The works of Sr William Davenant :: :: University of Virginia Library

The works of Sr William Davenant

... Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed, and Those which he design'd for the Press: Now published Out of the Authors Originall Copies

D'Avenant, William (1606-1668)

[dedication]

GONDIBERT:

TO Sr WILL. D'AVENANT,

TO Sir WILLIAM D'AVENANT,

THE FIRST BOOK.

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THE FIRST BOOK.

Canto the First.

The ARGUMENT.

Old Aribert's great race, and greater mind
Is sung, with the renown of Rhodalind.
Prince Oswald is compar'd to Gondibert,
And justly each distinguish'd by desert:
Whose Armies are in Fam's fair Field drawn forth,
To shew by discipline their Leaders worth.

1

Of all the Lombards, by their Trophies known,
Who sought Fame soon, and had her favor long,
King Aribert best seem'd to fill the Throne;
And bred most bus'ness for Heroick Song.

2

From early Childhoods promising estate,
Up to performing Manhood, till he grew
To fayling Age, he Agent was to Fate,
And did to Nations Peace or War renew.

3

War was his study'd Art; war, which the bad
Condemn, because even then it does them awe,
When with their number lin'd, and purple clad,
And to the good more needful is then Law.

4

To conquer Tumult, Nature's sudain force,
War, Arts delib'rate strength, was first devis'd;
Cruel to those whose rage has no remorse,
Least civil pow'r should be by Throngs surpris'd.

5

The feeble Law rescues but doubtfully
From the Oppressors single Arme our right;
Till to its pow'r the wise war's help apply;
Which soberly does Man's loose rage unite.

6

Yet since on all War never needful was,
Wise Aribert did keep the People sure
By Laws from little dangers; for the Laws
Them from themselves, and not from pow'r secure.

7

Else Conquerors, by making Laws, o'recome
Their own gain'd pow'r, and leave mens fury free;
Who growing deaf to pow'r, the Laws grow dumb;
Since none can plead where all may Judges bee.

8

Prais'd was this King for war, the Laws broad shield;
And for acknowledg'd Laws, the art of Peace;
Happy in all which Heav'n to Kings does yield,
But a successor when his cares shall cease.

9

For no male Pledge, to give a lasting name,
Sprung from his bed, yet Heaven to him allow'd
One of the gentler sex, whose Story Fame
Has made my Song, to make the Lombards proud.

10

Recorded Rhodalind! whose high renown
Who miss in Books, not luckily have read;
Or vex'd by living beauties of their own
Have shunn'd the wise Records of Lovers dead.

11

Her Fathers prosp'rous Palace was the Sphear
Where she to all with Heav'nly order mov'd;
Made rigid vertue so benigne appear
That 'twas without Religion's help belov'd.

12

Her looks like Empire shew'd, great above pride;
Since pride ill counterfeits excessive height;
But Nature publish'd what she fain would hide;
Who for her deeds, not beauty, lov'd the light.

13

To make her lowly mindes appearance less,
She us'd some outward greatness for disguise;
Esteem'd as pride the Cloyst'ral lowliness,
And thought them proud who even the proud despise.

14

Her Father (in the winter of his age)
Was like that stormy season froward grown.
Whom so her youthful presence did asswage,
That he her sweetness tasted as his own.

15

The pow'r that with his stooping age declin'd,
In her transplanted, by remove increas'd;
Which doubly back in homage she resign'd;
Till pow'rs decay, the Thrones worst sickness, ceas'd.

16

Oppressors big with pride, when she appear'd
Blushed, and believ'd their greatness counterfeit;
The lowly thought they them in vain had fear'd;
Found vertue harmless, and nought else so great,

17

Her minde (scarce to her feeble sex a kinn)
Did as her birth, her right to Empire show;
Seem'd careless outward when imploy'd within;
Her speech, like lovers watch'd, was kind and low.

18

She shew'd that her soft sex containes strong mindes,
Such as evap'rates through the courser Male,
As through course stone Elixer passage findes,
Which scarce through finer Christal can exhale.

19

Her beauty (not her own but Nature's pride)
Should I describe; from ev'ry Lovers eye
All Beauties this original must hide,
Or like scorn'd Copies be themselves laid by;

20

Be by their Poets shunn'd, whom beauty feeds;
Who beauty like hyr'd witnesses protect,
Officiously averring more then needs,
And make us so the needful truth suspect.

21

And since fond Lovers (who disciples bee
To Poets) think in their own loves they find
More beauty then yet Time did ever see,
Time's Curtain I will draw o're Rhodalind.

22

Least shewing her, each sees how much he errs,
Doubt since their own have less, that they have none;
Believe their Poets perjur'd Flatterers,
And then all Modern Maids would be undone.

23

In Pity thus, her beauty's just renown
I wave for publick Peace, and will declare
To whom the King design'd her with his Crown;
Which is his last and most unquiet care.

24

If in allyance he does greatness prise,
His Minde grown Weary, need not travail farre;
If greatness be compos'd of Victories,
He has at home many that Victors are.

25

Many whom blest success did often grace
In Fields, where they have seeds of Empire sown;
And hope to make, since born of princely race,
Even her (the harvest of those toyls) their own.

26

And of those Victors Two are chiefly fam'd,
To whom the rest their proudest hopes resigne;
Though young, were in their Fathers batails nam'd,
And both are of the Lombards Royal Line.

27

Oswald the great, and greater Gondibert!
Both from succesfull conqu'ring Fathers sprung;
Whom both examples made of Warr's high art,
And farr out-wrought their patterns being young.

28

Yet for full fame (as Trine Fame's Judge reports)
Much to Duke Gondibert Prince Oswald yields;
Was less in mighty misteries of Courts,
In peaceful Cities, and in fighting Fields.

29

In Court Prince Oswald costly was and gay,
Finer then near vain Kings their Fav'rites are;
Outshin'd bright Fav'rites on their Nuptial day;
Yet were his Eyes dark with ambitious care.

30

Duke Gondibert was still more gravely clad,
But yet his looks familiar were and clear;
As if with ill to others never sad,
Nor tow'rds himself could others practice fear.

31

The Prince, could Porpoise-like in Tempests play,
And in Court storms on shipwrack'd Greatness feed;
Not frighted with their fate when cast away,
But to their glorious hazards durst succeed.

32

The Duke would lasting calmes to Courts assure,
As pleasant Gardens we defend from windes;
For he who bus'ness would from Storms procure,
Soon his affairs above his mannage findes.

33

Oswald in Throngs the abject People sought
With humble looks; who still too late will know
They are Ambition's Quarry, and soon caught
When the aspiring Eagle stoops so low.

34

The Duke did these by steady Vertue gain;
Which they in action more then precept tast;
Deeds shew the Good, and those who goodness feign
By such even through their vizards are out-fac't.

35

Oswald in war was worthily renown'd;
Though gay in Courts, coursly in Camps could live;
Judg'd danger soon, and first was in it found;
Could toyl to gain what he with ease did give.

36

Yet toyls and dangers through. ambition lov'd;
Which does in war the name of Vertue own;
But quits that name when from the war remov'd,
As Rivers theirs when from their Channels gon.

37

The Duke (as restless as his fame in warre)
With martial toyl could Oswald weary make;
And calmly do what he with rage did dare,
And give so much as he might deign to take.

38

Him as their Founder Cities did adore;
The Court he knew to steer in storms of State;
In Fields a Battle lost he could restore,
And after force the Victors to their Fate.

39

In Camps now chiefly liv'd, where he did aime
At graver glory then Ambition breeds;
Designes that yet this story must not name,
Which with our Lombard Authors pace proceds.

40

The King adopts this Duke in secret thought
To wed the Nations wealth, his onely child,
Whom Oswald as reward of merit sought,
With Hope, Ambition's common Baite, beguild.

41

This as his souls chief secret was unknowne,
Least Oswald that his proudest Army led
Should force possession ere his hopes were gone,
Who could not rest but in the royal bed.

42

The Duke discern'd not that the King design'd
To chuse him Heir of all his victories;
Nor guess'd that for his love fair Rhodalind
Made sleep of late a stranger to her Eies.

43

Yet sadly it is sung that she in shades
Mildly as mourning Doves love's sorrows felt;
Whilst in her secret tears her freshness fades
As Roses silently in Lymbecks melt.

44

But who could know her love, whose jealous shame
Deny'd her Eyes the knowledge of her glass;
Who blushing thought Nature her self too blame
By whom Men guess of Maids more then the face.

45

Yet judge not that this Duke (though from his sight
With Maids first fears she did her passion hide)
Did need lov's flame for his directing light,
But rather wants Ambition for his Guide.

46

Love's fire he carry'd, but no more in view
Then vital heat which kept his heart still warm;
This Maids in Oswald as love's Beacon knew;
The publick flame to bid them flye from harm.

47

Yet since this Duke could love, we may admire
Why love ne'r rais'd his thoughts to Rodalind;
But those forget that earthly flames aspire,
Whilst Heav'nly beames, which purer are, descend.

48

As yet to none could he peculiar prove,
But like an universal Influence
(For such and so sufficient was his love)
To all the Sex he did his heart dispence.

49

But Oswald never knew love's ancient Laws,
The awe that Beauty does in lovers breed,
Those short breath'd fears and paleness it does cause
When in a doubtful Brow their doom they read.

50

Not Rhodalind (whom then all Men as one
Did celebrate, as with confed'rate Eyes)
Could he effect but shining in her Throne;
Blindly a Throne did more then beauty prise.

51

He by his Sister did his hopes prefer;
A beauteous pleader who victorious was
O're Rhodalind, and could subdue her Ear
In all requests but this unpleasant cause.

52

Gartha, whose bolder beauty was in strength
And fulness plac'd, but such as all must like;
Her spreading stature talness was, not length,
And whilst sharpe beauties peirce, hers seem'd to strike.

53

Such goodly presence ancient Poets grace,
Whose songs the worlds first manliness declare;
To Princes Beds teach carefulness of Race;
Which now store Courts, that us'd to store the warre.

54

Such was the Palace of her Minde, a Prince
Who proudly there, and still unquiet lives;
And sleep (domestick ev'ry where) from thence,
To make Ambition room, unwisely drives.

55

Of manly force was this her watchful mind,
And fit in Empire to direct and sway;
If she the temper had of Rhodalind.
Who knew that Gold is currant with allay.

56

As Kings (oft slaves to others hopes and skill)
Are urg'd to war to load their slaves with spoyles;
So Oswald was push'd up Ambition's hill,
And so some urg'd the Duke to martial toyles.

