Natures Picture Drawn by Fancies Pencil To the Life Being several Feigned Stories, Comical, Tragical, Tragi-comical, Poetical, Romancical, Philosophical, Historical, and Moral: Some in Verse, some in Prose; some Mixt, and some by Dialogues. Written by the Thrice Noble, Illustrious, and most Excellent Princess, The Duchess of Newcastle [i.e. Margaret Cavendish]. The Second Edition |
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A Description of Love and Courage.
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 | Natures Picture Drawn by Fancies Pencil To the Life |  |
A Description of Love and Courage.
A Gentleman was riding all about,
As in a Progress, he chanc'd to spy out:
(Growing upon a rising-Hill) a Wood,
In midst whereof a little House there stood:
It was but small, yet was it wondrous fine,
As if 'twere builded for the Muses Nine:
The Platform was so well contriv'd, that there
Was ne're a piece of ground lay waste or spare.
This House was built of pure rich Marble-stone,
And Marble-Pillars wholly stood upon;
So smooth 'twas polish'd, as like Glass it show'd,
Which gave reflection to the Wood there grow'd.
Those Trees upon the Walls, seem'd painted green,
Yet every Leaf thereon was shaking seen:
The Roofs therein were arch'd with artful skill,
Which over-head hung like a hanging-Hill;
And there a man himself might entertain
With his own words, rebounding back again.
The doors to every room were very wide,
And men, like Statues, carv'd on either side;
And in such lively postures made they were,
They seem'd like Guards or Porters waiting there.
The winding-Stairs rising without account
Of any steps, up to the top did mount:
It on the Head a Cap of Lead did wear,
Like to a Cardinal's Cap, 'twas made four-square;
But flat it was; close to the Crown did lye,
From Cold and Heat it kept it warm and dry:
And in the midst, a Tower plac'd on high,
Like to Ulysses Monster, with one eye:
But standing there, did view through windows out,
On every side, fine Prospects all about.
When that his eyes were satisfi'd with sight,
And that his mind was fill'd with such delight,
He did descend back by another way,
Chance was his only Guide, which did convey
Him to a Gallery both large and long,
Where Pictures, by Apelles drawn, there hung,
And at the end, a Door half ope, half shut,
Where, in a Chamber, did a Lady sit.
To him so beautiful she did appear,
She seem'd an Angel, not a Mortal here:
Cloth'd all in white she was, and from her Head
Her Hair hung down, and on her Shoulders spread;
And in a Chair she sate, a Table by,
Leaning theron, her Head did side-ways lye
Upon her Hand, the Palm a Pillow made,
On which, being soft, her Rosie Cheeks she laid;
And from her Eyes the Tears in show'rs did fall
Upon her Breast, sparkling like Diamonds all:
At last she fetch'd a sigh, Heart break, said she;
Gods take my Life, or give me Liberty:
When those words were exprest, she was constrain'd;
He courage took on what she there complain'd,
And boldly entring in, she seem'd afraid;
He kneeling down, askt pardon, and thus said:
As in a Progress, he chanc'd to spy out:
(Growing upon a rising-Hill) a Wood,
In midst whereof a little House there stood:
It was but small, yet was it wondrous fine,
As if 'twere builded for the Muses Nine:
The Platform was so well contriv'd, that there
Was ne're a piece of ground lay waste or spare.
This House was built of pure rich Marble-stone,
And Marble-Pillars wholly stood upon;
So smooth 'twas polish'd, as like Glass it show'd,
Which gave reflection to the Wood there grow'd.
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Yet every Leaf thereon was shaking seen:
The Roofs therein were arch'd with artful skill,
Which over-head hung like a hanging-Hill;
And there a man himself might entertain
With his own words, rebounding back again.
The doors to every room were very wide,
And men, like Statues, carv'd on either side;
And in such lively postures made they were,
They seem'd like Guards or Porters waiting there.
