The Avncient Order, Societie, and Unitie Laudable, of Prince Arthure and his Knightly Armory of the Round Table. With a Threefold Assertion frendly in fauour and furtherance of English Archery at this day. Translated and Collected by R. R. [i.e. Richard Robinson] |
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 | The Avncient Order, Societie, and Unitie Laudable, of Prince Arthure |  |
O how happy a thing it is and ioyfull for to see,
Brethren together fast to hold the Band of Amitie.
Euē so the Lord bestoweth on thē his blessings manifold
Whose harts and minds without all guile, this knot do keepe and hold.
Psal. 133. vers. 1. & vers. 4.
Brethren together fast to hold the Band of Amitie.
Euē so the Lord bestoweth on thē his blessings manifold
Whose harts and minds without all guile, this knot do keepe and hold.
Psal. 133. vers. 1. & vers. 4.
To the Right worshipful M. Thomas Smith Esquier
chiefe Customer to her Maiestie in the port of London, and to
the worshipfull Socyety of Archers, here yearely celebrating the renowmed
memory of the magnificent Prince Arthure and his Knightly traine
of the Round Table, Grace, Mercy, Peace, and Plenitude of temporall
and eternall Beatitude in Christ Iesus our onely Lord
and Sauiour, Amen.
The Glory of the Rich, Of the Honorable, and of the Pore, is the feare of God.
Eccles. 10.
A Praise of the Bovve and Commendation of this Booke
written by Thomas Churchyard Gent.
In
forraine land and natiue soyle, where soldiars I haue seen:
And chefly in the martial dais (whē youth was fresh & green)
I haue beheld both Bow & shot, the Bow for Archers meet:
The shot for vse of powlders force, and lads of liuely spreet.
And iudging by experience great, in place where both were tried:
I found where shot was graunted good, the Bow was not denied.
First ere we found out shot aright, the Bow great battels won:
And long the Bow great glory gate, before we knew the Gun.
As lo this Booke doth mention make, & shewes in verses good:
For murthering shot came in of late, when Bovv in honor stood.
In elders daies when manhode shone, as bright as blasing starre,
And christian hart and noble mind, disdaind this turkish warre.
The Bow was vsed as force of mā, & strēgth of arms might draw
To glad the frend and daunt the foe, and hold the world in awe.
But whē that strēgth and courage fail'd, and cūning crept in place
The shot and roring Canon came, stout people to deface.
VVhen man drawes a row to the head, and then doth foe assaile.
With sword and dagger Lion-like, that bends both brow and taile
And grins and gapes with gnashing teeth, to make his enemy quail
The shot lies lurking in a hole, and spies aduantage great:
Then bullet, match, and powders force, do work a wicked feate.
The Archer showes a manly face, in field and euery where:
And when his arrowes all are spent, he dies with courage there.
The shot no sooner all discharg'd, but legs for life must shift:
These bold and venterous nimble bo can find no further drift.
But geue the charging horsmen place, the Archers do not so:
For foure and twenty headed shafts, belongs to euery Bow.
And surely shoote the Archers may, at many a thing ye know.
When men in broyles and battailes doubt, how warres and world wil goe.
There is a knight a soldiar great, in court doth white staffe beare:
That knowes what Bowes haue done in field, against both shielde and speare.
Yea many more are yet aliue, that honours Bovv indeed:
And can record what noble actes the Bow hath done at need.
I saw in sundry soyles my selfe, much shot discharg'd in vaine:
Yet graūt we must that through the same are thousands daily slain
But enterlard the shot with Bow, and tel me then your mind:
A gallant course of wars vnknown, in field then shal you finde.
Fiue thousand Bowes that shooteth still, in Battel may do good:
They gall the horse, or kill the man, or draw some desperate blood.
And thick as moates in ayer they flee, which hinder much the sight
And haply makes when horse is hurt, the mounted man alight.
And sure in skirmish Archers oft, makes feeble shot to yeelde.
A rare deuise I will set out, to strengthen Man and Bovv,
And when the plaine deuice thereof the world shall see and know.
The Bovv shall come againe in fame, and win his wonted grace:
Looke out of hand for my discourse, til then come Bovv in place,
And take thine Ancient, rowme & vse, as Arthures Knights thee gaue,
Thou art a fearfull foe in field, and yet a pastime braue.
That brings vp youth, and pleasures age, a noble thing in view
An auncient arte, a worthy guise, that scornes all practise new.
An exercise that all men loue, an vse of Armes and strength,
And to this English soyle of ours, wilt bring great fame at length.
So cease I heere, in prayse of Bovv, thinke of me what you please,
A longer matter shall I show, before I crosse the Seaes.
Finis qd. T. Churchyard.
[Amonges praiseworthy Monuments which English Kinges haue made]
Amonges praiseworthy Monuments which English Kinges haue madeFor maintenaunce of Manly acts, whose Fame shall neuer fade,
King Henry the 8 hath condigne praise and Princely memory,
(For chusing Knights of Arthvres traine to mentaine Archery):
Whose Maiesty at Myle end with his NOBLES vsed this game,
That Citizens and Subiects all might exercise the same.
But specially for CITIZENS hee made this Order theare,
One Cheeftayne chose and certeyn Knights to sport them once a yeare.
His Daughter deare. ELIZABETH our Soueraigne QVEENE likewise,
Confirmes this Order still, and doth mentaine this exercyse
Eche Subiect pray and praise GOD for her long and prosperous Raigne;
Our Bowers in our handes stronger then with Honour shall remaine.
1. S. Lancelot du Lac
In
Siluer Shield, Three Bandes of Blew
Hee bare, full valyant hee,
And ventrous was, one of the Cheefest
Approued in Cheualry:
Hee bare, full valyant hee,
And ventrous was, one of the Cheefest
Approued in Cheualry:
Of Knights which did the Table Rounde
adorne with condigne prayse:
His factes and fame in bookes compilde
Are founde in these our dayes.
adorne with condigne prayse:
His factes and fame in bookes compilde
Are founde in these our dayes.
2. S. Boort de Gauues
In
Siluer Sheelde with Hermynes Black
Hee bare Three Bandes of Red:
Ualyant and hardy was this Knight,
His Chronicles haue spred:
Hee bare Three Bandes of Red:
Ualyant and hardy was this Knight,
His Chronicles haue spred:
Who more of him will knowe, let them
Reade of the Table Rounde:
Eke Lancelot his booke and those
Which vertewes faine forth sounde.
Reade of the Table Rounde:
Eke Lancelot his booke and those
Which vertewes faine forth sounde.
3. S. Gowaine de Orcany
In
Purple Shield, an Aegle spled
All Golde, Sir Gawayn gaue
One of the Knights most conquerous
Hee merits fame to haue
All Golde, Sir Gawayn gaue
One of the Knights most conquerous
Hee merits fame to haue
Amongst them which the Table Rounde
Enobled with Renowne
By deeds of Armes in Contreyes cause,
To bring her foes a downe.
Enobled with Renowne
By deeds of Armes in Contreyes cause,
To bring her foes a downe.
4. Messyr Tristran de Lyonis
In
Sheeld all Greene one Lyon of Gold
And armee Gules hee bare
That no lesse worthy is this Knight
Of fame, then others are,
And armee Gules hee bare
That no lesse worthy is this Knight
Of fame, then others are,
For hee so vertuously behaued
Himselfe in all assayes,
And valyant in his conquests, that
A Booke his fame displayes.
Himselfe in all assayes,
And valyant in his conquests, that
A Booke his fame displayes.
5. Sir Lyonnet de Gauues
In
Siluer Sheelde nyne Starres Sable
Three bandes of Red bare hee:
A warlike wight, and worthy Knight
As any others might bee:
Three bandes of Red bare hee:
A warlike wight, and worthy Knight
As any others might bee:
And who considereth well his Armes
Including vertewes rare,
May him with the most valyantst Knights
condignely heare compare.
Including vertewes rare,
May him with the most valyantst Knights
condignely heare compare.
6. Helyas le Blanc
In
Siluer Sheeld 3. Barres of Red
One Lambeau ouerthwart
Of Sable, with three feet, hee bare,
As one which played his part,
One Lambeau ouerthwart
Of Sable, with three feet, hee bare,
As one which played his part,
About the Table Rounde Renowmed,
And euer ready prest
For noblenes and honoures state
To do his very best.
And euer ready prest
For noblenes and honoures state
To do his very best.
7. Hector des Mares.
In
Siluer Sheelde Three Barres all Red
A middes the same The Sonne
All Azure, bare this noble Knight,
Which highe Renowne hath wonne
A middes the same The Sonne
All Azure, bare this noble Knight,
Which highe Renowne hath wonne
By valyancy and venterous deedes
Exploited farre and neare:
Who doth deserue dewe memory
As fame may witnesse beare.
Exploited farre and neare:
Who doth deserue dewe memory
As fame may witnesse beare.
8. Blyomberyes de Gauues.
In
Siluer Shield with half Moones sett,
Three Barres all red hee bare.
Aboute the Table Rounde hee was,
A conquerour most rare:
Three Barres all red hee bare.
Aboute the Table Rounde hee was,
A conquerour most rare:
Who for his warlike prowesse and
His Martiall mighty skill,
Was much esteemed, and of his Prince
beloued with great goodwill.
His Martiall mighty skill,
Was much esteemed, and of his Prince
beloued with great goodwill.
9. Messire Gaherryet.
In
Purple Sheelde, splead Aegle Golde
With feete depainted Red,
A Barr all Red ouerthwart, hee bare
Whose valiant actes compted
With feete depainted Red,
A Barr all Red ouerthwart, hee bare
Whose valiant actes compted
Amongst those of the Table Rounde,
As Launcelot and the rest
May seeme to calenge condigne praise,
and fame euen with the best.
As Launcelot and the rest
May seeme to calenge condigne praise,
and fame euen with the best.
10. Keux le seneschall.
In
Azure Sheelde Two siluer Wings,
(By office Seneschall
Or Steward) bare this Noble Knight
To whome might well bee fall.
(By office Seneschall
Or Steward) bare this Noble Knight
To whome might well bee fall.
With dew Renowme enregistred
For prowesse rare to bee
Amongst them of the Table Rounde,
Renowmed by valiency.
For prowesse rare to bee
Amongst them of the Table Rounde,
Renowmed by valiency.
11. Messire Iuaine.
In
Azure shield, A Lyon Golde
Armé with Red, this Knight
Did beare: who sought to amplify
By all dew meanes and might
Armé with Red, this Knight
Did beare: who sought to amplify
By all dew meanes and might
The Table rounde: hee valiant was,
And hardy found in proof:
Therefore hee merits memory
Unto his dewe behoof.
And hardy found in proof:
Therefore hee merits memory
Unto his dewe behoof.
12. Bruor le Noir.
In
Siluer Sheelde, a Lyon Rampant,
Y checquered Blacke and Red
(Of warlike nature conquerous)
He bare, eke Reputed
Y checquered Blacke and Red
(Of warlike nature conquerous)
He bare, eke Reputed
Amongst them of the Table Rounde,
Coragious, fierce and bolde:
He was, with prowesse euer prest,
Dame Honour to vpholde.
Coragious, fierce and bolde:
He was, with prowesse euer prest,
Dame Honour to vpholde.
13. S. Segurades.
In
Golden Sheelde, this gallant Knight
A Rock all Sable bare
One of the Table Rounde, hee was
Of estimacyon rare,
A Rock all Sable bare
One of the Table Rounde, hee was
Of estimacyon rare,
Firme as Rock amiddes the Seayes
Eke stedfast hee of mynde
was, all aduersities to dure
from tyme to tyme enclyned.
Eke stedfast hee of mynde
was, all aduersities to dure
from tyme to tyme enclyned.
14. S. Patris le Hardy.
In
Siluer Sheelde a Freture Red
of peeces sixe bare hee,
A true and perfect Practizer,
Of Noble Cheualrie,
of peeces sixe bare hee,
A true and perfect Practizer,
Of Noble Cheualrie,
About the Table Rounde eke one
full well which vnderstood.
Eche tricke and trauell longing to
Cheualrie and Knighthood.
full well which vnderstood.
Eche tricke and trauell longing to
Cheualrie and Knighthood.
15. S. Saphar le Mescogneu.
In
Sheelde one half part Gold and Greene
Y checquerd, thother Vair,
Of great estate this Knight did beare,
With hauty courage raire.
Y checquerd, thother Vair,
Of great estate this Knight did beare,
With hauty courage raire.
And though as tuching Parentage
Vnknowne, so named hee was:
Yet by his deedes hee was discernd
Most valiant in eche case.
Vnknowne, so named hee was:
Yet by his deedes hee was discernd
Most valiant in eche case.
16. S. Sagremor le Desree.
In
Sheelde (whereof Sable 3. partes)
Two Golden starres fixt there:
The fourth part Siluer with a starre
of Sable) did hee beare.
Two Golden starres fixt there:
The fourth part Siluer with a starre
of Sable) did hee beare.
Both by his name and armes therfore
It doth appeare full well,
That hee one of the Table Rounde,
In prowesse did excell.
It doth appeare full well,
That hee one of the Table Rounde,
In prowesse did excell.
17. Le Roy Ban de Benock
In
Siluer Shield Three Bandes of Blew
Did beare this Kingly Knight
And for King Arthures dewe Renowme
exprest his force and might
Did beare this Kingly Knight
And for King Arthures dewe Renowme
exprest his force and might
Dulce and debonaire hee was
To serue at all assay
In euery Noble feate of armes
And beare the bell away.
To serue at all assay
In euery Noble feate of armes
And beare the bell away.
18. Le Roy de Claris.
In
Sheelde of Golde one Crosse Potence
All Red this Noble King,
And Kingly Knight of Table Rounde
Did beare, most florishing.
All Red this Noble King,
And Kingly Knight of Table Rounde
Did beare, most florishing.
In factes and fame both farre and neare
For the magnificence
Of Princely prowesse, pricke and praise
To get by valyence.
For the magnificence
Of Princely prowesse, pricke and praise
To get by valyence.
19. Le Morhoult de Ireland
In
Siluer Sheelde One fesse of peeces
Fyue through out the same
Hee bare a Lyon Rampant Red,
and arme greene, whose name
Fyue through out the same
Hee bare a Lyon Rampant Red,
and arme greene, whose name
Might seeme to signifie in truth
Eche mighty enterprise
A pray most fit for his Corage,
As is the Irish guise.
Eche mighty enterprise
A pray most fit for his Corage,
As is the Irish guise.
20. Danayn le Roux
In
Shield all Red a Porpentyne
Of Gold armé Azure,
This Knight bare, (of the Table Rounde)
One bould and hardy sure.
Of Gold armé Azure,
This Knight bare, (of the Table Rounde)
One bould and hardy sure.
Of quality hee hath his name
Of courage venterous,
Of Pollicy and power also,
To bee most conquerous.
Of courage venterous,
Of Pollicy and power also,
To bee most conquerous.
21. S. Brallain, sirnamed, as ye would say: Le Cheuallier aux deux Espées.
In
Sheelde all Siluer Sable Bore
With three Blew Starres bare hee
Whose faith and factes with glistering fame
Shine in the highest degree,
With three Blew Starres bare hee
Whose faith and factes with glistering fame
Shine in the highest degree,
As one whose vertues amplefied
His Princes highe Renowme
Amongst those cheef in Cheualry
About the Table Rounde.
His Princes highe Renowme
Amongst those cheef in Cheualry
About the Table Rounde.
22. Galehault
In
Siluer Sheelde with Azure Starres,
A Lyon Red Rampant
Armé greene this Knight dyd beare,
as one of force puissant
A Lyon Red Rampant
Armé greene this Knight dyd beare,
as one of force puissant
Which dyd the Table Rounde adorne,
And amplify also
With hautynes and valyancy,
As others many mo.
And amplify also
With hautynes and valyancy,
As others many mo.
23. Lamorat de Listenoys
In
Purple shield, with Crossets Golde,
A Leoperd Siluer hee
Arme Red, did beare as one
Descended of degree
A Leoperd Siluer hee
Arme Red, did beare as one
Descended of degree
Both Noble bold and valiant
In feates of armes yfound
As other famous Knightes eke which
were of the Table Round.
In feates of armes yfound
As other famous Knightes eke which
were of the Table Round.
24. Messire Gullat.
In
Siluer Sheelde, One Crosse all Red
full Christian like hee bare
Of hart and courage conquerous,
A knight hee was euen rare
full Christian like hee bare
Of hart and courage conquerous,
A knight hee was euen rare
Thus admirable was hee held,
Well wee may eke suppose
He warme his armes, as Christes frend
Ageanst vnchristened foes.
Well wee may eke suppose
He warme his armes, as Christes frend
Ageanst vnchristened foes.