57

And these who for their own great cause so high
Would lift their Lords Two prosp'rous Armies are,
Return'd from far to fruitful Lombardy,
And paid with rest, the best reward of warre.

58

The old neer Brescia lay, scarce warm'd with Tents;
For though from danger safe, yet Armies then
Their posture kept 'gainst warring Elements,
And hardness learn'd against more warring Men.

59

Neer Bergamo encamp'd the younger were,
Whom to the Franks distress the Duke had led;
The other Oswald's lucky Ensigns bear,
Which lately stood when proud Ovenna fled.

60

These that attend Duke Gondibert's renown
Were Youth whom from his Fathers Campe he chose.
And them betimes transplanted to his own;
Where each the Planters care and judgment shows.

61

All hardy Youth, from valiant Fathers sprung;
Whom perfect honor he so highly taught,
That th' Aged fetch'd examples from the young,
And hid the vain experience which they brought.

62

They danger met diverted less with fears
Then now the dead would be if here again,
After they know the price brave dying bears;
And by their sinless rest find life was vain.

63

Temp'rate in what does needy life preserve,
As those whose Bodies wait upon their Mindes;
Chaste as those Mindes which not their Bodies serve;
Ready as Pilots wak'd with suddain Windes.

64

Speechless in diligence, as if they were
Nightly to close surprise and Ambush bred;
Their wounds yet smarting merciful they are,
And soon from victory to pity led.

65

When a great Captive they in fight had ta'ne,
(Whom in a Filial duty some fair Maid
Visits, and would by tears his freedom gain)
How soon his Victors were her Captives made?

66

For though the Duke taught rigid Discipline,
He let them beauty thus at distance know;
As Priests discover some more Sacred Shrine,
Which none must touch, yet all may to it bow.

67

When thus as Sutors mourning Virgins pass
Through their clean Camp, themselves in form they draw,
That they with Martial reverence may grace
Beauty, the Stranger, which they seldom saw.

68

They vayl'd their Ensignes as it by did move,
Whilst inward (as from Native Conscience) all
Worshipp'd the Poets Darling Godhead, Love,
Which grave Philosophers did Nature call.

69

Nor there could Maids of Captives Syres dispaire,
But made all Captives by their beauty free;
Beauty and Valor native Jewels are,
And as each others only price agree.

70

Such was the Duke's young Camp by Bergamo,
But these near Brescia whom fierce Oswald led,
Their Science to his famous Father owe,
And have his Son (though now their Leader) bred.

71

This rev'rend Army was for age renown'd;
Which long through frequent dangers follow'd Time;
Their many Trophies gain'd with many'a wound,
And Fame's last Hill, did with first vigour climbe.

72

But here the learned Lombard whom I trace
My forward Pen by slower Method stays;
Least I should them (less heeding time and place
Then common Poets) out of season praise.

73

Think onely then (couldst thou both Camps discern)
That these would seem grave Authors of the war,
Met civilly to teach who e're will learn,
And those their young and civil Students are.

74

But painful vertue of the war ne'r pays
It self with consciousness of being good,
Though Cloyster'd vertue may believe even praise
A sallary which there should be withstood:

75

For many here (whose vertue's active heat
Concurs not with cold vertue which does dwell,
In lasie Cells) are vertuous to be great,
And as in pains so would in pow'r excell.

76

And Oswald's Faction urg'd him to aspire
That by his height they higher might ascend;
The Dukes to glorious Thrones access desire,
But at more awful distance did attend.

77

The Royal Rhodalind is now the Prize
By which these Camps would make their merit known;
And think their General's but their Deputies
Who must for them by Proxy wed the Crown.

78

From forreign Fields (with toyling conquest tyr'd,
And groaning under spoiles) come home to rest;
There now they are with emulation fyr'd,
And for that pow'r they should obey, contest.

79

Ah how perverse and froward is Mankinde!
Faction in Courts does us to rage excite;
The Rich in Cities we litigious find,
And in the Field th'Ambitious make us fight:

80

And fatally (as if even soules were made
Of warring Elements as Bodies are)
Our Reason our Religion does invade,
Till from the Schools to Camps it carry war.

Canto the Second.

The ARGUMENT.

The hunting which did yearly celebrate
The Lombards glory, and the Vandales Fate.
The Hunters prais'd; how true to love they are,
How calm in Peace, and Tempest-like in warre.
The Stagg is by the num'rous Chace subdu'd,
And strait his Hunters are as hard pursu'd.

1

Small are the seeds Fate does unheeded sow
Of slight beginnings to important ends;
Whilst wonder (which does best our rev'rence show
To Heav'n) all Reasons sight in gazing spends.

2

For from a Dayes brief pleasure did proceed
(A day grown black in Lombard Histories)
Such lasting griefs as thou shalt weep to read,
Though even thine own sad love had drain'd thine Eyes.

3

In a fair Forrest neer Verona's Plain,
Fresh as if Nature's Youth chose there a shade,
The Duke with many Lovers in his Train,
(Loyal, and young) a solemn hunting made.

4

Much was his Train enlarg'd by their resort
Who much his Grandsire lov'd, and hither came
To celebrate this Day with annual sport,
On which by battel here he earn'd his Fame.

5

And many of these noble Hunters bore
Command amongst the Youth at Bergamo;
Whose Fathers gather'd here the wreaths they wore,
When in this Forrest they interr'd the Foe.

6

Count Hurgonil, a Youth of high descent,
Was listed here, and in the story great;
He follow'd Honor, when tow'rd's Death it went;
Fierce in a charge but temp'rate in retreat.

7

His wondrous beauty which the world approv'd
He blushing hid, and now no more would own
(Since he the Duke's unequal'd Sister lov'd)
Then an old wreath when newly overthrown.

8

And she, Orna the shy! Did seem in life
So bashful too to have her beauty shown,
As I may doubt her shade with Fame at strife,
That in these vicious times would make it known

9

Not less in publick voice was Arnold here;
He that on Tuscan Tombs his Trophys rais'd;
And now love's pow'r so willingly did bear,
That even his arbitrary raign he prais'd.

10

Laura, the Duke's fair Neice inthrall'd his heart;
Who was in Court the publick morning Glass
Where those who would reduce Nature to art,
Practis'd by dress the conquests of the Face.

11

And here was Hugo whom Duke Gondibert
For stout and stedfast kindness did approve;
Of stature small, but was all over heart,
And though unhappy all that heart was love.

12

In gentile sonnets he for Laura pin'd,
Soft as the murmures of a weeping spring;
Which ruthless she did as those murmures mind:
So ere their death sick Swans unheeded sing.

13

Yet whilst she Arnold favour'd, he so griev'd
As loyall Subjects quietly bemone
Their Yoke, but raise no warr to be reliev'd,
Nor through the envy'd Fav'rite wound the Throne.

14

Young Goltho next these Rivals we may name,
Whose manhood dawn'd early as Summer light;
As sure and soon did his fair day proclaime,
And was no less the joy of publick sight.

15

If Love's just pow'r he did not early see,
Some small excuse we may his error give;
Since few (though learn'd) know yet blest Love to be
That secret vitall heat by which we live:

16

But such it is; and though we may be thought
To have in Childhood life, ere Love we know,
Yet life is useless till by reason taught,
And Love and Reason up together grow.

17

Nor more, the Old shew they out-live their Love,
If when their Love's decay'd, some signes they give
Of life, because we see them pain'd and move,
Then Snakes, long cut, by torment shew they live.

18

If we call living, Life, when Love is gone,
We then to Souls (Gods coyne) vain rev'rence pay;
Since Reason (which is Love, and his best known
And currant Image) Age has worne away.

19

And I that Love and Reason thus unite,
May, if I old Philosophers controule,
Confirme the new by some new Poets light;
Who finding Love, thinks he has found the Soule.

20

From Goltho, to whom love yet tasteless seem'd,
We to ripe Tybalt are by order led;
Tybalt, who Love and Valor both esteem'd,
And he alike from eithers wounds had bled.

21

Publique his valor was, but not his love,
One fill'd the world, the other he contain'd;
Yet quietly alike in both did move,
Of that ne'r boasted, nor of this complain'd.

22

With these (whose special names Verse shall preserve)
Many to this recorded hunting came;
Whose worth authentick mention did deserve,
But from Time's deluge few are sav'd by Fame.

23

Now like a Giant Lover rose the Sun
From th'Ocean Queen, fine in his fires and great;
Seem'd all the Morne for shew, for strength at Noone;
As if last Night she had not quench'd his heate!

24

And the Sun's Servants who his rising waite,
His Pensioners (for so all Lovers are,
And all maintain'd by him at a high rate
With daily fire) now for the Chace prepare.

25

All were like Hunters clad in cheerfull green,
Young Natures Livery, and each at strife
Who most adorn'd in favours should be seen,
Wrought kindly by the Lady of his life.

26

These Martiall Favours on their Wasts they weare,
On which (for now they Conquest celebrate)
In an imbroider'd History appeare
Like life, the vanquish'd in their feares and fate.

27

And on these Belts (wrought with their Ladys care)
Hung Semyters of Akons trusty steele;
Goodly to see, and he who durst compare
Those Ladies Eies, might soon their temper feele.

28

Cheer'd as the Woods (where new wak'd Quires they meet)
Are all; and now dispose their choice Relays
Of Horse and Hounds, each like each other fleet;
Which best when with themselves compar'd we praise;

29

To them old Forrest Spys, the Harborers
VVith hast approach, wet as still weeping Night,
Or Deer that mourn their growth of head with tears,
VVhen the defenceless weight does hinder flight.

30

And Doggs, such whose cold secrecy was ment
By Nature for surprise, on these attend;
Wise temp'rate Lime-Hounds that proclaim no scent;
Nor Harb'ring will their Mouths in boasting spend.

31

Yet vainlier farr then Traytors boast their prise
(On which their vehemence vast rates does lay,
Since in that worth their treasons credit lies)
These Harb'rers praise that which they now betray:

32

Boast they have lodg'd a Stagg, that all the Race
Out-runs of Croton Horse, or Regian Hounds;
A Stagg made long, since Royall in the Chace,
If Kings can honor give by giving wounds.

33

For Aribert had pierc't him at a Bay,
Yet scap'd he by the vigour of his Head;
And many a Summer since has wonn the day,
And often left his Regian Foll'wers dead:

34

His spacious Beame (that even the Rights out-grew)
From Antlar to his Troch had all allow'd
By which his age the aged Wood-men knew;
Who more then he were of that beauty proud.

35

Now each Relay a sev'ral Station findes,
Ere the triumphant Train the Copps surrounds;
Relayes of Horse, long breath'd as winter windes,
And their deep Cannon Mouth'd experienc'd Hounds.)

