Godfrey of Boulloigne or The Recouerie of Hierusalem. An Heroicall poeme written in Italian by Seig. Torquato Tasso, and translated into English by R. C. Esquire [i.e. Richard Carew]: And now the first part containing five Cantos, Imprinted in both Languages |
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| I. |
The first Song.
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| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
 | Godfrey of Boulloigne |  |
The first Song.
I sing the godly armes, and that Chieftaine,
Who great Sepulchre of our Lord did free,
Much with his hande, much wrought he with his braine:
Much in his glorious conquest suffred hee:
And hell in vaine hit selfe opposde, in vaine
The mixed troopes Asian and Libick flee
To armes, for heauen him fauour'd, and he drew
To sacred ensignes his straid mates a new.
Who great Sepulchre of our Lord did free,
Much with his hande, much wrought he with his braine:
Much in his glorious conquest suffred hee:
And hell in vaine hit selfe opposde, in vaine
The mixed troopes Asian and Libick flee
To armes, for heauen him fauour'd, and he drew
To sacred ensignes his straid mates a new.
O Muse, thou that thy head not compassest,
With fading bayes, which Helicon doth beare:
But boue in skyes, amids the Quyers blest,
Dost golden crowne of starres immortall weare,
Celestiall flames breath thou into my brest,
Enlighten thou my Song, and pardon where,
I fainings weaue with truth, and verse with art,
Of pleasings deckt, wherein thou hast no part.
With fading bayes, which Helicon doth beare:
But boue in skyes, amids the Quyers blest,
Dost golden crowne of starres immortall weare,
Celestiall flames breath thou into my brest,
Enlighten thou my Song, and pardon where,
I fainings weaue with truth, and verse with art,
Of pleasings deckt, wherein thou hast no part.
5
Thou knowst, where luring Parnase most poures out
His sweetenesse, all the world doth after runne,
And that truth season'd with smoth verse, from doubt,
The waywardst (flocking) to beleeue hath wonne,
So cup, his brimmes earst liquorisht about
With sweete, we giue to our diseased Sonne.
Beguilde he drinkes some bitter iuyce the while,
And doth his life receiue from such a guile.
His sweetenesse, all the world doth after runne,
And that truth season'd with smoth verse, from doubt,
The waywardst (flocking) to beleeue hath wonne,
So cup, his brimmes earst liquorisht about
With sweete, we giue to our diseased Sonne.
Beguilde he drinkes some bitter iuyce the while,
And doth his life receiue from such a guile.
Thou noble minded Alfonse, who dost saue
From Fortunes furie, and to port dost steare
Me wandring pilgrime, midst of many a waue,
And many a rocke betost, and drencht welneare,
My verse with friendly grace t'accept vouchsaue,
Which as in vow, sacred to thee I beare.
One day perhaps, my pen forehalsening,
Will dare, what now of thee tis purposing.
From Fortunes furie, and to port dost steare
Me wandring pilgrime, midst of many a waue,
And many a rocke betost, and drencht welneare,
My verse with friendly grace t'accept vouchsaue,
Which as in vow, sacred to thee I beare.
One day perhaps, my pen forehalsening,
Will dare, what now of thee tis purposing.
If euer Christians to agreement growe,
And with their Nauy, and their force by land,
A pray so great and wrong, from Turkish foe
Seeke to regaine, dew reason doth command,
That of that soyle the Scepter they bestowe,
Or of those seas, if so thy pleasure stand,
On thee, thou Godfreys countermate, my rime
Attend, and armes prouide in this meane time.
And with their Nauy, and their force by land,
A pray so great and wrong, from Turkish foe
Seeke to regaine, dew reason doth command,
That of that soyle the Scepter they bestowe,
Or of those seas, if so thy pleasure stand,
On thee, thou Godfreys countermate, my rime
Attend, and armes prouide in this meane time.
Since Christian campe for high exploit to th'East
Had past, the last of sixe yeares on now ranne,
And Nice by force, and Antioch not least
Of power, by warlike policie they wanne.
Wheregainst when Persians passing number preast,
In battaile bold they hit defended thanne.
And Tortose gat, which done, to winters raigne
They yeelde, and stay the comming yeere againe.
Had past, the last of sixe yeares on now ranne,
And Nice by force, and Antioch not least
Of power, by warlike policie they wanne.
Wheregainst when Persians passing number preast,
In battaile bold they hit defended thanne.
And Tortose gat, which done, to winters raigne
They yeelde, and stay the comming yeere againe.
6
The season, by his kind enclinde to weat,
Which layes vp armes, welnie his course now ends,
When Sire eternall from his loftie seat,
Which in the purest part of heauen extends,
And from the lowest hell, what space is great
To starres, so farre aboue the starres ascends,
Lookes downe, and in one blinck, and in one vew,
Comprizeth all what so the world can shew.
Which layes vp armes, welnie his course now ends,
When Sire eternall from his loftie seat,
Which in the purest part of heauen extends,
And from the lowest hell, what space is great
To starres, so farre aboue the starres ascends,
Lookes downe, and in one blinck, and in one vew,
Comprizeth all what so the world can shew.
Ech thing he viewes, and then he fixt his eye
On Syria, where Christian Princes stay,
And with that sight, which percingly can spy,
What closest vp humaine affections lay,
He Godfrey sees, who Panims lewd to fly
From sacred Citie would enforce away.
And full of faith, and full of zeale in heart,
All worldly wealth, rule, glory, layes apart.
On Syria, where Christian Princes stay,
And with that sight, which percingly can spy,
What closest vp humaine affections lay,
He Godfrey sees, who Panims lewd to fly
From sacred Citie would enforce away.
And full of faith, and full of zeale in heart,
All worldly wealth, rule, glory, layes apart.
But he in Baldwyn sees a greedie vaine,
Which bent to humaine greatnesse high aspires,
He Tancred sees, his life hold in disdaine,
So much a fond loue him afflicting fires,
And Boemund he sees, for his new raigne,
Of Antioch, foundations deepe desires
To ground, and lawes enacts, and orders layth,
And arts brings in, and plants the Christen fayth.
Which bent to humaine greatnesse high aspires,
He Tancred sees, his life hold in disdaine,
So much a fond loue him afflicting fires,
And Boemund he sees, for his new raigne,
Of Antioch, foundations deepe desires
To ground, and lawes enacts, and orders layth,
And arts brings in, and plants the Christen fayth.
And in this course he entred is so farre,
That ought but that, hit seemes of nought he weyes,
He skryes Rinaldos mind, addict to warre,
And working spirits, much abhorring ease,
No lust of gold in him, no thoughts there are
Of rule, but great and much enflam'd of prayse,
He skryes that at the mouth he hangs of Gwelfe:
And old examples rare frames to himselfe.
That ought but that, hit seemes of nought he weyes,
He skryes Rinaldos mind, addict to warre,
And working spirits, much abhorring ease,
No lust of gold in him, no thoughts there are
Of rule, but great and much enflam'd of prayse,
He skryes that at the mouth he hangs of Gwelfe:
And old examples rare frames to himselfe.
9
When inmost sense of these and other sprights,
The King of all the world had vnfould:
He calles him to, of the Angelicke lights,
Him that mongst first, the second ranck doth hould:
A faithfull Truchman, Gabriell that hights,
A Nuntio glad, twixt Soules of better mould,
And God to vs downe heau'ns decrees who shoes,
And vp to heau'n who with mens prayers goes.
