Loves martyr or, Rosalins complaint. Allegorically shadowing the truth of Loue, in the constant Fate of the Phoenix and Turtle. A Poeme enterlaced with much varietie and raritie; now first translated out of the uenerable Italian Torquato Caeliano, by Robert Chester. With the true legend of famous King Arthur, the last of the nine Worthies, being the first Essay of a new British Poet: collected out of diuerse Authenticall Records. To these are added some new compositions, of seuerall moderne Writers whose names are subscribed to their seuerall workes, upon the first Subiect: viz. the Phoenix and Turtle |
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A meeting Dialogue-wise betweene Nature,
the Phœnix, and the Turtle Doue. |
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 | Loves martyr |  |
A meeting Dialogue-wise betweene Nature, the Phœnix, and the Turtle Doue.
Nature.
All haile faire Phœnix, whither art thou flying?
Why in the hot Sunne dost thou spread thy wings?
More pleasure shouldst thou take in cold shades lying,
And for to bathe thy selfe in wholsome Springs,
Where the woods feathered quier sweetely sings:
Thy golden Wings and thy breasts beauteous Eie,
Will fall away in Phœbus royaltie.
Why in the hot Sunne dost thou spread thy wings?
More pleasure shouldst thou take in cold shades lying,
And for to bathe thy selfe in wholsome Springs,
Where the woods feathered quier sweetely sings:
Thy golden Wings and thy breasts beauteous Eie,
Will fall away in Phœbus royaltie.
Phœnix.
O stay me not, I am no Phœnix I,
And if I be that bird, I am defaced,
Vpon the Arabian mountaines I must die,
And neuer with a poore yong Turtle graced;
Such operation in me is not placed:
What is my Beautie but a painted wal,
My golden spreading Feathers quickly fal,
And if I be that bird, I am defaced,
Vpon the Arabian mountaines I must die,
And neuer with a poore yong Turtle graced;
Such operation in me is not placed:
What is my Beautie but a painted wal,
My golden spreading Feathers quickly fal,
Nature.
Why dost thou shead thy Feathers, kill thy Heart,
Weep out thine Eyes, and staine thy golden Face?
Why dost thou of the worlds woe take a part,
And in relenting teares thy selfe disgrace?
Ioyes mirthful Tower is thy dwelling place:
All Birdes for vertue and excelling beautie,
Sing at thy reuerend feet in Loue aud Dutie.
Weep out thine Eyes, and staine thy golden Face?
Why dost thou of the worlds woe take a part,
And in relenting teares thy selfe disgrace?
Ioyes mirthful Tower is thy dwelling place:
17
Sing at thy reuerend feet in Loue aud Dutie.
Phœnix.
O how thou feed'st me with my Beauties praising!
O how thy Praise sounds from a golden Toung!
O how thy Toung my Vertues would be raising!
And raising me thou dost corrupt thy song:
Thou seest not Honie and Poison mixt among;
Thou not'st my Beautie with a iealous looke,
But dost not see how I do bayte my hooke.
O how thy Praise sounds from a golden Toung!
O how thy Toung my Vertues would be raising!
And raising me thou dost corrupt thy song:
Thou seest not Honie and Poison mixt among;
Thou not'st my Beautie with a iealous looke,
But dost not see how I do bayte my hooke.
Nature.
Tell me, ô tell me, for I am thy friend,
I am Dame Nature that first gaue thee breath,
That from Ioues glorious rich seate did descend,
To set my Feete vpon this lumpish earth:
What is the cause of thy sad sullen Mirth?
Hast thou not Beauty, Vertue, Wit and Fauour:
What other graces would'st thou craue of Nature?
I am Dame Nature that first gaue thee breath,
That from Ioues glorious rich seate did descend,
To set my Feete vpon this lumpish earth:
What is the cause of thy sad sullen Mirth?
Hast thou not Beauty, Vertue, Wit and Fauour:
What other graces would'st thou craue of Nature?
Phœnix.
What is my Beauty but a vading Flower?
Wherein men reade their deep-conceiued Thrall,
Alluring twentie Gallants in an hower,
To be as seruile vassals at my Call?
My Sunne-bred lookes their Senses do exhall:
But (ô my griefe) where my faire Eyes would loue,
Foule bleare-eyed Enuie doth my thoughts reprooue.
Wherein men reade their deep-conceiued Thrall,
Alluring twentie Gallants in an hower,
To be as seruile vassals at my Call?
My Sunne-bred lookes their Senses do exhall:
But (ô my griefe) where my faire Eyes would loue,
Foule bleare-eyed Enuie doth my thoughts reprooue.
What is my Vertue but a Tablitorie:
Which if I did bestow would more increase?
What is my Wit but an inhumane glorie:
That to my kind deare friends would proffer peace?
But O vaine Bird, giue ore in silence, cease;
Malice perchaunce doth hearken to thy words,
That cuts thy threed of Loue with twentie swords.
Which if I did bestow would more increase?
What is my Wit but an inhumane glorie:
That to my kind deare friends would proffer peace?
18
Malice perchaunce doth hearken to thy words,
That cuts thy threed of Loue with twentie swords.
Nature.
