A Continvance of Albions England By the first Author. W. W. [i.e. William Warner] |
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 | A Continvance of Albions England |  |
398
THE SIXTEENTH BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND.
CHAP. 101.
South-Wales was yet intierly Welsh, and Rees ap-Tudor Prince,
When Rebels wrought that England it hath owned euer since:
And thence the English by Degrees all Cambria did inuaide:
May neuer ciuill discord in this Isle re-reare be praide,
Or if (the euer-losse of All) be sought no forren aide.
For West-Wales (also Rees his Right) Rebellion first begunne,
Inuiting Englist-Normaine Aides, that it and South-Wales wonne,
And in a long and asperous Warre all Wales ere they had done.
Impacably possessed though, till rather selfe-accord,
Than often Armies wrought that we in milder Lawes it lord.
This noble and vndanted Prince had had an ouer-hand
Of diuers Rebels, Iestin and one Eneon, in the Land
Of chiefe command, compact that whē this Eneon should be sped
Of Aids from England, he in liew should Iestins Daughter wed:
In birth and Education one right nobly and well bred.
Great in King William Rufus Court Fitzhamon was, and hee
To expedite against Prince Rees an Armie did decree.
Now Eneon, Iestins Agent, thus of English Troupes prouided,
And other Rebels adding Powers, by swords was thus decided:
Rees (euer earst victorious) now in valiant fight was kild,
Fitz-hamon and his Knights had all behited them fulfild,
To Eneon only was gain said the Marrage promisd him:
Who therefore to the English Ships, that sailes and tacklings trim
To haue departed, posted, and recalling them, perswaded
Fitzhamon so gainst Iestin that Glamorgan he inuaded:
And, though no easie Conquest, yet he conquerd it at last,
Which thence frō him and his braue Knights frō heire to heire hath past.
These were the first of Alliants that in Wales Possession wonne,
And Rees thus slaine the Principate of South-Wales so was done.
When Rebels wrought that England it hath owned euer since:
And thence the English by Degrees all Cambria did inuaide:
May neuer ciuill discord in this Isle re-reare be praide,
Or if (the euer-losse of All) be sought no forren aide.
For West-Wales (also Rees his Right) Rebellion first begunne,
Inuiting Englist-Normaine Aides, that it and South-Wales wonne,
And in a long and asperous Warre all Wales ere they had done.
Impacably possessed though, till rather selfe-accord,
Than often Armies wrought that we in milder Lawes it lord.
This noble and vndanted Prince had had an ouer-hand
Of diuers Rebels, Iestin and one Eneon, in the Land
Of chiefe command, compact that whē this Eneon should be sped
Of Aids from England, he in liew should Iestins Daughter wed:
In birth and Education one right nobly and well bred.
Great in King William Rufus Court Fitzhamon was, and hee
To expedite against Prince Rees an Armie did decree.
399
And other Rebels adding Powers, by swords was thus decided:
Rees (euer earst victorious) now in valiant fight was kild,
Fitz-hamon and his Knights had all behited them fulfild,
To Eneon only was gain said the Marrage promisd him:
Who therefore to the English Ships, that sailes and tacklings trim
To haue departed, posted, and recalling them, perswaded
Fitzhamon so gainst Iestin that Glamorgan he inuaded:
And, though no easie Conquest, yet he conquerd it at last,
Which thence frō him and his braue Knights frō heire to heire hath past.
These were the first of Alliants that in Wales Possession wonne,
And Rees thus slaine the Principate of South-Wales so was done.
Now Iestin dead, no maruell that his daughter could not brooke
This Eneon cause thereof, for she thus orphanag'd forsooke
Her conquered Countrie, and vnknowne to all, vnlesse to One
Her slaughtred Fathers friend in his late fortune ouerthrowne,
Whom now she faind her Father (nor her father lou'd her more)
Escaping, wealthily a Farme in England they did store:
Whereas they liu'd a countrie life, belou'd, in State not poore:
And Margaret (so now her name) where euer heard or seene,
For beauty and sweet hauour was pronounst the Country-Queene:
And by how much more bashful, & of tongue-pride mildly spare,
Seem'd carelesse clenly in attire, her huswifrie did care,
Nor scorning nor affecting Loue, so much more seem'd she rare,
And rather than in haughtines did fault in too-submis,
A fault the contrarie whereof in bastard Gentrie is.
How often would the Swaines prepare their Motrice & their May
To haue a sight of her, when all enamoured went their way?
The sprewlest Citie-Lads for her would faine the Countrie-aire,
And that their prouder Girles had but adultrate beauties swaire,
Oft Courtiers faind or, Milke for thirst, or for their Hawke a Pigion,
When, might they parle with her, no more was mingd of such prouigiō.
This Eneon cause thereof, for she thus orphanag'd forsooke
Her conquered Countrie, and vnknowne to all, vnlesse to One
Her slaughtred Fathers friend in his late fortune ouerthrowne,
Whom now she faind her Father (nor her father lou'd her more)
Escaping, wealthily a Farme in England they did store:
Whereas they liu'd a countrie life, belou'd, in State not poore:
And Margaret (so now her name) where euer heard or seene,
For beauty and sweet hauour was pronounst the Country-Queene:
And by how much more bashful, & of tongue-pride mildly spare,
Seem'd carelesse clenly in attire, her huswifrie did care,
Nor scorning nor affecting Loue, so much more seem'd she rare,
And rather than in haughtines did fault in too-submis,
A fault the contrarie whereof in bastard Gentrie is.
How often would the Swaines prepare their Motrice & their May
To haue a sight of her, when all enamoured went their way?
The sprewlest Citie-Lads for her would faine the Countrie-aire,
And that their prouder Girles had but adultrate beauties swaire,
Oft Courtiers faind or, Milke for thirst, or for their Hawke a Pigion,
When, might they parle with her, no more was mingd of such prouigiō.
Combinement thus of Nature and of Vertue is admirde:
Though Natures gifts are oft with Arte by most too much attirde:
But chiefly cleered Scalpes of haire with Periwigs supplide,
To God and Nature sinne me thinkes, and men at least deride
Gray-headed Crownes and vulgar Stuffe that so are finifide.
For who can lesse than smile that sees vnstanch and riueld faces,
To shelter coylie vnderneath Fannes, Tifnies, Maskes, Bongraces?
O Cousnag to an amorous Eye, nor thence but thus ensues
That such, not such as they would seeme, by such intice our viewes
To censure them for also vaine, whose foule were els no newes.
Nay, why should faces faire indeed bo-peepe behinde a Fanne,
Or be conceild in Satten, now Vermiliond, now drugd wanne,
Or any hold it Ornament to owne an arted haire,
Sith men esteeme the fairest foule that so is fowly faire?
Giue me a Girle that is her-selfe, Compounds if ye compare
With Simples, be not Physicks, but sophisticated ware:
Minerua suffereth violence when Phao makes her faire:
May such be disarithmetickt this Creatures that are.
Dust, Wormes-meate, Rottennes, that thinke your borrowed beauties rare,
That so obseru'd and sottishly from your Creation square,
And not at all your pride-sick Soules but falsed faces care,
Yea, and essentiall Beauties that of vertuous mindes be bare,
Amend your such Amisses which should hoped Eyes despaire.
And ye that haue the Aire parfum'd, bathe oft in Lotions sweete,
Be borne like Romes Triumphants, Earth vnworthie your coy feete,
Glitter in gold, pearles, pretious stones, haue beautie in it pride,
With all that Ornament, wealth, Arte can any way prouide,
Or soone must die, or see an age shall shew in you such change,
As, looking back to youth, your selues shal to your selues seem strāge.
