THE I'll OF GULLS.  
As it hath been often Acted in the Black Friars, by the Children of the REVELS.  
LONDON, Printed for WILLIAM SHEARES, at the Harrow in Britain's Burse. 1633.   

THE I'll OF GULLS.  I Enter severally three Gentlemen, as to see a Play. 1 
HOW now gallants, what ist? what ist?  2 
The I'll of Guls.  3 
The I'll of Gulls, what should that be?  2 
A play by the name, but come shals quarter ourselves?  1 
If some had had the wit to do so in time, they might have saved the hangman a labour. But come boy, furnish us with stools.  Enter Prologue. Prol. 
Pardon me sir, my office is to speak a Prologue, not to provide you stools.  1 
And you were the Epilogue to sir—  2 
Fie be not incivill: dost hear youth, prithee what's he that discovered your new found Land, the I'll of Gulls? what is he?  Prol. 
A mere stranger sir.  3 
A stranger? the better welcome: comes he Eastward, Westward, or Northward ho?  Prol. 
None of the three ways I assure you.  1 
Prithee where is he?  Prol. 
Not on his knees in a comer to Apollo, praying that his play may hold in a good hand at Passage, nor on the stage amongst gallants, preparing a bespoke Plaudite; but close in his study writing hard, to get him a handsome suit against Summer.  2 
And where sit his friends? hath he not a prepared company of gallants, to applaud his jests, and grace out his play?  Prol. 
None I protest▪ Do Poets use to bespeak their Auditory?  3 
The best in grace do, and but for that, some that I know, had never had their grace in Poetry till this day.  Prol. 
Then must our Author looké for a certain disgrace, for he is altogether unfurnished of such a friendly audience.  1 
Then he must lay his trial upon God and good wits But why doth he call his play The I'll of Gulls? it begets much expectation.  Prol. 
Not out of any dogged disposition, nor that it figures any certain state, or private government: far be that supposition from the thought of any indifferent Auditor: and the argument being a little string or rivulet, drawn from the full strain of the right worthy Gentleman Sir Philip Sydnies well known Arcadia, confirms it: only a Duke, to make trial of certain experiments, retires with his retinue into a nameless desert. Now as well for fashion sake, as that all those which have to do in that desert, are gulled in the reach of their hopes; therefore he calls it, (and as he presumes, not improperly) The I'll of Gulls.  1 
Out a question he hath promised thee some fee, thou pleadest so hard for him, but and he be a right Poet he will never perform it. But what method observes he in his Play, ist any thing Critical? Are Lawyers fees, and Citizens wives laid open in it? I love to hear vice anatomizd, and abuse let blood in the master vain, is there any great man's life charactered in't?  Prol. 
None I protest sir, only in the person of Dametas, he expresses to the life the monstrous and deformed shape of vice, aswell to beget a loathing of abuse, as that his villainy may give the greater lustre to the virtuous dispositions of trueborn gentility.  1 
All that's nothing to me, and there be not Wormwood water and Copperes in't, I'll not like it, should Apollo write it, and Rosius himself act it.  2 
Fie upon thee, thou art too too critical: is there any good bawdry in't, jests of an ell deep, and a fathom broad, good cuckolding, may a couple of young-setters-up learn to do well in't? Give me a Scene of venery, that will make a man's spirits stand on their tiptoes, and die his blood in a deep scarlet, like your Ovid's Ars Amandi, there flows the true Springhead of Poetry, and the very Crystal fount of Parnassus.  Prol. 
chaste ears would never endure it fir.  2 
chaste ears? now deafness light upon them, what should chaste ears do at a play?  3 
'tis strange now, I am of neither a both your opinions, I like neither railing nor bawdry: no, give me a stately penned history, as thus: The rugged winds, with rude and ragged ruffs, etc.  2 
Fie upon't, more fustian; I had rather hear two good bawdy jests, than a whole play of such teare-cat thunderclaps.  Prol. 
Alas Gentlemen, bow ist possible to content you? you will have railing, and invectives, which our Author neither dares, nor affects: you bawdy and scurrile jests, which neither becomes his modesty to write, nor the ear of a generous Auditory to hear: you must have swelling comparisons, and bombast Epithets, which are as fit for the body of a Comedy▪ as Hercules shoe for the foot of a Pigmy: yet all these we must have, and all in one play, or 'tis already condemned to the hell of eternal disgrace.  1 
Look to't, if there be not gall in't, it shall not pass.  2 
If it be not bawdy, 'tis impossible to pass:  3 
If it be both critical and bawdy, if it be not high written, both your Poet and the house too, lose a friend of me.  Prol. 
Nay I beseech you sir, if you be his friend, stand so to him still, for he hath too many enemies already, in whose judgements, he and his labours stand excommunicate, as though unworthy to present themselves in this assembly.  1 
Enemies? nays foot than there's some hope in his play, for Envy never works but against desert and merit. If he be envied there's some worth in him, and I'll see out his play for that only.  2 
Faith and I'll see an act or two out, but I tell you aforehand I cannot see it out.  3 
Not see it out? your reason.  2 
Fore God I lay in bed till past three a clock, slept out my dinner, and my stomach will toll to supper afore five, therefore you must pardon me.  Prol. 
Either see it all or none; for 'tis grown into a custom at plays, if any one rise (especially of any fashionable sort) about what serious business soever, the rest thinking it in dislike of the play, though he never thinks it, cry mew, by Iesus vild; and leave the poor heartless children to speak their Epilogue to the empty seats.  3 
Why dost think thy audience like a flock of sheep, that one cannot leap over a hedge, but all the rest will follow? they have more of reason in them then so.  2 
Well, I'll sit out the play, an't be but to avoid that sheepish imputation, but see it be bawdy, or by this light I and all my friends will hiss.  Prol. 
You should not deal gentlemanlike with us else.   

Prologus.  
THe misery that waits upon the pen  
Of the best Writers, judge it Gentlemen,  
Let them express the very soul of wit,  
And want Opinions voice to countenance it,  
'tis like the idle buzzing of a Fly,  
Herd, not regarded: wretched Poetry!  
If he write mirth, 'tis ribaldry, and mean,  
Scorned of chaste ears: If he compose a Scene  
Of high writ Poesy, fitting a true stage,  
'tis counted sustian: If Poetickerage  
Strike at abuse, or ope the vein of sin,  
he's strait informed against for libelling.  
Neither quick mirth, invective, nor high state  
Can content all, such is the boundless hate  
Of a confused Audience: Then we  
That scarcely know the rules of Poesy  
Cannot scape check. Yet this our comfort is,  
The wise will smile to hear th'impartial hiss.  
We neither brag, nor tremble, faint nor entreat,  
Our merits nothing, yet our hopes are great,  
Yet this our Author bade me boldly speak,  
His play shall pass, let Envy swell and break,  
Detraction he scorns, honours the best,  
Tanti for hate; thus low to all the rest.  
Exit.   

The I'll of Gulls.  

ACTUS. I. SCENA. I.  
Enter Basilius, Gynetia, Hippolita, Violetta, Lords attendants.  Basil. 
Welcome gallants, welcome honoured bloods; the reason that we have unclothed us of our princely government in Arcadia, and have to do with this private retirement here in this desert I'll, you shall find in that schedule, only thus much for public satisfaction: 'tis not strange to you, that the choicest treasure Nature endowed us with, is mined up in the veins of my two daughters: how much their quiet, and the smooth stream of our government in Arcadia, was troubled by the impetuous concourse of untruly suitors, is familiar with your knowledge; this to avoid, I have for my Image there in my absence appointed my brother, and undertook this private retirement.  Gy. 
Why my Lord, are you so covetous of your daughter's beauties, that their perfections shall be a means to hinder their preferment?  Basi. 
Rather to further it fair Queen: they are the only pearls of our age, and to see them well set in honourable and well-befitting Marriage, is our wishes happiness.  
To which effect we have sent a general challenge  
To all the youthful bloods of Africa,  
That whosoever (borne of princely stem)  
Dares foot the bosom of this desert I'll,  
(The stage where I'll perform this lover's prize)  
And by his wit and active policy,  
Woo, win, entice, or any way defeat  
Me of my charge, my daughters of their hearts,  
Shall with their loves wear my imperial crown  
Wreath of their conquest.  Hip. 
A prize, a prize, rare work for Fencers.  Viol. 
What coward would not venture a cracked crown for such a booty?  Basil. 

To that intent our Island is fenced in  
By sea and land, and at each corner built  
A Castle for defence, which like great men,  
Do overlook Arcadia: over which,  
We have appointed Captains. More to desire,  
Is more than we are willing to discover.   Hip. 
Well then sister, I see we must to haphazard for husbands.  Viol. 
God send me one with a good face and I care not.  Hip. 
Love an't be thy will, send me one with a fair table in his forehead, like Time.  Viol. 
Nay, and his face be good, let me alone to trick his forehead, a country-gentlewoman taught me how: But father I wonder how you dare undertake such a peremptory challenge against all comers, considering you have been so long troubled with ●● Ague.  Basil. 
An ague? what ague?  Hip. 
Why your quotidian, Dametas the Court surfeit, he that dwells in your eye, like a disease in your blood.  Viol. 
And the Presence were not exceeding empty-stomackt, it would never digest such Almes-basket-scraps, the very fall and garbage of gentry; fie upon him, he becomes the great chamber worse than a Gentleman-usher with wry legs.  Hip. 
He is the most misshapen suit of gentility that ever the Court wore.  Viol. 
Had he not been of my fathers own making, I should have condemned his tailor for an exceeding botcher.  Basil. 
If you retain the love of children, or the duty of subjects, express it in your obedience, we know Dametas loves us▪  Viol. 
As Captains and Courtiers do old widows, for profit and preferment.  Basil. 
In sign whereof we make him.  Hip. 
Nay, you have bestowed too much of the making of him up already.  Viol. 
The very making of him up, has stood you in more than the whole outside's worth.  Basil. 
In my free thoughts you wrong him, therefore to express our love, and to give the world public note of his loyalty, we create him your Guardian.  Viol. 
How father, my Guardian?  Basil. 
I minion, yours.  Viol. 
Do you hear father, bid him bespeak spectacles, for my fingers have vowed to have a blind match with his eyes.  Basil. 
Well said Haggart, I'll make your proud heart stoop to the lure of obedience. But come, by this time our challenge is published, and our gallants wits sweeting in the field of Invention, and it behoves us not to rest unexercised.  

So to our lodge, in the mean time be it known,  
Our breath has power to raise, or cast men down.   Exeunt. Enter two Captains. 1 Cap. 
Now Captain Observation, times bawd, thou that hast kept the Age's door, whilst upstart baseness crept into the bed of greatness, what dost thou think of this change?  2 Cap. 
That it pleased the Duke, and becomes not subjects to examine his actions.  1 Cap. 
That's no part of my meaning, yet would I gladly be better instructed why the Duke broke up his Court in Arcadia, and removed it into this Island.  2 Cap. 
I am not Secretary to his thoughts, but the general rumour is, that out of the freeness of his spirit, he hath sent a challenge to all his neighbour Princes, that whosoever (within a twelve month) can defeat him of his daughters, shall with their loves enjoy his Dukedom, the garland proposed for the victors.  1 Cap. 
Your words throw sense into me, and that's the cause the Island is so surely guarded with Watchtowers, over which ourselves and other Captains have the charge.  2 Cap. 
And to the end that not affection, but desert may prove victor, are the two Ladies so narrowly observed, the one never out a the eye of her Father, the other continually in the lodge of Dametas, the Duke's chief director.  1 Cap. 
If inquisitive be not too bold a guest, what do you think of Dametas?  2 Cap. 
As of a little hillock, made great with others ruins.  1 Cap. 
Your comparison holds, for by report, his avarice has unmade many to make him up.  2 Cap. 
How did he first stumble on the Prince's favour?  1 Cap. 
As some do upon offices, by fortune and flattery, or as truth says, the Prince having one day lost his way, wand'ring in the woods, found this Dametas, affected his discourse, took him along to the Court, and like great men in love with their own doings, countenanced his defects, gave him offices, titles, and all the additions that go to the making up of a man worshipful.  2 Cap. 
I cannot commend the Duke for raising him, nor yet praise him, that he proportions not his carriage answerable to his fortunes.  1. Cap. 
Your thoughts and mine are twins in that: but I hear the warning bell, some strangers are arrived.  2. Cap. 
Le's to our office then, and conduct them to Dametas, whose custom is to spit and hem, whilst his Scribe Major takes their Examinations.  Exeunt. Enter Dametas and Manasses. Dam. 
Manasses, how dost like my play at Tennis?  Man. 
You play well, but you lose still.  Dam. 
Policy Manasses, policy; for when any man upbraids me with my gettings at Court, I may swear truly, I have lost more than I have got by't.  Man. 
By the Tennis-court I think you have.  Dam. 
If by any Court, 'tis enough to save mine oath. But what do our spruce-witted gallants say of my bounty?  Ma. 
Faith sir, according to the proportion of it, little or nothing, they say 'tis a bankrupt, and dares not show his head.  Dam. 
Then let 'em leave jesting at me, though it please the Duke for some few good parts that he sees in me, to make me his familiar, I scorn to be public, or every Courtier's companion: but who comes here?  Enter the two Captains, with Aminter and julio, two princes, one attired like a poor soldier, the other like a poor scholar. 
The Captains of the watchtowers? what news with you?  1. Cap. 
A couple of petitioners, an't like your worship.  Dam. 
Had I best take their Petitions, Manasses?  Man. 
O in any case, though you never peruse 'em, 'tis the only course in request.  Dam. 
Fellows, deliver your petitions to my Scribe Major, and dost hear? put 'em up Manasses, they may be wrongs to us.  Man. 
And they be, I hope they be not the first wrongs I have put up for your worship.  Puts up their papers. 1. Cap. 
That fellow's pocket is like a Tailor's hell, it eats up part of every man's due: 'tis an Executioner, and makes away more innocent petitions in one year, than a redheaded hangman cuts ropes in an age.  Dam. 
Now, what are you sirrah?  Amin. 
A poor soldier, an't like your Worship.  Dam. 
Poor soldiers do not like my worship, they are bad members.  Manas. 
Then if they had a woman to their judge, they should be sure to be cut off, for they cannot endure bad members in a Commonwealth.  Dam. 
What are you?  julio. 
A poor scholar, an't like your Worship.  Dam. 
Poor scholars do not like our worship neither, they rail against rich Cormorants, they are bad members too.  Man. 
Cut them off both sir, and make the land an Eunuch.  Dam. 
I'll take order with 'em I warrant thee; and I may have my will, I'll neither ha' poor scholar nor soldier about the Court.  1. Cap. 
The next way to make it the I'll of fools.  Dam. 
What's he talks of fools there? why how now sir, know you to whom you speak?  1. Cap. 
Cry your worship mercy, I had forgot your authority.  Dam. 
But I remember well enough I warrant you; I command you in my name and the Dukes, to attend your guard, and you regard me no more than a careless Lawyer doth an undone client, but I'll inform: the Duke shall know, out, pack.  2. Cap. 
Command your slave's sir, we are gentlemen.  Dam. 
Why so I hope are we sir, and of the best and last edition, of the Dukes own making.  1. Cap. 
Cry your authority mercy, will you discharge us of these passengers?  Dam. 
You are discharged, about your business.  1. Cap. 
Bad fate, that wrong should set his foot on right, And true borne Eagles stoop to this base Kite.  Exeunt. Dam. 
What an excellent trade it is to be an officer maker, I'll have more officers, and one shallbe to keep scholars and soldiers out of the Court, for they dare not come in the great Chamber already, for want of good clothes. But gods me Manasses, go tell the Duke I must speak with him.  Manas. 
Presently sir, I'll go fetch the head to give the foot a posset: and my master had wit to his villainy, he would make an excellent dish for the hangman.  Amin. 
Right worshipful.  Dam. 
I sir, I know my place is worshipful; I tell thee Knave, I could hang thee by my patent, if it were granted once, I'll tell thee how it runs, it allows me 24. knaves, 6 knights, 10. fools, 13. felons, and 14. traitors by the year, take them how, why, when, and where I please.  julio. 
I do not think the Duke will ever grant it.  Dam. 
Why not grant it? why should you think he will not grant it? Such another word and I'll send you to Limbo instantly.  Amin. 
We thank you good Dametas. Discover themselves.  julio. 
I hope you'll take reasonable bail for our forth coming.  Am. 
The case is altered with you since you came out of Arcadia.  Dam. 
My honourable friends, julio and Aminter, myself and the best ability of my power, lies at your service.  Amin. 
You see how confidently we presume upon your Letters promise, in furthering us to attain the lover's prize.  Dam. 
The Duke's daughters are your own, and in a word thus shall you attain them, some 3 days hence I will appoint a hunting, to which I will invite the Duke & both his daughters: in this hunt will I upon some sudden occasion divide the train, and having singled out the two Does, I hope you have wit enough to strike.  Amin. 
To strike, how mean you?  Dam. 
As headsmen do, off with their maidenheads, or if the Duke offer resistance, off with his crown too.  julio. 
That were violence, and clean opposite to the intent of the challenge.  Damet. 
Come ye are shallow, to't vi & armis, to't, I'll be your second, think of the Crown, have my Letters travailed for you, my wit wrought for you, and my invention sweat for you, to possess you of your loves, and seat you in the Dukedom, and come you now with 'tis violence, and against the intent of the challenge? I am ashamed to hear you.  julio. 
Nay Dametas, and your resolution be so forward, ours shall overtake you, we doubted lest the preferments your Lord hath heaped upon you, had smothered your affection to us-ward.  Amin. 
That was the father that begot the doubt in us, you will appoint the hunt.  Dam. 
Sever the Duke, divide the train, and then—  julio. 
We have your meaning.  Dam. 
Put it in execution then, but first entertain some new disguise, as at our next meeting I'll inform you. Adieu, I shall think long till I see you again.  Exit. Amin. 
As a Lawyer doth for his Client for a second fee. Here's no judas?  julio. 
Yes, and a damned one too, for he would betray and sell his Master.  Amin. 
'tis common in such base fellows, such Court-spiders, that wove their webs of flattery in the ears of greatness, if they can once entangle them in their quaint-treachery, they poison them strait.  julio. 
They are like unnecessary worms, whom the sun of greatness creates of the gross and slimy multitude, as soon as they recover strength, they eat into the credit of true borne gentry, undermine and work out the true nobility, to enroot and establish themselves.  Am. 
And in the end, like Esop's starved snake, having leapt the sweet milk of greatness, made themselves strong in authority and friends, they turn their stings of envy into their preservers bosom.  jul. 
The example lives in this Dametas, who notwithstanding the Duke hath raised him to that height that he looks equal with himself, yet for the base hope of incertain government, he offers him to sale; but let his treason live to the last minute.  Amin. 
For my part I'll make that use of him that Physicians do of poison, use as much of him as serves for mine honest intent, and cast down the rest, as unfit for any necessary employment.  jul. 
Let our carriage in this attempt put on no show of violence, either to the Duke, or his daughters.  Amin. 
And let our discourse go so smoothly apparelled, that it move not the patience of the most tender ear.  jul. 

About it then, though his intent be base,  
Our enterprise shall wear a noble face.   Exeunt. Enter Lisander like an Amazon. Lisan. 
Arcadia, thou heaven, within whose sphere  

The star that guides my motion is fixed,  
I court thy gracious bosom with a kiss  
For this admittance: in thine amorous arms,  
Fair Violetta, fairer than the flower  
That christened her, and graced her with that name,  
Does play the wanton:  
Only her Father like a covetous churl,  
Owner of that unvalewed Diamond,  
Hath made this desert I'll th'unwilling chest  
In which he locks her. But the fair advantage  
Of this large Challenge, and my stars to friend,  
Aided by this disguise, I shall break open  
His iron Casket, and enlarge my hope.   Enter Dametas and Manasses. Manas. 
This way she went sir, this way.  Dam. 
But I say this way, I would thou shouldst know, we old Courtiers can hunt a Coney, and put her to the squeak, and make her cry out like a young married wife of the first night.  Manas. 
For more help, as some of them have done: But there she is.  Dam. 
I'll upon her presently: dost hear me sirrah? thou vessel of infirmity, woman, and by thy outside little better than one of the wicked, come hither and show thyself before us, show thyself before Dametas.  Lisan. 
Dametas? Lisander then dissemble,  
For he's the man must work thy entrance.  Dam. 
What art thou? speak.  Lisan. 

My mother is the Queen of Amazons,  
Myself a Virgin, married unto Arms,  
And bold achievements, who have paced the world  
In quest of fair Antioste my sister:  
And turning homeward, the unconstant winds,  
And wrathful Neptune cast me on this shore.   Dam. 
And what's your business now you are landed?  Lisan. 
My business is in private with the Duke.  Dam. 
The Duke is busy, and shall speak with no body.  Lisan. 
I beseech you sir.  Dam. 
'tis no beseeching matter I assure you.  Manas. 
No, never beseech for the matter, for except you could beseech with the tongue of Angels, 'tis to no purpose with him.  Lisan. 
'tis strange, I have heard thy master is a very good man where he takes.  Man. 
True, where he takes he is, but he takes nothing of you, and therefore look for no kindness from him.  Lisan. 
Good, and dost thou take after thy Master?  Man. 
No Madam, I take commonly afore my Master, for where he takes, he takes all, and leaves nothing for me to take.  Lisan. 
Oh, I feel your meaning.  Man. 
Let my master have some feeling of yours, and he'll prefer your suit.  Lisander. 
'tis not the Duke's pleasure Petitioners should buy their access.  Man. 
All's one, 'tis my master's pleasure, and usual fashion.  Lisander. 
And I must maintain the fashion. Worshipful Dametas, my late shipwreck as you see, hath made a defeat both of my friends and treasure; notwithstanding, Fortune hath referved me one jewel, which if I might request your Worship in love to accept, and be a means to work my admittance to the Duke, I should become a true debtor to your love.  Dame. 
Well Madam, though I hate nothing more than a man that takes bribes, yet pressed by your importunity, and that you tender it in love, lest I might seem too nice to withstand a Lady's favour, I'll wear it for your sake, and if the Duke be not too busily employed, work your access.  Lisander. 
So doing, you shall perform the office of a dear-bought friend.  Exit Dametas. Manas. 
How quickly the tide's turned! but do you hear Madam? though I take neither afore nor after my Master, yet take my counsel, and do not trust my master: if you have a suit to the Duke, keep it to yourself, for if you trust my master with it, he'll prefer it for you, but he'll beged for himself.  Lisan. 
That's plain cozenage.  Man. 
Fie no, 'tis cunning in him, marry 'twould be thought little better than cozenage in a country gentleman: but he returns.  Enter Dametas again. Dam. 
Madam, I have been earnest, very earnest with the Duke for your admittance.  Lisan. 
And have you wrought it?  Dam. 
I have, marry you must think I bestowed much labour in't.  Lisan. 
'Tmay be you did.  Dam, 
'Tmay be you did: and look a scance like a Apothecary's wife pounding Colliquintida; have my brains sweat for this?  Lisan. 
Why the jewel is right Dametas, had I but an Ass that would sweat me such pearl.  Dame. 
An Ass? and sweat such pearl? I'll bar her admittance, here take your jewel, the Duke will allow no admittance, and I will keep you back.  Lisan. 
Keep me back? thou couldst do no more and I were a poor man's petitioner.  Dame. 
And I'll do so much being a rich petitioner.  Lisan. 
You cannot sit, you Court spaniel, you unnecessary mushroom, that in one night art sprung out of the root of greatness, I have bought my admittance, and I'll have't in despetto del fato.  Dame. 
I must admit her, these Ladies are so inward with our tricks, there's no good to be done upon them: well Madam, your admittance is open, will you follow?  Li. 
With all my heart sir, I'll be the blind man and poor petitioner, and thou shalt play the Court-spaniell with the silver bell, and lead me into the Presence.  Dam. 
Court-spaniell? mum: I'll bosom what I think, Old Gib's not blind, I see, although I wink.  Exeunt.  

ACTUS II. SCENA I.  Enter Demetrias a Prince attired like a Woodman, with him his Page. Dem. 
BOy, how dost like me in this attire?  Page. 
As the Audience doth a bad play, scurvily.  Dem. 
Is it not strange a Prince should be thus metamorphosed?  Page. 
Not so strange as the Metamorphosis of Ajax, an't like your Grace.  Dem. 
Grace you Aggot, hast not forgot that yet?  Page. 
No, and yet 'tis a wonder I ha' not, grace being so seldom used, I'm sure they say none at some Ordinaries, for at sitting down they cannot intend it for hunger, and at rising up, they are either drunk, or have such mind a dice, they never remember, my Lord then.  Demet. 
No more Lord, sirrah.  Pag. 
Indeed there are too many already, but is not this strange, that rich men should forsake their titles? master then.  Deme. 
Your will sir.  Pag. 
You have left many Countries behind you in seeking your friend Lisander, and yet you cannot find him.  Dem. 
True sir.  Page. 
I have seen much gold lying upon Lombard's stalls, and could never finger penny of it.  Dem. 
Very well.  Page. 
Nay, 'twas not well sir.  Dem. 
What conclude you then?  Page. 
That you were best sit down, and see what you have got by your journey.  Dem. 
I have seen a face as beautiful as heaven.  Page. 
That's nothing, a prisoner sees the face of heaven itself, when he looks but out at the prison-gate, I'll stand to't, a man were as good be hanged, so a meet a handsome hangman, & a strong rope, as be in love.  Dem. 
Your reason for that.  Page. 
Marry this sir, hanging is end of all troubles, and love the beginning: Nay further, I think a Lover cannot be saved, for he is of all religions.  Dem. 
Your proof for that.  Page. 
This; he thinks with the Atheist there's no God but his Mistress, with the Infidel no heaven but her smiles, with the Papist no Purgatory but her frowns, and with the family of love, holds it lawful to lie with her, though she be another man's wife.  Dem. 
So sir, what follows?  Page. 
Servingmen sir, the Master goes in before his wife, and the Servingman follows his master.  Dem. 
Sirrah forbear, I must meditate.  Page. 
As the Usurer before he parts with money, meditates upon the assurance.  Enter Lisander privately, and over-heares them. Lisan. 

If Violetta's presence ha'not quenched  
The memory of all things but herself,  
I should be more familiar with that face.   Shroud & observe. Dem. 
I have left my country to seek my friend.  Lisan. 
And I my country and my friend for love.  Dem. 

