Penelopes Complaint Or, A Mirrour for wanton Minions. Taken out of Homers Odissea, and written in English Verse, By Peter Colse |
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 | Penelopes Complaint |  |
Armat spina rosas, mella tegunt apes.
To the vertuous and chaste Ladie, the Ladie Edith, wife to the right worshipfull Sir Rafe Horsey knight, increase of all honourable vertues.
In commendation of the right Worshipfull sir Raufe Horsey knight.
S Sweete Muse strike vp thy siluer string,
I In shrill consort thy shake but straine,
R Reflecting peales let Cosmos ring,
R Resound Apolloes piercing vaine:
A Arise and rowse thy selfe with speede,
V Vse no delay but do the deede.
I In shrill consort thy shake but straine,
R Reflecting peales let Cosmos ring,
R Resound Apolloes piercing vaine:
A Arise and rowse thy selfe with speede,
V Vse no delay but do the deede.
F Feare not, for Momus nor his mates
E Encounter dare with rare renowne,
H Honour with Armes defends the states,
O Of those whom due desert doth crowne,
R Recount at large what trump of fame,
S Sounds in the praise of Horseu name.
E Encounter dare with rare renowne,
H Honour with Armes defends the states,
O Of those whom due desert doth crowne,
R Recount at large what trump of fame,
S Sounds in the praise of Horseu name.
E Engraude in golden letters write,
Y Your censure sage with due aduices
K Knowne trueth ne snaky enuies spite,
N Nor wrath can touch in any wise,
I Into thy Poem though there prie,
G Grose Zoilus with squinted eie.
Y Your censure sage with due aduices
K Knowne trueth ne snaky enuies spite,
N Nor wrath can touch in any wise,
I Into thy Poem though there prie,
G Grose Zoilus with squinted eie.
H Harsh, and too rude I must confesse
T The Poem is to moue delight:
Yet force of duety would no lesse,
But it present in open sight:
For what my wit cannot discharge,
My will surely supplies at large.
T The Poem is to moue delight:
Yet force of duety would no lesse,
But it present in open sight:
For what my wit cannot discharge,
My will surely supplies at large.
His valour daunts the valiantst heart,
His wisedome worthy worship winnes,
His perfect zeale by due desart
To highest point of honour climes:
His hand the sword most iustly guides,
And therewith causes due decides.
His wisedome worthy worship winnes,
His perfect zeale by due desart
To highest point of honour climes:
His hand the sword most iustly guides,
And therewith causes due decides.
His wit doth Orphanes wrong redresse,
His hand relieues the needy heart,
His word the widowes wo doth ease,
He double doth reward desart:
He naught attempts in any case
Whereby he may incurre disgrace.
His hand relieues the needy heart,
His word the widowes wo doth ease,
He double doth reward desart:
He naught attempts in any case
Whereby he may incurre disgrace.
His chiefest care his countries loue,
His chiefest loue his countries care,
Whose care considered, well doth proue
His loue, the countrey cannot spare:
Whom countriemen do so adore,
That worship neuer man had more.
His chiefest loue his countries care,
Whose care considered, well doth proue
His loue, the countrey cannot spare:
Whom countriemen do so adore,
That worship neuer man had more.
To Prince he true lieutenant is,
To common weale a faithfull knight,
Her Grace his seruice cannot misse,
Nor common weale so worthy a wight.
Whom Ioue so Prince and subiects ioy
Preserue and keepe from all annoy.
To common weale a faithfull knight,
Her Grace his seruice cannot misse,
Nor common weale so worthy a wight.
Whom Ioue so Prince and subiects ioy
Preserue and keepe from all annoy.
P. C.
Finis
An Encomion vpon the right worshipful sir Rafe Horsey knight, and the Lady Edith in Saphic verse.
If
merites may true, honour attaine unto,
Or fame aduance worthy renowmed ofspring,
Les Muses sound forth triple tuned harp estrings,
vnto their honour.
Or fame aduance worthy renowmed ofspring,
Les Muses sound forth triple tuned harp estrings,
vnto their honour.
Whose louely bloud with fauourable aspect
Nurture and good fortune enhanceth highly
Vnto bright heauens generously springing,
theirs be the glory.
Nurture and good fortune enhanceth highly
Vnto bright heauens generously springing,
theirs be the glory.
From farre apart those louely doues did ascend,
Th' one fro th' east with Phœbus arose for our good,
Th' other of west where Coronæus hardy
camped in old time.
Th' one fro th' east with Phœbus arose for our good,
Th' other of west where Coronæus hardy
camped in old time.
Gentle their gentilitie knightly adorned,
Worthy their worships stately well adopted,
Humble their humanitie highly graced
with louely nature.
Worthy their worships stately well adopted,
Humble their humanitie highly graced
with louely nature.
Whose diuine deedes and tried hearts true meaning
Duely commented manifest sequences,
Happy doubtlesse, worthy no doubt the titles
of their aliance.
Duely commented manifest sequences,
Happy doubtlesse, worthy no doubt the titles
of their aliance.
Whose honours vnburied I will entombe,
For euerlasting ages to looke vpon,
Cleare of obscurenesse, free of enuies outrage
will I defend them.
For euerlasting ages to looke vpon,
Cleare of obscurenesse, free of enuies outrage
will I defend them.
Happy my Muses, but vnhappy master,
That can aduance encomions renowmed
Of others, obscurely lying in hopes graue
buried himselfe.
That can aduance encomions renowmed
Of others, obscurely lying in hopes graue
buried himselfe.
Yet dying, and dead wil I sing due trophees,
Then triumphs shall stately records eternize,
My Muse shall euer erect monuments to their praise
vnto the worldes end.
Then triumphs shall stately records eternize,
My Muse shall euer erect monuments to their praise
vnto the worldes end.
FINIS.
P. C.
In commendation of the vertuous, prudent, and chaste virgin, mistris Grace Horsey, daughter to the right Worshipfull, sir Raph Horsey knight, and the Ladie Edith.
G Glorious Nimph, Dianaes darling deere,
R Rose-garland dresse of damaske red and white,
A Adorne thou Vestaes shrine, her poesies weare,
C Conserude with sweete of honors high delight.
E Enter the Lyons caue he is thy friend,
Though Dragon shall saint George shal thee defend.
R Rose-garland dresse of damaske red and white,
A Adorne thou Vestaes shrine, her poesies weare,
C Conserude with sweete of honors high delight.
E Enter the Lyons caue he is thy friend,
Though Dragon shall saint George shal thee defend.
H Hunt as Diana did, with Daphne flie,
O Outrunne Apollo, trust not to his rage,
R Repose no trust in Cupids deitie,
S Say Frusira to his force, make him thy page.
E Enchase thou vertue with pearles of grace,
Y Yongsters may wonder at the enterlace.
O Outrunne Apollo, trust not to his rage,
R Repose no trust in Cupids deitie,
S Say Frusira to his force, make him thy page.
E Enchase thou vertue with pearles of grace,
Y Yongsters may wonder at the enterlace.
What faire? wise? rich? with grace combind?
A ioy to al that such a grace behold:
So rare a sympathie is hard to find,
A gift with fame worthie to be enrold.
Beautie and chastitie two deadly foes,
Liue reconciled in her louely browes.
A ioy to al that such a grace behold:
So rare a sympathie is hard to find,
A gift with fame worthie to be enrold.
Beautie and chastitie two deadly foes,
Liue reconciled in her louely browes.
Faire: looke on her there dwelleth beauties grace
Wise: her wit the wisest doth abash
Sweete: where is sweete but in her sweetest face:
Rich: to her store al treasure is but trash.
A Grace she is with such rare Graces dight,
Tongue, pen, nor art her grace can shew aright.
Wise: her wit the wisest doth abash
Sweete: where is sweete but in her sweetest face:
Rich: to her store al treasure is but trash.
A Grace she is with such rare Graces dight,
Tongue, pen, nor art her grace can shew aright.
Finis.
P. C.
Penelopes complaint.
Penelope complaineth of Vlysses departure.
You Nymphs that Alcidalions brookes,
And Paphos sportes are dispossest:
Which want the Sun of louely lookes.
And are displac'd of Cupids crest:
If you haue tried, loues sweete aspect,
And do lament, your ioyes defect:
And Paphos sportes are dispossest:
Which want the Sun of louely lookes.
And are displac'd of Cupids crest:
If you haue tried, loues sweete aspect,
And do lament, your ioyes defect:
Surcease, your cases to complaine,
Your losses leaue so much to mone,
Alas my loues long lacking paine,
Is more then yours tenne to one:
But if you needes will puling sit,
A pew-mate for you am I fit.
Your losses leaue so much to mone,
Alas my loues long lacking paine,
Is more then yours tenne to one:
But if you needes will puling sit,
A pew-mate for you am I fit.
Let foolish Phillis cease to faint,
And for Demophoon leaue to mourne:
Let Dido finish her complaint,
And faithlesse false Æneas scorne:
For carelesse wights why do you care,
And causelesse eke so wofull are?
And for Demophoon leaue to mourne:
Let Dido finish her complaint,
And faithlesse false Æneas scorne:
For carelesse wights why do you care,
And causelesse eke so wofull are?
Leaue off (I say) those causelesse cares,
Help me bewaile my wretched woe:
What neede you shed those ruthlesse teares?
Your passions but of pleasure grow,
Oh help me seely soule, relate
My toilesome lamentable state.
Help me bewaile my wretched woe:
What neede you shed those ruthlesse teares?
Your passions but of pleasure grow,
Oh help me seely soule, relate
My toilesome lamentable state.
My loue (alas) and I loue sicke,
Ten thousand leagues to warres is gone,
And me hath left here widdow-like,
In shiuering bed to lie alone:
Oh now, vnto my paine I proue,
A dririe lothsome thing is loue.
Ten thousand leagues to warres is gone,
And me hath left here widdow-like,
In shiuering bed to lie alone:
Oh now, vnto my paine I proue,
A dririe lothsome thing is loue.
Alacke, how am I gallde with griefe,
Sith that no where I can behold,
Those louely lookes that of reliefe,
The locks and keyes and al do hold:
Whose smiling cheekes and merrie cheere,
To pleasure sweete the Porters were.
Sith that no where I can behold,
Those louely lookes that of reliefe,
The locks and keyes and al do hold:
Whose smiling cheekes and merrie cheere,
To pleasure sweete the Porters were.
She sheweth how Vlisses fained himselfe mad at his departure, and how he was bewraied by Palemedes.
Vlysses
, my Vlysses deare,
Alacke, alacke, and wel away,
My bedfellow, my friend and pheere,
Vlysses mine is wend away:
To siege of Troy, with heauie cheare,
Against his wil, I dare to sweare.
Alacke, alacke, and wel away,
My bedfellow, my friend and pheere,
Vlysses mine is wend away:
To siege of Troy, with heauie cheare,
Against his wil, I dare to sweare.
Halfe franticke he (vnwilling wretch)
And mad almost, himselfe did faine,
He warily his wit did stretch,
New nuptiall sport so vext his braine.
Loue tickled so his louely brest,
That he (poore soule) could take no rest.
And mad almost, himselfe did faine,
He warily his wit did stretch,
New nuptiall sport so vext his braine.
Loue tickled so his louely brest,
That he (poore soule) could take no rest.
But oft would stare as one amazde,
Or as the foule amids the fire:
Yea, grimly oft on me he gazde,
His flesh so fumde with loues desire:
Alacke how oft did he complaine,
Loues parting was a pinching paine
Or as the foule amids the fire:
Yea, grimly oft on me he gazde,
His flesh so fumde with loues desire:
Alacke how oft did he complaine,
Loues parting was a pinching paine
Woe worth the wretch, that did bewray,
My good Vlysses warie wit:
Foule fare Palemedes I say,
That so his poysoned venome spit.
