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Complaints. 
 rontatmng (undrte 
 
 fmall Toemcs cftke 
 Worlds Va- 
 ;;;>/>. • 
 
 yy hereof the nepct Page 
 
 maketh menti- 
 
 en. 
 
 By Ed. Sp, 
 
 Lo M DO N. 
 
 Imprinted {oxyf^illiayn 
 
 Toyifbnhie^ dwelling in Paules 
 
 Churchyard at the figne of 
 
 the l^tfrjops head. 
 
A note of the fundrie Poem(!S contained 
 
 in this Volume. 
 / The^uinesofTime, 
 2 ThfTeAresoftheaJ^/ifes. 
 
 ^ VirgilsGtia^. 
 
 4 Trofipopoia^ov toother HnhberdsT^Ie^, 
 
 5 The RHtnesofRome : by Bellay, 
 
 6 eJ^Htopotmospr The Tale of the!BHtterfik, 
 
 7 ViftonsoftheWorldsvanitie. 
 
 8 'Bellayes vifions, 
 
 f Tefrarchesvifi^ffs, 
 
rtv/vHfe^/ 
 
 The Printer to the 
 
 Gentle Header. 
 
 I N C E my late (ettiiig 
 foorth of the Faerie 
 ^ecMCf finding that it 
 hath found a fauoura- 
 ble paflage amongft 
 ^ _ ^ - ^ y^^j I haiie fithencc 
 endeuoured by'all good meanes (Tor 
 the better cncreafe and accompliihment 
 ofyour delights, ) tO get intb my handcs 
 fuch fmale Poemes of the fame Authors^ 
 as I heard were difperfl abroad in fundric 
 hands, andnoteafietobeecomeby,by 
 himfelfcj fome of them hauing bene di- 
 uerflie imbcziled and purloyned from 
 ' him,fmcc his departure ouer Sea. Of the 
 which I hauc by goodm^eanes gathered 
 togeather thefe fewe parcels prefent, 
 which I haue caufed tobec imprinted al- 
 
 A 2 
 
 to- 
 
^0 the %^ader. 
 
 togeather^ for that they al fecmc to con- 
 taine like matter of argument in them: 
 being all complaints and meditations of 
 the worlds vanitiej verie graue and pro- 
 fitable. To which cfFe6t I vnderftand that 
 he befides wrote fundrie others, namclie 
 Ecclefiattes^ & Qanticum c antic or um tranf- 
 \zic6,y\A femgbts [lumheryThehell of louersy 
 hisPurgatoriey being all dedicated to La- 
 dies.5 fo as it may fceme he ment them all 
 to one volume.Befides fome other Pam- 
 phlets loofelie fcattercd abroad/ as rt^ 
 dyrngPelltcan^ The holders of the Lordy The 
 facrificeofafinnery The feuenTfalmes^i^jrc. 
 which when I can either byhimfelfe, or 
 otherwife attaine too, Imeanelikewife 
 for your fauour fake to (et foorth. In the 
 meane time praying you genthe to ac- 
 cept of thc{c, & graciouflie to entertaine 
 the new Poet. 1 take Uane. 
 
 
Dedicated 
 
 To tlie right Noble and beauti-- 
 
 full Ladie , the La. ^Adarie 
 
 Counteflfe of Pembrooke. 
 
 OST Honourable and 
 bounttfull LadiCy there 
 bee long fithens cieepe 
 folded in my brepy tU 
 feede of mo ft entire loue 
 ^bumble ajfeSiion Ipn- 
 to that mo[i brane Knight your noble brother 
 deceafedy lohic h talqng roote began in his life 
 iimefomel&hat to budforthiandto (he^ the- 
 fellies to him^ as then in the weakenes of their 
 firftfpring:And'^POHldin their riper fir ength 
 (had It fUafed high God till then todra^^e 
 out his dates) fpired forth fruit of more per- 
 feSiion.'^But (ince Cod hath dif deigned the 
 
 Ivor Id 
 
Dedicatorie. 
 
 '^orld of that mojl noble Spirit ^li>hich'^as 
 the hope of all learned men, andthel?atron 
 of my young M ufe s j togeathcr loith him both 
 their hope of ante further fruit loas cut off: 
 andalfo the tender delight of thofc their fir fl 
 hlojfoms nipped and quite dead. Tet fit hens 
 my late cumrning into ^n^z,n(\fomef rends 
 of mine (j^hich might much preuaile with me^ 
 and indeede commaund me) knowing l£>ith 
 holve ftraight handes of duetie I 'tvas tied 
 tohim:asalfo bound ^ntothat noble houfe, 
 (of'^hich the chief e hope then rejledin him) 
 haue fought to reuiue them by ^upbraiding 
 me : for that J haue not (JjC^ed anie thanke- 
 full remembrance tol^^ards him or any of the s 
 but fuffer their names to fleep in filenceand 
 forget fulnejfe . VVhome chieflie to fatisfte^ 
 or els to auoide that fowle blot of n^nthanke-^ 
 fulneffcy J haue conceluedthis fmallPoemey 
 intituled by a general! name of the worlds 
 Knincs: yet fpeciallie intended to the renol^-- 
 7/7 ing of that noble race ^ from '^hich both you 
 andhe f^rong^ and to the eterni'^ng of fome 
 of the chief e of them late deceafed. The Iphich 
 
The Epidlc 
 
 I dedicate Vrito your La. aslvhome itwofi 
 
 Jpectallie concerneth:andto l£>home ^ ac- 
 
 kjioVpledge myfelje boundcn^ by mame 
 
 JtngularfaHoms <(s* great graces. 
 
 ^^ray for your Honourable 
 
 haffinejje:^ fohumblie 
 
 kjjje your haudes^ 
 
 Your Ladi(hips cucr 
 
 humblie at commaund^ 
 
 B, S. 
 
ITchaiincedmeoddaybcfidctheffiore ' ^ 
 Of filticr ftreaming ThurHefis to bee. 
 Nigh where the goodly Verlame flood ofyotc. 
 Of which there now remaines no meaiorie^- 
 Nor anie little moniment to fee, ^ ' 
 By which the trauailer,that fares that way. 
 This once was flie,aiay warned be to fay. 
 
 There on the other fide,I did behold 
 A Woman fitting forrowfuUie wailing. 
 Rending her yeoIowlocks3lilc<? wyrie golde. 
 About her fhoiilders carelcilie do wne trailing, 
 And ftreames of teares fro her faire eyes forth rai- 
 In hctright hand a broken rod fhe held, (ling. 
 Which towards heaucn (hee feemd on high co 
 
 (weld. 
 
 Whether fhc were one of that Riuers Nytiif^hes^ 
 Which did the loffe of fomcdere loiielamenr, : 
 I doubti or one of thofe three fatall Impes, 
 Which draw the daycs of men forth in extent; 
 Or th'auncienc Geriins of that Crtie brent : 
 But feeing herfo pitcouflie perplexed, 
 I (to her calling) askt what herfo vexed. 
 
 Ah what delight (quoth fhc) in earthlie thing, 
 Or comfort can I wretched creature haue f 
 Whofe happincsthc heauens enuying. 
 From highcft ftaire to lo weft llep me drauc. 
 And haue in mine owne bowels made my graue. 
 That of all Nations now I am forlorne, . • , , - 
 The worlds^ fad ft)e6lacle,and foit unes Ccoihi:.^ " ' 
 
 B Much 
 
Trhe.%uines of Time. 
 
 Much was I mooucd at her piteous plaint. 
 And felt my heart nigh riiicn in my breft 
 With tender nuh to fee her foreconftraint. 
 That fheddingtcares awhile I ftilldid reft, 
 And after did her name ot her requcft. 
 Name haue I none (quoth (he) nor anie being. 
 Bereft of both by Fates vniuft decreeing. 
 
 I was that Citie,which the garland wore 
 Of BWrrf/wfi pride^deliuered vnto me 
 By Romane Viftors,which it wonne of yore 5 
 Though nought at all but ruines now I bee. 
 And lye in mine ownea(hes,asye fee : 
 Verlame I was*, what bootes it that I was, 
 Sith now I am but wcedesand waftfuU gras^ 
 
 O vainc worlds glorie,and vnftcdfaft ftate 
 Of all that hues, on face of finfuU earth. 
 Which from their firft vntill their vtmoft date 
 Taft no one hower of happincs or merth. 
 But likcas at the ingate of their berth. 
 They crying creep out of their mothers woomb. 
 So wailing backe go to their wofull toomb. 
 
 Why then dooth fle(h,a bubble glas of breath. 
 Hunt after honour and aduauncemcnt vaine. 
 And rearea trophee for deuouring death. 
 With fo great labour and long lafting paine. 
 As if his daies for euer (houid remaine f 
 Sith all that in this world is great or gaie. 
 Doth as a vapour vanifli,and decaic. 
 
 Lookc backe,who ]ift,vnto the former ages. 
 And call to count, what is of them become : 
 
 " Where 
 
The ruines of Time. 
 
 W here be thofe learned wits aiidanriqucSages, ^ * 
 W hich of all wifedomc knew the pcxtcA fomnK:' '" 
 Where thofe great warriors, which did oiierconinic 
 The world with conqueftof their might and maine. 
 And made onq mearc of th'ear^h &: ot their rained 
 
 What nowe is ohh'^ffyrian Lyonefle, 
 Of whome no footing now on earth appeares> 
 W hat of the Perfian Beares outragioufneffe, 
 Whofe memorie is quite worne out with yearcs/ 
 Whoof thcGrcrc/rf«Libbardnow oughtheares, ^ 
 That oucrran the Eafl: with greedie powre. 
 And left his whelps their kingdomcs to deuoure.^ 
 
 And wliere is that fame great fcuen hcadded beaft^ ' 
 
 That made all nations vaflals ot her pride, 
 
 To fail before her f ecte at her beheaft. 
 
 And in the necke of all the world did ride^ 
 
 Where doth flie all that wondrous welth nowe hide? 
 
 With her own weight down preffed now fhee lies. 
 
 And by her heaps her hugeneffe teftifies. 
 
 O iJowe thy mine I lament and rue. 
 
 And in thy fall my fatall ouerthrowe, 
 
 That whilom was, whilft heauens with equall vcwe 
 
 Dcignd to behold me,and their gifts befto we. 
 
 The pifture of thy pride in pompous (hew: 
 
 And of the whole world as thou waft the Empreffe, , 
 
 So I of this fmall Northerne world was Princeffe, 
 
 To tell the beawtie of my buildings fayre, 
 
 Adornd with pureft golde, and precious ftonej 
 
 To tell my richeSjand endowments rare 
 
 That by my foes are now all fpent and gone; 
 
 ' 1 B 2. To 
 
^he mines of Time. 
 
 To tell my forces inatchablc to none. 
 Were but loft iaboar,that few would belecuc. 
 And with rehcarfing would mc more agreeiic. 
 
 High towers^fairc temples,goodly theaters. 
 Strong walls,rich porchcs,princclie pallaccs. 
 Large ftreetes^^brauc hdufes^Cicred Icpulchers, 
 Sure gates, fweete gardcns^ftatcly galleries, 
 Wrought with faire piIlours,and fine Imageries, 
 All thofe Co pitie) no w are turnd to duft> 
 And oucrgrowen with blacke obliuions rull. 
 
 Therctoo for warlike powcr,and peoples flore. 
 In Briramne was none to match with mec , 
 That raanie often did abic full fore : 
 Ne Troytjouafjt^ihough elder fifter fhec. 
 With my great forces might compared bee > 
 That ftout Vcndragon to his perill felt. 
 Who in a fiege feauen yeres about me dwelt. 
 
 But long ere this Bmducn Britonnefle 
 
 Her mightie hoaft againft my bulwarkes brought, 
 
 Bunducdy that viftorious conquereflc. 
 
 That lifting vp her braue hcroick thought 
 
 Boue wbmens weaknes,with the Romdrtes fought, 
 
 Fought,and in field againft them thrice preuailcd : 
 
 Yet wasfliefoyld,when asfhemeaflailed. 
 
 And though at laft by force I conquered wcrq j , ^^ ^ 
 Of hardie 5^ftA;ow,and became their thrall/ '' ' 
 Yet was I with much bloodlhed bought full dcerc> "7 
 And prizde with flaughter of their Gcnerall : 
 The monimept of whofc fad funerall, 
 
 ' - .': ' For 
 
7heT(uines of l^tme. 
 
 For wonder of the world, long in me lafted ; 
 
 But now to nought through fpoylc of time is wafted- 
 
 Wafted itis.as if it neuer were. 
 
 And all the reft that me fo honord made. 
 
 And of the world admired eu'rie where. 
 
 Is turnd to fmoake^that doth to nothing fade; 
 
 And of that brightJiesnow appcares no fhade. 
 
 But grciilie (hades,fuch as doa haunt in hell 
 
 With fearfuU fiends,that in deep daiknes dwell. 
 
 Where my high fteeples whilom vfde to ftand. 
 On which the lordly Faulcon wonttotowre> 
 There now is but an heapof lyme and (and. 
 For the Shriche-owle to build her balef uU bowre : 
 And where the Nightingale wont forth to powrc 
 Her reftles plnints^to comfort wakeful! Louers> 
 There now haut yelling Mc wes 5c whining Plouers. 
 
 And w here the chriftall thtimis wont to Aide 
 In filuerchannell,downe along the Lee, 
 About whofe flo wrie bankes on either fide 
 A thoufand Nymphes,with mirthfuU ioUitce 
 Were wont to play,from all annoyance frees 
 There now no riuers courfe is to be feene. 
 But moorifh fennes,and marfhcs aier grecne. 
 
 Seemes^that that gentle Riucr for great grief c 
 Of my mi(haps,which oft I to him plained j 
 Or for to fhunnethc horrible mifehiefc. 
 With which he faw my cruell foes me pained. 
 And his pure ftreames with guikles blood oft ftained. 
 From my vnhappic neighborhood farre fled. 
 And hisfweetc waters away with him led. 
 
 B ^ There 
 
^rhe ruin es of Time. 
 
 There alfo where the winged (hips were fecnc 
 In liquid wanes to cut their fomic waic. 
 And thoufand Fifhcrs nurahred to hauc been. 
 In that wide lake looking for plenteous praie 
 Of fift, which they with baits vfde to bciraic. 
 Is now no lakc,noranicfifhers ftore> 
 Nor euer fhip (hall faile there anie more. 
 
 They all are gone,and all w ith them is gone, 
 Ne ought to me remaines, but to lament 
 My long dccay,which no man cisdoth mone. 
 And mourne my fall with dolefull drcrimcnc. 
 Yet it is comfort in great languifhmcnt. 
 To be bemoned with compafsion kinde. 
 And mitigates the anguifti of the m[inde. 
 
 But me no man bewailetb,buc in game, 
 Ne fheddeth tcares from lamentable cic : 
 Noranie Hues that mcntioneth my name 
 To be remembred of pofteritie, 
 Sauc One that maugre fortunes iniurie. 
 And times decay jand enuies crucll tort. 
 Hath writ my record in true-feeming fort. 
 
 Camhden thenouriceof antiquitie. 
 And lantcrne vnto late fucceeding age, 
 Tofecthelightoffimplcvcritic, v 
 Buried in ruines,through the great outrage 
 Of her owne people^led with warlike rage, 
 C^wWe/;,though time all moniments obfcure. 
 Yet thy iuft labours euer (hall endure. 
 
 But whic (vnhappic wight) doo I thus crie^ 
 And gricuc that my remembrance quite is raced 
 
 Out 
 
^he "^ines of Ttme, 
 
 Out of the knowledge of poftcritic. 
 And all my antique monimcnts defaced > 
 Sith I doo dailic fee things highcft placed. 
 So foone as fates their vitall thred haue fhornc. 
 Forgotten quite as they were neuer borne. 
 
 It is not long,fince thefc two eyes beheld 
 
 A mightie Prince,of moft rcnowmed race, . 
 
 Whom E^/^Whigh in count of honour held. 
 
 And greateftones did fue to gainc his grace? 
 
 Of greateft ones he greateft in his place, 
 
 $ate in the bofome of his Soueraine, 
 
 And Jli£?t and loyall did his word maintaine. 
 
 I faw him die,I faw him dic,as one 
 
 Of the meane people,and brought foorth on beare , 
 
 I faw him die.and no man left to mone 
 
 His dolefull fate> that late him loued dearc : 
 
 Scarfcanicleft toclofehiseylids nearej 
 
 Scarfeanieleltvponhis lipstolaie 
 
 The facrcd fod^or Recjuiem to faic. 
 
 O trufllefleftateof miferable men. 
 That builde your blis on hope of earthly thing, 
 And vainly thinke your felues halfe happie then, 
 Whenpainted faces with fmooth flattering 
 Doo fawne on you^and your wide piaifes fing. 
 And when the courting masker louteth lowc. 
 Him true in heart and truflie to you trow. 
 
 All is but fained,and with oaker dide. 
 That cucrie fhower will wafhand wipe away, - 
 Ailthingi doo change thdc vndcr heaucn abide, 
 Aud after death all fricndfliip dothdecaic. 
 
 There. 
 
^rhe ruines ofl^ime. 
 
 Therefore what cner man bcarft worldlic fway^ 
 LiuingjOn God,and on thy felfe relie j 
 For when thou dieft,all (hall with thee die. 
 
 He now is dead,andall is with him dead. 
 Sane w hat in heauens ftorehoufe he vplaid ; 
 His hope is faild,and conae to pafTe his dread. 
 And cuill men now dcad^his deeds vpbraid : 
 Spite bites the dead,that lining ncuer baid. 
 He now is gone,the whiles the Foxe is crept 
 Into the hole^the which the Badger fwept. 
 
 He now is dead^and all his glorie gone. 
 And all hisgrcatnes vapoured to nought^ 
 That as a glaffe vpon the water (hone. 
 Which vanilht quitc,fo foone as it was fought i 
 His name is wornc alreadie out of thought^ 
 NeaniePoct feekes him to reuiue 5 
 Yet manie Poets honourd him aliuc. 
 
 Nc doth his Co^/>/,careleire Colin Clcute^ 
 
 Care now his idle bagpipe vp to raife, 
 
 Nctell his forrow to the liftning rout 
 
 Of (hephcrd groomcs,which wot his fongs to praife: 
 
 PraiCc who fo lift,yct I will him difpraife, 
 
 Vntill he quite him of this guiltie blame : 
 
 Wake (hep heards boy^atlength awake for (hame. 
 
 And who fo els did good^ics by him gaine. 
 And who fo els his bounteous mindcdid trie. 
 Whether he (hepheard be,or (hepheards fwaine^- 
 (For manic did^which doo it now denie) 
 Awakp,and to his Song a part applie : 
 
 And 
 
n.n 1 
 
 The T^uinesofT^ime. 
 
 And IjChc whilcft you mourne for his deccafc, ** 'vH 
 Will with my mourning plaints your plaint incrcafc^^ 
 
 He dydc^and after him his brother dydc. 
 His brother Prince,his brother noble Pecrc» 
 That wbilfte he liued,was of none cnuyde, 
 Andidead i > now,as liuing,countcd deare, 
 De^rc vnto all that true affcclion beare : 
 But vnto thee mod deare,6 dearcft Dame, 
 His noble Spoufe,and Paragon of fame. 
 
 He whilcft heliued,happie was through thee. 
 And being dead is happienow much morej 
 Liuing,thathncked chaunft withrhee to bee. 
 And deadjbtcaufe him dead thou ddft adore 
 Asliuing^nd thy loft deare louedeplore. 
 So whilft that thou,faire flower ofchaftitiej 
 Doft liue,by thee thy Lord ihall neucr die. 
 
 Thy Lord ftiallneuerdie,the whiles this vcrfc 
 
 Shall hue^and furely it fliall liue for euer : 
 
 For euer it (hall liue,and fhall rehearfe 
 
 His worthic praifc,and vermes dying nciier. 
 
 Though death his foule doo from his bodie feuer. 
 
 And thou thy fclfe herein fhaltalfo line; ^'•■ 
 
 Such grace the heauens doo to my verfesgiue, 
 
 Ne (hall his fifter^ne thy father die, 
 
 Thy fatherjthat good Earle of rare rcnownc. 
 
 And noble Patrone of wca ke poucrtie 5 
 
 W hofe great good deeds in countrey and in tovvne 
 
 Hauepurchaft him in hcauen an happic crownc ; 
 
 W here he now liueth in ctcrn^il blis, 
 
 And left his fonnci'enfuc thole ftcps of his. 
 
 C The 
 
ne %mrjes of Time. 
 
 He noble bud,his Grandfircs laielie hay re, 
 Vnder the (hado w of thy couiitcnauiicc 
 Now ginncs to ftiootc vp iaft^and flourifli fayrc 
 In learned artes and goodliegouernauncc. 
 That him to higheft honour fhall aduaunce. 
 Braiie Impeof Bedford, grow apace in hountie. 
 And count of wifedome more than of thy Conntie. 
 
 Ne may I let thy husbands filler die, 
 
 That goodly Ladie,(ith (he eke did fpring 
 
 Out of this ftocke,and famous famihe, 
 
 W hofe praifes I to future age doo fing, 
 
 And foorth out of hei happie womb did bring 
 
 The facred brood of learning and all honour ,* 
 
 In whom theheauenspowrdcall their gifts vpon her. 
 
 Mofl: gentle fpirite breathed from aboue. 
 Out of the bofome of the makers blis. 
 In whom all bountie and all vertuous louc 
 Appeared in their natiuc propertis. 
 And did enrich that noble brcaft of his, 
 Withtreafurcpafsingall this worldes worth; ' ^* . ^^^ 
 Worthie of heauen it felfc:,which brought it forthr 
 
 His blcffcd fpirite fuUcf power diuinc 
 And influence of all celcft lajl grace. 
 Loathing this fintuU earth and carthlic flime, 
 Hed backe too foonc vnto his natiue place> 
 Too foone for all that did his loue embrace. 
 Too foonc for all this wretched world,whom ht 
 Robd of all right and true nobilitie. 
 
 Yet ere his happie foule to heauen wc nt 
 Out of this flefhlic goale,he did dcuifc 
 
 Vnto 
 
.The^B^nes of Time. 
 
 Vnto his hcaucnlic maker to prcfcnt 
 
 His bodic,as a fpotlcs facrififc; 
 
 And chofc.that guiltic hands of enemies 
 
 Should powre forth th offring of his giiiklcs blood : 
 
 So life exchanging for his countries good. 
 
 noble fpirite,liue there euer bleffed. 
 
 The worlds late wonderland the heauens new ioy^, / 
 Liue euer there^and leaue mc here diftrcflcd n 
 
 With mbrtall cares.and cumbrous worlds anoy. 
 But wherethou doft that happincs enioy. 
 Bid mc,6 bid me quicklie come to thee. 
 That happic there I maie thee al waies fee* 
 
 Yet whileft the fates affoord mevitall breath, 
 
 1 will it fpend in fpeaking of thy praife. 
 And fing to thee,vntill that timelie death 
 
 By heauens doomc doo ende my earthlie daies : 
 Thereto doo thou my humble fpirite raifc. 
 And into me that facred breath infpire. 
 Which thou there breatheft perfeftand entire. 
 
 Then will I fing,but who can better fing. 
 Than thine o wnc fifter^peerlcs Ladle bright. 
 Which to thee fings with deep hatts forrowing, 
 Sorrowing tempered with dearc delight. 
 That her to hearc I f ecle my feeble fpright 
 Robbed of fenfc, and rauilhed with ioy, 
 O fad ioy made of mourning and anoy. 
 
 Yet will I fing,biit who can better fing, 
 Than thou thy fclfe,thineowne felfcs valiancc. 
 That whileft thou liuedft,raadefl the forrcfts ring. 
 And fields rcfovvndjandllockes to leap and dauncc, 
 
 C^ And 
 
Hoe "T^mnesof T'ime. 
 
 And flicpheards leauc their lambs vntotnifcbaiwice. 
 To runne thy fhrill ^rcadiauPipc to heare : 
 O happie wercihofe day es,thnce happic were. 
 
 But now more happie thoujand wetched wee. 
 Which want the wonted fweemcs of thy voice* 
 Whiles thou now in Elifian fieldyfo free, 
 W^ith Orphensy^nd wich LinMs,2ind the.choicc 
 Of all thatcuer did in rimes reioyce, 
 Conuerfeft>and dooft heare their heauenliclayes, 
 Anrf they heare thine^nd thine doo belter praifc. 
 
 So there thou liueft^nging euermore> 
 
 And here thou liueft,bcingeuer fong 
 
 Of vs,which lining loued thee afore. 
 
 And now thee worfliip,niongft that blefTcd throng 
 
 Of heauenlie Poets andHeroesftrong. • > 
 
 So thou both here and there immortalJ afrt/ 
 
 And cucrie where through excellent dcfafu 
 
 But luchas neither of thcmfelues can fing. 
 Nor yet are fung of ochciis for reward^ 
 Diein obfcureobliuion,asthe thing, c, ^ - 
 Which neucr was,ne euer with cegard//o ctiif' ; i 
 Theirnamesihallofthe later agebcheaidj^ ^^ ^" * ' 
 But (hall in ruftie darknes cucr lie, 'i ^f imv 
 Vnles they mentiond be wich Wardie; :^fi on 
 
 W nat bootetli u tp.haue bccniKJi aj,i)ie i^^ yoi Ul O 
 What to be great > whntrobegracious.*' 
 Whenafter death ho token doth rurwiii^ : * ^^ 
 Offorn>er beingiathismottallhQUS, • '' '■''^'' <•■""' 
 But llcepps in duftiicaidandingbriousj 
 
 Inh J Like 
 
Like bcaft^whofe breath but in his noflrclsis. 
 And hath no hopeof faappincfleorblis. 
 
 How manie great ones may remenibrcd bc> ^ 
 W hich in their daics moft fanaoullic did flor iftj 
 Of whomc no word we hcare, nor figne now fcei 
 But as things wipt out with a fponge to pcri(he> 
 Becaufe they huing, cared not to cheriftie 
 No gentle wits, through prid^ or toaenize. 
 Which might thca? names for cuer memorize. 
 
 Prouide thereforefye Princes) whilft ye Hue, 
 
 That of the Mufes ytmzy friended bee>.^.tp,.j ^,,^ \^,/ 
 
 Wliichyntoxnqncternitie dogiuc? s^^^Huhiv/ viK 
 
 For they be daughters of Dame memorfc. 
 
 And louQ the father of eternitie. 
 
 And do thofe men in golden thrones rcpofe> 
 
 Whofc^ipcrits they to glorificdo chofe. ' ' 
 
 The feuen fold y ron gates of griflieHeil, 
 
 And horrid houfe of fad V refer pina. 
 
 They able are with power of mightie fpcll 
 
 To breake^and thence ;he.foulcs to bringawaic^j^ ^^y 
 
 'd^ 
 
 i 
 
 Out of dread darkcneffe, to etcrnall day. 
 
 And them immortall make^wbich ek would ctet 
 
 In foule forgetfulncffe, and oamclcs lie. 
 
 So whilome raifed they the puiflant brood .q 
 
 Of goIdcn:gjrtw^ic«u?a<r^.for great n?^erite, ci'mliiO 
 Out of the Qiift, to which the Oet^aji wood 
 Had him confum'd^and fpent bis vitallffpirite: 
 To higheftheauen,wherenowhedothinheritc ^ 
 AllhappiiTefTeinH^ivjfiluerbowre,. " ' ''"2 
 
 Chofen to be her^arcft Paramourc. ^ 
 
 C 3 So 
 
ne %mnes of Time. 
 
 So raifdc they eke fairc Ledaei warlick twinncs, 
 And interchanged life vnto them lent, 
 That when th one dics,th'othcr then beginncs 
 To (hc\v in Hcaucahts brightncs orient; 
 And they,forpittic6fth'c fad waymcnt. 
 Which Orphcm for tttrydicc did make. 
 Her back againe to life fait for his fake. 
 
 So happic are thcy,and fo fortunate, 
 
 W hom the Pierian facred fifters loue. 
 
 That freed fcom bands of impacable fate, 
 
 And power of dcath,thcy liuc for aye aboue, 
 
 W here morrall wrcakes their blis may not remouc: 
 
 But with the Gods, for former vertues meedfi 
 
 On l>IcSldrzndi ^mhrofui do feedc. 
 
 For deeds doe die, how euer noblic donne> 
 And thoughtsof mcndoasthemfeluesdecay^ 
 But wife wordes taught in numbers for to runne, 
 Recorded'by the Mufesjiue for ay -, 
 Ne may with ftormingihowcrsbc waflit away, 
 Ne bitter breathing windes with harmfiill blaft. 
 Nor age^nor enuie ihall them ciier waft. 
 
 In vainc dbo earthly Princes thcn,in vainc 
 Seeke with Pyramides, to heauen afpired ,• 
 Or huge Coloffes,built with coftlie paine ; 
 Or brafen PiUours,neuer to be fired y 
 Or Shrincs,madeof the mettall moft defired ; 
 To make their memories for euer liue: 
 For how can mortall immortalitie giue. 
 
 Such one Munfolm made,the worlds great wonder. 
 
 But now no rcmnan? doth thereof remainc : \ 
 
 ^? " ": Such 
 
Such one ManellHFyhM was torne with thunder : 
 Such one Lififff>us^nx is worne with raine : 
 Such one King Edmcndybut was rent for gaine. 
 All fuch vaine nionimcnts of earthlie maflcj 
 Deuour d of Timc^in time to nought doo pafle. 
 
 But fame with golden wings aloft doth flie^ 
 Aboue the reach of ruinous decay. 
 And with braue plumes doth beate the azure skie, 
 Admir'd of bafe-borne men from farre away : 
 Then who fo will with vertuous deeds affay 
 To mount to hcauenpn Pe^afus mpft ride. 
 And with fwecte Poets verfe be glortfide. 
 
 Fornot to haue been dipt in Lethehkc, 
 Could faue the fonnc oirhetis from to die,' 
 But that blindebarddid him immortall make 
 With vcr(es5dipt in dcawof Caftdic: 
 Which made theEafterneConqucrourto crie^ 
 O fortunate yong-man^whofc vertue found • 
 So braue a Troff|pe,thy noble afts to found. 
 
 Therefore in this halfe happic I doo read 
 
 Good AJeh[>^,ih2Lt hath a Poet got. 
 
 To fing his liuing praifcs being dead, 
 
 Defcruiug neuer here to be forgot. 
 
 In fpight of enuie,that his deeds would fpot : 
 
 Since whofc dcceafcjlearning lies vnregarded. 
 
 And men of armes doo wander vnre warded. 
 
 Thofe two be thofe two great calamities. 
 That long agoe did gricue the noble fpright 
 Of Salomon with great indignities » 
 Who whilomc wasaliue the wifcft wighc. 
 
 Buf 
 
l^he ^iinesofTime. 
 
 But now his wifcdome is difprooiied qiiiicj 
 
 For he that now welds all things at his Willi • ? 
 
 Scorns th'onc and th'other in his deeper fldll. 
 
 O griefe of griefes, 6 gall of all good heartes* 
 To fee that vertiie (hoiild difpifed bee 
 Oi him, that firff was raifde for vcrtuous parts, 
 A nd now broad fprcading like an aged tree. 
 Lets none (hoot vp, that nigh him planted bee: 
 O let the man,of whom the Mufe is fcorned. 
 Nor aliue>nor dead be of the Mufe adorned. 
 
 O vile worldstruft, chat witn luch vamc illunon 
 Hath fo wife men bcwitcht, andouerkeft. 
 That they fee not theway of their confiifion, 
 O vainclTe to be addedto the reft, -y : '. 
 That do my foiile with inward griefe infcft: 
 Let them behold the piteous fall of mee: 
 And in my cafe their o wne enfample fee.** . 
 
 j';->' 
 
 And who fo els that fits inliigheft feate 
 
 Of this worlds glcrie,worfhipped of all, 
 
 Ne fcareth change of time,nor fortunes threatc, 
 
 Let him behold the horror of my fall. 
 
 And his owne end vnto remembrance call; ^ 
 
 That of like ruine he may warned bee^ 
 
 And in himfelfebe'moou dtopitticmcc. 
 
 Thus hauingcnded all her piteous plaint, 
 With dolcfuU fhrikcsftccvanifhcdaway. 
 That I through inward forrowcwcxciifarnt,^ 
 And all aftonillicd withdecpc difmayv '?^ ? 
 For her dcparturc^had no word to fay.' 
 
 BttC 
 
^he l^nes of Time. 
 
 But fate long time in fenceleffe fad affright. 
 Looking ftilljif I might of her hauc fight. 
 
 Which when I mifled^hauing looked long. 
 My thought returned greened home againc. 
 Renewing her complaint wiiii pafsiionftrong* 
 For ruth of that fame womans piirous painc; 
 Whofe wordes recording in my troubled braine, 
 I-felt fuch anguilh wound my feeble heart, 
 That frofen horror ran through euerie part. 
 
 So inlie grecuing in my groning breft. 
 And deepelie muzing at her doubtfuU fpeach, 
 Whofe meaning much I labored foorth to wrcft(?, 
 Beingabouemy flenderrcafons reach; 
 At length by demonftration me to teach. 
 Before mine cies flrangc fights prefented werc^ 
 Like tragickc Pageants fccming to appcare. 
 
 I fa wan Imagc,allof mafsiegold. 
 
 Placed on high vpon an Altarc faire. 
 
 That all,which did the fame from farre bcholdc, 
 
 Might worfhip it,and fall on loweft ftaire. 
 
 Not that great Idoll might with this compairc. 
 
 To which i\i ^ffyrian tyrant would haue made 
 
 The holic brethren/alflic to haue praidj 
 
 But th'Altare,on the which this Image itaid. 
 Was (6 great pitie) bu lit of brickie clay, " 
 That fhortly the toundation decaid, 
 Vy ith (howrcs of heaucn and tempcfts worneaway. 
 Then downc it fcli,and low in afhcs lay, 
 :. D Scor- 
 
Hoe "^B^tnes of Time. 
 
 Scorned of euerie one, which by it wcnti 
 That I itfeiagjdearcliedidlancient. 
 
 Jslcxt vntC) this a ftatelieTowre appeared. 
 
 Built all of richefl ftonc, that might bee found. 
 
 And nigh vnto the Heauens in height vpreared. 
 
 But placed on a plot of fandie ground; 
 
 Not that great Towrc> which is £o much rcnownd 
 
 For tongues conf ufion in holic writ. 
 
 King Ninm worke might be compar'd to it, 
 
 But.6 vainc labours of terrefttiallwir. 
 That buildes fo rtronglieon fo frayle a foylc^» 
 As with each ftorme does fill away, and flit, 
 Andgiuesthe fruit of all your trauaiks t oyle^ 
 To be the pray otTyme,ancl Fortunes (poyle; 
 1 faw this Towre fall fodamlie to duft, ^ 
 That nigh with griefe thereof my heart was bruil* 
 
 Then did I fee a pleafant Paradizc, 
 
 Full oHwcete flowrcs and dainticft delights. 
 
 Such as on earth man could not more denize. 
 
 With pleafures choyce to feed his checrcfuU fprightsj 
 
 Not that, which aW/« by his Magicke flights 
 
 Made for the gentle fquire, to entertainc 
 
 His fayrc Bdphoehc^ could this gardine llainc. 
 
 Buto fliort plcafure bought with lading paine> 
 Why will hereafter anie flefti delight 
 In earthlie blis> and ioy in pleafures vaine^ 
 
 Since 
 
The l^nesofTime. 
 
 Since that I fawc this gardine wafted quite. 
 That where it was fcarce fccmed anie (ightf 
 That I5 which once that beaiitiedid bcholdc. 
 Could not from tcares my melting eyes with-holdc. 
 
 Soone after this a Giaunt came in place^ 
 Of wondrous power,and of exceeding ftarurc. 
 That none durft vcwe the horror of his face. 
 Yet was he milde of fpeach, and mcekc of nature. 
 Not he,which in defpightof his Creatour 
 With railing tearmcs defied the Icwifh hoaft. 
 Might with this mightie one ii] hugencs boaft. 
 
