an assortment of birds, and small and large animals, wild and domestic, look on as a crowd of people face a hunchbacked dwarf under a tree. In the background is a mountain range.   

AESOPICKS: OR, A Second Collection OF FABLES, paraphrased in Verse, Adorned with Sculpture, and Illustrated with Annotations.  
By JOHN OGILBY, Esq HIS MAJESTY's Cosmographer, Geographick Printer, and Master of the Revels in the Kingdom of IRELAND.  
Examples are best Precepts: And a Tale, Adorned with Sculpture, better may prevail To make Men lesser Beasts, than all the store of tedious Volumes vexed the world before.  
The Third Edition.  
LONDON: Printed for T. Basset, R. Clavel, and R. Chiswel, at the George in Fleetstreet, at the Peacock, and the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Churchyard. 1675.   

To the most Illustrious Prince, CHARLES FITZ-ROY EARL of SOUTHAMPTON, Heir in Succession to the Duchy of CLEVELAND, And Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter: THIS SECOND COLLECTION OF AESOPICKS, paraphrased in Verse, Adorned with Sculpture, and Illustrated with Annotations; CONTAINING EXEMPLARY PRECEPTS OF Virtue and Morality, Equally Accommodated to the Generous and Heroic Spirits of Noble Youth, as well as the more Serious Studies of the Grave and Judicious, ARE MOST HUMBLY PRESENTED, DEDICATED, and DEVOTED, BY His Honour's most Humble and Obedient Servant, JOHN OGILBY.   

 Juno, crowned, and with her sceptre, looks down from the clouds on the peacock   

AESOP'S FABLES.  
The Second Part.  

FAB. I. Of Juno and the Peacock.  

THUS on his Patroness her Bird did call,  
O thou that Empress art of Heavens Whitehall,  
Whom all the Gods in their Star-Chamber sat  
Court and Consult, like Jove, or sullen Fate:  
Whom I so oft in Dangers hurried by  
Orion the grand Hector of the Sky,  
The mighty Dragon, Great and Lesser Bears,  
And all the Monsters in their several Spheres;  
Hear my Request, lest wanting your Relief,  
I suffocate with overcharging Grief.   

Then Juno said, you my old Servant are,  
And long your Business well performed with Care;  
What e'er you ask, assure yourself of me,  
If feasible, if in my Power it be,  
If yet not granted by my Husband Jove,  
Nor any other Deity above:  
I own you for your Service in that Night  
When all Heaven's Houses set not out one Light,  
The Sky in Black to the Horizon hung,  
When in a Jealous Fit mad forth I fling,:  
Hadst thou not heard his Waves my Brother rate,  
Realms in Commotion forming to a State,  
We in the Hurly-burly had been dipped,  
And o'er our Stern rebellious Surges shipped;  
When with a Canceleer thou drewest to Land,  
Where his fine Mistress felt my heavy Hand:  
No more durst she me in my Bed supplant,  
Nor Jove, though armed with Thunder, her Gallant.   

Her in good humour finding, the glad Bird  
Thus his Petition to Heaven's Queen preferred:   

Now many Years have circling Periods filled,  
Since that the summoned Gods a Council held,  
When Jove and you were Crowned in Starry Robes,  
O'er the Celestial and Terrestrial Globes,  
Old Saturn fallen, Cov'nanting Giants slain,  
Government changed, began your Silver Reign:  
Then, Madam, I, commanded forth by you,  
Through Milky Paths your Golden Chariot drew,  
New Conquests visiting from Sphere to Sphere,  
In this your Livery, which now I wear,  
Laced with all Colours deck both Earth and Skies,  
Embroidered with an hundred Argus Eyes;  
Yet I would prouder be of coursest Rags,  
Than be the scorn of Linets, Stairs, and Mags;  
My ill-set Music Wrens and Robbins mock,  
Nay, Buzzards make my Notes their Laughingstock.  
Oh grant me Philomel's enchanting Voice,  
That I may You, and Gods, and Men rejoice.   

Then angry Juno, This no farther move,  
Peculiar Gifts long since were passed by Jove▪  
Perquisits, Fees, and their Emoluments,  
And ratified with all the God's consents:  
To beg what is another's Patent wave;  
They to the Eagle Strength, thee Beauty gave,  
The Raven Fate, the Crow Ill-luck to tell,  
Chief Chorister conferred on Philomela:  
Take heed lest I transform you to a Coot,  
And sure your Livery to your Note and Foot.   

MORAL.  
Some all Enjoyments slight; what they have not,  
Though mean the Augmentation, must be got:  
So those that in Felicity may dwell,  
In quest of Trifles make their Heaven a Hell.    

FAB. II. Of the Ox and Dog in the Manger.  

TO day this Ox gave more than ample Proofs  
Of patiented Labour by his graveled Hoofs,  
His Back and Sides pinked o'er with nettling Goads,  
Turning hard Gleab in Ridges wide as Roads;  
Who, late, and tired, unyoked went to his Stall,  
Not doubting there he should to Supper fall,  
Seeing full Mangers, and his well-known Place,  
When up a Fury started in his Face,  
Jaws dropping Foam, his fierce Eyes darting Flame▪  
A cursed Cur, Cromwell his loathed Name;  
Dutch Cromwell a vile Sooterkin his Sire,  
The Offspring of a Stove and smothering Fire;  
Whom,  the Nurse or Midwife could attach  
To stifle, pregnant made his Mother's Brach:  
She in her Pangs had all the Ufroes' help,  
When her whole Litter proved this single Whelp,  
Who snarling kept the Ox thus at a bay,  
Not suffering him to touch one Lock of Hay.   

Then said the troubled Ox, Pray Sir forbear,  
I know you stand for no Protector here;   
 the ox confronts the dog in the manger, while their owner wields a cudgel. 
Fab. 2.   

Why then thus drive you me from Cates prepared?  
Who toil, from Victuals should not be debarred.  
Soon as the Dawn vermiled her paler Brow,  
I and my Yoaks-mate Harnessed were at Blow,  
Where Clods and Stones we up in Furrows tore,  
Fallow had lain at least nine Years before:  
My Brother, choir wrought out, harrass'd, and tired,  
Fainting, dropped down, and suddenly expired:  
They swore he feigned, I sighed to see him fall,  
Yet Rest expected at his Funeral:  
But then our cruel Goader put me to  
A double Task, the Work that both should do.   

I know you at your Master's Elbow wait,  
And seldom shift, I'm sure, an empty Plate;  
Know, in the Hall, Kitchen, and Larder, you,  
Besides your Vails, take more than what's your Due;  
How in the Beggar's Dole you go a snip,  
And I have seen you miching after Sheep.  
Why drive you me then from my well-known Crib,  
And from what you disdain to touch, thus snib?   

Who growling, thus replied: Err, err, I hate  
Wretches maintain themselves by Toil and Sweat:  
My Mother told me once, to her reproach,  
A Whelp she drew a little Tadpoles Coach;  
No Idlers suffered in United Bogs,  
There they turn Spits, draw Water, Blow with Dogs:  
Those who are born to beat their Brains and Toil,  
Their Fortune's despicable are, and vile.   

Whilst the poor Ox stood chewing a Reply,  
Their Master, well observing them, drew nigh,  
And with a Cudgel spiteful Cromwell banged,  
And after, for like Misdemeanours, hanged.   

MORAL.  
Who others drive from that themselves not use,  
Those Dogs in Doublets, worse than Turks or Jews,  
Such cross-grained Curs, may they in want implore,  
Finding no Pity, Bread from Door to Door.    

 the leopard, fox and donkey lying on its back, with a dead stag in front of a wood. Another stag is hunted in the background. 
Fab. 3.  FAB. III. Of the Leopard, the Fox, and the Ass.  

SOon as the Sun, Days glorious Lamp, arose,  
Night's glittering Guards retired to their Repose,  
The newmade Master of the Royal Game,  
Lord Leopard, to a Crystal Fountain came,  
Where he the Fox and Ass at Watering met,  
Not of his new Employment hearing yet;  
To whom he said▪ Congees forbear and Caps,  
I hate all Compliments and Formal Fops;  
You are my Tenants, at this living Spring  
Let's Tope a while; A Health, here's to the King,  
Who last Night graciously my Warrant signed:  
You know my Place, but I'll to you be kind,  
Your former Walks shall all confirmed be,  
Only my Secretary pay his Fee:  
And since the Morning smiles, no sign of change,  
Let's take the Air, and through the Forest range,  
And if by chance on a Fat Buck we fall,  
We'll share alike, and be Hail-fellows all.  
They take his Word, at the first Motion joined,  
As if Indentures Tripartite were signed;  
And singling out a well-sed Deer they slew,  
Expecting, as agreed upon, their Due.   

Then spoke the Leopard in a rougher style,  
You Ass, come hither and divide the Spoil;  
Reynard's a cunning Snap; you may be Just:  
But ah! in this bad World whom shall we trust?  
When Beasts called Saints, that only have a Form  
Of Godliness, rage with a Greedy-worm.   

The Ass Commissioned thus, as soon as said,  
The Quarry out in three Divisions laid,  
His Honour then beseeching first to choose.  
A while he pondering stood, as in a muse;  
Volleys of Oaths at last a Passage found,  
That made Earth tremble, and the Groves resound:  
Thus closing all; Now by the Lion's Head,  
Thou wert in some malignant City bred,  
Thus learnest thou there to weigh out, slice, and mince  
Thus measured they Rebellion 'gainst their Prince,  
Dividing in the late unnatural Stirs  
The Lion's Ermine, and his Nobles Furs;  
Skinners on Stalls, took in their cruel Toils,  
Hung Panther's Vests, and Leopards gaudy Spoils.  
Thus raving, at the Innocent he flies:  
Soon guiltless Blood the savage Monster dies.   

Then turning to the Fox, bids him divide:  
At his Friend's Fortune strangely terrified,  
Soon as the Shares he up in one could get,  
Himself and them casts humbly at his Feet:  
Who smiling said, The Court you understand,  
And Great Ones Power well as Lawcases scanned:  
How could you hit, at what he shot so wide?   

I took my aim from him, the Fox replied;  
Here lies the Precedent shall bear your Cause,  
And fetch you off with Honour and Applause  
In any Court, prove this a mild Rebuke,  
And how the saucy Beast himself mistook.   

Then said the Leopard, You to purpose speak,  
Lay the whole Burden on the Asses Back;  
Then shall the Country, and the City too,  
Bring thee more Work than all Inns can do:  
For such a Lawyer, active, wise, and stout,  
That labours well, can bring what's what about,  
Blanche Crows, turn Cat in Pan a thousand ways,  
Who will not such to Wealth and Honour raise?  
But he whoever to this Fat Buck pretends,  
Had better, Damn Me, eat his Trotters ends.   

MORAL.  
'Tis dangerous to deal with Hectoring Lords,  
That seldom pay but such as carry Swords;  
Bonds, Bills, not signify; when sure's the Debt  
If due at l'Hombre, or a Game at Beat.    

FAB. iv Of the Fox and the Porcupine.  

SIr Reynard's Pregnant Madam now grown big,  
Longed to eat Swine's Flesh, Bacon, Pork, or Pig,  
T' inspect the Haslet and the bleeding Heart,  
Else with her quickening Embryo she must part.  
Thus hastened forth, to store with fresh Supplies  
His fainting Wife, a Porcupine he spies;  
Then joyful, said, What need I farther prog?  
Yond Urchin, that small Parcel of a Hog  
Will ease her Fit: But how shall I take in  
This Armourers Hall, this thwacked up Magazine?  
To Storm a Fort so Fortified, decline;  
When Reynard thus began to undermine.   

Oft have I seen you, Sir, and wondered long,  
How like an Army Forty thousand strong  
You brandished Pikes, Shafts ready drawn to shoot,  
Would dim the Sun, and rout both Horse and Foot;  
Such moving Towers, that so could javelins spend,  
The Lion's Army might entrenched defend.   

Had th' Okeland Fleet in every Vessel two  
Such Engines, Quivers could unload like you,  
Useless were bouncing Broadsides, without noise  
Decks would be cleared of big-boned Belgic Boys.   

Fab. 4.   the fox encounters the porcupine under a tree by a road. There are craggy hills in the background.  

But why where Quiet reigns, in such a Heat  
Walk you the sultry Streets in Arms complete?  
Sweat with a Load would break a Camels Back?  
When your grand Cutters, and your greatest Heck,  
On each Punctilio fight as they would Play,  
And lightly Armed with Whittles, Kill and Slay.  
Divided Parties after a thrown Glass,  
About a Straw, a Feather, or a Lass,  
Fiercely engage, and, warm with  Bowls,  
Tap with Steel Spigots' one another's Souls.  
Olt as by Night Glass Windows go to wrack,  
When they the Watch and Constable attack,  
Though Fractures happen, and Brains beaten out,  
The are not so often Routed, as they Rout.   

But the French Ape the Urchin Turk o'erthrew,  
Each loaden with a Magazeen like you;  
Your Jeffreys mounted with short Swords and Dags,  
Cleared the Campagne of Silver-crescent Flags:  
Wear, Sir, a Vest, like Persons of your Note,  
A golden Bauldrick overthwart your Coat,  
Which from Affronts you better shall secure:  
This Load once laid aside, you'll ne'er endure.   

When thus the surly Porcupine replies;  
I smell a Fox; stand farther I advise!  
No nearer draw! You like a Bailiff look,  
And I stand charged upon the tailor's Book.   

I that have made of Alleys and Byways,  
Maps of this City, and no mean Essays  
Of Places Privileged, each Nook and Lane,  
A War Defensive better to maintain,  
Hardly will now into Arrest be gulled,  
By Dogs in Doublets to the Counter pulled:  
A Red-beard Sergeant, Pewter-buttoned too!  
More cruel are than Devil, Turk, or Jew.   

MORAL.  
Those subtlest are, best know how to Trepan  
Into Belief the Apprehensive Man:  
Yet oft their Labours but small Audits make,  
Dashed by some Surly Fool, or gross Mistake.    


Fab. 5.   the stork and a fox, dressed as gentlemen, talk by a lake where two swans swim. Trees and a large house are the background. FAB. V Of the Swan and the Stork.  

THat Formal Fowl, that Grand Canary-Bird,  
Who first in our so late Rebellion stirred;  
Prime Leader of the Hypocritick Crew,  
Who Swearing hate, as much as telling True;  
Th' Antimonarchical Republic Stork,  
Steps forth be-moded, now your only Spark;  
His Steeple-Hat reduced, and treacherous Ruff,  
To a Low-Crown, short Sword, Vest, Coat, and Muff;  
Struck into fresh Employment, new his Place  
Changed, with his Habit, Character, and Face:  
Who after Scepter-rifling, Wealthy grown,  
His Nest well Feathered, Pluming of the Crown;  
The long-billed Bird his old Note changing, sings,  
I am the King's Canary-Bird! the King's!  
Who stalking through the Strand, thus to a Swan  
Meeting by chance, facetiously began.   

O my kind Foe, my old Antagonist,  
We shall no more enter the Wrangling Lift,  
And there in hot Disputes, and testy Jars,  
Fight Tooth and Nail, the Stork's and Eagles' Wars:  
I in those Counter-scussles played the Wag,  
Dangerous to whisper then, what now I brag;  
I sent the King good store of Plate and Coin,  
From Friends collected, and no small part Mine;  
And now in Trust am with my Gracious Prince:   

But what Preferment, Friend, may yours be since:  
Your Loyal Pen not only merits Praise,  
But some Preferment, well as Wind and Bays.   

Who thus replied, I'm glad you look so brisk;  
No danger running now the Royal Risk:  
Your Garb and Weeds are altered much! How big  
Your Storkship looks, Owled in a Periwig!  
But wearing Time makes Alterations strange,  
And to Extremes Fashions and Humours change.   

What Crimes were Lovelocks and Long Hair of late▪  
When whoe're came before a Magistrate,  
Proud of exuberant Curls, his Cause, whatever,  
Till those he had reformed, they would not hear.  
That Frenzy o'er, these Persecutors were  
Themselves not only for a Cap of Hair,  
But ranker Harvests reaped from Damsels Heads,  
Curled Tresses flowing to their Girdle-steads:  
And some believe,  long, who looks not big  
Before the Peruqued Bench, Wig facing Wig,  
Shall run th' old Ruffians Risk, his Knights o' th' Post  
And good Cause larded well with Bribes, be lost.   

But as for me, and Swan's Affairs, the Thames  
Few Signets breeds, low run his famous Streams;  
Banks once resounding Notes more sweet and higher  
Than Rome e'er boasted, or the Grecian Choir,  
Ring with Rhyme-dogrel, Travestes so lose,  
They would not serve a Ballad-gagling Goose.  
No Heats of Love, no Points of Honour rage,  
But soft alternate Whinings cool the Stage;  
Deboshed Nocturnals belched by toping Owls,  
Decoy in Flocks both Court and City Fowls,  
Where hectering Kestrels 'mongst young Merlin's sit,  
Admiring Nonsense, little, or no Wit..   

And you, Sir Stork, that hated once a Play,  
As Fiends, and Birds of Night to see the Day,  
Grin at changed Scenes, and edifying Jokes,  
Mongst Knighted Daws, and Parlimental Flocks.   

Then said the Stork, Birds of my Coat and Feather,  
Like Steeple-cocks, turn round with wind and weather;  
And I that late at Diractories sat,  
Hearing demurely tedious Pulpit-prate,  
Am pleased with Wit, and Sanctify as well  
When pretty Ducklings Dance like Mistress or Nell.   

I care not, so myself not tumble down,  
Who gets the Best, the Copper or the Crown:  
All Winds serve us, we Tack to every Port;  
Committee- Birds Canary now at Court.   

King's Chambers open lie; the Eagle Knights  
Daws, Rooks, and Owls, 'mongst gentle Falcons, Kites.   

MORAL.  
Prince's should cast a serene Look on all;  
But if Preferments on the wrong side fall,  
Those who present them, lesser they should trust:  
Kings ne'er, but Favourites may be unjust.    

FAB. VI Of the Crammed Capons and the Lean one.  

COck-chickens, Mars his Brood, Birds of the Gam  
By Decastration freed from Venus' Flame,  
And Duel-heats; no more these little Heeks  
Spurs yet but burgeoned use, or tender Beaks,  
Disputing senseless Jars on slender scores,  
For Crumbs, a Barley-Corn, or vain Amours:  
But penned up, live an Abby-Lubber's Life,  
Where to be Fattest was their only strife:  
With Rice and Reasons crammed in several Pastes,  
Large Capons strut with Hogen Mogen Wastes;  
Whose Leg Pierce Ploughman would a Meal afford,  
Life Brussels Breed, or a Geneva Bird!   

Yet one of these, Jean de Capoon, who made  
Them all the sport, grew pensative and sad;  
Feasts feed not him, he dwindling pines away,  
Fearing that Scores would be, and Sauce to pay;  
This took all Relish from his Cates and Jokes:  
When Jack-a-Lent, moped like a John-a-Nokes,  
The Corpulent Fraternity thus charged:   

What ail'st thou, that with us still overgorged,  
Liv'st at full Pleasure in plenteous Coop,  
Yet like the Picture dost of Famine droop?   

Fab. 6.   a man and woman stand in front of a large building looking at lean and fat hens.  

Since cured of Love, which keeps poor Mortals low,  
Why look'st thou like a Rook, or Carrion Crow?  
Thy Mirth, that fed us more than all our Feasts,  
So inabusive, and such savoury Jests,  
No clincht Drybobs, nor borrowed Good Wits jump;  
Lies silenced in a Melancholy dump.   

Who now grown serious, gravely thus replied;  
The Steward Audits will for us provide:  
He must be backwards read, if understood;  
His Treatments signify your Flesh and Blood:  
He on our Bodies and Estates will fall,  
And bring us under Praemunire all.  
Oft in he peeps, and counts us with his Staft;  
You may, but I small reason see to laugh:  
In his sour Looks I read some dire Design,  
Which makes poor John to languish thus, and pine.   

Just as he spoke, the Major Domo comes,  
At one breath thus pronouncing all their Dooms.  
Grannie, these Capons must one Charger fill;  
That Rascal spare, but all the fat ones kill.   

My Lord to morrow a Grand Monsieur Treats,  
That Dished like Larks, on Chapoones Boulie cats:  
But we must have an Oleo, and a Bisk,  
For Fin-fan Madam, and fastideous Brisk,  
Potages, Grounds for Sauce, will cost my Lord  
What a whole Month would keep a Country Board:  
Chick-peepers must be had, all sorts of Squabs,  
For our Dames Gallants, and his Lady-Drabs;  
They for sweet Change upon each other wink:  
Whilst Rents comes slowly in, thus flies the Chink.   

This said, he Exits, huffing with a Curse,  
Whilst to make ready hobbles Granny Nurse.   

Poor Capon John, though for his Brethren sad,  
This short Survey of both their Fortunes made.   

MORAL.  
A Short Life, and a Merry, many cry,  
Yet curse Rich Wine and Surfeits  they die.  
Others Long Poverly spin out till Age,  
Their Lives whole Business searce worth one Pottage.    


Fab. 7.   a fox is just visible in a dense wood. In the background, a man on horseback rides in a field. FAB. VII. Of the Fox and Bush.  

SWains forth, and Masters, Lords and Tenants, drawn,  
Fox hall beleaguered  the purpling Dawn;  
resolved for Injuries both to Man and Beast,  
Themselves with Sport and sweet Revenge to Feast.   

Reynard Alarmed, feeling shady Roofs  
●aken with Clamours, Dogs, and thundering Hoofs,  
With mazing Terror struck, Life at the stake,  
●o use could of his Quirks and Quidits make;  
●e that his Country-Neighbors kept in awe,  
With Fox-fur only, and the Name of Law;   

Court too, so much Power and Interest gained,  
●hat some said Reynard, not the Lion Reigned;  
Who hanging on the King by either Ear,  
●ade Isgrim wait, Bruin his Dancing Bear,  
attending when his Leisure would vouchsafe  
●hey, or their Clients might admittance have:  
Who now from beat-up Quarters takes his flight,  
●nd a Course shows them twenty Miles outright.   

To him much tired, his Spirits almost spent,  
A sheltering Bush herself seems to present;  
Thorn-Castle, in for safety he retires,  
Forcing his Passage through a stand of Briers,  
With some small bustle, and a little scratch,  
Mastering a surly and assiduous Watch:  
Who when Pursuers he no more could hear,  
His Wits recovering, stupefied with Fear,  
Thus threatened he the Captain of the Fort;   

Of your Behaviour I'll inform the Court.  
How dare you keep a Privy-Couns'lor out,  
When open lies to Robbers your Redoubt?  
Town- Bulls and Goats by you unquestioned, Sin,  
And make this Brothel-house their constant Inn;  
To those eat Justice, or the King's Impress,  
You grant Protection in this dark Recess:  
But Loyal Subjects, when pursued by Foes,  
Thus to their cruel Mercy you expose.   

To whom the Captain of the Castle spoke,  
You are Sir Reynard, if I not mistake;  
Such Counsellors the Lion may have store:  
To take the Sceptre, you advised the Boar,  
His Brawny Shields with Ermine to enfold,  
And Swinish Temples Crown with Sacred Gold;  
That Writs and Pleas might run as erst they were,  
No matter who contaminates the Chair!  
What Dog, what cursed Cur, or Hellhound Reign  
So Lawyers Props and Timber-work remained.  
Scorn your Threats; and though my Spear fell short,  
Wish thee all these Javelins in thy Heart.   

MORAL.  
The Proud and Rich, Death knocking at their Gates,  
for a Horse will offer their Estates:  
Fear once o'er, they to themselves return,  
suming soon their former Pride and Scorn.    

FAB. VIII. Of the Fox and the Crow.  

THis Crow a dainty piece of Cheese had nimmed  
Most Authors say, all of New-milk unskimm▪ ●  
But of what kind, or sort, scarce one agrees,  
Whether our Home-made, or else Foreign Cheese:  
Yet both Sides hearken to a Reverend Bard,  
Who Cambrian styles the Theft, so rank and hard,  
Since it not melted in her Watty Mouth,  
'Mongst humid Vapours, and the Wind at South;  
And Smell, which through the ambient Air convey  
To Reynard's Nostrils, so quick Passage made;  
Whose Nose at random mounted, thence he hies,  
And running, plots how to obtain the Prize:  
Nor long he for the Crow nor Morsel searched,  
But sound her on a Branching Alder parched.   

To whom he said, O thou most Heavenly Fair  
Whose Plumes like Peacock's Trains, or Rainbows  
Th' Embroidered Lights and Shadows of thy Win  
Richer than Coronation Suits of Kings!  
I thought you Black, when in a Mourning Gown  
And Vizard-mask you lately came to Town:   
 the fox talks to the crow, who is sitting in a tree, with a large piece of cheese in its beak. 
8   

But now that Shade and envious Curtain drawn,  
So Venus glitters ushering in the Dawn.   

Ah could you sing! To these add Heavenly Notes,  
I should procure you both the Houses Votes  
To be the King's White Crow; He keeps fine Birds,  
That please him with new Songs, and well-set Words,  
When he from burdening Care himself unloads:  
Music and Beauty conquer Men and Gods.   

But, Madam, if at no such Heights you aim  
At first to soar, yet covetous of Fame,  
You, I'll myself, and all my Friends engage,  
To make the Prop and Glory of the Stage,  
Where in the Comic and the Tragic Scene,  
You Women shall undo, as well as Men:  
Those Days you Act, what Worlds will there resort,  
Both from the Country, City, and the Court?   

The fond Bird at the Court and Stages Name,  
Straight dreamt herself a Beauty of the Game,  
The Glory of the Scene, the King's White Bird;  
Why may not she he married to a Lord?   

Thus wand'ring in her own Fool's Paradise,  
Offering to Sing, down drops the savoury Slice,  
Which Reynard seized, straight swallowing as his own;  
Then said, Foul Witch, in that French Russet Gown,  
Thought'st thou thyself the Phoenix? Ugly Toad!  
More like Old Nicks Niece in that mouldy Hood.   

This said, he fleering, leaves her full of woe,  
Remembering then herself a Carrion Crow.   

MORAL.  
Flattery wide Doors to Climbing Spirits ●opes,  
●ath their Scorn the seem all former Hopes:  
Dreaming, to Great Preferments they aspire:  
Awaked, with Dan, th' are Stabled in the Mire.    


Fab 9   the young crab and her mother above a beach overlooking a natural harbour or bay. Ships sail in the bay. A harbour town is visible in the background. FAB. IX. Of the Crab and her Mother.  

HAd ever Hielding Crabat such a Mien?  
Still hobbling side-ward, thy foul Claws turned in!  
Base Maggots in a Magnifying Glass,  
Mongst Chedar Commonwealths, more comely Pace,  
Conducting busy Mites from Grange to Grange,  
Forts raising, or to build their New Exchange.   

How wouldst thou of Step-stately Ladies learn  
To raise a Dust, trailing thy Silken Stern,  
Couldst thou but get into the City-Vain,  
To trip up Maiden, or down Mincing-Lane!  
I might be pleased with such a decent Sight,  
Though Modesty be out of fashion quite.   

Thus Beldame Crab her Crablin Daughter chid,  
Because she hirpled as her Mother did.   

When thus her ill-paced Little-one replied;  
Still you lie Baiting, always Brawl and Chide:  
Examples are best Precepts; Talks but Talk:  
Leave finding fault, and show me how to Walk.   

The Mother then, Daughter, ye are very short;  
Though Blows more fit than Words are to retort,  
I'll take Advice: Come, bridle close your Chin,  
Thrust out your Breast, and keep your Belly in.   

When I was Young, and Little, as thou art,  
I led a Bevie fired by Cupid's Dart,  
From Mountain-seats, to pay accustomed Scores  
In Thetis Watery Court to brisk Amours;  
With steady and Majestic Pace we walked,  
Nor Precipices, Rocks, nor Rivers balked,  
ne'er deviating Step, till in the Main  
Brisk Males attending us did entertain.   

Come, follow me; I once did learn to Dance,  
Walked stately Measures that ne'er came from France  
The Fairy Court admired me, and Queen Mab  
Grew Jealous, though grown now a withered Crab:  
So! to the Right, nor to the Lefthand swerve,  
But me your Mother punctually observe.   

Th' old Beldame thus, Hip-shotten and Bunch-back▪  
Denied by Nature Amble, Trot, or Rack,  
Her Daughter taught; to whom at last she said,  
You tread awry, and I move Retrograde;  
My Steps like yours, as Coin drops from the Mint,  
With like Impressions yielding Sand imprint:  
But if my Observations be true,  
Court-Madams waddle now like me or you;  
Who should Exemplars be, give others Rules,  
Waving Formalities of Boarding-Schools,  
Taking proud Freedom, scorn restraintive Law,  
Like Ships in Storms at Anchor roll and Yaw.  
No more 'gainst me and my Behaviour Preach;  
First Learn yourself, and then your Daughter teach.   

Who best are stored with Ignorance and Pride,  
Most others Imbecilities deride.   

MORAL.  
Age, Youth instructs, Vices whate'er to shun,  
Whilst Children o'er their Parents Footsteps run:  
Mothers their Daughters in the Oven find  
Where once they hid: and, Cat will after Kind.    

FAB. X. Of the Bald Man and the Fly.  

THe Sun and Syrius in Combustion joined,  
Broiled Rivers, and gave fiery Breath to Wind;  
Whilst sultry Atoms moving from the South,  
The Air inflamed, as from an Ovens Mouth;  
Which Heat on Broody Moisture Infects forms,  
Buzzing about on Sarc'net Wings in Swarms.   

A weary Swain with sweltering Beams grown faint,  
Ready almost in his own Brine to taint,  
Down in a Checquering Bower and Fretwork Shade  
Sat to repose, and by his Bonnet laid,  
Rubs his high Forehead, where once had been Hair,  
Now many Lustres Oberon's Bowling Bare;  
Where 'mongst the fringing Purlieus oft Queen Mab,  
With her Gallant Pigwiggen played the Drab.   

On this strange Spectacle Sir Cranion looked,  
As on a Calves-head in the Shambles Cooked,  
By Heat, and Drought, and Phoebus' busy Rays,  
Made fit for his impregnating Essays.  
The Fly in high Case, novel Beauty warms;  
They Death and Danger slight, that Cupid arms.   

Fab: 10.   a man shelters from bright sunshine in the shade of a tree.  

The fierce Amour falls on like Mad or Drunk,  
And eager thrusts in his bane-breathing Trunk.   

The Swain at once a tickling felt, and smart,  
From Poison of th' injected venomed Dart;  
Plotting Revenge, the Fly how to dispatch,  
At once the Criminal Punish and Attach,  
He lifts his Hand up softly, with a Rap  
To dissipate him like a Butcher's Flap;  
Which coming down swift as the Axe and Lead  
That falls upon the Malefactor's Head:  
Yet he on Wings expanded makes Escape,  
Triumphing at the Bravery of the Rape,  
And that the Rustic he had so trepanned,  
To make him hurt himself with his own Hand.   

Then said the Swain, Laughest thou that thee I missed,  
Bruising my Forehead with my falling Fist▪  
If I had catched thee, I had beat as flat  
Thy Boneless Body as a limber Groat;  
Thou that hast drunk my Blood, and pierced my Flesh,  
And thus insult'st, hadst now been made a Mesh.   

Who thus replied, Such Swains, be who thou wilt,  
I scorn, not able their bald Crowns to quilt:  
Old Daws and wrinkled Rooks here sheathe their Heads  
In Life-hair Peruques to their Girdle steads:  
But you with unthatched Sconce, give thanks to Fate,  
That I have done my Business on your Pate;  
Be sure your empty Noddle now is sped,  
You ne'er shall want a Maggot in your Head,  
There you will find Ingredients, that shall  
Tickle your addle Brains both Spring and Fall.   

MORAL.  
When you enraged, Revenge for Injuries plot,  
Take special care yourself you Injure not;  
Lest Scoffers fall on you with less remorse  
Than those that can with Jeering kill a Horse.    


Fab 11.   a man beats an ox with a cudgel under a tree. In the background, an ox stands with a crowd at an altar in front of a italianate round temple. FAB. XI. Of the Rustic and his Ox.  

OH most despiteful and unworthy Beast!  
What, wilt thou never work, yet always Feast?  
There must be Audits, if you'll nothing do;  
Or Sweat, or Pay: Why, who are you, Sir? you!  
Goest thou not daily to the Eyes in Grass?  
What, must your Dung for Satisfaction pass?  
Are not your Mangers stuffed? brimful your Cribs?  
Ill fetch my Pen worths from these Larded Ribs.  
Thus said the Swain to his Rebellious Ox,  
Who Butts for Blows returns, and Spurns for Knocks.   

Then spoke the Beast, Art not ashamed to beat  
Me for not Working, and our Master Cheat?  
How can they Service do that want their Pay,  
Fed with Dank Provender and Musty Hay?  
Whilst I am starved, like one of Pharoh's Kine,  
What should my Belly fill, your Coffers line.  
But this not all the Quarrel, though all truth;  
Thou robbest me of my Dowcets in my Youth,  
Which odious Injury so ill I brook,  
That now stand by, forsooth, and only look,  
I could well wish, such my Revenge should be,  
Day through both Sides thy treacherous Heart may see▪   

Brave are those Flames that kindle in the Male,  
Viewing a beauteous Heifer in the Vale;  
Sure 'tis a Heavenly War, delightful Rage,  
When Bulls, spurred on by Rivalship, engage!  
The Herds amazed stand, the Grove resounds,  
The bellowing Hector's dealing Wounds for Wounds   

By this I might have been the Parson's Bull,  
And like him round, Choice Beauties pick and cull;  
Had sweet-breathed Wives, & black-eyed Concubine  
And a fair Issue sprung from my own Loins,  
Who now thus live a solitary Life,  
Barred from the dear Enjoyments of a Wife.   

Then said the Swain, Fond Beast, is that the Cause  
How many know I, could they find a Clause  
To be divorced, their whole Estates would spend,  
Who see now of their Miseries no end!  
Hadst thou a cursed Cow, though her Horns were shor●  
Evening a Morn she'll gore thee to the Heart,  
ne'er let thee rest, until Commanding All,  
She Rule at Rack and Manger in thy Stall.  
Know thou dull Lump, know inconsiderate Ox,  
I have a Wise, am Married with a Pox;  
Who never resting, either Ear alarms  
With sudden Tempests, and assiduous Storms;  
At Promises and Marriage-Vows she spurns,  
To Rogue and Rascal, Lord and Master turns;  
As Law and Gospel her own Will translates:  
Cold Comforts frieze my Bed, and Frost my Cates;  
That I believe thee happier in thy Stall,  
Than I with such a Partner in my Hall.   

Once I her Baitings not so well could brook,  
Long-suffering Patience overpowered, I struck;  
My Hand raised high, and with a knotty Crab,  
At once to Humble and Chastise the Drab:  
Tipsied with Ale, slipp'ry the Floor, I fell,  
And straight the Devil my Wife mounts Michael:  
ne'er lay fallen Husband so be- Belzebubed;  
My Cheeks she Rubricked, and my Temples drubbed  
My Head new moulding, pummelled into Pap:  
Mobbled nine days in my Considering-Cap,  
Before my Eyes beheld the blessed Day,  
Mourning in Black and Blue, on Flocks I lay;  
Thus sighing oft, I better ten to one,  
Though Armed with Ale, had let the Fiend alone:  
Whilst Skimmington my nearest Neighbour strode  
A managed Coll-staff, and in Penance road.  
But one not serves your turn, a single Spouse,  
One Devil is too little for your House,  
You for a Legion are. Ah! hadst thou half  
Of mine, and shar'dst my Miseries, senseless Calf,  
Thou smarting, worse than bitten by a Gad,  
Wouldst, bellowing, thy Country fly Horn mad.  
But since such Paradoxes you dispute,  
Art such a Rebel, and a Fool to boot,  
I'll beat new Principles into thy Pate,  
Shall from course Flesh thy duller Soul translate;  
Since Decastration will not mend thy Head,  
Death shall, much better than my Marriagebed.   

MORAL.  
Dull are intestine Wars, and Civil Strife,  
To loud Divisions betwixt Man and Wife;  
Gentle Usurpers, mild the Tyrant's Rod,  
To a Smock-rampant, and to be Hen-trod.    


12   the grasshopper petitions the ant, surrounded by smaller ants in front of a hollow treetrunk. FAB. XII. Of the Ant and the Grasshopper.  

THe King of Anthill, and Pismirian Lords,  
Each mounted on their own peculiar Hoards,  
Sat so distinguished, Earls, Marquees, and Dukes:  
And not by Blazonry in Heralds Books,  
Where Worthy Sires produce less Worthy Sons,  
Such as long Patience teach unwearied Duns,  
At base Mechanics sauciness admire,  
Just Debts beseeching, Ruined by the Fire;  
Who scorn all Principles accounted Just,  
indulging Sloth, Pride, Ignorance, and Lust.  
But these advanced by Industry and Care,  
Were to themselves both Ancestor and Heir;  
Their Purchase for th' ensuing Winter's Store,  
●ntitled them to Honours less or more.   

An Envoy from the Grashopperian States,  
Thus had Convened these Petty Potentates,  
When to the Monarch, and his small Devan,  
Thus humbly their Ambassador began.   

Anthillian Sovereign, and Emettian Peers,  
Enriched with Wealth from Ceres' Golden Ears;  
Who in these Penetralia's under Ground  
Not hear rough Winter-flaws nor Storms resound,  
Nor Prices minding of raised Wood and Coals,  
Sat warm, and feasting, cocker up your Souls:  
Live happy still, and be for ever blest,  
So you will pity a poor State distressed,  
Who had, while Summer lasted, plenteous Board's,  
Meads, Flowery Valleys, of their own accords  
Served up choice Cates; but when the Sun declined,  
And Days did up in shorter Periods wind,  
Ushering cold Blasts, and bleak Autumnal Showers,  
Which Trees disrobed of Leaves, Fields of their Flowers▪  
Winters approach threatening to ruin all,  
Discharged upon us Jove's cold Arsenal;  
All Forage thus destroyed, all Green below  
Left naked, Penanced in cold Sheets of Snow;  
All sorts of Herbage, Fruit whatever, Corn,  
Are in by Peasants or your People born:  
Assistance from your Granaries we crave,  
Let not a Nation perish, you may save;  
For which next Harvest they will make return,  
Our lusty Longshanks shall help in your Corn:  
Thus grateful they propose to pay their Score,  
And double by their Pains your next Years Store.   

When the Anthillian Hero thus replied,  
In Summer we 'gainst Winter-storms provide:  
How could you golden Harvest idly spend?  
Can you believe those Joys would never end?   

Who thus returned; Sir, we were overreached,  
By one to us New-fangled Doctrine teached,  
Holding forth, Phoebus our Protector would  
Translate us from all Hunger, Thirst, and Cold,  
To Egypt, and the fruitful Banks of Nile,  
To endless Feast, without Care or Toil.  
So we him treated, and in Sunshine sung,  
Living as Merry as the Day was long,  
Expecting when a Western Wind would rise,  
Should bear us to our promised Paradise:  
But when the Time and longed-for Hour was come,  
That we believed should be the Day of Doom,  
No Storm appeared, no thick condensed Crack,  
With Thunder rose, Heaven's Turrets to attack;  
But proved all Fair, so universal Clear,  
That Day stands Crowned the Glory of the Year:  
Nor more our false Enthusiast we beheld,  
Who us to this sad Embassy compelled.   

When thus the King to the starved Envoy said,  
We know no Manufacture, use no Trade,  
In Spring we Sow not, nor in Winter Reap,  
Yet stuffed our Granges are, our Markets cheap;  
Rather than we would Prince implore, or State,  
Or hang poor Clients at an Emperor's Gate,  
I and my swarthy Legions should not spare  
Alcinous Fruit, but Camp's re-victual there,  
Hortyards o'errun; our Bowels never yearn  
At havoc made, minding our own Concern;  
Choice Plants & Flowers destroy, we ne'er make halt,  
Unless we Scalding Water feel, or Salt.   

Say to your Lords, I not deplore their Chance;  
You that in Summer Sung, in Winter Dance;  
So fill your Bellies, so your Body's arm,  
'Gainst Wants approaching, and th' ensuing Storm.   

Begun, who to fanatics Credit give,  
Fifth-Monarchy People I shall ne'er relieve;  
Besides, you term yourselves a State Distressed,  
Antimonarchal Locusts I detest.   

MORAL.  
Some always Feast, make Court, Sing, Play, and Dan●●  
And never fear the Turns of fickle Chance:  
Provide for Age, whilst Young get Lands and Money,  
Lest Old and Poor, the Dogs do piss upon ye.    


13   Two foxes sit, forepaws raised, watching the conversation between the ox and the steer in a cattle-field by small farmhouses. FAB. XIII. Of the Ox and Steer.  

