The Avncient Order, Societie, and Unitie Laudable, of Prince Arthure and his Knightly Armory of the Round Table. With a Threefold Assertion frendly in fauour and furtherance of English Archery at this day. Translated and Collected by R. R. [i.e. Richard Robinson] |
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THE FIRST ASSERTION and is Sacred Historicall.
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 | The Avncient Order, Societie, and Unitie Laudable, of Prince Arthure |  |
THE FIRST ASSERTION and is Sacred Historicall.
God the Author of Peace and Loue did so therein delyte,
That of one Man hee Members twaine dyd make & them vnyte:
To whom when Children twaine hee gaue, the more to multiply
This Peace and Loue, Sathan possest one of them by and by.
Cayn it was who did maligne His Brother Habell so,
That hee ne ceast by cruell Death this bond to breake in to:
Wherefore when hee had issew left, the Lorde of loue decreede,
That Cayns hatred should bee rewed for that his filthy deede.
As learned Lyra writes thereon how Lamech old and blinde:
With Bow and shafts did walke the woods, some wished pray to finde.
His Boy that lead him through the same (as seemed him) espyde
Some beast, which nathles Cayn was, where hee himselfe did hyde,
So that (saith Lyra,) Lamech slew a man there in his wounde:
Lo heare was harmles Abels death with his reuenged founde.
If Lyra thus wee may beleeue, Lo here the Bowe and shaft,
Ordained Gods weapon of reuenge on Murders cruell crafte
Lo here the Bowe and arrowe, was first chosen instrument,
As guerdon dew for wicked deede by Goddes most iust iudgement.
That of one Man hee Members twaine dyd make & them vnyte:
To whom when Children twaine hee gaue, the more to multiply
This Peace and Loue, Sathan possest one of them by and by.
Cayn it was who did maligne His Brother Habell so,
That hee ne ceast by cruell Death this bond to breake in to:
Wherefore when hee had issew left, the Lorde of loue decreede,
That Cayns hatred should bee rewed for that his filthy deede.
As learned Lyra writes thereon how Lamech old and blinde:
With Bow and shafts did walke the woods, some wished pray to finde.
His Boy that lead him through the same (as seemed him) espyde
Some beast, which nathles Cayn was, where hee himselfe did hyde,
So that (saith Lyra,) Lamech slew a man there in his wounde:
Lo heare was harmles Abels death with his reuenged founde.
If Lyra thus wee may beleeue, Lo here the Bowe and shaft,
Ordained Gods weapon of reuenge on Murders cruell crafte
Lo here the Bowe and arrowe, was first chosen instrument,
As guerdon dew for wicked deede by Goddes most iust iudgement.
A Figure of Goddes Peace and Loue the rayne bow yet was set,
As couenant twixt him and the earth that hee no more would let
The furious floods consume the Lande, which frutefull afterward
Hee made for humaine vse to serue his chosen and sauegard.
As couenant twixt him and the earth that hee no more would let
The furious floods consume the Lande, which frutefull afterward
Hee made for humaine vse to serue his chosen and sauegard.
Ismael in the wildernes an infant crying lay,
Gods Angell heard the same, and did vnto his Mother say,
Hagar see thou bee of good cheare, thy Childe vp forthwith take,
And cherish it for God will sure a People great him make.
So this Child grewe, and it is sayd an Archer hee became
And afterward in the wildernes did dwell, called Paran.
Gods Angell heard the same, and did vnto his Mother say,
Hagar see thou bee of good cheare, thy Childe vp forthwith take,
And cherish it for God will sure a People great him make.
So this Child grewe, and it is sayd an Archer hee became
And afterward in the wildernes did dwell, called Paran.
Isaac waxing old did byd Esaw his eldest Sonne,
His Bowe and quyuer for to take into the feeldes and ronne,
To kill some venson, which hee did, but yet in the meane while,
Iacob the younger brother could full kindly him beguyle:
Whereby we see whom God doth loue, vnlikely though they seeme,
Are soonest blest, when worldlings of their will are frustrate cleene.
His Bowe and quyuer for to take into the feeldes and ronne,
To kill some venson, which hee did, but yet in the meane while,
Iacob the younger brother could full kindly him beguyle:
Are soonest blest, when worldlings of their will are frustrate cleene.
Ioseph the sonne of Iacob so found fauour with his God,
That He was reconed as a braunch which should increase abroad:
Of him t'is said, His Bow bode fast, his armes eke strengthened were,
Euen by the handes of Iacobs God as did full well appeare.
That He was reconed as a braunch which should increase abroad:
Of him t'is said, His Bow bode fast, his armes eke strengthened were,
Euen by the handes of Iacobs God as did full well appeare.
