University of Virginia Library

English Martyres

We'l saile the Brittish seas and England search
And view what flowers of hers before Christs porch
Do strewed lie, as shining ornaments
Whose fragrant spirits breath perfumed sents
And here we have Alban of Verulam
The first in Brittain of Christ martyres ran
Whom while a Pagan had a visit gi'n
By one Amphibolus that did step in
From France to shun the Persecution there
Brought with him gospell pay for all his Cheere
And lodging here with Alban did receive
Food for the Flesh, for which he soule food gave.
Alban Converted is to Christ hereby
And when the Tyrant did the guest espy,
He sends to fetch him, Alban then drew neer
Did in Amphibolus his Robe appeare.
Whereat the judge offended storms as hee
Stood by his Altar of Idolatrie
Did threaten him that he should beare the pain
The other, should if he clave to Christ name
And said to Alban of what Discent art thou?
To whom he said What's that to you? Yet now
I am a Christian and live Christianly
Whereto the judge said, What's thy Name? Discry.
He then replid my Parents did me name
Albanus, and I honour do mentain
Unto the true and living God. Wherefore
The furious Judges Choler then boyled ore
And chargd him now if live he would, to 'dore
And hast to offer sacrifice. Whereto
Alban replid, these Offerings you do
To Divells that can neither help, nor hear
Their Supplicants, but such as do them feare
Shall once in hell eternall torments finde
Unless they do repent and change their minde.
This cut the Cruell judge unto the Quick
Hence he the Whippers charge this saint to whip
Which cruell Usage when he patiently sustaind
With joy he was beheaded, and life gaind.
And at that time Aaron and Julius there
At Verulam with Alban martyred were.
Amphibolus though he to Wales did fly
To Wales was fet thence with a rage full high
To Verulam, and martyr'd is, as't said
Having his belly open ript, is made
------ round a stake till out his bowells all
Fell out, then stokd with Dagger, then they fall
To stone him till he's ston'd to death, indeed
Thus did this holy Worthy martyre speed.
And now as stories goe this Cruell hand
Slew well nigh all the Christians of the Land.