Albions England A Continued Historie of the same Kingdome, from the Originals of the first Inhabitants thereof: With most the chiefe Alterations and Accidents theare hapning, vnto, and in the happie Raigne of our now most gracious Soueraigne, Queene Elizabeth: Not barren in varietie of inuentiue and historicall Intermixtures: First penned and published by William Warner: and now reuised, and newly inlarged by the same Author: Whereunto is also newly added an Epitome of the whole Historie of England |
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| 12. | THE TWELETH BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND. |
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290
THE TWELETH BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND.
CHAP. LXIX.
When
Stafford sounded had, as saide, the Ladies Loue-seaz'd heart,
He to a Banquet her inuites, and did for then depart.
Now to his Lodging (which had earst beene Mandeuils also)
Comes Elenor, accompned with a crew of Ladies moe,
Of which was one that Stafford lou'd, of her beloued: She
Instructed was by him of all should there effected be.
The Banquet ended, Dorcas (so was Staffords Ladies name)
Thus speaketh vnto Elenor, as if it weare in game.
In yonder Chamber (poynting to a locked Doore thereby)
Hath Mandeuil his Closet, and no common Armory.
Full many things theare-in, quoth she, both rare and rich saw I:
Howbeit Stafford, euen to me, did long that sight denye.
Weare he and all the rest abroad, wheare lies the Keye I wot:
Then fayne you sicke, and sleepie, so the rest may hence be got.
He to a Banquet her inuites, and did for then depart.
Now to his Lodging (which had earst beene Mandeuils also)
Comes Elenor, accompned with a crew of Ladies moe,
Of which was one that Stafford lou'd, of her beloued: She
Instructed was by him of all should there effected be.
The Banquet ended, Dorcas (so was Staffords Ladies name)
Thus speaketh vnto Elenor, as if it weare in game.
In yonder Chamber (poynting to a locked Doore thereby)
Hath Mandeuil his Closet, and no common Armory.
Full many things theare-in, quoth she, both rare and rich saw I:
Howbeit Stafford, euen to me, did long that sight denye.
Weare he and all the rest abroad, wheare lies the Keye I wot:
Then fayne you sicke, and sleepie, so the rest may hence be got.
Soone Ladies listen Nouelties, and serue themselues with Shifts,
Not sooner Dorcas had deuis'd, but Elenor it drifts.
So finely fayn'd she ill at-ease that none beleeu'd her well,
Saue Stafford and his Lady, so preposing as befell:
And all saue onely Dorcas, whom she praies with her to stay,
Did sadly leaue her to her Rest, and that she rest did pray.
Meane while the Ladies and their Oste into the Garden walke,
Wheare Stafford did inuent them Sports, and hild them pleasant talke.
291
So finely fayn'd she ill at-ease that none beleeu'd her well,
Saue Stafford and his Lady, so preposing as befell:
And all saue onely Dorcas, whom she praies with her to stay,
Did sadly leaue her to her Rest, and that she rest did pray.
Meane while the Ladies and their Oste into the Garden walke,
Wheare Stafford did inuent them Sports, and hild them pleasant talke.
The Ladies twaine, thus left alone, the doore they open, wheare
To them in compleat Armor seem'd the greene-Knight to appeare.
The Burgonet, the Beuer, Buffe, the Coller, Curates, and
The Poldrons, Grangard, Vambraces, Gauntlets for either hand,
The Taishes, Cushies, and the Graues, Staffe, Pensell, Baises, all
The greene-Knight earst had tylted with that held her Loue his thrall,
She sawe, on Crosses and els-what, by Stafford so set out,
That to haue seene her very Knight made Elenor no doubt.
At first she feares, but lastly findes the Armor was vn-ma'nd:
When skaerd, and cheerd, with Dorcas she did enter, theare at hand,
The Closet where the Prizes of the forsaid Iusts did stand.
These, and that Armor, Dorcas said, are Mandeuils, the same
Your Knight, that won himselfe, for Force, to you for Faire such fame.
But, Sweete, let this be spoken in Shrift, so was it spoke to me:
Long haue you thirsted it, know I, which now you heare, and see.
Though Stafford was by Mandeuil coniured to conceale it,
And I by Stafford, what is it but that I may reueale it?
