THE Caledonian forest.  
By John Hepwith, Gent.  
LONDON, Printed by E. G. for R. Best, and are to be sold at his shop near Gray's inn gate in Holborn. 1641.   

The Caledonian forest.  

Whilom divided from the main land stood  
A forest in the circle of a flood.  
Which was the Caledonian wood yclept,  
And long time there the Lion his Court kept,  
And gave good laws, unto each pliant beast,  
When bloody broils and rigid stirs were ceased,  
For long had been the war and perilous  
Between the Birds and Hippopotamus  
For the Batavian Fens and Calydon  
In the Sea-horse's cause did arms put on  
Against the Eagle, for great pity 'twere  
That weakness should too much oppression bear.   

But letting pass this needless talk, I'll tell  
What in the Lions peaceful reign befell.  
He ranging in the forest on a day  
Only for thirst of pastime not for pray,  
A goodly heart espies so fair a creature,  
Actaeon in his metamorphosed feature  
I ween was not, and well he knew by heart  
Both graceful compliment, and courtly art,  
And due obeisance did unto his Grace,  
Low lowting with his knees upon the grass.  
The Lion with a blithe and merry look  
His humble Subject from the ground up took,  
And like a Prince both kind and debonair,  
Him entertained with much language fair.  
My friend, quoth he, thou must attend on me  
To live at Court, it best beseemeth thee,  
If to thy outward parts suiteth thy wit,  
Needs must thy service for a King be fit.   

The beast then humbly thanked his majesty,  
And speaking with a graceful modesty  
Thus ●aid, My pedigree is mean, not base,  
For I was bred, and borne, of gentle race,  
I cannot show a long continued line,  
Nor boast of what I cannot claim for mine,  
But for my service, if you please to use it,  
Impose what charge you will, I'll not refuse it.   

The Lion to be brief, leads him to Court,  
Where he preferred him soon in such a sort  
That he who was least feared not long since,  
Became in power even equal with his Prince,  
Such heaps of honours were thrown on his back  
As would have made the giant's shoulders crack  
(Which holds up heaven) long with his Lord he rested  
In sweet content, not envied, nor molested;  
He for his kindred, did great fortune find,  
Preferred the Roe, the Fallow deer, the hind,  
For what he craved was his, he had the art  
Of pleasing, and had won his sovereign's heart,  
Who in a jesting manner oft would throw  
His royal crown upon his branched brow,  
And with some favour oft would grace his horn,  
Or with some goodly gem his ear adorn.  
Well knew the Hart he was his eye-sights jewel,  
And to his fires still added store of fuel,  
Oft would he to some crystal fountain trace,  
And therein view his guilded head and face,  
By the direction of that watery glass  
There men ●ing what not to his liking was,  
Oft would he wend unto the adder's den,  
Whom with his strong breath he drew forth, & then  
Him swallowed quick, for to preserve his youth  
Much pains he took, to keep his soft skin smooth.  
His breast a pillow was for his Lord's head,  
His eyes were books, whereon he daily read,  
Like to those loving B others in the sky,  
They were endued with equal Sympathy,  
His blissful smiles presented to his Lord,  
Their passions struck a mirthful monacord,  
His favours object he was only made,  
H●s was the substance, all beasts else the shade,  
Like those fraternal lights, which do present  
To joyful Seamen, hope of good event,  
So they together ranged through the groves,  
While all besides stood wondering at their loves.  
Sertorius that famous Roman knight,  
Would never bring his soldiers out to fight,  
Till he had been by his white hind advised  
Of future haps, even so the Lion prized  
The counsel of this heart, and did commit  
All weighty Matters to his trust and wit;  
He made him Ruler of the great green Lake:  
The Lionel him for his Mate did take▪  
When he to the Hesperian forest went,  
For by his old sire he was thither sent,  
Not for a golden Apple, or a fleece  
Of Gold, but for to Court the eagle's niece,  
So was he blessed by hap, that he came back,  
Without a Mistress, and without a wrack.  
The beasts at his return did so rejoice,  
That Hills and Valleys sounded with the noise.  
The camel danced, the horse for joy did wince,  
And all the forest echoed, welcome Prince;  
The Hart for his good service done they praised,  
And would have been contented to have raised  
Statues in's honour, if they had not thought  
Idolatry thereby might in be brought.  
Twice had not Sol past through the zodiac,  
Ere Leas death clad all the beasts in black.   

Then with applause and hope they entertain,  
The brave young lion for their sovereign,  
He bent to glorious actions did provide,  
Great forces to abate the eagle's pride,  
she banding with the Dragon that doth dwell,  
In Satan's den near the high way to hell,  
(As Poets say) had wrought such grief and sma●t  
To beasts and Fishes, even in every part.   

This monstrous dragon's nature was so strange,  
So noisome, that he needed not to range  
About the world to pass the alps, or Seas,  
To plague his wretched foes, for heat case,  
And lurking in his filthy hole and nest,  
Could quite destroy, or Fish, or fowl, or beast,  
He could infect the air, with his rank breath,  
And on each obj●ct glance, nought else but death;  
Pure crystal streams he turns to poison black,  
Where he opposed, all surely went to wrack.  
Besides he had a sort of noisome Creatures  
At his command, which indisguised features,  
Would search each Clime, & wont to fly by night  
(The story says) the cockatrice's height.  
These were his damned Ministers, these caused  
Great funerals, and made all beasts amazed.  
That few or none the Dragon durst contemn,  
His strength and Malice so affrighted them.  
Fish, fowl, and beast, he long time ruled at will:  
What he required, they durst not but fulfil.   

