 | Poems on Several Occasions |  |
661
THE BATTAIL OF YVRY.
I
High are his thoughts, whose Buskin'd Mistress singsIn verse Heroick, the Heroick deeds
Of Warlike Princes, and Victorious Kings,
Whose worth all Commentary still exceeds;
Nor can a Muse, imp't with the noblest Wings,
Write worth the least drop a brave Gen'ral Bleeds:
“So high is Vertue, in her native Glory,
“Advanc't above the Trophies of all Story.
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II
Yet, to repeat what they have bravely writ,With pointed Steel, in Characters of Blood,
How great Relations into Faction split,
When blind Ambition does corrupt the Good;
Should, from the worst no censure ill admit,
Nor of the best Men ill be understood;
Since we do others, not our selves commend:
To celebrate the bold's a noble End.
III
Assist me, then, thou God of Song, whose LyreI dare to touch with my unskilful Hands,
Whilst Truths I sing to make the World admire,
Of glorious Burbon, and his Conqu'ring Bands,
Not to Eclipse; nor raise that Vertue higher,
Which in the Mount of Honor burning stands,
Bright, as the brightest Star, that there doth flame
A shining Monument to Cæsar's Name.
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IV
And thou great Goddess of all Arts, and Arms,Teach me a Verse High as this Princes thought,
That I may number the out-brav'd harms,
He, by his Conduct, to Subjection brought,
The dang'rous Conquest, that through Death's Alarms,
By hardy Valour he so bravely bought,
A day in Fame's great Catalogue more bright,
Than all the Suns of Honor e're could light.
V
Great were the Vertues, that, Example since,To King's succeding, he has left behind,
Great in a Man; but greater in a Prince,
A Monarch, from the Lees of place, refin'd;
A living precept Tyrans to Convince,
And plant true Honor in a Worthy's Mind,
A Noble Stem, whence to this clim did Spring
A worthy, though an overshadow'd King.
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VI
Long had the Family of Lorain (grownTo dang'rous greatness by their Princes Grace)
By subtle Arts, strove to supplant the Crown
To grasp the Sceptre, and usurp his place,
Could they once get Henry of Valois down,
Then King, and last of that Illustrious Race,
A Prince in Prudence, and in Arms as great,
As Europe boasted in a Regal State.
VII
Three were the ruffling Brothers, that durst riseIn opposition to the Royal Line;
The First, and Chiefest, Henry Duke of Guise,
To whom the others Charles, and Lewis joyn;
Lewis a Cardinal, more Bold, than Wise,
Charles Duke of Mayne, Third in this great Design,
In League Compacted (so they call'd their Cause)
Against Obedience, and her sacred Laws.
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VIII
Nor was their Pow'r so trivial, as to beCrusht by the Kings Authority; or force,
So well 'twas strength'ned by the Papal Sea,
Whence ('tis conceiv'd) this Faction had its Source;
But must be undermin'd by Policy,
For this engaged Crown the only Course,
So great, and many the Confed'rates were,
Who stood in favour of this haughty Peer.
IX
Wherefore the King, did, in his Prudence, chuseThe help of Policy, where Arms were vain,
And knew so well his wary Councels use,
That Duke, and Prelate at his Foot lay slain,
When from his Juster Fate, the Third broke lose,
Did then sole Head of the whole League remain,
Employing all his Courage, and his Art
To seal his Vengeance on his Prince's Heart.
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X
And, in his Enterprize, was gone so far,The King was forc't to call into his Cause,
Henry of Burbon, then King of Navar
His true Successor by the Salique Laws;
Who then against him made defensive War;
Him to his Service by command he draws,
“So soon can Vertuous Princes learn t'obey,
“And humbly bow, when they have Pow'r to sway.
XI
The Royal Arms, thus reinforc't, begin,In conduct of these Princely Generals
To take the Field, some Towns, and Pris'ners win,
No Force resists them, no Design forestals;
Till, at the last they shut the Leaguers in,
And lay close seige to Paris spatious Walls;
In whose Defence, and Strength the Duke, at last,
His latest refuge, and his safety plac't.
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XII
Nor were those Walls; or the Parisians aid(True to the League; but treach'rous to the State)
Enough to stop the Power did invade;
Or to divert a Rebels juster Fate,
Had not the League by Combination made
On Henry's Life a foul Assassinate,
Who, in the Centre of his own command,
Fell by the stroke of an ignoble Hand.
XIII
Then, at the Helm alone great Burbon stood,Undoubted Heir unto the Crown of France,
Great in his Name, in Arms, and great in Blood,
Though something shaken by the King's mischance,
For why the Peers serve; nor obey him would,
Unless he would the Roman Faith advance,
Too hard a Contract for a King to make,
Though Life, and Honor lie engag'd at Stake.
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XIV
His just repulse, to their unjust demands,Soon chang'd the Scene, beyond all humane aim,
For though he won some honest Hearts, and Hands
T'acknowledge, and assist his lawful claim;
Yet in few days so lessen'd were his Bands,
To his Abandoners Eternal Shame,
That, he was forc'd his Conquest to decline,
And build his Fortunes on some new Design.
XV
T'were tedious to relate the Battails Fought,The Towns beleaguer'd, and the Cities won,
The hauhgty Rebels to subjection brought,
By this brave Leader, Honors Eldest Son,
Acts, that indeed, exceed belief; or thought,
By mature Councels, and great Courage done;
The dangerous paths to Honor, and Renown
He trod, before he could atchieve the Crown.
