To the right worshipful and truly virtuous Gentlewoman, Mistris  
This humbly presented.  
Mistris,  
I Am almost as great a stranger to you, as Abrahams servant was to faire Rebekah: yet hearing of your love and lenity to strangers, I have made bold for to Present, and humbly Dedicate this poor epitome, and little manuel of my few dayes labour to your worthy view; hoping you will accept and entertain it as willingly, as courteous Joseph did his Brother Benjamin, or good Elijah the widow of Zarephaths little Cruse of Water: in doing which, I shall think myself as really happy as Hester was in the kind aspect, and gracious countenance of Ahasuerus. Now the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob protect, preserve, and keep you, and sand those gifts, and heavenly graces you retain, may be as faithful to you as Jonathan to David, and keep you still as constant company, as Ruth did Naomi; and those that are not truly so indeed, may do as Noah's Dove did, being once put forth, never return again. So prays, and ever shall,  
Your humblest Servant, 
 E. F.   

The Contents of the ensuing Poems.  
NOw when Iesus was in Bathania in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a Woman, having an Alabaster box of precious ointment, and powred it on his head, as he sate at meat.  Matth. 26. 6, 7. 
Now when Iesus was risen early, the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalen.  Mark 16. 9. 
And behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen yeares, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.  
And when Iesus saw her, he called her to him, and and said unto her; Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.  
And he laid his hands on her, and immediately shee was made strait, and glorified God.  Luke 13. 11, 12, 13. 
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of Spikenard, very costly, and annoynted the feet of Iesus, and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the Odour of the ointment.  John 12. 3.  


The emblem of a virtuous Woman.  
A virtuous woman is so rare indeed,  
For me to blaze her goodness will not need;  
Nor yet by way of flattery to set forth,  
Because her own demerits speaks her worth.  
And yet because virtue doth often lie.  
raked up in Embers of Obscurity:  
Some little Sparkles I will let you see,  
Without a glass of feigned hypocrisy:  
A virtuous woman, mark her when you will,  
Loves to do good, but hateth to do ill:  
A virtuous woman doth endeavour still  
To frame her works unto her Makers will,  
Taking delight to meditate and red  
Of that which is canonical indeed.  
A virtuous minded woman sweetly sings,  
Although she doth not sit on Eagles wings,  
Because she favours Peters admonition,  
Ever to shun and fly from all ambition.  
A virtuous woman loves not talking idle,  
But keeps her mouth as with a bit or bridle:  
But when shee sees occasion, wisely then,  
Shee'll give a modest answer unto men.  
A virtuous woman will not gad abroad.  
But loves( with Mary) for to hear the Word;  
And then sequestereth herself apart,  
And lays up all those sayings in her heart.  
A virtuous woman doth affect and love,  
To fix her cogitations fast above;  
And always is contented with her lot;  
Using this world, as though she used it not.  
A virtuous woman fears no sudden danger,  
But loves with Abraham to relieve the stranger:  
And as she daily walks about the city,  
Shee's still a dropping of her Charity.  
And though she be thus kind to many one,  
Her left hand knows not what her right hath done.  
A virtuous woman doth like virtuous Ruth,  
Delight to iterate and speak the truth.  
No friend no foe, no hope of gain or pelf,  
Can make her lie, although against herself.  
A virtuous woman always doth beside,  
Hate most detestably the sin of pride;  
And had as willingly a serpent see,  
As such a man, and yet loves decency:  
A virtuous woman labours and doth toil,  
To have her lamp provided still with oil:  
That when the Bride-grome comes, she may be found  
clothed with the wedding garment, and so crowned  
A virtuous woman rather had on earth,  
Visit the house of mourning than of mirth;  
And therefore little pleasure doth employ,  
And sows in tears, that she may leap in joy.  
A virtuous woman hates the envious much,  
And cares not for the seeming love of such:  
For well she knows what ever they pretend,  
They cannot be to any one a friend.  
A virtuous woman doth not mind, nor care;  
To be in her aparrell singular.  
Nor never strives another to excel,  
But when they do what God commands them well.  
A virtuous woman often will discourse  
with one, which we call beggarly or worse:  
And here's her reason, alas says she, we all  
Sprung up with Adam, and like him we fall.  
A virtuous minded woman, if she hath  
Strayed a little from the Christian faith,  
Straightway she doth repent her of her sin,  
And so she is atoned to God again.  
A virtuous woman, if she hath wronged been,  
Why yet she's ever angry without sin:  
And though she might be even with her foes,  
She rather will, like Samuel, pray for those.  
A virtuous woman, though she doth but crall,  
And cannot run as fast as did Saint Paul,  
Yet by the grace of God she mends her place,  
until shee sees a period of her race.  
A virtuous woman doth not love you see  
To sleep and slumber in security:  
But with the Prophet David, loves to pray,  
And magnify her Saviour day by day.  
A virtuous woman never will( because  
The thief was saved) neglect her Makers laws:  
Nor will not make( as doth the worldly fool)  
Every particular act a general rule.  
A virtuous woman never frets to see  
The wicked flourish like a Cedar three:  
But thus she doth reply, if they do wrong,  
They nor their wealth can sure continue long.  
A virtuous woman thinks it no disgrace  
To have the lowest room in any place:  
And though she hath a noble pedigree,  
She loves to sit hard by humility.  
A virtuous woman chiefly doth procure,  
To make her Calling and Election sure.  
And having that, through Christ she boldly saith,  
She is in heaven already by her faith.  
A virtuous woman, be she ne're so poor;  
It never makes her grieve a pin the more;  
Because she knows her kingdom is not here,  
And therefore says she, What need I to fear?  
A virtuous woman ever loves to be,  
Courteous to any in adversity.  
And if she cannot help them, she'll do this,  
Let fall a tear at their sad sacrifice.  
A virtuous Woman doth not greatly care,  
To have her Ivory breasts be seen too bare:  
But in a comely, meek, and modest way,  
She vailes and hides them from the eye of day.  
A virtuous woman thinks it a disgrace,  
To paste her body, or to paint her face.  
And in despite of such as Mary Frith,  
What nature sends she is contented with:  
And to say truth, she'd rather lose her blood,  
Than be out-done in any thing that's good.  
A virtuous woman joys, that God hath sent  
So happy, and so sweet a Parliament:  
And hopes as hitherto he is their friend,  
He will continue so unto the end.  
A virtuous woman rageth not you see,  
At my Lord Bishop, nor the Deputy:  
But doth confess even from her heart within:  
The cause of all these tumults first was sin.  
A virtuous minded woman will not cease,  
To pray for this united, happy peace;  
And having that she earnestly will sue,  
To have the peace of a good Conscience too.  
And thus you see what virtuous women are,  
How they are qualified, and what clothes they wear,  
Now if you like the garment which is shown,  
go but to Christ, he'll help you put it on.  
Which being done, no question you are free,  
Both from the World, and Sathans tyranny.   