25. S. Gueherries
In
Purple Sheelde bordered about,
With litle rondles Red
Spled Aegle Golde with Siluer feete
Hee bare emblazoned:
With litle rondles Red
Spled Aegle Golde with Siluer feete
Hee bare emblazoned:
Of valyant corage prompt hee was
For to atcomplish tho,
All Noble feates of armes, and gaine
Dewe fame that longd thereto.
For to atcomplish tho,
All Noble feates of armes, and gaine
Dewe fame that longd thereto.
26. Aggrauain le Orguelleux
In
Purple Sheelde, spled Aegle Golde
With Members Red bare hee
Ouerthwart the brest a Barre of Greene,
As one that seemed to bee
With Members Red bare hee
Ouerthwart the brest a Barre of Greene,
As one that seemed to bee
Of nature like vnto his name
Both fearce and promptly prest
With Martiall might still to surmount,
For fame and doo his best.
Both fearce and promptly prest
With Martiall might still to surmount,
For fame and doo his best.
27. Dodynel le sauage
In
Siluer Sheelde Aegle Azure
Hee bare with Golden feete
Full Noble.mighty, valiant,
And therfore one most meete
Hee bare with Golden feete
Full Noble.mighty, valiant,
And therfore one most meete
For constancy and corage great
Enregistred to bee
Amongst them of the Table Rounde,
Renowmed by valyancy.
Enregistred to bee
Amongst them of the Table Rounde,
Renowmed by valyancy.
28. Osement Coeur hardy
A sheelde
yquartered Siluer, and Red
Hee bare in deeds the same,
Of valiant and coragius hart
as hee was calde by name,
Hee bare in deeds the same,
Of valiant and coragius hart
as hee was calde by name,
Whose vertues meete to bee aduaunst
Dame Honour hathe assigned,
After his death by fame to lyue,
And to bee borne in mynde.
Dame Honour hathe assigned,
After his death by fame to lyue,
And to bee borne in mynde.
29. Mador de la Port
In
Sable Sheelde Seauen Apples so
of Siluer couloured Red
This Knight did beare, whose nature well
to his Armes answered.
of Siluer couloured Red
This Knight did beare, whose nature well
to his Armes answered.
Dulce and debonaire, in vertue
One which was frutefull founde:
And therefore meete amongst the rest
To adorne the Table Rounde.
One which was frutefull founde:
And therefore meete amongst the rest
To adorne the Table Rounde.
30. Dynadem d'Estrangore
In
Siluer shield, a Lyon Black
With Greene all armée hee
Did heare, one of the Table Rounde
Which eke in his Degree
With Greene all armée hee
Did heare, one of the Table Rounde
Which eke in his Degree
Endeuoured with his Comperes
The state therof t'aduaunce
Not letting for any labour Toylle,
nor any one mischance.
The state therof t'aduaunce
Not letting for any labour Toylle,
nor any one mischance.
31. Eglantine Rochemont
In
Siluer Sheelde the Ragged Staff
All Red did beare this Knight,
One of the Table Rounde hee was,
which shewed his force and might
All Red did beare this Knight,
One of the Table Rounde hee was,
which shewed his force and might
Strong and stedfast put in trust,
By tryall firme and sure.
A staffe of stay in all assay.
With honour to endure.
By tryall firme and sure.
A staffe of stay in all assay.
With honour to endure.
32. Guallogrenant de windesor.
In
Sheelde all Red Two Gemmels Gold
And Sable this Knight bare
Coragius eke and conquerous
He was reputed rare:
And Sable this Knight bare
Coragius eke and conquerous
He was reputed rare:
Not shrinking to shew forth his force
And puysance allway prest
Aduenterusly and valyantly,
For fame to do his best.
And puysance allway prest
Aduenterusly and valyantly,
For fame to do his best.
33. Sir Brandelys
In
a Red Sheeld 3. Swordes Siluer
Handles and pommells Azure
Thintitulation of his armes
Heare signify for sure
Handles and pommells Azure
Thintitulation of his armes
Heare signify for sure
That hee was actiue, warlike and
Could weelde his weapons well
To aduaunce Dame honours dewe renowme
Her frowarde foes and qwell.
Could weelde his weapons well
To aduaunce Dame honours dewe renowme
Her frowarde foes and qwell.
34. Sir Leonard le hardy
In
Siluer Shield Three Lozenges
Of Siluer and Sable
Hee bare and was a worthy Knight
about the Round Table,
Of Siluer and Sable
Hee bare and was a worthy Knight
about the Round Table,
Whome though both God and Nature made
Deformd of Personage:
Yet by his doughty deedes hee was
Most famous in that age.
Deformd of Personage:
Yet by his doughty deedes hee was
Most famous in that age.
35. Bruyant des Isles.
In
Sable Sheelde a Ronning Dog
Of Siluer armee Red
This Knight did beare, of noble race
For hee was descended:
Of Siluer armee Red
This Knight did beare, of noble race
For hee was descended:
Louing all honour and prowesse,
Dispaching eke with speede
By course and recourse to and fro,
What so hee had decreed.
Dispaching eke with speede
By course and recourse to and fro,
What so hee had decreed.
36. Henry le Ioyeux
In
Siluer Shield Three Crosses fixt
Of Sable all beare hee,
And not without cause had hee name
As ioyfull one to bee:
Of Sable all beare hee,
And not without cause had hee name
As ioyfull one to bee:
For pleasantly and curteously
Hee could himself demene:
And in his Matters quite himselfe
Full manly this is plaine.
Hee could himself demene:
And in his Matters quite himselfe
Full manly this is plaine.
37. Meliadus del Espinoy
In
Golden Sheelde Three Crosses Red
Called Florones did hee beare,
And was Sirnamed del Espinoy
By difference to appeare
Called Florones did hee beare,
And was Sirnamed del Espinoy
By difference to appeare
From King Melyadus in race:
His Armes full Noble tho,
And of great approbation were
In Christian faith also.
His Armes full Noble tho,
And of great approbation were
In Christian faith also.
38. Meliadus le Noir oeil
In
Siluer Sheeld 3. Cheurons all
Of Sable, bare this Knight.
Who in ech warlike enterprise
Did shew his force and might:
Of Sable, bare this Knight.
Who in ech warlike enterprise
Did shew his force and might:
Though hee Meliadus so was
Sirnamed with the black eye,
His vertewes cleare and sinceare yet
Were famous farre and nye.
Sirnamed with the black eye,
His vertewes cleare and sinceare yet
Were famous farre and nye.
39. Surados des sept Fountaines
In
Sheelde half Golde, half Azure eke
With Siluer droppes beset
This Knight dyd beare, as one which was
in estimation great:
With Siluer droppes beset
This Knight dyd beare, as one which was
in estimation great:
Sirnamed Knight of Fountaines seauen,
By reason in eche place
Betweene those Fountaines seuerall
He ranne his Martiall race.
By reason in eche place
Betweene those Fountaines seuerall
He ranne his Martiall race.
40. Lucan le Bouteiller
In
Golden Sheelde A Wolf passant
Red, armêe eke Sable,
This Knight the Butler cald did beare,
One of the Rounde Table:
Red, armêe eke Sable,
This Knight the Butler cald did beare,
One of the Rounde Table:
Ferce and greedy of his pray
whome that hee did pursew,
And prompt againe with prowesse wheare
And whame hee would reskew.
whome that hee did pursew,
And prompt againe with prowesse wheare
And whame hee would reskew.
41. Persides le Gent
In
Siluer Sheelde, with Gonstones set
Of Azure, bare this Knight,
Though he Sirnamed Ientle was
Yet, theare no martiall might
Of Azure, bare this Knight,
Though he Sirnamed Ientle was
Yet, theare no martiall might
Or warlike force did want in him,
To abandon furious foo,
With shot of gonne to shake or rend
Their force and ouerthrow.
To abandon furious foo,
With shot of gonne to shake or rend
Their force and ouerthrow.
42. Tuscane le Romane
In
Golden Sheelde a Hand Sable
Holding a Sworde All Red
This valyant Romane Knight did beare,
As Rightly reputed.
Holding a Sworde All Red
This valyant Romane Knight did beare,
As Rightly reputed.
Of hart and corage Conquerus,
Ready for Frend and foes
Both to defend, and to destroy,
His shaking sworde hee showes.
Ready for Frend and foes
Both to defend, and to destroy,
His shaking sworde hee showes.
43. Godfry le Lacois
In
Sheelde All Red a Towre of Golde
Masonned with Sable.
This Knight did beare and worthely well
Was of the Rounde Table:
Masonned with Sable.
This Knight did beare and worthely well
Was of the Rounde Table:
A Fortreesse of fidelity,
And tower of trust was hee,
To saue his Frendes, withstand his foes,
And purchas dignity.
And tower of trust was hee,
To saue his Frendes, withstand his foes,
And purchas dignity.
44. Thor le Filz de Arez
A golden shield, most seemly set
With Sable crosses short
This knight did beare, as which his armes
might trewly well import,
With Sable crosses short
This knight did beare, as which his armes
might trewly well import,
That hee was valyantly inclyned
To feates of armes, no lesse
Studing honour to augment,
His fame and to encrease.
To feates of armes, no lesse
Studing honour to augment,
His fame and to encrease.
45. Perceual de Galles
A purple
Sheelde with Crossets Gold
Beset this Knight did beare,
As hee in voyde allotted place
Of the Rounde Table theare,
Beset this Knight did beare,
As hee in voyde allotted place
Of the Rounde Table theare,
Which sat him downe in seate ordained
As for A Bachellour:
Of whome a Booke compild there is
With fame and dew Honour.
As for A Bachellour:
Of whome a Booke compild there is
With fame and dew Honour.
46. Sadoc de Vencon
A shield
, wherin a Sea was set
Of Siluer and Sable
This Knight did beare, which signified
A mistery admirable.
Of Siluer and Sable
This Knight did beare, which signified
A mistery admirable.
Some great and profounde prowesse sure
Theare seemed in him to bee,
With ebbes and floodes of prosperus state
And of aduersity.
Theare seemed in him to bee,
With ebbes and floodes of prosperus state
And of aduersity.
47. Gringalois le Fort
In
Sable Sheelde, an Vnicorne
All Siluer, bare this Knight
Beloued for his vertewes rare,
And for his Martiall might.
All Siluer, bare this Knight
Beloued for his vertewes rare,
And for his Martiall might.
Strong, valyant, and victorius
Agenst his noysome foo
Comforting and rescewyng Frendes,
Which were distrest also.
Agenst his noysome foo
Comforting and rescewyng Frendes,
Which were distrest also.
48. Malaquin le Galoys
In
Siluer Sheelde, A Siluer Cup
ycouered this Knight bare
Which with those of the Table Rounde
For vertue might compare.
ycouered this Knight bare
Which with those of the Table Rounde
For vertue might compare.
Ne could they want his Company,
Nor Prince his prowesse misse,
In all those conquests, deedes of armes,
And other feates of his.
Nor Prince his prowesse misse,
In all those conquests, deedes of armes,
And other feates of his.
49. Talemor le Volant
In
a Greene Shield, A Siluer Doue
Membres Red this Knight
Did beare, so swift in valyant race
As Doue was in her flight,
Membres Red this Knight
Did beare, so swift in valyant race
As Doue was in her flight,
Embracing honour with both winges
Deuoide of Enuyes gall,
Aduauncing vertewe, loue and fame
Surmounting therewithall.
Deuoide of Enuyes gall,
Aduauncing vertewe, loue and fame
Surmounting therewithall.
50. Arain du Pin
A Greene Sheelde with 3 Pyneaples
All Golde this Knight did beare:
Why hee so called was, (The cause
Not small) may well appeare.
All Golde this Knight did beare:
Why hee so called was, (The cause
Not small) may well appeare.
First for his lofty ofspring, next
For honour, vertewes hyre,
Thirdly for fame most florishing,
Whereto hee did aspyer.
For honour, vertewes hyre,
Thirdly for fame most florishing,
Whereto hee did aspyer.
51. Messire Palamides
A sheelde
of Siluer and Sable
Ychequered bare this Knight,
As what hee was, and whence hee came
By name that so hee hight:
Ychequered bare this Knight,
As what hee was, and whence hee came
By name that so hee hight:
It seemes hee was by valyancy
An Imitator trew,
Of that Noble Palamydes
From Troy, wich did issew.
An Imitator trew,
Of that Noble Palamydes
From Troy, wich did issew.
52. Sir Hebis
In
Sheelde, two parts Sable with
Two Barres thereon Argent
The third part Azure with demy pale
Yeallow and Blew content.
Two Barres thereon Argent
The third part Azure with demy pale
Yeallow and Blew content.
About the Table Rounde although
One of the last hee bee,
Yet for his seruice iust and trew
Not least was his degree.
One of the last hee bee,
Yet for his seruice iust and trew
Not least was his degree.
53. S. Lamwell of Cardyff
A sheelde
Red, where (a Lady fayre
In Mantell clothed Greene,
On Siluer palfrey mounted is,
As though shee were some Queene)
In Mantell clothed Greene,
On Siluer palfrey mounted is,
As though shee were some Queene)
This Knight did beare: as one which did
By seruice dewe attend,
Or els in some distressed case
His Lady deare desend.
By seruice dewe attend,
Or els in some distressed case
His Lady deare desend.
54. S. Phetipace of VVinchelsey
A sheelde
four partyed Gold and Blew
A pale Argent downeright,
With 3. Red Crosses ouerthwart.
A Barre of Sable pight
A pale Argent downeright,
With 3. Red Crosses ouerthwart.
A Barre of Sable pight
This Knight did beare: betokning well
Noblenes and Renowne:
Which liues aloft by lasting fame,
Though Death and Dolour frowne.
Noblenes and Renowne:
Which liues aloft by lasting fame,
Though Death and Dolour frowne.
55. S. Plaine de force
In
Golden Sheelde a Fesse all Red
With an arme armèe Argent
Holding a Siluer Columne broke
Hee bare, whereby is ment
With an arme armèe Argent
Holding a Siluer Columne broke
Hee bare, whereby is ment
To his Sirname, as full of force
His nature right did gree,
Wrestling with one which was most strong,
By strength got victory.
His nature right did gree,
Wrestling with one which was most strong,
By strength got victory.
56. S. Bodovier of VVinchelsey
A sheeld
half Argent with a Fesse,
A Tryangle, therein eke Red.
With three mullets Azure, thother half Gules.
A Siluer Arme holding a Sword armed,
A Tryangle, therein eke Red.
With three mullets Azure, thother half Gules.
A Siluer Arme holding a Sword armed,
The handle of Gold, this knight did beare:
As one which was of highe estate,
Adding thereto such valyant actes,
Which dubbed him Knight twice fortunate.
As one which was of highe estate,
Adding thereto such valyant actes,
Which dubbed him Knight twice fortunate.
57. S. Degraine sans Mal
A sheeld
, the first part Red, an Arme
Siluer armed, with Ring of Gold,
The second part vert and Azure, the thirde
Gold & Azure, the 4 part Gules doth hold.
Siluer armed, with Ring of Gold,
The second part vert and Azure, the thirde
Gold & Azure, the 4 part Gules doth hold.
Hee bare these, as by valyant force,
Reaping Reward for vertewes rare,
Detesting all vice (thus reuyded fame)
May him with most worthiest knights compare.
Reaping Reward for vertewes rare,
Detesting all vice (thus reuyded fame)
May him with most worthiest knights compare.
58. S. Pryamus
In
Sable Sheeld Three Gryffons Golde
Passant Carbonckled with eke Golde
This comely Knight condignely bare
For his demerites manyfold,
Passant Carbonckled with eke Golde
This comely Knight condignely bare
For his demerites manyfold,
As whether hee were S. Pryam of Troy
Or els from whence hee haue his name,
Great was his force, his foes to anoy,
Defending his Frends from harme & blame.
Or els from whence hee haue his name,
Great was his force, his foes to anoy,
Defending his Frends from harme & blame.
Here ende the Knights names and their Commendations.
Retaine the Good, Refraine the ill.
Repute not amisse of my Goodwill.
Repute not amisse of my Goodwill.
quoth. Richard. R.
And blase his power to cause the Sonnes of men the same to know.
Psalm. 145. Vers. 11. & 12. Let Israell reioyce in him, that made him of no thing,
And let the Seede of Syon eke bee Ioyfull in their King.
Psalm. 149. Vers.. 2.
[God the Author of Peace and Loue did so therein delyte]
THE FIRST ASSERTION and is Sacred Historicall.
God the Author of Peace and Loue did so therein delyte,
That of one Man hee Members twaine dyd make & them vnyte:
To whom when Children twaine hee gaue, the more to multiply
This Peace and Loue, Sathan possest one of them by and by.
Cayn it was who did maligne His Brother Habell so,
That hee ne ceast by cruell Death this bond to breake in to:
Wherefore when hee had issew left, the Lorde of loue decreede,
That Cayns hatred should bee rewed for that his filthy deede.
As learned Lyra writes thereon how Lamech old and blinde:
With Bow and shafts did walke the woods, some wished pray to finde.
