THE HEROICAL LOVER OR ANTHEON & FIDELTA A POEM Written by THOMAS BANCROFT  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}.  Byon Smyrnaeus. 

May Love the Ladies skilled in song  
Invite, and they bring Love along.   
LONDON Printed, by WILLIAM GODBID, 1658.   

TO The Right HONOURABLE The Lord ROSSE.  
My Lord,  
THis Poem, though composed in a Peak-like country, has yet no cause to be proud of its high birth, unless more worthy it were of your lordship's perusal, more suitable to the gallantry of your flourishing condition. Yet as the ancient Muses delighted to climb Mountains, Parnassus Helicon, and others; so has mine been moved with a pleasing ambition to ascend to the eminency of your presence. It was your servant and my Kinsman, Mr. Henry Wright, that occasionally raised her to this boldness, whilst he highly commended your most hopeful endowments, and mentioned (with much honour) your singular love to learning. It is (I confess) a superfluous service to present to your Lordship a fancied pattern, you being really conformed to your truly-noble Father, as he to more ancient Worthies of your Family, that heightened their Honours by heaping benefits on their country, and made their houses seem palaces by their royal hospitality. I am therefore in good hope that you will be pleased to entertain this Heroical Lover; and that as the rising sun (that celestial Archer) seemed to shoot life into Memnon's statue: so your affulgent favour will quicken this dull composure, and discloud withal the author's forehead, that he may more clearly exhibit himself.  
Your lordship's most humble Servant, Tho. Bancroft.   

To his learned Friend Mr. THOMAS BANCROFT, ON HIS POEM entitled THE heroical Lover.  
FRom your retired abode in Bradley town,  
Welcome, my friend, abroad to fair renown.  
No●● Atlantis and Utopia you  
Again expose unto the public view  
By your heroic Piece; unknown before  
T' all mankind save to B●con and to More.  
To the tripartite world Col●mbus erst  
The Western India did discover first,  
Yet (after that his perfecter survey)  
Vesputius much on's glory took away,  
By giving it his name: so though those two  
Most learned Lords did first those country's show,  
Yet by your Antheon (and his fair Delight)  
Far-sought Fidelta, does your skill unite  
Utopia and Atlantis: what these two  
Owed singly to their pen, they both owe you.  
Nor Belgium, Italy, nor France, nor Spain,  
Nor Graecia, nor Sicilia, could constrain  
(With their most tempting objects) your brave Knight  
To yield submission to a false delight.  
Although Sir Antheon did refrain to run  
The monstrous courses of the Knight o'th' Sun,  
(Whose Fablers so strange tales of him rehearse,  
That such untruths never appeared in verse)  
Those country's Beauties he despised and pelf;  
Some others do o'ercome, but he himself:  
And of all victories it is the best,  
To keep our own wild appetites repressed:  
Hereby his prowess he did most discover,  
And hence you t●rme him the heroic Lover.  
Your fair Fidelta did not range about  
Eutopian cities to find Suitors out:  
A free well-ordered house she kept; and there  
Sir Antheon found her out, and married her.  
Joy or long life I need not wish them either;  
They in your lines shall happy live for ever:  
And you for penning their high epic song  
(With Laurel crowned) shall live i'th' poet's throng.  
Aston Cokaine Bart.   

Upon Mr. Bancroft's POEM, THE HEROICAL LOVER.  
Who're bound to th' true Atlantis, cannot fail,  
If by your kinsman's & your Charts they sail:  
'Tis by these means we really descry  
What's in Sir Francis but Sciograpy.  
Your neighbour hills in joyful echoes tell  
'Tis Haddon where those happy Parents dwell  
That nursed Sir Antheon; and time will discover  
Th' illustrious Rose (Sir) your heroic Lover.  
There, there live sweetly wedded Great and Good,  
The brave Supporters of illustrious blood,  
Whose waiters show you by their courteous eye  
The King and Queen of hospitality.  
From this brave pair Sir Antheon took his arms  
Proof 'gainst Aselgia's and Sordezza's charms;  
Whose generous temper, extract with his birth,  
Shall scorn and discipline those sons of earth,  
Whose brutish valour wine and sloth would rust,  
But for caprichioes, rapine, pride, and lust;  
Whilst injured virtue, honour, longing stand  
To see their triumph purchased by his hand.  
Your Lovers (might I venture at your skill)  
Are that, Melentus; this, a Claracil:  
Or if I miss in one, I have descried  
At least th' prophetic of the real Bride.  
For our Atlantis truly doth afford  
A race of young Fidelta's, but one Lord,  
The brave Sir Antheon, whose illustrious fame  
Utopia shall translate b'y another name  
To stately Belvoir, where his gallant story  
Shall outdo all that Fame has yet of glory.  
Me thinks I see approach a glorious dawn,  
When all the feral birds and beasts withdrawn  
To the dark caverns of eternal night,  
From this blessed region forced to take their flight,  
Shall give admission to the Prince of day  
In a triumphant chariot drawn this way,  
Welcomed with thousand Graces, waited on  
To fair Fidelta and Sir Antheon.  
Our floating Delos fixed, than men shall say  
Haddon's Atlantis, Belvoir Utopia;  
And then your Muse, crowned with deserved bays,  
Shall sing of Epithl'mes and Halcyon days.  
Anth. Harwood.   

THE HEROICAL LOVER,  
CANTO I.  
The Argument.  
Of honoured parents Antheon bred,  
And in green years well seasoned,  
Is loath his lineage to belie,  
But aims at true nobility.  
GReat Fate, that a kingdom here did throw  
The chance of war, afflicts us still with woe;  
Yet some impulsion stirs me up to sing:  
deign me, ye Muses, from your purest spring.  
A flow of bounty, that my tongue may be  
Sweetly embathed, and sound true harmony.  
In new Atlantis, Charidem, and fair  
Olympia lately dwelled a noble pair,  
Warmed with a love as equal as the heat  
That chemists use th' elixir to beget.  
The bright Celestials slide not from the skies  
More calmly, to perform their embassies,  
Than these went through all passages of life▪  
At no time troubled with domestic strife,  
Wealth flowed upon them like a high springtide,  
Yet neither by intemperance nor pride  
(Vices that on great forrunes most attend)  
'Gainst well-known morals did they much offend.  
They oft reflected on this humble sphere,  
Whence their ●rail moral parts desumed were;  
Yet minding that their souls to heavenly fires  
Were near allied, they scorned all base desires.  
A Son they had (the tender fruit of love)  
Whom sith propitious Planets, Sol and love,  
Welcomed into the world; some Artists, well  
Taught by clear▪ Heaven dark matters to foretell;  
(As formerly the Delphic God had from  
His golden Tripod uttered things to come)  
Were asked what fortunes should the child betide  
In course of years: whereto it was replied,  
" That as he was illustrious by descent,  
" So for his acts he should be eminent,  
" Should seek as treasure fair Fidelta's love,  
" And richly blessed i●its fruition prove.  
Now, as when Philip saw his son bestride  
Bucephalus, he was so highly joyed,  
That his dilated spirits down his face  
Made tears to run, as each did other chase:  
So were the Parents of young Antheon (so  
Their son they called) most joyful to foreknow  
That bravely he to Honour should aspire,  
And crown with rich content his high desire.  
'Twas their first care to have his body strong  
And solid, able to endure each wrong  
Of wind and weather. But when time (that mends  
As well as mars, and by concoction spends  
The drowsy humours in an infant's brain)  
His wits had wakened, and laid things more plain  
Before his sight, that well he might discern  
Proposed objects, and their nature learn;  
They with sweet easy precepts well did fit  
His tender age, and then the same commit  
To learned Worthies, men that did as well  
In virtues, as in sciences, excel,  
These much admired his forward industry.  
And as when in the years minority  
Young goodly Plants with smiling blossoms shine,  
We of their fruitfulness may well divine:  
So did these sons of wisdom boldly guess  
He would grow famous by his forwardness,  
And that such sparks of excellence would fly  
Up to a pitch of rare sublimity.  
Of these he learned exotic languages,  
Such as conduced to nobler knowledges  
Of liberal arts, religion, manners, and  
The laws and customs of each famous land.  
As his wit was to admiration prompt,  
So was his language elegant and Count  
Beyond compare; and well he could bestick  
His sentences with flowers of rhetoric.  
Nile, that with seven mouths runs into the Main,  
Seems not more fluent than his happy strain  
Of elocution was; his hands and eyes  
Being ordered with his voice to harmonise:  
Nor can strong Neptune with his trident raise  
His waters sooner, or their wrath appease,  
Than he could by his Oratory sway  
Men's hearts, and turn them this or th'other way.  
But when to nobler verse he did erect  
His spirits, O what curious and select  
Phrases came melting from his sugared pen,  
Able to soften marble-breasted men,  
Or harder-hearred women! ne'er could he  
Endure to blast his leaves with ribaldry,  
Or stoop to baseness; but still high and clear  
(As Phoebus some beseemed) his fancies were:  
T'honour and virtue did he still direct  
His aims, and on such sacred things reflect,  
As Orpheus thought on in his ravished state,  
When he with hymns the Gods did celebrate.  
What e'er's comprised in nature's history,  
Was the discourse of his Philosophy;  
Who was not ignorant what spirit blows  
The world's main Organ, most harmonious;  
What principles do constitute the same;  
Nor what proportion in the wondrous frame  
One to another holds; nor yet how great  
War they maintain, where concord keeps her seat.  
Of what the gazing multitude admired  
He learned the causes, and thereof desired  
So clear a knowledge, that he did despise  
The trifling term of obscure qualities.  
All sorts of Meteors, whether high or low,  
With their imperfect mixtures, did he know.  
He found that subterranean winds do make  
(For false imprisonment) the earth to quake.  
He well could tell what strength of cold converts  
Water to Hail; and that the frothier sorts  
Of vapours, from the airs cold middle-room  
Do in thin flakes of Snow (Thick-scattered) come,  
Whose dissolution mirthful plenty brings;  
And these the feathers are of Boreas wings.  
He knew what smoky exhalations rolled  
Up into air, and there begirt with cold,  
And chafed into a flame, do roar and crack,  
As Heaven had broke the Giant Atlas back.  
He knew what those that kept the heaven's highway  
By contemplation▪ did of Comets say;  
What copious fumes, when many months they hung  
O'er a sad kingdom, fewelled them so long;  
After what Planets course they most did bend  
Their motions, and what fates they did portend.  
He knew the Globe celestial, Parallels,  
Colours, Meridians, and all circles else▪  
Could into several coasts the Heavens divide,  
Had learned what circuits the fair stars do ride,  
With all that to their influence belongs,  
As he had heard divine Jopas songs.  
But more familiarly this Globe below,  
With all its Zones and Climates, did he know;  
How broad a liquid girdle (here and there  
Embossed with Islands) girts the solid sphere;  
And how the shore's indented more or less  
With Promontories, Creeks, and Isthmuses.  
He knew all watery wonders, and could tell  
How humorous Luna makes the Ocean swell;  
And how it sinks again; as persons high  
And proud, are apt to fall from dignity.  
No Mariner that dwells upon the Flood,  
The use of Chart or compass understood  
More perfectly than he, nor dared profess  
More knowledge of all famous voyages.  
Well versed he was (affecting to be wise  
At others charge) in best of histories,  
And as an Indian upon Ganges shore  
'Mongst common pebbles picks up golden ore,  
So amongst obvious passages what he  
Worth observation found, he faithfully  
Entreasured in his mind, and so endeared  
That to his use which he of others heard.  
But when he met with actions brave and great,  
Such as enforced pro●d fame on them to wait,  
O than he seemed to feel a secret fire  
Boiling his blood, and raising a desire  
To match th'atchievements were they ne'er so high,  
And pass the low marks of mortality!  
He had more skill to hit than mind to hurt,  
And used his sword but in a way of sport,  
Yet durst the stoutest Combatants oppose,  
And could make downright payment with his blows;  
But in the dusty field of Mars he chose  
Rather to chafe his blood, and could dispose  
An army (as his best advantage lay)  
In all the several forms of battle-ray,  
And quickly change them, as from circular  
To Oval, Cuneate, or Quadrangular.  
He knew when to go on, and when retreat;  
How a besieged town to win, and beat  
An enemy out of his fortress; he  
Could use all Engines made for battery;  
Could work a Mine under a castlewall,  
And make it with more noise than thunder fall;  
Could fortify a Hold, make sure defence  
With all sorts of securing Muniments,  
As knowing what to Palisadoes, strong  
Ensconcing, and entrenchments did belong.  
One would have judged him o'th' Thessalian breed  
By's horsemanship; who, on his generous Steed  
Mounted, and raising dust with motion proud,  
Looked like a centaur fancied in a cloud.  
He could his courage raise, his force command,  
Cause him in full career to make a stand,  
T'obey his least directions, every way  
To turn, curvet, and lusty gambols play.  