 For from the one he could to th'other coaft. 
 Stretch his ftrong thighes>and tlj'Occ2Ean ouerftridei 
 And reatch his hand into his enemies hoaft. 
 But fee the en3 of pompe and ficftilicpridci 
 One of his fcete vn wares from him did flidci 
 That do wne hec fell into the decpc Abiffe, 
 Where drownd with him is all his earchlie WifTe. 
 
 Then did I fee a Bridge, made all of goldc, 
 Ouer the Sea from one to other fide, 
 W ithouten prop or pillour it t Vpholde, 
 But like the coulored Rainbowe arched wide: 
 Not that great Archc,with Trdian edifide. 
 To be a wonder to all age enfuing. 
 Was macchable to this in equall vewino-. 
 
 D 2 But 
 
^he %mriesofTime. 
 
 But (ah) what bootes ic to fee carthlie thing 
 In glorie,or in grcatnes to exccll, 
 Sith time doth grcntefl things to mine bring ? 
 This goodhe bndge,one foote not fafined well, 
 Gan hile^arjd all the reft do wnc (hortlie fell, 
 Ne of fo braue a building ought remained. 
 That gricfe thereof my fpicite greatly pained*. 
 
 I faw two Beares^as white as anie milke. 
 
 Lying together in a mightie caue. 
 
 Of milde a(^ft,and haire as foft as filke. 
 
 That faluagc nature feemed not to haiie^ 
 
 Nor after grcedie fpoylc of blood tacraue : 
 
 Two fairer beafts might not clfwhere be found. 
 
 Although the compaft world were fought around. 
 
 But what canlongabide abouc this ground 
 
 In (late of blis,or ftedfaft happinefle J* 
 
 The Caue, in which thefe Beareslay fleeping found,, 
 
 Was but carth.and with herowne weightineUe 
 
 Vpon them fell,and did vnwares opprcfIe> 
 
 That for great forrow of their fudden fate, ' 
 
 Henceforth all words felicitie I hate. 
 
 ^Much was I troubled in my heauie fprighr^ 
 At fighrof thefe fad fpc(ClacIes forepaff. 
 That all my fenfes were bereaued quight> 
 And I in mindercmained foreagaft, 
 Diftraught twixt fcare and pitiei when at laft 
 I heard a voyce, which loudly to me called. 
 That with the fuddein fhnll I was appalled. 
 
 . Behold 
 
The T^uines of Time. 
 
 Behold (faid it) and by cnfamplc fee. 
 
 That all is vanitic and griefe of minde, 
 
 Ne other comfort in this world can be,. 
 
 But hope of heaiien,and heart to God inclindc; 
 
 For all the reft miifl needs be left bchinde : 
 
 With that it bad me^to the other fide 
 
 To caft mine eye,where other fights I fpide f 
 
 ^Vpon that fanaous Riuersfurther (hore. 
 
 There flood a fnowie Swan of hcauenly hitw. 
 
 And gentle kinde,as euer Fowle afore ; 
 
 A fairer one in all the goodlic eric w 
 
 Of white StrimotiUtt brood might no man view : 
 
 There he moft fwealy fung the prophecic 
 
 Of his o wne death in doletuU Elegie. 
 
 At laft,when all his mourning melodic 
 
 He ended had,that both the fhoresrefounded. 
 
 Feeling the fit that'hirr>forewarnd to die, 
 
 W ith loftie flight aboue the earth he bounded. 
 
 And out of fight to higheft heauen mounted : 
 
 Where now he is become an heauenly figne 5 
 
 There now the ioy is hisjicre forrow mint. 
 
 Whileft thus I looked, loc ado wne the Lecy 
 I fawc an Harpe ftroong all with filuer twy nc. 
 And made of goldeand coftlieyuorie, 
 Swimmingjthat whilome feemed to haue been 
 The harpc^on which Iktn orfheus was feenc 
 
 D 3 Wyldc 
 
l^he ^iines of Time. 
 
 Wylde bcafts and forrcfts after him to lead. 
 But was tlVHarpc of Philifides now dead. 
 
 Aclength.out of the Riuer it was rcard 
 
 And borne abouc the cloudcs to be diuin'd, . |; . ^, 
 
 W hilfi: all the way moft heauenly noyfe was hcarJ 
 
 Of the ftrings,{lirred with the warbling wind. 
 
 That wrought both ioy and forrow in my mind : 
 
 So now in heaueo a Cgne it dothappeare. 
 
 The Haipc well knownebefide the Northern Bcnre* 
 
 Soone after this I faw on th'other fide, 
 
 A curious Coffer made of Heben wood, 
 
 Tiiat in it did moft precious treafurc hide. 
 
 Exceeding all this bafer worldes good : 
 
 Yet through the ouerflo wing of the flood 
 
 It almofl drowned was,and done to nought. 
 
 That fight thereof much grieu'd my pcofiuc t/ioughc.' 
 
 Atlength whrn moffinperill it^^asbroisgfir. 
 Two Angels downcdcfccnding with fwiftfltghti 
 Out of the fwelling ftreanie it lightly caught. 
 And twixt their blefledarmes it carried qn/ght 
 Aboue the reach of anie lining fight : 
 So now it is tranfform'd into thatftarrc, 
 I) which all heauenly treafures locked are. 
 
 Looking afide I faw a ftately Bed, 
 Adorned all with coft ly cloth of gold. 
 That might for anie Princes couche be red. 
 
 And 
 
^he ^iner o/Ttrne. 
 
 And dcckt with daintieflowres»asif it fbold 
 Be for fome bridc^her ioyous night to bold : 
 Therein a goodly Virgine flccping lay ', 
 A fairer wight faw neuer fumraers day. 
 
 I heard a voycc that called farrc away 
 And her awaking bad her quickly dight. 
 For lo her Bridegromc was in readie ray 
 To come to her^and feeke her loues delight : 
 With that fhc ftarted vp with cherefull fight,^ 
 W hen fuddeinly both bed and all was gone ? 
 And I in languor left there all alone. 
 
 Still as I gazed J beheld where flood 
 
 A Knight all arm'd,vpon a winged fteed. 
 
 The fame that was bred of Medufaes blood. 
 
 On which Dan Perfeus borne of heauenly feed. 
 
 The fairc Andromeda from perill freed : 
 
 Full mortally this Knight y wounded was, 
 
 That flrcames of blood foortb flowed on the gras. 
 
 Yet was he deckc (fmall ioy to him alas) 
 
 With manie garlands for his viftories. 
 
 And with rich fpoylesjwhich late he did purchas 
 
 Through braue atchciucments from his enemies ; 
 
 Fainting at laft through long infirmities. 
 
 He fmoce his fteed,that ftraight to heaucn him borCs 
 
 And left me here his lolie for to deplore. 
 
 6 
 
 Laftly I faw an Arke of pureftgoldc 
 Vpon a brazen piUour (landing hie, 
 W hich th a(kes fcem'd of fome great Prince to hold, 
 
 Endofdc 
 
^he %uines of Time. 
 
 Enclofde therein for endles mcmoric 
 Of him, whom all the world did glorifie : 
 Seemed the heauens with the earth did difagrce* 
 Whether (hoiild of ihofe a(hes keeper bee. 
 
 Atlaft me feem'd wing footed Mercuric^ 
 From heauen defcending toappeafe their ftrife. 
 The Arke did bcare with him aboue the skie. 
 And to thofe afhes gauc a fccond life, 
 To Hue in heauen,where happinesis rife : 
 At w hich the earth did grieue cxcccdmgly. 
 And I for dole wasalmoft like to die. 
 
 L : Envoy. 
 
 Immortall fpiritcof Vhilifides^ 
 Which now art made the heauens ornament. 
 That whilome waft the worlds chiefll richest 
 due leaue to him that lou'de thee to lament 
 His lonc>by lacke of thee to heauen hent. 
 And wicKlaft duties of this broken verfc. 
 Broken with fighes>to dccke thy fable Herfe. 
 
 Andye faire Ladie tlVhonor of your daies. 
 And glorie of the world, your high thoughts fcorne i 
 Voucbfafe thismonimentof his laftpraife, 
 With fomc few filuer dropping teares t'adorne : 
 And as ye be of heauenlieotffpring borne. 
 So vnto heauen let your high mmdeafpire. 
 And loath this drofle of finfuil worlds dcfire* 
 
 I^INIS. 
 
THE 
 
 TearesoftheMu- 
 fes. 
 
 By Ed. Sp. 
 
 
 
 London. 
 
 Imprinted (or Ff^i/Iiam 
 
 Poffoftlne, dwelling in Paules 
 
 Churchyard at the (igtic of 
 
 the "Btjhops head. 
 
TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE 
 
 theLadie Strange. 
 
 Ofi braue and noble Ladte^ the things 
 that make ye fo much honored of the 
 '^orld as yebeey arejueh^ as (^ith^ 
 out my fimfle lines tejlimonie ) are throughlie 
 kpo'^en to all men i namely ^ your excellent beau^ 
 tte^youryertuous behautor^^your noble match 
 Uptth that mo^ honourable Lord the ^erie 7a^ 
 terne of right V^btlitte : "But the caufes for 
 Iphichye haue thus defer ued of me to be honoured 
 (if honour it be at all) are^both your particular 
 bounties yAnd alfojomepriuate bands ofaffimttei 
 '^htch It hath pleafedyour Ladip?ip to ackpow^ 
 ledge. Of which Ifihenas I found my fe If e in no 
 fart li^orthiey I deutfed this laH (lender meanesy 
 both to intimate my humble affeUton to your La-- 
 difhip and alfo to make the fame njniuerfallie 
 kpoloen to the 'Vporld-.that by honouring you they 
 might knoli? me^ and by knolving me they might 
 honor you. ZJoucbfafe noble Lady tvac,cept this 
 fimple remebrance^thogh not Ivorihy ofyourfelf^ 
 yet fuch^as perhaps by good acceptance therof^ye 
 may hereafter cull out ^ more meet i^memmabU 
 euidence of your o'^n excellent dejerts. So recom- 
 mending the fame to your Ladijh'tps goodhkingy 
 f humbly take leaue. 
 
 , f - Your La : humbly cuer. 
 
 *•' ^ Ed, Sp 
 
The l^e/tre^oftheMufes. 
 
 REIiearfctomc ye facvcd Sifters pine: 
 The goMcn brood of great ^polloes Wit, 
 Thole piteous plaints and forowfiill fad tine* 
 Which late yc po wred forth as ye did fit 
 BefiJe thefiluer Springs oiMicojjCy 
 Making your mufick of hart-breaking mone. 
 
 For fincc the time that Vhcchus fooHft fonne 
 Ythundered through loues aucngefull wrath. 
 For traucrfki'g the charret of the Sunne 
 Beyond the compafle of his pointed path, 
 Otyou his tnournfull Sifters was lamented. 
 Such mournfull runes were neuer fince inuentcd* 
 
 Nor fince that faire Callwpe^dvdiloic 
 Her loued Twinnes,the dearlings of her ioy. 
 Her PaliciyW horn her v n k i n dly foes 
 Thcfatall Sifters,did for fpighrdcftroy. 
 Whom all the Mufesdid bewailebngfpacej 
 Was euex heard fuch wayling in this plaec. x 
 
 For alt their groues, which with thcheatjenly hoyfcs 
 Of their fweete inftruments were wt)m to found. 
 And th'hoUow hills^f rom which their filucr voy ccs 
 Were wont redoubled Echoes to rebound. 
 Did now rebound with nought but rufull cries, ' 
 Andyellingftirieksthrownevp into the Ikies. 
 
 The trembling ftrcamcs which wont in chanels clearc 
 To xomble gently downc with murmur foft,' ' 
 AAd were by theirvright tnnefull f aup^ht to beare 
 A Bafes^part amongft their conforts oft ; 
 Now forft to oucrHowc with brackifti teares. 
 With troublous noyfe did dull their daintie cares. 
 
 T^"^75'(!crrrj 1 . ftj7::cY . The 
 
, The T cares, of the Mujes. 
 
 The ioyons Ny mphcs and lightfoore Faeries ^ M 
 
 Which thether came to licare their aiufickfwcet, ' ' 
 
 And to the meafure of their melodies 
 
 Did learne tamouc their nimble fhifting fcctc ; 
 
 Now hearing them fo heauily lament. 
 
 Like heauily lamenting from them went. 
 
 And all that els was wont to workc delight 
 Through the diuine infufion of their skill. 
 And all that els fcemd faire and frefh in fighi". 
 So made by nature for to ferue their will, 
 Was turned now to difmall hcauineffc. 
 Was turned now to dread full vglifiefle. 
 
 Ay mcvyhat thing on earth that all thing breeds. 
 Might be the caufe of fo impatient plight f 
 What f urie,or what feend with felon deeds 
 Hath ftirred vpfo mifchieuous defpight J* 
 Can griefe then enter into hcauenly hans. 
 And pierce iramortallbreafts WMth morcall fmarts ^ 
 
 Vouchfafeyetbcn^whom oncly itconcernes. 
 To rac thofe fecrec caufes to difplay ; 
 For none but you ^or who of you it learnes 
 Can rightfully arcad fodolefull lay. 
 Begin thou eldcfl Sifter of the crew. 
 And let the reft in order thee enfe w. 
 
 Hearethou great Father of the Godson hie 
 That moft art dreaded for thy thundcrdarts : . 
 And thou our Syrethat raignft in CaflaUe 
 And mount Parn^Jfc ith^Gpd oi goodly Arts ; 
 
 E 3 H,carc 
 
^he T^earcs of the ^^^Tvfujes. 
 
 Hcarc and behold the miferablc ftatc 
 Of vs tby daughtcrs,dolefull defolatc. 
 
 Behold the fowlc reproach and open (harac» 
 The which is day by day vnto vs wrought 
 ' ByfuchashatechchonoLirofoLir nanic^ 
 The foes of learning,and each gcnde thought ; 
 They not contented vs themfclucs to fcorne, 
 Doo feeke to make vs of the world forlorne. 
 
 Ne onely they that dwell in lowly dufl:, 
 Thefonnes of darknesand of ignoraunce; 
 But they,whom thou great Ions by doome vniull 
 Didfl: to the type of honour carft aduauncc ; 
 They now puftvp with fdeignfull infolence, 
 Defpife the brood of bleffed Sapience. 
 
 The feiUaries of my celeftiall skill, 
 That wont to be the worlds chicfc ornament^ 
 And learned Impcs that wont to (hoote vp ftill. 
 And grow to hight of kmgdomesgouernment 
 They vndcrkeep,and with their fpreddingarmes 
 Doo beat their buds,that perifti through their harmes/ 
 
 It inoft behoues the honorable race 
 Of mightiePecres,true wifedometofuftainc. 
 And with their noble countcnauncetograce 
 The loained foihcads, without gifts or gaine : 
 Or rather learnd thcmfelucs behoues to bee; 
 That ii the girlond of Nobilitie. 
 
 But (ah) all othcrwife they doo efteemc 
 Of th'heaucnly giftof wifdomcs influence, 
 And to be learned ita bafe thiAg decme ; 
 iiJfc-jH ' r • Bafe 
 
Ihe Teares of the (^IKiufes. 
 
 Bafe minded they that want intelligence : 
 
 For God himfelfe for wifedomc moft is praifcd. 
 
 And men to God thereby are nighcft raifed. 
 
 But they doo onely ftriiic themfelues to raifc 
 
 Through pompous pride,and foolifli vanitic 5 
 
 In th'eyes of people they put all their praifc. 
 
 And onely boaft of Armes and Aunceftrie : 
 
 Bur vertuous deeds, which did thofe Armes firft giuc 
 
 To their Grandfyres^thcy carenottoatchiue. - '' ■■ 
 
 So I,that doo all noble feates profefle 
 To regifterjand found in trump ot gold > 
 Through their bad dooings,or bafe ilothfulncffe> 
 Finde nothing worthic to be writ,or told ; ^■ 
 
 For better farrc it were to hide their namcs^ 
 Than telling them to blazon out their blames. 
 
 So (hall fucceedingages haue no light 
 Of things forepaft,nor mcnimcnts of time. 
 And all that in this world X'^ worthic higfat 
 Shall die in darkneire,and lie hid m flimc : 
 Therefore I mournc with deep harts forrowing^ 
 Bccaufe I nothing noble haue to fing. 
 
 W ith that (he raynd fuch (lore of (breaming tearcs? 
 That could haue made a ftomc heart to weep. 
 And all her Sifters rent their golden faeares^ 
 And their fairc faces with fak humour ftcep. 
 So ended Ihcc : and then the next anew. 
 Began her gricuous plaint as doth enfew. 
 
^he Teares of the Mufes , 
 
 Melpomene. 
 
 O who ftialLpowre into my fwoUen eyes 
 A fea of teares that neuer may be drydc, 
 A brafen voice that may with (hriUiiig crycs 
 Pierce the dull heauciis ^nd fill the ayer wide, 
 And yron fides that fighing may endure. 
 To wailc the wretchcdnes of world impure? 
 
 Ah wretched world the den of wickedncffc, 
 Deformd with filth and fowle iniquitie; 
 Ah wretched world the hoiife of heauincflca 
 Fild with the wreaks of mortall mifcrie; 
 Ah wFerched worlds and^all that is therein 
 The vaflals of Gods wrath,andilaucs of fin. 
 
 Mod miferabic creature vnder sky 
 
 Man without vnderfl:andingdoth appeare; 
 
 For all this worlds affli&on he thereby. 
 
 And Fortunes freakes is wifely taught to beare: 
 
 Of wretched life the onely ioy (hee is. 
 
 And tti only comfort in calamities. 
 
 Shearmes thebreft witli co^aftanir patience^ 
 Againfl: the bitter thro wes of dolours darts. 
 She folaeeth with rules of Sapiencfe" '-n^'n " ' 
 The gentle minds, in midflof worJdiiefiTiarts: 
 When he is (ad,(hee feeks to maikc himmerie. 
 And doth rcf^cih his fprigbts when rbey be weric^ • 
 
 jdut he that is ofre^foris skill bereft^ ..; )- 
 And wants the fl:a& ojf wifedome him to ftay,' 
 h UJ^q'^^Oup in midll of tcmpefl left 
 Witliourcn helmc or Pilot her to fway. 
 
 Full 
 
The T'earesoftheMufes. 
 
 Full fad and dreadful! is that Ihips cucnt : 
 So is the man that wants intendimcntv 
 
 Whie then doo foolilh men fo much defpizc 
 The precious Hofe of this ccleftiall riches ^ 
 W hy doo they banifh vs, that patronize 
 The name of learning? Mod vnhappie wretches^ 
 The which lie drowned in deep wretchcdnes* 
 Yet doo not fee their owne vnhappines. 
 
 My part it is and my profeffed skill 
 The Stage with Tragtck buskin to adornc. 
 And fill the Scene with plaintand outcries flirill 
 Of wretched perfons,to miffortune borne : 
 But none more tragick matter I can finde 
 Than this^of men depriu dof fenfeandrainde. 
 
 For all mans life me feemes a Tragedy j 
 Full of fad fights and fore Cataftrophees J 
 Firft comming to the world with weeping eyc> 
 Where all his daycs like dolorous Tropliees, 
 Arc heapt with fpoyles of fortune and of fearc. 
 And heat laft laid forth on balcfuU bearc. 
 
 So all with rufuU fpcdacles is fild 
 
 Fit for Megera or Per/ef?hone > 
 
 But I that in true Tragedies am skild^ 
 
 The flo wre of wit^finde nought to bufie me : 
 
 Therefore I mourne^and pitiftilly mone, 
 
 Bccaufe that mourning matter I haue none. 
 
 Then gan flic wofuUy to waile^and wring 
 Her wretched hands in lamentable wife ; 
 And all her Siflcrs thereto anfyvcring. 
 
 F Threw 
 
T^hejTeares off he Mufes. 
 
 Threw forth lovvd (liriefa and dreric dolctiill cries. 
 So reftcd (he : aiid thcii the next in rcw. 
 Began her gricgovis plaint as dodi enfcw* 
 
 rl^jidVV 
 
 Where be the fwcete delights of learnings treafure,. 
 That wont with Comick fock to beautefie 
 The painted Theaters >apd fill with plcafurc 
 Theliftners eyes,and eares with melodie; 
 In which 1 lace was wont to rainc as Qiieenc, 
 And roaske in thirth with Graces well bcfecne ^ 
 
 O all is goncand iall that goodly glee, 
 Whichwonttobctheglorieolgay wits^ 
 Is layd abed>and no where now to fee ; 
 And m her roome vnfcemly Sorrow fits. 
 With hollow browes and greifly countenaiince> 
 Marring my ioyous gcnde dalliaunce* 
 
 And him befide fits vgly Barbarifme, 
 And bauilTiIgnorance,y crept of late 
 piitof dredd darkties ot the deep Abyfme, 
 Where being bredd^hc light andheauen does hate : 
 They in the mindes of men no w tyrannize, 
 And the faire Scene witbrudenes foule difguizc. 
 
 All placesthcy with foUie hauc poflcfl". 
 And with vainc toycs the vulgarc entertaine v 
 But me haue banilbedjwith all the reft 
 That *?vhilome wont to wait vpon my trains. 
 Fine Counterfefaunce and vnhurtfnll Sporr^ 
 Pelighc and Laughter deckc in feemly iort. 
 
 All 
 
The T'eares of the Mufeil: 
 
 All chcfe,and all that els the Comick Stage ,^.,^y^ 
 With feafoncd wit and goodly plcafancc graced s 
 By which mans life in bis likcfl image 
 Was limned forch,are wholly now defaced s 
 And thofe fweete wits which wont the like to frames 
 Are now defpiz;d,and made a laughing game. 
 
 And he the man,whom Nature felfc had naadc 
 To mock her felfe^and Truth to imitate. 
 With kindly counter vndcrMimick (hade. 
 Our pleafent Wftf)', ah is dead oflate : 
 With whom all ioy and iolly merimcnt 
 is alfo deaded^andiQ^doloiir drent. 
 
 In i^ead thereof fcofjSng Scurcilitic* 
 
 AndfcornfuU FoUic with Contenipt is crept, 
 
 Rolhng in rymcs of fhamelcs ribaudric 
 
 Without regard, or due Decorum kept. 
 
 Each idle wit at will prefumcs.to make, . , 
 
 And doth the Learncds taskc vpon him take. rl\ 
 
 But that lame gcnric Spirit,frotii whpfc pen 
 Large ftrearaes of honnieand fweete Neftar flowc, 
 Scorningtheboidnes'of fucbbafe. borne menj 
 Which d^rc their folUeiforthforaihliethriowcii^rjx 
 Doth rather chojoi'e to fit in idle Cclii 
 Than fo himfelfe toiiiQckcxie tofell* 
 
 Soamlmadirihcferuantofthemanie, vr 
 
 And laughing ftocke of all that lift to fcorne. 
 Not honored nor cared for of dnie > 
 But loath'd of lofelsasa thiug fodorne : 
 Therefore I mournc and forro w widi the rdt, 
 VmiU my ciufcof forrow be redrcft* 
 
 ' p^ There- 
 
^hefTearesofthe Mufesv 
 
 Therewith fhc bwdly did lament and fhrikc,. . 
 Pouring forth ftreames of tcarcs abundantly, 
 And all ner Sifters with compafsion like, 
 The breaches of herfingulfs did fupply. 
 So rcfted (hec : and then the next in re w j > . > . , 
 Began her grieuousplaint,asdothenfcw. ' ^ -- 
 
 S'uterpe. 
 
 Like as the dearling of the Summers prydc, 
 Fairc philomcle^wben winters ftormie wrath 
 The goodly fields, that earft fo gay were dyde 
 In colours diuers, quite defpoyled hath. 
 All comfortleffe doth hide her chearlefle head 
 During the time of that her w ido whead : 
 
 So we,that earft were wont in fweet accord 
 All places with our pleafant notes to fill, 
 Whileft fauourable times did vs afford 
 Free hbertie to chaunt our charmes at will : 
 All comtortleffe vpon the bared bow. 
 Like wofull Culuers doo fie wayling now. 
 
 For far more bitter ftorme than winters ftowrc 
 Thebeautie of the world hath lately wifkd. 
 And thofe frcfti buds,which wont fo faire to flowrc^ 
 Hath marred quite,and allthcicblofToms blafted : 
 And chofeyongplatSjwhich wont with fruit t'aboudj^ 
 Now without truitebileaueis are to bdjfound. , » 
 
 A ftodiccoldnefle hath benumbd the fence hoVt 
 And liuelie fpiritsof each liuing wight, \)[ 
 
 And dimd With dtttkneffe their intelligence,^ 
 Darkncfle more than CywrW4;//dayrienight? 
 
 c I ' " And 
 
The Teares of the Mufes. 
 
 And monftrous error flying in the ayrc. 
 Hath maid the face of ail that femed fayre. 
 
 Image of hcUifli horroiir Ignorance, 
 Borne in the bofome of the black ^hy[fc^ 
 And fed with furies milkc, for fuftcnaiince 
 Of his weake infancie, begot amiffc 
 By yawning Sloth on his owne mother Night; 
 So hee his fonnes both Syre and brother hight. 
 
 He armd with blindneflc and with boldnes ftout, 
 (For blind is bold) hath our fayre light defaced; 
 And gathering vnto him a ragged rout 
 Of Fumes 2^^ Satyns^ hath our dwellings raced 
 And our chart bowers,in which all vertue rained^ 
 With brutifhnefle and beaftlie filth hath ftained. 
 
 The facred fprings of hotfefoot Helicon^ 
 So oft bedeawed with our leai'ncd layes, 
 ' And fpeaking ftreames of pure Cajlalion^ 
 The famous witneffe of our wonted praife. 
 They trampled haue with their fowle footings trade. 
 And like to troubled puddles haue theni made. 
 
 Our pleafantgroues, which planted were with paineSj 
 
 That with our mufick wont fo oft to ring. 
 
 And arbors fwect,in which theShepheards fwaines 
 
 Were wont fo oft their Paftoralls to fing. 
 
 They haue cut downe and all their pleafaunce mard^ : 
 
 That now no paftorall is to bee hard. 
 
 In ftead of them fowle Goblins and Shriekowlcs, 
 With fearful! howling do all places filh 
 JSnd feeble £cc/;o now laments and howlcs, 
 
 .--t ~ F 5 The 
 
 I 
 
T^he Teares of the Afufcs, 
 
 The dreadf ull accents of their ouj:cncs flirill. 
 
 So all is rurncd into wildcrnciTc, 
 
 Whilcft ignorance the Mufes dothoppreffc. 
 
 And I whofe ioy was earrt with Spirit full 
 To teach the w>irbling pipe to found aloft, 
 My fpiiits now difmayd with foitow dull, 
 Doo mone my mifcrie in filencc foft. 
 Therefore I mourne and waile inccflantlyj 
 Till pleafc the heauens afFoord me remedy. 
 
 Therewith (hec wayled with exceeding woe 
 And pitious lamentation did make. 
 And all her fifters feeing her doo foej 
 With equall plaints her forrowe did partake- 
 So refted (hee;and then the next in re w. 
 Began her grieuous plaint as.dpth enftw. 
 
 W ho fo hath in the lap of foft delight 
 Beenelong time luld, and fed with plaafuresfwcct* 
 Fearele3 through his own fault or Fortunes fpighc, 
 To tumble into forrow and rcgrcetj 
 Yf chauuce him fall into calamitic, 
 Findcs greater burthenof his mifcrie. 
 
 So wee that carfl in iay ance did abound 
 
 And in the bofome of all blis did fit. 
 
 Like virgin Queencs with laurell garlands cround^ 
 
 For vertues meed and ornament of wit. 
 
 Sith ignorance our kingdomedid confound* 
 
 ^cc now bccopae njoft wretched wightes^on ground : 
 
 I. And 
 
^he T^eares of the Mufei[ 
 
 And in oui* royall thrones wliich lately flood 
 
 In th'hcarts of men to rule thecn carefully^ 
 
 He now hath placed his accurfed brood. 
 
 By him begotten of fowlc infamy,* 
 
 Blind Error, fcornef ull Follie,and bafc Spighc, 
 
 Who hold bywrongjthat weeftould haiie by right- 
 
 They to the vulgar fort now pipe and fing, 
 And make them merrie with their fooleries, 
 They chcrelic chaunt aad rymes at randon fling. 
 The fruitfoll fpawne of their ranke fantafics: 
 They feede the eares of'fooles with flattery. 
 And good men blame, and lolels magniiy: 
 
 All placesiliey doo with theirtoyes poflTcfle, 
 And raignein likingof the multimdc. 
 The fchooles they fill wixh fond newfanglencflie. 
 And fway in Coim with pride and rafhnes rude,- 
 Mongflfimple fiiepheards they do boaft their Ikili, 
 And fay their mufickc matcheth Phoebus quill. 
 
 The noble hearts to pleafures they allure. 
 
 And tell their Prince that learning is but vainc, 
 
 Faire Ladies loues they fpot with thoughts impure. 
 
 And gentle miodes with lewd delights diftainc: 
 
 Clerks they CO Joathlyidlenes entice, ' 
 
 And fill their bookes with difdpline of vice. 
 
 ^-i"'i" 
 So cuery where.they rule and tyrannize. 
 
 For their vfurpcd kingdomes maintenaunce. 
 
 The whiles we filly Maides, whom they difpizc. 
 
 And with rcprochfull fcome difcountenaunce> 
 
 From our ownenaiiuc heritage exilde. 
 
 Walk through ibe worldofcucry one rcuildc. 
 
 Nop 
 
The Teares of the Mufes. 
 
 Nor anic one doth care to call vs in, 
 Oronce vouchfafcth vs to cntcrtainc, 
 Vnlefl'e fome one perhaps of gentle kin. 
 For pitties (akc compaffion our paine; 
 And yeeld vs fotne reliefe in this diftrcflc. 
 Yet to be fo rclieud is wretchedneffe. 
 
 So wander we all careful! eomfortleffe. 
 Yet none doth care to comfort vs at all; 
 So fecke we helpe our forro w to redrcfle. 
 Yet none vouchfafes to anfwerc to our call: 
 Therefore we mourne and pittilefle complaine, 
 Becaufe none lining pittieth our paine. 
 
 With that file wept and wofuUie waymented, 
 That naught on earth her griefe might pacific; 
 And all the rcrt her doJefuUdin augmented, 
 W ith (hrikes and groanes and grieuous agonie. 
 So ended fliec : and then the next in rew, 
 Began her piteous plaint as doth enfew. 
 
 Erato 
 
 Ye gentle Spirits breathing from aboue, 
 Whereyein VenrntAim bowre were bred^ 
 Thoughts halfe deuine full of the fire of loue. 
 With beawtie kindled and with pleafure fed, 
 W hich yc now in fecuritie poffeffe, 
 ForgetfuU of your former heauineflTe : 
 
 Now change thetenor of your ioyous layes. 
 With which ye vfeyourloues to deifie. 
 And blazon foorth an earthlic beauties praifc, 
 Aboue the compafTe of the af ched fkie ; 
 
 Now 
 
Now change yourpfaifes inte piteous c^^SkJ^\ny][ y^ 
 And Eulogies turnc into Elegies. )2 ys^ ^Az bn A 
 
 Such as y c wont wlicnas thoft bitter Roiiritb ' 
 Of raging louc firft gan you to toru^tjm,'* - > /^ 
 
 And launch your hearts vy:ith lan3cniAW€<>5''W9^. , ., ^ 
 Of fccrct forro w and fad Jaiigu jflOTent>; w mod w m 
 Before your Loucs did take you vnto graqc » - 
 Thofe now renew as fitter for this pkcc. 
 
 For I that rule in mcafurcriioafcratc 
 
 Thetcmpeftofthaiftocmfepafsion, , o '.;.:■ 
 
 And vfc to paint in rimes the troublous ift^ 
 
 OfLouerslifeinhkcrtfafiiion^ >' ' 
 
 Amputfcom pradltfeatmy kindlie skiHi 
 
 Baniflit by thofe that Lcwe withleawdjpe:5filK 
 
 T .P^vt: , . jrlrTiifi\^ihbAi.V-/JVj::,r ;;br!i\ 
 
 Loue wont to be fchoolmaiter ofrny skill, 
 
 AndthedcuicefuU matter of my foilg; 
 
 SweeteLoucdaioydof villanicor ill. 
 
 But pure and fpotles,as at firft he fprong ' 
 
 Out of th'Almighties-bofome,wherc he nefts v 
 
 From thence infufcdiintq morrall brcfts. 
 
 Such high conceipt oFthat celeftiall fire, 
 The bafc-borne brood of blindncs cannot geffe, 
 Nc euer dare their dunghill thoughtsafpirc 
 Vnto fo loftie pitch of perfeftneffc^ 
 But rime at riot,anddoo rage in loue j 
 Yetlittle wote whvdotlj ^hcretaheliouc... : 
 
 .- ■^'. -. v ) ' ■• -v. . 
 
 Faire Cytherec the Mother of delight. 
 
 And Quceric oi bcautie,now thou maifiigopackj 
 
 For lo thy Kingdome is defacd quight, 
 
 G Thy 
 
7he ^edre^ oftheMufes.^ 
 
 Thy fccptartbnt,abd pd^cr putt<) vvrack?!^n;;fh vroVI 
 And thygay SontKvhat-wingedGod of Lone, - A 
 May now gpe pru ne hi$ pi ijjncs li ke ruffed Done. 
 
 And ye three Twills to lighrijyTOrw^^bronglit^ .<,» 
 Thefweerecompartic^nsofthcMufeslatc, :A 
 
 From whom what ettcrthingisgoodly thought tO 
 Doth borrow gcace, the fancie to aggrate y 
 Go beg with vSjand be compaaions full ^ 
 
 Asherctoforeof 2ood/o now.of ill. it 
 
 For neither you nor w« fiiaKasnie more '^^ f^* ']frr. ^ 
 Finde enrerta!h!nent,br in Court or Schobhjt^i 3iv i- ^ 
 For that which was accounted heiretoforci'i i i^uoJ '( 
 ThelearnedsnkcdjisiiiowlcntEothe toolcjoiijf'^ r - . 
 Hefings ofloue,andtiiakcth lcttiuiglayes>hb vcl 3 
 
 And they him.hearej,aiid thcyhim bkhly. prayfc, 
 
 ^ m ^ .. i^i •T/.fjfoo:nl '.'ViV.i /fiov; 
 
 With that ftepowtcd f(X)ttha hararkifhfJoocl jni biu\ 
 Of bitter teares,ai;rf made exceeding^ moricgK J om^ml 
 Andallher Sifters feeing her fad moodii.:! hvA^r^nyi Jufl 
 With lowd laments her snfwcred all at;oncl;\'f 1 ■ io JuC) 
 So ended Ihc : and then the ircxtinixwi « ■ . \ * ;: ^ •'I 
 
 Began her erieuous plaiot^as doth cafc\v» 
 
 Calltofe. -i turned-: icd^ 
 
 To whom fliall I my euill cafe cothplhine, 
 Or telltbeanguifliof my in ward (mart, 
 Sith none is Ictt to remedie my paihe. 
 Or deigncsxo piiie a perplexed hart v 
 But rather feckes my forrd W to augrbent 
 With fowlc reproach,and crucll banilhmCDt. 
 
 For 
 
, ^e Teares of the Mufk. 
 
 For they to Wlioml vfcd toapplic i t^rij oioouriT 
 The faithfull fcruice of my learned ski!t rrjBJog huh 
 The goodly off^fpringot/o«r^ pro'genid^ '^v7oh;,rlT 
 That wontchcworld with famous iS»loifiUiffj LnA 
 Whofe liuingpraiXcs iojhcroickftyle* \ bf:r.uul):>t^ 
 It is my chicfe p^ofefsipil cocoropylci >.i/b bn A 
 
 They all corrupted through the ruft of tit«4, ; j^l 
 
 That dothalj t^irell^hingsoHeaUtl^^cfacCil iHw .juA 
 
 Or through v;inobleflpih,orfinfuy,<;rinMtti en I iV\Z 
 That doth dcgcpcrat^ the ppblc, race,* : >• { 
 
 Hauc botkiJcfi^G of vvonhic deeds forlornc, ! 
 