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XVI
Nor falls it in the Sphere of my design,To mention each of Bourbon's noble Acts,
So high attempts I humbly shall decline,
And leave those Annals to their better Tracts;
Who me, and my poor Muse as far out-shine;
As Henry, in his Celebrated Facts,
The lesser sparks of Honor does out-flame,
And swallows all their Titles in his Name.
XVII
One day there was, wherein his Valour shoneA Pyramid of inextinguish'd Fire,
Wherein Immortal Glory; or there's none,
By dint of Sword, he bravely did acquire,
To that one days great History alone,
This Poem impotently shall aspire:
A day, above the Trophies of the Pén;
A Prince, above the Characters of Men.
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XVIII
Many the Conflicts were, various the Chance,Betwixt the Seige of Paris, and the Fight
In Yvry-Plain, that goar'd the Womb of France
With Fire, and Blood, betwixt the Wrong, and Right;
E're both the Armies to that Field advance,
One to Pursue, t'other Pretending flight,
Their num'rous odds had raised the League so high,
As to pursue him, that could never fly.
XIX
Two Nights before these angry Armies metTh' uncertain chance of Bloody War to try,
All-seeing Heav'n his dire portents had set,
Oraculous Symptoms in the troubled Sky,
The naked Surface of the Earth was wet
With Storm, and Tempest, and a Prodigy,
Succeeded in the Air, to shew the King,
How to his aid Heav'n did assistance bring.
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XX
Two Puissant Armies in the Sky appear'd,To shoot in Thunder, and with Lightning kill,
In color like the Comets streaming Beard,
Which great events in Battail ushers still,
By most Men doubted, and by many feared,
All were suspended at th' Almighty's will;
Yet such their Leader was, their Cause so Just,
They unto Providence, and Valour trust.
XXI
The Slothful Sun, rose to his daily round,All Night disturb'd with riots in the Air,
When both the Hosts his drowsy Eye had found,
Imploring Conquest in diff'rent Pray'r,
And now they both march to the destin'd Ground,
Where Fate their different Fortunes does prepare,
Both Arm'd for the Disasters, and the Harms,
That still attend th' uncertain chance of Arms.
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XXII
The Field where this great Game was to be try'd,In a round Form, does a large Plot contain,
A Stage of Honor spatious and wide,
Where Souldiers may Eternal Glory gain,
Two little Towns did bound the Royal side,
And on the Dukes a Grove shut up the Plain;
Towards the West (the lodging of the Sun)
The River Eure, in a deep vale doth run.
XXIII
A place so form'd by Nature, as no ArtCould smooth it plainer to so brave an end,
In which no craggy; or deform'd part,
Could either side advantage; or offend,
Save that a little dimple in the Heart
Did with a gentle fall it self extend;
A worthy Theatre whereon to play
The Tragick entrys of a Bloody day.
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XXIV
Illustrious Bourbon was the first, that tookA brave Possession of the Fatal place,
Set down in Destiny's eternal Book,
To his Renown, and to the Duke's Disgrace,
Who in the King's victorious Arms mistook,
As of a flying Foe pursu'd the Chase,
So far did Fate, and Odds seem to combine
In help, and favour of his black Design.
XXV
For in the Royal Muster did appearEight thousand Foot, and but three thousand Horse,
The League above double the Number were,
Such inequality was in their Force,
The Rebel Crew were more, that crowded there
In number better, but in Courage worse:
For they with Henry who so oft had fought,
So far from Fear were, they disdain'd to doubt.
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XXVI
Now, on the Plain the Royal Standard stands,Waving the Golden Fleur-de-Lis of France,
The Trumpets usher in the Loyal Bands,
The barded Steeds under their Riders prance,
The Leaders take their several Commands,
And in good Order in the Field advance;
And there abide—the coming of the Foe,
To crown their Sov'reign in his overthrow.
XXVII
Montpensiers, worthy Duke, the Van up led,A Prudent Wariour, and a Loyal Peer,
The Battail next, of which the King was head,
The Marshal Byron brought up the Rear;
A Captain Practis'd, and a Souldier bred,
A Man that knew not such a Thought as Fear,
Wise as the wisest, as the Boldest bold,
In Dangers only, and Success grown old.
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XXVIII
Their hardy Cavalry they did divide,In Bodies five, for Service of that Day,
Unto the first Marshal d' Aumont was Guide,
By him two Regiments of Fire-locks lay,
To slanck that first Divisions left aside,
And, at a distance, keep the Duke in play,
That naked Side to succor, and to shield,
Plac't on the out-side of the spacious Field.
XXIX
Next that, the second was commanded by,Montpensiers Duke, who on his left, and right,
Two valiant Squadrons had appointed nigh,
To second, and assist him in the Fight,
Of German one, th' other Swisse Infantry,
Both prompt to Battail; and both fam'd for Might,
As by th' event of that victorious Day,
To all the World their Valors did display.
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XXX
The third to this, and biggest of them all,Contain'd the Sacred Person of the King,
The Prince of Conty, and the Count St. Paul,
And of the Flower of France a noble Ring,
To rise in Conquest, or in Glory fall,
With him who was their Lives, and Honors spring,
These on the right, and left hand flanked were
By the Swisse-Guard, and Collonel Balthazar.