THus to a Labouring Ox turned out to feed,  
Himself recruiting in a Verdant Mead,  
In Raillery a well-fed Bullock said,  
Welcome, old Uncle, you drive on your Trade;  
Whilst I in sweetest Grass keep Fat and Plump,  
Your Ribs like Billows threat your Rocky Rump:  
Why waste you thus yourself, and health destroy,  
Sweeting for that which others must enjoy?  
Fill up your hollow Flanks, and craggy Chine;  
Feast all the Evening, all the Morning Dine;  
Powder your Hair sullied with Sweat and Dust,  
Nor more with Back and Belly run a Trust;  
And though unfit to get yourself an Heir,  
Keep Company with Heifers fat and fair;  
Them, and their Town-Bulls, bellowing Hector's, treat,  
So your Executors whatever defeat:  
And me 'mongst Madam white-faced Calves invite,  
Spending your Lives remainder in Delight.   

When gravely thus the sober Ox replied;  
Thus the Industrious, Idle Beasts deride:  
Each guzzling Bulchin, Baffle headed Calf,  
At all Endeavours whatsoever laugh;  
Business they hate, pursuing no Design,  
But what concerns the Belly, or the Groin:  
Rather than I my precious Time would waste,  
And winged Minute's spur, that fly too fast,  
Led to Spring-Garden, Mulberry Shades, and Parks,  
Vizard-masked Heifers, and their piebald Sparks,  
Proud giggling Females still unveiled attend,  
And be on Duty, my Estate to spend,  
I would endure both stinging Flies and Goads,  
And Yoked, hot Summers draw in dusty Roads.   

Whilst gravely thus discoursed the Labouring Ox,  
The Lion's Purveyors, the Wolf and Fox,  
The Prey surveying, to each other spoke;   

Leave that lean Sterveling, the fat Bullock take,  
He will become the Boiler and the Spit,  
Or Barrelled, help to furnish out the Fleet.   

This said, the Steer they to a Covert drew,  
And in the Lion's Name Arresting, slew.   

Then Praise-Jove Bore bones spoke, Thou mayst be glad  
Poor pay no Poll-money, nor Royal-Aid,  
No Subsidies, their no Lands raise no Tax,  
I shall be still the same, a Labouring Ox:  
So long as they can thus count up these Ribs,  
I shall in safety be at empty Cribs.   

MORAL.  
One mounted on the Wings of Youth and Wealth,  
ne'er dreams of Poverty, or Less of Health;  
Who whilst he dallying lies in Fortune's Lap,  
The Strumpet gives her Young Gallant a Clap.    


14   the lion stands under a rocky outcrop from where the goat looks down on him. FAB. XIV. Of the Lion and the Kid.  

THe Lion clembed with Hunger, choked with Thirst,  
(Of all Diseases empty Board's the worst.)  
On a steep Summit jutting o'er the Woulds,  
Cropping Heath-buds, and Briers, a Kid beholds.   

To whom the Monarch said, My pretty Kid,  
Come hither, I'm your King! Do as I bid:  
Survey Our Plenties, see a glorious Sight,  
To which my little Subject I invite;  
Here Flowery Meads, Shades are, and Golden Plains,  
Here Vineyards full of Walks, and winding Lanes;  
Harsh Juniper forsake, and Bramble Boughs,  
And here on tender Vines soft Branches browse.   

Why standest thou frighted? why look'st thou so pale?  
To see my shaggy Main and bushy Tail?  
'Mongst Calves and Colts, if not a Council-day,  
Tired with State-works, I for diversion play;  
The Crown-Affairs, and serious Business sours,  
Not sweetened by some Recreating Hours:  
He is no King that at his leisure wants  
His Drolls, Buffoons, and sawning Sycophants,  
Rich Wine, sweet Music, choice of beauteous Dames,  
To kindle, and to quench Loves pleasing Flames.   

I once made Captive, driven from my Crown,  
Was as a Wonder showed from Town to Town;  
A Lamb and I Companions there did play,  
To fresh Spectators the whole Summer's day;  
He my sharp Teeth not feared, nor griping Paws,  
Would run his Head into my open Jaws:  
Come, leave that barren Kock, and hungry Air,  
And to my Palace in yond Wood repair.   

Grim Sir! be you the King? The Kid replies;  
Though you speak mildly, dreadful are your Eyes!  
Should I your Favourite be, and very near,  
I still should tremble when you, Sir, appear!  
Princes, as well as Courtiers, now, they say,  
Sign Debts, make Grants, Promise, and seldom Pay;  
They talk abroad, Exchequers are locked up,  
At Court no Tables, scarce a Cheering Cup:  
Rather than to Necessities aspire,  
I'll tarry here, and feed on humble Brier.   

Who well are settled, though in mean Estate,  
Their changed Condition may repent too late.   

MORAL.  
Better be Captain in the smallest Fort,  
Than be Commanded in a Prince's Court:  
Yet the Ambitious, that Preferment prize.  
Run through the meanest Offices to Rise.    


15   the satyr converses with the sword's hilt. In the background, figures (human or satyr) bath in a stream under trees near a farmstead. FAB. XV. Of the satire and the Sword.  

A satire passant by a Forest side,  
A Sword 'mongst checkring Foliage espied:  
First startled at the dreadful Blade and Hilt,  
With Antique Figures Hatched, and rarely Gilt,  
Offa discomposed he drew; then undismayed,  
Lost Spirits recovering, thus th' Admirer said.   

Wonder whate'er! since I did ne'er behold  
Such dazzling Silver, nor such lightning Gold!  
Thy Country, Name, and Character impart,  
That thee I Value may at thy Desert.   

The Pommel then, cast like a Heroe's Head,  
From Brazen Lips with Gold enamell'd, said;   

You see a Sword, an Instrument of Death!  
This shining Coat of Steel is Hector's Sheath,  
Whose Soul through several Transmigrations passed,  
Lies penned up in this Cutthroat Inn at last.   

When first within this Iron Cage confined,  
I in a Monarch's Hand in Battle shined,  
Pruning rank Rebels with a tender Edge,  
That choked Prerogative with Privilege;  
Mildly he used me, lopping Weeds with care,  
Though stubborn Traitors, they his Subjects were:  
When fickle Fortune, who Dethrones or Crowns,  
Kings topsie-turvies, and advanceth Clowns,  
With a damned Oath, and Covenanting Kirk,  
Outweighed the Right, and settled a bad Work;  
Of Royal Ermines did the Meek disrobe,  
Seized Sword, and Sceptre, and Terrestrial Globe,  
Whilst Deluges of Tears his Pious Soul  
In briny Billows wafted to the Pole.   

Then Guarded I a one Night's upstart Gourds,  
Parliament Governed without King or Lords:  
Me from that Throng a Copper Captain gained,  
Who Ruled in Purple of Three Realms distained:  
This bloody Monster, greedy of bad Fame,  
Only of Kingship wanting but the Name,  
Resolved to be a Monarch; when kind Fate,  
Lest he should ancient Thrones contaminare,  
To Seats of Furies with a Tempest hurled  
This Demi-Fiend, and Troubler of the World.  
Then Change of Government each minute spawned,  
Me shuffling here and there, from Hand to Hand;  
When from the Rising Sun, and Glorious Right,  
A guilty Flyer dropped me in his Flight.   

Art thou that Hector, said the satire, who  
So oft the Greeks in that long War o'erthrew,  
By Prowess purchasing immortal Fame?  
We hear that many now go by your Name,  
That in the Suburbs exercise their Rage,  
The Taverns, and the Ordinaries, the Stage:  
Be they like you, when you embodied were,  
Routing whole Squadrons with your single Spear?  
If so, why thus prepare we 'gainst the tall  
Batavians, and their Amadis de Gaul?  
Had there been two such Hectors, Stories say,  
Troy might have stood, and flourished to this day.   

Then said the Sword, Those Hectors that are there  
ne'er saw a Field, never in Battle were;  
They armed by Bacchus, use for Warlike Tools  
Edged Pots and Bottles, Trenchers, Chairs, and Stools:  
One like me living, one so strong and stout,  
Would thousands of such shadow- Hector's rout.  
But here wants Time these Braggarts to unmask,  
Their Characters would more than Volumes ask:  
But now take Pity, if thou hast esteem  
For the true Hector, him enclosed redeem;  
My Brazen Head hath spoke, Time will be past,  
This Day for my Redemption is the last:  
Thou Demi-Deity me elsewhere dispose;  
He that is more than Man, than Man more knows.   

Then said the satire, True, I have a Spell  
Shall free thee, if thou Prisoner wert in Hell▪  
But first I'll sweat this Blade, soften the Edge,  
And at the Point purge a Steel-powder Siege,  
Then Vomiting, eject thee at the Hilt,  
Go after to the Devil, if thou wilt.   

This said, he hastens home, and kept his Word,  
Making the Sensitive a Senseless Sword.   

MORAL.  
Princes to Laws and Policy may trust,  
Be Merciful, Religious, Wise, and Just:  
But Swords must stubborn Subjects keep in awe,  
All other Ties not valued at a Straw.    


16   a young man in Roman dress wields a cudgel indoors next to a broken statue's legs on a pedestal. The rest of the statue lies in pieces at his feet. In the background, through the open doorway, a crowd of cloaked people is visible. FAB. XVI. Of the Heathen and his Idol.  

O Thou whom 'mongst our Lar and Household-gods  
My Ancestors transported through the Floods,  
From burning Troy, and settled here to be  
Happy in their Posterity, and thee!  
Yet now with contrite Heart and blubbered Eyes,  
Though daily I Invoke and Sacrifice,  
No Means neglected, doing what I can,  
Want comes upon me like an Armed Man;  
And the poor Remnant of my torn Estate,  
One in Rebellion with the King of late,  
Calls his Inheritance, lays Claim unto;  
Which if he carry, me must quite undo.   

Yet my Wife Father made a fair Accord,  
He Purchased what was gotten by the Sword;  
But scrupling Lawyers have enough picked out  
To put my Title and his Sale in doubt:  
Yet I my Counsel have, and Witness Feed,  
To Plead and Swear th' irrevocable Deed:  
But ah! my Wants will starve my Cause; All's lost!  
None gratis damn themselves, not Knights o' th' Bost:  
Help now, or never; Help else comes too late,  
And I must Alms crave at another's Gate.   

Thus Prayed the Superstitious, when a Nod  
Blind Zeal presents from his consenting God.   

Now joining Issue, they to Hearing came,  
Great Concourse thither drawn by prattling Fame,  
Juries impannell'd, Witness sworn, and all  
Supposed the Plaintiff's Cause would to the Wall;  
When his grave Counsel drew their latter Card,  
And one short Proof a well-packed Business marred.  
Fallen from his Hopes, thus thrown down in a trice,  
Undone for ever, ne'er again to rise,  
He from the Court went sweeting in a Rage,  
On his damned God his Fury to assuage;  
When thus upon him the Incensed fell:   

If I had served the Gods, the Devil in Hell,  
With half that Zeal and Fervour thee I served,  
He would not thus have left me to besterved,  
Turned out of all, naked a begging go;  
Furies may melt, Stocks no Compassion know.   

What made my Ignorant Parents thee implore,  
And with such Reverential Awe adore?  
Whose deaf Ears Marble are, whose Bowels Rock,  
A Humane shape, but Headed like a Shock.   

But Dogs-face, now thy weakness I'll detect,  
And this foul Form of Godliness dissect;  
Beaten to Powder, thee I'll levelly lay,  
For my Undoing, and this dismal Day.   

This said, he takes him, Pedestal and all,  
And with strange Fury hurls against the Wall,  
In pieces dashed like brittle Glass, then trod  
To Mortar scattered Fragments of his God:   

When a New Light the dusty Mists unfold;  
Out of the Head and Ruptur'd Belly Gold  
Reverberating, rung the Idol's Knell,  
And Lightnings 'midst a Rubbish Tempest fell:  
Whilst through a Cloud of Witnesses he spies  
Gems, Jewels, Ingots, a no little Prize!  
Which he at first an idle Vision thought;  
But feeling what he found, and never sought,  
So huge a Treasure, such prodigious Store,  
That those that thirst for Gold could ask no more,  
Smiling, he said, Ah miserable Hound!  
Why didst thou thus conceal what I have found?  
Wouldst not to thy Devoted, torn with Want,  
And greedy Lawyers, one small Penny grant?  
The Tithe of this had my undoing Cause  
Brought off, and me, with Honour and Applause:  
But thus recruited, I'll recover Cost,  
And all my Land in Forma Pauperis lost.   

MORAL.  
Madness oft helps the Desperate, sometimes Chance;  
Others Debauchery and Full Cups advance:  
Some dive the Seas, search Mines, Coffers to load;  
These Sell their King, and That Betrays his God.    

FAB. XVII. Of Phoebus, the Covetous, and Envious Man  

Summoned by Jove to his Great Council, all  
The Gods assembling in Heavens Starry Hall,  
In Crystal Nieches ordered Places take;  
When thus the Sire in nipping Language spoke.   

Coelestials, Convocated here you sit,  
Enacting Things nor handsome, just, nor fit;  
You Private Picks and Self-concerns debate,  
Whilst Fallow lies the Grand Affairs of State:  
And if by chance some wholesome Laws we make,  
Such care you of the Execution take,  
That Man our Chief Authority contemns,  
Looking on Gods as Poets idle Dreams;  
That now their Crimes reach such a Brazen Height,  
Unmasked Day sees the darkest Deeds of Night:  
Nay more, on us each Malefactor pin's  
His venial, greater, and more heinous Sins:  
Mars protects Murder, and Rebellious Swarms  
Influenced by him, 'gainst Princes take up Arms:  
On Bacchus lay they the Abuse of Grapes;  
And Venus Pillows all their lose Escapes:   

17   Aureoled Phoebus presents his riddle to two bearded men in long robes. Jupiter (or Jove) and other gods look on from a cloud.  

The City-Cheat, and Highway Robber too,  
Hermes, they boast their Signatures from you:  
With Lampoons, Phoebus, and Burlesque reproach;  
And Juno, for Dame Haughties Golden Coach:  
Neither scape I, that Heaven and Earth Command,  
When surly People are to be trepanned;  
Clandestine Plots for open Actions ripe,  
Striking at Kings, that are of Gods the Type,  
When down must come Religion, and all Laws,  
In my Name Arm they, and attest their Cause.  
Therefore let Phoebus take a strict Review,  
And make Report, if what we hear be true:  
Mercy we rather would than Wrath employ,  
Not drown bad Cities, nor with Fire destroy.   

The God thus ordered, leaves his shining Robe,  
Vested in Clouds, and makes the Terrene Globe  
Swifter than Thought, swift as the quickest Eyes,  
Through Empires, Kingdoms, and Republics flies;  
Saw the Seven Deadly Champions Flags unfurled,  
And open Vice Encamped about the World;  
Finding Crimes much alike, as on a Stage,  
Here act they Comic Shifts, there Tragic Rage:  
Though he no Giants found, 'gainst Heaven to fight,  
Nor Rig out fifty Chambermaids a Night;  
Nor Blazing Comets, Drinkers that could swill  
Whole Oceans off, and yet be Thirsty still;  
Yet All Wellwishers were, did what they could,  
And each where swarmed Offenders, Young and Old.   

An accurate Survey thus having made  
Of Men and Manners, to himself he said,  
Why should I more incensed Jove provoke?  
I'll turn this serious Business to a Joke;  
No end of Crimes, Offenders every where,  
And several Laws sufficiently severe:  
From two comes yonder, Humane Creatures scarce,  
Matter of Moment shall become a Farce;  
That spiteful Dog, and avaricious Chuff,  
Shall make for Laughter Argument enough.   

To whom he said, Accept from Heaven a Grant,  
That you nor yours hereafter never want:  
But he that first implores, be sure to crave  
Whole Mines of Gold, since 'tis but Ask, and Have:  
He whoever second begs, Jove will not grudge  
Sums doubled; his Enjoyments twice as much.   

This Riddle put the Wretches to a stand,  
That he should Happiest be, did last Demand!  
The Avaricious judged himself accursed  
To lose a Moiety by begging first;  
When double Mischief th' Envious thus designs,  
Jove take this Eye, and keep thy promised Mines;  
Then of his Purchase let the Greedy boast,  
When I but One, and he Both Eyes hath lost.   

Then Phoebus said, This seems a subtle Plot,  
To be both Losers, when both might have got:  
By this you each had Myriads enjoyed;  
This Spiteful Wretch hath all your Hopes destroyed,  
Since here Jove's Grant, and my Commission ends:  
Kindness, not Harm, to Mortals he intends.   

This said, he scales Celestial Abodes,  
And told this pleasant Story to the gods.   

MORAL.  
Foul Avarice with Gold and Silver nursed,  
Cries still More yet, and never quencheth Thirst▪  
The Envious Wretch, whose Eye makes others smart,  
Feels hungry Adders baiting on his Heart.    

FAB. XVIII. Of Jupiter and the Bee.  

THe Gods thus put upon a Merry Pin,  
Waved pruning Vices, and vain Cure of Sin,  
Remembering they themselves had often swerved,  
And for like Crimes just Punishment deserved:   

When Jove thus spoke, Lay by the Earth's Affairs,  
Man little for our Acts and Statutes cares;  
Princes Edicts not Executed, they  
Like Cobwebs force, and make their King's Highway.  
Bring Nectral Goblets swollen above the edge;  
Hang Business, let us Gods each other Pledge.   

This said, Celestial Tables straight were spread,  
Nectar their Tope, Ambrosia their Bread.   

When the Hyblean Monarch, King of Bees,  
A Honeycomb thus Jove upon his Knees  
Humbly presents; Take, Emperor of the Skies,  
A Nations Work, the load of many Thighs;  
Extracted Quintessence from various Flowers  
Which deck May's Bosom, big with April Showers:  
Their King Grand-Bee the Offering, soon as said,  
In humble posture at Jove's Footstool laid.   

Who thus replied, I well resent your Gift;  
Who for himself, an Infant, could not shift,   

18   Jupiter (or Jove) sits with other gods at a table with a honeycomb in a cloud above a rural scene, with two beehives and bees in flight.  

Left in a Cretan Cave hemmed in with Woods,  
Obscured from Mortals and Immortal Gods,  
When I for Milk, the Teat long wanting, cried,  
With sweeter Food your Grandsires me supplied;  
Betwixt my thirsty Lips they Honey stived,  
Which my faint Spirits, nigh yielding up, retrieved;  
Starving I scaped, condemned to be slain,  
And then a Castaway, in Heaven now Reign.   

This said, he bids straight Ganymed infuse  
Amongst Celestial, this Terrestrial Juice;  
Who sweet Tears crushing from the yielding Wax,  
Of rougher Nectar, pleasing Liquor makes:  
Whilst silver Foam margins the sparkling Cup,  
Jove he presents, Jove turns the Bottom up:   

Thus saying, Since I Ruled all beneath the Cope,  
I never tasted more delicious Tope;  
Then bids him round to all the Table skink:  
Both Gods and Goddesses much praise the Drink.   

But when that Bacchus saw the Liquor foam,  
Firment, he cries, Molossus, or else Stome;  
Poor and Rich Widows smile, or mourn in Black,  
Praising or cursing Medicated Sack,  
Or baldered  Wines, that took away  
Their poisoned Husbands in a Drinking-day:  
But if that you shall countenance such Trash,  
Gods be Exemplars, tippling Balderdash,  
Who me will Worship, and pure Wine Adore,  
Or eat salt Pilchers on my Altars more?   

Then Jove replied, Business when we Carouse!  
What, Bacchus, break the Orders of the House!  
Your Grievances whate'er you must report,  
When we Sat fasting in a frequent Court.   

Then to the Honey-bird he turning, spoke;  
But I this Gift of your so kindly take,  
That you must ask what may your State improve,  
And testify Our Gratitude and Love.   

When King Hive said, O Jove, if thou hast Grace  
For Infects (though Bees boast Celestial Race)  
Let not base Villagers our Stocks destroy,  
And what you so are pleased to like, enjoy;  
Who drown whole Nations, or with stifling Smoke  
Established Kingdoms in a Minute choke,  
Sweet Treasure seize, laid up in Waxed Forts:  
Let deadly Poison arm our little Darts,  
That if the Skin we pierce, no Scorpions by't  
Shall sooner kill, nor sharpest Aconite.   

Then Jove replied, You know not what you ask;  
Your Malice to our Minion you unmask:  
Fool! should I grant what Man would so annoy,  
You and your Progeny soon they would destroy.  
Therefore whoever shall Waspish thrust his Sting  
In Humane Flesh, a Peasant, or a King,  
Disarmed, shall turn a Drone, nor more shall toil,  
But in Rebellion live upon the Spoil.   

MORAL.  
A handsome Treat, a Bottle of good Wine,  
May more prevail than Jewels, Plate, or Coin:  
To flowing Bowls your Business well applied,  
Your Suit is bad if than you be denied.    


19   a man in farmer's dress holding an egg talks to his goose. A large farmhouse is in the background. FAB. XIX. Of the Covetous Man and his Goose.  

THat Greedy-worm who stood in his own light,  
And first let th' Envious ask to wreak his Spite,  
Had now a Business fallen into his Lap,  
That he to Fortune ought t' have veiled his Cap,  
Had he been thankful; but Bad Natures will  
ne'er return Good for Good, though Ill for iii.  
This answered all he of the Gods could beg,  
Each day his Goose laid him a Golden Egg:  
Most strange! yet true, though scarce believed when told,  
The Yolk not only, but the White was Gold.  
Fearing his Precious Bird, now in her Prime,  
Might Old grow barren, and he lose his time,  
Nor of the Blessing present Profit make,  
His Opportunity he now will take  
To swell his Bags, Improvements to enlarge;  
When thus he gives his Golden Bird a Charge:   

You daily me a handsome Egg produce,  
For Beauty valued, else of little Use;  
Though Croesus such bright Images adored,  
Yet he to Iron bended, and the Sword;  
Ah! of this gaudy Toy, to quench their Thirst,  
Make Man unhappy, and the World accursed.   

But to the Point; though at my own Barn-door  
You Diet have, yet run you on the score;  
Contrary to our Covenant, oft you get  
Into my Corn, and spoil whole Fields of Wheat;  
There you not only Feast, but undertake  
For others, which no little Havoc make:  
But howsoe'er, to balance all Accounts,  
Since not your Wages to so much amounts,  
Double your Task, lay me two Eggs a day,  
So will the Surplus jousted Audits pay.   

Then said the Dame, Your Judgement, Sir, consult;  
Lay not on me a duplicated Mulct:  
Forced Embryos may your Golden Mine consume,  
And Births imperfect perish in the Womb.   

At these Words Avarice and Choler mixed,  
The Hinges of Right Reason quite unfixed;  
When thus her Death resolving on, he said,   

I shall be happy, and for ever made!  
'Tis beyond Scruple, past uncertain Hope,  
She hath the Stone, th' Elixir in her Crop,  
Or else it lodgeth in her Heart or Soal:  
Fly Lymbecks! fly, lent Fires, and Beechen Coal!  
Whole Years of Toil, Trials of Skill and Wit,  
To make the Medicine for Projection fit!  
O'er is that Voyage, past those dangerous Seas,  
And we arrived in the Hesperideses:  
Nor need we mix with Copper, Ste●l, or Brass,  
Cooperate with a stiff unyielding Mass:  
But on green Corn, like this despiteful Bird,  
Who Wheat-blade-milk converts to glittering Curd;  
So at one touch Fitches and Fields of Tares  
Shall Metal shine, and wave with Golden Ears.   

This said, he kills the Goose, and then dissects;  
(From a bad Cause but follow sad Effects.)  
Inspection through her panting Entrails made,  
He found no Indian Mines, nor Guiney Trade:  
He, his Enjoyments lost, and hoped for Pelf,  
Though dear, a Halter bought, and hanged himself.   

MORAL.  
O'erweening Hopes are Portals to Despair;  
Who climb a Precipice, let them beware;  
Higher they mount, the lower is their Fall:  
Some catch at Heaven and Hell, the Devil and All.    

FAB. XX. Of the Sheep and the Butcher.  

Wether's a dozen, all of special Note,  
Each in a Golden Fleece, or Silver Coat,  
Fed in one Stall, rich in their numerous Flocks,  
Free from Incursions of the Wolf and Fox;  
Where they long prospering, securely dwelled,  
And never Frown of fickle Fortune felt:  
Whom from their Golden Dream a Butcher wakes,  
And a fat Brother from Sheep-College takes.   

Much at this unexpected Chance dismayed,  
In frequent Council, thus Bell-wether said!   

How are we fallen, whom Pride and Riches swelled  
Who such a Consternation e'er beheld!  
We in Gold Tunicks and stripped Silver Vests  
For Nuptials fitted, look like Funeral Guests;  
With our Surprisal struck, each Face did show Vaunt  
A Map of Misery and ensuing Woe:  
Where's former Strength and Courage, where ou●  
No Fortune could the Sheepish Nation daunt:  
But now our Business mind, no time neglect,  
We must be sudden, stout, and circumspect,  
Apparent Danger's near; by one consen.  
Our Ruin by Defensive Arms prevent.   
 a garlanded ram stands on a mound in an open-sided barn looking down on a garlanded flock. In the background, a man in farmer's dress puts a garland on a sheep.  

What Fool on us embodied once dares fall?  
Whose Heads may batter down a Brazen Wall?  
But if you suffer thus the subtle Foe  
To seize us single, and unquestioned go;  
Thus unarrayed let him the Fattest cull,  
And at once strip us both of Skin and Wool,  
We Inch by Inch shall like a Taper melt,  
Lost in Destruction,  one Blow be dealt:  
Wars are begun, and yet no War proclaimed;  
No Trumpet sounding, why should we be blamed  
To take up Arms, and so revenge our Wrong?  
Surprisal makes us Forty thousand strong.  
In Belin's Name, next entering, him Arrest,  
And beat the Breath out of his wicked Breast;  
This bloody Butcher kill, and then sit down  
In Peace, and once more Masters of your own.   

This said, a biased Brother rising spoke,  
And thus in pieces his grave Counsel took:   

We may your Courage, not your Prudence praise,  
Would us persuade a dangerous War to raise  
Upon such slender grounds, before we know  
If this Invasion be, or he a Foe:  
Under Attainder, and to Prison led,  
Must we him rescue, Private Quarrels wed?  
Engage Republic on so slight a score?  
Be all undone, rather than one grow poor?  
A Province seized, the Fact will never reach  
To make upon the Empire's Peace a Breach:  
Whilst you enjoy whate'er makes Mortals blessed,  
To help a Neighbour ne'er yourselves molest:  
Some with their Blood may water Fleur-de-Liece,  
Others re-gild pale-growing Golden-Fleece;  
But who e'er takes up Arms, the Die once thrown,  
May call their proper Goods no more their own;  
Let their Allies and Friends the better get,  
United States may in a Province set.   

But to the Point: The Foe you would surprise,  
He watches with his own, not others Eyes;  
His Preparations he will never slack,  
But still be ready at the first Attack;  
Not Sloth nor Avarice shall e'er abuse,  
Being a Master of his own Reviews:  
So fall on when you please, you soon shall fallen  
'Gainst your unpractised Arms, his ready steel;  
Though twelve to one, he in prepared Bowls  
Will cool this Fever in your purple Souls;  
So in one Action we shall perish all.  
The worst that may betid, fall what may fall!  
We shall have time, whilst us he singly takes;  
Each posting Minute Alterations makes;  
Whilst present Junctures may our Cause advance;  
Wonders the Bosom fill of Time and Chance;  
And this encroaching Tyrant may, perhaps,  
On false Pretensions Levying War, relapse:  
Therefore be patiented, Live whilst live we may,  
Nor to a desperate hazard All betray.   

This Counsel taking, they despise the first.  
And none there contradicting, chose the worst;  
When in the Slaughterer comes, just as before,  
And their full Dozen shrunk to Half a score:  
So daily picks and culls, making no Noise  
Till of twice Six, remains not any Choice,  
Only his Orator, whom forth he draws,  
Last to Reward, who so Preached up his Cause:  
Who not suspected Cutting of his Throat,  
But to be Duke and Peer made of the Coat,   

False and Ambitious Counsellors, than said he,  
May they be paid their Punishment like me.   

MORAL.  
Few Public Spirits, Common Counsels find;  
These fathom Wants, Those Private Interest blind:  
Most for the Present, and their own Affairs,  
Sudden Calamities seizeth unawares.    

FAB. XXI. Of the Wolf and the Fox.  

A River by a Thunder-Tempest swelled,  
Would not in Bounds of Modesty be held,  
But with an Inroad o're-runs bordering Strands;  
Retreat then sounding, Plashes leaves, and Ponds:  
'Mongst which a tardy Salmon Reynard spies,  
And without Net or Angle makes his Prize.   

The Wolf hard by, observed the lucky Hit,  
And thus puts in to share the dainty Bit:   

Halves, half I cry! what you seized first I saw,  
And claim the Moiety by Partners Law:  
In happy time this Creature-comfort came,  
My queasy Stomach checks at Kid or Lamb,  
Tasteless seems Humane Blood; I from a Drab  
Last Night made seizure of a tender Squab,  
Thought on the Infant, warm, myself to treat,  
And scarce the Liver and the Heart could eat.   

Come, let's to Breakfast, and at Night with me  
You shall Copartner of my Fortune be;  
I at Hogs-Norton, twinkling of a Jig  
On profane Organs, took a Popish Pig,  
I'll only Feast you with that single Dish,  
By that time well we shall digest our Fish.   
 the wolf approaches the fox who has a fish. In the background, the fox talks to an assortment of other animals in a stone building, and the wolf is set upon by villagers with sticks by a bridge.  

Then Reynard thus; Whatever this Lenten Fare,  
For a small purchase I release my share;  
My peevish Madam ready to cry out,  
Nothing will serve her but a Salmon-trout;  
Which brought not when expected, she will rise,  
Bedung my Face, and Urine in my Eyes.   

But learn to Fish, I'll soon your Wolfship teach,  
Both for yourself and Friends, enough to catch;  
Bring yonder Basket tackled to that Rope,  
Which you shall satisfy beyond your Hope:  
That Wicker laden will be such a Heap,  
Shall Markers make so much now risen, Cheap.   

This said, Isgrim, though surly, draws the Tools,  
Which tying to his Stern, thus Reynard fools:  
Now to the River bring the fastened Pail,  
Which I'll so settle that you shall not fail;  
But you by no means till I give the Word,  
Must not look back, nor your Drag-Net be stirred.   

The greedy Wolf, this said, obeys Command,  
And as the Fox directed, takes his Stand,  
Whilst he the Wicker with huge Pebbles thwacks,  
Until the circling sallow-belly cracks:  
This done, he calls; Now please your Wolfship pull!  
Well you are hanseled, your new engine's full,  
The River's drained, What Fish, how fat, and fain!  
Now I demand with you a Partners share;  
Put all your Strength, your Cordage strong, and Dock  
So well united, may remove a Rock.   

This said, glad Isgrim gives a lusty Hale,  
Until he tentered out both Rope and Tail;  
But fast the Work stood fixed, nor more would jog  
Than stubborn Rock, or a perverser Log:   

When Reynard calls, I see we need some help,  
I'll fetch my eldest Son, an able Whelp,  
Who joined with you, the Task shall undertake;  
But till we come, by no means, Sir, look back.  
The Wolf persuaded, Fox bears home his Trout,  
Then mustering thus the Villages about,   

Swains, Come away, and Arm with speed; the Wol●  
Your Flocks Devourer, that all-swallowing Gulf,  
Now drains your River; and what havoc there  
May Sheepskin Doublets make, that never Swear!  
Pure Zeal-pretenders! to your grief you know:  
Now, now avenged be on the Common Foe.   

Straight from the neighbouring Dorps bold Rustic●● throng,  
And like a gathered Tempest, Old and Young  
Upon his Quarters falling, him assail  
With Bats, and Staves, and Stones as thick as Hail:  
No way to save himself, of Life no hope,  
He quits his Rudder fastened to the Rope;  
To nearest Coverts bare-breeched Isgrim flies,  
Whilst mingled Shouts and Clamours scale the Skies.   

MORAL.  
Those that at Private, or at Public Feasts,  
Use to invite themselves amongst Bidden Guests,  
Often upon them such Affronts are put,  
They had been better at the Three-peny Cut.    

FAB. XXII. 2. Of the same Wolf and Fox.  

GLad of the Mercy, and Escape so fair,  
Though with no little smart, and Gascons bore,  
Whilst he lay licking whole his scarce no Stump,  
Rustics in Triumph bearing round the Rump,  
Thus Isgrim did his Bosom disembogue;   

How shall I be revenged upon this Rogue?  
Who me in danger put, and utter shame,  
To be thus despicable as I am:  
Where shall I wander now? where show my Face?  
Bearing about the brand of my Disgrace?  
How shall I be disguised, or which way dressed,  
Unless I wear a Tunick and a Vest?  
I that abhorred all Fashions whate'er, Now,  
Must bid to those my dogging Modes adieu:  
I'll lay my Vizard by, a Hector turn,  
And my too Formal Sanctity adjourn,  
Fall on this subtle Fox where'er we meet:  
No, 'twill not do; Wit must encounter Wit.  
Thus Clad, I'll to the Court; the Lion's sick:  
Mint on my Brains, and show him Trick for Trick.   

This said, he lays aside his formal shape,  
His Sheep skin Cloak, and Mutton-Velvet Cape,  
Puts on a Vest, that Covered his Disgrace,  
And with a Peruke owled his Wolfish Face;  
Low-crowned his Hat, not the same Beast he showed,  
Lo forth he walks, a New Old A-la-mode:   

Entering the Court, he in the Royal Hall,  
The King and Queen saw, sitting at a Ball;  
Dancing Baboons, and Singing Parachitts,  
The Lion eased in Melancholy Fits;  
Up in a Bower his Cats and Fiddles stood,  
The Band twice twelve, made galliards in the Blood.   

The Pastime over, Isgrim did appear,  
And going forth, desired his Royal Ear,  
He his old Counsellor, though disguised, not balks,  
But a Turn with him in the Gallery walks:  
Then he himself applying, from his Forge,  
New Anviled Spleen and Malice did disgorge.   

I from a populous City came of late,  
Where all Diseases sell at any Rate,  
Who Golden Showers pour in a Danae's Lap,  
Only to purchase a sufficient Clap:  
Smallpox is little valued, lesser Swine,  
All seek the best, they barter may for Coin;   

About your Health inquisitive, I found  
Those that keep Patients sick, could make them sound.  
At Spring and Fall their Bloods did so ferment,  
To pay them twice a Year their constant Rent;  
I 'mongst those Doctors met a Reverend Sage,  
And told him your Distemper, Sir, and Age,  
Not only trusting Practice, down he took  
From Shelves with Learning loaden, an old Book,  
The Text and stuffed up Margins long surveyed,  
And thus from Galen's Observations, said;   

The Person disaffected, vexed with Fumes,  
Vertiginous, Vapours, and distilling Rheums,  
Must Purge, must Diet, and must Issues make:  
But Old, take care lest any Cold he take:  
Get him warm Furs, his Garments Line and Face,  
Nothing more sovereign than a Fox's Case;  
That only will, if Rich, soader all flaws  
Of Wintry Age, and quite remove the Cause.   

Then said the Lion, A Fox Skin so good  
Youth to renew, and circulate the Blood!  
King Craft, and gravest Counsellors allege  
That Fox's Tails best Royal Ermine edge.   

Then Isgrim said, Sir Reynard now gone down,  
That in late Turmoils fought against your Crown,  
And Knighted since by You, get him to Court,  
And your dear Life to lengthen, cut his short.   

The Lion likes th' Advice, and Orders strait  
That on Emergencies, Affairs of State,  
He should attend the King, whom more to blind,  
His Gracious Letter he both Sealed and Signed;  
Nor Common Messenger, nor usual Post,  
Were sent, by which the Business might be lost;  
But a swift Tiger, that like Lightning flew.   

The Work thus perfected, the King withdrew;  
And Isgrim, joyful of his well-played Part,  
Goes to his Lodgings with a Merry Heart.   

MORAL.  
He that receives a Wrong, should bear it too:  
Are they too Subtle, or too Strong for you?  
Better sit down, Loss and Affronts digest,  
Than rising, tread upon a Serpent's Nest.    

FAB. XXIII. 3. Of the same Wolf and Fox.  

THis Closet-secret, the whole Juncto two,  
Early next morning sly Sir Reynard knew,  
His Pensioners, Intelligencers there,  
Picked out each Whisper from the King's own Ear;  
Such as their Prince and Country, such as would  
Their Wives! their Wives & Children sell for Gold:  
Who Public Spirits count both weak and base;  
Let Private Interest, Self-concern take place:  
What care they if whole Kingdoms sink or swim,  
So they buoy up, and float above the brim.   

Startled at first, a consternating Cold  
Agued his Joints, attaqued Lives warmer Hold:  
Soon as his better Spirits cleared the Damp,  
And Sparks of Courage lightened Reason's Lamp,  
Then Reynard spoke, Be circumspect and quick,  
Mischief prevent, and show him Trick for Trick:  
To Cure the Lion, must I be uncased?  
You may be met with, Wolf, for all your haste.   

This said, he all bemires his Back and Head,  
In Carrion rolls, where Rooks and Ravens fed:  
So to Court goes, so Anned with this Disguise  
And noisome Stench, to play his Master-Prize:  
And soon he came where the Old Lion sat;  
Bemelanchollied and Disconsolate.   

But when he saw Sir Reynard there, he said;  
Cousin! draw near, to see you I am glad;  
You must for me a Business undertake,  
Concerns my Life, and Crown! why drawest thou back?  
Come near, and me your King Advice afford,  
The Work's too knotty for our Council Board:  
They only follow Sport, Eat, Drink, and Droll,  
Scarce one a Learned or a Knowing Soul.   

Then Reynard said, Ah my most Gracious Liege!  
I thus bespattered with foul Dung and Siege,  
Sir, ought not in your Royal Presence stand,  
But that I bring you from a Foreign Land,  
Fair Overtures of Health, nay certain Cure,  
For lingering Sickness worse than Calenture;  
What Comfort boasts the Emperor of the World?  
Whose Cheeks bear pale Distempers, Flags unfurled  
When Hypochondriack Fumes, more strong than Spell  
Or Pulpits, Conjure up ten thousand Hells,  
Legions of Devils, and as many Saints,  
Breathing Rebellion, Oaths, and Covenants;  
Tortured with Fancy worse than his Disease,  
He lives or dies, as Court Physicians please.   

Observing, Sir, that all in Physic dealt,  
Oftener our Purses than our Pulses felt;  
And whensoever double Fees not drop,  
They leave their Patient then in little hope;  
Galenick this, Chemistry that pretends,  
Their chiefest Learning Greek and Latin ends:   

So I at last, a great Magician found,  
That only dealt with Spirits under Ground;  
By me importuned much, he called from Rest,  
Old Aesop, that renowned Mythologist;  
Who first to Business found the nearest way,  
What in long Sermons Orators could say  
Of State-Affairs, of Moral, or Divine,  
His Cock and Bull contracts all in a Line.  
Whose pale Shade told me, vain were Medicines all,  
You might, perhaps, linger a Spring and Fall;  
But you your Course must finish e'er the Sun  
Can through th' Ecliptic annual Periods run.   

I grieving much, strait made this sad Reply;  
Ah! must my dear and Royal Master die?  
When thus he spoke in few and pithy words,  
One only Medicine the whole World affords,  
Whose Sovereign Power can o'er his Fits prevail;  
And that's a Wolf, a Wolf without a Tail;  
Whose brisly Skin must gird him Back and Side,  
This in seven days will cure, if well applied.   

This said, the Vision fled the dazzling Light,  
Since when I neither rested Day, nor Night,  
To bring from Shadows, and the Gates of Hell,  
What us must Happy make, and You, Sir, Well.  
My Haste and your Necessity, hath made  
Me venture in your Presence, thus bewrayed.   

Who's there? the King said: On your Lives not fail,  
But fetch me strait a Wolf without a Tail.   

When one replied, Isgrim late come to Court,  
A Rudder wants, or else 'tis wondrous short:  
To hid his Wants, thus he himself hath dressed,  
His Sheepskin Cloak turned to a Coat and Vest.   

Ha! said the Monarch; Bid him hither strait:  
No sooner entered, but he met his Fate.  
The Lion throws him Back upon the Floor,  
And off his Skin, and out his Bowels tore.   

No sooner Reynard saw thus Isgrim stripped,  
But to Fox-hall the sly Insulter slipped.   