 AodiWfii? pfilc^f^ing yttcrly doo fcorne, 
 
 Nedooife^pii^cto^^uethcjaunccftrie - jivriT 
 Qf ^h'old Heroes meinprizde anew, 1 v^HT 
 
 Nc doo they care that late poftcriiic "'/iriA 
 
 Should know their names^ot* fpeak their praifes dewT : 
 But die forgot from whenceatficft they fp'^ong, 
 As they themfehjtes (halbc fprgpt er^ long. 
 
 W hat bootcs it then to come frpm glorious 
 Forefathers,or to hauc been nobly bredd ^ 
 What cddcs twixt Irussind o\Aln<tchusa. 
 Twixt beft and wpri},when both alike are dedd; 
 If none of neither mention fhould make. 
 Nor out of d^ft their memories a wake ^ : 
 
 Or who would euer care to doo braue deed, 
 Or ftriuc in venue others to excell ; 
 If none (hould yecld him hisdeferued meed, 
 Duepraife^thnc is thefpur of doping well J" 
 For if good were not praifed more than ill. 
 None wpuld chppfc gpodnes of his o wee freewill. 
 
 G i Theie- 
 
Therefore the nurfe of yertoc I am htght. 
 And golden Trompetof ctcrnitie, * 
 
 That lowly thoughts lifx vp to heauens highr, 
 And mDxt^ll men haiie powre to dcifie : T 
 
 Bitcchm and Hmdcs I raifd' t<> hcaucn, V 
 
 And CharUnMinel'^taou^Q.xht Starris fcauco. - 
 
 # 
 
 But now I will my golden Chrion rend. 
 And will hencefbtrh infknortalizcnornorer 
 Sith I no m6r^e fiilde wbrthie to commend 
 For prize of value, dr foi- learned lore V - - ->^ 
 For noble Pce^e^whoni I was wont totdtfe, ' ' 
 Now onely feeke forpleafure,nought forpraife. 
 
 Their gteat reuenu^s alli^^fu^pttkni j'p»^ ^'^^ ^^ 5. 
 They fpend,that itbtfght tb^karningrficy may fp a^^;? 
 And the rich fee which Pocts^ wont diuide, ^ 
 
 Now Parafites and Sycd^phafits dooftlarc; 
 Therefore J mourneandi^ndlcffc forrow iwakc. 
 Both for my felfe aiid fpr my Siftcrs-fek^i 
 
 With that (he lowdly gan to waile and (hrike> 
 And from her eyes af fea of leatcs did powre. 
 And all her fifters with eompafsion like. 
 Did more increafe the fharpnes of her fhowrc. 
 So ended (he:and then the next in rcw 
 Began her plaint^as doth herein erifew. 
 
 What wrath of Gods;or wic^^ked influence ' 
 
 Of Starres confpiring wretched men t'afflift. 
 Hath po wrdon earth thts noyous peftilcnce^ 
 That oKbrtall mindcs doth in wardly infcft 
 
 ^A.^ii: ^: -^ With 
 
^he Teare^of theMufes. 
 
 Withlpueofblindncflreandof ignoraacc, : 
 To dwell in darkeneffe without &)uei'ancc> 
 
 VV hat difference t wixt man and beaft is left. 
 When th'heaucnhc light of knowledge is put but, - • 
 And th'ornaments of wifdonie are bercfte 
 Then wandreth he in error and in doubt, 
 Vnwcetirigofihe danger bee is in, i^.ri 
 Througbfleflies frailtic anddcceiptoffiii. 
 
 In this wide world in which they wretches ftray, ^ 
 
 It is the onelic comfort which they haue. 
 
 It IS ^heir lights their loadftarrc and their dayj 
 
 Bu^fteil aaddarkeneffeandthegrifliegraue . 
 
 Is ignorance* the enemieofgracc^-. :. ,; i 
 
 That mmdes of me^' borne lieaiKiiliedoth dcbace. 
 
 Through knowledge we behoH the worlds creation^ 
 
 How in his cradlefirft he foftred was; T 
 
 And iudge ot Natures cunning operation. 
 
 How things (he formed of a formeleffc mas: 
 
 By knowledge wee do learne our felues to knowe. 
 
 And what tomanjand w iiat to God wee owe. 
 
 From hence wee mount aloft vnto the fkie. 
 
 And lookc into the Chriflall firmament. 
 
 There wc behold the heauens great Hierarchic^ 
 
 The Starres pure light, the Spheres fwift moucment. 
 
 The Spiritcs and Intelligences fayic, 
 
 And Angels vyaightmg on th' Almighties chay re. 
 
 And therewith humble roindeand high infiahr, 
 Th'cternall Makers maieftic wee vie we, 
 Hisloue, his truth, his glorie,and his might, 
 
 ' "' G 3 And 
 
And mcrcic more than mortall men can vcw, 
 
 foucraigne Lord, 6 foiieraigne happincffc 
 To fee thee, and thy,mcrcie meafiucleilc: 
 
 Siidhhappincshiae they, that doof embrace 
 
 The precepts of rfiy heaueoUe difcipliuc; "^\ 
 
 But fhame aad foiiow and accurfed cafe - • 
 
 Haue thcy> that fcorne the fchoole of arts ditrfrtc. 
 
 And banifhjA^ whichidb profeffe the skill 
 
 To make men beauenlywifc^ through humbled will. 
 
 How euer yet they mee defpife and fptghc, 
 
 1 fecdeon fweet concemmcnrof my thought. 
 
 And plcafc my fclfe with mine o wnc (cife-.deligfit, ^^ 
 In contemplation ofcthing&hcaucnlie wrought: ^ i 
 So loathing earthil looke vp to the sky. 
 And being driuenhpcc I thetherfly. 
 
 Thence I behold the miferie of men , 
 
 W hich want the Wis that wifedom would the breed, 
 
 Afld like brute bcafts doolie in loathfome den> 
 
 Of gfaoftly darkenes^nd of gaftlic dreed: 
 
 For whom I mourne and for my felfe complaine. 
 
 And for my Sifters cake whom they difdaine. 
 
 With that flice wept and waild fo pityouflie. 
 As if her eyes had beenc two fprmging wells: 
 And all cbc reft.her forrow to fupphc. 
 Did throw forth (hrieks and cries and drecry yells. 
 So ended jEhce, and then the next in re w. 
 Began her mournfiill plaint as doth cnfcw, 
 
 A dolcfqil cafe deCres^ doleful! f ong, - . 
 
 r - ' Without 
 
T^heT^earesofthe ^^SK'tufeu 
 
 Without vaine art or curious complements, \W\\j tnO 
 And fquallid Fortune into bafcnes flong, , i « : rrr f>n A 
 Doth fcorne the pride of wonted ornaments. i T 
 
 Then fitted are thefe ragged rimes for mcc* ^J^oqqut! 
 To tell my forrbwes that exceeding bee: !^ibrio oH 
 
 For the fwect numbers and melodious mealiircs. 
 
 With which I wont the winged words to tie, 
 
 And make a tuneful! Diapafc of pleafurcs. 
 
 Now being let to runne at libertic i \ 
 
 By thofe w hich hiue no skill to rule thcni right, W 
 
 Haue no w quite loihhcir naturall dchght. 
 
 Heapes of huge words vphoorded hideoufly. 
 
 With horrid found though hauiiig litdc fence . . ,: 
 
 They thinke to be chiefe praife of Poetry » . v . umbA 
 
 And thereby wanting due intelligence, :\\'-A r!-^ Ir! V/ 
 
 Haue mard the face of goodly Poefie> . 
 
 Andmadeamonflerof theirfantafiei;i.(if. \ bal\ 
 
 ^TiM-t • ''^^ uw..v-^-'mIi:.ui!r^^ ailoT 
 
 Whilom in ages pair none might proreflc 
 
 But Princes and high Priells that fecret skill. 
 
 The facrcd lawes therein they wont expreilc. 
 
 And with dcepe Oracles their vcrfes fill: ' . jii.:. 
 
 Then was (bee held in foucraigncdignitie, . rhiw :^ ' 
 
 And made the noiufling of Nobiluie. . ^T4 h<^ ' . 
 
 But now nor Prince nor Pricft doth her maintaync, 
 
 Butfufierhcrprophaned fortobecc'^*^^* '^ '" 
 
 Of the bafe vulgar, that with hands vhciBtJe ; - < ^^ 
 
 Dares to pollute her hidden myfterie. t! |lr K, A 
 
 And treadeth vnder footc bir holie things. 
 
 Which was thccarc of Kcfarsand of Kings. 
 
I 
 
 T:he Teares of the Mufes . 
 
 One onclie Hues, her ages ornament. 
 
 And myrrour other Makers maicftics 
 
 That witli rich bountie and deare chcriflitncnr. 
 
 Supports thepraife of noble Poeficri ■ .i. 
 
 Ne onclie tauoursthetn which itprofeffc^ ;^:i oT 
 
 But is her feUe a pecrdcs Poecrefle. 
 
 Moft pcercks PrincCjmoft peereles Poetreffe, 
 
 The true Pandora ot all heauenly graces, 
 
 Diuinc Ehfa^ facred En:ipere(Ie: 
 
 Line fhcforeucr, and her royall Places a 
 
 Be fild with praifes oi diuineft wits. 
 
 That her eternize with their heauenlie writs. 
 
 Some few befldc, this facred (kill eftemc* • / 
 
 Admircrsofherglorioasexcellence, T 
 
 Which being lightned with her beawties bcmcf 
 Are thereby fild with happie influence: 
 And lifted vp abouc the worldes gaze, a 
 
 To fing with Angels her immortall praize. 
 
 But all the reft a§ borne of faluage brood. 
 And hauing beenc with Acorns alwaies fed; 
 Can no whit fauour this celeftiallfood. 
 But with bafe thoughts arc into blindnefle led. 
 And kept from looking on the lightforoe day: 
 For whorne I waile and wecpeall thati may. 
 
 Eftfooncs fuch ftoreof teares (bee forth did powre, 
 As if fhee all to water would hauc gonei 
 And all her fifters feeing her fad fto wre. 
 Did weep and wailc and made exceeding mone: 
 And all their learned inllruments did breakc, 
 Thf £jrt vntold no lowing tongue can fpeake. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 hi «uu. 
 
VirgiU (jnat. 
 Long fincc dedicated 
 
 To the moH noble and excellent Lord^ 
 the Earic of Leiccftcr>]atc 
 dcceifed* ' ' 
 
 ji- 
 
 W'B^n£d]yifnii iari^^iieipreffemyfaine, 
 Toy OH (gre^t Lord)thec4uferofmy carf, 
 Jn €lo^£etearefmy tdfe I thus ccmfUine 
 VfttoyoHrJelp,th4t onely f rime are: 
 
 Bnt if that arty O cdipus vnware 
 ShaUch/iHnceythroHgh fo^er ofpmedimmttgjpright. 
 To reade thefecrete ofthir riddle rare, 
 nyind knoVfi the fur forte of my entS plight^ 
 
 Let him reft pleafedwith his owtie inpght, 
 T^firtherfieke togloje vpon the text: 
 Forgriefi enough it is togrieued wight 
 Tc fiele hisf4Hlt,4ndnot be further vext. 
 
 Bat ^hatfi by myfelfe may not be pjowen,, 
 tJflay by this Gnatts complaint Be eajtly ino^en* 
 
 H VYc 
 
'E noS^. J^auid playdc^^^^w) wantonly. 
 Tuning our fong vnto a teSder Mufc, 
 %^X "^^Andji^acobN^pb Wcauingflenderly^ ^y 
 rtauc onely playde:lcc thus much then c,xcure 
 This Gnats rfryairpobfe'e,i!Hatt!lwW6k? birtory 
 Is buta ieft,though enuibij^Jniic.f' 
 But who (uch fports and fweet deHghts doth blame. 
 Shall lighter feeme than this Gnats idle name. 
 
 Hcreafcer, yyheh as(|9afoii more fcctirc j 
 
 Shall bring forth fruitjthislMi^^^^ - 
 
 In bigger notcs,that^rnay thy fenfe allure. 
 And tor thy worth frame fome fitPoefie, 
 The golden offpring of Latona pure. 
 And ornament of great /c«tfi progenici ; 
 phoeb^f^ fhall be the autlior of rriy fo A^, ' ; 
 Playing onyuorie harp with filucr flrong. 
 
 He (hall infpire njy Verfe with gcnile mopd 
 OfPoetsPrfnc^iWhetha'fievvoonbe l^^.-Ar 
 
 Faire J^wr/;/^ Yprincled with chimkras bloba> ' 
 Or in the woods oi^flery abide? 
 Or whereas mount Parnaffe^thc Mufesbrood> 
 Doth his broad forhead like two homes diuidc, 
 Aiip^ t|5e fweete wanes of (dlinding dtjlaly 
 With hquidfoote doth flidedowne eafily. 
 
 Wherefore ye Siflers which thegloriebee 
 Of the P/>rM«flrcames,fayrc Naiades y 
 Go coo,and dauncing all in companie> 
 Adornc that God: and thou holic VaUs^ 
 To wrhomc the honeft care of hufbandrie 
 Rcturneth by continuall fuccefTe^ 
 
 Haue 
 
Virfils Qmt. 
 
 Hauc care forropiirfiichis footing lighr, (dight. 
 Throgh the wide'woods.Sc gr6ues,with green leaues 
 
 ' * -'•4.-....1j 
 
 Profeffing thee I lifted am aloft v:b o: -m: j; 
 Betwixt the forreft wide and ftarrie sky: 
 And thou moft dread (oStaum) which oft 
 To learned wits giueft coarage worthily, 
 O come(thou facred childe)come Aiding foft. 
 And fauonr my beginnings graijioufly: 
 For not thefe ieaiics do fing thatdreadfull flourid. 
 When Giants bloud did ftainc Phlegy£<ttt ^ownd. 
 
 Nor how th'faalfc horfy pcople,C^//rrf«>*^i higbt. 
 Fought with the bloudie L apithaes at bord. 
 Nor hovv the Eaft with tyranous defpight 
 Burnt th'^mc^towres^nd people flew with fword; 
 Nor how mounr^r^w thrbugh exceeding might 
 Was digged downe, nor yron bands abord 
 The Pontlckfci by their huge Nauy caft, ■ 
 My volume (hall renowne, fo lortg fincc part. 
 
 Nor Hf/fc)^o»r trampled with horfesfecte, ; 
 When flocking Perfians did the Greeks aff^ray; 
 But my foft Mufe,as for her power more mectep*^ ^^ 
 Deligbts(with Phoebus friendly leaue)to play • ""^ 
 
 An eafie running verfe with tender fcetc. ^ -^ 
 
 And thou (dread facred child)to thecal way. 
 Let cuerlaftinglightfomc glory ftriuc, M.i....». 
 ThroughthcTAorldscndlcsages'tofuruiue/^"''' • ■ 
 
 And let an Iiappicroomcrcmainc for thee 
 Mongft heaucnly ranks, where blefl^cd foules do refli 
 And let long lafl;inglifewitliioyo«sgI^c, ^^'J^iJO 
 As thy due raeede that thou dtftttiHl befl^^ ' -^ ^^i "^^^ 
 
 Ha Hereafter 
 
Hereafter many yeares remembrcd be 
 Amongft godd men, of whom thou oft arc blcftj 
 Liuc thou for cucr in all happineffe: 
 But let vs turnc to our firft bufinefle. 
 
 The fiery Sun was mounted now on hight 
 
 Vp to the heauenly towers.and fhot each whetc r . -^' 
 
 Out ofhis golden Charetgliftering light; - ( ) 
 
 And fayre ^uroira with her rofic heare. 
 
 The hatejfutldarknes now had put to flight. 
 
 When as thefhepheard feeing day appeare. 
 
 His little Goats gan driue out of their flails. 
 
 To feedeabroad, where pafturebcft befalls. 
 
 To an high mountaines top he vyith them went. 
 Where thickcft grafle did cloath the open hills: 
 They now amongft the woods and thickets ment. 
 Now in the valleies wandring at their wills, 
 Spread themfelues farre abroad through each dofce^t^ 
 
 Some^ojii the foftgreenc grafle feeding their fills; V 
 Some clambring through the hollow clifFcs on hy.. 
 Nibble thebufliie (hritbs^which growe thereby. 
 
 r- 
 
 Others the vttnoft houghs of trees doe crop> ': 
 
 And bronze the woodbine twigges, that frefhly bud> 
 This with full bit doth catch the vtmoft top 
 Of fomc fofc Willo w,or new growen Audi 
 This with (harpe teeth the bramble leaues doth lop. 
 And chaw the tender prickles in her Cudj 
 The whiles another high doth ouerlookc 
 Her owne like image in a chriftall brookc. 
 
 O the greatihappinc^, which fhcphcards haue. 
 Who fo loathes not too much the poorc cftate, ^ .^ i\ 
 
 ,7^i\r - With 
 
Virgils Gnat. 
 
 With mindc thacill vrcdoth be%edcprauc, 
 Ne meafures all things by the coftly rate 
 Ofriotire,andfemblants outward braue > 
 No fuch fad cares,as wont to noacerate 
 And rend thegrecdicmindesof couetous racn^ 
 Do ener crccpe into the fhephcardsden. 
 
 Ne cares he if the QiZf^cc, which him araycs, 
 
 Be not t wic« fteeped in Aflyrian dye, 
 
 Ne gliftcring of golde,which vnderlayes 
 
 The fummerbeamcs,doe bhnde his gazing eye. 
 
 Ne pictures bcautie^ncr the glauncing rayes 
 
 Of precious ftones,whence no good commcih by? 
 
 Neyet his cup embofl: with Imagery 
 
 Of Btctm or ot ^kvns vanity. 
 
 Ne ought the. wheiky pearles efteemcth hec. 
 Which are from Indian feas brought faraway: 
 Birt with pure breft from careful! forrow free. 
 On the fof t graffc his limbs doth oh difplay> ^ 
 In fwccte fpring time, when flowres varietie 
 With fundrie colours paints the fprincled layj 
 There lying all at eafe,from guile ot fpighc^ 
 With pypc of fcnnie rcedes doth him delight. 
 
 There he.LorJ of himfelfe,with palme bedight^ 
 His loofer locks doth wrap in wreath of vine: 
 There his milk dropping Goats be his delight. 
 And fruitefuU Pales y and the for reft greene. 
 And darkcfome caues in pleafaunt vallies pight, 
 Wheras continuallfhadeistobefeene, 
 And where frefh fpringmg wclls,as chriftall ncate. 
 Do alwaycs flow^to quench his thirftic hcate. 
 
 H3 O 
 
Vtrgils (jriat. 
 
 O who can lead then a more happic lifcy 
 Than he,chat with clcanc minde and hear finccrc. 
 No greedy riches kuowcs nor bloudie ftrifc. 
 No deadly fight of warlick flecte dcth fcare, 
 Ne runs in pcrill of foes crucll knife, ' ' 
 That in the facrcd temples he may reare, 
 A trophee of his glittciring fpoyles and treafiirc, 
 Or may abound in riches aboucmcafurc. 
 
 Of him his God is worfhipt with his fythc, 
 And.not with skill of craf tfman polifhed: 
 He ioyes in groues^and makes himfelfcfull blytlTC, 
 With fundrie flowers in wilde fieldes gathered; 
 Nc frankincens he from Pajicb£a buyth, • ' . ' - 
 Sweete quiet harbours m hiif harmeles head. 
 And pcrteft pleafure buildes (icr ioyous bovyre, 
 Free from lad carcs^that rich ^cns bcnrti-^tfaiovi'te, 
 
 This allhis cate^this all his whole indeuour>. 
 To this his minde and fenfes he doth benti, \ 
 How he may flow in quiets matchles treafour. 
 Content with any food that God doth fend,* 
 And how his UmbSjicfolu'd through idle leifouiv 
 Vnto fweetcllccpe he may fecutely lend. 
 In fome coolc ftado w from the fcorching hear. 
 The whiles his flock their chawed cuds do eate> 
 
 O flocbsjO Faiincs,and O ye pleafaiuu fprings 
 OiTcmpe^whcvc the countrey Nymphs are rife. 
 Through whofc not coftly care each fliephcard fing-s 
 As mcrrie notes vpon his r-uftickc Fife, 
 As that ^flrozdn bard, whofe fame now rings 
 Through the wide worldjand leads asioyfuH life. 
 
 Free 
 
Virgih Gnat. 
 
 Free from all troubles and from worldly toyle. 
 In which fond men doe all their dayes turmoyle. 
 
 In fuch delights whilft thus his carclefTe time 
 Thisfliephearddriues,vpleaningonhisbatt, 
 And on ft rill rcedcs chaiuiting his riiflick rime, 
 Hyperion throwing fooith his beames full hotr,. 
 Intofhehighefttopof hcauengan clime, 
 And the world parting by an cquall lotc, 
 Did fhcd his whirling flames on either fide. 
 As the greac Ocf*w doth himfdfediuidc. 
 
 Then gan the flicpheard gather into one 
 His ftragling Goates, and drjue them to a foord, 
 VVhofe ca^ruleilreame, romblinginPiblcftone, 
 Crept vnder moffe as greenc as any goord. 
 Now had the Sun halfc hcaiien ouergone. 
 When he his heard back from that water foord, 
 Draue from the force of Phoebtts boyling ray. 
 Into thick iTiadoweSjthcrc themfelucsto lay. 
 
 Soone as he them pi ac*d in thy facrcd wood 
 (O Delian Goddeffc) faw, to which of yore 
 Came the bad daughter oi old Cadmtps brood,.. 
 Cruell ^gciiiCy flymg vengrance fore 
 Of king iV/^/7ew for the guiltie blood. 
 Which fhe with curfcd hands had fhed before> 
 There (he halfe frantick hauing flainc her fonne. 
 Did fhrowd her fclfc like punifhmciu to fhonne. 
 
 Here alfo playing on the grafTy greene, 
 Woodgods,and Satyrcs,and fwift Dryades, 
 W^ith many Fairies oft were dauncing feene. 
 N 31 lb much did Dan o rfhtim reprefTe, 
 
 The 
 
\ 
 
 Virgils(jnat. 
 
 The ftrcaincs o[BiibrusYj'\i\i his fongs I wccnci 
 As that fairc troupe of woodie GoddclTes 
 Staied thee , (O ^eneus) pow ring foorth to thee. 
 From cheeref ul lookcs great mirth 6^ gladfomc glee. 
 
 • 
 The verie nature of the place> refounding 
 With gentle murmure of the breathing ayre, 
 ApleafantbowrewithalldeHghtabounding 
 In the ficih (hadowe did for them prepayre. 
 To reft their limbs with wearines redounding. 
 For firft the high Palme trees with braunches fairc, 
 Out of the lowly vallies did arife^ 
 And high Ihoote vp their heads into the skyes. 
 
 And them amongft the wicked Lotos grew, 
 Wickcd,for holding guilefully away 
 Vly(Jes meuj whom rapt with fweetencs new. 
 Taking to hoftc,it quite from him did flay, 
 And eke thofe trees, in whofetranfformed hew 
 The Sunnes fad daughters waylde the rafh decay 
 Oi'Phaeton;\Nhok limbs with lightening rent. 
 They gathering vp,with fweete teares did larncnt. 
 
 And that fame tree,in which Demofhoon, 
 By his diiloyalty lamented fore, 
 Etcrnall hurte left vnto many one: 
 W hom als accompanied the Okc, of yore 
 Through fauU charmcs tranlformd to fuch an one: 
 The Oke,whofe Acornes were our foode, before 
 That Ceres feedeof mortal! men were knowne. 
 Which firft TriptoUme taught how to be fownc. 
 
 Here alfo grew the rougher rinded Pine, 
 The great ^jgp^ihips brauc ornament 
 
 Whom 
 
Vtrgils Gnat. 
 
 Wfeom golden Fleece did make an heaucnly fignc j 
 Which coLietingjwith his high tops extent, 
 To make the mouncames touch the ftarres diuinCi 
 Decks all the forreft vsich embellifliment, 
 And the blackc Holme that loues the watrie valc» 
 And the fweetc Cyprcfic figne of deadly bale. 
 
 Emongft the reft the clambringYuie grew. 
 Knitting his wanton armcs with grafping hold, 
 Lcall that the Poplar happclyihould rcw .y :'.f ?r-,r"i 
 Her brothers ftrokcs, whofe boughes (he doth enfold 
 With her lythe twigs,till they the top furvew. 
 And paint with pallid grecnc her buds of gold. T 
 
 Next did the My rde tree to her approach, j ^<i\ uU 
 Not yet vnmindfull ot her olde reproach. V 
 
 But the fraall Birds in their wide boughs embowring,; 
 Chaunted their fundrie tunes with fweetc confent* 
 And vnder them a filuer Spring forth pd wring 
 His trickling ftreames,a gentle miirmure fent ; 
 Thereto the frogs,bred in the flimie Ico wring 
 Of the moift moores,their iarring voyccs bcnt> 
 And (hrill gralhoppers chirped them around : 
 All w hich the ay ric Echo did refound. 
 
 In this foplcafant place this Spcheardsflockc 
 Lay eucrie whereat hei r wcarie limbs to relt> 
 On eucrie bufh,andcucric hollow rocke 
 Where breathe on the tbcwhittling wind mote bcft? ' 
 The whiles the Shephcard felf tending his ftockc, 
 Sate by the fountaine fidc,in fhade to reft, 
 Whercgentle flumbringfleep opprcfled him, 
 Difplaidongcound/indfeizcdcuericlim, - 
 
 I Of 
 
 L 
 
' Virgih Gnat. 
 
 Of trcchcric or traincs nought tc oke he keep. 
 
 But looflic on the grafsic grecnc difptcdd. 
 
 His dcarcft life did truft to carcles llccp; 
 
 Which weighing down his droupingdrowfic hcdd. 
 
 In quiet reft his molten heart did ftecp, 
 
 Deuoid of care,and feareof all falfhedd : 
 
 Had not inconftant fornine,bent to ill. 
 
 Bid ftrange niifchancc bis quictnes to fpill. 
 
 For at his wonted ti me in that fame place 
 An hugegreat Serpentall with fpeckles pide> 
 To drench himfelfe in moorifti flime did trace. 
 There from the boyling heate himfelfe to hide : 
 He pafsing by with rolling wreathed pace. 
 With brandilht tongucthc emptic aire did gride^ 
 And wrapt his fcalie boughts with fell defpight, 
 Tfaacall things fecm'd appalled at hisCghc. 
 
 Now moreand more hauing himfelfe cnrolde, 
 Hisglittering breaftheiifteth vpon hiet 
 And withproud vaunt his head aloft doth holde > 
 His creftc abouc fpotted with purple die, 
 On euericfide did fhinc like fcahc golde. 
 And his bright eyes glauncing full dreadfulUe^ 
 Did fccme to flame out flakes of flafliing fyre. 
 And with flerne lookes to threaten kindled yre. 
 
 Thus wife long time he did himfelfe difpacc 
 There round about,when as at laft he fpide 
 Lying along before him in that place, 
 That flocks grand Capiaine,and mofl truftie guide t 
 Eftfooncs more fierce in vifagc^and m pace. 
 Throwing his firic eyes on cucrieiidea 
 
 He 
 
Virgils Gnat. 
 
 He coramcth on^nd all things in his way 
 Full ftcarnly rcnds,that might his paflagc (lay. 
 
 Much he difdaincs^that anic one (hould dare 
 To comevnto his haunc; for which intent 
 He inly burns,and gins ftraight to prepare 
 The weaponSjwhich Nature to him hath lent 5 
 FcUie he hillcth,and doth fiercely ftarc, ' ; : ^ 
 
 And hath his iawes with angrie fpirits rent. 
 That all his trad with bloudie drops is ftained. 
 And all his foldes arc now in length outftraineA 
 
 Whom thus at point prepared^to preucnt, 
 
 A litlcnourflingof the humid ayre, 
 
 A Gnat vnto the flecpie Shepheard went. 
 
 And marking where his cy-lids twihcklingrarc# 
 
 Shewd the two pcarles,which fight vnto him lear. 
 
 Through their thin couerings appearing fayrc. 
 
 His little needle there infixing deep, 
 
 Warnd him awakc/rom dcadi himfclfe to keep.' 
 
 Wherewith enrag'd,he fiercely gan vpftanj 
 And with his hand him rafhly bruzing,flewc 
 As in aucngemcnt of his hccdles fmart. 
 That ftreight the fpiritc out of his fcnfcs flew. 
 And hfe out of his members did depart : 
 When fuddcnly carting afide his vcw. 
 He fpide his foe with felonous mtent. 
 And fcruent eyes to his deftruftion bent. 
 
 Allfuddenlydifmaid,andhartles quight. 
 He fled abackc,and catching haflie holdc 
 Of ayong alder hard befide him pighr. 
 It rcnt,and ftreight about him gaa bcholde, 
 
 I 2 What 
 
 i 
 
Virgils (fn.1t. 
 
 What God ot Fortune would afsift his might. 
 But whether God or Fortune made him bold 
 Its hard to read : yet hardie will he had 
 To ouercomc,that ipade him leffc adrad. 
 
 The fcalie backc of that moft hideous fnakc 
 Enwrapped round,oft faining to retire^ 
 And oft him to alTaile,he fiercely ftrake 
 Whereas his tcmplcsdid his creaft front tyre ; 
 And for he was but flowc,did flowth ofiFfhake, 
 And gazing ghaftly on (for feare and yre 
 Had blent fo much his (enfc>that leffe he feard ;) 
 Yet when he faw him flaine^himfelfe hecheard. 
 
 By this the night fourth from the darkfomcbowrc 
 Of Htf)*^^ her teemed fteedesgan call^v :>ni:'if " 
 Andlacfie I^<^>'in hi$timely howr-e 
 From goldcnOcta gan procecde wirhall; 
 Whenastbc Shephpard aftcjrthis (harpcftowxc^ 
 Seing thcdoubled ftiadowes iow to fall//f. mirl l^ 
 Gathering his ftraying flocke,doe3 homeward fare,. ^ ^. 
 And vnto reft bis wearic ioynts prepare. 
 
 Into whofe fcnfe fafoone asUghter fleepc 
 Was cnteiedj^nd now looting eueric lim, 
 Sweete flumbring deaw in carekfneffc did fteepc^ 
 The Image ofthat Gnat apprard to him. 
 And in fad tearmes gan forrowf ully wccpe. 
 With greiflie cDuntenaunce and vifage grim, 
 W^ailing the wrpng which he had done of latc> 
 In fteed of good liaftning his crqcU fate. 
 
 Said he,what haue I wretch defcru'd,that thus 
 Into this bitter bale I am outcaft^ 
 
 Wfailcft 
 
Whilcft that thy:-E!fe more deareand prccidus :r. vn:> ^ 
 
 Was than mine owncfo long as it did lail? 
 
 I now in Ueu of paines fo gracious. 
 
 Am toft in th'ayrc with ciKirie w indie blaft : 
 
 Thou fafe dcliucrcd from fad decay, j Miiii ^ ;jri jo/ ; 
 
 Thy carclcs limbs inloofcfleepdoft difplay. nuq niH 
 
 So liueft thou,but my poorc yvrptched ghoft 
 Is forft to ferrie ouer Lethes Riuer, 
 And fpoyld of Chevron too and fro am tx)ft. 
 Seeft thou,how all places quakeand quiuer 
 Lightncd with deadly lamps on cueric poft ? 
 Ttfiphone each vy hcredoth fhakc and ftiiucr 
 Her flaming fire brond,encaunmng me, 
 Whofe lockes vncombcd crudl adders be. 
 
 And Cerherusy'whoic man/ mouthes doobay^ 
 And baikc out fianrieSjas i i on fire he fed f 
 Adowne w.hofe necke in terrible array, 
 Tenthoufandfnakescrallingabotit hished 
 Doo hang in heapes,that horribly aftray. 
 And bloodie eyes doo glifter firiered; 
 He oftentimes mc dreadf uUie doth threaten> 
 With painfull torments to beforely beateii. ^ 
 
 Ay mc,that thankcs fo much flipiild|file of meed , 
 For that I theereftor'd lo lifeagaine, 
 Euen from thcdoorc of death and deadlie dreed, 
 W here then is now the guerdon of my painc \ 
 Wbcrrf jhe reward of my;fo piteous deed ^ 
 Tbcpraifc of pitie vanifhc is in y ainc > 
 And th'antiqiic taith of luflice longagonc 
 Out ot the land is fkd away and gone. 
 
 ^""S'*^ I 3 Ifaw 
 
VtrgihGnat. 
 
 1 faw anothers fate approaching fafti 
 
 And left mincownc his fatctic to tcndcn ^ / 
 
 Into the fame mifhap I now am caft. 
 
 And fhun'd dcftruftion doth definition render: 
 
 Not vnto him that ncuer hath trcfpaft. 
 
 But punifhmtet is due to the oiicnder. 
 
 Ycc Ice dcltruaionbethcpiinifhmcnt. 
 
 So long as thankfull will may it relent, 
 
 I carried am into wafte wilderneffe, 
 Wafte wildemes,amongft C>wtfrM«fhades, 
 Where cndles paines and hideous heauincflc 
 Is round about me heapc in darkfome glades. 
 For there huge Othos fits in (ad diftreffe. 
 Fad bound with fcrpents that him oft inuades; 
 Far of beholdi ng Ef?hiaUcs tide, 
 Which once affai'd to burne this world fo wide» 
 
 And there is mournful! T'/f)?«i mindcfullyec 
 Of thy difplearurejOZ<t/'o«^fairej a.t'^ 
 Di fplcafure too implacable was it. 
 That made him meat for wild foulesoftheayre: 
 Much do I feare among fuch fiends to fir, 
 Much do I fcare: back to them to rcpayre, 
 To the black ftiadovycs of the Stygian [hove, 
 W herq wterched ghofts fit wailing euctmore. 
 
 There next the vtmoft brinck doth he abide. 
 That did the bankets of the Gods bewray^ 
 Whofe threat through thirft to nought nigh being 
 His fcnfc to feckc for cafe tutncs euery way: (dridc 
 And he thaciaauengement of his pride. 
 For fcorn mg to the facr ed Gods to pray, 
 
 Againil 
 
VirgihXjnat. 
 
 Againft a mountainc rolls a tnighiic flonc^. T) . j^ 
 
 Calling in vaine fox; i:cft,and can haiic none. 
 
 li'-' ' ' ■•• • ■ f 
 
 Goycwiththcm/gocui:fcddam6relU^^ . ■, ^~! 
 
 Whofc bridale torches foule IfiMsxyiSik^' "^ 
 
 And Hjwf/j at your Spoufails lad, foretells " 
 
 Tydings of death and malFacrc y nkindc; 
 
 With then) that auell Cu/c/?/rf mother dwells. 
 
 The which coneeiu d in her rcucngefuU niinde^ 
 
 With bitter wpundes her ownc decrc babes to flay, , 
 
 And murdred troupes vpon great heapes to lay. 
 
 There alfo thofc two P^»a/o»/rf» mafdes. 
 Calling on /r//j/m euermore. 
 Whom wretched boy they flew withguiJtie blad^jj^ 
 For whome the Thracian king lamenting fore, ^ 
 
 Turn'd to a Lapwing,fowlic them vpbraydcs. 
 And flattering round about them fl:ill docs forc^ 
 There now they all eternally complaincV-r! ^nu\ 
 Of others vyrongjand fuff^er endles paine. 
 
 But t^c two brethren borne oiCddmus blood, 
 Whilft each docs for the Soueraignty contend, 
 Blinde through amb!tion,and with vengeance wood 
 Each doth againft the others bo4ie bend 
 His curfed ftecle,of neither well withftood. 
 And with wide wounds their carcafes doth rcndj 
 That yet thcyboth doc mortall foes remaine, 
 Sith each with brothers bloudie hand was flame. 
 
 Ah (waladay) there is no end of paine. 
 Nor chnunge of labour may mtrcated bee: 
 Yet I beyond all thefe am carried faine. 
 Where other powers farrc different I fee. 
 