But my Vlysses wil ere long,
Reuenge the villaines spightful wrong.
My good Vlysses warie wit:
Foule fare Palemedes I say,
That so his poysoned venome spit.
But my Vlysses wil ere long,
Reuenge the villaines spightful wrong.
Meane while (alas) poore worthles wight,
I want my hearts most chiefest treasure:
I leade my life in fansies spight,
And tarry euer Fortunes leasure.
I harping sit on Hopes sweete string,
Till Time Vlysses home doth bring.
I want my hearts most chiefest treasure:
I leade my life in fansies spight,
And tarry euer Fortunes leasure.
I harping sit on Hopes sweete string,
Till Time Vlysses home doth bring.
Adue my ioy, adue my blisse,
My comfort, and my deare delight,
By day I shal his presence misse:
Much more, his absence in the night.
Of ioy, of blisse, and sweete delight,
One man at once, depriude me quight.
My comfort, and my deare delight,
By day I shal his presence misse:
Much more, his absence in the night.
Of ioy, of blisse, and sweete delight,
One man at once, depriude me quight.
She discommendeth her married estate, and sheweth the toile she indures.
Ah, what a doting foole was I?
To marry such a manly mate,
Well taught (alas) now do I trie,
Too mery was my maiden-state,
And Angel-like my virgins life,
But hellish-like, to be a wife.
To marry such a manly mate,
Well taught (alas) now do I trie,
Too mery was my maiden-state,
And Angel-like my virgins life,
But hellish-like, to be a wife.
With mangled mind, loues worthles ware,
(Poore wretch) I haue too deerely bought:
Like seely bird, I saw the snare,
Yet foolishly my woe I wrought:
Woe to my selfe t'was my desire,
To Iunoes hests thus to aspire.
(Poore wretch) I haue too deerely bought:
Like seely bird, I saw the snare,
Yet foolishly my woe I wrought:
Woe to my selfe t'was my desire,
To Iunoes hests thus to aspire.
But sith I would the wanton play,
And enter into wedded state,
I wish (but all too late) I say,
That I had chose some meacocke mate,
As could haue kept but dogges from dore.
And not a knight that Armes had bore.
And enter into wedded state,
I wish (but all too late) I say,
That I had chose some meacocke mate,
As could haue kept but dogges from dore.
And not a knight that Armes had bore.
Well mought I thinke, as now I find,
That long Vlysses could not stay
In Venus court, his martiall mind
And courage stowt would it gainesay:
Had I at first had this forecast,
I neede not thus repent at last.
That long Vlysses could not stay
In Venus court, his martiall mind
And courage stowt would it gainesay:
Had I at first had this forecast,
I neede not thus repent at last.
Had nature me deformed fac'de,
Or had I not Vlysses seene,
Or had he neuer me embrac'de,
Or in his bed had I not beene:
Then maiden-like had bin my care,
Not widdowlike, thus neede I fare.
Or had I not Vlysses seene,
Or had he neuer me embrac'de,
Or in his bed had I not beene:
Then maiden-like had bin my care,
Not widdowlike, thus neede I fare.
With distaffe thus I neede not drudge,
Nor yet with wheele haue worne my hand:
Nor want of sleepe neede I thus grudge,
Nor tired thus a-twisting stand,
Nor yet haue busied thus my braine,
From hastie sutors to refraine.
Nor yet with wheele haue worne my hand:
Nor want of sleepe neede I thus grudge,
Nor tired thus a-twisting stand,
Nor yet haue busied thus my braine,
From hastie sutors to refraine.
Shee accuseth Hellen of light consent.
Oh for those routs of roisters ranke,
Vhich do my silly soule assault,
And for this toile I wel may thanke,
Dame Hellen and her foolish fault:
Her light consent makes al men say,
The Grecian dames cannot say nay.
Vhich do my silly soule assault,
And for this toile I wel may thanke,
Dame Hellen and her foolish fault:
Her light consent makes al men say,
The Grecian dames cannot say nay.
Had Hellen felt my loues long lacke,
So many wearie winters woe,
Or sunnie summers lustful wracke,
As I poore wretched woman do:
Then had there beene some reason why,
Her louing pheere she should defie.
So many wearie winters woe,
Or sunnie summers lustful wracke,
As I poore wretched woman do:
Then had there beene some reason why,
Her louing pheere she should defie.
Or she such troopes of wooers had,
Or halfe the courting I endure,
Of saucie suters staring mad,
Her honours breach for to procure:
Some would haue thought, loue had her won,
Not lust, to go with Priams sonne.
Or halfe the courting I endure,
Of saucie suters staring mad,
Her honours breach for to procure:
Some would haue thought, loue had her won,
Not lust, to go with Priams sonne.
To one mans sute she did consent,
And scarce entreated did she yeeld,
Vnaskd almost, to bed she went,
Without repulse, she fled the field.
O vile, vnconstant, fickle dame,
Vnworthie worthie womens name.
And scarce entreated did she yeeld,
Vnaskd almost, to bed she went,
Without repulse, she fled the field.
O vile, vnconstant, fickle dame,
Vnworthie worthie womens name.
How wil Sir Paris vaunt at Troy?
Of his successe, how wil he boast?
(Wel let him heed amidst his ioy,
Lest Menelaus marre his roast)
Both Troy, and Greece may wel repent,
Thy peremptorie light consent.
Of his successe, how wil he boast?
(Wel let him heed amidst his ioy,
Lest Menelaus marre his roast)
Both Troy, and Greece may wel repent,
Thy peremptorie light consent.
Fie, what were al your frumps forgot?
Where were your chaste and chary lookes?
Were you so farre with fansie shot,
To trust to beauties hidden hookes?
Where were your sharpe conceited shifts,
Your wittie, subtle, shrewish drifts?
Where were your chaste and chary lookes?
Were you so farre with fansie shot,
To trust to beauties hidden hookes?
Where were your sharpe conceited shifts,
Your wittie, subtle, shrewish drifts?
She controlleth Hellen for her ill example.
How dar'st thou looke the Greekes in face,
When they at Troy shal with thee meete?
Alas, with what disguised grace,
Wilt thou thy wedded husband greete?
Alacke, it would haue burst my heart,
If I had played such a part.
When they at Troy shal with thee meete?
Alas, with what disguised grace,
Wilt thou thy wedded husband greete?
Alacke, it would haue burst my heart,
If I had played such a part.
Fie, Hellen fie: thou womans foe,
Foule fare thy frensie foolish fal:
Thy wantonnes hath wrought our woe,
Oh, this thy fault hath shamde vs al.
Thy follie doth vs crucifie:
This foule defame can neuer die.
Foule fare thy frensie foolish fal:
Thy wantonnes hath wrought our woe,
Oh, this thy fault hath shamde vs al.
Thy follie doth vs crucifie:
This foule defame can neuer die.
A thousand prettie damsels peart,
Haue cause to curse this fact of thine!
A thousand thousand in their heart,
Wil wish that Hellen had not beene:
Thy giggish tricke, thy queanish trade,
A thousand Bridewel birds hath made.
Haue cause to curse this fact of thine!
A thousand thousand in their heart,
Wil wish that Hellen had not beene:
Thy giggish tricke, thy queanish trade,
A thousand Bridewel birds hath made.
Thy foule example works such force,
The brau'st thereby to lust are bent:
The rich as bad as poore, or worse,
To brothell houses do frequent.
False play (say they) is no offence,
For Hellen exercisde it once.
The brau'st thereby to lust are bent:
The rich as bad as poore, or worse,
To brothell houses do frequent.
False play (say they) is no offence,
For Hellen exercisde it once.
This made faire Ioane of Naples queene,
So wantonly to tread awry,
And Messaline for to be seene,
Those tricks in common stewes to trie.
This damned deede that thou hast done,
May infants curse that are vnborne.
So wantonly to tread awry,
And Messaline for to be seene,
Those tricks in common stewes to trie.
This damned deede that thou hast done,
May infants curse that are vnborne.
Thy toy is growne to such a trade,
That few or none wil wiue and wed,
So common now the vse is made,
That lust, not loue, brings brides to bed.
For few wil houshold charge endure:
That Palliardice do put in vre.
That few or none wil wiue and wed,
So common now the vse is made,
That lust, not loue, brings brides to bed.
For few wil houshold charge endure:
That Palliardice do put in vre.
Against Paris and his trecherie.
A lacke how could Sir Paris flie,
His countrey and his owne true loue?
What heart had he, how durst he trie,
From natiue soile thus to remoue?
What had his loue Oenone done?
That he so retchles from her runne.
His countrey and his owne true loue?
What heart had he, how durst he trie,
From natiue soile thus to remoue?
What had his loue Oenone done?
That he so retchles from her runne.
What furie forc'd his franticke head?
To Troy had Hellens beautie rung?
What, was he sure at first to speede?
That thither in such haste he flung?
Was he so resolute and rash,
No princely port could him abash?
To Troy had Hellens beautie rung?
What, was he sure at first to speede?
That thither in such haste he flung?
Was he so resolute and rash,
No princely port could him abash?
What (Deuil) set his ships on saile,
And hither sent the leachers band?
Could he vnto no harbour haile,
But thus at Lacedemon land?
Was there no place for to arriue?
Must needs the wind him hither driue?
And hither sent the leachers band?
Could he vnto no harbour haile,
But thus at Lacedemon land?
Was there no place for to arriue?
Must needs the wind him hither driue?
I would his mother had not knowne.
His father Priam, or that she,
So foule a firebrand had not borne,
As he to Troy is like to be:
Would she had dreamed of his death,
Or wisely she had stopt his breath.
His father Priam, or that she,
So foule a firebrand had not borne,
As he to Troy is like to be:
Would she had dreamed of his death,
Or wisely she had stopt his breath.
I would that he had not beene borne,
Or seas had sunke him downe to hel,
Would tempests had his tackling torne,
Or he on craggie rocks had fell:
Would sea hagges had transformd his hue
Ere euer Hellen did him vew.
Or seas had sunke him downe to hel,
Would tempests had his tackling torne,
Or he on craggie rocks had fell:
Would sea hagges had transformd his hue
Ere euer Hellen did him vew.
I would (I wish with al my heart)
That Leacher he my ghest had beene,
I would haue better plaid my part,
Then did the brainsicke doting queene:
Had he but sought Vlysses place,
These fingers should haue flead his face.
That Leacher he my ghest had beene,
I would haue better plaid my part,
Then did the brainsicke doting queene:
Had he but sought Vlysses place,
These fingers should haue flead his face.
Then should sir Paris soone haue felt,
The furie of my chast desires,
Vlysses seene how I had delt,
The dole that lawles loue requires.
My good Vlysses had beene sure,
How faithful alwaies I endure,
The furie of my chast desires,
Vlysses seene how I had delt,
The dole that lawles loue requires.
My good Vlysses had beene sure,
How faithful alwaies I endure,
My heart had not thus sacrifizde,
Nor yet such woful incense sent:
Sorrow had me not thus surprizde,
Then had I liu'd at hearts content:
In corners darke I neede not creepe,
Lie downe to waile, and rise to weepe.
Nor yet such woful incense sent:
Sorrow had me not thus surprizde,
Then had I liu'd at hearts content:
In corners darke I neede not creepe,
Lie downe to waile, and rise to weepe.
The world had not felt my outcries,
The aire my sighes, the earth my teares,
My prayers had not pearst the skies,
Nor troubled so celestial eares:
But sighes and prayers are in vaine,
My Lord sith they bring not againe.
The aire my sighes, the earth my teares,
My prayers had not pearst the skies,
Nor troubled so celestial eares:
But sighes and prayers are in vaine,
My Lord sith they bring not againe.
Antinous interrupting her sighing, offereth his suit.
