[Ariostos seven planets governing Italie or his satyrs] [by Robert Tofte] |
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| 3. | THE THIRD SATYRE OF Ariosto. |
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 | [Ariostos seven planets governing Italie or his satyrs] |  |
28
THE THIRD SATYRE OF Ariosto.
The Argvment.
In this Satyre (as in the other before) he condemneth the seruice of the Popes Court; grieueth that the promises, made vnto him by Leo (the tenth of that name) were not performed: sheweth the discontentments that arise by gathering together of riches. And lastly enueigheth against the couetousnesse and wicked liues of the Roman Courtiers.
Written to the Lord Haniball M.
Since (noble Haniball) thou wil'st me write,
How I of Duke Alphonsos seruice like:
Or whether hauing laid old burthens by,
New-weights presse on my back as heuily:
Or if they lighter be. For I doe know,
If you shall heare creations of new woe
Proceed from my complaints, you will conceiue,
That I am barbarous, and to me cleaue
Vlcers which will not heale; or like a iade,
That I am dull, (though n'ere so much of made.)
Then to speake freely with infranchis'd mind,
How I of Duke Alphonsos seruice like:
Or whether hauing laid old burthens by,
New-weights presse on my back as heuily:
Or if they lighter be. For I doe know,
If you shall heare creations of new woe
Proceed from my complaints, you will conceiue,
That I am barbarous, and to me cleaue
Vlcers which will not heale; or like a iade,
That I am dull, (though n'ere so much of made.)
Then to speake freely with infranchis'd mind,
29
Both of my burthens I like heauy find,
And thinke I had bin blest, if vnto neither
I had beene subiect, sith I lose by either.
Say then (since I haue broke my backe with all,
Like a good Asse, that's laden till he fall)
Say that my spirit's heauy, dull, and ill;
Say both in iest and earnest what you will:
Yet when you haue said what you list or can,
I will speake truth, and be an honest man.
But had I playd the parricide or slaue,
And brought my father to an early graue,
And thinke I had bin blest, if vnto neither
I had beene subiect, sith I lose by either.
Say then (since I haue broke my backe with all,
Like a good Asse, that's laden till he fall)
Say that my spirit's heauy, dull, and ill;
Say both in iest and earnest what you will:
Yet when you haue said what you list or can,
I will speake truth, and be an honest man.
But had I playd the parricide or slaue,
And brought my father to an early graue,
In wealthy Regio; or but that haue thought,
Which Iupiter against great Saturne wrought:
Onely that I alone within my hand,
Might hold his wealth, his liuing, and his land:
Which now 'mongst brothers and 'mongst sisters be
Diuided into ten parts equally:
In e're had plaid the foole as did the frog,
That for the Storke did change his kingly clog;
Nor had I wandred to seeke forth my fate,
Or crept for fauour to each great estate;
Which Iupiter against great Saturne wrought:
Onely that I alone within my hand,
Might hold his wealth, his liuing, and his land:
Which now 'mongst brothers and 'mongst sisters be
Diuided into ten parts equally:
In e're had plaid the foole as did the frog,
That for the Storke did change his kingly clog;
Nor had I wandred to seeke forth my fate,
Or crept for fauour to each great estate;
I had not learnt the Apes duck with my head,
Nor crooked cringing curtsie should me stead.
But since I was not borne heire to my sire,
Nor that his lands fell vnto me entire:
Nor crooked cringing curtsie should me stead.
But since I was not borne heire to my sire,
Nor that his lands fell vnto me entire:
Since I perceiue that subtill Mercury,
Was ne're my friend, but rather enimy:
And that (against my will) I am ne'reth'lesse
Compeld to liue on others bounteousnesse:
I thinke it better, that I doe retaine
Vnto the Duke, and be of his great traine:
Then to a lower fortune make my moane:
Although my meanes and rising are all one,
Hardly so much, as his who is most poore,
And askes the misers almes from dore to dore.
Few I doe know are of my thoughts or mind;
And fewer of mine humours I doe find.
Most thinke, to be a Courtier is most braue:
I say a Courtier is a glorius slaue,
Let such be Courtiers, as by Courts can rise,
To me they are bright suns, and blind mine eyes.
Farre will I liue aloofe from these great fires,
If strength of fortune strenghten my desires.
“Neuer one saddle on each horse we place,
“Nor doth one garment euery body grace.
“Beasts are not for on vse in generall,
“For some we see beare much, some nought at all.
The cage is to the Nightingale a hell,
The Thrush and Black-bird both doe loue it well:
The Robin red-breast rob'd of liberty,
Growes sad, and dies with inward melancholy.
Who seekes to be a Cardinall or Knight,
And that great honours on his house may light,
Let him go serue the Pope or some great King,
Whil'st I liue safe, and hunt no such vaine thing.
I am as well contented with the meate,
Which (though but grosse) in mine own house I eat:
And thinke a carrot root doth tast as well,
Which doth of vinegar or pepper smell:
As if of fowle or fish, or other bables,
I had euen glu'd my selfe to great mens tables.
And I as well can rest my drowsie head
Vpon a quilke, as on a downy bed:
And vnder rugs, as much safe quiet hold,
As vnder Turky workes, Arras or gold.