 And 
 
■r 
 
 VirjtilsGmt 
 
 And muft paflc ouer to ih*Eliftanph\nc : 
 There grim Per/ephorjeciicomntitigTnQCi 
 Doth vrge her fellow Furies earnefllic, 
 Widi their bright fircbronds me to terrific. 
 
 There chart ^/c^^eliu^^ilrtriblie, 
 
 Free from all carcfbt that her husbands daie^ 
 
 She did prolong by changing fa(<? for fate, 
 
 Lo there lines dlfo the immortall praifc 
 
 Of womankinde,moft faithful! to her matfi 
 
 Penelope : and from her farrc awayes 
 
 A rulefTe rout of yongmcn,which her woo'd 
 
 All flairie with darts,lic vyallowed in their blood. 
 
 And fad Eurydice \ha\C^T\6^ri^tcmt 
 Muft turne to life,but there detained bee* 
 For looking back, being forbid before i 
 Yet was the guile xhticoUOrpheus^itt thee* 
 Bold fure he was^and worthie fpirite bore. 
 That durft thofe Idweft ftadowes goe to fee. 
 And could beleeue ihataniething could pleafc 
 Fell Cf-rfer/zj^or Stygian powres appeafe. 
 
 Nc fcardthe Btii^Hi^ waucs of rM^^mtt, 
 Northofc fame mournfuU kingdbmif s^cdnlpaflcd 
 With ruftic horrour and fowk fafhion. 
 And deep digd vawtes,and Tartar coiwred 
 With bloodie night,aiad daikdcc^nfufion. 
 And iudgdttient fcates^whof^ Itidge kdesldlie dred^ 
 A iudge^thac after death doth punilh fore 
 The faults, which life hath trcfpaflcd before. 
 
 Butvaliant fohunematfe P^Ji Or^hf»s%6{^t : 
 For the fwift tlii^niiTft riuers ftill did Hand, 
 
 And 
 
%)irgiJs Undk 
 
 And the wilde beafts their fiiric did withhold," 
 To follow Or/7^r«^miifickc through the land: . ^^ 
 And ilVOkcs deep grounded in the earthly moldeiJoEI 
 Did moue,as if they could htm vnderftand; i ' .o-:HT 
 And the (hnll woods^which were oi fenfe bereaud, 
 Through their hard barke his filuer found rcccau'd. 
 
 :"^j 
 
 And eke the MoSne her haftic fteedcs did ftay,,.^^.^ 4 j, - 
 
 Drawing in tccmes along theftarrie skie. 
 
 And didft (6 Qionthly Virgin) thou delay 
 
 Thy nightly courfc,to hcarc his melodic? 
 
 The fame wasable with like louely lay 
 
 The Quecne ot hell to moue as eafily. 
 
 To y eeid Enrydict vnto her f crei 
 
 Backe to be borneithough it vnla wfuU were. 
 
 She (Ladie) naulngweilb^foreapproqucdi-pj -^^-jd. 
 The teends to be too cruell and feuere, 
 Obferu'd th'appointed way,as her behooued, 
 Nc euer did her ey- fight turne arerc^ 
 Ne euer fpake,nc caufe of fpeaking hiooucd : 
 But cruell Or/^/^fw^athou much crueller,*' • 
 Seeking to kiffc her,brok'ft the Gods decree, 
 And thereby mad'ft her euer damn'd to be. 
 
 Ah butfwccte louc of pardon worthie is, 
 And doih deferue to haue fmall faults remitted ; 
 It Hell at leaft things Hghily doiie amis 
 Knew how to pardon,whcn ought is omitted : 
 Yet are ye both receiued into Wis, 
 And to the feates of happie foules admitted . 
 And you, befide the honourable band 
 Of great Heroes doo in order fiand, 
 
 K Theic 
 
Vtrgih Gnat. 
 
 Thcrcbc the two ftoin fonncs oi^edcus^^ 
 Fierce prf^/^5,andthc hnrdierc/itwow, 
 Bothfccming n« w full glad and ioyeous 
 Through their Syrcs drcadhill iurifdiftion^ 
 Being the ludge of all that horrid hous : 
 And both of them by ftrangc occa(ion> 
 Renown'd inchoyce of happie marriage 
 Through Kcr^w^grace^and vertucs cariagc. 
 
 For th one was rauiffit of his bWnc boiidmaidc> 
 The faire Ixione captiu d from Troy : < 
 But th'other was with 7'hetis loue affaid. 
 Great Nercn^ his daughter,and his loy. 
 On this fide them there is a yongman layd. 
 Their match inglorie^mighticfierceand coyi 
 That from th'Argolick fliips^with furiousyre> 
 Bett backthc furicof thcTroian fyre. 
 
 O who would not rccoimr the ftrong diuorccs 
 Of that great warre,which Troiancs oft bchcidc. 
 And oft beheld the warlike Greckifli forces, . 
 When Tcucrian foyle with bloodic riucrs fwcldc^ 
 And wide ^/^<erf«fhorcs were fpred with corfes. 
 And 5'/wjo/j and -Xirffr/?«5 blood outwclde, 
 WhilftHtf(^or raged with outragious minde, 
 Flames,weapos> wouds m Grccki fleete to hauc tyndc. 
 
 For idct fclfe^in ayde of that fierce fight. 
 Out of her mountaines miniftrcd lupplies. 
 And like a kindly noiirfc,did yeeld (for fpightj 
 Store of firebronds out of her nourfer ies, 
 Vnto hcrfodcrchildrcn^that they might 
 Inflame the Nauie of their enemies* 
 
 And 
 
FirgilsGnat. 
 
 And all the Bhet^an (horc to aftes tumc, oh ncrlT 
 
 Where lay the fliips,which they did fcckc to burnewiA 
 
 Gainft which the noble fonnc oiTcUmon 
 Oppofd' himfclfe^and thwarting his huge fhicid. 
 Them battel! bad^ainfi: whom appcaid anoii 
 H(r^or,the glorieot the rrow/i field: f 
 
 Both fierce and fijrious in contention A 
 
 ^countred,that their mightie flrokes fo (hrild. 
 As the great clap of thundcr,which doth ryuc 
 The ratling hcauens,andeloudes atindet dryue. 
 
 So th one with fire and weapons did contend 
 To cut the fliipsjfrom turning home againc 
 To c^Jgoi^th'othcr ftroue for to defend 
 The force oiVulcanc with his might and mainec' 
 Thus th'onc ty^eadde did hisfame extend : 
 But th'other ioy'd,that on the Phrygian plaync 
 Hauing the blood o{vsinquiQkiHe5ior fhedd. 
 He compart Troy thrice with his bodic dedi 
 
 Againe great dole on either partie grewe. 
 That him to death vnfaithfull Paris fent i 
 And alfo him that falfe Vly/fes flc we, 
 Drawne into danger through clofe ambulhmenr: 
 Therefore from him Laertes fonne his vewc 
 Doth turnc afide,and boafts his good eueni:^ fci'/f 
 In working of Strymonian Rh^/us fall. 
 And eftc in£)o/Q;wflye furpryfall. 
 
 Agaiqi; th^ireadfull C>co;;w him difmay. 
 And bla'cfec .zi<e/? wo««,a people llout : 
 Then grecdie*S'c/^,vnder whom there bay 
 Manie great bandogs,which her gird about : 
 
 K % ""^ Then 
 
UirgilsGnat. 
 
 Then doo the ^a«e4» Cyclops him afftayi m.' • If ^f.A 
 Aiid dccpCharybJis giilphing in ^nd out ; ' : .V 
 
 Laftly the fqualid lakes of Tartam, 
 Andgridly Fcendsof hell him terrifie. 
 
 There alfo igoodly ^gumemnon bofts, 
 
 Theglorie of theflocfcof Trf«fiPt//^5, 
 
 And famous lij:;h^ of all thcOrcekifli hofts> 
 
 ViKler whofe conduvi mofl: vicarious. 
 
 The DoWci^ flames confum'd the lliach^ipo^$^ 
 
 Ah but ihc^Gnehts themfelUes motedolorous^l jxi 'jfil* 
 
 To thee, 6, rroj,paid,peaaiince for thyjall^ 
 
 In ihi Hellefptmt being tligh drowned all. 
 
 Well may appearc by proofeof their mifchaunce, . ; 
 The chaungfuU turning of mensflippcrie ftate> ; • 1 * 
 That none, whom fortune freely dotli aduaunc!e>-^ "-IT 
 Himfclferherefore to h^aiicn ftiould Iclcuate : 
 For loftie type of honour the ough the glauncc 
 Of enpiesiarr^isdowne induft proftrates 
 And all that vaunts in worldly vanitie. 
 Shall fall througih foraincs riiutabffltic; '\ "*^ d , '** . : 
 
 Th'»/4'»go/if^e power returning home agc^inc,^ 
 Enricht with fpoyles of tWEriBhoman towrc. 
 Did happ if winde and weather. entertaine. 
 And with good fpced the fomie billowes fcowre: 
 No fignc of fior me,no feare of futare paine. 
 Which foone enfued them with heauie ftowre* 
 Nereis to th e Seas a to k en gaue> 
 The whiles tfteit cWpked keeles'thiftirges clauc, 
 
 Suddenly,wfacther through the Gods decree. 
 Or hapleffe rifihg of fame fro ward fbirre, 
 
 a:).^ ' :. ., ' The 
 
X)irg{h Gnat. 
 
 The beaiiens bn cuctie (ide cndo wdcd bcc r 
 Black flormes and fogs are blowN.n vp from farre. 
 That now ihe Pylote can no lo^.dftarre fee. 
 But skies and fcas doo make moft drcadfull warrc i 
 The billoweflriuing to the hcauens to reach. 
 And th'heauens ilriuingthemfor to impeach. 
 
 And in auengcment of their bold attempt. 
 Both Sun and ftarres and all the heauenly po wres 
 Confpire in one to wreakc their rafh contempt, 
 Anddowneon them toiall. from higheft to wres; c^ 
 Theskic in pieces fceming to be rent > .\ 
 
 Throwes lightning forth,Schaile,&: harmful Ihowres 
 That death on eueric fide to them appeares 
 In thoufand formes^to v^qrjf pjcnoye ghaftly feares. 
 
 Some in the greedie flouds are funkc and drenr. 
 Some on the rocks of Caphareus are throwne > 
 Some on thTw^o/c/;^ Cliffs in pieces rent j 
 Some fcattred on the Hcrcceati fhores vnkno wne -> 
 And manic loll,of whom no moniment 
 Remaines,nar memorie is to be (hownc : 
 \ V hilft all the purchafe of the Vhrigian pray 
 Toft on felt bilipwcs^round about doth ftray • 
 
 Here raanie Other like Heroes bee, 
 Equall in honour to the former cruc. 
 Whom ye in goodly feates may placed fee, 
 DefccndedallfroraiJowf byhnagcdue, „,,;, , 
 Frorn /?ow^,that holds the world in fouereigntie^ 
 And doth all Nation$ynto her fubduc ; 
 Here Yahij and Pea; doo dwell, 
 Hor^n; that in vertuc did cxcell. 
 
 :T K 3 And 
 
 i 
 
Virgils Gnat. 
 
 And here the antique fame of ftout Camill 
 Doth euer Iiuc,and conftant Curtius, 
 Who ftifly bent his vowed life to fpill 
 For Countrcyes health,a gulph moft hideous 
 Amidft thcTownc with his pwne corps did fill, 
 Tappca fc the powers ; and prudent Mutius, 
 \ V ho in his flcih cndur'd the fcorching flame, 
 To daupt his foe by cnfaraple of the fame. 
 
 And here wife C«ri«5,companioH 
 Of noble venucs,lkies in endles reft ; 
 And llouc j/<<w/w«/, whofedeiiotion 
 Taught hiiri the fires fcorn'd furie to dctcft f 
 And here the praife of either Seipion 
 Abides in highefl place aboue the beft. 
 To whom the ruin'd walls ofCarthao^c vow'd. 
 Trembling their forces,found their praifes lowd. 
 
 Liue they for euer through their lafting praife : 
 But I poore wretch am forced to retourne 
 To the fad lakes>that phwbtis fiinnie taycs 
 Doo ncucr fee,where foules doo alwaics mourne. 
 And by the way ling fhores to wafte my day cs. 
 Where PWg^row with quenchles flames doth burnci 
 By which iuft Minos righteous foules doth fcuer 
 From wicked ones^to liue in bliffc for euer. 
 
 Me therefor^rhus the criiell fiends of hell 
 Girt with long fnakes,and thoufand yron chaynes, 
 Through dojo'meof that their crucll Iudge,compell 
 With bitter torture and Impatient paincs> 
 Caufe of my dcath,and iull complaint to tell. 
 For rhouart he,whomii^y pooreghoftcomplaines 
 
 c -^ To 
 
Virgils Gnat. 
 
 To be thcauthor of her ill vnwarcsj 
 That carclcs hear'il my intollerablecares. 
 
 Them therefore as bequeathing to the windc, 
 
 I now dcpart,rcciirningto thee neiier. 
 
 And leaue this lamentable plaint behinde. 
 
 But doo thou haunt the foft downe rolling riuer> 
 
 And wilde greene wppds,and fruitful paftures minde. 
 
 And let the flitting aire my vainc words fcucr. 
 
 Thus hauing faid,he heauily departed 
 
 With piteous crie,thatanie would hauc fmarted. 
 
 No w,when the floathfull fie of lifes fweete reft 
 Had left the bcauic Shepheard,wondrous cares 
 His inly guiaicd minde full foreopprelb 
 That baleful! forrow he no longer beares* 
 For that Gnats death,which deeply was imprcft : 
 But bends what cucr power his aged ycares 
 Him lent.yet being fuch,as through their might 
 He lately i\u& his drcadfuU foe in fight. 
 
 By that fame Riuer lurking vnder greenc> 
 Efcfooncs he gins to fafhion forth a place. 
 And fquanng it in compaflTe well bcfeene. 
 There plotteth out a tombc by meafured fpacc •* 
 Hisyron headed fpade tho making cleene. 
 To dig vp fods out of the flowrie grade. 
 His worke he fhortly to good purpofc brought. 
 Like as he had conceiu'd it in his thought. 
 
 An heape of earth he hoorded vpon hie, 
 Enclofing it wich banks on eueric fide. 
 And thereupon d id raifc full bufily 
 A littlcmount,of greene turffs cdifidc j 
 
 And 
 
Vtrgils (jntt. 
 
 And on the top of all,that palTers by 
 Might itbehold.thetoomb he did proiiidc 
 Of fmootheft marble ftone iaorder fet. 
 That neucr might his luckie (cape forget. 
 
 And round about he taught fweete flowres to growC|, 
 
 The Rofe engrained in pure fcarlct die, 
 
 The Lilly frdl),and Violet belowe, i 
 
 The MarigoIde,and cheref till Rofemarie, 
 
 The Spartan Mircle, whence fwectgumb does flowCi 
 
 The purple HyacinthCjand frelh Coflmaric, 
 
 And Saffron fought for in Ci^lcian foyle. 
 
 And Lawrell th'ornament of Phoelms toyle, 
 
 Frcfh Rhododaphne^SLud ihtSMne fiowrc 
 Matching the wealth of th'auncient Frankincenccj 
 And pallid Yuic building his owne bowrc^ 
 And Box yet mindfull of his oldc offence, 
 Red ^mamnthtis^wckXcRc Paramour, 
 Oxeye ftill greene,and bitter Patience; 
 Nc wants there pale Narciffejihzx in a well 
 Seeing his beautie,in loue with it fcU^ 
 
 And whatfocuer other flowre of worth. 
 
 And whatib other hearb of louely hew 
 
 The ioyous Spring out of theground brings forth, 
 
 To cloath her felfe in colours trefh and new; 
 
 He planted thcre,and rcard a mount of earth. 
 
 In whofe high front was writ as doth cnfue . 
 
 To thee,/mall^nat, in btu of his Ufefiuccia 
 The She/he AY dhaxh thy dtaths record cngr^md* 
 
 FINIS. 
 
TA ^ M 
 
 mi 
 
 PROSOPOPOIA. 
 
 Or 
 Mother Hubberds Tale. 
 
 r 
 
 .By Ed. Sp. 
 
 Dedicated lo the right Honorable 
 theLadie Cowpton^nd 
 
 L O K D O N. 
 
 Imprinted {ovVFilliam 
 
 Pofj/bnbie, dwelling in Paules 
 
 Churchyard at the fignc of 
 
 the "Bifljopj head. 
 
To the right Honourable, the 
 
 hsidit Compton and 
 
 (^5Adountegle. 
 
 O^faire and^erfuous' La-- 
 aieshauing often fought op-- 
 Ipj portunitie by fotne^ good 
 " weanes to make k?oMn 
 to jour Ladijhipy the hum- 
 ble ajfeflion and fait hfuU 
 duetie^l^hich I haue al^aiesprofeffed , and am 
 bound to beare to that Houfe^ from whence yee 
 jpringyjhaue at length found occafion to re^e- 
 ber the fame jby making aftmflefrefent toyou of 
 the ferny idle labours 3 '^hich hauing long fith ens 
 comfofedtn the ra"^ conceipt of my youths I late- 
 ly amongfi other papers hghted Vpon^ and'^as 
 byothersylphich likedthefamcy moouedtofet the 
 foorth. Simple U the deuice^ and the compofiti- 
 on tneane^yet carriethfome delight ^eften the ra- 
 ther bee aufe of the fimplicitie ip* meannejfe thus 
 perfonated. The fame I befeech your Ladip^ip 
 
 L t iakf 
 
The Epiftlc. 
 
 takf if^ g$odfart^ as a fledge of that profejjion 
 UphtchJ hauemade to you^ and keepe with you 
 yntill^ithfome other more 'Worthie labour ^f do 
 redeemeitoutofyeurhands^ and difchargemy 
 f^tmoHdutie^ Till then "^ijlping jyour Lad;p?ip 
 all increafe 9/ honour and bappinejfe^ ^ humhlie 
 takgleatie. 
 
 YourLareucr 
 
 humblyj 
 €d, Sff*^ 
 
vpopota : or 
 ^5\dotherHuhberds'Taie. 
 
 IT was the month Jn which the righteous Maide, 
 That for dtfdaine of finfull worlds vpbraidc. 
 Fled back roheatsen, whence (he was firft cScciued, 
 Into her filucr bo wre the Sunne receiued ; 
 And the hoiSynm Dog on him awaytmg. 
 After the chafed Lyons crncll baycing, 
 Corrupted had th'ayre with his noyfome breath. 
 And powr'd on th'earth plague, pcftilence, and death,. 
 Emondl tha reft a wicked maladfc 
 Raign d emongft men,that manie did to die, 
 Depriad of fenfe and ordinarie reafon ; 
 That it to Leaches fecmed ftrange and gcafon. 
 My fortune was mongft manie others moe. 
 To be partaker of their common woe 5 
 Andmy weake bodie fct on fire with gi i:fe. 
 Was rob'd of reft,and naturall reliefe. 
 In this ill plighr,there came to vifite mee 
 Some friends^who forie my fad cafe to fee. 
 Began to comfort me in chearfullwife,. 
 And meanes of gladfome folace todeuife. 
 But feeing kindly fleep refufc to doe 
 His officcand my feeble eyes forgoe. 
 They fought my troubled fenfe how to deceaue 
 With talke, that might vnquiet fancies rcauc ; 
 And fitting all in fcates about rncround, 
 With pleafant tales (fit for rhat idle flound) 
 They call in courfe to wafle the wcarie howrcs : 
 Some toldc of Ladies>and their Paramoures > 
 Some of braue Knights, and their rcnowned^quircsi 
 Some of the Faeries and their ftrange attires s 
 
 L 3 And: 
 
<^5M[otherHubbercls Tale. 
 
 Andfomc of Giaiints hard to be bdccucd, " 
 Thatthedclight thereof mc much releeued. 
 Amongft the reft a good old woman was. 
 Might Mother H/<Wvrrf,w ho did farrc fiirpas 
 The reft in honeft minh^tharfeem'd her well : 
 She when her tiirnc was come her talc to icU, 
 Toldc of a flrangeaducnturcjthat becided 
 Betwixt the Foxe and th'Ape by him mifgiiided j 
 The which for that my fenfe it greatly pleafcd. 
 All were my fpirite hcauie and difeafed. 
 He write in termes,as flic the fame did fay. 
 So well as I her words remember may. 
 No Mufes aide me necdcs heretoo to call; 
 Bafe is the ftyle,and matter meane withall. 
 
 ^ Whilome (faid flie) before the world was ciuilU 
 The Foxe and th* Ape difliking'of their euill 
 And hard eftatc.dctcrmined to fcekc 
 Their fortunes farrc abroadjlyeke with his lycke : 
 For both were craftic and vnhappie witced > 
 Two fellowes might no where be better fitted. 
 The Foxe,thatfiril this caufe of gricfcdidfindc, 
 Gan firft thus plainc his cafe with words vnkindc. 
 Neighbour Apc>and my Gofhipekebefide, 
 (Both two furc bands in friendfliip to be tide,) 
 To whom may I more truftcly complainc 
 ThceuiH plighc,that doth me fore conftraine. 
 And hope thereof to findedue remedic .^ 
 Hcarc then my paine and inward agonie. 
 Thus manic yearcs I now hauc fpent and wc rnc. 
 In meancregard,and bafcft fortunes fcorne, 
 Dooing my Councrcy fcaiice as I might. 
 No lefTc I dare faiethan thcprowdeft wight; 
 
 And 
 
cS^/f other Huhberds Tale. 
 
 And (hll I hoped to be vp adukunccd. 
 
 For my good parts; but iUllic bath mifchaunced. 
 
 Now therefore that no lengcr hope I fee. 
 
 But froward fortune flill co follow mcc. 
 
 And lofels lifted vp on high,wherc I did lookc> 
 
 1 mea[}c to turne the next leaf e of the bookc. 
 
 Yet ere thatanie way I doo betake, 
 
 I mcane my Gofsip priuic firrt to make 
 
 Ah my deare Gofsip, (anfwer'd then the Ape,)/ 
 
 Deeply doo your fad words my wits awhapc. 
 
 Both for bccaufc your griefc doth great appcarc^ 
 
 And ckc becaufe my felfeam touched neare : 
 
 For I likewife haue wafted much good tim^, 
 
 Still waytmg to preferment vp to clime, 
 
 W hilell others a! wayes haue before me flept. 
 
 And from my beard the fat away haue fwept 5 
 
 That now vnto defpairc I gin togrowe 
 
 Andmcaue for better winde about to throwc. 
 
 Therefore to me,my truflie friend,aread 
 
 Thy councell : two is better than one head. 
 
 Ccites (faid he) I mcane me to difguizc 
 
 In fomc rtraunge habit,after vncouth wize. 
 
 Or like a Pilgrime,oraLymiter, 
 
 Or li kc a G//y^;/,or a luggeicr. 
 
 And fo to wander to the worlds cnde» 
 
 To feekc my fortune,where I may it mend : 
 
 For worfe than that I haue J cannot mcete. 
 
 Wide \% the world I wotc^and eucric ftrectc 
 
 Is full of fortunesjand aduencures ftraungc, 
 
 Continuallie fubicft vnto chauogc. 
 
 Say my fairc brother now,if this deuice 
 
 Doth like you^or may you to like entice, 
 
 Surdy 
 
 i 
 
. <S\/f other Hiihberds Tale^ 
 
 Surely (faid th' Ape) it likes me woiidroiiswcU; 
 And would yc not poore fcUowfliip expell. 
 My felfe would offer you t'accompanie 
 In this aducnturc's chauncefuU icopardie." 
 For to wcxe olde at hoine in idleneffc. 
 Is difaduemrous,and quite fortuneleflc : 
 Abroad where change is,good may gotten bee. 
 The Foxc was g!ad,and quickly did agree : 
 So both rcfolu'd^thc morrow next enfuing, 
 So foonc as day appeard to peoples vcwing. 
 On their intended iourney to proceede ; 
 
 - And ouer nightjwhatfotheretoo did needc. 
 Each did prepare,in rcadincs to bee. 
 The morrow next^fo fooneas one might fee 
 Light out. of heauens windawcs forth to looke. 
 Both their habiliments vnto them tookc, 
 Andputthcmfelues(aGodsname)onthcirwayc 
 Whenas the Ape beginning well to wey 
 This hardaduenaire^thus began t'aduifc; 
 Now read Sir Reynold^is yc be right wife, 
 
 ' What courfe ye weene is bcft for vs to take* 
 That for our felues we may a liuing make. 
 Whether fliall wcprofeffe fomctr^dcor skill e 
 Or fhall we varie our dcuice at will, 
 Euen as new oecafion appeares >. 
 Or fhall wetieour feluesfor certaincyeare^ 
 To anie feruice,ot to apie place ^ 
 For it behoues ere that into the race. 
 Wc cntcr,to refolue firft hercvpon. 
 Now furely brother (faid the Foxe anon) 
 Yc hauc this matter motioned in feafon : 
 For eueric thing thacis begun with reaCon 
 
 v' . Will 
 
Mother Huhherds Tale. 
 
 Will come by rcadic meancs vnto his end ; 
 But things mifcoiinfelled miift needs mifwcnd. 
 Thus therefore I aduizc vpon the cafe. 
 That not to anie ccrtaine trade or place. 
 Nor anie man we fhould our fclucs apphc; 
 For why fhould he that is at libertie 
 Make himfellc bond? fith then we are free borne* 
 Let vs all fcruile bafe fubic^lion fcorne ; 
 And Si'i we bee fonncs of the world fo wide. 
 Let vs our fathers heritagcdiuidc. 
 And chalengetoour felues our portions dew 
 Of all the patrimonie, which a few 
 Now hold m hugger mugger in their hand^ 
 And all the reft doo rob of good and land. 
 For now a few haueall and all haue nought, 
 Yet all be brethren ylike dearly bought : 
 There is no right in this partition, 
 Ne was it fo by inftitution 
 Ordained firft,ne by the law of Nariire> 
 But that /he gaue like blefsing to each creturc 
 As well of worldly liuclode as of life. 
 That diere migh^ be no difference nor ftrifc, 
 Nor oughtcald mine or thine '. thrice happie then 
 Was the condition of moruUmen. 
 That was the golden age of i'^rwrwold. 
 But this might better be the world of gold : 
 For without golde now nothing wilbc got. 
 Therefore (if pleafe you) this (halbc our plot. 
 We will not be of anie occupation. 
 Let fuch vile vaifalls borne to bafe vocation 
 Drudge in the world^and for their liuing droylc 
 VYhichluucrtdwittoiiuewithouten toyle. 
 'i-^ ^ M But 
 
<^S\^ other Huhherds Tale. 
 
 But wc will walkc about the world at pleafure ' 
 Like two free msn,and make our cafe our treafure. 
 Free men fomc beggcrs calLbut they he free. 
 And they which call them fo more beggers bee : 
 For they doo fwinke and Aveace to feed the other. 
 Who line like Lords of that which they doo gather. 
 And yet doo neuer thanke them for the fame. 
 But as their due by Nature doo it clame. 
 Such will we faOiion both our felucs to bee. 
 Lords of the world,and fo will wander free 
 Where fo vs lifteth^vncontrofdof anie. 
 Hard is our hap,if we (emongfl: fo manic) 
 Light not on fome that may our/late amend > 
 Sildome but fome good commeth ere the end. 
 Well feemd the Ape to like this ordinaunce : 
 Yet well confidering of the circumftaunce, 
 As paufing in great doubt, a wh ile he ftaid. 
 And afterwards withgraueaduizementfaidi 
 I cannor,my lief brother^hke but well 
 The purpofe of the coraplot which ye tell : 
 For well I wot (compare! to all the reft 
 Of each degree) that Beggers life is beft : 
 And they that thinkethemfclues the beftof all. 
 Oft-times to begging are content to fall. 
 But this I wx3t withall that we lliall ronnc 
 Into great daungerhke to bee vndonne. 
 Thus wildly to wander in the worlds eye. 
 Without pafport or good warraniye, 
 Forfeareleaft we likerogucsfhould be reputed. 
 And for eare marked beafls abroad be bruted : 
 Therefore I read,that we our counfells call> 
 How to preueutthismifchiefe ere it fall. 
 
 And 
 
Mother Huhherds Tale. 
 
 And how wc mayXvith moft fcciiritie,' • - ■ 
 
 Bcgamongftthofc that bcggers doo dcfie. 
 
 Right well dcercGofsip yeaduizcd haue, 
 
 (Said then the Foxe) but I this doubt will faue : 
 
 For ere we farther pafTeJ will deuife 
 
 A pafport for vs both in fitteft wize. 
 
 And by the names of Souldicrs vs prote<3:> 
 
 That now is thought a ciuile begging feet. 
 
 Be you the Souldier^for you likeft arc 
 
 For manly femblancc^nd fmall skill in warrc : 
 
 I will but way te on you,and as occafiou 
 
 Falls our,my felfc fit for the fan^c will fafhfon. 
 
 The Pafport endcd,both they forward went. 
 
 The Ape clad Souldicrlike, fit for th'intent. 
 
 In a blew iacket with a crofTc of redd 
 
 And manie flits,as if that he had flicdd 
 
 Much blood throgh many wounds therein rcccaucd> 
 
 Which had the vfc of his right arme bercaucd » 
 
 Vpon his head an old Scotch cap he wore, 
 
 W ith a plume feather all to pecces tore : 
 
 His breeches were made after the new cut, 
 
 v^/ Vortugefi ^ook like an emptie gut > 
 
 And his hofe broken high abouc the heeling. 
 
 And his fhooes beaten out with traueling. 
 
 But neither fword nor dagger he did beare, 
 
 Secmcs that no foes rcuengcment he did fearc > 
 
 In ftcad of them a handfomc bat he held. 
 
 On which he leancd^as one farrc in cldc. 
 
 Shame light on him^that through fo falfc illuGon^ 
 
 Doth turne the name of Souldicrs to abufion. 
 
 And that,which is the noblcft myfleric. 
 
 Brings to reproach and common in&mic. 
 
 M 2 Long 
 
Mother HuhherdsTale. 
 
 Long they thus trauailcd^yct ncuci; pact 
 
 AdLienture.which might ihem a working fct: 
 
 Yet manie waics they fought.ancl manic trycd > 
 
 Yet for their pnrpofcs none fit cfpyed. 
 
 At laft they chaunft to mcete vpon the way 
 
 A fimple husbandman in garments gray ; 
 
 Yet though his vcfturc wctc but meanc and bn€e, 
 
 A good yeoman he was oi honcft place. 
 
 And more for thrift did care than for gay clothing : 
 
 Gay without good,is good hearts greatcft loathing. 
 
 The Foxe him fpying,bad the Ape him dighc 
 
 To play hispartjtor loe he was in fight, 
 
 That (if he efd not) (hould them enteitaine> 
 
 And yccld them timely profitc for their paine* 
 
 Eftfoones the Ape hi,mfelfe gan vp to reare. 
 
 And on hisfhouldershighhisbatto bcare. 
 
 As if good feruice he were fit to doo > 
 
 But little thrift for him he did it too : 
 
 And ftoutly forward he his fteps did flraine> 
 
 Thatlikea handfomc fwaineit him became: 
 
 When as they nigh approacbcd,that good man>,, , 
 
 Seeing them wander loofly,firft began 
 
 Tenquire of cuftome^what and whence they were i 
 
 To whom the Ape J am a Sonldiere > 
 
 Thar late in warrcs hauc (pent my decreft bloodj 
 
 And in long feruice loft both limbs and good, 
 
 And now conftrain d that trade to oucrguie, 
 
 I driuen am to fceke fome mcanes to Hue ; 
 
 W hich might it you in pitie pleaCc t'afford.. 
 
 I would bereadie both \n deed and word. 
 
 To doo you faithful! feruice all my dayes. 
 
 This yron worU (that faQ:)e he weeping faycs) 
 
 BrfDgs 
 
Mother Huhherds Tdk. 
 
 Brings dovvne the fto wtcft hearts to lowcft itatc : 
 
 For miferic doth braucftmindes abate, , 
 
 And make them feekc for that they wont to fcornr^ 
 
 Of fortune and of hope at once forlorne. 
 
 The honeft man,that heard him thus complainc. 
 
 Was grieii'd,as he had felt part of his pai nc ; 
 
 And well difpofd' him (bme rclicfe Co fliowe, 
 
 Askt if in husbandrie he ought did knowc. 
 
 To ploughjto plantjto rcapjto rakc,to fo we. 
 
 To hedge ,to di tch^to thrafh,to thctch^to mow e ; 
 
 Or to w hat labour els he was prepared ^ 
 
 For husbands life is labourous and hard* 
 
 W henas the Ape him hard fo much to talke 
 
 Of labour,that did from his liking balke, 
 
 He would haueflipt thecoUer haiidforply,. 
 
 AndtohimfaidjgoodSir/uUgladaml, . 
 
 To take what pames may aniehuing wight : 
 
 But my late maymed limbs lack wonted might 
 
 To doo their kindly feruices^as necdeth : 
 
 Scarce this risiht hand the mouth with diet fcedcth. 
 
 So that it ma,y n<vpainfull workeendure> 
 
 Ne to ftrong labour can it fcJfe enure. 
 
 But if thatanie other place you haue. 
 
 Which askes fmall paines,buc thrifrtnes to fauc. 
 
 Or care to ouerlooke^or cruft to gather, 
 
 Ye may me truft as yourowne ghoftly father. 
 
 With that the husbandman gan himauize 
 
 That it for him were fitted exercife 
 
 Cattell to kcep,or grounds to ouerfce j 
 
 And asked Iiimjif he could wiljing bee 
 
 To keep his ftiecp.or to attend his fwyne. 
 
 Or watch his marcs,or take his charge of kyne ^ 
 
 Ms Gladly 
 
Mother Buhherds l^ale. 
 
 Gladly (faid he) what cucr fiich like paine 
 Yeputon mcjl will the famefulbinc : 
 Biicgladlieft I of your fleecie Ihecpe 
 (Might it you plcafc) would take on me the keep. ' 
 For ere that vnto armcs I me betooke, 
 Vnto my fathers fhccpt I vfde to Idoke, 
 That yet the skill thereof I hauenot lofte : 
 Thereto right well this Curdog by my colic 
 CMeaning the Foxe) will fcruc, my fheepe to gather. 
 And driue to follow after their Bel wether. 
 The Husbandman was meanly well content, 
 Triall to make of his cndeuourment. 
 And home himleadingjent to him the charge 
 Of all his flocke,with libertie full large, 
 Giuingaccomptof th'annuall increcc 
 Both of their lambes,and of their woolly fleece. 
 Thus is this Ape become a fhepheard fvvainc, 
 And the falfe Foxe his dog, (God giue them paine) 
 For ere the yeare haue half c his courfe out-run. 
 And doo returne from whence he firft begun. 
 They fhall him make an illaccompt of flirift. 
 Now whenas Time flying with wingcs fwift. 
 Expired had the terme,that thefe two iauels 
 Should render vpa reckning of their trauels 
 Vnrothcirmafter,which it of them fought. 
 Exceedingly they troubled were in thought, 
 Ne wift what anfwcre vnto him to frame, 
 Nc how to fcape great pani(hment,or (hame. 
 For their falfe treafon and vile thecucrie. 
 For not a lambe of all their flockes fupply 
 Had they to iLe w : biit cuer as they bred, 
 Thev flue them,andvpon their flcfhes fed ; 
 
 For 
 
Mother Huhherds Tale. 
 
 For that dirguifed Dog loii'd blood to fpill. 
 
 And drew the wicked Slicphcard to his will. 
 
 So twixc them both they not a lambkin left, , kf,/^ 
 
 And when lambesfaird.thc old Ihccpes hues they lefti/. 
 
 That how t'acquite themfelues vnto their Lord, 
 
 They were in doiibt^and flatly fet abord. 
 
 The Foxc then coiinfel'd tlvApcfor to require , > • 
 
 Refpite till morrow,t'anfwere his defire ;,.^ _;. if 
 
 For times delay new hopeof hclpe ft ill bnceds. \; 
 
 Thegoodmangrantedj doubting nought their decds^ ; 
 
 And bad, next day that all fhould readie be* l\^ 
 
 But they more fubnll meani;ig had than he : , , . . v / 
 
 For the next morrowes mc^ed they clofelymcnt^ /if f." * 
 
 For feareof afterclaps fot to preuent. 
 