Fie Ladie fie: why sigh you so?
Be of good cheare, what neede you fray
Those heart bloud suckers wrecke your woe,
Those farfetcht sighes loues want bewray,
Heigh ho againe: alas for woe,
To whom shal this sweete message go.
Be of good cheare, what neede you fray
Those heart bloud suckers wrecke your woe,
Those farfetcht sighes loues want bewray,
Heigh ho againe: alas for woe,
To whom shal this sweete message go.
Extirpe the monster out of mind,
Those passions al tread vnder foote,
Sith that Vlysses proues vnkind,
From of your heart the traitor roote:
Who would take care for such a knight,
That leaues his loue in field to fight?
Those passions al tread vnder foote,
Sith that Vlysses proues vnkind,
From of your heart the traitor roote:
Who would take care for such a knight,
That leaues his loue in field to fight?
Let not loues want disturbe your head,
For by the Stygian lake I sweare:
I am a Lord, I will thee wed,
My faith and troth shal soone appeare:
Else wil I rest your secret friend,
Those louesicke motions to amend.
For by the Stygian lake I sweare:
I am a Lord, I will thee wed,
My faith and troth shal soone appeare:
Else wil I rest your secret friend,
Those louesicke motions to amend.
Her answere to her wooers.
My Lord: for me take you no care,
My loues losse I my selfe wil mourne:
I wonder you so witlesse are,
To trie by force, the streame to tourne:
What though my loue doth time prolong,
With shame shal I requite the wrong?
My loues losse I my selfe wil mourne:
I wonder you so witlesse are,
To trie by force, the streame to tourne:
What though my loue doth time prolong,
With shame shal I requite the wrong?
Shame followes sinne, as beames the sunne,
A misse wil out though closely done:
Folly diffame can neuer shunne,
Reproach breaks out vnthought vpon
My countenance would me bewray,
If I amisse should do or say.
A misse wil out though closely done:
Folly diffame can neuer shunne,
Reproach breaks out vnthought vpon
My countenance would me bewray,
If I amisse should do or say.
Shall I my soules shipwracke procure?
Shal hateful slander spot my name?
Shall faire speech me to lust allure?
With pleasure shal I purchase shame?
Ile rather pine in my complaint,
Then shame shal crowne me Cupids saint.
Shal hateful slander spot my name?
Shall faire speech me to lust allure?
With pleasure shal I purchase shame?
Ile rather pine in my complaint,
Then shame shal crowne me Cupids saint.
I can but thanks afford for loue,
Your good will for to gratifie:
Your practise meane I not to proue,
Your secret friendship I defie,
Sith (Lordings) you haue misst your aime,
Leaue off in time, those toyes reclaime.
Your good will for to gratifie:
Your practise meane I not to proue,
Your secret friendship I defie,
Sith (Lordings) you haue misst your aime,
Leaue off in time, those toyes reclaime.
For why? it neuer shal be said,
Penelope did tread awry:
Nor truely told, she false hath playde,
Or spotted her pure chastitie.
My lords, I loath your wanton lure,
Your faith shal not my fall procure.
Penelope did tread awry:
Nor truely told, she false hath playde,
Or spotted her pure chastitie.
My lords, I loath your wanton lure,
Your faith shal not my fall procure.
Therefore my Lords and louers al,
Let me this at your hands obtaine:
(For feare of that which may befall)
That you my house a while refraine:
Vntil my towe be at an end,
Then I with speede wil for you send.
Let me this at your hands obtaine:
(For feare of that which may befall)
That you my house a while refraine:
Vntil my towe be at an end,
Then I with speede wil for you send.
She complaineth of her wooers misrule, and feareth to write to Vlysses, for putting him in a ielousie.
What shall I say? what shall I doo?
How diuersly am I perplext?
With lustie gallants that mee woo,
How am I silly woman vext?
What shall I to those roisters say,
That shameles tempt me night and day?
How diuersly am I perplext?
With lustie gallants that mee woo,
How am I silly woman vext?
What shall I to those roisters say,
That shameles tempt me night and day?
From Samos sutors to me post,
And Zacinth cutters do me court:
Besides those of our Ithac coast,
Lads of Dulichium do resort.
What shall I do? what shal I say?
Those stately gamsters brooke no nay.
And Zacinth cutters do me court:
Besides those of our Ithac coast,
Lads of Dulichium do resort.
What shall I do? what shal I say?
Those stately gamsters brooke no nay.
My good Vlysses goods they waste,
And me poore wretch, do they torment:
Lord-like forsooth is their repast,
When he poore man is wel content,
At siege of Troy, with souldiers fare,
Vnwitty of my wofull care.
And me poore wretch, do they torment:
Lord-like forsooth is their repast,
When he poore man is wel content,
At siege of Troy, with souldiers fare,
Vnwitty of my wofull care.
If I should to Vlysses write,
And shew him of their careles coyle,
How earnestly they me incite,
My constant faith, and troth to foyle:
I might breede Bees nests in his braine,
And put him in a ielous vaine.
And shew him of their careles coyle,
How earnestly they me incite,
My constant faith, and troth to foyle:
I might breede Bees nests in his braine,
And put him in a ielous vaine.
For he is wise, he wil suspect,
My lightnesse breedes their fond desire,
Some cause he'le thinke, doth adde effect,
No smoake appeares without some fire:
So seldome is there feruent loue,
But where some kindnes doth it moue.
My lightnesse breedes their fond desire,
Some cause he'le thinke, doth adde effect,
No smoake appeares without some fire:
So seldome is there feruent loue,
But where some kindnes doth it moue.
Then may he presently for spight
Acquaint him with some forrein fro:
My slut (saith he) I wil requite,
Sith she at home doth serue me so,
Since so vnrulie she doth range,
Brow antlers with her Ile exchange,
Acquaint him with some forrein fro:
My slut (saith he) I wil requite,
Sith she at home doth serue me so,
Since so vnrulie she doth range,
Brow antlers with her Ile exchange,
She wisheth Vlisses to beware of the cruel Troians.
No, no, my gem and sweetest ioy,
Thou shalt not neede for me to care,
Thou busines hast enough at Troy,
Looke wisely to thy owne welfare,
For Troy yeeldes many a dogged lad,
Which makes me sighing sit thus sad.
Thou shalt not neede for me to care,
Thou busines hast enough at Troy,
Looke wisely to thy owne welfare,
For Troy yeeldes many a dogged lad,
Which makes me sighing sit thus sad.
Ah how doth feare affright my heart?
I dreade and yet I neede not doubt,
Though froward fortune doth him thwart,
He's warie, valiant, yea and stout,
And beares the minde he will not stoupe:
For proudest he in Troian troupe.
I dreade and yet I neede not doubt,
Though froward fortune doth him thwart,
He's warie, valiant, yea and stout,
And beares the minde he will not stoupe:
For proudest he in Troian troupe.
Yet (Heartagold) restraine thy heat,
Be not too forward on thy foes,
Ah (trueloue) let me thee intreate,
Be not the first at bloudie blowes:
Though of thy selfe no care thou make:
Yet (sweete) of me, some pittie take.
Be not too forward on thy foes,
Ah (trueloue) let me thee intreate,
Be not the first at bloudie blowes:
Though of thy selfe no care thou make:
Yet (sweete) of me, some pittie take.
Beware of hugy Hectors hand,
To swifty Dolon take good heede:
What needst thou fight, which maist command,
Thy souldiers for to do the deede?
Let them God Mars his mercie trie,
Stand backe and come not thou too nie.
To swifty Dolon take good heede:
What needst thou fight, which maist command,
Thy souldiers for to do the deede?
Let them God Mars his mercie trie,
Stand backe and come not thou too nie.
Giue Menelaus leaue to fight,
The cause is his, he had the wrong,
And Agamemnon worthie knight,
The quarrel doth to them belong:
Let fiery Ajax fight his fill,
But (if thou loue me) stand thou still.
The cause is his, he had the wrong,
And Agamemnon worthie knight,
The quarrel doth to them belong:
Let fiery Ajax fight his fill,
But (if thou loue me) stand thou still.
Ah let thy consort Diomede,
And stout Achilles battel wage:
Let hardy Hercules at neede,
His swelling furie there asswage:
From battel (sweete) do thou desist,
Loue thou, and let them fight that list.
And stout Achilles battel wage:
Let hardy Hercules at neede,
His swelling furie there asswage:
From battel (sweete) do thou desist,
Loue thou, and let them fight that list.
Her supplication to the Gods.
Thou
Ioue, Lord of Olympus hie,
If thou wilt heare poore widows griefe,
Looke down with thy transplendant eie,
And yeeld vs wretches due reliefe:
Our loues, our liues, and destinie,
Do on thy Princely powre relie.
If thou wilt heare poore widows griefe,
Looke down with thy transplendant eie,
And yeeld vs wretches due reliefe:
Our loues, our liues, and destinie,
Do on thy Princely powre relie.
And thou Apollo, which in fight,
With Thunderclaps, didst Cyclops quell:
In Greekes iust quarrel shew thy might,
Raze and confound those Troians fell:
Which wrong vs with their villanie,
And triumph in their tyranny.
With Thunderclaps, didst Cyclops quell:
In Greekes iust quarrel shew thy might,
Raze and confound those Troians fell:
Which wrong vs with their villanie,
And triumph in their tyranny.
And Iuno: we do thee implore,
To tender our vnworthy wrong:
To vs, our wedded mates restore,
For we, (alas) haue lackt them long:
With speede let them returne againe,
Lest we our bridall beds do staine.
To tender our vnworthy wrong:
To vs, our wedded mates restore,
For we, (alas) haue lackt them long:
With speede let them returne againe,
Lest we our bridall beds do staine.
She accuseth Menelaus of folly, for making warres for Hellen.
Was not Prince Menelaus mad,
For strumpet thus to leuie armes?
This makes the wanton woman glad,
Yea: she will laugh at those alarmes:
For war's a play-game, they suppose,
That neuer tasted bloudie blowes.
For strumpet thus to leuie armes?
This makes the wanton woman glad,
Yea: she will laugh at those alarmes:
For war's a play-game, they suppose,
That neuer tasted bloudie blowes.
Who would in warres his person trust,
Which safe in peace at pleasure swimmes?
For paltrie giglet so vniust,
What Prince would hazard life and lims?
At push of pike, assoone doth light,
A wound on Prince, as worthles wight.
Which safe in peace at pleasure swimmes?
For paltrie giglet so vniust,
What Prince would hazard life and lims?
At push of pike, assoone doth light,
A wound on Prince, as worthles wight.
What if the Grecians haue the foile?
(As warres euent vncertaine is)
How wil she glorie at thy spoile?
Thy bane wil be to her a blisse:
Then shal we widdowes wearie worne,
A fresh begin to waile and mourne.
(As warres euent vncertaine is)
How wil she glorie at thy spoile?
Thy bane wil be to her a blisse:
Then shal we widdowes wearie worne,
A fresh begin to waile and mourne.
Put case the Troians haue the worst,
(As we al wish for Hellens sake)
The silly people then accurst,
With outcries wil the aire shake:
Then shall they wretches dearely buy,
Their prinkox Paris trecherie.
(As we al wish for Hellens sake)
The silly people then accurst,
With outcries wil the aire shake:
Then shall they wretches dearely buy,
Their prinkox Paris trecherie.
What ghastly groanes, wil dead men giue?
How wil the maimed howling lie?
How wil the aged fathers grieue?
How wil the silly infants crie?
And widdowes (in worst case of al)
How wil they for their husbands call?
How wil the maimed howling lie?
How wil the aged fathers grieue?
How wil the silly infants crie?
And widdowes (in worst case of al)
How wil they for their husbands call?
