Albions England A Continued Historie of the same Kingdome, from the Originals of the first Inhabitants thereof: With most the chiefe Alterations and Accidents theare hapning, vnto, and in the happie Raigne of our now most gracious Soueraigne, Queene Elizabeth: Not barren in varietie of inuentiue and historicall Intermixtures: First penned and published by William Warner: and now reuised, and newly inlarged by the same Author: Whereunto is also newly added an Epitome of the whole Historie of England |
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| 1. | THE FIRST BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND. |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IIII. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| 2. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
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| XI. |
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| XX. |
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| XXIII. |
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| XXVI. |
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| XXVII. |
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| XXIX. |
| XXX. |
| XXXI. |
| XXXII. |
| XXXIII. |
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| XXXIIII. |
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| XXXVII. |
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| XXXVIII. |
| XXXIX. |
| XL. |
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| XLVI. |
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| XLIX. |
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| LIII. |
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| LIIII. |
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| LVI. |
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| LXI. |
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| LXVI. |
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| LXIX. |
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| LXXI. |
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| 13. |
| LXXVI. |
| LXXVII. |
| LXXVIII. |
| LXXIX. |
 | Albions England |  |
THE FIRST BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND.
CHAP. I.
I tell of things done long agoe, of many things in few:
And chiefly of this Clime of ours, the Accidents pursue.
Thou high Director of the same, assist mine artlesse pen,
To write the gests of Brutons stout, and actes of English men.
And chiefly of this Clime of ours, the Accidents pursue.
Thou high Director of the same, assist mine artlesse pen,
To write the gests of Brutons stout, and actes of English men.
When arked Noah, & seuen with him, the emptyd worlds Remaine,
Had left the instrumentall meane, of landing them againe:
And that both man and beast, and all, did multiplie with store,
To Asia Sem, to Affrick Cham, to Europe Iapheth bore
Their families. Thus triple wise the world deuided was:
One language common vnto all: vntill it came to passe,
That Nembroth sonne to Chus, the sonne of Cham, old Noah his sonne,
Had in Chaldea (neuer seene before) a Throne begonne.
As he and his audacious crew, the Tower of Babell reare,
Pretending it should check the cloudes, so to auoyd the feare
Of following flouddes, the Creator of Creatures beheld
The climing toppes of cloud-high Towers and more to be fulfild.
To cut off which ambitious plot, and quash their proud intent
Amongst a world of people there he sundry speeches sent,
So that, vnable to conferre about the worke they went,
The Tower was left vnfinished: and euery man withdrew
Himselfe apart, to ioyne with those whose language best he knew:
And thus confused tongues at first, to euery Nation grew.
Had left the instrumentall meane, of landing them againe:
And that both man and beast, and all, did multiplie with store,
To Asia Sem, to Affrick Cham, to Europe Iapheth bore
Their families. Thus triple wise the world deuided was:
One language common vnto all: vntill it came to passe,
That Nembroth sonne to Chus, the sonne of Cham, old Noah his sonne,
Had in Chaldea (neuer seene before) a Throne begonne.
2
Pretending it should check the cloudes, so to auoyd the feare
Of following flouddes, the Creator of Creatures beheld
The climing toppes of cloud-high Towers and more to be fulfild.
To cut off which ambitious plot, and quash their proud intent
Amongst a world of people there he sundry speeches sent,
So that, vnable to conferre about the worke they went,
The Tower was left vnfinished: and euery man withdrew
Himselfe apart, to ioyne with those whose language best he knew:
And thus confused tongues at first, to euery Nation grew.
The Babylonian Saturne though his buildings speede was bad,
Yet found the meanes that vnder him he many Nations had.
He was the first that rulde as King, or forraine lands subdude,
Or went about into the right of others to intrude:
Ere this aspiring mindes did sleepe, and wealth was not pursude.
His sonne Ioue Belus after him, succeeded and puruaide
For dreadfull warres, but awlesse death his dreadfull purpose staide,
Yet found the meanes that vnder him he many Nations had.
He was the first that rulde as King, or forraine lands subdude,
Or went about into the right of others to intrude:
Ere this aspiring mindes did sleepe, and wealth was not pursude.
His sonne Ioue Belus after him, succeeded and puruaide
For dreadfull warres, but awlesse death his dreadfull purpose staide,
Then Ninus prosecutes the warres, preuented Belus sought,
And fild the wronged worlde with armes, and to subiection brought
Much people, yet not capable of such his nouile fight.
From Assur to Caldea he translates the Empire quite:
And caused fire on horses backs, before him euer borne,
To be adored for a God. Thus out of vse was worne
In Assur and Caldea too the honour rightly due
To high Iehoua, God indeede. Idolatrie thus grew
From Ninus first: he first of all a Monarchie did frame,
And bewtified Niniuie, that bore the Builders name.
And fild the wronged worlde with armes, and to subiection brought
Much people, yet not capable of such his nouile fight.
From Assur to Caldea he translates the Empire quite:
And caused fire on horses backs, before him euer borne,
To be adored for a God. Thus out of vse was worne
In Assur and Caldea too the honour rightly due
To high Iehoua, God indeede. Idolatrie thus grew
From Ninus first: he first of all a Monarchie did frame,
And bewtified Niniuie, that bore the Builders name.
His warlike wife Semiramis, her husband being dead,
And sonne in nonage, failing him long ruled in his stead:
Delating in a males attyre, the Empire new begonne:
The which, his yeares admitting it, she yeelded to her sonne.
Thus Cham his brood did borgeon first, and held the world in awe:
But Iaphets Line to Iauans land from Assur doth vs drawe.
And sonne in nonage, failing him long ruled in his stead:
Delating in a males attyre, the Empire new begonne:
The which, his yeares admitting it, she yeelded to her sonne.
3
But Iaphets Line to Iauans land from Assur doth vs drawe.
Mvch praise is spoke of Thessalie, and Pegasus his Springs,
And how the Nimphes of Meonie, in Tempe did great things,
And how that Cecrops and his seed did honour Athens so,
As that from thence are said the Springs of Sciences to flow.
Not onely Artes but Cheualry, from Greece deriue we may:
Whereof (omitting many things) my Muse, alonely say
How Saturne, Ioue, and Hercules, did fill the world with fame
Of iustice, prowesse, and how they both men and Monsters tame:
And so from these deriue the meane how Brute to Albion came.
And how the Nimphes of Meonie, in Tempe did great things,
And how that Cecrops and his seed did honour Athens so,
As that from thence are said the Springs of Sciences to flow.
Not onely Artes but Cheualry, from Greece deriue we may:
Whereof (omitting many things) my Muse, alonely say
How Saturne, Ioue, and Hercules, did fill the world with fame
Of iustice, prowesse, and how they both men and Monsters tame:
And so from these deriue the meane how Brute to Albion came.
In Crete did florish in those daies (first there that florisht so)
Vranos: he in wealth and wit all others did out-goe.
This tooke to wife (not then forbod) his Sister Vesta fayre,
That crooked Titan did to him and comely Saturne baer.
The elder for deformities, in making and of minde,
With parents and the people too did lesser liking finde:
The younger by the contraries, gaue hansell in his prime
Of many vertues, honouring their Owners elder time.
Away slips age: death spareth none: Vranos leaues the stage,
His body (now depriu'd of pomp) interrd, the wormes doe gage.
Well may a rich mans Hearse want teares, but heirs he shall not mis,
To whom, that he is dead at lenght no little ioye it is.
Howbeit, at the least for forme, Vranos Sonnes lament:
But scarce their parted fathers Ghost to heauen or hell was sent,
When that his heires did fall at oddes about the vacant Raigne:
And Titan chafes, disabled then the Scepter to sustaine.
Each eye did follow Saturnes forme, each heart applaudes his fame,
And to couclude, with whole consent, he winnes away the game.
Yet, for because the Birth-right should inure to Titan still,
In Mars his Church did Saturne vow his Issues males to kill.
Not meanely glad was Saturne then his head possest a Crowne,
When, of his building, he was Lord of many a peopled Towne.
He giueth lawes, his lawes are kept, he bids, and all obay,
And equally belou'd and feard he wealds a kingly sway.
He teacheth men (vntaught before) to eare the lusty land:
And how to pearse the pathlesse ayre, with shaft from Bow-mans hand.
God Dis did quaile to see his golde so fast conuayd from hell,
And fishes quakte, when men in ships amidst their flouds did dwell:
Who loues not him? Wherein did not the King of Crete excell.
Vranos: he in wealth and wit all others did out-goe.
This tooke to wife (not then forbod) his Sister Vesta fayre,
That crooked Titan did to him and comely Saturne baer.
The elder for deformities, in making and of minde,
With parents and the people too did lesser liking finde:
The younger by the contraries, gaue hansell in his prime
Of many vertues, honouring their Owners elder time.
Away slips age: death spareth none: Vranos leaues the stage,
His body (now depriu'd of pomp) interrd, the wormes doe gage.
Well may a rich mans Hearse want teares, but heirs he shall not mis,
To whom, that he is dead at lenght no little ioye it is.
Howbeit, at the least for forme, Vranos Sonnes lament:
But scarce their parted fathers Ghost to heauen or hell was sent,
When that his heires did fall at oddes about the vacant Raigne:
And Titan chafes, disabled then the Scepter to sustaine.
Each eye did follow Saturnes forme, each heart applaudes his fame,
And to couclude, with whole consent, he winnes away the game.
Yet, for because the Birth-right should inure to Titan still,
In Mars his Church did Saturne vow his Issues males to kill.
4
When, of his building, he was Lord of many a peopled Towne.
He giueth lawes, his lawes are kept, he bids, and all obay,
And equally belou'd and feard he wealds a kingly sway.
He teacheth men (vntaught before) to eare the lusty land:
And how to pearse the pathlesse ayre, with shaft from Bow-mans hand.
