University of Virginia Library

In the Reign of Zeno in the East 478, reignd 17. Rome hath lost all in Augustulus

478

Zeno comes on the stage, a beastly man,
And in his Dayes all things against him ran.
His Empire from him pass, as by him shamde
By Basiliscus tyrant it was Gaind.
The East and West ore run with barb'rous foes
And Odoacer Romulus ore throwes
For Romulus nigh thirteen hundred yeare
Before this day Built Rome and Thrond was there
Augustus who five hundred year and more
Had raisd the Empires glory up before,

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131

Do both their names upon this Person plight:
In whom the Empire bids their seats good night.
All things run raggedly when Zeno had
Once more with robes imperiall been clad.
Theodorick destroys all Thrace doth come
Beats 'fore Constantinoples dore his drum
And By a speare after their fort up tide
Was on his pawing hourse back lanc'd in's side
That let his life ore run him. Martian then
Romes Emperours Cockerill for the Diadem
Imperiall, draws out his sword but falls
And others too, Which things give open Calls.
A fire breaks in the Braziers Market out
And burnt to ashes buildings round about,
And the Collectors Lane and houses neer,
A Chappell and a Library there:
An hundred twenty thousands Volumn brave
Were burnt therein and had an ashie grave.
Therein was also burnt a Dragons gut
Full six score foot in length without all smut.
The Iliads and Odyssean lines
Of Homer in't were writ in golden shines.
Tim Elurus that varlot now doth feele
His wicked Course more sharper is then steel
For feare lest Zeno should his deeds requite
He doth't him: saves him the labour right
Doth drinke a Cup of poyson in an health
Prepared by his wisdom for himselfe.