Lvcans Pharsalia Containing The Ciuill Warres betweene Caesar and Pompey. Written In Latine Heroicall Verse by M. Annaevs Lvcanus. Translated into English verse by Sir Arthur Gorges ... Whereunto is annexed the life of the Authour, collected out of diuers Authors |
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The first Booke.
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 | Lvcans Pharsalia |  |
The first Booke.
The Argvment
VVhat motiues did this warre incense,Cæsars and Pompeys insolence.
Forbidden Rubicon is past,
Aryminum surpris'd in haste.
Tribunes disgrac'd from Rome retire:
They Cæsars heart doe set on fire.
To warres his Legions he exhorts,
And calles from farre his old Cohorts.
The wofull Citties mazed plight,
With Pompeys base vntimely flight.
A stowt Decree the Senate make,
And then for feare doe Rome forsake.
Lastly, prodigious signes are seene,
And what the Augures answers beene.
A more then ciuill warre I sing,
That through th' Emathian fields did ring,
Where reins let loose to head-strong pride,
A potent people did misguide:
Whose conquering hand enrag'd rebounds
On his owne bowels with deepe wounds.
Where Hosts confronting neare alies,
All faith and Empires Lawes defies.
A world of force in faction meetes,
And common guilt like torrents fleets.
Where like infestuous ensignes waue,
The Ægle doth the Ægle braue,
And Pyle against the Pyle doth raue.
That through th' Emathian fields did ring,
Where reins let loose to head-strong pride,
A potent people did misguide:
Whose conquering hand enrag'd rebounds
On his owne bowels with deepe wounds.
2
All faith and Empires Lawes defies.
A world of force in faction meetes,
And common guilt like torrents fleets.
Where like infestuous ensignes waue,
The Ægle doth the Ægle braue,
And Pyle against the Pyle doth raue.
Deare Cittizens, what brainsick charmes?
What outrage of disordered armes?
Leades you to feast your enuious foes,
To see you goar'd with your owne blowes?
Proud Babylon your force doth scorne,
Whose spoyles your trophies might adorne,
And Crassus vnreuenged ghost,
Roames wayling through the Parthian coast.
Doth now your hearts such warre desire,
As yeelds no triumphs for your hyre?
O what a world by Lands and Seas,
Mought you haue won with much more ease.
Then halfe the bloud your weapons draines,
In ciuill strife from out your vaines!
As farre as Phœbus first doth rise,
Vntill in Thætis lap he lies:
Or where his parching golde-beam'd ray,
Doth dart downe flames at mid of day:
Or frostie Hyems shiuering stands,
Glazing the Sea with ycie hands;
Whose ayre benum'd with Scythian flawes,
No Summers sunne-shine euer thawes:
The Seres, and Araxes rude,
Not to our Empire yet subdued;
Or what Barbarians else are bred,
About old Nylus vnknowne head;
All these might you haue vanquished.
What outrage of disordered armes?
Leades you to feast your enuious foes,
To see you goar'd with your owne blowes?
Proud Babylon your force doth scorne,
Whose spoyles your trophies might adorne,
And Crassus vnreuenged ghost,
Roames wayling through the Parthian coast.
Doth now your hearts such warre desire,
As yeelds no triumphs for your hyre?
O what a world by Lands and Seas,
Mought you haue won with much more ease.
Then halfe the bloud your weapons draines,
In ciuill strife from out your vaines!
As farre as Phœbus first doth rise,
Vntill in Thætis lap he lies:
Or where his parching golde-beam'd ray,
Doth dart downe flames at mid of day:
Or frostie Hyems shiuering stands,
Glazing the Sea with ycie hands;
Whose ayre benum'd with Scythian flawes,
No Summers sunne-shine euer thawes:
The Seres, and Araxes rude,
Not to our Empire yet subdued;
Or what Barbarians else are bred,
About old Nylus vnknowne head;
All these might you haue vanquished.
And then, O Rome, when thou hadst hent
The whole worlds homage to thy bent,
And plaid at full this mastering prise,
If Enuies spleene thee then agrize,
Against thy selfe, thy selfe oppose,
For yet thou want'st no forraine foes:
But Italy lies now aspoile,
Her Citties leuelld with the soile.
Their loftie walles with breaches torne,
The vacant houses all forlorne.
The Markets vnfrequented beene,
The vntrod streets ore-growne with greene:
The fruitfull faire Hesperian fields,
That nothing now but thistles yeilds,
Cries out for hands to plow and plant,
Her labourers are growne so scant.
The whole worlds homage to thy bent,
And plaid at full this mastering prise,
If Enuies spleene thee then agrize,
Against thy selfe, thy selfe oppose,
For yet thou want'st no forraine foes:
3
Her Citties leuelld with the soile.
Their loftie walles with breaches torne,
The vacant houses all forlorne.
The Markets vnfrequented beene,
The vntrod streets ore-growne with greene:
The fruitfull faire Hesperian fields,
That nothing now but thistles yeilds,
Cries out for hands to plow and plant,
Her labourers are growne so scant.
This dismall state wherein she stands,
Proceedes not from fierce Pyrrhus hands;
Nor yet could Hannibals despight
Inflict on vs this wretched plight.
No forraine foes could so preuaile,
Our setled state to rent and quaile:
Th' audacious sword worne by thy side,
Hath hewen in thee these gashes wide.
Proceedes not from fierce Pyrrhus hands;
Nor yet could Hannibals despight
Inflict on vs this wretched plight.
No forraine foes could so preuaile,
Our setled state to rent and quaile:
Th' audacious sword worne by thy side,
Hath hewen in thee these gashes wide.
And yet if Fates haue so decreed,
That thou (O Nero) shouldst succeed
By these meanes to the Empires throne,
Our fore-past armes the lesse we moane.
For Iupiter was not possest
Of heauens sole rule in setled rest,
Before the Gyants were supprest.
Let then Pharsalia fields be spread
With yron legions scorning dread.
So to appease the whining mood
Of Punique Ghosts with Latium blood.
Let Munda be the fatall place
Where Cæsar quailes great Pompeys race:
And let as hard a siege betide
As earst Mutina did abide.
Yea let as great a famine flow
As euer did Perusia know:
And two such Fleetes confronting rage,
As did the Axium battell wage:
With as much broyle and hammering dinne,
As when that Vulcan did beginne
To set his Cyclops to their taskes;
Whose sparkling forges Ætna maskes.
That thou (O Nero) shouldst succeed
By these meanes to the Empires throne,
Our fore-past armes the lesse we moane.
For Iupiter was not possest
Of heauens sole rule in setled rest,
Before the Gyants were supprest.
Let then Pharsalia fields be spread
With yron legions scorning dread.
So to appease the whining mood
Of Punique Ghosts with Latium blood.
Let Munda be the fatall place
Where Cæsar quailes great Pompeys race:
And let as hard a siege betide
As earst Mutina did abide.
Yea let as great a famine flow
As euer did Perusia know:
And two such Fleetes confronting rage,
As did the Axium battell wage:
With as much broyle and hammering dinne,
As when that Vulcan did beginne
To set his Cyclops to their taskes;
4
And yet thou Rome shalt be in debt
Vnto these wrackes, that did beget
This happy peace, wherein we liue,
And to our toyles an end did giue.
But when (O Nero) Atrops knife
Shall shred in twaine thy time of life:
And thou (vnto the starres bequeau'd)
With Heauens ioy shalt be receiu'd.
There shalt thou freely take thy choyce,
Whether thy humor more reioyce
To sit in the Empiring Throne,
As ruling ouer all alone:
Or whether thou doe more desire
To sway the Carre of Phœbus fire,
And thence (with wandring flames) suruay
The earth in all her rich array:
Whom thy milde beames will not dismay.
The Deities bend to thy hest,
And Nature yeelds thee thy request,
To be what God-head likes thee best,
And where thy Empires seate shall rest.
But I beseech thee of high grace,
Doe not thy Soueraigne Mansion place
About the North or Southerne starre,
Which is from vs remote so farre:
For then should Rome fall to mischance,
If thou on her looke but a scance.
But if a part of heauens huge sphere,
Thou choose thy ponderous heft to beare;
O let the Axle-tree sustaine
The paise of thy Maiesticke traine.
Amidst the firmament be plac'd,
For that with brightest beames is grac'd.
So Neroes shine shall still subsist,
Neuer obscur'd with cloudy mist.
Then shall men lay aside their Armes,
And rue the shame of ciuill harmes.
All Nations then shall be at peace
With mutuall leagues, and Trades increase.
So when all iarres doe end their dates,
Ianus may sparre his Iron gates.
But whilst that I some power Diuine
Inuoke, to strength this Muse of mine:
If I thy fauour can obtaine
(O Nero) to assist my vaine;
I will not then desire or craue,
Apollo's furtherance to haue;
Nor yet intreat the God of wine,
To aid this Tragicke worke of mine:
For thou alone canst life infuse
And spirit to my Latine muse.
Vnto these wrackes, that did beget
This happy peace, wherein we liue,
And to our toyles an end did giue.
But when (O Nero) Atrops knife
Shall shred in twaine thy time of life:
And thou (vnto the starres bequeau'd)
With Heauens ioy shalt be receiu'd.
There shalt thou freely take thy choyce,
Whether thy humor more reioyce
To sit in the Empiring Throne,
As ruling ouer all alone:
Or whether thou doe more desire
To sway the Carre of Phœbus fire,
And thence (with wandring flames) suruay
The earth in all her rich array:
Whom thy milde beames will not dismay.
The Deities bend to thy hest,
And Nature yeelds thee thy request,
To be what God-head likes thee best,
And where thy Empires seate shall rest.
But I beseech thee of high grace,
Doe not thy Soueraigne Mansion place
About the North or Southerne starre,
Which is from vs remote so farre:
For then should Rome fall to mischance,
If thou on her looke but a scance.
But if a part of heauens huge sphere,
Thou choose thy ponderous heft to beare;
O let the Axle-tree sustaine
The paise of thy Maiesticke traine.
Amidst the firmament be plac'd,
For that with brightest beames is grac'd.
So Neroes shine shall still subsist,
Neuer obscur'd with cloudy mist.
Then shall men lay aside their Armes,
And rue the shame of ciuill harmes.
All Nations then shall be at peace
With mutuall leagues, and Trades increase.
5
Ianus may sparre his Iron gates.
But whilst that I some power Diuine
Inuoke, to strength this Muse of mine:
If I thy fauour can obtaine
(O Nero) to assist my vaine;
I will not then desire or craue,
Apollo's furtherance to haue;
Nor yet intreat the God of wine,
To aid this Tragicke worke of mine:
For thou alone canst life infuse
And spirit to my Latine muse.
My minde giues me the cause to write,
That did this humorous rage incite:
A taske that will much labour cost,
To shew what franticke feuers tost
This peoples moode, to raue in spoyle,
And banish peace from Latium soyle.
It was conspiring Destiny,
The bane of all felicity:
And that which is by heauenly reed,
As doome to greatnesse still decreed,
Not long to stand in setled state:
But, being too much eleuate,
The owne paize must it ruinate:
And Rome her selfe, too powrfull growne,
With insolence was ouer-throwne.
So when by great resistlesse Fate,
The world dissolues to her last date,
Returning to that formlesse masse,
Which was before ought formed was:
Starres shall with starres confusedly,
In clusters meet within the skye:
The fiery Element displac't,
Shall downe into the deepe be cast:
The massy globe in this disease,
Denie due bounds vnto the seas:
Belphœbe will runne counter quite
To Titan, that doth lend her light:
And (scorning her owne oblique way)
Would guide the Lanthorne of the day.
So that the course of this vaste All,
Into confusions lappe will fall.
For Ioue to great things this doome left,
They should be crusht with their owne heft.
Fortune doth scorne to cast a frowne
On those, that meane estate keepes downe:
But enuies those that lofty stand,
Empiring ouer sea and land.
O Rome! then bondage pressed thee,
When thou wert first made slaue to three.
Diuided kingdomes staggring stand,
One Scepter fits one soueraigne hand.
That did this humorous rage incite:
A taske that will much labour cost,
To shew what franticke feuers tost
This peoples moode, to raue in spoyle,
And banish peace from Latium soyle.
It was conspiring Destiny,
The bane of all felicity:
And that which is by heauenly reed,
As doome to greatnesse still decreed,
Not long to stand in setled state:
But, being too much eleuate,
The owne paize must it ruinate:
And Rome her selfe, too powrfull growne,
With insolence was ouer-throwne.
So when by great resistlesse Fate,
The world dissolues to her last date,
Returning to that formlesse masse,
Which was before ought formed was:
Starres shall with starres confusedly,
In clusters meet within the skye:
The fiery Element displac't,
Shall downe into the deepe be cast:
The massy globe in this disease,
Denie due bounds vnto the seas:
Belphœbe will runne counter quite
To Titan, that doth lend her light:
And (scorning her owne oblique way)
6
So that the course of this vaste All,
Into confusions lappe will fall.
For Ioue to great things this doome left,
They should be crusht with their owne heft.
Fortune doth scorne to cast a frowne
On those, that meane estate keepes downe:
But enuies those that lofty stand,
Empiring ouer sea and land.
O Rome! then bondage pressed thee,
When thou wert first made slaue to three.
Diuided kingdomes staggring stand,
One Scepter fits one soueraigne hand.
O yee contentious Roman knights,
Whom blinde Ambition so incites!
What solace yeelds that Soueraignty
That's gain'd with such hostility
As doth your hands and hearts diuide,
And turmoiles all the world beside?
But otherwise it neuer sorts:
For whilst the land the seas supports;
Or that the Aire (in heats and colds)
The Earth in her soft mantle folds:
And Phœbus shall maintaine his race,
Or Cinthia supply his place,
So long Competitors of States
(In iealousie) shall cloke debates.
Faith holds not firme twixt crowned Mates.
We need not farre examples seeke,
What other clymate breedes the like:
For when Rome first her walles ordain'd,
With brothers blood they were distain'd.