XXXI
The fourth Division, on the right hand this,To Marshal Byron's wise Conduct fell,
Who in true Discipline could never miss,
He knew the angry Art of War so well,
Those approv'd Councils, and that Heart of his
Were known most Leaders of his time t'excel,
By him two Regiments of Fire-locks stand,
To flank his Body upon either hand.
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XXXII
The fifth, and last, by Scomberg's valiant CountTheodorick was led, this did consist
Of German Horse, Souldiers of good account,
That, under Henry's Pay, enter'd the List;
None could their Courage, nor their Truth surmount
Hardy t'attempt, and resolute t'resist;
These, with their Belgick Cornets, reach't quite down,
Even to the Houses of St. Andre's Town.
XXXIII
Two other Squadrons in the Front did stand,Then the main Battail marcht some paces higher,
The one four hundred Horse, in the Command
Of Baron Giury was, and the grand Prior,
The next, which stood upon the other hand,
Three hundred Cuiriasses made up entire;
These had to Chief, the Baron of Byron,
Of a brave Father, a victorious Son.
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XXXIV
Betwixt these two, th' Artillery planted were,(The black Invention of ingenious Ire)
To which old Philibert was Canoneer,
Expert in all th' effects of levell'd Fire,
Well knew he how, and when to gall, and tear,
And force the forward Foe halting retire,
Him fifty Harquebuses do attend,
With Pioneers the Ord'nance to defend.
XXXV
The Forlorn-hope by three Commanders led,St. Denis, Brignolet, and Parabiere,
Some Paces before all lay covered,
Scarce seen by them, who knew not they were there,
In the Fields lay so safe, they nought could dread,
No execution of the Canon fear;
So happily they found a friendly room,
In that green Navel of the Plains smooth Womb.
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XXXVI
Scarce were they order'd, when the Sieurs la MouyDu Plessis, and Tremouille, from Poictou came,
Tri'de Knights, with them two hundred Cavalry,
The weaker to assist, the Rebel tame,
The Sieur de Humiers out of Picardy,
With fourscore Gentlemen, stir'd by the Fame
Of a great Day of Honor to be try'd,
Came Volontiers to fight on Henry's side.
XXXVII
These slender Aids, in such an hour sent,To the whole Army promis'd fair Success,
And of the day presag'd a good event,
Since they must conquer, that Heav'ns care doth bless,
No less the Souldier thinks these Succors meant,
Which Joy, and Hope, he loudly does express,
And to the Sky his Acclamations sends,
In Thanks, and welcome of these valiant Friends.
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XXXVIII
Thus stand th' embattail'd Royalists to dare,The Twins oppos'd, of Danger, and Mischance,
And as their Captains, so the Squadrons are,
Prompt as the killing speed of Fire, t'advance;
Such Manly Confidence, they all declare,
Upon whose Valours lay the Crown of France,
A Stake for the brave Game then to be try'd,
Which Fortune must, and the Swords Edge decide.
XXXIX
The adverse Camp to such assurance grew,Of easy Conquest by their seeming Flight,
They nimbly seem to fly, as they pursue,
As to a Prey, rather than to a Fight,
But their Forlorn found that Belief untrue,
When first they saw the King to Battail dight,
Order'd with all the Courage and the Art,
That could express a Souldiers Head; or Heart.
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XL
This rude Alarm, that soon from Van, to Rear,Flew, with the wonted speed, of ill Report,
Soon chang'd the Souldiers overweeming chear,
Who now perceiv'd they were to bandy forc't,
Their vain assurance it converts to fear,
So much the unexpected News import,
They now amaz'd to doubtful conflict hast,
And order new their Troops in march misplac't.
XLI
Their num'rous Army with all speed, and care,(Now of their blind security bereft)
Th' abus'd Commanders for the Fight prepare,
And into two mighty Battalions cleft,
The right Duke Nemours, fit to do, and dare,
Had in Command, and stout Aumale the left,
The first a noble Youth, seduc'd to fight
Against his Honor, and his Prince's Right.
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XLII
In point of the right Wing Count Egmont fought,Who Arms in favour of the league did bear,
With him the Launciers, he from Flanders brought;
Next him the Swisse, Fifer, and Berling were
Flanck't by three Reg'ments in their trade well taught
By Dissemieux, Pons'enac, and Chasteliere,
Three Collonels, who by the Worlds applause,
Deserv'd their Honors in a better Cause.
XLIII
'Twixt these, and Nemours Regiment, that madeThe number of four hundred gallant Horse,
The yawning Canon ready to be play'd,
Were planted to devour the Royal Force,
And, ram'd for Death only the Signal stay'd,
Their murdering sulphrous Treasure to disburse,
A threatning train of great Artillery,
Enough to fright Men not resolv'd to dye.
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XLIV
In the left Wing four hundred Spaniards led,By Captains bold, their Cornets fair display,
Which to the margent of the Plain out-spread,
Had in their Flanck St. Paul, and Tenissay,
With Lorain Regiments, who had to head
Bold Tremble court, and fierce Chastaigneraye;
Next these, Aumale, the Sieurs de Perdriell,
De Loncampe came, and de Fountaine-Martell.
