The Mirror for Magistrates Edited from original texts in the Huntington Library by Lily B. Campbell |
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| TRAGEDIES ADDED IN THE EDITION OF 1563 |
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 | The Mirror for Magistrates |  |
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TRAGEDIES ADDED IN THE EDITION OF 1563
245
How Sir Anthony Wudvile Lorde Rivers and Skales, Gouernour of prince Edward, was with his Neuew Lord Richard Gray and other causeles imprisoned, and cruelly murdered.
As sylly suiters letted by delayes
To shew theyr prynce the meanyng of theyr mynde,
That long have bought theyr brokers yeas & nayes
And neuer the nyer: do dayly wayte to fynde
The prynces grace, from waighty affayres vntwind:
Which tyme attayned, by attendyng all the yeare,
The weryed prince wyll than no suters heare:
To shew theyr prynce the meanyng of theyr mynde,
That long have bought theyr brokers yeas & nayes
And neuer the nyer: do dayly wayte to fynde
The prynces grace, from waighty affayres vntwind:
Which tyme attayned, by attendyng all the yeare,
The weryed prince wyll than no suters heare:
246
My case was such not many dayes agoe.
For after brute had blased all abrode
That Baldwyn through the ayd of other moe,
Of fame or shame fallen prynces would vnloade
Out from our graves we got without abode,
And preaced forward with the rufull rout,
That sought to have theyr doynges bulted out.
For after brute had blased all abrode
That Baldwyn through the ayd of other moe,
Of fame or shame fallen prynces would vnloade
Out from our graves we got without abode,
And preaced forward with the rufull rout,
That sought to have theyr doynges bulted out.
But whan I had long attended for my turne
To tell my tale as dyvers other dyd:
In hope I should no longar whyle soiourne
But from my suytes have spedily been ryd,
Whan course and place both orderly had byd
Me shew my mynde, and I prepared to saye,
The hearers paused, arose and went theyr way.
To tell my tale as dyvers other dyd:
In hope I should no longar whyle soiourne
But from my suytes have spedily been ryd,
Whan course and place both orderly had byd
Me shew my mynde, and I prepared to saye,
The hearers paused, arose and went theyr way.
These doubtfull doynges drave me to my dumpes,
Vncertayne what should moeve them so to doe:
I feared least affeccions lothly lumpes
Or inwarde grudge had dryven them therto,
Whose wycked stynges all storyes truth vndoe.
Oft causyng good to be reported yll,
Or dround in suddes of Lethes muddy swyll.
Vncertayne what should moeve them so to doe:
I feared least affeccions lothly lumpes
Or inwarde grudge had dryven them therto,
Whose wycked stynges all storyes truth vndoe.
Oft causyng good to be reported yll,
Or dround in suddes of Lethes muddy swyll.
For hytherto slye wryters wyly wittes
Which have engrossed princes cheefe affayres,
Have been lyke horses snaffled with the byttes
Of fansye, feare, or doubtes full diepe dispayres,
Whose raynes enchayned to the chefest chayres,
Have so ben strayned of those that bare the stroke
That truth was forst to chow or els to choke.
Which have engrossed princes cheefe affayres,
Have been lyke horses snaffled with the byttes
Of fansye, feare, or doubtes full diepe dispayres,
Whose raynes enchayned to the chefest chayres,
247
That truth was forst to chow or els to choke.
Thys caused such as lothed lowd to lye,
To passe with sylence sundry prynces lyues.
Lesse faut it is to leave, than leade awry:
And better dround, that ever bound in gyves.
For fatall fraude this world so fondly dryves,
That whatsoeuer writers braines may brue
Be it neuer so false, at length is tane for true.
To passe with sylence sundry prynces lyues.
Lesse faut it is to leave, than leade awry:
And better dround, that ever bound in gyves.
For fatall fraude this world so fondly dryves,
That whatsoeuer writers braines may brue
Be it neuer so false, at length is tane for true.
What harme may hap by helpe of lying pennes
How wrytten lyes may lewdly be maynteyned.
The lothly rytes, the divilysh ydoll dennes
With gyltles blud of vertuous men bestayned,
Is such a proofe as all good hartes haue playned.
The taly groundes of storyes throughly tryes,
The deth of martyrs vengeauns on it cryes.
How wrytten lyes may lewdly be maynteyned.
The lothly rytes, the divilysh ydoll dennes
With gyltles blud of vertuous men bestayned,
Is such a proofe as all good hartes haue playned.
The taly groundes of storyes throughly tryes,
The deth of martyrs vengeauns on it cryes.
Far better therfore not to wryte at all
Than stayne the truth for any maner cause,
For this they meane to let my story fall
(Thought I) and ear my tyme theyr volume clause.
But after I knew it only was a pause,
Made purposely, most for the readers ease,
Assure thée Baldwyn, highly it dyd me please.
Than stayne the truth for any maner cause,
For this they meane to let my story fall
(Thought I) and ear my tyme theyr volume clause.
But after I knew it only was a pause,
Made purposely, most for the readers ease,
Assure thée Baldwyn, highly it dyd me please.
For freshest wits, I know wyll sone be weary,
In redyng long what ever booke it be,
Except it be vayne matter, straunge or mery,
well saust with lyes, and glared all with glee,
With which becaus no grave truth may agre,
The closest style for storyes is the metest,
In ruful moanes the shortest fourme is swetest.
In redyng long what ever booke it be,
Except it be vayne matter, straunge or mery,
well saust with lyes, and glared all with glee,
With which becaus no grave truth may agre,
The closest style for storyes is the metest,
In ruful moanes the shortest fourme is swetest.
248
And syth the playntes alredy by the pende,
Are briefe ynough, the number also small,
The tediousnes I thynk doeth none offend,
Save such as have no lust to learne at all,
Regarde none such: no matter what they brall.
Warne thou the wary, least they hap to stumble.
As for the carelesse, care not what they mumble.
Are briefe ynough, the number also small,
The tediousnes I thynk doeth none offend,
Save such as have no lust to learne at all,
Regarde none such: no matter what they brall.
Warne thou the wary, least they hap to stumble.
As for the carelesse, care not what they mumble.
My lyfe is such as (if thou note it wel)
May cause the witty wealthy to beware.
For theyr sakes therfore playnly will I tell,
How false and combrous worldly honors are,
How cankred foes, bryng careles folk to care.
How tyrantes suffered, and not queld in tyme
Do cut theyr throates that suffre them to clime.
May cause the witty wealthy to beware.
For theyr sakes therfore playnly will I tell,
How false and combrous worldly honors are,
How cankred foes, bryng careles folk to care.
How tyrantes suffered, and not queld in tyme
Do cut theyr throates that suffre them to clime.
Neyther wyll I hyde the chiefest poynt of all
Which wysest rulers least of all regarde,
That was and wyll be cause of many a fall.
This can not be to ernestly declarde
Becaus it is so seelde, and slackly heard.
The abuse and skornyng of gods ordynaunces,
Is chefest cause of care & wofull chaunces.
Which wysest rulers least of all regarde,
That was and wyll be cause of many a fall.
This can not be to ernestly declarde
Becaus it is so seelde, and slackly heard.
The abuse and skornyng of gods ordynaunces,
Is chefest cause of care & wofull chaunces.
Gods holly orders hyghly are abused
When men do chaunge their endes for straunge respects:
They skorned are, whan they be cleane refused
For that they can not serve our fond affectes.
The one our shame, the other our synn detectes.
It is a shame for christians to abuse them,
But deadly synne for skorners to refuse them.
When men do chaunge their endes for straunge respects:
They skorned are, whan they be cleane refused
For that they can not serve our fond affectes.
The one our shame, the other our synn detectes.
It is a shame for christians to abuse them,
But deadly synne for skorners to refuse them.
249
I meane not this all onlye of degrees
Ordeynde by God for peoples preseruacion,
But of hys law, good orders, and decrees,
Prouyded for his creatures conseruacion.
And specially the state of procreacion
Wherin we here the number of them encreace
Which shall in heauen enioye eternall peace.
Ordeynde by God for peoples preseruacion,
But of hys law, good orders, and decrees,
Prouyded for his creatures conseruacion.
And specially the state of procreacion
Wherin we here the number of them encreace
Which shall in heauen enioye eternall peace.
The only ende why god ordayned thys,
Was for the encreasyng of that blessed number
For whome he hath prepared eternall blysse.
They that refuse it for the care or cumbre
Beyng apt therto, are in a synful slumber:
No fonde respect, no vayne devised vowes
Can quit or bar what God in charge allowes.
Was for the encreasyng of that blessed number
For whome he hath prepared eternall blysse.
They that refuse it for the care or cumbre
Beyng apt therto, are in a synful slumber:
No fonde respect, no vayne devised vowes
Can quit or bar what God in charge allowes.
It is not good for man to lyve alone
Sayd God: and therfore made he hym a make:
Sole lyfe sayd Chryste is graunted few or none,
All seedsheders are bound lyke wyues to take:
Yet not for lust, for landes, or ryches sake,
But to beget and foster so theyr frute
That heauen and earth be stored with the suite.
Sayd God: and therfore made he hym a make:
Sole lyfe sayd Chryste is graunted few or none,
All seedsheders are bound lyke wyues to take:
Yet not for lust, for landes, or ryches sake,
But to beget and foster so theyr frute
That heauen and earth be stored with the suite.
But as thys state is damnably refused
Of many apt and able thervnto,
So is it lykewyse wyckedly abused
Of all that vse it as they should not doe:
Wherin are gyltye all the gredy: who
For gayne, for frendshyp, landes or honors wed,
And these pollute the vndefyled bed.
Of many apt and able thervnto,
So is it lykewyse wyckedly abused
Of all that vse it as they should not doe:
Wherin are gyltye all the gredy: who
For gayne, for frendshyp, landes or honors wed,
And these pollute the vndefyled bed.
250
And therfore god through iustice can not ceas
To plage these faultes with sundry sortes of whips:
As disagrement, healthes or wealthes decreas,
Or lothyng sore the neuer lyked lyppes.
Disdayne also with rygor sumtyme nips
Presumyng mates, vnequally that matche:
Sum bytter leaven soures the musty batche.
To plage these faultes with sundry sortes of whips:
As disagrement, healthes or wealthes decreas,
Or lothyng sore the neuer lyked lyppes.
Disdayne also with rygor sumtyme nips
Presumyng mates, vnequally that matche:
Sum bytter leaven soures the musty batche.
We worldly folke account hym very wyse
That hath the wyt moste wealthily to wed.
By all meanes therfor alwayes we devyse
To see our issue ryche in spousals sped.
We buy and sell rych orphans: babes skant bred
Must mary ere they know what maryage meanes,
Boyes mary old trots, old fooles wed yong queanes.
That hath the wyt moste wealthily to wed.
By all meanes therfor alwayes we devyse
To see our issue ryche in spousals sped.
We buy and sell rych orphans: babes skant bred
Must mary ere they know what maryage meanes,
Boyes mary old trots, old fooles wed yong queanes.
We call thys weddyng, which in any wyse
Can be no maryage, but pollucion playne.
A new found trade of humane marchandyse,
The devyls net, a fylthy fleshly gayne:
Of kynde and nature an vnnaturall stayne,
A fowle abuse of gods most holy order,
And yet allowed almost in every border.
Can be no maryage, but pollucion playne.
A new found trade of humane marchandyse,
The devyls net, a fylthy fleshly gayne:
Of kynde and nature an vnnaturall stayne,
A fowle abuse of gods most holy order,
And yet allowed almost in every border.
Would god I were the last that shall haue cause
Agaynst thys crepyng cancar to complayne,
That men would so regarde theyr makers lawes,
That all would leaue the lewdnes of theyr brayne,
That holly orders, holly myght remayne.
That our respectes in weddyng should not choke
The ende and frute of gods most holy yoke.
Agaynst thys crepyng cancar to complayne,
That men would so regarde theyr makers lawes,
That all would leaue the lewdnes of theyr brayne,
That holly orders, holly myght remayne.
That our respectes in weddyng should not choke
The ende and frute of gods most holy yoke.
The sage kyng Solon after that he sawe,
What myschiefes folow missought maryages,
To bar all baytes, establyshed thys lawe.
No frende nor father shall gyue herytages,
Coyne, catall, stuffe, or other caryages
With any mayd for dowry or weddyng sale,
By any meane, on payne of bannyng bale.
What myschiefes folow missought maryages,
To bar all baytes, establyshed thys lawe.
No frende nor father shall gyue herytages,
251
With any mayd for dowry or weddyng sale,
By any meane, on payne of bannyng bale.
Had thys good law in England bene in force
My father had not so cruelly been slayne.
My brother had not causeles lost hys corps.
Our maryage had not bred vs such disdayne,
My selfe had lackt great part of grevous payne,
We wedded wyves for dignitie and landes,
And left our lyves in envyes bluddy handes.
My father had not so cruelly been slayne.
My brother had not causeles lost hys corps.
Our maryage had not bred vs such disdayne,
My selfe had lackt great part of grevous payne,
We wedded wyves for dignitie and landes,
And left our lyves in envyes bluddy handes.
My father hyght Syr Richard Wudvyle: he
Espoused the duches of Bedford, and by her
Had issue males my brother Iohn, and me
Called Anthony. Kyng Edward dyd preferre
Vs far aboue the state wherein we were.
For he espoused our syster Elizabeth,
Whom Syr Iohn Gray made wedow by his deth.
Espoused the duches of Bedford, and by her
Had issue males my brother Iohn, and me
Called Anthony. Kyng Edward dyd preferre
Vs far aboue the state wherein we were.
For he espoused our syster Elizabeth,
Whom Syr Iohn Gray made wedow by his deth.
How glad wer we, thinke you of this alyaunce?
So nerely coupled with so noble a kyng.
Who durst with any of vs be at defyauns
Thus made of myght the myghtyest to wryng?
But fye, what cares do hyghest honours bryng,
What carelessenes our selves or frendes to know,
What spyte and envye both of high and lowe.
So nerely coupled with so noble a kyng.
Who durst with any of vs be at defyauns
Thus made of myght the myghtyest to wryng?
But fye, what cares do hyghest honours bryng,
What carelessenes our selves or frendes to know,
What spyte and envye both of high and lowe.
Becaus the kyng had made our sister Queene
It was his honor to prefer her kyn.
And syth the readyest way, as wysest ween,
Was first by weddyng welthy heyres to wyn,
It pleased the prynce by lyke meane to begyn.
To me he gaue the rych lord Skales hys heir,
A vertuous mayd, in myne eye very fayre.
It was his honor to prefer her kyn.
And syth the readyest way, as wysest ween,
Was first by weddyng welthy heyres to wyn,
It pleased the prynce by lyke meane to begyn.
252
A vertuous mayd, in myne eye very fayre.
He ioyned to my brother Iohn, the olde
Duches of Norfolke, notable of fame.
My nephue Thomas (who had in hys holde
The honor and rightes of Marquis Dorcets name)
Espoused Cicilie a ryght wealthy Dame,
Lorde Bonuyles heyr: by whom he was possest
In al the rites wherthrough that house was blest.
Duches of Norfolke, notable of fame.
My nephue Thomas (who had in hys holde
The honor and rightes of Marquis Dorcets name)
Espoused Cicilie a ryght wealthy Dame,
Lorde Bonuyles heyr: by whom he was possest
In al the rites wherthrough that house was blest.
The honors that my father attaynde were dyuers
Fyrst Chamberlayn, than Constable he was.
I do omyt the gainfullest, Erle Ryvers.
Thus glystred we in glory clere as glas.
Such myracles can prynces bryng to passe
Among theyr lieges whom they mynde to heave
To honors false, who all theyr gestes deceyve.
Fyrst Chamberlayn, than Constable he was.
I do omyt the gainfullest, Erle Ryvers.
Thus glystred we in glory clere as glas.
Such myracles can prynces bryng to passe
Among theyr lieges whom they mynde to heave
To honors false, who all theyr gestes deceyve.
Honors are lyke that cruel kyng of Thrace,
With newcum gestes that fed his hungry horses.
Or lyke the tyrant Busiris: whose grace
Offered hys gods all straungers strangled corses.
To forreyners so hard false honors force is
That all her bourders straungers eyther geastes
She spoyles to feede her gods & gredy beastes.
With newcum gestes that fed his hungry horses.
Or lyke the tyrant Busiris: whose grace
Offered hys gods all straungers strangled corses.
To forreyners so hard false honors force is
That all her bourders straungers eyther geastes
She spoyles to feede her gods & gredy beastes.
Her Gods be those whome God by law or lot,
Or kynde by byrthe, doth place in highest rowmes.
Her beastes be such as gredilye haue got
Office or charge to gyde the sely growmes.
These officers in lawe or charge ar browmes,
That swepe away the sweet from symple wretches,
And spoyle the enryched by their crafty fetches.
Or kynde by byrthe, doth place in highest rowmes.
Her beastes be such as gredilye haue got
Office or charge to gyde the sely growmes.
These officers in lawe or charge ar browmes,
253
And spoyle the enryched by their crafty fetches.
These plucke downe those whom princes set aloft,
By wrestyng lawes, and false conspyracyes:
Yea kynges them selues by these are spoyled oft.
Whan wylfull prynces carelesly despyse
To hear the oppressed peoples heavy cryes,
Nor wyll correct theyr pollyng theues, than God
Doeth make those Reues the retchles princes rod.
By wrestyng lawes, and false conspyracyes:
Yea kynges them selues by these are spoyled oft.
Whan wylfull prynces carelesly despyse
To hear the oppressed peoples heavy cryes,
Nor wyll correct theyr pollyng theues, than God
Doeth make those Reues the retchles princes rod.
The seconde Richard is a proofe of thys
Whom crafty Lawyers by theyr lawes deposed.
An other paterne good kyng Henry is
Whose ryght by them hath dyversly been glosed,
Good whyle he grew, bad whan he was vnrosed.
And as they foaded these and dyuers other
With lyke deceyt they vsed the kyng my brother.
Whom crafty Lawyers by theyr lawes deposed.
An other paterne good kyng Henry is
Whose ryght by them hath dyversly been glosed,
Good whyle he grew, bad whan he was vnrosed.
And as they foaded these and dyuers other
With lyke deceyt they vsed the kyng my brother.
Whyle he prevayled they said he owed the crown,
All Lawes and ryghtes agreed with the same:
But whan by dryftes he seemed to be downe,
All lawes and ryght extremely dyd him blame
Nought saue vsurpyng traytor was hys name.
So constantly the Iudges construe lawes,
That all agree styll with the stronger cause.
All Lawes and ryghtes agreed with the same:
But whan by dryftes he seemed to be downe,
All lawes and ryght extremely dyd him blame
Nought saue vsurpyng traytor was hys name.
So constantly the Iudges construe lawes,
That all agree styll with the stronger cause.
These as I sayd, and other lyke in charge
Are honors horses whom she feedes with gestes.
For all whome princes frankly do enlarge
With dignities, these bark at in theyr brestes:
Theyr spite, theyr myght, their falshod neuer rests
Tyll they devour them: sparyng neyther blud,
Ne Lym nor Lyfe, and all to get theyr good.
Are honors horses whom she feedes with gestes.
For all whome princes frankly do enlarge
With dignities, these bark at in theyr brestes:
Theyr spite, theyr myght, their falshod neuer rests
Tyll they devour them: sparyng neyther blud,
Ne Lym nor Lyfe, and all to get theyr good.
254
The Earle of Warwyck was a praunsyng courser
That hauty hart of hys could beare no mate:
Our welth through him waxt many a time the wurser
So cancardlye he had our kyn in hate.
He troubled oft the kynges vnstedy state
And that becaus he would not be hys warde
To wed and wurke, as he shuld lyst awarde.
That hauty hart of hys could beare no mate:
Our welth through him waxt many a time the wurser
So cancardlye he had our kyn in hate.
He troubled oft the kynges vnstedy state
And that becaus he would not be hys warde
To wed and wurke, as he shuld lyst awarde.
He spyted vs becaus we were preferred
By maryage to dignytyes so great,
But craftely hys malyce he deferred
Tyll trayterously he found meanes to entreate
Our brother of Clarens to assyst hys feat:
whome whan he had by maryage to hym bound
Than wrought he strayght our linage to confound.
By maryage to dignytyes so great,
But craftely hys malyce he deferred
Tyll trayterously he found meanes to entreate
Our brother of Clarens to assyst hys feat:
whome whan he had by maryage to hym bound
Than wrought he strayght our linage to confound.
Through slaunderous brutes he brued many a broil
Through out the realme agaynst the king my brother:
And raised traiterous rebels thirstyng spoyle
To murder men: of whome among all other
One Robin of Riddesdal many a soul did smother:
His raskall rabble at my father wroth
Took syer and sonne, & quicke beheaded bothe.
Through out the realme agaynst the king my brother:
And raised traiterous rebels thirstyng spoyle
To murder men: of whome among all other
One Robin of Riddesdal many a soul did smother:
His raskall rabble at my father wroth
Took syer and sonne, & quicke beheaded bothe.
Thys haynous act although the king detested,
Yet was he fayne to pardone: for the rowte
Of Rebels all the realme so sore infested,
That every way assayled, he stoode in doubte:
And though he were of courage high & stoute,
Yet he assayed by fayre meanes to asswage
His enemyes yre, reveled by rebels rage.
Yet was he fayne to pardone: for the rowte
Of Rebels all the realme so sore infested,
That every way assayled, he stoode in doubte:
And though he were of courage high & stoute,
Yet he assayed by fayre meanes to asswage
His enemyes yre, reveled by rebels rage.
255
But Warwick was not pacyfyed thus,
Hys constant rancor causeles was extreme.
No meane coulde serve the quarell to discus,
Tyl he had driuen the king out of the realme.
Neither would he then be waked from his dream.
For whan my brother was cum and placed again,
He stynted not tyll he was stoutly slayne.
Hys constant rancor causeles was extreme.
No meane coulde serve the quarell to discus,
Tyl he had driuen the king out of the realme.
Neither would he then be waked from his dream.
For whan my brother was cum and placed again,
He stynted not tyll he was stoutly slayne.
Than grew the kyng and realme to quyet rest,
Our stocke and frendes styll flying higher an higher:
The Quene with chyldren frutefully was blest:
I gouerned them, It was the kynges desyer.
This set theyr vncles furyously on fyer,
That we the quenes blud wer assygned to governe
The prynce, not they, the kynges own blud & bretherne.
Our stocke and frendes styll flying higher an higher:
The Quene with chyldren frutefully was blest:
I gouerned them, It was the kynges desyer.
This set theyr vncles furyously on fyer,
That we the quenes blud wer assygned to governe
The prynce, not they, the kynges own blud & bretherne.
This caused the duke of Clarens so to chafe
That with the kyng he braynles fell at bate:
The counsayle warely for to kepe hym safe
From raysyng tumultes as he dyd of late,
Imprysoned hym: where through his brothers hate
He was condempned, and murdered in such sort
As he hym selfe hath truly made report.
That with the kyng he braynles fell at bate:
The counsayle warely for to kepe hym safe
From raysyng tumultes as he dyd of late,
Imprysoned hym: where through his brothers hate
He was condempned, and murdered in such sort
As he hym selfe hath truly made report.
Was none abhorred these mischiefes more than I,
Yet coulde I not be therwith discontented,
Consyderyng that hys rancour touched me nye.
Els would my conscience neuer have consented
To wyshe hym harme, could he have been contented.
But feare of hurt, for safegard of our state
Doth cause more myschiefe than desert or hate.
Yet coulde I not be therwith discontented,
Consyderyng that hys rancour touched me nye.
Els would my conscience neuer have consented
To wyshe hym harme, could he have been contented.
But feare of hurt, for safegard of our state
Doth cause more myschiefe than desert or hate.
256
Such is the state that many wyshe to beare,
That eyther we must with others blud be stained,
Or leade our lyves contynually in feare.
You mountyng myndes beholde here what is gayned
By combrous honor, paynfully attayned:
A damned soule for murdryng them that hate you,
Or doubtfull lyfe, in daunger lest they mate you.
That eyther we must with others blud be stained,
Or leade our lyves contynually in feare.
You mountyng myndes beholde here what is gayned
By combrous honor, paynfully attayned:
A damned soule for murdryng them that hate you,
Or doubtfull lyfe, in daunger lest they mate you.
The cause (I think) why sum of hygh degree
Do deadly hate all sekers to assend,
Is this: The cloyne contented can not be
With any state, tyll tyme he apprehend
The highest top: for therto clymers tende.
Which seeldome is attaynde without the wrack
Of those betwene, that stay and bear hym back.
Do deadly hate all sekers to assend,
Is this: The cloyne contented can not be
With any state, tyll tyme he apprehend
The highest top: for therto clymers tende.
Which seeldome is attaynde without the wrack
Of those betwene, that stay and bear hym back.
To save theim selues they therfore are compeld
To hate such clymers, and with wit and power
To compas meanes wherthrough they may be queld,
Ear they ascend theyr honors to devour.
This caused the duke of Clarence frown & lowre
At me and other whom the kyng promoted
To dignities: wherin he madly doted.
To hate such clymers, and with wit and power
To compas meanes wherthrough they may be queld,
Ear they ascend theyr honors to devour.
This caused the duke of Clarence frown & lowre
At me and other whom the kyng promoted
To dignities: wherin he madly doted.
For seing we wer his dere alyed frendes,
Our furderauns should rather have made him glad
Than enmye like to wyshe our wofull endes.
We were the nerest kynsfolk that he had.
We ioyed with him, his sorowe made vs sad:
But he estemed so much hys paynted sheath
That he disdayned the love of all beneath.
Our furderauns should rather have made him glad
Than enmye like to wyshe our wofull endes.
We were the nerest kynsfolk that he had.
We ioyed with him, his sorowe made vs sad:
But he estemed so much hys paynted sheath
That he disdayned the love of all beneath.
257
But see how sharpely god revengeth synne:
As he malygned me and many other
Hys faythfull frendes, and kyndest of hys kyn,
So Rychard duke of Glocester, hys naturall brother,
Malygned hym: and beastly dyd hym smother.
A divelysh deede, a moste vnkyndly part,
Yet iuste revenge for his vnnaturall hart.
As he malygned me and many other
Hys faythfull frendes, and kyndest of hys kyn,
So Rychard duke of Glocester, hys naturall brother,
Malygned hym: and beastly dyd hym smother.
A divelysh deede, a moste vnkyndly part,
Yet iuste revenge for his vnnaturall hart.
Although this brother queller, Tyraunt fell
Envyed our state as much and more than he:
Yet dyd hys clokyng flattery so excell
To all our frendesward, chiefly vnto me,
That he appeared our trusty stay to be:
For outwardly he wrought our state to furder,
Where inwardly he mynded nought save murder.
Envyed our state as much and more than he:
Yet dyd hys clokyng flattery so excell
To all our frendesward, chiefly vnto me,
That he appeared our trusty stay to be:
For outwardly he wrought our state to furder,
Where inwardly he mynded nought save murder.
Thus in aperaunce who but I was blest?
The chiefest honors heaped on my head:
Beloved of all, enioying quyet rest.
The forward prynce by me alone was led,
A noble ympe, to all good vertues bread:
The Kyng my lyege without my counsayl knowen
Agreed nought: though wysest were his owne.
The chiefest honors heaped on my head:
Beloved of all, enioying quyet rest.
The forward prynce by me alone was led,
A noble ympe, to all good vertues bread:
The Kyng my lyege without my counsayl knowen
Agreed nought: though wysest were his owne.
But quyet blisse in no state lasteth long
Assayled styll by mischefe many wayes:
Whose spoylyng battry glowyng hote and stronge,
No flowyng wealth, no force nor wysdome stayes
Her smoakles poulder beaten souldyers slayes.
By open force foule mischief oft preuayles,
By secrete sleyght, she seeld her purpose fayles.
Assayled styll by mischefe many wayes:
Whose spoylyng battry glowyng hote and stronge,
No flowyng wealth, no force nor wysdome stayes
Her smoakles poulder beaten souldyers slayes.
By open force foule mischief oft preuayles,
By secrete sleyght, she seeld her purpose fayles.
258
The kyng was bent to much to folysh pleasure,
In banketyng he had to great delyght:
Thys made hym grow in grossnes out of measure,
Which, as it kyndleth carnall appetyte,
So quencheth it the lyvelynes of spryte.
Wherof ensue such sycknes and diseases
As none can cure save death that all displeases.
In banketyng he had to great delyght:
Thys made hym grow in grossnes out of measure,
Which, as it kyndleth carnall appetyte,
So quencheth it the lyvelynes of spryte.
Wherof ensue such sycknes and diseases
As none can cure save death that all displeases.
Through this fault furdered by hys brothers fraude
(Now god forgeve me yf I iudge amys)
Or through that beast hys rybald or hys baude
That larded styll those sinfull lustes of hys,
He sodaynly forsoke all worldly blysse.
That loathed leach, that never wellcum death,
Through spasmous humours stopped vp his breth.
(Now god forgeve me yf I iudge amys)
Or through that beast hys rybald or hys baude
That larded styll those sinfull lustes of hys,
He sodaynly forsoke all worldly blysse.
That loathed leach, that never wellcum death,
Through spasmous humours stopped vp his breth.
That tyme lay I at Ludloe wales hys border.
For with the prince the kyng had sent me thyther
To stay the robberyes, spoyle, and fowle disorder,
Of dyvers outlawes gathered there together:
Whose bandyng tended no man wyst well whyther.
Whan these by wysdome safely wer suppressed,
Came wofull newes, our soveraygne was deceassed.
For with the prince the kyng had sent me thyther
To stay the robberyes, spoyle, and fowle disorder,
Of dyvers outlawes gathered there together:
Whose bandyng tended no man wyst well whyther.
Whan these by wysdome safely wer suppressed,
Came wofull newes, our soveraygne was deceassed.
The gryefe wherof, whan reason had asswaged,
Becaus the prynce remayned in my guyde,
For hys defende great store of men I waged,
Doubtyng the stormes which at such tymes betyde.
But whyle I there thus warely dyd provyde,
Commaundement came to send them home agayne
And bryng the kyng thence with his householde trayne.
Becaus the prynce remayned in my guyde,
For hys defende great store of men I waged,
Doubtyng the stormes which at such tymes betyde.
But whyle I there thus warely dyd provyde,
Commaundement came to send them home agayne
And bryng the kyng thence with his householde trayne.
259
This charge sent from the counsayle and the Queene
Though much agaynst my mynde I beast obeyed:
The devyll hym selfe wrought all the dryft I weene,
Becaus he would have innocentes betrayed:
For ere the kyng wer halfe hys way convayed,
A sorte of traytors falsely hym betrapt
I caught afore, and close in pryson clapt.
Though much agaynst my mynde I beast obeyed:
The devyll hym selfe wrought all the dryft I weene,
Becaus he would have innocentes betrayed:
For ere the kyng wer halfe hys way convayed,
A sorte of traytors falsely hym betrapt
I caught afore, and close in pryson clapt.
The duke of Glocestre that incarned devyll
Confedered with the Duke of Buckyngham,
With eke Lorde Hastynges, hasty both to evyll
To meete the kyng in mournyng habyt came,
(A cruell woulfe though clothed lyke a Lambe)
And at Northhampton, where as than I bayted
They tooke their inne, as they on me had wayted.
Confedered with the Duke of Buckyngham,
With eke Lorde Hastynges, hasty both to evyll
To meete the kyng in mournyng habyt came,
(A cruell woulfe though clothed lyke a Lambe)
And at Northhampton, where as than I bayted
They tooke their inne, as they on me had wayted.
The kyng that nyght at Stonystratford lay,
A towne to small to harbar all his trayne:
This was the cause why he was goen awaye
While I with other dyd behynde remayne.
But wyll you see how falsely fyendes can fayne?
Not Synon sly, whose fraude best fame rebukes,
Was halfe so suttle as these double dukes.
A towne to small to harbar all his trayne:
This was the cause why he was goen awaye
While I with other dyd behynde remayne.
But wyll you see how falsely fyendes can fayne?
Not Synon sly, whose fraude best fame rebukes,
Was halfe so suttle as these double dukes.
Fyrst to myne Inne, cummeth in my brother false
Embraceth me: wel met good brother Skales,
And wepes withall: the other me enhalse
With welcum coosyn, now welcum out of Wales
O happy day, for now all stormy gales
Of stryfe and rancor vtterly are swaged,
And we your owne to Lyve or dye vnwaged.
Embraceth me: wel met good brother Skales,
And wepes withall: the other me enhalse
With welcum coosyn, now welcum out of Wales
O happy day, for now all stormy gales
Of stryfe and rancor vtterly are swaged,
And we your owne to Lyve or dye vnwaged.
260
Thys profered seruice, saust with salutacions
Immoderate, might cause me to suspect:
For commonly in all dissimulacions
The exces of glaveryng doth the guyle detect.
Reason refuseth falshode to dyrect:
The wyll therfore for feare of being spyed
Excedeth mean, becaus it wanteth gyde.
Immoderate, might cause me to suspect:
For commonly in all dissimulacions
The exces of glaveryng doth the guyle detect.
Reason refuseth falshode to dyrect:
The wyll therfore for feare of being spyed
Excedeth mean, becaus it wanteth gyde.
This is the cause why such as fayne to weepe
Do houle outryght, or waylyng cry ah,
Tearyng them selves, & straynyng syghes moste depe.
Why such dissemblers as would seme to laugh
Breth not Tihhy, but braye out, hah hah hah.
Why beggers faynyng bravery are the proudest
Why cowardes braggyng boldnes, wrangle loudest.
Do houle outryght, or waylyng cry ah,
Tearyng them selves, & straynyng syghes moste depe.
Why such dissemblers as would seme to laugh
Breth not Tihhy, but braye out, hah hah hah.
Why beggers faynyng bravery are the proudest
Why cowardes braggyng boldnes, wrangle loudest.
For commonly all that do counterfayte
In any thyng, excede the naturall mean,
And that for feare of faylyng in theyr feat.
But these conspyrers couched all so cleane,
Through close demeanour, that theyr wyles dyd wean
My hart from doubtes, so many a fals device
They forged fresh, to hyde theyr enterprise.
In any thyng, excede the naturall mean,
And that for feare of faylyng in theyr feat.
But these conspyrers couched all so cleane,
Through close demeanour, that theyr wyles dyd wean
My hart from doubtes, so many a fals device
They forged fresh, to hyde theyr enterprise.
They supped with me, propoundyng frendly talke
Of our affayres, styll gevyng me the prayse.
And ever among the cups to mewarde walke:
I drynk to you good Cuz ech traytor sayes:
Our banquet doen whan they should go theyr wayes
They tooke theyr leave, oft wyshyng me good nyght
As hartily as any creature myght.
Of our affayres, styll gevyng me the prayse.
And ever among the cups to mewarde walke:
I drynk to you good Cuz ech traytor sayes:
Our banquet doen whan they should go theyr wayes
They tooke theyr leave, oft wyshyng me good nyght
As hartily as any creature myght.
261
A noble hart they say is Lyon lyke,
It can not couche, dissemble, crouch nor fayne.
Howe villaynous wer these, and how vnlyke?
Of noble stocke the moste ignoble stayne.
Theyr wulvysh hartes, theyr traytrous foxly brayne
Eyther prooue them base, of raskall race engendred
Or from hault lynage bastardlyke degendred.
It can not couche, dissemble, crouch nor fayne.
Howe villaynous wer these, and how vnlyke?
Of noble stocke the moste ignoble stayne.
Theyr wulvysh hartes, theyr traytrous foxly brayne
Eyther prooue them base, of raskall race engendred
Or from hault lynage bastardlyke degendred.
Such pollyng heades as prayse for prudent pollicie
False practises, I wysh wer pact on poales.
I meane the bastard law broode, which can mollyfie
All kynd of causes in theyr crafty nolles.
These vndermyne all vertue, blynde as molles,
They bolster wrong, they rack and strayne the ryght
And prayse for law both malyce fraude, and myght.
False practises, I wysh wer pact on poales.
I meane the bastard law broode, which can mollyfie
All kynd of causes in theyr crafty nolles.
These vndermyne all vertue, blynde as molles,
They bolster wrong, they rack and strayne the ryght
And prayse for law both malyce fraude, and myght.
These quenche the wurthy flames of noble kynde,
Provokyng best borne to the basest vyces,
Through craftes they make the bouldest courage blinde,
Dislyking hyghly valeaunt enterpryses:
And praysyng vyly villanous devices.
These make the boare a Hog, the Bul an oxe.
The Swan a Goose, the Lyon a Wulfe or foxe.
Provokyng best borne to the basest vyces,
Through craftes they make the bouldest courage blinde,
Dislyking hyghly valeaunt enterpryses:
And praysyng vyly villanous devices.
These make the boare a Hog, the Bul an oxe.
The Swan a Goose, the Lyon a Wulfe or foxe.
The Lawyer Catesby and hys crafty feeres
A rowte that never did good in any realme,
Are they that had transformed these noble peeres:
They turned theyr blud to melancholick fleume.
Theyr courage hault to cowardyse extreame.
Theyr force and manhode into fraude and malyce,
Theyr wit to wyles: stout Hector in to Parys.
A rowte that never did good in any realme,
Are they that had transformed these noble peeres:
They turned theyr blud to melancholick fleume.
Theyr courage hault to cowardyse extreame.
Theyr force and manhode into fraude and malyce,
Theyr wit to wyles: stout Hector in to Parys.
262
These glaverers goen, my selfe to rest I layd,
And doubtyng nothyng, soundly fel a slepe:
But sodaynlye my seruantes sore afrayed
Awaked me: and drawyng sighes full deepe,
Alas (quoth one) my Lord we are betrayed.
How so (quoth I) the dukes are goen theyr wayes
They have barred the gates, and borne away the keyes.
And doubtyng nothyng, soundly fel a slepe:
But sodaynlye my seruantes sore afrayed
Awaked me: and drawyng sighes full deepe,
Alas (quoth one) my Lord we are betrayed.
How so (quoth I) the dukes are goen theyr wayes
They have barred the gates, and borne away the keyes.
Whyle he thus spake, there came into my mynde
This fearefull dreame, whereout I waked was:
I saw a ryver stopt with stormes of wynde
Wherethrough a Swan, a Bull and Bore dyd passe.
Fraunchyng the fysh and frye, with teeth of brasse,
The ryver dryed vp save a lytell streame
Which at the last dyd water all the realme.
This fearefull dreame, whereout I waked was:
I saw a ryver stopt with stormes of wynde
Wherethrough a Swan, a Bull and Bore dyd passe.
Fraunchyng the fysh and frye, with teeth of brasse,
The ryver dryed vp save a lytell streame
Which at the last dyd water all the realme.
My thought thys streame dyd drown the cruell bore
In lytle space, it grew so depe and brode:
But he had kylled the bull and swan before.
Besydes all this I saw an ougly tode
Crall toward me, on which me thought I trode:
But what became of her, or what of me
My sodayne wakyng would not let me see.
In lytle space, it grew so depe and brode:
But he had kylled the bull and swan before.
Besydes all this I saw an ougly tode
Crall toward me, on which me thought I trode:
But what became of her, or what of me
My sodayne wakyng would not let me see.
These dremes consydered with this sodayne newes
So dyvers from theyr doynges over nyght,
Dyd cause me not a lyttle for to muse,
I blest me, and ryse in all the hast I myght.
By this, Aurora spred abrode the lyght
Which fro the endes of Phebus beames she tooke
Who than the bulles chiefe gallery forsooke.
So dyvers from theyr doynges over nyght,
Dyd cause me not a lyttle for to muse,
I blest me, and ryse in all the hast I myght.
By this, Aurora spred abrode the lyght
Which fro the endes of Phebus beames she tooke
Who than the bulles chiefe gallery forsooke.
263
When I had opened the wyndow to looke out
There myght I see the streetes eche where beset,
My inne on ech syde compassed about
With armed watchmen, all escapes to let
Thus had these Neroes caught me in theyr net.
But to what ende, I could not throwly gesse,
Such was my playnnes, such theyr doublenes.
There myght I see the streetes eche where beset,
My inne on ech syde compassed about
With armed watchmen, all escapes to let
Thus had these Neroes caught me in theyr net.
But to what ende, I could not throwly gesse,
Such was my playnnes, such theyr doublenes.
My conscince was so clere I could not doubt
Theyr deadly dryft, which lesse apparaunt lay
Becaus they caused theyr men returne the rout
That yode toward Stonystratford: as they say
Becaus the dukes wyll fyrst be there to day:
For this (thought I) they hynder me in Ieast,
For gyltles myndes do easely deme the best.
Theyr deadly dryft, which lesse apparaunt lay
Becaus they caused theyr men returne the rout
That yode toward Stonystratford: as they say
Becaus the dukes wyll fyrst be there to day:
For this (thought I) they hynder me in Ieast,
For gyltles myndes do easely deme the best.
By thys the Dukes were cum into myne inne
For they were lodged in an other by.
I gote me to them, thinkyng it a synne
Within my chamber cowardly to lye.
And meryly I asked my brother why
He vsed me so? he sterne in evyll sadnes
Cryed out: I arrest the traytor for thy badnes.
For they were lodged in an other by.
I gote me to them, thinkyng it a synne
Within my chamber cowardly to lye.
And meryly I asked my brother why
He vsed me so? he sterne in evyll sadnes
Cryed out: I arrest the traytor for thy badnes.
How so (quoth I) whence ryseth your suspicion?
Thou art a traytor (quoth he) I thee arrest.
Arrest (quoth I) why where is your commission?
He drew hys weapon, so dyd all the rest
Crying: yeld the traytor. I so sore distrest
Made no resystaunce: but was sent to ward
None save theyr seruauntes assygned to my gard.
Thou art a traytor (quoth he) I thee arrest.
Arrest (quoth I) why where is your commission?
He drew hys weapon, so dyd all the rest
Crying: yeld the traytor. I so sore distrest
Made no resystaunce: but was sent to ward
None save theyr seruauntes assygned to my gard.
264
Thys doen they sped them to the kyng in poste,
And after theyr humble reuerence to hym doen,
They trayterously began to rule the roste
They pycked a quarell to my systers sonne
Lord Richard Gray: The king would not be wonne
To agree to them, yet they agaynst all reason,
Arrested hym. (they sayd) for haynous treason.
And after theyr humble reuerence to hym doen,
They trayterously began to rule the roste
They pycked a quarell to my systers sonne
Lord Richard Gray: The king would not be wonne
To agree to them, yet they agaynst all reason,
Arrested hym. (they sayd) for haynous treason.
Syr Thomas Vaughan and Syr Richard Hault
To wurthy knyghtes were lykewyse apprehended,
These all were gylty in one kynde of fault,
They would not lyke the practyse then pretended:
And seyng the kyng was herewith sore offended,
Back to Northhampton they brought him agayne
And thence discharged most part of his trayne.
To wurthy knyghtes were lykewyse apprehended,
These all were gylty in one kynde of fault,
They would not lyke the practyse then pretended:
And seyng the kyng was herewith sore offended,
Back to Northhampton they brought him agayne
And thence discharged most part of his trayne.
There loe duke Richard made hym selfe protector
Of kyng and realme by open proclamation,
Though neyther kyng nor Queene were his elector
Thus he presumed by lawles vsurpacion.
But wyll you see his depe dissimulacion?
He sent me a dyshe of deyntyes from his bourd
That day, and with it, this fals frendly wourd.
Of kyng and realme by open proclamation,
Though neyther kyng nor Queene were his elector
Thus he presumed by lawles vsurpacion.
But wyll you see his depe dissimulacion?
He sent me a dyshe of deyntyes from his bourd
That day, and with it, this fals frendly wourd.
Commende me to hym: All thynges shalbe well,
I am hys frende, byd hym be of good chere:
These newes I prayed the messanger go tell
My Nephue Richard, whome I loued full deare.
But what he ment by well, now shal you heare:
He thought it well to have vs quickly murdered
Which not long after thorowly he furdered.
I am hys frende, byd hym be of good chere:
These newes I prayed the messanger go tell
My Nephue Richard, whome I loued full deare.
But what he ment by well, now shal you heare:
He thought it well to have vs quickly murdered
Which not long after thorowly he furdered.
265
For strayt from thence we closely wer convayed
For iayle to iayle Northward we wyst not whither:
Where after we had a while in sunder straied,
At last we met at Pomfret all together.
Syr Richard Ratclyf had vs welcum thither,
Who openly, all law and ryght contempned
Beheaded vs, before we were condempned.
For iayle to iayle Northward we wyst not whither:
Where after we had a while in sunder straied,
At last we met at Pomfret all together.
Syr Richard Ratclyf had vs welcum thither,
Who openly, all law and ryght contempned
Beheaded vs, before we were condempned.
My Cosyn Richard could not be content
To leave his lyfe, becaus he wyst not why,
Good gentle man that never harme had meant,
Therfore he asked wherfore he shuld dye:
The priest his gostly father dyd replye
With wepyng eyes: I know one wofull cause.