Eve deceived by a Serpent.  
OUr Mother Eve, as questionless you know,  
Was the first motive brought us first to woe;  
For she by th' Serpents subtlety did eat  
Of that whichi God did bid, forbidden, meate:  
Yet her's a consolation sweetly said,  
The Womans seed should bruise the Serpents head.  Gen. 3. 34 15.  

Lamechs Wives hearken to their Husbands.  
But of Caines Wife, small mention we descry,  
Therefore in silence all her actions lie;  
But Lamechs wives, one being name Adah  
And the other as you red it, Zillah:  
Did harken to their husband, which you see,  
Was a true symptom of humility.  Gen. 4. 19. 23.  

The incestuous original of Moab and Ammon.  
But in Lots daughters soon we may descry,  
A world of impudent immodesty;  
Making their father drunk, and after then,  
To know him as they would do other men.  
Lord give me grace thy statutes for to know,  
And then my soul can never overthrow.  Gen. 19. 32. 33.  

Lots Wife turned into a pillar of Salt.  
Here in this woman you may plainly see,  
A perfect sign of infidelity;  
For though the Lord had promised to preserve her:  
Who yet shee feared that promise would not serve her  
O Lord my faith is weak and wants relief,  
Yet I believe, Lord help my unbelief.  Gen 19. 26.  

Sarah very respective to her Husband.  
Sarah a good woman lived free from pride,  
Though by her Husband shee was once denied;  
For Abraham  told Abimelech, his wife  
Was but his sister fearing further strife:  
But when the King, the verity did know,  
With all celerity he let her go.  Gen. 20, 14. 15.  

Hagar though a Bond-woman, yet a good woman.  
Hagar a good Woman: yes, and full of worth,  
Though she and Ishmael, be casten forth;  
For traveling with grief along the way,  
Towards the wilderness of Beer-sheba.  
An angel sent from God, to her appears,  
And her sad heart with heavenly music cheers.  Gen. 21. 17.  

Rebeccah, a very kind and loving woman.  
Rebecca a good woman: one that would,  
Be courteous unto all, and if shee could;  
One that will fill her pitcher; and will make  
A stranger drink, if but for pities sake:  
One that will leave her parents, and with speed,  
Will marry Isaac as the Lord decreed.  Gen. 24. 18. 19.  

rachel and Leah two loving women.  
Rachel and Leah two good women were,  
Though Leah be tender cyde, and Rachel faire;  
Yet Rachel thinks it no disgrace to keep:  
With tender cave her fathers flock of sheep.  
And to say truth, they freely both accord,  
To keep the blessed statutes of the Lord.  Gen. 29. 17. 18.  

Dinah is ravished.  
Dinah, Leahs daughter as you plainly see,  
Is ravished by Shech●ms subtlety;  
Alas good gentlewoman it grieves me much,  
That thou shouldst be recorded any such;  
Because in holy writ I cannot find;  
That it was done according to thy mind.  Gen. 34. 1. 2.  

Tamar deceiveth judah.  
And here is Tamar covered with a vail,  
That over Judah she may once prevail;  
For had she not been covered, certain true,  
She would a blushed, any such thing to do.  
But howsoever: judah is be guil'd,  
For Tamar, though mistaken, proves with child.  Gen. 38. 15. 16. 17.  

Potiphers Wife an ill disposed woman.  
And here a wicked woman doth device,  
A chast, and virtuous joseph to surprise;  
But when shee sees, she neither can attain:  
To work her ends: nor yet his virtue stain;  
She turns her want on love to wicked hate,  
By all which means he grows unfortunate.  Gen. 39, 7, 8.  

Two kind and charitable women.  
But her●s a pair of Midwives that excel,  
In doing what doth please the Lord full well;  
One of her names, and worthy it was Siphrah:  
And then the other next to her was Puah:  
Lord sand us more such Midwives that delight,  
Though Kings command, to do nothing but right.  Exod. 1. 15. 16. 17.  

Moses is born, and in an ark cast into the flags.  
lo here another her own child forsakes,  
But yet King Pharaohs daughter pitty takes  
Upon the infant: and sends for some or other,  
To nurse the child, which proves to be the mother.  
Which very plain and evident doth show,  
Whom God will have preserved shall be so.  Exod. 2. 6. 7. 8.  

miriae envies Moses because he married with an Ethiopian woman.  
miriae speaks 'gainst Moses, 'cause he can  
Affect and love an Ethiopian;  
But what is her reward for doing so:  
Is she not turned a Leper white as show?  
Yet Moses meekness to her did excel,  
For he entreats the Lord to make her well.  Num. 12. 1. 13,  

Zimry and Cozby committing whoredom and idolatry are slain by Phineas.  
And here doth wicked Zimry and Cozby,  
Commit base whoredom and Idolatry;  
For which they both are slain by Phineas;  
And then the plague immediately doth cease.  
Which plainly shows ther's no way for to win,  
Our Makers favour, but to cut off sin.  Num. 25. 6. 7, 8.  

The daughters of Zelophehad sue for an inheritance, and the Lord himself speaks for them.  
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad,  
Which was the son of Kepher, and of Gilead;  
And standing before Moses and the rest:  
Their mindes in ample manner were expressed.  
Which being known, the Lord their suits advance,  
And gives them ever more inheritance.  Num. 27 1, 2. 37. 8.  

Moses angry with the Officers for saving bad women alive.  
And after they had killed Rekem and Zur,  
Reba and Beor, Midian and Hur;  
Moses was angry 'cause they had not slain:  
Those wicked women that do virtue stain.  
Which plainly shows that we may lawful bee  
Angry with those that work iniquity.  Num. 31. 14. 15. 16.  