God Dis did quaile to see his golde so fast conuayd from hell,
And fishes quakte, when men in ships amidst their flouds did dwell:
Who loues not him? Wherein did not the King of Crete excell.
But what auaile or Townes, or Lawes, or what doe subiects moue?
Sheaues, Shafts, or Ships, or Gold, or all? king Saturne is in loue.
He loues, and is beloude againe: yet so might not suffice,
In former vow to Titan made his paine of pleasure lies:
But no man from the Monarche Loue by wealth or weapon flies.
Cybella, faire Cybella is espoused to her brother:
And as doe Venus billing Birds so loue they one another.
In Coiture she doth conceiue: one sonne is borne, and slayne:
And Saturne of the hansell hard, doth male-content remayne.
Sheaues, Shafts, or Ships, or Gold, or all? king Saturne is in loue.
He loues, and is beloude againe: yet so might not suffice,
In former vow to Titan made his paine of pleasure lies:
But no man from the Monarche Loue by wealth or weapon flies.
Cybella, faire Cybella is espoused to her brother:
And as doe Venus billing Birds so loue they one another.
In Coiture she doth conceiue: one sonne is borne, and slayne:
And Saturne of the hansell hard, doth male-content remayne.
CHAP. II.
The Sunne had compast all the Signes, and Cybell brought to light
Her second breede, a smiling boy, and Iupiter he hight,
Together with the Queene of Gods (so Iunoes stile we wright.)
The infant smiled at his birth: but Cybell, ioy-bereft,
And Vesta, whom Vranos had an heauy widow left,
Did both lament: for Saturne wild the new borne babe should die,
Both to acquite him of his vow, and frustrate Destinie.
For at the Oracle he had, his wife a sonne should beare,
That should eiect him from his Realme: his vow therefore and feare
Did hasten on (vnwillingly) the slaughter of his sonne:
For which (his sorrowes granting speech) his moene he thus begonne.
Her second breede, a smiling boy, and Iupiter he hight,
Together with the Queene of Gods (so Iunoes stile we wright.)
The infant smiled at his birth: but Cybell, ioy-bereft,
And Vesta, whom Vranos had an heauy widow left,
Did both lament: for Saturne wild the new borne babe should die,
5
For at the Oracle he had, his wife a sonne should beare,
That should eiect him from his Realme: his vow therefore and feare
Did hasten on (vnwillingly) the slaughter of his sonne:
For which (his sorrowes granting speech) his moene he thus begonne.
And want not stately crowns their cares? With pompe haue princes paine?
Ah, die he must, and die he shall, els may not Saturne raigne.
Yeat, might a Scepters want suffice, I gladly would resigne:
But sworne by Stix and wreakfull Mars at periuries repine.
Then farre be it that they repine, least I too late repent:
It doubles sinne, if sinne by sinne we practise to preuent.
From this time foorth, Melancholie, for Surname Saturne had:
No mirth could wrest frō him a smile, ech smile would make him sad.
His seruants feare his solemne fittes, when if they ought did say,
He either answers not at all, or quite an other way.
Vnpeopled roomes and pathlesse waies did fit his humour best:
And then he sighs and sheadeth teares when all things else did rest.
Who so could cite a Tragedie was formost in his creede,
For, balking pleasaunt company, on sorrowes did he feede.
Death likes him that mislikes himselfe: in gesture roabes and all
He shewes himselfe like to himselfe: and hence it doth befall
That men to Melancholy giuen, we Saturnists do call.
Ah, die he must, and die he shall, els may not Saturne raigne.
Yeat, might a Scepters want suffice, I gladly would resigne:
But sworne by Stix and wreakfull Mars at periuries repine.
Then farre be it that they repine, least I too late repent:
It doubles sinne, if sinne by sinne we practise to preuent.
From this time foorth, Melancholie, for Surname Saturne had:
No mirth could wrest frō him a smile, ech smile would make him sad.
His seruants feare his solemne fittes, when if they ought did say,
He either answers not at all, or quite an other way.
Vnpeopled roomes and pathlesse waies did fit his humour best:
And then he sighs and sheadeth teares when all things else did rest.
Who so could cite a Tragedie was formost in his creede,
For, balking pleasaunt company, on sorrowes did he feede.
Death likes him that mislikes himselfe: in gesture roabes and all
He shewes himselfe like to himselfe: and hence it doth befall
That men to Melancholy giuen, we Saturnists do call.
His Wife and Sister kissing oft her Nephewe and her Sonne,
(For she his Aunt and Mother was) with Vesta seeke to shunne
The voted Fathers deadly doome: to kill so sweete a Childe
Their eies and very soules abhorre: who (nothing so vnmilde)
Doe weeping kisse his laughing mouth, in minde the Babe to saue:
Howbeit feare of Saturnes wroth contrary counsell gaue.
But when in haste the Babe his heart was sent for by and by,
So Saturnd wild, so Cybell must, and Vesta not denie,
It was a woe to heare their woe and death to see them die.
Vnhollowed wretch, then Cybell said, in wombe why did I beare
This double burthen? happy Twins, saue that my Twins they are.
So that my teeming with these throwes had ending well were I:
Or would I might not giue them life, that liuing foorthwith die.
Thy Scepter (Saturne) is not worth Perfourmance of thy vow:
Thy conscience doth a scruple holde that Gods nor men allow.
From Gods, frō men, frō brutish beasts, frō nature nought doth grow,
But fosters what it bringeth foorth: thou onely doest not so.
Thy sonnes alone for slaughters serue, and I meane while their mother
Am Saturns Wife, lesse prowd of it then that he is my Brother.
Vnhappy Cybell borne to beare, and therefore borne to woe,
And fruitlesse fertill to a man that soweth not to mow.
(For she his Aunt and Mother was) with Vesta seeke to shunne
The voted Fathers deadly doome: to kill so sweete a Childe
Their eies and very soules abhorre: who (nothing so vnmilde)
Doe weeping kisse his laughing mouth, in minde the Babe to saue:
Howbeit feare of Saturnes wroth contrary counsell gaue.
But when in haste the Babe his heart was sent for by and by,
So Saturnd wild, so Cybell must, and Vesta not denie,
It was a woe to heare their woe and death to see them die.
Vnhollowed wretch, then Cybell said, in wombe why did I beare
6
So that my teeming with these throwes had ending well were I:
Or would I might not giue them life, that liuing foorthwith die.
Thy Scepter (Saturne) is not worth Perfourmance of thy vow:
Thy conscience doth a scruple holde that Gods nor men allow.
From Gods, frō men, frō brutish beasts, frō nature nought doth grow,
But fosters what it bringeth foorth: thou onely doest not so.
Thy sonnes alone for slaughters serue, and I meane while their mother
Am Saturns Wife, lesse prowd of it then that he is my Brother.
Vnhappy Cybell borne to beare, and therefore borne to woe,
And fruitlesse fertill to a man that soweth not to mow.
Now teares had drowned further speech till she, as one bestrought,
Did crie that with a knife the Babe should to her bed be brought:
My selfe (quoth she) will be his death, with whome my selfe will die:
For so may Saturne saue and shunne his vow and destinie.
But Vesta countermaunds her moode: yet Saturnes will must stand,
For Ioue must die, or they not liue. A Damsell theare at hand
Was then enforced to that charge. Thrise toucht her knife his Skin,
But thrice his smiles did cause her teares: she fourthly did beginne,
And fourthly ended as before. Betide me death or life,
Liue still (at least for me) she said: and casting downe the knife,
She kist that sweete and prety mouth that laughed on her lippes,
And brings him back to Cybels bed: Her heart, reuiued, skippes,
Reuiewing life where reckned death had wrought repentant teares.
The Father fronted with a guile, at length the Damsell beares
The Infant vnto Oson Towne, and in her Ladies name,
Intreates Melissus Daughters twaine to nourish vp the same.
Vp to a mountaine beare they him, and in a secret Caue
A Mountaine Goat did giue him milke, and so his life they saue.
His Nourses, sounding Simbals once to drowne the Infants crie,
A many Bees (the Muses birds) into the Caue did flie,
Where making Honie, Saturnes Sonne did long time liue thereby.
Did crie that with a knife the Babe should to her bed be brought:
My selfe (quoth she) will be his death, with whome my selfe will die:
For so may Saturne saue and shunne his vow and destinie.
But Vesta countermaunds her moode: yet Saturnes will must stand,
For Ioue must die, or they not liue. A Damsell theare at hand
Was then enforced to that charge. Thrise toucht her knife his Skin,
But thrice his smiles did cause her teares: she fourthly did beginne,
And fourthly ended as before. Betide me death or life,
Liue still (at least for me) she said: and casting downe the knife,
She kist that sweete and prety mouth that laughed on her lippes,
And brings him back to Cybels bed: Her heart, reuiued, skippes,
Reuiewing life where reckned death had wrought repentant teares.
The Father fronted with a guile, at length the Damsell beares
The Infant vnto Oson Towne, and in her Ladies name,
Intreates Melissus Daughters twaine to nourish vp the same.
Vp to a mountaine beare they him, and in a secret Caue
A Mountaine Goat did giue him milke, and so his life they saue.
His Nourses, sounding Simbals once to drowne the Infants crie,
A many Bees (the Muses birds) into the Caue did flie,
Where making Honie, Saturnes Sonne did long time liue thereby.
7
CHAP. III.
It doth remaine of Iupiter, as how (but then a Lad)
From Epire to Pelasgis him the Lordes Epyrotes had,
To fetch their pledge Lycaon held, when time of truce had ende.
Lycaon (fayning to consent, that did not so intend)
Next day, as though he would dismisse the Legates with estate,
Did make to them a solemne feast: when, hauing slaine of late
The noble pledge, he brings his limmes and setteth them before
His Countrey men to feede vpon in saused dishes store.