Tell me (O Mirrour) of our earthly time,
Tell me sweete Phœnix glorie of mine age,
Who blots thy Beauty with foule Enuies crime,
And locks thee vp in fond Suspitions cage?
Can any humane heart beare thee such rage?
Daunt their proud stomacks with thy piercing Eye,
Vnchaine Loues sweetnesse at thy libertie.
Tell me sweete Phœnix glorie of mine age,
Who blots thy Beauty with foule Enuies crime,
And locks thee vp in fond Suspitions cage?
Can any humane heart beare thee such rage?
Daunt their proud stomacks with thy piercing Eye,
Vnchaine Loues sweetnesse at thy libertie.
Phœnix.
What is't to bath me in a wholesome Spring,
Or wash me in a cleere, deepe, running Well,
When I no vertue from the same do bring,
Nor of the balmie water beare a smell?
It better were for me mongst Crowes to dwell,
Then flocke with Doues, whē Doues sit alwayes billing,
And waste my wings of gold, my Beautie killing.
Or wash me in a cleere, deepe, running Well,
When I no vertue from the same do bring,
Nor of the balmie water beare a smell?
It better were for me mongst Crowes to dwell,
Then flocke with Doues, whē Doues sit alwayes billing,
And waste my wings of gold, my Beautie killing.
Nature.
Ile chaine foule Enuy to a brazen Gate,
And place deepe Malice in a hollow Rocke,
To some blacke desert Wood Ile banish Hate,
And fond Suspition from thy sight Ile locke:
These shall not stirre, let anie Porter knocke.
Thou art but yong, fresh, greene, and must not passe,
But catch the hot Sunne with thy steeled glasse.
And place deepe Malice in a hollow Rocke,
To some blacke desert Wood Ile banish Hate,
And fond Suspition from thy sight Ile locke:
These shall not stirre, let anie Porter knocke.
Thou art but yong, fresh, greene, and must not passe,
But catch the hot Sunne with thy steeled glasse.
Phœnix.
That Sunne shines not within this Continent,
That with his warme rayes can my dead Bloud chearish,
Grosse cloudie Vapours from this Aire is sent,
Not hot reflecting Beames my heart to nourish.
O Beautie, I do feare me thou wilt perish;
Then gentle Nature let me take my flight,
But ere I passe, set Enuie out of sight.
That with his warme rayes can my dead Bloud chearish,
Grosse cloudie Vapours from this Aire is sent,
19
O Beautie, I do feare me thou wilt perish;
Then gentle Nature let me take my flight,
But ere I passe, set Enuie out of sight.
Nature.
Ile coniure him, and raise him from his graue,
And put vpon his head a punishment:
Nature thy sportiue Pleasure meanes to saue;
Ile send him to perpetuall banishment,
Like to a totterd Furie ragd and rent:
Ile baffle him, and blind his Iealous eye,
That in thy actions Secrecie would prye.
And put vpon his head a punishment:
Nature thy sportiue Pleasure meanes to saue;
Ile send him to perpetuall banishment,
Like to a totterd Furie ragd and rent:
Ile baffle him, and blind his Iealous eye,
That in thy actions Secrecie would prye.
Phœnix.
Ile coniure him, Ile raise him from his Cell,
Ile pull his Eyes from his conspiring head,
Ile locke him in the place where he doth dwell;
Ile starue him there, till the poore slaue be dead,
That on the poisonous Adder oft hath fed:
These threatnings on the Helhound I will lay,
But the performance beares the greater sway.
Ile pull his Eyes from his conspiring head,
Ile locke him in the place where he doth dwell;
Ile starue him there, till the poore slaue be dead,
That on the poisonous Adder oft hath fed:
These threatnings on the Helhound I will lay,
But the performance beares the greater sway.
Nature.
Stand by faire Phœnix, spread thy Wings of gold,
And daunt the face of Heauen with thine Eye,
Like Iunos bird thy Beautie do vnsold,
And thou shalt triumph ore thine enemie:
Then thou and I in Phœbus coach will flie,
Where thou shalt see and tast a secret Fire,
That will adde spreading life to thy Desire.
And daunt the face of Heauen with thine Eye,
Like Iunos bird thy Beautie do vnsold,
And thou shalt triumph ore thine enemie:
Then thou and I in Phœbus coach will flie,
Where thou shalt see and tast a secret Fire,
That will adde spreading life to thy Desire.
Arise thou bleare-ey'd Enuie from thy bed,
Thy bed of Snakie poison and corruption,
Vnmaske thy big-swolne Cheekes with poyson red,
For with thee I must trie Conclusion,
And plague thee with the Worlds confusion.
I charge thee by my Power to appeare,
And by Celestiall warrant to draw neare.
Thy bed of Snakie poison and corruption,
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For with thee I must trie Conclusion,
And plague thee with the Worlds confusion.
I charge thee by my Power to appeare,
And by Celestiall warrant to draw neare.
Phœnix.
O what a mistie Dampe breakes from the ground,
Able it selfe to infect this noysome Aire:
As if a caue of Toades themselues did wound,
Or poysoned Dragons fell into dispaire,
Hels damned sent with this may not compare,
And in this foggie cloud there doth arise
A damned Feend ore me to tyrannize.