And in the search of him have lost myself  
In the strange Region of a woman's eye.   Lisan. 
In love, and in Arcadia.  Dem. 

As much as heaven transcends the humble earth,  
So towers her praise her face differs as far  
From others, as a glow-worm from a star.  
She is a Princess that my soul affects.   Page. 
And rich.  Dem. 
Half heir unto this Dukedom.  Page. 
And she were whole heir to the four moral virtues, 'twere nothing: when shall I see the time that men will love for virtue, or a rich heir marry a poor wench without a portion? never I think.  Dem. 
Had not my friend Lisander.  Lisan. 
What of me?  Den●. 
Left me in Thrace.  Lisan. 

We had never met in love,  
His syllables betray him. I arrest you.   Dem. 
At whose suit?  Page. 
Not at his Tailors in any case, for there's no greater stitch to a younger brothers conscience, then to pay for a suit of apparel when 'tis worn out.  Dem. 
Lisander or his ghost?  Lisan. 

Demetrius,  
Or some illusive tenant in his shape?   Dem. 
Unkind, why didst thou lean my company?  Lisan. 
For that which made the amorous Gods leave heaven, ●or love: but why is Demetrius thus disguised?  Page. 
For that which would make a jackanapes a Monkey, and he could get it: a tail.  Deme. 
Peace rogue.  Lisan. 
Why wag, is thy master in love?  Page. 
Faith sit he hath entered his action in Cutids' Court, and means to proceed in the suit it should seem.  Deme. 
Why didst not take my counsel in thy choice?  Lisan. 
Because I feared a chiding, for doubting their honourable thoughts would not have not have consented to my effeminate attempts, I stole this secret course, and manner of disguise, as best helping to access, which it hath begot, now what access will bring forth, I commit to unborn industry.  Deme. 
It cannot but be prosperous: only the strict observance of our loves hinders the passage of our hopes.  Lisan. 
Indeed that's not the least hindrance, yet the Duke himself, and my acquaint disguise hath removed it out of my way, who not only takes me for a woman, but hath allowed me for my love's companion.  Dem. 
Fortune deals kindly with thee, I am as far from access to my love, as when I was in Thrace.  Lisan. 
Dametas is the oystershell that holds thy pearl, our wits must fish for him.  Dem. 
Will the Cod's head bite?  Lisan. 
Like an old Usurer at a young heir's inheritance, and I have it ready hooked for him: and here he comes, my plot is to prefer thee to his service.  Enter Dametas. Dem. 
Prithee do, and I'll serve him in his right kind.  Lisan. 
Dametas, my love is yours.  Dam. 
Which madam I am as proud of—  Manas. 
As a malcontent of a change, or an old Lady of a new fashion.  Li. 
To be round, I have a suit to you in the behalf of this woodman  Da. 
To me sweet blossom, though I be somewhat strict in mine office, I cannot be stony to Ladies. Fellow is thy petition drawn?  Dem. 
Petition?  Manas. 
Your only way to move a foot by: Humbly complaining to your good worship, O 'tis most patheticke, & indeed, without money, can do just nothing with authority.  Dam. 
Come hither stripling, whose son wert thou?  Dem. 
I am not so wise a child as you take me for, I never knew my father.  Dam. 
Didst not know thy father?  Manas. 
A common fault, his betters forget themselves when they grow rich, then blame not him to forget his father.  Dam. 
What was his name?  Dem. 
If I may give credit to my mother, they called him Menalchas, who on his deathbed made me his heir, with this charge, to seek your worship's service, and gave me this gold as a remembrance to purchase your favour.  Dam. 
Gold? him.  Man. 
Now doth my Master long more to singer thar gold, than a young girl, married to an old man, doth to run her husband ashore at Cuckold's haven.  Dam. 
Well, I could do for this fatherless youth.  Man. 
As many Executors and Overseers have done, cheat him of his portion, and then turn him out of doors a begging.  Dam. 
But for I have the Gardianship of the Princess, I dare do nothing without the consent of the Duke.  Lisan. 
Come, come sir, your worship shall not refuse him.  Dam. 
Well then I woe not, but 'tis for your sake I assure you.  Man. 
Meaning the gold.  Dam. 
What shall I call thy name?  Dam. 
Dorus an't like your worship.  Dam. 
Ah, good Dorus, be an honest youth Dorus, reverence your Master, and love yourself: be sure to get under me, and you shall lose nothing in my service. Madam, the Duke and Duchess expect you at the hunt, and await your coming at Diana's oak.  Lisan. 
●e attend them presently, be a good servant Dorus.  Dam. 
'twill be his own another day Madam.  Lisan. 
In the mean time let it be yours to lead the way.  Dam. 
My service doth attend you.  Ma. 
As the Pursuivant doth the prisoner for a double fee.  Exit. Dem. 

Welcome slave to a slave, a fair presage,  
The hope of love sweetens loves vass lage.   Exit. Enter Aminter and julio, attired like Satyrs. Amin. 
Now and Dametas be the mettle he was stamped for, a right villain.  julio. 
And he be not, hang him.  Am. 
Nay he deserves hanging too if he be: but will you trust him?  jul. 
Yes as far as I see him, and he that trusts him further, my trust is he will be deceived.  Amin. 
Indeed, he that will prove false to his maker, will be true to no man.  jul. 
Yes, for the present time, like a bawd to him that gives most  Amin. 
That's not for love.  jul. 
Yes of the money: he that looks for other love in this age— This is the place his Letter speaks of, and here he comes himself.  Enter Dametas like a Huntsman. Dam. 
Why so lo: now is the web of my hopes upon the Loom of perfection, and in this quench of lashes Aminter & julio,  

See and see not, all mum, you know your cue,  
The game's your own, if you can hunt it true.   Enter the Duke Basilius. Ba. 
Dametas, were thine cares ever at a more musical banquet? how the hounds mouths like bells are tuned one under another like a slothfulness, the speed of the cry outran my sense of hearing.  Dam. 
Cross over the Forest to Diana's oak my liege, & there your grace advantaged by the height of the ground, shall not only at pleasure hear, but be eyewitness of their musical contention.  Basil. 
Thanks good Dametas, be thy directions our wife's convoy.  Enter Gynetia, Violetta, and Hippolita. Gyn. 
Where is his highness Dametas?  Dam. 
At Adonis' bower Madam, where he expects your presence, to see the fleshing of a couple of Spartan hounds, in the wasting blood of the spent Dear.  Gyn. 
Thanks good Dametas, mine eyes would not be good friends with my feet, should they not bring 'em to that kingly sport.  Dam. 
Sweet Ladies, to save you the expense of much breath, which must be laid out in the purchase of the game, I have provided you this stand, from whence your eyes may be commanders of the sport: such sport as you little dream of.  Viol. 

We are your love's debtors kind Dametas.  
As I love virtue I pity these poor beasts,  
These Sylvan commoners, to see what tasks  
Our covetous Foresters impose upon them,  
Who not content with impost of their breath,  
(Poor hearts) pursue them smiling to their death.   Dam. 
'twas the end of their creation Madam.  Hip. 

So was the end of ours to live in peace,  
And not to tyrannize on harmless beasts,  
But Foresters, like Images set forth  
The tyranny of greatness without pity,  
As they the Dear, so covetous wealth pursues  
The trembling state of their inferiors,  
And to clasp up the volume of their sins,  
They drink their blood, and clothe them with their skins:  
Then cease to press poor beasts with tyranny,  
You love your lives, think they are loath to dye.   Dam. 
You are too tenderhearted to be a good huntswoman Lady.  Viol. 
And some of you too hardhearted, but leaving this discourse of hunting, have all our gallantry of Lacedaemon and Greece, spent the vigour of their wits, that not one dares venture.  Hip. 
For our love's sister, you may see, the properer women, the worse luck.  Dam. 
Tush you shall have suitors, fear not Madam.  Hip. 
No at any hand sister, for with a fear it comes.  Viol. 
Then I'll fear of purpose, because I would have 'em come.  Dam. 
And they do not, they are notable cowards.  Hip. 
Then let them keep away still, for I have vowed my maidenhead shall never do homage to the bed of a coward.  Dam. 
Sweet Ladies, will you beguile a minute or two with this discourse, till I step up to the top of the hill▪ and make discovery of the game.  Viol. 
Let your return be speedy good Dametas.  Dam. 
I'll put on wings and fly.  Exit. Viol. 
Out of the Court, and the whole Country shall have a good riddance.  Amin. 
So, he hath put'em fair to the stand, le's issue & surprise them.  julio. 

Be resolute and sudden.  
Aminter and julio issue out, and bear them away.   Viol. 
Murder, treason, rescue, help.  Enter first Dametas, and then the Duke. Dam. 
Yes much rescue, much help, much Dametas: why so, this jest was drawn home close to the head, it cannot choose but cleave the very white of our hopes, the Duke's wit: to thy tackle good wit, some sudden sea room, or our stratagem is run a ground.  Basil. 
Tell me Dametas, was not the Dear a prodigal? did he not spend his breath freely amongst us?  Dam. 
And his blood too my liege, but did you observe how the hounds like politicians nosed out the game?  Ba. 
True: and coming to the loss, Melampus, but where are our daughters?  Da. 
Did you observe that my liege, that Melampus as a true hound is ever horse cheered or hollow, yet he kept time too.  Ba. 
Certain Dametas, but where are our daughter's man?  Da. 
Busy my Lord under a brake bush, disputing of the virtue of sweet water, and ground ivy.  Cry within, treason, murder, rescue, help. Ba. 

What cry of treason's that Dametas?  
Pray God no danger sets upon my daughters,  
Seek out our wife, I'll haste unto their rescue.   Da. 
And my sword un-employd? allegiance says nay to that my ●i●ge, I am for the adventure myself, if they be surprised (I am a mad man) your grace shall hear more: if not (I am the more sorry) your grace shall hear more too: make peace with your thoughts till my return, and doubt not their recovery.  Enter the Duchess with her daughters, Demetrius, Lisander, etc. Gyn. 
Speak, where's the Duke?  Basi. 
Here my Gynetia. What mean these weapons, are our daughters ●afe?  Viol. 
As a thief in a mill father, we thank our redeemers▪  Dam. 
The more my grief, were you surprised then madam?  Hip. 
Yes faith Dametas.  Da. 
And how sweet Ladies, and how were you rescued?  Gyn. 

Being surprised, this gallant Amazon  
Pressed to their rescue, had you seen what worth  
She and this woodman spent in our defence,  
Wonder would ha' bereft you of all sense,  
She rais'd her sword with such a manly grace,  
As had not her mild sex controlled my thoughts,  
I could have fall'n in love with her high worth.   Lisan. 

You overprise us madam, not our desert,  
But the weak spirits of our opposites,  
Gave lustre to the dimness of our worth.   Basil. 

It pleaseth your modesty to lesson it,  
But it shall still live great in our regard. What woodman's that?   Dam. 
My follower, my liege.  Basil. 

What ere he be, he hath deserved our love,  
Fellow be near us, and for this desert,  
Performed against those Traitors to our blood,  
Under thy master we give thee an attendant,  
To guard the life and safety of our daughter.   Hip. 

Thank you good father, who ever loose by the bargain,  
I have got me a servant by the match: wilt serve me fellow?   Dem. 

In the best I can.  
In heart your fellow, though in show your man.   Hip. 

I'll try your duteous service: I command  
Your knee to kisse the ground, your lip my hand.   Dem. 
Pardon me Madam.  Hip. 

Here's hot love no doubt,  
I may command my man, and go without.   Basil. 

Truce to this airy war, these paper bullets  
Better become a Closet then a Park,  
The Forest music is to hear the hounds  
Rend the thin air, and with a lusty cry  
Awake the drowsy Echo, and confound  
Their perfect language in a mingled sound,  
Then to the Court, our Forest sport being done,  
A second chase of lovelier sports begun.   Exeunt. Dem. 

If fortune cross not what our hopes pursue,  
Our fears have met their deaths, our loves their due.   Exit. Dame. 
Crossed in my hopes, the Ladies rescued, and the Princes like cravens beat out of the game-place, my invention must turn traveller for more stratagems: what & I should discover their plot to the Duke, attach 'em for traitors, and beg their lands for my labour, though they be my friends, 'twere a pretty parcel of policy.  

All things are lawful that do profit bring,  
A wise man's bow goes with a twofold string.   Enter Lisander and Demetrius. Lisan. 
Did ever two Princes meet such strange changes in their loves? now we have wrought our admittance, and in a manner got 'em into our possessions, our hopes like false fires having brought us within ken, vanish, and leave us out of all comfort.  Dem. 
That the Duke should dote upon thee for a woman, makes for our purpose, but that the Duchess should be enamoured on thee for a man, is preposterous.  Lisander. 
Whether my valour shown in the rescue of the Ladies, or the ardent glances her daughter's beauty steals from my eyes, give her thoughts encouragement, I know not, but her hopes stand confident I am a man, and for that cause am I barred from access.  De. 
I weigh thy cumbrances by my own, for though by the duke's allowance I am her privileged attendant, yet such is the devilishnes of Dametas, that I cannot joy so much access as to confer with her.  Pag. 
I can compare my lord & his friend to nothing in the world so fitly, as to a couple of water buckets, for whilst hope winds the one up, despair plunges the other down, whilst I, like a Harlakene in an Italian Comedy, stand making faces at both their follies.  Lisan. 
Well, since the shape of our proceeding grows so monstrous, le's cast our inventions in a new mould, and having so firm a foundation as this disguise to build upon, le's draw the model, and raise the whole frame of our attempts anew.  Dem 
Indeed, lovers should be conditioned like tyrants, who having the aim of a crown in their eye once, run violently over all lets that intervent their course, and so must we.  Lisander. 
And so will we, my resolution is already bend, and if I shoot not, the next level I take, Love I beseech thee break thy bow about mine ears, and strike thy horns in my forehead, for married men to hang their cape on.  Dem. 
I have met a means fit for my purpose already: Mopsa Dametas only daughter is overshooes in love with me, & to her ●le feign extreme ardour of affection, and make her the shadow under which I'll court the true substance of my divine Hippolita.  Lisan. 
About it then, I'll sweat my invention to death but I'll overtake thee; but here comes one of my Burrs▪ I must bear his importunity, for no reasonable denial will brush him off.  Enter the Duke. Basil. 
Zelmane.  Lisan. 
My Liege.  Basil. 
My thoughts come like a sail afore the wind, swollen big with news, and thine ears the midwife must deliver me of this burden: my Duchess is sick, heartsick for thee Zelmane.  Lisan. 
For me? why my Lord, I am no Rosa solis, nor Aqua mirabilis to recover sick folks.  Basil. 
Shall I be short with thee? My lady's in love with thee.  Lisan. 
With me my Lord?  Basil. 
With thee my Lady: her amorous glances are her accusers, her very looks write Sonnets in thy commendations, she carves thee at board, and cannot sleep for dreaming on thee in bed, she's turned sun-riser, haunts private walks, and like a disgraced Courtier, studies the Art of melancholy.  Lisan. 
Now alas good Lady.  Basil. 
Nay never pity her, she deserves none, rather le's bend our endeavours to entangle her more. To see the kindness of fortune, who fearing we should be acquainted with solitude in this our 12 month retirement, hath begot a domestical merriment, and made our own thoughts Actors in't, and as bad a Poet as I am, I'll ha' one scene in't of my own invention.  Lisan. 
Dametas will storm at that, for he cannot abide Poetry should be countenanced; but how is't my Liege?  Basil. 
'tis ready plotted already, and that the Duchess may not find thee unprovided when she comes to court thee.  Lisan. 
Court me, court a woman my Liege?  Basil. 
Why that's the very happiness of the jest, but in any case confess thyself a man.  Lisan. 
A man my Liege? I ha' no colour for't.  Basil. 
Tush, I'll furnish thee, say thou art a Prince, no matter who, and hast to do with this disguise of purpose to court my daughter Violetta.  Lis. 
Is this scene of your own inventing my Liege?  Ba. 
Mine own i'faith, and to confirm't the rather, use more oft and private conference with my daughter, interchange discourse & amorous dalliance, oh 'twill set my Duchess affections afire, to think her rivalld by her daughter, and give us smooth passage to our love.  Li. 
How occasion plays the wanton with me. Well my liege, do but you work my admittance to your daughter, and ●le bestow all the art I am worth in courting her; and see, as if Fortune had a hand in our Comedy, she hath entered the Duchess just at her cue, shadow yourself in your Ark, and leave me to give her entertainment.  Ba. 
Forget not to personate some Prince in any case.  Li. 
I warrant you, I'll play the Prince with much art.  Enter the Duchess. Dutch. 

This way he went, on this sweet violet bed  
Still dwells the print of his enamoured tread,  
The depressed flowers have strengthened their sweet  
By stealing amorous kisses from his feet.   Ba. 
Absolute Poet. Penelope was a ballad-maker to her.  Dut. 

Oh do not fly my presence, gentle wanton stay,  
What have I found you, faith you runaway  
I'll tie a chain about your waist for this,  
And make you buy your freedom with a kiss.   Lis. 
Fie Madam, this courtesy is more than needs.  Dut. 

Be not so coy, let not a loving Dame  
Find thee less kind than senseless elements,  
Thou never walkest, but the enamoured air  
Like an officious lover bears thy train,  
Whilst the cool wind doth with his velvet wing  
Fan the thin air upon thy sweaty cheek,  
Stealing sweet kisses from thy silken lip.   Lis. 
Shield this vain breath, beat at some Lady's ear.  Dut. 

But you are none, you are not, come you are not.  
Your valour, looks, and gesture show you are not,  
Your manly brow, and your commanding eye,  
Where war and fortune dwell in majesty,  
Your private walks, and varied passions,  
Your glances to my daughter, sure you are not,  
And my firm love is confident you are not.   Ba. 
There's a lover of a right temper, she'll outface the name of her sex instantly.  Lis. 
Well Madam, sith your observation hath discovered me, upon promise of your secrecy, I confess myself a man.  Ba. 
Good, excellent, how truly she takes my directions.  Dut. 

I knew my judgement could not be deceived,  
Nor durst proud love have done me so much wrong  
To cast my thoughts unto a woman's eye.   Basil. 
Love durst not, good, good, excellent, what next?  Li. 
But Madam, now I am known to you, what further request you?  Dut. 

Exchange of looks, and freedom of thy bed,  
Thy presence, thy embracements, thy kind love,  
For which my amorous thoughts have long lain sick.   Ba. 
Thank you good wife; nay, and a Duchess long to give her husband the horning, let it never grieve Butchers to do homage at Cuckold's haven.  Lis. 
Well Madam, to give content to your affections, and in a strong hope you will mediate my suit to your daughter, sort out but fit time and opportunity, and master your desires.  Basil▪ 
And he were a man now I might be rarely tupped.  Dut. 
Give me thy hand then, with this amorous kiss I seal thee mine.  Lis. 
And I confirm't with this.  Basil. 
Rare, rare, rare, she's his, sealed and delivered in the presence of her husband.  Dut. 
Now lest my husband should suspect our love.  Basil. 
Now, what for that now?  Dut. 
Hear a good jest, persuade him thou art a woman.  Li. 
That's not to do now Madam, for he as confidently believes and ardently courts me for a woman as you for a man.  Dut. 

Good, excellent, maintain that humour still,  
Seem coy, look nice, and as we women use,  
Be mild, and proud, embrace, and yet refuse.   Basil. 
Excellent virtues in a woman.  Dut. 

I prithee do, 'twill be a scene of mirth  
For me to quote his passions and his smiles,  
His amorous behaviour, and how his eye  
Will beget strange variety of looks,  
And shoot 'em into thine; but the chief sport's this,  
To see an old man with a young man kiss.   Exit Duchess. Basil. 

To see an old Duchess a young Lady kiss.  
Now the plot packs, the scene's all comical,  
I cannot speak for laughter, to see these women,  
That would be counted wonders for their wit,  
Lay plots to gull themselves, silly conceit.   Lisan. 
To take me for a man.  Basil. 

And arm herself  
To laugh at me, make jests and scoffs at me,  
But soothe her humour, the revenge she'd throw  
Upon my head, shall fall on her own brow.   Exit. Lis. 
Upon you both, so, so, so, how greedily their inventions like bugles follow the sent of their own gullery, yet these are no fools, God forbid, not they: but to the drift, mirth in my warm blood sits Laughing at this division of their wits.  Enter Violetta and Hippolita. Hip. 
Wilt believe me sister? I never eat a cherry, but it puts me in mind of a husband, it kisses my lips with such a harmless prettiness.  Viol. 
Now in good deed lo I love 'em a lise too, I think I shall never ha' my belly full on 'em.  Hip. 
Of what, not of husbands Violetta?  Viol. 
No, of cherries Hippolita, but take heed of 'em, they be a very filling meat, and dangerous things for us Maids I can tell you, we may surfeit after 'em presently.  Hip. 
Surfeit after what, a husband?  Viol. 
ay, and after cherries too Hippolita.  Hip. 
I warrant you sister, an old Lady in Lacedaemon taught me a preservative against that.  Vio. 
For the love of cherries what?  Hip. 
Marry this it was, still said she, betwixt every cherry said she, be sure to crack a stone said she.  Viol. 
Then let me alone, I'll crack a couple of stones betwixt every cherry, rather than surfeit on them.  Hip. 
You must take heed you crack not too many too, for you may surfeit of the stone as well as of the cherry.  Viol. 
Nay and they be such dangerous things, I ha' done with 'em.  Hip. 
So have I too for this time, but sister, is it not a strange kind of servile liberty that we live in here in Arcadia?  Viol. 
For all the world as Englishmen keep their felons, and Italians their wives, we never stir abroad without our laylors.  Hip. 
And for what cause forsooth? only to keep us from marriage.  Viol.. 
Sure it is either some high content, or extreme discommodity, that our father debars us of it.  Hip. 
By this stone, me thinks I long like a woman with child, till I know the difference betwixt a Maid and a wife.  Viol. 
Well, god a mercy of all cursen souls, I was near the knowledge on't last night I can tell you.  Hip. 
O that I had been with thee I might ha' been so too: for the love of marriage how?  Viol. 

Why thus: As I lay slumbering in my bed,  
No creature with me but my maidenhead.   Hip. 
Is that a creature?  Viol. 

Some maintain it is,  
Got in the eye, conceived in a kiss;  
Others, whose speech seems near akin to truth,  
Say 'tis a passion, bred i'th' heat of youth,  
Some call't a sigh, and some an amorous groan,  
All differ in the definition:  
But in th'allowed opinion of most,  
'tis never truly had till it be lost.  
But lying thus alone, as Maids do use,  
Me thought I dreamt, as Maids can hardly choose,  
And in my dream me thought 'twas too much wrong  
A pretty Maid should lie alone so long;  
With that a gallant comes, gallants can do  
Much with young Maids.   Hip. 
And with old women too.  Viol. 

He courted me once, and again, and thrice,  
'tis virtue to say nay, to be too nice  
Agrees not with my humour, yet some say,  
We Maids wish things, to which we answer nay;  
Briefly, me thought he stood so long a wooing,  
I rather could ha' wished he had been doing  
Some other business, yet at last we'greed,  
'twere strange if earnest futers should not speed.   Hip. 
In what agreed you?  Viol. 

In our Wedding-ring,  
Time, place, and hour, indeed in every thing;  
The day apppointed, and each thing in frame,  
I thought each hour an age until it came,  
Well, come it is, the morning once in sight,  
I thought it ten times longer till 'twas night.  
At dinner time me thought I swelled with pride  
To be drunk to by name of Mistress bride,  
Music spoke loud, no delicates were scant,  
Yet still me thought another thing did want,  
For sure thought I, there's something in a man  
That wife's love well, hope brides may wish it than.  
Long looked for comes at last, to bed we go.   Hip. 
Would I had dreamt I might ha' done so too.  Viol. 

My bed-mate turned, and as he would ha' spoke,  
I sweat with fear, and in that fear I work,  
But seeing my kind bedfellow was gone,  
Lord how it chafed me that I waked so soon,  
One minutes dreaming longer, I had tried,  
The difference 'twixt a virgin and a bride.   Hip. 