36

The Huntsmen (busily concern'd in show
As if the world were by this Beast undone,
And they against him hir'd as Nature's Foe)
In haste uncouple, and their Hounds outrun.

37

Now winde they a Recheat, the rous'd Dear's knell;
And through the Forrest all the Beasts are aw'd;
Alarm'd by Eccho, Nature's Sentinel,
Which shews that Murd'rous Man is come abroad.

38

Tyranique Man! Thy subjects Enemy!
And more through wantonness then need or hate;
From whom the winged to their Coverts flie;
And to their Dennes even those that lay in waite.

39

So this (the most successfull of his kinde,
Whose Foreheads force oft his Opposers prest,
Whose swiftness left Persuers shafts behinde)
Is now of all the Forrest most distrest!

40

The Heard deny him shelter, as if taught
To know their safety is to yield him lost;
Which shews they want not the results of thought,
But speech, by which we ours for reason boast.

41

We blush to see our politicks in Beasts,
Who many sav'd by this one Sacrifice;
And since through blood they follow interests,
Like us when cruel should be counted wise.

42

His Rivals that his fury us'd to fear
For his lov'd Female, now his faintness Shun;
But were his season hot, and she but neer,
(O mighty Love!) his Hunters were undone.

43

From thence, well blown, he comes to the Relay;
Where Man's fam'd reason proves but Cowardise,
And only serves him meanly to betray;
Even for the flying, Man, in ambush lies.

44

But now, as his last remedy to live,
(For ev'ry shift for life kind Nature makes,
Since life the utmost is which she can give)
Coole Adice from the swoln Bank he takes.

45

But this fresh Bath the Doggs will make him leave;
Whom he sure nos'd as fasting Tygers found;
Their scent no North-east winde could e're deceave
Which drives the ayre, nor Flocks that foyl the Ground.

46

Swift here the Flyers and Persuers seeme;
The frighted Fish swim from their Adice,
The Doggs pursue the Deer, he the fleet streme,
And that hasts too to th' Adriatick Sea.

47

Refresh'd thus in this fleeting Element,
He up the stedfast Shore did boldly rise;
And soon escap'd their view, but not their scent;
That faithful Guide which even conducts their Eyes.

48

This frail relief was like short gales of breath
Which oft at Sea a long dead calme prepare;
Or like our Curtains drawn at point of death,
When all our Lungs are spent, to give us ayre,

49

For on the Shore the Hunters him attend;
And whilst the Chace grew warm as is the day
(Which now from the hot Zenith does descend)
He is imbos'd, and weary'd to a Bay.

50

The Jewel, Life, he must surrender here;
Which the world's Mistris, Nature, does not give,
But like drop'd Favours suffers us to weare,
Such as by which pleas'd Lovers think they live.

51

Yet life he so esteems, that he allows
It all defence his force and rage can make;
And to the eager Dogs such fury shows
As their last blood some unreveng'd forsake.

52

But now the Monarch Murderer comes in,
Destructive Man! whom Nature would not arme,
As when in madness mischief is foreseen
We leave it weaponless for fear of harme.

53

For she defenceless made him that he might
Less readily offend; but Art Armes all,
From single strife makes us in Numbers fight;
And by such art this Royall Stagg did fall.

54

He weeps till grief does even his Murd'rers pierce;
Grief which so nobly through his anger strove,
That it deserv'd the dignity of verse,
And had it words as humanly would move.

55

Thrice from the ground his vanquish'd Head he rear'd,
And with last looks his Forrest walks did view;
Where Sixty Summers he had rul'd the Heatd,
And where sharp Dittany now vainly grew:

56

Whose hoary Leaves no more his wounds shall heale;
For with a Sigh (a blast of all his breath)
That viewless thing call'd Life, did from him steale;
And with their Bugle Hornes they winde his death.

57

Then with their annuall wanton sacrifice
(Taught by old Custome, whose decrees are vain,
And we like hum'rous Antiquaries prise
Age though deform'd) they hasten to the Plain.

58

Thence homeward bend as westward as the Sun;
Where Gondibert's Allys proud Feasts prepare,
That day to honor which his Grandsire won;
Though Feasts the Eves to Fun'ralls often are.

59

One from the Forrest now approach'd their sight,
Who them did swiftly on the Spurr pursue;
One there still resident as Day and Night,
And known as th' eldest Oke which in it grew.

60

Who with his utmost breath, advancing cries
(And such a vehemence no Art could feigne)
Away, happy the Man that fastest flies;
Flie famous Duke, flie with thy noble Traine!

61

The Duke reply'd, though with thy fears disguis'd,
Thou do'st my Syres old Rangers Image beare,
And for thy kindness shalt not be despis'd;
Though Councels are but weak which come from fear.

62

Were Dangers here, great as thy love can shape;
(And love with fear can danger multiply)
Yet when by flight, thou bidst us meanly scape,
Bid Trees take wings, and rooted Forests flie.

63

Then said the Ranger, you are bravely lost,
(And like high anger his complexion rose)
As little know I fear, as how to boast;
But shall attend you through your many Foes.

64

See where in ambush mighty Oswald lay;
And see, from yonder Lawne he moves apace,
VVith Launces arm'd to intercept thy way,
Now thy sure Steeds are weary'd with the Chace.

65

His purple Banners you may there behold,
Which (proudly spred) the fatall Raven beare;
And full five hundred I by Ranke have told,
Who in their guilded Helmes his Colours weare.

66

The Duke this falling storme does now discern;
Bids little Hugo fly! but'tis to view
The Foe, and timely their first count'nance learne,
Whilst firme he in a square his Hunters drew.

67

And Hugo soon (light as his Coursers Heeles)
Was in their Faces troublesome as winde;
And like to it (so wingedly He wheeles)
No one could catch, what all with trouble finde:

68

But ev'ry where the Leaders and the Led
He temp'rately observ'd, with a slow sight;
Judg'd by their looks how hopes and feares were fed,
And by their order their success in fight.

69

Their Number ('mounting to the Rangers guesse)
In Three Divisions ev'nly was dispos'd;
And that their Enemies might judge it lesse,
It seem'd one Grosse with all the Spaces clos'd.

70

The Vann fierce Oswald led, where Paradine
And Manly Dargonet (both of his blood)
Outshin'd the Noone, and their Mindes stock within
Promis'd to make that outward glory good.

71

The next, bold, but unlucky Hubert led;
Brother to Oswald, and no less ally'd
To the ambitions which his Soul did wed;
Lowly without, but lin'd with Costly pride.

72

Most to himself his valor fatall was,
Whose glorys oft to others dreadfull were;
So Comets (though suppos'd Destruction's cause)
But waste themselves to make their Gazers feare.

73

And though his valor seldom did succeed,
His speech was such as could in Storms perswade;
Sweet as the Hopes on which starv'd Lovers feed,
Breath'd in the whispers of a yielding Maide.

74

The Bloody Borgio did conduct the Rere;
VVhom sullen Vasco heedfully attends;
To all but to themselves they cruel were,
And to themselves chiefly by mischief Friends.

75

Warr, the worlds Art, Nature to them became;
In Camps begot, born, and in anger bred;
The living vex'd till Death, and then their Fame;
Because even Fame some life is to the Dead.

76

Cities (wise States-men's Folds for civil sheep)
They sack'd, as painful Sheerers of the wise;
For they like careful VVolves would lose their sleep,
VVhen others prosp'rous toyls might be their prise.

77

Hugo amongst these Troops spy'd many more
Who had, as brave Destroyers, got renown;
And many forward wounds in boast they wore;
Which if not well reveng'd, had ne'r been shown.

78

Such the bold Leaders of these Launceers were,
Which of the Brescian Vet'rans did consist;
Whose practis'd age might charge of Armies bear,
And claim some ranck in Fame's eternal List.

79

Back to his Duke the dext'rous Hugo flies;
What he observ'd he cheerfully declares;
VVith noble pride did what he lik'd despise;
For wounds he threatned whil'st he prais'd their skarrs.

80

Lord Arnold cry'd, vain is the Bugle Horn,
VVhere Trumpets Men to Manly work invite!
That distant summons seems to say in skorn,
VVe Hunters may be hunted hard ere night.

81

Those Beasts are hunted hard that hard can fly,
Reply'd aloud the noble Hurgonil;
But we not us'd to flight, know best to die;
And those who know to die, know how to kill.

82

Victors through number never gain'd applause;
If they exceed our compt in Armes and Men,
It is not just to think that odds, because
One Lover equals any other Ten.

Canto the Third.

The ARGUMENT.

The Ambush is become an interview;
And the Surpriser proves to honor true;
For what had first, ere words his fury spent,
Been murder, now, is but brave killing ment.
A duel form'd where Princes Seconds are,
And urg'd by Honor each to kill his share.

1

The Duke observ'd (whilst safe in his firm Square)
Whether their front did change whom Oswald led;
That thence he shifts of figure might prepare
Divide, or make more depth, or loosely spred.

2

Though in their posture close, the Prince might guess
The Duke's to his not much in number yield;
And they were leading Youth who would possess
This Ground in Graves, rather then quit the Field.

3

Thus (timely certain of a standing Foe)
His form'd Divisions yet reveal'd no space
Through haste to charge; but as they nearer grow,
They more divide, and move with slower pace.

4

On these the Duke attends with watchful Eye;
Shap'd all his Forces to their Triple strength;
And that their Launces might pass harmless by,
Widens his Ranks, and gave his Files more length.

5

At distance Oswald does him sharply view,
Whom but in Fame he met till this sad hour;
But his fair fame, Vertue's known Image, knew;
Vertue exalts the Owner more then pow'r.

6

In Fields far sever'd both had reap'd renown;
And now his envie does to surfeit feed
On what he wish'd his Eies had never known;
For he begins to check his purpos'd deed.

7

And though Ambition did his rage renew;
Yet much he griev'd (mov'd with the Youthful Train
That Plants which so much promis'd as they grew,
Should in the bud be ere performance slain.

8

With these remorseful thoughts, he a fair space
Advanc'd alone, Then did his Troops Command
To halt; the Duke th' example did embrace,
And gives like order by his lifted hand.

9

Then when in easie reach of eithers voice
Thus Oswald spake. I wish (brave Gondibert)
Those wrongs which make the now my angers choice,
Like my last fate were hidden from my heart.

10

But since great Glory does allow small rest,
And bids us jealously to honour wake,
Why at alarms given hot even at my brest,
Should I not arm, but think my Scouts mistake;

11

'Tis lowd in Camps, in Cities, and in Court,
(Where the important part of Mankind meets)
That my adoption is thy Faction's sport,
Scorn'd by hoarse Rymers in Verona Streets.