But as a weak child roaming here and there  
In a large garden, plucks some flowers near  
In trifling sort, but balketh more, that are  
Perhaps more sweet, more beautiful and rare  
So on his meaner ornaments I yet  
Lay hold, but things more laudable omit;  
As that (which is of knowledges the best)  
He knew great nature's Parent (who impressed  
His image upon man,) and likewise knew  
What tribute's to his sovereign goodness due.  
should relate how well acquainted he  
With his own essence was, how far could see  
Into his frame, his temperament, and all  
His bloods impulsions, which we Passions call:  
How far he dived into th' abstrusity  
O'th' Soul, and after how much industry  
He found her seat imperial, her extent  
Of power, and won●rous form of government.  
He took delight with judgement to reflect  
Upon his own far-piercing Intellect,  
To reg●late its acts, and teach his Will  
To yield obedience to its dictates still.  
Hence famous for his wisdom he became;  
And justly, sith enlightened by the same  
All virtues are, which in his gentle breast  
Meeting, with much content their centre blessed.  
Such was his valour, that he knew not how  
To fear invasive danger, nor to bow  
Under afflictions weight, but upright stood  
With heart unconquered and unchilled blood.  
In the foul gulfs of luxury he ne'er  
Emplunged himself, but a fair course did s●eere  
In Seas of plenty: and what ere he took  
In hand, did fixtly at fair justice look;  
Nor (so much as his Poniards breadth) would pass  
Beyond the way that right and level was.  
His courteous sweetness humbly seemed to show  
That from high Ancestry his blood did flow:  
His bounty (free as heavenly influence)  
Made good the style of brave magnificence:  
And all his virtues were wrought up so high,  
So full of lustre, strength, and dignity,  
That nothing could be added save the sound  
Of mighty Fame to make them more renowned.   

THE HEROICAL LOVER.  
CANTO 2.  
The Argument.  
The young Knight of Fidelta hears,  
And thinks her praises tune the spheres;  
Seeks her through Italy in vain,  
But finds Aselgia with her train.  
WHen at the beam of youth this matchless Knight  
Now weighed himself, & sound his spirits light,  
And felt more fervent blood, he thought to prove  
The sweet endearments of desertful love,  
And called to mind what Beauty he had seen  
Fit to be took for his affection's Queen,  
As minded some brave Heroine to wed,  
Or never else to warm a Genial bed.  
Mean while comes Fame (than thinnest sum more light,  
Or wings of infects shining in their flight)  
And tells him in a busy panting haste  
Of a renowned Lady, richly grac'●  
With all endowments Nature can bestow,  
By name Fidelta; who herself would snow  
Most worthy of his love, although it were  
A treasure of affection ne'er so dear;  
But was so wondrous modest, so retired,  
So sweetly humble, that she much desired  
Her beauties, though as sparks of heaven beheld,  
Might yet encloud their beams, and be concealed;  
So much her precious virtue feared to be  
Allayed by th' mixture of much company:  
And for this reason (as some birds do flit  
From coast to coast) she did so often quit  
The place she honoured, from resort to go,  
That where to find her very few did know.  
" As sure now, said Sir Antheon, as I draw  
" A trusty sword, I such a Lady saw  
" In my last dream; who having at me cast  
" Some smiling glances, vanished at the last,  
" And left my heart on fire; 'tis surely she  
" That must be mine by destiny's decree.  
" This to confirm, I now remember well  
" What oft to me my chary Nurse did tell,  
" To wit, that great Astrologers once said,  
" That I a Lady of this name should wed.  
" I'll travel through this Globe to seek her out  
" wherever she hidden lies, and should not doubt  
" But to discloud her, though her beauty bright  
" Were masked in shadows of Cimmerian night.  
" The Stygian Prince that Proserpina did steal,  
" Should not this Lady from my sight conceal  
" In's inmost cell, though it with clouds were hung,  
" And 'bout her bed redoubled darkness flung;  
" But with a deep device I would o'erthrow  
" His shady palace, and her beauties show  
" To th' upper world, that would admiring stand,  
" And offer service what she should command.  
This said, he called for gentle Eubulus,  
A man mature, discreet, and virtuous,  
And thus bespoke him: Friend, I now must try  
" The strength and temper of your amity  
" So long professed: by all fair promises  
" Of friendly aid, all vows of services  
" He●ted with zeal (and yet I know your heart's  
" So firm, that needless are persuasive arts)  
" I must entreat you readily to go  
" With me, and help my skilless youth to woo;  
" For I must travel (who can tell how far?)  
" To seek a bright, though sublunary, star;  
" A Lady whom all beauty doth embeam,  
" Though never by me seen save in a dream:  
" But so we do adore the Powers on high,  
" Though not exposed to view of mortal eye;  
" And we admire the Phoenix, though there be  
" Few that did ere that winged wonder see  
" The place of her retirement I no more  
" Know, than I do the ocean's utmost shore;  
" Yet shall I find her to my wished content  
" (My Genius tells me so) if you'll assent  
" To my desires, and cause my pains to be  
" More short through your long-loved society.  
" To make a question, Eubul●s replied,  
" Of service, is to make our friendship void,  
" As canceled were its bond: command me t'go  
" On bare feet through the Hyperb●rean snow,  
" Or through dry parched deserts seek my way  
" 'Mongst poisonous Serpents; and without delay  
" I'll run those hazards: the sweet style of Friend  
" Is charm enough to cause me to attend  
" Your motions through the world, and to despise  
" The frowns of Fortune, strokes of Destinies.  
These words made music in St. Anth●ons ear,  
Who for th' affection he professed to bear,  
Returned him thanks, and further did devise  
How to achieve his amorous enterprise.  
But as a seaman ready to launch out  
O'th' Harbour, when the winds do shift about  
From point to point, well knows not how to set  
His hoist sails that he may forward get:  
So did this noble Lover doubtful stand  
Whither he should direct his course, what land  
He should ●ill with his fame, what region see,  
To make therein blind loves discovery.  
But having heard how Italy was graced  
Sometime with Ladies of renown, as chaste  
Lucretia, Arria, and Paulina dear  
To Seneca, he now resolved to s●eere  
A straight course thither, hoping there to find  
Fidelta, th' honour of all womankind;  
And to observe with some delight what breed  
Of beauties now those Ladies did succeed.  
So, like the Trojan Knight, attended by  
Faithful Achates full of hope and joy,  
Went he with Eubulus by land and Sea,  
Ju●iled with ro●ky dangers in his way,  
And at a hard rate did experience buy,  
Yet came at last in ken of Italy.  
And saw the smoke of Rhegium, where 'tis said  
That famous land was sometime severed  
From Sicily, the force of waves and wind  
Driving asunder what had been joined.  
Having arrived where Harbour did invite,  
And cheered his worthy friend, his dear delight,  
Of that fair coast a greedy view he took,  
More pleased therewith than Jason was to look  
On Colchis strand: th' one for a golden ●leece  
Sailed far, this other a fa●re richer piece  
Of beauty sought. Like Mercury he moved,  
And truth of history by trial proved,  
Apt to take notice and to give account  
Of every wood and river, plain and Mount  
In the whole region. One day as he came  
Near to Vesuvius, when it belched a flame  
Out of its horrid mo●th, and sent a smoke  
Therewith that threatened half the world to choke,  
" O Hell, said he, thy happiness is great,  
" That hast no feeling of that fervent heat  
" Within thy bowels, nor art rapt along  
" By force thereof, but restest on a strong  
" And fixed Base; whereas in my sick heart  
" (That seems at every sigh to lose some part  
" Of its vitality) a heat I feel  
" Able to melt a very breast of Steel,  
" By whose impulsion am I moved to go  
" From coast to coast in hope to lose my woe,  
" And now could wish I here might rest my head,  
" And sleep my last in learned Pliny's bed.  
Thus let he forth a Lovers discontent,  
Yet with affections more inflamed went  
To gallant Naples, and to Milan great,  
Fair Florence, and high Rome (an empire's seat,)  
Rich Venice, and to many Cities more,  
More populous now, more famous heretofore:  
And wheresoever he came, he still enquired  
For that hid star whose sight he most desired;  
Yet nothing heard in answer, save that she  
(Affecting sights of famed Antiquity)  
Came once to Rome, b●t thence ere long withdrew  
Her honoured presence, whither no man knew.  
This news that like a bitter-sweet did taste,  
Caused him to double his industrious haste  
In his research: when passing on the way  
Through the fresh fields of rich Campania,  
Whose pleasures once their sinews all unstrung,  
That Marched with warlike Hannibal along  
To Capua; some rustics (fit to sort  
With sheep, and with rude Sylvanes to disport)  
Bluntly informed him that a Lady gay,  
Who in that region bare a Queen-like sway,  
And courted was by braver men than swains,  
Did add much sweetness to their slowery Plains:  
On the green Margin of a crystal lake  
Stood her more shining house, built high to take  
Far-distant eyes; about it Myrtle-groves  
And bowers did emblemise more pleasant loves;  
In mystique beds (all fair and odorous  
As Flora's bosom) glowed the Paphian Rose  
'Mongst flaming Heliotropes, whilst violets blue  
And star-like lilies heavens fair figure drew.  
There planted was rich store of bounteous vines,  
That swelled her Cellars with Nectarean wines;  
There fields seemed Seas of plenty, and did wave  
With come, as much as greedy Hinds could crave;  
There goodliest cattle grazed; and all things else  
Were such as few could find their Parallels.  
Thither the Knight (with hope of sweet content  
Drawn easily on) his course directly bent;  
And when he now approaching was espied,  
The Lady all her magnetism employed  
More to attract him; rich perfumes were made;  
On loud-sweet Instruments her vassals played,  
Wherewith the heightened water in its fall  
Kept time, with purlings rarely musical;  
Thereto encaged birds sang many a Lay,  
And all those soft air's Echo home did play;  
So that as winds the water did advance  
In waves, the Lake seemed all the while to dance,  
Charmed by those raptures, softly rode the Knight  
By the Lakes side, remotely opposite  
To that fair tower; when now the Lady said  
Her beauties forth, her braveries displayed  
At a large window, beckoned him, and sent  
Glances and smiles, and signs of kindness meant▪  
He bowing with much courtesy, kept on  
His way, intending (when he had anon  
Past by that wat'ry obstacle) to make  
Some courtship to that Lady of the Lake.  
But not much farther had he forward gone,  
Than valiant Hector could that flint have thrown  
That hit strong Ajax; when he chanced to see  
A grave man under a green leafy tree,  
With book in hand, and eyes thereon so set,  
As all his wealth lay in that Cabinet:  
Yet seemed his garb and garments to proclaim  
That of some honoured family he came;  
And in his countenance there something shin'd●,  
That showed the precious habits in his mind.  
The jolly Knight, desiring much to know  
Whether the Lake was fordable or no,  
Went and required of him; who thus replied:  
" Sir, be assured this is the safer side;  
" And if you'll calmly hear, (because I see  
" In you some sparks of nobler gallantry)  
" I'll tell you why: At th' house (whereto I guess  
" You mean to go) lives that grand sorceress,  
" Wicked Aselgia; who on Roses treads,  
" Paints her alluring parts, perfumes her beds,  
" And feasts blind Lovers, that they likewise may  
" Feed her wild ●●its, and so themselves betray  
" To ruin. Some of them (as Apes their young)  
" She with embracing kills; and then they're flung  
" Into this fatal water which you see,  
" Being therefore called The Lake of Luxury:  
" Others she clothes inpide and ragged coats.  
" And some transforms to satyrs, monkeys, goats,  
" Or viler beasts: who e'er endears her vice,  
" A Serpent finds in stead of Paradise.  
" Her damned witcheries are fed at once  
" With blood of men, and marrow of their bones,  
" Their entrails, and the humours of their eyes,  
" Besides the spoil of mental faculties:  
" And if she draw not Luna to the ground  
" Medea-like; yet still is Venus found  
" In her unhollowed rooms, as only there  
" She meant to dwell, and leave her giddy sphere.  
" Her music's magical, and poisons fly  
" In the hot stream of her perfumes, whereby  
" She draws delightfully soft-natured men  
" T' her Mansion; whence, as from the lion's den,  
" None are traced back; at least, if any be,  
" 'Tis not without some marks of misery.  
" Brazed Impudence sits staring at her gates,  
" And rude Procacity upon her waits:  
" Intemperance ushers her, and in her house  
" All lewd disorders keep their rendezvous.  
" Avoid her, gentle Sir, as you would fly  
" From a dire basilisk with death in's eye,  
" Or plague more deadly; and hereafter say  
" You met with wholesome counsel in your way.  
The Knight expressed much thankfulness, and would  
(Had need required) have g●erdon'd him with gold  
For better-worth intelligence; whereby  
(Being angry at his own credulity)  
He was induced his purpose and his way  
To alter, and new fortunes to assay.   