The realme hath neyther ryghteous lordes nor lawes.
To leave his lyfe, becaus he wyst not why,
Good gentle man that never harme had meant,
Therfore he asked wherfore he shuld dye:
The priest his gostly father dyd replye
With wepyng eyes: I know one wofull cause.
The realme hath neyther ryghteous lordes nor lawes.
Syr Thomas Vaughan chafyng cryed styl:
This tyraunt Glocester is the graceles G
That will his brothers chyldren beastlye kyll.
And least the people through his talke might see
The mischiefes toward, and therto not agree
Our tormentour that false periured knyght
Bad stop our mouthes, with wurdes of high despyte.
This tyraunt Glocester is the graceles G
That will his brothers chyldren beastlye kyll.
And least the people through his talke might see
The mischiefes toward, and therto not agree
Our tormentour that false periured knyght
Bad stop our mouthes, with wurdes of high despyte.
Thus dyed we gyltles, proces heard we none,
No cause alleged, no Iudge, nor yet accuser,
No quest empaneld passed vs vppon.
That murderer Ratclyf, lawe and ryghtes refuser,
Dyd all to flatter Richard his abuser.
Vnhappy both that ever they were borne,
Through gyltles blud that have theyr soules forlorne.
No cause alleged, no Iudge, nor yet accuser,
No quest empaneld passed vs vppon.
That murderer Ratclyf, lawe and ryghtes refuser,
Dyd all to flatter Richard his abuser.
Vnhappy both that ever they were borne,
Through gyltles blud that have theyr soules forlorne.
266
In parte I graunt I well deserved thys,
Becaus I caused not spedy execution
Be doen on Richard for that murder of hys,
when fyrst he wrought kyng Henryes close confusion.
Nor for his brothers hatefull persecution.
These cruell murders paynfull death deserved
Which had he suffred, many had ben preserued.
Becaus I caused not spedy execution
Be doen on Richard for that murder of hys,
when fyrst he wrought kyng Henryes close confusion.
Nor for his brothers hatefull persecution.
These cruell murders paynfull death deserved
Which had he suffred, many had ben preserued.
Warne therfore all that charge or offyce beare
To se all murderers spedely executed:
And spare them not for favoure or for fear:
By gyltles blud the earth remaynes polluted.
For lack of Iustice kyngdomes are transmuted.
They that save murderers from deserved payne,
Shall through those murderers miserably be slayn.
To se all murderers spedely executed:
And spare them not for favoure or for fear:
By gyltles blud the earth remaynes polluted.
For lack of Iustice kyngdomes are transmuted.
They that save murderers from deserved payne,
Shall through those murderers miserably be slayn.
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Howe the Lord Hastynges was betrayed by trustyng to much to his evyl counsayler Catesby, and vilanously murdered in the tower of London by Richarde Duke of Glocestre.
Hastynges I am, whose hastned death whoe knewe,
My lyfe with prayse, my death with plaint pursue.
With others, fearyng least my headlesse name
Be wrongd, by partiall bruite of flatteryng fame:
Cleaving my tombe the waye my fame forewent,
Though bared of loanes which body & Fortune lent
Erst my proud vaunt: present present to thee
My honoure, fall, and forced destenye.
My lyfe with prayse, my death with plaint pursue.
With others, fearyng least my headlesse name
Be wrongd, by partiall bruite of flatteryng fame:
Cleaving my tombe the waye my fame forewent,
Though bared of loanes which body & Fortune lent
Erst my proud vaunt: present present to thee
My honoure, fall, and forced destenye.
Ne feare to stayn thy credyt by my tale.
In Laethes floud, long since, in Stigian vale
Selfe love I dreynt. what tyme hath fyned for true,
And ceasseth not, (though stale) styll to renewe:
Recount I wyl. wherof be this the proofe.
That blase I wyll my prayse, and my reproofe.
We naked ghostes are but the verye man.
Ne of our selves more than we ought we skanne.
In Laethes floud, long since, in Stigian vale
Selfe love I dreynt. what tyme hath fyned for true,
And ceasseth not, (though stale) styll to renewe:
Recount I wyl. wherof be this the proofe.
That blase I wyll my prayse, and my reproofe.
We naked ghostes are but the verye man.
Ne of our selves more than we ought we skanne.
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But doubte distracteth me, yf I should consent
To yeelde myne honourd name a martyrd Saynt.
Yf Martirdome rest in the mysers lyfe
Through tormentes wrongly reft by fatall knyfe:
Howe fortunes Nurslyng I, and dearest babe,
Ought therto stoope, none maye me well perswade.
For howe maye myser martyrdome betyde,
To whome in Cradell Fortune was affyed?
To yeelde myne honourd name a martyrd Saynt.
Yf Martirdome rest in the mysers lyfe
Through tormentes wrongly reft by fatall knyfe:
Howe fortunes Nurslyng I, and dearest babe,
Ought therto stoope, none maye me well perswade.
For howe maye myser martyrdome betyde,
To whome in Cradell Fortune was affyed?
Sée howe this grossest aier infecteth me since,
Forgot have I, of foyaltye to my prynce.
My happye meede is, Martir to be named?
And what the heavens embrace, the world aye blamed:
For, mens vniustyce wreaked but Gods iust Ire,
And by wrong end, turned wreake to Iustice hyre.
O Iudgmentes iust, by vniustice iustice dealt,
Whoe dowteth, of me may learne, the truth who felt.
Forgot have I, of foyaltye to my prynce.
My happye meede is, Martir to be named?
And what the heavens embrace, the world aye blamed:
For, mens vniustyce wreaked but Gods iust Ire,
And by wrong end, turned wreake to Iustice hyre.
O Iudgmentes iust, by vniustice iustice dealt,
Whoe dowteth, of me may learne, the truth who felt.
So therfore, as my fall may many staye:
Aswell the prynce, from violent headlong swaie,
Of noble peeres, from honours throne to dust,
As nobles lesse in tyckle state to trust:
Shonning those synnes, that shake the golden leaves
Perforce from boughes, eare Nature bare the greaves:
So, what my lyfe professed, my death heare teacheth.
And, as with word so with example preacheth.
Aswell the prynce, from violent headlong swaie,
Of noble peeres, from honours throne to dust,
As nobles lesse in tyckle state to trust:
Shonning those synnes, that shake the golden leaves
Perforce from boughes, eare Nature bare the greaves:
So, what my lyfe professed, my death heare teacheth.
And, as with word so with example preacheth.
The hyllye heauens, and valey Earthe belowe,
Yet ryng hys Fame, whose dedes so great dyd grow.
Edward the fourth ye know vnnamed I meane.
Whose noble nature so to me dyd leane,
That I hys staffe was, I his only ioye,
And even what Pandare was to hym of Troy.
Which moved hym fyrst, to create me chamberlayne.
To serve hys sweetes, to my most sower payne.
Yet ryng hys Fame, whose dedes so great dyd grow.
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Whose noble nature so to me dyd leane,
That I hys staffe was, I his only ioye,
And even what Pandare was to hym of Troy.
Which moved hym fyrst, to create me chamberlayne.
To serve hys sweetes, to my most sower payne.
Wherein, to iustly praysed for secretnesse
(For now my guylt with shrykyng I confesse)
To hym to true, to vntrue to the Queene,
Suche hate I wanne, as lasted longe betweene
Oure familyes. Shores wyfe was my nyce cheate.
The wholye whore, and eke the wyly peate.
I fedd his lust with lovely peces so,
That Gods sharpe wrath I purchased, my iust woe.
(For now my guylt with shrykyng I confesse)
To hym to true, to vntrue to the Queene,
Suche hate I wanne, as lasted longe betweene
Oure familyes. Shores wyfe was my nyce cheate.
The wholye whore, and eke the wyly peate.
I fedd his lust with lovely peces so,
That Gods sharpe wrath I purchased, my iust woe.
See here of Nobles newe the dyverse source.
Some vertue rayseth, some clyme by sluttyshe sortes.
The fyrst, though onely of them selves begonne,
Yet circlewyse into them selues doe ronne.
With in theyr Fame theyr force vnyted so,
Both endelesse is, and stronger gaynst theyr foe.
For, when endeth hit that neuer hath begonne?
Or by what force, maye circled knot be vndone?
Some vertue rayseth, some clyme by sluttyshe sortes.
The fyrst, though onely of them selves begonne,
Yet circlewyse into them selues doe ronne.
With in theyr Fame theyr force vnyted so,
Both endelesse is, and stronger gaynst theyr foe.
For, when endeth hit that neuer hath begonne?
Or by what force, maye circled knot be vndone?
Thother, as by wycked meanes they grewe,
And raygned by flattery or violence: so sone rue.
First tomblyng stepp from honoures old, is vyce.
Which once discended, some lynger, none aryse
To former type. but they catch vertues spraye,
Which mounteth them that clyme by lawfull waye.
Beware to ryse by serving princely lust.
Surely to stand, one meane is rysyng iust.
And raygned by flattery or violence: so sone rue.
First tomblyng stepp from honoures old, is vyce.
Which once discended, some lynger, none aryse
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Which mounteth them that clyme by lawfull waye.
Beware to ryse by serving princely lust.
Surely to stand, one meane is rysyng iust.
Which learne by me. whome let it helpe to excuse,
That ruthfull nowe my selfe I do accuse.
And that my prynce I ever pleased with suche,
As harmed none, and hym contented much.
In vyce, som favoure, or lesse hate let wynne,
That I ne wryed to worser end my sinne.
But vsed my favoure to the safetye of such,
As furye of Later warre to lyue dyd grutche.
That ruthfull nowe my selfe I do accuse.
And that my prynce I ever pleased with suche,
As harmed none, and hym contented much.
In vyce, som favoure, or lesse hate let wynne,
That I ne wryed to worser end my sinne.
But vsed my favoure to the safetye of such,
As furye of Later warre to lyue dyd grutche.
For as on durt (though durty) shyneth the sonne:
So, even amyds my vyce, my vertue shoane.
My selfe I spared with any his cheate to stayne,
For love and reverence so I could refrayne.
Gisippus wyfe erst Tytus would desyre
With frendshyps breach. I quenchd that brutyshe fyre.
Manly hit is, to loth the fawnyng lust.
Small vaunt to flye, what of constraynt thou must.
So, even amyds my vyce, my vertue shoane.
My selfe I spared with any his cheate to stayne,
For love and reverence so I could refrayne.
Gisippus wyfe erst Tytus would desyre
With frendshyps breach. I quenchd that brutyshe fyre.
Manly hit is, to loth the fawnyng lust.
Small vaunt to flye, what of constraynt thou must.
These therfore rased, yf thou myne offyce skanne,
Loe none I hurt but furdered every manne.
My chamber England was, my staffe the law:
Wherby sauns rygoure, all I held in awe.
So lovyng to all, so beloued of all,
As, (what ensued vppon my bloudy fall
Though I ne felt) yet surely this I thynke.
Full many a tricklyng teare theyr mouthes did drynke.
Loe none I hurt but furdered every manne.
My chamber England was, my staffe the law:
Wherby sauns rygoure, all I held in awe.
So lovyng to all, so beloued of all,
As, (what ensued vppon my bloudy fall
Though I ne felt) yet surely this I thynke.
Full many a tricklyng teare theyr mouthes did drynke.
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Disdayne not prynces easye accesse, meeke cheare.
We knowe, then Angells statelyer port ye beare
Of God hym selfe: to massye a charge for sprytes.
But then, my lordes, consyder, he delyghts
To vayle his grace to vs poore earthely wants,
To symplest shrubbes, and to the dunghyll plantes.
Expresse hym then, in myght and mercyes meane.
So shall ye wynne, as now ye welld, the realme.
We knowe, then Angells statelyer port ye beare
Of God hym selfe: to massye a charge for sprytes.
But then, my lordes, consyder, he delyghts
To vayle his grace to vs poore earthely wants,
To symplest shrubbes, and to the dunghyll plantes.
Expresse hym then, in myght and mercyes meane.
So shall ye wynne, as now ye welld, the realme.
But all to long I feare I do delaye
The many meanes, wherby I dyd bewraye
My zelous wyll, to earne my prynces grace.
Least thou differ, to thynke me kynde percace
As nought may last, so Fortunes weathery cheare
With powtyng lookes gan lower on my Syre,
And on her wheele, advaunsd hye in hys roome
The Warwick Earle, mase of Chrystendoome.
The many meanes, wherby I dyd bewraye
My zelous wyll, to earne my prynces grace.
Least thou differ, to thynke me kynde percace
As nought may last, so Fortunes weathery cheare
With powtyng lookes gan lower on my Syre,
And on her wheele, advaunsd hye in hys roome
The Warwick Earle, mase of Chrystendoome.
Besydes the temptyng prowesse of the foe,
His traytor brother dyd my prynce forgoe.
The cause was lyked, I was hys lynked alye.
Yet, nor the cause, nor brothers trecherye,
Nor enmyes force, ne band of myngled bloude:
Made Hastynges beare hys prynce other mynd then good.
But tane and scaped from Warwicks gripyng pawes,
With me he fled through fortunes frowardst flawes.
His traytor brother dyd my prynce forgoe.
The cause was lyked, I was hys lynked alye.
Yet, nor the cause, nor brothers trecherye,
Nor enmyes force, ne band of myngled bloude:
Made Hastynges beare hys prynce other mynd then good.
But tane and scaped from Warwicks gripyng pawes,
With me he fled through fortunes frowardst flawes.
To London come, at large we might have seemed,
Had not we then the realme a pryson deemd.
Ech bush a barre, eche spray a banner splayed,
Eche house a fort our passage to haue stayed.
To Linne we leape, where whyle we awayt the tyde,
My secrete fryndes in secrete I supplyed,
In mouth to mayntayne Henry syxt theyr kynge,
By deede to devoyre Edward to bryng in.
Had not we then the realme a pryson deemd.
Ech bush a barre, eche spray a banner splayed,
Eche house a fort our passage to haue stayed.
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My secrete fryndes in secrete I supplyed,
In mouth to mayntayne Henry syxt theyr kynge,
By deede to devoyre Edward to bryng in.
The restles tyde, to bare the empty baye,
With waltryng waves roames wamblyng forth. Away
The mery maryner hayles. The braggyng boye,
To masts hye top vp hyes. In signe of ioye
The wauering flagge is vaunsd. The suttle Seas
Theyr swellyng ceasse: to calmest even peace
Sinkth down theyr pride. with dronkennes gainst al care
The Seamen armed, awayte theyr noble fare.
With waltryng waves roames wamblyng forth. Away
The mery maryner hayles. The braggyng boye,
To masts hye top vp hyes. In signe of ioye
The wauering flagge is vaunsd. The suttle Seas
Theyr swellyng ceasse: to calmest even peace
Sinkth down theyr pride. with dronkennes gainst al care
The Seamen armed, awayte theyr noble fare.
On Bord we come. The massye Anchors weyed,
One Englyshe shippe, two Hulkes of Holland, ayde
In suche a pynche. So small tho was the trayne,
Such his constraynt. that nowe, that one with payne
Commaund he myght, whoe erst mought many moe:
Then brought the ghastlye Greekes to Tenedo.
So nought is ours that we by happe maye lose,
What nearest seems, is farthest of in woes.
One Englyshe shippe, two Hulkes of Holland, ayde
In suche a pynche. So small tho was the trayne,
Such his constraynt. that nowe, that one with payne
Commaund he myght, whoe erst mought many moe:
Then brought the ghastlye Greekes to Tenedo.
So nought is ours that we by happe maye lose,
What nearest seems, is farthest of in woes.
As banished wightes, such ioyes we mought have made.
Easd of aye thretnyng death, that late we dradde.
But once our countreyes syght (not care) exempt,
No harboure shewyng, that mought our feare relent,
No covert cave, No shrubbe to shroud our lyves,
No hollow wodde, no flyght, that oft depryves
The myghty hys pray, no Sanctuary left
For exyled prynce, that shroudes eche slave from theft:
Easd of aye thretnyng death, that late we dradde.
But once our countreyes syght (not care) exempt,
No harboure shewyng, that mought our feare relent,
No covert cave, No shrubbe to shroud our lyves,
No hollow wodde, no flyght, that oft depryves
The myghty hys pray, no Sanctuary left
For exyled prynce, that shroudes eche slave from theft:
274
In pryson pent, whose woddye walles to passe
Of no lesse peryll than the dying was:
With the Oceane moated, battered with the waves,
(As chaynd at Oares the wretched Galley slaves,
At mercy sit of Sea and enmyes shott,
And shonne with death what they with flyght may not)
But greenysh waves, and desert lowryng Skyes
All comfort ells forclosed oure exyled eyes:
Of no lesse peryll than the dying was:
With the Oceane moated, battered with the waves,
(As chaynd at Oares the wretched Galley slaves,
At mercy sit of Sea and enmyes shott,
And shonne with death what they with flyght may not)
But greenysh waves, and desert lowryng Skyes
All comfort ells forclosed oure exyled eyes:
Loe loe from highest toppe, the Slavyshe boye
Sent vp with syght of land our hertes to ioye:
Descryes at hand whole fleet of easterlynges.
As then whote enmyes of the Britishe kynges.
The mouse may somtyme help the Lyon in nede
The byttle bee once spylt the Aegles breed.
O prynces seke no foes. In your distresse,
The Earth, the seas, conspyre your heavinesse.
Sent vp with syght of land our hertes to ioye:
Descryes at hand whole fleet of easterlynges.
As then whote enmyes of the Britishe kynges.
The mouse may somtyme help the Lyon in nede
The byttle bee once spylt the Aegles breed.
O prynces seke no foes. In your distresse,
The Earth, the seas, conspyre your heavinesse.
Oure foe descryed by flyght we shonne in hast,
And lade with Canvase now the bendyng mast.
The shyppe was rackt to trye her saylyng then,
As Squirells clime the troupes of trusty men.
The stearesman sekes a redier course to ronne,
The souldyer stirres, the gonner hyes to gonne,
The flemynges sweate, the englyshe shyp disdaynes
To wayte behynde to beare the flemynges traynes.
And lade with Canvase now the bendyng mast.
The shyppe was rackt to trye her saylyng then,
As Squirells clime the troupes of trusty men.
The stearesman sekes a redier course to ronne,
The souldyer stirres, the gonner hyes to gonne,
The flemynges sweate, the englyshe shyp disdaynes
To wayte behynde to beare the flemynges traynes.
Forth flyeth the bark, as from the vyolent goonne
The pellet pearsth all stayes and stops eft soone.
And swift she swimmeth, as oft in sunny daye
The dolphine fleetes in Seas in mery Maye.
As we for lyves, so Theasterlynges for gayne,
Thwack on the sayles, and after make amayne.
Though laden they were, and of burthen great:
A Kyng to master yet, what swayne nold sweat?
The pellet pearsth all stayes and stops eft soone.
And swift she swimmeth, as oft in sunny daye
The dolphine fleetes in Seas in mery Maye.
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Thwack on the sayles, and after make amayne.
Though laden they were, and of burthen great:
A Kyng to master yet, what swayne nold sweat?
So myde the vale, the greyhound seyng stert
His fearfull foe, pursueth. Before she flerteth.
And where she turnth, he turnth her there to beare.
The one pray prycketh, the other safetyes feare.
So were we chased, so fled we afore our foes.
Bett flyght then fyght, in so vneven close.
I end. Some think perhaps, to long he stayeth
In peryll present sheweng his fixed fayth.
His fearfull foe, pursueth. Before she flerteth.
And where she turnth, he turnth her there to beare.
The one pray prycketh, the other safetyes feare.
So were we chased, so fled we afore our foes.
Bett flyght then fyght, in so vneven close.
I end. Some think perhaps, to long he stayeth
In peryll present sheweng his fixed fayth.
This ventred I, this dread I dyd sustayne,
To trye my truth, my lyfe I dyd disdayne.
But, loe, lyke tryall agaynst his civile foe.
Faythes worst is tryall, which is reserued to woe.
I passe our scape, and sharpe retournyng home,
Where we were welcumd by our wonted fone.
To batayle mayne discendes the empyres ryght.
At Barnet ioyne the hostes in bloudy fyght.
To trye my truth, my lyfe I dyd disdayne.
But, loe, lyke tryall agaynst his civile foe.
Faythes worst is tryall, which is reserued to woe.
I passe our scape, and sharpe retournyng home,
Where we were welcumd by our wonted fone.
To batayle mayne discendes the empyres ryght.
At Barnet ioyne the hostes in bloudy fyght.
There ioynd thre batayles ranged in such arraye,
As mought for terrour Alexander fray.
What should I staye to tell the long discourse?
Whoe wan the pallme? whoe bare away the worse?
Suffyseth to saye by my reserved band,
Oure enemyes fled, we had the vpper hand.
My Iron armye helld her steady place,
My prynce to shyeld, his feared foe to chace.
As mought for terrour Alexander fray.
What should I staye to tell the long discourse?
Whoe wan the pallme? whoe bare away the worse?
Suffyseth to saye by my reserved band,
Oure enemyes fled, we had the vpper hand.
My Iron armye helld her steady place,
My prynce to shyeld, his feared foe to chace.
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The lyke successe befell me in Tewkesbury field.
My furyous force, there forsd perforce, to yelde
The traytour foe: and render to my kyng
Her onelye sonne, least he more bate myght bryng.
Thus hast thou a mirrour of a subiectes minde,
Suche as perhaps is rare agayne to fynd:
The Carving cuts, that cleave the trusty steele,
My fayth, and due allegiaunce, could not fyle.
My furyous force, there forsd perforce, to yelde
The traytour foe: and render to my kyng
Her onelye sonne, least he more bate myght bryng.
Thus hast thou a mirrour of a subiectes minde,
Suche as perhaps is rare agayne to fynd:
The Carving cuts, that cleave the trusty steele,
My fayth, and due allegiaunce, could not fyle.
But out alas. what prayse maye I recount,
That is not spyced with spott, that doth surmount
My greatest vaunt? For bloudy warr to feete
A Tyger was I, all for peace vnmeete.
A Souldyours handes must oft be dyed with goare,
Least starke with rest, they finewd wax, and hoare.
Peace could I wyn by warr, but peace not vse.
Fewe dayes enioy he, whoe warlyke peace doth choose.
That is not spyced with spott, that doth surmount
My greatest vaunt? For bloudy warr to feete
A Tyger was I, all for peace vnmeete.
A Souldyours handes must oft be dyed with goare,
Least starke with rest, they finewd wax, and hoare.
Peace could I wyn by warr, but peace not vse.
Fewe dayes enioy he, whoe warlyke peace doth choose.
When Crofts a Knyght, presented Henryes heyre
To this our prynce, in furyous mood enquere
Of hym he gan, what folye or phrensye vayne,
With armes forsd hym to invade his realme?
Whome answeryng, that he claymd his fathers ryght:
With Gauntlet smitt, commaunded from hys syght:
Clarence, Glocester, Dorcet, and I Hastyngs slewe.
The guylt whereof we shortly all dyd rue.
To this our prynce, in furyous mood enquere
Of hym he gan, what folye or phrensye vayne,
With armes forsd hym to invade his realme?
Whome answeryng, that he claymd his fathers ryght:
With Gauntlet smitt, commaunded from hys syght:
Clarence, Glocester, Dorcet, and I Hastyngs slewe.
The guylt whereof we shortly all dyd rue.
Clarence, as Cirus, drownd in bloudlyke wyne.
Dorcett I furthered to his spedy pyne.
Of me, my selfe am speakyng presydent.
Nor easyer fate the brystled boare is lent.
Oure bloudes have payd the vengeaunce of our guylt,
His fryed boanes, shall broyle for bloud he hath spilt.
O waltsome murther, that attaynteth our fame.
O horryble traytours wantyng worthy name.
Dorcett I furthered to his spedy pyne.
Of me, my selfe am speakyng presydent.
Nor easyer fate the brystled boare is lent.
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His fryed boanes, shall broyle for bloud he hath spilt.
O waltsome murther, that attaynteth our fame.
O horryble traytours wantyng worthy name.
Whoe more mischevouslye of all states deserve,
As better they, whoe fyrst dyd such preserve.
Yf those, for gyftes, we recken heavenly wyghtes,
These may we well deeme fends, and dampned sprytes.
And whyle on earth they walke, disguysed devyls,
Sworne foes of vertue, factours for all evylls.
Whose bloudye hands torment theyr goared hartes.
Through bloudsheds horrour, in soundest slepe he sterts.
As better they, whoe fyrst dyd such preserve.
Yf those, for gyftes, we recken heavenly wyghtes,
These may we well deeme fends, and dampned sprytes.
And whyle on earth they walke, disguysed devyls,
Sworne foes of vertue, factours for all evylls.
Whose bloudye hands torment theyr goared hartes.
Through bloudsheds horrour, in soundest slepe he sterts.
O happy world were the Lyons men.
All Lyons should at least be spared then.
No suerty now, no lastyng league is bloude.
A meacock is, whoe dreadth to see blud shed.
Stale is the paterne, the fact must nedes be ryfe.
Whyle .ii. were armyes .ii., the issues of fyrst wyfe,
With armed Hert and hand, thone bloudy brother,
With cruell chase pursueth and murdreth thother.
All Lyons should at least be spared then.
No suerty now, no lastyng league is bloude.
A meacock is, whoe dreadth to see blud shed.
Stale is the paterne, the fact must nedes be ryfe.
Whyle .ii. were armyes .ii., the issues of fyrst wyfe,
With armed Hert and hand, thone bloudy brother,
With cruell chase pursueth and murdreth thother.
Which whoe defyeth not? yet whoe ceasseth to sue?
The bloudy Caynes theyr bloudy Syre renew.
The horrour yet is lyke in common frayes.
For in eche murther, brother brother slayes.
Traytours to nature, Countrey, kinne and kynde.
Whome no bande serveth in brothers zeale to bynd.
O symple age, when slaunder slaughter was.
The tonges small evyll, how doth this mischefe passe?
The bloudy Caynes theyr bloudy Syre renew.
The horrour yet is lyke in common frayes.
For in eche murther, brother brother slayes.
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Whome no bande serveth in brothers zeale to bynd.
O symple age, when slaunder slaughter was.
The tonges small evyll, how doth this mischefe passe?
Hopest thou to cloake thy covert mischief wrought?
Thy conscience, Caytyf, shall proclayme thy thought.
A vysyon, Chaucer sheweth, discloasd thy cryme.
The Fox descrye the crowes and chatteryng Pyen.
And shall thy felow felons, not bewraye
The guiltlesse death, whome guilty hands doe slaye?
Vnpunished scaped for haynous cryme some one,
But vnadvenged, in mynde or bodye, none.
Thy conscience, Caytyf, shall proclayme thy thought.
A vysyon, Chaucer sheweth, discloasd thy cryme.
The Fox descrye the crowes and chatteryng Pyen.
And shall thy felow felons, not bewraye
The guiltlesse death, whome guilty hands doe slaye?
Vnpunished scaped for haynous cryme some one,
But vnadvenged, in mynde or bodye, none.
Vengeaunce on mynd, the freatyng furyes take.
The synnefull coarse, lyke earthquake agewes shake.
Theyr frownyng lookes, their frounced mindes bewray.
In hast they runne, and mids theyr race they staye,
As gydded roe. Amyds theyr speache they whist,
At meate they muse. No where they may persyst
But some feare netleth them. Aye hang they so.
So never wanteth the wicked murtherer woe.
The synnefull coarse, lyke earthquake agewes shake.
Theyr frownyng lookes, their frounced mindes bewray.
In hast they runne, and mids theyr race they staye,
As gydded roe. Amyds theyr speache they whist,
At meate they muse. No where they may persyst
But some feare netleth them. Aye hang they so.
So never wanteth the wicked murtherer woe.
An infant rent with lyons ramping pawes?
Whye slaunder I Lyons? They feare the sacred lawes
Of prynces bloud. Aye me, more brute than beast,
Wyth princes sydes, (Licaons pye) to feast?
O Tyrant Tygres, O insatiable wolues,
O Englishe curtesye, monstrous mawes and gulfes.
My death shall forthwith preach my earned meede.
Yf fyrst to one lyke murther I procede.
Whye slaunder I Lyons? They feare the sacred lawes
Of prynces bloud. Aye me, more brute than beast,
Wyth princes sydes, (Licaons pye) to feast?
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O Englishe curtesye, monstrous mawes and gulfes.
My death shall forthwith preach my earned meede.
Yf fyrst to one lyke murther I procede.
Whyle Edward lyued, dissembled discord lurked:
In double hertes yet so his reuerence workd.
But when succedyng tender feble age,
Gave open gap to tyrants rushing rage:
I holpe the Boare, and Buck, to captyuate
Lord Rivers, Graye, Sir Thomas Vaughan and Hawte.
Yf land would hellp the Sea, well earnd that ground
Hit selfe, to be wyth Conqueryng waves surround.
In double hertes yet so his reuerence workd.
But when succedyng tender feble age,
Gave open gap to tyrants rushing rage:
I holpe the Boare, and Buck, to captyuate
Lord Rivers, Graye, Sir Thomas Vaughan and Hawte.
Yf land would hellp the Sea, well earnd that ground
Hit selfe, to be wyth Conqueryng waves surround.
Theyr spedy death by pryvy dome procured,
At Pomfret: tho my lyfe short whyle endured.
My selfe I slew, when them I damned to death.
At once my throate I ryved, and reft them breth.
For that selfe day, afore or neare the hower
That wythered Atropos nippd the spryngyng flower
With vyolent hand, of theyr foorth runnyng lyfe:
My head and body, in Tower twynd lyke knyfe.
At Pomfret: tho my lyfe short whyle endured.
My selfe I slew, when them I damned to death.
At once my throate I ryved, and reft them breth.
For that selfe day, afore or neare the hower
That wythered Atropos nippd the spryngyng flower
With vyolent hand, of theyr foorth runnyng lyfe:
My head and body, in Tower twynd lyke knyfe.
280
By this my paterne, all ye peeres beware.
Oft hangeth he hym selfe, whoe others weenth to snare,
Spare to be eche others butcher. Feare the kyte,
Whoe soareth aloft, whyle frogge and mouse do fyght
In civill Combatt, grapplyng voyd of feare
Of foreyn foe. at once all both to beare.
Which playner by my pytied playnt to see,
A whyle anew your listnyng lend to me.
Oft hangeth he hym selfe, whoe others weenth to snare,
Spare to be eche others butcher. Feare the kyte,
Whoe soareth aloft, whyle frogge and mouse do fyght
In civill Combatt, grapplyng voyd of feare
Of foreyn foe. at once all both to beare.
Which playner by my pytied playnt to see,
A whyle anew your listnyng lend to me.
To true it is .ii. sondry assemblies kept,
At Crossbyes place, and Baynardes castell sett.
The Dukes at Crossebyes, but at Baynards we.
The one to crown a kyng, the other to be.
Suspicious is secession of foule frends,
When eythers dryft to others myschefe tendes.
I feared the end. My Catesbyes beyng there
Discharged all dowtes. Hym held I most entyre.
At Crossbyes place, and Baynardes castell sett.
The Dukes at Crossebyes, but at Baynards we.
The one to crown a kyng, the other to be.
Suspicious is secession of foule frends,
When eythers dryft to others myschefe tendes.
I feared the end. My Catesbyes beyng there
Discharged all dowtes. Hym held I most entyre.
Whose great preferment by my meanes, I thought
Some spurre, to paye the thankfullnesse he ought.
The trust he ought me, made me trust him so:
That priuye he was bothe to my weale and woe.
My harts one halfe, my chest of confydence,
My tresures trust, my ioye dwelt in his presence.
I loved hym Baldwyn, as the apple of myne eye.
I lothed my lyfe when Catesby would me dye.
Some spurre, to paye the thankfullnesse he ought.
The trust he ought me, made me trust him so:
That priuye he was bothe to my weale and woe.
My harts one halfe, my chest of confydence,
My tresures trust, my ioye dwelt in his presence.
I loved hym Baldwyn, as the apple of myne eye.
I lothed my lyfe when Catesby would me dye.
Flye from thy chanell Thames, forsake thy streames,
Leve the Adamant Iron, Phebus lay thy beames:
Ceasse heauenly Sphears at last your weary warke,
Betray your charge, returne to Chaos darke.
At least, some rutheles Tyger hange her whellpe,
My Catesby so with some excuse to hellp.
And me to comfort, that I aloane, ne seeme
Of all dame natures workes, left in extreme.
Leve the Adamant Iron, Phebus lay thy beames:
Ceasse heauenly Sphears at last your weary warke,
Betray your charge, returne to Chaos darke.
281
My Catesby so with some excuse to hellp.
And me to comfort, that I aloane, ne seeme
Of all dame natures workes, left in extreme.
A Golden treasure is the tryed frend.
But whoe may gold from counterfaytes defend?
Trust not to sone, ne all to lyght mistrust.
With thone thy selfe, with thother thy frend thou hurtst.
Whoe twyneth betwyxt, and steareth the golden meane,
Nor rashely loveth, nor mistrusteth in vayne.
For frendshyp poyson, for safetye mithridate
Hit is, thy frend to love as thou wouldest hate.
But whoe may gold from counterfaytes defend?
Trust not to sone, ne all to lyght mistrust.
With thone thy selfe, with thother thy frend thou hurtst.
Whoe twyneth betwyxt, and steareth the golden meane,
Nor rashely loveth, nor mistrusteth in vayne.
For frendshyp poyson, for safetye mithridate
Hit is, thy frend to love as thou wouldest hate.
Of tyckle credyte ne had ben the mischiefe,
What needed Virbius miracle doubled lyfe?
Credulytye surnamed first the Aegean seas.
Mistrust, doth trayson in the trustyest rayse.
Suspicious Romulus, staynd his walls fyrst reard
With Brothers bloud, whome for lyght leape he feared.
So not in brotherhode ielousye may be borne,
The ialous cuckold weares the infamous horne.
What needed Virbius miracle doubled lyfe?
Credulytye surnamed first the Aegean seas.
Mistrust, doth trayson in the trustyest rayse.
Suspicious Romulus, staynd his walls fyrst reard
With Brothers bloud, whome for lyght leape he feared.
So not in brotherhode ielousye may be borne,
The ialous cuckold weares the infamous horne.
A beast may preach by tryal, not foresyght.
Could I have shonnd this credyte, nere had lyght
The dreaded death, vpon my guylty head.
But fooles aye wont to learne by after reade.
Had Catesby kept vnstaynd, the truth he plyght,
Yet had ye enioyed me, and I yet the lyght.
All Derbyes doutes I cleared with his name.
I knewe, no harme could happ vs, sauns hys blame.
Could I have shonnd this credyte, nere had lyght
The dreaded death, vpon my guylty head.
But fooles aye wont to learne by after reade.
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Yet had ye enioyed me, and I yet the lyght.
All Derbyes doutes I cleared with his name.
I knewe, no harme could happ vs, sauns hys blame.
But see the fruites of fickle lyght belief.
The Ambitious dukes corrupt the traytour theef,
To groape me, yf allured I would assent,
To bin a partner of theyr cursd entent.
Wherto, when neyther force nor frendshyp vayld,
By tyraunt force theyr purpose they assailed.
And summond shortly a councell in the tower,
Of Iune the fyftenth, at apoynted hower.
The Ambitious dukes corrupt the traytour theef,
To groape me, yf allured I would assent,
To bin a partner of theyr cursd entent.
Wherto, when neyther force nor frendshyp vayld,
By tyraunt force theyr purpose they assailed.
And summond shortly a councell in the tower,
Of Iune the fyftenth, at apoynted hower.
Alas. are counsels wryed to catch the goode?
Is no place now exempt from sheadyng bloud.
Sith counsells, that were carefull to preserve
The guyltlesse good, are meanes to make them starve.
What may not mischief of mad man abuse?
Religions cloake some one to vyce doth chuse,
And maketh god protectour of his cryme.
O monstrous world, well ought we wyshe thy fine.
Is no place now exempt from sheadyng bloud.
Sith counsells, that were carefull to preserve
The guyltlesse good, are meanes to make them starve.
What may not mischief of mad man abuse?
Religions cloake some one to vyce doth chuse,
And maketh god protectour of his cryme.
O monstrous world, well ought we wyshe thy fine.
The fatall skyes, roll on the blackest daye,
When doubled bloudshed, my bloud must repay.
Others none forceth. To me, Syr Thomas Haward
As spurre is buckled, to prouoke me forward.
Darbie whoe feared the parted syttynges yore.
Whether, much more he knew by experyence hoare,
Or vnaffected, Clearer truth could see:
At midnight darke this message sendes to me.
When doubled bloudshed, my bloud must repay.
Others none forceth. To me, Syr Thomas Haward
As spurre is buckled, to prouoke me forward.
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Whether, much more he knew by experyence hoare,
Or vnaffected, Clearer truth could see:
At midnight darke this message sendes to me.
Hastynges away. in slepe the Gods foreshew
By dreadfull dreame, fell fates vnto vs two.
Me thought a Boare with tuske so rased our throate,
That both our shoulders of the bloud dyd smoake.
Aryse to horse, strayght homewarde let vs hye.
And syth our foe we may not mate, o flye.
Of Chaunteclere you learne dreames sooth to know.
Thence wysemen conster, more then the Cock doth crow.
By dreadfull dreame, fell fates vnto vs two.
Me thought a Boare with tuske so rased our throate,
That both our shoulders of the bloud dyd smoake.
Aryse to horse, strayght homewarde let vs hye.
And syth our foe we may not mate, o flye.
Of Chaunteclere you learne dreames sooth to know.
Thence wysemen conster, more then the Cock doth crow.
While thus he spake, I held within myne arme
Shores wyfe, the tender peece, to kepe me warme.
Fye on adultery, fye on lecherous lust.
Marke in me ye nobles all, Gods iudgmentes iust.
A Pandare, murtherer, and Adulterer thus,
Onely such death I dye, as I ne blushe.
Now, least my Dame mought feare appall my hart:
With eger moode vp in my bed I steart.
Shores wyfe, the tender peece, to kepe me warme.
Fye on adultery, fye on lecherous lust.
Marke in me ye nobles all, Gods iudgmentes iust.
A Pandare, murtherer, and Adulterer thus,
Onely such death I dye, as I ne blushe.
Now, least my Dame mought feare appall my hart:
With eger moode vp in my bed I steart.
And, is thy Lord (quoth I) a sorcerer?
A wyse man now becumme? a dreame reader?
What though so Chaunteclere crowed? I reke it not.
On my part pledeth as well dame Partelott.
Uniudgd hangth yet the case betwixt them twaye,
Ne was his dreame Cause of hys hap I saye.
Shall dremyng doutes from prynce my seruyce slacke?
Naye, then mought Hastynges lyfe and lyvyng lacke.
A wyse man now becumme? a dreame reader?
What though so Chaunteclere crowed? I reke it not.
On my part pledeth as well dame Partelott.
Uniudgd hangth yet the case betwixt them twaye,
Ne was his dreame Cause of hys hap I saye.
284
Naye, then mought Hastynges lyfe and lyvyng lacke.
He parteth. I sleepe. my mynde surcharged with synne,
As Phebus beames by mysty clowde kept in,
Ne could missegeve, ne dreame of my mysse happe.
As block I tumbled to myne enemyes trappe.
Securitye causelesse through my carelesse frende,
Reft me foresyght of my approchyng end.
So Catesby clawed me, as when the Catt doth playe
Delieng with mouse, whom straight he mindes to slaye.
As Phebus beames by mysty clowde kept in,
Ne could missegeve, ne dreame of my mysse happe.
As block I tumbled to myne enemyes trappe.
Securitye causelesse through my carelesse frende,
Reft me foresyght of my approchyng end.
So Catesby clawed me, as when the Catt doth playe
Delieng with mouse, whom straight he mindes to slaye.
The morow come, the latest lyght to me,
On Palfray mounted, to the Tower I hye.
Accompanyed with that Haward my mortall foe,
To slaughter led. thou God wouldest have yt so.
(O depe dissemblers, Honouryng with your cheare,
Whome in hydd hart ye trayterouslye teare.)
Never had realme so open signes of wrack.
As I had shewed me of my heavy happ.
On Palfray mounted, to the Tower I hye.
Accompanyed with that Haward my mortall foe,
To slaughter led. thou God wouldest have yt so.
(O depe dissemblers, Honouryng with your cheare,
Whome in hydd hart ye trayterouslye teare.)
Never had realme so open signes of wrack.
As I had shewed me of my heavy happ.
The vysyon fyrst of Stanley, late descryed.
Then myrth so extreme, that neare for ioye I dyed.
Were hit, that Swannelyke I foresong my death,
Or merye mynde foresaw the loose of breath
That long it coueyted, from thys earthes annoye.
But even as syker as thende of woe is ioye,
And gloryous lyght to obscure night doth tend:
So extreame myrth in extreame moane doth ende.
Then myrth so extreme, that neare for ioye I dyed.
Were hit, that Swannelyke I foresong my death,
Or merye mynde foresaw the loose of breath
That long it coueyted, from thys earthes annoye.
But even as syker as thende of woe is ioye,
And gloryous lyght to obscure night doth tend:
So extreame myrth in extreame moane doth ende.
285
For whye, extreames are happs rackd out of course.
By vyolent myght far swinged forth perforce.
Which as thei are pearcingst while they violentst move,
For nearst they cleave to cause that doth them shove:
So soonest fall from that theyr hyghest extreame,
To thother contrary that doth want of meane.
So lawghed he erst, whoe lawghed out his breath.
So laughed I, whan I laughd my selfe to death.
By vyolent myght far swinged forth perforce.
Which as thei are pearcingst while they violentst move,
For nearst they cleave to cause that doth them shove:
So soonest fall from that theyr hyghest extreame,
To thother contrary that doth want of meane.
So lawghed he erst, whoe lawghed out his breath.
So laughed I, whan I laughd my selfe to death.
The pleasyngst meanes boade not the luckiest endes.
Not aye, found treasure to lyke plesure tendes.
Mirth meanes not myrth all tyme. thryse happy hyre
Of wyt, to shonne the excesse that all desyer.
But this I passe. I hye to other lyke.
My palfrey in the playnest paved streete,
Thryse bowed his boanes, thryse kneled on the flower,
Thryse shonnd (as Balams asse) the dreaded tower.
Not aye, found treasure to lyke plesure tendes.
Mirth meanes not myrth all tyme. thryse happy hyre
Of wyt, to shonne the excesse that all desyer.
But this I passe. I hye to other lyke.
My palfrey in the playnest paved streete,
Thryse bowed his boanes, thryse kneled on the flower,
Thryse shonnd (as Balams asse) the dreaded tower.
What? shoulde I thynke he had sence of after happs?
As beastes forshew the drought or rayny drapps,
As humoures in them want or ells abound,
By influence from the heavens, or chaunge of grounde?
Or doe we enterprete by successe eche sygne?
And as we fansye of ech happ devyne?
And make that cause, that kynne is to theffect?
Not havyng ought of consequence respect?
As beastes forshew the drought or rayny drapps,
As humoures in them want or ells abound,
By influence from the heavens, or chaunge of grounde?
Or doe we enterprete by successe eche sygne?
And as we fansye of ech happ devyne?
And make that cause, that kynne is to theffect?
Not havyng ought of consequence respect?
Bucephalus kneeling onely to his lorde,
Shewed onely, he was, monarche of the world.
Whye maye not then, the steede foreshew by fall,
What Casuall happ the sitter happen shall?
Darius horse by brayeng brought a realme.
And what letteth, why he ne is (as the Asse) Gods meane,
By speakyng sygne, to shew his hap to come,
Whoe is deaf hearer of his speakyng domme?
Shewed onely, he was, monarche of the world.
Whye maye not then, the steede foreshew by fall,
What Casuall happ the sitter happen shall?
Darius horse by brayeng brought a realme.
And what letteth, why he ne is (as the Asse) Gods meane,
By speakyng sygne, to shew his hap to come,
Whoe is deaf hearer of his speakyng domme?
286
But forward yet. In tower streete I stayed.
Where (could I have seene) loe Haward al bewrayde.
For as I commond with a pryest I mett:
Away my lord quoth he. your tyme ne is yet
To take a pryest. Loe, Synon myght be seene,
Had Troyans eares, as they had hares foole eyen.
But, whome thou God allotted hast to dye
Some grace it is to dye with wympled eye.
Where (could I have seene) loe Haward al bewrayde.
For as I commond with a pryest I mett:
Away my lord quoth he. your tyme ne is yet
To take a pryest. Loe, Synon myght be seene,
Had Troyans eares, as they had hares foole eyen.
But, whome thou God allotted hast to dye
Some grace it is to dye with wympled eye.
Ne was this all. For even at Towerwharfe,
Neare to those walles within whose syght I starfe,
Where erst, in sorowe sowst and depe distresse,
I emparted all my pynyng pensyfnesse
With Hastynges: (so my pursevaunt men call)
Even there, the same to meete hit did me fall.
Who gan to me most dolefully renewe,
The wofull conference had erst in that Lieu.
