 | Parts added to The mirror for magistrates |  |
223
ADDITIONS MADE IN 1587
225
Thomas Newton to the Reader, in the behalfe of this booke.
[_]
[This address, added in the 1587 edition, followed the index, which was placed after the prose prefaces. Newton's address thus immediately preceded the author's poetic induction.]
As when an arming sword of proofe is made,
Both steele and yron must be tempred well:
(For yron giues the strength vnto the blade,
And steele, in edge doth cause it to excell)
As ech good Bladesmith by his Arte can tell:
For, without yron, brittle will it breake,
And, without steele, it will bee blunt and weake:
Both steele and yron must be tempred well:
(For yron giues the strength vnto the blade,
And steele, in edge doth cause it to excell)
As ech good Bladesmith by his Arte can tell:
For, without yron, brittle will it breake,
And, without steele, it will bee blunt and weake:
So bookes, that now theyr faces dare to show,
Must mettald bee with Nature and with Skill:
For Nature causeth stuffe enough to flow,
And Arte the same contriues by learned quill
In order good, and currant methode still.
So that, if Nature frowne, the case is hard:
And if Arte want, the matter all is marde.
Must mettald bee with Nature and with Skill:
For Nature causeth stuffe enough to flow,
And Arte the same contriues by learned quill
In order good, and currant methode still.
So that, if Nature frowne, the case is hard:
And if Arte want, the matter all is marde.
The worke, which here is offred to thy vewe,
With both these poynts is full and fitly fraught;
Set foorth by sundry of the learned Crewe:
Whose stately styles haue Phoebus garland caught,
And Parnasse mount theyr worthy works haue raught:
Theyr wordes are thundred with such maiestie,
As fitteth right ech matter in degree.
With both these poynts is full and fitly fraught;
Set foorth by sundry of the learned Crewe:
Whose stately styles haue Phoebus garland caught,
And Parnasse mount theyr worthy works haue raught:
Theyr wordes are thundred with such maiestie,
As fitteth right ech matter in degree.
Reade it therefore, but reade attentiuely,
Consider well the drift whereto it tendes:
Confer the times, perpend the history,
The parties states, and eke theyr dolefull endes,
With odde euentes, that divine iustice sendes.
For, thinges forepast are presidents to vs,
Whereby wee may thinges present now discusse.
Consider well the drift whereto it tendes:
Confer the times, perpend the history,
The parties states, and eke theyr dolefull endes,
226
For, thinges forepast are presidents to vs,
Whereby wee may thinges present now discusse.
Certes this worlde a Stage may well bee calde,
Whereon is playde the parte of eu'ry wight:
Some, now aloft, anon with malice galde
Are from high state brought into dismall plight.
Like counters are they, which stand now in sight
For thousand or ten thousand, and anone
Remooued, stande perhaps for lesse then one.
Whereon is playde the parte of eu'ry wight:
Some, now aloft, anon with malice galde
Are from high state brought into dismall plight.
Like counters are they, which stand now in sight
For thousand or ten thousand, and anone
Remooued, stande perhaps for lesse then one.
1587. Thomas Newtonus, Cestreshyrius.
227
Lenuoy.
[_]
[For the original version of Lenvoy 8, see p. 129. It was rewritten for the 1587 edition, to introduce the rewritten tragedy of Bladud.]
Marke but the end of brother quellers all,
And you shall see what woefull ends they had:
For so Iehouah suffers them to fall,
As were their risinges murderous and bad.
The life of wicked Cayne was sorowfull and sad.
Of Ioram the King what neede I to discriue,
So infamous and violent both dead and eke aliue.
And you shall see what woefull ends they had:
For so Iehouah suffers them to fall,
As were their risinges murderous and bad.
The life of wicked Cayne was sorowfull and sad.
Of Ioram the King what neede I to discriue,
So infamous and violent both dead and eke aliue.
What auayl'd it Memprice this Kingdome to obtayne,
That shamefully his Princely brother so did slay:
Sith that almighty Ioue so punisht him agayne,
For scepters sake that tooke his noble Prince away.
His wretched cruell corps became for Wolues a pray.
What neede I more the caytiues beastly facts descriue
So infamous and violent, both dead and eke aliue.
That shamefully his Princely brother so did slay:
Sith that almighty Ioue so punisht him agayne,
For scepters sake that tooke his noble Prince away.
His wretched cruell corps became for Wolues a pray.
What neede I more the caytiues beastly facts descriue
So infamous and violent, both dead and eke aliue.
Now when as hee was gone, there presently, mee thought,
A King full Angell like in feathers did appeare:
With flying winges and plumes by cunning finely wrought,
As hee aloft like fame to flie prepared were.
To harken well his tale I gaue an heedy eare,
Which hee in order thus mee thought did then contriue,
Desiring mee to write it so, to warne the rest aliue.
A King full Angell like in feathers did appeare:
With flying winges and plumes by cunning finely wrought,
As hee aloft like fame to flie prepared were.
To harken well his tale I gaue an heedy eare,
Which hee in order thus mee thought did then contriue,
Desiring mee to write it so, to warne the rest aliue.
228
[BLADUD]
How King Bladud, taking on him to fly, fell vpon the Temple of Apollo, and brake his necke, the yeare before Christ, 844.
[_]
[For the original tragedy of Bladud for which this new tragedy was substituted in the 1587 edition, see pp. 132–43.]
I pray thee Higgins take in hand thy pen,
And write my life and fall among'st the rest:
A warning set mee downe for curious men,
Whose wittes the worke of nature seeke to wrest.
I was Prince Bladud pregnant as the best.
Of wisedome, and of wealth, and learning I had store,
Of regall race I came: what neede I craued more?
And write my life and fall among'st the rest:
A warning set mee downe for curious men,
Whose wittes the worke of nature seeke to wrest.
I was Prince Bladud pregnant as the best.
Of wisedome, and of wealth, and learning I had store,
Of regall race I came: what neede I craued more?
But this in all the sortes of men wee see,
An vncontented minde, when much they haue:
The learned yet would more profounder bee,
The richest most t'encrease their wealth do craue.
The finest Dames doe slike their faces braue.
The noblest yet would higher clime, and all to skies
Immortall they to make their names on earth deuise.
An vncontented minde, when much they haue:
The learned yet would more profounder bee,
The richest most t'encrease their wealth do craue.
The finest Dames doe slike their faces braue.
The noblest yet would higher clime, and all to skies
Immortall they to make their names on earth deuise.
In Britayne though I learned had full well
The artes, and could emong'st the wise conferre:
Yet when of Athens I the fame heard tell,
(Though it in Greece so far hence distant were)
I trauayl'd thither, writers witnesse are,
I studied there, and thence of learned men I brought,
That learning might from Britayne land no more so far bee sought.
The artes, and could emong'st the wise conferre:
Yet when of Athens I the fame heard tell,
(Though it in Greece so far hence distant were)
I trauayl'd thither, writers witnesse are,
I studied there, and thence of learned men I brought,
That learning might from Britayne land no more so far bee sought.
229
But after hee was dead that was my stay,
My father graue, I meane the worthy King:
Then all the Britaynes shortly by a day,
To royall seat elected mee did bring.
Where I to place in order euery thing,
Did both receiue the crowne and scepter in my hand,
With glory and renowned fame to gouerne all the land.
My father graue, I meane the worthy King:
Then all the Britaynes shortly by a day,
To royall seat elected mee did bring.
Where I to place in order euery thing,
Did both receiue the crowne and scepter in my hand,
With glory and renowned fame to gouerne all the land.
Then, for because the sway of all the Ile
Depended on my gouernement to rest:
I did consult with all the peeres a while,
And of my fathers counsaylers the best.
I order tooke for matters vnredrest,
Appoynting vnto each such place of iustice fit,
As serued to their birth, their persons, wealth and wit.
Depended on my gouernement to rest:
I did consult with all the peeres a while,
And of my fathers counsaylers the best.
I order tooke for matters vnredrest,
Appoynting vnto each such place of iustice fit,
As serued to their birth, their persons, wealth and wit.
The learned Greekes, whom I from Athens brought,
Conferring with the British learned men:
A place, as I commaunded them, had sought
Amid'st the Realme, and brought mee word agen.
At Staneford there I built a colledge then,
And made prouision for the same perdy,
To maynetayne them a famous Vniuersity.
Conferring with the British learned men:
A place, as I commaunded them, had sought
Amid'st the Realme, and brought mee word agen.
At Staneford there I built a colledge then,
And made prouision for the same perdy,
To maynetayne them a famous Vniuersity.
By this, of skilfull men the land had store,
And all the arts were read in Britayne well:
No countrey was for learning praysed more.
Abroad, the world began of vs tell.
From other nations hither came to dwell
The wisest wits, commending vs, extolling vs to skies:
They sayd wee were a people stout, and learned, graue, and wise.
And all the arts were read in Britayne well:
No countrey was for learning praysed more.
Abroad, the world began of vs tell.
From other nations hither came to dwell
The wisest wits, commending vs, extolling vs to skies:
They sayd wee were a people stout, and learned, graue, and wise.
230
And for that time, of Gods wee honourd all,
Apollo high for wisedome, arte, and skill:
At Troynouant a Temple speciall
I built to him, for sacrifices still.
Whereon I fell, as after speake I will.
Such was our vse and superstition wholy then,
To deeme as Gods the statures tall of noble worthy men.
Apollo high for wisedome, arte, and skill:
At Troynouant a Temple speciall
I built to him, for sacrifices still.
Whereon I fell, as after speake I will.
Such was our vse and superstition wholy then,
To deeme as Gods the statures tall of noble worthy men.
Some saye I made the holesome Baths at Bathe,
And made therefore two Tunnes of burning brasse:
And other twayne seauen kindes of salts that haue
In them inclos'd, but these bee made of glasse,
With sulphur fild, wilde fire emixt there was,
And in foure welles these Tunnes so placed heate for aye
The water springing vp, before it passe away.
And made therefore two Tunnes of burning brasse:
And other twayne seauen kindes of salts that haue
In them inclos'd, but these bee made of glasse,
With sulphur fild, wilde fire emixt there was,
And in foure welles these Tunnes so placed heate for aye
The water springing vp, before it passe away.
Which waters heate and clensing perfect powre,
With vapours of the sulphur, salts, and fire,
Hath vertue great, to heale, and washe, and scowre
The bathed sores therein that health desire.
If of the vertues, moe thou dost require
To knowe, I will resite what old experience tells
In causes cold the noble vertues of these welles.
With vapours of the sulphur, salts, and fire,
Hath vertue great, to heale, and washe, and scowre
The bathed sores therein that health desire.
If of the vertues, moe thou dost require
To knowe, I will resite what old experience tells
In causes cold the noble vertues of these welles.
The bathes to soften sinewes vertue haue,
And also for to clense and scowre the skin
From Morphewes white and blacke, to heale and saue
The bodyes freckled, faynt, are bathed therein:
Scabs, lepry, sores are old and festered in,
The scurfe, botch itche, goute, poxe, sweld ioynts and humores fell,
The milt and liuer hard it heales, and palsey well.
And also for to clense and scowre the skin
From Morphewes white and blacke, to heale and saue
The bodyes freckled, faynt, are bathed therein:
Scabs, lepry, sores are old and festered in,
The scurfe, botch itche, goute, poxe, sweld ioynts and humores fell,
The milt and liuer hard it heales, and palsey well.
231
I must confesse by learned skill I found
Those natiue welles whence springs that helpe for men.
But well thou know'st there runnes from vnder ground
Springes sweete, salt, cold, and hote euen now as then,
From rocke, salt petre, alume, grauell, fen,
From sulphur, iron, leade, gold, siluer, brasse and tinne:
Ech fountayne takes the force of vayne it coucheth in.
Those natiue welles whence springs that helpe for men.
But well thou know'st there runnes from vnder ground
Springes sweete, salt, cold, and hote euen now as then,
From rocke, salt petre, alume, grauell, fen,
From sulphur, iron, leade, gold, siluer, brasse and tinne:
Ech fountayne takes the force of vayne it coucheth in.
Then who so knowes by natures worke in these,
Of metalles or of mynes the force to heale,
May sooner giue his iudgement in disease,
For curing by the bath, and surer deale
With sickly people of the publique weale,
And also finde of fountaynes salt, or hote, or cold,
And for to heale by them the sicke with honour bee bold.
Of metalles or of mynes the force to heale,
May sooner giue his iudgement in disease,
For curing by the bath, and surer deale
With sickly people of the publique weale,
And also finde of fountaynes salt, or hote, or cold,
And for to heale by them the sicke with honour bee bold.
The Citie eke of Bathe, I founded there,
Renouned far by reason of the welles:
And many monuments that auncient were
I placed there, thou know'st the story tells.
I sought renowne and fame and nothing elze.
But when our actes extoll our prayse aboue the skie,
W'are blinded so, wee looke not downe from whence wee flye.
Renouned far by reason of the welles:
And many monuments that auncient were
I placed there, thou know'st the story tells.
I sought renowne and fame and nothing elze.
But when our actes extoll our prayse aboue the skie,
W'are blinded so, wee looke not downe from whence wee flye.
There are but fewe, whom Fortune bathes in blesse,
But blinded are, and dazelingly they looke:
They see nought else but wordly happinesse,
At that they only fish with Fortunes hooke.
Beneath on earth pompe, pelfe, and prayse they pooke,
On that depending frayle, that fayles, and flits, and flyes,
Forsaking vertue sole, that bides for aye aboue the skies.
But blinded are, and dazelingly they looke:
They see nought else but wordly happinesse,
At that they only fish with Fortunes hooke.
Beneath on earth pompe, pelfe, and prayse they pooke,
On that depending frayle, that fayles, and flits, and flyes,
Forsaking vertue sole, that bides for aye aboue the skies.
232
Mens vayne delightes are wondrous to behold,
For that that reason nills, nor nature sowes
They take in hand, on science far to bold,
Deceiu'd by suttle snares of diuelish showes.
From which attemptes a floud of mischiefe flowes,
An heape of hurtes, a swarme of smartes, a fry of foule decayes,
A flocke of feares, a droue of deathes, and thrales a thousand wayes.
For that that reason nills, nor nature sowes
They take in hand, on science far to bold,
Deceiu'd by suttle snares of diuelish showes.
From which attemptes a floud of mischiefe flowes,
An heape of hurtes, a swarme of smartes, a fry of foule decayes,
A flocke of feares, a droue of deathes, and thrales a thousand wayes.
If that the water fish forsake the streame
Agaynst his kinde, feeles hee no hurt ensues?
Or if the brocke would learne to play the breame,
And leaue the lambes at land, were this no newes?
A fethered fowle in th'earth a den to chuse,
Or flounder say to flye and soare aloft the larke to catch,
Would not you maruell then, what monsters now doth nature hatch?
Agaynst his kinde, feeles hee no hurt ensues?
Or if the brocke would learne to play the breame,
And leaue the lambes at land, were this no newes?
A fethered fowle in th'earth a den to chuse,
Or flounder say to flye and soare aloft the larke to catch,
Would not you maruell then, what monsters now doth nature hatch?
But sith wee see that nature hath assign'd
The fowle to fly, the ayre, as seemeth well,
The fish to swim, the sea, as fits his kinde,
The earth for men and beastes to breede and dwell:
Of right a man, which doth the rest excell,
Should euen so far surpasse the rest in ech degree,
As all the rest to him in wit and reason weaker bee.
The fowle to fly, the ayre, as seemeth well,
The fish to swim, the sea, as fits his kinde,
The earth for men and beastes to breede and dwell:
Of right a man, which doth the rest excell,
Should euen so far surpasse the rest in ech degree,
As all the rest to him in wit and reason weaker bee.
All this I speake to warne the rest that heare,
And eke to shew the blindnesse of delites.
Herein my foly vayne may playne appeare,
What hap they heape which try out cunning slightes,
What hurt there hits, at such vayne shewes and sightes,
Where men for pleasure only take much toyle and payne,
To alter natures gifts for pompe, and pride, and pleasure vayne.
And eke to shew the blindnesse of delites.
Herein my foly vayne may playne appeare,
What hap they heape which try out cunning slightes,
What hurt there hits, at such vayne shewes and sightes,
Where men for pleasure only take much toyle and payne,
To alter natures gifts for pompe, and pride, and pleasure vayne.
233
Were not it straunge, thinke you, a King to fly,
To play the tombler, or some iugling cast?
To dresse him selfe in plumes, as erst did I,
And vnder armes to knit on winges full fast?
A sport you thinke that might the wise agaste.
But Magicke Mathematicall had taught mee poynts of scill,
Whereby when first I practis'd then, I lern'd my selfe to kill.
To play the tombler, or some iugling cast?
To dresse him selfe in plumes, as erst did I,
And vnder armes to knit on winges full fast?
A sport you thinke that might the wise agaste.
But Magicke Mathematicall had taught mee poynts of scill,
Whereby when first I practis'd then, I lern'd my selfe to kill.
I deckte my corps with plumes (I say) and winges,
And had them set, thou seest, in scilfull wise
With many feats, fine poyseing equall thinges,
To ayde my selfe in flight to fall or rise,
An arte men seldome vse, mine enterprise.
Somwhat gaynst store of winde, by practise rise I could,
And try'd which way to turne, and mount, and lyght I should.
And had them set, thou seest, in scilfull wise
With many feats, fine poyseing equall thinges,
To ayde my selfe in flight to fall or rise,
An arte men seldome vse, mine enterprise.
Somwhat gaynst store of winde, by practise rise I could,
And try'd which way to turne, and mount, and lyght I should.
But er the perfect scill I learned had,
(And yet mee thought I could doe passing well)
My subiects hearts with pleasaunt toyes to glad,
From Temples top, where did Apollo dwell,
I sayd to flye, but on the Church I fell,
And broysed all to peeces lost my life withall.
This was my race, mine exercise and fatall fall.
(And yet mee thought I could doe passing well)
My subiects hearts with pleasaunt toyes to glad,
From Temples top, where did Apollo dwell,
I sayd to flye, but on the Church I fell,
And broysed all to peeces lost my life withall.
This was my race, mine exercise and fatall fall.
What vayner thing could any Prince deuise,
Than so him selfe a foolish fowle to showe:
Learne you by mee, that count your selues so wise,
The worst to doubt of thinges, what ere you know,
Fly not so high for feare you fall so lowe.
The massy wight is far to great for fethery downe to beare.
Below the happy man knowes when tis well, & can content hym there.
Than so him selfe a foolish fowle to showe:
Learne you by mee, that count your selues so wise,
The worst to doubt of thinges, what ere you know,
Fly not so high for feare you fall so lowe.
The massy wight is far to great for fethery downe to beare.
Below the happy man knowes when tis well, & can content hym there.
234
These curious artes alurementes haue alone,
They profer much in recompence of payne:
But yet among'st a thousand scarce is one
In practise, ought by them can saue or gayne.
You see perdy they are but false and vayne,
Sophisticall, deceiptfull, endlesse and vntrue,
That nothing haue them selues, and promise all to you.
They profer much in recompence of payne:
But yet among'st a thousand scarce is one
In practise, ought by them can saue or gayne.
You see perdy they are but false and vayne,
Sophisticall, deceiptfull, endlesse and vntrue,
That nothing haue them selues, and promise all to you.
I speake not of the rest that are in vse
Amongst the wiser sort, Philosophy,
Nor of the partes thereof, but of th'abuse
That comes by magicke arts of Imagery,
By vile inchauntments, charmes, and pampestry,
All which I deeme (and they shall finde in proofe) as euill
That practise them, as is (by whom they deale) the diuell.
Amongst the wiser sort, Philosophy,
Nor of the partes thereof, but of th'abuse
That comes by magicke arts of Imagery,
By vile inchauntments, charmes, and pampestry,
All which I deeme (and they shall finde in proofe) as euill
That practise them, as is (by whom they deale) the diuell.
To make an end: you noble Kinges content
Your selues with studies seruing for the state:
You Lordes also with all your wits inuent
What way t'eschewe the Prynce and peoples hate.
Yee Subiects loue your Prynce, eschewe debate.
I wish you all beware to clime, or flee, or soare to hie,
For feare you tomble downe, or slip, or fall, as erst did I.
Your selues with studies seruing for the state:
You Lordes also with all your wits inuent
What way t'eschewe the Prynce and peoples hate.
Yee Subiects loue your Prynce, eschewe debate.
I wish you all beware to clime, or flee, or soare to hie,
For feare you tomble downe, or slip, or fall, as erst did I.
235
Lenuoy.[_]
[For the original version of Lenvoy 11, see p. 167. The 1587 edition introduced
a new tragedy, that of Iago, after the tragedy of Morgan (11). The lenvoy (11) was
rewritten to introduce it. After the tragedy of Iago, the 1587 edition printed newly
written tragedies of Forrex and Porrex (12 and 13) and their lenvoys.]
[_]
[For the original version of Lenvoy 11, see p. 167. The 1587 edition introduced a new tragedy, that of Iago, after the tragedy of Morgan (11). The lenvoy (11) was rewritten to introduce it. After the tragedy of Iago, the 1587 edition printed newly written tragedies of Forrex and Porrex (12 and 13) and their lenvoys.]
How restlesse are the peeres aloft would ryse?
How vncontented are theyr hauty myndes?
How quiet is the simple setled wise,
Whom no desire of proud ambition blyndes?
I see no ease the seeke throne thirsty findes.
Hee seekes all meanes to clime to catch the crowne,
Till for his haste Ioue hurle him headlong downe.
How vncontented are theyr hauty myndes?
How quiet is the simple setled wise,
Whom no desire of proud ambition blyndes?
I see no ease the seeke throne thirsty findes.
Hee seekes all meanes to clime to catch the crowne,
Till for his haste Ioue hurle him headlong downe.
The royall borne by birth, the time should stay
Till iust Iehoua gaue to him the place:
And not the Lordes anoynted seeke to slay,
But as his Soueraigne serue him well the space.
If hee with bloud his noble birth abace,
I meane if hee by slaughter catch the crowne,
With foote Iehoua castes him headlong downe.
Till iust Iehoua gaue to him the place:
And not the Lordes anoynted seeke to slay,
But as his Soueraigne serue him well the space.
If hee with bloud his noble birth abace,
I meane if hee by slaughter catch the crowne,
With foote Iehoua castes him headlong downe.
If Morgan had not wrought his aunts distresse
By dint of sword, by sword hee had not fell.
But who so shall by sword a Prince oppresse,
Shall of the sword therefore and slaughter smell.
Lo here the next that came his tale to tell
Was gieuen to vice when once hee ware the crowne,
Till slouth and sleepy sickenes cast hym downe.
By dint of sword, by sword hee had not fell.
But who so shall by sword a Prince oppresse,
Shall of the sword therefore and slaughter smell.
Lo here the next that came his tale to tell
Was gieuen to vice when once hee ware the crowne,
Till slouth and sleepy sickenes cast hym downe.
236
[IAGO]
How King Iago Dyed of the Lethargy, about the yeare before Christ, 612.
Haue I oreslept my selfe, or am I wake?
Or hadst thou late oreslept thy selfe that wrote?
Could'st thou not for the Letharge paynes to take:
And with the rest his sleepy life to note?
Was I amongst the wicked wights forgote?
Well then, awaked sith wee are both twayne,
To write my sleepy sinfull life, take payne.
Or hadst thou late oreslept thy selfe that wrote?
Could'st thou not for the Letharge paynes to take:
And with the rest his sleepy life to note?
Was I amongst the wicked wights forgote?
Well then, awaked sith wee are both twayne,
To write my sleepy sinfull life, take payne.
I am that Iago, once of Britayne King,
That ruled all this noble Britishe Ile:
No fame of mee the writers old doe bring,
Because my life and gouernement was vile.
Yet, Higgins, heere take paynes for mee a while,
Enregester my mirour to remaine,
That Princes may my vices vile refrayne.
That ruled all this noble Britishe Ile:
No fame of mee the writers old doe bring,
Because my life and gouernement was vile.
Yet, Higgins, heere take paynes for mee a while,
Enregester my mirour to remaine,
That Princes may my vices vile refrayne.
At first, a while, I ruled well the land,
I vsed Iustice, right tooke regall place:
No wight but found iust iudgement at my hand,
And truth durst shew, without rebuke, her face.
I gaue my selfe to all good giftes of grace,
My subiects liu'd in rest within my raygne:
No cause of Prince compeld them to complaine.
I vsed Iustice, right tooke regall place:
No wight but found iust iudgement at my hand,
And truth durst shew, without rebuke, her face.
I gaue my selfe to all good giftes of grace,
My subiects liu'd in rest within my raygne:
No cause of Prince compeld them to complaine.
But as in calme a storme wee nothing feare,
When as the Seas are milde and smoth as glasse:
And as in peace no thought of warres wee beare,
Which least suppose of mischeeues come to passe:
Euen so my still and rightfull raygning was.
The calme, a tempest boads: the shine, a raine:
Long peace, a warre: and pleasure, pinching paine.
When as the Seas are milde and smoth as glasse:
And as in peace no thought of warres wee beare,
Which least suppose of mischeeues come to passe:
Euen so my still and rightfull raygning was.
The calme, a tempest boads: the shine, a raine:
Long peace, a warre: and pleasure, pinching paine.
237
For rest and peace and wealth abounding thoe,
Made mee forget my Iustice late well vsde:
Forsaking vertues, vices gan to floe,
And former noble acts I quite refusde.
My giftes, my treasures, wealth and will misusde,
Began all goodnes quite at length disdayn,
And did my facts with filthy vices staine.
Made mee forget my Iustice late well vsde:
Forsaking vertues, vices gan to floe,
And former noble acts I quite refusde.
My giftes, my treasures, wealth and will misusde,
Began all goodnes quite at length disdayn,
And did my facts with filthy vices staine.
Misgouern'd both my Kingdome and my life,
I gaue my selfe to ease, to sleepe, and sinne:
And I had clawbackes euen in Court full rife,
Which sought by mine outrages gaines to winne.
For Kinges no sooner well or worse beginne,
But euen at hand the good or bad take payn,
For vertues sake, or meede, the Prince to trayne.
I gaue my selfe to ease, to sleepe, and sinne:
And I had clawbackes euen in Court full rife,
Which sought by mine outrages gaines to winne.
For Kinges no sooner well or worse beginne,
But euen at hand the good or bad take payn,
For vertues sake, or meede, the Prince to trayne.
As vices grew encreasing more and more,
So vertues fled and bade their friends adieu:
Deseases bad likewise, and sicknesse sore
Began to wexe, and griefes about mee grew.
I may fullwell my naughty surfets rue,
Which pesterd so at length my drousy brayne,
I could not scarse from sleeping ought refrayne.
So vertues fled and bade their friends adieu:
Deseases bad likewise, and sicknesse sore
Began to wexe, and griefes about mee grew.
I may fullwell my naughty surfets rue,
Which pesterd so at length my drousy brayne,
I could not scarse from sleeping ought refrayne.
A sleepie sickenesse nam'd the Lethargye,
Opprest me sore, and feauers fearce withall:
This was the guerdon of my glottonie,
Iehoua sent my sleepie life this dwall.
So who so sleeping let sleepe Iustice shall,
Although he feele no whit such slumbring payne,
Yet may he write he hath not long to raygne.
Opprest me sore, and feauers fearce withall:
This was the guerdon of my glottonie,
Iehoua sent my sleepie life this dwall.
So who so sleeping let sleepe Iustice shall,
Although he feele no whit such slumbring payne,
Yet may he write he hath not long to raygne.
238
Physicions wise may take on them the cure,
But if Iehoua smite the Prince for sinne,
As earst of me, then is the helpe vnsure,
That's not the way for health to enter in.
No potions then, nor pouders worth a pin:
But euen as we, they must to die be fayne.
Bid them in time from vices now refrayne.
Who gouern's well, deserues with mighty Ioue to raygne.
But if Iehoua smite the Prince for sinne,
As earst of me, then is the helpe vnsure,
That's not the way for health to enter in.
No potions then, nor pouders worth a pin:
But euen as we, they must to die be fayne.
Bid them in time from vices now refrayne.
Who gouern's well, deserues with mighty Ioue to raygne.
239
Lenuoy.
Remembring with my selfe this story past,
When I agayne had tooke this worke in hand,
I tooke my pen and wrote the same at last,
Thereby to cause all Princes sloth aband.
When they his fall set downe so vnderstand,
They may beware: a warning this may be,
Against the slothfull sweames of sluggardye.
When I agayne had tooke this worke in hand,
I tooke my pen and wrote the same at last,
Thereby to cause all Princes sloth aband.
When they his fall set downe so vnderstand,
They may beware: a warning this may be,
Against the slothfull sweames of sluggardye.
The stories tell of Comodus the raygne,
A wise and noble Emperour at first:
He diligent to gouerne well tooke payne,
Till at the length him sloth in vice had nurst.
But see at last, see whereunto it burst:
He strangled was by wicked treacherie,
That gaue himselfe to sluggish libertie.
A wise and noble Emperour at first:
He diligent to gouerne well tooke payne,
Till at the length him sloth in vice had nurst.
But see at last, see whereunto it burst:
He strangled was by wicked treacherie,
That gaue himselfe to sluggish libertie.
I may no longer on this sleeper byde,
Which for his slouthfull sinne was serued right:
Because himselfe to sluggishnes he plyde,
That plague of sickenesse dead on him did light.
But now beholde, next Forrex came to sight,
Which in this sort beganne his life t'unfold:
Eftsoones thus wise, his slaughter there he tolde.
Which for his slouthfull sinne was serued right:
Because himselfe to sluggishnes he plyde,
That plague of sickenesse dead on him did light.
But now beholde, next Forrex came to sight,
Which in this sort beganne his life t'unfold:
Eftsoones thus wise, his slaughter there he tolde.
240
[FORREX]
How King Forrex was slayne by his brother King Porrex, about the yeere before Christ. 491.
Complayne I may with tragiques on the stage,
Compeld I am amongst the rest that fell:
I may complayne that felt of warres the wage,
Vntimely death I drewe, doth mee compell.
If I had not bin crowned king I had bene well:
There had no enuie vndermind my state,
Nor fortune foild the seate whereon I sate.
Compeld I am amongst the rest that fell:
I may complayne that felt of warres the wage,
Vntimely death I drewe, doth mee compell.
If I had not bin crowned king I had bene well:
There had no enuie vndermind my state,
Nor fortune foild the seate whereon I sate.
What blisse enioyd I while my father raynd!
I had no care, in honour I did liue:
Would God I had in that estate remaynd,
But what vs fortune wonted is to giue,
Good happe that holds as water in a siue:
Shee showes a glimpse of thousand ioyes, and moe,
Which hides in it tenne thousand seas of woe.
I had no care, in honour I did liue:
Would God I had in that estate remaynd,
But what vs fortune wonted is to giue,
Good happe that holds as water in a siue:
Shee showes a glimpse of thousand ioyes, and moe,
Which hides in it tenne thousand seas of woe.
That hatefull hellish hagge of vgly hue,
With rustie teeth and meygre corps misshape,
I meane that monster vile, the worst in viewe,
Whome some call Discorde, enuie, ire and hate:
She set my brother first with me at bate:
When we fiue yeeres had raygned ioyntly well,
By her intisements, foule at strife we fell.
With rustie teeth and meygre corps misshape,
I meane that monster vile, the worst in viewe,
Whome some call Discorde, enuie, ire and hate:
She set my brother first with me at bate:
When we fiue yeeres had raygned ioyntly well,
By her intisements, foule at strife we fell.
We liu'd that space well in this noble Ile,
Deuyded well wee ioyntly did inioye
The princely seate, while Fortune fayre did smile,
Without disdayne, hate, discorde or anoye:
Euen as our father raignd the noble Roy
In wealth, peace, prayse, purporte, renowne and fame,
Without the blots of euerlasting blame.
Deuyded well wee ioyntly did inioye
The princely seate, while Fortune fayre did smile,
Without disdayne, hate, discorde or anoye:
241
In wealth, peace, prayse, purporte, renowne and fame,
Without the blots of euerlasting blame.
But when ambition bleared both our eyes,
And hasty hate had brother-hoode bereft:
Wee frendship fayre and concorde did dispise,
And far a part from vs wee wisedome left:
Forsooke each other at the greatest heft.
To rule the kingdome both wee left, and fell
To warring, iarring like two hounds of hell.
And hasty hate had brother-hoode bereft:
Wee frendship fayre and concorde did dispise,
And far a part from vs wee wisedome left:
Forsooke each other at the greatest heft.
To rule the kingdome both wee left, and fell
To warring, iarring like two hounds of hell.
For bounds we banded first on either syde,
And did incroach eachone on others right.
T'inlarge the limetes of our kingdome wide,
We would not sticke full oft to fray and fight.
The wretched ground had so bewicht our sight.
For why, the earth that once shall eate vs all,
Is th'only cause of many Princes fall.
And did incroach eachone on others right.
T'inlarge the limetes of our kingdome wide,
We would not sticke full oft to fray and fight.
The wretched ground had so bewicht our sight.
For why, the earth that once shall eate vs all,
Is th'only cause of many Princes fall.
On th'earth wee greeue the grounde for filthy gayne,
On th'earth wee close the earth t'inlarge our land,
In th'earth wee moyle with honger, care, and payne,
Wee cut, wee dig thence Siluer, Gold, and Sand.
The bowels of the earth wee moyle with might of hand,
With Steele and Iron tearing vnder ground,
And rigging all the earth to make our ioyes abound.
On th'earth wee close the earth t'inlarge our land,
In th'earth wee moyle with honger, care, and payne,
Wee cut, wee dig thence Siluer, Gold, and Sand.
The bowels of the earth wee moyle with might of hand,
With Steele and Iron tearing vnder ground,
And rigging all the earth to make our ioyes abound.
For th'earth forget wee God, (vnfaythfull fooles)
For grounde forsake wee fayth and all our frends:
For th'earth wee set our selues to subtile schooles,
Of grounde lyke swine wee seeke the farthest ends.
Wee spoyle the grounde that all our liuing lends,
Of grounde to winne a plat a while to dwell
Wee venter liues, and send our soules to hell.
For grounde forsake wee fayth and all our frends:
For th'earth wee set our selues to subtile schooles,
Of grounde lyke swine wee seeke the farthest ends.
Wee spoyle the grounde that all our liuing lends,
Of grounde to winne a plat a while to dwell
Wee venter liues, and send our soules to hell.
242
If wee consider could the substance of a man,
How hee composed is of Elements by kinde,
Of earth, of water, ayre, and fire: than
Wee would full often call vnto our minde,
That all our earthly ioyes wee leaue behinde:
And when wee passe to th'earth wee turne to rot:
Our pompe, our pride, and glory is forgot.
How hee composed is of Elements by kinde,
Of earth, of water, ayre, and fire: than
Wee would full often call vnto our minde,
That all our earthly ioyes wee leaue behinde:
And when wee passe to th'earth wee turne to rot:
Our pompe, our pride, and glory is forgot.
The fire first receaues his heate againe,
The ayre the breath bereaues away by right:
The watry and the earthly parts remaine,
Of Elements composed scarce so light.
And in the ground a place is for them dight.
The moistures dry, the bones consume to dust,
The wormes with fleshe suffice their greedy lust.
The ayre the breath bereaues away by right:
The watry and the earthly parts remaine,
Of Elements composed scarce so light.
And in the ground a place is for them dight.
The moistures dry, the bones consume to dust,
The wormes with fleshe suffice their greedy lust.
But wee forget our composition olde,
Both whence wee came, and whereunto wee shall:
Wee scarce remember wee bee made of mould,
And how the earth agayn consumeth all.
This great forgetfulnesse breedes Princes thrall.
While present ioyes wee gaze vppon, meane while
A fadeing blisse doth all our wits beguile.
Both whence wee came, and whereunto wee shall:
Wee scarce remember wee bee made of mould,
And how the earth agayn consumeth all.
This great forgetfulnesse breedes Princes thrall.
While present ioyes wee gaze vppon, meane while
A fadeing blisse doth all our wits beguile.
All this I speake to th'end it may aduise
All Princes great, and noble peeres that ar,
To learne by mee the rather to bee wise,
And to abandon hate and malice far.
To banishe all ambitious bloudy warre:
To liue content in peace, with their estate:
For mischiefe flowes from discord and debate.
All Princes great, and noble peeres that ar,
To learne by mee the rather to bee wise,
And to abandon hate and malice far.
To banishe all ambitious bloudy warre:
To liue content in peace, with their estate:
For mischiefe flowes from discord and debate.
And now Ile tell what discord vile hath done
To mee King Forrex. Thus the case it stood.
I thought in deede to haue some castels wonne
And holds, which were my brothers, strong and good.
So might I intercept his vitayles, forrage, food,
Abate his pride, obtaine the Kingdome all:
Mee thought the halfe a portion was to small.
To mee King Forrex. Thus the case it stood.
I thought in deede to haue some castels wonne
And holds, which were my brothers, strong and good.
243
Abate his pride, obtaine the Kingdome all:
Mee thought the halfe a portion was to small.
Ther's no man takes an enterprise in hand,
But hee perswades him selfe it is not ill:
Hee hath of reasons eke in steede to stand
As hee supposeth framed wise by skill.
So I was led by reason rude, to kill
My brother, if I caught him at the nicke,
Because the quarell first hee gan to picke.
But hee perswades him selfe it is not ill:
Hee hath of reasons eke in steede to stand
As hee supposeth framed wise by skill.
So I was led by reason rude, to kill
My brother, if I caught him at the nicke,
Because the quarell first hee gan to picke.
And for because I was the elder Prince,
The elder sonne, and heyre vnto the crowne:
Me thought no lawe, nor reason could conuince
Mee from the fact, though I did beate him downe.
This was my way to winne and reape renowne.
I did prouide an army strong, encampte a fielde,
Not far from where I hoapte to cause him yeelde.
The elder sonne, and heyre vnto the crowne:
Me thought no lawe, nor reason could conuince
Mee from the fact, though I did beate him downe.
This was my way to winne and reape renowne.
I did prouide an army strong, encampte a fielde,
Not far from where I hoapte to cause him yeelde.
And sundry sharpe assautes on each wee gaue,
On purpose both enflamed for to fight:
Wee had in parle receaued counsayle graue
Of wise and worthy men, perswading right.