The winding-Stairs rising without account
Of any steps, up to the top did mount:
It on the Head a Cap of Lead did wear,
Like to a Cardinal's Cap, 'twas made four-square;
But flat it was; close to the Crown did lye,
From Cold and Heat it kept it warm and dry:
And in the midst, a Tower plac'd on high,
Like to Ulysses Monster, with one eye:
But standing there, did view through windows out,
On every side, fine Prospects all about.
When that his eyes were satisfi'd with sight,
And that his mind was fill'd with such delight,
He did descend back by another way,
Chance was his only Guide, which did convey
Him to a Gallery both large and long,
Where Pictures, by Apelles drawn, there hung,
And at the end, a Door half ope, half shut,
Where, in a Chamber, did a Lady sit.
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She seem'd an Angel, not a Mortal here:
Cloth'd all in white she was, and from her Head
Her Hair hung down, and on her Shoulders spread;
And in a Chair she sate, a Table by,
Leaning theron, her Head did side-ways lye
Upon her Hand, the Palm a Pillow made,
On which, being soft, her Rosie Cheeks she laid;
And from her Eyes the Tears in show'rs did fall
Upon her Breast, sparkling like Diamonds all:
At last she fetch'd a sigh, Heart break, said she;
Gods take my Life, or give me Liberty:
When those words were exprest, she was constrain'd;
He courage took on what she there complain'd,
And boldly entring in, she seem'd afraid;
He kneeling down, askt pardon, and thus said:
Celestial Creature, do not think me rude,
Or want of Breeding made me thus intrude;
But Fortune me unto this House did bring,
Whereby a Curiosity did spring
From my desires this House to view throughout,
Seeing such shady Groves to grow about:
And when I came near to the Gate, not one
Was there to ask or make opposition:
The House seem'd empty, not a Creature stirring,
But every Room I entred, still admiring
The Architect and Structure of each part;
Those that design'd, were skilful in that Art.
VVandring about, at last, Chance favouring me,
Hath brought me to this place, where I do see
Or want of Breeding made me thus intrude;
But Fortune me unto this House did bring,
Whereby a Curiosity did spring
From my desires this House to view throughout,
Seeing such shady Groves to grow about:
And when I came near to the Gate, not one
Was there to ask or make opposition:
The House seem'd empty, not a Creature stirring,
But every Room I entred, still admiring
The Architect and Structure of each part;
Those that design'd, were skilful in that Art.
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Hath brought me to this place, where I do see
A Beauty far beyond all Art, or any
That Nature heretofore hath made, though many
Of all the Sex creates she sweet and fair,
Yet never any of your Sex so rare:
This made me stand and gaze, amaz'd to see
What wondrous glorious things in Nature be.
But when I heard your words for to express
Some grief of heart, and wisht for a redress,
My Soul flew to your service, here I vow
To Heaven high, my life to give to you;
Not only give my life, but for your sake
Suffer all Pains Nature or Hell can make:
Nor are my Proffers for a base Self-end,
I'm to your Sex a Servant and a Friend:
Pure is my Zeal, and my Flame being clear,
Chuse me your Champion, and adopt me here.
If I cannot your Enemy destroy,
I'le do my best, no rest I will enjoy;
Because my Fortune, Life, and Industry,
I'le sacrifice unto thy Liberty.
That Nature heretofore hath made, though many
Of all the Sex creates she sweet and fair,
Yet never any of your Sex so rare:
This made me stand and gaze, amaz'd to see
What wondrous glorious things in Nature be.
But when I heard your words for to express
Some grief of heart, and wisht for a redress,
My Soul flew to your service, here I vow
To Heaven high, my life to give to you;
Not only give my life, but for your sake
Suffer all Pains Nature or Hell can make:
Nor are my Proffers for a base Self-end,
I'm to your Sex a Servant and a Friend:
Pure is my Zeal, and my Flame being clear,
Chuse me your Champion, and adopt me here.