From Epire to Pelasgis him the Lordes Epyrotes had,
To fetch their pledge Lycaon held, when time of truce had ende.
Lycaon (fayning to consent, that did not so intend)
Next day, as though he would dismisse the Legates with estate,
Did make to them a solemne feast: when, hauing slaine of late
The noble pledge, he brings his limmes and setteth them before
His Countrey men to feede vpon in saused dishes store.
The Strangers and his Subiects too abhorring such a sight,
Sit gazing each in others face, bereft of speech and sprite,
Vntill that lustie Iupiter, a stripling to beholde,
Did take the limmes dismembred so, and with a courage bolde
Did shew them throw Pelasgis streetes, declaring by the way
The murther of their bloodie King: which did so much dismay
The Citizens, that euen they, detesting such vnright,
Did rise in armes against their King, where youthfull Ioue did fight
So valiantly, that by his force Lycaon tooke his flight:
And after did by Robberies, by blood, and Rapines liue:
For which to him a Wooluish shape the Poets aptly giue.
In
Epyre and Pelasgis thus Ioue first his honour wonne:
Sit gazing each in others face, bereft of speech and sprite,
Vntill that lustie Iupiter, a stripling to beholde,
Did take the limmes dismembred so, and with a courage bolde
Did shew them throw Pelasgis streetes, declaring by the way
The murther of their bloodie King: which did so much dismay
The Citizens, that euen they, detesting such vnright,
Did rise in armes against their King, where youthfull Ioue did fight
So valiantly, that by his force Lycaon tooke his flight:
And after did by Robberies, by blood, and Rapines liue:
For which to him a Wooluish shape the Poets aptly giue.
But greater things vntouched are by this same Worthy donne.
And partly, in the monstrous warre that Titan and his Crue
8
The which his brother had aliue, against their couenant made:
When, Titan Victor, fast in hold was vanquisht Saturne laide,
Together with his wife and friends: where sorrow much they past,
Till Iupiter did vnderstand his parentage at last.
He therefore landing tooke in Crete, with well prouided men,
And slew his Vncle Titan, and the Giant Tiphon then,
With most part of the Titanoies, and sets his Father free;
By meanes whereof they reconcile: and well a while agree.
Not brooking then Apollos fault, in that he entertainde
The remnaunt of the Titanoies that after warres remainde,
Apollo was by Iupiter inforced for to flie
His kingdome Paphos, and to liue exilde in Thessalie.
There loue, but chiefly penurie, constrained him to keepe
(Vntill he was restored home) the King Admetus sheepe.
And for his Sonne disdainefully enuied Ioue his praise,
Ioue was the same Phisitions death that dead to life could raise:
Whose fame grew thus. As AEsculap an heardsman did espie,
That did with easie fight enforce a Basiliske to flye,
(Albeit naturally that Beast doth murther with the eye)
Apollos Sonne perceiuing him with Garland on his head,
Imagins (as it was indeede) some hearb such vertue bread:
And for a proofe, he caused him to cast the wreath away,
When strait the beast her onely eyes the silly man did slay.
Then AEsculap himselfe did take the wreath and puts it on,
And by that meanes he ouercame the Basiliske anon.
In hearbs that deeper force is hid then Science may containe
I finde, said he, and hearb by hearb into his mouth did straine
That lay for dead, an hearb at last reuiuing him againe.
The remnaunt of the Titanoies that after warres remainde,
Apollo was by Iupiter inforced for to flie
His kingdome Paphos, and to liue exilde in Thessalie.
There loue, but chiefly penurie, constrained him to keepe
(Vntill he was restored home) the King Admetus sheepe.
And for his Sonne disdainefully enuied Ioue his praise,
Ioue was the same Phisitions death that dead to life could raise:
Whose fame grew thus. As AEsculap an heardsman did espie,
That did with easie fight enforce a Basiliske to flye,
(Albeit naturally that Beast doth murther with the eye)
Apollos Sonne perceiuing him with Garland on his head,
Imagins (as it was indeede) some hearb such vertue bread:
And for a proofe, he caused him to cast the wreath away,
When strait the beast her onely eyes the silly man did slay.
Then AEsculap himselfe did take the wreath and puts it on,
And by that meanes he ouercame the Basiliske anon.
In hearbs that deeper force is hid then Science may containe
I finde, said he, and hearb by hearb into his mouth did straine
That lay for dead, an hearb at last reuiuing him againe.
Henceforth, men thought him more thā man, whē by his wondrous skill
He rendred life to many like, so winning great good will.
But as he waxed famous thus, he famous waxed proud,
Disdaining all, yea Ioue himselfe for Peere disalowd:
Vntill that Saturns angry Sonne reueng'd his pride by death:
Correcting iustly each abuse, as Rector on the Earth.
He rendred life to many like, so winning great good will.
But as he waxed famous thus, he famous waxed proud,
9
Vntill that Saturns angry Sonne reueng'd his pride by death:
Correcting iustly each abuse, as Rector on the Earth.
The Sonnes renoune thus added grace vnto the Fathers name,
But shadowes waite on substances, and enuie followes fame:
Euen Saturne, pompous Saturne, ridde by Iupiter of Foes
And feare of Titan, did renew his superstitious woes,
As touching former Oracle: and hastie sommons sent
Throughout his Realme to muster men, in purpose to preuent
By death of Ioue his destinie. The men of Crete repinde
To put on armour to his ill whom they had found so kinde:
But will they, nill they, so they must, for so their King assignd.
And Saturne with his armed troupes into Arcadia went,
Where Iupiter, forewarned of his Fathers ill intent,
Intreated peace, to him denide, so that perforce he must
Defend him from his froward Sire, or rather foe vniust.
But shadowes waite on substances, and enuie followes fame:
Euen Saturne, pompous Saturne, ridde by Iupiter of Foes
And feare of Titan, did renew his superstitious woes,
As touching former Oracle: and hastie sommons sent
Throughout his Realme to muster men, in purpose to preuent
By death of Ioue his destinie. The men of Crete repinde
To put on armour to his ill whom they had found so kinde:
But will they, nill they, so they must, for so their King assignd.
And Saturne with his armed troupes into Arcadia went,
Where Iupiter, forewarned of his Fathers ill intent,
Intreated peace, to him denide, so that perforce he must
Defend him from his froward Sire, or rather foe vniust.
Theare might ye see King Saturne fight like to a Lion wood,
Whilest Iupiter did beare his blowes and spares his Fathers blood:
And him that foe-like would him sley he friendly did defend,
Desiring Saturne to retyre, but wordes were to no end.
The wilfull man pursuing blood, Ioue ceaseth to perswade,
And rushing in amongst his foes so hote a skirmish made,
That euery blow sets blood abroch, and so in little space,
Euen he who late he did entreat is followed now in chace
By Arcas and his company: for Ioue refraind the flight,
Because against his countrey men he had no will to fight.
Whilest Iupiter did beare his blowes and spares his Fathers blood:
And him that foe-like would him sley he friendly did defend,
Desiring Saturne to retyre, but wordes were to no end.
The wilfull man pursuing blood, Ioue ceaseth to perswade,
And rushing in amongst his foes so hote a skirmish made,
That euery blow sets blood abroch, and so in little space,
Euen he who late he did entreat is followed now in chace
By Arcas and his company: for Ioue refraind the flight,
Because against his countrey men he had no will to fight.
Whilest lucklesse Saturne did escape by flight and fortune then,
And wandred long in vncouth Seas, depriude of wealth and men,
Victorious Iupiter was crownde with glory King of Create:
And Saturne, now ariude at Troy for succour did entreat.
Ganymedes King Troys sonne, waas sent in Saturnes ayde:
A worthy Knight, and valiant warre to Iupiter he made.
But he and his were chased backe, euen to their Citie walles,
For who so stoode with Iupiter, by Iupiter he falles.
And there the Troyan Paragon Ganymedes was taine,
Twixt whom and Iupiter thencefoorth sound friendship did remaine.
Then Saturne did the second time to Seas with shame retire,
And neuer after durst by warre against his sonne conspire:
But sayling into lower Realmes, in Italie did dwell:
And hereof it is said, his sonne did chase him into hell.
And wandred long in vncouth Seas, depriude of wealth and men,
Victorious Iupiter was crownde with glory King of Create:
And Saturne, now ariude at Troy for succour did entreat.
Ganymedes King Troys sonne, waas sent in Saturnes ayde:
A worthy Knight, and valiant warre to Iupiter he made.
10
For who so stoode with Iupiter, by Iupiter he falles.
And there the Troyan Paragon Ganymedes was taine,
Twixt whom and Iupiter thencefoorth sound friendship did remaine.
Then Saturne did the second time to Seas with shame retire,
And neuer after durst by warre against his sonne conspire:
But sayling into lower Realmes, in Italie did dwell:
And hereof it is said, his sonne did chase him into hell.
Meane while, lesse ioyous of his fame then ielous of his freakes,
Her wrong Queene Iuno on the Truls of Iupiter she wreakes.
Which was the cause that, all too late, he (purposing returne
To rescue Danae, in whose loue he amorously did burne)
Was cast by stormes into the Seas, that foorthwith tooke the name
Of him whom for his Piracies Ioue vanquisht in the same.
Ye might haue seene Aegeon theare, with wreakfull wrath inflamde
At sight of Ioue, at whose decay he long in vaine had aimd.
And how that Ioue had now the worst, and in a trise againe
The Gyant with his twise three Barkes in hazard to be taine.
The Centaures shew them valerous, so did Ixeon stout,
And braue Ganymædes did deale his balefull dole about:
But when couragious Iupiter had beaten to the ground
Aægeon, and in selfesame Chaynes wherein he often bound
The harmelesse soules that crost those Seas, himselfe in fetters lay,
Ye might haue sayd, and truly sayd, that then did end the fray.