The sex is to be distinguished by apparel.  
Women by no means must not wear in vain,  
That which doth properly to men pertain;  
Neither must any man himself invest;  
With womens clothes, for God doth such detest.  
But both of them must lend her care and wit,  
To wear what is most decent, meet, and fit.  Deut. 22. 5.  

No man may slander his wife.  
And here you see no man may give occasion,  
Or scandalise his wife, for here is a persuasion;  
That none through evil speeches as you see;  
Abuse her name or her Virginity.  
Yet many men there be I fear do wrong  
Their wives by deeds, as well as by their tongue.  Deut. 22. 13. 14, 15.  

Adultery to be avoided.  
And here 'tis said if any man be found,  
Lying with a stranger, and doth wound  
His reputation by it: then certainly,  
The Lord says both the man and she must die.  
Lord, to thy servants still such graces give,  
That I may die to sin, with thee to live.  Deut. 22. 22.  

Gods love and lenity to new married women.  
Here in this Chapter you may soon descry,  
That God doth love your sex entirely.  
For no man for the first year may depart,  
or go to war from his new married heart.  
Which evidently shows the Lord above,  
All virtuous women doth respect and love.  Deut. 24. 5.  

Of an honest Harlot.  
lo here, the harlot Rahab nere denies,  
For to conceal by faith, a pair of spies;  
And that the King his anger may not wax,  
Shee hides and covers them with stalks of flax.  
For which, her faithful and religious love,  
Her sins are veiled and hide from God above.  josh. 2. 4. 5, 6.  

Othniell married to Achsah.  
Here Caleb makes a promise to bestow  
His daughter upon him, can overthrow  
And take proud Debir, which suddenly is done  
By valiant Othniell, Kenaz eldest son.  
Even so the Lord, a kingdom will afford,  
To him that fights the battle of the Lord.  judge. 1. 12 13, 14.  

Deborah and Baruch deliver Israel from jabin and Sisera.  
Deborah the prophetess you see doth dwell,  
under a engraff judge of Israel;  
One that doth take delight to laud and sing,  
The praises of our high and heavenly King.  
Then let us all endeavour seek and strive,  
To keep her blessed memory alive.  judge. 4. 4. 5. 6. 7.  

Iephthahs vow performed upon his own daughter.  
Here Iepthahs daughter is most ready now,  
For to make good her fathers sudden vow;  
Even unto her death, yet gets you see,  
Two months to sorrow her Virginity.  
How ready then and forward should we be,  
To make that good, we vowed in baptism.  judge. 11. 29. 34.  

An angel appears to Manoahs wife and comforts her with glad tidings of a son.  
An angel comes to Manaohs wife forlorn,  
And tells her, that a samson must he born;  
But withall tells her that she must refrain:  
From wine, strong drink, or any thing unclean.  
Even so if we intend with Christ to be,  
We must refrain from all iniquity.  judge. 13. 3. 4. 7.  

samson desireth a wife of the Philistines.  
lo here is samson suddenly surprised,  
By a faire woman, that's uncircumcised;  
And speaks unto his parents that they will be  
A means to get her for him presently.  
Even so will we, oft-times to have our will,  
Wed and contract ourselves to what is ill.  judge. 14. 1, 2, 3.  

samson being denied his wife, he burns the Philistines corn with Foxes and firebrands.  
Now in this chapter, samson doth demand,  
His best beloved at his fathers hand;  
Being denied, even so it comes to pass,  
A thousand slain with the jaw-bone of an ass.  
Which makes apparent, if true love be crost,  
Our lives and all we have may soon be lost.  judge. 15. 2. 3. 4.  

Delilah corrupted by the Philistines, enticeth samson, thrice deceives her, but at last she overcomes him.  
Here samson comes to Gaza, and by chance,  
Vpon a harlot casts a wanton glance;  
Thrice he deceiveth Dalilah, but at length,  
Shee overcomes him maugre all his strength.  
Even so doth satan speak us faire until,  
we are betrayed, and then he cries all's well.  judge. 16. 2. 3. 17 18.  

The levites wife forced to death.  
lo here a Levites wife is basely used,  
And by the Benjamites to death abused;  
For which her fact many a thousand fell,  
Both of the Benjamites, and Israel,  
Which shows, though God be silent, time will come,  
Lust shall be surely punished, Ecce signum.  judge. 19. 22. 23. 24.  

Naomi returning homeward, Orpha leaves her, but Ruth with great constancy accompanieth her.  
After her husbands death will Naomi,  
To Bethelem-Iudah with celerity.  
But Orpha quickly leaves her, and intruth,  
None bears her company, but loving Ruth,  
showing of two friends, in our misery,  
Tis well if one will bear us company.  Ruth 1. 14. 15. 16.  

Ruth gleaneth in the fields of Boaz, that which shee got she carrieth to Naomi.  
And now it seems God being both their shields,  
Ruth getteth leave to glean in Boaz fields.  
Now Boaz seeing of her, much affects her,  
And with a word of lenity respects her.  
Which is a special comfort to all those,  
That unto virtue do themselves dispose.  Ruth 2. 2. 3. 18.  

Boaz buys the inheritance and marrieth with Ruth.  
Here in this Chapter, so it comes to pass  
That virtuous Ruth combined with courteous Boaz.  
By whom it pleaseth God she beareth ob,  
The happy Grand father of a happy David.  
Please you to red the story, that will than  
Give you more satisfaction then I can.  Ruth 4. 13. 14. 22.  

Elkanah cherisheth Hannah though barren.  
Elkanah hath two wives, Peninnah the one,  
Doth bear him children, but the other none.  
Which makes poor Hannah weep, and grieve until,  
Shee doth obtain of God a samuel.  
And having him great store of thankes shee gives,  
And lends him God, so long as samuel lives.  1 Samuel 1, 1. 2. 3, 20.  

Maidens going forth to draw water telleth the King which way Samuel the Prophet went:  
lo here young pretty maidens tell King Saul,  
Samuel is gone unto the festival.  
And just according to their words they speed,  
For straight they find him at the Feast indeed.  
And thus you see that women sometimes may  
Direct even Kings, into a happy way.  1 Sam. 9. 11. 12. 13.  

michal preserveth her husband from Sauls fury.  
michal doth save her godly husband David,  
By putting a false Image in his bed.  
For when they came thinking to take him there,  
What did they find? a pillow of Goates hair.  
And thus good women, as you plainly see,  
Will still defend their husbands carefully.  1 Sam. 19. 12. 13. 16.  