It pitie was (they sayd) so fowle a sight
That brethren twayne, both Princes of a land,
Should take at home such woefull warres in hand.
On purpose both enflamed for to fight:
Wee had in parle receaued counsayle graue
Of wise and worthy men, perswading right.
It pitie was (they sayd) so fowle a sight
That brethren twayne, both Princes of a land,
Should take at home such woefull warres in hand.
But where ambition dwelles is no remorce,
No countreys loue, no kinred holden kinde,
No feare of God, no sentence wise of force
To turne the harte, or mollify the minde.
Good words are counted wasting of your wynde.
The gayne proposde, the crowne and scepter hye,
Are th'only thinges whereat men gaze and prye.
No countreys loue, no kinred holden kinde,
No feare of God, no sentence wise of force
To turne the harte, or mollify the minde.
Good words are counted wasting of your wynde.
The gayne proposde, the crowne and scepter hye,
Are th'only thinges whereat men gaze and prye.
244
At length my brother for to ende the strife,
Thought best to worke the surest way to winne:
He founde the meanes to take away my life,
Before which time the warres could neuer linne.
How much might better both contented binne!
For hope is sloape, and hold is hard to snatche,
Where bloud embrues the hands that come to catch.
Thought best to worke the surest way to winne:
He founde the meanes to take away my life,
Before which time the warres could neuer linne.
How much might better both contented binne!
For hope is sloape, and hold is hard to snatche,
Where bloud embrues the hands that come to catch.
Thus our ambition brewde our subiecs smart,
Our broyles pourde out their guiltlesse bloud on ground:
Which vile deuise of mine ambitious heart
Procured Ioue my purpose to confound.
Therefore beware yee wights whose wealths abound,
Content your selues in peace to spend your dayes,
By vertues good aloft in earth your names to rayse:
So shall you liue in Heauen with mighty Ioue alwayes.
Our broyles pourde out their guiltlesse bloud on ground:
Which vile deuise of mine ambitious heart
Procured Ioue my purpose to confound.
Therefore beware yee wights whose wealths abound,
Content your selues in peace to spend your dayes,
By vertues good aloft in earth your names to rayse:
So shall you liue in Heauen with mighty Ioue alwayes.
245
Lenuoy.
What cruell heartes had both these Princes then
To raigne alone, which sought their brothers life:
These tyrants were no perfect noble men,
But buchers rather raignyng all by knife.
A woefull thing to heare such brother strife,
Where loue aye lasting loyall should endure,
That crowne or Kingdome bloudshed should procure.
To raigne alone, which sought their brothers life:
These tyrants were no perfect noble men,
But buchers rather raignyng all by knife.
A woefull thing to heare such brother strife,
Where loue aye lasting loyall should endure,
That crowne or Kingdome bloudshed should procure.
And here you one thing chiefely haue to note,
That his pretence was punisht as the fact:
For hee no bloudshed wrought (as well you wote)
But purposde was to worke a bloudy act,
And that both time and place therefore hee lact.
Let such then know, as haue such thoughts in vre:
No murder, stable Kingdome can procure.
That his pretence was punisht as the fact:
For hee no bloudshed wrought (as well you wote)
But purposde was to worke a bloudy act,
And that both time and place therefore hee lact.
Let such then know, as haue such thoughts in vre:
No murder, stable Kingdome can procure.
For if Iehoua did his purpose dint,
How much will hee the factours punish more:
Let noble men from such endeuours stint,
And loue embrace, where hatred was before.
Iehouaes ioyfull impes embrace this lore.
For Porrex here can tell, they may bee sure:
No murder, stable kingdome can procure.
How much will hee the factours punish more:
Let noble men from such endeuours stint,
And loue embrace, where hatred was before.
Iehouaes ioyfull impes embrace this lore.
For Porrex here can tell, they may bee sure:
No murder, stable kingdome can procure.
246
[PORREX]
How King Porrex which slewe his brother was slayne by his owne mother and hir maydens, about the yeare before Christ, 491.
Can cursed Cayne that caytiue scuse him selfe,
That slew his brother Abel innocent:
Or Typhon tell a reason for himselfe,
Why hee Osiris downe to Lymbo pent?
King Dardan then may doe the lyke perdy,
They slewe their brethren each: and so did I.
That slew his brother Abel innocent:
Or Typhon tell a reason for himselfe,
Why hee Osiris downe to Lymbo pent?
King Dardan then may doe the lyke perdy,
They slewe their brethren each: and so did I.
The wicked witch Medaea rent in peeces smalle
Absirtus limmes her brother, did not shee?
Shee threw him in the way dismembred all,
That so hir fathers iourney stayde might bee.
Orodes eke did sley his brother Mithridate:
And so did I my brother Forrex in debate.
Absirtus limmes her brother, did not shee?
Shee threw him in the way dismembred all,
That so hir fathers iourney stayde might bee.
Orodes eke did sley his brother Mithridate:
And so did I my brother Forrex in debate.
Learchus slewe his brother for the Crowne,
So dyd Cambyses fearing much the dreame:
Antiochus the great of infamous renowne
His brother slewe, to rule alone the realme.
Ardieus dyd the lyke for kingdomes sake:
So dyd my selfe like wise away my brother rake.
So dyd Cambyses fearing much the dreame:
Antiochus the great of infamous renowne
His brother slewe, to rule alone the realme.
Ardieus dyd the lyke for kingdomes sake:
So dyd my selfe like wise away my brother rake.
Mempricius lewde of lyfe likewise did kill
His brother Manlius, for the same intent:
These Princes vile were brother sleyers ill,
For kingdomes sake vnnaturally bent.
But reade the storyes, thou shalt finde it playne
The bloudy wretches all were after slayne.
His brother Manlius, for the same intent:
These Princes vile were brother sleyers ill,
For kingdomes sake vnnaturally bent.
But reade the storyes, thou shalt finde it playne
The bloudy wretches all were after slayne.
247
Euen so I Porrex eke, which slewe my brother,
And ruled once the Britayne land with him,
Vnkindly kilde was by my cruell mother,
Which with hir maydens chopt mee euery limme.
As I lay sleeping on my bed at rest,
Into my chamber full and whole they prest.
And ruled once the Britayne land with him,
Vnkindly kilde was by my cruell mother,
Which with hir maydens chopt mee euery limme.
As I lay sleeping on my bed at rest,
Into my chamber full and whole they prest.
Apoynted well they were with weapons sharpe,
And boldly layde on me with all their might:
Oft quite and cleane they thrust me through the heart,
And on my corps each where theyr weapons light.
They chopt me small (I say) as flesh to pot,
And threwe mee out my limes yet trembling hot.
And boldly layde on me with all their might:
Oft quite and cleane they thrust me through the heart,
And on my corps each where theyr weapons light.
They chopt me small (I say) as flesh to pot,
And threwe mee out my limes yet trembling hot.
Can I complayne of this reuenge shee raught,
Sith I procurde hir wrath by slaughter of hir sonne?
Can I excuse my selfe deuoyde of faut,
Which my deare Prince and brother had fordonne?
No; tis to true that who so slayes a King
Incurrs reproch, and slaughter bloud doth bring.
Sith I procurde hir wrath by slaughter of hir sonne?
Can I excuse my selfe deuoyde of faut,
Which my deare Prince and brother had fordonne?
No; tis to true that who so slayes a King
Incurrs reproch, and slaughter bloud doth bring.
The traytours to their Prince haue alwayes binne
As sleyers of their parents, vipers broode:
The killers of their brothers, frends, and kinne,
In like degree well nigh of treason stoode.
But what by this winne they, saue death, defame,
Distayne theyr bloud, and shroude themselues with shame.
As sleyers of their parents, vipers broode:
The killers of their brothers, frends, and kinne,
In like degree well nigh of treason stoode.
But what by this winne they, saue death, defame,
Distayne theyr bloud, and shroude themselues with shame.
Example take you Princes of the land,
Beware of discord, shun ambitious pride:
By right take yee the scepter in your hand,
Let not your sword with soueraignes bloud be dide.
The mighty Joue, that raignes eternall ay,
Cuts of the Kings that enter in that waye.
Beware of discord, shun ambitious pride:
By right take yee the scepter in your hand,
Let not your sword with soueraignes bloud be dide.
The mighty Joue, that raignes eternall ay,
Cuts of the Kings that enter in that waye.
248
Vsurpers may perswade themselues a while
There is no God, no lawes of sacred crowne:
No wrong they doe, no murther seemeth vile,
Nor no respect of princely high renowne.
But if they could consider well the case,
They nild exalt themselues to Princes place.
There is no God, no lawes of sacred crowne:
No wrong they doe, no murther seemeth vile,
Nor no respect of princely high renowne.
But if they could consider well the case,
They nild exalt themselues to Princes place.
They would example take by Lucifer,
That was cast downe, the father first of pride:
And al his impes how high so ere they were,
Vsurping Realmes and Kingdomes farre and wide.
From light to darke, from throne to thrall they fell:
From hap to hate, from life to death, from heauen to hell.
That was cast downe, the father first of pride:
And al his impes how high so ere they were,
Vsurping Realmes and Kingdomes farre and wide.
From light to darke, from throne to thrall they fell:
From hap to hate, from life to death, from heauen to hell.
Sufficient here is sayd to warne the wise,
For he by prudence oft forecasts the doubt:
The foole is bent all warnings to despise,
He runneth headlong with the rascall rout.
Then if thou cast to liue at rest a subiect good,
Touch not the Princes fame, crowne, scepter, nor his blood.
For he by prudence oft forecasts the doubt:
The foole is bent all warnings to despise,
He runneth headlong with the rascall rout.
Then if thou cast to liue at rest a subiect good,
Touch not the Princes fame, crowne, scepter, nor his blood.
249
Lenuoy.[_]
[For the original version of Lenvoy 13, see p. 180. As rewritten for the 1587
edition, it serves to introduce the tragedy of Pinnar, the first of four tragedies (19–22)
introduced between the rewritten tragedy of Porrex and the tragedy of Kimarus (14).
The four are those of Pinnar, Stater, Rudacke, and Brennus.]
[_]
[For the original version of Lenvoy 13, see p. 180. As rewritten for the 1587 edition, it serves to introduce the tragedy of Pinnar, the first of four tragedies (19–22) introduced between the rewritten tragedy of Porrex and the tragedy of Kimarus (14). The four are those of Pinnar, Stater, Rudacke, and Brennus.]
It lothed me a L'enuoy here to write
Of such a cruell, proude, ambitious beast:
But yet sith now his faultes he doth recite,
And warnes for murthers venge aliue the rest,
Which had therefore againe his death addrest,
I will (though he deseru'd no tale to tell)
Set downe his fall, for sample seruing well.
Of such a cruell, proude, ambitious beast:
But yet sith now his faultes he doth recite,
And warnes for murthers venge aliue the rest,
Which had therefore againe his death addrest,
I will (though he deseru'd no tale to tell)
Set downe his fall, for sample seruing well.
The good deserue to haue their praises wrote
To spread their fames, t'incourage those aliue:
Of wicked Princes wee the falls doe note
A Caueat, for kingdomes where they striue:
To show that who so slaughters doth contriue,
(Though hee deserue agayne no tale to tell)
His tragique fall may serue ensample well.
To spread their fames, t'incourage those aliue:
Of wicked Princes wee the falls doe note
A Caueat, for kingdomes where they striue:
To show that who so slaughters doth contriue,
(Though hee deserue agayne no tale to tell)
His tragique fall may serue ensample well.
These brethren quellers Brutus bloud bereft,
Which were last Kings that sate of all his line.
Six hundreth yeares and sixteene or they lefte
They raygnde, and thus they spoilde themselues in fine.
The ciuill warres insued hereof long time.
About the crowne I list not here define,
But of intrudrs three that after fell,
As came to fight in order next I tell.
Which were last Kings that sate of all his line.
Six hundreth yeares and sixteene or they lefte
They raygnde, and thus they spoilde themselues in fine.
The ciuill warres insued hereof long time.
About the crowne I list not here define,
But of intrudrs three that after fell,
As came to fight in order next I tell.
250
[PINNAR]
How King Pinnar was slain in battayle by Mulmucius Donwallo, about the yeare before Christ, 441.
Might often times ouer runnes right to fast,
Right commeth after and hopes to haue his owne:
And when agayne hee ouertakes might at the last,
Then is the truth of all the quarell knowne.
Men neuer reape no other then was sowne:
If good were the gayne, the better commes the crop:
On vine growes the grape, and not the biter hop.
Right commeth after and hopes to haue his owne:
And when agayne hee ouertakes might at the last,
Then is the truth of all the quarell knowne.
Men neuer reape no other then was sowne:
If good were the gayne, the better commes the crop:
On vine growes the grape, and not the biter hop.
Of this that I haue sayd I would this inferre:
A man by might a while, may perforce withholde
A kingdome not his owne: but hee farre better were
To yeeld vnto the right, and then hee may bee bolde.
Good metall bides the touch that trieth out the gold,
When copper playne appeares the counterfaite in cast,
Is counted but as drosse, and called in at last.
A man by might a while, may perforce withholde
A kingdome not his owne: but hee farre better were
To yeeld vnto the right, and then hee may bee bolde.
Good metall bides the touch that trieth out the gold,
When copper playne appeares the counterfaite in cast,
Is counted but as drosse, and called in at last.
I am that Pinnar once a Britayne King,
No pinner by my science for to make pinnes:
And yet I could well cast of thousands in a ring,
To catch the common wealth I made many ginnes.
Let him that learnes my science tell mee what he winnes.
For tirrany, and robery, conspiracy, and wrong
Prognosticats of rebells raigne, they cannot prosper long.
No pinner by my science for to make pinnes:
And yet I could well cast of thousands in a ring,
To catch the common wealth I made many ginnes.
Let him that learnes my science tell mee what he winnes.
For tirrany, and robery, conspiracy, and wrong
Prognosticats of rebells raigne, they cannot prosper long.
When I to mee had gote a rascall rable rude
Of roisters, ruffians, ronagats, and knaues:
I did my selfe at last into the throne intrude,
And was susteynd therein by billes, swords, and staues:
I made of them officers that were before but slaues:
Oppressing of the good and polleing of them still,
For to inriche the bad and mayntayne all their ill.
Of roisters, ruffians, ronagats, and knaues:
I did my selfe at last into the throne intrude,
And was susteynd therein by billes, swords, and staues:
251
Oppressing of the good and polleing of them still,
For to inriche the bad and mayntayne all their ill.
Duke Cloten of Cornwall was heire to the crowne.
But I, with other rebells, kept him from his right.
Though wee were conspiratours voide of all renowne,
Yet did wee raigne, and keepe him out by might.
But when his sonne Donwallo came for to fight,
Mulmucius that was in armes a worthy man,
With me and them to try the quarell hee began.
But I, with other rebells, kept him from his right.
Though wee were conspiratours voide of all renowne,
Yet did wee raigne, and keepe him out by might.
But when his sonne Donwallo came for to fight,
Mulmucius that was in armes a worthy man,
With me and them to try the quarell hee began.
Hee brought of Cornishmen a royall army good,
With other subiects late by me before opprest:
And made mee pay the price of pillage with my bloud,
As traitour slayn in field, example for the rest.
Euen so who euer shall, from Prince the scepter wrest,
Vsurpe from him the crowne, or scale the throne of state,
Shall shortely feele the rod of Gods immortall hate.
With other subiects late by me before opprest:
And made mee pay the price of pillage with my bloud,
As traitour slayn in field, example for the rest.
Euen so who euer shall, from Prince the scepter wrest,
Vsurpe from him the crowne, or scale the throne of state,
Shall shortely feele the rod of Gods immortall hate.
252
Lenuoye.
Thus though vnorderly his tale hee tell,
As was his raygne: yet orderly it standes.
Euen such decorum deckes the person well,
Who in his life decorum due abandes.
No fyner fyled phrase could scape my handes,
When I began for him to pen the same:
Let Pinnar then receiue thereof the blame.
As was his raygne: yet orderly it standes.
Euen such decorum deckes the person well,
Who in his life decorum due abandes.
No fyner fyled phrase could scape my handes,
When I began for him to pen the same:
Let Pinnar then receiue thereof the blame.
And now you must suppose did next appeare
Another Prince, in warlike armour clad,
With bleeding woundes, as if newe slaine hee were:
Reciting first the hauty haps hee had,
And then his fall in fight, his Fortune bad.
If hee vnstatelike stammer out the same,
With staylesse staggering footed verse, by ame,
Let hardly him receiue thereof the blame:
Or geue the faute toth countrey whence hee came.
Another Prince, in warlike armour clad,
With bleeding woundes, as if newe slaine hee were:
Reciting first the hauty haps hee had,
And then his fall in fight, his Fortune bad.
If hee vnstatelike stammer out the same,
With staylesse staggering footed verse, by ame,
Let hardly him receiue thereof the blame:
Or geue the faute toth countrey whence hee came.
[STATER]
How King Stater of Scotland was slayne by Mulmucius Donwallo, about the yeare before Christ, 441.
Stint not in stories truely for to tell
The fall of vsurpers, the presidents of pryde.
Recite of our treasons, and how that wee fell,
Intruders vntrusty the Realme for to guide:
Of wit and of reason recklesse and wide,
That tooke so vppon vs to rule all the land,
No Princes presumde yet with scepter in hand.
The fall of vsurpers, the presidents of pryde.
Recite of our treasons, and how that wee fell,
Intruders vntrusty the Realme for to guide:
253
That tooke so vppon vs to rule all the land,
No Princes presumde yet with scepter in hand.
How stately I Stater of Scotland the King,
Did beare mee full stoutely when I had the crowne:
And what a great army of Scots I did bring,
Against Lord Donwallo, of noble renowne.
A deemed dame Fortune would neuer so frowne,
Who made me a Prince, that Kingdome my pray,
Of late but a subiect and simple of sway.
Did beare mee full stoutely when I had the crowne:
And what a great army of Scots I did bring,
Against Lord Donwallo, of noble renowne.
A deemed dame Fortune would neuer so frowne,
Who made me a Prince, that Kingdome my pray,
Of late but a subiect and simple of sway.
But here now behold how steady the state
Of climbers aloft is aboue their degree,
And how they doe fall from fortune to fate,
Example are such as my fellow and me.
The fruite giues a taste of the sappe of the tree,
The seede of the herbe, the grape of the vine:
The worke wrayes the man, seeme he neuer so fine.
Of climbers aloft is aboue their degree,
And how they doe fall from fortune to fate,
Example are such as my fellow and me.
The fruite giues a taste of the sappe of the tree,
The seede of the herbe, the grape of the vine:
The worke wrayes the man, seeme he neuer so fine.
For when I had leuyed an armie to fight,
I ioyned with Pinnar, my power to preuayle:
And Rudacke of Wales came eke with his might,
Mulmucius Donwallo the King to assayle.
Our purpose the Prince by prowes did quaile
Which came out of Cornwall, vs vanquisht in fielde,
Our souldiers slayne, skard, taken, forced to yeelde.
I ioyned with Pinnar, my power to preuayle:
And Rudacke of Wales came eke with his might,
Mulmucius Donwallo the King to assayle.
Our purpose the Prince by prowes did quaile
Which came out of Cornwall, vs vanquisht in fielde,
Our souldiers slayne, skard, taken, forced to yeelde.
O fortune I blame thee, my selfe more vnwise:
Thou gau'st me a kingdome, and with life I it lost.
My souldiers were slayne fast before mine owne eyes,
Or forced to flie, yeelde, and smell of the rost.
I neede not of honour or dignitie boast,
Or tell of my triumphes, or crake of my crowne:
The vaunt of vsurpers is voyde of renowne.
Thou gau'st me a kingdome, and with life I it lost.
My souldiers were slayne fast before mine owne eyes,
Or forced to flie, yeelde, and smell of the rost.
I neede not of honour or dignitie boast,
Or tell of my triumphes, or crake of my crowne:
The vaunt of vsurpers is voyde of renowne.
254
Lenuoy.
A worlde it is to see the meaner sort
Enhaunce themselues aboue their due degree:
To sit aloft they deeme a noble sport,
From whence they may the worlde and people see.
But so they speede as their deseruings bee.
Still triall telles, Iehoua tumbles downe
Such subiectes false as dare assume the crowne.
Enhaunce themselues aboue their due degree:
To sit aloft they deeme a noble sport,
From whence they may the worlde and people see.
But so they speede as their deseruings bee.
Still triall telles, Iehoua tumbles downe
Such subiectes false as dare assume the crowne.
For if these Pagans proud so plagued were,
Which tooke on them ambitiously the sway,
Wil not th'almighties Iustice soone appeare,
When Christian men their Christian Kinges betray?
Yes: he (by whome all Princes raigne for aye)
Such subiectes smites, as dare assume the crowne,
And from the throne intruders tumbles downe.
Which tooke on them ambitiously the sway,
Wil not th'almighties Iustice soone appeare,
When Christian men their Christian Kinges betray?
Yes: he (by whome all Princes raigne for aye)
Such subiectes smites, as dare assume the crowne,
And from the throne intruders tumbles downe.
But now beholde and marke this story well,
Which next in order seemes his tale to frame,
With bleeding woundes in fielde likewise that fell,
For so me thought in warlike sort he came,
The last of these that Rudacke had to name,
Declaring how Bellona strooke him downe,
Because he had vniustly caught the crowne.
Which next in order seemes his tale to frame,
With bleeding woundes in fielde likewise that fell,
For so me thought in warlike sort he came,
The last of these that Rudacke had to name,
Declaring how Bellona strooke him downe,
Because he had vniustly caught the crowne.
255
[RUDACKE]
Howe King Rudacke of Wales was slayne by Mulmucius Donwallo about the yeere before Christ, 441.
Rude are the reuelles royaltie that rape,
Restlesse the raygnes of rebels in the robe,
Reckles the rage where cruelty doth scrape,
Roundnesse regarded but little of the globe,
No man ambitious prudent with the probe,
Crownerape accounted but cunning and skill,
Bloudshead a blockehouse to beate away ill.
Restlesse the raygnes of rebels in the robe,
Reckles the rage where cruelty doth scrape,
Roundnesse regarded but little of the globe,
No man ambitious prudent with the probe,
Crownerape accounted but cunning and skill,
Bloudshead a blockehouse to beate away ill.
The rudenesse of rebels reaching the crowne,
May be compared to Bladhuds deuice:
But better sit still then fall so farre downe,
If Lordes coulde by others hurt learne to be wise.
Myselfe of high climbing haue payde well the price,
That rudely in throne my selfe did install
Aloft, not regarding how low I might fall.
May be compared to Bladhuds deuice:
But better sit still then fall so farre downe,
If Lordes coulde by others hurt learne to be wise.
Myselfe of high climbing haue payde well the price,
That rudely in throne my selfe did install
Aloft, not regarding how low I might fall.
When Britayne was restlesse, wanting a Kyng,
(For Forrex and Porrex the Princes were slayne)
The land many peeres ambitious did wring,
Endeuouring each the kingdome to gayne.
The heires good apparent forsake it were fayne,
The subiects were armed, wee nobles did striue,
At length we amongst vs deuision contriue.
(For Forrex and Porrex the Princes were slayne)
The land many peeres ambitious did wring,
Endeuouring each the kingdome to gayne.
The heires good apparent forsake it were fayne,
The subiects were armed, wee nobles did striue,
At length we amongst vs deuision contriue.
Then recklesse wee were when all was at rest,
And each had a kingdome aloted his part:
The vice of the subiects dayly increast,
And Iustice and right were layd quite apart.
The lawes ouerlashed by couine and craft,
And wee that did gouerne did winke at this geare:
The worser, perdy, our faythed frends were.
And each had a kingdome aloted his part:
The vice of the subiects dayly increast,
And Iustice and right were layd quite apart.
The lawes ouerlashed by couine and craft,
And wee that did gouerne did winke at this geare:
The worser, perdy, our faythed frends were.
256
The ball that dame Fortune emparteth of blisse
Is golden to gaze on, but voluble round:
If once of your handfast in holding you misse,
Away then it roleth, and you are on grounde.
Of watchers thereon so many abounde,
And catchers thereat, with snatching therefore,
That if once you leese it, you catch it no more.
Is golden to gaze on, but voluble round:
If once of your handfast in holding you misse,
Away then it roleth, and you are on grounde.
Of watchers thereon so many abounde,
And catchers thereat, with snatching therefore,
That if once you leese it, you catch it no more.
A Chirurgian that taketh a wounde for to cure,
If skilfull and carefull hee sercheth it furst:
The sea man doth sounde to take the deepth sure,
By wisedome well taught for feare of the worst.
But our vile ambition, blinde, blockish, accurst,
Not prouing the sore, nor reckoning the sounde,
Our shippes and our science we sinke and confounde.
If skilfull and carefull hee sercheth it furst:
The sea man doth sounde to take the deepth sure,
By wisedome well taught for feare of the worst.
But our vile ambition, blinde, blockish, accurst,
Not prouing the sore, nor reckoning the sounde,
Our shippes and our science we sinke and confounde.
Ambition out sercheth to glory the greece,
The staire to estate, the graple of grace:
But in her is hidde of perill a peece,
Which all our attempts doth dimme and deface.
Perdy shee gets vs vaine ioyes but a space,
Short, britle as glasse: false fayre giueing light:
Not golden, though glitteing braue in the sight.
The staire to estate, the graple of grace:
But in her is hidde of perill a peece,
Which all our attempts doth dimme and deface.
Perdy shee gets vs vaine ioyes but a space,
Short, britle as glasse: false fayre giueing light:
Not golden, though glitteing braue in the sight.
For when she hath brought vs vnto the throne,
And Fortune hath fraught vs with honour at fill:
Then thereto sit stedy and rule all alone
Wee racke our deuices, and scud with our scill.
Wee cutt off occursions, wee prole, pole, and pill:
Wee bolster, wee band out, to brybe, banish, sley
The pillers of prudence that prop in our wey.
And Fortune hath fraught vs with honour at fill:
Then thereto sit stedy and rule all alone
Wee racke our deuices, and scud with our scill.
Wee cutt off occursions, wee prole, pole, and pill:
Wee bolster, wee band out, to brybe, banish, sley
The pillers of prudence that prop in our wey.
Our race is then restles, our sleeping vnsounde:
Our wakeing is warfare, our walkeing hath woe:
Our talkeing is trustles, our cares doe abound:
Our fauners deemde faythfull, and frendshippe a foe.
Which troubles our fancies so tosse to and froe,
That scarcely wee neuer inioy any rest
Tormented, whome Fortune exalted and blest.
Our wakeing is warfare, our walkeing hath woe:
Our talkeing is trustles, our cares doe abound:
Our fauners deemde faythfull, and frendshippe a foe.
257
That scarcely wee neuer inioy any rest
Tormented, whome Fortune exalted and blest.
This thing can I witnesse what troubles ensue,
What cares doe vs compas enhaunced aloft:
I therefore wish rebells to take better vewe
Of the falles of intruders, recorded so oft.
Who climeth so highe his fall is not soft.
If once hee doe stagger or falter aside,
Hee cannot recouer the rest for to guide.
What cares doe vs compas enhaunced aloft:
I therefore wish rebells to take better vewe
Of the falles of intruders, recorded so oft.
Who climeth so highe his fall is not soft.
If once hee doe stagger or falter aside,
Hee cannot recouer the rest for to guide.
When I with my felowes (our selues which thought sure)
Here ruled the realme, there fell out a flawe:
Donwallo did seeke the Crowne to procure,
Alleadging a title thereto by the lawe.
He when him resistng in armes bright vs sawe,
Came strayght with an hoaste prepared to fight,
With sworde for to trye out whose title was right.
Here ruled the realme, there fell out a flawe:
Donwallo did seeke the Crowne to procure,
Alleadging a title thereto by the lawe.
He when him resistng in armes bright vs sawe,
Came strayght with an hoaste prepared to fight,
With sworde for to trye out whose title was right.
Our numbre was great, our title vniust:
Our consciences guilty, our souldiers agast:
Our enmy with honour had souldiers of trust:
And Fortune was frendly to them as they past.
They slewe of our men by manhoode full fast,
Or forst them to flye: In the feelde wee were fayne
To resist them (poore Prynces) and so wee were slayne.
Our consciences guilty, our souldiers agast:
Our enmy with honour had souldiers of trust:
And Fortune was frendly to them as they past.
They slewe of our men by manhoode full fast,
Or forst them to flye: In the feelde wee were fayne
To resist them (poore Prynces) and so wee were slayne.
First Pinnar, then Stater, I Rudacke likewise
At last was with number oppressed dispatcht.
Let Lordings beware how aloft they doe rise,
For by Princes and commons theyr climing is watcht.
No sooner they haue at the scepter once snatch,
But guilty themselues they deeme worthy to die,
And Gods iustice such sentence t'accomplish doth hie.
At last was with number oppressed dispatcht.
Let Lordings beware how aloft they doe rise,
For by Princes and commons theyr climing is watcht.
No sooner they haue at the scepter once snatch,
But guilty themselues they deeme worthy to die,
And Gods iustice such sentence t'accomplish doth hie.
258
Lenuoy.
You see the end of rebelles here descride,
Entruders see whereto they haue to truste:
Their seat vnsure and slippery downe doth slide,
Their names are eaten out with cankerd ruste.
Theyr honours soone lay toumbling in the duste.
Wherefore I count them triple thrise and foure times blest,
Which prudently to serue their God and Prince are prest.
Entruders see whereto they haue to truste:
Their seat vnsure and slippery downe doth slide,
Their names are eaten out with cankerd ruste.
Theyr honours soone lay toumbling in the duste.
Wherefore I count them triple thrise and foure times blest,
Which prudently to serue their God and Prince are prest.
Sith stories all doe tell in euery age
How these crowne croachers come to shamefull ends,
And how they shortely winne the woefull wage,
Which for vniustice Ioua iustely sends:
Let hauty headstrong heede what hee pretends,
Sith hee aliue, in death, and after's only blest
Which prudently to serue his God and Prince is prest.
How these crowne croachers come to shamefull ends,
And how they shortely winne the woefull wage,
Which for vniustice Ioua iustely sends:
Let hauty headstrong heede what hee pretends,
Sith hee aliue, in death, and after's only blest
Which prudently to serue his God and Prince is prest.
But now behold, from Delphos next in place
A noble valiaunt Britayne there I vewde,
Of stature tall, well sett, of comely grace,
With body broysde, and armoure all embrewde.
His wounded breast my woefull hart berewde:
Whose life and death may proue contented wights are blest,
Which prudently to serue their God and Prince are prest.
A noble valiaunt Britayne there I vewde,
Of stature tall, well sett, of comely grace,
With body broysde, and armoure all embrewde.
His wounded breast my woefull hart berewde:
Whose life and death may proue contented wights are blest,
Which prudently to serue their God and Prince are prest.
259
[BRENNUS]
How the noble King Brennus, after many triumphant victories, at the seege of Delphos in Greece slew him selfe, about the yeare before Christ, 375.
Amongste the noble martiall worthy men,
Renowned farre, victorious great of fame,
Though Autors sound my praise: eftsoones agen
Emongst the Britayne Princes write the same.
I am that Britayne once that Brennus had to name:
My facts, exployts in warre, my conquests life & end
Doe write as I recite, when time doth leasure lend.
Renowned farre, victorious great of fame,
Though Autors sound my praise: eftsoones agen
Emongst the Britayne Princes write the same.
I am that Britayne once that Brennus had to name:
My facts, exployts in warre, my conquests life & end
Doe write as I recite, when time doth leasure lend.
The mighty Monarche of this noble Ile
Mulmucius (conquerde tyranne Princes three
They by intrusion rayning here long while)
Was father both to Belinus and mee.
His noble acts and lawes commended bee.
This Belinus (mine elder brother) was his heire,
And Queene Cornwenna was our mother wise and fayre.
Mulmucius (conquerde tyranne Princes three
They by intrusion rayning here long while)
Was father both to Belinus and mee.
His noble acts and lawes commended bee.
This Belinus (mine elder brother) was his heire,
And Queene Cornwenna was our mother wise and fayre.
When after him my brother had the crowne,
Hee was content to make mee eke a king:
Hee gaue mee Albany, where with renowne
I rulde a while by Iustice euery thing.
But at the last ambition made me bring
An army thence, agaynst my brother for to fight:
Which rather ought t'aue honorde him with homage right.
Hee was content to make mee eke a king:
Hee gaue mee Albany, where with renowne
I rulde a while by Iustice euery thing.
But at the last ambition made me bring
An army thence, agaynst my brother for to fight:
Which rather ought t'aue honorde him with homage right.
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When Belinus perceiued mee approach
Vnto his Realme, an army hee addrest:
Hee warned me I should not seeke t'incroatch
That was not mine, for hee was ready prest
Mee to repell: hee wilde mee bee at rest.
I marched one, the armies met, wee fearcely fought:
My souldiers slayne, to saue my selfe by flight I sought.
Vnto his Realme, an army hee addrest:
Hee warned me I should not seeke t'incroatch
That was not mine, for hee was ready prest
Mee to repell: hee wilde mee bee at rest.
I marched one, the armies met, wee fearcely fought:
My souldiers slayne, to saue my selfe by flight I sought.
To Norwaye then, I fledde for succour hence,
Where good Elsingus reignde the gentle King:
I tolde him what I was, and eke of whence,
Desirde his ayde, me home agayne to bring.
And he not only graunted me this thing,
But eke his daughter Samye fayre to be my wife,
With me to passe in Albany for aye a Princely life.
Where good Elsingus reignde the gentle King:
I tolde him what I was, and eke of whence,
Desirde his ayde, me home agayne to bring.
And he not only graunted me this thing,
But eke his daughter Samye fayre to be my wife,
With me to passe in Albany for aye a Princely life.
But while we were prouiding ships and men,
The fame abroad of my returne was spread:
And Guthlake that was King of Denmarke then,
Prouided with a nauie mee forlead.
The loue of Samye so enragde his riuall head,
That for her sake he must perforce my ships and me forlay,
To win by fight, or take by might the Lady faire away.
The fame abroad of my returne was spread:
And Guthlake that was King of Denmarke then,
Prouided with a nauie mee forlead.
The loue of Samye so enragde his riuall head,
That for her sake he must perforce my ships and me forlay,
To win by fight, or take by might the Lady faire away.
And when our nauies mette, he wilde me yeelde
This Lady straight, or else defend the cause:
A thing (quoth I) requested erst but seelde,
Against of Gods and men the sacred lawes.
It hath not erst bene harde amongst the wise mens sawes,
That any King should clayme the like with sword of stormie strife,
Or make assaulte in warlike sorte to winne a Princes wife.
This Lady straight, or else defend the cause:
A thing (quoth I) requested erst but seelde,
Against of Gods and men the sacred lawes.
It hath not erst bene harde amongst the wise mens sawes,
That any King should clayme the like with sword of stormie strife,
Or make assaulte in warlike sorte to winne a Princes wife.
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From wordes to fight we fell on eyther side,
But in the ende I was discomfit there:
And yeelded her that listed scarce abide,
For she to him before did fauour beare.
By tempest then our nauies seuered were,
And he perforce by storme on shores of Britayne cast,
Was fayne for tribute hostage giue to Beline or he past.
But in the ende I was discomfit there:
And yeelded her that listed scarce abide,
For she to him before did fauour beare.
By tempest then our nauies seuered were,
And he perforce by storme on shores of Britayne cast,
Was fayne for tribute hostage giue to Beline or he past.
At Seas turmoylde fiue dayes with raging winde,
Sore wearied with the fight, the foyle, and losse:
And casting with my selfe in woefull minde,
The cause why so God Neptune did me tosse:
Why boyling Seas with surges so me sosse:
I made a vowe to kill the man that causde me flye,
Or with my bloud, the kingdome all from him to buy.
Sore wearied with the fight, the foyle, and losse:
And casting with my selfe in woefull minde,
The cause why so God Neptune did me tosse:
Why boyling Seas with surges so me sosse:
I made a vowe to kill the man that causde me flye,
Or with my bloud, the kingdome all from him to buy.
The Seas alayde, at last my ships I found,
And rigde againe, at seas met of our foes
Some wandring Danes, where we beset them round
In warlike sorte, we did them all inclose.
Euen so the wheele of Lady Fortune goes,
Abiects, castes downe, turnes topsie toruie quight,
The men of late extold with all her mayne and might.
And rigde againe, at seas met of our foes
Some wandring Danes, where we beset them round
In warlike sorte, we did them all inclose.
Euen so the wheele of Lady Fortune goes,
Abiects, castes downe, turnes topsie toruie quight,
The men of late extold with all her mayne and might.
These ships my wants in some respect supplyde
With tacle, armour, vitayles and the rest:
And so to Britayne land apace I hyde,
For kingdome lost to make againe request:
Or else by might and force away to wrest
The scepter from my brother Beline, and the crowne,
Which lay that time by North at Euerwyke the towne.
With tacle, armour, vitayles and the rest:
And so to Britayne land apace I hyde,
For kingdome lost to make againe request:
Or else by might and force away to wrest
The scepter from my brother Beline, and the crowne,
Which lay that time by North at Euerwyke the towne.
To lande I came, and did menace my brother sore,
But he an armie did with speede addresse:
Which mette me straight at th'entry on the shore,
Our battayles ioynd and fought with valiantnesse.
But I was put in th'end to such distresse
To ships I flewe, and tooke a fewe with me beside,
And hoysing sayles, for hap to Gallia strands I hyde.
But he an armie did with speede addresse:
Which mette me straight at th'entry on the shore,
Our battayles ioynd and fought with valiantnesse.
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To ships I flewe, and tooke a fewe with me beside,
And hoysing sayles, for hap to Gallia strands I hyde.
Ariued there, I trauayld long to see
The nature of the Countrey and the men:
And for my purpose I disposed mee,
To please the Princes and the people then,
In hope to see my countrey once agen,
To winne my noble kingdome, or to wreacke the wrong
That I sustaynd exilde from natiue soyle so long.
The nature of the Countrey and the men:
And for my purpose I disposed mee,
To please the Princes and the people then,
In hope to see my countrey once agen,
To winne my noble kingdome, or to wreacke the wrong
That I sustaynd exilde from natiue soyle so long.
When I had tolde the great mishaps I had
Vnto the Peeres of Fraunce, some ayde to craue:
I could obtaine no succour me to glad,
Nor men, munition, ships, ne vitayles haue.