The King of all the world had vnfould:
He calles him to, of the Angelicke lights,
Him that mongst first, the second ranck doth hould:
A faithfull Truchman, Gabriell that hights,
A Nuntio glad, twixt Soules of better mould,
And God to vs downe heau'ns decrees who shoes,
And vp to heau'n who with mens prayers goes.
God to his Nuntio said, seeke Godfrey out,
And tell him in my name, why stands he still?
The warres againe why goes he not about?
Hierusalem opprest to free from ill:
Captaines to counsell let him call, and rout
Of sluggards rayse, that he be chiefe I will:
I here him chuse, and those below that are
Tofore his mates, shall be his men of warre.
And tell him in my name, why stands he still?
The warres againe why goes he not about?
Hierusalem opprest to free from ill:
Captaines to counsell let him call, and rout
Of sluggards rayse, that he be chiefe I will:
I here him chuse, and those below that are
Tofore his mates, shall be his men of warre.
So spake he: Gabriel himselfe addrest,
Swift to performe the things in charge he takes,
His shape vnseene, with aire he doth inuest,
And vnto mortall sence hit subiect makes,
Mans lims, mans looke, t'apparence he possest,
Which yet celestiall maiestie pertakes:
Twixt youth and childhood bounded seeme his dayes,
His golden lockes he doth adorne with rayes.
Swift to performe the things in charge he takes,
His shape vnseene, with aire he doth inuest,
And vnto mortall sence hit subiect makes,
Mans lims, mans looke, t'apparence he possest,
Which yet celestiall maiestie pertakes:
Twixt youth and childhood bounded seeme his dayes,
His golden lockes he doth adorne with rayes.
He puts on siluer wings, yfrendg'de with gold,
Wearilesse nymble, of most plyant sway,
With these he partes the winds, and clouds, and hold
Doth flight with these aloft the earth and sea:
Attyred thus, to worlds lower mould,
This messenger of skyes directes his way:
On Liban mountaine hou'ring first he stayd,
And twixt his egall wings himselfe he wayd.
Wearilesse nymble, of most plyant sway,
With these he partes the winds, and clouds, and hold
Doth flight with these aloft the earth and sea:
Attyred thus, to worlds lower mould,
This messenger of skyes directes his way:
On Liban mountaine hou'ring first he stayd,
And twixt his egall wings himselfe he wayd.
10
There hence againe, to pastures of Tortose,
Plump downe directly leuels he his flight.
From easterne coast the new sunne then arose,
Part vp, but of more part waues hid the sight:
And earely Godfrey that mornetide bestowes
In prayre to God, as aye his vsage hight.
When like the Sunne, but farre and far more cleare
Th'Angell to him doth from the East appeare.
Plump downe directly leuels he his flight.
From easterne coast the new sunne then arose,
Part vp, but of more part waues hid the sight:
And earely Godfrey that mornetide bestowes
In prayre to God, as aye his vsage hight.
When like the Sunne, but farre and far more cleare
Th'Angell to him doth from the East appeare.
And thus bespake, Godfrey, now season tides,
That best with warriours seruice doth agree:
Why thwart you lingring then, while fast it slides?
And not Hierusalem from thraldome free?
Do thou to counsaile call the peoples guides,
Do thou the slow their worke to finish see.
God for their Chiefetaine thee hath deemed fit,
And glad at once they shall themselues submit.
That best with warriours seruice doth agree:
Why thwart you lingring then, while fast it slides?
And not Hierusalem from thraldome free?
Do thou to counsaile call the peoples guides,
Do thou the slow their worke to finish see.
God for their Chiefetaine thee hath deemed fit,
And glad at once they shall themselues submit.
God me this message sent, and I reueale
To thee his mind in his owne name, how great
A hope of victorie to haue? a zeale
How great, of host thy charge hooues thee to heat?
He ceast, and vanisht flew to th'vpper deale,
And purest portion of the heauenly seat.
Godfrey those words, and that his shining bright
Daz'led in eyes, and did in heart affright.
To thee his mind in his owne name, how great
A hope of victorie to haue? a zeale
How great, of host thy charge hooues thee to heat?
He ceast, and vanisht flew to th'vpper deale,
And purest portion of the heauenly seat.
Godfrey those words, and that his shining bright
Daz'led in eyes, and did in heart affright.
But fright once gone, and hauing well bethought,
Who came, who sent, and what to him was said:
Of earst he wisht, he now a fire hath cought
To end the warre whose charge God on him laid.
Not for the heau'ns him sole this honour brought,
Ambitions winde puffing his stomacke swaid:
But all his will did more in will enflame,
Of his deare Lord, as sparke becomes a flame.
Who came, who sent, and what to him was said:
Of earst he wisht, he now a fire hath cought
To end the warre whose charge God on him laid.
Not for the heau'ns him sole this honour brought,
Ambitions winde puffing his stomacke swaid:
But all his will did more in will enflame,
Of his deare Lord, as sparke becomes a flame.
13
Then his Heroicke mates disperst about,
But not farre off, t'assemble he inuites:
Letter to letter, message on message out
He sendes, aduice with praier he vnites.
What so may slocke or pricke a courage stout,
What skill dull vertue to awake endites:
Seemes all he findes, with efficacie such,
As he enforceth, yet contenteth much.
But not farre off, t'assemble he inuites:
Letter to letter, message on message out
He sendes, aduice with praier he vnites.
What so may slocke or pricke a courage stout,
What skill dull vertue to awake endites:
Seemes all he findes, with efficacie such,
As he enforceth, yet contenteth much.
The leaders came, the rest ensew'd also
Boemund alone doth from this meeting stay:
Part campt abroad, part them in circuit stowe,
Another part within Tortosa lay.
The nobles of the campe to counsell goe,
(A glorious Senate) on a solemne day.
Then godly Godfrey thus makes silence breach;
Goodly of countnance, and as shrill of speach.
Boemund alone doth from this meeting stay:
Part campt abroad, part them in circuit stowe,
Another part within Tortosa lay.
The nobles of the campe to counsell goe,
(A glorious Senate) on a solemne day.
Then godly Godfrey thus makes silence breach;
Goodly of countnance, and as shrill of speach.
Champions of God chosen by king of sky,
Of his true faith the damage to restore,
Whom midst of armes, and midst of guiles, safely
He rul'de and guided both at sea and shore:
So as of rebell realmes many and many
In so few yeares through vs him now adore.
And mongst the Nations vanquisht and subdew'd,
His ensignes are aduanst, his name renew'd.
Of his true faith the damage to restore,
Whom midst of armes, and midst of guiles, safely
He rul'de and guided both at sea and shore:
So as of rebell realmes many and many
In so few yeares through vs him now adore.
And mongst the Nations vanquisht and subdew'd,
His ensignes are aduanst, his name renew'd.
We haue not left our pledges sweete, nor neast
Natiue to vs (if I beleeue aright)
Nor sold our liues to trustlesse seas beheast,
And to the perill of farre distant fight,
To gaine of fames short blast the vulgar feast,
Or that Barbarians land, we claime our right.
For our deseigns in straight bounds thē were pent,
Slender our hire gainst soules or bloud yspent.
Natiue to vs (if I beleeue aright)
Nor sold our liues to trustlesse seas beheast,
And to the perill of farre distant fight,
To gaine of fames short blast the vulgar feast,
Or that Barbarians land, we claime our right.