MORAL.  
Not he who First, but Last, the King's Ear gets,  
At subtle Plots and Countermining beats:  
Yet they who Foremost Charge, cry Traitor First,  
Play a Foregame, and seldom get the worst.    

 the laden camel walks under a tree with the fly on his back. In the background the camel looks up at Mercury (or Hermes) in winged sandals and helmet, caduceus in hand, descending from a cloud where Jupiter (or Jove) sits, crowned, trident in hand, next to an eagle. FAB. XXIV. Of the Camel and the Fly.  

THat Emblem of Impertinence, the Fly,  
Mounted upon a Camel Steeple-high,  
Because the laden Monster slowly went,  
Her petulant Humour stirred up, did ferment,  
Who pitched upon a Turban o'er a Pack,  
In a high Chafe thus arrogantly spoke:   

Why, Bunch-back, creepest thou in so smooth a Road?  
Am I so great a Lady? such a Load?  
This Tiffany Whisk, and Sarc'net Cloak of mine  
ne'er Navel-galled, nor broke a Horse's Chine:  
Haste, thou dull Lump of Flesh, why dost not go?  
This Morning is Sir Cranion Wedded know,  
To Madam Ladybird, more Fair and Gay  
Than May herself, and all the Flowers in May;  
There will be painted Flies of all Degrees,  
Prime Courtiers, and the King himself of Bees;  
Gnats, Humbles, Hornets, twenty four his Band,  
Hybleans Consort ready at Command;  
Who late Presented Jove a Honeycomb,  
Sent with Gifts loaden, and great Honour's home,  
His Waxed Realms to strengthen and advance,  
Above the Power of Change, or fickle Chance:  
The Married Pair present their Royal Guest  
A stately Masque, after a sumptuous Feast;  
And I myself, whose Name you needs must know,  
Dame Gadfly, am Invited to the Show:  
Had I a Switches or Spur, I'd pay your Coat,  
That thus with calling make so hoarse my Throat.   

The Camel hearing from his Fardel come  
Vexatious Buzzes, and so loud a Hum,  
Thought that some Spirit Ranted in the Sky;  
But when he saw there but Summer Fly,   

Why Madam Gad? why all this stir? he said;  
My Master, for your Place you never paid:  
If I could reach thee with my Train or Teeth,  
I'd make thee far unfit to Roast, or Seethe;  
You that so poor and proud are, one small Lash,  
Would turn thee, Boneless Nothing, to a Hash.   

MORAL.  
The noise of wrangling Gamesters at their Games,  
Makes Heavenly Music to your All-tongued Dames:  
Echo a Voice without a Body, strange!  
Let Silent Women 'mongst such Wonders range.    

FAB. XXV. 2. Of the same Camel and Fly.  

DAme Gad-Fly now that such a pother kept,  
Returning home, on the same Camel slept;  
Weary with Dancing at the Bridal, where  
So many Flesh- Flies and hot Courtiers were;  
The laden Beast through beaten Tracts joged on,  
Till both his Journey and the Day were done.  
The Fly warm sitting in bright Phoebus' Beams,  
Paved all her Passage with delightful Dreams;  
Whilst through deep Ways on went the burdened Slug  
His Reins and Harness rattling, she sat snug:  
But when the Sun behind th' opacous Globe  
Suffered Eclipse, Cold pierced her slender Robe;  
At which she waking, Brussles up her Tail,  
Then lighting parched upon the neighbouring Pale;  
With Curtsies after Curtsies, Lady Gad,  
Thus to the Camel, oft repeating, said:   

Sir, I'll no farther trouble you to Night,  
I in compassion of your Burden light,  
My many Thanks, I ne'er so easy road,  
You must be weary sure, with such a Load!  
I slept all Day, those sleep sit heavier far,  
than those that wake, and talk, and jocund are;  
Your Humble Servant; thousand Kiss-hands; pray  
Make use of my House, when you come that way.   

The Camel then; Pox on thee, art thou there?  
Did ever any such a Gossip hear?  
Excusive Compliments vex ten times more  
Than all your petulant ranting Talk before:  
Begun, else something on thee I'll bestow  
You'll thank me for, since you I nothing own:  
I feel no Lady's weight, th' are all so light,  
But Words may load me, that a Ship would fraught;  
The Hills and Dales I passed, Plashes and Banks,  
Not so much tired me, as your vexing Thanks:   

Strange Trouble are your Complimental Gnats,  
That neither Money, Manners have, nor Sprats.   

MORAL.  
Poor and Low Breeding makes Fanatic Elves  
Competitors with King's conceit themselves:  
Porters may think they bear a Kingdom's weight,  
And are the only Atlases of State.    

FAB. XXVI. 3. Of the same Camel and Jupiter.  

OUr Camel, he that bore Dame Fly of late,  
Had got a Maggot now in his own Pate;  
Long fed in Pasture, and at plenteous Stalls,  
Fat, in a fit of Melancholy falls:  
Pricked up with Provender, and swelling Pride,  
To Jove thus sadly he himself applied.   

O thou that Rul'st the low and upper World!  
Where nightly thy bright Ensigns fly unfurled,  
On me, a wretched Beast, take some Remorse,  
That undervalved am beneath a Horse.  
I am become to all the Field a Scorn:  
What Taste hath tender Grass, or purest Corn?  
What all my Ease? what my continued Feasts?  
Imbittered still with Jeers, and biting Jests?  
They say, I bear a Fardel on my Back,  
And only need behind a Pedlar's Pack;  
Tell me, betwixt my Belly and my Brains  
A Gutter falls, as deep as two Long-lanes,  
To set out my Deformity and Want.  
Honour and Arms upon my Temples plant;  
Adorn my Frontispiece with stately Horns,  
Not with Ram Belin's, but the Unicorn's;  
Than I shall keep Monkeys and Apes in awe,  
And from his Perch bring down the jeering Daw;  
Then I shall be a stately Beast indeed,  
And all those Scoffers at my Pleasure Feed.   

Then Jove said, smiling at his fond Request,  
Thou makest thyself the same deformed Beast,  
By your Petition, and as foolish too,  
As when in Lampoons they decipher you.  
Horns on that Head already raised so high!  
Sure thou hast some Design upon the Sky,  
To strike down Constellations in their March,  
Unhinge our Throne on Heaven's supremest Arch,  
Storm our Twelve Houses, Watches rout, and Wards,  
Eternal Sentries, and Nocturnal Guards:  
Since thou for Arms, and such Additions prayest,  
I'll take from thee those Ornaments thou hast.   

Hermes, strait fetch, said Jove, yond Monster's Ears,  
And in our Hall 'mongst Crests and Hoods of Bears,  
Mongst other Forfeitures to us that fall  
On like occasions, nail them to the Wall.   

This said, the God descends through crystal Spheres,  
And with a Blast of Lightning crops his Ears:  
Heavens Court the Camel oft in vain implored,  
But they the Gates of Hearing ne'er restored.   

MORAL.  
Should Princes grant whate'er their Subjects ask,  
They soon would put them to a second Task,  
That Gracious they all Patents would Repeal:  
The Giddy Vulgar know not when th' are well.    

 the crow drops a pebble into the pitcher next to a well. In the background, the crow perches on the lamb's back, while a large bird flies away with the lamb in its talons. FAB. XXVII. Of the Lamb and the Crow.  

A Petulant Crow with Carrion Banquet's gorged,  
And noisome Offals, to Bear's College Barged,  
Looked round, a soft and steadier Seat to find,  
Than a rough Branch, that danced with every Wind:   

Spying a Lamb, said she, No further search,  
On yond soft Couch, that Silken Fleece, I'll perch:  
Her short Result put straight in Act, she came,  
And Quarters settles on the harmless Lamb;  
Who when he felt a Burden on his Back,  
And hover saw one lighted, all in Black,  
Supposing some great Lady there had been,  
That only Rested, not took up her Inn,  
He patiently endured: but when she stayed  
As in her Lodgings, thus the Sutl'rer said.   

Madam, whate'er you are, I not inquire,  
But wish to Privacy you would retire;  
Though soft the , yet you Curtains want,  
Unfit to Duel with a Brisk Gallant:  
Need you a moving Brother? Call a Coach,  
There's all Conveniency, and less Reproach:  
Be what you will, Court-Dame, Goddess, or Nymph,  
I would not bear your Bed, and be your Pimp.   

Then said the Crow, Why how now saucy Jack!  
Thinkest thou a Strumpet sits upon thy Back?  
Were I a Pleasure-Lady, here I'd sleep,  
And this Place as my own Apartment keep.   

The Lamb replied, Lady, I am content,  
If you will pay my Master Chamber-Rent;  
He hath a thousand Tricks, a thousand ways,  
To lose you in Laws intricating Maze;  
A Lawyer, who his Neighbours keeps in awe,  
Will Sue them for the turning of a Straw;  
A heinous Trespass o'er his Hedge to peep:  
Lady, agree with him before you sleep.   

Then she replied, Your Master I will match;  
 he proceed, he first must me attach:  
But  Dog-Sergeants come, I'll take my Flight  
Where never Under-Shrieve shall on me light:  
Disturb no more, nor keep me from Repose,  
Lest I in stead of Parlying, fall to Blows.   

MORAL.  
Proud and Poor Tenants hard are off to claw,  
Possession being Eleven Points of the Law:  
Are we not able Tyrants to Supplant?  
Better with Patience Suffer, than to Rant.    

FAB. XXVIII. Of the Crow and the Pitcher.  

THe Crow this said, indulging wholesome Rest,  
Her Station kept, soul Banquets to digest;  
When her from Sleep a hot Alarm waked;  
Cates which in Dog-days Phoebus stewed and baked  
Strange Insurrection, in her Bowels nursed,  
Turning high Surfeit into raging Thirst:  
Then looking round, she on the neighbouring Bank  
A Pitcher spies, well-shouldered in the Flank;  
Who straight o'erjoyed, forsakes her Landlord Lamb,  
And to this Cistern for Refreshment came.   

The Pot then smiling, said, Your Hopes are vain,  
A Bucket wants my Treasury to drain;  
You from my well-nealed Margins may survey  
How on my Water Beams reflecting play;  
But down your Throat one Drop shall ne'er distil,  
A Swan's Neck wanting, or the Crane's long Bill.   

The thirsty Crow, this said, thrust down her Nib,  
A Dry-Bob finding, for expected Bib;  
Jeered and defeated, now she must assuage  
Not only burning Thirst, but burning Rage:  
Her Brains she romaged, her Invention stirred,  
Fancy presents whate'er she saw or heard:  
To mind then calling an Athenian Owl,  
That kept hard by a Philosophic School,  
Who much insisted on three Elements,  
And how the Liquid yield unto the Dense,  
Water shuts Air out, but a Turf or Stone  
Makes that to swell, and break its Spheric Cone.   

True, said the Bird, were you as deep as Hell,  
I'll Conjure up your Liquor with this Spell;  
Then laboured she to vindicate her Cause,  
With Pebbles stuffed her Bill and griping Claws;  
To and again with Stones then trudging hops,  
And till she saw moist Margins, never stops;  
Then perching on the baffled Pitchers Brim,  
Exhausted Liquor stretched her Bells Rim.   

Sure Dame, you are no Witch, the Crow then said,  
Although so Eloquent a Speech you made:  
You bade at Business are, though good at Words;  
You thought like Pitchers were Aetherial Birds:  
Dull Earthen Clod, that stand'st like john-a-Dreams,  
O'er Rocks and Mountains Art will carry Streams;  
Against the Austrian Eagles, Storks and Cranes  
Dry Land to Sea turned, Seas to ample Plains,  
Used Water as they listed; now enraged,  
Both Armies are midst Standing Corn engaged;  
Flag-ships soon after, on the selfsame Spot,  
Draw up bold Squadrons plying Canonshot.  
You that so Wise were in your own Conceit,  
To me now, as a Mistress, stand in Debt;  
But since no Credit get we by a Fool,  
I'll thus at once begin, and break up School.   

MORAL.  
What unto some Impossible appears,  
Time, Industry, a Purse, and Conduct, clears:  
Wares River, Building Paul's, and such like Works,  
Lay under Jeers, and scribbling Poets Jerks.    

FAB. XXIX. Of the Wind and an Earthen Vessel.  

TO a grand Bottle neiling in the Sun,  
Thus Boreas in huffing Terms begun:  
What art thou, bully Monster? thou that hast  
Such a prodigious Hogen Mogen Waste!  
As if designed to empty brimming Quarts,  
And when Corked up, a Bundle be of—  
Great King of Belly-Gods, I shake to think  
What thou wilt be, filled up with Barmy Drink!  
What Face is that which on thy Stomach seems  
To dare the Sun midst all his glaring Beams?  
Art thou Long-Parliament without a Head?  
And that th' old Speaker on thy Girdlestead?  
Must in that Womb a House of Commons sit?  
Frothing and fuming, there their Venom spit?  
Which opened, bouncing Votes asperse the Sky,  
King, Lords bespattering, and whoever stand by.  
When Copper reigned, Malt-worms the Helm did steer,  
And Nations Ruled with cutthroat stinging Gear;  
What from so base a Vessel can we hope  
Mu firment? giddy and madheaded Tope.   
 Boreas, the north wind, blows on a pitcher, shattering it, as it dries on a bench. The potter, running from his workshop, loses his hat. In the foreground, more vessels are drying on a bench.  

Then spoke the Jugg; Know, Fool, I am not built  
For Dagger-ale, and Commoners, a Tilt;  
Which mild at first, turn Vinegar grown old,  
Too sharp for Peers, and with their King too bold.   

A Merry Boy, the Merriest of the Three,  
Bespoke, my Predecessor failing, me:  
Though China Ware, so stands our brittle Fate,  
That we come broken home, early or late;  
I must supply his Major-Generals Place,  
Who after Treatments, and a pittanced Grace,  
All took away, womans, weak Vessels, gone,  
Cries, Battle bid, those that remain fall on;  
Bottles forlorn, all French, first sury stands  
Bravely a while; Short Work make many Hands:  
Soon routed comes the Main, a stronger Dosse,  
Surrounding me, my Guard Long-beardle Grosse:   

Here Cavaliers true Valour show indeed,  
I and my Adamantine Squadrons bleed;  
Me to a Supernaculum they drain,  
Then triumph o'er the Numbers of the Slain.   

But who art thou that mak'st with me so bold?  
I hear a Voice, and feel backbiting Cold;  
Though in the Sun my Face and Belly bake,  
Thou mak'st my Neck and tender Shoulders ache:  
Yet thou no Sinews, Muscles hast thou none,  
But vapour'st only in a hectering Tone;  
I, th' early Product of this single Day,  
Have Substance, and a Body, though of Clay;  
If thou darest cope, here I shall stand thy shock,  
As Waves disperse thee beating 'gainst a Rock;  
Thy mustered Atoms I'll so disunite,  
In routed Eddies they themselves shall fight.   

When Boreas angry, thus began to huff;  
Know Dust, know empty Pride, and brittle Stuff,  
I am a King, with me my fourteen Sons,  
All Princes, Govern Arctic Regions;  
Seven Eurus Race, seven Zephyrs. Daughters Wed,  
I only cold lie in a Single Bed,  
Residing much in Caledonian Coasts  
Espoused to Winter, and eternal Frosts:   

Great Power I o'er those barren Confines vaunt;  
Invincible Necessity and Want,  
Joined with my starving Blasts, first signed th' Intrigue  
Of their so late dire Covenanting League;  
Thence marched we on, with Sword, and Book, & Gun,  
I Charged the South with Snow, with Clouds the Sun,  
Till Southern Yeomen, holp by Northern Lowns,  
Trampled on Scutcheons, Crosiers, and Crowns,  
And topsie-turvie turned, in quest of Spoils,  
Three famous Kingdoms, and two fertile Isles;  
But thee I for thy sauciness will tear,  
That such Affronters may of Kings beware.   

This said, the angry Prince, lest Breath should fail,  
Charged with Small shot, a Shower of battering Hail,  
And the o'reweening Vessel at the first  
In thousand Shards and useless Splinters burst;  
Pots, Pans, and Pipkins no small Sufferers were,  
Company their Crime, and only being there:  
The Potter wondering at the sudden Clap,  
Lost in the hurley-burley Storm, his Cap.  
Recovering Breath, thus Conquering Boreas said,  
Conceited Fools such Objects should be made.   

MORAL.  
Prince's should not, till they are Settled in  
Kingdoms regained, a Foreign War begin:  
Great is the Work old Ruins to Repair,  
And fix 'gainst sudden Gusts their Tottering Chair.    

FAB. XXX. Of the Painter and the Devil.  

AS in deep Ecstasy upon a Piece  
Must Modern Latium slain, and Ancient Greece;  
The Story various, many Figures in't,  
A Painter sat; 'mongst which, the Ftend in Print,  
As most concerned, must take a special Place,  
In his own Colours, and true Devil's Face:  
Yet to be Horrid, as the common Guise,  
Horns, spirie Flames, Fire in his glaring Eyes,  
His gaping Jaws wyre-drawn from Ear to Ear,  
Serpent's contorted, mixed with Elf-lockt Hair,  
Would not stand well: A Devil of the Times,  
A Demure Fiend, that holds forth Godly Crimes;  
That Smiling Stabs, Cheating with Yea and Nay,  
A handsome Goblin for a Holiday,  
He now must Draw: At last he falls to Paint  
What well might stand for Satan, or a Saint;  
A China Cacademon, the Fore-ground  
Fills with bold Shadows, like a Statue, round:   

Which whilst he Finished, heightening touch by touch,  
Till, as he fancied, he had Portrayed such;  
Whilst his new Idol he licks o'er and o'er,  
A Person enters he ne'er saw before:   
 a young artist, surrounded by his tools and with other pictures on the wall, paints a portrait of a bewigged gentleman.  

After some Formal Congees, Cap and Knee,   

Let me, he said, Sir no Disturbance be;  
Pray keep your Place: A Virtuose I am,  
And your Admirer, hither sent by Fame:  
Though in this Town I long have frequent been,  
And me perhaps in Public you have seen,  
Leading a Troop, or in the Pulpit, where  
You seldom Visits make; or if you e'er  
To the Long-Parliament had yourself addressed,  
Where nothing past without my Worships Teste,  
We might have been acquainted, there I could  
Have done a Person of your Worth some good;  
So I till now no means could find to own  
You, Honoured Sir, nor make myself thus known.   

Whilst th' Artist Eye scarce from his Work did stir,  
Answering to all, Ah Sir, Your Servant Sir,  
He thus went on; This Figure newly drawn,  
Which now you seem so much intent upon,  
Shows rarely well; you with no sparing Hands  
Here dropped your Skill: How boldly off it stands!  
Pray let me ask you, Sir, without offence,  
Are you acquainted with his Excellence,  
Or late from the Low-Countries got his Sketch?  
Howe'er, the World the Work shall never match:  
Or should this be a Fancy all your own,  
Proving so like that Prince, to me well known,  
His Sitting spared, some means, Sir, might be made,  
That you may double be, and trebly paid.   

Who scarce by th' Artist minded, thus went on,  
Attention rousing in a louder Tone:   

Sir, Sir, look up, here stands he whom you paint,  
Monsieur Deveil, the old Low-Country Saint;  
In my own likeness thus myself I show,  
That you may such a Friend in Person know.  
At this the Painter starts up from his Place,  
On's Picture stairs, then in the Devil's Face:  
To him affrighted, Hogen Mogen said,  
Be not so discomposed, be not afraid;  
What see you here? no Tempest on my Brow,  
But all serene, just as you paint me now!  
There stands myself, each Lineament as well  
As if the Picture had been drawn in Hell;  
And we have several Famous Painters there,  
'Mongst whom e'er long, You, Sir, expected are;  
Where we mad Devils, merry Boys, and Wags,  
Change Firebrands, mounted on Infernal Hags;  
And when grown weary of those rougher Sports,  
We Antiques Dance beyond all Masques in Courts,  
And have our Poets in their several Desks,  
Writing Lampoons, Plays Rhyming, and Bourlesks;  
We act Ragooe there, Sandie, Tegue, and Thump,  
And merry are, as when you burned the Rump.  
You by this Face my Character may find,  
These your own Lines are Tables of my Mind,  
'Slight Fireside Stories, and such idle Dreams:  
When we are pleased, we are in the Extremes.  
For me so well thus Penciled Fiend and fair,  
I would not Gold present, increasing Care,  
Ask something may about your Heart sit warm,  
Against all Fears and Jealousies to Arm;  
Bethink yourself of some Rich Jewel, will  
Keep sweet Contentment in your Bosom still.   

The Artist, though much troubled and dismayed,  
Thought if the Fiend for him a Favour had,  
He should uncivil be to slight his Grant,  
Though (thanks to God) he knew no Personal Want.   

Then rummaging his Brains, he cries, My Wife,  
O gracious Devil, dearer than my Life,  
Make her my only Comfort, Joy of Joys,  
Else all this World's Felicities are Toys.  
Ah! out of your abundant Goodness grant  
That none in her Embraces me supplant.   

The Fiend replied, You know not what you ask;  
To Translate Kingdoms is an easier Task!  
I that have played the Fiend since two years old,  
Studied this Point as much as Devil could,  
Ransacked the Elements, Earth, Sea, and Hell,  
Can ne'er find such a Charm, nor binding Spell,  
Nor Locks, nor Keys, nor Adamantine Wall,  
But when they sweeten once, they break through all.   

Yet take this Ring, and put it on; so long  
As this you wear, none shall you ever wrong;  
This you of Fears and Jealousies will cure,  
And your fair Wife for your own Use secure,  
Safe from all lose Escapes, and wanton Pranks.   

He on his Knees giving old Satan Thanks,  
The flattering Dream and Golden Devil fled,  
And he lay waking with his Wife in Bed:  
The meaning of the Vision soon he found,  
His Finger with encircling Hymen crowned.   

MORAL.  
Fond Jealousy, a Passion all Extremes,  
Makes us believe vain Thoughts and idle Dreams:  
Wives may be True or False to Husband's Beds,  
But Fancied Horns put Devils in their Heads.    

 Cupid drops flower blossoms as confetti on a couple at their marriage feast. Ladies sit nearby at a table with a small meal, while a lutanist plays a lute or theorbo behind them. In the background, an old man lies on sacks in an open barn. FAB. XXXI. Of the Rustic and the Flea.  

Bloodsucker! thou that thus hast broken in;  
Committing Burglary upon my Skin,  
When pleasant Sleep descending from the Pole,  
Refreshed with soft Lethaean Dew my Soul;  
What sayest thou Wretch? what Rhet'rick can prevail,  
That forfeit Life thou payest not on the Nail?  
Confess and Hang, such Favour I'll not grudge,  
That am your Executioner and Judge;  
To an arrested Flay our Yeoman said:  
When thus the Prisoner at the Bar did Plead.   

Great King of Creatures, pity my Mishap,  
Pity one fallen in thy tormenting Trap;  
Let my sad Story melt thy yielding Soul,  
To grant a Pardon, or else take Paroll:  
Thy Prisoner from a Prison scaped so late,  
Yet feels the Pressures of that heavy Fate,  
Where I lay shackled in a ponderous Chain,  
That did a Hundred Golden Links contain:  
Throngs from the Town and Country, nay, the Court,  
To see my cruel Sufferings made their Sport.  
Me when my Master had with no small pains  
Trussed like a Murderer, up to hang in Chains,  
He tutored to such Activeness and Strength,  
That Laden I leaped ninety times my length:  
Wondering Spectators him the Tables round,  
Whilst to the Roof in gemmelled Gold I bound.   

Yet I some Pleasure's 'midst these Tortures got,  
On Vermil Cheeks I oft became a Spot;  
Oft in admiring Ladies Bosoms Topped,  
But never more to purchase Freedom hoped:  
Me and my Treasure up my Master locks  
In utter Darkness, in a Silver Box;  
When o'er and o'er my lofty Tricks were shown,  
In such a doleful Dungeon lay I thrown,  
I, my Jail open, with no little pains  
Unyoked my kerbing Links and bridling Chains;  
At last far off from my deserted Box,  
I in this Covert hid, your sheltering Flocks:  
Three Days and Nights I kept that  Hold,  
Till overcome by Hunger, Thirst, and Cold,  
I in dark silence near your Person crept,  
Feeling your Warmth, hearing you sound slept.  
There craving Cerberus had a little Sop,  
Not much above a quarter of a Drop,  
Which from your Purple Isle, your Crimson Sea,  
Can not be missed, yet saved a wand'ring Flea;  
This all my Crime, A poor Nightwalking Thief,  
Rather than die, made bold with your Relief:  
Take pity, Sir, since you my Story know,  
And Life thus forfeited on me bestow.   

Then said the Swain, Thou Fables dost devise,  
Hast hope to save thy Life by telling Lies?  
Thou wakest me from a Dream, beshrew thee for't,  
Loss of the Golden Vision breaks my Heart.  
To my own Smoky Roofs fling in a trice,  
From Seats of Bliss, and Joys of Paradise;  
Such an America, a Newfound World,  
Our gentlest Calms seem ruffled, harsh, and curled,  
To their Screnes; all our Delights, annoys;  
Felicities of Princes, irksome Toys.   

There I beheld Dames never to be matched,  
Beauties like Stars, not Painted nor bepatched;  
Nor proudly waddled, but like Clouds did march,  
With Pace Majestic, through Heaven's Crystal Arch:   

'Mongst these, a Lady, one most Heavenly Fair,  
Said, Cheer up Friend, no more now toil or care;  
Spirits no more pour out in briny Sweat,  
Early and late the Bread of Sorrow cat:  
But here for ever sport in shady Bowers,  
Shortening with various Joys the tardy Hours;  
A thousand Years in Pleasure at the height,  
Shall like your Lover's Minutes take their flight;  
Such Venus after-games we here shall play,  
And ne'er be weary, never feel decay.   

I ventured fair then for a gentle Touch,  
To Do— what any could, they would as much:  
When me of all my Hopes thou didst bereave,  
And with one Pinch awaking, undeceive;  
Thou rob'dst me, Villain of a Heavenly Wife,  
And hast confessed, so forfeited thy Life.   

This said, he squeezed from him the Blood he go  
Leaving on either Nail a Purple Spot.   

MORAL.  
Nightwalking Jades, whilst they Embrace, they Rob;  
The sweet Dream flying, leaves an empty Fob:  
Most steal for Want; for Pleasure few, or Spite;  
Yet some in Frolicks do the Gallows right.    

 a bird lies dead on a coffin on a hilltop above the sea. The eagle hovers over it with the oyster in its beak. In the background ships sail on the sea by a coastal town. FAB. XXXII. Of the Eagle, Oyster, Hare, and Daw.  

A Huge Drag-Oyster, Prince of all the Bed,  
'Mongst others born to Market, almost dead,  
The Trotter from his many hundreds drops  
In a Highway, hedged by a sheltering Copse:  
Kemlin the Hare this Monster heard fall down,  
And saw full Dorsors jogging to the Town,  
Whom drawing near, admiring she beholds  
One like no Bird nor Beast, in Woods or Woalds!  
Curious, her Foot, just as the Oyster gasped,  
She venturing in, the two-leaved Volume clasped;  
Thrice tried she how to make the Monster gape,  
As oft, if with her Clog she might escape;  
But all in vain, the Remora stuck fast,  
And her to Parley thus enforced at last.   

whate'er thou art, Sea-wonder, Bird, or Beast!  
The first that e'er I ventured on, to Feast,  
Free my gripped Foot: You are a Stranger sure!  
And under Fortune's Frown, not here secure;  
And I'll to th' Ocean, if you Water lack,  
With a strong Convoy bear you on my Back,  
See you in safety settled there myself,  
In the deep Streams, or bedded on a Shelf:   

Deluded with false Hopes, the Oyster gapes,  
And thence, this said, ingrateful Kemlin escapes;  
No more her Promise nor Engagement minds,  
But to the Hills outstrips the Western Winds.   

The Eagle looked upon them all the while,  
In one Dish plotting both to reconcile,  
Lest this should also scape, the Monarch stooped,  
Made seizure of the Prey so strongly cooped,  
Invested with a rough and double Shell,  
Hard as the Adamantine Gates of Hell.   

He whets his Beak, his hooked Talons grinds,  
Charged often, and as oft Repulses finds;  
Three times she opening Outworks, put him to't,  
Once by his Beak, twice hanging by his Foot:  
But whilst the panting King Cessation made,  
His wide Mouth opening, thus the Oyster said.   

This Fortress only Steel or Fire must win,  
Your Bill and Claws I value not a Pin;  
Who first to Storm my rough-cast Outworks dared,  
A King, the valiantest Man alive, declared,  
His Knife then slipping, I but razed his Skin,  
And this Great Champion died of a Gangrene.   

The Daw observing from Heaven's Crystal Vaults  
How much in vain were all his strong Assaults,  
Thus to his Master said; The wished-for Prize  
Bear to the Middle-Region of the Skies,  
Then drop th' obdurate on you harder Rock,  
So you your Siege shall finish at one shock.   

The Counsel pleased, the Eagle in a trice  
Scaled Galleries stored with Rain, Snow, Hail, and Ice;  
There perpendicular takes steady aim,  
And on hard Marble down the Oyster came,  
The breaches clattering like a Thundercrack,  
The Fort lay open for the least Attack;  
In leaps the Daw, and straight to Plunder falls,  
There leaving fractured Shells and broken Walls.   

Then said the King, Though vexed, I needs must laugh,  
Thus to be cheated by a cozening Chough:  
But if I ever catch the Rook at Court,  
I'll keep him in my Kitchen fasting sored;  
There he shall starve, or,  he get one Bit,  
Petition to be beaten with the Spit.   

MORAL.  
Who deal with Princes, drive a subtle Trade,  
When large Bills swell, for worthless Trifles made:  
Who make such Audits mount a thousand ways,  
The King's too hard for them, he never pays.    

FAB. XXXII. Of the Cedar and the Shrub.  

A Cedar whose tall Branches did extend  
To kiss the Sky, and Roots to Hell descend,  
Puffed up with Pride, swollen with vain Folly big,  
Owled with a Bush and staring Periwig,  
Which Madam May curled for his Summer Cap,  
To drop off with the first Autumnal Clap,  
Thus proudly spoke unto a neighbouring Shrub:   

Thou inconsiderate ill-mannered Grub,  
When I vouchsafe to look thus down on thee,  
Scornest thou to stoop, and bow that Wooden Knee?  
When by my Kindness thou art happy made,  
From Wind and Sun protected by my Shade!   

Know'st thou not me, whose Arms build towers and Towns,  
Whose Knees make floating Cities on the Downs?  
The strongest Marble Arch, without my Wood,  
ne'er stood the Violence of a second Flood;  
If my huge Branches strengthen not the Frame,  
Down comes the Structure, like a Miller's Dam:  
Nay more, on me the Royal Eagle Builds;  
The Lion and his Train that range the Fields,  
When Boreas huffs, or scorching Phoebus burns,  
My Leafy Shadow to his Palace turns:   
 Three men fell a large tree, one with an axe, the other two guiding its direction with a rope.  

The Mexicans, as flying Fame reports,  
Not only of, but in me build their Courts.   

The vain Tree boasting thus, no end had made,  
But that the Axe unto the Root was laid;  
Then boisterous Blows resound, and thundering Strokes,  
Such bring proud Cedars low, and sturdy Okes.   

The Bush then seeing how her palsied Crown  
Sunk by Degrees, just ready to drop down,  
Spoke to the Dying, at her latest Gasp,  
In Death's Convulsions trembling like an Asp.   

Hadst thou been Mean as I, th' hadst scaped all Tax,  
Nor hadst thou been condemned to the Axe;  
Thou that so late contemnest an Heuricane,  
Charged with Hail-shot, and Deluges of Rain,  
Those Covenanting Brethren Thirty two,  
Winds that not only Threaten, but can Do,  
That Spring and Fall, each Change of Wether fly,  
Not only to the ruin of the Sky,  
But in their rage whate'er Monarchick, bear  
O'er Sea and Land, and sweep them through the Air▪  
Your Parts and Riches, that you so did crack,  
Though Tempests could not, lay you on your Back;  
I Armed with Poverty, thus Mean and Low,  
Defy the Hatchet, and all Winds that blow.   

MORAL.  
Who have whate'er their Wishes could devise,  
Should ne'er the poor and abject'st Worm despise;  
When altering Time, and sickle Fortune's frown  
Brings oft the Proudest in a Moment down.    

FAB. XXXIV. Of the Rustic and the Wolf.  

A Testy Swain, when Beat not availed,  
His Ox with Execrations thus assailed;  
Legion, ten thousand Devils on thee fall,  
And eat thy Quarters up, Atch-bones and all;  
Like Summer-flies upon thee feasting sit,  
Not leaving Poor and Serving-Fiends a Bit:   

But if for Beasts such Spirits little care,  
Turks, Heathens, Jews, and Sectaries their Fare  
Who living Rebels swallowed at a Gulf  
Once Three and twenty thousand, take him Wolf;  
Thou that now hauntest these Downs, let Isgrim's Cub  
Powder thee up, a Dish for Belzebub;  
Or let thy Wife, with Salt and Pepper strowed,  
In Collar's roll the up, Beef a-la-mode.   

The Patrezaring Wolf, who lay in wait,  
Hearing the Rustic rail at such a rate,  
Himself discovering, thus puts in his Claim:   

I take you at your Word, Sir, here I am;  
Swains, such as you, are punctual and just,  
Keep Promise, and prove Faithful to their Trust;  
When the Nobless, and Peerage of the Land,  
Never pay Debts, and rarely clear a Bond:   
 a man leading an ox and plough threatens a wolf with his staff. In the background, wolves in men's clothes converse, the farmer threatens the wolf with his knife, and the dog jumps down from a well where the wolf is trapped.  

Nay, Citizens, and those of primer Rank,  
Whose Credits stand unquestioned as the Bank,  
Crack unexpected, and not then prove sound,  
When Ninepences for a Noble they Compound:  
Deliver up your Grant, the Bullock pay,  
And I'll discharge you to this present Day.   

Then said the Swain, What Bullock? who are you?  
That talk'st of Grants, and makest so much ado?  
Art thou his Son that saved Sir Reynard's Skin?  
Puppy, begon, I own thee not a Pin.   

The Wolf replied, Think not to put me off,  
My Due demanding, with a slighting Scoff:  
Though you your racking Landlords so do pay,  
Put Nine Months off beyond their Quarter-day,  
I look you should be punctual; this my Steer  
Deliver straight, or it will cost thee dear.   

Who thus returned, Fond Isgrim, prate no more,  
I gave this Bullock to the Devil before,  
The first Grant stands; but two besides you yet  
Put earlier Titles in, my Pot, and Spit.   

This said, he calls his Dog behind the Hedge,  
Who, little thought on, raised his formal Siege;  
Thence in disorder the raw Soldier scudds,  
To sheltering Quarters in th' adjacent Woods.   

Young Isgrim worsted by a Bumkin Blade,  
At first thus broken setting up his Trade,  
His Reputation cracked, so much o'ermatched,  
Labours his Brains, and all Occasions watched  
His Credit to redeem, obtain his Right,  
Or try his Fortune in a Single Fight.   

At last the Rustic and his Ox he found,  
Fallow converting into Furrow-ground;  
To whom he said, Unconscionable Clown,  
To hold me from my Right, and what's my Own,  
Whilst I, my Wife, and Children, almost starve:  
Ah Heavens! what Punishment do they deserve,  
Who care not whom they Rob, nor how they Cheat,  
Widows and Orphans Goods, like Morsels, eat;  
Resolve whate'er they gather so to keep,  
Yet as supinely as poor Poets sleep?  
But now thou shalt no longer me evade,  
Spite of thy Dog, and Devil, I'll be paid.  
In quiet then deliver up this Steer,  
Take my Acquittance, and your Audit's clear.   

The Swain observed how sharpset Isgrim looked,  
Ready to eat him and his Ox uncooked:  
Absent his Dog, in danger of his Life,  
Straight Arms he disconceals, and draws his Knife,  
Putting himself in posture of Defence:   

Then said, Come on, your Martial Suit commence;  
With this I'll trounce your Tripes, your Gullet rip,  
Inspect thy Bowels, and thy Body strip;  
Thy Head cut off, I'll carry to the Kirk,  
The Parish pays me for so good a Work.   

The Wolf, startled at Kirk, and much dismayed  
At his bright Arms, and bold Defiance, said,   

Short as you are, as Confident I am  
Thee to subdue, as if a Kid or Lamb,  
Trusting my Strength, my Courage, and my Cause:  
But my Humanity puts in a Clause.  
My Mother was a Caledonian Dame,  
Lay-Elder-like, Warwolf my Grandsire came,  
And 'midst Devotion mingled Venus Work,  
As she at Prayers lay grovelling in the Kirk,  
'Midst Groans and feigned Contrition, her embraced,  
And pregnant swelled her then no little Waste:  
Some few Months after she had played the Rig,  
With Wolvish Seed, and Calvinism big,  
With that fermenting Covenant enraged,  
Against th' Episcopacy she engaged,  
Threw the first Stone, and after that, her Chair,  
Lawn-sleeves upbraiding, and New Common-Prayer:  
The Signal given, with a hideous Yell  
The Comers, that sold Cabbages and Kell,  
Thunder at once, Stools, Cushions, Stones, and Mire,  
Distained the Maggie's Pontifick Attire:  
My Grannie so begun those fatal Broils  
Inflamed three Kingdoms, and two spacious Isles:   

Therefore since you and I may be allied,  
By Arbitration let the Case be tried:  
Wars doubtful are, and long expensive Laws;  
Let him who first we meet decide the Cause,  
And to his Judgement promise both to stand.  
On this th' Agreed, and Sealed a Counterbond.   

MORAL.  
Who ventures on a Foe, and then falls back,  
Makes like a Pistol without Ball, a Crack:  
When to take up the Business, Friends he moves,  
Braggart himself both Fool and Coward proves.    

FAB. XXXV. 2. Of the Rustic and the Wolf.  

NOr long with Talk did they the Time beguile,  
When busy Reynard whips me o'er the Style,  
Whose Sire th' old Fox bred with much Care and Cost  
Up to the Law, nor his Endeavours lost;  
Lucrative Studies, early he, and late,  
To Master strove, whence Wealth grows spite of Fate,  
If they to Pleading come, will Sweat, and Trudge:  
When both thus said, Behold an able Judge.   

So after Congees, to their Work they fell,  
And each their Tale to best advantage tell.   

Then said the Fox, To this you'll both abide?  
I, I, at once the Swain and Wolf replied.   

Then first apart he with the Rustic goes,  
And thus affrights; Your Case, Sir, foully shows:  
You have confessed, primo Leonis, th' Act  
Casts you, 'gainst those with Evil Spirits Contract;  
You to the Devil made a Deed of Gift:  
If such Work once we Lawyers come to sift,  
You are undone, your Life in danger too;  
Witches have burnt for doing less than you;  
Victims to promise, execrations Charms,  
The Bullock falls to him that first informs:  
Not Friends at Court would fetch you off, nor Gold,  
Should any lay on this Advantage hold.   

The nettled Swain, with many ill-made Legs,  
Of his Furred Foxship kind Assistance begs;  
Whatever Goods and Lands, though ne'er so Rich,  
Let him dispose,  suffer for a Witch.   

Who thus replied; To make your Business mine,  
Your Purse must stretch, whatever I design;  
A Counsellor or two we first must make,  
Each may a dozen of your Capons take;  
These in the Breach must stand, make good the Gap,  
And may, perhaps, your Cause e'er Hearing stop.  
The Bullock send unto the Lion's Guard,  
So get your Pardon, and be never Herd:  
Me a fat Goose, some Chickens for my Wife,  
And we, I warrant, soon shall hush all strife.   

This to perform, himself the Rustic tied:  
When cunning Reynard thus young Isgrim plied;   

So please your Wolfship, you were much to blame,  
To lay your Title in the Devil's Name,  
For the foul Fiend; Ah Heavens! Appearance make!  
Your wary Sire did never so mistake,  
Though he did often Satan well advise,  
And could outlie the Father of all Lies:  
whenever to canvasing your Besiness comes,  
One Load of Faggots will prove both your Dooms.  
Your own Confessions (Ah! not me employ)  
The Plaintiff and Defendant will destroy.  
But more than this, your loud Contest I find,  
And wrangling in such Passion, taking Wind,  
A Bird hath carried, and no false Report,  
To the King's Ear, and to his hungry Court:  
There, Tables down, they empty lie, and watch,  
Like greedy Fish, whatever Prey to catch;  
I saw them bustle, cringe, and making Legs;  
This urges Service, that his Promise begs:  
Be sudden, Sir, else soon you'll say, I fear,  
You had a fair Estate, and once you Were.  
With Sheep, and fatted Lambs, Peace-offerings make  
What's all your Worth, when Life lies at the Stake  
A Drolling Favourite, and less serious Peer,  
Shall, bribed, although accused of Treason, clear.  
My Uncle, now in old Lord Isgrim's Place,  
Shall, with a Present, gain the Lion's Grace.  
Send all to me, and I'll your Gifts dispose,  
Confirm your Friends, and mollify your Foes.   