David intending to destroy Nabal for his churlishness, is pacified by Abigail.  
And here doth Abigail herself address,  
To mitigate her husbands churlishness.  
For by her wisdom, and those gifts shee sends  
They for the present are made loving friends.  
But God from nabal takes away his life,  
And David Abigail to be his wife.  1 Sam. 25. 3. 18. 39.  

A witch encouraged by Saul raiseth up Samuel  
lo here a witch by her enchanting spell,  
Through Sauls request doth raise up Samuel.  
But when by him his fall he understands,  
He doth lament, and wring his wretched hands.  
Refusing any comfort, drink or meate,  
Yet at the last the woman makes him eat.  1 Sam. 18. 12. 13. 22.  

Michal reproving David for hureligious joy, is childless to her death.  
And here doth envious Michael reprove,  
Religious David for his godly love.  
But what is her reward for this deprave?  
Is she not childless to her very grave?  
And therefore all good women warning take,  
And ne're despise good mirth for Davids sake.  2 Sam. 6. 16. 23.  

David commits Adultery with Bathsheba.  
Here in this Chapter, David as you see  
Commits with Bathsheba adultery:  
For being with her radiant beauty tane,  
He causes good uriah to be slain  
And then he marries her; yet sure the thing  
Did not please God, although it liked the King.  2 Sam. 2. 3. 6. 27.  

Amnon ravisheth his sister Tamar.  
And in this Chapter Tamar's come to be  
ravished by Amnon's cunning subtlety:  
But after the fact done, to hate her too,  
Was sure the part of some inhuman jew.  
But God at last did stop his haughty breath,  
And made him dance Sallengers round with death.  2 Sam. 13. 12, 13. 14. 28.  

Joab suborning a widow of Tekoah by a parable inclines the Kings heart to fetch home absalon.  
lo here's a woman, once of Tekoah,  
Tells that her son the other son did slay,  
Which was not so, onely the King to win,  
To get and fetch home absalon again:  
Even so, some women love and do delight,  
To tell wrong tales, to have their ends prove right.  2 Sam. 14. 2, 3, 4, 5. 
Here Rispahs Clemency abroad is spread  
For her kind love in burying of the dead:  
For lo, her lenity indeed extends  
To those that are her foes, as well as friends:  
For which her love, no doubt but she shall have  
All her sins butted in our Saviours grave.  2 Sam. 21 10, 11, 
And here's a Woman, by her wit and skill,  
Preserves a City, joab thought to kill:  
For by her judgement she doth think it fit,  
far better Sheba's head should fall, than it.  
So if Iehovah's love we mean to win,  
We must, as she did, kill the cause of sin.  2 Sam. 20. 16. 17.  

Abishag cherisheth David in his old age.  
And here is Abishag, a Shunamite,  
Brought to the King, his person to delight,  
And to administer his age some heat,  
She being young, and every way complete:  
And so should women do even all they can,  
To cherish, not to perish any man.  1 Kings 1. 2, 3, 4.  

Adoniah suing for Abishag is put to death.  
And now is Adoniah directly gone  
Unto the Mother of King Solomon,  
And doth request faire Abishag to wife,  
Which shortly after takes away his life.  
Even so, if we desire what is not sit,  
God in due time, no doubt will punish it.  1 Kings 2. 13 14, 15.  

Solomon marrieth Pharaohs daughter.  
And in this Chapter you may plainly see  
The King with Pharaoh makes affinity,  
In marrying with his daughter, and with speed,  
Birngs her into the City of King David.  
Oh give us grace, that we like them may be  
Wed and contracted ever Lord to thee.  1 Kings 3. 1, 2.  

The Queen of Sheba admireth the wisdom of Solomon.  
Lo here, the Queen of Sheba now is come  
To try the wisdom of King Solomon;  
Which when she hears, she says those happy be,  
That may but stand before him constantly.  
If it be so, how happy are those men.  
That now do reign with Solomon in heaven.  1 Kings 10. 3, 4, 5, 6.  

Solomons wives and Concubines in his old age draw him to Idolatry.  
But here King Solomon doth much approve  
Many strange women, and the Hittites love,  
And having almost his last passage trod,  
They strive to turn away his heart from God.  
Then give us grace, O Lord, we may endeavour,  
To be thy chased and faithful brides for ever.  1 Kings 11. 1. 2. 3. 4.  

Abijah being sick, Jeroboam sends his wife disguised to the Prophet Ahijah at Shiloh.  
And here doth jeroboam sand his wife,  
To save his sick son Abijah his life:  
And though she be disguised, the Prophet he  
knows both her Errand, and her presently:  
And cause her husband goodness did refuse,  
He sends her back again with heavy news.  1 Kings 14. 1, 2, 7, 8.  

Elijah is sent to the widow of Zarephath.  
And here the Lord himself directed hath  
Elijah for to go to Zarephath:  
And here a while near Zidon to remain,  
And that this widow, should his wants sustain:  
And so she doth for which her good dead done,  
He raiseth up from death her pretty son.  1 Kings 17. 9. 10. 22. 23.  

Elijah threatened by Jezabel fleeth to Beer-sheba.  
And here doth Jezabel that envious woman  
Menace Elijah, that doth wrong to no man;  
And causes him with speed to take his way  
Towards the wilderness of Beer-sheba:  
But God for all her envy, and despite,  
Relieves him, and preserves him day and night.  1 Kings 19. 2, 3, 4.  

Elisha multiplieth the widows oil, and giveth a Son to the good Shunamite.  
And in this Chapter two good Women bee,  
The one a widow is, you plainly see:  
One that Elisha seeing something poor:  
Doth multiply her oil still more and more;  
And one that by the Prophet is so blessed,  
She sells a part, and lives upon the rest.  
The other is a godly Shunamite,  
One that doth take indeed a great delight,  
To do for good Elisha as she's able,  
And gets him both a chamber, stools, and Table:  
For which, though age hath wrinckeled her skin;  
She has a son, and dying raised again.  2 Kings 4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  

Naaman, by the report of a Captive maid is sent to Elisha to be cured of his leprosy, in Samaria.  
And here a Captive maiden sends away  
Her Leprous Master unto Elisha;  
And by her means, it doth the Lord so please,  
That he is cured of his fore disease.  
Lasses take pattern. wish your Masters well,  
As did this maiden here of Israel.  2 Kings 5. 3, 4, 5.  

The Famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own Children.  
Lo heres a woman that doth weep and wring,  
And cries a loud for justice to the King:  
Saying, a woman said, if I would spill  
My Son to day, to morrow she would kill  
Her Son for meat, and now that I have done,  
She will not keep her word, but hides her Son.  
Which when he heard, with grief he went away,  
Saying Elisha's head should off that day.  
But blessed be the Lord that sends us food  
Without this stir, or yet our childrens blood.  2 Kings 6. 25, 26, 27.  

Proud Jezabel is thrown down out of a window, and eaten by Dogs.  
And here this Chapter forces me to tell  
Of a proud woman name jezabel:  
One that Elisha menaceth, because  
He wishes her to keep Gods holy laws:  
But now 'tis come to pass she cannot threaten,  
Because her envious flesh by Dogs is eaten.  2 Kings 9. 33. 34.  

jehoash is saved by Jehosheba his Ant, and Athaliah herself is killed.  
And here Athaliah proveth so disloyal,  
That she would kill even all the children royal:  
But Iehosheba, the daughter of King Ioram  
Preserveth joash that good harmless lamb.  
So Athaliahs envy proves in vain,  
For he is saved, and she herself is slain.  2 Kings 11. 13. 16.  

Huldah doth prophesy the destruction of Jerusalem. but respite thereof in Josiahs time.  
And here doth Huldah, the good prophetess,  
Resolve josiah of his happiness:  
And tells the messengers that surely he  
The ruin of the Land should never see,  
Because he wept, and did endeavour still,  
To frame his works unto his Makers will.  2 Kings 22. 14, 15.  

Maachah is put down by her son for Idolatry.  
Here Maacah the mother of the King,  
Doth make a Grove, and many an idol bring  
To worship and adore, but good King Asa  
Doth her suppress and sweeps them clean away:  
Which shows, though Parents often better be  
Than are their children, here's the contrary.  2 Chron. 15. 16. 17.  

Vasthi being sent for, refuses to come.  
Here Ahasuerus in his royal seat,  
Sends for his wife, to make his joys complete:  
But she his great command doth disobey:  
Therefore advisedly she's put away:  
Which tells all women, tis a heinous thing  
To cross a private husband; more a King.  Hest. 1. 10, 11, 12.  

Hester best pleasing the King, is presently made queen.  
Now in her room doth Hegai strait prefer  
That noble and deserving woman Hester  
To be Ahasuerus wife, and straightway he  
Thinks her deserve the Throne of majesty,  
And so she did indeed, I wish all may  
Be as she was; a pattern to this day.  Hest. 2. 15, 16.  

By the council of Zeresh, Hamans wife, a pair of gallows is builded for Mordecai.  
Here Zeresh, Hamans wife doth counsel lay,  
To build a gallows for good Mordecai,  
And farther to express her tyranny.  
Shee'll have them reared fifty Cubits high.  
But Haman aims, at honour, gold, and pelf,  
Therefore alas he's hanged thereon himself.  Hest. 5. 13. 14.  

Job reproves his wife for moving him to curse God.  
And here Iobs wife doth move him wickedly,  
Seeing his sorrow to curse God, and die.  
I am persuaded, if this woman had  
But half his pain, it would have made her mad,  
For she that murmurs at anothers pain,  
Felt by herself will ban and curse again.  job 2. 9, 10.  

Solomon sheweth the mischief of whoredom and riot: with a gentle dehortation therefrom.  
All you that give yourselves to womens ways,  
hear what the King of wisdom to you says,  
A whore says he, is a narrow pit,  
And he whom God detests shall fall in it:  
And that Adultery is a dead so foul,  
That he which acts it doth destroy his soul.  Prov. 6, 24, 25. 32. 
Therefore with Solomon let me thee advice,  
Not to be taken by her twinkling eyes:  
For by a whore man suddenly is brought,  
To little bread, and any thing that's nought:  
Besides, Serpents never stings so much amiss,  
As when they bite a man, and never hiss.  Prov. 5. 3, 4, 5. 
Yea though her lips like honey Combs do drop,  
And seem unto thee like a timely crop:  
Nay, though her mouth be smother than the oil,  
And thou art ravished with her for a while:  
You hear the wise man for a truth doth tell,  
Her feet go down to death, her steps to hell.  Prov. 7. 9, 10, 11, 12.  

The praise and properties of a good wife.  
Lo here you see, it is not a thing common,  
To find a loving chased and virtuous woman,  
Because her worth, as you do plainly see,  
excels the purest gold, or finest ruby.  
A right good woman doth endeavour still  
For to do good, and trembles to do ill.  
She seeketh wool and Flax, and hath a care,  
Like Merchants ships to fetch her food from far,  
Her hands are at the Spindle, and tis true,  
Shee gives her alms unto the needy too:  
She envies none, but scorns such foolish blindness,  
And opens still her mouth with love and kindness.  
Shee makes her coverings of fine Tapestry,  
Her clothing must of silk and purple be:  
There's many daughters virtuously have done,  
But thou excel'st them all; al, every one.  
Favour's deceitful, and beauty it decays,  
But she that fears the Lord is worthy praise.  Prov. 31. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, &.  

Gods judgements feared for the pride of Women.  
And here 'tis said; the Lord will sure deride,  
Those women that addict themselves to pride:  
Such as with Bracelets very hardly know,  
How for to tread, but mince it as they go:  
Their Mantles, jewels, and their crisping pins,  
The Lord will spoil, by reason of their sins.  Isaiah 3. 16, 17, 18, 19. 20.  

Gods love to sinners.  
Here, if a man do put away his wife,  
And she go from him, fearing farther strife,  
And she soon after cleave unto another:  
Shall this same man return again unto her:  
No by no means, yet thou hast wronged my love;  
Yet turn again to me, says God above.  Jerem. 3. 1.  