I gate me thence to Duke Seginus graue
Of Prouence then the Prince, renowmed noble farre,
For prudence prompt in peace, and wisdom great in warre.
Vnto the Peeres of Fraunce, some ayde to craue:
I could obtaine no succour me to glad,
Nor men, munition, ships, ne vitayles haue.
I gate me thence to Duke Seginus graue
Of Prouence then the Prince, renowmed noble farre,
For prudence prompt in peace, and wisdom great in warre.
This worthie Duke receiued me with ioy,
(For of afflicted wights he had remorce)
He hearde me oft declare the great anoy
That I had felte, and of my brothers force.
Howe Guthlacke did my wife and me diuorce:
The broyles at Sea, the toyles I taken had at land:
Which neuer coulde the face of Fortunes foyle withstand.
(For of afflicted wights he had remorce)
He hearde me oft declare the great anoy
That I had felte, and of my brothers force.
Howe Guthlacke did my wife and me diuorce:
The broyles at Sea, the toyles I taken had at land:
Which neuer coulde the face of Fortunes foyle withstand.
Thou Britayne tall (quod he) I rue thy fate
Thou noble Prince (for so thou art in showe)
If I could now restore thee thine estate,
Thou shouldst perceyue what fauour I thee owe.
T'is Fortunes vse t'exalte and ouerthrowe.
My counsayle then is this, expect her grace a while,
Till where she frownes she turne her frendly face & smile.
Thou noble Prince (for so thou art in showe)
If I could now restore thee thine estate,
Thou shouldst perceyue what fauour I thee owe.
T'is Fortunes vse t'exalte and ouerthrowe.
My counsayle then is this, expect her grace a while,
Till where she frownes she turne her frendly face & smile.
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So in his court he did me intertayne,
Where long I liu'd and bare my selfe full well:
Some times to play the captaine I was fayne,
To winne some praise, as causes did compell.
For when his subiects eyther did rebell,
Or confines made inroads to spoyle or pray his land,
Then I was one that had the charge to take the warres in hand.
Where long I liu'd and bare my selfe full well:
Some times to play the captaine I was fayne,
To winne some praise, as causes did compell.
For when his subiects eyther did rebell,
Or confines made inroads to spoyle or pray his land,
Then I was one that had the charge to take the warres in hand.
In armour fearce, and stout, and strong was I,
God Mars me gaue a stearne and stormie looke:
With feates of armes by land or seas to trye,
Experience taught me what I vndertooke.
No payne, no toyle, nor daunger I forsooke,
That might content the noble Duke of Sauoys minde,
Whose bountie me to honour him and serue his grace did bind.
God Mars me gaue a stearne and stormie looke:
With feates of armes by land or seas to trye,
Experience taught me what I vndertooke.
No payne, no toyle, nor daunger I forsooke,
That might content the noble Duke of Sauoys minde,
Whose bountie me to honour him and serue his grace did bind.
In peace full milde I was, of comely grace,
And wise in talke, as time occasion gaue:
And (though I say't) I had a Princely face,
I coulde both hunt and hawke, and court it braue.
Eke Fortunes past had made me sage and graue,
More heedy all attemptes to prosecute with skill:
Rash, hastie men (by proofe I found) incurre the greatest ill.
And wise in talke, as time occasion gaue:
And (though I say't) I had a Princely face,
I coulde both hunt and hawke, and court it braue.
Eke Fortunes past had made me sage and graue,
More heedy all attemptes to prosecute with skill:
Rash, hastie men (by proofe I found) incurre the greatest ill.
When Duke Seginus sawe my humble harte,
A regall Britayne Prince, of royall bloude,
How I employde my selfe and all my arte,
Mine actiue feates with grace and prowes good
To serue, and quayle his foes that him withstoode:
He gaue his daughter rich to me, a peerles princely dame
His only heyre, and Dukedome after him to guide the same.
A regall Britayne Prince, of royall bloude,
How I employde my selfe and all my arte,
Mine actiue feates with grace and prowes good
To serue, and quayle his foes that him withstoode:
He gaue his daughter rich to me, a peerles princely dame
His only heyre, and Dukedome after him to guide the same.
By her (when hee was deade) I Sauoye had,
A countrey fertile, famous for the soyle.
With liberall giftes the souldiers hartes I glad.
To winne the restes good will I tooke some toyle,
By banquets, iewels, giftes, or warlike broyle:
Stil vsing all the meanes t'obeysaunce them to moue,
Eke all the wayes that might allure them me to loue.
A countrey fertile, famous for the soyle.
With liberall giftes the souldiers hartes I glad.
To winne the restes good will I tooke some toyle,
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Stil vsing all the meanes t'obeysaunce them to moue,
Eke all the wayes that might allure them me to loue.
And setled so in honour greate at rest,
Without the feare of forayne foes, or nye:
I mused what for Britayne warres was best,
Which way I might agayne my quarell trye.
Such restles heades haue they that sitte on hye!
O poore estate, how blest were thou that sitste below,
How happy, safe, and sure, if thou thy state couldst know?
Without the feare of forayne foes, or nye:
I mused what for Britayne warres was best,
Which way I might agayne my quarell trye.
Such restles heades haue they that sitte on hye!
O poore estate, how blest were thou that sitste below,
How happy, safe, and sure, if thou thy state couldst know?
A councill called for the same intent,
I told the Lordes my purpose for the warre:
How I to haue my kingdome here was bent.
They all agreed to levy nere and farre,
Such souldiers good and captaynes stoute that were.
They offered seruice eke themselues to fare with mee,
To winne the crowne by sworde, or els reuenged bee.
I told the Lordes my purpose for the warre:
How I to haue my kingdome here was bent.
They all agreed to levy nere and farre,
Such souldiers good and captaynes stoute that were.
They offered seruice eke themselues to fare with mee,
To winne the crowne by sworde, or els reuenged bee.
Concluding thus, a powre prouided was,
Munition good, and vitayles, shipping strong:
On voyage so with hoysed sayles wee passe,
Wee cut the seas, and came apace along
To Britayne shores: In hope to wrecke the wrong
That oft before was done, or winne the land agayne
Whence whilome twice I was to fly with daunger fayne.
Munition good, and vitayles, shipping strong:
On voyage so with hoysed sayles wee passe,
Wee cut the seas, and came apace along
To Britayne shores: In hope to wrecke the wrong
That oft before was done, or winne the land agayne
Whence whilome twice I was to fly with daunger fayne.
When wee were landed here, I herolds sent
To claime my Kingdome at his hands, my right:
I bad them, if hee were not so content,
To sound defiaunce, fyre, and sword, and fight.
But of my message hee esteemed light.
Hee brought an army strong, apointed was the day
Of battayle, then to try who beares the Crowne away.
To claime my Kingdome at his hands, my right:
I bad them, if hee were not so content,
To sound defiaunce, fyre, and sword, and fight.
But of my message hee esteemed light.
Hee brought an army strong, apointed was the day
Of battayle, then to try who beares the Crowne away.
265
This when our mother sawe Corwenna wise,
That mortall warres wee wadge for Kingdome sake:
Shee with her selfe did many wayes deuise,
A peace betweene her Martiall sonnes to make.
And with the Lords full oft did counsaile take.
Yet all in vaine: there could no parle of peace preuaile,
But on wee marcht agreed each other to assayle.
That mortall warres wee wadge for Kingdome sake:
Shee with her selfe did many wayes deuise,
A peace betweene her Martiall sonnes to make.
And with the Lords full oft did counsaile take.
Yet all in vaine: there could no parle of peace preuaile,
But on wee marcht agreed each other to assayle.
The feeldes once pight, and time of battaile comme,
In place where should bee tryde this quarell sad,
In armour eke the souldiers all and somme,
With all the force that might so soone bee had,
Wee captaynes vsing speach our men to glad,
T'incourage them with promise proud of lasting fame:
Tweene th'armies both Corwenna stood that noble dame.
And thus shee spake:
In place where should bee tryde this quarell sad,
In armour eke the souldiers all and somme,
With all the force that might so soone bee had,
Wee captaynes vsing speach our men to glad,
T'incourage them with promise proud of lasting fame:
Tweene th'armies both Corwenna stood that noble dame.
And thus shee spake:
“O out ahlas my sonnes what meanes this broyle?
“Will you in feelde my tender bowels harme?
“What furies force you thus t'unkindly toile?
“What meane your men for slaughter here to swarme?
“Did not this wombe once both inclose you warme?
“And cannot now all Britayne hold you brethren twaine:
“But needes by one of you his brother must bee slaine?
“Will you in feelde my tender bowels harme?
“What furies force you thus t'unkindly toile?
“What meane your men for slaughter here to swarme?
“Did not this wombe once both inclose you warme?
“And cannot now all Britayne hold you brethren twaine:
“But needes by one of you his brother must bee slaine?
“Cannot the feare of Ioues immortall hate,
“Your mothers teares, nor woefull wailings moue?
“Nor naked brests you suckte your malice slacke?
“Nor cause t'imbrace the sacred lore of loue?
“O euerlasting Ioue that liu'st aboue!
“Then I protest ere you doe fight the feelde this day:
“You shall in field (ungratefull sonnes) your woefull mother slay.
“Your mothers teares, nor woefull wailings moue?
“Nor naked brests you suckte your malice slacke?
“Nor cause t'imbrace the sacred lore of loue?
“O euerlasting Ioue that liu'st aboue!
“Then I protest ere you doe fight the feelde this day:
“You shall in field (ungratefull sonnes) your woefull mother slay.
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“Betweene you both you shall bereaue my life.
“What woes (my sonnes) aliue shall I sustaine,
“When I shall after this ambitious strife,
“So many see of both your subiecs slaine?
“And you with brothers bloud your swords distayne.
“I shall (I say) in th'end of fight take woefull vewe,
“Of that my sonne, which this my sonne his noble brother slewe.
“What woes (my sonnes) aliue shall I sustaine,
“When I shall after this ambitious strife,
“So many see of both your subiecs slaine?
“And you with brothers bloud your swords distayne.
“I shall (I say) in th'end of fight take woefull vewe,
“Of that my sonne, which this my sonne his noble brother slewe.
“O rather now, my sonnes, leaue of to iar,
“Lay weapons both aside, take truce a while:
“If you doe loue to spend your time in war,
“Destroy not here at home your natiue Ile.
“The present cause and quarell is to vile.
“Joyne friendly both your armies fayth, and firme the same,
“To take some conquest great in hand of euerlasting fame.
“Lay weapons both aside, take truce a while:
“If you doe loue to spend your time in war,
“Destroy not here at home your natiue Ile.
“The present cause and quarell is to vile.
“Joyne friendly both your armies fayth, and firme the same,
“To take some conquest great in hand of euerlasting fame.
“Therein you may with greater honour deale,
“By this defame you shall your selfes for aye.
“Thereby you may enlarge your puplique weale,
“By this your selues and it shall quite decay.
“Thereby you shall mine age with honour stay.
“Thereby you shall in warres most like your noble father bee:
“Which ere he wan the crowne did conquere Kings & kingdoms three.
“By this defame you shall your selfes for aye.
“Thereby you may enlarge your puplique weale,
“By this your selues and it shall quite decay.
“Thereby you shall mine age with honour stay.
“Thereby you shall in warres most like your noble father bee:
“Which ere he wan the crowne did conquere Kings & kingdoms three.
“Once for my sake then ioyne yet handes agayne,
“Let mee enioy once both before I die.
“I would to see you friends my sonnes bee faine,
“And hope I haue you will not this denie.
“I aske a thing shall neuer hurte perdy.
“For if you now surcease, embrace, and loue as brethren well,
“Then all the world of this your peace and concord aye shall tell.
“Let mee enioy once both before I die.
“I would to see you friends my sonnes bee faine,
“And hope I haue you will not this denie.
“I aske a thing shall neuer hurte perdy.
“For if you now surcease, embrace, and loue as brethren well,
“Then all the world of this your peace and concord aye shall tell.
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And turneing then to mee thus wise shee sayd:
“Thou knowst, my sonne, how twice thou hast bene foylde:
“Thou twice to scape with life wast well apayde,
“And since full farre to countryes straunge hast toyld.
“If now thou shouldst of life and all bee spoilde,
“(When liue thou maiste in Princely sort with peerelesse ioy)
“What tong can tell thy mothers griefe and great anoy.
“Thou knowst, my sonne, how twice thou hast bene foylde:
“Thou twice to scape with life wast well apayde,
“And since full farre to countryes straunge hast toyld.
“If now thou shouldst of life and all bee spoilde,
“(When liue thou maiste in Princely sort with peerelesse ioy)
“What tong can tell thy mothers griefe and great anoy.
“I heare thou hast in Fraunce a Dukedome good,
“Of subiects good thou hast an armie here:
“Thou hast a wife that came of noble blood,
“Thou needst at home no foes at all to feare.
“What mean'st thou then such mortall hate to beare,
“Against my sonne thy brother here, which gaue to thee
“His kingdome halfe, the noble land of Albany?
“Of subiects good thou hast an armie here:
“Thou hast a wife that came of noble blood,
“Thou needst at home no foes at all to feare.
“What mean'st thou then such mortall hate to beare,
“Against my sonne thy brother here, which gaue to thee
“His kingdome halfe, the noble land of Albany?
“Sith thine ambition first procur'd the strife,
“Which didst in armour rise against thy King,
“Against thy brother lou'd thee more then life,
“Thou didst thy subiects his against him bring,
“Thinkst thou it was a wise or worthie thing?
“If not: thou hast good cause thy treason all confesse:
“And though he draue thee out therefore, to loue him ne're the lesse.
“Which didst in armour rise against thy King,
“Against thy brother lou'd thee more then life,
“Thou didst thy subiects his against him bring,
“Thinkst thou it was a wise or worthie thing?
“If not: thou hast good cause thy treason all confesse:
“And though he draue thee out therefore, to loue him ne're the lesse.
“Thou shalt therefore submitte thy selfe to mee,
“And take a truce, a peace I will conclude:
“Thy brother eke shall so contented bee,
“No quarels olde shall be againe renewde.
“These broiles haue oft my cheeks with teares bedewde,
“My heart is rent, my hope bereau'd, my ioyes are gone,
“My life is lost, if you conioyne not frendships both in one.
“And take a truce, a peace I will conclude:
“Thy brother eke shall so contented bee,
“No quarels olde shall be againe renewde.
“These broiles haue oft my cheeks with teares bedewde,
“My heart is rent, my hope bereau'd, my ioyes are gone,
“My life is lost, if you conioyne not frendships both in one.
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“Then turning vnto Belinus she spake:
“My noble sonne (quod shee) thou twice hast quaylde
“Thy brothers power, and mad'st him twice forsake
“His natiue land, which I haue oft bewaylde.
“What though thou haue so oft before preuaylde,
“Think'st thou againe the thirde time eke to winne the feelde?
“Or art thou sure to slay my sonne, or force thy foes to yeelde?
“My noble sonne (quod shee) thou twice hast quaylde
“Thy brothers power, and mad'st him twice forsake
“His natiue land, which I haue oft bewaylde.
“What though thou haue so oft before preuaylde,
“Think'st thou againe the thirde time eke to winne the feelde?
“Or art thou sure to slay my sonne, or force thy foes to yeelde?
“What glory canst thou get thereby in th'end?
“Will not the worlde of your foule slaughters tell?
“Will not they all that liue, still discommend
“The man that did his owne deare brother quell?
“Mempricius shamefull actes are knowne too well,
“And Porrex Britayns both, their noble brethren slew,
“Confounded shortly after both, examples good for you.
“Will not the worlde of your foule slaughters tell?
“Will not they all that liue, still discommend
“The man that did his owne deare brother quell?
“Mempricius shamefull actes are knowne too well,
“And Porrex Britayns both, their noble brethren slew,
“Confounded shortly after both, examples good for you.
“Nowe further this againe to both I say:
“Doe not you rue these noble souldiers good?
“Doe not you see how many you shall slay?
“Haue you no care to shed their guiltlesse blood?
“The state of tyraunts neuer stable stoode,
“By bloudshed they doe founde, bace, builde, and prop their state,
“Raigne, liue and dye despisde, and heape themselues eternall hate.
“Doe not you rue these noble souldiers good?
“Doe not you see how many you shall slay?
“Haue you no care to shed their guiltlesse blood?
“The state of tyraunts neuer stable stoode,
“By bloudshed they doe founde, bace, builde, and prop their state,
“Raigne, liue and dye despisde, and heape themselues eternall hate.
“You noble men, in briefe I speake to you,
“And vnto all the Captains of your bands:
“And eke to all you souldiers good and true,
“Which haue the sway of bloudshed in your hands.
“Consider well the state of both our lands:
“You shall decrease your force, by ciuile discord, warres and strife,
“Distaine your blods, defame your selues, & reaue Cornwennas life.
“And vnto all the Captains of your bands:
“And eke to all you souldiers good and true,
“Which haue the sway of bloudshed in your hands.
“Consider well the state of both our lands:
“You shall decrease your force, by ciuile discord, warres and strife,
“Distaine your blods, defame your selues, & reaue Cornwennas life.
269
“Then if that eyther Ioues immortall ire,
“(Which euer hated slaughters such as these)
“Or feare of Plutoes euerlasting fire,
“Or daungers threatned both by land and seas,
“Or mothers minde (which both you ought to please)
“Or countries loue, or sacred peace (which al are bound t'imbrace)
“May ought perswade, let my requests among you all haue place.
“(Which euer hated slaughters such as these)
“Or feare of Plutoes euerlasting fire,
“Or daungers threatned both by land and seas,
“Or mothers minde (which both you ought to please)
“Or countries loue, or sacred peace (which al are bound t'imbrace)
“May ought perswade, let my requests among you all haue place.
“If not, loe here my naked breast (quod shee)
“Which once you both did sucke in tender age.
“Let both your swords in these first bathed bee,
“Perhaps this slaughter shall your thirsts aswage.
“It shall be counted euen as small outrage
“To slay your mother pleading for your peace,
“As wadge the wars which gods and men & nature wils to cease.
“Which once you both did sucke in tender age.
“Let both your swords in these first bathed bee,
“Perhaps this slaughter shall your thirsts aswage.
“It shall be counted euen as small outrage
“To slay your mother pleading for your peace,
“As wadge the wars which gods and men & nature wils to cease.
Much more she sayde which were too long to tell:
And proffered foorth to swordes her naked brest.
But when we both considered had full well
Her woefull teares, her wise and graue request,
They so to peace our hautie hearts addrest,
We layde our weapons downe: we met, imbrac'st & kist.
More ioy in both the armies was then erst in wars I wist.
And proffered foorth to swordes her naked brest.
But when we both considered had full well
Her woefull teares, her wise and graue request,
They so to peace our hautie hearts addrest,
We layde our weapons downe: we met, imbrac'st & kist.
More ioy in both the armies was then erst in wars I wist.
We ioyned hands, our captaynes did the like,
And eke the souldiers linked all in loue:
There was not one that did our truce mislike,
Our peace did all to ioy and maruaile moue.
With many triumphes feates of armes we proue,
Our subiects all reioyce, in songs we sound Cornewennas prayse,
Her fame to skies, aloft with many showtes and cryes they rayse.
And eke the souldiers linked all in loue:
There was not one that did our truce mislike,
Our peace did all to ioy and maruaile moue.
With many triumphes feates of armes we proue,
Our subiects all reioyce, in songs we sound Cornewennas prayse,
Her fame to skies, aloft with many showtes and cryes they rayse.
270
The Galles and Senons then supposing me
In Britayne from my Dukedome hard at fight,
Thought great occasion offred them to be,
And set themselues in armes and order right.
My subiects eke of Sauoy day and night
They did entice, perswade, solicite and constrayne,
Tu chuse another Duke at home with them to raigne.
In Britayne from my Dukedome hard at fight,
Thought great occasion offred them to be,
And set themselues in armes and order right.
My subiects eke of Sauoy day and night
They did entice, perswade, solicite and constrayne,
Tu chuse another Duke at home with them to raigne.
Whereof when I heard tell in Britayne Isle,
Eke when my brother Beline thereof knewe,
We layde aside our sports and playes a while,
And of our souldiers tooke a muster newe.
Of both our hoasts we chose a noble crewe.
We past the seas, as brethren ought, in concord knit:
And both our force in one to conquere Fraunce we fit.
Eke when my brother Beline thereof knewe,
We layde aside our sports and playes a while,
And of our souldiers tooke a muster newe.
Of both our hoasts we chose a noble crewe.
We past the seas, as brethren ought, in concord knit:
And both our force in one to conquere Fraunce we fit.
Without resistance much we spoild the land
At th'entry in, and after many fights
We conquerd all the Realme, my foes we fand,
Which were in armes stout, valiant, noble wights.
By sword they fell, or flewe before our sights.
The Germains force, likewise that did them succour send,
We made to fall therefore, and to our scepters bend.
At th'entry in, and after many fights
We conquerd all the Realme, my foes we fand,
Which were in armes stout, valiant, noble wights.
By sword they fell, or flewe before our sights.
The Germains force, likewise that did them succour send,
We made to fall therefore, and to our scepters bend.
Three hundred thousand we in armour had,
An armie great renownde Europa through:
The Kings and Princes of our peace were glad,
We were in fight so puissant fearce and rough.
Munition, vitayles, money eke enough,
We had of tributes store, of dueties in that came:
Through all the world of Brenne and Beline flew the fame.
An armie great renownde Europa through:
The Kings and Princes of our peace were glad,
We were in fight so puissant fearce and rough.
Munition, vitayles, money eke enough,
We had of tributes store, of dueties in that came:
Through all the world of Brenne and Beline flew the fame.
To vs came souldiers out of many parts,
And captaynes worthy for the fame of warre,
Of fearce Bellona braue wee had the arts,
Whereof wee wanne the praise both neare and farre.
But not with this wee so contented arr.
As Hercules to scale the Alpes did first contend:
So wee agayne (a worke of toyle) the cloudy Alpes ascend.
And captaynes worthy for the fame of warre,
Of fearce Bellona braue wee had the arts,
Whereof wee wanne the praise both neare and farre.
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As Hercules to scale the Alpes did first contend:
So wee agayne (a worke of toyle) the cloudy Alpes ascend.
Great mountaynes, craggy, high, that touch the skies,
Full steepe to climbe vnto, and penshot all,
The Seas allow doe rore, and foggy vapours rise,
And from the hills great streames of waters fall.
The pathes so strickte to passe the speede is small.
The ise, snowe, cold, clouds, rombling stormes, and sights aboue,
Are able constant harts with doubtfull feare to moue.
Full steepe to climbe vnto, and penshot all,
The Seas allow doe rore, and foggy vapours rise,
And from the hills great streames of waters fall.
The pathes so strickte to passe the speede is small.
The ise, snowe, cold, clouds, rombling stormes, and sights aboue,
Are able constant harts with doubtfull feare to moue.
For as you goe, sometimes y'ar fayne to reatch
And hang by handes, to wend aloft the way:
And then on buttockes downe an other breatch,
With elbowes and with heeles your selfe to stay.
Downe vnder well behold the streames you may,
And waters wilde which from the mountaynes faling flow:
Ore head the rockes hang down whence riuers rore of melting snow.
And hang by handes, to wend aloft the way:
And then on buttockes downe an other breatch,
With elbowes and with heeles your selfe to stay.
Downe vnder well behold the streames you may,
And waters wilde which from the mountaynes faling flow:
Ore head the rockes hang down whence riuers rore of melting snow.
When wee these Alpes had past with daungers greate,
To Clusium towne in Tuscane land wee came:
They, as wee did prouide our forage vitayles meate,
Did issue out in armes to intercept the same.
Ambassage to the Romaines eke they frame,
Desiring aide against the Galles (so vs they counted theere)
Because I was of Fraunce and Frenchmen in our armies were.
To Clusium towne in Tuscane land wee came:
They, as wee did prouide our forage vitayles meate,
Did issue out in armes to intercept the same.
Ambassage to the Romaines eke they frame,
Desiring aide against the Galles (so vs they counted theere)
Because I was of Fraunce and Frenchmen in our armies were.
The Romaines then, because that our successe
Reported was to them in warres before,
Euen for their owne safegard could doe no lesse,
But aide their neighbours now at neede the more.
To parle they sent for peace ambassadours therefore.
Wee aunswerde wee desirde but space wherein to bide and dwell,
Because our peopled Countrye could not now contayne vs well.
Reported was to them in warres before,
Euen for their owne safegard could doe no lesse,
But aide their neighbours now at neede the more.
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Wee aunswerde wee desirde but space wherein to bide and dwell,
Because our peopled Countrye could not now contayne vs well.
But they forgetting quite of armes the lawe
Did arme them selues, ambassadours full stoute:
With Clusians came to bring vs all in awe,
Without respect of any further doute.
Whereon, the seige from Clusium walles aboute
Wee raysed strayght, in speede alarme at Rome wee cry,
There to reuenge th'ambassadours outrage and iniury.
Did arme them selues, ambassadours full stoute:
With Clusians came to bring vs all in awe,
Without respect of any further doute.
Whereon, the seige from Clusium walles aboute
Wee raysed strayght, in speede alarme at Rome wee cry,
There to reuenge th'ambassadours outrage and iniury.
Yet first wee thought it best ambassage send,
To haue truce breakers such deliuered vs
By lawe of armes as ought no weapons wend,
And yet against the lawes came armed thus.
They sayd wee were a people barbarous,
They neither punishe would nor yeeld those Romaines good,
But honour them: they came of Fabius noble bloud.
To haue truce breakers such deliuered vs
By lawe of armes as ought no weapons wend,
And yet against the lawes came armed thus.
They sayd wee were a people barbarous,
They neither punishe would nor yeeld those Romaines good,
But honour them: they came of Fabius noble bloud.
Full swiftely on wee marched then in haste,
And towardes Rome with all our powre wee hyde:
At Alia floud gan forty thousand taste
Of Romaines that vs met what might betyde.
Wee slewe them fast, the rest durst not abide.
Wee had the spoyle, to Rome wee came, the Citye wee possesse:
A thousand wight of gold wee make the Romaines pay for peace.
And towardes Rome with all our powre wee hyde:
At Alia floud gan forty thousand taste
Of Romaines that vs met what might betyde.
Wee slewe them fast, the rest durst not abide.
Wee had the spoyle, to Rome wee came, the Citye wee possesse:
A thousand wight of gold wee make the Romaines pay for peace.
Pannonia eke with broiles of warres wee tame,
And many yeares wee kept them vnder yoke:
The Princes all about that herde our noble fame
Desired peace with vs, before wee came to stroke.
Wee Britaynes made Europa all to smoke.
To part our armies then in twayne wee tooke at all no doubte,
And seuerall conquests tooke in hand, as valiaunt captaines stoute.
And many yeares wee kept them vnder yoke:
The Princes all about that herde our noble fame
Desired peace with vs, before wee came to stroke.
Wee Britaynes made Europa all to smoke.
To part our armies then in twayne wee tooke at all no doubte,
And seuerall conquests tooke in hand, as valiaunt captaines stoute.
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To Macedony Beline tooke the way,
Where raigned Ptolome the tyraunt fell,
Which did his sisters sonnes vniustly slay
Before their mothers face, and her expell,
Arsinoe that vsde him earst so well:
Yea, though before the Gods hee sware to take her to his wife,
And loue her sonnes, hee her expeld, and them bereft of life.
Where raigned Ptolome the tyraunt fell,
Which did his sisters sonnes vniustly slay
Before their mothers face, and her expell,
Arsinoe that vsde him earst so well:
Yea, though before the Gods hee sware to take her to his wife,
And loue her sonnes, hee her expeld, and them bereft of life.
Euen so that wicked king at first refusde
To purchase peace with price, or hostage sende,
That had before the fayth of Gods abusde,
Was destinate to haue a naughty ende.
Let Princes well beware what they pretende.
For who for kingdomes sake breakes fayth, and murders foule commits,
Let him bee sure to haue a fall, on slipery throne hee sits.
To purchase peace with price, or hostage sende,
That had before the fayth of Gods abusde,
Was destinate to haue a naughty ende.
Let Princes well beware what they pretende.
For who for kingdomes sake breakes fayth, and murders foule commits,
Let him bee sure to haue a fall, on slipery throne hee sits.
Our custome was that time to send each where
Our Herouldes offering peace for tribute, golde:
But Ptolome to Beline bad him message beare,
Conditions take of peace, ne tribute pay hee woulde,
Ne frendship would admit (as hee the Herouldes tolde)
Except the enmies layde downe weapons, them submit,
No truce with them, no peace there were, nor no agreement fit.
Our Herouldes offering peace for tribute, golde:
But Ptolome to Beline bad him message beare,
Conditions take of peace, ne tribute pay hee woulde,
Ne frendship would admit (as hee the Herouldes tolde)
Except the enmies layde downe weapons, them submit,
No truce with them, no peace there were, nor no agreement fit.
King Beline smilde to heare the heedelesse King
Rash witted, so selfe wild, and after this
The Dardanes offered twenty thousand bring
Of souldiers armde for ayde, to ioyne with his.
Quoth Ptolome, now lost all Macedony is.
Yf we once conquerde all the East by Alexanders hande,
Neede we the Dardanes ayde, these straungers to withstande?
Rash witted, so selfe wild, and after this
The Dardanes offered twenty thousand bring
Of souldiers armde for ayde, to ioyne with his.
Quoth Ptolome, now lost all Macedony is.
Yf we once conquerde all the East by Alexanders hande,
Neede we the Dardanes ayde, these straungers to withstande?
274
Wee haue (quoth hee) some souldiers sonnes of those
Which serude in pay with them that vanquisht all:
And for our selues wee nothing feare our foes,
Although our army seeme to Dardane smalle.
This when th'ambassadours related all
To good king Dardane, Then this noble realme (quod hee)
By this yong princox pryde, will all be lost and conquerde bee.
Which serude in pay with them that vanquisht all:
And for our selues wee nothing feare our foes,
Although our army seeme to Dardane smalle.
This when th'ambassadours related all
To good king Dardane, Then this noble realme (quod hee)
By this yong princox pryde, will all be lost and conquerde bee.
With that alarme they crye, and armies ioyne,
Where Britaynes sley the Macedonian crewe:
And haue for spoyle theyr vitayles, armour, coyne,
Tooke Ptolomey theyr king, and him they slewe.
His heade aboue the campe they beare for vewe
On speare, to make the rest of Greekes in doubt to stand,
Before they enterprice to take such woefull wars in hand.
Where Britaynes sley the Macedonian crewe:
And haue for spoyle theyr vitayles, armour, coyne,
Tooke Ptolomey theyr king, and him they slewe.
His heade aboue the campe they beare for vewe
On speare, to make the rest of Greekes in doubt to stand,
Before they enterprice to take such woefull wars in hand.
One this the fame of Britaynes far was spred,
All Macedony held theyr countrey spoylde:
To Alexander (erst theyr armies led)
And vnto Philip, Princes neuer foylde,
As vnto Gods they cry in warres tormoylde.
O helpe (quod they) our countrey falls, & we are all vndonne,
With out your aydes: whose noble actes erst all the world haue won.
All Macedony held theyr countrey spoylde:
To Alexander (erst theyr armies led)
And vnto Philip, Princes neuer foylde,
As vnto Gods they cry in warres tormoylde.
O helpe (quod they) our countrey falls, & we are all vndonne,
With out your aydes: whose noble actes erst all the world haue won.
But Sosthenes a worthy Macedonian stoute,
When as the Britaynes bathed in theyr blisse,
Gate vnto him a warlike worthy route,
And set agayne on Beline there and his,
Put him to foyle for all his worthynes.
Wheron when as the souldiers would haue made him all theyr roye:
By captaynes name hee tooke theyr oth theyr enmies to distroye.
When as the Britaynes bathed in theyr blisse,
Gate vnto him a warlike worthy route,
And set agayne on Beline there and his,
Put him to foyle for all his worthynes.
Wheron when as the souldiers would haue made him all theyr roye:
By captaynes name hee tooke theyr oth theyr enmies to distroye.
275
When this in Greece I herde, and theyr successe
First of the feelde they wonne, and folly then
Enrichte with spoyles, giuen all to idlenes
Which were before approued valiaunt men:
I sounde retracte, and backwardes gate agen,
With seuen score and ten thousand footemen for the fight,
And fifteene thousand horsemen good of manhoode and of might.
First of the feelde they wonne, and folly then
Enrichte with spoyles, giuen all to idlenes
Which were before approued valiaunt men:
I sounde retracte, and backwardes gate agen,
With seuen score and ten thousand footemen for the fight,
And fifteene thousand horsemen good of manhoode and of might.
With these apoynted well my frends to ayde
The Britaynes good, and Beline in that case,
To Macedone I marcht, with souldiers well apayde,
Both for my brothers sake and riches of the place.
Whereto when as wee came, in litle space
We wan the feelde, we tooke the spoyles of all the land at will,
In pleasures plungde we had of wealth, renowne, and fame, our fill.
The Britaynes good, and Beline in that case,
To Macedone I marcht, with souldiers well apayde,
Both for my brothers sake and riches of the place.
Whereto when as wee came, in litle space
We wan the feelde, we tooke the spoyles of all the land at will,
In pleasures plungde we had of wealth, renowne, and fame, our fill.
So I that had all Macedoyne in awe,
With spoyle of mortall men was not content:
I past not of these conquests all a strawe,
The temples of the gods to spoile I ment,
And towards Delphos with mine army went.
Whereas on hyghe the temple stoode most glorious to beholde,
And god Apollos shrine enrichte with mighty masse of gold.
With spoyle of mortall men was not content:
I past not of these conquests all a strawe,
The temples of the gods to spoile I ment,
And towards Delphos with mine army went.
Whereas on hyghe the temple stoode most glorious to beholde,
And god Apollos shrine enrichte with mighty masse of gold.
The riche and welthy gods (quoth I) may lende
To mortall men some of theyr treasures great:
They haue no neede thereof for to dispende
For clothing, vitayles, armour, drinke or meate.
But yet wee must therefore theyr priests intreate.
There is enough for them, and vs, and many moe beside,
Of offerings greate, from Princes brought of all the world so wide.
To mortall men some of theyr treasures great:
They haue no neede thereof for to dispende
For clothing, vitayles, armour, drinke or meate.
But yet wee must therefore theyr priests intreate.
There is enough for them, and vs, and many moe beside,
Of offerings greate, from Princes brought of all the world so wide.
276
This Delphos is on mount Parnasus fayre
In Greece, wel fenst with rising rockes about,
By nature plaest aloft in pleasaunt ayre,
So high to scale they neede no enmies doubt.
No watch, no warde they keepe the walles about.
So strong steepe pendent are the rockes whereon it stately stands:
As not the like could euer yet be made with mortall hands.
In Greece, wel fenst with rising rockes about,
By nature plaest aloft in pleasaunt ayre,
So high to scale they neede no enmies doubt.
No watch, no warde they keepe the walles about.
So strong steepe pendent are the rockes whereon it stately stands:
As not the like could euer yet be made with mortall hands.
When in this city shoutes aloude they make,
Or when the trompets sounde therein is herde,
The Ecchoes shrill so cause the skies to shake,
That straungers staring stand and muse afferde.
The wordes and tunes resounde agayne so harde,
So often times aboute from euery rocke so playne,
As if to one that cryde a thousand cryde to him agayne.
Or when the trompets sounde therein is herde,
The Ecchoes shrill so cause the skies to shake,
That straungers staring stand and muse afferde.
The wordes and tunes resounde agayne so harde,
So often times aboute from euery rocke so playne,
As if to one that cryde a thousand cryde to him agayne.
This made the men that came from farre to maze,
To maruayle much, to feare and wonder still:
And at the syte thereof to stare and gaze,
Deuising ofte the stately high and mighty hill.
A building founded first by heauenly skill
In citye fayrely builte, and costly graude with worke of hande,
Apolloes temple highe to heauen aboue the rest doth stande.
To maruayle much, to feare and wonder still:
And at the syte thereof to stare and gaze,
Deuising ofte the stately high and mighty hill.
A building founded first by heauenly skill
In citye fayrely builte, and costly graude with worke of hande,
Apolloes temple highe to heauen aboue the rest doth stande.
Tis rownde theater wise so braue within
And large aloft, without pendant vpright,
So high it seemes impossible to winne,
With comely forme the gazers to delight.
The maiesty whereof (I weene) did them inuite
That chose that seate, to dedicate a temple in the same,
Whereof for Oracles was spred through all the world the fame.
And large aloft, without pendant vpright,
So high it seemes impossible to winne,
With comely forme the gazers to delight.
The maiesty whereof (I weene) did them inuite
That chose that seate, to dedicate a temple in the same,
Whereof for Oracles was spred through all the world the fame.
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Amidste the height of this Parnasus mount
A turning wey there is, and in the playne
A denne through rockes for deepenesse doth surmount,
And turning vaults far in, whence aunsweres vayne
The priests receiue from sprits to tell agayne.
When any come for counsayle there, of things to come to knowe.
Th'insensate priests the aunsweres of deluding sprits doe showe.
A turning wey there is, and in the playne
A denne through rockes for deepenesse doth surmount,
And turning vaults far in, whence aunsweres vayne
The priests receiue from sprits to tell agayne.
When any come for counsayle there, of things to come to knowe.
Th'insensate priests the aunsweres of deluding sprits doe showe.
Wherefore the Kings and peoples offerings brought,
From all the world and coasts of nations far:
With many gifts of gold and siluer wrought,
The statures of the Gods and iewells rich there wer.
To Delphos all they runne in any doubte which ar.
This was the madnesse tho that mortall men bewicht:
Whereby Apolloes temple was and Delphos so inricht.
From all the world and coasts of nations far:
With many gifts of gold and siluer wrought,
The statures of the Gods and iewells rich there wer.
To Delphos all they runne in any doubte which ar.
This was the madnesse tho that mortall men bewicht:
Whereby Apolloes temple was and Delphos so inricht.
Low nowe in fewe, I tell at Delphos what I did,
For towardes it as with my mates I went,
Them bee of courage good and nothing feare I bid,
I told them, with the spoile, them to reward I ment.
But now I askte how they would giue consent
The captaynes Euridane and Thessalone companions in the pray,
Where it were good straight now to scale, or else a while to stay.