12

Who is renown'd enongh but you or I
(And think not when you visit Fame, she less
Will welcome you for my known Companie)
To hope for Empire at our Kings decease?

13

The Crown he with his Daughter has design'd;
His favor (which to me does frosen prove)
Grows warm to you as th'eies of Rhodalind,
And she gives sacred Empire with her love.

14

Whilst you usurp thus, and my claime deride,
If you admire the veng'ance I intend,
I more shall wonder where you got the pride
To think me one you safely may offend.

15

Nor judg it strange I have this Ambush laid;
Since you (my Rival) wrong'd me by surprise;
Whose darker vigilance my love betrai'd;
And so your ill example made we wise.

16

But in the Schoole of glory we are taught,
That greatness and success should measure deeds;
Then not my great revenge nor your great fault,
Can be accus'd when eithers act succeeds.

17

Opinions stamp does vertue currant make;
But such small Money (though the Peoples Gold
With which they trade) great Dealers skorne to take,
And we are greater then one world can hold.

18

Now Oswald paws'd, as if he curious were
Ere this his Foe (the People's Fav'rite) dy'd,
To know him as with Eies so with his Eare;
And to his speech thus Gondibert reply'd:

19

Succesful Prince! since I was never taught
To court a Threatning Foe, I will not pay
For all the Trophys you from war have brought
One single wreath, though all these woods were Bay!

20

Nor would I by a total silence yield
My honour ta'ne, though I were Pris'ner made;
Least you should think we may be justly kill'd,
And sacred justice by mistake invade.

21

You might perceive (had not a distant warre
Hindred our Breasts the use of being known)
My small ambition hardly worth your care;
Unless by it you would correct your owne.

22

The King's objected love is but your dreame,
As false as that I strive for Rhodalind
As valor's hyre; these sickly visions seeme
Which in Ambitions Feaver vex your minde.

23

Nor wonder if I vouch, that 'tis not brave
To seek war's hire, though war we still pursue;
Nor censure this a proud excuse, to save
These who no safety know, but to subdue.

24

Your misbelief my hireless, valour scorns;
But your hir'd valour were your faith reclaim'd,
(For faith reclaim'd to highest vertue turns)
Will be of bravest sallary asham'd.

25

Onely with fame valor of old was hir'd;
And love was so suffic'd with it's own taste,
That those intemp'rate seem'd, who more desir'd
For love's reward, then that it self should last.

26

If love, or lust of Empire bred your pain,
Take what my prudent hope hath still declin'd,
And my weak vertue never could sustain,
The Crown, which is the worst of Rhodalind.

27

'Tis she who taught you to encrease renown,
By sowing Honor's field with noble deeds;
Which yields no harvest when 'tis over-grown
With wilde Ambition, the most rank of weeds.

28

Go reconcile the windes faln out at sea
With these tame precepts, (Oswald did replie)
But since thou dost bequeath thy hopes to me,
Know Legacies are vain till Givers die.

29

And here his rage ascended to his Eies
From his close Brest, which hid till then the flame;
And like stirr'd fire in sparkles upward flies;
Rage which the Duke thus practis'd to reclaim.

30

Though you design'd our ruine by surprise,
Though much in useful Armes you us exced,
And in your number some advantage lies,
Yet you may finde you such advantage need.

31

If I am vallew'd as th'impediment
Which hinders your adoption to the Crown;
Let your revenge only on me be spent;
And hazard not my Party, nor your own.

32

Ambition else would up to Godhead grow,
When so profanely we our anger prise,
That to appease it we the blood allow
Of whole offencelesse Herds for sacrifice.

33

Oswald (who Honor's publick pattern was,
Till vain ambition led his heart aside)
More temp'rate grew in mannage of his cause,
And thus to noble Gondibert reply'd.

34

I wish it were not needful to be great;
That Heav'ns unenvy'd pow'r might Men so awe
As we should need no Armies for defeat,
Nor for protection be at charge of Law.

35

But more then Heav'ns, Men, Man's authoritie
(Though envy'd) use, because more understood;
For, but for that, Life's Utensils would be,
In Markets, as in Camps the price of blood.

36

Since the Worlds safety we in greatness finde.
And pow'r divided is from greatness gone,
Save we the world, though to our selves unkinde,
By both indang'ring to establish one.

37

Not these, who kindle with my wrongs theire rage,
Nor those bold Youth who warmly you attend,
Our distant Camps by action shall ingage;
But we our own great cause will singly end.

38

Back to your noble Hunters strait retire,
And I to those who would those Hunters chace;
Let us perswade their fury to expire,
And give obediently our anger place.

39

Like unconcern'd Spectators let them stand,
And be by sacred vow to distance bound;
Whilst their lov'd Leaders by our strict command,
Only as witnesses, approach this ground.

40

Where with no more defensive Armes then was
By Nature ment us, who ordain'd Men Friends,
We will on foot determine our great cause;
On which the Lombards doubtful peace depends

41

The Duke at this did bow, and soon obay,
Confess'd his honor he transcendent findes,
Said he their persons might a meaner way
With ods have aw'd, but this subdues their Mindes.

42

Now wing'd with Hope they to their Troops return,
Oswald his old Grave Brescians makes retire,
Least if too neer, though like slow Match they burn,
The Duke's rash Youth like Powder might take fire.

43

First with their noble Chiefs they treat aside,
Plead it humanity to bleed alone,
And term it needless cruelty and pride
With others Sacrifice to grace their owne.

44

Then to the Troopes gave their resolv'd command
Not to assist, through anger nor remorse;
Who seem'd more willing patiently to stand,
Because each side presum'd their Champion's force.

45

Now neer that ground ordain'd by them and Fate
To be the last where one or both must tread,
Their chosen Judges they appoint to waite;
Who thither were like griev'd Spectators led.

46

These from the distant Troops far sever'd are;
And neer their Chiefs divided Stations take;
Who strait uncloath, and for such deeds prepare,
By which strip'd Soules their fleshy Robes forsake.

47

But Hubert now advanc'd, and cry'd alow'd
I will not trust uncertain Destinie,
Which may obscurely kill me in a Crowd,
That here have pow'r in publick view to die.

48

Oswald my Brother is! If any dare
Think Gondibert's great name more Kingly sounds,
Let him alight, and he shall leave the care
Of chusing Monarchs, to attend his wounds!

49

This Hurgonill receiv'd with greedy Ear,
Told him his summons boldly did express,
That he had little judgement whom to fear,
And in the choice of Kings his skill was less,

50

With equal haste they then alight and met,
Where both their Chiefs in preparation stood;
Whilst Paradine and furious Dargonet
Cry'd out, we are of Oswald's Princely blood.

51

Are there not yet two more so fond of fame,
So true to Gondibert, or Love's commands;
As to esteem it an unpleasant shame
With idle Eies to look on busie hands?

52

Such haste makes Beauty when it youth forsakes,
And day from Travellers when it does set,
As Arnold to proud Paradine now makes,
And little Hugo to tall Dargonet.

53

The bloody Borgio, who with anguish stay'd,
And check'd his rage, till these of Oswald's Race,
By wish'd example their brave Challenge made,
Now like his curb'd Steed foaming, shifts his place.

54

And thus (with haste and choller hoarse) he spake;
Who e're amongst you thinks we destin'd are
To serve that King your Courtly Camp shall make,
Falsly he loves, nor is his Lady faire!

55

This scarce could urge the temp'rate Tybalt's fire,
Who said, when Fate shall Artbert remove,
As ill then wilt thou judge who should aspire,
As who is fair, that art too rude to love.

56

But scarce had this reply reach'd Borgio's Eare,
When Goltho louder cry'd, what ere he be
Dares think her foul who hath a Lover here,
Though Love I never knew, shall now know me!

57

Grave Tybalt, who had laid an early'r claime
To this defiance, much distemper'd grows,
And Goltho's forward youth would sharply blame,
But that old Vasco thus did interpose.

58

That Boy who makes such haste to meet his fate,
And fears he may (as if he knew it good)
Through others pride of danger come too late,
Shall read it strait ill written in his blood.

59

Let Empire fall, when we must Monarchs choose,
By what unpractis'd Childhood shall approve;
And in tame peace let us our Manhood loose,
When Boyes yet wet with milk discourse of Love.

60

As bashful Maids blush, as if justly blam'd,
When forc'd to suffer some indecent Tongue,
So Goltho blush'd (whom Vasco made asham'd)
As if he could offend by being young.

61

But instantly offended bashfulness
Does to a brave and beauteous anger turn;
Which he in younger flames did so express,
That scarce old Vasco's Embers seem'd to burn.

62

The Princes knew in this new kindled rage,
Opinion might (have like unlucky winde
State right to make it spread) their Troops ingage;
And therefore Oswald thus proclaim'd his minde.

63

Seem we already dead, that to our words
(As to the last requests men dying make)
Your love but Mourners short respect affords,
And ere interr'd you our commands forsake?

64

We chose you Judges of your needful strife,
Such whom the world (grown faithless) might esteem
As weighty witnesses of parting life,
But you are those we dying must condemn.

65

Are we become such worthless sacrifice,
As cannot to the Lombards Heav'n atone,
Unless your added blood make up the price,
As if you thought it worthier then our own?

66

Our Fame which should survive, before us dy!
And let (since in our presence disobay'd)
Renown of pow'r, like that of beauty fly
From knowledge, rather then be known decay'd!

67

This when with rev'rence heard, it would have made
Old Armies melt, to mark at what a rate
They spent their Hearts and Eies, kindly afraid
To be omitted in their Gen'ral's fate.

68

Hubert (whose Princely qualitie more frees
Him then the rest, from all command, unless
He find it such as with his will agrees)
Did nobly thus his firm resolve express.

69

All greatness bred in blood be now abas'd!
Instinct, the inward Image, which is wrought
And given with Life, be like thaw'd wax defac'd!
Though that bred better honor then is taught;

70

And may impressions of the common ill
Which from street Parents the most low derives;
Blot all my minds fair book if I stand still
Whilst Oswald singly for the Publick strives:

71

A Brothers love all that obedience stays,
Which Oswald else might as my Leader claime;
Whom as my love, my honour disobays,
And bids me serve our greater Leader, Fame.

72

With gentle looks Oswald to Hubert bowes,
And said, I then must yield that Hubert shall
(Since from the same bright Sun our lustre grows)
Rise with my Morne, and with my Ev'ning fall!