The mighty force and efficacy of women.  
Here in this Chapter you apparent see,  
That women very strong, and mighty be:  
For though man be her head, why yet I wist,  
She'll rule her head and body as she list:  
And therefore never strive for to offend her,  
But if she be not good'pray God to mend her.  1 Esras 14. 15. 16, 17. 18.  

A woman lamenting in the field for the death of her Son.  
Lo, here's a woman weeping for her Son,  
Because his dayes by Gods decree are done;  
For coming to his chamber as a Bride:  
The story says, he strait fell down and died.  
And this same makes the Proverb good you see,  
Nothing so constant as inconstancy.  2 Esdras 10. 1, 2.  

Tobit and his wife fall out.  
Here Tobit tells us, and no doubt 'tis true,  
That his wise labours, and takes work to do:  
And yet for all that she this office did,  
Tobit and she fall out about a Kid:  
Which plainly shows, so wretched are our crimes,  
There's few or none but will fall forth some times.  Tobit 2. 12. 13. 14.  

Sarah reproached by her fathers maid.  
Here Sarah is derided by each one,  
Because she had seven husbands, yet nere known:  
Nor lain with any; therefore once she thought  
To have strangled herself, and to have brought  
Her name in question: but indeed we find,  
God of his mercy did convert her mind.  Tobit 3. 8, 9, 10.  

Judith cutteth off Holofernes his head while that he sleepeth.  
Here judith is alone with Holofernes,  
And prays to God to sand her good success:  
And as by faith she prays, even so she speeds;  
For Holofernes loved, lies sick, and bleeds:  
Well done brave judith, blessing on thy heart;  
Better one die, than a whole kingdom smart.  Iud. 13. 6, 7, 8.  

We are to avoid jealousy.  
Here we are taught a Lesson for our life,  
Not to be jealous, nor mistrust our Wife:  
Nor yet to gaze upon a woman faire:  
Because 'tis dangerous, and proves a snare.  
But when thou dost her Radiant beauty see,  
think with thyself she's earth as well as thee.  Ecclus. 9. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  

Two Iudges hid themselves in the garden of Susanna, to have their pleasure of her.  
Here is a chased Susanna much abused,  
And by a couple of false Knaves accused:  
And yet forsooth, these two her cause must try,  
And straight condemn her for adultery.  
But God that giveth judgement just and right,  
Crosses their projects, and destroys them quiter.  Susanna 1. 7. 8. 44. 45.  

Ptolomeus repents that he gave his daughter to Alexander.  
Ptolomeus, that same great Commander,  
Hath given his daughter unto Alexander:  
But now repents him that he did bestow  
His child on him that proves to be his foe:  
Even so may we repined we ever gave  
Our service unto him that is a slave.  1 Mac. 11. 9, 10.  

The constancy and cruel death of seven brethren and their mother in one day.  
Here is a woman, whose deserts far wring,  
In slighting base Antiochus the King:  
For though before her face her sons do die,  
She doth rejoice, and scorn his tyranny:  
O listen women, let not death affright ye,  
And then, though Kings do wrong you, God will right ye.  2 Mac. 7. 1, 2, 3, &c.  

An angel satisfieth Joseph concerning his wife.  
Here Mary, that did love her husband most,  
Is found with child even of the holy Ghost:  
But Joseph knowing nothing how't should be,  
Thought to have put her away privily:  
until an Angel to him doth appear,  
And satisfieth his misdeeming fear.  Matth. 1. 18, 19, 20.  

joseph flieth into egypt, with Iesus and his mother.  
Here in this Chapter you may soon descry,  
That joseph and his wife are fain to fly  
With speed to egypt; nay you see our God  
Is willing for to fly from haughty Herod:  
But 'twas for our sakes. Lord grant that we  
May fly from sin, as fast and willingly.  Matth. 2. 13, 14.  

Christ healeth Peters Mother in law of a Fever.  
Here Peters Mother in law is very ill  
And yer our Saviour doth affect her still:  
For out of Clemency he will not leave her,  
Till she is cured of her burning Fever;  
Which plainly shows, although the world deceive us,  
God in adversity will never leave us.  Matth 8. 14, 15.  

Christ cureth the bloody issue, and raiseth from death Jairus daughter.  
And here's a woman as it plain appears,  
Is troubled with an issue of blood twelve yeares,  
And touching but the hem of Iesus garment,  
She was made perfect whole incontinent:  
But it was done by faith: oh grant that we,  
May ever pray for this fidelity.  
And likewise Jairus daughter, God be praised,  
From death to life, you see is quickly raised:  
For though she did a season Mortuus lie,  
You see she did not of that sickness die  
Lord raise our souls above a common sphere.  
That we thy holy name may laud and fear.  Mat. 9. 20, 21, 25.  

Herodias gives her daughter bad instructions.  
And in this Chapter lo it comes to pass,  
The envious daughter of Herodias.  
With wanton dancing pleases Herod so,  
That he upon her, kingdoms will bestow.  
But being of her mother taught before,  
She asks Iohn-Baptists head, and craves no more  Mat. 14. 6, 7, 8.  

Christ heals the daughter of the woman of Canaan.  
And here's another woman comes from Tyre.  
And prayeth Christ to grant her, her desire.  
And tells him that her daughter is perplexed,  
And with a devil grievously was vexed.  
But shee by faith doth please the Lord so well,  
He thinks her worthy of a Chronicle.  Mat. 15. 22, 23, 24.  

Christ foretelleth his passion by answering the Mother of Zebedees children.  
And here's another doth her children bring,  
And asks of Christ a most unseemly thing.  
For she desires that her sons may sit,  
One at his right hand, the other at his left,  
But Iesus  told her that she did not know,  
What she demanded, therefore let her go.  Mat. 20. 20. 21. 22.  

The parable of the ten Virgins.  
Here in this Chapter you may plainly see,  
Five foolish Virgins and five wiser be.  
Because within their lamps, their oil did flamme,  
And burned clear, when as the bridegroom came.  
Good God, anoint us with the oil of grace,  
That wee in heaven may have a happy place.  Mat. 25. 2, 3, 4.  