His Boy that lead him through the same (as seemed him) espyde
Some beast, which nathles Cayn was, where hee himselfe did hyde,
So that (saith Lyra,) Lamech slew a man there in his wounde:
Lo heare was harmles Abels death with his reuenged founde.
If Lyra thus wee may beleeue, Lo here the Bowe and shaft,
Ordained Gods weapon of reuenge on Murders cruell crafte
Lo here the Bowe and arrowe, was first chosen instrument,
As guerdon dew for wicked deede by Goddes most iust iudgement.
That of one Man hee Members twaine dyd make & them vnyte:
To whom when Children twaine hee gaue, the more to multiply
This Peace and Loue, Sathan possest one of them by and by.
Cayn it was who did maligne His Brother Habell so,
That hee ne ceast by cruell Death this bond to breake in to:
Wherefore when hee had issew left, the Lorde of loue decreede,
That Cayns hatred should bee rewed for that his filthy deede.
As learned Lyra writes thereon how Lamech old and blinde:
With Bow and shafts did walke the woods, some wished pray to finde.
His Boy that lead him through the same (as seemed him) espyde
Some beast, which nathles Cayn was, where hee himselfe did hyde,
So that (saith Lyra,) Lamech slew a man there in his wounde:
Lo heare was harmles Abels death with his reuenged founde.
If Lyra thus wee may beleeue, Lo here the Bowe and shaft,
Ordained Gods weapon of reuenge on Murders cruell crafte
Lo here the Bowe and arrowe, was first chosen instrument,
As guerdon dew for wicked deede by Goddes most iust iudgement.
A Figure of Goddes Peace and Loue the rayne bow yet was set,
As couenant twixt him and the earth that hee no more would let
The furious floods consume the Lande, which frutefull afterward
Hee made for humaine vse to serue his chosen and sauegard.
As couenant twixt him and the earth that hee no more would let
The furious floods consume the Lande, which frutefull afterward
Hee made for humaine vse to serue his chosen and sauegard.
Ismael in the wildernes an infant crying lay,
Gods Angell heard the same, and did vnto his Mother say,
Hagar see thou bee of good cheare, thy Childe vp forthwith take,
And cherish it for God will sure a People great him make.
So this Child grewe, and it is sayd an Archer hee became
And afterward in the wildernes did dwell, called Paran.
Gods Angell heard the same, and did vnto his Mother say,
Hagar see thou bee of good cheare, thy Childe vp forthwith take,
And cherish it for God will sure a People great him make.
So this Child grewe, and it is sayd an Archer hee became
And afterward in the wildernes did dwell, called Paran.
Isaac waxing old did byd Esaw his eldest Sonne,
His Bowe and quyuer for to take into the feeldes and ronne,
To kill some venson, which hee did, but yet in the meane while,
Iacob the younger brother could full kindly him beguyle:
Whereby we see whom God doth loue, vnlikely though they seeme,
Are soonest blest, when worldlings of their will are frustrate cleene.
His Bowe and quyuer for to take into the feeldes and ronne,
To kill some venson, which hee did, but yet in the meane while,
Iacob the younger brother could full kindly him beguyle:
Are soonest blest, when worldlings of their will are frustrate cleene.
Ioseph the sonne of Iacob so found fauour with his God,
That He was reconed as a braunch which should increase abroad:
Of him t'is said, His Bow bode fast, his armes eke strengthened were,
Euen by the handes of Iacobs God as did full well appeare.
That He was reconed as a braunch which should increase abroad:
Of him t'is said, His Bow bode fast, his armes eke strengthened were,
Euen by the handes of Iacobs God as did full well appeare.
Ruben, Gad, and halfe Manasse Tribes three elected, in field
With manly might did shoote in Bow, and carry sword and sheeld:
What time with Hagarites, Iethur, Nephis, and Noab they
Fought valiantly, the Lord did them assist in all assay.
With manly might did shoote in Bow, and carry sword and sheeld:
What time with Hagarites, Iethur, Nephis, and Noab they
Fought valiantly, the Lord did them assist in all assay.
Iosuah discomfiting fiue Kings, (though Tribes that did him ayde, Iosuah. 10.
As there to handle Bowes and shafts are not expressly said)
Yet there a Booke is mencioned, euen Iashar so by name,
Not now in vse (which some affirme) showed shootings auncient fame.
As there to handle Bowes and shafts are not expressly said)
Yet there a Booke is mencioned, euen Iashar so by name,
Not now in vse (which some affirme) showed shootings auncient fame.
And sure the Lord Iehoua himselfe doth meane thereby his power,
When threatning wise the wicked ones he brings thus in terror,
His Arowes on them he will send (he meaneth in angry moode:)
And eke His Bow that he will bend, And dye his shafts in bloud:
These shafts of his so sharpe no stone can cause them to rebound,
But through the threefold armed coate they pearce with mortal wound.
When threatning wise the wicked ones he brings thus in terror,
His Arowes on them he will send (he meaneth in angry moode:)
And eke His Bow that he will bend, And dye his shafts in bloud:
These shafts of his so sharpe no stone can cause them to rebound,
But through the threefold armed coate they pearce with mortal wound.
Balaam in his prophecie of Israels happy state,
Saith, that his force the Vnicorne in strength should coequate.
The Nations, he should eate also, and broose his enemies bones:
Yea, He should shoot his Arowes through those great & mighty ones.
Saith, that his force the Vnicorne in strength should coequate.
The Nations, he should eate also, and broose his enemies bones:
Yea, He should shoot his Arowes through those great & mighty ones.
Debora she euen Baracks wyfe who iudged Israell,
In that her song for victorie, which God gaue her, doth tell,
How God deliuered Iabin King of Canaan to her hand,
Whose Archers noyse was so appeast eche were throughout her Land.
That where none earst could water drawe, now all deuoid of feare,
Might haue inough sith those their foes so happily vanquisht were.
Whereby we note, although the wicked such defences haue,
Yet for because in vse of them Gods goodnes they depraue,
And arrogate vnto themselues, all glorie, hope, and praise,
Therefore theyr good things turne to euill sometime, if not alwayes.
In that her song for victorie, which God gaue her, doth tell,
How God deliuered Iabin King of Canaan to her hand,
Whose Archers noyse was so appeast eche were throughout her Land.
That where none earst could water drawe, now all deuoid of feare,
Might haue inough sith those their foes so happily vanquisht were.
Whereby we note, although the wicked such defences haue,
Yet for because in vse of them Gods goodnes they depraue,
And arrogate vnto themselues, all glorie, hope, and praise,
Therefore theyr good things turne to euill sometime, if not alwayes.
Hanna the wife of Elcana when shee did pray so ioyed,
The Bow with mightie men was broke to her rebuke employed:
And waykeilngs girded forth them selues with strēgth (she said) like mē
As who say God makes simple soules do great things now and then.
The Bow with mightie men was broke to her rebuke employed:
And waykeilngs girded forth them selues with strēgth (she said) like mē
As who say God makes simple soules do great things now and then.
Ionathas, the Sonne of Saule king Dauids mortall foe,
Was Dauids faithfull Frend, when hee this watchword gaue him to,
That hee should three dayes hyde him by the stone Ezel by name,
During the time of Saule his wrath and furious raging flame.
Then Ionathas sayd hee would shoot three Arrowes at that stone,
As at a marck, and after hee would make a Boy to rome,
And seeke the shaftes, when if I say vnto the Boy once, (See,)
The arrowes are on this side thee, bring them and come, saith hee,
The matter then goeth well for thee, no hurt as liueth the Lorde:
But if I say vnto the Boy, (Behold:) by this watchworde,
The arrowes are beyonde thee, then, make haste and get thee away,
For God hath so dismissed thee, This Ionathas could say.
Was Dauids faithfull Frend, when hee this watchword gaue him to,
That hee should three dayes hyde him by the stone Ezel by name,
During the time of Saule his wrath and furious raging flame.
Then Ionathas sayd hee would shoot three Arrowes at that stone,
As at a marck, and after hee would make a Boy to rome,
And seeke the shaftes, when if I say vnto the Boy once, (See,)
The arrowes are on this side thee, bring them and come, saith hee,
The matter then goeth well for thee, no hurt as liueth the Lorde:
But if I say vnto the Boy, (Behold:) by this watchworde,
The arrowes are beyonde thee, then, make haste and get thee away,
For God hath so dismissed thee, This Ionathas could say.
Saule and Ionathas his Sonne, with his two Brethren mo,
When the Philistyans fought with them, felt God his iudgements so
By the Archers and Bowemen of th'vncircumcysed theare,
Saule wounded was, but his three Sonnes outright dispatched were.
When the Philistyans fought with them, felt God his iudgements so
By the Archers and Bowemen of th'vncircumcysed theare,
Saule wounded was, but his three Sonnes outright dispatched were.
Dauid then before hee was of Iuda annoynted King.
Ouer Saule and Ionathas moarned, thus lamenting,
The Bow saith hee of Ionathas turned neuer back in vaine,
Neither Saules Sword once empty went from the blood of the slaine:
See theare the minde of Goddes elect, in doyng good for ill,
See pity showed for cruelty, for mallys eke goodwill.
Ouer Saule and Ionathas moarned, thus lamenting,
The Bow saith hee of Ionathas turned neuer back in vaine,
Neither Saules Sword once empty went from the blood of the slaine:
See theare the minde of Goddes elect, in doyng good for ill,
See pity showed for cruelty, for mallys eke goodwill.
Dauid enduring yet long warres euen with that house of Saule,
By Goddes good will exalted was, when his foes had the falle,
And prospered so that hee was King ouer all Israell:
Hee conquered Ierusalem and Iebusytes so fell,
Who did deny him to come theare, when yet victoriously,
Hee wan the Castle of Syon, which hee called his Citty,
When hee made Ioab generall, which Iebusites first smote,
With whome were mighty Men of armes euen many a one to note:
When one or other of twelue trybes came to him day by day,
Untill he had a full great hoast, Like the hoast of God to say:
Who doth consider well all this most amply may beholde,
Gods fauour towardes Dauid cheef and mercies manyfold.
So as Hee againe A man was founde euen after Goddes owne hart,
Yea a King to whome both faith and promise God did sure imparte:
Whose Psalmody his sacred zeale to Godwardes did declare,
Whose Regiment did shewe for his a Princely prudent care,
As when he first enacted that eche Childe within his Lande,
Should be instructed for to shoot, their Enemies to withstande.
In peace time prouident for warres (he said): He was at peace,
With them that hated peace: In warres, he did at no time cease,
To serue his God, that he would graunt assured state and stay,
As at a marke that he might ayme to walke ech godly way.
For why, he had experience good, whome God doth so elect,
Ought not to feare what euer fall, his duty to neglect:
But trusteth, God hath mortall Darts, yea arrowes keene and sharp,
For them that him do persecute, whiles they do mischief warp:
And though the wicked bend their Bowes, & make their Arrowes prest
To shoot in secret, and to hurt the sounde, and harmles brest:
Yet God his fiery Thunderboultes can cast them heare and theare,
And with his fiery lightning shafts can foyle his foes with feare:
And as a marke he will them set, in a most open place,
And charge his bow-strings readily against his Enemies face.
Gods Arrowes sharp and keene which are, their harts so sore shal sting,
That Folke shall fall and kneele to him, as to the mightiest King:
In Syon brake he shaft and bowe, the sworde, the speare and shielde,
And brake the Ray, to ouerthrow the Battell in the fielde:
So that his Children shall not feare, nor yet become afflight,
For all the shafts that flye by day, nor terrour in the night.
Yet for an ordenary meane King Dauid doth aduance,
The Bowe and shaft, as mans defence, and for his foes noyance:
Extolling eke the exercyse by that same troupe or traine,
Of Shooters, which in peace or warres Gods glorie do maintaine.
As when these Children come to age (saith he) and actyuenes,
Oh well ys he whose quyuer with such shafts the Lord doth blesse:
Whether Prince so peopled be, or Parent Children such,
And so many be blest with all, they neede not feare the gruch,
Or greeuous force of Enemy, If God be on their side:
In which respect the prayer of Dauid may be applyde,
When for Gods safe deliuerance from eche such Enemy,
(Thine Arrowes shoot and them consume) vnto the Lorde prayth he.
Then seeth he, God taking his parte, it nought his foes shall boote,
For, They no hurt at all shall do, when they their shafts shall shoote:
By Goddes good will exalted was, when his foes had the falle,
And prospered so that hee was King ouer all Israell:
Hee conquered Ierusalem and Iebusytes so fell,
Who did deny him to come theare, when yet victoriously,
Hee wan the Castle of Syon, which hee called his Citty,
When hee made Ioab generall, which Iebusites first smote,
With whome were mighty Men of armes euen many a one to note:
When one or other of twelue trybes came to him day by day,
Untill he had a full great hoast, Like the hoast of God to say:
Who doth consider well all this most amply may beholde,
Gods fauour towardes Dauid cheef and mercies manyfold.
So as Hee againe A man was founde euen after Goddes owne hart,
Yea a King to whome both faith and promise God did sure imparte:
Whose Psalmody his sacred zeale to Godwardes did declare,
Whose Regiment did shewe for his a Princely prudent care,
Should be instructed for to shoot, their Enemies to withstande.
In peace time prouident for warres (he said): He was at peace,
With them that hated peace: In warres, he did at no time cease,
To serue his God, that he would graunt assured state and stay,
As at a marke that he might ayme to walke ech godly way.
For why, he had experience good, whome God doth so elect,
Ought not to feare what euer fall, his duty to neglect:
But trusteth, God hath mortall Darts, yea arrowes keene and sharp,
For them that him do persecute, whiles they do mischief warp:
And though the wicked bend their Bowes, & make their Arrowes prest
To shoot in secret, and to hurt the sounde, and harmles brest:
Yet God his fiery Thunderboultes can cast them heare and theare,
And with his fiery lightning shafts can foyle his foes with feare:
And as a marke he will them set, in a most open place,
And charge his bow-strings readily against his Enemies face.
Gods Arrowes sharp and keene which are, their harts so sore shal sting,
That Folke shall fall and kneele to him, as to the mightiest King:
In Syon brake he shaft and bowe, the sworde, the speare and shielde,
And brake the Ray, to ouerthrow the Battell in the fielde:
So that his Children shall not feare, nor yet become afflight,
For all the shafts that flye by day, nor terrour in the night.
Yet for an ordenary meane King Dauid doth aduance,
The Bowe and shaft, as mans defence, and for his foes noyance:
Extolling eke the exercyse by that same troupe or traine,
Of Shooters, which in peace or warres Gods glorie do maintaine.
As when these Children come to age (saith he) and actyuenes,
Oh well ys he whose quyuer with such shafts the Lord doth blesse:
Whether Prince so peopled be, or Parent Children such,
And so many be blest with all, they neede not feare the gruch,
Or greeuous force of Enemy, If God be on their side:
In which respect the prayer of Dauid may be applyde,
When for Gods safe deliuerance from eche such Enemy,
(Thine Arrowes shoot and them consume) vnto the Lorde prayth he.
Then seeth he, God taking his parte, it nought his foes shall boote,
For, They no hurt at all shall do, when they their shafts shall shoote:
So Dauid and his Princes all after his warres, offered,
Towards the building of Gods house, and thankes to him rendred,
And when he had raigned .xl. yeers iust ouer Israell,
In his owne Citty hee slept and lay, which Zyon was to tell.
Towards the building of Gods house, and thankes to him rendred,
In his owne Citty hee slept and lay, which Zyon was to tell.
Whose Sonne that wise King Salomon succeeded in his throane,
A Prince of peace and glory such, as like was neuer a one:
Him all the foresaid Potentates, in eche thing meete obaide.
His charets xiiij C. tho, and Horsemen, it is sayde,
Twelue M. were which hee nothing so much had care vppon,
As for to builde the Temple, and to pray in Gibeon,
To keepe the Arck yeelde peace offrings, and still aduance Gods worde,
With instruments of musick sweete lauding the liuing Lorde:
The race of whose Raigne .xl. yeares then beeyng consummate,
In the City of Dauid eke he slept intumulate.
A Prince of peace and glory such, as like was neuer a one:
Him all the foresaid Potentates, in eche thing meete obaide.
His charets xiiij C. tho, and Horsemen, it is sayde,
Twelue M. were which hee nothing so much had care vppon,
As for to builde the Temple, and to pray in Gibeon,
To keepe the Arck yeelde peace offrings, and still aduance Gods worde,
With instruments of musick sweete lauding the liuing Lorde:
The race of whose Raigne .xl. yeares then beeyng consummate,
In the City of Dauid eke he slept intumulate.
Asa King of Iuda did destroy all Idolles theare,
Commanding his, the lyuing God truly to serue and feare:
Ere hee with the AEthiopian King and his huge hoast would feight,
He prayde vnto Iehoue, and hee did heare his prayer streight:
Of the trybe of Beniamyn, which bare both Bow and shield,
A valiant hoaste hee had which got the victory in that fielde.
