Loves martyr or, Rosalins complaint. Allegorically shadowing the truth of Loue, in the constant Fate of the Phoenix and Turtle. A Poeme enterlaced with much varietie and raritie; now first translated out of the uenerable Italian Torquato Caeliano, by Robert Chester. With the true legend of famous King Arthur, the last of the nine Worthies, being the first Essay of a new British Poet: collected out of diuerse Authenticall Records. To these are added some new compositions, of seuerall moderne Writers whose names are subscribed to their seuerall workes, upon the first Subiect: viz. the Phoenix and Turtle |
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Here followeth the Birth, Life and Death of honourable Arthur King of Brittaine.
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 | Loves martyr |  |
Here followeth the Birth, Life and Death of honourable Arthur King of Brittaine.
36
The strange Birth, honorable Coronation, and most vnhappie Death of famous Arthur King of Brytaine.
Of noble Arthurs birth, of Arthurs fall,
Of Arthurs solemne Coronation,
Of Arthurs famous deedes Heroyicall,
Of Arthurs battels and inuasion,
And that high minded worthie Brytish King,
Shall my wits memorie be deifying.
Of Arthurs solemne Coronation,
Of Arthurs famous deedes Heroyicall,
Of Arthurs battels and inuasion,
And that high minded worthie Brytish King,
Shall my wits memorie be deifying.
In the last time of Vter surnam'd Pendragon,
So called for his wittie pollicies,
Being a King of estimation,
In famous Brytaine mongst his owne allies,
There was a mightie Duke that gouern'd Cornwaile,
That held long warre, and did this King assaile.
So called for his wittie pollicies,
Being a King of estimation,
In famous Brytaine mongst his owne allies,
There was a mightie Duke that gouern'd Cornwaile,
That held long warre, and did this King assaile.
This Duke was nam'd the Duke of Tintagil:
After these hot bred warres were come to end,
He soiourn'd at a place cald Terrabil,
From whence Pendragon for this Duke did send,
And being wounded sore with Cupids sting,
Charg'd him his Wife vnto the Court to bring.
After these hot bred warres were come to end,
He soiourn'd at a place cald Terrabil,
From whence Pendragon for this Duke did send,
And being wounded sore with Cupids sting,
Charg'd him his Wife vnto the Court to bring.
His Wife a passing Ladie, louely, wise,
Chaste to her husbands cleare vnspotted bed,
Whose honor-bearing Fame none could supprize,
But Vesta-like her little time she led:
Igrene her name on whose vnequall beautie
Pendragon doted, led by humane folly.
Chaste to her husbands cleare vnspotted bed,
Whose honor-bearing Fame none could supprize,
37
Igrene her name on whose vnequall beautie
Pendragon doted, led by humane folly.
At length he broke his mind vnto a Lord,
A trustie Councellour and noble Friend,
That soone vnto his minds griefe did accord,
And his Kings louing loue-thoughts did commend,
Telling Pendragon this should be his best,
To tell the Dutchesse of his sweete request.
A trustie Councellour and noble Friend,
That soone vnto his minds griefe did accord,
And his Kings louing loue-thoughts did commend,
Telling Pendragon this should be his best,
To tell the Dutchesse of his sweete request.
But she a Woman, sterne, inexorable,
Willing fond Lusts inchauntments to resist,
All his tongues smoothing words not penetrable,
In her chaste bosomes Gate could not insist,
But straight she told her Husband how she sped,
Lest that his grace should be dishonoured.
Willing fond Lusts inchauntments to resist,
All his tongues smoothing words not penetrable,
In her chaste bosomes Gate could not insist,
But straight she told her Husband how she sped,
Lest that his grace should be dishonoured.
And counseld him to passe away in haste,
That Nights darke duskie mantle might oreshade,
Their flying bodies, least at last they taste,
More miserie then Time did ere inuade,
“For Lust is such a hot inflamed thing,
“It gouerneth mans senses, rules a King.
That Nights darke duskie mantle might oreshade,
Their flying bodies, least at last they taste,
More miserie then Time did ere inuade,
“For Lust is such a hot inflamed thing,
“It gouerneth mans senses, rules a King.
And as the Duchesse spake, the Duke departed,
That neither Vter nor his Councell knew,
How his deepe bosomes Lord the Dutchesse thwarted,
But marke the story well what did ensue:
Soone as the King perceiued their intent,
Intemperate Rage made him impatient.
That neither Vter nor his Councell knew,
How his deepe bosomes Lord the Dutchesse thwarted,
But marke the story well what did ensue:
Soone as the King perceiued their intent,
Intemperate Rage made him impatient.
38
Away with Musicke for your strings do iarre,
Your sound is full of Discords, harsh and ill,
Your Diapazon, makes a humming warre
Within mine eares, and doth my sences fill
With immelodious mourning; She is gone
That rul'd your selues and Instruments alone.
Your sound is full of Discords, harsh and ill,
Your Diapazon, makes a humming warre
Within mine eares, and doth my sences fill
With immelodious mourning; She is gone
That rul'd your selues and Instruments alone.
Away fond riming Ouid, lest thou write
Of Prognes murther, or Lucretias rape,
Of Igrens iourney taken in the night,
That in the blacke gloom'd silence did escape:
O could no Dogge haue bark'd, no Cocke haue crow'd,
That niight her passage to the King haue show'd.
Of Prognes murther, or Lucretias rape,
Of Igrens iourney taken in the night,
That in the blacke gloom'd silence did escape:
O could no Dogge haue bark'd, no Cocke haue crow'd,
That niight her passage to the King haue show'd.
No mirth pleasde Vter, but grimme Melancholy
Haunted his heeles, and when he sate to rest,
He pondred in his mind Igrenas beautie,
Of whom his care-craz'd head was full possest:
Nothing was now contentiue to his mind,
But Igrenes name, Igrene to him vnkind.
Haunted his heeles, and when he sate to rest,
He pondred in his mind Igrenas beautie,
Of whom his care-craz'd head was full possest:
Nothing was now contentiue to his mind,
But Igrenes name, Igrene to him vnkind.
At last his noble Peeres with pitie mou'd,
To see the Kings sodaine perplexitie,
With a great care that their Liege Emperour lou'd,
For to allay his great extremitie,
Did counsell him to send for Garloyes wife,
As he would answer it vpon his life.
To see the Kings sodaine perplexitie,
With a great care that their Liege Emperour lou'd,
For to allay his great extremitie,
Did counsell him to send for Garloyes wife,
As he would answer it vpon his life.
Then presently a Messenger was sent,
To tell the Duke of his wifes secret folly:
This was the substance of his whole intent,
To bring his wife to Court immediatly:
Or within threescore dayes he did protest,
To fetch him thither to his litle rest.
To tell the Duke of his wifes secret folly:
This was the substance of his whole intent,
39
Or within threescore dayes he did protest,
To fetch him thither to his litle rest.
Which when the Duke had warning, straight he furnish'd
Two Castles with wel-fenc'd artillerie,
With vitailes and with men he garnish'd,
His strongest Holds for such an enemie:
And in the one he put his hearts-deare Treasure,
Faire Igrene that he loued out of measure,
Two Castles with wel-fenc'd artillerie,
With vitailes and with men he garnish'd,
His strongest Holds for such an enemie:
And in the one he put his hearts-deare Treasure,
Faire Igrene that he loued out of measure,
That Castle which the Duke himselfe did hold,
Had many Posternes out and issues thence,
In which to trust his life he might be bold,
And safely the warres Furie to commence:
But after-telling time did wonders worke,
That Foxes in their holes can neuer lurke.
Had many Posternes out and issues thence,
In which to trust his life he might be bold,
And safely the warres Furie to commence:
But after-telling time did wonders worke,
That Foxes in their holes can neuer lurke.
Then in all haste came Vter with his hoast,
Pitching his rich pauilions on the ground,
Of his aspiring mind he did not boast,
For Loue and Anger did his thoughts confound,
Hot warre was made on both sides, people slaine,
And many Death-doore-knocking Soules complaine.
Pitching his rich pauilions on the ground,
Of his aspiring mind he did not boast,
For Loue and Anger did his thoughts confound,
Hot warre was made on both sides, people slaine,
And many Death-doore-knocking Soules complaine.
Loue and minds anguish so perplext the King,
For Igrene that incomparable Dame,
That Cupids sicknesse pearc'd him with a sting,
And his warres lowd Alarums ouercame,
Venus intreated Mars awhile to stay,
And make this time a sporting Holiday.
For Igrene that incomparable Dame,
That Cupids sicknesse pearc'd him with a sting,
And his warres lowd Alarums ouercame,
Venus intreated Mars awhile to stay,
And make this time a sporting Holiday.
40
Then came sir Ulfius a most noble Knight,
And askt his king the cause of his disease,
Being willing in a subiects gracious right,
Vter Pendragons mind in heart to please:
Ah said the King, Igrene doth captiuate
My Heart, and makes my Senses subiugate.
And askt his king the cause of his disease,
Being willing in a subiects gracious right,
Vter Pendragons mind in heart to please:
Ah said the King, Igrene doth captiuate
My Heart, and makes my Senses subiugate.
Courage my gracious Liege, I will go find
That true diuining prophet of our Nation,
Merlin the wise that shall content your mind,
And be a Moderator in this action:
His learning, wisedome, and vnseene experience,
Shall quickly giue a Salue for loues offence,
That true diuining prophet of our Nation,
Merlin the wise that shall content your mind,
And be a Moderator in this action:
His learning, wisedome, and vnseene experience,
Shall quickly giue a Salue for loues offence,
So Vlfius at the length from him departed,
Asking for Merlin as he past the way,
Who by great fortunes chance sir Vlfius thwarted,
As he went by in beggers base aray:
Demanding of the Knight in baseuesse meeke,
Who was the man he went so farre to seeke?