73

Bold Paradine and Dargonet reviv'd
Their Suit, and cry'd, we are Astolpho's sons!
Who from your highest spring his blood deriv'd,
Though now it down in lower Channels runs.

74

Such lucky seasons to attain renown,
We must not lose, who are to you ally'd;
Others usurp, who would your dangers own,
And what our duty is, in them is pride.

75

Then as his last Decree thus Oswald spake;
You that vouchsafe to glory in my blood,
Shall share my dooms which for your merits sake,
Fate, were it bad, would alter into good.

76

If any others disobedient rage,
Shall with uncivil love intrude his aid,
And by degrees our distant Troops ingage,
Be it his Curse still to be disobay'd!

77

War's Orders may he by the slow convay
To such as only shall dispute them long;
An ill peace make, when none will him obay,
And be for that, when old, judg'd by the young.

78

This said, he calmly bid the Duke provide
Such of his blood, as with those chosen Three
(Whilst their adoption they on foot decide)
May in brave life or death fit Partners bee.

79

Though here (reply'd the Duke) I find not now.
Such as my blood with their alliance grace,
Yet Three I see, to whom your stock may bow,
If Love may be esteem'd of Heav'nly Race.

80

And much to me these are by love ally'd;
Then Hugo, Arnold, and the Count drew neere;
Count Hurgonill woo'd Orna for his Bride,
The other two in Laura Rivals were.

81

But Tybalt cry'd (as swiftly as his voice
Approach'd the Duke) forgive me mighty Chief,
If justly I envy thy noble choice,
And disobey thee in wrong'd Love's relief.

82

If rev'renc'd love be sacred Myst'ry deem'd,
And mystery's when hid to value grow,
Why am I less for hidden love esteem'd?
To unknown Godhead, wise Religious bow.

83

A Maid of thy high linage much I love,
And hide her name till I can merit boast,
But shall I here (where I my worth improve)
For prising her above my self, be lost?

84

The Duke's firm bosome kindly seem'd to melt
At Tybalt's grief, that he omitted was;
Who lately had Love's secret conquest felt,
And hop'd for publick triumph in this cause.

85

Then he decreed, Hugo (though chose before
To share in this great work) should equally
With Tybalt be expos'd to Fortune's pow'r,
And by drawn Lots their wish'd election try.

86

Hugo his dreaded Lord with chearfull awe
Us'd to obey, and with implicit love;
But now he must for certain honor draw
Uncertain Lots, seems heavily to move.

87

And here they trembling reach'd at Honor so,
As if they gath'ring Flow'rs a Snake discern'd;
Yet fear'd Love only whose rewards then grow
To Lovers sweetest, when with danger earn'd.

88

From this brave fear, least they should danger scape,
Was little Hugo eas'd, and when he drew
The Champion's lot, his joy inlarg'd his shape,
And with his lifted minde he taller grew.

89

But Tybalt stoop'd beneath his sorrows weight;
Goltho and him kindly the Duke imbrac'd;
Then to their station sent; and Oswald straight
His so injoyn'd, and with like kindness grac'd.

90

When cruel Borgio does from Tybalt part,
Vasco from Goltho, many a look they cast
Backward in sullen message from the heart,
And through their eyes their threatning anger wast.

Canto the Fourth.

The ARGUMENT.

The Duel where all rules of artful strife,
To rescue or indanger Darling-life,
Are by reserves of strength and courage shown;
For killing was long since a Science grown.
Th' event by which the Troops ingaged are,
As private rage too often turns to warr.

1

By what bold passion am I rudely led,
Like Fame's too curious and officious Spie,
Where I these Rolls in her dark Closet read,
Where Worthies wrapp'd in Time's disguises lie?

2

Why should we now their shady Curtains draw,
Who by a wise retirement hence are freed,
And gon to Lands exempt from Nature's Law,
Where Love no more can mourn, nor valor bleed?

3

Why to this stormy world from their long rest,
Are these recall'd to be again displeas'd,
Where during Nature's reign we are opprest,
Till we by Death's high priviledge are eas'd?

4

Is it to boast that Verse has Chymick pow'r,
And that its rage (which is productive heat)
Can these revive, as Chymists raise a Flow'r,
Whose scatter'd parts their Glass presents compleat?

5

Though in these Worthies gon, valor and love
Dist chastly as in sacred Temples meet,
Such reviv'd Patterns us no more improve,
Then Flow'rs so rais'd by Chymists make us sweet,

6

Yet when the souls disease we desp'rate finde,
Poets the old renown'd Physitians are,
Who for the sickly habits of the mind,
Examples as the ancient cure prepare.

7

And bravely then Physitians honor gain,
When to the World diseases cureless seem,
And they (in Science valiant) ne'r refrain
Art's war with Nature, till they life redeem.

8

But Poets their accustom'd task have long
Forborn, (who for Examples did disperse
The Heroes vertues in Heroick Song)
And now think vertue sick, past cure of verse.

9

Yet to this desp'rate cure I will proceed,
Such patterns shew as shall not fail to move;
Shall teach the valiant patience when they bleed,
And hapless Lovers constancy in Love.

10

Now Honor's chance, the Duke with Oswald takes,
The Count his great Stake, Life, to Hubert sets;
Whilst his to Paradin's, Lord Arnold stakes,
And little Hugo throwes at Dargonets.

11

These Four on equall ground those Four oppose;
Who wants in strength, supplies it with his skill;
So valiant that they make no haste to close;
They not apace, but handsomly would kill.

12

And as they more each others courage found,
Each did their force more civilly express,
To make so manly and so fair a wound,
As loyal Ladies might be proud to dress.

13

But vain, though wond'rous, seems the short event
Of what with pomp and Noise we long prepare:
One hour of battail oft that force hath spent
Which Kings whole lives have gather'd for a war.

14

As Rivers to their ruine hasty be,
So life (still earnest, loud, and swift) runs post
To the vast Gulf of Death, as they to Sea,
And vainly travailes to be quickly lost.

15

And now the Fates (who punctually take care
We not escape their sentence at our birth)
Writ Arnold down where those inroled are
Who must in Youth abruptly leave the Earth.

16

Him Paradine into the Brow had pierc't;
From whence his blood so overflow'd his Eyes,
He grew too blinde to watch and guard his brest,
Where wounded twice, to Death's cold Court he flies.

17

And Love (by which Life's name does value find,
As Altars even subsist by ornament)
Is now as to the Owner quite resign'd,
And in a sigh to his dear Laura sent.

18

Yet Fates so civil were in cruelty
As not to yield that he who conquer'd all
The Tuscan Vale, should unattended dy,
They therefore doom that Dargonet must fall.

19

Whom little Hugo dext'rously did vex
VVith many wounds in unexpected place,
VVhich yet not kill, but killingly perplex;
Because he held their number a disgrace.

20

For Dargonet in force did much exceed
The most of men, in valor equall'd all;
And was asham'd thus diversly to bleed,
As if he stood where showers of Arrows fall.

21

At once he ventures his remaining strength
To Hugo's nimble skill, who did desire
To draw this little war out into length,
By motions quick as Heav'n's fantastick fire!

22

This fury now is grown too high to last
In Dargonet; who does disorder all
The strengths of temp'rance by unruly haste,
Then down at Hugo's feet does breathless fall.

23

When with his own Storm sunk, his Foe did spie
Lord Arnold dead, and Paradine prepare
To help Prince Oswald to that victory,
Of which the Duke had yet an equal share.

24

Vain Conqueror (said Hugo then) returne!
In stead of Laurel which the Victor weares,
Go gather Cypress for thy Brother's Urne,
And learn of me to water it with Tears.

25

Thy Brother lost his life attempting mine;
Which cannot for Lord Arnold's loss suffice:
I must revenge (unlucky Paradine)
The blood his death will draw from Laura's Eyes.

26

We Rivals were in Laura, but though she
My griefs derided, his with sighs approv'd;
Yet I (in Love's exact integrity)
Must take thy life for killing him She lov'd.

27

These quick alike, and artfully as fierce,
At one sad instant give and take that wound,
Which does through both their vital Closets pierce;
Where Life's small Lord does warmly sit enthron'd.

28

And then they fell, and now neer upper Heaven,
Heav'ns better part of them is hov'ring still,
To watch what end is to their Princes given,
And to brave Hubert, and to Hurgonil.

29

In progress thus to their eternal home,
Some method is observ'd by Destiny,
Which at their Princes setting out did doom,
These as their leading Harbingers to die.

30

And fatal Hubert we must next attend,
Whom Hurgonil had brought to such distress,
That though Life's stock he did not fully spend,
His glory that maintain'd it is grown less.

31

Long had they strove, who first should be destroy'd;
And wounds (the Marks of Manhood) gave and took,
Which though like honor'd Age, we would avoid,
Yet make us when possess'd for rev'rence look.

32

O Honor! Frail as Life thy Fellow Flower!
Cherish'd and watch'd, and hum'rously esteem'd,
Then worn for short adornments of an hour;
And is when lost no more then life redeem'd.

33

This fatall Hubert findes, if honor be
As much in Princes lost, when it grows less,
As when it dies in men of next degree:
Princes are only Princes by excess.

34

For having twice with his firm Opposite
Exchang'd a wound, yet none that reach'd at life,
The adverse sword his Arms best sinew hit,
Which holds that strength, which should maintain their strife.

35

When thus his dear defence had left his Hand,
Thy life (said Hurgonil) rejoyce to wear
As Orna's favour, and at her command,
Who taught the mercy I will practise here.

36

To which defenceless Hubert did reply,
My life (a worthless Blank) I so despise,
Since Fortune laid it in her Lotary,
That I'me asham'd thou draw'st it as a Prise.

37

His grief made noble Hurgonill to melt,
Who mourn'd in this a Warrior's various fate;
For though a Victor now, he timely felt
That change which pains us most by coming late.

38

But Orna (ever present in his thought)
Prompts him to know, with what success for fame
And Empire, Gondibert and Oswald fought;
Whilst Hubert seeks out death, and shrinks from shame.

39

Valor, and all that practise turns to art,
A like the Princes had and understood;
For Oswald now is cool as Gondibert;
Such temper he has got by losing blood.

40

Calmly their temper did their art obey;
Their stretch'd Arms regular in motion prove;
And force with as unseen a stealth convey,
As noyseless Houres by hands of Dials move.

41

By this new temper Hurgonill believ'd
That Oswald's elder vertues might prevail;
To think his own help needful much he griev'd;
But yet prepar'd it lest the Duke should fail.

42

Small wounds they had, where as in Casements sate
Disorder'd Life; who seem'd to look about,
And fain would be abroad, but that a Gate
She wants so wide, at once to sally out.