Rather had I at home stay with my rest,
Saue my poore skin from scars, and know me blest,
Was ne're my friend, but rather enimy:
And that (against my will) I am ne'reth'lesse
Compeld to liue on others bounteousnesse:
I thinke it better, that I doe retaine
Vnto the Duke, and be of his great traine:
Then to a lower fortune make my moane:
Although my meanes and rising are all one,
Hardly so much, as his who is most poore,
And askes the misers almes from dore to dore.
Few I doe know are of my thoughts or mind;
And fewer of mine humours I doe find.
Most thinke, to be a Courtier is most braue:
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Let such be Courtiers, as by Courts can rise,
To me they are bright suns, and blind mine eyes.
Farre will I liue aloofe from these great fires,
If strength of fortune strenghten my desires.
“Neuer one saddle on each horse we place,
“Nor doth one garment euery body grace.
“Beasts are not for on vse in generall,
“For some we see beare much, some nought at all.
The cage is to the Nightingale a hell,
The Thrush and Black-bird both doe loue it well:
The Robin red-breast rob'd of liberty,
Growes sad, and dies with inward melancholy.
Who seekes to be a Cardinall or Knight,
And that great honours on his house may light,
Let him go serue the Pope or some great King,
Whil'st I liue safe, and hunt no such vaine thing.
I am as well contented with the meate,
Which (though but grosse) in mine own house I eat:
And thinke a carrot root doth tast as well,
Which doth of vinegar or pepper smell:
As if of fowle or fish, or other bables,
I had euen glu'd my selfe to great mens tables.
And I as well can rest my drowsie head
Vpon a quilke, as on a downy bed:
And vnder rugs, as much safe quiet hold,
As vnder Turky workes, Arras or gold.
Rather had I at home stay with my rest,
Saue my poore skin from scars, and know me blest,
Then vaunt that I had seene the India land,
Or frozen Scythia, or the Æthiop strand.
So many men, so many mindes we say,
Each one delighting in his seuerall way:
Some will religious be, some martiall bent;
Some trauell, some at home liue with content.
Yet he that's pleas'd to be a traueller,
Let him behold each country farre and neere:
Or frozen Scythia, or the Æthiop strand.
So many men, so many mindes we say,
Each one delighting in his seuerall way:
Some will religious be, some martiall bent;
Some trauell, some at home liue with content.
Yet he that's pleas'd to be a traueller,
Let him behold each country farre and neere:
Rich France, sweet England, fruitfull Germany,
Proud Spaine, Greece spoild with Turkish tyranny:
As for myselfe, at home Ile liue alone,
And like no country better then mine owne.
Yet haue I seene how Lombardy doth stand,
And all Romania, and the Tuscan land:
Besides that mountaine mighty huge and tall,
Which locks vp Italy as in a wall:
And both those Oceans beating on each side,
I haue beheld, and yet no danger tride.
And this contents me well; for other coast,
Or greater trauels whence mine ease is lost,
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As for myselfe, at home Ile liue alone,
And like no country better then mine owne.
Yet haue I seene how Lombardy doth stand,
And all Romania, and the Tuscan land:
Besides that mountaine mighty huge and tall,
Which locks vp Italy as in a wall:
And both those Oceans beating on each side,
I haue beheld, and yet no danger tride.
And this contents me well; for other coast,
Or greater trauels whence mine ease is lost,
I can with Ptolomy behold them all,
In euery sort, vnite or seuerall.
All seas I likewise can behold and see,
(without vow making in extremity,
When heauen threats with speaking thunder claps)
More safely in our moderne painted maps;
Then when I shall a rotten vessell enter,
And my poore life to certaine danger venter.
The Dukes seruice I take it as it is,
Which ift'be good, tis better much by this,
In that he seldome from his Court doth part,
And so is friend to study and to art.
Nor doth he seeke to draw me from that place,
Where my lodg'd heart doth liue in its best grace.
But now me thinkes I see you all this while,
How at my words and reasons you doe smile,
Saying, that it is neither countries loue,
Nor study, which incites me not to moue:
But tis my Mistris eye that onely blinds me,
And in these euerlasting loue-knots binds me.
Well, I confesse the truth, tis so indeed,
(And then confession better proofes not need)
Tis most true, I list not to contend,
Or any falshood with my sword defend;
What ere the reason be, I stirre not out,
Or like a pilgrime walke the world about.
It is sufficient that it doth me please,
Nor would I others haue themselues disease
About mine actions, since my selfe knowes best,
Why I doe heere with homely quiet rest.
Some will obiect, and in their wisedome say,
That if to Rome I had kept on my way,
And aim'd at Church promotion, Is might then
Haue farre exceeded many other men:
So much the rather, as I was approued,
In euery sort, vnite or seuerall.
All seas I likewise can behold and see,
(without vow making in extremity,
When heauen threats with speaking thunder claps)
More safely in our moderne painted maps;
Then when I shall a rotten vessell enter,
And my poore life to certaine danger venter.
The Dukes seruice I take it as it is,
Which ift'be good, tis better much by this,
In that he seldome from his Court doth part,
And so is friend to study and to art.
Nor doth he seeke to draw me from that place,
Where my lodg'd heart doth liue in its best grace.
But now me thinkes I see you all this while,
How at my words and reasons you doe smile,
Saying, that it is neither countries loue,
Nor study, which incites me not to moue:
But tis my Mistris eye that onely blinds me,
And in these euerlasting loue-knots binds me.