He did usurp that power, which he well knew,  
Was both the lions and the Eagles due.  
But Jove that sees, and rules all things below,  
Resolves to let his pride no higher grow.  
Least like his old, snake-footed Ancestry,  
His proud Ambition, might annoy the sky.  
Then sends he down his winged post to haste,  
Who through the bright spheres in a moment past,  
And first in the Hircinian forest lights,  
Where he his message openly recites  
Unto the Eagle who was hitherto  
Jove's own dear hird, though now she be not so.   

He told her that the dragon's power was not  
By law obtained, but by oppression got,  
That in the forest he no title had,  
Of Rule or sovereignty, but what was bad.  
And what he had by falsehood erst obtained,  
Be now with Craft and open wrong maintained.   

The sceptre of the forest is (said he)  
Thy due, (O Princely Bird) except it be,  
Where the bold lion umpires, or his beast,  
The Dragon hath no right nor interest,  
To rule within the limits of thy woods  
A thief he is, and robs thee of thy goods.   

Then let him be cashiered, thrust out from hence,  
Renounce all fealty, and obedience  
Erst done to him, for now Jove thee commands  
To pluck thy freedom from the tyrant's hands.  
This said, the Eagle with a lowly nod  
And Cringe, did do obeisance to the God,  
And thus beginning after a short pause,  
Against herself maintains the dragon's cause.   

A crown (said she) best fits the wisest head,  
As doth a mitre the best littered,  
And who more prudent than the Dragon is,  
Who more exact in Acts, and sciences?  
He he alone keeps all the sacred keys,  
Of holy and religious mysteries.   

And if that strength beseems a ruler well  
In valour, who may be his parallel?  
The stoutest beast is with his noise dismayed,  
Yea of his wrath the Lion is afraid.  
Therefore the Dragon best deserves to be  
The forest Prince, and so shall be for me.   

Hermes that could not her proud language brook  
Longer, bewrayed his anger with his look,  
And through disdain to bid the Dame adieu,  
He took him to his wings, and thence he flew.   

He gone the whole assembly 'gan to mutter,  
And each his mind did to his fellow utter,  
The Kite the eagle's answer did allow,  
So did the owl, the Ostrich and the Crow,  
But so did not the stork and pelican,  
The watchful Crane, the Falcon, and the Swan,  
The bear, the wolf, the boar, the stag, the Hind,  
Were altog●ther of the eagle's mind.  
But the Elephant, the horse, the unicorn,  
Did their opinions contradict, and scorn,  
And said, she to the Dragon did submit  
Herself, for her own proper benefit,  
Forsooth that she might by this power draw,  
Her subjects into a more servile awe,  
Or if ambition did not cause the Error,  
It was ignoble cowardice, and terror  
Of his great force, who was indeed a beast,  
Of no such strength and vigour, as she guest,  
And as for his Religion (they say all)  
It was but merely hypocritical;  
A feigned feature to beguile his friend,  
A tool made by him, to work his own end;  
And therefore they would never more accord,  
To take so base a scarecrow, for their Lord,  
This disagreements of opinion stirred,  
Beast against beast, and Bird was against bird.  
Thus in the Hircinian forest 'gan the strife,  
Which mickle blood hath cost, and many a life.   

But Hermes now had plied his wings so well,  
That in the woods of Calydon he fell,  
And did his message to the lion there,  
The same which erst to th' Eagle he did bear.   

The Lion and the beasts attentively  
His counsel heard, then with one voice did cry,  
The God speaks well, nor is it meet or fit  
Said they, that we the Dragon should permit,  
To umpire in the limits of our woods,  
Therefore we are resolved to spend our bloods,  
Ourselves from his authority to free,  
The Lion our sole general shall be.   

Hermes replied, the auspicious deities,  
Shall second your thrice worthy enterprise,  
And that the Princely Lion may not fear  
The dragon's devilish spite, we give him here,  
An herb of force, so rare and exquisite,  
That it doth frustrate all enchantment quite.   

Most thankfully the Lion his gift took,  
Expressing plain with gesture and with look  
Acceptance kind, the God bids him adieu,  
And up into Jove's airy place he flew,  
Where to the Senate of the Gods he told,  
How by the Eagle he had been controlled.  
And how the Caledonian Lion did  
Resolve to do, what his advice did bid.   

And did the Eagle (quoth the Thunderer)  
Thus slight our message, and our messenger?  
With that he leaning on his Ivory Rod  
Made heaven, and Earth, and Seas at once to nod,  
By shaking of his terrifying locks,  
And thrice his hand upon his breast he knocks.   

Is all respect (said he) now clean forget,  
What damned ingrateful humour doth besot,  
That rash fond foolish Bird? did I in vain,  
Make her the Birds dread Queen and sovereign?  
Did I so oft deign to put on her shape,  
From Juno's watchful eye to make escape;  
Was her form only fit to make my theft,  
When of her Ganymede, I Troy bereft?   