The Wolf thus nettled, said, All this I'll do,  
whate'er 'twill cost me, I'll my Pardon sue.   

Thus subtle Reynard ended their Debates,  
Sharing no little Part of their Estates.   

MORAL.  
Business to Lawyer's Arbitration put,  
Whoever Shuffles, they the first will Cut,  
Go on each side a Snip, nor care two Pins,  
So they fill up their Mouths, which Party Wins.    

 an eagle hovers overhead while a jackdaw, trapped in the fleece of a sheep's back, is mocked by small boys. In the background is a field of sheep, a small wood and a large castle. FAB. XXXVI. Of the Eagle and the Chough.  

THe Royal Eagle down like Lightning came,  
And trussed in griping Sears a tender Lamb;  
Then to a Cedars Crown that kissed the Skies,  
To his expecting Airy bears the Prize.   

This slight a Chough with admiration saw,  
Who long had been a Student in the Law:   

Then said, Why toil we thus at Inns of Courts,  
Sweeting at Breviates, Cases, and Reports?  
Drain Ployden, Dyar, Littleton, and Coke,  
About a Jack-a Styles and John-a-Nokes?  
Attend seven Years e'er called unto the Bar,  
When Suits no Fortunes raise, like Chance of War?  
We a long Life may spend, and sweeting trudge,  
To be a Tell-clock, or a gouty Judge;  
Make Term by Term the Hall with Plead ring;  
When one Field, one short Battle, Crowns a King.  
We spin out Causes, Clients to beguile:  
One Lucky Hit concludes the Soldiers Toil.  
We only Fleecers be; this Eagle came,  
And made one Business both of Fleece and Lamb.  
Litigious Fools Estates we oft impair,  
Get for ourselves, perhaps, the better share;  
But if in Military Power they fall,  
Their Lands are swallowed, Movables and all.   

Law and the Gown farewell; I'll now turn Blade.  
Design he puts in Action, soon as said,  
And with a lofty Flight cuts ambient Skies,  
Thence stooping, a fat Wether makes his Prize:  
Then with his Load thinking to cleave the Clouds,  
He found himself entrapped in Woollen Shrowds;  
His Claws and Shanks entangled stuck so deep,  
That he lay Prisoner to his Captive Sheep;  
As easy he might raise this ponderous Work,  
As bear to Heaven a Covenanting Kirk.   

The fond Bird snapped thus in a Fleecy Gin,  
The more he labours, sticks the faster in;  
The Wool like Quicksands working, deeper drew  
About his Claws the intricated Clew.   

A Swain observing his ambitious Flight,  
A Gowned Lawyer now turned Errand Knight,  
Thus smiling said, Welcome from Inns of Court,  
Since you take pleasure in Wars cruel Sport,  
I'll bring you to a Regiment of Wags,  
Who from the Fair, mounted on Hobby-Nags,  
With Triple Fiddle, Tabers, Pipes, and Drums,  
All Merry Boys, and each his Rattle, comes.  
He gives him to the Childish Troop, this said;  
They lay by Nifels, and their trifling Trade,  
And straight the Foundlings seizing, pull and hale,  
His Wings they clip, and mutilate his Tail;  
And thronging round, they question, ask his Name,  
His Nation, Parents, Age, and whence he came?  
Who sighing, thus replied; I, now your Sport,  
Was bred a Lawyer at the Inns of Court;  
Thence, like the soaring Eagle, thought to fly  
From Chamber-work, to Practise in the Sky:  
But I now finding how I was mistake,  
Confess myself a Temple-garden Rook.   

MORAL.  
Those who Experience, Strength, or Courage lack,  
Taking a Tartar, may themselves attack:  
But to be Sport for Boys and loitering Jacks,  
Little of an Infernal Torture lacks.    

FAB. XXXVII. Of the Tiger and the Fox.  

WHen Hunting Nimrods' first begun to shoot,  
And at strange distance aiming, execute;  
Before in Squadrons able Bowmen stood,  
Dimming Noon Sunbeams with a Feathered Wood,  
Against Wild Beasts they practise newfound Skill,  
And Quadrupeds felt only biting Steel:  
When in the Forest this dire Work began,  
What God they knew not, or more cruel Man  
Them thus afflicted; out they could not start,  
But here a Heifer drops, and there a Hart.   

No Foe in sight; but lo! th' Infernal Hag  
Tisiphone, or else some direr Plague,  
Brought a Destruction not to be controlled,  
None sparing, neither Sex, nor Young, nor Old:  
So durst they not from sheltering Coverts draw,  
But there lay pining with an empty Maw.   

When a bold Tiger thus enquired the Cause;  
You Forest-Rangers now who know no Laws,  
But your own Wills, who Pleasure only serve,  
What makes you thus penned up to lie and starve?  
Or what Scorbutic Humour stops your Blood,  
That thus you languish here, and seek no Food?   

37   a fox looks on a tiger, shot with an arrow, lying in a rocky landscape. The archer stands partially concealed behind a tree.  

When one replied, We dare not take the Field,  
Unless protected with a Tortoise Shield:  
Clouds that with Jove's Artillery assail,  
Lightning and Thunder, Wind, Snow, Rain, and Hail,  
Never us surprised, sheltered in Dens and Holes;  
Now not a black Patch seen 'twixt either Poles,  
Some God from clear Expansions Bolts lets fly,  
Unwinged with warning Tempest, so we die:  
Or if we scape hurt by unseen Sereneses,  
The Wound not mortal, perish of Gangrenes;  
And if we fall where shot, the Lords of Lands  
Make us their Prize, and seize for Deodands:  
So we resolve to spend here latest Breath,  
Since of all Deaths the worst is sudden Death.   

Then said the Tiger, Man o'er Beasts hath odds,  
As much as over Men Immortal Gods;  
But be it Humane, Heavenly Power, or Hells,  
That kills at once, and works such Miracles,  
I'll venture a Discovery to make,  
And good or bad whate'er my Fortune take.   

This said, the Bold and Nimble waves Disputes,  
And Reason baffled, from the Covert shoots:  
No sooner forth, an Archer him discerned,  
Stalking and gazing, as not much concerned;  
His Tackle ready, close in Ambuscade,  
Drawing his Shaft, thus he to Phoebus prayed.   

Grant that you Monster with the haughty Garb  
May receive Sentence from this deadly Barb;  
Give Pride a fall; this Arrow in his Breast,  
Make me the Master of his curious Vest,  
Which prising next to Royal Ermine, shall  
Hang a gay Trophic up in Skinners Hall.   

Whilst he at Fears and Vulgar Errors laughed,  
Apollo grants, and he dismissed the Shaft;  
Making no obstacle, a Rib it broke,  
And through his Bowels fixed upon an Oak.   

He felt strange Agonies through every Part,  
And Death's Convulsions shake his trembling Hear  
Strikes, tears, and flings, till almost out of breath,  
Th' arrested Patiented falls, expecting Death:  
At his last gasp, whilst yielding up his Soul,  
Spoke thus sly Reynard, peeping from his Hole:   

You that but now to venture were so hot,  
What? Sink you at a Privateer's first Shot?  
A close Backbiter, that can well defame,  
You ne'er shall see, and he ne'er miss his Aim:  
You are a Courtier in the Lion's Woods,  
There you may find many such Robin Hoods,  
That from the King's own Ear their Aim shall take,  
And though in Favour, an Example make.   

MORAL.  
Backbiters oft infuse such lasting Stains,  
That blemish Heirs in after Princes Reigns:  
A stand rous Tongue, although upon no ground,  
For ever may fair Reputation wound.    


38   a crowned eagle with sceptre in its talon stands on a pedestal in an archway surrounded by other birds of prey with pikes and spears in their talons. Other birds look up at them from below. FAB. XXXVIII. Of the Eagle and other Birds.  

ATyrant Eagle, that had dispossessed  
His Royal Master, and enjoyed his Nest,  
Which more to Feather, he a thousand ways,  
And griping Counsel, studies how to raise:   

His pack'● up Parliaments gave what he would,  
Enough to build him Forts and Ships of Gold;  
Yet though all sorts of Birds were plumed and peeled,  
His Clemmed Exchequers Belly never filled;  
Loan, Taxes, Pole, his Custom and Excise,  
Lost in their Ri●●●s, yield scarce no Supplies;  
Collectors and Receivers, Rooks and Kites,  
Snip Pounds to Pence, and Shillings into Mites:  
The Tyrant by Necessity put to't,  
Monopolies and Projects sets afoot.   

At last Religion cloaks his impious Aims,  
So he an Annual Holiday Proclaims  
To Aquila his Grandsire, who now bears  
Jove's punishing Thunder in his hooked Sears.  
At last the Day of Solemnization came,  
From all Parts gathering Birds both Wild and Tame;  
Peacocks and Geese, Turkeys, Wild-ducks, and Cranes  
The Decoy-Temple throng, with several Trains:  
They looked that Griffons there they should behold,  
And Flying Horses, Winged with Angel-Gold!  
There Birds of Paradise! There, would appear  
Phoenix, scarce seen once in five hundred year!  
But, ah! In stead of Gaudy, Armed Birds,  
Bedchamber Harpies, Kites, and Craven Lords,  
A Guard with griping Talons ready stood,  
Those fatal Vespers to conclude in Blood:  
Whilst all with sudden Consternations shake,  
Thus the Usurper in rough Language spoke.   

We with our urgent Wants, and rising Charge,  
Oft mildly have acquainted you at large,  
Supposing well Our Aims you understood,  
Not Private seeking, but the Public Good:  
But be it what it will, no more now shall  
Our Will and Pleasure questioned be at all;  
Since Fate hath put me in the Royal Chair,  
Of blasted Reputation I'll beware;  
No more I'll wheedle now, cajole, or beg,  
Make my own Subjects, for my Right, a Leg:  
But those who boldly oft did me oppose,  
Proscribed, shall all now suffer here as Foes;  
I'll make this day prime Offerings of their Blood,  
To Aquilla, Our Grandsire, and Our God.   

This said, his Guard at once upon them falls,  
Turning expected Feasts to Funerals:  
In Heaps lay Massacred the Fat and Tame,  
The Rich were Criminals, and most to blame,  
The Eagle glad his cruel Project took,  
Unto his bloody Murderers thus spoke.  
Who would be Absolute, a Real King,  
By Fear must down Seditious Subjects bring:  
Who goes about a Crimson Deed by Ha'ves,  
If one 'mongst thousands his  Mercy saves,  
That proves his Ruin, by imperfect Work.  
Offa the Prime Heads at once of Poppies jerk,  
Then Rule alone: Howe'er, a Tyrant's brave,  
Descending all in Scarlet to the Grave.   

MORAL.  
Kings, as inclined, on several Hinges move;  
This scorns the People's Hate, that courts their Love:  
But who with general liking quiet Reigns,  
A skilful Rider's Reputation gains.    

FAB. XXXIX Of the Pedlar and his Ass.  

MUst I be always at this heavy pass,  
Still the Sides tawing of a stubborn Ass?  
Will you not mend your Pace, so light your Load,  
Such pleasant Wether, and so fair a Road?  
Thus to his resty Beast the Master said,  
Whilst tabring on his Coat the Cudgel played:  
But he the Storm with surly patience stood,  
As if a Sea-washed Rock, or made of Wood;  
Nor more would from his Resolution budge,  
Then the severest Sentence-passing Judge.  
Since Blows could not his tender Conscience force,  
He thus assays him with a milder Course.   

Jog Assinego, step by step, make proof  
Of this smooth Tract, with your imprinting Hoof;  
Here are no Plashes, Clods, nor lumpy Clay,  
Here, had we time, us two at Dice might play:  
No more I'll wreak my Anger on thy Ribs,  
But myself feed thee at replenished Cribs,  
And like a Lord, although an Ass, attend,  
And Filly-foal shall be thy Bosom-friend.   

Not so the Polish Chapman and his Madge  
Raised vast Estates, a Callowray their Nag,   

39   a man threatens his laden donkey, collapsed on the road under a tree, with a stick. In the background is a large house.  

Still cheerful bore his Wealth-encreasing Pack,  
Till he marched forth a General from a Jack.   

When thus grown desperate, spoke the moody Beast,  
Thee, and thy Fairs and Markets, I detest;  
After so many Stripes, that me wouldst soothe,  
To settle early in thy Cheating Booth:  
Last night your Guz'ling got into your Pate,  
And I must suffer, cause you risen so late.  
My Father told me, dying, whom you made  
Like me, your Slave, like me, your Packhorse Jade,  
You more by favouring of that Rebel Scot,  
Than by your Peddling, this your Fortune got:  
You with seditious Pamphlets stuffed your Load,  
Long  Mercuriusses appeared abroad,  
Before Fame plumed on Paper Wings could fly,  
Plain Truth trod under by proud Madam Lie,  
Filled the illiterate Dorps and Country Towns  
With Cleaver's works, with Subtcliffs, Dod's, & Brown's;  
On every Shelf and Cup-boards-head they lay,  
Opening to grand Rebellion the way.  
My hapless Father, at his latest Breath,  
Laid to your Loads and Cruelty his Death;  
I suffering thus like him, resolve so too,  
And dying here, my Murder lay on you.   

This said, no longer he sustains his Load,  
But stretched himself athwart the beaten Road.   

When to the Desperate, thus th● Enraged replies;  
Wilt thou lie here, not do thy Work, nor rise?  
If to the Devil thou intend'st to go,  
I'll find thee Tortures worse than those below;  
Thy endless Beat shall fill all Parts with din,  
I'll in twelve Tabers cantle out thy Skin;  
At children's Feasts, at Puppet-plays, and Fairs,  
Those restless Furies, Puddings, Apes, and Hares,  
Shall Taw thy Hide, and with perpetual noise,  
Call to lewd Shows, light Girls, and loitering Boys:  
Perpetual Bastings, always to be slammed,  
If thou so well approv'st, Die and be damned.   

The Ass then in a melanenoly vein,  
Splenetic fumes suggesting Hell and Pain,  
Dire Tortures after Death! began to think,  
No lucid Intervals, no Meat nor Drink!  
But always Furies labouring on his Pelt!  
Better that Hell wherein he living dwelled,  
Where he 'mongst Toil and blows might rest and feed:  
Then rising, he outwent an Ass' speed.   

MORAL.  
Such Criminals whom soft nor threatening Words  
Will make confess, cocked Pistols, nor drawn Swords;  
Tell them of Tortures, and Infernal Flames,  
That brings all out, and greatest Monsters tames.    


40.   the king of the apes, crowned and in human dress, holds his son up on a hilltop for Jupiter's (or Jove's) blessing. His ape-soldiers crowd behind him, holding pikes. In the valley beneath the apes, an assortment of other animals look up at the apes. FAB. XL. Of Jupiter and the Ape.  

Transformed to Wolves by Jove, Lycaon's Race:  
Once more themselves transform to Babes of Grace;  
The brisly Beast a Sheepskin Tunick clouds,  
And they, though living, walk in Woollen Shrouds:  
Thus carrying on a damnable Design,  
Not Heaven to take by Storm, but undermine;  
Monarchick Power up Root and Branch they'll grub;  
Thundering from Hell, the Pulpit, and the Tub,  
Heaven's Gates not battering, thus they will unhinge,  
To satiate both their Avarice and Revenge;  
And Lords of the Ascendant, swallow down  
Bright Constellations, Jewels of the Crown,  
Levelly Revenues, share his Starry Robes,  
Joining Celestial and Terrestrial Globes.   

Which Jove perceiving, soon remembered well  
How on his Palace Earthborn Bumkins fell,  
Those ranting Tytanois in hurley-burley,  
(Like ruder Seamen after Pay grown surly)  
Strove Heavens Twelve Houses down at once to tear,  
Crying They all Light Venus Mansions were.   

Then said Great Jove, Wolves threaten my Abodes,  
Their Faction powerful grown 'mongst favouring Gods:  
What shall I do? And Man's deceitful Stock,  
Though me with loaden Altars they invoke,  
Yet in the Giant's War not one did list,  
Nor Us in that great Exigence assist:  
Well, I with Beasts will fight the Bestial Foe;  
Commissioning our Quadrupeds below.   

This said, he musters up both Wild and Tame;  
All free from this so dire Infection came:   

'Mongst these, the King of Apeland did engage,  
Attended with a  Equipage,  
Trunk-hosed Baboons, and Liveryed Drills, Lacqueis,  
Which Jove himself took pleasure on to gaze:  
When drawing near, with John-an-Apes his Son,  
Thrice Congeing, to the Thunderer thus begun.   

Though in our Kingdom Pulpit- Wolves we have,  
Hyena's, such as make the Vulgar rave;  
Yet by our Care not far their Poison taints,  
Within our Walls preach no dissembling Saints;  
Free from the Witchcraft of their powerful Charms,  
I'll forty thousand thee present in Arms,  
'Gainst all the World my Army I'll maintain  
To march up Hill, and so come down again.   

But for this Service one small Boon I beg,  
Behold my Son, thus mounted on one Leg,  
Which if that Miracles not yet are ceased,  
Stands th' only Wonder betwixt Man and Beast!  
Should I his Qualities but reckon, they  
Would take up the whole Business of the day;  
Therefore, great King of Kings, on him bestow  
Some Grant that may your signal Favours show.   

Then Jove replied; To give shall be my task;  
And you to find, what's worth your while to ask,  
Present me your desires, what you would have?  
As ready I'm to grant, as you to crave.   

Nor long consulting th' Apeland Monarch stays;  
But thus upon his Knee Jove humbly prays:   

Since you are pleased my Offspring to advance,  
Make him a King, a good King John of France:  
 Rolls of Fate (some say) are quite unfurled,  
An Apish Prince may Rule the Western World;  
I beg this, Sir, upon our Injuries score,  
Forces to Land upon the British Shore,  
My Brother, and his Uncle, to redeem  
From Paris-garden, one I much esteem,  
Whom now at Pension amongst nasty Bears,  
A guarded Jerkin without Breeches wears,  
There making Pastime on a galled Horse back,  
And though a Prince at home, they call him Jack.   

To be the King of France, said angry Jove!  
On such a high Concern no further move;  
The French King might have passed, he not unfit  
To Rule that Nation by his Parts and Wit:  
But since he after such Preferment gapes,  
To be a Monarch, though a Jack-an-Apes,  
Your Brother and his Uncle never shall  
From Paris-Garden be released at all;  
But when his Master please, show Tricks, and Dance,  
To meanest Subjects of the King of France.   

MORAL.  
Clandestine Plots more dangerous are by far;  
Than all Hostilities of open War:  
Let your Petitions modest be, and fit,  
And ten to one if any thing you get.    


41: 42   Mercury (or Hermes), with winged sandals and helmet, and caduceus, returns a hatchet to the carpenter, kneeling beneath a tree. In the background is a Pantheon (or round temple) on a hill, and a group of people outside a smaller building. FAB. XLI. Of the Carpenter and Mercury.  

THis Artist, who no small Task undertook,  
No petty Tenements, nor paltry Nook,  
Nor for some Trees contracted, but whole Woods,  
To build a stately Temple for the Gods,  
A huge Pantheon, where they all must stand  
That e'er were worshipped yet in any Land,  
And empty Nieches left for many more,  
New Lights might move hereafter to implore.  
Each where the Groves resound with boisterous strokes,  
And falls of groaning Pines, and dying Oaks;  
His Work he plies, so that in Ranks and Files  
Thick stands a Forest in congested Piles.   

This Alteration settled Eagles felt,  
Who had in Cedar Courts three Ages dwelled,  
Supposing the Estate for ever theirs,  
At least, long Leases for themselves and Heirs:  
'Mongst these, he on a special Tree did look,  
Perinsuled with an encircling Brook;  
'Mongst spreading Boughs, that dangled o'er the stream,  
He fancied one would make a fitting Beam,  
Which striding, while he Sprigs and Foliage tops,  
Busy to clear the Work, his Hatchet drops  
'Mongst troubled Waters, hard to be regained,  
Deep with a Shower, dark with fermented Sand:  
Then the Coelestials all he did implore,  
His Axe, employed for them, they would restore.   

When Hermes, whom this Artist late had Carved,  
And much for such a Masterpiece deserved,  
Which in his Shop showed like an unlicked Bear,  
But an eighth Wonder mounted in the Air,  
With his Caduceus, standing on one Leg,  
Appearing, said, In a good Hour you beg,  
You building are the Gods a stately Fane,  
Who work for them, they hear, when they complain   

Who thus replied; My Axe, whilst here I lopped  
Boughs for their Service, in the River dropped;  
Lately new edged, and fitted to my Hands,  
Which whilst I want, a Turret tottering stands.   

This said, the God descends, and in a Thought  
Him from deep Streams a Golden Hatchet brought,  
Ask if that were his; which when he spied,  
That's none of mine, I dropped none such he cried;  
I ne'er had any Axe shined half so bright;  
For service mine, more than for show and sight.   

Thence Hermes diving, brings another Bait,  
Both Helve and Hatchet all of massy Plate.  
That neither, cries the Artist, that's not mine.   

Finding no Fraud to answer his Design,  
Hermes well-pleased, presents him with his own,  
Dipped thrice in Styx, Stick-free 'gainst Steel and Stone,  
More worth than thrice its weight in solid Gold,  
Whose Edge should never blunt, never grow old.  
Whilst he gives thanks, commixed with Vows & Prayers,  
The disappearing God to Heaven repairs.   

MORAL.  
Artists whose Square a Leather Apron girds,  
Articles bind not, Promises, nor Words:  
Their worthy Company small Musters makes,  
That for their own, would leave a Golden Ax.    

FAB. XLII. 2. Of the same Carpenter and Mercury.  

WHilst prattling Fame this to his Servants told,  
Their Master had refused an Axe of Gold;  
Amongst these, one, who, 'midst their emptying Pots,  
Drew on wet Tables Ichnographick Plots,  
Models, and Forms; this heard, his Fancy racks,  
How to be Master of a Golden Axe:  
Hot on his newlaid Project, thence he slips,  
And on the same Tree mounted, hews, and chips;  
Then (as designed) straining a Branch to lop,  
Down lets his Hatchet in the Water drop,  
And to the Gods conceives these feigned Prayers:   

You Powers that pitying look on men's Affairs,  
And the most abject help when they implore,  
My Hatchet, ah! my Hatchet me restore;  
Which wanting, I shall ne'er perform my Work,  
Though but to build a Caledonian Kirk.   

Hermes the Hypocrite's Petition heard,  
And above Waves with a bright Axe appeared,  
And thus, who durst trepan the Gods, trepanned;  
If this be yours, this Hatchet, ease my Hand,  
Which I'm not able longer up to hold,  
Although a Deity, all of massy Gold;  
Stoop, stoop, Friend, quickly, and receive your own.  
Which said, the Wretch straight bending, tumbled down,  
And at Shades grasping, fell into the Stream,  
Where soon he wakened from his Golden Dream;  
Thence scrabling out, safe on the River side,  
He at his Girdle his own Hatchet spied,  
And at the Transformation wondering stood,  
The Helve turned Marble, and the Steel grown Wood:  
When thus he said, A very fine Exploit,  
To get a Golden Axe not worth a Doit.   

MORAL.  
Artists that Toil, hard Live wring from Sweat,  
Strangely affect what's purchased by a Cheat:  
Who Courts or Churches Build, or else Repair,  
Of such John Joiner's let them take some care.    

FAB. XLIII. Of the Dog and Wolf.  

THis Dog with care attends his Master's Flocks,  
Protecting from the Wolf and subtle Fox,  
Long winter nights would walk his Rounds, & watched,  
For Trust and Assiduity unmatched:  
Yet for perpetual Vigils, constant Guards,  
Blows and long Lents were only his Rewards,  
Who for such Pains Encouragement deserved,  
Neglected went, clemmed up, and almost starved.   

To whom, thus Isgrim at a Parley spoke;  
You that such Pains for Blows and Hunger take,  
Adventuring Life so oft, and nothing spare,  
But Barebones to be called for all your Care;  
I wonder at, and pity, though a Foe,  
Others that serve your Master are not so;  
His Auditors, and those that bear the Bag,  
Their Sides are larded, their stuffed Bells sag;  
Who set his Lands, and Tenements demise.  
Their Cheeks and Noses Bow-dyed Searlet dies.   

Who thus replied; I'm but his Shepherd's Dog:  
Spaniels and Foysting-hounds, that lie and cog,  
Filling his Ears with Tales and idle Prate,  
Pick up their Crumbs, when out soon me they rate:   

43   the dog and wolf confront each other. In the background, in front of a large house, shepherds guard a flock of sheep, and the dog catches the wolf by the leg as the wolf runs away with a lamb in its mouth.  

He values more a Fool, or saucy Knave,  
Than one whose Wisdom might a City save:  
Our Lord great Places holds, hath store of Lands,  
Of which, no more than I, he understands;  
He knows not what his Rents are, what his Books,  
Nor Business, only after Pleasure looks;  
Let them with Forty Pieces stuff his Fob,  
To lose at Gaming, or rig forth some Drab,  
His work there ends, that done, concludes all Cares,  
Both of the Public, and his own Affairs;  
Let Ships and Cities be consumed in Flame,  
All's one to him, his Principles the same.   

Then Isgrim said, Once take a Foes advice;  
Would you new sheathed, and fat be in a trice?  
Fancy me yonder Lamb, I'll ask no more,  
ne'er to your Belly after run ascore:  
And this the means; I'll seize your Cur-ships Gift,  
Fellow you me, I know you fierce and swift;  
When you are near, just catching at my Throat,  
Feigning, fall down, and let me take my Lot:  
This will your Master, and the rest observe,  
And for their own ends you no more shall starve.   

The Common Foe and a false Servant joined,  
Put strait in Act what well they had designed;  
Whilst all beheld how Isgrim seized the Lamb,  
And Hylax after, like a Tempest, came,  
The tender Prey was ready to regain,  
He seeming faints, nor could his Speed maintain;  
The Wolf his Prize to sheltering Coverts bore;  
The Dog is worth his Weight in Gold, they swore,  
And without question had the Loss regained,  
Had he for Service better been maintained:  
Both Town and Country then of him took care,  
And each-where Treated, he grew Fat and Fair.   

MORAL.  
'Tis hard to Cark all Day, to Care and Moil,  
And find at Night our Labour for our Toil;  
When by some Trick in Trade, or new Trepan,  
Up from a Broker starts an Alderman.    


44: 45   the starving wolf petitions the ennobled dog, now in human dress. In the background, wolves attack the dog to eat the meat hung in the pantry while a man threatens them with sticks. FAB. XLIV. 2. Of the same Dog and Wolf.  

HIs Curship Hylax, now grown sleek and plump,  
Dog in a Doublet with a Velvet Jump,  
Raised by his Master's Lord's especial Grace,  
From Turn-spit, to the Major-Domo's Place,  
Had both the Kitchen, Pantry, Larder, all  
That were below-stairs ready at his call;  
Spaniels, nay Mastiffs, veiled to him their Caps,  
And Foisting-hounds, though in their Lady's Laps;  
Who late some Scruples taking 'bove his Doses,  
A large Potation, and a short Repose,  
Walked forth this Morning, better to repair  
His queasy Stomach with refreshing Air:   

Where under harder Planets Isgrim sat,  
Repining at inexorable Fate.  
Soon as the Wolf his old Acquaintance spied,  
Craving an Alms, thus he himself applied:   

Take pity, Sir; behold my sordid Coat,  
My clemmed up Belly, and my riveled Throat;  
Since you that tender Bit on me bestowed,  
I never tasted Flesh, nor drank warm Blood;  
Ah! with sweet Creature-comforts me supply,  
That once more I may eat before I die.  
I wave all former Merits, neither hint  
Counsel, that since hath proved to you a Mint,  
That well your Back hath clothed, your Purse well  
Ah! let my Wants your soft Compassion find.   

Dog Steward then replied, Isgrim, 'tis true,  
To rob my Master I conspired with you,  
And I so well did your first Lesson learn,  
I only studied since my own Concern;  
By which I raised myself in little space  
Up from a Scullion, to the Caterer's Place:   

A Basket in my Mouth, a Bill that bid  
The Butcher furnish me with Veal or Kid,  
Beef, Lamb, or Mutton, which I day by day  
Brought to the Cook, ne'er ask what's to pay:  
But once as I went luggering home my Load,  
I saw two Mastiffs fight in the Road;  
Strait to be Stickler, down my Charge I set,  
When the great Battle proved an arrant Cheat,  
And they to plundering of my Basket fell:  
I thought I might put in my Claim as well;  
So we together did divide the Spoil.  
My Lord saw this, and laughing all the while,  
Tickled with Mischief, and my ready Wit,  
Since me to make his Steward hath thought fit;  
And I'm no more a downright Shepherd's Cur,  
But as you see; Your humble Servant, Sir,  
Confesseth that you raised me, nor shall scorn,  
As Courtiers use, to make a kind Return:  
I'll put you on a handsome Project shall  
Once more your Belly fill, fall what may fall.   

Soon as grown dark, you to our Larder may  
Find by a newmade Breach, an eade way;  
There you may Wants supply, there highly Feast,  
Which I could wish you may as well digest.   

This said, the joyful Wolf did thence departed;  
And home went Hylax, Treachery in his Heart.   

MORAL.  
Who get Advancement by Sinister ends,  
Prove seldom to their Raiser's Cordial Friends:  
The Debt too great to pay, some State-trick must,  
By Ruin or Disgrace, Accounts adjust.    

FAB. XLV. 3. Of the same Dog and Wolf.  

SOon as Sunsetting raised Nights Sable Flags,  
And Stars dressed up, laid by their muffling Bags,  
Forth Isgrim did from dark Recesses steal,  
Venturing sweet Life against one plenteous Meal;  
Through Shades and Silence the old Robber drew,  
Where Breaches lay exrosed to open view:  
Low and neglected Outworks soon he mounts,  
The Wealthy Plunder all his own accounts.   

Fierce, on cold Lamb and Mutton first he falls;  
Next, breaches makes in Venison Pastry Walls;  
Then up and down pickeering, tears and eats,  
Making a Massacre of broken Meats.  
Rich Wine in open Bottles last he marks,  
Whose windy Ferment had blown up their Corks,  
Th' uneven Floor turning to Pools and Isles;  
He French and Spanish Difference reconciles:  
Fear of Surprisal vanquished with Wine,  
He calls the Vault his Castle, cries, All's mine;  
Plots the false Steward (though his Friend) to kill,  
There fix his Throne, and Govern in that Cell:  
Tuning his Pipes, than he began to sing  
The Ballad of Lycaon, once a King;  
How he with Humane Dishes Jove did Feast,  
Man's Flesh treated his Celestial Guest;  
●●rbage for Beasts, Beasts Men, Man Angels Food;  
〈◊〉 ●hat best with them agreed, might please a God.  
●●t he as him, and such choice Banquets storms,  
●●d for his Kindness, to a Wolf transforms,  
●●osing each Stanza with Fanatic Rage,  
●ould Jove more than Gygantick Stirs engage,  
●●on to his Seat restore again,  
●●d injured Saints, Wolves turned to Men, should Reign.  
Such dire Notes Isgrim sung, while down he trowls,  
●●ter his savoury Morsels, cheering Bowls.  
Dog Steward, that well his Voice, though singing, knew,  
●●om Ambuscade out with a Party drew,  
〈◊〉 locked Doors entering, they beset the Breach,  
●rying the Wolf another Song they'll teach;  
Who seeing he must perish on the Spot,  
●●z'd his false Friend, the Steward, by the Throat;  
●hough all to lose him did whatever they could,  
With deadly Wounds, the Wolf still kept his hold:  
So grappled, they in Death's Convulsion lay,  
●nd dead, were thrown out on the King's Highway.   

MORAL.  
Feigned Friends, who best may Villainies complot,  
〈◊〉 their Designs miscarry on the Spot:  
〈◊〉 Dram this of the Deadly Bottle gets,  
●hich for his dangerous Compeer he sets.    

FAB. XLVI. Of the Fox and the Eagle.  

SO fair the Morning, that you could not spy  
The smallest More in Heaven's great Crystal Ey●  
And such the Halcyon, that in Phoebus' Rays  
Light Atoms danced no Laborynthian Hays;  
Whilst the plumed Choir to audit Winter Scores,  
And long neglected Love, call brisk Amours;  
Earth clad in Green, bids February fly,  
The warm Sun's gallant now in Gemini.  
When thus Sir Reynard's Heir, that hopeful Spark,  
His Mother cogs to wanton in the Park.   

Give me, dear Mammy, leave a while to play  
On yonder Mantlings, this inviting day:  
How finely shines the Sun? how clear and warm?  
And I'll a Chicken from that neighbouring Farm  
Perhaps convey, bearing a-pick a-pack,  
Like Daddie with a Gander on his Back.   

Then she replied, Go Reynie, but beware  
L●st th' Eagle thee a further Voyage bear;  
I saw her truss a Lamb, so long did mark  
Her flying, that she lessened to a Lark;  
thou it she light on, and thy little Prize,  
She'll carry to her Castle in the Skies,   

46 47 48   an eagle, with eaglets in her aerie, carries a foxcub in her beak. The fox's mother climbs the tree with a torch or firebrand in her mouth to set fire to the nest. In the background, the eagle snatches the foxcub while the mother fox runs after her.  

●here Chick and you she will together dress,  
●●d her expecting Airy so Caress.  
This said, the Wanton leaves their shady Court,  
●ution forgot, and only follows Sport;  
Whom soon Mount-Eagle, more than Steeple high,  
●●w, and descending from the Liquid Sky,  
sized on the heedless Cub, and thence conveys  
●o Feast her Young, through Airs untracted Ways:  
●he Bustle hearing, out Dame Ermelin flies,  
●hus th' Eagle courting to forsake her Prize.   

A Mother hear, since you a Mother are;  
●ex not a frantic Female to Despair:  
●y Son deliver, wave whate'er your Claim,  
●nd I'll present you with a tender Lamb,  
●r else a Tortoise in the Shell I'll dress,  
●hall better thee and thy fair Young Catess.   

She neither her Complaints nor Proffers minds,  
●ut to her Cedar Court outstrips the Winds,  
Where for their Shares her sharpset Airy gapes,  
●oung Reynie wondering at their Indian Shapes.   

But she, Mount-Eagle finding no remorse,  
Sudden resolves upon a desperate Course,  
And from th' High-Altar at Devotion stole  
A smoking Firebrand, tipped with blazing Coal,  
Thence, winged with Rage, like Draco Volans, fly's,  
And th' eagle's Palace grapples in the Skies:   

Thus proffering Terms, Give me my Son, or Fire  
Shall make thy Lofty Seat a Funeral Pyre,  
Thy Offspring and their Nest to Ashes burn,  
And if thou stayest, thy Bones with them in-Urn.   

Startled to see a blazing Weapon shine,  
Aloud she cries, Thy Offspring I resign;  
Ask what thou wilt, and Articles prepare,  
And I will Sign them, whatsoever they are:  
And who so long despised both Men and Gods,  
Shall pay thee Homage at thy own Abodes.   

Dispatch then, Ermelin cries: She, soon as said,  
Young Reynie in his Mother's Bosom laid;  
Who joyful, told her he had been so far,  
That he had catched, almost, a Blazing-Star.   

MORAL.  
The Greedy only his own Interest minds,  
Complaints lull him asleep, like murmuring Winds:  
Oft highest Spirits, when you put them to't,  
Fall prostitute as humbly at your Foot.    

FAB. XLVII. 2. Of the Fox and the Eagle.  

MAdam Mount-Eagle forced to stoop thus low,  
As if some Dunghill Bird, or Carrion Crow,  
To Reynard's Wife on base Conditions yield,  
No Battle, yet she Mistress of the Field;  
Thus storming said, What will of me become?  
Abroad a Laughingstock, and jeered at home!  
Dressed in Lampoons 'mongst Common-Garden Birds!  
Fool's Bolts will fly, and Ass' biting Girds;  
Me they'll Burlesque with such Rhyme-doggerel Pens,  
Make Griflons Robbins, Royal Eagles Wrens:  
Blood must more easy move this grating Hinge,  
No Salve for Reputation like Revenge.   

To Merlin then, her trusty Page, she spoke;  
From me to Reynard's Wife a Visit make,  
Say, I myself on her would willing wait,  
But I my Charge attend early and late;  
Hither if leisure grant her leave to walk,  
W● better may of kind Concernments talk.   

The Long-winged on his Message flies with speed,  
And told Dame Ermelin what his Lady bid;  
Though full of Thoughts, invited thus, she came,  
And sat as other Madams, by Madam.   

Then spoke the Eagle, a Branch higher perched,  
A Female difference not at first well searched,  
May seem to heal under a formal Skin,  
When the closed Orifice ulcerates within.   

Then spoke the Eagle, a Branch higher perched,  
A Female difference not at first well searched,  
May seem to heal under a formal Skin,  
When the closed Orifice ulcerates within.   

Therefore my Lord, and yours, now both from ho●●  
I have aparted a convenient Room,  
Which, please you to accept, and Rentfree too,  
The Friendship to confirm 'twixt me and you;  
Since we live single, keep a slender Train,  
You Chambered in the Cedar may remain,  
Where we may visit one another oft:  
Unplyant Grudges Frequency makes soft.   

Whom Profit blinds, perceive no reaching Drift:  
She straight accepts the cunning Eagles' Gift,  
Herself and all her little ones removes,  
From sure Foundations, to deceitful Groves.   

When going early forth (her usual guise,)  
Markets to make, in manner of Reprise,  
Mount-Eagle skilful at Dame Ermelins' Trade,  
A Tragic Scene in her short absence played,  
Enters new Lodgings, on her Children falls,  
Makes bloody Banquets with their Funerals,  
Serves the whole Brood to her expecting Young,  
And Feasted, down their Bones and Offals slung:  
Then boasting said, I'm now revenged to th' height,  
Let Parrots prate, and idle Goose quills write.   

MORAL.  
In War to Conquer, be at Court preferred,  
Your Love-suit kindly by your Mistress heard,  
Shipwreck to scape, these much Contentment bring;  
But sweet Revenge of Joys the only King.    

FAB. XLVIII. 3. Of the Fox and the Eagle.  

MEan while Dame Ermelin following her Trade  
A Stubble Goose her own by Purchase made  
Claim putting in by Seizure, thwart her Back  
She threw her Booty like a Pedlar's Pack,  
Thence speeding home her little ones to Treat;  
Where soon as entered, down her Fardel set,  
Them by their Names she calls, Squire, Sly, and Shir●▪  
To Breakfast, here's good Cheer, no picking Work:  
Missing her Cubs within, her Round she w●nt,  
But them nor heard, nor saw, nor found by scent:   

Then thus she cries. Some cursed Cavalier  
Hath with his Bloodhounds ransacking been here,  
Who of my Children hath made Meat for Dogs,  
Or Captive led, condemned to Chains and Clogs.  
How like his Father, Squire, my eldest Cub,  
Would Preach in Pulpit, or Hold forth in Tub,  
From tender-conscieneed Geese removing Doubt,  
Would Orthodox and Refractory rout!  
How would my second with drawn Pizzle lie,  
Rook an old Rook, a Carrion Crow, or Pie!  
The third for Policy and Valour might,  
Ah! had he lived, been, like his Sire, a Knight.   

This heard Mount-Eagle, and her Doubts to clear,  
Said, Moan no longer, your three Sons are here;  
And as she spoke, down a picked Carcase slung,  
Thus her upbraiding with a bitter Tongue.   

Another Firebrand, noisome scented Brach,  
If thou canst find one, from the Altar snatch:  
Christian Religion cuts off Heathen Rites,  
Now each-where shines the Gospel with New Lights;  
In stead of Hecatombs that Jove Carest,  
Stisling with Smoke the Mansions of the Blessed,  
Only a Comrite Heart they offer up,  
And their Libation a Communion Cup.   

Then full of Grief and Rage, replies the Fox,  
Thou mayst be met with, Kite, for all thy Mocks:  
This said, to former Dwellings she retreats,  
And there long mourning, neither drinks nor eats.   

Soon after, in an unconverted Town,  
(Change of Religion by Degrees marched down  
From populous Cities, introduced by Arms,  
To Pagan Bumkins, Villages, and Farms)  
At Bacchus' Festivals a Goat they paid,  
The Vive-destrover on his Altar laid;  
And whilst with Rural Ditties they advanced,  
Mongst oiled Borrachios leaped, and fell, and danced,  
Mount-Eagle stoops like Lightning from the Pole,  
And snatched a Morsel on a hissing Coal,  
Which bearing to her Nest, the Cinder catched,  
Her Palace smokes, with Reeds and Stubble thatched:  
No hope left now to quench the rising Flame,  
Shricking aloud, at last th' affrighted Dame,  
 sprinkling Sparks had singed her callow Young,  
She on the Ground, like ripe Fruit falling, fling;  
Which Ermelin spying, straight upon them falls,  
And slaughtering, thus unto their Mother calls.   