Ruben, Gad, and halfe Manasse Tribes three elected, in field
With manly might did shoote in Bow, and carry sword and sheeld:
What time with Hagarites, Iethur, Nephis, and Noab they
Fought valiantly, the Lord did them assist in all assay.
With manly might did shoote in Bow, and carry sword and sheeld:
What time with Hagarites, Iethur, Nephis, and Noab they
Fought valiantly, the Lord did them assist in all assay.
Iosuah discomfiting fiue Kings, (though Tribes that did him ayde, Iosuah. 10.
As there to handle Bowes and shafts are not expressly said)
Yet there a Booke is mencioned, euen Iashar so by name,
Not now in vse (which some affirme) showed shootings auncient fame.
As there to handle Bowes and shafts are not expressly said)
Yet there a Booke is mencioned, euen Iashar so by name,
Not now in vse (which some affirme) showed shootings auncient fame.
And sure the Lord Iehoua himselfe doth meane thereby his power,
When threatning wise the wicked ones he brings thus in terror,
His Arowes on them he will send (he meaneth in angry moode:)
And eke His Bow that he will bend, And dye his shafts in bloud:
These shafts of his so sharpe no stone can cause them to rebound,
But through the threefold armed coate they pearce with mortal wound.
When threatning wise the wicked ones he brings thus in terror,
His Arowes on them he will send (he meaneth in angry moode:)
And eke His Bow that he will bend, And dye his shafts in bloud:
These shafts of his so sharpe no stone can cause them to rebound,
But through the threefold armed coate they pearce with mortal wound.
Balaam in his prophecie of Israels happy state,
Saith, that his force the Vnicorne in strength should coequate.
The Nations, he should eate also, and broose his enemies bones:
Yea, He should shoot his Arowes through those great & mighty ones.
Saith, that his force the Vnicorne in strength should coequate.
The Nations, he should eate also, and broose his enemies bones:
Yea, He should shoot his Arowes through those great & mighty ones.
Debora she euen Baracks wyfe who iudged Israell,
In that her song for victorie, which God gaue her, doth tell,
How God deliuered Iabin King of Canaan to her hand,
Whose Archers noyse was so appeast eche were throughout her Land.
That where none earst could water drawe, now all deuoid of feare,
Might haue inough sith those their foes so happily vanquisht were.
Whereby we note, although the wicked such defences haue,
Yet for because in vse of them Gods goodnes they depraue,
And arrogate vnto themselues, all glorie, hope, and praise,
Therefore theyr good things turne to euill sometime, if not alwayes.
In that her song for victorie, which God gaue her, doth tell,
How God deliuered Iabin King of Canaan to her hand,
Whose Archers noyse was so appeast eche were throughout her Land.
That where none earst could water drawe, now all deuoid of feare,
Might haue inough sith those their foes so happily vanquisht were.
Whereby we note, although the wicked such defences haue,
Yet for because in vse of them Gods goodnes they depraue,
And arrogate vnto themselues, all glorie, hope, and praise,
Therefore theyr good things turne to euill sometime, if not alwayes.
Hanna the wife of Elcana when shee did pray so ioyed,
The Bow with mightie men was broke to her rebuke employed:
And waykeilngs girded forth them selues with strēgth (she said) like mē
As who say God makes simple soules do great things now and then.
The Bow with mightie men was broke to her rebuke employed:
And waykeilngs girded forth them selues with strēgth (she said) like mē
As who say God makes simple soules do great things now and then.
Ionathas, the Sonne of Saule king Dauids mortall foe,
Was Dauids faithfull Frend, when hee this watchword gaue him to,
That hee should three dayes hyde him by the stone Ezel by name,
During the time of Saule his wrath and furious raging flame.
Then Ionathas sayd hee would shoot three Arrowes at that stone,
As at a marck, and after hee would make a Boy to rome,
And seeke the shaftes, when if I say vnto the Boy once, (See,)
The arrowes are on this side thee, bring them and come, saith hee,
The matter then goeth well for thee, no hurt as liueth the Lorde:
But if I say vnto the Boy, (Behold:) by this watchworde,
The arrowes are beyonde thee, then, make haste and get thee away,
For God hath so dismissed thee, This Ionathas could say.
Was Dauids faithfull Frend, when hee this watchword gaue him to,
That hee should three dayes hyde him by the stone Ezel by name,
During the time of Saule his wrath and furious raging flame.
Then Ionathas sayd hee would shoot three Arrowes at that stone,
As at a marck, and after hee would make a Boy to rome,
And seeke the shaftes, when if I say vnto the Boy once, (See,)
The arrowes are on this side thee, bring them and come, saith hee,
The matter then goeth well for thee, no hurt as liueth the Lorde:
But if I say vnto the Boy, (Behold:) by this watchworde,
The arrowes are beyonde thee, then, make haste and get thee away,
For God hath so dismissed thee, This Ionathas could say.