Well, I confesse the truth, tis so indeed,
(And then confession better proofes not need)
Tis most true, I list not to contend,
Or any falshood with my sword defend;
What ere the reason be, I stirre not out,
Or like a pilgrime walke the world about.
It is sufficient that it doth me please,
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About mine actions, since my selfe knowes best,
Why I doe heere with homely quiet rest.
Some will obiect, and in their wisedome say,
That if to Rome I had kept on my way,
And aim'd at Church promotion, Is might then
Haue farre exceeded many other men:
So much the rather, as I was approued,
To loue the Pope, and was of him beloued:
As hauing of his first acquaintance beene,
Long ere he had his daies of glory seene;
Which came to him for vertue, not through chance;
And therefore reason he should me aduance:
Yea long before the Florentines set ope
Their gates to entertaine him, or that hope
As hauing of his first acquaintance beene,
Long ere he had his daies of glory seene;
Which came to him for vertue, not through chance;
And therefore reason he should me aduance:
Yea long before the Florentines set ope
Their gates to entertaine him, or that hope
Moued worthy Iulian his ennobled brother,
In Vrbins Court his losses to recouer.
In Vrbins Court his losses to recouer.
Where with learn'd Bembo and Castilian sage,
Apollos haire, flowers of that formall age,
He spent the dayes of his first banishment,
In great delight of thought and hearts content.
And after when this subtill Medicy
Ouer their Country vs'd his tiranny;
Apollos haire, flowers of that formall age,
He spent the dayes of his first banishment,
In great delight of thought and hearts content.
And after when this subtill Medicy
Ouer their Country vs'd his tiranny;
When the Gonfalconer forsooke the Court,
Leauing his place, his honours and his port,
Till Leo vnto Rome did make repaire,
And was installed in Saint Peters chaire.
In all which time to none he shewed such grace
As vnto me, whom he did euer place
Next to himselfe, affirming I, and none
Was else his friend and best companion:
So that in ranke of fauour, I alone;
Stood still vnseconded of any one.
Besides, when he as Legat first did passe
To Florence, this his protestation was:
That I as deerely in his fauour stood,
As did his brother, or his best of blood.
These circumstances well considered,
And euery fauour rightly ordered,
Though some of little value will esteeme them;
Yet others of more better price may deeme them.
And thinke if I would daine to Rome to goe,
And to his Holinesse my fortunes show:
Doubtlesse I might obtaine for recompence,
Any faire suit of worthy consequence.
And that at my first motion or request,
A Bishopricke were granted at the least.
But they which think, such great things so soone got;
With iudgment nor with knowledge reckon not.
And therefore with a pretty history,
I will to such men giue a short reply:
Which hath in writing put me to more paine,
Then any man in reading shall attaine.
Leauing his place, his honours and his port,
Till Leo vnto Rome did make repaire,
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In all which time to none he shewed such grace
As vnto me, whom he did euer place
Next to himselfe, affirming I, and none
Was else his friend and best companion:
So that in ranke of fauour, I alone;
Stood still vnseconded of any one.
Besides, when he as Legat first did passe
To Florence, this his protestation was:
That I as deerely in his fauour stood,
As did his brother, or his best of blood.
These circumstances well considered,
And euery fauour rightly ordered,
Though some of little value will esteeme them;
Yet others of more better price may deeme them.
And thinke if I would daine to Rome to goe,
And to his Holinesse my fortunes show:
Doubtlesse I might obtaine for recompence,
Any faire suit of worthy consequence.
And that at my first motion or request,
A Bishopricke were granted at the least.
But they which think, such great things so soone got;
With iudgment nor with knowledge reckon not.
And therefore with a pretty history,
I will to such men giue a short reply:
Which hath in writing put me to more paine,
Then any man in reading shall attaine.
Long since, there was a scortch Sommer seene,
Wch burnt the parcht earth with his beames so keen,
That it was thought Phœbus once more had giuen
His Chariot to his bastard to be driuen.
For euery plant and hearbe was dead and dri'd,
Nor any greennes on the ground was spi'd.
No fountaine, spring nor poole, or low or hie,
But had his veines stopt vp, and now stood dry:
So that through riuers, channels and great lakes,
Men their long iourneies safely dry-shod takes.
In this hot time a wealthy swaine did liue,
(Or rather stile of poore I may him giue)
Who had great store of cattell and of sheepe,
But wanted moisture them aliue to keepe;
Who hauing long searcht euery hopefull ground,
(Although in vaine) where moisture might be found,
He now inuokes that God omnipotent;
(Whose eares on faithfull orizons are bent)
And he by inspiration in a dreame,
Grants ease vnto his griefes that were extreme:
Telling him that not farre from that dry land,
Within a certaine valley neere at hand,
He should such store of wholesome water find,
As should giue ease and comfort to his minde.
The swaine at this, takes children and his wife,
And all his wealth (the second to his life)
Leaues neither slaue, nor houshold stuffe behind,
But hasts the blessed vallies helpe to find;
Where he no sooner came, but in the ground
He caus'd to dig, and water did abound.
But now he wants wherewith to take it vp,
And therefore is inforc't to vse a cup,
A little cup, whose little quantity,
Hardly did serue one draught sufficiently.