Gray haires aboue your furrowed Brows, Noses & Mouthes cōtract,
Lanke in-bowd Cheeks, like Lips & Chins, teeth rottē, & teeth lackt,
Brawn-falne, crāp, stitches, belching, & much els as much vnsweet,
With aches, palsies, and moe such your hastning Ends shall greet,
And, dead, a million such not worth the simplest winding sheete.
If so, as so, then sooth good sooth in this said one, say I,
Not borne at all were happier, borne, were happie soone to die,
So progresse we in Vanities, pursues vs Miserie.
Sith in these transitorie Turnes our Bodies thus transmute,
To pampering, painting, prowding them meere vanitie impute.
But chiefely Nature wrongd by Arte, of Prowdnes more than need,
Cannot but to the Actors shame, mislike in others breede.
For why? firme liking of a thing imagined, thinks me,
Should quash in them imagin or imagined would be.
Who knowes false fire and feares? Who fat with painted meates they see?
Who flies a paper Giant? feares an Asse in Lyons skinne?
Who fees a noted Idiot that with Arte a Cause must winne?
A Coward armd like Hercules who is it doth not scorne?
Esteemes a Kyte a Faulcon, though so belled and so borne?
Then actiuely and passiuely much more, me thinketh, might
Those needlesse Curiosities with Nature that condight
Be apprehended meere Offence of Notion and to Sight.
For can we thinke prompt Is-not is? If not, what seeke we more
Than as lists God naturalize, subtract, adde, strike, restore?
Deuotion heathenish did and doth vile Creatures adore,
Should Christians in a Christian thē count Blemish Eie sights Sore?
No, Mightie-Ones are to themselues for Placcards, rich, and poore,
If virtuous, though deformed, hold full waight in wisemens Lore.
Nor meant is here but modestly may arted be attier
To Natures scarres, and cleanlied all doth decencie requier.
Nor beate we here malignantly at sacred Beauties Luster,
But to contemplate it aright proud Featur-fers we muster.
And be it that Prescription doth naturalize in Court
Some Errors to an habit, held for Ornament and Port,
(For things in some vnseemly are not such to some of Sort)
Yet might, me thinks, be wisht the Court were also prowder than
That Vulgers should in Tinctures, Tiers, Maske, Fardingale, and Fan
Coriue, a Gill be Lady-like, and Iack a Gentelman.
To Blowses, aping Niceties and Ante-playsicks arting,
Of Æsops Iay displumed me like guerdon of peruerting.
Now roome Sirs for a Toy a Troth, els haue I heard a Lie:
But howsoeuer, be it told for no Diuinitie.
400
But chiefly cleered Scalpes of haire with Periwigs supplide,
To God and Nature sinne me thinkes, and men at least deride
Gray-headed Crownes and vulgar Stuffe that so are finifide.
For who can lesse than smile that sees vnstanch and riueld faces,
To shelter coylie vnderneath Fannes, Tifnies, Maskes, Bongraces?
O Cousnag to an amorous Eye, nor thence but thus ensues
That such, not such as they would seeme, by such intice our viewes
To censure them for also vaine, whose foule were els no newes.
Nay, why should faces faire indeed bo-peepe behinde a Fanne,
Or be conceild in Satten, now Vermiliond, now drugd wanne,
Or any hold it Ornament to owne an arted haire,
Sith men esteeme the fairest foule that so is fowly faire?
Giue me a Girle that is her-selfe, Compounds if ye compare
With Simples, be not Physicks, but sophisticated ware:
Minerua suffereth violence when Phao makes her faire:
May such be disarithmetickt this Creatures that are.
Dust, Wormes-meate, Rottennes, that thinke your borrowed beauties rare,
That so obseru'd and sottishly from your Creation square,
And not at all your pride-sick Soules but falsed faces care,
Yea, and essentiall Beauties that of vertuous mindes be bare,
Amend your such Amisses which should hoped Eyes despaire.
And ye that haue the Aire parfum'd, bathe oft in Lotions sweete,
Be borne like Romes Triumphants, Earth vnworthie your coy feete,
Glitter in gold, pearles, pretious stones, haue beautie in it pride,
With all that Ornament, wealth, Arte can any way prouide,
Or soone must die, or see an age shall shew in you such change,
As, looking back to youth, your selues shal to your selues seem strāge.
Gray haires aboue your furrowed Brows, Noses & Mouthes cōtract,
Lanke in-bowd Cheeks, like Lips & Chins, teeth rottē, & teeth lackt,
Brawn-falne, crāp, stitches, belching, & much els as much vnsweet,
With aches, palsies, and moe such your hastning Ends shall greet,
And, dead, a million such not worth the simplest winding sheete.
401
Not borne at all were happier, borne, were happie soone to die,
So progresse we in Vanities, pursues vs Miserie.
Sith in these transitorie Turnes our Bodies thus transmute,
To pampering, painting, prowding them meere vanitie impute.
But chiefely Nature wrongd by Arte, of Prowdnes more than need,
Cannot but to the Actors shame, mislike in others breede.
For why? firme liking of a thing imagined, thinks me,
Should quash in them imagin or imagined would be.
Who knowes false fire and feares? Who fat with painted meates they see?
Who flies a paper Giant? feares an Asse in Lyons skinne?
Who fees a noted Idiot that with Arte a Cause must winne?
A Coward armd like Hercules who is it doth not scorne?
Esteemes a Kyte a Faulcon, though so belled and so borne?
Then actiuely and passiuely much more, me thinketh, might
Those needlesse Curiosities with Nature that condight
Be apprehended meere Offence of Notion and to Sight.
For can we thinke prompt Is-not is? If not, what seeke we more
Than as lists God naturalize, subtract, adde, strike, restore?
Deuotion heathenish did and doth vile Creatures adore,
Should Christians in a Christian thē count Blemish Eie sights Sore?
No, Mightie-Ones are to themselues for Placcards, rich, and poore,
If virtuous, though deformed, hold full waight in wisemens Lore.
Nor meant is here but modestly may arted be attier
To Natures scarres, and cleanlied all doth decencie requier.
Nor beate we here malignantly at sacred Beauties Luster,
But to contemplate it aright proud Featur-fers we muster.
And be it that Prescription doth naturalize in Court
Some Errors to an habit, held for Ornament and Port,
(For things in some vnseemly are not such to some of Sort)
Yet might, me thinks, be wisht the Court were also prowder than
That Vulgers should in Tinctures, Tiers, Maske, Fardingale, and Fan
Coriue, a Gill be Lady-like, and Iack a Gentelman.
402
Of Æsops Iay displumed me like guerdon of peruerting.
Now roome Sirs for a Toy a Troth, els haue I heard a Lie:
But howsoeuer, be it told for no Diuinitie.
CHAP. 102.
Was once a Drudge, a sturdie Royle, whom Nature friended so,
As not the proudest head than hers a fairer haire did owe:
So well her Lady likt thereof as, soundly whilst she sleepes,
She sheares it off, for losse of which in vaine poore Malken weepes.
Where was it, or who did the deede she could not learne of long,
Till chanst her finde another haire old Lumber cast among.
Her office was to emptie all that had of empting neede,
With Ingresse free and Regresse for performance of that deede.
I wot not how it came to passe, the Ladies Head-geere (she
A sleepe) was off, so Malken chanst her haireles front to see.
Soone fetcht she, and confers the haire earst found with hers ye slept,
Her owne too with a Perwig that lay there, most choisely kept,
And in that Scrutanie resolues, nor so resoluing errs,
It found to haue bin Madams, it was perwigged once Hers.
This tooke she thence, That left she there. Anon came Gallants gay
To frollike with her Ladiship, and her vp-rising stay.
Where cushend was the Perwig there was found a dustie Maine,
The Ladie chafes, her Chamberers seeke euery nooke in vaine.