A woman anointeth our Saviours head.  
Here comes a virtuous woman with intent,  
For to bestow a box of precious ointment.  
Upon our Saviour, and coming to his feat,  
She powred it on him as he sate at meate.  
Lord give us grace, that we may ever be,  
Powring forth prayers to thy Majesty.  Mat. 26. 7. 8 9.  

Pilate is admonished by his wife.  
〈◇〉 Here Pilates wife, her husband doth desire,  
To meddle not with Christ, nor once aspire  
To such an ignorant and foolish sin,  
Cause in her dreams, she much was troubled with him.  
Then daughters of faire Sion, still pursue  
That which is good, with sin have nought to do.  Matthew 27. 19.  

Christs resurrection is declared by an angel to the women.  
Here Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary,  
Christs resurrection first doth testify,  
For lo an Angel to them doth declare,  
That he was surely risen and not here.  
O let us ever to express our love,  
Rise early for to seek the Lord above.  Mat. 28. 1. 5, 6.  

A poor widow commended for her two mites above al.  
Here is a widow that is much commended,  
Because her charity hath far transcended  
The love of very many, and therefore  
Her mite is more accepted then a store.  
O let my faith although it little be,  
Be found a talent in thy treasury.  Mark. 12. 41, 42.  

Peter made known by a maiden.  
Here is a maiden telleth Peter plain,  
That he belonged unto our Saviours train.  
But still the more the maiden Justifies it,  
Why still the more courageous he denies it.  
But then at last, the Cock began to crow,  
And then with tears he did confess 'twas so.  mark 14. 66, 67, 7. 2  

Christ raiseth from death the widows son at Naim.  
And now our Saviour Christ is come to Naim  
And many of his kind Disciples with him.  
And there he finds a widow weeping sore,  
For her dead son because shee had no more.  
But presently he stills her watery eyes,  
In saying only to her son, arise,  Luke 7 11, 12, 13, 14.  

Women give of their substance to our Saviour.  
And heer's a sort of women ministers,  
Part of their substance to our blessed Saviour.  
Mong'st whom, was Mary Magdalen and Iohannah,  
With that same virtuous woman called Susannah.  
Lord with thy graces so my soul inflame,  
That I may still give praises to thy name.  Luke 8. 2, 3, 4.  

Christ reprehendeth Martha, and commendeth Mary her sister.  
Here in this Chapter Mary is commended,  
And Martha being faulty reprehended.  
For Martha in the worldlings path hath trod.  
whilst Mary hearkens to the word of God,  
Lord give me such a spirit, such a heart,  
To choose with Mary her, the better part.  Luke 10. 40, 41, 42.  

Christ bealeth the crooked woman.  
And in this Chapter you may plainly see,  
A woman subject to infirmity,  
And though that she was crooked eighteen yeares  
By Christ shee's cured as it plain appears.  
Grant Lord that by thy Word and admonitions,  
I may be cured of my crooked conditions.  Luke 13. 11, 12, 13.  

Of the importunate widow.  
And heers a widow as you plainly see,  
Desires revenge upon her enemy.  
But see the judge doth slight her wished request,  
Yet till tis granted, sheel not let him rest.  
Lord grant that I may be important still,  
To frame my words according to thy will.  Luke 18, 2, 3, 4.  

Christ his words to the weeping woman.  
And here is women of some kind behaviour,  
That weeps and sorrows for our blessed Saviour.  
But he doth tell them that tis best for them,  
To sorrow for themselves, and not for him.  
Lord take from me all tears, all pensivenesse.  
But when I do thy holy laws transgress.  Luke 23. 27, 28.  

Christ turns water into wine at a marriage.  
And in this Chapter you may plainly see,  
A marriage solemnized in Galilee.  
And here did Christ, all goodness and divine,  
turn at this marriage, water into wine.  
And we do for his love, his laws transgress,  
And turn his blessings into wantonness.  John 2. 6, 8, 9.  

Christ talketh with a woman of Samaria, & revealeth himself unto her.  
And now our Saviour Christ hath left judea,  
And talketh with a woman of Samaria.  
And out of lenity he thinks no scorn,  
To tell her all she did since she was born.  
And surely Lord thou knowst what I have done,  
Since first I came out of my mothers womb.  John 4. 7, 8, 9.  

Christ delivereth the woman taken in Adultery.  
Here is a woman brought before our Saviour,  
For her corrupt and misdemean'd behaviour.  
But Christ for to express his clemency,  
Reproveth them, and sets this woman free.  
Which shows that God is still the first beginner,  
To save each faithful and repentant sinner.  John 8. 3. 4. 11.  

Mary anoints our Saviours feet.  
Here Mary with a pound of spikenard sweet,  
Out of her love, anoints our Saviours feet.  
But envious Judas vexed is therefore,  
Because it was not sold and given the poor.  
Even so the devil mans professed betrayer,  
Is next when we please God by faith or prayer.  John 12. 2, 3, 4.  

Christ commendeth his mother to John.  
And here our Saviour ready is to die,  
Whilst that his mother is a slander by.  
The Iewes are blamed, for being so hard hearted,  
And yet the sin betwixt us may be partend,  
For they were but as instruments to do,  
What we through Adam did enforce them too.  John 19. 26, 27.  

Ananias and Saphira his wife at the rebuk of Peter fall down dead.  
Here Ananias and Saphira his wife,  
Sell's a possession, but satan being rife,  
They do not do it with a faithfulll heart,  
But from good Peter do conceal a part.  
For which their misbelief and forged lie,  
They both like miserable caitives die.  Acts 5. 5, 9, 10.  

Peter restoreth Tabitha to life.  
Here Dorcas, alias Tabitha, doth frame,  
herself to pious deeds, and by the same  
She gets Gods love, and yet you see she dyes,  
Till Peter says. faire Tabitha arise.  
I must confess, O Lord, I am dead in sin,  
Yet hope by faith in Christ, to rise again.  Acts 9. 39, 40.  

Paul converteth Lydia.  
Here in this Chapter, Paul converteth Lydia,  
A seller of purple in ●hyat●a.  
For being once baptized she did constrain,  
Paul, and the rest, with her for to remain.  
So being once engrafted Lord to thee,  
We still desire thy word, or company.  Acts 16. 13, 14.  

