The History of Polindor and Flostella :: :: University of Virginia Library

That gaudy'st Time of year, when Mother-Earth
Seems new lyen-in of various Flowry Birth:
When prancks her jolly Cheeks, like tempting Bride,
As though her former Youths Created Pride
Strove thence to intimate: when

Goddisse of flowers

Cloris traces
Curtisan-like the Plains, with all her graces,
Choice Jewells, sweets of Essence; whilst the Sun
(Her Lover) smiles in Beams, does hast to run
Neer course, to court her still; whilst leavy Groves
Resound with chirping Consorts of their Loves,
By th' small Plum'd Minstrelsie: when cheerfull show
(Dim cloudy Vizars gone) pleas'd Heav'ns, bestow
On th' fragrant Earth those Cordiall-showr's, which cherish,
Sweet, suck'ling, milky Dewes: when all things florish.

No sooner had the Larks shrill mounting Waits
Call'd forth their Lady Morn her Eastern Gates

Of Roses, Violets, to take the ayre,
That still might seem to Sol more lovely, faire;
Dropping her molten Pearls as favours on
The under-gazing Mortall: when anon
Behold upon those faire Eoian Plains
Two hundred Nymphs, two hundred Shepheard-Swains
(Those Activ'st of th' Arcadian youth, prime flower)
Each tracing from their severall Country-Bower,
Quick Risers all: Nymphs on that solemn day
Prov'd early Houswifes too, but loytring, play
Was all (intruth) they rose for; and to grace

God of Shepheards.

Pan's Festivall the more, each Rurall face
Comes in its moving'st best Dress, beautify'd
(To th' view) with most fine, witty, careless Pride:
All's Quaint and neat, those curious Freaks thought vain;
Skin, wounding feature's here; True Beauty, plain:
As Nature would to th' erring World be known
Not fond profuse to gayer Courts alone.

Let it suffice, Some were transcendent-faire,
And might please liquorish Princes tast: Nor are
Those lovely Shepheard-boyes at all behind
In Natures flowing Bounties, who, to find
Their bright-cheek'd Virgin-loves, with wandring joy
O're-rang'd the silken Vale: when, those less coy
(Some gentler Shees) by cunning Ignorance,
Or willing kind of stray, like purpos'd Chance
First light on them: Met, both did joyntly prove
All those delights Ingenious, yet chast, Love
Could think on, Youths repast of mirth and pleasure:
Play'd, talk'd, kiss'd, woo'd, or danc'd around by Measure
The faire, green Plushy Soyl, which Carpet seem'd
With Flowers, as Heav'n with Stars enrich'd, begem'd.

But here, Record, amidst this Rustick pile
Hath chanted one to Fame, one, whom they stile

(Throughout) The Youth Polindor, who excell'd;
As their Swains Prince, unmatch'd, unparalell'd:
Arcadias sparkling Di'mon, then whose Cheek
The Rose less choicely faire, less soft and sleek
Might prove the downy'st Peach. His conquering Eyes
Seem'd born to Victory, ordain'd their Prize
Troops of captived Virgins; lovely'st Blazes
There shone, bright Beauty-mint, whose worth surpasses
That common vulgar croud, Beams, more out-going
Young Court-bred Stars: Lips, meet for Venus wooing:
Each feature, limb, would Love-dart shower affoar'd,
Sham'd the Moons

Endimion.

Darling-shepheard, in a word.
His bright-brown Locks, and full, in many a Curl
(Their waggish Anticks those) like trembling Purl
Play'd on his comely'st Shoulders; whom the Wind
Us'd oft, as Play fellow, to twine untwin'd
In loytring sport, whilst kiss'd them Nymphy train:
These were Heart-guives, to view, though sadly enchain
Th' o're-yeilding Females, some whereof have neer
Pin'd to the mournfull Urne: Mayds vainly here
Vow'd gentle Homage, since th' unamorous Youth
Shun'd those weak-passion'd flames, in sober truth
Would not brook Love, rebell'd: though else of Soul
Brave, nobly'st-ray'd; that lofty aspiring Scroul
Of Honour, Virtue, never worthier bore,
Nor ere Young years more radiant lustre wore:
In brief, the Rurall, Græcian wonder crown'd.
Green Tafty-role, like wreathed Shash, went round
His gallant head, whose Top rays'd towring, high;
Whilst from that Role (more careless, gracefully)
Both ends made dangling Flap: The Robe he wore
(Buskins) green Taffaty, clasp'd down before
With long, but flowr'd Plate-buttons; and, where fac'd,
That Spring-like green, joyn'd Isabella grac'd.

Such was the Swain: Of all those Youngsters, gone
For past-time, sports. He, Mateless found alone
(Since so Reserv'd, desir'd none) steals away,
In part offended with their loving Play,
Tow'rd VESTA vale, remote from whence there blew
Fine, pleasant, spicy-breathing Gales, to view
Choice Madam spring: whose Champaign-tresses, face
How (wandring) seem'd t' approve! beyond the grace
Of Womans daintier cheek, best Lip or Eye!
Could glance upon May-flowers cheaper die,
Field-beauties, whilst appear'd but blind to those
True, living, speaking ones, whose Armes inclose
Grand Joyes of life. Gaze past one pleasing while
He'd prove his silver'd Bow, then, to beguile
Slow-footed hours, some Philosophick Book
Holds friendly wise discourse; then, by th' curl'd Brook
Couch'd down in sobrest Musings, till again
Trod Court-lik'st Measures o're the flowry Plain.
Last, Sung; best-tuned Voice! whilst wanton part
Chants th' Ayr-bred Eccho, mock'd him (or his art
Would fond-ly'st imitate) at which he smiles:
Ah, lovely'st Youth, by some styl'd churl the whiles!
To shun fair beauteous Maids, although invited,
With th' Eccho, thine own Shade, Brooks, Trees delighted!
Ensuing years may make thee wish declin'd
This sereous Coyness, and then weep thee Blind;
When th' anger'd Cupids Justice liv'st to see,
Those whom thou Lov'st, ith' end may not love thee.

By this, th' All-circling Sun had posted o're
His Morning-stage, those fi'ry-breathed Four
Well slak'd, his wing'd-foot Steeds; when Southern bait
Of Nectar took, drives on his Chariot strait.
What time our young Polindor, faintish grown
Through Noons ore-bounteous blazings, glanced on

From Vestas Vale, th' adjoyning Vestall Grove;
Fresh-plumed, fair, with whose tall Shades in Love
(Since seem'd thick Leavy Fortress, brav'd (to th' eye)
Whole Storms of darted Beams) the Youth drawes nigh
And entred strait: 'twas bold attempt, if found,
High Crime determin'd; yet the fenced Bound
O're-past, he enters: when, what various store
Of Beauties throng'd his Eye (which seem'd before
Bulk-lost as 'twere, o're clouded) ravishing;
It shone chief Bower plantation for the Spring.
On Youth, refresh thy sences, since a Grove,
Flower, pearly-cheeked Fount ingross thy Love.

The Form was thus: 'Twas neatly'st all cut out
In fine, green, mossie Roads; some seem'd to flout
The Day-light, cover'd close, whilst others show
Skies prospect, open-roof'd; straight pointing go
All tow'rds the Midst, that meant their Center-station,
Save what went winding round, Theatrick-fashion:
Between, small Thicks repos'd; though here and there,
Wild Flowry spaces left, which seem'd t' appear
With petty Garden-pride. He view'd (transported)
The Bowry Maze; whilst round (as though th' had courted
Dull Shades to mirth) joy'd Silvan Songsters ring.
Birds thank'd, with gloomy Trees, whose courteous wing
Mock'd Phœbus growing Choler, on he pries;
Till (lastly) ith' midst small dainty'st Plain descries;
Compos'd most Orb-like round, where Riv'let wanders,
Dancing in Figures still (rare strange Meanders)
To over-look the Spring, some two Foot broad;
Whose purest Chrystall Golden Sands or'e-flow'd,
With Shells of Mother of Pearl; art so designing:
Ith' midst was Temple, beauteous Mansion shining:
Though here and there, fine Prospect-bower, Stand
Thin-tufted o're the Place, whose next, attain'd,

He pausing breath'd awhile, beheld the Court
Where

Goddess of chastity.

Vestas vow'd

Heathen Nuns

Train, Mayds of honor sport.

The partly intranced Youth, whose Soul through's eye
Seem'd stray'd awhile (as 'twere) some churlish Spy
Now fear'd, Awaks, & scouts again from hence
Back tow'rd th' adjoyning Grove, with heedy sence,
As lik'd best clouds of shelter, wanton Ayre
Whilst sporting toy'd with his Beloved haire,
Would fan his Rosie cheeks: when softest Noyse
Stole to his curious Eare, whether 'twas Voyce
That talk'd, that sung, complain'd, or what, not knowing;
Thus followes it; till now, much dearer growing,
'Twas tun'd to sound of Pleasure, brought thus far,
And dandled nicely'st by th' ore-joyed Ayre
Since loath to lose. Polindor hug'd it close
Like th' Ears chief darling, Jewell, listening goes;
'Till now far stronger, sweeter those Shades passing:
Hast, might spoyle all, undo; when softly'st tracing,
Least hurt Leafe should complain, has timely found
The Place, thin-planted Hedge, whence floated round
This soveraign Musick, of Lute Voyce compos'd:
Where conjur'd oft to Faith (least be disclos'd)
Those Twilight glim'ring Shades, does lye and heare;
Chain'd all his idler Sences fast to's Eare,
That crown'd the worthy'st. What e're stirring spies
He thinks Inspir'd (just then) with th' Harmonies
Of that Voyce, heavenly Lute; or if at pause
Leaves quiver'd, 'twas their kinder Clap, applause.
He wondred oft, to heare th' whole shady Round
So whist and silent, not the least bold sound
From any o're-sawcy chirping Bird, th' are dumb,
Pearch'd like her Schollars close; to sweetest whom
Best Sounds migh't seem but rude-noys'd; whilst the Swain
Same pow'rfull Voyce intranc'd, reviv'd again.

The Song was thus

1

Away, toyish Love-delights,
Fancy-show'rs,
Fleeting as the ayre, or hours,
Wherein sooth'd Girles appetites:
Froathy bubbles,
Thralls, though faire,
False sweets they are;
Dream't Joyes, waking whiles their Troubles.

2

Lifes abuse, and Reasons too,
Cheats they be:
Fondlings, Bruits your partners see
Ith' same sensuall Mess with you;
Which discovers
As does prove
Your Boy-god Love,
You are Blind, before turn'd Lovers.

3

Welcome dearest Mayden state,
Let my Soul
Here all other Loves controul,
Court thy beateous Union, that:
Pure, untainted,
Free alone
Your Bliss is known,
Whilst our Selves nor Wills transplanted.
Let's then twine,
Fold, imbrace 'fore Vestas Shrine;
Joyes the Issue be, Divine.