If I cannot your Enemy destroy,
I'le do my best, no rest I will enjoy;
Because my Fortune, Life, and Industry,
I'le sacrifice unto thy Liberty.
When that the Lady heard him speak so free,
And with such passion, and so honestly:
I do accept your Favour, Sir, said she,
For no Condition can be worse to me
Than this I now do live in; nor can I
My Honour hazzard in worse Company:
VVherefore, to your protection I resign;
Heaven, O Heaven, prosper this Design.
But how will you dispose of me? pray tell.
I will, said he, convey you to a Cell
Which is hard by; and there will Counsel take
What way is best to make a clear escape:
With that, his Riding-Coat which he did wear,
He pull'd straight off, which she put on; her Hair
She ty'd up short, and covered close her Face,
And in this posture stole out of that place.
An old ill-natur'd Bawd that did wait on her,
Being then asleep, did never think upon her.
But when sleep fled, awak'd, she up did rise,
Sitting upon her Bed, rubbing her eyes
That were seal'd up with Matter and with Rheum;
When that was done, she went into the Room
VVherein the Lady us'd alone to be:
Straight missing her, cry'd out most piteously,
Calling the Servants to search all about;
But they unto a VVake were all gone out.
The Peasant's Ball is that we call a VVake,
VVhen Men & Maids do dance, and love do make;
And she that danceth best, is crown'd as Queen,
VVith Garlands made of Flow'rs, & Laurel green:
Those Men that dance the best, have Ribbans ti'd
By every Maid that hopes to be a Bride.
Youth loves these kind of Sports, and to a Fayre,
'Twill venture life, rather than not be there.
Which made the Servants all, although not many,
To be abroad, and leave the house for any
To enter in, which caused this escape,
And to the Owner brought so much mishap.
And with such passion, and so honestly:
I do accept your Favour, Sir, said she,
For no Condition can be worse to me
Than this I now do live in; nor can I
My Honour hazzard in worse Company:
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Heaven, O Heaven, prosper this Design.
But how will you dispose of me? pray tell.
I will, said he, convey you to a Cell
Which is hard by; and there will Counsel take
What way is best to make a clear escape:
With that, his Riding-Coat which he did wear,
He pull'd straight off, which she put on; her Hair
She ty'd up short, and covered close her Face,
And in this posture stole out of that place.
An old ill-natur'd Bawd that did wait on her,
Being then asleep, did never think upon her.
But when sleep fled, awak'd, she up did rise,
Sitting upon her Bed, rubbing her eyes
That were seal'd up with Matter and with Rheum;
When that was done, she went into the Room
VVherein the Lady us'd alone to be:
Straight missing her, cry'd out most piteously,
Calling the Servants to search all about;
But they unto a VVake were all gone out.
The Peasant's Ball is that we call a VVake,
VVhen Men & Maids do dance, and love do make;
And she that danceth best, is crown'd as Queen,
VVith Garlands made of Flow'rs, & Laurel green:
Those Men that dance the best, have Ribbans ti'd
By every Maid that hopes to be a Bride.
Youth loves these kind of Sports, and to a Fayre,
'Twill venture life, rather than not be there.
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To be abroad, and leave the house for any
To enter in, which caused this escape,
And to the Owner brought so much mishap.
A Lord came galloping as from his Palace,
With pleasing thoughts, thinking alone to solace
Himself with his fair Mistress, who admired
Her Beauty more than Heaven, and desired
Her Favour more than Jove's; her angry words
Did wound him more than could the sharpest swords.
Her Frowns would torture him as on a Rack,
Muffling his Spirits in melancholy black:
But if she chanc'd to smile, his joys did rise
Much higher than the Sun that lights the Skies.
But riding on, the Castle coming nigh,
The VVoman running 'bout he did descry:
His heart misgave him, with doubts he alighted,
Asking the reason she was so affrighted:
She shak'd so much, no answer could she make;
He, being impatient, unto her thus spake:
With pleasing thoughts, thinking alone to solace
Himself with his fair Mistress, who admired
Her Beauty more than Heaven, and desired
Her Favour more than Jove's; her angry words
Did wound him more than could the sharpest swords.