For our deseigns in straight bounds thē were pent,
Slender our hire gainst soules or bloud yspent.
14
But vtmost purpose which our thoughts did beare,
Was Sions noble wals by force to gaine:
And Christen brothers to enfranchize there,
From yoake vnworthy of their thralled paine,
In Palestine a kingdome new to reare,
Where safely plast, might godlines sustaine.
That holy Pilgrims farre from dread of way,
That great Tombe might adore, and vowings pay.
Was Sions noble wals by force to gaine:
And Christen brothers to enfranchize there,
From yoake vnworthy of their thralled paine,
In Palestine a kingdome new to reare,
Where safely plast, might godlines sustaine.
That holy Pilgrims farre from dread of way,
That great Tombe might adore, and vowings pay.
Our deedes till this, for perill haue beene great,
For trauell more then great, for honour small,
For our mayn purpose nought, if we as yeat
Make stop, or bent of armes elsewhere doe call.
What bootes it out of Europe to haue fett
Fewell of force, and Asia fire withall?
When as at last of these huge sturres we wend,
Not kingdomes rays'd, but ruin'd are the end.
For trauell more then great, for honour small,
For our mayn purpose nought, if we as yeat
Make stop, or bent of armes elsewhere doe call.
What bootes it out of Europe to haue fett
Fewell of force, and Asia fire withall?
When as at last of these huge sturres we wend,
Not kingdomes rays'd, but ruin'd are the end.
He buildeth not, who so his soueraigntie
On worldly ground-plots vp to raise hath care:
Where midst vnnumbred troopes of Paganie,
Strangers in faith, few of his Countrey are,
Where of the Greekes he hopes no loyaltie,
And westerne succours can ariue so spare.
But ruynes he procures, with which opprest,
Sole for himselfe a Sepulchre he drest.
On worldly ground-plots vp to raise hath care:
Where midst vnnumbred troopes of Paganie,
Strangers in faith, few of his Countrey are,
Where of the Greekes he hopes no loyaltie,
And westerne succours can ariue so spare.
But ruynes he procures, with which opprest,
Sole for himselfe a Sepulchre he drest.
Turkes, Persians, Antioch, noble matters be,
In name magnificent, and in effect:
Yet workes not ours, but heauens largesse we
Them deeme: Conquests of wonder vnexpect.
Now if the giuer them wrong turned see,
And misemployed from their course direct:
I feare he'l reaue them quite, and honour past
So great, will waxe the peoples scorne at last.
In name magnificent, and in effect:
Yet workes not ours, but heauens largesse we
Them deeme: Conquests of wonder vnexpect.
Now if the giuer them wrong turned see,
And misemployed from their course direct:
I feare he'l reaue them quite, and honour past
So great, will waxe the peoples scorne at last.
17
Ah be there none (for loue of God) that guifts
So pleasing, to bad vses turne and spill,
To web of these so high attempting drifts,
Let threed and end of worke be suited still:
Now that the season to our seruice shifts,
Now that ech passage we haue free at will,
Why to the Citie runne we not? thats set
Our conquests bound: who ist that can vs let?
So pleasing, to bad vses turne and spill,
To web of these so high attempting drifts,
Let threed and end of worke be suited still:
Now that the season to our seruice shifts,
Now that ech passage we haue free at will,
Why to the Citie runne we not? thats set
Our conquests bound: who ist that can vs let?
My Lords I do protest, and that which I
Do thus protest, the present world shall heare,
And that to come shall heare, and Saints on hie
Do heare, the time long since did ripe appeare:
And yet fits our exploit, but lie you still,
And t'will most doubtfull fall that now is cleare.
I prophesie if our course be delayde,
The Palestine from Egypt shall haue ayde.
Do thus protest, the present world shall heare,
And that to come shall heare, and Saints on hie
Do heare, the time long since did ripe appeare:
And yet fits our exploit, but lie you still,
And t'will most doubtfull fall that now is cleare.
I prophesie if our course be delayde,
The Palestine from Egypt shall haue ayde.
He spake, his speech a muttring short befell,
Next after solitarie Peter rose,
Though priuate, mongst the princes at counsell,
As he from whom that voyage chiefly groes,
What Godfrey doth exhort, I say aswell,
No doubt here fals, the truth so certaine shoes,
It skryes hit selfe, he plaine demonstrance gaue,
Th'allowance longs to you, sole t'adde I haue.
Next after solitarie Peter rose,
Though priuate, mongst the princes at counsell,
As he from whom that voyage chiefly groes,
What Godfrey doth exhort, I say aswell,
No doubt here fals, the truth so certaine shoes,
It skryes hit selfe, he plaine demonstrance gaue,
Th'allowance longs to you, sole t'adde I haue.
If I remember well the brawles and shame,
As t'were of purpose by you made and borne,
Your froward counsels and proceedings lame,
Which midst of working made your works forlorne,
I gesse that from another head there came
The cause of all these stops, and concord torne,
Namely th'authoritie in many wits,
And many men that equall peyzed sits.
As t'were of purpose by you made and borne,
Your froward counsels and proceedings lame,
Which midst of working made your works forlorne,
I gesse that from another head there came
The cause of all these stops, and concord torne,
Namely th'authoritie in many wits,
And many men that equall peyzed sits.
18
Where onely one doth not command, from whom
Iudgement of paines and prices may depend:
From whom may offices and charges come,
There still the rule to eyther side will bend:
Ah of these members friendly ioyn'd, in some
One bodie make, and make a head to wend
And guide the rest, let one the Scepter beare,
And let him rule as King and Prince he weare.
Iudgement of paines and prices may depend:
From whom may offices and charges come,
There still the rule to eyther side will bend:
Ah of these members friendly ioyn'd, in some
One bodie make, and make a head to wend
And guide the rest, let one the Scepter beare,
And let him rule as King and Prince he weare.
The olde man silenst here. What thoughts? what breasts?
Are shut frō thee breath sacred! heat diuine!
Thou in the Hermite dost enspire these heasts,
And in the knights harts thou the same dost shrine,
Th'ingraft, th'inborne affections thou outwrests
Of rule, of libertie, of honours signe.
So as both Gwelfe and Guillam chiefe in place,
Did Godfrey first with name of Chieftaine grace.
Are shut frō thee breath sacred! heat diuine!
Thou in the Hermite dost enspire these heasts,
And in the knights harts thou the same dost shrine,
Th'ingraft, th'inborne affections thou outwrests
Of rule, of libertie, of honours signe.
So as both Gwelfe and Guillam chiefe in place,
Did Godfrey first with name of Chieftaine grace.
The rest allowance gaue, henceforth must be
Their part t'aduise, the others to direct:
Conditions to the conquer'd grant shall hee,
Warre, peace, when, where he please elect,
The rest now brought to becke, earst equall free,
The charge of his commandments are t'effect.
This so agreed, the fame out flies, and wide
Spreading it self through tongs of men doth glide.
Their part t'aduise, the others to direct:
Conditions to the conquer'd grant shall hee,
Warre, peace, when, where he please elect,
The rest now brought to becke, earst equall free,
The charge of his commandments are t'effect.
This so agreed, the fame out flies, and wide
Spreading it self through tongs of men doth glide.
To Souldiers then he goes, him worthy they
Deeme of the high estate, that giu'n they haue,
And greetings glad, and warlick showts they pay,
Which he receiues with countnance mildly graue:
Thus when to showes of minds humble t'obay,
And deere in loue, he sitting answere gaue:
He points in field of scope muster to take,
To th'ensewing day what force the camp can make.