Neare to those walles within whose syght I starfe,
Where erst, in sorowe sowst and depe distresse,
I emparted all my pynyng pensyfnesse
With Hastynges: (so my pursevaunt men call)
Even there, the same to meete hit did me fall.
Who gan to me most dolefully renewe,
The wofull conference had erst in that Lieu.
Hastinges (quoth I) accordyng now they fare,
At Pomfret this daye dyeng, whoe caused that care.
My self have all the world now at my will,
With pleasures cloyed, engorged with the fyll.
God graunt it so quoth he whye doutest thou tho
Quoth I? and all in chafe, to hym gan shewe
In ample wyse, our drift with tedious tale.
And entred so the tower to my bale.
At Pomfret this daye dyeng, whoe caused that care.
My self have all the world now at my will,
With pleasures cloyed, engorged with the fyll.
God graunt it so quoth he whye doutest thou tho
Quoth I? and all in chafe, to hym gan shewe
In ample wyse, our drift with tedious tale.
And entred so the tower to my bale.
287
What should we thinke of sygnes? They are but happs.
How maye they then, be sygnes of afterclaps?
Doth every Chaunce forshew or cause some other?
Or endyng at it selfe, extendth no furder?
As thoverflowyng floude some mount doth choake,
But to his ayde some other floud hit yoake:
So, yf with sygnes thy synnes once ioyne, beware.
Els wherto chaunces tend, nere curyous care.
How maye they then, be sygnes of afterclaps?
Doth every Chaunce forshew or cause some other?
Or endyng at it selfe, extendth no furder?
As thoverflowyng floude some mount doth choake,
But to his ayde some other floud hit yoake:
So, yf with sygnes thy synnes once ioyne, beware.
Els wherto chaunces tend, nere curyous care.
Had not my synne deserued my death as wreake,
What myght my myrth have hurt? or horses becke?
Or Hawardes bitter scoffe? or Hastinges talke?
What meane then foole Astrologers to calke,
That twyncklyng sterres flyng downe the fixed fate?
And all is guyded by the sterrye state?
Perdye, a certayne taxe assygnd they have
To shyne, and tymes divyde, not fate to grave.
What myght my myrth have hurt? or horses becke?
Or Hawardes bitter scoffe? or Hastinges talke?
What meane then foole Astrologers to calke,
That twyncklyng sterres flyng downe the fixed fate?
And all is guyded by the sterrye state?
Perdye, a certayne taxe assygnd they have
To shyne, and tymes divyde, not fate to grave.
But graunt they somwhat gyve: is at one instant
Of every babe the byrth in heauen so skannd,
That they that restlesse roll, and never staye,
Should in his lyfe beare yet so vyolent swaye:
That, not his actions onely next to byrth,
But even last fyne, and death be sweyed therwith?
Howe may one mocion make so sundry effectes?
Or one impression tend to such respectes?
Of every babe the byrth in heauen so skannd,
That they that restlesse roll, and never staye,
Should in his lyfe beare yet so vyolent swaye:
That, not his actions onely next to byrth,
But even last fyne, and death be sweyed therwith?
Howe may one mocion make so sundry effectes?
Or one impression tend to such respectes?
Some rule there is yet. Els, whye were differrd
Tyll nowe, these plages, so long ere now deserved?
Yf for they are tryfles, they ne seeme of care:
But toyes with god the statelyest scepters are.
Yet in them to playne, doth appere foresett,
The certayne rule and fatall lymytes sett.
Yet thinke we not, this sure foresettyng fate.
But Gods fast prouydence for eche pryncely state.
Tyll nowe, these plages, so long ere now deserved?
Yf for they are tryfles, they ne seeme of care:
But toyes with god the statelyest scepters are.
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The certayne rule and fatall lymytes sett.
Yet thinke we not, this sure foresettyng fate.
But Gods fast prouydence for eche pryncely state.
And hath he erst restraynd his provydence?
Or is he nygard of his free dispence?
Or is he vncertayne foresett dryfts to dryue?
That not Dame Chaunce but he all goods may gyve?
A heathen god they hold, whoe fortune keepe,
To deal them happs, whyle god they ween a sleepe.
Mock godds they are, and many Gods induce,
Whoe fortune fayne to father theyr abuse.
Or is he nygard of his free dispence?
Or is he vncertayne foresett dryfts to dryue?
That not Dame Chaunce but he all goods may gyve?
A heathen god they hold, whoe fortune keepe,
To deal them happs, whyle god they ween a sleepe.
Mock godds they are, and many Gods induce,
Whoe fortune fayne to father theyr abuse.
Howe so it be, hit mought have warned me.
But, what I could not, that in me see ye.
Whoe runne in race, the honour lyke to wynn,
Whose fayrest forme, nought maye deforme but synne.
Alas, when most I dyd defye all dread,
By syngle heare deaths sworde hong over my head.
For herk the end and lysten now my fall.
This is the last, and this the fruit of all.
But, what I could not, that in me see ye.
Whoe runne in race, the honour lyke to wynn,
Whose fayrest forme, nought maye deforme but synne.
Alas, when most I dyd defye all dread,
By syngle heare deaths sworde hong over my head.
For herk the end and lysten now my fall.
This is the last, and this the fruit of all.
To Councell chamber come, awhyle we stayd
For hym, without whom nought was done or sayd.
At last he came, and curteously excused,
For he so long our patience had abused.
And pleasantly began to paynt his cheare,
And sayd. My lord of Elye, would we had here
Some of the strawberyes, whereof you haue stoare.
The last delyghted me as nothyng more.
For hym, without whom nought was done or sayd.
At last he came, and curteously excused,
For he so long our patience had abused.
And pleasantly began to paynt his cheare,
And sayd. My lord of Elye, would we had here
Some of the strawberyes, whereof you haue stoare.
The last delyghted me as nothyng more.
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Would, what so ye wyshe, I mought as well commaund,
My lord (quoth he) as those. And out of hand.
His servant sendth to Elye place for them.
Out goeth from vs the restlesse devyll agayne.
Belyke (I thynk) scarce yet perswaded full,
To worke the mischiefe that thus maddeth his scull.
At last determynd, of his bloudy thought
And force ordaynd, to worke the wyle he sought:
My lord (quoth he) as those. And out of hand.
His servant sendth to Elye place for them.
Out goeth from vs the restlesse devyll agayne.
Belyke (I thynk) scarce yet perswaded full,
To worke the mischiefe that thus maddeth his scull.
At last determynd, of his bloudy thought
And force ordaynd, to worke the wyle he sought:
Frownyng he enters, with so chaunged cheare,
As for myld May had chopped fowle Januere.
And lowryng on me with the goggle eye,
The whetted tuske, and furrowed forhead hye,
His Crooked shoulder bristellyke set vp,
With frothy Iawes, whose foame he chawed and suppd,
With angry lookes that flamed as the fyer:
Thus gan at last to grunt the grymest syre.
As for myld May had chopped fowle Januere.
And lowryng on me with the goggle eye,
The whetted tuske, and furrowed forhead hye,
His Crooked shoulder bristellyke set vp,
With frothy Iawes, whose foame he chawed and suppd,
With angry lookes that flamed as the fyer:
Thus gan at last to grunt the grymest syre.
What earned they, whoe me, the kyngdomes staye,
Contryved have councell, trayterously to slaye?
Abashed all sate. I thought I mought be bolld,
For conscyence clearenesse, and acquayntaunce olld.
Theyr hyre is playne quoth I. Be death the least,
To whoe so seekth your grace so to molest.
Withouten staye: the Queene, and the whore shores wyfe,
By witchcraft (quoth he) seeke to wast my lyfe.
Contryved have councell, trayterously to slaye?
Abashed all sate. I thought I mought be bolld,
For conscyence clearenesse, and acquayntaunce olld.
Theyr hyre is playne quoth I. Be death the least,
To whoe so seekth your grace so to molest.
Withouten staye: the Queene, and the whore shores wyfe,
By witchcraft (quoth he) seeke to wast my lyfe.
Loe here the wythered and bewytched arme,
That thus is spent by those .ii. Sorceresse charme.
And bared his arme and shewed his swynyshe skynne.
Suche cloakes they vse, that seek to clowd theyr synne.
But out alas, hit serueth not for the rayne.
To all the howse the coloure was to playne.
Nature had gyven hym many a maymed marke,
And hit amonges, to note her monstrous warke.
That thus is spent by those .ii. Sorceresse charme.
And bared his arme and shewed his swynyshe skynne.
Suche cloakes they vse, that seek to clowd theyr synne.
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To all the howse the coloure was to playne.
Nature had gyven hym many a maymed marke,
And hit amonges, to note her monstrous warke.
My doubtfull hart distracted this replye.
For thone I cared not. Thother nyppd so nye
That whyst I could not. But forthwith brake forth.
Yf so hit be, of death they are doutlesse worth.
Yf, traytour quod he? playest thou with yfs and ands?
Ile on thy body avowe it with these hands.
And therwithall he myghtely bounced the bord.
In rushd hys byll men. one hym selfe bestyrrd.
For thone I cared not. Thother nyppd so nye
That whyst I could not. But forthwith brake forth.
Yf so hit be, of death they are doutlesse worth.
Yf, traytour quod he? playest thou with yfs and ands?
Ile on thy body avowe it with these hands.
And therwithall he myghtely bounced the bord.
In rushd hys byll men. one hym selfe bestyrrd.
Layeng at lord Stanley. whose braine he had suerly cleft
Had he not downe beneath the table crept.
But Elye, Yorke, and I, were taken strayght.
Imprysoned they: I should no longar wayt,
But charged was to shryue me, and shyft with hast.
My lord must dyne, and now midday was past.
The boares first dyshe, not the boares head should be.
But Hastynges heade the boaryshe beast would see.
Had he not downe beneath the table crept.
But Elye, Yorke, and I, were taken strayght.
Imprysoned they: I should no longar wayt,
But charged was to shryue me, and shyft with hast.
My lord must dyne, and now midday was past.
The boares first dyshe, not the boares head should be.
But Hastynges heade the boaryshe beast would see.
Whye staye I his dyner? vnto the chapell ioyneth
A greenish hyll, that body and sowle oft twyneth.
There on a block my head was stryken of.
Iohn Baptists dishe, for Herode bloudy gnoffe.
Thus lyved I Baldwyn, thus dyed I, thus I fell:
This is the summe. which all at large to tell
Would volumes fyll. whence yet these lessons note
Ye noble lords, to learne and kenne by roate.
A greenish hyll, that body and sowle oft twyneth.
There on a block my head was stryken of.
Iohn Baptists dishe, for Herode bloudy gnoffe.
Thus lyved I Baldwyn, thus dyed I, thus I fell:
This is the summe. which all at large to tell
Would volumes fyll. whence yet these lessons note
Ye noble lords, to learne and kenne by roate.
By fylthy rysyng feare your names to stayne.
Yf not for vertues love, for dread of payne.
Whome so the myndes vnquyet state vpheaves,
Be hit for love or feare: when fancye reaves
Reason his ryght, by mockyng of the witt:
Yf once the cause of this affection flytt,
Reason preuaylyng on the vnbrydled thought:
Downe tottreth whoe by fansy clombe aloft.
Yf not for vertues love, for dread of payne.
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Be hit for love or feare: when fancye reaves
Reason his ryght, by mockyng of the witt:
Yf once the cause of this affection flytt,
Reason preuaylyng on the vnbrydled thought:
Downe tottreth whoe by fansy clombe aloft.
So hath the ryser fowle no staye of fall,
No not of those that raysd hym fyrst of all.
His surety standes, in maynteynyng the cawse
That heaved him first, which reft by reasons sawes,
Not onelye fallth he to hys former state,
But lyveth for ever in his prynces hate.
And marke my lordes, God for adultery sleaeth
Though ye it thynk to sweet a synne for death.
No not of those that raysd hym fyrst of all.
His surety standes, in maynteynyng the cawse
That heaved him first, which reft by reasons sawes,
Not onelye fallth he to hys former state,
But lyveth for ever in his prynces hate.
And marke my lordes, God for adultery sleaeth
Though ye it thynk to sweet a synne for death.
Serve truely your prynce and fear no rebells myght,
On princes halves the myghty god doth fyght.
O much more then forsweare a forein foe,
Whoe seeketh your realme and countrey to vndoe.
Murther detest, have hands vnstaynd with bloude.
Aye with your succour do protect the good.
Chace treason where trust should be. wed to your frend
Youre hart and power, to your lyves last end.
On princes halves the myghty god doth fyght.
O much more then forsweare a forein foe,
Whoe seeketh your realme and countrey to vndoe.
Murther detest, have hands vnstaynd with bloude.
Aye with your succour do protect the good.
Chace treason where trust should be. wed to your frend
Youre hart and power, to your lyves last end.
Flye tickle credyte, shonne alyke distrust.
To true hit is, and credyte it you must:
The Ialous nature wanteth no stormy stryfe,
The symple sowle aye leadeth a sower lyfe.
Beware of flaterers, frends in outward showe.
Best is of such to make thyne open foe.
What all men seek, that all men seek to fayne.
Some such to be, some such to seeme, them payne.
To true hit is, and credyte it you must:
The Ialous nature wanteth no stormy stryfe,
The symple sowle aye leadeth a sower lyfe.
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Best is of such to make thyne open foe.
What all men seek, that all men seek to fayne.
Some such to be, some such to seeme, them payne.
Marke gods iust iudgments, punishyng synne by synne.
And slyppery state wherin aloft we swymme.
The prouerbe, all day vp yf we ne fall,
Agreeth well to vs hye heaved worldlynges all.
From dunghill couche vpsterte, in honours weed
We shyne: whyle fortune false, (whome none erst feed
To stand with staye and forswear ticklnesse:)
Sowseth vs in myre of durtye brittlenesse.
And slyppery state wherin aloft we swymme.
The prouerbe, all day vp yf we ne fall,
Agreeth well to vs hye heaved worldlynges all.
From dunghill couche vpsterte, in honours weed
We shyne: whyle fortune false, (whome none erst feed
To stand with staye and forswear ticklnesse:)
Sowseth vs in myre of durtye brittlenesse.
And learne ye prynces by my wronged sprite,
Not to misseconster what is meant aryght.
The whinged wordes to oft preuent the wytt,
When sylence ceassth afore the lypps to sytt.
Alas, what may the wordes yeeld worthy death?
The words worst is, the speakers stynkyng breath.
Words are but wynd. whye cost they then so muche?
The guylty kyck, when they to smartly touche.
Not to misseconster what is meant aryght.
The whinged wordes to oft preuent the wytt,
When sylence ceassth afore the lypps to sytt.
Alas, what may the wordes yeeld worthy death?
The words worst is, the speakers stynkyng breath.
Words are but wynd. whye cost they then so muche?
The guylty kyck, when they to smartly touche.
Forth irreturnable flyeth the spoken word,
Be hit in scoffe, in earest, or in bourd.
Without returne, and vnreceyved, hit hangs.
And at the takers mercy, or rygour, stands.
Which yf he sowerly wrest with wrathfull cheare,
The shyveryng word turns to the speakers feare.
Yf frendly curtesye do the word resollve,
To the Speakers comfort sweetly hit dissolueth.
Be hit in scoffe, in earest, or in bourd.
Without returne, and vnreceyved, hit hangs.
And at the takers mercy, or rygour, stands.
Which yf he sowerly wrest with wrathfull cheare,
The shyveryng word turns to the speakers feare.
Yf frendly curtesye do the word resollve,
To the Speakers comfort sweetly hit dissolueth.
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Even as the vapour which the fyer repells,
Turns not to earth, but in mydd aer dwells.
Where whyle it hangth, yf Boreas frosty flawes
With rygour rattle yt: not to rayne it thawes,
But thonder, lyghtnynges, rattlyng hayle and snow
Sends downe to earth, whence first hit rose below.
But yf fayre phebus with his countenaunce sweete
Resolue it, downe the dewe, or Manna fleeteth.
Turns not to earth, but in mydd aer dwells.
Where whyle it hangth, yf Boreas frosty flawes
With rygour rattle yt: not to rayne it thawes,
But thonder, lyghtnynges, rattlyng hayle and snow
Sends downe to earth, whence first hit rose below.
But yf fayre phebus with his countenaunce sweete
Resolue it, downe the dewe, or Manna fleeteth.
The Manna dew, that in the easterne lands,
Excellth the laboure of the bees small hands.
Els for her Memnon gray, Auroras teares,
On the earth hit stylleth, the partner of her feares.
Or sendeth sweete showers to gladd theyr mother earth,
Whence fyrst they tooke theyr fyrst inconstant byrth.
To so great gryefes, ill taken wynd doth grow.
Of words well taken, such delyghtes do flowe.
Excellth the laboure of the bees small hands.
Els for her Memnon gray, Auroras teares,
On the earth hit stylleth, the partner of her feares.
Or sendeth sweete showers to gladd theyr mother earth,
Whence fyrst they tooke theyr fyrst inconstant byrth.
To so great gryefes, ill taken wynd doth grow.
Of words well taken, such delyghtes do flowe.
This learned, thus be here at length an end.
What synce ensued, to the I wyll commend.
Now farewell Baldwyn, shyeld my torne name,
From sclaunderous trompe of blastyng black defame.
But ere I part, hereof thou record beare.
I clayme no part of vertues reckned here.
My vyce my selfe, but god my vertues take.
So hence depart I, as I entred, naked.
What synce ensued, to the I wyll commend.
Now farewell Baldwyn, shyeld my torne name,
From sclaunderous trompe of blastyng black defame.
But ere I part, hereof thou record beare.
I clayme no part of vertues reckned here.
My vyce my selfe, but god my vertues take.
So hence depart I, as I entred, naked.
Thus ended Hastynges both his lyfe and tale,
Contaynyng all his blysse, and worldes bale.
Happye he lyved, to happye but for synne,
Happye he dyed whome ryght hys death dyd bryng.
Thus ever happy. For there rests no meane
Twyse blyssefull lyfes and balefull deathes extreame.
Yet feared not his foes to head his name.
And by these sclaunders to procure hys shame.
Contaynyng all his blysse, and worldes bale.
Happye he lyved, to happye but for synne,
Happye he dyed whome ryght hys death dyd bryng.
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Twyse blyssefull lyfes and balefull deathes extreame.
Yet feared not his foes to head his name.
And by these sclaunders to procure hys shame.
In rousty armure as in extreame shyft,
They cladd them selues, to cloake theyr diuelysh dryft.
And forthwith for substancyall cytezyns sent,
Declaryng to them, Hastynges forged entent
Was to haue slayne the duke: and to haue seysed
The kyngs yonge person, slayeng whom he had pleasd.
But god of Iustyce had withturnd that fate,
Which where hit ought, lyght on hys proper pate.
They cladd them selues, to cloake theyr diuelysh dryft.
And forthwith for substancyall cytezyns sent,
Declaryng to them, Hastynges forged entent
Was to haue slayne the duke: and to haue seysed
The kyngs yonge person, slayeng whom he had pleasd.
But god of Iustyce had withturnd that fate,
Which where hit ought, lyght on hys proper pate.
Then fedd they fame by proclamation spredd,
Nought to forgett, that mought defame hym dead,
Which was so curyous, and so clerkly pennd,
So long with all: that when some dyd attend
Hys death so yonge: they saw, that longe afore
The Shroud was shaped, then babe to dye was boare.
So wonteth god to blynde the worldly wyse,
That not to see, that all the world espyes.
Nought to forgett, that mought defame hym dead,
Which was so curyous, and so clerkly pennd,
So long with all: that when some dyd attend
Hys death so yonge: they saw, that longe afore
The Shroud was shaped, then babe to dye was boare.
So wonteth god to blynde the worldly wyse,
That not to see, that all the world espyes.
One hearyng hit, cryed out. A goodly cast,
And well contryved, fowle cast away for hast.
Wherto another gan in scoffe replye,
Fyrst pennd it was by enspyryng prophecye.
So can god reape vp secrete mischiefes wrought,
To the confusyon of the workers thought.
My lords, the tubb, that drownd the Clarence duke,
Dround not his death, ne yet his deathes rebuke.
And well contryved, fowle cast away for hast.
Wherto another gan in scoffe replye,
Fyrst pennd it was by enspyryng prophecye.
So can god reape vp secrete mischiefes wrought,
To the confusyon of the workers thought.
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Dround not his death, ne yet his deathes rebuke.
Your polytyke secretes gard with trusty loyaltye
So shall they lurk in most assured secretye.
By Hastynges death, and after fame, ye learne,
The earth for murther cryeth out vengeaunce sterne.
Flye from his fautes, and spare his quyted fame.
The Eager houndes forbeare theyr slayne game.
Deade, deade. Avaunt Curres from the conquered chase.
Ill mought he lyue who loveth the deade to race.
So shall they lurk in most assured secretye.
By Hastynges death, and after fame, ye learne,
The earth for murther cryeth out vengeaunce sterne.
Flye from his fautes, and spare his quyted fame.
The Eager houndes forbeare theyr slayne game.
Deade, deade. Avaunt Curres from the conquered chase.
Ill mought he lyue who loveth the deade to race.
Thus lyued this lord, thus dyed he, thus he slept.
Mids forward race when first to rest he stept,
Envyous death, that bounceth as well with mace
At Caysars courtes, as at the poorest gates:
When nature seemd to slow, by artes sloape meane,
Conueyghd him sooner to his liues extreame.
Happy, in preuenting woes that after happd,
In slomber swete his liuing lightes he lappd.
Mids forward race when first to rest he stept,
Envyous death, that bounceth as well with mace
At Caysars courtes, as at the poorest gates:
When nature seemd to slow, by artes sloape meane,
Conueyghd him sooner to his liues extreame.
Happy, in preuenting woes that after happd,
In slomber swete his liuing lightes he lappd.
Whose thus vntimely death, yf any grieve:
Knowe he, he lived to dye, and dyed to lyue.
Vntimely neuer comes the liues last mett.
In Cradle death may rightly clayme his dett.
Strayght after byrth due is the fatall beere.
By deathes permission the aged linger here.
Euen in thy Swathebands out commission goeth
To loose thy breath, that yet but yongly bloweth.
Knowe he, he lived to dye, and dyed to lyue.
Vntimely neuer comes the liues last mett.
In Cradle death may rightly clayme his dett.
Strayght after byrth due is the fatall beere.
By deathes permission the aged linger here.
Euen in thy Swathebands out commission goeth
To loose thy breath, that yet but yongly bloweth.
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Happy, thrise happy, who so loosth his breath,
As life he gayneth by his liuing death.
As Hastinges here. Whom time and truthe agree,
To engrave by fame in strong eternitie.
Who spareth not spitting, if he spitte but bloud?
Yet this our lord, spared not for others good,
With one swete breath his present death to speake,
Agaynst the vsurpour Boare, that hellyshe freak.
As life he gayneth by his liuing death.
As Hastinges here. Whom time and truthe agree,
To engrave by fame in strong eternitie.
Who spareth not spitting, if he spitte but bloud?
Yet this our lord, spared not for others good,
With one swete breath his present death to speake,
Agaynst the vsurpour Boare, that hellyshe freak.
Worthy to liue, who liued not for him selfe
But prised his fame more then this worldly pelfe.
Whose name and line, if any yet preserue,
We wyshe they liue like honour to deserue.
Whether thou seke by Martial prowesse prayse,
Or Pallas pollecie hygh thy name to rayse,
Or trustye seruice iust death to attayne:
Hastinges foreled. Trace here his bloudy trayne.
But prised his fame more then this worldly pelfe.
Whose name and line, if any yet preserue,
We wyshe they liue like honour to deserue.
Whether thou seke by Martial prowesse prayse,
Or Pallas pollecie hygh thy name to rayse,
Or trustye seruice iust death to attayne:
Hastinges foreled. Trace here his bloudy trayne.
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The Induction.
The wrathfull winter prochinge on a pace,
With blustring blastes had al ybared the treen,
And olde Saturnus with his frosty face
With chilling colde had pearst the tender green:
The mantels rent, wherein enwrapped been
The gladsom groves that nowe laye ouerthrowen,
The tapets torne, and euery blome downe blowen.
With blustring blastes had al ybared the treen,
And olde Saturnus with his frosty face
With chilling colde had pearst the tender green:
The mantels rent, wherein enwrapped been
The gladsom groves that nowe laye ouerthrowen,
The tapets torne, and euery blome downe blowen.
The soyle that earst so seemely was to seen
Was all despoyled of her beauties hewe:
And soot freshe flowers (wherwith the sommers queen
Had clad the earth) now Boreas blastes downe blewe.
And small fowles flocking, in theyr song did rewe
The winters wrath, wherwith eche thing defaste
In woful wise bewayld the sommer past.
Was all despoyled of her beauties hewe:
And soot freshe flowers (wherwith the sommers queen
Had clad the earth) now Boreas blastes downe blewe.
And small fowles flocking, in theyr song did rewe
The winters wrath, wherwith eche thing defaste
In woful wise bewayld the sommer past.
Hawthorne had lost his motley lyverye,
The naked twigges were shivering all for colde:
And dropping downe the teares abundantly,
Eche thing (me thought) with weping eye me tolde
The cruell season, bidding me withholde
My selfe within, for I was gotten out
Into the fieldes where as I walkte about.
The naked twigges were shivering all for colde:
And dropping downe the teares abundantly,
Eche thing (me thought) with weping eye me tolde
The cruell season, bidding me withholde
My selfe within, for I was gotten out
Into the fieldes where as I walkte about.
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When loe the night with mistie mantels spred
Gan darke the daye, and dim the azure skyes,
And Venus in her message Hermes sped
To bluddy Mars, to wyl him not to ryse,
While she her selfe approcht in speedy wise:
And Virgo hiding her disdaineful brest
With Thetis nowe had layd her downe to rest.
Gan darke the daye, and dim the azure skyes,
And Venus in her message Hermes sped
To bluddy Mars, to wyl him not to ryse,
While she her selfe approcht in speedy wise:
And Virgo hiding her disdaineful brest
With Thetis nowe had layd her downe to rest.
Whiles Scorpio dreading Sagittarius dart,
Whose bowe prest bent in sight, the string had slypt,
Downe slyd into the Ocean flud aparte,
The Beare that in the Iryshe seas had dipt
His griesly feete, with spede from thence he whypt:
For Thetis hasting from the Virgines bed,
Pursued the Bear, that ear she came was fled.
Whose bowe prest bent in sight, the string had slypt,
Downe slyd into the Ocean flud aparte,
The Beare that in the Iryshe seas had dipt
His griesly feete, with spede from thence he whypt:
For Thetis hasting from the Virgines bed,
Pursued the Bear, that ear she came was fled.
And Phaeton nowe neare reaching to his race
With glistering beames, gold streamynge where they bent,
Was prest to enter in his resting place.
Erythius that in the cart fyrste went
Had euen nowe attaynde his iourneyes stent.
And fast declining hid away his head,
while Titan couched him in his purple bed.
With glistering beames, gold streamynge where they bent,
Was prest to enter in his resting place.
Erythius that in the cart fyrste went
Had euen nowe attaynde his iourneyes stent.
And fast declining hid away his head,
while Titan couched him in his purple bed.
And pale Cinthea with her borowed light
Beginning to supply her brothers place,
was past the Noonesteede syxe degrees in sight
when sparklyng starres amyd the heauens face
with twinkling light shoen on the earth apace,
That whyle they brought about the nightes chare,
The darke had dimmed the daye ear I was ware.
Beginning to supply her brothers place,
was past the Noonesteede syxe degrees in sight
when sparklyng starres amyd the heauens face
with twinkling light shoen on the earth apace,
That whyle they brought about the nightes chare,
The darke had dimmed the daye ear I was ware.
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And sorowing I to see the sommer flowers,
The liuely greene, the lusty leas forlorne,
The sturdy trees so shattered with the showers,
The fieldes so fade that floorisht so beforne,
It taught me wel all earthly thinges be borne
To dye the death, for nought long time may last.
The sommers beauty yeeldes to winters blast.
The liuely greene, the lusty leas forlorne,
The sturdy trees so shattered with the showers,
The fieldes so fade that floorisht so beforne,
It taught me wel all earthly thinges be borne
To dye the death, for nought long time may last.
The sommers beauty yeeldes to winters blast.
Then looking vpward to the heauens leames
with nightes starres thicke powdred euery where,
which erst so glistened with the golden streames
That chearefull Phebus spred downe from his sphere,
Beholding darke oppressing day so neare:
The sodayne sight reduced to my minde,
The sundry chaunges that in earth we fynde.
with nightes starres thicke powdred euery where,
which erst so glistened with the golden streames
That chearefull Phebus spred downe from his sphere,
Beholding darke oppressing day so neare:
The sodayne sight reduced to my minde,
The sundry chaunges that in earth we fynde.
That musing on this worldly wealth in thought,
which comes and goes more faster than we see
The flyckering flame that with the fyer is wrought,
My busie minde presented vnto me
Such fall of pieres as in this realme had be:
That ofte I wisht some would their woes descryue.
To warne the rest whom fortune left aliue.
which comes and goes more faster than we see
The flyckering flame that with the fyer is wrought,
My busie minde presented vnto me
Such fall of pieres as in this realme had be:
That ofte I wisht some would their woes descryue.
To warne the rest whom fortune left aliue.
And strayt forth stalking with redoubled pace
For that I sawe the night drewe on so fast,
In blacke all clad there fell before my face
A piteous wight, whom woe had al forwaste,
Furth from her iyen the cristall teares outbrast,
And syghing sore her handes she wrong and folde,
Tare al her heare that ruth was to beholde.
For that I sawe the night drewe on so fast,
In blacke all clad there fell before my face
A piteous wight, whom woe had al forwaste,
Furth from her iyen the cristall teares outbrast,
And syghing sore her handes she wrong and folde,
Tare al her heare that ruth was to beholde.
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Her body small forwithered and forespent,
As is the stalke that sommers drought opprest,
Her wealked face with woful teares besprent,
Her colour pale, and (as it seemd her best)
In woe and playnt reposed was her rest.
And as the stone that droppes of water weares,
So dented were her cheekes with fall of teares.
As is the stalke that sommers drought opprest,
Her wealked face with woful teares besprent,
Her colour pale, and (as it seemd her best)
In woe and playnt reposed was her rest.
And as the stone that droppes of water weares,
So dented were her cheekes with fall of teares.
Her iyes swollen with flowing streames aflote,
Wherewith her lookes throwen vp full piteouslye,
Her forceles handes together ofte she smote,
With dolefull shrikes, that eckoed in the skye:
Whose playnt such sighes dyd strayt accompany,
That in my doome was neuer man did see
A wight but halfe so woe begon as she.
Wherewith her lookes throwen vp full piteouslye,
Her forceles handes together ofte she smote,
With dolefull shrikes, that eckoed in the skye:
Whose playnt such sighes dyd strayt accompany,
That in my doome was neuer man did see
A wight but halfe so woe begon as she.
I stoode agast beholding all her plight,
Tweene dread and dolour so distreynd in hart
That while my heares vpstarted with the sight,
The teares out streamde for sorowe of her smart:
But when I sawe no ende that could aparte
The deadly dewle, which she so sore dyd make,
With dolefull voice then thus to her I spake.
Tweene dread and dolour so distreynd in hart
That while my heares vpstarted with the sight,
The teares out streamde for sorowe of her smart:
But when I sawe no ende that could aparte
The deadly dewle, which she so sore dyd make,
With dolefull voice then thus to her I spake.
Vnwrap thy woes what euer wight thou be
And stint betime to spill thy selfe wyth playnt,
Tell what thou art, and whence, for well I see
Thou canst not dure wyth sorowe thus attaynt.
And with that worde of sorrowe all forfaynt
She looked vp, and prostrate as she laye
With piteous sound loe thus she gan to saye.
And stint betime to spill thy selfe wyth playnt,
Tell what thou art, and whence, for well I see
Thou canst not dure wyth sorowe thus attaynt.
And with that worde of sorrowe all forfaynt
She looked vp, and prostrate as she laye
With piteous sound loe thus she gan to saye.
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Alas, I wretche whom thus thou seest distreyned
With wasting woes that neuer shall aslake,
Sorrowe I am, in endeles tormentes payned,
Among the furies in the infernall lake:
Where Pluto god of Hel so griesly blacke
Doth holde his throne, and Letheus deadly taste
Doth rieue remembraunce of eche thyng forepast.
With wasting woes that neuer shall aslake,
Sorrowe I am, in endeles tormentes payned,
Among the furies in the infernall lake:
Where Pluto god of Hel so griesly blacke
Doth holde his throne, and Letheus deadly taste
Doth rieue remembraunce of eche thyng forepast.
Whence come I am, the drery destinie
And luckeles lot for to bemone of those,
Whom Fortune in this maze of miserie
Of wretched chaunce most wofull myrrours chose
That when thou seest how lightly they did lose
Theyr pompe, theyr power, & that they thought most sure,
Thou mayest soone deeme no earthly ioye may dure.
And luckeles lot for to bemone of those,
Whom Fortune in this maze of miserie
Of wretched chaunce most wofull myrrours chose
That when thou seest how lightly they did lose
Theyr pompe, theyr power, & that they thought most sure,
Thou mayest soone deeme no earthly ioye may dure.
Whose rufull voyce no sooner had out brayed
Those wofull wordes, wherewith she sorrowed so,
But out alas she shryght and never stayed,
Fell downe, and all to dasht her selfe for woe.
The colde pale dread my lyms gan overgo,
And I so sorrowed at her sorowes eft,
That what with griefe and feare my wittes were reft.
Those wofull wordes, wherewith she sorrowed so,
But out alas she shryght and never stayed,
Fell downe, and all to dasht her selfe for woe.
The colde pale dread my lyms gan overgo,
And I so sorrowed at her sorowes eft,
That what with griefe and feare my wittes were reft.
I strecht my selfe, and strayt my hart reuiues,
That dread and dolour erst did so appale,
Lyke him that with the feruent feuer stryves
When sickenes seekes his castell health to skale:
With gathered spirites so forst I feare to auale.
And rearing her with anguishe all fordone,
My spirits returnd, and then I thus begonne.
That dread and dolour erst did so appale,
Lyke him that with the feruent feuer stryves
When sickenes seekes his castell health to skale:
With gathered spirites so forst I feare to auale.
And rearing her with anguishe all fordone,
My spirits returnd, and then I thus begonne.
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O Sorrowe, alas, sith Sorrowe is thy name,
And that to thee this drere doth well pertayne,
In vayne it were to seeke to ceas the same:
But as a man hym selfe with sorrowe slayne,
So I alas do comfort thee in payne,
That here in sorrowe art forsonke so depe
That at thy sight I can but sigh and wepe.
And that to thee this drere doth well pertayne,
In vayne it were to seeke to ceas the same:
But as a man hym selfe with sorrowe slayne,
So I alas do comfort thee in payne,
That here in sorrowe art forsonke so depe
That at thy sight I can but sigh and wepe.
I had no sooner spoken of a syke
But that the storme so rumbled in her brest,
As Eolus could neuer roare the like,
And showers downe rayned from her iyen so fast,
That all bedreynt the place, till at the last
Well eased they the dolour of her minde,
As rage of rayne doth swage the stormy wynde.
But that the storme so rumbled in her brest,
As Eolus could neuer roare the like,
And showers downe rayned from her iyen so fast,
That all bedreynt the place, till at the last
Well eased they the dolour of her minde,
As rage of rayne doth swage the stormy wynde.
For furth she paced in her fearfull tale:
Cum, cum, (quod she) and see what I shall shewe,
Cum heare the playning, and the bytter bale
Of worthy men, by Fortune ouerthrowe.
Cum thou and see them rewing al in rowe.
They were but shades that erst in minde thou rolde.
Cum, cum with me, thine iyes shall them beholde.
Cum, cum, (quod she) and see what I shall shewe,
Cum heare the playning, and the bytter bale
Of worthy men, by Fortune ouerthrowe.
Cum thou and see them rewing al in rowe.
They were but shades that erst in minde thou rolde.
Cum, cum with me, thine iyes shall them beholde.
What could these wordes but make me more agast?
To heare her tell whereon I musde while eare?
So was I mazed therewyth, tyll at the last,
Musing vpon her wurdes, and what they were,
All sodaynly well lessoned was my feare:
For to my minde returned howe she telde
Both what she was, and where her wun she helde.
To heare her tell whereon I musde while eare?
So was I mazed therewyth, tyll at the last,
Musing vpon her wurdes, and what they were,
All sodaynly well lessoned was my feare:
For to my minde returned howe she telde
Both what she was, and where her wun she helde.
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Whereby I knewe that she a Goddesse was,
And therewithall resorted to my minde
My thought, that late presented me the glas
Of brittle state, of cares that here we finde,
Of thousand woes to silly men assynde:
And howe she nowe byd me come and beholde,
To see with iye that erst in thought I rolde.
And therewithall resorted to my minde
My thought, that late presented me the glas
Of brittle state, of cares that here we finde,
Of thousand woes to silly men assynde:
And howe she nowe byd me come and beholde,
To see with iye that erst in thought I rolde.
Flat downe I fell, and with al reuerence
Adored her, perceyuing nowe that she
A Goddesse sent by godly prouidence,
In earthly shape thus showed her selfe to me,
To wayle and rue this worldes vncertayntye:
And while I honourd thus her godheds might,
With playning voyce these wurdes to me she shryght.
Adored her, perceyuing nowe that she
A Goddesse sent by godly prouidence,
In earthly shape thus showed her selfe to me,
To wayle and rue this worldes vncertayntye:
And while I honourd thus her godheds might,
With playning voyce these wurdes to me she shryght.
I shal the guyde first to the griesly lake,
And thence vnto the blisfull place of rest.
Where thou shalt see and heare the playnt they make,
That whilom here bare swinge among the best.
This shalt thou see, but great is the vnrest
That thou must byde before thou canst attayne
Vnto the dreadfull place where these remayne.
And thence vnto the blisfull place of rest.
Where thou shalt see and heare the playnt they make,
That whilom here bare swinge among the best.
This shalt thou see, but great is the vnrest
That thou must byde before thou canst attayne
Vnto the dreadfull place where these remayne.
And with these wurdes as I vpraysed stood,
And gan to folowe her that strayght furth paced,
Eare I was ware, into a desert wood
We nowe were cum: where hand in hand imbraced,
She led the way, and through the thicke so traced,
As but I had bene guyded by her might,
It was no waye for any mortall wight.
And gan to folowe her that strayght furth paced,
Eare I was ware, into a desert wood
We nowe were cum: where hand in hand imbraced,
She led the way, and through the thicke so traced,
As but I had bene guyded by her might,
It was no waye for any mortall wight.
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But loe, while thus amid the desert darke,
We passed on with steppes and pace vnmete:
A rumbling roar confusde with howle and barke
Of Dogs, shoke all the ground vnder our feete,
And stroke the din within our eares so deepe,
As halfe distraught vnto the ground I fell,
Besought retourne, and not to visite hell.
We passed on with steppes and pace vnmete:
A rumbling roar confusde with howle and barke
Of Dogs, shoke all the ground vnder our feete,
And stroke the din within our eares so deepe,
As halfe distraught vnto the ground I fell,
Besought retourne, and not to visite hell.
But she forthwith vplifting me apace
Remoued my dread, and with a stedfast minde
Bad me come on, for here was now the place,
The place where we our trauayle ende should finde.
Wherewith I arose, and to the place assynde
Astoynde I stalke, when strayt we approched nere
The dredfull place, that you wil dread to here.
Remoued my dread, and with a stedfast minde
Bad me come on, for here was now the place,
The place where we our trauayle ende should finde.
Wherewith I arose, and to the place assynde
Astoynde I stalke, when strayt we approched nere
The dredfull place, that you wil dread to here.
An hydeous hole al vaste, withouten shape,
Of endles depth, orewhelmde with ragged stone,
Wyth ougly mouth, and grisly Iawes doth gape,
And to our sight confounds it selfe in one.
Here entred we, and yeding forth, anone
An horrible lothly lake we might discerne
As blacke as pitche, that cleped is Auerne.
Of endles depth, orewhelmde with ragged stone,
Wyth ougly mouth, and grisly Iawes doth gape,
And to our sight confounds it selfe in one.
Here entred we, and yeding forth, anone
An horrible lothly lake we might discerne
As blacke as pitche, that cleped is Auerne.
A deadly gulfe where nought but rubbishe growes,
With fowle blacke swelth in thickned lumpes that lyes,
Which vp in the ayer such stinking vapors throwes
That ouer there, may flye no fowle but dyes,
Choakt with the pestilent sauours that aryse.
Hither we cum, whence forth we still dyd pace,
In dreadful feare amid the dreadfull place.
With fowle blacke swelth in thickned lumpes that lyes,
Which vp in the ayer such stinking vapors throwes
That ouer there, may flye no fowle but dyes,
Choakt with the pestilent sauours that aryse.
Hither we cum, whence forth we still dyd pace,
In dreadful feare amid the dreadfull place.
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And first within the portche and iawes of Hell
Sate diepe Remorse of conscience, al besprent
With teares: and to her selfe oft would she tell
Her wretchednes, and cursing neuer stent
To sob and sigh: but euer thus lament,
With thoughtful care, as she that all in vayne
Would weare and waste continually in payne.
Sate diepe Remorse of conscience, al besprent
With teares: and to her selfe oft would she tell
Her wretchednes, and cursing neuer stent
To sob and sigh: but euer thus lament,
With thoughtful care, as she that all in vayne
Would weare and waste continually in payne.
Her iyes vnstedfast rolling here and there,
Whurld on eche place, as place that vengeaunce brought,
So was her minde continually in feare,
Tossed and tormented with the tedious thought
Of those detested crymes which she had wrought:
With dreadful cheare and lookes throwen to the skye,
Wyshyng for death, and yet she could not dye.
Whurld on eche place, as place that vengeaunce brought,
So was her minde continually in feare,
Tossed and tormented with the tedious thought
Of those detested crymes which she had wrought:
With dreadful cheare and lookes throwen to the skye,
Wyshyng for death, and yet she could not dye.
Next sawe we Dread al tremblyng how he shooke,
With foote vncertayne profered here and there:
Benumde of speache, and with a gastly looke
Searcht euery place al pale and dead for feare,
His cap borne vp with staring of his heare,
Stoynde and amazde at his owne shade for dreed,
And fearing greater daungers than was nede.
With foote vncertayne profered here and there:
Benumde of speache, and with a gastly looke
Searcht euery place al pale and dead for feare,
His cap borne vp with staring of his heare,
Stoynde and amazde at his owne shade for dreed,
And fearing greater daungers than was nede.
And next within the entry of this lake
Sate fell Reuenge gnashing her teeth for yre,
Deuising meanes howe she may vengeaunce take,
Neuer in rest tyll she haue her desire:
But frets within so farforth with the fyer
Of wreaking flames, that nowe determines she,
To dye by death, or vengde by death to be.
Sate fell Reuenge gnashing her teeth for yre,
Deuising meanes howe she may vengeaunce take,
Neuer in rest tyll she haue her desire:
But frets within so farforth with the fyer
Of wreaking flames, that nowe determines she,
To dye by death, or vengde by death to be.
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When fell Reuenge with bloudy foule pretence
Had showed her selfe as next in order set,
With trembling limmes we softly parted thence,
Tyll in our iyes another sight we met:
When fro my hart a sigh forthwith I fet
Rewing alas vpon the wofull plight
Of Miserie, that next appered in sight.
Had showed her selfe as next in order set,
With trembling limmes we softly parted thence,
Tyll in our iyes another sight we met:
When fro my hart a sigh forthwith I fet
Rewing alas vpon the wofull plight
Of Miserie, that next appered in sight.
His face was leane, and sumdeale pyned away,
And eke his handes consumed to the bone,
But what his body was I can not say,
For on his carkas, rayment had he none
Saue cloutes & patches pieced one by one.
With staffe in hand, and skrip on shoulders cast,
His chiefe defence agaynst the winters blast.
And eke his handes consumed to the bone,
But what his body was I can not say,
For on his carkas, rayment had he none
Saue cloutes & patches pieced one by one.
With staffe in hand, and skrip on shoulders cast,
His chiefe defence agaynst the winters blast.
His foode for most, was wylde fruytes of the tree,
Vnles sumtime sum crummes fell to his share:
Which in his wallet, long God wote kept he.
As on the which full dayntlye would he fare.
His drinke the running streame: his cup the bare
Of his palme closed, his bed the hard colde grounde.
To this poore life was Miserie ybound.
Vnles sumtime sum crummes fell to his share:
Which in his wallet, long God wote kept he.
As on the which full dayntlye would he fare.
His drinke the running streame: his cup the bare
Of his palme closed, his bed the hard colde grounde.
To this poore life was Miserie ybound.
Whose wretched state when we had well behelde
With tender ruth on him and on his feres,
In thoughtful cares, furth then our pace we helde.
And by and by, an other shape apperes
Of Greedy care, stil brushing vp the breres,
His knuckles knobd, his fleshe deepe dented in,
With tawed handes, and hard ytanned skyn.