Otwould ha' vexed a Saint, my blood would burn  
To be so near, and miss so good a turn.   Vio. 
And so did mine too I warrant you, nay though I be but a little pot, I shall be as soon hot as another.  Hip. 
You should not be my sister else.  Vio. 
Nor my mother's daughter neither.  Hip. 
And in good earnest we are not fathers 〈…〉 amiss.  Viol. 
Are you advised of that, and I'faith tell●… what think you of your servant Dorus.  Hip. 
As of a sweet Almond in a rugged shell, the Sun in a cloud, or a wealthy Diamond in a rock, indeed clean contrary to the world, he wears the worst side outward, and is much better than he seems: but what think you of your manly Amazon??  Vio. 
Nay the sport is I know not what to think, Zelmane's humour would afford project for a pretty Court Comedy, my father courts her for a woman, and as I fear she is, my mother dotes upon her for a man, and as I wish he were, and that with such an ardour of affection, that I could find in my heart to turn my mother out of the company, and play the lovers part myself.  Hip. 
How ever man or woman, the jest holds currant in one.  Vio. 
I know not what knavish motion hath had to do with my thought, but my mind tells me that your servant Dorus and my Amazon, are other then they seem: and here he comes.  Enter first Lisander, than Miso, Mopsa, Demetrius. Miso. 
Why how now madam, Ladies gadding, is this the obedience of your father's charge.  Lisan. 
Pardon Mistress Miso, 'twas my doing and the Dukes.  Miso. 
But the Duchess will like neither the Duke's doings nor yours, neither in this case I can tell you. The Duke stays your coming, and yet the Duchess is very desirous on't, my husband is in the next Arbour to man you. For you Lady, my presence be your privilege.  Li. 
Miso should be either a hang man or a Herald, for she never comes amongst us, but she quarter's our company and arms.  De. 
Excellent beauty, & therefore more excellent, because situate in so fair a creature.  Mop. 
You are a merry man Dorus, but all this cannot make me love me, how say you mother doth he?  Mi. 
Marry let him choose daughter, when I was as thou art—  Hip. 
You were as she is? but faith madam Mopsa, I perceive my servant Dorus bears a month's mind to you, be not so strait laced to him.  Mop. 
Strait laced? sgod mend me I am not laced at all, am I Dorus? no in sooth, I go wide open wednesday, I never lace myself but on sundays, & that for fear I should burst with cating of plumporridge.  Hip. 
I mean let fall some comfortable looks on your suitor.  Mop. 
Sgod mend me, I'll let fall or take up any thing I have to do him good.  Hip. 
Why that's kindly said, and Dorus your love is very ambitious, to climb so high as the beautiful Mopsa.  Mop. 
O are you advised of that, 'twould make a horse break his bridle to hear how the youth of the village will commend me, oh the pretty little pinking nies of Mopsa says one, oh the fine flat lips of Mopsa says another, and then do I bridle my head like a malt-horse thus, set mine arms a kembo thus, wreath my neck and my body thus, wink with one eye thus, and spread my peacocks tay le as broad as the proudest minx of 'em all.  Hip. 
These extraordinary graces must not want admiration, but where's your mother?  Miso. 
Speak softly in the Lobby there, for waking my Ladies foisting hound.  Mop. 
Godsme, my mother's stealing of a nap.  Hip. 
Nay, she cannot be said to steal a nap, for the noise she makes herself would discover her theft: but Dorus sith your fortunes are poor, you should study to ennoble your deserts, and beget effects worthy to court and win your Lady's acceptance.  Dem. 
Lass madam, I choose no better moderator than yourself, betwixt me & my unworthy services, suppose yourself though but a Cuckoo compared with this sweet singing Nightingale, should be sued to by a Prince like me, I mean like me in love, for love in Princes & peasants admits comparison: suppose Demetrius should in like disguise court you as I do, Mopsa, sigh for you, as I do, for Mopsa, kneel to you thus, as I do, to Mopsa, lay down his life to you, as I do, to Mopsa, prefer your good before his own, as I protest I do, Mopsa's, suppose he should show you the known mark of his neck, to assure you he were Demetrius, as I do this to Mopsa, to witness I am the son of Menalchas, could your disdain stand out like Mopsa's?  Hip. 
What a keenes' necessity sets upon the edge of invention, trust me Mopsa your servant speaks well, and if he can prove himself the man he speaks of, and my wishes well hope, Demetrius, you have no reason to think scorn of him.  Mop. 
Why what should I do Madam? my mother tells me I must not say as I think.  Hip. 
I am no counsellor, but should Demetrius in like disguise court me, thus would I embrace him, thus seal my affections with a kiss, and thus argue: think not Demetrius that the clouds of baseness could so musfle thee, but that the Sun of valour shined through them long since, and in regard of thy serviceable duty in concealing, and unprevented policy in thus making known thy love, sort but out fit opportunity, and in despite of all guardians strict observance, go where thou wilt, the worth of Demetrius shall draw Hippolita, this would I vow, and this will I perform.  De. 
And were I Demetrius and you Hippolita, I would deceive Dametas, outreach Miso, forswear Mopsa, and forsake Arcadia, to share the fortunes of divine Hippolita.  Mop. 
And what should I do then?  Dem. 
I do but speak in the person of Demetrius, and under Hippolita shadow what I intent to the rare, and never enough wondered at Mopsa, the black swan of beauty, and madg-howlet of admiration.  Mop. 
Do not you flout me Dorus? and you do not, provide a Priest and I'll marry you, and my father and mother shall never know on't.  De. 
Manasses is the man.  Mop. 
And I'll be the woman, whosoever say nay to't, little dreams my mother of what we have done.  De. 
'Tmay be she did, for she sighed & groaned much in her sleep.  Mop. 
'tis well she was so quiet, for she eat pease-poridge to breakfast, and they'll make mebreake wind in my sleep like a horse, and see as the devil will have't she wakes, and here comes my father, no words and ye love me.  Enter Dametas. Dam. 
Why God a mercy Dorus, this diligence becomes the servant of Dametas, and I'll prefer thee for't.  Hip. 
You were worse than the devil else, for they say he helps his servants, than you may do little and you cannot help yours.  Da. 
Will you break your jests against the bars of your chamber window, and clear the green? the Duke is coming to bowls, and I would not for half mine office you should be a rub in the way of his patience: daughter and wife, conduct her to the Lodge, Exit. And Dorus, make you haste about your business.  Dem. 
I warrant you Sir: be my hopes rightly placed, You will condemn me for my too much haste.  Exeunt. Dam. 
Why so: this 'tis to be in authority: Inferior persons, I and the Princes themselves, fly from my presence, like the chirping Birds from the sight of the Falcon: my very breath like a mighty wind blows away inferior Officers (the Court rubbish) out of my way, and gives me a smooth passage: I am the morning star, I am seldom seen but about the rising of the Sun: indeed I am never out of the Duke's eye; and here he comes.  Enter Duke, Duchess, Lisander, Violetta. Duke. 
Doth our match hold?  Dutch. 
Yes, whose part will you take?  Duk. 
Zelmane's.  Dutch. 
Soft, that match is yet to make.  Viol. 
Le's cast a choice, the nearest two take one.  Lis. 
My choice is cast, help sweet occasion.  Viol. 
Come, here's agood.  Lis. 
Well, bettered.  Dutch. 
Best of all.  Lis. 
The Duke and I.  Duk 
The weakest go to the wall.  Viol. 
I'll lead.  Lis. 
I'll follow.  Viol. 
We have both one mind.  Lis. 
In what?  Viol. 
In leaving the old folk behind.  Duk. 

Well jested daughter, and you lead not fair,  
The hindmost hound, though old, may catch the hare.   Dut. 
Your last bowl, come.  Viol. 
By the faith a me, well lead.  Lisander. 
Would I might lead you.  Viol. 
Whither?  Lisander. 
To my bed.  Viol. 
I am sure you would not.  Lisander. 
By this air I would.  Viol. 
I hope you would not hurt me, and you should.  Lis. 
I'd love you sweet.  Viol. 
Sour, so I heard you say.  Lisander. 
A cept it then.  Viol. 
Of what acquaintance pray?  Lisander. 
Of loves and mine.  Duke. 
Daughter, your bowl wins one.  Viol. 

None of my Maidenhead father, I am gone,  
The Amazon hath won one.   Lisander. 
Yield to that.  Viol. 
The cast I do.  Lis. 
Yourself?  Viol. 
Nay scrape out that.  Dut. 
Whose is it yet?  Lisander 

The Dukes: play smooth and fine.  
The smallest help that is will make you mine.   Viol. 
Me yours?  Lis. 

You mine, for though the cast I lose,  
I ha' won your love.   Viol. 
Much: in my other hose.  Dut. 
Come, the last mark; this cast is worth all the rest,  Viol. 
The leader as the follower.  Lisander. 

Bad's the best.  
I win her for ten Crowns, and there they be.   Viol. 
I take your lay.  Lisander. 
A match 'twixt you and me.  Dut. 
I'll be your half.  Duk. 
That were unkindly done.  Viol. 
Pardon me mother, I'll bear all or none.  Lisander. 
I ha' won you Madam.  Viol. 
Me?  Lisander. 
I mean your bet.  Viol. 
Then take your win, I'll not die in debt.  Lis. 
Madam believe me, I am, as I protest, a Prince, my name Lisander.  Vio. 
Look to the Duke's standing Madam.  Dut. 
So I will I warrant you, and to your falling.  Lis. 
Thus clouded as you see for your love, my soul speaks in my tongue; I appointed this match at Bowls a purpose to acquaint you with it.  Vio. 

Bar stealing Father; yet and all hit right,  
Here's one would steal a piece of flesh to night.   Lis. 
Dear Madam.  Vio. 
No more words, I have perceived as much in your eye, as you can express with your tongue, and as far as my mother's jealousy would give me leave, answered it with kind looks: your bias stands wrong mother.  Dut. 
Why? it stands toward Zelmane's.  Vio. 
Hath it stood so long?  Dut. 
All the game through.  Vio. 
Then all your game's bowled wrong: furnish you with necessaries befitting an escape, and my will shall be as ready to take wing as yours: put in a cast now mother, or the game is gone indeed.  Dut. 
Whose is the throw?  Vio. 

Ours, till the last bowl came;  
But that hath won't 'em clear, both cast and game.   Lis. 
Our win, come, a kiss and bate the rest.  Dut. 
What, do you kiss in eanest or in jest?  Viol. 
In earnest in good truth.  Duk. 

Troth kindly said,  
Take heed you kiss not out your Maidenhead.   Viol. 
In jest?  Duk. 
In earnest.  Viol. 

'tis the fashion,  
Much in request among our nation.   Duk. 
To kiss away their Maidenheads?  Viol. 

Now and then,  
And being gone, to kiss it back again:  
For lovers indentures ne'er are fairly drawn,  
Until the Maidenhead be left in pawn,  
As earnest of the match, so mothers said,  
And so will daughters do when mams be dead.   Duke. 
What pawn their Maidenheads?  Viol.. 
Yes, and lose 'em too.  Dut. 
And you'● maintain that fashion?  Vio. 
Signior Noe.  Music of bells, etc. Duk. 
Lay by this homebred mirth, and prepare your ears to entertain strangers.  Viol. 
Strangers? why father strangers are as welcome to me, as mine own Countrymen, if they bring good manners and civil humanity in their company; otherwise, they are like foul weather, come afore they be sent for.  Enter Dametas, Manasses, julio, Amintas. Viol. 
Dametas? nay then we shall have news enough, for he never comes into the presence, but he brings a whole sack full of lies, of news I should say.  Duk. 
Welcome Dametas: what officious fellow is that?  Dam. 
A pure well willer of your Majesties, and a follower of mine.  Vio. 
O 'tis Manasses, and he could make arms as well as he mars legs, he would grow in great request for Heraldry: What's your news?  Manas. 
These Lacedæmonians, subjects to your Majesty, having a message to deliver to your Majesty's instruments of hearing, commonly yclept ears.  Vio. 
How, hath any one here clipped ears?  Manas. 
Sweet Feminine, clip off the tail of thy discourse with the Scissors of attention, as I say, these Lacedæmonians have chosen me their tongue.  Vio. 
Of a long tongue thou speakest very little.  Man. 
That proves me no woman, for they speak over much.  Duk 
What grievances oppress them? briefly speak.  Amin. 
Merchandise (my Liege) through the avarice of purchasing Officers, is wracked with such unmerciful impost, that the very name of Traffic grows odious even to the professor.  julio 
Town's so oppressed for want of wont and natural liberty, as that the native Inhabitanus feeme Slaves, and the Foreigners free Denizens.  Amin. 
Offices so bought and sold, that before the purchaser can be said to be placed in his office, he is again by his covetous Patron displaced.  julio. 
Common Riots, Rapes, and wilful Homicide in great men's followers, not only not punished, but in a manner countenanced and applauded.  Amin. 
Indeed since your Majesty left the Land, the whole body of the Commonwealth runs clean against the bias of true and pristine government.  julio. 
And your honourable Brother, like a ship tossed upon the violent billows of this insurrection, by us entreats your Majesty's Letters of speedy reformation, for fear the whole Kingdom suffer inevitable shipwreck.  Duk. 
Which after short deliberation with our Council, yourself shall return. Dametas' reward their travels with two hundred Crowns: in the mean time, let them taste the best entertainment of our Court.  

Proud Rebels, they shall see that a Duke's frown,  
Can at his pleasure, turn Rebellion down:  
See them rewarded.   Auri. 
Manasses, see the fellows entertained; I must attend of the Duke.  Man. 
Boy, see the fellows entertained; I must wait of my Lord.  Boy. 
Fellows, be as merry as you may, I must follow my M.  Ami. 
So, here's Petitioners attendance right; good words, and short Commons: But 'tis not their entertainment we come for. I made a simple shift to get entertainment into the Court.  juli. 
Well Cupid, pray for our lives, for and we were gone, I know not where thou wouldst have two such statesmen again.  Ami. 
His Commonwealth could not stand without us; and that his Mother knows well enough: and he sends no better success than we had at our hunting, he loses a friend of me.  juli. 
'Twill not sink in my thought yet, but that old musty slave Dametas played the slave with us.  Ami. 
Would I could prove it once: but since we are again admitted our Realm, shall we be idle? somewhat we'll do, though they'll give us but small thanks for our labour.  juli. 
The Duke shall not say his Daughters are so ill beloved, but we'll change a thrust or two with his intent for'em.  Ami. 
T'would put the poor Wenches out of conceit with themselves, and there should not be some contending for them.  ●…. 
We are in the way to catch the old one, and then our aim 〈…〉.  ●…. 
We are i'faith: Invention could not weave, 〈…〉, Suspicion to deceive.  Exeunt. Enter Lisander and Demetrius. ●…. 
Come, pass off this grovelling imitation; a Lovers 〈…〉 must be ambitious, and like the Eagle, scorning the base 〈…〉 where Kites and Crows lie flagging: mount the clear sky of 〈…〉, and overpeere all hindrances:  
The Ladies themselves are willing.  Lis. 
Ready to embark upon the next tide of occasion whatsoever.  Demet. 
Let me alone to work it then▪ But here comes my Boy.  Enter Page. Boy. 
'Twere more for your credit Sir, and you could say your man: but men and war were worn out of fashion both in a Summer.  Lisan. 
I am of thy belief in that Boy.  Boy. 
Would my Lord were so too sir.  Dem. 
Suppose I were Sir, what then?  Boy. 
I should (as many upstarts have done) prove rich: for I believe you would make me your heir.  Dem. 
Is that part of your belief?  Boy. 
A principal point sir.  Dem. 
Renounce it then, for I believe you'll never be saved by't.  Boy. 
I am sure I cannot lose by't. I believe further, that many Knights, and some Ladies, were never of Gods making.  Lis. 
Of whose then, wag?  Boy. 
I'll tell you: the Minters coin Gold, Gold makes Heralds, Herald's maketh Knights, and Knights stamp Ladies.  Dem. 
And what do Ladies?  Boy. 
They live not idle neither; they make some Knights, and mar many Gentlemen.  Lisander. 
Ladies are good workwomen too, then?  Boy. 
far better than any Tailor: they'll make you an end of a suit, especially a Court suit, when all the Tailors in a Country know not how to set a stitch in't▪  Dem. 
I am of the belief you are a knave, sir.  Boy. 
I had no faith, should I say you were not?  Lisander. 
Well, what a Knave?  Boy. 
In a Knave's belief sir.  Dem. 
Because in yours?  Boy. 
Do you say't, and I'll swear it, my Lord.  Dem. 
No more Boy, I am weary of your jests.  Boy. 
That confirms them to be good sir.  Dem. 
Your reason for that, sir?  Boy. 
Because travellers and lovers, are soon weary of goodness.  Dem. 
Goodly ones indeed: but leaving this highway of circumstance; I sent you for Manasses.  Boy. 
The learned Scribe attends you.  Enter Manasses. Dem. 
Will you fall off sir?  Boy. 
Like an Apple at Michaelmas, without shaking.  Exit. Lisander. 
Welcome Manasses: I have present employment for thee, in which I must borrow—  Man. 
Pardon me Madam, I learned of my Lord, to lend nothing without security and pawns.  Lisander. 
'Tis not money (Manasses) but counsel and furtherance that we desire.  Man. 
Good counsel is worth good money Madam.  Lisander. 
Thou shalt be well considered; there's twenty Crowns in earnest.  Man. 
Nay Madam, this hand is like a fellow that takes every thing in jest; if you be in earnest, let me feel it here: So Lady, now betwixt earnest and jest, if your Will be ready drawn, before your friend delivered as your deed, and put me in trust to execute it.  Lisander. 
Take it this, in a word honest Shepherd, and thy Lord's daughter Madam Mopsa, are man and wife.  Man. 
Man, and woman perhaps, but not man and wife: for though most women have a will to be Ladies, like my Lord's wife; yet every Lady hath not wit to be a wife, as my Lord's Daughter. But what good can I do in this?  Lisander. 
Overy much: for though they be man and wife by oath and protestation, the chiefest ceremony of all; namely Marriage is yet unperformed, and hearing that you have tane orders.  Man. 
That I have: I have ta'en order for the making away of a hundred Maidenheads in my time, and not so few: but I am in the mind of you now, these two beagles, Dorus and Mopsa, have run themselves breathless in the chase of love, you would ha' me couple them up in the leases of Matrimony.  jul. 
We are in the way to catch the old one, and then our aim deceives not.  Amin. 

We are i'faith: Invention could not weave,  
A quainter web, Suspicion to deceive.   Exeunt. Enter Lisander and Demetrius. Demet. 
Come, pass off this grovelling imitation; a Lover's thoughts must be ambitious, and like the Eagle, scorning the base air where Kites and Crows lie flagging: mount the clear sky of Invention, and overpeere all hindrances:  
The Ladies themselves are willing.  Lis. 
Ready to embark upon the next tide of occasion whatsoever.  Demet. 
Let me alone to work it then, But here comes my Boy.  Enter Page. Boy. 
'Twere more for your credit Sir, and you could say your man: but men and war were worn out of fashion both in a Summer.  Lisan. 
I am of thy belief in that Boy.  Boy. 
Would my Lord were so too sir.  Dem. 
Suppose I were Sir, what then?  Boy. 
I should (as many upstarts have done) prove rich: for I believe you would make me your heir.  Dem. 
Is that part of your belief?  Boy. 
A principal point sir.  Dem. 
Renounce it then, for I believe you'll never be saved by't.  Boy. 
I am sure I cannot lose by't. I believe further, that many Knights, and some Ladies, were never of Gods making.  Lis. 
Of whose then, wag?  Boy. 
I'll tell you: the Minters coin Gold, Gold makes Heralds, Herald's maketh Knights, and Knights stamp Ladies.  Dem. 
And what do Ladies?  Boy. 
They live not idle neither; they make some Knights, and mar many Gentlemen.  Lisander. 
Ladies are good workwomen too, then?  Boy. 
far better than any Tailor: they'll make you an end of a suit, especially a Court suit, when all the Tailors in a Country know not how to set a stitch in't.  Dem. 
I am of the belief you are a knave, sir.  Boy. 
I had no faith, should I say you were not?  Lisander. 
Well, what a Knave?  Boy. 
In a Knave's belief sir.  Dem. 
Because in yours?  Boy. 
Do you say't, and I'll swear it, my Lord.  Dem. 
No more Boy, I am weary of your jests.  Boy. 
That confirms them to be good sir.  Dem. 
Your reason for that, sir?  Boy. 
Because travellers and lovers, are soon weary of goodness.  Dem. 
Goodly ones indeed: but leaving this highway of circumstance; I sent you for Manasses.  Boy. 
The learned Scribe attends you.  Enter Manasses. Dem. 
Will you fall off sir?  Boy. 
Like an Apple at Michaelmas, without shaking. Exit.  Lisander. 
Welcome Manasses: I have present employment for thee, in which I must borrow—  Man. 
Pardon me Madam, I learned of my Lord, to lend nothing without security and pawns.  Lisander. 
'Tis not money (Manasses) but counsel and furtherance that we desire.  Man. 
Good counsel is worth good money Madam.  Lisander. 
Thou shalt be well considered; there's twenty Crowns in earnest.  Man. 
Nay Madam, this hand is like a fellow that takes every thing in jest; if you be in earnest, let me feel it here: So Lady, now betwixt earnest and jest, if your Will be ready drawn, before your friend delivered as your deed, and put me in trust to execute it.  Lisander. 
Take it this, in a word honest Shepherd, and thy Lord's daughter Madam Mopsa, are man and wife.  Man. 
Man, and woman perhaps, but not man and wife: for though most women have a will to be Ladies, like my Lord's wife; yet every Lady hath not wit to be a wife, as my Lord's Daughter. But what good can I do in this?  Lisander. 
O very much: for though they be man and wife by oath and protestation, the chiefest ceremony of all; namely Marriage is yet unperformed, and hearing that you have tane orders.  Man. 
That I have: I have ta'en order for the making away of a hundred Maidenheads in my time, and not so few: but I am in the mind of you now, these two beagles, Dorus and Mopsa, have run themselves breathless in the chase of love, you would ha' me couple them up in the leases of Matrimony.  Lis. 
You are in the right.  Man. 
And you in the wrong, I'll keep your jest, but in any case take back again your earnest: I'll not purchase my Lord's displeasure with your gold.  Lis. 
Thy Lord shall never know't.  Man. 
Oh sir! though my M●hath but bad eyes, he hath exceeding long ears: and though a Foreigner may play with a Citizens wooden Dagger, I would not wish any to jest with a Courtiers steeled Sword; 'tis seldom drawn but it draws blood.  Lis. 
Tush man, be not so timorous, my credit shall countenance thee: be not an Ass, make use of thy time: thy master's service is no heritage; the world knows he gets under the Duke, thou art a fool, and thou wilt lose under him: there's a hundred Crowns for thee; tush man, thy betters will strain courtesy with allegiance for a bribe  Man. 
Madam, could you to every one of these Crowns give me a Kingdom?  Lis. 
What then?  Man. 
I should have more ground then half the Kings in Christendom: here's my hand, I'll do't: my M. is my M. and I love him; but my gold's my God, and I honour it: I'll do't; the time and place?  Lis. 
Soon in the evening at Adonis' Chapel. Art resolute?  Man. 
As your Adamant: think you 'twas fear made me keep out? no 'twas hope of these flattering sweet lipped drabs. I fear to marry my Lady's daughter? no nor to go to bed with her neither, Why, I have counterfeited his hand and seal. He has been content with me, to come nearer to him, at his entertainment of the last Ambassador, when he was heat with drinking of healths. As I led him to his Chamber, I nimd●his Chain, and drew his Purse, and next morning persuaded him he lost it in the great Chamber at the Revels. He puts me in trust with his whole estate: he buys Manners, I purchase Farms: he builds houses, I pluck down Churches: he gets of the Duke, and I of the Commons: he beggars the Court, and I beggar the whole Country.  Lis. 
These are notable knavish courses. What breeding hast had?  Max. 
Very good breeding sir: My great Grandfather was a Rat-catcher, my Grandsire a Hangman, my father a Promoter, and myself an Informer.  Lisander. 
Thou wert a knave by inheritance.  Man. 
And by education too: but bawdy Informations growing stale, I gave up my cloak to a Broker, and crept into credit for a Gown, and of Manasses a penurious Informer, I turned Copy, and became Manasses, a most precise and illiterate expositor.  Dem. 
Were you a Reader then?  Man. 
And a Writer too Bully, I set some of my Parishioners wives such copies, as their husbands might cast their caps at it, but could never come near.  Lis. 
But and you used such a high and elevate style, your auditories low and humble understandings should never crawl over't.  Man. 
Tush, I could fashion the body of my discourse fit to the ear of my auditory: for to cast Eloquence amongst a company of Stinkards, is all one as if a man should scatter pearl amongst the hoggish animals yclept Swine: no, I had paraphrastical admonitions of all sorts; Some against covetous Landlords, and that would I squirt amongst beggarly Tenants; Some against Usurers, and that would I throw in at Prison Grates amongst prodigal Bankrupts; Some against the pride of the Court, and that honeys the ear of the Citizen; Some against the fraud of the city, and that's cake and cheese to the Country; Some against Protestants, and that plumps the lazy Catholic; against Papist and Protestant, and that fattens the ranke-witted Puritan; against Papist, Puritan, and Protestant, and that tickles the ear of the luxurious Atheist.  Lis. 
Why you never light upon any Atheists, do you?  Man. 
Oh very many.  Lis. 
In the country perhaps, and the out-skirts of the City.  Man. 
In the very bosom of the City, and by your leave, here and there one in the Court too: But we fit 'em all; for indeed we wand'ring Lights have (as other Tradesmen have) Commodities of all sorts and prices.  Lis. 
How do they come by them?  Man. 
As many do by Offices, steal into them ere the Duke be aware of 'em. Some buy 'em at Booksellers stalls, but the best they bespeak of Poets.  Lis. 
Me thinks Poets of all men should not edify, they are so envious.  Man. 
One to another, to nobody else: a Proud Poet is for all the world like a Punk in request, covetous of many Clients, when she hath more than she can handsomely play off: You shall have some Poet (Apollo's Vicar especially) write you a Comical, Pastoral, Tragical, Musical history in Prose, will make the Auditors eyes run a water like so many water-spouts; I had one of them myself, and your ears be in case, I'll give you a taste on't; his argument was fet out of the Poem called, The lost sheep, and thus it is.  Lis. 
Prithee be brief.  Man. 
Nay peace, and it were in place where you might wake the best men in the parish, for commonly they sleep the beginning, because they love not division: but to the lost Sheep. Beloved, you must imagine this Sheep was a Sheep, a lost Sheep, a Sheep out a the way; but my dear Flock and loving Sheep, whom like a careful Shepherd I have gathered together, with the whistle or pipe, as it were of mine Eloquence, into this Fold of peaceful Community, do not you stray, do not you fly out, do not you wander, do not you lose yourselves; but like kind Sheep and valiant Rams, I speak to you the better part and head of my Flock: As I say, you shall see the valiant Rams turn all their horns together, and oppose themselves against the Wolf, the hungry Wolf, the greedy Wolf, the Lambes-devouring Wolf, the Wolf of all Wolves, to defend their Ewes and young ones. Durst you lay all your heads together, and with the horns of your Manhood defend your Families, your own Wives, and your neighbour's children: Was not this stinging gear?  Lis. 
A good Sheepish admonition.  Man. 
The fitter for my audience; while you live have a care to fit your audience.  Lisan. 
Thou speakest like a Christian, prithee what Religion art of?  Man. 
How many soever I make use of, I'll answer with Piavano Orlotto the Italian; I profess the Duke's only.  Dem. 
What's his reason for that?  Man. 
A very sound reason: for says he, I came raw into the world, and I would not willingly go roasted out: so close up the stomach of your discourse with that dry answer, and every man about his business.  Lis. 
You'll be mindful of tomorrow night?  Man. 
As your Lawyer of the Term, or your Landlord of the Quarter-day.  Dem. 
Why so: the mettle I must forge my plot on, lies a warming in the furnace of my brain; and I must fashion it instantly, for fear it burst with heat. Give my conceit way, for here comes one must help to proportion it.  Exit Lisan. Enter Dametas. Dam. 
How now Demetrius, what wind hath blown up this storm of melancholy? thy countenance was not wont to be thus cloudy; Whence proceeds this sudden alteration?  Dem. 
From mine own hard fortune my Lord, that my ill-starred nativity should continue thus opposite.  Dam. 
Art crossed in a suit at Court? or what's the matter? speak.  Dem. 
I'll acquaint your Honour: I hope no other ear over-heares us. Under Diana's Oak I found an inscription upon a stone, which told me, that wealthy Aristomones sometimes brought into Arcadia, had there under hid a massy sum of treasure.  Dam. 
Under Diana's Oak? Dorus shall have my daughter Mopsa: no more words on't, and thou lovest me Dorus: smother thy golden hopes a day or two; thou shalt have Mopsa, but ●le have all the Gold, then marry my daughter to some great man, though he be poor, 'tis the fashion: I'll be nobly allied what ere it cost me: shalt be my Son in law Dorus. have an eye to the Princess, fall close to my daughter Mopsa,  