Deeme of the high estate, that giu'n they haue,
And greetings glad, and warlick showts they pay,
Which he receiues with countnance mildly graue:
Thus when to showes of minds humble t'obay,
And deere in loue, he sitting answere gaue:
He points in field of scope muster to take,
To th'ensewing day what force the camp can make.
21
The sunne from out the east return'd againe
So bright, and fairely lightsome, as but seeld:
Whē with the new daies beams came forth the traine,
And vnder Ensignes splayd their weapons weeld,
At Bullions hands ech seeking praise to gaine,
Beyond his mates, whil'string they cast in feeld:
Both horse and foote marshald in warlicke bands,
Before him on do march, where firme he stands.
So bright, and fairely lightsome, as but seeld:
Whē with the new daies beams came forth the traine,
And vnder Ensignes splayd their weapons weeld,
At Bullions hands ech seeking praise to gaine,
Beyond his mates, whil'string they cast in feeld:
Both horse and foote marshald in warlicke bands,
Before him on do march, where firme he stands.
Thou minde, of yeeres and of obliuion foe,
Of what so is, guardaine and steward trew:
Afford thy reasons helpe that I may showe
This camps ech Captaine, and ech band to view:
Let their old fame new sound, and ample growe,
On which late yeeres the vayle of silence drew:
Adorne my speech from out thy store to fet,
What eu'ry age may heare, and none forget.
Of what so is, guardaine and steward trew:
Afford thy reasons helpe that I may showe
This camps ech Captaine, and ech band to view:
Let their old fame new sound, and ample growe,
On which late yeeres the vayle of silence drew:
Adorne my speech from out thy store to fet,
What eu'ry age may heare, and none forget.
The Franckes did muster first, of whom tofore
Hugo had charge, a brother to their king.
From Ile of France issewd this warlicke store,
A soile faire, large, on foure streames bordering.
When Hue deceast, th'ensigne that Lilies bore
Of gold, Clotared still them conducting
They followed, who Captaine great in fame,
That nought might want, possest a royall name.
Hugo had charge, a brother to their king.
From Ile of France issewd this warlicke store,
A soile faire, large, on foure streames bordering.
When Hue deceast, th'ensigne that Lilies bore
Of gold, Clotared still them conducting
They followed, who Captaine great in fame,
That nought might want, possest a royall name.
Of complet armed they are hundreds ten,
So many more of horse next them aduance,
So like the first, as twixt them none may ken,
In ordring, nature, armes, a variance:
Normands they be, and Robert leades the men,
Their natiue prince borne and bred vp in France.
Their squadrons next William and Ademere,
Two Pastors of the people mustred there.
So many more of horse next them aduance,
So like the first, as twixt them none may ken,
In ordring, nature, armes, a variance:
Normands they be, and Robert leades the men,
Their natiue prince borne and bred vp in France.
Their squadrons next William and Ademere,
Two Pastors of the people mustred there.
22
The tone and t'other of them who but late
An holy office in Gods seruice beare,
Now playted lockes pressing with cap of plate,
Haue manly vse of armes falne to their share.
Orenge Citie and confines of that state,
Foure hundred warriours to the first do spare.
The second those of Poggio doth guide,
Equall in tale, nor lesse in value tride.
An holy office in Gods seruice beare,
Now playted lockes pressing with cap of plate,
Haue manly vse of armes falne to their share.
Orenge Citie and confines of that state,
Foure hundred warriours to the first do spare.
The second those of Poggio doth guide,
Equall in tale, nor lesse in value tride.
Then Baldwyn makes his muster next in feeld,
With Bulleyners tofore his brothers band,
For his good brother them contents to yeeld:
Now he on Captaines Captaine doth command:
Th'ensewing roome th'Earle of Carnute helde,
Mightie in counsell, valiant of hand.
Foure hundred with him march, a treble force
Vnder his Cornet Baldwyn leades of horse.
With Bulleyners tofore his brothers band,
For his good brother them contents to yeeld:
Now he on Captaines Captaine doth command:
Th'ensewing roome th'Earle of Carnute helde,
Mightie in counsell, valiant of hand.
Foure hundred with him march, a treble force
Vnder his Cornet Baldwyn leades of horse.
Gwelfe occupies the bordring circuit, one
Whose merit his high fortune egalleth,
By Latine Sire, of Estine graundsires gone,
A bedroll long and trew he reckoneth:
But he vnto the great house of Gwelfon,
Germayn in name, and Lordship succeedeth.
Corinthia he rules, and neere the streames
Of Rhine and Isther, Sweue and Rhetian realmes.
Whose merit his high fortune egalleth,
By Latine Sire, of Estine graundsires gone,
A bedroll long and trew he reckoneth:
But he vnto the great house of Gwelfon,
Germayn in name, and Lordship succeedeth.
Corinthia he rules, and neere the streames
Of Rhine and Isther, Sweue and Rhetian realmes.
To this liuelode that from his mother came,
Conquests he winned, glorious and great:
Thence brought he mē, who made (he bidding) game
To march where death they were assur'd to geat:
They winters cold by stooues to temper frame,
And with inuitings glad pertake their meat.
Fiue thousand came from home, but hardly tho
He could the thirds (the Persians reliques) show.
Conquests he winned, glorious and great:
Thence brought he mē, who made (he bidding) game
To march where death they were assur'd to geat:
They winters cold by stooues to temper frame,
And with inuitings glad pertake their meat.
Fiue thousand came from home, but hardly tho
He could the thirds (the Persians reliques) show.
25
White skins, and yealow locks next people haue,
Twixt Francks and Germans and the Sea bestowde,
Where bancks oreflow doth Mose and Rhenish waue,
Land that of graine and beasts, beares fruitfull lode:
Eke Iland men, whom Oceans swellings braue,
Gainst which they force vp rampires high & brode.
Ocean that not on wares alone hath power
And ships, but townes & kingdomes doth deuour.
Twixt Francks and Germans and the Sea bestowde,
Where bancks oreflow doth Mose and Rhenish waue,
Land that of graine and beasts, beares fruitfull lode:
Eke Iland men, whom Oceans swellings braue,
Gainst which they force vp rampires high & brode.
Ocean that not on wares alone hath power
And ships, but townes & kingdomes doth deuour.
These that a thousand are and other are,
Vnder another Robert make one band,
A greater squadron is the British farre,
Committed by their king, to Williams hand,
His yonger sonne, their bowes these English bare,
And people bring the pole that neerer stand.
Whom Ireland placed at the worlds end,
Doth from his wildwoods with locks shaggy send.
Vnder another Robert make one band,
A greater squadron is the British farre,
Committed by their king, to Williams hand,
His yonger sonne, their bowes these English bare,
And people bring the pole that neerer stand.
Whom Ireland placed at the worlds end,
Doth from his wildwoods with locks shaggy send.
Then Tancred comes, there's none amongst the rout
(Regnald except) a brauer warrier,
Nor of a stomacke noble more or stout,
Nor countnance and conditions more faire,
If cloud of blame wrapt his deserts about
Them dimme, loues folly sole the fault must beare,
Aboue twixt battailes borne, bred of short sight,
Fed with afflictions, still accreeuing might.