Which as he held, he said, now my hot thirst
Ile coole, sith it is reason I be first.
The next draught doth vnto my wife belong,
Next to my children (if I doe not wrong:)
When they haue done, my seruants shall begin,
Each as his merit and desert doth winne.
And as they haue bestird themselues with paine,
To make this Wel, from whence this good we gaine.
This said, he then vpon his cattell thought,
The best whereof, he meanes shall take first draught:
And those which leanest were should be the last,
(He thus his damage and his profit cast.)
When euery thing was ordred in his fashion,
He tasts the water first, and cooles his passion;
Next him his wife; his children followed than,
(As he had made the law) man after man.
Now euery one fearing the waters losse,
Began to presse about him, and to crosse,
His fellowes merit where most worth was cast;
All would be first, none willingly the last.
When this a little Parrot had suruaid,
With whom this wealthy shepheard often plaid,
And had in times past made it all his ioy:
Taking delight onely with it to toy:
And when it well had vnderstood their strife,
It clamord forth, Ah woe is my poore life.
I nor his sonne, nor of his seruants am,
Nor for to dig this well I hither came:
Nor can I other profit to him bring,
Then foolish mirth, and idle wantonning.
And therefore must be quite forgot of all,
And made the last on whom last lot must fall.
My thirst is great as their, my death as nie,
Vnlesse I can to better safetie flie:
Therefore I must elsewhere seeke my releefe,
And so away he flies with all his griefe.
Wch burnt the parcht earth with his beames so keen,
That it was thought Phœbus once more had giuen
His Chariot to his bastard to be driuen.
For euery plant and hearbe was dead and dri'd,
Nor any greennes on the ground was spi'd.
No fountaine, spring nor poole, or low or hie,
But had his veines stopt vp, and now stood dry:
So that through riuers, channels and great lakes,
Men their long iourneies safely dry-shod takes.
In this hot time a wealthy swaine did liue,
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Who had great store of cattell and of sheepe,
But wanted moisture them aliue to keepe;
Who hauing long searcht euery hopefull ground,
(Although in vaine) where moisture might be found,
He now inuokes that God omnipotent;
(Whose eares on faithfull orizons are bent)
And he by inspiration in a dreame,
Grants ease vnto his griefes that were extreme:
Telling him that not farre from that dry land,
Within a certaine valley neere at hand,
He should such store of wholesome water find,
As should giue ease and comfort to his minde.
The swaine at this, takes children and his wife,
And all his wealth (the second to his life)
Leaues neither slaue, nor houshold stuffe behind,
But hasts the blessed vallies helpe to find;
Where he no sooner came, but in the ground
He caus'd to dig, and water did abound.
But now he wants wherewith to take it vp,
And therefore is inforc't to vse a cup,
A little cup, whose little quantity,
Hardly did serue one draught sufficiently.
Which as he held, he said, now my hot thirst
Ile coole, sith it is reason I be first.
The next draught doth vnto my wife belong,
Next to my children (if I doe not wrong:)
When they haue done, my seruants shall begin,
Each as his merit and desert doth winne.
And as they haue bestird themselues with paine,
To make this Wel, from whence this good we gaine.
This said, he then vpon his cattell thought,
The best whereof, he meanes shall take first draught:
And those which leanest were should be the last,
(He thus his damage and his profit cast.)
When euery thing was ordred in his fashion,
He tasts the water first, and cooles his passion;
Next him his wife; his children followed than,
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Now euery one fearing the waters losse,
Began to presse about him, and to crosse,
His fellowes merit where most worth was cast;
All would be first, none willingly the last.
When this a little Parrot had suruaid,
With whom this wealthy shepheard often plaid,
And had in times past made it all his ioy:
Taking delight onely with it to toy:
And when it well had vnderstood their strife,
It clamord forth, Ah woe is my poore life.
I nor his sonne, nor of his seruants am,
Nor for to dig this well I hither came:
Nor can I other profit to him bring,
Then foolish mirth, and idle wantonning.
And therefore must be quite forgot of all,
And made the last on whom last lot must fall.
My thirst is great as their, my death as nie,
Vnlesse I can to better safetie flie:
Therefore I must elsewhere seeke my releefe,
And so away he flies with all his griefe.
My Lord I doe beseech you, with this story,
Packe from your eares, those fooles that from vaine glory,
Thinke that his Holinēs will me raise before,
Packe from your eares, those fooles that from vaine glory,
Thinke that his Holinēs will me raise before,
The Neri, Vanni, Lotti, and some more.
His bastards, Nephewes, kinne and other such,
Shall quench their thirsts ere I the water touch.
Nay there shall step betwixt me and my hope,
All those whose helping hands did make him Pope.
When these haue drunk, their steps forth to be serued,
Whole bandes of martialists half pinde and sterued,
That gainst stout Soderny did weapons beare,
Making his passage into Florence cleere.
His bastards, Nephewes, kinne and other such,
Shall quench their thirsts ere I the water touch.
Nay there shall step betwixt me and my hope,
All those whose helping hands did make him Pope.
When these haue drunk, their steps forth to be serued,
Whole bandes of martialists half pinde and sterued,
That gainst stout Soderny did weapons beare,
Making his passage into Florence cleere.