XLV
The Dukes own Cornet, which Cygogne bore,March't up the Body to these spacious Wings,
With them, of Gentlemen, four hundred more,
In all seven hundred to oppose the Kings;
These flanck't by Flemings were, and these before,
The Reiters, which hapless Duke Brunswick brings
To charge and wheel, as they were disciplin'd
Betwixt the Wings for a Reserve behind.
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XLVI
The Leaguers Force, thus order'd, gently moves,Scorning in such a Glorious hour to breathe;
The Mother Earth spurnd by the armed Hooves,
In dire ostent mournfully Groans beneath,
Whilst each, like Fire by agitation proves,
Prompter to snatch from others head the Wreath,
Then Face to Face, both Armies in Array,
Stand to attempt the Fortune of the Day.
XLVII
And now Heav'ns Lamp, unwilling to behold,The bloody Conflict prest to be begun,
Shading with Clouds his Locks of burning Gold,
Stept into Night before his course was run,
The dusky Hemisphere in darkness roll'd,
Withheld the tryal until the Morning Sun;
When each in equal favour of the light,
Might have the day bright Umpire of their Fight.
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XLVIII
Straightway succeeding night'gan to arise,In mists of darkness, to possess the Sky,
Mantling the Warriours in her dark surprize,
The Valiant could not fight, the Coward fly,
Not in her Sables clad, ermin'd with Eyes,
But in a mourning Vail of Tragedy,
Black, as the Face of Sorrows blackest hue,
To solemnize the Funerals to ensue.
XLIX
The Camps, withdrawn into their Quarters make,Great Fires, that each may see the others Care
How to their Safety they are both awake,
And each of others bold Attempts aware,
The wary Guards them to their Posts betake,
Perdu's and Centinels well planted are,
Upon occasion to report th' Alarm,
And prompt their Leaders when, and where to arm.
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L
The Lorain Duke retir'd into his Tent,During this respite, does a Counsel keep,
To which the heads of ev'ry Regiment
Summon'd, appear in Consultation deep,
Kept waking all by Bourbon's brave intent,
“When Death stands Centinel, 'tis no time to sleep;
There every one, and all, maturely weigh
The State, wherein their Lives, and Honors lay.
LI
Himself (a Friend to secure Counsels) firstDeliver'd what he thought best to be done,
Not like a Prince in forward action nurs't,
(Which fires brave Minds where Honor's to be won)
But like a subtle Fox, that hardly durst,
With all his odds, a Battail's hazzard run:
He thus in Counsel to his daring Friends,
The common State of their Affairs commends.
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LII
“Most noble Friends, in the Results of War,(“Wherein the glorious Soul of Conquest lies)
“The safest Counsels, most successful are;
“Nor is that Man less valiant, who is wise,
“Whereas precipitous resolves, impair
“The worthy number of such brave supplies,
“As these of yours, who nobly thus advance
“Your dreaded Ensigns, for dismember'd France.
LIII
“Whose wounding Adversaries, pounded lye,“Into this Angle frighted, by your Fame,
“Compell'd to fight, because they cannot fly,
“Their desp'rate ruin, and their certain shame,
“Yet with this poor, half vanquish'd Enemy,
“'Tis best we wisely play a certain Game,
“That is, to husband what our Swords have won,
“And end in safety, what in blood begun.
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LIV
“For though the Foe be by your Valours brought“To his last Cast, that is, to fight, and dye;
“And, that he is, as soon o'recome as fought,
“To conquer without loss, is Victory,
“When from the desp'rate Conquest's dearly bought,
“The Victors surest Friend is Policy,
“By whose advice, we may on cheaper terms
“Purchase the Triumphs, that attends our Arms.
LV
“The lost Nobility, that assist Navarre,“In his vain Quarrel, at their own Expence,
“Will fall away by a protracted War,
“Leaving his Power as weak, as his Pretence;
“And when their Furnitures all wasted are,
“Want will reduce them to a better Sense:
“So that by spinning out the War in length,
“We, without Battail, shall o'recome his Strength.
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LVI
This said Count Egmont instantly arose,His sparkling Eyes with Resolution shone,
Wherein Disdain, and Valour did disclose,
How much he scorn'd, such abject thoughts to own,
Before he spoke, he threatn'd to oppose
The mean Resolves, their General put on;
At last he with a Souldiers Grace exprest,
The nobler sense of his more noble breast.
LVII
“My Lord (said he) I was not hither sent,“Nor into France these approv'd succors bring,
“To vanquish without Arms; nor with intent
“To wast the Treasure of the Cath'lick King;
“Nor must his Mony, and his Men be spent
“In doing nought; or some ignoble thing,
“Advantage gives the Signal now to go,
“And end the Quarrel with one Manly blow.
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LVIII
“Nor suits it with our Honors; or your Cause,“To wave a Fight whereto they are compell'd
“And suffer such an Enemy to pause,
“Because he is, with Blood-shed to be quell'd;
“So shall their Story, with the Worlds applause
“Be writ in Triumph, and we Cowards held,
“And in the splendor of their Leaders Fame
“Will be eclips't the Glory of your Name.
LIX
“Therefore (my Lord) let not the rising Sun,“Behold a slothful Camp, that dares not rise,
“To end what they so daringly begun,
“A wretched Army, that the Conquer'd flies,
“And dreads the glorious Wreath their Swords have won;
“But add unto our famous Victories,
“This one, which only for the Morning stays,
“T'impale our brows with Oak, the Souldiers bays.