THE HEROICAL LOVER.  
CANTO III.  
The Argument.  
The Knight, that in Italian ground  
No footsteps of Fidelta found,  
Travels int' France, with Robbers fights,  
And Alazonia's proffers slights.  
BY this time had our noble Traveller  
(Fitted no less for Mars than Cupid's war)  
Marched through famed Italy, and as that Hun,  
Stout Attyla, who did that land o'errun,  
In every town and city sought for prey:  
So had this worthy (if compare I may  
Virtue with vice) in every place enquired  
For that fair Prize which chiefly he desi'rd.  
But being not found, (as who can set the time  
Wherein he shall to high contentment climb?)  
He elsewhere laid the Scene of his design,  
To wit, in France; whose people are (like wine)  
So brisk and pleasant, that great Caesar might  
In their harmonious tempers well delight;  
And haply for that cause he longer stayed  
Amongst them, and their country more surveid.  
Over the huge high-shouldered Alps there be  
Three passages twixt France and Italy;  
One of them Hannibal is said t' have wrought  
With fire and vinegar, what time he brought  
The Fates 'gainst Rome: that way Sir Antheon chose;  
And as with Eubulus he climbing goes,  
Bespeaks him thus: Sweet Partner of my care,  
" Whose spirits with no dangers daunted are,  
" Nor any pains decline, I hope we shall  
" Much sooner pass these hills than Hannibal;  
" The way's well smoothed, & fire my bosom bears  
" That melts my brain into a lake of tears,  
" As piercing as the liquour that he poured  
" Upon the rocks; though yet the Heavens ne'er lowered  
" Upon our t●avells, but anon they cleared  
" Their looks, and full of smiling light appeared.  
" He, full of falsehood, cruelty, despite,  
" And all the Furies that enrage a fight,  
" Could scarcely promise to himself success  
" Like my fair hopes, who Love and Nobleness  
" Strive to advance, and nothing seek but what  
" Fore-pointing Fates have taught me t' level at.  
Five times had Phoebus with his golden light  
The world immantled, and as oft the Night  
The same had disarraid, before those vast  
And rocky hills the Knight had overpast:  
But lastly coming where the country lay  
More plain, he took much pleasure to survey  
The fruitful land, and bent his industry  
To compassed round, though in the form it lie  
Of a Quadrangle; as he meant to make  
(What greatest Artists scarce dare undertake)  
A Circle and a Quadrat to agree  
In the nice point of just equality.  
Blithe Tityrus, that well could pipe and sing,  
Made not the fields of Amaryllis ring  
More fully, than this worthy Lover spread  
Fidelta's fame whe●es'ere he traveled:  
Nor did pale Ceres with more industry  
Her daughter seek in fields of Sicily;  
Nor Cadmus, at his father's first Command,  
Make a more busy search by Sea and land  
For rapt Europa, than this Gallant did  
Wher'ere he deemed his Treasure might lie hid;  
Which could he by good fortune find, he would  
Not envy Plutus for his heaps of gold.  
About the country he not only drew  
A journal-line, but did his quest pursue  
Through all its provinces, wheresoever they lay:  
And being not far from Poitiers on his way,  
Found an occasion not ably to show  
What fiery fortitude in's breast did glow.  
It thus befell: Two Gallants that had been  
Gaming all night, and paid so dear for sin,  
That they had lost their Pictures at their play,  
Nor left a cross to keep the Fiend away,  
Next morning (though o'er night dejected low)  
Well mounted, to their highway trade did go,  
To try what fortunes they could steal upon,  
And so patch uptheir poor condition.  
But as a sharp-set Haggard that did fail  
To find a partridge, or a daintier quail.  
Flies at less Game, a Linnet or a Wren:  
So these, not meeting with well-moneyed men,  
Fell foul an two fair milkmaids (as they ●at  
Sweetening their pains with songs and pleasant chat)  
Seized on their little hardly-earned store  
Of coin, and made them desperately poor;  
Causing the wretches in a wild affright  
To cry for succour to th' approaching Knight,  
Whom through some shadowy bushes they espied  
Full of clear-metaled gallantry to ride:  
Forthwith he came like Perseus, when he saw  
Andromeda enchained, in rage did draw  
Upon the Robbers; who again made head,  
Saluted him with sounding blows instead  
Of a Good-morrow; fiercely fought, yet straight  
Feeling upon their crests th' unwonted weight  
Of his stiff blade, their own on ground they threw,  
Yielded themselves, and did for Quarter sue.  
" Quarter? said he, you hateful Plunderers  
" Of purses! Terrors of faint Travellers!  
" Can you expect kind Quarter, that should be  
" Tortured and quartered for your villainy?  
" Can you (the wandering fires of wickedness,  
" Your country's running Plague-sores) that profess  
" Nothing but riots, rapines, cruel acts,  
" Have aught in mind save gallows and Racks?  
" You in rich Scarlet like to Princes go,  
" Yet base as tattered Rog●es yourselves do show  
" By your debauchments, and extinguish quite  
" All sparks of worth that shines in others bright.  
" Come, milksops, that, as you could slash and slay  
" Whole troops, would seem, yet straight the poltroons play,  
" Cast now those splendid Sloughs, that ill become  
" Such Snakes: for as you took their moneys from  
" These Maids, their garments shall you have, put on  
" Their Aprons & their wastcoates: they shall Don  
" Your cloaks, and say they never were so brave,  
" Nor the like gallant day shall ever have.  
" Take their pails too, & carry them to th' Town  
" Meekly and maidenly; nor to you frown,  
" Much less refuse, lest that my sword t' a goad  
" I turn, and shrewdly prick you on the road:  
" I never drove such Bullocks; nor will I  
" Sell them, unless the Hangman come to buy.  
This said, he set them marching on the way  
(Not as in battle, but) in strange array.  
The Varlets sourly looked, and ready were  
To turn to curds the milk that they did bear:  
But the Maids were lighthearted, talked aloud, proud  
Smiled at their robes & thought they seemed too  
When now they came to Poictieres, ne'er did Fowls  
So flock at midday about flying owls,  
As people swarming came in such amaze,  
Upon those walking wonderments to gaze:  
And all that viewed them did so break out  
Into loud laughter, clap their hands, and shout,  
That never could a more confused noise  
Be raised at Bacchus' wild solemnities.  
Scarce could Sir Antheon and his friend make way  
With ●lourisht weapons, that they might convey  
Their thievish Charge t' an awful Magistrate,  
Who to their vile offence might adequate  
Some punishment: yet, cleaving still the Throng,  
To a strict Jus●icer they came ere long,  
Who thought th' Offenders not unfit to feel  
(Sith cladlike women) what belonged to th' wheel,  
That as to break good fortunes they were bent,  
They suffer might a breaking punishment:  
Mean while he sent them where expect they might  
After a 〈◊〉- day a long-lasting night.  
Fame with a fuller blast did never strain  
Her cheeks, when Theseus had Procrustes slain,  
Than now pro●laim'd Sir Antheons worth, most high  
In honour, courted, feasted rovally.  
Yet 'cause Fidelta's image ever shined  
In's fancy, small content he there could find.  
But (hearing lest of her he most did love)  
Resolved forthwith some other airs to prove;  
And first to visit Europe's thoroughfare.  
Full-peopled Paris, did himself prepare.  
When he did nearer to that City come  
Than Tully's Tusculanum is to Rome,  
Just in that season when with eager pace  
Flame-breathing Sirius did the Lion chase,  
Under a tree whose umbrage did invite  
His stay, he from his Palfrey did alight,  
Intending there the sun's exalted power  
T'avoid, and rest until the Evening hour:  
The fervour of the day beg●n t'abate  
By slow degrees, when in gre●t pomp and state  
A Court-bred Lady that way chanced to come,  
Drawn by six Horses (whiter than their ●ome)  
In a rich chariot, such as might compare  
With Cytharea's, which through yielding air  
Soft swans convey. The Lady seemed of light  
And air made up, her presence was so bright:  
Yet some dark spots she on her face did wear,  
That haply she like Cynthia might appear.  
Her head with Chrysolithes' adorned round,  
Seemed with a radiant starry cincture crowned:  
Her Carcanet and bracelets would have made  
A richer chain than ever Vulcan laid  
Upon his Anvil: of pure Tyrian die  
Her vesture was, which fine embroidery  
Had decked with Peacocks, wondrous (to behold)  
For lively workmanship, and all of gold,  
Save that round Saphires, coloured like the skies,  
Did shine instead of Argus watchful eyes.  
Sir Antheon seeing her so stately brave,  
Upon her fixed his eyes; who gladly gave  
Him a full view as leisurely she passed  
Along, her pleasure not requiring haste;  
For only t'view the country, and to show  
Her pompous greatness, she abroad did go.  
Somewhat behind the train that with her came,  
On a misshapen Jade, both lean and lame,  
Rode as forelorn a person all along,  
Grumbling & rolling his distempe●'d ●ongu●  
His clothes had been like flowers, but now were grown  
Poor withered weeds; and looking oft thereon,  
Sorely he sighed, and his brows did knit,  
As one both weak in fortune and in wit:  
Of him the Knight enquired what Lady 'twas  
That in illustrious state that way did pass,  
Like some great Princess. Sir, said he (to tell  
" The truth) this Lady do I know too well;  
" Her name is Alazonia, high at Court  
" Has she been bred, but who fares better for't?  
" I've served her almost as old Poets say  
" hard-tasked Aloides did Queen Omphale;  
" A fair thread have I spun, spent many pounds,  
" consumed my patrimony, sold whole towns  
" To buy her love; who mounts of gold to me  
" promised, though not a molehill do I see  
" Of kind performance. Yet as one bewitched▪  
" Or for true service sure to be enriched  
" I still wait on her; though I may as soon  
" Vault from this Centre to the silver Moon,  
" And bring down treasure, as her love regain,  
" Who now beholds her servant with disdain;  
" Much less recover what I erst have lost  
" Through fond profusion, and excessive cost.  
" For though I now attend in mean array,  
" Yet have I served her when I shone like Day,  
" Was the Top-gallant of the Town, and gave  
" laws (as it were) to all that would be brave.  
" Such must they be that on this Lady wait,  
" Who studies most quaint fashions to create,  
" And boasts more in an ●our, than in an age  
" She will make good, howe'er she does engage.  
More had he uttered in that eager vein,  
But that the Lady bade drive back again:  
For she descrying, as she passed by,  
In the young Knight some sparks of gallantry,  
Felt her affection (kindled thence) to glow  
With such an ardour, that she needs must go  
Back to th' attractive object of her love,  
And with these melting words his metal prove:  
" Sir, if enfeebling ●eat, or tedious length  
" Of travel, chancet▪ have tired out your strength,  
" Rest in your servant's chariot here; lo I  
" Dispread mine armest' Embrace your company,  
" And shall (as with a bowl of Nectar deep)  
" Waken your spirits, lay your cares asleep.  
" In those bright eyes I something read above  
" Th' ascent and region of a common love;  
" And that I might with fuller view discern  
" What warmed my heart, I made this quick return.  
" Where ever you intend your worth to show,  
" Your pleasure I'll attend, and with you go:  
" And if at Court (a Stage for you most fit)  
" You will keep up your fashion and your wit,  
" I'll see your way to lofty honour cleared,  
" Nor leave you till in happiness insphered:  
" There like the radiant Day-God shall you shine,  
" And wear the value of a precious Mine  
" Upon your back: nor shall you need to fear  
" Harsh envies storms; I like a Halcyon there  
" Shall keep all calm: then dear Sir come aboard;  
" More love to you no Lady shall afford.  
" Madam, said he, as fire makes fuel flame,  
" So love the like affections force may claim  
" In the beloved; but yours runs so high,  
" It quite orewhelms my grateful quality,  
" And brings me under: yet get up I must,  
" And gallop in contempt of heat and dust;  
" My business rapts me hence, nor can I stay  
" A formal leave to take, but must away.  
Forthwith he mounts, and rides as if in fear  
O'th' Gorgon's head, or th' uglier Fiend he were;  
With greedy hast the way (as't were) devours,  
And soon beholds the proud Parisian towers;  
Coming whereto, he much admires to see  
Such numerous troops, and quaint variety  
Of fashions there; but could not fashion well  
Himself to stay, where fatal pride did dwell.  
Strait tries he other quarters; but doth find  
To the same falling-evil all inclined:  
Whence he concludes his Lady, that was sound  
In mind and manners, was not there t' be found.   

THE HEROICAL LOVER.  
CANTO IV.  
The Argument▪  
Sir Antheon at his next remove  
Goes into Spain to seek his Love;  
Contemns the wealth Sor'dezza shows,  
And stickles twixt engaged foes.  