For towardes it as with my mates I went,
Them bee of courage good and nothing feare I bid,
I told them, with the spoile, them to reward I ment.
But now I askte how they would giue consent
The captaynes Euridane and Thessalone companions in the pray,
Where it were good straight now to scale, or else a while to stay.
The Captaynes counsaile was alarme at once to call,
Before the Graecians were prouided for defence:
And straight to scale with skill the mighty wall,
Before the city knewe of our pretence.
The souldiers stout abroad encamped thence,
And sayd they must refreshe their weried limmes a space,
Vnable else to scale, or meete their enmyes in the face.
Before the Graecians were prouided for defence:
And straight to scale with skill the mighty wall,
Before the city knewe of our pretence.
The souldiers stout abroad encamped thence,
And sayd they must refreshe their weried limmes a space,
Vnable else to scale, or meete their enmyes in the face.
278
The Graecians them commaunde that dwelt by hip
In villages, to make no spare of wine:
The Britayne souldiers fell thereon to sip,
Forgate their feats of warre and playd the swine.
Against their captaynes eke they gan repine.
So that full long it was or wee could them perswade
To flye from Bacchus bouthes, and fall agayne to blade.
In villages, to make no spare of wine:
The Britayne souldiers fell thereon to sip,
Forgate their feats of warre and playd the swine.
Against their captaynes eke they gan repine.
So that full long it was or wee could them perswade
To flye from Bacchus bouthes, and fall agayne to blade.
Of souldiers thousands sixty fiue I had,
But of our enmies fourteene thousand were:
The stately towne they see, their harts to glad,
I bad them not at all to stand in doubt or feare.
Behold (quoth I) what doth in sight aloft appeare,
Those charets glittering braue, and statures stout in founded gold
Of sollid masse, more weighty riche then glorious to behold.
But of our enmies fourteene thousand were:
The stately towne they see, their harts to glad,
I bad them not at all to stand in doubt or feare.
Behold (quoth I) what doth in sight aloft appeare,
Those charets glittering braue, and statures stout in founded gold
Of sollid masse, more weighty riche then glorious to behold.
For on the Temple stoode a sorte of golden shapes,
And in the walles thereof their pictures shone:
Not one of these (quoth I) the Britaynes scapes,
Wee souldiers shall possesse them euery one.
Let vs therefore not linger here vpon,
But geue th'assaulte: for here in hand wee haue for spoiles a peece,
In price of gold, of perle & gemmes, surmounts the wealth of Greece.
And in the walles thereof their pictures shone:
Not one of these (quoth I) the Britaynes scapes,
Wee souldiers shall possesse them euery one.
Let vs therefore not linger here vpon,
But geue th'assaulte: for here in hand wee haue for spoiles a peece,
In price of gold, of perle & gemmes, surmounts the wealth of Greece.
Wee haue or this the wealth of men possest
(Yet worthy Princes all) of mortall men:
But here the treasures of the Gods are prest
To looke for vs: shall wee refuse them then?
Wee shall not so bee profered ofte agen.
Within the walles hereof are greater offerings farre by odds:
Th'attyre, crownes, scepters, statures, plate and garnish of the Gods.
(Yet worthy Princes all) of mortall men:
But here the treasures of the Gods are prest
To looke for vs: shall wee refuse them then?
Wee shall not so bee profered ofte agen.
Within the walles hereof are greater offerings farre by odds:
Th'attyre, crownes, scepters, statures, plate and garnish of the Gods.
279
Wee sound Alarme, th'assaute the rockes assayes,
Our souldiers brainesicke, heedelesse vp ascend:
The Delphos men had fenste the easiest wayes,
So that against the rockes our force wee bend.
With stones the scaleing Britaynes downe they hend.
An earthquake eke by vowes and cries the sacrificers reare,
Which on my souldiers downe to fall a mighty rocke did teare.
Our souldiers brainesicke, heedelesse vp ascend:
The Delphos men had fenste the easiest wayes,
So that against the rockes our force wee bend.
With stones the scaleing Britaynes downe they hend.
An earthquake eke by vowes and cries the sacrificers reare,
Which on my souldiers downe to fall a mighty rocke did teare.
The ground did shake, and rent, and tempests rise,
The haylestones mighty fall, the thunders rore:
The lightnings flasheing dazled all our eyes,
The Britaynes from th'assaute were ouer bore.
My souldiers slayne discomfit mee before,
And I sore wounded, foule amazde, orecome with toile and smart,
T'escape the Greekishe sword & shame did perce my selfe to th'harte.
The haylestones mighty fall, the thunders rore:
The lightnings flasheing dazled all our eyes,
The Britaynes from th'assaute were ouer bore.
My souldiers slayne discomfit mee before,
And I sore wounded, foule amazde, orecome with toile and smart,
T'escape the Greekishe sword & shame did perce my selfe to th'harte.
You noble captaynes now that know my facts,
Learne valiauntly in warres the sword to wend:
Let fame extoll your wise and warlike acts,
And let report your fortitude commend.
But let your warfares haue a wiser end,
And let what Bochas writes and Higgins here doth pen,
As myrours shew what good wee gate, to warre with Delphos men.
Learne valiauntly in warres the sword to wend:
Let fame extoll your wise and warlike acts,
And let report your fortitude commend.
But let your warfares haue a wiser end,
And let what Bochas writes and Higgins here doth pen,
As myrours shew what good wee gate, to warre with Delphos men.
280
Lenuoy.
Great ruth that such a noble conqueroure,
Should haue so hard and infamous an end:
Which of the worlde might haue bene Emperour,
If all be true that storyes him commend.
But where is Fortune permanent a frend?
Shee blyndely baytes and bathes her Impes in blisse:
Who trustes her still, I count ill fortune his.
Should haue so hard and infamous an end:
Which of the worlde might haue bene Emperour,
If all be true that storyes him commend.
But where is Fortune permanent a frend?
Shee blyndely baytes and bathes her Impes in blisse:
Who trustes her still, I count ill fortune his.
Galerius and Florianus stoute,
And Iulian of Rome the Emperours,
And Diocesiane of Constantine in doubte,
Though in their times full worthy warriours,
So counted often noble conquerours,
They slewe themselues, abated from their blisse:
Which who so doth, I count ill fortune his.
And Iulian of Rome the Emperours,
And Diocesiane of Constantine in doubte,
Though in their times full worthy warriours,
So counted often noble conquerours,
They slewe themselues, abated from their blisse:
Which who so doth, I count ill fortune his.
Cordila slewe her selfe in prison pent,
And Dido for AEneas flight away:
That Iudas which betrayde the innocent,
And Pontius Pilate wrought their owne decay.
What neede I here on desperate captiues staye?
Sith who so bathes in flickering Fortunes blisse,
Without Gods grace, I count ill fortune his.
And Dido for AEneas flight away:
That Iudas which betrayde the innocent,
And Pontius Pilate wrought their owne decay.
What neede I here on desperate captiues staye?
Sith who so bathes in flickering Fortunes blisse,
Without Gods grace, I count ill fortune his.
The warres haue prosperde well with Princes oft,
Yet best with such, who vertue sought alone:
The rest, which onely werde to wende aloft,
Were euer foylde, confounded by their fone.
But here I cease, the next full woe begone,
With rented corps appeard, deuoyde of blisse:
Recounting thus that haplesse ende of his.
Yet best with such, who vertue sought alone:
The rest, which onely werde to wende aloft,
Were euer foylde, confounded by their fone.
But here I cease, the next full woe begone,
With rented corps appeard, deuoyde of blisse:
Recounting thus that haplesse ende of his.
281
Lenuoy.[_]
[For the earlier version of this lenvoy, see p. 190. The 1587 edition introduced
between the tragedies of Morindus and Nennius (15 and 16) three new tragedies—
those of Emerianus, Chirinnus, and Varianus (23–25), with appropriate lenvoys.
Lenvoy 15 was rewritten to introduce the first of these new tragedies.]
[_]
[For the earlier version of this lenvoy, see p. 190. The 1587 edition introduced between the tragedies of Morindus and Nennius (15 and 16) three new tragedies— those of Emerianus, Chirinnus, and Varianus (23–25), with appropriate lenvoys. Lenvoy 15 was rewritten to introduce the first of these new tragedies.]
Wee reade the valiaunt actes of Hercules,
His mighty labours all, and woefull end:
But Samsons conquests of his enemies,
The holy histories to vs commend.
Yet who so shal on fortitude depend,
Still trusting to obtayne the victory,
Let him beholde Morindus history.
His mighty labours all, and woefull end:
But Samsons conquests of his enemies,
The holy histories to vs commend.
Yet who so shal on fortitude depend,
Still trusting to obtayne the victory,
Let him beholde Morindus history.
Or of the death of Theseus they tell,
The fall of Brennus, and his woefull end:
Though hee in force and powre bee nere so fell,
Hee cannot still on fortitude depend.
Tis vertue sole that all the wise commend:
Shee still obtaynes for aye the victory,
By true reporte of euery history.
The fall of Brennus, and his woefull end:
Though hee in force and powre bee nere so fell,
Hee cannot still on fortitude depend.
Tis vertue sole that all the wise commend:
Shee still obtaynes for aye the victory,
By true reporte of euery history.
Strength, beauty, wealth, facts, fauoure, fearcenesse fell,
All earthly pleasures feele a paynefull end:
Then happy thrice is hee, (the truth to tell)
That onely can on heauenly powre depend.
But now I must to you the next commend,
In blacke, mee thought, appearing mournefully,
Declaring thus his woefull misery.
All earthly pleasures feele a paynefull end:
Then happy thrice is hee, (the truth to tell)
That onely can on heauenly powre depend.
But now I must to you the next commend,
In blacke, mee thought, appearing mournefully,
Declaring thus his woefull misery.
282
[EMERIANUS]
How King Emerianus for his tirany was deposed, about the yeare before Christ, 225.
The wofull wight that fell from throne to thrall,
The wretch that woue the web wherein hee goes:
A dolefull blacke bad weede still weare hee shall
In woefull sorte, and nothing blame his foes.
What neede such one at all his name disclose?
Except the haplesse rest of Britaynes should,
Not here for shame resite his name hee would.
The wretch that woue the web wherein hee goes:
A dolefull blacke bad weede still weare hee shall
In woefull sorte, and nothing blame his foes.
What neede such one at all his name disclose?
Except the haplesse rest of Britaynes should,
Not here for shame resite his name hee would.
I am Emeriane King that raignde a space,
Scarce all one yeare, in Britayne Isle long sence.
But for I was in maners voide of grace,
Ferce, tyranous, and full of negligence,
Bloud thirsty, cruell, vaine, deuoide of sence.
The Britaynes mee desposde, from seat and crowne,
And reaude mee quite, of riches and renowne.
Scarce all one yeare, in Britayne Isle long sence.
But for I was in maners voide of grace,
Ferce, tyranous, and full of negligence,
Bloud thirsty, cruell, vaine, deuoide of sence.
The Britaynes mee desposde, from seat and crowne,
And reaude mee quite, of riches and renowne.
I was despisde and banisht from my blisse,
Discountnaunste, fayne to hide my selfe for shame:
What neede I longer stand to tell thee this?
My selfe was for my woefull fall to blame.
My raygne was short, in fewe my fall I frame.
My life was lothsome, soone like death that found.
Let this suffice a warning blaste to sound.
Discountnaunste, fayne to hide my selfe for shame:
What neede I longer stand to tell thee this?
My selfe was for my woefull fall to blame.
My raygne was short, in fewe my fall I frame.
My life was lothsome, soone like death that found.
Let this suffice a warning blaste to sound.
283
Lenuoy.
The cause why here this Prince is briefe in talkeIs, for the stories scarce remembre such:
What neede I then with them more farder walke?
Sith this perhaps, may seeme, is sayd to much.
I must but briefly these vnworthy tutch.
The next approaching pufte with dropsie wanne,
Thus wise, mee thought, his yexeing tale beganne.
[CHIRINNUS]
How King Chirinnus giuen to dronkennesse raygned but one yeare. Hee died about the yeare before Christ, 137.
Though I my surfets haue not yet out slept,
Nor scarce with quiet browes begin my tale,
Let not my drousy talke bee ouer leapt.
For though my belching sent of wine or ale,
Although my face bee falloe, puft, and pale,
And legges with dropsy swell, & panche resound:
Yet let mee tell what vice did mee confound.
Nor scarce with quiet browes begin my tale,
Let not my drousy talke bee ouer leapt.
For though my belching sent of wine or ale,
Although my face bee falloe, puft, and pale,
And legges with dropsy swell, & panche resound:
Yet let mee tell what vice did mee confound.
Perhaps thou thinkste so groase a blockhead blunt,
A sleepy swinishe head can nothing say:
The greatest heads and smalest eke were wont
To beare in them the finest wits away.
This thing is true, thou canst it not denay,
And Bacchus eke ensharps the wits of some,
Foecundi calices quem non fecere disertum?
A sleepy swinishe head can nothing say:
The greatest heads and smalest eke were wont
To beare in them the finest wits away.
This thing is true, thou canst it not denay,
And Bacchus eke ensharps the wits of some,
Foecundi calices quem non fecere disertum?
Yet sith long since both braynes and all were spent,
And this in place amongste my mates I speake:
I trust thou wilt bee here withall content,
Although in deede my wits of talke are weake.
So old a vessayle cannot chuse but leake.
A drousy nole that lyes on drinke a sleepe so long
May pardon craue, although his tongue trip twifold wrong.
And this in place amongste my mates I speake:
I trust thou wilt bee here withall content,
Although in deede my wits of talke are weake.
So old a vessayle cannot chuse but leake.
284
May pardon craue, although his tongue trip twifold wrong.
Chirinnus was my name a Britayne King,
But rulde short time: Sir Bacchus was my let:
Erinnys eke my sences so did swing,
That reason could no seat amongst them get.
Wherefore the truth I pray thee playnly set.
I gaue my selfe to surfets swilling wine,
And led my life much like a dronken swine.
But rulde short time: Sir Bacchus was my let:
Erinnys eke my sences so did swing,
That reason could no seat amongst them get.
Wherefore the truth I pray thee playnly set.
I gaue my selfe to surfets swilling wine,
And led my life much like a dronken swine.
Deseases grewe, distempraunce made mee swell,
My parched liuer lusted still for baste:
My tympane sounded like a taber well,
And nought but wine did like my greedy taste.
This vice and moe my life and mee defaste,
My face was blowne and blubd with dropsy wanne,
And legges more like a monster then a man.
My parched liuer lusted still for baste:
My tympane sounded like a taber well,
And nought but wine did like my greedy taste.
This vice and moe my life and mee defaste,
My face was blowne and blubd with dropsy wanne,
And legges more like a monster then a man.
So not in shape and shewe I onely altered was,
My dispositions chaunged mee likewise:
For vices make a man a bull, a goate, an asse,
A swine or horse, (as Poets can comprise)
Transforming into beasts by sundry wise
Such men as keepe not onely shape of men,
But them mishapeth also now and then.
My dispositions chaunged mee likewise:
For vices make a man a bull, a goate, an asse,
A swine or horse, (as Poets can comprise)
Transforming into beasts by sundry wise
Such men as keepe not onely shape of men,
But them mishapeth also now and then.
Wherefore let who so loues to liue long dayes
Without deseases, strong, in youthfull state,
Beware of Bacchus booth which all betrayes,
The vayle of vices vayne, the hauen of hate,
The well of weake delightes, the brande of bate,
By which I loste my health, life, Realme and fame,
My wealth, my crowne, my scepter, sheelde and name:
And only wan the shrowding sheete of shame.
Without deseases, strong, in youthfull state,
Beware of Bacchus booth which all betrayes,
The vayle of vices vayne, the hauen of hate,
The well of weake delightes, the brande of bate,
By which I loste my health, life, Realme and fame,
My wealth, my crowne, my scepter, sheelde and name:
And only wan the shrowding sheete of shame.
285
Lenuoy.
Of this bad vice who shall embrace the loue,
And not refraine him selfe there from by grace:
Let him bee sure it shall his sence remoue,
His beauty reaue, his facts and fame deface:
His wealth, strength, health, shall waste and were apace,
Hee cannot liue in health till hee bee olde,
Nor purchase health, and sober fame againe, with sowes of golde.
And not refraine him selfe there from by grace:
Let him bee sure it shall his sence remoue,
His beauty reaue, his facts and fame deface:
His wealth, strength, health, shall waste and were apace,
Hee cannot liue in health till hee bee olde,
Nor purchase health, and sober fame againe, with sowes of golde.
The Poets painted Bacchus naked, bare,
Because hee doth all secrets deepe disclose:
In woemens weede, because men feebled are,
Effeminate, them selues to wine dispose.
Like wanton childe likewise they faine hee goes,
As dronkerds wanton were though nere so olde,
Not wonne to sage and sober life with sowes of golde.
Because hee doth all secrets deepe disclose:
In woemens weede, because men feebled are,
Effeminate, them selues to wine dispose.
Like wanton childe likewise they faine hee goes,
As dronkerds wanton were though nere so olde,
Not wonne to sage and sober life with sowes of golde.
But naked therefore I suppose hee's faynde,
Because hee makes men naked, poore, and bare:
By him they waste away the wealth they gaynde,
And plunge them selues in seas of woefull care:
Or naked then of vertues all they are,
When they to Bacchus bend, both yong and olde,
Not wonne to sage and sober life, with sowes of gold.
Because hee makes men naked, poore, and bare:
By him they waste away the wealth they gaynde,
And plunge them selues in seas of woefull care:
Or naked then of vertues all they are,
When they to Bacchus bend, both yong and olde,
Not wonne to sage and sober life, with sowes of gold.
Who loues to liue a wise and godly life,
Let him refuse such naked gods to serue:
So shall he saue his fame auoyding strife,
And right report of all good men deserue.
But from my purpose lest I seeme to swerue:
There next me thought a Prince I did behold
Of vicious life, and thus his fates he did vnfold.
Let him refuse such naked gods to serue:
So shall he saue his fame auoyding strife,
And right report of all good men deserue.
But from my purpose lest I seeme to swerue:
There next me thought a Prince I did behold
Of vicious life, and thus his fates he did vnfold.
286
[VARIANUS]
How King Varianus gaue himselfe to the lustes of the flesh, and dyed about the yeare before Christ. 136.
Where no good giftes haue place, nor beare the sway,
What are the men, but wilful castaway?
Where gifts of grace doe garnish well the King,
There is no want, the land can lacke no thing.
The Court is stil well stor'd with noble prudent men,
In Townes and Cities Gouernours are graue:
The lands are tild, the common wealth doth prosper then,
And wealth at will the Prince and people haue.
What are the men, but wilful castaway?
Where gifts of grace doe garnish well the King,
There is no want, the land can lacke no thing.
The Court is stil well stor'd with noble prudent men,
In Townes and Cities Gouernours are graue:
The lands are tild, the common wealth doth prosper then,
And wealth at will the Prince and people haue.
Perhaps you aske, what Prince is this appeares?
What meanes his talke in these our golden yeares?
A Britayne Prince that Varianus hight,
I helde some time the crowne and scepter here by right.
And though no neede there be in these your golden dayes
Of states to tell, or vertues good discriue,
Good counsayle yet may after stand in stead alwayes,
When time agayne may vices olde reuiue.
What meanes his talke in these our golden yeares?
A Britayne Prince that Varianus hight,
I helde some time the crowne and scepter here by right.
And though no neede there be in these your golden dayes
Of states to tell, or vertues good discriue,
Good counsayle yet may after stand in stead alwayes,
When time agayne may vices olde reuiue.
If not: yet giue me leaue amongst the rest
Which felt the fall, or had their deaths addrest:
My cause of fall let me likewise declare,
For falles the deathes of vicious Princes are.
They fal, when all good men reioyce to heare or see
That they short time enioyde their places hie.
For Princes which for princely vertues praysed bee,
By death arise, extold they scale the skie.
Which felt the fall, or had their deaths addrest:
My cause of fall let me likewise declare,
For falles the deathes of vicious Princes are.
They fal, when all good men reioyce to heare or see
That they short time enioyde their places hie.
For Princes which for princely vertues praysed bee,
By death arise, extold they scale the skie.
I will be short, because it may suffice
That soone is sayde, to warne the sage and wise.
Or if that they no warning neede to haue,
This may perchaunce somewhat their labour saue
With yonger heads, that will not heare their faultes them tolde,
By such as would admonish them for loue:
When they my words and warnings here of vice beholde,
They may regarde and see their owne behoue.
That soone is sayde, to warne the sage and wise.
Or if that they no warning neede to haue,
This may perchaunce somewhat their labour saue
287
By such as would admonish them for loue:
When they my words and warnings here of vice beholde,
They may regarde and see their owne behoue.
About my time the Princes liu'de not long,
For all were giuen almost to vice and wrong:
My selfe voluptuous was abandond quite,
To take in fleshly lust my whole delite:
A pleasure vile, that drawes a man from all good thrifte & grace,
Doth iust desires, and heauenly thoughtes expell:
Decayes the corps, defiles the soule, the factes and fame deface,
And pinges him downe to Plutoes paynes of hell.
For all were giuen almost to vice and wrong:
My selfe voluptuous was abandond quite,
To take in fleshly lust my whole delite:
A pleasure vile, that drawes a man from all good thrifte & grace,
Doth iust desires, and heauenly thoughtes expell:
Decayes the corps, defiles the soule, the factes and fame deface,
And pinges him downe to Plutoes paynes of hell.
For this my sinne my subiectes hated mee,
Repining still my stayned life to see.
As when the Prince is wholy giuen to vice,
And holdes the lewder sort in greatest price,
The land decayes, disorder sprouts and springes abroade,
The worser sort do robbe, pille, polle, and spoyle,
The weaker are constraynd to beare the greatest loade,
And leese the goodes for which full sore they erst did toyle.
Repining still my stayned life to see.
As when the Prince is wholy giuen to vice,
And holdes the lewder sort in greatest price,
The land decayes, disorder sprouts and springes abroade,
The worser sort do robbe, pille, polle, and spoyle,
The weaker are constraynd to beare the greatest loade,
And leese the goodes for which full sore they erst did toyle.
How can Iehoua iust abide the wrong:
He will not suffer such haue scepter long.
As he did strike for sinfull life my seate,
And did me downe from royall kingdome beate:
So hath he done for aye, examples are in stories rife,
No wicked wight can gouerne long in rest:
For eyther some the like bereaues him of his life,
Or downe his throne and kingdome is deprest.
Bid Princes then and noble Peeres the like delights detest.
There is no way the iudgement high and wrath of Ioue to wrest.
He will not suffer such haue scepter long.
As he did strike for sinfull life my seate,
And did me downe from royall kingdome beate:
So hath he done for aye, examples are in stories rife,
No wicked wight can gouerne long in rest:
For eyther some the like bereaues him of his life,
Or downe his throne and kingdome is deprest.
Bid Princes then and noble Peeres the like delights detest.
There is no way the iudgement high and wrath of Ioue to wrest.
288
Lenuoy.
What should I longer on such Princes stay,
Whose factes vnworthie were to be enrolde:
The cause why thence I make more speede away,
Is for his sake, whose fame hath farre bene tolde,
That noble Nennius Duke, a captaine bolde,
Of royall bloud, to Prince and countrey kinde,
Whose fame a place aboue the skies shall finde.
Whose factes vnworthie were to be enrolde:
The cause why thence I make more speede away,
Is for his sake, whose fame hath farre bene tolde,
That noble Nennius Duke, a captaine bolde,
Of royall bloud, to Prince and countrey kinde,
Whose fame a place aboue the skies shall finde.
When he the feates of armes had learned well,
And coulde encounter with the best aliue:
Hee not to treason nor to falshode fell,
Nor with his ciuill friendes at home to striue:
But hence the landed Romaynes out to driue.
Which sith he did, to Prince and countrey kinde,
His fame a place aboue the skies shall finde.
And coulde encounter with the best aliue:
Hee not to treason nor to falshode fell,
Nor with his ciuill friendes at home to striue:
But hence the landed Romaynes out to driue.
Which sith he did, to Prince and countrey kinde,
His fame a place aboue the skies shall finde.
Eke sith the rest, as were their liues obscure,
Haue tolde their tales, but simply as you see:
To helpe my style, the Muses most demure,
For Nennius sake, gaue greater grace to mee.
Or else I thinke, frend Reader t'was for thee,
That when thou readst of Nennius noble minde,
Thou maist be so to Prince and countrey kinde.
Haue tolde their tales, but simply as you see:
To helpe my style, the Muses most demure,
For Nennius sake, gaue greater grace to mee.
Or else I thinke, frend Reader t'was for thee,
That when thou readst of Nennius noble minde,
Thou maist be so to Prince and countrey kinde.
I will no longer thee from reading stay,
But wish thee marke howe he exhorteth all:
Do learne by him for countreyes sake to fray,
In peace no broyles of warres at home to brall.
And thinke thou seest that noble captayne tall
Thus wise display his warlike noble minde,
Duke Nennius, so to Prince and countrey kinde.
But wish thee marke howe he exhorteth all:
Do learne by him for countreyes sake to fray,
In peace no broyles of warres at home to brall.
And thinke thou seest that noble captayne tall
Thus wise display his warlike noble minde,
Duke Nennius, so to Prince and countrey kinde.
289
Lenuoy.
[What griefe is this, that such a worthy wight]
[_]
[For the original version of Lenvoy 17, see p. 222. It was rewritten for the 1587 edition, to introduce the first of the fifteen new Roman tragedies (26–40). The tragedies have no lenvoys.]
What griefe is this, that such a worthy wight
(Which meant to Prince & Countrey both so wel)
Should haue his death amongst his friendes adight,
Though he in noble feates did so excell.
But so full oft it falles (the trueth to tell)
Who best doth meane the publike weales defence,
By some mishap is soonest reaued thence.
(Which meant to Prince & Countrey both so wel)
Should haue his death amongst his friendes adight,
Though he in noble feates did so excell.
But so full oft it falles (the trueth to tell)
Who best doth meane the publike weales defence,
By some mishap is soonest reaued thence.
Such Nennius was (of whome I spake before)
Such diuers haue in ages all bene seene,
Such therefore still were enuide much the more,
Both of the proude, and such as hatefull beene.
For when they seeke the publique weales defence,
By some mishap th'are soonest reaued thence.
Such diuers haue in ages all bene seene,
Such therefore still were enuide much the more,
Both of the proude, and such as hatefull beene.
For when they seeke the publique weales defence,
By some mishap th'are soonest reaued thence.
But what ensues such members reaft away?
The rest begin within themselues to striue,
Which when they doe, the body feeles decay,
It cannot long preserue it selfe aliue:
For when diseases bad, good health depriue,
If once they reaue the vitall strength from thence,
Too late is sought for sicknesse sure defence.
The rest begin within themselues to striue,
Which when they doe, the body feeles decay,
It cannot long preserue it selfe aliue:
For when diseases bad, good health depriue,
If once they reaue the vitall strength from thence,
Too late is sought for sicknesse sure defence.
Now next appeard on stage the Romayne stoute,
Which made vs tribute first to Rome to pay:
The Monarch Iulius Caesar, halfe in doubte
In the'nglish tongue what he were best to say.
At length me thought, not making more delay,
His life, warres, death, to shewe he did commence,
Which first with hostage bare the conquest hence.
Which made vs tribute first to Rome to pay:
The Monarch Iulius Caesar, halfe in doubte
In the'nglish tongue what he were best to say.
At length me thought, not making more delay,
His life, warres, death, to shewe he did commence,
Which first with hostage bare the conquest hence.
290
[CAIUS IULIUS CAESAR]
How Caius Iulius Cesar which first made this Realme tributary to the Romaynes, was slayne in the Senate house, about the yeare before Christ, 42.
Although by Bocas I haue whilom told my mind,
And Lydgate haue likewise translated wel the same:
Yet sith my place in order here againe I find,
And that my factes deseru'd in Britayne worthy fame:
Let me againe renue to memory my name.
Recite my mind, which if thou graunt to mee,
Thou shalt therefore receiue a friendly fee,
And for my tale, perhaps commended thou shalt bee.
And Lydgate haue likewise translated wel the same:
Yet sith my place in order here againe I find,
And that my factes deseru'd in Britayne worthy fame:
Let me againe renue to memory my name.
Recite my mind, which if thou graunt to mee,
Thou shalt therefore receiue a friendly fee,
And for my tale, perhaps commended thou shalt bee.
But least thou seeme to doubt what Prince thou seest appeare,
And worst not well which way to winde or wrest his talke,
As may both sound to like a perfect English eare,
And eke direct thy dreadfull pen which way to walke:
Lest thou on this shouldst long diuine, or muse, or calke,
I will thee tell: but take in hand thy pen,
First set thy selfe to write my wordes, and then
A mirrour make yet more for Magistrates agen.
And worst not well which way to winde or wrest his talke,
As may both sound to like a perfect English eare,
And eke direct thy dreadfull pen which way to walke:
Lest thou on this shouldst long diuine, or muse, or calke,
I will thee tell: but take in hand thy pen,
First set thy selfe to write my wordes, and then
A mirrour make yet more for Magistrates agen.
If euer erst the fame of auncient Romayne facts
Haue come to pearce thine eares before this present time,
I thinke amongst the rest, likewise my noble actes
Haue shewde them selues in sight, as Phoebus fayre in prime.
When first the Romayne state began aloft to clime,
And wanne the wealth of all the worlde beside,
When first their force in warlike feates were tryde,
My selfe was victour hee that did the Romaynes guyde.
Haue come to pearce thine eares before this present time,
I thinke amongst the rest, likewise my noble actes
Haue shewde them selues in sight, as Phoebus fayre in prime.
When first the Romayne state began aloft to clime,
And wanne the wealth of all the worlde beside,
When first their force in warlike feates were tryde,
My selfe was victour hee that did the Romaynes guyde.
291
I Caius Iulius Caesar Consull had to name,
That worthie Romayne borne, renownde with noble deeds:
What neede I here recyte the linage whence I came,
Or else my great exploytes? perdy t's more then needes:
But onely this to tell, of purpose now proceedes:
Why I a Romayne Prince, no Britayne, here
Amongst these Britayne Princes now appeere,
As if amongst the rest a Britayne Prince I were.
That worthie Romayne borne, renownde with noble deeds:
What neede I here recyte the linage whence I came,
Or else my great exploytes? perdy t's more then needes:
But onely this to tell, of purpose now proceedes:
Why I a Romayne Prince, no Britayne, here
Amongst these Britayne Princes now appeere,
As if amongst the rest a Britayne Prince I were.
And yet because thou maist perceyue the story all
Of all my life, and so deeme better of the end:
I will againe the same to mind yet briefly call,
To tell thee how thou maist me prayse or discommend.
Which when thou hast, perdy, as I recyte it, pend,
Thou shalt confesse that I deserued well,
Amongst them here my tragedie to tell,
By conquest sith I wanne this Ile before I fell.
Of all my life, and so deeme better of the end:
I will againe the same to mind yet briefly call,
To tell thee how thou maist me prayse or discommend.
Which when thou hast, perdy, as I recyte it, pend,
Thou shalt confesse that I deserued well,
Amongst them here my tragedie to tell,
By conquest sith I wanne this Ile before I fell.
What neede I first recite my petegrue well knowne?
No noble authour writes that can forget the same:
My prayse I know in print through all the worlde is blowne,
Ther's no man scarce that writes, but he recytes my fame.
My worthie Father Lucius Caesar had to name,
Aurelia eke my mother also hight,
Of Caius Cotta daughter borne by right,
As fayre and wise a dame as euer saw the light.
No noble authour writes that can forget the same:
My prayse I know in print through all the worlde is blowne,
Ther's no man scarce that writes, but he recytes my fame.
My worthie Father Lucius Caesar had to name,
Aurelia eke my mother also hight,
Of Caius Cotta daughter borne by right,
As fayre and wise a dame as euer saw the light.
How I was trayned vp in youth what neede I tell?
Sith that my noble Aunt (that Iulia hight) me taught,
Who could with morall doctrine good instruct me well,
And sawe the frame in me that natures skill had wrought,
By her instructions aye I wit and fauour sought.
I was accounted comely of my grace,
I had by natures gift a Princely face,
And wisedome high to wey and deeme of euery case.
Sith that my noble Aunt (that Iulia hight) me taught,
Who could with morall doctrine good instruct me well,
And sawe the frame in me that natures skill had wrought,
By her instructions aye I wit and fauour sought.
I was accounted comely of my grace,
I had by natures gift a Princely face,
And wisedome high to wey and deeme of euery case.
292
Of stature high and tall, of colour fayre and white,
Of body spare and leane, yet comely made to see:
What neede I more of these impertinent recyte,
Sith Plutarch hath at large describde it all to thee,
And eke thy selfe that thinkst thou seest and hearest me,
Maist well suppose the rest, or take the viewe
Thou maist by talke of those which erst me knewe,
And by my statures tell of my proportion true.
Of body spare and leane, yet comely made to see:
What neede I more of these impertinent recyte,
Sith Plutarch hath at large describde it all to thee,
And eke thy selfe that thinkst thou seest and hearest me,
Maist well suppose the rest, or take the viewe
Thou maist by talke of those which erst me knewe,
And by my statures tell of my proportion true.
In iourney swift I was, and prompte and quicke of witte,
My eloquence was likte of all that hearde me pleade,
I had the grace to vse my tearmes, and place them fitte,
My roling Rhetoricke stoode my Clients oft in steade:
No fine conueyance past the compasse of my heade.
I wan the spurres, I had the laud and prayse,
I past them all that pleaded in those dayes,
I had of warlike knowledge, Keasar, all the keyes.
My eloquence was likte of all that hearde me pleade,
I had the grace to vse my tearmes, and place them fitte,
My roling Rhetoricke stoode my Clients oft in steade:
No fine conueyance past the compasse of my heade.
I wan the spurres, I had the laud and prayse,
I past them all that pleaded in those dayes,
I had of warlike knowledge, Keasar, all the keyes.
At seuenteene yeeres of age, a Flamin was I chose,
An office great in Rome of priesthoode Princely hie,
I married eke Cossutia whereof much mischiefe rose,
Because I was diuorc'st from her so speedily.
Diuorcement breeds despite, defame is got thereby.
For such as fancies fond by chaunge fulfil,
Although they thinke it cannot come to ill,
The wrong they shew doth cry to God for vengeance still.
An office great in Rome of priesthoode Princely hie,
I married eke Cossutia whereof much mischiefe rose,
Because I was diuorc'st from her so speedily.
Diuorcement breeds despite, defame is got thereby.
For such as fancies fond by chaunge fulfil,
Although they thinke it cannot come to ill,
The wrong they shew doth cry to God for vengeance still.
Of these the stories tell, what neede I more recyte,
Or of the warres I waged Consul with the Galles?
The worthiest writers had desire of me to write,
They plac'st my life amongst the worthies and their falles.
So Fame me thinks likewise amids the Britaynes calles
For Caesar with his sword, that bare with them the sway,
And for the cause that brought him into such decay,
Which by his noble acts did beare their freedome first away.
Or of the warres I waged Consul with the Galles?
The worthiest writers had desire of me to write,
They plac'st my life amongst the worthies and their falles.
So Fame me thinks likewise amids the Britaynes calles
For Caesar with his sword, that bare with them the sway,
And for the cause that brought him into such decay,
Which by his noble acts did beare their freedome first away.
293
When I in Fraunce had brought the Galles to bende,
And made them subiect all obaysant vnto mee:
Mee thought I had vnto the worlde his ende
By west subdued the Nations whilome free.
There of my warres I wrot an historye
By nights, at leisure times so from my Countrey far,
I did describe the places and the sequelles of my war
The Commentaryes calde of Caesars acts that ar.
And made them subiect all obaysant vnto mee:
Mee thought I had vnto the worlde his ende
By west subdued the Nations whilome free.
There of my warres I wrot an historye
By nights, at leisure times so from my Countrey far,
I did describe the places and the sequelles of my war
The Commentaryes calde of Caesars acts that ar.
At length I did perceaue there was an Island yet
By west of Fraunce, which in the Ocean sea did lye:
And that there was likewise no cause or time to let,
But that I might with them the chance of Fortune trye.
I sent to them for hostage of assuraunce, I,
And wild them tribute pay vnto the Romayne stoute,
Or else I woulde both put theyr liues & goods in doubte,
And also reaue away the best of all theyr route.
By west of Fraunce, which in the Ocean sea did lye:
And that there was likewise no cause or time to let,
But that I might with them the chance of Fortune trye.
I sent to them for hostage of assuraunce, I,
And wild them tribute pay vnto the Romayne stoute,
Or else I woulde both put theyr liues & goods in doubte,
And also reaue away the best of all theyr route.
But they a people fearce and recklesse of my powres,
Abused those which brought th'ambassage that I sent:
Now sith (quod they) the land and region here is oures,
Wee will not Caesar to thy rightlesse hestes assent.
By dome of frendly Goddes first this Ile wee hent,
Of Priames bloud wee ar, from Greece we Troianes came.
As Brutus brought vs thence, & gaue this land his name,
So for our fredome we will freely fight to keepe the same.
Abused those which brought th'ambassage that I sent:
Now sith (quod they) the land and region here is oures,
Wee will not Caesar to thy rightlesse hestes assent.
By dome of frendly Goddes first this Ile wee hent,
Of Priames bloud wee ar, from Greece we Troianes came.
As Brutus brought vs thence, & gaue this land his name,
So for our fredome we will freely fight to keepe the same.
This lande reported was full fertile for the soyle,
The wealthie warlike sorte of Britaynes stout within,
Were rather able well to giue, then take the foyle,
To those which came by warres, their freedom for to win.
My selfe made first assault, with them I did begin,
Of all the Romaynes first I waged with them warre:
And this I can report, they valiant people are,
They feare no foes, they recke no fame, of people nere or farre.
The wealthie warlike sorte of Britaynes stout within,
Were rather able well to giue, then take the foyle,
To those which came by warres, their freedom for to win.
My selfe made first assault, with them I did begin,
Of all the Romaynes first I waged with them warre:
And this I can report, they valiant people are,
They feare no foes, they recke no fame, of people nere or farre.