Her Frowns would torture him as on a Rack,
Muffling his Spirits in melancholy black:
But if she chanc'd to smile, his joys did rise
Much higher than the Sun that lights the Skies.
But riding on, the Castle coming nigh,
The VVoman running 'bout he did descry:
His heart misgave him, with doubts he alighted,
Asking the reason she was so affrighted:
She shak'd so much, no answer could she make;
He, being impatient, unto her thus spake:
Devil, said he, what is my Mistress dead,
Or sick, or stole away? or is she fled?
She kneeling down, cry'd out, O she is gone,
And I left to your Mercy all-alone.
With that he tore his hair, his breast did beat,
And all his body in a cold damp sweat;
Which made his Nerves to slack, his Pulse beat slow,
His strength to fail, so weak he could not go,
But fell upon the ground, seeming as dead,
Until his Man did bear him to a bed:
For he did only with him one Man bring,
VVho prov'd himself trusty in every thing:
But when his diffus'd Spirits he did compose,
Into a deep sad Melancholy he grows;
Could neither eat, nor drink, nor take his rest,
His thoughts and passions being so opprest.
At last this Lady and her Noble Guide,
Got to a place secure, yet forc'd to hide
Her self a time, till she such Friends could make
That would protect Vertue for Vertue's sake;
Because her loving Foe was great in Power,
Which might a Friendless Innocent devour.
Or sick, or stole away? or is she fled?
She kneeling down, cry'd out, O she is gone,
And I left to your Mercy all-alone.
With that he tore his hair, his breast did beat,
And all his body in a cold damp sweat;
Which made his Nerves to slack, his Pulse beat slow,
His strength to fail, so weak he could not go,
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Until his Man did bear him to a bed:
For he did only with him one Man bring,
VVho prov'd himself trusty in every thing:
But when his diffus'd Spirits he did compose,
Into a deep sad Melancholy he grows;
Could neither eat, nor drink, nor take his rest,
His thoughts and passions being so opprest.
At last this Lady and her Noble Guide,
Got to a place secure, yet forc'd to hide
Her self a time, till she such Friends could make
That would protect Vertue for Vertue's sake;
Because her loving Foe was great in Power,
Which might a Friendless Innocent devour.
This Noble Gentleman desir'd to know
From what Misfortunes her restraint did grow.
Willing she was to tell the Gentleman
The story of her Life, and thus began:
From what Misfortunes her restraint did grow.
Willing she was to tell the Gentleman
The story of her Life, and thus began:
After my birth, my Mother soon did dye,
Unto my Father leaving a Son and I:
My Father nor my Brother liv'd not long,
Then was I left alone; and being young,
My Aunt did take the charge to see me bred,
To manage my Estate; my Brother dead,
I was the only Child and Heir; but she
Was married to a Lord of High Degree,
Who had a Son, and that Son had a VVife,
They disagreed, led an unhappy Life.
VVhen I was grown to sixteen years of age,
My Aunt did dye, her Husband did engage
To take the charge, and see me well bestow'd,
And by his tender care great love he show'd.
But such was my Misfortune, O sad Fate!
He dy'd, and left me to his Son's VVife's hate;
Because this younger Lord grew much in Love,
VVhich when his VVife by circumstance did prove,
She sought all means she could to murther me;
Yet she would have it done with privacy:
The whilst her amorous Lord fresh Courtships made,
VVith his best Rhetorick, for to perswade
My honest Youth to yeeld to his desire,
My Beauty having set his heart on fire:
At last, considering with my self, that I
Having a plentiful Estate whereby
I might live honourable, safe, and free,
Not subject to be betray'd to slavery;
Then to the Lady and the Lord I went,
As a respect I told them my intent.
The Lady my Design she well approv'd;
He nothing said, but seem'd with passion mov'd.