43

When Gondibert saw Hurgonill draw near,
And doubly arm'd at conquer'd Hubert's cost,
He then, who never fear'd, began to fear
Lest by his help his honor should be lost,

44

Retire said he; for if thou hop st to win
My sisters love, by aiding in this strife;
May Heav'n (to make her think they love a sin)
Eclipse that beauty which did give it life.

45

Count Hurgonill did doubtfully retire,
Fain would assist, yet durst not disobey;
The Duke would rather instantly expire,
Then hazard Honor by so mean a way.

46

Alike did Oswald for dispatch prepare;
And cries since Hubert knew not to subdue;
Glory farewell, that art the Soldiers care!
More lov'd then Woman, less then Woman true!

47

And now they strive with all their sudden force
To storm Life's Cittadel, each others Brest;
At which could Heav'ns chief Eye have felt remorse,
It would have wink'd, or hast'ned to the West.

48

But sure the Heav'nly Movers little care
Whither our motion here be false or true;
For we proceed, whilst they are regular,
As if we Dice for all our actions threw.

49

We seem surrender'd to indiff'rent Chance;
Even Death's great work looks like fantastick play;
That Sword which oft did Oswald's fame advance
In publick war, fails in a private fray.

50

For when (because he ebbs of blood did feel)
He levell'd all his strength at Gondibert,
It clash'd and broke against the adverse steel,
Which travell'd onward till it reach'd his heart.

51

Now he that like a stedfast statue stood
In many Battails register'd by Fame;
Does fall depriv'd of language as of blood;
Whilst high the Hunters send their Victor's name.

52

Some shout aloud, and others winde the Horn!
They mix the Cities with the Field's applause;
Which Borgio soon interprets as their scorn,
And will revenge it ere he mourn the cause.

53

This the cold Evening warm'd of Vasco's age;
He shin'd like scorching Noon in Borgio's looks;
Who kindled all about him with his rage;
And worse the triumph then the Conquest Brooks.

54

The Troops (astonish'd with their Leaders fate)
The horror first with silence entertain;
With loud impatience then for Borgio waite,
And next with one confusion all complain.

55

Whom thus he urg'd! Prince Oswald did command
We should remove far from the Combat's list;
And there like unconcern'd Spectators stand;
Justly restrain'd to hinder or assist.

56

This (Patient Friends!) we dully have obey'd;
A temp rance which he never taught before;
But though alive he could forbid our aid,
Yet dead, he leaves revenge within our pow'r.

Canto the Fifth.

The ARGUMENT.

The Battail in exact though little shape;
Where none by flight, and few by fortune scape;
Where even the vanquish'd so themselves behave,
The Victors mourn for all they could not save:
And fear (so soon is Fortune's fulness wayn'd)
To lose in one, all that by all they gain'd.

1

Now Hubert's Page assists his wounded Lord
To mount that Steed, he scarce had force to guide;
And wept to see his hand without that sword
Which was so oft in dreadfull Battails try'd.

2

Those who with Borgio saw his want of blood,
Cry'd out, If of thy strength enough remain,
Though not to charge, to make thy conduct good;
Lead us to add their living to our slain.

3

Hubert reply'd, now you may justly boast
You Sons of war, that Oswald was your Sire;
Who got in you the honor I have lost;
And taught those deeds our Ladies songs admire.

4

But he (war's Ancestor, who gave it birth
The Father of those fights we Lombards fought)
Lies there imbracing but his length of Earth,
Who for your use the world's vast Empire sought,

5

And cold as he lies noble Dargonet,
And Paradine, who wore the Victors Crown;
Both swift to charge, and slow in a retreat;
Brothers in blood, and Rivals in renown.

6

This said, their Trumpets sound Revenge's praise;
The Hunters Horns (the terror of the wood)
Reply'd so meanly, they could scarcely raise
Eccho so loud as might be understood.

7

The Duke (his fit of fury being spent,
Which onely wounds and opposition bred)
Does weep o'er the brave Oswald, and lament
That he so great in life, is nothing dead.

8

But cry'd, when he the speechless Rivals spy'd,
O worth above the ancient price of Love!
Lost are the living, for with these love dy'd;
Or if immortal fled with them above.

9

In these we the intrinsick vallue know
By which first Lovers did love currant deem;
But Love's false Coyners will allay it now,
Till men suspect what next they must contemn.

10

Not less young Hurgonil resents their chance,
Though no fit time to practice his remorse,
For now he cries (finding the Foe advance)
Let Death give way to life! to horse! to horse!

11

This sorrow is too soft for deeds behinde;
Which I (a mortal Lover) would sustain,
So I could make your sister wisely kinde,
And praise me living, not lament me slain.

12

Swift as Armenians in the Panthers chace
They fly to reach where now their Hunters are;
Who sought out danger with too bold apace,
Till thus the Duke did them alow'd prepare.

13

Impatient Friends, stand that your strength may last!
Burn not in blaze, rage that should warm you long!
I wish to Foes the weaknesses of haste,
To you such slowness as may keep you strong.

14

Not their scorns force should your fix'd patience move;
Though scorn does more then bonds free mindes provoke
Their flashy rage shall harmless lightning prove,
Which but fore-runs our Thunder's fatal stroke.

15

For when their fury's spent, how weak they are
With the dull weight of antick Vandall Arms?
Their work but short, and little is in war,
Whom rage within, and Armor outward warms.

16

When you have us'd those arts your patience yields,
Try to avoid their cowched Launces force
By dext'rous practice of Croatian Fields,
Which turns to lazy Elephants their Horse.

17

When false retreat shall scatter you in flight,
As if you back to Elements were fled;
And no less faith can you again unite,
Then recollects from Elements the dead,

18

Make Chacers seem by your swift Rallys, slow;
Whilst they your swifter change of figures fear,
Like that in Batails which t'amuse the Foe
My Grandsire taught, as war's Philosopher.

19

Think now your valor enters on the Stage,
Think Fame th'Eternal Chorus to declare
Your mighty mindes to each succeeding age,
And that your Ladyes the Spectators are.

20

This utter'd was with such a haughty grace,
That ev'ry heart it empty'd, and did raise
Life's chiefest blood in valor to the Face,
Which made such beauty as the Foe did praise.

21

Yet 'twas Ambition's praise, which but approves
Those whom through envy it would fain subdue;
Likes others honor, but her own so loves,
She thinks all others Trophys are her due.

22

For Hubert now (though void of strength as feare)
Advanc'd the first Division fast and farre;
Bold Borgio with the next attends his Reare,
The Third was left to Vasco's stedy care.

23

The Duke still watch'd when each Divisions space
Grew wide, that he might his more open spred;
His own brave conduct did the foremost grace,
The next the Count, the Third true Tybalt led.

24

A forward fashion he did wear awhile,
As if the Charge he would with fury meet;
That he their forward fury might beguile,
And urge them past redemption by retreat.

25

But when with Launces cowch'd they ready were,
And their thick Front (which added Files inlarge)
With their ply'd spurs kept time in a Carere,
Those soon were vanished whom they meant to charge.

26

The Duke by flight, his Manhood thus and force
Reserv'd, and to his skill made valor yield,
Did seem to blush, that he must lead his Horse
To lose a little ground to gain the Field.

27

Yet soon he ralleys and revives the warre;
Hubert pursues the Rear of Hurgonil;
And Borgio's Rear with Chace so loos'ned are,
That them the Count does with close order kill.

28

And that which was erewhile the Duke's firm Van,
Before old Vasco's Front vouchsafe to fly,
Till with their subtle Rallys they began
In small Divisions hidden strength to try;

29

Then cursing Borgio cry'd, whence comes his skill,
Who men so scatter'd can so firmly mix?
The living Metal, held so violatile
By the dull world, this Chymick Lord can fix!

30

He press'd where Hurgonill his fury spends,
As if he now in Orna's presence fought;
And with respect his brave approach attends,
To give him all the dangers which he sought.

31

So bloody was th'event of this new strife,
That we may here applauded valor blame;
Which oft too easily abandons Life,
Whilst Death's the Parent made of noble Fame.

32

For many now (belov'd by both) forsake
In their pursuit of flying Fame, their breath;
And through the world their valor currant make,
By giving it the ancient stamp of Death.

33

Young Hurgonil's renowned self had bought
Honor of Borgio at no less a rate,
Had not the Duke dispatch'd with those he fought,
And found his aid must fly or come too late.

34

For he advancing saw (which him much griev'd)
That in the fairest Region of the Face,
He two wide wounds from Borgio had receiv'd;
His beautyes blemish, but his valor's grace.

35

Now cry'd the Duke, strive timely for renown!
Thy Age will kiss those wounds thy youth may loath;
Be not dismay'd to think thy beauty gone;
My Sister's thine, who has enough for both.

36

Then soon the Youth, Death as an honor gave
To one that Strove to rescue Borgio's life;
Yet Borgio had dispatch'd him to his grave,
Had Gondibert stood neutral in the Strife:

37

Who with his Sword (disdaining now to stay
And see the blood he lov'd so rudely spilt)
Pierc't a bold Lombard who would stop his way;
Even till his heart did beat against his Hilt.

38

Timely old Vasco came to Borgio's aid;
Whose long experienc'd Arme wrought sure and faste;
His rising oppositions level laid,
And miss'd no execution by his haste.

39

And timely where the bleeding Count now fought,
And where the Duke with Number was opprest,
Resistless Tybalt came, who Borgio sought,
But here with many Borgio's did contest.

40

As Tydes that from their sev'ral Channels haste,
Assemble rudely in th'Ubæan Bay,
And meeting there to indistinction waste,
Strive to proceed, and force each others stay:

41

So here the valiant who with swift force come,
With as resistless valor are ingag'd;
Are hid in anger's undistinguish'd Fome,
And make less way by meeting so inrag'd!

42

But room for Goltho now! Whose valor's fire,
Like light'ning, did unlikely passage make;
Whose swift effects like Light'nings they admire,
And even the harms it wrought with rever'nce take.

43

Vasco he seeks, who had his Youth disdain'd;
And in that search he with irrever'nd rage,
Revengefully, from younger Foes abstain'd,
And deadly grew where he encounter'd Age.

44

And Vasco now had felt his Gothick steel,
But that Duke Gondibert (through Helm and Head)
Gave the last stroke which Vasco ere shall feel,
And sent him down an honour to the dead.

45

Here Borgio too had faln, but bravely then
The Count so much reveng'd the wounds he gave,
As Gondibert (the Prop of falling Men)
Such sinking greatness could not chuse but save.