This done, Birds practise seem'd, in warbling Song
Thank'd their faire Teacher, Mistress: whilst thus long

Our Youth o're-hears, admires, is griev'd at his
Short-lived Sweet, concludes, chast

Heathen Nun.

Vestall 'tis.
Seem'd now with new Desires possest, inflam'd,
To view those very Lips, those Hands that fram'd
These choice refin'd sounds; thinks, she must be Fair,
Whose voice and touch so powerfull charming are.
Beware fond Youth (of seeing more coy) be wise;
If so enamour'd with her Voice, the Eyes,
Lips, Hands will kill thee. Thus with gentlest paces
Like foft Ayre round he goes, through thinnest places
Darting his Beamy sight, till (O blest chance!)
Finding the Door, first fortunatest glance
Sooth'd his Hearts big-swoln longings, sav'd his Eyes:
Most glorious Form, divine, he there espies;
Best Face might cheap, but Sun-burnt too't appear:
Natures whole Beauty-stock seem'd lavisht there,
And she undone; of whom be't boldly sayd,
Fame might turn gasping, breathless, Poets mad
Ere sound her Prayses forth: The Sight would move
Gods to cross pensive Armes (he thought) to love,
And court like fondest Suitors, whilst weak Men
Wonder'd themselves to Stones: no marvell then,
If our chang'd Youth so dearly magnifies
His lovely'st Object, now's become all Eyes.
But take heed bold presumptuous Youth, least find
Through longer Gaze, thou do'st prove stupid blind.

She plainly appear'd a Vestall, one of those
Wilfully ruin'd Mayds, whose tempers chose
That Virgin-thraldome, chain, past all relief;
Cold frozen Girles (though know thus much, in brief,
Her Mind out-ray'd her Body, beauteous Heaven
That last might seem, this first, divine Spark even
Oth' great Heav'n-dweller; one of that nere-woo'd
Coy Sisterhood, the rare Flostella show'd.

Who 'midst those beams of Noon, had lonelie stray'd:
To Vestas silver Fount, there (purest Mayd)
Nought fearing Ambush'd Eyes from head to foot
Disrob'd her dainty'st Limbs, seeming to shoot
New light into those gloomy Shades, as though
Some other Morn were risen from below
('Bout Noon) though this more fair soon you'd have thought her
Some bright-cheek'd, pearly-skin'd Nymph of the water.
Close by, with gold and silver Tufts, intwin'd,
Low'r silk Robe, Purple Satin Mantile shin'd.

The Fount was thus; 'twas formed large long-square;
Or'e th' midst whereof Gold massie pillars bare
Carv'd Cov'ring, frame (though th' ends left open wide)
On th' top sate crowned Neptune, drawn with pride
In's grand Shell-Chariot, Sea-horses both;
And so th' unquiet water, vext to froath
By rare Art, pass'd their slucy mouths, as though
Foam knawing the churlish Bit. Beneath did flow
Fine, little, wavie Ocean; and at those
Four sev'rall corners, four curl'd Tritons rose
On Dolphins backs, whence spouted all below
Streams from their Trumps, and mouths, 'twas heightned show,
Through lively'st colours, Gold. At either end,
Forth of the Fount, Rocks wildly did ascend,
Arts rugged Fabricks;

Same with Vesta.

Dian plac'd in one
Bathing, with coyest troop; Acteon grown
Fair-fork'd (behind) for his presumptuous Prying.
Mermayds that other Rock seem'd beautifying,
Playing on Harps; whilst 'bove the Crystall stream
Fish from those hollow'd Crags did sprouting seem
Their heads and bodies forth; thin watry Show'r
Thrown from their Cliffie tops, like Arched Bow'r,
Quite o're those Nymphy persons. Round the place
Went smaller-fashion'd Rayl, where, more to grace,

Stood lively'st carv'd Beasts, rampant Guard to th' Fount.
Without, on either side, green lovely Mount
O're-peer'd the Grove, whose stayres were beautify
With dainty'st gilded Rayls, where perching spy'd
Carv'd Fowl; though, smaller Birds, whole plumed throng
The top shew'd Bowr'd in Consort. VVho not long
Survay'd the copious Place, might think't some new
Small-coyn'd Creation, and the Goddess view
Bathing ith' Fount: whose beauteous World one while
Our Youth beholds with wanton, pleasing smile,
Then, looks of boundless Wonder; strong perswasion,
If any ere, this Flesh claym'd Adoration.

Eyes, colour'd black, whose pure Life-rayes
Mock'd the poor Di'monds sickly blaze,
As gaspings to 'em, dull to Sence;
Joy, Vitall spirits sparkling thence,
And shot into th' Beholders show:
Bright'st rouling Worlds! how mistick too!
In whose full Globes, Night, Day's intwining;
All-black, all-faire at once, combining:
On Earth so much of Heav'n espy'd,
They seem'd already Glorify'd.
Whose Black can shame the Eye of Noon,
And dazle that all-dazeling Sun
(At least with Loving wonder) so
Thought the rapt Amorist: when grow
New thoughts, that these faire Shades by Heaven
As dark Veyles, mild allays were given,
Least else their Glories blind our Sight;
Though kill most sweetly through this Night:
For who's so struck by that faire Eye
(Unblest, blest) wish still so to Dye.
Light's Fountains (onely) th' are, whose Ray
Kindles the Morn, recruit the Day.

Eyes whom th' whole World can nought present
Choice like themselves, though Prospect lent
Natures whole Picture-house, grand Scean;
Past, present Eyes, Sun, Stars, but mean
Types of this Beauty, coorse Draughts; th' one
Since model'd th' others Peer alone:
Which Nature shewes her but by Glass,
To prompt thanks for so rare a Grace;
And that, as blessing Men, they might
Themselves too with themselves delight.
In brief, sweet'st Maps of Heav'n bestowing;
Visions oth' future glory showing.
He thought, there Loves Artil'ry lay,
Choice Magazin, whence th' Ordnance play
With bright'st Looks, lightnings: Virtue there
Shone too; but O! these Blazings were
To burn, not warm: Who (silly Fly)
Playes with those Fires too long, must dye
Their Martyr; for, though in each Part
Love sits, yet, has forgot her Heart.
Unhappy'st, Fayrest ones! Eyes, ever
Made to be Lov'd, but to Love never!

Her Forehead, high-rays'd, even, 'twas Sky
Spread most majestick; Throne (to th' Eye)
Of State to Beauty: Bar t' arraign
O're-saucy bolder thoughts, must feign
Frown though, Smile lightning through't: Good Heaven!
So lovely part, for Cloystring given!

Then strait, his New world wandring Eye
Coasts on her Cheek, of so rich Die,
Prime colours, pure, as Nature chose
The height, Transcendent part of those
In common Cheeks; had planted there
Fresh, lasting, sweet Spring: Lillies where,

With bashfull Roses ever blowing;
Her Eyes their Sunny beams bestowing.
Here th' Graces, and here oft would lye
Love's Wag, made wanton by her Eye,
Tumbling himself. O, that such Roses
Should never grow to make Love-poses!

Then pleas'd those rare-shap'd Lips, that bury
Loves first Repast, first joyes; the Cherry
Look'd but pale to'em, the Rubie too:
Prime Modells, clos'd, transporting view;
But when, through Smiles disclos'd to Sence,
What new-coyn'd Graces ravish'd thence!
New shapes! their Beauties multiplying
Through Speech, though Death then spoke, Denying.
Choice Heav'n-preserves, whose Sweet-meats lasting,
Unspent; nor Surfet fears the Tasting;
One would for ever Kiss, seal sweet
Heart-pledges: Their Live-Marmulet
So cordiall thought, our Youth's of mind
One Kiss, were Seav'n daies food refin'd:
Nay more, Conceits, 'twould give new Fire
To frozen, num'd Old-age; inspire
Soules into Dead men; Spice, perfumes
Cheap to their Breath, which neer presumes
Would purge away Plagues. Las! that none
Must kiss such Lips, save Mayds alone!

Her dainty'st-rising Nose, so white,
Fine-shap'd, 'twas modell'd to Delight;
Compos'd to th' wish: Chin! rare the Grace!
'Twas Chin most fit for such a Face;
Yet both Live-bury'd though: Ill cost!
Such precious Works made to be lost!

Her silken Haire in many a Brede,
Coronet-like, adorn'd her Head;

Some loose Curles wantonized though,
Cheek, Neck, and Shoulders heightning so,
No gaudy Beamings, these, nor Wire
Of Gold, which some chief Poets admire
(And love to gild their Verse withall)
'Twas Brown; The noblest, best of all;
Most comely, sweet: Polindor swears
'Twas Best, if onely 'cause 'twas Hers:
Dim Shadow by that fair Sun made,
Yet lovely too though but a Shade.
Upon whose Top rich Phœnix shone
(Like Vestals chast Badge) diamon.
Loves Ambush, lo; O, ne're be't told,
Such Hayrs should wither and grow old,
Under chast Virgin-vow; since Strings
For Cupid's Bow: fit breads for Kings.

Low'st stands her Neck, Love's stately'st Fort;
Fit gallant Pillar to support
That breathing Heav'n: so purely white,
Bow hers, to this great Juno might,
With Leda: Clime, where Lillyes, Snow
Shew'd Summer-winter, mistick so.
Upon this glorious Machine mov'd
All those prime Graces Mortalls lov'd.
Di'mons, there blest (to th' Fancies eye)
Shew'd sparkling Joy since plac'd so nigh,
Whilst Men excluded are. Ill done,
Fond Nature, gav'st this to a Nun!

Next shone those Brests, which sweetly aspire,
As still would nurse that Babe Desire,
So swelling, plump; how waving flow,
Like Streams when gentlest Gale does blow,
Dimpling their Cheek! These he supposes
The Love-god's loved Mounts, whence loses
His Arrowes oft in wanton play
At randome: Milkie path there lay,

Love's walk of Pleasure: if again
In's Swadling-cloaths, sure he'd have layn
There Cradled, and have slumber'd on
Those Pillowes, downy-smooth; else none:
For, coldest Greenland-mounts they prove,
Snow-regions, which still frieze to Love.

Her Armes like Twins, in loving fold,
Playd with each other oft; of Mold
Excelling, purest-white; where spy'd
Pearl, Envie-pale, by th' Wrists out-vy'd.
So lovely, that all Praise dispraises;
Sure Nature meant them for Embraces:
Armes fit to squeeze forth Soules (as 'twere)
Through rapture-joyes, Intrance them there:
Who would not ever Pris'ner live
Within these Armes? his freedome give
For so faire Keepers, fairest Grate?
But not to Kings belongs this Fate:
For these dear Armes ne're any other
Seem born t' embrace, but one another.