Commanding his, the lyuing God truly to serue and feare:
Ere hee with the AEthiopian King and his huge hoast would feight,
He prayde vnto Iehoue, and hee did heare his prayer streight:
Of the trybe of Beniamyn, which bare both Bow and shield,
A valiant hoaste hee had which got the victory in that fielde.
Iehosophat of Iuda King, his fathers rowme possest,
Who prospered trusting in his God, and was with riches blest,
He toke of Strangers tribute, and had of Beniamyns trybe
200000 warlike wights with Bowe and sheeld to byde.
Who prospered trusting in his God, and was with riches blest,
He toke of Strangers tribute, and had of Beniamyns trybe
200000 warlike wights with Bowe and sheeld to byde.
Ahab, King of Israell, in following the aduise,
Of those 400 Prophets dyd but fondly enterprise,
At Ramoth theare in Gilead geanst the King of Aram,
To feight regarding not Michah, euen then a certen Man
Drewe a Bowe and smote Ahab betweene his ioyntes and eke
The Brigandyne, that so hee dyed to late for helpe to seeke.
Of those 400 Prophets dyd but fondly enterprise,
At Ramoth theare in Gilead geanst the King of Aram,
To feight regarding not Michah, euen then a certen Man
Drewe a Bowe and smote Ahab betweene his ioyntes and eke
The Brigandyne, that so hee dyed to late for helpe to seeke.
Vzzia chosen to be King of Iuda dyd obay
The Lorde Iehoue, and on a time did giue a bold assay,
To warr against the Phylistens, with bowes and arrowes fell,
And God in eche his enterprise dyd prosper him full well.
The Lorde Iehoue, and on a time did giue a bold assay,
To warr against the Phylistens, with bowes and arrowes fell,
And God in eche his enterprise dyd prosper him full well.
Iosyas King of Iuda, was a Prince of godly mynde,
The temple he restored, and his prayer heard did fynde,
When be a couenaunt made with God. But when vniusty hee
Genst the AEgiptian King would feight neglecting Ieremy,
And that same King which did dehorte him from that wilfull feight
The Archers shot and wounded him vnto the death there streight.
The temple he restored, and his prayer heard did fynde,
When be a couenaunt made with God. But when vniusty hee
Genst the AEgiptian King would feight neglecting Ieremy,
And that same King which did dehorte him from that wilfull feight
The Archers shot and wounded him vnto the death there streight.
Iehu annoynted of the Lorde, tooke bowe and arrowes keene,
And strongly smote Iehoram tho, his armed armes betweene
The arrowe pearst euen through his hart, God would it so to bee,
The whordomes of their Iesabell, and wich-crafts plagued hee.
And strongly smote Iehoram tho, his armed armes betweene
The arrowe pearst euen through his hart, God would it so to bee,
The whordomes of their Iesabell, and wich-crafts plagued hee.
Elysha sayd vnto Ioas, then king of Israell
Open a window Eastward and, shoote as I shall thee tell:
The Arrow of health that it may bee, The Arow of the Lords health,
Against all Syria to subuert them and their common wealth.
Open a window Eastward and, shoote as I shall thee tell:
The Arrow of health that it may bee, The Arow of the Lords health,
Against all Syria to subuert them and their common wealth.
Iob, when the Lord afflicted him, by Metaphor did mone
The Lorde hath set mee as a marke (saith he) for him alone,
And that his Arches hemd him in, and compassed him rounde,
They spared mee no whit (saith he) but sore my loynes did wounde:
When eke Gods iudgements in his wrath vpon the vngodly,
Hee prooues doth light to their deserts, he saith, though they do fly
The Iron weapons warlike yet, with the Steele bow they shall
Bee shot, and on them shaftes most sharp by lots must light and fall:
But nombring vp Goddes benefits on him then multiplide.
His bow, with honour stronger dyd in his owne hand abide.
The Lorde hath set mee as a marke (saith he) for him alone,
And that his Arches hemd him in, and compassed him rounde,
They spared mee no whit (saith he) but sore my loynes did wounde:
When eke Gods iudgements in his wrath vpon the vngodly,
Hee prooues doth light to their deserts, he saith, though they do fly
The Iron weapons warlike yet, with the Steele bow they shall
Bee shot, and on them shaftes most sharp by lots must light and fall:
But nombring vp Goddes benefits on him then multiplide.
His bow, with honour stronger dyd in his owne hand abide.
Esay, the Prophet of the Lorde, when he dyd prophecy
Of Ierusalems Ruine, and of her captiuity,
Pronounced vnto her Goddes wrath, in these wordes verament,
That all Goddes arrowes sharp should bee, and all his bowes eke bent.
Fortelling how Ierusalem for sinne, beseged should bee
With arrowes and with bowes shall one agenst her come, saith hee.
Ere that the Medes and Persians should Babylon destroy:
With Bowes (saith hee) they shall assaile thy Children to anoy.
Of Ierusalems Ruine, and of her captiuity,
Pronounced vnto her Goddes wrath, in these wordes verament,
That all Goddes arrowes sharp should bee, and all his bowes eke bent.
Fortelling how Ierusalem for sinne, beseged should bee
With arrowes and with bowes shall one agenst her come, saith hee.
Ere that the Medes and Persians should Babylon destroy:
With Bowes (saith hee) they shall assaile thy Children to anoy.
Of Idumeas ruyn and, of all Arabyas too:
He verifiyng said, they fled from drawne sword and bent Bowe.
And that the residew which were euen their owne Archers strong,
Of Kedars Sonnes a few or none should them be found among.
He verifiyng said, they fled from drawne sword and bent Bowe.
And that the residew which were euen their owne Archers strong,
Of Kedars Sonnes a few or none should them be found among.
The same Esay reporteth eke, when Hezekiah King
Of Iuda heard the blasphemy of Rabsechas rayling.
Sent from Senacherib, he asked counsell of Esay.
Who promisd him the victory, and that without delay.
But as for the Assyrian king, he neuer enter shall
This Citty, nor once shoot a shaft (saith hee) to worck her thrall.
Of Iuda heard the blasphemy of Rabsechas rayling.
Sent from Senacherib, he asked counsell of Esay.
Who promisd him the victory, and that without delay.
But as for the Assyrian king, he neuer enter shall
This Citty, nor once shoot a shaft (saith hee) to worck her thrall.
This Prophet tellls when as the Lord would chuse his people so,
Subdewing kings he gaue them as The dust his sworde vnto.
And scatered them vnto his Bowe as stuble, signifiying.
No power can scape his mightie hand, him to resist applying.
Subdewing kings he gaue them as The dust his sworde vnto.
No power can scape his mightie hand, him to resist applying.
He prophecyeth in the person of (Christ) the faithfull to assure,
That God his secret fauour, and his feruent loue should dure,
Towardes them. Vnder the shadowe of his hand, he hath hyd me,
And in his quyuer a chosen shaft he me hath hydd, saith he,
Lastly, I read that Esay saith, God will his Church enlarge,
By the Apostles, Ministers, and his Disciples charge:
In Affrica, Cilicia, in Parthia, and Italy.
To them (he saith) that draw the Bow, not knowing his glory,
Nor haue not heard his fame as yet, ne yet his glory seene,
To these same Gentiles preach he will, that they may him esteeme,
That God his secret fauour, and his feruent loue should dure,
Towardes them. Vnder the shadowe of his hand, he hath hyd me,
And in his quyuer a chosen shaft he me hath hydd, saith he,
Lastly, I read that Esay saith, God will his Church enlarge,
By the Apostles, Ministers, and his Disciples charge:
In Affrica, Cilicia, in Parthia, and Italy.
To them (he saith) that draw the Bow, not knowing his glory,
Nor haue not heard his fame as yet, ne yet his glory seene,
To these same Gentiles preach he will, that they may him esteeme,
Ieremy, in prophecying of Babylon that whoore,
Her wickednes and Idolles (saith) God will them plague full sore,
And that of mightie Nations, be, a multitude will bring,
Out of the North (in batle aray,) themselues enarmouring:
Their Arrowes shall be as of one that is most strong certaine:
And expert too, for none of them shall once returne in vaine:
He showes, the Lorde commaunds, they shall Put themselues in aray,
Geanst Babell round about, all ye (that bend the Bowe) I say.
Shoote at her (saith he) spare no shaftes, for she against the Lorde
Hath sinned, so that he the same hath greeuously abhorde.
The voyce of them that flee and scape from out of Babylon
Shall be, To shew (Goddes vengeance great ouer her) vnto Syon.
Call vp the Archers geanst Babell, all ye that bend the Bowe,
Besige her round about, let none escape, nor hye nor lowe.
Rewarde her after her owne workes, for she hath sinned. Thus
Saith Ieremy, shall she be serued for sinnes flagitius.
Yea, more he addes that: Many Kings from th'earth shall raised be
Against her, they shall holde the Bow and Buckler, eke saith he:
But drawing nearer to her end (To him that bendes the bow,
And him that lifts vp brygandyne, by these wordes he doth show,
The Lord will say, spare not her youngmen, but slay all her hoast,
Make bright the Arrowes, gather the shields, as if ye spare no cost:
The Lord hath raised vp the spirite in the King of the Medes:
His purpose is geanst Babell, to destroy her feete and heades.
And afterward, he veryfieth: The strong men of Babell
Are taken, and their bowes are broke: God graunt it hap so well:
But in his Lamentacions yet, this Prophet doth auowe,
God bent his bowe, and made him as a marke for the arrowe:
The arrowe of his quyuer he caused to enter into my raines.
This speech doth shew the Prophets grief, for his frends grief & paines,
Her wickednes and Idolles (saith) God will them plague full sore,
And that of mightie Nations, be, a multitude will bring,
Out of the North (in batle aray,) themselues enarmouring:
Their Arrowes shall be as of one that is most strong certaine:
And expert too, for none of them shall once returne in vaine:
He showes, the Lorde commaunds, they shall Put themselues in aray,
Geanst Babell round about, all ye (that bend the Bowe) I say.
Shoote at her (saith he) spare no shaftes, for she against the Lorde
Hath sinned, so that he the same hath greeuously abhorde.
The voyce of them that flee and scape from out of Babylon
Shall be, To shew (Goddes vengeance great ouer her) vnto Syon.
Call vp the Archers geanst Babell, all ye that bend the Bowe,
Besige her round about, let none escape, nor hye nor lowe.
Rewarde her after her owne workes, for she hath sinned. Thus
Saith Ieremy, shall she be serued for sinnes flagitius.
Yea, more he addes that: Many Kings from th'earth shall raised be
Against her, they shall holde the Bow and Buckler, eke saith he:
But drawing nearer to her end (To him that bendes the bow,
And him that lifts vp brygandyne, by these wordes he doth show,
The Lord will say, spare not her youngmen, but slay all her hoast,
Make bright the Arrowes, gather the shields, as if ye spare no cost:
The Lord hath raised vp the spirite in the King of the Medes:
His purpose is geanst Babell, to destroy her feete and heades.
And afterward, he veryfieth: The strong men of Babell
Are taken, and their bowes are broke: God graunt it hap so well:
God bent his bowe, and made him as a marke for the arrowe:
The arrowe of his quyuer he caused to enter into my raines.
This speech doth shew the Prophets grief, for his frends grief & paines,
Ezechiel much alike foresheweth of Gog and Magogs fall,
Which fought against Gods People sore, and that with power not smal
Wherefore, the Lord of hoastes by him doth fearcely thus inuay
Gogs Bow out of his left hand, he will smyte and dasshe away.
And out of his right hand will cause the Shaftes to fall downe flat.
A fyre on Magog will he send, so as forthwith on that,
They which inhabite Cityes do, throughout all Israell
Shall go forth and set fiery flame vppon his weapons fell,
Vppon his shields and Bucklers, and vpon eche shafte and Bowe,
Yea vpon their staues euen in their handes, to burne them on a rowe,
For seauen yeares space: Thus saith the Lorde, at my table ye shall
With Horses, Charyots and valiant men of Warre be filled withall,
So that the Lorde himselfe doth say, by this Prophet Ezechiel,
Iacob I will redeeme and shewe mercy on Israell:
Which fought against Gods People sore, and that with power not smal
Wherefore, the Lord of hoastes by him doth fearcely thus inuay
Gogs Bow out of his left hand, he will smyte and dasshe away.
And out of his right hand will cause the Shaftes to fall downe flat.
A fyre on Magog will he send, so as forthwith on that,
They which inhabite Cityes do, throughout all Israell
Shall go forth and set fiery flame vppon his weapons fell,
Vppon his shields and Bucklers, and vpon eche shafte and Bowe,
Yea vpon their staues euen in their handes, to burne them on a rowe,
For seauen yeares space: Thus saith the Lorde, at my table ye shall
With Horses, Charyots and valiant men of Warre be filled withall,
So that the Lorde himselfe doth say, by this Prophet Ezechiel,
Iacob I will redeeme and shewe mercy on Israell:
Oseas the Prophet well concludes then this said prophecy,
With bow nor sworde God his will saue, but with his mere mercy.
With bow nor sworde God his will saue, but with his mere mercy.
Zacharias zealus in the Lorde confirmes a truth twofolde,
Threatning Gentiles destruction, which are so wilfull bolde,
To warre against the Lordes Iuda, he telleth them therfore
The Bow of their Batle shalbe broke, and God will then restore
Peace to the heathen folke on earth, which had vnquyet rest.
And so where warres did worke much woo, Gods peace shal make them blest
But when he speakes of Iudaes blisse, enlarged, he doth show,
That God his chosen Iuda hath bent out euen as a Bowe.
In raising vp of Syons sonnes, O Grecia, then saith he:
Beholde euen as a Gyants sworde, so strong I haue made thee.
Threatning Gentiles destruction, which are so wilfull bolde,
To warre against the Lordes Iuda, he telleth them therfore
The Bow of their Batle shalbe broke, and God will then restore
Peace to the heathen folke on earth, which had vnquyet rest.
And so where warres did worke much woo, Gods peace shal make them blest
But when he speakes of Iudaes blisse, enlarged, he doth show,
That God his chosen Iuda hath bent out euen as a Bowe.
In raising vp of Syons sonnes, O Grecia, then saith he:
Beholde euen as a Gyants sworde, so strong I haue made thee.
Nehemyas chosen of the Lorde Ierusalems walle to builde,
By Sanballat, Tobyas, and the Arabians then withhyld
Was hindered much, yet with th'one half of Iudaes yong men there,
And with th'other half, which helde, the Bow, the shield and speare,
With manly courage Reard, it was the walle and prosperous stood,
The Rulers saw the same with ioy maugre th'enemies mood.
By Sanballat, Tobyas, and the Arabians then withhyld
Was hindered much, yet with th'one half of Iudaes yong men there,
And with th'other half, which helde, the Bow, the shield and speare,
With manly courage Reard, it was the walle and prosperous stood,
The Rulers saw the same with ioy maugre th'enemies mood.
Esdras prophecying (against Asia and Babilon,
Egipt, Syria, and of eche greuous affliction,
Which vppon all the worlde shal comme by Goddes decreed iudgement
Saith, Strong is his right hande by whome his Bow shall so bee bent,
His arrowes which hee shoots, are sharp and shall not misse, he saies,
When they begin for to bee shot into the latter dayes.
Egipt, Syria, and of eche greuous affliction,
Saith, Strong is his right hande by whome his Bow shall so bee bent,
His arrowes which hee shoots, are sharp and shall not misse, he saies,
When they begin for to bee shot into the latter dayes.
Iudith a worthie Wydow was, and handmayde of the Lorde
Which prayde to God in her distresse, and walked in his worde
What tyme that Tyrant proude assailde Nabuchadnezer hee
With Olophernes his Cheeftaine, and all their huge army
To come against Gods Israell, Tuelue thousand Archers stoute,
And sixescore thousand others mo of that his Rakehell Rowte,
Beholde God heard this woman weike, when she for hers so praide:
Thy power Oh God in multitude consisteth not, she saide,
Nor thy might in stronge men remaines: But thou the hope onely,
Of humble myndes deffendst wayklyngs and which forsaken bee,
Those thou protectst. Her prayer so did please the lyuing Lorde
As by his might this woman weyke could vse the pearsing sworde
That shee cut of the Captaines head, so mightie in mischeef,
His members quayld, Gods will preuaild, and hers found ioy for greef.
Which prayde to God in her distresse, and walked in his worde
What tyme that Tyrant proude assailde Nabuchadnezer hee
With Olophernes his Cheeftaine, and all their huge army
To come against Gods Israell, Tuelue thousand Archers stoute,
And sixescore thousand others mo of that his Rakehell Rowte,
Beholde God heard this woman weike, when she for hers so praide:
Thy power Oh God in multitude consisteth not, she saide,
Nor thy might in stronge men remaines: But thou the hope onely,
Of humble myndes deffendst wayklyngs and which forsaken bee,
Those thou protectst. Her prayer so did please the lyuing Lorde
As by his might this woman weyke could vse the pearsing sworde
That shee cut of the Captaines head, so mightie in mischeef,
His members quayld, Gods will preuaild, and hers found ioy for greef.