Robber and Murtheress, thou that hast thy Tower  
Above the reach of Beasts, or Humane Power;  
Yet Divine Justice conquers all these Odds:  
Judgement, though late, comes certain from the Gods.   

MORAL.  
The fiercest Tyrants, though they Guarded are  
With all the Strength and Policy of War,  
That Fortune scorn, that Heaven and Hell dare fight,  
Oft lose themselves by one small Oversight.    


49.50   Men with sticks argue over a panther in a trap. In the background, on one hill shepherds kneel before a big cat and its army, and on another, a big cat kneels before shepherds. FAB. XLIX. Of the Panther and Rustics.  

A Foreign Panther fallen into a Pit,  
Vain finding Strength, Activity, and Wit,  
Lay patiented at the mercy of those Swains,  
Gathered in Throngs from the Adjacent Plains,  
Admiring his rich Coat, and dappled Vest;  
To whom thus humbly made he his Request.   

You harmless Shepherds, you who here reside,  
Free from Contention, Avarice, and Pride;  
You who enjoy long Lives and lasting Healths,  
From Changes free of Crowns and Commonwealths,  
Who old feel no decay, but Strength still keep,  
Dying in extreme Age, as fallen asleep;  
You who so blest are, pity my sad Case,  
And free me from these Gyves and doleful Place.   

The giddy Rout this said, divided are:  
The breach of Hospitality beware,  
Be kind to Strangers, these cry, since the Gods,  
Like Pilgrims, visit oft poor Swains Abodes.   

Whilst others bawl, No Hospitable breach;  
Straight as our Prisoner him let us impeach,  
Take forfeit Life, divide his gaudy Spoils;  
We not for Friends pitch here intrapping Toils.   

Discording Clamours clash, loud Shouts and Cries  
Of siding Parties battle in the Skies;  
To Animosity Contention grows,  
And soon the Storm had melted into Blows,  
But that a Father, who in former Stirs  
Had felt the Miseries of Civil Wars,  
To silence did the frantic Rout beseech,  
Then gravely makes this reconciling Speech.   

You that are Friends and Brethren, ah! forbear;  
Raise not on slender grounds intestine War;  
But let a middle course all difference wave,  
Let us this Stranger neither kill nor save;  
Be what he will, thus fallen into our Gin,  
Let him get out himself, as he got in:  
If he scape, so; if perish in our Toils,  
We guiltless are, and yet obtain his Spoils.   

All pleased with this Persuasion, thence depart,  
Leaving the Panther with a heavy Heart.   

MORAL.  
Fly Golden Means, when the Extremes are good;  
Grant General Pardons, or else lavish Blood:  
Oft lukewarm Counsels, neither harsh, nor mild,  
The Subtlest to their Ruins have beguiled.    

FAB. L. 2. Of the Panther and Rustics.  

WHo from the bottom thus of deep Despair,  
And hard embraces of a cruel Snare,  
No less than Death expecting, down he lies  
In woeful posture, closing his own Eyes;  
When through dark Shades a tender Virgin stole,  
And him enfranchised from that dismal Hole.   

As one who had been raised up by a Spell,  
From Death, and Adamantine Gates of Hell,  
So joyed he, viewing the Aetherial Sky,  
His kind and fair Deliverer standing by:   

And thus he said; To thee who me hast saved,  
And for my Freedom thus thyself behaved,  
adventuring forth in such a Night, so dark,  
When all Heaven's Canopy not shows one Spark,  
What shall I say, or how return, since short  
Are all acknowledgements to thy Desert?  
Soft Operations of a tender Breast  
Are 'bove Rewards, and not to be expressed;  
Untainted Plains breed Innocence like you,  
Spotless their Cheeks, spotless their Bosoms too.  
But go with me to Court; who me redeemed  
There shall take Place, be like myself esteemed;  
On you the King shall smile, and my dear Spouse  
Shall wait upon, though of the Lion's House;  
Be safe and happy there▪ for I, e'er long,  
These Plains shall visit Forty thousand strong;  
On those would neither Evil do, nor Good,  
For lukewarm Counsel shall pay reeking Blood.   

Then she replied, If so resolved you are,  
My Parents, Me, and my Relations spare;  
But if you love your Life, no longer stay,  
The East grows Purple with the rising Day;  
If early Rustics find us lingering here,  
We both shall pay for our Neglect too dear.   

This said, they part: To Arden he repairs,  
To move the Lion in these Grand Affairs;  
Nor fell he in his Expectation short,  
No sooner being arrived at the Court,  
His Cause being heard, the King Assistance grants,  
And whate'er else supplies an Armies Wants:  
Which soon Arrayed, he marched to fertile Plains,  
With Fire and Sword chastizing surly Swains:  
Alarmed thus, they in distracted Swarms,  
Not knowing how to fly, or take up Arms,  
Meet and conclude down at his Feet to fall,  
And not by vain Resistance venture All;  
The Maid that helped their General from the Pit,  
As th' only Mediator they thought fit.   

The Embassy she willing undertook:  
Oft Conquerors are conquered by a Look:  
With her a Train of Rural Beauties marched,  
Not by rough Winds impeached, nor Phoebus parched:  
Faces who never Vizard-mask had on,  
Yet scorned all Wethers, and defied the Sun.  
Attended thus, up draws she to the Van,  
And thus to plead her Country's Cause began:   

Here, Sir, you are, and Forty thousand strong,  
Us to destroy, that never did you wrong;  
You sell into a Pit, catched in a Hay,  
For hungry Courtiers made, and Beasts of Prey,  
By whom we suffered much, and do so still;  
Your Life we spared, though we such Vermin kill:  
But when Invasion calls, th' ambitious Prince  
On slight Foundations builds a fair Pretence.  
Take pity, Sir, your Arms not here employ,  
Let not the greedy Soldier all destroy:  
Though strangely barbarous many were to you,  
Yet, Sir, your Party more were than a few;  
What, must your Friends and Foes together fall?  
In one Calamity thus suffer all!  
Call you to mind those left you in the Pit,  
And such who had Compassion forget?   

His Eye then fixing on th' imploring Maid,  
He knew her straight, and rising up, thus said;   

Art thou here me released in dead of Night,  
Brought'st me to live, and view Aethereal Light?  
That Life call thine, dear Virgin, thou didst save,  
Ask what thou wilt, thou needst but ask and have.   

Then she: Since such your favours you not scant,  
A General Pardon and Oblivion grant,  
Let not tumultuous passions take their swinge,  
But feast on Mercy higher than Revenge.   

Then he replied; Here falls my Wrath and Splee  
Them I indulge, and You proclaim their Queen;  
They shall for thee a Royal Seat erect,  
And pay due Homage too, with all respect;  
And when thou dost Espouse some Noble Swain,  
Thou in thy Palace, and not he shall Reign.   

Then marched the Panther off in fair array,  
When he had Crowned her Lady of the May.   

MORAL.  
Foul Hags may raise a War, the horrid Work  
Begun with Stools and Cushions in the Kirk:  
But never Conjure down, when Beauties charms  
Makes angry Mars lay down late took up Arms.     

 Androcles removes a thorn from the lion's paw. ANDROCLEUS: OR, THE Roman Slave.  

SECTION I.  

FRom Shipwreck, mounted on a broken Mast,  
Androcleus wet and weary, Tempest-tost,  
From Quicksands, and inhospitable Syrts,  
Recovered now rough Lybia's barren Skirts;  
Where on the Prospect of a Towrie Rock,  
A sad Survey he of the Country took:  
For Vales that flow with Honey, Milk, and Balm,  
He Shrubs beheld, and Pairs of Wedded Palm;  
For Corn and Pasture, Villages and Swains,  
wild's, Sandy Mountains, and deserted Plains.   

When weeping thus he said, I most accursed,  
Better had died at Rome, there suffered first,  
Falsely accused, condemned for a Rape,  
Than from a Dungeon, Gyves and Drowning scape  
Here to be starved, 'mongst Rocks and barren Heath,  
And so unpitied, meet a lingering Dear.   

This said, descending, he in woeful plight,  
Resolved to seek the worst of Fortune's spite;  
When sandy Hills which each Wind changing shifts,  
Dispiersing th' old in new congested Drifts,  
Their Squadrons muster with a rising Gale,  
And him with Atoms infinite assail,  
Battering his Eyes, and vollying in his Face,  
Impressed from Iron Earth, and Skies of Brass.   

Choked with the Storm, not able long to strive,  
In heaps of Dust, almost Entombed alive;  
No longer foothed with hopes his Life to save,  
His better Fate directs him to a Cave;  
Fenced 'gainst all Wethers, Winds, and Sun's assault▪  
With joy he enters the auspicious Vault;  
Fainting with Drowth, and suffocating Heat,  
There rests the weary on a Marble Seat.   

When thus he said, How happy now thou art,  
Here undisturbed, in Peace I may departed!  
From burning Sands free, and the raging Deep,  
Ending Life's Pilgrimage, as fallen asleep.   

Scarce said, he at the Portal entering, spies  
A horrid Monster of prodigious size!  
No means to fly, no skulking Hole, no Gap,  
That from a hungry Lion he might scape.   

When thus he sighed, Ah miserable Doom!  
Just that stern Fury's Belly me Entomb?  
●y reeking Blood those greedy Jaws distain?  
●nd my torn Entrails die that shaggy Main?  
●h! could I but that Strength and Courage boast  
Which late I had, all should not so be lost;  
●re he his Bosom enter, Plunder here,  
His Victory perhaps might cost him dear;  
●in a sharp Dispute would plead my Cause,  
thrust in this Arm into the Monster's Jaws,  
●ize on his lolling Tongue with such a Grasp,  
That I might live to see his latest Gasp;  
Now Locomotive Faculties I lack,  
The smallest Straw not able to attack:  
But I my Race have run, this Cave the Goal,  
Take Fiend my Body, and leave Heaven my Soul.    

SECT. II.  

WHilst thus Androcleus, Death expecting, sta●  
The Lion drawing near him, kissed his Han●  
As a Petitioner himself addressed,  
And humbly thus preferred his sad Request.   

O thou of Humane Race, be not afeard;  
Live long and happy, and whenever Interred,  
Ah! may not Transmigrated be thy Soul,  
But when Translated, re-ascend the Pole;  
If with an eagle's Eve, and Lion's Heart,  
And gentle Hand, thou case me of my Smart:  
This Foot so swollen, with which I Sceptres swayed,  
Proud Rebels routed, Loyal Friends arrayed,  
Now losing Power, unnerved with raging Pain,  
Subjects Conspire, and I no longer Reign.  
Soon as they felt me weak, and thus disarmed,  
Each-where tumultuous Commotions swarmed;  
Much 'gainst my Evil Counsel they allege,  
Prerogative trampling down by Privilege;  
Stuffed with Aspersions, Protestations frame,  
Raising an Army by my Power and Name:  
But what more heavy on my Spirit sits,  
My Train, my Eaters, and my Mas-ca-dits,  
Deserting me, to Rising Power resort,  
And, as you see, left thus an empty Court:  
Before, this Room, these Galleries, and Halls,  
Were full of Bestial Lords, and sly Jackalls;  
Now none attends, or lights me to my Bed,  
Who Pensions had, and at my Tables fed:  
Thus you my sad Condition understand,  
And Ruin near, without your helping Hand.   

The Lion thus implored Androcleus Aid,  
And in his Lap the Foot imposthumed laid.  
Whilst he at large preferred this humble Suit,  
Warm Spirits Androcleus Bosom fresh recruit,  
Who gently then turns up his festered Paw,  
And 'mongst the Fibers a swollen Tumour saw  
For Perforation ripe, and 'midst the Joints  
A barbed Thorn, staked in with brisly Points:  
Then with a well-edged Flint lay there by chance,  
The dangerous Insurrection did lance;  
Straight from the Fountainel sharp Quitter gushed,  
Which more to disembogue, he softly crushed.   

Thus freed from gnawing of th' imprisoned Bane,  
The King resumes his former Power again,  
His Foot the Ground hits firm, no favouring Halt,  
He now Rebellious Subjects may assault.    

SECT. III.  

THe King then wondering at himself so well,  
Cured strange and sudden, thought a Miracle!  
That in the smallest parcel of an Hour,  
Restored him Courage, Health, and Sovereign Pow●●▪   

When thus he spoke, Amidst my Joys I mourn,  
Not knowing how to make a fit return;  
Revenues of our Crown unsettled yet,  
So much for this my Happiness in Debt;   

If you not favoured are by sickle Chance,  
Enforced to follow ill-advising Wants▪  
The Power your help recovered, Us affords  
House-keeping, and to settle former Board's;  
Provision for the Belly we'll not lack,  
'Slight Raiment serves, where seldom Colds attack▪  
And if with plenteous Fare when highly fed,  
You want a kind Companion in your Bed,  
For mixed Amours are not, nor would deface  
Man's comely Features with a Biformed Race,  
To quench in youthful Blood unruly Flames,  
My Satyrs and Hyenna's by their Names,  
Shall comely Girls from neighbouring Dorps entice,  
Taking them up for thee, at the King's Price;  
My trusty and Right Honourable Pimps  
Shall cull the choicest Wood and Mountain Nymphs  
And Spirit hither all on thy Account,  
Which Patched and Painted Ladies far surmount;  
Pure Virgins, not Decays, pieced up and vamped,  
Fresh and fresh Quarters where none e'er Encamped,  
Thee shall receive, still hanselling new Laps,  
In varied Joys, and fear no After-claps.   

When faint Androcleus thus himself expressed:  
To quench my Thirst some Water I request,  
That ready almost am now to expire,  
From Drowning scaped, and suffocating Fire,  
Ah! for a little Rest, and some Repast,  
Or else I suddenly must breathe my last.   

The King, where Nature deep his Cellar laid,  
Thither his Guest with all Respect conveyed,  
Where from the living Rock a Crystal Spring  
With murmuring Falls made echoing Arches ring;  
Androcleus stooping, the cold Nymph salutes,  
And circulating Blood with Draughts recruits.   

The Lion than conducts him to a Bed,  
With Skins the Spoils of Beasts and Foliage spread;  
Here Sir then, said the King, repose a while,  
Let gentle Sleep slow moving Time beguile,  
And ere you wake, the Business shall go hard,  
If something not for Supper be prepared.    

SECT. iv  

THe Lion thus weary Androcleus leaves,  
Whilst working Fancy several Projects weaves  
Some savoury Morsel sudden how to get,  
Should make the Stranger up a handsome Treat.   

Should I, said he, thus in full Power appear,  
All would disperse, surprised with sudden Fear,  
And up themselves in Woods and Fastness shut,  
And me to trouble of long Leaguers put,  
Days sultry Heats, by Night Sereneses t' endure,  
When sudden Action makes a speedy Cure;  
I'll counterfeit, and Cripple up yond Hill,  
As if my Title were defective still,  
Weakness dissemble, and there stooping low,  
Myself upon the Bestial People throw.   

This said, he hasting from the Palace Gates,  
His Subjects heard themselves proclaiming States;  
Bulls, Bears, and Wolves, leading his own Train'd-band,  
Saw marching towards his Palace, o'er the Strand.   

But on the Summit when their King they saw,  
His Presence struck a Reverential Awe;  
To whom he beckoning with a Lamblike Look,  
Seeming much discomposed, thus mildly spoke.   

Why thus appear you in Defensive Arms,  
Seduced by Rumours, and bewitching Charms?   

A● sec 4   the lion, holding up his sore paw, sits on a rocky outcrop and addresses an assortment of other animals, including deer, sheep, goats, cattle and a camel.  

Do Fears and Jealousies so much affright,  
That you draw up 'gainst empty Walls to fight?  
Your King alone, without Jackal or Page,  
Stands ready to receive your utmost Rage:  
Are Priv'leges of Parliament infringed?  
Fall all on me, and be at once revenged:  
Have I upon your Liberties entrenched?  
Then let your Fury with my Blood be quenched:  
Whilst weak my ponderous Sceptre I not wield,  
Nor one for me declaring in the Field,  
In vain you Solemn Leagues and Covenants join,  
When I'm resolved whatever you Ask, to Sign;  
My Hand and Seal receive in ready Blanks,  
And in my Name give Both the Houses Thanks;  
Your Grievances let Reams of Paper fill,  
And when Engrossed, and Past, I'll Sign the Bill:  
Cease then these Tumults, of Our Grace accept.   

The King, this said, pausing, extremely wept.    

SECT. V  

THis softening Speech concluded with a Tear,  
In savage Factions they divided were;  
Some cry, The King is Pious, Meek, and Just:  
Others, Beware; Kings Promises not Trust;  
When changing Times, and fickle Fortune frowns,  
What will not Monarches to preserve their Crowns?  
But when the gathered Storm is over blown,  
A Sceptered Prince who questions in the Throne?   

The Lion them thus finding at a stand,  
A sign for Silence, beckoned with his Hand;  
When noising Parties Murmurs were allayed,  
Thus in a sad and weaker Tone he said:   

My Lords and gentle Beasts, assembled here,  
Who whilst I had a Sword, my Subjects were,  
If you strike deeper, have a further Drift,  
And me from my acquired Throne would lift;  
If present Juncto's and revolving Fates,  
(That States to Kingdoms turn, Kingdoms to States)  
Finish in me a single Person's Sway,  
I the Decree shall willingly obey:  
Why should I prop what or itself would fall?  
Approaching Death will soon surrender all;  
Which will the People's Majesty receive,  
As glad as they'll accept it, I shall leave;   
 the lion attacks the animals, tearing into the flesh of a deer. A bull looks on in incomprehension. Other animals flee.  

Then I this woeful Life now near an end,  
In Prayers for your Prosperity may spend.  
But, Sirs, let me advise the best I may,  
By your Election let one Person sway;  
To a new Prince, to one still make Appeals,  
Fly giddy Rota's, Meagrimed commonweals,  
No good the Government of many brings;  
Parliament Members sitting, all are Kings:  
Yet 'mongst those Monarches, one or other still  
Gets Supreme Power, and orders what he will;  
Kepublicks vain, when'er put to a stand,  
Must put their Power into a single Hand.   

But since I am not able to walk down,  
So please you, I'll surrender here my Crown;  
With my Phang-Tooth the Abdication Sign,  
So my whole Right in Public I'll resign.   

At these his unexpected Proffers, all  
Change Resolution, to fresh Councils fall,  
Th' enticing bait of sacred Power, a Crown,  
Greedy to Govern, strait they swallow down.   

No sooner they near to the Lion draw,  
Within the compass of his ready Paw,  
But like himself he 'mongst the thickest slew,  
And most of the Commissioned  slew.   

Amazed to see their Monarch's Force and Rage,  
So dire a Scene, and such a bloody Stage!  
They all dispersed, and struck with Panic Fear,  
Outstripped the Winds; flying they knew not where.   

The Lion to Androcleus retreats,  
Well furnished now with several sorts of Cates.    

SECT. VI  

THe Rebel's Rout each-where divulged by Fame,  
To Court, from all Parts, no small Concourse came  
His flattering Lords, Buffoons, and sly Jackalls,  
Again replenish desolated Halls:  
(For many favourites by the King advanced,  
First to the Lilt of Reformation danced,  
And Friends amongst the Godly Party made,  
Acquainting them with what he did, or said;  
Others whom he no longer could Protect,  
To their own well-stuffed several Mansions sneaked,  
Expecting there what the Event might prove,  
And as things fall, accordingly to move.)   

All these returned, stand round their Gracious Liege  
And with obsequious Fawn him Besieged;  
Whose Palace now with all Provisions stored,  
Sets up once more his late neglected Board.   

His Table furnished, at the upper end  
His Ushers he Andrecleus bids attend;  
Whom when the Lion kindly had embraced,  
Much Honouring, at his Royal Elbow placed:  
All set at several Board's, to Meat they fall,  
Unlading freighted Dishes through the Hall.   

Whilst by the King his Friend but sadly sits,  
Nothing he saw his queasy Stomach fits;   

An se. 6   the lion sits feasting at a table with jackals in men's dress. Androcles presents dishes to the king of the apes, who is dressed as a page.  

To Kid or Lamb, to Beef or Mutton, raw,  
Swimming in Gore, he had but little Maw.   

The Lion, as Androcleus he observed,  
At such a Treatment sitting almost starved,  
Comes Mounsieur King of Apes, dressed like a Page,  
Presenting him a Hash, and French Pottage;  
Then at his Elbow diligently waits,  
Supplies him with rich Wine, and shifts his Plates:   

Androcleus pleased, then plentifully sups,  
Mixing with savoury Morsels, sparkling Cups.   

When thus the King to his brisk Waiter spoke;  
whoever thou art that didst these Dishes Cook,  
So well have pleased my Friend, from Us receive  
What's fit for thee to ask, or me to give:  
If it be Freedom, Ransomless depart,  
Or whatever else may answer thy Desert.    

SECT. VII.  

THen said th' officious Waiter, stooping low,  
I am a Prince, Sir, in my Country, know;  
But by a Roman Consul Prisoner took,  
In Gaul attending him, I learned to Cook;  
For him, Ragoos, Bisks, Oleos I dressed,  
And still my Seasoning pleased his  best:  
I with the best of those Que ditez vous,  
Their Boxes could, and several Spices use,  
Would with an Ounce of Beef, of Mutton less,  
For  Monsieurs make a gallant Mess:   

But after that, condemned unto a Clog,  
Hugging to Death my Lady's foysting-Dog;  
And some suspecting that a Prank I played  
For my Release, with Madam's Chambermaid:  
'Tis true, she squeaked not, and I boarded strait,  
And for a nine months' Voyage her did fraight;  
Nay our great Mistress once but little missed,  
When my sweet Breath commending, me she kissed,  
Who growing kind, I had her in the Hug,  
But then the Consul entering, startled Pug.   

Questioned for driving such a subtle Trade,  
Private Escape I to Marseiles made;  
To Carthage in a Vessel got from thence,  
Where I from Apeland had Intelligence   

An sect 7   the ape caresses a lady, who is seated, bare-chested, in her bedchamber. A man tries to enter at the door.  

A second Macedon was drawing down,  
Would soon divest me of my Realm and Crown,  
If I myself in Person not assist,  
Derived from that renowned Martialist  
My Ancestor, who bravely kept his Post  
'Gai●st Alexander and his Conquering Host;  
Whom when the Worlds Subduer then beheld,  
Draw glittering Phalanxes into the Field;  
The pointed Wedge extending Ranks and Files,  
Shields lining Shields, bright Javelins threatening Piles,  
Admiring, from Hostility did cease,  
And joined with us in everlasting Peace;  
Me in my Way your Troops did intercept,  
And for a Dish your Stomach queasy kept:  
To whom I hinting this your mighty Feast  
Not one Dish had to please a Humane Guest,  
They let me these prepare, nor shall he want,  
So please you to confirm your Royal Grant;   

My Liberty, Great Sir, I only crave,  
That I my Country may and People save.   

The King consents, Androcleus and all,  
The Passage pleased, sat Feasting in the Hall.    

SECT. VIII.  

THe grateful King well pleased to see his Guest  
Relish those Dishes in such manner dressed,  
Thus smiling said, I'm wondrous glad that you  
To this strange Fare so handsomely fall to:  
I once abhorred raw Treatments mixed with Gore,  
Then Wine, not Water, swelled my Goblet o'er;  
I had— What had I not! A Princely House,  
Attendants, Nobles, and a beauteous Spouse;  
A Humane Prince, not in a shady Den  
Commanding Beasts, once was I King of Men;  
Where I, transformed by wicked Arts, became  
A Lion, such as now you see I am.   

Come, let's be merry, and of this no more;  
Thank Heaven you are a Man, though ne'er so poor:  
I not in Bestial Sovereignty rejoice,  
Though all the Forest trembles at my Voice;  
My high Condition wretched seems and base,  
Husked in a shaggy Main and hairy Face;  
I rather would, armed with my Lench and Awl,  
A Cobbler be, Enthroned beneath a Stall,  
Drive some such subtle Trade to purchase Bread,  
Than be o'er Beasts the Universal Head,  
Though 'mongst the numerous Animals that be,  
Next Man, the Lion takes the first Degree.   

a s. 8.   the king and queen stand, crowned, in state. The Chaldean magician aproaches them, book and staff in hand.  

Fetching a Sigh, this said, the King leaned back,  
When to his Royal Host Androcleus spoke.   

Sir, you amaze me; may I be so bold  
To crave this wondrous Riddle you'll unfold:  
We have Fictitious Stories not a few,  
Of Metamorphoses both old and new;  
But you that really transmuted were,  
Yourself relating, asks a serious Ear;  
Therefore the Honour I, and Favor beg,  
That I may understand this strange Intrigue.   

Then spoke the King, Though much my Bosom yerns,  
Reminding thus my sorrowful Concerns,  
So full of Horror, height of Rage and Grief,  
Such wondrous Passages, past all Belief;  
Yet may it please you, my deserving Friend,  
Though each Word pierce my Heart, I condescend.   

Sprung from a dynasty of Kings, I swayed  
Once fertile Egypt, honoured and obeyed;  
My Power and Wealth so great, that flying Fame  
Spread through the many-Peopled World my Name,  
King Amasis; stupendious Works I did,  
Built for my Tomb a stately Pyramid,  
Beyond whose Base, the lofty Spire, no Shade  
When they are longest, at Sunsetting, made.   

A highborn Queen I had, sweet, young, and fair,  
A fitting Mould to cast a hopeful Heir;  
But we no Issue had: When from the East  
Came a Chaldean, Magic Arts professed,  
Who undertook, applying powerful Charms,  
My Queen t' impregnate next when in my Arms;  
Nay more, he promised me, that by his skill,  
I should march forth, subduing whom I will;  
Who could shape Serpents out of limber Rods,  
Can private Men make Princes, Prince's Gods;  
In short time I should for the World set fair,  
Which great Work must be finished by my Heir;  
He my Nativity had cast, he said,  
Mars in the Lion, helped by Magic's aid,  
Sol, Venus, Mercury, in th' Ascendant joined,  
Should carry all before wheree'r designed.    

SECT. IX.  

I That loved War, for Wars sake; that abhorred  
All Purchase if not gotten by the Sword;  
Swallowed his specious Baits, mad after Power,  
Whatever he set before me did devour;  
With subtle Novelties he drew me on,  
Till sure entangled in his great Trepan;  
My Wife and Crown he for himself designed,  
Whilst me he did with Mists and Shadows blind;  
Soon he by Sorcery won her to his Lust,  
And me out of myself and Kingdom thrust;   

A Soporiferous Drink he first did make,  
Which under certain Aspects I must take,  
My Soul in Sleep then cased from heavy Limbs,  
With Angels should converse, and Cherubims;  
Inspection through Earth's dismal Entrails make,  
But with black Juncto's in the Stygian Lake;  
Quick, as from Star to Star we cast our Eyes,  
Climb vast Expansions of th' Enammelled Skies;  
'Mongst Gulfs and fluctuating Atoms hurled,  
Mount Sphere from Sphere, & so from World to World!   

With what mad Follies had he stuffed my Head,  
〈◊〉 me he fitted for the fatal Bed!  
Thicker than Motes, he told me, in the Sun,  
Our Demons and our Cacademons' run  
In busy Hays, on Humane Business fly,  
Courts vexing, and Star-Chambers of the Sky;  
There I should see Fate spinning Mortals Webs,  
Their highest Fortunes, and their lowest Ebbs;  
But mine with Aspects bright I should behold,  
In Milky Looms, in Silver wove, and Gold.   

Th' appointed time fit for Projection come,  
We enter in the Spell-prepared Room;  
There I must Drink, there must the Work be done  
To raise an Empire, and beget a Son.  
Faint Heart ne'er Realm did, nor Fair Lady win.  
So up he sewed me in a Lion's Skin;  
My fitted Legs and Arms up close he laced,  
The Shape stuck to my Shoulders and my Waste:   

Said he, Alcides had been thrice as strong,  
Had he thus buttoned what he loosely hung;  
Girt in such Spoils, Twelve Labours had been slight,  
The World had bowed to him by Conquest right.   

Then gave he me the Fate-foretelling Bowl,  
That must such Wings add to my fleeting Soul:  
I saw the Bottom, though the Drench was deep,  
Which soon my Eyelids closed in fettering Sleep;  
Then laid me on a Quilt of Sheepskins warm,  
To strengthen Fancy, and empower the Charm:  
Secured thus, as his Plot before he laid,  
He to my Queen with Joy himself conveyed.    


An sect 10   Ladies look on in alarm at the man dressed in rags walking stooped with a staff. SECT. X.  

SOon fallen asleep, I no such Visions saw,  
But dreamt of Blood, and eating warm Flesh raw,  
Inspecting Entrails of Fat  slain,  
How Gore my Jaws and Bosom did distain,  
Last, how a bunch-backed Camel I had killed,  
Still feasting on him, and yet never filled.   

Thus various Fancies raging whilst I slept,  
Up dreaming from the fatal Couch I leapt,  
Not knowing what I did, nor where I was,  
My Brains a Chaos, a confused Mass,  
There Humane Thoughts with Bestial mixing, bred  
A thousand Monsters without Tail or Head.  
dazzled with dire distraction, our I went,  
●●rst stumbling on my Queen's Apartment;  
●oors which I gently shoved, in Shivers flew,  
●ut little of my wondrous Strength I knew;  
●y Queen and Priest, though loud I gave th' Alarm,  
●here found I sleeping, circled Arm in Arm;  
●ome sense regained I at so strange a sight,  
●y only Joy, sole Comfort, and Delight,  
●●re dear than Life, or Conquest of the World,  
〈◊〉 see thus up in his Embraces furled.  
●y Wise first waking, strangely terrified,  
When such a horrid Monster she espied  
Ready to tear her up, bolts from the Bed,  
And with a shrick into her Closet fled;  
At which he starts, muttering too weak a Charm  
An injured Husband's Fury to disarm;  
I thought to seize him, apprehend no more,  
When his torn Entrails reeked upon the Flore;  
Defiled Sheets died in Blood, the lustful Priest  
Ripped from his Collar Bone down to the Twist;  
My precious Wife than I pursuing, found  
Unnerved with terror grovelling on the Ground;  
But when she me, ready to seize her, spied,  
With a faint Shrick breathing her last, she died;   

Seeing her draw her latest Gasp, I felt  
Compassion, Rage into Remorse did melt:  
Then first I called to mind what her so scared,  
My dreadful shape, rough Main, and horrid Beard;  
So went I to slip off my Lion's Case,  
Began t' untie, unbutton, and unlace;  
Striving to shift, the more myself I hurt,  
The Shape stuck fast like Dianira's Shirt:  
I found than I no property was in,  
No Monsters Fur, but my own monstrous Skin;  
Myself I next did in the Mirror view,  
And from my own reflecting Shadow flew;  
Though I had seen all sorts of Lion's store,  
Ne'er such a Prodigy I saw before;  
I called for help, my Voice grown strangely loud,  
Like Thunder rung broke from a prisoning Cloud,  
Like mouthing Tempest, or a Water-Breach;  
Or Battles joined, ten thousand Men in each;   

Both Shape and Understanding now transformed,  
Humane no more, a dreadful Lion stormed.  
Rushing from thence into my Palace-yard,  
Ranted and roared, that Court and City heard,  
Where whosoever beheld me, shrieking fled:  
The Captain of my Horse, though, made a Head,  
And my own Lifeguard up against me drew;  
As thick as Hail light Darts and Javelins flew:  
Then with a Grove of Spears me hedging round,  
I like winged Lightning broke their Brazen Pound,  
And through the thickest with strange Fury got,  
And Men and Horse left gasping on the Spot.  
The whole Troop routed, marching down the Street,  
All fly amazed, and into Houses get:  
So I my City, Court, and Kingdom left,  
Of Reason and Humanity bereft,  
Amongst Wild Beasts in Wildernesses dwelled,  
And long the Injuries of all Wethers felt.    

SECT. XI.  

TO Bestial Society thus cast,  
Condemned to range in wild's and Deserts vast,  
I soon 'mongst Forest People gained Renown  
Changing my Humane to a Savage Crown;  
Once more a King proclaimed, a Sovereign Liege,  
I with large Grants my Subjects did oblige,  
So metamorphosed set my Heart at rest,  
A Lion being of all Mutations best;  
So th' Empire of these Deserts I obtained,  
And under me Kings, petty Lions Reigned;  
On Expeditions Armies I could raise,  
Nor Plotted we for Spoil clandestine ways,  
Lying whole Nights in silent Ambuscades,  
But took the Field by Day in bold Brigades;  
And like a falling Deluge swept up all,  
Emptying at once both Pasture, Coat, and Stall;  
Nay more, on Skirts of Cities durst we Pray,  
Ships Boarding at Low-water in the Bay.   

Thus formidable grown, being wondrous strong,  
I roared Leontick, lost th' Egyptian Tongue,  
Though Beasts and Birds use several Dialects,  
That less than Humane Voices have Defects,  
Uttering Soul Dictates both more clear and brief,  
Hatred and Love, Fear, Hope, their Joy and Grief;   

11   a lion and lioness dressed as king and queen, and a leopard in courtier's dress meet in a wood. An assortment of animals hold the king's train. In the background, a man fells a tree with an axe and a lion and lioness (not in human clothes) look on from above.  

Yet Leo Lingua who not understands?  
Words Edicts are, each Syllable Commands;  
The Lion's Fiats quicker than his Nods,  
Like Angels Tongues, or Language of the Gods.   

Then my grave Counsel me advised to Wed,  
A Royal Issue from a Princely Bed;  
Besides, the Comfort of a dear Confort  
My Power would strengthen, and my Crown support;  
Took with a Lioness Majestic Brows,  
And sparkling Eyes, a Maid I did Espouse;  
And we e'er long a hopeful Issue had,  
To whom, when Time should Strength and Courage add,  
Decreasing mine, they Savage Bands might lead,  
And Govern loyal Subjects in my stead.   

Thus had I what the Deserts could afford,  
But all my People honoured and adored,  
My new-raised Throne so fixed and firmly placed,  
In many Ages not to be defaced.    

SECT. XII.  

BUt my so Powerful and well settled State,  
Under the pressure sunk of heavy Fate;  
Bruine, not to be named, that greedy Lord,  
By instigation of his Stomach stirred;  
That Epicurean Beast, could nothing else  
Please, but a Dish of tender Lyonells;  
That ripped a Woman up the Day before,  
And from her Womb the tender Infant tore.   

Our Palace empty, gone as we are wont,  
My Queen and I, the sportive Ass to hunt;  
In rushed the Fiend, and all our Hopes and Joys,  
To please his beastial Appetite destroys.   

Returaing, for our little ones we call,  
(Wondering at scattered Offals spread the Hall)  
Vain Echo answering, none else there replied,  
When more distinctly we gnawn Bones espied;  
And dipped in Purple, Tufts of yellow Hair,  
Soon we perceiveed our Children murdered were;  
My Queen despairing raised a hideous Yell,  
And Roaring, I rung out a second Knell;  
Which out from vaulted Courts like Thunder sounds;  
And upwards fllying, Scales Heavens starry Rounds;   

Then first I spoke, Let's quit our woeful Cave,  
Pursue Revenge, a while all sorrow wave.   

This said, in high Distraction forth we went,  
And following hot upon the Monster's Scent,  
We made not many Miles a privy Search,  
But found him where proud Eagles use to Perch,  
Up in a Bushy Tree he sat astride,  
And did our Power and Majesty deride;  
Then scoffing said, Your Children here are warm,  
Comfort yourselves, go home and never storm;  
Out of your Jurisdiction quite am I,  
You know not how to climb, and worse fly;  
To meet for sweet Revenge, insulting Girds,  
A War Engage too, 'gainst the King of Birds;  
I knew not how thwart Passions to assuage,  
Drowning in Sorrow, burning in my Rage.   

Then to my Queen I spoke, watch here with care,  
Shut up in his own Fort this cursed Bear;  
Whilst I raise aid, and Forces seek abroad,  
This said, I hasted to a beaten Road,  
Armed with an Axe, there I an Artist met,  
Upon him I with fawning Posture set,  
He frighted flies, who finding me too swift,  
And that his Life lay only in my Gift,  
As Lybians use, fell humbly on his Knees,  
And Quarter begs, I pointed to the Trees;  
Then put his new ground Hatchet in his Hand,  
Soon as my Pleasure he did understand,  
Not the least time the sturdy Workman slips,  
Till he had hewed thick Timber into Chips,  
The aged Elm thrice nodding groans her last,  
And falling down her ugly Rider cast:  
I and my Queen strait on the Murderer flew,  
And as an Offering to our Children slew:  
So my auxiliary I safe dismissed,  
Him promising when e'er distressed t' assist:   

Thus something eased, we to our Court return,  
And our irreparable Losses mourn.    

 the courtier-leopard and queen-lioness walk hand in hand. A band of musical cats (playing lute, guitar and hornpipe) serenades them from a tree. Other animals look on from below. SECT. XIII.  

AFter a while our Grief and Mourning's o'er,  
We put ourselves in Posture as before;  
My Queen and I, our Losses to repair,  
By mutual Joys expect a second Heir:  
When to our Realm from Gaul a Panther came,  
Well versed in Courtship, brisk at Venus' Game,  
And that Amours might better be advanced,  
Rarely he Sung, in a new manner Danced;  
Not strained in lofty Galliards, high La vaults,  
But low Corantoes upon one Leg halts,  
In flat Brawls simpering, pinched with vexing Corns,  
Gingerly moving as he trod on Thorns:  
Before the Turn above Ground, and Cross Points,  
Our Youth performed, as if they had no Joints;  
With Capriolls antishoes so high would go,  
They hit the Roofs, and noiseless fell as Snow.  
This easier way our crazy Lords did please,  
And Courtiers Clapped enforced to fancy ease.  
Our Dames on him could ne'er look on enough,  
All else seemed antiquated, rude and rough;  
How he Salutes, how Cringes, what a Mien?  
His Breath perfumed, how soft his painted Skin?  
Monsieur, in brief, so well himself behaved,  
That she who Ruled a Monarch he enslaved;  
In which so cunningly her part she played,  
That I a King her Property she made,  
Seemed not t' endure his Modes, at him would laugh,  
And his spruce Congees imitating, scoff;  
Thus blinding me, with him th' Adultress meets,  
Plies stolen Embraces in unlawful Sheets;  
So pregnant grown, and drawing near her Time,  
Knowing to be discovered was the Crime;  
Her second Batch would prove too like the Sire,  
She plots how from the Court she might retire,  
Of me begs at her Mothers to Lye-in.   

I tender, nor denied my freighted Queen:  
So with a small Retinue down she went,  
Me leaving betwixt pleased and discontent;  
Whilst in her absence various Fancies thwart,  
And ●ea●o●●ie lay nibbling at her Heart.   

When sending word how she miscarried there,  
In a Dream righted with that fatal Bear;  
My second Issue were brought ●orth all dead,  
When Strength recovered raised her from her Bed,  
She with all speed would leave that woeful Place,  
Seeking fresh Comfort in my dear Embrace.   

This cased my Fits, kept Quiet up a while,  
(But who a ●ealous Lover can beguile?)  
In a dark Night when Clouds had masked the Pole,  
I from my Court disguised, thither stole,  
Past all her Outguards and sly Pimps unscen,  
Until I found Sir Panther and my Queen,  
In Posture more familiar than befits,  
A second time I raging lost my Wits;  
Me first a Woman frenzied, now a Beast,  
But a whole Aetna fired within my Breast,  
When Playing I beheld her speckled Brats,  
Pied like their Sire, Tabbied like Mountain-Cats.  
Beholding me, of whom they little dreamt,  
And thought secure from any such Attempt,  
Busy with Crown Affairs, and State Intrigues,  
War there Proclaiming, here conjoining Leagues;  
When they perceived my Eyes like Beacons shined,  
And raising Rage myself then Disciplined,  
And gave him such a general Assault,  
He flying to a well-contrived Vault,  
That on the Trap-door him ripped up, I fling  
In his own Urine weltering Blood and Dung,  
His Heart and Members torn at her I cast,  
Then o'er his Corpse th' Adultress breathed her last,  
The surreptitious Brood next piece-meal tore,  
Spattering the Walls and Pavement with their Gore;  
Slew all their Pimps, and her grave Mother Bawd,  
Then for just Vengeance I myself applaud:  
Next made the Peers my Injury understand,  
And none to put on Mourning, gave Command.    

SECT. XIV.  

AFter o'r-powered by melancholy Dreams,  
I lost my Wits in opposite Extremes,  
Considering deeply of my woeful State,  
Condemned to Bestiality by Fate,  
I loathed such Crowns and Dignities that stood  
By Rapine, Arbitrary Power, and Blood;  
Courts who Religion and all Laws explode,  
Their Will styled Justice, what they can their God;  
Why should I Tables, a Retinue keep,  
That no Exchequer had, Parks, Herds, nor Sheep,  
Outlawed in Deserts dwell, there Kill and Steal,  
No help for Plaintiffs, nor the least Appeal?   