Meane while, all tatterd, durtie, & whose chaers her face did smudge,
In comes, from seruing hogs or like, the rude perwigged Drudge,
Salutes the Guests, offers to kisse, be kist, good sport they haue
To see such foule from top to toe her only head so braue.
Well well (quoth Malken) scoffe and scorne, My Lady is abed
A Bodie only, Manners would some greet yee in her stead,
And who should rather than my selfe that long haue been her head?
Mine had she not shorne off and worne (eie-liquor here she shead)
I had (beshrew her Maddamship) ere now (ha ho) been wead.
Thus sham'd shee her might shame, for then were Perwigs newly bread,
Though since too many, modest els, are in that Art misled:
Vaine Eies not vnderstanding Thoughts howbeit so are fed.
But yee, and yee whom Nature hath or Fortune prowded know,
That vade ye shall as flowers forgot when and where yee did grow.
For none, for whatsoeuer, hath or can themselues suruiue,
But them vnto Posterities our Pennes preserue aliue,
And famous or infamous shall at least those great-Ones be,
That shall or shall not in this Life that future life fore-see:
Howbeit, Perpetuitie Impenitents feare yee
Of sinnes Rewarde, much more than all that All can else decree.
Deathes Certenty, whē, where, & how vncertain, life throughout,
Should curbe all selfe-Indulgencie and flesh so proudlie stout,
That but as in a Labyrinth elaboureth about.
Our Losses, Crosses, Passions, and Affections passing-by,
Passe but along the Currant from our Births vntill we die,
And finde we shall our Infancie a dreame of, who knowes what?
The booke and birch to Childhood Checke more feelinglie than that:
Adolescencie may be said A meere or merrie Madnes:
And Manhood sildome sheweth more it bouldnes than in badnes:
Old-age (in carke, drifts, shifts yt sweats) or ends when enters thriuing,
Or Age-re-childed, decrepate (lifes vtmost) stints all striuing:
Then Carrions be our Carcases, and to our Soules remaines
For well or ill here done the doome of endles Ioyes or Paines.
Then blessed infinitly thou beyond worlds pompe or pelfe,
That louedst God aboue all things, thy Neighbour as thy selfe.
As not the proudest head than hers a fairer haire did owe:
So well her Lady likt thereof as, soundly whilst she sleepes,
She sheares it off, for losse of which in vaine poore Malken weepes.
Where was it, or who did the deede she could not learne of long,
Till chanst her finde another haire old Lumber cast among.
Her office was to emptie all that had of empting neede,
With Ingresse free and Regresse for performance of that deede.
I wot not how it came to passe, the Ladies Head-geere (she
A sleepe) was off, so Malken chanst her haireles front to see.
Soone fetcht she, and confers the haire earst found with hers ye slept,
Her owne too with a Perwig that lay there, most choisely kept,
And in that Scrutanie resolues, nor so resoluing errs,
It found to haue bin Madams, it was perwigged once Hers.
This tooke she thence, That left she there. Anon came Gallants gay
To frollike with her Ladiship, and her vp-rising stay.
Where cushend was the Perwig there was found a dustie Maine,
The Ladie chafes, her Chamberers seeke euery nooke in vaine.
Meane while, all tatterd, durtie, & whose chaers her face did smudge,
403
Salutes the Guests, offers to kisse, be kist, good sport they haue
To see such foule from top to toe her only head so braue.
Well well (quoth Malken) scoffe and scorne, My Lady is abed
A Bodie only, Manners would some greet yee in her stead,
And who should rather than my selfe that long haue been her head?
Mine had she not shorne off and worne (eie-liquor here she shead)
I had (beshrew her Maddamship) ere now (ha ho) been wead.
Thus sham'd shee her might shame, for then were Perwigs newly bread,
Though since too many, modest els, are in that Art misled:
Vaine Eies not vnderstanding Thoughts howbeit so are fed.
But yee, and yee whom Nature hath or Fortune prowded know,
That vade ye shall as flowers forgot when and where yee did grow.
For none, for whatsoeuer, hath or can themselues suruiue,
But them vnto Posterities our Pennes preserue aliue,
And famous or infamous shall at least those great-Ones be,
That shall or shall not in this Life that future life fore-see:
Howbeit, Perpetuitie Impenitents feare yee
Of sinnes Rewarde, much more than all that All can else decree.
Deathes Certenty, whē, where, & how vncertain, life throughout,
Should curbe all selfe-Indulgencie and flesh so proudlie stout,
That but as in a Labyrinth elaboureth about.
Our Losses, Crosses, Passions, and Affections passing-by,
Passe but along the Currant from our Births vntill we die,
And finde we shall our Infancie a dreame of, who knowes what?
The booke and birch to Childhood Checke more feelinglie than that:
Adolescencie may be said A meere or merrie Madnes:
And Manhood sildome sheweth more it bouldnes than in badnes:
Old-age (in carke, drifts, shifts yt sweats) or ends when enters thriuing,
Or Age-re-childed, decrepate (lifes vtmost) stints all striuing:
Then Carrions be our Carcases, and to our Soules remaines
For well or ill here done the doome of endles Ioyes or Paines.
Then blessed infinitly thou beyond worlds pompe or pelfe,
404
But now to Iestins Daughter where we left proceed we heere:
To her reputed Father was a Yeoman dwelling neere,
Richer, as is the Adage, by full many a Sheepe and Oxe,
By farnesse from a Gentleman, a Lawyer, and a Foxe.
Nor squard, as chanst, the Parson for tithe whit-meats, lambe, wool, Shocks,
As some not pardoning poorest Soules their pēce for hēs & cocks,
When that h'as all he all consumes on peacock Pride and smocks.
This Yeoman was a Iustice to himselfe, his Neighbours all
Him loued, and he loued them. If Variance hapt to fall,
They went not to such Worships as like Tyrants men miscall:
Which for couragious Iusticeship must be to them ascribed,
Though at an Outlawrie their wits, some partiall, and some bribed,
Must euermore be fawned on, haue Presents, purchase cheape,
Carts gratis sent to their Remoues, and men their Corne to reape,
Presses or Impositions els on him defects they heape,
When their Retainors royst and wrong, yet out of Iustice leape.
But if shall one, els honest, erre through choler, vrg'd abuse,
Or casually, their grudge or gaer admit no termes of truse:
When desprate Ruffins fraught with faults finde readily a Meuse,
Or not at all are question'd, as sin-quitted by sins-vse.
Yea, are not of Commissoned themselues some that sometimes
Doe borrow of their Iusticeship for Cæsar-dues and Crimes?
But petite Trespasses and Those were yeelded faults and mended
Were silenced, and none so great but Neighbours friendly ended
Where dwelt this Yeoman, rich in State, yet richer in a Sonne
Frugall and honest, richest when to Daughter-in-law he wonne
This faire Glamorganean, that did termes of Gentrie shunne.
But long conceald affection how it fadged superseade,
Vntill the Yongmans letter that to her he wrote yee reade.
To her reputed Father was a Yeoman dwelling neere,
Richer, as is the Adage, by full many a Sheepe and Oxe,
By farnesse from a Gentleman, a Lawyer, and a Foxe.
Nor squard, as chanst, the Parson for tithe whit-meats, lambe, wool, Shocks,
As some not pardoning poorest Soules their pēce for hēs & cocks,
When that h'as all he all consumes on peacock Pride and smocks.
This Yeoman was a Iustice to himselfe, his Neighbours all
Him loued, and he loued them. If Variance hapt to fall,
They went not to such Worships as like Tyrants men miscall:
Which for couragious Iusticeship must be to them ascribed,
Though at an Outlawrie their wits, some partiall, and some bribed,
Must euermore be fawned on, haue Presents, purchase cheape,
Carts gratis sent to their Remoues, and men their Corne to reape,
Presses or Impositions els on him defects they heape,
When their Retainors royst and wrong, yet out of Iustice leape.