What shame, a Gods name, can redowne to him, by being knowne
The Knight that honord both himselfe and you, as more might none.
Beleeue me, reason none his fame should thus obscured lye:
But whatsoeare the Scrople be, now out it is, for why?
To you lies bare my hart, and shall. With that (by pre-conclusion
Twixt him and Dorcas) Stafford made a mannerly Intrusion.
Why how now Ladies, sicke, and heale, and taine so soone in harme?
You should, quoth he, to Pownd, weare this a churlish Rusticks Farme.
In vaine, I see, hath Mandeuil forbidden me or sight,
Or speech hereof to Elenor: And Dorcas serues me right:
Blab'd be our Shrifts to women, of simplicitie, or spight,
Well, Lady, (for by now I gesse you know this Armors Knight,
And you, concerning other things, haue reade what he did wright)
If firme you hold for him (as you haue said, and should doe still)
For you, and him, and both, therein imploy me at your will.
Who mightier than the Soldan? Yeat, as Mandeuil me wrights,
A Lady of the blood, right faire, he him for wife behights:
But, weare she Empresse of the World, his Resolution is.
She either shall be Elenor, or neuer any his.
To them in compleat Armor seem'd the greene-Knight to appeare.
The Burgonet, the Beuer, Buffe, the Coller, Curates, and
The Poldrons, Grangard, Vambraces, Gauntlets for either hand,
The Taishes, Cushies, and the Graues, Staffe, Pensell, Baises, all
The greene-Knight earst had tylted with that held her Loue his thrall,
She sawe, on Crosses and els-what, by Stafford so set out,
That to haue seene her very Knight made Elenor no doubt.
At first she feares, but lastly findes the Armor was vn-ma'nd:
When skaerd, and cheerd, with Dorcas she did enter, theare at hand,
The Closet where the Prizes of the forsaid Iusts did stand.
These, and that Armor, Dorcas said, are Mandeuils, the same
Your Knight, that won himselfe, for Force, to you for Faire such fame.
But, Sweete, let this be spoken in Shrift, so was it spoke to me:
Long haue you thirsted it, know I, which now you heare, and see.
Though Stafford was by Mandeuil coniured to conceale it,
And I by Stafford, what is it but that I may reueale it?
What shame, a Gods name, can redowne to him, by being knowne
The Knight that honord both himselfe and you, as more might none.
Beleeue me, reason none his fame should thus obscured lye:
But whatsoeare the Scrople be, now out it is, for why?
To you lies bare my hart, and shall. With that (by pre-conclusion
Twixt him and Dorcas) Stafford made a mannerly Intrusion.
Why how now Ladies, sicke, and heale, and taine so soone in harme?
You should, quoth he, to Pownd, weare this a churlish Rusticks Farme.
292
Or speech hereof to Elenor: And Dorcas serues me right:
Blab'd be our Shrifts to women, of simplicitie, or spight,
Well, Lady, (for by now I gesse you know this Armors Knight,
And you, concerning other things, haue reade what he did wright)
If firme you hold for him (as you haue said, and should doe still)
For you, and him, and both, therein imploy me at your will.
Who mightier than the Soldan? Yeat, as Mandeuil me wrights,
A Lady of the blood, right faire, he him for wife behights:
But, weare she Empresse of the World, his Resolution is.
She either shall be Elenor, or neuer any his.
Full well she knew those Sights, and at those Speeches did reioyce:
The greene-Knight had been Mandeuil, had been in her the Choyce.
That Wish, the Man, his Worth, their Loue, concurring in this wise,
Had he been also present, what more Blisse could she deuise?
Thence went they out into that Roome where had the Banquet bin,
And theare was she about to speake, when came the Ladies in:
Full well appaid to see her cheer'd, and frained then her quaem,
(For nothing lesse than forged Panges, or what had past they aem.)
Then went they all to whence they came, and Elenor did plie
For Mandeuil: What was it now for him she would not trie?
Oft Stafford, She, and Dorcas did consult, and then conclude
This course, not to be changed: which eare said, be first pursude
Of English, that in Affrick and in Asia bring to pas,
That England now is famous, wheare but late vnnam'd it was.