So stole I from my Subjects, Court, and Crown,  
Sceptre and Royal Ermines laying down,  
Myself of all Regalities disrobe,  
In Want to wander the Terrestrial Globe:  
Vast wild's and Forests left, at last I found  
Meadows Hedged in, and Cultivated Ground,  
Saw sprinkling Villages, and fertile Plains,  
Sheep Grazing, Steers at Plough, and busy Swains;  
Who seeing me, their several Tasks forsaken,  
And to safe Shelters soon themselves betook.   

'Mongst these I fancying singled out a Swain,  
Who seemed ingenious by his Looks, though plain,   

An sec 14   a lion, a goat and a dog stand on a platform. The lion is whipped by a man. A crowd of people watch from below.  

Whom I pursuing, when he found it hard  
To scape by flying, stood upon his Guard,  
Putting himself in Posture of Defence,  
But I not War intending to Commence,  
As if already Conquered, cowering went,  
And up myself his Prisoner did present,  
Lay at his Feet, and humbly kissed his Hands.   

At last my Suit the Rustic understands,  
And me a King to his Protection took,  
And did for Fealty and Homage look;  
Then claps a Collar on my shaggy Main,  
And leads grown gentle in a twisted Skein.   

At last his Pleasure he to serious turned,  
His toilsome Farm and Country Work adjourned,  
And me he showed in Dorps and neighbouring Towns,  
So picked up Pence till Audits swell to Crowns;  
From Markets then to Fairs we stroled along;  
From all Parts near greedy Spectator throng;  
Then grown a Company to th' City came  
A Kid, my Fellow Actor, and a Lamb.   

There raised a Stock, in several Shapes I played,  
And my own Parts Extemporary made;  
And when we something did was rare and new,  
My Fellow Actors had from me their Qu.  
Oft when a King I Acted and looked big,  
Some Fool would call and make me Dance a Jig.  
All Trades was common, Lamb, and I, and Kid,  
Tripped Mars and Venus to a single Fid;  
And I the Net like limping Vulcan spread,  
And took God Kid, and Goddess Lamb in Bed,  
Such novel Sights a mighty Concourse drew,  
And we clapped off still by th' admiring Crew.   

Thus by my means my Master's Purse ran o'er,  
So much his Grandchilds could ne'er be poor;  
I put him to small Charge, a slender Board,  
Water and Bread, a Carrot, or a Gourd;  
Yet on good Days he made me better Dine,  
Boiled Mutton, Honey, a spiced Cake in Wine:   

Thus I my Passions ruled, commanding more  
Than when I Governed Men or Beasts before.    

 the lion talks to Apollonius in a Pantheon (or round temple). SECT. XV.  

ONce to the Temple me my Master led,  
Where slaughtered Sheep the Floor and  spread,  
Whilst curling Clouds from blazing Sacrifice,  
Masked with opacous Fogs transparent Skies;  
At reeking Entrails I ne'er made a stop,  
Nor longed to taste of recent Blood one Drop;  
Where Learned Apollonius I beheld,  
Whose Skill in Tongues of Birds and Beasts excelled;  
To him I walked, tired with my stroling Trade,  
Myself at's Feet in humble Posture laid,  
All wondering what I meant, to this effect  
I spoke in the Leontick Dialect:   

King Amasis transformed into a Beast,  
Begs from his Slavery to be released,  
Let me no more show antic Tricks and Jokes,  
A Laughingstock to every Fool and Coke;  
Move the Egyptians here with speed that they  
Would me their hapless Prince from hence convey.   

This said, the Reverend Sage stroking my Back,  
To the Spectators, there admiring, spoke:   

Who knows not here King Amasis' sad Fate?  
This Lion which so much you wonder at,  
His Soul informs, by wicked Charms disguised,  
Let him not be, whatever he seems, despised;  
Though changed, here says renowned Monarch stands  
Who Ruled you mildly under just Commands.   

This I with Sighs and Groans confirming, sealed,  
Which from my former Subjects Tears compelled:  
Who thus went on; Sirs, let me you advise,  
Since in this Living Tomb your late King lies,  
If e'er you had of that good Prince esteem,  
His Ransom pay, this Royal Beast redeem,  
And to Leontis hence with speed convey,  
There him due Worship in his Temple pay.   

Th' Egyptians Apollonius Counsel take,  
For solemn Progress preparation make;  
My Master's paid: Next day you might behold  
Me decked with Garlands, Gems, and Chains of Gold  
With all the Gaieties and Splendour dressed,  
Our Realms could boast, or purchase from the West;  
People and Priests conducting me in Throngs,  
Chanting my Praise in Hymns and Sacred Songs:  
And to that Fane which for myself I made,  
They their new God Religiously conveyed,  
Ordered me Lodgings, and a Plenteous Board,  
And more to be than any Power adored.    


An. s. 16.   Ladies sit feasting at table in a portico. A waiting woman brings them drink in an ornate jug. In the background children play with animals. SECT. XVI.  

REvenues fixed my Honour to maintain,  
Whilst Suns should set and rise, Moon's wax and wain;  
Priests and Lay-brothers Means allowed, and large,  
Each Place and several Function to discharge;  
Physician, Chirurgeon, 'Pothecary, Cook,  
That might to me in Health and Sickness look;  
So many wait in their appointed Rooms,  
Back Stairs, my Privy, and Bedchamber Grooms;  
Priests in my Chapel a new Service sing,  
Chanting Great Amasis their God and King,  
Imploring when the Royal Soul his Fate  
Should to a nobler Living House translate,  
An Embryo Prince t' inform; or else they pray,  
If amongst Vegetives, the honoured Bay.   

Thus Public Institutions were observed,  
Nor much a while from Private Orders swerved;  
Who should until their God had feasted, stayed,  
Laughing at those so foolish Statutes made,  
Soon as my usual Dishes up were served,  
They for themselves, their Wives, and Children carved,  
And like a Dog gave me their Plates to lick,  
Throwing their Offal and gnawn Bones to pick;  
Delicious Wines, my whole Allowance, quaffed,  
And at my savoury lapping Water, laughed:  
In wild Moriscces heightened thus they Dance,  
Shins over Stools and Tables take their chance;  
When a fat Priest had almost broke my Chine,  
Throwing athwart me his foul Concubine:  
This I passed o'er, but I began to stare,  
When Owl-faced Malkin Feasted in my Chair;  
They truly honoured her, in State there sat,  
Fed with my Dainties a ridiculous Cat:  
But the fat Priest who her did most adore  
In Private, was in Public her Amour.   

To tear them piece-meal thrice I was resolved,  
But I had been too much in Blood involved;  
So loathing Man's Society once more,  
I fled to Deserts where I Ruled before;  
Here soon my Peers re-fixed me in my Throne,  
Additional Garlands voting to my Crown;  
Me all these Deserts honoured and obeyed,  
So long as strenuously I Sceptres swayed;  
Grown weak, they in my Title found a Flaw,  
(Beasts freeborn are, they cried, by Forest Law:)  
Now by your helping Hand again restored,  
As erst, I Reign, and settle here my Bored.   

Thus my strange Story I in brief have told;  
Now if you please, the Night not yet grown old;  
I long to know what brought you to our Court,  
So far from Humane Business and Resort,  
Unless some scattering Dorps that near us lie,  
With whom our Right and Title oft we try;  
Customs demanding, a fat Sheep or Steer,  
Of the great World's Affairs we little hear:   

This, if the trouble will not prove too great,  
As a return for mine, Sir, I entreat.    

SECT. XVII.  

WHen to the King Androcleus thus replied,  
How to these wild's, Great Sir, and Desert wide  
My Fortune threw me in such woeful plight,  
Scorched up by Day, wracked in a stormy Night,  
Since you desire to know, brief as I may,  
I shall relate, and your Commands obey.   

In Rome my well-descended Parents dwelled,  
Whose fair Estate small diminution felt,  
Until my hapless Father found a way  
To lose himself, and all he had, by Play:  
My Mother dying, House we broke up straight,  
The Furniture, her Jewels, and his Plate,  
whate'er was his, and might be after mine,  
As cumbersome, he turned to ready Coin;  
The frail Die handling, and the slippery Card,  
Much by degrees his Fortune had impaired:   

Who now resolved those Losses up to make,  
By venturing deep, and setting all at Stake:  
Fortune assists the Bold; would him e'er long  
Make at one lucky Hit Ten thousand strong.  
After a Feast, the Gamesters went one Day  
Up to their Golden Chamber; deep they play,  
Huge Heaps are set; venturing at All, he threw,  
And Lawrelled Caesars up by hundreds drew;   

An sec 17   Men, including Androcles 'father, gamble at dice at a table.  

So many dazzling Golden Emperors got,  
Well to have soldered up his broken Estate.  
I whispered him, entreating to give o'er,  
Now he might pay all Debts, clear every Score:  
He minds not me, nor from his Golden Fleece  
Fancied Androcleus with one single Piece.  
At last the Table covered all in Gold,  
Bright Ore in Mountains heaped you might behold,  
All at a Chance now to be Lost or Won,  
For ever made, for ever else undone;  
Stakes doubled at each Throw, long th' Aftergame,  
On each side favouring Fortune smiling came,  
As often frowns; my Father had the odds,  
Then threw what he could ask for of the Gods;  
Which when he saw, as a dire Chance he cursed,  
And blind with Rage, o'resceing, played the worst;  
What the Dice gave, took with a Why not, lost.   

A while he stood, stiff, like a senseless Post;  
But when he saw the Golden Mountains swept,  
Of all he had, and Hopes for ever stripped,  
By his own Sottishness, and what seemed worse,  
No Dice nor Evil Fortune left to curse;  
He falls upon himself, his Peruque tore,  
And thundering Execrations, direly swore.   

After a while, his Rage Cessation makes;  
Himself then stripping, straight his Garments stakes;  
Upper and under Weeds at first Assault  
March o'er, and to the Conquering Foe revolt;  
Which gone, with me aside he kindly slips,  
And whilst I there in vain lamented, strips.  
My Clothes thus added to his last Mishap,  
They in one Fardel up as Lumber wrap;  
Next Trafficking for a small Sum of Gold,  
Himself unto a Fencing-Master sold;  
Upon his Body sets a certain Price,  
Which strait condemned by arbitrary Dice,  
His Prisoner to the fatal School he drew,  
Whom, at next Show, a Gladiator slew.    


An sect 18   Androcles, as a young boy, begs charity from gamblers at a large house. In the background is a city. SECT. XVIII.  

THen out of Doors turned, only in my Shirt,  
Which trussing, I about my Middle girt,  
Since I must fall unto the Begging Trade,  
I up myself a fitting Habit made,  
And thwart my Shoulders skewred up Darnix Rags;  
The Mantle lose in Labels hung and Jags,  
Each Corner I inspect, each Dunghill rake,  
Clouts to collect might up my Wardrobe make;  
A Scrip and Dish, sans Crown a Brimless Hat,  
Defensive Arms 'gainst Dogs, I bore a Bat.   

Thus at all Points Accoutered and Adorned,  
Acquaintance I, Friends and Relations scorned  
As they would me, my Father being dead,  
So I 'mongst Strangers only begged my Bread;  
Oft mouldy Crusts in musty Drink would sop,  
Sometimes got savoury Bits and higher Tope;  
At Night in Porches and dark Entries sculk,  
A Prince, if I obtained a Stall or Bulk;  
And those whoever knew me, though I balked,  
Yet once I to the Ordinary walked,  
'Mongst Gamesters that so late Division made,  
Of my poor Father's Life, and all he had;  
'Mongst them thus torn and tottered, direly poor,  
●oy their Names did, weeping, Alms implore;  
Me even stark naked seeing, cut and slashed  
In Steaks and Morsels, Robes so neatly hash'd,  
Pleased with my Fancy in such quaint Attire,  
Thus grinning made reply; How now, young Squire!  
Your Father, were he living would be sad,  
That for his Heir he such a Spend thrift had,  
Thus to be cut and pinked: What Tailors can!  
Their Coats, not Heralds, make the Gentleman.   

Thus passing by, they a proud Scoff, or so,  
On me in so much misery bestow;  
Of all my Father's Thousands they had shared,  
Not one Denecre his starving Son they spared:  
But I these greedy Harpies knew before,  
Who never fancied Servants, nor the Poor,  
Who wait on them whole nights, even starve with cold,  
When Fortune showers on them whole Seas of Gold.  
Who Game their Business make, study the Wracks  
Of hopeful Youth, familiar Toms and jack's:  
The Suburbs Plague Owled in a Periwig,  
Their Paunches swollen with Night Deboshes big:  
Such proud and idle Hector's, the whole Gang,  
If th' are not fit to Banish, let them Hang.   

Soon after I 'mongst other Poor did wait,  
Expecting Alms at a great Patriot's Gate,  
Whose Steward picked me from the clamoring Throng,  
Not in my Features much deformed, and young;  
By my consent enroled his Patron's Slave,  
Showed me my Tasks, and fitting Habit gave.    

SECT. XIX.  

THere Toiling hard, yet plentifully fed,  
Taller I shot by th' Shoulders and the Head,  
When callow Down first Marks proclaiming Man,  
Upon my Chin and ruddy Cheeks began;  
At Exercises active grown, and strong,  
Me at the Cest none could, or Wrestling wrong,  
Outrun, out-leap, Vault higher; few could far  
Break Ground beyond me with a Stone or Bar:  
My Joints then knitting, Breast and Shoulders broad,  
I much as two could carry at a Load.   

The Steward, who on all the rest looked grim,  
Oft smiled on me, and held in fair Esteem;  
Our Grand Patron would still, as passing by,  
Cast me both Money, and a favouring Eye.   

Madam Patroness, a high-going Dame,  
Whose Honesty had but a scanty Fame,  
Her Lord grown old, of Business full, and Cares,  
About the Public, or his own Affairs,  
Too soon of me had inkling by her Pimps,  
And at her Window then by chance a Glimpse,  
Whilst nimbly up the Steps I bore a Sack,  
As if a Fly had sat upon my Back;  
Nor rested she, feeling a kindled Flame,  
But down 'mongst us with one Attendants came,  
The Palace empty, and for me she asks,  
Than 'mongst my Fellows, busy at our Tasks,  
A Work dispatching must with speed be done.   

I would have Washed, and put fresh Garments on,  
When she far off me, thus consulting, spied,  
Come naked as you are, aloud she cried;  
So up I marched, and her Commands obeyed,  
Who thus in gentle Language smiling, said:   

Of your good Parts, Androcleus, I have heard,  
Merits wherever placed we should regard,  
Though you your Fortune to such Toil condemns,  
Jewels though set in Lead, yet still are Gems;  
I hear that you carry from all the Prize,  
At Youthful Sports, and Manly Exercise;  
Since I am present, I would gladly see  
A Proof or so of your Activity.   

Then made she me first Run, then Leap, and Vault,  
So gave herself a general Assault;  
I saw her Bosom beat with lose Alarms,  
Viewing my Shoulders, Breast and Muscley Arms:   

Then she departing, kindly threw her Purse,  
Which I looked on no better than a Curse.    

SECT. XX.  

NO sooner gone, but all about me throng,  
To see what Largess bounteous Madam fling,  
Which opening soon bright Caesar's they behold,  
All cry, At Night to Wine convert the Gold;  
She wants your help, and you your Freedom lack,  
The Wealthy Fort courageously attack;  
Good use make of your Time whilst kind Stars wait,  
womans inconstant else turn Love to hate.   

Thus hinted they, whilst I myself deplore,  
Contracted to a Virgin late before;  
Our Steward's Daughter, and his only Heir,  
Her Mother lately dead, she young and Fair,  
Me long with Signs and silent Rhetoric wooed,  
And by her conquering Eyes at last subdued:  
I not at Riches nor my Freedom aimed,  
Her Virtue more than Beauty me inflamed;  
Her sweet Simplicity stirred gentle Fires,  
From Wanton free, and turbulent Desires.   

When her soft Passion once she had revealed,  
With Tears and Kisses we Affection sealed;  
Vows interchanging, just at breaking Gold,  
A while, said she, e'er we go further, hold;  
I am a Christian, and so must be you,  
Else here we separate, and once more are two;  
Since such Dissenting may in Marriage-life  
Commotions raise, and a perpetual Strife:  
Light Venus, Drunken Bacchus, hectering Mars,  
Trepanning Hermes, look on as a Farce;  
Th' whole List abolish of these Stones and Stocks,  
Once Bosoms of the Grove, and Wombs of Rocks:  
I not Marina, but Maria am;  
Androcleus to Andrea's change your Name.   

She soon prevailing, easy Conquest made;  
What could not she and her fair Eyes persuade?  
Besides, I saw them daily at the Stake,  
And Persecutions still more Converts make;  
I knew our God's Exemplars were of Sin,  
And we on Wood and Stone Petitions pin:  
So I consenting, me she kindly kissed,  
Contracted, we each other straight dismissed;  
Upon a private Meeting next agreed,  
Where no Occasion might Suspicion breed.    

SECT. XXI.  

SOon after going at th' appointed time,  
To meet, where chaste Embraces were no Crime,  
With my Maria, her there to acquaint  
With what did much my troubled Spirits daunt,  
And to consult together how to wave  
Approaching Lust, insatiate as the Grave:  
The House all clear, gone forth to hear a Cause  
Till Night would puzzle Lawyers and the Laws;  
A little Girl from a strait Envoy came,  
And beckoning to me, called me by my Name:  
I thought that my dear Mistress her had sent,  
Of Plots but little dreaming, after went;  
Who in a lower Chamber turns me strait,  
And clapping fast the Door, leaves there to wait.   

Then I began the Business to suspect,  
And from a dangerous Cause, a dire Effect;  
When entering on the other side appeared  
Our Madams Confident, who me thus cheered:   

Androcleus, welcome; though you are betrayed,  
The Plot is much for your Advantage laid;  
Wealth, Honour, Beauty, Love, on you attend,  
A Great, a Kind, and Everlasting Friend,  
Such as the Emperor's Self, the World's great Head,  
Might pride in the Enjoyments of her Bed.  
Nay, start not back, nor proffered Fortunes wave,  
Possess a Paradise, or else a Grave:  
Death, or a Happy Life, one you must choose,  
Take heed, so high a Favour to refuse.   

Thus now confirmed of what I first did doubt,  
I strait resolved whatever to see it out;  
And though I saw a Sword hung o'er my Head,  
Each Step I trod upon a Serpent's Bed,  
I followed her thence up a private Stairs,  
A close Conveyance for the like Affairs:  
Whence me she first into a Wardrobe brought,  
Hung with rich Garments, Gowns, and Mantles wrought,  
Upon the Table lay a gorgeous Vest  
Fit for a Prince bid to a Marriage Feast.   

When thus she said; You in so high Respect,  
Thus suiting your Preferment must be decked,  
None to our Lady's privacy must come,  
Nor enter worse clad, her Golden Room,  
And here for you, as if her Lord, she hath  
Ordered rich Unguents, and a cheering Bath.   

This said, my slavish Habit off I slipped,  
And down in warm and perfumed Water leapt,  
My Arms and Bosom cleansed from Sweat and Soil,  
‛ 'Nointing my Limbs with odoriferous Oil;  
Myself then dressing sprucely A-la-mode,  
I entered like a Hero or a God;  
For looking in the Mirror as I passed,  
I at my Transformation stood aghast!  
Viewing my supple Limbs and noble Face,  
The Room then treading with Majestic Pace;   

When me she saw thus handsomely Arrayed,  
I now you are a Prince indeed, she said;  
You no Androcleus now, no Bondslave are,  
But some Ambassador late come from far;  
Move in a Royal Sphere, and fitting State,  
You must forget whate'er you were of late.   

This said, she me through several Rooms conducts,  
And all the way with Learned Smiles instructs.    

SECT. XXII.  

AT last she brought me to a darkened Room,  
Where shutout Phoebus' beams could never com●  
Which yet outshined the Day, and stained the Skies  
With Tapers bright, in branching Gallaxies.  
Here none of all the Household durst presume  
So to profane, as once look in the Room,  
Only one Woman; this she kept distinct,  
At which her Husband, glad to please her, winked.   

There looking round, rare Tapstery I beheld,  
Which far my Master's Furniture excelled,  
With newfound Silk and Gold most richly wrought,  
Far fetched and dear, from utmost Persia brought;   

Where Venus lively sat in Mars his Lap,  
And peeping Vulcan catched in Cupid's Trap;  
Where whilst the stump-foot God, fast by the Leg,  
Seemed Freedom of his wanton Son to beg,  
She and her brisk Gallant the Prisoner mocks,  
Both pointing at him, sitting in the Stocks:  
The Border Silver Doves and Cupids filled,  
And Lovers bleeding Hearts, though never killed:   

Next a Triclinium with congested Plates,  
Furnished from Two Worlds with the choicest Cates,  
All high Provocatives, Venerial Food,  
Would empty Veins replenish with a Flood:   

An sec 22   a dog and a serving woman with a dish approach a laden dining table where two ladies feast.  

A canted Couch, for Ease and Dalliance fit,  
Where three might lean at pleasure, lie, and sit:  
Next saw I embossed Flagons, antique Mold,  
Not full with Wine, but brimming o'er with Old,  
Which Kings and Tetraches, that his Clients were,  
When well went Causes had presented her:  
Whole Cities pawned to pay their Patron's Fees,  
They humbly offered her such Toys as these.   

Next, on a Porphyre Cupboard I espied,  
Instead of Drinking Plates, Gems, Stars out-vy'd,  
And as neglected, in a Corner lay  
A Silver Mountain might nine Legions pay.  
The Superficial of her Treasure, these;  
She Jewels had were worth whole Provinces:  
All which as Enemies I understood,  
'Gainst them resolved to make my Party good,  
whate'er befalls, to run the dangerous Risque,  
●ather than her, to top a Basilisk;  
So much I valued my plain modest Girl,  
Beyond a Heaven of Jewels, Gold, or Pearl,  
Beyond her Glories, Luxury, and Pride,  
Beyond whatever in the World beside:   

I that a Christian promised to be, must  
●even deadly Champions fight, especial Lust:  
Before my Youth and Marrow her should treat,  
A Strumpet prey upon, though ne'er so Great,  
●et these full Veins a Hectic drain, and I  
●●le in a linger Consumption die.    

SECT. XXIII.  

WHilst I on all these looked with disregard,  
A Song and Music I in Consort heard;  
Which pleased surprisal my Attention moved,  
Love th' Argument, and Joys of being beloved;  
Of Cupid's Power in Heaven, Earth, and below,  
All under the Obedience of his Bow;   

They Sung, his Club laid by, and Lion's Skin,  
How Hercules, Omphale taught to Spin,  
Who, when his Mistress faulty found the Thread,  
Suffered her break the Distaff o'er his Head.  
Jove's 'scapes I heard, and how the bashful Moon  
Danced to the Pipe of young Endymion.   

At last appears with a Majestic Pace,  
A Beauty fitting for a Gods Embrace;  
Robes flowing, in a Heaven of Jewels decked,  
And entering, smiles on me with kind Respect;  
Little I dreamt that e'er I her had seen,  
She must some Goddess be, at least a Queen!  
Who as I staring stood, amazed and mute,  
First charged me with a kissing sweet Salute.   

When thus she said, Androcleus, now I see  
Y'are born no Slave, nor one of mean Degree;  
Persons of low Birth, though they Features have,  
Know not which way to look when they are brave;  
●●ew her then, but could not make reply,  
true routed by her conquering Eye:  
whilst she then turning whispered to her Maid,  
●●ewel good Christian, to myself, I said;  
Greensick Girl, a new Religion minced,  
〈◊〉 ashamed, and utterly convinced:  
●ll me of Heavenly Bliss, and Worlds to come!  
●ere present Joys are worth a Martyrdom;  
〈◊〉 Crowns of Glory who would not aspire,  
●●es Fiery Trials suffering in such Fire?  
●●me one Night move in that Starry Sphere,  
●●en let there Devils me in pieces tear.  
When with a wounding Smile she turning, said,   

Why stands Androcleus thus? why so dismayed?  
●●t not what you in my Apartment see.  
●●zle your Eyes, but make your Object Me;  
Be not so mute, freely yourself behave,  
Th' Old Man's not more, but now you are my Slave,  
And I shall put you to a harder Task,  
That more than all your Strength, will Courage ask.  
All here you see instructs you what to do,  
This slender Banquet stands prepared for you;  
I would not have such Entertainment lost  
Upon a gilded Sign, or painted Post.   

Encouraged thus, though I in Flames did fry,  
Lonely stared, but could make no reply,  
Nor Locomotive Faculties command:  
Which she perceiving, took me by the Hand,  
And gently wring, to the Table led,  
Placing me by her on the Festive Bed.    

SECT. XXIV.  

THus poor Androcleus with a Lady sat,  
The Wealth of Queens but mean to her Estate.  
What e'er the greatest Epicure could wish,  
To taste delicious Wines, there stood the Dish;  
Whatever Wine to quench the Seasoned Bit,  
He at this Table might his  fit.   

On us her Confident did only wait,  
Who plied my Cup, and often changed my Plate,  
Till Love thus heightened Fancy did enrich,  
Unchained my Tongue, and Freedom gave to Speech;  
Finding Discourse, my Wits with Bacchus edged,  
Thus stormed I her, and formally besieged.   

Madam, These Miracles I here behold,  
Your Beauty, these bright Gems, that Plate and Gold;  
This Room so furnished, set with Lights so thick,  
That more than Stars confound Arithmetic;  
Myself in this rich Habit, like a Prince;  
Such Entertainment, at so vast Expense;  
And me, a Slave, thus, by your special Grace,  
Holding in this your Heaven a second Place;  
Makes me the greater Wonder, that am not▪  
Turned an admiring Statue on the Spot:  
And now my Spirits seeming to revive,  
Iquestion if I dead am, or alive▪  
Or from Earth mounted, my delivered Soul  
Found this your Paradise beyond the Pole:  
These, and th' enchanting Music that I hear,  
Makes me suppose that this is Venus' Sphere,  
And you th' Intelligence, that Goddess are,  
Ruling our Morning and our Evening Star:  
If that I Wake, am Dead, or in a Dream,  
Since Woe nor Weal lasts long in the Extreme;  
If Truth or Fancy, put it to the Test,  
Really finish, or Dream out the rest.   

Surprised at such a rate to hear me speak,  
Thus in no common Torrent forth to break;   

Androcleus, said she, I am doubtful too  
If I'm not in a Trance, as well as you;  
To hear such Language, hear you talk so brave:  
None but a Prince can Act a Royal Slave.  
Such Notions are no Birth of Toil and Sweat.  
Sir, I'll on you no lesser Value set,  
Than if some God descended from the Sky,  
Would my Embraces at Heavens Purchase buy.   

This said, my Hand she in her Bosom slips,  
And I made bold to venture on her Lips:   

When thus I said, Dear Madam, I shall burst;  
At once you make me Happy and Accursed:  
Such Cordials far off from the Joy of Joys,  
In tantalising Pleasures me destroys.   

Then the bold Strumpet me embracing, kissed,  
Twining a Chain of Pearl about my Wrist;  
Accept this Earnest of my Love she said:   

And me to further Privacy conveyed.    


In sect 〈◊〉   Adrocles, a young man, flees the bed chamber of a partly undressed lady who tries to detain him. SECT. XXV.  

WHere stood a stately Bed in her Alcove,  
Fit for sweet Thefts, & stolen Delights of Love,  
Where Kings and Queens in Wedlock might embrace,  
And Princes breed their own Illustrious Race.   

When drawing nigh, me sudden Terror struck,  
The Curtains trembled, and the Hang shook,  
And straight a Voice, not Humane, pierced my Ear,  
Christian Andreas, mind thy Soul, forbear.   

My Name that must be, and this strange Advice,  
Turned to a Hell expected Paradise,  
Loves Torches quenched, hot Fancies routed quite:  
Agued, I sweat in horrible affright;  
My warm Blood curdling, I grew stiff and cold,  
As one that twice had fifty Winters told.   

She seeing me stand as I had blasted been,  
That never looked on lose Escapes as Sin,  
How now Androcleus, said she, why so pale?  
A Bed, a Lady, and your Spirits sail!   

Then casting up my Eye on her, who seemed  
Late 'bove all Worldly Joys to be esteemed;  
Of conquering Beauty, so Divinely Fair,  
Not the least Mark appeared, or smallest Air:  
Where I before enough could never gaze,  
Behold, a Map of Ruins and Decays;  
Furrowed her Brows, Cheeks painted and bepatched,  
Her Temples round with curled Serpents thatched,  
Her withered Breasts in her foul Bosom sag,  
A Goddess late, now an Infernal Hag:  
To whom in high distraction thus I spoke,   

Thou swallowing Gulf, thou alldevouring Lake,  
That now art leading me unto the Brink,  
Where falling, I eternally must sink:  
Ah, how thou starest! Clap no more Gorgon's on,  
I feel myself already turning Stone▪  
I'll fly,  I am famished,  I stand  
A Statue carved by an Adultress Hand.   

This said, I left her, and the loathed Bed,  
And whilst she dire Revenge stood plotting, fled;  
Out at a Window jutting forward leapt,  
And hid with Darkness, to my Cabin crept  
Unseen by any; fast the Door then locked,  
Resolved to none to open, whoever knocked.    

SECT. XXVI.  

THus I within my own Works seemed secure,  
Able a Winter Leaguer to endure;  
When second thoughts a farther Prospect made,  
Haw no means my Ruin to evade:  
Then I repent my distracted Flight,  
That could not me preserve one single Night;  
Mad that th' Adulteress I had not slain,  
That Siren, that enticing common Bane,  
Who long since could not changed Amours adjust,  
Serving with such varieties her Lust:  
Then I had done a meritorious Act,  
And could but Death have suffered for the Fact;  
Left living to accuse me, I am sure  
Exquisite Tortures dying to endure.   

Discoursing thus, a sudden noise I hear  
Of busy Servants bustling here and there;  
Shut up the Gates, whilst out the Steward comes,  
Bids diligent search to make through all the Rooms.   

Straight I put up my Chain of Pearl, and Vest,  
Myself in my accustomed Habit dressed,  
And as alarmed, soon mingled with my Mates,  
Hoping to get o'er Walls, or thorough Gates,  
And busy with the Steward walked the Round;  
But no suspicious Person could be found.   

When at a stand, that Girl, that treacherous Maid,  
Which me into the Trap at first betrayed,  
Brought in her Lap those Clothes behind I left,  
Charging their Owner with worse Crimes than Theft  
My fellow Slaves all knew them at first sight,  
Whom I so treated but the former Night,  
And so much fatal Gold on them did spend,  
They were the first that me did appehend,  
And Oaths on Oaths, with Protestations, swore  
They were the same which I that Morning wore.   

To search my Cabin next they made request,  
Whence soon they brought the Orient Chain & Vest▪  
All Circumstances clear the Steward found,  
And calls for Jives, and me in Fetters bound;  
Then to the Dungeon, thence himself conveys,  
And leaves me in the Stocks, at little ease,    


〈◊〉 sec 27   Maria, carrying a lantern and keys, rescues Androcles from the dungeon. SECT. XXVII.  

LEft in a Dungeon Manacled and Jived,  
Of Light, of Comfort, of all Hopes deprived,  
Galled with the narrow Stocks, and pinching Chains,  
My Sorrows heavy, and acute my Pains,  
I musing on sad Condition sat,  
Thrown to a Prison from a Bed of State;  
But more for my Maria was my smart,  
For her, a bitterer Grief transpierced my Heart  
Than all the wounding Woes which there I felt,  
That with my Dear so treacherously I dealt,  
Out of my Mind my Vows and her to raze,  
Took with patched Beauty, and a painted Face.   

Thus drowned in deep despair, overwhelmed with night,  
I heard soft Steps, and saw a glimmering Light,  
Which through the Keyhole and the Crannies broke;  
When suddenly the well-oyled Wards unlock,  
And like a silent Shade, in noisless stole  
Maria, as an Angel from the Pole,  
Bringing down Comfort in my Griefs extreme;  
When thus she spoke, and real made my Dream.   

Our precious Time not lavish now away,  
Else forfeit Life this Morning you must pay:  
Then with a Kiss my Spirit she revives,  
Frees from the Stocks, my Fetters, and my Jives,  
Bids me tread softly, whilst she locks the Door,  
Leaving all fast in posture as before;  
Then leading on, like noisless Air she stips,  
Whilst lightly I reprint the Virgin's steps,  
Until we entered in an obscure Yard,  
Where settled Walls not to ascend were hard;  
When thus she said, Put on this Foreign Shape,  
Then fly to Ostia, as a Stranger scape:  
I heard my Lady our Patron engage,  
Only your Death must pacify her Rage:  
She told him, How in Princely Habit dressed,  
At her Devotions, in you rudely pressed,  
When she amazed at One thus broken in,  
Ready to swoon, had been enforced to sin,  
But that her Woman entering with a Light,  
The Project spoiled, and put the Slave to flight.   

But I of this dare not one Word believe,  
Nor Credit to her Accusation give;  
The whole House thinks you guiltless, who lament,  
And whispering, your Misfortune much resent.   

But you must hence, and I must straight away,  
Under my Father's Pillow to convey  
These Keus, which whilst he slept from thence I stole,  
Thus to redeem you from that dismal Hole:  
Here, take this Purse, she said; then me she kissed,  
And vowing Constancy, with Tears dismissed.   

Disguised, thence o'er low Battlements I leapt,  
And through dark Suburbs and long Alleys crept.    


A sec 28   a ship in full sail weathers a storm, perilously close to land. Lightning breaks through the clouds. SECT. XVII.  

FRom thence to Ostia, where by Fortune lay  
Ships ready freighted, bound for Africa,  
The Consul's Goods and Servants left behind,  
Hasting Aboard: Fair blew th' expected Wind.  
〈◊〉 amongst others, got into a Ship;  
All Anchors weigh, and hoist their Sails a-trip,  
And to the Offin with a Northern Gale,  
Hoping for short and happy Passage, Sail:  
Seep Fore lands set, and distant Mountains fly,  
Till nothing we beheld but Sea and Sky.  
That Night so pleasant on the Decks I lay,  
With Cares a wake, expecting blessed Day.   

But whilst our groaning Prow salt Billows ploughed,  
●ust a-head espied a rising Cloud,  
●●ilt up in Stories like a spiry Tower,  
Threatening foul Wether, and a Thunder-shower;  
When our fair Wind us by degrees did fail,  
Our Canvas flats, nor longer could we Sail;  
Straight up they furl their Sheets, and ply the Oar,  
Before it blows to fasten on the Shore.   

The Sky, all straight in close long Mourning hung,  
Lightens, a Peal of Heaven's Artillery rung,  
A hideous Shower of Fire, of Hail, and Rain,  
Falls in a Deluge with a H●uricane;  
Twice sixteen Angles open as one Mouth:  
The blustering Northern Lords, East, West, and South▪  
When not in Mountains did swollen Billows rise,  
But piled up Pyramids salute the Skies;  
Waves fight and fly, rough Floods encounter Floods,  
Till all the Sea was lavered into Suds.   

When thus I cried, Ah! happy had I been,  
If I at home had suffered for my Sin;  
Better than this infortunate Escape,  
Bravely t' have died condemned for a Rape,  
A Roman Dame, one of so high Remark,  
Than now feed Swordfish, or some Hectring Shark.   

Whilst to the Winds vain Grief I thus divulged,  
Our Vessel striking, in an instant bulged;  
The Ship, though stout, yields to tempestuous Waves,  
And sudden in a thousand shatters staves:  
Each for themselves, a broken Mast I strode,  
And buffeted by Winds and Billows, road,  
Until the Tempest ceasing, I alone  
Upon this Coast was thus this Morning thrown;  
Where Landed, I encountered new Extremes,  
Choked with hot Sands, & scorched with Phoebus' beams:  
Fainting with Thirst, and ready for my Grave,  
My better Stars showed me your Royal Cave,  
Where now, by special Favour, I your Guest  
Sat at your Table, and 'mongst Princes Feast.   

Androcleus Story told, then growing late,  
The Lion rising, his Jackalls in State,  
With Glowworms, Touchwood, and such Lights, attend  
Their Royal Master, leading in his Friend.   

Then all dispersed unto their several Homes,  
Courtiers retiring to appointed Rooms.    

SECT. XXIX.  

THus dwelled Androcleus in a Lion's Den,  
A Prince 'mongst Beasts, a Bondslave amongst Men;  
Till weary of that Life, and spurred with Love,  
He fixed his Resolution to remove,  
Watching an Opportunity to fly,  
Rather than live in wild's, at Rome to die;  
Although the King him loved, and honoured most  
Of all his Peers and Captains of his Host;  
Nor could he  be quiet Day nor Night,  
Androcleus but a Minute out of sight.   

So in a Starry Night from thence he stole,  
His Course directing by the Arctic Pole;  
Through sandy wild's and Wildernesses past,  
And came to scattering Villages at last,  
Which him with Goats-milk, Cheese, and Whey revived:  
Soon after he at Carthage Walls arrived,  
Where, with that Purse he from Maria had,  
Himself he straight in handsome Habit clad,  
Hoping that undiscovered so, once more  
To seek his Fortune on th' Ausonian Shore,  
In that great World of Rome, disguised, he might  
 Death be happy with his Mistress sight.   

Whom soon the Consul there, his Patron's Friend,  
Did by one sent on purpose apprehend,  
His fellow-Bondman, and his great Consort,  
Enquiring for a Ship him to transport:  
So as a heinous Criminal attached,  
Loaden with Chains, thence he to Rome dispatched.   

But when the Lion his Companion mist,  
He could not raging Love and Grief resist,  
Nor sends to Officers, nor trusts Jackalls,  
But follows on the scent to Carthage Walls;  
As if his Feet were Wings, runs o'er the Downs,  
And frights the neighbouring Villages and Towns,  
Offending none, nor minding Prey nor Rest.  
All wonder that so terrible a Beast  
Should fly so fast, none seeing him pursue:   

At last to Carthage the Distracted drew;  
Whom tired and spent, a Troop of Horse beset,  
And without wounding, drove into the Net:  
His bushy Tail and shaggy Main th' admire,  
His Teeth like Needles, and his Eyes like Fire.   

Whom straight the Consul to the Emperor sent,  
And, as a Wonder, did the Beast present;  
Whom in his Amphitheatre he placed,  
And like a King with frequent Visits graced,  
Admiring his huge Size, and awful Face,  
His Royal Carriage, and Majestic Pace.    

SECT. XXX.  

THe Sentence past, soon came th' expected time  
Androcleus must suffer for his Crime,  
When to the Emperor's Lion he that Day  
Must be in th' Amphitheatre a Prey:  
Which through all Rome divulged by busy Fame,  
As glad Spectators of this horrid Game,  
Poth Patriots and Pebeians, Old and Young,  
From all the City thick in Clusters throng:  
A Slave condemned, encounters in the Lists  
A Lion naked, only with his Fists;  
Such a huge Monster, terrible and keen,  
Upon the public Stage yet never seen.   

By Noon the Theatre huge Concourse thwack,  
The loaden Seats and Classes like to crack;  
The Emperor and Empress in State,  
The Conscript Fathers, and the Commons fate.  
When the Scene opening, from a large Boscage  
Androcleus comes to meet the Lion's Rage;  
His Breast, his Shoulders, brawny Arms, and Thighs,  
Waste slender, Manly Face, and sparkling Eyes,  
In Matrons stirring Pity, kindled Flame,  
And all his great Accuser much did blame.   

The Lion then, on purpose fasting kept,  
Forth to his Prey cager with Hunger leapt▪   

A● 〈◊〉 30  
SPQR   In a theatre full of spectators, the lion recognizes the half-naked Androcles and bows down before him.  

Feast prepared, then ready to attack,  
●is Face beholding, suddenly starts back,  
●hen he his dearest Friend perusing knew;  
●●en in an humble Posture near he drew,  
●issing his Feet, his Hands, and well-known Face;  
●hen they each other hugged in dear Embrace.  
●e knows the Lion, though so curled and combed;  
●nd he Androcleus, guiltlessly condemned.   

To see the Monster that should him assail,  
●●●n like a Spaniel, wag his bushy Tail;  
●nd him that stood an Offering to be slain,  
●hen clap his Back, stroking his shaggy Main,  
〈◊〉 admiring House made with Applauses ring,  
●nd Purses him of Gold and Silver fling;  
〈◊〉 hundred thousand Hands speak loud Applause,  
●nd the Defendant scap't the Lion's laws.   

All cry, The Gods do Innocence protect,  
And by their Great Example Men direct  
To Piety and Pity; and that he  
●●v'd by their Mercy, should be straight set free.    