Her wrong Queene Iuno on the Truls of Iupiter she wreakes.
Which was the cause that, all too late, he (purposing returne
To rescue Danae, in whose loue he amorously did burne)
Was cast by stormes into the Seas, that foorthwith tooke the name
Of him whom for his Piracies Ioue vanquisht in the same.
Ye might haue seene Aegeon theare, with wreakfull wrath inflamde
At sight of Ioue, at whose decay he long in vaine had aimd.
And how that Ioue had now the worst, and in a trise againe
The Gyant with his twise three Barkes in hazard to be taine.
The Centaures shew them valerous, so did Ixeon stout,
And braue Ganymædes did deale his balefull dole about:
But when couragious Iupiter had beaten to the ground
Aægeon, and in selfesame Chaynes wherein he often bound
The harmelesse soules that crost those Seas, himselfe in fetters lay,
Ye might haue sayd, and truly sayd, that then did end the fray.
So many were his high exploits, whereof such wonder bread,
That for the same the Heathen folke do deifie him dead.
Which since they are so manifold, I many ouerpasse:
And though Amphitrio blush to heare how he deceiued was,
And that Alcmena pinch my toong, possest with bashfull shame,
Yea though that Iupiter himselfe my lauish tongue shall blame,
Yet since that iealous Iuno knowes already of the same,
I dare to tell how Iupiter so cunningly beguilde
His loue Alcmena, that by him she traueled with childe
Of Hercules: whose famous Acts we orderly shall tell,
Whereof the first, but not the least, in Cradle-time befell.
That for the same the Heathen folke do deifie him dead.
Which since they are so manifold, I many ouerpasse:
And though Amphitrio blush to heare how he deceiued was,
And that Alcmena pinch my toong, possest with bashfull shame,
Yea though that Iupiter himselfe my lauish tongue shall blame,
Yet since that iealous Iuno knowes already of the same,
I dare to tell how Iupiter so cunningly beguilde
11
Of Hercules: whose famous Acts we orderly shall tell,
Whereof the first, but not the least, in Cradle-time befell.
CHAP. IIII.
Qveene
Iuno, not a little wroth against her husbands crime,
By whome shee was a Cockqueane made, did therefore at the time
In which Alcmena cride for helpe to bring her fruit to light,
Three nights and daies inchaunt her throwes: and of a Diuelish spight)
Intended both the Ladies death and that wherewith she went:
Till Galinthis, vnwitching her, did Iunos spels preuent.
Howbeit cankered Iuno, still pursuing her intent,
Two poysoned Serpents, got by charmes, into the chamber brought
Where Hercules in cradle lay, and thinking to haue wrought
A Tragedie, did let them loose: who smelling out their pray,
Skaerd Hercules his brother that in selfesame cradle lay:
But Hercules, as Children vse with little whelpes to play,
Did dallie childishly with them, and no whit did dismay:
Vntill at last his tender flesh did feele their smarting stings,
And then displeasd, betwixt his hands the Snakes to death he wrings.
By whome shee was a Cockqueane made, did therefore at the time
In which Alcmena cride for helpe to bring her fruit to light,
Three nights and daies inchaunt her throwes: and of a Diuelish spight)
Intended both the Ladies death and that wherewith she went:
Till Galinthis, vnwitching her, did Iunos spels preuent.
Howbeit cankered Iuno, still pursuing her intent,
Two poysoned Serpents, got by charmes, into the chamber brought
Where Hercules in cradle lay, and thinking to haue wrought
A Tragedie, did let them loose: who smelling out their pray,
Skaerd Hercules his brother that in selfesame cradle lay:
But Hercules, as Children vse with little whelpes to play,
Did dallie childishly with them, and no whit did dismay:
Vntill at last his tender flesh did feele their smarting stings,
And then displeasd, betwixt his hands the Snakes to death he wrings.
Amphitrio and the Thebanes all of this same wonder tell:
And, yeeres permitting, Hercules did with Euristeus dwell.
This King, by spitefull Iunos meanes, did set him taske on taske,
But Hercules perfourmed more then both of them could aske.
Yea, yet a Lad, for Actiuenes the world did lack his like,
To Wrestle, Ride, Run, Cast, or Shoote, to Swim, to Shift, or Strike,
As witnes (his inuention first) those solemne actiue Plaies,
That were on Mount Olympus tride, where he had prick and praise.
For which his Nouell, and himselfe (in those not hauing Peeres)
The Græcians by th' Olimpides kept reckning of their yeeres.
King
Atlas daughters in the Isles of Hespera did holde
And, yeeres permitting, Hercules did with Euristeus dwell.
This King, by spitefull Iunos meanes, did set him taske on taske,
But Hercules perfourmed more then both of them could aske.
12
To Wrestle, Ride, Run, Cast, or Shoote, to Swim, to Shift, or Strike,
As witnes (his inuention first) those solemne actiue Plaies,
That were on Mount Olympus tride, where he had prick and praise.
For which his Nouell, and himselfe (in those not hauing Peeres)
The Græcians by th' Olimpides kept reckning of their yeeres.
A many Sheepe: and Poets faine their fleeces were of Golde:
(For rarenes then of Sheepe of Woollin figures so they faine)
Euristeus pricks his Puple on this nouile Prize to gaine.
The Greekes applie their sweating Oares, and sailing doe persist
Vntill they reach the wished shoare: where ready to resist
Their entrance to the closed Isles an armed Giant stayd,
Whose grim aspects at first approch made Hercules afraid.
Now buckle they, and boysterous bloes they giue and take among:
A cruell fight: But Hercules had victorie ere long.
The Giant slaine, Philoctes tooke the vanquisher in hand:
An harder taske had Hercules then pausing now to stand,
Most dreadfull was their doubtfull fight, both lay about them round,
Philoctes held the harder fight by keeping higher ground.
The Sonne of Ioue perceauing well that prowesse not auail'd,
Did faine to faint: the other thought that he in deed had quaild,
And left th' aduantage of his ground, and fiercely smites his Foe:
But Hercules, whose policie was to contriue it so,
Renewing fight most eagerly, so strikes and strikes againe,
That to endure the doubled force his valiant Foe had paine.
Who yeelding to his Victors will, did finde in him such grace,
As Hercules did thenceforth vse his friendship in each place.
Hesperides, the goodly Nimphs, their Keepers chaunce lament:
But Hercules did comfort them, and cure their discontent:
And shipping then of Rammes & Ewes a parcell thence he went.
13
In coasting back by new-built Troy, he saw a monefull sort
Of people, clustering round about their yet vnconquered Port.
He musing much, and striking Saile, did boldly aske wherefore
They made such dole: Laomedon, then standing on the Shoare,
Did tell the cause: the cause was thus Laomedon ere than
To reare the stately wals of Troy (a costly worke) began,
And wanting pay to finish vp the worke he had begunne,
Of Neptuns and of Phœbus Priests (the Gods of Sea and Sunne)
He borrowed money, promising repaiment of the same
By certaine time which thereunto he did expresly name.
The walles are built, the time is come, the Priests their money craue,
Laomedon forsweares the debt, and naughtie language gaue.
Forthwith the Sea (the Diuell then did many wonders showe)
Began to swell, and much of Troy with violence ouerflowe:
And thereupon the swealtie Sunne (the wastfull Sea retierd)
So vehemently did shine vpon the Oosie plashes myerd,
That thereof noisome vapours rose, and of those vapours spread
Such plagues, as scarce the liuing might giue buriall to the dead.
Repentant then, their wretched king, to diuell-god Delphos goes
Whereat the Oracle he knew his wrongs to cause such woes:
And how the Gods of Sun and Seas, offended, do require
Each month a Virgin, to appease a seaish Monsters ire.
Wherefore to saue their common weale, the Troians did agree,
One Virgin, as her Lot did light, should pay that monthly fee.
Now after many murdred Maids (for monthly at one day,
The fearefull Monster at the Port expects his wonted pray)
The lot fell to Hesione the daughter of the King,
Whom to the Port to be deuourd with teares the Troians bring.
Of people, clustering round about their yet vnconquered Port.
He musing much, and striking Saile, did boldly aske wherefore
They made such dole: Laomedon, then standing on the Shoare,
Did tell the cause: the cause was thus Laomedon ere than
To reare the stately wals of Troy (a costly worke) began,
And wanting pay to finish vp the worke he had begunne,
Of Neptuns and of Phœbus Priests (the Gods of Sea and Sunne)
He borrowed money, promising repaiment of the same
By certaine time which thereunto he did expresly name.
The walles are built, the time is come, the Priests their money craue,
Laomedon forsweares the debt, and naughtie language gaue.
Forthwith the Sea (the Diuell then did many wonders showe)
Began to swell, and much of Troy with violence ouerflowe:
And thereupon the swealtie Sunne (the wastfull Sea retierd)
So vehemently did shine vpon the Oosie plashes myerd,
That thereof noisome vapours rose, and of those vapours spread
Such plagues, as scarce the liuing might giue buriall to the dead.
Repentant then, their wretched king, to diuell-god Delphos goes
Whereat the Oracle he knew his wrongs to cause such woes:
And how the Gods of Sun and Seas, offended, do require
Each month a Virgin, to appease a seaish Monsters ire.
Wherefore to saue their common weale, the Troians did agree,
One Virgin, as her Lot did light, should pay that monthly fee.
Now after many murdred Maids (for monthly at one day,
The fearefull Monster at the Port expects his wonted pray)
The lot fell to Hesione the daughter of the King,
Whom to the Port to be deuourd with teares the Troians bring.
When Hercules thus vnderstood the hard occasion why
The guiltles Lady should haue died, he purposing to trie
His valiantnesse, (for what was it that Hercules would flie?)
Did aske the King what gift should grow to him that should both free
His Daughter and his kingdome of that bloody monthly fee.