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LX
T'impatient Captains all at one approv'dTh' unhappy Count's Advice, and all aloud
With equal ardour the stay'd Gen'ral mov'd
To reap the crop, for which their Swords had plow'd,
Who paus'd, then told them, that he dearly lov'd
The Zeal, and Valour their brave Minds endow'd,
And was resolv'd the day's event to try,
To conquer with such Friends; or fighting dye.
LXI
Thus then resolv'd, each Officer repairs,To his brave charge against the Morn to come,
Arming their Limbs in Steel, their Souls with Prayers,
So to prevent; or to preserve their doom;
Nor less th' Heroick King his Men prepares,
Who, but through danger, had no high way home;
Spending those hours in diligence, and care,
That interpos'd 'twixt him, and conquest were.
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LXII
At last th' unwilling Morn 'gan weeping rise,T'illuminate the Theatre of Death,
And like a tender Virgin, hid her Eyes,
From the sad Objects to succeed beneath;
So that she shone; but did not guild the Skies,
Even asham'd to grace the Victor's Wreath;
Who at the price of native blood at best,
Must win that Honor to his daring Crest.
LXIII
No sooner peept she from her Eastern Seat,Through the Clouds of sorrow vail'd her Face,
Than the loud Instruments of War did greet
The Light so long'd for; such a tedious space,
They sound their Trumpets, and their Drums they beat,
Whilst each side takes possession of their place,
In the same order, that before, when night,
By interposing, had deser'd the Fight.
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LXIV
The valiant French (whose Flames that day inroll'dTo prov'd posterity) spur'd about the Plain,
To chear the Coward, and confirm the bold,
No thought of Fear could their true Metals stain,
Each in his constant Looks to his foretold,
They should the Honor of the Field obtain:
Thus by their Leaders brave Exemple taught,
On Conquest, only, ev'ry Souldier thought.
LXV
Great Henry mounted on a large, bay Steed,(Who as he knew the Royal Weight he bore,
Trampled the Earth where Thousands were to bleed,
Their tribute to that Parent, whence before
They had deriv'd the matter of their seed,
And to that Element must now restore)
Rode up, and down to view his Loyal Bands,
How each in order, and in courage stands.
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LXVI
His Head unarm'd, to those his faithful Friends,Who now impatient of the Battail, stay,
With an undaunted Look, he recommends
The common State wherein their Fortunes lay,
He tells them all, that no more strength attends
To try th' event of such another day;
But that each private Man's peculiar share
Of Life, and Safety in their Valours were.
LXVII
His noble Presence more perswasion finds,Than his brave Words, not to be heard by all,
And gave a better stamp to all their Minds,
Than from the Tongue of Eloquence could fall,
“Nothing a Souldiers Resolution binds
“More, than Example in a General;
They all ambitious are, of their blind Fate,
And each Man thinks the time defer'd too late.
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LXVIII
Thus riding the Divisions of his Host,To help an Error were it to be found,
He spur'd his fiery Steed from post, to post,
Through the Files of ev'ry Squadron round,
So to supply, where the defect was most
A disadvantage in his Men; or Ground,
Till at the main Battalions head he stay'd,
And lifting up his Eyes to Heaven thus pray'd,
LXIX
“Thou dreaded Architect of this great Ball,“Who with thine Eye of Providence look'st down,
“Searching the secret Purposes of all,
“Out of thy Gracious Bounty please to own
“The Justice of my Arms; nor let me fall
“In my just claim to this usurped Crown:
“But fav'rably extend this doubtful hour
“The conqu'ring hand of thy Almighty Power.
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LXX
“Or, if for this thy zealous peoples Peace,“Thou in thy sacred Wisdom, know't unfit
“That I should rule, and that 'twere their Disease,
“In the French Throne, should I a Monarch sit,
“Then, let my Title fall, if thou so please,
“T'advance their Fortune; and, let me with it,
“In the first File of Honor” fighting dye
“Worthy my Name, and their Fidelity.
LXXI
This said, a chearful shout i'th' Front beganThe loud excursion of a sudden Joy,
And with the Rear which eccho'd to the Van,
Fill'd the whole Camp with an auspicious Cry,
From Troop to Troop the Loyal Motto ran,
Which made the Plain resound, Vive le Roy,
All arm'd with Valour, and their Prince's Love,
Unwilling stay their faithful Arms to prove.
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LXXII
Then with his Cask he arm'd his noble Head,In which, a waving Plume of curled white,
Like a white Dove, the silver Wings outspread
Above his Crest, there stuck to be a Light,
In clouds of Horror unto those he led
Through the rough paths of an uncertain Fight,
And now the Armies both attend the sign,
Which given both in dreadful conflict joyn.
LXXIII
Have you not seen, on Neptune's liquid Plain,A short-liv'd Truce still that transparent Face,
No whisper of the Air to crisp the Maine;
But all, as even, and as smooth, as Glass,
Where not the Footsteps of a Storm remain,
Whereby the Eye may any ruins trace,
The Sea so calm, and the Winds Doors so bar'd,
As if the Elements had never ar'd.
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LXXIV
When on a sudden all the Winds broke loose,From the dark Entrails of their bolted Cave,
Break the late Concord, and dissolve the Truce,
And on the surface of the Waters brave,
Nothing but noise and tumult then ensues,
Winds fight with Winds, and Wave encountreth Wave
Together shuffled in a foaming rage,
That pale-fac'd Ruin only can asswage.
