with our neighbors & they with us Famously continuing in the Concord & unity of Christian Faith, & true religion of the Gospel of Christ Iesus. May in fine by his merites and mercies enjoy those blessed joys celestial which eye hath not sene the like, ear hath not heard the like, nor hart hath not conceived the like: which God in mercy hath ordained for them that love him. To whom be al power, dominion, praise, honor, and glory, for ever and ever, Amen.  
Your worthy good worships most humble and dutiful Orator Richard Robinson Citizen of London.   

A Praise of the Bowe and Commendation of this book, written by Thomas Churchyard Gent.  
IN foreign land and native soil, where soldiers I haue seen:  
And chiefly in the marshal days( when youth was fresh & green)  
I haue beholded both Bow & shot, the Bow for Archers meet:  
The shot for use of powlders force, and lads of lively spreet.  
And judging by experience great, in place where both were tried:  
I found where shot was granted good, the Bow was not denied.  
First ere we found out shot aright, the Bow great battels won:  
And long the Bow great glory gate, before we knew the Gun.  
As lo this book doth mention make, & shows in verses good:  
For murdering shot came in of late, when Bow in honor stood.  
In elders daies when manhood shone, as bright as blazing star,  
And christian hart and noble mind, disdaind this turkish war.  
The Bow was used as force of man, & strength of arms might draw  
To glad the friend and daunt the foe, and hold the world in awe.  
But when that strength and courage failed, and cunning crept in place  
The shot and roaring Canon came, stout people to deface.  
The Bow not fit for cowards hand, for cowards strength doth fail:  
When man draws arrow to the head, and then doth foe assail.  
with sword and dagger Lion-like, that bends both brow and tail  
And grins and gapes with gnashing teeth, to make his enemy quail  
The shot lies lurking in a hole, and spies advantage great:  
Then bullet, match, and powders force, do work a wicked feat.  
The Archer shows a manly face, in field and every where:  
And when his arrows all are spent, he dies with courage there.  
The shot no sooner all discharged, but legs for life must shift:  
These bold and venturous nimble boyes, can find no further drift.  
But give the charging horsemen place, the Archers do not so:  
For four and twenty headed shafts, belongs to every Bow.  
And surely shoot the Archers may, at many a thing ye know.  
When men in broils and battailes doubt, how warres and world will go.  
There is a knight a soldiar great, in court doth white staff bear:  
That knows what bows haue done in field, against both shield and spear.  
Yea many more are yet alive, that honours Bow indeed:  
And can record what noble acts the Bow hath done at need.  
I saw in sundry soils myself, much shot discharged in vain:  
Yet grant we must that through the same are thousands daily slain  
But enterlard the shot with Bow, and tel me then your mind:  
A gallant course of wars unknown, in field then shal you find.  
five thousand bows that shooteth still, in battle may do good:  
They gull the horse, or kill the man, or draw some desperate blood.  
And thick as moats in air they flee, which hinder much the sight  
And haply makes when horses is hurt, the mounted man alight.  
well, speak of shot what best you may, the Bow is brave in field:  
And sure in skirmish Archers oft, makes f●●ble shot to yield.  
A rare devise I will set out, to strengthen Man and Bow,  
And when the plain device thereof the world shall see and know.  
The Bow shall come again in famed, and win his wonted grace:  
look out of hand for my discourse, till then come Bow in place,  
And take thine Ancient, room & use, as Arthures Knights thee gave,  
Thou art a fearful fore in field, and yet a pastime brave.  
That brings up youth, and pleasures age, a noble thing in view  
An ancient arte, a worthy guise, that scorns all practise new.  
An exercise that all men love, an use of arms and strength,  
And to this English soil of ours, wilt bring great famed at length.  
So cease I here, in praise of Bow, think of me what you please,  
A longer matter shall I show, before I cross the seas.  
Finis qd. T. Churchyard.   

THE author his French Preface, thus Englished.  
WIlling I am to set down( for the beginning of this treatise) a brief declaration and advertisement unto the READERS, for their more easy understanding of the state and Condition of armoury: And to know howe one ought to blazon the said armouries, Escuchons and ensigns, and such other things of Semblable state and manner. But first of all, wee will speak and treat of him or them, who first found out and invented the devise of arms, and for what cause the same was done.  Eccles. 10. 
The Glory of the Rich, Of the honourable, and of the poor, is the fear of God.   

Of the invention of arms: and for what cause the same were found out: And of what nation they haue been established.  
THE most valiant and victorious Alexander surnamed the great, for the excellency of his Noble deeds in battle, & who was King of Macedony: Likewise the politic Iulius Caesar, and many other Noble Kings, Princes and lords( desiring to know how their vassals & Subiectes might bear themselves valiantly, and in communication treat of all deeds of arms, and also to the end to ratify their prowesses and valiencies, and that every one were truly and justly recompensed, according to his deservings, and that he had well deserved the same,) vouchsafe safe to ordain and institute, that in their Escucheons should bee painted or portrayed Some certain Figure, or likeness of any thing: whereby one might more easily know and discern their deeds of arms, and also for the better discerning and Judgement of their excellent valiantness. This Figure, sign, Marcke or difference was called arms: Which arms haue been assigned by the said Princes and lords, not onely of those same valiant and courageous Personages, but also by those of their blood and posterity: To the end, that in remembering the foresaid valiancies, they should be the more inclined, and encouraged to ensue and Imitate the Noble exploits of their Auncetors, which haue gone before them.   

Of the Matter of substance of arms, and whereof they are made.  
ALL arms are composed of Three things only, that is to say, of Mettall, of Couloure, or of Pens, alias furs, or of any the said things. In arms are onely two metals: That is to say, Gold and silver. five Couloures are there also: 1. Gueules, or read, which is of vermilion colour, 2. Azure, which is of Pers or Blew: 3. Sable, which is Black: 4. Sinople, which is Green: and 5. Pourpre or Purple, which is made of Azure and violet. And there are also two pens, or furs, onely: That is to say, Vair, and Hermines.  
And it is to be noted, that one ought to blazon on this maner. saying. vizt.  
Such a Lord beareth of GOLD, of AZVRE, or of HERMYNES: and also the same COVLOVRES & the pens or furs: And although that the Hermyne bee of silver and of Sable, and the Vair, bee of silver, and of Azure, yet, notwithstanding in blazoning, them wee must name them by Hermynes, of silver and of Sable, and not( onely) the Vair, of silver and of azure: But wee say onely, Such a LORD beareth of HERMYNES, or he beareth of Vair, seeing that the Hermyne is of other Mettall or colour then silver, or Sable is: And that Sable and the Vair is of other colour then of silver or azure. In which case wee say: Such a Lord beareth Vair and Hermynes, or Synople, or other like.   


Of the signification of gold in arms.  
1.  
gold in arms signifieth sour virtues. vizt. nobleness,( 2) Good will,( 3) Restora tyue, &( 4) Hautynes or Magnimity.  
In Stones, it signifieth the Carboncle.  
Of Planets it hath the son.  
Of the four elements the fire.  
Of Gomplexions: The Person Sanguyn.  
Of the xii. signs, Aries, Taurus and Sagittarius.  
And Of the Dayes in the week: The sunday.   

Of the signification of silver in arms.  
2.  
SILVER in arms signifieth five virtues. vizt.( 1.) Humility,( 2.) Beauty,( 3.) Purity,( 4.) clearness, and( 4.) Innocency.  
In Complexions: The Person Flegmaticke.  
Of Planets: The moon.  
Of the four elements. The Water.  
Of the xii. signs: Cancer, lo, scorpion and Pisces.  
Of Precious stones: The pearl.  
And of the Dayes in the week: monday.   

Of the Signification of Gueles or read in arms.  
3.  
GVELLES or read in armouries, signifieth Valyantnes  
In Complexions: The Person choleric.  
Of elements: fire.  
Of the xii. Siges: Aries, lo, and Sagittarius.  
Of Precious stones: The Ruby.  
In metals: The latin Copper, and  
Of the Dayes in the week, Saturday.   

Of the signification of AZVRE.  
4.  
AZVRE in virtue signifieth renown and Beauty.  
In Complexions: The person Sanguyn.  
Of the Planets, Venus.  
Of the xii. signs: geminy, Libra, and Aquarius.  
Of Precious stones, The sapphire.  
Of the Dayes in the week: friday.  
Of the four elements: The air.  
And of metals, the silver: whereof wee make Azure colour.   

Of the signification of SABLE.  
5.  
SABLE, signifieth in arms, mourning & sorrow:  
In Complexion, the Person melancholic.  
Of the seven Planets, Mars,  
Of the xii. signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricornus.  
Of Precious stones, the Dyamant.  
Of the Dayes in the week: Tewsdaye.  
Of the elements, the Earth.  
And of metals, Iron: whereof, wee make black Colour.   

Of the signification of SYNOPLE.  
6.  
SYNOPLE, or green, in virtue: signifieth, 3. points,  
Honour, love and courtesy.  
Of the seven Planets, Mercury.  
Of Precious stones: The Emeralde.  
Of the Dayes in the week: wednesday.  
Of metals: the Quick-siluer, whereof green couloure is  
made: And it signifieth also: Plants, Trees, herbs, and all green things that groweth upon the earth.   

Of the signification of PVRPLE.  
7.  
POVRPRE or Purple in arms signifieth moderation: and hath in virtue 3. points,  
Liberality, abundance, and Riches.  
Of the seven Planets, in hath jupiter.  
Of Precious stones: The Balay.  
Of the Dayes in the week, Thursday.  
Of metals, it hath tin.    

Of nine things which are in the escutcheon making The third Part therof.  
nine things there are in the escutcheon to be considered of. Vizt. chief, Pal, Band, or gard; Fesse, Cheuron, Gyron, Orle, cross, and Saultoir: These thnges ought to contain the Third Part of the escutcheon. And you shall also note, that six of the said nine things, that it is to say: Band, Pal, Fess. Gyron, Cheuron and Orle, when they are of many pieces they do blazon themselves from one onely moiety or quantity, as if we say: Such a lord beareth of GOLD, in one BAND of SABLE, of v. or vi. pieces.  
Also more, when the cross and the Saultoir onely maketh the Third part of the escutcheon, Yet, notwithstanding, if he haue in one escutcheon many Crosses, then ought he to blazon, according to the number which is there.   

Of the nombre where until a Man may number all Things which are in armouries: And when one ought to mention any thing without number, or Strawyng.  
TORTEAVX, or Pellets: Besans, and Cotices, Do number themselves until, VIII.  
Lozenges or Dyamont sqwares, and Checquers, number themselves ontill, VI.  
beasts, birds, Flowers and Fishes, and generally all other things which are in arms: number themselves until, VI.  
And if they pass the said numbers: wee blazon them with out nombring or Strewyng, As in the Ariues of Laual where one mentioneth D'or, to xvi. AEgles d' Azure: And in those of Peulle, where one mentioneth D'or enterlased with AEgles, d'Azure without nombring. So, as one may find them by the Figures tricked, and described in the blazon of arms. Who so will know more, he shall there find written more largely, and also in the blazon of colours.  
Thus much concerning knowledge of arms blazoned: whereof( the French Author uncertain by name) on this maner introduceth.  
¶ Now, To the Armorie of Prince ARTHVRE and the KNIGHTS of his Round Table flourishing by the famed of Englishe Archery, at this day. A ● 1583.   

ELIZABETH( Gods fullness) he grant our queen to reign With long and Perfect blessedness, His glory to Mentaine.  