One boasts that he in Cassentino was
With Peter, when he scarce from thence could passe,
With Peter, when he scarce from thence could passe,
With his lifes safetie; whil'st Brandino cries,
I lent the money which his honours buyes.
An other doth approue, t'was onely he
Maintain'd his brother with a yearely fee:
And at his proper charges did prouide,
Both horse and armour, and what else beside.
Now if whilst these drinke I stand gazing by,
Either of force the well must be drawne dry:
Or else my thirst my bodies health must slay,
Sith still such violence brookes no delay.
Well, tis much better to liue as I do,
Then to approue if this be true or no:
Or whether fortunes fooles which waite vpon her,
Doe drinke of Lethe when they rise to honour.
Which though it be most true that few doo climbe,
But they forget the daies of former time,
Yet can I hardly say his Holinesse,
Hath drunke much water of forgetfulnesse.
No, I may well protest the contrary,
Since I did find that in his memory
I held my place, and when his foote I kist,
He with a smiling countnance prest my wrist,
Bow'd downe his fore-head from his holy chaire,
And gaue me wordes of grace, and speeches faire,
He gently stroakt my cheekes and did me blisse,
And on them both bestow'd a sacred kisse.
I lent the money which his honours buyes.
An other doth approue, t'was onely he
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And at his proper charges did prouide,
Both horse and armour, and what else beside.
Now if whilst these drinke I stand gazing by,
Either of force the well must be drawne dry:
Or else my thirst my bodies health must slay,
Sith still such violence brookes no delay.
Well, tis much better to liue as I do,
Then to approue if this be true or no:
Or whether fortunes fooles which waite vpon her,
Doe drinke of Lethe when they rise to honour.
Which though it be most true that few doo climbe,
But they forget the daies of former time,
Yet can I hardly say his Holinesse,
Hath drunke much water of forgetfulnesse.
No, I may well protest the contrary,
Since I did find that in his memory
I held my place, and when his foote I kist,
He with a smiling countnance prest my wrist,
Bow'd downe his fore-head from his holy chaire,
And gaue me wordes of grace, and speeches faire,
He gently stroakt my cheekes and did me blisse,
And on them both bestow'd a sacred kisse.
Besides he did bestow that Bull on me,
Which Bibiena after seriously
Dispacht, and got, although I yet did pay
Some bribes before I was dismist away:
But being done, and I ioy'd therewithall,
(All wet through raine & stormes wch then did fall)
Vnto Montano fast I rode that night,
Where I repos'd with merry heart and light.
Thus curteous words and speeches I had many,
But other fauours I possest not any.
But say twere true the Pope should keep his word,
And to me all his promises affoord,
That I might reape the fruits which I did sow,
Both now and elsewhere many yeares agoe:
Imagine with more Miters and red hats
He would adorne me, and with greater states,
Then euer at the Popes great solemne masse,
Hath or beene seene or euer giuen was,
Nay, say he fild vp all my bags with gold,
And cramd my chests as full as they could hold:
Shall yet th' ambition of my greedy mind,
Enough contentments for her humours finde?
Or shall this quench my thirsts consuming fire?
Or will my thoughts take truce with her desire?
No; I from Barb'rie to Catay will goe,
From Dacia, where seuen-headed Nile doth flow:
Not Rome alone must hold my soueraignty,
So of my affections I might master be;
And so I might haue power and both be able,
To tame my thoughts, and hopes vnsatiable.
But when I shall a Cardinall be instald,
Or what is more, seruant of seruants cald,
Nay when I shall aboue the Pope be spi'd,
And yet my minde rest still vnsatisfi'd:
To what end then should I so much disease me,
Or toile my selfe for that which will not please me?
Tis better priuatly to liue, then thus
To vexe and grieue for titles friuolous.
I speake not this, as though my selfe were he,
Whose nature could with no content agree:
But to this end, that sith all greatnesse euer,
Doth in this endlesse Auarice perseuer,
(Who though they all possesse, yet more doe craue.
As if they would imploy them in the graue.)
I thinke its better liue a priuate life,
Then wealth to hold with vnabated strife.
Which Bibiena after seriously
Dispacht, and got, although I yet did pay
Some bribes before I was dismist away:
But being done, and I ioy'd therewithall,
(All wet through raine & stormes wch then did fall)
Vnto Montano fast I rode that night,
Where I repos'd with merry heart and light.
Thus curteous words and speeches I had many,
But other fauours I possest not any.
But say twere true the Pope should keep his word,
And to me all his promises affoord,
That I might reape the fruits which I did sow,
Both now and elsewhere many yeares agoe:
Imagine with more Miters and red hats
37
Then euer at the Popes great solemne masse,
Hath or beene seene or euer giuen was,
Nay, say he fild vp all my bags with gold,
And cramd my chests as full as they could hold:
Shall yet th' ambition of my greedy mind,
Enough contentments for her humours finde?
Or shall this quench my thirsts consuming fire?
Or will my thoughts take truce with her desire?
No; I from Barb'rie to Catay will goe,
From Dacia, where seuen-headed Nile doth flow:
Not Rome alone must hold my soueraignty,
So of my affections I might master be;
And so I might haue power and both be able,
To tame my thoughts, and hopes vnsatiable.