Yet all the whole worlds worth, that time,
Could not requite so foule a crime.
A petty structure (scarce begun)
Hath this fraternall outrage spun.
Our two great Chiefetaines (for a space)
A iarring concord did embrace.
And so an outward peace maintain'd,
Which their ambitious hopes disdain'd.
But Crassus power doth interpose,
And hold them off from fatall blowes.
Like Istmos, that diuided keepes
The raging concurse of the deepes,
And doth so strongly part the waues,
That each with other neuer raues.
But if this Istmos breake asunder,
How would th' Ægean billowes thunder,
Incountering the Ionian seas,
And struggle with their counterpaise?
So Crassus whilst he was a life,
Held these two worthies off from strife;
And (with perswasiue powerfull words)
Within their sheathes confin'd their swords.
But when the haplesse Carran fight,
Brought Crassus to his latest night,
This Parthian blow dissolu'd the Chaine
That did these head-strong Peeres restraine;
And bred more scath vnto our state
Then it was ware (by home-debate:)
For now the Roman Lordly guides
Diuide themselues in factious sides:
And our great fortune, that had long
Subsisted by a people strong,
That conquered worlds on seas and maine,
Could not two haughty mindes containe:
For Iulia (with like cruell fate
Vntimely brought vnto her date,
By Atrops life-destroying hands)
Dissolu'd the neere-allianc'd bands
Betwixt her father, and her spouse,
Forgetting their contracted vowes.
Whereas if Iulias line of life
Had longer scap't the fatall knife;
Euen she had beene of power alone,
Betwixt them two to make attone,
And from insulting force to cease,
With ioyning armed hands in peace;
As did the Sabines daughters earst,
Who sweetly all dislikes dispearst
Betwixt their Fathers and their Pheeres:
But by thy death these pride-swolne Peeres,
Shake off all leagues, and straine to warres,
Where vertue emulates it iarres.
Whom blinde Ambition so incites!
What solace yeelds that Soueraignty
That's gain'd with such hostility
As doth your hands and hearts diuide,
And turmoiles all the world beside?
But otherwise it neuer sorts:
For whilst the land the seas supports;
Or that the Aire (in heats and colds)
The Earth in her soft mantle folds:
And Phœbus shall maintaine his race,
Or Cinthia supply his place,
So long Competitors of States
(In iealousie) shall cloke debates.
Faith holds not firme twixt crowned Mates.
We need not farre examples seeke,
What other clymate breedes the like:
For when Rome first her walles ordain'd,
With brothers blood they were distain'd.
Yet all the whole worlds worth, that time,
Could not requite so foule a crime.
A petty structure (scarce begun)
Hath this fraternall outrage spun.
Our two great Chiefetaines (for a space)
A iarring concord did embrace.
And so an outward peace maintain'd,
Which their ambitious hopes disdain'd.
7
And hold them off from fatall blowes.
Like Istmos, that diuided keepes
The raging concurse of the deepes,
And doth so strongly part the waues,
That each with other neuer raues.
But if this Istmos breake asunder,
How would th' Ægean billowes thunder,
Incountering the Ionian seas,
And struggle with their counterpaise?
So Crassus whilst he was a life,
Held these two worthies off from strife;
And (with perswasiue powerfull words)
Within their sheathes confin'd their swords.
But when the haplesse Carran fight,
Brought Crassus to his latest night,
This Parthian blow dissolu'd the Chaine
That did these head-strong Peeres restraine;
And bred more scath vnto our state
Then it was ware (by home-debate:)
For now the Roman Lordly guides
Diuide themselues in factious sides:
And our great fortune, that had long
Subsisted by a people strong,
That conquered worlds on seas and maine,
Could not two haughty mindes containe:
For Iulia (with like cruell fate
Vntimely brought vnto her date,
By Atrops life-destroying hands)
Dissolu'd the neere-allianc'd bands
Betwixt her father, and her spouse,
Forgetting their contracted vowes.
Whereas if Iulias line of life
Had longer scap't the fatall knife;
Euen she had beene of power alone,
Betwixt them two to make attone,
And from insulting force to cease,
With ioyning armed hands in peace;
As did the Sabines daughters earst,
Who sweetly all dislikes dispearst
8
But by thy death these pride-swolne Peeres,
Shake off all leagues, and straine to warres,
Where vertue emulates it iarres.
For thou great Pompey dost suspect,
That new-raisd triumphes thine deiect,
And that thy Pyrate-Laurell falles
Short of the conquest of the Gaules.
Thus the remembrance of thy deeds,
In thee so great impatience breeds,
As that thou holdst it fowle disgrace
Except thou runne a matchlesse race,
None now endures a second place.
For Pompey will no equall haue,
Nor supreme Lord must Cæsar braue.
Heynous it was, but to be scand,
Which of them in the right did stand:
And tooke vp Armes with iust pretence,
Great Iudges doe with both dispence.
The conquering part the Gods avowes,
Cato the vanquished allowes:
Th' ambition of these captaines tends
Not to the like and selfe-same ends.
Pompey (surpris'd with elder yeares)
His course in quiet glory steeres.
And (keeping state in peacefull gowne)
Followes not Mart for more renowne.
He dotes vpon domesticke fame,
And so (to glorifie his name)
To State-affaires doth frame his bent.
And then (to giue the world content)
With largesse plyes the common Rowt,
And, on the Theaters, sets out
His great exployts, and seruice done
Till through the peoples eares it runne,
Suffis'd when their applause is wonne.
No new imployments he requests;
But on his fore-past fortunes rests.
So Pompeyes name is like a shade,
That by a stately Oke is made,
Towring amidst a flowring field,
Adorn'd with many a battred shield,
With Trophies hanging on his twists,
(The gifts of famous Martialists)
And though not rooted deepe in land,
With his owne weight vpright doth stand:
With leauelesse armes spreading his spraies
From naked trunkes doth shadowes raise.
Yet (brangling with tempestuous blast)
Is danger'd to be ouer-cast:
When other trees, growne round about,
Against the windes standing more stout,
To this old Oke doe lowly lowt.
But Cæsars name (in mens conceit)
Was not yet growne vnto that height,
Nor for the warres in like request:
And yet his vertue cannot rest,
But prickes him forth to thinke it shame,
By valour not to winne the game.
His dreadlesse courage, and his hope
Vnto his plots, gaue ample scope
Neuer to spare his daring sword,
Where glory might him worke affoord,
And his success-full fate pursue,
Which in heauens fauour daily grew.
Affecting all, daunts as him lists,
What force soeuer him resists,
Contented best when that he may
Leuell out paths for Ruines way.
Like lightning, gendred in the Clouds,
By force of winde it selfe vnshroudes,
Teares through the aire with claps of thunder,
(Mazing the world twixt feare and wonder.)
The Temples filles with oblique flashes,
And of their lampes the lights out dashes,
The strongest walles asunder rents,
If they resist, or stop his vents,
And spoyling all, makes Reuell-rout
In going in, and comming out;
Collects his parted flames againe,
And with fresh force doth striue and straine,
Gainst which resistance all is vaine.
That new-raisd triumphes thine deiect,
And that thy Pyrate-Laurell falles
Short of the conquest of the Gaules.
Thus the remembrance of thy deeds,
In thee so great impatience breeds,
As that thou holdst it fowle disgrace
Except thou runne a matchlesse race,
None now endures a second place.
For Pompey will no equall haue,
Nor supreme Lord must Cæsar braue.
Heynous it was, but to be scand,
Which of them in the right did stand:
And tooke vp Armes with iust pretence,
Great Iudges doe with both dispence.
The conquering part the Gods avowes,
Cato the vanquished allowes:
Th' ambition of these captaines tends
Not to the like and selfe-same ends.
Pompey (surpris'd with elder yeares)
His course in quiet glory steeres.
And (keeping state in peacefull gowne)
Followes not Mart for more renowne.
He dotes vpon domesticke fame,
And so (to glorifie his name)
To State-affaires doth frame his bent.
And then (to giue the world content)
With largesse plyes the common Rowt,
And, on the Theaters, sets out
His great exployts, and seruice done
Till through the peoples eares it runne,
Suffis'd when their applause is wonne.
No new imployments he requests;
But on his fore-past fortunes rests.
So Pompeyes name is like a shade,
That by a stately Oke is made,
9
Adorn'd with many a battred shield,
With Trophies hanging on his twists,
(The gifts of famous Martialists)
And though not rooted deepe in land,
With his owne weight vpright doth stand:
With leauelesse armes spreading his spraies
From naked trunkes doth shadowes raise.
Yet (brangling with tempestuous blast)
Is danger'd to be ouer-cast:
When other trees, growne round about,
Against the windes standing more stout,
To this old Oke doe lowly lowt.
But Cæsars name (in mens conceit)
Was not yet growne vnto that height,
Nor for the warres in like request:
And yet his vertue cannot rest,
But prickes him forth to thinke it shame,
By valour not to winne the game.
His dreadlesse courage, and his hope
Vnto his plots, gaue ample scope
Neuer to spare his daring sword,
Where glory might him worke affoord,
And his success-full fate pursue,
Which in heauens fauour daily grew.
Affecting all, daunts as him lists,
What force soeuer him resists,
Contented best when that he may
Leuell out paths for Ruines way.
Like lightning, gendred in the Clouds,
By force of winde it selfe vnshroudes,
Teares through the aire with claps of thunder,
(Mazing the world twixt feare and wonder.)
The Temples filles with oblique flashes,
And of their lampes the lights out dashes,
The strongest walles asunder rents,
If they resist, or stop his vents,
And spoyling all, makes Reuell-rout
In going in, and comming out;
Collects his parted flames againe,
10
Gainst which resistance all is vaine.
These former motiues led the way
Vnto these Captaines lawlesse sway.
But publique seeds were after sowne,
From whence this banefull strife is growne
Which hath great Kingdoms ouerthrowne.
O this was it when conquering Fates
Had made vs Lords of mighty states,
And cloyd vs with aboundant treasure,
We steept our thoughts in pride & pleasure.
Then Luxurie the State surpriz'd,
And vertuous manners grew disguis'd:
For Auarice (that rauening gull,
Who more she hath, the lesse is full)
To stately mansions drawes their mindes,
And Gluttony new dainties findes;
The moderate dyet not regarded,
Our appetite must now bee larded.
So men from manly humors fall,
And grew effeminate withall:
Decking themselues with queint attires,
Scarce fit for womens nice desires.
Then Pouerty (that had of yore
Of worthy Champions bred such store)
Did scorned creepe from doore to doore.
And Riches (michiefes pleasing guest)
Then onely grew into request
Pamperd Delight spares for no charge.
Their Territories they inlarge.
Camyllus Plow eares not their lands,
Nor Curios spades will fit their hands.
Their bounds no measure can endure,
And strangers must their farmes manure:
And yet this opulent increase,
Could not containe their mindes in peace:
But as their plenty more did flow,
Ambition with it more did grow.
And many vices more to boote,
Which in them tooke so deepe a roote,
That Couetyse no crime was thought,
What force could win, was held as bought.
Oppression all doth ouer-awe,
And wrong to right prescribeth law.
Then Faction vshers on this warre,
The Senate with the people iarre.
Force doth authorize their decrees,
The lawes their sacred freedome leese,
Consuls with Tribunes now contest,
Priuate respects their censures wrest,
All suffrages are bought and priz'd,
The Consulships are Merchandiz'd,
And Bribery (the Cities bane)
Did Campus Martius so prophane,
That her braue Palmes (the Victors hire)
The purses vertue did acquire.
Then Vsuryes moth-eating trade
So rife was growne, and lawlesse made,
That Debters, at the payment day,
To Creditors became a pray.
So Banque-rupts (wanting meanes to liue)
Their hopes to warre and spoyle did giue.
Vnto these Captaines lawlesse sway.
But publique seeds were after sowne,
From whence this banefull strife is growne
Which hath great Kingdoms ouerthrowne.
O this was it when conquering Fates
Had made vs Lords of mighty states,
And cloyd vs with aboundant treasure,
We steept our thoughts in pride & pleasure.
Then Luxurie the State surpriz'd,
And vertuous manners grew disguis'd:
For Auarice (that rauening gull,
Who more she hath, the lesse is full)
To stately mansions drawes their mindes,
And Gluttony new dainties findes;
The moderate dyet not regarded,
Our appetite must now bee larded.
So men from manly humors fall,
And grew effeminate withall:
Decking themselues with queint attires,
Scarce fit for womens nice desires.
Then Pouerty (that had of yore
Of worthy Champions bred such store)
Did scorned creepe from doore to doore.
And Riches (michiefes pleasing guest)
Then onely grew into request
Pamperd Delight spares for no charge.
Their Territories they inlarge.
Camyllus Plow eares not their lands,
Nor Curios spades will fit their hands.
Their bounds no measure can endure,
And strangers must their farmes manure:
And yet this opulent increase,
Could not containe their mindes in peace:
But as their plenty more did flow,
Ambition with it more did grow.
And many vices more to boote,
Which in them tooke so deepe a roote,
11
What force could win, was held as bought.
Oppression all doth ouer-awe,
And wrong to right prescribeth law.
Then Faction vshers on this warre,
The Senate with the people iarre.
Force doth authorize their decrees,
The lawes their sacred freedome leese,
Consuls with Tribunes now contest,
Priuate respects their censures wrest,
All suffrages are bought and priz'd,
The Consulships are Merchandiz'd,
And Bribery (the Cities bane)
Did Campus Martius so prophane,
That her braue Palmes (the Victors hire)
The purses vertue did acquire.
Then Vsuryes moth-eating trade
So rife was growne, and lawlesse made,
That Debters, at the payment day,
To Creditors became a pray.
So Banque-rupts (wanting meanes to liue)
Their hopes to warre and spoyle did giue.
Now Cæsars Army marcheth fast,
And ore the frosty Alpes was past:
But ere he said, The dyce are cast,
Within his troubled thoughts he scand
The boysterous stormes of warres at hand:
And (hauing led his legions on
Vnto the Riuer Rubicon)
In gloomy night there did appeare
(In dreames to him with trembling cheere)
Of Italy the Image vaste,
With naked Armes abroad out cast.