294
It was reported eke that in my warres in Fraunce
Some Britaynes thether came amongst the Galles to fight,
And that for pleasure sake, to try of Mars the chaunce,
And for to haue of Romayne warres the sight:
That they no labour sparde by day nor yet by night,
In campe, in scoute, for hunger, heate, or colde:
But were in all attemptes of armes so stout and bolde,
As erst I neuer hearde of any nation tolde.
Some Britaynes thether came amongst the Galles to fight,
And that for pleasure sake, to try of Mars the chaunce,
And for to haue of Romayne warres the sight:
That they no labour sparde by day nor yet by night,
In campe, in scoute, for hunger, heate, or colde:
But were in all attemptes of armes so stout and bolde,
As erst I neuer hearde of any nation tolde.
This fame enflamed me, displeasure eke I tooke,
That glory hopt to get so doughtie heartes to daunt:
On which, with winds at wil, I Gallia shoares forsooke,
Full minded for to make the Britaynes tribute graunt,
Sith at my message sent, they seemed so to taunt.
With armour, souldiers good, and of munition store,
To strands and hauens and coastes of Britayne shore
I came appointed wel, with fiftie sayles or more.
That glory hopt to get so doughtie heartes to daunt:
On which, with winds at wil, I Gallia shoares forsooke,
Full minded for to make the Britaynes tribute graunt,
Sith at my message sent, they seemed so to taunt.
With armour, souldiers good, and of munition store,
To strands and hauens and coastes of Britayne shore
I came appointed wel, with fiftie sayles or more.
But so the noble Britaynes playde the valiaunt men,
By pollicies, and force to hurt my shippes and mee,
That I was forced after my returne agen,
To rigge my shippes: a wonders thing to see:
For in the strands and in the seas, where landing places be,
Sharpe postes they pight, whereon our shippes wee ron:
And at our enemies shoares, that woulde haue glory won,
In daunger both by land and sea were almost all vndone.
By pollicies, and force to hurt my shippes and mee,
That I was forced after my returne agen,
To rigge my shippes: a wonders thing to see:
For in the strands and in the seas, where landing places be,
Sharpe postes they pight, whereon our shippes wee ron:
And at our enemies shoares, that woulde haue glory won,
In daunger both by land and sea were almost all vndone.
And hardly come to land, at length we met the hoast,
And sharpely fought with them, whose praises earst we herd:
I haue no cause of Britayne conquest for to boast,
Of all the Regions first and last with whome I werd.
A people stout and strong, enduring chaunces herd,
And desperate, wilde and fearce, and recklesse found I then,
Not soone agast with dinte, or fright with fall of men,
Nor brought to yeelde with blowes, but bent for life to strike agen.
And sharpely fought with them, whose praises earst we herd:
I haue no cause of Britayne conquest for to boast,
Of all the Regions first and last with whome I werd.
A people stout and strong, enduring chaunces herd,
And desperate, wilde and fearce, and recklesse found I then,
Not soone agast with dinte, or fright with fall of men,
Nor brought to yeelde with blowes, but bent for life to strike agen.
295
For whan our armies mette, no daungers they forsooke,
But so behau'de themselues in euery place of fight,
As though to Martiall feates they onely had betooke
Themselues, and for the palme did all their dealinges dight.
Though with my Romaynes I wagde all my warlike might,
I was not able there, to cause them yeelde or flee,
Or for a space to take a time of truce with mee:
Thou shalt (quod they) perceiue our equall Mars with thee.
But so behau'de themselues in euery place of fight,
As though to Martiall feates they onely had betooke
Themselues, and for the palme did all their dealinges dight.
Though with my Romaynes I wagde all my warlike might,
I was not able there, to cause them yeelde or flee,
Or for a space to take a time of truce with mee:
Thou shalt (quod they) perceiue our equall Mars with thee.
The toyles wee tooke to enter at the first on land,
And for to saue our shattered ships and armour brought,
To wey them out that else had bulgd themselues in sand,
Hereon before the fielde with might and mayne we wrought,
Beside at skirmish oft, vpon the shoare we fought.
These labours tyred so my men and me that tyde,
That we could not endure the battayles brunt t'abyde,
But sound retrayte, till better Fortune might vs guyde.
And for to saue our shattered ships and armour brought,
To wey them out that else had bulgd themselues in sand,
Hereon before the fielde with might and mayne we wrought,
Beside at skirmish oft, vpon the shoare we fought.
These labours tyred so my men and me that tyde,
That we could not endure the battayles brunt t'abyde,
But sound retrayte, till better Fortune might vs guyde.
They followed harde the chace, with scath and losse we scapt,
And shipt, we hoysed sayles, to Fraunce we made retyre:
Where for an armie newe, another roade we shapt,
If winterr colde were past, to come agayne another yeere:
And so we did in deede, and bought our comming deere.
For they prouided had so well to fight, that I
With all mine armies stoute could finde no victorye,
But fayne eftsoones with losse of men for life was forc'st to flye.
And shipt, we hoysed sayles, to Fraunce we made retyre:
Where for an armie newe, another roade we shapt,
If winterr colde were past, to come agayne another yeere:
And so we did in deede, and bought our comming deere.
For they prouided had so well to fight, that I
With all mine armies stoute could finde no victorye,
But fayne eftsoones with losse of men for life was forc'st to flye.
Againe to shippe my mates I bad my Captaines sturre,
Eke from this people fearce with speede to shift away:
The chaunce of warre is hard and doubtfull for t'assure,
Where th'enemies neyther dint of death nor dangers fray.
They reckt not of their wealth, nor losse of goods decay,
But for their freedom fought, on Princes case they stood,
With ioyfull heartes they waged warlike life and blood:
They counted rule at home, and rest, and ease, the greatest good.
Eke from this people fearce with speede to shift away:
The chaunce of warre is hard and doubtfull for t'assure,
Where th'enemies neyther dint of death nor dangers fray.
They reckt not of their wealth, nor losse of goods decay,
But for their freedom fought, on Princes case they stood,
With ioyfull heartes they waged warlike life and blood:
They counted rule at home, and rest, and ease, the greatest good.
296
Almost I had no hope at all to make retourne,
The people were so fearce, so recklesse, stout, and bold:
No time of rest I wrought amongst them to soiourne,
They could not by the Romayne peeres bee ruled nor controld.
They sayde they would vs pay no siluer, brasse, nor golde,
To our indictions sent, they would not set their hand,
But for to trye the case, with all their power to stand,
And for to keepe by fight and force the freedome of their land.
The people were so fearce, so recklesse, stout, and bold:
No time of rest I wrought amongst them to soiourne,
They could not by the Romayne peeres bee ruled nor controld.
They sayde they would vs pay no siluer, brasse, nor golde,
To our indictions sent, they would not set their hand,
But for to trye the case, with all their power to stand,
And for to keepe by fight and force the freedome of their land.
When to the coastes of Gallia land againe with losse wee come,
That neuer erst with such repulse to foes did turne the backe,
The Britaynes they reioyce with triumphes all and some,
And Fame doth flye to sound report, they make the Romaynes packe:
Where we no men, no coyne, nor no munition lacke,
No captaines good, no arte, no vitayle, hearte to fight,
A goodly spoyle, the land a pray before our sight:
We wanted wonted hap, we could not cut them out aright.
That neuer erst with such repulse to foes did turne the backe,
The Britaynes they reioyce with triumphes all and some,
And Fame doth flye to sound report, they make the Romaynes packe:
Where we no men, no coyne, nor no munition lacke,
No captaines good, no arte, no vitayle, hearte to fight,
A goodly spoyle, the land a pray before our sight:
We wanted wonted hap, we could not cut them out aright.
Now marke the hap wee had while I in Gallia lay,
The Britaynes past the time in triumphes and in feastes,
And for their second victory with sports they spend the day,
Accounting vs in their respect but dastard coward beastes.
Amongst their other sport of Iusts and pleasant iestes,
A ciuill discorde fell betweene two worthie noble peeres,
Of courage both so good, that neyther boasting feares,
And either bad the other come, and darde him for his ears.
The Britaynes past the time in triumphes and in feastes,
And for their second victory with sports they spend the day,
Accounting vs in their respect but dastard coward beastes.
Amongst their other sport of Iusts and pleasant iestes,
A ciuill discorde fell betweene two worthie noble peeres,
Of courage both so good, that neyther boasting feares,
And either bad the other come, and darde him for his ears.
The one hight Irenglas, of kinred to the king,
A worthie wight in warre, and prudent, wise, and sage:
The other Elenine, whose prayse no stories bring
But stoutnesse in his fight, as ruled all by rage.
Yet both against the Romaynes with the king did wadge
The British warre full well, and serued as they ought,
Till time at home the prayse of triumphes vaine they sought,
Which in the end brought all the former friendly fight to nought.
A worthie wight in warre, and prudent, wise, and sage:
The other Elenine, whose prayse no stories bring
But stoutnesse in his fight, as ruled all by rage.
Yet both against the Romaynes with the king did wadge
The British warre full well, and serued as they ought,
Till time at home the prayse of triumphes vaine they sought,
Which in the end brought all the former friendly fight to nought.
297
This Elenine did beare him high, for he was neere of kin
Vnto Androgeus which was the Earle of London then,
And claimed eke the palme (they say) that he did win
In triumphes at the iustes amongst the noble men.
But as they went about to trye the line agen,
They fell from wordes to sharpe, and layde on loade amayne,
And many blowes were tryde alone betweene them twayne:
Till at the length, I wote not how, this Irenglas was slayne.
Vnto Androgeus which was the Earle of London then,
And claimed eke the palme (they say) that he did win
In triumphes at the iustes amongst the noble men.
But as they went about to trye the line agen,
They fell from wordes to sharpe, and layde on loade amayne,
And many blowes were tryde alone betweene them twayne:
Till at the length, I wote not how, this Irenglas was slayne.
The King did send for Elenine in haste, but he was fled
Vnto the Earle his cosin, whence he would not come:
He feared least he should haue lost his hated head.
The guilty heart conceau's before, the iustice of his dome.
He wiste if once he went, there needed him no toome.
Wherefore he it refusde, and Th'earle was discontent:
Who message sharpe againe vnto the King had sent,
That he his cosin for to saue, and beare him out was bent.
Vnto the Earle his cosin, whence he would not come:
He feared least he should haue lost his hated head.
The guilty heart conceau's before, the iustice of his dome.
He wiste if once he went, there needed him no toome.
Wherefore he it refusde, and Th'earle was discontent:
Who message sharpe againe vnto the King had sent,
That he his cosin for to saue, and beare him out was bent.
Cassibellane displeased much that subiectes shoulde
Both slay his friend, and eke refuse to bide the lawe,
And also in rebellious wise, endeuour what they coulde
To cut themselues vniustly from the Princes awe,
Though it him greeu'd to see at home so foule a flawe,
He could not yet abide the iniuries were showne,
But armde himselfe and his, gainst subiects once his owne,
In hope to take the Rebelles so, or haue them ouerthrowne.
Both slay his friend, and eke refuse to bide the lawe,
And also in rebellious wise, endeuour what they coulde
To cut themselues vniustly from the Princes awe,
Though it him greeu'd to see at home so foule a flawe,
He could not yet abide the iniuries were showne,
But armde himselfe and his, gainst subiects once his owne,
In hope to take the Rebelles so, or haue them ouerthrowne.
When Th'earle Androgeus sawe that hee was farre too weake,
Against his Prince to wage rebellious warres begon,
He sent to me, desiring helpe to wreake
The iniuries and wrong Cassibellane had don.
He Sceua sent in hostage eke, for pledge, his onely sonne,
And thirtie youthes beside, of honour great well borne:
I would not trust his talke, nor message sent beforne,
For feare I might (if fayne he did) by treason be forlorne.
Against his Prince to wage rebellious warres begon,
He sent to me, desiring helpe to wreake
The iniuries and wrong Cassibellane had don.
He Sceua sent in hostage eke, for pledge, his onely sonne,
And thirtie youthes beside, of honour great well borne:
I would not trust his talke, nor message sent beforne,
For feare I might (if fayne he did) by treason be forlorne.
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On this I expedition made the thirde and laste,
(For hee did warrant mee my pourpose to obtayne)
I shipt my men, and hyed mee thetherward full fast,
Had wind at will, & came to see the shining shoares agayne:
And of my comming so the Earle was glad and fayne.
Wee ioyned hands and leage and armyes for the fight.
I was conducted well by day and darkesome night,
And faught, and put Cassibellane the noble King to flight.
(For hee did warrant mee my pourpose to obtayne)
I shipt my men, and hyed mee thetherward full fast,
Had wind at will, & came to see the shining shoares agayne:
And of my comming so the Earle was glad and fayne.
Wee ioyned hands and leage and armyes for the fight.
I was conducted well by day and darkesome night,
And faught, and put Cassibellane the noble King to flight.
Yet hee repayrde his hoste agayne, that fearcely faught,
And oft assayde to sley or take the Earle or mee:
And when hee sawe at length his labour vayled naught,
And Britaynes with the Romaynes lynked so to bee,
Great griefe hee had in them such treason for to see.
His losse perdy in war not greude him halfe so sore,
As for to see his people liege erst subiects euermore,
To fight agaynst the royall king, which lou'd them so before.
And oft assayde to sley or take the Earle or mee:
And when hee sawe at length his labour vayled naught,
And Britaynes with the Romaynes lynked so to bee,
Great griefe hee had in them such treason for to see.
His losse perdy in war not greude him halfe so sore,
As for to see his people liege erst subiects euermore,
To fight agaynst the royall king, which lou'd them so before.
To make it short: the King was faine at length to yeelde,
The tribute graunted was three thousand pound a yere:
Wee bare away the price, wee wan the worthy feelde,
And made them frends agayne that bought our fauour dere.
I neede no longer staye to tell the story here,
Nor yet to gieue my friend the Earle of London blame,
Sith by his meanes I wanne to Rome eternall fame,
Though he in Britayne beare for aye a shrowding sheete of shame.
The tribute graunted was three thousand pound a yere:
Wee bare away the price, wee wan the worthy feelde,
And made them frends agayne that bought our fauour dere.
I neede no longer staye to tell the story here,
Nor yet to gieue my friend the Earle of London blame,
Sith by his meanes I wanne to Rome eternall fame,
Though he in Britayne beare for aye a shrowding sheete of shame.
From Fraunce I sent to Rome, reporting how
Amongst the Galles and Britaynes I had sped:
I made request, by frends, I might be Consull now
On my returne agayne: but Pompeyes hauty hed
Did ioyne him selfe with Peeres & armies which he led,
Alleadging playne I meant the publique weale t'nuade:
They would represse my pryde with might & dint of blade:
And for to meete mee at retourne prouision greate they made.
Amongst the Galles and Britaynes I had sped:
I made request, by frends, I might be Consull now
On my returne agayne: but Pompeyes hauty hed
Did ioyne him selfe with Peeres & armies which he led,
Alleadging playne I meant the publique weale t'nuade:
They would represse my pryde with might & dint of blade:
And for to meete mee at retourne prouision greate they made.
299
With speede I came and force, which made them all to flye
To Greece from Rome in haste, where they prepared war:
For in Epyrus then with souldiers they did lye.
This Pompey proude that made the Romaynes with mee iar,
Hee at Dyrrachium stayde, to which (though it were far)
I led mine hoste: I skirmisht often there:
But hee so valiauntly in armes himselfe did beare,
That from the fight to flye wee soone contented were.
To Greece from Rome in haste, where they prepared war:
For in Epyrus then with souldiers they did lye.
This Pompey proude that made the Romaynes with mee iar,
Hee at Dyrrachium stayde, to which (though it were far)
I led mine hoste: I skirmisht often there:
But hee so valiauntly in armes himselfe did beare,
That from the fight to flye wee soone contented were.
On this hee followed fast, in hope to winne the feelde,
To Thessaly hee came, where I did stay therefore:
Our armies met and fearcely faught, not bent to yeelde,
Till fifteene hundred men were slayne, or more.
But in the end they fled, wee tooke of prisoners store,
They durst not dare t'abide the chaunce of Mars to trye,
But as they fell before the sworde, and flye,
O souldier holde thy hande, and saue theyr liues (quod I.)
To Thessaly hee came, where I did stay therefore:
Our armies met and fearcely faught, not bent to yeelde,
Till fifteene hundred men were slayne, or more.
But in the end they fled, wee tooke of prisoners store,
They durst not dare t'abide the chaunce of Mars to trye,
But as they fell before the sworde, and flye,
O souldier holde thy hande, and saue theyr liues (quod I.)
Thence Pompey fled the fielde, and into AEgipt came
To Ptolemy the king as then but yong of age,
Where of his slaughter foule Septimius hath the blame,
Hee was his end that did these warres against mee wage.
Euen so by course wee come to play vpon the stage,
Our trauayles haue an end when wee doe feele the fall:
For sith our life is but a race of misery and thrall,
Death taketh at the length an order for vs all.
To Ptolemy the king as then but yong of age,
Where of his slaughter foule Septimius hath the blame,
Hee was his end that did these warres against mee wage.
Euen so by course wee come to play vpon the stage,
Our trauayles haue an end when wee doe feele the fall:
For sith our life is but a race of misery and thrall,
Death taketh at the length an order for vs all.
But Pompeyes friendes and sonnes did oft assaye
When hee was deade, to take reuenge on mee,
And I by dint of sworde repelde theyr force awaye,
Gate offices of rule, and gouernde eche degree:
At Caesars beck and call obeysaunt all they bee:
Enacted lawes, derected ech estate,
Emperially the first aloft I sate,
That had not then in all the worlde a mate.
When hee was deade, to take reuenge on mee,
And I by dint of sworde repelde theyr force awaye,
Gate offices of rule, and gouernde eche degree:
At Caesars beck and call obeysaunt all they bee:
Enacted lawes, derected ech estate,
Emperially the first aloft I sate,
That had not then in all the worlde a mate.
300
But glory won, the way to holde and keepe the same,
To holde good Fortune fast, a worke of skill:
Who so with prudent arte can stay that stately dame
Which sets vs vp so high vpon her hauty hill,
And constant aye can keepe her loue and fauour still,
Hee winnes immortall fame and high renowne:
But thrise vnhappy hee that weres the stately crowne,
Yf once misfortune kicke and cast his scepter downe.
To holde good Fortune fast, a worke of skill:
Who so with prudent arte can stay that stately dame
Which sets vs vp so high vpon her hauty hill,
And constant aye can keepe her loue and fauour still,
Hee winnes immortall fame and high renowne:
But thrise vnhappy hee that weres the stately crowne,
Yf once misfortune kicke and cast his scepter downe.
For when in Rome I was Dictator chose,
And Emperour or Captayne sole for aye:
My glory did procure mee secret foes,
Because aboue the rest I bare the sway.
By sundry meanes they sought my deepe decaye.
For why, there coulde no Consuls chosen bee,
No Pretor take the place, no sentence haue decree,
Vnlesse it likte mee first, and were approude by mee.
And Emperour or Captayne sole for aye:
My glory did procure mee secret foes,
Because aboue the rest I bare the sway.
By sundry meanes they sought my deepe decaye.
For why, there coulde no Consuls chosen bee,
No Pretor take the place, no sentence haue decree,
Vnlesse it likte mee first, and were approude by mee.
This they enuide that sude aloft to clime,
As Cassius, which the Pretorship did craue,
And Brutus eke his friende which bare the crime
Of my dispatch, for they did first depraue
My life, mine actes, and sought my bloud to haue,
Full secretly amongst them selues conspirde, decreede
To bee attemptors of that cruell bloudy deede,
When Caesar in the Senate house from noble hart should bleede.
As Cassius, which the Pretorship did craue,
And Brutus eke his friende which bare the crime
Of my dispatch, for they did first depraue
My life, mine actes, and sought my bloud to haue,
Full secretly amongst them selues conspirde, decreede
To bee attemptors of that cruell bloudy deede,
When Caesar in the Senate house from noble hart should bleede.
But I forewarned was by Capis tombe,
His Epitaph my death did long before forshowe:
Cornelius Balbus sawe mine horses headlesse ronne
Without a guide, forsakeing foode for woe.
Spurina warned mee that sooth of thinges did knowe,
A wrenne in beake with Laurell greene that flewe
From woods to Pompeys Court, whom birdes there slew,
Forshowde my dolefull death, as after all men knew.
His Epitaph my death did long before forshowe:
Cornelius Balbus sawe mine horses headlesse ronne
Without a guide, forsakeing foode for woe.
Spurina warned mee that sooth of thinges did knowe,
A wrenne in beake with Laurell greene that flewe
From woods to Pompeys Court, whom birdes there slew,
Forshowde my dolefull death, as after all men knew.
301
The night before my slaughter, I did dreame
I caried was, and flewe the clouds aboue:
And sometime hand in hand with Ioue supreame
I walkte mee thought, which might suspitions moue.
My wife Calphurnia, Caesars only loue,
Did dreame shee sawe her crest of house to fall,
Her husband thrust through breast a sword withall,
Eke that same night her chamber dores themselues flewe open all.
I caried was, and flewe the clouds aboue:
And sometime hand in hand with Ioue supreame
I walkte mee thought, which might suspitions moue.
My wife Calphurnia, Caesars only loue,
Did dreame shee sawe her crest of house to fall,
Her husband thrust through breast a sword withall,
Eke that same night her chamber dores themselues flewe open all.
These thinges did make mee doubte that morning much,
And I accrazed was and thought at home to stay:
But who is hee can voyde of destnyes such,
Where so great number seekes hym to betray.
The traytour Brutus bad mee not delay,
Nor yet to frustrate there so great assembly sate:
On which to heare the publique pleas I gate,
Mistrusting naught mine end and fatall fate.
And I accrazed was and thought at home to stay:
But who is hee can voyde of destnyes such,
Where so great number seekes hym to betray.
The traytour Brutus bad mee not delay,
Nor yet to frustrate there so great assembly sate:
On which to heare the publique pleas I gate,
Mistrusting naught mine end and fatall fate.
There met mee by the way a Romayne good,
Presenting mee a scrole of euery name:
And all their whole deuise that sought my bloud,
That presently would execute the same.
But I supposde that for some suit hee came,
I heedelesse bare this scrole in my left hand,
And others more, till leasure, left vnscand,
Which in my pocket afterwards they fand.
Presenting mee a scrole of euery name:
And all their whole deuise that sought my bloud,
That presently would execute the same.
But I supposde that for some suit hee came,
I heedelesse bare this scrole in my left hand,
And others more, till leasure, left vnscand,
Which in my pocket afterwards they fand.
Spurina as I came at sacrifizes was,
Nere to the place where I was after slayne:
Of whose diuinings I did litle passe,
Though hee to warne mee oft before was fayne.
My hauty hart these warnings all disdayne.
(Quod I) the Ides of Marche bee come, yet harme is none.
(Quod hee) the Ides of Marche be come, yet th'ar not gone.
And reckelesse so to Court I went, and tooke my throne.
Nere to the place where I was after slayne:
Of whose diuinings I did litle passe,
Though hee to warne mee oft before was fayne.
My hauty hart these warnings all disdayne.
(Quod I) the Ides of Marche bee come, yet harme is none.
(Quod hee) the Ides of Marche be come, yet th'ar not gone.
And reckelesse so to Court I went, and tooke my throne.
302
Assoone as I was set, the traytors all arose,
And one approached nere, as to demaund some thing:
To whom as I layd eare, at once my foes
Mee compast round, their weapons hid they bring.
Then I to late perceiu'd the fatall sting.
O this (quoth I) is violence: then Cassius pearst my breast:
And Brutus thou my sonne (quoth I) whom erst I loued best?
Hee stabde mee in, and so with daggers did the rest.
And one approached nere, as to demaund some thing:
To whom as I layd eare, at once my foes
Mee compast round, their weapons hid they bring.
Then I to late perceiu'd the fatall sting.
O this (quoth I) is violence: then Cassius pearst my breast:
And Brutus thou my sonne (quoth I) whom erst I loued best?
Hee stabde mee in, and so with daggers did the rest.
You Princes all, and noble men beware of pride,
And carefull will to warre for Kingdomes sake:
By mee, that set my selfe aloft the world to guide,
Beware what bloudsheds you doe vndertake.
Ere three & twenty wounds had made my hart to quake,
What thousands fell for Pompeys pride and mine?
Of Pompeys life that cut the vitall line,
My selfe haue told what fate I found in fine.
And carefull will to warre for Kingdomes sake:
By mee, that set my selfe aloft the world to guide,
Beware what bloudsheds you doe vndertake.
Ere three & twenty wounds had made my hart to quake,
What thousands fell for Pompeys pride and mine?
Of Pompeys life that cut the vitall line,
My selfe haue told what fate I found in fine.
Full many noble men, to rule alone, I slewe,
And some themselues for griefe of hart did slay:
For they ne would mine Empyre stay to vewe.
Some I did force to yeelde, some fled away
As loth to see theyr Countryes quite decay.
The world in Aphrike, Asia, distant far,
And Europe knew my bloudsheds great in war,
Recounted yet through all the world that ar.
And some themselues for griefe of hart did slay:
For they ne would mine Empyre stay to vewe.
Some I did force to yeelde, some fled away
As loth to see theyr Countryes quite decay.
The world in Aphrike, Asia, distant far,
And Europe knew my bloudsheds great in war,
Recounted yet through all the world that ar.
But sith my whole pretence was glory vayne,
To haue renowne and rule aboue the rest,
Without remorce of many thousands slayne,
Which, for their owne defence, their warres addrest:
I deeme therefore my stony harte and brest
Receiu'd so many wounds for iust reuenge, they stood
By iustice right of Ioue, the sacred sentence good,
That who so slayes, hee payes the price, is bloud for bloud.
To haue renowne and rule aboue the rest,
Without remorce of many thousands slayne,
Which, for their owne defence, their warres addrest:
I deeme therefore my stony harte and brest
Receiu'd so many wounds for iust reuenge, they stood
By iustice right of Ioue, the sacred sentence good,
That who so slayes, hee payes the price, is bloud for bloud.
303
[CLAUDIUS TIBERIUS NERO]
How Claudius Tiberius Nero Emperour of Rome was poysoned by Caius Caligula, The yeare of Christ, 39.
What bootes it hawty hartes depend so muche
On high estate: auayles it ought thinke yee?
The gold is tryde when it is brought to tuche:
So tryall telles what wordly tryomphes bee.
When glory shines, no daungers deepe wee see,
Till wee at last finde true the prouerbe olde:
Not all that shynes is pure and perfect golde.
On high estate: auayles it ought thinke yee?
The gold is tryde when it is brought to tuche:
So tryall telles what wordly tryomphes bee.
When glory shines, no daungers deepe wee see,
Till wee at last finde true the prouerbe olde:
Not all that shynes is pure and perfect golde.
While valiaunt men so burne with hoat desire
Of royall rule, and thyrst so sore for seate,
No springes of Pernasse mount can quench the fire,
Nor Boreas blaste alay the hawty heate.
On high renowne so much theyr braynes they beate,
And toyle so much for fading flickering fame,
On earth for ay to leaue behinde a name.
Of royall rule, and thyrst so sore for seate,
No springes of Pernasse mount can quench the fire,
Nor Boreas blaste alay the hawty heate.
On high renowne so much theyr braynes they beate,
And toyle so much for fading flickering fame,
On earth for ay to leaue behinde a name.
But if they would marke Fortunes double face,
And how shee turnes about the totering wheele:
How shee doth chaunge her minde and turne her grace,
How blinde of sight shee is, how light of heele:
They would now rew the fatall falles they feele,
They would not after blame her blindnesse so,
But looke before, and leape her lightnesse froe.
And how shee turnes about the totering wheele:
How shee doth chaunge her minde and turne her grace,
How blinde of sight shee is, how light of heele:
They would now rew the fatall falles they feele,
They would not after blame her blindnesse so,
But looke before, and leape her lightnesse froe.
Euen all well neare doe proake for price and proy,
And prayse Dame Fortune first if they speede well:
But if thereby fall after some anoy,
They curse her then, as hatefull hagge of hell:
If Fortune firme had stoode, they had not fell.
They banne her then, and yet themselues were curst,
Which tooke her bayte so freely at the furst.
And prayse Dame Fortune first if they speede well:
But if thereby fall after some anoy,
They curse her then, as hatefull hagge of hell:
304
They banne her then, and yet themselues were curst,
Which tooke her bayte so freely at the furst.
For while her idle impes doe bath in blisse,
They count her giftes and pleasures all good hap:
But if at last shee frowne (as custome is)
And let them slip agayne beside her lap,
They then confesse her baytes did boad some trap.
As I haue prou'd, what Fortune giues to men,
For pleasure eache, shee bringes displeasures ten.
They count her giftes and pleasures all good hap:
But if at last shee frowne (as custome is)
And let them slip agayne beside her lap,
They then confesse her baytes did boad some trap.
As I haue prou'd, what Fortune giues to men,
For pleasure eache, shee bringes displeasures ten.
Augustus great that good Octauius hight,
The Emprour which in peace did rule so long,
In whose good raigne was borne the Lord of light
Nam'd Iesus Christ, in powre and workes so strong,
Whom in my dayes the Iewes opprest with wrong,
Of which good Christ anone I haue to tell:
But of Augustus first, and after how I fell.
The Emprour which in peace did rule so long,
In whose good raigne was borne the Lord of light
Nam'd Iesus Christ, in powre and workes so strong,
Whom in my dayes the Iewes opprest with wrong,
Of which good Christ anone I haue to tell:
But of Augustus first, and after how I fell.
This noble Emprour did my mother wed
Which Liuia hight, a fayre and noble dame:
His daughter Iulia I likewise did bed,
And put away my wife of better fame
Agrippa great with child, the more my blame:
I was through this and th'Emprisse Liuias skill,
Adopted Emprour by Augustus will.
Which Liuia hight, a fayre and noble dame:
His daughter Iulia I likewise did bed,
And put away my wife of better fame
Agrippa great with child, the more my blame:
I was through this and th'Emprisse Liuias skill,
Adopted Emprour by Augustus will.
When hee was dead, then I Tiberius raynde
Adopted thus, and for my noble acts,
I was (perdy) to warre and peace well traynde,
Th'Illyrians must confesse my famous facts:
In three yeares space my powre their pride subacts.
On them and Germaynes triompht neare and farre,
Saue Punike fight the greatest Romayne warre.
Adopted thus, and for my noble acts,
I was (perdy) to warre and peace well traynde,
Th'Illyrians must confesse my famous facts:
In three yeares space my powre their pride subacts.
On them and Germaynes triompht neare and farre,
Saue Punike fight the greatest Romayne warre.
305
Now (for it was my hap a victour soe
To Rome returne a yeare before his end)
Throughout the world the fame of mee did goe,
The Romaynes all to fauour mee did bend.
To them Augustus did my warres commend,
Adopted mee, and (as I sayd) for this
The Romaynes bold and hee, enbraued mee with blisse.
To Rome returne a yeare before his end)
Throughout the world the fame of mee did goe,
The Romaynes all to fauour mee did bend.
To them Augustus did my warres commend,
Adopted mee, and (as I sayd) for this
The Romaynes bold and hee, enbraued mee with blisse.
So when I had obtayned my desire,
Who then but Caesar: I did rule alone:
By nature proude, presuming to aspire,
Desembling that which afterwarde was knowne.
For when the fathers minde to me was showne,
Of their electing mine Emperiall place,
I seemde to stay, refusing it a space.
Who then but Caesar: I did rule alone:
By nature proude, presuming to aspire,
Desembling that which afterwarde was knowne.
For when the fathers minde to me was showne,
Of their electing mine Emperiall place,
I seemde to stay, refusing it a space.
And thus to proue my friendes before I did,
And eke to heare what euery one would say,
Which was the cause why some I after rid,
The best perdy I made as foes away.
By slaughter so I thought my throne to stay,
But farre besides that I purposde it fell,
As time doth trye the fruite of thinges full well.
And eke to heare what euery one would say,
Which was the cause why some I after rid,
The best perdy I made as foes away.
By slaughter so I thought my throne to stay,
But farre besides that I purposde it fell,
As time doth trye the fruite of thinges full well.
An other griefe conceau'd I will recyte,
Which made me with the Senate discontent:
From Iudaea did Pontius Pilate write
His letters how the Iewes, to malice bent,
Had put to death one Christ full innocent,
The sonne of God, of might, of power no lesse,
Which rose from death, as Christians all confesse.
Thus wise he wrote:
Which made me with the Senate discontent:
From Iudaea did Pontius Pilate write
His letters how the Iewes, to malice bent,
Had put to death one Christ full innocent,
The sonne of God, of might, of power no lesse,
Which rose from death, as Christians all confesse.
Thus wise he wrote:
306
Pontius Pilate to his Lorde Claudius wisheth health.
This letter in Flores historiarum, is but you may not thinke that I doe set it downe thereby to affirme that he wrate it. For I am perswaded he would not write so well, and yet it appears by Orosius and others that Claudius would haue made Christ to haue bene taken in Rome for a God, and that the Senate and he fell so at variance about the same matter.
The Iewes through wrath by cruell doome haue lost
Themselues, and all their ofspring that ensue.
For when their fathers promise had that God
Would send to them from heauen his holy one,
That might deseruingly be namde their King,
And promist by a virgine him to th'earth to sende,
The same (I pronoste here) when th'Hebrewes God was come,
And they him saw restore the blind to sight,
To cleanse the leapers, cure the palsies eke,
To cast diuelles out of men, and rayse the dead,
Commaund the windes, on sea with dry feete walke,
And many maruayles great beside to doe,
When all the Iewish people called him the sonne of God,
The Chiefe Priestes enuying him deliuered him to mee,
And bringing many forged fained faultes
Namde him a wisarde, and against their lawes to doe:
And I beleeud it so to be, and whipt him for the cause,
Deliuering him to them to vse as they thought best.
They crucifide him, buried him, set keepers at his tombe,
Yet he, while as my souldiers kept his graue,
The third day rose againe, and came to life.
But so their hatreds bent, they bribde the souldiers all,
And bad them say, that his disciples stale his corps away.
The souldiers yet, when they the money taken had,
Could not the trueth keepe silent of the facte:
For both they witnessed that he was risen againe,
And of the Iewes, that they so taken money had.
I therefore here so write to you, lest any otherwise
Some lye do bring, or thinke we should beleeue of Iewes the lyes.
307
These letters read, I did thereon conferre,
Both with the fathers graue in high degree,
And with the nobles of the Senate were
That Christ in Rome as God might counted bee,
To which they onely did not disagree,
(Because the letters came not first to them)
But by edicte from Rome did banish Christen men.
Both with the fathers graue in high degree,
And with the nobles of the Senate were
That Christ in Rome as God might counted bee,
To which they onely did not disagree,
(Because the letters came not first to them)
But by edicte from Rome did banish Christen men.
To th'accusers of them threaten death I did,
Although Seianus from my party fell:
The Senate which the Christians sought to rid,
By me were after seru'd in order well.
For as Christs Godhead they would Rome expell,
And would not serue the God of meekenesse sent,
To pot apace their hawty heads were pent.
Although Seianus from my party fell:
The Senate which the Christians sought to rid,
By me were after seru'd in order well.
For as Christs Godhead they would Rome expell,
And would not serue the God of meekenesse sent,
To pot apace their hawty heads were pent.
I banisht some, and some to death I put,
And foure and twenty fathers graue I chose:
From shoulders eke most of their heades I cut,
And left likewise aliue but twaine of those.
Seianus I did slay, of Drusus deadly foes.
I Germanique, adopted late, with poyson slewe,
His sonnes likewise, my poysons force well knewe.
And foure and twenty fathers graue I chose:
From shoulders eke most of their heades I cut,
And left likewise aliue but twaine of those.
Seianus I did slay, of Drusus deadly foes.
I Germanique, adopted late, with poyson slewe,
His sonnes likewise, my poysons force well knewe.
The men that did Iehouaes sonne refuse,
The King of Iewes, the Lorde of life and health,
Were gouernde thus: Tiberius thus did vse
The men that were the Gods in common wealth,
Forsaking so their heauenly sauing health.
The Emprour I which shoulde their liues defende,
Sought all the meanes to bring their liues to ende.
The King of Iewes, the Lorde of life and health,
Were gouernde thus: Tiberius thus did vse
The men that were the Gods in common wealth,
Forsaking so their heauenly sauing health.
The Emprour I which shoulde their liues defende,
Sought all the meanes to bring their liues to ende.
Yet to religion I was nothing bent,
Dissembled things that least I fauourd still:
I neuer vsde to speake the thinges I meant,
But bare in minde the wayes to worke men ill.
I seemde to some to beare them great good will,
And those I tooke away as time did serue,
Inconstant vnto each, yet seeming seeld to swerue.
Dissembled things that least I fauourd still:
I neuer vsde to speake the thinges I meant,
But bare in minde the wayes to worke men ill.
308
And those I tooke away as time did serue,
Inconstant vnto each, yet seeming seeld to swerue.
To dronkennesse and ryote, sports and ease,
And pleasure all I gaue my studie then:
Nought more then subtile shiftings did me please,
With bloudshed, craftie, vndermining men.
My Courte was like a Lyons lurking den.
The Iesters namde mee Caldius Biberius Mero,
In stead of this my name, Claudius Tiberius Nero.
And pleasure all I gaue my studie then:
Nought more then subtile shiftings did me please,
With bloudshed, craftie, vndermining men.
My Courte was like a Lyons lurking den.
The Iesters namde mee Caldius Biberius Mero,
In stead of this my name, Claudius Tiberius Nero.
I will no more my life describe this time,
For why, my factes at last deserude defame,
Infected with so many a fulsome crime,
As may not here repeated be for shame.
I haue no cause the Lady blinde to blame,
But blame my selfe I must, abusing place,
Which might full well haue vsde the giftes of grace.
For why, my factes at last deserude defame,
Infected with so many a fulsome crime,
As may not here repeated be for shame.
I haue no cause the Lady blinde to blame,
But blame my selfe I must, abusing place,
Which might full well haue vsde the giftes of grace.
Three things in fine I tell, that wrought my fall,
First vile dissembling both with God and man:
For bloudshed then, which hauocke made of all,
Bloud cryes to him that well reuenge it can.
For filthie life I much offended than:
Wherefore aliue thus poysoned with these three,
Caligula did find the fourth to bane vp mee.