Saule and Ionathas his Sonne, with his two Brethren mo,
When the Philistyans fought with them, felt God his iudgements so
By the Archers and Bowemen of th'vncircumcysed theare,
Saule wounded was, but his three Sonnes outright dispatched were.
When the Philistyans fought with them, felt God his iudgements so
By the Archers and Bowemen of th'vncircumcysed theare,
Saule wounded was, but his three Sonnes outright dispatched were.
Dauid then before hee was of Iuda annoynted King.
Ouer Saule and Ionathas moarned, thus lamenting,
The Bow saith hee of Ionathas turned neuer back in vaine,
Neither Saules Sword once empty went from the blood of the slaine:
See theare the minde of Goddes elect, in doyng good for ill,
See pity showed for cruelty, for mallys eke goodwill.
Ouer Saule and Ionathas moarned, thus lamenting,
The Bow saith hee of Ionathas turned neuer back in vaine,
Neither Saules Sword once empty went from the blood of the slaine:
See theare the minde of Goddes elect, in doyng good for ill,
See pity showed for cruelty, for mallys eke goodwill.
Dauid enduring yet long warres euen with that house of Saule,
By Goddes good will exalted was, when his foes had the falle,
And prospered so that hee was King ouer all Israell:
Hee conquered Ierusalem and Iebusytes so fell,
Who did deny him to come theare, when yet victoriously,
Hee wan the Castle of Syon, which hee called his Citty,
When hee made Ioab generall, which Iebusites first smote,
With whome were mighty Men of armes euen many a one to note:
When one or other of twelue trybes came to him day by day,
Untill he had a full great hoast, Like the hoast of God to say:
Who doth consider well all this most amply may beholde,
Gods fauour towardes Dauid cheef and mercies manyfold.
So as Hee againe A man was founde euen after Goddes owne hart,
Yea a King to whome both faith and promise God did sure imparte:
Whose Psalmody his sacred zeale to Godwardes did declare,
Whose Regiment did shewe for his a Princely prudent care,
As when he first enacted that eche Childe within his Lande,
Should be instructed for to shoot, their Enemies to withstande.
In peace time prouident for warres (he said): He was at peace,
With them that hated peace: In warres, he did at no time cease,
To serue his God, that he would graunt assured state and stay,
As at a marke that he might ayme to walke ech godly way.
For why, he had experience good, whome God doth so elect,
Ought not to feare what euer fall, his duty to neglect:
But trusteth, God hath mortall Darts, yea arrowes keene and sharp,
For them that him do persecute, whiles they do mischief warp:
And though the wicked bend their Bowes, & make their Arrowes prest
To shoot in secret, and to hurt the sounde, and harmles brest:
Yet God his fiery Thunderboultes can cast them heare and theare,
And with his fiery lightning shafts can foyle his foes with feare:
And as a marke he will them set, in a most open place,
And charge his bow-strings readily against his Enemies face.
Gods Arrowes sharp and keene which are, their harts so sore shal sting,
That Folke shall fall and kneele to him, as to the mightiest King:
In Syon brake he shaft and bowe, the sworde, the speare and shielde,
And brake the Ray, to ouerthrow the Battell in the fielde:
So that his Children shall not feare, nor yet become afflight,
For all the shafts that flye by day, nor terrour in the night.
Yet for an ordenary meane King Dauid doth aduance,
The Bowe and shaft, as mans defence, and for his foes noyance:
Extolling eke the exercyse by that same troupe or traine,
Of Shooters, which in peace or warres Gods glorie do maintaine.
As when these Children come to age (saith he) and actyuenes,
Oh well ys he whose quyuer with such shafts the Lord doth blesse:
Whether Prince so peopled be, or Parent Children such,
And so many be blest with all, they neede not feare the gruch,
Or greeuous force of Enemy, If God be on their side:
In which respect the prayer of Dauid may be applyde,
When for Gods safe deliuerance from eche such Enemy,
(Thine Arrowes shoot and them consume) vnto the Lorde prayth he.
Then seeth he, God taking his parte, it nought his foes shall boote,
For, They no hurt at all shall do, when they their shafts shall shoote:
By Goddes good will exalted was, when his foes had the falle,
And prospered so that hee was King ouer all Israell:
Hee conquered Ierusalem and Iebusytes so fell,
Who did deny him to come theare, when yet victoriously,
Hee wan the Castle of Syon, which hee called his Citty,
When hee made Ioab generall, which Iebusites first smote,
With whome were mighty Men of armes euen many a one to note:
When one or other of twelue trybes came to him day by day,
Untill he had a full great hoast, Like the hoast of God to say:
Who doth consider well all this most amply may beholde,
Gods fauour towardes Dauid cheef and mercies manyfold.