Prince Arthures arms for that Society of Archers in London.  
M. Thomas Smlth chief Customar for her majesty in the Port of London.   

amongs praiseworthy Monuments which English kings haue made  
For maintenance of Manly acts, whose famed shall never fade,  
King HENRY the 8▪ hath condign praise and Princely memory,  
( For choosing Knights of ARTHVRES train to mentaine Archery):  

Anno. 1543. S. W. Bowyer Maior.  Whose majesty at mile end with his NOBLES used this game,  
That Citizens and Subiects all might exercise the same.  
But specially for CITIZENS he made this Order there,  

Anno. 1544. S. Martin bows. Maior.  One Cheeftayne choose and certain Knights to sport them once a year.  
His Daughter dear. ELIZABETH our sovereign queen likewise,  
confirms this Order still, and doth mentaine this exercise  
each subject pray and praise GOD for her long and prosperous reign;  

job. 29.  Our bows in our hands stronger then with Honour shall remain.   

S. Lancelot du Lac  
1. 
H. O.   

IN silver Shield, Three bands of Blew  
he bare, full valiant he,  
And venturous was, one of the chiefest  
approved in chivalry:   

Of Knights which did the Table round  
adorn with condign praise:  
His facts and famed in books compilde  
Are found in these our dayes.    

S. Boort de Gauues  
2. 
H. K.   

IN silver shield with Hermynes Black  
he bare Three bands of read:  
valiant and hardy was this Knight,  
His Chronicles haue spread:   

Who more of him will know, let them  
read of the Table round:  
Eke Lancelot his book and those  
Which virtues fain forth sound.    

S. Gowainede Orcany  
3. 
E. D.   

IN Purple Shield, an eagle spled  
All gold, Sir Gawayn gave  
One of the Knights most conquerous  
he merits tame to haue   

Amongst them which the Table round  
ennobled with renown  
By deeds of arms in Contreyes cause,  
To bring her foes a downe.    

Messyr Tristran de Lyonis  
4. 
G. T.   

IN shield all green one lion of Gold  
And armèe Gules he bare  
That no less worthy is this Knight  
Of famed, then others are,   

For he so virtuously behaved  
himself in all assays,  
And valiant in his conquests, that  
A book his famed displays.    

Sir Lyonnet de Gauues  
5. 
W. C.   

IN silver shield nine stars Sable  
Three bands of read bare he:  
A warlike wight, and worthy Knight  
As any others might bee:   

And who considereth well his arms  
Including virtues rare,  
May him with the most valyantst Knights  
condignly hear compare.    

Helyas le Blanc  
6. 
H.   

IN silver shield 3. bars of read  
One Lambeau overthwart  
Of Sable, with three feet, he bare,  
As one which played his part,   

About the Table round renowned,  
And ever ready prest  
For nobleness and honours state  
To do his very best.    

Hector des Mares.  
7. 
W. O.   

IN silver shield Three bars all read  
A mids the same The son  
All Azure, bare this noble Knight,  
Which high renown hath won   

By valyancy and venturous deeds  
Exploited far and near:  
Who doth deserve dew memory  
As famed may witness bear.    

Blyomberyes de Gauues.  
8.  

IN silver Shield with half moons set,  
Three bars all read he bare.  
about the Table round he was,  
A conqueror most rare:   

Who for his warlike prowess and  
His Martiall mighty skill,  
Was much esteemed, and of his Prince  
beloved with great goodwill.    

Messire Gaherryet.  
9.  

IN Purple shield, splead eagle gold  
With feet depainted read,  
A bar all read overthwart, he bare  
Whose valiant acts counted   

Amongst those of the Table round,  
As lancelot and the rest  
May seem to calenge condign praise,  
and famed even with the best.    

Keux le seneschal.  
10.  

IN Azure shield Two silver Wings,  
( By office seneschal  
Or Steward) bare this Noble Knight  
To whom might well bee fall.   

With due renown enregistered  
For prowess rare to bee  
Amongst them of the Table round,  
renowned by valiency.    

Messire Iuaine.  
11.  

IN Azure shield, A lion gold  
Armé with read, this Knight  
Did bear: who sought to amplify  
By all due means and might   

The Table round: he valiant was,  
And hardy found in proof:  
Therefore he merits memory  
unto his dew behoof.    

Bruor le Noir.  
12. 
W. B.   

IN silver shield, a lion Rampant,  
Y checquered black and read  
( Of warlike nature conquerous)  
He bare, eke Reputed   

Amongst them of the Table round,  
courageous, sierce and bold:  
He was, with prowess ever prest,  
Dame Honour to uphold.    

S. Segurades.  
13. 
T. T.   

IN Golden shield, this gallant Knight  
A Rock all Sable bare  
One of the Table round, he was  
Of estimacyon rare,   

firm as Rock amiddes the Seayes  
Eke steadfast he of mind  
was, all adversities to dure  
from time to time inclined.    

S. Patris le Hardy.  
14. 
I. A.   

IN silver shield a Freture read  
of pieces six bare he,  
A true and perfect Practizer,  
Of Noble Cheualrie,   

About the Table round eke one  
full well which understood.  
each trick and travell longing to  
Cheualrie and Knighthood.    

S. Saphar le Mefcogneu.  
15. 
I. E.   

IN shield one half part Gold and green  
Ychecquerd, tother Vair,  
Of great estate this Knight did bear,  
With haughty courage raire.   

And though as tuching Parentage  
unknown, so name he was:  
Yet by his deeds he was discerned  
Most valiant in each case.    

S. Sagremor le Desree.  
16. 
B. S.   

IN shield( whereof Sable 3. partes)  
Two Golden stars fixed there:  
The fourth part silver with a star  
of Sable) did he bear.   

Both by his name and arms therfore  
It doth appear full well,  
That he one of the Table round,  
In prowess did excel.    

Le Roy Ban de Benock  
17. 
I. W.   

IN silver Shield Three bands of Blew  
Did bear this Kingly Knight  
And for King Arthures dew renown  
expressed his force and might   

Dulce and debonair he was  
To serve at all assay  
In every Noble feat of arms  
And bear the bell away.    

Le Roy de Claris.  
18. 
T. H.   

IN shield of gold one cross Potence  
All read this Noble King,  
And Kingly Knight of Table round  
Did bear, most flourishing.   

In facts and famed both far and near  
For the magnificence  
Of Princely prowess, prick and praise  
To get by valyence.    

Le Morhoult de Ireland  
19. 
T. M.   

IN silver shield One fesse of pieces  
five through out the same  
he bare a lion Rampant read,  
and arm green, whose name   

Might seem to signify in truth  
each mighty enterprise  
A pray most fit for his courage,  
As is the Irish guise.    

Danayn le Roux,  
20. 
I. L.   

IN Shield all read a Porpentyne  
Of Gold armé Azure,  
This Knight bare,( of the Table round)  
One bold and hardy sure.   

Of quality he hath his name  
Of courage venturous,  
Of policy and power also,  
To bee most conquerous.    

S. Brallain, surnamed, as ye would say: Le Cheuallier aux deux Espées.  
21. 
T. C.   

In shield all silver Sable Bore  
With three Blew stars bare he  
Whole faith and facts with glistering famed  
Shine in the highest degree,   

As one whose virtues amplesied  
His Princes high renown  
Amongst those chief in chivalry  
About the Table round.    

Galehault,  
22. 
R. B.   

IN silver shield with Azure stars,  
A lion read Rampant  
Armé green this Knight did bear,  
as and of force puissant   

Which did the Table round adorn,  
And amplify also  
With hautynes and valyancy,  
As others many mo.    

Lamorat de Listenoys  
23. 
W. H.   

IN Purple shield, with Crossets gold,  
A Leoperd silver he  
arm read, did bear as one  
Descended of degree   

Both Noble bold and valiant  
In feats of arms yfound  
As other famous knights eke which  
were of the Table Round.    

Messire Gullat.  
24. 
W. D.   

IN silver shield, One cross all read  
full Christian like he bare  
Of hart and courage conquerous,  
A knight he was even rare   

Thus admirable was he held,  
Well wee may eke suppose  
He won his arms, as Christes friend  
Ageanst unchristened foes.    

S. Gueherries  
25. 
C. B.   

IN Purple shield bordered about,  
With little rondles read  
Spled eagle gold with silver feet  
he bare emblazoned:   

Of valiant courage prompt he was  
For to atcomplish tho,  
All Noble feats of arms, and gain  
dew famed that longd thereto.    

Aggrauain le Orguelleux  
26. 
W. M.   

IN Purple shield, spled eagle gold  
With Members read bare he  
overthwart the breast a bar of green,  
As one that seemed to bee   

Of nature like unto his name  
Both fierce and promptly prest  
With Martiall might still to surmount,  
For famed and do his best.    

Dodynel le savage  
27. 
W. D.   

IN silver shield eagle Azure  
he bare with Golden feet  
Full Noble. mighty, valiant,  
And therfore one most meet   

For constancy and courage great  
enregistered to bee  
Amongst them of the Table round,  
renowned by valyancy.    

Osement Coeur hardy  
28. 
I. E.   

A shield yquartered silver, and read  
he bare in deeds the same,  
Of valiant and coragius hart  
as he was called by name,   

Whose virtues meet to bee advanced  
Dame Honour hath assigned,  
After his death by famed to live,  
And to bee born in mind.    

Mador de la Port  
29. 
N. G.   

IN Sable shield seven apple so  
of silver coloured read  
This Knight did bear, whose nature well  
to his arms answered.   

Dulce and debonair, in virtue  
One which was fruitful found:  
And therefore meet amongst the rest  
To adorn the Table round.    

Dynadem d'Estrangore  
30. 
T. C.   

IN silver shield, a lion Black  
With green all arme● he  
Did bear one of the Table round  
Which eke in his Degree   

endeavoured with his Comperes  
The state therof t'advance  
Not letting for any labour Toylle,  
nor any one mi●chance.    

Eglantine Rochemont  
31. 
T. B.   

IN silver shield the Ragged Staff  
All read did bear this Knight,  
One of the Table round he was,  
which shewed his force and might   

Strong and steadfast put in trust,  
By try all firm and sure.  
A staff of stay in all as●ay.  
With honour to endure.    

Guallogrenant de windesor.  
32. 
R. B.   

IN shield all read Two Gemmels Gold  
And Sable this Knight bare  
Coragius eke and conquerous  
He was reputed rare:   

Not shrinking to show forth his force  
And puysance alway prest  
Aduenterusly and valiantly,  
For famed to do his best.    

Sir Brandelys  
33. 
T. C.   

IN a read shield 3. sword silver  
Handles and pommells Azure  
Thintitulation of his arms  
hear signify for sure   

That he was active, warlike and  
Could weelde his weapons well  
To advance Dame honours dew renown  
Her frowarde foes and qwell.    

Sir Leonard le hardy  
34. 
W. B.   

IN silver Shield Three Lozenges  
Of silver and Sable  
he bare and was a worthy Knight  
about the Round Table,   

whom though both God and Nature made  
Deformd of parsonage:  
Yet by his doughty deeds he was  
Most famous in that age.    

Bruyant des Isles.  
35. 
T. B.   

IN Sable shield a Ronning Dog  
Of silver armee read  
This Knight did bear, of noble race  
For he was descended:   

loving all honour and prowess,  
Dispaching eke with speed  
By course and recourse to and fro,  
What so he had decreed.    

Henry le Ioyeux  
36. 
H. S.   

IN silver Shield Three Crosses fixed  
Of Sable all bear he,  
And not without cause had he name  
As joyful one to bee:   

For pleasantly and courteously  
he could himself demene:  
And in his Matters quiter himself  
Full manly this is plain.    

Meliadus deal Espinoy  
37. 
I. B.   