Able it selfe to infect this noysome Aire:
As if a caue of Toades themselues did wound,
Or poysoned Dragons fell into dispaire,
Hels damned sent with this may not compare,
And in this foggie cloud there doth arise
A damned Feend ore me to tyrannize.
Nature.
He shall not touch a Feather of thy wing,
Or euer haue Authoritie and power,
As he hath had in his dayes secret prying,
Ouer thy calmie Lookes to send a shower:
Ile place thee now in secrecies sweet Bower,
Where at thy will in sport and dallying,
Spend out thy time in Amarous discoursing.
Or euer haue Authoritie and power,
As he hath had in his dayes secret prying,
Ouer thy calmie Lookes to send a shower:
Ile place thee now in secrecies sweet Bower,
Where at thy will in sport and dallying,
Spend out thy time in Amarous discoursing.
Phœnix.
Looke Nurce, looke Nature how the Villaine sweates,
His big-swolne Eyes will fall vnto the ground,
With fretting anguish he his blacke breast beates,
As if he would true harted minds confound:
O keepe him backe, his sight my heart doth wound:
O Enuie it is thou that mad'st me perish,
For want of that true Fire my hart should nourish.
His big-swolne Eyes will fall vnto the ground,
With fretting anguish he his blacke breast beates,
As if he would true harted minds confound:
O keepe him backe, his sight my heart doth wound:
O Enuie it is thou that mad'st me perish,
For want of that true Fire my hart should nourish.
Nature.
But I will plague him for his wickednesse,
Enuie go packe thee to some forreine soyle,
To some desertfull plaine or Wildernesse,
Where sauage Monsters and wild beasts do toyle,
And with inhumane Creatures keepe a coyle.
Be gone I say, and neuer do returne,
Till this round compast world with fire do burne.
21
To some desertfull plaine or Wildernesse,
Where sauage Monsters and wild beasts do toyle,
And with inhumane Creatures keepe a coyle.
Be gone I say, and neuer do returne,
Till this round compast world with fire do burne.
Phœnix.
What is he gone? is Enuie packt away?
Then one fowle blot is mooued from his Throne,
That my poore honest Thoughts did seeke to slay:
Away fowle griefe, and ouer-heauie Mone,
That do orecharge me with continuall grones.
Will you not hence? then with downe-falling teares,
Ile drowne my selfe in ripenesse of my Yeares,
Then one fowle blot is mooued from his Throne,
That my poore honest Thoughts did seeke to slay:
Away fowle griefe, and ouer-heauie Mone,
That do orecharge me with continuall grones.
Will you not hence? then with downe-falling teares,
Ile drowne my selfe in ripenesse of my Yeares,
Nature.
Fie peeuish Bird, what art thou franticke mad?
Wilt thou confound thy selfe with foolish Griefe?
If there be cause or meanes for to be had,
Thy Nurse and nourisher will find reliefe:
Then tell me all thy Accidents in briefe;
Haue I not banisht Enuy for thy sake?
I greater things for thee ile vndertake.
Wilt thou confound thy selfe with foolish Griefe?
If there be cause or meanes for to be had,
Thy Nurse and nourisher will find reliefe:
Then tell me all thy Accidents in briefe;
Haue I not banisht Enuy for thy sake?
I greater things for thee ile vndertake.
Phœnix.
Enuie is gone and banisht from my sight,
Banisht for euer comming any more:
But in Arabia burnes another Light,
A darke dimme Taper that I must adore,
This barren Countrey makes me to deplore:
It is so saplesse that the very Spring,
Makes tender new-growne Plants be with'ring.
Banisht for euer comming any more:
But in Arabia burnes another Light,
A darke dimme Taper that I must adore,
This barren Countrey makes me to deplore:
It is so saplesse that the very Spring,
Makes tender new-growne Plants be with'ring.
22
The noisome Aire is growne infectious,
The very Springs for want of Moisture die,
The glorious Sunne is here pestiferous,
No hearbes for Phisicke or sweet Surgerie,
No balme to cure hearts inward maladie:
No gift of Nature, she is here defaced,
Heart-curing Balsamum here is not placed.
The very Springs for want of Moisture die,
The glorious Sunne is here pestiferous,
No hearbes for Phisicke or sweet Surgerie,
No balme to cure hearts inward maladie:
No gift of Nature, she is here defaced,
Heart-curing Balsamum here is not placed.
Nature.
Is this the summe and substance of thy woe?
Is this the Anker-hold vnto thy bote?
Is this thy Sea of Griefe doth ouerflow?
Is this the Riuer sets thy ship aflote?
Is this the Lesson thou hast learn'd by rote?
And is this all? and is this plot of Ground
The substance of the Theame doth thee confound?
Is this the Anker-hold vnto thy bote?
Is this thy Sea of Griefe doth ouerflow?
Is this the Riuer sets thy ship aflote?
Is this the Lesson thou hast learn'd by rote?
And is this all? and is this plot of Ground
The substance of the Theame doth thee confound?
Phœnix.
This is the Anker-hold, the Sea, the Riuer,
The Lesson and the substance of my Song,
This is the Rocke my Ship did seeke to shiuer,
And in this ground with Adders was I stung,
And in a lothsome pit was often flung:
My Beautie and my Vertues captiuate,
To Loue, dissembling Loue that I did hate.