So as Hee againe A man was founde euen after Goddes owne hart,
Yea a King to whome both faith and promise God did sure imparte:
Whose Psalmody his sacred zeale to Godwardes did declare,
Whose Regiment did shewe for his a Princely prudent care,
Should be instructed for to shoot, their Enemies to withstande.
In peace time prouident for warres (he said): He was at peace,
With them that hated peace: In warres, he did at no time cease,
To serue his God, that he would graunt assured state and stay,
As at a marke that he might ayme to walke ech godly way.
For why, he had experience good, whome God doth so elect,
Ought not to feare what euer fall, his duty to neglect:
But trusteth, God hath mortall Darts, yea arrowes keene and sharp,
For them that him do persecute, whiles they do mischief warp:
And though the wicked bend their Bowes, & make their Arrowes prest
To shoot in secret, and to hurt the sounde, and harmles brest:
Yet God his fiery Thunderboultes can cast them heare and theare,
And with his fiery lightning shafts can foyle his foes with feare:
And as a marke he will them set, in a most open place,
And charge his bow-strings readily against his Enemies face.
Gods Arrowes sharp and keene which are, their harts so sore shal sting,
That Folke shall fall and kneele to him, as to the mightiest King:
In Syon brake he shaft and bowe, the sworde, the speare and shielde,
And brake the Ray, to ouerthrow the Battell in the fielde:
So that his Children shall not feare, nor yet become afflight,
For all the shafts that flye by day, nor terrour in the night.
Yet for an ordenary meane King Dauid doth aduance,
The Bowe and shaft, as mans defence, and for his foes noyance:
Extolling eke the exercyse by that same troupe or traine,
Of Shooters, which in peace or warres Gods glorie do maintaine.
As when these Children come to age (saith he) and actyuenes,
Oh well ys he whose quyuer with such shafts the Lord doth blesse:
Whether Prince so peopled be, or Parent Children such,
And so many be blest with all, they neede not feare the gruch,
Or greeuous force of Enemy, If God be on their side:
In which respect the prayer of Dauid may be applyde,
When for Gods safe deliuerance from eche such Enemy,
(Thine Arrowes shoot and them consume) vnto the Lorde prayth he.
Then seeth he, God taking his parte, it nought his foes shall boote,
For, They no hurt at all shall do, when they their shafts shall shoote:
So Dauid and his Princes all after his warres, offered,
Towards the building of Gods house, and thankes to him rendred,
And when he had raigned .xl. yeers iust ouer Israell,
In his owne Citty hee slept and lay, which Zyon was to tell.
Towards the building of Gods house, and thankes to him rendred,
In his owne Citty hee slept and lay, which Zyon was to tell.
Whose Sonne that wise King Salomon succeeded in his throane,
A Prince of peace and glory such, as like was neuer a one:
Him all the foresaid Potentates, in eche thing meete obaide.
His charets xiiij C. tho, and Horsemen, it is sayde,
Twelue M. were which hee nothing so much had care vppon,
As for to builde the Temple, and to pray in Gibeon,
To keepe the Arck yeelde peace offrings, and still aduance Gods worde,
With instruments of musick sweete lauding the liuing Lorde:
The race of whose Raigne .xl. yeares then beeyng consummate,
In the City of Dauid eke he slept intumulate.
A Prince of peace and glory such, as like was neuer a one:
Him all the foresaid Potentates, in eche thing meete obaide.
His charets xiiij C. tho, and Horsemen, it is sayde,
Twelue M. were which hee nothing so much had care vppon,
As for to builde the Temple, and to pray in Gibeon,
To keepe the Arck yeelde peace offrings, and still aduance Gods worde,
With instruments of musick sweete lauding the liuing Lorde:
The race of whose Raigne .xl. yeares then beeyng consummate,
In the City of Dauid eke he slept intumulate.
Asa King of Iuda did destroy all Idolles theare,
Commanding his, the lyuing God truly to serue and feare:
Ere hee with the AEthiopian King and his huge hoast would feight,
He prayde vnto Iehoue, and hee did heare his prayer streight:
Of the trybe of Beniamyn, which bare both Bow and shield,
A valiant hoaste hee had which got the victory in that fielde.
Commanding his, the lyuing God truly to serue and feare:
Ere hee with the AEthiopian King and his huge hoast would feight,
He prayde vnto Iehoue, and hee did heare his prayer streight:
Of the trybe of Beniamyn, which bare both Bow and shield,
A valiant hoaste hee had which got the victory in that fielde.