(Regnald except) a brauer warrier,
Nor of a stomacke noble more or stout,
Nor countnance and conditions more faire,
If cloud of blame wrapt his deserts about
Them dimme, loues folly sole the fault must beare,
Aboue twixt battailes borne, bred of short sight,
Fed with afflictions, still accreeuing might.
Fame tells what day the Francks with glory great,
The Persian troopes discomfited in fight,
After that Tancred in victorious heat
Chasing those runawayes, was tir'de outright,
Some cooly easefull place he sought to geat,
For his scorcht lips, and lims deuoide of might,
And drew whereas inuiting him to shade,
Closde with greene banks, a fresh spring issue made.
The Persian troopes discomfited in fight,
After that Tancred in victorious heat
Chasing those runawayes, was tir'de outright,
Some cooly easefull place he sought to geat,
For his scorcht lips, and lims deuoide of might,
And drew whereas inuiting him to shade,
Closde with greene banks, a fresh spring issue made.
26
Vnthought of there appeares to him a Dame,
All saue her face in complet armour dight:
Shee was a Painim, and she also came
Like rest to gaine in like betyred plight:
Her feature he beheld, he held the same
Most faire, he likes, his liking fire doth light.
Of loue, O wonder! loue then scarcely bred
Grew great, and flew and in armes triumphed.
All saue her face in complet armour dight:
Shee was a Painim, and she also came
Like rest to gaine in like betyred plight:
Her feature he beheld, he held the same
Most faire, he likes, his liking fire doth light.
Of loue, O wonder! loue then scarcely bred
Grew great, and flew and in armes triumphed.
On goes her helme, and she th'assaylers part
Had playd, saue others there by chance arriue:
The haughtie Dame doth from her thrall depart,
Who of sole force becomes a fugitiue:
But he her warlike image farre in hart
Preserued so as hit presents aliue.
The chance, the place, how, wher she came in view,
In restlesse thought still feeding flame a new.
Had playd, saue others there by chance arriue:
The haughtie Dame doth from her thrall depart,
Who of sole force becomes a fugitiue:
But he her warlike image farre in hart
Preserued so as hit presents aliue.
The chance, the place, how, wher she came in view,
In restlesse thought still feeding flame a new.
His looke was looke that did his folke to ware
In letters large, he burn'd of hope deuoyd,
So full of sighes he went, and so he bare
His eye-lids vayled downe and sadly cloyd:
Th'eight hundred horse which vnder-went his care,
Campanias pleasant fields tofore enioyd,
Dame natures greatest pompe, and hils that lay
Mellow, fertill, woode by the Tirhene Sea.
In letters large, he burn'd of hope deuoyd,
So full of sighes he went, and so he bare
His eye-lids vayled downe and sadly cloyd:
Th'eight hundred horse which vnder-went his care,
Campanias pleasant fields tofore enioyd,
Dame natures greatest pompe, and hils that lay
Mellow, fertill, woode by the Tirhene Sea.
Two hundred followed of the Greekish tong,
Who yron armour none in manner bring,
Their hooked swords vpon the toneside hong,
Their bowes and quiuers at their backes do ring,
Their light horse seruice doth to gallop long,
For trauaile tough, spare in their dyeting,
Readie t'assayle and to retire at will,
Disordred, scattred, fled, yet fight they still.
Who yron armour none in manner bring,
Their hooked swords vpon the toneside hong,
Their bowes and quiuers at their backes do ring,
Their light horse seruice doth to gallop long,
For trauaile tough, spare in their dyeting,
Readie t'assayle and to retire at will,
Disordred, scattred, fled, yet fight they still.
29
Latine that Cornet led, and only he
Of Greece the Latine armes accompanide.
O shame! O foule misdeede! and had not ye
O Greekes! these warres eu'n sticking in yourside?
Yet (as at games) sluggards you sit to see
What issue will to these great actes betide:
Now if a slaue thou serue, this thy bondage
(Doe not complaine) is iustice, not outrage.
Of Greece the Latine armes accompanide.
O shame! O foule misdeede! and had not ye
O Greekes! these warres eu'n sticking in yourside?
Yet (as at games) sluggards you sit to see
What issue will to these great actes betide:
Now if a slaue thou serue, this thy bondage
(Doe not complaine) is iustice, not outrage.
A squadron next there comes in order last,
But first for honour, valure and for art:
Inuict Heroick ventrers here are plaste,
Asias terrour, and Mars thunder dart:
Cease Argos, Arther cease, vaine shootes you waste,
Knights saylers, and knights errants acts t'impart,
For old exployts comparde with these are winde.
Where shall we then for them fit Chieftaine finde.
But first for honour, valure and for art:
Inuict Heroick ventrers here are plaste,
Asias terrour, and Mars thunder dart:
Cease Argos, Arther cease, vaine shootes you waste,
Knights saylers, and knights errants acts t'impart,
For old exployts comparde with these are winde.
Where shall we then for them fit Chieftaine finde.
Dudon of Consa is their head, because
Hard t'was of bloud and vertue doome to geeue,
They all agree to vnder go his lawes,
Who did of all know most, and most atcheeue,
And graue of manlines and ripe of sawes:
He showes in hoarie lockes of strength the preeue.
He showes of wounds not foule the printed skarres,
The worthy steps of honour wonne in warres.
Hard t'was of bloud and vertue doome to geeue,
They all agree to vnder go his lawes,
Who did of all know most, and most atcheeue,
And graue of manlines and ripe of sawes:
He showes in hoarie lockes of strength the preeue.
He showes of wounds not foule the printed skarres,
The worthy steps of honour wonne in warres.
Eustace is next amongst the chiefe, whose owne
Prayse makes him great, but brother Boglion more,
From stocke of Norway kings eke Gernand growne,
On Scepters, titles, crownes, him proud he bore:
Roger of Balnauil mongst best is knowne:
Old fame, and Eugerlan do there him score.
Eke with the brauest they solemnize doo
One Genton, one Rambald, and Gerards too.
Prayse makes him great, but brother Boglion more,
From stocke of Norway kings eke Gernand growne,
On Scepters, titles, crownes, him proud he bore:
Roger of Balnauil mongst best is knowne:
Old fame, and Eugerlan do there him score.
Eke with the brauest they solemnize doo
One Genton, one Rambald, and Gerards too.
30
Vbald also, and Rosomond is praysd
Of Dutchy great of Lancaster the heire,
Nor can Obize the Tuscane downe be peyzd
By him that memories away doth beare,
Nor Lombard brothers three will be disseyzd,
Achilles, Sforza, Palamede, of their
Cleare fame, nor Otto strong that wonne the shield
Where Serpents mouth sends forth a naked child.
Of Dutchy great of Lancaster the heire,
Nor can Obize the Tuscane downe be peyzd
By him that memories away doth beare,
Nor Lombard brothers three will be disseyzd,
Achilles, Sforza, Palamede, of their
Cleare fame, nor Otto strong that wonne the shield
Where Serpents mouth sends forth a naked child.
Nor Guasco nor Rudolfo left behinde,
Nor th'one nor th'other Guido, famous both,
Nor Eurard, nor Gernier must slip my mind,
To passe in gratelesse silence more then loth,
Whither do you louers and spouses kind?
Gildip and Edward hale him, now that grow'th
Of numbring wearie? O consorts in warre!
Though dead, disioynd you neuer shalbe farre.
Nor th'one nor th'other Guido, famous both,
Nor Eurard, nor Gernier must slip my mind,
To passe in gratelesse silence more then loth,
Whither do you louers and spouses kind?