And (as a woman in distresse)
Shaking her head, and fettred tresse,
That was ingrain'd with aged hoare,
In sobbing speech doth thus deplore.
Whither (quoth she) doth your march tend?
Whither (deere sonnes) and to what end
My famous Standard do you spread?
Can lawfully these Troopes be led
Vnto this place prohibited?
Therewith did Horrors heauinesse
This Captaines spirits so oppresse,
As that his haire stood vp an end,
And faintnesse doth his pace suspend.
Then at the Riuers brinke he stayes,
And with a manly voyce he sayes:
Great Thunderer, that dost protect
(From thy Tarpeyan high prospect)
The Romane State with grace diuine,
The Iulian and the Latine Line,
The mysteries of rap't Quirine;
O Iupiter the Latium guide,
That in high Alba dost reside,
Preseruer of our Vestall flame;
And Rome (thou type of supreame name)
From your applause doe not exempt
This enterprise, that I attempt.
I doe not I, with furious armes,
(Deare Citty) seeke thy wrackes or harmes.
Behold thy Cæsar here doth stand,
That hath (with his success-full hand)
Conquer'd for thee by sea and land.
Let me thy Champion now be hight,
And deeme him heynous in thy sight,
That me prouokes to such debate,
As must disturbe thy setled state.
This said, he shakes off all delay
That might his speedy passage stay:
His armed legions he will guide
Vnto the Riuers further side:
And as a Lybian Lyon dread,
(In sun-burnt Desarts bloody bred)
When Hunters neere at hand he spyes,
Vpon the sandy soyle downe lies,
And doth a while amaz'd remaine,
Till his fierce courage comes againe;
Then rouzing vp his curled crest,
His beesom'd tayle, and boysterous breast,
From yawning iawes (besmear'd with gore)
Doth bellow out a hideous rore.
If then the Mauritanian launce
Vpon his rugged hide doe glaunce,
Or in his wounded bleeding side,
The Hunters Iauelin doe abide;
He carelesse then for losse of blood,
Assailes (with ramping fiery mood)
The Huntsman; and (with out stretcht pawes)
By force at last himselfe withdrawes.
And ore the frosty Alpes was past:
But ere he said, The dyce are cast,
Within his troubled thoughts he scand
The boysterous stormes of warres at hand:
And (hauing led his legions on
Vnto the Riuer Rubicon)
In gloomy night there did appeare
(In dreames to him with trembling cheere)
Of Italy the Image vaste,
With naked Armes abroad out cast.
And (as a woman in distresse)
Shaking her head, and fettred tresse,
That was ingrain'd with aged hoare,
In sobbing speech doth thus deplore.
Whither (quoth she) doth your march tend?
Whither (deere sonnes) and to what end
My famous Standard do you spread?
12
Vnto this place prohibited?
Therewith did Horrors heauinesse
This Captaines spirits so oppresse,
As that his haire stood vp an end,
And faintnesse doth his pace suspend.
Then at the Riuers brinke he stayes,
And with a manly voyce he sayes:
Great Thunderer, that dost protect
(From thy Tarpeyan high prospect)
The Romane State with grace diuine,
The Iulian and the Latine Line,
The mysteries of rap't Quirine;
O Iupiter the Latium guide,
That in high Alba dost reside,
Preseruer of our Vestall flame;
And Rome (thou type of supreame name)
From your applause doe not exempt
This enterprise, that I attempt.
I doe not I, with furious armes,
(Deare Citty) seeke thy wrackes or harmes.
Behold thy Cæsar here doth stand,
That hath (with his success-full hand)
Conquer'd for thee by sea and land.
Let me thy Champion now be hight,
And deeme him heynous in thy sight,
That me prouokes to such debate,
As must disturbe thy setled state.
This said, he shakes off all delay
That might his speedy passage stay:
His armed legions he will guide
Vnto the Riuers further side:
And as a Lybian Lyon dread,
(In sun-burnt Desarts bloody bred)
When Hunters neere at hand he spyes,
Vpon the sandy soyle downe lies,
And doth a while amaz'd remaine,
Till his fierce courage comes againe;
Then rouzing vp his curled crest,
His beesom'd tayle, and boysterous breast,
13
Doth bellow out a hideous rore.
If then the Mauritanian launce
Vpon his rugged hide doe glaunce,
Or in his wounded bleeding side,
The Hunters Iauelin doe abide;
He carelesse then for losse of blood,
Assailes (with ramping fiery mood)
The Huntsman; and (with out stretcht pawes)
By force at last himselfe withdrawes.
Cleare Rubicon (that first is fed
But from a bubling fountaines head)
During the time of Summers sunne,
With a low shallow streame doth runne:
His current through the valleys glides,
And Italy from Gaule diuides.
But at this time his source was more,
The Winters raine increast his store.
The Moone likewise (but yong in dayes)
His feeding springs doth higher raise.
And that which made him most to swell,
Were molten heapes of snow that fell
From downe the Alpes in torrents great,
Dissolued by some gentle heate.
The Horse-men first the worke doe wage,
And of the streame the shallowes gage.
And with thicke Troopes in close arrayes,
The swiftnesse of the torrent stayes.
The passage thus more easie made,
The Foote doth through the riuer wade.
Cæsar his Army thus at last
Forbidden Rubicon hath past;
And standing on th' Hesperian bankes,
Thus spake he to his filed Rankes.
Heere doe I now all peace abiure,
And lawes vniustly put in vre.
O Fortune! I will follow thee,
From other bonds my selfe I free.
In Fate my trust I doe affye,
Warre (as a Iudge) my cause shall trye.
No more he said, but (with dispach)
At the approach of nights first watch,
His well-train'd Troopes he doth prepare,
Who in their march as speedy are
As motions of Balarian slings,
That circling through the thin aire sings.
Or showres of shafts at Parths let flye,
When they retire, that dimme the sky:
His March with such great speede hee plies,
As doth Ariminum surprise.
Phœbus by this, with dawning light,
Obscured had the lampes of night;
And now the dismall day begunne,
Wherein his first attempt was done
Vpon this Cittie, that doth stand
A frontier of Italian land.
And whether Fates did so fore-cast,
Or foggy-faced Austers blast
Did scoule vpon this wretched fact,
The aire with misty clouds was pact.
The Towne thus suddenly possest,
The Market-place they doe inuest.
Where their braue Ensignes proudly stands,
Guarded with many armed bands.
The Trumpets (with their dreadfull notes
Drawn through their hoarse Meandry throat:
Mixt with tempestuous noyse of warres)
The Burgers with Alarums skarres.
Their state, which was secure at night,
By dawne of day was in this fright.
The youth amaz'd, their beds forsake,
And to the Temples them betake.
Where they doe arme them in a stownd,
With such munitions as they found,
Which in long peace hang'd on the walles
Idle, vn-vsd to Martiall brawles.
The Shields, that were of ancient dates,
VVorme-eaten to the very plates.
Their Piles with heads blunted and bowd,
Their glaiues the cankered rust did cloud.
But from a bubling fountaines head)
During the time of Summers sunne,
With a low shallow streame doth runne:
His current through the valleys glides,
And Italy from Gaule diuides.
But at this time his source was more,
The Winters raine increast his store.
The Moone likewise (but yong in dayes)
His feeding springs doth higher raise.
And that which made him most to swell,
Were molten heapes of snow that fell
From downe the Alpes in torrents great,
Dissolued by some gentle heate.
The Horse-men first the worke doe wage,
And of the streame the shallowes gage.
And with thicke Troopes in close arrayes,
The swiftnesse of the torrent stayes.
The passage thus more easie made,
The Foote doth through the riuer wade.
Cæsar his Army thus at last
Forbidden Rubicon hath past;
And standing on th' Hesperian bankes,
Thus spake he to his filed Rankes.
Heere doe I now all peace abiure,
And lawes vniustly put in vre.
O Fortune! I will follow thee,
From other bonds my selfe I free.
In Fate my trust I doe affye,
Warre (as a Iudge) my cause shall trye.
14
At the approach of nights first watch,
His well-train'd Troopes he doth prepare,
Who in their march as speedy are
As motions of Balarian slings,
That circling through the thin aire sings.
Or showres of shafts at Parths let flye,
When they retire, that dimme the sky:
His March with such great speede hee plies,
As doth Ariminum surprise.
Phœbus by this, with dawning light,
Obscured had the lampes of night;
And now the dismall day begunne,
Wherein his first attempt was done
Vpon this Cittie, that doth stand
A frontier of Italian land.
And whether Fates did so fore-cast,
Or foggy-faced Austers blast
Did scoule vpon this wretched fact,
The aire with misty clouds was pact.
The Towne thus suddenly possest,
The Market-place they doe inuest.
Where their braue Ensignes proudly stands,
Guarded with many armed bands.
The Trumpets (with their dreadfull notes
Drawn through their hoarse Meandry throat:
Mixt with tempestuous noyse of warres)
The Burgers with Alarums skarres.
Their state, which was secure at night,
By dawne of day was in this fright.
The youth amaz'd, their beds forsake,
And to the Temples them betake.
Where they doe arme them in a stownd,
With such munitions as they found,
Which in long peace hang'd on the walles
Idle, vn-vsd to Martiall brawles.
The Shields, that were of ancient dates,
VVorme-eaten to the very plates.
Their Piles with heads blunted and bowd,
Their glaiues the cankered rust did cloud.
15
But when the Egle was displaid,
And Cæsar (in bright Armes arrayd)
Mounted vpon a Throne of State,
In midst of his sterne Legions sate;
The Cittizens then silent were,
Their senses rap't with numming feare,
A patient silence them possest,
Whilst these sad mones boyle in their brest.
What dismall Planets wrathfull frowne,
So neere the Gaules, confin'd our Towne?
What Destiny (with endlesse toyle)
First drew vs to this fatall soyle?
In peace all people liue secure:
But we in peace must warres endure,
To Out-rage we are still a pray,
Our seate stands so in Harmes high-way.
O Fortune! more had we beene blest,
In dwelling farthest East or West:
Or neere the Pole to haue our homes:
Or else in Tents, that wandring roames;
Then thus to keepe a Frontier gate
Of Italies enuied state.
We first did see that great deluge
Of the fierce Senons Army huge.
VVe first endur'd the Cymbrian brunt,
Er'e Marius force did them confrunt.
And frightfull bruted Hanniball,
Did at his entrance on vs fall.
Then sauage Troopes of Teuton swarmes,
Infested vs with hostile armes.
And thus as oft as lowring Fate
Did please to scourge the Roman state,
(By raising vp some powerfull foe)
This was the way that Warre did goe.
These sower accounts that them attaint,
They swallow vp without complaint.
And so their discontentment hide,
Heart-breaking sorrow is tongue-ty'd.
But looke what silence doth possesse
The aire, when Winter doth distresse
The singing birds, and them restraines
From vtt'ring their melodious vaines:
Or else as calmes the billowes bindes,
Not being mou'd with gusts of windes,
Such stiffnes ceas'd their grief-bound minds.
This dayes worke done, and ouer-past,
And following night growne to his last,
The Sunne his Chariot Eastward hies,
And with his beames doth cleare the skies.
Cæsar (that doubtfull yet remain'd
Before this entrance he had gain'd)
Is now, in hot bloud, fully bent
To follow on his bold attempt.
The Fates likewise his humour drawes
Dreadlesse to breake all leagues and lawes.
And Fortune (whose he was avowd)
His enterprise, as iust, allowd;
And motiue reasons doth prouide
To trust to Armes, lest worse betide.
The iealous Senate now fore-cast
What danger former times had past
By the seditious Gracchian fact,
That with the people were compact,
And thereupon (against all right)
The Court, with ouer-bearing might,
Those Tribunes presently expell,
Whose power did in the Citty swell,
And with the Senate so contest,
For Cæsars right, against their hest:
The fiered Tribunes (thus disgrac't)
Forthwith to Cæsars campe did hast.
But he, that felt himselfe most strong
Was Curio, that, (with bribed tongue)
The Senate so much had vpbrayd,
And peoples voyce for Cæsar swayd.
And he no sooner was arriu'd
At Cæsars Campe (of feare depriu'd)
To Cæsar he himselfe presents,
Whom many carefull thoughts torments,
In plotting of these warres euents.
And Cæsar (in bright Armes arrayd)
Mounted vpon a Throne of State,
In midst of his sterne Legions sate;
The Cittizens then silent were,
Their senses rap't with numming feare,
A patient silence them possest,
Whilst these sad mones boyle in their brest.
What dismall Planets wrathfull frowne,
So neere the Gaules, confin'd our Towne?
What Destiny (with endlesse toyle)
First drew vs to this fatall soyle?
In peace all people liue secure:
But we in peace must warres endure,
To Out-rage we are still a pray,
Our seate stands so in Harmes high-way.
O Fortune! more had we beene blest,
In dwelling farthest East or West:
Or neere the Pole to haue our homes:
Or else in Tents, that wandring roames;
Then thus to keepe a Frontier gate
Of Italies enuied state.
We first did see that great deluge
Of the fierce Senons Army huge.
VVe first endur'd the Cymbrian brunt,
Er'e Marius force did them confrunt.
And frightfull bruted Hanniball,
Did at his entrance on vs fall.
Then sauage Troopes of Teuton swarmes,
Infested vs with hostile armes.
And thus as oft as lowring Fate
Did please to scourge the Roman state,
(By raising vp some powerfull foe)
This was the way that Warre did goe.
These sower accounts that them attaint,
They swallow vp without complaint.
And so their discontentment hide,
Heart-breaking sorrow is tongue-ty'd.
But looke what silence doth possesse
The aire, when Winter doth distresse
16
From vtt'ring their melodious vaines:
Or else as calmes the billowes bindes,
Not being mou'd with gusts of windes,
Such stiffnes ceas'd their grief-bound minds.