Iudas Machabeus, he, the first which bare that name,
One of the Worthies nyne so cald deserues immortall fame
For valiantly encountering with Demetrius and his hoast,
Whose Archers marching in forwarde, for all their heathnish boast.
Iudas in the Lordes quarrell, yet his Brethren dyd comfort,
Though there he lost his life in feelde the same for to support,
One of the Worthies nyne so cald deserues immortall fame
For valiantly encountering with Demetrius and his hoast,
Whose Archers marching in forwarde, for all their heathnish boast.
Iudas in the Lordes quarrell, yet his Brethren dyd comfort,
Though there he lost his life in feelde the same for to support,
Iohn the deuyne Reuailes to all those that true Christians bee,
Firme consolation in distresse by Christe our Lorde saith he,
Beholde a white Horse, and he which vppon the same doth sit,
A bow had ready drawne in hand: A Crowne and giuen him fit,
And hee should go forth conquering, and ouercome eche wheare,
This Christe our King doth signify, which such a rule shall beare,
Through out the worlde, that hee shall shoote the shafts of his gospell,
To saue for euer his elect, conquering sinne, death and hell.
Firme consolation in distresse by Christe our Lorde saith he,
Beholde a white Horse, and he which vppon the same doth sit,
A bow had ready drawne in hand: A Crowne and giuen him fit,
And hee should go forth conquering, and ouercome eche wheare,
This Christe our King doth signify, which such a rule shall beare,
Through out the worlde, that hee shall shoote the shafts of his gospell,
To saue for euer his elect, conquering sinne, death and hell.
THE SECOND ASSERTION and ys Prophane Hystoricall.
Pass on my penne from Pristine soyle of sacred Parnasse mount,
And raunge the Rurall prophane feeldes to shew of what account.
The Bow and Shaft haue beene to fore in learned Writers dayes:
Let Claudianus first infer thereof his frendly praise:
Hee saith that Nature first of all the vse of Shooting gaue,
In the Porpentyne, that beast, who seemes sharp prickes to haue,
Which strongly smyte what so they hit: whereby some learned men
In finding this did imitate with Bowes and shafts as then.
And raunge the Rurall prophane feeldes to shew of what account.
The Bow and Shaft haue beene to fore in learned Writers dayes:
Hee saith that Nature first of all the vse of Shooting gaue,
In the Porpentyne, that beast, who seemes sharp prickes to haue,
Which strongly smyte what so they hit: whereby some learned men
In finding this did imitate with Bowes and shafts as then.
Pliny referres to Scythes, this, the Sonne of Iupiter.
Plato, Chalimachus and Galen more Noble writers ferr
Affirme Apollo, paterne chief and Patrone first to bee,
Of Shooting in the AEthnickes dayes: as they in one agree.
So Ouid iumpes with their accord, wen lo in that his fable,
Hee telles how th'earth brought Python forth a serpent admirable
What tyme the Delyan God which neuer vsde before that drift,
Th'art of Shooting, but at Deare and Roes which ronne so swift:
A thousand shaftes dyd spend vppon that vgly monster theare,
And none of them but forst the bloud to issew out of her.
So that his quyuer almost voyde, he naild her to the grounde,
And dyd her nobly at the last by shooting sharp confounde:
Wherfore that he more famous might make this his enterprise,
A great and solempne game he dyd thencforth himself deuyse
Which of the Serpent slaine the name of Pythians sports did beare,
Who for mastry in feats of force should oken garland weare.
Plato, Chalimachus and Galen more Noble writers ferr
Affirme Apollo, paterne chief and Patrone first to bee,
Of Shooting in the AEthnickes dayes: as they in one agree.
So Ouid iumpes with their accord, wen lo in that his fable,
Hee telles how th'earth brought Python forth a serpent admirable
What tyme the Delyan God which neuer vsde before that drift,
Th'art of Shooting, but at Deare and Roes which ronne so swift:
A thousand shaftes dyd spend vppon that vgly monster theare,
And none of them but forst the bloud to issew out of her.
So that his quyuer almost voyde, he naild her to the grounde,
And dyd her nobly at the last by shooting sharp confounde:
Wherfore that he more famous might make this his enterprise,
A great and solempne game he dyd thencforth himself deuyse
Which of the Serpent slaine the name of Pythians sports did beare,
Who for mastry in feats of force should oken garland weare.
Moreouer, Ouid doth declare Apollo, after that
With Cupid (for his Archery) the god of loue did chat:
And seemed to chyde him as a childe with martiall might to mell
Thy bowe and shafts more meete (saith he) are with me for to dwell,
But Cupid thought this vncouth speech, and to contend with him
Did nothing bash (at beast saith he) I graunt that bow of thyne
Thou freely vse: And so at thee his shafts shall spend my Bowe,
And looke how much inferiour is eche beast to God, so knowe
And holde for truth, that euen so much thy glory lesse shall bee
In shootings noble exercyse, then myne is in degree:
Apollo afterwardes approued these Cupides words most trewe
When he was wounded with his shafte as sequell did ensewe
When hee, which God of phisicks arte and surgery was calde,
Could make no medicyn for releef of himself so enthralde,
In Daphnes loue: who for because a Virgin shee would bee,
He proffering kisses sweete in vaine, the Goddes then prayed shee,
Th'earth might rather her deuoure all quick euen as she was.
Then yeelde vnto Apolloes loue: But see the altered case,
Well saith this God, sith thou my loue thus scornefull doost abuse,
Into my Tree thou changd shalt be, and thee Ile alwaies vse
Thou shalt adorne my golden lookes, and eke my pleasant harp,
Thou shalt adorne my Quyuer full of arrowes keene and sharp.
The valiant Knights and Emperours thou shalt adorne also.
Before the Capitoll eke stand, with triumphes stately show
For Conquerours and victors such, as valiant acts haue done,
Before Augustus Pallaice doore, as braue as is the sunne.
With Cupid (for his Archery) the god of loue did chat:
And seemed to chyde him as a childe with martiall might to mell
Thy bowe and shafts more meete (saith he) are with me for to dwell,
But Cupid thought this vncouth speech, and to contend with him
Did nothing bash (at beast saith he) I graunt that bow of thyne
Thou freely vse: And so at thee his shafts shall spend my Bowe,
And looke how much inferiour is eche beast to God, so knowe
And holde for truth, that euen so much thy glory lesse shall bee
In shootings noble exercyse, then myne is in degree:
Apollo afterwardes approued these Cupides words most trewe
When he was wounded with his shafte as sequell did ensewe
When hee, which God of phisicks arte and surgery was calde,
Could make no medicyn for releef of himself so enthralde,
In Daphnes loue: who for because a Virgin shee would bee,
He proffering kisses sweete in vaine, the Goddes then prayed shee,
Th'earth might rather her deuoure all quick euen as she was.
Well saith this God, sith thou my loue thus scornefull doost abuse,
Into my Tree thou changd shalt be, and thee Ile alwaies vse
Thou shalt adorne my golden lookes, and eke my pleasant harp,
Thou shalt adorne my Quyuer full of arrowes keene and sharp.
The valiant Knights and Emperours thou shalt adorne also.
Before the Capitoll eke stand, with triumphes stately show
For Conquerours and victors such, as valiant acts haue done,
Before Augustus Pallaice doore, as braue as is the sunne.
This Poët eke full conningly in couert wise doth shewe,
Examples vertues to embrace, and vyces to eschewe.
As where he doth on fained Goddes and Goddesses there treat,
Sometimes he toucheth their reuenge, for crimes and vyces great.
Like, as when Ioue had companie of the Nymphe Parhâsis,
A Knight of Phœbus troupe, which bare, a bowe sometyme ywis,
She drawyng neare a certaine wood vnbending there her bowe,
Layde her quyuer vnder her head, and coucht her selfe a low,
Soone Iupiter spyed her and, with her stroue for some play,
(In'haste her quyuer almost forgot) as then she fled away.
Whome when Dyana so discryde, as she was following deare,
By Iunœs iustice was transformd into an vggly Beare.
Examples vertues to embrace, and vyces to eschewe.
As where he doth on fained Goddes and Goddesses there treat,
Sometimes he toucheth their reuenge, for crimes and vyces great.
Like, as when Ioue had companie of the Nymphe Parhâsis,
A Knight of Phœbus troupe, which bare, a bowe sometyme ywis,
She drawyng neare a certaine wood vnbending there her bowe,
Layde her quyuer vnder her head, and coucht her selfe a low,
Soone Iupiter spyed her and, with her stroue for some play,
(In'haste her quyuer almost forgot) as then she fled away.
Whome when Dyana so discryde, as she was following deare,
By Iunœs iustice was transformd into an vggly Beare.
Phebus hearing that his loue Coronis, on a time.
The fairest Nymphe in Thessaly, with one Isthis had lyne.
A Gentleman although he were, Phebus this brookt not well.
But threw his garland from his head, his harp to th'ground eke fell.
His colour changed his fury flamed, his bow and shafts he takes,
To slay the Mother and the Childe, all meane and might he makes.
The fairest Nymphe in Thessaly, with one Isthis had lyne.
A Gentleman although he were, Phebus this brookt not well.
But threw his garland from his head, his harp to th'ground eke fell.
His colour changed his fury flamed, his bow and shafts he takes,
To slay the Mother and the Childe, all meane and might he makes.
Phebe or Diana she, the Goddesse of hunting game.
To bath her selfe in Cristall streame a wearied once came,
And being (with her troupe of Nymphes about her) in the deepe,
Her bowe and quyuer did betake to one of them to keepe,
With that comes Cadmus nephew by, a huntsman euen that way,
Whome wandringly (whiles to beholde this Goddesse) he did stay,
She cast an angry looke on him, as though she would haue shot,
A shafte at him, had her bow beene bent, as she had it not.
Yet Nathles water sprinckling she, his face, and head vppon
A paire of olde Hartes hornes, his head had growyng vp anon,
By which this metamorphose he, who was a Man of late,
And Huntsman two, to beast is like, whome his owne hounds did hate
So that of them he chased was vp hill and downe the dale,
Who after those his houndes before, did hallow lowd and hale:
With turne, and returne, skip and skud, they followe him as their pray,
Whose folly causd his fate so yll with finall death that day.
To bath her selfe in Cristall streame a wearied once came,
And being (with her troupe of Nymphes about her) in the deepe,
Her bowe and quyuer did betake to one of them to keepe,
With that comes Cadmus nephew by, a huntsman euen that way,
Whome wandringly (whiles to beholde this Goddesse) he did stay,
She cast an angry looke on him, as though she would haue shot,
A shafte at him, had her bow beene bent, as she had it not.
Yet Nathles water sprinckling she, his face, and head vppon
A paire of olde Hartes hornes, his head had growyng vp anon,
By which this metamorphose he, who was a Man of late,
So that of them he chased was vp hill and downe the dale,
Who after those his houndes before, did hallow lowd and hale:
With turne, and returne, skip and skud, they followe him as their pray,
Whose folly causd his fate so yll with finall death that day.
Salmasis Dianas nymph (but water fairy) went
Oft times vnto a certaine poole, to hunt was her intent:
Yet she with loue of Mercuries sonne surprisde, in pleasures past
Her youthfull yeares: (vnknowen to Phœbe) her sisters at the last
Would oft perswade her painefull life, which profit might procure,
Her idle time in casting dart, or shooting to enure.
But she neglecting their aduise a wanton still would be,
And striue with him her louer so, vntill both he and she
Were chaunged from their former shape, one monster made, and were
An Hermaphrodite which both man and woman did appeare.
Oft times vnto a certaine poole, to hunt was her intent:
Yet she with loue of Mercuries sonne surprisde, in pleasures past
Her youthfull yeares: (vnknowen to Phœbe) her sisters at the last
Would oft perswade her painefull life, which profit might procure,
Her idle time in casting dart, or shooting to enure.
But she neglecting their aduise a wanton still would be,
And striue with him her louer so, vntill both he and she
Were chaunged from their former shape, one monster made, and were
An Hermaphrodite which both man and woman did appeare.
Alpheys (a Riuer cald) described her race of auncient Loue,
Which would not leaue her, till she cride vnto Diana aboue,
Helpe Lady deare: for I thy true and trustie squyer (saith she)
Which haue thy Bow and arrowes oft times carried after thee,
Am now attacht of Cupids Knight, preserue my Uirgins state:
Therewith the Goddesse beeing mooued, a cloude did dissipate,
And couer so her Nymphe therewith, that she in safetie was.
Her Louer frustrate of his will, away from her did passe.
Which would not leaue her, till she cride vnto Diana aboue,
Helpe Lady deare: for I thy true and trustie squyer (saith she)
Which haue thy Bow and arrowes oft times carried after thee,
Am now attacht of Cupids Knight, preserue my Uirgins state:
Therewith the Goddesse beeing mooued, a cloude did dissipate,
And couer so her Nymphe therewith, that she in safetie was.
Her Louer frustrate of his will, away from her did passe.
Ceypheys Lordes within his Court a while at quiet were,
But when a sodaine rumour they (I wot neare what) did heare,
Ceyphey affirmed himselfe to be no occasioner of the same,
One Atis nimble with the dart, but which did better frame
In handlyng Bowe and shaft, forthwith at Persey gan to bend,
Whom Pallas shrouded with her shield, and did from harme defend.
Then Persey tooke a fierbrand and dasht in Atis face,
Beebattering him about therewith that slaine outright he was:
Whose death Lycab of Assur Land reuengd with Atis Bowe,
And with his shaftes, that Persey then quite dead he laide alowe.
Of discord and dissention here loe thus they rewed the end,
With mischiefe they are ouermacht which mischiefe doe pretend.
And though the partie which begins, when he hath mischiefe done
Hath his pertaker euill, yet God his wrath can no man shone:
[illeg.] what the guyltlesse want in power, the same performe God will,
And take their quarrell as his owne, the Killers for to kill.
But when a sodaine rumour they (I wot neare what) did heare,
Ceyphey affirmed himselfe to be no occasioner of the same,
One Atis nimble with the dart, but which did better frame
In handlyng Bowe and shaft, forthwith at Persey gan to bend,
Whom Pallas shrouded with her shield, and did from harme defend.
Then Persey tooke a fierbrand and dasht in Atis face,
Beebattering him about therewith that slaine outright he was:
Whose death Lycab of Assur Land reuengd with Atis Bowe,
And with his shaftes, that Persey then quite dead he laide alowe.
Of discord and dissention here loe thus they rewed the end,
With mischiefe they are ouermacht which mischiefe doe pretend.
And though the partie which begins, when he hath mischiefe done
Hath his pertaker euill, yet God his wrath can no man shone:
And take their quarrell as his owne, the Killers for to kill.
Phebus bright and Mayas sonne (saith Ouid) both tyme when
Came th'one from Delphos, and th'other from the mount Cyllen.
Apollo Phebus yet so close could step to Chyon, where
He pleasure tooke which was forspoke by Mercury his Compere
Which Chyon in Appolloes eares dispraysing Dame Dyane,
Herselfe vnto hym to preferre, it so to passe then came.
Phebe offended therwithall, her venging Bow streight bent
And shot her through the toung as for her worthie punishment:
Came th'one from Delphos, and th'other from the mount Cyllen.
Apollo Phebus yet so close could step to Chyon, where
He pleasure tooke which was forspoke by Mercury his Compere
Which Chyon in Appolloes eares dispraysing Dame Dyane,
Herselfe vnto hym to preferre, it so to passe then came.
Phebe offended therwithall, her venging Bow streight bent
And shot her through the toung as for her worthie punishment:
Of Ouid I omit here more, as touching tales to write,
And now to other Wryters passe of Archery which recyte.
And now to other Wryters passe of Archery which recyte.
Apollo, Cheefest of Archers was by Poets doome enstalde
Whome they the Bearer of the Bow and mighty Shooter calde,
Whereupon Claudianus saith.
Mars Clipeo melior, Phebus prestantior arcu: In English. vizt.
Mars with ye Buckler better was: But Apollo him with the Bow did passe.
And Valerius Flaccus: saith.
Arcupotens aduerte precor nunc denique Apollo.
Apollo mighty Archer how? Turne thee I pray thee to mee now.
Whome they the Bearer of the Bow and mighty Shooter calde,
Whereupon Claudianus saith.
Mars Clipeo melior, Phebus prestantior arcu: In English. vizt.
Mars with ye Buckler better was: But Apollo him with the Bow did passe.
And Valerius Flaccus: saith.
Arcupotens aduerte precor nunc denique Apollo.
Apollo mighty Archer how? Turne thee I pray thee to mee now.
Hyppochoon, Mnestion, and Eurytion all three
Were Archers, which (as Virgill saith) contendted valiantly,
Euen for the garland all at ones, when pastymes funerall
By AEneas were celebrate for his Father naturall,
Namley Anchyses: when AEney forsaking Affrica,
And sayling so through Italy, came into Silicia.