Gildip and Edward hale him, now that grow'th
Of numbring wearie? O consorts in warre!
Though dead, disioynd you neuer shalbe farre.
What can there not be learnd in schooles of loue?
There was she taught to waxe a warrier bolde,
To his deere side still cleaues she, and aboue
One destiny, his and her life doth holde:
No blow that hurts but one, they euer proue,
But ech wounds smart encreast is doublefold,
And oft the one is hit the other playnes,
Tone bleedes at soule, the tother at the vaynes.
There was she taught to waxe a warrier bolde,
To his deere side still cleaues she, and aboue
One destiny, his and her life doth holde:
No blow that hurts but one, they euer proue,
But ech wounds smart encreast is doublefold,
And oft the one is hit the other playnes,
Tone bleedes at soule, the tother at the vaynes.
But youth Rinaldo farre surpasseth these,
And passeth all that to the muster went,
Most sweetly fierce, vp should you see him rayse
His royall looke and all lookes on it spent:
He hope oregoes, he ouergrowes his dayes,
When bud was thought but bloome, out fruit he sent:
To such as armes him thundring saw embrace,
Mars he did seeme: Loue, if he shew'd his face.
And passeth all that to the muster went,
Most sweetly fierce, vp should you see him rayse
His royall looke and all lookes on it spent:
He hope oregoes, he ouergrowes his dayes,
When bud was thought but bloome, out fruit he sent:
To such as armes him thundring saw embrace,
Mars he did seeme: Loue, if he shew'd his face.
33
Him on the banck of Adige foorth brought
Sofia to Bertold, Sofia the faire,
To Bertold the puissant when newly rought
From mothers teat, and yet vnwayn'd welneare,
Maued would him haue, and nurst him, & him tought
In princely skils, and kept him still with her,
Vntill his youthly minde plight his beheast,
T'ensew the trump that sounded from the East.
Sofia to Bertold, Sofia the faire,
To Bertold the puissant when newly rought
From mothers teat, and yet vnwayn'd welneare,
Maued would him haue, and nurst him, & him tought
In princely skils, and kept him still with her,
Vntill his youthly minde plight his beheast,
T'ensew the trump that sounded from the East.
Then he thrice fiue of yeares could scantly skore,
Yet fled alone and walkt through vncouth wayes,
He past th' Egean Sea and Greekish shore,
And at the campe arriues, where far hit stayes,
Most noble flight, well worthy that once more,
Some Nephew chiualrous make like assayes:
Three yeeres are spent, and he in wars when now
His chyns soft downe, could scarce a beard auow.
Yet fled alone and walkt through vncouth wayes,
He past th' Egean Sea and Greekish shore,
And at the campe arriues, where far hit stayes,
Most noble flight, well worthy that once more,
Some Nephew chiualrous make like assayes:
Three yeeres are spent, and he in wars when now
His chyns soft downe, could scarce a beard auow.
The horsemen past, the muster next doth grow
Of men on foot, and Reymond leades the way,
Tholouse he rulde, and brought his souldiers fro
Mount Piren, Garon streame, and Ocean Sea,
Of thousands foure, well arm'd, well trayn'd, a show
He makes, whom toyle or want could not affray:
Tall were the men, and led they could not be
By one more strong, or better skil'd then he.
Of men on foot, and Reymond leades the way,
Tholouse he rulde, and brought his souldiers fro
Mount Piren, Garon streame, and Ocean Sea,
Of thousands foure, well arm'd, well trayn'd, a show
He makes, whom toyle or want could not affray:
Tall were the men, and led they could not be
By one more strong, or better skil'd then he.
But thousands fiue doth Stephen from Amboise
And Blois and Tours vnto the seruice bring:
Though sorted bright in armes and weapons choice,
For strength or paine not worth the valewing:
The soyle is tender, light, shapte to reioyce,
And like it selfe his dwellers fostering:
In battaile first they giue an onsett bold,
But soone waxt faint, and in their courage cold.
And Blois and Tours vnto the seruice bring:
Though sorted bright in armes and weapons choice,
For strength or paine not worth the valewing:
The soyle is tender, light, shapte to reioyce,
And like it selfe his dwellers fostering:
In battaile first they giue an onsett bold,
But soone waxt faint, and in their courage cold.
34
Alcasto commeth third (as Thebes by
Was Capaneus once) of visage grim:
Sixe thousand Swizzers commons, fierce, hardy,
From Alpine castles leuide come with him,
Who yron wont to plowes and clots t'apply,
To new shapes now and worthier vses trim.
And with the hand that kept the ragged heard,
Seemes kingdomes to defie, are not afeard.
Was Capaneus once) of visage grim:
Sixe thousand Swizzers commons, fierce, hardy,
From Alpine castles leuide come with him,
Who yron wont to plowes and clots t'apply,
To new shapes now and worthier vses trim.
And with the hand that kept the ragged heard,
Seemes kingdomes to defie, are not afeard.
He after saw the loftie Standard splayd,
With Peters Diademe and with his keyes,
These thousands seu'n doth good Camillus lead,
Footmen in armour bright, and huge of peyze,
He glad the heau'ns so great a charge obeyd,
There to renew his graundsires auncient prayse,
Or shew at least that to valure Latine,
Or nothing lackes, or onely discipline.
With Peters Diademe and with his keyes,
These thousands seu'n doth good Camillus lead,
Footmen in armour bright, and huge of peyze,
He glad the heau'ns so great a charge obeyd,
There to renew his graundsires auncient prayse,
Or shew at least that to valure Latine,
Or nothing lackes, or onely discipline.
But now the squadrons all in musters faire,
Were marching on, and this of all the last,
When Godfrey calles the greatest Captaines neare,
And by his words gaue of his meaning taste:
To morow when the dawning shall appeare,
I will that light and prest the hoast do haste,
So as vnto the sacred Citie we
May come vnlookt, as much as much may be.
Were marching on, and this of all the last,
When Godfrey calles the greatest Captaines neare,
And by his words gaue of his meaning taste:
To morow when the dawning shall appeare,
I will that light and prest the hoast do haste,
So as vnto the sacred Citie we
May come vnlookt, as much as much may be.
Prepare you all both to the iourney than,
And to the fight, and to the victorie,
This hardie speech of so discreet a man
Gaue ech one care, and vaunst his courage hie,
All prest march on, when the first ray began
To sprout, loth them broad day should there deskry,
But Bollion prouident wants not his feare,
Though close conceald it in his breast he beare.
And to the fight, and to the victorie,
This hardie speech of so discreet a man
Gaue ech one care, and vaunst his courage hie,
All prest march on, when the first ray began
To sprout, loth them broad day should there deskry,
But Bollion prouident wants not his feare,
Though close conceald it in his breast he beare.
37
For he by newes, for certaine vnderstood
Th' Egyptian king was now vpon his way
To Gaza ward, a foretresse strong and good,
Which frontier-wise to Sirian kingdoms lay,
Nor could he thinke a man of restlesse mood,
In high exploits, would trifle time away,
But him sharpe foe attends: and sayeth this
To Henryck a true messenger of his.
Th' Egyptian king was now vpon his way
To Gaza ward, a foretresse strong and good,
Which frontier-wise to Sirian kingdoms lay,
Nor could he thinke a man of restlesse mood,
In high exploits, would trifle time away,
But him sharpe foe attends: and sayeth this
To Henryck a true messenger of his.