NO force of envious Fortune can divert  
From his fair aim a worthy lover's heart,  
Resolved in's course all crosses to abide  
With patience, working 'gainst both wind & tide,  
Such a true undertaker was our Knight;  
So firm in's purpose, that he did unite  
All his endeavours to the point of love,  
And towards that sweet cen●re still did move.  
The seaman's Needle varies and declines;  
But 'tis not so with brave heroic minds,  
Touched by pure love; these steadily direct  
Their motions to their marks, and ne'er defect.  
A due respect to faith and honour (dear  
To Worthies) cau'sd this noble Cavalier  
Still to indulge his amours, to devise  
How to achieve his ardent enterprise,  
And think where next he should the name resound  
Of his Fidelta, ne'er enough renowned.  
At last he did resolve to see what Spain  
Of worth and excellency did contain;  
Whether the women of that western coast  
Have orient beauties, as some men do boast;  
And whether their endowments be as rare  
And precious, as they rich in treasure are.  
Betwixt the potent realms of Spain and France  
The Pyrenean hills are bold t'advance  
Their heads; so hoary, as they took much care  
To keep the treasures safe that hoarded are  
In their deep entrails. Over these (they say)  
The Gauls, too populous, did once make way,  
And by Iberus side new seats did find;  
And over these Sir Antheon now designed  
To pass into Iberia. 'Twas not long  
Before they did ascend those high and strong  
Rock-ribbed mountains; when to's friend he said:  
" Somewhere (I now remember) I have read  
" That once these hills took fire, whose mighty heat  
" Dissolved their minerals, and poured great  
" Currents of treasure down; though now through snow,  
" And a sharp penetrative air we go:  
" But a true lover's breast, that much doth hold  
" O'th' torrid Zone, defies all force of cold;  
" Will fight with it at sharp, and whatsoever  
" To his designs shall opposite appear.  
Great Spain, whose strength is now in monarchy  
United, was divided anciently  
Into twelve kingdoms; through all which the Knight  
(Whom nothing can dismay, much less affright)  
Intends with speed to travel, and to try  
The fortunes of a fresh discovery.  
When he had passed those haughty mountains, more  
Did heat insest him than the cold before:  
But his surmounting courage did despise  
Both Earths and airs more threatning injuries;  
And like a River went, that without stay,  
Though with some windings, seeks the wealthy sea:  
Still was he sounding sweet Fidelt●'s name,  
And did her worth in every place proclaim;  
Making in wealthy Corduba more stay,  
To he●r what people could of Lucan say,  
And th' Seneca's. As there he walked along,  
And saw a house all mo●s't, but mainly strong,  
More like a Prison than a Palace; there  
Fixing his view, and drawing somewhat near,  
Forth comes a woman well in years, but ill  
In fashion, seeming as some Hellish skill  
She did p●ofess, so fiendlike her aspect,  
Mixing with carefulness a rude neglect.  
A temp●st in her eyes she seemed to bear,  
Whence ro●gh and wavy did her brow appear;  
Her elfin hair was grey, but had been red;  
Her cheeks a nasty morphew overspread;  
And like a rusty Gnomon was her nose,  
Thin as the bone that winter-weather shows;  
Her teeth were Or, but Argent were her lips;  
Her neck was speckled as with fairy-nips;  
Towards her bodies sordid Centre hung  
Her breasts like Rennet-bags, all knobbed & clung;  
And turned were her tanned hands to paws,  
So bent to rapine, and so armed with claws.  
She with a false eye (like a Kite that spies)  
A chick, and cunningly to catch it flies)  
Having descried some jewels rich and fair,  
Which (from his country brought) the Knight did wear,  
Did long to finger them; & therefore came  
To him; and having set her looks in frame,  
Thus said: Fair Sir, if from this public street  
" You will withdraw, and please to set your feet  
" Within my ga●es, I shall to you impart  
" What haply Nectar-like will warm your heart,  
" And win your liking; come along, and see  
" What golden hope's in offe●'d amity.  
He smiling went with her (brave Jason so  
With magical Medea on●e did go,)  
Went with her int' a gallery that led  
T' a round built room, whose door she opened,  
Showed him a world of treasure shining there,  
And bade him enter while the coast was clear.  
But when, refusing, he a stand did make,  
She thus again his modesty bespoke:  
" You see, blind Fortune has not been my foe,  
" That has vouchsafed upon me to bes●ow  
" Such heaps of treasure; yet some foes I have,  
" Wild Prodigals. that strut about in brave  
" Attire, when scarce they have wherewith to buy  
" A cord, to mind them of their destiny:  
" By day they're lordly, yet with night conspire  
" To feed a base and ravenous desire:  
" Such youngsters oft invade my treasury,  
" As th' Elders did Susanna's chastity.  
" Now, as you seem a gallant man at arms,  
" If you'll secure me from such frightful harms,  
" And be my champion, you shall share a part  
" Of all my wealth, but wholly have my heart:  
" Midas shall be an Ass to you; that King  
" Croesus', scarce named, not worth your envying:  
" My precious treasures with reflexive shine  
" Shall gild your brows, & make your looks divine.  
" Those jewels that you wear are dim & poor,  
" compared to many that I keep in store:  
" I'll give you richer in exchange, that may  
" My love, together with their-light, display.  
With that, she wrung his finger, with intent  
To have plucked thence its golden ornament,  
Wherein an opal shined: but he, his blade  
Half-drawing, told her, if such pranks she played,  
He would hack of her talons, send her head  
T'her feet, and show it in g●imme Gorgon's stead.  
Then such a thundering stamp he gave, that all  
The gold & silver chinked, and th' hag did crawl  
Back (like a Crab) in much affright, whilst he,  
Full of brave scorn and sparkling gallantry,  
Left her to Mammon's mercy, laughing went,  
As furnished for a whole months merriment.  
Soon after, meeting with a Matron grave,  
Who by her even carriage seemed to have  
A well-poised temper, he inquired who  
That beldame was that so much wealth did show,  
That with fair proffers veiled her foul intents,  
And meant to cheat amidst her blandishments.  
" You mean, said she, Sordezza (as I guess,)  
" That Harpy-like, Hell-raking Sorceress,  
" Who gapes for gain as dogs for cooling air,  
" And earth-ward bends, affixing worldly care,  
" To the world's Centre. If you have been in  
" Her house, that Hold of mischief, Shop of sin,  
" You owe much to your fortune, that you have  
" So safe returned, and not remained her Slave.  
" For she not seldom lays her golden baits  
" For whom she likes; & when those gay deceits  
" The Gulls have taken, she enchants them so,  
" That they her service never will forgo,  
" But gladly as her vas●ais will remain,  
" And what she pleases to impose, sustain.  
" Yet a hard-hearted Mistress does she prove,  
" And great's her tyranny (pretending love)  
" To those that serve her, over rocks and hills  
" And dales she hurries them, while sweat distils;  
" Sends them to back the wild-bounding Sea,  
" And pass through perils to rich India;  
" With troubles, as with torrents, over-bears  
" Their strength, & with sharp cares their bowels tears;  
" Feeds them with scraps & refuse; makes them go  
" Thinly arrayed through piercing winter's snow;  
" Loosens their limbs with flesh-quakes, and doth make  
" Whilst others soundly sleep, the wretches wake.  
" This is no fabulous story which I tell,  
" But true and real. Therefore weighing well  
" Your late escaped dangers, with much joy  
" Reflect upon your precious liberty,  
" And shun as Serpents (if so wise you be)  
The air and tract of ill society.  
Contented with this answer, thence he went,  
But not without a grateful compliment  
For her intelligen●e, well seasoned  
With grave advice. His resolution led  
Him forward still or rather urged him on:  
And as a Current being stopped, anon  
Flows with more force: so if by chance he stayed  
Long where he liked, the greater hast he made  
In's following jo●rneys. When he came in sight  
Of fair Toledo (once the moors delight)  
Which in the Centre of that kingdom stands  
On Tagus, famous for its golden sands;  
Beyond a thicket bordering on his way,  
He saw two gallants in a mortal fray  
Engaged, striking, thrusting, bending all  
Their forces to procure each others fall.  
Forthwith dismounting, towards them he goes,  
And (though in danger of their desperate blows)  
Betwixt them steps, and bids them hold, or he  
Would send them where they better should agree;  
Asks them th' occasion whence their discord rose,  
And what might urge them to those angry blows.  
Says one of them: This fellow that you see,  
" That looks like milk, and quakes for fear of me,  
" Was not ashamed to tell me that he saw  
" My father (who his pedigree doth draw  
" From Princes) on a ●ounder'd Hackney ride  
" Sometime, and wear no weapon by his side;  
" Whereas (his foes well knew't) he wore a sword  
" Daily, as good as Bilbo co●ld afford,  
" And used a trampling jennet to bestride;  
" The King of Spain does on no better ride.  
Th'other with indignation said; This Boy,  
Whose tongue the hangman's noose can only tie,  
" Says that my sister loves him, and doth wear  
" A bracelet (as he brags) made of her hair;  
" When I dare swear she holds him in disdain,  
" As courted by the bravest Don in Spain;  
" And's of that birth, and wealth, and beauty rare,  
" As well may drive mean Suitors to despair.  
" For this I challenged him; and if you had  
" Not intervened (whereof he may be glad,)  
" I had by this time broached him on my blade  
" Like a swollen Toad, and fatal work had made.  
" You both are valiant, said the Knight, no doubt;  
" And pity 'tis great spi●its should abo●t  
" Small matters tempt their fates: p●t ●p for shame  
" Those angry tools; and if you'd purchase fame,  
" Draw them against your country's public foes  
" In a just urgent quarrel; do like those  
" Ancient Heroes, Th●seus, and the rest,  
" Resist ambitious wrongs, relieve th'oppressed,  
" Release th' enthralled, and such monsters tame  
" As live like harpies, flying at all Game.  
" These are high ways to honour; but for toys  
" To brawl is infamous, more fit for boys  
" Than well-bred men, who wrongs should rightly weigh,  
" Nor in the balance heavy hatred lay.  
" Whole kingdoms suffer for wild fervency  
" Of blood, and blindly-bold temerity:  
" And oft the flowers of families (that might  
" Have done their country much obliging right)  
" By trifling quarrels have I known to fall,  
" And damp our hopes with sudden funeral.  
" Come, let me link your hands, as is most fit,  
" And in like manner let your hearts be knit;  
" And as your metal is now found to be  
" Solid and firm, so prove your amity.  
This speech did work no less than Mercury's  
Pastoral music, charmed their enmities,  
And caused them (in stead of angty blows)  
To strike a league, and hate the name of foes.  
So home they went: but him that made their peace,  
Nor Love nor Destiny would yet release  
From painful tasks of travel. Thence he hies  
To famous Sevil, where Columbus lies;  
And coming there his Epitaph to view,  
Blows off the dust with sighs, and much doth rue  
That a brave Ttraveller who bare a mind  
As ample as the world, should be confined  
T'a narrow vault; and he that had surveid  
New unknown stars, should be in darkness laid.  
Through many cities makes he then his way,  
But his chief Scene of business does he lay  
In fair Madrid; which (as sometimes a clown  
May rise to honour) from a v●lgar town  
Is grown a royal seat. But neither there  
Nor elsewhere can he of Fidelta hear,  
Nor of such noble qualities as might  
Thither a Lady of much worth invite.  
wherefore at present making there a stand,  
He means to visit some more hopeful land.   

THE HEROICAL LOVER.  
CANTO 5.  
The Argument.  
To Greece th' unwearied Lover hies,  
All obvious dangers doth despise;  
A huge impetuous Serpent slays,  
And on the ground a Braggart lays.  
THE Knight now having 'gainst his passions strove,  
And made them all subservient to his Love,  
(That, like a Torrent, all things in its way  
o'er-bare) some other airs would yet assay,  
And either find his Lady, or dispread  
Her fame, and make her worth more honoured▪  
His mind was bent on Greece, that once brought forth  
Wits, beauties, courages, of highest worth:  
Was Learnings fruitful mother, sending thence  
All arts, as from a happy confluence;  
And in such noble qualities excelled,  
As scarcely have on earth been paralleled.  
Towards that land with hoist sails he went;  
And though he heard that Pirates do frequent  
Those Eastern Seas, yet forwards did he steer  
With dauntless heart, scarce knowing what to fear.  
On the wild Deep not many days he spent  
(Though oft beset with dangers incident  
To sailors) ere he to Morea came,  
That had from Pelops a more ancient name.  
There travelling with much desire to see  
Things of most fame in faithful history,  
He most intensively that Isthmus viewed  
(Reaching about six miles in latitude)  
Which to have digged through▪ Caligula,  
Nero, and other Princes, did assay;  
That so two Seas which Nature had disjoined  
Might as it were in marriage be combined,  
But Heaven forbade the Match; strange prodigies  
Of blood that issued forth, of frightful cries,  
And fights of vengeful Furies, sent away  
The Pionieres with terror and dismay;  
The powers celestial seeming thus to threat  
Mortals for acts of insolence so great.  