Asking for Merlin as he past the way,
Who by great fortunes chance sir Vlfius thwarted,
As he went by in beggers base aray:
Demanding of the Knight in baseuesse meeke,
Who was the man he went so farre to seeke?
Vlfius amazed at his base attire,
Told him it was presumption to demaund
The name of him for whom he did enquire,
And therefore would not yeeld to his command:
Alas said Merlin I do plainly see,
Merlin you seeke, that Merlin I am he.
Told him it was presumption to demaund
The name of him for whom he did enquire,
And therefore would not yeeld to his command:
Alas said Merlin I do plainly see,
Merlin you seeke, that Merlin I am he.
And if the King will but fulfill my hest,
And will reward my true deseruing heart,
In his loues agonies he shal be blest,
So that he follow what I shall impart,
Vpon my Knighthood he will honor thee,
With fauour & rewards most royally.
And will reward my true deseruing heart,
In his loues agonies he shal be blest,
41
Vpon my Knighthood he will honor thee,
With fauour & rewards most royally.
Then Vlfius glad departed in all hast,
And rode a maine to king Pendragons sight,
Telling his Grace Merlin he met at last,
That like a Lampe will giue his Louelaies light,
Where is the man? I wisht for him before.
See where he stands my Liege at yonder doore.
And rode a maine to king Pendragons sight,
Telling his Grace Merlin he met at last,
That like a Lampe will giue his Louelaies light,
Where is the man? I wisht for him before.
See where he stands my Liege at yonder doore.
When Vter saw the man, a sudden ioy,
And vncompre'nded gladnesse fild his hart:
With kind embracements met him on the way,
And to him gan his secrets to impart.
Leaue off, quoth Merlin, I do know your mind,
The faire-fac'd Lady Igrene is vnkind.
And vncompre'nded gladnesse fild his hart:
With kind embracements met him on the way,
And to him gan his secrets to impart.
Leaue off, quoth Merlin, I do know your mind,
The faire-fac'd Lady Igrene is vnkind.
But if your Maiesty will here protest,
And sweare as you are lawfull King annointed,
To do my will, nothing shall you molest,
But follow my directions being appointed.
I sweare quoth Vter by the Euangelists,
He dyes for me that once thy will resists.
And sweare as you are lawfull King annointed,
To do my will, nothing shall you molest,
But follow my directions being appointed.
I sweare quoth Vter by the Euangelists,
He dyes for me that once thy will resists.
Sir, said the Prophet Merline, this I craue,
That shall betoken well what ere betide,
The first faire sportiue Night that you shall haue,
Lying safely nuzled by faire Igrenes side,
You shall beget a sonne whose very Name,
In after-stealing Time his foes shall tame.
That shall betoken well what ere betide,
The first faire sportiue Night that you shall haue,
Lying safely nuzled by faire Igrenes side,
You shall beget a sonne whose very Name,
In after-stealing Time his foes shall tame.
42
That child being borne your Grace must giue to me,
For to be nourished at my appointment,
That shal redound much to his maiestie,
And to your Graces gracious good intent:
That shall be done: (quoth Merlin) let's away,
For you shall sleepe with Igrene ere't be day.
For to be nourished at my appointment,
That shal redound much to his maiestie,
And to your Graces gracious good intent:
That shall be done: (quoth Merlin) let's away,
For you shall sleepe with Igrene ere't be day.
And as Ioue stole to faire Alcmenas bed,
In counterfeiting great Amphytrio,
By the same lust-directed line being led,
To Igrenes louely chamber must you go:
You shall be like the Duke her husbands greatnesse,
And in his place possesse her Husbands sweetnesse.
In counterfeiting great Amphytrio,
By the same lust-directed line being led,
To Igrenes louely chamber must you go:
You shall be like the Duke her husbands greatnesse,
And in his place possesse her Husbands sweetnesse.
And you my noble Lord sir Vlfius,
Shall be much like sir Brustias a faire Knight,
And I will counterfeit the good Iordanus,
And thus weele passe together in the night,
But see you question not, say you are diseased,
And hie to bed there shall your heart be pleased.
Shall be much like sir Brustias a faire Knight,
And I will counterfeit the good Iordanus,
And thus weele passe together in the night,
But see you question not, say you are diseased,
And hie to bed there shall your heart be pleased.
But on the morow do not rise my Liege,
Vntill I come to councell for the best,
For ten miles off you know doth lie the Siege,
That will not turne these night-sports to a iest,
Pendragon pleas'd hafted for to embrace,
The sweet'st got pray that euer King did chase.
Vntill I come to councell for the best,
For ten miles off you know doth lie the Siege,
That will not turne these night-sports to a iest,
Pendragon pleas'd hafted for to embrace,
The sweet'st got pray that euer King did chase.
Soone as the Duke of Tintagill did perceiue,
That Vter left alone his royall armie,
He issued from his Castle to bereaue,
The souldiers of their liues by pollicie:
But see his fortune, by that wily traine,
That he had laid for others he was slaine.
That Vter left alone his royall armie,
He issued from his Castle to bereaue,
43
But see his fortune, by that wily traine,
That he had laid for others he was slaine.
The subtill-lust directed King went on,
Maskt in a strange deuised new found shape,
To simple-minded Igrene vnlike Pendragon,
And three long houres lay in his louers lap:
There he begat the christian King of Kings,
Whose fame Caister Swannes in pleasure sings.
Maskt in a strange deuised new found shape,
To simple-minded Igrene vnlike Pendragon,
And three long houres lay in his louers lap:
There he begat the christian King of Kings,
Whose fame Caister Swannes in pleasure sings.
Assoone as day-betok'ning Phœbus Chariot,
Had crost his sisters waggon in the skie,
Merlin in haste to Vters chamber got,
Bidding good morrow to his Maiestie:
And told him vnrecalled Time did stay,
To haste him from his pleasure thence away.
Had crost his sisters waggon in the skie,
Merlin in haste to Vters chamber got,
Bidding good morrow to his Maiestie:
And told him vnrecalled Time did stay,
To haste him from his pleasure thence away.
Vter amaz'd with Igrene in his armes,
Wisht that the Prophet had no vse of tongue,
Whose dolefull sound breath'd forth these harsh Alarmes,
And like the night-Crow craokt a deadly song;
Ah what a hell of griefe t'was to depart,
And leaue the new-got Treasure of his heart.
Wisht that the Prophet had no vse of tongue,
Whose dolefull sound breath'd forth these harsh Alarmes,
And like the night-Crow craokt a deadly song;
Ah what a hell of griefe t'was to depart,
And leaue the new-got Treasure of his heart.
Then by the lawne-like Hand he tooke his louer,
Being warm'd with blood of a dissembling Husband,
Desire in her cheekes she could not smother,
And her Loue-dazeling eye none could withstand:
He kist her twice or thrice and bad adue,
As willing his nights pleasure to renue:
Being warm'd with blood of a dissembling Husband,
Desire in her cheekes she could not smother,
And her Loue-dazeling eye none could withstand:
He kist her twice or thrice and bad adue,
As willing his nights pleasure to renue:
44
But when the late betrayed Lady knew,
How that her true betrothed Lord was slaine,
Ere that nights reuelling did first ensue,
In secret to her selfe she wept amaine:
Amaz'd and maruelling who that should be,
That rob'd her husband of his treasurie.
How that her true betrothed Lord was slaine,
Ere that nights reuelling did first ensue,
In secret to her selfe she wept amaine:
Amaz'd and maruelling who that should be,
That rob'd her husband of his treasurie.
And to her selfe she gan for to relate,
The iniuries of her vnspotted life,
And in her mind she liu'd disconsolate,
Banning her base-bad Fortune being a wife;
Wishing for euer she had liu'd a maide,
Rather then her chast thoughts should be betraid.
The iniuries of her vnspotted life,
And in her mind she liu'd disconsolate,
Banning her base-bad Fortune being a wife;
Wishing for euer she had liu'd a maide,
Rather then her chast thoughts should be betraid.
The noble Councell that attended Vter,
Began with grauitie for to deuise,
That (where their King had doted much vpon her)
Her beautie his young thoughts to equalize,
To knit them both in Hymens sacred right,
And then in lawfull wife to tast delight.
Began with grauitie for to deuise,
That (where their King had doted much vpon her)
Her beautie his young thoughts to equalize,
To knit them both in Hymens sacred right,
And then in lawfull wife to tast delight.
This motion made vnto their Soueraigne,
Of a warme lustie stomacke youthfull bloud,
Thought it a heauen such a Saint to gaine,
That would reuiue his spirits, do him good:
And gaue consent to haue her honoured,
With mariage Rites, the which were soone performed.
Of a warme lustie stomacke youthfull bloud,
Thought it a heauen such a Saint to gaine,
That would reuiue his spirits, do him good:
And gaue consent to haue her honoured,
With mariage Rites, the which were soone performed.
Halfe a yeare after as the King and Queene,
Then growing great with child a bed were lying,
The Curtaines drawne vnwilling to be seene:
This pollicie the King himselfe deuising:
Asking whose child it was that she did beare,
Speake gentle Igrene tell me without feare.
Then growing great with child a bed were lying,
The Curtaines drawne vnwilling to be seene:
45
Asking whose child it was that she did beare,
Speake gentle Igrene tell me without feare.