But when I shall a Cardinall be instald,
Or what is more, seruant of seruants cald,
Nay when I shall aboue the Pope be spi'd,
And yet my minde rest still vnsatisfi'd:
To what end then should I so much disease me,
Or toile my selfe for that which will not please me?
Tis better priuatly to liue, then thus
To vexe and grieue for titles friuolous.
I speake not this, as though my selfe were he,
Whose nature could with no content agree:
But to this end, that sith all greatnesse euer,
Doth in this endlesse Auarice perseuer,
(Who though they all possesse, yet more doe craue.
As if they would imploy them in the graue.)
I thinke its better liue a priuate life,
Then wealth to hold with vnabated strife.
A Tale.
Then when this world in her infancy,And men knew neither sin nor treachery;
When cheators did not vse to liue by wit,
Nor flattery could each great mans humour fit,
A certaine nation (which I knew not well)
Did at the foot of an high mountaine dwell)
Whose top the heauens counsailes seem'd to know,
38
These men obseruing how the moone did rise,
And keep her monthly progresse through the skies:
And yet how with her horned forehead she
Altred her shape, her face and quantity,
They straight imagin'd if they were so hie,
As the hils top, they easly might espy,
And come where she did dwell to see most plaine,
How she grew in the full, how in the waine.
Resolu'd thereon, they mount the hill right soone,
With baskets and with sackes to catch the moone,
Striuing who first vnto the top should rise,
And make himselfe the master of the prize.
But mounted vp, and seeing that they were
As far off as before, and nere the neare,
Weary and feeble on the ground they fall,
Wishing (though wishes are no helpe at all)
That they had in the humble valley staid,
And not like fooles themselues so much dismaid.
The rest of them which did remaine below,
Thinking the others which so high did show,
Had toucht the Moone, came running after then
By troopes and flockes, by twenties and by ten:
But when the senselesse misconceit they found,
Like to the rest they weary fell to ground.
This lofty mountaine is the Wheele of fate,
Vpon whose top sits roialliz'd in state,
(As ignorance and folly doth suppose)
All quietnesse, all peace, and sweet repose.
But they (alasse) doe all mistake the ground,
For there nor ioy is, nor contentment found.
Now if with riches or with honours went
(Like louing twins) the minds desir'd content:
Then had I reason to commend that wit,
Which were imployd and spent to purchase it.
But when I see both Popes and mighty Kings,
(Who for they soueraignes are of earthly things,
As gods within this world esteemed are)
That they of griefes and troubles haue their share,
I needes must say, content they do not hold,
As long as they haue sorrowes manifold.
Should I in wealth the mighty Turke outgoe,
Or boast more glories then the Pope doth know,
And yet still couet higher to aspire,
I am but poore, through that my more desire.
Well, tis most reason and our best wit,
To liue of things are competent and fit,
Whereby we may not pine away with want,
Nor of our needfulst needments to be scant.
For euery one all strength of reasons haue,
To nourish life, and not liue as a slaue:
But if a man be so sufficient rich,
That he too little hath not, nor too much,
That hath enough his nature to content,
And in desire is not o're vehement:
He that can ease his hunger at his pleasure,
And giue each appetite his equall measure:
He that hath fire to warme him when hee's cold,
A house to shelter him when he is old:
That when he should ride forth is not compeld,
To lacky spaniel-like through euery field,
But to command a horse is alwaies able,
And keepes a man to waite vpon his table:
Besides a cleanely houswife that will keepe
His house in comely order neate and sweet:
If this I haue, what neede I more request?
For hauing thus much I haue all the rest.
Enough is neuer then aboundance lesse,
He that all couets nothing doth possesse.
Besides this duety, reason doth demand,
That on strict termes of honor we doe stand,
Yet in such sort that we be neuer found,
T'exceede the golden meane in any bound;
For nothing is on earth more dangerous,
Then to be noted as ambitious
This is true honour when the world doth cry,
Thou art an honest man, and so dost die:
Which if thou beest not, it will soone be knowne;
And as thy faults are so thy fame is blowne.
Hypocrisie is wouen of fine thrid,
Yet few in these daies can in nets be hid.
Because each one right Reuerend doth thee call,
Or Earle or Baron, Knight or Generall,
I would not haue thee thinke they honor thee,
Vnlesse more in thy selfe then titles bee.
But when I see thy merits worth doth moue
From vertue, then thou shalt enioy my loue.
What glory is't to thee when I behold,
How thou apparel'd art in silkes and gold?
Or that the wondring people with amaze,
As vp and downe thou walk'st vpon thee gaze?
If afterward, assoone as thou art gone,
And thy backe turn'd, they sing this hatefull song:
See there the man who for a bribe in gold,
The gates of Rome vnto the French-men sold,
Which gates to keepe, he had of speciall trust,
Yet sold the same, an art base and vniust.
Fie, fie, how many Knight-hoods here are bought,
How many Bishoprickes desertlesse caught?
Which after being knowne abroad become
The foule disgrace and scandall vnto Rome.
To be an honest man in word and deed,
Though on my backe I weare a course plaine weed,
As much doth please me, as if I did goe,
Royally clad in roabes which kingly shoe,
Let him that will or gold or veluet buy,
For I will not with spots of infamy.
But now me thinkes base Bomba doth reply,
And vnto mine assertions giues the lie:
Saying, let me haue riches, I not care,
Or how they come, or how they purchas't are:
Come they by villany, or by drabs or dice,
Riches are euer of most worthy price.