Her dainty'st curious Hands (a Payr
Love's Mother envy'd) matchless are;
Queens nicer hands seem'd foule to these
And unwash'd: Azure Veins, he sees,
Like beauteous Founts still wandring o're
White banks of Lillies, or some floar
Of Alablaster: These Hands, fram'd,
Natures Mold lost he deems, or maim'd.
Thinkes, their Diviner touch would rout
Diseases, raise both Palsey, Gout
To Gallyards (Frenzies charm'd down) stroak
The Panther tame, so faire a Yoak.
Las! that such Hands should ere desire,
To bear about chast Vestall fire!

Now, lower-wading still, discover'd
Her fine-composed Wast, where hover'd

Th' enamour'd Stream; does wreath't as 'twere
In sportive loving folds; so clear,
Dainty-shap'd, silken, Happy those
So wealthy an Arm-full born t' inclose!
Zodiack that blisfull World, with more
Prime worth, then th' Great one held before.
O Cupid let not such a Wast
Be onely by cold Maides imbrac't.

Our Youth's transforming, scarce thus far, till now,
E're contemplated Woman; on thy Brow
Worse fate's ingrav'd; better that poysonous skill,
She-worlds discovery th' hadst waved still,
Then ne're t'ore-come by Conquest, quench thy fires:
Though not seen All, the Youth all loves, desires.
Dire, saddest Truth! too spightfull'st Destiny!
Vext Cupid long since from her flaming Eye
(Love's-forts) had split his Heart, although of stone;
Behold a Rock most eager Lover grown;
And, which stupendious Miracle would prove
To th' wondring Plains, Polindor now in love.

He thought, he never saw Heavens wisdome, power,
Earths glory truly Blaze, before that hour;
Ne're Woman saw worth Sighing-breath, or passion,
Till view'd this Princess, Queen of the creation.
That Man deem'd Favourite, minion of his Stars,
Who's mark'd for these transcendent Blessings, shares
The Love-god's inmost heart, whom he had scorn'd;
Though now (too late Repentant) sighing mourn'd:
Yet hopes, Shape so divine, his After-story
Might yet make blest, Pitty's great Heaven's glory.
But what could this new hopefull Fancy give,
Strangled (alas) soon as 't begun to live?
He ponder'd she's a Sacred

Sworn chast.

Vestal, who
Never must stoop to Love. Go, rather wooe
Some marble, female Statue, love a Tree;
Or court the Northern Ice, then stupid she

Far, far more supple, melting: sigh to th' Wind,
To th' deaf, tumultuous Wave, they'l eccho kind
Of sad noyse, Mourn again; weep, melt thee o're
Th' hard Adamantine rock, 'twill pitty more.

And thus, our Love-transfixed Youth's half slain
By Cupid's wounding Wrath, must love in pain:
Could tug Seav'n years at th' Oare, as Gally-slave;
Sweat, grind their Horses Mills; or in some Cave
Lye chain'd from Phœbus Light; as many daies
Like wandring Goat on th' bleakest Mountains graze:
Racks kiss'd, Strapadoes smil'd on, Ten deaths pain,
If but t' enjoy this Fayr might live again.
Could curse those Traytor-eyes, did first conspire
To his undoing, let in Ravenous fire
To burn his Tinder-heart; yet, dares not though,
Least he should curse the Heavenly Object so.
He blam'd her sadly'st oft, since, so abus'd
Kind Nature's bounteous love, such Gifts unus'd
She'd wilfull Vestalls servitude prefer
(Las! poor, distress'd, Forlorn! thou chid'st in her
What prov'd thine own Crime) still, the more he gazes,
More wonders strike, new Beauteous hoord amazes;
And the more View'd, the more each deadly kills:
Thinks These those former Sweets, impossibles
T' obtain; like plundring th' heavenly Stars to wear
For Gems, or th' silver Moon snatch'd from her sphear:
Who can arrest the Thunder? tamely ride
Sol's Burning Steeds? th' hot-womb'd Granades bestride!
Or grasp coy-bosom'd Lightning? Thus, grown stiff,
He drooping faints, and through Despairing grief
(Such Grief, as seemed to confound, devour
All Joy, life-spirits both, that Fatall hour)
Falls deadly Intranced on the Hallow'd ground.
See (gentle Reader) prostrate here is found
Great Beauties, and great Loves joyn'd triumph too;
That petty, boyish God, whose single Bow

Can humble proudest Kings, and which alone
Awes th' Universe; it self o're-aw'd by None:
Sight dismall, nor o're-strange, Rare mistick prove
Th' effects of Young, transporting, hopeless Love.

The mov'd Leaves russl'd, when th' unarmed Mayd
(Soon frighted) starts withall, thinks she's betray'd
By some close-lurking Eye; through modest shame
Fear, hasting forth those watry Bounds; does blame
Those busie, troublous Streams, since hold too long:
Who, more she strives against, in Amorous throng
Clung 'bout her danty'st Wast, and shackled Feet;
Too hasty Fear (alas) while caus'd forget
What most she wish'd to hide: turn'd, off the Blushes,
And (lowest Garment slipped on) forth rushes
Th' inclosing, leavy Fence: Fain would she see
What 'twas, yet fears beholding: Thus, as she
Nigh th' very Entrance glanc'd, she spies indeed
One lying there, which gave wings to her speed;
But Fear soon causing her glance sweetly back,
Sh' observ'd him lye still, quiet. Prithee slack
Thy course, Coy Girl, what needs this squeamish hast?
Return; las! here are None pursue so fast.

Looking yet more, th' Face upwards, she perceiv'd
Him wondrous wan and Pale, like one bereav'd
Of life, Souls dearest guest; now frighted more,
She thought to trip it faster then before:
Till strongest pious Charity agen
Set her at gentle Gaze, since not to Men
(At all) but Lovers cruell; pitties Throne
Blaz'd in her heavenly Eye; she look'd upon
The mournfull, prostrate Object, and conceives
'Twas but some slumbring Trance, for 'mongst the leaves
She heard one tumbling fall; and should he Perish,
Whom Wholesome-breathing pains (perhaps) might cherish
To active Life agen? she observ'd him Young,
And therefore to base Furies, lustfull wrong

Unpractis'd, innocent: thinks now, if e're,
Her dainty'st Modesty might venture here.
Thus, backward trac'd the Girl, oft sweetly dying
Her Cheeks (best Blushing paint) till now espying
Newer fears, she turn'd about; wind-shaken Leafe,
Her own Foot, silken Garment scar'd, as if
He then stir'd, rouz'd for Action: till again
Pity surpriz'd her Steps (nor now in vain)
Pleads, brings her quite back. Doubtfull Nymph, thou must;
For here's thy Love slain Martyr, and 'tis just,
He live again, but by thy powerfull Hand,
Whose Eye first wounding kill'd, if truly scan'd:
Though, if thou knew'st so much, I shreudly feare,
Timerous Disdain would leave him Dying there.

Fain would she have veyl'd her silver Waste, within,
But Cruelty, hard Heart's ignobler sin
Then naked Waste, Life loudly sum mon, on
Therefore (though trembling, pale, least thus alone
Found with a Man) She comes, she comes: discryes
Much sweetness even in Death, whose gloomy eyes
Though Curtain'd, clos'd, yet his fair Cheek and Lips
Flash'd glim'ring Beauty forth, in this Eclipse:
His Graces still would hold triumphant station,
Still lovely shew, though chang'd their former Fashion.

She lik'd her ventur'd Pains the better now,
With pritty'st Motion, slight does wreathing bow
Th' o're-stubborn Body oft; then rub'd his Cheeks,
And chaf'd his Temples, all kind Magick seeks
To rouze Lethargick life: would now and then
Give him smart wakening Box, till rub'd agen
His drowsie Temples, sprinkling o're the face
(Charm-like) cold Fountain-water, neer the place.
Stout, female Task: till now did seem t'appeare
Soft Motion in each part, by turns, as 'twere
Some freshly Inspired, Rays'd; such sort, as though
The new Soul-Tenant, wandring to and fro,

Travers'd its beauteous Lodgings, she the Power
Infusing it. Or like some Watch (what hour
Woon up) those choicest Wheels, how nicely move
In punctuall order! so Life seem'd t' improve
This rare shap'd Engin, body, rouz'd it so.
Blood comes in hast, with Tide-like over-flow
Entred his crimson'd Cheeks, as 'twere to view
This fair Physitian thence; fresh Roses grew
Strait on his June-like Lips: And now, behold,
Those mournfull Ivory lids begun t' unfold
Their cloystred Lights; as if th' ore-joyed Soul
Knew 'twas Flostella's face, so, gently stole
T' enform his slumbering Eyes, that else had ne're
Awoke; nor deign'd to view the Heavenly Sphear.
O Love's strange powerfull Influence, divine!
Flostella might observe from thence to shine
Ten thousand beauties, such, as would imply
The Love-god's play-fellow, or boldly'st vye
For Venus curled Minion, in the place
Of young Adonis slain: Prime modell 'twas
For male-perfection, lo; The Nymph approv'd,
Lik'd all (intruth) she saw, though nothing lov'd.

And now, her Business done, seeing reviv'd
Her hopefull Patient, yet, as 'twere Dream-liv'd;
She makes no curious Pratling stay, to know
What, whence he was; how came surprized so;
Or beg poor vulgar Thanks, but strait was flying.
When, lo, th' amazed Youth (as soon espying
That 'twas Flostella, that one beauteous Mayd
'Bove all the World he lov'd) prevented, stay'd
Her subtle flight, as if indeed with her
His vaporous Soul had fled: with loving Fear
Inthrall'd, detain'd, and such mild, gentle force
As nice young Fondlings often do (by course)
Their caught Birds; rapt, transported much, to see
His regent Star so neer, that onely She,

Sweet killer, should sweet, sweetest Saver prove:
Rare, signall Omen! Thus then breaths his Love.

Beauties fair Queen, or of those awfull Powers
Hant Rivers, plumed Groves; of sweetest Flowers
Sweet'st, fragrant Goddess; or, what style's your due
(More then Earth-lovely, good) I humbly sue,
You'l not leave charg'd with foul ignoblest Crime
Your bounden Patient thus; but deign some time,
To thank you for an Almes so obliging great
As was my precious Life: I beg, intreat
You'l not yet go. The chast Flostella could
Have shewn some Virgin-anger here, controul'd
With higher check, disdain her new-sprung Lover,
But that she's rarely Sweet; nor little move her
Mild count'nance, garb, her Young Surprizer sees
So humble and Vassayl-like, upon his knees,
When he might force: yet (prone to Mayden fear)

Desist, rash, ventrous Youth (said she) forbear
To court your pleasing Ruin; do you know
Whom hold inthralled Pris'ner thus? let go;
For I'm of th' Virgin-troop, that never must
Be soyl'd by man: Touch often's Baud to Lust.
For Thanks, those trifling Scruples spare, remove;
What boldness 'twas to range this hallow'd Grove,
Place sacred? mock, provoke the angry Brow
Of Heaven-born Vesta thus? though joyntly now
My self stand deeply expos'd. The sadder Swain
Pleads ignorance; does strongly beg again.
When, drest with frownings now, She pray'd, Forbear;
Or she'l cry out aloud, A Ravisher.