SECT. XXXI.  

WHen a Prime Herald, after Silence made,  
Thus in the Emperor's Name, & Senate, said  
This Slave, by Heaven's especial Favour blest,  
Straight by their Order here must be released;  
They also him a Golden Talon give,  
And that at Rome as Freeborn he may live:  
The Lion him the Emperor doth present.   

Joyful Applauses scale the Firmament.  
But when Androcleus them his Story told,  
Showers from the Galleries, Silver, Gems, and Gold,  
Reigned on his Head, and poured into his Hand.   

Thus freed from cruel Death, and servile Bonds,  
He from the Theatre in Triumph led  
His Friend released, whilst thus the People said,  
As they in busy Throngs about them pressed;  
The Man and Lion! see, the Host and Guest.   

The Senate's Gift, and what Spectators gave,  
Turned to a Wealthy Citizen a Slave;  
Recovering soon his Father's Mortgaged State,  
His Houses, Jewels, and embezzled Plate.   

Andrea's now Maria did espouse,  
And solemn Nuptial, kept in his own House,  
Fair Issue had, in Reputation dwelled,  
Nor Storms of Persecution ever felt.  
Till Emperors themselves plucked Idols down,  
An got for Piety and Zeal, Renown.   

But of the Lion after what become,  
Most Writers are defective, some quite dumb:  
Yet one says, He resumed his Shape again,  
From Ruling Beasts, became a King of Men,  
By Christian Prayers; and how the Senate had  
An Order for his Restauration made,  
By which he his Egyptian Realm regained,  
And many Years in Peace and Plenty Reigned.   

If so, or not, I shall no more insist;  
Thus far I Dreamt, Dream out the rest that list.     

 a gentleman and lady walk on a terrace above a formal garden. In the background is the great city of Ephesus. THE EPHESIAN MATRON: OR, WIDOWS TEARS.  

SECTION I.  

AT Ephesus, of old so much Renowned,  
Whose lofty towers Diana's Temple crowned,  
To whom (when leaving Mansions of the Gods,  
In that World's Wonder settling her Abodes)  
 Votresses with Vows and Offerings came,  
Loves Power despising, and the Cyprian Dame:  
The Cold Infection through the City spreads,  
No Girls of Pleasure escapes, nor sportive Beds;  
Beauty and lusty Youth at Cupid's Shaft,  
If pointed not, forsooth, with Marriage laughed;  
Whilst great at Ephesus Diana's Name,  
Kept chaste Court-Madams, chaste the City-Dame.   

'Mongst these Exemplars a fair Lady dwelled,  
With whom kind Fates auspiciously had dealt;  
She and her Spouse so eminent a Pair,  
That all the City their Admirers were.   

When seven filled Circles brought their Holiday,  
The last of seven in perpetual May,  
On which they yearly kept the Wedding Feast,  
Their Friends and Kindred still invited Guests;  
They in their Garden walking Arm in Arm,  
The Spring in all her Gaiety and warm,  
Changing his Note, he in a sadder Tone  
Than ever they discoursed in, thus begun:   

My only Happiness, my dearest Wife,  
More loved than Day, than Joys of Health or Life;  
Who would not leave the Hopes of Heaven to be  
As you and I, so blest on Earth as we?  
Since our seventh Stage so happily we reach,  
Without one Cloud, the smallest Flaw or Breach,  
More than the Gods can boast, though styled the Blessed;  
Them anxious Fears and Jealousies molest,  
That some suppose the Stars are all but Spies,  
And Constellations, Guards with watching Eyes.   

But now sad Fancies harbour in my Breast,  
And Melancholy, ne'er before a Guest:  
Why vex I thus myself with idle Fear?  
Startle at that I ne'er shall see nor hear?  
I'll tell the, Love, my Happiness is such,  
That the Felicity I Princes grudge;  
Though Fate did as your Servant me employ,  
Thou art too good for any to enjoy.  
I fear that you and I e'er long must part,  
Something I feel sits heavy at my Heart:  
To die not grieves me, but to leave thee here;  
What signifies Elysium, thou not there?   

For your own sake then live a Single Life,  
And let my Dust be proud you were my Wife:  
Though Stories I suspect, and idle Talk,  
That in the Night our troubled Spirits walk;  
Which if they should, my angry Ghost, I fear,  
Thee from th' Embraces of a King would tear.  
Take this my last Will, which doth thee declare  
My sole Executrix, and only Heir:  
Nor are you bound by loss of Part to be  
My Relict; no, Dear, I have left you Free;  
But as my last Request, I only sue,  
As you my Wife are, be my Widow too.   

She weeping, ready to make large Replies,  
And Protestations: Oh! I'm sick, he cries;  
A dire Distemper shoots through every Part,  
My Head, my Back, my Stomach, ah, my Heart!  
Over my Eyes Nights sable Curtains spread:  
Dearest, farewell; keep chaste our Marriagebed.   

She shrieking out, straight Friends about them swarm,  
Finding the Dead and Living Arm in Arm:  
The sad News flies, invited Guests departed,  
And leave high Treatments with a heavy Heart.    

SECT. II.  

THis dire Disaster routing such a Feast,  
A Face of Sorrow, not to be expressed,  
Filled the sad House, thence carried up and down  
By woeful Friends returning, through the Town:  
Such were his Merits, so concerned they were,  
Who not for him contributed a Tear?   

But she sat mourning in a dismal Room,  
Dark as that Night shuts up the Day of Doom,  
When o'er Sun, Moon, and Stars, no hope of Dawn  
Foul Chaos hath eternal Curtains drawn:   

Whilst for his Funerals they seek whate'er  
For Show and Pompous Sorrow fitting were;  
First into Blacks they Tyrian Scarlets died,  
From Egypt and Arabia provide,  
To make the Corpse Pomander, Nard and Spice,  
And odoriferous Gums, at any Price.   

Which done, when Tears a short Cessation gave,  
She dressed th' embalmed Corpse in Garments brave,  
Then his pale Cheeks with tinct'ring Vermil dies,  
Corrals his Lips, sets Jewels o'er his Eyes,  
And on a Pillow, as his Marriagebed,  
Curling his Tresses, bolsters up his Head.   

Her Friends mean while got Consecrated Ground  
Without the City, Trenched and Paled in round:   
 the gentleman is carried on a bier from the city, followed by several figures in mourning cloaks and hoods, and a large number of people.  

Amidst digged deep, then arched a gloomy Vault,  
Which Sun, nor Stars, nor Winds could e'er assault;  
And o'er, a Lodge with all Convenience made,  
Where her old Servant, if they could persuade  
There to attend their Lady, as at home,  
Where she, truce took with Sorrow, up might come,  
And leave sometimes the Hearse, the better so  
To spin out Grief, and prosecute long Woe:  
For she resolved one Year ne'er to adjourn,  
But in the Tomb o'er her dead Husband mourn.   

And now Solemnities expected come,  
The Corpse to follow to its latest Home;  
All march as they by Heralds Ordered were;  
The Magistrates and the whole Senate there.  
After the Hearse she comes with Shrieks and Cries,  
Forced Tears from Kindred, Friends, nay, Strangers Eyes:  
Sense of her Loss now more than e'er she felt,  
Cursing the Stars so hardly with her dealt.   

But as the Corpse descended to the Vault,  
Her tender Bosom giving an Assault,  
Tearing her Hair, she leaps into the Cave,  
And there resolved to dig herself a Grave;  
Shrieks from beneath, above a general Cry,  
Like Thunder, volleys through the echoing Sky.   

Thence all dispersing, to their Homes retreat,  
And leave the Mourner in a doleful Seat.    

SECT. III.  

AFter the noising Concourse were returned,  
Both sad Beholders, & their Friends that mourned  
When conquering Night Days Standard down ha● hurled  
And drove the Sun into another World;  
Then settled in her solitary Vault,  
New-mustered Sorrows her afresh assault;  
The Hearse before her, and a glimmering Lamp,  
Enfolded Arms, the sad Cave cold and damp:  
She triumphs in her Grief, her Woes seem brave,  
With Misery surrounded, and the Grave;  
The Novelty of such a dismal Place,  
Put Majesty in Melancholies Face;  
Then kneeling by the Coarse, in such a Shade,  
She smiling at her new Condition, said,   

How blessed am I, that shall within this Cell  
With thee a Year, perhaps for ever, dwell?  
Thus said she weeping, and unveils his Face,  
Which when she had beheld a little space,  
She stood, her Hands and Eyes erected, calm,  
As if some God had given her healing Balm;  
With a full Deluge then, and Sighs more loud,  
Thus raves she, thundering rome the broken Clod:   

Ah! that when first I came into this World,  
A Storm had me on barren Mountains hurled,   

Se● 3   the widow, in a humble cell, gives thanks for her poor condition.  

There to have starved, or been to Beasts a Prey,  
Or made my Cradle in the swallowing Sea;  
Then I had never seen this woeful Hour,  
And thee, cut off, lie like a faded Flower,  
Cold as a Rock washed at the Mountain's feet,  
Nothing of what thou wert, but only Sweet:  
●●eak then, my Dear; come, rise, and let us walk,  
Of Love, ah me! and former Pleasures talk:  
●n such a Place we never were before,  
Rocks all above, an Adamantine Floor;  
Here comes no Sun, no South-winds sultry Breath,  
These are the pleasant Shades of quiet Death;  
How couldst thou die, that always hadst thy Health,  
Friends, and fair Houses, Happiness, and Wealth,  
whate'er for Use or Pleasure in this Life;  
Nay, more than all, hadst Me, thy loving Wife?   

What will you speak no more now you are dead?  
Them your last Words, Keep  our Marriagebed?  
To be Exemplar, therefore, here I stay,  
Else I with thee had gone that woeful Day;  
And now I long to seek thee under Ground,  
▪ Mongst Regions ne'er by lying Mortals found;  
Then we'll not part, till you are sound chid:  
What Follies, ah! my raving Fancy feed?  
●e still in peace, thy Spirit, never fear,  
●e, raging, from a second Spouse should tear:  
●hould Jove himself, descending from the Sky,  
Nuptials propose, and lay his Juno by,  
Thunder in one, Heaven's Crown in th' other Hand,  
●ll bid him fire, and, though a God, withstand:  
Here in this Bosom dead thou shalt survive,  
Or else let Earth first swallow me alive;  
Let me with changing Thoughts sink down to Hell,  
And there 'mongst Fiends in endless Tortures dwell.   

Then ran she all the Keys of Sorrow over,  
Till she could Weep, nor Sigh, nor say no more.  
When Somnus gliding softly from the Pole,  
Smoothed the swollen Passions of her troubled Soul,  
Sprinkling her Temples with Lethaean Drops,  
Infused a Golden Dream, all Joy and Hopes;  
Down in her Chair close by the Hearse she sat,  
And Woes, as if they never were, forgot.    


Sect. 5   the soldier kisses the hand of the widow in her hall. Her serving woman looks on from next to the fireplace. SECT. IU.  

THe night that risen with Constellations crowned,  
Her Purple Robe with Seed-Pearls broidered round,  
Suddenly Boreas husked in sullen Clouds,  
And all her great and lesser Glories shrowds;  
With Rain, Hail, Snow, drawn up in three Brigades,  
He the fair Issue of the Spring invades,  
Large Sheets of Snow in Pennance hides all o'er,  
The like not seen in many Years before.   

The Morning passed on the adjacent Plains  
A Malefactor they had hung in Chains:  
The Martial, there a Place of Eminence,  
Lest that his friends should steal his Corpse from thence,  
On pain of Death attended by Command;  
This foul Night happening, long he kept his Stand,  
Till Numbness seized his Bosom, Life's warm Hold,  
At last he shrinks, o're-powered with eager Cold.   

When thus he said; How shall I live till Day?  
Who in this Storm the Corpse can hence convey?  
●or past Service better may deserve;  
●ill rather suffer, than stay here and starve.  
●ut whither shall I fly? where shelter find?  
●or there's no running, though before the Wind▪  
The Gates are shut, all miserable dark,  
●o Glimpse appearing, nor the smallest Spark.   

When like a Gloworm through th' opacous Night,  
He from the Lodge perceives a glimmering Light;  
Thither he hastes, there he his Life must save,  
His last Redemption in a dead Man's Grave;  
When knocking gently, thus he shivering spoke:   

Ah! save a Life; if e'er, now pity take:  
My Spirits fail, quite almost out of breath,  
Else on your Threshold I shall freeze to death.   

The Maid replied; No more, I pray Sir, knock;  
So late I dare not for the World unlock,  
My Lady to disturb, who this foul Night  
Took first possession of her dire Delight.   

Who trembling said; Pity, without Reply;  
Oh take me in, or else I here shall die:  
Your Lady mourns; her Sorrow will be more  
To find one dead to morrow at her Door.    

SECT. V  

WHispers and growling Tempests, like a Bell,  
Alarmed Vaults of the resounding Cell,  
Waking the Mourner from a pleasing Dream,  
A second Spouse, new Marriages the Theme.   

She thought her Husband rising from the Dead,  
Scrowded all o'er, pale, standing by her Bed,  
●old her his Pass to Bliss would not be signed,  
Till he revoked what her he last enjoined;  
●id her forsake that melancholy Tomb,  
●ake for another Lord and Children Room,  
Denied them seven glad Years by spiteful Fate)  
That should inherit their improved Estate:  
The Shade with Tears imploring, earnest seemed,  
That he from suffering so may be redeemed.   

Awaked, she felt all swelling Passions calm,  
Her Breast as if some God had thrown in Balm,  
And at the Lodge she heard a Man complain:  
●oft Thoughts her tender Bosom entertain,  
Lest he might suffer, or be ruined quite,  
In such Condition, in that woeful Night.   

She calls her Maid, commands straight let him in;  
●ot those to help in Want, what greater Sin?  
Let him sit there, and shelter from the Storm,  
stir up the Fire, that he himself may warm.   

She who Compassion took on him before,  
Commissioned thus, glad, opens soon the Door:  
A goodly Person, almost starved with Cold,  
Entering in Arms, amazed her to behold:  
Then by the Fire a Chair for him she sets,  
And with a Manchet and a Bottle treats.  
Her Mistress to accustomed Grief returns,  
And like sad Philomela her Losses mourns,  
Her Nest new ransacked by a prying Swain.   

Whilst thus old Lessons she runs o'er in vain,  
Her wand'ring Fancy hankers oft, and stops  
At her late Golden Dream, so full of Hopes;  
And something whispers still, That Stranger see,  
Thus Weatherbeaten, whatsoever he be.  
When hasting down, her Servant thus began;   

Oh Madam, Madam, here's the bravest Man  
 Eyes beheld; tall, straight, and Shoulders broad▪  
Who looks, recovering Spirits, like a God;  
Quick burns the Fire, and you must needs be cold;  
This Person of some Quality behold,  
A Wonder see: Come up, dear Madam, come,  
Take Truce with Tears, and leave this dampy Tomb,  
Yourself refresh, your Cheeks look pale and land,  
I scarce remember when you Eat or Drank.   

Sparks long in Embers sleeping, she awakes,  
Soon she resolves, as soon the Cell forsakes,  
Following the Light, trips softly up the Stairs,  
And him surprised there sitting, unawares:  
Up starts he, and a while did gazing stand,  
Then in most humble posture kissed her Hand;   

And thus begun: Blessed Lady, may the Gods  
Bring Comfort to these forrowful Abodes,  
And you for Hospitality repay  
What best may please you, and with least delay,  
That me in such Necessity relieved,  
And from inevitable Death reprieved:  
If e'er you need a Heart, a Sword, or Hand,  
And Life you granted, they be at your Command.    

SECT. VI  

WHen thus she modestly, with cast-down Eyes,  
In a sad Tone, suiting her Dress, replies;  
Condemned to Solitude, and little Room,  
My first Night in my hapless Husband's Tomb,  
Though drowned in Woes, though buried in a Grave,  
I'm glad, Sir, such Relief for you I have.   

This said, the Table her old Servant spread,  
Set a cold Bak'd-meat on, brings Wine and Bread;  
Down opposite, in prospect full, they sat,  
Where on stolen Glances Love might hang his Bait:  
She now refreshed, though close dressed, all in Black,  
Did with a budding Blush her Guest attack:  
Her Mourning seemed a Foil, a Sable Ground,  
That best sets off the sparkling Diamond;  
And now and then a short Survey she stole,  
Which made no small Impression in her Soul;  
So much his Mien and Person her surprised,  
That she with irksome Sorrow less advised:  
But what most raised in her a fair esteem,  
She thought that she had seen him in her Dream,  
Soon as her Husband's Shadow did departed,  
Warm Comfort shooting first into her Heart.  
A while both sat, nor interchanged a Word,  
And active Cupid Flames new kindled, stirred;   

  the widow and soldier eat at table, waited on by her serving woman.  

At last she boldly makes the first Attack,  
And calling for a Glass of Wine, thus spoke,  
Paying the God's Libation on the Board;   

It seems, Sir, that your Business is the Sword,  
And my dear Husband of the Civil List,  
Though much esteemed, perhaps your Ear hath missed;  
Seven Years we lived in a continual Calm,  
Each Word we changed to other, healing Balm;  
And though he left me all his fair Estate,  
Yet I my Life, and all Life's Comforts hate:  
I but this Duty to his Memory pay,  
Only twelve Months with him Entombed, to stay;  
Yet may his Ghost more satisfaction give,  
The Year expired, to bide here whilst I live.  
Be pleased, Sir, (Women Questions love to ask)  
If I implore not an unpleasing Task,  
In complete Arms, what Business of the State,  
Or your own Private, kept you out so late?  
And how you lighted on this woeful Cell,  
Where I, surrounded with my Sorrows, dwell?  
Your Wife, Sir, if ye are Married, you this Night  
Being thus abroad, puts in no small affright.    

SECT. VII.  

SInce, Madam, you have put me to a Task,  
A little farther I'll your patience ask,  
That, if not irksome, I may render you  
Of my whole Life a brief Account, and true.   

In Thrace I boast my Birth, a Martial Soil,  
Whose hardy Race love stubborn War and Toil;  
My Father well extracted, dwelled in Arms  
Whilst young and strong; grown old, in purchased Farms;  
Breeding me up, as soon as I could go,  
To throw a Spear, and draw a little Bow,  
And me with Arms, a Childish Corslet, stored,  
A nimble Target, and no ponderous Sword;  
My Brows did with a crested Cask impale,  
Which wagged each Step, and waved with every Gale:  
Soon bravely I, in stead of wanton Toys,  
A Captain, led a Regiment of Boys;  
From thence preferred to be Lycurgus' Page,  
He in his Wars me after did engage,  
Where by my Sword I purchased some small Fame,  
And recommended to this City, came  
With Letters from the King, here to instruct,  
And then their raw Militia Conduct.   

Seven Years the martials Office I enjoyed,  
And Chief Commander oft have been employed:  
A Beauteous Virgin than I did Espouse,  
Children we had, and kept a Noble House:  
Now I observe, you strangely me surprise;  
Such Cheeks she had, such Lips as yours, such Eyes;  
And like you and your Husband, Day and Night  
We in high Pleasures spent, and full Delight:  
But the last great Contagion swept away  
Her, and my Children, in one woeful Day.   

What me so late detained, and in this Storm,  
Madam, I shall as briefly now inform.   

A Villain, one the most unparallelled,  
That in the highest Wickedness excelled,  
For an unheard of Fact, an odious Crime,  
Diana's Priestess in Devotion-time,  
The Wooden Goddess looking on the while,  
Did in her Penetralia defile:  
For which condemned to suffer torturing Pains,  
And after that to hang and rot in Chains,  
Fearing this Night his Friends might steal the Coarse,  
Blot out the Obloquy with sudden Force,  
The Senate me commanded there to stay,  
And with a Party guard the Corpse till Day;  
Therefore I Armed, expecting we should fight,  
But little dreamt of such a bitter Night;  
Whence by foul Wether driven, and the Cold,  
I by your Light found shelter in this Hold.   

Thus your Commands I, Madam, have obeyed,  
And of my Life a short Relation made,  
Which here must end, if you should cruel prove;  
Despair makes slight Wounds mortal, given by Love:  
But I in high Distemper Fevered sit,  
The Cold was nothing to my Burning Fit;  
Shot from your Eye, here sticks the fiery Dart,  
Will turn to Cinders soon this bleeding Heart:  
'Tis, Madam, in your Power, since I'm your Slave,  
Cruel to kill me, else in pity save.    

 the widow flees from the soldier, who pursues her. SECT. VIII.  

BUt whilst he told his Tale, the Woman slept,  
And Venus' Vigils, not Diana's kept;  
She with a Bottle by herself had flunk,  
And twelve Go-downs on Reputation drunk.   

When from the Board she rising with a Frown,  
As if her Rage could ne'er be Conjured down,  
Rolling her Eyes, high-swollen her panting Breast,  
Her deep-conceived Displeasure thus expressed.   

Art thou that Fury Lust, sent hot from Hell,  
To tempt me in my solitary Cell?  
One of those Monsters which in Humane Shapes  
Commit dire Murders, and unbridled Rapes?  
That such a Brazen Front hath, to presume  
To hint thus Folly in my Husband's Tomb:  
Of such an Impudence, who ever heard?  
This for my tender Pity! this Reward!  
I took him in: his Life, he says, I saved:  
Oh Heavens, how ill have I myself behaved!  
Beyond Chaste Bounds, to give the smallest Hope,  
I at first sight with one in Arms durst cope.   

This said, she stalks about: her Bosom stung,  
Love's Juncto's there, far differing from her Tongue;  
He following close, with melting Words persuades,  
And her with all Love's Elements invades,  
Begging her Favour not to be so rash,  
To judge the Motion a Gallanting Flash;  
Who die would for her Honour on the Spot;  
He meant chaste Love, Marriage, that Gordian Knot.   

Whilst he his Cause thus pleads, out forth she breaks  
And seeming not to mind him, louder speaks.   

Go to your Business, to your Gibbet-Task,  
And Counsel of your hanged Companion ask,  
How to outact him, and possess his Room:  
He in the Temple, you but in a Tomb!  
So both together sink from Church and Cell,  
To be gazed on as Miracles in Hell:  
O chaste Diana, now, or ne'er, be kind;  
Strike this thy bold Profaner dead, or blind,  
Or stake him on some barren Mountain strait,  
For Rain, and Hail, and mouthing Winds to bait.  
Her Knife then drawing, said, Look to your Throat,  
'Twere good to bleed such a libidinous Goat;  
Keep where you are; if once you stir a Foot  
To follow me, be sure, kind Sir, I'll do't.   

This said, a Smile amidst her Frowns she blends,  
And turning to her Husband's Hearse, descends.   

A while he musing with himself advisd,  
Then boldly said, All Danger be despised,  
I'll do't: A single Woman, and one Dead!  
Rare Sport, and New! a Monumental Bed!   

This said, he eager, straight reprints her Steps,  
And, like a Lion, after down he leaps.    

 Venus and Cupid appear hand in hand from the clouds. SECT. IX.  

MEan while did Venus and her Son descend,  
The World's Continuation to attend;  
Who first joined Atoms, Chaos did disperse,  
Raising the Wondrous Structure Universe,  
Lovers to couple, Chastity supplant,  
Lest pregnant Breasts convert to Adamant.   

When she to Cupid said, My dearest Son,  
Well hast thou played thy Part, the great Work's done;  
Diana's Temple burns, I needs must smile,  
The Wooden Goddess looking on the while;  
Had she not Marble been, a senseless Log,  
The Sight had set her Goddess-ship a-gog.  
But where's she now, a Conqueror bringing forth,  
An Alexander to subdue the Earth.   

No Mother, Cupid said, the News abroad  
Is, That this Morning she to Paphos Road,  
There to revenge her Cause, our Dames convert,  
That they your Rites and Temple may desert:  
But better she had gone to chase the Stag,  
And Transformation of Actaeon brag;  
Some of her greensick Train, with Wastes so lank,  
 they return, shall burgeon in the Flank.   

By this our Work is finished in the Tomb,  
From whence we never yet brought Conquest home:  
I with my fanning Wings blew out the Lamp,  
Whilst he beat up all Quarters of her Camp.   

Then thus she said, Bid Boreas send a Blast,  
May in the Grove the Corpse suspended cast:  
Thanks for his Storm, so well and timely came,  
And Sommus, for the Widow's pleasing Dream;  
Say that I'll send a Lady shall next Night  
Him more than ever any did, delight;  
Dispatch with speed, I'll tarry your Return.   

To Paphos gone, and let her Temple burn!  
The Fire that we have kindled in that Pile  
Perhaps may shrink the Wonder to an Isle:  
A Populous City, and a frequent Court,  
 Madams all, no Waggery, no Sport;  
Here Wive; for Propagation will, or so,  
After like Beasts the Males no more will know.   

These our late Conquests once divulged by Fame,  
Down Continence, and up goes Venus' Name;  
They o'er the Monument for me shall build  
A Temple and erect my Conquering Shield:  
Diana's Fane and wealthy Shrine destroyed,  
Her Virgins courting then to be enjoyed,  
Ephesus shall like other Cities look,  
No greensick Damsels, veiled with Stole and Heucke,  
But Beauties in their Hair, dressed fresh and trim,  
He making Court to her, and she to him.   

Whilst thus she spoke, Cupid on Wings displayed,  
Gently alighting, to his Mother said;   

Boreas your Will hath done, but lays a Claim  
On your late Promise, a fair Paphian Dame,  
●●at him, grown old, might comfort on her Lap,  
●●o, forced to forage, lately got a Clap;  
●●d well recovered, vows no more to roam,  
〈◊〉 keep contented with your Gift at home.  
I will, said she, straight send him one that shall  
●eep warm his Bed, and well become his Hall.  
This said, she Cupid gives especial Charge,  
●nd takes her own Commission out at large.    

SECT. X.  

MEan while the Knight and Lady under ground  
Take up all Differences, and soon compound  
Ceremonious Rites, as Superstitious, waved,  
And like a Wedded Pair themselves behaved;  
Huddled up Promises and hasty Vows,  
Then one another kindly did Espouse:  
No Place convenient for Love's sweet Commerce,  
Herself she settles on her Husband's Hearse.  
While thus they busy were, the mouthing Storm  
Grew silent, and the Sky serene and warm;  
The Danger then came fresh into his Head,  
And bold Adventure; when to her he said,   

I beg your leave some Business to dispatch,  
My Charge to visit, and relieve the Watch;  
Then I'll return, and further Homage pay,  
Nor shall one Minute lavish in delay.  
Him, mixing Tears, a thousand times she kissed,  
And softly opening the Lodge Door, dismissed.   

Her drowsy Woman though not slept so fast,  
But she heard stir about a Measuring Cast;  
Knowing the Party gone, up straight she gets,  
And thus upon her musing Mistress sets:   

Oh Madam, I the pleasantest Dream have had;  
Me thought in Marriage-Garments you were clad,  
●●ing to Church with a brave second Mate,  
With Friends attended, in all Pomp and State;  
●nd that this melancholy Place forsook,  
●●o never in your Life did better look:  
●●ith, Madam, leave these sad and dampy Rooms,  
●o tarry till some Fiend to tempt you comes,  
●ho, like a satire, or Hyena, dwells  
〈◊〉 Charnel-houses, and such dusky Cells.  
●●ere I as you, before I'd tarry here,  
●eep such a pother o'er a Dead Man's Bier,  
●●wed a Bear, or with a Boar would lie,  
●●d suckle Pigs up in a nasty Sty.  
●adam, I know what's what, and would advise,  
●nd take my Counsel, Lady, if ye are wise;  
tomorrow morning, whilst the Work is warm,  
●alk to the Temple with him Arm in Arm:  
●road each where both Court and City Dame  
●ight Censure, Gossips Prate, and gagling Fame;  
〈◊〉 ply their Works as varying Fancy leads,  
●ame not in Streets forbids them open Beds,  
●●t that still those that do the Match survey,  
Would, finding fault, teach Gamesters how to Play.   

Then she replied, Thou my old Servant art,  
●e careful left my Reputation smart;  
We must tread wary through this winding Maze,  
●nd I for ever will thy Fortune raise.   

This her so kind Expression pleased her well,  
●●t more to leave that melancholy Cell;  
●hen up she stirs the Fire, the Candle tops,  
●oth full of various Fancies, Fears, and Hopes.    

SECT. XI.  

WHen at the Door they heard the Party tap,  
Who entering, straight his Face showed like M●  
Of dire Mischance, a dismal Horoscope,  
Not any Aspect of the smallest Hope.   

When thus he said, I, who this horrid Night  
Did with the Gods and Lords of Tempests fight,  
Stood like a Cedar 'gainst all Winds that blow,  
My Shoulders like a Mountain hid in Snow;  
Scarce warm by this your charitable Fire,  
Obtaining Favours what I could desire,  
Am fallen from All, from such a Heaven of Bliss,  
To utter Ruin in a deep Abyss.  
My Office, no contemptible Estate,  
And Life, which but for you I should not rate,  
Are all snatched from me, like a Golden Dream,  
Which, were not you concerned, I should contemn;  
For if the Kindness that you show, you have,  
Ynu'll grieve to hear that I'm denied a Grave:  
The Corpse his Kindred in my absence stole,  
And I must die; but what more racks my Soul,  
I nothing to your Merits can bequeath;  
The Senate's Sword once drawn, they never sheathe:  
My forfeit Life not all the World can save,  
My Place, and all falls theirs, whate'er I have.  
Relations for my Office soon will sue,  
Being of Profit, and of Honour too:  
What will not be by Friends and Bribes procured?  
Ah that I had that bitter Storm endured,  
There stood a frozen Statue wanting Breath,  
Than suffer such an ignominious Death!  
Not only Die, I must supply his Room,  
And fleeting Air, suspended, me Entomb:  
Forever, dearest Madam, now farewell;  
When after Ages shall my Story tell,  
The varied Joys and Woes of one short Night,  
Will say, Cross Fortune did her utmost spite.   

Then she, whilst Tears distilled in Pearly drops,  
No way to scape, no Eye of Help, no Hopes?  
Then you shall see what for your sake I'll do,  
●▪ ll save you, and untwine this knotty Clew:  
Let us not, trifling, precious Minutes spend,  
●ut down with me into the Vault descend.  
First, of our tender Sex I pardon ask;  
A Woman must perform no Woman's Task,  
But to a Wolf transformed, rob the Grave;  
Who would not, such a Life as yours to save?  
●er Maid and he, much wondering what she meant,  
Down with her to the gloomy Arches went.    

SECT. XII.  

NO sooner entered, she without remorse  
Rends off the Cerecloth from her Husband's Coarse,  
And laid the Body out both sweet and hard,  
Preserved with Spices, and perfuming Nard:  
Then thus to him in Desperation spoke;   

From me your Cure, this dreadful Cordial, take,  
Which Fortunes Forfeit, and your Life regains,  
Supply it with the Malefactor's Chains.   

Then he replied, So fair a Corpse as this,  
No where disfigured, not resembles his;  
The Change will be perspicuously too plain,  
And this your Condescension prove in vain:  
Sentenced by Law, his Right Hand off was lopped,  
His Nose slit, Lips cut off, his Ears close cropped.   

Then she replied, What I present thus, take,  
What Maims you please, and Mutilations make:  
You that in Wars and Bloody Works have been,  
Mowed down like standing Corn whole Squadrons seen▪  
And not small part in such dire Business shared,  
To mangle one defunct will not be hard.   

When thus he sighed, Though Soldiers rugged are,  
They with the Dead keep Truce, and never War:  
I who so oft in many a bloody Strife  
Have lopped off Legs and Arms, Life after Life,   
 the widow mutilates her husband's corpse with a knife. The soldier and serving woman help.  

And from the Battle come besmeared all o'er  
With Enemies, and my own recent Gore,  
For all the World, which less I prise than you,  
I could no harm to one resistless do.   

When like a Bacchanal, she thus replies,  
Had, Argus-like, this Corpse a hundred Eyes,  
As many Ears as Fame, as many Hands  
As once Briareus had at his Commands,  
Off they should all, myself them mangle too,  
And, though so late acquainted, all for you.   

This said, she strips her Arms, her Breast unlaced,  
Herself in posture for the Business cast;  
Her Knife, the Edge obtuse, she nimbly whets,  
Thus Armed, upon her Husband's Body sets:  
And first his Hand, which she so oft had kissed,  
Without Compunction severed from the Wrist;  
His Ears cropped off, his Right Eye out she tears,  
Where once small Cupids danced in Crystal Spheres,  
His Nostrils slits, his Lips, where oft she sipped  
Balm mixed with Dew of Roses, off she whipped:   

When thus she said, If this, Sir, will not serve,  
Say where you please, and I shall farther Carve.   

Then he replied, No more, the Body spare,  
The Work is finished must conclude my Care.   

All three, this said, ready assistance gave,  
To drag the Corpse from Sanctuary in the Grave.    

SECT. XIII.  

THus quick dispatch with many Hands they ma●●  
And to the satal Tree the Corpse conveyed;  
Good at a dead list still, his loving Spouse  
Hands him up to his open-windowed House;  
In State the Body on her Shoulders sits,  
Whilst he his Collar on of Esses fits,  
And several Iron Tackle buckles fast,  
And hooped a Brazen Belt about his Waste,  
Puts on a Truss of Steel, and all his Trim,  
That thence he might not drop down Limb by Limb,  
But so compacted, well together hold  
Many Years bleaching, both in Heat and Cold.   

The good Work done, the Mistress and her Maid  
Back to the Lodge with speed themselves conveyed,  
And he himself in former Station placed,  
The Fright and Trouble o'er, and Danger past.   

When to himself he said, I am destroyed,  
If I this wicked Monster not avoid,  
Whose memory I loathe, and mention, more  
Than Filth engendering on a Common shore;  
Her first high Impudence, and Sea of Lust,  
That Profanation of her Husband's Dust!  
But since she Scenes hath acted to such height,  
Would amaze Wonder, Terrors self affright.   
 the widow, the serving woman and the soldier use a ladder to hang the husband's corpse from the gallows. Ephesus is visible in the background.  

I stood like Marble, when the Corpse, long dead,  
A fresh as she prepared for mangling bled.  
'tis true, she's Wealth, Young enough, and Fair,  
Those Queens of Pleasure, so the Sirens are,  
That Singing sat all day on gilded Thrones,  
Built up of Skeletons, and Dead men's Bones.  
Her Marry? Sooner I'll betrothe a Mare,  
And Monsters get, a Centaur make my Heir:  
But ah! in her Concealment lies my Fate,  
Love slighted, soon reversing, turns to Hate;  
They'll themselves ruin, nay, the World unhinge,  
What will not frantic Women, for Revenge?  
I now for present Safety must advise,  
Had she a hundred Lives, the Strumpet dies;  
The only way my Life and State to save,  
That Bawd and her to bury in one Grave:  
With the same Knife when she feigned War proclaimed,  
With which the Corpse she mangled so, and maimed,  
I'll kill them both: So well I'll play my Part,  
That they that find it sticking in her Heart,  
Her Woman dead, when on the Corpse they sit,  
Shall call't Self-murder in her Frantic Fit:  
And who'll tax me, that never heard her Name,  
Till by my Gates her Husband's Tunerals came?  
I promised to be there in half an Hour,  
And Balm must find in one short Bloody Shower.   

This sad, he to the Lodge in secret stole,  
Swollen Passions raging in his troubled Soul.    

SECT. XIV.  

Winged Mischief flies: soon at the door he knocks;  
Her ready Maid, waiting, as soon unlocks:  
Who entering, finds the Lodge, so dull of late,  
Made for Addresses now a Room of State;  
More Lights, and greater Board's, with Damask spread,  
Vulean triumphing on a Golden Bed;  
The Floor and Windows rubbed, all nearly dressed,  
To entertain a kind, not cruel Guest.  
Wondering at such a Change in so short space,  
No mark nor sign of the old sullen Face,  
He softly said, Behold a handsome Stage,  
Where might Alcides or Orestes Rage.   

Not long he gazed about, when forth she came,  
Dressed up in Glory, a most beauteous Dame:  
Close Mourning's off, that sullen Curtain drawn,  
She entered shining like a Golden Dawn,  
With such a Majesty, so comely Mien,  
She secemed a Goddess, or at least a Queen:  
Stuck thick with Jewels which the Stars out-vied,  
Dimmed by her brighter Eyes in all their Pride;  
Her Bosom open, where in Vales of Snow  
Sat Cupid lurking, with no idle Bow;  
A Heaven of Beauty set off in her Hair,  
By Time unblemished yet, or Wintry Care.   
 Venus and Cupid appear to the kneeling widow and the soldier.  

Thus, like a Bride, on her seventh Marriage-Feast  
She was in this most gorgeous manner dressed;  
But at the sudden Change, off them she tore,  
Lying in Sackcloth on the dusty Floor:  
Which her old Servant up by chance had laid,  
And thither 'mongst some other Weeds conveyed,  
Then little dreaming  th' ensuing Morn  
In Bridal Weeds she would herself adorn.   

Down falls he on his Knees, as she had been  
Juno, Minerva, or the Paphian Queen;  
On her he gazed, but not one Word could speak,  
But sighed, and wished she would Compassion take;  
His o'ercharged Bosom ready to unclog,  
All his soul Treason there to disembogue,  
Had for intended Murder, Pardon craved:  
She wondering why himself he thus behaved,  
Kindly saluting, raised up by the Hand,  
Thus putting routed Reason to a stand.   

Why look you troubled thus? why, Sir, so sad?  
I hope all Business still goes well abroad;  
I fitting thought this Treatment to prepare,  
You to refresh, wearied with Grief and Care,  
Part of the Night, long yet  day, to pass  
With a cold Morsel, and a seasoning Glass.   

So down they sat; Rich Wine and Beauty warms:  
Grown brisk, he takes his Heaven in his Arms,  
Admiring how such Plots he could devise,  
Treason contrive against her conquering Eyes:  
Earth's proud Commander, Hell's, and heavens bright Arch,  
Shackled, by Love's Triumphant Chariot march.    

SECT. XV.  

WHilst thus in joyful Vigils past the Night,  
And Cupid's Revels acted to the height,  
Diana sent one of her Virgin Train  
To spoil their Sport, and damp Love's jolly Vein;  
A Water she puts in their Wine unseen,  
Which many Ages had a Dy'mond been  
In Earth's hard Bosom, fixed in lasting Cold,  
A Star in Dust, made never to grow old;  
Free both from Fire and Steel, all Force whate'er,  
Which will dissolve in Juice of Maidenhair.   

This mixed with Bacchus, Sweets of Cupid sow'rs,  
And, Salamander-like, Love-flames devours:  
Who were before so fond, loved ne'er so much,  
Not one another will endure to touch:  
In high distemper of this chilling Plague,  
The Male a Fiend, the Female seems a Hag.   

Not soon the Poison wrought, nor very sharp,  
But by degrees they cavil first, and carp,  
Next louder jangle, like disordered Bells;  
At last the baneful Operation swells,  
And bitter Thoughts stand ready out to burst,  
When his Distraction thus broke Prison first.   

Fly Vizards off: All Women I detest,  
For thy sake, Witch, who rather art a Beast;  
Who hast a Heart so savage, Blood so hot,  
The Mongrel of a Tiger and a Goat,  
Or by a Harpy and Hyena bred;  
That Wept'st so late, now Triumphest o'er the Dead:  
How thy Eyes sink, thy Cheeks so painted fall;  
Oh how those Curls. Medusa's Serpents, crawl!  
That hast this Night spent with so little shame,  
Committing Crimes that Fiends would blush to name!  
Who thy dear Spouse didst as thy Pillow use,  
His Monument converting to a Stews!  
Oh heavens! slitting his Nose, on me she smiled!  
What Cave, what Hell a Monster shows so vild,  
So fierce, so shameless, such a Sea of Lust,  
With which, then hot, she warmed her Husband's dust!  
And in this Gaiety she makes her Brag,  
That forth her Spouse did to the Gallows drag:  
A great and fair Example! Brazen-face,  
Thou hadst been fit to supply his Place,  
That mad'st the Noose, and lifted up the Coarse,  
Without reluctance, or the least remorse.  
Why rant I thus 'gainst what she means to boast?  
I'll Sacrifice her to her Husband's Ghost,  
Or, could I possible, send quick to Hell,  
Where Soul and Body might in Tortures dwell.    

SECT. XVI.  

BY this in her the dire Infection works,  
And like a Fury conscious Fancy jerks;  
Herself she hates, loathes him, and all her Faults:  
Her Breast in uproar with such wild Assaults,  
From the Board starting, Sorrow, Rage, and Shame  
Her Bosom swells, her Eyes like Beacon's flame;  
Then him perusing with disdainful look,  
Wondering so much that she could be mistake,  
Bursting with Poison, and contemning Pride,  
Thus, like a Fury thundering, she replied.   