With like desire transported was the Knight  
With clear-streamed Alpheus to compare his sight;  
Upon whose flow●y margin when he stood,  
Viewing the motions of the sportive flood,  
He said; Fair River, that thy Are●huse  
" Dost sollow under Seas to Syracuse,  
" But there dost thy beloved Nymph enjoy,  
" I envy much thy great felicity;  
" But hope withal that I, who likewise go  
" Through sundry coasts for love, shall not bestow  
" My pains in vain, but finally possess  
" My dear delight, my high-prized happiness;  
" So other Lovers at that bliss of mine  
" Will look with languishment, as I at thine.  
After some days int' Attica he came;  
And for Minerva's City of much fame  
Did look; but nothing did like Athens see,  
That sometimes was the fruitfullest nursery  
Of a●ts and arms; brave worthy warriors bred,  
S●ch as elsewhere have scarce been equalled;  
And through the world such streams of learning sent,  
As have supplied all wits with nourishmen●:  
The Genius of the place (as did appear)  
Making the fancy quick, the ●udgment clear.  
Now in regard that A●tick f●ith was known  
T'have been so firm, that 'twas proverbial grown,  
Sir Antheon with fair hope did feed his mind,  
That there he should his faithful Lady find.  
But as an alchemist that long hath sweat,  
Puffed, and projected, the rare Stone to get,  
But nought save ashes finds, doth sigh and mourn,  
For that his furnace seems the fatal urn  
Wherein his wealth lies buried: so the Knight,  
Not finding his chief jewel and delight,  
Felt discontents arising in his breast  
Like vaporous storms disturbing much his rest.  
But with Philosophies instilled balm  
He cured the wound of grief, and did becalm  
His spirits so, that cheerfully he went  
Forwards, arriving, ere much time was spent,  
At those fame-widned straits, Thermopylae;  
Where Xerxes host, which (as Historians say)  
Had soaked up floods as it along did pass,  
Was by brave Lion-like Leonidas  
With some few Spartan troops dismembered sore,  
Full thirty thousand weltering in their gore:  
Such fire strikes fortitude, when throughly steeled  
With resolution, that disdains to yield.  
Having well viewed that place, his way he took  
Into the parts of Phocis, there to look  
For Pytho, famoused by mighty Jove;  
Who by a rare experiment to prove  
Where this enflowred Globes firm navel stands,  
Sent forth out of his thunder-swaying hands  
Two Eagles, one of them, fro'th' shining East  
Directed, th' other from the cloudy West;  
These, flying, met with weary wings about  
That town, and by th' encounter cleared the doubt.  
From thence the Traveller with high desire  
Marched to Parnassus, whose two tops aspire  
To pass the clouds, and Embleme-wise express  
Of God and Nature the clear knowledges.  
At foot ●hereof the pure Castalian spring  
(That oft had moved the muse's sons to sing)  
He tasted; and beheld th' adjoining Cave,  
Whence sometime wise Apollo answers gave.  
Then, as that liquour had with fluency  
Inspired him, thus he said: How happy be  
" Those wits, whom time and Fortune do allow  
" To walk at leisure on the lofty brow  
" Of this fair Mount; as in the Court of Jove,  
" Embeamed with starry lights, Celestials move!  
" They with no small delight the tracks may see  
" Where th' ancient Muses danced, so orderly,  
" As th' hosts of Heaven do march; and rest in those  
" Sweet laurel-arbours, where they did compose  
" Songs of choice s●bjects, and fresh garlands made  
" For happy brows, whose fancies would not fade.  
" But my condition's like the restless stone  
" Of Sis●phus; and hence I must be gone,  
" To seek a cure for my love-strucken heart;  
" Which only sweet Fidelta can impart.  
This having uttered with some discontent  
Signed in his cloudy b●ow, forthwith he went  
Towards Helicon, a mountain high in site  
And fame, wherein the Muses did delight.  
Coming in view thereof, the careful swains  
That fed their cattle on the fertile plains,  
Told him how sore their country was distressed  
By a huge Serpent, which did so infest  
And rob their folds, that few or none could keep  
Their flocks in safety, nor securely sleep.  
Near to the place where famous Hesiod said  
That he his frisking Lambkins pastured,  
Within a hollow rock this Monster lay,  
At the hills foot; not stirring thence by day;  
But soon as Night did from her iron car  
Fling rusty darkness, would he forage far  
With great celerity, and take their prey  
From Wolves or Lions, were they in his way.  
And as th' Enchantress Circe long ago  
Did into Scylla's bay infection throw:  
So into th' muse's springs he did inject  
Foul poisons, and their purities infect.  
His close-wrought scales were like the Crocodiles,  
Scarce penetrable: nor could all the wiles  
And stratagems that rustics could devise,  
Prevail this cattle-killer to surprise;  
But he not seldom did their arts elude,  
Not seldom had their greatest force subdued.  
The hardy Knight now felt his heart on fire  
At this report, so much he did desire  
To benefit the country, and so much  
A kind compassion did his bowels touch.  
So, having purchased firm artillery,  
Such as the great Bow-bearer used, when he  
'Gainst Python went; and having with him took  
A Guide or two that durst on danger look,  
He climbed the Mount a pretty space above  
The monster's den, & would not thence remove  
Till Night with shades the Hemisphere did hide,  
And forth for prey the horrid Snake did glide:  
Hearing ere long his rustling scales below,  
And thence presuming that he forth did go,  
From the hills side he boldly did descend  
To the holes mouth, that passage to defend;  
And setting some dry Laurels there on fire,  
Did mean to see the direful beast retire.  
About such time as the Day-Roses spring,  
Back from his haunts and spoilful foraging  
The Serpent sweeping comes; his bulk was vast,  
And when extended, like a trailed Mast  
Or oaken beam it seemed; his chaps besmeared  
With blood and poison, terrible appeared;  
His teeth like iron pikes, his eyes like fire;  
And with the black fumes which he did expire,  
The air was tainted, blasted was the grass,  
And leaves of trees, where he along did pass.  
When ●e drew near t' his den, and saw the fire,  
He forthwith kindled a more rageful ire,  
Quickened his deadly forces, bigger yet  
Did swell, and seemed his forked tongue to whet;  
Hissing so loud, as if a thunder-stone,  
Enwrapped in flames, had from a cloud been thrown  
Into the deep: then on with widened jaws  
He comes; when straight his bow Sir Antheon draws,  
And sends a shaft (that would have pierced a coat  
Of double Mail) into his gulfy throat;  
Then with another quenched his flaming eye,  
Ripping his heads smooth seams so fatally,  
That, mad with anguish, up and down he flung;  
Now wreathed round, then stretched himself along;  
Sometimes shot forwards, wheeled sometimes aside;  
Then with his sharp tail lashed the ground, & died.  
When hasty Fame had published what was done,  
From all parts thither did the people run,  
Straining their throats with Paeans, Eulogies,  
And all expressions of triumphal joys:  
The swains (ambitious then to show their skills)  
Made jolly music with their reeds and quills;  
And to their humble houses did invite  
The highly-praised, ever-honoured Knight,  
Offering him homely kindnesses, who took  
All in good part, and at goodwill did look.  
But when he nothing could amongst them find  
To feed his hopes, or ease his love-sick mind,  
His leave he took, and traveled on to see  
Some farther coasts in his discovery.  
Within that country's bounds he shortly came,  
Where warlike Castriot won unbounded fame;  
And taking a survey of Actium (nigh  
To which Augustus quelled Mark Anthony;  
As the Venetians did long after foil  
The Turks, and took inestimable spoil)  
He found that Fame his acts had thither blown,  
And that the serpent's slaughter was well known  
To th' people there, who gave him therefore great  
Respect, and with much kindness did him treat.  
But as a Canker creeps amongst the best  
Of Plants; so Envy 'mongst these civilest  
Of people did appear, and did reflect  
With all the scornful signs of disrespect  
Upon the Knight. A youngster of some note,  
A lusty big-limbed bragging Epirot,  
Full of disdain, came stalking to him near,  
Stared in his face, and thus began to jeer:  
" Sir Knight (if such you prove) it seems to me  
" A matter of no small indignity,  
" That to yourself such honour you will take  
" For crushing a poor worm, a silly Snake;  
" Surely your hungry stomach barks for praise  
" As well as food, that strive such fame to raise.  
" If Hercules a lion's skin that wore,  
" Had with your impudence been skin door,  
" He had at honour cast his club in vain,  
" And had been looked upon with much disdain.  
" I'll have your metal more acutely tried,  
" And mean to prove how well you can abide  
" The clashing of a sword: then (if you dare)  
" Ride forth with me into the open air,  
" And show me how your doughty blade will bite;  
" For Knighthood shall you shame, or with me fight.  
The challenge was accepted, and anon  
The Knight was mounted; but he scarce had gone  
Five hundred paces, ere a stand he made,  
And bade the Challenger unsheathe his blade,  
And metal show: he turned, and somewhat spoke  
In haste; but th' other with a nimbler stroke  
Cut off his speech, and some part of his cheek  
Together, which he on the ground might seek.  
And now that his hot humour 'gan to flow,  
He felt his courage cool, nor did he know  
Whether to venture for another wound;  
When straight the bold Knight felled him to the ground,  
And then dismounting, grasped him by the throat,  
Whilst he for Quarter cried with piteous note.  
" caitiff, said he, thy life I do disdain  
" To take, or put thee to deserved pain;  
" It is enough t' have proved to thy face,  
" And signed with thy blood, that thou art base.  
" Rise lubber that thou art with heart so cold,  
" Do me some service here, my stirrup hold  
" Whilst I remount; and likewise mindful be  
" Thy tongue to hold in stranger's company.  
He readily obeyed, and quickly showed  
By's homage, that to him his life he owed;  
Of fame regardless, so that thence he might  
Trail back his limbs, & not be slaughtered quite,  
The Knight then called his friend (who stood aloof  
To see this fighting-match, this martial proof  
Of metal;) and with him advancing on,  
Came s●ortly into th' coasts of Macedon;  
There notice took of Pella, famoused  
For that it had the mightiest Monarch bred;  
And of Siderocaspae, where the ground  
With precious minerals doth so abound,  
As metals grew there, or in a royal sort  
Plutus, the God of wealth, there kept his court.  
But hearing nothing of that jewel there,  
Which he above all treasures did endear,  
He journeyed thence to Thessaly in haste,  
A country with all nature's favours graced;  
Where he Olympus viewed, so wondrous high,  
It plainly seemed to shoulder up the sky,  
As lofty Fame the clouds; where likewise tall  
Othrys (that witnessed the rude centaur's fall)  
He did survey; and with no small delight  
On Ossa there and Pelion fixed this sight.  
When he arrived at Tempe, and saw there  
The face of Nature smiling all the year,  
A bounteous soil, adorned with various flowe'rs,  
Clear shining riv●lets, and shady bowers,  
Wherein the lively birds did hop and play,  
And taught the wild woods many a pleasant lay;  
He stood, as struck into a deep amuse,  
" And said: O, if I worthy were to choose  
" My place of residence; and with me here  
" This age's ornament, Fidelta were;  
" Here would we gull old Time in pleasant sort,  
" Inventing ('mongst the Sylvanes) quaint disport;  
" Under green leafy Laurels, interwove,  
" we would repose, and dream of nought but love;  
" With soft sweet flowers would we strew our way,  
" And make thereof fresh chaplets every day;  
" Our loves so full of crosses, would we carve  
" In knotty Oaks that might the work preserve;  
" And birds should learn our oft-repeated songs,  
" Of what to true affections force belongs.  
" But ah! I must be gone, the Fates ordain  
" Some other meeting-place then on this Plain;  
" More painful travels must I undertake,  
" That may more pleasant my fruition make.  
This speech being uttered, and with sighs pursued,  
He march ere long where he Larissa viewed,  
A City honoured for Achilles' sake,  
That Grecian chief, who there his birth did take.  
Thence passing on with some severe delight,  
He on Pharsalos looked, neat which in fight  
Caesar and Pompey joined, resolved to stand  
All shocks and hazards for the world's command.  
He purposed to have seen hard-metalled Thrace  
Oft-frozen Hebrus, and the adjoining place  
Where the wild Manades did piecemeal tear  
Renowning Orpheus, throwing here and there  
His bleeding limbs, who th' Sirens had out-sung,  
And seen their instruments of music flung  
Into the Ocean. But he changed his mind,  
When (to his greatest comfort) he did find,  
That as a pleasant field, neglected, grows  
Squalid, and fair fertility doth lose:  
So there for want of discipline and arts,  
The people were from all praiseworthy parts  
Greatly estranged, were now grown barbarous,  
Rechless, debauched, and pusillanimous;  
As loath they were the Lordly Turks should be  
Taught how to reach to honours high degree;  
Or else those Tyrants had for some offence  
Beaten out all their sparks of excellence.  