Who now can think, what dismall Gulphy straits
Seiz'd our pale Amorist? on each hand waits
Dire Ruin: if holds his beloved Fayr,
And she cry out for help, the Ravisher
By Law must Dye; if 'lets her go, bereaven
Of his Soul's vitall bliss, his joy, his heaven,

Like Doom would follow: Griev'd he seems to lose
So rich a Magazin, yet scarcely knowes
How safe to hold it though, least thence should prove
Blown up: Hold (whispring cries) despairing Love

Like some poor Wretch, whom gen'ral Wrack has given
To th' boysterous greedy Wave, in that swarm even
Of fears, deaths, horrours, if but hap'ly chanc'd
On some kind broken Board, by billowes danc'd,
Some floating wooden Shore (as 'twere) full dearly
Hugs that new Rescuer: as close, as neerly
This to Flostella clave: her precious Feet
How kiss'd! her flowing Garment! does omit
No piteous, moving spell. My cruell Fayr
(Sayd he) I am no lustfull Ravisher,
Your humblest Bond-man, lo; far be't you should
Suffer the least Thought-rape, much less be foul'd
By looser Act of his a Virgin mind
As truly Chast as yours, although more kind.
I love, so Brothers also; but protest,
Pure heats of Turtles warm inflame this Brest:
And if such sin to love, Gods themselves were
Fam'd often Sinners; nay, what's more, severe
They'd prove, unwise to boot, since sweetest This
Chief Joy and Being both to th' Creature is:
Their Worlds supporting prop; Sphears kindly infold
Each other, th' Earth 'bout dearest Center roul'd:
Nay, your Sweet'st heavenly Self part-guilty deem'd,
Whose Eyes (with pardon) th' Angel-tempters seem'd;
Cheeks, Lips so charm-like fayr, divine, All-moving:
O blame those (Dearest) blame not me for Loving!

One kiss he beg'd, which coyer She denies,
Chast virtuous anger in her globy Eyes
Oft sweetly Lightning; then, faint, piteous Look
Seem'd Dawning forth, as though unkindness took
To be so us'd: Cry'd, He was most ingrate,
Thus t' hold encumber'd her that prov'd so late

Te him so kind. Th' heart-wounded Youth reply'd;
'Twas fairest, sweetest She, for whom he Dy'd;
And now should Dye again, if coyer she
So soon Abandon'd him: what Cruelty
To kill what's her own Creature! with delight
(As 'twere) destroy her first Work! Rare the sight,
Had you beheld! Both seemed Peremptory,
Both in part yeild: The Nymph would go, though sorry
Loth to exclaim; The Youth would hold his Hold,
Yet fear'd she might so: Sadness, to unfold!
Strange curse of Fate! yet beg'd he She'd bestow
But one Salute: the more she striv'd to go,
(Since that Salute might (seen) caus'd dangerous Ire,
Offence, breed wanton Spawn at least, desire)
The more he pleaded still, since growing now
To th' utmost Point; sad speech, with saddest Brow!
Many a Plump, mournfull, solitary Tear
(By turns) whilst rouled forth, th' Eyes Blood (as 'twere)
Late Wounded, struck by hers; Pale-colour'd though:
Or nimble, harmless Stratagem, if so
By suppling Tears could melt, what pray'rs could not,
Her Marble temper'd hard heart. True-love Grot
Th' whole Cheeks appear'd, whilst thus be-pearled o're,
Or drooping Rose-buds when some Sunny show'r
Hath christall'd them; for why (though seem'd of late
Full-spread) those Roses through disastrous Fate
Now shrunk to Buds appear'd. At length, dumb grown
Through swelling sorrow, Sighs were wildly blown
In stead of words, Grief (as 'twere) throng-like breaking
Th' half-framed Breath; till Sighs their Language speaking
(Strange View!) with such, so pretty kind of sad
Languishing Eye (by turns) the too coy Mayd,
Then Heaven next, beholding, as if He
Accused both; said, Fayrest, can it be
You are so monstrous cruell? does ev'n move
Close pantings in her Brest, since so rare Love

So wretch'd to boot; which She th' unhappy cause,
Could not then well redress: Thus, without pause
(So timerously chast) She bids let go,
Or swears she'l cry out. When, with throngs of Wo
Heart-storm'd at once, as if Skie-cannon struck,
Heard Mandrakes killing Groans (unus'd to brook
Such stranger Love-fits) down he falls again
Like batter'd Fortress, ruine, whilst Disdain
Crown'd Victor prov'd: his faintest Spirits, breath
Seem'd Plunder'd, sack'd; Face bore those Armes of Death
(Sad, dire Relapse!) whose mournfull Banner now
Set up blaz'd perfect Conquest on his Brow.

Alas! that nicer she (too Cruel-chast)
Had rather precious Life then one Kiss wast!
Be styl'd a Murtheress, then once be sayd
Sh' had kiss'd a Man! the Nymph though sadly weigh'd,
Worse Ills might follow it. Her bolder stay,
That Wrong's revenged full, now, now she may
Go when she please (alas) for here are None
T' affront, save fixed Trees; and such an One,
Who slumbering (prostrate) with Death-closed Eyes,
Still, cold, as th' Earthy Couch that bears him, lies.

Come gentle Hearts, this mournfull Corps surround
With Quire of Fun'rall groans; take; strew't, the ground
Yeilds you Hearbs, Flow'rs; sad, palest Cheeks bedew:
Prime True-love peice, as primely hapless, view.
Though no Hot Cordiall waters, warm Tears bring
To mourn, embalm; whilst dolefull Turtles sing
His Souls rest: this dear, precious Clay supplying
With breath in Sighs, at least, whilst lifes breath flying.

But (ay-me!) where's the vanish'd Nymph? there, there
She growes a rooted Plant through dismall fear;
Grief's Statue turn'd; how truly'st Corps (to th' eye)
Though standing, as that other lying by!
Seem'd Pitty-charmed too, since gentler Heart
(Intruth) ne're Panted, lo, she'l try her art

Once more, drawes hasty neer. 'Twere pretty sight
T' have but beheld, with what poor look'd Delight
Her Beauties mournfull, unsought Conquest there
Sh' ey'd at her Ivory Feet; when forth a Tear
(How precious) steals; strait follow'd kind Another;
Dearest Pearl-mint (why, Reader, should we smother?)
Last breath'd most fragrant Sigh: O, were this told
Polindor's grieved Ghost, no doubt it would
Depart well-pleas'd, with so rich Obsequies
From his beloved Mistress Lips and Eyes.

Whose fair Hands now, like boystring rushing Tyde
(Mark of more Interest, as 'twere) apply'd
Their Last relief, shewing Self;-welfare in't
With what life strove for fleeting Life, to win't
Yet gently Home again! oft glanc'd at Heaven
For ayd from thence, on murmuring Trees, as even
Crav'd those, or wish'd some sturdy one Inspir'd
T' assist her work, since now (twice forc'd, retir'd)
The wandring Soul grown Sullen, more stiff-bent,
'Twould not be charm'd back to its Earthly Tent,
Frayl lodging: when (behold) Sighes louder grow;
Tears Chrystall riv'lets prov'd; O Heav'ns, so slow?
Hard, hardest Fate! she cries: till, though in vain,
Her Corps-like Youth's at length reviv'd again:
For know, so oft as Coyer She but flyes,
So oft must he fall, so oft Swooning Dyes.

That wanton Boy, love's Archer, all this while
Close-ambush'd sate, aloft, with many a Smile
Plump-grown (as 'twere) to see this amorous Duell;
Rare Love-maze, passion'd Scean; how hug'd his cruell
Wrought vengeance, clap'd his little Hands, as though
Had plainly sayd; There's he blasphem'd our Bow;
Look, look! Who convert grown, Love's self was sorry;
And of the Nymph now makes his Triumph, glory.

Sweet'st gentlest Soul! she sees how rare Affection
With most rare Beauty joyn'd, unmatch'd Perfection;

Love in most lovely Person sweetly'st plac'd,
With radiant Virtues circling Beams enchas'd;
Strange, noblest Blaze of honour (such did spy
That Youth first, mounted in her gallant Eye)
Besides some secret Grounds (whereof anon)
More hardning, coy resolves, like Clouds o're-blown:
Words, Actions (last) portray'd th' excelling Mind:
These were all pow'rfull Charms, did strongly'st bind
Th' enamour'd Virgins love-captived Heart;
Flostella loves, she loves: keen flaming Dart
Ranges her frozen Brest, sets all a glowing;
She melting yeilds, thus new Love-wonder showing.
Nymph, fix thy constant Choice; for 'bove all other,
This peerless Swain seems Cupids eldest brother.

The rouzed Youth soon snatch'd (just as before)
Th' All-valu'd, fleeting Prize, pleads o're and o're
His former suit; discern'd in's Stars of late
(Her Eyes) sweet'st Hope-dawn glimmering, gentler fate
Break forth those duskie Orbes; her cloudy'd brow
Turn'd Skie more cleer, serene, tow'rd Sunshine now;
Lightening his Heart: Beseech'd her bless his Eyes
But some few minutes more. When she replies
(Stoln Sigh) Alas! she cannot; yet, would stay;
Thus gives the Youth but an unwilling Nay:
Strives, when intruth would yeild; if chanc'd to unloose
His Active hold here, gives him leave to choose
Much better there: with same transporting Eye
Lowr'd, smil'd at once; does Grant, though seem'd denye.
The rally'd Youth charg'd home, again desires
One kiss: O fy, those are the wanton Fires
To lust (she cry'd) 'twas dangerous Crime to kiss;
She dar'd not: yet could part Dispence with This,
If full assur'd he'd pacifie with one
His sob'rer Appetite, and so have done.