With tender ruth on him and on his feres,
In thoughtful cares, furth then our pace we helde.
And by and by, an other shape apperes
Of Greedy care, stil brushing vp the breres,
His knuckles knobd, his fleshe deepe dented in,
With tawed handes, and hard ytanned skyn.
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The morrowe graye no sooner hath begunne
To spreade his light euen peping in our iyes,
When he is vp and to his worke yrunne,
But let the nightes blacke mistye mantels rise,
And with fowle darke neuer so much disguyse
The fayre bright day, yet ceasseth he no whyle,
But hath his candels to prolong his toyle.
To spreade his light euen peping in our iyes,
When he is vp and to his worke yrunne,
But let the nightes blacke mistye mantels rise,
And with fowle darke neuer so much disguyse
The fayre bright day, yet ceasseth he no whyle,
But hath his candels to prolong his toyle.
By him lay Heauy slepe the cosin of death
Flat on the ground, and stil as any stone,
A very corps, save yelding forth a breath.
Small kepe tooke he whom Fortune frowned on.
Or whom she lifted vp into the trone
Of high renowne, but as a liuing death,
So dead alyve, of lyef he drewe the breath.
Flat on the ground, and stil as any stone,
A very corps, save yelding forth a breath.
Small kepe tooke he whom Fortune frowned on.
Or whom she lifted vp into the trone
Of high renowne, but as a liuing death,
So dead alyve, of lyef he drewe the breath.
The bodyes rest, the quyete of the hart,
The travayles ease, the still nightes feer was he.
And of our life in earth the better parte,
Reuer of sight, and yet in whom we see
Thinges oft that tide, and ofte that neuer bee.
Without respect esteming equally
Kyng Cresus pompe, and Irus pouertie.
The travayles ease, the still nightes feer was he.
And of our life in earth the better parte,
Reuer of sight, and yet in whom we see
Thinges oft that tide, and ofte that neuer bee.
Without respect esteming equally
Kyng Cresus pompe, and Irus pouertie.
And next in order sad Olde age we found
His beard al hoare, his iyes hollow and blynde,
With drouping chere still poring on the ground,
As on the place where nature him assinde
To rest, when that the sisters had vntwynde
His vitall threde, and ended with theyr knyfe
The fleting course of fast declining life.
His beard al hoare, his iyes hollow and blynde,
With drouping chere still poring on the ground,
As on the place where nature him assinde
To rest, when that the sisters had vntwynde
His vitall threde, and ended with theyr knyfe
The fleting course of fast declining life.
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There heard we him with broken and hollow playnt
Rewe with him selfe his ende approching fast,
And all for nought his wretched minde torment.
With swete remembraunce of his pleasures past,
And freshe delites of lusty youth forwaste.
Recounting which, how would he sob & shrike?
And to be yong againe of Ioue beseke.
Rewe with him selfe his ende approching fast,
And all for nought his wretched minde torment.
With swete remembraunce of his pleasures past,
And freshe delites of lusty youth forwaste.
Recounting which, how would he sob & shrike?
And to be yong againe of Ioue beseke.
But and the cruell fates so fixed be
That time forepast can not retourne agayne,
This one request of Ioue yet prayed he:
That in such withered plight, and wretched paine,
As elde (accompanied with his lothsom trayne.)
Had brought on him, all were it woe and griefe.
He myght a while yet linger forth his lief,
That time forepast can not retourne agayne,
This one request of Ioue yet prayed he:
That in such withered plight, and wretched paine,
As elde (accompanied with his lothsom trayne.)
Had brought on him, all were it woe and griefe.
He myght a while yet linger forth his lief,
And not so soone descend into the pit:
Where death, when he the mortall corps hath slayne,
With retcheles hande in grave doth couer it,
Thereafter neuer to enioye agayne
The gladsome light, but in the ground ylayne,
In depth of darkenes waste and weare to nought,
As he had neuer into the world been brought.
Where death, when he the mortall corps hath slayne,
With retcheles hande in grave doth couer it,
Thereafter neuer to enioye agayne
The gladsome light, but in the ground ylayne,
In depth of darkenes waste and weare to nought,
As he had neuer into the world been brought.
But who had seene him sobbing, howe he stoode
Vnto him selfe and howe he would bemone
His youth forepast, as though it wrought hym good
To talke of youth, al wer his youth foregone,
He would haue mused, & meruayld muche whereon
This wretched age should life desyre so fayne,
And knowes ful wel life doth but length his payne.
Vnto him selfe and howe he would bemone
His youth forepast, as though it wrought hym good
To talke of youth, al wer his youth foregone,
He would haue mused, & meruayld muche whereon
This wretched age should life desyre so fayne,
And knowes ful wel life doth but length his payne.
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Crookebackt he was, toothshaken, and blere iyed,
Went on three feete, and sometime crept on fower,
With olde lame bones, that ratled by his syde,
His skalpe all pilde, & he with elde forlore:
His withered fist stil knocking at deathes dore,
Fumbling and driueling as he drawes his breth,
For briefe the shape and messenger of death.
Went on three feete, and sometime crept on fower,
With olde lame bones, that ratled by his syde,
His skalpe all pilde, & he with elde forlore:
His withered fist stil knocking at deathes dore,
Fumbling and driueling as he drawes his breth,
For briefe the shape and messenger of death.
And fast by him pale Maladie was plaste,
Sore sicke in bed, her colour al forgone,
Bereft of stomake, sauor, and of taste,
Ne could she brooke no meat but brothes alone.
Her breath corrupt, her kepers euery one
Abhorring her, her sickenes past recure,
Detesting phisicke, and all phisickes cure.
Sore sicke in bed, her colour al forgone,
Bereft of stomake, sauor, and of taste,
Ne could she brooke no meat but brothes alone.
Her breath corrupt, her kepers euery one
Abhorring her, her sickenes past recure,
Detesting phisicke, and all phisickes cure.
But oh the doleful sight that then we see,
We turnde our looke and on the other side
A griesly shape of Famine mought we see,
With greedy lookes, and gaping mouth that cryed,
And roard for meat as she should there haue dyed,
Her body thin and bare as any bone,
Wherto was left nought but the case alone.
We turnde our looke and on the other side
A griesly shape of Famine mought we see,
With greedy lookes, and gaping mouth that cryed,
And roard for meat as she should there haue dyed,
Her body thin and bare as any bone,
Wherto was left nought but the case alone.
And that alas was knawen on euery where,
All full of holes, that I ne mought refrayne
From teares, to se how she her armes could teare
And with her teeth gnashe on the bones in vayne:
When all for nought she fayne would so sustayne
Her starven corps, that rather seemde a shade,
Then any substaunce of a creature made.
All full of holes, that I ne mought refrayne
From teares, to se how she her armes could teare
And with her teeth gnashe on the bones in vayne:
When all for nought she fayne would so sustayne
Her starven corps, that rather seemde a shade,
Then any substaunce of a creature made.
Great was her force whom stonewall could not stay,
Her tearyng nayles snatching at all she sawe:
With gaping Iawes that by no meanes ymay
Be satisfyed from hunger of her mawe,
But eates her selfe as she that hath no lawe:
Gnawyng alas her carkas all in vayne,
Where you may count eche sinow, bone, and vayne.
Her tearyng nayles snatching at all she sawe:
With gaping Iawes that by no meanes ymay
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But eates her selfe as she that hath no lawe:
Gnawyng alas her carkas all in vayne,
Where you may count eche sinow, bone, and vayne.
On her while we thus firmely fixt our iyes,
That bled for ruth of such a drery sight,
Loe sodaynelye she shryght in so huge wyse,
As made hell gates to shyver with the myght.
Wherewith a darte we sawe howe it did lyght.
Ryght on her brest, and therewithal pale death
Enthryllyng it to reve her of her breath.
That bled for ruth of such a drery sight,
Loe sodaynelye she shryght in so huge wyse,
As made hell gates to shyver with the myght.
Wherewith a darte we sawe howe it did lyght.
Ryght on her brest, and therewithal pale death
Enthryllyng it to reve her of her breath.
And by and by a dum dead corps we sawe,
Heauy and colde, the shape of death aryght,
That dauntes all earthly creatures to his lawe:
Agaynst whose force in vayne it is to fyght
Ne piers, ne princes, nor no mortall wyght,
No townes, ne realmes, cities, ne strongest tower,
But al perforce must yeeld vnto his power.
Heauy and colde, the shape of death aryght,
That dauntes all earthly creatures to his lawe:
Agaynst whose force in vayne it is to fyght
Ne piers, ne princes, nor no mortall wyght,
No townes, ne realmes, cities, ne strongest tower,
But al perforce must yeeld vnto his power.
His Dart anon out of the corps he tooke,
And in his hand (a dreadfull sight to see)
With great tryumphe eftsones the same he shooke,
That most of all my feares affrayed me:
His bodie dight with nought but bones perdye
The naked shape of man there sawe I playne,
All save the fleshe, the synowe, and the vayne.
And in his hand (a dreadfull sight to see)
With great tryumphe eftsones the same he shooke,
That most of all my feares affrayed me:
His bodie dight with nought but bones perdye
The naked shape of man there sawe I playne,
All save the fleshe, the synowe, and the vayne.
Lastly stoode Warre in glitteryng armes yclad.
With visage grym, sterne lookes, and blackely hewed
In his right hand a naked sworde he had,
That to the hiltes was al with blud embrewed:
And in his left (that kinges and kingdomes rewed)
Famine and fyer he held, and therewythall
He razed townes, and threwe downe towers and all.
With visage grym, sterne lookes, and blackely hewed
In his right hand a naked sworde he had,
That to the hiltes was al with blud embrewed:
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Famine and fyer he held, and therewythall
He razed townes, and threwe downe towers and all.
Cities he sakt, and realmes that whilom flowred,
In honor, glory, and rule above the best,
He overwhelmde, and all theyr fame deuowred,
Consumed, destroyed, wasted, and neuer ceast,
Tyll he theyr wealth, theyr name, and all opprest.
His face forhewed with woundes, and by his side,
There hunge his targe with gashes depe and wyde.
In honor, glory, and rule above the best,
He overwhelmde, and all theyr fame deuowred,
Consumed, destroyed, wasted, and neuer ceast,
Tyll he theyr wealth, theyr name, and all opprest.
His face forhewed with woundes, and by his side,
There hunge his targe with gashes depe and wyde.
In mids of which, depaynted there we founde
Deadly debate, al ful of snaky heare,
That with a blouddy fillet was ybound,
Outbrething nought but discord euery where.
And round about were portrayd here and there
The hugie hostes, Darius and his power,
His kynges, prynces, his pieres, and all his flower.
Deadly debate, al ful of snaky heare,
That with a blouddy fillet was ybound,
Outbrething nought but discord euery where.
And round about were portrayd here and there
The hugie hostes, Darius and his power,
His kynges, prynces, his pieres, and all his flower.
Whom great Macedo vanquisht there in sight,
With diepe slaughter, dispoylyng all his pryde,
Pearst through his realmes, and daunted all his might.
Duke Hanniball beheld I there beside,
In Cannas field, victor howe he did ride,
And woful Romaynes that in vayne withstoode
And Consull Paulus covered all in blood.
With diepe slaughter, dispoylyng all his pryde,
Pearst through his realmes, and daunted all his might.
Duke Hanniball beheld I there beside,
In Cannas field, victor howe he did ride,
And woful Romaynes that in vayne withstoode
And Consull Paulus covered all in blood.
Yet sawe I more the fight at Trasimene.
And Trebey field, and eke when Hanniball
And worthy Scipio last in armes were seene
Before Carthago gate, to trye for all
The worldes empyre, to whom it should befal.
There sawe I Pompeye, and Cesar clad in armes,
Theyr hostes alyed and al theyr civil harmes.
And Trebey field, and eke when Hanniball
And worthy Scipio last in armes were seene
Before Carthago gate, to trye for all
The worldes empyre, to whom it should befal.
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Theyr hostes alyed and al theyr civil harmes.
With conquerours hands forbathde in their owne blood,
And Cesar weping ouer Pompeyes head.
Yet sawe I Scilla and Marius where they stoode,
Theyr great crueltie, and the diepe bludshed
Of frendes: Cyrus I sawe and his host dead,
And howe the Queene with great despyte hath flonge
His head in bloud of them she overcome.
And Cesar weping ouer Pompeyes head.
Yet sawe I Scilla and Marius where they stoode,
Theyr great crueltie, and the diepe bludshed
Of frendes: Cyrus I sawe and his host dead,
And howe the Queene with great despyte hath flonge
His head in bloud of them she overcome.
Xerxes the Percian kyng yet sawe I there
With his huge host that dranke the riuers drye,
Dismounted hilles, and made the vales vprere,
His hoste and all yet sawe I slayne perdye.
Thebes I sawe all razde howe it dyd lye
In heapes of stones, and Tyrus put to spoyle,
With walles and towers flat euened with the soyle.
With his huge host that dranke the riuers drye,
Dismounted hilles, and made the vales vprere,
His hoste and all yet sawe I slayne perdye.
Thebes I sawe all razde howe it dyd lye
In heapes of stones, and Tyrus put to spoyle,
With walles and towers flat euened with the soyle.
But Troy alas (me thought) aboue them all,
It made myne iyes in very teares consume:
When I beheld the wofull werd befall,
That by the wrathfull wyl of Gods was come:
And Ioves vnmooved sentence and foredoome
On Priam kyng, and on his towne so bent.
I could not lyn, but I must there lament.
It made myne iyes in very teares consume:
When I beheld the wofull werd befall,
That by the wrathfull wyl of Gods was come:
And Ioves vnmooved sentence and foredoome
On Priam kyng, and on his towne so bent.
I could not lyn, but I must there lament.
And that the more sith destinie was so sterne
As force perforce, there might no force auayle,
But she must fall: and by her fall we learne,
That cities, towres, wealth, world, and al shall quayle.
No manhoode, might, nor nothing mought preuayle,
Al were there prest ful many a prynce and piere
And many a knight that solde his death full deere.
As force perforce, there might no force auayle,
But she must fall: and by her fall we learne,
That cities, towres, wealth, world, and al shall quayle.
No manhoode, might, nor nothing mought preuayle,
Al were there prest ful many a prynce and piere
And many a knight that solde his death full deere.
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Not wurthy Hector wurthyest of them all,
Her hope, her ioye, his force is nowe for nought.
O Troy, Troy, there is no boote but bale,
The hugie horse within thy walles is brought:
Thy turrets fall, thy knightes that whilom fought
In armes amyd the fyeld, are slayne in bed,
Thy Gods defylde, and all thy honour dead.
Her hope, her ioye, his force is nowe for nought.
O Troy, Troy, there is no boote but bale,
The hugie horse within thy walles is brought:
Thy turrets fall, thy knightes that whilom fought
In armes amyd the fyeld, are slayne in bed,
Thy Gods defylde, and all thy honour dead.
The flames vpspring, and cruelly they crepe
From wall to roofe, til all to cindres waste,
Some fyer the houses where the wretches slepe,
Sum rushe in here, sum run in there as fast.
In euery where or sworde or fyer they taste.
The walles are torne, the towers whurld to the ground,
There is no mischiefe but may there be found.
From wall to roofe, til all to cindres waste,
Some fyer the houses where the wretches slepe,
Sum rushe in here, sum run in there as fast.
In euery where or sworde or fyer they taste.
The walles are torne, the towers whurld to the ground,
There is no mischiefe but may there be found.
Cassandra yet there sawe I howe they haled
From Pallas house, with spercled tresse vndone,
Her wristes fast bound, and with Greeks rout empaled:
And Priam eke in vayne howe he did runne
To armes, whom Pyrrhus with despite hath done
To cruel death, and bathed him in the bayne
Of his sonnes blud before the altare slayne.
From Pallas house, with spercled tresse vndone,
Her wristes fast bound, and with Greeks rout empaled:
And Priam eke in vayne howe he did runne
To armes, whom Pyrrhus with despite hath done
To cruel death, and bathed him in the bayne
Of his sonnes blud before the altare slayne.
But howe can I descryve the doleful sight,
That in the shylde so liuelike fayer did shyne?
Sith in this world I thinke was neuer wyght
Could haue set furth the halfe, not halfe so fyne.
I can no more but tell howe there is seene
Fayer Ilium fal in burning red gledes downe,
And from the soyle great Troy Neptunus towne.
That in the shylde so liuelike fayer did shyne?
Sith in this world I thinke was neuer wyght
Could haue set furth the halfe, not halfe so fyne.
I can no more but tell howe there is seene
Fayer Ilium fal in burning red gledes downe,
And from the soyle great Troy Neptunus towne.
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Herefrom when scarce I could mine iyes withdrawe
That fylde with teares as doeth the spryngyng well,
We passed on so far furth tyl we sawe
Rude Acheron, a lothsome lake to tell
That boyles and bubs vp swelth as blacke as hell.
Where grisly Charon at theyr fixed tide
Stil ferreies ghostes vnto the farder side,
That fylde with teares as doeth the spryngyng well,
We passed on so far furth tyl we sawe
Rude Acheron, a lothsome lake to tell
That boyles and bubs vp swelth as blacke as hell.
Where grisly Charon at theyr fixed tide
Stil ferreies ghostes vnto the farder side,
The aged God no sooner sorowe spyed,
But hasting strayt vnto the banke apace
With hollow call vnto the rout he cryed,
To swarve apart, and geue the Goddesse place.
Strayt it was done, when to the shoar we pace,
Where hand in hand as we then linked fast,
Within the boate we are together plaste.
But hasting strayt vnto the banke apace
With hollow call vnto the rout he cryed,
To swarve apart, and geue the Goddesse place.
Strayt it was done, when to the shoar we pace,
Where hand in hand as we then linked fast,
Within the boate we are together plaste.
And furth we launch ful fraughted to the brinke,
Whan with the vnwonted weyght, the rustye keele
Began to cracke as if the same should sinke.
We hoyse vp mast and sayle, that in a whyle.
We set the shore, where scarcely we had while
For to arryve, but that we heard anone
A thre sound barke confounded al in one.
Whan with the vnwonted weyght, the rustye keele
Began to cracke as if the same should sinke.
We hoyse vp mast and sayle, that in a whyle.
We set the shore, where scarcely we had while
For to arryve, but that we heard anone
A thre sound barke confounded al in one.
We had not long furth past, but that we sawe,
Blacke Cerberus the hydeous hound of hell,
With bristles reard, and with a thre mouthed Iawe,
Foredinning the ayer with his horrible yel.
Out of the diepe darke cave where he did dwell,
The Goddesse strayt he knewe, and by and by
He peaste and couched, while that we passed by.
Blacke Cerberus the hydeous hound of hell,
With bristles reard, and with a thre mouthed Iawe,
Foredinning the ayer with his horrible yel.
Out of the diepe darke cave where he did dwell,
The Goddesse strayt he knewe, and by and by
He peaste and couched, while that we passed by.
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Thence cum we to the horrour and the hel,
The large great kyngdomes, and the dreadful raygne
Of Pluto in his trone where he dyd dwell,
The wyde waste places, and the hugye playne:
The waylinges, shrykes, and sundry sortes of payne,
The syghes, the sobbes, the diepe and deadly groane,
Earth, ayer, and all resounding playnt and moane.
The large great kyngdomes, and the dreadful raygne
Of Pluto in his trone where he dyd dwell,
The wyde waste places, and the hugye playne:
The waylinges, shrykes, and sundry sortes of payne,
The syghes, the sobbes, the diepe and deadly groane,
Earth, ayer, and all resounding playnt and moane.
Here pewled the babes, and here the maydes vnwed
with folded handes theyr sory chaunce bewayled,
Here wept the gyltles slayne, and louers dead,
That slewe them selues when nothyng els auayled;
A thousand sortes of sorrowes here that wayled
with sighes and teares, sobs, shrykes, and all yfere,
That (oh alas) it was a hel to heare.
with folded handes theyr sory chaunce bewayled,
Here wept the gyltles slayne, and louers dead,
That slewe them selues when nothyng els auayled;
A thousand sortes of sorrowes here that wayled
with sighes and teares, sobs, shrykes, and all yfere,
That (oh alas) it was a hel to heare.
we stayed vs strayt, and wyth a rufull feare,
Beheld this heauy sight, while from mine eyes,
The vapored teares downstilled here and there,
And Sorowe eke in far more woful wyse.
Tooke on with playnt, vp heauing to the skyes
Her wretched handes, that with her crye the rout
Gan all in heapes to swarme vs round about.
Beheld this heauy sight, while from mine eyes,
The vapored teares downstilled here and there,
And Sorowe eke in far more woful wyse.
Tooke on with playnt, vp heauing to the skyes
Her wretched handes, that with her crye the rout
Gan all in heapes to swarme vs round about.
Loe here (quoth Sorowe) Prynces of renowne,
That whilom sat on top of Fortunes wheele
Nowe layed ful lowe, like wretches whurled downe,
Euen with one frowne, that stayed but with a smyle,
And nowe behold the thing that thou erewhile,
Saw only in thought, and what thou now shalt heare
Recompt the same to Kesar, King, and Pier.
That whilom sat on top of Fortunes wheele
Nowe layed ful lowe, like wretches whurled downe,
Euen with one frowne, that stayed but with a smyle,
And nowe behold the thing that thou erewhile,
Saw only in thought, and what thou now shalt heare
Recompt the same to Kesar, King, and Pier.
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Then first came Henry duke of Buckingham,
His cloke of blacke al pilde and quite forworne,
Wringing his handes, and Fortune ofte doth blame,
Which of a duke hath made him nowe her skorne.
With gastly lookes as one in maner lorne,
Oft spred his armes, stretcht handes he ioynes as fast,
With ruful chere, and vapored eyes vpcast.
His cloke of blacke al pilde and quite forworne,
Wringing his handes, and Fortune ofte doth blame,
Which of a duke hath made him nowe her skorne.
With gastly lookes as one in maner lorne,
Oft spred his armes, stretcht handes he ioynes as fast,
With ruful chere, and vapored eyes vpcast.
His cloke he rent, his manly breast he beat,
His heare al torne about the place it laye,
My hart so molte to see his griefe so great,
As felingly me thought it dropt awaye:
His iyes they whurled about withouten staye,
With stormy syghes the place dyd so complayne,
As if his hart at eche had burst in twayne.
His heare al torne about the place it laye,
My hart so molte to see his griefe so great,
As felingly me thought it dropt awaye:
His iyes they whurled about withouten staye,
With stormy syghes the place dyd so complayne,
As if his hart at eche had burst in twayne.
Thryse he began to tell his doleful tale,
And thrise the sighes did swalowe vp his voyce,
At eche of which he shryked so wythal
As though the heauens rived with the noyse:
Tyll at the last recovering his voyce,
Supping the teares that all his brest beraynde
On cruel Fortune weping thus he playnde.
And thrise the sighes did swalowe vp his voyce,
At eche of which he shryked so wythal
As though the heauens rived with the noyse:
Tyll at the last recovering his voyce,
Supping the teares that all his brest beraynde
On cruel Fortune weping thus he playnde.
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The complaynt of Henrye duke of Buckingham.
Who trustes to much in honours highest trone
And warely watche not slye dame Fortunes snare:
Or who in courte will beare the swaye alone,
And wysely weygh not howe to wyeld the care,
Beholde he me, and by my death beware:
Whom flattering Fortune falsely so begilde
That loe she slewe, where earst ful smooth she smylde.
And warely watche not slye dame Fortunes snare:
Or who in courte will beare the swaye alone,
And wysely weygh not howe to wyeld the care,
Beholde he me, and by my death beware:
Whom flattering Fortune falsely so begilde
That loe she slewe, where earst ful smooth she smylde.
And Sackeuylle sith in purpose nowe thou hast
The woful fal of prynces to discryve,
Whom Fortune both vplyft, and gayn downe cast,
To shewe thereby the vnsuerty in this life,
Marke wel my fal, which I shal shewe belive.
And paynt it furth that all estates may knowe:
Haue they the warning, and be mine the woe.
The woful fal of prynces to discryve,
Whom Fortune both vplyft, and gayn downe cast,
To shewe thereby the vnsuerty in this life,
Marke wel my fal, which I shal shewe belive.
And paynt it furth that all estates may knowe:
Haue they the warning, and be mine the woe.
For noble bloud made me both prince and pier
Yea pierles too, had reason purchast place,
And God with giftes endowed me largely here.
But what auayles his giftes where fayles his grace?
My mothers syer sprong of a kyngely race
And calde was Edmund duke of Somerset,
Bereft of lyef ere tyme by nature set.
Yea pierles too, had reason purchast place,
And God with giftes endowed me largely here.
But what auayles his giftes where fayles his grace?
My mothers syer sprong of a kyngely race
And calde was Edmund duke of Somerset,
Bereft of lyef ere tyme by nature set.
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Whose faythfull hart to Henry syxt so wrought
That never he hym in weale or woe forsooke,
Tyl lastly he at Tewxbury fyeld was cought
Where with an axe his violent death he toke:
He never could kyng Edwardes party brooke,
Tyll by his death he vouchte that quarell good,
In which his syer and graundsyer spylt theyr bloud.
That never he hym in weale or woe forsooke,
Tyl lastly he at Tewxbury fyeld was cought
Where with an axe his violent death he toke:
He never could kyng Edwardes party brooke,
Tyll by his death he vouchte that quarell good,
In which his syer and graundsyer spylt theyr bloud.
And such was erst my fathers cruell chaunce,
Of Stafford Earle by name that Humfrey hyght,
Who ever prest dyd Henries parte auaunce,
And neuer ceast tyl at Saynt Albones fight
He lost his lyfe as than did many a knyght:
where eke my graundsyer duke of Buckingham
was wounded sore, and hardly skapte vntane.
Of Stafford Earle by name that Humfrey hyght,
Who ever prest dyd Henries parte auaunce,
And neuer ceast tyl at Saynt Albones fight
He lost his lyfe as than did many a knyght:
where eke my graundsyer duke of Buckingham
was wounded sore, and hardly skapte vntane.
But what may boot to stay the sisters three?
When Atropos perforce wil cut the threde:
The doleful day was come when you might see
Northhampton fyeld with armed men orespred,
where fate would algates haue my graundsyer dead:
So rushyng furth amyds the fyercest fight,
He lived & dyed there in his maysters ryght.
When Atropos perforce wil cut the threde:
The doleful day was come when you might see
Northhampton fyeld with armed men orespred,
where fate would algates haue my graundsyer dead:
So rushyng furth amyds the fyercest fight,
He lived & dyed there in his maysters ryght.
In place of whom, as it befel my lot,
Like on a stage, so stept I in strayt waye,
Enioying there but wofully god wot,
As he that had a slender part to playe:
To teache therby, in earth no state may stay,
But as our partes abridge or length our age
So passe we all while others fyll the stage.
Like on a stage, so stept I in strayt waye,
Enioying there but wofully god wot,
As he that had a slender part to playe:
To teache therby, in earth no state may stay,
But as our partes abridge or length our age
So passe we all while others fyll the stage.
For of my selfe the drery fate to playne,
I was sometime a prince withouten pier,
When Edward fift began his ruful raygne,
Ay me, then I began that hatefull yeare,
To cumpas that which I have bought so deare:
I bare the swynge, I and that wretched wyght,
The duke of Glocester that Rychard hyght.
I was sometime a prince withouten pier,
When Edward fift began his ruful raygne,
Ay me, then I began that hatefull yeare,
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I bare the swynge, I and that wretched wyght,
The duke of Glocester that Rychard hyght.
For when the fates had reft that royal prince
Edward the fowrth, chiefe myrrour of that name,
The duke and I fast ioyned ever since,
In faythfull love, our secrete driftes to frame:
What he thought best, to me so seemde the same,
My selfe not bent so much for to aspyer,
As to fulfyl that greedy dukes desyre.
Edward the fowrth, chiefe myrrour of that name,
The duke and I fast ioyned ever since,
In faythfull love, our secrete driftes to frame:
What he thought best, to me so seemde the same,
My selfe not bent so much for to aspyer,
As to fulfyl that greedy dukes desyre.
Whose restles minde sore thyrsting after rule,
When that he sawe his nephewes both to ben
Through tender yeares as yet vnfyt to rule,
And rather ruled by theyr mothers kyn,
There sought he first his mischyefe to begyn,
To plucke from them theyr mothers frendes assynde,
For wel he wist they would withstand his mynde.
When that he sawe his nephewes both to ben
Through tender yeares as yet vnfyt to rule,
And rather ruled by theyr mothers kyn,
There sought he first his mischyefe to begyn,
To plucke from them theyr mothers frendes assynde,
For wel he wist they would withstand his mynde.
To folowe which, he ran so headlong swyft,
With eygre thyrst of his desired draught,
To seeke theyr deathes that sought to dashe his dryft,
Of whom the chiefe the Queenes allyes he thought,
That bent thereto wyth mountes of mischiefe fraught,
He knewe theyr lyues would be so sore his let,
That in theyr deathes his only helpe he set.
With eygre thyrst of his desired draught,
To seeke theyr deathes that sought to dashe his dryft,
Of whom the chiefe the Queenes allyes he thought,
That bent thereto wyth mountes of mischiefe fraught,
He knewe theyr lyues would be so sore his let,
That in theyr deathes his only helpe he set.
And I most cursed caytief that I was,
Seeing the state vnstedfast howe it stood,
His chief complyce to bryng the same to passe,
Vnhappy wretche consented to theyr blood:
Ye Kinges and Piers that swim in worldly good,
In seekyng blud the ende aduert you playne,
And see if bloud ey aske not blud agayne.
Seeing the state vnstedfast howe it stood,
His chief complyce to bryng the same to passe,
Vnhappy wretche consented to theyr blood:
Ye Kinges and Piers that swim in worldly good,
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And see if bloud ey aske not blud agayne.
Consyder Cyrus in your cruell thought,
A makeles prynce in ryches and in myght,
And weygh in minde the bloudy dedes he wrought,
In sheading which he set his whole delyght:
But see the guerdon lotted to this wyght,
He whose huge power no man might ouerthrowe,
Tomyris Queen with great despite hath slowe.
A makeles prynce in ryches and in myght,
And weygh in minde the bloudy dedes he wrought,
In sheading which he set his whole delyght:
But see the guerdon lotted to this wyght,
He whose huge power no man might ouerthrowe,
Tomyris Queen with great despite hath slowe.
His head dismembred from his mangled corps,
Her selfe she cast into a vessell fraught
With clottered bloud of them that felt her force.
And with these wordes a iust reward she taught:
Drynke nowe thy fyll of thy desyred draught.
Loe marke the fine that did this prynce befall:
Marke not this one, but marke the ende of all.
Her selfe she cast into a vessell fraught
With clottered bloud of them that felt her force.
And with these wordes a iust reward she taught:
Drynke nowe thy fyll of thy desyred draught.
Loe marke the fine that did this prynce befall:
Marke not this one, but marke the ende of all.
Behold Cambises and his fatal daye,
Where Murders mischief myrrour like is left:
While he his brother Mergus cast to slaye,
A dreadful thing, his wittes were him bereft.
A sword he caught wherewith he perced eft
His body gored, which he of liefe benooms:
So iust is God in al his dreadfull doomes.
Where Murders mischief myrrour like is left:
While he his brother Mergus cast to slaye,
A dreadful thing, his wittes were him bereft.
A sword he caught wherewith he perced eft
His body gored, which he of liefe benooms:
So iust is God in al his dreadfull doomes.
O bluddy Brutus rightly didst thou rew,
And thou Cassius iustly came thy fall,
That with the swurd wherewith thou Cesar slewe
Murdrest thy selfe, and reft thy life withall.
A myrrour let him be vnto you all
That murderers be, of murder to your meede:
For murder crieth out vengeance on your seede.
And thou Cassius iustly came thy fall,
That with the swurd wherewith thou Cesar slewe
Murdrest thy selfe, and reft thy life withall.
A myrrour let him be vnto you all
That murderers be, of murder to your meede:
For murder crieth out vengeance on your seede.
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Loe Bessus he that armde with murderers knyfe,
And traytrous hart agaynst his royall kyng,
With bluddy handes bereft his maysters life,
Aduert the fine his fowle offence dyd bryng:
And lothing murder as most lothly thing
Beholde in him the iust deserued fall,
That euer hath, and shall betide them all.
And traytrous hart agaynst his royall kyng,
With bluddy handes bereft his maysters life,
Aduert the fine his fowle offence dyd bryng:
And lothing murder as most lothly thing
Beholde in him the iust deserued fall,
That euer hath, and shall betide them all.
What booted him his false vsurped raygne?
Wherto by murder he did so ascende?
When like a wretche, led in an yron chayne
He was presented by his chiefest frende
Vnto the foes of him whom he had slayne:
That euen they should venge so fowle a gylt,
That rather sought to haue his bloud yspylt.
Wherto by murder he did so ascende?
When like a wretche, led in an yron chayne
He was presented by his chiefest frende
Vnto the foes of him whom he had slayne:
That euen they should venge so fowle a gylt,
That rather sought to haue his bloud yspylt.
Take hede ye princes and ye prelates all
Of this outrage, which though it slepe a while
And not disclosde, as it doth seeld befall,
Yet God that suffreth silence to beguyle
Such gyltes, wherwith both earth and ayre ye file,
At last discryes them to your fowle deface,
You see the examples set before your face.
Of this outrage, which though it slepe a while
And not disclosde, as it doth seeld befall,
Yet God that suffreth silence to beguyle
Such gyltes, wherwith both earth and ayre ye file,
At last discryes them to your fowle deface,
You see the examples set before your face.
And deepely grave within your stony hartes,
The drery dewle that myghty Macedo,
With teares vnfolded wrapt in deadly smartes,
When he the death of Clitus sorowed so,
whom erst he murdred wyth the deadly blowe
Raught in his rage vpon his frende so deare,
For which behold loe how his panges appere.
The drery dewle that myghty Macedo,
With teares vnfolded wrapt in deadly smartes,
When he the death of Clitus sorowed so,
whom erst he murdred wyth the deadly blowe
Raught in his rage vpon his frende so deare,
For which behold loe how his panges appere.
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The launced spear he writhes out of the wound,
From which the purple blud spins on his face:
His heynous gylt when he returned found,
He throwes him selfe vpon the corpes alas.
And in his armes howe ofte doth he imbrace
His murdred frende? and kyssyng him in vayne,
Furth flowe the fluds of salte repentant rayne.
From which the purple blud spins on his face:
His heynous gylt when he returned found,
He throwes him selfe vpon the corpes alas.
And in his armes howe ofte doth he imbrace
His murdred frende? and kyssyng him in vayne,
Furth flowe the fluds of salte repentant rayne.
His frendes amazde at such a murder doen,
In feareful flockes begyn to shrynke away.
And he thereat with heapes of griefe fordoen,
Hateth him selfe, wishing his latter daye.
Nowe he him selfe perceyued in like staye,
As is the wilde beast in the desert bred,
Both dreading others and him selfe adred.
In feareful flockes begyn to shrynke away.
And he thereat with heapes of griefe fordoen,
Hateth him selfe, wishing his latter daye.
Nowe he him selfe perceyued in like staye,
As is the wilde beast in the desert bred,
Both dreading others and him selfe adred.
He calles for Death, and loathing lenger lyfe,
Bent to his bane, refuseth kyndely foode:
And ploungde in depth of death and dolours stryfe,
Had quelde him selfe, had not his frendes wythstoode.
Loe he that thus had shed the gylteles blud,
Though he wer Kyng and Kesar over all
Yet chose he death to guerdon death withall.
Bent to his bane, refuseth kyndely foode:
And ploungde in depth of death and dolours stryfe,
Had quelde him selfe, had not his frendes wythstoode.
Loe he that thus had shed the gylteles blud,
Though he wer Kyng and Kesar over all
Yet chose he death to guerdon death withall.
This prynce whose pyer was never vnder sonne,
Whose glystening fame the earth did overglyde,
Whych with his power welnye the world had wonne,
His bluddy handes him selfe could not abyde,
But fully bent with famine to have dyed:
The wurthy prynce deemed in his regarde,
That death for death could be but iust rewarde.
Whose glystening fame the earth did overglyde,
Whych with his power welnye the world had wonne,
His bluddy handes him selfe could not abyde,
But fully bent with famine to have dyed:
The wurthy prynce deemed in his regarde,
That death for death could be but iust rewarde.
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Yet we that were so drowned in the depth
Of diepe desyre to drinke the gylteles blud,
Lyke to the wulfe, with greedy lookes that lepth
Into the snare, to feede on deadly foode,
So we delyghted in the state we stoode,
Blinded so farre in all our blynded trayne
That blind we sawe not our destruction playne.
Of diepe desyre to drinke the gylteles blud,
Lyke to the wulfe, with greedy lookes that lepth
Into the snare, to feede on deadly foode,
So we delyghted in the state we stoode,
Blinded so farre in all our blynded trayne
That blind we sawe not our destruction playne.
We spared none whose life could ought forlet
Our wycked purpose to his pas to cum.
Fower wurthy knyghtes we headed at Pomfret
Gylteles (God wote) withouten lawe or doome.
My heart even bleedes to tell you al and some,
And howe Lord Hastinges when he feared least,
Dispiteously was murdred and opprest.
Our wycked purpose to his pas to cum.
Fower wurthy knyghtes we headed at Pomfret
Gylteles (God wote) withouten lawe or doome.
My heart even bleedes to tell you al and some,
And howe Lord Hastinges when he feared least,
Dispiteously was murdred and opprest.
These rockes vpraught, that threatned most our wreck
We séemde to sayle much surer in the streame:
And Fortune faryng as she were at becke
Layed in our lap the rule of all the realme.
The nephewes strayt deposde were by the Eame.
And we advaunst to that we bought full deare,
He crowned king, and I his chyefest Pyer.
We séemde to sayle much surer in the streame:
And Fortune faryng as she were at becke
Layed in our lap the rule of all the realme.
The nephewes strayt deposde were by the Eame.
And we advaunst to that we bought full deare,
He crowned king, and I his chyefest Pyer.
Thus hauing wonne our long desired pray,
To make him king that he might make me chiefe,
Downthrow we strayt his sellie nephewes twaye,
From princes pompe, to woful prisoners lyfe:
In hope that nowe stynt was all furder stryfe.
Sith he was king, and I chiefe stroke did beare
Who ioyed but we, yet who more cause to feare?
To make him king that he might make me chiefe,
Downthrow we strayt his sellie nephewes twaye,
From princes pompe, to woful prisoners lyfe:
In hope that nowe stynt was all furder stryfe.
Sith he was king, and I chiefe stroke did beare
Who ioyed but we, yet who more cause to feare?
The gylteles bloud which we vniustly shed,
The royall babes deuested from theyr trone,
And we like traytours raygning in theyr sted,
These heauy burdens pressed vs vpon,
Tormenting vs so by our selues alone,
Much like the felon that pursued by night,
Startes at eche bushe as his foe were in sight.
The royall babes deuested from theyr trone,
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These heauy burdens pressed vs vpon,
Tormenting vs so by our selues alone,
Much like the felon that pursued by night,
Startes at eche bushe as his foe were in sight.
Nowe doubting state, nowe dreading losse of life,
In feare of wrecke at euery blast of wynde,
Now start in dreames through dread of murdrers knyfe,
As though euen then revengement were assynde.
With restles thought so is the guylty minde
Turmoyled, and never feeleth ease or stay,
But lives in feare of that which folowes aye.
In feare of wrecke at euery blast of wynde,
Now start in dreames through dread of murdrers knyfe,
As though euen then revengement were assynde.
With restles thought so is the guylty minde
Turmoyled, and never feeleth ease or stay,
But lives in feare of that which folowes aye.
Well gave that iudge his doome vpon the death
Of Titus Clelius that in bed was slayne:
Whan every wight the cruell murder leyeth
To his two sonnes that in his chamber layen,
The Iudge, that by the proofe perceyueth playne,
That they were found fast sleping in theyr bed,
Hath deemde them gylteles of this blud yshed.
Of Titus Clelius that in bed was slayne:
Whan every wight the cruell murder leyeth
To his two sonnes that in his chamber layen,
The Iudge, that by the proofe perceyueth playne,
That they were found fast sleping in theyr bed,
Hath deemde them gylteles of this blud yshed.
He thought it could not be, that they which brake
The lawes of God and man in such outrage
Could so forthwith them selves to slepe betake:
He rather thought the horror and the rage
Of such an haynous gylt, could never swage.
Nor never suffer them to slepe or rest,
Or dreadles breath one breth out of theyr brest.
The lawes of God and man in such outrage
Could so forthwith them selves to slepe betake:
He rather thought the horror and the rage
Of such an haynous gylt, could never swage.
Nor never suffer them to slepe or rest,
Or dreadles breath one breth out of theyr brest.
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So gnawes the griefe of conscyence evermore
And in the hart it is so diepe ygrave,
That they may neyther slepe nor rest therfore,
Ne thynke one thought but on the dread they have.
Styl to the death fortossed with the wave
Of restles woe, in terror and dispeyre.
They lead a lyef continually in feare.
And in the hart it is so diepe ygrave,
That they may neyther slepe nor rest therfore,
Ne thynke one thought but on the dread they have.
Styl to the death fortossed with the wave
Of restles woe, in terror and dispeyre.
They lead a lyef continually in feare.
Like to the Dere that stryken with the dart,
Withdrawes him selfe into some secrete place,
And feeling green the wound about his hart,
Startles with panges tyl he fall on the grasse,
And in great feare lyes gasping there a space,
Furth braying sighes as though eche pang had brought
The present death which he doeth dread so oft:
Withdrawes him selfe into some secrete place,
And feeling green the wound about his hart,
Startles with panges tyl he fall on the grasse,
And in great feare lyes gasping there a space,
Furth braying sighes as though eche pang had brought
The present death which he doeth dread so oft:
So we diepe wounded with the bluddy thought,
And gnawing wurme that grieved our conscience so,
Never tooke ease, but as our hart furth brought
The strayned syghes in wytnes of our woe,
Such restles cares our fault did well beknowe:
Wherewith of our deserved fall the feares
In every place rang death within our eares.
And gnawing wurme that grieved our conscience so,
Never tooke ease, but as our hart furth brought
The strayned syghes in wytnes of our woe,
Such restles cares our fault did well beknowe:
Wherewith of our deserved fall the feares
In every place rang death within our eares.
And as yll grayne is never well ykept,
So fared it by vs within a while:
That which so long wyth such vnrest we reapt,
In dread and daunger by all wyt and wyle,
Loe sée the fine, when once it felt the whele
Of slipper Fortune, stay it mought no stowne,
The wheele whurles vp, but strayt it whurleth downe.
So fared it by vs within a while:
That which so long wyth such vnrest we reapt,
In dread and daunger by all wyt and wyle,
Loe sée the fine, when once it felt the whele
Of slipper Fortune, stay it mought no stowne,
The wheele whurles vp, but strayt it whurleth downe.
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For hauyng rule and riches in our hand,
Who durst gaynsay the thing that we averde?
Wyl was wysedome, our lust for lawe dyd stand,
In sorte so straunge, that who was not afeard
When he the sound but of kyng Rychard heard?
So hatefull waxt the hearyng of his name,
That you may deeme the residewe by the same.
Who durst gaynsay the thing that we averde?
Wyl was wysedome, our lust for lawe dyd stand,
In sorte so straunge, that who was not afeard
When he the sound but of kyng Rychard heard?
So hatefull waxt the hearyng of his name,
That you may deeme the residewe by the same.
But what auaylde the terror and the fear,
Wherewyth he kept his lieges vnder awe?
It rather wan him hatred every where,
And fayned faces forst by feare of lawe:
That but while Fortune doth with fauour blaw
Flatter through feare: for in theyr hart lurkes aye
A secrete hate that hopeth for a daye.
Wherewyth he kept his lieges vnder awe?
It rather wan him hatred every where,
And fayned faces forst by feare of lawe:
That but while Fortune doth with fauour blaw
Flatter through feare: for in theyr hart lurkes aye
A secrete hate that hopeth for a daye.
Recordeth Dionisius the kynge,
That with his rigor so his realme opprest,
As that he thought by cruell feare to bryng
His subiectes vnder, as him lyked best:
But loe the dread wherewyth him selfe was strest,
And you shal see the fine of forced feare,
Most myrrour like in this proud prynce appeare.
That with his rigor so his realme opprest,
As that he thought by cruell feare to bryng
His subiectes vnder, as him lyked best:
But loe the dread wherewyth him selfe was strest,
And you shal see the fine of forced feare,
Most myrrour like in this proud prynce appeare.
All were his head with crowne of golde ysprad,
And in his hand the royall scepter set:
And he with pryncely purple rychely clad,
Yet was his hart wyth wretched cares orefret:
And inwardly with deadly fear beset,
Of those whom he by rygour kept in awe,
And sore opprest with might of Tyrants lawe.