The Queene amazed at this question,
Being fully wrapt in pale timiditie,
Knew not to answer this sad action,
Because she fully knew her innocencie:
He vrg'd her still, at length she waxed bold,
And stoutly to the King the truth she told.
Being fully wrapt in pale timiditie,
Knew not to answer this sad action,
Because she fully knew her innocencie:
He vrg'd her still, at length she waxed bold,
And stoutly to the King the truth she told.
With that he kist his Queene that was beguil'd,
And did recomfort her being halfe forlorne,
Telling t'was he that did beget the child,
The child that from her faire wombe should be borne:
With that a sudden ioy did repossesse
Her pensiue hart, whome Fortune late did blesse.
And did recomfort her being halfe forlorne,
Telling t'was he that did beget the child,
The child that from her faire wombe should be borne:
With that a sudden ioy did repossesse
Her pensiue hart, whome Fortune late did blesse.
Then Merlin (that did alwaies loue the King,
As bearing chiefe affiance to his countrey)
Sought to prouide for the childs nourishing,
Therein to shew his well disposed dutie.
As thou decreest said Vter, must it be,
My deare Sonnes fortunes Ile commit to thee.
As bearing chiefe affiance to his countrey)
Sought to prouide for the childs nourishing,
Therein to shew his well disposed dutie.
As thou decreest said Vter, must it be,
My deare Sonnes fortunes Ile commit to thee.
Well said the Prophet, I do know a Lord,
A faithfull passing true disposed man,
That to your Graces pleasure will accord,
And in your seruice do the best he can:
Commit your child vnto his custodie,
A man renoun'd in famous Britany.
A faithfull passing true disposed man,
That to your Graces pleasure will accord,
And in your seruice do the best he can:
Commit your child vnto his custodie,
A man renoun'd in famous Britany.
46
His name Sir Hector: send a Messenger,
To will him come vnto the Court with speede,
And that your Maiestie must needes conferre,
Of matters helpefull in a Princes neede.
When he is come your Grace may certifie,
You'le put your sonne & heire to his deliuerie.
To will him come vnto the Court with speede,
And that your Maiestie must needes conferre,
Of matters helpefull in a Princes neede.
When he is come your Grace may certifie,
You'le put your sonne & heire to his deliuerie.
And when that Fortunes child kind Fortunes heire,
(For so the Destinies prognosticate)
Shall be brought foorth into the open aire,
That of faire Igrene lately was begate:
At yonder priuie Posterne being vnchristened,
You must deliuer it me to be baptized.
(For so the Destinies prognosticate)
Shall be brought foorth into the open aire,
That of faire Igrene lately was begate:
At yonder priuie Posterne being vnchristened,
You must deliuer it me to be baptized.
As Merlin had deuised, so t'was done:
For all the Court to him did yeeld obeysance:
And now Sir Hector to the King is come,
And to Pendragon made his deare affiance,
Wishing his Wife might nourish that bright sonne,
Whose Mornings glorie was not yet begunne.
For all the Court to him did yeeld obeysance:
And now Sir Hector to the King is come,
And to Pendragon made his deare affiance,
Wishing his Wife might nourish that bright sonne,
Whose Mornings glorie was not yet begunne.
Then when the louely Queene was soone deliuered,
Of that rich bearing Burthen to her ioy,
The King himselfe in person hath commaunded,
Two Ladies and two Knights to beare the boy,
Bound vp in cloth of gold being rich of State,
And giue it to the pooreman at the gate,
Of that rich bearing Burthen to her ioy,
The King himselfe in person hath commaunded,
Two Ladies and two Knights to beare the boy,
Bound vp in cloth of gold being rich of State,
And giue it to the pooreman at the gate,
So Merlin had the Prince at his disposing,
Committing it to Hectors faithfull wife:
Now nothing wanted but the sweete baptizing,
To grace the Prince of Princes all his life:
A holy reuerent Man indu'de with fame,
Arthur of Britaine cald the Princes name.
Committing it to Hectors faithfull wife:
Now nothing wanted but the sweete baptizing,
47
A holy reuerent Man indu'de with fame,
Arthur of Britaine cald the Princes name.
After the royall Solemnation,
Of that blacke mournfull weping funerall,
Of Vter that we name the great Pendragon,
By subtill practise brought vnto his fall:
The sixteenth yeare of his victorious raigne,
By poison was this braue Pendragon slaine,
Of that blacke mournfull weping funerall,
Of Vter that we name the great Pendragon,
By subtill practise brought vnto his fall:
The sixteenth yeare of his victorious raigne,
By poison was this braue Pendragon slaine,
His body vnto Stone-heng being brought,
Hard by his brother Aurelius is he laid,
In a faire Monument then richly wrought,
Dead is the King whose life his foes dismaid,
But from his loynes he left a sonne behind,
The right Idea of his fathers mind.
Hard by his brother Aurelius is he laid,
In a faire Monument then richly wrought,
Dead is the King whose life his foes dismaid,
But from his loynes he left a sonne behind,
The right Idea of his fathers mind.
Great Arthur whom we call the Britaines King,
A man renown'd for famous victories,
Saxons and Pictes to homage he did bring,
As you may read in auncient histories:
Our later Chronicles do testifie,
King Arthurs noble mind in Chiualrie.
A man renown'd for famous victories,
Saxons and Pictes to homage he did bring,
As you may read in auncient histories:
Our later Chronicles do testifie,
King Arthurs noble mind in Chiualrie.
Twelue noble battels did King Arthur fight,
Against the Saxons men of hardie strength,
And in the battels put them still to flight,
Bringing them in subiection at the length:
He neuer stroue to driue them quite away,
But stragling here and there he let them stay.
Against the Saxons men of hardie strength,
And in the battels put them still to flight,
Bringing them in subiection at the length:
He neuer stroue to driue them quite away,
But stragling here and there he let them stay.
48
In Southry, Kent, and Norfolke did they dwell,
Still owing homage to king Arthures greatnesse,
Whose puissance their pride did alwaies quell,
Yet did he temper rigour with his meeknesse:
And like a Lion scorn'd to touch the Lambe,
Where they submissiue-like vnto him came,
Still owing homage to king Arthures greatnesse,
Whose puissance their pride did alwaies quell,
Yet did he temper rigour with his meeknesse:
And like a Lion scorn'd to touch the Lambe,
Where they submissiue-like vnto him came,
Against the Pictes he held continuall warre,
The which vnto the Saxons were allide,
And with the subtill Scot did alwaies iarre,
Who neuer true to Arthur would abide:
But (scorning his aduancement to the Crowne)
Did thinke by force to pull his greatnesse downe.
The which vnto the Saxons were allide,
And with the subtill Scot did alwaies iarre,
Who neuer true to Arthur would abide:
But (scorning his aduancement to the Crowne)
Did thinke by force to pull his greatnesse downe.
The chiefest cause of this hot mortall strife,
That mou'd these Kings to be dissentious,
Was that the King of Pictes had tane to wife
The eldest sister of Aurelius,
And Cornon king of Scots had married
The youngest sister to his Princely bed.
That mou'd these Kings to be dissentious,
Was that the King of Pictes had tane to wife
The eldest sister of Aurelius,
And Cornon king of Scots had married
The youngest sister to his Princely bed.
Wherefore they thought the Brytish Regiment,
Should haue descended to the lawfull heires
Of Anna, wife to both in gouernment,
And he as King to rule their great affaires:
And do inferre king Arthures barstardie,
And vniust claime to that high dignitie.
Should haue descended to the lawfull heires
Of Anna, wife to both in gouernment,
And he as King to rule their great affaires:
And do inferre king Arthures barstardie,
And vniust claime to that high dignitie.
And presently they do dispatch in hast,
Ambassadours to famous Brytanie,
Of their great Peeres for to demaund at last,
The kingdomes Crowne and kingdomes Royaltie:
Who scorning for to heare a stranger nam'd,
Crowned king Arthur, whom the world hath fam'd.
Ambassadours to famous Brytanie,
Of their great Peeres for to demaund at last,
49
Who scorning for to heare a stranger nam'd,
Crowned king Arthur, whom the world hath fam'd.
The Coronation of King Arthur, and the Solemnitie thereof: the proud message of the Romanes, and the whole resolution of King Arthur and his Nobles.
The appointed time and great Solemnitie,
Approched of king Arthurs Coronation,
To which high states of mightie Dignitie,
Assembled at the Citie of Caerleon,
In Cæsars time cal'd Vrbs Legionum:
A Title doubtlesse bearing some import,
Where many famous Brytaines did resort.
Approched of king Arthurs Coronation,
To which high states of mightie Dignitie,
Assembled at the Citie of Caerleon,
In Cæsars time cal'd Vrbs Legionum:
A Title doubtlesse bearing some import,
Where many famous Brytaines did resort.
To grace king Arthur whom the Britaines loued,
Came three Arch-bishops Englands chiefe renowne,
Both London, Yorke, and Dubright Honor moued,
On Arthurs head to set the British Crowne,
That after puld the pride of Nations downe:
Vnto the Pallace of this princely King,
They were conuay'd where true-born Fame did spring.
Came three Arch-bishops Englands chiefe renowne,
Both London, Yorke, and Dubright Honor moued,
On Arthurs head to set the British Crowne,
That after puld the pride of Nations downe:
Vnto the Pallace of this princely King,
They were conuay'd where true-born Fame did spring.
Dubright (because the Court at that time lay
Within the compasse of his Diocesse)
In his owne person on this Royall day,
Richly to furnish him he did addresse,
His loue vnto his King he did expresse,
And at his hands the King was dignified,
When Aue Cæsar lowd the people cride.