The Lesson and the substance of my Song,
This is the Rocke my Ship did seeke to shiuer,
And in this ground with Adders was I stung,
And in a lothsome pit was often flung:
My Beautie and my Vertues captiuate,
To Loue, dissembling Loue that I did hate.
Nature.
Cheare vp thy spirit Phœnix, prune thy wings,
And double-gild thy Fethers for my newes;
A Nightingale and not a Rauen sings,
That from all blacke contention will excuse
Thy heauy thoughts, and set them to peruse
Another Clymat, where thou maist expresse,
A plot of Paradice for worthinesse.
And double-gild thy Fethers for my newes;
A Nightingale and not a Rauen sings,
That from all blacke contention will excuse
Thy heauy thoughts, and set them to peruse
Another Clymat, where thou maist expresse,
A plot of Paradice for worthinesse.
23
Ioue in diuine diuinesse of his Soule,
That rides vpon his firie axaltree,
That with his Mace doth humane flesh controule,
When of mans deedes he makes a Registrie,
Louing the good for singularitie:
With a vail'd Count'nance and a gracious Smile,
Did bid me plant my Bird in Paphos Ile.
That rides vpon his firie axaltree,
That with his Mace doth humane flesh controule,
When of mans deedes he makes a Registrie,
Louing the good for singularitie:
With a vail'd Count'nance and a gracious Smile,
Did bid me plant my Bird in Paphos Ile.
Phœnix.
What ill diuining Planet did presage,
My timelesse birth so timely brought to light?
What fatal Comet did his wrath engage,
To worke a harmelesse Bird such worlds despight,
Wrapping my dayes blisse in blacke sables night?
No Planet nor no Comet did conspire
My downefall, but foule Fortunes wrathful ire.
My timelesse birth so timely brought to light?
What fatal Comet did his wrath engage,
To worke a harmelesse Bird such worlds despight,
Wrapping my dayes blisse in blacke sables night?
No Planet nor no Comet did conspire
My downefall, but foule Fortunes wrathful ire.
What did my Beautie moue her to Disdaine?
Or did my Vertues shadow all her Blisse?
That she should place me in a desart Plaine,
And send forth Enuie with a Iudas kisse,
To sting me with a Scorpions poisoned hisse?
From my first birth-right for to plant me heare,
Where I haue alwaies fed on Griefe and Feare.
Or did my Vertues shadow all her Blisse?
That she should place me in a desart Plaine,
And send forth Enuie with a Iudas kisse,
To sting me with a Scorpions poisoned hisse?
From my first birth-right for to plant me heare,
Where I haue alwaies fed on Griefe and Feare.
Nature.
Raile not gainst Fortunes sacred Deitie,
In youth thy vertuous patience she hath tyred,
From this base earth shee'le lift thee vp on hie,
Where in Contents rich Chariot thou shalt ride,
And neuer with Impatience to abide:
Fortune will glorie in thy great renowne,
And on thy feathered head will set a crowne.
In youth thy vertuous patience she hath tyred,
From this base earth shee'le lift thee vp on hie,
Where in Contents rich Chariot thou shalt ride,
And neuer with Impatience to abide:
Fortune will glorie in thy great renowne,
And on thy feathered head will set a crowne.
24
T'was time to come, for I was comfortlesse,
And in my Youth haue bene Infortunate:
This Ile of Paphos I do hope will blesse,
And alter my halfe-rotten tottering state;
My hearts Delight was almost ruinate.
In this rich Ile a Turtle had his nest,
And in a Wood of gold tooke vp his rest.
And in my Youth haue bene Infortunate:
This Ile of Paphos I do hope will blesse,
And alter my halfe-rotten tottering state;
My hearts Delight was almost ruinate.
In this rich Ile a Turtle had his nest,
And in a Wood of gold tooke vp his rest.
Nature.
Fly in this Chariot, and come sit by me,
And we will leaue this ill corrupted Land,
We'le take our course through the blew Azure skie,
And set our feete on Paphos golden sand,
There of that Turtle Doue we'le vnderstand:
And visite him in those delightfull plaines,
Where Peace conioyn'd with Plenty still remaines.
And we will leaue this ill corrupted Land,
We'le take our course through the blew Azure skie,
And set our feete on Paphos golden sand,
There of that Turtle Doue we'le vnderstand:
And visite him in those delightfull plaines,
Where Peace conioyn'd with Plenty still remaines.
Phœnix.
I come, I come, and now farewell that strond,
Vpon whose craggie rockes my Ship was rent;
Your ill beseeming follies made me fond,
And in a vastie Cell I vp was pent,
Where my fresh blooming Beauty I haue spent.
O blame your selues ill nurtred cruell Swaines,
That fild my scarlet Glorie full of Staines.
Vpon whose craggie rockes my Ship was rent;
Your ill beseeming follies made me fond,
And in a vastie Cell I vp was pent,
Where my fresh blooming Beauty I haue spent.
O blame your selues ill nurtred cruell Swaines,
That fild my scarlet Glorie full of Staines.
Nature.