But afterwards, when I my leave did take,
He did rejoice, as if 'twere for my sake;
And so it was, but not unto my good,
For he with Treachery my ways withstood;
For as I travell'd, he beset me round,
And forc'd me from my Servants, which he found
To be not many; when he had great store
For to assault, but my defence was poor.
Yet were they all disguis'd, no Face was shown,
(Such unjust acts desire to be unknown).
VVhen I was in their power, Help, help, said I,
You Gods above, and hear a VVretch's Cry:
But no assistance from Heav'n did I find,
All seem'd as Cruel as the mad Mankind.
Then he unto the Castle me convey'd;
The Lord, himself discovering, thus said:
Unto my Father leaving a Son and I:
My Father nor my Brother liv'd not long,
Then was I left alone; and being young,
My Aunt did take the charge to see me bred,
To manage my Estate; my Brother dead,
I was the only Child and Heir; but she
Was married to a Lord of High Degree,
Who had a Son, and that Son had a VVife,
They disagreed, led an unhappy Life.
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My Aunt did dye, her Husband did engage
To take the charge, and see me well bestow'd,
And by his tender care great love he show'd.
But such was my Misfortune, O sad Fate!
He dy'd, and left me to his Son's VVife's hate;
Because this younger Lord grew much in Love,
VVhich when his VVife by circumstance did prove,
She sought all means she could to murther me;
Yet she would have it done with privacy:
The whilst her amorous Lord fresh Courtships made,
VVith his best Rhetorick, for to perswade
My honest Youth to yeeld to his desire,
My Beauty having set his heart on fire:
At last, considering with my self, that I
Having a plentiful Estate whereby
I might live honourable, safe, and free,
Not subject to be betray'd to slavery;
Then to the Lady and the Lord I went,
As a respect I told them my intent.
The Lady my Design she well approv'd;
He nothing said, but seem'd with passion mov'd.
But afterwards, when I my leave did take,
He did rejoice, as if 'twere for my sake;
And so it was, but not unto my good,
For he with Treachery my ways withstood;
For as I travell'd, he beset me round,
And forc'd me from my Servants, which he found
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For to assault, but my defence was poor.
Yet were they all disguis'd, no Face was shown,
(Such unjust acts desire to be unknown).
VVhen I was in their power, Help, help, said I,
You Gods above, and hear a VVretch's Cry:
But no assistance from Heav'n did I find,
All seem'd as Cruel as the mad Mankind.
Then he unto the Castle me convey'd;
The Lord, himself discovering, thus said:
Cruellest of thy Sex, since no remorse
Can soften thy hard heart, I'le use my force;
Unless your heart doth burn with equal fire,
Or condescend to what I shall desire.
Can soften thy hard heart, I'le use my force;
Unless your heart doth burn with equal fire,
Or condescend to what I shall desire.
I for my own defence, 'gainst this abuse,
Soft flattering words was forced for to use;
Gently entreating his Patience, that I
A time might have my heavy heart to try;
That by perswasions it might entertain
Not only Love, but return Love again.
Soft flattering words was forced for to use;
Gently entreating his Patience, that I
A time might have my heavy heart to try;
That by perswasions it might entertain
Not only Love, but return Love again.
He seem'd well-pleas'd, his temper calm did grow,
VVhich by his smiling-countenance he did show:
He said, If in your Favour I may live,
A greater blessing Heaven cannot give.
Then to a VVoman old he gave the charge
For to attend, but not for to enlarge
My Liberty; with Rules my Life did bind;
Nothing was free, but Thoughts within my Mind.
Thus did I live some half a year, and more,
And all this while the Gods on high implore;
For still he woo'd, and still I did deny;
At last h'impatient grew, and swore that I
Deluded him, and that no longer would
He be denied, but yeeld to him I should.