Did I my sacred self hide in a feature,  
Of so disloyal and so vild a creature?  
Wert thou (false Bird) thought worthy for to bear,  
The fiery Weapons of the Thunderer?  
What dare not mortals do, if they see me  
At thy contempt to wink, not punish thee?  
And thou O Dragon swelled with poisonous pride,  
Whose speckled bulk nine Acres breadth doth hide,  
Than his keen bolt with fearful countenance,  
He takes in hand beginning to advance  
His everlasting fist, while all the rout  
Of Deities did quake, save Juno stout,  
For still the angry Gods did much repine,  
To see the Arcadian bears, bright Nonacrine  
And her young son, to shine before her face,  
The bright memorials of that great disgrace;  
That Jove had done her bed, now is time fit,  
Thought she, to try with wedlock breakers quit;  
And as he hath fixed just before my face  
My foes, I will serve him with the same sauce,  
And ere he could let fly his doleful dart  
Against the Eagle, and the dragon's hart;  
From earth she scatcht them up, (him unawares)  
With an impetuous wind, and made them stars,  
The Dragon she did place close by the bears,  
Them ever to torment with horrid fears,  
For though they were twice changed, yet they enjoyed  
Their former minds, and feared to be destroyed,  
By the fierce dragon's wrath, who swiftly doth,  
Always about the pool pursue them both,  
But angry Jove full of disdain, and scorn,  
To be thus checked, strictly enjoined the morn,  
That when he drove the heard of stars too slack,  
There burning heat in Amphytritis lake,  
He should remember to fulfil his mind,  
And leave the thirsty Dragon still behind,  
But in remembrance of old Jove, he gave  
The Eagle leave, her wings in Seas to lave.   

This rash act of Jove's Queen bred divers rumours  
Above, the Gods according to their humours,  
Censured the fact, and most did Juno blame,  
But great despite did Jove's heart so inflame,  
That once he was resolved down from the skies,  
Quite to cashier all female Deities.  
Then wise Minerva rose up from her place,  
With splendent lustre, and a comely grace.   

Not wrath, but modesty made her look red,  
For those that will persuade, must not be led  
By choler, than a low voiced murmur fills  
The Court, such sound within the shallow rills,  
pebbles are wont to make, when they do chide  
The stream, because she will not faster glide.   

Thus she begins, If all for ones offence  
Must smart, than what availeth innocence?  
If that some one hath done amiss, then shall  
The vengeance of the crime extend to all,  
Is this your Justice, wherein doth rely,  
(Ye Gods) your kingdom's great eternity?  
Are all good turns worn out of mind and gone,  
What do the Gods admit Oblivion?  
Were Victory and I your chiefest help,  
When earth sent forth her hundred pawed whelp,  
To throw you headlong from the battlements,  
Did she and I alone stand at defence,  
When ye in Nile's seven doors yourselves did hide  
In various shapes, for fear to be descried,  
Then let us all be to the Earth confined  
In hills or woods, we shall some harbours find.  
The Nymphs shall entertain us in some grove,  
And old Silvanus shall be then our Jove;  
Such pastimes we shall meet withal below,  
As all the skies the like did never show.  
Then come along Astrea with thy train,  
(All faith and pity hence) ye shall again  
To earth perforce, dispatch and come away  
(O Victory!) Juno make no delay;  
Let Jove make merry with his Nonacrine,  
His pretty Ganymed, and Hebe fine.   

The Goddesses thus ready to depart,  
Jove suddenly did from his throne up start,  
And by the sleeve disdainful Juno snatched,  
But Vulcan, as he would have Pallas catched,  
The angry Dame, so rough a knock him wrought,  
That unto him she mickle sorrow brought.  
With the butt-end of her lance, that the lout  
Saw plainly then the world turned round about.  
But while the God with lowly blandishment,  
To pacify the Goddesses was bent,  
Vulcan brings in a flagon and a Cup,  
With lusty Nectar to the brim filled up,  
To Juno he a bowl gives, she to Jove,  
In wine remembers all respect and love,  
He pledged her, and to Pallas dranck another,  
She drinks to Mars, and Mars to Cupid's mother.  
Thus like the shears full bowls went round apace,  
And Phoebus did their mirth with music grace,  
While to his harp the Muses did apply,  
Their voices with a heavenly symphony.  
So long they quaffed, such was the liquours strength,  
That soon a sleep they caught down all at length.  
But now I come back, leaving them at rest,  
Unto the Matter whence I have digressed.   