No signature of lovely virtue saw  
He there that might a worthy Lady draw  
Those coasts to visit, or there make her home,  
If she by accident should thither come:  
Which things well pondered, caused him to make  
A stop, and think what next to undertake.   

THE HEROICAL LOVER.  
CANTO VI.  
The Argument.  
The Gallant now his Scene doth lay  
In Sicily, and on the Sea  
Rescues a Knight from wrackful waves;  
On land a Lady's honour saves.  
AS those that of clear Phoebus did inquire  
About obscure events, of their desire  
Did sometimes fail, and doubtful went away▪  
So though the Knight consulted night and day  
With wise experienced Eubulus, yet he  
Could find but little ground of certainty  
To fix his thoughts upon, nor well did know  
Where next he should his wonted pains bestow.  
At last, resolved he was to range the fields  
Of Sicily, and try what worth that yields;  
An Isle that in the midland Sea doth lie,  
As virtue stands in mediocrity.  
For loves and wars it sometimes famous was,  
And still its fellow-Islands doth surpass  
In things of note: the men ingenious are;  
The women, like to wood-Nymphs, sweet & fair:  
And 't was presumed, because the people spend  
Much pains in fields (which Poets did intend,  
Who feigned that Saturn hid bis sickle there)  
The currents of their lives did run more clear  
From vicious taints, than others idly spent;  
And worthy persons did the coast frequent.  
Besides, whereas long since, to plant that Isle,  
People (invited by its wealthy soil)  
From Corinth, Sparta, Athens, flocking came,  
And other Cities of high worth and fame;  
'Twas credible their virtues would not be  
Extinct, but shine yet in their progeny.  
These things well weighed, Sir Antheon & his friend,  
Who to make proof thereof did now intend,  
In a fair ship launched forth; that (as o'erjoyed  
To be by persons of prime worth employed,)  
While the winds whistled, on the waters danced,  
An● forwards with auspicious course advanced,  
Passing by sundry Islands famous made  
By Poets, that therein their Scenes had laid.  
But when of Sicily they came in sight,  
The air grew turbid, and the winds did fight,  
Whirling about with such a threatful sound,  
As they forthwith the vessel would have drowned;  
As the like mischief they had lately done  
To a tossed bark that on a rock did run.  
It was a Ship wherein a youthful Knight  
Of Malta sailed; that in this others sight  
Was dashed upon the hard and craggy side  
Of Scylla (which wise seamen most avoid,)  
And with th' allision split and shattered sore,  
As all her barking dogs the bark had tore.  
So have I known a globe of snow to roll  
Down from a hill-top, all compact and whole,  
Till some hard obstacle it met, but fly  
In pieces then, and wildly scattered lie.  
All perished in the shipwreck save the Knight,  
Who full of caution and of motion light,  
Into the ship-boat leapt, enforced t' obey  
False winds, that turning straight another way,  
Drove him to deep despair; who now did float  
Near to Charybdis, whose vast gulfy throat  
Had quickly swallowed him, but that our brave  
Heroic Lover, vent' 〈◊〉 to save  
The wretched Passenger (that seemed to be  
A person of some eminent degree)  
Drew him into his vessel, interposed,  
And him from straits of horrid danger loosed,  
Banished his baleful woes, and lively joys  
Recalled into his death-expecting eyes:  
Soon as the bellowing surges of the Maine  
Grew tamely silent, and the Heavens serene,  
So that they well could into Harbour get,  
Our Knight on shore his now-called brother set,  
With wine refreshed him, waftage did provide,  
And all things for his voyage fit beside;  
Giving him cause in Malta to proclaim  
His noble favours, and divulge his fame.  
Thither he went; but not before he showed  
What services for a saved life he owed;  
Debts which he would with speaking heart agnize,  
And gage for payment all his faculties.  
Of all strange things that Travellers admire  
In Sicily, there's none like Aetna's fire,  
That (unextinct) hath burned from age to age,  
And sometimes with such high impetuous rage,  
That, belching out flames, cinders, ashes, smoke,  
It threatened wholly to o'erwhelm and choke  
That Island, striking all the rest with fear  
Lest the world's conflagration now were near.  
The hill was less incensed at this time,  
Giving the sprightful Gallant leave to climb  
Its steep and rocky sides, & to survey  
Some chinks and clefts through which the wind makes way  
Into its bowlls, and like bellows blows  
The fire therein, that without ceasing glows,  
As being with stuff combustible supplied,  
Which Nature there does plenteously provide.  
Then came he to the place where some did say  
Empedocles his iron slippers lay,  
Thrown out 'oth' furnace, after he had cast  
Himself into the flame, and breathed his last;  
Thus stealing out o'th' world, to seem to be  
Deathless, and honoured as some Deity.  
This moved the Knights inseparable friend  
To fall int' a discourse o'th' fatal end  
Of blindly-bold ambition, and to tell  
With how great danger it doth upward swell;  
How (like to smoke) it doth obliquely rise,  
But falls directly from high dignities;  
How giantlike it 'gainst the Gods doth go,  
And under proud feet lays Religion low;  
Sticks not to violate with impious hands  
Of blood or amity the strictest bands;  
Subverts well-founded governments, with Fate  
(As 't were) conspiring all to ruinate.  
When now 'bout objects much to be admired,  
They rather had their limbs, than senses, tired,  
Down went they from the Mountain to the Plain,  
Whose bounteous soil glads Italy and Spain,  
Malta and Barbary, with rich supplies  
Of grain, the welcom'st of commodities.  
Led on by sweet Affects, the way they found  
To Syracuse, a City much renowned  
By Maro's Muse, who thither did re●ort,  
Preferring it sometimes to Caesar's court,  
It was against great Rome's ambitious wrong  
By godlike Archimed defended long;  
Who seemed at threatning ships to hurl at once  
Fierce lightning-flames and fulminary stones,  
So that th' astonished Victor gave command  
That none should 'gainst that Artist heave his hand;  
Who yet i'th' tumult 'mongst his figures found,  
Was soon disfigured by a deadly wound.  
This caused Sir Antheon his sepulchral stone  
With tear-shot eyes to view, and look thereon  
For the Cylinder and the Sphere he made;  
Desiring oft ere nature's debt he paid,  
To have them figured on his tomb, to show  
What to his industry the world did owe.  
The Knight now having seen what worthy was  
Of observation there, did forwards pass,  
Minded to see the place where Poets say  
The Stygian Monarch plucked Proserpina  
Into his iron coach and hurrying fast,  
A veil of shades about her beauties cast:  
Seized near to Enna was this gallant prize,  
Where the fair Islands very navel lies;  
A meadow stored with flowers so odorous,  
That snuffing Hounds do in its bosom lose  
The scents of beasts pursued; about it round,  
Tufted with neat trees is the rising ground,  
And nourished with cool waters, gathered nigh,  
As 't were t' admire a gaping vastity  
In rocks adjoining; into which (they say)  
Pluto in triumph rode, yet lost the day;  
Black night advancing from her drowsy seat  
To welcome him, and on his Queen to wait.  
Nat far beyond these wonderments, that might  
Retard his motion, traveled had the Knight;  
But that (as if lusts wildfires fatally  
Raged in that coast) a wronged Ladies Cry  
Sent from the Concave of a valley near,  
Did with amazement strike his listening ear.  
She being fresh as May, of lineage high,  
And wealth beyond the most in Sicily,  
Had oft been seen, attended by her Maid  
Alone, to walk there in the pleasing shade;  
And (as it were) the Wood-Nymphs steps to trace  
Into a mossy Cave, a pretty space  
From her high-seated Mansion: That had moved  
A brutish Don, that wealth and woman loved  
B'ove fame or honesty, in wait to lie  
To win her by surprise, and forcibly  
Take her to wife, that so enjoy he might  
A beauty rare, a fortune infinite.  
That this rude wickedness might then be wrought,  
Three Ruffians (wild as Boreas' sons) he brought  
With him; and now they had the trembling Prey  
Amongst them, and were forcing her away.  
But brave Sir Antheon having got a view  
('Mongst shady bushes) of that savage crew,  
Cast where t' assail them with his b●andisht blade,  
And that so closely, as they did invade  
The noble Lady; whom he either would  
Rescue out of their hands, or spend his blood.  
And Eubulus, although more fit to give  
Grave counsels and instruction how to live,  
Than deadly tools to wield, did yet advance  
Bravely with sword in hand, and forward prance.  
These suddenly, as from an ambush, met  
Those worst of Thieves, where e'er they well could set  
The Lady down, their champion to the ground  
Was brought, engoared with a ghastly wound;  
The Knights keen weapon soon asunder shred  
The sinews of his neck, and laid his head  
Upon his shoulder, there a sleep to take  
Than night more heavy, never more to wake.  
The like did Eubulus, his sword ore-took  
Another, as he turned his head to look  
At's gasping Mate; the steel stuck in his jaw,  
And being forced thence, did rudely draw  
His sh●tter'd teeth; so fell he likewise down  
From his chafed Steed, and das●t his hairy crown  
'Gainst the hard earth. Those other two that saw  
Such deadly slashing, quickly did withdraw,  
And fled Sir Autheons force, who them a while  
Pursued, but thought it fitter to recoil  
To a fair Lady, than foul varlet's chase,  
Whose brutish courses mankind did disgrace.  
He found her almost where he left her, so  
Empalsied with affrights, she scarce could go;  
Her blood being like to Niobe's when grown  
Stone-cold she was, & scarce from marble known.  
But his warm hand (who was all love, all fire,)  
Gently embalming hers, did soon inspire  
Her veins with hea●, and made her spirits from  
Their sad Retreat with lively motion come.  
His softer language too her inward pain  
Much eased, and rosy tinctures fetched again  
Into her cheeks; as when dim clouds away  
Are blown, clear Heaven more beauties doth display●  
Thus comforted, he ushered her along  
Unto her home, and ●et her safe among  
Her dearest friends who hearing, what was done.  
Shed tears for joy (like rain by th' shining Sun  
Fairly embrightened) striving to express  
To her all love, to him all thankfulness.  
And as Aetolian Ach●lous flowed  
With bounty towards some that had bestowed  
Their pains to chase the Calydonian Beast,  
Pirithous, Lelex, Theseus, at the least:  
So strove thi● noble Ladies worthy f●iends  
To make the Knight and Eubulus amends  
With royal entertainment, for their high  
Merit, and most obliging courtesy.  
The bounty of the house was full and free,  
Yet could not work upon the constancy  
Of brave Sir Antheon, there to fix his mind;  
For that another Lady (though disjoined  
In place) was linked to him with lines of love,  
Which, howe'er extended, firm would prove.  
To seek that sweetening Object of desire  
(Which find he would, or finally expire.)  
Thence hasts he to Palermo, that a thin  
Phoenician colony had sometime been;  
But by additions grew so stately great  
And populous, that 'tis a princely seat;  
A City of such eminence and fame,  
As may some sovereignty o'er others claim:  
Fair streets, brave structures, rich magnificence  
Of Temples, give the place preeminence;  
Which yet had worthier been its head to rear  
With honour, if Fidelta had been there.  
But none there knew her, no● had winged Fame  
Wasted the pleasing sweetness of her name  
Into those parts▪ which caused the pensive Knight  
To look on Beauties there with small delight,  
But ●ull to travel on, in mind to try  
The close of a true lover's destiny.  
The next place where he did some days reside,  
Messina was; whose gates stood open wide,  
As in derision of the Turks proud threats,  
Who oft for prizes near that Haven waits.  
There such pure noble liquor did he taste,  
As caused Augustus to forget his past  
Sorrows; & with the Knight wrought so a while:  
But shortly did his discontents recoil,  
And sadly did he fold his arms, when there  
No news he could of rare Fidelta hear.  
Other fair Cities made he with his love  
Acquainted, but like Fortune still did prove,  
Finding the people's greater part to be  
Light, vain, and void of solid constancy;  
So that it seemed impertinent to spend  
Much time in such an Isle for such an end  
As he designed; yet howe'er he stayed  
A while, as disappointed, not dismayed.   

THE HEROICAL LOVER.  
CANTO VII.  
The Argument.  
To Belgium goes the gallant Knight,  
Avoids Ebbrezza's lewd delight:  
And rings (to anger highly stirred)  
Two hogs of Epicurus Heard.  
Our famous travellers transendent loves  
Like to a forest-kindled flame, that moves  
With hot contention, seeming to look red  
For anger, that it can no further spread.  
He knew a brave heroic fortitude  
(And such was his) should never seem subdued  
Nor wearied out; but should as much disdain●  
A faint submission unto grief or pain,  
As in a quarrel once engaged, to yield  
After slight hurts, and basely quit the field.  