This dayes worke done, and ouer-past,
And following night growne to his last,
The Sunne his Chariot Eastward hies,
And with his beames doth cleare the skies.
Cæsar (that doubtfull yet remain'd
Before this entrance he had gain'd)
Is now, in hot bloud, fully bent
To follow on his bold attempt.
The Fates likewise his humour drawes
Dreadlesse to breake all leagues and lawes.
And Fortune (whose he was avowd)
His enterprise, as iust, allowd;
And motiue reasons doth prouide
To trust to Armes, lest worse betide.
The iealous Senate now fore-cast
What danger former times had past
By the seditious Gracchian fact,
That with the people were compact,
And thereupon (against all right)
The Court, with ouer-bearing might,
Those Tribunes presently expell,
Whose power did in the Citty swell,
And with the Senate so contest,
For Cæsars right, against their hest:
The fiered Tribunes (thus disgrac't)
Forthwith to Cæsars campe did hast.
But he, that felt himselfe most strong
Was Curio, that, (with bribed tongue)
The Senate so much had vpbrayd,
And peoples voyce for Cæsar swayd.
And he no sooner was arriu'd
At Cæsars Campe (of feare depriu'd)
To Cæsar he himselfe presents,
Whom many carefull thoughts torments,
In plotting of these warres euents.
17
Cæsar, quoth he, whilst Iustice, lawes
Gaue vpright hearing to thy cause;
And that a truthfull tongue might speake,
So long my words the yce did breake:
And durst confront thy proudest foes,
Yea though the Senate did oppose.
For whilst I might (as Tribune) pleade
The peoples voyce so did I lead,
That thou hadst their applauses all,
A longer time to gouerne Gaule.
But after this the Senates might
(Against all law with scornfull spight)
Vs as a factious party held,
And from our natiue Rome expeld:
Which out-rage and oppressiue scorne,
With greater patience wee haue borne;
In hope that thy victorious arme
Their Dung-hill crowing so will charme,
As shall our liberties restore
Free Roman Tribunes, as before.
Now therefore whilst surprising frights
Possesse thy foes, and daunts their sprights:
Whilst they confusd (twixt hope and feare)
Know not on suddaine how to reare
Such valiant Troopes, and trained Bands,
As now are vnder Cæsars hands;
Slacke thou no time: Fate guides thy game,
To men prepar'd, delay is shame:
And doe but to remembrance call
The dangers past in conquering Gaule,
Thy toyles that thou didst vnder-goe,
Before thou couldst subdue that foe;
And then compare it with this taske,
Which doth but resolution aske;
And thou shalt finde this of lesse paine,
But greater much in glorious gaine.
Couldst thou ten yeares on Gallia spare,
So poore to Rome in all compare;
And canst thou thinke lesse time worse spent,
To win the whole world to thy bent?
Fortune (that still with thee abounds)
When thou dost march, her Trumpet sounds:
Then to this worke with courage fall,
In conquering Rome thou conquerst all.
But as the case now stands with thee,
No Triumphes will allowed be
At thy returne, for seruice done,
Nor Laurels worne for Gallia wonne.
Enuy (that doth at vertue spurne)
Will at thy triumph rather mourne:
And (which is more to thy disgrace)
The honour of thy name to base.
Thy enuious foes haue plotted prankes
To cut thy conquests short of thankes,
And will in lew thereof, at last,
Some fowle aspersion on thee cast.
Pompey, that matcht thy daughter deere,
Admits thee not his equall Peere,
The Empire must be shar'd twixt none,
But thou mayst haue it all alone.
Gaue vpright hearing to thy cause;
And that a truthfull tongue might speake,
So long my words the yce did breake:
And durst confront thy proudest foes,
Yea though the Senate did oppose.
For whilst I might (as Tribune) pleade
The peoples voyce so did I lead,
That thou hadst their applauses all,
A longer time to gouerne Gaule.
But after this the Senates might
(Against all law with scornfull spight)
Vs as a factious party held,
And from our natiue Rome expeld:
Which out-rage and oppressiue scorne,
With greater patience wee haue borne;
In hope that thy victorious arme
Their Dung-hill crowing so will charme,
As shall our liberties restore
Free Roman Tribunes, as before.
Now therefore whilst surprising frights
Possesse thy foes, and daunts their sprights:
Whilst they confusd (twixt hope and feare)
Know not on suddaine how to reare
Such valiant Troopes, and trained Bands,
As now are vnder Cæsars hands;
Slacke thou no time: Fate guides thy game,
To men prepar'd, delay is shame:
And doe but to remembrance call
The dangers past in conquering Gaule,
Thy toyles that thou didst vnder-goe,
Before thou couldst subdue that foe;
And then compare it with this taske,
Which doth but resolution aske;
And thou shalt finde this of lesse paine,
But greater much in glorious gaine.
Couldst thou ten yeares on Gallia spare,
So poore to Rome in all compare;
And canst thou thinke lesse time worse spent,
To win the whole world to thy bent?
18
When thou dost march, her Trumpet sounds:
Then to this worke with courage fall,
In conquering Rome thou conquerst all.
But as the case now stands with thee,
No Triumphes will allowed be
At thy returne, for seruice done,
Nor Laurels worne for Gallia wonne.
Enuy (that doth at vertue spurne)
Will at thy triumph rather mourne:
And (which is more to thy disgrace)
The honour of thy name to base.
Thy enuious foes haue plotted prankes
To cut thy conquests short of thankes,
And will in lew thereof, at last,
Some fowle aspersion on thee cast.
Pompey, that matcht thy daughter deere,
Admits thee not his equall Peere,
The Empire must be shar'd twixt none,
But thou mayst haue it all alone.
This speech of Curio sets on fire
The minde of Cæsar, whose desire
Before to warre was fully set,
But with these words more sharply whet.
Like a proud Courser bred in Thrace,
Accustom'd to the running race,
Who when he heares the Trumpets noyse,
The shouts and cryes of men and boyes,
(Though in the stable close vp-pent)
Yet, with his hoofes, doth beat and rent
The planched floore, the barres and chaines,
Vntill he haue got loose the raines.
The minde of Cæsar, whose desire
Before to warre was fully set,
But with these words more sharply whet.
Like a proud Courser bred in Thrace,
Accustom'd to the running race,
Who when he heares the Trumpets noyse,
The shouts and cryes of men and boyes,
(Though in the stable close vp-pent)
Yet, with his hoofes, doth beat and rent
The planched floore, the barres and chaines,
Vntill he haue got loose the raines.
Cæsar forthwith his troopes doth call,
T'attend him at his Tribunall:
And euery Ensigne to be man'd,
And followed with his armed band.
So in the midst his place he takes:
Then head and hand he beckning shakes,
And therewithall deepe silence makes.
T'attend him at his Tribunall:
And euery Ensigne to be man'd,
And followed with his armed band.
So in the midst his place he takes:
Then head and hand he beckning shakes,
And therewithall deepe silence makes.
Fellowes in Armes and friends (quoth he)
That haue this ten yeares space, with me,
In warres endur'd a thousand brunts,
With many hazards, and affronts;
And yet haue brought our foes at length
Vnder our feet, by conquering strength.
Is this that Curio now relates,
All the esteeme the Roman States
Doth make of vs, and our lost blood,
Expended for the Empires good,
By conquest of this Northerne soyle?
Is this the hire of all our toyle
About the frosty Alpes endur'd,
That many a Worthies bane procur'd?
Though Rome so scorne her Martiall breed,
Yet is she now as hard besteed,
As when the Carthaginian sway
Ouer the Alpes did force a way.
Her wasted Cohorts are supplyd
With men, that warre hath neuer try'd:
But meere Besognios prest in hast.
And now the woods are feld as fast
To build a Nauy out of hand:
And Cæsar (as I vnderstand)
Must be pursu'd by sea and land.
But now suppose some man will say,
What if (in one vnlucky day)
When we doe hope to giue a blow,
Our selues receiue the ouer-throw?
And that the Gaules (to venge their wrackes)
With furious swarmes come on our backes?
Alas poore sprights! what doubts are these?
Since Fortune swayes which way I please,
And alwayes prospers my designes?
And that the Gods their grace inclines
Our glory higher to aduance?
When Fortune pipes, shall we not dance?
Let Pompey (whom dis-vse hath made
A stranger to Bellona's trade)
Come on, with his new swaggering host,
Which cannot of one Skirmish boast.
Let Senators (in their graue gownes)
Brow-beat vs with their haughty frownes.
And Marcell, that same pratling Iay,
With Stoicke Cato, that giues way
To nought but what himselfe doth say:
Let all this rabble shew their spight,
We scorne their malice, and their might.
Shall these consorts (for money bought)
Pompey to please, set vs at nought?
Shall they so proudly vndertake
In him a Monarchy to make?
Must our great Empires supreme sway,
Him onely serue, and sole obay?
Must he (with new insulting pride)
Againe in Triumphes Chariot ride?
When no man knowes for what, or why;
But all due course doth it deny?
What, must he neuer quit againe
The rule, that once he doth attaine?
Nor suffer others haue their turne?
Must he at all mens honours spurne?
Who liueth now that doth not know
The famine that did ouer-flow
By publicke dearth of corne and bread,
Whereby his auarice was fed?
Who knowes not that (by his affront
Contrary to the Roman wont)
The Iudges, in the Market-place,
Assaulted were with foule disgrace?
And with what pride he bolstred out
The out-rage of that rascall rout?
And how, by maine oppressing might,
(Against all law and ciuill right)
Milo, that so condemned stood,
For fouly shedding Clodius blood,
By Pompeys rude presumptious bands,
Was rescu'd out of Iustice hands?
But now, he waxing old and craz'd,
Yet still affecting to bee blaz'd,
And fearing that his date, farre spent,
Will grow vnfit for gouernment,
Lothing to lead a priuate life,
Now makes new worke for ciuill strife:
Wherein he trained is so well,
As that he doth by farre excell
His Tutor Sylla, bloudy sire,
That mischiefe-monger ruines fire.
And as a Tyger wildly fed,
In the Hyrcanian forrest bred,
Who (following of his rauening damme
With blood of beasts his panch doth cram)
Can neuer afterwards allay
His sauage longing after pray;
So Pompey (nuz'led in the taste
Of Syllas sword, that made such waste
Of his owne countries guiltlesse blood)
Cannot asswage his thirsting mood:
But that his iawes (in-vr'd to gore)
Must bathe in bowels, as before.
Shall his vsurped lawlesse state
Nor limits haue, nor any date?
How long shall he (with hands vncleane)
Support his pride, that holds no meane?
His Maister Sylla might him learne
By (his example) to discerne,
That Tyranny at length should end,
And aged hopes to quyet bend.
Must Cæsar needes giue vp his rest,
Because the Pyrats are supprest,
And Mithridates, with long toyle,
At length receiued hath the foyle?
Although it cannot be deny'd
But Pontus poysons first he try'd.
Shall Cæsar now (I say) be made
A prey to Pompeys rusty blade,
Because I scorned to forgoe
My conquering Legions to my foe?
And disobeyd that proud decree,
Made against right in wrong of me?
But though I be deny'd my due,
And that no Triumphes must acrew
Vnto our conquest, as our hire,
Yet (whilst I breath with liuing fire)
And these braue Troopes are led by me,
They neuer shall defrauded be
Of their reward for seruice done,
Nor after stranger Captaines runne
To seeke new Fortunes at their hands,
In forraigne warres, and vnknowne lands.
For if that such a course be held,
When they be ouer-growne with eld;
And not of force, as earst they were,
To broyle in warres, and armes to beare;
Where shall they then their limbes repose,
Weakned with age, with toyle and blowes?
What comfort should they finde at last,
To recompence their trauailes past?
What lands to them shall be alowd?
What fields to plant, or to be plowd?
Where they in peace may eate their bread,
And rest their limbes in quiet bed?
Shall Pyrats so (by Pompeys grace)
In fruitfull Colonies finde place,
And Roman Veterans not haue
That due regard their worth doth craue?
O then resolue (without delay)
Your conquering Ensignes to display.
Imploy those armes in battailes try'd,
By your owne valour dignify'd.
Vniustly to with-hold a right,
Is to giue all to armed might.
We want not higher powers to frend,
Yet do not I this Mart intend,
Prest on for need, or greedy gaine,
Or else ambitiously to raine;
But to resist that Pride that raues
To make both Rome and vs his slaues.
19
In warres endur'd a thousand brunts,
With many hazards, and affronts;
And yet haue brought our foes at length
Vnder our feet, by conquering strength.
Is this that Curio now relates,
All the esteeme the Roman States
Doth make of vs, and our lost blood,
Expended for the Empires good,
By conquest of this Northerne soyle?
Is this the hire of all our toyle
About the frosty Alpes endur'd,
That many a Worthies bane procur'd?
Though Rome so scorne her Martiall breed,
Yet is she now as hard besteed,
As when the Carthaginian sway
Ouer the Alpes did force a way.
Her wasted Cohorts are supplyd
With men, that warre hath neuer try'd:
But meere Besognios prest in hast.
And now the woods are feld as fast
To build a Nauy out of hand:
And Cæsar (as I vnderstand)
Must be pursu'd by sea and land.
But now suppose some man will say,
What if (in one vnlucky day)
When we doe hope to giue a blow,
Our selues receiue the ouer-throw?
And that the Gaules (to venge their wrackes)
With furious swarmes come on our backes?
Alas poore sprights! what doubts are these?
Since Fortune swayes which way I please,
And alwayes prospers my designes?
And that the Gods their grace inclines
Our glory higher to aduance?
When Fortune pipes, shall we not dance?
Let Pompey (whom dis-vse hath made
A stranger to Bellona's trade)
Come on, with his new swaggering host,
Which cannot of one Skirmish boast.
20
Brow-beat vs with their haughty frownes.
And Marcell, that same pratling Iay,
With Stoicke Cato, that giues way
To nought but what himselfe doth say:
Let all this rabble shew their spight,
We scorne their malice, and their might.