Welcome immortall Bewtie, we will ride
Ouer the Semi-circle of Europa,
And bend our course where we will see the Tide,
That partes the Continent of Affrica,
Where the great Cham gouernes Tartaria:
And when the starrie Curtaine vales the night,
In Paphos sacred Ile we meane to light.
Ouer the Semi-circle of Europa,
And bend our course where we will see the Tide,
That partes the Continent of Affrica,
Where the great Cham gouernes Tartaria:
And when the starrie Curtaine vales the night,
In Paphos sacred Ile we meane to light.
25
How glorious is this Chariot of the day,
Where Phœbus in his crystall robes is set,
And to poore passengers directs a way:
O happie time since I with Nature met,
My immelodious Discord I vnfret:
And sing sweet Hymnes, burn Myrrhe & Frankensence,
Honor that Isle that is my sure defence.
Where Phœbus in his crystall robes is set,
And to poore passengers directs a way:
O happie time since I with Nature met,
My immelodious Discord I vnfret:
And sing sweet Hymnes, burn Myrrhe & Frankensence,
Honor that Isle that is my sure defence.
Nature.
Looke Phœnix ore the world as thou dost ride,
And thou shalt see the pallaces of Kings,
Great huge-built Cities where high States abide,
Temples of Gods, and Altars with rich offrings,
To which the Priests their sacrifices brings:
Wonders past wonder, strange Pyramides,
And the gold-gathering Strond of Euphrates.
And thou shalt see the pallaces of Kings,
Great huge-built Cities where high States abide,
Temples of Gods, and Altars with rich offrings,
To which the Priests their sacrifices brings:
Wonders past wonder, strange Pyramides,
And the gold-gathering Strond of Euphrates.
Phœnix.
O what rich pleasure dwelleth in this Land!
Greene springing Medowes, high vpreared Hils,
The white-fleest Ewe brought tame vnto the hand,
Faire running Riuers that the Countrie fils,
Sweet flowers that faire balmy Deaw distils,
Great peopled Cities, whose earth-gracing show,
Time is asham'd to touch or ouerthrow!
Greene springing Medowes, high vpreared Hils,
The white-fleest Ewe brought tame vnto the hand,
Faire running Riuers that the Countrie fils,
Sweet flowers that faire balmy Deaw distils,
Great peopled Cities, whose earth-gracing show,
Time is asham'd to touch or ouerthrow!
Nature.
Besilent gentle Phœnix, Ile repeate,
Some of these Cities names that we descrie,
And of their large foundation Ile intreate,
Their Fonnder that first rear'd them vp on hie,
Making a glorious Spectacle to each eie:
Warres wald Defender and the Countries grace,
Not battred yet with Times controlling Mace.
Some of these Cities names that we descrie,
And of their large foundation Ile intreate,
Their Fonnder that first rear'd them vp on hie,
Making a glorious Spectacle to each eie:
Warres wald Defender and the Countries grace,
Not battred yet with Times controlling Mace.
26
Alfred the father of faire Elfleda,
Founded three goodly famous Monasteries,
In this large Ile of sweete Britania,
For to refresh the poore soules miseries,
That were afflicted with calamities:
One in the Towne surnamed Edlingsey,
Which after ages called Athelney.
Founded three goodly famous Monasteries,
In this large Ile of sweete Britania,
For to refresh the poore soules miseries,
That were afflicted with calamities:
One in the Towne surnamed Edlingsey,
Which after ages called Athelney.
The second House of that Deuotion,
He did erect at worthy Winchester,
A place well planted with Religion,
Called in this age the new-builded Minster,
Still kept in notable reparation:
And in this famous builded Monument,
His bodie was interd when life was spent.
He did erect at worthy Winchester,
A place well planted with Religion,
Called in this age the new-builded Minster,
Still kept in notable reparation:
And in this famous builded Monument,
His bodie was interd when life was spent.
The last not least surpassing all the rest,
Was Oxfords honorable foundation,
Since when with Learnings glorie it is blest,
Begun by the godly exhortation
Of the Abbot Neotus direction:
From whose rich womb pure Angell-like Diuinitie,
Hath sprong to saue vs from Calamitie.
Was Oxfords honorable foundation,
Since when with Learnings glorie it is blest,
Begun by the godly exhortation
Of the Abbot Neotus direction:
From whose rich womb pure Angell-like Diuinitie,
Hath sprong to saue vs from Calamitie.
Leyre the sonne of Baldud being admitted,
To beare the burden of the British sway,
A Prince with Natures glorie being fitted,
At what time Ioas raigned King of Iuda,
To make his new got Fame to last for aye,
By Sore he built the Towne of Caerleir,
That to this day is called Leycester.
To beare the burden of the British sway,
A Prince with Natures glorie being fitted,
At what time Ioas raigned King of Iuda,
To make his new got Fame to last for aye,
By Sore he built the Towne of Caerleir,
That to this day is called Leycester.
27
Belin that famous worthy Brytaine King,
That made the Townes of France to feare his frowne,
And the whole Romish Legion to sing,
And to record his gracious great renowne,
Whose host of men their Townes were firing:
Builded in Southwals height Caerlion,
Or termed Arwiske Caerlegion.