Now are the lion's ships met altogether,  
And under sail to go, the Lord knows whether.  
But first I should recount as it is meet,  
Who were commanders in this goodly fleet.  
Then Oh the thrice three nymphs, that dwell upon  
Parnassus green, and shades of Helicon,  
Assist me with your skill, whilst I rehearse  
Names of those doughty wights, whom courage fierce  
And thirst of Reputation led as far,  
As the Herculean pillars to make war.  
The Hart was in respect of office tide,  
As many say, this enterprise to guide.  
But loathe the Lion was to condescend,  
To trust unconstant Neptune with his friend;  
For it had rashness argued to have let,  
So fair a gem at six and seven be set,  
Yet some affirm that he to Sea had gone,  
Had not the Silver nymphs made such moan,  
That altogether to the Lion came,  
Beseeching him to keep the Hart at home,  
For to say truth, green cool and shady bowers,  
Soft grassy banks, and beds of fragrant flowers;  
The remiss nature of the beast did please,  
Better than hard ribbed Ships and troubled Seas;  
But in his room the Mule went sole Commander,  
A well experienced Knight, an ancient slander,  
He for so great a charge was thought most fit,  
For practice long had seasoned well his wit,  
There went the Horse for brave achievements bred,  
Whom false Hiennas foul adulterous bed  
Had nigh well slain of yore, the Bull, the bear,  
The mastiff and the greedy Hound were there,  
But so was not the boar who had changed knocks  
Not long before with the Iberian Fox,  
And died soon after, and with him deceased  
As many fear the fortune of the beast:   

Like those adventurous Gentlemen of Greece  
To Colchos sailing for the golden Fleece,  
Or like those fifty Knights sworn to destroy  
For wanton Helen's rape, unhappy Troy:  
So did these Gallants glide in Neptune's breast  
With passing pride, till all heads were possessed  
With expectation of great deeds of worth,  
Even so the mountains travelled, and brought forth  
A Mouse, they went for gold, but sure I am  
They brought nought home worth speaking of but shame.  
Fortune miscarried their attempts they said,  
For had she lent them her auspicious aid,  
Good service had been done, but whosoe'er  
Was to be blamed, the Mule the burden bare,  
And through extreme despair desired to die,  
Lamenting his unhappy destiny,  
To quench his thirst of death, himself he cast  
Into the main, where he had drunk his last,  
If Thetis in a pitiful regard  
The life of the poor miser had not spared.  
She softly entertains him in her wave,  
And while he strives to make the Sea his grave  
His feature's changed, and he 's with feathers clad  
And turned into a foul, yet still he had  
The self same mind, and full of anger still  
Because he must live, sore against his will,  
Into the air on high he mounted oft,  
And on the waves himself throws from aloft,  
His feathers eased his fall, full oft he dives  
Into the main, to die in vain he strives.  
Care and displeasure makes him lean and bare,  
His neck and bill still long and slender are,  
So are his legs, in Sea he lives always,  
This foul is called a Gull, as Seamen say.   

Much damage and more infamy lights on  
The stout inhabitants of Calydon,  
For this inglorious voyage and that wood  
Which erst a terror to each forest stood,  
Was now no better than a hen's nest thought,  
Unto so low an ebb the beasts were brought.  
They much perplexed did to the Temple fly,  
Imploring aid and pity from the sky,  
They crave a medicine for their maladies.  
And long to find out where the humour lies  
That breeds their troubles, they conclude at last  
A sacred Messenger to send in haste  
To Delphos by Apollo's Temple graced,  
Which in the middle of the Earth was placed  
The Elephant was thought to be most fit  
To take this charge, for gravity and wit  
He to the Temple comes and humbly falls  
Before the Altar of the God, and calls  
For his auspicious lot with mind and voice.  
Then suddenly was heard a hideous noise  
Of the approaching God; the Priest doth cry,  
Be all profane far off, the God is nigh.  
Then with deep terror was the Pilgrim struck,  
The place, the laurel, and the Altar shook,  
The Quiver of the God likewise did shake  
And from the Vault a hollow voice thus spoke.   

When the humour which is bred  
Ith' heart, shall cease to annoy the head,  
When Justice shall not be controlled  
By greatness, nor be bought nor sold,  
When smoothed vice shall be cast down  
And honour be fair Merits crown,  
When gleaning Patrons shall desist  
To ask an offering of the Priest,  
When crafty Foxes shall not pluck  
The silly Goose, and foolish Duck,  
When greedy Wolves shall cease to cram  
Their guts with blood of tender lamb;  
Then shall your forest find relief,  
And be preserved from fear of grief.   

The Elephant returns, while all expect  
And are assembled to hear the effect  
Of his Embassage, and he doth report  
The answer of the God, in open Court,  
The Lion, and the Hart, the wolf, the bear,  
The Bull, the Buffle, and the elk were there,  
The noble unicorn was not in place  
For he offended had the lion's grace,  
And in his white Rock was imprisoned  
Because the young Monoceros he did wed,  
The Princely Leopard borne of high stem,  
And was indeed fit to be linked with them,  
But sore displeasure did the Lion fill  
Because the Lovers sought not his good will  
Ere they did match, but others said the Hart  
Unto the unicorn bred all the smart,  
For he thought to have matched as most did guess,  
The Buck his x with the leopardess;  
But so kind Hymen for the damsel stood  
That she got one more worthy of her blood.  
Now 'gan the wiser Beasts to call to mind  
The heart's assent, his merit, and his kind,  
They saw him in the highest circle fixed,  
That very little distance was betwixt  
The Lion and his height, when he each day  
Did feast with honour, and with honour play.  
So did Adonis in the Paphyan Grove  
On Bosie beds sport with the Queen of love.  
They saw him turn about the Orbs at will,  
Yet had this wood received no good, but ill  
From his great inauspicious influence.  
Thus than the Elephant began: far hence  
Be all unbridled headstrong passion,  
Let justice, Piety, Religion,  
Be Mynates here, great Empires within these  
No Empires are, but mighty thieveries.  
And since this Court affords a remedy  
For each abuse, and gives free liberty  
Unto the sick weal public to descry  
What breeds her pain, and where the same doth lie;  
Then let my zeal crave gentle sufferance  
To speak for her, but ill I deem my chance  
That I must bring again upon the stage,  
Things erst done by so great a personage  
As is the Hart, but alas 'tis not I,  
It is your country, and your Monarchy.   