Court her and spare not: now begins the sport,  
Kiss her, do, kiss her; thou shalt pay sweetly for't:  
I can gull you, know what fair words can do,  
I'm an old Knave, and a young Courtier too.   Exit. Dem. 
So, so; how violently he devours his bane, and steals himself into the order of Gullery: me thinks I see how betwixt hope and fear he sweats in his practice, and like a foolish dreamer, casts how to lay out his wealth before it comes in▪ So much for him: Now to my Lady Beauty his wife; and as the Devil would ha●t, here she comes.  Enter▪ Miso. Miso. 
Dorus, how now Dorus? What time a day is't with you?  Dor. 
What time a day soever it be with me, 'tis sleeping time with my Lord, I am sure of that.  Mis. 
Sleeping time Dorus, what dost thou mean by that?  Dor. 
Nay nothing, he is troubled with a kind of malady called Insurrectio carnis.  Miso. 
How, a dish of Crevices? nay and that be the worst, good enough; I am glad a falls to Fish, for he was given to Flesh a late too too bad.  Dor. 
Mass I thought as much, for I saw him go a angling.  Mis. 
I hold my Ladyship, to some strumpet.  Dor. 
Life a jealousy, I think you are a witch, 'twas so indeed.  Mis. 
Nay I thought as much; he was wont to kiss me, and do all kindness a man could do, till he came to the Court, and now he will not lie with me for sooth, and why? 'tis the Court fashion: he will not love me, and why? 'tis the Court fashion: I must not come near him at his downe-●ing, nor his uprising, etc. And this be the Court fashion, would I were an honest woman of the Country again, be Courtiers who list: I, I, Dorus, I tell thee in tears, he hath not dealt by me as a husband should do.  Dor. 
'tis nothing to me, I cannot do withal Madam, would I could.  Mis. 
Yes marry mayst thou Dorus; thou mayst, and shalt do withal too and thou wilt: but as thou lookest to enjoy my daughter Mopsa, acquaint me with the old Foxes starting hole.  Dor. 
That's past my cunning, the old Fox has more holes than one to hide's head in: But not to go long about the bush with you.  Mis. 
No good Dorus, I do not love a man should go long about my Bush: what is she for a woman?  Dor. 
I know not what she is for a woman, marry I fear she's little better than a whore for your husband; hark in your ear, she's Manasses wife.  Mis. 
Manasses wife? marry fire master gunner, a Puritan turned Punk: Gods my precious. I'll slit her nose, as I am a Lady will I; is she the party you wot on?  Dor. 
Yes faith Madam, she is the Mare the man rid on.  Mis. 
I'll spoil their sport, saddle my Mule there, have an eye to the Princess; shaltha my daughter, an't be but to spite him withal, faith Fox I'll ha' you out of your hole, or I'll fire you out.  Dor. 
Nay that will do no good, but for your own good Madam, take heed you do not scold.  Mis. 
Why, may not a Lady scold Dorus?  Dor. 
Scold? O in no case, 'twill mar a Lady's beauty clean, and make her look as hard-favoured as any ordinary woman.  Mis. 
Godamercy for that Dorus, I'll not lose my beauty for twenty on 'em: saddle my Mule, bring me my chopping-knife, I'll geld the lecherous Goat, and mince his Trull as small as herbs to the pot. This is not scolding Dorus, is't?  Dor. 
No this is tolerable.  Mis. 
Nay then I care not, saddle my Mule I say, let her pray God her feeling be good, for as I am a Lady, I'll not leave her an eye to see withal, and yet I will not scold neither.  Exit. Dor. 
Oh take heed of that at any hand. So, so, so; now it begins to quicken, me thinks I see already how she runs a-tilt at the wench's eyes, calls the Maid Bawd, the woman whore, and her husband Lecher; and when all comes to all, like an Irish wolf, she barks at her own shadow; but committing her and her Ass to their wild-goose chase, now to my sweetheart Mopsa, for she's all the blocke's last in my eye to stumble on; and God bless my wits, for the fool haunts me.  Enter Mopsa. Mop. 
Dorus, where's my Father Dorus?  Dor. 
Your father? O my dear Mopsa.  Mop. 
Nay now you flout me.  Dor. 
Flout you? Oh the fair heavens! but this 'tis for a man to cast away himself in violence of passion, and extremity of sighs, on a piece of beauty that cares not for him, but it is the tricks of you all.  Mop. 
Tricks? no as God mend me; and I should not have a husband till I got him with tricks, I should lead Apes in hell: but faith tell me, dost thou love me Dorus?  Dor. 
Do I love you quoth ye? It cuts my very heartstrings, do I love you? why 'tis the only mark my endeavours shoot at.  Mop. 
If thou dost not hit the mark then, thou art a very bungler: but where is my father?  Dor. 
Why I have sent him and your mother out of the way of purpose, and appointed Manasses to meet us this evening at Adonis' Chapel, in the Amazons apparel, to marry us; I think these are signs I love you.  Mop. 
I but you jest, I doubt you will not marry me.  Dor. 
Will you meet me there?  Mop. 
As I am a virgin I will.  Dor. 
And come with an intent to marry me?  Mop. 
As I hope to be a wife I will.  Dor. 
You must take heed you keep our purpose close.  Mop. 
As I did the loss of my Maidenhead.  Dor. 
Why have you lost it then?  Mop. 
Many a dear day ago, yet I told no body on't but my Mother and our Horsekeeper, and they say I am ne'er the worse maid for that, and I can keep my own counsel, as I hope I shall; but will you meet me soon?  Dor. 
Just in the midway, as Tilters do.  Mop. 
I'll go afore and stay, but do not deceive me, and you do, I'll show my Father's Horsekeeper all as God mend me.  Dor. 
So tria sequuntur tria, now am I rid of a triumviry of fools, and by their absence have won a free access to an escape.  

If my Lisander's hope prove like to this,  
This night shall crown us monarchs of our bliss.   Exit. Enter Duke and Lisander. Duke. 
No more of these delays sweet Madam, your love hath broken day oft with my expectance, I dare give it trust no longer.  Lis. 
I confess it my Liege, and like a spent Dear, not able to maintain longer flight, I cast myself down breathless at your love's mercy: yet I beseech your Majesty, let not your eager desires practise any present violence upon my yielding chastity: 'twas only possession of my love you had in chase, which with convenient time and place purchased, I put your grace in full possession of.  Duk. 
Although thy breath be never but musical, yet it never reached the string of true happiness till now: and to approve thy heart sets hand to thy word, appoint the time.  Lis. 
Then this present evening (and yet my Virgin blood is ashamed to consent to the betraying of my modesty) meet me at Adonis' bower, where I'll make tender of subdued chastity to your high Majesty, as my first and most victorious conqueror.  Duk. 
By my Imperial Globe, and hope of those joys, thy presence shall bring to enrich me with, I'll meet thee, and make thee Queen over the most submiss Captive that ever love took prisoner.  Lis. 
If you deceive me—  Duk. 

Not except warm life,  
Deceive my veins of their innative heat.  
Then haste slow time, exchange thy leaden feet  
For Hermes wings till I my fair hopes meet.  
But locked once in the arms of my delight,  
Cloth all the world in an eternal night.  
And steed of morning when the Sun should rise,  
They shall see two in my Zelmane's eyes.   Exit. Lis. 
So farewell thought I, I have prepared you a Zelmane's answerable to your expectation.  

Then triumph in thy will, and let thy thoughts  
Proclaim a jubilee: my teeming hopes  
Are now delivered of a gracious birth,  
Which I have christened, opportunity,  
Unto whose shrine in honour of this day,  
My thoughts shall hold a monthly sacrifice.  
Love grant Demetrius meet the like success,  
Our pains are crowned with double happiness.   Enter julio and Aminter. julio. 
Only our disguises hold firm, but all other attempts meet untimely deaths, even in their cradles.  Amin. 
What and we should acquaint the Ladies with our intents?  julio. 
'Twould argue a kind of cowardice in our wits, that have such suspectless admittance to their presence, as this disguise hath purchased us, we should not have that ability of inventure to entangle them in their own security.  Amin. 
Well howsoever, we must not dwell long determining for the liberty of stay with Dametas, who out of his covetous disposition in detaining our reward allowed us, the eldest day of our licenced abode at Court, is run out.  juli. 
'tis very true, and for my part, I'll rather go home with a private repulse, then managing any unlikely attempt, become sufferer under a public disgrace.  Amin. 
That's my very thought, yet that our second arrival be not altogether empty of employment, le's practise something upon Dametas, and acquaint the world with his coward baseness; in which, he not only detracts from his master's bounty, but look how as a Conduit head or master-spring that is poisoned, doth his best, to infect the whole body of the Court, with the leprosy of his covetousness.  jul 
There's no action of his begetting can be said to be truly honourable.  Amin. 
How can they when their Father is a mongrel? the Duke out of his honourable bounty commanded him to reward our travels with 100L. Crowns: and now after two months attendance, and enforced delays, In which time an ordinary Petitioner might have spent the value of the reward, he packs us off with fifty Crowns, his excuse being that his master hath forgot us, and what he doth, is of his own bounty, as if the Moon should brag she gave the world light, when all the lustre she hath, comes from the heat of the Sun.  jul. 
Should his villainies be suffered to prosper, they would grow to such height, as the Duke's authority should have much trouble to prune them.  Ami. 
To prevent which, his Majesty shall have private note of it, knew we in whose trust to conduct it.  jul. 
'tis an office very few dare undertake, he is so riveted to the Duke's good opinion.  Ami. 
Lies there no jar 'twixt none of the Nobility and him, what say you of Zelmane?  jul. 
The gallant Amazon: you could not have cast your choice fitter, for her honourable mind maintains deadly feud against his base proceedings; and here she comes, attended by Dameta's servant, le's wait on opportunity.  Enter Lisander and Demetrius. Dem. 
Lisander.  Lis. 
Demetrius.  jul. 
Lisander and Demetrius? stand close, of my life we are come to the birth of some notable knavery.  Ami. 
How blows the winds of our hopes?  Lisan. 
Fair to the point of our expectation, I have made away the Duke and the Duchess.  Dem. 
How made away them? poisoned them?  Lis. 
With a confection of love, which I have so tempered with fair promises, as their minds are in love's haven already, Videlicet in Adonis' bower, where this evening I have given them my word to meet them; but I have so cast it, that Manasses shall meet them in my steed.  Dem. 
'Twill be a rare Scene of mirth, to hear what costly discourse they'll bestow upon the fool in thy outside.  julio. 
Do you hear that?  Amin. 
Yes, thank love and my ears, but list the conclusion.  Lis. 
I have cleared the way to Violetta, but what order hast thou tane with thy burbolts, Dametas, Miso, and amorous Mopsa?  Dem. 
Shot them away, at three several marks, yet so conveyed it, that in the end they shall all meet at Adonis' Chapel.  Lisan. 
This project cannot but bring forth some notable deceit.  julio. 
My hopes should want of their will, and it do not—  Lisan. 
Now we have made a smooth passage to our escape, how shall we convey our loves out of the Island?  Dem. 
I have determined of that sir, and better to effect, my boy this time hath cast such a bait of knavery to the two Captains, Kalander and Philanax, as we may pass without suspicion.  Lisan. 
But how for transportation.  Dem. 
I am furnished of that too, you remember the two Lacedaemon intelligencers.  Amin. 
Now what of us?  jul. 
Hold my life, we shall be put in this Scene of Gullery.  Lisan. 
Oh in any case.  Dem. 
For the love of Cupid do, inquiry is past, le's take our entrance, and pass over the stage like mutes, to furnish out a show.  Lisan. 
And see occasion like a kind wench presents them in the very instant, my honest friend welcome, have you not your dispatch with a letter to Lacedaemon.  Ami. 
Madam we have, and stay only to take our leaves of your Ladyship, and know what service your honour will command.  Lisan. 
You have my thanks, for the truth is, I must commit business of much import unto your trust, and to prevent much circumstances take my word, your are not ignorant of the King's general challenge.  jul. 
About his daughters.  Lis. 
You understand me, with these few crowns receive my mind, which is to convey the two Ladies, whom we in these disguises have won to Lacedaemon.  Ami. 
Were we but confirmed of your estates.  Lis. 
we'll give you sufficient assurance of that, and the Princesses themselves shall confirm it.  julio. 
We crave no better Madam, but shall we not have your honour's company?  Lis. 
No: having brought them aboard, we'll make return to the Duke, to let him understand we stole not our prizes but won them manfully at the point of wit.  Ami. 
A noble resolution.  julio. 
His foil will appear the more palpable, and your conquest the more applausible, where shall we receive the Ladies?  De●●. 
Be that our care, but on your lives be heedful of their▪ safeties.  Ami. 
More than of our own my Lord.  Dem. 
Enough, whilst you attend we'll to the Duke, and play all Gulls or none.  jul. 

All Gulls indeed since you had follies whip,  
No Gulls, to all Gulls, fools love fellowship.   Exeunt. Enter Miso and Mopsa. Miso. 
Look well to mine Ass there, Lord how I sweat with anger; this same's the house sure, and now like a wise Lady let me count my hurts, and see how I shall be revenged: it shall be so, I'll have them both carted, and Manasses shall go afore like a whiffler, and make way with his horns: where be these whores? open the door, where be these panders? O that I were not a Lady, I could scold like a butter-whore.  Enter Wife. Wi. 
Whose there a God's name? Lord for his mercy is the woman mad?  Miso. 
Yes I thank ye foxed▪ horn mad, where's your companion, where's the old lecherous Goat my husband? open the door I say.  Wife. 
jesus for thy mercy sake, Madam what do you want?  Mis. 
What do I want? the chief implement a woman should have; I want that as a woman cannot be without, I mean my husband I want.  Wife. 
Your husband? I saw him not as I am an honest woman.  Mis. 
Not as you are an honest, so I think, but as you are an arrant whore you did, you must have your Crevishes with a pox, cannot City Manchet and fresh God serve your turn, but you must have Court Cakebread and Crevishes with a vengeance? but come give me my husband, or I'll have him ou● of the flesh on thee, and yet I will not scold neither.  Wife. 
Pray madam ha' patience: what should your husband do here?  Mis. 
That which he should do at home with his wife, and he were worth his ears.  Wife. 
Lady I protect I do not know him.  Mis. 
Not know him? thou liest in every ve●e i'th' heart, thou liest thou knowest him, and as Adam knew Eve thou knowest him, he hath been as in ward with thee, as ever he was with me, he hath, by his own confession he hath, and thou deniest it, thou liest in thy throat like a Puritanical whore as thou art, O that I were a butter who●e for an hour I might scold a little.  Wife. 
Madam they are no honest men that bring these tales to you.  Mis. 
Men bring tales to me? I defy thee in thy guts, I defy thee. men bring tales to me? thou takest me to be one of thine own Church dost? they are no honest men that bring tales to thee and ha' wives of their own, & my husbands one of them, go thy ways now.  Wife. 
I beseech you Madam do but hear me.  Mis. 
Hear thee? I have heard too much of thee, too too much, too much, where's my husband? bring forth my husband, I'll teach him to put a difference betwixt joan and my Lady I hold him ten pound on't, and yet I will not scold neither, and I had been an old hag past teeming, as his whore is a puritan, it had been somewhat, but being a woman of Gods making, & a Lady of his own, and wearing mine own hair which is much in a Lady of my standing I can tell you, to use me thus, flesh and blood cannot endure it, let me come in, open the door let me come in, O that I were any vile thing in the world but a Lady that I might scold a little.  Exeunt. Enter Kalander and Philanax, Demetriu's Boy. Boy. 
So, so, so, take your places, for this same bald pated oak is the stage, where ye shall see the part of a doting fool performed by an old man and a young wench.  Kal. 
Who worshipful Dametas?  Boy. 
The same man.  Phil. 
Hath he no fellow Actors in his most lamentable, comical, historical, tragical, musical, pasto●a'l?  Boy. 
None that require any mouthing but his Ass and himself, marry then he has Signior Mattocke, a very sharp satirical humorist, and monsieur le spade, but he goes somewhat more bluntly to his business, yet he'll serve for mutes, and as good as the best to furnish out the stage.  Kal. 
But dares Dorus being but Dametas' servant so abuse his mad master thus grossly.  Boy. 
O Lord Sir, there have been serving men have done their Masters far greater abuse, yet had their wives concealed it, their ears should never have been acquainted with it.  Phi. 
Is that a fashion in request?  Boy. 
Altogether I'll assure you, but obedience, Gentlemen the Scene begins.  Enter Dametas, with mattock and spade. Kal. 
Pray God it be good he stays so long, Ridiculous enough, and good enough.  Dam. 
So, stand Ass, stand gentle Ass.  Ka. 
What Countryman is his Ass, he speaks so familiarly to him?  Boy. 
A'th' City breed, marry he picks up his living ath burrs and nettles that grow about the Court gate.  Dam. 
Be in readiness good mattock, play thy part sweet spade, let me see; Diana's oak? I held Diana's oak divine, true pure gold, honest Dorus, fortunate Dametas.  Kal. 
An excellent comedian, what life he puts into his part.  Dam. 
So, by thy leave stone, by thy patience honest stone, the very gravel savours of treasure, this same's the bedchamber of my Lady Pecunia, and see, see some of her golden hairs, more, more, more yet divine tree, pure gold, honest Dorus, fortunate Demetrius, softly, softly, not too fast, let me not devour my content too greedily, lest like a cormorant I take a surfeit on't.  Phil. 
Oh take heed of that master in any case.  Dam. 
Pure mettle, excellent gold: but let me see now, I shall by computation have some three millions of 'em, ● some three or four millions, how shall I employ them to make the most profit of them  Phil. 
That would be known indeed.  Dam. 
I'll put out one million to use, after the rate of seven score to the hundreth: and yet I want, no fie, for than you will have my humour brought ath stage for a usurer; to prevent with scandalous report, I'll put it into my Scribe-majors hand, & he shall deale for me.  Kal. 
There's a simple cloak▪ to cover his villainy.  Phil. 
'tis a very short one: and passing sl●te to hide his knavery.  Boy. 
It cannot choose but be seen through.  Dam. 
An other million I'll lay to beslow in Offices. I will have wealth, or I'll rake it out ath kennels else, chimneys ha' smoked for't already, and now I'll deal upon sea-coal and salt, now, now, now, it comes, sweet gold, honest Dorus, fortunate Demetrius, divine gold, how, how shall I adore thee? O let me do the homage of my knees: now, now, for the tongue of a Poet, though I hate poetry worse than any of the seven deadly sins, I could wish myself a Poet for some hour, to write a Poem in the praise of my divine mistress; and see he very bed wherein her divinity is lodged: happy, happy, thrice happy Dametas, now like an o'er joyed lover, let me open the sheets of my heavenly mistress with reverence, so with humble reverence, and like a blushing lover that puts out the light ere he presumes to touch the bed of his love, so let me darken the candles of my body, mine eyes, and first bless my hands with touching, next every mine ears with hearing, and lastly make happy my eyes with seeing, and let them convey the joy down into the bosom of my thoughts by degrees, softly by degrees.  Phi. 
Did you ever see Ass make such a ceremonious preparation?  Dam. 
Be not offended sweet mistress that I presume to touch.  Phil. 
A fool's head of your own.  Kal. 
Has a been at any cost of all this invocate for a coxcomb and a bell.  Phil. 
Beshrew my judgement but he deserves it.  Boy. 
And his desert were ne'er so much, he could but bear away the bell, and so you say he doth.  Dam. 
A coxcomb and a bell, oh indignity: damnable oak, vile and evil accursed Dorus, unfortunate Dametas; Diana I tell thee thou art no honest goddess to use a Gentleman thus. What's here a writing, your help good spectacles, lend me your help good spectacles, some comfortable news good spectacles:  

Who hath his hire, hath well his labours placed,  
Earth thou didst seek, and store of earth thou hast.   

He that vain hopes pursues for love of pelf,  
Shall lose his wits and likely find himself.  
Then think thy pains rewarded well,  
Thou broughst the fool, bear back the bell:  
Of other matters what ensues,  
Adonis' bower shall tell thee news,   
Villainous poetry, I am made a flat fool by poetry; But though I can do them no▪ further disgrace, my fatal curse, A wronged gentleman's fatal curse devil ever upon them: Diana here me, and let my words find gracious acceptance.  Kal. 
Hide your heads, the terrible curse comes like a stone upon you.  Dam. 

Rancour, spite, malice, hate, and all disasters,  
Strengthen my faith against all poetastors.  
May their intents though pure as crystal glasses,  
Be counted salt and capital Trespasses,  
O may their lines and laboured industry,  
Though worthy of Apollo's plaudite,  
The clearest thought in loyalty excelling,  
Be by some Dor presented for libelling;  
When they have writ a Scene, in which their brains  
Have dropped their dearest sweets, and their swollen veins  
Emptied the Conduit of their purest spirit,  
As they stand gaping to receive their merit,  
In stead of Plaudities, their chiefest blisses,  
Let their deserts be crowned with mews and hisses:  
Behind each post, and at the Gallery corners,  
Sat empty gulls, slight fools, and false Informers;  
Let some sly Fox out of discretion's embers,  
Term them the Lands unnecessary members;  
And like the Deer, when they have spent their breath  
To make King's sport, let them be torn to death,  
Even by their friends; 'twould set my thoughts a twanging,  
Might I but ●e one of them go to hanging.   1 Cap. 
A passing strange curse, and no question he has traveled far for some of the times.  2 Cap. 
He must travel further that finds any reason in't.  1 Cap. 
No matter for reason, there's rhyme enough if that be good.  2 Cap. 
Some of it is no better than it should be, or my judgement deceives me.  1 Cap. 
Sure he had some reason to make this rhyme, and a man could pick it out.  2 Cap. 
Rather than I'll be counted inquisitive, mine ears shall content themselves with the rhymes only, and leave the reason to the scanning of Poets, whom it more nearly concerns.  1 Cap. 
But where's the wag that invited us to this banquet of mirth, shrunk in the wetting?  2 Cap. 
I were a rare jest now, if whilst the Boy keeps us here in expectation of Dametas gullery, his Master has made an escape with the Duke's daughters.  1 Cap. 
That, or some knavery else upon my life: I had the boy in shrewd suspicion at the first.  2 Cap. 
And this his sudden and stolen departure confirms it currant.  1 Cap. 

Then we are sped, for in suspicions face  
I see some subtle stratagem in chase.   Enter Miso and Manasses wife. Wife. 
Will your Ladyship believe me now? nay and I say't your worship may swear't, though I have but a (poor as to say) hole of mine own, I hope the spirits have more denomination over me, then to make it a common Slaughter-house of carnality, where every jack may command flesh for his money.  Mis. 
No more words sweet woman, I confess I was in the wrong, this is not the hole the Fox hides his head in, and therefore for the love of womanhood conceal mine errors; for howsoever I complained, 'tis thy forehead aches, thy temples have the terrible blow as they say, thy husband is a bad man.  Wife. 
My husband?  Mis. 
ay, I, good woman, thy husband; he is, as I say, a fleshly member, and I fear he has overcome the foolish thing my daughter.  Wife. 
Your daughter? I'll slit her nose by this light, and she were ten Ladies, 'twas not for nothing my husband said he should meet her this Evening at Adonis' Chapel: but and I come to the God-speed on't, I'll tell 'em on't sound.  Mis. 
I do good woman, tell 'em on't and spare not, but in any case do not scold.  Wife. 
Why, may not a Gentlewoman scold in a good case?  Mis. 
I know not what a Gentlewoman may do in a good case, but a Lady must not in any case.  Wife. 
Though I may not scold, I may tell 'em roundly on't I hope.  Mis. 
That you may do law.  Wife. 
And I'll not be mealy mouthed I warrant 'em: will you bear me company to the Chapel Madam?  Mis. 
With all my heart Mistress: What Dorus hath given me, I'll give my friend, No fool to company.  Exeunt.  

ACTUS V. SCENA I.  Enter the King at Adonis' Bower. King. 

FArewell bright Sun, thou lightner of all eyes,  
Thou fallest to give a brighter beam to rise.  
Each tree and shrub wear trammells of thy hair,  
But these are wires for none but Kings to wear,  
And my rude tongue, striving to blaze her forth,  
Like a bad Artsman, does disgrace her worth:  
But here's the place, upon this Crystal stream,  
Where Citharea did unyoake her team  
Of silver Doves to interchange a kiss  
With young Adonis, shall I meet my bliss?  
The gentle minutes crowned with crystal flowers,  
Losing their youths, are grown up perfect hours,  
To hasten my delight: The bashful Moon,  
That since her dalliance with Endymion  
Durst never walk by day, is under sail,  
In stead of sheets has spread her silver veil,  
Each gliding Brook and every bushy tree,  
Being tipped with silver, wear her livery;  
And the dim night, to grace our amorous wars,  
Hath stuck nine Spheres full of immortal stars,  
In stead of pearls; the way on which she treads  
Is strewed with crystal dew and silver beads: Enter Duchess.  
She comes, her feet make music with the ground,  
And the chaste air is ravished with the sound,  
My soul flies forth to meet her: hell, my wife,  
Her presence like a murderer drives the life  
Out of my pleasure's breast, her jealous eye  
Envies the heaven of my felicity.   Dut. 
Zelmane, or my husband? life, or hate?  King. 

What makes old Autumn out a bed so late?  
That snow should go a wooing to the Sun,  
When one warm kiss works her confusion!   Dut. 

I have the jest, suspicion that keeps  
Court in my husband's thoughts, seeing my Love  
Elect this walk, hath brought him after him.   King. 

She dog's her sure, and she to shake her off  
Hath ta'en some other walk, I'll place mine care  
In distance of her will.   Dut. 

Could I but hear the innocent delivery of his breath,  
'Twould be a second jubilee of mirth.   Duk. 
Here comes my Love.  Enter Manasses like Lisander. Dut. 