The Spaniards, that of large Dominions boast,  
And run Division so from coast to coast,  
Had told him that their Belgic provinces  
Bred famous Worthies, such as did profess  
All arts, and had such pregnant fantasies,  
That they the na●tick compass did devise,  
Swift-hurrying Chariots, clocks, Typography,  
Quaint music, lively Limning, Tapestry,  
With many other rarities of wit,  
For pleasure some, but more for benefit.  
They told him also that the women there  
Are stars of beauty, of complexion clear,  
And quick in motion, thinking it scarce fit  
To yield to men precedency in wit,  
Or t' any European Dames more fame  
For noble virtue than themselves may claim▪  
These speeches blew the Knights internal fire,  
And kindled in his breast a great desire  
That coast to visit, and thereof to take  
A full survey for fair Fidelta's sake.  
Provided therefore of good shipping straight,  
That near danced under a more hopeful freight,  
He ploughs his passage through the foaming Sea,  
By good direction finding out the way  
To that low-seated region; where he lands,  
And in no little admiration stands,  
Viewing its bulwarks, made with mighty pain  
And cost, the raging billows to restrain,  
That threat to drive down all, and once did drown  
Many fair fields, and many a goodly town;  
Whose towers & steeples, when the season's clear  
And water low, like marine rocks appear.  
" Friend Eubulus, said he, these works are rare;  
" And they that thus secure their borders, are  
" More to be famed than Hercules. For he  
" Found work enough to win the victory  
" Of Achelous, that one river strained  
" His nerves, before the conquest he obtained.  
" But long (I hear) these Patriots have withstood  
" The furious charges of the brinish flood,  
" Though thousand rivers to their Neptune's aid  
" Bring their fresh forces, readily conveyed,  
" And oft great Aeolus in puffing haste  
" Sends his bold slaves to lay the country wast.  
The painful Dutch may teach us industry,  
" And fill our hearts with pleasing hopes t'enjoy  
" After a small time what we much desire,  
" And what we travel for at length acquire;  
" Though yet we find that Fortune seldom goes  
" Our way, nor friendly favours oft bestows.  
Thus spoke he; thus from every thing he saw,  
Some useful observation did he draw.  
Then warm with wonted fire, he forward went,  
Still wondering at the pains that had been spent  
In cutting trenches, draining marishes,  
Casting up banks, and many works like these;  
Whereof some tend to profit, others aim  
At pleasure, all true industry proclaim.  
No Statist, on some great embassage sent  
twixt Prince and Prince, can be more diligent  
About the weighing of those nice affairs  
That are the subject of his pressing cares,  
Than was the Knight industrious to inquire  
For the dear object of his deep desire.  
Yet balked he Amsterdam (though rich and fair  
That City be) for that he heard there are  
So many lost Religions there t' be found,  
Like to Medusa's Snakes together wound,  
Yet hissing at each other; such a crowd  
Of sects and heresies, and all allowed  
Their dotages, that he despaired to see  
Fidelta in such faithless company.  
But with no small content he viewed the town  
That bred Erasmus, Belgium's chief renown,  
Who with pure flowing style far off to drive  
Th' Augean filth of barbarism did strive;  
Rendered the Muses walks more sweet and clean,  
And made their troubled spring run clear again.  
To Zutphen when he came, and heard some tell  
That there that star of honour, Sidney, fell,  
A cloud of sorrow overcast his face,  
And thence a showr'e of tears distiled apace,  
whilst freshly he remembered that the fame  
Of that brave Hero● to Atlantis came,  
Long ere his amorous task he undertook;  
And that his worthy Father bade him look  
Upon such noble Patterns, and aspire  
With main contention of a high desire  
To reach their excellencies, and to be  
(If possible) their equal in degree.  
Thence goes he on, nor slacks a lover's pace,  
Proclaiming his design in every place;  
And lets no object overslip him, which  
With any knowledge might his mind enrich.  
The Sun (with fervent labour looking red)  
Declined apace towards his western bed,  
When by the forest of Ardenna's side,  
An house of large receipt the Knight espied,  
Such as wherein he thought that strangers might  
Refresh themselves by day, repose at night.  
At his approach, so wild a noise therein  
He heard, as if the Thyades had been  
There with their Timbrels: howe'er, being tired  
With travel, there to rest he much desired.  
Straight then he entered; and so might he well,  
Sith open stood the gate like that of Hell,  
Those there assembled being void of ●ear,  
For that by valiant Bacchus armed they were.  
The house was full of Ramblers, some whereof  
Did break unsavoury jests, and vilely scoff;  
Others sang Catches; some leapt over stools;  
Others grown qualmish, cursed th' unquiet▪ fools;  
Some crossed in love deplored their bad success;  
Others with laughter mocked their heaviness;  
Some like the Lapiths and centaurs brawled;  
But all drank deep, and for more liquour called  
With thirsty throats, save those that had before  
(Like mellow fruits) dropped down, and strewed the ●●oor.  
Thus as hot sultry weather sundry wise  
work upon things of different qualities,  
Hardens some substances, makes others f●ow;  
Withe●s some Plants, & makes their fellows grow:  
So did the ●ervid liquour of the grape  
The humours of that drunken Rabble shape  
Int' several folly, causing them t' express  
Their tempers by intemperate rudenesses.  
Amidst them sat Ebbrezza (so she hight,  
Whose courtship was their solace and delight)  
Deep-drencht in wine, yet such an Ocean more  
Desiring, as no bottom had nor shore.  
Like a great Puff the blown-up Fatling was,  
Filling a large chair with her fleshy mass:  
Her face was fully bladdered, in whose sphere  
Her eyes like flamy meteors did appear;  
And in her fiery nose (that towards her chin  
Inclined) the quintessence o'th' quassing sin  
Seemed bottled up: Her bagging cheeks so low,  
And treble chin did hang, that little show  
Her neck did make, although no little charge  
Maintained a thoroughfare, a gulf so large:  
Her palsied arms and hands could scarcely own  
Themselves by shape, they were so overgrown:  
Like a foul ruffled pillow either breast  
Appeared, whereon Silenus well might rest  
His seldom-sobe head: Her belly soft  
Was like a mossy mount, with laughter oft  
(As with an earthquake) shook: And in such sort  
Those Limbs that should her weighty bulk support,  
Were swollen with Dropsy, that they did appear  
Not legs, but logs, such monstrous props they were;  
Not could she easily move them, when to bed  
She willing was to go, and must be led.  
On one side of her stood a Cask replete  
With lusty wine; on th' other side a great  
Nicotian box, which duly she did ply,  
Smoking and quaffing still alternately;  
That so being moist and dry by turns, she might  
Taste her Delights with greater appetite.  
Sir Antheon smiled when such a Rout he saw,  
And knew not whether he should straight withdraw  
Out from that mad-brained Company, or stay  
To see the Humorists some tricks to play.  
At length the guzzling Gossip he bespoke  
Thus: may we not be bold awhile to make  
" Our rendezvous amongst you, and to be  
" Merry with this lighthearted Company?  
" At least be furnished with things requisite  
" For Travellers, who with the morning-light  
" Arose, and since have journyed without stay,  
" Though our vexed stomachs chid the tedious way?  
" For we upon an urgent business go  
" Of love, like arrows sent from Cupid's how,  
" And on the sweets of hope may seem to feed,  
" Yet yield perforce we must to nature's need;  
" And (that our worse parts may do service to  
" Our better) eat and drink, as others do.  
" Sir, if you come to drink, said she, sit down,  
" Here's liquour soon will take you by the Crown,  
" Will make those sober looks of yours to stare  
" Like to a Comet, conjure down your care,  
" Make all your fears to vanish like my smoke,  
" And arm you 'gainst encountering dangers stroke.  
" You shall not need to wear here by your side  
" A threatning sword, to show your valour's pride:  
" My Caske's a Magazine, and you may hence  
" Be strongly furnished for secure defence:  
" Then lay that dandling weapon by, sith fools  
" (And only such) will so expose their tools▪  
" And take you rather what our house presents,  
" Full pots and pipes, the chief of implements.  
Then ●aught, then belched she, & then took a cup,  
And drank to him; but slowly heaved it up,  
That, taking a long d●aught, she might thereby  
Morefully, what she dearly loved, enjoy.  
Mean while slept forth two Roarers, fierce and bold  
As fire-drakes, who the Knight too plainly told  
That he must sing a merry Catch or two,  
And what their Mistress had enjoined him, do,  
Or the●e ●e should not quench his thirst not be  
Honoured to mix with that Society.  
He, thus provoked to show his metal (more  
Than Meleager, when the sylvane boar  
〈◊〉 him) 〈◊〉 his hand upon his blade,  
And ●●ming with high indignation, said:  
" Feed still, ye nasty hogs, each at his trough;  
" I scorn what you deny, a●d have enough  
" To see you swill and guzzle at this ra●e;  
" Who only stayed to view (the more to ha●e)  
" Your Bucchanalian freaks, and all those vile  
" Impurities, that your loathed lives defile.  
" As much do I disdain to quaff, and sing  
" Those ribald rhimes wherewith your rooms do ring,  
" As from fair human dignity to throw  
" Myself, and like a groveling beast to go.  
Then with a threatning look, as straight he would  
Have mixed delicious wine with drunkard's blood,  
And dampt their frantic mirth, he left the den  
Of those wild beastly Revellers. But then  
Did the plump Da●e begin her voice to strain,  
And called to him to stay, and called again,  
Inviting him with promises, that might  
Work on a green and frolic appetite.  
When she perceived her words were like a gale  
To drive him on, and nought they could prevail,  
She after him those jolly Champions sent,  
That lately gave him so much discontent,  
And bade them melt their language in to fair  
In treaties, that he would with them repair  
Back to her house. They hasted, reeled, and fell,  
Yet to him came, and did their message tell,  
Courting him fairly at their first assay:  
But when they saw he still would keep his way,  
They called him Lout and Beast, & (to have stayed  
His Errantry) bold hands upon him laid.  
He quickly shook them off, and trained them on,  
Till out o'th' view of others they were gone;  
Then, as the King of beasts, that (hunted) burns  
With wrath, at last on his Pursuers turns:  
So did he face about to fall on those  
That followed him, & twixt them dealt his blows.  
Then, having with stiff gags distended wide  
Their chaps, & their rude hands behind them tied,  
The next part that most workeman-like he played,  
Was that a small arch in the bridge he made  
Of either's nose, and both together wy●'d;  
Saying, Now you that busily conspired  
" Against me, may with heads together laid  
" Plot your Release, but hardly call for aid.  
" Stand billing there like Doves, & spend your blood  
" With comfort; 'tis for your dear countries good▪  
" Rather like Swine for Mast or other fruit  
" Stand gaping, but forbear awhile to root:  
" Be taught, ye Sots, to drink more sparingly,  
" And Strangers treat with more civility.  
This having spoke, he left them to bespue  
Each others breast, and their ill manners rue.  
Never did Bee on top of Hybla high,  
Or fair Hymettus, with more industry  
Search the sweet cells of every vernant flower,  
From the day's entrance to the Evening hour,  
Than he with care performed the great inquest  
Of Love, that carelesty disturbed his rest.  
When he had viewed each City, every Port,  
And almost every place of great resort,  
Yet was unsatisfied in his desire,  
It was his purpose to have marc'ht up higher,  
T' have seen the neighbouring nation, o'er whose heads  
His shady ●wings the Austrian Eagle spreads:  
But when being certified by sundry Posts  
And Legates (sent into those lower coasts  
To take up news) that sure there could not be  
Any such Lady found in Germany  
As he inquired for, sith Fame nowhere  
Is busier with her hundred tongues than there,  
And quickly would such excellence discloud,  
Although wrapped up in a Cimmerian shroud;  
He paused a while, and like a Student fared,  
Who reading sentences obscure and hard,  
Is shrewdly puzzled, yet will truth pursue  
Through misty walks, and seek a clearer view.  
He could not but give way to discontent,  
Yet scorned neretheless to slack the bent  
Of his Resolve, or any sign to show  
That his high courage did dejected grow.   

THE HEROICAL LOVER.  
CANTO VIII.  
The Argument.  
Our worthy Lover tak●s his way  
Towards far-famed Utopia,  
Finds there Fidelta, claims his prize,  
And triumphs in connubial joys.  
IN all assays the courage of our Knight  
Showed (like his sword) a temper exquisite,  
Bearing so true an edge, as hardest fate  
That ere encountered it could ne'er rebate.  
This raised his thoughts, adapted him for high  
Achievements, formed him for great dignity;  
Quickened his hopes, and wrought upon his mind  
Further to seek what most he wished to find.  
But as a Sapling on a mountain pight,  
When the rude winds tumultuously do fight,  
Bends several ways, as surly blasts impel:  
So tossed with passions was the Knight, nor well  
What course in's business might be taken, knew,  
Nor in what 〈◊〉 he should his quest●renew.  