The king (whom now a doubted hope of profered helpe made glad)
Made promise of two milk-white Steedes as chiefest gemmes he had.
Braue Hercules, whose ventrous heart did onely hunt for fame,
Accepts th' assumpsit, and prepares the fiend-like fish to tame.
The guiltles Lady should haue died, he purposing to trie
His valiantnesse, (for what was it that Hercules would flie?)
Did aske the King what gift should grow to him that should both free
14
The king (whom now a doubted hope of profered helpe made glad)
Made promise of two milk-white Steedes as chiefest gemmes he had.
Braue Hercules, whose ventrous heart did onely hunt for fame,
Accepts th' assumpsit, and prepares the fiend-like fish to tame.
Anone the dreadfull Diuell driues the Sea before his brest,
And spitting mightie waues abroad, disgorgde from monstrous chest,
Lifts vp his vgly head aboue the troubled waues to catch
The trembling Lady, for which pray his yawning iawes did watch.
But he, whose strength exceeded sense, with yron Club in fist,
Did bootlesse long with brusing waight the boistrous Whale resist.
The greater strokes, the fiercer was the monsters awlesse fight:
So that the Greekes and Troyans all misdoubt their dreadlesse knight.
Still Hercules did lay on load, and held the fight so long,
That in the end the Sea retird, and left the fish among
The bared sands: and so for want of water, not of strength,
Good fortune honours Hercules with victorie at length.
And spitting mightie waues abroad, disgorgde from monstrous chest,
Lifts vp his vgly head aboue the troubled waues to catch
The trembling Lady, for which pray his yawning iawes did watch.
But he, whose strength exceeded sense, with yron Club in fist,
Did bootlesse long with brusing waight the boistrous Whale resist.
The greater strokes, the fiercer was the monsters awlesse fight:
So that the Greekes and Troyans all misdoubt their dreadlesse knight.
Still Hercules did lay on load, and held the fight so long,
That in the end the Sea retird, and left the fish among
The bared sands: and so for want of water, not of strength,
Good fortune honours Hercules with victorie at length.
Now when the King, his Troyans, and the Grecians had behild
The substance of the vgly shape, euen dreadfull being kild,
They bring the Champion to the towne with triumphs, gifts, & praise:
And who but be belou'd in Troy, whiles that in Troy he stayes?
Alone the King (a man no doubt predestinate to ill)
Obseruing how his Subiects bore to Hercules good will,
And fearing least their loue to him might turne himselfe to hate,
And seeing now himselfe and land in prosperous estate,
Vnfriendly did exclude his friend from out his City strong,
Whilest with his Greekes he hunts abroad, mistrustlesse of such wrong
And when the Champion and his men did from their sport returne,
Not onely did gain-say in Troy that longer they soiourne,
But also (impudent in guiles) withheld the Corsers twaine,
Which Hercules so dearly wonne, in hazard to be slayne.
The substance of the vgly shape, euen dreadfull being kild,
They bring the Champion to the towne with triumphs, gifts, & praise:
And who but be belou'd in Troy, whiles that in Troy he stayes?
Alone the King (a man no doubt predestinate to ill)
Obseruing how his Subiects bore to Hercules good will,
And fearing least their loue to him might turne himselfe to hate,
And seeing now himselfe and land in prosperous estate,
Vnfriendly did exclude his friend from out his City strong,
Whilest with his Greekes he hunts abroad, mistrustlesse of such wrong
And when the Champion and his men did from their sport returne,
Not onely did gain-say in Troy that longer they soiourne,
But also (impudent in guiles) withheld the Corsers twaine,
Which Hercules so dearly wonne, in hazard to be slayne.
Alemenas Sonne abashed then to finde so lewd a meede,
In liue of well deserued loue was chollerick indeed:
And made a vow (if life gaue leaue) he would such vengeance take
On Troy, that euen the stones thereof for dread of him should quake,
And that the liuing Troyans then should say, and iustly say,
That they were happie whom the plague and Monster made away.
And threatning so the trothlesse King did leaue the hated Port,
And shortly did ariue at Thæbes, and feasts in Creons Court.
15
And made a vow (if life gaue leaue) he would such vengeance take
On Troy, that euen the stones thereof for dread of him should quake,
And that the liuing Troyans then should say, and iustly say,
That they were happie whom the plague and Monster made away.
And threatning so the trothlesse King did leaue the hated Port,
And shortly did ariue at Thæbes, and feasts in Creons Court.
Thence brought he war and wrack to Troy, and in his armie Kings:
And by the way Larnessus walles vnto the ground he flings,
And setteth Tenedos on fire, whose fearefull flames espide,
Gaue Sommons vnto carelesse Troy for worser to prouide.
Before the Greekes had reached Troy, the Troyans by the way
Did bid them battaile: many men on either part decay.
The sounding armours crack with blowes, whilest piercing arrows flie,
This lyeth dead, that same is maimde, and more at point to die.
Heads, armes, and armour flie about, and bodies swimme in blood,
And fresh supplies did fall with them on whom they fighting stood.
But Hercules, aboue the rest, bestird himselfe so well,
That still before his balefull Club by Shocks the Troyans fell.
Who fainting now, seeke to retire into their fensiue towne:
Where Hercules their Porter was, and rudely knocks them downe.
And by the way Larnessus walles vnto the ground he flings,
And setteth Tenedos on fire, whose fearefull flames espide,
Gaue Sommons vnto carelesse Troy for worser to prouide.
Before the Greekes had reached Troy, the Troyans by the way
Did bid them battaile: many men on either part decay.
The sounding armours crack with blowes, whilest piercing arrows flie,
This lyeth dead, that same is maimde, and more at point to die.
Heads, armes, and armour flie about, and bodies swimme in blood,
And fresh supplies did fall with them on whom they fighting stood.
But Hercules, aboue the rest, bestird himselfe so well,
That still before his balefull Club by Shocks the Troyans fell.
Who fainting now, seeke to retire into their fensiue towne:
Where Hercules their Porter was, and rudely knocks them downe.
Thus wonne he Troy, and sacked Troy, and Chanels flowed blood,
Nor did he breath whilest any part of all the Citie stood,
Saue stately Ileon. In the same a many Ladies weare,
Whose piteous teares wrought Hercules that onely place to spare,
As for the false Laomedon he secretly was fled
And valiant Pyramus his sonne to Greece was captiue led.
Nor did he breath whilest any part of all the Citie stood,
Saue stately Ileon. In the same a many Ladies weare,
Whose piteous teares wrought Hercules that onely place to spare,
As for the false Laomedon he secretly was fled
And valiant Pyramus his sonne to Greece was captiue led.
16
CHAP. V.
At home returne, Queene Iuno craues his companie at Creat,
Whom, there arriu'd, with hartlesse ioy his step-dame did intreat.
What? Hearest thou not my sonne (quoth she) how Argiue folke complaine
Of Lions three, that in their fields both men and heardes haue slaine?
All this she said, as knowing him to seeke such hard affaires:
To win him to which desperate fight no Course nor cost she spares.
When this was said, enough was said, and halfe was yet behinde
When Hercules did vow redresse, and Iuno had her minde.
He ioyes to heare of that exploit, such was his ventrous hart,
And thanking Iuno for her newes, did so from thence depart.
Whom, there arriu'd, with hartlesse ioy his step-dame did intreat.
What? Hearest thou not my sonne (quoth she) how Argiue folke complaine
Of Lions three, that in their fields both men and heardes haue slaine?
All this she said, as knowing him to seeke such hard affaires:
To win him to which desperate fight no Course nor cost she spares.
When this was said, enough was said, and halfe was yet behinde
When Hercules did vow redresse, and Iuno had her minde.
He ioyes to heare of that exploit, such was his ventrous hart,
And thanking Iuno for her newes, did so from thence depart.
Philoctes now and Hercules in Nemea Forrest be,
Long seeking what they could not finde, till, crying from a tree,
An heards-man said, friends shift away, or else come vpto me:
Least that those cruell Lions three now ranging in this wood,
Which haue deuourd those Heards I had, and with my Manies bloud
Imbrud their fierce deuouring chappes, and forced me to clime
This Tree, where I (vnhappie man) on leaues haue fed long time,
May, all too soone, with tearing teeth destroy you in like case.
The quaking Heards-man scarce had said thus much, when as a pace
From out a Thick the Lions three on Hercules did run.
Philoctes trustlesse of his prowse, by climing did them shun,
And now the Rampant Lions great, whose onely view would quaile
An hundred Knights, though armed well, did Hercules assaile,
And sometimes with their churlish teeth and pinching pawes againe
So grieuously indanger him, that neere he faints with paine.
Howbeit (glorie checking griefe) he twaine had now dispatcht:
The third, and dreadfulst of the three, though many a blow he catcht,
Yet neither Club nor Sword had force to harme his hardned Hide,
Vntill that (weapons laid apart) by strangling hands he dide.
Long seeking what they could not finde, till, crying from a tree,
An heards-man said, friends shift away, or else come vpto me:
Least that those cruell Lions three now ranging in this wood,
Which haue deuourd those Heards I had, and with my Manies bloud
Imbrud their fierce deuouring chappes, and forced me to clime
This Tree, where I (vnhappie man) on leaues haue fed long time,
May, all too soone, with tearing teeth destroy you in like case.
The quaking Heards-man scarce had said thus much, when as a pace
From out a Thick the Lions three on Hercules did run.
Philoctes trustlesse of his prowse, by climing did them shun,
And now the Rampant Lions great, whose onely view would quaile
17
And sometimes with their churlish teeth and pinching pawes againe
So grieuously indanger him, that neere he faints with paine.
Howbeit (glorie checking griefe) he twaine had now dispatcht:
The third, and dreadfulst of the three, though many a blow he catcht,
Yet neither Club nor Sword had force to harme his hardned Hide,
Vntill that (weapons laid apart) by strangling hands he dide.