But if shall one, els honest, erre through choler, vrg'd abuse,
Or casually, their grudge or gaer admit no termes of truse:
When desprate Ruffins fraught with faults finde readily a Meuse,
Or not at all are question'd, as sin-quitted by sins-vse.
Yea, are not of Commissoned themselues some that sometimes
Doe borrow of their Iusticeship for Cæsar-dues and Crimes?
But petite Trespasses and Those were yeelded faults and mended
Were silenced, and none so great but Neighbours friendly ended
Where dwelt this Yeoman, rich in State, yet richer in a Sonne
Frugall and honest, richest when to Daughter-in-law he wonne
This faire Glamorganean, that did termes of Gentrie shunne.
But long conceald affection how it fadged superseade,
Vntill the Yongmans letter that to her he wrote yee reade.
405
CHAP. 103.
That thou beest, Pegge, in better heale than I my selfe am now
I wish, or that like sick for me as I for thee wert thou.
The cause that now I write it is to let thee wit That I,
By Cupid long since branded thine, must thee mate-quaint, or die.
Small rest, God wot, a nights, few meales a day take I, loue-sick,
And little heart in Possets, sops, a supping, or a Chick:
Then loue me, Pegge, fornenter when is blabd abroad my plight,
On thy too squamish Maidenhead the crime thereof doe light.
But, wot'st thy what? I with our Cart haue bin whileare at Court,
And saw the King (God saue his grace) & mought he heare report,
How vs his Officers doe buse, almost in euery sort.
Thy father would haue feoft on thee a Courtnall, faith t'was well
Thou scap'st him, for if he be good, then none be bad in Hell.
Lord, how he swaggerd in his silks, and seeing me by chance,
As Peacocks viewed spread their tailes did he himselfe aduance:
Yet once my fathers house was all his helpe: but let him passe
With that same lustie horse that scornd the Millers loden Asse,
Till turnd out lame, this one had corne, that other scarcely grasse:
Such bastard Courtnals serue but Turns, besibbing Coyns of brasse.
Thou, for t'hart monstrous faire, thinkst me not fine enough, I, but
Perhaps wert better fancie me than such a Lustie-gut.
Though with gay Brokerie may seeme he casteth thee to win,
I better borrow could of Pride than he the silken Sin:
And diuersly may beautie meete with blemish, yeeres but few,
And farewell snout-faire spite thy teeth, then I as good as you.
What stumbleth our Banes-bidding, pra? cause Peg forsooth will be
A Gentlewoman: goodly, such a Changling would I see,
I heard a praised Preacher praise the Plowman, ledging proofe,
None might be worser spared for the Common-wealths behoofe.
The Court and Gentrie quaintlier did he snib than I can say,
But this I member, that for them as Sinners should we pray.
And though (quoth he) we Church-men should to Lay-mē sample good,
Yet are of vs too many go the wrong way to the wood.
Be Captaines fleese or mart their men: be Soldiours hold disgrace
Not to be counted humorous, to swagger, and out-face.
Be Lawyers get the Diuell and all, more Cormorants for fees
Than carefull of their soules, so they may get what skils who leese?
Be Citizens too nimble in their tradings to deceaue:
Be of their Wiues that pranke too proud, yea wanton by your leaue.
Artificers haue much adoe, though toylfully they sweate,
To earne to them & theirs enough for clothing, rent, and meate:
Much idle Vanitie in all, or falsifying Feate.
The Plowmans labour proued he aduantage vnto all:
Which to himselfe, as goes this world, say I, yeelds profit small.
But things wil mend (Gods grace they may) for surely surely, Pegge,
Be Prolers prole the Countrie, from an Oxe vnto an Egge.
Well was it the Countrie when the secrets of the Stall,
The Sheepcoote, Woods, & Arable to Gentrie were so small,
As but to hawke, hunt, and receiue vnracked Rents was all.
Now of their Farmers toyle to take the foyson Lords haue skill,
On Tainters setting Tenentries, oft for Expences ill:
Or vse their Farmes themselues: whō oft the negligence & feeding
Of many a lasie Lowne consumes: let each then vse his Breeding.
Nay, verely, poore Daies-men and our Hinds, if knowing need
Of ploimēt, aske more thā they earne, yet haine they at their feed,
Though leap they would euen at a crust in doing their own deed.
But I am, Pegge, an Owners heire alreadie rich enough,
And, though I say it, not to learne what longeth to the Plough,
Nor say I goo, but gaw, and in the Deeding none more tough:
Who other doth, or is, may finde our Arte but losse and rough.
I dare him saies he better knowes to make his Tilths than I,
To take his Seasons, straine & sow Otes, Barly, Pease, Wheate, Rye.
To guide a Teame, to drench a beast, fould, grease, & sheare a Sheep,
To mucke, mow, reape, hooke, load, Inne, stacke, or Garners sweetler keep,
At Faires and Markets Cattle, Corne, to put-off, or to chuse,
To fell, lop, fence, plant, or what els best Husbandmen doe vse.
As for the Sledge, Barre, Boll, & Bace, my wrestling, & my running,
The Quinten, and a countrie-dance, I list not boast my cunning:
In only this I will not be out-craked, crake that can,
Me baffle if a woman me bed better for a Man.
Ile make thee Dame of store such Kie as neuer strookst thou better,
Of many an Heifer that shall be vnto thy Darie debter,
Of store of milchie Ewes: Thou's be our Haruest-Ladies Ladie,
And at thy pleasure reape a cut, or rest thee where t'is shadie:
Thou's go to Ailes, to Weddings, Wakes, ye Wine, & what is braue,
And in our Markets to be bought, thou shalt but aske and haue:
Thou's haue for Faires as faire a Frock, a Partlet, and a Pin,
As gaiest there a silken purse, and store of coyne therein:
I'le duly keepe for thy delight Rock-Monday, and the Wake,
Haue Shrouings, Christmas-gambols, with the Hokie & Seed-cake:
Thou's haue ye fairest in my Teame thee where thou wilt to beare,
And of my finest wooll to spin for Webs which thou shalt weare:
Goodsadness, Girle, nor mine nor thine, but Bothes we both will share.
Say to a Match, Amen, and we as Turtles shall agree:
And bring but loue, and I'le bring like and wealth enough with mee.
I wish, or that like sick for me as I for thee wert thou.
The cause that now I write it is to let thee wit That I,
By Cupid long since branded thine, must thee mate-quaint, or die.
Small rest, God wot, a nights, few meales a day take I, loue-sick,
And little heart in Possets, sops, a supping, or a Chick:
Then loue me, Pegge, fornenter when is blabd abroad my plight,
On thy too squamish Maidenhead the crime thereof doe light.
But, wot'st thy what? I with our Cart haue bin whileare at Court,
And saw the King (God saue his grace) & mought he heare report,
How vs his Officers doe buse, almost in euery sort.
Thy father would haue feoft on thee a Courtnall, faith t'was well
Thou scap'st him, for if he be good, then none be bad in Hell.
Lord, how he swaggerd in his silks, and seeing me by chance,
As Peacocks viewed spread their tailes did he himselfe aduance:
Yet once my fathers house was all his helpe: but let him passe
With that same lustie horse that scornd the Millers loden Asse,
Till turnd out lame, this one had corne, that other scarcely grasse:
Such bastard Courtnals serue but Turns, besibbing Coyns of brasse.
Thou, for t'hart monstrous faire, thinkst me not fine enough, I, but
Perhaps wert better fancie me than such a Lustie-gut.
Though with gay Brokerie may seeme he casteth thee to win,
I better borrow could of Pride than he the silken Sin:
406
And farewell snout-faire spite thy teeth, then I as good as you.