Vertue is riches bastard, nor doe I
Respect, against me what the vulgar cry.
“All men of no man speaketh reuerently,
“And some haue rail'd against the Deity.
Husht Bomba, husht, doe not flie all so fast,
But flag thy wanton Peacockes traine at last,
I tell thee none blaspheme the Deity,
But such as are more damn'd in villany
Then those who naild their maker to the Crosse,
Whose woes eternally doe mourne their losse:
Meane space the good and honest sort one word,
Will not of goodnes to thy fame affoord.
They say false cardes, false dice, and falser queanes,
Purchast thy liuings and thy large demeanes.
And thou administrest to euery tongue,
Matter to talke of, as thou walk'st along:
VVearing and tearing out more cloth of gold,
More silkes and Tissue from Arabia sold,
Then all the worthy gallants Rome doth breed:
So much thy pride and ryot doth exceed.
Those thefts and cousenages thou shouldst conceale,
Vnto the world and me thou dost reueale,
Making euen fooles and silly Infants know,
That cottages where hardly thatch did grow,
Thou in these few yeares Pallaces hast made,
By thy smooth cheating and thy cousening trade:
The world doth see thy banquets and thy feast,
VVherein thou surfet'st like an o're-fed beast.
Yet thou conceiu'st that thou a gallant art,
And all that smile on thee doe take thy part.
Foole, those same smiles are like the serpents hisse,
And they would kill thee faine which doe thee kisse.
Borno (so no man tell him to his face,
How vile he is) beleeues it no disgrace:
Although behinde his backe he heare men cry,
He hath nor faith, nor loue, nor piety:
And how that worse then bloudy-handed Caine,
He his brother tyrant-like hath slaine:
Although an exiles life he hath endured,
Yet all agree'd all euils now are cured:
And he the whole inheritance hath got,
Without vexation of a Partners lot.
Therefore let all men say what all men can,
Hee'l walke the streetes (sith rich) an honest man.
Another that's as vile as is the best,
Tires out his dayes with labour and vnrest:
Till he haue got a Miter in such fashion,
As shames himselfe, his kinne, and all his nation:
When he no worthier is to beare the load,
Then a base asse is of a purple roabe.
But knew the world how to this height he came,
The very stinke would poyson them with shame.
O times corrupt, O manners worse then nought,
Where nothing but what's vile is sold and bought!
Too true it is which all the world hath told,
All things at Rome, euen heauen for coine is sold.
Vpon whose top sits roialliz'd in state,
(As ignorance and folly doth suppose)
All quietnesse, all peace, and sweet repose.
But they (alasse) doe all mistake the ground,
For there nor ioy is, nor contentment found.
Now if with riches or with honours went
(Like louing twins) the minds desir'd content:
Then had I reason to commend that wit,
Which were imployd and spent to purchase it.
But when I see both Popes and mighty Kings,
(Who for they soueraignes are of earthly things,
As gods within this world esteemed are)
39
I needes must say, content they do not hold,
As long as they haue sorrowes manifold.
Should I in wealth the mighty Turke outgoe,
Or boast more glories then the Pope doth know,
And yet still couet higher to aspire,
I am but poore, through that my more desire.
Well, tis most reason and our best wit,
To liue of things are competent and fit,
Whereby we may not pine away with want,
Nor of our needfulst needments to be scant.
For euery one all strength of reasons haue,
To nourish life, and not liue as a slaue:
But if a man be so sufficient rich,
That he too little hath not, nor too much,
That hath enough his nature to content,
And in desire is not o're vehement:
He that can ease his hunger at his pleasure,
And giue each appetite his equall measure:
He that hath fire to warme him when hee's cold,
A house to shelter him when he is old:
That when he should ride forth is not compeld,
To lacky spaniel-like through euery field,
But to command a horse is alwaies able,
And keepes a man to waite vpon his table:
Besides a cleanely houswife that will keepe
His house in comely order neate and sweet:
If this I haue, what neede I more request?
For hauing thus much I haue all the rest.
Enough is neuer then aboundance lesse,
He that all couets nothing doth possesse.
Besides this duety, reason doth demand,
That on strict termes of honor we doe stand,
Yet in such sort that we be neuer found,
T'exceede the golden meane in any bound;
For nothing is on earth more dangerous,
Then to be noted as ambitious
This is true honour when the world doth cry,
40
Which if thou beest not, it will soone be knowne;
And as thy faults are so thy fame is blowne.
Hypocrisie is wouen of fine thrid,
Yet few in these daies can in nets be hid.
Because each one right Reuerend doth thee call,
Or Earle or Baron, Knight or Generall,
I would not haue thee thinke they honor thee,
Vnlesse more in thy selfe then titles bee.
But when I see thy merits worth doth moue
From vertue, then thou shalt enioy my loue.
What glory is't to thee when I behold,
How thou apparel'd art in silkes and gold?
Or that the wondring people with amaze,
As vp and downe thou walk'st vpon thee gaze?
If afterward, assoone as thou art gone,
And thy backe turn'd, they sing this hatefull song:
See there the man who for a bribe in gold,
The gates of Rome vnto the French-men sold,
Which gates to keepe, he had of speciall trust,
Yet sold the same, an art base and vniust.