 And that famceiieningjwhen all flirowded were 
 
 In carelcs fleep^they withoutrtJAre or fcare. 
 
 Cruelly fell vpon thcirflQck in folde, A 
 
 And ofthcm flew at pleafure what they vvolde: A 
 
 Of which whenas they feafted had their fill* 
 
 Fora full complement of all their ill, a _,, . 
 
 They ftole away ,andtooke their hafiie flight. 
 
 Carried in clo wdes of all-concealing nighe. 
 
 So was the hu?>bandn)aH left to his loHe^ 
 
 And they vnto their fortunes change to tofle. 
 
 After which fort they wandered long while, 
 
 Abufing manie through their cloaked-guile s 
 
 That at the laft thjqy gan to be defcryed 
 
 Of euerie one^and all their flerghtscfpyed. 
 
 So as their begging now them failed quy te i 
 
 For none would giue,but all mca would them wyCc; 
 
 Yet would they take no paines to get their liuing. 
 
 But feekcfome other vvay to game b^ygiuinga )^»/-.. 
 
 Much 
 
Ad( ther Htdherds TMe. 
 
 Much like to begging but much better named ; 
 For maniebcg>which are thereof afnamcd. 
 And now the Foxc had gotcei:i him a go wiie. 
 And th*Ape acaflocke fidclong hanging downc \ 
 For they their occupation meant to change^ 
 And now in other ftate abroad to range : 
 Forfince their (ouldiers pas notctUT (pedd. 
 They forg d another,as kir Qetkes booke-rcdd. 
 Who pafsingfooith^as their aduenture^tell, 
 Through manie haps,which ntcih not here to telh 
 At length chaunft with a formall PfiHl to meetc. 
 Whom they in ciuill manner firft did grcccei^ 
 And after askt an almcs tor Godsdcarc louei " '''^ ' 
 Thcmanftraight wdy hischokrvpdid moue; 
 And with reproachtull tearmes gan them reuile. 
 For follo!^ing that tradefo bafe and vile ; 
 And askt whatlicenfc,or what Pas they had ^ 
 Ah (faid the Ape as fighing wondrous fad) 
 Its an hard cafcwhen men of good defei uing 
 Mufl either driuen be perforce to fteruing, 
 Or asked for their pas by euerie fquib. 
 That hft at will them CO reuile or f nib: ^ 
 And yet (God wote) fmarlloddcs I often fee 
 Twixt them that askcand them that asked bee. 
 Nathcles becaufe you (hall not vs mifdceme. 
 But that w:e are as honeft as we fecme, * • -; 
 Yee (hall our pafport at yoiVr pkafurefec,* 
 And then ye will (I hope) well mdoued beie.' -^ 
 W hich when the Prieft beheld,he vcw'd it nerc/ 
 As it therein fomc text faeftudying were, 
 But litde els (God wotc} could thci'eot skill .• 
 For read hccould i!5r©t eU'ide^KCjnor will. 
 
Mother Huhherds Tale. 
 
 Nc tell a written word,ne write a letter, 
 
 Nc make one title worfe,ne make one better : 
 
 Of fiich deep learning little had he neede* 
 
 Ncyetof Latine,neofGreeke,thac brecdc 
 
 Doubts mongft Diuines,and difference of texts. 
 
 From whence arife diuerfitie of fefts. 
 
 And hateful! hcrcfies,of God abhoi'd : 
 
 But this good Sir did follow the plaine word, 
 
 Ne medled with their controuerfies vainci 
 
 All his care was,his feruicc well to faine. 
 
 And to read Homelies vpon holidaycs : 
 
 \ V hen that was done,he might attend his playcs » 
 
 Aneafie life,andfithighGod to pleafc. 
 
 He hauingouerlookt their pas at eafc^ 
 
 Gan at the length them to rebuke againe. 
 
 That no good trade of life did cntertaine. 
 
 But lo(| their time in wandring loofc abroad* 
 
 Seeing tic world,in which they booties boad. 
 
 Had waycs enough for all therein to liiic \ 
 
 Such grace did God vnto his creatures giue. 
 
 Said then the Foxe 5 who hath the world not tridei 
 
 From the right way full cath may wander wide. 
 
 We are but Nouicesme w come abroad, 
 
 Wc haue not yet the traftof anic troad. 
 
 Nor on vs taken anic ftatc of life. 
 
 But readie are of anie to make prcife. (proucd> * 
 
 Therefore might plcafeyou, which the world haue 
 
 Vs to adui(e,which forth but lately raoued. 
 
 Of forne good, cou rfc,thar wc might vndertakc > 
 
 Ye (hall ior euervs your bondmen make. 
 
 The Prieft gan wcxc halfe proud to be fo praide. 
 
 And thereby willing to affoord them aide > 
 
 N It 
 
Mother Huhherds l^ale. 
 
 It fcemcs (faid he) right well that ye be Clerkj, 
 Both by your wittie words,and by your wcrks. 
 Is not that name enough to make a liuing '^ ' 
 To him that hath a whit of Natures giuing.^ 
 How manie honcft men fee ye arize 
 Daylie thereby,and grow to goodly prize f 
 To Deanes^to ArchdeaconSjto Commiflaries, 
 To Lords,to Principalls,to Prebendaries ; 
 All ioUy Prclates,worthic rule to beare. 
 Who eucr them ciiuie : yet ipite bites dcate# " - - » 
 Why (hould ye doubt then ,but that ye hke wife 
 Might vmo fomcof thofe in time arife*i* 
 In the meane timcto liue in good eftate, 
 Louing that loue^nd hating thofe that hatt j ' •— - — ^ 
 Being fome hpneft Gurate^or fome Vicker ' \tvT^ 
 Content with litric in condition fickcn - • 
 
 Ah but (6id th'Ape) the charges wondrous gri^f/'-'^ 
 Tofeediiiensfoulcs,andhathaniieauiVfhrc4tt?; ^ 
 To feede mens foules (quroih he^ xvnoi in tnaai \ "- ^'^' » 
 For they nn]ftfecd:thenifeh]es,dod whkWc toi-d^rj? 
 We ^re but charged to lay the meatebcfereif • 'h\r?. 
 Eate the,y,|:hat lift, we need to doo nomotc* 
 But God it is that feedcsthera with his gra^c,' >^-- > 
 The bread of lifcpow/d do wne fronrt Iicaeeoly j^licct 
 Therefore faid ht^that.withthebuddingrod • •^'-'^ 
 Jjl^idtiikthelcwcSi^llfiitlbetau^jc of God. - .v::riCi 
 Thar fai^c bath lefus Chrift no w^q him raugbij '^^^T 
 By whom theflo.ckis.cightlyied^dfidtawght :.!''* <^^ ''V 
 He is the $i]eph(?ar:d,and the Prieft is'bei5"»c>o <)ni6) )() 
 We but his Ihepheard fwai j^s; ordai n*d td bee. ' 
 Therefore her<^withdoo not your felfc difmay j 
 Ne is the paines lQgreat,bwtbcare ye &ay;; 
 
iMother Hul?hrcis Tale. 
 
 For not fo great as it was wont of yore, 1 j vfi 
 
 Ic*s now a daycs,nc halfe fo ftrcight and fore : 
 
 They whilome vfed duly eucrie day P 
 
 Theirferuiceand their holic things to fay, ^ «'>3 ^>u^ 1 
 
 At morne and ciien^befidcs their Anthcmes fvvcctei ' 
 
 Theirpcnie Maires,and their Complyncs meete. 
 
 Their Dirges,their Trentals,and their flirifts. 
 
 Their memories.their fingings,and their gifts. 
 
 Now all thofe needlcfle works are laid away » 
 
 Nowoncea weeke vpon the Sabbath day^^'-M-il ir.'o':' 
 
 It is enough to doo our fmall deuotion. 
 
 And then to follow any merrie motion. 
 
 Ncarc we tyde to faft,but when we lift, 
 
 Ne to weare garments bafe of woUen twift. 
 
 But with the fineft filkes vs to aray. 
 
 That before God we may appeare more gay, 
 
 Refembling ^aroru gloric in his place : 
 
 For farrc vnfit it is >that perfoa bacc 
 
 Should with vilecloaths approach Gods maicftie,- ^« 
 
 Whom no vncleanncs may appt^achen nic : ^'^"^ 
 
 Or that all men,which anie mafter ferue, ^^ 
 
 Good garments for their feruicc fhould deferuc i ^ 
 
 But he that femes the Lord of hoafts moft high. 
 
 And that in higheft place, t'approach him nigh. 
 
 And all the peoples prayers to prcfenc 
 
 Before his throne^as on ambaffage fent 
 
 Both too and fro, fhould not defeme to weare 
 
 A garment better, than of wooU or heare. 
 
 Befide we may haue lying by our fides 
 
 Our louely Lafles,or bright Ihining Brides : 
 
 We be not tyde to wilfuU chaftitie. 
 
 But Iiauc the GofpcU of free Ubertie. 
 
 "^ N 2 By 
 
fi^?^ other Huhherds T^ale. 
 
 By that he ended had his ghoftly fcrmon. 
 
 The Foxe was well indue d to be a Parfon; 
 
 And of the Prieft eftfoones gan to enquire. 
 
 How to a Benefice he might afpire. 
 
 Marie there (faid the Prieft) is arte indeed. 
 
 Much good deep learning one thereout may reed. 
 
 For that the ground-worke island end of all. 
 
 How to obtainea Bcneficiall. 
 
 Firft thereforcjwhen ye haue in handfomcwifc 
 
 Your felfe attyred,as you can deuife, / : - ': 
 
 Then to fome Noble man your fclfc applye. 
 
 Or other great one in the wo rides eye. 
 
 That hath a zealous difpofition 
 
 To God,and fo to his religion ; 
 
 There nuift thou fafliion eke a godly zcalej 
 
 Such as no carpers may contrayre reueale : 
 
 For each thing fained,oughc more warie bee. 
 
 There thou muft walke in fober grauitce, 
 
 AndfectneasSaindikeasSaint/?rtrf^«W: =, 
 
 Faft rauch,pray oftjookelowly on the ground, 
 
 Andvntoeucrieonedoocurteficmceke: : 
 
 Thefe lookes (nought faying) doo a benefice fccke,' 
 
 And be thou furc one not to lacke or long. 
 
 But if thee lift vnto the Court to throng. 
 
 And there to hunt after the hoped pray. 
 
 Then muft thou thee difpofe another way : 
 
 For there thou needs muft learne^to laugh,tolie. 
 
 To face,to forgc,to fcoife,to companie> 
 
 To crouchc,to pleafc>to be a beetle ftock 
 
 Of thy great Mafters will^to fcorne,or mock : 
 
 So maift thou chaunce mock out a Benefice, 
 
 Vnleflc thou danft one conjure by dcuicc, 
 
 •: : : Or 
 
Mother HuhherdsTale. 
 
 Or caft a figure for a Biihoprick : 
 And ifonecould,itwercbuta fwhoole trick* 
 Thefe be the wayes,by which without reward 
 Linings in Court be gotten,though full hard. 
 For nothing there is done without a fee : 
 The Courtier needcs muftrecompenccd bee 
 With a Beneuolence,or haus ingage 
 The PrimitUs of your Parfonage : 
 Scarfe can a Biftioprick forpas them by> 
 Butthatitmuft begeltinpriuitie. 
 Doo not thou therefore feeke a lining therci 
 But of more priuateperfons fceke cKwherc, 
 Whereas thou maift compound a better penic, 
 Ne let thy learning queftion'd be of anie. 
 For fome good Gendeman that hath the right 
 Vnto his Church for to prefenta wight, 
 Will cope with thee in reafonable wife; 
 Thatif theliuingyerelydoo arife 
 To fortie pound,that then his yongcft fonnc 
 Shall t wentic baue^and t wcntie thou haft wonne : 
 Thou haft it vvonne,for it is of f ranke gift. 
 And he will carefor alUhe reft to fhift > 
 Both that the Bifhop may admit of thee. 
 And that therein thou maift maintained bee. 
 This is the way for one that is vnlern d 
 Liuing togct,and not to bedifcern'd. 
 But they that arc great Clerkes^haue^^carer wayes. 
 For learning fake to liuing them to raife : 
 Yet manieekcof them (God wote) arc driuen^ 
 Tdccept a Benefice inpeeces riuen. 
 How faift thou (firiend) haue I not well difcourft 
 Ypon this Comon place (though plaine,not wourft)? 
 -- N 3 Bcw©: 
 
Mother Huhher J s 7 ale. 
 
 Better a (hort tale,than a bad longftiriiudg.r;" rl c^.n iO 
 
 Ncedcsanie more to leatne to gee a lining I 
 
 Now fure and by my hallidomc (quoth he) 
 
 Ye a great matter are in your degree : 
 
 Great thankcs I yeeld you for your difcipline, jo-i 
 
 And doo not doubt,but duly.to cnch'nc 
 
 My wits theretoo,asyc Ihall (horrly heare. /. .^ 
 
 The Prieft him wilht good fpced.and well to hit. 
 
 So parted they, as eithers way them led. 
 
 But th' Ape and Foxe ere long fo well them fped. 
 
 Through the Priefts holcfomc cqunfell lately tougbc, T 
 
 And throgh their own faire handling wifely wroghc^'^ 
 
 That they a Benefice twixt them obtained ; 
 
 And craf tie Reynold was a Prieft pjdained > : : 
 
 And th'Ape hisParifh Clarkeprocuf d to bee. ] ioH 
 
 Then made they reuell route and goodly glee- ^ 
 
 But ere long time had paffed,they fo ill 
 
 Did order rheiraffairesjtbatth'euill will 
 
 Of all their Parifliners they had conftraind i 
 
 Who to the Ordinaricof them complain'd. 
 
 How fowlie they their offices abufd". 
 
 And them of crimes and herefics accufd'j 
 
 That Purfiuants he often for them fent : 
 
 But they neglc<3tcd bis cQmraaund^tnent. . . 
 
 So long perfifted pbfl mace and bolde. 
 
 Till at the length he pubhfhed to holdc 
 
 A Vifitatton,and them cytcd thcther : 
 
 Then was high time their wits about to gcathcr ; 
 
 What did I hey th(?n,bjutinade a compofitioo 
 
 With their next neighbor Prieft for light condition,' 
 
 To whom their huing they refigned quighc 
 
 For a fc w pcnce^and ran away by night. 
 
 S6 
 
Mother HuhherdsTale, 
 
 So pafsing through the.Countrcy in difguize. 
 They fled farrc off, where noncmighc them furprize. 
 And after that long ftraied here and there. 
 Through euenciield andforreftfarreand iiere;; 
 Yecneuer found occafion for their tourihe. 
 But almoft fteru'd,did much lament and mournc. 
 At laft they chaunft to meetc vpon the way 
 The Mule,alldcckt ingoodly rich aray. 
 With bellsnnd boflcs^thatfulIioVvdlyning, 
 And coflly:crappings,that to ground do wxie hung. ' ' 
 Lowly they him faluted in meekc wife y ' ;^ 
 But he through pride and fames gan defpife . 
 Their meanelle 3 fcarce voucfafafte them to requite. lA 
 Whereat the FoxQ deep groning id his fprite, . d^^S 
 SaidjAh fir Mulc^nbiw blcfTcdbethCiday, 
 That I fee you fo goodly and (o gay ! 
 In your attyres,and ckeyourfilkcA Jiyde 
 Fil'd with roundflefcjthaccucrie bone doth hide. it 
 Seemes thatin fi^icfull pafturcsycdno liuci! t ? 
 
 Or fortune doth }'ou iierct fauiotirgiue. . : .i u 
 Foolilh Foxe{faid the Male) tliy.wrttcftdd need 
 Praifeththe^hing that doth thy forro w breed. 
 For welll weencthouicanjft notbuteduie. . . /i 
 
 My wealth,(;9nij^ar'd tl3^ihuicowne raiferie, r!i r T 
 
 That art fo lcane<and meagre waxen laie> 
 That fcarfethy Ipgs vphold thy feeble gate. 
 Ay me (faid tb^nibe Foxe) whomeutilhap 
 Vn worthy in i[u(:iiivr etc hcdrics doth wrap, :I 
 
 And makes the fcOrneof odierbcaftitobce.- 
 But read (faire Sir> pf grace) from whcncccomc yec > 
 Or what of tidjipg? yf^w abroad doo bearc ^ i ■ .* 
 Newes may perhaps fpme good vnwccting beare. - 
 
Mother Hubberds Tale^ 
 
 From royall Court I lately came (faid he) 
 
 W here all the braucrie that eye may fcc» 
 
 And all the happincffe that hcait defire. 
 
 Is CO be found > be nothing can admire. 
 
 That hath not fecne that heauens portradurc : 
 
 But tidings there is none I you affure, 
 
 Sane that which common is,and knownc to all. 
 
 That Courtiers as the tide doo rife and fall. 
 
 But tell vs (faid the Apf) we doo you pray, 
 
 W ho now in Court doth beare the gr^accfl: fway. - 
 
 That iffuch fortune doo to vs befall, -: - ;T 
 
 Wc may feeke fauour of the beft of all. 
 
 Marie (faid he) the highcft now in grace, 
 
 Be the wilde beafts,that fwiftelVare ia chafe s "'^I'od V/ 
 
 For in their fpeediecourfe and nimble flight - ?• 
 
 The Lyon now doth take the moft delight : 
 
 Biitchieflie,ioyesonfootethemtobeholde, ^ 
 
 Enchafte with chaine and circulet of goldc : 
 
 So Wilde a beaft fo tame y taught to bee. 
 
 And buxome to his bands is ioy to fee. j^^ : ^ ^ 
 
 So well his golden Circlet him befecmeth : ' 
 
 But his late chayne his Liege vnmecte cftccmcch 5 
 
 For fo braue beafts flie loueth beft to fee, : 
 
 In the wildc forrcft raunging frefli and free* 
 
 Therefore if fortune thee in Court to liue. 
 
 In cafe thou aier there wilt hope to thriuc. 
 
 To fome of thcfe thou muft thy fclfe apply : 
 
 Elsas athiftk-downein th'ayredoth flie'^ ''^i xanov; 
 
 So vainly (halt thou ibo and fVo be roft, ^ 
 
 And loofcthy laboivr and thy fruides coft. 
 
 And yet full f e w,which follow tbc^p Ifec, 
 
 For vermes [;>are regard aduaunced beci 
 
 Bin 
 
Mother Huhherds Tale. 
 
 But cither for fomc gainful! benefit. 
 
 Or that they may for their ownc turncs be fit. 
 
 Nath'Jcs perhaps ye things may handle foe, 
 
 Thatye may better thriue than thoufands moe* 
 
 But (&id {he Ape) how fliall we firft come in. 
 
 That after we may fauour feekc to win f 
 
 How els (faid he) but with a good bold (xcc^ 
 
 And with big words,and with aftately pace. 
 
 That men may thinkeof you in general). 
 
 That to be in you, which is not all : 
 
 For not by that which is,the world now deemctfa, - 
 
 (As it was wont) but by that fame that feemeth. 
 
 Ne do I doubt,but that ye well can faftiioa 
 
 Your felues thcretoo>according to occaiion : 
 
 So fare ye well, good Courtiers may ye bee s 
 
 So proudlic neighing from them parted hcc. 
 
 Then gan this craftie couple to dcuizc. 
 
 How for the Court themfelues rhcy might aguize : 
 
 For thither they themfdues meai^ to adurcfTe, 
 
 In hope to finde there happier fucccflc. 
 
 So well they (hifted,that the Ape anon 
 
 Himfelfe had cloathed likea Gentleman* 
 
 And the flicPoxc,as like to be his groomc. 
 
 That to the Court in fcemly fort t&y come. 
 
 Where the fond Ape himfelfe vprearing hy 
 
 Vpon his tiptocs,ftalketh (lately by. 
 
 As if he were (bme great Magni^co^ 
 
 And boldlic doth amongft the boldcft go. 
 
 And his man Reynold with fine counterfefaunncc 
 
 Supports his creditcatld his countcnaunce. 
 
 Then gan the Courtiers gaze on eucric fide. 
 
 And flare on him,with big lookcs bafcn wide, 
 
 ryf O WoH- 
 
Mother Huhherds TTalk. 
 
 VVondring what miflcr wight he was, and wKcnce : 
 
 For he was clad in ftrange accouftremcncs, 
 
 Fafliiond withqucintdeuifes neucrfeenc 
 
 In Court beforc,yet there all fafhions bcene : 
 
 Yet he them in newfangleneffe did pas ; 
 
 But his behauiour altogether was 
 
 ^llaTunhefca^wuch the moreadniyfd, 
 
 Andhis lookcs loftiCjas it he afpyr'd 
 
 To dignitie5and fdeign d the low degree; 
 
 That all which did fuchftrangeneffein him fee. 
 
 By fecrete meanes gan of his ftate enquire> 
 
 And priuily his fcruant thereto hire : 
 
 Who throughly arm'd againft fuch couerture. 
 
 Reported vnto all,that he was furc 
 
 A noble Gentleman ot high regard. 
 
 Which through the world had with long trauel far'd. 
 
 And fcene the manners of all beafts on ground ; 
 
 Now here aruiu'd,to fee if like he found. 
 
 Thus did the Ape at firft him credit gaine. 
 
 Which afterwards he wifely did maintaine 
 
 With gallant liowe,and daylie more augment 
 
 Through his fine featcs and Courtly complement ; 
 
 For he could play,and daunce,3nd vaute,and fpring. 
 
 And allthacelspcrtaincsto rcueling^ 
 
 Oncly through kindly aptnes of his ioynts. 
 
 Befidcs he could doo manie other poynts. 
 
 The which in Court him ferucd to good (lead : 
 
 For he mongft Ladies could their fortunes read 
 
 Out of their handstand mcric leafings tell. 
 
 And iuggle finely,that became him wellt 
 
 But he (o light was at legicr demainc. 
 
 That what he to.ucht^camc not to light againe 5 
 
 " Ycl 
 
. Mother Huhherds Tale. 
 
 Yet would he laugh itout,and proudly lookc,' 
 
 And tell them,thatthejr greatly him miftookc. 
 
 So would hefcoffc them out with mockeric. 
 
 For he therein had great felicitie; 
 
 And with ftarp quips ioy'd others to deface. 
 
 Thinking that their disgracing did him grace : 
 
 So whilfl that other like vainc wits he pleafed* 
 
 And made to laugh,his heart was greatly eafed. 
 
 But the right gende minde would bice his'lip^] 
 
 To heare the lauell fo good men to nip ; 
 
 For though the vii^ar yeeld an open eare. 
 
 And common Courtiers Icue to gybe and flearc 
 
 At euerie thing^which they heare fpoken ill. 
 
 And the beft fpeaches with ill meaning fpill; 
 
 Yet the braue ppurtier,in whofe beauteous thought 
 
 Regard of honour harbours more than ought. 
 
 Doth loath fuch bafc condition>to backbite 
 
 Anies good name for enuic or defpite : 
 
 He Hands on tcarmes of honourable minde, 
 
 Nc will be carried with the common winde 
 
 Of Couns inconflant mutabiHtie, 
 
 Ne after euerie tattling fable flie; 
 
 But hearcs>a;id fees the follies of the reft» 
 
 And thereof gathers for himfelfe the beft : 
 
 He will not creepe,nor crouche with famed face, 
 
 But walkes vpright with comely ftedfaft pace. 
 
 And vnto all doth yeeld due curtcfie j 
 
 But not with kiflcd hand bdowe the knee. 
 
 As that lame Apifli crue is wont to doo : 
 
 For he difdaines himfelfe t'embafc thcretooj 
 
 He hates f owle leafings^and vile flattcrie. 
 
 Two filthic blots in noble Gentrie \ 
 
 ' O2 And 
 
Mother Huhherds Tale^ 
 
 Andlothcfull idlcncs he dothdctcft. 
 
 The canker wormc of cuerie gendc btcft ; 
 
 The which to banifli with fairccxcrcifc 
 
 Of knighdy fcates,hc daylic doth deuifc : 
 
 Now mcnagingthc mouthcs of flubbornc ftccdcs> 
 
 Now pi'ailifiiigthc pioofc of warhkc accdcs. 
 
 Now his bright armcsaflaying.now his fpearci 
 
 Now the nigh aymed ring away to bcare » 
 
 At other times be eafts to few thccbacc 
 
 Offwiftwildebeafts,orrunnconfo6tcisirace, (full) 
 
 Tenlarge his breath(large breath in armcs mod nccd- 
 
 Or elsby wrcftling to wexftrong and heedful!. 
 
 Or his ftiffearmes to ftrctch with Eugheabowe^ 
 
 And maoly legSyftiiipafeing too atrd fro, 
 
 W ithout a gowned beafi: him fall bcfide ; '^ \ 
 
 A vaine.enfample of the Peyyi(<» pride, '*^^ 
 
 W ho after he had wonne ik^ffynan foe. 
 
 Did euer after (corne on fooie to goe. 
 
 Thus when this Courtly Gentleman with toylc 
 
 Himfelfe hath wxaried, he doth rccoyle 
 
 Vnto his reft>and there with fweete delight 
 
 Of Muficks skill reuiues his toyled fpright. 
 
 Or els with Loues,and Ladies gentle fportSj^ 
 
 The ioy of youth^himfelfe be rccomforts : 
 
 Or laftly, when the bodie lift to paufe, \ ' 
 
 His minde vnto the Mufcs he wkhdrawes v 
 
 Sweete Ladic Mufes^Ladics of delight^ 
 
 Delights of life,and ornaments of light: 
 
 With whom he clofecontcrs with wife difcourfe. 
 
 Of Natures workes^of heauens continuallcourfc, * 
 
 Of forrcine lands,of people diflPerenr^ 
 
 Ofkingdomc&changepfdiucrsgoucrnment^ 
 
 Of 
 
Mother HuhherJs Tale. 
 
 OfdrcadfuUbactailcs of renowmcd Knights,* . , r:^ 
 With which he kindkth his ambitious fprights 
 To like dcfire and praifc of noble famcj 
 The oncly vpfhoc whereto he doth ay me : 
 Forallhismtndconhonourfixedisi ij 
 To which he leucls all his purpofis^ -) j ' , ^ n y/ 
 
 And in his Princes fcruicc fpends his dayes>. 1 ji VV 
 Not{omuchfortogainc>orforcoraife // 
 
 Himfelfe to high degree,as for his gfacc* :;^ji/I 
 
 And in hisliking to winnc worthieplacer ^ . ac*5 A 
 Through duedcfcrts and comely carriagCpfj.; ^^j^^^f t ;f 
 In whatfo pleafe employ his pcrfonagc^ r ^,^^ ..- \^\ .. . 
 That may be matter mcete to gatne him praifer • 
 , Forhcisfittovfeinallaffaycs, 
 Whether for Arnftcs and warlike amcnauncc^ 
 Of clfc for wife iuidciuill goucrnaun<:c[» . - • . 
 For he is praftiz'd well in pdicic, jo y,n ^w , Y 
 
 And thereto dotbhis Courting moft applic \ 
 Tolearne the cnterdealc of Princes ftrangc. 
 To marke th'tntent ot Coanfells,and the change 
 Of fbtes>and eke of priuate men fomewhilc. 
 Supplanted by fine iaifliood and faire guile ; 
 Ot all the which hegatheretb,what is fit 
 Tenrich thellorchoufeof hispowerfuH wit, 
 Which through wife fpcaches> and graue conference 
 He dayl ie eckes,and brings to excellence. 
 Such is the rightfull Courtier m his kmde : 
 Butvntofuch the Ape lent not hismindc> 
 Such were for him no fit companions,. 
 Such would dctriehhlcwd conditions: 
 But the yong luftie gallams he did chofc 
 To follow> mcac to whom he might difdofe 
 
 Oi His 
 
(^\^GtiKr'ff(M(rcfs Tale. 
 
 His witlefieplcafonccand ill pkafiiig vainc. > 
 
 A thoUfitfid wayes hcchcm could cniexiainc. 
 
 With all the rhritdcs garaes,that maybe found 
 
 With mumming and with maskii)g all around. 
 
 With dice,with Gards,with balliatds farre vnfir^: s • . 
 
 Withftiuttelcocks.mifl'cemingmanlicwit/i'vjri- '' 
 
 WithcourtiziDSiiandcoftlyriotizej eiHni 
 
 W hereof llil! fbnicwhat to his fliare did rizc / 
 
 Ne,them to plc3fiu*e,would he fometimcs fcornc 
 
 A Pandaresk:6ace^(fo balely was he borne) ; 
 
 Thereto he^^ldfeolc^tiiHg verfesltame. 
 
 And play the Poet oft. But ah, for ftiamc 
 
 Let not fw'eete Poets pra>fe,whofconely pride . T 
 
 IsvertiTecoaduaunccaiidyiocdaide, id * 
 
 Be with the worke^f'fefchWic defamed* : . riW 
 
 Nc let fuch yct(tsVotxtieJDcmtxicd^iU\N ivi tHi-s lO 
 
 Yet he the name on hittl>Svouid.ra(hly'tafce/o n !>f 
 
 Maugre the facred Mtifes^and it-make- ^ 
 
 Aferuant tothcvileaffedion T 
 
 Of fudi,as he depended moft vpon/ r 
 
 And with the fugric fwe<:te thereof allure 
 
 Chad Ladies eare^to fantalies impure. 
 
 To fuch delight5-thc noble wits he led 
 
 Which him rclicu'd,add their vaine humours fed 
 
 Willi fruitles folliesjand vnfound delights." ' ' -^ 
 
 But if perhaps into their noble fprights 
 
 Dcfirc of honor jOrbtaue thought of armes 
 
 Did euercrcepe,then with his wicked charmes 
 
 And llrong conccipts he woulditdriu^ away, 
 
 Ne fuffcnttohoulethcrcbalfcadayv'^''^ i 
 
 And whenfo I'cnic'of letters did in fpitic 
 
 Their gentle wit^iand kindly wifc-dcfire, 
 
 ^ H That 
 
. hf other MuhiicrdfJ/iik. 
 
 That chieflicdotlxcach noble <^.n4t3da)^^j,>; J ^ ,- pj 
 
 Then he would fcoffe at learning,andc%(5;o^.iY/ 
 
 The Scftaries thereof,as pcoplebafe ^-^ 7/* -.-.^tj ^x 
 
 And firaple men,which metier came in plaqc ^ woU 
 
 Of worlds afifaircsjbut in darkc corners tpfvy4j^'[.j} ^q 
 
 Muttrcd of matters^as tbpk bookes them $cvvd,^, j %y 
 
 Ne other knowledge euer did attaine, yjAT 
 
 Butwith their gownes their grauitienwintaine. j 
 
 Fromthcin he woiildbis impiidentlewde fpcacti-fj^ 
 
 Againft Godsholie Misifters oft reach, f/ 
 
 And mocke Diiiines andihcir profefsion : -^ 
 
 What elfe then did he by progrefsion,, 
 
 But mocke high God hirnfelfcwhom they profi^a^ 
 
 But what (^ar'dbeiorGod^or^odlinelTcs* / ^ t 
 
 All his care was hiinfelfe bow to aduaunce, cr 
 
 And to vphold his courtly eountenaunce 
 
 By all the cunning nieanes he could deuife^ 
 
 Wereitby honeftwayes^prothcp wire. 
 
 He made fmall ehoycc : yet ftire his honeftic 
 
 Got him frpallgaines,kit Ihamck^jflatteric* 
 
 And filthie brocagc,and vnfeemly Ihifts, 
 
 And borowe bafe,and fomegood Ladies gifts : 
 
 But the bcfthelpe,which chiefly him fuftain'd, , ' ; 
 
 Was his man Raynoldspurcbafe which he gain'd* 
 
 For he was fchoord by kindc in all the skill 
 
 Of clofc conueyance,and each pratiife ill 
 
 Of coofinageand cleanly knaueric, 
 
 W hich oft maint;Hn'd his maftccs fe^raueric. 
 
 BefidcS he vfde another flippric .flight. 
 
 In taking on himfclfc in common fight, 
 
 Falfc perfonages fie for eucrie fted. 
 
 With which he thoufaads cleanly coofincd : 
 
 Now 
 
Mother Hu hhcrds 7 ale. 
 
 Now like a Mcrchant,Merchants to dcccauc* 
 With v<rhom bis crcdite he did okcn Icaiie 
 In gage,for his gay Matters hopelcfle dctt : 
 Now likei Lawycr,when heland would Ictt^ 
 Or fcllfee-fithplcs in his Matters name. 
 Which helhad neuer,nor ought like the farae: 
 Then would he be a Brokcr,and draw in 
 Both wares and money.by exchange to win : 
 Then \Krould he feeme a Farmer,that would fell 
 Bargaines of woods,which he did lately fell. 
 Or cornc,oi: cattle,or fuch other ware. 
 Thereby to coofin men not well aware; 
 Of all the which there eame a fecret fee 
 Toch'Ape,that he his countcnaunce might bee. 
 JBcfidcs all this,he vfd* oft to beguile 
 
 Poorefuters^that in Courtdid haunt fomc while,* 
 
 For he would Icarne their bufines fecrcdy. 
 
 And then in forme his Matter haftely^ 
 
 That he by meancs might caft them to preuent. 
 
 And beg the fute,thc which the other ment. 
 
 Or otherwifefalfcReynold wouldabiifc 
 
 The fimple Suter,aiKl wi/h him to chufc 
 
 His Mafterjbeing one of great regard 
 
 InCourtjtocompasanicfutenothard, 
 
 In cafe his paines were recompcnft with i-eafon : 
 
 So would he worke the filly man by treafon 
 
 To bay his Matters friuolous good will, 
 
 That had not power to doo him good or ill. 
 
 Sopitifull a thing is Sutcrs ftate. 
 
 Moft miferable man,whom wi<:ked fate 
 
 Hath brought ro Court,to fue for had y wift. 
 
 That few liaue found,and manie one hath mift j 
 
 FuK 
 
(t5\^ other Hubherds Tale. 
 
 Full little knowcft thou that had not tridc, 
 
 Whathcllit is,in fuing long to bide : 
 
 To loofc good dayes,that might be better fpcnt ; 
 
 To waft long nights in penfiue difcontent ; 
 
 To fpeed to day,to be put back to morrow j 
 
 To feed on hope^to pine with feare and forro w j 
 
 To hauc thy Princes grace, yet want her Peeres ; 
 
 To haue thy asking,yet waitc manie yeeres ; 
 
 To fret thy foule with crofles and with cares ; 
 
 To eate thy heart through comfordefle difpaires; 
 
 To fawnCjto crowche,to waite,to ride^to ronac. 
 
 To fpend,to giue,to want,to be vndonne. 
 
 Vnhappie wight^borne to defaftrous end, 
 
 Thntdoth his life in fo long tendance fpend. 
 
 W ho euer leaues fwcccc home,where meanceftatc 
 
 In fafeaffurancc, without ftrifcor hate, 
 
 Findes all things needfuU for contentment nieeke r 
 
 And will to Court for (hadowes vainc to feekcj. 
 
 Or hope to jjainc^himfelfe will a daw trie : 
 
 That curfc GmA fend vnto mine enemie. 
 
 For none but fuch as this bold Ape vnblcft. 
 
 Can euer thriucin that vnluckie queft j 
 
 Or fuch as hath a Reynold to his man, 
 
 That by his fliif ts his Adafter furnifh can. 
 
 But yet this Foxe could not fo clofely hide 
 
 His craftie feates,but that they were defcridc 
 
 At length,by fuch as fate in iuftice feate. 
 
 Who for the fame him fo whe did entreatc j 
 
 And hauing worthily him punifhed. 
 
 Out of the Court tor euer banifhcd. 
 
 And now the Ape wanting his huckfter man. 
 
 That wont prouide his neccflaries, gan 
 
 P To 
 
V> J, 
 
 Mother Huhherd^ Tale. 
 