Oh mighty lion, they are both dismayed,  
With fear of Dissolution, and crave aid.  
The fierce Iberian Griffin stands before us,  
Pressed to espy advantage to devour us,  
And mischief, malice, war, about him skip,  
He threats the sword, the rope, the yoke, the whip;  
Our weakness makes him strong, our cowardice  
Doth promise fortune to his enterprise.  
And yonder doth the Eagle prey upon  
Our overmatcht allies, while we look on,  
And friendly Rhyne, low in his channel lies,  
And to his Rills in vain for succour cries.  
For burned faced ruin hath caroused them up  
With Healths to Dissolution in a cup,  
Composed of ashes, rubbish, dust, and stone,  
The hideous work of dire confusion.  
And at our Elbow stands the Crocodile  
Masking his rancour with a feigned smile.  
He animates us to begin the war,  
But malice is a devilish counsellor.  
Behold yond green eyed Lake, whose gentle flood  
With kind embraces clip, and hug our wood,  
And stand like walls by Jove and Neptune fixed  
Our cruel enemies, and us betwixt.  
Our enemies have won those walls, how can  
The town hold out when all the walls are ta'en  
Not long since were we Lords of Sea and Land  
Durst breath in any air, tread any sand  
Our Spartans virtues, and Herculean vigour  
Releived the weak pulled down the oppressors rigour,  
But now alas things have put on new shapes,  
Our forest is become a den of Apes.  
The greedy ostrich, and the obscene owl  
Do timber in our woods and Satyrs foul  
Frequent our thickets, virtue is divorced,  
From greatness, nature's excellence is forced  
By appetite, and reason is deflowered  
By vile affections, Arts are now devoured  
By great panched ignorance, fidelity,  
Consists in Lucre, and in Luxury.  
Our forest is a field of naughtiness,  
Or rather like foul Lerna's marrishness,  
Where sin doth lurk, crested with many crimes  
Like Hydra, oh Alcides, help betimes,  
Help mighty Prince, and banish all delay,  
Meet the approaching ill, and take away  
Pernicious causes, nor do we envy  
Against thy judgement, royal majesty  
That thou thy Hart in so high place dost hold  
princes' affections must not be controlled  
By subjects' humours, for there love may fly  
Or high or low, none ought to ask them why  
To rule, and not to serve Kings were ordained,  
They may be oft advised but near constrained.  
Yea though the State through their ill government  
Be sure to fall, Subjects must be content.   

But as the laws of God and man oblige  
Subjects unto their sovereign Lord and Liege,  
So doth the laws of God alone bind Kings,  
With equity to steer the course of things.  
But if they shall neglect their charge and cure,  
None must for reformation put in ure  
Any sinister course, for they alone  
To God must give account what they have done,  
But as all force is devilish and profane  
By vassals 'gainst their Princes undertaken,  
So wholesome counsel is a sovereign way  
To work with them, in some respects though they  
Be Gods, yet like men do they understand,  
So die they shall, though they like God's command.   

Whilom (dread sovereign) was the heart's good grace,  
As high in people's favour, as in place,  
But things grown to their height needs must we see  
Decline, the very stars unstable be;  
No sooner Sol begins to rise then fall,  
The infant that begins to live, withal  
Begins to die; yet still might'st thou have stood  
Untouched, O Hart, hadst thou been still as good  
As great, more would the Elephant have spoke,  
But night came on, and the assemblies broke.   