Your Love? Alas poor Duke,  
Your forward hopes will meet a barren spring,  
My Sun appears.   Duk. 

Fie, your love speaks too loud,  
Your sun's eclipsed, you dote upon a cloud.   Dut. 
See how his arms, like precious Phoenix wings, Spread to embrace me.  Duk. 

Now the Cuckoo sings;  
Those amorous arms do make a golden space  
To hug a Duke.   Dut. 
But I'll fill up the place.  Duk. 

Those fingers tipped with curious Porphery,  
Staining Pygmalion's matchless imagery,  
Like amorcus twins all of one mother ●urst,  
Contend in courtesy who should touch me first.   Dut. 

Should touch me first; their strife is undertook,  
To twine a young Bay, not a stooping Oak.   Duk. 

Young Bay? stale jest, that a dry sapless rind  
Should hold young thoughts, and a licentious mind:  
Were she but gone now.   Dut. 

Were the Duke away,  
My hopes had got the better of the day.   Man. 
This is Adonis' Chapel, I wonder they come not; though I bear but a little learning about me, and a few good clothes, I would not wish 'em to make balam's Ass of me: for though many fools take no felicity but in wearing good clothes (though they be none of their own) I have a further reach in me.  Duk. 
I could ban my stars.  Dut. 
〈…〉 my fate.  Duk. 
That cross me thus.  Dut. 
Makes me unfortunate.  Duk. 

Alas good Lady, how her pretty feet  
Labour to find me.  
Such black events.  
Darken herself.  
That in the bosom of some foggy cloud  
I might embrace my love.   Dut. 
That my hopes should meet  Duk. 
O would the friendly night  Dut. 
Would the Moon lose her light,  Duk. 

But night is purblind,  
To make a Duke a slave.   Dut. 

To make e Duchess  
Wrestle with amorous passions.   Duk. 

Life a spleen,  
Could my rough breath like a temptstuous wind,  
Blow out heavens candles, leave the world stark blind,  
That it might either have no eyes to see,  
Or use those eyes it hath to pleasure me.   Dut. 
Or use those eyes it hath to pleasure me?  Man. 
Who would have thought the cold had been so good a musician? how it plays upon my chaps? and maketh my teeth skip up and down my mouth like a company of virginal jacks, but I find small music in it, and Mopsa should come now I could do her little good, yet and she were here, she and I would have about at cob-nut or at chery-pit, or some what to keep ourselves from idleness, though she be but a fool, the bable's good enough to make sport withal in the dark, and that very word hath started her.  Enter Mopsa. Mop. 
Whose there Manasses?  Man. 
Yes Mopsa.  Mop. 
Plain Mopsa, I might be Madam Mopsa in your mouth, goodman— where's Dorus?  Man. 
Why? because he will not be said to make too much haste to a bad bargain, he is not come yet.  Mop. 
Not come? a peascod on him, but all's one, I thought at first he would make but a fool on me.  Man. 
Would you have him mend God's workmanship?  Mop. 
But choose him, since he hath buld me with an urchin, I'll go fetch Ralph our Horsekeeper; let him that got the calf keep the cow in a knave's name and he will, have you your book here?  Man. 
No matter wench, I can do't well enough without book.  Mop. 
Nay and ye can do't well enough yourself, I care for neither of them both, but indeed I love to have a thing well done, for says my mother, a thing once well done, is twice done, and I am in her mind for that up and down.  Dut. 

Whose with my Lord the Duke? it cannot be,  
Mine eye would not conceal such treachery.   Duk. 

'tis not the Duchess sure, no it is amorous jove,  
That seeing Zelmane passionate for love,  
Descends to comfort her; jove if there be  
A powerful Phoebus' God of poetry,  
In dear remembrance of fair Daphne's rape,  
To win my love, lend me some stranger shape,  
Such as yourselves have worn, that when your same  
Is sung by Poets, they may quote my name.   Dut. 
Sure 'tis my daughter.  Duk. 

Daughter? how her eye  
Cut out new forms, new shapes of jealousy?   Dut. 

As sure as death 'tis she, for see they stand  
Like amorous twins, in twisted hand in hand,  
Breast against breast, and that no joy be missing,  
To hear discourse, their lips keep time with kissing,  
I'll not endure't, impatience grow strong,  
And though a Prince, tell him he doth thee wrong.   Duk. 

Do, prithee do, this sweetens all the rest,  
But here would be the elixir of the jest,  
If whilst we keep each other at a bay,  
A third should come, and bear the hare away.   Enter Dametas. Dam. 
Villainous poetry, unchristianlike poetry, I am cozened of my gold by poetry, robbed of my charge by poetry, made an apparent fool by poetry, villainous Oak, accursed Dorus, unfortunate Dametas: whose there my daughter and with Zelmane? a well-willer to Dorus, a favourite to poetry, and therefore enemy to Dametas, come hither Mopsa, a thy father's blessing come not near her: what Mopsa.  Mop. 
Yes, whos's there? Dorus.  Dam. 
Confusion a Dorus, I am thy miserable father, didst not see Hippolita?  Mop. 
No by my troth not. Did ye not see Dorus?  Dam. 
Pox of Dorus, I am undone Madam and thou telft me not of Hippolita.  Mop. 
Pox a Hippolita, I am a dumb woman and you can tell me news of Dorus.  Dam. 
I had rather see ten Dorusses hanged, then loose Hippolita.  Mop. 
I had rather see ten fathers damned, then lose my sweet Dorus.  Dam. 
I shall run mad and I find not Hippolita.  Mop. 
I shall run frantic and I find not Dorus.  Dut. 
What's here? I shall run mad for Hippolita.  Duk. 
And I shall run frantic and I find not Doras', I hold my life we have some Comedy in hand, we shall have a full Scene, for here comes more Actors.  Enter Miso and Manasses Wife. Wife. 
As sure as I am a sinner to God Madam, that same's he.  Miso. 
What with a brace of wenches, i'faith old brock, have I ●●ne you in the manner, is this the fruits of your lying alone, is this your Court custom with a wannion? lend me thy knife, though I had neither house nor land to give 'em, I'll bestow a whores mark betwixt you, and yet I will not scold neither.  Mop. 
What a goodyer ail you mother, are you frampold, know you not your own daughter?  Miso. 
Mopsa? O insufferable wrong, make thine own natural child thy Bawd?  Duk. 
Here's an excellent pattern for wives to learn to scold by.  Miso. 
What Mistress Amazon? ha you such a cocking spirit, honest women cannot keep their husbands at home for you? 'tis not for nothing now I see, that the Duchess looks yellow on you, but I'll tear that painted whores face of yours, (by this light) and yet I will not scold neither.  Man. 
Madam.  Miso. 
I'll mad you with a vengeance.  The Duke and Duchess st. p both forth and restrain her. Dut. 
Touch not the Prince.  Duk. 
On your allegiance forbear, what means this outrage, cannot our private walks be privileged from your wild contentions?  Dut. 
How fares the Prince?  Duk. 
How cheers my good Zelmane?  Man. 
Zelmane? No Gods my judge my ●iege ● am Manasses, miserable Manasses▪ your husband's Scribe-major Madam.  Dut. 
Manasses?  Duk. 
A fool.  Mis. 
My m●n.  Wif. 
And my dear h●●d●…a● sweet love, what makest th●● here?  Man. 
M●…y work for the Hangman, and the Duke be not the more merciful.  Duk. 
There's some deceit in this: Dametas, where's Hippolita?  Da. 
ay, I, there's some knavery in this: Mopsa, where's Hippolita?  There 
Doubtless there some villainy in this: Mopsa, where's Hippolita?  Mop. 
There's no plain dealing in this, Manasses, where's Dorus?  Dut. 
Answer directly, where's Hippolita?  Dam. 
Alas Madam I know not, whilst I almost melted myself with digging of gold in Diana's Oak, I left her in my wife's charge.  Mis. 
And whilst I ran to Manasses, thinking to take my husband and his wife in the manner, I left Hippolita in my daughter's chamber.  Mop. 
And whilst ● came to Adonis' chapel, to be tossed in my marriage blankets with Dorus, I left my little dog Pearl picking daisies.  Duk. 
Who sent you to Diana's Oak to dig gold?  Dut. 
Who sent you to take your husband in Manasses house?  Miso. 
Dorus.  Duk. 
Who sent you to Adonis' Chapel?  Mop. 
Dorus.  Duk. 
And who turned you into this shape?  Man. 
They that I fear have made Gulls of us all, Zelmane and Dorus.  Duk. 
We are all simply gulled, and see where the Son scarce half ready, skips from his Eastern bed, smiling at our gullery.  Enter Lisander and Demetrius. Dem. 
Come where's this lusty wit-master?  Lisander. 
The Keeper of this Love-lotterie.  Dem. 
This gallant juventus of fourscore, that like my Lady of the Lake, displays against all comers.  Lis. 
May a couple of plaine-witted Princes have a sight of your prizes?  Dem. 
Where be these Ladies, ha? ha your wits had such a skir mishing, that the two Maids have lost their heads in the conflict?  Dut. 
Heads? I and bodies too my Lord, and all at one shot, and which is worse, our wits are so scattered with the terrible blow, that, to be plain, we are scarce our own men again.  Dem. 
Then you had some knocking.  Man. 
So it appears by the story my Lord.  Li. 
How say you my Lady, what Owl sings out of that Ivy-bush?  Dem. 
Was your wit Knighted in this last action?  Man. 
I am not such a fool, I love my Lord, I am no Knight, I am Manasses, they made a plain fool.  Dem. 
The only wear, for the guarded fool is out of request: but faith my Liege, how did your opposites behave themselves, did they win the wenches fair at the point?  Duk. 
At the very push of invention, and went off clear untouched.  Lis. 
And could you draw no blood of their wits?  Duk. 
Not a drop.  Lis. 
Nor Dametas neither, nor Manasses?  Duk. 
Neither, to our disgrace be it spoken, the carriage of this stratagem deserves applause, and I hold it a credit to rest captive to such valiant conquerors.  Lis. 
Why so be, I like a man that will confess his error.  Dem. 
It merits commiseration Madam and my Liege, not to detract from our worth: your ear, we two are the parties you wot on.  Dut. 
Were you the man?  Lisan. 
No he was the man, marry I was the woman in the Moon, that made you walk all this last night like the man in the mist, I could say somewhat to you Madam, as for Dametas and his man, let them stand like fools as they are.  Dut. 
Can it be possible?  Dem. 
No, no, we are Gulls, innocent sots, but lante tanta, the girls are ours we have won them away to Dargison.  Lis. 
Come we have won the conquest, and that's sufficient.  Dem. 
You are a Manasses 'tis not sufficient: aha not Hercules for jole, jove for Danae, Apollo for Daphne, Pan for Sirne; nay the whole pack of their piperly godheads could a discharged a stratagem with more spirit of all merit; an ambling nag and a down a down we have borne her away to Dargison.  Enter julio and Amintas. Dut. 
'Twas the most rarest, divinest, Metaphysicalst piece of invention, that— what say you my liege?  Duk. 
I give your deserts their full merit, you have gotten equality.  julio. 
All the wenches gave you.  Dem. 
Alas ●hat spirits under the Moon could have detained her, but know that her cherry red lip, a down, a down.  Amin. 
Trust me but you have deserved high commendation.  julio 
Your merit stood of the upper stair of admiration.  Dem. 
Why thou hast a pretty relish of wit now, that canst see the broad eye of my desert at a little hole of demonstration.  julio. 
Your desert save me free, you have done a most (to use your own phrase) Metaphysical piece of service, but you had some help in't questionless.  Amin. 
I do not think but the Ladies had some handined.  Dem. 
A finger, I confess a finger by the hope of perseverance, a very little finger.  jul. 
I thought as much by making of the jest.  Amin. 
I cannot detract from the Lady's worth, for I know them for excellent workwomen.  Dem. 
Workwomen fit to make Tailors men.  Amin. 
I by my faith do I, nay your best tailors are arrant butchers to them, you shall have a Lady make an end of a suit, a Court suit, especially when all the Tailors in a country know not how to set a stitch in't.  Dor. 
Some ordinary suit perhaps.  Amin. 
Your best Court suits that are, are finished by Ladies, I have known a suit myself lain a making and m●ring ●, ●, and five year together, and then a Lady hath dispatched it in a month with a wet finger, such a finger might the Ladies have in your plot.  Dem. 
Never wet a finger by this Sun.  jul. 
Then she helped you with one dry jest or another, but and we may be so bold: faith whereare the Ladies?  Dem. 
Sure enough I warrant you, some fools now would have kept them here, and have been gulled on them again, and laughed at age, but to prevent all danger, we have shipped them home for Lacedaemon.  julio. 
To Lacedaemon? your sun of wit shines but dimly in that me thinks, to whose charge have you trusted them?  Lisan. 
To them we durst, nay you must think we are no fools,  jul. 
Fools? nay deep wit, and policy forbid.  Dem. 
We had no sooner their surprisal, but we had disguise ready, a ship ready, a couple of lusty friends ready, the Lacedaemon Intelligencers.  jul. 
Durst you trust such precious jewels in such rusty caskets?  Dem. 
Durst? our health, our lives, why they were my tenants; nay you must think we sifted them, we are no fools in that neither.  Amin. 
If in any thing your wits deserve the babble 'tis in that.  jul. 
None but fools would have committed such inestimable peers to a couple of strangers.  Amin. 
And in a ship too.  Iu. 
And under sail too.  Dut. 
And unfurnished of friends too.  Duk. 
And without shipping to follow them too.  jul. 
You were no fools in any thing but that, and in that not to flatter, you express the true shape of folly, and merely merit the name of fools.  Dem. 
What will you say now when these fellows surrender us our loves?  Amin. 
we'll discharge you and set their names down for Gulls in your steed.  Dem. 
You know the Proverb, when the sky sals we shall have Larks.  Lisan. 
And when you can bring proof that we are consend of our Wenches we'll be the Woodcocks.  julio. 
Why then we have once springed a couple of woodcocks.  Enter Violetta and Hippolita. Amin. 
Do you know these? who are the fools now?  Dem. 
Hippolita?  Lis. 
My Violetta?  Dem. 
What a strange change is here▪  Hip. 
Yes saith Gallant, you have very strange carding and you knew all, but I hope you'll offer up your cards, and yield the set lost.  Dem. 
Gulls?  Lis. 
And abused? I'll lose my life before I'll lose my honour.  Dem. 
Honour and life before I'll lose my love.  draw. Du. 
Nay Gentlemen, we bar all violence; the liberty of our challenge was to all alike equally free, and since these by fair play have won 'em, it stands with our honour to see them peaceably possessed of 'em, then surely take 'em, for though you wear the breeches, give us leave to stand a little.  Hip. 

Why father, is't not time that we were sped?  
'tis a great charge to keep a Mayd●●●-head,  
Lose it we must, and to prevent ill course,  
Better to give't, then have it ta'en perforce,  
If you be pleased let envy do her worst,  
Spit out her poison, or contained and burst.  
Welcome to all, to all a kind good-night,  
They truly live, that live in scorn of spite.    
FINIS.   

DAVID'S DESIRE TO GO TO CHURCH: as it was published in two Sermons in St mary's in Oxford.  
The One the fifth of November in the Afternoon to the University 1609. the Other on Christmas Day following to the Parishioners of that place.  
By JOHN DAY Bachelor of Divinity, and one of the Fellows of Oriell College.  Basil in Psal. 115. 
Audite vos Ecclesiam relinquences, & in domibus communibus diversantes, miserabilia pretiosi corporis fragmento, quòd preces ac vota in medio jerusalem reddere oportet, hoc est Ecclesiae Dei.  
AT OXFORD, Printed by joseph Barnes.  
1612.   

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL M r D r BLENCOW Provost of Oriell College, the Fellows, & Students there:  
WITH THE RIGHT Worshipful, the Worshipful, and the rest of the Parish of St Maries,  
GRACE. BE WITH YOU and peace from Godour Father, & from the Lord jesus Christ.  
THE EPISTLE Dedicatory.  
RIGHT Worshipful, & you the rest Beloved in our Lord. That which the Apostle said concerning Wives of being subject to their 
a 1. Pet. 3. 1  Husbands that even they which obeyed not the word might without the word have been won by the conversation of the wives, while they beheld their pure conversation which was with fear: may with good congruity be said to Protestant-Christians, of often frequenting Church-Service, that even they which obey not the word (I mean Roman-Catholickes) may without the word be won by the conversation of such Protestants, while they be hold our pure conversation which is or aught to be with fear. Howbeit such hath been the coldness of a many in this kind, the averseness of others unless there be Sermons to, the connivance even of Pastors, I, and soothing their Flock in this sin, that the People who by their conversation should have converted others unto us, are themselves now in these days converted unto them, and a many of us the Ministers that hoaped of much interest of bringing souls unto God, stand now in doubt of losing the very 
b Etiam de sorte nunc venio in dubium miser, Terent. A delft. Act. 2 sc. 2.  principal itself. I pray God 
c 2. Tim. 4. 16.  saith the Apostle in a case of less moment, that it may not be laid to their charge. Doubtless among all the oversights to be laid to the charge of us Protestants, this of frequenting God's house no better is not the least, especially now in these times when the Lord our God hath done so miraculously so much for us, and when his honour (as it were) lies at the stake, and the fruit that we bring forth makes his name (I would I might not say) blasphemed among the Papists.  
The consideration hereof Right dear and dear Beloved Christians, hath caused me as at the first to preach these two Sermons, the one to the University, the other to yourselves: so now to set them forth only and wholly to yourselves, that as one of them was the very first Sermon that ever I preached unto you since I came to be your Pastor, so it might remain unto you for ever as a testimony of my care of you, and not perish with me when I am gone as did a many good words in this kind with my worthy Predecessor Mr Wharton.  
Were this your Parish of that nature that others be, & the Pulpit not so often, and necessarily to be supplied by the University as it is, perhaps I would speak thence unto you more often than I do, but since I cannot what I would, I will now do what I can, even preach unto you 
d Evangelizo manu & scriptione Raynold. de Rom. Eccles. Idol Epist, ad Comit. Essex.  by writing, and it grieveth me not (as 
e Phil. 3. 1.  speaks the Apostle) to write the same things to you, and for you it is a sure thing.  
When our Saviour was risen again from the dead and Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary came to see the sepulchre, & by reason of the Angel's countenance that had descended from heaven, it should seem they were some what frighted, Fear ye not 
f Mat. 28. 5  saith the Angel, for I know that ye seek jesus which was crueified: he is not here for he is risen, as he said, Come see the place where the Lord was laid, And go quickly, and tell his Disciples that he is risen from the dead: and behold he goeth before you into Galilee: there ye shall see him: lo I have told you. I doubt not Beloved, a many of you are as desirous to find jesus as ever those women were, especially in this age when so many Romish Sable Catholics, so many English Browne Schismatrickes' so verify our Saviour's words, 
g Mark. 13. 21.  Lo here is Christ or lo he is there, as it is in Saint Marks Gospel. I know I am not fit to be likened to the Angel, but yet may I say what did the Angel Lo I have told you, and as our Saviour 
h Mat. 11. 14.  said in another case of john the Baptist, And if ye will receive it, this is Elias: so I in this case, And if ye will receive it, this is the truth I have here delivered in these Sermons.  
Wherefore as the Prophet Esay 
i Esay. 30. 21.  said to the jews, These ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way walk ye in it, when thou turnest to the right hand, and when thou turnest to the left: so assure yourselves that now in this Age when there is so much turning on the Right Hand, and on the Left, this is the Word your cares have heard, and I ingenuously profess that after so many years spent in this famous University in reading Old and New writers (you know whose 
k Mat. 13. 15.  precept it was) if either of the other ways, or any other had appeared unto me better, for the better directing of your Souls, or doubtless I would have proclaimed it to you upon the house top, having had so many opportunities, or I would at leastwise at this time have utterly abstained from printing This: a labour (believe me) not the least, and now as the world goeth not so necessarily to be undertaken.  
I had purposed to have put you in mind, of the place of abode God hath given you, even in the eye of this University (the University the eye of the Land) as though his meaning were you should be examples to all about you, how they also like you should frequent his House: of Church-Service and of Sermons how they are both (if well performed) like Rahel, & Leah (but Leah without a blemish) which twain did build the house of Israel and multiplied the heirs of the promised land: of being to be as loath to lose the one at any time whatsoever, as a many are or seem to be, to lose the other, the profit being incomparable that accrueth unto us by either: of being much more hard to Pray, than it is to hear a Sermon, and therefore how it behoveth us to come the oftener to show our willingness to undergo the greater pains in God's Service: but I am now, even very 
o Octob. 15. 1612.  now, surprised with the news of her death, who was unto me in her life the only jewel of this world. I had thought that She also should have had the perusing of these Sermons, and have seen in St Anstens Mother (twice mentioned in the former of them) the true similitude of he● self. But God hath now disposed otherwise, and given her the place already, which this Book would but have guided and directed her unto, and well am I worthy to lose the benefit of so good a Reader as She would have been, who have suffered it so long to lie hidden by me as it hath. O my dear and worthy Mother what shall I say concerning thee? I might say of thee as 
l Mu●icbri babitu, unili fide, anili securitate, materna charitate, christiana pietate. Aug. Confesl. 9 c, 4.  St Austen of his Mother, Thou wert of a womanly carriage but of a manly faith, thou wert fraught with an aged tranquillity of mind, with motherly love and Christian affection. I might say of thee as Nazianzen of his 
m Nazian Epitaph. Patris.  Mother: As the Sun beams are fair and clear in the morning and grow brighter and warmer towards noon, even so my Father's wife, showing forth the pleasant first fruits of godliness at the beginning, afterwards shined out with greater light. I might say of thee as did S t 
n O vera matter, adamant fortier, meae dulcior, flore fragrantior Am bros. de jacob. & vita beata. l. 2. c. 12.  Ambrose of the Mother in the Maccabees, O truest Mother, stronger than Adamant, sweeter than Honey, more fragrant than the Rose. But I will now say nothing of thee, only this will I say of myself, I that have said so much upon the seven & twentieth Psalm the fourth verse, the subject of this book: must turn me now unto another Text, and meditate another while upon the 
o I went heavily as one that mourneth for his Mother. Ps. 35. 14.  five & thirty Psalm the foureteenth verse, the project perhaps of another book.  
Pardon me Beloved if I have as you see thus left you a while, & paid this tribute of these few lines to the true Sovereign of my Love, I now come unto you again, and speak again unto you but in that which hereafter followeth, and which in part you have heard already, in part you shall now hear.  
Your no less loving, than 
 loved Pastor. JOHN DAY.   