IN Golden shield Three Crosses read  
Called Florones did he bear,  
And was surnamed deal Espinoy  
By difference to appear   

From King Melyadus in race:  
His arms full Noble tho,  
And of great approbation were  
In Christian faith also.    

Meliadus le Noir oeil  
38. 
I. R.   

IN silver shield 3. Cheurons all  
Of Sable, bare this Knight.  
Who in each warlike enterprise  
Did show his force and might:   

Though he Meliadus so was  
surnamed with the black eye,  
His virtues clear and sinceare yet  
Were famous far and nigh.    

Surados des sept fountains  
39. 
I. W.   

IN shield half gold, half Azure eke  
With silver drops beset  
This Knight did bear, as one which was  
in estimation great:   

surnamed Knight of fountains seven,  
By reason in each place  
Betweeue those fountains several  
He ran his Martiall race.    

Lucan le Bouteiller  
40. 
I. M.   

IN Golden shield A Wolf passant  
read, armêe eke Sable,  
This Knight the Butler called did bear,  
One of the round Table:   

fierce and greedy of his pray  
whom that he did pur●ew,  
And prompt again with prowess where  
And whom he would rescue.    

Persides le Gent  
41. 
W. C.   

IN silver shield, with Gonstones set  
Of Azure, bare this Knight,  
Though he surnamed Ientle was  
Yet, there no martiall might   

Or warlike force did want in him,  
To abandon furious foo,  
With shot of gone to shake or rend  
Their force and overthrow.    

tuscan le roman  
42. 
T. P.   

IN Golden shield a Hand Sable  
Holding a sword All read  
This valiant roman Knight did bear,  
Is Rightly reputed.   

Of hart and courage Conquerus,  
Ready for friend and foes  
Both to defend, and to destroy,  
His shaking sword he shows.    

godfrey le Lacois  
43. 
I. P.   

IN shield All read a tower of gold  
Masonned with Sable.  
This Knight did bear and worthily well  
Was of the round Table:   

I fortress of fidelity,  
And tower of trust was he,  
To save his friends, withstand his foes,  
And purchase dignity.    

Thor le Filz de Arez  
44. 
I. W.   

A Golden shield, most seemly set  
With Sable trosses short  
This knight did bear, at which his arms  
might truly well import,   

That he was valiantly inclined  
To seats of arms, no less  
Studing honour to augment,  
His ●ame and to increase.    

Perceual de galls  
45. 
W. A.   

A Purple shield with Crossets Gold  
Beset this Knight did bear,  
As he in void allotted place  
Of the round Table there,   

Which sat him down in seat ordained  
As for A Bachellour:  
Of whom a book compild there is  
With famed and due Honour.    

Sadoc de Vencon  
46. 
I. N.   

A Shield, wherein a Sea was set  
Of silver and Sable  
This Knight did bear, which signified  
A mystery admirable.   

Some great and profound prowess sure  
there seemed in him to bee,  
With ebbs and floods of prosperus state  
And of adversity.    

Gringalois le Fort  
47. 
W. R.   

IN Sable shield, an unicorn  
All silver, bare this Knight  
beloved for his virtues ra●e,  
And for his Martiall might.   

Strong, valiant, and victorius  
against his noisome foo  
Comforting and rescewyng friends,  
Which were distressed also.    

Malaquin le Galoys  
48. 
W. T.   

IN silver shield, A silver Cup  
ycouered this Knight bare  
Which with those of the Table round  
For virtue might compare.   

Ne could they want his Company,  
Nor Prince his prowess miss,  
In all those conquests, deeds of arms,  
And other seats of his.    

Talemor le Volant  
49. 
I. R.   

IN a green Shield, A silver dove  
Membres read this Knight  
Did bear, so swift in valiant race  
As dove was in her flight,   

Embracing honour with both wings  
devoid of Enuyes gull,  
advancing vertewe, love and famed  
Surmounting therewithal.    

Arain du Pin  
50. 
H. B.   

A green shield with 3 Pyneaples  
All gold this Knight did bear  
Why he so called was,( The cause  
Not small) may well appear.   

First for his lofty of spring, next  
For honour, virtues hire,  
Thirdly for famed most flourishing,  
Whereto he did aspyer.    

Messire Palamides  
51. 
A. W.   

A shield of silver and Sable  
Ychequered hare this Knight,  
Is what he was, and whence he came  
By name that so he hight:   

It seems he was by valyancy  
An Imitator true,  
Of that Noble Palamydes  
From Troy, which did issue.    

Sir Hebis  
52. 
W. B.   

IN shield, two parts Sable with  
Two bars thereon Argent  
The third part Azure with demi pale  
Yeallow and Blew content.   

About the Table round although  
One of the last he bee,  
Yet for his service just and true  
Not least was his degree.    

S. Lamwell of Cardyff  
53. 
E. P.   

A shield read, where( a Lady fair  
In Mantell clothed green,  
On silver palfrey mounted is,  
As though shee were some queen)   

This Knight did bear: as one which did  
By service dew attend,  
Or else in some distressed case  
His Lady dear descend.    

S. Phetipace of Winchelsey  
54. 
T. C.   

A shield sour partyed Gold and Blew  
A pale Argent downright,  
With 3. read Crosses overthwart.  
A bar of Sable pight   

This Knight did bear: betokning well  
nobleness and renown:  
Which lives aloft by lasting famed,  
Though Death and Dolour frown.    

S. plain de force  
55. 
P. D.   

IN Golden shield a Fesse all read  
With an arm armèe Argent  
Holding a silver column broken  
he bare, whereby is ment   

To his surname, as full of force  
His nature right did gree,  
Wrestling with one which was most strong,  
By strength got victory.    

S. Bodovier of Winchelsey  
56.  

A shield half Argent with a Fesse,  
A triangle, therein eke read.  
With three mullets Azure, tother half Gules  
A silver arm holding a Sword armed,   

The handle of Gold, this Knight did bear:  
As one which was of high estate,  
Idding thereto such valiant acts,  
Which dubbed him Knight twice fortunate.    

S. Degraine sans Mal  
57. 
I. P.   

A shield, the first part read, an arm  
silver armed, with Ring of Gold,  
The second part vert and Azure, the third  
Gold & Azure, the 4 part Gules doth hold.   

he bare these, as by valiant force,  
Reaping Reward for verte was rare,  
Detesting all 'vice( thus reuyded famed)  
May him with most worthiest knights compare.    

S. Pryamus  
58. 
T. H.   

IN Sable shield Three Gryffons gold  
Passant Carbonckled with eke gold  
This comely Knight condignly bare  
For his demerits manifold,   

As whether he were S. Pryam of Troy  
Or else from whence he haue his name,  
Great was his force, his foes to annoy,  
Defending his friends from harm & blame.   
Here end the Knights names and their Commendations.  


retain the Good, refrain the ill.  
Repute not amiss of my Goodwill.   {quod}. Richard. R.    

A brief Repetition of the Table round.  
IN so much as wee haue spoken of the Noble knights of the Round Table, which were in the time of the most Magnificient King Arthure of Great britain, and that wee haue in brief and roundly explained the devise of every their escutcheon and plain armouries: It is good as me seemeth and of great congruity to declare also some what, of thestate and institution of that Round Table. Because peradventure many which haue seen those armouries, may yet bee ignorant what thing that Round Table was. I say therfore that the round Table was one ordinance and institution which King Arthure of great britain made and ordained,( as I haue laid): And it was on this maner made to defend the iceland of Malogres within the said kingdom of Great britain. By this ordinance ought & were bound to come & assist him once in the year at the feast of Whytsontyde all travailing Knights, and there to enranck themselves at the said table, and were set down in great honour and reverence, feasting in the presence and company of the said King Arthure. And moreover, every Knight of this order was bound to rehearse and recon up all his feats of arms, valiant acts and conquests which they had exploited, by the labour and travail of their bodies for the honour of Nobility, and estate of Knighthood and as well for the honour of their ladies as for other purposes tending unto al honour and glory: In such sort that they all, and every of thē so aspired to that estate, that they mightily amplified the said Round Table, whereby the number of them was very great. Like as one may see by their armouries and Escucheons, which haue been assembled together, and so blazoned: to th' end that they which saw and beheld them might take good Example thereat, and better understand the condition of the Arte of war: And so know what the estate of Nobility and Knighthood were for the augmentation of vertewe and attainment of Glory and praise. Whereby many young Princes and lords might come to more great perfection in following the feats and deeds of them which were also numbered and name The Knights of the round Table, or trauelings Knights. And it was no marvel made amongst them if such personages( as exploited every excellent deed of arms and matters of prowess) were be loved: Because Honour and Glory are the rewards of virtue, as saith the Philosopher. And for so muchas( every one seeing himself to bee beloved and reverenced) that same vertewe which in him is loved or embraced of others, increaseth & is augmented more and more I speak thus much for the Imitation of those which are vertewous. and for the nature of the Imitation of virtue itself. ye haue here seen in open appearance therfore thescutcheons, devises & armouries of the noble & valiant Knights of the Round Table, which you may behold & consider of to the same effect and end.  Psalm. 145. Vers. 11. & 12. 
Gods Sainctes do bless him, and they do His kingdoms Glory show,  
And blaze his power to cause the sons of men the same to know.  Psalm. 149. Vers .. 2. 
Let Israell rejoice in him, that made him of no thing,  
And let the seed of zion eke bee joyful in their King.   