Henceforth against the Hart 'gan many rise  
Accusing him of great enormities,  
Light fame, as quick of hearing as of flight,  
That seldom doth befriend a favourite,  
Soon hears the accusation of the Hart,  
And in a thousand scrolls writes every part,  
And as it matters were not ill enough,  
She addeth something still of her own stuff,  
With these same scrolls she filled her wide mouthed scrip  
And with her wings the buxom air doth clip,  
And as she flew the forest round about,  
Whole handfuls of her scrolls she casteth out,  
So doth Septembers careful seedsman throw  
The kirnels plumb before the crooked plough;  
Such bitter libels did this tattler spread,  
That heartily all wished, the Hart were dead,  
So high the fury of the beasts were grown  
That sore the Hart began to fear the crown,  
Therefore to shun each dirie accident,  
He to the house of Politea went  
To crave her counsel in so hard a case;  
Low in the gloomy vale her palace was  
hewn from a Marble Rock by Mulciber  
The craftsman of the Gods, she dwelleth there  
Secured from danger of damned treachery  
Who once to undermine her house did try,  
Thinking to have blown her up into the skies  
As doth the Giant which in Aetna lies,  
Spew flaming stones, no thorough-fair is there,  
No hermit's Cell, no shepherd's Cottage near,  
No beasts do graze upon the neighbour hills,  
No chirping birds the cliffs with echoes fills;  
Black solitude there always walks the round  
With folded arms and eyes bent to the ground.  
Upon the top of all the house was reared  
A Tower, which so exceeding high appeared,  
That it Ixion-like did seem to kiss  
The clouds, on top of which there seated is  
One called providence, who holds a glass  
Wherewith she sees what's done in every place  
Beneath the Cope, with this she doth espy  
The drifts of Kings, and hidden plots descry,  
A huge high wall was built about the place  
In which not any port or entrance was  
Except one private postern, which was kept  
By a grave Sire whose secrecy was cleped.  
The Hart comes to the door and safely knocks,  
The watchful Porter with long snowy locks  
And beard, soon heard the sound, & soon drew near,  
But ere he did unlock, asked who was there,  
A friend quoth the Hart, than he enquired his name,  
What was his errand, and from whence he came,  
With such wise answers, did the Hart him win,  
That he unlocked the gate, and let him in;  
Then did a goodly groom discretion height,  
To Paliteas Hall conduct him right,  
Where on such uncouth shapes of things he gazed,  
That like a Statue he stood still amazed.  
Upon an arch sat Politea high,  
With many Dames in seemly order by.  
And though she and the Ladies seemed to be,  
As jolly Dames as eyes could wish to see.  
Yet she alas was changed in face and grace,  
Ere since the fair Astrea lost her place  
And most part of her train, that sat hereby  
Were but mere shades made to delude the eye,  
But fierce ambition beaten and repelled  
From her attempt in the Phlegraean field  
Where she was hunting them, earth's graceless fries  
To mount on mountains, and to climb the skies,  
Yet still retained her former spite and hate,  
Although the blow did much her strength abate,  
But having proud the prowess of the Gods  
And to her cost and sorrow seen the odds,  
She would no more in arms against them go,  
But mean to single out a weaker foe  
Great Politea that renowned Queen  
Was she on whom she vowed to wreck her teen,  
But laying steely arms and shield aside  
Another way to work her ends she tried;  
She by a treaty thought to get more gain  
Then ere by open force she could attain,  
A beauteous Lady in her train she had  
Which high desire her all in white she clad  
And with an Olive wreath she dight her head,  
And in her hand she likewise carried  
An Olive branch, a hundred Maids of honour  
(With Olive likewise crowned) did weight upon her,  
Though these like messengers of peace were clad  
Yet war and murder in their hearts they had,  
For they were all begirt with faulchons keen,  
Which underneath their vestures were not seen,  
She these instructs with wondrous subtleties,  
Under pretence of Friendship to surprise  
Queen Politeas fort, but when she came  
near to the place, they sent a crafty Dame,  
Before unto the Castle, to obtain a main,  
A safe conduct for desire, and her train.  
This speedy Herald delectation height,  
As fair a creature to the outward sight,  
As ever eye beheld, and yet was she  
As foul deformed a monster as could be,  
Besides her outward grace she had a tongue,  
Most skilful to persuade, and passing strong;  
She having entered Politeas Hall,  
Where then was sitting 'mongst her Ladies all  
Between Religion, and Astrea fair,  
So wittily her message did declare,  
That Politea gave her free consent,  
That foul desire and all her Rabblement,  
Might come into the fortress, all in vain  
Astrea and her fellows did complain;  
And like Liceas priests with flaring hair,  
With outcries shrill, they rent the tender air.   

Trust not ambitious friendly shows they cried,  
Trust not desire, let access be denied,  
And like Troy's unbelieved prophecies,  
They did presage approaching miseries,  
In vain they told of dangers that were near,  
For Politea would not lend an ear.  
Then fraught with grief, & deep disdain they flew  
From thence to heaven, and bid the earth adieu;  
Thus Politea was quite left alone;  
Religion, Justice, Temperance were gone,  
Faith, pity, Fortitude, were flown away,  
None of Astrea's train behind would stay,  
But hope, for she bewailing the weak state  
Of wretched men slunck close by out at gate,  
And to the wide world did betake herself,  
A professed foe to that most dammed elf;  
Which height despair, she gives men much relief  
That be in pain, calamity and grief,  
Now is despair at Politeas Fort,  
Safely arrived, and entering the Court.  
A Dame that kept the Tower of consent,  
The keys thereof did unto her present;  
Then on she went into the Hall apace  
Where Politea, at her feet craved grace,  
Which she obtained, but one this Condition  
Forsooth, that she forth with yield to Ambition  
all Homage, fealty, and Obedience,  
And always hold her for her Liege and Prince;  
To keep these Covenants she was bound by oath,  
So she her honour lost and freedom both;  
Then Superstition, falsehood thi●st of gain,  
Succeeded fair Astrea, and her train,  
Yea bloody murder, and foul treachery,  
Then straight crept closely in and there stood by,  
And though the Hart saw them he could not spy,  
Their ugly shapes and great deformity;  
For they were clad in virtues fair array,  
Which she had lest in haste to fly away,  
Their faces sprent, were with a tincture vile,  
Made of the ordure of a Crocodile,  
And dragon's milk, love did Medea move,  
To use this Ceruse, first for Jasons' love;  
But the Hart viewed with most intention,  
The workmanship and rare Invention;  
That there on every side was to be seen,  
Where many Statues were of famous men,  
High in the roof, which dust well nigh defaced,  
Where Numa, Solon, and Lycurgus placed,  
And many other did stand them beside,  
Which time had made unfit to be descried,  
Each politicians plot was there displayed,  
From point to point, as it at first was laid;  
The Pope was pictured there, and Charles the great  
Each helping other, to achieve his feat.  
Charles for the Empire of the West did try  
His skill the Pope for his supremacy:  
Pope Hildebrand's foul plots were there expressed,  
Against the luchers' Empire of the West,  
Pope Alexander and his wicked son,  
Duke Val●ntine, machivells' paragon  
W●re figured there, with their damned subtlety,  
To g●t the sovereignty of Italy,  
And Machivell was likewise to be seen  
There with the proud D. Alva & the Scottish Queen,  
And so was Barnavelt, who had of late,  
A traitor been to the Netherlanders state,  
Besides were portrayed amongst all these,  
Don Spinola the warlike Genoavyes,  
And Gondamor, two old ill-looking Scots,  
Who both did seem to be contriving plots,  
To make their Mr. Western Emperor,  
Full fast they plied their work and labour sore,  
All forms of State likewise that ever were,  
Were to the eye plainly descried there,  
Firm Monarchies and Aristocrasies,  
Oligarchies, and worse democracies.   