From fire and sword shal few be free,
With famine some shal hunger-starue:
The virgins they deflowr'd shalbe,
(The Lord vs from such state preserue)
It grieues my heart to shew the paine,
They for a strumpet shall sustaine.
With famine some shal hunger-starue:
The virgins they deflowr'd shalbe,
(The Lord vs from such state preserue)
It grieues my heart to shew the paine,
They for a strumpet shall sustaine.
She sheweth Vlysses worthines.
Vlysses
deare, the Gods thee shield,
And send thee home wel to retourne,
For loue to thee they all may yeeld,
Thy like in loue was neuer borne:
So Angel-like did shine thy face,
It was a blisse thee to embrace.
And send thee home wel to retourne,
For loue to thee they all may yeeld,
Thy like in loue was neuer borne:
So Angel-like did shine thy face,
It was a blisse thee to embrace.
Alacke he was the worthiest,
The gentlest, and the meek'st of mind:
The truest, and the faithfullest,
That of a thousand I could finde:
The wisest and the wariest,
And one I lou'd and liked best.
The gentlest, and the meek'st of mind:
The truest, and the faithfullest,
That of a thousand I could finde:
The wisest and the wariest,
And one I lou'd and liked best.
Ah, good Vlysses was my trust,
With him contented still I stood,
He hath my loue in clay and dust:
Ile die for him to do him good.
To him I gaue my heart and hand:
Therefore both vow and gift shal stand.
With him contented still I stood,
He hath my loue in clay and dust:
Ile die for him to do him good.
To him I gaue my heart and hand:
Therefore both vow and gift shal stand.
She bewailes the want of Vlysses in the night.
A lacke how loathsome is my bed?
How sore for sleepe my eielids chim?
What phantasies possesse my head?
How palsy-sicke is euery lim?
Such shiuerring ague-fits me shake,
As make my very heart to quake.
How sore for sleepe my eielids chim?
What phantasies possesse my head?
How palsy-sicke is euery lim?
Such shiuerring ague-fits me shake,
As make my very heart to quake.
Such vgly shapes doth Morpheus shew,
Such hips and hawes, and sudden care,
Doth of those vaine illusions grow,
Which dreaming represented are:
Sometimes I sigh, sometimes I start,
Such terror doth torment my heart.
Such hips and hawes, and sudden care,
Doth of those vaine illusions grow,
Which dreaming represented are:
Sometimes I sigh, sometimes I start,
Such terror doth torment my heart.
I want (poore wretch) in darkesome night,
The comfort of my dearest friend:
My sorrowes leach, my hearts delight,
Whose verie sight my griefe would end:
Whom if I mought but once embrace,
I sure should be in happie case.
The comfort of my dearest friend:
My sorrowes leach, my hearts delight,
Whose verie sight my griefe would end:
Whom if I mought but once embrace,
I sure should be in happie case.
Shee sheweth her defect of beautie.
Alas how tawnie am I turnd?
How am I wretch transformd in hue?
How am I scorched, and sunburnd?
A gastly creature for to vew:
A mirror I, for beautie was,
But now a monster, for disgrace.
How am I wretch transformd in hue?
How am I scorched, and sunburnd?
A gastly creature for to vew:
A mirror I, for beautie was,
But now a monster, for disgrace.
My skinne that cleare as christal was,
My cheekes that crimson silke did staine,
My eies like bright transplendant glasse,
My browes, fraught with each prettie vaine:
My skinne, my cheeks, my eies and browes,
Are like to soot, in smoaky house.
My cheekes that crimson silke did staine,
My eies like bright transplendant glasse,
My browes, fraught with each prettie vaine:
My skinne, my cheeks, my eies and browes,
Are like to soot, in smoaky house.
Ah when to Troy my true-loue wend,
He left me shining maiden like,
But when that he doth backward bend,
He sure shal find me beldam-like:
But Ioue I thanke thy glorious grace,
For this my wrinkling sorrowed face.
He left me shining maiden like,
But when that he doth backward bend,
He sure shal find me beldam-like:
But Ioue I thanke thy glorious grace,
For this my wrinkling sorrowed face.
Penelope warneth her maides to beware of hot affection.
Ah damsels deare, which see the care,
Of mistres yours Penelope:
And see how fowly I do fare,
Be ruld, and take this reede of me:
Hast not too soone for wedded charge,
Lest that you wish you liu'd at large:
Of mistres yours Penelope:
And see how fowly I do fare,
Be ruld, and take this reede of me:
Hast not too soone for wedded charge,
Lest that you wish you liu'd at large:
Of hot affection eke take heede,
For often I haue heard it told,
That hastie liking hath slow speede,
And loue soone hot, is quickly cold:
And those that woo, ere wise they are,
Are won sometime, ere they beware.
For often I haue heard it told,
That hastie liking hath slow speede,
And loue soone hot, is quickly cold:
And those that woo, ere wise they are,
Are won sometime, ere they beware.
The virgins state, I must confesse,
Is too too tedious for to beare:
But widdowes state exceedes excesse,
So fickle and so fraught with feare:
Wherefore see that you maides remaine,
Of euils take the least of twaine.
Is too too tedious for to beare:
But widdowes state exceedes excesse,
So fickle and so fraught with feare:
Wherefore see that you maides remaine,
Of euils take the least of twaine.
For if you (wantons) wedded were,
(As yet you farre vnworthie are,)
To one that with my wedded pheere,
Might euerie way for worth compare:
What pleasure of him can you take,
If he your companie forsake.
(As yet you farre vnworthie are,)
To one that with my wedded pheere,
Might euerie way for worth compare:
What pleasure of him can you take,
If he your companie forsake.
Put case that you (my prettie ones)
Should match with such a brainsicke boy:
As would not sticke to baste your bones,
What then? where were your bridall ioy?
Then might you wish, but al in vaine,
That you vnwedded were againe.
Should match with such a brainsicke boy:
As would not sticke to baste your bones,
What then? where were your bridall ioy?
Then might you wish, but al in vaine,
That you vnwedded were againe.
Thus if you wed a worthie knight,
Then of his death you still wil doubt,
And if you haue a wretched wight:
Then wil you wish, his braines were out:
But either ill for to preuent,
I wish you vnto none consent.
Then of his death you still wil doubt,
And if you haue a wretched wight:
Then wil you wish, his braines were out:
But either ill for to preuent,
I wish you vnto none consent.
The speech of her wooers.
Ah Princely nymph Penelope,
A goddesse, were thou not to coy,
Pallas may not compare with thee,
Nor Venus with her blinded boy.
Mycene could not thy craft fulfill,
Nor had Alomena halfe thy skill.
A goddesse, were thou not to coy,
Pallas may not compare with thee,
Nor Venus with her blinded boy.
Mycene could not thy craft fulfill,
Nor had Alomena halfe thy skill.
Say (sweete Icarius daughter deare)
Do thou no longer vs delay,
Whom wilt thou take to wedded Pheere,
That al the rest may post away.
Either say yea, or else denie:
Thou must take one, or al defie.
Do thou no longer vs delay,
Whom wilt thou take to wedded Pheere,
That al the rest may post away.
Either say yea, or else denie:
Thou must take one, or al defie.
No worthles wight shal with thee wed,
Though thou the worst amongst vs chuse,
Feare not: Vlysses he is dead:
Shew reason if thou vs refuse:
Say, if thou loathe our Parentage,
Or dost dislike our personage.
Though thou the worst amongst vs chuse,
Feare not: Vlysses he is dead:
Shew reason if thou vs refuse:
Say, if thou loathe our Parentage,
Or dost dislike our personage.
Her answere to her sutors.
My louely youthes, and Lordings all,
As I haue said, so say I still:
I can but thanke you great and small,
For this your kindnes and good will.
It grieues me (Gallants) to the heart,
I cannot grant you your desart.
As I haue said, so say I still:
I can but thanke you great and small,
For this your kindnes and good will.
It grieues me (Gallants) to the heart,
I cannot grant you your desart.
I loue you all, I do protest,
As did Diana Phœbus faire,
Who of al woodmen, likde him best,
But when he lou'd, to loathe him sware:
So you as friends, I entertaine,
But louers, I you al disdaine.
As did Diana Phœbus faire,
Who of al woodmen, likde him best,
But when he lou'd, to loathe him sware:
So you as friends, I entertaine,
But louers, I you al disdaine.
Yea though my loue his bane hath bought,
(As Gods forebode) yet must you stay,
Vntil my web be fully wrought,
For why the world shal neuer say:
That such a worthie knight as he,
without a shrowde should buried be.
(As Gods forebode) yet must you stay,
Vntil my web be fully wrought,
For why the world shal neuer say:
That such a worthie knight as he,
without a shrowde should buried be.
The wooers aduised Telemachus, Vlysses son, to put his mother out of doore, and inherit the land.
Telemachus
, thou foolish lad,
A Lord thou were, if thou hadst wit:
Thou hear'st thy father he is dead,
And we thy friends al can proue it:
Wherefore it now doth thee behoue,
That thou thy mother dost remoue.
A Lord thou were, if thou hadst wit:
Thou hear'st thy father he is dead,
And we thy friends al can proue it:
Wherefore it now doth thee behoue,
That thou thy mother dost remoue.
Why dost thou not thy birthright claime,
And turne the beldame out of doore?
Thou seest al we at her do aime,
To do vs right, we thee implore:
If from thy house, thou her expell,
We would her wed, and al were wel.
And turne the beldame out of doore?
Thou seest al we at her do aime,
To do vs right, we thee implore:
If from thy house, thou her expell,
We would her wed, and al were wel.
With scoffing cardes she doth vs load,
And with faire speeches vs delay:
And woodcocke-like leades vs to roade,
Yea like tame fooles, she makes vs stay:
Thou art the onely cause of this,
Therefore amend that is amisse.
And with faire speeches vs delay:
And woodcocke-like leades vs to roade,
Yea like tame fooles, she makes vs stay:
Thou art the onely cause of this,
Therefore amend that is amisse.
Telemachus answere to the wooers.
And is this al that you can say?
Is this the counsel that you vse?
Do you your parents so obey?
Can you your mothers so abuse?
No force: my father shal not find,
His Telemac, so much vnkind.
Is this the counsel that you vse?
Do you your parents so obey?
Can you your mothers so abuse?
No force: my father shal not find,
His Telemac, so much vnkind.
For let my father liue or die,
If I my mother ill intreate:
Why then my Graundsire I cary,
With vengeance (surely) wil me threat.
I feare if I should her offend,
The Lord short life would to me lend.
If I my mother ill intreate:
Why then my Graundsire I cary,
With vengeance (surely) wil me threat.
I feare if I should her offend,
The Lord short life would to me lend.
Your companies I well could spare:
Pardon me if I fret and fume,
I see right little do you care,
How you my fathers goods consume:
Except you better you behaue,
Your absence shortly let me craue.
Pardon me if I fret and fume,
I see right little do you care,
How you my fathers goods consume:
Except you better you behaue,
Your absence shortly let me craue.
She debateth with her selfe of marriage.
Now may I leaue, now may I take,
Now may I loue, now may I hate,
I now may chuse, I may forsake,
Twixt yea, and nay, stands my estate:
Now may I marrie, for my ease,
Or else may tarrie if I please.
Now may I loue, now may I hate,
I now may chuse, I may forsake,
Twixt yea, and nay, stands my estate:
Now may I marrie, for my ease,
Or else may tarrie if I please.
My husband (hardly) is aliue:
And though aliue, yet ten to one,
If euer here he do arriue:
What foole so long would lie alone?
Who would a widdow stay so long,
And nature of her right thus wrong?
And though aliue, yet ten to one,
If euer here he do arriue:
What foole so long would lie alone?
Who would a widdow stay so long,
And nature of her right thus wrong?