Iehosophat of Iuda King, his fathers rowme possest,
Who prospered trusting in his God, and was with riches blest,
He toke of Strangers tribute, and had of Beniamyns trybe
200000 warlike wights with Bowe and sheeld to byde.
Who prospered trusting in his God, and was with riches blest,
He toke of Strangers tribute, and had of Beniamyns trybe
200000 warlike wights with Bowe and sheeld to byde.
Ahab, King of Israell, in following the aduise,
Of those 400 Prophets dyd but fondly enterprise,
At Ramoth theare in Gilead geanst the King of Aram,
To feight regarding not Michah, euen then a certen Man
Drewe a Bowe and smote Ahab betweene his ioyntes and eke
The Brigandyne, that so hee dyed to late for helpe to seeke.
Of those 400 Prophets dyd but fondly enterprise,
At Ramoth theare in Gilead geanst the King of Aram,
To feight regarding not Michah, euen then a certen Man
Drewe a Bowe and smote Ahab betweene his ioyntes and eke
The Brigandyne, that so hee dyed to late for helpe to seeke.
Vzzia chosen to be King of Iuda dyd obay
The Lorde Iehoue, and on a time did giue a bold assay,
To warr against the Phylistens, with bowes and arrowes fell,
And God in eche his enterprise dyd prosper him full well.
The Lorde Iehoue, and on a time did giue a bold assay,
To warr against the Phylistens, with bowes and arrowes fell,
And God in eche his enterprise dyd prosper him full well.
Iosyas King of Iuda, was a Prince of godly mynde,
The temple he restored, and his prayer heard did fynde,
When be a couenaunt made with God. But when vniusty hee
Genst the AEgiptian King would feight neglecting Ieremy,
And that same King which did dehorte him from that wilfull feight
The Archers shot and wounded him vnto the death there streight.
The temple he restored, and his prayer heard did fynde,
When be a couenaunt made with God. But when vniusty hee
Genst the AEgiptian King would feight neglecting Ieremy,
And that same King which did dehorte him from that wilfull feight
The Archers shot and wounded him vnto the death there streight.
Iehu annoynted of the Lorde, tooke bowe and arrowes keene,
And strongly smote Iehoram tho, his armed armes betweene
The arrowe pearst euen through his hart, God would it so to bee,
The whordomes of their Iesabell, and wich-crafts plagued hee.
And strongly smote Iehoram tho, his armed armes betweene
The arrowe pearst euen through his hart, God would it so to bee,
The whordomes of their Iesabell, and wich-crafts plagued hee.
Elysha sayd vnto Ioas, then king of Israell
Open a window Eastward and, shoote as I shall thee tell:
The Arrow of health that it may bee, The Arow of the Lords health,
Against all Syria to subuert them and their common wealth.
Open a window Eastward and, shoote as I shall thee tell:
The Arrow of health that it may bee, The Arow of the Lords health,
Against all Syria to subuert them and their common wealth.
Iob, when the Lord afflicted him, by Metaphor did mone
The Lorde hath set mee as a marke (saith he) for him alone,
And that his Arches hemd him in, and compassed him rounde,
They spared mee no whit (saith he) but sore my loynes did wounde:
When eke Gods iudgements in his wrath vpon the vngodly,
Hee prooues doth light to their deserts, he saith, though they do fly
The Iron weapons warlike yet, with the Steele bow they shall
Bee shot, and on them shaftes most sharp by lots must light and fall:
But nombring vp Goddes benefits on him then multiplide.
His bow, with honour stronger dyd in his owne hand abide.
The Lorde hath set mee as a marke (saith he) for him alone,
And that his Arches hemd him in, and compassed him rounde,
They spared mee no whit (saith he) but sore my loynes did wounde:
When eke Gods iudgements in his wrath vpon the vngodly,
Hee prooues doth light to their deserts, he saith, though they do fly
The Iron weapons warlike yet, with the Steele bow they shall
Bee shot, and on them shaftes most sharp by lots must light and fall:
But nombring vp Goddes benefits on him then multiplide.
His bow, with honour stronger dyd in his owne hand abide.
Esay, the Prophet of the Lorde, when he dyd prophecy
Of Ierusalems Ruine, and of her captiuity,
Pronounced vnto her Goddes wrath, in these wordes verament,
That all Goddes arrowes sharp should bee, and all his bowes eke bent.
Fortelling how Ierusalem for sinne, beseged should bee
With arrowes and with bowes shall one agenst her come, saith hee.
Ere that the Medes and Persians should Babylon destroy:
With Bowes (saith hee) they shall assaile thy Children to anoy.
Of Ierusalems Ruine, and of her captiuity,
Pronounced vnto her Goddes wrath, in these wordes verament,
That all Goddes arrowes sharp should bee, and all his bowes eke bent.