46

When Vasco was remov'd, the Count declin'd
His bashful Eies; the Duke thought sodain shame
(From sense of luckless wounds) possess'd his mind;
Which thus he did reform, and gently blame.

47

Now thy complexion lasting is, and good!
As when the Sun sets red, his Morning Eies
In glory wake, so now thou setst in blood,
Thy parting beauty will in honor rise.

48

These scarrs thou need'st not from my Sister hide;
For as our Father, in brave batail lost,
She first did name with sorrow, then with pride,
Thy beauty's loss she'l mourn and after boast.

49

Mine are but Lov's false wounds (said Hurgonil)
To what you Vasco gave; for I must grieve
My strength of honor could not Vasco kill,
That honor lost, yet I have strength to live.

50

But now behold vex'd Hubert, who in all
This Batail was by ready conduct known,
And though unarm'd, and his spent force so small
He could to none bring death, yet sought his own:

51

And ev'ry where, where Rallies made a Grosse
He charg'd; and now with last reserves he try'd
His too slow fate from Gondibert to force,
Where he was Victor and where Vasco dy'd.

52

The Duke (in Honor's School exactly bred)
Would not that this defenceless Prince should be
Involv'd with those, whom he to dying led,
Therefore ordain'd him still from slaughter free.

53

And now his pow'r did gently make him know,
That he must keep his life, and quit the cause;
More Pris'ner to himself then to his Foe,
For life within himself in Prison was.

54

His fierce Assistants did not quit the Field,
Till forward marks declar'd they fairly fought;
And then they all with sullen slowness yield;
Vex'd they have found what vain Revenge had sought.

55

In the renown'd destruction of this day,
Four Hundred Leaders were by valor's pride
Led to blest shades, by an uncertain way,
Where lowliness is held the surest Guide.

56

And twice the Tierce of these consists of those
Who for Prince Oswald's love of Empire bled;
The Duke does thus with thanks and praise dispose
Both of the worthy living, and the dead.

57

Binde all your wounds, and shed not that brave life,
Which did in all by great demeanor past,
(Teaching your Foes a wiser choice of strife)
Deserve a Lease of Nature that may last.

58

Love warm'd you with those sparks which kindled me;
And form'd Idea's in each Lovers thought
Of the distress of some beloved she,
Who then inspir'd and prais'd you whilst you fought.

59

You nobly prompt my passion to desire,
That the rude Crowd who Lovers softness scorn,
Might in fair field meet those who love admire,
To try which side must after Batail mourn.

60

O that those rights which should the good advance,
And justly are to painful valor due,
(Howe're misplac'd by the swift hand of Chance)
Were from that Crowd defended by those few!

61

With this great spectacle we should refresh
Those Chiefs, who (though preferr'd by being dead)
Would kindly wish to fight again in flesh;
So all that lov'd, by Hurgonil were led.

62

This gracious mention from so great a Lord,
Bow'd Hurgonill with dutious homage down,
Where at his feet he lay'd his rescu'd Sword;
Which he accepts, but he returns his own.

63

By this and thine, said gentle Gondibert,
In all distress of various Courts and warre,
We interpledg and bind each others heart,
To strive who shall possess griefs greatest share.

64

Now to Verona haste, and timely bring
Thy wounds unto my tender sister's care,
This Days sad story to our dreaded King,
And watch what veng'ance Oswald's Friends prepare.

65

Brave Arnold, and his Rival strait remove;
Where Laura shall bestrew their hallow'd Ground;
Protectors both, and Ornaments of Love;
This said, his Eies outwep'd his widest wound.

66

Tell her now these (Love's faithful Saints) are gon,
The beauty they ador'd, she ought to hide;
For vainly will Love's Miracles be shown,
Since Lovers faith with these brave Rivals dy'd.

67

Say little Hugo never more shall mourn
In noble Numbers, her unkind disdain;
Who now not seeing beauty, feels no scorn;
And wanting pleasure, is exempt from pain.

68

When she with Flowres Lord Arnold's Grave shall strew,
And hears why Hugo's life was thrown away,
She on that Rival's Hearse will drop a few;
Which merits all that April gives to May.

69

Let us forsake for safety of our Eies,
Our other loss; which I will strait inter
And raise a Trophy where each Body lies;
Vain marks, how those alive the Dead prefer!

70

If my full Breast, my wounds that empty be,
And this Days toil (by which my strength is gon)
Forbid me not, I Bergamo will see
Ere it beholds the next succeeding Sun.

71

Thither convay thy soul's consid'rate thought,
How in this cause the Court and Camp's inclin'd;
What Oswald's Faction with the King has wrought,
And how his loss prevails with Rhodalind.

72

The Count and Tybalt take their lowly leaves;
Their slain they sadly with consuming hearts,
Bear tow'rds Verona, whilst the Duke perceives
Prince Hubert's grief, and thus his tears diverts.

73

Afflicted Prince! in an unpleasant how'r
You and your living (by blinde valor led)
Are Captives made to such an easie pow'r,
Shall you as little vex, as Death your dead.

74

The Dead can n're by living help return
From that darke Land, which life could ne'r disclose;
But these alive (for whom the Victors mourn)
To thee I give, thee to thine own dispose.

75

Be not with Honor's guilded Baites beguild;
Nor think Ambition wise, because 'tis brave;
For though we like it, as a forward Child,
'Tis so unsound, her Cradle is her grave.

76

Study the mighty Oswald vainly gone!
Fierce Paradine, and Dargonet the stout!
Whose Threds by destiny were slowly spunne,
And by Ambition rashly ravell'd out.

77

But Hubert's grief no precept could reform;
For great grief councell'd, does to anger grow;
And he provided now a future Storm,
Which did with black revenge o'recast his Brow.

78

Borgio and he from this dire Region haste;
Shame makes them sightless to themselves and dumb;
Their thoughts fly swift as Time from what is past;
And would like him demolish all to come.

79

Strait they inter th' inferior of their slain;
Their nobler Tragick load their grief attends
Tow'rds Brescia, where the Camp they hope to gain;
Then force the Court by faction of their Friends.

80

To Bergamo the gentle Duke does turn
With his surviving Lovers, who in kinde
Remembrance every step look back and mourn
Their fellow Lovers Death has stay'd behinde.

81

Some lost their quiet Rivals, some their dear
Love's Brother, who their hopes with help approv'd;
Some such joy'd Friends, as even to morrow were
To take from Hymen those they dearest lov'd.

82

But now to Gondibert they forward look,
Whose wounds, ere he could waste Three Leagues of way,
So wast him, that his speech him quite forsook;
And Nature calls for Art to make life stay.

83

His Friends in torment least they should forsake
Delightful him, for whom alone they live;
Urge Heav'n uncivilly for calling back
So soon such worth, it does so seldom give.

Canto the Sixth.

The ARGUMENT.

The Victor is (when with his wounds subdu'd)
By such deform'd and dismal Troops pursu'd,
That he thinks Death, then which they uglier seem,
No ill expedient to escape from them.
But Ulfin guides him to sage Astragon,
By the last Raies of the descending Sun.

1

Scarce on their Duke their fears kind fit was spent,
When strait a thick arm'd Squadron clouds their sight;
Which cast so dark a shade, as if it ment
Without the Sun's slow leave, to bring in night.

2

This threatning Squadron did consist of Horse,
And by old Ulfin they were bravely led,
Whose mind was sound, nor wants his Body force,
Though many Winters Snow had cool'd his Head.

3

The sad remainder who with Hubert went,
Did miss his reach, when they to Brescia turn'd,
And now (as if his haste destruction ment)
He chac'd these who the Duke's spent valor mourn'd.

4

Whose posture being loose, their number few,
His Scouts grow scornful as they forward come;
He makes his Squadron halt, and neer he drew;
Then asks aloud, what are you, and for whom?

5

The noble Goltho (whose great deeds to day
Prevented Manhood in his early youth)
Believ'd him Oswald's Friend, yet scorn'd the way
To shelter life, behind abandon'd Truth.

6

For he to Ulfin boldly thus reply'd;
This second Ambush findes us here in vain;
We have no treasure left that we would hide,
Since Gondibert is reckon'd with the slain.

7

Duke Gondibert we vouch to be our Lord,
To whose high vertue's Sov'raignty we bow;
Oswald sunk low, as death, beneath his Sword,
Though him superior Fate will vanquish now.

8

Scarce empty Eagles stooping to their Prey,
Could be more swift then Ulfin to alight,
And come where Gondibert expiring lay;
Now pleasing those whom he did newly fright.

9

For scarce that rev'rence which a Monarch draws,
Who seldome will be seen, though often sought';
Who spends his carefull age in making Laws,
To rule those lands for which in youth he fought;

10

Nor that respect which People pay those Kings,
Whose peace makes rich, whom civil war made wise,
Can equall this which aged Ulfin brings
The gentle Duke, to whom he prostrate lies.

11

His Eyes (not us'd to tears) bathe every wound;
Which he salutes as things he chiefly lov'd;
And when expence of spirits he had found,
To gain him air, his Mourners he remov'd.

12

Make way, said he, and give experience room;
The Confident of age, though Youth's scorn'd guide;
My wounds, though past, out-number yours to come,
You can but hope the knowledge I have try'd.

13

His Hilts round Pommel he did then unskrew,
And thence (which he from ancient Precept wore)
In a small Christall he a Cordial drew,
That weary life could to her walks restore.

14

This care (amazing all it does delight)
His ruines, which so reverend appear,
With wonder not so much surprise their sight,
As a strange object now his Troops draw near.

15

In whom such death and want of limbs they finde,
As each were lately call'd out of his Tombe,
And left some members hastily behinde;
Or came when born abortive from the Wombe.

16

Yet this defect of Legs, or Arms, or Hands,
Did wondring valor not disturb; but please;
To see what divers weapons each commands
With arts hard shifts, till custome gave them ease.

17

But the uncomely absence of an Eye,
And larger wants, which ev'ry visage mourn'd,
(Where black did over-vail, or ill supply)
Was that which wonder into horror turn'd.

18

And Ulfin might be thought (when the rude wind
Lifting their Curtains, left their ruines bare)
A formal Antiquary, fondly kind
To Statues, which he now drew out to aire.

19

The Duke (whose absent knowledge was call'd back
By Cordials pow'r) his wonder did increase
So much, that he agen did knowledge lack,
Till thus old Ulfin made his wonder cease.

20

Auspicious Prince! recorded be this day,
And sung by Priests of each ensuing age;
On which thou maist receive, and I may pay
Some debts of duty, as thy Grandsires Page.