First vile dissembling both with God and man:
For bloudshed then, which hauocke made of all,
Bloud cryes to him that well reuenge it can.
For filthie life I much offended than:
Wherefore aliue thus poysoned with these three,
Caligula did find the fourth to bane vp mee.
To Princes this I say, and worthie Peeres,
I wish them wisely wey that heare me shall,
And poyse my first exploytes with later yeeres,
And well consider one thing in my fall:
Abuse of power abaseth Princes all.
In throne on earth, as Ioue, the Prince he sits,
As Ioue to iudge aright, he plyes his wits.
If not, then Ioue whose Iustice he omits,
With thunderbolt from sacred seate him hits.
I wish them wisely wey that heare me shall,
And poyse my first exploytes with later yeeres,
And well consider one thing in my fall:
Abuse of power abaseth Princes all.
In throne on earth, as Ioue, the Prince he sits,
As Ioue to iudge aright, he plyes his wits.
If not, then Ioue whose Iustice he omits,
With thunderbolt from sacred seate him hits.
309
[CAIUS CAESAR CALIGULA]
How Caius Caesar Caligula Emperour of Rome was slayne by Cherea and others, The yeare of Christ, 42.
Vnhappy Princes haue in wealth no grace,
To see how soone there vices ping them vnder,
But run vnruly, reckelesse of their race,
Till at the length they make themselues a wonder.
When from aloft theyr traces fall a sonder,
There is no hope to hold aright the trace:
Fortuna once when shee beginnes to thunder,
They cannot keepe aloft th' Emperiall place:
The Lady blynde, so blindly makes them blunder.
To see how soone there vices ping them vnder,
But run vnruly, reckelesse of their race,
Till at the length they make themselues a wonder.
When from aloft theyr traces fall a sonder,
There is no hope to hold aright the trace:
Fortuna once when shee beginnes to thunder,
They cannot keepe aloft th' Emperiall place:
The Lady blynde, so blindly makes them blunder.
Behold my hap, on whom the Romayne rout
With ioy did gaze, when bloudy slayne I lay.
Here lyes (quoth they) thrust thirty times throughout:
The monster vile, that beast Caligula,
Which did so many giltlesse Romaynes slay.
The nobles now the matrones neede not doubt,
The virgins now retayne theyr vertues may:
The worthy writers may their workes set out,
They neede no longer feare theyr foule decay.
With ioy did gaze, when bloudy slayne I lay.
Here lyes (quoth they) thrust thirty times throughout:
The monster vile, that beast Caligula,
Which did so many giltlesse Romaynes slay.
The nobles now the matrones neede not doubt,
The virgins now retayne theyr vertues may:
The worthy writers may their workes set out,
They neede no longer feare theyr foule decay.
I was (I graunt) full lewdely led by lust,
I forced nought of vertue, faith, nor lawe:
In powre I put my confidence and trust,
Regarding right nor Iustice strickte a strawe.
My facts infarst my life with many a flawe,
So Venus vile by dealings moste vniust,
Did mee to deedes of deadly inceste drawe:
My sisters three accuse my rudenesse must,
Which had of God nor natures hestes the awe.
I forced nought of vertue, faith, nor lawe:
In powre I put my confidence and trust,
Regarding right nor Iustice strickte a strawe.
My facts infarst my life with many a flawe,
So Venus vile by dealings moste vniust,
Did mee to deedes of deadly inceste drawe:
My sisters three accuse my rudenesse must,
Which had of God nor natures hestes the awe.
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To make my selfe a God I did deuise,
That Iupiter to name my selfe did dare
For incestes vile, which all good wights despise,
Nam'd Bacchus eke a dronken shrine I bare.
To call mee God some flatterers did not spare.
By message I commaunded then likewise,
Petronius at Ierusalem prepare
My stature in the Temple to comprise,
Of honours so, to haue an heauenly share.
That Iupiter to name my selfe did dare
For incestes vile, which all good wights despise,
Nam'd Bacchus eke a dronken shrine I bare.
To call mee God some flatterers did not spare.
By message I commaunded then likewise,
Petronius at Ierusalem prepare
My stature in the Temple to comprise,
Of honours so, to haue an heauenly share.
I would not haue my slaughters here enrolde,
And murders mischieues mingled with the rest,
Without regard of sexe, of yong or olde,
For which the Romaynes did my life detest.
To vices vile my deedes were all addrest:
Vnfit they should bee here reherst or tolde.
Wherefore to rid mee Cheria thought it best,
Some others eke t'accomplishe it were bolde,
In thirty steedes they stabde me through the brest.
And murders mischieues mingled with the rest,
Without regard of sexe, of yong or olde,
For which the Romaynes did my life detest.
To vices vile my deedes were all addrest:
Vnfit they should bee here reherst or tolde.
Wherefore to rid mee Cheria thought it best,
Some others eke t'accomplishe it were bolde,
In thirty steedes they stabde me through the brest.
My life was naught, and thus at last I dyde,
My life procurde both Gods and men my foes:
Let Princes then beware of pompe and pride,
And not themselues to vices such dispose.
The throne will soone a Princely minde disclose,
The tyraunts hart at once in throne is tryde:
Iehoua iust beholds both these and those,
T'abace the bad, the godly well to guide,
The good to gard, and godlesse downe depose.
My life procurde both Gods and men my foes:
Let Princes then beware of pompe and pride,
And not themselues to vices such dispose.
The throne will soone a Princely minde disclose,
The tyraunts hart at once in throne is tryde:
Iehoua iust beholds both these and those,
T'abace the bad, the godly well to guide,
The good to gard, and godlesse downe depose.
311
[GUIDERIUS]
How Guiderius King of Britayne and the elder sonne of Cimbaline was slayne in battayle by a Romayne, The yeare of Christ, 44. Or as some write, 46.
Take, Higins, now in hand thy pen for mee,
Let not my death and story lye forgote:
Good cause there is I should remembred bee,
If thou the falles of Britayne Princes note.
Aloft I sate in Princely place a flote,
I had the sword, I bare the scepter right:
I was accounted aye a worthy wight,
And with the Romaynes proud I waeged warlike fight.
Let not my death and story lye forgote:
Good cause there is I should remembred bee,
If thou the falles of Britayne Princes note.
Aloft I sate in Princely place a flote,
I had the sword, I bare the scepter right:
I was accounted aye a worthy wight,
And with the Romaynes proud I waeged warlike fight.
Guiderius was my name, of Britayne yore,
The sonne of Cimbaline, and after King:
I tribute nild to Romaynes payd before,
Mee thought it was to bace a seruile thing.
No Romayne should mee in subiection bring,
I sayd I would not pay them tribute, I,
They did extort the same by force, perdy,
Agaynst all right, a charge without occasion why.
The sonne of Cimbaline, and after King:
I tribute nild to Romaynes payd before,
Mee thought it was to bace a seruile thing.
No Romayne should mee in subiection bring,
I sayd I would not pay them tribute, I,
They did extort the same by force, perdy,
Agaynst all right, a charge without occasion why.
When Claudius Caesar sent this tribute for to haue,
I sent him word agayn I would not pay:
I would not graunt, vniustly hee did craue,
That might in time procure my Realmes decay:
Hee should not beare our freedome so away.
For as by treason Caesar gate the fame,
And tribute, when to winne this Realme hee came:
So now I iustly might deny to pay the same.
I sent him word agayn I would not pay:
I would not graunt, vniustly hee did craue,
That might in time procure my Realmes decay:
Hee should not beare our freedome so away.
For as by treason Caesar gate the fame,
And tribute, when to winne this Realme hee came:
So now I iustly might deny to pay the same.
312
On this addreste him selfe in warlike sorte,
The noble Claudius Caesar came to trye the case:
Which had perdy before receaued high reporte,
Both of my wealth, my force, and noble grace.
So thinking well hee might my fame and mee deface,
From Rome hee came to Britayne with his host,
And landed here vppon my Southerne cost,
By Martiall feates to try whom Fortune fauourde most.
The noble Claudius Caesar came to trye the case:
Which had perdy before receaued high reporte,
Both of my wealth, my force, and noble grace.
So thinking well hee might my fame and mee deface,
From Rome hee came to Britayne with his host,
And landed here vppon my Southerne cost,
By Martiall feates to try whom Fortune fauourde most.
Now marke my tale, and hereby shalt thou knowe
The subtil slights of Romaynes in their war:
The slye deceats of such doe make a showe,
Whereby to try the people what they ar.
Note well such foes in dealing neare and far,
Amidst the field, in scout, or fight alone:
Of all the rest example take by one,
For vnder Sunne of more despite a nation is there none.
The subtil slights of Romaynes in their war:
The slye deceats of such doe make a showe,
Whereby to try the people what they ar.
Note well such foes in dealing neare and far,
Amidst the field, in scout, or fight alone:
Of all the rest example take by one,
For vnder Sunne of more despite a nation is there none.
Amongst his armies stout a Captayne fearce hee had,
With whom encountring oft I made my party good:
Hamonius men hym cald, and hee was more then mad,
Because his might so often fearcely I withstood.
At last hee wrought a wyle which way to shed my bloud,
Hee clad him selfe as hee a Britayne souldier weare,
Like armour, sword, and target did hee beare,
And bad the Romaynes of the field to take no feare.
With whom encountring oft I made my party good:
Hamonius men hym cald, and hee was more then mad,
Because his might so often fearcely I withstood.
At last hee wrought a wyle which way to shed my bloud,
Hee clad him selfe as hee a Britayne souldier weare,
Like armour, sword, and target did hee beare,
And bad the Romaynes of the field to take no feare.
Amongst the rest hee road, perceauing nothing wee,
And made abought as t'were some Britayne lost his place,
Or broken out of ray, hee spyde an oape at mee,
Which done, his men retyrde, and wee pursude the chace.
Come on my mates (quoth hee) the Romaynes flye apace,
In Britishe tongue hee spake, and sayd, they flye, they flye,
Our hostages him taught that time at Rome did lye,
Whereby they deemde him all a Britayne, as did I.
And made abought as t'were some Britayne lost his place,
Or broken out of ray, hee spyde an oape at mee,
Which done, his men retyrde, and wee pursude the chace.
Come on my mates (quoth hee) the Romaynes flye apace,
In Britishe tongue hee spake, and sayd, they flye, they flye,
Our hostages him taught that time at Rome did lye,
Whereby they deemde him all a Britayne, as did I.
313
As wee pursude, in mee hee thrust the fatall blade,
Betweene my armour splints hee gaue the wound:
And fast away for life to shift hee made,
Which did by this disceate my life and mee confound.
This was my fate, of my distresse the ground.
And so recite my last adieu, declare this fall of mee:
That men may shun the slights, and subtile wyles of foes may see.
Who well takes heede of such may liue, and long the wiser bee.
Betweene my armour splints hee gaue the wound:
And fast away for life to shift hee made,
Which did by this disceate my life and mee confound.
This was my fate, of my distresse the ground.
And so recite my last adieu, declare this fall of mee:
That men may shun the slights, and subtile wyles of foes may see.
Who well takes heede of such may liue, and long the wiser bee.
314
[LAELIUS HAMO]
How Laelius Hamo the Romayne Captayne was slayne after the slaughter of Guiderius, about the yeare of Christ, 46.
A
Romayne Captayne I in Britayne armoure clad,
Disguis'd therfore, in field did sley their noble King.
I ventred in their host, and I my purpose had:
To venture so for Countryes sake a worthy thing.
But who so wenes to win by slaughter high renowne,
Hath often times the fate, to fall by slaughter downe.
Disguis'd therfore, in field did sley their noble King.
I ventred in their host, and I my purpose had:
To venture so for Countryes sake a worthy thing.
But who so wenes to win by slaughter high renowne,
Hath often times the fate, to fall by slaughter downe.
Euen so my selfe that slewe, short time my ioyes did last,
In flight I taken was, and hewde in pieces small:
Which downe the cleeues they did into the waters cast,
And by my name as yet the hauen and harbor call.
Who thinkes by slaughters prayse, to winne immortall fame
By treason vile, perchaunce encurres a shrouding sheete of shame.
In flight I taken was, and hewde in pieces small:
Which downe the cleeues they did into the waters cast,
And by my name as yet the hauen and harbor call.
Who thinkes by slaughters prayse, to winne immortall fame
By treason vile, perchaunce encurres a shrouding sheete of shame.
FINIS.
315
[CLAUDIUS TIBERIUS DRUSUS]
How Claudius Tiberius Drusus Emperour of Rome was poysoned by his wife Agrippina, the yeere of Christ. 56.
Say not the people well, that Fortune fauours fooles?
So well they say which name her beetle blinde.
I neede not tell what I haue learnde at schooles,
But may by proofe expresse my foolish minde.
My mother by her prouerbs me a foole defynde,
Which often sayd when any foolishly had done:
In faith you are as wise as Claudius my sonne.
So well they say which name her beetle blinde.
I neede not tell what I haue learnde at schooles,
But may by proofe expresse my foolish minde.
My mother by her prouerbs me a foole defynde,
Which often sayd when any foolishly had done:
In faith you are as wise as Claudius my sonne.
It pleased her not onely so to name me sot,
But also me a monster oft she namde,
Vnperfect all, begun by nature, but begot
Not absolute, not well, nor fully framde.
Sith thus my mother often me defamde,
What meant the men of Rome, which so elected me,
A foole, a monster foule, their gouernour to be?
But also me a monster oft she namde,
Vnperfect all, begun by nature, but begot
Not absolute, not well, nor fully framde.
Sith thus my mother often me defamde,
What meant the men of Rome, which so elected me,
A foole, a monster foule, their gouernour to be?
Th'Emperiall bloud perdy was partely cause,
That I (vnfit therefore) attaynde the throne:
And yet the Senate tooke a while the pause,
Determinde to abolish euery one
Of Caesars linage, as their mortall fone.
For why they could receiue no quiet reste,
But still by vs were cruelly oppreste.
That I (vnfit therefore) attaynde the throne:
And yet the Senate tooke a while the pause,
Determinde to abolish euery one
Of Caesars linage, as their mortall fone.
For why they could receiue no quiet reste,
But still by vs were cruelly oppreste.
The souldiers which me founde where I me hid
In place obscure, vnfit for Caesars grace,
They brought me forth, there me proclayme they did,
Because I seemde much meekenesse to embrace,
And could dissemble eke to serue the place,
Whereby the warriours were to me enclinde,
Supposing I was meeke, of gentle minde:
But they herein and Fortune both were blinde.
In place obscure, vnfit for Caesars grace,
They brought me forth, there me proclayme they did,
Because I seemde much meekenesse to embrace,
316
Whereby the warriours were to me enclinde,
Supposing I was meeke, of gentle minde:
But they herein and Fortune both were blinde.
The wilely Foxe that seekes to sley the sheepe,
Doth fayne himselfe to beare a simple eye:
The rauening Wolfe would take of Lambes the keepe,
If he condemne the Mastiues might to dye:
The Crocadile will fayne to weepe and crye:
But if the sheepe, her young, or wandring man be caught:
The Foxe, the Wolfe, & Crocadile, haue euen the pray they sought.
Doth fayne himselfe to beare a simple eye:
The rauening Wolfe would take of Lambes the keepe,
If he condemne the Mastiues might to dye:
The Crocadile will fayne to weepe and crye:
But if the sheepe, her young, or wandring man be caught:
The Foxe, the Wolfe, & Crocadile, haue euen the pray they sought.
So I could fayne, as though I did refuse
To take the Empires sway, a charge too greate,
But well I wiste, if th'armie did me chuse,
The Senate could not thereof me defeate:
They could not stay me from the hautie seate.
Thus though I seemd at first so simple, meeke and plaine:
Yet was I subtile, slye, and glad of glory vaine.
To take the Empires sway, a charge too greate,
But well I wiste, if th'armie did me chuse,
The Senate could not thereof me defeate:
They could not stay me from the hautie seate.
Thus though I seemd at first so simple, meeke and plaine:
Yet was I subtile, slye, and glad of glory vaine.
But after this, I gaue my selfe to ease,
To wyne, to woemen eke, and belly chere,
And fearefull was, my wife for to displease
Messalina, whose maners homely were.
She made not onely me the horne to beare,
But also did allure good matrones vnto vice,
And virgines chaste to sinne, or made them pay the price.
To wyne, to woemen eke, and belly chere,
And fearefull was, my wife for to displease
Messalina, whose maners homely were.
She made not onely me the horne to beare,
But also did allure good matrones vnto vice,
And virgines chaste to sinne, or made them pay the price.
For if that eyther they abhord the facte,
Or men detested present for to bee,
Some crime was faynde or else some haynous acte,
Not they nor theirs from slaughter could be free.
My seruants were preferde in place of mee,
Their wealth was more then mine: the prouerbe went as then,
I neede no treasure want, If I would please my men.
Or men detested present for to bee,
Some crime was faynde or else some haynous acte,
Not they nor theirs from slaughter could be free.
317
Their wealth was more then mine: the prouerbe went as then,
I neede no treasure want, If I would please my men.
On this I caused her be made away,
And made a vowe no more for aye to wedde,
Because my wiues sought eyther me to slay,
Or else with whoredome to defile my bedde.
But at the length, s'enraged was my head,
Agrippina my brothers daughter braue
Incestuously I chose, for spoused wife to haue.
And made a vowe no more for aye to wedde,
Because my wiues sought eyther me to slay,
Or else with whoredome to defile my bedde.
But at the length, s'enraged was my head,
Agrippina my brothers daughter braue
Incestuously I chose, for spoused wife to haue.
So leading then my life in slouth and sinne,
I gaue my selfe to ryote, cardes and dice:
And I so skilfull was at length therein,
I wrote of dicing arte a worke of price.
This may declare if I were graue and wise.
Suspicious, doubtfull, fearefull so was I,
To euery corner sent some secret spie.
I gaue my selfe to ryote, cardes and dice:
And I so skilfull was at length therein,
I wrote of dicing arte a worke of price.
This may declare if I were graue and wise.
Suspicious, doubtfull, fearefull so was I,
To euery corner sent some secret spie.
So cruell, credulous, eache light offence
Was cause to take away th'offenders life:
And so forgetfull, such my negligence,
I would eftsoones enquire for those full rife,
As for Messalina of late my wanton wife:
Eke for such others I enquirde agayne,
As I before commaunded shoulde be slayne.
Was cause to take away th'offenders life:
And so forgetfull, such my negligence,
I would eftsoones enquire for those full rife,
As for Messalina of late my wanton wife:
Eke for such others I enquirde agayne,
As I before commaunded shoulde be slayne.
And I extolde the meaner sort of men,
Adorning them with titles of estate,
Euen such perdy as seru'd my dyet then,
Amongst the auncient fathers often sate.
For this the noble Romaynes did me hate.
And for the cruell beastly life I lead,
Full often times they wisht that I were dead.
Adorning them with titles of estate,
Euen such perdy as seru'd my dyet then,
Amongst the auncient fathers often sate.
For this the noble Romaynes did me hate.
And for the cruell beastly life I lead,
Full often times they wisht that I were dead.
318
Agrippina perswaded me t'adopt her sonne,
That after me the Empire he might haue:
Which when at length I had vnwisely donne
At her request, as she the same did craue:
In recompence to me she poyson gaue,
Whereof I dyed: this was my life and ende:
Let so my factes and fatall fall be pende.
That after me the Empire he might haue:
Which when at length I had vnwisely donne
At her request, as she the same did craue:
In recompence to me she poyson gaue,
Whereof I dyed: this was my life and ende:
Let so my factes and fatall fall be pende.
319
[DOMITIUS NERO]
How the Emperour Domitius Nero liued wickedly and tyrannously, and in the ende miserably slewe himselfe, the yeere of Christ, 70.
Must I that lead so loose a life speake here,
Amongst the wreckes whom Fortunes tempestes tore?
Wel then I see I must, the case is clere,
But blame I must my onely selfe therefore.
I am that Nero rule in Rome that bore,
Agrippina my mother wrought that feate for mee,
Her husband poisned, I might Emprour bee.
Amongst the wreckes whom Fortunes tempestes tore?
Wel then I see I must, the case is clere,
But blame I must my onely selfe therefore.
I am that Nero rule in Rome that bore,
Agrippina my mother wrought that feate for mee,
Her husband poisned, I might Emprour bee.
A while I gaue my selfe to gouerne well,
As Senecke graue instructed me thereto:
But after, I to shamelesse dealings fell,
At randome liu'de in lust as Lechers doe,
To slaughters fell, of friendes and kinred to,
Not sparing those in fleshly lustes desire,
Whome natures impes dombe beastes will not require
As Senecke graue instructed me thereto:
But after, I to shamelesse dealings fell,
At randome liu'de in lust as Lechers doe,
To slaughters fell, of friendes and kinred to,
Not sparing those in fleshly lustes desire,
Whome natures impes dombe beastes will not require
A shame it were to tell my hatefull life:
But he that wanted shame, whose face was brasse,
That spared neyther men, mayde, virgine, wife,
Not mother, sister, kinde, nor kin that was:
Whose factes both care and shame did alwayes passe:
What shoulde he shame to doe, speake, thinke or say?
Which all his life cast bashfull shame away.
But he that wanted shame, whose face was brasse,
That spared neyther men, mayde, virgine, wife,
Not mother, sister, kinde, nor kin that was:
Whose factes both care and shame did alwayes passe:
What shoulde he shame to doe, speake, thinke or say?
Which all his life cast bashfull shame away.
320
For wantonnesse, I past the filthy stues:
For glutony, I had no where my peere:
No kinde of crueltie but I did vse,
No wickednesse from which my life was cleere.
My pride did passe them all, both farre and neere.
Against the trade of kind in shamelesse life,
One man for bride me had; another for bridewife.
For glutony, I had no where my peere:
No kinde of crueltie but I did vse,
No wickednesse from which my life was cleere.
My pride did passe them all, both farre and neere.
Against the trade of kind in shamelesse life,
One man for bride me had; another for bridewife.
With golden nets in ryot I would fishe,
And purple lines to drawe my nets I had:
I vsed eke for pleasures many a dishe,
And was with naught but lust and mischiefe glad.
Though these thinges made the Romaynes hartes full sad,
They durst not speake: for whoso did complayne,
Without respect or sentence more, was slayne.
And purple lines to drawe my nets I had:
I vsed eke for pleasures many a dishe,
And was with naught but lust and mischiefe glad.
Though these thinges made the Romaynes hartes full sad,
They durst not speake: for whoso did complayne,
Without respect or sentence more, was slayne.
For pleasures sake to see the flames arise,
I causde that Rome should then on fire bee set:
And for to feede therewith my gazing eyes,
On high Moecenas Towre to stand I get.
So, sixe dayes fire and seauen nights waste I let,
And sang there while, beholding it with ioy,
The Iliades sweete of Graecians burning Troy.
I causde that Rome should then on fire bee set:
And for to feede therewith my gazing eyes,
On high Moecenas Towre to stand I get.
So, sixe dayes fire and seauen nights waste I let,
And sang there while, beholding it with ioy,
The Iliades sweete of Graecians burning Troy.
Then I restraynd that no man should resort
To'th ruines great, when as the fire was past:
Nor should therefrom the reliques left transport,
But to my selfe reserude them all at last.
The Marchaunts causelesse from their goods I cast,
And Senatours depriude of all that ere they had,
Some slaine, the rest with life alone to scape were glad.
To'th ruines great, when as the fire was past:
Nor should therefrom the reliques left transport,
But to my selfe reserude them all at last.
The Marchaunts causelesse from their goods I cast,
And Senatours depriude of all that ere they had,
Some slaine, the rest with life alone to scape were glad.
Still out the sword to slay all sortes I drewe,
My mother could not scape amongst them free:
My brother deare, and sisters eke I slewe,
And of my wiues likewise a two or three.
My kinsemen eke I kild of each degree,
Reioysing in so heynous bloudshed still,
Nought else with Nero then but kill, them kill.
My mother could not scape amongst them free:
My brother deare, and sisters eke I slewe,
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My kinsemen eke I kild of each degree,
Reioysing in so heynous bloudshed still,
Nought else with Nero then but kill, them kill.
And for that Seneca mee counsayle gaue
(My tutour good in youth) to leaue my vice,
I bad him choose what death him likte to haue,
Which now should pay, for then, my stripes the price.
In water warme to stand was his deuice,
And there to bleede: a milde and gentle death:
Euen so I causde them reaue his vitall breath.
(My tutour good in youth) to leaue my vice,
I bad him choose what death him likte to haue,
Which now should pay, for then, my stripes the price.
In water warme to stand was his deuice,
And there to bleede: a milde and gentle death:
Euen so I causde them reaue his vitall breath.
So with almighty Ioue I gan to warre,
The Christians good I did torment and sley:
Commaunding all my subiecs neare and farre,
Their liues and goods to spoyle and take away.
Which they accomplisht strayght without delay:
Both Paul and Peter Christes disciples twayne,
Th'Apostles, both by mine edict were slayne.
The Christians good I did torment and sley:
Commaunding all my subiecs neare and farre,
Their liues and goods to spoyle and take away.
Which they accomplisht strayght without delay:
Both Paul and Peter Christes disciples twayne,
Th'Apostles, both by mine edict were slayne.
But what endureth long that's violent?
The thunder seemes some time to teare the skies,
At seas full oft the stormes are vehement,
To cloudes alofte the wales and waters rise,
Soone ofter th'ayre is cleare, and calme the water lyes:
Experience eke the same and prouerbes old doe showe,
Eache storme will haue his calme, and spring tide, ebbe full lowe.
The thunder seemes some time to teare the skies,
At seas full oft the stormes are vehement,
To cloudes alofte the wales and waters rise,
Soone ofter th'ayre is cleare, and calme the water lyes:
Experience eke the same and prouerbes old doe showe,
Eache storme will haue his calme, and spring tide, ebbe full lowe.
For when I went about to stroy the state,
And all the Romaynes noble fame t'obscure:
The Senate all, and people did mee hate,
And sought which way they might my death procure.
I could no longer mine outrage endure:
They mee proclaymde a foe to publique weale,
By night forsooke of all, was forst away to steale.
And all the Romaynes noble fame t'obscure:
The Senate all, and people did mee hate,
And sought which way they might my death procure.
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They mee proclaymde a foe to publique weale,
By night forsooke of all, was forst away to steale.
The iudgement was, such foes should pillered bee
By necke, in forke made fast full sure to byde:
And should with rods so long there beaten bee,
Vntill therewith the woefull caytiues dyde:
From this correction therefore fast I hyde,
And eke from Galba then proclaymed Emprour newe,
For feare of doomed death, by deedes deserued due.
By necke, in forke made fast full sure to byde:
And should with rods so long there beaten bee,
Vntill therewith the woefull caytiues dyde:
From this correction therefore fast I hyde,
And eke from Galba then proclaymed Emprour newe,
For feare of doomed death, by deedes deserued due.
By night (I say) forsaken quite, I fled,
And Sporus th'Eunuche moste impure likewise,
With others three, like filthy life that led.
To slay my selfe I desperate then deuise,
Whom all the world did so for sinne despise:
And thristing sore in flight, full fayne I sweetely dranke
The waters foule, which standing long in diches stanke.
And Sporus th'Eunuche moste impure likewise,
With others three, like filthy life that led.
To slay my selfe I desperate then deuise,
Whom all the world did so for sinne despise:
And thristing sore in flight, full fayne I sweetely dranke
The waters foule, which standing long in diches stanke.
My seruaunts would not mee requested kill:
Haue I (quoth I) no foe, nor yet no frend,
To reaue mee from this feare of conscience ill?
Will no man make of Nero naught an end?
With that my brest to poynt of sword I bend,
With trembling hand which Sporus holpe to stay,
And on the same my selfe assayde to slay.
Haue I (quoth I) no foe, nor yet no frend,
To reaue mee from this feare of conscience ill?
Will no man make of Nero naught an end?
With that my brest to poynt of sword I bend,
With trembling hand which Sporus holpe to stay,
And on the same my selfe assayde to slay.
With that, of Galbaes seruaunts one drewe nie
With fayned cheere, as though hee helpe mee would:
To late you come, call you this helpe (quoth I)?
Is this the friendshippe firme and fayth you holde?
My life was filthy, vile for to beholde,
My death more vile shall bee, more filthy I departe:
With that I fell on sword, which ran me through the harte.
With fayned cheere, as though hee helpe mee would:
To late you come, call you this helpe (quoth I)?
Is this the friendshippe firme and fayth you holde?
My life was filthy, vile for to beholde,
My death more vile shall bee, more filthy I departe:
With that I fell on sword, which ran me through the harte.
323
[SERGIUS GALBA]
How Sergius Galba the Emperour of Rome (gieuen to slaughter, ambition, and glotony) was slayne by the souldiers, The yeare of Christ, 71.
Amongst the hawty Emprours downe that fell,
I Sergius Galba may bee placed here:
Where who so sees & markes my dealings well,
To him may soone the fruites of fraude appeare.
All murders great are bought with price full deare.
Foule slaughters donne, procure as fowle a fall,
As hee deserues that workes the woefull thrall.
I Sergius Galba may bee placed here:
Where who so sees & markes my dealings well,
To him may soone the fruites of fraude appeare.
All murders great are bought with price full deare.
Foule slaughters donne, procure as fowle a fall,
As hee deserues that workes the woefull thrall.
In Rome some time I Praetour chosen was,
And then obtaynde of Spayne the prouince fayre:
To gouerne there, I brought by friends to passe,
In hope to be the Emprour Neroes heyre.
For when the Romaynes did of him dispaire,
So bent at home to slaughter, lust and vice,
By warres abroad I wan the prayse and price.
And then obtaynde of Spayne the prouince fayre:
To gouerne there, I brought by friends to passe,
In hope to be the Emprour Neroes heyre.
For when the Romaynes did of him dispaire,
So bent at home to slaughter, lust and vice,
By warres abroad I wan the prayse and price.
To get the souldiers fauour I tooke payne,
For in the Emprours choise they gaue the stroke:
I therefore sought some spoyles for them to gayne,
Though thereby oft the lawes of armes I broke.
But who may wordes or actions donne reuoke?
The stayne abides, where staylesse strikes the good,
And vengeaunce wreckes the waste of giltlesse bloud.
For in the Emprours choise they gaue the stroke:
I therefore sought some spoyles for them to gayne,
Though thereby oft the lawes of armes I broke.
But who may wordes or actions donne reuoke?
The stayne abides, where staylesse strikes the good,
And vengeaunce wreckes the waste of giltlesse bloud.
324
In Lusitania while that time I lay,
I causde the people there assemble shoulde,
Reporting I had somwhat for to say,
Which in effect procure them profite would:
To which they came as many nere as could,
Full thirty thousand, thinking naught of ill:
All which I causde the souldiers there to kill.
I causde the people there assemble shoulde,
Reporting I had somwhat for to say,
Which in effect procure them profite would:
To which they came as many nere as could,
Full thirty thousand, thinking naught of ill:
All which I causde the souldiers there to kill.
I sought some meanes that Nero might abye,
Not for his vicious life, but for his place:
Although pretence were made his vice, perdy,
Whom all good men accounted voyde of grace.
But yet I could not stay so long a space:
I causde in Spayne the souldiers mee proclame,
Which strayght they did, and gaue mee Caesars name.
Not for his vicious life, but for his place:
Although pretence were made his vice, perdy,
Whom all good men accounted voyde of grace.
But yet I could not stay so long a space:
I causde in Spayne the souldiers mee proclame,
Which strayght they did, and gaue mee Caesars name.
To Rome I hyde, and Nero gate him thence,
Hee stale away for feare of sentence past,
A publique foe proclaymde for negligence,
For slaughters donne, for fire of Rome the wast:
Eke for because hee was of mee agast
Hee slewe him selfe, before my man could comme,
Which slaughter else my seruaunts there had donne.
Hee stale away for feare of sentence past,
A publique foe proclaymde for negligence,
For slaughters donne, for fire of Rome the wast:
Eke for because hee was of mee agast
Hee slewe him selfe, before my man could comme,
Which slaughter else my seruaunts there had donne.
When I my maister thus subuerted had,
The Romaynes eke began mislike with mee:
They sayd I was ambitious, nygh so bad
And cruell, giuen to pride and glotony.
How I was ruled all by Romaynes three
Cornelius, Iulius, Celius, for the state
My schoolmaisters, for which they did mee hate.
The Romaynes eke began mislike with mee:
They sayd I was ambitious, nygh so bad
And cruell, giuen to pride and glotony.
How I was ruled all by Romaynes three
Cornelius, Iulius, Celius, for the state
My schoolmaisters, for which they did mee hate.
And Siluius Otho sought the Empire then,
That vicious beast, and coward verlet vile:
Hee delte by gyftes so with mine armed men,
That factions rose in campe within a while.
Which when I came them for to reconcile,
To Curtius lake, nere which the armie lay,
Of Siluius friendes the souldiers did mee slay,
That vicious beast, and coward verlet vile:
Hee delte by gyftes so with mine armed men,
325
Which when I came them for to reconcile,
To Curtius lake, nere which the armie lay,
Of Siluius friendes the souldiers did mee slay,
Strooke of my head, and bare it to my foe,
Who causde it should bee set vpon a speare:
So through the campe they bare it to and froe,
Saluting it, now dead, a sorte there were,
Which late thereof, aliue, did doubt and feare:
O Galba, ioyfull dayes the Gods thee giue,
God send thee Galba well long time to liue.
Who causde it should bee set vpon a speare:
So through the campe they bare it to and froe,
Saluting it, now dead, a sorte there were,
Which late thereof, aliue, did doubt and feare:
O Galba, ioyfull dayes the Gods thee giue,
God send thee Galba well long time to liue.
This was the guerdon of my hawty pryde,
To haue mine head thus wise extold aloft:
Thus I the gaynes of hasty climing tride,
To leese mine head, and after haue it scoft:
A thing perdy that chaunceth wonders oft.
Who thinkes the gayne is sweete he gets by sheeding bloud,
In purple yeeldes like gaine, to doe like people good.
To haue mine head thus wise extold aloft:
Thus I the gaynes of hasty climing tride,
To leese mine head, and after haue it scoft:
A thing perdy that chaunceth wonders oft.
Who thinkes the gayne is sweete he gets by sheeding bloud,
In purple yeeldes like gaine, to doe like people good.
FINIS.
326
[SILUIUS OTHO]
How the Vicious Siluius Otho Emperour of Rome slew hym selfe, The yeare of Christ, 71.
Like will to like (for so the Prouerbe sayes)
Such are the men, as those with whom they vse:
The Goate with the Goate togeather is alwayes,
The Wolfe not of Wolfe doth fellowship refuse:
The crafty Foxe of Foxe the company doth chuse:
And euery liuing creature loues of his kinde,
As well as in shape, in qualityes of minde.
Such are the men, as those with whom they vse:
The Goate with the Goate togeather is alwayes,
The Wolfe not of Wolfe doth fellowship refuse:
The crafty Foxe of Foxe the company doth chuse:
And euery liuing creature loues of his kinde,
As well as in shape, in qualityes of minde.
And yet all men that come in company,
Are not embued with qualities alike:
One loues song ma chaunce and melody,
Another is perhaps Melancholike,
Another fumishe is and Cholerike,
Another dull and sottishe in his sence,
And all (in some what) full of negligence.
Are not embued with qualities alike:
One loues song ma chaunce and melody,
Another is perhaps Melancholike,
Another fumishe is and Cholerike,
Another dull and sottishe in his sence,
And all (in some what) full of negligence.
Now then Complexion is somewhat in the case,
Concerning cheefe the disposition:
But yet the learned writers haue a place,
That maners alter our Complexion.
So some say also of correction.
And sure I thinke if that they say bee true,
I after was the worse for Nero and his crue.
Concerning cheefe the disposition:
But yet the learned writers haue a place,
That maners alter our Complexion.
So some say also of correction.
And sure I thinke if that they say bee true,
I after was the worse for Nero and his crue.
His Courtisane brought mee in fauour furst,
Into his Court and fellowship I came:
To mee recount his vilanyes hee durst,
Not fit to tell, hee thought which had no shame.
I will no more recite of his defame:
The day was curst to mee which brought mee in,
At Neroes house, such infamy to winne.
Into his Court and fellowship I came:
To mee recount his vilanyes hee durst,
327
I will no more recite of his defame:
The day was curst to mee which brought mee in,
At Neroes house, such infamy to winne.
But yet another did mee more infect,
Seleucus seene in Mathematiques well:
Hee of my birth a figure did erect,
Of many haps and chaunces hee did tell:
Incyted mee gaynst Galba to rebell,
Which warraunt if I would enuade the throne,
I might aloft with scepter sit alone.
Seleucus seene in Mathematiques well:
Hee of my birth a figure did erect,
Of many haps and chaunces hee did tell:
Incyted mee gaynst Galba to rebell,
Which warraunt if I would enuade the throne,
I might aloft with scepter sit alone.
Reuenge eke of Neroes death likewise,
Incyted mee his enemy to kill:
Then with my souldiers I did deuise,
The way t'accomplishe mine endeuour still,
Whom well I might perswade almost to any ill.
Eke so in deede the souldiers did him slay,
And brought to mee his head with them away.
Incyted mee his enemy to kill:
Then with my souldiers I did deuise,
The way t'accomplishe mine endeuour still,
Whom well I might perswade almost to any ill.
Eke so in deede the souldiers did him slay,
And brought to mee his head with them away.
I caused them to set it on a speare,
About the Campe to beare it as a show,
To put the rest mine enemies in feare:
So they before their punishment might know.
Great giftes amongste the souldiers I bestow,
Wherewith they all in Campe, with one assent,
To choose mee for their Caesar, were content.
About the Campe to beare it as a show,
To put the rest mine enemies in feare:
So they before their punishment might know.
Great giftes amongste the souldiers I bestow,
Wherewith they all in Campe, with one assent,
To choose mee for their Caesar, were content.
But now to hold it fast a worke of skill,
The scepter caught, the same to hold, perdy,
Doth aske much arte, and labour aske it will,
Non minor est virtus, quàm quaerere, parta tueri.
The hawty seate hath many a greedy eye.
The election was mislikte, and in short space,
Vitellius sought to vndermine my grace.
The scepter caught, the same to hold, perdy,
Doth aske much arte, and labour aske it will,
Non minor est virtus, quàm quaerere, parta tueri.