LXXV
So still these Armies do maintain their Ground,As in their cutting Swords no danger were,
As each withdrew his hand from the first Wound,
Panting for Glory some, and some for Fear,
Till by the Signal of the Trumpets Sound,
In a far diff'rent posture they appear;
Thund'ring confusion to the vaulted Sky,
A Prologue to th' ensuing Tragedy.
679
LXXVI
The wide-mouth'd Canon through their Iron Jaws,In killing Accents, first began to speak,
Disputing with a dreadful noise the cause,
In which all Argument had prov'd too weak,
Nor was it now a time for other Laws,
Than what th' effects of Fire and Sword could wreak,
No other Language must be understood,
Than that, which spoke in Thunder, Fire, and Blood.
LXXVII
The troubled Morning who before had lentOnly a faint, and an unwilling Light,
In sulph'rous Clouds was hid, as if they meant
To shade that Beauty with eternal Night,
The rowls of Smoak, These roaring Ord'nance vent
Heav'ns burning Eye had overshaded quite;
A vaperous Darkness so enclos'd them all,
None other knew but by the Canons call.
680
LXXVIII
So have I seen a black tempestous shadeRudely succeeding Phœbus's Golden Beams,
With thund'ring Terror the hush't Air invade,
Clad in the rage of Natures loud extreams,
No ray of Comfort, but what Light'nings made,
Darting through dreadful Chasms their flaming Streams,
Whilst the confounded World do trembling fear,
The last and greatest Dissolution near.
LXXIX
Twice had these Engines, upon either part,Disgorg'd their murd'ring Entrails on the Foe,
But with so diff'rent Fortune, Care and Art,
That the Duke's erring Shot play'd all too low,
Whilst the King's levell'd Right, tore through the Heart,
Of the Duke's Front, almost to overthrow,
And sall'd Count Egmont, who asham'd to stay,
Began the brave Encounter of the Day.
781
LXXX
The Grand-priors Squadron the bold Count assails,With so much Brav'ry, such impetuous Force,
That through that Body's Centre he prevails
Unable to withstand his stronger Horse,
So that the Flemings, turn'd their Coursers Tails
On the King's Canon, and compleat their Course,
Painting their Lances with the Rabble Blood,
Of Pioneers, who by the Ord'nance stood.
LXXXI
By which contempt, they so disorder'd were,Thus killing on, at this successful rate,
That bold Aumont, and fierce Byron must bear
Upon their damask't Swords, their sudden Fate,
So that by these charg'd home in Flanck, and Rear,
They find the Error of their hast too late,
Whilst the Grand-prior rally'd, straight began
A furious Charge in their dismember'd Van.
782
LXXXII
Anger, and Shame, Spite, and Revenge contendIn execution which should which out-run,
With unresisted Fury all offend,
And to redeem what the rash Dutch had won,
Who round begirt with slaughter, bow, and bend,
And e're times restless wheel an hour had spun,
On the cold bosom of the purpled Plain,
They ev'ry Man lay with their Leader slain.
LXXXIII
So a Victorious Grove of stately Oaks,Which their aspiring Heads to Heaven raise,
Before a throng of Lab'rers wounding stroaks,
Stoop their ambitious Brows to kiss their base,
The strong limb'd Clown in his Endeavour smoaks.
Till the large Trunks lie tumbled on the place,
As fell this Squadron on th' Earths bruis'd Womb,
Worthy a better Cause, and worth their Tomb.
783
LXXXIV
In this great Ruin, Noble Egmont fell,To War, and Death a Bloody Sacrifice,
His Countries Honor, his Times Miracle,
Spurring his Fate by his too bold Advise;
Nor can the Tongue of Fame speak ought but well,
Of his Renoun, and living Victories,
He Conqu'ring fell, despising Fate, and Death,
Bequeathing to his Name Immortal Breath.
LXXXV
Now through the Field Giddy destruction flew,To riot in full draughts of Christian Blood,
Each other Cut and Mangled Hurt, and Slew,
Till the whole Plain, appear'd a Crimson Flood,
Members, and Men the groaning Earth bestrew,
No Walls of Steel their furious Arms withstood,
Force, Hatred, Wrath, and Envy mustred shew,
What altogether can in Conflict do.
784
LXXXVI
Valiant Duke Nemours in the Van-guard met,With Duke Montpensier to dispute the Day,
Each stroke the others daring Coronet,
At a less pitch would neither Warrior play,
Their burnish't Armor, with their Blood was wet,
Their owners heat; and manhood to display;
Whilst eithers Squadrons spur their Valors home,
Eager to Fight, impatient to Orecome.
LXXXVII
And in the Reer, German Count Scomberg cameWith a well guided fury to assail,
The hardy Troops fir'd by their Fellows Shame,
Who had to Cheif the Chevalier D'Aumale,
With equal Conduct, and with equal flame,
They fiercely Joyn, Ambitious to prevail,
Whilst Fortune, hovering on ambiguous Wings,
To neither part her blind assistance brings.
715
LXXXVIII
Montpensiers Duke having his Courser slain,In the first brunt of that unequal flight,
Remounted by the Valor of his train,
Fought like a Loyal, and a hardy Knight,
His constant Prowess did that Day obtain,
A burning Crown of inextinguish'd Light,
For greater Acts than his, more bold, and high,
Never adorn'd the Face of History.