With much entreaty I pacifi'd his Mind
With words and countenance that seemed kind;
But Prayers to Heav'n more earnestly I sent
With tears and sighs, that they would still prevent,
By their great power, his Evil Design,
Or take away this loathed life of mine:
Although at first they seem'd to be all deaf,
Yet now at last they sent me some relief.
The whilst the Champion Knight, with his fair Prize,
Was struck with Love by her quick-darting Eyes;
Yet mov'd they so as Modesty did guide,
Not turning wantonly, or leer'd aside:
Nor did they stern or proudly pierce,
But gentle, soft, with sweet commerce:
And when those Eyes were fill'd with watry streams,
Seem'd like a Brook gilded with the Sun-beams;
At last perswading-Love prevail'd so far,
As to present his Suit unto her care:
VVhich by his smiling-countenance he did show:
He said, If in your Favour I may live,
A greater blessing Heaven cannot give.
Then to a VVoman old he gave the charge
For to attend, but not for to enlarge
My Liberty; with Rules my Life did bind;
Nothing was free, but Thoughts within my Mind.
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And all this while the Gods on high implore;
For still he woo'd, and still I did deny;
At last h'impatient grew, and swore that I
Deluded him, and that no longer would
He be denied, but yeeld to him I should.
With much entreaty I pacifi'd his Mind
With words and countenance that seemed kind;
But Prayers to Heav'n more earnestly I sent
With tears and sighs, that they would still prevent,
By their great power, his Evil Design,
Or take away this loathed life of mine:
Although at first they seem'd to be all deaf,
Yet now at last they sent me some relief.
The whilst the Champion Knight, with his fair Prize,
Was struck with Love by her quick-darting Eyes;
Yet mov'd they so as Modesty did guide,
Not turning wantonly, or leer'd aside:
Nor did they stern or proudly pierce,
But gentle, soft, with sweet commerce:
And when those Eyes were fill'd with watry streams,
Seem'd like a Brook gilded with the Sun-beams;
At last perswading-Love prevail'd so far,
As to present his Suit unto her care:
Fair Maid, I love thee, and my Love so pure,
That no corrupted thoughts it can endure:
My Love is honest, my Request is just;
For one Man's fault, do not all Men mistrust.
I am a Batchelor, and you a Maid,
For which we lawfully may love, he said:
Wherefore, dear Saint, cast not my Suit aside;
Chuse me your Husband, and be you my Bride.
I am a Gentleman, and have been bred
As to my Quality; my Father dead,
Me his Possessions left, which are not small,
Nor yet so great to make me vain withall.
My Life is yet with an unspotted Fame;
Nor so obscure, not to be known by Name;
Amongst the best and most within this Land,
Favours receiv'd, yet none like your Command.
That no corrupted thoughts it can endure:
My Love is honest, my Request is just;
For one Man's fault, do not all Men mistrust.
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For which we lawfully may love, he said:
Wherefore, dear Saint, cast not my Suit aside;
Chuse me your Husband, and be you my Bride.
I am a Gentleman, and have been bred
As to my Quality; my Father dead,
Me his Possessions left, which are not small,
Nor yet so great to make me vain withall.
My Life is yet with an unspotted Fame;
Nor so obscure, not to be known by Name;
Amongst the best and most within this Land,
Favours receiv'd, yet none like your Command.
She stood a time, as in a musing-thought,
At last she spake, Sir, said she, you have brought
My Honour out of danger, and civilly
Have entertain'd me with your company;
For which I owe my life, much more my love;
Should I refuse, I should ungrateful prove.
'Tis not for Wealth that I would marry to,
Nor outward Honours that my Love can woo:
But it is Virtue, and a Heroick Mind,
A Disposition sweet, noble, and kind;
And such a one I judg you for to be,
Wherefore I'le not refuse, if you chuse me.
At last she spake, Sir, said she, you have brought
My Honour out of danger, and civilly
Have entertain'd me with your company;
For which I owe my life, much more my love;
Should I refuse, I should ungrateful prove.