21

That mighty Chief I serv'd in youth's first strength,
Who our short Scepter meant to stretch so far,
Till Eastern Kings might grieve theirs wanted length,
Whose Maps scarce teach where all their Subjects are.

22

Full many stormy Winters we have seen,
When mighty valor's heat was all our fire;
Else we in stupid Frosts had fetter'd been,
By which soft sinews are congeal'd to wire.

23

And many scorching Summers we have felt,
Where Death relieves all whom the Sword invades;
And kindly thence (where we should toyling melt)
Leads us to rest beneath eternal shades.

24

For aid of action he obedience taught,
And silent patience for afflictions cure;
He prais'd my courage when I boldly fought,
But said they conquer most, that most endure.

25

The toyls of diligence as much approv'd
As Valor's self, or th' Arts her practise gaines;
The care of Men, more then of glory lov'd;
Success rewarded, and successes paines.

26

To joyful Victors quenching water sent,
Delightful wine to their lamenting slaves;
For Feasts have more brave lives then famine spent,
And Temp'rance more then Trench or Armor saves.

27

Valor his Mistriss, Caution was his Friend;
Both to their diff'rent seasons he appli'd;
The first he lov'd, on th' other did depend;
The first made worth uneasie by her pride.

28

He to submiss devotion more was giv'n
After a battel gain'd, then ere 'twas fought;
As if it nobler were to thank high Heav'n
For favours past, then bow for bounty sought.

29

And thus through smarting heat, and aking cold,
Till Heav'ns perpetual Traveller, had more
Then Thirty journeys through the Zodiack told,
I serv'd thy Grandsire, whom I now adore.

30

For Heav'n in his too ripe and weary age,
Call'd him where peacefully he rules a Star;
Free'd from low Ele'ments continu'd rage,
Which last like Monarchs pow'r by needful war.

31

Strait thy lamented Father did succeed
To his high place, by Aribert's consent,
Our Ensignes through remoter Lands to lead:
Him too I follow'd till he upward went.

32

Till that black day on which the Hunns may boast
Their own defeate, and we our conquest hide;
For though we gain'd, and they the battel lost,
Yet then thy brave victorious Father dy'd.

33

And I am stay'd unwillingly behind;
Not caught with wealth, Life's most intangling snare;
Though both my Masters were in giving kinde,
As joyful Victors after Battel are.

34

Whilst thus this aged Leader does express
His and their Story whom this bounty feeds,
His Hands the Duke's worst order'd wounds undress
And gently binde; then strait he thus proceeds.

35

West from those Hills till you Cremona reach,
With an unmingled right I gather rent;
By their great Gift who did such precepts teach
In giving, as their wealth is ne'r misspent.

36

For as their plenteous pity fills my thought,
So their example was not read in vain;
A Thousand, who for them in battel fought,
And now distress'd with Maimes, I entertain:

37

Not giving like to those, whose gifts though scant
Pain them as if they gave with gowty hand;
Such vex themselves, and ease not others want;
But we alike enjoy, a like command.

38

Most spaciously we dwell, where we possess
All sinless pleasures Nature did ordain;
And who that all may have, yet will have less,
Wiser then Nature, thinks her kindness vain.

39

A sad resolve, which is a wise-mans vow,
From Citties noise, and Courts unpitty'd care
Did so divorce me, it would scarce allow
I ere should take one League of distant ayre.

40

But that Alarms from each adjacent part
Which borders my abode, disturb'd my rest,
With dreadful newes that gracious Gondibert
By Oswald's Faction was in fight opprest.

41

Then it had given your wonder cause to last,
To see the vex'd mistakes this summons wrought
In all my Maim'd Domesticks, by their haste;
For some tie on the Limbs which others sought.

42

Just such mistakes audatious Ethnicks say
Will happen, where the Righteous busie are,
Through glad and earnest hast in the last day;
Whilst others slowly to their doom prepare.

43

And this had Anger, anger noise had bred,
And Noise, the Enemy of useful Thought,
Had them to more mistakes then blindness led,
But that our awfull Camps had silence taught.

44

Silence did mem'ry, Mem'ry order make;
Order to each did his mist wood restore;
For some, who once were stedfast Foot, mistake,
And snatch those limbs which only Horsemen wore.

45

Like swift Pursuers on Arabian Horse,
These with their needfull Instruments of hold
(Which give their strange adapted weapons force)
I mounted strait; Five Hundred fully told.

46

These from the Lombards highly have deserv'd,
In Conquests where thy Father did command;
Whom they for Science and affection serv'd;
And lost their Limbs to gain our Scepter Land.

47

Which yet are noble though unsightly signes,
That each in active courage much abounds;
And many a widow'd Mother now repines,
They cannot shew the Men who gave those wounds.

48

For dearly did the Hunns for honor pay.
When they deform'd them in a fatall fight;
Since though they strongly struggled for the day,
Yet all they got, was everlasting Night.

49

And Oswald's Friends, were they not timely gone
(Though all the Faction in one Army were)
Should mourn this act against their Gen'ral's son;
Who was to Soldiers more then Triumph dear.

50

For these to Conquest us'd, Retreats dislike;
Thy beauty want, to others Beauty's cost;
VVith envious rage still at the Face they strike;
And punish Youth, for what in youth they lost.

51

Thus, though the Duke's amazement be remov'd,
It now returns, gladly on him to gaze,
VVho feeds those Fighters whom his Father lov'd;
A gratitude would Vertue's self amaze.

52

Thou art, said he (then melted whilst he spake)
So ripe in what high Heav'n does dearly love,
That Heav'ns remorse for Earth we should mistake,
To think it will forbear thee long above.

53

As if thy sent for Soul already were
Upon her Wings, so much I give thee gon;
And wish thee left in some successor here,
That might receive the kindness thou hast shown.

54

Old Ulfin now (but meltingly as he)
T'inrich him, gives the Jewell of his sight;
For strait, with Fatherly authority,
He bids his son, young Ulfinor, alight!

55

Take him (said he) whose duty I release;
In whom all Heav'ns rewards included are,
For all my Justice in corrupted peace,
And for my mercy in revengefull warr.

56

The fruit Heav'n sent me by my loyall wife,
In age the gloomy Eve of endless night;
Which eas'd in me the pain of latter life,
And frustates death, by fresh succession's sight.

57

The Duke with passion did this Youth embrace;
Then lucky Goltho he call'd forth in view;
Who was this day in Fortune's special grace,
For though no blood he lost, yet much he drew.

58

Him he with Ulfinor does strait unite;
Bids neither strive the other to precede,
Unless when danger doth them both invite,
But be, even in nice Rivalship agreed.

59

Bids both their Breasts be eithers open book,
Where nought is writ too hard for sudden Eyes;
But thought's plain Text grows easie by a look:
Study breeds doubts, where reading should suffice.

60

But these to joyn, Nature no Councel needs;
Whom Sympathy, her secret Priest, does wed;
Much fam'd will be their loves, and Martial Deeds;
Which fill all Books that are of Lombards read.

61

With gracious Eyes, and Body lowly bent,
The Duke his Fathers rev'rend Troops salutes;
To Bergamo he holds his first intent;
Which to oppose, old Ulfin thus disputes.

62

Thou seest (my Prince) the faint decayes of Light;
How hastily the Sun's hot Steeds begin
To mend their pace, as if their longing sight
Had newly spy'd their usuall Western Inn.

63

Too farr is pleasant Bergamo from hence,
Since day has reach'd so neer his journeys end;
Dayes strength and yours are at their last expence;
Do not whilst both are wasting, both misspend.

64

You and your wounded must with Nature strive,
Till all (whose few houres sway to day excells
Their elder Foes long reign in Camps) arrive
Where Astragon the wise and wealthy dwells.

65

Rich is that Lord, and rich in Learnings wealth;
Art flies his test, he all Art's test endures;
Our Cities send their sick to him for health,
Our Camps the wounded for their certain cures.

66

Though cautious Nature, check'd by Destiny,
Has many secrets she would ne'r impart;
This fam'd Philosopher is Nature's Spie,
And hireless gives th' intelligence to Art.

67

The Duke with vertue (antiquated now)
Did rev'rence Councel, and to Age did bend;
His first Course altars, and does this allow;
Then Ulfin as their Guide they all attend.

68

Soon they the Pallace reach'd of Astragon;
Which had its beauty hid by envious Night;
Whose Cypress Curtain drawn before the Sun
Seem'd to performe the Obsequies of light.

69

Yet lights last Rayes were not intirely spent;
For they discern'd their passage through a Gate,
Whose height and space shew'd ancient ornament;
And Ancients there in careful Office sate.

70

Who by their Weights and Measures did record
Such num'rous Burthens as were thither brought
From distant Regions, to their learned Lord;
On which his Chymicks and Distillers wrought.

71

But now their common business they refrain,
When they observe a quiet sullenness
And bloody marks in such a civil Train;
Which shew'd at once their worth and their distress.

72

The voice of Ulfin they with gladness knew,
VVhom to this house long neighbourhood indeer'd;
Approaching Torches perfected their view,
And taught the way till Astragon appear'd.

73

VVho soon did Ulfin cheerfully imbrace;
The visits cause by whispers he receiv'd;
VVhich first he hop'd was meant him as a grace,
But being known with manly silence griev'd.

74

And then with gestures full of grave respect,
The Duke he to his own Apartment led;
To each distinct retirements did direct,
And all the wounded he ordain'd to Bed.

75

Then thin digestive food he did provide,
More to enable fleeting strength to stay;
To wounds well search'd he cleansing wines apply'd,
And so prepar'd his rip'ning Balsoms way.

76

Balm of the Warriour's herbe, Hypericon!
To Warriour's as in use, in form decreed;
For through the leaves transparent wounds are shown;
And rudely touch'd, the Golden Flower does bleed.

77

For sleep they juice of pale Nymphæa took,
Which grows (to shew that it for sleep is good)
Near sleep's abode in the soft murm'ring Brook:
This cools, the yellow Flower restraines the Blood:

78

And now the weary World's great Med'cin, Sleep,
This learned Host dispenc'd to ev'ry Guest;
Which shuts those wounds where injur'd Lovers weep,
And flies Oppressors to relieve th' Opprest.

79

It loves the Cotage, and from Court abstains,
It stills the Sea-man though the storm be high;
Frees the griev'd Captive in his closest Chaines,
Stops wants loud Mouth, and blinds the treach'rous Spie!

80

Kind Sleep, Nights welcome Officer, does cease
All whom this House containes till day return;
And me, Grief's Chronicler, does gently ease,
Who have behind so great a task to mourn.

The End of the First Book.