And in his hand the royall scepter set:
And he with pryncely purple rychely clad,
Yet was his hart wyth wretched cares orefret:
And inwardly with deadly fear beset,
Of those whom he by rygour kept in awe,
And sore opprest with might of Tyrants lawe.
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Agaynst whose feare, no heapes of golde and glie,
Ne strength of garde, nor all his hyred power,
Ne prowde hyghe Towers that preaced to the skye,
His cruel hart of safetie could assure:
But dreading them whom he should deeme most sure,
Hym selfe his beard wyth burning brand would cear,
Of death deservde so vexed him the feare.
Ne strength of garde, nor all his hyred power,
Ne prowde hyghe Towers that preaced to the skye,
His cruel hart of safetie could assure:
But dreading them whom he should deeme most sure,
Hym selfe his beard wyth burning brand would cear,
Of death deservde so vexed him the feare.
This might suffise to represent the fine
Of Tyrantes force, theyr feares, and theyr vnrest,
But heare this one, although my hart repyne
To let the sound once synke wythin my brest:
Of fell Phereus, that above the rest,
Such lothsum crueltee on his people wrought,
As (oh alas) I tremble wyth the thought.
Of Tyrantes force, theyr feares, and theyr vnrest,
But heare this one, although my hart repyne
To let the sound once synke wythin my brest:
Of fell Phereus, that above the rest,
Such lothsum crueltee on his people wrought,
As (oh alas) I tremble wyth the thought.
Sum he encased in the coates of Beares,
Among wylde beastes deuoured so to be:
And sum for praye vnto the hunters speares,
Lyke savage beastes withouten ruth to dye.
Sumtime to encrease his horrible crueltye,
The quicke with face to face engraved hee,
Eche others death that eche mought living see.
Among wylde beastes deuoured so to be:
And sum for praye vnto the hunters speares,
Lyke savage beastes withouten ruth to dye.
Sumtime to encrease his horrible crueltye,
The quicke with face to face engraved hee,
Eche others death that eche mought living see.
Loe what more cruell horror mought be found,
To purchase feare, if feare could staye his raygne?
It booted not, It rather strake the wounde
Of feare in him, to feare the lyke agayne.
And so he dyd full ofte and not in vayne:
As in his life his cares could wytnes well
But moste of all his wretched ende doth tell.
To purchase feare, if feare could staye his raygne?
It booted not, It rather strake the wounde
Of feare in him, to feare the lyke agayne.
And so he dyd full ofte and not in vayne:
As in his life his cares could wytnes well
But moste of all his wretched ende doth tell.
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His owne dere wyfe whom as his life he loved,
He durst not trust, nor proche vnto her bed,
But causing fyrst his slave with naked sworde
To go before, him selfe with tremblyng dread
Strayt foloweth fast, and whorling in his head
His rolling iyen, he searcheth here and there
The diepe daunger that he so sore did feare.
He durst not trust, nor proche vnto her bed,
But causing fyrst his slave with naked sworde
To go before, him selfe with tremblyng dread
Strayt foloweth fast, and whorling in his head
His rolling iyen, he searcheth here and there
The diepe daunger that he so sore did feare.
For not in vayne it ran styll in his brest,
Sum wretched hap should hale him to his ende.
And therfore alwaye by his pillowe prest
Had he a sworde, and with that sworde he wende,
In vayne (God wote) all peryls to defende:
For loe his wife foreyrked of his raygne,
Sleping in bed this cruel wretche hath slayne.
Sum wretched hap should hale him to his ende.
And therfore alwaye by his pillowe prest
Had he a sworde, and with that sworde he wende,
In vayne (God wote) all peryls to defende:
For loe his wife foreyrked of his raygne,
Sleping in bed this cruel wretche hath slayne.
What should I more nowe seeke to say in this?
Or one Iote farder linger furth my tale?
With cruel Nero, or with Phalaris,
Caligula, Domician, and all
The cruell route? or of theyr wretched fall?
I can no more, but in my name aduert
Al earthly powers beware of Tyrants hart.
Or one Iote farder linger furth my tale?
With cruel Nero, or with Phalaris,
Caligula, Domician, and all
The cruell route? or of theyr wretched fall?
I can no more, but in my name aduert
Al earthly powers beware of Tyrants hart.
And as our state endured but a throwe,
So best in vs the staye of such a state
May best appeare to hang on overthrowe,
And better teache Tyrantes deserved hate
Than any Tyrantes death tofore or late.
So cruell seemde this Rychard thyrd to me,
That loe my selfe now loathde his crueltee.
So best in vs the staye of such a state
May best appeare to hang on overthrowe,
And better teache Tyrantes deserved hate
Than any Tyrantes death tofore or late.
So cruell seemde this Rychard thyrd to me,
That loe my selfe now loathde his crueltee.
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For when alas, I saw the Tyrant kyng
Content not only from his nephewes twayne
To ryve worldes blysse, but also al worldes beyng,
Saunce earthly gylt ycausing both be slayne,
My hart agryesd that such a wretche should raygne,
Whose bluddy brest so salvaged out of kynde,
That Phalaris had never so bluddy a minde.
Content not only from his nephewes twayne
To ryve worldes blysse, but also al worldes beyng,
Saunce earthly gylt ycausing both be slayne,
My hart agryesd that such a wretche should raygne,
Whose bluddy brest so salvaged out of kynde,
That Phalaris had never so bluddy a minde.
Ne could I brooke him once wythin my brest,
But wyth the thought my teeth would gnashe wythal:
For though I earst wer his by sworne behest,
Yet when I sawe mischiefe on mischiefe fall,
So diepe in blud, to murder prynce and all,
Ay then thought I, alas, and wealaway,
And to my selfe thus mourning would I say.
But wyth the thought my teeth would gnashe wythal:
For though I earst wer his by sworne behest,
Yet when I sawe mischiefe on mischiefe fall,
So diepe in blud, to murder prynce and all,
Ay then thought I, alas, and wealaway,
And to my selfe thus mourning would I say.
If neyther love, kynred, ne knot of bloud,
His owne alegeaunce to his prynce of due,
Nor yet the state of trust wherein he stoode,
The worlds defame, nor nought could tourne him true
Those gylteles babes, could they not make him rue?
Nor could theyr youth, nor innocence withal
Move him from reuing them theyr lyfe and all?
His owne alegeaunce to his prynce of due,
Nor yet the state of trust wherein he stoode,
The worlds defame, nor nought could tourne him true
Those gylteles babes, could they not make him rue?
Nor could theyr youth, nor innocence withal
Move him from reuing them theyr lyfe and all?
Alas, it could not move him any iote,
Ne make him once to rue or wet his iye,
Sturde him no more than that that styrreth not:
But as the rocke or stone that wyl not plye,
So was his hart made hard to crueltye,
To murder them, alas I weepe in thought,
To thinke on that which this fel wretche hath wrought
Ne make him once to rue or wet his iye,
Sturde him no more than that that styrreth not:
But as the rocke or stone that wyl not plye,
So was his hart made hard to crueltye,
To murder them, alas I weepe in thought,
To thinke on that which this fel wretche hath wrought
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That nowe when he had done the thing he sought,
And as he would, complysht and cumpast all,
And sawe and knewe the treason he had wrought
To God and man, to slaye his prynce and all,
Then seemde he fyrst to doubte and dread vs all,
And me in chiefe, whoes death all meanes he myght,
He sought to wurke by malice and by might.
And as he would, complysht and cumpast all,
And sawe and knewe the treason he had wrought
To God and man, to slaye his prynce and all,
Then seemde he fyrst to doubte and dread vs all,
And me in chiefe, whoes death all meanes he myght,
He sought to wurke by malice and by might.
Such heapes of harmes vpharbard in his brest
With enuyous hart my honour to deface,
As knowyng he that I whych woted best
His wretched dryftes, and all his cursed case,
If ever sprang within me sparke of grace,
Must nedes abhorre him and his hatefull race:
Now more and more can cast me out of grace.
With enuyous hart my honour to deface,
As knowyng he that I whych woted best
His wretched dryftes, and all his cursed case,
If ever sprang within me sparke of grace,
Must nedes abhorre him and his hatefull race:
Now more and more can cast me out of grace.
Which sodayne chaunge, when I by secrete chaunce
Had well perceyved by proofe of enuious frowne,
And sawe the lot that did me to aduaunce
Hym to a kyng that sought to cast me downe,
To late it was to linger any stowne:
Syth present choyse lay cast before myne iye,
To wurke his death or I my selfe to dye.
Had well perceyved by proofe of enuious frowne,
And sawe the lot that did me to aduaunce
Hym to a kyng that sought to cast me downe,
To late it was to linger any stowne:
Syth present choyse lay cast before myne iye,
To wurke his death or I my selfe to dye.
And as the knyght in fyeld among his foes,
Beset wyth swurdes, must slaye or there be slayne:
So I alas lapt in a thousand woes,
Beholding death on every syde so playne,
I rather chose by sum slye secrete trayne
To wurke his death, and I to lyve thereby,
Than he to lyve, and I of force to dye.
Beset wyth swurdes, must slaye or there be slayne:
So I alas lapt in a thousand woes,
Beholding death on every syde so playne,
I rather chose by sum slye secrete trayne
To wurke his death, and I to lyve thereby,
Than he to lyve, and I of force to dye.
332
Which heauy choyse so hastened me to chose,
That I in parte agryeved at his disdayne,
In part to wreke the dolefull death of those
Two tender babes, his sillye nephewes twayne,
By him alas commaunded to be slayne,
With paynted chere humbly before his face,
Strayght tooke my leave, & rode to Brecknocke place.
That I in parte agryeved at his disdayne,
In part to wreke the dolefull death of those
Two tender babes, his sillye nephewes twayne,
By him alas commaunded to be slayne,
With paynted chere humbly before his face,
Strayght tooke my leave, & rode to Brecknocke place.
And there as close and covert as I myght,
My purposed practise to his passe to bryng,
In secrete dryftes I lingred day and night:
All howe I might depose this cruell kyng,
That seemd to all so much desyerd a thyng,
As therto trusting I emprysde the same:
But to much trusting brought me to my bane.
My purposed practise to his passe to bryng,
In secrete dryftes I lingred day and night:
All howe I might depose this cruell kyng,
That seemd to all so much desyerd a thyng,
As therto trusting I emprysde the same:
But to much trusting brought me to my bane.
For while I nowe had Fortune at my becke
Mistrusting I no earthly thing at all,
Vnwares alas, least looking for a checke,
She mated me in turning of a ball:
When least I fearde, then nerest was my fall,
And when whole hoastes wer prest to stroy my foen,
She chaunged her chere, and left me post alone.
Mistrusting I no earthly thing at all,
Vnwares alas, least looking for a checke,
She mated me in turning of a ball:
When least I fearde, then nerest was my fall,
And when whole hoastes wer prest to stroy my foen,
She chaunged her chere, and left me post alone.
I had vpraysde a mighty band of men,
And marched furth in order of array,
Leadyng my power amyd the forest Dene,
Agaynst that Tyrant banner to displaye:
But loe my souldiers cowardly shranke away.
For such is Fortune when she lyst to frowne,
Who seemes most sure, him soonest whurles she down
And marched furth in order of array,
Leadyng my power amyd the forest Dene,
Agaynst that Tyrant banner to displaye:
But loe my souldiers cowardly shranke away.
For such is Fortune when she lyst to frowne,
Who seemes most sure, him soonest whurles she down
333
O let no prynce put trust in commontie,
Nor hope in fayth of gyddy peoples mynde,
But let all noble men take hede by me,
That by the proofe to well the payne do fynde:
Loe, where is truth or trust? or what could bynde
The vayne people, but they will swarve and swaye,
As chaunce bryngs chaunge, to dryve & draw that way?
Nor hope in fayth of gyddy peoples mynde,
But let all noble men take hede by me,
That by the proofe to well the payne do fynde:
Loe, where is truth or trust? or what could bynde
The vayne people, but they will swarve and swaye,
As chaunce bryngs chaunge, to dryve & draw that way?
Rome thou that once aduaunced vp so hye,
Thy staye, patron, and flower of excellence,
Hast nowe throwen him to depth of miserye,
Exiled him that was thy whole defence,
Ne comptest it not an horryble offence:
To reven him of honour and of fame,
That wan it thée when thou hadst lost the same.
Thy staye, patron, and flower of excellence,
Hast nowe throwen him to depth of miserye,
Exiled him that was thy whole defence,
Ne comptest it not an horryble offence:
To reven him of honour and of fame,
That wan it thée when thou hadst lost the same.
Beholde Camillus, he that erst reuyved
The state of Rome, that dyeng he dyd fynde,
Of his owne state is nowe alas depryved,
Banisht by them whom he dyd thus det bynde:
That cruell folke, vnthankeful and vnkynde,
Declared wel theyr false inconstancye,
And Fortune eke her mutabilitye.
The state of Rome, that dyeng he dyd fynde,
Of his owne state is nowe alas depryved,
Banisht by them whom he dyd thus det bynde:
That cruell folke, vnthankeful and vnkynde,
Declared wel theyr false inconstancye,
And Fortune eke her mutabilitye.
And thou Scipio, a myrrour mayst thou be
To all Nobles, that they learne not to late,
Howe they once trust the vnstable commontye.
Thou that recuredst the torne dismembred state,
Euen when the conquerour was at the gate,
Art now exylde, as though thou not deserved
To rest in her, whom thou hadst so preserved.
To all Nobles, that they learne not to late,
Howe they once trust the vnstable commontye.
Thou that recuredst the torne dismembred state,
Euen when the conquerour was at the gate,
Art now exylde, as though thou not deserved
To rest in her, whom thou hadst so preserved.
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Ingrateful Rome hast shewed thy crueltye,
On hym, by whom thou lyvest yet in fame,
But nor thy dede, nor his desert shall dye,
But his owne wurdes shal witnes aye the same:
For loe hys grave doth thee most iustly blame.
And with disdayne in Marble sayes to thée:
Vnkynde countrey my bones shalt thou not see.
On hym, by whom thou lyvest yet in fame,
But nor thy dede, nor his desert shall dye,
But his owne wurdes shal witnes aye the same:
For loe hys grave doth thee most iustly blame.
And with disdayne in Marble sayes to thée:
Vnkynde countrey my bones shalt thou not see.
What more vnwurthy than this his exyle?
More iust than this the wofull playnt he wrote?
Or who could shewe a playner proofe the while,
Of moste false fayth, than they that thus forgot
His great desertes? that so deserved not?
His cindres yet loe, doth he them denye,
That him denyed amongst them for to dye.
More iust than this the wofull playnt he wrote?
Or who could shewe a playner proofe the while,
Of moste false fayth, than they that thus forgot
His great desertes? that so deserved not?
His cindres yet loe, doth he them denye,
That him denyed amongst them for to dye.
Milciades, O happy hadst thou be,
And well rewarded of thy countrey men,
If in the fyeld when thou hadst forst to flye
By thy prowes, thre hundred thousand men,
Content they had bene to exyle thée then:
And not to cast thée in depth of pryson so,
Laden wyth gyves to ende thy lyfe in woe.
And well rewarded of thy countrey men,
If in the fyeld when thou hadst forst to flye
By thy prowes, thre hundred thousand men,
Content they had bene to exyle thée then:
And not to cast thée in depth of pryson so,
Laden wyth gyves to ende thy lyfe in woe.
Alas howe harde and steely hartes had they
That not contented there to have thée dye,
With fettred gyves in pryson where thou laye,
Increast so far in hatefull crueltye,
That buryall to thy corps, they eke denye:
Ne wyl they graunt the same tyll thy sonne have
Put on thy gyves to purchase thée a grave.
That not contented there to have thée dye,
With fettred gyves in pryson where thou laye,
Increast so far in hatefull crueltye,
That buryall to thy corps, they eke denye:
Ne wyl they graunt the same tyll thy sonne have
Put on thy gyves to purchase thée a grave.
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Loe Hanniball as long as fixed fate,
And bryttle Fortune had ordeyned so,
Who ever more aduaunst his countrey state
Then thou, that lyvedst for her and for no moe?
But when the stormy waves began to grow,
Without respect of thy desertes erwhile,
Art by thy countrey throwen into exyle.
And bryttle Fortune had ordeyned so,
Who ever more aduaunst his countrey state
Then thou, that lyvedst for her and for no moe?
But when the stormy waves began to grow,
Without respect of thy desertes erwhile,
Art by thy countrey throwen into exyle.
Vnfrendly Fortune shal I thée nowe blame?
Or shal I fault the fates that so ordayne?
Or art thou Iove the causer of the same?
Or crueltie her selfe doth she constrayne?
Or on whom els alas shal I complayne?
O trustles world I can accusen none,
But fyckle fayth of commontye alone.
Or shal I fault the fates that so ordayne?
Or art thou Iove the causer of the same?
Or crueltie her selfe doth she constrayne?
Or on whom els alas shal I complayne?
O trustles world I can accusen none,
But fyckle fayth of commontye alone.
The Polipus nor the Chameleon straunge,
That turne them selves to every hewe they sée
Are not so full of vayne and fickle chaunge
As is this false vnstedfast commontye.
Loe I alas with mine adversitie
Have tryed it true, for they are fled and gone
And of an oast there is not left me one.
That turne them selves to every hewe they sée
Are not so full of vayne and fickle chaunge
As is this false vnstedfast commontye.
Loe I alas with mine adversitie
Have tryed it true, for they are fled and gone
And of an oast there is not left me one.
That I alas in this calamitie
Alone was left, and to my selfe mought playne
This treason, and this wretched cowardye,
And eke with teares bewepen and complayne
My hateful hap, styll lookyng to be slayne.
Wandryng in woe, and to the gods on hye
Cleapyng for vengeaunce of this treacherye.
Alone was left, and to my selfe mought playne
This treason, and this wretched cowardye,
And eke with teares bewepen and complayne
My hateful hap, styll lookyng to be slayne.
Wandryng in woe, and to the gods on hye
Cleapyng for vengeaunce of this treacherye.
336
And as the Turtle that hath lost her make,
Whom grypyng sorowe doth so sore attaynt,
With dolefull voyce and sound whych she doth make
Mourning her losse, fylles all the grove wyth playnt,
So I alas forsaken, and forfaynt,
With restles foote the wud rome vp and downe,
Which of my dole al shyvering doth resowne.
Whom grypyng sorowe doth so sore attaynt,
With dolefull voyce and sound whych she doth make
Mourning her losse, fylles all the grove wyth playnt,
So I alas forsaken, and forfaynt,
With restles foote the wud rome vp and downe,
Which of my dole al shyvering doth resowne.
And beyng thus alone, and all forsake,
Amyd the thycke, forwandred in despayer,
As one dismayed ne wyst what waye to take,
Vntyll at last gan to my mynde repayer,
A man of mine called Humfrey Banastair:
Wherewyth me feeling much recomforted,
In hope of succour to his house I fled.
Amyd the thycke, forwandred in despayer,
As one dismayed ne wyst what waye to take,
Vntyll at last gan to my mynde repayer,
A man of mine called Humfrey Banastair:
Wherewyth me feeling much recomforted,
In hope of succour to his house I fled.
Who beyng one whom earst I had vpbrought
Euen from his youth, and loved and lyked best,
To gentrye state auauncing him from nought,
And had in secrete trust above the rest,
Of specyal trust nowe being thus dystrest
Full secreatly to him I me conueyed
Not doubting there but I should fynde some ayde.
Euen from his youth, and loved and lyked best,
To gentrye state auauncing him from nought,
And had in secrete trust above the rest,
Of specyal trust nowe being thus dystrest
Full secreatly to him I me conueyed
Not doubting there but I should fynde some ayde.
But out alas on cruell trecherye,
When that this caytief once an ynklyng hard,
Howe that kyng Rychard had proclaymde, that he
Which me descryed should have for his rewarde
A thousand poundes, and farther be prefarde,
His truthe so turnde to treason, all distaynde
That fayth quyte fled, and I by trust was traynde.
When that this caytief once an ynklyng hard,
Howe that kyng Rychard had proclaymde, that he
Which me descryed should have for his rewarde
A thousand poundes, and farther be prefarde,
His truthe so turnde to treason, all distaynde
That fayth quyte fled, and I by trust was traynde.
337
For by this wretche I beyng strayt betrayed,
To one Iohn Mitton, shiriffe of Shropshire then,
All sodaynely was taken, and conuayed
To Salisbury, wyth rout of harnest men,
Vnto kyng Rychard there encamped then:
Fast by the citye with a myghtye hoste
Withouten doome where head and lyfe I lost.
To one Iohn Mitton, shiriffe of Shropshire then,
All sodaynely was taken, and conuayed
To Salisbury, wyth rout of harnest men,
Vnto kyng Rychard there encamped then:
Fast by the citye with a myghtye hoste
Withouten doome where head and lyfe I lost.
And with these wordes, as if the axe even there
Dismembred had his head and corps aparte,
Dead fel he downe: and we in woful feare
Stoode mazed when he would to lyef revert:
But deadly griefes stil grewe about his hart,
That styll he laye, sumtyme reuived wyth payne,
And wyth a sygh becumming dead agayne.
Dismembred had his head and corps aparte,
Dead fel he downe: and we in woful feare
Stoode mazed when he would to lyef revert:
But deadly griefes stil grewe about his hart,
That styll he laye, sumtyme reuived wyth payne,
And wyth a sygh becumming dead agayne.
Mydnyght was cum, and every vitall thyng
With swete sound slepe theyr weary lyms dyd rest,
The beastes were still, the lytle byrdes that syng,
Nowe sweetely slept besides theyr mothers brest:
The olde and all were shrowded in theyr nest.
The waters calme, the cruel seas did ceas,
The wuds, the fyeldes, & all thinges held theyr peace.
With swete sound slepe theyr weary lyms dyd rest,
The beastes were still, the lytle byrdes that syng,
Nowe sweetely slept besides theyr mothers brest:
The olde and all were shrowded in theyr nest.
The waters calme, the cruel seas did ceas,
The wuds, the fyeldes, & all thinges held theyr peace.
The golden stars wer whyrlde amyd theyr race,
And on the earth did laugh wyth twinkling lyght,
When eche thing nestled in his restyng place,
Forgat dayes payne with pleasure of the nyght:
The Hare had not the greedy houndes in sight,
The fearfull Dear of death stoode not in doubt,
The Patrydge drept not of the Falcons foote.
And on the earth did laugh wyth twinkling lyght,
When eche thing nestled in his restyng place,
Forgat dayes payne with pleasure of the nyght:
The Hare had not the greedy houndes in sight,
The fearfull Dear of death stoode not in doubt,
The Patrydge drept not of the Falcons foote.
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The ougly Beare nowe mynded not the stake,
Nor how the cruell mastyues do hym tear,
The stag laye still vnroused from the brake,
The fomy boar feard not the hunters spear.
All thing was still in desert, bush and brear.
With quyet hart now from their trauailes rest,
Soundly they slept in midst of all their rest.
Nor how the cruell mastyues do hym tear,
The stag laye still vnroused from the brake,
The fomy boar feard not the hunters spear.
All thing was still in desert, bush and brear.
With quyet hart now from their trauailes rest,
Soundly they slept in midst of all their rest.
When Buckyngham amid his plaint opprest,
With surgyng sorowes and with pinching paynes
In sort thus sowned, and with a sigh he ceast.
To tellen furth the treachery and the traynes,
Of Banastar, which him so sore distraynes.
That from a sigh he falles into a sounde,
And from a sounde lyeth ragyng on the ground
With surgyng sorowes and with pinching paynes
In sort thus sowned, and with a sigh he ceast.
To tellen furth the treachery and the traynes,
Of Banastar, which him so sore distraynes.
That from a sigh he falles into a sounde,
And from a sounde lyeth ragyng on the ground
So twiching wer the panges that he assayed,
And he so sore with rufull rage distraught.
To thinke vpon the wretch that hym betrayed,
Whom earst he made a Gentylman of naught.
That more and more agreued with this thought,
He stormes out sighes, and with redoubled sore,
Stroke with the Furies, rageth more and more.
And he so sore with rufull rage distraught.
To thinke vpon the wretch that hym betrayed,
Whom earst he made a Gentylman of naught.
That more and more agreued with this thought,
He stormes out sighes, and with redoubled sore,
Stroke with the Furies, rageth more and more.
Who so hath seene the Bull chased with Dartes,
And with dyepe woundes forgald and gored so,
Tyl he oppressed with the deadlye smartes,
Fall in a rage, and runne vpon his foe,
Let him I saye, beholde the ragyng woe
Of Buckyngham, that in these grypes of gryefe
Rageth gaynst him that hath betrayed his lyef.
And with dyepe woundes forgald and gored so,
Tyl he oppressed with the deadlye smartes,
Fall in a rage, and runne vpon his foe,
Let him I saye, beholde the ragyng woe
Of Buckyngham, that in these grypes of gryefe
Rageth gaynst him that hath betrayed his lyef.
339
With blud red iyen he stareth here and there,
Frothing at mouth, with face as pale as cloute:
When loe my lymmes were trembling all for feare,
And I amazde stoode styll in dread and doubt,
While I mought see him throwe his armes about:
And gaynst the ground him selfe plounge with such force
As if the lyfe forthwyth should leave the corps.
Frothing at mouth, with face as pale as cloute:
When loe my lymmes were trembling all for feare,
And I amazde stoode styll in dread and doubt,
While I mought see him throwe his armes about:
And gaynst the ground him selfe plounge with such force
As if the lyfe forthwyth should leave the corps.
With smoke of syghes sumtyme I myght beholde
The place al dymde, like to the mornyng myst:
And strayt agayne the teares how they downrolde
Alongst his cheekes, as if the ryuers hyst:
Whoes flowing streemes ne wer no sooner whist,
But to the stars such dreadfull shoutes he sent,
As if the trone of mighty Iove should rent,
The place al dymde, like to the mornyng myst:
And strayt agayne the teares how they downrolde
Alongst his cheekes, as if the ryuers hyst:
Whoes flowing streemes ne wer no sooner whist,
But to the stars such dreadfull shoutes he sent,
As if the trone of mighty Iove should rent,
And I the while with spirites wel nye bereft,
Beheld the plyght and panges that dyd him strayne.
And howe the blud his deadly colour left,
And strayt returnde with flamyng red agayne:
When sodaynly amid his ragyng payne,
He gave a sygh, and with that sygh he sayed:
Oh Banastar, and strayt agayne he stayed.
Beheld the plyght and panges that dyd him strayne.
And howe the blud his deadly colour left,
And strayt returnde with flamyng red agayne:
When sodaynly amid his ragyng payne,
He gave a sygh, and with that sygh he sayed:
Oh Banastar, and strayt agayne he stayed.
Dead laye his corps as dead as any stone,
Tyll swellyng syghes stormyng within his brest
Vpraysde his head, that downeward fell anone,
With lookes vpcast, and syghes that never ceast:
Furth streamde the teares recordes of his vnrest,
When he wyth shrykes thus groveling on the ground,
Ybrayed these wordes with shryll and dolefull sound.
Tyll swellyng syghes stormyng within his brest
Vpraysde his head, that downeward fell anone,
With lookes vpcast, and syghes that never ceast:
Furth streamde the teares recordes of his vnrest,
When he wyth shrykes thus groveling on the ground,
Ybrayed these wordes with shryll and dolefull sound.
Heaven and earth, and ye eternal lampes
That in the heavens wrapt, wyl vs to rest,
Thou bryght Phebe, that clearest the nightes dampes
Witnes the playntes that in these panges opprest
I woful wretche vnlade out of my brest.
And let me yeald my last wordes ere I part,
You, you, I call to record of my smart.
That in the heavens wrapt, wyl vs to rest,
Thou bryght Phebe, that clearest the nightes dampes
Witnes the playntes that in these panges opprest
340
And let me yeald my last wordes ere I part,
You, you, I call to record of my smart.
And thou Alecto feede me wyth thy foode
Let fal thy serpentes from thy snaky heare,
For such relyefe wel sittes me in this moode,
To feede my playnt with horror and wyth feare,
While rage afreshe thy venomd worme arear.
And thou Sibilla when thou seest me faynte,
Addres thy selfe the gyde of my complaynt.
Let fal thy serpentes from thy snaky heare,
For such relyefe wel sittes me in this moode,
To feede my playnt with horror and wyth feare,
While rage afreshe thy venomd worme arear.
And thou Sibilla when thou seest me faynte,
Addres thy selfe the gyde of my complaynt.
And thou O Iove, that with thy depe fordoome
Dost rule the earth, and raygne above the skyes,
That wrekest wronges, and gevest the dreadful doome
Agaynst the wretche that doth thy trone despyse,
Receyve these wurdes, and wreake them in such wyse,
As heaven and earth may witnesse and beholde,
Thy heapes of wrath vpon this wretche vnfolde.
Dost rule the earth, and raygne above the skyes,
That wrekest wronges, and gevest the dreadful doome
Agaynst the wretche that doth thy trone despyse,
Receyve these wurdes, and wreake them in such wyse,
As heaven and earth may witnesse and beholde,
Thy heapes of wrath vpon this wretche vnfolde.
Thou Banaster, gaynst thée I clepe and call
Vnto the Gods, that they iust vengeaunce take
On thée, thy bloud, thy stayned stocke and all;
O Iove, to thée aboue the rest I make
My humble playnt, guyde me that what I speake,
May be thy wyll vpon thys wretche to fall,
On thée Banastar, wretche of wretches all.
Vnto the Gods, that they iust vengeaunce take
On thée, thy bloud, thy stayned stocke and all;
O Iove, to thée aboue the rest I make
My humble playnt, guyde me that what I speake,
May be thy wyll vpon thys wretche to fall,
On thée Banastar, wretche of wretches all.
O would to God, that cruel dismal daye,
That gave me light fyrst to behold thy face,
With fowle eclypse had reft my syght away:
The vnhappy hower, the tyme, and eke the place,
The sunne and Moone, the sters, and all that was
In theyr aspectes helping in ought to thée,
The earth, and ayer, and all accursed bee.
That gave me light fyrst to behold thy face,
With fowle eclypse had reft my syght away:
The vnhappy hower, the tyme, and eke the place,
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In theyr aspectes helping in ought to thée,
The earth, and ayer, and all accursed bee.
And thou caytief, that like a monstar swarved,
From kynde and kyndenes, hast thy mayster lorne,
Whom neyther truth, nor trust wherein thou served,
Ne his desertes, could move, nor thy fayth sworne,
Howe shall I curse, but wyshe that thou vnborne
Had bene, or that the earth had rent in twaye,
And swallowed thee in cradle as thou laye.
From kynde and kyndenes, hast thy mayster lorne,
Whom neyther truth, nor trust wherein thou served,
Ne his desertes, could move, nor thy fayth sworne,
Howe shall I curse, but wyshe that thou vnborne
Had bene, or that the earth had rent in twaye,
And swallowed thee in cradle as thou laye.
To this did I even from thy tender youth
Witsafe to bryng thée vp? dyd I herefore
Beleve the oath of thy vndoubted trouth?
Aduaunce thée vp, and trust thée evermore?
By trusting thée that I should dye therefore?
O wretche, and wurse than wretche, what shal I say?
But cleap and curse gaynst thee and thine for aye.
Witsafe to bryng thée vp? dyd I herefore
Beleve the oath of thy vndoubted trouth?
Aduaunce thée vp, and trust thée evermore?
By trusting thée that I should dye therefore?
O wretche, and wurse than wretche, what shal I say?
But cleap and curse gaynst thee and thine for aye.
Hated be thou, disdaynd of every wyght,
And poynted at where ever that thou goe,
A trayterous wretche, vnwurthy of the light,
Be thou estemed: and to encrease thy woe,
The sound be hatefull of thy name also:
And in this sort with shame and sharpe reproche,
Leade thou thy life till greater grief approch.
And poynted at where ever that thou goe,
A trayterous wretche, vnwurthy of the light,
Be thou estemed: and to encrease thy woe,
The sound be hatefull of thy name also:
And in this sort with shame and sharpe reproche,
Leade thou thy life till greater grief approch.
Dole and despayer, let those be thy delight,
Wrapped in woes that can not be vnfolde,
To wayle the daye, and wepe the weary night,
With rayny iyen and syghes can not be tolde,
And let no wyght thy woe seeke to withholde:
But coumpt thée wurthy (wretche) of sorrowes store,
That suffryng much, oughtest still to suffer more,
Wrapped in woes that can not be vnfolde,
To wayle the daye, and wepe the weary night,
With rayny iyen and syghes can not be tolde,
And let no wyght thy woe seeke to withholde:
But coumpt thée wurthy (wretche) of sorrowes store,
That suffryng much, oughtest still to suffer more,
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Deserve thou death, yea be thou demed to dye
A shamefull death, to ende thy shamefull lyfe:
A syght longed for, ioyful to euerye iye,
Whan thou shalt be arraygned as a thief,
Standing at bar, and pleadyng for thy lyef,
With trembling toung in dread and dolors rage,
Lade with white lockes, and fowerskore yeres of age.
A shamefull death, to ende thy shamefull lyfe:
A syght longed for, ioyful to euerye iye,
Whan thou shalt be arraygned as a thief,
Standing at bar, and pleadyng for thy lyef,
With trembling toung in dread and dolors rage,
Lade with white lockes, and fowerskore yeres of age.
Yet shall not death delyuer thee so soone
Out of thy woes, so happye shalt thou not bee:
But to the eternall Ioue this is my boone,
That thou may liue thine eldest sonne to see
Reft of his wits, and in a fowle bores stye
To ende his dayes in rage and death distrest,
A wurthy tumbe where one of thyne should rest.
Out of thy woes, so happye shalt thou not bee:
But to the eternall Ioue this is my boone,
That thou may liue thine eldest sonne to see
Reft of his wits, and in a fowle bores stye
To ende his dayes in rage and death distrest,
A wurthy tumbe where one of thyne should rest.
And after this, yet pray I more, thou may
Thy second sonne sée drowned in a dyke,
And in such sorte to close his latter daye,
As heard or seen earst hath not bene the lyke:
Ystrangled in a puddle not so deepe
As halfe a foote, that such hard losse of lyfe,
So cruelly chaunst, may be thy greater gryefe.
Thy second sonne sée drowned in a dyke,
And in such sorte to close his latter daye,
As heard or seen earst hath not bene the lyke:
Ystrangled in a puddle not so deepe
As halfe a foote, that such hard losse of lyfe,
So cruelly chaunst, may be thy greater gryefe.
And not yet shall thy hugie sorrowes cease,
Ioue shal not so withholde his wrath fro thée,
But that thy plagues may more and more encreas,
Thou shalt still lyve, that thou thy selfe mayst sée
Thy deare doughter stroken with leprosye:
That she that earst was all thy hole delyght,
Thou now mayst loath to haue her cum in sight.
Ioue shal not so withholde his wrath fro thée,
But that thy plagues may more and more encreas,
Thou shalt still lyve, that thou thy selfe mayst sée
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That she that earst was all thy hole delyght,
Thou now mayst loath to haue her cum in sight.
And after that, let shame and sorrowes gryefe
Feede furth thy yeares continually in wo,
That thou mayest live in death, and dye in lyef,
And in this sorte forewayld and wearyed so,
At length thy ghost to parte thy body fro:
This pray I Iove, and wyth this latter breath,
Vengeaunce I aske vpon my cruell death.
Feede furth thy yeares continually in wo,
That thou mayest live in death, and dye in lyef,
And in this sorte forewayld and wearyed so,
At length thy ghost to parte thy body fro:
This pray I Iove, and wyth this latter breath,
Vengeaunce I aske vpon my cruell death.
This sayd, he floung his retcheles armes abrode,
And groveling flat vpon the ground he lay,
Which with his teeth he al to gnasht and gnawed:
Depe groanes he fet, as he that would awaye.
But loe in vayne he dyd the death assay:
Although I thinke was never man that knewe,
Such deadly paynes where death dyd not ensewe.
And groveling flat vpon the ground he lay,
Which with his teeth he al to gnasht and gnawed:
Depe groanes he fet, as he that would awaye.
But loe in vayne he dyd the death assay:
Although I thinke was never man that knewe,
Such deadly paynes where death dyd not ensewe.
So strove he thus a while as with the death,
Nowe pale as lead, and colde as any stone.
Nowe styl as calme, nowe storming forth a breath
Of smoaky syghes, as breath and al were gone:
But every thing hath ende: so he anone
Came to him selfe, when wyth a sygh outbrayed,
With woful cheare these woful wurdes he sayd.
Nowe pale as lead, and colde as any stone.
Nowe styl as calme, nowe storming forth a breath
Of smoaky syghes, as breath and al were gone:
But every thing hath ende: so he anone
Came to him selfe, when wyth a sygh outbrayed,
With woful cheare these woful wurdes he sayd.
Ah where am I, what thing, or whence is this?
Who reft my wyts? or howe do I thus lye?
My lims do quake, my thought agasted is,
Why sygh I so? Or wherevnto do I
Thus grovle on the ground? and by and by
Vpraysde he stoode, and wyth a sygh hath stayed,
When to him selfe retourned, thus he sayed.
Who reft my wyts? or howe do I thus lye?
My lims do quake, my thought agasted is,
Why sygh I so? Or wherevnto do I
Thus grovle on the ground? and by and by
Vpraysde he stoode, and wyth a sygh hath stayed,
When to him selfe retourned, thus he sayed.
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Suffiseth nowe this playnt and this regrete,
Whereof my hart his bottome hath vnfraught:
And of my death let pieres and princes wete
The worldes vntrust, that they thereby be taught.
And in her wealth, sith that such chaunge is wrought,
Hope not to much, but in the myds of all
Thinke on my death, and what may them befall.
Whereof my hart his bottome hath vnfraught:
And of my death let pieres and princes wete
The worldes vntrust, that they thereby be taught.
And in her wealth, sith that such chaunge is wrought,
Hope not to much, but in the myds of all
Thinke on my death, and what may them befall.
So long as Fortune would permyt the same,
I lyved in rule and ryches wyth the best:
And past my time in honour and in fame.
That of mishap no feare was in my brest:
But false Fortune whan I suspected least,
Dyd turne the wheele, and wyth a dolefull fall
Hath me bereft of honour life and all.
I lyved in rule and ryches wyth the best:
And past my time in honour and in fame.
That of mishap no feare was in my brest:
But false Fortune whan I suspected least,
Dyd turne the wheele, and wyth a dolefull fall
Hath me bereft of honour life and all.
Loe what auayles in ryches fluds that flowes?
Though she so smylde as all the world wer his?
Euen kinges and kesars byden Fortunes throwes,
And simple sorte must bear it as it is.
Take hede by me that blithd in balefull blisse:
My rule, my riches, royall blud and all,
Whan Fortune frounde the feller made my fall.
Though she so smylde as all the world wer his?
Euen kinges and kesars byden Fortunes throwes,
And simple sorte must bear it as it is.
Take hede by me that blithd in balefull blisse:
My rule, my riches, royall blud and all,
Whan Fortune frounde the feller made my fall.
For hard mishaps that happens vnto such,
Whoes wretched state earst neuer fell no chaunge,
Agryue them not in any part so much,
As theyr distres to whome it is so straunge,
That all theyr lyues nay passed pleasures raunge:
Theyr sodayne wo that ay wield welth at will,
Algates their hartes more pearcingly must thril.
Whoes wretched state earst neuer fell no chaunge,
Agryue them not in any part so much,
As theyr distres to whome it is so straunge,
That all theyr lyues nay passed pleasures raunge:
Theyr sodayne wo that ay wield welth at will,
Algates their hartes more pearcingly must thril.
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For of my byrth, my blud was of the best,
Fyrst borne an Earle, than duke by due discent:
To swinge the sway in court amonge the rest,
Dame Fortune me her rule most largely lent:
And kynd with corage so my corps had blent,
That loe on whom but me dyd she most smyle?
And whom but me lo, dyd she most begyle?
Fyrst borne an Earle, than duke by due discent:
To swinge the sway in court amonge the rest,
Dame Fortune me her rule most largely lent:
And kynd with corage so my corps had blent,
That loe on whom but me dyd she most smyle?
And whom but me lo, dyd she most begyle?
Now hast thou heard the whole of my vnhap,
My chaunce, my chaunge, the cause of all my care:
In wealth and wo, how Fortune dyd me wrap,
With world at will to win me to her snare.
Byd kynges, byd kesars, by all states beware,
And tell them this from me that tryed it true.
Who reckles rules, right soone may hap to rue.
My chaunce, my chaunge, the cause of all my care:
In wealth and wo, how Fortune dyd me wrap,
With world at will to win me to her snare.
Byd kynges, byd kesars, by all states beware,
And tell them this from me that tryed it true.
Who reckles rules, right soone may hap to rue.
347
Howe Collingbourne was cruelly executed for making a foolishe rime.
Beware, take heede, take heede, beware, beware
You Poetes you, that purpose to rehearce
By any arte what Tyrantes doynges are,
Erinnis rage is growen so fell and fearce
That vicious actes may not be toucht in verse:
The Muses freedoome, graunted them of elde,
Is barde, slye reasons treasons hye are held.
You Poetes you, that purpose to rehearce
By any arte what Tyrantes doynges are,
Erinnis rage is growen so fell and fearce
That vicious actes may not be toucht in verse:
The Muses freedoome, graunted them of elde,
Is barde, slye reasons treasons hye are held.
Be rough in ryme, and then they say you rayle,
Though Iuuenal so be, that makes no matter:
With Ieremye you shal be had to iayle,
Or forst with Marciall, Ceasars faultes to flatter,
Clarkes must be taught to clawe and not to clatter:
Free Hellicon, & franke Pernassus hylles,
Are Helly hauntes, & ranke pernicious ylles.
Though Iuuenal so be, that makes no matter:
With Ieremye you shal be had to iayle,
Or forst with Marciall, Ceasars faultes to flatter,
Clarkes must be taught to clawe and not to clatter:
Free Hellicon, & franke Pernassus hylles,
Are Helly hauntes, & ranke pernicious ylles.
Touche covertly in termes, and then you taunt,
Though praysed Poetes, alway dyd the lyke,
Controll vs not, els traytour vyle auaunt,
What passe we what the learned do mislyke?
Our sinnes we see, wherin to swarme we seeke.
We passe not what the people saye or thynke.
Theyr shyttle hate maketh none but cowardes shrinke.
Though praysed Poetes, alway dyd the lyke,
Controll vs not, els traytour vyle auaunt,
What passe we what the learned do mislyke?
Our sinnes we see, wherin to swarme we seeke.
We passe not what the people saye or thynke.
Theyr shyttle hate maketh none but cowardes shrinke.
We knowe say they the course of Fortunes wheele,
Howe constantly it whyrleth styll about,
Arrearing nowe, whyle elder headlong reele.
Howe al the riders alwaye hange in doubt.
But what for that? we count him but a lowte
That stickes to mount, and basely like a beast
Lyves temperately for feare of blockam feast.
Howe constantly it whyrleth styll about,
Arrearing nowe, whyle elder headlong reele.
Howe al the riders alwaye hange in doubt.
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That stickes to mount, and basely like a beast
Lyves temperately for feare of blockam feast.
In deede we would of all be deemed gods
What ever we doe: and therfore partely hate
Rude preachers that dare threaten vs plages & rods,
And blase the blots whereby we stayne our state:
But nought we passe what any such do prate.
Of course and office they must say theyr pleasure,
And we of course must heare and mend at leasure.
What ever we doe: and therfore partely hate
Rude preachers that dare threaten vs plages & rods,
And blase the blots whereby we stayne our state:
But nought we passe what any such do prate.
Of course and office they must say theyr pleasure,
And we of course must heare and mend at leasure.
But when these pelting poetes in theyr rymes
Shall taunt, and iest, or paynt our wicked wurkes,
And cause the people knowe, and curse our crymes,
This ougly fault, no Tyrant lyves but vrkes.
And therefore lothe we taunters worse than Turkes.
They minde thereby to make vs knowe our mis,
And so to amend, but they but doate in this.
Shall taunt, and iest, or paynt our wicked wurkes,
And cause the people knowe, and curse our crymes,
This ougly fault, no Tyrant lyves but vrkes.
And therefore lothe we taunters worse than Turkes.
They minde thereby to make vs knowe our mis,
And so to amend, but they but doate in this.
We knowe our faultes as wel as any other,
We also doubt the daungers for them due:
Yet styll we trust so ryght to guyde the rother,
That skape we shal the sourges that ensue.
We thinke we knowe moe shiftes than other knewe.
In vayne therfore for vs are counsayles wryt:
We knowe our faultes, and wil not mend a whit.
We also doubt the daungers for them due:
Yet styll we trust so ryght to guyde the rother,
That skape we shal the sourges that ensue.
We thinke we knowe moe shiftes than other knewe.
In vayne therfore for vs are counsayles wryt:
We knowe our faultes, and wil not mend a whit.
349
These are the affections of the wycked sorte,
That preace for honours, welth, and pleasure vayne.
Ceas therfore Baldwyn, ceas I thée exhort,
Withdrawe thy pen, for nothing shalt thou gayne
Save hate, with losse of paper, ynke and payne.