 To growc into great lackc, nc coiild vphplde 
 
 His countenaiince in thofc his garments oldcj 
 
 Ne new ones could he cafily proiiidc> 
 
 Though all n:ien him vncafed gan deride, - oT 
 
 LikeasaPuppit placed in a play,. "^ 
 
 \ V hofc part once part all men bid take away : 
 
 So that hcdriuen was to great diftrefle. 
 
 And fhordy brought to hopelcffe wretchcdneffb. 
 
 Then clofely as he might he cad to Icaiie ,• :. 
 
 The Court, norasktngany pafleorleauej 
 
 Butranaway in his rentrags by night,. 
 
 Ne eucr ftayd in place,ne fpake to wight. 
 
 Till that the Foxe his copefraate he had found, 
 
 To whomc complayniag his vnbappy ftound,. 
 
 Atlafl againc with him in uan^l ioynd,. 
 
 Aud with himferUfomc better cbaunce to fynde^ 
 
 So in the world long time they wandered. 
 
 And raicklc want and hardncffefuftercdj 
 
 That them repented much lb foolirhly 
 
 To come fo farrc toJJeckefor m.ifery. 
 
 And Icauethc fwcctnes ot contented honTC, 
 
 Though eating hipps^and drinking watry fome. 
 
 Thus as they chcmcomplayned too and tro> 
 
 Whilft through thq foreft reehleifehey dd-goe, 
 
 Lo where they fpide, how in a gloomy glade. 
 
 The Lyon fleeping lay jn fcctet fhade. 
 
 His Crownc *fnd Scepter lying hun befide. 
 
 And hauingdoftforheate his dreadfull bide: ioa > . 
 
 W hich when th^y .fawe,iU^ Ape was fore afraydc,. 
 
 And would haucifled with terror all difmayde. 
 
 But him the Fo^ie with hardy words did ftay,^ 
 
 Andbad hirn put alUo wardizc away : 
 
(S\dotl)er Hubherds Tale. 
 
 For now was time (if eiier they would hope) 
 
 To aymc chcir connfcls to the faircft fcope. 
 
 And them for eiier highly to aduauncc, 
 
 In ca(c the good which their owne happie chaunc^ 
 
 Them freely c>ffred,they would wifely take. 
 
 Scarfe could the Ape yet fpeake/o did he quake, 
 
 Yet as he could,heaskt how good might grow.e> 
 
 Where nought but dread &: death do feeme in (how. 
 
 Now (fayd he) whiles the Lyon fleepcth found. 
 
 May we his Crowne and Mace take from the ground. 
 
 And eke his skinne rhe terror of the wood. 
 
 Wherewith we may our fclues (if we thinke good) 
 
 Make Kings of Beafls^ and Lcrds of forefls all, 
 
 Subie£t vnto that powre impcriaH. 
 
 Ah but (fayd the Ape) who is fo bold a wretcfe. 
 
 That dare his hardy hand to thofc outftretch : 
 
 W hen as he knowes his meedejf he be fpide. 
 
 To be a thoufa^d deathes, and fbame befide > 
 
 Fond Ape (fayd thcnchc Foxe) into whofe breft 
 
 Neuer crepe thought of honor, nor braue geft, 
 
 W ho will not venture life a King to be. 
 
 And rather rule and raigne in foueraign fee, -1 
 
 Than dwell in duft inglorious and bace, ^ 
 
 Where none /ball name the number of his place i* 
 
 One ioyous houre in bliffuU happincs, 
 
 I chofe before a life of wretchedncs. 
 
 Be therefore counfeiled herein by me, 
 
 And iliake off this vile hartcd cowardrcc. 
 
 If he awake,yet i5 not death the next. 
 
 For we may coulor it with fomc pretext 
 
 Of thisjor that^tbat may cxcufe the cryme : 
 
 Eife wc may%e > thou to a tree mayii dyme, 
 
 ''ir:: P z And 
 
Mother Huhberds Tale. 
 
 And I crccpc viider ground ; both from his rcich : 
 
 Therefore be rul'd to doo as I doo teach. 
 
 The Apcihat earft did nought but chill and quake 
 
 Now gan fome courage vnto him to take. 
 
 And was content to attempt that entcrprifc. 
 
 Tickled with glorie and ralli couetife. 
 
 But firft gan c]ucfl:ion,whither ftiould aflay 
 
 Thofe royall ornaments to ftcalc away ^ 
 
 Marie that (hall your felfc (quoth he therctoo) 
 
 For ye be fine and nimble it to doo i 
 
 Of all the hearts which in the forrcfts bee. 
 
 Is not a fitter for this turne than yec : 
 
 Therefore, mine ownedcare brother take good hart» 
 
 And euer thinke a Kingdomc f s your part. 
 
 Loath was the Apc,though praifcd,to aduentcr. 
 
 Yet faindy gan into his worke to enter. 
 
 Afraid of cuerie leafc^that ftir'd him by » 
 
 And eucrie ftick^that vnderneath did ly ; 
 
 Vpon his tiptoes nicely he vp went. 
 
 For making noyfe,and ftill his care he lent 
 
 To cuerie lound,that vnder heaucn blew \ 
 
 Now wet,now (lepc,now crept,now backward drew. 
 
 That it good fport had been him to haue eyde ; 
 
 Yet at the laft (fo well he hi m applydc,) 
 
 Through his fine handhng,and cleanly play. 
 
 He all thofe royall fignes bad ftolne away. 
 
 And with the Foxes hclpc them borne afidc. 
 
 Into a fecrct corner vnefpidc. 
 
 Whether whenas they came,ihey fell at words. 
 
 Whether of them (hould be the Lord of Lords : 
 
 For tlMpe was ftry fulU and ambicious j 
 
 And the Foxc gui]efull,and moft couccous , 
 
 That 
 
ii5M[ other Huhberds Tale. 
 
 That neither plcafcd vvas,to haucthc rayiTc 
 
 Twixt them diuidcd into eiien twaine, 
 
 But either (algates) would be Lords alone ; 
 
 For Loue and Lordfhip bide no paragone. 
 
 I am mod worthic (faid the Ape) (ith I 
 
 Foritdidputmylifcinieopardie : 
 
 Thereto I am m perfon,and in ftaturc 
 
 Mofthkeaman,theLordofeueriecrcaturev 
 
 So that It feemcth I was made to raigne. 
 
 And borne to be a Kingly foueraigne. 
 
 Nay (faid the Foxe) Sir Ape you are aftray : 
 
 For though to ftealc the Diademe away 
 
 Were the worke of your nimble hand, yet I 
 
 Pid firftdeuifctheplotby polhcie; 
 
 So that it wholly fpringeth from my wit: 
 
 For which alfo I claime my felfe more fit 
 
 Than you, to rule : forgouernmentof ftatc 
 
 Will without wufedome foone be ruinate. 
 
 And where ye claime your felfe for outward fhapc 
 
 Moft like a man,Man is not like an Ape 
 
 InhischicfepartSjthatisjinwitandfpiritc; 
 
 But I therein moft like to him doo meritc 
 
 For my (lie wylcs and fubtill craftineffc. 
 
 The tide oftheKingdome topofleffc. 
 
 Nathlcs (my brother) fince we paffed arc 
 
 Vnto this point,we will appcafe our larre. 
 
 And I with rcafon meeie will reft: content. 
 
 That ye (hall haue both crowne and gouernraent, 
 
 Vpon condition,thac ye ruled bee 
 
 In all afFaires^andcounfclled by mec j 
 
 And that ye let none other eiier drawc 
 
 Your minde from mc,but kecpc this as a lawc : 
 
 P3 And 
 
And hercvpon an oath vnto mc plight. 
 
 The Ape was glad to end the ftrife fo light. 
 
 And thereto (wore : for who would not oft fwcarc. 
 
 And oft vnfweatc a Diademc to beaic > 
 
 Then freely vp thofe royall fpoyles he (poke^ 
 
 Yet at the Lyons skin he inly cjuooke > 
 
 But ir diifembled, and vpon his head 
 
 The Crowne^and on his backe the skin he did. 
 
 And the falfeFoxc him helped to array. 
 
 Then when he\v^alldight hetookc his way 
 
 Into the foicftithathcmighcbefeetie 
 
 Of the wilde beafts in his new glory fheenc. 
 
 There the two firft, whomc he cncountred, were 
 
 TheSheepe andth^AfTc^whoftriken both with fcarc 
 
 At light oi him, gan faft away to flye. 
 
 But vnto them the Foxe alowd did cry. 
 
 And in the Kings name bad them both to ftay» 
 
 Vpon the payne that thereof follow may. 
 
 Hardly nay thles were they rellrayned fo. 
 
 Till that the Foxe forth toward them did goe> 
 
 And there diffwadcd them from necdlelfc feare. 
 
 For that the King did fauour to them beare; 
 
 And therefore dreadles bad them come to Cortc : 
 
 For no wild beafts fhoiald do them any torte 
 
 There or abroad,nc would his maieftye 
 
 Vfe them but well, with gracious clemencye. 
 
 As whome he knew to him both faftand trdc i 
 
 So he perfwaded them, with homage due 
 
 Themlelues to humble to the Apeproftrate, 
 
 W ho gently to them bowing in his gate, 
 
 Reccyucd them widi chcaretull entertayne. 
 
 Thenceforth proceeding with his princely trayne» 
 
 He 
 
^Pi4^ other Huhberds T^ale. 
 
 He fhortly nict the Tygre, and che Bore, 
 Which vviththcfimple Camcll raged fore 
 In bitter words, feeking to take ocafion^ 
 Vpon his fle&ly corpfe to make inuafion : 
 Butfooneasthcy this mock-King did c{py. 
 Their troublous ftnfe they ftinted by and by. 
 Thinking indeed that it the Lyon was : 
 He then to proiie,w hether his po wrc would pas 
 As currant, fern theFoxe to ihem (Ircighc way, 
 Commaunding them their cnulc of'Jirife bewray r 
 Andif that wrong on eyther fide there were. 
 That he fhould warne the wronger to appeare 
 The morrow next at Court, it to defend ; 
 In the meane time vpon the King t'attend. 
 The fubtile Faxe fo well his meilage fay d^ 
 That the proud beads him readily obayd r 
 Whereby the Ape in wondrous ftomack vvoxe,. 
 Strongly encorag'd by the craftj^oxe y 
 That King indeed himfelfe he fhortly thought. 
 And all the Bealls him feared as they ought : 
 And followed vnto his palaice hye, 
 W here taking Couge,each one by and by 
 Departed to his home in dreadfull awe. 
 Full of the feared fight,which late they fawe. 
 The Ape thus feized of tlie Regall-throne, 
 Eftfones by counfellof the Foxe alone, 
 Gan to prouide for all things in alTurance, 
 That fo his ruJe might lenger haue endurance. 
 Firftto his Gate he pointed a fironggard. 
 That none might civtcr but with illiie hard : 
 Then for the iafegard of his perfonagc. 
 He did appoint a warlike equipage 
 
 Of 
 
^%f other Huhberds Tale^ 
 
 Of forrcinc beafts.not in the forcft bred. 
 But part by land,and part by water fed j 
 For tyrannic is with ftrange aydc fupported. 
 Then vnto him all monftroiisbeafts refortcd 
 Bred of two kindcs^s GrifFons,Minotaurcs, 
 Ciocodilcs,Dragons,Bcauers,and Centauves : 
 With thole himfelfc heftrengthned mightche. 
 That feare he necdc no force of enemic. 
 Then gan he rule and tyrannize at will. 
 Like as the Foxc did guide his graceles skill. 
 And all wylde beafts made valTals of hi^ plcafurcs. 
 And with their fpoyles enlarged his priuatc trcafures. 
 No care of iufticc,nor no rule of reafon. 
 No tempcrance,nor no regard of feafon 
 Did thenceforth eucr enter in his mindc. 
 But crueltie, the figne of currifh kinde> 
 , And fdeignfuU pride,and wilfullarrogannce> 
 
 Such folio wcs thofcwhom fortune doth aduauncc. 
 
 But the falfe Foxe moll kindly plaid his part : 
 
 For whatfoeuer mother wit, or arte 
 
 Could worke,hc put in proofc : no praftife flic. 
 
 No counterpoint of cunning policic. 
 
 No rcacb,no breach,that might him profit bring, 
 
 But he the fame did to his purpofe wring. 
 
 Nought fufFered he the Ape to giue or graunr. 
 
 But through his hand muftpaflc the Fiaunt. 
 
 All officcs,all leafcs by him lept. 
 
 And of chem all whatfo he likte,he kcpr. 
 
 luflice he folde iniullice for to buy. 
 
 And for topurchafefor his progeny. 
 
 Ill might it profper.that ill gotten was, 
 
 But fo he got itjittle did he pas. 
 
 He 
 
fS\d^otherHuhbercls Tale^ 
 
 He fed his cubs with fat of all the foyle. 
 
 And with the fweete of others fweatingtoyle,' 
 
 He crammed them with crumbs of Benefices, 
 
 And fild their mouthes with meeds of malcfices. 
 
 He cloathed them with all colours faue white. 
 
 And loded them with lordiliips and with might. 
 
 So mu ch as they w er e able well to beare, 
 
 That with the weight their backs nigh broken were; 
 
 He chafiFred Chayres in which Churchmen were fer, 
 
 And breach of lawes to priuie fermcdid let ; 
 
 No ftaiute fo cftablifhed might bee. 
 
 Nor ordmaunce fo needfull,butthathec 
 
 Wouldviolate,though not with violence. 
 
 Yet vnder colour of the confidence 
 
 The which the Ape repofd' in him alone. 
 
 And reckned him the kingdomes corner ftonc. 
 
 And euer when he ought would bring to pas. 
 
 His long experience the platforme was : 
 
 And when he ought not pleafing would put by. 
 
 The cloke was care of thrift,and husbandry. 
 
 For to encreafe the common treafures ftore? 
 
 But his o wne treafure he encreafed more 
 
 And lifted vp his lof tie to wres thereby^ 
 
 That they began to threat the neighbour sky ; 
 
 The whiles the Princes pallaces fellfaft 
 
 To mine : (tor what thing can cucr laft?') 
 
 And whilcfl the other Peeres, for pouertie 
 
 Were forfl their auncient houfcs to let lie, 
 
 And their olde Caflles to the ground to fall. 
 
 Which their forefathers famous ouer all 
 
 Had founded for the Kingdomes ornament. 
 
 And tor their memories long moniment. 
 
 Q^ But 
 
<^SM other Huhberds Tale. 
 
 But he no count made of Nobilitic, 
 Nor the vvilde beafts whom anncs did glonfic> 
 The Realmes chicfe ftrength &: giilod of the crowne. 
 All thcfe through faincd crimes he thruft ado wne. 
 Or made them dwell in darkncsofdlfgrace : 
 For noni^but whom he lilt might come in place. 
 Of men of amies he had but fmall regard. 
 But kept them lo we^and ftreigned verie hard. 
 For men of learning little he efleemed 5 
 His wifedomc he aboue their learning deemed . 
 As for the rafcall Commons leaft he cared ? 
 For not fo common was his bountic fhared ; 
 Let God (faid he) if pleafe^care for the manic, 
 I for n)y felfc muft care before els anie : 
 So did he gor d tononc>to m^nieill, 
 So did he all the kingdome rob and pill, 
 Yecnonedurft fpcakcne none durft of him plainer 
 So great he was in grace,and rich through gainc. 
 Ne would he anie let to haue accclTe 
 Vnco the Pn:ice,buc by his owne addrcfle : 
 For all that els did comc>wcre fure to ia/le. 
 Yet would he further none but forauaile. 
 For on a time- the Sheepe,to whom of yore 
 The Poxe had promifcd of friendfhip Ifore, 
 What time the Ape the kingdome firfl did gaine, 
 C'^me to the Court,her cafe there toxomplaine, 
 How thuiE the Wolfe her mcrtall encmie 
 Had fithence flaine her Lambemoll crnc'lie> 
 And therefore crau'd to come vnto the King, 
 To Ice him kno we the order of the thing. 
 SofcGooddie Shcepe (then faid the Foxc) not foe : 
 Vnto the King fo ralli ye may not goe, 
 
 , IHc 
 
(t^f other Huhbercis T^ale^ 
 
 H c is with greater matter bufied, 
 ThaiiaLambcjOr the Lambes owne mothers hcd. 
 Ne certcs may I take it well in part, 
 Thatye my coufin Wolfe fo iowly thwart. 
 And fecke with llaundcr his good name to blot : 
 For there was caufe.el? doo it he would not. 
 Therefore furceafegood Dame,and hence depart. 
 So went the Shccpe away with hcauic hart. 
 So manic moe/oeuerie one was vied. 
 That CO giue larj;;cly to the boxe refilled. 
 Now when high /cwe,in whofealmightie hand 
 ThecnreofKtngs,and power of Empires Irand, 
 Sitting one day within his turret hyc, 
 From whence he vewes with his blacklidded eye, 
 Whatfo the heauen in his wide vawte containes. 
 And all that in the deepeft earth rcmaines. 
 And troubled kingdome of wilde beafls b.ehclde, 
 Whom not their kindly Souereigne did weldc. 
 But an vfurping Ape with guile fuborn'd. 
 Had all fubuerftjie fdeignfully it fcorn'd 
 In his great heart>and hardly did refraine. 
 But that with thunderbolts he had him flainc, 
 And driuendowncto helUiisdewcfl meed ; 
 But him auizingjhe that dreadful) deed 
 Forbore,and rather chofe with [cornfull .Oiarae 
 Him to auengCjand blot his brutifh name 
 Vnto the worldjthac neuer afr^ r anie 
 Should of his race be voydofinfamie : 
 And hisfalfe counfellor,thccaufeof all. 
 To damneio death,or dole perpetually 
 From whence he ncucr lliould be c[uit,nor Ibl'd. 
 Forthwith he Mercurttvnio him cal'd, 
 
 Q^ 2 And 
 
tS\f other Huhberds l^akt 
 
 And bad him flic with ncner refting fpced 
 
 Vnto the torrcft,whcre wildc bcafts doo breed. 
 
 And there enquiring priuiIy,ro Icarne, 
 
 Whacdidof latechaiinceto the Lyon llearne. 
 
 That he riil'd not the Enipire,as he ought; 
 
 And whence were all thofe plaints vnto him brought 
 
 Of wrongs and fpoyles, by faluage beafts commictedj 
 
 Which donc,hebad the Lyon be remitted 
 
 Into his reate,and thofe fame trcachours vile 
 
 Be punifhed for their prefumptuous guile. 
 
 The Sonne oiMaia foone as he recciu'd ^ 
 
 That word^ftreighc with his azure wings he cleau'd 
 
 The liquid clowdes,and lucid firmament > 
 
 Ne ftaidjtill that he came w ith ftecp defcent 
 
 Vnto the placCjwhere his prcfcripr did fhowe. 
 
 There ftouping like an arrowc from a bowe> 
 
 He foft arriued on the grafsie plaine, 
 
 And fairly paced forthwith e^fie paine, 
 
 Till that vnto the Pallacc nigh he came. 
 
 Then gan he to himfelfe new fhape to frame. 
 
 And that faire fece,and thac Ambrofiall hew. 
 
 Which wonts to dccke the Gods immortali crcwj. 
 
 And beautefie the fhinie firmament. 
 
 He doft,vnfic for that rude rabblemenr. 
 
 So (landing by th.e gates in ftrange difguize. 
 
 He gan enquire of fome in fccret wize, 
 
 BothoftheKing,and'ofhisgouernment> 
 
 And of the Foxe,and his falfe blandiflimenr: 
 
 And euermore he heaid each one complaine 
 
 Of foule abufes both in realmeaiid raine* 
 
 Which yet to prouc more true>he meant to fee, 
 
 And an ey- witnes df each ttogto bee. 
 
 ^ > Tho 
 
 i 
 
fS\d other Hubherds Tale. 
 
 Tho on his head his dreadfull hat hcdighc. 
 Which maketh him iniiifible in fight. 
 And mocketh ch'cycs of all the lookers on. 
 Making them thinke itbutavifion. (fwerds; 
 
 ThD3Ugh power of that, he runnes through enemies 
 Through power of thatjhepafleth through the herds 
 Of rauenous wilde beaftsjand doth beguile 
 Their greedie mou thes of the expefted fpoy Ic > 
 Through power of that,his cunning thceuerics 
 He wonts to worke,that none the fame efpies > 
 And through the power of that,he putteth on, 
 W hat fhape he lift in apparition. 
 That on his head he wore,and in his hand 
 He tookc Caduccm his fnakie wand. 
 With which the damned ghofts hegouerncth> 
 And furies ruleSjandTartare tempercth. 
 With that he caufeth lleep to feize the eyes. 
 And feare the harts of all his enemyes •> 
 And when him lift,an vniuerfall night 
 Throughout the world he makes on eucrie wiglit ; 
 As when his Syre with ^Icumenahy. 
 Thus dighf,into the Court he tooke his way. 
 Both through the gard,which neuer him defcride. 
 And through the watchmen,who hfm neuer fpide : 
 Thenceforth he paft into each fecrcte part. 
 Whereas he faw,that forcly grieu'd his hart; 
 Each place aboundmg with fowleiniuries. 
 And fild with treafure rackt with robberies : 
 Each place defilde with blood of guiltles beafls, 
 W hich had been flaine,to ferue the Apes bcheafts > 
 Gluttonie,mahcejpride,and couetize. 
 And lawleihes raigning with riotizcj 
 
 Q 3 Bcfidcs 
 
Mother Hubberds Tale. 
 
 Befidcs the infinite extortions, 
 
 Done through the Foxes great oppicfsions. 
 
 That the complairns thereof could not be tolde. 
 
 Which when hcj^did with lothluU eyes beholde, 
 
 He would no more endurc,but came his way, ^ 
 
 AodcafttofeekcthcLioniwherehemayt ^ 
 
 That he might worke the auengement tor this fliamcj 
 
 O:^ thofc two caytiues,which had bred him blame. 
 
 And fecking all c(ie Forreft biiiily. 
 
 At laft he found,where flccping he did ly :. 
 
 The wicked weed,which there the Foxe did lay, 
 
 Fromvnderijcach his head hctookeavvay. 
 
 And then him waking»forccd vp ro rize. 
 
 The Lion looking vp gan him auizc. 
 
 As one late in a trauncejwhat had of long 
 
 Become of him ; for fantafie i^iitrong. 
 
 Arifc (laid Me^urie) thou Huggifli beafl:. 
 
 That here liefi:fenfelcs>like the corpfe deccafl. 
 
 The whilde thy kingdomc f lom thy head is rent, ' 
 
 And thy throne royall with dilLonour blent : 
 
 Arife,and doo thy felfc redeemt fromihanje. 
 
 And be aueng'd on ihofe that breed thy blame. 
 
 Thereat enraged, foone he gan \!^pftarc. 
 
 Grinding his teeth.and gracmg his great hart. 
 
 And rouzing vp himfelTe,for his rough hide 
 
 He gan to reach j but no where it cfpidc. 
 
 Therewith he gan full terribly to rore. 
 
 And chafteatthatindignitie rightfore. 
 
 But when his Crowne and fcepter both he wanted, 
 
 Lord how be fim d.and f weld,and rag'd,and panted* 
 
 And threatned deach,3<: thoufand deadly dolours 
 
 To them that had purjoyn'd his Princely honours. 
 
 With 
 
(^4 other Hiibheyds Tale. 
 
 With that in ha(i:,difi'oabcd ns hf was. 
 He toward hisownc Pallacc forth did pas; 
 And all the way he roared as he went. 
 That all the forrcft with aftonifiimenc 
 Thereof did tremble,and the bcafts therein 
 Fkifaft away from thac fo dreadful! din. 
 At lad he came vnto his manfion, 
 Where all the gates he found faft locktconon. 
 And manic warders round aboun them Itood ; 
 With thac he roar'd alo wd^as he were wood. 
 That all the Pallace quaked at the ftonndj 
 As it it quite wcreriuen from the ground > 
 And all within were dead and hartlcs left ; 
 Andrh'Ape himfelfCjasone whofe wits Vvcrcrefr, 
 Fled here and there^and cuerie corner (oughti 
 To hide himfelfe from his ownc feared thouj?!-)!. 
 But thefalfc Foxe when he the Lion heard, 
 Fledclofcly fott!),ftreighcway of death afeard. 
 And to the Lion came,fulllowJy creeping, 
 With fained face,and w^^»trie eyne halfe weeping/ 
 T*exc ufe his former trcafon and abufion. 
 And turning all vnto the Apes confufion : 
 J^ath'les the royall Beall forbore beleeuing. 
 But bad himflay at cafe till further preeuing. 
 Then when he faw no entrafice to him graunted. 
 Roaring yet lowder that all harts it daunted, 
 Vpon thofe gates with force he fiercely flc we. 
 And rendingthem in pieces, felly flc we 
 Thofe warders rrrange,and all that els he met. 
 Butch'Apcflillflyingjheno where might ger! 
 From rowme to rowme,from beame to bcame he fled 
 All brcathles,and for fcare now almoft ded : 
 
 Ycc 
 
Mother Huhberch Tale. 
 
 Yet him at laft the Lyon fpide^and caught. 
 
 And forth with (hame vnto his iiidgement bronghc. 
 
 Then all the bcafts he caufd' affembled bee. 
 
 To hcare their doome,and fad enfample fee : 
 
 The Foxe,firrt Author of that treacherie, ^ 
 
 He did vncafc,and then away let flie. w^ 
 
 But ch'Apes long taile (which then he had)he qiiighc 
 
 Cut off,and both earcs pare4of their highti 
 
 Since which,all Apes but halfe their eares haue lefr^ 
 
 And of their cailes are vtterlie bereft. 
 
 So Mother Hubberdhtv difcourfe did end ; 
 Which pardon me^if I amifle hauepcnd, 
 For weake was my remembrance it to hold. 
 And bad her tongue that it fo blunriy toldc.. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
"jR^ms^f^^m i^jbySellay. 
 
 YE hcaiienly fpirites,whofeafhiecinderslic 
 Vnder deep ruines,with huge walls oppreft. 
 Bin not your praife,thc which fhall ncucr die 
 Through your faire verfes,nc in allies reft; 
 If fo be (hrilliiigvoycc of wight aliuc 
 May reach from hence to depth of darkcil: hell. 
 Then letthofe deep Abyfles open riue. 
 That ye may vnderftand my fhreiking yell. 
 
 Thrice hauing feene vnder the heauens veale 
 Your toombs dcuoted compaffe oucr all. 
 Thrice vnto you with lowd voycc I appeale. 
 And for your antique furie here doo call, 
 Th« whiles that Iwith facred horror fing 
 Your glorie,faireft: of all earthly thing. 
 
 Great Bubylcn her haughtic vyalls will praife, 
 And (harped fteeples high (hot yp inayre; 
 G>'^t?c^ will the olde£f/;(r//<t«buildings blaze; 
 And Nylus nurflings their Pyramides faire ; 
 
 The fame yet vaunting Greece will tell the ftoric 
 Of loues great Image in olym^m placed , 
 ManfolHs worke will be the Qmftrisglonc, 
 And Crete will boaft tlie Labyrinth,now raced ; 
 
 The antique T^WVrfw wiUlikcwife fct forth 
 The great Colofr€,ere£t to Memorie j 
 And what els inthe wotldis of like worth. 
 Some greater Icatned wit will magnifie. 
 
 But I will fing abouc aH h^oniments j . . 
 
 Scucn Rsimane Hils>the; wprlc}^ 7, wonderments. 
 
 R Thou 
 
^B^msof%ome. 
 
 3 
 
 Thou ftranger,which for Rome in Rome heic feekeft. 
 And nou^Jit of Rome in Rome pcrceiu'd at all, 
 Thefe fame olde walls, oldejirches, which thou feeft, 
 Olde Palaces is that,which Rome men call. T 
 
 Behold what wrcakc,what rulnc,and what vvafl. 
 And how that fhe^which with her mightie powrc , 
 Tam'dalUheworldJiath tam*cihcrfclieatlaft,- -HT 
 The pray of riinc,whichall things doth deuowre. / 
 
 Rome how of Rome is th'onely funeral! j ' 
 And onely Rome of Rome b^th viftone ', 
 Ne ought faue jpyfc^ haftning to his fall 
 Rcraaines af all : C\) worlds iiiconftancic- " A hn A 
 
 That which is firm/f dotli flit and f«all awa jr^ J. 
 
 And that is flitting,doth abide and flay.] luoY 
 
 4 
 
 She,whofe high top aboue the^ffarres did fbrc^ 
 One foote ori r/;ef/>,th'other on the Morhingj^ui b^. A 
 Onchandon5'o>ffe/rf,th'othcfonthe JWci^^^i. v^ . 
 Both hcauen and earth in roundncfTc compafsin^,' 
 
 loue fe^tingjcaflif flielhouWgtcatergroMv^^^ x 
 The old Gf ants fliouldwdeagainevpnic, - lO 
 Her whclm'd with hills, thefe 7. hils, which be nawc 
 Tombes of her grcatnes, which' did tbreatcthe skies; 
 
 Vpon her head he heapt Mount -iS'iir^rW^ T 
 Vpon her bellicth antique P<</<t^/»V 'k !<^^: ri^'jij^tj 
 Ypon her ftomackeiaid Mount Qnirkalf 'ntUr huK 
 pn her left hand chenoyfome EfquHwt, aZ 
 
 And C£liaft oh the right,' but both Her fectc 
 
 j^ount jf^/w(^ii? and ^»rwr//rf doo incetei' 
 
 ' "^ ' ^^--^'r- - vvho 
 
^I^uines oj^pme^ 
 
 s 
 
 Who lifts to fee,what cucr nanirc,artc, 
 And hcauen could doo,0 Rome^ikitt let him fcC| 
 In cafe thy greatnes he can gcflc in harte. 
 By that which but the pifture is ofthcc. 
 
 Roms is no more : but if the (hade of Rome 
 May of the bodie yeeld a feeming fight. 
 It's like a corfc drawne fonh outof the tombc 
 By Magickc skill out of eternall night : 
 
 The corpes of Rome in a&es is entombed. 
 And her great fpirite reioyned to the fpiritc 
 Of this great maffe^is in the fame enwombed ; 
 But her braue wruings,which her famous meritc 
 
 In fpight of timejOut of the dull doth rearc, 
 
 Doo make her Idole through the world appearc. 
 
 Such as the BerecynthUn Goddcffe bright 
 In her fwift charret with high turrets crownde. 
 Proud that fo manie Gods (he brought to light > 
 Such was this Citie in her gooddaies fownd : 
 
 This Citie^more than that gre^t Phrygun mother 
 Renowm'd for fruite of famous prog.enie,:i •; \ij 
 Whofc greatnes by the greatncs of none other. 
 But by her felf e her equall match could fee : 
 
 i^cwr oncly might to /^owtf compared bee. 
 And onely Rome could make great Rome to tremble : 'r 
 So did the Gods by heaucnly doome decree. 
 That other earthlie power (hould not refemble 
 
 Her that did match the whole earths puiffaunce. 
 
 And did her courage Co the heauens aduaunce. ' 
 
 Rx Yc 
 
%utnesof%pme. 
 
 7 
 
 Ye facrcd raines,and yc tragick fights,. 
 Which ondy doo the name of /Jowcr retainc, 
 Olde moniments,which of fo famous (plights 
 Thehonoiiryttinafhcsdoo miintainc : 
 
 Triumphant Arcks,fpyres ncighbou rs to the skic. 
 That you to fee doth th'heaucn it (clfe appall, 
 Alasjby little yc to nothing flie. 
 The peoples fable,and the fpoyle of all : ^ ^ 
 
 And though your frames do for a time make vvarrc 
 Gainrt time^yet time in time fliall ruinate 
 Your workes and names,and your lail reliques marre. 
 My fad dcfires^refl tlicrefore moderate : 
 
 For if that time make endeof things fo fure,, 
 
 Itals will end tliepaine,which I endure. 
 
 8 
 
 Through armes & vaffals Rome the world fubdud. 
 That one would weenc/hatone fole Cities ftrcngth 
 Both land and Tea in roundnes had furuew'd, 
 Tobethemeafureof her bredthand length : 
 
 This peoples ^^ertue yet fo fruitfull was 
 Of vertuousnephe vves.that pofteritie 
 Striuing in power their grandfathers to paffe^ 
 The loweft earth,ioin'd to the Iicauen hie ; 
 
 To th'end that hauing all parts in their power. 
 Nought from the Romane Empire might be quighr. 
 And that though time doth Comonweakhs deuowre^. 
 Yet no time fhould fo lo w cmbafe their hight. 
 
 That her head eartlvd in her foundations deep. 
 
 Should not her name and encjles honour keep. 
 
 ^'h~ "' ~ "" Ye 
 
 1 
 
T^uines of 'V^cme. 
 
 9 K 
 
 Yc criiell fl:arrcs,and eke ye Gods vnkinde, 
 Heauen cnuious.and bitter ftepdamc Nature, 
 Be itby forcuncjorby CQurfcoi kinde 
 That ye doo wddchatfaircs of earthlie creatures 
 
 Why hauc your hands long (ithcnce traueiled 
 To frame this world,chat doth endure To long ^ 
 Or why were not thefcRonEiane palaces .;....., 
 
 Madeof fomc matter no leffe firmeand iU'ong #: - ^.inT 
 
 Ifay nor,as the common voyce doth fay>. 
 That all things which beneath the Moone haue beings 
 Are temporall,and (ubiect to decay : 
 But I fay rathcr,though not all agreeing 
 
 W ith fomcthat' weene the contrarie in thought > 
 
 That all this vyhofcfhall one day comoto nought. 
 
 10 
 
 As that brauc fonne oi^efin,ywhic\\ by clfannbs 
 Atcheiu d the golden Fleece in Co/c^r^land^ di:»i jq»;;r>. 
 Out ofthe earth engendrcd men of armcs r "^ ' 
 Of Dragons teeth,fowne in the facred faiid; 
 
 So this braue Towne,that in her youthlie daics 
 An Hydrd was of warriours glorious. 
 Did fill with her renowmed nourflmgs ptaife 
 The firie sunnes both one and other hous : 
 
 But they at lafljthere being then not lining 
 An Hercfilcsyio ranke feed to repreffe^ 
 Emongft thcmfelues with cruel! furieflriuing, 
 Mow'ddownethemfelucs with (laughter mcrcilefle^ 
 
 Renewing in thcmfelues that rage vnkinde. 
 Which whilom did thofe cirthborn brcthrcblinde. 
 
 R. 3 ^ Mars 
 
lories of Time. 
 
 1 1 
 
 Murs (haming to haiic giuen To great head 
 To his off-lpringj^hat mottall puiftaiince 
 Puft vp with piid^of Romane hardiehcad. 
 Seemed abou6 hcauens powreit felfe roaduauncc ; 
 
 Coohno; aeraifie his former kindled heatei 
 With which he had thofc Romane fpiritsfild. 
 Did blowc new fire^and with cnflamcd breath. 
 Into theGothickccoidc hot rage inftil'd : 
 
 Then gan thatNatton,th'earthsoe w Giant brood, 
 To dart abroad the thunder bolts of warre. 
 And beatingdowncthcfe walls with furious mood 
 Into her mothers bofome, all did marre 5 
 
 : To rh end that none-jall were it Imehis fire 
 \3fShould boallbimfclfe of the Romane Empire. 
 
 J2 
 
 Like as whildme the children of the earth 
 Heapt hils on Iitls,tb fcalc theiiarrie skie. 
 And fight againll the Gods of heauenly berth. 
 Whiles /owtf at rhcm his thunderbolts let flie; 
 
 All fuddenly with lightning oueithrowne. 
 The furious fquadronsdownc to ground did fall, 
 Thaith'carth vndcrhexchildrens weight didgconcj - 
 Andth'hcaucnsinglonctriumphtoucrall: ^ ".' --!" 
 
 So did ^hat haughtie front which heaped was 
 On thefe feucn Romane hiLsit felfe vprearc 
 Oucr thewQrld,and hfc her loftie face \rv 
 Againfl the hcauen,that gan her force to feare. 
 
 But now thcfe fcorned fields bcmone her falJ, 
 
 Arid Gods fccure feare not her force at all. 
 