Vnto some Frigate light get thee aboord,
And toward Greekish soyle no sayling slake,
There shall you meet (so haue I written woord,
From one who newes of lyes will neuer make)
A royall youth, none brauer guirt with sword,
That part with vs in warre pretends to take:
He is the Prince of Danes, and leades a band
From where the Pole is Zenith to the land.
And toward Greekish soyle no sayling slake,
There shall you meet (so haue I written woord,
From one who newes of lyes will neuer make)
A royall youth, none brauer guirt with sword,
That part with vs in warre pretends to take:
He is the Prince of Danes, and leades a band
From where the Pole is Zenith to the land.
But for the Greekish Emp'rour fraught with guile,
With him perhaps will vse his wonted art,
To turne him backe or bend his course the while,
Farre off from vs vnto some forraine part:
My messenger and counsler true as stile,
Do thou in my behalfe dispose his hart,
To our and his owne good, and bid him speed,
For stay were now his most vnseemely deed.
With him perhaps will vse his wonted art,
To turne him backe or bend his course the while,
Farre off from vs vnto some forraine part:
My messenger and counsler true as stile,
Do thou in my behalfe dispose his hart,
To our and his owne good, and bid him speed,
For stay were now his most vnseemely deed.
Come not with him thy selfe, but tarry there
With Greekish king so to procure vs ayde,
Which more then once he hath vs promisde faire,
And by our league thus ought not be delayde,
So speakes he, so informes, and giues to beare
Letters, the which with greetings credence prayd.
Henryck for speed, a present congey takes,
And with his thoughts a truce time Godfrey makes.
With Greekish king so to procure vs ayde,
Which more then once he hath vs promisde faire,
And by our league thus ought not be delayde,
So speakes he, so informes, and giues to beare
Letters, the which with greetings credence prayd.
Henryck for speed, a present congey takes,
And with his thoughts a truce time Godfrey makes.
38
Th'ensewing day when of the lightsome east,
The gates are opned to the Sunnes approch,
The Drums and Trumpets gaue the eare no rest,
Exhorting warriours on the way t'encroch,
Thunder in heat is no such welcome guest,
Which hope of nere showre to the world doth broch.
As all the hardy souldiers pleasing found,
Of warlicke instruments this shrilly sound.
The gates are opned to the Sunnes approch,
The Drums and Trumpets gaue the eare no rest,
Exhorting warriours on the way t'encroch,
Thunder in heat is no such welcome guest,
Which hope of nere showre to the world doth broch.
As all the hardy souldiers pleasing found,
Of warlicke instruments this shrilly sound.
Straightway ech one pricked with great desire,
Clothed his lims with his oft-worne spoyles,
Straightway ech one musters in complet tire,
Straightway ech one to his chieftaine recoyles,
And the well-marshald army ioyned nyre
His ensignes all displayes to Eols broyles.
And the Emperiall Standard stately-large,
A crosse triumphant ouer all doth charge.
Clothed his lims with his oft-worne spoyles,
Straightway ech one musters in complet tire,
Straightway ech one to his chieftaine recoyles,
And the well-marshald army ioyned nyre
His ensignes all displayes to Eols broyles.
And the Emperiall Standard stately-large,
A crosse triumphant ouer all doth charge.
This while the Sunne, which in the heau'nly ground
Still vauntage winnes, and vp ascendeth hie,
On th'armour beates and flashes makes rebound,
And quaking lightnings cleere, which bleare the eye:
The aire with sparckles seemes enflamed round,
And shines like burning fire that vp doth flie:
And with the neighings fierce accordes the noyse
Of clashing armour and the fields accloyes.
Still vauntage winnes, and vp ascendeth hie,
On th'armour beates and flashes makes rebound,
And quaking lightnings cleere, which bleare the eye:
The aire with sparckles seemes enflamed round,
And shines like burning fire that vp doth flie:
And with the neighings fierce accordes the noyse
Of clashing armour and the fields accloyes.
The generall, who from the en'mies snares,
Desires his troups in safetie may remaine,
Store of light horse from the maine armie pares,
And round to scoure the coast employes their paine,
And Pioners to send before he cares,
So for his campe an easie march to gaine,
The pits to fil, the cragges away to take,
And passages foreclosde wide ope to make.
Desires his troups in safetie may remaine,
Store of light horse from the maine armie pares,
And round to scoure the coast employes their paine,
And Pioners to send before he cares,
So for his campe an easie march to gaine,
The pits to fil, the cragges away to take,
And passages foreclosde wide ope to make.
41
There are no Painim forces leauide yet,
No walles enuironed with trenches steepe,
No riuer broad, no combrous hill to get,
No forrest thicke their voyage backe to keepe,
Eu'n so the king of streames on priding set,
When as he growes past measure high and deepe:
Beyond his banckes abroad all wrackfull goes,
And nought is found that dare it selfe oppose.
No walles enuironed with trenches steepe,
No riuer broad, no combrous hill to get,
No forrest thicke their voyage backe to keepe,
Eu'n so the king of streames on priding set,
When as he growes past measure high and deepe:
Beyond his banckes abroad all wrackfull goes,
And nought is found that dare it selfe oppose.
Onely the King of Trypoli, who kept
Within well guarded walles, coyne, men and armes,
Athwart the Frankish army might haue stept,
Yet durst he not by warre to stirre vp harmes:
But he by presents to their fauour crept,
And by his fires at home them gladly warmes.
And such conditions of a peace doth take
As vertuous Godfrey likes with him to make.
Within well guarded walles, coyne, men and armes,
Athwart the Frankish army might haue stept,
Yet durst he not by warre to stirre vp harmes:
But he by presents to their fauour crept,
And by his fires at home them gladly warmes.
And such conditions of a peace doth take
As vertuous Godfrey likes with him to make.
There from Mount Seyr which vplifted hie,
Neere to the Citie stands on easterne side
Of true beleeuing wights a companie,
Mingled in age and Sexe downe slocking hide,
And Christens presents brought for victorie,
And glad them view, and with them talking bide,
Admiring vncouth armes, and to Godfrey
They prou'd true faithfull guides to shew the way.
Neere to the Citie stands on easterne side
Of true beleeuing wights a companie,
Mingled in age and Sexe downe slocking hide,
And Christens presents brought for victorie,
And glad them view, and with them talking bide,
Admiring vncouth armes, and to Godfrey
They prou'd true faithfull guides to shew the way.
He euer butting on the salt-sea waue,
By wayes directest doth conduct his hoast,
Well weeting that th'associat shipping haue,
Resolu'd to sayle still hard aboord the coast,
Which course vnto his armie plenty gaue
Of vittaile, and what else was needfull most:
For him ech Ile of Greece their haruest rept,
And Creete and rocky Scio vintage kept.
By wayes directest doth conduct his hoast,
Well weeting that th'associat shipping haue,
Resolu'd to sayle still hard aboord the coast,
Which course vnto his armie plenty gaue
Of vittaile, and what else was needfull most:
For him ech Ile of Greece their haruest rept,
And Creete and rocky Scio vintage kept.
42
The bordering Sea vnder the waight did grone
Of the tall ships, and of the lightest pines,
So as safe passage there was open none
In Midland Sea to any Saracines:
For mand out not from Marck and George alone,
In the Venetian and the Gene confines
Came fleetes: But England, France, & Holland some
Do send, and some from fruitfull Sicil come.