328
The election was mislikte, and in short space,
Vitellius sought to vndermine my grace.
In armes wee were, and hee mee batayle gaue,
First at Placentia, where I had the foyle:
Fro Bebriaque by force hee nexte mee draue,
And did mine army vanquishe quite, and spoyle.
There I not able farder to recoyle,
Dispayring quite, I wist to flye no way,
As Nero erst, with sword my selfe I slay:
Such is the holde whereby false traytours stay.
A miroure here of mee behold you may,
Which for my pride, a purple price did pay:
By bloud who rose, by treason caught decay.
First at Placentia, where I had the foyle:
Fro Bebriaque by force hee nexte mee draue,
And did mine army vanquishe quite, and spoyle.
There I not able farder to recoyle,
Dispayring quite, I wist to flye no way,
As Nero erst, with sword my selfe I slay:
Such is the holde whereby false traytours stay.
A miroure here of mee behold you may,
Which for my pride, a purple price did pay:
By bloud who rose, by treason caught decay.
FINIS.
329
[AULUS VITELLIUS]
How Aulus Vitellius Emperour of Rome came to an infortunate end, The yeare of Christ, 71.
To treade the staire to state, who takes in hand,
And thereon enters first, by bribes or bloud:
On slippery ground, hee cannot firmely stand,
Ne fixte is hee, his hold is nothing good.
Though he knew erst, how firme on ground he stood,
And thinke to fixe his seat with better hold:
Hee cannot scape yet schotfree vncontrold.
And thereon enters first, by bribes or bloud:
On slippery ground, hee cannot firmely stand,
Ne fixte is hee, his hold is nothing good.
Though he knew erst, how firme on ground he stood,
And thinke to fixe his seat with better hold:
Hee cannot scape yet schotfree vncontrold.
To see before his face, the fall of such
As climbe vp so, and cannot yet take heede,
But must of force th'imperiall title tuch,
Wherein so many doubts of daunger breede:
A poynt of peeuishe pride, a rage in deede
By blindnesse blunt, a sottishe sweame hee feeles:
With ioyes bereapte, when death is hard at heeles.
As climbe vp so, and cannot yet take heede,
But must of force th'imperiall title tuch,
Wherein so many doubts of daunger breede:
A poynt of peeuishe pride, a rage in deede
By blindnesse blunt, a sottishe sweame hee feeles:
With ioyes bereapte, when death is hard at heeles.
Hence Fortune well tooke name, accounted blind,
Because men fortunate, vnfitly see:
To pleasures sweete, and honoures all enclynde,
Without respect the most addicted bee,
Regarding nought but titles of degree,
Whereby mishaps, infortunes of their race,
In high prospects, of vew can take no place.
Because men fortunate, vnfitly see:
To pleasures sweete, and honoures all enclynde,
Without respect the most addicted bee,
Regarding nought but titles of degree,
Whereby mishaps, infortunes of their race,
In high prospects, of vew can take no place.
This blindnesse is not of the eyes alone,
But of the minde, a dimnesse and a mist:
For when they shift to sit in hawty throne
With hope to rule the scepter as they list,
Ther's no regard nor feare of had-I-wist.
The present pleasure, glory, wealth, and ioy
Bereaues their gaze, the feare of all anoy.
But of the minde, a dimnesse and a mist:
For when they shift to sit in hawty throne
With hope to rule the scepter as they list,
330
The present pleasure, glory, wealth, and ioy
Bereaues their gaze, the feare of all anoy.
The trade of men is such, too late th'are wise,
Too late they knowe which way mischaunces fell.
At first the Phrygians counsayle did despise,
At last they knewe the way t'haue holpe it well.
When Graecians did their noble Princes quell,
Had fierde and sackt their Towne of worthie fame,
Then they too late knewe howe t'haue saude the same.
Too late they knowe which way mischaunces fell.
At first the Phrygians counsayle did despise,
At last they knewe the way t'haue holpe it well.
When Graecians did their noble Princes quell,
Had fierde and sackt their Towne of worthie fame,
Then they too late knewe howe t'haue saude the same.
Our Caesar sawe too late his cause of fall,
And Drusus poisned, had as fortune ill:
Domitius Nero hated most of all,
Eke Galba, which his master sought to kill.
So Siluius Otho whose bloud I did spill,
And I Vitellius may affirme with these,
Illud verum, Serò sapiunt Phryges.
And Drusus poisned, had as fortune ill:
Domitius Nero hated most of all,
Eke Galba, which his master sought to kill.
So Siluius Otho whose bloud I did spill,
And I Vitellius may affirme with these,
Illud verum, Serò sapiunt Phryges.
We all assaylde, and gate the throne by sworde,
So each we sawe howe they before vs spead:
The onely fruite which treason hath t'afforde,
Is losse of pleasures, goods, lands, life or head.
The gayne we get, stands vs small time in stead:
The Fame we craue, becomes defame and shame,
And rusts for aye, deuouring our good name.
So each we sawe howe they before vs spead:
The onely fruite which treason hath t'afforde,
Is losse of pleasures, goods, lands, life or head.
The gayne we get, stands vs small time in stead:
The Fame we craue, becomes defame and shame,
And rusts for aye, deuouring our good name.
Of slaughters mine what neede I here discry,
Or how the Romaynes reft away my life:
When I seuen monthes had raygned wickedly,
Which entred in by bloud and ciuill strife.
But this I finde too late a sequell rife,
Who takes by sworde from Prince the scepters guide,
By sworde from him the scepter so shall slide,
He cannot long himselfe from Iouaes Iustice hide
Then loyall loue thy Prince, let treason trudge defide.
Or how the Romaynes reft away my life:
When I seuen monthes had raygned wickedly,
Which entred in by bloud and ciuill strife.
But this I finde too late a sequell rife,
Who takes by sworde from Prince the scepters guide,
By sworde from him the scepter so shall slide,
He cannot long himselfe from Iouaes Iustice hide
Then loyall loue thy Prince, let treason trudge defide.
331
[LONDRICUS]
Londricus the Picte slayne by King Marius of Britayne, about the 80. yeere of Christ, giues his verdit of Fortune.
Fortune erst was wont to lifte aloft her children high,
And giue them kingdoms great, and conquests at her will,
And place them, as they thought, aboue the gods welnigh.
She blindly leades them forth, as is her custome still,
With pleasurs all a while, she doth their fancies fill,
And at the last doth let them fall in foule despite againe.
Shee sets aloft and pulles them downe with might and maine:
Such is of Fortune blind the vse to plague her impes with pinching paine.
And giue them kingdoms great, and conquests at her will,
And place them, as they thought, aboue the gods welnigh.
She blindly leades them forth, as is her custome still,
With pleasurs all a while, she doth their fancies fill,
And at the last doth let them fall in foule despite againe.
Shee sets aloft and pulles them downe with might and maine:
Such is of Fortune blind the vse to plague her impes with pinching paine.
When wee the glory see of those that come to great renowne,
We are enflamed straight, the like attempts to make:
But when we see mischaunce againe to driue them downe,
We are not able yet example there to take.
The stormes of enuie blacke the hawtiest housen shake,
The basest sort contend, with all their force t'aspire:
The meaner persons eke, the loftie roomes require,
And equalles heartes doe burne with hatefull brands of burning ire.
We are enflamed straight, the like attempts to make:
But when we see mischaunce againe to driue them downe,
We are not able yet example there to take.
The stormes of enuie blacke the hawtiest housen shake,
The basest sort contend, with all their force t'aspire:
The meaner persons eke, the loftie roomes require,
And equalles heartes doe burne with hatefull brands of burning ire.
Then is the meane estate commended well, for meaner sorte
And golden meane is best in euery trade of life.
For though a countrey Clowne doe keepe a stately porte,
And in expenses great, and idle charge is rife:
Although he brauely builde his house, and proudly paint his wife,
Yet is he but a Clowne, and makes (in deede) himselfe a scorne:
Full hard it is to make such one a gentill borne,
Except some noble gifts of grace his gentill minde adorne.
And golden meane is best in euery trade of life.
For though a countrey Clowne doe keepe a stately porte,
And in expenses great, and idle charge is rife:
Although he brauely builde his house, and proudly paint his wife,
Yet is he but a Clowne, and makes (in deede) himselfe a scorne:
Full hard it is to make such one a gentill borne,
Except some noble gifts of grace his gentill minde adorne.
332
So though a noble borne could get an higher seate
By conquest, or by weale, by fauour, or by fight,
And would from mighty Ioue his petegrue repeate,
Yet ought hee not aduaunce him selfe aboue his height,
Hee ought not make a clayme to that hee hath no right,
Or trust to Fortune so (although shee seeme to smyle)
As though shee did not turne her selfe within a while:
For whom shee fauours most of all, shee soonest doth beguyle.
By conquest, or by weale, by fauour, or by fight,
And would from mighty Ioue his petegrue repeate,
Yet ought hee not aduaunce him selfe aboue his height,
Hee ought not make a clayme to that hee hath no right,
Or trust to Fortune so (although shee seeme to smyle)
As though shee did not turne her selfe within a while:
For whom shee fauours most of all, shee soonest doth beguyle.
When with my Picts I came first to the Scotish shore,
I bare my selfe in hand that I could Brytayne win,
Because that Scithes of whome I came, by conquests wan before
Right many noble Realmes, which they had entred in:
Yet I no sooner could my conquest here begin,
But strayght King Marius came with all his bande,
And met with mee and mine in Westmerlande,
Where both our armies met, and fought it hand to hande
I bare my selfe in hand that I could Brytayne win,
Because that Scithes of whome I came, by conquests wan before
Right many noble Realmes, which they had entred in:
Yet I no sooner could my conquest here begin,
But strayght King Marius came with all his bande,
And met with mee and mine in Westmerlande,
Where both our armies met, and fought it hand to hande
I trusted sure that Fortune woulde mee guide so well
As erste shee had, in batayles whilome faught:
But proofe doth teache mee nowe the trueth to tell
What I by Fortunes flattery fayre haue caught.
Whom shee setts vp, shee bringeth soone to naught.
As when I had the Britaynes in disdayne,
And thought by batayle all theyr lande to gayne:
In fielde both I and mine were vanquisht, taken, slayne.
As erste shee had, in batayles whilome faught:
But proofe doth teache mee nowe the trueth to tell
What I by Fortunes flattery fayre haue caught.
Whom shee setts vp, shee bringeth soone to naught.
As when I had the Britaynes in disdayne,
And thought by batayle all theyr lande to gayne:
In fielde both I and mine were vanquisht, taken, slayne.
T'is foly or the ende, for men to prayse theyr chaunce,
Or brag what luck they haue, or tell theyr fate,
Or boaste how Lady Fortune doth theyr deedes aduaunce:
For Fortune at the last doth vse to gieue the mate.
Whom first shee loues, shee afterwarde doth hate,
She flings them headlong downe, whom erste shee made excell,
Shee makes them bare and poore, whom erste shee placed well,
And those which thinke to scale the skies, she hurleth downe to hell.
Or brag what luck they haue, or tell theyr fate,
Or boaste how Lady Fortune doth theyr deedes aduaunce:
For Fortune at the last doth vse to gieue the mate.
Whom first shee loues, shee afterwarde doth hate,
She flings them headlong downe, whom erste shee made excell,
Shee makes them bare and poore, whom erste shee placed well,
And those which thinke to scale the skies, she hurleth downe to hell.
333
[SEVERUS]
How Seuerus the Emperour of Rome and Gouernour of Britayne was slaine at Yorke Fighting against the Pictes, about the yeere after Christ, 206. after others. 213.
The stay of stately throne is nothing sure,
Where great estates on brybes or blodshed build:
As Didius Iulian put for proofe in vre,
Th'Emperiall seate he bought, and soone was kild.
So Niger after him by armes assayde the same,
Albinus then, from Britayne armed came,
For Empire sake they lost their heades and fame.
Where great estates on brybes or blodshed build:
As Didius Iulian put for proofe in vre,
Th'Emperiall seate he bought, and soone was kild.
So Niger after him by armes assayde the same,
Albinus then, from Britayne armed came,
For Empire sake they lost their heades and fame.
These three stoode in my way to high estate,
Which I sore thirsted for, but yet at last
I made thereto, by bloudshed bold, a gate,
And letlesse so vnto the throne I past.
The souldiers Iulian slewe, for insufficient pay:
My seruants eke at Antioch Niger slay:
At Lyons siege they tooke Albinus head away.
Which I sore thirsted for, but yet at last
I made thereto, by bloudshed bold, a gate,
And letlesse so vnto the throne I past.
The souldiers Iulian slewe, for insufficient pay:
My seruants eke at Antioch Niger slay:
At Lyons siege they tooke Albinus head away.
Then was my seate, methought, assurde to bide,
There could no tempest teare my sayles adowne:
No showre could cause my fixed foote to slide,
Nor vndercreeper crooke from me the Crowne
Which had the guyde of all Europaes wealth and might,
He, needed not to feare the force of fight,
Nor yet the ire of any worldly wight.
There could no tempest teare my sayles adowne:
No showre could cause my fixed foote to slide,
Nor vndercreeper crooke from me the Crowne
Which had the guyde of all Europaes wealth and might,
He, needed not to feare the force of fight,
Nor yet the ire of any worldly wight.
334
Encouraged with loue of lasting fame,
I entred with an armie into th'East,
Armenia can full well reporte the same,
Whereas my warlike glory first increast.
Angarus I subdude by fight the noble King,
And did his sonnes to Rome for hostage bring,
For which my fame through all the worlde did ring.
I entred with an armie into th'East,
Armenia can full well reporte the same,
Whereas my warlike glory first increast.
Angarus I subdude by fight the noble King,
And did his sonnes to Rome for hostage bring,
For which my fame through all the worlde did ring.
Arabia foelix felt my force likewise,
Although those warres had not so good successe:
Yet made I them with bowes (good archers) rise,
Or else they had bene driue to great distresse.
Their fethered shaftes from Arras shot, made vs to smarte,
They poysoned of my men by policy and arte,
And forced mee afflicted sore, with souldiers to departe.
Although those warres had not so good successe:
Yet made I them with bowes (good archers) rise,
Or else they had bene driue to great distresse.
Their fethered shaftes from Arras shot, made vs to smarte,
They poysoned of my men by policy and arte,
And forced mee afflicted sore, with souldiers to departe.
To Parthia thence, agaynst of armes the lawe,
Wee gate, forgot the truce before was plight:
And when occasion fit to serue therefore wee sawe,
King Artabane w'assaylde, and put him thence to flight.
With fire and sword wee brent, turmoylde, and spoylde his land,
Tooke captiues, slewe the men that did vs ought with-stand,
Enritcht with boetyes thence retournde, whereof great store we fand.
Wee gate, forgot the truce before was plight:
And when occasion fit to serue therefore wee sawe,
King Artabane w'assaylde, and put him thence to flight.
With fire and sword wee brent, turmoylde, and spoylde his land,
Tooke captiues, slewe the men that did vs ought with-stand,
Enritcht with boetyes thence retournde, whereof great store we fand.
To Rome I came, and caused chartes bee drawne
Of iourneys mine, by land and seas the plats:
Not erst before such expedition sawne,
Nor of those Countryes seene so perfect mapps.
The worlde did wonder at my heaps of haps,
The Romaynes honourde mee with triomphes when I came,
They vnto mee of Parthique gaue to name,
And Poets pennes perpetuate my prowes, facts, and fame.
Of iourneys mine, by land and seas the plats:
Not erst before such expedition sawne,
Nor of those Countryes seene so perfect mapps.
The worlde did wonder at my heaps of haps,
The Romaynes honourde mee with triomphes when I came,
They vnto mee of Parthique gaue to name,
And Poets pennes perpetuate my prowes, facts, and fame.
335
But when can Princes best assure themselues?
What state without the stormes of strife doth stand?
What barke beares sayle in tempeste on the shelues?
What blisse abides and lasts, by sea or land?
Who takes to raygne the scepter in his hand,
Is like to him, in sterne to stirre that sits,
Commaunding all the rest, theyr race hee fits,
Mishandling there the helme, with losse of all on rockes hee hits.
What state without the stormes of strife doth stand?
What barke beares sayle in tempeste on the shelues?
What blisse abides and lasts, by sea or land?
Who takes to raygne the scepter in his hand,
Is like to him, in sterne to stirre that sits,
Commaunding all the rest, theyr race hee fits,
Mishandling there the helme, with losse of all on rockes hee hits.
For while that I abroade for glory hunt,
My sonnes at home in pleasures spent the time:
And as their father erst before was wont,
Endeuourde howe aloft they both might clime.
The elder fearce and cruell Antonine,
The yonger Geta gentle more and milde then hee,
Could not at any time in peace agree,
Desiring both t'inioy the Empire after mee.
My sonnes at home in pleasures spent the time:
And as their father erst before was wont,
Endeuourde howe aloft they both might clime.
The elder fearce and cruell Antonine,
The yonger Geta gentle more and milde then hee,
Could not at any time in peace agree,
Desiring both t'inioy the Empire after mee.
So I endeuourde to appeaze the strife,
But nought at all I could therein preuaile:
This made mee woe and wery of my life,
Which erst so many Kingdomes did assaile.
I had the hap mine enmyes force to quaile,
To rule the Romaynes well, and all the rest:
But for to rule my sonnes, which should bee best,
I could no counsayle finde, nor haue the hurte redrest.
But nought at all I could therein preuaile:
This made mee woe and wery of my life,
Which erst so many Kingdomes did assaile.
I had the hap mine enmyes force to quaile,
To rule the Romaynes well, and all the rest:
But for to rule my sonnes, which should bee best,
I could no counsayle finde, nor haue the hurte redrest.
Perceiuing then some persons lewde there were,
Which counsailde ofte my sonnes embracing vice,
(As still is seene in Court enueaglers are,
Procurers of despite, contemners of the wise,
That flatery hold for gayne a gift of price)
I causde them put to death those Thrasoes vile,
And some were sent or banishte to exile:
But yet the griefe encreased all this while.
Which counsailde ofte my sonnes embracing vice,
(As still is seene in Court enueaglers are,
Procurers of despite, contemners of the wise,
That flatery hold for gayne a gift of price)
I causde them put to death those Thrasoes vile,
And some were sent or banishte to exile:
But yet the griefe encreased all this while.
336
Mine elder sonne did thinke my life to long,
The yonger lou'd the elders life as ill:
They studied both to make their parties strong,
Which griefe my griped harte well nere did kill.
Such are the mischieues of the stately still.
In Britayne eke the Pictes rebelling rose,
Some Britaynes there became our secret foes,
Wherfore in age my selfe againe to warres I did despose.
The yonger lou'd the elders life as ill:
They studied both to make their parties strong,
Which griefe my griped harte well nere did kill.
Such are the mischieues of the stately still.
In Britayne eke the Pictes rebelling rose,
Some Britaynes there became our secret foes,
Wherfore in age my selfe againe to warres I did despose.
First to bee absent from the force at home,
And partly greater glory to attayne,
My children sought, perdy, my death in Rome,
Without of lawes or Senate house the dome.
But chiefly Antonine tooke herein payne,
I should by gard or Phisicke drugges bee slayne,
That so the Empire might to hym remayne.
And partly greater glory to attayne,
My children sought, perdy, my death in Rome,
Without of lawes or Senate house the dome.
But chiefly Antonine tooke herein payne,
I should by gard or Phisicke drugges bee slayne,
That so the Empire might to hym remayne.
Yet no man would accomplishe his intent,
For my Phisitions bare mee loyall hartes:
My seruaunts eke full true no treason ment,
But playde in eache respect their faithfull partes.
They knewe themselues so bound by due desertes,
They ought not, seruaunts, such a Lord betray,
That gaue so great rewardes and giftes alway;
To pleasure him, that sought his fathers owne decay.
For my Phisitions bare mee loyall hartes:
My seruaunts eke full true no treason ment,
But playde in eache respect their faithfull partes.
They knewe themselues so bound by due desertes,
They ought not, seruaunts, such a Lord betray,
That gaue so great rewardes and giftes alway;
To pleasure him, that sought his fathers owne decay.
To Britayne I addrest an army great, perdy,
To quaile the Pictes that rufled in that Ile:
And for to cops the Britaynes tributes that deny,
Which were withheld from Romaynes there a while,
And to bee absent from my sonnes so vile.
But see what haps befall vs in the end,
Which so to clime aloft, to raygne alone contend:
Marke whereunto our laboures great & bloudsheds bend.
To quaile the Pictes that rufled in that Ile:
And for to cops the Britaynes tributes that deny,
Which were withheld from Romaynes there a while,
And to bee absent from my sonnes so vile.
But see what haps befall vs in the end,
Which so to clime aloft, to raygne alone contend:
Marke whereunto our laboures great & bloudsheds bend.
337
For when I was to Britayne come that famous land,
Where people stout, vntamde, vnuanquisht dwelt:
Although once Caesar Fortunes fauour fand,
That erst before their valiaunt valure felt:
I found the people nothing prest to pelt,
To yeeld, or hostage geue, or tributes due to pay,
Or couenaunts to accept, or fearefully to fray:
But bade by war to win the price, & beare the palme away.
Where people stout, vntamde, vnuanquisht dwelt:
Although once Caesar Fortunes fauour fand,
That erst before their valiaunt valure felt:
I found the people nothing prest to pelt,
To yeeld, or hostage geue, or tributes due to pay,
Or couenaunts to accept, or fearefully to fray:
But bade by war to win the price, & beare the palme away.
They sayde that we did tributes sore exacte,
Whereby their Isle empouerisht greately was:
The Pictes likewise them robde, and spoyle, and sackte,
Whereof the Romaynes seemed naught to pas.
Wee ought (they sayd) to tame the Galloglasse,
The roaging Scythian Picte that them did spoyle,
Empouerishing their people, them to foyle:
If wee would reape a taxe or tribute of their toyle.
Whereby their Isle empouerisht greately was:
The Pictes likewise them robde, and spoyle, and sackte,
Whereof the Romaynes seemed naught to pas.
Wee ought (they sayd) to tame the Galloglasse,
The roaging Scythian Picte that them did spoyle,
Empouerishing their people, them to foyle:
If wee would reape a taxe or tribute of their toyle.
On which at length, I did conclude a peace,
And ioynde with them in league agaynst the Picte:
But yet the wilfull people did not cease,
My Britaynes good and mee by inroades to afflicte:
Whereon to wall them out I did my force addicte.
Long sixe score miles & twelue, the Scotishe banke I made
From sea to sea, that Pictes should not them so inuade:
Till yet the signes thereof are seene, for neuer thence to vade.
And ioynde with them in league agaynst the Picte:
But yet the wilfull people did not cease,
My Britaynes good and mee by inroades to afflicte:
Whereon to wall them out I did my force addicte.
Long sixe score miles & twelue, the Scotishe banke I made
From sea to sea, that Pictes should not them so inuade:
Till yet the signes thereof are seene, for neuer thence to vade.
By helpe of this, I chaste the Pictes away,
And draue them into Albany to dwell:
Whereon Fulgentius Scythian sans delay
To Scythia sayld, an army new to tell:
Which gathered great of Pictes apoynted well,
Hee did retourne with speede to Britayne strand:
(That time I lay by North to guide the land,
Which holpe the Britaynes erst the Scythians to withstand.)
And draue them into Albany to dwell:
Whereon Fulgentius Scythian sans delay
To Scythia sayld, an army new to tell:
Which gathered great of Pictes apoynted well,
Hee did retourne with speede to Britayne strand:
(That time I lay by North to guide the land,
Which holpe the Britaynes erst the Scythians to withstand.)
338
At length to Yorke with all his host hee came,
Beseegeing it full sharpe assaultes hee gaue:
Where I likewise for to defend the same,
And from our foes the castell good to saue
Came with my powre, as destnyes on mee draue:
But in that fielde it was my chaunce to fall,
I tooke my deadly wound, there ended all
Renowned lyfe, my warres, my tryomphes, and my thrall.
Beseegeing it full sharpe assaultes hee gaue:
Where I likewise for to defend the same,
And from our foes the castell good to saue
Came with my powre, as destnyes on mee draue:
But in that fielde it was my chaunce to fall,
I tooke my deadly wound, there ended all
Renowned lyfe, my warres, my tryomphes, and my thrall.
The Scythian eke receiude a deadly wounde,
Which came to conquere vs, and lost his feelde:
Thus Fortune fares her children to confounde,
Which on her wheele their bastiles brauely beelde.
Let noble Princes then to reason yeelde,
The daynefull Ladie daintie and demure,
Dame Fortunes fauour fickle is vnsure,
Her ioyes and triomphes tickle, timelesse to endure.
Which came to conquere vs, and lost his feelde:
Thus Fortune fares her children to confounde,
Which on her wheele their bastiles brauely beelde.
Let noble Princes then to reason yeelde,
The daynefull Ladie daintie and demure,
Dame Fortunes fauour fickle is vnsure,
Her ioyes and triomphes tickle, timelesse to endure.
Some say that I retournde to Rome agayne
Sore troubled with the gowte, desiring death:
And that I would haue taken poyson fayne,
Which me denyde, to reaue my vitall breath
I tooke a surfet great, which wrought my death.
The Britaynes say, at Yorke my bones doe lye,
The Romaynes say at Rome in Italy:
But where so ere they be, I nothing recke them, I.
Sore troubled with the gowte, desiring death:
And that I would haue taken poyson fayne,
Which me denyde, to reaue my vitall breath
I tooke a surfet great, which wrought my death.
The Britaynes say, at Yorke my bones doe lye,
The Romaynes say at Rome in Italy:
But where so ere they be, I nothing recke them, I.
But this I wish, all noble wights to viewe
Howe I by slaughter gate the throne at furst,
My souldiers noble men for Empire slewe,
This way to rise, of all I proued wurst:
For why, his hand of gods and men is curst,
To rise aloft that layes the ground with bloud:
The states of such vnstable still haue stood,
Despisde of mighty Ioue, that loues the gentle, meeke, and good.
Howe I by slaughter gate the throne at furst,
My souldiers noble men for Empire slewe,
This way to rise, of all I proued wurst:
For why, his hand of gods and men is curst,
To rise aloft that layes the ground with bloud:
The states of such vnstable still haue stood,
Despisde of mighty Ioue, that loues the gentle, meeke, and good.
339
[FULGENTIUS]
How Fulgentius a Scythian, or Picte, was slayne at the seege of Yorke, about the yeare of Christ, 206. or 213.
[_]
[This title is twice printed: at the close of Tragedy 37, and on the next page, as here, to introduce the tragedy to which it belongs.]
I am that valiaunt Scythian Prince the Picte,
That vanquisht oft the Britaynes in this Ile:
Against the noble Romaynes powre I kikte,
And kept them play in Britayne both long while,
I forst them make a wall aboue an hundreth mile,
From sea to sea, with towres to watch & keepe me out,
Which of vs Pictes in prowesse proud, did daily stand in doubt.
That vanquisht oft the Britaynes in this Ile:
Against the noble Romaynes powre I kikte,
And kept them play in Britayne both long while,
I forst them make a wall aboue an hundreth mile,
From sea to sea, with towres to watch & keepe me out,
Which of vs Pictes in prowesse proud, did daily stand in doubt.
Our auncient race (although th'ambitious Romaynes nill)
Had right by due discent to clayme this noble land:
Of which repeate some proofe therefore I will,
That so thou maist our title vnderstand.
When all mankinde felt Iehoues almighty hand,
That drensht all nations quite, for their rebellious sinne,
Then strayght eftsoones in Scythia did the world by Noah beginne.
Had right by due discent to clayme this noble land:
Of which repeate some proofe therefore I will,
That so thou maist our title vnderstand.
When all mankinde felt Iehoues almighty hand,
That drensht all nations quite, for their rebellious sinne,
Then strayght eftsoones in Scythia did the world by Noah beginne.
Th'AEgyptians hold forsooth that they restord
The world agayne, but, how vnlikely, see:
For Scythiaes site is high as all accord,
From vs the fountaynes greatste deriued bee.
The auncient writers all likewise agree,
That on Armenia mount the Arke of Noah did rest,
Till heauenly Ioue againe the earth with drowth addrest.
The world agayne, but, how vnlikely, see:
For Scythiaes site is high as all accord,
From vs the fountaynes greatste deriued bee.
The auncient writers all likewise agree,
That on Armenia mount the Arke of Noah did rest,
Till heauenly Ioue againe the earth with drowth addrest.
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But they alleage agayne their Zone is milde,
And fertile, temperate, meete to foster men:
Our Scythian hilles (they say) are frosty, wilde,
Which cannot breede but ruder people then.
To which I may well aunswere make agen,
That as Iehoua made the Zones both hot, and milde, & cold,
Euen so to them hee fitly made like men the same to hold.
And fertile, temperate, meete to foster men:
Our Scythian hilles (they say) are frosty, wilde,
Which cannot breede but ruder people then.
To which I may well aunswere make agen,
That as Iehoua made the Zones both hot, and milde, & cold,
Euen so to them hee fitly made like men the same to hold.
They say wee are nigh neighbours to the Pole,
Or frozen poynt: more nere the fire are they:
What poysons breede with them, and Libians sole
In parcheing sands the writers wise display.
Can nature frame mankinde more deepe decay?
Perdy where parching heat, where serpents vgly breede,
A Clyme most fit from whence mankinde should first proceede.
Or frozen poynt: more nere the fire are they:
What poysons breede with them, and Libians sole
In parcheing sands the writers wise display.
Can nature frame mankinde more deepe decay?
Perdy where parching heat, where serpents vgly breede,
A Clyme most fit from whence mankinde should first proceede.
But now ile tell why Scythians should possesse
This noble Isle: first, Lord Neptunus gaue
The Islandes to his sonnes, both more and lesse,
Eke Albion first of all this Isle should haue:
Hee not with this content, the Firme did craue.
Wherefore in Fraunce him Hercules dispacht,
When as hee would a Kingdome there haue catcht.
This noble Isle: first, Lord Neptunus gaue
The Islandes to his sonnes, both more and lesse,
Eke Albion first of all this Isle should haue:
Hee not with this content, the Firme did craue.
Wherefore in Fraunce him Hercules dispacht,
When as hee would a Kingdome there haue catcht.
Now as from Noah first (of Scythia) by descent,
Downe vnto Albions time they held the land:
From Scythe to Scythian as of right it went,
And after him no Scythian Prince it fand,
When as vsurpers tooke the raygne in hand,
Was it not right and reason wee should vndertake,
This noble Realme our owne agayne to Scythia subiect make?
Downe vnto Albions time they held the land:
From Scythe to Scythian as of right it went,
And after him no Scythian Prince it fand,
When as vsurpers tooke the raygne in hand,
Was it not right and reason wee should vndertake,
This noble Realme our owne agayne to Scythia subiect make?
The Romaynes this deny, but euen themselues likewise
(If they from vertue stray as reckelesse vse,
And doe Iehouaes lawes and hestes despise,
And right, and trueth, and iustice so refuse)
Shall finde how much their Scepture they misuse.
The Scythian shall likewise their lofty seat assaile,
The barbarous Prince of Pictes against them shall preuaile.
(If they from vertue stray as reckelesse vse,
And doe Iehouaes lawes and hestes despise,
341
Shall finde how much their Scepture they misuse.
The Scythian shall likewise their lofty seat assaile,
The barbarous Prince of Pictes against them shall preuaile.
But softe lay here a strawe, Seuerus now I tell,
When hee the wall had made and pingde mee out,
To Scythia hence I saylde, and stoarde mee well
With men, munition good, a warlike route,
Of youthfull Pictes full strong in armour stoute
A Nauy good I brought, and entred on the land,
A wighty worke, of stately Yorke I tooke the seege in hand.
When hee the wall had made and pingde mee out,
To Scythia hence I saylde, and stoarde mee well
With men, munition good, a warlike route,
Of youthfull Pictes full strong in armour stoute
A Nauy good I brought, and entred on the land,
A wighty worke, of stately Yorke I tooke the seege in hand.
The Emprour great Seuerus Parthique proude,
With Romaynes, Galles, and Britayne souldiers came:
To make me rayse the siege of Yorke he vowde,
And I likewise to winne and raze the same.
To winne the price we both our armies frame:
But he was olde and slie, his souldiers skilfull traynde,
My men to flie by ambush, scoute, and skirmish he constraynde.
With Romaynes, Galles, and Britayne souldiers came:
To make me rayse the siege of Yorke he vowde,
And I likewise to winne and raze the same.
To winne the price we both our armies frame:
But he was olde and slie, his souldiers skilfull traynde,
My men to flie by ambush, scoute, and skirmish he constraynde.
Agayne to fight wee fell afresh, the battayle grewe,
Aboute I brought my winges, and now they sounde
Tantara teares alarme, the fluits fight-fight anewe,
And there awhile the Romaynes fell to grounde.
The trompet blasts, cryes, stroakes and shoutes to skyes resounde,
They fall, fall, fly, the fluits; downe downe the drommes doe cry:
Where on the Romaynes sounde retrayte, & fayne themselues to fly.
Aboute I brought my winges, and now they sounde
Tantara teares alarme, the fluits fight-fight anewe,
And there awhile the Romaynes fell to grounde.
The trompet blasts, cryes, stroakes and shoutes to skyes resounde,
They fall, fall, fly, the fluits; downe downe the drommes doe cry:
Where on the Romaynes sounde retrayte, & fayne themselues to fly.
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My souldiers all to rashe had broake araye,
The Romayne reare warde cast aboute with speede,
And both theyr winges enclosed vs eache waye,
Theyr mayne likewise to keepe aray gaue heede.
Which when I sawe, it made my hearte to bleede,
And to Seuerus selfe I wounded made at length a wey,
Where or retourne wee Scythian Pictes the Romayne Parthique sley.
The Romayne reare warde cast aboute with speede,
And both theyr winges enclosed vs eache waye,
Theyr mayne likewise to keepe aray gaue heede.
Which when I sawe, it made my hearte to bleede,
And to Seuerus selfe I wounded made at length a wey,
Where or retourne wee Scythian Pictes the Romayne Parthique sley.
So when the Emprour fell, a showte arose,
The Romaynes blancke, amazed, woefull were:
Fulgentius fast recoylde, death wounded goes,
And of my crewe a troupe to ayde mee there.
I bought my Britishe conqueste all to deare,
No conqueste yet: for as my sworde the kingdome sought,
My vitall bloude Seuerus death at Yorke to dearly bought.
The Romaynes blancke, amazed, woefull were:
Fulgentius fast recoylde, death wounded goes,
And of my crewe a troupe to ayde mee there.
I bought my Britishe conqueste all to deare,
No conqueste yet: for as my sworde the kingdome sought,
My vitall bloude Seuerus death at Yorke to dearly bought.
You noble men, yee see what truste there is
In Fortunes feages, how mischiefe makes the martes,
And howe our hoped haps in warres doe misse,
When backe the braue and blinded Lady starts.
High reaching heades swimme ofte in seas of smartes.
The setled man reposde, content, is bleste and beast at ease,
Which hath decreede in meane estate both God and man to please.
In Fortunes feages, how mischiefe makes the martes,
And howe our hoped haps in warres doe misse,
When backe the braue and blinded Lady starts.
High reaching heades swimme ofte in seas of smartes.
The setled man reposde, content, is bleste and beast at ease,
Which hath decreede in meane estate both God and man to please.
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[GETA]
How Geta the Yonger sonne of th'Emperour Seuerus once gouernour of Britayne, was slayne in his mothers armes by his brother Antonine Emperour of Rome, about the yeare of Christ, 214.
If euer Prince opprest had cause his state to rue,
Or by his ruful end might moue men mone his chaunce,
My woefull tale may shewe the like to you,
Whom Fortune erst, and birth did highe aduaunce.
In Rome perdy, in Britayne, Spayne, and Fraunce
I fauour had, I honourde was, I bare the sway,
I Emprour was with Antonine: what neede I more to say.
Or by his ruful end might moue men mone his chaunce,
My woefull tale may shewe the like to you,
Whom Fortune erst, and birth did highe aduaunce.
In Rome perdy, in Britayne, Spayne, and Fraunce
I fauour had, I honourde was, I bare the sway,
I Emprour was with Antonine: what neede I more to say.
In Britayne while my father waeged fight
By North agaynst the Pictes, I rulde the South:
Seuerus so apoynted mee to iudge them right,
And Britayne Iustice well receaude from Getaes mouth.
I gaue not then my selfe to giftes, nor idle slouth,
But mildly made an end in causes great of strife,
With dome so right and iust, that men reioyste my life.
By North agaynst the Pictes, I rulde the South:
Seuerus so apoynted mee to iudge them right,
And Britayne Iustice well receaude from Getaes mouth.
I gaue not then my selfe to giftes, nor idle slouth,
But mildly made an end in causes great of strife,
With dome so right and iust, that men reioyste my life.
The Senate honourde mee at home for vertues sake,
Abroade the Britaynes blest mee for their blisse,
The souldiers stout in armes of mee account did make.
Let stories truely tell where I doe halte in this:
Lest some suspect, that I reporte amisse.
For what is hee, which is not counted partiall vayne,
When for himselfe hee speakes, though plea bee nere so playne?
Abroade the Britaynes blest mee for their blisse,
The souldiers stout in armes of mee account did make.
Let stories truely tell where I doe halte in this:
Lest some suspect, that I reporte amisse.
For what is hee, which is not counted partiall vayne,
When for himselfe hee speakes, though plea bee nere so playne?
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In peace I wise and prudent was, and graue of grace,
In warres of courage good, but not so fearce withall:
Not forste with feare to turne from foes my face,
Nor bought with bribes to let Dame Iustice fall,
I lou'de not, I, to throng the weaker sort with thrall,
But sought to pleasure eache at neede, both neare & farre:
More proane to sacred peace I was, then bent to broyles of warre.
In warres of courage good, but not so fearce withall:
Not forste with feare to turne from foes my face,
Nor bought with bribes to let Dame Iustice fall,
I lou'de not, I, to throng the weaker sort with thrall,
But sought to pleasure eache at neede, both neare & farre:
More proane to sacred peace I was, then bent to broyles of warre.