Antinous my loue doth seeke,
(A gallant Lordly minded lad)
And Eurymac (fac'd Angel-like)
To win my loue would be right glad:
Sith with such sutors I am sped,
Why should I not poore widdow wed.
(A gallant Lordly minded lad)
And Eurymac (fac'd Angel-like)
To win my loue would be right glad:
Sith with such sutors I am sped,
Why should I not poore widdow wed.
My father wils me for to wed,
And that shal stand for my excuse:
What though I foyle my bridall bed?
Vlysses will me not refuse.
And when againe he doth retourne,
What care I though he do me scorne.
And that shal stand for my excuse:
What though I foyle my bridall bed?
Vlysses will me not refuse.
And when againe he doth retourne,
What care I though he do me scorne.
But deuilish wretch, how do I dote?
What hellish hag doth me possesse?
What? shal I sing Medeas note?
Know good, and follow nothing lesse:
Shall I that yong a saint haue seemd,
In age a deuill right be deemd.
What hellish hag doth me possesse?
What? shal I sing Medeas note?
Know good, and follow nothing lesse:
Shall I that yong a saint haue seemd,
In age a deuill right be deemd.
No, no, my constant chastitie,
The world throughout about shal ring:
In prayse of chast Penelope,
From time, to time, shal al men sing:
My fame shall mount vnto the skie,
When Hellens vile defamd shall die:
The world throughout about shal ring:
In prayse of chast Penelope,
From time, to time, shal al men sing:
My fame shall mount vnto the skie,
When Hellens vile defamd shall die:
Her commendation of chastitie.
O chastitie, the cheefest kay,
Of womens worthie treasury:
A vertue that's of virgines gay,
The pure and redoubted dowry.
A poesy springing fresh for aye,
A flowre that neuer can decay.
Of womens worthie treasury:
A vertue that's of virgines gay,
The pure and redoubted dowry.
A poesy springing fresh for aye,
A flowre that neuer can decay.
Diana it did beautifie,
And her among the gods enroll:
And Ganimede her chastitie,
Did to the heauens hie extoll.
Zenobia with her maiden might,
Did ramping Lyons put to flight.
And her among the gods enroll:
And Ganimede her chastitie,
Did to the heauens hie extoll.
Zenobia with her maiden might,
Did ramping Lyons put to flight.
When lawles loue, to luckles end,
A thousand, thousand, daily brings,
Diana to the woodes doth wend,
And sweetely with hir damsels sings.
Diana-like, I wil disdaine,
Both louers ioy, and louers paine.
A thousand, thousand, daily brings,
Diana to the woodes doth wend,
And sweetely with hir damsels sings.
Diana-like, I wil disdaine,
Both louers ioy, and louers paine.
The complaint of her waiting women against the wooers.
Ah Madame, if you loue your life,
Or do regard your chastitie:
If you wil be Vlysses wife,
Or tender your poore familie:
Those helhounds al with speede expell,
Which of your house do make a hel.
Or do regard your chastitie:
If you wil be Vlysses wife,
Or tender your poore familie:
Those helhounds al with speede expell,
Which of your house do make a hel.
Antinous he sweares and stares,
By al the othes he can deuise,
If you come not, he vnawares,
Wil you salute in shamefull wise,
Foule shame shal take them al and some.
Ere I againe amongst them come.
By al the othes he can deuise,
If you come not, he vnawares,
Wil you salute in shamefull wise,
Foule shame shal take them al and some.
Ere I againe amongst them come.
For madame they haue me defilde,
with cruel shameles villanie:
Alas I feare I am with childe,
With trusting to their tyrany.
Oh would to God I buried were,
I am so tost with doubtful feare.
with cruel shameles villanie:
Alas I feare I am with childe,
With trusting to their tyrany.
Oh would to God I buried were,
I am so tost with doubtful feare.
They are so dronken al with wine,
They care not what they say or do:
(Sauing your presence) where they dine,
They do discharge their stomackes too.
And al that euer they inuent,
Is but to haue vs wretches shent.
They care not what they say or do:
(Sauing your presence) where they dine,
They do discharge their stomackes too.
And al that euer they inuent,
Is but to haue vs wretches shent.
One sings, Vlysses sure is dead,
Another saies, he feedes the fish,
Another at him shakes his head,
Another doth him euil wish.
Yea some your strangers ill intreate,
And others do your seruants beate.
Another saies, he feedes the fish,
Another at him shakes his head,
Another doth him euil wish.
Yea some your strangers ill intreate,
And others do your seruants beate.
Yet al this wil not them suffice,
Not al your cates, and costly cheare.
But they amidst their Gourmandice,
Your siluer plate in peeces teare:
But when Vlysses comes, no doubt,
He wil asswage this reuel rout.
Not al your cates, and costly cheare.
But they amidst their Gourmandice,
Your siluer plate in peeces teare:
But when Vlysses comes, no doubt,
He wil asswage this reuel rout.
Her speech vnto her sonne Telemachus.
Telemachus
(my louely sonne)
What shall we silly wretches do?
I see we shall be al vndone,
Vnlesse thou to thy father go.
Those Lordings that a wooing come,
Will eate vs out of house and home.
What shall we silly wretches do?
I see we shall be al vndone,
Vnlesse thou to thy father go.
Those Lordings that a wooing come,
Will eate vs out of house and home.
Alas I cannot be so rude,
By cruel meanes their bloud to spill:
Nor yet by force them to extrude,
That proffer me so much good will:
Alas their loue I must respect,
Though their conditions I reiect.
By cruel meanes their bloud to spill:
Nor yet by force them to extrude,
That proffer me so much good will:
Alas their loue I must respect,
Though their conditions I reiect.
Thou seest, how wastful eke they are,
And in our house keepe careles coyle:
Ther's neither of them al do care,
Nor what they spend, nor what they spoile.
Yea now with me they may not match,
Well's he my sillie maids can catch.
And in our house keepe careles coyle:
Ther's neither of them al do care,
Nor what they spend, nor what they spoile.
Yea now with me they may not match,
Well's he my sillie maids can catch.
The reply of her sonne Telemachus, then but a childe.
Peace (mother) fie: what neede you mourne?
My father will not you forsake:
Be of good cheare he wil returne,
No thought for him (good mother) take:
He will with vs arriue ere long,
And wil reuenge our wofull wrong.
My father will not you forsake:
Be of good cheare he wil returne,
No thought for him (good mother) take:
He will with vs arriue ere long,
And wil reuenge our wofull wrong.
(Ah mother) would I were a man,
I would so plague these leachers vile,
Not one of them should scape me than,
They should not thus our house defile:
O how I would their carcas carue?
They should not you thus shrewdly serue.
I would so plague these leachers vile,
Not one of them should scape me than,
They should not thus our house defile:
O how I would their carcas carue?
They should not you thus shrewdly serue.
These trencher flyes me tempt each day,
To turne you (mother) out of doore:
The land is mine (these lyars say)
My father he is dead of yore.
Yet mother, here you still shall rest,
Of women al I loue you best.
To turne you (mother) out of doore:
The land is mine (these lyars say)
My father he is dead of yore.
Yet mother, here you still shall rest,
Of women al I loue you best.
Oh you may see (sweete mother deare)
How friendly minded they are bent:
And eke what louing hearts they beare,
By this their trecherous intent.
But I commanded them be gone,
How say you? was't not stoutly done?
How friendly minded they are bent:
And eke what louing hearts they beare,
By this their trecherous intent.
But I commanded them be gone,
How say you? was't not stoutly done?
Wel, though my father he be slaine,
(As Gods forbid it should be so)
And that he neuer come againe,
Yet one day will I worke their woe.
My dearest bloud I sure wil spend,
My fathers house for to defend.
(As Gods forbid it should be so)
And that he neuer come againe,
Yet one day will I worke their woe.
My dearest bloud I sure wil spend,
My fathers house for to defend.
Meane while (al heart) to Troy Ile trudge,
If you thereto wil but consent,
To runne or go I wil not grudge,
Pray (mother) peace, lest they preuent
My going forth, when I come backe,
I wil not feare the proudest iacke.
If you thereto wil but consent,
To runne or go I wil not grudge,
Pray (mother) peace, lest they preuent
My going forth, when I come backe,
I wil not feare the proudest iacke.
Her Epistle to Vlysses.
Vlysses
(if thou be aliue)
Peruse those lines I send to thee,
(Sweete) let me see thee here arriue,
Tis booteles for to write to me.
Not thy epistle be thou sure,
Thy present sight, my griefe must cure.
Peruse those lines I send to thee,
(Sweete) let me see thee here arriue,
Tis booteles for to write to me.
Not thy epistle be thou sure,
Thy present sight, my griefe must cure.
Ah say (sweete heart) and trueloue mine,
How canst thou lingring stay so long?
Why cam'st thou not home a this time?
How canst thou offer me this wrong?
Say (sluggard) what doth thee restraine,
That thou dost not returne againe?
How canst thou lingring stay so long?
Why cam'st thou not home a this time?
How canst thou offer me this wrong?
Say (sluggard) what doth thee restraine,
That thou dost not returne againe?
The Troian warre is at an end,
To sinders Troy is quite consumde,
The Argiues al do homeward bend,
With incense are the Altars fumde.
Some froe I feare me, holdes thee backe,
And that's the cause thou art so slacke.
To sinders Troy is quite consumde,
The Argiues al do homeward bend,
With incense are the Altars fumde.
Some froe I feare me, holdes thee backe,
And that's the cause thou art so slacke.
To Pylon haue I often sent,
To forrein countries farre and neare:
My messenger to Sparta went,
But there no certaine newes could heare:
At Troy (they say) thou were not slaine,
That makes me hope thou com'st againe.
To forrein countries farre and neare:
My messenger to Sparta went,
But there no certaine newes could heare:
At Troy (they say) thou were not slaine,
That makes me hope thou com'st againe.
Ah good Vlysses hie thee home,
For I had sutors long agoe:
If that thou say, thou wilt not come,
Then know I what I haue to doe:
I neede not long a widow liue,
A hundred gladly would me wiue.
For I had sutors long agoe:
If that thou say, thou wilt not come,
Then know I what I haue to doe:
I neede not long a widow liue,
A hundred gladly would me wiue.
For of Dulichium fifty two,
Most stately sutors seeke my shame:
Of Zacinthe, twentie do mee woo,
From Samos foure and twentie came:
Besides twelue of our Ithac states,
On whom, Mædon the minstrell waites.
Most stately sutors seeke my shame:
Of Zacinthe, twentie do mee woo,
From Samos foure and twentie came:
Besides twelue of our Ithac states,
On whom, Mædon the minstrell waites.
My father eke doth me accuse,
And saies, I do my wooers wrong:
And too too much my selfe abuse,
Sith widdow-like I stay so long.
But let him daily me reproue,
From constant faith I wil not moue.
And saies, I do my wooers wrong:
And too too much my selfe abuse,
Sith widdow-like I stay so long.
But let him daily me reproue,
From constant faith I wil not moue.
Yea, let him say, or do his worst,
I wil be but Vlysses wife:
To him I gaue my faith at first,
With him Ile end my loue and life.
To him, ere I wil faile my faith,
I sure wil die a Martirs death.
I wil be but Vlysses wife:
To him I gaue my faith at first,
With him Ile end my loue and life.
To him, ere I wil faile my faith,
I sure wil die a Martirs death.
As twentie winters there are gone,
So twentie more I meane to spend,
I wil vndoe that I haue done,
Ten thousand times before I end.
Yet shal I thinke each hōurē twaine,
Vntil you do returne againe.
So twentie more I meane to spend,
I wil vndoe that I haue done,
Ten thousand times before I end.
Yet shal I thinke each hōurē twaine,
Vntil you do returne againe.
She accuseth Antinous, that he goeth about to kil her sonne.