 Nor 
 
T{mn€sof%ome\ 
 
 Northe fwift furie of the flames afpiring, 
 Noc the deep wounds of vigours raging blade. 
 Nor ruchleiTe fpoyle of fouldiers blood-dcfiring. 
 The which fo ofc thee (Rome) their conqueft made j 
 
 Ne ftroke oil ftroke of fortune variable, 
 Nc rul^ of age hating continuance, 
 Nor wrath of Gods,nor fpighr of men vnftable. 
 Nor thou oppofd* againft thineownc puifTance*, 
 
 Nor th'horrible vprore ofwindcshigh blowing> 
 Nor fwcUing ftreanu'sdf thatGod foakie-paced. 
 Which hath fo often wirh hisavcrfJowing 
 Thee drenchcdjiaue thy pride fo much abaced,? 
 * Butthatcbisti($thuig,whichthey hauethee left. 
 
 Makes the world vvoder^ what they from thee refr* 
 
 • As nKfl m Sumnner fearles paffc the foord. 
 Which iir in Winter lord of all the plaine. 
 And with his tunibhng ftreames doth beareaboord 
 The ploughmans hope,and fhcphcards labour vaiae :- 
 
 And as the coward beafts vfe f o dcfpife 
 The noble Lion after his liues cndv - " 
 Whetting their teeth,and with vaine foolhardife 
 Daring the foe,tbac cannot hini defend : 
 
 And as ac Troy moft daftards of the Grcckes 
 Did braue abontthe corpesbf Hffforcoldcj 
 So thofe which whilome wont with pallid cheekes 
 The Romanerrrurnphsglorie to behold, .. 
 
 Now on thefeafhietombesAewboldncirevainei, 
 
 Aadconcficf d dare the Conquerourdifdaine, 
 
 Yc 
 
jf 
 
 Yc pallid fpirits,3nd yc alhic ghoafts. 
 Which ioyiiig in the brightnes of your day, ^.^^ .^.^ * 
 Brought foorch thofc figncs of your prcfum ptupus 
 Whrtch now their dufty rchques do bf wrayj (boafls 
 
 Tell me ye fpirits (fith the darkfome riuer 
 Of^'r^x'^notpaflablcto foules returnin ^\ 
 Enclofing you in thrice three wavdifai}cuer, 
 Doo not reftrainc your images llill mourning) 
 
 Tell mc then (^or perhaps fome one of you 
 Yet here aboue him fecretly doth hide) 
 Doo ye not feels your torments to accre wc, 
 When yc fometimes behold the ruuVd pride 
 
 Of thcfe old Romane works built vyithvyeiit hands> 
 
 To bccomenought els,biit heaped fands e 
 
 16 . 
 
 Like as yc fee the wrathful! Sea from faire, ; 
 InagreatmouiJtaine heap't with hideous r^oyfcy 
 Eftfooncsof thoufandbjilowesfhouldrednarre, 
 Againft a Rocketo breake with dread full poyfc : 
 
 Like as ye fee fell i5c>*w with ft^rpeblafl, 
 Tofsing huge tempers through the troubled skie^ 
 Eftfoones haumg his wide wings fpent in waft. 
 To flop his wearic cariere fuddenly : 
 
 And as ye fee huge flames fprcddiuerflie, . _ , . 
 Gathered in one vp to the hcauei}^ to Tpyr^^ : : ; r-?^| i^^s 
 Eftfoones confum'd to falldownc fcebily : 
 So whilom did this Monarchic afpyrc 
 
 As waueSjaswinde,as fire fpredouer all. 
 
 Till it by fatalldoomeadownc^did fall. 
 - ' So 
 
So long as loucs great Bird did make his flight. 
 Bearing thcfirc with which heauen doth vs fray, 
 Heauen had not fcare of that prefumptuoiis might. 
 With which the Giaunts did the Gods aflay- 
 
 But all fo foonc,as fcortching Sunne had brent 
 His wings,wh!ch wont the earth to onerfprcdd. 
 The earth out of her mafsfc wombc forth fcnt 
 That antique horror, which made heauen adrcdd. 
 
 Then was the Germane Rauen in difguifc 
 That Romane Eagle fecne to cleaueafunder. 
 And towards heauen frefhly to arife 
 Out of thefe mountaines,no w confum'd to ponder. 
 Iff which the foulc that femes tobearc the lightnings 
 Is now no more fcen flying,noralighting. 
 
 I8 
 Thefe hcapes of ftones,thefe old wals which yc fee, ^ 
 Were firft endofures but of faluagc foyle j 
 And thefe braue Pallaces which mayftred bee 
 Of time,were (hepheards cottages fomewhile. 
 
 Then tooke the (hepheards Kingly ornament 
 And the ftout hynde arm'd his right hand with fteele : 
 Eftfooncs their rule of yearely Prcfidents 
 Grew great ,and fixe months greater a great decle > 
 
 W hich made perpetuall,vofc to fo great might, 
 That thence tlVImprriall Eagle rooting tooke. 
 Till th'heauen it felfe oppofirig gainft her might. 
 Her power to Vcters fuecefTor betooke > 
 
 Who fhepheardlike, (as fates the fame forefeeing) 
 
 Doth fhew>that all things turne to their firfl being. 
 
 All that is pcrfcdjwhich th'heauen bcautefies ; 
 
 S AU 
 
Twines of %pme. 
 
 All that's imperfecl,bornc belo wc the Moonc ; 
 All that ddth f cede our fpirits and our cics 5 
 And all that doth conlimie ourplcafurcs Ibone ; 
 
 All the milhap,the which our dales outwcares. 
 All the good hap of th'oldcft times afore, 
 i?owff in the time of her great anccltcrsj 
 Like a Fandora^ook^A long in ftore. 
 
 But dcftinie this huge Chaos turmoyling, 
 In which all good and cuill was encloled. 
 Their heaucnly vcrtues from thefe woes affoyling, 
 Caried to hcauen,from finfuU bondage lofed : 
 
 But their great finncsjthe caufcrs of their painr, 
 
 Vuder thcfe antique ruines yet remainc. 
 
 iO -' 
 
 No otherwife than raynie clcud.firft fed 
 With earthly vapours gathered in the ayrc> 
 Eftfoones in compasarch't,to ftcepc his hed. 
 Doth plongc himfelfe in Tethys bofome faiie> 
 
 And mounting vpagaine>from whence he came> 
 With his great bcUie iprcds the dimmed world. 
 Till at the lafl: diiloluing his moift frame, 
 In raine,or fnowe^or haile he forth is horld ; 
 
 This Citiejwhich was firll butfliepheards Ihadc, 
 Vprifing by degrces,grewe to fuch height, 
 That Queene of land and fca her felf e fbe made. 
 At laft not able to beare fo great weight. 
 
 Her power difperft^chrough all the world did vade; 
 
 To (hew that all in th'end to nought fhall fade. 
 
 2.1 ^ 
 
 The fame which Tyrrhm^zni the puiflauncc 
 Of ^/WV could not tame,that fame braue Citic* 
 Which with flout courage arm'd againft mifchaucc> 
 
 Suflein'd 
 
Suftein'd the fliockc of common enmitic; 
 
 Long as her (hip toft with fo manic freakes. 
 Had all the world in armcs againft her bent. 
 Was ncucr fecne,that anic fortunes wreakcs 
 Could brcakc her coiirfe begun with brauc intent. 
 
 Bat when the obie£t of her vertuc tailed. 
 Her power it felfc againft it fclfe did armcj 
 As he that hauing long in tempeft failed, 
 Fainc would ar iue,but cannot for the ftorme. 
 
 If too great windc again!! the port him driuc. 
 
 Doth in the port it felfe his vcflell riuc. 
 
 When that brauc honour of the Latine name, 
 W hich mear'd her rule with •//r/crf,and Bj^tr> 
 With r/7^W(ri inhabitants of noble fame. 
 And they which fee the dawning day arize; 
 Her nourflings did with mutinous vprorc 
 Harten againft her ftlfe,her conquer' d fpoilc. 
 Which Ihe had wonnc from all the world afore, 
 Of allthe world was fpoyl'd within a while. ' 
 
 So when the coropaft courfe of the vniucrfc 
 In fixe and thirtie thoufand yeares is ronne. 
 The bands of th'elements fliallbackc reuerfc 
 To their firft difcord,and be quite vndonne : 
 The feedes,of which all things at firft were bred. 
 Shall in great Chuos wombe againc be hid. 
 
 O wariewifedomc of the man ,that would 
 That Carthage towrcs from fpoilc (hould be forborne. 
 To th'end diat hisyiwlorious people fliould 
 With cancringlaifurenotbc ouerwome; 
 
 He well forcfaw,ho w that the Romane courage, 
 
 S 2. Impa- 
 
Impatient of plcafures faint dcfircs, > ^^-^ 
 Through idlcncs would turi\c to ciuill ragc^ 
 And be her felfe the matter of her fires. 
 
 For in a people giuen all to eafc. 
 Ambition isengendred eafily ; 
 As in a vicious bodic,grofe difcafe 
 Soone gro wes through humours fuperfluitic. 
 
 That came to pafle^whe fwolne with pieties pride. 
 Nor prihce,iior peerc,nor kin-they would abide. 
 
 If the blinde furie,which warrcs breedeth oft, 
 ^Vonts not t'enrage the hearcs.of equall beads, 
 whether the/fare on f oote,or flie aloft. 
 Or armed bewitbcIaweSjOr fcalic creafts ; 
 
 W bat fell 'Erymii wirh hot burning tongs. 
 Did grypcyourhearts,with noyfome rnge imbew'd, 
 That each to other working cruell wrongs. 
 Your blades in your owne bowels you embrew'd .^ 
 
 Was this (yc Rormnts) your bard dcftinic ^ 
 Or fome oldfinne,who(evnappea fed guilt 
 Powr'd vengeance forth on you eternalhe? 
 Or brothers blood,the which at firft was fpiit 
 Vpon your walls,that God might not endure, 
 Vpon the fame to fet fouixjation fure > 
 
 25 
 O that I had the ThrdcUnV ozts harpe. 
 For to awake out of th'infcrnall fhadc 
 Thofe antique C^y^rj^fleeping long in darke. 
 The which this auncicnt Citie whilome thade *. 
 
 Or that I had ^mphionsindxiimQmy ' 
 To quicken with his vitall notes accord. 
 The ftonic ioynts of thcfe old walls now rent, 
 
 ■ . By 
 
By which xh'^ufoninnMghi might be reftor'd : 
 
 Or thatat Icaft I could with pcncill fine, 
 Fafliion the pourtrai(2:s of tbefe PalaciSj 
 By paterneof great Virgils fpirit dimnc> 
 I would alTay with that which in me is, 
 To butlde with Icucll of my loftic ftylc, 
 That which no Hands can euermorecompyle. 
 
 76 
 Who lift the Roraanc greatncs fonh to figure, 
 Him needcth not to feckc for vfagc right 
 Of line^or lead^or rule^or fquaire^to meafiirc ^ «- 
 
 Her lengthjher breadth>her decpnes,or her hight , ' 
 
 But him behoouesto vew in compafle round 
 All that the Ocean grafpes in his long armcs; 
 Be it where the yerely ftarredoth fcortch the ground. 
 Or wheretjoldc Bo>'if<fjblowes his bitter ftormes. 
 Rome was th'wliole woildj^ al the world was Romey 
 And if things nam'd their names doo equalize. 
 When laad and fea ye name^then name ye Rome\ 
 And naming P.ome ye land and Tea comprize : 
 For th auiiciencPlot of Rome difplayed pla 'ne. 
 The map of all the wide world doth containc, 
 
 27 
 Thou that at Rome aftoni/lit dofl: behold 
 The antiqiTcpndejWhtch menaced the skie, 
 Thefe haughtie heapes,thefc palaces of olde, 
 1 hefe wals,thefc arcks,thefc baths^thcfe temples hiej 
 
 ludge by chefe ample i:uines vew, the reft 
 The wlvichiniurious time hath quite outworne> 
 Since of all workmen helde in rcckning beft. 
 Yet thefe olde fragments are for paterncs borne : 
 
 Then alfo maike^how Rome from day to day> 
 Repayring her decayed falhion, 
 ""'^ ' S 3 Rcucwcs 
 
Rcncwcs hcrfclfc with buildings rich and gay ; 
 That one would iudgc^thac the Romaine DAman 
 
 Doth yet himfeUe with fatall hand enforce, 
 
 Againc on tootc to rcarc her pouldred corfe. 
 
 z8 
 
 He that hath fecne a great Oke dric and dead. 
 Yet clad withreliqucsoffomeTrophecsoldc, ^ 
 Litting to hcauen her aged hoaric head, 
 Whofefoote in ground hath left but feeble holde; " 
 
 But halfe disbowel'd lies aboue the ground. 
 Shewing her wreathed rootes,and naked armes, 
 And on her trunke all rotten and vnfound 
 Onely fupports hcrfclfc for meate of wornaes > 
 
 And though fhe owe her fall to the iirfl: winde. 
 Yet ofthedeuout people IS ador*d, . . s^. 
 And roanieyongplantsfpringoutofhcrrindc; 
 W ho fuch an Okc hath fecne,Ict him record 
 
 That fuch this Cities honour was of yore. 
 
 And mongft all Cities florifhcd much more. 
 
 All that which «^^/?r whilomcdid deuife. 
 All that which Grtect theif temples to embrauc. 
 After th'Ionicke,Atticke,Doricke guife. 
 Or Corinth skil'd in curious workes to graue \ 
 
 All that Zjj/^/^wpraftikearte could forme, 
 ^pelles wit,or Phidias his skill. 
 Was wont this auncientCitie toadorne. 
 And the heauen it felfe with her wide wonders fill; 
 
 All that which v/iiTfAe^j euer brought forth wife. 
 All that which ^frikecuct brought forthftrange. 
 All that which »////r euer had of prife. 
 Was here to fee. O meruelous great change : 
 
Rome liuing,wns the worlds folc ornaraent. 
 
 And dcad,is now the worlds folc monimcnt* 
 
 SO 
 
 Like as the feeded field greene gr.iflTe firft fhowes> 
 Then from grcenegiaffcintoafbilke doth (pring, 
 And from a ftalkc into an eare forth^growcs> 
 Which eare the frutefull graincdoth fhotcly bring; 
 
 And as in feafon due the husband mowcs 
 The waning lockes of thofe faire yeallo w hcarcs. 
 Which bound in (teaucs,; and layd in comely rowcs, 
 Vpon the naked fields in fblkes he reares : 
 
 So grew the Romane Empire by degree. 
 Till that Barbarian hands it quite did fpill. 
 And iek of itbuttheicolde markes to fee^ 
 Of which all pallers by doo fomewhac pill : 
 
 As they which gleanejthe reliques vfe to gather, 
 
 Whichth'husbadma behind himchanft to fcatcr. 
 
 That fame is now nought but a charapian wide* 
 Where all this worlds pride once was (ituate. 
 No blame to thce,whofoeucr doft abide 
 By NylcfitGetvg€,ot ly^rCyOilEupbrate, 
 
 Nc ^frikc thereof guiltic is^notspawc. 
 Nor the bolde people by the Thctmis brincks, 
 Nor the braue wadicke brood of ^Alcmaifje, 
 Nor the borne Souldier which Rhine running drinks : 
 
 Thouonely caufe^o Ciuill fuiie,3rc 
 Which fowingin iK^emathiart fields thy fpio^ht;, 
 Didft arme thy handagainft thy proper hart; 
 To th'end that when thou waflingrcatcft highc 
 
 Togrcatnes growne,tbrough longprofperitic. 
 
 Thou then ado wne might'ft fall more hornblic. 
 
 Hope 
 
'J(uinesof%ome. 
 
 Hope yc my yerfcs chat pollcricic 
 Of age enfuingfhall you euer read ^ 
 Hope ye that cuer immonalitie 
 So meanc Harpes worke.may chalcngc for hertnccd^ 
 
 If vndcr hcauen aaic endurance were, * ■ 
 
 Thefe monimcnts^which not in paper writ. 
 But in Porphyre and Marble doo appcare, 
 Might well hauehop d tp haue obtained it. 
 
 Nathles my Lute,whom P/7a?i«j deignd to giuc. 
 Ceafe not to found thefe olde antiquities : ^ 
 For if that time doo let thy glorie liue. 
 Well maift thou boaft,how cuer bafc thou bee. 
 
 That thou art firft,which of thy Nation fong 
 
 Th'olde honour of the people gowned long. 
 
 VEnvoy^ 
 
 Bell^y, fivd garland of free Poefic (wits^ 
 
 That France brought forth, chough fruitf uU of braup' 
 Well worchie thou of immortalitie. 
 That longhart traueldby thy learned writs, 
 
 Olde Rome out of her aftcs to reuiuc. 
 And giue a fccond life to dead dccayes : 
 Needes muft heall eternitie furuiue. 
 That can to other giue eternall daycs. 
 
 Thy dayes therefore arc cndlcs,and thy prayfc 
 Excelling all,that euer went before ; 
 And after thee,eins Banas hie torayfc 
 His hcauenly Mufcjtfi'Almightie to adore, 
 tiuc happic fpirits, tb'honour of your name. 
 And fill the world with neuer dying fame. 
 
& u& ^^ 
 
 MVIOPOTMOS, 
 
 Or 
 
 TheVateofthc T^utterflie. 
 
 By Ed, S p. 
 
 Dedicated to the mofl: faire and 
 
 vcrtuous Ladie: theLadie 
 
 Carey, 
 
 R 
 
 L O M D O N. 
 
 Imprinted iov Vl^^tUia^i 
 
 Pofifonhie^ dwelling in Paules 
 
 Churchyard at the figiie of 
 
 the "Btfjops head. 
 
?/ 
 
 «fc. 
 
 h 
 
 \ - 
 
Tp the rigbt worthy and vertuous ^ 
 Ladie^-the La: ^^r^'. 
 
 Ofl hrme and bountiful! La: 
 for foexctUmt fauouu as 1 
 I) hane recciued atjonrf^cet 
 hahdes , to offer thefcfc^c 
 learns as in recornfencey 
 jhouldbeoj to offerflo'^ers 
 to the Gods for their diuine benefit es. Th€ref$re 
 Jhaus determined togiue my felfe "^holy toyou^ 
 as quite abandoned from my felfe ^ andabfolutely 
 *uo'^€d to your feruices : ^:hich in allr^ht is 
 euer held for full recommence of debt or damage 
 to haue theperfonyeelded. My ferfon I "^ot we/ 
 hofp little l^orth it is. But the fait hfuUmmde e^ 
 humble T^ale which I beare njnto your La: may 
 perhaps be m6re of price ^ asmaypleafeyou to ac- 
 count andyfe the pooreferuice thereof':, "Xvloich ta- 
 keth glory to aduance your excellent partes and 
 nobk ^ertues 3 andto^ff end it felfe m honouri?ig 
 you: notfo much joryour great bounty iomyfetf^ 
 
 T 2 lohich 
 
TheEpiftle. 
 
 ^hiehyetmay not beijnmindedsnorfor name $r 
 kindreds Jakf by you njouchfafed^ beeing alfo re^ 
 gardabie 3 O'Sfor that honorable name , Iphichyee 
 haue by your braue deferts purchafl toyour felf^ 
 O^fj^redm the mouths ofalmr. yvith yphtcb J 
 haue alfo frefu med to grace my njerfes, & *un^ 
 deryour name to comendto the vyorldthts fmat 
 poeme^the which be/eechmgyour La: to take in 
 Worth J and of all things therein according to 
 youryyontedgracioufnesto make a milde con^ 
 BruSiionJ humbly pray for j^our happmes. 
 
 Your La: euer 
 
 humbly J 
 
 E- S. 
 
Jiduiopotmoj: or 
 
 The Fate of thif'BMticrflie. 
 
 I Sing of deadly dolorous deoatc, 
 Scir'd vp through wrathtuU Nenjcfis defpighr, 
 Bctwixttwo mighcic ones of greai cftatCj 
 Drawnc into arrr)cs,and jprpofeof mortall fight, 
 Through prowd aaibition,and hartfwelhng hate, 
 W hilcfl neither could the others greaccr miyjit 
 And fdeiffnfuU fcornc endure *, that from fmail iarrc 
 Their wraths at Icnstn broke into open warrc. 
 
 The ro^tc whereof aiidtragkall cffcd, 
 Vouchfafe,0 thou the mournfulfl: Mufe of ny»e^ 
 That wontfi: the tragick ftage for to direft. 
 In funerall complaints and waylfuU tyne^ 
 Rcuealc to me,and all the mcanes dctcvCi, 
 Through which fad cUrion did at lad dcclyne 
 To lo weft wrctchedncs > And is there then 
 Such rancour in the harts of mi^htie men \ 
 
 
 Of all the racebf filuer-wingedHics 
 Which doo poffefTcche Empire of the aire. 
 Betwixt the centred earth, and azure skies. 
 Was none more fauourable,nor more fairc, 
 W hilft heauen did fauour his f elicities> 
 Then cUrion^cht cldcft fonne and hairc 
 Ol MufcaroUiZni in his fathers fight 
 Of all aliuc did fceme the faircft wight. 
 
 With fruitful! hope his aged brcaft he fed 
 Of future good^which bis yong toward yeares. 
 Full of braue courage and bold hardy hcd, 
 Aboue th'eafainple oi his cQuall peares. 
 
 Did 
 
s5K^£mopotmos. 
 
 Did largely promifc>and to liim forered 
 (Whilft oft his heart did melt in tender ccarcs) 
 That he in time would fure proue fuch an ope. 
 As (hould be wojichie qf |)is tathers throne, 
 
 The h:e(h yong flie,in vyfipm t^c kindly fire. *^^ ^^^^_^^^ 
 Ofluftfullyoiight began to kindle fiaft, 
 Didrauch difdainc to fubietJ: his defire 
 To loaihfome floth,or hoiire$ in eafe to waft, 
 Butioy'd to range abroadinfrcih attire; ,j, . .^ 
 Through the wide compas of the ayrie coaft,' 
 And with vnwcaried wings each part t'inqiiirc 
 Of the wide rule oHiis rcnQ.>ym.ed fire. 
 
 For he fo fwift and nimble wasoffligbp^^^ ,,7 
 
 Thatfrom this lower craahe'daii'dtcyfti^^ opkr 
 
 Vp to theclowdcs,and thetice with pineons Kghti, 
 
 To mount aloft vnto the Chriftall skie. 
 
 To vew the workraanfliip of heauens higlit: 
 
 W hence downe defccnding healong would Qxc 
 
 Vpon the ftreaming riuer^^fport to finde J 
 
 And oft would dare jo^^^mgi: tjie troublous winde» 
 
 So on a Summers day,when feafon milde, 
 
 W ith gentle calme the \^oi\d had qiiiete J, 
 
 And I. gh in heauen Hj/^mowjffierie'childe 
 
 Afccnding,didhisbcamesabroaddi(pred, 
 
 W hiles all the heaucns on lower creatures /milde? 
 
 Yong C/rfWc;; with vauntftdl lurtie head. 
 
 After his guizc cydeail abroad fofarcijlhil . ;ii ii 
 
 And theretoo g^|>/t^^ famifurtsf ^{^^[fcxjC^tjiiiJ. 
 
 Hisbreaflplate firft,tnac'was pf fuBftaucc pure. 
 
 Before his noble heart Be foraclytound, 
 
 bia That 
 
yotmos^j 
 
 That mought his life from yron dcathiffufc. 
 And ward his gcnde corpcs fromcruell wound ; 
 For it by arte was framcd^o endure 
 The bit of baletull fteeicand bitter ftownd. 
 No lellc tlian that,which Vulcane made to flicild 
 Achilles life from fate of Troynn field. 
 
 And then about his fhoulders broad he threw 
 An hairie hide of fome wilde beafl* whom hec 
 In faluage f orreft by aduenture fle w/ . 
 And reft the fpoylc his ornament to bee : 
 Which fpreddmg all his baekc with dreadftiH rcw> 
 Made all that him fo horrible did fee, .., . 
 
 Thinkehim./^/oWw withtheLyoQSskiiij'itii 
 
 WhentheiV<e?wc/!/i;Gonqucflbcdi4 win. -mI vr- 'lA 
 
 Vpon bis bead his glifteriitgBurganet^ 
 The which was wrought by wonderous deuice^, 
 ) And cur joufly engraucn^he did ktn - . - .'; 
 The mettall was of rare and pfsmgpr jcc; 
 Not Bilbo iieele,noi braiTe from Connthiciy 
 Nor coftly Orkdche from llrange Pho^mcci 
 B 11 1 fu ch as could both PhGebtas arro wcs ward^ 
 And th'hayling dans ot beaucn beating hard. 
 
 Therein two deadly weapons fixt he bore. 
 Strongly outlaunced towards either fidej 
 Like two (haipefpearcs,his enemies to gore : 
 Likcas a warhke Brigandinejapplyde 
 To fighc>layes forth her threatfull pikes afore. 
 The engines which in them fad dearh doo hyd€ r 
 So did thisflieouiflretch his fearcf uU homes. 
 Yet fo as him their tcrrour more adorncs. 
 
 : \ Laftly 
 
(ifT^uiopotmos . 
 
 Laftlyhis^fhlbrcvvfngs as filiicr bright, IT 
 
 Painted with thoiifand colours, pafsing farre 
 
 All Painters skill^he did about him dight : 
 
 Not halfc fo manie fundric colours arrc 
 
 In Iris bo wc>tic hcauen doth (hinc fo bright, 
 
 Diftinguiflicd with manie a twincklingftarrc. 
 
 Nor lunocs Bird in her cy-fpptted traine 
 
 So manicgoodly colours doth container 
 
 Ne (may it be withouten perill fpoken) 
 The Archer God,the fonnc of Cytherce, 
 That ioyes on wretched loucrs to be wrokcui 
 And heaped fpoyles of bleeding harts to fee, 
 Beares in his wings fo manie a changefull token.. 
 Ah my liegcLord/orgiue it vnto mee, . t : vj ■. 
 If ought againft thine honour I haue toldej 
 Yet fure thofc win^s were fairer manifolde. 
 
 . W ( IsU if' ' 
 
 Full manie a Ladie 6ire,in Court full oft 
 Beholding them,him fecretly enuide. 
 And wifht thattwo fuchfannes/ofilken fofr. 
 And goldenfaire,her Loue would herprouidei 
 Or that when them the gorgeous Flic had doft. 
 Some one thatwould with grace be gratifidc> 
 From him would fteale them priuily away. 
 And bring to hej: fo precious a pray. 
 
 Report is that dame Vcm^ on a day, 
 Inipringwheflowresdooclothe the fruitful grofid. 
 Walking abroad with all her Nyraphes to play. 
 Bad her fairc damzcls flocking her arownd. 
 To gathei; flowrcs,ber forhead to array ; « 
 Emongfl: the rcll agendc Nymph, wasiound, 
 
 yiilcj Hight 
 
f^5M^uiopotmos. 
 
 Hight ^y?^ry,excelling all the crewe 
 In curtcous vfagc,and vnftaincd hewc. 
 
 Who being nimbler ioynted than the refti 
 And more indliftrious^gathcrcd moreftorc 
 Of the fields honour,than the others beft; 
 Which they in fecret harts enuyingforc, 
 Toldc VcitHSyvsthQu her as the worthiefl; 
 She praifd',that Cupldc (as they heard before) 
 Did lend her fecret aidc.in gathering 
 Into her lapthe cl.iiaren of the fpring. 
 
 Whereof the Goddeffe gathering iealous fearc, 
 NotyetYnmindfulljhow not long agoc 
 Her fonne to Vfyche fecrete louc did beare. 
 And long it clofe conceard,till mickle woe 
 Thereof arofe,and manie a rufuU teares 
 Reafon with fiidden rage did ouergoe. 
 And giuing haftie credit co th accufer. 
 Was led away of them that did abufe her. 
 
 Eftfoones that Damzel by her heauenly might. 
 
 She turned into a winged Buttcrflie, 
 
 In the wide aire to make her wandring flight ; 
 
 And all thofe flowres,with which fo plenteouflic 
 
 Her lap (he filled had,that bred her fpight. 
 
 She placed in her wings>for memorie 
 
 Of her pretended crime^tfiough crime none were : 
 
 Since which that flie them in her wings doth beare. 
 
 Thus the frcfh cUrien being readicdight, 
 Vnto his iourney did himfclfeaddreffe. 
 And with good fpecd began to take his flight : 
 Ouer the fields in liis fraiikcluftmcfle, 
 
 V And 
 
liduiopotmos: 
 
 And all the champion he foarcd light, 
 AndalltheconntrcywidehedidpofTeffe, .aJ-i;^ 
 Feeding vpon their pleafurcs bounicoullie> 
 That none gain(aid,nor none did him enuie. 
 
 The woodsitherkicrspnd die mcdowcs green, -rf' i^ - 
 W ith his airc-cntting wings he mcafurcd wide, 
 Ne did he leauc the mountaincs bare vnfeenc, 
 Ncr the rankc grafsie fenncs delights vntride. 
 But none of thefejho w euer fweete they bcene, 
 Mote pleafe his fancie,nor hina cauk t abiae % 
 His choicefuU fenfe witheiicne change doth flit 
 No common things may pleafe a watiering wit. 
 
 To thegay gardinshis vnflaid dtfite 
 Him wholly caried^to refrcfh his (prighis : 
 There lauiih Nature in her bcfl: attire, 
 Powres forth fweete odors,andallurnig fights r 
 And Arte with her conrending,dothafpire 
 Texcell the naturall, with made delights : 
 And all that faire or pleafant may be tound^. 
 In riotous exccffc doth there abound. 
 
 There he an:iuing,round about doth flie. 
 From bed to bed,from one to other border. 
 And takes furuey with curious bufic eye. 
 Of euerieflowre and herbe there fet in orders 
 Now this,now that he tafteth tenderly> 
 Yet none of them he rudely doth diforder, 
 Ne with his feete their filken leaues deface > 
 But paftures onrhcpleafuresof each place. 
 
 And cuermore with moll varieties 
 And change of fwcccneffe (for all change is fwcctc) 
 
 He 
 
(^Piduiopotmos. 
 
 He cafts his glutton fcnfc to fatiffie. 
 Now fucking of the fap of hcrbe moft raectc. 
 Or of the dcaw,which yet on them docs lie. 
 Now in the fame bathing his tender feete : 
 And then hcpearcheth on foraebraunch thereby. 
 To weather him^and his moyft wings to dry. 
 
 And then againe he turneth to his play. 
 To fpoylc the picafures of chat Paradife : 
 The wholfome SaulgCjandLauender ftill gray, 
 Ranke fmelling Rue,and Cummin good for eyes. 
 The Rofcs raigning in the pride of May, 
 Sharpe Ifope,good for greene wounds remedies, 
 Fairc Marigoldcs,and Bees alluring Thime, 
 S we ete Marioram,and Day fies decking prime. 
 
 Coole Violets,and Orpine growing ftill, 
 Embathed Balme,and chearfuU Galingalc, 
 Frefli Coftmane,and breachfuU Cam&mill, 
 Poppie^and drink-qiiickning Setuak, 
 Veyne-healing Veruen^and hed-purging Dill, 
 Sound Sauorie,and Bazill loartie-hale. 
 Fat ColwortSjand comforting Pcrfelme, 
 Colde Lcttuce,and rctrcfliing Rofmanne. 
 
 And whatfoclfcof vcrtue.goodor ill 
 Grewe in this Gardin,fetcht from farre away. 
 Of euerie one he takes,and trifles at will. 
 And on their pleaftires greedily doth pray. 
 Then when he hath both plaid^and fed his fill. 
 In the warme Sunne he doth himfclfc embay^ 
 And there him rcfts in riotous fuffifaunce 
 Of all his gladfulaes,and kingly ioyauncc. 
 
 V 2 What 
 
Kduiopotmos: 
 
 what morcVelicitic can fall to crcaiure. 
 Than to cnioy delight with libcrtic, 
 And to be Lord of all the workes of Nature, 
 To raine in th aire from earth to highcll skie. 
 To feed on flowres^and weeds of glorious feature* 
 To take what eucr thing doth plcafe the eie ? 
 Who reftsnot pleafcd with fuch bappines, 
 Well worthie he to taftc of wretchednes. 
 
 But what on earth can long abide in ftatc ? 
 Or who can him afTurc of happie day ; 
 Sith morning faire may bring f o wle euening late. 
 And leaft mifhap the moft bliffc alter may i 
 For thoufand pcrills lie in clofe awaite 
 About vs daylie,to wdrke our decay j 
 Thatnone>excepta God,or God him guide^ 
 May them auoyde,or remedie prouide. 
 
 And whatfoheauens in their fecretdoome 
 Ordained haue^how can fraife fieftly wight 
 Forecaft,but it muft needs to ifTue come ^ 
 The fea,the airc,the fire^the day,the night. 
 And th'armies of their creaturesallandfome 
 Do ferue to them,and with importune might 
 Warre agalnft vs the vafTals of their will. 
 Who then can faue,whac they difpofe to fpill I 
 
 Not thou,0 C?rfm»,though fairefl thou 
 Of all thy kinde,vnhappie happie Flic, 
 Whofe cruell fate is wouen euen now 
 Oi Jones owne fiand^to workc thy mifcrie : 
 Nc may thee helpe the manic hartie vow> 
 Which thy olde Sire with facred pietie 
 
 Hath 
 
<S\4uiopGtmos. 
 
 Hath powred forth for theCjand th'altars fprciit: 
 Nought may thee fauc from heaiiens aucngcment. 
 
 It fortuned (as heauens had behight) 
 That in this gardin,where yong Clarion 
 Was wont to folace him,a wicked wight 
 The foe of faire things.th author of confu(ion> 
 The fhame ot Naturc,the bondilaue of fpight^, 
 Had.lately built his hateful! raanfion. 
 And lurkuig clofely,in a way te now lay. 
 How he might anie in his trap betray. 
 
 But when he fpide the ioyous Butterflie 
 In this faire plot difplacing too and fro, 
 Frarles of foes and hidden ieopardie. 
 Lord how he gan for to beftirre him tbo. 
 And to his wicked workeeach partapplie : 
 His heart did earne againft his bated foe. 
 And bowels fo with ranckhngpoyfonCwelde^ 
 That fcarce the skin the Itrong contagion hclde- 
 
 The caufe why he this Fliefo maliced. 
 Was (as in ftorics it is written found) 
 For that his mother which him bore and bred, 
 The moft fine- fingred workwoman on ground, 
 ^rachnc^y his meanes was vanquiflied 
 Of VdlUs^tm^ in her ownc skill confound. 
 When fhe with her for excellence contended^ 
 That wrought her fhame,and forrow ncucr ended..- 
 
 For the Tritoman GoddefTe hauing hard 
 Her blazed famc,which all the world had fil'd. 
 Came downe to proue the truth,and due reward 
 For her praif- worchie workmanfbip to ycild . 
 
 y 3 But 
 
 i>r 
 
xL?^tdopotmos. 
 
 But the preCumptuous Damzcl railily dar'd 
 
 The Goddefle (eUc to chalcngc to the field. 
 
 And to compare with her in ciuious skill 
 
 Of woi'kcs with loomc,with needlc^and with quill. 
 
 Mineru<t did the chalcngc not refufe. 
 
 But dcign'd with her the paragon to make : 
 
 Sotothcir worke they fit,and each doihxhufe 
 
 What ftoric (he will for her tapet take. 
 
 v/>*rfcW figured how /o/<^ did abiifc 
 
 Europit like a Bull,and on his backc 
 
 Her through the fca did bcare ; fo liucly fecnc. 
 
 That it true Sca,arid pruc Biillye would wccnc. 
 
 She fcem'dftillbackevntothelandto lookc. 
 And her play-feliowcsaideto cail^and feare 
 The dafhingof the waucs^tliat vp fhe tooke 
 Her daintic f ec^c^and garments gathered nearc: 
 But (Lord) howflieineuerieme^mter Ihoioke, 
 When as thd land (he faw no moreappeare. 
 But a wilde wildernes of waters decpc; 
 Then g^n (he greatly to lament and weepc. 
 
