University of Virginia Library


289

Lenuoy.

[What griefe is this, that such a worthy wight]

[_]

[For the original version of Lenvoy 17, see p. 222. It was rewritten for the 1587 edition, to introduce the first of the fifteen new Roman tragedies (26–40). The tragedies have no lenvoys.]

What griefe is this, that such a worthy wight
(Which meant to Prince & Countrey both so wel)
Should haue his death amongst his friendes adight,
Though he in noble feates did so excell.
But so full oft it falles (the trueth to tell)
Who best doth meane the publike weales defence,
By some mishap is soonest reaued thence.
Such Nennius was (of whome I spake before)
Such diuers haue in ages all bene seene,
Such therefore still were enuide much the more,
Both of the proude, and such as hatefull beene.
For when they seeke the publique weales defence,
By some mishap th'are soonest reaued thence.
But what ensues such members reaft away?
The rest begin within themselues to striue,
Which when they doe, the body feeles decay,
It cannot long preserue it selfe aliue:
For when diseases bad, good health depriue,
If once they reaue the vitall strength from thence,
Too late is sought for sicknesse sure defence.
Now next appeard on stage the Romayne stoute,
Which made vs tribute first to Rome to pay:
The Monarch Iulius Caesar, halfe in doubte
In the'nglish tongue what he were best to say.
At length me thought, not making more delay,
His life, warres, death, to shewe he did commence,
Which first with hostage bare the conquest hence.