Antinous
I haue beene told,
Thou wert a youth that did excell,
(Ah true I proue the prouerbe old)
Report vntruth doth often tell.
They say, thy like not Ithac had,
I thinke it hath not one so bad.
Thou wert a youth that did excell,
(Ah true I proue the prouerbe old)
Report vntruth doth often tell.
They say, thy like not Ithac had,
I thinke it hath not one so bad.
How dar'st thou me the mother court,
And go about my child to kill:
Thou swear'st and star'st thou mean'st no hurt,
Yet dost deuise his bloud to spill.
But you can wake, although you winke,
And say right wel, though ill you thinke.
And go about my child to kill:
Thou swear'st and star'st thou mean'st no hurt,
Yet dost deuise his bloud to spill.
But you can wake, although you winke,
And say right wel, though ill you thinke.
But take thou heede, and warning good,
And warning giue to al the rest:
Beware of spilling princely bloud,
For vnreueng'd it will not rest.
Wherefore see that his life you saue,
If fauour you or me wil haue.
And warning giue to al the rest:
Beware of spilling princely bloud,
For vnreueng'd it will not rest.
Wherefore see that his life you saue,
If fauour you or me wil haue.
The reply of Eurymachus, in the behalfe of the wooers.
Assure your selfe (my dearling sweete)
Ther's no man here, that wil or shall,
Him hurt, Ile die first at his feete,
Before mishap shal him befall.
Be bold, whilst me aliue you see,
From sword I sure wil set him free.
Ther's no man here, that wil or shall,
Him hurt, Ile die first at his feete,
Before mishap shal him befall.
Be bold, whilst me aliue you see,
From sword I sure wil set him free.
For thine, and for Vlysses sake,
Telemachus I wil preserue,
(Who on his knee would oft me take)
And rost meate often to me carue:
Ile sheath my sword within his skinne,
That first to touch him dares beginne.
Telemachus I wil preserue,
(Who on his knee would oft me take)
And rost meate often to me carue:
Ile sheath my sword within his skinne,
That first to touch him dares beginne.
Am I not here? what needs thou dread?
Thou maist command me heart and hand,
Ile him defend aliue or dead,
My word and deede, shal firmely stand.
Wherefore (sweete heart) be of good cheare,
And cast away this foolish feare.
Thou maist command me heart and hand,
Ile him defend aliue or dead,
My word and deede, shal firmely stand.
Wherefore (sweete heart) be of good cheare,
And cast away this foolish feare.
She bewaileth the sending of her sonne Telemachus to his father.
Alas, what haue I (fondling) done.
How haue I on aduenture sent,
Telemachus my onely sonne?
Ah: for his sake shal I be shent.
If by this meanes he do miscarrie:
Then of my life shal I be wearie.
How haue I on aduenture sent,
Telemachus my onely sonne?
Ah: for his sake shal I be shent.
If by this meanes he do miscarrie:
Then of my life shal I be wearie.
What will the common people say?
(As they are prone to speake the worst)
She, she, her sonne hath sent away,
(See who would fickle women trust.)
That she may with hir wooers wed,
And so defile his fathers bed.
(As they are prone to speake the worst)
She, she, her sonne hath sent away,
(See who would fickle women trust.)
That she may with hir wooers wed,
And so defile his fathers bed.
What dangers dire shal he endure?
Rocks renting dread, and tempests doubt,
Of measure hard he shal be sure,
If prouling Pirates pry him out:
Or if Antinous descry,
His skil in swimming shal he trie.
Rocks renting dread, and tempests doubt,
Of measure hard he shal be sure,
If prouling Pirates pry him out:
Or if Antinous descry,
His skil in swimming shal he trie.
Alas: if my sweete Temelac,
(Whom for to shield the Gods I pray)
On wastfull seas should go to wracke,
What wil my good Vlysses say:
My life alas I soone should lacke,
As hearbs to pot he would me hacke.
(Whom for to shield the Gods I pray)
On wastfull seas should go to wracke,
What wil my good Vlysses say:
My life alas I soone should lacke,
As hearbs to pot he would me hacke.
But if it be my destinie:
I stil wil waile with woful heart,
Til time doth end this Tragedie,
Or chance doth cure my carefull smart.
And I my selfe, my selfe wil hate,
Til death doth ease my dolefull state.
I stil wil waile with woful heart,
Til time doth end this Tragedie,
Or chance doth cure my carefull smart.
And I my selfe, my selfe wil hate,
Til death doth ease my dolefull state.
But see, he comes right wellcome home,
(Sweete Telemac my prettie boy)
What? is thy father with thee come?
Tel true, what liues my louely ioy?
Ah say the truth, and do not faine,
Will my Vlysses come againe?
(Sweete Telemac my prettie boy)
What? is thy father with thee come?
Tel true, what liues my louely ioy?
Ah say the truth, and do not faine,
Will my Vlysses come againe?
Telemachus sheweth his fathers comming: and how he means to be reuenged of his Riuals, and sheweth some of his fathers acts.
My father (as you say) doth liue,
Loe here, a letter he hath sent,
And shortly here he will artiue,
For to returne is his intent.
But priuily he will you greete,
That with those Riuals he may meete.
Loe here, a letter he hath sent,
And shortly here he will artiue,
For to returne is his intent.
But priuily he will you greete,
That with those Riuals he may meete.
He sweares he wil torment them all,
Not one of them shall scape aliue,
He'll kill and slay, both geat and smal:
As dogges from doore he wil them driue.
He sweares he'll see their eies al out,
Ere he wil feed so foule a rout.
Not one of them shall scape aliue,
He'll kill and slay, both geat and smal:
As dogges from doore he wil them driue.
He sweares he'll see their eies al out,
Ere he wil feed so foule a rout.
Eurymachus he wil take downe,
And eke Antinous swelling pride,
He'll coxe them all, I hold a crowne,
For that they do him thus deride,
He'll teach them better vse their tearmes,
He'll learne them scoffe a man at armes.
And eke Antinous swelling pride,
He'll coxe them all, I hold a crowne,
For that they do him thus deride,
He'll teach them better vse their tearmes,
He'll learne them scoffe a man at armes.
Though that those lads haue long him loath'd,
If he in sight should but appeare,
They al would wish they were vncloathd,
So that they lighter legged were.
They'll rather wish for feete that day,
Then either gold or rich array.
If he in sight should but appeare,
They al would wish they were vncloathd,
So that they lighter legged were.
They'll rather wish for feete that day,
Then either gold or rich array.
For he at hazard more hath beene,
Then taking downe such trencher-knights,
His prowes at siege of Troy was seene,
He hath subdued worthier wights.
Yea (mother) he hath beene at hel,
Where the Prince Pluto dire doth dwell.
Then taking downe such trencher-knights,
His prowes at siege of Troy was seene,
He hath subdued worthier wights.
Yea (mother) he hath beene at hel,
Where the Prince Pluto dire doth dwell.
He thrust out Polyphemus eie,
For that he did his fellowes eate,
And he scapt Circes sorcerie:
He feared not God Neptunes threat.
When three daies shiples he did saile,
His hardy heart did neuer faile.
For that he did his fellowes eate,
And he scapt Circes sorcerie:
He feared not God Neptunes threat.
When three daies shiples he did saile,
His hardy heart did neuer faile.
Penelope readeth Vlysses letter.
Thy letter when I ouer-looke,
(Penelope my sweetest saint)
I note the care that thou hast tooke,
And pittie take of thy complaint.
Lo: to release thee of thy doome,
(Sweete heart) at once I write and come.
(Penelope my sweetest saint)
I note the care that thou hast tooke,
And pittie take of thy complaint.
Lo: to release thee of thy doome,
(Sweete heart) at once I write and come.
Thy faithful hand I quickly found,
The pledge and token of my troth,
Whereby to me thou first wert bound,
And I to thee, by solemne oth.
So welcome thereof was the sight,
My heauie heart it made ful light.
The pledge and token of my troth,
Whereby to me thou first wert bound,
And I to thee, by solemne oth.
So welcome thereof was the sight,
My heauie heart it made ful light.
I would to God my sluggardise,
Which thou so highly dost accuse:
The Greekes at Troian enterprise,
Had holden for a iust excuse:
Then had I not endured the toile,
I now sustaine in forrein soyle.
Which thou so highly dost accuse:
The Greekes at Troian enterprise,
Had holden for a iust excuse:
Then had I not endured the toile,
I now sustaine in forrein soyle.
Then had I staied still with thee,
When I my selfe did franticke faine:
It grieu'd me (trust me) to agree,
The warres so soone should part vs twaine.
I would, nor could, as thou maist see,
So lightly leaue thy companie.
When I my selfe did franticke faine:
It grieu'd me (trust me) to agree,
The warres so soone should part vs twaine.
I would, nor could, as thou maist see,
So lightly leaue thy companie.
No Troian trull doth me retaine,
For Troy to cinders quite is rasde,
Priam, and Paris, both are slaine,
And al the countrey quite defasde.
Sarpedon slaine, and Hector stout,
And Mars so hurt, his guts came out.
For Troy to cinders quite is rasde,
Priam, and Paris, both are slaine,
And al the countrey quite defasde.
Sarpedon slaine, and Hector stout,
And Mars so hurt, his guts came out.
I scotfree scap't, and Rhesus slaine,
His palfreys led I to my tent:
I feared not the Thracian traine,
But boldly I amidst them went:
And those that Diomedes slue,
Still by the heeles I from him threw.
His palfreys led I to my tent:
I feared not the Thracian traine,
But boldly I amidst them went:
And those that Diomedes slue,
Still by the heeles I from him threw.
Thou needst not doubt, my life or loue,
The one the Troians could not spill,
Nor th' other Mermaids could remoue:
To thee it resteth constant still.
No comfort haue I on the sea,
But loue, to make me thinke on thee.
The one the Troians could not spill,
Nor th' other Mermaids could remoue:
To thee it resteth constant still.
No comfort haue I on the sea,
But loue, to make me thinke on thee.
Parthenope did oft assay,
Me to her loue for to allure,
Yet could she not me so betray,
My toyle I stoutly did endure:
And when she saw I would not stay,
She drownd her selfe in surging sea.
Me to her loue for to allure,
Yet could she not me so betray,
My toyle I stoutly did endure:
And when she saw I would not stay,
She drownd her selfe in surging sea.
Nor yet Calypso with her skill,
When in Ogygean Isle I staid,
Could with her druggs win my good will:
Though oft so shamefully she assaid.
Though me immortall she would make,
Yet could I not thee so forsake.
When in Ogygean Isle I staid,
Could with her druggs win my good will:
Though oft so shamefully she assaid.
Though me immortall she would make,
Yet could I not thee so forsake.
And where thou saist, thou sutors hast,
It is a credit I confesse,
If they our substance do not wast,
Nor thee of honour dispossesse:
Beware lest thou amidst thy wine,
Dost grant them that is none of thine.
It is a credit I confesse,
If they our substance do not wast,
Nor thee of honour dispossesse:
Beware lest thou amidst thy wine,
Dost grant them that is none of thine.
If to the hundred thou hast had,
A thousand sutors more thou set,
Yet haue I had a sturre as bad,
With lasses, my true loue to get.
Do Lords the court? a common case,
Vnaskt, braue Ladies me embrace.
A thousand sutors more thou set,
Yet haue I had a sturre as bad,
With lasses, my true loue to get.
Do Lords the court? a common case,
Vnaskt, braue Ladies me embrace.
But (wife) you scarcely did me please,
When Telemac my onely sonne,
You set on mercie of the seas:
Confesse a truth it was ill done.
That loue vngrateful is ywis,
That to such danger, subiect is.
When Telemac my onely sonne,
You set on mercie of the seas:
Confesse a truth it was ill done.