That made the Townes of France to feare his frowne,
And the whole Romish Legion to sing,
And to record his gracious great renowne,
Whose host of men their Townes were firing:
Builded in Southwals height Caerlion,
Or termed Arwiske Caerlegion.
This glorious Citie was the onely Pride,
In eldest age of all Demetia:
Where many notable Monuments abide,
To grace the Countrey of Britania,
That from Times memorie can neuer slide:
Amphibulus was borne in this sweete place,
Who taught S. Albon, Albon full of grace.
In eldest age of all Demetia:
Where many notable Monuments abide,
To grace the Countrey of Britania,
That from Times memorie can neuer slide:
Amphibulus was borne in this sweete place,
Who taught S. Albon, Albon full of grace.
King Lud surnam'd the great Lud-hurdibras,
The sonne of Leil, builded the famous Towne
Of Kaerkin, with a huge Tower of brasse,
Now called Canterburie of great renowne,
Able to bide the raging Foes stout frowne:
The Metropolitans seate where Learning sits,
And chiefe of all our English Bishoprickes.
The sonne of Leil, builded the famous Towne
Of Kaerkin, with a huge Tower of brasse,
Now called Canterburie of great renowne,
Able to bide the raging Foes stout frowne:
The Metropolitans seate where Learning sits,
And chiefe of all our English Bishoprickes.
This noble King builded faire Caerguent,
Now cleped Winchester of worthie fame,
And at Mount Paladour he built his Tent,
That after ages Shaftsburie hath to name,
His first foundation from King Leyls sonne came:
About which building Prophet Aquila,
Did prophesie in large Brytania.
Now cleped Winchester of worthie fame,
And at Mount Paladour he built his Tent,
That after ages Shaftsburie hath to name,
His first foundation from King Leyls sonne came:
About which building Prophet Aquila,
Did prophesie in large Brytania.
28
King Leill a man of great religion,
That made his bordring neighbours for to yeeld,
And on their knees to pleade Submission,
Being eldest sonne to Brute surnam'd Greeneshield,
The Citie of Caerleits he did build,
Now called Carleyle by corruption,
And Time that leades things to confusion.
That made his bordring neighbours for to yeeld,
And on their knees to pleade Submission,
Being eldest sonne to Brute surnam'd Greeneshield,
The Citie of Caerleits he did build,
Now called Carleyle by corruption,
And Time that leades things to confusion.
Cambridge a famous Vniuersitie,
The Nurse of Learning and Experience,
The Chearisher of true Diuinitie,
That for the Soules good wisedome doth commence,
Confuting Vice, and driuing Error thence:
Was built by Sigisbert: but wrought effectually
By Kings and Lords of famous memorie.
The Nurse of Learning and Experience,
The Chearisher of true Diuinitie,
That for the Soules good wisedome doth commence,
Confuting Vice, and driuing Error thence:
Was built by Sigisbert: but wrought effectually
By Kings and Lords of famous memorie.
Ebranke the sonne of stout Mempritius,
Hauing in matrimoniall copulation,
Twentie one wiues in large Britanicus,
And thirtie daughters by iust computation,
And twentie sonnes of estimation,
Builded Caerbranke famous for the name,
Now called Englands Yorke a place of Fame.
Hauing in matrimoniall copulation,
Twentie one wiues in large Britanicus,
And thirtie daughters by iust computation,
And twentie sonnes of estimation,
Builded Caerbranke famous for the name,
Now called Englands Yorke a place of Fame.
He in Albania large and populous,
Now termed Scotland of the Scottish Sect,
Because his deedes should still be counted famous,
The Castle of Maidens there he did erect,
And to good purpose did this worke effect:
But iron-eating Time the Truth doth staine,
For Edingburgh the Citie doth remaine.
Now termed Scotland of the Scottish Sect,
Because his deedes should still be counted famous,
The Castle of Maidens there he did erect,
And to good purpose did this worke effect:
But iron-eating Time the Truth doth staine,
For Edingburgh the Citie doth remaine.
29
And in that Maiden Castle he did frame,
To grace the building to the outward eie,
Nine Images of stone plac'd in the same,
Which since haue stay'd times perpetuetie,
In the true forme of worke-mans excellencie:
Not any whit diminisht, but as perfect
As in the first dayes minute they were set.
To grace the building to the outward eie,
Nine Images of stone plac'd in the same,
Which since haue stay'd times perpetuetie,
In the true forme of worke-mans excellencie:
Not any whit diminisht, but as perfect
As in the first dayes minute they were set.
Phœnix.
Nature I muse at your description,
To see how Time that old rust-cankard wretch,
Honors forgetfull Friend, Cities confusion,
That in all Monuments hath made a Breach,
To auncient names brought alteration:
And yet at this day such a place remaines,
That all Times honor past with honor staines.
To see how Time that old rust-cankard wretch,
Honors forgetfull Friend, Cities confusion,
That in all Monuments hath made a Breach,
To auncient names brought alteration:
And yet at this day such a place remaines,
That all Times honor past with honor staines.
Nature.
Those carued old-cut stonie Images,
That beautifie the Princes stately Towers,
That graces with their grace the Pallaces,
And high imperiall Emperizing bowers,
Were neuer raz'd by Times controlling houres:
Nine worthie women almost equiualent,
With those nine worthie men so valient.