What stumbleth our Banes-bidding, pra? cause Peg forsooth will be
A Gentlewoman: goodly, such a Changling would I see,
I heard a praised Preacher praise the Plowman, ledging proofe,
None might be worser spared for the Common-wealths behoofe.
The Court and Gentrie quaintlier did he snib than I can say,
But this I member, that for them as Sinners should we pray.
And though (quoth he) we Church-men should to Lay-mē sample good,
Yet are of vs too many go the wrong way to the wood.
Be Captaines fleese or mart their men: be Soldiours hold disgrace
Not to be counted humorous, to swagger, and out-face.
Be Lawyers get the Diuell and all, more Cormorants for fees
Than carefull of their soules, so they may get what skils who leese?
Be Citizens too nimble in their tradings to deceaue:
Be of their Wiues that pranke too proud, yea wanton by your leaue.
Artificers haue much adoe, though toylfully they sweate,
To earne to them & theirs enough for clothing, rent, and meate:
Much idle Vanitie in all, or falsifying Feate.
The Plowmans labour proued he aduantage vnto all:
Which to himselfe, as goes this world, say I, yeelds profit small.
But things wil mend (Gods grace they may) for surely surely, Pegge,
Be Prolers prole the Countrie, from an Oxe vnto an Egge.
Well was it the Countrie when the secrets of the Stall,
The Sheepcoote, Woods, & Arable to Gentrie were so small,
As but to hawke, hunt, and receiue vnracked Rents was all.
Now of their Farmers toyle to take the foyson Lords haue skill,
On Tainters setting Tenentries, oft for Expences ill:
Or vse their Farmes themselues: whō oft the negligence & feeding
Of many a lasie Lowne consumes: let each then vse his Breeding.
Nay, verely, poore Daies-men and our Hinds, if knowing need
Of ploimēt, aske more thā they earne, yet haine they at their feed,
Though leap they would euen at a crust in doing their own deed.
407
And, though I say it, not to learne what longeth to the Plough,
Nor say I goo, but gaw, and in the Deeding none more tough:
Who other doth, or is, may finde our Arte but losse and rough.
I dare him saies he better knowes to make his Tilths than I,
To take his Seasons, straine & sow Otes, Barly, Pease, Wheate, Rye.
To guide a Teame, to drench a beast, fould, grease, & sheare a Sheep,
To mucke, mow, reape, hooke, load, Inne, stacke, or Garners sweetler keep,
At Faires and Markets Cattle, Corne, to put-off, or to chuse,
To fell, lop, fence, plant, or what els best Husbandmen doe vse.
As for the Sledge, Barre, Boll, & Bace, my wrestling, & my running,
The Quinten, and a countrie-dance, I list not boast my cunning:
In only this I will not be out-craked, crake that can,
Me baffle if a woman me bed better for a Man.
Ile make thee Dame of store such Kie as neuer strookst thou better,
Of many an Heifer that shall be vnto thy Darie debter,
Of store of milchie Ewes: Thou's be our Haruest-Ladies Ladie,
And at thy pleasure reape a cut, or rest thee where t'is shadie:
Thou's go to Ailes, to Weddings, Wakes, ye Wine, & what is braue,
And in our Markets to be bought, thou shalt but aske and haue:
Thou's haue for Faires as faire a Frock, a Partlet, and a Pin,
As gaiest there a silken purse, and store of coyne therein:
I'le duly keepe for thy delight Rock-Monday, and the Wake,
Haue Shrouings, Christmas-gambols, with the Hokie & Seed-cake:
Thou's haue ye fairest in my Teame thee where thou wilt to beare,
And of my finest wooll to spin for Webs which thou shalt weare:
Goodsadness, Girle, nor mine nor thine, but Bothes we both will share.
Say to a Match, Amen, and we as Turtles shall agree:
And bring but loue, and I'le bring like and wealth enough with mee.
408
CHAP. 104.
This with a peece of Rie-paist seald, sent, and receiued, she
Did meditate thereon, although obtuse in phrase yee see.
The Surface of him-selfe, thinks she, externiz'd is herein,
May seeme he cannot flatter, nor me Flatterie shall win,
Oft Praysers are to vs as is to Birds the Fowlers gin.
Alas, what keepe of Beautie, which indeede is but a blast?
A Non-proficient at the least it must be at the last:
Though thereof Pœans in mens Mouthes as in a Mould are cast.
Fooles are we, and as foolishly doe Men aduance our pride,
That vnto prizing Praysers tongues our tickled eares hath tide,
Els our facundious Fooles might we more than they vs deride:
To see them gallop Thersites when listeth them to crake,
To out sigh Schyno when they feare a foyle and Troy would take:
But shadowes we for substances Narcissus-like mistake.
For edged by such Artists, and they once possest of vs,
The fairest Faire is foule or foole, and Pigs-nie but a Pusse,
And A-per-se, obserued earst as Weathercocks doe winde,
Oft to a too imperious Lord is, as nere She, declinde,
Or glorious trash and Titles, whence ambitious thoughts proceed,
Make Others enuie vs, or vs betraieth to vn-heed.
O neuer lost Humilitie, nor Haughtinesse did win,
An honest Man and meanes to liue is and my boone hath bin.
The Greatest in her Greatnes oft I see hath discontents:
Nor doth an happie life consist in Titles, Robes or Rents.
The Court hath been, the Countrie is to me familiar, either
Not quit of Tediousnes, yet This than That preferre I rather.
Among our Cattell, in our Fields, at Home may losse and harmes
Vn-patient vs, farre diffrent though impatient Courts and Farmes.
There Quarrel drifteth euē to blood, to Wealths losse, or disgrace,
Here simply, at the least to saue Expence, they Peace imbrace:
Or if too busie some-where Some, they are esteemed bace.
The bodies glorious Ornaments, and gawdie Tires for head,
(Extracts from Worme-webs, Mettles, Birds, yea thefts from her is (dead)
Shew more of sin, serue lesser thā a fleece of wool in stead.
Were Pride no such Practitioner and Denizen allowd,
I should haue been an Infidell that Pride could be so prowd.
But Earth, Aire, Graue, Arte, Hell, & al gainst Nature now combine,
Whereby our Soules shew duskie whilst our gilded Carrions shine,
Refraine but Court and Citie then of neither finde we mis,
A Dairie-dame, that minds not more, than Madam merrier is:
Food, cloath, and habour competent should as thinke I suffise,
Vpon the matter who hath more whom Fortune most supplies?
And who be they that are not Earth, and must returne thereto?
Then only Vertue vnto vs best Offices can doe.
Now to an Husband: Gilberd is no Gallant yet no Gull,
Not learned but well limmed, and couragious to the full,
Frugall yet frollike, speakes with sense, his Breeding if respected,
In wealth sufficient, neuer of Dishonestie detected,
What would I more? Such should not, nor of me shal be reiected,
Mine is a Loue preordinate to be to him subiected:
Nor Fortune aught disparageth that loue to loue directeth:
A Woman to a Man is all that loue twixt all effecteth.
Did meditate thereon, although obtuse in phrase yee see.
The Surface of him-selfe, thinks she, externiz'd is herein,
May seeme he cannot flatter, nor me Flatterie shall win,
Oft Praysers are to vs as is to Birds the Fowlers gin.
Alas, what keepe of Beautie, which indeede is but a blast?
A Non-proficient at the least it must be at the last:
Though thereof Pœans in mens Mouthes as in a Mould are cast.
Fooles are we, and as foolishly doe Men aduance our pride,
That vnto prizing Praysers tongues our tickled eares hath tide,
Els our facundious Fooles might we more than they vs deride:
To see them gallop Thersites when listeth them to crake,
To out sigh Schyno when they feare a foyle and Troy would take:
But shadowes we for substances Narcissus-like mistake.