That loue vngrateful is ywis,
That to such danger, subiect is.
But now his course is finished,
Our danger al is at an end,
My dolour eke diminished:
You after me no more shal send:
For suddenly you shal me see,
Before those Riuals looke for me.
Our danger al is at an end,
My dolour eke diminished:
You after me no more shal send:
For suddenly you shal me see,
Before those Riuals looke for me.
Meane while, suppresse thy merrie cheere,
Let not thy sutors know my mind,
Vnto their costs I wil appeare:
The helhounds shal me feele and find.
Thy countenance see that thou keepe,
When thou shouldst laugh, see that thou weepe.
Let not thy sutors know my mind,
Vnto their costs I wil appeare:
The helhounds shal me feele and find.
Thy countenance see that thou keepe,
When thou shouldst laugh, see that thou weepe.
I wil not open warres proclaime,
Nor yet by force of armes there come,
Amidst their banket wil I aime,
To cut them off both al and some.
And when you see those Riuals slaine,
Then say that I am come againe.
Nor yet by force of armes there come,
Amidst their banket wil I aime,
To cut them off both al and some.
And when you see those Riuals slaine,
Then say that I am come againe.
The aduice of Euryclea, nurse to Penelope.
Oh daughter deare, my Iem and ioy:
My comfort, and my onely care,
Ah, Ioue preserue thee from annoy,
And from those spoiles, that threatned are.
Be charie of thy chastitie,
Which sutors seeke so shamefully.
My comfort, and my onely care,
Ah, Ioue preserue thee from annoy,
And from those spoiles, that threatned are.
Be charie of thy chastitie,
Which sutors seeke so shamefully.
Thy waiting women they abuse,
Without remorse or conscience sting,
And of thy house they make a stewes,
Thee to dishonour for to bring.
Take heede in time I thee aduise,
wit bought, is at too deare a prise.
Without remorse or conscience sting,
And of thy house they make a stewes,
Thee to dishonour for to bring.
Take heede in time I thee aduise,
wit bought, is at too deare a prise.
These lustie Gallants sweare and stare,
If thou to wed wilt not consent,
Thy house they'll topsie turuy teare,
And eke thy heart in peeces rent.
To hide thy selfe I thinke it best,
And vnto Ioue commit the rest.
If thou to wed wilt not consent,
Thy house they'll topsie turuy teare,
And eke thy heart in peeces rent.
To hide thy selfe I thinke it best,
And vnto Ioue commit the rest.
Her reply to Euryclea.
What are they men, or are they not?
Or are they beasts, or are they worse?
Are lawes of God, and men, forgot?
No care of God, nor yet his curse?
Or dread they not the day of doome?
That they so beastlike are become.
Or are they beasts, or are they worse?
Are lawes of God, and men, forgot?
No care of God, nor yet his curse?
Or dread they not the day of doome?
That they so beastlike are become.
Shal men, that God himselfe hath made?
And do his Image represent,
By their abhominable trade:
To be the deuils lims consent?
O most vnworthie wretches vile,
That do their vessels so defile.
And do his Image represent,
By their abhominable trade:
To be the deuils lims consent?
O most vnworthie wretches vile,
That do their vessels so defile.
Fie: what can they not eate and drinke?
But they must surfeit shamefully?
Can they not mischiefe meane or thinke?
But they must blab it by and by.
Can they not prettie damsels vse?
But they their bodies must abuse.
But they must surfeit shamefully?
Can they not mischiefe meane or thinke?
But they must blab it by and by.
Can they not prettie damsels vse?
But they their bodies must abuse.
Aurelianus here we lacke,
Or Iulia with her sacred lawe:
Then should those gallants go to wracke,
Then better would they stand in awe:
For then the sword or else the tree,
From shameful force, should set vs free.
Or Iulia with her sacred lawe:
Then should those gallants go to wracke,
Then better would they stand in awe:
For then the sword or else the tree,
From shameful force, should set vs free.
O cursed times, O cruel facts,
O manners vile, for men vnfit,
O dismal daies, O hainous acts,
O helish hagges, of Plutoes pit.
O spightfull, cruel tyrany,
Enforcing endles misery.
O manners vile, for men vnfit,
O dismal daies, O hainous acts,
O helish hagges, of Plutoes pit.
O spightfull, cruel tyrany,
Enforcing endles misery.
My tongue doth tremble for to tell,
The villanie that they inuent,
My heart (alas) with griefe doth swell,
To see braue men so beastly bent,
From this their wicked trechery,
The Lord aboue deliuer me.
The villanie that they inuent,
My heart (alas) with griefe doth swell,
To see braue men so beastly bent,
From this their wicked trechery,
The Lord aboue deliuer me.
She bewaileth Vlysses long tarrying.
How doth Vlysses time detract?
How doth he play the cosoning knight,
He writes Troy is alreadie sack't,
Yet wil he not appeare in sight.
I feare me he hath caught some doue,
And keepes her tame, with tills of loue.
How doth he play the cosoning knight,
He writes Troy is alreadie sack't,
Yet wil he not appeare in sight.
I feare me he hath caught some doue,
And keepes her tame, with tills of loue.
I would I wist be false did play,
Of spight I would reuenged be:
But then what would the people say?
As is the hee, so is the shee:
No, no, the care I absent take,
His presence wil the sweeter make.
Of spight I would reuenged be:
But then what would the people say?
As is the hee, so is the shee:
No, no, the care I absent take,
His presence wil the sweeter make.
Nor wealth, nor woe, nor enuies crosse,
Nor griefe, nor gaine, nor fortunes fall:
Nor paine, nor pleasure, lucke or losse,
Nor treasure, nor yet wretched thrall,
Shall make me my Vlysses loath,
Nor to him false my faith and troath.
Nor griefe, nor gaine, nor fortunes fall:
Nor paine, nor pleasure, lucke or losse,
Nor treasure, nor yet wretched thrall,
Shall make me my Vlysses loath,
Nor to him false my faith and troath.
The speech of her wooers chalenging her by promise.
Come on (sweet nimph) what answer now?
Your towe is twist, your web is wrought,
With speede performe your sacred vow:
Thy murmring mate his death hath sought:
Harpyades haue on him fed,
The citie-spoiler he is dead.
Your towe is twist, your web is wrought,
With speede performe your sacred vow:
Thy murmring mate his death hath sought:
Harpyades haue on him fed,
The citie-spoiler he is dead.
Thee for to wed is al our sute,
And now thy answere we expect:
Therefore fay quicke, be not so mute,
Which of our sutes wilt thou accept?
If thou no ready answere make,
Thy house we neuer wil forsake.
And now thy answere we expect:
Therefore fay quicke, be not so mute,
Which of our sutes wilt thou accept?
If thou no ready answere make,
Thy house we neuer wil forsake.
(Sweete Nimph) resolue vs now with speede,
Thinke ere thou speake, denie not flat:
For we are they can do the deede:
Thou maist refuse thou knowest not what:
Make readie Hymæneus bed,
For why, we must and will thee wed.
Thinke ere thou speake, denie not flat:
For we are they can do the deede:
Thou maist refuse thou knowest not what:
Make readie Hymæneus bed,
For why, we must and will thee wed.
Her answere to the wooers.
Sweete Lordings though my web be wrought,
And al my towe be readie spun,
Another doubt comes to my thought,
You know, what worth Vlysses won:
Yow know he was a worthie knight,
And got him honour for his might.
And al my towe be readie spun,
Another doubt comes to my thought,
You know, what worth Vlysses won:
Yow know he was a worthie knight,
And got him honour for his might.
It me behoues to draw the latch,
And of my choyce in time beware,
Lest I with such a milkesop match,
As may augment my wonted care.
Or you in fight for me contend,
And so the mightie Gods offend.
And of my choyce in time beware,
Lest I with such a milkesop match,
As may augment my wonted care.
Or you in fight for me contend,
And so the mightie Gods offend.
Lo Lordings, this is my decree,
He that Vlysses bowe can bend,
That worthie wight shall wed with me:
Away with him I soone wil wend.
Hold take in hand to bend the bowe,
Your strength that quickly I may know.
He that Vlysses bowe can bend,
That worthie wight shall wed with me:
Away with him I soone wil wend.
Hold take in hand to bend the bowe,
Your strength that quickly I may know.
Vlysses being come home, disguiseth himselfe, and soiourning with Penelope amongst the wooers, maketh this answere.
Why then (faire queene) to win thy loue,
I silly wretch wil also trie,
My shriueled sinewes will I proue:
To win this worthie masterie.
Had I my youthfull strength and skill,
I would the act right soone fulfill.
I silly wretch wil also trie,
My shriueled sinewes will I proue:
To win this worthie masterie.
Had I my youthfull strength and skill,
I would the act right soone fulfill.
Eurymachus I thee beseech,
And eke Antinous I thee pray,
To giue me leaue my strength to stretch,
Which gods haue almost tane away:
Necessitie hath pincht me too,
A cruel dart it is you know.
And eke Antinous I thee pray,
To giue me leaue my strength to stretch,
Which gods haue almost tane away:
Necessitie hath pincht me too,
A cruel dart it is you know.
The bowe resigne into my hand,
I trial of my strength wil make,
And if the same I cannot bend,
The prize you shal among you take.
But if the bowe be by me bent,
To wed the Nimph is my intent.
I trial of my strength wil make,
And if the same I cannot bend,
The prize you shal among you take.
But if the bowe be by me bent,
To wed the Nimph is my intent.
The wooers scoffingly checke Vlysses.
How dar'st thou Palmer thus to prate?
And with vs yongsters thus compare?
Content thee with thine owne estate:
Of Palmery go take thou care:
Although Vlysses bowe thou bend,
With Baldpate shall she neuer wend,
And with vs yongsters thus compare?
Content thee with thine owne estate:
Of Palmery go take thou care:
Although Vlysses bowe thou bend,
With Baldpate shall she neuer wend,
But too much wine makes thee thus mad,
Which wiser men doth brainsicke make,
And bragge of that they neuer had,
If out of measure they it take:
Therefore leaue off to make such strife,
For her thou shalt not take to wife.
Which wiser men doth brainsicke make,
And bragge of that they neuer had,
If out of measure they it take:
Therefore leaue off to make such strife,
For her thou shalt not take to wife.
Leaue off I say: thus to contend,
If thou wilt banket here at rest,
We wey not who the bowe doth bend,
For that we hold but as a iest.
But if with vs thou so contend,
Thou soone shalt feele thy fatall end.
If thou wilt banket here at rest,
We wey not who the bowe doth bend,
For that we hold but as a iest.
But if with vs thou so contend,
Thou soone shalt feele thy fatall end.
She checketh Antinous for abusing her ghests.
Antinous
leaue off I say,
Our ghests thus euil to intreate,
Discurteous parts why dost thou play?
My stranger thus why dost thou threat?
Their neighbours al they wil abuse,
That strangers practise to misuse.
Our ghests thus euil to intreate,
Discurteous parts why dost thou play?
My stranger thus why dost thou threat?
Their neighbours al they wil abuse,
That strangers practise to misuse.
This stranger is of stature tall,
And borne of worthie parentage:
The likeliest amongst you all,
If force consists in personage:
Pray giue him leaue his strength to trie,
Why offer you this iniurie?
And borne of worthie parentage:
The likeliest amongst you all,
If force consists in personage:
Pray giue him leaue his strength to trie,
Why offer you this iniurie?
If that Apollo giue him powre,
For manly might the price to win,
Then wil I waite on him each houre,
And costly webs array him in:
My onely ioy I wil him make,
And him to husband wil I take.
For manly might the price to win,
Then wil I waite on him each houre,
And costly webs array him in:
My onely ioy I wil him make,
And him to husband wil I take.
Telemachus wisheth his mother to be silent.