You speak to purpose, bravely, Sir, and well;  
But I'll now ring you such another Peal:  
Ingrateful wretch, hast thou forgotten quite  
That twice I saved thy Life this very Night?  
First in my Bosom, Serpent, starved with Cold,  
Scarce warm, thou took'st possession of the Hold:  
No other means, next, to redeem thy Life,  
I put off Woman, left to be a Wife:  
And spitt'st thou now thy Poison against me,  
That myself Ruined in preserving thee?  
And dost thou me from my own Table spurn,  
A Monster call? Nay I'll a Fury turn.  
Revenge, ah sweet Revenge, I'll thee engage,  
And open all the Floodgates of my Rage;  
Thou for thy Gibbet-bird, and my sad Rape;  
Hadst thou a thousand Lives, ne'er hope to scape:  
Friends will stand by me, when I Truth inform;  
Thou Conjur'st, but I'll raise the greatest Storm.  
What I decree, wouldst thou with Tears implore,  
Would Sands outnumber on the Lybian Shore,  
Shall never be revoked; thou soon shalt know  
How high an injured Woman's Rage may grow.   

These Words the Poison wrought to such a height,  
All former Projects were forgotten quite:  
Slighting his Safety, rising from the Board,  
He with a dreadful Count'nance draws his Sword,  
Then raging said, Thy Soul to Heaven bequeath,  
Pray if thou canst, thou hast not long to breathe.   

Then she replied, laying her Bosom bare,  
Villain, this Breast, too kind to thee, not spare;  
Ungrateful wretch, so long? why dost not strike?  
Or Heaven or Hell shall do for me the like.    

SECT. XVII.  

WHen on a sudden they rare Music hear,  
Vocal and Instrumental, drawing near;  
The Fire grows dim, the Tapers lose their Light,  
As a new Sun had shot through gloomy Night;  
Roofs open fly, and let in purple Dawn:  
With Silver Doves, a Golden Chariot drawn,  
They saw from Heaven descend, and Seats of Joy,  
Venus, and standing at her Feet the Boy.  
The Lodge straight widens like a Prince's Hall,  
He drops his Sword, and down they prostrate fall:  
To them then praying, they from their Caroche  
Lightning with Heavenly Majesty, approach;  
When Venus to her Votaries thus said:   

This grand Disturbance hath Diana made,  
Which here I end for ever, thus atone,  
Free by the Virtue of my powerful Zone:  
Right Reason now returned, will soon inform  
What slender Quarrel raised this dreadful Storm;  
What she, o're-powered by Love, hath done for you,  
A thousand Stories strangely will outdo:  
With a dead Husband to make bold, what harm?  
Many have killed them in their Bosoms warm▪  
Upon the Corpse! Gamesters when they are in,  
Make living Spouses Bolsters to their Sin;  
They Socery consult, Steel, Aconite,  
And all to change the Pleasure of a Night:  
Sometimes they make me Chafe, then Blush & Laugh;  
To see with what dexterity they Graff;  
This Ephesus Dame Chastity makes dull,  
The World each where is with such Stories full.   

But to the Business: Whatsoe're she did,  
We Authors are of what your Fates decreed;  
Play to your best Advantage this fair Game,  
Stop vulgar Ears, and Mouths of prattling Fame.  
His Parts your Husband's Body hath resumed,  
And lies in Cerecloth whole again. Entombed:  
Your Malefactor you in Chains shall find;  
Thank me at Paphos the next favouring Wind.   

Venus, this said, her Chariot ascends,  
And Cupid with his Choristers attends.   

They thus conjoined, lived long a happy Life,  
From public Troubles free, and private Strife,  
Fair Islue had, whilst Cynthia's Power went down,  
And Cytherea's Faction Ruled the Town:  
When they without offence grown very old,  
At their own Table oft this Story told.     
FINIS.  

THE CONTENTS OF THE FABLES.  

OF Juno and the Peacock Page 1  
Of the Ox and Dug in the Manger Page 4  
Of the Leopard, the Fox, and the Ass Page 7  
Of the Fox and the Porcupine Page 10  
Of the Swan and the Stork Page 13  
Of the Crammed Capons and the Lean one Page 16  
Of the Fox and Bush Page 19  
Of the Fox and the Crow Page 22  
Of the Crab and her Mother Pag. 25  
Of the Bald Man and the Fly Pag. 28  
Of the Rustic and his Ox Pag. 31  
Of the Ant and the Grasshopper Pag. 35  
Of the Ox and the Steer Pag. 39  
Of the Lion and the Kid Pag. 41  
Of the satire and the Sword Pag. 43  
Of the Heathen and his Idod Pag. 47  
Of Phoebus, the Covetous, and Envious Man Pag. 50  
Of Jupiter and the Bee Pag. 54  
Of the Covetous Man and his Goose Pag. 57  
Of the Sheep and the Butcher Pag. 60  
Of the Wolf and the Fox Pag. 64  
2. Of the same Wolf and Fox Pag. 67  
3. Of the same Wolf and Fox Pag. 71  
Of the Camel and the Fly Pag. 75  
2. Of the same Camel and Fly Pag. 77  
3. Of the same Camel and Jupiter Pag. 79  
Of the Lamb and the Crow Pag. 81  
Of the Crow and the Pitcher Pag. 83  
Of the Wind and an Earthen Vessel Pag. 86  
Of the Painter and the Devil Pag. 90  
Of the Rustic and the Flea Pag. 95  
Of the Eagle, Oyster, Hare, and Daw Pag. 99  
Of the Cedar and the Shrub Pag. 102  
Of the Rustic and the Wolf Pag. 104  
2. Of the Rustic and the Wolf Pag. 108  
Of the Eagle and the Chough Pag. 111  
Of the Tiger and the Fox Pag. 114  
Of the Eagle and other Birds Pag. 117  
Of the Pedlar and his Ass Pag. 120  
Of Jupiter and the Ape Pag. 123  
Of the Carpenter and Mercury Pag. 127  
2. Of the same Carpenter and Mercury Pag. 130  
Of the Dog and Wolf Pag. 132  
2. Of the same Dog and Wolf Pag. 135  
3. Of the same Dog and Wolf Pag. 138  
Of the Fox and the Eagle Pag. 140  
2. Of the same Fox and the Eagle Pag. 143  
3. Of the Fox and the Eagle Pag. 146  
Of the Panther and the Rustics Pag. 149  
2. Of the Panther and Rustics Pag. 151  
Androcleus: Or, The Roman Slave Pag. 155  
The Ephesian Matron: Or, Widows Tears Pag. 229    

ANNOTATIONS ON The Second Volume OF AESOP's FABLES.  

Annotations on Fab. I.  
PAge 2. line 2. Orion.] Orion was Son to Jupiter, Neptune, and Mercury, slain by a Scorpion for his insolence towards Diana, then assumed into the number of Constellations, whereof one bears his Name. The rising of Orion, as well as Arcturus, and the Pleyades, presaged Storms: Plin. 18.28.  
Ibid. The Grand Hector.] Hector of the Sky; for when he riseth, the Debauchery of the Heavens, and Tempestuous Wether gins: As Virg. Aencid. l. 1.  

Cum subito assurgens fluctu nimbosus Orion  
In vada caeca tulit, penitúsque procacibus Austris  
Perque undas superante salo, perque invia saxa  
Dispulit; huc pauci vestris advavimus oris.   

When blustering Orion gilt the Skies,  
Tumultuous Storms us suddenly surprise,  
And upon dangerous Shelves, prevailing, bore,  
Only a few were driven on your Shore.   
P. 3. l. 1. Cov'nanting.] Georg. lib. 1.  

— Conjurati coelum rescindere fratres  
Ter sunt conati imponere Pelio Ossam  
Scilicet atque Ossae frondosum involvere Olympum,  
Ter pater extructos disjecit fulmine moneys.   

The Covenanting Brethren thrice assailed  
To pull down Heaven, Ossa on Pelion laid,  
On Ossa green Olympus would have thrown:  
Thrice Jove with Thunder threw those Mountains down.   
Ibid. Giants slain.] Claudian, lib. 3. De Raptu Preserpinae.  

— Phlegraeis silva superbit  
Exuvus, totúmque nemus victoria vestit.  
Hic patuli rictus, hic prodigiosa Gygantum  
Tergora dependent, & adhuc crudele minantur  
Affixae facies truncis, immaniáque Ossa  
Serpentum passim tumulis exanguibus albent,  
Et rigidae multo suspirant fulmine pelles,  
Nulláque non magni jactat se nominis arbour, etc.   

— The Woods in Spoils Phlegraean Pride,  
The whole Grove victory clothed; Here, Gapings wide  
Of horrid Jaws; there, Backs of hideous size  
Hung, and staked Faces, threatening still the Skies:  
Huge Serpents Skeletons in bloodless Piles,  
There, bleaching white, lay in voluminous Coyls,  
Whose scaly Sloughs smell with Sulphureous flame:  
No Tree but boasts some mighty Giant's Name.  
This, loaden, under stern Aegaeon yields,  
Who used an hundred Swords, as many Shields;  
That, brags bold Corus' bloody Spoils; this bears  
The Arms of Mimas; that, Ophion's wears.  
But higher than the rest, with spreading Shade,  
A Fir Enceladus Crest and Corslet lad,  
The Giant's King; which with its weight had broke,  
If not supported by a Neighbouring Oak.  
Hence a Religious awe preserves the Woods,  
And none dare wrong the Trophies of the Gods.   
Ibid. l. 4. Your Golden Chariot drew.] Juno is said to have her Chariot drawn by Peacocks. Ovid. Met. l. 2.  

— habili Saturnia curru  
Ingreditur liquidum pavonibus aethera pictis.   
Hence the Samtis have the protraicture of this Bird stamped upon their Coins, because Juno, to whom this Bird is dedicated, was by them adored.  
Ibid. l. 20. Thee Beauty gave.] Aelian saith, That this Bird was trasported from the Barbarians to the Grecians; at the beginning so rare, that amongst the Athenians it was not to be seen without Money.  
And further he relates, That Alexander the Great having seen this Bird among the Indians, was so much taken up in the admiration of it. that he laid a heavy Punishment upon all those that should dare to kill it. Whence Martial,  

Miraris quoties geminatas explicat alas,  
Et potes hunc saevo tradere, dure, Coco?   

When thou admiring on his Wings dost look,  
Him wouldst thou kill, and send unto the Cook?   
Ibid. l. 21. The Raven Fate.] Pierius reports the Ravens to portend future Enmity between two Friends; wherefore he saith, That two of them persecuting an Eagle which sat upon the Palace of Augustus, were by her cast to the Ground, even at that time when he transferred the Bands of the Triumvirs into Bononia; they presaged and foretold the Civil Wars, and fatal Battle at Philippi.  
Ibid. The Crow Ill Luck to tell.] Virgil, Eclog. 1.  

Saepe sinistra cauá praedixit ab Ilice cornix.   

Ah! had we not been blind, th' unlucky Crow  
Oft from th' old Elm this Mischief did foreshow.   
Ibid. l. 22. Chief Chorister.] Isidorus saith, That she is called Luscinia, as if Lucinia, because by her Singing she doth denote Day-breaking.   

Annotations on Fab. II.  
PAg. 4. l. 2. Patiented Labour.] Pierius reports, That amongst the Greek Authors the Ox is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because he is ordained and appointed to labour above the Earth. The Mathematicians observe, That those Children which are born when the Sun enters into Taurus, are condemned to perpetual Servitude; for which cause the Tyrians having entered upon the Building of Carthage, broke off their Work upon the finding of an Ox's Head, which strange sight portended nothing but anxious Labour; until such time as they found a Horse's Head, which being not long after, they renewed their former Resolution.  
Ibid. l. 11. A vild Sooterkin.] Of one of which kind of monstrous After-births there is an Anatomy to be seen at Amsterdam.  
P. 5. l. 24. A little Tadpoles Coach.] Alluding to the paraphrased Fable of the Frogs informed that the Sun would Marry; beginning thus,  
Low-Country Provinces, United Bogs,  
Once Distressed States, now Hogen Mogen Frogs, etc.   

Annotations on Fab. III.  
PAg. 8. l. 2. You Ass, come hither.] Ovid brings in Midas, for his preferring Pan's Rustic Song before the Divine Hymn of Apollo, thus by the Gods to be punished; That those Humane Ears which erred in Judgement, might be transformed into an Asses.  
Ibid. l. 3. Reynards' a cunning Snap.] Horat. de Arte Poeticâ.  

Nunquam te fallent animi sub Vulpe latentes.   

Let none thee like a cunning Fox deceive.   
Lucretius saith, That this Creature is naturally crafty and subtle.  
Varro saith, That such is the subtlety of this Creature▪ that from thence the Word Vulpinari was made, why the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
Ibid. l. 20. Leopard's gaudy Spoils.] Oppian.  

Vesicolor pellis nitido micat aurea susco  
Interfusa nigris maculis candore nitente.   

The various coloured Leopard's Skin behold,  
Whose black Gown shines with Silver Studs and Gold.    

Annotations on Fab. IU.  
PAg. 10. l. 19 Had th' Okeland Fleet.] Alluding to Great Britain, in the Map formed like an Oaken Leaf, as Ireland a Bear's Foot, and Italy resembling a Man's Leg. Strabo.   

Annotations on Fab. V.  
PAg. 13. l. 5. Republic Stork.] Storks are observed to breed only in Republics, as Venice, Switzerland, Geneva, Helvetia, and the Low Countries.  
Ibid. l. 15. To a Swan.] Swans are Birds-Royal, and so the King's Game.  
P. 14. l. ult. A Ballad-gagling Goose.] Alluding to a foolish Poet, named Anser, an Emulator of Virgil, whom Servius takes notice of in Eclog 7. and again in Eclog 9 thus he writes; 

— Argutos Anser strepit inter olores.   

— The Goose 'mongst warbling Swans appears.   and affirms, that he wrote the Acts of Anthony; and therefore the more maligned by our Author.   

Annotations on Fab. VI  
PAg. 16. l. 12. Like Brussels breed.] Brussels and Geneva famous for large Poultry.   

Annotations on Fab. VII.  
PAg. 19 l. ult. Twenty Miles outright.] The Fox is observed to be the subtlest Beast in preying, and most discomposed and silly when in danger of his Life, then trusting only to his Heels.   

Annotations on Fab. IX.  
PAg. 26. l. 8. Nor Precipices.] The Crabs are observed at Spa●ning-time, in the Western Isles, to come d●wn ●●om the Mountains to the Sea in a direct Line, not ba●●●ing Houses, Rocks, or whatever obstructs their Passage.   

Annotations on Fab. XI.  
PAg. 32. l. 6. When Bulls spurred on.] See Virg. Georg. lib. 3.  

Atque ideo Tauros procul, atque in sola relegant  
Pascua posi montem oppositum, & trans flumina lata  
Aut intus clausos satura ad praesepia servant.  
Carpit enim vires paulatim, uritque videndo  
Faemina—   

Farneze off the Bulls alone are feeding tied,  
Behind a Mountain, or beyond some Flood,  
Shut up at plenteous Stalls with pleasant Food:  
For seeing of the Female wastes their Strength,  
Who burning, mind not Grass, nor Groves, at length;  
She with her sweet Enticements oft provokes  
Proud Rivals, till their Fury turns to Strokes.  
In pleasant Groves the Beauteous Heifer feeds;  
But they join Battle, and in Warlike Deeds  
Gain many Wounds; their Fodies bathed in Gore,  
Closing their Horns, most dreadfully they roar;  
The mighty Woods & Heavens vast Court resound.  
No more these Warrior's Pasture in one Ground;  
Exiled to Coasts unknown the Vanquithed goes,  
Moaning his shame, & the proud Conqueror's blows,  
That unrevenged from him his Love was took,  
Viewing his Stalls, and Native Realms forsaken.  
Then carefully recruits his Force, being laid  
On a hard Rock, a Bed but roughly made,  
Feeds on harsh Leaves, and brisly Carix eats;  
His Horns then exercising, Anger whets  
Against a Tree, venting on th' Air his spite,  
Scattering the Sand, as Prologue to the Fight.  
His Force recruited, on the Foe he sets,  
And boldly up his careless Quarters beats.  
As when at Sea the mustered Waves grow white,  
And rolling from the Ocean gather height;  
And now at Land 'gainst Rocks they strangely roar,  
Nor less than Mountains break upon the Shore;  
The deep Floods boil, whirled with the foaming Tide,  
And working, cast up Sand on every side.   See Virgil, Aeneid. lib. 12. 

Cùm duo conversis inimica praelia Tauri  
Frontibus incurrunt, pavidi cessere magistri,  
Stat peous omne metu mutum, mussantque Juvencae,  
Quis pecori imperitet, quem tota armenta sequantur;  
Illi inter sese multa vi vulnera miscent,  
Cornuáque obnixi infigunt; & sanguine largo  
Colla armosque lavant; gemitu nemus omne remugit.   

So when from Syla, or Taburnus, we  
Two Bulls engaged in bloody Battle see,  
Their frighted Owners fly; silent with fear  
The  stand, the Heifers doubtful are  
Who shall Command, whom must the Herd obey:  
They gore each other in the dreadful Fray,  
Till Streams of Blood their Necks and Shoulders drowned,  
And echoing Woods the Bellowers Cries resound.   
P. 33. l. 25. Bitten by a Gad.] A kind of Fly that texeth Beasts, named by the Greeks Oestron, which hath ●ts signification and derivation from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to be mad, because it makes them furious. See Virg. Georg. ●ib. 3.  

Est lucos Silaricirca, ilicibúsque virentem  
Plurimus Alburnum volitans, cui nomen Asilo  
Romanum est; Oestrum Grati vertére vocantes:  
Asper, acerba sonans, quo tota exterita silvis  
Diffugiunt armenta, etc.   

A Fly about the Groves of Silarus haunts,  
And high Alburnus, green with stately Plants,  
Asilus called by Romans, but the same  
The Greeks style Oestron, by an ancient Name;  
Extremely fierce and loud: whose spite to shun,  
To sheltering Woods affrighted  run,  
And with their Bellow strike Heavens arched Round,  
Which Groves, and shallow Tanagrus resound.  
With this dire Monster Juno long ago  
Her spite did on th' Inachian Heifer show:  
This, for it rages in the scorching heat,  
Thou must with care from teeming  beat,  
And seeding Herds, both when the Sun shall rise,  
Or Night with glorious Stars adorn the Skies.    

Annotations on Fab. XII.  
PAg. 37. l. 8. The Day of Doom.] Which Story is Germany is at large set down in that Treatise concerning the Lutherian War. Sleiden. Ibid. l. 15. When thus the King.] See Virg. Aeneii. lib. 4.  

Ac veluti ingentem formicae farris acervun:  
Cum populant, hyemis memores, lectoque reponunt,  
Est nigrum campis agmen, praedámque per herbas  
Convectant calle augusto; pars agmina cogunt,  
Castigantque moras: opere omnis semita fervet.   

So cheerful Aunts plundering a Heap of Wheat,  
And minding Winter, to their Granges get;  
The black Bands march, a Convoy guards the Spoil  
Through narrow Tracts, some with joined Forces toil  
To bear one ponderous Grain, whilst others beat  
The tardy Troops; all Paths with Labour heat.   
Ibid. l. 22. Alcinous Fruit.] See Virg. Georg. lib. 2.   

Annotations on Fab. XIV.  
PAg. 41. l. 12. On tender Vines.] See Virg. Georg. lib. 2.  

Non aliam ob culpam Baccho caper omnibus aris  
Caeditur, & veteres ineunt proscenia ludi.   

Only for this Crime we on Altars pay  
Bacchus a Goat, and act the ancient Play.    

Annotations on Fab. XV.  
PAg. 44. l. 23. The Rising Sun.] The King's happy Restauration.  
P. 45. l. 7. Two such Hectors.] See Virg. Aeneid. 8.  

— Ductores primi, Messapus & Ufens,  
Contemptorque deûm Mezentius, undique cogunt  
Auxilia, & latos vastant cultoribus agros.  
Mittitur & magat Venulus Diomedis ad urbem,  
Qui petat Auxilium, etc.   

Massapus and bold Ufens Generals were,  
With proud Mezentius, who no God did fear:  
Each where they Press, and empty spacious Plains,  
To fill their Regiments with sturdy Swains.  
They Venulus send to great Tydides' Seat,  
Against the Trojans landed, Aid t' entreat,  
And tell, Aeneas vanquished Gods did bring,  
Who styles himself, by Fates Decree, a King;  
That many Nations with the Dardan side,  
His Name through Latium spreading far and wide.  
Of such Beginnings, what may be the End,  
If favouring Fortune should his Sword attend,  
Was far more evident to him alone,  
Than to King Turnus, or Latinus, known.    

Annotations on Fab. XVI.  
PAg. 48. l. 1. When a Nod.] See Virg. Aeneid. lib. 9  

— idque ratum Stigii per flumina fratris,  
Per pice torrentes, atraque voragine ripas,  
Annuit, totum nutu tremefecit Olympum.   

This by his Brother's Stygian Streams he swore,  
And by the Brimstone Lake, and dismal Shore,  
By the Black Gulf, and the Infernal Pit,  
Whose Nod Olympus shook, confirming it.   
Jupiter is said to do all things nutu, with Nodding; whence the Word Numen, Turneb. l. 26. c. 30. See Scaliger, l. 5. c. 3. Nannius Miscel. l. 7. c. 14. observes, That what in Men is a Nod, in Jupiter and Juno is Thunder.  
Ibid. l. 22. Headed like a Shock.] Those Household Gods, or Penates, had Humane Shapes, but Headed like Dogs.   

Annotations on Fab. XVII.  
PAg. 50. l. 1. Summoned by Jove.] See Virgil. Aeneid. lib. 10.  

Panditur interea domus omnipotentis Olympi;  
Conciliúmque vocat diuûm pater, atque hominum Rex,  
Sideream in sedem; terras unde arduus omnes,  
Castráque Dardanidûm aspectat, populosque Latino's.  
Considunt tectis bipatentibus; incipit ipse.   

Mean while Heavens spacious Court spreads open, when  
The Father of the Gods, and King of Men,  
A Council called, where, from his Starry Throne,  
Th' Ausonian Quarters, and Beleaguered Town,  
With the whole World's vast Regions he surveyed:  
Then to his House of Deities thus said.   
P. 51. l. 24. Nor Rig out fifty Chambermaids a Night.] Alluding to Hercules' greatest Labour, devirginating fifty Maids in one Night.   

Annotations on Fab. XVIII.  
PAg. 56. l. 8. Though Bees boast Celestial Race.] See Virg. Georg. lib. 4.  

His quidam signis, atque haec exempla secuti,  
Esse apibus partem divinae mentis, & haustus  
Aethereos dixere, etc.   

From these Examples, some there are maintain,  
That Bees derive from a Celestial strain,  
And Heavenly Race; they say the Deity  
Is mixed through Earth, the Sea, and lofty Sky;  
Hence Men and Beasts, both wild and tame, derive,  
And whatsoever by breathing Air survive:  
To this they after are dissolved, and then  
They reassume First Principles again:  
Nor is there place for death; their Spirits fly  
To the great Stars, and plant the lofty Sky.    

Annotations on Fab. XXIV.  
PAg. 75. l. 18. Hybleans Consort.] Which Epithet is derived from Hybla, a City in Sicily, where is great store of Thyme, which is the cause why that Honey is the most pleasant.  
Ibid. l. 21. His Waxed Realms.] See Virg. Georg. lib. 4.  

Illum adeò placuisse apibus mirabere morem,  
Quod nee concubitu indulgent, nec corpore segnes  
In venerem solvunt, aut foetus nixibus edunt:  
Verum ipsae foliis natos, & suavibus herbis  
o'er legunt: ipse regem parvosque quirites  
Sufficunt, aulasque & cerea regna re figunt.   

'Tis strange that Bees such Customs should maintain, breed,  
Venus to scorn, in wanton Lust disdain  
To waste their Strength, and without Throws they  
But cull from Leaves & various Flowers their Seed.  
Their Kings and petty Princes they proclaim,  
Then Palaces, and Waxed Kingdoms frame.    

Annotations on Fab. XXVI.  
PAg. 80. l. 13. Watch's rout.] See Virg. Aeneid. lib. 2.  

Invadunt Urbem somno, vinoque sepultam;  
Caeduntur vigiles, portisque patentibus omneis  
Accipiunt socios, atque agmina conscia junzunt.   

They take the Town, buried in Sleep and Wine;  
They kill the Watch, and straight at open Gates  
Receive their Friends, & join to their known Mates.    

Annotations on Fab. XXVIII.  
PAg. 84. l. 5. Three Elements.] The fourth Element is quite exploded by all Modern Writers.  
Ibid. l. 8. It's Spheric Cone.] The Water swelling above its Margins Spherically.  
Ibid. l. 23. The Austrian Eagles.] See Bentevolio and Famianus Strada, in their History of the Low-Country Wars with Spain.   

Annotations on Fab. XXX.  
PAg. 90. l. 17. A China Cacademon.] The Indians usually paint the Devil White.   

Annotations on Fab. XXXI.  
PAg. 97. l. 13. Like Clouds did march.] The Goddesses are observed to move like Clouds, not step by step, as Mortals. Virg. Aeneid. lib. 1.  

Et vera incessu patuit Dea—   

Her Garb a Godddess shows—    

Annotations on Fab. XXXIV.  
PAg. 107. l. 11. Threw the first Stone.] A Woman struck the first Struck in the late Grand Rebellion. Ibid. l. 14. Comers.] Gossips.   

Annotations on Fab. XXXVII.  
PAg. 114. l. 12. Tisiphone.] One of the Furies of Hell, supposed to torment Homicides.   

Annotations on Fab. XXXIX.  
Pag. 120. l. penult. His Mag.] The Pedlar's Wise.   

Annotations on Fab. XL.  
PAg. 124. l. 18. Hyenas.] Hyenas are said to be a sort of Wolves, that sergeant Humane Voices, and by their complaints draw Children, and the weaker sort of People out of Villages, and seizing, make their Prey.   

Annotations on Fab. XLIII.  
PAg. 133. l. 26. Hylax.] A Shepherd's Cur.  
— Et Hylax in limine latrat.  Virg. Eclog 8.  

Annotations on Fab. XLIV.  
PAg. 136. l. 11. A Basket in my Mouth.] Erasmus Story of his Dog.   

Annotations on Fab. XLVI.  
PAg. 141. l. 20. Their Indian Shapes.] Indians are always personated in the Scene in Coats of Feathers.   

Annotations on Fab. XLVIII.  
PAg. 147. l. 21. At Bacchus' Festivals.] Virg. Georg. lib. 2.  

Non aliam ob culpam Baccho caper omnibus aris  
Caeditur, & veteres ineunt proscenia ludi.  
Praemiaque ingenteis pagos, & compita circum  
Theseidae posuere, at que inter pocula laeti  
Mollibus in pratis unctos saliere per utres.  
Nec non Ausonii, Troja gens missa, coloni  
Versibus incomtis ludunt, risuque soluto.  
Oraque corticibus sumunt horrenda cavatis:  
Et te Bacche vocant per carmina laeta, tibique  
Oscilla ex alta suspendum mollia pinu.   

Only for this Crime we on Altars pay  
Bacchus a Goat, and att the ancient Play.  
Then from great Villages Athenians haste,  
And where the Highways meet, the Prize is placed:  
They to soft Meads, heightened with Wine, advance,  
And joyfully 'mongst Oiled Bottles dance:  
Th' Ausonian Race, and those from Troy did spring,  
Dissolved with Laughter, Rustic Verses sing;  
In Vizards of rough Bark conceal their Face,  
And with glad Numbers thee, Great Bacchus, grace,  
Hanging soft Pictures on thy lofty Pine.—    

Annotations on Fab. XLIX.  
PAg. 149. l. 7. You harmless Shepherds.] Virg. Georg. lib. 2.  

O Fortunatos nimium, sua si bona norint,  
Agricolas: quibus ipsa, procul discordibus armis,  
Fundit humo facilem victum justissima tellus, etc.   

O happy Swains, if their own good they knew!  
To whom just Earth, remote from cruel Wars,  
From her full Breasts soft Nourishment prepares.  
Although from high Roofs, through proud Arches, come  
No Floods of Clients early from each Room,  
Nor Marble Pillars seek, which bright Shells grace,  
Gold-woven Vestments, nor Corinthian Brass,  
Nor white Wool stained in the Assyrian Juice,  
Nor simple Oil corrupt with Cassias use:  
But rest secure, a fraudless Life, in peace,  
Variously rich, in their large Farms at ease.  
Tempe's cool Shades, dark Caves, & purling Streams,  
Lowing of , under Trees soft Dreams;  
Nor lack they Woods and Dens where wild Beasts haunt,  
Youth, in Toil patiented, and inur'd to want;  
Their Gods and Parents sacred; Justice took  
Through those her last steps when she Earth forsook.  
Let the sweet Muses most of me approve,  
Whose Priest I am, struck with Almighty Love, etc.    

Annotations on Fab. L.  
PAg. 152. l. 13. Arden.] A famous Forest in France, where the Lion kept his Court.    

ANNOTATIONS ON ANDROCLEUS.  
SEct. I. Pag. 155. l. antepenult. Pairs of Wedded Palm.] The Palm-trees are said to be Male and Female, and are observed not to flourish, nor to be pregnant, unless they be in presence of each other.  
P. 156. l. 10. New-congested Drifts.] These Drifts not only swallow Travellers both Horse and Foot, which become afterwards to be Mummy; but whole Armies have suffered in this dry and dusty Deluge.  
§. II. P. 158. l. 7. Not Transmigrated be thy Soul.] Pythagoras not only holding the Transmigration of the Souls of Living Creatures one into another, but also into Vegetives, and some Inanimates.  
Ibid. l. antepenult. Mas-ca-dits.] The Topers.  
§. III. P. 160. l. 14. Seldom Colds attack.] Little or no Cold in Africa.  
Ibid. l. 28. A Biformed Race.] Such as Minotaurus, the Centaurus, and the rest. Ovid.  
§. V P. 165. l. 12. A Single Hand.] Dictator's, with absolute Authority, always chosen in a dangerous Exigence by the Roman Senate, as Furius Camillus, etc.  
Ibid. l. 15. With my Phang-tooth.] Alluding to our ancient Kings only so Sealing their Leases and Grants.  
§. VI P. 167. l. 1. Or Mutton raw.] They eat raw Flesh, for which cause the Grecians call them Omesteres, Omoborci, Omophagoi.  
§. VII. P. 169. l. 14. Your Stomach queasy.] The Lion's prey upon Apes, but more for Physic than for Nourishment. Aelianus.  
§. VIII. P. 170. l. 19 Armed with my Lench and Awl.] Homer's Odyss. lib. 11.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉   
Achilles' Ghost to Ulysses in the Elysian Shades:  

I rather would a Rustic be, and serve  
A Swain for Hire, ready almost to starve,  
And living be 'mongst all Misfortunes hurled,  
Than dead, an Emperor in this shady World.   
Pag. 171. l. 21. King Amasis.] Amasis' King of Egypt, Transformed into a Lion. Philostratus.  
§. IX. Pag. 174. l. 15. Alcides had been thrice as strong.] Alluding to the Nemaean Lion's Skin, which Hercules used more for a Shield, than for a Mantle, or a close fitted Habit.  
§. X. Pag. 175. l. 5. Bunch-backed Camel I had killed.] Camel's Flesh much loved by Lions; as in an Expedition of Darius, the Lions breaking into his Camp, slew neither Men, Horse, nor , but fell upon the Camels.  
P. 176. l. 20. Dianira's Shirt.] A Present to Hercules, steeped in Nessus' Blood, which put on, stuck so fast, that it could not be got off without tearing the Flesh from the Bones.  
Ibid. l. 23. The Mirror.] Glass.  
§. XII. P. 180. l. 10. The sportive Ass to hunt.] Eccles. 13. They hate extremely wild Asses, and pursue them as a Prey.  
P. 181. l. 12. 'Gainst the King of Birds.] The Bear being in a Tree, under the eagle's Protection.  
§. XIII. P. 184. l. 6. Unlawful Sheets.] See Pliny, for the Adultery of the Lionesses with the Panther and Leopard.  
Ibid. l. 11. At her Mothers to Lie-in.] They also endeavour to hid their Surreptitious Issue in the Adulterers Dens. Apollonius.  
P. 185. l. 10. Myself then Disciplined.] All know how the Lion stirs up his Anger, by beating himself with his Tail.  
§. XIV. P. 187. l. antepenult. A single Fid.] As in Homer's Odysseys, lib. 8. they imitated the more especial Scapes of Mars and Venus.  
§. XV. Pag. 189. l. 7. Learned Apollonius.] Apollonius famous amongst ancient Authors, for the Interpreting the several Languages of Birds and Beasts.  
P. 190. l. 1. Say.] A City in Egypt, in which King Amasis reigned.  
§. XVI. P. 191. l. 14. The honoured Bay.] The Bay-tree supposed by the Ancients to be the noblest of all Plants.  
P. 192. l. 7. They truly honoured her.] See Coelius: Not only the Egyptians, but the Arabians, held Cats in great Veneration and Worship, mourning solemnly at their Funerals.  
§. XVII. Pag. 194. l. ult. Lawrelled Caesar's.] The Stamp or Impression of their then going Gold: S. Luke 20. Whose Image or Inscription is this? viz. Caesar's.  
P. 196. l. 4. Unto a Fencing-Master sold.] A Master of the Gladiators: A frequent Custom at Rome, amongst the Hectors and Deboshes, to sell themselves to practise their Art, and venture their Lives in the Amphitheatre.  
§. XIX. P. 199. l. 6. The Cest.] A Roman Exercise.  
§. XX. P. 201. l. 8. Women inconstant.]  
Varium & mutabible semper Foemina.  Virg. l. 4. 
P. 202. l. 7. Not Marina.] A usual Custom in the Primitive Times to alter or contract their Christian Names, not to be much differing from their former.  
Ibid. l. 14. Petitions pin.] A Custom among the Heathens, to stick their Petitions upon their Idols.  
§. XXII. Newsound Silk.] Then but lately found in the time of the Caesars, and rarely used.  
Ibid. l. 21. A Triclinium.] Triclinia, about which in three Seats nine Persons sat, beyond which number they seldom treated, according to the Juncto of the Muses; nor seldom fewer than three, the number of the Graces.  
P. 207. l. 10. Gems Stars out-vy'd.]  

Hic petit excidiis verbem, miserosque Penates,  
Ut gemma bibat, & serrano Dormiat ostro.   Georg. l. 2. 
§. XXV. P. 214. l. 9 No more Gorgon's.] Medusa's Head, her Hairs feigned to be Serpents, the terrible Aspect turning all that beheld it into Stone.  
§. XXVI. P. 215. l. 8. That Siren.] See Homer's Odysseys, lib. 12.  

First thou the Sirens shalt discover, which  
All Comers with enticing Tunes bewitch.  
Who their sweet Voices hear, remind no more  
Their Wives, their Children, nor their native shore:  
In Meadows chanting, they 'mong dead men's Bones  
Crown rotten Skins, and heap up Skeletons:  
But when thou sailest by them, look that there  
Thy Followers Ears thou stop, that none may hear,  
With yielding Wax: But if thou hast a mind  
To hear enchanting Ditties, let them bind  
Thee Hand and Foot, and with strong Cordage fast  
About thy Middle, tie unto the Mast:  
So thou mayst hear the Sirens melting Strains:  
But if thou shouldst command them lose thy chains,  
And set thee free, then bid them harder tie.  
But when these dire Enchanters are sailed by,  
Then thee I shall not punctually instruct,  
In th' other Course thou mayst thyself conduct,  
By little Hints, how thou mayst find the way.   
§. XXVIII. P. 219. l. ult. A Heuricane.] Blowing at all the Two and thirty Points of the Compass.  
P. 220. l. 4. Piled up Pyramids.] It is observed that the furious Heuricanes upon the Western Coast, being a Whirlwind, rolls not the Seas in long Billows, but heaps them up in spiry Pyramids.   

ANNOTATIONS ON The Ephesian Matron.  
THe first Author of this Story was the most witty Petronius, in his Satyricon; and from him many others have made use of it: amongst whom, Johannes Salis buriensis, Polycrat. lib. 8. citys one Flavianus, who affirms it really happened at Ephesus; and that the Woman suffered the deserved Punishment of her Impiety and Adultery.  
§. I. P. 229. l. 1. At Ephesus.] Ephesus is by Pliny called one of the Eyes of Asia, taking Miletus for the other likely, those two being by Strabo reputed the best and noblest Cities of Asia, and Ephesus the chiefest Place of Trade.  
Ibid. l. 2. Diana's Temple crowned.] The Temple of Diana, saith, Solinus, was built by the Amazons, so magnificently, that Xerxes burning all the other Temples of Asia, spared this; and by Pliny 'tis esteemed the true Wonder of Magnificence.  
Ibid. l. 4. In that World's Wonder.] Commonly reckoned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the other six were, The Walls of Babylon, The Statue of Jupiter Olympius, The Pyramids of Egypt, The Colossus of the Sun at Rhodes, The Sepulchre of Mansolus, and The Palace of Cyrus, the Stones of which were cemented together with Gold; or, as more usually, The Pharos at Alexandria.  
P. 230. l. 1. Diana's Name.] See the latter part of the nineteenth Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, where, besides other Instances of the Greatness of her Name there, 'tis said, ver. 34. That there was a cry of the whole Multitude, as of one Voice, for two Hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.  
§. II. P. 232. l. 18. Th' Embalmed Corpse.] That the Greeks, contrary to the Custom of the Romans, preserved their dead Bodies, is warranted by Petronius, in this Story of the Ephesian Lady, and maintained by some Modern Authors.  
P. 233. l. 1. Then Arched a gloomy Vault.] The many eminent Sepulchers of this fashion yet extant, would sufficiently evince, if Authors were silent, that they were in use.  
Ibid. l. 3. And o'er a Lodge.] That this was a Custom, we have an Inscription to prove: M. AURELIUS ROMANUS & Antistia chresima uxor ejus fecerunt sibi Libertis suis posterisque eorum Monumentum cum Aedificio super posito, etc.  
Ibid. l. 5. There to attend.] See the Story of Telephron, in Apuleius' Golden Ass; whereby it is intimated, that dead Bodies were watched, to preserve them from Attempts of Witches.  
§. IV. P. 237. l. 12. Steal the Corpse.] The Romans, for Example sake, denied Burial to notorious Malefactors, and therefore set Guards to watch their Dead Bodies: Yet Augustus writes in his Life, That he never refused them to their Kindred or Friends; whence perhaps Joseph of Arimathea obtained the Body of Christ.  
§. VII. P. 244. l. 5. In Thrace.] The greatest, most Northerly, and least fruitful part of Greece, in habited by a hardy Prince, a Warlike and Populous Nation.  
§. IX. P. 249. l. 9 Diana's Temple burns.] Herastiatus, not long after Xerxes had spared it, at the same time that Alexander the Great was born at Pella, set fire to it with his own Hand, as himself confessed, only to get a Name, and perpetuate his Memory; which he failed not of, though Aulus Gellius reports, that by a General Assembly of all Asia it was decreed his Name should never be mentioned.  
Ibid. l. 10. The Wooden Goddess.] Pliny, lib. 16. c. 40. saith, 'Twas doubted what the Statue of Diana at Ephesus was made of, some affirming it was made of Ebony; but Mutianus, thrice Consul, who had latest seen it, writes it was of a Vine-stock, and was never changed, though the Temple had been seven times Repaired.  
Ibid. l. 13. A Conqueror bringing forth.] Cicero commends Timeus' Wit, for that speaking of Alexander's being born the same Night that Diana's Temple was burnt, he said, 'twas no wonder, she being from home at the bringing Olympia his Mother to Bed, Mid wifery being one, among others, of her Employments.  
Ibid. l. 16. To Paphos road.] Paphos did so particularly belong to Venus, that it was counted her Home; as by that of Virgil, Aeneid. 1. 

Ipsa Paphon sublimis adit, sedesque recepit  
Laeta suas.—   

The pleasing Goddess back to Paphos slew,  
Her own dear Seats.—   and (as Tacitus Hist. lib. 2.) was the place where she first came on Shore from the Sea, from whence she sprung.  
Ibid. l. 20. Transformation of Actaeon.] Ovid. Met. lib. 3.  
§. XVII. P. 267. l. 19 Cynthia's Power.] Cynthu. is a Mountain in the Island Delos, where Latona was delivered of Apollo and Diana, whence he is often called Cynthius, and she Cynthia.  
Ibid. l. 20. Cytherea's Faction.] Cythera is an Islane lying between Peloponnesus and Creta, where Venus (as is by most delivered, contrary to Tacitus first arrived from Sea in a Shell, and thence called Cytherca.   
FINIS.