Were Archers, which (as Virgill saith) contendted valiantly,
Euen for the garland all at ones, when pastymes funerall
By AEneas were celebrate for his Father naturall,
Namley Anchyses: when AEney forsaking Affrica,
And sayling so through Italy, came into Silicia.
Eke Coryney of Italy (saith Virgill) shot full well,
But Asyla the Troyan dyd in shooting farre excell.
But Asyla the Troyan dyd in shooting farre excell.
Acastus, hee the Hunter was, an Archer tall and good,
Who went with Meleager for to kill the Bore in wood.
Which spoylde the Cuntry Caledon (of whome Ouid pardy
Saith) fierce Leucippus, and Acast with shafts so Noble hee.
Who went with Meleager for to kill the Bore in wood.
Which spoylde the Cuntry Caledon (of whome Ouid pardy
Saith) fierce Leucippus, and Acast with shafts so Noble hee.
Parys an Archer strong so was, that hee did ouerthrowe
Achilles with one shaft onely and wounded him also.
Achilles with one shaft onely and wounded him also.
The same Paris is of himself so said to make good proof,
His shaft was not more to be feard, then when she flew aloof.
His shaft was not more to be feard, then when she flew aloof.
Lycota conning Archer, was more conningly cast downe
Mopsus of Crete for shootings skill of Silius hath renowne
Ilerdes such an Archer was whose shaft so surely aymed,
That Birdes hye houering in the ayer, he killed more then maymed,
Ne was hee onely warryer stout, but huntsman skilfull so
In euery course that hee could kill the hynde, the bucke or doo.
That Birdes hye houering in the ayer, he killed more then maymed,
Ne was hee onely warryer stout, but huntsman skilfull so
In euery course that hee could kill the hynde, the bucke or doo.
Alcon an Archer was of Crete, whose child a Dragon fell
Perforce had caught away from him: at which hee did leuell,
His shafts with such deliuery sure, that hee the Dragon slew,
His childe harmelesse and from that beast did manfully reskew.
Perforce had caught away from him: at which hee did leuell,
His shafts with such deliuery sure, that hee the Dragon slew,
His childe harmelesse and from that beast did manfully reskew.
Enarus, was an Archer so endewed with strength and art,
Hee bent his Bowe with such a force, nought could his shoot reuert.
Hee bent his Bowe with such a force, nought could his shoot reuert.
Deucaleon, Hypereseus Sonne, by Hypso the Nymphe was
An Archer which in shooting farre did others much surpasse.
An Archer which in shooting farre did others much surpasse.
AEthalides an Orator was, which for his eloquent tonque
Men dyd beleeue of Mercury, hee was the onely sonne,
And that this Man in Archery had fortune ioyned with fame,
Valerius Flaccus in his booke doth verify the same.
Men dyd beleeue of Mercury, hee was the onely sonne,
And that this Man in Archery had fortune ioyned with fame,
Valerius Flaccus in his booke doth verify the same.
Catenos, hee a Souldiour did his shaft so surely leuell.
That birdes hye mounting in the skye hee downe starck dead could fel.
That birdes hye mounting in the skye hee downe starck dead could fel.
Toco a certen Souldiour was an Archer of such skill,
Although in Cuppes his tongue could walke more voyd of wit thē wil,
That hee at banquets oft would boast an apple very small
A farre of held he fech of could euen his first shaft withall.
Although in Cuppes his tongue could walke more voyd of wit thē wil,
That hee at banquets oft would boast an apple very small
A farre of held he fech of could euen his first shaft withall.
Aspares one inhabitant in Garamantia Lande,
By fyne deliuering of his shafts, is praisde for eye and hand.
By fyne deliuering of his shafts, is praisde for eye and hand.
Euritus, King of Ochaly, and Father of Ioles,
The art of shooting taught vnto the valiant Hercules.
The art of shooting taught vnto the valiant Hercules.
Hercules, a Shooter such did shew himselfe to bee
So strong in stroke, so sure sure in ayme, so certen with the eye,
Hee Centaur Nessus ouerthrew though from him farre hee stood:
And of the hartes (as swifte as winde) hee bathde his shafts in blood,
Besides these hee the Harpyas (a Rauenous byrde by kinde)
Could cause to tumble out of the ayer, as fethers tost with winde.
So strong in stroke, so sure sure in ayme, so certen with the eye,
Hee Centaur Nessus ouerthrew though from him farre hee stood:
And of the hartes (as swifte as winde) hee bathde his shafts in blood,
Besides these hee the Harpyas (a Rauenous byrde by kinde)
Could cause to tumble out of the ayer, as fethers tost with winde.
Comodus the Emperour, Sonne of Marck and Faustine, was
So sure a Shooter coumpted, that when beasts aloof did passe,
Or swiftly ronne he neuer mist, but one or other sure,
He slew with shafte, and none escapte nor could his stroke endure:
But wat his eye once destned had if so hee might yt see,
The same was sure with Bow and shaft his pryzed pray to bee.
So sure a Shooter coumpted, that when beasts aloof did passe,
Or swiftly ronne he neuer mist, but one or other sure,
He slew with shafte, and none escapte nor could his stroke endure:
The same was sure with Bow and shaft his pryzed pray to bee.
Domitian the Emperour hee in shooting so excelld,
That now and then a childe which forth his fingers streched held,
He made his marcke twixt fingers twaine aloof held vp and wyde:
The Childe vnharmed was, and eke his shafts did surely glyde.
Againe two honderth beastes hee did with arrowes kill most sharp,
Some of their heads two shafts had like the hornes of a wilde hart.
That now and then a childe which forth his fingers streched held,
He made his marcke twixt fingers twaine aloof held vp and wyde:
The Childe vnharmed was, and eke his shafts did surely glyde.
Againe two honderth beastes hee did with arrowes kill most sharp,
Some of their heads two shafts had like the hornes of a wilde hart.
Eight Contreyes, Geta, Scithia, and with them the Ithurians,
The Parsij, Parthi, Sarmati, Cretii, Arimaspyans,
And almoste all the Countreyes of the worlde towardes the east
Were noted much in archery to haue their skill encreast.
And these by seuerall Epithets had seuerall properties,
Eche one his owne pertaining to this shootings exercyse,
The Poets terme the Ithuryan Bowe: the Parthyans shafts they name:
The Getian string, and Quyuers eke were attribute by fame
Unto them of Sarmatia, and so semblably ensewed
In all the other Contreyes their owne propertyes renewed.
And though in shooting eche of these skilfull and practized were,
The Parthyans yet and Persians cheef prick and praise did beare:
So excellent Archers were they deemed, that as they ranne the way,
They shot behinde them, that therwith their Enemies they could slaye:
And turning euen from them they could so hurt them which pursewed,
As if with wachfull eyes they had euen face to face them vewed.
Whereof Lucane the Poet thus mencyoneth.
Ocyor & missa Parthi post terga sagitta: That is in English.
More swifter then Parthyan shaft so quick: behind their backe which is let slip
The Parsij, Parthi, Sarmati, Cretii, Arimaspyans,
And almoste all the Countreyes of the worlde towardes the east
Were noted much in archery to haue their skill encreast.
And these by seuerall Epithets had seuerall properties,
Eche one his owne pertaining to this shootings exercyse,
The Poets terme the Ithuryan Bowe: the Parthyans shafts they name:
The Getian string, and Quyuers eke were attribute by fame
Unto them of Sarmatia, and so semblably ensewed
In all the other Contreyes their owne propertyes renewed.
And though in shooting eche of these skilfull and practized were,
The Parthyans yet and Persians cheef prick and praise did beare:
So excellent Archers were they deemed, that as they ranne the way,
They shot behinde them, that therwith their Enemies they could slaye:
And turning euen from them they could so hurt them which pursewed,
As if with wachfull eyes they had euen face to face them vewed.
Whereof Lucane the Poet thus mencyoneth.
Ocyor & missa Parthi post terga sagitta: That is in English.
More swifter then Parthyan shaft so quick: behind their backe which is let slip
Cyaxares King of the Medes, which great Grandfather was
To Cyrus, kept of Scythians, (which did with Bowe surpas)
A sorte of shooters for the nonce, euen to enstruct and teache
His Sonne Astyages, that arte most skilfully to reache.
To Cyrus, kept of Scythians, (which did with Bowe surpas)
A sorte of shooters for the nonce, euen to enstruct and teache
His Sonne Astyages, that arte most skilfully to reache.
Cyrus a Childe, in this arte was so deligent educate,
That Xenophon who writ the same, would neuer haue nominate
The vse and proffit greatly so with Princely state to gree.
Had not nature experience and effect enforst to bee,
As Tully saith most congruent, not onely for to showe
What Cyrus did, but what a Prince by dewty ought to doo,
Both in pastimes for pleasure, and in seryous matters when
The same may proffet Prince, himself and also other men.
That Xenophon who writ the same, would neuer haue nominate
The vse and proffit greatly so with Princely state to gree.
Had not nature experience and effect enforst to bee,
As Tully saith most congruent, not onely for to showe
What Cyrus did, but what a Prince by dewty ought to doo,
Both in pastimes for pleasure, and in seryous matters when
Darius King of Persia, the first that name which bare,
Dyd shew how fit a thing it ought to bee, and nothing rare
A PRINCE to practize Archery, as for the same pretence
Hee left for worthy memory on his tombe this sentence.
Dyd shew how fit a thing it ought to bee, and nothing rare
A PRINCE to practize Archery, as for the same pretence
Hee left for worthy memory on his tombe this sentence.
DARIVS the King lyeth buried heare,
Which in shooting & ryding had neuer his peare.
Which in shooting & ryding had neuer his peare.
Theodosius the Emperour had commendations Dew,
Giuen him by Themistius his Philosopher trewe,
For three things which hee of a Childe did vse especially,
As Shooting, Ryding well on Horse, and feats of Cheualry.
Giuen him by Themistius his Philosopher trewe,
For three things which hee of a Childe did vse especially,
As Shooting, Ryding well on Horse, and feats of Cheualry.
Cyrus what time hee conquered in manner all the world,
Among his Persians made this Lawe, and left it sure enrould,
Their Children should from fiue yeares age vntill the yeare twenty
Learne three things well, To ryde, To shoot. Tell truth and neuer lye.
Among his Persians made this Lawe, and left it sure enrould,
Their Children should from fiue yeares age vntill the yeare twenty
Learne three things well, To ryde, To shoot. Tell truth and neuer lye.
Leo the Noble Emperour did full Christianly ordaine
A Law, eche man in time of peace should shooting so mentaine:
Till hee were xl. yeares of age, and that eche house priuate
Should haue a Bowe and xl. shafts in order like and rate,
Ready for eche vse of neede: The omitting of which Lawe
(Saith Leo) among the youth, hath beene th'effycient ouerthrawe
Of Romane glory erst so braue, with losse of a great deale
Of th'Empire selfe, and hynderance of our florishing publike veale.
A Law, eche man in time of peace should shooting so mentaine:
Till hee were xl. yeares of age, and that eche house priuate
Should haue a Bowe and xl. shafts in order like and rate,
Ready for eche vse of neede: The omitting of which Lawe
(Saith Leo) among the youth, hath beene th'effycient ouerthrawe
Of Romane glory erst so braue, with losse of a great deale
Of th'Empire selfe, and hynderance of our florishing publike veale.
AEthiopians of the world the furdest Southward are,
Whose excellency in shooting, that same historie doth declare
When to their King, Cambyses King of Persia once did sende
Ambassadours with many gifts: Their subtill drifte and ende
Th'ethiopian King discust to prooue them very spyes,
And blamed their King Cambyses for such vniust enterpryse:
But princely intertaining them, a Fowe he tooke (which bent
And drawne by him vnbent againe) vnto their King hee sent
The same with greeting (and saith hee) deliuer it him from mee,
And say when any Persian can shoot in the same that hee,
Then set on AEthyopians, but in meane time let him yeelde
Thankes vnto God, that hath not giuen the Persians force in feelde
To conquer other mens Contreyes. The bowe when as it came
Among them, none at all was found which once could stirr the same:
Saue onely Smerdis Brother to Cambyses who, the string
Two fingers styrd, and furder could not, for the which doing,
Cambyses him so sore enuyed, as doth the story say,
That his owne Brother Smerdis hee therfore outright did slay.
Whose excellency in shooting, that same historie doth declare
When to their King, Cambyses King of Persia once did sende
Ambassadours with many gifts: Their subtill drifte and ende
Th'ethiopian King discust to prooue them very spyes,
And blamed their King Cambyses for such vniust enterpryse:
But princely intertaining them, a Fowe he tooke (which bent
And drawne by him vnbent againe) vnto their King hee sent
The same with greeting (and saith hee) deliuer it him from mee,
And say when any Persian can shoot in the same that hee,
Then set on AEthyopians, but in meane time let him yeelde
Thankes vnto God, that hath not giuen the Persians force in feelde
To conquer other mens Contreyes. The bowe when as it came
Among them, none at all was found which once could stirr the same:
Two fingers styrd, and furder could not, for the which doing,
Cambyses him so sore enuyed, as doth the story say,
That his owne Brother Smerdis hee therfore outright did slay.
Sesostris, the most mighty king that Ruled AEgipt Lande,
Ouercame a great part of the worlde, and that by Archers band
The Arabyans, Iewes, and Syrians hee brought in subiection,
And further into Scithia went, then elsse did any one:
Hee ouercame eke Thracya till the Coastes of Germany,
In token wheare of euery such obtained victory,
Images hee dyd erect after his owne likenes
In th'one hand Bow, in th'other shaft holding for to witnesse,
What weapons in his conquest, hee did vse in those his dayes,
Whereby he gained glory condigne, and eke a lasting praise.
Ouercame a great part of the worlde, and that by Archers band
The Arabyans, Iewes, and Syrians hee brought in subiection,
And further into Scithia went, then elsse did any one:
Hee ouercame eke Thracya till the Coastes of Germany,
In token wheare of euery such obtained victory,
Images hee dyd erect after his owne likenes
In th'one hand Bow, in th'other shaft holding for to witnesse,
What weapons in his conquest, hee did vse in those his dayes,
Whereby he gained glory condigne, and eke a lasting praise.
Tewcer amongst the Græcians for his shooting bare the bell
Who (when Hector the Græcyans ships by fire thought to quell:)
With his Bow droue them backe agen: Neither could noble Troy
Haue beene destroyd by Græcyans, if with shootings dire anoy
Of Hercules shaftes, it had not bene assaulted as it was,
Whereby the ruyn of the same the soner came to passe.
Who (when Hector the Græcyans ships by fire thought to quell:)
With his Bow droue them backe agen: Neither could noble Troy
Haue beene destroyd by Græcyans, if with shootings dire anoy
Of Hercules shaftes, it had not bene assaulted as it was,
Whereby the ruyn of the same the soner came to passe.
THE THIRDE ASSERTION
Englishe Hystoricall.
Relinquishing those prophane feates and fautors, now my penne
Approche the prowesse and the praise of natiue Elglishmen:
From Brute the Troyans time, who as hee vsed shooting theare
When vnwares he his Father slew, in forest hunting deare
After hee had by that mischaunce his Syluius deare bereft,
Aryued in this our Albyon then his natiue Troy so left.
Approche the prowesse and the praise of natiue Elglishmen:
From Brute the Troyans time, who as hee vsed shooting theare
When vnwares he his Father slew, in forest hunting deare
After hee had by that mischaunce his Syluius deare bereft,
Aryued in this our Albyon then his natiue Troy so left.
The Brytons his successors ruled this Lande, till Cæsar hee
Conquerd the same, not long before Christes natiuity.
Conquerd the same, not long before Christes natiuity.
The Romanes held the Brittaines in their rule and tribute long.
Agricola a Capteyn (sent the Romanes from among)
With shot of arrowes and of darts did greeue the Brittons much
They with huge swords and bucklers smal eke kept the Romans tuch.
Agricola a Capteyn (sent the Romanes from among)
With shot of arrowes and of darts did greeue the Brittons much
They with huge swords and bucklers smal eke kept the Romans tuch.
Hengist a Saxon hether came, in kent whose Kingdome was.
And warrd vppon the Brytons till he lyued in quyet case
And warrd vppon the Brytons till he lyued in quyet case
ARTHVRE the mirrour of manhood, and Champion of Cheualrie.
Subdewed the Saxons to him tho, with many a victorie
Among the Brittons after his time, west Saxons still bare sway,
Subdewed the Saxons to him tho, with many a victorie
Among the Brittons after his time, west Saxons still bare sway,
Aelfird, a Godly learned King a Saxon, stories saye
By cruell pursute of the Danes which troubled then this Land,
Dyd wander with his Bow and shafts their force and did withstand:
For God not onely victor him full many a time did make
Ouer the Paganes, but by him enforst their force to stake.