The joy'd, o're ravish'd Youth soon promis'd there,
Though strange reluctance; loth t' observe howe're;

From th' Hand leap'd to her Lips, snatching his food
Like some starv'd Tantalus, as though he wo'd
Devour those Cherries quite, come off no more
(O dearly'st earned Sweets!) tells that one o're
How oft! Pray'rs joyned still! neglecting neither,
Beg'd, kiss'd; yea, joyntly kiss'd and beg'd together
(Charms powerfull, past o're-coming) seem'd as though
He would there Plant himself, entirely grow
To those life-giving Fruits; recover soon
Lost Eden thus. Had coyer She begun
To tune some Quainter chiding, Active he
Would kiss her Silent strait; as modest she
Oft Blush'd, so oft th' officious ready Swain
Would hide her Blushing Guilt, and kiss again
(Whence shrouded, hides his own too) you'd have thought
Her Lips too sweetly Blush'd, being kiss'd so oft:
All kindly forc'd as 'twere. And now agen
Th' Worlds glory entreats to go, though even then
Could pardon, if Deny'd, forbeare Releasing:
She tells, what rockie Gulphes, strange hazards, pressing
Her honour welfare both, sh' had for his sake
Run, sayled through; how suffer'd Modest Wrack
Howe're; and all to please his fonder mind.
Vain, Fancy, humour. When, the unmatch'd Polind
Bowing to th' ground, what Thankfull breathings are
(Sighs mixt) pay'd th' humble Incence to so rare
Divine a goodness! Twice she had restor'd
His dearest Being, now further Life implor'd;
If she yet go, Heart breaks, th' whole Work's undone:
And, truly, if Polindor part so soon,
She drooping faints too: yet seem'd agoniz'd,
Fear-qualm'd enough, some Ranger least surpriz'd
Their harmless dalliance; Panting, rouls about
Her black Eyes (each whereof how pritty Scout!)
Before, behind, and sides; although 'twas feare
Their own Light would betray them (haply there

Some Bird, some babling Leaf scares, here a Blast
Though whispering) lastly on him more piteous Cast,
As crav'd his Succour. When the o're-comber'd Mayd
He cordializing cheer'd, points to thick Shade,
Whence Sun did frighted seem; where Noon, mid-day
Prov'd wholly damp'd, did Twilight-dawn display:
He pointing sigh'd; when strait (pale, blushing) She
All Rose or Lilly turn'd; till stouter He
Must lovingly enforce, Male-spirits showing:
Lute, cloathes fetch'd from the Fount, th' are onward going:
She blush'd agen, stands Pausing, still, as though
Were loth, look'd Glancing back; yet thither (lo)
Th' unwilling-willing Mayd was brought at last.
There they might, closely Skreen'd, at pleasure tast
Loves harmless blisses, feast them without spying;
No churlish Vestall fear'd, not Phœbus eying
(The Sable-curtain'd place sworn secret) when,
Our Gem-like payr new practis'd Love agen.

Polindor prints on her soft Lip (the Spring's
Wood-gods invoak'd) many kind Welcomings;
Yea, kiss'd so feirce, as though would Rifling spoyl
That wealthy'st Box of treasure, fairest Soyl
All Rubie, ranged Pearl: as would (less nice)
Plunder those Fruits oth' living Paradice.
Then, sob'rer Lover grown, drawes out his Bliss
How dear a while! as 'twere (so Children kiss
Sweet-meats) Extatick-waies: you would have thought
Their Souls then bill'd too, silent Pearly sought
Just as their Lips. Our young Polindor showing
So rapt with his last Joyes (grand tyde, o're-flowing)
That he beleives, were th' holy'st Anchoret
Fixt there awhile, recluse, he'd soon forget
His contemplated Heav'n; or else allow
Those Lips for Heaven. Th' Eyes, turn'd G[illeg.]ters now,
Must sporting Tilt with hers, when un'wares spy'd
His dimmer Picture there (how great joy, pride!)

In that All-fair, black, sunny'st Tablet shining;
Whence, that t'was Drawn ith' Heart, with mirth divining.
Had that self-loving Swain, who often courted
His Shade in Chrystal Streams, till drown'd (transported)
Still Glass'd him here (he thought) though truly fir'd;
'T had prov'd less Fondless far, as though admir'd
His Face, but for the bright-look'd Tablets sake,
So, lov'd her Eyes (indeed) by that mistake.

Then, th' amorous Wanderer takes gentle leave
To dance her whitest Hand, would pret'ly weave
Her dainty'st fingers (Loves engenious play)
Oft kindly pressing them. Next, Progress lay
To her transporting towry Neck, where kiss'd
So long, but nimbly done, no place left miss'd
Least Lips grew envy'd ought. Then, lower, between
Those Down-brests nuzzled strait, where felt and seen
Warm Snow, soft Ivory, 'twas kind of wonder;
He seem'd lull'd there, and dreams of Mayden plunder,
Rare (knowes not what) strange Sweets, new love-alarms;
So, rouz'd: for 'midst those Delicates, first charmes
The Banquets still in store, Polindor thought;
Would breath his mind, but paus'd, and blushes oft:
When she Blush'd too. Polindor ask'd her, Why
She Blush'd: the faire Flostella shap'd reply,
'Cause he Blush'd first. Polindor asked then,
What 'twas she thought he blush'd for: Sober when
She sayd, She knew not. Th' Amorist reply'd,
'Twas something in her precious Gift, deny'd,
Would break his True-love Heart; if granted, be
His, Souls joy, glory: when (her modesty
Not further questioning) skulk'd down between
Those shrouding Brests again, reveal'd unseen
His grand o're-charging Longings: which she took
At first, with sudden mixt, Coy-bashfull look
(True Maydens shyer blushing) sayd, Though she
Had pass'd those stricter bounds of Modesty,

Yet those of Honour, Chastity, she'd never;
But keep unstained still and white, for ever,
Her Virgin-fame. When th' worthy'st-minded Youth,
Part-dampt, Crav'd gentle Pardon (though intruth
Meant nobly'st) if his rash, o're-hasty Tongue
Ought err'd; the Heart most guiltless was (ere long
Growing pale withall) and on her soft hand, Lip
Seal'd pow'rfull'st Marriage-vowes, which swore to keep
Inviolate. Flostella strait reply'd,
Such solemn Vowes could hardly be deny'd,
If pure and reall; but (new griefs arise)
What if more paus'd upon't? Harsh Doom (he cries)
One Night might ruine, blast all. She again;
Then He, then sob'rest She, though but in vain:
For ('las!) how could Flostella long deny
Polindor ought? what if he Swoonding dye?
Does therefore sweetly'st, on her Female part,
Melt in kind odrous Vowes; gives Heart for heart:
Though till confirm'd those Marriage-bonds (she saies)
He must not look for more: Who yeilds, obayes.
First also, Each had mutually made known
(In brief) what, who they were: of which anon.

But stay my wandring Muse, least (haply) here
Any unkinder Brest should charge the dear
Flostella with lost Fame, or broken Vow
(Fly hence that foulest Breath) desire them know
She ne're was Reall Vestall, nor (forlorn)
Ty'd to th' chast Virgin-yoak, since yet Unsworn:
We said, Sh' appeared such; though (all that while)
But Nun of Choyce indeed, her proper style:
Which kind of Free and unsworn Nuns (alas!)
Unknown to th' desperate swoonding Lover was:
Which thus we'l clear. There was set Number stood
Inrol'd sworn Vestall Nuns, whose daily Food,
Cloathes, necessaries, all by th' Foundress will;
Their Chambers also, their Tables sever'd still,

Distinct: to change th' estate once having vow'd,
Prov'd death. That other Virgin-rank, allow'd,
Styl'd Nuns of Choice, themselves to th' full maintain'd,
Might stay their year compleat, well used, train'd
(Or Quarter, if they please) as Mayden Boorder.
Sworn Vestall Nun if dy'd, that Place by order
Was offer'd first (as gift) to th' Senior Nun
Of choyce, who if Refus'd, 'twas likewise done
To th' Next; so falling down, to th' very Last:
Although, Whoe're refused thus, if past
Their compleat Year, must strait depart the Grove,
Be gone, as shewing but faint Mayden love
To Vesta; else (perhaps) might stay Ten year,
No void Place offered them: and th' Priestess here
Might, All refusing round, elect a Stranger.
But yet, Flostella had that Swearing danger
Escap'd, nor was her Perfect year (requir'd
For Choyce) as yet by full Three weeks expir'd:
Though probably she would have Sworn, so Chast,
Joyn'd griefs, some strong retiring Grounds; which past,
Not Earth nor Hells black witchcraft, charms could e're
Have shook those Vowes, or made that Brest forswear.
Nor blame Polindor's coyer Soul, whose Merit
Too high for th' vulgar Plains, Heroick spirit
(Mind, Body match'd, crown'd both Planetick) who,
When saw true splendid Worth, lov'd truly too.

The Contract's over now; Thrice happy Payr
Through loves First chast fruitions! now they are
More wise, Kind-natur'd both, know t' improve
Life's peerless blessing, since best life's in Love;
Man, Woman th' best of Creatures; and by this
(Chast Love conjugall) still maintained is
That Best of Creatures: else Men come to gaze,
Eat, drink, and sleep, so vanish'd gone; Youth's blaze
Ere long extinct, th' are Coughs then, aking bones;
Earths, their own toylsome Burdens, breath in Groanest

Cupid? or squeamish Vesta? ask them now
Before whose awfull Shrine they'd rather bow.

Long may you florish, Natures well-joyn'd Glory,
Virtues chief sparkling Gems, Loves dearest Story,
Proud'st triumph too; grand Universall wonder;
Heav'ns choyce Care lastly, Guarded with the Thunder.
Long live, admir'd; and by your Virtues hold
Task'd Fates as 'twere your Bond-mayds; love, grown old
In sweet'st Imbraces thus, untill Time snowes
(Though late) upon your Heads: at length, when growes
Th' Earth burdenous may you then turn Stars, mount higher
Two True-love Souls at once (conjoyn'd) expire.

The Day-light burning lower, Wisdome checkt
Our cautious Lovers, rouz'd; bid glance, reflect
On th' blisfull Future, how might hold Life-breath
Their late-born Union, since parting's Death.
'Twas solemn weighty Business; when it seem'd
As though some suddain faint O'recast had dim'd
Their first Joyes splendor, like to gloomy Cloud
In some fair gaudy Day: Their faces shroud
A twinkling Pleasure, mixt with kind of Sadness;
'Twas troubled Joy as 'twere, or heavy gladness;
In brief, such chang'd, so sorrowfull Delight
As, All went not so well: The pretty sight
Would have transported some, since in their Eyes
(Mean while) most noble Beaming seem'd t' arise
And shine through all. First, it was justly fear'd,
Polindor's Father here (if weigh'd, refer'd
To reasons scan) would leave them Vagrants, lost
To all shrouding Shelter, prove but cruell Host.
And, as the Case then stood, her changed Father
Appear'd more doubtfull, worse, that she had rather
Trust to the common Road for Almes: does so,
In briefest terms, chant forth a Story of wo
To th' young Polindor's eare; so pret'ly laying
Unkindness to her Stars, in words (displaying

Most bright-coyn'd looks the while) that thence might show
Sad tale sweet; Sorrow tunefull, lovely grow.