Fie, fie, how many Knight-hoods here are bought,
How many Bishoprickes desertlesse caught?
Which after being knowne abroad become
The foule disgrace and scandall vnto Rome.
To be an honest man in word and deed,
Though on my backe I weare a course plaine weed,
As much doth please me, as if I did goe,
Royally clad in roabes which kingly shoe,
Let him that will or gold or veluet buy,
For I will not with spots of infamy.
But now me thinkes base Bomba doth reply,
And vnto mine assertions giues the lie:
Saying, let me haue riches, I not care,
Or how they come, or how they purchas't are:
Come they by villany, or by drabs or dice,
Riches are euer of most worthy price.
Vertue is riches bastard, nor doe I
41
“All men of no man speaketh reuerently,
“And some haue rail'd against the Deity.
Husht Bomba, husht, doe not flie all so fast,
But flag thy wanton Peacockes traine at last,
I tell thee none blaspheme the Deity,
But such as are more damn'd in villany
Then those who naild their maker to the Crosse,
Whose woes eternally doe mourne their losse:
Meane space the good and honest sort one word,
Will not of goodnes to thy fame affoord.
They say false cardes, false dice, and falser queanes,
Purchast thy liuings and thy large demeanes.
And thou administrest to euery tongue,
Matter to talke of, as thou walk'st along:
VVearing and tearing out more cloth of gold,
More silkes and Tissue from Arabia sold,
Then all the worthy gallants Rome doth breed:
So much thy pride and ryot doth exceed.
Those thefts and cousenages thou shouldst conceale,
Vnto the world and me thou dost reueale,
Making euen fooles and silly Infants know,
That cottages where hardly thatch did grow,
Thou in these few yeares Pallaces hast made,
By thy smooth cheating and thy cousening trade:
The world doth see thy banquets and thy feast,
VVherein thou surfet'st like an o're-fed beast.
Yet thou conceiu'st that thou a gallant art,
And all that smile on thee doe take thy part.
Foole, those same smiles are like the serpents hisse,
And they would kill thee faine which doe thee kisse.
Borno (so no man tell him to his face,
How vile he is) beleeues it no disgrace:
Although behinde his backe he heare men cry,
He hath nor faith, nor loue, nor piety:
And how that worse then bloudy-handed Caine,
He his brother tyrant-like hath slaine:
Although an exiles life he hath endured,
42
And he the whole inheritance hath got,
Without vexation of a Partners lot.
Therefore let all men say what all men can,
Hee'l walke the streetes (sith rich) an honest man.
Another that's as vile as is the best,
Tires out his dayes with labour and vnrest:
Till he haue got a Miter in such fashion,
As shames himselfe, his kinne, and all his nation:
When he no worthier is to beare the load,
Then a base asse is of a purple roabe.
But knew the world how to this height he came,
The very stinke would poyson them with shame.
O times corrupt, O manners worse then nought,
Where nothing but what's vile is sold and bought!
Too true it is which all the world hath told,
All things at Rome, euen heauen for coine is sold.
A Tale.
William surnamed Rufus, when in hand,He swaid the English Scepter at command,
It chan't a wealthy Abby voide did fall,
Whose great demeanes being rich in generall,
Many came to the King the same to buy,
(For he did money loue exceedingly.
Now when Church-chapmen all were com'd vnto him,
And with their vtmost summes did amply woo him,
He spide a Monke stood halfe behinde the dore,
Whom straight he cald, and bade him come before:
Imagining he came as did the rest,
With full filde bagges, to make his offer best:
And therefore thus the King most graciously
Speakes to the Monke; Tell me man willingly,
What thou wilt giue; great the reuennues are,
And thou free leaue to offer for thy share.
My gracious Lord (the old man did reply)
I came not hither this rich place to buy:
For I am poore: or had I wealth at will,
I would not load my conscience with such ill:
As to ingrosse Church-liuings aboue other,
43
Besides, I were an Asse to vndertake,
To lay too great a burthen on my backe:
Which to support, I know I am vnfit,
Both for my learning, industry and wit.
Onely I hither came in humble wise,
To beg of him which to this place should rise,
That I this petty fauour might but haue,
To be his Priest, his Beadse-man or his slaue.
The King who heard this olde man gratiously,
And finding in him true humility,
Whence his rare vertues sprang so curiously,
That they exceld his ranke in dignity:
Freely and franckly without recompence,
Gaue him this Abbey and dispatcht him thence.
Saying he it deseru'd most worthily,
Sith he so well could brooke his pouerty.
Neither such gift nor King I ere shall know,
Yet such a minde and thoughts within me grow.
I haue a minde which harbours calme content,
Voide of all lucre, and from malice bent.
And would I fish for liuings, there's no doubt,
But I should easily bring my wish about.
“But home is homely, I am best at ease,
“When I haue none but mine owne selfe to please.
“Riches are still the children of much care,
“Who couets nothing, onely rich men are.
“Great is the labour which doth purchase gaine,
“Greater the sorrow which doth it maintaine.
But once to lose it, euen death doth bring:
I'le no such Bees which haue so sharpe a sting.
Sufficient for my selfe is my small store,
And greatest Monarches doe enioy no more.
| [Ariostos seven planets governing Italie or his satyrs] | |