Fie: fie: what neede you thus to chaunt,
Silence doth best become your sex,
T'is giglet-like, thus for to taunt,
What thogh those vilains do you vex:
Yet (mother) you must patience vse,
And smother vp this vile abuse.
Silence doth best become your sex,
T'is giglet-like, thus for to taunt,
What thogh those vilains do you vex:
Yet (mother) you must patience vse,
And smother vp this vile abuse.
Vnto your maids your mind disclose,
And talke of that you haue to doe,
What neede you counterchecke with those,
That nothing appertaines you to?
Thei'll say you are alreadie won,
Their companie you cannot shun.
And talke of that you haue to doe,
What neede you counterchecke with those,
That nothing appertaines you to?
Thei'll say you are alreadie won,
Their companie you cannot shun.
Sweete (mother) let me answere make,
That am a man, and know to speake:
My speech shal make them for to quake,
Against me dare they not to creake.
My father absent, I am king,
New dirges shall they shortly sing.
That am a man, and know to speake:
My speech shal make them for to quake,
Against me dare they not to creake.
My father absent, I am king,
New dirges shall they shortly sing.
The death of her wooers represented vnto hir, in a dreame of an Egle and a flocke of geese.
Why dost thou Morpheus me annoy?
What fantasies dost thou intrude?
Why dost thou me of sleepes sweete ioy,
With vaine illusions thus delude?
Those dreames iwis that I endure,
I doubt but little good procure.
What fantasies dost thou intrude?
Why dost thou me of sleepes sweete ioy,
With vaine illusions thus delude?
Those dreames iwis that I endure,
I doubt but little good procure.
Last night as I lay in my bed,
Strecht forth (alas) in slumbring wise,
Me thought a flocke of geese I fed,
That al my corne could not suffice.
To giue them foode I did denie,
And yet not one away would flie.
Strecht forth (alas) in slumbring wise,
Me thought a flocke of geese I fed,
That al my corne could not suffice.
To giue them foode I did denie,
And yet not one away would flie.
They were a number numberles,
Whose gagling did me much offend:
I made them answere answereles,
And wisht them to the fields to wend:
Yet would they not be answered so,
In rest for them I could not go.
Whose gagling did me much offend:
I made them answere answereles,
And wisht them to the fields to wend:
Yet would they not be answered so,
In rest for them I could not go.
At last as they were safe in mue,
A mightie Eagle with them met:
And them, both great and smal he slue,
Not one of them could from him get.
No creature could the spoile preuent,
The Eagle was so fiercely bent.
A mightie Eagle with them met:
And them, both great and smal he slue,
Not one of them could from him get.
No creature could the spoile preuent,
The Eagle was so fiercely bent.
At length when his bloud-thirstie bill,
Had thus vpon these goselings praide,
(Me thought) the people for to kill,
This matchles Eagle al assaide.
They were so wroath they sware by gis,
They would dispoile both him and his.
Had thus vpon these goselings praide,
(Me thought) the people for to kill,
This matchles Eagle al assaide.
They were so wroath they sware by gis,
They would dispoile both him and his.
Ah Cesta sweete, I thee implore,
My doubtful dreame for to dissolue,
For that which Morpheus told of yore.
I often in my mind reuolue.
The resolution to me show,
And endles thanks I wil thee owe.
My doubtful dreame for to dissolue,
For that which Morpheus told of yore.
I often in my mind reuolue.
The resolution to me show,
And endles thanks I wil thee owe.
She hearing Vlysses fighting with her wooers, vnknowen to her, she feareth.
How doth Vlysses me me deride?
How doth he foolefaine me possesse?
He promisde to returne with speede,
But sure he thinks of nothing lesse.
My eies with looking for him ake,
with trembling feare my heart doth quake.
How doth he foolefaine me possesse?
He promisde to returne with speede,
But sure he thinks of nothing lesse.
My eies with looking for him ake,
with trembling feare my heart doth quake.
What horror doth my heart oppresse?
What hurly burly do I heare?
What sturdy tumults? (God me blesse)
What's he that plaies the tyrant there?
Who's he cries out, what's he is slaine?
Go Girle and see, but hie againe.
What hurly burly do I heare?
What sturdy tumults? (God me blesse)
What's he that plaies the tyrant there?
Who's he cries out, what's he is slaine?
Go Girle and see, but hie againe.
Harke, harke, at daggers point on life,
Those dronkards with each other fight:
Why doth my sonne not stint the strife?
Ah how doth feare my heart affright?
What is the cause of this their ruth?
Come quicke (sweete wench) and tel the truth.
Those dronkards with each other fight:
Why doth my sonne not stint the strife?
Ah how doth feare my heart affright?
What is the cause of this their ruth?
Come quicke (sweete wench) and tel the truth.
Her maide sheweth the slaughter of her wooers.
Alas, beblubred al with bloud,
Antinous lieth vnder bord,
Yea Eurymac that was so proud,
Is slaine with dint of sharped sword:
Pisanders braines are beaten out,
And Polybe slaine that Champion stout.
Antinous lieth vnder bord,
Yea Eurymac that was so proud,
Is slaine with dint of sharped sword:
Pisanders braines are beaten out,
And Polybe slaine that Champion stout.
Eurynomus, he waltring lies,
And eke Polidor worthie knight,
Amphimedon for mercie cries:
And Liodes is put to flight.
Ctesippus put to deadly paine,
And eke Eurydamantus slaine.
And eke Polidor worthie knight,
Amphimedon for mercie cries:
And Liodes is put to flight.
Ctesippus put to deadly paine,
And eke Eurydamantus slaine.
Liocritus that Lordlie lad,
And Demoptolemus is dead,
Euriades hath sped as bad,
His braines are knockt out of his head:
I thought amidst their stately pride.
Some Tragedie there would be plaide.
And Demoptolemus is dead,
Euriades hath sped as bad,
His braines are knockt out of his head:
I thought amidst their stately pride.
Some Tragedie there would be plaide.
She hearing of the death of her wooers, feareth lest Vlysses wil slay her also.
A lacke, and are those Lordings slaine?
Why then my Lord Vlysses deare,
Vlysses mine, is come againe,
How am I tost twixt ioy and feare?
Ah he, tis he hath done this deede:
Yea, he this Stratageme hath plaied,
Why then my Lord Vlysses deare,
Vlysses mine, is come againe,
How am I tost twixt ioy and feare?
Ah he, tis he hath done this deede:
Yea, he this Stratageme hath plaied,
It is Vlysses deales such blowes,
What shal I silly woman doo?
Ah see, how furiously he glowes,
I feare he wil torment me too:
I wil him trie, with weeping eies,
Him to withdraw from tyranies.
What shal I silly woman doo?
Ah see, how furiously he glowes,
I feare he wil torment me too:
I wil him trie, with weeping eies,
Him to withdraw from tyranies.
Fie: cannot twentie yeares suffice,
Thy wrathful venome for to spit,
But thou must thus in warlike wise,
Thy tyrany continue yet?
Though no wight can thy wrath appease,
Let me request thee to sureease.
Thy wrathful venome for to spit,
But thou must thus in warlike wise,
Thy tyrany continue yet?
Though no wight can thy wrath appease,
Let me request thee to sureease.
Vlysses making himselfe knowne, comforteth Penelope with these speeches.
Feare not my iem and hearts delight,
Penelope my spotles spouse,
Those lads no more shal worke our spight,
They shal no more defile our house.
Ah I haue seene thy constancie,
Thy vertues haue reioyc'd mine eie.
Penelope my spotles spouse,
Those lads no more shal worke our spight,
They shal no more defile our house.
Ah I haue seene thy constancie,
Thy vertues haue reioyc'd mine eie.
But oh: what haue I tyrant done,
(Oh miser borne to endles toyle)
Now haue I new my care begon,
By this my pittie-wanting spoyle.
I merciles haue many slaine.
For bloud shall I pay bloud againe,
(Oh miser borne to endles toyle)
Now haue I new my care begon,
By this my pittie-wanting spoyle.
I merciles haue many slaine.
For bloud shall I pay bloud againe,
O furie with repentance fraught,
(Ah enemie to perfect peace.)
Thou to confusion hast me brought,
(Ah furie foe to humane ease.)
I that my foes haue put to flight,
Against my friends am forc'd to fight.
(Ah enemie to perfect peace.)
Thou to confusion hast me brought,
(Ah furie foe to humane ease.)
I that my foes haue put to flight,
Against my friends am forc'd to fight.
Penelope fearing to entertaine Vlysses, debateth as followeth.
Bvt ah me wretch (borne but to wo)
What entertainment shal I giue?
Him, for my Lord how shal I know?
T'is hard to know whom to beleeue.
Ah my Vlysses was too kind,
To beare such a bloud-thirstie mind,
What entertainment shal I giue?
Him, for my Lord how shal I know?
T'is hard to know whom to beleeue.
Ah my Vlysses was too kind,
To beare such a bloud-thirstie mind,
But (doting dame) what can I tell,
May not God Mars his furie moue?
May not Bellona make him fell?
Ah Mars makes Turtles Tygers proue:
And those are ordinary euents,
To them that do frequent the tents.
May not God Mars his furie moue?
May not Bellona make him fell?
Ah Mars makes Turtles Tygers proue:
And those are ordinary euents,
To them that do frequent the tents.
But yet, Vlysses welcome home,
(If thou my Lord Vlysses be)
A thousand times to me welcome,
Thee safe I do reioyce to see.
Yet shew (ah good Vlysses show)
Some token that I may thee know.
(If thou my Lord Vlysses be)
A thousand times to me welcome,
Thee safe I do reioyce to see.
Yet shew (ah good Vlysses show)
Some token that I may thee know.
Vlysses sheweth by euident tokens, he is no cosening knight.
Why then I am Laertes sonne,
And he that Gods, and men do hate,
Scomme of the world, by fates foredone,
Whose death my deedes do calculate.
Ah I am he, that for thy loue,
A thousand perills daily proue.
And he that Gods, and men do hate,
Scomme of the world, by fates foredone,
Whose death my deedes do calculate.
Ah I am he, that for thy loue,
A thousand perills daily proue.
Yea I am he, that fainde me mad,
Thee in my armes for to embrace,
And I am that vnhappie swad,
That Palemedes did disgrace.
Yea I am he that for thy sake,
All dangers dare to vndertake.
Thee in my armes for to embrace,
And I am that vnhappie swad,
That Palemedes did disgrace.
Yea I am he that for thy sake,
All dangers dare to vndertake.
Yea I am he, whose damned hand,
Haue slaine a knot of noble bloud:
And I am he, thou maist command,
Aliue or dead, to do thee good.
Yea I am he that maugre spight,
Wil alwaies rest thy constant knight.
Haue slaine a knot of noble bloud:
And I am he, thou maist command,
Aliue or dead, to do thee good.
Yea I am he that maugre spight,
Wil alwaies rest thy constant knight.
L'enuoy.
Lo Ladies, Ioue reserues a friend,
For those that tender chastitie,
But Leachers brought to dolefull end,
Amidst their chiefe securitie:
Penelope for bale had blisse,
When villanes vengeance could not misse.
For those that tender chastitie,
But Leachers brought to dolefull end,
Amidst their chiefe securitie:
Penelope for bale had blisse,
When villanes vengeance could not misse.
Let Riuals lot learne Lordly youthes,
To shun the snare of lewd desires,
Lest lawles loue procure their ruthes,
With liueles lue that lust requires:
Lest whilst they recke not what they do,
Some good Vlysses wrecke their woe.
To shun the snare of lewd desires,
Lest lawles loue procure their ruthes,
With liueles lue that lust requires:
Lest whilst they recke not what they do,
Some good Vlysses wrecke their woe.
FINIS.
| Penelopes Complaint | |