Her Father was a Duke, by splendid birth
And fortune Great, own'd plenteous store of Earth
(Though royall Heir to ancient forreign Crown,
As we shall shew) seem'd Great in worth, renown
For many years, most Noble minded, train'd;
But one last Blot eclipsed all, Inchain'd
To stolne fleshly Lust (nor much stolne neither)
Whence Byas'd more to ill; like ayery Feather
Toss'd by his wanton Females humorous blast
(Bright Virtue thus through Vices cloud o're-cast)
And who check'd that the least, might Thunder move:
Extream his Hate was grown, as was his Love:
Arplastus call'd. Her Mother, th' honour'd Niece
To th' Macedonian Queen, fam'd through all Greece
For beauty, virtue, rare-found Gems in one;
Fit Mother for Flostellas self alone:
Oranthe this. Through Sickness envious spight
Whose Cheeks late partly chang'd, besides delight
Of wanton Ranging, fond Arplastus keeps
His close-lov'd Concubine, one, eats and sleeps
Still under's gorgeous Roof (far off Ally'd)
Comandra call'd by name, his Houshold-guide,
Chief Governess; or if mean-styl'd she be
(Since Table-guest) Oranthes Deputy.
Young, Proper, Handsome, but as Foul within
As without lovely, Fair; wise to all Sin
Black Mystery; yea, fit for th' Practick too,
Did Spight, ambition closely call, might shew
Fates Governess (as 'twere) th' whole Three in one:
Rare boldness, Carriage Garb transporting won,
Dropt amorous Spels; smooth-tongu'd, most haughty spirit.

This Minion fearing much, Wives dearer merit
Might chance t' unbosome her, in time, estrange
Arplastus glewed heart; so, wither change

Her Full-moon'd fortunes to th' consuming Wane:
High dreams besides, what honour, glory, gain
Could she become his Wife, rule all at least
Ith' wifely stead: Oranthe sick, o're-prest
Through certain Malady (unhappy'st Ill!
Caus'd primely through her inbred griefs, though still
Hushing their mournfull Noyce, for three years space)
Confin'd to th' Chamber now, strong Poysonous Glass
Soon frighted her fair Soul (by stealth) to Heaven:
Flostella aged Twelve, that blackest Even:
Although two Sons, three Daughters more, her Womb
Had brought him forth; each couch'd in slumbring Tomb,
Since when (some Years expired, gone) though yet
Her main Mark, project miss'd, forbidden Sweet
Since pleas'd his Lordships pallat best, howe're
She's Mistress grown; Th' all-pow'rfull Planet there.

Servants fear'd, flatter'd round most strangely of late,
Run, winged fly, like her meer Motions strait;
Nor question durst if ought Arplastus will:
Her Nod sav'd speaking breath, and her Frown still
Doom'd them for lost, cashier'd. His Treasure lyes
Ope to'er as Day, bleeds for her Masqueries,
Pomp, gaudy furnishings, whose Golden tide
She Moon-like seem'd to rule; drain'd thence beside
As through close Trench, to her own private store:
What marvail, th' inmost Heart filch'd long before?
All which (her Female World made his, resign'd)
He saw not, would not see, become Lust-blind.

One Son she had, a well grown Sixteen Youth
(Not full Fifteen she bare him though) intruth
Most forward manly Sprout; whose Soul in shape
Less vile then th' Mother's seem'd, but (foul mishap!)
Her Brain-juice, councell-milk long Sucked so,
That plump'd and thriv'd full well upon't, might show
Her Creature-son: whose secret Whisper, smile
Confirm'd for worst Exploit (by Named style

(Ordellan) taught to sooth, o're-reach, aspire.
His Person, Parts, or Garb if you enquire,
Handsome, Court-stamp'd; prefer'd to th' Dukes own Table.
This Sprig to make more mounting, great (if able)
She felt new Child-bed Throwes, falls roundly upon
New plot, his Wife's Flostella mark'd alone.

And thus, no day, wherein her subtle Art
Play'd not some quainter Scean, bold, stage-like part
On poor Flostella's weakness; first, she awes
With her new Greatness, State (forsooth) to cause
More reverent thoughts of her from thence, Esteem;
Yea, make more prized Coyn, inhaunced seem
Her following Kindnesses: then, stooping lower,
By loving Favours (these) ere long does woo'er;
Choice Birdlime, spells. Call'd forth to th' bowry Grot,
Walk'd, chats it with her oft; then, as forgot
Th' height more, Familiar grown (though seldome) plaies
Th' Wanton, toy'd with her; meant especiall Grace.
Then, Gifts, close Baits; no tempting knack, device
Too costly, if but ravish'd Younger eyes,
Or mov'd Flostels: Bravest Cloathes too, the Father
Turn'd lavish-free (so Rich) to claw the rather
Good sweet Comandra; fine Shows, Masquings, Sports,
By which (intruth) that young Ordellan courts,
Chief ord'rer; Revel-master: holds her train;
How sprightly, did she want but ought! does strain
Ere she has fully spoke, as in that Ayr
Of her commandings breath'd! then (soft Love-pray'r)
Small Sigh he drop'd for close. Thus, having won
Her self first Love (she thought) her active Son
Kind Favour, liking, she might pass the better
To her main Plot; Flostella grown her Debtor:
Since deeply implanted Love betrayes the mind
To poorer, baser Motions oft, struck Blind.

As busy's He to raise, endear his Merit
About Arplastus still, like's Ayery Spirit,

Page, Shadow; in each fancy'd humour, sport
How serv'd him! deem'd his Brest the second Fort:
Not Seasons more th' all ruling Sun obay,
Bodies Stars, nor th' own Souls our fleshly Clay.

Thus, five moneths vanish'd, gone, thick Summer bow'r
Comandra enter'd, where that pleasing hour
The sweet Flostella blaz'd, and, after Look,
Salute, kind spoken both, hough joyntly strook
Both gloomy sadness too; more Sollem Smile
(Ligtning 'fore Thunder, being set awhile)
Usher'd her strong-tun'd words: when, subtlely bold
(Nought loosing State) She thus began t' unfold
Her own, and Son's diastrous fortune there
(Choyce, early-blasted Bud) thin dewy Tear
Nigh sweating forth: How Cupid's poys'nous dart
(Then sighes) had peirc'd his over-tender Heart,
Slain by that dainty'st flaming Black, her Eye;
How sadly languish'd, how oft vow'd to dye
Her constant suffering Martyr: she displaies
His watchfull, pensive Nights, his loathsome Daies
(Poor gentle Youth!) inform'd discreetly still
More Glory 'twas by far to Save, then kill,
Besides, her speciall self should owe a Son
T' her sweetest Goodness: If offensive grown,
'Twas for the Morning-light of her own Eye,
And next, the Ladies heart-pin'd Votary;
Her Son, that others Servant, let not so
Fair Innocency (thus) foul Murdress show.
Nor mov'd she strange injurious thing, ought jars
With kindness, Friendship; what though's harsher Stars
Gave him less Turfy Earth? he's rich within,
Whose Brest appear'd young Virtue magazin.
For Carriage, Person, rivall to the best,
Prime peice; if Mothers did not dote at least;
Well task'd Dame Nature playd not while she made him:
And her Allyance, Blood might (last) perswade him

Noble enough, for Birth, if th' heaven-born Mind
Made him not so. For Wealth (Dirt more refin'd)
She had Estate for both; let sordid Moales
Root where they bury'd are, to virtuous Souls
All's in that Term, Enough: besides, 'twould prove
Rare Tye, oblige her Son to honour, love.

The Lady, first, this Amorous Motion heard
With kind of startling wonder, then appear'd
With dainty'st Blushings stain'd, o're-flow'd as though
Would silent check, upbrayd (since Blushless show)
Comandras clearer Cheeks: though Young, descry'd
Thing base, unworthy through that Gloss'd outside,
Fair varnish: strongest Avarice conceiv'd
(Joyn'd proud Ambition) lurking in't, though weav'd
With Silken Love: nor was so close Heart-chain'd
To th' Mother, fond (intruth) as to be strain'd
Beyond her Self, fit bounds of honour; though
Perplext us'd fewer words, not daring go
Cross-tide as 'twere; this Modest breath alone:
She no such Beauties treasure claim'd, could own;
Nor could believe, such Amorous Passion sorted
With so Young, greener years, who rather Courted
Fondly Sports, pleasures still; estrang'd to Love:
Thus, suckled Hope. This done, forth strait they move
Their gentle Paces to most gallant Grot,
Choyce Summer house (to th' view) with Gloomy knot
Of Trees inviron'd round; neer th' Arched Shade
(Space left) purl'd dainty'st Chrystall Founts, display'd
Quite round too, carv'd work; Birds chirping there
Through liquid Art, 'twas streaming Theater;
Fine Statues mixt: what various wanton sport
Through murmuring Spouts! like Thetis watry Court:
Though the House with curious Imagery shin'd,
Paintings, Rock-work. Where plac'd (thing so design'd)
Rare Musick-strains, those lower earthly Sphears,
In parts saluted her, flow'd to her eares

Like well-conjoyned Streams in one full Tide
Of Heav'n-born Sweetness; or the ayre did glide,
As would to Storms prove hushing Lullabies,
Charm down cares; Souls prime Minion, dearest This,
Which hugs her oft to pleasing Extasie:
Best, purest Image too, since Harmony
Makes up th' Admired Soul. Lo, how each Passion
Those tuned forth, how Languag'd various fashion!
Joy, sprightfull mirth, complaint! How lastly prove
Soul-melters, soften th' Heart (as 'twere) to Love!

These curious Hands were follow'd by Voyce-quires,
From artfull'st, well-tun'd Brests (those Speaking fires)
Yet more t' enflame; cherish sweet Love-desires.

First Song was thus

What is Beauty without Love?
Dainty'st Mixtures fruitless prove,
Unless by others Tasted:
Those Riches poor felicity
Give th' Owner, till imploy'd they be,
And seasonably wasted.
Like Shadowes, Rainbow-cloudes th' are gone
Your Red and White; tis dear fruition
Heightens all; most Active known,
When 'tis most Passive, your Condition,
Thus, lost Kisses prove your own.
Whilst Youth, Beauty, Summers Gem
Do vaunt thee growing,
Ripe and luscious as yet showing;
Hang not till thou rot'st oth' Stem.
Hasty Autum scatters all
Your pride, and well-pearch'd Glory;
Those to Earth despised fall,
When you too late are sorry.
Froward Coyness then remove;
Reap Beauties end,
Reap Beauties dearest end, Sweet'st sweets of Love.