The Hart delivered from astonishment,  
Before the Throne of Poletea went,  
And falling on his knees did her entreat,  
To stand his friend and teach him some good feat,  
The fury of his foes to turn away,  
Who had indented to work his decay.   

The Dame replies, our greatest pleasure is,  
To succour those that are in deep distress,  
Therefore we pity thee, for thee 'tis good,  
To be Commander of the Silver flood,  
Which Cantaber is cleped, where do dwell  
The learned Sirens, which strange things can tell,  
And then be safe, let Justice work her worst,  
And with displeasure her own bowels burst.   

The Hart from this advise much comfort had,  
And to the forest returned blithe and glad,  
Where he reported to the lion's grace,  
(For in his favour still he had a place)  
The manner of his voyage, and success,  
And how the goddess taught him to redress  
His griefs; Him he besought to stand his friend,  
Whereby his aims might hit their wished end.  
Then did he send a trusty Messenger,  
To the inhabitants of Cantaber,  
The Lion likewise for him interceeds,  
By Messengers unto the Reverend heads,  
For out of sixteen heads issued the flood  
Devoid of ●agged moss and filthy Mud,  
He tumbled on a Sandy bed full clear,  
Where under Peasant might not approach near.  
But on his grassy banks with laurel crowned,  
The nymphs and fairies sat in circle round,  
Composing wreathes of never dying bays,  
To deck those heads, whose knowledge merits praise.   

But in this sixteen headed spring did sit,  
So many Sirens grave in years and wit,  
These by a higher power, were put in trust  
To order things, and keep all right and just;  
But one above them all was placed high  
In honour, and in grave authority,  
Which height learned Panace a Lady fine,  
And far renowned for skill and medicine;  
But Dinamene had the second place,  
A Dame of Comely countenance and grace.  
Yet were her Oseants stained with lustful flame,  
From Tyncas she had an evil name,  
She often wont to leave the crystal floods,  
And seek her lovely stripling in the woods,  
Glytephone, and fair Philacreete,  
Armold, and sage Pilitrope,  
Eusibia, Panope, and Encrate.  
Thomesty, just and wise Polime,  
Patient Cymodoce, that could assawge  
The surging Seas, when they began to rage,  
Kind Elimuce and Antonene,  
Faithful Memphee, and old Zione.   

All these the Daughters were of mighty Jove,  
Begot by him in the adjoining Grove,  
An academy fair, the elder daughter  
Of Cronus and Minerva, for long after  
Minerva bare another lively Dame,  
Begotten of Cronus on the banks of Thame.  
Besides the sixteen Sirens fair, which were  
Chief in the flood, three thousand more were there,  
Begot all by Phoebus, and great Jove,  
Nursed and brought up all by their neighbour grove.   

The heart's swift post comes to the gentle River,  
Where he his Master's letter did deliver,  
Unto the Sirens, who as it fell out  
Were in their sacred bowers met about  
Some great affairs, nor did the Messenger  
Forget with gentle language to prefer  
His masters humble suit, and thus he said,   

Lo he that long hath the great Ocean swayed,  
Who to the Fritians doth prescribe a law,  
And keeps Aeolus blustering sons in awe,  
Even he the Empire of your flood stands for,  
Desires to be your Lord and governor,  
And what the Lion might command, he now  
Requesteth, so his mildness doth him bow;  
Refuse not then the Hart, who is so kind  
For your good Lord; since 'tis your sovereign's mind.   