That beautifie the Princes stately Towers,
That graces with their grace the Pallaces,
And high imperiall Emperizing bowers,
Were neuer raz'd by Times controlling houres:
Nine worthie women almost equiualent,
With those nine worthie men so valient.
Three of the nine were Iewes, and three were Gentiles,
Three Christians, Honors honorable Sexe,
That from their foes did often beare the spoiles,
And did their proud controlling neighbours vexe,
Which to their name did Noblenesse annexe,
An Embleame for true borne Gentilitie,
To imitate their deedes in chiualrie.
Three Christians, Honors honorable Sexe,
That from their foes did often beare the spoiles,
And did their proud controlling neighbours vexe,
Which to their name did Noblenesse annexe,
An Embleame for true borne Gentilitie,
To imitate their deedes in chiualrie.
30
The first Minerua a right worthie Pagon,
That many manlike battailes manly fought,
She first deuiz'd Artillerie of yron,
And Armour for our backes she first found out,
Parting our liues deare hazard from some doubt:
She gouerned the Libians, and got Victories,
With Honor by the lake Tritonides.
That many manlike battailes manly fought,
She first deuiz'd Artillerie of yron,
And Armour for our backes she first found out,
Parting our liues deare hazard from some doubt:
She gouerned the Libians, and got Victories,
With Honor by the lake Tritonides.
Our maine pitcht Battels she first ordered,
Setting a Forme downe to this following Age,
The orders of Incamping she first registred,
And taught the lawes of Armes in equipage,
To after time her skill she did engage:
Apollo was her deare begotten sonne,
In Abrahams time she liu'd till life was donne.
Setting a Forme downe to this following Age,
The orders of Incamping she first registred,
And taught the lawes of Armes in equipage,
To after time her skill she did engage:
Apollo was her deare begotten sonne,
In Abrahams time she liu'd till life was donne.
Semiramis Queene of Assiria,
Was second worthie of this worlds great wonder,
She conquered large Æthiopia,
And brought the Necke of that stout Nation vnder,
Wasting the Countries of rich India:
Her dayes of Honor and of Regiment,
Was in the time of Isaacks gouernment.
Was second worthie of this worlds great wonder,
She conquered large Æthiopia,
And brought the Necke of that stout Nation vnder,
Wasting the Countries of rich India:
Her dayes of Honor and of Regiment,
Was in the time of Isaacks gouernment.
The third and chiefest for Audaciousnesse,
And Enterprises that she tooke in hand,
Was Tomyris full of true Noblenesse,
Queene of the North (as I do vnderstand,)
From forth her eyes she lightned Honors Brand,
And brandished a Sword, a sword of Fame,
That to her weake Sexe yeelded Hectors name.
And Enterprises that she tooke in hand,
Was Tomyris full of true Noblenesse,
Queene of the North (as I do vnderstand,)
From forth her eyes she lightned Honors Brand,
And brandished a Sword, a sword of Fame,
That to her weake Sexe yeelded Hectors name.
31
When she receiued newes her sonne was dead,
The Hope and Vnderprop of Scithia,
She put on Armour, and encountered
The Monarch Cyrus King of Persia,
And Gouernor of rich Getulia:
Slue him in fight her Fame for to renew,
Two hundred thousand Souldiers ouerthrew.
The Hope and Vnderprop of Scithia,
She put on Armour, and encountered
The Monarch Cyrus King of Persia,
And Gouernor of rich Getulia:
Slue him in fight her Fame for to renew,
Two hundred thousand Souldiers ouerthrew.
Amongst the Hebrew women we commend,
Iahel the Kenite for the first in bountie,
Whose vncomprehensible valour in the end,
Did free and set at large her captiu'd Countrie,
Oppressed with tyrannicall Miserie:
From dangers imminent of firie Warre,
By killing hand to hand her foe great Sisar.
Iahel the Kenite for the first in bountie,
Whose vncomprehensible valour in the end,
Did free and set at large her captiu'd Countrie,
Oppressed with tyrannicall Miserie:
From dangers imminent of firie Warre,
By killing hand to hand her foe great Sisar.
Debora an Hebrew worthie the second place,
She fortie yeares did gouerne Israel,
In peace preseru'd her Land, her land of Grace,
Where honest sportiue Mirth did alwaies dwell:
Her holy holinesse no tongue can tell,
Nations astonied at her happinesse,
Did grieue to loose her Wisedomes worthinesse.
She fortie yeares did gouerne Israel,
In peace preseru'd her Land, her land of Grace,
Where honest sportiue Mirth did alwaies dwell:
Her holy holinesse no tongue can tell,
Nations astonied at her happinesse,
Did grieue to loose her Wisedomes worthinesse.
Iudith the third that redeliuered,
The strong besieged Citie of Bethulia,
And when the prowd Foe she had vanquished,
And ouercame hot-spur'd Assiria,
Bringing in triumph Holosernes head,
She got a great and greater Victorie,
Then thousand Souldiers in their maiestie.