Shall these consorts (for money bought)
Pompey to please, set vs at nought?
Shall they so proudly vndertake
In him a Monarchy to make?
Must our great Empires supreme sway,
Him onely serue, and sole obay?
Must he (with new insulting pride)
Againe in Triumphes Chariot ride?
When no man knowes for what, or why;
But all due course doth it deny?
What, must he neuer quit againe
The rule, that once he doth attaine?
Nor suffer others haue their turne?
Must he at all mens honours spurne?
Who liueth now that doth not know
The famine that did ouer-flow
By publicke dearth of corne and bread,
Whereby his auarice was fed?
Who knowes not that (by his affront
Contrary to the Roman wont)
The Iudges, in the Market-place,
Assaulted were with foule disgrace?
And with what pride he bolstred out
The out-rage of that rascall rout?
And how, by maine oppressing might,
(Against all law and ciuill right)
Milo, that so condemned stood,
For fouly shedding Clodius blood,
By Pompeys rude presumptious bands,
Was rescu'd out of Iustice hands?
But now, he waxing old and craz'd,
Yet still affecting to bee blaz'd,
And fearing that his date, farre spent,
21
Lothing to lead a priuate life,
Now makes new worke for ciuill strife:
Wherein he trained is so well,
As that he doth by farre excell
His Tutor Sylla, bloudy sire,
That mischiefe-monger ruines fire.
And as a Tyger wildly fed,
In the Hyrcanian forrest bred,
Who (following of his rauening damme
With blood of beasts his panch doth cram)
Can neuer afterwards allay
His sauage longing after pray;
So Pompey (nuz'led in the taste
Of Syllas sword, that made such waste
Of his owne countries guiltlesse blood)
Cannot asswage his thirsting mood:
But that his iawes (in-vr'd to gore)
Must bathe in bowels, as before.
Shall his vsurped lawlesse state
Nor limits haue, nor any date?
How long shall he (with hands vncleane)
Support his pride, that holds no meane?
His Maister Sylla might him learne
By (his example) to discerne,
That Tyranny at length should end,
And aged hopes to quyet bend.
Must Cæsar needes giue vp his rest,
Because the Pyrats are supprest,
And Mithridates, with long toyle,
At length receiued hath the foyle?
Although it cannot be deny'd
But Pontus poysons first he try'd.
Shall Cæsar now (I say) be made
A prey to Pompeys rusty blade,
Because I scorned to forgoe
My conquering Legions to my foe?
And disobeyd that proud decree,
Made against right in wrong of me?
But though I be deny'd my due,
22
Vnto our conquest, as our hire,
Yet (whilst I breath with liuing fire)
And these braue Troopes are led by me,
They neuer shall defrauded be
Of their reward for seruice done,
Nor after stranger Captaines runne
To seeke new Fortunes at their hands,
In forraigne warres, and vnknowne lands.
For if that such a course be held,
When they be ouer-growne with eld;
And not of force, as earst they were,
To broyle in warres, and armes to beare;
Where shall they then their limbes repose,
Weakned with age, with toyle and blowes?
What comfort should they finde at last,
To recompence their trauailes past?
What lands to them shall be alowd?
What fields to plant, or to be plowd?
Where they in peace may eate their bread,
And rest their limbes in quiet bed?
Shall Pyrats so (by Pompeys grace)
In fruitfull Colonies finde place,
And Roman Veterans not haue
That due regard their worth doth craue?
O then resolue (without delay)
Your conquering Ensignes to display.
Imploy those armes in battailes try'd,
By your owne valour dignify'd.
Vniustly to with-hold a right,
Is to giue all to armed might.
We want not higher powers to frend,
Yet do not I this Mart intend,
Prest on for need, or greedy gaine,
Or else ambitiously to raine;
But to resist that Pride that raues
To make both Rome and vs his slaues.
When he had said, the wauering rout
Did softly murmur many a doubt:
For though their fiery Martiall sprights
In warre and rapine most delights;
Their houshold Gods, and Countries loue,
To some remorce their hearts did moue.
But yet of Armes the high esteeme,
And Cæsars wrath they greater deeme.
Then Lœlius, with vndaunted face,
(Who for his valour held the place
Amongst the Pyles as Ensigne chiefe,
And (by his hardy hands reliefe)
A Roman rescu'd from his foes:
For which his Oken crowne he showes)
Steps forth, and thus he doth declame.
Did softly murmur many a doubt:
For though their fiery Martiall sprights
23
Their houshold Gods, and Countries loue,
To some remorce their hearts did moue.
But yet of Armes the high esteeme,
And Cæsars wrath they greater deeme.
Then Lœlius, with vndaunted face,
(Who for his valour held the place
Amongst the Pyles as Ensigne chiefe,
And (by his hardy hands reliefe)
A Roman rescu'd from his foes:
For which his Oken crowne he showes)
Steps forth, and thus he doth declame.
Conductor chiefe of Roman fame;
If it be lawfull, and but iust
To shew our griefes with tongues of trust,
We may complaine of these delayes,
That with such lingring patience stayes
Thy powerfull armes; did our faith faile
In ought that might thy course auaile?
Will we (thinkst thou) whilst life retaines
The boyling blood within ous vaines:
Or whilst our actiue armes haue might
To weild the Pile with Martiall slight,
Endure thus to subiect our State
To Senate gownes degenerate?
Is it a fault by ciuill warre,
Their insolencies to debarre?
Nay, leade vs through Scyths ysie fennes,
And through the Syrts vnhaunted dennes,
Through Lybia's thirsty parched sands;
Heere are the selfe-same forward hands
That holpe through deeps to tugge the Ores,
When thou inuadedst Brittaines shores:
And (with like courage ready were)
Through stickle Rhene the boates to steare,
Our hearts shall be as forward still,
As able to obey thy will.
And whom against thy Trumpets sound,
I wish mischance may them confound.
Yea though they be right Romans borne,
As deadly foes I will them scorne.
And here I doe protest and sweare
By those braue Ensignes (that we beare)
Of our victorious legions ten,
By all the conquests where and when
So happily atchieu'd by thee;
If thou but giue in charge to me,
To stabbe my brother to the heart,
My fathers head and necke to part,
Or to rippe vp (with bloudy knife)
The rising belly of my wife,
When she conceiued is with childe,
My hands should be therewith defil'd,
Though they said nay, with mood more mild
Yea, if it were the Gods to spoyle,
To raze their Temples with the soyle,
Their ornaments and wealth to burne,
Vntill to ashes they did turne,
Or else (vpon the Tyber bankes)
To place and file our armed rankes,
I would be first of all the Rout,
That should the Stations quarter out,
There to incampe our legions stout.
Nay, do but say, which are the walles
That thou design'st to Ruines falles,
These hands of mine first hold shall lay
Vpon the Ramme, and giue him sway
Vnto the ground, the stones to teare;
Yea though the walles of Rome they were.
If it be lawfull, and but iust
To shew our griefes with tongues of trust,
We may complaine of these delayes,
That with such lingring patience stayes
Thy powerfull armes; did our faith faile
In ought that might thy course auaile?
Will we (thinkst thou) whilst life retaines
The boyling blood within ous vaines:
Or whilst our actiue armes haue might
To weild the Pile with Martiall slight,
Endure thus to subiect our State
To Senate gownes degenerate?
Is it a fault by ciuill warre,
Their insolencies to debarre?
Nay, leade vs through Scyths ysie fennes,
And through the Syrts vnhaunted dennes,
Through Lybia's thirsty parched sands;
Heere are the selfe-same forward hands
That holpe through deeps to tugge the Ores,
When thou inuadedst Brittaines shores:
And (with like courage ready were)
Through stickle Rhene the boates to steare,
Our hearts shall be as forward still,
As able to obey thy will.
And whom against thy Trumpets sound,
I wish mischance may them confound.
Yea though they be right Romans borne,
24
And here I doe protest and sweare
By those braue Ensignes (that we beare)
Of our victorious legions ten,
By all the conquests where and when
So happily atchieu'd by thee;
If thou but giue in charge to me,
To stabbe my brother to the heart,
My fathers head and necke to part,
Or to rippe vp (with bloudy knife)
The rising belly of my wife,
When she conceiued is with childe,
My hands should be therewith defil'd,
Though they said nay, with mood more mild
Yea, if it were the Gods to spoyle,
To raze their Temples with the soyle,
Their ornaments and wealth to burne,
Vntill to ashes they did turne,
Or else (vpon the Tyber bankes)
To place and file our armed rankes,
I would be first of all the Rout,
That should the Stations quarter out,
There to incampe our legions stout.
Nay, do but say, which are the walles
That thou design'st to Ruines falles,
These hands of mine first hold shall lay
Vpon the Ramme, and giue him sway
Vnto the ground, the stones to teare;
Yea though the walles of Rome they were.
When Lœlius thundring peale was rung,
The Cohorts (clustring in a thrung,
With open voyce, and hands out flung)
Do vow to follow Cæsars Armes,
Through heat and cold, through haps or harms
And therewithall they bellow out
As maine a cry (with hideous shout)
As doe the hurling windes from Thrace,
When they the lofty Pines imbrace
That on the mountaine Ossa growes,
Whose stormy gusts so fiercely blowes,
That toppes of Trees bow to the ground,
And with such force againe rebound,
As if they would the clouds confound.
The Cohorts (clustring in a thrung,
With open voyce, and hands out flung)
Do vow to follow Cæsars Armes,
Through heat and cold, through haps or harms
And therewithall they bellow out
As maine a cry (with hideous shout)
As doe the hurling windes from Thrace,
When they the lofty Pines imbrace
That on the mountaine Ossa growes,
Whose stormy gusts so fiercely blowes,
25
And with such force againe rebound,
As if they would the clouds confound.
Cæsar, that now his Souldiers minds
So prone to warre and willing findes,
(Seeing withall the Fates his friend)
Is loath more time in vaine to spend.
But least his Fortune should be staid
For want of force and greater aid,
Forthwith in haste he sends for all
His Cohorts, garrison'd in Gaule.
Then flying Ensignes doth display,
And towards Rome directs his way.
So prone to warre and willing findes,
(Seeing withall the Fates his friend)
Is loath more time in vaine to spend.
But least his Fortune should be staid
For want of force and greater aid,
Forthwith in haste he sends for all
His Cohorts, garrison'd in Gaule.
Then flying Ensignes doth display,
And towards Rome directs his way.
The Troopes, about Lemanus Lake,
To Cæsars Campe themselues betake:
And those great forces of account,
That fortifide Vogesus mount,
And fierce Lingones held in awe,
To Cæsars tents doe likewise draw.
Others, that with his warres will share,
From Isar floud to him repare,
Which (washing with his water falles
So many goodly Citties walles)
His siluer streames at last he hides
In Rhodonus, that swifter slides,
And there his natiue name doth lose,
Before that he the Ocean knowes.
The gold-hair'd Ruthens left at large,
Their maistering garrisons discharge.
And silent Atax new ioy greeets
Dis-burdened of the Latium Fleets.
The gallant Townes that bordering rankes
On either side of Varus bankes
Doe publique bone-fire-feasting make,
When Roman Troopes their soile forsake.
The like contentment them befell,
That by th' Herculean port do dwell;
Vpon which shores (in rowling flockes)
The boysterous billowes sweepe the rockes;
Not stird with rage of Westerne flawes,
But by whirle-windes that thither drawes.
From off the Narbonensian coast,
Where shippes so furiously are tost,
As that no harbour can suffise
To shelter them from those fierce skyes,
So ioy'd the people of that land,
That euermore doe doubtfull stand
To be orewhelm'd with flowing seas;
As oft it haps to their disease:
Which flouds, the ebbes againe appease.
Now whether this deluge proceedes
From Northerne winds, that high seas breeds
During their powerfull whirling whiffes,
That raise the waues aboue the cliffes,
And being layd, the stilled maine
Reclaimes her mounted waues againe:
Or whether Cynthias influence
Do with this breach of bounds dispence:
Or else the Sunnes attractiue beames
Exhale vp vapours from those streames,
Thereby the watry clouds to feede:
Or else from whence it doth proceede,
I leaue it to their better reede
That diues into the hidden cause
Of Heauens course, and Natures lawes.
And as for me I will submit
The censure of my humble wit
To that great God-head, that best knowes
The reason why it ebbes and flowes.
Now were the Nemetes releast
Of all the bands vpon them ceast:
Where the Tarbellians bound at large
A calmed sea, with crooked varge.
Then, to the Santons turne it fell,
To bid their Latium guests fare-well.
The Bituriges doe the same,
And the Axones that beare fame
With their long bowes, so fit for Mart,
The Rheni, trayn'd to throw the dart.
The Sequani, that rankly ride
And skilfully their horses guide.
The Belgi, that so well can steere,
And turne their Coach in maine careere.
Th' Auverni, that themselues do grace
For their descent from Troian race,
And Roman parentage embrace.
The Neruij, that with faithlesse words
In Cotta's bloud did bath their swords.
The Vangiones, that desire
To weare the Sarmatan attire.
The stout Battaui, that delight
VVhen Trumpets call them forth to fight.
And all those people that are bred
And harbour about Cyngaes head,
VVhere Rhodonus so swiftly fleets,
VVith whom the Riuer Arar meets,
And Neptune with their tribute greets.
Or what inhabitants beside
About Gebenna's mount reside,
All these to mirth conuert their moane,
That Latine Garrisons are gone.
And Treuers turne to ioy their teares,
To see the Romans by the eares.
And you Lygiers the rest among,
That vsd to weare your lockes so long,
For which of old the common fame
Comated Gaules gaue you the name:
(Though now you changed haue that guise)
From Garrisons were freed likewise.
So all those Nations that did vse
Mercurius Altars to infuse,
And sprinkle round with humane blood.
And you (that with like sauage mood)
To Mars make cruell sacrifice.
And yee, that do mens hearts agrise
VVhen you to Ioue your offrings make,
And fires with humane bloud do slake,
VVhose Altars therewith you distaine,
As deepe as Scythians vse to baine
Diana's Altars, and much more,
So doe they ouer-flow with gore.