LXXXIX
Nor less Duke Nemours did attempt t'excel,Who though a Youth, was full of noble Fire,
Into the Battail with the Sword he fell,
Ambitious, as the proudest, to aspire
To Honors sacred Hill, a parallel
To those great Names which never must expire;
Like Young Ascanius shone his downy Face,
The worthy Heir of an Illustrious race.
716
XC
During their Conflict, on the other side,Count Scomberg powr'd his shot upon the Foe,
By which Aumale's vast Squadrons fell, and died,
The warlike Knight quits not the quarrel so,
Since nought that Controversy could decide,
But one; or th' others total overthrow,
Like a brave Captain he maintain'd the Field,
Who knew to dye, but had not learn't to yield.
XCI
Mean while the Reiters, planted in the Van,Of the Duke's Battail, though so shrewdly torn,
Their Body clos'd, a wheeling Charge began,
After their Custom; when the King's Forlorn,
Standing upright, where they had ambush'd lain,
Since first appearance of the early Morn,
Gave them so rude a welcome, that the ground,
Was in the streams of ruthless slaughter drown'd.
717
XCII
Death's Messengers, impuls'd by Fire, and Fate,About the Field on mortal Errands flew,
At such a cruel, so well-guided rate,
That almost ev'ry Ball a Souldier slew,
The wounded Foe tumbles precipitate,
The Bed of Death their trembling Limbs bestrew,
While each that fell in that impetuous strife
Open'd a passage to his Fellow's life.
XCIII
The fury of this Storm Duke Brunswick bore,Whom nor in Arms, nor Courage could defend:
But on his Heart the stamp of Death he wore,
No longer could Life's batter'd Fort contend,
He dying fell, embalm'd in his own gore,
To crown his actions with a glorious end,
On whom no barb'rous Enemy could confer,
Less than a high, immortal Character.
718
XCIV
Their Captain slain, straight from their killing Foes,The frighted Reiters fac'd to get behind,
But found their own Divisions plac'd so close,
No path to Safety could their terrour find,
The Duke's own Launces were compell'd t'oppose
These desp'rate Flyers with amazement blind
So to preserve the Order of his own,
From being by their mad career o're-thrown.
XCV
The King, who thus long had Spectator stood,At this advantage, spurr'd his foaming Steed,
Down from whose wounded Sides, the hot chaff'd Blood
Beguilt the Warriour's Spurs; who fiercely rid,
To whip the pride of that Gigantick brood
That durst, with rebel Arms, his claim forbid,
And after him the noblest Peers of France,
With faithfull Fury to the Field advance.
719
XCVI
The Lorain Duke, embarras'd by his own,And charg'd, at once, by the victorious King;
Yet like a Leader true to his renown,
Maintain'd his ground, maugre the Force they bring,
And now the latest cast of War was thrown,
With peals of Shot, the rowling Orbs do ring,
Bravely resolv'd they close th' events to try,
Of Fate, and Fortune, Chance and Destiny.
XCVII
There head, to head, each Gen'ral other fac't,With equal heat of deadly fury fir'd,
The Battails Sphear, that erst the Plain embrac't,
Seem'd to its Center now to be retir'd,
In his own strength, and courage each Man plac't
The glorious end, to which they all aspir'd,
Some fighting stand, whilst others fighting fall,
And each Man fights, as each Man fought for all.
720
XCVIII
The sanguine Die, that Burnish'd every Blade,Which reeking from some bloody Slaughter came,
Their angry Owners cruel Acts betray'd,
Whilst the oppos'd, killing with equal Flame,
The Conquest doubtful first, then bloody made
To him that lost, and him that overcame,
So well on both Sides was the Battail fought,
One dearly sold, what th' other dearly bought.
XCIX
The Sieur de Rhodes who the King's Cornet bore,A loyal, daring, and unblemish'd Youth,
Writ in the Crimson of his streaming Gore,
Must seal his Manhood, and confirm his Truth,
Th' unpitying Steel his panting Vitals tore,
Who dying stoopt a Spectacle of ruth,
In some few Minutes he exspiring fell,
To live in Fames eternal Chronocle
721
C
Yet e'er he yielded to the mortal Blow,Courage awhile upheld his dying weight,
Like a young Cedar, did he bend and bow,
Loth to obey the Summons of his Fate,
Now would he have reveng'd his Wound, when now,
Death must alass! his brave acts terminate,
He threat'ning fell, as if his single fall,
Had been enough to overwhelm them all.
CI
From his Disaster flew the tell-tale Fame,Thorough the Field to all the Royal Host,
And does aloud from Troop to Troop proclaim,
That Henry was in the main Battail lost,
The sudden News their Manly hearts o'ercame,
So that in terrour, and confusion tost,
The daunted Souldiers in amazement fly,
Op'ning a way to the Duke's Victory.
722
CII
But e're this dang'rous error too far flew,Through all the Files of ev'ry hardy Band,
Their Warlike King, the Loyal Nobles knew,
In the first Ranks contending hand, to hand,
His cutting Sword his bold Opposers slew,
No less his words their courages command,
They rush into the conflict, live; or dye,
With the French Barons wonted bravery.