For edged by such Artists, and they once possest of vs,
The fairest Faire is foule or foole, and Pigs-nie but a Pusse,
And A-per-se, obserued earst as Weathercocks doe winde,
Oft to a too imperious Lord is, as nere She, declinde,
Or glorious trash and Titles, whence ambitious thoughts proceed,
Make Others enuie vs, or vs betraieth to vn-heed.
O neuer lost Humilitie, nor Haughtinesse did win,
An honest Man and meanes to liue is and my boone hath bin.
The Greatest in her Greatnes oft I see hath discontents:
409
The Court hath been, the Countrie is to me familiar, either
Not quit of Tediousnes, yet This than That preferre I rather.
Among our Cattell, in our Fields, at Home may losse and harmes
Vn-patient vs, farre diffrent though impatient Courts and Farmes.
There Quarrel drifteth euē to blood, to Wealths losse, or disgrace,
Here simply, at the least to saue Expence, they Peace imbrace:
Or if too busie some-where Some, they are esteemed bace.
The bodies glorious Ornaments, and gawdie Tires for head,
(Extracts from Worme-webs, Mettles, Birds, yea thefts from her is (dead)
Shew more of sin, serue lesser thā a fleece of wool in stead.
Were Pride no such Practitioner and Denizen allowd,
I should haue been an Infidell that Pride could be so prowd.
But Earth, Aire, Graue, Arte, Hell, & al gainst Nature now combine,
Whereby our Soules shew duskie whilst our gilded Carrions shine,
Refraine but Court and Citie then of neither finde we mis,
A Dairie-dame, that minds not more, than Madam merrier is:
Food, cloath, and habour competent should as thinke I suffise,
Vpon the matter who hath more whom Fortune most supplies?
And who be they that are not Earth, and must returne thereto?
Then only Vertue vnto vs best Offices can doe.
Now to an Husband: Gilberd is no Gallant yet no Gull,
Not learned but well limmed, and couragious to the full,
Frugall yet frollike, speakes with sense, his Breeding if respected,
In wealth sufficient, neuer of Dishonestie detected,
What would I more? Such should not, nor of me shal be reiected,
Mine is a Loue preordinate to be to him subiected:
Nor Fortune aught disparageth that loue to loue directeth:
A Woman to a Man is all that loue twixt all effecteth.
At modest Opportunities she yeelds her Loues consent:
And Gilberd wiued Margaret, to Eithers hearts content.
And Gilberd wiued Margaret, to Eithers hearts content.
410
CHAP. 105.
Fitz-hamon
and his Complices thus hauing broke the Ice,
From England Emulation did Newmarch for Wales intice,
With Armes (as brauely answered of Welsh) did he inuade
The Cautreds three of Brechnock, and thereof a Conquest made:
And married Nest, Nests Daughter, that King Gruffyths Daughter was,
And had a Sonne, Mahel, to whom his great Possessions passe,
A worthy Knight: But Nest, whē was her Husband Newmarch dead,
A too licentious life with one of her beloued lead.
Mahel her Sonne, ill brooking it, fought with and wounded sore
The same his Mothers Paramour, She much inrag'd therefore.
And dares the Primecocks interrupt me in my loue, quoth she?
Or thinks he vnreuenged it shall ouerpassed be?
Forgets he Loue and Ladies to be Relatiues, and those
But bastard Gentries that themselues not amorously repose?
What Gallant almost holds it not the pietie of Clownes
To haue but strict-confined loue in Hymænean bownes?
For Husband, Wife be tired Tearmes, Friend, Seruant courtly sounds.
Who hath not heard amongst the Gods that Mars did Venus court?
Then sentenced, not yet repeald, a tolerable sport:
Penelope is Poëtrie, Lucretia fain'd report.
Doe set her to the Distaffe, Batch, the Milk-paile, and such Chares,
Hath all Attendance, Pleasures, Ease, lies soft, and finely fares,
If these haue no Prerogatiue, nor be Preparatiues
To more than cōmon Courage, for no Saints such Maids or Wiues:
Yet great and wisemen winke thereat, and liue the quieter liues,
For nere the sooner her soule his possesseth he that striues.
Grant must I that our Chaplaines well doe Chastitie commend,
Yet Venall intimate they Lust sith so themselues offend.
At least such as my selfe, not old, and in my Widowhood,
May plead the same in Pardon, or my fault as thus make good:
My Birth and State be greater than I yet a Husband finde,
Meane while I am no Votarie, nor mortifide in minde:
Some, and of Sort, haue been that haue (their wickednes the more)
Euen whilst they liu'd in wedlock plaid hand-ouer-head the whore.
Such neuer I: yet must belie my selfe for such, els how
Should I reuenge me of the Boy that hath abusde me now?
Adde that I wantond wedded, as now widowed, singly this,
And ioyntly this and that will be but nine daies Chat iwis:
And what of little prattle more that to my purpose is?
Audacious Boy, that durst diuulge the amours of thy Mother,
That impudencie, know thou, shall from me beget another,
And to a Sister shall transferre a Births-right from a Brother.
Long I, and ouerlong, haue liu'd if that my Cradle now
Shall be my Tutor, let them that haue Patience it allow:
A Meleagers Mother I my selfe to Mahel vow.
From England Emulation did Newmarch for Wales intice,
With Armes (as brauely answered of Welsh) did he inuade
The Cautreds three of Brechnock, and thereof a Conquest made:
And married Nest, Nests Daughter, that King Gruffyths Daughter was,
And had a Sonne, Mahel, to whom his great Possessions passe,
A worthy Knight: But Nest, whē was her Husband Newmarch dead,
A too licentious life with one of her beloued lead.
Mahel her Sonne, ill brooking it, fought with and wounded sore
The same his Mothers Paramour, She much inrag'd therefore.
And dares the Primecocks interrupt me in my loue, quoth she?
Or thinks he vnreuenged it shall ouerpassed be?
Forgets he Loue and Ladies to be Relatiues, and those
But bastard Gentries that themselues not amorously repose?
What Gallant almost holds it not the pietie of Clownes
To haue but strict-confined loue in Hymænean bownes?
For Husband, Wife be tired Tearmes, Friend, Seruant courtly sounds.
Who hath not heard amongst the Gods that Mars did Venus court?
Then sentenced, not yet repeald, a tolerable sport:
Penelope is Poëtrie, Lucretia fain'd report.
Doe set her to the Distaffe, Batch, the Milk-paile, and such Chares,
Hath all Attendance, Pleasures, Ease, lies soft, and finely fares,
If these haue no Prerogatiue, nor be Preparatiues
411
Yet great and wisemen winke thereat, and liue the quieter liues,
For nere the sooner her soule his possesseth he that striues.
Grant must I that our Chaplaines well doe Chastitie commend,
Yet Venall intimate they Lust sith so themselues offend.
At least such as my selfe, not old, and in my Widowhood,
May plead the same in Pardon, or my fault as thus make good:
My Birth and State be greater than I yet a Husband finde,
Meane while I am no Votarie, nor mortifide in minde:
Some, and of Sort, haue been that haue (their wickednes the more)
Euen whilst they liu'd in wedlock plaid hand-ouer-head the whore.
Such neuer I: yet must belie my selfe for such, els how
Should I reuenge me of the Boy that hath abusde me now?
Adde that I wantond wedded, as now widowed, singly this,
And ioyntly this and that will be but nine daies Chat iwis:
And what of little prattle more that to my purpose is?
Audacious Boy, that durst diuulge the amours of thy Mother,
That impudencie, know thou, shall from me beget another,
And to a Sister shall transferre a Births-right from a Brother.
Long I, and ouerlong, haue liu'd if that my Cradle now
Shall be my Tutor, let them that haue Patience it allow:
A Meleagers Mother I my selfe to Mahel vow.