Within the compasse of his Diocesse)
In his owne person on this Royall day,
Richly to furnish him he did addresse,
His loue vnto his King he did expresse,
50
When Aue Cæsar lowd the people cride.
This happie Coronation being ended,
The King was brought in sumptuous royaltie,
With all the peoples harts being befriended,
To the Cathedrall church of that same See,
Being the Metropoliticall in nobilitie,
With lowd exclaiming ioy of peoples voyce,
That God might blesse their Land for such a choice.
The King was brought in sumptuous royaltie,
With all the peoples harts being befriended,
To the Cathedrall church of that same See,
Being the Metropoliticall in nobilitie,
With lowd exclaiming ioy of peoples voyce,
That God might blesse their Land for such a choice.
On either hand did two Archbishops ride,
Supporting Arthur of Britania,
And foure Kings before him did abide,
Angisell King of stout Albania,
And Cadual King of Venedocia,
Cador of Cornewaile mongst these Princes past,
And Sater of Demetia was the last.
Supporting Arthur of Britania,
And foure Kings before him did abide,
Angisell King of stout Albania,
And Cadual King of Venedocia,
Cador of Cornewaile mongst these Princes past,
And Sater of Demetia was the last.
These foure attired in rich ornaments,
Foure golden Swords before the King did beare,
Betokening foure royall Gouernments,
And foure true Noble harts not dreading feare,
That Enuie from their breasts can neuer teare:
Before them playd such well-tun'd melodie,
That birds did sing to make it heauenly.
Foure golden Swords before the King did beare,
Betokening foure royall Gouernments,
And foure true Noble harts not dreading feare,
That Enuie from their breasts can neuer teare:
Before them playd such well-tun'd melodie,
That birds did sing to make it heauenly.
King Arthurs Queene vnto the Church was brought,
With many noble Peeres being conducted:
Her Armes and Titles royally were wrought,
And to her noble Fame were garnished,
That Infamie had neare diminished:
Foure Queenes before her bore foure siluer Doues,
Expressing their true Faith and husbands Loues.
With many noble Peeres being conducted:
Her Armes and Titles royally were wrought,
And to her noble Fame were garnished,
51
Foure Queenes before her bore foure siluer Doues,
Expressing their true Faith and husbands Loues.
To braue King Arthur on this solemne feast,
This day of high vnspeakeable dignitie,
Came foure graue discreet persons of the best,
From Romes Lieutenant, proud in Maiestie,
Carying in token of their Embassage,
Greene Oliue boughs, and their deare Lieges message.
This day of high vnspeakeable dignitie,
Came foure graue discreet persons of the best,
From Romes Lieutenant, proud in Maiestie,
Carying in token of their Embassage,
Greene Oliue boughs, and their deare Lieges message.
The Epistle of Lucius Tiberius the Romane Lieutenant, to Arthur King of Britanie.
Lvcius Tiberius, Romes great gouernour,To Arthur King of large Britania,
As he deserueth fauour at our hands:
Rome and the Romane Senators do wonder,
And I my selfe exceedingly do muse,
To thinke of thy audacious haughtie mind,
And thy tyrannicall dealing to our State:
Hote firie Anger boyleth in my breast,
And I am mou'd with honour of the cause,
For to reuenge thy Iniuries to Rome:
And that like one or'proud of his estate,
Refusest to acknowledge her thy head,
Neither regardest speedily to redresse,
Thy base and blind obliuious ouersight,
And vniust dealing to offend the Senate,
52
Vnlesse Forgetfulnesse do bleare thine eyes,
Thou knowst the whole huge Circle of the world,
Are made Contributorie and owe vs homage.
The tribute that the Britaines ought to pay,
The which the Senate did demaund of thee,
Being due vnto the Romaine Emperie:
For that braue Iulius Cæsar had enioy'd,
And many worthy Romanes many yeares,
Thou in contempt of vs and our Estate,
Our honorable Estate and dignitie,
Presum'st iniuriously for to detaine:
The corsines of wel-seated Gallia,
The Provinces of Sauoy and Daulphine,
With hot-flam'd fierie warre hast thou subdude,
And gotten in thy large possession;
The Ilands of the bordring Ocean,
The Kings whereof so long as we enioy'd them,
Payd tribute to our Noble auncestors.
The Senate highly mou'd with thy presumption,
Determine for to redemaund amends,
And restitution for thy open wrongs:
I therefore from the noble Senatours,
Commaund thee on thy true Allegiance,
To Rome, to them, to me, and our Estate,
That in the midst of August next ensuing,
Thou do repaire to Rome, there for to answer,
Before the worthie Senate and the Lords
Thy Trespasse; and abide arbitrement,
Such as by them shall there be ordred,
And iustice shall impose vpon thy head:
53
I will forthwith inuade thy Territories,
Wast thy whole Countrey, burne thy Townes and Cities;
And what so ere thy rashnesse hath detain'd,
From Rome or from the Romaine Emperie,
I will by dint of sword subdue againe.
Thus arm'd with hopefull Resolution,
Weele stay thy answer of submission.
Lu. Tib.
Cador the Duke of Cornewaile his Oration to the King.
Renowmed Arthur and thrice-worthie Britaine:O how a liuely bloud doth fill my veines,
At this proud message of the hawtie Romaines,
I hitherto my Lord haue bene in feare,
Lest that the worthy Britaines with much ease,
And long continuall, peace and quietnesse,
Should grow to too much slouth and cowardize,
And lose that honorable Reputation,
Of Chiualrie and Martiall discipline:
Wherein (right Noble King) we haue bene counted,
For to surmount all Nations of the world.
For where the vse of Armes is not esteem'd,
But buried in Obliuions loathsome caue,
And want on dallying held in æstimate,
It cannot chuse but pale-fac'd Cowardize,
Must dimme and cleane deface all worthy Vertue.
Fiue yeares haue fully runne their monthly course,
54
Or heard the Trumpets clangor in our eares,
Or marcht in triumph with the ratling Drum,
Being nuzzeled in effemenate delights,
God willing that our names should not be blotted,
With the foule staine of beastly sluggardie,
Hath stirred vp the proud insulting Romanes,
To whet our dull edg'd swords not now in vse,
To cut their heads off in this rightfull cause,
And scoure our rustie Armour long laid vp,
To buckle with so proud an enemie,
Therefore great Arthur in thy greatnesse raise
Thy colours vp, for to vpreare thy praise.
Ca. Cor.
The Oration of King Arthur to his Lordes and Followers.
My Fellowes and my deare Companions,Both in the aduerse chances of our age,
And prosperous successefull happinesse,
Whose true vnspeakable fidelities,
In giuing counsell touching warres abroad,
And home-bred mutinies amongst our selues,
With good successefulnesse haue I perceau'd,
In your deepe wisedomes and your grauitie.
Affoord me now your honorable aides,
Wisely foreseeing what you thinke conuenient,
Touching the proud command'ment sent from Rome,
A thing at first carefully deliberated,
Is in the end most easily tollerated:
55
The hawtie message of Tiberius Lucius,
If mongst our selues in wisedome we conferre,
How and which way to answer his demaund,
And surely (noble Followers) I suppose,
We haue no cause to feare their forreine braues,
For that vpon a most vniust request,
He seekes to haue a tribute paid from Britaine,
Because forsooth in Iulius Cæsars time,
Through iarres and discords of the ancient Brytains,
The tribute hath beene due and payable:
For when our countrie was at full possest,
With ciuill garboiles and domesticke brawles,
Their Cæsar did ariue wihin this land,
And with this armed souldiers full of force,
Brought in subiection that vnquiet Nation,
By this alleadgance they vniustly craue,
Tribute and satisfaction at our hands,
For nothing that is got by violence,
May iustly be possest by violence.
Sith therefore he presumeth to demaund,
A thing being most vnlawfull at our hands,
By the same reason let vs demaund of him,
Tribute at Rome mauger their Romish power,
And he that is the mightier in force,
Let him possesse the honor of the tribute,
For if his allegations and demaunds,
Be forcible and worthie to be kept,
Because their Cæsar and some Romane Princes,
Haue sometimes conquered Brytania,
By the like reason I do thinke that Rome,
56
Because my Predecessors conquered it:
Bellin the noble King of Brytanie,
With his braue brother Brennus warlike ayde,
Being then accounted Sauoies noble Duke,
Razed the wals of Rome, and set his Standard
With victorie vpon the Citie gates,
And in the middle of their Market place,
Hung vp twentie of their chiefest Noblemen.
And Constantine the sonne of Helena,
And Maximinianus my neere Cousins,
Were both inthroniz'd in the Imperiall seate,
And gouernment of Romes great Emperie.
As touching Fraunce and other Ilands there,
We neede not answer their out-brauing termes:
For they refused to defend their owne,
When we by force redeem'd them from their hands,
Then counsell me thrise-worthy Brytaine Peeres,
Abandoning base cowardize and feares.
K. Arthur.
The Answer of Howell King of litle Brytaine.
Though all your wisedomes and your grauities,Handmaides to Counsell and Nobilitie,
Should be engraued in one golden leafe,
More to the purpose could not you inferre,
Then thy most graue and exquisite Oration,
Thy eloquent and Tully-like aduise
57
Whereby we ought incessantly to praise,
In you the wisedome of a constant man:
For if with all post expedition,
You will prepare a voyage vnto Rome,
That doh expect our haste and royall comming,
According to the reasons you alleage,
I doubt not but that faire Victoria,
Will sit in triumph on our conquering Helmes,
To fright the mindes of Romish aduersaries,
Sith we defend our auncient libertie,
Disdaining for to beare a seruile yoke,
Which to this day the Britaines do maintaine:
Let vs go chearefully and demaund of them,
With Iustice what vniustly they demaund:
For he that doth deface anothers right,
And thinkes vniustly for to dispossesse,
And take from him his owne inheritance
Deseruedly, and with a worthy meanes,
Not violating large and hostile Armes,
May he be put from that which is his owne,
By him to whom the wrong is offred.