And yee O Bards, that (with your rimes)
Record their fame to future times,
That valiantly expose their blood
For honour, and their Countries good.
And Druides high Priests of hell,
That in all barbarous Rites excell,
Who (by your vncoth Sorc'rous spell)
Pretend that you alone can tell
The influence of the starres that shine,
And natures of the powers diuine;
Now may you freely, at your willes,
Solace your selues in woody hilles,
And build your boothes on topps of Trees,
And preach your Doctrines and Decrees,
Whereof you Authors are alone;
For now the Roman Rites are gone.
Now you may silly fooles perswade,
That (when death hath his conquest made)
Mens soules descend not to the shades
Of silent darke Eræbus glades,
Nor where the horrid mansion is
Of lothsome deepe-indungion'd Dis:
But (when that this worlds life is done)
Their soules into new bodies runne.
So losse of life to them brings gaine,
That would eternity attaine.
For in another world to liue,
You say Death onely meanes can giue.
Yee that in this opinion dwell,
In happinesse doe farre excell
All Northerne nations that are knowne:
For where you haue this errour sowne,
All feare of death is cast aside,
Which terror most the heart doth gryde.
And from this confidence proceedes
Your valour, and your ventrous deedes.
Whose dauntlesse braue ennobled sprights,
Meetes deaths approches without frights.
And holds it base for to adiurne
Life, that (so lost) will soone returne.
Lastly, those mastring braue Cohorts,
That shagge-heard Caicos tam'd with forts,
The bankes of Rhene vnguarded leaue,
And Cæsars host doth them receiue.
Loe what a world, wonne with long paine,
Is at an instant lost againe.
To Cæsars Campe themselues betake:
And those great forces of account,
That fortifide Vogesus mount,
And fierce Lingones held in awe,
To Cæsars tents doe likewise draw.
Others, that with his warres will share,
From Isar floud to him repare,
Which (washing with his water falles
So many goodly Citties walles)
His siluer streames at last he hides
In Rhodonus, that swifter slides,
And there his natiue name doth lose,
Before that he the Ocean knowes.
The gold-hair'd Ruthens left at large,
Their maistering garrisons discharge.
And silent Atax new ioy greeets
Dis-burdened of the Latium Fleets.
The gallant Townes that bordering rankes
On either side of Varus bankes
Doe publique bone-fire-feasting make,
When Roman Troopes their soile forsake.
The like contentment them befell,
That by th' Herculean port do dwell;
Vpon which shores (in rowling flockes)
The boysterous billowes sweepe the rockes;
Not stird with rage of Westerne flawes,
26
From off the Narbonensian coast,
Where shippes so furiously are tost,
As that no harbour can suffise
To shelter them from those fierce skyes,
So ioy'd the people of that land,
That euermore doe doubtfull stand
To be orewhelm'd with flowing seas;
As oft it haps to their disease:
Which flouds, the ebbes againe appease.
Now whether this deluge proceedes
From Northerne winds, that high seas breeds
During their powerfull whirling whiffes,
That raise the waues aboue the cliffes,
And being layd, the stilled maine
Reclaimes her mounted waues againe:
Or whether Cynthias influence
Do with this breach of bounds dispence:
Or else the Sunnes attractiue beames
Exhale vp vapours from those streames,
Thereby the watry clouds to feede:
Or else from whence it doth proceede,
I leaue it to their better reede
That diues into the hidden cause
Of Heauens course, and Natures lawes.
And as for me I will submit
The censure of my humble wit
To that great God-head, that best knowes
The reason why it ebbes and flowes.
Now were the Nemetes releast
Of all the bands vpon them ceast:
Where the Tarbellians bound at large
A calmed sea, with crooked varge.
Then, to the Santons turne it fell,
To bid their Latium guests fare-well.
The Bituriges doe the same,
And the Axones that beare fame
With their long bowes, so fit for Mart,
The Rheni, trayn'd to throw the dart.
The Sequani, that rankly ride
27
The Belgi, that so well can steere,
And turne their Coach in maine careere.
Th' Auverni, that themselues do grace
For their descent from Troian race,
And Roman parentage embrace.
The Neruij, that with faithlesse words
In Cotta's bloud did bath their swords.
The Vangiones, that desire
To weare the Sarmatan attire.
The stout Battaui, that delight
VVhen Trumpets call them forth to fight.
And all those people that are bred
And harbour about Cyngaes head,
VVhere Rhodonus so swiftly fleets,
VVith whom the Riuer Arar meets,
And Neptune with their tribute greets.
Or what inhabitants beside
About Gebenna's mount reside,
All these to mirth conuert their moane,
That Latine Garrisons are gone.
And Treuers turne to ioy their teares,
To see the Romans by the eares.
And you Lygiers the rest among,
That vsd to weare your lockes so long,
For which of old the common fame
Comated Gaules gaue you the name:
(Though now you changed haue that guise)
From Garrisons were freed likewise.
So all those Nations that did vse
Mercurius Altars to infuse,
And sprinkle round with humane blood.
And you (that with like sauage mood)
To Mars make cruell sacrifice.
And yee, that do mens hearts agrise
VVhen you to Ioue your offrings make,
And fires with humane bloud do slake,
VVhose Altars therewith you distaine,
As deepe as Scythians vse to baine
Diana's Altars, and much more,
28
And yee O Bards, that (with your rimes)
Record their fame to future times,
That valiantly expose their blood
For honour, and their Countries good.
And Druides high Priests of hell,
That in all barbarous Rites excell,
Who (by your vncoth Sorc'rous spell)
Pretend that you alone can tell
The influence of the starres that shine,
And natures of the powers diuine;
Now may you freely, at your willes,
Solace your selues in woody hilles,
And build your boothes on topps of Trees,
And preach your Doctrines and Decrees,
Whereof you Authors are alone;
For now the Roman Rites are gone.
Now you may silly fooles perswade,
That (when death hath his conquest made)
Mens soules descend not to the shades
Of silent darke Eræbus glades,
Nor where the horrid mansion is
Of lothsome deepe-indungion'd Dis:
But (when that this worlds life is done)
Their soules into new bodies runne.
So losse of life to them brings gaine,
That would eternity attaine.
For in another world to liue,
You say Death onely meanes can giue.
Yee that in this opinion dwell,
In happinesse doe farre excell
All Northerne nations that are knowne:
For where you haue this errour sowne,
All feare of death is cast aside,
Which terror most the heart doth gryde.
And from this confidence proceedes
Your valour, and your ventrous deedes.
Whose dauntlesse braue ennobled sprights,
Meetes deaths approches without frights.
And holds it base for to adiurne
29
Lastly, those mastring braue Cohorts,
That shagge-heard Caicos tam'd with forts,
The bankes of Rhene vnguarded leaue,
And Cæsars host doth them receiue.
Loe what a world, wonne with long paine,
Is at an instant lost againe.
Cæsar (with these collected swarmes
Of valiant Souldiers, bred in Armes)
His haughty courage doth aduance
At greater game to try his chance.
His ranging Troopes, with spirits fierce,
Through Latium fields he doth disperse:
And all the Townes he doth surprize,
VVith garrisons he fortifies.
Then Fame (that doth false rumors blaze)
His foes with true feares doth amaze.
The Citizens in generall
Into despairefull humors fall:
And in their daunted mindes debate
The fortunes of a conquered state.
Like fearefull Scowts, that set a broach
False Larums of a foes approach:
So Romes imaginary feares
VVith her owne tongues affrights her eares.
Then from Meuania tidings came
(A Towne ennobled by the fame
Of that rich soyle wherein it stands)
That Cæsar (with huge armed bands)
Had ouer-runne, and pray'd their lands.)
And many of his men of warre
VVere come vnto the bankes of Nar,
(VVhich Riuer into Tyber falles)
And thence would march vnto the walles
Of Rome it selfe, without delay:
And that they did, at large, display
Their Banners, and their Egles braue:
That such a mighty host they haue
As neuer yet (the rumor ran)
VVas seene in memory of man.
Yea much more fierce and truculent
Then those (that were most bloudy bent)
Of all the people ruthlesse rude,
That Romans euer yet subdu'd.
Others againe gaue out reports,
That daily to this Campe resorts
Those Nations (that do dwell betweene
The frozen Alpes and Northerne Rhene)
And that they all with one accord,
From out their Countries did dis-bord,
Cæsar to follow, and to ayd;
And from these warres would not be stayd:
So as it cannot other be,
But that with griefe they soone shall see
Rome seiz'd and sackt by forraine fone,
(A Roman Chiefe-taine looking on)
Thus euery one (rap't with amaze)
Doth these approching perils blaze.
And yet no certaine Authors knowne,
By whom this frighting newes is blowne:
But what their weake conceits suggest,
With that their sences are opprest.
Neither did this vnmanly doubt
Onely appall the common rout;
But euen the Senate, drownd in dread,
Leauing their homes, the Citty fled.
Yet they decreed at their adiew,
The Consuls should with force pursue
Cæsar, from whom the Senate flew.
To safest places then they runne,
And where is hazard, that they shunne.
The giddy people they exhort
To ioyne themselues in their consort,
And with them such aduentures bide,
As meanes and fortune could prouide.
Of valiant Souldiers, bred in Armes)
His haughty courage doth aduance
At greater game to try his chance.
His ranging Troopes, with spirits fierce,
Through Latium fields he doth disperse:
And all the Townes he doth surprize,
VVith garrisons he fortifies.
Then Fame (that doth false rumors blaze)
His foes with true feares doth amaze.
The Citizens in generall
Into despairefull humors fall:
And in their daunted mindes debate
The fortunes of a conquered state.
Like fearefull Scowts, that set a broach
False Larums of a foes approach:
So Romes imaginary feares
VVith her owne tongues affrights her eares.
Then from Meuania tidings came
(A Towne ennobled by the fame
Of that rich soyle wherein it stands)
That Cæsar (with huge armed bands)
Had ouer-runne, and pray'd their lands.)
And many of his men of warre
VVere come vnto the bankes of Nar,
(VVhich Riuer into Tyber falles)
And thence would march vnto the walles
Of Rome it selfe, without delay:
And that they did, at large, display
Their Banners, and their Egles braue:
That such a mighty host they haue
As neuer yet (the rumor ran)
VVas seene in memory of man.
30
Then those (that were most bloudy bent)
Of all the people ruthlesse rude,
That Romans euer yet subdu'd.
Others againe gaue out reports,
That daily to this Campe resorts
Those Nations (that do dwell betweene
The frozen Alpes and Northerne Rhene)
And that they all with one accord,
From out their Countries did dis-bord,
Cæsar to follow, and to ayd;
And from these warres would not be stayd:
So as it cannot other be,
But that with griefe they soone shall see
Rome seiz'd and sackt by forraine fone,
(A Roman Chiefe-taine looking on)
Thus euery one (rap't with amaze)
Doth these approching perils blaze.
And yet no certaine Authors knowne,
By whom this frighting newes is blowne:
But what their weake conceits suggest,
With that their sences are opprest.
Neither did this vnmanly doubt
Onely appall the common rout;
But euen the Senate, drownd in dread,
Leauing their homes, the Citty fled.
Yet they decreed at their adiew,
The Consuls should with force pursue
Cæsar, from whom the Senate flew.
To safest places then they runne,
And where is hazard, that they shunne.
The giddy people they exhort
To ioyne themselues in their consort,
And with them such aduentures bide,
As meanes and fortune could prouide.
Loe thus (with many heauy hearts)
Huge numbers instantly departs.
He that their sudden flight had seene,
Would thinke all Rome on fire had beene:
Or else some Earth-quakes fearefull rage
Their tottering houses did ingage.
For (with such boysterous presse and cry)
Out at the Citty gates they flye:
As if no better hope remain'd
To men (whom froward fates constrain'd)
Then to forsake their natiue home,
To seeke for refuge where they roame.
Like as a shippe with tempests tost,
Driuing vpon the Lybian coast,
Intangled with Sirts wracking sands,
The crazed mast in danger stands,
With sailes and cordage rent and torne,
All ouer ship-boord to be borne:
The Pylot, whom dispaire doth ceaze,
First head-long leaps into the seas,
And after him (with madding vaine)
The Saylers plunge into the maine:
And so themselues to death betake,
Before the vessell ship-wracke make.
So out in droues the Romans flye
Before that Cæsars Campe was nye,
And left Rome for her selfe to try.
Huge numbers instantly departs.
He that their sudden flight had seene,
Would thinke all Rome on fire had beene:
Or else some Earth-quakes fearefull rage
31
For (with such boysterous presse and cry)
Out at the Citty gates they flye:
As if no better hope remain'd
To men (whom froward fates constrain'd)
Then to forsake their natiue home,
To seeke for refuge where they roame.
Like as a shippe with tempests tost,
Driuing vpon the Lybian coast,
Intangled with Sirts wracking sands,
The crazed mast in danger stands,
With sailes and cordage rent and torne,
All ouer ship-boord to be borne:
The Pylot, whom dispaire doth ceaze,
First head-long leaps into the seas,
And after him (with madding vaine)
The Saylers plunge into the maine:
And so themselues to death betake,
Before the vessell ship-wracke make.
So out in droues the Romans flye
Before that Cæsars Campe was nye,
And left Rome for her selfe to try.
No parents counsaile could asswage
Their head-strong childrens flying rage.
Nor louing wiues lamenting teares
To pitty turne their husbands feares:
Nor awe of Gods, nor Countries loue
Their parting humor could remoue;
Through brutish feare, with base neglect,
All Natures bonds they did reiect:
The place where they were bred and borne,
They fled with shame, and left forlorne.
In their owne houses, where they dwell,
They stay no time to bid fare-well:
Nor any such affection shew
To their deere Citty, ere they goe,
As with full sight her to deplore,
Whom they perchance shold see no more,
All flye in hast from Tybers shore.
Their head-strong childrens flying rage.