'Tis not for Wealth that I would marry to,
Nor outward Honours that my Love can woo:
But it is Virtue, and a Heroick Mind,
A Disposition sweet, noble, and kind;
And such a one I judg you for to be,
Wherefore I'le not refuse, if you chuse me.
When they were thus agreed, they did repair
Unto his House, and went to marry there:
Unto his House, and went to marry there:
The whilst the Lord, the Kingdom all about,
He privately had sent to search her out.
At last news came, with whom, and where she dwelt;
With that much grief within his heart he felt,
That any Man should have her in his power,
He, like a Devil, could his Soul devour.
But when he heard the Messenger to say,
There's preparation 'gainst her Wedding-day;
He grew outragious, cursed Heaven and Earth,
The Marriage of his Parents, and his Birth:
At last he did resolve, what e're befell,
That he would have her, though he sank to Hell.
He privately had sent to search her out.
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With that much grief within his heart he felt,
That any Man should have her in his power,
He, like a Devil, could his Soul devour.
But when he heard the Messenger to say,
There's preparation 'gainst her Wedding-day;
He grew outragious, cursed Heaven and Earth,
The Marriage of his Parents, and his Birth:
At last he did resolve, what e're befell,
That he would have her, though he sank to Hell.
When he had got a Company together,
Such as he fed, that would go any whither;
No act they would refuse, that he desired,
Obey'd most desperately what he required.
Unto his House they went in a disguise,
Intending then the Lady to surprise:
But be'ng upon her Wedding-day, were there
A Company of Guests that merry were;
This Lord desir'd to part them, if he might,
'Cause lye together they should not that Night.
So in they went: the Servants all did think
Them Maskerades, and made them all to drink:
But when they went into an inward Room
Where all were dancing, Bride and the Bridegroom;
The Bride acquainted with that Maskard-sight,
She ran away as in an extream fright:
The Bridegroom soon imagin'd what they were,
And, though unarm'd, his Courage knew no fear.
Their Swords they drew, aim'd only at his life;
That done, they thought to get away his Wife:
His Hat and Cloak, Arms of Defence did make;
The Tongs, for to assault, he up did take:
The Women scriecht, Murther, Murther, cry'd out;
The Men flung all the Chairs and Stools about,
With which they did resist, and did oppose,
For some short time, the Fury of his Foes.
It chanc'd a Sword out of a hand did fall;
The Bridegroom straight took't up & fought withall;
So well did manage it, and with such skill,
He many of his Enemies did kill:
Yet he was wounded sore, and out of breath;
But heat of Courage kept out dull cold Death.
At last his Friends got Arms to take his part,
VVho did th' oppression of his Foes divert.
The Vizzard of the Lord fell off at length;
VVhich when the Bridegroom saw, with vigorous strength,
He ran upon him with such force, that he
Struck many down, to make his passage free.
The trembling Bride was almost dead with fear,
Yet for her Husband had a listening ear.
At last the noise of Murther did arrive:
O is he dead, said she, and I alive!
With that she run with all her power and might,
Into the Room, her Husband then in fight
With her great Enemy; and where they stood,
The Ground was like a foaming Sea of Blood;
Wounded they were, yet was each other's heart
So hot with Passion, that they felt no smart.
The Bride did pass and re-pass by their Swords,
As quick as flashing Lightning, and her words
Cryed out, Desist, desist, and let me dye,
It is decreed by the great Gods on high,
Which nothing can prevent; then let my fall
Be an Atonement to make Friends withall.
But Death and Courage being long at strife
About her Husband's Honour and his Life,
They both did fall, and on the ground did lye;
But honoured Courage receiv'd Fame thereby.
When Death had turned out his Life, it went
Into his Fame, and built a Monument.
The Bride, when that she saw her Husband faint,
She weeping mourn'd, and made a sad complaint:
Such as he fed, that would go any whither;
No act they would refuse, that he desired,
Obey'd most desperately what he required.