Seeing therefore that the Romanes would vsurpe,
The royall dignitie of worthy Britaine,
Due to your honorable auncestors,
I doubt not (noble King) but weele regaine,
That which your Predecessors haue possest,
Euen in the middle of their proudest Citie,
If we may come to buckle with our foes.
This is the conflict that true hearted Britaines,
So long haue wisht to happen to our age.
58
Long time agoe, plainly and truly told,
And now at length fulfilled to our ioy,
That of the third race of the worthie Britaines,
There should be borne a Prince to repossesse,
The Romish Empire and their Dignitie:
For two of these the prophesie is past,
In Belin and that worthie Constantine,
Who ouercame, and gaue the Armes of Rome:
Now haue we none but you my gracious Liege,
The third and last, not least in all our eyes,
To whom this high Exploit is promised:
Make haste therefore most royall Soueraigne,
For to receiue that which our God will giue,
Hasten for to subdue their willing minds,
Which profer vp their honor to your hands,
Hasten deare Liege for to aduance vs all,
That willingly will spend our liues and lands,
For the aduancement of our libertie.
And to atchieue this Labour worthie King,
Ten thousand armed souldiers will I bring.
Ho. K. of Brit.
Angusel King of Albania his Answere to the King.
Since first I heard my Soueraigne speake his mind,Ful fraught with Eloquēce and learned Counsel,
A sodaine ioy did so possesse my soule,
As that in words I cannot vtter forth
59
In all our Victories and Conquests wonne,
Subduing many Regions, many Kings,
Nothing at all in honour haue we gain'd,
If that we suffer the proud-minded Romanes,
And hautie Germaines to vsurpe vpon vs,
And do not now reuenge those bloudie slaughters,
Enacted on our friends and countrymen.
And sith Occasion now is profered,
And Libertie to trie our force of Armes,
I do reioyce to see this happie day,
Wherein we may but meet and ioyne with them:
I thrift my Lord in heart for sweet reuenge,
As if three dayes I had beene kept from drinke,
The wounds I should receiue vpon that day,
Would be as pleasant to my labouring soule,
As Water to a thirstie Traueller,
Or else Releasement to a man condemn'd,
Nay Death it selfe were welcome to my bosome,
For to reuenge our Fathers iniuries,
Defend our libertie, aduance our King:
Let vs giue onset on that meacocke Nation,
Those fond effeminate vnruly people,
And fight it out vnto the latest man;
That after we haue spread our wauing Colours,
In signe of Triumph and of Victorie,
We may enioy the Honors they possesse,
And for my part renowned valiant King,
Two thousand armed horsemen will I bring.
An, K. Alb.
60
A royall armie Arthur hath prouided,
To beard the brauing Romanes in their Countrie,
And like a Martialist hath them diuided,
To buckle with so proud an Enemie:
And Courage ioyn'd with Resolution,
Doth pricke them forwards to this Action.
To beard the brauing Romanes in their Countrie,
And like a Martialist hath them diuided,
To buckle with so proud an Enemie:
And Courage ioyn'd with Resolution,
Doth pricke them forwards to this Action.
The Britains hawtie and resolued men,
Stout, valiant, of Bellonas warlike brood,
Chear'd on their Followers, and began agen
For to reuiue their new decayed blood:
And to redeeme to Arthur and his Line,
What once was wonne by valiant Constantine.
Stout, valiant, of Bellonas warlike brood,
Chear'd on their Followers, and began agen
For to reuiue their new decayed blood:
And to redeeme to Arthur and his Line,
What once was wonne by valiant Constantine.
Now sounds his Drumme a march in chearfull sort,
Now his loud winded Trumpets checke the aire,
And now the Britaines to him do resort,
Not fearing warres affliction or despaire:
But all with one voyce promise victorie
To Arthur King of famous Britainy.
Now his loud winded Trumpets checke the aire,
And now the Britaines to him do resort,
Not fearing warres affliction or despaire:
But all with one voyce promise victorie
To Arthur King of famous Britainy.
His Colours they are wauing in the wind,
Wherein is wrought his Armes of ancestrie,
His Pendants are in formall wise assign'd,
Quartred at large by well read Heraldrie:
Cuffing the ayre that struggles for to kisse,
The gaudinesse of faire King Arthurs blisse.
Wherein is wrought his Armes of ancestrie,
His Pendants are in formall wise assign'd,
Quartred at large by well read Heraldrie:
Cuffing the ayre that struggles for to kisse,
The gaudinesse of faire King Arthurs blisse.
Within his spreading Ensigne first he bore,
Allotted from his royall familie,
Three flying Dragons and three Crownes he wore,
Portraid de Or, the field of Azure die,
His fathers Coate, his Mothers Countries grace,
His honors Badge, his cruell foes deface.
Allotted from his royall familie,
Three flying Dragons and three Crownes he wore,
61
His fathers Coate, his Mothers Countries grace,
His honors Badge, his cruell foes deface.
At last vnto himselfe he hath assumpted,
And tooke to Armes proper to his desire,
As in his faithfull mind being best accounted,
And fitting to those thoughts he did require:
A crosse of Siluer in a field of Vert,
A gracious Embleame to his great desert.
And tooke to Armes proper to his desire,
As in his faithfull mind being best accounted,
And fitting to those thoughts he did require:
A crosse of Siluer in a field of Vert,
A gracious Embleame to his great desert.
On the first quarter of this field was figured,
The image of our Ladie with her Sonne
Held in her armes; this he desired,
Wherein his new-growne valour was begonne:
And bearing this same Figure forth right nobly,
Did maruellous Actes and feates of Chiualrie.
The image of our Ladie with her Sonne
Held in her armes; this he desired,
Wherein his new-growne valour was begonne:
And bearing this same Figure forth right nobly,
Did maruellous Actes and feates of Chiualrie.
This Signe in elder ages being odious,
And hated of the bad deseruing mind,
By his deare blood is made most pretious,
Our vnpure Sinne by him being full refind:
A great triumphant Signe, a Signe of ioy,
A blessed Crosse to free vs from annoy.
And hated of the bad deseruing mind,
By his deare blood is made most pretious,
Our vnpure Sinne by him being full refind:
A great triumphant Signe, a Signe of ioy,
A blessed Crosse to free vs from annoy.
To this the righteous man bowes downe his head,
And this the heauenly Angels do adore,
By this our vnpure soules with life is fed,
And Diuels fearing this do much deplore:
Hereon he vanquisht Sathan, Hell, and Sinne,
And by this Signe our new-life we begin.
And this the heauenly Angels do adore,
By this our vnpure soules with life is fed,
And Diuels fearing this do much deplore:
Hereon he vanquisht Sathan, Hell, and Sinne,
And by this Signe our new-life we begin.
62
Wise, learned Historiographers do write,
That this pure Signe of the most holy Crosse
Was sent from God, to Mercuries delight,
Iulian the Apostata's onely losse,
And that an Angell brought to Mercurie,
All Armour for his backe most necessarie.
That this pure Signe of the most holy Crosse
Was sent from God, to Mercuries delight,
Iulian the Apostata's onely losse,
And that an Angell brought to Mercurie,
All Armour for his backe most necessarie.
A Shield of Azure herein coloured,
A flowrie Crosse betweene two golden Roses,
That the prowd Iewes minds much distempred,
Whose vertue in it selfe true Time encloses
A rich wrought Shield and a most heauenly Armour,
That to the proud Foe strucke a deadly terrour.
A flowrie Crosse betweene two golden Roses,
That the prowd Iewes minds much distempred,
Whose vertue in it selfe true Time encloses
A rich wrought Shield and a most heauenly Armour,
That to the proud Foe strucke a deadly terrour.
And in the time of Charles the seuenth french King,
The Sunne giuing glorie to the dim-fac'd Morne,
When early rising Birds alowd did sing,
And faire cleare clouds the Element did adorne,
To Englishmen and French from heauen was sent
A milke-white Crosse within the Firmament.
The Sunne giuing glorie to the dim-fac'd Morne,
When early rising Birds alowd did sing,
And faire cleare clouds the Element did adorne,
To Englishmen and French from heauen was sent
A milke-white Crosse within the Firmament.
Which heauenly Signe of both these nations seene,
The haughtie French mou'd with rebellion
Against their lawfull King and true-borne Queene,
Began to yeeld their true submission,
And tooke it as a great admonishment,
And Signe betok'ning bitter detriment.
The haughtie French mou'd with rebellion
Against their lawfull King and true-borne Queene,
Began to yeeld their true submission,
And tooke it as a great admonishment,
And Signe betok'ning bitter detriment.
Thus we may see, that the Religion
Which they conceiued of this blessed sight,
Altred their minds to veneration,
And mollified their harts then full of spight,
Yeelding vnto their Prince obedience,
And true submission for their great offence.
Which they conceiued of this blessed sight,
Altred their minds to veneration,
59
Yeelding vnto their Prince obedience,
And true submission for their great offence.
This sight of honor, to the French Kings fame
They did behold, a spectacle to Fraunce,
At the same time when the third Edward came,
And in the land his colours did aduaunce,
Sending to Clodoueus then their King,
Which there became a Christian by Baptizing.