Next, walking forth, strait warbled through the Grove
Cleer sprightfully'st Cornets, which for mast'ry strove,
Pearch'd 'mongst the Boughs, a loft; now Single-sounding
Each others various Noats while seem'd rebounding
Lik dandling Ecchoes; quaintly florish o're
Their last strains, adding newer Points to th' store
(Circle wise lodg'd) still answering round, by course;
Till rouz'd from her deep Marble Cell (perforce)
Nymph Eccho, turned wanton pratler too.
Then, joyning all in One, seem'd Ravish now
Th' Ayre with their vigorous shrill Sounds, fright the Shades;
Whilst horrid fear those Plumed Fry invades
Through their green bowry Cabins. These, for close,
Seem'd swallow'd up by Sackboats (joyn'd with those
Wild goblin-throats) Recorders, big-mouth'd Shalms;
To which (ere-long) an Antick of Wood-dames,
Satyrs rush'd nimbly forth (those ruder Lovers)
In sprightfully'st, frisking Dance; with Leavy covers.
Flow'r-wreath'd the Nymphs, whilst tayl'd & hayry-skin'd
The Men; their Hornes and Hoofes to each assign'd;
Pipes too, though Hunting darts the Women brought.
What wanton postures, Liquorish kissings oft!
Strange giddy freaks! whilst, mounted 'bove all eyes,
Their Musick seem'd th' Olimpick Waits oth' skies.

In all these Feats, Ordellan with best skill
Pay'd his observance tribute, homage still,
Duty-devotions, as his vitall Being
Giv'n chiefly for that end; Love-poem fleeing
(Since most Ingenious-fancy'd brain, as could
Stand with those years, best Education's mould)
Sometime by's Mother to his Mistress eare:
At length Sick chamber kept, does slily there
Befool his Night-cap, health, whilst former Road
(Gifts, favours still) the good Comandra trode.
And when, more rarely though, her Suit renew'd,
Flostella still would ward it thus, delude

With gentle fence: Her Son's approv'd desert
Nought questioning, but doubtfull fickle Heart
Through wav'ring Youth; her own much Greeness too
She pleads, nor that (intruth) her Fancy knew,
Whom yet could well affect, more Mayden-cold:
Her Father's dangerous frown, last. When th' o're-bold
Comandra smil'd, look careless; thus reply'd:
That, were they once Betroth'd by Vowes, and ty'd,
Wedding-time come, when fit to make th' relation,
Discovery; her pow'rfull Breath, perswasion,
Flostella's fixed Love, her Son's gain'd Favour
Should eas'ly mould the Duke. Yet seem'd to waver
The doubtfull Lady, cry'd, She fear'd; some rare
Change hoping still, event: such th' amorous War,
Siege lingred on, with no small Battery,
Till three compleat Years progres'd through the Sky.

Wherein th' o're-bold Ordellan had so long
Play'd Loves part, torturings, more pow'rfull, strong
Those amorous Heats, desires, grown Elder now;
Heighten'd through Hope (th' improv'd Flostella too
Shewing all Ravishment as 'twere, a Beauty
Drest round with dart-like Flames, commanding duty)
That he plain felt the Rack (just, sollemn curse!)
True, sober Fires: which vex'd Comandra worse.

Thus had she her precious time, cost, Magick-brain
Strow'd fondly on, th' expected Crop to gain,
Though reap'd but whirling Wind; untill she saw
Flostella now (Ripe-grown) past childish awe,
Woman arriv'd: more Years caus'd germinate
More wisdome too: much slighter Answers sate
Pearch'd on her tongue, she deem'd; does therefore now
Wholy give o're, dispair: her furrow'd Brow
Hides couched Ruine in't. Though deadly'st fashion
Rais'd, heighten'd all, that scornfull Indignation
To be ere long o're-top'd, much shorter rein'd
(Yet chief, grand Lady-regent oth' Boords end)

Thing Fatall, loathsome; thus, Hell she are trying
Black, surer waies, The poor Flostella's dying.
And then she could more closely Ingraft her Son
To Arplastus heart (she thought) much easier won,
Plant him the Heir; since nearest blood could boast
But one lost Uncle, long since thought a Ghost.
Nor carry'd she her Spleen so deeply inter'd,
But that Flostella saw it Flash, and feard.

Thus then, some few Weeks after (to be brief)
The Ladies Head and Side much pain'd through Grief,
Joyn'd watchings; Broath bespoke, at length espy'd,
And th' Mayd ask'd, why so long? Who quick reply'd,
Comandra season'd it: most jealous Qualm
Strait seiz'd her Brest; when clozing doors, oth' same
Small part her little Dog she gives, who lies
Pining some half an hour, then rouls and Dies.
Death honour'd! first, his Soveraign Ladies Taster,
Then, dearest lifes Reprive. This Object cast her
So deeply intranced, that she doubted nigh
Whether yet liv'd; whose mournfull Corps lay by,
Hers, or that little Dog's (beloved so)
Damp'd with Griefs suddain rising Fume, as though
'Twere not the Dog's, but meer her Ghostly Dream;
And all but Cheat, imagin'd Life did seem,
Gaspings at best: as Heav'ns loath'd Eye-sore,
Earths troublous Burden, now, she seem'd deplore.
Nought but death's ghostly Masque, tombs, sables, shrouds
(Knells, groans the dismall Musick too't) o're-clouds
Her sickly Brain, her thoughts seem'd t' over-cast.
Nor durst she 'midst these fears, this Stormy blast
Mutter at all, complain, such Th' others power
O're her charm'd Father known, first very hour
She should but Lyer seem, as meerly checkt
O're-saucy his Delights; the sad effect
Through whose dire hellish hate, but Hell-life mere;
Comandras rage thence doubled: staying howe're.

She surely dy'd too: Tenant grown at will
Her doubtfull poor Soul seem'd, that Fatall wheel
Th' Whore wanton ord'ring. Thus, like Sorrow's Spouse,
Death's mournfull Bride she sate (though then allowes
Those Two such amiablest sweetest Grace,
Triumphant both appear'd) dark round's the Place
As Night (she thought) except kind Beam from Heaven,
Close Voyce; Flostella, Hope: when as 'twere given
New spirit (Young years were never more discreet)
She rouz'd for speedy Flight, and, strait up-knit
Small Linnen pile, with precious Jewell-box
In her large-compast Skarf, with hast sh' unlocks
Back-door, to th' Gardens shaded side well leading
(What sweet-cast Lightnings round, espialls dreading!)
So through long arched Bow'r (where, if descry'd,
Sh' had then but Walking seem'd) does smoothly glide
(Oft glancings back) to th' Gardens Postern-door.
Thence, muffled strait, the fields she travers'd o're
Towards her dearest Nurse Ardinas Farm,
Some Mile remote; whom stragling took by th' arm
(By blest chance) hales to th' shrouding Hedge, runs o're
Her sad Tale, weepingly (whose full Tear score
Nurse dropt agen as fast) conjur'd that hour
Sh'd lead her tow'rds th' admired Vestall Bow'r
(Pledora call'd her name) as Orphan there
Procur'd her enter'd Nun of Choyce for th' year
Of liking; whose Expence to undergo
Gold-coynd she nimbly shews, for Future though
Jewels, two thousand pound low-rated price;
Mothers last Blessing, Milk as 'twere (th' all-wise
Heav'n prompting so) 'gainst some such needy hour
T' uphold poor drooping Life: these to her pow'r
Ardina still should vent: Thus, forth they rush'd
Like loos'd Winds postingly. Least also crush'd

(Ere long) her hop'd-for Fortunes into ayre,
Strong-grounded thought (Comandra's busie care
No doubt) that she was Dead, Surpriz'd or lost
(No Poyson, flights cause, mention'd though, 'twould cost
But more Hate thence from Both) next Rurall stray,
Well-see'd, bore this t'her Father, pen'd by th' way.

My Lord, your poor Flostella far
Is wander'd, why, Time may declare:
Heav'n knowes the Reasons, yet nor Place,
Time, Grief, shall filiall thoughts deface:
She's living, safe; Fates kinder doom
(Return'd) may make your House her Tomb

Flostella.

Thus, Coach'd ere long, Both lodg'd the second Night
Ith' Vestall Grove; where (lo) with sad Delight
Sh' had strow'd her Mayden hours (Recluse) till now,
What Joy such churlish Fate would yeild, allow.
This Story told, with many a Sigh, those grief
Perfumes, whose nimblest Eccho still (as if
Then doing) kind Polindor seem'd; t'umbraid
Stars crosness too, his cloudier Map's display'd.

His Father was a Duke, of highest Blood,
Fortune, estate to boot, though joyntly show'd
More high Parts spirit (whose royall Ancestor
Wore Thracias Crown, till over-powr'd by war
Fled hither) one, those weighty Affairs of State
Could bear, as well as burly Honours weight,
Meer load of Titles; brave, transcendent Mind,
Free, courteous, popular; with which combin'd
Well-languag'd Travayler's deserved praise:
Ortheris call'd. Who, th' old King's peacefull daies,
Shone Glorious, lofty'st prime Court-constellation
For fourteen years; till foul Ecclipse, privation
Caus'd through that Young ignoblest King, at last:
Who soon o're-clouding him, with others, plac'd

Fond Minions circling Stars about his Throne;
Base Meteor-souls, could sooth and fawn upon
His humorous Vices, flash their seeming Worth:
Whereas Ortheris truly Blaz'd, shone forth
To th' Grecian world. But hence his Honour'd browes
Sunk deeply'st, th' Heart to boot, endeared Spouse
Clouded by churlish Death, Kalaspe fair;
In whose Breath seem'd to breath, his Bosome-star
Shot low as th' earthy Urn; whose gallant June
For years, for splendid beauty, goodly'st Noon
Not yet o're past: though fearfull'st Aggravation
(To th' utmost Height) the strange and dismall fashion.