DAVID'S DESIRE to go to Church.  
IT is 
a 2. Sam. 7. ●  recorded of king David, Right Worsh: Men, Fathers, & Brethren, beloved in our Lord & Saviour, that when he sat in his own house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies round about him, how he desired as S. Stephen speaketh Acts the seaventh, at the six & fortith verse, that he might find a tabernacle for the God of jacob. I will relate it to you in David's words, Lord saith 
b Ps. 132. 1.  David, or whosoever else was the author of that Psalm, Lord saith he, remember David, and all his trouble: how he swore unto the Lord and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of jacob, I will not come within the tabernacle of my house, nor climb up into my bed, I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, not mine eye lids to slumber, neither the temples of my head to take any rest, until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of jacob. All this in the second of Samuel the seaventh chapter and second verse, is thus epitomised: The king said unto Nathan the Prophet, Behold now, I dwell in a house of Cedar trees, and the Ark of God remaineth within the curtains. His meaning was that since all fell out so favourably, with such correspondence to his desires, since he had so much rest from all his enemies, & God was the author of all this, he would now be grateful again to that God, not so much in words which are but wind, as in very truth and real deeds, such as might be testimonies thereof both to the time then present, and to after ages that were to come. Behold now, I dwell in a house of Cedar trees and the Ark of God remaineth within the curtains. It was as if he had said, God hath bestowed a house on me, I will bestow a house on him too, he hath given me rest from all mine enemies, I will give him a kind of rest too, he shall not be from 
c 1. Chron. 17. 5.  tent to tent, and from habitation to habitation as he hath been hitherto. A princely mind and meditation, a resolution fit for him who was to be the man after Gods own heart▪ as Samuel the Prophet 
d Sam. 13. 14.  avouched of him.  
The former part of this day now newly spent and gone, hath by the silver tongue of one of the chiefest & 
e M. D Rives' Warden of New College  sweetest singers in this our Israel put us in mind of like benefits received on our parts from God above: of setting at home here in our own houses, every of us under our own vine: of a singular rest given unto us from all our enemies round about us. This day▪ this very day, it was more than miraculous that God did for us, it was in truth a heap of miracles, as first the preserving of our bodies and goods, secondly the prolonging of our lives, thirdly the saving of our whole Realm, fourthly the protection of true Religion, and all these then and at that time when safety itself might safely have sworn that she for her part could not have saved us. David on a time near to danger spoke most significantly when speaking of it unto jonathan, As the Lord liveth, & as thy soul liveth 
f 1. San. 20. 3  saith he, there is but a step between me and death. Anacharsis the Scythian speaking of those that sailed by sea, and hearing that a ship was but four fingers thick at the most, then are there but four fingers, 
g Diog. Laert tit. in Anach  saith he, between them and death. At another time being demanded who were more in number the living or the dead: tell me first, 
h Diog. Laert Ib.  quoth he, among whether of them you reckon those that travel by sea: his meaning was that howsoever they seem to live, to move, and have a being, yet they might with good congruity be accounted even for dead, for nothing so full of casualties as the 
i Nihil tam capax fortuitorum quam mare. Tacit. Annal. l. 14.  sea and that in the turning of a hand.  
Upon how ticklish terms we stood this very day when time 
k Novemb. 5 1605  was, the more we muse of it the more we may, & how might all & every of these speeches here rehearsed have been verified of us. A step of that wretched miscreant might irrecoverably have laid all our honour in the dust, a very finger of his might have done it. Our adversaries abroad that saw the case wherein we stood, how did they news it to one another that we might be now accounted dead. A 
l Discourse of this late intended treason. Fol. F. 3.  Terrible Blow was now at hand, we had all and every of us but one neck, and that neck of ours was now on the block. The horror whereof if we would conceive let us but imagine another Fauks in some one of the vaults here about, as many barrels, as much powder, and that which then matched both barrels and powder. Doubtless we are never better affected unto God than when we pray: we are now in the house of prayer, & prayer you know was the last, the very last thing we did, yet should we all of us now miscarry and in this very in stant of time be snatched out of the world and have the sudden death of those of whom Elihu in job 
m job. 34. 20. Tremel.  speaketh momento moriuntur, they are gone in a trice, or as speaketh the 
n 1. Cor. 15 52.  Apostle S. Paul, In momento, inictu oculi, in a moment in the twinkling of an ●i●, how unpreparedly might we all go to appear before that throne where this day we should receive every of us our last doom. And yet we are but a handful to the 
o See the B. of Lin●. Answer to a nameless Cathol. p▪ 360. 361.  house full of them that should have miscarried, and yet they though well affected no doubt as men in civil affairs might be, yet somewhat perhaps behind ourselves in respect of the soul's business we are about.  
But it is not now of this point I point now to speak, my intent and purpose is to speak of the Thankfulness and Gratitude we are to perform to God for this, not so much in words which are but wind, as in very truth and real deeds, such as may be testimonies thereof both to these times now present, and to after ages that are to come. What hath the Lord preserved our honour? We will also preserve his. Hath he made our households like 
p Ps 107. 4▪  flocks of sheep? We will endeavour in like manner to furnish also his house: be it early, be it late, it shall not for our parts, be so naked as it hath been hitherto.  
To the producing of which effect in every of us here present, be we of the one Corporation or of the other, of the one or other sex, I have at this time brought unto you a certain passage of David's Psalms, that as David is the man who puts us in mind of this gratitude, so he might instruct us in the manner to how this gratitude should be performed, not in finding out new places for the Temple of the Lord, new habitations for the God of jacob (there is no such necessity now a days) but in maintaining the old places, the old habitations of the God of jacob, and that by tendering there our continual presence at the usual times of Divine Service.  
The words I have chosen to this purpose are in the fourth verse of the seven and twenty Psalm, and parcel of the words this very night to be read at Evening Prayer: which will cause me also in reading them to follow the translation we then use, not that which is usual in our Bibles though the difference in this verse be but small. The words are these:  
One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require, even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his Temple.  
IN which words without curiosity of giving every hen her own egg, as Pliny 
q Plin. hist. nat. l. 10. c. 15.  tells us of one that was able to do it with his hens, may it please you to observe with me two special points as here they lie, First a Petition of the Prophet David's, Secondly the Reason of that petition. The Prophet's Petition in these words One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require, even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life: the Reason of it in these, To behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his Temple. The Petition we shall best consider of, if so be we consider therein the Matter of it, and the Manner of making it. The Manner of making it in these words, One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require: the Matter of it in these. Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. But it is with this Matter & Manner here as it was with Thamar's 
r Gen. 38. 28.  twins, the Manner shows itself first, but the Matter must first be handled. First and foremost therefore of the Matter, Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Wherein for our better proceeding I shall observe unto you three points, first, what kind of house this was, secondly, what it was to dwell in it, thirdly, the conveniency of dwelling there. And of every of these in their order, & every of these in these words, Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. First therefore of the house, Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord.  
As the Lord God out of the whole mass of mankind hath reserved to himself some whom he calleth his Elect, of times and seasons some his Saboths, and solemn Feasts, of servants and attendants some his Ministers, & Priests, of goods and wealth that men enjoy, some his Tithes & Oblations, so out of the habitations of the sons of men some he hath reserved which he calls his House & Temple. Now what kind of house this was, what better instruction may be had then from the owner of it himself. The owner of it was the Lord, who though he 
s Esay. 66 ●  said when time was, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my foot stool, where is that house that you will build unto me, and where is the place of my rest? that is, as St Steven 
t Act. 7. 49.  interprets it, what house will ye build for me, or what place is it that I should rest in? Yet a house he had, & a place there was, not so much to rest himself in, as where his people might rest there hopes to hear daily and duly from him. The very first mention of this house is made in the book of Exodus, where he calleth it a Sanctuary, when speaking unto Moses, They shall make me, saith he, a Sanctuary 
● Exod. 25. 8.  that I may dwell among them. True it is that long before some speech there was of God's house, as in the book of Genesis, how fearful 
Gen. 28. 17  saith jacob is this place? This is no other but the house of God: and 
x V. 22.  again a little after, This stone which I have set ●p as a pillar shallbe God's house: but where mention was first made that it should immediately be gone in hand withal, & a special name given unto it whereby perpetually it should be called, that as I said was first in Exodus where the Lord himself calls it by the name of a Sanctuary. It is called in the same place an 
y Exod. 25. 10.  Ark beside, and a 
z V. 19  Tabernacle, which three names howsoever severally distinguished among themselves, are but the diverse appellations & names of this house, as first for the Sanctuary, Psalm the seaventy third at the fifteenth verse, Then thought I saith the Prophet to understand this, but it was to hard for me, until I went into the Sanctuary of God: secondly for the Ark, Psalm the hundred thirty second at the eight verse, Arise O Lord into thy resting place, thou, and the Ark of thy strength: thirdly for the Tabernacle, in the 
a Ps. 27. 5.  next words to this my text, He shall hide me in his Tabernacle, yea in the secret of his dwelling shall he hide me. Now as in a material and worldly building we then know it best when we know the several rooms of it, and to what use each room serves, so let us see in the sacred Scriptures and other writers besides what is said of these three rooms, in regard whereof this house of God was called by these names.  
First then concerning the Tabernacle we shall find it recorded 
b Act. 7. 44. Exod. 25. 40. Heb. 8 5.  that it was the Lords own invention, and how he showed a pattern of it in the mount; 
c joseph. Antiq. l. 3 c 9  that after it was once reared it saved Moses his long journeys up to mount Sinai, the Lord as it were taking the pains to come down to him: lastly, that the cloud of the Lord was 
d Exod. 40. 38.  upon it by day, and fire was in it by night in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys, whereupon an ancient Father, 
e Clem. Alex. Orat. Adhor. ad Gentes.  this cloud, saith he, waited on the Hebrews like a 
f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  handmaid, and as for the fire it was, saith the same Father, a 
g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  token of grace and fear too, if so be they would obey then was it light to lead them, if not but they would be wayward, then was it fire to consume them.  
Secondly concerning the Ark we shall find it recorded in holy scripture that it was styled and called by Gods own peculiar 
h Ios. 4. 13. 2. Sam. 6. 2.  name: that when it was borne on the Priest's shoulders, the feet of them that bore the Ark were no sooner dipped in Iordans water but jordan was driven 
i Ios. 3. 15.  back, the mountains skipped like 
k Ps. 114. ●.  rams, & the little hills like young sheep: that it was the cause of the falling down of 
l Iosh. 6. 4.  jericoes' walls: that when it was brought into Dagons' house, 
m 1. San. 5. 3.  Dagon was overthrown: that 
n V. 9  when it came into Gath, it made havoc of God's enemies, 
o Ps. 78 67.  it smote them on the hinder parts and out them to a perpetual shame: that when it came to Ekron, it did as much unto the 
p 1. San. 5. 11  Ekronites: that when the milch kine brought it home it 
q 1. San. 6. 12  guided the kine in that their journey, it was as the rudder in a ship which though it be behind, yet directeth all afore: lastly we shall there find that when the men of 
r V. 19  Bethshemeth pried into it over boldly, it slew above fifty thousand at one time, so exasperated was the Lord against them. All that afterwards happened by it, as the 
s 2. San. 6. 7.  slaying of Vzzah but for touching it, the blessing of 
t V 11.  Obed Edom for entertaining it, and some other things beside, I now omit at this time as being done by all likelihood after the composing of this Psalm and therefore not likely that the Prophet here had any relation to these events.  
Thirdly concerning the Sanctuary we shall find it recorded there, what precious jewels that had in it being the cabinet as it were and casket of them, as first, this aforesaid 
u Heb. 9 4.  Ark and all the sacred things therein contained, the golden pot wherein was Manna. and Aronsrod that had budded, and the Tables of the Testament: secondly, the golden 
c Heb. Ib.  Censer: thirdly, the mercy seat of 
x Exod. 25 17.  gold: fourthly, the 
y V. 18.  Cherubins of gold too: fifthly, the 
z V. 38.  dishes, cups, cover, and 
a V. 31.  candlesticks of gold. We shall find it recorded there that the Lord from thence gave forth his 
b Exod. 25. 22. Numb. 7. 89  Oracles, and told all things unto Moses concerning the children of Israel. We shall find it recorded there that the high Priest went into it 
c Heb. 9 7. Levit. 16. 33.  once every year to make an atonement both for himself, for the Priests, and for the People. Lastly we shall find it recorded there that it was 
d Heb. 9 3.  called Sanctum Sanctorum, that is, The holiest of all, for so is the Hebrew phrase in stead of the superlative, like as our Saviour is 
e 1. Tim. 6. 15.  called in holy Scripture, Rex Regum & Dominus Dominantium, that is, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, according to that dialect.  
And these are the excellent things recorded of that house, whereunto as this our Prophet no doubt had special reference here in these words, so they may serve us as a draught in some sort to know what manner of house this was. There are that 
f joseph. Antiq. l. 3. c. 8.  compare this house to this great world wherein we live, for it being divided say they into three parts the Outward Court, the Inward, and the Sanctuary: two of them signify the Earth, & the Sea, wherein all kind of creatures are, and such were the Outward and Inward Court: the third part which was the Sanctuary signifies Heaven say they which was reserved for God alone in like sort as the Heaven is not to be come unto by men. In my conceit it may more fitly be compared to the little world of man, as man in holy 
g Thess. 5. 23.  Scripture is said to have a Body, a Soul, and a Spirit: the Soul being taken as 
h Dicitur anima dum vegetat, spiritu● dum contemplatur, Aug de Sp. & Anim. l. 1 c. 13.  sometime it is for the will & affections, the Spirit for the understanding. First then concerning the Tabernacle, that I resemble to the Body, my reason is, for that so oftentimes in holy 
i 2. Cor. 5. 4 2. Pet. 1. 13. 2. Pet. 1. 14.  writ we find this Body of ours resembled to a Tabernacle. In this Body is a Soul, and in that Tabernacle an 
k Exod. 40 3.  Ark, which Ark containing principally the Two Tables of stone the ten Commandments, what may we better resemble them unto then to the will and affections over which they bear the sway. The Sanctuary I may well resemble unto the Understanding, though as the chiefest room in this house it passed indeed all understanding. Nor may it seem strange that the Temple here should thus be compared unto man, seeing man so often times in holy Scripture is called the Temple of God. Know ye not 
l 1. Cor. 3▪ 16.  saith the Apostle, that ye are the Temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man destroy the Temple of God him shall God destroy, for the Temple of God is holy which ye are. And again in another 
m 2. Cor. 6. 16.  place, ye are the Temple of the leving God: where upon Tertullian very elegantly, Being all of us, 
n Tertul. de cul●● F●…. Eius temple Aeditunt, & Antis●es P●●diciti● est.  saith he, the Temple of God, the Parson & Prelate of that Church is Chastity, which will not suffer any unclean or profane thing to be brought into it, lest that God that doth inhabit it should utterly leave the place by reason of such pollution. But thus much of his house. Now let us see what it is to dwell in it, Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord.  
Hannah the mother of Samuel when she had been long barren, & it was often cast her in the teeth▪ she vowed a vow & 
o 1. San. 1. 11  said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wile look on the trouble of thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thy handmaid, but give unto thy handmaid a man child, them will I give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, & there shall no raiser come upon his head. Her meaning was that he should be brought up in the house of the Lord in Shiloh, there to do the Lord▪ that service that Eli the Governor should enjoin him. All things happening to her desires, that is, the Lord looking on her trouble, & remembering, and not forgetting her, & giving unto her a man child indeed, she gave him indeed unto the Lord, he became a Nazarite, and a Levite, and dwelled in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. But this is not the dwelling here meant in this place. This kind of dwelling was for Prophets indeed, and for the Children of the Prophets, howbeit David though he were a Prophet, yet had he beside an other calling, and by reason of that calling could not thus dwell in this house. The dwelling then that David meant was in all public assemblies both at Morning and Evening Sacrifice to tender his presence to the Lord, to sort himself with those who 
p Ps. 121. 1  gladded him so much when as they said unto him we will go into the house of the Lord, to be always praising of the Lord in those Assemblies according unto that in an other of his Psalms, 
q Ps. 84 4.  Blessed are they that▪ dwell in thy house they will be alway praising thee. And this because he could not now perform by reason of his banishment how dry was his soul within him, & what bitter moan doth he make, 
r Psa. 42. 2.  My soul saith he is a thirst for God, yea even for the living God, when shall I come to appear before the presence of God? ay, for his banishment had bereavest him of the exceeding solace he there took, ●e prefers before himself those very fowls of the heaven, before which our 
s Mat. 10. 31.  Saviour in another case would have preferred him so much, The Sparrow 
t Psa. 843.  saith he hath found her a house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young, even thy altars O Lord of hosts, my king, and my God. I know there are of the 
u Calvin & Tremell in hunc loc.  Interpreters that take these words otherwise, but since our Church thus readeth them. I for my part am contented in this case not to vary from the Church. But to return unto my purpose.  
To approach continually then unto the Temple, and thither continually to repair was the dwelling no doubt here meant; to dwell, to reside continually there, not to come for a spurt, or a fit, as you heard this word Dwelling descanted upon by 
c Mr Doct. King. vicechancellor of Oxford and Deune of Christch. in a latin Sermon at the beginning of the Term, upon Ps 91. 1  one of the worthiest amongst us in another dialect not long ago. And thus dwelled Anna here the daughter of Phanuel, who is said in the second of 
x Luk. 2. 37  Luke for the space of fourscore and four years not to have gone out of the Temple; not that she was there always, but often saith 
y Lyra & Beda in bunc loc.  Lyra, and venerable Bede to the same purpose, not that she was never absent no not an hour, but for that she was often in the Temple. And the same S. Luke speaking of our Saviour's disciples after they had seen him ascended into heaven, They returned 
z Luk 24. 52.  saith he to jerusalem with great joy & were continually in the Temple praising and lauding God. Thus S. Austin's mother in her time to might be said to dwell in God's house, whereunto she came so duly and truly twice a day, that she in thy Scriptures 
a Aug. confess. l. 5. c. 9  saith S. Austen, might hear O God what thou saidst to her, and thou in her prayers what she said to thee. In a word, such were the Christians the same S. Austen speaks of in another place whom he calleth the Emmets of God, Behold the Emmet of God 
b Aug. in Psal. 66.  saith he it riseth early every day, it runneth to God's Church, it there prayeth, it heareth the Lesson read, it singeth a Psalm, it ruminateth what it heareth, it meditateth thereupon, and hoardeth up within itself the precious corn gathered from that barn flower. And thus much for the dwelling here, now concerning the conveniency of dwelling in this place in as much as he desired it for term of life. All the days of my life.  
Many and manifold are the cares that are taken by mortal men concerning their habitations if so be they have purse-opportunity either to purchase, or to rend them. Some like the City best, some the 
c Horat. Epist. l 1. Ad Fuscum. Virg. Georg. l. 2.  Country, some one 
d Hor Car● l. 1. Od. 7:  Coast, some an other, and yet when all comes to all, nor City, nor Coast, nor Country whatsoever that continually can content them. Variety of houses in every age hath been a great salve for this sore, that as he 
e Terent. Eunuch. Act. 5. sc. 6.  said in the Comedy when they are weary of one house they may presently walk unto another. Even Princes themselues have this variety how well accommodated soever their Palaces be, and no house of theirs so gorgeous, so glorious whatsoever, but should they be tied unto it continually, it would seem a Prison rather than a Palace. It seems it was not so with the Lord's house in this place, for a Prince here is so desirous to live therein continually, as that he wished there to dwell all the days of his life: and therefore in one of his Psalms, I will dwell 
f Psa. 23 6.  saith he in the house of the Lord for ever, and again in another 
g Psa. 61. 4.  place, I will dwell for ever in thy Tabernacle, He could have been contented it seems to have set up his rest there, like as the Lord 
h Ps. 132. 15  speaks of Zion, This shallbe my rest for ever here will I dwell for I have a delight therein. This it was in effect that Zacharias john Baptists father did aim at long after when speaking of the effect of our redemption by our Saviour, that we 
i Luk. 1. 74  saith he being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And here Beloved let us admire the great goodness of our God and his exceeding mercy towards us, who speaking to us when time was in so great anger and indignation, 
k Gen. 3. 17  Cursed is the earth for thy sake: in sorrow shalt thou ●ate of it all the days of thy life (for in that he spoke it to our first father Adam he spoke it to us to) doth sweeten as it were this curse again by taking us into his own service, and in that service to remain with him all the days of our life. Wherein what do we else but even set at his own table, either as 
l 1. Sam. 20 27.  David did at Saul's, or 
m 2. Sam. 9 7.  Mephibosheth at david's. It was a vain hope of Lamech therefore who upon the birth of Noah his son, this son 
n Gen 5. 29.  saith he shall comfort us at touching the earth which the Lord hath cursed: it is the son of God only that so can do, and so shall it be done unto us if so be we endeavour to serve him all the days of our life. I end this point with the words of Peter which he spoke unto our Saviour, somewhat unadvisedly I confess in the case he then spoke them but for our purpose very fitly, Master 
o Mat. 17. 4  saith Peter it is good for us to be here, right so say I, it is good indeed for us to be here, and therefore let us here be all the days of our life. And thus much of the Matter of the Prophets Petition here, now as touching the Manner of making it which I told you was in these words, On thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require, wherein I consider these points: first that he made it his Chief Desire and that in these words, One thing have I desired: secondly, his Constancy in it & that in these, I desired of the Lord: not I desired of thee o Lord as if he had spoken it in private, but I desired of the Lord in the third person, and therefore speaking no doubt to others, even to all who should ever have the perusing of this Psalm. And of each of these in their order, and first of making it his Chief Desire, One thing have I desired.  
David's desire for it was One thing here, is not so to be understood as if it therefore were but One, or the only thing he did desire. This very Psalm dispelleth that conceit for there are even in this Psalm divers and sundry desires beside: as first to have 
p Psa. 27. 7.  mercy upon him, and to forgive him; secoudly, not to 
q v. 9  hide his face from him: thirdly, to 
r v. 11.  illighten his understanding that he might tread his ways aright: fourthly, to 
s v. 12.  deliver him from the malice and maliciousness of his Adversaries: over and above a thousand desires and petitions beside, both in this his book of Psalms, in the book of Samuel and else where. It is nor therefore to be said of this One as speaks the Apostle to the 
t Eph. 4. 4.  Ephesians, of one body, one spirit, one hope of our vocation; or in the words immediately following, ● one Lord, one Faith, one 
V. 5.  Baptism; or as it was said of our Saviour's coat that it could not have been Tunica unless it had been 
D. playferes Pathway to Perfection pag. 130.  Vnica, that is, one or else none; or, as Ruff●… 
Cypr. in. Symb. sine Ruff●….  speaks of that Son in the firmament which is so only one that there cannot be another, or a third to bear 
Qui ●●● v●●● dicitur ut alius vel tertius oddi ●●● possit.  him company: no it is not such a one, the meaning therefore is that he principally desired this one thing, that he specially & chiefly would require it, like as our Saviour y saith of Mary's 
● Luc. 10. 42.  choice One thing is needful: Mary hath chosen the good part, and yet was Martha her sister to have a child's part to: For if so be a cup of cold water only given to one of our Saviour's little ones in the name of a Disciple should not lose a 
z Mat. 10. 42.  reward, how great a reward was hers to be that gave so great entertainment to our Saviour and that in the name of a Saviour to? For that she believed in, him now it is more than manifest, in respect her Brother Lazaru● had now been 
a joh. 12. 2.  raised from the dead. But thus much briefly for the eminency of the Prophets desire here in this place. Shall we now see his constancy in it? Or was it with him as with the Poet, 
b Herat. Ep. ●. 1. cp. 1.  quod petij ● spo●nit, was the wind afterwards in another quarter? No, in no wise, & therefore to the preterperfectence he addeth the future here, which I will require: 
c Virg. Ae●. l 4.  Mens immota manet, his mind was steadfast, it was like Queen Elizabeth's Semper eadem, Ever and never but the same. Which I will require.  
It was our Saviour's question concerning the 
d Mat. 11. 7  Baptist what went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? And what 
e Greg. in Evang H●●● 6.  saith S. Gregory is understood by this reed, but only a carnal mind which accordingly or as it is hoist up by favour, or by slander depressed down, yields presently itself or to the one or to the other. The author of the imperfect work upon Matthew gives the reason, A reed 
f Chrys. Ob. Impers. in Mat. How. 26.  saith he, is a void and empty thing, having in it nor strength, nor vigour, & therefore is it driven with every wind, right so a carnal man saith he that hath no pith of faith within him, no strength nor virtue of truth whatsoever temptation comes upon him, it not only bruiseth, but breaks him to. The Baptist by our Saviour's testimony was no vegetable of this nature, he was a huge high oak rather as 
g Et quantum vertice ad auras Aethe reas tantum radice in tartara tendens Virg. Aen. l 4.  deep in the root as he was high too, able to withstand any tempest whatsoever. And as it was with john the Baptist so was it before with this our Prophet, whom no adversity could drive from the love he bore to this house. He was affected it seems to this desire as was 
h Cic. de Clar Orat. & de Orat. & Orat ad Brut.  Demosthenes to Action, or S. Austen to Humility, he gives it the first and second, and third place too, he hath and will desire it. For as the learned 
i Aug. ep. 56  
k Barth. Traheron upon john. joh. 1. 15. & v. 30.  Interpreters gather of those words of john the Baptist, This is he of whom I spoke, that he had before made many Sermons concerning jesus, so in that the Prophet here saith, One thing have I desired, it may probably be gathered that he had desired it often times before, so that he is nothing like the inconstant man. The inconstant man, 
l D. Hals Carat. l. 2.  saith a worthy writer of our age, treads upon a moving earth and keeps no ●ate. It is a wonder if his love or hatred last so many days as a wonder. His heart is the Inn of all good motions, wherein if they lodge for a night it is well, by morning they are gone, and take no leave, and if they come that way again they are entertained as Guests not as Friends. It was not thus with this our Prophet, He was like the round world rather even so sure that he could not not be 
m Ps. 93. ●.  moved: He was like those heavenly Orbs above that keep an 
n Arist de C●●. l. 2▪ c. ●.  uniform course and station: in a word, He was like unto his Pattern whose image he was, the eternal God, of whom it is said in Malachy, I am the Lord▪ I change not, Malachy the third, at the sixth verse. And this was the Prophet's Constancy, a virtue so verious, that as it was said of the Stoics that they were Mares Philosophorum, the Male Philosophers of all the rest (but it was said but by a 
o Sen. Quod in Sapient. non cadit iniura,  Stoic) so no virtue without this virtue but is as it were a Widow.  

p M. D. Eeds his IterBore●le.  Viduata Philemone Baucis, one that hath lost her true Philemon indeed. Witness the three Theological Virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity, and what are they without this Constancy? Witness the four Virtue's 
q Quae quasi origines & cardines sunt ●mnium Virtutum, Aug. de Spir. & anim. l 1. c. 4  Cardinal, justice, Prudence, Temperance, and Fortitude▪ & without Constancy what are they? The Intellectual and Moral Virtues are as Thomas 
r Th. Aquin. 2● 2ae. in Pr●l.  Aquinas tells us reduced to these seven▪ & therefore if these without Constancy are no more, no more are they. Nay are they not harmful rather, sure I am St Peter saith that better 
s 2. Pet. 2. 21  it were not to have known the wai● of righteousness, then after we have known it to turn from the Commandment given unto us. Howbeit here we must have special care that we take not Quid pro Quo, one for another as many do. It is easily done, and often, & never more often then now a days. The Pastor of souls, 
t Greg. Past, Cur. Part. 2. c. 9  saith St Gregory, is to know (& so is the Flock to) that vices a many times do bear themselves as virtues, Thus Covetousness cloaks itself under the name of Thrift and Parsimony, and chose riotous spending under the name of Liberality. To much pity a many times is thought to be Piety, and unbridled Anger the virtue of Zeal. A headlong Action is accounted quick dispatch, and to be to too tardy in performing aught a high point of singular wisdom. The vice that bears itself as the virtue of Constancy, no vice any virtue more, is the vice of Self will and Obstinacy, a sour and a sullen vice, & that which hath blasted so many hundreds of our age both on the right hand of us, and on the left, Schismatics and Papists. But utterly to avoid this mock virtue, this 
u Virg. Aen. l. 7.  Allecto in deed in another's likeness, the safest and surest way, is to have good ground for what we do, not a particular spirit with the one, or the Religion of our Fathers, and Mothers, and Forefathers with the other. It is a good thing, 
Gal. 4. 18.  saith the Apostle, to love earnestly always in a good thing. And this good ground the Prophet had, the Law of the Lord was his direction, and for he was so stable and steadfast in the same, the virtue which he had was not vice in virtues robes, it was virtues own self the virtue of Constancy. And thus much of his Constancy in this his desire, come we now to the Manifestation of this his desire to the world which ● told you was in these words, I desired of the Lord.  
There is a piece of a verse in Ovid more canonical with a many, 〈…〉 I am more powerful than all the verses or chapters either concerning the contrary throughout the whole Bible▪  

x Ovid. Trist l. 3. Eleg. 4.  Benè qui latuit, benè vixit.  
He that lurks well, lives well, as if the Lord had sent us into the world to play all hid. I grant the times may be such, as may cause us to betake ourselves to such a kind of retired life, or to play least in the world's sight, even as those Christians of old time, of whom the Apostle to the 
y Heb. 11. 38.  Hebrews, They wandered in wildernesses, & mountains, and dens, and caves of the earth: but to do it now in these days, or to keep our Consciences to ourselves, or not at all to employ the Talents that God hath committed to our charge, is ungratefully to liken these times to the ticklish times of Nero, wherein sloth 
z Tacit. vi●. Agric.  saith Tacitus was a virtue and to doe nothing the greatest wisdom of all. Such wyzards in the end will play but wily beguily with themselves, who while they proceed in silence as 
a Qui dum iwenes ad se nectutem, senes prope ad ips●s exactae aetatis terminos per silentium veniunt. Tac. Ib.  speake the same author from young men to aged, from aged to the grave, are like to make the next step from thence to hell if so be they be not there before. 
b Mat. 25. 30.  Cast that unprofitable servant into utter darkness, there shall be weeping & gnashing of teeth. True it is, it is the Hart that God requireth for his service, but he requires withal the Tongue to, & if we think this tongue of ours is not to be employed in public Assemblies as well as at hoame, let us remember what was said to Meroz by the Angel of the Lord, Curse ye Meroz 
c jud. 5. 23.  said the Angel, curse the inhabitants thereof, because they came not to help the Lord, to help the Lord against the mighty. Our Prophet you see in this place was far from this sin, he proclaimed to all the world of what religion he was. He stuck not to tell it unto others, & to acquaint all men living with the desire of his heart, especially all such as should have or the hearing, or seeing, or singing, or saying this Psalm. He doth 
d Pers. sat. 2.  Aperto vivere voto, he regards not who hears him, he believed, & 
e 2. Cor. 4. 13.  therefore spoke, he spoke, and in speaking proclaimed it to the world. And thus much of the manifestation of this his petition to the world, and consequently of the Petition itself, namely of the Matter of it, as also the Manner of making it. We are now to come to the second point to wit the Reason of this Petition, which I told you was in these words, To behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his Temple. Wherein I thought to have observed to you these points: First, his Contemplation, and that in these words, To behold the fair beauty of the Lord: Secondly, his Action, & that in these, To visit his Temple: Thirdly, the joining of both together & that in the particle [And] To behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and, to visit ●i● Temple. His Contemplation in respect of the Soul, his Action in respect of the Body, the joining of both together in respect of both combined together, Body and Soul. But this were to enter a new Ocean, a word of exhortation therefore and so God willing an end, One thing have I desired of the Lord etc.  