What hearte is then so harde but will for pity bleede,
To heare a giltlesse Prince which meant to each so well,
Should haue such cause to liue in feare and dreede
Of sworde, of bane, of force, or poyson fell,
Not daring Emprour nere his brother dwell,
Whom both the Romaynes lou'd, and straungers honourde still,
In peace moe bruntes abydes at home, then erste abroade of ill.
To heare a giltlesse Prince which meant to each so well,
Should haue such cause to liue in feare and dreede
Of sworde, of bane, of force, or poyson fell,
Not daring Emprour nere his brother dwell,
Whom both the Romaynes lou'd, and straungers honourde still,
In peace moe bruntes abydes at home, then erste abroade of ill.
But Antonine, I hate his hatefull name and factes,
Sith hee my bucher was, my brother though hee were:
The worlde detestes his vile and viprous actes,
And subtile shiftes to bane his father deare:
So voyde of grace, so voyde of honeste dreede or feare,
Hee durst attempte the nerest gardes to bribe and fee,
By them theyr Lord his Father might the Emprour poysoned bee.
Sith hee my bucher was, my brother though hee were:
The worlde detestes his vile and viprous actes,
And subtile shiftes to bane his father deare:
So voyde of grace, so voyde of honeste dreede or feare,
Hee durst attempte the nerest gardes to bribe and fee,
By them theyr Lord his Father might the Emprour poysoned bee.
This when Seuerus wiste our aged syre, and saw
How Antonine that beaste was tiranously bent,
Agaynst the order quite of Natures noble law,
Eke, how to take the Empire whole hee ment;
For both of vs at Yorke hee often sent,
Perswading vs to peace, to loue, and concorde holde,
And of the fruites of Discorde foule, and ciuill warres hee tolde.
How Antonine that beaste was tiranously bent,
Agaynst the order quite of Natures noble law,
Eke, how to take the Empire whole hee ment;
For both of vs at Yorke hee often sent,
Perswading vs to peace, to loue, and concorde holde,
And of the fruites of Discorde foule, and ciuill warres hee tolde.
Yet Antonine regarded naught his Fathers heste,
Ne yet the charge of British warres hee had in hande:
Hee to enlarge his powre for th'Empire him addrest.
Which when Seuerus olde did vnderstand,
All pleasures quite and ioyes hee did aband,
And to the warres him gate: nere Yorke he tooke his ende
By sworde of Pictes, or by some traytour fauning frende.
Ne yet the charge of British warres hee had in hande:
Hee to enlarge his powre for th'Empire him addrest.
345
All pleasures quite and ioyes hee did aband,
And to the warres him gate: nere Yorke he tooke his ende
By sworde of Pictes, or by some traytour fauning frende.
Then Antonine made spoyle of all his Fathers men,
Phisitions nilde before at his requeste
Dispatch theyr Lorde, to death hee put them then,
And so hee serude of faythfull garde the reste.
What vilany was in this monstrous vipers breaste?
Was not content with death and goodes of those hee sought,
But after them bringes all theyr friendes likewise to nought.
Phisitions nilde before at his requeste
Dispatch theyr Lorde, to death hee put them then,
And so hee serude of faythfull garde the reste.
What vilany was in this monstrous vipers breaste?
Was not content with death and goodes of those hee sought,
But after them bringes all theyr friendes likewise to nought.
I warned was by diuers eke my life hee thirsted sore,
And that the Empire sole alone hee sought to haue,
Whereon as wee to Rome did passe I feared more,
I from his courtes and diets did mee saue:
I knew my life and th'Empire he did croach and craue,
Wherefore in Rome my court I kepte alone likewise
From his aparte, that did ful ofte to murder mee deuise.
And that the Empire sole alone hee sought to haue,
Whereon as wee to Rome did passe I feared more,
I from his courtes and diets did mee saue:
I knew my life and th'Empire he did croach and craue,
Wherefore in Rome my court I kepte alone likewise
From his aparte, that did ful ofte to murder mee deuise.
My Cookes and Butlers were allurde by sundry giftes
To poyson mee, and some for mee in ambush lurking lay:
Hee tryde to cut mee off a thousand shiftes,
What maruayle, since hee sought his syre to slay?
Hee made his Fathers dearest friendes for spite away.
Because they nilde consent to his vile treasons wrought,
Hee slewe the men, to saue his Fathers life that sought.
To poyson mee, and some for mee in ambush lurking lay:
Hee tryde to cut mee off a thousand shiftes,
What maruayle, since hee sought his syre to slay?
Hee made his Fathers dearest friendes for spite away.
Because they nilde consent to his vile treasons wrought,
Hee slewe the men, to saue his Fathers life that sought.
But all his sleights for mee coulde take no sure successe,
For still his traynes and treasons were descride:
And I in daunger greate was forste to seeke redresse
By like attemptes at laste, but that likewise was spyde.
Pretended murder no man close can keepe or hyde,
But out it flyes abroade, the rumor runnes apace,
The only spot thereof doth all the vertues else deface.
For still his traynes and treasons were descride:
And I in daunger greate was forste to seeke redresse
By like attemptes at laste, but that likewise was spyde.
Pretended murder no man close can keepe or hyde,
But out it flyes abroade, the rumor runnes apace,
The only spot thereof doth all the vertues else deface.
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When this was knowne to him, that I likewise assayde
His life to reaue (though twere my only life to saue)
No longer time to wrecke the same the bucher stayde,
Hee had the thing so long before hee sought to haue,
Such cause of iust reuenge the rumor small him gaue,
That in the euening hee came on mee or I knewe,
In cruell sorte to reaue my life before our mothers vewe.
His life to reaue (though twere my only life to saue)
No longer time to wrecke the same the bucher stayde,
Hee had the thing so long before hee sought to haue,
Such cause of iust reuenge the rumor small him gaue,
That in the euening hee came on mee or I knewe,
In cruell sorte to reaue my life before our mothers vewe.
There she perceiuing him with naked sworde approache,
In armes mee caught to saue my life and bloud,
But hee deseruing all the worldes reproache,
No whit in doubte to end my slaughter stoode.
My mother him besought (as seemde an Empresse good)
While he in rage without remorce or ruth of her request,
Betwene her armes that bare vs both did run me through the breste.
In armes mee caught to saue my life and bloud,
But hee deseruing all the worldes reproache,
No whit in doubte to end my slaughter stoode.
My mother him besought (as seemde an Empresse good)
While he in rage without remorce or ruth of her request,
Betwene her armes that bare vs both did run me through the breste.
These were the cruell actes of that vile monster then
For Empire sake, to raigne alone aloft:
Despisde that was, contemnde, abhord of Gods and men,
And curst to hell by all good men so oft,
You see the fall of Geta, gentle, milde, and soft,
Whose line of life no longer Lachesis could stretch,
Cut off by sworde of Antonine, th'unkindely caytiue wretch.
For Empire sake, to raigne alone aloft:
Despisde that was, contemnde, abhord of Gods and men,
And curst to hell by all good men so oft,
You see the fall of Geta, gentle, milde, and soft,
Whose line of life no longer Lachesis could stretch,
Cut off by sworde of Antonine, th'unkindely caytiue wretch.
Let now the world both deeme of my desertes and his,
For to his father he was most, of sonnes, vnkinde:
His mothers ioyes he reaude away her blisse,
That noble Dame which bare to both so mylde a minde:
And let my dealings aye due doome and fauour finde,
Whose murder may giue playne prospect and show
What monster gaue his faythfull friends such ouerthrow.
For to his father he was most, of sonnes, vnkinde:
His mothers ioyes he reaude away her blisse,
That noble Dame which bare to both so mylde a minde:
And let my dealings aye due doome and fauour finde,
Whose murder may giue playne prospect and show
What monster gaue his faythfull friends such ouerthrow.
FINIS.
347
[AURELIUS ANTONIUS BASSIANUS CARACALLA]
How Aurelius Antonius Bassianus Caracalla Emperour of Rome was slayne by one of his owne seruaunts, about the yeere of Christ, 209.
Who thirstes to thring vnto the highest throne,
Ne wisely windes Dame Fortunes subtile snare:
Or who in Courte would rule the rost alone,
And sees not what he heapes himselfe of care,
Let him well wey my case, and then beware:
Whome foorth the stately seate did first allure,
Which after did my hastie death procure.
Ne wisely windes Dame Fortunes subtile snare:
Or who in Courte would rule the rost alone,
And sees not what he heapes himselfe of care,
Let him well wey my case, and then beware:
Whome foorth the stately seate did first allure,
Which after did my hastie death procure.
And, Higins, here in purpose sith thou hast
The haplesse hauen where Fortunes impes ariue,
A mirour make likewise of me thou mayst,
If thou my life and dealings wilt discriue.
It may perhaps much profit some aliue:
Which when themselues playne paynted forth they see,
They may presage their fatall falles in mee.
The haplesse hauen where Fortunes impes ariue,
A mirour make likewise of me thou mayst,
If thou my life and dealings wilt discriue.
It may perhaps much profit some aliue:
Which when themselues playne paynted forth they see,
They may presage their fatall falles in mee.
I am that Antonine, Seuerus sonne
That once of mighty Rome did beare the swaye,
Which in my fathers life a stryfe begone
With Geta, thyrsting often him to slay.
I sought to haue my father made away,
To raigne alone so great desire I had,
Naught but theyr deathes indueste my hart to glad.
That once of mighty Rome did beare the swaye,
Which in my fathers life a stryfe begone
With Geta, thyrsting often him to slay.
I sought to haue my father made away,
To raigne alone so great desire I had,
Naught but theyr deathes indueste my hart to glad.
My father oft exhorted both to peace,
Declarde by stories olde what came by strife,
Dehorted both from ciuill discord cease,
But I sought meanes to rid him of his life.
I banisht to Sycilia Isle my wife,
Encreast mine hoste, reckt not my British charge,
But how I might enioy the Empire large.
Declarde by stories olde what came by strife,
Dehorted both from ciuill discord cease,
348
I banisht to Sycilia Isle my wife,
Encreast mine hoste, reckt not my British charge,
But how I might enioy the Empire large.
And first when as my father once was dead,
I gaue my selfe to all reuenge of foes,
The seruants late which stoode me not in stead,
And some Physicions which my treasons did disclose,
Or such to saue their Prince themselues dispose,
Or reconcile vs brethren tooke sore payne,
I causde them all without respect be slayne.
I gaue my selfe to all reuenge of foes,
The seruants late which stoode me not in stead,
And some Physicions which my treasons did disclose,
Or such to saue their Prince themselues dispose,
Or reconcile vs brethren tooke sore payne,
I causde them all without respect be slayne.
The Captaines all likewise I brybed well,
In Britayne then desiring them to chuse
Mee Emprour sole, and Geta to repell:
Which they to doe for dueties sake refuse.
Our mother eke all meanes with vs did vse,
Perswading vs to loue and concorde bende,
To which dissemblingly I graunted in the ende.
In Britayne then desiring them to chuse
Mee Emprour sole, and Geta to repell:
Which they to doe for dueties sake refuse.
Our mother eke all meanes with vs did vse,
Perswading vs to loue and concorde bende,
To which dissemblingly I graunted in the ende.
Wee both in Empire like from Britayne passe,
A truce concluded there, and hostage take:
His reliques shrinde (as then the custome was)
To Rome therewith our voyage fast we make.
And yet the malice could not so aslake:
For in our iourneyes wee durst neyther trust,
But seuerall Courts and dyets keepe we must.
A truce concluded there, and hostage take:
His reliques shrinde (as then the custome was)
To Rome therewith our voyage fast we make.
And yet the malice could not so aslake:
For in our iourneyes wee durst neyther trust,
But seuerall Courts and dyets keepe we must.
Both fearing poyson, force or treason wrought,
Both crauing all the Empire to enioy,
Both working all the wayes that might be sought,
To worke to each some secret great anoy,
Both seeking how his partner to destroy.
The brother which to brother should be stay,
Endeuours how to make him quite away.
Both crauing all the Empire to enioy,
Both working all the wayes that might be sought,
To worke to each some secret great anoy,
Both seeking how his partner to destroy.
The brother which to brother should be stay,
Endeuours how to make him quite away.
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And those that bare of dignities degree,
The officers, were diuersly distracte:
Some fauourde Geta, some did fauour mee,
In him no poynt of courtesie there lackte.
He was of maners milde, of doome exact,
To studies good addict, of comely grace,
In warres and peace discharging well the place.
The officers, were diuersly distracte:
Some fauourde Geta, some did fauour mee,
In him no poynt of courtesie there lackte.
He was of maners milde, of doome exact,
To studies good addict, of comely grace,
In warres and peace discharging well the place.
But I was rough, and violent, and fearce,
Of fiery Mars affected all to bloud:
What neede I more my qualities rehearce,
Which were so farre vnlike my brothers good.
On threatnings, force, and feare, my Empire stood,
Whereby in deede of fauning friends I had,
For feare or gayne were of my fauour glad.
Of fiery Mars affected all to bloud:
What neede I more my qualities rehearce,
Which were so farre vnlike my brothers good.
On threatnings, force, and feare, my Empire stood,
Whereby in deede of fauning friends I had,
For feare or gayne were of my fauour glad.
Our mother long perswading vs to peace,
And both perceiuing our attempts but vaine,
Did both agree our discordes to surcease,
And for to part the Empire into twaine:
My selfe should holde of Europe all the maine
With th'Isles thereof, and Geta all the East,
Of Asia all the Realmes and Islands most and least.
And both perceiuing our attempts but vaine,
Did both agree our discordes to surcease,
And for to part the Empire into twaine:
My selfe should holde of Europe all the maine
With th'Isles thereof, and Geta all the East,
Of Asia all the Realmes and Islands most and least.
As thus we parle amongst the counsayle all,
And so decree, full purposed thereto,
The Senate, which foresawe mishaps might fall,
Still sadly sate, durst nothing say nor doe:
But Iulia then the mother of vs two,
When she perceiude the Senate pause for feare,
Arose to speake, and sayd as you shall heare.
And so decree, full purposed thereto,
The Senate, which foresawe mishaps might fall,
Still sadly sate, durst nothing say nor doe:
But Iulia then the mother of vs two,
When she perceiude the Senate pause for feare,
Arose to speake, and sayd as you shall heare.
“The sea and land (quod shee) my sonnes you get,
“You finde a way how you may them deuide:
“The Pontique floud betweene you both is set
“For boundes of both, it buts on eyther side:
“But how will you your mother now deuide?
“How shall my haplesse corps be parted, put
“Betweene you both, shall I likewise be cut?
“You finde a way how you may them deuide:
“The Pontique floud betweene you both is set
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“But how will you your mother now deuide?
“How shall my haplesse corps be parted, put
“Betweene you both, shall I likewise be cut?
“If needes in twayne you part this Empire must,
“I see what discorde after may betyde:
“How Empire makes men guiltlesse bloud to thrust,
“What noble Peeres for this betrayde, haue dyde.
“T'were better both the Romaynes well to guyde,
“Then separate farre, without so firme a stay,
“Your seuered force some treason should decay.
“I see what discorde after may betyde:
“How Empire makes men guiltlesse bloud to thrust,
“What noble Peeres for this betrayde, haue dyde.
“T'were better both the Romaynes well to guyde,
“Then separate farre, without so firme a stay,
“Your seuered force some treason should decay.
“One man himselfe may much by wit foresee,
“But twaine may more perceiue perdy then one:
“One friendly man by fauour much may bee,
“But two in friendship knit, neede feare no fone.
“Two brethren then to rule the world alone
“As brethren shoulde, and liue in faithfull sorte,
“The worlde their loue and honours will reporte.
“But twaine may more perceiue perdy then one:
“One friendly man by fauour much may bee,
“But two in friendship knit, neede feare no fone.
“Two brethren then to rule the world alone
“As brethren shoulde, and liue in faithfull sorte,
“The worlde their loue and honours will reporte.
“But if deuide the Empire all you will,
“First ere you goe for to enioy your raigne,
“My woefull corps I pray you here to kill,
“And it deuide betweene you both in twaine,
“That I may eke with both of you remayne.
“Doe burie each a parte so distant farre,
“Deuided as your seates, selues, kingdomes are.
“First ere you goe for to enioy your raigne,
“My woefull corps I pray you here to kill,
“And it deuide betweene you both in twaine,
“That I may eke with both of you remayne.
“Doe burie each a parte so distant farre,
“Deuided as your seates, selues, kingdomes are.
So when she spoken had, with teares shee came,
And sobbes, beseeching both, embracing vs,
And wild we should our selues to friendship frame,
Not bearing hate in hart, and enuie thus:
On which the Senate nothing durst discusse,
But all arose, departing did lament,
Which vewde our thirsting sore, to bloudshed bent.
And sobbes, beseeching both, embracing vs,
And wild we should our selues to friendship frame,
Not bearing hate in hart, and enuie thus:
On which the Senate nothing durst discusse,
But all arose, departing did lament,
Which vewde our thirsting sore, to bloudshed bent.
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Our hatred still encreased more and more,
For when that Captaines newe elected were,
Or officers in place we did restore,
In these, our mindes to all men playne appeare,
We diuersly affected fauour beare:
Of right in sentence eke, of diuers mindes,
As hate full oft the eyes of Iustice blindes.
For when that Captaines newe elected were,
Or officers in place we did restore,
In these, our mindes to all men playne appeare,
We diuersly affected fauour beare:
Of right in sentence eke, of diuers mindes,
As hate full oft the eyes of Iustice blindes.
Our owne we sought, and not the publique weale,
Yet both the publique wealth alone to haue:
We nothing reckt to hap the publique heale,
But to enioy the publique wealth we straue.
To Cookes and Butlers giftes of price we gaue,
To poyson each: when yet not these proceede,
I hired some by force to doe the deede.
Yet both the publique wealth alone to haue:
We nothing reckt to hap the publique heale,
But to enioy the publique wealth we straue.
To Cookes and Butlers giftes of price we gaue,
To poyson each: when yet not these proceede,
I hired some by force to doe the deede.
When this likewise had not successe aright,
My selfe, to slay my brother, I addrest:
I rusht into his chamber euen or night,
While of my force I thinke he feared lest:
There with my sworde I strake him through the brest.
Eke while our mothers lap his woundes embrewe,
Her Geta deare betweene her armes I slewe.
My selfe, to slay my brother, I addrest:
I rusht into his chamber euen or night,
While of my force I thinke he feared lest:
There with my sworde I strake him through the brest.
Eke while our mothers lap his woundes embrewe,
Her Geta deare betweene her armes I slewe.
Which done, I flew the palace straight, and cald the garde,
Cryde treason, told I scarce escapte vnslayne,
Commaunding souldiers well to watch and warde,
And me conuey vnto the campe amayne,
Where I might safe from violence remayne:
I sayd I should be made away, perdie,
If in the Court I longer time did lye.
Cryde treason, told I scarce escapte vnslayne,
Commaunding souldiers well to watch and warde,
And me conuey vnto the campe amayne,
Where I might safe from violence remayne:
I sayd I should be made away, perdie,
If in the Court I longer time did lye.
So they supposing all was trueth I tolde,
(Not weeting what was done to Geta than)
Made speede to runne with me vnto the holde:
The people hearing this, to flocke began,
Enquiring why the Prince and souldiers ran:
In tent I kneeld encampt, the gods to prayse
With promist vowes, which had prolongde my dayes.
(Not weeting what was done to Geta than)
Made speede to runne with me vnto the holde:
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Enquiring why the Prince and souldiers ran:
In tent I kneeld encampt, the gods to prayse
With promist vowes, which had prolongde my dayes.
The souldiers all amazde resorted to the tent,
Where I the Gods with honour serued thoe:
On which I forth amongste them boldly went,
Told them great daungers I had scaped fro,
And of mine enmyes fall and ouerthroe.
By Fortunes gifte (quoth I) the enmye's slayne,
And th'Empyre wholy doth to mee remayne.
Where I the Gods with honour serued thoe:
On which I forth amongste them boldly went,
Told them great daungers I had scaped fro,
And of mine enmyes fall and ouerthroe.
By Fortunes gifte (quoth I) the enmye's slayne,
And th'Empyre wholy doth to mee remayne.
I promist then the souldiers if they would
My Empire stablishe sure, and safty see,
Eache fiue & twenty hundred Attique grotes haue should,
More corne then earst by halfe alowde shoulde bee,
The temples welth and treasures shoulde bee free
For them to vse at large, whereby that onely day
Seuerus pile of eighteene yeare I spoylde away.
My Empire stablishe sure, and safty see,
Eache fiue & twenty hundred Attique grotes haue should,
More corne then earst by halfe alowde shoulde bee,
The temples welth and treasures shoulde bee free
For them to vse at large, whereby that onely day
Seuerus pile of eighteene yeare I spoylde away.
The souldiers so allurde, perceiuing all my minde,
(And slaughter blazde by those in house that fled)
I was by them proclaymde and th'Emprour sole assinde,
And hee an enmy namde that now was deade.
All night in temple forth with vowes I led,
Next day to Senate house with th'armed hoste I gate,
And seruice done, thus wise in th'Empire throne I spake:
(And slaughter blazde by those in house that fled)
I was by them proclaymde and th'Emprour sole assinde,
And hee an enmy namde that now was deade.
All night in temple forth with vowes I led,
Next day to Senate house with th'armed hoste I gate,
And seruice done, thus wise in th'Empire throne I spake:
“I know right well (quod I) domestique slaughters hatefull seeme,
“And euen the name thereof makes men full euill of parties deeme:
“For why, th'vnhappy slayne moues milder men to mercy still,
“And noble Peeres are enuide when compelde theyr foes they kill,
“The vanquisht iniurde seeme, and victours deemde vniustly ill.
“But who so euer shall this case it selfe with trueth perpende
“Not partially that deemes, ensearching what hee did pretend:
“Hee shall perceiue and finde it better farre and needefull more
“To wrecke the wrong, then wincke thereat, & after smarte therfore.
“For, to the slayne beside his woe, there comes a dastardes name,
“The victour hath beside his health, of fortitude the fame.
“But certis how by poysons hee, and all meanes sought my spoile,
“You may right soone by tortures try without of farder toyle.
“And therefore I commaunded all his seruaunts present bee,
“That you the trueth may know, when their confessions plain you see:
“While I was at my mothers house, he brought with swords his traine,
“Forwarnd, so armde, by fight my foe, I haue mine enmy slain.
“Sith hee about a mischiefe went, no brothers harte that bore,
“To take reuenge on such, is due: as custome telles of yore.
“The founder right of Rome, not with his brother flouting bare:
“I leaue to speake what Germanique and Titus erst did dare,
“And Marcus wise and milde his daughters husband did not spare.
“But I, for mee when poysons were and swords to slay mee drest,
“Reuengde my foe, (of foe the name his workes assignde him best)
“Therefore thanke you the Gods, that they one Prince preserued you,
“Beholde the same, him loyall loue, to him bee iust and true:
“For euen as Ioue aboue, amongst the Gods doth rule alone,
“So hee in earth the Empire all, alottes and giues to one.
“And euen the name thereof makes men full euill of parties deeme:
“For why, th'vnhappy slayne moues milder men to mercy still,
“And noble Peeres are enuide when compelde theyr foes they kill,
“The vanquisht iniurde seeme, and victours deemde vniustly ill.
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“Not partially that deemes, ensearching what hee did pretend:
“Hee shall perceiue and finde it better farre and needefull more
“To wrecke the wrong, then wincke thereat, & after smarte therfore.
“For, to the slayne beside his woe, there comes a dastardes name,
“The victour hath beside his health, of fortitude the fame.
“But certis how by poysons hee, and all meanes sought my spoile,
“You may right soone by tortures try without of farder toyle.
“And therefore I commaunded all his seruaunts present bee,
“That you the trueth may know, when their confessions plain you see:
“While I was at my mothers house, he brought with swords his traine,
“Forwarnd, so armde, by fight my foe, I haue mine enmy slain.
“Sith hee about a mischiefe went, no brothers harte that bore,
“To take reuenge on such, is due: as custome telles of yore.
“The founder right of Rome, not with his brother flouting bare:
“I leaue to speake what Germanique and Titus erst did dare,
“And Marcus wise and milde his daughters husband did not spare.
“But I, for mee when poysons were and swords to slay mee drest,
“Reuengde my foe, (of foe the name his workes assignde him best)
“Therefore thanke you the Gods, that they one Prince preserued you,
“Beholde the same, him loyall loue, to him bee iust and true:
“For euen as Ioue aboue, amongst the Gods doth rule alone,
“So hee in earth the Empire all, alottes and giues to one.
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Thus hauing sayde alowde, with irefull moode,
And bloudy countnaunce cast about the place,
Th'assembly pale and trembling, fearefull stoode,
And I retournde to'th Pallace thence a space.
My brothers householde then I made a way a pace,
His friends, his seruaunts all, young, olde, and new,
And th'infantes eke, without respect I slewe:
And bloudy countnaunce cast about the place,
Th'assembly pale and trembling, fearefull stoode,
And I retournde to'th Pallace thence a space.
My brothers householde then I made a way a pace,
His friends, his seruaunts all, young, olde, and new,
And th'infantes eke, without respect I slewe:
The Wrastlers and the Waggeners likewise,
Musitians, players, which did please his minde:
Of th'order of the Senatours full wise,
In whome was noble bloud or wealth to finde.
Not one of Getaes friends I left behinde:
Also my wife whome I exilde away
To Sicile Ile, I caused them to slay.
Musitians, players, which did please his minde:
Of th'order of the Senatours full wise,
In whome was noble bloud or wealth to finde.
Not one of Getaes friends I left behinde:
Also my wife whome I exilde away
To Sicile Ile, I caused them to slay.
Lucilla eke that auncient noble Dame
To Marcus wise the daughter sage and graue,
Of Commodus that sister great of fame,
Which honour much in Rome deserude to haue,
I say, shee did my deedes therein depraue,
Because to Getaes mother shee wept sore,
For Getaes death: I causde her die therefore.
To Marcus wise the daughter sage and graue,
Of Commodus that sister great of fame,
Which honour much in Rome deserude to haue,
I say, shee did my deedes therein depraue,
Because to Getaes mother shee wept sore,
For Getaes death: I causde her die therefore.
Her sonne likewise, I caused should bee slayne,
And of th'imperiall bloud (to make all sure)
I left not one aliue, that might remayne,
Or vnto whom they might my place procure.
By night likewise I put like acts in vre:
For day and night I ceased not to slay,
Of Getaes friendes to roote the rest away.
And of th'imperiall bloud (to make all sure)
I left not one aliue, that might remayne,
Or vnto whom they might my place procure.
By night likewise I put like acts in vre:
For day and night I ceased not to slay,
Of Getaes friendes to roote the rest away.
I Vestall virgins buried eke aliue,
And made the souldiers multitudes to kill,
Because I deemde they were in wordes to blyue.
Against my couche wherein I trauailde still,
The souldiers slewe the men that thought no ill,
Or made them buy their liues with all they had,
Which were, to scape with life alone, full glad.
And made the souldiers multitudes to kill,
Because I deemde they were in wordes to blyue.
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The souldiers slewe the men that thought no ill,
Or made them buy their liues with all they had,
Which were, to scape with life alone, full glad.
This donne, for feare from Rome with speede I gate,
The townelike life at home misliked mee:
For why the Citty did my murders hate,
Where souldiers held their slaughters franke and free,
And were enricht by spoile of each degree.
I gate therefore with all my Martiall crewe
From Itayle land, Danubian shoares to vewe.
The townelike life at home misliked mee:
For why the Citty did my murders hate,
Where souldiers held their slaughters franke and free,
And were enricht by spoile of each degree.
I gate therefore with all my Martiall crewe
From Itayle land, Danubian shoares to vewe.
Where, vnto hunting I applyde my selfe,
To ride abroade in couche, and giue them lawes:
In fewe dispacht their pleas about but pelfe,
Not gieuen to heare long pleading playnts for strawes.
I counted such but cafling caytiue dawes
As spent their substaunce, time, and goods in suite,
About such things as could not yeelde them fruite.
To ride abroade in couche, and giue them lawes:
In fewe dispacht their pleas about but pelfe,
Not gieuen to heare long pleading playnts for strawes.
I counted such but cafling caytiue dawes
As spent their substaunce, time, and goods in suite,
About such things as could not yeelde them fruite.
I clad myselfe much like the Germanes then,
So trimde my haire, chose them my garde to serue:
So framde my selfe to please these ruder men,
As might them cause of mee full well deserue,
From labour none with them I seemde to swerue:
To digge, lifte, beare, to grinde, moulde, knead or bake
In painfull sort, and simple fare to take.
So trimde my haire, chose them my garde to serue:
So framde my selfe to please these ruder men,
As might them cause of mee full well deserue,
From labour none with them I seemde to swerue:
To digge, lifte, beare, to grinde, moulde, knead or bake
In painfull sort, and simple fare to take.
The Germanes much reioyste my kinde of life,
My sufferaunce great in during labours long:
The name of mate with vs was holden rife,
I seemde a fellowe souldier them among:
Of stature small, yet was I wondrous strong,
So that the stoutest men which in mine armies were,
Durst not with mee great burdens dare to beare.
My sufferaunce great in during labours long:
The name of mate with vs was holden rife,
I seemde a fellowe souldier them among:
Of stature small, yet was I wondrous strong,
So that the stoutest men which in mine armies were,
Durst not with mee great burdens dare to beare.
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When at Danubius I had placed strength,
To Thracia thence with speede apace I went:
There Monuments agayne I made at length
To Alexanders fame: to Rome I sent
Likewise of statures for the same intent,
In Capitole and Temples them to place,
For honour great of Alexanders grace.
To Thracia thence with speede apace I went:
There Monuments agayne I made at length
To Alexanders fame: to Rome I sent
Likewise of statures for the same intent,
In Capitole and Temples them to place,
For honour great of Alexanders grace.
I made mee garments eke of Thracian guise,
And Captaynes mee to Alexander call:
To Pergame thence in Asia great that lies
I gate, Achilles tombe with honours all
To vewe perdy, as stories witnesse shall:
Whence (order set) to Antioche I farde,
Where my receyte with honour was preparde.
And Captaynes mee to Alexander call:
To Pergame thence in Asia great that lies
I gate, Achilles tombe with honours all
To vewe perdy, as stories witnesse shall:
Whence (order set) to Antioche I farde,
Where my receyte with honour was preparde.
To Alexandria then I fared faste,
For they had scofte full oft before at mee:
My mother they had named Queene Iocaste,
Achilles great and Alexander mee.
They smilde my folly great herein to see,
Which though I were a dwarfe of stature small,
Durst take the name of Captaynes great and tall.
For they had scofte full oft before at mee:
My mother they had named Queene Iocaste,
Achilles great and Alexander mee.
They smilde my folly great herein to see,
Which though I were a dwarfe of stature small,
Durst take the name of Captaynes great and tall.
Ne Getaes murder spared oft to spread,
As is their nature gieuen to taunt and iest:
Wherefore as though Religion had mee lead,
I offred sacrifice with solemne feast
At Alexanders tombe, where most and least
Of all the youth were present to behold
The offerings great I brought, and giftes of gold.
As is their nature gieuen to taunt and iest:
Wherefore as though Religion had mee lead,
I offred sacrifice with solemne feast
At Alexanders tombe, where most and least
Of all the youth were present to behold
The offerings great I brought, and giftes of gold.
This donne, I wild the youth should all prepare
To showe themselues in field: for I would choose
A band by Alexanders name to fare,
As erst in Thrace and Sparta I did vse.
They came reioysing all, to heare the newes:
Where I with souldiers come to take the vewe,
Them compast in, and all the people slewe.
To showe themselues in field: for I would choose
A band by Alexanders name to fare,
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They came reioysing all, to heare the newes:
Where I with souldiers come to take the vewe,
Them compast in, and all the people slewe.
The valley all did swimme with streames of bloud,
So great that time a slaughter was there made:
It staynde the mighty mouthes of Nilus floud,
And on the shoares you might bloud wetshod wade:
My piners eke were prest with showle and spade
T'interre the dead, a monstrous trench that fill,
And on them scarce all dead, they rearde a mighty hill.
So great that time a slaughter was there made:
It staynde the mighty mouthes of Nilus floud,
And on the shoares you might bloud wetshod wade:
My piners eke were prest with showle and spade
T'interre the dead, a monstrous trench that fill,
And on them scarce all dead, they rearde a mighty hill.
But then desiring glory more to get
By Parthian name, which erst my father had,
I sent to Artabane, without of let,
Ambassage great, with giftes his minde to glad:
And for his daughter them perswade I bad,
Desiring him to giue the Princesse mee to wife,
The cause of lasting loue, an end of mortall strife.
By Parthian name, which erst my father had,
I sent to Artabane, without of let,
Ambassage great, with giftes his minde to glad:
And for his daughter them perswade I bad,
Desiring him to giue the Princesse mee to wife,
The cause of lasting loue, an end of mortall strife.
By this both ioynde in one, wee might for ay
Of all the world the Diademe possesse:
And might to each in all attempts be stay,
In fight our foes by firmer force suppresse.
When they my message thus did there expresse,
At first hee fearde deceyte: agayne I sent:
Wherewith hee was at last full well content.
Of all the world the Diademe possesse:
And might to each in all attempts be stay,
In fight our foes by firmer force suppresse.
When they my message thus did there expresse,
At first hee fearde deceyte: agayne I sent:
Wherewith hee was at last full well content.
By giftes I wrought, and plight my fayth withall
For truth to him, and for his daughters loue,
And hee began mee sonne in lawe to call.
Which new reporte, did all the Parthians moue
Vs to receiue, our frendships firme t'approue,
Reioysing now such league at last to see,
Whereby they might from Romayne warres bee free.
For truth to him, and for his daughters loue,
And hee began mee sonne in lawe to call.
Which new reporte, did all the Parthians moue
Vs to receiue, our frendships firme t'approue,
Reioysing now such league at last to see,
Whereby they might from Romayne warres bee free.
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And so I entred Parthia as mine owne,
The Parthians mee receiude with triomphes great:
When mine approache to Artabane was knowne,
In playne before the City of his seat
Hee came to meete mee, with a nomber great
Ware garlands gay, in golden vestures clad,
With all the ioy, and triomphes might bee had.
The Parthians mee receiude with triomphes great:
When mine approache to Artabane was knowne,
In playne before the City of his seat
Hee came to meete mee, with a nomber great
Ware garlands gay, in golden vestures clad,
With all the ioy, and triomphes might bee had.
So when great multitudes assembled were,
Their horses lefte behinde and bowes layd downe,
Amongst their cups deuoyde of force the feare,
By nombers great the chiefe of all the towne,
Which came to see the bridemans highe renowne,
Disorderly vnarmde as so they gazing stand,
I gaue my souldiers signe, to take the blade in hand.
Their horses lefte behinde and bowes layd downe,
Amongst their cups deuoyde of force the feare,
By nombers great the chiefe of all the towne,
Which came to see the bridemans highe renowne,
Disorderly vnarmde as so they gazing stand,
I gaue my souldiers signe, to take the blade in hand.
And downe by sword they fell, they could not flye,
The King escaped scarce, conueyde by horse away:
Their solemne garments long, theire flight did tye,
A slaughter great of Parthians was that day,
Wee sackte their Townes, and noble men did slay.
From thence I past t'Azamia after this
To hunt, and gaue my selfe a while to bath in blisse.
The King escaped scarce, conueyde by horse away:
Their solemne garments long, theire flight did tye,
A slaughter great of Parthians was that day,
Wee sackte their Townes, and noble men did slay.
From thence I past t'Azamia after this
To hunt, and gaue my selfe a while to bath in blisse.
Thus hauing runne my reckelesse race vnkinde,
And doubting both of treason and my thrall,
I sought by curious artes of sprites to finde
Who should procure in th'end my fatall fall:
Materniane at Rome should search for all,
Hee should enquire my fate, of all the skillfull men,
And write hereof with speede, what was their mindes agen.
And doubting both of treason and my thrall,
I sought by curious artes of sprites to finde
Who should procure in th'end my fatall fall:
Materniane at Rome should search for all,
Hee should enquire my fate, of all the skillfull men,
And write hereof with speede, what was their mindes agen.
What hee rewrate agayne, I wote not I,
From Carras I to Lunaes Temple went:
And for because it neare the Campe did lye,
To sacrifice with fewe was mine intent:
For why to towne from thence retourne I ment,
And so from thence toth Campe likewise agayne
I might mee thought retyre, without a greater trayne.
From Carras I to Lunaes Temple went:
And for because it neare the Campe did lye,
359
For why to towne from thence retourne I ment,
And so from thence toth Campe likewise agayne
I might mee thought retyre, without a greater trayne.
Amongst the which, one Martiall of my garde,
Whose brother (not conuinste, accusde) I slewe,
Thus wise my caytiue corps did watch to warde,
(For when therefore conuenient time hee knewe,
While I aparte me gate for natures due,
And bade the rest aside a space departe)
Hee came and stabde mee stifly through the harte.
Whose brother (not conuinste, accusde) I slewe,
Thus wise my caytiue corps did watch to warde,
(For when therefore conuenient time hee knewe,
While I aparte me gate for natures due,
And bade the rest aside a space departe)
Hee came and stabde mee stifly through the harte.
Seuerus seruaunts I corrupted ofte,
Them feeid to make their Lorde my syre away:
With Getaes men the like attempts I wrought,
To bane their Lord, and brother mine to slay.
How I the Alexandrians did betray.
And Parthians eke, before to you I tolde,
Deseruing death for those a thousand folde.
Them feeid to make their Lorde my syre away:
With Getaes men the like attempts I wrought,
To bane their Lord, and brother mine to slay.
How I the Alexandrians did betray.
And Parthians eke, before to you I tolde,
Deseruing death for those a thousand folde.
But sith those faithfull seruaunts I did kill,
Which would not sley their noble Lordes for golde,
I worthy was to haue a gard so ill,
As shoulde to perce my hatefull harte bee bolde.
The Iustice great of Ioua here beholde:
Vniustly who so seekes to slay the iust and good,
The sword at length shall take his false & traytours bloud.
Which would not sley their noble Lordes for golde,
I worthy was to haue a gard so ill,
As shoulde to perce my hatefull harte bee bolde.
The Iustice great of Ioua here beholde:
Vniustly who so seekes to slay the iust and good,
The sword at length shall take his false & traytours bloud.
FINIS.
| Parts added to The mirror for magistrates | |