By cruell pursute of the Danes which troubled then this Land,
Dyd wander with his Bow and shafts their force and did withstand:
For God not onely victor him full many a time did make
Ouer the Paganes, but by him enforst their force to stake.
Harolde the Dane vsurpt and tooke on him to raigne as king,
Untill the tyme of Willyam Duke of Normandies coming:
Whose powers together beeing met Haroldes was ouermatcht,
And hee (a shaft shot into his head) at once was so dispacht.
Untill the tyme of Willyam Duke of Normandies coming:
Whose powers together beeing met Haroldes was ouermatcht,
And hee (a shaft shot into his head) at once was so dispacht.
Willyam the Duke had conquerd there this Land & ruled the same,
But not in bondage would shee lyue thoug he her ouercame
It's worth the reading therfore heare to shew how Stigand then
Archbishop, and how Egelstyn that Abbot playde the men:
For freedome of their Cnntrey, thus therfore they did deuise,
A power of Horsemen and footemen should for time exercyse
Alongst their feeldes as't were lanelike long boughes & large to beare,
To make the Duke should thether come, when hee therof did heare.
And as they said it hapned so, the Duke came with his traine,
Who seeing this thought it had bene euen moouing trees certaine:
Whereto approching with meane space (discomfited in minde)
Hee pawsd, the Kentish power a far did smell him in the winde.
Who (when within their army him enclosed got they had)
Down cast their boughs vp bent their Bowes their shafts to shoot most glad.
The trompets sound, their Banners waue, their weapōs busied were,
To feight with whome they so desyrde in Cuntryes quarrel there.
So hee, who thought he had in his fist the whole land late so fast,
Began his life now to despaire, affrighted and agast:
Then they oracion frendly framed, condicions graunt hee should,
Their wonted freedome that they might in certaine order holde:
Hee thereto grees, confirmes the graunt by pledge sufficyent so,
That by this meanes those liberties continwed hetherto.
But not in bondage would shee lyue thoug he her ouercame
It's worth the reading therfore heare to shew how Stigand then
Archbishop, and how Egelstyn that Abbot playde the men:
For freedome of their Cnntrey, thus therfore they did deuise,
A power of Horsemen and footemen should for time exercyse
Alongst their feeldes as't were lanelike long boughes & large to beare,
To make the Duke should thether come, when hee therof did heare.
And as they said it hapned so, the Duke came with his traine,
Who seeing this thought it had bene euen moouing trees certaine:
Whereto approching with meane space (discomfited in minde)
Hee pawsd, the Kentish power a far did smell him in the winde.
Who (when within their army him enclosed got they had)
Down cast their boughs vp bent their Bowes their shafts to shoot most glad.
The trompets sound, their Banners waue, their weapōs busied were,
To feight with whome they so desyrde in Cuntryes quarrel there.
So hee, who thought he had in his fist the whole land late so fast,
Began his life now to despaire, affrighted and agast:
Then they oracion frendly framed, condicions graunt hee should,
Their wonted freedome that they might in certaine order holde:
Hee thereto grees, confirmes the graunt by pledge sufficyent so,
That by this meanes those liberties continwed hetherto.
Willyam Rufus was his sonne, who ruled not so well,
As that men could not weepe for ioy of his death to heare tell,
To his owne subiectes wicked hee and so to strangers was:
But most wicked vnto himselfe when Gods will taking place
In Hamshyer that new forrest, as hee hunted on a time,
A Knight in shooting at a Deare gaue him his fatall fine.
But now of Noble Princes I will penne the noble praise,
Euen such as worthie Archery mentained in their dayes.
As that men could not weepe for ioy of his death to heare tell,
To his owne subiectes wicked hee and so to strangers was:
But most wicked vnto himselfe when Gods will taking place
A Knight in shooting at a Deare gaue him his fatall fine.
But now of Noble Princes I will penne the noble praise,
Euen such as worthie Archery mentained in their dayes.
Henry the First of England King, fought many a battell strong
Agenst the French with Archers stout, his other powers among:
A victor eke hee still preuaild in warres: and in peace tyme,
His People vnto shooting did them selues greatly enclyne.
Agenst the French with Archers stout, his other powers among:
A victor eke hee still preuaild in warres: and in peace tyme,
His People vnto shooting did them selues greatly enclyne.
Stephen, King of England stoutly dyd with Archers in his bande
As also by his other powers the Scottish broylles withstand:
He made warres eke genst Robert then the Earle of Glocester
Who did inuade his Kingdome with ten knights and in nomber
Of Archers iust so many, which on horseback passed through
The midst of all the Realme, but yet resisted well enough.
As also by his other powers the Scottish broylles withstand:
He made warres eke genst Robert then the Earle of Glocester
Who did inuade his Kingdome with ten knights and in nomber
Of Archers iust so many, which on horseback passed through
The midst of all the Realme, but yet resisted well enough.
Henry the second valyantly aduentured Irelands soyle
With warlike power, some Archers were, with labour small and toyle
The Archbishops and Bishops did receiue him for their King,
And hee them ruled like worthie prince in loue and peace tendring.
With warlike power, some Archers were, with labour small and toyle
The Archbishops and Bishops did receiue him for their King,
And hee them ruled like worthie prince in loue and peace tendring.
Richard Cœur de Lyon cald a king and Conquerour was,
With Phillip king of France, who did vnto Ierusalem passe:
Olde Chronicles report, his power had Archers them among,
Whose force confounded Pagans fell and layde them dead along.
In this Kings time was Robyn Hood: that Archer and outlawe,
And litle Iohn his partener eke, vnto them which did drawe
One hondred tall and good Archers, on whome foure hondred men
Were their power neuer so strong could not giue onset then:
The Abbots Monkes and Carles rich, these onely did molest
And reskewd woemen when they saw of theeues them so opprest,
Restoring poore mens goods, and eke aboundantly releeued
Poore Trauellers which wanted food, or were with sicknes greeued.
With Phillip king of France, who did vnto Ierusalem passe:
Olde Chronicles report, his power had Archers them among,
Whose force confounded Pagans fell and layde them dead along.
In this Kings time was Robyn Hood: that Archer and outlawe,
And litle Iohn his partener eke, vnto them which did drawe
One hondred tall and good Archers, on whome foure hondred men
Were their power neuer so strong could not giue onset then:
The Abbots Monkes and Carles rich, these onely did molest
And reskewd woemen when they saw of theeues them so opprest,
Restoring poore mens goods, and eke aboundantly releeued
Poore Trauellers which wanted food, or were with sicknes greeued.
And, heare because of Archery I do by penne explane
The vse, the proffet, and the praise, to England by the same,
My self remembreth of a childe in Contreye natiue mine:
A May game was of Robyn-hood and of his traine that time
To traine vp young men, stripplingsand, eche other younger childe
In shooting, yearely this with solempne feast was by the Guylde,
Or Brother hood of Townsmen done, with sport, with ioy, and loue
To proffet which in present tyme, and afterward did proue.
The vse, the proffet, and the praise, to England by the same,
My self remembreth of a childe in Contreye natiue mine:
A May game was of Robyn-hood and of his traine that time
To traine vp young men, stripplingsand, eche other younger childe
In shooting, yearely this with solempne feast was by the Guylde,
Or Brother hood of Townsmen done, with sport, with ioy, and loue
To proffet which in present tyme, and afterward did proue.
Iohn King, subdewed Ireland with manly force and might
Of Horsemen, Archers, speares, and such as put their foes to flight.
Of Horsemen, Archers, speares, and such as put their foes to flight.
Edward the second that valyant Prince, when Scotland hee rescewed,
From them, whose force his Father had not long before subdewed,
In his hoste for his second ward had Archers and footmen,
But many of the Enemies were slaine by Archers then.
From them, whose force his Father had not long before subdewed,
In his hoste for his second ward had Archers and footmen,
But many of the Enemies were slaine by Archers then.
Edward that victorious King the thirde so cald by name,
When his noble Nauy agenst the French Kings nauy came,
Hee had the winde most wishfully and sonne so at his back,
His purpose and his enterprise that hee no time did slack:
A shower of English arrowes sharp from long bowes powered downe,
Uppon the Frenchmen, whereby fell to our men great renowme,
When at that Bickering Frenchmen there to leaue their ships were faine,
And leape into the seayes for want of landing place certaine.
When his noble Nauy agenst the French Kings nauy came,
Hee had the winde most wishfully and sonne so at his back,
His purpose and his enterprise that hee no time did slack:
A shower of English arrowes sharp from long bowes powered downe,
Uppon the Frenchmen, whereby fell to our men great renowme,
When at that Bickering Frenchmen there to leaue their ships were faine,
And leape into the seayes for want of landing place certaine.
Therles of Northampton, and of Oxeford fought also,
With Charles Duke of Brittayne, as the Chronicles do shoe:
At Morleys where oure men of armes, and Archers valyant might
Subdewed that Contrey, foilde their foes, and wan that field outright.
With Charles Duke of Brittayne, as the Chronicles do shoe:
At Morleys where oure men of armes, and Archers valyant might
Subdewed that Contrey, foilde their foes, and wan that field outright.
That yeare the King the noble Earle of Darby eke did send,
Newly create first King of Man, with an army to thend
Hee Gascoyne by strong power might win, which hee wt great goodwill,
And Archers ayde, (as God would giue him leaue) did so fulfill:
For many a walled Towne hee theare and castle also wonne,
With skermishes which made his foes to flee away and ronne,
So that hee dubbed there .50. Knights as Chronicles declare,
And to his King with honour dewe did homewards then repare.
Newly create first King of Man, with an army to thend
Hee Gascoyne by strong power might win, which hee wt great goodwill,
And Archers ayde, (as God would giue him leaue) did so fulfill:
For many a walled Towne hee theare and castle also wonne,
With skermishes which made his foes to flee away and ronne,
So that hee dubbed there .50. Knights as Chronicles declare,
And to his King with honour dewe did homewards then repare.
The noble King in person came agenst the French at length,
And made the English Dragon mount in feelde with force and strength:
When Oleflam that Frenchmen bare, went flittering to and fro,
Which ayded was at Cressy feelde by other Kings twaine mo,
Of Boheme and of Malogres: their men innumerable,
The English fifteene hondreth scarse nothing like comparable.
And made the English Dragon mount in feelde with force and strength:
When Oleflam that Frenchmen bare, went flittering to and fro,
Which ayded was at Cressy feelde by other Kings twaine mo,
Of Boheme and of Malogres: their men innumerable,
The English fifteene hondreth scarse nothing like comparable.
K. Edward hee corageously endured from noone to night,
The English Archers did their best with arrowes long and light.
Their Footemen (being plast among their Horsemen greeued and gald,
With Archers girdes) were troden downe and so sore ouerhalde,
That great and greeuous was their crye, but greater was the showte,
Which in pursute our Shooters gaue th'enimies hoast throughout:
Their aray was broke, they scattered were, and by our armed men
Were many of them beaten downe, the rest did flee as then.
The English Archers did their best with arrowes long and light.
Their Footemen (being plast among their Horsemen greeued and gald,
With Archers girdes) were troden downe and so sore ouerhalde,
That great and greeuous was their crye, but greater was the showte,
Which in pursute our Shooters gaue th'enimies hoast throughout:
Were many of them beaten downe, the rest did flee as then.
And see, about that present time. The Scots with power inuade
This Realme as farre as Dyrham come, with weapon and with blade:
Th'archbishop of Yorke and States there left as then which were,
With the Archers tall a nomber good and stout of Lankashier
Encountring with the King of Scots and all his hoste, in fine,
Dauid their King sore wounded was with shafts that present time.
A nomber of his cheef Lordes and Knights were taken there captiues,
Of common Souldiours most parte slaine, a few fled with their lyues.
This Realme as farre as Dyrham come, with weapon and with blade:
Th'archbishop of Yorke and States there left as then which were,
With the Archers tall a nomber good and stout of Lankashier
Encountring with the King of Scots and all his hoste, in fine,
Dauid their King sore wounded was with shafts that present time.
A nomber of his cheef Lordes and Knights were taken there captiues,
Of common Souldiours most parte slaine, a few fled with their lyues.
K. Edward yet did vnderstand Calys betrayed should bee,
Hee therefore as a valyant Prince gathered an Army,
Of horse and man, of billes and bowes, of speares and swordes also,
Embarcked in an Nauy meete, and Calys comes hee to:
About their Kingly Conquerour this English Army clings,
As who (next God) would cleaue to him aboue all earthly things,
Hee with a Kingly courage doth likewise vnto them call,
Hee placeth them in Batle ray and princely cheares them all.
But specially to his Archers which, stood on the hilles there drye
Doo well yee Archers play the men, and know (saith hee) that I
Am EDWARD of Windsore: herewith, thēselues they did prepare,
To set vppon their Enemies, no force nor might they spare.
The shafts from hilles so hye sent downe into the valleys lowe,
Did wash the Frenchmen euery wheare like mighty flakes of snow,
But such a washing as that was with woundes and wofull plight,
They seldome saw, which with the same were foyld and slaine outright.
God giuing him this victory, the King doth order take,
For all things meete, and his returne to England streight dothe make:
Wheare hee the first Feast did ordaine of S. George the Marter,
And made the First most noble Knights of thorder of the Garter.
Hee therefore as a valyant Prince gathered an Army,
Of horse and man, of billes and bowes, of speares and swordes also,
Embarcked in an Nauy meete, and Calys comes hee to:
About their Kingly Conquerour this English Army clings,
As who (next God) would cleaue to him aboue all earthly things,
Hee with a Kingly courage doth likewise vnto them call,
Hee placeth them in Batle ray and princely cheares them all.
But specially to his Archers which, stood on the hilles there drye
Doo well yee Archers play the men, and know (saith hee) that I
Am EDWARD of Windsore: herewith, thēselues they did prepare,
To set vppon their Enemies, no force nor might they spare.
The shafts from hilles so hye sent downe into the valleys lowe,
Did wash the Frenchmen euery wheare like mighty flakes of snow,
But such a washing as that was with woundes and wofull plight,
They seldome saw, which with the same were foyld and slaine outright.
God giuing him this victory, the King doth order take,
For all things meete, and his returne to England streight dothe make:
Wheare hee the first Feast did ordaine of S. George the Marter,
And made the First most noble Knights of thorder of the Garter.
After this yet euen that yeare the Spainyards did beset
The Brittaine Sea, with Forty and foure Ships like Castles great:
The King againe 50. great Ships with Pynnaces preparde,
More like vnto small Cotages. Hee then and Prince Edward
His Sonne with Nobles Knights and Squiers, and their retenue smal,
Amongst whome (lo the Archers were not least nor worst of all)
Embarckt them selues & Crosse the Seays till such time as they meete
With their prouoking Enemies, I meane the Spanish fleete:
To bickering and then they fell on both sides for best game,
Twentie and seuen Spanish shippes by night did flie with shame,
Which left Seauenteene for English spoyle, and prise the eeuen before,
The Realme fared better by the same against their wils full sore.
The Brittaine Sea, with Forty and foure Ships like Castles great:
The King againe 50. great Ships with Pynnaces preparde,
More like vnto small Cotages. Hee then and Prince Edward
His Sonne with Nobles Knights and Squiers, and their retenue smal,
Amongst whome (lo the Archers were not least nor worst of all)
Embarckt them selues & Crosse the Seays till such time as they meete
With their prouoking Enemies, I meane the Spanish fleete:
Twentie and seuen Spanish shippes by night did flie with shame,
Which left Seauenteene for English spoyle, and prise the eeuen before,
The Realme fared better by the same against their wils full sore.
Edward the Blacke Prince so syrnamed King Edward the 3. his son,
(Who lately with the Spanyards fought) as Generall now is come,
With men of Armes foure thousand, and one thousand soldiours such,
As Armour bare, of Archers eke, two thousand which kept tuch,
Under conduct of Earles three, of Oxford, Salisbury,
And Suffolke, which to meete the king of Fraunce did make them redy:
By Poytiers Towne, in pitched field the Prince himselfe doth take,
Cheefe charge vpon himselfe, And doth a graue oration make
To his Soldiours all, but specially, his Archers worthines
He doth extoll, from time to time, Exhorting them no lesse,
To hold on their fidelitie and prooued Prowesse still,
Which they did seeme most dutifull at that time to fulfill:
When they so fast their arrowes shot vpon the French that day,
Their quiuers emptied were apace, then catch that can or may,
From euery wounded corps a shaft, in haste and it bestowed,
Upon another where he could, to pay the debt he owed.
Thus passed they the time with toyle, when all their shafts were spent,
To lay on load with Sword and Bill, to hand strokes foot they went,
The French King and his sonne they tooke, and almost all his peares,
And Thirtie thousand slew besides in those their warlike feares.
Prince Edward (God thus giuing him a valiant victorie,)
Returneth to his Father streight, and with him his armie.