Not Hercules himselfe conceaud more ioy of this successe
Then did Philoctes, who ere while did hope of nothing lesse.
The Herds-man, poore Melorcus, like as Hercules him wild,
Vncaest the Lions, fearing long to touch them being kild:
And in his Cottage to the Knights a Countrey feast he hild.
Then did Philoctes, who ere while did hope of nothing lesse.
The Herds-man, poore Melorcus, like as Hercules him wild,
Vncaest the Lions, fearing long to touch them being kild:
And in his Cottage to the Knights a Countrey feast he hild.
The Argiues, hearing of this deed, with Triumphs him intreate,
And offer all: but leauing all he doth returne to Create:
Whom glozing Iuno, gainst her minde, with cost did intertaine,
And with a tongue repugnant quite to her malicious vaine
Commends his deeds, whē rather she did wish he had been slaine.
And therefore with an harder taske his labour did renew:
But what was it that manhood might, and he would not pursue?
And offer all: but leauing all he doth returne to Create:
Whom glozing Iuno, gainst her minde, with cost did intertaine,
And with a tongue repugnant quite to her malicious vaine
Commends his deeds, whē rather she did wish he had been slaine.
And therefore with an harder taske his labour did renew:
But what was it that manhood might, and he would not pursue?
In
Ægypt was a grieuous drought, the cause thereof vnknowen:
Which to redresse, their Diuelish Gods and Oracle had showen.
Doo offer vp strange bloud, they bid, and so auert our ire:
Busiris, prone before to bloud, had now his harts desire.
No sooner Stranger toucht the shoare, but them the barbarous King
To frie in flames before his Gods for Sacrifice doth bring.
Yea custome added worse to ill, his Subiect and his friend
(When Strangers misse) supplie the flames, his murthers had no end.
Howbeit, with these Butcheries the drought did still remaine:
For in Busiris was the bloud that should redeeme the raine.
The Gods did meane (which they not minde) that lewd Busiris he
An Alien borne, that Stranger was, who dead, no drought should be.
A Noble man of Iunos kin Busiris late had slaine,
For losse of whom the craftie Queene did often sorrowes faine.
Cease (Madame) saith Hercules, not long the time shall be,
But I his tyrannie shall end, else it giue end to me.
Her sorrowes did not tith her ioy, when he had giuen consent
To vndertake that deathfull taske: for death was it she ment.
Which to redresse, their Diuelish Gods and Oracle had showen.
Doo offer vp strange bloud, they bid, and so auert our ire:
Busiris, prone before to bloud, had now his harts desire.
No sooner Stranger toucht the shoare, but them the barbarous King
To frie in flames before his Gods for Sacrifice doth bring.
Yea custome added worse to ill, his Subiect and his friend
(When Strangers misse) supplie the flames, his murthers had no end.
Howbeit, with these Butcheries the drought did still remaine:
For in Busiris was the bloud that should redeeme the raine.
The Gods did meane (which they not minde) that lewd Busiris he
An Alien borne, that Stranger was, who dead, no drought should be.
A Noble man of Iunos kin Busiris late had slaine,
18
Cease (Madame) saith Hercules, not long the time shall be,
But I his tyrannie shall end, else it giue end to me.
Her sorrowes did not tith her ioy, when he had giuen consent
To vndertake that deathfull taske: for death was it she ment.
Now Hercules in Ægypt meetes Busiris and his Crew,
When sodainely with maine assault on him the Giant slew:
Supposing to haue dealt with him, as he had done before
With other Strangers. Hercules, alonely and no more
To take his part, with skathfull stroakes bestird his Club so well,
In battering of the Tyrants bones, that strengthlesse downe he fell.
Then did he kill and chase away his lewd and cruell traine,
Till hearing of no further foe, he commeth backe againe,
And taketh vp the wretched King, that cryeth out for ayde:
And on the Altar, where himselfe had Strangers often layde,
Himselfe was made a Sacrifice: and as his blood did staine
The Altar, euen at that same time there fell a ioyfull raine.
When sodainely with maine assault on him the Giant slew:
Supposing to haue dealt with him, as he had done before
With other Strangers. Hercules, alonely and no more
To take his part, with skathfull stroakes bestird his Club so well,
In battering of the Tyrants bones, that strengthlesse downe he fell.
Then did he kill and chase away his lewd and cruell traine,
Till hearing of no further foe, he commeth backe againe,
And taketh vp the wretched King, that cryeth out for ayde:
And on the Altar, where himselfe had Strangers often layde,
Himselfe was made a Sacrifice: and as his blood did staine
The Altar, euen at that same time there fell a ioyfull raine.
With ended drought, and Tyrants death, a common ioy befell,
And all in Memphis entertaine the vnknowne Champion well:
From thence returning backe to Thæbes he there a while did dwell.
And all in Memphis entertaine the vnknowne Champion well:
From thence returning backe to Thæbes he there a while did dwell.
King
Creons daughter Megara, at Thæbes he did espouse:
To coūtenāce their wedding feast did wāt nor knights, nor prowse
Which triumphs ended, whē the knights should thence depart away,
Pirithous to his wedding bids them all, and names the day
Wherein to meete at Thessalie: to which did all consent,
And at the time concluded of at Thessalie conuent,
Amidst their cheere, the solemne feast the Centaures did disqueat:
Whom by no meanes the Nobles theare to patience might intreat.
For they an hundred Gyants strong, with drinking whitled well,
Amongst their cups, from words to blowes, and worser dealings fell:
And (too outragious at the last, fierce Eurytis their Guide)
Vnreuerently they rauish thence Hippodame the Bride.
But Hercules not brooking it, to arme himselfe begunne,
And all alone in rescue of the rapted Bride did runne.
By this time did Ixeons Seed stand still in battell ray,
When he, but one against them all, began a bloodie fray.
Ech arrow that with ayming hand from sturdy Bow he sent,
Did answere by the death of one the Sender his intent.
To coūtenāce their wedding feast did wāt nor knights, nor prowse
Which triumphs ended, whē the knights should thence depart away,
Pirithous to his wedding bids them all, and names the day
Wherein to meete at Thessalie: to which did all consent,
And at the time concluded of at Thessalie conuent,
Amidst their cheere, the solemne feast the Centaures did disqueat:
Whom by no meanes the Nobles theare to patience might intreat.
For they an hundred Gyants strong, with drinking whitled well,
Amongst their cups, from words to blowes, and worser dealings fell:
And (too outragious at the last, fierce Eurytis their Guide)
Vnreuerently they rauish thence Hippodame the Bride.
19
And all alone in rescue of the rapted Bride did runne.
By this time did Ixeons Seed stand still in battell ray,
When he, but one against them all, began a bloodie fray.
Ech arrow that with ayming hand from sturdy Bow he sent,
Did answere by the death of one the Sender his intent.
Whilest Hercules with deadly bow had store of Centaures slaine,
And wanting arrowes, with their blood his valiant Club did staine,
The Bridegroome and the other knights came to the ceasing fight,
When all were foyld, excepting twelue, that sau'd their liues by flight.
Alonely Lycus yeelded him a prisoner, and liues,
And liuing, vnto Hercules much after-sorrow giues:
But Nessus, that escaped then, in time him worser grieues.
And wanting arrowes, with their blood his valiant Club did staine,
The Bridegroome and the other knights came to the ceasing fight,
When all were foyld, excepting twelue, that sau'd their liues by flight.
Alonely Lycus yeelded him a prisoner, and liues,
And liuing, vnto Hercules much after-sorrow giues:
But Nessus, that escaped then, in time him worser grieues.
CHAP. VI.
The glory of this high attempt and sauing of the Bride
They all ascribe to Hercules: and whilst they heere abide,
To exercise his Piracies, as Pluto King of Hell,
(Such was the lewdnes of his life, and place where he did dwell,
That he and it were titled so) lay houering neere the shore,
And saw the folke of Cicilie their Gods with rights adore,
This rouing King, with armed Guardes of his disordered Crew
Did come a land to make their Pray: but for, to outward view,
They faine deuotion, none suspect the ill that did insue,
Anon, a wreathing Garlands sweet hard at her mothers side,
King Pluto sawe Proserpine, and liking whom he spide,
Concluding with his companie how to conuay her thence,
Betwixt his boistrous armes he tooke the faire and fearefull wench,
And, doo what the Cicilians might, he setteth her aboord:
And to his giltie Sailes the Aire did gentle Gales afoord.
They all ascribe to Hercules: and whilst they heere abide,
To exercise his Piracies, as Pluto King of Hell,
(Such was the lewdnes of his life, and place where he did dwell,
That he and it were titled so) lay houering neere the shore,
And saw the folke of Cicilie their Gods with rights adore,
This rouing King, with armed Guardes of his disordered Crew
Did come a land to make their Pray: but for, to outward view,
They faine deuotion, none suspect the ill that did insue,
Anon, a wreathing Garlands sweet hard at her mothers side,
20
Concluding with his companie how to conuay her thence,
Betwixt his boistrous armes he tooke the faire and fearefull wench,
And, doo what the Cicilians might, he setteth her aboord:
And to his giltie Sailes the Aire did gentle Gales afoord.
A number eyes in Cicilie for her did weepe, in vaine:
For her her Mother Ceres and her Loues-mate did complaine,
Her selfe (sweet Lady) of her moane did finde no meane, God wot,
Though Dis to please did say and giue what might be said or got.
Imbarked then, with him his Harpe did wofull Orpheus take,
And to Molossa Plutos Realme with speedie Sailes did make:
Where he, vnknowne, at gate of Hell did harp such Musick sweete,
As lumpish Cerberus could not but shake his monstrous feete.