The greene-Knight had been Mandeuil, had been in her the Choyce.
That Wish, the Man, his Worth, their Loue, concurring in this wise,
Had he been also present, what more Blisse could she deuise?
Thence went they out into that Roome where had the Banquet bin,
And theare was she about to speake, when came the Ladies in:
Full well appaid to see her cheer'd, and frained then her quaem,
(For nothing lesse than forged Panges, or what had past they aem.)
Then went they all to whence they came, and Elenor did plie
For Mandeuil: What was it now for him she would not trie?
Oft Stafford, She, and Dorcas did consult, and then conclude
This course, not to be changed: which eare said, be first pursude
Of English, that in Affrick and in Asia bring to pas,
That England now is famous, wheare but late vnnam'd it was.
293
CHAP. LXX.
Of Northerne Regions partely is epitomed before,
Of other later Voyages ensues a few of store.
Great Personages cannot want great Poets theirs to tell:
Nor may they want, nor want to them would I, wrot I like-well.
But of some Meaners, that their liues haue ventured no lesse,
Perform'd as much, Some more, and Some that haue, as many gesse,
Vnto their Betters made the way to glorie they possesse,
Shall we digest: Or if we speake of great Ones, they be dead,
For Writers aduantagiously are of the Liuing reade.
Thy Raigne also, Elizabeth, shall bound our Pen in it,
Which to our Theame inferreth Texts, no times yeeld more so fit.
Of other later Voyages ensues a few of store.
Great Personages cannot want great Poets theirs to tell:
Nor may they want, nor want to them would I, wrot I like-well.
But of some Meaners, that their liues haue ventured no lesse,
Perform'd as much, Some more, and Some that haue, as many gesse,
Vnto their Betters made the way to glorie they possesse,
Shall we digest: Or if we speake of great Ones, they be dead,
For Writers aduantagiously are of the Liuing reade.
Thy Raigne also, Elizabeth, shall bound our Pen in it,
Which to our Theame inferreth Texts, no times yeeld more so fit.
Like amorous Scape from England as of Elenor to Rome
Made Macham in Madera reare his hence-stolne Louers Toombe:
Then raigned here Third Edward when so traueld Mandeuil,
And in those daies th' interring There of Machams Loue befell.
A Chappell built he there, his name and hers engrauen in Stone,
To Iesus dedicated (then, and England there vnknowne.)
Of him, that Ilands Porte is cal'd Machico, to this day,
Whom Affrick Mores to Castile, as a Wonder, did conuay:
For in an hallowed Tree, or Trough, not hauing sayle or Oares,
(The Shippe they came in leauing him) discouer'd he the Mores,
By which discouery, and by his Instructions, did ensew,
Th' Iberians did Madera and Canaries Isles subdew.
Hence (els had Machæm past our Penne) did time effect our Trade
For Guinie, in her Highness Raigne acquir'd and patent made.
Fot not in Maries raigne those Partes, as now, weare fully found,
Yeat still to gratefull Eares may those Negotiators sound,
To wit (although an Alien good Pinteado abus'd
By moodie Windam, Guinie first, and Benyn these perus'd:
Next Gainsh, then Towrson diuers times, and theare my Father dide
Since rife that Voyage, Brasile, and to Cape-verd Isles beside.
Gold, ciuet, muske, graines, pepper, woad, & iuory thence he brought.
In Barbarie (old Mauritaine) like Trade this raigne hath wrought:
Of Affrick, and America by Ours no part vnsought.
In Iewrie, Siria, AEgypt, Greece, the Turks whole Empier now
Our Queene is gratious, our Commerce, and Agents they allow.
Made Macham in Madera reare his hence-stolne Louers Toombe:
Then raigned here Third Edward when so traueld Mandeuil,
And in those daies th' interring There of Machams Loue befell.
A Chappell built he there, his name and hers engrauen in Stone,
To Iesus dedicated (then, and England there vnknowne.)
Of him, that Ilands Porte is cal'd Machico, to this day,
Whom Affrick Mores to Castile, as a Wonder, did conuay:
For in an hallowed Tree, or Trough, not hauing sayle or Oares,
(The Shippe they came in leauing him) discouer'd he the Mores,
By which discouery, and by his Instructions, did ensew,
294
Hence (els had Machæm past our Penne) did time effect our Trade
For Guinie, in her Highness Raigne acquir'd and patent made.