Philips daughters; Prophetesses.  
And now St. Paul hath undertook his way,  
Towards jerusalem, or Caesaria.  
And coming into Philips house, they see,  
four of his daughters that did prophesy.  
Lord sand us more such virgins that will strive,  
To keep their happy memory alive.  Acts 21. 8. 9.  

Paul preacheth Christ to the governor and his wife.  
Here Foelix and his wife Drusilla saith,  
They'l hear St. Paul concerning Christ and faith.  
And as he reasoned, justice to advance,  
Speaking of righteousness and temperance.  
Faelix doth tremble, and straightway thereupon,  
He did dismiss and bids him to be gone.  Acts 24. 24, 25. 26.  

Saint Iohns exhortation, to an honourable Matron.  
Lastly an honourable Lady here,  
St. John exhorteth for to persevere  
In holy Christian duties, that it may be,  
A means to bring her to Eternity.  
And I do hope the time ere long will come,  
You'l meet her where shee is, in sweet elysium.  2 John 1. 1, 2, 3, &c.  

Foemina multiplici splendet speciosa paratu. Quae mala, sit tua sors: quae bona, grata mihi.  
Here is a sort of women ready dressed,  
Pray leave the worst, and take yourself the best.  
LAdy, your patience, yet I have not done,  
There is another stream desires to run  
Into your favour, onely to let you see  
A female crowned with magnanimity.   

Please you at your best leisure to red the third and fourth Chapters of the first book of Esdras, you will find as followeth.  
NOw when Darius had his wish obtained  
And that successively a King he reigned:  
He made a mighty great, and stately feast,  
For many a noble, and most Princely guest,  
And as my story doth affirm it true,  
He feasted royally his household too:  
Now when they all had eat, and drunk their fill,  
And each one pleased his appetite and will,  
homeward they went, and then without molest,  
Darius goes to take his Kingly rest:  
Now whilst that he all pleasure doth forsake,  
Three young men of the Guard do undertake  
To writ some solid sentence, one that might  
Restore his excellence some more delight:  
And 〈…〉 sentence shall 〈…〉  
The King shall give both gifts, and 〈…〉  
As for to be enveloped, and rolled  
In purest Purple, and to drink in gold;  
To ride on Chariots, and in state to sit  
Next to the King, by reason of his wit.  
The first he wrote the other for to quell,  
That Wine for strength and power doth excel:  
And then the next to him did after writ,  
That the Kings Majesty was most of might,  
And then the last, not least, came thirdly in,  
Declaring what he had wrote concerning women:  
And he, as God his Genius did enable.  
spoken of the truth; his name was Zorobabel;  
Saying, O men, it is not the great King;  
Nor multitude of men doth comfort bring:  
Who is it then that rules and governs them,  
And hath the Lordship ore them: is't not women?  
Women have born the King by Gods command,  
And all that beareth rule by sea or land.  
Even of them they came; and they did nourish  
Them that did plant, and cause the Vineyard flourish.  
Tis they that make us garments, and apply it,  
To bring men honour, though some men deny it;  
And seriously considered, you will find,  
There's no subsisting without women kind.  
And if so be man be so happy sped,  
That he hath gold or silver gathered,  
Doth he not in a manner bless his fate,  
That he may bring it to the woman straight:  
And doth not he still bend his utmost care  
To love a woman that is sweet and faire?  
But letting all these things go by and slip,  
Doth he not gaze upon her cherry lip?  
And even with open mouth fix both his eyes  
On her angelical and sweet Effigies;  
And have not most men more desire unto her,  
Than umto delicates to gold, or silver.  
A man forsakes his father that begot him,  
Bandons his Country that in nurture taught him,  
And thinks he lives a most despised life,  
Till he combine and cleave unto his wife:  
Nay more than this, he sticks not for to make  
himself a Martyr, merely for her sake.  
He'll spend his life, reject his friend and brother,  
And quiter so get his father, and his mother  
By this you needs must know, and grant it true,  
That women have Dominion over you.  
do you not toil and labour all you can,  
And bring it safely home unto the woman:  
Yea, a man takes his sword, and goes his way,  
To rob, to steal and sail upon the Sea,  
Not caring greatly on what ground he die on,  
And for her sake dares look upon a Lion,  
And going to some dark and uncouth grove,  
He robs and spoils to bring it to his love.  
Yea, many men there be that have run mad,  
Onely for women, hoping to have had  
What his loved heart desired but too late  
He hath lost his aim and so grown desperate:  
Nay, many men hate women so preferred,  
That for their sakes have perished, sinned, and erred.  
Now do you not believe me, that His grace  
Is great in power, great in every place.  
Doth not all Regions that are round about him,  
fear to offend him, cause in strength they doubt him.  
And yet for all that he is honoured thus,  
The daughter of the noble Bartacus.  
The Kings chief Concubine doth sit you see  
At his right hand, and who but Apame,  
And taking from his Kinglyhood his crown,  
She confidently sets it on her own:  
And then to show she hath him at command,  
She smiles upon him, stroke him with her hand:  
And yet for all this, he doth nought but gaze  
Upon her still, and still doth praise  
Her beauty beyond thought: and if that she  
I ought upon him, even so the like did he:  
And if she took at him any displeasure,  
Why straight he'd flatter her above all measure,  
And still her radiant beauty so commends,  
Till they are reconciled, and perfect friends.  
The O ye men, how can it be but true,  
Women are strong, when this, all this they do.  
And like a matchless and unparalleled youth,  
When he had done with women, spake of truth;  
Both which he did express so rare and well,  
He was thought worthy of a Chronicle:  
And I shall invocate my best of prayer,  
That truth and women still may go together.    

Madam,  
YOU have seen a period of my Book:  
Now may be that your gracious eye did look  
To have seen some rarer object; one that might  
Have given your candid wit a more delight:  
For I confess ingenuously indeed,  
Many more learned books you often red,  
And 〈◇〉 hope that there is something in't  
Deserves your love as well as doth the print.  
And having that my mind shall ne're aspire  
Not to a thought that reaches any higher.  
And now the God of Gods, and King of Kings,  
T 〈…〉 es where Cherubims and Angels sings,  
E●… protect and grant you your request,  
〈◇〉 you may sing with joy amongst the rest.  
So as in duty bound shall ever pray,  
Your humblest devoted 
 Servant: 
 E. F.  
FINIS.