Fewe hate theyr sinnes, all hate to heare them touched,
Howe covertly so ever they be couched.
That preace for honours, welth, and pleasure vayne.
Ceas therfore Baldwyn, ceas I thée exhort,
Withdrawe thy pen, for nothing shalt thou gayne
Save hate, with losse of paper, ynke and payne.
Fewe hate theyr sinnes, all hate to heare them touched,
Howe covertly so ever they be couched.
Thy entent I knowe is godly, playne, and good,
To warne the wyse, to fraye the fond fro yll:
But wycked worldelinges are so wytles wood,
That to the wurst they all thinges construe styl.
Wyth rygour oft they recompence good wyll:
They racke the wurdes tyl tyme theyr synowes burst,
In doubtfull sences, strayning styll the wurst.
To warne the wyse, to fraye the fond fro yll:
But wycked worldelinges are so wytles wood,
That to the wurst they all thinges construe styl.
Wyth rygour oft they recompence good wyll:
They racke the wurdes tyl tyme theyr synowes burst,
In doubtfull sences, strayning styll the wurst.
A paynefull proofe taught me the truth of this,
Through Tyrauntes rage, and Fortunes cruel tourne:
They murdred me, for metryng thinges amys.
For wotst thou what? I am that Colingbourne
Whych rymed that whych made full many mourne:
The Cat, the Rat, and Lovel our Dog,
Do rule al England, vnder a Hog.
Through Tyrauntes rage, and Fortunes cruel tourne:
They murdred me, for metryng thinges amys.
For wotst thou what? I am that Colingbourne
Whych rymed that whych made full many mourne:
The Cat, the Rat, and Lovel our Dog,
Do rule al England, vnder a Hog.
Whereof the meanyng was so playne and true,
That every foole perceyved it at furst:
Most liked it, for most that most thinges knewe,
In hugger mugger, muttred what they durst.
The kyng him selfe of most was held accurst,
Both for his owne and for his faultours faultes,
Of whom were three, the naughtiest of all naughtes.
That every foole perceyved it at furst:
Most liked it, for most that most thinges knewe,
In hugger mugger, muttred what they durst.
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Both for his owne and for his faultours faultes,
Of whom were three, the naughtiest of all naughtes.
The chyefe was Catisby whom I called a Cat,
A crafty lawyer catching all he could.
The second Ratclife, whom I named a Rat,
A cruel beast to gnawe on whom he should.
Lord Lovell barkt & byt whom Rychard would.
Whom therfore ryghtly I dyd terme our Dog,
Wherewyth to ryme I cleped the Kyng a Hog.
A crafty lawyer catching all he could.
The second Ratclife, whom I named a Rat,
A cruel beast to gnawe on whom he should.
Lord Lovell barkt & byt whom Rychard would.
Whom therfore ryghtly I dyd terme our Dog,
Wherewyth to ryme I cleped the Kyng a Hog.
Tyll he vsurped the crowne, he gave the Bore,
In whych estate would God he had deceased,
Than had the realme not ruyned so sore.
His Nephewes raygne should not so soone have ceassed,
The noble blud had not bene so decreased.
His Rat, his Cat, and Bloudhound had not noyed
So many thousandes as they have destroyed.
In whych estate would God he had deceased,
Than had the realme not ruyned so sore.
His Nephewes raygne should not so soone have ceassed,
The noble blud had not bene so decreased.
His Rat, his Cat, and Bloudhound had not noyed
So many thousandes as they have destroyed.
Theyr laweles dealynges al men dyd lament,
And so dyd I, and therfore made the rymes
To shewe my wyt, howe wel I could invent,
To warne withal the careles of theyr crymes,
I thought the freedome of the auncient tymes
Stoode styll in force. Ridentem dicere verum
Quis vetat? None, save clymers stil in ferum.
And so dyd I, and therfore made the rymes
To shewe my wyt, howe wel I could invent,
To warne withal the careles of theyr crymes,
I thought the freedome of the auncient tymes
Stoode styll in force. Ridentem dicere verum
Quis vetat? None, save clymers stil in ferum.
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Belyke no Tyrantes were in Horace dayes,
And therefore Poetes freely blamed vyce.
Witnes theyr Satyr sharpe, and tragicke playes,
With chyefest Prynces chyefly had in pryce.
They name no man, they myxe theyr gall with spyce,
No more do I, I name no man outryght,
But ryddle wise, I meane them as I myght.
And therefore Poetes freely blamed vyce.
Witnes theyr Satyr sharpe, and tragicke playes,
With chyefest Prynces chyefly had in pryce.
They name no man, they myxe theyr gall with spyce,
No more do I, I name no man outryght,
But ryddle wise, I meane them as I myght.
When bruyt had brought this to theyr gylty eares,
Who rudely named were noted in the ryme,
They all conspyred like most greedy Beares,
To charge me wyth most haynous traytrous cryme:
And damned me the gallow tree to clyme,
And strangled fyrst in quarters to be cut,
Whych should on hye over London gates be put.
Who rudely named were noted in the ryme,
They all conspyred like most greedy Beares,
To charge me wyth most haynous traytrous cryme:
And damned me the gallow tree to clyme,
And strangled fyrst in quarters to be cut,
Whych should on hye over London gates be put.
This wicked iudgement vexed me so sore,
That I exclamed agaynst theyr tyranny:
Wherewyth encenst, to make my payne the more,
They practised a shamefull villanye:
They cut me downe alyve, and cruelly
Rypt vp my paunche and bulke to make me smart,
And lingred long eare they tooke out my hart.
That I exclamed agaynst theyr tyranny:
Wherewyth encenst, to make my payne the more,
They practised a shamefull villanye:
They cut me downe alyve, and cruelly
Rypt vp my paunche and bulke to make me smart,
And lingred long eare they tooke out my hart.
Here Tyraunt Rychard played the eager Hog,
His grashyng tuskes my tender grystels shore:
His bloudhound Lovell playd the ravenyng Dog,
His wuluishe teeth, my gylteles carkas toar:
His Rat, and Cat, did what they myght, and more,
Cat Catesby clawed my guts to make me smart,
The Rat Lord Ratclyve gnawed me to the hart.
His grashyng tuskes my tender grystels shore:
His bloudhound Lovell playd the ravenyng Dog,
His wuluishe teeth, my gylteles carkas toar:
352
Cat Catesby clawed my guts to make me smart,
The Rat Lord Ratclyve gnawed me to the hart.
If Iewes had kylde the iustest kyng alyve,
If Turkes had burnt vp churches, Gods, and all,
What greater payne could cruel hartes contryve,
Than that I suffred, for this trespas smal?
I am not Prince nor Piere, but yet my fall
Is wurthy to be thought vpon for this,
To see how cankard Tyrantes malyce is.
If Turkes had burnt vp churches, Gods, and all,
What greater payne could cruel hartes contryve,
Than that I suffred, for this trespas smal?
I am not Prince nor Piere, but yet my fall
Is wurthy to be thought vpon for this,
To see how cankard Tyrantes malyce is.
To teach also all subiectes to take heade
They meddle not with Magistrates affayres,
But praye to God to mende them if it nede:
To warne also all Poetes that be strayers,
To kepe them close in compas of their chayers,
And whan they touch thinges which they wish amended.
To sause them so, that fewe nede be offended.
They meddle not with Magistrates affayres,
But praye to God to mende them if it nede:
To warne also all Poetes that be strayers,
To kepe them close in compas of their chayers,
And whan they touch thinges which they wish amended.
To sause them so, that fewe nede be offended.
And so to myxe theyr sharpe rebukes with myrth,
That they maye pearce, not causyng any payne,
Saue such as followeth euery kyndly byrth,
Requyted strayte, with gladnes of the gayne.
A poet must be plesaunt, not to playne,
No flatterer, no bolsterer of vyce,
But sound and swete, in all thinges ware and wyse.
That they maye pearce, not causyng any payne,
Saue such as followeth euery kyndly byrth,
Requyted strayte, with gladnes of the gayne.
A poet must be plesaunt, not to playne,
No flatterer, no bolsterer of vyce,
But sound and swete, in all thinges ware and wyse.
The Greekes do paynt a Poetes office whole
In Pegasus, theyr fayned horse wyth wynges,
Whom shaped so Medusaes blud did foale,
Who with his feete strake out the Muses sprynges
Fro flintie rockes to Hellicon that clynges.
And then flewe vp vnto the starrye skye,
And there abides among the heauens hye.
In Pegasus, theyr fayned horse wyth wynges,
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Who with his feete strake out the Muses sprynges
Fro flintie rockes to Hellicon that clynges.
And then flewe vp vnto the starrye skye,
And there abides among the heauens hye.
For he that shal a perfect Poete be,
Must fyrst be bred out of Medusaes blud:
He must be chaste and vertuous as was she,
Who to her power the Ocean god wythstoode.
To thende also his doome be iust and good,
He must (as she had) have one onlye iye,
Regarde of truth, that nought maye leade awrye.
Must fyrst be bred out of Medusaes blud:
He must be chaste and vertuous as was she,
Who to her power the Ocean god wythstoode.
To thende also his doome be iust and good,
He must (as she had) have one onlye iye,
Regarde of truth, that nought maye leade awrye.
In courage eke he must be like a horse,
He maye not feare to register the ryght.
And that no power or fansie do him force,
No byt nor reyne his tender Iawes may twight.
He must be armed wyth strength of wyt and spryght
To dashe the rockes, darke causes and obscure,
Tyll he attayne the sprynges of truth most pure.
He maye not feare to register the ryght.
And that no power or fansie do him force,
No byt nor reyne his tender Iawes may twight.
He must be armed wyth strength of wyt and spryght
To dashe the rockes, darke causes and obscure,
Tyll he attayne the sprynges of truth most pure.
His hooves must also plyant be and strong,
To ryve the rockes of lust and errors blynde,
In brayneles heades, that alway wander wrong:
These must he bryse wyth reasons playne and kinde,
Tyll sprynges of grace do gushe out of the minde.
For tyl affections from the fond be dryven,
In vayne is truth tolde, or good counsayle geuen.
To ryve the rockes of lust and errors blynde,
In brayneles heades, that alway wander wrong:
These must he bryse wyth reasons playne and kinde,
Tyll sprynges of grace do gushe out of the minde.
For tyl affections from the fond be dryven,
In vayne is truth tolde, or good counsayle geuen.
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Like Pegasus a Poet must have wynges,
To flye to heaven, thereto to feede and rest:
He must have knoweledge of eternal thynges,
Almighty Iove must harber in his brest.
With worldly cares he may not be opprest,
The wynges of skyll and hope must heave him hyer,
That al the ioyes which worldly wyts desyre.
To flye to heaven, thereto to feede and rest:
He must have knoweledge of eternal thynges,
Almighty Iove must harber in his brest.
With worldly cares he may not be opprest,
The wynges of skyll and hope must heave him hyer,
That al the ioyes which worldly wyts desyre.
He must be also nymble, free, and swyft
To trauayle farre to viewe the trades of men,
Great knowledge oft is gotten by the shyft:
Thynges notable he must be quicke to pen,
Reprouyng vyces sharpely now and then.
He must be swyft when touched tyrants chafe,
To gallop thence to kepe his carkas safe.
To trauayle farre to viewe the trades of men,
Great knowledge oft is gotten by the shyft:
Thynges notable he must be quicke to pen,
Reprouyng vyces sharpely now and then.
He must be swyft when touched tyrants chafe,
To gallop thence to kepe his carkas safe.
These propertyes yf I had well consydered,
Especially that whych I touched last,
With speedy flyght my feete should have delyvered
My feble body from the stormy blast:
They should have caught me, ere I had be cast.
But trusting vaynely to the Tyrauntes grace,
I never shronke, nor chaunged porte or place.
Especially that whych I touched last,
With speedy flyght my feete should have delyvered
My feble body from the stormy blast:
They should have caught me, ere I had be cast.
But trusting vaynely to the Tyrauntes grace,
I never shronke, nor chaunged porte or place.
I thought the Poetes auncient liberties
Had bene allowed plea at any barre.
I had forgot howe newefound tyrannies
Wyth ryght and freedome were at open warre,
That lust was lawe, that myght dyd make and mar,
That with the lewde save this no order was,
Sic volo, sic iubeo, stet pro ratione voluntas.
Had bene allowed plea at any barre.
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Wyth ryght and freedome were at open warre,
That lust was lawe, that myght dyd make and mar,
That with the lewde save this no order was,
Sic volo, sic iubeo, stet pro ratione voluntas.
Where this is lawe, it booteth not to pleade,
No pryuilege or libertyes auayle.
But wyth the learnde whom lawe and wisedome lead
Although through rashenes Poetes hap to rayle,
A plea of dotage may all quarels quayle:
Their libertyes theyr wrytinges to expounde,
Doth quyt them clere from faultes by Momus founde.
No pryuilege or libertyes auayle.
But wyth the learnde whom lawe and wisedome lead
Although through rashenes Poetes hap to rayle,
A plea of dotage may all quarels quayle:
Their libertyes theyr wrytinges to expounde,
Doth quyt them clere from faultes by Momus founde.
This auncient freedome ought not be debarred
From any wyght that speaketh ought, or wryteth.
The authours meanyng should of ryght be heard,
He knoweth best to what ende he endyteth:
Wordes sometyme beare more than the hart behiteth.
Admyt therefore the authours exposicion,
Yf playne, for truth: if forst, for his submission.
From any wyght that speaketh ought, or wryteth.
The authours meanyng should of ryght be heard,
He knoweth best to what ende he endyteth:
Wordes sometyme beare more than the hart behiteth.
Admyt therefore the authours exposicion,
Yf playne, for truth: if forst, for his submission.
Of slaunderers iust lawes requyre no more
Save to amend that seemed euel sayd:
Or to vnsaye the slaunders sayd afore,
And aske forgeuenes for the hasty brayd:
To Heretykes no greater payne is layed
Than to recant theyr errours or retract:
And wurse than these can be no wryters acte.
Save to amend that seemed euel sayd:
Or to vnsaye the slaunders sayd afore,
And aske forgeuenes for the hasty brayd:
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Than to recant theyr errours or retract:
And wurse than these can be no wryters acte.
Yes (quoth the Cat) thy rayling wordes be treason
And treason is far worse than heresye.
Then must it folowe by this foolyshe reason,
That kynges be more than God in maiestie,
And soules be lesse than bodyes in degree.
For Heretikes both soules and God offend,
Traytours but seeke to bryng mans lyfe to ende.
And treason is far worse than heresye.
Then must it folowe by this foolyshe reason,
That kynges be more than God in maiestie,
And soules be lesse than bodyes in degree.
For Heretikes both soules and God offend,
Traytours but seeke to bryng mans lyfe to ende.
I speake not this to abase the haynous faulte
Of traytrous actes abhord of God and man,
But to make playne theyr iudgement to be naught
That heresye for lesser sinne do ban,
I curse them both as deepe as any can,
And alway dyd: yet through my foolyshe ryme,
They arraynde & staynde me wyth that shameful crime.
Of traytrous actes abhord of God and man,
But to make playne theyr iudgement to be naught
That heresye for lesser sinne do ban,
I curse them both as deepe as any can,
And alway dyd: yet through my foolyshe ryme,
They arraynde & staynde me wyth that shameful crime.
I never meant the kyng or counsayle harme,
Vnles to wyshe them safetye were offence.
Agaynst theyr power I neuer lyfted arme,
Neyther pen nor tounge for any yll pretence.
The ryme I made, though rude, was sound in sence,
For they therein whom I so fondly named,
So ruled all that they were fowle defamed.
Vnles to wyshe them safetye were offence.
Agaynst theyr power I neuer lyfted arme,
Neyther pen nor tounge for any yll pretence.
The ryme I made, though rude, was sound in sence,
For they therein whom I so fondly named,
So ruled all that they were fowle defamed.
This was no treason but the very troth,
They ruled all, none could denye the same:
What was the cause then why they were so wroth?
What, is it treason in a riming frame
To clyp, to stretche, to adde, or chaunge a name?
And this reserved, there is no rime or reason,
That any craft can clowt to seeme a treason.
They ruled all, none could denye the same:
What was the cause then why they were so wroth?
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To clyp, to stretche, to adde, or chaunge a name?
And this reserved, there is no rime or reason,
That any craft can clowt to seeme a treason.
For where I meant the kyng by name of Hog,
I only alluded to his badge the Boare:
To Lovels name I added more our Dog,
Because most Dogs have borne that name of yore.
These metafors I vse with other more,
As Cat, and Rat, the halfe names of the rest,
To hide the sence which they so wrongly wrest.
I only alluded to his badge the Boare:
To Lovels name I added more our Dog,
Because most Dogs have borne that name of yore.
These metafors I vse with other more,
As Cat, and Rat, the halfe names of the rest,
To hide the sence which they so wrongly wrest.
I praye you nowe what treason fynde you here?
Enough: you rubbed the gylty on the gal,
Both sence and names do note them very nere.
I graunt that was the chiefe cause of my fall,
Yet can you finde therein no treason at all:
There is no worde agaynst the prynce or state,
Nor harme to them whom al the realme dyd hate.
Enough: you rubbed the gylty on the gal,
Both sence and names do note them very nere.
I graunt that was the chiefe cause of my fall,
Yet can you finde therein no treason at all:
There is no worde agaynst the prynce or state,
Nor harme to them whom al the realme dyd hate.
But sith the gylty alwayes are suspicious,
And dread the ruyne that must sewe by reason,
They can not chose but count theyr counsayle vicious
That note theyr faultes, and therfore cal it treason:
All grace and goodnes with the lewde is geason.
This is the cause why they good thinges detest,
Whereas the good take yll thynges to the best.
And dread the ruyne that must sewe by reason,
They can not chose but count theyr counsayle vicious
That note theyr faultes, and therfore cal it treason:
All grace and goodnes with the lewde is geason.
This is the cause why they good thinges detest,
Whereas the good take yll thynges to the best.
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And therfore Baldwyn boldly to the good
Rebuke thou vice, so shalt thou purchase thankes
As for the bad thou shalt but move his mood,
Though plesantly thou touch his sinfull prankes:
Warne poetes therfore not to passe the bankes
Of Hellicon, but kepe them in the streames,
So shall their freedome save them from extreames.
Rebuke thou vice, so shalt thou purchase thankes
As for the bad thou shalt but move his mood,
Though plesantly thou touch his sinfull prankes:
Warne poetes therfore not to passe the bankes
Of Hellicon, but kepe them in the streames,
So shall their freedome save them from extreames.
360
How Richard Plantagenet duke of Glocester, murdered his brothers children vsurping the crowne, and in the third yeare of his raygne was most worthely deprived of life and kingdome in Bosworth playne by Henry Earle of Richemond after called king Henry the .vii.
What hart so hard, but doth abhorre to heare
The ruful raygne of me the thyrd Rychard?
King vnkindely cald though I the crowne dyd weare,
Who entred by rigour, but ryght did not regard,
By tyranny proceding in kyllyng kyng Edward,
Fyft of that name, ryght heyre vnto the crowne,
With Rychard his brother, prynces of renowne.
The ruful raygne of me the thyrd Rychard?
King vnkindely cald though I the crowne dyd weare,
Who entred by rigour, but ryght did not regard,
By tyranny proceding in kyllyng kyng Edward,
Fyft of that name, ryght heyre vnto the crowne,
With Rychard his brother, prynces of renowne.
Of trust they were committed vnto my governaunce,
But trust turned to treason to truly it was tryed,
Both agaynst nature, duetye, and allegiaunce,
For through my procurement most shamefully they died
Desire of a kyngdome forgetteth all kynred,
As after by discourse it shalbe shewed here,
How cruelly these innocentes in pryson murdred were.
But trust turned to treason to truly it was tryed,
Both agaynst nature, duetye, and allegiaunce,
For through my procurement most shamefully they died
Desire of a kyngdome forgetteth all kynred,
As after by discourse it shalbe shewed here,
How cruelly these innocentes in pryson murdred were.
The Lordes and Commons all with one assent,
Protectour made me both of land and Kyng,
But I therewyth alas was not content:
For mindyng mischiefe I ment another thyng,
Which to confusion in short time dyd me bryng,
For I desyrous to rule and raygne alone,
Sought crowne and kingdome, yet title had I none.
Protectour made me both of land and Kyng,
But I therewyth alas was not content:
For mindyng mischiefe I ment another thyng,
Which to confusion in short time dyd me bryng,
For I desyrous to rule and raygne alone,
Sought crowne and kingdome, yet title had I none.
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To all Piers and princes a president I may be.
The like to beware howe they do enterpryse,
And learne theyr wretched falles by my fact to forsee,
Which ruful stand bewayling my chaunce before theyr eyes,
As one cleane bereft of all felicities:
For ryght through might I cruelly defaced,
But might helped ryght, and me agayne dysplaced.
The like to beware howe they do enterpryse,
And learne theyr wretched falles by my fact to forsee,
Which ruful stand bewayling my chaunce before theyr eyes,
As one cleane bereft of all felicities:
For ryght through might I cruelly defaced,
But might helped ryght, and me agayne dysplaced.
Alas that ever Prince should thus his honour stayne
With the bloud of Innocentes most shameful to be tolde
For these two noble ympes I caused to be slayne,
Of yeares not ful rype as yet to rule and raygne.
For which I was abhorred both of yong and old,
But as the deede was odious in syght of god and man,
So shame and destruction in the ende I wan.
With the bloud of Innocentes most shameful to be tolde
For these two noble ympes I caused to be slayne,
Of yeares not ful rype as yet to rule and raygne.
For which I was abhorred both of yong and old,
But as the deede was odious in syght of god and man,
So shame and destruction in the ende I wan.
Both God, nature, dutie, allegiaunce al forgott,
This vile and haynous acte vnnaturally I conspyred:
Which horrible deede done, alas, alas, god wot
Such terrors me tormented, and so my spyrytes fyred
As vnto such a murder and shameful deede requyred,
Such broyle dayly felt I breeding in my brest,
Wherby more and more, increased myne vnrest.
This vile and haynous acte vnnaturally I conspyred:
Which horrible deede done, alas, alas, god wot
Such terrors me tormented, and so my spyrytes fyred
As vnto such a murder and shameful deede requyred,
Such broyle dayly felt I breeding in my brest,
Wherby more and more, increased myne vnrest.
My brothers children were right heyres vnto the crowne
Whom nature rather bound to defend than distroy,
But I not regarding theyr ryght nor my renowne
My whole care and study to this ende did imploye,
The crowne to obtayne, and them both to put downe:
Wherein I God offended, prouoking iust his yre,
For this my attempt and most wicked desyre.
Whom nature rather bound to defend than distroy,
But I not regarding theyr ryght nor my renowne
My whole care and study to this ende did imploye,
The crowne to obtayne, and them both to put downe:
Wherein I God offended, prouoking iust his yre,
For this my attempt and most wicked desyre.
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To cruel cursed Cayn compare my carefull case,
Whych did vniustly slaye his brother iust Abel,
And did not I in rage make runne that rufull race
My brother duke of Clarens, whose death I shame to tell
For that so straunge it was, as it was horrible?
For sure he drenched was, and yet no water neare,
Which strange is to be tolde to al that shal it heare.
Whych did vniustly slaye his brother iust Abel,
And did not I in rage make runne that rufull race
My brother duke of Clarens, whose death I shame to tell
For that so straunge it was, as it was horrible?
For sure he drenched was, and yet no water neare,
Which strange is to be tolde to al that shal it heare.
The But he was not whereat I dyd shoote,
But yet he stoode betwene the marke and me:
For had he lived, for me it was no boote
To tempt the thing that by no meanes could be,
For I thyrd was then of my brethren thrée:
But yet I thought the elder beyng gone,
Then nedes must I beare the stroke alone.
But yet he stoode betwene the marke and me:
For had he lived, for me it was no boote
To tempt the thing that by no meanes could be,
For I thyrd was then of my brethren thrée:
But yet I thought the elder beyng gone,
Then nedes must I beare the stroke alone.
Desire to rule made me alas to rewe,
My fatal fall I could it not forsee,
Puft vp in pride, so hawtie then I grewe,
That none my peare I thought now could be,
Disdayning such as were of hygh degree:
Thus dayly rising and pulling other downe,
At last I shot howe to wyn the crowne.
My fatal fall I could it not forsee,
Puft vp in pride, so hawtie then I grewe,
That none my peare I thought now could be,
Disdayning such as were of hygh degree:
Thus dayly rising and pulling other downe,
At last I shot howe to wyn the crowne.
And dayly deuising which was the best waye
And meane howe I myght my nephewes both deuoure
I secretely then sent wythout further delay
To Brackynbury then lieuetenaunt of the tower,
Requesting him by letters to helpe vnto his power,
For to accomplyshe this my desire and wyl,
And that he would secretely my brothers children kyll.
And meane howe I myght my nephewes both deuoure
I secretely then sent wythout further delay
To Brackynbury then lieuetenaunt of the tower,
Requesting him by letters to helpe vnto his power,
For to accomplyshe this my desire and wyl,
And that he would secretely my brothers children kyll.
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He aunswered playnely with a flat naye,
Sayeng that to dye he would not doe that dede:
But finding then a proffer ready for my pray,
Wel worth a frende (quoth I) yet in time of nede.
Iames Tyrryl hyte his name, whom wyth al speede,
I sent agayne to Brackynbury, as you heard before,
Commaunding him deliver the keyes of every dore.
Sayeng that to dye he would not doe that dede:
But finding then a proffer ready for my pray,
Wel worth a frende (quoth I) yet in time of nede.
Iames Tyrryl hyte his name, whom wyth al speede,
I sent agayne to Brackynbury, as you heard before,
Commaunding him deliver the keyes of every dore.
The keyes he rendered, but partaker would not be
Of that flagitious facte. O happy man I say,
And as you heard before, he rather chose to dye
Then on those silly lambes his violent handes to lay.
His conscience him prycked, his prynce to betray:
O constant minde, that wouldest not condyscend,
Thee may I prayse, and my selfe discommend.
Of that flagitious facte. O happy man I say,
And as you heard before, he rather chose to dye
Then on those silly lambes his violent handes to lay.
His conscience him prycked, his prynce to betray:
O constant minde, that wouldest not condyscend,
Thee may I prayse, and my selfe discommend.
What though he refused, yet be sure you maye,
That other were as ready to take in hand the thyng,
Which watched and wayted as duely for theyr pray,
As ever dyd the Cat for the Mouse taking,
And howe they might their purpose best to passe bryng:
Where Tyrryl he thought good to have no bloud shed,
Becast them to kyl by smothering in theyr bed.
That other were as ready to take in hand the thyng,
Which watched and wayted as duely for theyr pray,
As ever dyd the Cat for the Mouse taking,
And howe they might their purpose best to passe bryng:
Where Tyrryl he thought good to have no bloud shed,
Becast them to kyl by smothering in theyr bed.
The Wolves at hand were ready to devoure
The silly lambes in bed whereas they laye
Abiding death and looking for the hower,
For well they wyst, they could not scape awaye.
Ah, woe is me, that did them thus betraye,
In assigning this vile dede to be done,
By Myles Forrest, and wycked Iohn Dyghton.
The silly lambes in bed whereas they laye
Abiding death and looking for the hower,
For well they wyst, they could not scape awaye.
Ah, woe is me, that did them thus betraye,
In assigning this vile dede to be done,
By Myles Forrest, and wycked Iohn Dyghton.
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Who priuely into theyr chamber stale,
In secrete wyse somewhat before midnyght,
And gan the bed together tug and hale,
Bewrapping them alas in rufull plyght,
Keping them downe, by force, by power, and might,
With haling, tugging, tormoyling, torne and tost,
Tyl they of force were forced yeeld the ghost.
In secrete wyse somewhat before midnyght,
And gan the bed together tug and hale,
Bewrapping them alas in rufull plyght,
Keping them downe, by force, by power, and might,
With haling, tugging, tormoyling, torne and tost,
Tyl they of force were forced yeeld the ghost.
Which when I heard, my hart I felt was eased
Of grudge, of gryefe, and inward deadly payne,
But with this deede the Nobles were displeased,
And sayd: O God, shal such a Tyraunt raygne,
That hath so cruelly his brothers chyldren slayne?
Which brute once blowen in the peoples eares,
Theyr dolour was such, that they brast out in teares.
Of grudge, of gryefe, and inward deadly payne,
But with this deede the Nobles were displeased,
And sayd: O God, shal such a Tyraunt raygne,
That hath so cruelly his brothers chyldren slayne?
Which brute once blowen in the peoples eares,
Theyr dolour was such, that they brast out in teares.
But what thing may suffise vnto the bloudy man,
The more he bathes in bloud, the bloudier he is alway:
By proofe I do this speake, whych best declare it can,
Which only was the cause of this prynces decaye.
The wolfe was never greedier than I was of my pray,
But who so vseth murder ful wel affirme I dare,
Wyth murder shal be quyt, ere he therof be ware.
The more he bathes in bloud, the bloudier he is alway:
By proofe I do this speake, whych best declare it can,
Which only was the cause of this prynces decaye.
The wolfe was never greedier than I was of my pray,
But who so vseth murder ful wel affirme I dare,
Wyth murder shal be quyt, ere he therof be ware.
And marke the sequell of this begonne mischiefe
Which shortly after was cause of my decaye,
For high and lowe conceyved such a gryefe
And hate against me, whych sought day by daye,
All wayes and meanes that possible they may,
On me to be revenged for this sinne,
For cruell murdering vnnaturally my kyn.
Which shortly after was cause of my decaye,
For high and lowe conceyved such a gryefe
And hate against me, whych sought day by daye,
All wayes and meanes that possible they may,
On me to be revenged for this sinne,
For cruell murdering vnnaturally my kyn.
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Not only kyn, but kyng the truth to saye
Whom vnkyndely of kyngdome I bereft,
His life also from him I raught away,
With his brothers, whych to my charge were left.
Of ambicion behold the worke and weft,
Prouoking me to do this haynous treason,
And murder them agaynst al right and reason.
Whom vnkyndely of kyngdome I bereft,
His life also from him I raught away,
With his brothers, whych to my charge were left.
Of ambicion behold the worke and weft,
Prouoking me to do this haynous treason,
And murder them agaynst al right and reason.
After whose death thus wrought by violence,
The Lordes not liking this vnnaturall dede,
Began on me to have great diffidence,
Such brynnyng hate gan in their hartes to breede,
Which made me doubt, and sore my daunger drede:
Which doubt and drede proved not in vayne,
By that ensewed alas vnto my payne.
The Lordes not liking this vnnaturall dede,
Began on me to have great diffidence,
Such brynnyng hate gan in their hartes to breede,
Which made me doubt, and sore my daunger drede:
Which doubt and drede proved not in vayne,
By that ensewed alas vnto my payne.
For I supposing all thinges were as I wyshed,
When I had brought these silly babes to bane,
But yet in that my purpose farre I missed:
For as the Moone doth chaunge after the wane,
So chaunged the hartes of such as I had tane
To be most true, to troubles dyd me turne,
Such rage and rancour in boyling brestes do burne.
When I had brought these silly babes to bane,
But yet in that my purpose farre I missed:
For as the Moone doth chaunge after the wane,
So chaunged the hartes of such as I had tane
To be most true, to troubles dyd me turne,
Such rage and rancour in boyling brestes do burne.
And sodaynely a bruyte abrode was blowen,
That Buckingham the duke both sterne and stout,
In fyeld was ready, with divers to me knowen,
To gyve me battayle if I durst come out:
Which daunted me and put me in great doubt,
For that I had no armie then prepared,
But after that I litel for it cared.
That Buckingham the duke both sterne and stout,
In fyeld was ready, with divers to me knowen,
To gyve me battayle if I durst come out:
Which daunted me and put me in great doubt,
For that I had no armie then prepared,
But after that I litel for it cared.
366
But yet remembryng, that oft a lytle sparke
Suffered doth growe vnto a great flame,
I thought it wysedome wisely for to warke,
Mustered then men in every place I came.
And marching forward dayly wyth the same,
Directly towardes the towne of Salisbury,
Where I gat knowledge of the dukes army.
Suffered doth growe vnto a great flame,
I thought it wysedome wisely for to warke,
Mustered then men in every place I came.
And marching forward dayly wyth the same,
Directly towardes the towne of Salisbury,
Where I gat knowledge of the dukes army.
And as I passed over Salysbury downe,
The rumour ran the duke was fled and gone,
His hoste dispersed besides Shrewisbury towne,
And he dismayd was left there post alone,
Bewayling his chaunce and makyng great mone:
Towardes whom I hasted with al expedicion,
Making due serche and diligent inquisicion.
The rumour ran the duke was fled and gone,
His hoste dispersed besides Shrewisbury towne,
And he dismayd was left there post alone,
Bewayling his chaunce and makyng great mone:
Towardes whom I hasted with al expedicion,
Making due serche and diligent inquisicion.
But at the first I could not of him heare,
For he was scaped by secrete bywayes,
Vnto the house of Humfrey Banystar,
Whom he had much preferred in his dayes,
And was good lord to him in al assayes:
Which he ful euel requyted in the ende,
When he was driven to seeke a trustye frende.
For he was scaped by secrete bywayes,
Vnto the house of Humfrey Banystar,
Whom he had much preferred in his dayes,
And was good lord to him in al assayes:
Which he ful euel requyted in the ende,
When he was driven to seeke a trustye frende.
For it so happened to his mishap, alas,
When I no knowledge of the Duke could heare
A proclamacion by my commaundement was
Publyshed and cryed throughout euery shyre,
That who so could tel where the Duke were,
A thousand marke should have for his payne,
What thing so hard but money can obtayne?
When I no knowledge of the Duke could heare
A proclamacion by my commaundement was
Publyshed and cryed throughout euery shyre,
That who so could tel where the Duke were,
A thousand marke should have for his payne,
What thing so hard but money can obtayne?
367
But were it for mony, mede, or drede,
That Banystar thus betrayed his ghest,
Divers have diversly deuined of this dede,
Some deeme the worst, and some iudge the best,
The doubt not dissolved nor playnely exprest,
But of the Dukes death he doubteles was cause,
Which dyed without iudgement or order of lawes.
That Banystar thus betrayed his ghest,
Divers have diversly deuined of this dede,
Some deeme the worst, and some iudge the best,
The doubt not dissolved nor playnely exprest,
But of the Dukes death he doubteles was cause,
Which dyed without iudgement or order of lawes.
Loe this noble Duke I brought thus vnto bane,
Whose doynges I doubted and had in great dred,
At Banysters house I made him to be tane,
And wythout iudgement be shortened by the head,
By the Shrive of Shropshire to Salisbury led.
In the market place vpon the scaffolde newe
Where all the beholders did much his death rewe.
Whose doynges I doubted and had in great dred,
At Banysters house I made him to be tane,
And wythout iudgement be shortened by the head,
By the Shrive of Shropshire to Salisbury led.
In the market place vpon the scaffolde newe
Where all the beholders did much his death rewe.
And after this done I brake vp my hoste,
Greatly applauded with this happy happe,
And forthwyth I sent to every sea coste
To foresee al mischieues and stoppe every gappe,
Before they should chaunce and lyght in my lappe
Geving them in charge to have good regarde
The sea coast to kepe with good watche and warde.
Greatly applauded with this happy happe,
And forthwyth I sent to every sea coste
To foresee al mischieues and stoppe every gappe,
Before they should chaunce and lyght in my lappe
Geving them in charge to have good regarde
The sea coast to kepe with good watche and warde.
Directing my letters vnto every shryve,
With strayt commaundement vnder our name,
To suffer no man in theyr partes to aryve
Nor to passe forth out of the same,
As they tendered our favour, and voyd would our blame,
Doyng therein their paine and industrye,
With diligent care and vigilant eye.
With strayt commaundement vnder our name,
To suffer no man in theyr partes to aryve
Nor to passe forth out of the same,
As they tendered our favour, and voyd would our blame,
Doyng therein their paine and industrye,
With diligent care and vigilant eye.
368
And thus setting thinges in order as you heare,
To prevent mischieves that myght then betyde,
I thought my selfe sure, and out of all feare,
And for other thinges began to provyde:
To Notyngham castel strayt dyd I ride,
Where I was not very long space,
Straunge tydinges came whych dyd me sore amase.
To prevent mischieves that myght then betyde,
I thought my selfe sure, and out of all feare,
And for other thinges began to provyde:
To Notyngham castel strayt dyd I ride,
Where I was not very long space,
Straunge tydinges came whych dyd me sore amase.
Reported it was, and that for certaynetye,
Therle of Rychemond landed was in Wales
At Mylford haven, wyth an huge armye,
Dismissing his navie which were many sayles:
Whych at the fyrst I thought fleing tales.
But in the ende dyd otherwyse prove,
Which not a litle dyd me vexe and move.
Therle of Rychemond landed was in Wales
At Mylford haven, wyth an huge armye,
Dismissing his navie which were many sayles:
Whych at the fyrst I thought fleing tales.
But in the ende dyd otherwyse prove,
Which not a litle dyd me vexe and move.
Thus fawning Fortune began on me to frowne,
And cast on me her scorneful lowring looke:
Then gan I feare the fall of my renowne,
My hart it faynted, my sinowes sore they shooke,
This heauy happe a scourge for sinne I tooke,
Yet dyd I not then vtterly despayre,
Hooping stormes past, the weather should be fayre.
And cast on me her scorneful lowring looke:
Then gan I feare the fall of my renowne,
My hart it faynted, my sinowes sore they shooke,
This heauy happe a scourge for sinne I tooke,
Yet dyd I not then vtterly despayre,
Hooping stormes past, the weather should be fayre.
And then with all speede possible I myght,
I caused them muster through out every shyre,
Determining wyth the Earle spedely to fyght,
Before that his power much encreased were,
By such as to him great favour did beare:
Which were no smal number by true reporte made,
Dayly repayring him for to ayde.
I caused them muster through out every shyre,
Determining wyth the Earle spedely to fyght,
Before that his power much encreased were,
By such as to him great favour did beare:
Which were no smal number by true reporte made,
Dayly repayring him for to ayde.
Directing my letters to divers noble men,
With earnest request theyr power to prepare,
To Notyngham castel where as I laye then.
To ayde and assyst me in this weyghty affayre:
Where strayt to my presence did then repayre,
Iohn duke of Norfolke, his eldest sonne also,
With therle of Northhumberland and many other mo.
With earnest request theyr power to prepare,
369
To ayde and assyst me in this weyghty affayre:
Where strayt to my presence did then repayre,
Iohn duke of Norfolke, his eldest sonne also,
With therle of Northhumberland and many other mo.
And thus beyng furnysht with men and municion,
Forward we marched in order of battayle raye,
Makyng by scoutes every way inquisicion,
In what place the earle with his campe laye:
Towardes whom directly we tooke then our waye,
Evermore minding to seeke our most auayle,
In place convenient to gyve to him battayle.
Forward we marched in order of battayle raye,
Makyng by scoutes every way inquisicion,
In what place the earle with his campe laye:
Towardes whom directly we tooke then our waye,
Evermore minding to seeke our most auayle,
In place convenient to gyve to him battayle.
So long we laboured, at last our armies met
On Bosworth playne besydes Lecester towne,
Where sure I thought the garland for to get,
And purchase peace, or els to lose my crowne.
But fyckle Fortune alas on me dyd frowne,
For when I was encamped in the fyelde,
Where most I trusted I soonest was begyld.
On Bosworth playne besydes Lecester towne,
Where sure I thought the garland for to get,
And purchase peace, or els to lose my crowne.
But fyckle Fortune alas on me dyd frowne,
For when I was encamped in the fyelde,
Where most I trusted I soonest was begyld.
The brand of malyce thus kyndlyng in my brest
Of deadly hate which I to him dyd beare,
Prycked me forward, and bad me not desist,
But boldely fight, and take at all no feare,
To wynne the fyeld, and the earle to conquere:
Thus hopyng glory great to gayne and get,
My army then in order dyd I set.
Of deadly hate which I to him dyd beare,
Prycked me forward, and bad me not desist,
But boldely fight, and take at all no feare,
To wynne the fyeld, and the earle to conquere:
Thus hopyng glory great to gayne and get,
My army then in order dyd I set.
Betide me life or death I desperately ran,
And ioyned me in battayle wyth this Earle so stoute,
But Fortune so him fauoured that he the battayle wan
With force and great power I was beset about,
Which when I did behold, in myds of the whole rout
With dent of sword I cast me on him to be revenged,
Where in the middest of them my wretched life I ended.
And ioyned me in battayle wyth this Earle so stoute,
But Fortune so him fauoured that he the battayle wan
With force and great power I was beset about,
Which when I did behold, in myds of the whole rout
370
Where in the middest of them my wretched life I ended.
My body it was hurryed and tugged like a Dogge,
On horsebacke all naked and bare as I was borne.
My head, handes, & feete, downe hanging like a Hogge,
With dyrt and bloud besprent, my corps al to torne,
Cursing the day that ever I was borne.
With greuous woundes bemangled most horrible to se
So sore they did abhorre this my vile crueltye.
On horsebacke all naked and bare as I was borne.
My head, handes, & feete, downe hanging like a Hogge,
With dyrt and bloud besprent, my corps al to torne,
Cursing the day that ever I was borne.
With greuous woundes bemangled most horrible to se
So sore they did abhorre this my vile crueltye.
Loe here you may beholde the due and iust rewarde
Of tiranny and treason which God doth most detest,
For if vnto my duety I had taken regarde,
I myght haue lived stil in honour with the best,
And had I not attempt the thing that I ought lest.
But desire to rule alas dyd me so blinde,
Which caused me to do agaynst nature and kynde.
Of tiranny and treason which God doth most detest,
For if vnto my duety I had taken regarde,
I myght haue lived stil in honour with the best,
And had I not attempt the thing that I ought lest.
But desire to rule alas dyd me so blinde,
Which caused me to do agaynst nature and kynde.
Ah cursed caytive why did I clymbe so hye,
Which was the cause of this my baleful thrall.
For styll I thyrsted for the regal dignitie,
But hasty rising threatneth sodayne fall,
Content your selves with your estates all,
And seeke not right by wrong to suppresse,
For God hath promist eche wrong to redresse.
Which was the cause of this my baleful thrall.
For styll I thyrsted for the regal dignitie,
But hasty rising threatneth sodayne fall,
Content your selves with your estates all,
And seeke not right by wrong to suppresse,
For God hath promist eche wrong to redresse.
See here the fine and fatall fall of me,
And guerdon due for this my wretched deede,
Whych to all prynces a myrrour nowe may be
That shal this tragicall story after reede,
Wyshyng them all by me to take heede,
And suffer ryght to rule as it is reason,
For Time trieth out both truth and also treason.
And guerdon due for this my wretched deede,
Whych to all prynces a myrrour nowe may be
That shal this tragicall story after reede,
Wyshyng them all by me to take heede,
And suffer ryght to rule as it is reason,
For Time trieth out both truth and also treason.
373
Howe Shores wife, Edwarde the fowerthes concubine, was by king Richarde despoyled of all her goodes, and forced to do open penance.
Among the rest by Fortune overthrowen,
I am not least, that most may wayle her fate:
My fame and brute abrode the world is blowen,
Who can forget a thing thus done so late?
My great mischaunce, my fall, and heauye state,
Is such a marke whereat eche tounge doth shoote,
That my good name is pluckt vp by the roote.
I am not least, that most may wayle her fate:
My fame and brute abrode the world is blowen,
Who can forget a thing thus done so late?
My great mischaunce, my fall, and heauye state,
Is such a marke whereat eche tounge doth shoote,
That my good name is pluckt vp by the roote.
This wandryng worlde bewitched me with wyles,
And wonne my wittes wyth wanton sugred ioyes,
In Fortunes frekes who trustes her when she smyles,
Shal fynde her false, and full of fyckle toyes,
Her tryumphes al but fyl our eares wyth noyse,
Her flatteryng gyftes are pleasures myxt wyth payne.
Yea al her wordes are thunders threatnyng rayne.
And wonne my wittes wyth wanton sugred ioyes,
In Fortunes frekes who trustes her when she smyles,
Shal fynde her false, and full of fyckle toyes,
Her tryumphes al but fyl our eares wyth noyse,
Her flatteryng gyftes are pleasures myxt wyth payne.
Yea al her wordes are thunders threatnyng rayne.
The fond desire that we in glory set,
Doth thirle our hartes to hope in slipper happe,
A blast of pompe is all the fruyt we get,
And vnder that lyes hidde a sodayne clappe:
In seeking rest vnwares we fall in trappe.
In groping flowers wyth Nettels stong we are,
In labouring long, we reape the crop of care.
Doth thirle our hartes to hope in slipper happe,
A blast of pompe is all the fruyt we get,
And vnder that lyes hidde a sodayne clappe:
In seeking rest vnwares we fall in trappe.
In groping flowers wyth Nettels stong we are,
In labouring long, we reape the crop of care.