Fot not in Maries raigne those Partes, as now, weare fully found,
Yeat still to gratefull Eares may those Negotiators sound,
To wit (although an Alien good Pinteado abus'd
By moodie Windam, Guinie first, and Benyn these perus'd:
Next Gainsh, then Towrson diuers times, and theare my Father dide
Since rife that Voyage, Brasile, and to Cape-verd Isles beside.
Gold, ciuet, muske, graines, pepper, woad, & iuory thence he brought.
In Barbarie (old Mauritaine) like Trade this raigne hath wrought:
Of Affrick, and America by Ours no part vnsought.
In Iewrie, Siria, AEgypt, Greece, the Turks whole Empier now
Our Queene is gratious, our Commerce, and Agents they allow.
Of World admired Drake (for of his Worth what argues more,
Thā same enuide? Some, for was his so rich thought theirs too poore,)
And his braue Breeder Hawkins (yeat be honord euery Pen,
That, howsoeuer, honor them as high resolued Men)
In Fiction, or in Mysterie to reade would lesse delight,
Than would significantly some their glorious Iornies wright:
The paines of such inuited Pens such subiect would requite.
Adde Gilbert, Greenull, Frobisher, of Knights to make vp fiue,
All in their better Parts with God, with Men their Fames aliue:
Adde Chilton Oxnam Fenton, Ward, Dauis, an other Drake,
With diuers here not catolog'd, and for a Cheefest take
All-actions Cardish, and of these eternall Pen-worke make.
And, for a Nestor, forwarding their vertues, and did liue
But to his God, Prince, Countrie, lawdes to Walsingham do giue,
The Iliads, and AEneados, for Text, and Truth might yeeld
Vnto that learned Muse that should manure that plentious Field.
Was neuer Prince imployed Peace, with praise, to profit more,
Or Realme could, in the Raigne of one, boast worthy Men like store:
Out Foes can also witnes her armipotent, in few,
Religion, Vertue, Wealth, Peace, War her Throne with fame indue.
And here mine altred Muse this Theame surceaseth to pursue.
Thā same enuide? Some, for was his so rich thought theirs too poore,)
And his braue Breeder Hawkins (yeat be honord euery Pen,
That, howsoeuer, honor them as high resolued Men)
In Fiction, or in Mysterie to reade would lesse delight,
Than would significantly some their glorious Iornies wright:
The paines of such inuited Pens such subiect would requite.
Adde Gilbert, Greenull, Frobisher, of Knights to make vp fiue,
All in their better Parts with God, with Men their Fames aliue:
Adde Chilton Oxnam Fenton, Ward, Dauis, an other Drake,
With diuers here not catolog'd, and for a Cheefest take
All-actions Cardish, and of these eternall Pen-worke make.
And, for a Nestor, forwarding their vertues, and did liue
But to his God, Prince, Countrie, lawdes to Walsingham do giue,
The Iliads, and AEneados, for Text, and Truth might yeeld
Vnto that learned Muse that should manure that plentious Field.
Was neuer Prince imployed Peace, with praise, to profit more,
Or Realme could, in the Raigne of one, boast worthy Men like store:
295
Religion, Vertue, Wealth, Peace, War her Throne with fame indue.
And here mine altred Muse this Theame surceaseth to pursue.
Of These, East-Indian Goa, South, & South-east People moe,
And of their memorable Names those Toyles did vnder-goe,
Is one elaborated Pen compendiously doth floe.
Omitted men and named Men, and Lands (not here, indeede,
So written of as they deserue) at large in Bakluit reede:
To him, and (who deserues like-well of England, both as Any
Haue wrote of Enland) Camden, and to English Poets Many,
Of which are some (praise-worthy though) that to wre their Wits too hie,
To make a Pitch for Loue, whē they at fairer Fowles might flie,
Now vaile I Bonnet. Rest thee, Muse, a brode what need we rome?
Our seauenteene Kingdomes once, now One, yeeld Work enough at Home,
All which lier Highnes owneth now, as shall anon be saide:
But of our English Louers first be this Addition made.