OF all the days in the week there is special notice taken of one day as very dismal to the Irish, and in a manner fatal to them. This day 
f Staniburst de Reb. Hibern. l. 3.  they say is Tuesday, for upon a Tuesday they lost Limmirick, upon a Tuesday they lost Wexford, upon a Tuesday they lost Waterford, and upon a Tuesday again they lost Divelin. I and at a fifth time too upon a Tuesday it was, that they had a great overthrow the Earl of Tumond that then was being chief of all their troops▪ But whatsoever may be said of that day concerning the Irish, sure I am that of this day a Tuesday too when 
g In the year of our Lord 1605.  time was, and of another day in this Month, it may be said of us English, that we have received two as great Blessings from the immediate hand of God, as ever did nation in this world or ever is like to do to the world's end. I mean the Beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign of happy memory, the Seavententh of 
h In the year of our Lord 1558.  this Month, & that which this fifth day we have celebrated, the Continuing of King james his. Which two days the Seavententh and fifth might they parley with one another as Plutarch 
i Plut. Quest Rom. qu. 25.  reports the Holy day and the Worky day once did, and the Seavententh should say as did the Holy day, unless I had been so happy, thou hadst never been▪ how might this fifth reply again, but if so be I had not been, thou hadst never been so happy. For indeed had not this day been, what should it have profited us to have lived in prosperity some forty years there about, and at the last to have been a byword to all the nations of the world. Would it not have been said of our Land as was sometimes of jerusalem, but of jerusalem overthrown, 
k jer. Lam. 2. 15.  Is this the Country that men call the perfection of beauty, & the joy of the whole earth? Might not our Mother this little Island have said, 
l jer. Lam. 1. 15.  The Lord hath trodden under foot all my valiant men in the midst of me, he hath called an Assembly against me to destroy my young men, the Lord hath trodden the winepress upon the Virgin the daughter of England. Might not the Survivers of us have said, but alas who should have survived? but yet if any should, might they not have said with the 
m jer. Lam. 4. 20.  same Prophet, The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord was taken in the nets, of whom we said under his shadow we shall be preserved? But thanks be to our God, there are even in that Prophet other words which better fit us, and may be said and spoken of us; which this our Island may also speak, and we the Inhabitants may speak also, 
n jer. Lam 3. 22.  It is the Lords mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. I will speak it Beloved again,  

o Virg. Aeneid. l. 3.  Et repetens, iterumque, iterumque monebo and 
p Matt. 11. 15.  he, that hath ears to hear let him hear, It is the Lords mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not.  
Such the mercies of the Lord towards us & his compassions so great, what greater recompense to be made him then to perform that very thing which the Prophet in this place doth desire, Even to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our life. What will ye say in these Churches? or in such as are inferior unto these? ay, even in these Churches, or in such as are inferior unto these, even where▪ soever the Lord shall place us, & the lot of this world shall hereafter fall upon us, the meanest of which and respect their beauty with the right eye of understanding in deed, and not Salomon's Temple in all its glory, much less this Tabernacle here, arrayed like one of them. For what was all they had but shadows of what we do, that House in truth, and in the eye of faith, was but a Cottage unto ours. Wherefore as 
q Hieron. ep. ad Laetam et ep. ad Saluinam ex Turfull. ad Martyr.  St jerom in another case, Si tanti vitrum quanti margaritum, If so be glass, saith he, be so much to be esteemed, of what estimation is a Pearl to be, so say I in this case, if this our Prophet were so enamoured with so very a Glass as that was (I speak it by way of comparison) how should we be with our Pearls, and that so orient as ours are. Nor let me now seem contrary to myself for that I call that Tabernacle a Temple of glass in respect of our Churches, seeing it is in that respect that I only call it so, as a candle in respect of a lamp, saith St jerom, 
r Hieron. Apol aduers●● lovin.  is nothing to be decounted of, a lamp in respect of a star why it gives no light at all, compare the star, with the Moon and the star is obscure, set the Moon, again by the Sun, and the Moon shines never a whit, lastly compare the Sun and Christ together, saith he, and what is the Sun but mere darkness: and so was the candle of this Tabernacle in respect of our Lamp, the lamp of this Tabernacle in respect of our Star, the star of this Tabernacle in respect of our Moon, the Moon of this Tabernacle in respect of our Sun, in a word the Sun of this Tabernacle in respect of our Christ, or which is all one in effect our Christian Congregations. And do we yet doubt to make them our chief desire▪ In making them our chief desire we may happily get more by it then indeed we do desire. You know what was said to Solomon when he asked wisdom of the Lord▪ Because, 
s 1 King. 3. 11.  saith the Lord, thou hast asked this thing and hast not asked for thyself long life, nor riches, nor the life of thy enemies, behold I have done according to thy words, and I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both Riches, and Honours, and so forth. Thus fell it out with St Austin's mother too, she desired that she might but see her Son a Christian Catholic before her death (mark I pray you the phrase of those times, a Christian Catholic, whereupon 
t Baron. Annal. Tom. 1. fol. 310.  Pacianus, Christian is my name, saith he, Catholic my surname, and St Austen elsewhere, by the goodness of Christ, 
u Aug. ep. 107.  saith he, we for our pares are Christian Catholics, not the only style now adays a Catholic Roman, or no Catholic) but she but desired to see him a Christian Catholic before her death, and my God, 
b Aug. Confess. l. 9 c. 10.  saith she to her Son S. Austen▪ hath given me more abundantly than I desired, even to see thee his servant, and to contemn all the felicity of this world besides. God indeed is no niggard he gives sometimes before we ask, sometime more than we ask, always as much, and that or in the same kind that we ask it, or else in some other much more behooveful and necessary for us.  
But we must be Constant in this desire. But alas when he that wrote of Constancy became 
x Iust. Lips.  himself so inconstant, and so many hundreds after him as little constant as he, and some even of our own seluc● as constantly in constant as they, what shall I say of Constancy when so many flock-meale fall away. Beloved, I will say as once our Saviour said 
y joh. 6. 67  What will ye also go away? Why but whether? Or to whom? Here are the words of life eternal: 
— 
z Horat. Epist. l. 1. epist 〈…〉.  Quod quar it is hîc est,  
Est Vlubris animas si vos non deficit aquus.  not the meanest Church in this our Land but will afford you much more comfort in the service of our God, than the goodliest Synagogue this day or at S. Omets', or at Rome. Nor would I have you think I speak altogether unexperienced in this comparison.  

a Virg Aeneid. l. 11.  Vidimus o Gives Dio●●dem; Arguaque castra,  
I have seen Beloved; seen I have, though not the Popish 
b Mufftie apud Turcas Sacer do●●● supremus ut apud nos Rom. Pont. Busbeq. ep. 1.  Mufftie himself, yet his Pavilions and his Tents, I mean a many Assemblies and Congregations of his, where I am sure but as few words as Porpheries Pradicables with understanding▪ if the Apostle S. 
1 Cor. 4. 19  Paul were not mistaken▪ would to those Assemblies havedone more good; then those many thousand ●●at then were uttered by so many Black Birds there, so many Parrots, so many Crows, and Pies, not understanding what they said or sung, the similitudes are 
d Aug. in ps. 18. Exp●s. 2  S. Austin's. And now I have said thus much let me go a little further▪ and speak unto you a little more concerning those our Adversaries, upon whom had I look with a carnal eye, I should say I confess, as did those Spies 
e Num. 13. 32.  we be not able to hold out against them for they are stronger than we all the people that we saw there are men of great stature. Giants they are, the sons of Anak, and we to them but Grasshoppers. But the Lord that gave me at that time an others gates eye to behold them with, puts another message into my mouth, & as a learned Divine 
f M. Gossen in his Trumpet. of war, p. D. 5. b.  speaks of Caleb that he had not asheepes' cye as the other Spies, but the eye of a Lion, and how he passed by that people with an honourable scorn: right so say I with 
g Num. 14. 9  Caleb, Rebel not you against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of that Land for they are but bread for us, their shield is departed from them, and the Lord is with us fear them not.  
The greater cause have we to proclaim this desire of ours unto the world maugre all the banded Forces of all the Romanists whatsoever, who what have they Pamphlet●ed against our 
h Owlets 9 Reasons why Catholics may not go to Church answered by D. Fulcke and M Wyburne.  Public Service, or our Religion therein contained which hath not been fully answered, or at least wise may be, and that in the turning of a hand. Their Proofs are 
i Darmans' proof of certain Articls in Religion reproved by M. Nowell.  reproved, their Disproofes confuted, their Rocks undermined, their 
m Stapletons' Differences and Fortress of the faith, answered by D. Fulke.  Fortresses overthrown, their 
n Heskins' Parliament repealed by D. Fulke.  Parliaments repealed, 
k Dormans' disprove M nowel's Reprinse confuted by M. Nowell.  their 
o ●i●tons Challenge answered by D Fulke, and Oliver Carter.  Challenges answered, their 
p Martial's Reply to M Calfeth answered by D Fulcke.  Replies rejoined unto, their 
q Harding● Rejoinder to M. jew, answered by M. Deering.  Rejoinders disjointed. True it is they rest not satisfied, nor is it likely they 
l Sanders Rock of the Church undermined by D Fulcke.  ever will, Rana, saith S t▪ Austen, est l●quaciss●ma vanites, nothing so full of tattle as Folly, and that, saith he, was signified by the Frogs of Egypt.  
But happy it were with us had we in this point of Church Service the Romanists only our only Adversaries. Cassius and his Complices we could deal withal well enough, but what shall we do when our own Mother's Children lift up the heel against us, and so vilify our Church Service especially in their practice, that unless there be a Sermon with it, we shall seldom or never have their company. 
r 2. King. 6. 21.  Shall I smite them Fathers & brethren? shall I smite them? They are flesh I confess, of our flesh, and bone of our bones: Why, but shall I let them go then, and die in their error? that were a cruel kind of compassion, let their error die in them rather, Moriatur error, vivat homo, saith St Austen, slay the 
s Aug. de Verb. Apost. Ser. 31.  error, save the man. And will you then behold their error? O, say they, unless there be Sermons, what beauty is there in our Churches? why should we take so much pains to go so often unto them? The Scriptures that there are read we can read ourselves at home, we can pray those Prayers at home too, have we but the Psalter & Bible in our houses, what beauty have we not that there is to be had? So say they indeed that little knowe or what is Beauty, or what is Service, or what are Sermons, or the Minister of God, or intruth these Churches. For if foe be they did, would they thus speak? would they huddle up together so many solecisms? would they first compare their Houses to the proper & peculiar House of God? themselves unto his Ministers? their private prayer to the Public? and debase Public Prayer so much as to make it so much inferior unto Sermons? why what other Gospel preach our Sermons then that which our Service delivers to them? If in their own house where 
t Mat. 18. 20.  but two or three be gathered together, the Lord (it may be) is in the midst, how much more when we are such troops & multitudes in Church Assemblies? when we there set by 
u Marc. 6. 40.  rows, by hundreds, and by fifties? If he or she may compare themselves, I, their very Children to the Priest, or Minister, because they can read aswell as he, so many a Butcher among the jews was as able as the Priest himself to have killed a Calf, or an Ox, and was it as lawful therefore and fit for him to have sacrificed the same? Lastly, if so be the Lords House be of no more value with thee than thine own, take heed the Lord another day leave thee not altogether to thine own, when there shall be no Prince in this our Israel, but every man doing that which is best in his own eyes, when there shall be no Priest, but every man of a Religion that he hath forged in his own brain, and which is the consequence of both these when we shall be no People neither, but 
c Virg. Aen. l. 1.  Relliquiae Danaûm, the Relics, and Remnant of a People, when a man shall be more precious than fine Gold, and above the wedge of the gold of Ophir, I mean in respect of the rarity of them as speaks the Prophet 
x Esay, 13. 12.  Esay in another case.  
But I am persuaded better things of you Beloved though I now thus speak, the rather for that a many of you (I may say it of my own experience) visit so well the Lords house at the usual times of Divine Service, so that I may now say as said the Apostle in his 
y 2 Thess. 3. 4.  Epistle to the Thessalonians, We are persuaded of you through the Lord that you both do, and will do the things which we warn you of. 
z Rev. 22. 11.  He that is righteous let him be righteous still, & he that is holy let him be holy still. 
a Gal. 6. 9  Let us not be weary of welldoing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. And that shallbe, and it shallbe then; when we shall not hereafter on our deathbeds depart as one 
b Vt non ex vita sed ex domo in domum videretur migrare Corn. Nepos in vita Atti●  speaketh out of this life, but out of one house into another, that is, when upon the parting of Body and Soul we shallbe sped from this House of Prayer here on earth, to that higher house above, the House of Praises in Heaven, where 
c Ambros. Te Deum.  with Cherubins & Seraphins continually crying Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Saboth, we shall all of us be satisfied with the 
d Ps. 36. 8,  plenteousness of that house. I will end with that of Austen who ending a Tract of his with the words of this my Text doth thus descant thervpon, Let thy Soul 
e Aug. in Evang. joan. Tract 3.  saith S. Austen say, One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require, even that I may dwell in the ●●●se of the Lord all the dates of my life to behold the fair beauty of the Lord. Fear not saith S. Austen, that thy continuance there, will breed a fulsomness in thee. Such a pleasure of beauty shall it be that it shall be● always in thy ●ie and ye● shalt thou never be satisfied with it. Or rather to speak the Truth saith he, thou shalt ever be satisfied and never to. For if I should only far thou shalt never be satisfied, than mights thou fear some hunger to ensue, if I should say only thou shalt be satisfied, then mightst thou on the contrary fear there should be some fulsomeness, where nor fulsomness shallbe, nor hunger, I faith he for my part am ignorant what to call it. But howsoever I am ignorant, yet hath the Lord sufficient to give and to bestow on ut, which we are ignorant how to call, and yet believe that we shall receive it.  
The same Lord so bless us, and the seed that hath been sown, that with you of the poorer sort the 
k Mat. 13. 22.  Cares of this world, with you of the wealthier, the deceitfulness of your riches, with either of you of either sort the lusts of other things 
1. Serm.  grow not up like thorns and choke it.    

Erratum.  
Pag. 28. lin. 10. amend it thus: Secondly, his Constancy in it & that in these, which I will require: Thirdly, his Manifestation of it to the world, and that in these, I desired of the Lord: not I desired of thee O Lord.   

DAVID'S DESIRE to go to Church.  One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require, even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to visit his Temple. Psalm. 27. ver. 4. 
IT is not long since Right wor and dear beloved in our Saviour Christ, that my course coming in order to execute the Priest's 
a Luk. 1. 8.  Office before the Lord in this kind, I made my choice of these few words to be entreated of at that time. When by the assistance of the same Lord having multiplied the selfsame words into as many more words as took up the space of a whole hour, there was yet behind some overplus, such as at that time could not be disposed of, and therefore reserved by me till some fitter opportunity. Which opportunity now come by reason of the Solemnity of this Day which requireth at our hands a more than ordinary respect, I am now come with that overplus & as it were the 
b Ne velut semesas verborum nostrorum epulas reliquisse videamur. Ambros. de Panite●t. li. 2. c. 1.  fragments that were left, that nothing be lost as speaks our Saviour, john the sixth at the twelfe verse.  
When first I handled then these words, you that were present may remember, you that were not are now to know, that I then divided the same into two especial points. First into a Petition, secondly, into the Reason of it. The Petition in these words, One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require, even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. The Reason of it in these, To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to visit his Temple: Entreating of the Petition, I observed the Matter of it, and the Manner of making it. The Manner of making it in these words, One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require: the Matter of it in these, Even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. In the Matter of the Petition I handled these points, First, what kind of house this was; Secondly, what it was to dwell in it: Thirdly, the conveniency of dwelling there. In the Manner of making it, these; First, that it was his Chief Desire: Secondly, his Constancy in it: Thirdly, the Manifestation of it to the world: and thus far I then proceeded.  
That which remained then behind, and with the which I am now come, and of the which you are now to hear, is the Reason of the Petition, and it is as I said in these words, To be hold the fair beauty of the Lord and to visit his Temple. In which words may it please you to observe with me these two points: First, what this Fair Beauty was: Secondly, the Power and Force that this Fair Beauty had. What this Fair Beauty was we shall throughly observe if so be we do observe how it consisted in two points. First, in regard of the Parties that were present in that house: Secondly, in regard of the Things performed by those Parties. The Parties present in that house was first the Lord himself: Secondly, the Priests: Thirdly, the People. The Things performed was the public solemnity of the worship of God, both in the Word and Sacraments, & Sacrifices, & Prayer, and Praises. And of every of these in their several order, & first of the Presence of the Lord.  
Anaxagor as being demanded to what end and purpose he was borne, his answer 
c Lactantius ●st. l. 3. c. 9  saith Lactantius was, to behold the Heavens and Sun in the firmament. Which answer of his saith Lactantius is of all men much admired, and accounted to be a speech well befitting a Philosopher●l, saith he, for my partam quite of an other mind, and persuade myself that the party not knowing in that case what to say, thought good to say somewhat yet lest he should have been thought by his Opponent to have been put to a non plus. For indeed to say the truth saith Lactantius, in so few words then uttered, how many solecisms shall we find, & those no, mean ones neither? As first in that he referred the whole duty of man only to the eye of man, to the mind of man nothing at all, and how if Anaxagor as had been blind saith he, should he thereupon have had in this world nothing to do? Again saith Lactantius the other parts of the Body had they no offices to perform? Besides that the chief Sovereignty seems rather in the ears saith he then in the eyes, because Learning & Wisdom may be obtained by the ears only, by the only eye they cannot be. That which Lactantius there aims at, namely that the Creator of Heaven should have been respected not the Creature which was Heaven, at least wile before the Creature, is respected no doubt by our Prophet here, in regard of whom it principally is that he acknowledgeth here so fair a beauty. For what is it that makes the Court more glorious than all places and assemblies in the Land beside, Is it not the presence of the King? Doubtless where the King is, there is the Court, as it was told Commodus the Emperor 
d Heredian l. 1.  there was Rome where the Emperor was. Now that the King of Kings here was, witness that of the Book of Numbers wherein it is 
e Numb. 7. 89.  said that when Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with God, he hard the voice of one speaking unto him from the mercy seat that was upon the Ark between the two Cherubins. Hence that of this our Prophet in another of his 
f Psa. 80. 1.  Psalms, Here oh thou shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest joseph like a sheep, show thyself also thou that settest upon the Cherubins. And again in another 
g Psa. 99 1.  Psalm, The Lord is King be the people never so impatient, he setteth between the Cherubins be the earth never so unquiet. And as in these two Psalms he is said to set, so in other places of holy Scriptures he is said to dwell between the Cherubins, both these terms Setting & Dwelling signifying unto them his presence there. Not that he sat or dwelled there in truth and in very deed, as we in our tongue understand or Setting or Dwelling, yet that he was as really there present in that place, as themselves were in the seats they sat on, or in the houses where they dwelled. Concerning the Priests that here were present though the beauty they had was nothing comparable to this beauty, yet considered in itself it was a Beauty no doubt exceeding gratinous & glorious too. They were the 
h Deut. 33. 8.  holy one of God, and had as Moses saith the Urim and Thummim, that is, Light and Perfection, the one signifying their Knowledge, the other their Life and Conversation. Of Priests were two sorts the High Priest and the Rest that were inferior unto him. Concerning the glory of the High Priest we shall the better conceive what it was, if so be we call to mind what the son of Syrac said concerning one of them namely Simon the soon of Onias. He was, 
i Ecclus. 50. 6. 1  saith the son of Syrac, as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the Moon when it is full, and as the Sun shining upon the Temple of the most High, & as the Rainbow that is bright in the fair clouds, and as the flower of the Roses in the spring of the year, and as Lilies by the spring● of waters, and as the branches of the Frankincense tree in the time of Summer, as a fire and incense in the Conser, and as a vessel of massy gold set with all manner of precious stones, and as affair Olive tree that is fruitful, and as a Cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds When he put on the garment of honour and was clothed with all beauty he went up to the holy Altar & made the garment of holiness honourable. concerning the glory of the other Priests which were inferior unto him we may make an estimat by that which there followeth. When he look the portions out of the Priests hands he himself stood by the hearth of the Altar compassed with his brethren round about as the branches do the Cedar tree in L●●●nus, and they compassed him as the branches of the Palm tree. So were all the sons of Aron in their glory & the oblations of the Lord in their hands before all the Congregation of Israel. In a word, the jews they were 
f Levit. 20. 24.  separated as God's peculiar people from all other people beside, and the Priests as more peculiar unto God were 
g Num. 8. 14.  separated from the jews.  
Concerning the presence of the People, if so be in civil Societies whereas they are orderly pyld together and they are not a tabble or a rout, it is no small beauty which in such Societies is to be seen, how much more was the beauty in those Assemblies in so peculiar a People as that was. One Tim●the●● a Captain of Athens being demanded by Themistooles what was the greatest joy that ever he had in all his life, It was, 
h Aelian. l. 13. c. 43.  saith he, when in the Olympian games beginning to play my Prize, the whole Theatre there present behold me with their eyes. And famous is that of the Senators of Rome, who when the Gauls had taken their City, and now were entered into the Senate, They 
i Liv. Det. 1 l 5.  seemed unto them at the first like the Images of the Gods, of such a goodly presence they were. The order observed in these Assemblies as it was far beyond those, so was the Beauty no doubt far faierer, a wortheir object to the eye. It is well seen o God, 
k Ps. 68 24.  saith David, how thou goest, how thou my God and King goest in the Sanctuary. The Singers go before, the Minstrels follow after, in the midst were the Damsels playing with the Timbrels. Nor was it prejudicial to this beauty that there was perhaps in those Assemblies much cockle among the wheat, the bad among the good, all as speaks the 
l Rom. 9 6.  Apostle St Paul, not being Israel that were of Israel, nor all of them Children because they were the seed of Abraham: seeing it was in respect of the better part that this beauty here was thus accounted of. Like as we say in our Creed, The holy Cathalike Church, notwithstanding there are too many neither Catholic therein, nor Holy. But thus much of the Persons, the Parties here present.  
The Things performed in these Assembles wherein this Beauty did consist, was as I said the Public Solemnity of the honour and service of God, both in his word, & Sacraments, and Sacrifices, and Prayer, and Praises: and indeed admirable was the beauty in every of these particulars being beheld with spiritual eyes▪ As first & foremost in the word, to consider how the eternal God at 
m Heb. 1. 1.  sundry times 〈…〉 in diverse manners spoke unto them by the Prophets. Secondly, in the Sacraments, to consider how the same God did bind himself unto them, even as the Debtor bindeth himself by bond unto his Creditor, or man to man by way of Indenture. Thirdly in the Sacrifices to consider what was due unto the sins themselves committed: I say themselves committed, and yet 