Some thoughts he had great Britain to have seen,  
An Isle on●e famous for a Fairy Q●een;  
But hearing then (as who now does not hear?  
That Rapine, Fraud, & Treachery were there,  
Acting their Hellish plots in peace and war,  
As common as high ways, but deeper far;  
He could not hope Fidelta there to find,  
Where people were to falsehood most inclined.  
Nor could he think it safe for him to tread  
Where traps & Snares so covertly were laid.  
Some other nations meant he to assay;  
But Fame unwilling seemed to give him way,  
Reproaching them with manners so impure,  
As no fair noble Lady could endure.  
Amidst the Puzzle of designs, his friend  
(Who on him cheerfully did still attend)  
Thus spoke: Small reason have we to complain  
" That our great labours have been spent in vain▪  
" For we have seen what made Ulysses wise,  
" Manners and Cities differing in their guise,  
" And government. But haply, had we showed  
" At first less rashness, & more time bestowed  
" In consultations, we had better sped,  
" And our desire long since accomplished  
" There is (Discovered by an English Knight,  
" Much-honoured More) a land, Utopia hight,  
" Not far from our Atlantis, though in wrath  
" Beyond it far; a land that bringeth forth  
" (As Fame reports) a brave and noble race  
" Of people, that account all vices, base,  
" Maintain fair rights, and love to peace profess,  
" Alike detesting war and wickedness.  
" Now lately have some thoughts possessed my mind  
" That there we shall your long sought Lady find,  
" That land being less with vicious customs stained  
" Than those whereof we have the knowledge gained:  
" If then you please that proof hereof be made,  
" We will retire (like Planets retrograde)  
" Towards our native coast, and so, no doubt,  
" Shall find ere long that famous country out.  
Hereat Sir Antheon smiled, and said (in jest;)  
Perhaps, if Apollonius, who professed  
" Strange sounds t'interpret, had but chanced to hear  
" How Huntsmen in these parts their Hounds do cheer,  
" He would have told us that their Ho●●es did say  
" At every blast, Euto, Utopia.  
" But if this fair and happy region be  
" Not far from our Atlantis, certainly  
" 'Tis such a ●loting Island, as 'tis said  
" That Delos was, till fixed and stablished.  
" For sometime (if my judgement do not fail)  
" It bordered upon Plato's commonweal,  
" Famous in Greece, so far from us, that well  
" How great the distance is I cannot tell.  
" However your desire imports to me  
" A just command, besides an a●gury  
" Of good success; & I your counsel weigh  
" As much as what a Senate-house can say:  
" Nor (having found you credible in all  
" Reports) can I your words in question call:  
" Your riper age, that has the world explored  
" Much more than mine, more knowledge doth afford.  
" Then let us cheerfully ourselves address  
" (As at the first) to th' earnest business  
" Of ardent love, to seek that happy land,  
" And her that greater service may command.  
These speeches ended, to a Port they went,  
And for their own Atlantic vessel sent;  
A Ship that oft had wrestled with the Seas,  
And born up bravely in long voyages.  
When they had trimmed it up in every joint,  
Had seen it firm, complete in every point,  
And furnished with provisions plenteous store,  
They boldly put off from the lazy shore  
Into the working flood, that smiled with ●ome,  
And proudly swelled to see the vessel come.  
Through wildest vastities & torridest Climes  
They passed, sometimes bestormed, becalmed sometimes;  
Sometimes with unseen rocks (that seemed to bear  
A secret spite to them) they threatened were;  
Sometimes with swallowing gulfs, sometimes with sands  
Up-cast, and oft with Rovers from strange lands.  
Yet, as great Caesar's fortune they along  
Had with them took, they safely past among  
All dangers, safely to the largest Plain  
In Neptune's Empire came, the Southern Main.  
It was not long before they racked the sand  
Of their Atlantis with their keel; yet land  
They would not there, lest they too long should stay  
Ere they arrived at fair Utopia.  
Having at last procured anabler Guide,  
And sailed by his direction, they descried  
Somewhat that looked as if a cloud had lain  
Upon the Sea; but soon appeared more plain  
To be an Isle, the same that they had sought,  
And with hard pains a sight thereof had bought.  
The country seemed of figure spherical,  
Embossed with hills more beautiful than tall,  
Whose brows fresh woods engirt; the shadowed vales  
Were here & there with brooks (like silver Trails)  
Enbrightned; the rich soils well-cultured state  
Rendered it chief of Islands Fortunate,  
They, safely landing, greatly joyed to see  
A people formed to fair civility,  
That showed themselves in mind and body sound,  
And had much knowledge with more virtue crowned,  
Hating the names of injury & strife,  
As bitter enemies to the sweetest life;  
So that good laws amongst them did indeed  
Scarce seem from evil manners to proceed,  
Bu● rather from a wise forecast. They were  
(Like those of famous Sparta) so severe,  
That such as dared t' offend, were never spared,  
Nor was Desert ere cheated of reward.  
Hence lived they in such quietness, that they  
Might well be neighbours to th' pacific-sea;  
And happy were in such a high degree,  
That next to Heaven was their felicity.  
The Knight, whose sparkling courage cleared his way,  
Went on with his design without delay;  
And as those motions which from Nature flow,  
Do towards their cessation swifter grow:  
So he now drawing nearer to his Love,  
With more alacrity did forward move.  
Under a hill, with Olive-arbours green,  
Amongst whose sprases was store of Turtles seen,  
Did stand an ancient Edifice, not gay,  
Nor vast, but strong and useful every way;  
Such as whose very structure wrought th' effect  
In all beholders, of a fair respect:  
Humility had raised it, and there ●ate  
Full-handed Bounty smiling at the gate,  
Whilst fair Civility in every room,  
Took care of what might dignity become.  
It had for Prospect an extended Plain  
Towards the East, where Flora seemed to reign  
In richest state: through this, Sir Antheon drew  
Up towards the fabric which he had in view:  
When meeting with a Passenger by th' way,  
An aged Sire, all (Pilgrim-like) in grey,  
He gently wished him (if he could) to tell  
What person at that pleasant Seat did dwell.  
" Truly, said he, there shines in yonder place  
" A star-like Beauty, the great joy and grace  
" Of this whole coast; Fidelta is 〈◊〉,  
" Whose worth would weary many-tongued Fame  
" Fully to sound it: her poor B●ad-man I  
" Profess myself, and will do till I die.  
The Knight (now rapt with joy, & grown as light  
As Nisus felt himself, when first in flight  
He stretched his wings) no more to hear would stay,  
But thither hasted where his Treasure lay.  
Arrived and entered there, he fed his sight  
A while with objects of no mean delight;  
Servants all clad in livery; a free  
Full house, yet void of fulsome luxury.  
A fire amidst the hall (most apt to show  
Pure charity) that did like Vesta's glow;  
All things i'th' old world's fashion, plain but neat,  
So regular, substantial, and complete,  
That (sure) he thought that happy household could  
Not look with envy upon th' age of gold.  
Coming at last to th' presen●e of that rare  
Lady, whose beauty cleared the circling air,  
Whose eye-light, breath, & virgin-blush, did show  
How stars do shine, balm smells, & Roses glow;  
As wonder-struck he stood, & scarce could use  
His vocal faculty: so stands my Muse,  
And words doth want sufficiently to praise  
A beauty that transcends hyperboles;  
Whi●h so attempt to reach with lofty strains,  
Her lowly mind forbids, and saves my pains.  
He found her with fine needle curiously  
Working Susanna's famous history  
In silk and gold; whose vernal beauty clear,  
And the hoary Elders wintry faces, were  
So artfully enlyved, that well they might  
Lead into error a beholder's sight.  
But he a livelier and a lovelier Piece  
Admiring (more than Troy that Dame of Greece)  
His courtship thus began: Fair Governess  
" Of all the powers your Servant doth possess!  
" Lady angelical! most fit to move  
" And rule the Orb and influen●e of love!  
" I that to find your home have traveled  
" Farther than all that searched for Nilus' head,  
" From hardest exigents on Sea and Land,  
" Come now to kiss your soft Ambrosial hand,  
" And to demand as (hardly earned Hire)  
" Your true affections treasure, love entire.  
" The magnetism that in your virtue's lies,  
" Drew me to this laborious enterprise,  
" Fame having far divulged your courtesy,  
" Noble beneficence, rare modesty,  
" Meekness, veracity, and many more  
" High notes of excellence, which I adore,  
" And with your person must the same possess,  
" Or fall full far short of longed-for happiness.  
" Fair Sir, said she, if of my virtues you  
" Be so desirous, that you them pursue,  
" Than (if you can) those dear endowments take  
" As yours, but use them nobly for my sake;  
" Take those quaint jewels for your wondrous pains,  
" But leave the cabinet that them contains:  
" I shall not be disfurnished, for we so  
" fetched flames from fire, which ner'theless will glow.  
" Perchance I make it my ambitious strife  
" To imitate Diana's single life;  
" Will you pierced then to solicit me,  
" And like Orion, tempt my chastity?  
" What if my heart, drawn forth by such a charm  
" As your soft speech, another's breast doth warm,  
" To whom I promised love? then without fruit  
" You labour spend, and frustrate is your suit.  
" For sooner shall some harsh collision crack  
" The whirling Spheres, and to a general wrack:  
" Hurry the world, than any force of Fate  
" Shall cause me my vowed faith to violate:  
" Fortune may smile, and frown, and oft estrange  
" Her looks, but must not look my mind to change.  
" Madam, said he, your temper's not so hard,  
" That into it all entrance is debarred;  
" For as you spoke, from my dilated heart  
" I did perceive some spirits to depart,  
" And fly int' yours; whence now they back retire,  
" To work in us an unitive desire.  
" My breast's inflamed; yet my desire do I  
" Disdain to follow with the common cry  
" To pull for love, or come with poor intent  
" To beg a smile, or show my languishment;  
" But to your beauties as bold claim to lay,  
" As Venus to the Doves that draw her, may,  
" Sith to unite our hearts the stars combined,  
" And to our Match the Destinies consigned:  
" I saw you in a dream too; whence drew  
" Fair hopes that sometime I should sleep with you.  
" You little dream, said she, what envy I  
" Should draw upon you, should I not deny  
" What you desire; For many Knights whom arts  
" And arms ennobled, have from foreign parts  
" Repaired and su'd to me, as Pilgrims go  
" On holier visits, and devotion show.  
" But ay have either fled them, as they say  
" Daphne did Phoebus, or else sent away  
" Them with their suits, and caused them to depart  
" Sorely oppressed with heaviness of heart;  
" Or into a passion chafed, as floods are more  
" enraged, when meeting with a rocky shore.  
" But now that you more loveliness present,  
" I feel my rigid temper to relent;  
" And sith indeed you urge the will and law  
" Of mighty Fate, you needs must over-awe  
" My power, and I must of my modesty  
" Crave leave to say I love you fervently:  
" Not think it levity in me to say  
" So much, for I have learned my words to weigh.  
" Plain truth to tell, loud Fame has blown your worth  
" So far, and trumpeted your merits forth,  
" That you in your Atlantis to have seen  
" I purposed; as that Amazonian Queen,  
" Thalestris (though with more impure intent  
" Than mine) to'th Macedonian Monarch went.  
" Love, These●s-like, a noted part did play,  
" Did through a Labyrinth itself convey,  
" Found passage through mine ear; though in at th' eye  
" (More slippery far) it slides most frequently.  
" However to the centre of my breast  
" With happy speed it went, and there shall rest:  
" Time that will break strong-hearted oak, shall ne'er  
Crack that affection which to you I bear.  
After this sweet accord, this harmony  
Of voice and vote, they further did agree  
By Hymen's hallowed lights all doubts to clear,  
And make their loves more sensible appear.  
Haste was required; nor many days did pass  
Before what they desired accomplished was  
With fairest auspice, every rite and dress  
That aptly symbolised their happiness.  
And as when Peleus was to take his dear  
Thetis to wife, the Gods invited were  
To th' marriage-feast: so persons eminent,  
Whom Fame had Heaven-ward in high praises sent  
For loyalty in love, must only be  
The welcome Guests to this solemnity.  
Yet such true hearts these Islanders did bear,  
That faithful Lovers, like to culvers there  
In ●locks did meet; who as their cups did flow,  
Turned Prophets, and full fortunes did fore-show  
To th' married Pair; while the air with music rung,  
And nuptial hymns inspired Poets sung.  
Thus now these worthy Lovers reached the joys  
That long had hovered in their fantasies;  
Joined their love's forces, that (as gums in fire  
With spices mixed) more sweetly did conspire;  
And blessed their fates, that on them had bestowed  
Such ample favours, as to few were showed.  
High was their happiness, and scarce to be  
Reached with the lines of loftiest poetry.  
The End.