374
Oh darke deceyt with paynted face for showe,
Oh poysoned baite that makes vs egre styll,
Oh fayned frende deceyuing people so,
Oh world of thée we can not speake to yll,
Yet fooles we are that bende so to thy skyll,
The plage and skourge that thousandes dayly feele,
Should warne the wise to shonne thy whyrling whele.
Oh poysoned baite that makes vs egre styll,
Oh fayned frende deceyuing people so,
Oh world of thée we can not speake to yll,
Yet fooles we are that bende so to thy skyll,
The plage and skourge that thousandes dayly feele,
Should warne the wise to shonne thy whyrling whele.
But who can stop the streame that runnes full swyft?
Or quenche the fyer that crept is in the strawe?
The thirstye drinkes, there is no other shyft,
Perforce is such, that nede obeyes no lawe,
Thus bound we are in worldly yokes to drawe,
And can not staye, nor turne agayne in tyme,
Nor learne of those that sought to hygh to clyme.
Or quenche the fyer that crept is in the strawe?
The thirstye drinkes, there is no other shyft,
Perforce is such, that nede obeyes no lawe,
Thus bound we are in worldly yokes to drawe,
And can not staye, nor turne agayne in tyme,
Nor learne of those that sought to hygh to clyme.
My selfe for proofe, loe here I nowe appeare,
In womans weede with wepyng watered eyes,
That bought her youth and her delyghtes ful deare.
Whose lowde reproche doth sound vnto the skyes
And byds my corse out of the grave to ryse,
As one that may no longer hide her face,
But nedes must come and shewe her piteous case.
In womans weede with wepyng watered eyes,
That bought her youth and her delyghtes ful deare.
Whose lowde reproche doth sound vnto the skyes
And byds my corse out of the grave to ryse,
As one that may no longer hide her face,
But nedes must come and shewe her piteous case.
The shete of shame wherein I shrowded was
Did move me ofte to playne before this daye,
And in mine eares dyd ryng the trumpe of brasse,
Which is defame that doth eche vice bewraye.
Yea though ful dead and lowe in earth I laye,
I heard the voyce of me what people sayd,
But then to speake alas I was affrayed.
Did move me ofte to playne before this daye,
And in mine eares dyd ryng the trumpe of brasse,
Which is defame that doth eche vice bewraye.
Yea though ful dead and lowe in earth I laye,
I heard the voyce of me what people sayd,
But then to speake alas I was affrayed.
375
And nowe a time for me I see preparde,
I heare the lives and falles of many wyghtes:
My tale therfore the better may be heard,
For at the torche the litle candle lightes.
Where Pageantes be, small thinges fil out the sightes.
Wherefore geve eare, good Baldwyn do thy best,
My tragedy to place among the rest.
I heare the lives and falles of many wyghtes:
My tale therfore the better may be heard,
For at the torche the litle candle lightes.
Where Pageantes be, small thinges fil out the sightes.
Wherefore geve eare, good Baldwyn do thy best,
My tragedy to place among the rest.
Because that truthe shal witnesse wel with thee,
I wil rehearse in order as it fell,
My life, my death, my dolefull destenie,
My wealth, my woe, my doing every deale,
My bitter blisse, wherein I long dyd dwell:
A whole discourse of me Shores wife by name,
Now shalt thou heare as thou hadst sene the same.
I wil rehearse in order as it fell,
My life, my death, my dolefull destenie,
My wealth, my woe, my doing every deale,
My bitter blisse, wherein I long dyd dwell:
A whole discourse of me Shores wife by name,
Now shalt thou heare as thou hadst sene the same.
Of noble bloud I can not boast my byrth,
For I was made out of the meanest molde,
Myne heritage but seven foote of earth,
Fortune ne gave to me the gyftes of golde:
But I could bragge of nature if I would,
Who fyld my face with favour freshe and fayer,
Whose beautie shone like Phebus in the ayer
For I was made out of the meanest molde,
Myne heritage but seven foote of earth,
Fortune ne gave to me the gyftes of golde:
But I could bragge of nature if I would,
Who fyld my face with favour freshe and fayer,
Whose beautie shone like Phebus in the ayer
My shape, some sayd, was seemely to eche sight,
My countenaunce did shewe a sober grace,
Myne eyes in lookes were never proved lyght,
My tongue in wordes were chaste in every case,
Myne eares were deafe, and would no lovers place,
Save that (alas) a prynce dyd blot my browe,
Loe, there the strong did make the weake to bowe.
My countenaunce did shewe a sober grace,
Myne eyes in lookes were never proved lyght,
My tongue in wordes were chaste in every case,
Myne eares were deafe, and would no lovers place,
Save that (alas) a prynce dyd blot my browe,
Loe, there the strong did make the weake to bowe.
376
The maiestie that kynges to people beare,
The stately porte, the awful chere they showe,
Doth make the meane to shrynke and couche for feare,
Like as the hound, that doth his maister knowe:
What then, since I was made vnto the bowe:
There is no cloke, can serve to hyde my fault,
For I agreed the fort he should assaulte.
The stately porte, the awful chere they showe,
Doth make the meane to shrynke and couche for feare,
Like as the hound, that doth his maister knowe:
What then, since I was made vnto the bowe:
There is no cloke, can serve to hyde my fault,
For I agreed the fort he should assaulte.
The Egles force, subdues eche byrd that flyes,
What mettal may resist the flaming fyre?
Doth not the sonne, dasill the clearest eyes,
And melt the ise, and make the frost retire?
Who can withstand a puissaunt kynges desyre?
The stiffest stones are perced through with tooles,
The wisest are with princes made but fooles.
What mettal may resist the flaming fyre?
Doth not the sonne, dasill the clearest eyes,
And melt the ise, and make the frost retire?
Who can withstand a puissaunt kynges desyre?
The stiffest stones are perced through with tooles,
The wisest are with princes made but fooles.
Yf kynde had wrought my forme in common frames,
And set me forth in coloures black and browne,
Or beautie had bene parched in Phebus flames,
Or shamefast waies had pluckt my fethers downe,
Then had I kept my name and good renowne:
For natures gyftes was cause of all my griefe.
A pleasaunt pray entiseth many a thiefe.
And set me forth in coloures black and browne,
Or beautie had bene parched in Phebus flames,
Or shamefast waies had pluckt my fethers downe,
Then had I kept my name and good renowne:
For natures gyftes was cause of all my griefe.
A pleasaunt pray entiseth many a thiefe.
Thus woe to thee that wrought my peacocks pryde
By clothing me with natures tapistrye,
Woe wurth the hewe wherein my face was dyed,
Whych made me thinke I pleased everye eye:
Like as the sterres make men beholde the skye,
So beauties showe doth make the wife ful fond.
And bringes free hartes ful oft to endeles bond.
By clothing me with natures tapistrye,
Woe wurth the hewe wherein my face was dyed,
Whych made me thinke I pleased everye eye:
Like as the sterres make men beholde the skye,
So beauties showe doth make the wife ful fond.
And bringes free hartes ful oft to endeles bond.
377
But cleare from blame my frendes can not be found,
Before my time my youth they did abuse:
In maryage, a prentyse was I bound,
When that meere love I knewe not howe to vse.
But wealaway, that can not me excuse,
The harme is mine though they deuysed my care,
And I must smart and syt in slaundrous snare.
Before my time my youth they did abuse:
In maryage, a prentyse was I bound,
When that meere love I knewe not howe to vse.
But wealaway, that can not me excuse,
The harme is mine though they deuysed my care,
And I must smart and syt in slaundrous snare.
Yet geve me leave to pleade my case at large,
Yf that the horse do runne beyond his race,
Or any thing that kepers have in charge
Do breake theyr course, where rulers may take place,
Or meat be set before the hungryes face,
Who is in fault? the offendour yea or no,
Or they that are the cause of all this wo?
Yf that the horse do runne beyond his race,
Or any thing that kepers have in charge
Do breake theyr course, where rulers may take place,
Or meat be set before the hungryes face,
Who is in fault? the offendour yea or no,
Or they that are the cause of all this wo?
Note wel what stryfe this forced maryage makes,
What lothed lyves do come where love doth lacke,
What scratting bryers do growe vpon such brakes,
What common weales by it are brought to wracke,
What heavy loade is put on pacientes backe,
What straunge delyghtes this braunch of vice doth brede
And marke what graine sprynges out of such a seede.
What lothed lyves do come where love doth lacke,
What scratting bryers do growe vpon such brakes,
What common weales by it are brought to wracke,
What heavy loade is put on pacientes backe,
What straunge delyghtes this braunch of vice doth brede
And marke what graine sprynges out of such a seede.
Compel the hawke to syt that is vnmande,
Or make the hound vntaught to drawe the dere,
Or bryng the free agaynst his wil in band,
Or move the sad a pleasaunt tale to heare,
Your time is lost and you are never the nere:
So love ne learnes of force the knot to knyt,
She serves but those that feele sweete fancies fyt,
Or make the hound vntaught to drawe the dere,
Or bryng the free agaynst his wil in band,
Or move the sad a pleasaunt tale to heare,
Your time is lost and you are never the nere:
So love ne learnes of force the knot to knyt,
She serves but those that feele sweete fancies fyt,
378
The lesse defame redoundes to my disprayse,
I was entyste by traynes, and trapt by trust:
Though in my power remayned yeas or nayes,
Vnto my frendes yet nedes consent I must,
In every thing, yea lawfull or vniust:
They brake the boowes and shakte the trée by sleyght,
And bent the wand that might have growen ful streight
I was entyste by traynes, and trapt by trust:
Though in my power remayned yeas or nayes,
Vnto my frendes yet nedes consent I must,
In every thing, yea lawfull or vniust:
They brake the boowes and shakte the trée by sleyght,
And bent the wand that might have growen ful streight
What helpe in this, the pale thus broken downe,
The Deere must nedes in daunger runne astraye:
At me therfore why should the world so frowne,
My weakenes made my youth a prynces praye.
Though wysedome should the course of nature stay,
Yet trye my case who lyst, and they shal prove,
The rypest wittes are soonest thralles to love.
The Deere must nedes in daunger runne astraye:
At me therfore why should the world so frowne,
My weakenes made my youth a prynces praye.
Though wysedome should the course of nature stay,
Yet trye my case who lyst, and they shal prove,
The rypest wittes are soonest thralles to love.
What nede I more to cleare my selfe to much?
A kyng me wanne, and had me at his call:
His royall state, his pryncely grace was such,
The hope of will (that women seeke for all,)
The ease and wealth, the gyftes whych were not smal,
Besieged me so strongly rounde aboute,
My power was weake, I could not holde him out.
A kyng me wanne, and had me at his call:
His royall state, his pryncely grace was such,
The hope of will (that women seeke for all,)
The ease and wealth, the gyftes whych were not smal,
Besieged me so strongly rounde aboute,
My power was weake, I could not holde him out.
Duke haniball in all his conquest greate.
Or Ceaser yet, whose tryumphes did excede,
Of all their spoyles which made them toyle and sweat,
Were not so glad to haue so ryche a meade.
As was this prince when I to hym agreed.
And yelded me a prisoner willynglye,
As one that knew no way awaye to flee.
Or Ceaser yet, whose tryumphes did excede,
Of all their spoyles which made them toyle and sweat,
Were not so glad to haue so ryche a meade.
As was this prince when I to hym agreed.
And yelded me a prisoner willynglye,
As one that knew no way awaye to flee.
379
The Nightingale for all his mery voyce
Nor yet the Larke that stil delightes to syng,
Did never make the hearers so reioyce,
As I with wordes have made this worthy kyng:
I never iard, in tune was every stryng,
I tempered so my tounge to please his eare,
That what I sayd was currant every where.
Nor yet the Larke that stil delightes to syng,
Did never make the hearers so reioyce,
As I with wordes have made this worthy kyng:
I never iard, in tune was every stryng,
I tempered so my tounge to please his eare,
That what I sayd was currant every where.
I ioynde my talke, my gestures, and my grace
In wittie frames that long might last and stand,
So that I brought the kyng in such a case,
That to his death I was his chiefest hand.
I governed him that ruled all this land:
I bare the sword though he did weare the crowne,
I strake the stroke that threwe the mightye downe.
In wittie frames that long might last and stand,
So that I brought the kyng in such a case,
That to his death I was his chiefest hand.
I governed him that ruled all this land:
I bare the sword though he did weare the crowne,
I strake the stroke that threwe the mightye downe.
Yf iustice sayd that iudgement was but death,
With my sweete wordes I could the kyng perswade,
And make him pause and take therein a breath,
Tyl I wyth suyte the fawtors peace had made:
I knewe what waye to vse him in his trade,
I had the arte to make the Lyon meeke,
There was no poynt wherein I was to seeke.
With my sweete wordes I could the kyng perswade,
And make him pause and take therein a breath,
Tyl I wyth suyte the fawtors peace had made:
I knewe what waye to vse him in his trade,
I had the arte to make the Lyon meeke,
There was no poynt wherein I was to seeke.
Yf I did frowne, who then did looke awrye?
Yf I dyd smyle, who would not laugh outryght?
Yf I but spake, who durst my wordes denye?
Yf I pursued, who would forsake the flyght?
I meane my power was knowen to every wyght.
On such a heyght good hap had buylt my bower,
As though my swete should never have turnd to sower.
Yf I dyd smyle, who would not laugh outryght?
Yf I but spake, who durst my wordes denye?
Yf I pursued, who would forsake the flyght?
I meane my power was knowen to every wyght.
On such a heyght good hap had buylt my bower,
As though my swete should never have turnd to sower.
380
My husband then, as one that knewe his good,
Refused to kepe a prynces concubine,
Forseing the ende and mischiefe as it stoode,
Agaynst the king did never much repyne,
He sawe the grape whereof he dranke the wyne,
Though inward thought his hart did still torment,
Yet outwardly he seemde he was content.
Refused to kepe a prynces concubine,
Forseing the ende and mischiefe as it stoode,
Agaynst the king did never much repyne,
He sawe the grape whereof he dranke the wyne,
Though inward thought his hart did still torment,
Yet outwardly he seemde he was content.
To purchase prayse and winne the peoples zeale,
Yea rather bent of kinde to do some good,
I ever did vpholde the common weale,
I had delyght to save the gylteles bloud:
Eche suters cause when that I vnderstoode,
I did preferre as it had bene mine owne,
And helpt them vp, that might have bene orethrowne.
Yea rather bent of kinde to do some good,
I ever did vpholde the common weale,
I had delyght to save the gylteles bloud:
Eche suters cause when that I vnderstoode,
I did preferre as it had bene mine owne,
And helpt them vp, that might have bene orethrowne.
My power was prest to ryght the poore mans wrong,
My handes were free to geve where nede requyred,
To watche for grace I never thought it long,
To do men good I nede not be desyred.
Nor yet with gyftes my hart was never hyred.
But when the ball was at my foote to guyde,
I played to those that fortune did abide.
My handes were free to geve where nede requyred,
To watche for grace I never thought it long,
To do men good I nede not be desyred.
Nor yet with gyftes my hart was never hyred.
But when the ball was at my foote to guyde,
I played to those that fortune did abide.
My want was wealth, my woe was ease at wyll,
My robes were ryche, and braver then the sonne:
My Fortune then was farre above my skyll,
My state was great, my glasse did ever runne,
My fatal threede so happely was spunne,
That then I sat in earthly pleasures clad,
And for the time a Goddesse place I had.
My robes were ryche, and braver then the sonne:
My Fortune then was farre above my skyll,
My state was great, my glasse did ever runne,
My fatal threede so happely was spunne,
That then I sat in earthly pleasures clad,
And for the time a Goddesse place I had.
381
But I had not so sone this lyef possest,
But my good happe began to slyp asyde.
And fortune then dyd me so sore molest,
That vnto playntes was tourned all my pride.
It booted not to rowe agaynst the tyde:
Myne oares were weke my hart and strength did fayle,
the wynd was rough I durst not beare a sayle.
But my good happe began to slyp asyde.
And fortune then dyd me so sore molest,
That vnto playntes was tourned all my pride.
It booted not to rowe agaynst the tyde:
Myne oares were weke my hart and strength did fayle,
the wynd was rough I durst not beare a sayle.
What steppes of stryef belonge to highe estate?
The clymynge vp is doubtfull to indure,
The seate it selfe doth purchase priuie hate,
And honours fame is fyckle and vnsure,
And all she brynges, is floures that be vnpure:
Which fall as fast as they do sprout and spring,
And cannot last they are so vayne a thyng.
The clymynge vp is doubtfull to indure,
The seate it selfe doth purchase priuie hate,
And honours fame is fyckle and vnsure,
And all she brynges, is floures that be vnpure:
Which fall as fast as they do sprout and spring,
And cannot last they are so vayne a thyng.
We count no care to catche that we do wyshe,
But what we wynne is long to vs vnknowen,
Til present payne be served in our dyshe,
We skarce perceyve whereon our gryefe hath growen:
What grayne proves wel that is so rashely sowen?
Yf that a meane dyd measure all our deedes,
In stead of corne we should not gather weedes.
But what we wynne is long to vs vnknowen,
Til present payne be served in our dyshe,
We skarce perceyve whereon our gryefe hath growen:
What grayne proves wel that is so rashely sowen?
Yf that a meane dyd measure all our deedes,
In stead of corne we should not gather weedes.
The setled minde is free from Fortunes power,
They nede not feare who looke not vp aloft,
But they that clyme are carefull every hower,
For when they fall they light not very softe:
Examples hath the wysest warned ofte,
That where the trees the smallest braunches bere,
The stormes do blowe and have most rigor there.
They nede not feare who looke not vp aloft,
But they that clyme are carefull every hower,
For when they fall they light not very softe:
Examples hath the wysest warned ofte,
That where the trees the smallest braunches bere,
The stormes do blowe and have most rigor there.
Where is it strong but nere the ground and roote?
Where is it weake but on the hyghest sprayes?
Where may a man so surely set his foote,
But on those bowes that groweth lowe alwayes?
The litle twigges are but vnstedfast stayes,
Yf they breake not, they bend wyth every blast,
Who trustes to them shal never stand full fast.
Where is it weake but on the hyghest sprayes?
382
But on those bowes that groweth lowe alwayes?
The litle twigges are but vnstedfast stayes,
Yf they breake not, they bend wyth every blast,
Who trustes to them shal never stand full fast.
The wynde is great vpon the hyghest hilles,
The quiete life is in the dale belowe,
Who treades on yse shal slide agaynst theyr wylles,
They want no care that curious artes would knowe,
Who lives at ease and can content him so,
Is perfect wise, and settes vs all to scoole,
Who hates this lore may wel be called a foole.
The quiete life is in the dale belowe,
Who treades on yse shal slide agaynst theyr wylles,
They want no care that curious artes would knowe,
Who lives at ease and can content him so,
Is perfect wise, and settes vs all to scoole,
Who hates this lore may wel be called a foole.
What greater gryefe may come to any lyfe,
Than after sweete to taste the bitter sower?
Or after peace to fall at warre and stryfe,
Or after myrth to have a cause to lower?
Vnder such proppes false Fortune buyldes her bower,
On sodayne chaunge her flitting frames be set,
Where is no way for to escape her net.
Than after sweete to taste the bitter sower?
Or after peace to fall at warre and stryfe,
Or after myrth to have a cause to lower?
Vnder such proppes false Fortune buyldes her bower,
On sodayne chaunge her flitting frames be set,
Where is no way for to escape her net.
The hastye smart that Fortune sendes in spyte
Is hard to brooke where gladnes we imbrace,
She threatens not, but sodaynly doth smyte,
Where ioye is moste there doth she sorowe place.
But sure I thinke, this is to strange a case,
For vs to feele such gryefe amyd our game,
And know not why vntil we taste the same.
Is hard to brooke where gladnes we imbrace,
She threatens not, but sodaynly doth smyte,
Where ioye is moste there doth she sorowe place.
But sure I thinke, this is to strange a case,
For vs to feele such gryefe amyd our game,
And know not why vntil we taste the same.
383
As earst I sayd, my blisse was turnde to bale,
I had good cause to weepe and wring my handes,
And showe sad cheare with countenaunce full pale,
For I was brought in sorowes woful bandes:
A pyrrye came and set my shippe on sandes,
What should I hide, or colour care and noye?
Kyng Edward dyed in whom was all my ioye.
I had good cause to weepe and wring my handes,
And showe sad cheare with countenaunce full pale,
For I was brought in sorowes woful bandes:
A pyrrye came and set my shippe on sandes,
What should I hide, or colour care and noye?
Kyng Edward dyed in whom was all my ioye.
And when the earth receyved had his corse,
And that in tombe, this worthye prince was layd,
The world on me began to shewe his force,
Of troubles then my parte I long assayed:
For they, of whom I never was afrayed,
Vndyd me most, and wrought me such despyte,
That they bereft from me my pleasure quyte.
And that in tombe, this worthye prince was layd,
The world on me began to shewe his force,
Of troubles then my parte I long assayed:
For they, of whom I never was afrayed,
Vndyd me most, and wrought me such despyte,
That they bereft from me my pleasure quyte.
As long as life remaynd in Edwardes brest,
Who was but I? who had such frendes at call?
His body was no sooner put in chest,
But wel was him that could procure my fall:
His brother was mine enemy most of all
Protector then, whose vice did stil abound,
From yll to worse tyll death dyd him confound.
Who was but I? who had such frendes at call?
His body was no sooner put in chest,
But wel was him that could procure my fall:
His brother was mine enemy most of all
Protector then, whose vice did stil abound,
From yll to worse tyll death dyd him confound.
He falsely fayned, that I of counsayle was
To poyson him, which thing I never ment,
But he could set thereon a face of brasse,
To bring to passe his lewde and false entent,
To such mischiefe this Tyrantes heart was bent.
To God, ne man, he never stoode in awe,
For in his wrath he made his wyll a lawe.
To poyson him, which thing I never ment,
But he could set thereon a face of brasse,
To bring to passe his lewde and false entent,
To such mischiefe this Tyrantes heart was bent.
To God, ne man, he never stoode in awe,
For in his wrath he made his wyll a lawe.
384
Lord Hastinges bloud for vengeauns on him cries,
And many moe, that were to long to name:
But most of all, and in most wofull wise
I had good cause this wretched man to blame.
Before the world I suffred open shame,
Where people were as thicke as is the sand,
I penaunce tooke with taper in my hand.
And many moe, that were to long to name:
But most of all, and in most wofull wise
I had good cause this wretched man to blame.
Before the world I suffred open shame,
Where people were as thicke as is the sand,
I penaunce tooke with taper in my hand.
Eche iye did stare, and looke me in the face,
As I past by the rumours on me ranne,
But Patience then had lent me such a grace,
My quiete lookes were praised of every man:
The shamefast bloud brought me such colour than,
That thousandes sayd, which sawe my sobre chere,
It is great ruth to see this woman here.
As I past by the rumours on me ranne,
But Patience then had lent me such a grace,
My quiete lookes were praised of every man:
The shamefast bloud brought me such colour than,
That thousandes sayd, which sawe my sobre chere,
It is great ruth to see this woman here.
But what prevailde the peoples pitie there?
This raging wolfe would spare no gylteles bloud.
Oh wicked wombe that such yll fruite did beare,
Oh cursed earth that yeldeth forth such mud,
The hell consume all thinges that dyd the good,
The heavens shut theyr gates against thy spryte,
The world tread downe thy glory vnder feete,
This raging wolfe would spare no gylteles bloud.
Oh wicked wombe that such yll fruite did beare,
Oh cursed earth that yeldeth forth such mud,
The hell consume all thinges that dyd the good,
The heavens shut theyr gates against thy spryte,
The world tread downe thy glory vnder feete,
I aske of God a vengeance on thy bones,
Thy stinking corps corrupts the ayre I knowe:
Thy shameful death no earthly wyght bemones,
For in thy lyfe thy workes were hated so,
That every man dyd wyshe thy overthrowe:
Wherefore I may, though percial nowe I am,
Curse every cause whereof thy body came.
Thy stinking corps corrupts the ayre I knowe:
Thy shameful death no earthly wyght bemones,
For in thy lyfe thy workes were hated so,
That every man dyd wyshe thy overthrowe:
Wherefore I may, though percial nowe I am,
Curse every cause whereof thy body came.
Woe wurth the man that fathered such a childe:
Woe worth the hower wherein thou wast begate,
Woe wurth the brestes that have the world begylde,
To norryshe thée that all the world dyd hate.
Woe wurth the Gods that gave thée such a fate,
To lyve so long, that death deserved so ofte.
Woe wurth the chaunce that set thee vp alofte.
Woe worth the hower wherein thou wast begate,
Woe wurth the brestes that have the world begylde,
To norryshe thée that all the world dyd hate.
Woe wurth the Gods that gave thée such a fate,
385
Woe wurth the chaunce that set thee vp alofte.
Ye Princes all, and Rulers everychone,
In punyshement beware of hatreds yre.
Before ye skourge, take hede, looke well thereon:
In wrathes yl wil yf malice kyndle fyre,
Your hartes wil bourne in such a hote desire,
That in those flames the smoake shal dym your sight,
Ye shal forget to ioyne your iustice ryght.
In punyshement beware of hatreds yre.
Before ye skourge, take hede, looke well thereon:
In wrathes yl wil yf malice kyndle fyre,
Your hartes wil bourne in such a hote desire,
That in those flames the smoake shal dym your sight,
Ye shal forget to ioyne your iustice ryght.
You should not iudge til thinges be wel deserned,
Your charge is styll to mainteyne vpryght lawes,
In conscience rules ye should be throughly learned,
Where clemencie byds wrath and rashenes pawes,
And further sayeth, stryke not wythout a cause,
And when ye smite do it for Iustice sake,
Then in good part eche man your skourge wil take.
Your charge is styll to mainteyne vpryght lawes,
In conscience rules ye should be throughly learned,
Where clemencie byds wrath and rashenes pawes,
And further sayeth, stryke not wythout a cause,
And when ye smite do it for Iustice sake,
Then in good part eche man your skourge wil take.
Yf that such zeale had moved this Tyrantes minde,
To make my plague a warning for the rest,
I had small cause such fault in him to finde,
Such punishement is vsed for the best:
But by yll wil and power I was opprest.
He spoyled my goodes and left me bare and poore,
And caused me to begge from dore to dore,
To make my plague a warning for the rest,
I had small cause such fault in him to finde,
Such punishement is vsed for the best:
But by yll wil and power I was opprest.
He spoyled my goodes and left me bare and poore,
And caused me to begge from dore to dore,
What fall was this, to come from Princes fare,
To watche for crummes among the blinde and lame?
When almes was delt I had a hungry share,
Bycause I knewe not howe to aske for shame,
Tyll force and nede had brought me in such frame,
That starve I must, or learne to beg an almes,
With booke in hand, and say S. Dauids psalmes.
To watche for crummes among the blinde and lame?
When almes was delt I had a hungry share,
Bycause I knewe not howe to aske for shame,
Tyll force and nede had brought me in such frame,
That starve I must, or learne to beg an almes,
With booke in hand, and say S. Dauids psalmes.
386
Where I was wont the golden chaynes to weare,
A payre of beades about my necke was wound,
A lynnen clothe was lapt about my heare,
A ragged gowne that trayled on the ground,
A dishe that clapt and gave a heavie sound,
A stayeng staffe and wallet therewithal,
I bare about as witnesse of my fal.
A payre of beades about my necke was wound,
A lynnen clothe was lapt about my heare,
A ragged gowne that trayled on the ground,
A dishe that clapt and gave a heavie sound,
A stayeng staffe and wallet therewithal,
I bare about as witnesse of my fal.
I had no house wherein to hyde my head,
The open strete my lodging was perforce,
Ful ofte I went al hungry to my bed,
My fleshe consumed, I looked like a corse,
Yet in that plyght who had on me remorse?
O God thou knowest my frendes forsooke me than,
Not one holpe me that suckered many a man.
The open strete my lodging was perforce,
Ful ofte I went al hungry to my bed,
My fleshe consumed, I looked like a corse,
Yet in that plyght who had on me remorse?
O God thou knowest my frendes forsooke me than,
Not one holpe me that suckered many a man.
They frownde on me that faund on me before,
And fled from me that followed me ful fast,
They hated me, by whom I set much store,
They knewe ful wel my Fortune dyd not last,
In every place I was condemnd and cast:
To pleade my cause at barre it was no boote,
For every man dyd tread me vnder foote.
And fled from me that followed me ful fast,
They hated me, by whom I set much store,
They knewe ful wel my Fortune dyd not last,
In every place I was condemnd and cast:
To pleade my cause at barre it was no boote,
For every man dyd tread me vnder foote.
Thus long I lyved all weary of my life,
Tyl death approcht and rid me from that woe:
Example take by me both maide and wyfe,
Beware, take heede, fall not to follie so,
A myrrour make of my great overthrowe:
Defye this world, and all his wanton wayes,
Beware by me, that spent so yll her dayes.
Tyl death approcht and rid me from that woe:
Example take by me both maide and wyfe,
Beware, take heede, fall not to follie so,
A myrrour make of my great overthrowe:
Defye this world, and all his wanton wayes,
Beware by me, that spent so yll her dayes.
388
The tragedie of Edmund duke of Somerset, slayne at the first battayle at Saynct Albanes, in the tyme of Henrye the sixte.
Some I suppose are borne vnfortunate,
Els good endeuours could not yll succede,
What shal I call it? yll Fortune or fate,
That some mens attemptes have never good speede,
Theyr trauayle thankeles, all bootles theyr hede:
Where other vnlyke in workyng or skyll,
Outwrestle the world, and wyeld it at wyll,
Els good endeuours could not yll succede,
What shal I call it? yll Fortune or fate,
That some mens attemptes have never good speede,
Theyr trauayle thankeles, all bootles theyr hede:
Where other vnlyke in workyng or skyll,
Outwrestle the world, and wyeld it at wyll,
Of the fyrst number I count my selfe one,
To all mishap I wene predestinate,
Beleve me Baldwyne there be fewe or none,
To whom Fortune was ever more ingrate.
Make thou therfore my lyfe a caveat,
That who so wyth force wil worke agaynst kynde,
Sayleth as who sayeth, agaynst the stream & wynde.
To all mishap I wene predestinate,
Beleve me Baldwyne there be fewe or none,
To whom Fortune was ever more ingrate.
Make thou therfore my lyfe a caveat,
That who so wyth force wil worke agaynst kynde,
Sayleth as who sayeth, agaynst the stream & wynde.
For I of Somerset which duke Edmund hight,
Extract by discent from Lancaster line,
Were it by folly or Fortunes fell despyte,
Or by yll aspecte of some crooked sygne,
Of my workes never could see a good fine:
What so I began dyd seldome wel ende:
God from such Fortune all good men defend.
Extract by discent from Lancaster line,
Were it by folly or Fortunes fell despyte,
Or by yll aspecte of some crooked sygne,
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What so I began dyd seldome wel ende:
God from such Fortune all good men defend.
Where I sought to save, most parte I dyd spyll,
For good hap with me was alway at warre.
The lynage of Yorke whom I bare so yll,
By my spite became bryght as the morning starre,
Thus somewhiles men make when fayne they would marre.
The more ye lop trees, the greater they growe,
The more ye stop streames the hygher they flowe.
For good hap with me was alway at warre.
The lynage of Yorke whom I bare so yll,
By my spite became bryght as the morning starre,
Thus somewhiles men make when fayne they would marre.
The more ye lop trees, the greater they growe,
The more ye stop streames the hygher they flowe.
By malice of me his glory grewe the more,
And mine, as the moone in the wane, waxt lesse:
For having the place which he had before,
Governour of Fraunce, nedes I must confesse,
That lost was Normandie wythout redresse,
Yet wrought I al wayes that wyt myght contryve,
But what doth it boote with the streame to stryve?
And mine, as the moone in the wane, waxt lesse:
For having the place which he had before,
Governour of Fraunce, nedes I must confesse,
That lost was Normandie wythout redresse,
Yet wrought I al wayes that wyt myght contryve,
But what doth it boote with the streame to stryve?
Borne was I neyther to warre nor to peace
For Mars was maligne to all my whole trade:
My byrth I beleve was in Ioves decreas,
When Cancer in his course beyng retrograde,
Declyned from Sol to Saturnus shade,
Where aspectes were good, opposites did marre,
So grew myne vnhap both in peace and warre.
For Mars was maligne to all my whole trade:
My byrth I beleve was in Ioves decreas,
When Cancer in his course beyng retrograde,
Declyned from Sol to Saturnus shade,
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So grew myne vnhap both in peace and warre.
A straunge natiuitie in calculation,
As all my lyves course dyd after declare,
Whereof in a bryefe to make relacion,
That other by me may learne to beware,
Overlight credence was cause of my care.
And want of foresight in geuyng assent,
To condemne Humfrey the duke innocent,
As all my lyves course dyd after declare,
Whereof in a bryefe to make relacion,
That other by me may learne to beware,
Overlight credence was cause of my care.
And want of foresight in geuyng assent,
To condemne Humfrey the duke innocent,
Humfrey I meane that was the protector,
Duke of Glocester of the royall bloud,
So long as he was Englandes dyrectour,
Kyng Henries tytle to the crowne was good.
This prynce as a pyller most stedfastly stood:
Or like to a proppe set vnder a vyne,
In state to vpholde al Lancasters line.
Duke of Glocester of the royall bloud,
So long as he was Englandes dyrectour,
Kyng Henries tytle to the crowne was good.
This prynce as a pyller most stedfastly stood:
Or like to a proppe set vnder a vyne,
In state to vpholde al Lancasters line.
O hedeles trust, vnware of harme to cum,
O malice headlong swyft to serve fond wyll,
Did ever madnes man so much benomme
Of prudent forecast, reason wit, and skyll,
As me blinde Bayard consenting to spyll,
The bloud of my cosyn my refuge and staye,
To my destruction making open waye?
O malice headlong swyft to serve fond wyll,
Did ever madnes man so much benomme
Of prudent forecast, reason wit, and skyll,
As me blinde Bayard consenting to spyll,
The bloud of my cosyn my refuge and staye,
To my destruction making open waye?
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So long as the Duke bare the stroke and swaye,
So long no Rebelles quarelles durst begin,
But when that the post was once pulled awaye,
Which stoode to vpholde the king and his kyn,
Yorke and his banders proudly preased in.
To chalenge the crowne by title of ryght,
Beginning with lawe and ending with myght.
So long no Rebelles quarelles durst begin,
But when that the post was once pulled awaye,
Which stoode to vpholde the king and his kyn,
Yorke and his banders proudly preased in.
To chalenge the crowne by title of ryght,
Beginning with lawe and ending with myght.
Abrode went bruites in countrey and in towne,
That Yorke of England was the heyre true,
And howe Henry vsurped had the crowne
Agaynst al right, which al the realme may rue:
The people then, embrasing titles newe,
Yrksome of present, and longing for a chaunge,
Assented soone bycause they love to raunge.
That Yorke of England was the heyre true,
And howe Henry vsurped had the crowne
Agaynst al right, which al the realme may rue:
The people then, embrasing titles newe,
Yrksome of present, and longing for a chaunge,
Assented soone bycause they love to raunge.
True is the text which we in scripture read,
Ve terrae illi cuius rex est puer.
Woe to the land whereof a chylde is head,
Whether chylde or childyshe the case is one sure,
Where kynges be yong we dayly see in vre,
The people awles wanting one to dread,
Lead theyr lives lawles by weakenes of the heade.
Ve terrae illi cuius rex est puer.
Woe to the land whereof a chylde is head,
Whether chylde or childyshe the case is one sure,
Where kynges be yong we dayly see in vre,
The people awles wanting one to dread,
Lead theyr lives lawles by weakenes of the heade.
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And no lesse true is this text agayne,
Beata terra cuius rex est nobilis.
Blest is the land where a stout kyng doth rayne,
Where in good peace eche man possesseth his,
Where ill men feare to fault or do amis,
Where the prynce prest hath alway sword in hand,
At home and abrode his enemyes to wythstand.
Beata terra cuius rex est nobilis.
Blest is the land where a stout kyng doth rayne,
Where in good peace eche man possesseth his,
Where ill men feare to fault or do amis,
Where the prynce prest hath alway sword in hand,
At home and abrode his enemyes to wythstand.
In case king Henry had bene such a one,
Hardy and stoute as his fathers afore,
Long mought he have sat in the royall throne,
Without any feare of common vprore.
But dayly his weakenes shewed more and more,
And that gave boldenes to the aduers bande,
To spoyle him at last both of life and land.
Hardy and stoute as his fathers afore,
Long mought he have sat in the royall throne,
Without any feare of common vprore.
But dayly his weakenes shewed more and more,
And that gave boldenes to the aduers bande,
To spoyle him at last both of life and land.
His humble hart was nothyng vnknowen,
To the gallantes of Yorke & theyr retinue,
A ground lyeng lowe is soone overflowen,
And shored houses can not long continue,
Ioyntes can not knyt where as is no synowe,
And so a prynce, not dred as well as loved
Is from his place, by practise soone removed.
To the gallantes of Yorke & theyr retinue,
A ground lyeng lowe is soone overflowen,
And shored houses can not long continue,
Ioyntes can not knyt where as is no synowe,
And so a prynce, not dred as well as loved
Is from his place, by practise soone removed.
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Well mought I see had I not wanted brayne,
The wurke begon to vndermine the state,
When the chiefe lynke was lewced fro the chayne,
And that men durst vpon bloud royal grate,
Howe tickle a holde had I of mine estate?
When the head poste laye flat vpon the flore,
Mought not I thinke my staf next the dore?
The wurke begon to vndermine the state,
When the chiefe lynke was lewced fro the chayne,
And that men durst vpon bloud royal grate,
Howe tickle a holde had I of mine estate?
When the head poste laye flat vpon the flore,
Mought not I thinke my staf next the dore?
So mought also dame Margarete the Queene,
By meane of whom this mischiefe fyrst began,
Dyd she trowe ye her selfe not overwéen
Death to procure to such a noble man?
Whych she and hers afterward did ban,
On whom dyd hang as I before have sayd,
Her husbandes life, his honour and his ayde.
By meane of whom this mischiefe fyrst began,
Dyd she trowe ye her selfe not overwéen
Death to procure to such a noble man?
Whych she and hers afterward did ban,
On whom dyd hang as I before have sayd,
Her husbandes life, his honour and his ayde.
For whylest he lyved whych was our stable staye,
Yorke and his ympes were kept as vnder yoke,
But when our poste removed was away,
Then burst out flame that late before was smoke,
The traytour covert then cast of his cloke,
And he that lay hyd came forth in open light,
With titles blynde whych he set forth for ryght.
Yorke and his ympes were kept as vnder yoke,
But when our poste removed was away,
Then burst out flame that late before was smoke,
The traytour covert then cast of his cloke,
And he that lay hyd came forth in open light,
With titles blynde whych he set forth for ryght.
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Whych thyng to compasse him fyrst behooved,
The kyng and his kyn a sunder to set:
Who being perforce or practise remooved,
Then had they auoyded the pryncipall let,
Which kept the sought pray so long from the net:
The next poynt after, was them selves to place
In hyghest authoritie about his grace.
The kyng and his kyn a sunder to set:
Who being perforce or practise remooved,
Then had they auoyded the pryncipall let,
Which kept the sought pray so long from the net:
The next poynt after, was them selves to place
In hyghest authoritie about his grace.
Therfore he wrought strayght me to displace,
No cause pretending but the common weale,
The crowne of England was the very case,
Why to the commons they burned so in zeale.
My faultes were cloakes theyr practise to conceale,
In counsayle hearing consider the entent,
For by pretence of truth treason ofte is ment,
No cause pretending but the common weale,
The crowne of England was the very case,
Why to the commons they burned so in zeale.
My faultes were cloakes theyr practise to conceale,
In counsayle hearing consider the entent,
For by pretence of truth treason ofte is ment,
So theyr pretence was only to remove
Counsayle corrupt from place about the kyng.
But O ye Prynces, you it doth behoove,
This case to construe as no fayned thyng,
That never traytour did subdue his kyng,
But for his plat ere he would furder wade,
Agaynst his frendes the quarel fyrst he made.
Counsayle corrupt from place about the kyng.
But O ye Prynces, you it doth behoove,
This case to construe as no fayned thyng,
That never traytour did subdue his kyng,
But for his plat ere he would furder wade,
Agaynst his frendes the quarel fyrst he made.
And if by hap he could so bryng about,
Them to subdue at his owne wyshe and wyll,
Then would he waxe so arrogant and stout,
That no reason his outrage myght fulfyll.
But to procede vpon his purpose styl
Tyll kyng and counsayle brought were in one case:
Loe to a rebell what it is to geve place.
Them to subdue at his owne wyshe and wyll,
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That no reason his outrage myght fulfyll.
But to procede vpon his purpose styl
Tyll kyng and counsayle brought were in one case:
Loe to a rebell what it is to geve place.
So for the fyshe casting forth his net,
The next poynt was in dryuing out his plat,
Common doltes to cause furiously to fret,
And to rebel, I can not tel for what,
Requyring redres of this and of that:
Who yf they speede, he standing at receyt,
Graspe would the pray that he long dyd awayte.
The next poynt was in dryuing out his plat,
Common doltes to cause furiously to fret,
And to rebel, I can not tel for what,
Requyring redres of this and of that:
Who yf they speede, he standing at receyt,
Graspe would the pray that he long dyd awayte.
Then by surmyse of sumthing pretended,
Such to displace as they may well suspect
Lyke to wythstand theyr practises entended,
And in theyr roomes theyr banders to elect,
The adverse party proudly to reiect.
And then wyth reportes the simple to abuse,
And when these helpes fayle, open force to vse.
Such to displace as they may well suspect
Lyke to wythstand theyr practises entended,
And in theyr roomes theyr banders to elect,
The adverse party proudly to reiect.
And then wyth reportes the simple to abuse,
And when these helpes fayle, open force to vse.
So this Dukes traynes were covert and not séene,
Which nought lesse meant, then he most pretended.
Lyke to a serpent covert vnder greene,
To the weale publycke séemed wholly bended:
Zelous he was, and would have all thing mended,
But by that mendment nothyng els he ment,
But to be kyng, to that marke was his bent.
Which nought lesse meant, then he most pretended.
Lyke to a serpent covert vnder greene,
To the weale publycke séemed wholly bended:
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But by that mendment nothyng els he ment,
But to be kyng, to that marke was his bent.
For had he bene playne as he meant in dede,
Henry to depose from the royall place,
His haste had bene waste, and much worse his speede,
The kyng then standing in his peoples grace.
This Duke therfore set forth a goodly face,
As one that meant no quarell for the crowne,
Such as bare rule he only would put downe.
Henry to depose from the royall place,
His haste had bene waste, and much worse his speede,
The kyng then standing in his peoples grace.
This Duke therfore set forth a goodly face,
As one that meant no quarell for the crowne,
Such as bare rule he only would put downe.
But all for nought so long as I bare stroke,
Served these dryftes, and proved all vayne,
Then dyd he attempt the people to provoke,
To make commocion and vprores amayne:
Which to appease, the kyng him selfe was fayne,
From Blackheath in Kent, to send me to the Tower.
Such was the force of rebels that hower.
Served these dryftes, and proved all vayne,
Then dyd he attempt the people to provoke,
To make commocion and vprores amayne:
Which to appease, the kyng him selfe was fayne,
From Blackheath in Kent, to send me to the Tower.
Such was the force of rebels that hower.
The tempest yet therewyth was not ceased,
For Yorke was bent his purpose to pursue,
Who seing howe soone I was released,
And yll successe of suffraunce to insue:
Then like a Iudas vnto his lord vntrue,
Esteming time lost lenger to deferre,
By Warwykes ayde proclaymed open warre,
For Yorke was bent his purpose to pursue,
Who seing howe soone I was released,
And yll successe of suffraunce to insue:
Then like a Iudas vnto his lord vntrue,
Esteming time lost lenger to deferre,
By Warwykes ayde proclaymed open warre,
At S. Albanes towne both our hostes dyd mete,
Which to trye a fielde was no equal place,
Forst we were to fyght in every lane and strete,
No feare of foes could make me shun the place:
There I and Warwyke fronted face to face,
At an Inne dore, the Castel was the syne,
Where with a sword was cut my fatal line.
Which to trye a fielde was no equal place,
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No feare of foes could make me shun the place:
There I and Warwyke fronted face to face,
At an Inne dore, the Castel was the syne,
Where with a sword was cut my fatal line.
Oft was I warned to come in Castel none,
But thought no whit of any common sygne,
I dyd ymagine a Castel buylt wyth stone,
For of no Inne I could the same diuine:
In Prophetes skyl my wyt was never fine,
A Foole is he that such vayne dreames doth dread,
And more foole of both that wyl by them be led.
But thought no whit of any common sygne,
I dyd ymagine a Castel buylt wyth stone,
For of no Inne I could the same diuine:
In Prophetes skyl my wyt was never fine,
A Foole is he that such vayne dreames doth dread,
And more foole of both that wyl by them be led.