(Who lately with the Spanyards fought) as Generall now is come,
With men of Armes foure thousand, and one thousand soldiours such,
As Armour bare, of Archers eke, two thousand which kept tuch,
Under conduct of Earles three, of Oxford, Salisbury,
And Suffolke, which to meete the king of Fraunce did make them redy:
By Poytiers Towne, in pitched field the Prince himselfe doth take,
Cheefe charge vpon himselfe, And doth a graue oration make
To his Soldiours all, but specially, his Archers worthines
He doth extoll, from time to time, Exhorting them no lesse,
To hold on their fidelitie and prooued Prowesse still,
Which they did seeme most dutifull at that time to fulfill:
When they so fast their arrowes shot vpon the French that day,
Their quiuers emptied were apace, then catch that can or may,
From euery wounded corps a shaft, in haste and it bestowed,
Upon another where he could, to pay the debt he owed.
Thus passed they the time with toyle, when all their shafts were spent,
To lay on load with Sword and Bill, to hand strokes foot they went,
The French King and his sonne they tooke, and almost all his peares,
And Thirtie thousand slew besides in those their warlike feares.
Prince Edward (God thus giuing him a valiant victorie,)
Returneth to his Father streight, and with him his armie.
Richard the second in his time (the Scots inuading so
His land, so far as Warck Castle) to stoppe his faithlesse foe,
Who now had brent within his land, his promisse likewise broke,
Against him sent a chosen power, to giue him battell stroke.
Th'Earle of Buckingam did leade a thousand Launses tall,
Two Thousand Archers, made his hoste, most faithfull and loyall,
But when they came into the field of th'enemeis to haue sight:
They neuer shewed their faces, nor once signe that they would fight.
Wherefore the Earle with his power pursued them homewards then,
Burning their Countrey as he could, and so made hither againe.
His land, so far as Warck Castle) to stoppe his faithlesse foe,
Who now had brent within his land, his promisse likewise broke,
Against him sent a chosen power, to giue him battell stroke.
Th'Earle of Buckingam did leade a thousand Launses tall,
Two Thousand Archers, made his hoste, most faithfull and loyall,
But when they came into the field of th'enemeis to haue sight:
They neuer shewed their faces, nor once signe that they would fight.
Wherefore the Earle with his power pursued them homewards then,
Burning their Countrey as he could, and so made hither againe.
Againe the King to Scotland ward his power did addresse,
Of Knights, of Squiers, and Archers stoute, whose number to expresse
The like not heard of in those dayes, which enterd Scotland Roade:
Who thither come, their Enemies fled their sight and not aboade.
Of Knights, of Squiers, and Archers stoute, whose number to expresse
Who thither come, their Enemies fled their sight and not aboade.
The King and all his states holding a Parlement as then,
At Westminster a stur began, through Criminall causes, when
Four thousand of the Kings Archers (the parliament about)
Encompassed, as though some euill were worcking in the rowte:
Their Bowes were bent, and they ready the same for to withstand,
But that the King in person was euen presently at hand,
Which did appease the sturr supposde that afterward would fall,
So all was hwisht, and euery man went well apaide withall.
At Westminster a stur began, through Criminall causes, when
Four thousand of the Kings Archers (the parliament about)
Encompassed, as though some euill were worcking in the rowte:
Their Bowes were bent, and they ready the same for to withstand,
But that the King in person was euen presently at hand,
Which did appease the sturr supposde that afterward would fall,
So all was hwisht, and euery man went well apaide withall.
The king in Person went with power ouer into Ireland
To Diblyn, where he being come did streight way vnderstand,
His common Enemy Mack more so sauage ferce and fell,
Against all dewty did resist, and others made rebell:
His grace thought meete to make out then the Earle of Glocester,
With Launces tall two hondreth and 2000 Archers thether:
The Enemy and all his power to bring vnder his bande,
For I will haue him, (saith the king,) or els out of this Lande
A liue hence will I neuer go. The Chronicles at large
Declare what thereof did ensew in that enioyned charge.
To Diblyn, where he being come did streight way vnderstand,
His common Enemy Mack more so sauage ferce and fell,
Against all dewty did resist, and others made rebell:
His grace thought meete to make out then the Earle of Glocester,
With Launces tall two hondreth and 2000 Archers thether:
The Enemy and all his power to bring vnder his bande,
For I will haue him, (saith the king,) or els out of this Lande
A liue hence will I neuer go. The Chronicles at large
Declare what thereof did ensew in that enioyned charge.
Henry the 4. of England King, a certen power sent forth.
The Earle of Northumberland, and others in the North,
With armed men and Archers tall appointed all aright,
Who with the Scots their army and their Archers eke should feght.
Our Archers with theirs changd no ground, and both did manly well:
(So as the nobles and the rest on both partes truth to tell,
While they did stand as lookers on) our English Archery
Slew many a Scot and tooke the flower of all their Cheualry:
The Earle of Northumberland, and others in the North,
With armed men and Archers tall appointed all aright,
Who with the Scots their army and their Archers eke should feght.
Our Archers with theirs changd no ground, and both did manly well:
(So as the nobles and the rest on both partes truth to tell,
While they did stand as lookers on) our English Archery
Slew many a Scot and tooke the flower of all their Cheualry:
Henry the 5. the pereles Prince and Conquerour puisant
Agenst the French at Agincourt about him attendant
Had but 7000 feighting men, and many of them sick,
Yet most of them a yeard in length their shaftes there drew to prick,
Euen all the Cheualry in france, and downeright so them slew,
Which 40000 coumpted were: Of oure Men slaine but few.
Agenst the French at Agincourt about him attendant
Had but 7000 feighting men, and many of them sick,
Yet most of them a yeard in length their shaftes there drew to prick,
Euen all the Cheualry in france, and downeright so them slew,
Which 40000 coumpted were: Of oure Men slaine but few.
To Troys in Campaine Championlike this King with army came
Of 16000 Souldiours and the most part of the same
Were English Archers which behaued them with the rest so well,
And valyant, that the victory vnto the king then fell.
Of 16000 Souldiours and the most part of the same
Were English Archers which behaued them with the rest so well,
And valyant, that the victory vnto the king then fell.
Richard the thirde and Henry Earle of Richmond met in feeld
At Bosworth where both partes were strong with horse, sword, bow, & sheeld
Richard, two forwings had in midst of whome his Archers were
Th'Earle 2. wings of horsmen had and Archers few, did bere
Themselues eche vnto others so, that after long felle fight
The King was slaine, and to the Earle the victory did light:
Who there was Crowned King in feeld, as God him grace did giue,
Not suffering Tyrants longer then hee thinkes good heare to liue.
At Bosworth where both partes were strong with horse, sword, bow, & sheeld
Richard, two forwings had in midst of whome his Archers were
Th'Earle 2. wings of horsmen had and Archers few, did bere
Themselues eche vnto others so, that after long felle fight
The King was slaine, and to the Earle the victory did light:
Who there was Crowned King in feeld, as God him grace did giue,
Not suffering Tyrants longer then hee thinkes good heare to liue.
K. Henry the 7. that noble Prince (the Earle of Richmond yore,
Sent Sir Humfrey Talbot but, with Archers iust sixeschore
To Newports seege in Flaunders soyle: these Archers euery one
An arrowe shot which made the flemings groueling for to grone:
So that 8000 of them slaine by shafts and gonne shot were,
Of Englishmen in all the hoast, and not one hondreth theare.
Sent Sir Humfrey Talbot but, with Archers iust sixeschore
To Newports seege in Flaunders soyle: these Archers euery one
An arrowe shot which made the flemings groueling for to grone:
So that 8000 of them slaine by shafts and gonne shot were,
Of Englishmen in all the hoast, and not one hondreth theare.
At Black heath feelde the king his power with Cornish rebells met,
Whose Archers drawing a clothyeards length of force were very gret:
But greater was the power of God (assistant with the King,
His Army, and his Archers eke,) those Rebells conquering:
Of whome 2000 slaine there was, and infinite captiues,
Which had (their guerdon dew to such) the losse of all their liues.
Whose Archers drawing a clothyeards length of force were very gret:
But greater was the power of God (assistant with the King,
His Army, and his Archers eke,) those Rebells conquering:
Of whome 2000 slaine there was, and infinite captiues,
Which had (their guerdon dew to such) the losse of all their liues.
Henry the 8. that mighty Prince and mirour of Maiesty
Ayded the Douches of Sauoy with power of Archery,
Fifteene hondreth tall good men men, genst Duke of Gelderland
Which did full great good Seruice there her Enemies to withstand
Sir Edward Poynings did conduct this Army to and fro.
Of whome the Chronicles much fame and valyancy do sho.
Ayded the Douches of Sauoy with power of Archery,
Fifteene hondreth tall good men men, genst Duke of Gelderland
Which did full great good Seruice there her Enemies to withstand
Sir Edward Poynings did conduct this Army to and fro.
Of whome the Chronicles much fame and valyancy do sho.
This mighty Prince did, also ayde the King of Aragon
Agenst French power where as I read our Archers many one
Of the French Horsemen galled so, that foundring, downe they fell,
And chasing their footemen also, slew many, as stories tell.
Agenst French power where as I read our Archers many one
Of the French Horsemen galled so, that foundring, downe they fell,
And chasing their footemen also, slew many, as stories tell.
K. Henries Ship, the Regent cald with Carik French grapling,
Our Archers geanst French-crosbowes shot & held them such tackling:
So as in fine the Englishmen the Carick layde aboarde,
Where vnto them the pryze and pray the Lorde God did affoard.
Our Archers geanst French-crosbowes shot & held them such tackling:
So as in fine the Englishmen the Carick layde aboarde,
Where vnto them the pryze and pray the Lorde God did affoard.
Arde and Gwynes, and Turwyn too with Turney testified
Our Archers force, which freshly shot, as then was veryfied.
King Henry in his Campe at Arkes, by Culpepers Conduct
Did cause 200 Archers stout to bee at full instruct,
Under the Banner of S. George to issew manly owte,
Which set so fercely on the French and flew so through the rowte,
That (they forthwith discomfited) twice twelue of them were slaine,
And Twelue score taken prisoners were, not small yet was the gaine
Oure English got, when as the brason ordeinance and feelde peeces,
Before time lost they wan againe, with bootyes spoyle and fleeces.
Our Archers force, which freshly shot, as then was veryfied.
King Henry in his Campe at Arkes, by Culpepers Conduct
Did cause 200 Archers stout to bee at full instruct,
Which set so fercely on the French and flew so through the rowte,
That (they forthwith discomfited) twice twelue of them were slaine,
And Twelue score taken prisoners were, not small yet was the gaine
Oure English got, when as the brason ordeinance and feelde peeces,
Before time lost they wan againe, with bootyes spoyle and fleeces.
Whiles the King in France was on this manner busied theare,
The Scottish King began as fast his broyles in England heare:
Genst whome the noble Norffolke Duke with Northren noble harts
Of Archers Cheshyer, Lankasshyer, and others playd their partes
Euen brant against that Flodden-hill so swift their arrowes flew,
K. Ieamy and many a noble Scot wherby they downeright slew.
The Scottish King began as fast his broyles in England heare:
Genst whome the noble Norffolke Duke with Northren noble harts
Of Archers Cheshyer, Lankasshyer, and others playd their partes
Euen brant against that Flodden-hill so swift their arrowes flew,
K. Ieamy and many a noble Scot wherby they downeright slew.
Two Knights I read wanne worthy praise in France, at the Turnepike
Neare Hames, with xvi. Archers and no mo which put to flight
So many Frenchmen as then fled: Both English Knights these were,
Sir William Walgraue and Sir George that Somersets name did bere
These turned so many owte of their Iacks at Turnepike nere to Hame
All France it turned to reproch and, them to perpetuall fame.
Neare Hames, with xvi. Archers and no mo which put to flight
So many Frenchmen as then fled: Both English Knights these were,
Sir William Walgraue and Sir George that Somersets name did bere
These turned so many owte of their Iacks at Turnepike nere to Hame
All France it turned to reproch and, them to perpetuall fame.
Among that thousand Souldiours which the Citty of London sent,
Archers, Harquebushes, Pikes, and Billes conuenient,
Which past from Douer to Calys: what seruice Bowemen there
Perfourmed, the Chronicles thereof at large do witnesse beare.
Archers, Harquebushes, Pikes, and Billes conuenient,
Which past from Douer to Calys: what seruice Bowemen there
Perfourmed, the Chronicles thereof at large do witnesse beare.
But to bee breef, what Archers haue accomplisht Cheualry?
In this Kings dayes to Gods dew praise and Contreyes vtility?
The Duke of Suffolke passing Some, and Earle of Surrey then
Which Iedworth brent. And those two Knightes withall the Northern men
Which ouerthrew the Scottish power. And those to Laundersay
Sent by the King. As also vnder Lorde Edward Seymer they
To Scotland which embarcked were. To Mutterell eke in Fraunce
Which sent were, and the same beseeged, by (Gods will,) not by chance
All these and euery hoaste of them (I say) in this Kings time
Some part of prowesse, praise, and proffet to the Bowe resine.
In this Kings dayes to Gods dew praise and Contreyes vtility?
The Duke of Suffolke passing Some, and Earle of Surrey then
Which Iedworth brent. And those two Knightes withall the Northern men
Which ouerthrew the Scottish power. And those to Laundersay
Sent by the King. As also vnder Lorde Edward Seymer they
To Scotland which embarcked were. To Mutterell eke in Fraunce
Which sent were, and the same beseeged, by (Gods will,) not by chance
All these and euery hoaste of them (I say) in this Kings time
Some part of prowesse, praise, and proffet to the Bowe resine.
K. Edward the 6 that Mirrour myld and pearle of Princely grace,
His Unckle the Duke of Somerset did send in rightfull case,
With Army vnder his conduct agenst the Scottish power,
Eche Army other did affront with countenance sterne and stower:
Our Archers marched in aray at Muskeleborow feelde,
They shot their shaftes so sharp to foyle the Scots or make them yeelde,
God gaue our men the victory, such they 14000 slewe
Of Scottes, and 1400. were tane Prisoners of their crewe,
Many of them Gentlemen: and but English threeschore
At that time slaine, the rest aliue did praise the Lorde therefore.
Queene Maryes dayes most miserable and troublesome though they were
His Unckle the Duke of Somerset did send in rightfull case,
With Army vnder his conduct agenst the Scottish power,
Eche Army other did affront with countenance sterne and stower:
Our Archers marched in aray at Muskeleborow feelde,
They shot their shaftes so sharp to foyle the Scots or make them yeelde,
Of Scottes, and 1400. were tane Prisoners of their crewe,
Many of them Gentlemen: and but English threeschore
At that time slaine, the rest aliue did praise the Lorde therefore.
Of Archers actes (nothing or small) the Chronicles witnesse beare.
Elizabeth Gods Vizegerent our Gracious Soueraigne deare,
Which Ruleth now in Righteousnes her Subiects euery where:
Whome God a Mother ouer vs hath made in mylde mercy,
A Nurce of Peace and Amity eke to Nations farre and nye:
Began her raigne with Rooted truthe{,} whence blossomes all proceed
Of Blessings, as the Blisfull God doth Blessed make in deede.
Whose Frutes appearing at the first of Amity, Loue, and Peace,
First to her owne, to Others next, do more and more encrease:
First to her owne, Gods tender milcke of Gospell trewe gaue shee,
To vs, as Mothers Children giue by God his gift moste free:
To Others next as Nurse shee giues to Nacyons farre and neare,
The pappe of Peace and Amity the frutes of Faith sinceare
In One respect our prosperous state so long possest, this showeth,
In th'Other a bettered state from worse to better by her groweth:
To witnesse this our publike Wealth and Peace Domestic Calles,
Her Treasures spent in our defence geanst Forayn foes and bralles.
Her Ancient Laws and Lyberties, & League shee firme maintaines
To keep in Mutuall Amity vs with Neighbours, oh what gaines,
Is ours yt is not hers? what paines, what cares, what cost, what charge?
Hath shee not had in forraine soile, to set the bond at large?
Witnes hereof, our Neighbours Woes, her Grace, and wee may bee,
That their welfare with oures also might in one will agree.
The state of Fraunce, of Scotland, and of Contreyes so distrest,
May witnes this, that they with vs by her are better blest:
Who frō this Bonde of Brotherhood now in Christ would be estrangd?
Ye Children then of Iacobs God, as Branches frutes which beare,
Pray that your Bowes may stil fast byde & armes strong euery wheare:
Pray that this threefold Bond of Blisse neuer infringed may bee,
Of Naturall loue, of Publike peace, and Mutuall amity:
Pray that our firme defence from God and Prince contenewe may,
Pray, that yearely, from yeare to yeare and many a yeare I say,
God her will graunt vs Nestors yeares A Mother in Israell,
And that wee all Coheyres with Christ in Heauen aboue may dwell.
So be it.
quoth R. Robinson.
Glory to God on hye, On Earth Peace, And to Men a Goodwill. Luke. 2.
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