They did behold, a spectacle to Fraunce,
At the same time when the third Edward came,
And in the land his colours did aduaunce,
Sending to Clodoueus then their King,
Which there became a Christian by Baptizing.
Hæc sunt Francorum celebranda insignia Regum,
Quæ demissa polo, sustinet alma fides
Et nobis cœlica dona:
Et pia Francorum placeant insignia Regum,
Aurea cœlesti primum suffulta colore
Lilia, Cæsarijs olim iam credita ceruis
Auri flamma dehinc, veterum victoria Regum.
Quæ demissa polo, sustinet alma fides
Et nobis cœlica dona:
Et pia Francorum placeant insignia Regum,
Aurea cœlesti primum suffulta colore
Lilia, Cæsarijs olim iam credita ceruis
Auri flamma dehinc, veterum victoria Regum.
And euer since great Clodoueus raigne,
They did remaine as Ensignes to that Nation,
Where still before three Toades they did sustaine,
Their onely pourtraiture of commendation,
By honor to the English Kings pertaining,
That conquer'd Fraunce, when all their pride was waining.
They did remaine as Ensignes to that Nation,
Where still before three Toades they did sustaine,
Their onely pourtraiture of commendation,
By honor to the English Kings pertaining,
That conquer'd Fraunce, when all their pride was waining.
His barbed Horses beat the yeelding ground,
And with their neighing terrifide their foe,
Prowd of their riders, in whose harts are found
A promise to the Romanes ouerthrow.
The glistering shine of their well-fashion'd armour;
Tels all men here doth ride a Conquerour.
And with their neighing terrifide their foe,
Prowd of their riders, in whose harts are found
A promise to the Romanes ouerthrow.
64
Tels all men here doth ride a Conquerour.
Their Armour strongly made and firmely wrought,
Not to the vse of old decayed Time,
Who with their guilded shewes are good for nought,
But like to stonie wals not made with lime,
The Brytaines went not proudly armoured,
But strong, as scorning to be conquered.
Not to the vse of old decayed Time,
Who with their guilded shewes are good for nought,
But like to stonie wals not made with lime,
The Brytaines went not proudly armoured,
But strong, as scorning to be conquered.
In Calis he his colours doth aduance,
Who all for feare do entertaine this Prince,
And passeth through the regiment of France,
And doth with puissance the French conuince:
Still marching vp to Paris and to Roane,
Bringing that Countrie in subiection.
Who all for feare do entertaine this Prince,
And passeth through the regiment of France,
And doth with puissance the French conuince:
Still marching vp to Paris and to Roane,
Bringing that Countrie in subiection.
And hauing got his Title and his Name,
A Title got with famous victorie,
He marcheth forward to enlarge his Fame,
Leauing faire France in his authoritie,
By sword and clemencie he conquer'd Island,
And wonne by famous warre the land of Gothland.
A Title got with famous victorie,
He marcheth forward to enlarge his Fame,
Leauing faire France in his authoritie,
By sword and clemencie he conquer'd Island,
And wonne by famous warre the land of Gothland.
Now more and more his armie doth increase,
And mightie Kings do offer him their aide,
So in the country they might liue in peace,
His warlike followers so their minds dismaid:
The name of Arthur King of Britanie,
Hath fear'd the Romish force from Italy.
And mightie Kings do offer him their aide,
So in the country they might liue in peace,
His warlike followers so their minds dismaid:
The name of Arthur King of Britanie,
Hath fear'd the Romish force from Italy.
65
At last he comes to meete his enemie,
High-harted Lucius that his letters sent,
To great Carleon with such Maiestie,
That stiffely did demaund a base intent:
But now he wisht King Arthur were away,
For feare he lost the Honor of the day.
High-harted Lucius that his letters sent,
To great Carleon with such Maiestie,
That stiffely did demaund a base intent:
But now he wisht King Arthur were away,
For feare he lost the Honor of the day.
The Britaines valour was so admirable,
As when a Lion meeteth with his Pray;
King Arthurs courage so inestimable,
That nere a Romaine durst his strength assay:
But like the dust with wind did take their flight,
Yeelding by Warre what they demaund by Might.
As when a Lion meeteth with his Pray;
King Arthurs courage so inestimable,
That nere a Romaine durst his strength assay:
But like the dust with wind did take their flight,
Yeelding by Warre what they demaund by Might.
Here lay a heape of Romans slaughtered,
Trode vnder foote by proud victorious Steedes,
And here one Friend another murthered,
Not able for to helpe him in his neede:
Here bruised Souldiers that alowd did cry,
Braue Arthur helpe vs in our miserie.
Trode vnder foote by proud victorious Steedes,
And here one Friend another murthered,
Not able for to helpe him in his neede:
Here bruised Souldiers that alowd did cry,
Braue Arthur helpe vs in our miserie.
And after he had wonne so great a Field,
And ouerthrew the Romaine Lucius,
He pardon'd those that graciously would yeeld,
And leaue their Leader proud Tiberius:
Who left his men for feare, and would not fight,
But hid himselfe in darknesse of the Night.
And ouerthrew the Romaine Lucius,
He pardon'd those that graciously would yeeld,
And leaue their Leader proud Tiberius:
Who left his men for feare, and would not fight,
But hid himselfe in darknesse of the Night.
This base retraite and glorious Victorie,
To Arthurs honour and Tiberius shame,
Was spred through Rome, through France, through Italy,
An extollation to the Brytish name:
Who forraged about, yet all did flie,
Till Arthur tooke them to his pitying mercie.
To Arthurs honour and Tiberius shame,
Was spred through Rome, through France, through Italy,
66
Who forraged about, yet all did flie,
Till Arthur tooke them to his pitying mercie.
Forward towards Rome these Britaines make their way,
Sounding Defiance as they passe along,
Their conquering Ensignes still they do display,
In Armes and hautie courage passing strong:
All Cities offer peace, all Townes submit
To Arthurs greatnesse, as a thing most fit.
Sounding Defiance as they passe along,
Their conquering Ensignes still they do display,
In Armes and hautie courage passing strong:
All Cities offer peace, all Townes submit
To Arthurs greatnesse, as a thing most fit.
But as they passe huge Mirmedons do striue,
Surnamed Giants, for to stop this King,
And vow by Paganisme (by which they thriue,)
His bodie in Oceanus to fling:
And daunt his followers, who as Fame hath said,
Of great bigge monstrous men were not afraid.
Surnamed Giants, for to stop this King,
And vow by Paganisme (by which they thriue,)
His bodie in Oceanus to fling:
And daunt his followers, who as Fame hath said,
Of great bigge monstrous men were not afraid.
At last they march vpon a large broade plaine,
When first these hautie Giants he doth spie,
The Britaines scorne for to retire againe,
But either winne the honor, or else die:
Courage quoth Arthur, better die with fame,
Then yeeld or turne to our immortall shame.
When first these hautie Giants he doth spie,
The Britaines scorne for to retire againe,
But either winne the honor, or else die:
Courage quoth Arthur, better die with fame,
Then yeeld or turne to our immortall shame.
At length they meete, and meeting cope together,
As when two sauage Boares are full of ire,
The Victorie as yet inclin'd to neither,
But from their Creasts and Shields did sparckle fire:
Inkindled Wrath from Arthurs breast hath sprong,
That he made passage through the thickest throng.
As when two sauage Boares are full of ire,
The Victorie as yet inclin'd to neither,
But from their Creasts and Shields did sparckle fire:
Inkindled Wrath from Arthurs breast hath sprong,
That he made passage through the thickest throng.
67
The King of Giants Arthur meetes withall,
And copes with him: for in his strength did stand
His Kingdomes great aduancement, or his fall,
His Subiects peace, his quietnesse of land:
But this renowne to Britaine doth remaine,
The Giant, Arthur hand to hand hath slaine.
And copes with him: for in his strength did stand
His Kingdomes great aduancement, or his fall,
His Subiects peace, his quietnesse of land:
But this renowne to Britaine doth remaine,
The Giant, Arthur hand to hand hath slaine.
When he was downe the rest did faint for feare,
Which when the British armie had espied,
Their true-borne valour did they not forbeare,
But all the greene grasse with their bloud they died:
And made such slaughter of these monstrous men,
That after-time hath registred agen.
Which when the British armie had espied,
Their true-borne valour did they not forbeare,
But all the greene grasse with their bloud they died:
And made such slaughter of these monstrous men,
That after-time hath registred agen.
After this Conquest is King Arthur minded,
With all his royall power to march to Rome,
And with his Lords he hath determined,
This gallant Resolution, and this Doome:
To crowne himselfe by warre their Emperour,
And ouer all a mightie Gouernour.
With all his royall power to march to Rome,
And with his Lords he hath determined,
This gallant Resolution, and this Doome:
To crowne himselfe by warre their Emperour,
And ouer all a mightie Gouernour.
And had not Fortune and Rebellion,
Stir'd vp his Cousin Mordreds hautie mind,
At home to make ciuill inuasion,
Who sought King Arthurs glory for to blind,
With honour had he re-inkindled fire,
To burne the wals of Rome to his desire.
Stir'd vp his Cousin Mordreds hautie mind,
At home to make ciuill inuasion,
Who sought King Arthurs glory for to blind,
With honour had he re-inkindled fire,
To burne the wals of Rome to his desire.
But O false Mordred, thou deceitfull Kinsman,
(Begot of Treasons heyte) thus to rebell,
Against thy noble Nephew, who hath wonne
Cities and peopled Townes that did excell:
And all he did was for to glorifie
His Royall kindred and his Noble countrey.