Nor louing wiues lamenting teares
To pitty turne their husbands feares:
Nor awe of Gods, nor Countries loue
Their parting humor could remoue;
Through brutish feare, with base neglect,
All Natures bonds they did reiect:
The place where they were bred and borne,
They fled with shame, and left forlorne.
In their owne houses, where they dwell,
They stay no time to bid fare-well:
Nor any such affection shew
To their deere Citty, ere they goe,
As with full sight her to deplore,
Whom they perchance shold see no more,
All flye in hast from Tybers shore.
Yee Gods with bounty fortunes lend
But niggardly doe them defend.
This Citty, that did so abound
With Citizens, for warres renownd,
Obey'd with many conquered slaues,
Now euery flying rumor braues.
And (as a spoyle and open pray)
Abandoned to Cæsars sway.
The valiant Romans, that were wont
(In forraigne warres) to beare the brunt
Of many mighty barbarous foes,
Did in their Armes such trust repose;
That slender trenches did suffise,
To hold them safe from all surprise.
And by such meanes securely kept
Their guarded Tents whilst that they slept.
But thou, O Rome, from this art farre,
Daunted but with the name of Warre.
Thy walles not deem'd to be of might
To lodge thy people safe one night:
So faint of courage all and some
Are thy inhabitants become.
But yet thy Commons may defend
Themselues, and for excuse pretend,
That they were not possest with dread
Before they saw great Pompey fled,
By whose example they were led.
32
This Citty, that did so abound
With Citizens, for warres renownd,
Obey'd with many conquered slaues,
Now euery flying rumor braues.
And (as a spoyle and open pray)
Abandoned to Cæsars sway.
The valiant Romans, that were wont
(In forraigne warres) to beare the brunt
Of many mighty barbarous foes,
Did in their Armes such trust repose;
That slender trenches did suffise,
To hold them safe from all surprise.
And by such meanes securely kept
Their guarded Tents whilst that they slept.
But thou, O Rome, from this art farre,
Daunted but with the name of Warre.
Thy walles not deem'd to be of might
To lodge thy people safe one night:
So faint of courage all and some
Are thy inhabitants become.
But yet thy Commons may defend
Themselues, and for excuse pretend,
That they were not possest with dread
Before they saw great Pompey fled,
By whose example they were led.
Then (that no hope of future chance)
Their based courage should aduance)
Apparant signes they doe descry
Of worse euents approching nye.
The supreme pow'r wrath-threatning wills
The Aire, the Earth, and Ocean filles
With Prodigies, foretelling illes.
In silent nights, that darkest beene,
Many strange vncoth starres are seene.
The Element all flaming was,
And through the aire did flying passe
Obliquous streames, like torches bright,
And tayled Comets shew by night,
With Blazing starres, that doe presage
Of changing states the future rage.
Then fearefull lightning flashes breake
A thwart the clouds, and thundring speake:
With sundry shapes of fearefull fires
The aire is fild with all admires.
Sometimes like lampes, somtimes like darts,
And so to sparkling gleames conuerts,
Which ouer all the skies doth blaze.
And (that which bred no lesse amaze)
Strange lightnings oftentimes did hap,
(Not seconded with thunder-clap)
When as no clouds the Sunne did wrap.
And Rome it selfe (to wracke design'd)
Was scorcht with blasting Northerne winde.
The lesser starres (seene but by night)
At midde of day appeared bright.
The Moone at full (that with round face
Should represent her brothers grace)
The interposing earth obscures.
Tytan likewise this change endures,
That when at Noone-steed, in his pride,
Ouer the earth his sheene should stride,
His face was maskt with sable vayle,
And day-light through the world doth faile.
So as men greatly stood in doubt,
That such a time was come about,
As when Thyestes babes were slaine:
Which guilt the Sunne did so disdaine,
That (loathing to adorne that day)
Backe to the East he posts away.
And cole-smeer'd Vulcan doth the varge
Of Ætna's forge so much inlarge:
As that the sparkes, wont vp to hye
With rowling smoke into the skye,
Now to Italia shores doe flye.
Charybdis (like a glutted wolfe)
So spues vp bloud from her vaste gulfe,
As that the sanguine dye doth staine
The waues of the Cicilian maine.
And Scylla's Dogges so lowd did yell,
As they had beene the hounds of hell.
Then did the sacred Vestall fire
Diuide it selfe with forked spire
Vpon the Altars, where it burnes:
Whose parted flames, presaging, mournes
The proud diuision and debate
That should confound the Roman state.
As did that flame diuide in twaine,
Which burnt the Thebans brothers slaine.
Then followes on such huge Earth-quakes,
That from the lofty Alpes it shakes
The snow, that tumbles downe in flakes.
And Atlas mount (whom some conceit
To shoulder vp the heau'ns whole weight:
And Calpe, that high hill in Spaine,
Were well-nye couered with the maine.
The Temple Images withall,
From out their eyes did teares let fall.
The Houshold Gods did likewise sweate,
To witnesse Romes distempered heat.
And all the sacred gifts downe falles,
That hung about their Temple walles.
The Screech-owles, and the birds of night,
VVere common seene in broad day light.
And sauage beasts without dismay,
(Leauing their dennes at close of day)
would come to Rome their rest to take,
And in the streetes their kennels make:
And cattell humane language spake.
VVomen likewise the sight did feare
Of their owne births, which monstrous were.
Sybilla, that Cumana hight,
Her prophesies were brought to light,
Then those whom sterne Bellonas ire
VVith franticke humors did inspire,
(Tearing their armes) did rauing cry,
The vengeance of the Gods was nye.
The grisely ghosts of Gallicke flockes,
(Shaking their bloudy-fettred lockes)
Vnto the people threatning tell
Many a heauy fearfull spell.
And from the shrines the heaped bones
Did often mutter ruthfull grones.
Clashing of armes, and horrid founds,
From the vnhaunted groues rebounds:
And many apparitions strange
So neere the Citty-walles did range,
That they, which in the Sub-vrbes wonne,
Did from their homes affrighted runne.
An vgly Fiend, (that in her hand
Did hold a sparkle-blazing brand,
With snaky haire about her face)
Alongst the streets did stalking trace.
Euen such a one as did constraine
Agaue with a franticke vaine:
Or that Licurgus did incite
To wound himselfe through Bacchus spight?
Or like Megera, whose aspect
Did more Alcides spright deiect
Then Dis with his infernall looke,
When Iunos taske he vndertooke.
And oft by night, when all was still,
The Trumpets sounds were heard as shrill,
And shoutings maine with clamorous cries,
As when two hoasts together flies.
And Sylla's ghost lamenting rombd
In Mars his field where it was fombd.
Which by coniecture did presage
Some bloudy broiles and ciuill rage.
So from his broken Sepulcher,
Was Marius seene his head to reare,
That by Arriems brinke did stand,
Wherewith the Peasants of that land
Were so surpriz'd (with trembling fits)
That some were scard out of their wits.
Their based courage should aduance)
Apparant signes they doe descry
Of worse euents approching nye.
The supreme pow'r wrath-threatning wills
The Aire, the Earth, and Ocean filles
With Prodigies, foretelling illes.
In silent nights, that darkest beene,
Many strange vncoth starres are seene.
The Element all flaming was,
And through the aire did flying passe
Obliquous streames, like torches bright,
And tayled Comets shew by night,
With Blazing starres, that doe presage
33
Then fearefull lightning flashes breake
A thwart the clouds, and thundring speake:
With sundry shapes of fearefull fires
The aire is fild with all admires.
Sometimes like lampes, somtimes like darts,
And so to sparkling gleames conuerts,
Which ouer all the skies doth blaze.
And (that which bred no lesse amaze)
Strange lightnings oftentimes did hap,
(Not seconded with thunder-clap)
When as no clouds the Sunne did wrap.
And Rome it selfe (to wracke design'd)
Was scorcht with blasting Northerne winde.
The lesser starres (seene but by night)
At midde of day appeared bright.
The Moone at full (that with round face
Should represent her brothers grace)
The interposing earth obscures.
Tytan likewise this change endures,
That when at Noone-steed, in his pride,
Ouer the earth his sheene should stride,
His face was maskt with sable vayle,
And day-light through the world doth faile.
So as men greatly stood in doubt,
That such a time was come about,
As when Thyestes babes were slaine:
Which guilt the Sunne did so disdaine,
That (loathing to adorne that day)
Backe to the East he posts away.
And cole-smeer'd Vulcan doth the varge
Of Ætna's forge so much inlarge:
As that the sparkes, wont vp to hye
With rowling smoke into the skye,
Now to Italia shores doe flye.
Charybdis (like a glutted wolfe)
So spues vp bloud from her vaste gulfe,
As that the sanguine dye doth staine
The waues of the Cicilian maine.
And Scylla's Dogges so lowd did yell,
34
Then did the sacred Vestall fire
Diuide it selfe with forked spire
Vpon the Altars, where it burnes:
Whose parted flames, presaging, mournes
The proud diuision and debate
That should confound the Roman state.
As did that flame diuide in twaine,
Which burnt the Thebans brothers slaine.
Then followes on such huge Earth-quakes,
That from the lofty Alpes it shakes
The snow, that tumbles downe in flakes.
And Atlas mount (whom some conceit
To shoulder vp the heau'ns whole weight:
And Calpe, that high hill in Spaine,
Were well-nye couered with the maine.
The Temple Images withall,
From out their eyes did teares let fall.
The Houshold Gods did likewise sweate,
To witnesse Romes distempered heat.
And all the sacred gifts downe falles,
That hung about their Temple walles.
The Screech-owles, and the birds of night,
VVere common seene in broad day light.
And sauage beasts without dismay,
(Leauing their dennes at close of day)
would come to Rome their rest to take,
And in the streetes their kennels make:
And cattell humane language spake.
VVomen likewise the sight did feare
Of their owne births, which monstrous were.
Sybilla, that Cumana hight,
Her prophesies were brought to light,
Then those whom sterne Bellonas ire
VVith franticke humors did inspire,
(Tearing their armes) did rauing cry,
The vengeance of the Gods was nye.
The grisely ghosts of Gallicke flockes,
(Shaking their bloudy-fettred lockes)
Vnto the people threatning tell
35
And from the shrines the heaped bones
Did often mutter ruthfull grones.
Clashing of armes, and horrid founds,
From the vnhaunted groues rebounds:
And many apparitions strange
So neere the Citty-walles did range,
That they, which in the Sub-vrbes wonne,
Did from their homes affrighted runne.
An vgly Fiend, (that in her hand
Did hold a sparkle-blazing brand,
With snaky haire about her face)
Alongst the streets did stalking trace.
Euen such a one as did constraine
Agaue with a franticke vaine:
Or that Licurgus did incite
To wound himselfe through Bacchus spight?
Or like Megera, whose aspect
Did more Alcides spright deiect
Then Dis with his infernall looke,
When Iunos taske he vndertooke.
And oft by night, when all was still,
The Trumpets sounds were heard as shrill,
And shoutings maine with clamorous cries,
As when two hoasts together flies.
And Sylla's ghost lamenting rombd
In Mars his field where it was fombd.
Which by coniecture did presage
Some bloudy broiles and ciuill rage.
So from his broken Sepulcher,
Was Marius seene his head to reare,
That by Arriems brinke did stand,
Wherewith the Peasants of that land
Were so surpriz'd (with trembling fits)
That some were scard out of their wits.
These tokens do the Romans cause
(According to their ancient lawes)
In cases of so great dismay,
To send for those without delay,
That could by diuinations gesse,
If flights of fowles might ought expresse.
Or else if bowels of beasts slaine,
These strange presages could explaine,
Then from Tuscana one ariu'd
That in such mysteries had diu'd,
That he knew well the course of heauen,
And influence of the Planets seuen.
And Aruns was this wisards name,
Who from the Citty Luna came.
This solemne sire did first decree,
That all such beasts destroy'd should be
As were ingendred against kinde,
And vnto monstrous shapes inclind.
And that same vgly fleshy clot
(Vpon a barren Mule begot)
Should be consum'd in Cinders hot.
Then he the frighted Burgers calles
To march about the Citty-walles
Procession-like in ordred rowes,
And first the sacred Bishops goes.
And in their turnes next to them trace
Prelates of an inferior place,
In short roabes with Gabinian braids.
The Matron then of Vesta's maids,
(To whom it lawfull was alone,
That Pallas Temple should be knowne)
Doth follow with her virgin-traine:
Then all such Priests as appertaine
To Oracles, and Sybils loare,
With those that drew vnto the shore
Cybellen, out of Almon flood.
The Augures then that vnderstood
Of all vnlucky birds the flight.
And the Septemviri that dight
And ouerlooke the solemne feasts.
Then Titius Priests, whose sacred heasts
The sub-vrbs of the Citty swayes
In all their ceremoniall wayes,
Then next the dauncing Salij ranke,
Whose necks guilt gawdy brooches pranke,
And last of this religious fry
The holy Flamen he past by
With Lordly Turbant towring high.
(According to their ancient lawes)
In cases of so great dismay,
To send for those without delay,
That could by diuinations gesse,
36
Or else if bowels of beasts slaine,
These strange presages could explaine,
Then from Tuscana one ariu'd
That in such mysteries had diu'd,
That he knew well the course of heauen,
And influence of the Planets seuen.
And Aruns was this wisards name,
Who from the Citty Luna came.
This solemne sire did first decree,
That all such beasts destroy'd should be
As were ingendred against kinde,
And vnto monstrous shapes inclind.
And that same vgly fleshy clot
(Vpon a barren Mule begot)
Should be consum'd in Cinders hot.
Then he the frighted Burgers calles
To march about the Citty-walles
Procession-like in ordred rowes,
And first the sacred Bishops goes.
And in their turnes next to them trace
Prelates of an inferior place,
In short roabes with Gabinian braids.
The Matron then of Vesta's maids,
(To whom it lawfull was alone,
That Pallas Temple should be knowne)
Doth follow with her virgin-traine:
Then all such Priests as appertaine
To Oracles, and Sybils loare,
With those that drew vnto the shore
Cybellen, out of Almon flood.