She, winged thus by Nemesis, soone speeding to the King,
Reueales her owne dishonour, so his liuelihood to wring
From her own Sonne, and weepingly this Cuckoe-Song did sing.
The Victor of Brechina to your Scepter Newmarch dead,
My noble Husband (ah, would I had died in his stead,
She said, as seeming soothly said, her teares did second so)
Did I abuse, and for the Crime this Pennance vnder-goe,
Besides my Conscience-scruple, that my selfe my selfe defame
Before your Highnes, for it now too much imports the same.
Mahel my Sonne (ah, would he were not scandalously such,
But for he is, it is it that so deeply doth me touch)
I bore in Bastardie, and for I therein did amis,
I hold me iustly plagued that my Plague a Bastard is.
I haue a vertuous Daughter by my valerous Husband, She
Inherit should his State: Vouchsafe, my Leage, it so may be.
Reueales her owne dishonour, so his liuelihood to wring
From her own Sonne, and weepingly this Cuckoe-Song did sing.
The Victor of Brechina to your Scepter Newmarch dead,
My noble Husband (ah, would I had died in his stead,
She said, as seeming soothly said, her teares did second so)
Did I abuse, and for the Crime this Pennance vnder-goe,
Besides my Conscience-scruple, that my selfe my selfe defame
Before your Highnes, for it now too much imports the same.
Mahel my Sonne (ah, would he were not scandalously such,
But for he is, it is it that so deeply doth me touch)
412
I hold me iustly plagued that my Plague a Bastard is.
I haue a vertuous Daughter by my valerous Husband, She
Inherit should his State: Vouchsafe, my Leage, it so may be.
Was ministred an oth to her, that swore her sayings true:
From Mahel to his Sister so she great Possessions drew.
This noble lustie Gentleman land-stripped thus and then,
Grew thenceforth shie of Women, and a Timon vnto Men.
The Mother dide in Obloquie, the Daughter wedded was
To Milo. Earle of Hereford, and from their loynes did pas
The Bruses, Bohunes, Staffords, all great Nobles in this Land:
Yet in this Propagation great great Crosses vnderstand:
Of Bruses only now be spoke, sith Wales is now in hand.
From Mahel to his Sister so she great Possessions drew.
This noble lustie Gentleman land-stripped thus and then,
Grew thenceforth shie of Women, and a Timon vnto Men.
The Mother dide in Obloquie, the Daughter wedded was
To Milo. Earle of Hereford, and from their loynes did pas
The Bruses, Bohunes, Staffords, all great Nobles in this Land:
Yet in this Propagation great great Crosses vnderstand:
Of Bruses only now be spoke, sith Wales is now in hand.
CHAP. 106.
William
de-Bruse, of Brechnock Lord, inuited to a feast
Sitsilt, of honourable Birth, and Others not the least
Of South-Wales Gentrie, newly then from armour reconcilde
To this de-Bruse, who brooded hate & hatcht it whilst he smilde.
For whether (which he after fain'd) for slaughtred brother late
Reuenge, or diffrent Sentences in things they then debate,
Were motiues to the Murthers that he acted, was too true
Wrong'd Rites of Hospitalitie on him Heauens vengeance drew.
A signall giuen, his Seruants, arm'd and ambusht to that end,
Slew those his Guests: so dangerous is a Foe reuerst a friend.
Not so content, he posteth to the murthred Sitsilts Place,
And slew his Infant-Sonne before the suppliant Mothers face.
Who, when she saw her louely Babe, whom lately she did hugge,
Whilst that he smiled on her lips or spotted with her dugge,
Sprawle in his guiltles gore, and he that stabbed stabbing still,
She nakt her breast, and said: so much (though not so much so ill)
May here be done, ah, be it done, least leasure serue I pray
That vnto thee and thine, grant God, befall as fowle a Day.
Too too obdurate Sauage, if euen thou thy selfe shouldst see
A Babe of thine bleed as bleeds mine, how might it torture thee?
But bard were thine their Mothers Breasts: from home they strāgers so,
The lesser thou canst apprehend a Parents ioy or wo.
My Nurserie of this in me a doubled Nature bread,
His smiles my Cordales, griefe my gall, death rēders me but dead.
Had he (ah, had he) liu'd I had reciprocally spead.
Wretch, stay, Good stay that stab (he meant a stab) perhaps my teares
May balme those past, for yet me thinks a little life appeares.
O be my God for that poore Good! Sweet hart-root, Mam is here:
Is here? now woe is me that thou of helpe art nere the neere.
No, he is gon, alas h'is gon, yet I liue, liue I? no,
But as a Ghost, at least sweet Babe with thee would I were so,
To be this Tyrants terror till he hence to hell shall goe.
Sitsilt, of honourable Birth, and Others not the least
Of South-Wales Gentrie, newly then from armour reconcilde
To this de-Bruse, who brooded hate & hatcht it whilst he smilde.
For whether (which he after fain'd) for slaughtred brother late
Reuenge, or diffrent Sentences in things they then debate,
Were motiues to the Murthers that he acted, was too true
Wrong'd Rites of Hospitalitie on him Heauens vengeance drew.
A signall giuen, his Seruants, arm'd and ambusht to that end,
Slew those his Guests: so dangerous is a Foe reuerst a friend.
413
And slew his Infant-Sonne before the suppliant Mothers face.
Who, when she saw her louely Babe, whom lately she did hugge,
Whilst that he smiled on her lips or spotted with her dugge,
Sprawle in his guiltles gore, and he that stabbed stabbing still,
She nakt her breast, and said: so much (though not so much so ill)
May here be done, ah, be it done, least leasure serue I pray
That vnto thee and thine, grant God, befall as fowle a Day.
Too too obdurate Sauage, if euen thou thy selfe shouldst see
A Babe of thine bleed as bleeds mine, how might it torture thee?
But bard were thine their Mothers Breasts: from home they strāgers so,
The lesser thou canst apprehend a Parents ioy or wo.
My Nurserie of this in me a doubled Nature bread,
His smiles my Cordales, griefe my gall, death rēders me but dead.
Had he (ah, had he) liu'd I had reciprocally spead.
Wretch, stay, Good stay that stab (he meant a stab) perhaps my teares
May balme those past, for yet me thinks a little life appeares.
O be my God for that poore Good! Sweet hart-root, Mam is here:
Is here? now woe is me that thou of helpe art nere the neere.
No, he is gon, alas h'is gon, yet I liue, liue I? no,
But as a Ghost, at least sweet Babe with thee would I were so,
To be this Tyrants terror till he hence to hell shall goe.
Then casteth she her self vpon her Sonne that breath'd his last:
Nor goler blead his wounds but that her eies shead teares as fast.
Her face admirde for faire, besmeard with blood-mixt teares, did adde
The veiw more tragick: And as she this saying often had,
Reuenge it, Sitsilt, happie yet in absence from this sight,
Bruse said in scoffe she spake too late, his life had bod good night:
And laughing left the Lady such as Niobe for like:
Yet spead her Prayers, him and his God diuersly did strike.
Bruse dide in Exile, his proud wife in Prison, one their Sonne
Was staru'd, another braind as he his head-strong horse or'run:
And of that Progenie throughout, long nobled in Descents,
Our Histories tragediously doe varie hard Euents.
To our Iniustice Iustice thus is God: repent, amend,
Blood-drifters and Oppressors, els Hell, worse than thus, your End.
Nor goler blead his wounds but that her eies shead teares as fast.
Her face admirde for faire, besmeard with blood-mixt teares, did adde
The veiw more tragick: And as she this saying often had,
Reuenge it, Sitsilt, happie yet in absence from this sight,
Bruse said in scoffe she spake too late, his life had bod good night:
And laughing left the Lady such as Niobe for like:
Yet spead her Prayers, him and his God diuersly did strike.