(Begot of Treasons heyte) thus to rebell,
Against thy noble Nephew, who hath wonne
68
And all he did was for to glorifie
His Royall kindred and his Noble countrey.
But thou some base-borne Haggard mak'st a wing,
Against the Princely Eagle in his flight,
And like a hissing Serpent seek'st to sting
The Lion that did shield thee from despight:
But now being wakened by his Countries wrong,
With warre he meanes to visite you ere long.
Against the Princely Eagle in his flight,
And like a hissing Serpent seek'st to sting
The Lion that did shield thee from despight:
But now being wakened by his Countries wrong,
With warre he meanes to visite you ere long.
The newes of this proud Rebell in his Land,
Was like deepe piercing arrowes at his hart,
Intemperate Rage did make them vnderstand
King Arthurs furie, and fond Mordreds smart,
Who vow'd reuengement most vnnaturall,
On him that sought to bring his friends to thrall.
Was like deepe piercing arrowes at his hart,
Intemperate Rage did make them vnderstand
King Arthurs furie, and fond Mordreds smart,
Who vow'd reuengement most vnnaturall,
On him that sought to bring his friends to thrall.
He sounds Retraite with heart-swolne heauinesse,
That he must leaue faire Rome vnconquered,
And marcheth through the Land in quietnesse,
To be reueng'd on the Vsurper Mordred:
At this sweet newes of his departing thence,
The Romaines praise the Rebels excellence.
That he must leaue faire Rome vnconquered,
And marcheth through the Land in quietnesse,
To be reueng'd on the Vsurper Mordred:
At this sweet newes of his departing thence,
The Romaines praise the Rebels excellence.
King Arthur heard at his returne towards Brytaine,
How Mordred had proclaim'd himselfe there King,
Those that resisted, he by force hath slaine,
Vnto their Countries ground a gentle offring,
And to the Saxon Cheldricke is allide,
Who landing to their lawfull King denide.
How Mordred had proclaim'd himselfe there King,
Those that resisted, he by force hath slaine,
Vnto their Countries ground a gentle offring,
And to the Saxon Cheldricke is allide,
Who landing to their lawfull King denide.
69
By force they driue King Arthur from the shore,
And like rebellious Monsters kill his men,
Which when he viewes, he striueth more and more,
And his great puissant strength renewes againe,
And maugre all the power they withstand,
At Sandwich Noble Arthur taketh Land:
And like rebellious Monsters kill his men,
Which when he viewes, he striueth more and more,
And his great puissant strength renewes againe,
And maugre all the power they withstand,
At Sandwich Noble Arthur taketh Land:
And ioyning battell with his enemies,
The traytrous Rebels are discomfited,
And Mordred all in hast away he flies,
By treasons bloudie Traine & murther led,
To gather Power to renew the fight,
Vrg'd forward by the Saxon Cheldricks spight
The traytrous Rebels are discomfited,
And Mordred all in hast away he flies,
By treasons bloudie Traine & murther led,
To gather Power to renew the fight,
Vrg'd forward by the Saxon Cheldricks spight
The Noble Arthur in this conflict lost
Some of his followers whom he lou'd too deare;
The death of gentle Gawen grieu'd him most,
As by his outward sorrow did appeare:
This Gawen was proud Mordreds lawfull brother,
Legitimate by father and by mother.
Some of his followers whom he lou'd too deare;
The death of gentle Gawen grieu'd him most,
As by his outward sorrow did appeare:
This Gawen was proud Mordreds lawfull brother,
Legitimate by father and by mother.
O mirrour of true borne gentilitie,
Faire mappe of Honor in his gentle blood,
That rather chose to loue his noble countrie,
And seeke the meanes to do his life Liege good,
Then to defend his kindred by that warre,
That made the Sonne and most kind Father iarre.
Faire mappe of Honor in his gentle blood,
That rather chose to loue his noble countrie,
And seeke the meanes to do his life Liege good,
Then to defend his kindred by that warre,
That made the Sonne and most kind Father iarre.
Kind Gawen, trustie worthie Gentleman;
Belou'd of Arthur, as deseruedly,
Recording Time thy faithfulnesse shall scan,
And loyall Truth wrapt vp in memorie:
Shall say in thy Kings quarrell being iust,
At last thou diedst, not in thy Brothers trust.
Belou'd of Arthur, as deseruedly,
Recording Time thy faithfulnesse shall scan,
70
Shall say in thy Kings quarrell being iust,
At last thou diedst, not in thy Brothers trust.
Thy gentle King prepar'd thy Funeral,
And laid thy bodie in a Sepulchre,
In thine owne country richly done and royall,
At Rosse whose auncestrie shall still endure:
And like a Nephew, mourn'd and wept for thee,
Grieuing to loose Brytish Nobilitie.
And laid thy bodie in a Sepulchre,
In thine owne country richly done and royall,
At Rosse whose auncestrie shall still endure:
And like a Nephew, mourn'd and wept for thee,
Grieuing to loose Brytish Nobilitie.
But to proceede in this vnluckie fight,
King Angusel was slaine whom Arthur loued,
A man in whom his countrie tooke delight,
That ne're with home-bred Treacherie was moued,
In false-faith'd Scotland was his bones interd,
To which before King Arthur him preferd,
King Angusel was slaine whom Arthur loued,
A man in whom his countrie tooke delight,
That ne're with home-bred Treacherie was moued,
In false-faith'd Scotland was his bones interd,
To which before King Arthur him preferd,
That vniust Mordred, Mischiefes nourisher,
Times bad infamer, Traitor to the State,
Of his whole Countrie bounds the chiefe perturber,
Whose name to this day mongst them growes in hate,
Fled from the battell getting ships he saild
Westward towards Cornwail, whē his force was quaild.
Times bad infamer, Traitor to the State,
Of his whole Countrie bounds the chiefe perturber,
Whose name to this day mongst them growes in hate,
Fled from the battell getting ships he saild
Westward towards Cornwail, whē his force was quaild.
But when King Arthur heard of his departure,
Causing the refuse Rebels for to flie,
To make the way of his defence more sure,
With speed he re-inforst his royall armie,
With new supplie of hardie men at Armes,
Whose Resolution fear'd no following harmes.
Causing the refuse Rebels for to flie,
To make the way of his defence more sure,
With speed he re-inforst his royall armie,
With new supplie of hardie men at Armes,
Whose Resolution fear'd no following harmes.
71
With his whole force he marcheth after him,
Where all the Kentish men reioyce to see
King Arthurs Colours, whose rich pride doth dim
The faire-fac'd Sunne in all his Maiestie:
Not resting till he came vnto the place,
Where Mordred was incamped for a space.
Where all the Kentish men reioyce to see
King Arthurs Colours, whose rich pride doth dim
The faire-fac'd Sunne in all his Maiestie:
Not resting till he came vnto the place,
Where Mordred was incamped for a space.
By Winchester a Citie of renowne,
The Traitorous armie of this Mordred lay,
On whose proud gather'd troupe the Sunne did frowne,
Fore-shewing to his men a blacke-fac't day:
And so it prou'd before the selfe-same night;
Mordred and his best friends were shine in fight.
The Traitorous armie of this Mordred lay,
On whose proud gather'd troupe the Sunne did frowne,
Fore-shewing to his men a blacke-fac't day:
And so it prou'd before the selfe-same night;
Mordred and his best friends were shine in fight.
At Camblane was this bloudie battell ended,
Where fame-acthieuing Arthur sore was wounded,
With gallant Britaine Lords being attended,
Whose sword (cald Pridwin) manie had confounded,
Yet Fortunes vnseene immortalitie,
Sometime cuts downe sprigs of a Monarchie.
Where fame-acthieuing Arthur sore was wounded,
With gallant Britaine Lords being attended,
Whose sword (cald Pridwin) manie had confounded,
Yet Fortunes vnseene immortalitie,
Sometime cuts downe sprigs of a Monarchie.
At this dayes dolefull stroke of Arthurs death,
The glorious shining Sunne lookt pale and wanne,
And when this Monarch losed forth his breath,
The Britaines being amaz'd about him ranne:
And with their nailes did teare their flesh asunder,
That they had lost their King the worlds great Wonder.
The glorious shining Sunne lookt pale and wanne,
And when this Monarch losed forth his breath,
The Britaines being amaz'd about him ranne:
And with their nailes did teare their flesh asunder,
That they had lost their King the worlds great Wonder.
Ouer this litle Iland he had raigned,
The full iust terme of sixe and twentie yeares,
When twelue most famous battels he obtained,
As in our auncient Chronicles appeares,
And in the Church-yard of faire Glastenburie,
They held King Arthurs wofull obsequie.
The full iust terme of sixe and twentie yeares,
When twelue most famous battels he obtained,
72
And in the Church-yard of faire Glastenburie,
They held King Arthurs wofull obsequie.
And in the time of second Henries dayes,
Betweene two pillars was his body found,
That in his life deseru's immortall praise,
Layd sixteene foote deepe vnderneath the ground;
Because his Saxon foes whom he did chase,
Should not with swords his liuelesse corps deface.
Betweene two pillars was his body found,
That in his life deseru's immortall praise,
Layd sixteene foote deepe vnderneath the ground;
Because his Saxon foes whom he did chase,
Should not with swords his liuelesse corps deface.
In the last yeare of Henries royaltie,
More then sixe hundred after his buriall,
By the Abbot of the house of Glastenburie,
At last they found King Arthurs funerall:
Henry de Bloys the Abbots name they gaue,
Who by the Kings commaund did find the graue.