THE FIRST ASSERTION and is Sacred historical.  
GOD the Author of Peace and love did so therein delight,  
That of one Man he Members twain did make & them vnyte:  
To whom when Children twain he gave, 
Genes. 2. & 3  the more to multiply  
This Peace and love, satan possessed one of them by and by.  
Cayn it was who did malign His Brother Habell so,  
That he ne ceased by cruel Death this bond to break in to:  
Wherefore when he had issue left, the lord of love decréede,  
That Cayns hatred should be rewed for that his filthy deed. 
Chap. 4.   
As learned Lyra writes thereon how Lamech old and blind: 
●G. Alleij. 〈◇〉.   
With Bow and shafts did walk the woods, some wished pray to find.  
His Boy that led him through the same( as seemed him) espyde  
Some beast, which nathles Cayn was, where he himself did hide,  
So that ( saith Lyra, 
Genes 5 ) Lamech slay a man there in his wound:  
Lo hear was harmless Abels death with his revenged found.  
If Lyra thus we may beleeue, Lo here the bow and shaft,  
Ordained Gods weapon of reuenge on Murders cruel craft  
Lo here the bow and arrow, was first chosen instrument,  
As guerdon due for wicked deed by Goddes most just iudgement.  
A Figure of Goddes Peace and love the rain bow yet was set, 
Chap. 9.   
As covenant twixt him and the earth that he no more would let  
The furious floods consume the land, which fruitful afterward  
he made for humane use to serve his chosen and safeguard.  
ishmael in the wilderness an infant crying lay, 
Genes. 23.   
Gods angel heard the same, and did unto his Mother say,  
Hagar see thou be of good cheer, thy child up forthwith take,  
And cherish it for God will sure a People great him make.  
So this Child grew, and it is said an Archer he became  
And afterward in the wilderness did dwell, called Paran.  
Isaac waring old did bid Esaw his eldest son, 
〈◇〉. 27.   
His bow and quyuer for to take into the féeldes and ronne,  
To kill some venison, which he did, but yet in the mean while,  
Jacob the younger brother could full kindly him beguile:  
Whereby we see whom God doth love, unlikely though they seem,  
Are soonest blessed, when worldlings of their will are frustrate clean.  
joseph the son of jacob so found favour with his God, 
Genes. 49.   
That He was reckoned as a branch which should increase abroad:  
Of him t'is said, His Bow bided fast, his arms eke strengthened were,  
even by the hands of Iacobs God as did full well appear.  
reuben, Gad, and half Manasse Tribes three elected, in field  
With manly might did shoot in Bow, and carry sword and shield: 
Leuit. 1.   
What time with Hagarites Iethur, Nephis, and Noab they  
Fought valiantly, 
1, Paral. 5.  the Lord did them assist in all assay.  
josuah discomfiting five Kings, 
josuah. 10. ( though Tribes that did him aid,  
As there to handle bows and shafts are not expressly said)  
Yet there a book is mentioned, 
Vers 13.  even Iashar so by name. 
Or Liber   
Not now in use( which some affirm) showed shootings ancient famed.  
And sure the Lord Iehoua himself doth mean thereby his power, 
Deu. ● 32.   
When threatening wise the wicked ones he brings thus in terror,  
His arrows on them he will sand( he meaneth in angry mood:) 
Vers. 33.   
And eke His Bow that he will bend, 
Vers. 42.  And die his shafts in blood:  
These shafts of his so sharp no ston can cause them to rebound,  
But through the threefold armed coat they pierce with mortal wound.  
Balaam in his prophecy of Israels happy state, 
Nume 24.   
Saith, that his force the unicorn in strength should coequate. 
Vers. 42.   
The Nations, he should eat also, and broose his enemies bones:  
Yea, He should shoot his arrows through those great & mighty ones.  
Debora she even Baracks wife who judged Israell, 
Iudges. 5, ●●.   
In that her song for victory, which God gave her, doth tell,  
How God delivered jabin King of Canaan to her hand,  
Whose Archers noise was so appeast each were throughont her Land.  
That where none erst could water draw, now all devoid of fear,  
Might haue enough sith those their foes so happily vanquished were.  
Whereby we note, although the wicked such defences haue,  
Yet for because in use of them Gods goodness they deprave,  
And arrogate unto themselves, all glory, hope, and praise,  
Therefore their good things turn to evil sometime, if not always.  
Hanna the wife of Elcana when shée did pray so joyed, 
1. Samuel 2.   
The Bow with mighty men was broken to her rebuk employed:  
And waykeilngs girded forth themselves with strength ( she said) like men  
As who say God makes simplo souls do great things now and then.  
jonathas, the son of Saule king Dauids mortal foe,  
Was Dauids faithful friend, when he this watchword gave him to,  
That he should three dayes hide him by the ston Ezel by name, 
1. Samuel 10. Cap.   
Duriug the time of Saule his wrath and furious raging flamme.  
Then jonathas said he would shoot three arrows at that ston,  
As at a mark, and after he would make a Boy to rome,  
And seek the shafts, when if I say unto the Boy once, ( See,)  
The arrows are on this side thee, bring them and come, saith he,  
The matter then goeth well for thee, no hurt as liveth the lord:  
But if I say unto the Boy, ( Behold:) by this watchworde,  
The arrows are beyond thee, then, make hast and get thee away,  
For God hath so dismissed thee, This jonathas could say.  
Saule and jonathas his son, 
1 Samuel. 31. Cap.  with his two Brethren mo,  
When the Philistyans fought with them, felt God his judgements so  
By the Archers and Bowemen of th' vncircumcysed there,  
Saule wounded was, but his three sons outright dispatched were.  
david then before he was of Iuda annoynted King.  
over Saule and jonathas moarned, thus lamenting,  
The Bow saith he of jonathas turned never back in vain,  
Neither Saules Sword once empty went from the blood of the slain:  
see there the mind of Goddes elect, in doing good for ill,  
see pity showed for cruelty, for mallys eke goodwill.  
david enduring yet long warres even with that house of Saule, 
2 Samuel. 1. Cap.   
By Goddes goodwill exalted was, when his foes had the fall,  
And prospered so that he was King over all Israell:  
he conquered jerusalem and Iebusytes so fell,  
Who did deny him to come there, when yet victoriously,  
he wan the Castle of zion, which he called his city,  
When he made joab general, 
1. crown. 11.  which jebusites first smote,  
With whom were mighty Men of arms even many a one to note:  
When one or other of twelve tribes came to him day by day, 
1. crown. 21.   
until he had a full great host, Like the host of God to say:  
Who doth consider well all this most amply may behold,  
Gods favour towards david thief and mercies manifold.  
So as he again A man was found even after Goddes own hart, 
Psalm. 89 D Luthers words.   
Yea a King to whom both faith and promise God did sure impart:  
Whose Psalmody his sacred zeal to God wards did declare,  
Whose Regiment did show for his a Princely prudent care,  
As when he first enacted that each child within his land, 
2. Sam.   
Should be instructed for to shoot, their Enemies to withstand. 
1. Chap. vers 18.   
In peace time provident for warres( he said): He was at peace, 
Psalm. 119.   
With them that hated pieces: In warres, he did at no time cease,  
To serve his God, that he would grant assured state and stay,  
As at a mark that he might aim to walk each godly way. 
Idem. ve. 15.   
For why, he had experience good, whom God doth so elect,  
Ought not to fear what ever fall, his duty to neglect:  
But trusteth, 
Psa. 7. ver 14.  God hath mortal Darts, yea arrows keen and sharp,  
For them that him do persecute, whiles they do mischief warp:  
And though the wicked bend their bows, 
Psal. 11. ve. 2.  & make their arrows prest  
To shoot in secret, and to hurt the sound, and harmless breast:  
Yet God his fiery Thunderboultes can cast them hear and there, 
Psalm. 18. vers. 13.   
And with his fiery lightning shafts can foil his foes with fear:  
And as a mark he will them set, in a most open place, 
Psal. 21 vers. 12.   
And charge his bow-strings readily against his Enemies face.  
Gods arrows sharp and keen which are, 
Psalm. 45.  their harts so sore shal sting,  
That folk shall and kneel to him, 
Vers. 6.  as to the mightiest King:  
In zion broke he shaft and bow, 
Psal. 76.  the sword, the spear and shield,  
And broke the Ray, 
Vers. 3.  to overthrow the battle in the field:  
So that his Children shall not fear, 
Psal. 91. vers. 5.  nor yet become afflight,  
For all the shafts that fly by day, nor terror in the night.  
Yet for an ordenary mean King david doth advance,  
The bow and shaft, as mans defence, and for his foes noyance:  
extoling eke the exercise by that same troupe or train,  
Of Shooters, which in peace or warres Gods glory do maintain.  
As when 〈◇〉 Children come to age ( saith he) and actyuenes,  
Oh well is he whose quyuer with such shafts the Lord doth bless: 
Psalm. 127. vers. 4. & 5.   
Whether Prince so peopled be, or Parent Children such,  
And so many be blessed with all, they need not fear the gruch,  
Or grievous force of Enemy, 
Rom 8.  If God be on their side:  
In which respect the prayer of david may be applyde,  
When for Gods safe deliverance from each such Enemy, 
Psalm. 147.   
( Thine arrows shoot and them consume) unto the lord prayth he. 
Vers. 6.   
Then seeth he, God taking his parte, it nought his foes shall boot,  
For, 
Psalm 58. vers. 7.  They no hurt at all shall do, when they their shafts shall shoot:  
So david and his Princes all after his warres, offered,  
Towards the building of Gods house▪ and thankes to him rendered,  
And when he had reigned .xl. years just over Israell, 
1. crown. 29.   
In his own city he slept and lay, which zion was to tell.  
Whose son that wise King Salomon succeeded in his throne, 
1. Reg. 2.   
A Prince of peace and glory such, as like was never a one:  
Him all the foresaid Potentates, in each thing meet obaide.  
His charets .xiiij C. tho, and Horsemen, it is said,  
twelve M. were which he nothing so much had care upon, 
2. crown. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.   
As for to build the Temple, and to pray in Gibeon,  
To keep the Arck yield peace offerings, and still advance Gods word,  
With instruments of music sweet lauding the living lord:  
The race of whose reign .xl. yeares then being consummate, 
2. crown.   
In the City of david eke he slept intumulate.  
Asa King of Iuda did destroy all idols there,  
Commanding his, the living God truly to serve and fear:  
Ere he with the Aethiopian King and his huge host would fight, 
2. crown. 14   
He prayed unto Iehoue, and he did hear his prayer streight:  
Of the tribe of Beniamyn, which bare both Bow and shield,  
A valiant host he had which got the victory in that field.  
jehosophat of Iuda King, 
3. Cro 17.  his fathers room possessed,  
Who prospered trusting in his God, and was with riches blessed,  
He took of Strangers tribute, and had of Beniamyns tribe  
200000 warlike wights with bow and shield to bide.  
Ahab, King of Israell, in following the aduise,  
Of those 400 Prophets did but fond enterprise, 
●. Crou. 18.   
At Ramoth there in Gilead geanst the King of Aram,  
To fight regarding not Michah, even then a certain Man  
drew a bow and smote Ahab between his joints and eke  
The Brigandyne, that so he dyed to late for help to seek.  
Vzzia chosen to be King of Iuda did obey  
The lord Iehoue, 
●. Cro. 26.  and on a time did give a bold assay,  
To war against the Phylistens, with bows and arrows fell,  
And God in each his enterprise did prosper him full well.  
Iosyas King of Iuda, was a Prince of godly mind,  
The temple he restored, and his prayer heard did finde,  
When he a covenant made with God. 
●. Cro. 35  But when vniusty he  
Genst the egyptian King would fight neglecting jeremy,  
And that same King which did dehorte him from that wilful fight  
The Archers shot and wounded him unto the death there streight.  
jehu annoynted of the lord, 
2 King. 9.  took bow and arrows keen,  
And strongly smote jehoram tho, his armed arms between  
The arrow pierced even through his hart, God would it so to be,  
The whoredoms of their Iesabell, and wich-crafts plagued he.  
Elysha said unto joas, 
4. King 13.  then king of Israell  
Open a window Eastward and, shoot as I shall thee tell:  
The Arrow of health that it may bee, The a-row of the Lords health,  
Against all Syria to subvert them and their common wealth.  
job, 
job. 16.  when the Lord afflicted him, by Metaphor did mone  
The lord hath set me as a mark ( saith he) for him alone,  
And that his Arches hemd him in, and compassed him round,  
They spared me no whit ( saith he) but sore my loins did wound:  
When eke Gods judgements in his wrath vpon the ungodly,  
he proves doth light to their deserts, he saith, though they do fly  
The Iron weapons warlike yet, 
job. 20.  with the steel bow they shall  
Bee shot, and on them shafts most sharp by lots must light and fall:  
But nombring up Goddes benefits on him then multiplide. 
job 29.   
His bow, with honour stronger did in his own hand abide.  
Esay, 
Esay. 5.  the Prophet of the lord, when he did prophesy  
Of Ierusalems Kuine, and of her captivity,  
Pronounced unto her Goddes wrath, in these words verament,  
That all Goddes arrows sharp should bee, and all his bows eke bent.  
foretelling how jerusalem for sin, 
Chap. 7.  besieged should be  
With arrows and with bows shall one against her come, saith he.  
Ere that the Medes and Persians should Babylon destroy: 
Chap. 13.   
With bows ( saith he) they shall assail thy Children to annoy.  
Of Idumeas ruin and, of all Arabyas too:  
He verifiyng said, 
Chap. 22.  they fled from drawn sword and bent bow,  
And that the residue which were even their own Archers strong,  
Of Kedars sons a few or none should them befound among.  
The same Esay reporteth eke, when Hezekiah King  
Of Iuda heard the blasphemy of Rabsechas railing. 
Chap. 37.   
Sent from Senacherib, he asked counsel of Esay.  
Who promisd him the victory, and that without delay.  
But as for the Assyrian king, he never enter shall  
This city, nor once shoot a shaft ( saith he) to worck her thrall.  
This Prophet tellls when as the Lord would choose his people so, 
Chap. 41.   
Subdewing kings he gave them as The dust his sword unto.  
And scattered them unto his bow as stubble, signifiying.  
No power can scape his mighty hand, him to resist applying.  
He justifieth in the person of ( Christ) the faithful to assure,  
That God his secret favour, and his fervent love should dure,  
towards them. under the shadow of his hand, he hath hid me,  
And in his quyuer a chosen shaft he me hath hydd, 
Chap 49.  saith he,  
Lastly, I red that Esay saith, God will his Church enlarge,  
By the Apostles, 
Chap. 66.  Ministers, and his Disciples charge:  
In Affrica, Cilicia, in Parthia, and Italy.  
To them ( he saith) that draw the Bow, not knowing his glory,  
Nor haue not heard his famed as yet, ne yet his glory seen,  
To those same Gentiles preach he will, that they may him esteem,  
jeremy, 
Chap. 50.  in prophesying of Babylon that whore,  
Her wickedness and idols ( saith) God will them plague full sore,  
And that of mighty Nations, he, a multitude will bring,  
Out of the North( in battle array,) themselves enarmouring:  
Their arrows shall be as of one that is most strong certain: 
Vers 9.   
And expert too, for none of them shall once return in vain:  
He shows, the lord commands, they shall Put themselves in array,  
Geanst babel round about, 
Vers. 14.  all ye( that bend the bow) I say.  
shoot at her ( saith he) spare no shafts, for she against the lord  
Hath sinned, so that he the same hath grievously abhorde.  
The voice of them that flee and scape from out of Babylon  
Shall be, 
Vers 28.  To show( Goddes vengeance great over her) unto zion.  
Call up the Archers geanst babel, all ye that bend the bow,  
Besige her round about, let none escape, not hye nor low.  
reward her after her own works, for she hath sinned. Thus  
Saith jeremy, shall she be served for sins flagitius.  
Yea, more he adds that: Many Kings from th'earth shall raised be  
Against her, 
Vers. 41.  they shall hold the Bow and Buckler, eke saith he:  
But drawing nearer to her end ( To him that bends the bow, 
Chap. 51.   
And him that lifts up brygandyne, 
Vers. ●.  by these words he doth show,  
The Lord will say, spare not her young men, but slay all her host,  
Make bright the arrows, 
Vers. 10.  gather the shields, as if ye spare no cost:  
The Lord hath raised up the spirit in the King of the Medes:  
His purpose is geanst babel, to destroy her feet and heads.  
And afterward, he veryfieth: 
Chap. 5●.  The strong men of babel  
Are taken, 
Vers. 5●.  and their bows are broken: God grant it hap so well:  
But in his Lamentacions yet, 
Lamentat.  this Prophet doth avow,  
God bent his bow, 
Chap. 11.  and made him as a mark for the arrow:  
The arrow of his quyuer he caused to enter into my rains. 
vers. 12. &. 13   
This speech doth show the Prophets grief, for his friends grief & pains,  
Ezechiel much alike foreshoweth of Gog and Magogs fall, 
Ezech.   
Which fought against Gods People sore, 
Chap. 39.  and that with power not small  
Wherefore, the Lord of hosts by him doth fiercely thus inuay  
Gogs Bow out of his left hand, he will smite and dasshe away.  
And out of his right hand will cause the shafts to fall down flat.  
A fire on Magog will he sand, so as forthwith on that,  
They which inhabit cities do, throughout all Israell  
Shall go forth and set fiery flamme upon his weapons fell,  
upon his shields and Bucklers, and vpon each shaft and bow,  
Yea vpon their staues even in their hands, to burn them on a row,  
For seven yeares space: Thus saith the lord, at my table ye shall  
With Horses, Charyots and valiant men of war be filled withall,  
So that the lord himself doth say, by this Prophet Ezechiel,  
jacob I will redeem and show mercy on Israell:  
Oseas the Prophet well concludes then this said prophesy, 
Ose. 1.   
With bow nor sword God his will save, but with his more mercy.  
Zacharias zealus in the lord confirms a truth twofold, 
Zacha. 9.   
threatening Gentiles destruction, 
Vers. 10.  which are so wilful bold,  
To war against the lords Iuda, he telleth them therfore  
The Bow of their battle shalbe broken, and God will then restore  
Peace to the heathen folk on earth, which had vnquyet rest.  
And so where warres did work much woe, Gods peace shal make them blessed  
But when he speaks of Iudaes bliss, 
Vers. 11.  enlarged, he doth show,  
That God his chosen Iuda hath bent out even as a bow.  
In raising up of Syons sons, O Grecia, then saith he:  
behold even as a giants sword, 
Nehem.  so strong I haue made thee.  
Nehemyas chosen of the lord Ierusalems wall to build,  
By Sanballat, 
Chap. 4.  Tobyas, and the Arabians then withhyld  
Was hindered much, 
vers. 16.  yet with th'one half of Iudaes young men there,  
And with th'other half, which held, the Bow, the shield and spear,  
With manly courage reared, it was the wall and prosperous stood,  
The Rulers saw the same with ioy maugre th'enemies mood.  
Fsdras prophesying( against Asia and babylon, 
Fsdras,   
egypt, 
Chap. 9.  Syria, and of each grievous affliction,  
Which upon all the world shal comme by Goddes decreed iudgement  
Saith, Strong is his right hand by whom his Bow shall so bee bent,  
His arrows which he shoots, are sharp and shall not miss, he says,  
When they begin for to bee shot into the latter dayes.  
judith a worthy widow was, and handmaid of the lord  
Which prayed to God in her distress, 
judith. 12.  and walked in his word  
What time that Tyrant proud assailde Nabuchadnezer he  
With Olophernes his Chéeftaine, and all their huge army  
To come against Gods Israell, Tuelue thousand Archers stout,  
And sixscore thousand others mo of that his Rakehell rout,  
behold God heard this woman weike, when she for hers so praide:  
Thy power Oh God in multitude consisteth not, she said,  
Nor thy might in strong men remaines: But thou the hope onely,  
Of humble minds deffendst wayklyngs and which forsaken bee,  
Those thou protectst. Her prayer so did please the living lord  
As by his might this woman weyke conld use the pearsing sword  
That shée cut of the Captaines head, so mighty in mischief,  
His members quayld, Gods will preuaild, and hers found ioy for gréef.  
Iudas Machabeus, he, the first which bare that name,  
One of the Worthies nine so called deserves immortal famed  
For valiantly encountering with Demetrius and his host, 
●. Mac. 9.   
Whose Archers marching in forward, for all their heathenish boast.  
Iudas in the lords quarrel, yet his Brethren did comfort,  
Though there he lost his life in field the same for to support,  
John the divine Reuailes to all those that true Christians be, 
●euel. 6.   
firm consolation in distress by christ our lord saith he,  
behold a white Horse, and he which upon the same doth sit,  
A bow had ready drawn in hand: A crown and given him fit,  
And he should go forth conquering, and overcome each where,  
This christ our King doth signify, which such a rule shall bear,  
Through out the world, that he shall shoot the shafts of his gospel,  
To save for ever his elect, conquering sin, death and hell.   