Of the tall ships, and of the lightest pines,
So as safe passage there was open none
In Midland Sea to any Saracines:
For mand out not from Marck and George alone,
In the Venetian and the Gene confines
Came fleetes: But England, France, & Holland some
Do send, and some from fruitfull Sicil come.
And these which now together are combinde
With soundest knot of loue in one consent,
At diuers shores had loden in ech kind
What by the Campe should needfully be spent.
So when the frontire coast they freed finde
From en'mies shipping, which are close vp pent:
With canvas spred at full they thither goe,
Where Christ for mortall men bare mortall woe.
With soundest knot of loue in one consent,
At diuers shores had loden in ech kind
What by the Campe should needfully be spent.
So when the frontire coast they freed finde
From en'mies shipping, which are close vp pent:
With canvas spred at full they thither goe,
Where Christ for mortall men bare mortall woe.
But fame foreran, the ready carrier
Of true reports, and rumours fraught with lyes,
That safe is ioyn'd the army conquerer,
And now sets forth and all delaying flyes,
She of ech band, makes a perticular,
She showes their names whose prayse doth highest rise,
She showes their vaunts, and terrible of face
Sions vsurpers ceasles doth menace.
Of true reports, and rumours fraught with lyes,
That safe is ioyn'd the army conquerer,
And now sets forth and all delaying flyes,
She of ech band, makes a perticular,
She showes their names whose prayse doth highest rise,
She showes their vaunts, and terrible of face
Sions vsurpers ceasles doth menace.
And ill lookt for perhaps brings greater ill,
Then selfe ill doth, when it is present, beare,
On ech vncertaine breath of rumour still
Doubtfull hangs eu'ry mind, and eu'ry eare,
Muttring confusde, within, without doth fill
The fields, and dolefull Citie all with feare.
But th'aged King neere perill of such losse,
Counsels sauage in doubtfull hart doth tosse.
Then selfe ill doth, when it is present, beare,
On ech vncertaine breath of rumour still
Doubtfull hangs eu'ry mind, and eu'ry eare,
Muttring confusde, within, without doth fill
The fields, and dolefull Citie all with feare.
But th'aged King neere perill of such losse,
Counsels sauage in doubtfull hart doth tosse.
45
Aladine is his name who of that realme
Newe Soueraigne liued in continuall thought:
A man earst cruell, but that mood extreame
His riper age part had to mildnesse wrought:
He that conceau'd whereat the Latines ayme,
Who of his towne the walles to batter sought.
To auncient feare adioyneth new suspectes,
And dreads his foes, and dreadeth his subiectes.
Newe Soueraigne liued in continuall thought:
A man earst cruell, but that mood extreame
His riper age part had to mildnesse wrought:
He that conceau'd whereat the Latines ayme,
Who of his towne the walles to batter sought.
To auncient feare adioyneth new suspectes,
And dreads his foes, and dreadeth his subiectes.
For in one Citie mingled dwellings fall,
Of people contrarie in faith, the lesse
And weaker part on Christ their Sauiour call:
The great and stronger Mahomet professe.
But when the king first conquer'd Sion wall,
And there his seat to stablish did addresse,
From common taskes the Painims he set free,
And double lodes the Christians miserie.
Of people contrarie in faith, the lesse
And weaker part on Christ their Sauiour call:
The great and stronger Mahomet professe.
But when the king first conquer'd Sion wall,
And there his seat to stablish did addresse,
From common taskes the Painims he set free,
And double lodes the Christians miserie.
The thought of this his natiue sauage mood,
Which couched lay, and languisht cold with yeares,
Angring eneigres and it makes new wood,
That thirst of bloud now more then aye appeares,
So gentle seemd a while, the Snakish brood,
That to his fiercenesse turnes as Sommer neares.
And so the tamed Lion takes againe
His natiue fury, if he wrong sustaine.
Which couched lay, and languisht cold with yeares,
Angring eneigres and it makes new wood,
That thirst of bloud now more then aye appeares,
So gentle seemd a while, the Snakish brood,
That to his fiercenesse turnes as Sommer neares.
And so the tamed Lion takes againe
His natiue fury, if he wrong sustaine.
I see, sayes he, of new conceiued ioy,
Vndoubted signes in this vnfaithfull race:
What their sole good that proues our chiefe annoy,
Sole they do laugh in this our common case
Of woe, and now perhaps their wits employ
To guile and treason, and discourse apace,
How me to slay, or to consorted mates,
Mine enemies, how they may d'ope the gates.
Vndoubted signes in this vnfaithfull race:
What their sole good that proues our chiefe annoy,
Sole they do laugh in this our common case
Of woe, and now perhaps their wits employ
To guile and treason, and discourse apace,
How me to slay, or to consorted mates,
Mine enemies, how they may d'ope the gates.
46
But soft not so, I will preuent (I trow)
Their wicked purposes, I'le glut my will,
I'l hew them downe, I'l sharpe examples show,
I'l sucklings in their mothers bosoms kill,
I'l fire in ech their house and temples throw,
Such funerals shall their death rights fulfill:
I'l offer on that Sepulchre of theirs,
Their Priests for sacrifice amid their Preyrs.
Their wicked purposes, I'le glut my will,
I'l hew them downe, I'l sharpe examples show,
I'l sucklings in their mothers bosoms kill,
I'l fire in ech their house and temples throw,
Such funerals shall their death rights fulfill:
I'l offer on that Sepulchre of theirs,
Their Priests for sacrifice amid their Preyrs.
So did this tyrant reason in his mind,
But thought so ill conceiu'd tooke no successe:
Yet if these innocents a pardon finde,
Base hart, not pittie doth him thereto presse.
For if one feare to crueltie him tinde,
Another greater doubt bridles no lesse.
He dreads all wayes of concord to debarre,
And armes of conqu'ring foes t'incense too farre.
But thought so ill conceiu'd tooke no successe:
Yet if these innocents a pardon finde,
Base hart, not pittie doth him thereto presse.
For if one feare to crueltie him tinde,
Another greater doubt bridles no lesse.
He dreads all wayes of concord to debarre,
And armes of conqu'ring foes t'incense too farre.
This fellon then his mad rage tempereth,
Or rather seekes elsewhere the same to wrake,
The countrey houses downe he ruyneth,
And places well manur'd, a pray doth make
To flames: Nought leaues he whole or soūd vnneath,
Where any Franck may food or lodging take:
The springs and brooks he soyles, & waters sound
With deadly poysons he doth all confound.
Or rather seekes elsewhere the same to wrake,
The countrey houses downe he ruyneth,
And places well manur'd, a pray doth make
To flames: Nought leaues he whole or soūd vnneath,
Where any Franck may food or lodging take:
The springs and brooks he soyles, & waters sound
With deadly poysons he doth all confound.
He spitefull warie is, ne ought foreslackes
Hierusalem with new force to supply,
On three sides strong before no helpe it lackes,
Onely the North part least assur'd doth lye,
But from his first suspect the same he backes,
On that his weaker flancke with rampires hye,
And numbers great of Souldiers cul'd in haste,
Hirelings and subiects by him there are plaste.
Hierusalem with new force to supply,
On three sides strong before no helpe it lackes,
Onely the North part least assur'd doth lye,
But from his first suspect the same he backes,
On that his weaker flancke with rampires hye,
And numbers great of Souldiers cul'd in haste,
Hirelings and subiects by him there are plaste.
The end of this first Song.
| Godfrey of Boulloigne | |