n Ovid. Met l. 15.  Placidum pecus, inque tuendos  
Natum homines,  the mild and gentle Sheep, 
Animal sine fraud, dolisque,  the innocent & harmless Ox, they forsooth must die the death. Fourthly in their Prayers, how they needed not now make such Apologies as Abraham did unto the Lord, 
o Gen, 18. 27  Behold now I have begun to speak unto my Lord, and I am but dust and ashes: and again, 
p V. 30▪  Let not my Lord now be angry that I speak: and yet again, 
q V. 32.  Let not my Lord now be angry and I will speak but this once: no they might now talk their fill with him, every Morning, every Evening, both at their Morning and Evening Sacrifice. Lastly in their Praises to consider how they 
r Ps. 150. 1.  praised God in his holiness, praised him in the firmament of his power, praised him in his noble acts, praised him according to his excellent greatness, praised him in the sound of the trumpet, praised him upon the Lute & harp, praised him in the Cymbals & Dances, praised him upon the strings and Pipe, praised him upon the well tuned Cymbals, praised him upon the loud Cymbals. Indeed it was a good thing as 
s Ps. 147. 1.  said the Psalmist to sing praise unto their God, yea a joyful and pleasant thing it was to be thankful. And thus much of the Fair Beauty in respect of the Things performed in those Assemblies: now as touching the Power and Force this Fair Beauty had, which was as you may remember the seconde point to be observed.  
Concerning the Power & Force of this Fair Beauty here specified, we shall take a scantling thereof, if so be we do consider how it ravished this our Prophet, Body, and Soul. First his Soul, and that by way of Contemplation, To behold the Fair Beauty of the Lord: Secondly his Body, & that by way of Action, To visit his Temple: Thirdly in that it caused him to join them both together, & that in the particle, And To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to visit his Temple. And of every of these in their order, & first that his Soul was ravished by way of Contemplation. To behold the fair beauty of the Lord.  
Great is the Power of Beauty though it be but worldly beauty such as is the beauty of women, Is not the king 
t 1. Esd. 4. 28.  saith Zorobabel great in his power? Do not all regions fear to touch him? Yet I saw him and Apame the king's concubine, the daughter of the famous Bartacus, sitting on the right hand of the king. And she took the crown of the king's bead, and put it upon her own, and struck the king with her left hand, Yet in the mean season the king gaped and gazed on her, and if she laughed at him, he laughed, and if she were angry with him he did ●latten her that he might he reconciled with her. The sons of God 
u Gen. 6. 7.  saith the Scripture saw the daughters of men that they were fair and they took them wives of all that they liked. Behold 
c Gen. 12. 11  saith Abraham to Sara I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon, therefore it will come to pass that when the Egyptians see thee they will say she is his wife, so they will kill me but they will keep thee alive. Now if so be in worldly beauty which is but a superficial colour only covering the blood, skin, & bones, things most hideous to be beheld, & that which Diseases some times, always Age 
● F'evit ut in speculo ruga● adspexit aniles Tyndaris. Ovid. Metam. l. 15  doth deform, the power and force thereof is so great, what may we think of this Beauty which was ever the self same, as fresh in David's times as it was in the time of Moses, and in the times of the Prophets after, as in David's long before, nay much more fresh & glorious, having a most beautiful Temple to adorn it, the Temple of jerusalem. Howbeit here we are to note that the beauty here specified was not outward so much as within, and therefore needed an inward eye, the eye of Contemplation. The King's daughter 
e Ps. 45. 14.  saith the Prophet is all glorious within, quite contrary to worldly beauty. Worldly beauty as you hard even now reacheth no further than to the skin, to the outward Superficies, It may be fair without and foul within, much like to the Egyptian Temples which were marvellous beautiful without, but within instead of a God, they had a Crocodile, or a Cat, or some strange serpent more me●●● for a cave, or a den, I for adunghill saith an ancient 
f Clem. Alex Padag. l. 3. c. 2.  Father then for a place so gorgeous. It was not so with this Temple. There was beauty without in deed, but more, much more within, and therefore not to beseen with corporal eyes so much, such as are common to us with Flies, & Gnats, as with the eye of understanding, even with those ●●s as speaks 
g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Theod. Graee Affect. C●r●● Ser. 11.  Theodoret, which faith hath put into our heads. And thus much for the Prophet's eye, the Eye of Contemplation: not the eye he beheld when time was the beauty of 
h 2. Sam. 11. 2.  Bathsheba with, no he was now blind on that side, but the eye of the mind, and of the soul, To behold the fair beauty of the Lord. The thing I noted here was that it ravished his Body to, and that by way of Action, & that in causing him to take the pains to go himself in person thither, and therefore now concerning his body: To visit his Temple.  
The word Temple in this place doth not argue that this Psalm was made after the building of the Temple, & that consequently it was none of david's, the Temple in David's time not being built, for even long before this time it was i said of Eli the Priest, 
●. Sam. 1. 9  that he fate upon a stool by one of the posts of the Temple. It is by a kind of figure then that it is termed here the Temple, like as S. Jerome upon Ezechiel, we in steed of the city No 
k Hieron. in Ezech. l. 9 c. 30.  saith he, have translated it Alexandria; for that it was afterward so called; and S. 
l Aug. de Consens. Evang l. 2. c. 17.  Austin to this purpose, we hear that Christ's disciples were bidden to the marriage at Cana in Galylie, not that they were his disciples then and that at that time, but that they were afterwards so to be. But now concerning the Action of visiting the Temple.  
The verb To visit being a frequentative intimates unto us the frequency of the Prophet David's going to that Temple, his frequency of going thither the fervency of his desire. Concerning his frequency of going thither it was well observed by the 
m Arist. Eth. l. 1. c. 7.  Philosopher that a habit is not gotten 〈…〉 only action, no more than one fair he speaks▪ in an other case, or one fair day makes a summer. It ●as well observed by him in 
n Ethic. l. ●. c. 4.  another place, that it it not the multiplicity of actions neither that doth denominate the party virtuous but if he do them virtuously: as aiust man if he do just things justly, a temperate man if he do temperate things temperately. In regard whereof the 
o Vid. jew. else Defence of the Articles. Art. 5. Diu. 5 and M. Hooker Eccl. P●●. l. 5. Sect. 62.  Canonists were wont to say that God was the rewarder of Adverbs, not of Nouns, and our Saviour to this purpose, 
p Mat. 6. 22  If thy eye be single, thy whole body shallbe light, but if thine eye be wicked them all thy body shallbe dark: that is as S. Austen 
q August. de Serm. Dom. in Mont●. l. 2  interprets it, such shallbe thy deeds as thy intention is to do them. These two points the one of Multiplicity the other of Quality are both of them intimated here in this single sole word of Visiting: To Visit implieth both; First it implies a Frequency of going to the Temple, as if the Prophet had meant his feet should even wear out the very steps of the door. Secondly, it implies his Feruenty of spirit which manifestly showeth that what was done was done religiously. And this it is that must be done, and it must be done thus, that must be held to be such an action as the Prophet protesteth here he would perform. If either of these two want, or Frequency, or Fervency, it makes us like a bird that hath but one only wing, well we may hop to Church, but fly thither we cannot, we shall never be able as speaks the 
r Esay. 60. 8  Prophet, to fly thither like a cloud, and as the Doves to their windows.  
The joining of both these puts me in mind of the third point, namely how this our Prophet joineth likewise together, Contemplation and Action both, & that in the particles [And] To behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his Temple: so that he seems not to say as 
s Mach▪ Comment. l. 2. c. 2 & l. 3. c. 3.  Machiavel in another case, Divide & Impera, divide them and master them both: but as it was 
t Quintil. Inst. l. 6. c. 4.  said of the Ship rather, Si dividis, per d●●: If ●● once divide it, you mar all. And there fore what the Apostle 
u 1. Cor. 7. ●.  saith of married folks, Defraud not one another except it be with consent for a time that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and again come together that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency, may not ●●fitly be applied as to the two lives the Contemplatiur and Active in general, so to this Contempletion and Action of the Prophet here in particular. Our Souls and Bodies are 
Car● atque Anima velut quada●● lege sociantur con●ugii. Ambr. de Abrah. Pa ●iarch. l. 2. c. 6.  Man and Wife as it were, so lovely linked together that till death itself depart them, no Divorce betwixt the both. With consent indeed they often times 
1. Cor. 7. ●.  defraud one another, that so they may give themselves to fasting and prayer, and what is this but the Life Contemplative? But afterwards they come together again, and are careful for things convensent for them, and this is the Life Active. These two several lives the Active and Contemplative have had their several well-willers from the beginning of the world to this day, while some preferring the one Life, some the other, have wholly addicted themselves or to the one, or to the other. Much I confess may be spoken in the behalf of either of them, but when all comes to all, the Life that joins them both together and unites these two Roses, the White as it were and the Red, is the Life in my opinion best accepted with God and man. I appeal in this case to Antiquity itself, which took such strict order that very Monks who had betaken themselves to Contemplation, should not be 
d Vid. A●gde Opere Monach. Tom. 3.  labourlesse notwithstanding; I they were to work with their own hands, & that to get their own living. Howbeit the Action here meant by the Prophet in this place, is not an Action of this nature, it was to use his feet not his hands, especially his hands in a Mechanical kind of sort. It was indeed to use those feet of his to the often coming to the Temple, and not upon the wagging of a straw, or to absent himself from thence, or to make of his own house a Chapel of ease. Hence it is that he so often 
Ps 26. 12.  voweth unto God the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving in the Congregation, that he so 
f Ps. 134. 2.  earnestly exhorteth others to sing praises to the Lord in his Courts, in his 
g Ps. 134. 3.  Sanctuary, before the 
h Ps. 30. 5.  Memorial of his Holiness, and so much complaineth of his own uncomfortable exile, 
i See M Hooker Eccles. Pol. l. 5. Sect. ●4.  wherein although he sustained many most grievous indignities, and endured the want of sundry both pleasures and honours before enjoyed, yet as if this one were his only grief and the rest not felt, his speeches are all of the heavenly benefit of 
k Ps. 27. 4. 42. 4. 84. 1.  Public Assemblies, and the happiness of such as had free access thereunto. And as the Prophet here in this place thus joineth them together, so doubt less no good Professor that lived in those times but also did the like, joining and coupling both together, least with idle Contemplation without coming at all to Church Assemblies he might vanish away in his speculation, or coming to Church Assemblies without the benefit of Contemplation he should be like to those who 
l Esay. 29. 13.  came near to the Lord with their mouths, and honoured them with their lips, but their hart was far from him. And thus much of the Reason of the Prophet's Petition in this place, the Beauty of the Church that so much moved him to be so desirous to go to Church. Now to apply what hath been spoken, and to make such use of it as is fit, & to come to the mark itself whereat I first aimed when I first made choice of this Text. To behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to visit his Temple.  
Little wrong was done to Saul by the woman of Israel when they made it the burden of their song, 
m 1. Sam. 18. 7.  Saul hath slain his thousand, and David his ten thousand. The unlike deserts of these two Princes, 
n M. D King on jonas. Lect. 1.  saith a worthy Divine of our days, might justly admit an unlike commendation. Our Saviour in the Gospel indeed 
o Luk. 5. 39  preferreth old wine before new: but in the same Gospel if we mark it, he preferreth the New 
p Luk. 7. 28.  Testament before the old. There is no greater Prophet than john, 
q Mat 11. 11.  saith he, among them that are begotten of women, nevertheless he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he, the kingdom of God being there taken as the kingdom of heaven, Matthew the third at the second verse, and the Gospel of the kingdom, Matthew the fourth at the three & twenty verse, and the word of the kingdom, Matthew the thirteenth at the nineteenth verse, in a word, as our Saviour meant when he said, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to a Nation which shall bring forth the fruits thereof, Matthew the one and twentieth at the three and fortieth verse.  
These things thus, Beloved, it shall be no disparagement to the Temple here in this place, if so be we prefer before it the Beauty of our Temples. The Beauty I told you of this Temple consisted in two points, First in regard of the Parties that there were present: Secondly in regard of the Things performed in those Assemblies. The Parties present were first the Lord himself, than the Priests, then the People. The Things performed in those Assemblies was the Public Solemnity of God's worship both in the Word, and Sacraments, and Sacrifices, and Prayer, and Praises: and doth not the Church of God whereof our Assemblies are every of them parts and parcels, of the self same nature the Church is, even the meanest Assembly that is (so it be a Congregation) doth not the Church I say so far▪ excel that Synagogue as the Sun in his brightness the meanest star? Begin we first of all with God's presence, and is it not more in Christian Assemblies than it was to the israelites in that Temple: At sundry times and in diverse manners 
Heb. 1. 1.  saith the Apostle to the Hebrews God spoke in the old time to our Fathers by the Prophets, in these last days he hath spoken to us b●… sin: & never spoke Prophet ●…e the Son, john the seaventh ●…e six and fortith verse. O but you ●…ay God himself spoke to Moses, ●…es hard his 
Numb. 7. 89.  own voice: I grant he did; and was not the same voice of the same God hard also in the new Testament first upon the baptism of our Saviour, Matthew the third at the seaventeenth vers, secondly, at another time john the 12 at the eight and twenty verse? True it is, it was at those times, it was then, it is not now, howbeit as S. Austen in the matter of the Tongues, To one that should say 
Aug. de Temp. Ser. 188.  saith he if thou hast received the Holy Ghost why then speakest thou not as did the Apostles with diversity of tongues, thou mayst answer him again, yes, I speak with diversity of tongues, for I am in the body of Christ that is the Church, which speaketh with such diversity: right so may we say in this case, no particular Church whatsoever but in regard this was spoken to our Saviour Christ the head thereof, but hath the benefit of those words, and may be said to have hard the voice of God.  
Now as we have God the father here, the first Person in Trinity, so have we here God the son to, even as he testified of himself, where two or three 
u Mat. 18. 20.  saith he are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Not as he was in the midst between the two thieves, giving influence to the one, and none at all to the other, Luke the three & twentith at the three and fortith verse, but as he was in the midst of the 
c Luk. 2. 46  Doctors, or in the midst of the 
x Luk. 24. 36.  eleven Apostles, or if not so personally for he is now at the right hand of God, & there setteth as speak the 
y Mark. 16. 19  Scriptures, yet as he was in the midst of the candleslickes Revelation the first at the thirteenth verse.  
Over and beside the Son of God, we have God the holy Ghost to, of whom our Saviour himself said, that he should abide with us for ever, and is therefore called by Tertullian, The 
z Tertull. de Vir. upland.  Vicar of Christ upon earth. True it is they had in their Temple this Trinity as well as we, the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost, for they were but one God both then, & now, & ever; but come to the manner of their being there, & being with us in our Assemblies, and it was a riddle to the jews, we that have ploughed with 
a judg. 14. 18.  Sampsons' heifer, that is, with the holy Scriptures, have easily found it out. You shall hear Dichers & Delvers saith 
b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Theodor. ad Graec. Insid. Ser. 5.  Theodoret of the Christians in his time, and he spoke it not in scorn neither, reasoning about the Trinity.  
Over and beside the Holy Trinity, we have the Angels to, here present, in regard of whom the Apostle in his Epistle to the 
c 1. Cor. 11 10.  Corinthians, The woman ought to have power on her head, that is, to have her head covered, because of the Angels. Nor are they present only as Spectators, but they assist us after a sort, I they solace themselves in the beauty of this house according to that of St 
d 1. Pet. 1. 12.  Peter, The which things the Angels desire to behold: speaking of the mysteries published in the Gospel. The word 
e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bezain 1. Pet. 1. 12.  Beholding there used, being the same that was used of himself when he looked so diligently into the 
f Luk. 24. 12.  sepulchre, and the Apostle alluding thereby as it is thought to the figure of the Cherubins that were so fashioned by the hand of the work man, as if they had 
g Exod. 25. 20.  looked into the Ark.  
Concerning the other Parties that were present, namely the Priests and People, how infinitely in each of them do we Christians out strip the jews? First concerning our Priests they are not in deed so gorgeous in attire as they were, but being Ministers of better things, how are they more beautiful notwithstanding? How beautiful 
h Rom. 10. 15.  saith the Apostle are the feet of them which bring glad tidings of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things? And St chrysostom, he compares them in one 
i Chrys. de Eucharist. in Euc●●.  place to the Angels, in another 
k Chrys. de Sac●●d. l. 3.  place he prefers them far before them. To them saith he that inhabit the earth and are conversant therein, is committed the dispensing of those things which are in heavn. They have that power given unto them which he never gave to Angels, no not Archangels themselues.  
Concerning the People, they indeed were a Nation, but they were but one Nation, we the whole world. And therefore as our Saviour 
l Mark. 28. 19  said to his disciples, Go and teach all Nations, so they went and taught them severally; 
m See Euseb. l. 3. c. 1. & Hieron. Ca●al. script. Ecclesiast.  S. john the Asians, S. Andrew the Achaians, S. Matthew the Ethiopians, S. Philip the Phrygians, S. Bartholomew the Indians, S. Thomas the Parthians, and so forth, their sound 
n Rom. 10▪ 18.  saith the Apostle went out through all the earth, and their words into the end of the world. Or if so be they went not to all places in their own proper persons, as S. Austen 
o Aug. ep. 80  seems to be of opinion, yet hath every Nation now, or at the least wise hath had the benefit of that doctrine which the Apostle delivered to those nations that in their own persons they then visited. We may well add unto this point that peculiar honour and testimonial that is given unto Christians in that they are said so 
p 1. Cor. 3. 16. 2 Cor. 6. 16  many times to be themselves the Temple of God, I every of them in particular in regard of their 
q 1. Cor. 6. 19  bodies to be the Temple of the holy Ghost. But thus much of outstripping them in regard of the Parties present: that we no less outstrip them to, in regard of the Pub like Solemnity of God's worship, namely in the Word, and Sacraments, and Sacrifices, and Prayer, and Praises, remaineth now to be declared, & first concerning the Word.  
First then concerning the word, they had Moses I grant, and they had the Prophets. Moses as speaks Theodoret, who was the 
r Theodoret. ad Graec. Insid. ser. 2.  Ocean of Divinity, and instructed mouth to mouth as it were by God himself; the Prophets, who were the floods and so many rivers as it were derived from him. Moses he delivered them the Law, the Prophets they were the Interpreters of that Law. Both Moses and Prophets so complete at that time for the salvation of the jews, that that of Abraham unto Dives concerning the salvation of his brethren then living, 
s Luk. 16. 29.  They have Moses and the Prophets let them hear them, was an argument that would not admit of any reply that Dives made. For when he answered thereupon, 
t v. 30.  Nay Father Abraham, but if one come unto them from the dead, they will amend their lives, the Patriarch holds himself to his first resolution, 
u v. 31.  If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead again. Now if they were then taught so wholly and perfectly by Moses & the Prophets alone, how much better is our case who have the Apostles, and Evangelists annexed unto them? Moses and the Prophets indeed being a light as S. Peter 
c 2. Pet. 1. 19  speaketh, that shineth in a dark place, but the Apostles, and Evangelists as the day star arising in our hearts. And thus much of the Word.  
How far we outstrip them in the Sacraments S. 
d Aug epist. 118▪ & de Doct. Christ. l. 3. c. 9  Austen will bear us witness, who speaking of theirs, and ours; we, saith he, are not pressed with the heavy burden they were, but our Lord & his Apostles have delivered unto us a few Sacraments in steed of many, and the same in performing most easy, in signification most excellent, in observation most reverend, and he nameth in that place Baptism and the Supper. True it is the Apostle 
e 1. Cor. 10 1.  saith, they were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and were baptised unto Moses in the cloud, and in the sea; and again, 
f v. 3.  they did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank of the spiritual rock that followed them and the rock was Christ, howbeit this which the Apostle saith is in regard of the substance & effect of the Sacraments, the signification of our Sacraments is much more clear than theirs was.  
In our Sacrifices we are farther before them then in our Sacraments, having had in our church the self same Sacrifice really acted, whereof all their Sacrifices were but shadows. For if the blood of Bulls, 
g Heb. 9 13  saith the Apostle, and of Goats, and the ashes of an Haifer sprinkling them that are unclean, sanctifieth as touching the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ which through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And again a little after, The law, 
h Heb. 10. ●  saith he, having the shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those Sacrifices which they offer year by year continually sanctify the comers thereunto. 
i v. 4.  For it is impossible that the blood of Balls and Goats should take away sins. Now if so be we would know the virtue of our Sacrifice, though it were but one, their Sacrifices being many, with one offering, 
k v. 14.  saith the Apostle, hath he consecrated for ever them that are sanctified. And he had said a little 
l Heb 9 27.  before As it is appointed unto men that they shall once die & after that cometh the judgement, so Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many. And comparing his Priesthood with theirs, Among them, 
m Heb 7. 23  saith he, many were made Priests, because they were not suffered to endure by the reason of death, but this man because he endureth ever, hath an everlasting Priesthood. And again a little after, 
n Heb. 7. ●●  Such a High Priest it became us to have which is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens, which needed not daily as those High Priests, to offer up Sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the People's, for that did he once when he offered up himself. Comparing then those Sacrifices with this of ours, I may say of them as did Theodoret of the like offered by the Gentiles, they were such kind of Sacrifices as were fit for 
o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Theodor et. ad Graec. Infidel. Ser. 7.  Hucksters and Butcher's to make.  
Lastly concerning Prayer, wherein I comprehend with the 
p Zanch. de Redemp. l. 1. c. 19  Learned not only the ask of things needful for us, and deprecation of things hurtful, but the confession of our sins, the praises of God, and giving thanks for benefits received at his hands, how far we outstrip the jews, witness that of the Prophet Malachi, who comparing both together theirs & ours, From the rising of the Sun, 
q Malac. 1. 11.  saith he, unto the going down of the same, my name is great among the Gentiles, & in every place Incense shall be offered unto my name, & a pure offering. Now what is this Incense but Prayers, for so the Holy Ghost himself interprets Incense, Revelation the fifth at the eight verse. And that this Pure Offering is the same, witness that of Tertullian 
r Tertul. advers. Marcian. l. 4.  a Pure Offering, that is, a Pure Prayer from a conscience that is pure, for it so be, as speaks the same Father in another 
s Tertul Exhort. ad Cast.  place, the Conscience blush, Prayer itself will blush too. I but you will say, since these our Prayers must needs taste of the cask from whence they come, and the cask is very impure be it the Conscience, or the Heart of man, how can they be the Pure Offering here spoken of in this place? I answer according to Scripture that there is in heaven a certain 
t Rev. 8. 3.  Angel, it is indeed our Saviour Christ, that goes and stands before the Altar having a golden Censer and much odours given unto him that he should offer with our prayers. Howsoever then as proceeding from our selue, sthey are tainted and corrupt, yet are they sweetened by our Saviour, provided that they be infirmities only that taint them not loud crying sins, for if they once come to that pass, then farewell all approaching and appearing in God's sight. When you shall stretch out your hands, I, saith the 
u Esay, 1. 15  Lord, will hide mine eyes from you, and though you make many prayers I will not hear: the reason he gives immediately, for your hands are full of blood; and yet immediately after that too, as if he were loath to give even such an utter repulse, Wash you, 
c v. 16.  saith he, make you clean, take away the Evil of your works from before mine eyes, cease to do evil, learn to do well, and so forth, Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord, though your sins were as crimson they shall be made white as snow, though they were red like scarlet they shall be as wool. And to this end and purpose hath the Church of God for this sixteen hundred years and upward been in her several Congregations continually on her knees. We come by troops, 
x Tertul. Apol. l. 1. c 39  saith Tertullian, that being banded as it were together, we may be supplicants enough, not so much to beseech, as to beseige God with our prayers. This force to God is most acceptable. The sound of men, women, children, & infants, 
y Basil Hexam Hom. 4.  saith St Basil, praying in the Church together, seems like the sound of the waves beating against the sea shore. 
z Hieron. in 2. Prooem. ad Gal.  St jerom, he likens it to the noise of Thunder, and in another place discoursing of the Funerals of Fabiola, The Psalms, 
a Hieron. ad Ocean. Epitaph. Fabiol.  saith he, did sound a loud, and the Haleluiah that was sung did shake at that instant the golden feelings of the Temple with the noise it made.  
But of all the Beauties in our Church nothing so beautiful indeed as the Beauty of our Saviour. He was, saith 
b Aug in Ps. 44.  St Austen, a beautiful God, he was the word that was with God, he was beautiful in his mother's womb, where he lost not his Divinity, and yet he took Humanity on him. He was beautiful being borne an Infant, because when he was an Infant, when as he sucked the dug, and was carried in his mother's arms, the heavens spoke, the Angels praised him, the stars directed the wise men to him, he was adored in the manger being to be meat convenient for the mouths of gentle Beasts. And this is that fair beauty which we celebrate this day. This day it was that having made for himself a Tabernacle, as speaks Theodoret, in the womb of the Virgin, he issued forth from thence both 
c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Theodoret. de Graec. Affect. Ser. 6.  a visible man, and a God to be adored. Born of the substance of the Father before all worlds, but assuming that of the Virgin Mary which did appear to the world. Borne, saith the same Father, as it were this day, and yet from all eternity. Born of his Father, 
d Aug de Temp. Ser. 12  saith St Austen, without a mother he created every day, borne of his mother without a Father he hath consecrated this day, so that where as, saith he, in the world's beginning man was made to the likeness of God, the case is altered now at this time, for this day God is made to the likeness of man. Nor let it seem incredible, saith the same 
e August. de Temp. Ser. 181.  Father, that he should be borne of a Virgin, who out of the Virgin earth made the first man that ever was.  
These the Beauties of our Church, and of every our several Congregations, what remaineth but our desires in respect of them be such as was the Prophets concerning the Temple, namely to behold there these fair beauties, and to visit these places, that if so be that Beauty were so powerful with the Prophet which was so far inferior unto ours, ours with us should be more powerful as being far more beautiful and so far superior unto theirs. Let it ravish then our Souls by way of Contemplation, and like a load stone draw our Bodies to by way of Action to these places, and let us join here Body and Soul by Contemplation and Action both. Let us not take as God's name, so not his beauty in vain, if so be the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his 
f Exod. ●0. 7.  name in vain, how will he judge those another day that so much contemn this his Beauty?  
And to the better effecting hereof let us come often to this House, and as the word used here is a frequentative, so let our deeds be frequent to. To come not at all with the Popish Recusant, or but monthly with the false hearted Protestant, or in the forenoon or afternoon only with the half Christian, or when Service is half done with the careless gospeler, or when there is a Sermon only with the Precisian, are vices all of a quality, though not all of the self same quantity, all able to drown us though not all after one sort. The Precisian he is drowned as it were in rose water, Moses and the Prophets are nothing with him here, unless forsooth they be interpreted: The careless gospeler in a bowl of water, a little serves his turn: The half Christian in mud & water: The false hearted Protestant in a river of water, but the Recusant he that will never be here, and that utterly shuneth these Assemblies, he is drowned in a sea of water, drowned in deed as are the rest, but the manner of his drowning more dreadful, so much the farther from all hope as he will needs be far thest from all help. If now you demand of me how often you should come hither. I answer even as often as this Beauty here is to be seen in the Public Service of our God. Whether on the Saboth day, or on 
g Nostridies festi in 40 praecepto nomine Sabbathi comprehensi. Zanch. de Redemp. l. 1 c. 9  Holy days, or even on the week days to, specially Masters & Mistresses of families, unless as 
h Zanch. ●b. qu. 2.  Zanchius well states the question, our sickness is such as that we cannot come, or our affairs of such importance that we may not defer them till an other time. He that at every time else comes when ever opportunity is offered, it is a sign he is enamoured with this Beauty of the Lord, and he that with this Beauty is so enamoured in this world, shall an other day behold his fairer Beauty, and visit his other Temple in the world to come. Of which Beauty, & which Temple to speak in S. Austin's 
i August. de Tripl. Habitac. c 4.  phrase, whatsoever a man shall say it is as it were but a drop in comparison of the Sea, & a spark in respect of a fire. For how, saith the same 
Aug. in Ps. 85.  Father, should it possibly come into the tongue of man, that could never come as yet into the hart of man. It being an invincible truth which the Apostle 
l 1. Cor. 2. 9  S. Paul delivereth, The things which eye hath not seen▪ neither ear hath hard, neither came into man's hart, are, which God hath prepared for them that love him.  
The same God so bless us and the seed that hath been sown, etc.  
FINIS.