His foule and warpt ill-fauoured face, ore-hung with cole-black haires,
His horslike teeth, his lolling lips, his Doglike hanging eares,
His hooked nose, his skowling eyes, his filthie knotted Beard,
And what not in his vgly shape? but presently appeard,
More milder than his common moode, and lesser to be feard.
This hellish Porter, deeming that such musick would delight
His weeping Mistris, did conuay the Harper to her sight:
Where Pluto swore by dreadful Stix, if Orpheus did by play
But make her laugh, what so he askt he should receiue for pay.
Anon such Heauenly Harmonie on skilfull Harpe he plaid,
That she her husbands musick knew, and ioyfull was she made.
Now Orpheus did a watch-word giue, and she to laugh began:
And for reward to haue from thence his wife he asked than.
For her her Mother Ceres and her Loues-mate did complaine,
Her selfe (sweet Lady) of her moane did finde no meane, God wot,
Though Dis to please did say and giue what might be said or got.
Imbarked then, with him his Harpe did wofull Orpheus take,
And to Molossa Plutos Realme with speedie Sailes did make:
Where he, vnknowne, at gate of Hell did harp such Musick sweete,
As lumpish Cerberus could not but shake his monstrous feete.
His foule and warpt ill-fauoured face, ore-hung with cole-black haires,
His horslike teeth, his lolling lips, his Doglike hanging eares,
His hooked nose, his skowling eyes, his filthie knotted Beard,
And what not in his vgly shape? but presently appeard,
More milder than his common moode, and lesser to be feard.
This hellish Porter, deeming that such musick would delight
His weeping Mistris, did conuay the Harper to her sight:
Where Pluto swore by dreadful Stix, if Orpheus did by play
But make her laugh, what so he askt he should receiue for pay.
Anon such Heauenly Harmonie on skilfull Harpe he plaid,
That she her husbands musick knew, and ioyfull was she made.
Now Orpheus did a watch-word giue, and she to laugh began:
And for reward to haue from thence his wife he asked than.
Although it gawled Plutoes soule his sweet-heart to forgo,
Yeat for to quit him of his oath, he yeelds it shall be so,
With this condition, that before they fully passed Hell,
He should not backwards looke on her, what chance so ere befell.
Now as they passe through blinde by-waies, he fearing least perchance
She erre or lag, returnes a looke: and who should marke that glance
But Cerberus, that purposely for such aduantage waites:
Who still detayning her, did shut her Husband out the gates.
Yeat for to quit him of his oath, he yeelds it shall be so,
With this condition, that before they fully passed Hell,
He should not backwards looke on her, what chance so ere befell.
Now as they passe through blinde by-waies, he fearing least perchance
She erre or lag, returnes a looke: and who should marke that glance
21
Who still detayning her, did shut her Husband out the gates.
When Ceres heard of this mischance, she Cicill leaues anon
And knowing all the Knights of Greece to Thessalie were gone,
She thether goes in hope of helpe: where presently she meetes
With Thæseus and Pirithous, whose salutings she regreetes.
They, wondring what the noble Queene of Cicill there should make,
Become inquisitiue thereof: to whom sad Ceres spake,
First of Proserpine her griefe, and then of Plutoes guile:
For her she weepes, on him she railes, and mooueth them meane while.
The mother of false Dis his rape had more behinde vnsaid,
When AEgeus and Ixions Sonnes did iointly offer aide.
And knowing all the Knights of Greece to Thessalie were gone,
She thether goes in hope of helpe: where presently she meetes
With Thæseus and Pirithous, whose salutings she regreetes.
They, wondring what the noble Queene of Cicill there should make,
Become inquisitiue thereof: to whom sad Ceres spake,
First of Proserpine her griefe, and then of Plutoes guile:
For her she weepes, on him she railes, and mooueth them meane while.
The mother of false Dis his rape had more behinde vnsaid,
When AEgeus and Ixions Sonnes did iointly offer aide.
About the desert parts of Greece there is a valley lowe,
To which the roaring waters fall that from the Mountaines flowe:
So Rockes doe ouershadow it that scarce a man may vewe
The open ayre: no Son shines there: Amidst this darkesome Mewe
Doth stand a Citie, to the same belongs one onely Gate,
But one at once may come thereto the entrance is so straite,
Cut out the rough maine-stonie Rocke: This Citie did belong
To Pluto, and because that he was euer doing wrong,
And kept a theeuish Rable that in mischiefes did excell,
His Citizens were Diuels said, and Citie named Hell.
When to this Cities ruthlesse gate were come the friendly Knights,
Fierce Cerberus did rouse himselfe, and scarcely barking bites.
He thought the world had lackt the man that thether durst repaire:
And troth to say, not one till then to doo the like did dare.
Now fiery sparks from thundering strokes in darke did giue them light,
And Ceres Champions valiantly maintaine their ventrous fight,
When stout Pirithous, too too bold, a deadly wound he catcht,
And Thæseus, though Combattan-like he long the Helhound matcht,
Yeat with his fellowe had he falne, and flying feares to cope,
Expecting nothing lesse then life: but hap exceeded hope:
For Hercules at Thessalie did feare so hard euent:
Whence lanching out, he made in showe as if to Thæbes he went,
But with Philoctes all his traine and Lycus home he sent:
And he himselfe to aide his friends did to Molossa goe,
Wheare, like as did his minde presage, he found it very so.
For euen as currish Cerberus with gorie bloes did chace
The wounded and the wearie Knight, came Hercules in place.
An vnexpected happie sight to Theseus at that tide:
Whom Cerberus forsaking then at Hercules he slide,
Vpbraiding him with threatning words, and like himselfe did raue,
And reacht him many a crabbed rap with his presumptious Glaue.
To which the roaring waters fall that from the Mountaines flowe:
So Rockes doe ouershadow it that scarce a man may vewe
The open ayre: no Son shines there: Amidst this darkesome Mewe
Doth stand a Citie, to the same belongs one onely Gate,
But one at once may come thereto the entrance is so straite,
Cut out the rough maine-stonie Rocke: This Citie did belong
To Pluto, and because that he was euer doing wrong,
And kept a theeuish Rable that in mischiefes did excell,
His Citizens were Diuels said, and Citie named Hell.
When to this Cities ruthlesse gate were come the friendly Knights,
Fierce Cerberus did rouse himselfe, and scarcely barking bites.
He thought the world had lackt the man that thether durst repaire:
And troth to say, not one till then to doo the like did dare.
Now fiery sparks from thundering strokes in darke did giue them light,
And Ceres Champions valiantly maintaine their ventrous fight,
When stout Pirithous, too too bold, a deadly wound he catcht,
And Thæseus, though Combattan-like he long the Helhound matcht,
Yeat with his fellowe had he falne, and flying feares to cope,
Expecting nothing lesse then life: but hap exceeded hope:
22
Whence lanching out, he made in showe as if to Thæbes he went,
But with Philoctes all his traine and Lycus home he sent:
And he himselfe to aide his friends did to Molossa goe,
Wheare, like as did his minde presage, he found it very so.
For euen as currish Cerberus with gorie bloes did chace
The wounded and the wearie Knight, came Hercules in place.
An vnexpected happie sight to Theseus at that tide:
Whom Cerberus forsaking then at Hercules he slide,
Vpbraiding him with threatning words, and like himselfe did raue,
And reacht him many a crabbed rap with his presumptious Glaue.
The Danter then of Trespassers, perceiuing Theseus drie
His grieuous wounds, and at his feete Pirithous dead to lie,
Desirous to reuenge them both, laies lustie lode about,
And with his still victorious Club did Cerberus so cloute,
That, quite dismaid at such a match, he reeling to the ground,
Did send from out his Doggish throat a loud and diuclish sound.
But when the Victor sure enough the vanquished had bound,
He leauing Theseus weake without into the Cittie went:
Whereas he found the wicked King and Citizens, that spent
Their fruitelesse time in vices foule, and dealings most vniust,
As those that in their Porters strength reposed all their trust.
With these did Hercules play Rex, and leauing Dis for dead,
Not one escapes his deadly hand that dares to shew his head.
Whole thousands thē did breath their last, & who had seene the sight,
Might well haue said it Hell indeede: for euerie thing out-right,
Besides that sullen Mew it selfe, did giue a figure plaine
Of selfe same Hell where damned Soules abide in endlesse paine.
Saue howlings out & shuddering feare came nought to eare or sight,
With grieuous grones of dying ghosts: & so much more their spight
By how much more he found them then in pleasures and delight.
His grieuous wounds, and at his feete Pirithous dead to lie,
Desirous to reuenge them both, laies lustie lode about,
And with his still victorious Club did Cerberus so cloute,
That, quite dismaid at such a match, he reeling to the ground,
Did send from out his Doggish throat a loud and diuclish sound.
But when the Victor sure enough the vanquished had bound,
He leauing Theseus weake without into the Cittie went:
Whereas he found the wicked King and Citizens, that spent
Their fruitelesse time in vices foule, and dealings most vniust,
As those that in their Porters strength reposed all their trust.
With these did Hercules play Rex, and leauing Dis for dead,
Not one escapes his deadly hand that dares to shew his head.
Whole thousands thē did breath their last, & who had seene the sight,
Might well haue said it Hell indeede: for euerie thing out-right,
Besides that sullen Mew it selfe, did giue a figure plaine
Of selfe same Hell where damned Soules abide in endlesse paine.
Saue howlings out & shuddering feare came nought to eare or sight,
With grieuous grones of dying ghosts: & so much more their spight
By how much more he found them then in pleasures and delight.
This horror hanging, Hercules in buskling vp and downe
In Plutoes Pallace, to her ioy, Proserpine he found,
And tolde her of enlargement thence: And then in harrowed Hell
(Pyrithous buried) he, nor she, nor Theseus longer dwell.
But, waying Anker with the Queene of Cicils Daughter went
To Thessalie: where present greefes pretended ioyes preuent,
For, hearing of Pyrithous death, not one but did lament.