This said the Sirens did his absence crave,  
And told him soon, he should an answer have.  
Then ●●…g●…P●…ra●… herself to advance,  
St●…ing the assembly with an Austere glance,  
Two things (said she) invites us to deny  
The heart's request: First doth the people's cry  
Deem him unworthy of so great a place,  
And secondly his weak and wretched case,  
Makes him unfit to oversee our flood,  
lest he should fail at need to do us good;  
But on the other side his Prince's love,  
To take him for our Ruler doth us move,  
time is a salve for many sores, but hate  
Of King's displeasure no time did ere abate,  
Should we adore the rising sun, or when  
he's at the height, fall down before him, than  
We might be deemed by some misdeeming sires,  
To be no better than vile Flatterers;  
But doubtless him in his design to prop,  
When he is like into the deep to drop,  
It is an action that deserveth best,  
The favour of the Gods, than his request  
(And our dread sovereign's will,) ye shall allow,  
If my persuasion may avail with you;  
I oft have heard well taught experience sing,  
'tis greatest wisdom, for to please a King.   

This said, a confused rumor the house filled,  
But Pyamene his opinion held;  
And so did many more grave headed wights,  
Some fear, and thirst of honour some invites  
To make the Hart their Lord, but one true blade,  
Whom Titan had of better mettle made,  
Did stoutly stand against gray-headed wit,  
Most voices yet at length, miscarried it,  
But though the Hart obtained this great place,  
The silly beasts still hated his good Grace.   

Then he the camel made of his great kin,  
Who likewise was grown mighty by great sin,  
For he was not to Lordly Manners borne,  
But fortune honoured him with plenty's horn,  
For ranging in the forest on a day,  
By accident he found a goodly prey.  
A Lady fair was on a green bank laid,  
Her limbs in careless posture all displayed,  
Which under a thin veil were half descried,  
In empty clouds so Phebe wont to hide  
Her bashful face, when she was gazed upon,  
With a sixt eye, by her Endymion;  
Certes she was one of Diana's dames,  
Whom a long chase, and bright Apollo's flames,  
Had from the plains into the cool shade sent,  
For sweet repose and gentle solacement;  
The camel, such was his most happy lot,  
Did find her sleeping, and so near her got,  
That he lost not his opportunity,  
But so prevailed that he with her did lie,  
Lewd Priapus went often in such guise,  
Some light heeled nymphs in Court for to surprise.  
The camel lying with the Lady gat●  
Great store of money, and a great estate,  
Her name was Thesenia the fortunate,  
Her prating Lovers she went to elate  
To high degrees, hard was my destiny,  
Cause with that lass, I found not grace to lie  
Who makes her Lovers rich and happy too,,  
And yields to each that hath a face to woo.   

The camel lying with this St●●mp et grew,  
Worthy to wear a goodly gown of blue,  
How doth that giglet fortune favour fools  
For he was neither well trained up in schools,  
Nor ever could he of a fine wit vaunt  
But he was passing bold and ignorant,  
Yet expert was he in his faculty.  
Oh what an easy Art is knavery!  
Thus do great knaves become great men alone,  
Whilst true Nobility is trod upon;  
The scholar spends his wit, and none regards him,  
The soldier spends his blood, & none rewards him.  
The virtuous Gentleman, whom competence  
Protects from want, and pinching Indigence,  
May live at home in mean and honest port,  
Near looking for preferment at the Court.   

Now was the camel with great office graced,  
And high in awful seat of honour placed,  
With looks and words the Stygian Frogs did check,  
Who went to cry Coax breck Ekex neck,  
Four times a year in that great Hall, from whence,  
Astrea fled away three ages since,  
Ne'er was it known before, that Justice did  
Depend on Hymen, or wait on a Bride,  
She did not Nuptials know, nor what was meant  
By Venus' sport of Juno's blandishment,  
She is a Queen by birth, but made a slave,  
Damned be those heads that did her thus deprave.  
Thus at length with the camel the Hart tied  
Bonds of Alliance, to make a stronger side;  
And then he calls from the Cimmerian land  
The reverend ass, and he must keep a stand,  
And be the buckler to a mass of sin,  
Whom doth not sacred thirst of money win?  
That fair Pananra, daughter of the gods,  
That Mistress of delight, fairer by odds  
Then honesty, who dares not once be seen  
When she appears, so doth nights pale-faced Queen  
Give place to Sol: but still the beasts sore hate  
The fearful Hart; Jove doth commiserate  
The forest's state, and him from thence did take  
Whom he had made a star for Venus' sake,  
Whose Priest he was, if Atlas had not c●i'd  
That Heaven would from his feeble shoulders slide  
Were he fixed there (so heavy mischief is)  
But Jove to make a Metamorphosis  
Him turned into an Ignis fatuus,  
A wandering light which oft appears to us  
Poor swains, that watch our flocks upon the plains,  
This fire ofttimes the timorous clown constrains  
To run through bush and brier, ditch and dale  
For very fear, and many a diry tale  
Is told by Peasants in the winter night  
To maids by the fire side of the same spirit.  
Yet fame reports (but fame tells many lies)  
That Jove did take the Hart up to the skies,  
And made him a bright star, and placed him near  
Shag-hairy Orgon the fierce forester,  
Who with his staring looks and glittering brand  
A terror dire doth ne'er to him stand un.  
For the Hart (as it should seem) and many write  
No swordman was, but a mere Carpet-Knight  
Certes his stars portend (as wise men guess)  
Much ill to those which Art and arms profess,  
And great impoverishment to Mariners,  
Whom it arising from the Sea deters.   
FINIS.