My life I lost in that vnlucky place,
With many Lordes that leaned to my parte:
The Erle Percy had there no better grace,
Clyfford for all his courage could not shun the darte,
Stafford although stout, free went not from this marte.
Babthorp the attorney for all his skyll in lawe,
In this poynt of pleading was found very rawe.
With many Lordes that leaned to my parte:
The Erle Percy had there no better grace,
Clyfford for all his courage could not shun the darte,
Stafford although stout, free went not from this marte.
Babthorp the attorney for all his skyll in lawe,
In this poynt of pleading was found very rawe.
So thus this poore kyng disarmed of his bandes,
His frendes slayne wanting al assistence,
Was made a pray vnto his enemies handes,
Pryued of power, and pryncely reverence,
And as a pupyl voyd of all experience,
Innocent playne, and symply wytted
Was as a Lambe to the Wolfe committed.
His frendes slayne wanting al assistence,
398
Pryued of power, and pryncely reverence,
And as a pupyl voyd of all experience,
Innocent playne, and symply wytted
Was as a Lambe to the Wolfe committed.
A Parlyament then was called wyth speede
A Parlyament, nay a playne conspiracye,
When all in poste it was by acte decreed,
That after the death of the syxt Henry,
Yorke should succede vnto the regally,
And in his life the charge and protection,
Of kyng and realme at the dukes direction.
A Parlyament, nay a playne conspiracye,
When all in poste it was by acte decreed,
That after the death of the syxt Henry,
Yorke should succede vnto the regally,
And in his life the charge and protection,
Of kyng and realme at the dukes direction.
And thus was Yorke declared protectour,
Protector sayd I, nay proditor playne.
A ranke rebell the prynces director
A liege to lead his lord and soveraygne,
What honest hart would not conceyve disdayne
To sée the foote appeare above the head,
A monster is in spyte of nature bred.
Protector sayd I, nay proditor playne.
A ranke rebell the prynces director
A liege to lead his lord and soveraygne,
What honest hart would not conceyve disdayne
To sée the foote appeare above the head,
A monster is in spyte of nature bred.
Some haply here wyl move a farder doubt,
And for Yorkes parte allege an elder right,
O braynles heades that so run in and out.
Whan length of time a state hath firmely pyght:
And good accorde hath put all stryfe to flyght,
Were it not better such titles should slepe,
Than all a realme for theyr tryall to wepe?
And for Yorkes parte allege an elder right,
O braynles heades that so run in and out.
Whan length of time a state hath firmely pyght:
399
Were it not better such titles should slepe,
Than all a realme for theyr tryall to wepe?
From the heyre female came Yorke and his lede,
And we of Lancaster from the heyre male,
Of whom thrée kinges in order dyd succede,
By iust discent: this is no fayned tale.
Who would have thought that any storme or gale
Our shyp could shake, having such anker hold?
None I thinke sure vnlesse God so would.
And we of Lancaster from the heyre male,
Of whom thrée kinges in order dyd succede,
By iust discent: this is no fayned tale.
Who would have thought that any storme or gale
Our shyp could shake, having such anker hold?
None I thinke sure vnlesse God so would.
After this hurle the kyng was fayne to flée,
Northward in poste for succour and relyefe.
O blessed God howe straunge it was to sée,
A ryghtfull prynce pursued as a thiefe:
To thée O England what can be more repryefe?
Then to pursue thy Prynce wyth armed hand,
What greater shame may be to any land?
Northward in poste for succour and relyefe.
O blessed God howe straunge it was to sée,
A ryghtfull prynce pursued as a thiefe:
To thée O England what can be more repryefe?
Then to pursue thy Prynce wyth armed hand,
What greater shame may be to any land?
Traytours dyd triumphe, true men lay in the dust,
Reuing and robbing roysted every where,
Will stoode for skyll, and lawe obeyed lust,
Might trode downe right, of kyng there was no feare.
All thing was tried only by shield and speare.
Al which vnhappes that they were not foreséene,
I was in fault, or some about the Queene.
Reuing and robbing roysted every where,
Will stoode for skyll, and lawe obeyed lust,
Might trode downe right, of kyng there was no feare.
All thing was tried only by shield and speare.
Al which vnhappes that they were not foreséene,
I was in fault, or some about the Queene.
400
Thou lookest Baldwyn I should my selfe accuse,
Of some subtyle dryft or other lyke thyng,
Wherein I should my prynces eares abuse,
To the Dukes foes overmuch adhering,
Though some mens practise did me thereto bryng,
My fault only consisted in consent,
Forgeve it me, for sore I dyd repent:
Of some subtyle dryft or other lyke thyng,
Wherein I should my prynces eares abuse,
To the Dukes foes overmuch adhering,
Though some mens practise did me thereto bryng,
My fault only consisted in consent,
Forgeve it me, for sore I dyd repent:
Yf I at fyrst when brandes began to smoke,
The sparkes to quenche by any way had sought,
England had never felt this mortal stroke,
Which nowe to late lamenting helpeth nought.
Two poyntes of wyt to dearly have I bought,
The fyrst that better is timely to foresée,
Then after over late a counsaylour to be.
The sparkes to quenche by any way had sought,
England had never felt this mortal stroke,
Which nowe to late lamenting helpeth nought.
Two poyntes of wyt to dearly have I bought,
The fyrst that better is timely to foresée,
Then after over late a counsaylour to be.
The second poynt, not easely to assent
To aduise geven agaynst thy faythful frende,
But of the speaker ponder the intent,
The meaning ful, the poynt, and final ende.
A saynt in showe, in proofe is found a fende,
The subtyle man the simple to abuse,
Much pleasaunt speache and eloquence doth vse.
To aduise geven agaynst thy faythful frende,
But of the speaker ponder the intent,
The meaning ful, the poynt, and final ende.
A saynt in showe, in proofe is found a fende,
The subtyle man the simple to abuse,
Much pleasaunt speache and eloquence doth vse.
And so was I abusde and other moe
By Suffolkes sleyghtes, who sought to please the quene,
Forecasting not the miserye and woe
Whych thereof came, and soone was after sene:
With glosing tonge he made vs fooles to weene,
That Humfrey dyd to Englandes crowne aspyre,
Which to prevent, his death they dyd conspyre.
By Suffolkes sleyghtes, who sought to please the quene,
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Whych thereof came, and soone was after sene:
With glosing tonge he made vs fooles to weene,
That Humfrey dyd to Englandes crowne aspyre,
Which to prevent, his death they dyd conspyre.
What should I more of myne vnhaps declare,
Whereof my death at last hath made an ende?
Not I alone was cause of all this care,
Some besides me there were that did offend.
None I accuse, nor yet my selfe defend,
Faultes I know I had, as none lives wythout,
My chiefe fault was folly I put thée out of doubt.
Whereof my death at last hath made an ende?
Not I alone was cause of all this care,
Some besides me there were that did offend.
None I accuse, nor yet my selfe defend,
Faultes I know I had, as none lives wythout,
My chiefe fault was folly I put thée out of doubt.
Folly was the chiefe, the noughty time was next,
Which made my fortune subiect to the chiefe:
If England then wyth strife had not bene vext.
Glory might have growen where as ensewed gryefe
Yet one thing to me is comfort and relyefe,
Constant I was in my Prynces quarell,
To dye or lyve and spared for no parell.
Which made my fortune subiect to the chiefe:
If England then wyth strife had not bene vext.
Glory might have growen where as ensewed gryefe
Yet one thing to me is comfort and relyefe,
Constant I was in my Prynces quarell,
To dye or lyve and spared for no parell.
What though Fortune enuious was my foe,
A noble hart ought not the sooner yelde,
Nor shrynke abacke for any weale or woe,
But for his Prynce lye bleeding in the feelde:
If priuie spyte at any time me helde,
The pryce is payed: and grevous is my guerdon,
As for the rest God I trust wyll pardon.
A noble hart ought not the sooner yelde,
Nor shrynke abacke for any weale or woe,
But for his Prynce lye bleeding in the feelde:
If priuie spyte at any time me helde,
The pryce is payed: and grevous is my guerdon,
As for the rest God I trust wyll pardon.
402
The wilfull fall of Blacke Smyth, and the foolishe ende of the Lord Awdeley.
Who is more bolde then is the blynde Beard?
Where is more craft than in the clowted shoen?
Who catche more harme then such as nothing feard?
Where is more guyle then were mistrust is none?
No playsters helpe before the gryefe be knowen.
So semes by me who could no wysedome lere,
Vntyll such time I bought my wyt to deare.
Where is more craft than in the clowted shoen?
Who catche more harme then such as nothing feard?
Where is more guyle then were mistrust is none?
No playsters helpe before the gryefe be knowen.
So semes by me who could no wysedome lere,
Vntyll such time I bought my wyt to deare.
403
Who being boystous stout, and brayneles bolde,
Puft vp wyth pryde, with fyer and furies fret,
Incenst with tales so rude and playnely tolde,
Wherein deceyt wyth double knot was knyt,
I trapped was as sely fishe in net,
Who swift in swimming, not doubtful of disceyt,
Is caught in gyn wherein is layd no bayt.
Puft vp wyth pryde, with fyer and furies fret,
Incenst with tales so rude and playnely tolde,
Wherein deceyt wyth double knot was knyt,
I trapped was as sely fishe in net,
Who swift in swimming, not doubtful of disceyt,
Is caught in gyn wherein is layd no bayt.
Such force and vertue hath this doleful playnt,
Set forth wyth syghes and teares of Crocodyle,
Who seemes in sight as simple as a saynt,
Hath layd a bayte the wareles to begyle,
And as they weepe they worke disceyt the while,
Whose ruful cheare the rulers so relent,
To worke in hast that they at last repent.
Set forth wyth syghes and teares of Crocodyle,
Who seemes in sight as simple as a saynt,
Hath layd a bayte the wareles to begyle,
And as they weepe they worke disceyt the while,
Whose ruful cheare the rulers so relent,
To worke in hast that they at last repent.
Take hede therfore ye rulers of the land,
Be blynd in sight, and stop your other eare,
In sentence slowe tyl skyll the truthe hath skand,
In all your doomes both love and hate forbeare,
So shal your iudgement iust and ryght appeare:
It was a southfast sentence long agoe,
That hastye men shal never lacke much woe.
Be blynd in sight, and stop your other eare,
In sentence slowe tyl skyll the truthe hath skand,
In all your doomes both love and hate forbeare,
So shal your iudgement iust and ryght appeare:
It was a southfast sentence long agoe,
That hastye men shal never lacke much woe.
Is it not truth? Baldwyn what sayest thou?
Say on thy minde, I pray the muse no more,
Me thinke thou starest and lookest I wote not howe,
As though thou never sawest a man before:
By like thou musest why I teache this lore,
Els what I am that here so boldly dare,
Among the prease of princes to compare.
Say on thy minde, I pray the muse no more,
Me thinke thou starest and lookest I wote not howe,
As though thou never sawest a man before:
By like thou musest why I teache this lore,
Els what I am that here so boldly dare,
Among the prease of princes to compare.
404
Though I be bolde, I pray thée blame not me,
Lyke as men sowe, such corne nedes must they reape,
And nature hath so planted in eche degrée,
That Crabbes like Crabbes wil kindly cral and crepe:
The sutell Foxe vnlike the silly shepe:
It is according to myne education,
Forward to prease in rout and congregacion.
Lyke as men sowe, such corne nedes must they reape,
And nature hath so planted in eche degrée,
That Crabbes like Crabbes wil kindly cral and crepe:
The sutell Foxe vnlike the silly shepe:
It is according to myne education,
Forward to prease in rout and congregacion.
Behold my cote burnt wyth the sparkes of fyer,
My lether apron fylde wyth horseshoe nayles,
Behold my hammer and my pyncers here,
Behold my lookes a marke that seldome fayles:
My chekes declare I was not fed wyth quayles,
My face, my clothes, my tooles wyth al my fashion,
Declare full wel a prynce of rude creacion.
My lether apron fylde wyth horseshoe nayles,
Behold my hammer and my pyncers here,
Behold my lookes a marke that seldome fayles:
My chekes declare I was not fed wyth quayles,
My face, my clothes, my tooles wyth al my fashion,
Declare full wel a prynce of rude creacion.
A prynce I sayd, a prynce I say agayne,
Though not by byrth, by crafty vsurpacion,
Who doutes but some men pryncehoode do obtayne,
By open force and wrongful dominacion,
Yet whyle they rule are had in reputation:
Even so by me, the whyle I wrought my feate,
I was a Prynce at least in my conceyte.
Though not by byrth, by crafty vsurpacion,
Who doutes but some men pryncehoode do obtayne,
By open force and wrongful dominacion,
Yet whyle they rule are had in reputation:
Even so by me, the whyle I wrought my feate,
I was a Prynce at least in my conceyte.
I dare the bolder take on me the name,
Because of him whom here I leade in hand,
Tychet Lord Audeley a lord of byrth and fame,
Which with his strength and power servde in my band,
I was a Prynce whyle that I was so mande:
His Butterflye styll vnderneth my shielde,
Displayed was from Welles to Blackheath fyelde.
Because of him whom here I leade in hand,
Tychet Lord Audeley a lord of byrth and fame,
Which with his strength and power servde in my band,
I was a Prynce whyle that I was so mande:
His Butterflye styll vnderneth my shielde,
Displayed was from Welles to Blackheath fyelde.
405
But nowe beholde he doth bewayle the same:
Thus after wittes theyr rashenes do deprave,
Beholde dismayd he dare not speake for shame,
He lookes like one that late came from the grave,
Or one that came forth of Trophonius cave,
For that in wyt he had so litle pyth,
As he a lord to serve a traytour smyth.
Thus after wittes theyr rashenes do deprave,
Beholde dismayd he dare not speake for shame,
He lookes like one that late came from the grave,
Or one that came forth of Trophonius cave,
For that in wyt he had so litle pyth,
As he a lord to serve a traytour smyth.
Such is the Corage of the noble hart,
Which doth despyse the vile and baser sorte,
He may not touch that savers of the Cart,
Him listeth not wyth eche Iacke lout to sporte,
He lets him passe for payring of his porte,
The iolly Egles catche not litle flees,
The courtly sylkes matche seeld with homly frees.
Which doth despyse the vile and baser sorte,
He may not touch that savers of the Cart,
Him listeth not wyth eche Iacke lout to sporte,
He lets him passe for payring of his porte,
The iolly Egles catche not litle flees,
The courtly sylkes matche seeld with homly frees.
But surely Baldwyne if I were allowde
To saye the trouth, I could somewhat declare:
But Clarkes wyl say, this Smith doth waxe to proude,
Thus in preceptes of wysedome to compare,
But Smithes must speake that clarkes for feare ne dare.
It is a thyng that all men may lament,
When clarkes kepe close the truth least they be shent.
To saye the trouth, I could somewhat declare:
But Clarkes wyl say, this Smith doth waxe to proude,
Thus in preceptes of wysedome to compare,
But Smithes must speake that clarkes for feare ne dare.
It is a thyng that all men may lament,
When clarkes kepe close the truth least they be shent.
The Hostler, Barber, Myller, and the smyth,
Heare of the sawes of such as wysedome ken,
And learne some wyt although they want the pyth,
That Clarkes pretende: and yet both nowe and then,
The greatest Clarkes prove not the wisest men:
It is not right that men forbid should be,
To speake the truth all were he bond or free.
Heare of the sawes of such as wysedome ken,
And learne some wyt although they want the pyth,
That Clarkes pretende: and yet both nowe and then,
The greatest Clarkes prove not the wisest men:
It is not right that men forbid should be,
To speake the truth all were he bond or free.
And for becavse I have vsed to fret and fome,
Not passing greatly whom I should displease,
I dare be bolde a while to play the mome,
Out of my sacke some others faultes to lease,
And let my owne behinde my backe to peyse.
For he that hath his owne before his iye,
Shal not so quicke anothers fault espye.
Not passing greatly whom I should displease,
I dare be bolde a while to play the mome,
Out of my sacke some others faultes to lease,
406
For he that hath his owne before his iye,
Shal not so quicke anothers fault espye.
I say was never no such woful case,
As is when honour doth it selfe abuse:
The noble man that vertue doth imbrace,
Represseth pryde, and humblenes doth vse,
By wysedome workes, and rashenes doth refuse:
His wanton wyl and lust that brydel can,
In dede is gentil both to God and man.
As is when honour doth it selfe abuse:
The noble man that vertue doth imbrace,
Represseth pryde, and humblenes doth vse,
By wysedome workes, and rashenes doth refuse:
His wanton wyl and lust that brydel can,
In dede is gentil both to God and man.
But where the nobles want both wyt and grace,
Regard no rede, care not but for theyr lust,
Oppresse the poore, set wil in reasons place,
And in their wordes and doomes be found vniust,
Wealth goeth to wracke tyl all lye in the dust:
There Fortune frownes, and spite beginth to growe,
Til high, and lowe, and al be overthrowe.
Regard no rede, care not but for theyr lust,
Oppresse the poore, set wil in reasons place,
And in their wordes and doomes be found vniust,
Wealth goeth to wracke tyl all lye in the dust:
There Fortune frownes, and spite beginth to growe,
Til high, and lowe, and al be overthrowe.
Then syth that vertue hath so good rewarde,
And after vice so duely wayteth shame,
Howe happth that Prynces have no more regarde,
Their tender youth wyth vertue to enflame?
For lacke whereof theyr wyt and wyl is lame,
Infecte with folly, prone to lust and pryde,
Not knowing howe them selfes or theyrs to guyde.
And after vice so duely wayteth shame,
Howe happth that Prynces have no more regarde,
Their tender youth wyth vertue to enflame?
For lacke whereof theyr wyt and wyl is lame,
Infecte with folly, prone to lust and pryde,
Not knowing howe them selfes or theyrs to guyde.
Whereby it hapneth to the wanton wyght,
As to a shyppe vpon the stormy seas,
Whych lacking sterne to guyde it selfe aryght,
From shore to shore the wynde and tide do téese,
Finding no place to rest or take his ease,
Tyl at the last it synke vpon the sande:
So fare they all that have not vertue cand.
As to a shyppe vpon the stormy seas,
Whych lacking sterne to guyde it selfe aryght,
From shore to shore the wynde and tide do téese,
407
Tyl at the last it synke vpon the sande:
So fare they all that have not vertue cand.
The Plowman fyrst his land doth dresse and torne,
And makes it apte or ere the seede be sowe,
Whereby he is full like to reape good corne,
Where otherwise no seede but wéede would growe:
By whych ensample men may easely knowe,
When youth have welth before they can wel vse it,
It is no wonder though they do abuse it.
And makes it apte or ere the seede be sowe,
Whereby he is full like to reape good corne,
Where otherwise no seede but wéede would growe:
By whych ensample men may easely knowe,
When youth have welth before they can wel vse it,
It is no wonder though they do abuse it.
Howe can he rule wel in a common welth,
Whych knoweth not him selfe in rule to frame?
Howe should he rule him selfe in ghostly health,
Which never learnd one lesson for the same?
If such catche harme theyr parentes are to blame:
For nedes must they be blynde, and blyndly ledde,
Where no good lesson can be taught or red.
Whych knoweth not him selfe in rule to frame?
Howe should he rule him selfe in ghostly health,
Which never learnd one lesson for the same?
If such catche harme theyr parentes are to blame:
For nedes must they be blynde, and blyndly ledde,
Where no good lesson can be taught or red.
Some thinke theyr youth discrete and wysely taught,
That brag, and boste, and weare their fether brave,
Can royst, and rowt, both lowre, and looke alofte,
Can sweare and stare, and call their felowes knave,
Can pyll and poll, and catche before they crave,
Can carde and dyse, both cogge and foyst at fare,
Play on vnthriftye, til theyr purse be bare.
That brag, and boste, and weare their fether brave,
Can royst, and rowt, both lowre, and looke alofte,
Can sweare and stare, and call their felowes knave,
Can pyll and poll, and catche before they crave,
Can carde and dyse, both cogge and foyst at fare,
Play on vnthriftye, til theyr purse be bare.
Some teache theyr youth to pype, to syng, and daunce,
To hauke, to hunt, to choose and kyl theyr game,
To wynde theyr horne, and with their horse to praunce,
To play at Tenys, set the lute in frame,
Runne at the ring and vse such other game:
Which fetes although they be not all vnfyt,
Yet can not they the marke of vertue hit.
To hauke, to hunt, to choose and kyl theyr game,
To wynde theyr horne, and with their horse to praunce,
To play at Tenys, set the lute in frame,
408
Which fetes although they be not all vnfyt,
Yet can not they the marke of vertue hit.
For noble youth, there is no thyng so meete
As learning is, to knowe the good from yll:
To knowe the tounges, and perfectly endyte,
And of the lawes to have a perfect skyll,
Thinges to reforme as ryght and iustice will:
For honour is ordeyned for no cause,
But to sée ryght maynteyned by the lawes,
As learning is, to knowe the good from yll:
To knowe the tounges, and perfectly endyte,
And of the lawes to have a perfect skyll,
Thinges to reforme as ryght and iustice will:
For honour is ordeyned for no cause,
But to sée ryght maynteyned by the lawes,
It spytes my heart to heare when noble men
Can not disclose their secretes to theyr frende,
In savegarde sure wyth paper, ynke, and pen,
But fyrst they must a secretary fynde,
To whom they shewe the bottome of theyr minde:
And be he false or true, a blabbe or close,
To him they must theyr counsayle nedes disclose.
Can not disclose their secretes to theyr frende,
In savegarde sure wyth paper, ynke, and pen,
But fyrst they must a secretary fynde,
To whom they shewe the bottome of theyr minde:
And be he false or true, a blabbe or close,
To him they must theyr counsayle nedes disclose.
And where they rule that have of lawe no skyll,
There is no boote, they nedes must seke for ayde:
Then ruled are they, and rule as others wyll:
As he that on a stage his parte hath playd:
But he was taught nought hath he done or sayd.
Such youth therfore seeke scyence of the sage,
As thynke to rule when that ye come to age.
There is no boote, they nedes must seke for ayde:
Then ruled are they, and rule as others wyll:
As he that on a stage his parte hath playd:
But he was taught nought hath he done or sayd.
Such youth therfore seeke scyence of the sage,
As thynke to rule when that ye come to age.
Where youth is brought vp in feare and obedyence,
Kept from yll company, brydeld of theyr lust,
Do serve god duely and knowe theyr allegiaunce,
Learne godly wisedome which time nor age can rust:
Where Prince, people, & peares nedes prosper must:
For happy are the people and blessed is that land,
Where truth and vertue have got the over hand.
Kept from yll company, brydeld of theyr lust,
Do serve god duely and knowe theyr allegiaunce,
Learne godly wisedome which time nor age can rust:
409
For happy are the people and blessed is that land,
Where truth and vertue have got the over hand.
I speake this Baldwyn of this ruful Lord,
Whom I perforce do here present to thée,
He fayntes so sore he may not speake a worde:
I pleade his cause wythout rewarde or fée,
And am inforst to speake for him and me:
If in his youth he had bene wysely tought,
He should not nowe his wyt so deare have bought.
Whom I perforce do here present to thée,
He fayntes so sore he may not speake a worde:
I pleade his cause wythout rewarde or fée,
And am inforst to speake for him and me:
If in his youth he had bene wysely tought,
He should not nowe his wyt so deare have bought.
For what is he that hath but halfe a wyt,
But may wel knowe that rebelles can not spede:
Marke wel my tale, and take good hede to it,
Recount it well and take it for good rede,
If it prove vntrue I wyl not trust my crede.
Was never rebell before the world, nor since,
That could or shall preuayle agaynst his prynce,
But may wel knowe that rebelles can not spede:
Marke wel my tale, and take good hede to it,
Recount it well and take it for good rede,
If it prove vntrue I wyl not trust my crede.
Was never rebell before the world, nor since,
That could or shall preuayle agaynst his prynce,
For ere the subiect beginneth to rebell,
Within him selfe let hym consider well,
Foresée the daunger, and beat wel in his brayne,
Howe hard it is his purpose to obtayne,
For if he once be entred to the breares,
He hath a raging Wolfe fast by the eares.
Within him selfe let hym consider well,
Foresée the daunger, and beat wel in his brayne,
Howe hard it is his purpose to obtayne,
For if he once be entred to the breares,
He hath a raging Wolfe fast by the eares.
And when he is once entred to rule the beastly route
Although he would he can no way get out:
He may be sure none wyl to him resorte,
But such as are the vile and rascall sorte:
All honest men, as well the most as lest,
To taste of Treason wyl vtterly detest.
Although he would he can no way get out:
He may be sure none wyl to him resorte,
But such as are the vile and rascall sorte:
All honest men, as well the most as lest,
To taste of Treason wyl vtterly detest.
410
Then let him way how long he can be sure,
Where fayth nor frendshippe may no while endure:
He whom he trusteth moste, to gayne a grote
Wil fall him from and assay to cut his throte,
Among the knaves and slaves where vice is rooted,
There is no other frendshippe to be looked.
Where fayth nor frendshippe may no while endure:
He whom he trusteth moste, to gayne a grote
Wil fall him from and assay to cut his throte,
Among the knaves and slaves where vice is rooted,
There is no other frendshippe to be looked.
With slashers, slaves, and snuffers so falshod is in price
That simple fayth is deadly sinne, & vertue counted vice.
And where the quarell is so vyle and bad,
What hope of ayde then is there to be had?
Thinkes he that men wyl runne at this or that,
To do a thing they knowe not howe or what?
That simple fayth is deadly sinne, & vertue counted vice.
And where the quarell is so vyle and bad,
What hope of ayde then is there to be had?
Thinkes he that men wyl runne at this or that,
To do a thing they knowe not howe or what?
Nor yet what daunger may thereof betide,
Where wysedome would they should at home abyde,
Rather than seke and knowe not what to fynde.
Wise men wil first debate this in theyr minde:
Ful sure they are yf that they go to wrecke,
Without all grace they lose both head and necke.
Where wysedome would they should at home abyde,
Rather than seke and knowe not what to fynde.
Wise men wil first debate this in theyr minde:
Ful sure they are yf that they go to wrecke,
Without all grace they lose both head and necke.
They lose theyr landes and goodes, theyr chyld & wyfe
With sorowe and shame shal lead a wofull life,
If he be slayne in fyeld he dyeth acurst,
Which of all wreckes we should accompt the worst:
And he that dyeth defending his liege lord,
Is blyst and blyst agayne by Gods owne worde.
With sorowe and shame shal lead a wofull life,
If he be slayne in fyeld he dyeth acurst,
Which of all wreckes we should accompt the worst:
And he that dyeth defending his liege lord,
Is blyst and blyst agayne by Gods owne worde.
And where the souldiers wages is vnpayd,
There is the captayne slenderly obeyed,
And where the souldyer is out of feare and drede,
He wil be lacke when that there is most nede,
And priuately he seekes his ease and leasure,
And wyl be ruled but at his wil and pleasure.
There is the captayne slenderly obeyed,
And where the souldyer is out of feare and drede,
He wil be lacke when that there is most nede,
And priuately he seekes his ease and leasure,
And wyl be ruled but at his wil and pleasure.
411
And where some drawe forth, & other do drawe backe,
There in the ende must nedes be woe and wracke:
To hope for aydes of lordes it is but vayne,
Whose foretaught wyt of treason knoweth the payne,
They knowe what power a prynce hath in his land,
And what it is with rebelles for to stand.
There in the ende must nedes be woe and wracke:
To hope for aydes of lordes it is but vayne,
Whose foretaught wyt of treason knoweth the payne,
They knowe what power a prynce hath in his land,
And what it is with rebelles for to stand.
They knowe by treason honour is defaced,
Theyr ofspryng and theyr progeny disgraced,
They knowe to honour is not so worthy a thyng,
As to be true and faythfull to theyr kyng,
Above conysaunce or armes, or pedigrewe a farre,
An vnspotted cote is like a blasyng starre:
Theyr ofspryng and theyr progeny disgraced,
They knowe to honour is not so worthy a thyng,
As to be true and faythfull to theyr kyng,
Above conysaunce or armes, or pedigrewe a farre,
An vnspotted cote is like a blasyng starre:
Therfore the rebel is accurst and madde,
That hoopeth for that whych rebell never hadde:
Who trusting stil to tales doth hang in hope,
Tyll at the last he hang fast by the rope,
For though that tales be tolde that hope myght fede,
Such foolishe hope hath styll vnhappy spede.
That hoopeth for that whych rebell never hadde:
Who trusting stil to tales doth hang in hope,
Tyll at the last he hang fast by the rope,
For though that tales be tolde that hope myght fede,
Such foolishe hope hath styll vnhappy spede.
It is a custome that never wyl be broken,
In broyles the bagge of lyes is ever open,
Such lyeng newes men dayly wyl invent,
As can the hearers fancie best content,
And as the newes do runne and never cease,
So more and more they dayly do increase.
In broyles the bagge of lyes is ever open,
Such lyeng newes men dayly wyl invent,
As can the hearers fancie best content,
And as the newes do runne and never cease,
So more and more they dayly do increase.
And as they encrease they multiplye as fast,
That ten is ten hundred, ten thousand at the last.
And though the rebell had ones got the fielde,
Thinkes he thereby to make his Prince to yelde?
A Princes power within his owne regyon,
Is not so soone brought vnto confusion.
That ten is ten hundred, ten thousand at the last.
412
Thinkes he thereby to make his Prince to yelde?
A Princes power within his owne regyon,
Is not so soone brought vnto confusion.
For kinges by God are strong and stoutly harted,
That they of subiectes wil not be subverted:
If kinges would yeeld, yet God would them restrayne,
Of whom the Prynce hath grace and power to raygne:
Who straytly chargeth vs above al thing,
That no man should resist agaynst his kyng.
That they of subiectes wil not be subverted:
If kinges would yeeld, yet God would them restrayne,
Of whom the Prynce hath grace and power to raygne:
Who straytly chargeth vs above al thing,
That no man should resist agaynst his kyng.
Who that resisteth his dread soveraygne lord,
Doth dampne his soule by Gods owne very worde.
A christen subiect should with honour due,
Obey his soveraygne though he were a Iue:
Whereby assured when subiectes do rebell,
Gods wrath is kindled and threatneth fyer and hell.
Doth dampne his soule by Gods owne very worde.
A christen subiect should with honour due,
Obey his soveraygne though he were a Iue:
Whereby assured when subiectes do rebell,
Gods wrath is kindled and threatneth fyer and hell.
It is soone knowen when Gods wrath is kyndled,
Howe they shall spéede with whom he is offended:
If God geve victorye to whom he liketh best,
Why looke they for it whom God doth most detest?
For treason is hateful and abhord in Gods sight,
Example of Iudas that most wycked wyght:
Howe they shall spéede with whom he is offended:
If God geve victorye to whom he liketh best,
Why looke they for it whom God doth most detest?
For treason is hateful and abhord in Gods sight,
Example of Iudas that most wycked wyght:
Which is the chiefe cause no treason preuayles,
For yll must he spede whom Gods wrath assayles:
Let Traytors and Rebels looke to spede then,
When Gods mighty power is subiect to men.
Much might be sayd that goeth more nere the pyth,
But this suffiseth for a rurall Smyth.
For yll must he spede whom Gods wrath assayles:
Let Traytors and Rebels looke to spede then,
When Gods mighty power is subiect to men.
Much might be sayd that goeth more nere the pyth,
But this suffiseth for a rurall Smyth.
413
Baldwyn when thou hearest my reason in this case,
Belike thou thinkest I was not very wyse,
And that I was accurst, or els lacked grace,
Which knowyng the ende of my fond enterpryse,
Would thus presume agaynst my prynce to ryse:
But as there is a cause that moveth every woe,
Somewhat there was wherof this sore did growe.
Belike thou thinkest I was not very wyse,
And that I was accurst, or els lacked grace,
Which knowyng the ende of my fond enterpryse,
Would thus presume agaynst my prynce to ryse:
But as there is a cause that moveth every woe,
Somewhat there was wherof this sore did growe.
And to be playne and simple in this case,
The cause why I such matter tooke in hand,
Was nothyng els but pryde and lacke of grace,
Vayne hope of helpe, and tales both false and fond:
By meane whereof my prynce I dyd wythstand,
Denyed the taxe assest by conuocacion
To maynteyne warre agaynst the scottyshe nacion.
The cause why I such matter tooke in hand,
Was nothyng els but pryde and lacke of grace,
Vayne hope of helpe, and tales both false and fond:
By meane whereof my prynce I dyd wythstand,
Denyed the taxe assest by conuocacion
To maynteyne warre agaynst the scottyshe nacion.
Whereat the Cornyshe men dyd much repyne,
For they of Golde and sylver were full bare,
And lyved hardly digging in the mine,
They sayd they had no money for to spare:
Began fyrst to grudge and then to sweare and stare,
Forgot theyr due obeysaunce, and rashely fel to rauing,
And sayd they would not beare such pollinge & such shauing.
For they of Golde and sylver were full bare,
And lyved hardly digging in the mine,
They sayd they had no money for to spare:
Began fyrst to grudge and then to sweare and stare,
Forgot theyr due obeysaunce, and rashely fel to rauing,
And sayd they would not beare such pollinge & such shauing.
They fyrst accusde the kyng as author of theyr gryefe,
And then the byshop Moreton, and sir Reynold Bray,
For they then were about the kyng most chiefe,
Because they thought the hole fault in them lay:
They did protest to ryd them out of the waye.
Such thanke have they that rule about a prynce,
They beare the blame of others mens offence.
And then the byshop Moreton, and sir Reynold Bray,
For they then were about the kyng most chiefe,
Because they thought the hole fault in them lay:
They did protest to ryd them out of the waye.
Such thanke have they that rule about a prynce,
They beare the blame of others mens offence.
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When I perceyved the commons in a roare,
Then I and Flamoke consulted both together,
To whom the people resorted more and more,
Lamenting and cryeng, helpe vs nowe or never,
Breake this yoake of bondage then are we frée for ever:
Wherat we inflamed in hope to have a Fame,
To be theyr capitaynes toke on vs the name.
Then I and Flamoke consulted both together,
To whom the people resorted more and more,
Lamenting and cryeng, helpe vs nowe or never,
Breake this yoake of bondage then are we frée for ever:
Wherat we inflamed in hope to have a Fame,
To be theyr capitaynes toke on vs the name.
Then myght you heare the people make a shoute,
And crie, God save the Captens, & send vs al good spede
Then he that faynted was counted but a lowt,
The ruffians ran abrode to sowe sedicious sede:
To call for company then there was no nede
For every man laboured an other to entyce,
To be partaker of his wicked vice.
And crie, God save the Captens, & send vs al good spede
Then he that faynted was counted but a lowt,
The ruffians ran abrode to sowe sedicious sede:
To call for company then there was no nede
For every man laboured an other to entyce,
To be partaker of his wicked vice.
Then al such newes as made for our avayle,
Was brought to me, but such as sounded yll,
Was none so bolde to speake or yet bewayle:
Everich was so wedded vnto his wyll,
That forth they cryed wyth bowes, sword, and bil.
And what the rufler spake the lowte tooke for a verdite,
For there the best was worst, the worst was best regarded.
Was brought to me, but such as sounded yll,
Was none so bolde to speake or yet bewayle:
Everich was so wedded vnto his wyll,
That forth they cryed wyth bowes, sword, and bil.
And what the rufler spake the lowte tooke for a verdite,
For there the best was worst, the worst was best regarded.
For when men goe a madding, there still the viler part
Conspire together and wil have al the sway,
And be it well or yll they must have al the porte,
As they wyl do, the rest must nedes obey,
They prattle and prate as doth the Popyngaye:
They crye and commaund the rest to kepe tharray,
Whiles they may range and robbe for spoyle and pray.
Conspire together and wil have al the sway,
And be it well or yll they must have al the porte,
As they wyl do, the rest must nedes obey,
They prattle and prate as doth the Popyngaye:
They crye and commaund the rest to kepe tharray,
Whiles they may range and robbe for spoyle and pray.
And when we had prepared every thyng,
We went to Tawnton wyth al our prouision,
And there we slewe the prouost of Penryn,
For that on the subsidie he sat in commission:
He was not wyse, nor yet of great discrescion,
That durst approche his enemies in theyr rage,
When wyt nor reason could theyr yre asswage.
We went to Tawnton wyth al our prouision,
And there we slewe the prouost of Penryn,
For that on the subsidie he sat in commission:
415
That durst approche his enemies in theyr rage,
When wyt nor reason could theyr yre asswage.
From thens we went to Wels, where we were receiued
Of this lorde Awdeley as of our chiefe captayne,
And so had the name, but yet he was deceyved,
For I in dede did rule the clubbyshe trayne,
My cartly knyghtes true honour dyd disdayne:
For like doth love his like, it will be none other,
A chorle wil love a chorle before he wyll his brother.
Of this lorde Awdeley as of our chiefe captayne,
And so had the name, but yet he was deceyved,
For I in dede did rule the clubbyshe trayne,
My cartly knyghtes true honour dyd disdayne:
For like doth love his like, it will be none other,
A chorle wil love a chorle before he wyll his brother.
Then from Wels to Wynchester, and so to Blackheth field,
And there we encamped looking for more ayde,
But when none came, we thought our selves begylde,
Such Cornyshemen as knewe they were betrayed,
From theyr fellowes by nyght away they strayed:
There myght we learne howe vayne it is to trust,
Our fayned frendes in quarels so vniust.
And there we encamped looking for more ayde,
But when none came, we thought our selves begylde,
Such Cornyshemen as knewe they were betrayed,
From theyr fellowes by nyght away they strayed:
There myght we learne howe vayne it is to trust,
Our fayned frendes in quarels so vniust.
But we the sturdy captaynes that thought our power was strong
Were bent to trie our Fortune what ever should betide
We were the bolder, for that the kyng so long
Deferred battayle: whych so increast our pryde,
That sure we thought the kyng him selfe dyd hide
Within the citie, therfore wyth courage hault,
We did determyne the citye to assault.
Were bent to trie our Fortune what ever should betide
We were the bolder, for that the kyng so long
Deferred battayle: whych so increast our pryde,
That sure we thought the kyng him selfe dyd hide
Within the citie, therfore wyth courage hault,
We did determyne the citye to assault.
But he workyng contrary to our expectacion,
Was fully minded to let vs runne our race,
Tyll we were from our domestical habitacion,
Where that of ayde or succour was no place,
And then to be plagued as it should please his grace,
But all doubtfull poyntes, howe ever they did sound,
To our best vayle we alway dyd expound.
Was fully minded to let vs runne our race,
Tyll we were from our domestical habitacion,
Where that of ayde or succour was no place,
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But all doubtfull poyntes, howe ever they did sound,
To our best vayle we alway dyd expound.
When that the kynge sawe tyme, wyth corage bolde
He sent a power to circumvent vs all:
Where we enclosed as simple shepe in folde,
Were slayne and murdred as beastes in Bochers stall,
The kyng him selfe, what ever chaunce myght fall,
Was strongly encamped wythin saynct Georges fyeld,
And there abode tyl that he heard vs yelde.
He sent a power to circumvent vs all:
Where we enclosed as simple shepe in folde,
Were slayne and murdred as beastes in Bochers stall,
The kyng him selfe, what ever chaunce myght fall,
Was strongly encamped wythin saynct Georges fyeld,
And there abode tyl that he heard vs yelde.
Then downe we kneled, and cryed to save our lyfe,
It was to late our folly to bewayle,
There were we spoyled of armour, cote, and knyfe:
And we which thought wyth pride the citye to assayle,
Were led in prysoners naked as my nayle,
But of vs two thousand they had slayne before,
And we of them thrée hundred and no more.
It was to late our folly to bewayle,
There were we spoyled of armour, cote, and knyfe:
And we which thought wyth pride the citye to assayle,
Were led in prysoners naked as my nayle,
But of vs two thousand they had slayne before,
And we of them thrée hundred and no more.
This my Lord and we the Captayns of the West,
Tooke our Inne at Newgate, fast in fetters tyde,
Where after tryall we had but litle rest,
My Lorde thorowe London was drawen on a slyde,
To Tower Hil where wyth axe he dyed,
Clad in his cote armor paynted all in paper,
Al torne and reversed in spyte of his behaver.
Tooke our Inne at Newgate, fast in fetters tyde,
Where after tryall we had but litle rest,
My Lorde thorowe London was drawen on a slyde,
To Tower Hil where wyth axe he dyed,
Clad in his cote armor paynted all in paper,
Al torne and reversed in spyte of his behaver.
And I wyth Thomas Flamoke, and other of our bent,
As traytors at Tyborne our iudgement dyd obey:
The people looked I should my fault lament,
To whom I boldly spake that for my fond assaye,
I was sure of fame that never should decay:
Whereby ye may perceyve vayne glory doth enflame
As wel the meaner sorte as men of greater name.
As traytors at Tyborne our iudgement dyd obey:
The people looked I should my fault lament,
To whom I boldly spake that for my fond assaye,
417
Whereby ye may perceyve vayne glory doth enflame
As wel the meaner sorte as men of greater name.
But as the sickely pacient, sometyme hath desyre
To taste the thinges that Phisicke hath denyed,
And hath both payne and sorowe for his hire,
The same to me ryght wel myght be applyed,
Whych while I raught for fame on shame did slyde.
And seeking Fame, brought forth my bitter bane,
As he that fyred the Temple of Diane.
To taste the thinges that Phisicke hath denyed,
And hath both payne and sorowe for his hire,
The same to me ryght wel myght be applyed,
Whych while I raught for fame on shame did slyde.
And seeking Fame, brought forth my bitter bane,
As he that fyred the Temple of Diane.
I tel thée Baldwyn, I muse right ofte, to sée
Howe every man for wealth and honour gapeth,
Howe every man would clymbe above the skye,
Howe every man thassured meane so hateth,
How froward Fortune ofte their purpose mateth:
And if they happe theyr purpose to obtayne,
Theyr wealth is woe, their honour care and payne.
Howe every man for wealth and honour gapeth,
Howe every man would clymbe above the skye,
Howe every man thassured meane so hateth,
How froward Fortune ofte their purpose mateth:
And if they happe theyr purpose to obtayne,
Theyr wealth is woe, their honour care and payne.
We sée the servaunt more happy than his lord,
We sée him live when that his lord is dead,
He slepeth sound, is mery at his borde,
No sorowe in his hart doth vexe his head:
Happy then is he that povertye can wed,
What gaine the mightye conquerours when they be dead
By all the spoyle and bloud that they have shedde?
We sée him live when that his lord is dead,
He slepeth sound, is mery at his borde,
No sorowe in his hart doth vexe his head:
Happy then is he that povertye can wed,
What gaine the mightye conquerours when they be dead
By all the spoyle and bloud that they have shedde?
The terrible tower where honour hath his seate,
Is hye on rockes more slypper then the yse,
Where styll the whorling wynde doth roare and beate,
Where sodayne qualmes and peries styl aryse,
And is beset wyth many sundry vice,
So straunge to men when fyrst they come thereat,
They be amased, and do they wote not what.
Is hye on rockes more slypper then the yse,
Where styll the whorling wynde doth roare and beate,
Where sodayne qualmes and peries styl aryse,
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So straunge to men when fyrst they come thereat,
They be amased, and do they wote not what.
He that prevayles and to the Tower can clyme,
With trouble and care must nedes abrydge his dayes,
And he that slydes may curse the hower and tyme,
He did attempt to geve so fond assayes,
And al his life to sorrowe and shame obayes.
Thus slyde he downe or to the top ascend,
Assure him selfe repentaunce is the ende.
With trouble and care must nedes abrydge his dayes,
And he that slydes may curse the hower and tyme,
He did attempt to geve so fond assayes,
And al his life to sorrowe and shame obayes.
Thus slyde he downe or to the top ascend,
Assure him selfe repentaunce is the ende.
Wherfore good Baldwine do thou record my name,
To be ensample to such as credite lyes,
Or thyrst to sucke the sugred cup of Fame,
Or do attempt agaynst theyr prynce to ryse,
And charge them all to kepe wythin theyr syse:
Who doth assay to wrest beyond his strength,
Let him be sure he shal repent at length.
To be ensample to such as credite lyes,
Or thyrst to sucke the sugred cup of Fame,
Or do attempt agaynst theyr prynce to ryse,
And charge them all to kepe wythin theyr syse:
Who doth assay to wrest beyond his strength,
Let him be sure he shal repent at length.
And at my request admonishe thou all men,
To spend well the talent which God to them hath lent,
And he that hath but one, let him not toyle for ten,
For one is to much, onles it be wel spent:
I have had the proofe, therfore I nowe repent,
And happy are those men, and blyst and blist is he,
As can be wel content to serve in his degree.
To spend well the talent which God to them hath lent,
And he that hath but one, let him not toyle for ten,
For one is to much, onles it be wel spent:
I have had the proofe, therfore I nowe repent,
And happy are those men, and blyst and blist is he,
As can be wel content to serve in his degree.
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