Unto his House they went in a disguise,
Intending then the Lady to surprise:
But be'ng upon her Wedding-day, were there
A Company of Guests that merry were;
This Lord desir'd to part them, if he might,
'Cause lye together they should not that Night.
So in they went: the Servants all did think
Them Maskerades, and made them all to drink:
But when they went into an inward Room
Where all were dancing, Bride and the Bridegroom;
The Bride acquainted with that Maskard-sight,
She ran away as in an extream fright:
The Bridegroom soon imagin'd what they were,
And, though unarm'd, his Courage knew no fear.
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That done, they thought to get away his Wife:
His Hat and Cloak, Arms of Defence did make;
The Tongs, for to assault, he up did take:
The Women scriecht, Murther, Murther, cry'd out;
The Men flung all the Chairs and Stools about,
With which they did resist, and did oppose,
For some short time, the Fury of his Foes.
It chanc'd a Sword out of a hand did fall;
The Bridegroom straight took't up & fought withall;
So well did manage it, and with such skill,
He many of his Enemies did kill:
Yet he was wounded sore, and out of breath;
But heat of Courage kept out dull cold Death.
At last his Friends got Arms to take his part,
VVho did th' oppression of his Foes divert.
The Vizzard of the Lord fell off at length;
VVhich when the Bridegroom saw, with vigorous strength,
He ran upon him with such force, that he
Struck many down, to make his passage free.
The trembling Bride was almost dead with fear,
Yet for her Husband had a listening ear.
At last the noise of Murther did arrive:
O is he dead, said she, and I alive!
With that she run with all her power and might,
Into the Room, her Husband then in fight
With her great Enemy; and where they stood,
The Ground was like a foaming Sea of Blood;
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So hot with Passion, that they felt no smart.
The Bride did pass and re-pass by their Swords,
As quick as flashing Lightning, and her words
Cryed out, Desist, desist, and let me dye,
It is decreed by the great Gods on high,
Which nothing can prevent; then let my fall
Be an Atonement to make Friends withall.
But Death and Courage being long at strife
About her Husband's Honour and his Life,
They both did fall, and on the ground did lye;
But honoured Courage receiv'd Fame thereby.
When Death had turned out his Life, it went
Into his Fame, and built a Monument.
The Bride, when that she saw her Husband faint,
She weeping mourn'd, and made a sad complaint:
O Gods, said she, grant me but this Request,
That I may dye here on my Husband's breast.
With that she fell, and on his Lips did lye,
Suckt out each other's breath, and so did dye.
That I may dye here on my Husband's breast.
With that she fell, and on his Lips did lye,
Suckt out each other's breath, and so did dye.
When that the Lover saw her Soul was fled,
And that her body was cold, pale, and dead;
Then he impatient grew his Life to hold,
With desperate Fury then both fierce and bold,
He gave himself a mortal wound, and so
—Fell to the ground, and sick did grow.
Then did he speak to all the Company,
I do entreat you all for Charity,
To lay me by my Mistress in a Grave,
That my free Soul may rest and quiet have:
With that a Voice heard in the air to say,
And that her body was cold, pale, and dead;
Then he impatient grew his Life to hold,
With desperate Fury then both fierce and bold,
He gave himself a mortal wound, and so
—Fell to the ground, and sick did grow.
Then did he speak to all the Company,
I do entreat you all for Charity,
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That my free Soul may rest and quiet have:
With that a Voice heard in the air to say,
My Noble Friends, you ought to disobey
His dying-words; for if you do not so,
From our dead ashes jealousie will grow:
His dying-words; for if you do not so,
From our dead ashes jealousie will grow:
But howsoe're, their Friends did so agree,
That they did put them in a Grave all three:
And ever since fierce Jealousie doth rage
Throughout the World, and shall from age to age.
That they did put them in a Grave all three:
And ever since fierce Jealousie doth rage
Throughout the World, and shall from age to age.
| Natures Picture Drawn by Fancies Pencil To the Life | |