Fortelling how Ierusalem for sinne, beseged should bee
With arrowes and with bowes shall one agenst her come, saith hee.
Ere that the Medes and Persians should Babylon destroy:
With Bowes (saith hee) they shall assaile thy Children to anoy.
Of Idumeas ruyn and, of all Arabyas too:
He verifiyng said, they fled from drawne sword and bent Bowe.
And that the residew which were euen their owne Archers strong,
Of Kedars Sonnes a few or none should them be found among.
He verifiyng said, they fled from drawne sword and bent Bowe.
And that the residew which were euen their owne Archers strong,
Of Kedars Sonnes a few or none should them be found among.
The same Esay reporteth eke, when Hezekiah King
Of Iuda heard the blasphemy of Rabsechas rayling.
Sent from Senacherib, he asked counsell of Esay.
Who promisd him the victory, and that without delay.
But as for the Assyrian king, he neuer enter shall
This Citty, nor once shoot a shaft (saith hee) to worck her thrall.
Of Iuda heard the blasphemy of Rabsechas rayling.
Sent from Senacherib, he asked counsell of Esay.
Who promisd him the victory, and that without delay.
But as for the Assyrian king, he neuer enter shall
This Citty, nor once shoot a shaft (saith hee) to worck her thrall.
This Prophet tellls when as the Lord would chuse his people so,
Subdewing kings he gaue them as The dust his sworde vnto.
And scatered them vnto his Bowe as stuble, signifiying.
No power can scape his mightie hand, him to resist applying.
Subdewing kings he gaue them as The dust his sworde vnto.
No power can scape his mightie hand, him to resist applying.
He prophecyeth in the person of (Christ) the faithfull to assure,
That God his secret fauour, and his feruent loue should dure,
Towardes them. Vnder the shadowe of his hand, he hath hyd me,
And in his quyuer a chosen shaft he me hath hydd, saith he,
Lastly, I read that Esay saith, God will his Church enlarge,
By the Apostles, Ministers, and his Disciples charge:
In Affrica, Cilicia, in Parthia, and Italy.
To them (he saith) that draw the Bow, not knowing his glory,
Nor haue not heard his fame as yet, ne yet his glory seene,
To these same Gentiles preach he will, that they may him esteeme,
That God his secret fauour, and his feruent loue should dure,
Towardes them. Vnder the shadowe of his hand, he hath hyd me,
And in his quyuer a chosen shaft he me hath hydd, saith he,
Lastly, I read that Esay saith, God will his Church enlarge,
By the Apostles, Ministers, and his Disciples charge:
In Affrica, Cilicia, in Parthia, and Italy.
To them (he saith) that draw the Bow, not knowing his glory,
Nor haue not heard his fame as yet, ne yet his glory seene,
To these same Gentiles preach he will, that they may him esteeme,
Ieremy, in prophecying of Babylon that whoore,
Her wickednes and Idolles (saith) God will them plague full sore,
And that of mightie Nations, be, a multitude will bring,
Out of the North (in batle aray,) themselues enarmouring:
Their Arrowes shall be as of one that is most strong certaine:
And expert too, for none of them shall once returne in vaine:
He showes, the Lorde commaunds, they shall Put themselues in aray,
Geanst Babell round about, all ye (that bend the Bowe) I say.
Shoote at her (saith he) spare no shaftes, for she against the Lorde
Hath sinned, so that he the same hath greeuously abhorde.
The voyce of them that flee and scape from out of Babylon
Shall be, To shew (Goddes vengeance great ouer her) vnto Syon.
Call vp the Archers geanst Babell, all ye that bend the Bowe,
Besige her round about, let none escape, nor hye nor lowe.
Rewarde her after her owne workes, for she hath sinned. Thus
Saith Ieremy, shall she be serued for sinnes flagitius.
Yea, more he addes that: Many Kings from th'earth shall raised be
Against her, they shall holde the Bow and Buckler, eke saith he:
But drawing nearer to her end (To him that bendes the bow,
And him that lifts vp brygandyne, by these wordes he doth show,
The Lord will say, spare not her youngmen, but slay all her hoast,
Make bright the Arrowes, gather the shields, as if ye spare no cost:
The Lord hath raised vp the spirite in the King of the Medes:
His purpose is geanst Babell, to destroy her feete and heades.
And afterward, he veryfieth: The strong men of Babell
Are taken, and their bowes are broke: God graunt it hap so well:
But in his Lamentacions yet, this Prophet doth auowe,
God bent his bowe, and made him as a marke for the arrowe:
The arrowe of his quyuer he caused to enter into my raines.