THE SECOND ASSERTION and is profane historical.  
PASS on my pen from Pristine soil of sacred Parnasse mount,  
And range the rural profane féeldes to show of what account.  
The Bow and Shaft haue been to fore in learned Writers dayes:  
Let Claudianus first infer thereof his friendly praise:  
he saith that Nature first of all the use of Shooting gave,  
In the Porpentyne, that beast, who seems sharp pricks to haue,  
Which strongly smite what so they hit: whereby some learned men  
In finding this did imitate with bows and shafts as then.  
Pliny refers to Scythes, this, the son of jupiter.  
Plato, Chalimachus and Galen more Noble writers ferr  
affirm Apollo, pattern chief and patron first to be,  
Of Shooting in the Aethnickes dayes: as they in one agree.  
So ovid iumpes with their accord, 
Lib. 1.  when lo in that his fable,  
he tells how th'earth brought Python forth a serpent admirable  
What time the Delyan God which never used before that drift, 
Metamor,   
Th'art of Shooting, but at dear and Roes which ronne so swift:  
A thousand shafts did spend upon that ugly monster there,  
And none of them but forced the blood to issue out of her.  
So that his quyuer almost void, he nailed her to the ground,  
And did her nobly at the last by shooting sharp confound:  
wherefore that he more famous might make this his enterprise,  
A great and solemn game he did thencforth himself devise  
Which of the Serpent slain the name of Pythians sports did bear,  
Who for mastery in feats of force should oaken garland wear.  
moreover, 
Lib. eodem.  ovid doth declare Apollo, after that  
With Gupid( for his Archery) the god of love did chat:  
And seemed to chide him as a child with martiall might to mell  
Thy bow and shafts more meet( saith he) are with me for to dwell,  
But Cupid thought this uncouth speech, and to contend with him  
Did nothing bash( at beast saith he) I grant that bow of thine  
Thou freely use: And so at thee his shafts shall spend my bow,  
And look how much inferior is each beast to God, so know  
And hold for truth, that even so much thy glory less shall be  
In shootings noble exercise, then mine is in degree:  
Apollo afterwards approved these Cupides words most true  
When he was wounded with his shaft as sequel did ensue  
When he, which God of phisicks arte and surgery was called,  
Could make no medicyn for reléef of himself so enthralde,  
In Daphnes love: who for because a Virgin shée would be,  
He proffering kisses sweet in vain, the Goddes then prayed shée,  
Th'earth might rather her devour all quick even as she was.  
Then yield unto Apolloes love: But see the altered case,  
Well saith this God, sith thou my love thus scornful dost abuse,  
Into my three thou changed shalt be, and thee Ile always use  
Thou shalt adorn my golden looks, and eke my pleasant harp.  
Thou shalt adorn my Quyuer full of arrows keen and sharp.  
The valiant Knights and Emperours thou shalt adorn also.  
Before the capitol eke stand, with triumphs stately show  
For conquerors and victors such, as valiant acts haue done,  
Before Augustus palace door, as brave as is the sun.  
This poet eke full cunningly in covert wise doth show,  
Examples virtues to embrace, and vices to eschew.  
As where he doth on feigned Goddes and Goddesses there treat,  
Sometimes he toucheth their reuenge, for crimes and vices great.  
Like, as when jove had company of the nymph Parhâsis,  
A Knight of Phoebus troupe, 
Lib. 2.  which bare, a bow sometime iwis,  
She drawing near a certain wood vnbending there her bow, 
Metamor.   
laid her quyuer under her head, and couched herself a low,  
soon jupiter spied her and, with her strove for some play,  
( In'haste her quyuer almost forgot) as then she fled away.  
whom when Dyana so descried, as she was following dear,  
By Iunoes iustice was transformd into an vggly bear.  
Phebus hearing that his love Coronis, 
Eodem.  on a time.  
The fairest nymph in Thessaly, with one Isthis had line.  
A Gentleman although he were, Phebus this brookt not well.  
But threw his garland from his head, his harp toth'ground eke fell.  
His colour changed his fury flamed, his bow and shafts he takes,  
To slay the Mother and the child, all mean and might he makes.  
Phebe or Diana she, 
Lib. 3.  the Goddesse of hunting game.  
To bath herself in crystal stream awearied once came, 
Metamor.   
And being( with her troupe of nymphs about her) in the deep.  
Her bow and quyuer did betake to one of them to keep,  
With that comes Cadmus nephew by, a huntsman even that way,  
whom wandringly( whiles to behold this Goddesse) he did stay,  
She cast an angry look on him, as though she would haue shot,  
A shaft at him, had her bow been bent, as she had it not.  
Yet Nathles water sprinkling she, his face, and head upon  
Apaire of old Hartes horns, his head had growing up anon,  
By which this metamorphose he, who was a Man of late,  

And Huntsman two, to beast is like, whom his own bounds did hate  
So that of them he chased was up hill and down the dale,  
Who after those his hounds before, did hallow loud and hale:  
With turn, and return, skip and skud, they follow him as their pray,  
Whose folly caused his fate so ill with final death that day.   