Hippodame (a Widowe now) especially bewailes
Her ouer-hardie Husbands death: But weeping lesse preuailes
Then did Reuenge: for Hercules vnto her doome commits
Her greefes-Contriuer, Cerberus, almost besides his wits
For feare of death his due desert: whome causing to be bound
Both hands and feet, and to be dragd along the ragged ground,
A knauish Skull of Boyes and Girles did pelt at him with stones,
And laying on with staues and whippes did breake both flesh & bones.
23
And tolde her of enlargement thence: And then in harrowed Hell
(Pyrithous buried) he, nor she, nor Theseus longer dwell.
But, waying Anker with the Queene of Cicils Daughter went
To Thessalie: where present greefes pretended ioyes preuent,
For, hearing of Pyrithous death, not one but did lament.
Hippodame (a Widowe now) especially bewailes
Her ouer-hardie Husbands death: But weeping lesse preuailes
Then did Reuenge: for Hercules vnto her doome commits
Her greefes-Contriuer, Cerberus, almost besides his wits
For feare of death his due desert: whome causing to be bound
Both hands and feet, and to be dragd along the ragged ground,
A knauish Skull of Boyes and Girles did pelt at him with stones,
And laying on with staues and whippes did breake both flesh & bones.
When
Hercules should passe to Hell, as hath before been said,
And that Philoctes of his men he had Lieutenant made,
And as Philoctes with his charge on Seas to Thæbes did passe,
He met Androdamus (the King of Calcedon he was)
Androdamus, not knowing yet his Cosen there inthralde,
(For Lycus was his Cosen) to the Thæbane Pilots calde,
To Ken of whence and where they would. But ere the Thæbans might
Giue answer, Lycus clogd with chaines on hatches stoode vpright
And cride, Androdamus beholde and succour me thy friend,
That shamefully, vnles thou helpe, am like my life to end.
I Captiue am to Hercules, and thus to Thæbes must goe:
Giue aide therefore, Androdamus deferres not dooing so,
But setteth on Philoctes, that himselfe and Shippe defends,
And part of Calcedons he slewe, and part to sea he sends:
But where the number tripled there for them the Battell ends.
And that Philoctes of his men he had Lieutenant made,
And as Philoctes with his charge on Seas to Thæbes did passe,
He met Androdamus (the King of Calcedon he was)
Androdamus, not knowing yet his Cosen there inthralde,
(For Lycus was his Cosen) to the Thæbane Pilots calde,
To Ken of whence and where they would. But ere the Thæbans might
Giue answer, Lycus clogd with chaines on hatches stoode vpright
And cride, Androdamus beholde and succour me thy friend,
That shamefully, vnles thou helpe, am like my life to end.
I Captiue am to Hercules, and thus to Thæbes must goe:
Giue aide therefore, Androdamus deferres not dooing so,
But setteth on Philoctes, that himselfe and Shippe defends,
And part of Calcedons he slewe, and part to sea he sends:
But where the number tripled there for them the Battell ends.
When Lycus was discharg'd of bands, and stout Philoctes bound,
He tolde what skath the Centaures late in Thessalie had found.
Amongst the slaine he named some allied to the King:
For which the sauage Tyrant swore reuenge on Thæbes to bring.
And sayling thence preuailed theare by comming vnawares:
And putteth all to sacke and sword, nor old nor young he spares.
He slaieth Creon, and in holde faire Megara was cast:
And leauing Lycus King in Thæbes from Thæbes the Tyrant past.
He tolde what skath the Centaures late in Thessalie had found.
24
For which the sauage Tyrant swore reuenge on Thæbes to bring.
And sayling thence preuailed theare by comming vnawares:
And putteth all to sacke and sword, nor old nor young he spares.
He slaieth Creon, and in holde faire Megara was cast:
And leauing Lycus King in Thæbes from Thæbes the Tyrant past.
Whilest Lycus thus did Lord-it theare, the error of his eie
Did vexe his heart: but Megara his lust did chastly flie.
And Hercules by now had newes how things at Thæbes fell out,
And how that Lycus theare was Lord, and none for him durst rout.
Disguised then he thither comes and to the Pallace went:
Whom, when the Porters would haue staide, his rags he off did rent,
And showes himselfe like to himselfe, no bloe in vaine he spent
That sets not breath or bloud abroch. This vprore Lycus heard,
And thinking that some priuat Fray had falne amongst his Garde,
Presuming that his presence would appease the growing heat,
Did cast his haughtie armes abroad, as who would say, be queat,
Or here am I that can aswell commaund it as intreat,
Which Hercules so suddainly chopt off that (yet vnmist)
He thinking to haue vsed Armes, was armelesse ere he wist.
Then Hercules, our Hercules is come, all Thæbes it cride,
Now shake we off our seruile Yoke and follow him our guide:
And so they did, till none were left to hold on Lycus side.
Did vexe his heart: but Megara his lust did chastly flie.
And Hercules by now had newes how things at Thæbes fell out,
And how that Lycus theare was Lord, and none for him durst rout.
Disguised then he thither comes and to the Pallace went:
Whom, when the Porters would haue staide, his rags he off did rent,
And showes himselfe like to himselfe, no bloe in vaine he spent
That sets not breath or bloud abroch. This vprore Lycus heard,
And thinking that some priuat Fray had falne amongst his Garde,
Presuming that his presence would appease the growing heat,
Did cast his haughtie armes abroad, as who would say, be queat,
Or here am I that can aswell commaund it as intreat,
Which Hercules so suddainly chopt off that (yet vnmist)
He thinking to haue vsed Armes, was armelesse ere he wist.
Then Hercules, our Hercules is come, all Thæbes it cride,
Now shake we off our seruile Yoke and follow him our guide:
And so they did, till none were left to hold on Lycus side.
The medly ended, Hercules did bring the Centaure bound
To Prison, whereas Megara in miserie he found:
(For Lycus, speedeles in his lust, against her so had frownd)
Yea (more reuengefull) seeing her imbraced by his Foe,
And hoping nothing lesse then life, to vexe them ere he goe,
He said: thou do atest ouermuch to entertaine that Whore,
The falsest Ladie vnder Heauen, for let me liue no more,
If Megara (I speake by proofe) imbraced so of thee,
Hath not offended diuers waies, and common been to mee.
Then Hercules, supposing that his speeches had been true,
Swept off the lying Centaures head, and in that choller slewe
(Too credulent) his guiltlesse wife: but dead her death did rue.
To Prison, whereas Megara in miserie he found:
(For Lycus, speedeles in his lust, against her so had frownd)
Yea (more reuengefull) seeing her imbraced by his Foe,
And hoping nothing lesse then life, to vexe them ere he goe,
He said: thou do atest ouermuch to entertaine that Whore,
The falsest Ladie vnder Heauen, for let me liue no more,
If Megara (I speake by proofe) imbraced so of thee,
Hath not offended diuers waies, and common been to mee.
25
Swept off the lying Centaures head, and in that choller slewe
(Too credulent) his guiltlesse wife: but dead her death did rue.
For losse of her, and slaughtered friends, he vexed at the heart,
Did then from Thæbes (an heauie man) to Forraine lands depart.
Distressed in the Troyan Rhode he succour sought for pay:
To which (his peoples triple plague) Laomedon said nay:
And to prouide their second scourge saild Hercules away:
For, comming back with Iasons Prize from Colchos, he complaines
Of churlish King Laomedon, and so an armie gaines.
Did then from Thæbes (an heauie man) to Forraine lands depart.
Distressed in the Troyan Rhode he succour sought for pay:
To which (his peoples triple plague) Laomedon said nay:
And to prouide their second scourge saild Hercules away:
For, comming back with Iasons Prize from Colchos, he complaines
Of churlish King Laomedon, and so an armie gaines.
At Troy the Greekish Peeres and he did land their armed men:
Whome to resist Laomedon did range his Battailes then.
The Troyans they bestird them well, the Grecians stood not still,
Laomedon fights valiantly, and many a Greeke did kill:
Till Hercules (disgesting ill to see his Foe pursue
Such good successe) encounters him, whom easily he slue.
And hauing slaine the traiterous King he ceaseth not to die
His Thæbian Club in Phrigian bloud, till all began to flie.
But with the Troyans, Telamon, and Hercules both twaine,
And by their valour all the Greekes the gates and Citie gaine,
And kill who so of Troy they caught, and rased to the ground
The Citie, whilest that house by house, or stone on stone they found.
When ventrous Telamon, for that he entred first the gate,
For Prize had faire Hesione, of Troy the latest fate:
For Priamus to quit her Rape, long after sent his Sonne
To rauish Hellen from the Greekes: So thirdly warre begonne:
Hesione the cause to Troy, and Hellen to the Greekes,
And all did worke that Troyan Brute the Albian Climate seekes.
Whome to resist Laomedon did range his Battailes then.
The Troyans they bestird them well, the Grecians stood not still,
Laomedon fights valiantly, and many a Greeke did kill:
Till Hercules (disgesting ill to see his Foe pursue
Such good successe) encounters him, whom easily he slue.
And hauing slaine the traiterous King he ceaseth not to die
His Thæbian Club in Phrigian bloud, till all began to flie.
But with the Troyans, Telamon, and Hercules both twaine,
And by their valour all the Greekes the gates and Citie gaine,
And kill who so of Troy they caught, and rased to the ground
The Citie, whilest that house by house, or stone on stone they found.
When ventrous Telamon, for that he entred first the gate,
For Prize had faire Hesione, of Troy the latest fate:
For Priamus to quit her Rape, long after sent his Sonne
To rauish Hellen from the Greekes: So thirdly warre begonne:
Hesione the cause to Troy, and Hellen to the Greekes,
And all did worke that Troyan Brute the Albian Climate seekes.
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