This speech doth shew the Prophets grief, for his frends grief & paines,
Her wickednes and Idolles (saith) God will them plague full sore,
And that of mightie Nations, be, a multitude will bring,
Out of the North (in batle aray,) themselues enarmouring:
Their Arrowes shall be as of one that is most strong certaine:
And expert too, for none of them shall once returne in vaine:
He showes, the Lorde commaunds, they shall Put themselues in aray,
Geanst Babell round about, all ye (that bend the Bowe) I say.
Shoote at her (saith he) spare no shaftes, for she against the Lorde
Hath sinned, so that he the same hath greeuously abhorde.
The voyce of them that flee and scape from out of Babylon
Shall be, To shew (Goddes vengeance great ouer her) vnto Syon.
Call vp the Archers geanst Babell, all ye that bend the Bowe,
Besige her round about, let none escape, nor hye nor lowe.
Rewarde her after her owne workes, for she hath sinned. Thus
Saith Ieremy, shall she be serued for sinnes flagitius.
Yea, more he addes that: Many Kings from th'earth shall raised be
Against her, they shall holde the Bow and Buckler, eke saith he:
But drawing nearer to her end (To him that bendes the bow,
And him that lifts vp brygandyne, by these wordes he doth show,
The Lord will say, spare not her youngmen, but slay all her hoast,
Make bright the Arrowes, gather the shields, as if ye spare no cost:
The Lord hath raised vp the spirite in the King of the Medes:
His purpose is geanst Babell, to destroy her feete and heades.
And afterward, he veryfieth: The strong men of Babell
Are taken, and their bowes are broke: God graunt it hap so well:
God bent his bowe, and made him as a marke for the arrowe:
The arrowe of his quyuer he caused to enter into my raines.
This speech doth shew the Prophets grief, for his frends grief & paines,
Ezechiel much alike foresheweth of Gog and Magogs fall,
Which fought against Gods People sore, and that with power not smal
Wherefore, the Lord of hoastes by him doth fearcely thus inuay
Gogs Bow out of his left hand, he will smyte and dasshe away.
And out of his right hand will cause the Shaftes to fall downe flat.
A fyre on Magog will he send, so as forthwith on that,
They which inhabite Cityes do, throughout all Israell
Shall go forth and set fiery flame vppon his weapons fell,
Vppon his shields and Bucklers, and vpon eche shafte and Bowe,
Yea vpon their staues euen in their handes, to burne them on a rowe,
For seauen yeares space: Thus saith the Lorde, at my table ye shall
With Horses, Charyots and valiant men of Warre be filled withall,
So that the Lorde himselfe doth say, by this Prophet Ezechiel,
Iacob I will redeeme and shewe mercy on Israell:
Which fought against Gods People sore, and that with power not smal
Wherefore, the Lord of hoastes by him doth fearcely thus inuay
Gogs Bow out of his left hand, he will smyte and dasshe away.
And out of his right hand will cause the Shaftes to fall downe flat.
A fyre on Magog will he send, so as forthwith on that,
They which inhabite Cityes do, throughout all Israell
Shall go forth and set fiery flame vppon his weapons fell,
Vppon his shields and Bucklers, and vpon eche shafte and Bowe,
Yea vpon their staues euen in their handes, to burne them on a rowe,
For seauen yeares space: Thus saith the Lorde, at my table ye shall
With Horses, Charyots and valiant men of Warre be filled withall,
So that the Lorde himselfe doth say, by this Prophet Ezechiel,
Iacob I will redeeme and shewe mercy on Israell:
Oseas the Prophet well concludes then this said prophecy,
With bow nor sworde God his will saue, but with his mere mercy.
With bow nor sworde God his will saue, but with his mere mercy.
Zacharias zealus in the Lorde confirmes a truth twofolde,
Threatning Gentiles destruction, which are so wilfull bolde,
To warre against the Lordes Iuda, he telleth them therfore
The Bow of their Batle shalbe broke, and God will then restore
Peace to the heathen folke on earth, which had vnquyet rest.
And so where warres did worke much woo, Gods peace shal make them blest
But when he speakes of Iudaes blisse, enlarged, he doth show,
That God his chosen Iuda hath bent out euen as a Bowe.
In raising vp of Syons sonnes, O Grecia, then saith he:
Beholde euen as a Gyants sworde, so strong I haue made thee.
Threatning Gentiles destruction, which are so wilfull bolde,
To warre against the Lordes Iuda, he telleth them therfore
The Bow of their Batle shalbe broke, and God will then restore
Peace to the heathen folke on earth, which had vnquyet rest.
And so where warres did worke much woo, Gods peace shal make them blest
But when he speakes of Iudaes blisse, enlarged, he doth show,
That God his chosen Iuda hath bent out euen as a Bowe.