The Augures then that vnderstood
Of all vnlucky birds the flight.
And the Septemviri that dight
And ouerlooke the solemne feasts.
Then Titius Priests, whose sacred heasts
The sub-vrbs of the Citty swayes
In all their ceremoniall wayes,
Then next the dauncing Salij ranke,
Whose necks guilt gawdy brooches pranke,
37
The holy Flamen he past by
With Lordly Turbant towring high.
Whilst (in a long out-stretched droue)
They thus about the walles do roue,
Aruns the scattered ruines tooke,
That with the lightning blasts were strooke:
And (when some muttring charms were said)
Deepe vnder mould the same he laid.
And euery place (where they were shrin'd)
With names and characters he sign'd.
Then doth he take a faire large bull,
(Which he out of a heard did cull)
And him vnto the Altar leades,
And twixt his hornes pure wine he sheads.
Then mingled flower, and crooked blade,
For sacrifice he ready made.
But yet the beast, with struggling might,
Resists to serue that sacred Rite,
Wherein the Gods tooke no delight.
And yet at last the Priestly rout
Pulles downe this Bull, that was so stout.
Then bound, and laid to loose his life,
Within his throat they sheath'd the knife.
Which with so deepe a gash they slit,
That thence abundantly did flit
A reeking streame of venom blacke,
Which did of blood the colour lacke.
This vncouth sacrifice amaz'd
Pale Aruns, whilst thereon he gaz'd.
And yet againe he further seekes
To finde some cause of heauens dislikes:
And vp the paunch he rippeth wide,
To see what lucke would there betide.
But that which more did him confound,
Were bowels spotted and vnsound,
Of colour pale, and blew commixt,
With clotted goare congeal'd betwixt.
Then rotten liuer, which he saw,
Was cloathed with the waterish maw;
The left side guts no ill signes wants:
The lung-veines neither stirres nor pants:
The slender rimme too weake to part
The boyling liuer from the heart:
The smothered heart exprest no pulse,
The crackt-shrunke intrailes did convulse
Corrupted bloud into the vaines:
The cawle the paunch-hest ouer-straines.
And that of all (which hee found worst)
No part appear'd, but seem'd accurst.
Then he amongst these inwards findes
Two massy heads of sinnoye kindes:
Wannish the one, and all fore-spent,
Flaggy, corrupt, and drooping bent:
The other with more vitall heates
His vaines with naughty humors beats.
They thus about the walles do roue,
Aruns the scattered ruines tooke,
That with the lightning blasts were strooke:
And (when some muttring charms were said)
Deepe vnder mould the same he laid.
And euery place (where they were shrin'd)
With names and characters he sign'd.
Then doth he take a faire large bull,
(Which he out of a heard did cull)
And him vnto the Altar leades,
And twixt his hornes pure wine he sheads.
Then mingled flower, and crooked blade,
For sacrifice he ready made.
But yet the beast, with struggling might,
Resists to serue that sacred Rite,
Wherein the Gods tooke no delight.
And yet at last the Priestly rout
Pulles downe this Bull, that was so stout.
Then bound, and laid to loose his life,
Within his throat they sheath'd the knife.
Which with so deepe a gash they slit,
That thence abundantly did flit
A reeking streame of venom blacke,
Which did of blood the colour lacke.
This vncouth sacrifice amaz'd
Pale Aruns, whilst thereon he gaz'd.
And yet againe he further seekes
To finde some cause of heauens dislikes:
And vp the paunch he rippeth wide,
To see what lucke would there betide.
But that which more did him confound,
Were bowels spotted and vnsound,
Of colour pale, and blew commixt,
With clotted goare congeal'd betwixt.
Then rotten liuer, which he saw,
Was cloathed with the waterish maw;
38
The lung-veines neither stirres nor pants:
The slender rimme too weake to part
The boyling liuer from the heart:
The smothered heart exprest no pulse,
The crackt-shrunke intrailes did convulse
Corrupted bloud into the vaines:
The cawle the paunch-hest ouer-straines.
And that of all (which hee found worst)
No part appear'd, but seem'd accurst.
Then he amongst these inwards findes
Two massy heads of sinnoye kindes:
Wannish the one, and all fore-spent,
Flaggy, corrupt, and drooping bent:
The other with more vitall heates
His vaines with naughty humors beats.
All these he takes to be true showes,
Prognosticating future woes.
And then cryes out, O Gods I see
'Tis more then lawfull now for me
To blaze abroad your high decree;
Neither, O Ioue, do I designe
This offering to thy grace diuine.
For I suspect the fiends of hell
Within these slaughtered bowels dwell.
We feare mis-haps not fit to speake
Yet worser shortly out will breake.
Heau'ns turne to good what is betide!
Let no presage in bowels bide!
But Tages fictions; to deuise
Such mysteries in sacrifice.
Thus doubtfully his doome he shrowdes
Of what was seene, and spake in clouds.
Prognosticating future woes.
And then cryes out, O Gods I see
'Tis more then lawfull now for me
To blaze abroad your high decree;
Neither, O Ioue, do I designe
This offering to thy grace diuine.
For I suspect the fiends of hell
Within these slaughtered bowels dwell.
We feare mis-haps not fit to speake
Yet worser shortly out will breake.
Heau'ns turne to good what is betide!
Let no presage in bowels bide!
But Tages fictions; to deuise
Such mysteries in sacrifice.
Thus doubtfully his doome he shrowdes
Of what was seene, and spake in clouds.
But Figulus that deeply lookes
Into the heau'ns, as in his bookes;
And onely did his time bestow
The natures of the Gods to know:
Who in Astrology exceld
The Ægiptians, that in Memphis dweld.
Thus said; either the heauens, quoth he,
Disordred in their motions be,
And all the Planets (in their sway)
Doe hold a cleane contrary way;
Or else if prouidence diuine
Thus strangely guide them to encline,
Sudden and heauy wracke will fall
Vpon this Citty, and vs all.
But whether the Earth gaping wide,
VVill in her wombe whole Cities hide:
Or whether the contagious Aire,
VVith pestilence will health impaire:
Or that the Land barren of food,
VVill cease to nourish humane brood:
Or that the Riuers from their heads
Streames with infectious poyson spreads:
I cannot say, O supreme powers!
VVhat woes vpon our mortall bowers,
Or what strange plagues doe you intend
Vpon this wretched world to fend?
Shall now with vs all ages end?
If Saturnes chill vnlucky starre
Had in the tenth house rang'd his Carre;
Then might Aquarius watry vaine
Haue brought Deucalions floud againe,
And all the earth ore-whelm'd with raine,
And raging Neptunes rising maine.
Or if thou Phœbus hadst combin'd
VVith Leo of Nemean kinde;
The Fire would then the Earth haue melt,
And with thy flames the heau'ns haue swelt.
But now these planets being still;
O Mars! what hath incenst thy will,
(VVith the great force of thy aspect)
Such beames on Scorpio to reflect
As that his taile all flaming roles,
VVith scorching clawes as red as coles?
Milde Iupiter, with friendly eyes,
Into the west his progresse hies.
But Venus face (with smiling lips)
Is now obscured in Eclips.
And Mercury (so swift of sourse)
Doth retrograde distort his course.
So Mars as now in this discord,
Is of th' ascendant onely Lord,
And whilst all starres their roomes resignes,
Blading Orion onely shines.
Fury of warre comes now in date,
And force of armes will steare the State,
Iustice and lawes may both goe sleepe,
Strong hand will them in bondage keepe,
Vice now shall Vertues name retaine,
And many yeares this rage shall raigne.
What boots it then the Gods to pray,
This misery to turne away?
For peace againe we shall not haue,
Till all become a Tyrants slaue.
O Rome! post off (if thou haue power)
The date of this vnhappy houre.
Extend these furies off a farre,
And vs preserue from ciuil warre.
Into the heau'ns, as in his bookes;
And onely did his time bestow
The natures of the Gods to know:
Who in Astrology exceld
The Ægiptians, that in Memphis dweld.
Thus said; either the heauens, quoth he,
39
And all the Planets (in their sway)
Doe hold a cleane contrary way;
Or else if prouidence diuine
Thus strangely guide them to encline,
Sudden and heauy wracke will fall
Vpon this Citty, and vs all.
But whether the Earth gaping wide,
VVill in her wombe whole Cities hide:
Or whether the contagious Aire,
VVith pestilence will health impaire:
Or that the Land barren of food,
VVill cease to nourish humane brood:
Or that the Riuers from their heads
Streames with infectious poyson spreads:
I cannot say, O supreme powers!
VVhat woes vpon our mortall bowers,
Or what strange plagues doe you intend
Vpon this wretched world to fend?
Shall now with vs all ages end?
If Saturnes chill vnlucky starre
Had in the tenth house rang'd his Carre;
Then might Aquarius watry vaine
Haue brought Deucalions floud againe,
And all the earth ore-whelm'd with raine,
And raging Neptunes rising maine.
Or if thou Phœbus hadst combin'd
VVith Leo of Nemean kinde;
The Fire would then the Earth haue melt,
And with thy flames the heau'ns haue swelt.
But now these planets being still;
O Mars! what hath incenst thy will,
(VVith the great force of thy aspect)
Such beames on Scorpio to reflect
As that his taile all flaming roles,
VVith scorching clawes as red as coles?
Milde Iupiter, with friendly eyes,
Into the west his progresse hies.
But Venus face (with smiling lips)
Is now obscured in Eclips.
40
Doth retrograde distort his course.
So Mars as now in this discord,
Is of th' ascendant onely Lord,
And whilst all starres their roomes resignes,
Blading Orion onely shines.
Fury of warre comes now in date,
And force of armes will steare the State,
Iustice and lawes may both goe sleepe,
Strong hand will them in bondage keepe,
Vice now shall Vertues name retaine,
And many yeares this rage shall raigne.
What boots it then the Gods to pray,
This misery to turne away?
For peace againe we shall not haue,
Till all become a Tyrants slaue.
O Rome! post off (if thou haue power)
The date of this vnhappy houre.
Extend these furies off a farre,
And vs preserue from ciuil warre.
These hard predictions sadly told,
Did make the peoples hearts full cold;
But that which followed on behind,
Trencht deeper wounds within their minde:
For as Ædonis, Bacchus Nunne,
From Pyndus hill inrag'd doth runne,
When as Ogigian wine distraines
The madding humor of her braines:
So did a Matron of the Towne
In franticke wise gadde vp and downe,
Vttring such words as they expresse
Whom sprights of prophesing possesse.
O Pæan tell me (then she said)
Vnto what place am I conuaid!
What shore wilt thou cast me vpon,
That rap't aboue the clouds haue gone?
Me thinkes Pangeus mount I spye,
Vpon whose top the snow doth lye:
And thence Phillipi's fields I see,
That at the foot of Hæmus be.
O Phœbus tell me the intent
By this great hurly-burly meant.
Why doe the Roman armies straine
Against themselues with might and maine?
By what meanes comes it to be so,
They warre without a forraine foe?
Nay, whither am I further tost?
Me seemes I now am on the coast
Eastward, where Nylus her seuen heads
VVithin the Ocean softly beds.
There see I him, and him deplore,
That lies vpon that sandy shore,
A headlesse trunke distain'd with gore.
Thence am I rap't againe anew,
And now the Lybian Syrts I view,
VVhere Destinies transport with spight,
The remnants of Pharsalias fight.
Yet further am I forst to walke
Ouer the Cloud-brow'd Alpes to stalke:
And in this flitting whirle-winde vease,
I passe the Mountaines Pyrinees.
Thence backe vnto my Natiue Towne,
VVhere I finde all turn'd vp-side-downe.
Vprore, diuision, and debate
Turmoyles the Senate and the State.
So am I now (from mine owne shore)
Hurry'd about the world once more.
O Phœbus, ease me of this toyle,
In vnknowne seas, and vnknowne soyle,
For I haue seene Philippies broyle!
Thus said, a slumbring rest she takes,
VVherewith this fury her forsakes.
Did make the peoples hearts full cold;
But that which followed on behind,
Trencht deeper wounds within their minde:
For as Ædonis, Bacchus Nunne,
From Pyndus hill inrag'd doth runne,
When as Ogigian wine distraines
The madding humor of her braines:
So did a Matron of the Towne
In franticke wise gadde vp and downe,
Vttring such words as they expresse
Whom sprights of prophesing possesse.
O Pæan tell me (then she said)
Vnto what place am I conuaid!
What shore wilt thou cast me vpon,
That rap't aboue the clouds haue gone?
Me thinkes Pangeus mount I spye,
Vpon whose top the snow doth lye:
And thence Phillipi's fields I see,
That at the foot of Hæmus be.
41
By this great hurly-burly meant.
Why doe the Roman armies straine
Against themselues with might and maine?
By what meanes comes it to be so,
They warre without a forraine foe?
Nay, whither am I further tost?
Me seemes I now am on the coast
Eastward, where Nylus her seuen heads
VVithin the Ocean softly beds.
There see I him, and him deplore,
That lies vpon that sandy shore,
A headlesse trunke distain'd with gore.
Thence am I rap't againe anew,
And now the Lybian Syrts I view,
VVhere Destinies transport with spight,
The remnants of Pharsalias fight.
Yet further am I forst to walke
Ouer the Cloud-brow'd Alpes to stalke:
And in this flitting whirle-winde vease,
I passe the Mountaines Pyrinees.
Thence backe vnto my Natiue Towne,
VVhere I finde all turn'd vp-side-downe.
Vprore, diuision, and debate
Turmoyles the Senate and the State.
So am I now (from mine owne shore)
Hurry'd about the world once more.
O Phœbus, ease me of this toyle,
In vnknowne seas, and vnknowne soyle,
For I haue seene Philippies broyle!
Thus said, a slumbring rest she takes,
VVherewith this fury her forsakes.
Finis Libri primi.
| Lvcans Pharsalia | |