Since thus it was: Ortheris being retir'd
For some few weeks, with's most Belov'd, admir'd
(What time her Paint, and gaudy'st Springtide-dress
Th' Earth wore) for quiets calm, repose, and ease
To small Park lodge; surmounting Box of pleasure
For Deer, moist skaled Fry, outlandish treasure
Of strangest tame Beasts, Fowl (convoy'd plantation
From divers Shores) that 'twas th' accomplish'd Station
Of Solace, those Five Sences Sommer-bow'r:
Through change of Prospect mov'd, entic'd one hour
(Natures prime Picture-draught, th' Eyes Second-course
Repast, as 'twere, for Hills, Dales, Fountain-scource,
Chrystall cheek'd Rivers too, Woods shady-lin'd
(Choyce, curious Maze as 'twere forth, Seeing design'd)
Both Dove-like roved forth beyond the pale
To planted Myrtle-walk, cool whispering Gale
Invighting, little Dog their onely Train.
VVhere, walking closely link'd, scour'd up the Plain
Behind their backs (strong Whirlwind-like to th' eares)
Coach and six horse, with Five arm'd Cavaliers:
All which, like Thunder-bolts, to th' shaded ground
Leap'd rushing forth; Two with their Chief surround
The brave Ortheris strait whose Poyniard warded
Many dire killing thrust, his back Oak guarded

(Through Heav'ns wise providence) oft fenc'd with death;
Though fought much more for sweet Kalaspes breath
Then for his own: Ah, Caytiff, villain (crying
That Chief) defray th' old mortall Score; th' art Dying.
Now gap'd his Wounds, wide Ports resembling so
For Life's sad marching forth, displaying though
His crimson Colours round; whilst th' other bore
Mouth-stop'd Kalaspe, glancing back, still more
With dismall'st eyes her ghastly Lord pursuing
(As would those dear Love-token Balls, with viewing,
Toss on his Brest, though th' Body seiz'd, deny'd)
To their Coach-den: which by their Chief espy'd,
Those Three, Ortheris couched left for dead,
Death's prostrate Pris'ner; back the Tigres fled
To their secured Prey, drove, hurry'd on.

Soon after, taught both Rocks and Woods to groan
Loud Page, shrill Woman both (at once arriving)
With their Laments; forth strait the Keeper driving
Through th' horrid Summons noyse to the gloomy place
Strange View, strange mournfull out-cry, Consort 'twas.

The Woman, wildly roaming here and there,
Call'd to her Lady round, whose grieved Eare
Meets onely still her Tongues redoubled voyce;
Back-eccho'd Moans: Those others nimbly hoyse
To th' Lodge their Herse-like postur'd, dying Lord;
Whose Soul and Bodies dearest joyn'd accord
Best care preserves, till skilfull'st Surgeon came:
Mean-while, Horse scour'd the Plains, Kalaspes name
Hills, Woods rebounded oft, most pleas'd to chant
That loved Tone, though senseless, ignorant
Where she's become: All parties feigning still
To th' languishing Ortheris, that she's ill
Through fright-bred Feaver; but Recover'd, found;
Ask'd, talk'd of him: yea suttlest Letters crown'd
Report, Fordg'd by her Womans Mimick hand.

Thus, Hopefull strength (at last) good spirits gain'd,

Couched most broad awake, one solemn Night,
When plump-cheekd Cinthias flaring Beauty, light
Tinssell'd as 'twere the Room; 'bout Midnights hour;
His Curtain (lo) was open rash'd, by pow'r
Horrid, unseen; when strait before him stands
Kalaspes truest Shape, those very Hands,
Those Cheeks, Lips, Eyes (those richer cloaths to boot)
But such transformed, piteous Lump to th' foot
Of quondam Beauty, lamentable Mass,
Best known to th' poor Ortheris sure it was;
Himself worse Ghost become: Heav'n darken'd there
Might seem (to th' view) smal doomsdaies draught appear,
Such monstrous cloudy Ecclipse. The mournfull Brest
Her Hand first beating (lo) to th' injur'd Rest
Then sadly points, th' whole Crimson Body round
(Cloaths torn) what Bruises, gashings there abound
(Strange, dismall Fate!) whilst bleaker-cheeked Moon
Turn'd Qualmish at the sight, Stars seem'd to shun
The horrour, Wink'd, He's meerly raging, wild;
Call'd to her, Rouz'd to grasp, though then beguild
His trembling Hand, like Vapour, fume she fled:
Concludes for certain now she's butcher'd, Dead:
Who vanishing strait shrunk to thinnest Ayre,
To th' room Men frighted (Goblin-like) repair.

The ground of all was thus: That Captain-mate
Oth' surly Crew, for point of Rank, estate
Might once seem partly Eminent; beside,
Had sought the Fair Kalaspe for his Bride
(Lurganor call'd by name) but Base of Soul:
Who soon discharg'd, rejected grown, as Moal,
Blind Son oth' Earth; deboistest lump for vice
(Foul, ugly'st Quarrels too, ere lost this Prize,
'Tween him and th' young Ortheris) both he hates
How deadly! pray'd to th' Goddess Vengeance, Fates.
Thus, almost melted quite through Riot, now,
He Mints th' whole Remnant-store (to th' very Plow)

All into currant Cash, good Horse-command
Late got by Bribes in Foraign Ciprus Land;
So jog'd with those well match'd Comrades, to th' next
Port-town, for Sea: though humorous, heart-vext,
Bade th' Coachman drive some half-mile wide, below,
He'd view that Quaintest Lodge, far off, bestow
Some fresh-stamp'd Cursing Coyn on it, and them
At finall parting: where that double Gem
For Love, perfections Worth (ere long) descry'd,
Walking Intwin'd, how rare those odds beside!
He Fiend-like rouz'd himself, as 'twere, 'gainst Heaven,
Belch'd forth strange Stratagem (that very Even
All leaving too the Realm) thus, up they drive;
Ortheris layd for Dead, She's seiz'd alive:
Whom hurry'd post beyond th' Arcadian bound
(Ere long) to bordring Lacedemon ground,
Wild woody Rock, cull'd out, for savage Heart
Meet dismall Skaffold, Stage; where (formost part
Of study'd vengeance) Grim Lurganor sought,
Mouth stop'd, to Ravish her: these words full oft
Belch'd forth, He'd make hers paultry Whore, at least,
Though not his Wife: same vow'd th' Assistant rest.
Now, neer the Act, when wandring almost flies
Her poor Soul forth, in sighing Gale, to Skies;
Loud Huntsmen scar'd his Lust, came drawing nigh them:
Her death was vow'd, least blood though, corps descry them,
Confirm'd, that Towring Rock (to th' full) would make
Death's batt'ring riddance, safe triumphant Wrack;
Her dainty'st Body, Blood (as of no price)
Trash-like thrown down, Rich-dy'd the Precipice.
Their Hackney-man, that former Vision o're,
Drove by the Lodge, and th' keeper's Boy (met lower)
Informed how he saw her mangled, slain;
Whence sadly told t' Ortheris eare again.

Her follow'd too (prime Curse) his onely Daughter,
Gem, bright Dorisbe, Corps become soon after;

Though th' early-blowing Rose of Greece allow'd,
Aged Fifteen. Through Sorrowes blackest Cloud
Lost, overwhelm'd, Live-bury'd thus awhile,
Recluse; much crazed Mind and Body still
(Besides that wondrous Humour of Extreams,
T' one leaps to th' other oft, like Phœbus Beams
Slunk down to th' Under-earth) from State he falls;
Seeks out, th' World deadly loath'd, those homely Walls
Of Swains, for gilded Pomp and vast, a Nook;
Soft Springs, 'lone pensive Shades, and murmuring Brook
(That Life most quiet, plain, and harmless prais'd)
Took pretty smaller Grange, where onely graz'd
For's houshold, pleasure: Nor this Life must shun
(This mean Outworld) as yet, his Darling-son
The Lord Polindor, though had still allow'd
Prime Tutors for best Arts; his Brest endow'd
With various Science, Tongues, for th' warbling Lute,
Galland Great-horse both of admir'd repute:
Those Tutors from Tregor (great Town befriending,
Not six miles off) three daies each Week attending.
Thus, Four years o're. Like Shepheard-fortune steer'd
More of the Gentries rank; so strongly endear'd
To Two whereof, by name Fergond, Clarroon
(Turn'd Brother-swains oth' Vale) that's onely Son
Must mix bloods with them; bound, precisely ty'd
To choose, of their Two Daughters, which his Bride:
Dulcenza th' one, Marpesa th' other call'd;
Deserving Nymphs for Person, Parts, though fail'd
To please his speciall Fancy; yet averse
To worldly Marriage too: thus (Cloudy'd, fierce)
He'd oft perplex with woundring taunts Polind,
Since flinched back; shew'd (briefly) but sick Mind:
Cross-winds if rays'd, big, swelling Storm his passion:
Fixt for one of those Girles, and Shepheard-station.
Flostella here, ey'd with like Sympathy
Her sober, gallant Spouse, whose gloomy Eye

Tilted at hers agen; Both thought-rapt, mute,
That thus Wise Providence should strangely sute
Their grand Illustrious Births, unhappy Fortunes,
As well as gentle Loves; which claym'd, importunes
Sigh, Smile from both: Till strait from flashy Looks
Both fall to serious Councels; like two Brooks
Ranging their busie Maze: their best Props showing
Faint Reeds turn'd ayery; Those, first life bestowing,
Scarce now would cherish Life. The sweet Flostel
Durst not for Harbourage (as then) appeal
T' her Fathers house; besides her solemn Vow
Made not to Vesta onely (sober, now
Told her Polindor's eare) but unto All
Th' immortall Court of Gods, that Virgin-hall
When first she entred, fixed to perform;
That, as through their Joynt mercies, cruell Storm
Threatning Lifes wrack, decease, sh' had shun'd so late,
And here found blisfull Anchor, Shelters fate;
She'd spend th' whole Year (at least) ith' Vestall bow'r,
Offring her thanks and praises to each Pow'r
In Oraisons: next, leave the Grove a Mayd,
As entred first; Three Weeks being yet unstay'd.

Nor durst Polindor too his Father's rage
Trust those Three weeks alone, so urg'd t' Ingage
Contract (at least) with one oth' Nymphy Pair;
Now come to th' utmost Clozing point, or Jar:
Besides (howere) 'twas strangest Lovers Hell
So long to hazard, loose the dear Flostel.

Thus, solemn thoughts, Hast, Fear their minds assayling,
Now this way (lo) then th' other seem'd prevayling:
Stout, burdenous Task! till lastly (shrewd Ado,
Modest reluctance, Mayden doubtings too
Oth' fearfull Womans part) both joyntly chose
His strongly'st urg'd Design, kind Channels cloze.
Which, though't may [illeg.]rer seem, and rasher too,
Yet gav't to both mo[illeg.]sent Shelter though;

Eager Desire besides all Bars disclaims,
And young Loves often court adventrous Aymes:
Sweet'st stoln-sweets (lastly) prove: Thus, up they rise;
And being a while to part; their speaking Eyes
Shoot Farwell-flames, Souls as 'twere modellize.

As her Fames worthy'st Guardian, chastest She
View'd him, how sweet! Joyes onely Guardian, He
View'd her agen; Both Heaven next, th' implor'd
Guardian (as 'twere) to both: worth Love's Record.
What Sighs like Cross-gales breath'd! what fervent Kisses!
Close pantings, folds! as to their Amorous blisses
That Night an Ever were! till, shewing One-hearted,
Both joyntly Kiss'd, sigh'd, smil'd, and so they parted.