 Before tlic Bull (hepiiSui^d wii^ged Loue, 
 With his yong brotherSport^lightflutcering 
 Vpon the waucs,3s each had been a Douc ; 
 The one his bo we and (hafts^ihe other Spring 
 A burning Tcade about his hcaddid moue. 
 As indieir Syresnewloue borb triumphing : 
 And manie Nymphps about them flocking round. 
 And manie Tritons^^hlch their homes did found. 
 
 And round about,her worke (he did empale 
 With afaire border wrought of fundrieflo wres. 
 
Enwoucn with an Yuie winding trayle : 
 
 A goodly worke^full fie for Kingly bo wres , 
 
 Such as Dame PiiUas,(uch as Enuiepale, 
 
 That al good things with vencmous tooth deuowresi 
 
 Could not accufc. Then gan the Goddcile bright 
 
 Her felie Ijke^fi? yi^^d^hLcv workc lo^dighc. 
 
 •'.-■. 1 ? - ■ » t 
 
 She made the fforic of the olde debate> 
 W hich (he with Neptune did for cy^them trie : 
 Twelue Gods doo fit around in royalj ftate> 
 And /«""? in i^-dfc with uwfull Maieftie> : ■ 
 To iudgethcflirife betweencrtheniftutcdlate.: 
 EachotthcGodsbyhislike vifnomie J i. j. ;. -ui. 
 E:ithe to be knowen ; but lone abpue themiall/: * bnA 
 By his great lookes aiidpowevJtaipcriall. - '"*" 
 
 Before them fl:ands the God of Seas in place,. . Vr-A 
 
 Clayming that fea'-coaft Citieas hisright,^ * 
 
 And ftrikes the roekc^ with bis'tbree- forked niaoJ^riT 
 W henceforth ifliies a warUke Iked in fighr^nl 2^, ionZ 
 Thefigne by which bechalengeth the place, " . '' r^ 
 That all the Gods,which faw his wondrous might iu^I 
 Didfi.]relydeeraethe,vi<^oriehisdue:^ . j IS 
 
 But feldome feenejforciu igcnaejQtproucth true. 
 
 Then to hcrfelfefliegiueshcr.!/^^/We(hield, 
 And fteelhed fpea remand morion on her hcdd. 
 Such as fhe oft is fcene in warlickc field : 
 Then fcts (hcfqrthjhow with her weapon dredd 
 She fmote the ground, the which ftrcight foorthdid 
 A fruitfull Olyuetree,with berries fprcdd, (yield 
 Thatalhhe Gods admir'd jthen all the ftorie 
 She compaft with a wreathe of Oly ues hoaric. 
 
 Emongft 
 
 •r 
 
fS\/fuiopotmos. 
 
 Etnongft thofe Icaues (he madca Butterflie, 
 With excellent dciiice and wondrous flight, 
 Fluttnng among the Oliucs wantonly. 
 That feem'd to liucfo like it was in fight : 
 The vcluct nap which on his wings doth lie. 
 The filken downe with which his backe is dight. 
 His broad outftrctched hornes^his hayric thies. 
 His gloriouscolours^and his gliftering eies» 
 
 Which whcn^rachrte faW,as ouerlaid. 
 And maftered with workniianlhip fo tatc. 
 She flood aftonied long,neoiight gainefaid. 
 And with faft fixed eyes on her did ftare. 
 And by her filence,figne of one diCmaid, 
 The vici:oric<lid yeeld her as her (hare : 
 Yet did fhe inly fret,and felly bnrjoe. 
 And all her blood to poyfonous rancor turnc. 
 
 Thatihortly from thefhape of vvomanhed 
 Such as fhe waSjwheri FftUas fhe attempted. 
 She grew to hideous fhape of dryrihed. 
 Pined with gricfe of f ollie late repented : 
 Eftfoones her white ftreight legi were ialtered 
 To crooked crawling fhankes^of marrowe emptcd. 
 And her faire face to fowle and loathfome hewCj, 
 Atid her fine corpes to a bag of venim grcwe. 
 
 This curfed creaturc,mindfnllof that olde 
 Enfeftcd grudgc^the which his mother felt. 
 So foone as Clarionhc did beholde, 
 His heart with vengeful! malice inly fwclt; 
 And weaumg ftraight a net with manie a foldc 
 About the caue,in which he lurking dwelt. 
 
 With. 
 
^duiopotmos. 
 
 With fine ftnall cords about it ftrctchcd wide. 
 So finely fponne^that fcarce they could be fpide^ 
 
 Notanie damzelljwhich her vaunteth mod 
 In skilfull knitting of foft filken twyne ; 
 Nor anicweauer,which his workc doth boafl 
 In dieper, m dama^kejor in lync ; 
 Nor anic skil'd in workmanihip emboft ; 
 Nor anie skird in loupes of fingring fine. 
 Might in their diuers cunning eucr dare. 
 With this fo curious net woike to compare. 
 
 Ne doo I thinke,that that fame fubcil gin, 
 The which the Lemnian God did fli ly frame, 
 ^<trifleeping with his wife to compaffcin^ 
 That all the Gods with common raockene 
 Might laugh at them,and fcorne their fhamefuil fin^ 
 Wasliketo this. This fame he did applie. 
 For to entrap t be carcles CU rioti^ 
 That rangd each where without fufpitipn. 
 
 Sufpition of friend,nor fcarc of foe. 
 
 That hazarded his health,had he at all, ^ 
 
 But walkt at wilUand wandrcd too and fro. 
 
 In the pride of his freedome principall ; 
 
 Litlc wift he his fatall future woe. 
 
 But was fecurc, theliker he to fall. 
 
 He likell is to fall into mifchaunce. 
 
 That is rcg^dles of his goucrnaunec. 
 
 Yet flill ^ri£nol( (fo his foc- was hight) 
 Lay lurking couertly him to furnrile. 
 And all his gins th^: him entangle might, 
 Drell in good order as he could dcuife. ' 
 ■iO X At 
 
At length the foolifh Flic without forefight,. 
 As he that did all daungcr quite dcfpife> 
 Toward thofs parts came flying careleflie^ 
 Where hidden was liis hatcfuU eneinie. 
 
 Who feeing hira,with fecretc ioy therefore 
 Did tickle inwardly in euerie vainc. 
 And his falfe hart fraught with alltreafonsftorc>. 
 Was fird with hope/his puipofe to obtaine : 
 Himfelfc he clofe vpgathered more and more 
 Into his dtn,that his deceiptfull traine 
 By his there being might not be bewraid^ 
 Ne anie noyfe^nc anie motion made* 
 
 Like as a w ily Foxc^that hauing fpide, 
 
 Where on a funnie banke the Lambes doo play^. 
 
 Full do fcly creeping by the hinder fide. 
 
 Lyes in ambufliraent of hjs hoped pray, 
 
 Ne ftirrcth limbe,till feein^rcadie tide> 
 
 He rullieth forth,and fnatchech quite away - - Jt^ ^ -i 
 
 One of the litle yonglings vnawares .• 
 
 Sato his workc^i^^gwc/Zhim prepares. 
 
 W^ho now (hall giue vnto my heauie eyes. 
 A well of teareSjthat all may ouerflo w i 
 Or where fhall I finde lamentable crycs^. 
 And mournfull runes enough my griefeto (how ^ 
 Helpe O thou Tragick Muie>me to deuife 
 Notes fad enough^t'cxprelTe this bitter throw : 
 tor loe>thedrerie ftownd is nowarriued. 
 That of all happuics hath vs depniied. 
 
 The luckles Ci^Wo;?, whether cruelf Fate,. 
 Or wicked Fortune fauhles him milled. 
 
 Or 
 
z5\^uiopotmos. 
 
 Or fomc vngracious blaft out of the gate 
 Oi^eoles raiijc perforce him droue on hcd. 
 Was (O fad hap and howre vnforrunate) 
 With V iolenc fwift flight forth caried 
 Into the ciirfed cob\vcb,which his foe 
 Had framedfcrhisfinall ouerthroc. 
 
 There rhc fond Fliecnrangled,ftrugled long, 
 Himfelfe to free chereoiiti but all in vaine. 
 For ftriuing morc^the more in laces ftrong 
 Himfelfe hetidc,and wrapt his winges twainc 
 In iymiefnarcs the fubtill loupes among ; 
 That in the ende he breathelefle did remaine. 
 And all his yougthly forces idly fpent. 
 Him to the metcie of th'auengcr lent. 
 
 Which when the greifly tyrant did efpie^ 
 Like a grimmc Lyon rufhing with fierce iiright 
 Out of his den,he feized greedelie 
 On the refidles pray,and with fell fpight, 
 Vnder the left wing flroke his weapon llic 
 Into his heart,that his deepe groning fpright 
 In bloodie ftreames foorth fled into the aire. 
 His bodie left the f pelade of care- 
 
 X 2 
 
Vijionsvfthe Xi^orlds vanitie. 
 
 ONe day, whiles chat my daylic cares did flccpc. 
 My fpiritjfhakiDgofFhercartbly prifon. 
 Began to enter into meditation dcepe 
 Of things exceeding reach of common reafon y 
 Such as thisagc^m which all good is^eafpn. 
 And all that humble is and mcanedcbaced. 
 Hath brought forth in her laft declining feafon, 
 Griefeof good mindes,to feegoodncflcdifgraccd. 
 
 On which whc as my thought was tbroghly placed,. 
 Vnto my ey cs ftrange fliowes prefentcd wete, 
 Pifturing that, which I in minde embraced. 
 That yet thofe fights empafsion me full ncrc. 
 Such as they were (faire Ladie) take in wonh, 
 That whe time ferues^ may bring^^things better forth;. 
 
 In Summers day >w hen Phoebn^hhly flione^. "* 
 I faw a Bull as white as driuen fnowe> 
 W ith gilden homes embo wed like the Moonej^. 
 In a trefh flo wring meadow lying lowc : 
 
 Vp to his earcs the verdant gialTe did growc> 
 And the gay ftourcs did oflFcr to be eatca 5 
 But he with fatoes fo did ouerflowe, . 
 That he all wallowed in the wecdes downe beatco, 
 
 Ne card with them his daintichps to fweetcn : 
 Till that a Brize.a fcorned litde creature* 
 Through his faire hide his angrie fting did threaten. 
 And vext fo forc^thatall his goodly feature. 
 
 And all his plenteous paflure nought him plcafed: 
 
 So by the fmall the great is oft difealed. 
 
 B 3 ^ BcCdc 
 
Vijtonsofthe vporlds vanitie. 
 
 Bcfidcthe frnicfall ftiorc of muddic Nilc^ 
 Vpon afunnie banke OLitftrctched lay 
 In monftrous lengch,amightie Crocodile, 
 That ccannrd with giiildes blood,and greed ie pray 
 
 Ot wrctcbcd people traiTailing that way. 
 Thought all things leffethan his difdaiiifull pride. 
 Ifaw a little Bird^cal'd Tedula^ 
 Theleaft of thoufands which on earth abide, 
 ' That forft this hideous beaft to open wide 
 The greifly gates ot his deuonring hell. 
 And let him feede,as Naturedoth proiiide, 
 Vpon hisiawes,that with blacks venime fwell. 
 
 Why then fhould greateft things theleafl difdainc, 
 
 Sith that fo fmall fo mightie can conftrainei 
 
 Thekingly Birdjthat bearcs lones thunderclap* 
 One day did fcorne the fimple Scarabee, 
 Proud ot his higheft feruice,and good hap. 
 That made all other Foules his thralls to bee : 
 
 The fiily Elic,that no redreflc did lee, 
 Spide where the Eagle built his-towringncft. 
 And kindhng fire within the hollow tree, 
 Burnt vp his yongx)nes/ind bimfclf e diftreft j 
 
 Ne fuffrcd him in anic place to reft, 
 Butdrouc in loucs owne lap his cgs to lay; 
 Where gathermg alfo filth him to infeft, 
 Forft with the filrh his egs to fling away: .:: ..i, 
 ; For w hich when as the Foule was wroth,faid tme^ 
 
 ix) how the Icaftthegreatcft may reproue. - 
 
 Toward 
 
Vifions of the 'pporlds vanitie. 
 
 / 
 
 Toward the fcj turning my troubled eye, 
 I faw the fifi) CiFfiili I may ic cleepc). 
 That makes the fea before hisfacc to Eye, 
 And with his flaggic finnes doth feeme to fwccpe 
 
 The foniie wanes out of the dccadfull deep. 
 The hu£!;e LeuiarhanAsunc Natures wonder. 
 Making his fportathai manie makes to weep : 
 A fword-filh faiall him from the cell did Hinder, 
 
 That m his throat him pricking foftly vndcr^ 
 His wide Abyfle bnn forced forth to fpewcj 
 That all the lea did roare like hcatiens thunder. 
 And all the waues were ftain'd with filchie hcwc. 
 
 Herebyil learned haiiGjnot to defpife, 
 
 Whateuer thing rcemcsfmall in common eyes* 
 
 An hideous Dragon,d read full to behold, 
 Whofe backe was arnid againft the dint ot fpcarc j 
 With flnelds of brafi(^,6hat ftionc like burnifht goldc;. 
 And forkhcd ftingjthat death in ic did beare, 
 
 Stroue with a Spider his vncquall pcare^ 
 And bad defiance to his enemie. 
 The fubtill vermin crcepingclofcly nearc. 
 Did in his drtnke (hcd poylon priuihe > 
 
 Which through his entrailes fpredding oiuerfly, 
 Made him to fwcil>tbat nigh his boweJis bruft,. 
 And him enforft to yeeldthe viftone. 
 That did fo much in his ownc greatncfle truft. 
 . . O how great vainncffe is it then to fcornc 
 
 The weikcjtbat hath the ftrong fo oft forlorne. 
 
 High 
 
VtJionsdftbeii^oM vanitiei' 
 
 7 
 
 High on a hill a goodly Cedar grewc. 
 Of wondrous length, and llrcigbt proportion. 
 That farre abroad her daiqtie odours threwc; 
 Mongllall the daughters of proud I/£4;w», . 
 
 Hcrntiatch in bcaucie was notanie one. 
 Siionly within her inmoft pith there bred 
 A liile wicked worme^pcrcciu'd of none. 
 That on her fap and vitall rrioyfiure fed : 
 
 Thenceforth her garland fo miich honoured 
 Began to die, (O great ruth for the fame) 
 And her faire lockes fell from her loftic head. 
 That fliortly balde,and bared fhe became. ^^ .)(i A 
 
 I,which thisfight beheld,was much difmayedi'- 
 
 To fee fo goodly thing fo foonc decayed, 
 
 Soonc after this I fa w an Elephant, 
 Adorad with bells and boffes gorgcouflic. 
 That on his backe did beare (as batteilant) 
 A gilden to wre,which flione exceedinglie ; 
 
 That he himfelfe through foolffh vaniticitiuo^: 
 Both for his rich attire,and goodly forme,. •'. bi d I ', 
 Was puffed vp with pafsingfurquedric,. Mviu) 
 And (hortly gan all other beads to fcorne. 
 
 Till that a litric Anc,a filly worme. 
 Into his noflhrils crecping,fo him pained, - aiirl ^biJvi 
 That carting dowirc his towrcs,he did dt forme ' 
 Both borrowed pridc^and natures beautie ftained. 
 
 Let therefore nought that great is,therein gloric, 
 
 Sith fo (mall thing his happincs may varie. 
 
 ^ Looking 
 
Vijions of the Xforlds Vanitie. 
 
 9 
 
 Looking far fborth into the Ocean widcj 
 A goodly lliip wich banners braucly dighr, ' 
 
 And flag in her top-gnllant I efpidc. 
 Through the maine fea making her merry flight: 
 
 Faire blew the winde into her bofome right; 
 And th' heauens looked lonely all the while. 
 That (hedid fecmeto daunce^as indclight. 
 And at her o wnc felicitie did fmile. 
 
 All fodainely there clone vnto her kcclc 
 A little fiih,that men c^W Remora^ 
 Which ftopt her courfe, and held her by the hcele^ 
 That winde nor tide could moue her thence away. 
 
 Straungp thing me fcemeth,that fo fmall a thing 
 
 Should able be fo great an one to wring. 
 
 A mighty Lyon, Lord of all the wood, 
 Hauinghis hunger throughly fatiffide, 
 \ V ith pray of beafts^and fpoyle of liuing blood. 
 Safe in his dreadles den him thought to hide: 
 
 His fterncfl'e was his prayfc, his ftren^i;h his pride. 
 And all his glory in his cruell clawcs. ' '■ .'*^** :"' 
 I faw a wafp, that fiercely him defide. 
 And bad him battaile euen to his iawes; 
 
 Sore he him ftong,that it the blood forth drawes. 
 And his proude heart is fild with fretting ire: 
 In vaine he threats his tecthjhistayle, his pawcs, 
 And from his bloodie eyes doth fparklc fire^ 
 
 That dead himfelfe he willieth fordefpight. 
 
 So wcakefl may anoy the mod of might . 
 
 Y What 
 
Vijions of the UPorlds Vanitie. 
 11 
 
 W hat time the Romainc Empire bore the rainc 
 Of all the world,and floriflit moft in miglit. 
 The nations gan their foueraigntic difdaine, 
 Andcafttocjuittthem irotn their bondage cjiiighc; 
 
 So w hen al! fhroiided were in filcnt night. 
 The Gcilles wcre^by corrupting of a mayde, 
 Poflcft nigh of the Capitol through flight. 
 Had not a Goofe the treachery bewraydc. 
 
 If then a Goofc great Reme from mine ftayde. 
 And louc himfelk%the patron of the placc> 
 Prefcrud from being to his foes beirayde,. 
 Vy hy do vaine men mean things fo much deface* 
 
 And in their might repofe their moft aflurancc, 
 
 Sith nought on earth can chakngc long endurance? 
 
 J 2 
 
 When thefe (ad fights were ouerpftnnd gon^^ 
 My fpright was greatly moucd in-her reft, ' 
 
 With inward ruth and deare aifeftion. 
 To fee fo great things by fo fmall diftrcft : 
 
 . Thenceforth I gan m my engricued brcft 
 To fcornc all difference of great and fmalU 
 ^ Sith that the greateft often are oppreft. 
 And vnawaresdoc into daunger fall. 
 
 And ycjthat read thefe ruines tragicall 
 Learnc by their loffe to loue the low degree. 
 And if that fortune chaunce you vp to call 
 To honours feat,forget not what you be: 
 For he that of himfclfe is moft fccure. 
 Shall fandc hisfbte moft.ficklc and vnfurc. 
 
 UNIS. 
 
TheViJwns of'Bellaj, 
 
 IT was the timc,whcn reft fofc Aiding e^ownc 
 From hcaiicns highc into mens hcauy cycs» 
 III the forgccfulncs of flccpe doth drownc 
 The carcfull t hough ts o F morrall m ifcr i es: 
 
 Then did a Ghoft before mine eyes appeare. 
 On that grea:riuersbanck, chat runncsby Romc^ 
 Which calling me by namcbad me to rcarc 
 My lookcs to heauen whence all good gitts do cottic. 
 
 And crying lowdjloe now bcholde (quoth hcc) 
 What vnder this great temple placed is: 
 Lo all is nought but flying vanicee. 
 So I that know this worlds inconftancies. 
 Sith ondy God furmounts all times decay, 
 In God alone my confidence do ftay. 
 
 On high hiUs top I law a ftarely frame* 
 An hundred cubits high by iuft nffize. 
 With hundrcth pillours fronting faire the fame. 
 All wrought with Diamond after Dorick wize: 
 
 Nor brick,nor marble was the wall in view, 
 B Jt (hming Cliriflall,which from top to bafe 
 Out of her womb athoufand rayons threw. 
 One hundred ftcps oi^friJ^c golds cnchafc: 
 
 Goldc was the pargec , and ihc feeling bright 
 Didfhineall fcaly with great plates ofgoldr> 
 The floore of Icifp and imerauie was dight. 
 O worlds vaineife. Whiles thus I did behold, 
 
 An earthquake Ihookc the hill from lowell: feat. 
 
 And ouctthre w this frame with mine great. • 
 
 Yj Then 
 
TheVifions ofBellay. 
 
 3 
 
 Then did a (harped fpyre of Diamond bright, 
 Ten fcctc each way in fquare,appcare to mec, 
 luftly proportion'd vp vnto his hight> 
 So far as Archer might his leuel fee: 
 
 The top thereof a potdidfecme tobearc. 
 Made of the mettalU which we moft do honour. 
 And in this golden veffcU couched weare 
 The alhes of a mightie Empcrour: 
 
 Vpon foure corners of the bafe were pighr. 
 To bcarc the frame, foure great Lyons of gold> 
 A worthy tombe for fuch a worthy wight. 
 Alas this world doth nought but grieuance hold. 
 
 I Taw a tcmpcft from the hcauen defccnd. 
 
 Which this braue monument with flafh did rend, 
 
 4 
 
 I fawrayfdcvponyuoriepiilowestall, 
 W hofe bal es were of richeft mctcalls vvarke. 
 The chapters Alablafletjibc f ryfcs chriHaiJ, 
 The double front of a trmmpball Ai ke; 
 
 On each fide punraid was a Viftoric, 
 Clad likea Nimph, that wings of filncr weares. 
 And in triumphant chay re was fct on hie, 
 Thcauncientglory of the RomainePearcs. 
 
 No worke it fecm'd of earthly craftfmans wit. 
 But rather wrought by his owne induftry, 
 That thunder-dartcs for Icue his fyre doih fit. 
 Let mc no more fee fairc thing vnder sky, 
 Sithth^t mine eyes bauefeenefofaireafight 
 With fodain fall to dufl: confumed quigbt. 
 
 . Then 
 
TheViftons ofBellay. 
 
 S 
 
 Then was the faire Bodmmn tree far fccne, 
 Vpon fcaucn hills to fprcad his gladfomc glcamc. 
 And conqiierours bedecked with his grcenc. 
 Along the bancks of the ^ufonian flreame: 
 
 There many an auncient Trophee was addreft. 
 And many a fpoyle,and many a goodly Ihow, 
 Which that braue races greatncs did attcft. 
 That whilome from the Troyan blood did flow. 
 
 Rauifhtl was f© rarca thing to vcw. 
 When lo a barbarous troupe of clowniQi fonc 
 The honour of thefe noble boughs down threw. 
 Vnder the wedge I heard the tronck to grone; 
 And (ince I faw the rootc in great difdaine 
 
 A twinne of forked trees fend forth againc. 
 
 6 
 
 I faw a Wolfe vnder a rockic caue 
 Nourfing two whelpes ; I faw her litlc ones 
 In wanton dalliance the icate Co craue. 
 While fhc her neck wreath'd from the for the nones'- 
 
 I faw her raunge abroad to fccke her food, 
 And roming through the field with greedie rage 
 T'embrew her teeth S^ clawes with lukewarm blood 
 Of the fmall heards,hcr thirft for to aHwacrc. 
 
 I faw a thoufand huntlmen, which delcciided 
 Downe from the mountaines bordrin^ Lomiardie^ 
 That with an hundred fpearcs her fiank widercnded. 
 I faw her on the plainc outftrctchcd lie. 
 
 Throwing out thoufand throbs in her owne foylc: 
 
 Sooneon a tree vphang d I faw licr fpoylc, 
 
 Y 3 I (aw 
 
TheVtJionsofBetlaj. 
 
 7 
 
 I faw the Bird that can the Sun endure. 
 With feeble wings affay to mount on hight» 
 By more and more (he gan her wings t' aflure. 
 Following ih* cnfamplc of her irothcis fight: 
 
 I law her rlfe^and with a larger fligln 
 To pierce the cloudes, and with wide pinncons 
 To meafure the mod haiightie mountaincs hight* 
 Vntillfee raught the Gods owncmanfions: 
 
 There was fliC loll , when fuddaine I behcldc^ • ^ 
 Where tumbling ihrongh the ayrcinfiiriefold; 
 All flaming do wne ihc on the plaine was feldc, 
 Andfooneherbodieturnytoafhcscolde. / 
 
 I fa w the foule that doth the light difpife^ '. 
 
 Out of her duftlikc to a wornic ariCe. - 
 
 S 
 
 Ifawariuerfwiftjwhotfomybillowes > 
 Did wafh the ground work of an old great walb 
 I faw it couer'd all with griefiy fhadovves. 
 That with black horror dii the ayre^ippall; 
 
 Thereout a ftrange beaft with leuen hcad&arofe. 
 That towncs and caftlei vnder her brcft didcotire. 
 And fccm'd both milder beads and fiercer foes 
 Alike with equallrauinc todeuour<i. > 
 
 Much was I mazde,to fee this monftcrs kindc 
 In hundred formes to change his tearcfuli licWi. 
 W hen as at length I faw the wrathful! w indc, ; 
 Which blows cold ftorms,buri1: out of Sdthinn mew 
 
 That fpcrllthefe clou Jcs,and info fliort as thought. 
 This dreadful! ftiapc was yani/hcd IQ UPUght. 
 
 Then 
 
TbeVifionsofBellay. 
 
 9 
 
 Then all aftoined with this mighty ghoail. 
 An hideous bodie big and (Irong I favve > 
 With fide long bcard^andloeksdowD hanging loaft^ 
 Sccrne face , and front full of Saturnlikc awej 
 
 Who leaning on the belly of a pot. 
 Pourd foorthri water,whofcoutgu(bingflbod 
 Ran bachmgallthecreakiefhorcaflot. 
 Whereon the rroj^w prince fpik Turnm blood; 
 
 And at hisfceteabueh wolfc fuck did yeeld 
 To wo young babes; his left the Vdm^ tree llout. 
 His right hand did the pcacefiill olinc wield. 
 And head with Lawreligarnifht was^bout. 
 Sudden both Vdm^ and oliue fell away. 
 
 And fairegrcene LawrcU branch did quite decay. 
 
 io 
 
 Hard by a riueis fide a virgin fairc. 
 Folding her armcs to heaucn with thoufand throbs. 
 And outraging her cheekes and golden haire. 
 To falling riucrs found thus tun'd her fobs. 
 
 Where is (quoth ihc) this whilom honoured faccf 
 W here the great glorie and the auncient praife. 
 In which all worlds felicitie had place. 
 When Gods and men my honoiir vp did raifc^* 
 
 SufBfd' it not that ciuill warrcs mc made 
 The whole worlds fpoilc,biit that this Hydra ncw> 
 Of hundred H^rc«/fi to be aflaidc, 
 W ith fcucn hcads,budding monftrous crimes ancWj 
 
 So many Nemes and CdiguUes 
 
 Out of thefe crooked fhores muft dayly ray fc. 
 
 Vpoo 
 
TheViJtonsof^elJaj. 
 
 Vpon an hilla bright flame I did fee. 
 Wailing aloft with triple point to skie, 
 W hich like inccnfe of precious Cedar tree, 
 With balmic odours fii*d th'ayrefarre and nie. 
 
 A Bird all white,well feathered on ?ach wing, ' 
 Hereout vp to the throne of Gods did AiCy 
 And all the way moft pleafant notes did fing, 
 Whilll in the fmoakeihe vntohcauen didllie. 
 
 Of this faire fire the fcattered rayes fonh threw 
 On eueric fide a thoufand (hining bearoes : 
 When fudden dropping of a filuer dew 
 (O grieuous chance)gan quech thofeprccious flames? 
 
 That It which earft fo pleafant fent did yeld. 
 
 Of nothing now but noyous fulphure fmeld. 
 
 12 
 
 I faw a fpring out of a rocke forth raylc, 
 As cleare as Chriftall gainft the Sunnie beames. 
 The bottome yeallo w,like the golden grayle 
 That bright VaSloUn wafheth with his ftreames 5 
 
 It fecm'd that Art and Nature had afl'embled 
 All pleafure there/or which mans hart could long j 
 And there a noy fe alluring fleepe foft trembled. 
 Of manie accords more fweete than Mermaids fong : 
 
 The feates and benches (hone as yuoric, 
 A nd hu ndred Ny mp hes fate fide by fide about; 
 When from nigh hills with hideous outcric^ 
 A troupe of Satyresin the place did rout, 
 , W hich with their villeine fcete the ftreame did ray^ 
 Threw down the feats, 5^ droue the Nymphs away. 
 
 ^ Much 
 
^ijions of the loporlds y am tie. 
 n 
 
 Much richer then that vcflcll fecm*d to bee. 
 Which did to that fad Florentine appeate, 
 Cafling mine eyes farre ofF,I chaunft to fee, 
 ypon the Lttine Coaft herfelfe to reare : 
 
 But fuddenly arofc a tempeft great. 
 Bearing clofe enuie to thefc riches rare. 
 Which gan aflailc this (hip with dreadful! threat. 
 This fliip,to which none other might compare. 
 
 And finally the ftorme impetuous 
 Sunke vp thcfe riches,fccond vnto none. 
 Within the gulfcof greedie Ncreus. 
 I £a w both (hip and mariners each one. 
 
 And all that treafure drowned in the mainc : 
 
 But I the (hip faw after raifd' againe> 
 
 Long hauing deeply gron'd thcfe vifions fad, 
 I faw a Citielike vnto that fame. 
 Which faw the melTengcr of tidings glad; 
 But that onfand was built the goodly frame: 
 It fcem'd her top the firmament did rayfe. 
 And no leffe rich than faire.right worthic furc 
 (If ought here worthie) of immortall dayes. 
 Or if ought vnder heauen might firme endure.^ 
 
 Much wondred I to fee fo fairea wall : 
 When from the Northerne coaft a ftorme arofc. 
 Which breathing furie from his inward gall 
 On all,which did againft his courfc oppofe. 
 Into a clo wde ofduft fpcrft in the aire 
 The weakc foundations of this Citie faire. 
 
 Z At 
 
Uijions of the yi^o^lds yam tie . 
 
 is 
 
 At length, encn at the tipc,when'iV^or/?fcc/« ' 
 Moft triilic doth vnto our tycs appeare, 
 Wearie tofeetheheauens flill waueringthns, 
 I faw Typhteti^CiRci: comming neare ; 
 
 W hofc head full braucly with a morion hidd. 
 Did feemeto match the Gods in Maicftie. 
 She by a riucrs bancke that fwifc downe flidd^ 
 Guerallthc world did raifeaTrophcc hie; 
 
 An hundred vanqtiiQit Kings vnder her lay, 
 W ith armes bound at their backs in fhamctuU wize ; 
 Whilft I thus mazed was with great affray, 
 I fawthchcauensin warreagainll her rize : 
 
 Then downe (he ftricken Fell with clap of thondcr. 
 
 That with great noyfe I wakte in fudden wonder. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
^his Vijtons ofTetrarcb 
 
 formerly tranjlated. 
 
 I 
 
 BEing one day at my window all alone. 
 So manic ftrange things happened m'^ co fee. 
 As much itgrieneth me tothinkc thereon. 
 Ac my right hand a Hynde appeared to mec. 
 
 So faire as mote the greatcft God dclite; 
 Two eager dogs did her pnrfne in chace. 
 Of which the one was blacke,the other white ; i 
 With deadly force fo in their cruel! race 
 
 They pincht the haunches of that gentle beafl, 
 That at die laft,and in (hort time I fpide, 
 Vndcr a Rockc where fhe alas oppreft. 
 Fell to the ground,and there vntimely dide. 
 
 Cruell death vanquiftiing fo noble beautie. 
 
 Oft makes me waylc fo hard a dcflcnie. 
 
 2 
 After at fca a tall (hip did appearc. 
 Made all of Heben and white Yuorie, 
 The failes of golde,ot filkc the tackle were, 
 Milde was the winde,calme fcem'd the fea to bee, 
 
 Thcskie eachwheredidftiow full bright and faire; 
 With rich treafures thisgay fliip fraighted was : 
 But fudden ftorme did fo curmoyle the aire. 
 And tumbled vp the fea,that (he (alas) 
 
 Strake on a rock^that vndcr water lay. 
 And peri(hed paft all recouerie. 
 O how great ruth and forrowfull aflay. 
 Doth vex my f^irite with pcrplcxitic. 
 
 Thus in a moncnt to fee loft and drown'd. 
 
 So great richcs,as like cannot be found. 
 v;;\^ . Z z ' The 
 
T^he Vijions ofTetrarch 
 
 3 
 
 The hcauenly branches did I fee arifc 
 Out of the frcfh and luitie Lawrei! tree, 
 Amidft the yoDg greenc wood : of Paradife 
 Some noble plant I thought tny felfe to fee : 
 
 Such (lore of birds therein yfhrowded were> 
 Chauntingin (hade their fundrie mclodie. 
 That with their fweetnes I was rauifh'tnere. 
 While on this Lawtell fixed was mine eic, 
 
 Theskie gan eucric where to ouercaft> 
 And darkned was the welkin all about. 
 When fuddcH flafhof heauensfire out braft> 
 And rent this royall tree quite by the roote. 
 
 Which makes me much and cucr to compJainc ; 
 
 For no fuch fliadow ihalbe had agauie. 
 
 4 
 Within this wood,out of a rockc did rife 
 A fpring of water^mildly rumbling downe. 
 Whereto approched not in anie wife 
 The homely (hcpheard,nor the ruder clownc j 
 
 But manic Mufes>aDd cheNymphcs witholl. 
 That fweetly in accord did tune their voyce 
 To the loft founding of the waters fall. 
 That my glad hart thereat did much reioycc* 
 
 But while herein I tooke my chiefe delight,. 
 I fa w (alas) the gaping earth deuourc 
 The fpringjthe place,and all cleanc out of {^ht. 
 Which yet aggreeues my hart cuen to this hourc> 
 
 And wounds my foule with rufuU memoric. 
 
 To fee fuch plcafurcs gon fo fuddcnljr. . 
 
 Ifaw 
 
Vijtons ^fTetrarck 
 
 s 
 
 I faw a Phoenix in the wood alone^ 
 With purple wings-,aiid cicft of golden hcwcj; 
 Strange bind he was,whfrcby I ihought anone^ 
 Thatof fomc heaucnly wight I had the vewc; 
 
 Vncill he came vnto the broken tree. 
 And to the fpring,that late dcuoinrcd was. 
 What fay I more ^ each thing at laft we fee^ 
 Doth paitc away : the Phoenix there alas 
 
 Spying chetrcedeftroid,the water dride, 
 Himfelfe fmote witli hisbeake,asm difdainCy 
 And fo foorthwirji hi great defptght he dide: 
 That yet my heart biirnesin exceeding paine, 
 
 For nnh and pitie of fo haples plight. 
 
 O let mine eyes no more fee fiich a fight. 
 
 At laft fofairc a Ladiedid I fpic. 
 That thinking yet on her I bnrncand qiiakej 
 On hearbsand flowres fhe walked peniiucly, 
 Milde.but yet loue fbe proudly did forfake : 
 
 White feem'd her robes^yet wouenfp they wcre^' 
 As fnow and golde together had been wrought. 
 Abouethe waftadarke clowde fhrouded her, 
 A ftinging Serpent by the heele her caught ; 
 
 Wherewich /he languifhtas the gathered ftourc^ 
 And well afluf d fhe mounted vp to ioy. 
 Alas,on earth fa nothing doth endure. 
 But bitter gricfe and forrowfull annoy t 
 
 Which make thislife wrctchcdand miferablc, 
 
 Toffed with flormes of fortune variable. 
 
 '^^ ' "" Zi ' Whca 
 
Vijions of "Petrarch, 
 
 W hen I beheld this tickle truftles ft ate 
 Of vaine worWs glorie.flitting too and fro. 
 And mortall men tofled by troublous fate 
 In reftles feas of wretchcdncs and woCj 
 
 I vvifti I might this wcarie life forgoe. 
 And ftjortly tiirnc vnto my happie reft* 
 Where iViy free fpirite might not anie moc 
 Be vext withfights.that doo her peace moleft. 
 
 And ye faire LadiCjin whofc bounteous breft 
 All heauenly grace and vertue llrined is. 
 When ye thclc rythmcs doo read, and vcw the reft. 
 Loath this bafe vvorld,and thinke of heaueos blis : 
 
 And though ye be the faireft of Gods creatures. 
 
 Yet tbinkc>that death (hall fpoylc your goodly fea- 
 
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