Salmasis Dianas nymph( but water fairy) went  
Oft times unto a certain pool, 
Lib. 4.  to hunt was her intent: 
Metamor.   
Yet she with love of Mercuries son surprisde, in pleasures past  
Her youthful yeares:( unknown to Phoebe) her sisters at the last  
Would oft persuade her painful life, which profit might procure,  
Her idle time in casting dart, or shooting to enure,  
But she neglecting their aduise a wanton still would be,  
And strive with him her lover so, until both he and she  
Were changed from their former shape, one monster made, and were  
An Hermaphrodite which both man and woman did appear.   

Alpheys( a river called) described her race of ancient love,  
Which would not leave her, 
Lib. 15.  till she cried unto Diana above,  
help Lady dear: for I thy true and trusty squire( saith she)  
Which haue thy Bow and arrows oft times carried after thee,  
Am now attached of Cupids Knight, preserve my Virgins state:  
Therewith the Goddesse being moved, a cloud did dissipate,  
And cover so her nymph therewith, that she in safety was.  
Her lover frustrate of his will, away from her did pass.   

Ceypheys lords within his Court a while at quiet were, 
Lib eodem Metamor.   
But when a sudden rumour they( I wot near what) did hear,  
Ceyphey affirmed himself to be no occasioner of the same,  
One Atis nimble with the dart, but which did better frame  
In handlyng bow and shaft, forthwith at Persey 'gan to bend,  
Whom Pallas shrouded with her shield, and did from harm defend.  
Then Persey took a fierbrand and dashed in Atis face,  
be baltering him about therewith that slain outright he was:  
Whose death Lycab of Assur Land reuengd with Atis bow,  
And with his shafts, that Persey then quiter dead he laid allow.  
Of discord and dissension here lo thus they rewed the end,  
With mischief they are ouermacht which mischief do pretend.  
And though the party which begins, when he hath mischief done  
Hath his partaker evil, yet God his wrath can no man shone:  
〈◇〉 what the guyltlesse want in power, the same perform God will,  
〈◇〉 take their quarrel as his own, the Killers for to kill.  
Phebus bright and Mayas son( saith ovid) both time when  
Came th'one from Delphos, and th'other from the mount Cyllen.  
Apollo Phebus yet so close could step to Chyon, where  
He pleasure took which was forspoke by Mercury his Compere  
Which Chyon in Appolloes ears dispraising Dame Dyane,  
herself unto him to prefer, it so to pass then came.  
Phebe offended therewithal, her venging Bow streight bent  
And shot her through the tongue as for her worthy punishment:  
Of ovid I omit here more, as touching tales to writ,  
And now to other writers pass of Archery which recite.   

Apollo, chiefest of Archers was by Poets doom enstalde  
whom they the Bearer of the Bow and mighty Shooter called,  
Whereupon Claudianus saith.  
Mars Clipeo melior, Phebus prestantior arcu: In English. vizt.  
Mars with the Buckler better was: But Apollo him with the Bow did pass.  
And Valerius Flaccus: saith.  
Arcupotens aduerte precor nunc denique Apollo.  
Apollo mighty Archer how? turn thee I pray thee to me now.  
Hyppochoon, Mnestion, and Eurytion all three  
Were Archers, which( as virgil saith) contendted valiantly,  
even for the garland all at ones, when pastimes funeral  
By AEnéas were celebrate for his Father natural, 
virgil.   
Namley Anchyses: when AEney forsaking Affrica,  
And sailing so through Italy, came into Silicia,  
Eke Coryney of Italy( saith virgil) shot full well,  
But Asyla the trojan did in shooting far excel.  
Acastus, he the Hunter was, an Archer tall and good,  
Who went with Meleager for to kill the Bore in wood.  
Which spoylde the country Caledon( of whom ovid pardy  
Saith) fierce Leucippus, and Acast with shafts so Noble he.  
Parys an Archer strong so was, that he did overthrow  
Achilles with one shaft onely and wounded him also. 
virgil. ovid in epistle.   
The same Paris is of himself so said to make good proof,  
His shaft was not more to be feared, then when she flew aloof.  
Lycota cunning Archer, 
ovid. lib. 12  was more cunningly cast down  
Mopsus of Crete for shootings skill of Silius hath renown  
Ilerdes such an Archer was whose shaft so surely aimed, 
〈…〉   
That birds hye hovering in the air, 
Sil. 1●.  he killed more then maimed,  
Ne was he onely warryer stout, but huntsman skilful so  
In every course that he could kill the hind, the buck or do.  
Alcon an Archer was of Crete, 
Vale Fl●c.  whose child a Dragon fell  
Perforce had caught away from him: 
Lib 1. Argo.  at which he did level,  
His shafts with such delivery sure, that he the Dragon slay,  
His child harmless and from that beast did manfully rescue.  
Enarus, 
saxon Gram maticus.  was an Archer so endued with strength and art,  
he bent his bow with such a force, nought could his shoot revert.  
Deucaleon, Hypereseus son, by Hypso the nymph was  
An Archer which in shooting far did others much surpass. 
Vale. Fl●c.   
AEthalides an Orator was, 
Lib. 1. Argo.  which for his eloquent tonque  
Men did believe of Mercury, 
Lib. 1 Arg.  he was the onely son,  
And that this Man in Archery had fortune joined with famed,  
Valerius Flaccus in his book doth verify the same.  
Catenos, 
Quint Cur. Lib. 6. de gest Alexander.  he a soldier did his shaft so surely level.  
That birds hye mounting in the sky he down starck dead could fel.  
Toco a certain soldier was an Archer of such skill,  
Although in cups his tongue could walk more void of wit thē will, 
saxon. gram.   
That he at banquets oft would boast an apple very small  
A far of held he fech of could even his first shaft withall.  
Aspares one inhabitant in Garamantia land, 
Pontanus.   
By fine delivering of his shafts, is praisde for eye and hand.  
Euritus, 
Idem.  King of Ochaly, and Father of Ioles,  
The art of shooting taught unto the valiant Hercules.   

Hercules, a Shooter such did show himself to be  
So strong in stroke, 
Pontanus  so sure sure in aim, so certain with the eye,  
he Centaur Nessus overthrew though from him far he stood:  
And of the hartes( as swift as wind) he bathde his shafts in blood,  
Besides these he the Harpyas( a ravenous bird by kind)  
Could cause to tumble out of the air, as feathers tost with wind.  
Comodus the Emperour, 
Herodia.  son of mark and Faustine, was  
So sure a Shooter counted, that when beasts aloof did pass, 
Lib. 1.   
Or swiftly ronne he never mist, but one or other sure,  
He slay with shaft, and none escapte nor could his 〈◇〉 〈◇〉  
But wat his eye once destned had if so he might yt see,  
The same was sure with Bow and shaft his pryzed pray to be.  
Domitian the Emperour he in shooting so excelled, 
●x. Aurel.   
That now and then a child which forth his fingers stretched held,  
He made his marcke twixt fingers twain aloof held up and wide:  
The child vnharmed was, and eke his shafts did surely glide.  
again two honderth beasts he did with arrows kill most sharp,  
Some of their heads two shafts had like the horns of a wild hart. 
Tranquil.   
Eight Contreyes, Geta, Scithia, and with them the Ithurians,  
The Parsij, Parthi, Sarmati, Cretii, Arimaspyans,  
And almost all the Countreyes of the world towards the east  
Were noted much in archery to haue their skill increased.  
And these by several Epithets had several properties,  
each one his own pertaining to this shootings exercise,  
The Poets term the Ithuryan bow: the Parthyans shafts they name:  
The Getian string, 
Sabellicus in Oraculo.  and Quyuers eke were attribute by famed  
unto them of Sarmatia, and so semblably ensued  
In all the other Contreyes their own properties renewed.  
And though in shooting each of these skilful and practised were,  
The Parthyans yet and Persians chief prick and praise did bear:  
So excellent Archers were they deemed, that as they ran the way,  
They shot behind them, that therwith their Enemies they could slay:  
And turning even from them they could so hurt them which pursewed,  
As if with wachfull eyes they had even face to face them viewed.  
Whereof Lucane the Poet thus mencyoneth. 
Lucanus.   
Ocyor & missa Parthi post terga sagitta: That is in English.  
More swifter then Parthyan shaft so quick: behind their back which is let slipis  
Cyaxares King of the Medes, 
Herodian in Clio.  which great Grandfather was  
To Cyrus, kept of Scythians,( which did with bow surpas)  
A sort of shooters for the nonce, even to instruct and teach  
His son Astyages, that arte most skilfully to reach.  
Cyrus a child, in this arte was so diligent educate,  
That Xenophon who writ the same, 
Xenophon in institut. Cyri.  would never haue nominate  
The use and profit greatly so with Princely state to grée,  
Had not nature experience and effect enforst to he,  
As Tully saith most congruent, not onely for to show  
What Cyrus did, but what a Prince by dewty ought to do,  
Both in pastimes for pleasure, and in serious matters when  
The same may profit Prince, himself and also other men.  
Darius King of Persia, the first that name which bare,  
did show how fit a thing it ought to be, 
Strabo.  and nothing race  
A PRINCE to practise Archery, 
Lib. 15.  as for the same pretence  
he left for worthy memory on his tomb this sentence.   

DARIVS the King lieth butted hear,  
Which in shooting & riding had never his pear.   

Theodosius the Emperour had commendations due, 
Themist. in Orat. 6.   
given him by Themistius his Philosopher true,  
For three things which he of a child did use especially,  
As Shooting, riding well on Horse, and feats of chivalry.  
Cyrus what time he conquered in manner all the world, 
Herodianus in Clio.   
Among his Persians made this Lawe, and left it sure enrould,  
Their Children should from five yeares age until the year twenty  
learn three things well, To ride, To shoot. Tell truth and never lie.  
lo the Noble Emperour did full Christianly ordain  
A Law, 
lo de Stratagem. 20.  each man in time of peace should shooting so mentaine:  
Till he were xl. yeares of age, and that each house private  
Should haue a bow and xl. shafts in order like and rate,  
Ready for each use of need: The omitting of which Lawe  
( Saith lo) among the youth, hath been th'effycient ouerthrawe  
Of roman glory erst so brave, with loss of a great deal  
Of th'empire self, and hindrance of our flourishing public veal.  
AEthiopians of the world the furthest Southward are,  
Whose excellency in shooting, 
Herodo. in Thalia.  that same history doth declare  
When to their King, Cambyses King of Persia once did send  
ambassadors with many gifts: Their subtle drift and end  
Th'ethiopian King discussed to prove them very spies,  
And blamed their King Cambyses for such unjust enterprise:  
But princely entertaining them, a Fowe he took( which bent  
And drawn by him vnbent again) unto their King he sent  
The same with greeting( and saith he) deliver it him from me,  
And say when any Persian can shoot in the same that he,  
Then set on AEthyopians, but in mean time let him yield  
Thankes unto God, that hath not given the Persians force in field  
To conquer other mens Contreyes. The bow when as it came  
Among them, none at all was found which once could stir the same:  
save onely Smerdis Brother to Cambyses who, the string  
Two fingers styrd, and further could not, for the which doing,  
Cambyses him so sore envy, as doth the story say,  
That his own Brother Smerdis he therfore outright did slay.  
Sesostris, 
Herodot. in Euterp.  the most mighty king that Ruled egypt land.  
overcame a great part of the world, and that by Archers band  
The Arabyans, Iewes, and Syrians he brought in subiection,  
And further into Scithia went, then elsse did any one:  
he over came eke Thracya till the coasts of Germany,  
In token where of every such obtained victory,  
Images he did erect after his own likeness  
In th'one hand Bow, in th'other shaft holding for to witness,  
What weapons in his conquest, he did use in those his dayes,  
Whereby he gained glory condign, and eke a lastingpraise.  
Teweer amongst the grecians for his shooting bare the bell  
Who( when Hector the Graecyans ships by fire thought to quell: 
Diod, Sic. )  
With his Bow drove them back again: Neither could noble Troy  
Haue been destroyed by Graecyans, if with shootings dire annoy  
Of Hercules shafts, it had not been assaulted as it was,  
Whereby the ruin of the same the sooner came to pass.    