CIII
Nought now their res'lute fury could oppose,So fast, and wounding fell their Weapons bright,
With desperate rage; they dealt their killing blows
To give a period to that cruel Fight,
Which in a bloody colour was to close
Orewhelming Thousands in Eternal Night,
Such, and so dire, the consequences are,
That still attend that Hell-bred Monster War.
723
CIV
Now Conquest, who on her triumphant wings,So long had hover'd umpire of their fight,
Makes a brave stoop, and down her body flings,
On Henry's meritorious crest to light,
On high her Golden Plumes do clapping ring,
To tell the distant World great Bourbon's might,
She now comes down the Quarrel to decide,
In which before such hapless numbers dy'd.
CV
As I have seen a Field of standing CornIn doubtfull conflict wave their pendant Heads,
By the uncertain Air confus'dly born,
Which only whispring the large Field orespreads,
But by a sudden storm depres't and torn,
Drooping their bearded tops to their first beds,
Whilst the rude Wind, exalted with his prize,
To the next crop with riotous fury flies.
724
CVI
So far'd it with the League, who for a space,With equal fortune, well maintain'd their post,
Fighting with equal brav'ry face, to face,
No side of other could advantage boast,
Equal their Honor, equal their Disgrace;
Till, at the last all hopes of safety lost,
The valiant on the Bed of Honor lye,
Whilst the less daring in confusion fly.
CVII
Half kill'd with fear the coward Rebels run,Thorough the Field an Ignominious race,
Like fearfull Deer they crow'd away to shun,
The danger of the Loyal hunters Chase,
Who generously think, too soon t'have won,
An easy Conquest, with too little grace,
And wish they had better resistance found,
To have their Acts with greater Glory Crown'd.
725
CVIII
Although indeed no Annalls can out speak;Or speak enough of this great Victory,
Where such a handfull, could such Squadrons break;
Repell their force, and make their Captain fly,
In courage strong, alas! in numbers weak,
Arm'd only with their Faith and Loyalty;
But Heav'n was pleas'd to favour Henry's claim
Against whose will all Earthly strength is vain.
CIX
On ev'ry side the Monarch's Arms prevail,And put the Leaguers to a shameful flight,
They now pursue that Foe, who to assail,
Their thiner Troops brought such a seeming might,
Some flying 'scape, whilst others falling quail,
To bid their Honours with the World good Night,
But none so daring in that desp'rate State,
As once to turn, and look upon his Fate.
726
CX
Yet in this Torrent of admir'd success,Even some Victors Hearts were full of woe.
Because their longing Eyes they could not bless
With their Loves Object; nor did all their know,
There Prince's safety, and their happiness,
But fear'd him fall'n in the late overthrow.
In such a doubtfull, and afflicted sort,
Many had drunk the poyson of report.
CXI
But when they saw him from the Chase retireTheir drooping Spirits then began to wake,
The Souldiers crow'd t'approach their Sov'rain nigher
And, as their Eyes a full assurance take
Their Loyal Hearts o're charg'd with zealous fire,
Straight into Thundring Acclimations break,
Vive le Roy, thorough the Welkin ran,
Which so auspitiously the Day began.
729
CXII
Still like the Sparks of a late master'd fire,Some Foes appear'd on the forsaken Plain,
The Leaguers Infantry remain'd entire,
Of which the sturdy Swisse seem'd to disdain,
A shamefull flight; nor could they safe retire
But to their ruine, and Eternal shame,
Wherefore the brawny Clowns as undismay'd,
Some shew of resolute resistance made.
CXIII
But when they saw the Canon drawing neer,To force their Arms, and tame their fruitless pride,
Their stubborn Hearts, then thaw'd away in fear,
Their threatning words, and looks were laid aside,
They think to trust his mercy safest were,
Whose Conquering Sword, they had so lately try'd,
And straight way down their useless weapons threw,
To beg that grace chance had reduc't them to.
728
CXIV
Nor were they ill advis'd; for the brave King,So scorn'd the ruin of a prostrate Foe,
That, sooner could they not their Arms down sling,
Than he preserve them from the Angry blow
That Death, and Vengeance both, were levelling,
With Fire and Sword to work their overthrow,
His Princely Quarter they do all obtain,
Without one Wound, that might his Mercy stain.
CXV
But with the German Foot, far worse it far'd,Whose base revolt from the King's Standard made,
Their Crime so black and Mercies doors so barr'd,
The Souldiers hands could be no longer stay'd,
But for their Treason, as a just reward,
The faithless Squadrons furiously invade,
Strewing the Plain, with their dismembered Limbs,
Which in the Ocean of their false Blood swims.
729
CXVI
And now the Fields the Conquerors entire,No opposition left, no Foe appears,
The Royalists triumphantly retire,
Whilst Victory the waving Banners bears,
Nor dare my Muse to other Acts aspire,
So much the Fate of this attempt she feares;
Owning her weakness in Heroick Song,
That may have done these noble Heroes wrong.
CXVII
Thus did this Day, so doubtfully begun,Set red in Henry's Honour and Renown,
He that in all his Battails ever won
A Victor's Wreath, and in this last his Crown,
Which having humbly kiss't the bafl'd Sun
Into the Western Ocean bow'd him down;
Leaving fair France unto his brighter Ray,
May ev'ry injur'd Prince have such a Day.
Amen.
FINIS.
| Poems on Several Occasions | |