More then sixe hundred after his buriall,
By the Abbot of the house of Glastenburie,
At last they found King Arthurs funerall:
Henry de Bloys the Abbots name they gaue,
Who by the Kings commaund did find the graue.
The principall and chiefe occasion
That moou'd King Henry for to seeke the place,
Was that a Bardth in Welsh diuision,
Recorded Arthurs actes vnto his Grace:
And in the foresaid Church-yard he did sing,
That they should find the body of the King.
That moou'd King Henry for to seeke the place,
Was that a Bardth in Welsh diuision,
Recorded Arthurs actes vnto his Grace:
And in the foresaid Church-yard he did sing,
That they should find the body of the King.
And those that dig'd to find his bodie there,
After they enterd seuen foote deepe in ground,
A mightie broade stone to them did appeare,
With a great leaden Crosse thereto bound,
And downwards towards the corpes the Crosse did lie,
Containing this inscripted poesie.
After they enterd seuen foote deepe in ground,
A mightie broade stone to them did appeare,
With a great leaden Crosse thereto bound,
And downwards towards the corpes the Crosse did lie,
Containing this inscripted poesie.
73
Hic iacet sepultus inclytus Rex,
Arthurus in Insula Aualoniæ.
Arthurus in Insula Aualoniæ.
His bodie whose great actes the world recorded,
When vitall limitation gaue him life,
And Fames shrill golden Trump abroad had sounded,
What Warres he ended, what Debate, what Strife,
What Honor to his countrey, what great Loue,
Amongst his faithfull subiects he did proue.
When vitall limitation gaue him life,
And Fames shrill golden Trump abroad had sounded,
What Warres he ended, what Debate, what Strife,
What Honor to his countrey, what great Loue,
Amongst his faithfull subiects he did proue.
Was not interd in sumptuous royaltie,
With funerall pompe of kindred and of friends,
Nor closde in marble stone wrought curiously,
Nor none in mourning blacke his King attends,
But in a hollow tree made for the nonce,
They do enter King Arthurs princely bones.
With funerall pompe of kindred and of friends,
Nor closde in marble stone wrought curiously,
Nor none in mourning blacke his King attends,
But in a hollow tree made for the nonce,
They do enter King Arthurs princely bones.
Their outward habite did not shew their mind,
For many millions of sad weeping eies,
In euery streete and corner you might find,
Some beating their bare breast, and some with outcries,
Cursing and Banning that proud Mordreds soule,
That did by warre his princely life controule.
For many millions of sad weeping eies,
In euery streete and corner you might find,
Some beating their bare breast, and some with outcries,
Cursing and Banning that proud Mordreds soule,
That did by warre his princely life controule.
The Kings that were attendant on his traine,
Forgot their kingdomes, and their royall crownes,
Their high proud hautie hearts with griefe were slaine,
Strucke in amaze with Fortunes deadly frownes:
For they had lost their Scepter, Seate, and all,
By princely Arthurs most vnhappie fall.
Forgot their kingdomes, and their royall crownes,
Their high proud hautie hearts with griefe were slaine,
Strucke in amaze with Fortunes deadly frownes:
For they had lost their Scepter, Seate, and all,
By princely Arthurs most vnhappie fall.
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The trunke being opened, at the last they found
The bones of Arthur King of Brytanie,
Whose shin-bone being set vpon the ground,
(As may appeare by auncient Memorie)
Reacht to the middle thigh within a spanne,
Of a tall proper well set bigge lim'd Man.
The bones of Arthur King of Brytanie,
Whose shin-bone being set vpon the ground,
(As may appeare by auncient Memorie)
Reacht to the middle thigh within a spanne,
Of a tall proper well set bigge lim'd Man.
And furthermore they found King Arthurs skull,
Of such great largenesse that betwixt his eyes,
His foreheads space a spanne broad was at full,
That no true Historiographer denies:
The forenam'd Abbot liuing in those daies,
Saw what is written now to Arthurs praise.
Of such great largenesse that betwixt his eyes,
His foreheads space a spanne broad was at full,
That no true Historiographer denies:
The forenam'd Abbot liuing in those daies,
Saw what is written now to Arthurs praise.
The print of tenne wounds in his head appeared,
All growne together except onely one,
Of which it seemes this worthie Brytaine died:
A true Memoriall to his louing Nation;
But that was greater far then all the rest,
Had it bene lesser Brytaine had bene blest.
All growne together except onely one,
Of which it seemes this worthie Brytaine died:
A true Memoriall to his louing Nation;
But that was greater far then all the rest,
Had it bene lesser Brytaine had bene blest.
In opening of the Tombe they found his wife,
Queene Guiniuere interred with the King,
The Tresses of her haire as in her life,
Were finely platted whole and glistering:
The colour like the most pure refin'd gold,
Which being toucht straight turned into mould,
Queene Guiniuere interred with the King,
The Tresses of her haire as in her life,
Were finely platted whole and glistering:
The colour like the most pure refin'd gold,
Which being toucht straight turned into mould,
Henry de Bloyes at the length translated
The bones of Arthur and his louely Queene,
Into the great Church where they were interred,
Within a Marble toombe, as oft was seene:
Of whom a worthie Poet doth rehearse,
This Epitaph in sweete Heroicke Verse.
The bones of Arthur and his louely Queene,
Into the great Church where they were interred,
75
Of whom a worthie Poet doth rehearse,
This Epitaph in sweete Heroicke Verse.
Hic iacet Arthurus flos regum, gloria regni,
Quem mores, probitas commendant laude perenni.
Quem mores, probitas commendant laude perenni.
Iohannis Leylandij antiquarij Encomion funerale, in
vitam, facta, mortemq; Regis Arthuri in clitissimi.
vitam, facta, mortemq; Regis Arthuri in clitissimi.
Saxonicas
toties qui fudit marte cruento
Turmas, & peperit spolijs sibi nomen opimis,
Fulmineo toties Pictos qui contudit ense,
Imposuitque iugum Scoti coruicibus ingens,
Qui tumidos Gallos, Germanos quique feroces
Pertulit, & Dacos bello confregit aperto:
Denique Mordredum è medio qui sustulit illud
Monstrum, horrendum ingens, dirum seuumque tyrannum,
Hoc iacet extinctus monumento Arthurius alto,
Militiæ clarum decus, & virtutis alumnus,
Gloria nunc cuius terram circumuolat omnem,
Ætherijque petit, sublimia tecta tonantis.
Vos igitur gentis Proles generosa Britannæ
Induperatori ter magno assurgite vestro:
Et tumulo sacro Roseas inferte Corollas,
Officij testes redolentia munera vestri,
Turmas, & peperit spolijs sibi nomen opimis,
Fulmineo toties Pictos qui contudit ense,
Imposuitque iugum Scoti coruicibus ingens,
Qui tumidos Gallos, Germanos quique feroces
Pertulit, & Dacos bello confregit aperto:
Denique Mordredum è medio qui sustulit illud
Monstrum, horrendum ingens, dirum seuumque tyrannum,
Hoc iacet extinctus monumento Arthurius alto,
Militiæ clarum decus, & virtutis alumnus,
Gloria nunc cuius terram circumuolat omnem,
Ætherijque petit, sublimia tecta tonantis.
Vos igitur gentis Proles generosa Britannæ
Induperatori ter magno assurgite vestro:
Et tumulo sacro Roseas inferte Corollas,
Officij testes redolentia munera vestri,
Thus Englished.
He that so oft the Saxon Troupes did foile,And got a name of worth with richest spoile:
He that with brandisht sword the Picts destroyd,
And yok'd the Scots, their stubborn necks annoyd:
He that the loftie French and Germaines fierce did swite,
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He lastly which cut off that monster Mordreds life,
A cruell Tyrant, horrible, mightie, full of strife:
Arthur lyes buried in this Monument,
Warres chiefest garland, Vertues sole intent;
Whose Glorie through the world stil swiftly flies,
And mounts with Fames wings vp to the thundring skies.
You gentle Off-spring of the Britaines blood,
Vnto this puissant Emperour do honours good,
And on his Tombe lay Garlands of sweete Roses,
Sweete gifts of Dutie, and sweete louing posies.
Finis Epitaphij. No. Arth.
The true Pedigree of that famous VVorthie King Arthur, collected out of many learned Authors.
Twelue men in number entred the vale of Auælon:Ioseph of Arimathea was the chiefest we confesse,
Iosue the sonne of Ioseph his father did attend on,
With other ten, these Glaston did possesse,
Hilarius the Nephew of Ioseph first begate
Iosue the Wise: Iosue Aminadab,
Aminadab Castellors had by fate:
Castellors got Manael that louely Lad,
And Manael by his wife had faire-fac'd Lambard,
With another deare sonne surnamed Vrlard;
And Lambard at the length begot a sonne,
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Of this Igrene, Vter the great Pendragon
Begot King Arthur famous in his life,
Where by the truth this Pedigree doth end,
Arthur from Iosephs loynes did first descend.
Peter Cousin to Ioseph of Arimathea,
Being sometimes King of great Arcadia,
Begat Erlan that famous worthy Prince,
And Erlan gat Melianus, that did conuince
His neighbour foes, Melianus did beget
Edor, and Edor Lothos name did set,
That tooke to wife the sister of King Arthur:
A Virgine faire, chaste, louely, and most pure,
Of whom this Lotho had foure louely boyes,
Their fathers comfort and their mothers ioyes,
Walwanus, Agranaius, Garelus and Guerelise,
That in their countrey much did soueragnize:
All which were men of great authoritie,
And famous in the land of Britanie.
Here endeth the Birth, Life, Death, and Pedigree of
King Arthur of Britanie, & now, to where we left.
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