THE third ASSERTION Englishe historical.  
RElinquishing those profane feats and fautors, now my pen  
approach theprowesse and the praise of native Elglishmen:  
From Brute the trojans time, who as he used shooting there  
When vnwares he his Father slay, in foreste hunting dear.  
After he had by that mischance his silvius dear bereft, 
Anno ante Christ. 1108   
arrived in this our Albyon then his native Troy so left.  
The britons his successors ruled this land, till Caesar he  
Conquered the same, not long before Christes nativity:  
The romans held the Brittaines in their rule and tribute long, 
The Romans continued. 483. yeares   
Agricola a Capteyn( sent the romans from among)  
With shot of arrows and of darts did gréeue the britons much  
They with huge swords and bucklers small eke kept the Romans touch.  
Hengist a Saxon hither came, 
Post Christum. 490.  in kent whose kingdom was.  
And ward upon the britons till he lived in quiet case  
ARTHVRE the mirror of manhood, 
Anno post. Xpū. 518.  and Champion of Cheualrie.  
subdued the Saxons to him tho, with many a victory  
Among the britons after his time, west Saxons still bare sway,  
Alfird, 
872.  a Godly learned King a Saxon, stories say  
By cruel pursuit of the Danes which troubled then this Land,  
did wander with his Bow and shafts their force and did withstand:  
For God not onely victor him full many a time did make  
over the pagans, but by him enforst their force to slake.  
harold the Dane usurped and took on him to reign as king,  
until the time of william Duke of Normandies coming:  
Whose powers together being met Haroldes was ouermatcht,  
And he( a shaft shot into his head) at once was so dispacht.  
william the Duke had conquered there this Land & ruled the same, 
An. a xpō. nato. 1066.   
But not in bondage would shée live though he her overcame  
It's worth the reading therfore hear to show how Stigand then  
Archbishop, 
1. W. 1.  and how Egelstyn that Abbot played the men: 
Archb. and abbot of Cantirbury   
For freedom of their Cuutrey, thus therfore they did devise,  
A power of Horsemen and footmen should for time exercise  
Alongst their féeldes as't were lanelike long boughs & large to bear,  
To make the Duke should thether come, when he therof did hear.  
And as they said it happened so, the Duke came with his train,  
Who seeing this thought it had been even moving trees certain:  
Whereto approaching with mean space( discomfited in mind)  
he pawsd, the Kentish power a far did smell him in the wind.  
Who( when within their army him enclosed got they had)  
Down cast their boughs up bent their bows their shafts to shoot most glad.  
The charet sound, their Banners wave, their weapons busied were,  
To fight with whom they so desyrde in Euntryes quarrel there.  
So he, who thought he had in his fist the whole land late so fast,  
Began his life now to despair, affrighted and aghast:  
Then they oration friendly framed, conditions grant he should,  
Their wonted freedom that they might in certain order hold:  
he thereto grées, confirms the grant by pledge sufficient so,  
That by this means those liberties continwed hitherto.  
william Rufus was his son, 
Anno 1100  who ruled not so well,  
As that men could not weep for ioy of his death to hear tell, 
13. W. 2.   
To his own subiectes wicked he and so to strangers was:  
But most wicked unto himself when Gods will taking place  
In Hamshyer that new forest, as he hunted on a time,  
A Knight in shooting at a dear gave him his fatal fine.  
But now of Noble Princes I will pen the noble praise,  
even such as worthy Archery mentained in their dayes.  
Henry the First of England King, 
Anno. 1105.  fought many a battle strong  
against the French with Archers stout, 
Anno. 1119. & 1128. 6. 20. & 29. of H. 1.  his other powers among:  
A victor eke he still preuaild in warres: and in peace time,  
His People unto shooting did themselves greatly incline.  
Stephen, King of England stoutly did with Archers in his hand  
As also by his other powers the Scottish broylles withstand: 
Anno. 1139.   
He made warres eke genst Robert then the earl of gloucester  
Who did invade his kingdom with ten knights and in number  
Of Archers just so many, 
4. St. 1.  which on horseback passed through  
The midst of all the realm, but yet resisted well enough.  
Henry the second valiantly adventured Irelands soil  
With warlike power, 
Anno 1171.  some Archers were, 
17 H 2.  with labour small and toil  
The Archbishops and Bishops did receive him for their King,  
And he them ruled like worthy prince in love and peace tendering.  
Richard Coeur de lion called a king and conqueror was,  
With Phillip king of France, 
Anno. 1191.  who did unto jerusalem pass:  
old Chronicles report, 
2. Ric▪ 1.  his power had Archers them among,  
Whose force confounded Pagans fell and laid them dead along.  
In this Kings time was robin Hood: that Archer and outlawe,  
And little John his partner eke, unto them which did draw  
One hundred tall and good Archers, on whom four hundred men  
Were their power never so strong could not give onset then:  
The Abbots monks and carls rich, these onely did molest  
And reskewd women when they saw of thieves them so oppressed,  
Restoring poor mens goods, and eke abundantly relieved  
poor travelers which wanted food, or were with sickness grieved.  
And, hear because of Archery I do by pen explain  
The use, the profit, and the praise, to England by the same,  
myself remembreth of a child in Contreye native mine: 
( 1553.)   
A May game was of Robyn-hood and of his train that time  
To train up young men, 
( 7. E. 6.)  stripplings and, each other younger child  
In shooting, yearly this with solemn feast was by the guild,  
Or Brother hood of Townsmen done, with sport, with ioy, and love  
To profit which in present time, and afterward did prove.  
John King, 
1210.  subdued Ireland with manly force and might  
Of Horsemen, Archers, spears, and such as put their foes to slight.  
Edward the second that valiant Prince, 
1513.  when Scotland he reseewed,  
From them, 
7. E. 2.  whose force his Father had not long before subdued,  
In his host for his second ward had Archers and footmen, 
Scotland.   
But many of the Enemies were slain by Archers then.  
Edward that victorious King the third so called by name, 
Anno 1540   
When his noble navy against the French Kings navy came, 
The battle on the Sea.   
he had the wind most wishfully and son so at his back,  
His purpose and his enterprise that he no time did slacken: 
13. E. 3.   
A shower of English arrows sharp from long bows powered down,  
upon the Frenchmen, whereby fell to our men great renown,  
When at that Bickering Frenchmen there to leave their ships were fain,  
And leap into the seayes for want of landing place certain.  
Therles of Northampton, 
1544.  and of Oxeford fought also,  
With Charles Duke of britain, 
17. E. 4.  as the Chronicles do show:  
At Morleys where our men of arms, 
battle at Morles.  and Archers valiant might  
subdued that country, foilde their foes, and wan that field outright.  
That year the King the noble earl of derby eke did sand, 
gascoigne.   
Newly create first King of Man, with an army to th'end  
he gascoigne by strong power might win, 
Anno. dicit.  which he with great goodwill,  
And Archers aid,( as God would give him leave) did so fulfull:  
For many a walled town he there and castle also won,  
With skermishes which made his foes to flee away and ronne,  
So that he dubbed there. 50. Knights as Chronicles declare,  
And to his King with honour dew did homeward then repair.  
The noble King in person came against the French at length,  
And made the English Dragon mount in field with force and strength: 
Cressy.   
When Oleflam that Frenchmen bare, went flittering to and fro,  
Which aided was at Cressy field by other Kings twain me,  
Of Boheme and of Malogres: their men innumerable,  
The English fifteen hungereth scarce nothing like comparable.  
K. Edward he courageously endured from noon to night,  
The English Archers did their best with arrows long and light.  
Their footmen( being placed among their Horsemen grieved and galled,  
With Archers girdes) were trodden down and so sore ouerhalde,  
That great and grievous was their cry, but greater was the shout,  
Which in pursuit our Shooters gave th'enimies host throughout:  
Their array was broken, they scattered were, and by our armed men  
Were many of them beaten down, the rest did flee as then.  
And see, 
Anno. dict.  about that present time. The Scots with power invade  
This realm as far as Dyrham come, 
Dyrham.  with weapon and with blade:  
Th'archbishop of york and States there left as then which were,  
With the Archers tall a number good and shout of Lankashier  
encountering with the King of Scots and all his host, in fine,  
david their King sore wounded was with shafts that present time.  
A number of his chief lords and Knights were taken there captives,  
Of common soldiers most parte slame, a few fled with their lives.  
K. Edward yet did understand Calys betrayed should be, 
Anno. 1349.   
he therefore as a valiant Prince gathered an Army,  
Of horse and man, 
●4. E4.  of bills and bows, of spears and sword also,  
Embarcked in an navy meet, and Calys comes he to:  
About their Kingly conqueror this English Army clings, 
Callys.   
As who( next God) would cleave to him above all earthly things,  
he with a Kingly courage doth likewise unto them call,  
he placeth them in battle ray and princely cheers them all.  
But specially to his Archers which, stood on the hills there dry  
do well ye Archers play the men, and know ( saith he) that I  
Am EDWARD of windsor: herewith, themselves they did prepare,  
To set upon their Enemies, no force nor might they spare.  
The shafts from hills so hye sent down into the valleys low,  
Did wash the Frenchmen every where like mighty flakes of snow,  
But such a washing as that was with wounds and woeful plight,  
They seldom saw, which with the same were foiled and slain outright.  
God giuing him this victory, the King doth order take,  
For all things meet, and his return to England streight doth make:  
where he the first Feast did ordain of S. George the martyr,  
And made the First most noble Knights of thorder of the Garter.  
After this yet even that year the Spainyards did beset  
The britain Sea, 
Winchelsey.  with Forty and four Ships like Castles great:  
The King again 50. great Ships with Pynnaces prepared, 
The 2. battle on the Sea.   
More like unto small cottages. he then and Prince Edward  
His son with Nobles Knights and squires, and their retenue small,  
Amongst whom( lo the Archers were not least nor worst of all)  
Embarckt themselves & cross the Seays till such time as they meet  
With their provoking Enemies, I mean the Spanish fleet:  
To bickering and then they fell on both sides for best game,  
twenty and seven Spanish ships by night did fly with shane,  
Which left Seauentéene for English spoil, and prise the even before,  
The realm fared better by the same against their wils full sore.  
Edward the black Prince so surnamed King Edward the 3. his son, 
Anno. 1356.   
( Who lately with the Spanyards fought) as general now is come, 
29. E. 3.   
With men of arms four thousand, and one thousand soldiers such,  
As armor bare, of Archers eke, two thousand which kept touch,  
under conduct of earls three, 
30. E. 3.  of Oxford, Salisbury,  
And suffolk, which to meet the king of france did make them redy:  
By poitiers town, in pitched field the Prince himself doth take, 
poitiers.   