In raising vp of Syons sonnes, O Grecia, then saith he:
Beholde euen as a Gyants sworde, so strong I haue made thee.
Nehemyas chosen of the Lorde Ierusalems walle to builde,
By Sanballat, Tobyas, and the Arabians then withhyld
Was hindered much, yet with th'one half of Iudaes yong men there,
And with th'other half, which helde, the Bow, the shield and speare,
With manly courage Reard, it was the walle and prosperous stood,
The Rulers saw the same with ioy maugre th'enemies mood.
By Sanballat, Tobyas, and the Arabians then withhyld
Was hindered much, yet with th'one half of Iudaes yong men there,
And with th'other half, which helde, the Bow, the shield and speare,
With manly courage Reard, it was the walle and prosperous stood,
The Rulers saw the same with ioy maugre th'enemies mood.
Esdras prophecying (against Asia and Babilon,
Egipt, Syria, and of eche greuous affliction,
Which vppon all the worlde shal comme by Goddes decreed iudgement
Saith, Strong is his right hande by whome his Bow shall so bee bent,
His arrowes which hee shoots, are sharp and shall not misse, he saies,
When they begin for to bee shot into the latter dayes.
Egipt, Syria, and of eche greuous affliction,
Saith, Strong is his right hande by whome his Bow shall so bee bent,
His arrowes which hee shoots, are sharp and shall not misse, he saies,
When they begin for to bee shot into the latter dayes.
Iudith a worthie Wydow was, and handmayde of the Lorde
Which prayde to God in her distresse, and walked in his worde
What tyme that Tyrant proude assailde Nabuchadnezer hee
With Olophernes his Cheeftaine, and all their huge army
To come against Gods Israell, Tuelue thousand Archers stoute,
And sixescore thousand others mo of that his Rakehell Rowte,
Beholde God heard this woman weike, when she for hers so praide:
Thy power Oh God in multitude consisteth not, she saide,
Nor thy might in stronge men remaines: But thou the hope onely,
Of humble myndes deffendst wayklyngs and which forsaken bee,
Those thou protectst. Her prayer so did please the lyuing Lorde
As by his might this woman weyke could vse the pearsing sworde
That shee cut of the Captaines head, so mightie in mischeef,
His members quayld, Gods will preuaild, and hers found ioy for greef.
Which prayde to God in her distresse, and walked in his worde
What tyme that Tyrant proude assailde Nabuchadnezer hee
With Olophernes his Cheeftaine, and all their huge army
To come against Gods Israell, Tuelue thousand Archers stoute,
And sixescore thousand others mo of that his Rakehell Rowte,
Beholde God heard this woman weike, when she for hers so praide:
Thy power Oh God in multitude consisteth not, she saide,
Nor thy might in stronge men remaines: But thou the hope onely,
Of humble myndes deffendst wayklyngs and which forsaken bee,
Those thou protectst. Her prayer so did please the lyuing Lorde
As by his might this woman weyke could vse the pearsing sworde
That shee cut of the Captaines head, so mightie in mischeef,
His members quayld, Gods will preuaild, and hers found ioy for greef.
Iudas Machabeus, he, the first which bare that name,
One of the Worthies nyne so cald deserues immortall fame
For valiantly encountering with Demetrius and his hoast,
Whose Archers marching in forwarde, for all their heathnish boast.
Iudas in the Lordes quarrell, yet his Brethren dyd comfort,
Though there he lost his life in feelde the same for to support,
One of the Worthies nyne so cald deserues immortall fame
For valiantly encountering with Demetrius and his hoast,
Whose Archers marching in forwarde, for all their heathnish boast.
Iudas in the Lordes quarrell, yet his Brethren dyd comfort,
Though there he lost his life in feelde the same for to support,
Iohn the deuyne Reuailes to all those that true Christians bee,
Firme consolation in distresse by Christe our Lorde saith he,
Beholde a white Horse, and he which vppon the same doth sit,
A bow had ready drawne in hand: A Crowne and giuen him fit,
And hee should go forth conquering, and ouercome eche wheare,
This Christe our King doth signify, which such a rule shall beare,
Through out the worlde, that hee shall shoote the shafts of his gospell,
To saue for euer his elect, conquering sinne, death and hell.
Firme consolation in distresse by Christe our Lorde saith he,
Beholde a white Horse, and he which vppon the same doth sit,
A bow had ready drawne in hand: A Crowne and giuen him fit,
And hee should go forth conquering, and ouercome eche wheare,
This Christe our King doth signify, which such a rule shall beare,
Through out the worlde, that hee shall shoote the shafts of his gospell,
To saue for euer his elect, conquering sinne, death and hell.
| The Avncient Order, Societie, and Unitie Laudable, of Prince Arthure | |