Bruse dide in Exile, his proud wife in Prison, one their Sonne
Was staru'd, another braind as he his head-strong horse or'run:
And of that Progenie throughout, long nobled in Descents,
414
To our Iniustice Iustice thus is God: repent, amend,
Blood-drifters and Oppressors, els Hell, worse than thus, your End.
Chap. 107.
Though to the Kings of England their Deuotion got was much
In Powys, West, and South-Wales, by the English and the Duch:
Yet was our second Henry by a second Rees so plide
(By North-Wales Princes also, thrice that Battell bid and bide)
With Armes and Stratagems, as like did neuer him betide,
From Stephen, or his rebell Sonnes, French, Irish, Scots or any,
Himselfe escaping hardly with the losse of Souldiers many.
Crogen, a Terme vsde in reproch of Welsh-men rather might
Reproch the English, that with them did there defected fight.
Of Henries Armie none approcht that Passage but were kild,
Welsh-Crogen, in memoriall of that Slaughter, therefore hild
A Terme reuengefull, when came Welsh to hand: as who would say,
Like Mercie as at Crogen ours receiued we repay.
And though write some the Welsh, preuail'd more by their Scite thā swords,
Yet Enuies-selfe must grant that Wales had, and braue men affords:
Yea, had not been suborned Wales against it selfe had faild
That England, labouring it so long and dearely, had preuailed.
Great was Prince Owen Gwyneth, but Prince Lewlin Monarke more,
Except King Arthur, none in Wales had greater been before.
From Rufus till first Edwards Raigne North-Wales held England tack,
But then did rather loyall hearts than wonted Prowesse lacke.
Lewlin next to great Lewlins sonne Prince Dauid (Gladis wiude
To Mortimer put-by) then rulde, and much by Armes achiude.
But who against that Ages Mars first Edward might hold-out?
Yet twice this Lewlin held him wag, and thirdly had no doubt,
Had not he bin betraid and slaine at Buelht, a Warrior stout.
Last Prince of very Britons, that from Brute vntill that day
Had, in some part within this Isle, continued regall sway
Two thousand and fiue hundred yeeres, two yeres if taine away.
In Powys, West, and South-Wales, by the English and the Duch:
Yet was our second Henry by a second Rees so plide
(By North-Wales Princes also, thrice that Battell bid and bide)
With Armes and Stratagems, as like did neuer him betide,
From Stephen, or his rebell Sonnes, French, Irish, Scots or any,
Himselfe escaping hardly with the losse of Souldiers many.
Crogen, a Terme vsde in reproch of Welsh-men rather might
Reproch the English, that with them did there defected fight.
Of Henries Armie none approcht that Passage but were kild,
Welsh-Crogen, in memoriall of that Slaughter, therefore hild
A Terme reuengefull, when came Welsh to hand: as who would say,
Like Mercie as at Crogen ours receiued we repay.
And though write some the Welsh, preuail'd more by their Scite thā swords,
Yet Enuies-selfe must grant that Wales had, and braue men affords:
Yea, had not been suborned Wales against it selfe had faild
That England, labouring it so long and dearely, had preuailed.
Great was Prince Owen Gwyneth, but Prince Lewlin Monarke more,
Except King Arthur, none in Wales had greater been before.
From Rufus till first Edwards Raigne North-Wales held England tack,
415
Lewlin next to great Lewlins sonne Prince Dauid (Gladis wiude
To Mortimer put-by) then rulde, and much by Armes achiude.
But who against that Ages Mars first Edward might hold-out?
Yet twice this Lewlin held him wag, and thirdly had no doubt,
Had not he bin betraid and slaine at Buelht, a Warrior stout.
Last Prince of very Britons, that from Brute vntill that day
Had, in some part within this Isle, continued regall sway
Two thousand and fiue hundred yeeres, two yeres if taine away.
Edward, presuming Wales now won, the Welsh-with commō voice
Of any Prince, vnles Welsh borne, protested gainst the choice,
Yea, euen of Edwards-selfe, except amongst them he should liue,
Too well experienced what law by Proxie Princes giue.
Much therefore did in action, more in murmor hence proceed,
Till by this Policie the King did thus his purpose speed.
In Wales he at Carnaruon with his Queene the Winter pas,
Where Edward his first-borne, surnam'd Carnaruō, Welsh-borne was:
The King, conuening then the Welsh, made promise he would name
Vnto their Nation such a Prince as none for ought could blame,
Borne in their Countrie, and could not one word in English say,
Whō gladly, on those Termes, the Lords of Wales swore to obey:
The King thē nam'd his Infant-Sonne, and progrest thēce away.
Hence Englands Heires-apparant haue of Wales bin Princes, till
Our Queene deceast conceald her Heire, I wot not for what skill.
But now may Cambries frollike, for though vertuous many since,
Yet parallel at least the best may their now hopefull Prince:
And theirs is hapt the honour that Brutes triple Diuident
To Locrin, Camber, Albanack, reuerteth whence it went:
For Home-againe to Britons is intired Britaine sent.
Of any Prince, vnles Welsh borne, protested gainst the choice,
Yea, euen of Edwards-selfe, except amongst them he should liue,
Too well experienced what law by Proxie Princes giue.
Much therefore did in action, more in murmor hence proceed,
Till by this Policie the King did thus his purpose speed.
In Wales he at Carnaruon with his Queene the Winter pas,
Where Edward his first-borne, surnam'd Carnaruō, Welsh-borne was:
The King, conuening then the Welsh, made promise he would name
Vnto their Nation such a Prince as none for ought could blame,
Borne in their Countrie, and could not one word in English say,
Whō gladly, on those Termes, the Lords of Wales swore to obey:
The King thē nam'd his Infant-Sonne, and progrest thēce away.
Hence Englands Heires-apparant haue of Wales bin Princes, till
Our Queene deceast conceald her Heire, I wot not for what skill.
But now may Cambries frollike, for though vertuous many since,
Yet parallel at least the best may their now hopefull Prince:
And theirs is hapt the honour that Brutes triple Diuident
To Locrin, Camber, Albanack, reuerteth whence it went:
For Home-againe to Britons is intired Britaine sent.
So inaccessible is Wales, so mountanous, and craggie,
That to refresh my Muse, as els occasioned, Here lagge I,
Only that to Elizabeth hath Office tithed bragge I.
Was neuer Prince affoorded Muse a sweeter subiect then
Her life and Raigne, or Age thereto that apted choicer men.
Yet, as if Perseus mounted on his Pegasus held out
Some Gorgons head, stone-still stand all should go that Taske about.
O that would He might it commaund it recommend vnto
Some Artist, worthie such a worke of Raritie to do!
Moses the Patriarkes, Cæsar did himselfe and others sing,
Stoore like heroick Pennes, and She were pen-worke for a King.
Should then, liefe Lord, your royall-selfe vouchsafe an Ouer-view
Of whomsoeuer arting it, to giue it Species true,
Long after my decease may like (liu'd like) doe like for you:
But howsoeuer, happely Liue, Raigne, your Foes subdue.
That to refresh my Muse, as els occasioned, Here lagge I,
Only that to Elizabeth hath Office tithed bragge I.
Was neuer Prince affoorded Muse a sweeter subiect then
416
Yet, as if Perseus mounted on his Pegasus held out
Some Gorgons head, stone-still stand all should go that Taske about.
O that would He might it commaund it recommend vnto
Some Artist, worthie such a worke of Raritie to do!
Moses the Patriarkes, Cæsar did himselfe and others sing,
Stoore like heroick Pennes, and She were pen-worke for a King.
Should then, liefe Lord, your royall-selfe vouchsafe an Ouer-view
Of whomsoeuer arting it, to giue it Species true,
Long after my decease may like (liu'd like) doe like for you:
But howsoeuer, happely Liue, Raigne, your Foes subdue.
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