Loves martyr :: :: University of Virginia Library

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

Chester, Robert (1566-1640)

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[dedication]

The Authors request to the Phœnix.

To the kind Reader.

ROSALINS COMPLAINT, METAPHORICALLY applied to Dame Nature at a Parliament held (in the high Star-chamber) by the Gods, for the preseruation and increase of Earths beauteous Phœnix.

A Prayer made for the prosperitie of a siluer coloured Doue, applyed to the beauteous Phœnix.

To those of light beleefe.

A meeting Dialogue-wise betweene Nature, the Phœnix, and the Turtle Doue.

Here followeth the Birth, Life and Death of honourable Arthur King of Brittaine.

The strange Birth, honorable Coronation, and most vnhappie Death of famous Arthur King of Brytaine.

The Coronation of King Arthur, and the Solemnitie thereof: the proud message of the Romanes, and the whole resolution of King Arthur and his Nobles.

The Epistle of Lucius Tiberius the Romane Lieutenant, to Arthur King of Britanie.

Cador the Duke of Cornewaile his Oration to the King.

The Oration of King Arthur to his Lordes and Followers.

The Answer of Howell King of litle Brytaine.

Angusel King of Albania his Answere to the King.

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The true Pedigree of that famous VVorthie King Arthur, collected out of many learned Authors.

[A DIALOGUE]

Cantoes Alphabet-wise to faire Phœnix made by the Paphian Doue.

Cantoes Uerbally written.

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Cador the Duke of Cornewaile his Oration to the King.

Renowmed Arthur and thrice-worthie Britaine:
O how a liuely bloud doth fill my veines,
At this proud message of the hawtie Romaines,
I hitherto my Lord haue bene in feare,
Lest that the worthy Britaines with much ease,
And long continuall, peace and quietnesse,
Should grow to too much slouth and cowardize,
And lose that honorable Reputation,
Of Chiualrie and Martiall discipline:
Wherein (right Noble King) we haue bene counted,
For to surmount all Nations of the world.
For where the vse of Armes is not esteem'd,
But buried in Obliuions loathsome caue,
And want on dallying held in æstimate,
It cannot chuse but pale-fac'd Cowardize,
Must dimme and cleane deface all worthy Vertue.
Fiue yeares haue fully runne their monthly course,

Since we put off our armour from our backes,
Or heard the Trumpets clangor in our eares,
Or marcht in triumph with the ratling Drum,
Being nuzzeled in effemenate delights,
God willing that our names should not be blotted,
With the foule staine of beastly sluggardie,
Hath stirred vp the proud insulting Romanes,
To whet our dull edg'd swords not now in vse,
To cut their heads off in this rightfull cause,
And scoure our rustie Armour long laid vp,
To buckle with so proud an enemie,
Therefore great Arthur in thy greatnesse raise
Thy colours vp, for to vpreare thy praise.

Ca. Cor.