The strong besieged Citie of Bethulia,
And when the prowd Foe she had vanquished,
And ouercame hot-spur'd Assiria,
Bringing in triumph Holosernes head,
She got a great and greater Victorie,
Then thousand Souldiers in their maiestie.
32
The first of Christians was faire Maud the Countesse,
Countesse of Aaiow, daughter to a King,
Englands first Henry: Almaines Empresse,
Heire indubitate, and her Fathers ofspring,
She titles to the English Crowne did bring:
She ne're desisted from the warlike field,
Till that vsurped Stephen of Blois did yeeld,
And condiscended to her sonnes deare right,
That war-like Maude had reobtain'd by might.
Countesse of Aaiow, daughter to a King,
Englands first Henry: Almaines Empresse,
Heire indubitate, and her Fathers ofspring,
She titles to the English Crowne did bring:
She ne're desisted from the warlike field,
Till that vsurped Stephen of Blois did yeeld,
And condiscended to her sonnes deare right,
That war-like Maude had reobtain'd by might.
The second was Elizabeth of Aragon,
Queene and wife to honorable Ferdinando:
She stoutly fought for propagation
Of Christian Faith; brought to subuersion,
The forsaken infidels of Granado,
Reducing that proud prouince all in one,
To follow Christs vnspotted true Religion.
Queene and wife to honorable Ferdinando:
She stoutly fought for propagation
Of Christian Faith; brought to subuersion,
The forsaken infidels of Granado,
Reducing that proud prouince all in one,
To follow Christs vnspotted true Religion.
The last was Iohane of Naples true borne Queene,
Sister to Ladislaus King of Hungarie,
A woman that defended (as twas seene,)
Her countries great and gracious libertie,
By force of laudable Armes and Chiualrie,
Against the Sarasins inuasion,
And proud hot warres of princely Aragon.
Sister to Ladislaus King of Hungarie,
A woman that defended (as twas seene,)
Her countries great and gracious libertie,
By force of laudable Armes and Chiualrie,
Against the Sarasins inuasion,
And proud hot warres of princely Aragon.
Thus haue I in the honor of their worth,
Laid ope their Progenie, their Deedes, their Armes,
Their ofspring, and their honorable Birth,
That is a Lanthorne lightning their true Fames,
Which Truth can neuer burne in Enuies flames:
Worthie of wonder are these three times three,
Folded in brazen Leaues of memorie.
Laid ope their Progenie, their Deedes, their Armes,
Their ofspring, and their honorable Birth,
That is a Lanthorne lightning their true Fames,
Which Truth can neuer burne in Enuies flames:
33
Folded in brazen Leaues of memorie.
Windsor a Castle of exceeding strength,
First built by Aruiragus Brytaines King,
But finished by Arthur at the length,
Of whose rare deedes our Chronicles do ring,
And Poets in their verse his praise do sing:
For his Round-table and his war-like Fights,
Whose valiantnesse the coward Mind affrights.
First built by Aruiragus Brytaines King,
But finished by Arthur at the length,
Of whose rare deedes our Chronicles do ring,
And Poets in their verse his praise do sing:
For his Round-table and his war-like Fights,
Whose valiantnesse the coward Mind affrights.
This Brytish King in warres a Conquerer,
And wondrous happie in his Victories,
Was a companion of this noble Order,
And with his person grac'd these Dignities,
Great dignities of high exceeding Valour:
For he himselfe the selfe-same Honor tooke,
That all his following States did euer brooke.
And wondrous happie in his Victories,
Was a companion of this noble Order,
And with his person grac'd these Dignities,
Great dignities of high exceeding Valour:
For he himselfe the selfe-same Honor tooke,
That all his following States did euer brooke.
This Paragon whose name our time affrights,
At Windsor Castle dubbed in one day,
One hundred and iust fortie valiant Knights,
With his keene trustie Sword, and onely stay,
(Cald Dridwin) that his Loue did ouersway:
And with that Sword the very day before,
He slue as many Saxon foes or more.
At Windsor Castle dubbed in one day,
One hundred and iust fortie valiant Knights,
With his keene trustie Sword, and onely stay,
(Cald Dridwin) that his Loue did ouersway:
And with that Sword the very day before,
He slue as many Saxon foes or more.
But English Edward third of Memorie,
In blessed and religious zeale of Loue,
Built vp a Colledge of exceeding glory,
That his kind care to England did approue,
This Colledge doth this Castle beautifie:
The Honor of the place is held so deare,
That many famous Kings are buried there.
In blessed and religious zeale of Loue,
Built vp a Colledge of exceeding glory,
That his kind care to England did approue,
34
The Honor of the place is held so deare,
That many famous Kings are buried there.
But one rare thing exceeding admirable,
That to this day is held in great renowne,
And to all Forreiners is memorable,
The Name of which makes Englands foes to frowne,
And puls the pride of forreine Nations downe,
Knights of the Garter and Saint Georges Crosse,
Betok'ning to the Foe a bloudie losse.
That to this day is held in great renowne,
And to all Forreiners is memorable,
The Name of which makes Englands foes to frowne,
And puls the pride of forreine Nations downe,
Knights of the Garter and Saint Georges Crosse,
Betok'ning to the Foe a bloudie losse.
| Loves martyr | |