look at large in John stows. Chronicle.  chief charge vpon himself, And doth a grave oration make  
To his soldiers all, but specially, his Archers worthiness  
He doth extol, from time to time, Exhorting them no less,  
To hold on their fidelity and proved prowess still,  
Which they did seem most dutiful at that time to fulfil:  
When they so fast their arrows shot vpon the French that day,  
Their quiuers emptied were apace, then catch that can or may,  
From every wounded corps a shaft, in hast and it bestowed,  
Vpon another where he could, to pay the debt he owed.  
Thus passed they the time with toil, when all their shafts were spent,  
To lay on load with Sword and Bill, to hand stroke toot they went,  
The French King and his son they took, and almost all his pears,  
And thirty thousand slay besides in those their warlike fears.  
Prince Edward( God thus giuing him a valiant victory,)  
Returneth to his Father streight, and with him his army.  
Richard the second in his time( the Scots invading so  
His land, 
1385.  so far as Warck Castle) to stop his faithless foe, 
8. R. 2.   
Who now had brent within his land, 
Warck Castle.  his promiss likewise broken,  
Against him sent a chosen power, to give him battle stroke.  
Th' earl of Buckingam did lead a thousand Launses tall,  
Two Thousand Archers, made his host, most faithful and loyal,  
But when they came into the field of th'enemies to haue sight:  
They never shewed their faces, nor once sign that they would fight.  
Wherefore the earl with his power pursued them homeward then,  
Burning their country as he could, and so made hither again.  
again the King to Scotland ward his power did address, 
Anno. 1385.   
Of Knights, 
8. R. 2.  of squires, and Archers stout, whose number to express,  
The like not heard of in those dayes, which entered Scotland road:  
Who thither come, 
Scotland.  their Enemies fled their sight and not abode.  
The King and all his states holding a Parlement as then,  
At Westminster a stir began, 
1369.  through criminal causes, 
18. R. 2.  when  
Four thousand of the Kings Archers( the parliament about)  
Encompassed, 
Westminst.  as though some evil were worcking in the rout:  
Their bows were bent, and they ready the same for to withstand,  
But that the King in person was even presently at hand,  
Which did appease the sturr supposed that afterward would fall,  
So all was hwisht, and every man went well apaide withall.  
The king in Person went with power over into Ireland  
To Diblyn, 
1399.  where he being come did streight way understand, 
●1. Ric. 2.   
His common Enemy Mack more so savage fierce and fell, 
Ireland.   
Against all dewty did resist, and others made rebel:  
His grace thought meet to make out then the earl of gloucester,  
With lances tall two hungereth and 2000 Archers thether:  
The Enemy and all his power to bring under his band,  
For I will haue him,( saith the king,) or else out of this land  
A live hence will I never go. The Chronicles at large  
Declare what thereof did ensue in that enjoined charge.  
Henry the 4. of England King, 
1402.  a certain power sent forth. 
3. ●. 4.   
The earl of Nor thumberland, 
Scotland.  and others in the North,  
With armed men and Archers tall appointed all aright,  
Who with the Scots their army and their Archers eke should feght.  
Our Archers with theirs changed no ground, and both did manly well:  
( So as the nobles and the rest on both partes truth to tell,  
While they did stand as lookers on) our English Archery  
slay many a Scot and look the flower of all their chivalry:  
Henry the 5. that peerless Prince and conqueror puissant  
against the French at Agincourt about him attendant  
Had but 7000 feighting men, 
Anno. 1315.  and many of them sick, 
2. H 5.   
Yet most of them a yard in length their shafts there drew to prick,  
even all the chivalry in france, and downright so them slay,  
Which 40000 counted were: 
26. persons.  Of our Men slain but few.  
To Troys in Campaine Championlike this King with army came  
Of 16000 soldiers and the most part of the same  
Were English Archers which behaved them with the rest so well, 
An 1420.   
And valyent, 
●. H. 5.  that the victory unto the king then fell.  
Richard the third and Henry earl of Richmond met in field  
At Bosworth where both partes were strong with horse, 
Anno. 1485.  sword, bow, & shield  
Richard, 
2. R. 3.  two for wings had, in midst of whom his Archers were  
Th' earl 2. wings of horsemen had and Archers few, did bear  
themselves each unto others so, that after long felle fight  
The King was slain, and to the earl the victory did light:  
Who there was crwoned King in field, as God him grace did give,  
Not suffering Tyrants longer then he thinks good hear to live.  
K. Henry the 7. that noble Prince( the earl of Richmond yore, 
Anno. 1490   
Sent Sir humphrey Talbot but, 
5 H 7.  with Archers just sixeschore  
To Newports siege in flanders soil: these Archers every one  
An arrow shot which made the flemings groveling for to groan:  
So that 8000 of them slain by shafts and gone shot were,  
Of Englishmen in all the host, and not one hungereth there.  
At Black heath field the King his power with Cornish rebells met, 
Anno. 1497.   
Whose Archers drawing a clothyeards length of force were very great: 
12 H. 7.   
But greater was the power of God( assistant with the King,  
His Army, and his Archers eke,) those Rebells conquering:  
Of whom 2000 stain there was, and infinite captives,  
Which had( their guerdon due to such) the loss of all their lives.  
Henry the 8. that mighty Prince and mirror of majesty  
aided the Douches of savoy with power of Archery, 
Anno. 1511.   
fifteen hungereth tall good men men, 
3. H 8.  genst Duke of Gelderland  
Which did full great good service there her Enemies to withstand  
Sir Edward poinings did conduct this Army to and fro.  
Of whom the Chronicles much famed and valyancy do sho.  
This mighty Prince did, also aid the King of arragon  
against French power where as I red our Archers many one  
Of the French Horsemen galled so, 
Anno 1522.  that foundring, 
4. H 8.  down they fell,  
And chasing their footmen also, slay many, as stories tell.  
K. Henries Ship, 
Anno. dict.  the Regent called with Carik French grappling,  
Our Archers geanst French-crosbowes shot & held them such tackling:  
So as in fine the Englishmen the Carick laid aboarde,  
Where unto them the pryze and pray the lord God did afford.  
Arde and Gwynes, 
Anno 1513.  and Turwyn too with tourney testified  
Our Archers force, 
5 H 8.  which freshly shot, as then was verified:  
King Henry in his camp at Arkes, by Culpepers Conduct  
Did cause 200 Archers stout to bee at fall instruct, 
Turwyn & tourney.   
under the Banner of S. George to issue manly owte, 
Anno. dict.   
Which set to fercely on the French and flew so through the rout,  
That( they forthwith disconfited) twice twelve of them were slain,  
And twelve score taken Prisoners were, not small yet was the gain  
our English got, when as the brazen ordeinance and field pieces,  
Before time lost they wan again, with bootyes spoil and fleeces.  
Whiles the King in France was on this manner busied there, 
Anno. 1513.   
The Scottish King began as fast his broils in England hear: 
5 H 8.   
Genst whom the noble norfolk Duke with northern noble harts  
Of Archers Cheshyer, 
Floddon field.  Lankasshyer, and others played their partes  
even brant against that Flodden-hill so swift their arrows flew,  
K. Ieamy and many a noble Scot whereby they downright slay.  
Two Knights I red won worthy praise in France, at the turn Pike  
near hams, with xvi. Archers and no mo which put to flight  
So many Frenchmen as then sled: 
Anno. 1520.  Both English Knights these were, 
12. H. 8.   
Sir William Walgraue and Sir George that Somersets name did bear  
These turned so many owte of their jacks at Turnepike nere to Hame  
All France it turned to reproach and, them to perpetual famed.  
Among that thousand soldiers which the city of London sent. 
Anno dict.   
Archers, Harquebushes, Pikes, and bills convenient,  
Which past from dover to Calys: what service Bowemen there  
performed, the Chronicles thereof at large do witness bear.  
But to be, bréef, what Archers haue accomplished chivalry?  
In this Kings dayes to Gods due praise and Contreyes utility? 
1523. 1524.   
The Duke of suffolk passing Some, 
1542.  and earl of Surrey then  
Which Iedworth brent. 
1543.  And those two knights withall the Northern men  
Which overthrew the Scottish power. 
1544.  And those to Laundersay  
Sent by the King. 
Eodem.  As also under lord Edward Seymer they  
To Scotland which embarcked were. To Mutterell eke in france  
Which sent were, and the same besieged, by( Gods will,) not by chance  
All these and every host of them( I say) in this Kings time  
Some part of prowess, praise, and profit to the bow resin.  
K. Edward the 6 that mirror mild and pearl of Princely grace,  
His uncle the Duke of Somerset did sand in rightful case,  
With Army under his conduct against the Scottish power, 
1549.   
each Army other did affront with countenance stern and stour:  
Our Archers marched in array at Muskeleborow field,  
They shot their shafts so sharp to foil the Scots or make them yield,  
God gave our men the victory, such they 14000 slew  
Of Scottes, and 1400▪ were tane Prisoners of their crew,  
Many of them Gentlemen: and but English thréeschore  
At that time slain, the rest alive did praise the lord therefore.  
queen Maryes dayes most miserable and troublesone though they were  
Of Archers acts( nothing or small) the Chronicles witness bear.    

ELIZABETH Gods Vizegerent our Gracious sovereign dear,  
Which Ruleth now in righteousness her Subiects every where:  
whom God a Mother over us hath made in mild mercy,  
A nurse of Peace and Amity eke to Nations far and nigh:  
Began her reign with Rooted truth. whence blossoms all proceed  
Of Blessings, as the Blissall God doth Blessed make in deed.  
Whose fruits appearing at the first of Amity, love, and Peace,  
First to her own, to Others next, do more and more increase:  
First to her own, Gods tender milcke of gospel true gave shee,  
To us, as Mothers Children give by God his gift most free:  
To Others next as Nurse shee gives to nations far and near,  
The pap of Peace and Amity the fruits of Faith sinceare  
In One respect our prosperous state so long possessed, this showeth,  
In th'Other a bettered state from worse to better by her groweth:  
To witness this our public Wealth and Peace Domestic calls,  
Her Treasures spent in our defence geanst Forayn foes and bralles.  
Her Ancient Laws and liberties, & League shee firm maintains  
To keep in mutual Amity us with Neighbours, oh what gains,  
Is ours that is not hers? what pains, what cares, what cost, what cost, what charge?  
Hath shee not had in foreign soil, to set the bond at large?  
witness hereof, our Neighbours Woes, her Grace, and wee may bee,  
That their welfare with oures also might in one will agree.  
The state of france of Scotland, and of Contreyes so distressed,  
May witness this, that they with us by her are better blessed:  
When woe to welfare altered is, when bale to bliss is chaungd,  
Who from this Bonde of Brotherhood now in Christ would be estrangd?  
Ye Children then of Iacobs God, as Branches fruits which bear,  
Pray that your bows may stil fast bide & arms strong every where: 
〈…〉   
Pray that this threefold Bond of bliss never infringed may bee,  
Of natural love, of public peace, and mutual amity:  
Pray that our firm defence from God and Prince contenewe may,  
Pray, that yearly; from year to year and many a year I say,  
God her will grant us Nestors yeares A Mother in Israell,  
And that wee all Coheyres with Christ in heaven above may dwell.  
So be it. {quod} R. Robinson.  Luke. 2. 
Glory to God on hye, On Earth Peace,  
And to Men a Goodwill.   

At London Printed by R. I. for John Wolf: Dwelling in distaff Lane, Oueragainst the sign of the Castle.