And of their memorable Names those Toyles did vnder-goe,
Is one elaborated Pen compendiously doth floe.
Omitted men and named Men, and Lands (not here, indeede,
So written of as they deserue) at large in Bakluit reede:
To him, and (who deserues like-well of England, both as Any
Haue wrote of Enland) Camden, and to English Poets Many,
Of which are some (praise-worthy though) that to wre their Wits too hie,
To make a Pitch for Loue, whē they at fairer Fowles might flie,
Now vaile I Bonnet. Rest thee, Muse, a brode what need we rome?
Our seauenteene Kingdomes once, now One, yeeld Work enough at Home,
All which lier Highnes owneth now, as shall anon be saide:
But of our English Louers first be this Addition made.
CHAP. LXXI.
Now at Constantinople (once Byzantium, in olde Thrace
Had Mandeuil to Stafford wrote should bee his Wintring Place:
Next Summer would hee bee at Rome: That Stafford should direct
For either Place his Letters, which he, longing, did expect.
So Stafford had to Elenor the same informed, who
And Dorcas euermore their Loues did argue fro and to.
They may, quoth Dorcas, make more nice, but few or none, I troe,
That labour not of our disease: and why, I pray you, noe?
To be with God, what good more good? For it we all should aske,
But for by death it must be done, but few affect the Taske.
Virginitie, though praised, is alike perform'd, for why?
As much the Flesh is fraile therein, as in the feare to dye.
What, was it sayd to all, but vs, Increase and Multiply?
No Clarke will so expound that Text, God shield they should, say I.
Alld yeeld that Marrage is no sinne, if chastly then we liue,
And Man and wife their Bodies each to other wholly giue,
If so, as so is granted, what needs curious strugling then;
Since God and Nature formed Men for vs, and vs for Men.
Ill match those dallying Girles, pray I, that intertaine by Arte
All Louers, giuing Hopes to all, of all to make their Marte,
And, hauing blaunched many so, in single Life take pride:
When not a Strumpet Men so much abhorre, and more deride.
As well as too remisse in choyce, we may be too precise,
And lose, as AEsops swimming Dogge, a Substance for Surmise.
But if we marke, in matching, this (which perfecteth Content)
That in the Man of Vertues be and Loue a Complement,
For either Fortune worke we that we neuer shall repent.
We coyly may consume our Youth, till times may alter so
Or forme, friends, wealth, or fame, that we out of Request may groe.
But lose that list their Prime, since now I haue that may delight,
He shall participate my best, that must my badder Plight.
For true it is, as Vessels of first Liquors euer taste,
Loue, seasned so with Sweets of Youth, the same doth euer last.
Nay should my Stafford (God forbid) lesse kinde than think I proue,
I neretheles would still be his, in chaste and cheerefull Loue.
No men, troe I (the rascall Sort except) but women may,
In Patience, temporizing well, informe, and erring, stay.
And reason (were there Scripture none so bidding) we forbare
In men their Moodes, because of vs they wholly take the care.
Admit we bring them Portions great, and beautie sought of Many,
Alas, what bring we one that might not els haue hap't to any?
For (let me speake it to no Blab) It is a Question, whether
That longer thinke it we or Men vntill we come together.
Had Mandeuil to Stafford wrote should bee his Wintring Place:
Next Summer would hee bee at Rome: That Stafford should direct
For either Place his Letters, which he, longing, did expect.
So Stafford had to Elenor the same informed, who
And Dorcas euermore their Loues did argue fro and to.
296
That labour not of our disease: and why, I pray you, noe?
To be with God, what good more good? For it we all should aske,
But for by death it must be done, but few affect the Taske.
Virginitie, though praised, is alike perform'd, for why?
As much the Flesh is fraile therein, as in the feare to dye.
What, was it sayd to all, but vs, Increase and Multiply?
No Clarke will so expound that Text, God shield they should, say I.
Alld yeeld that Marrage is no sinne, if chastly then we liue,
And Man and wife their Bodies each to other wholly giue,
If so, as so is granted, what needs curious strugling then;
Since God and Nature formed Men for vs, and vs for Men.
Ill match those dallying Girles, pray I, that intertaine by Arte
All Louers, giuing Hopes to all, of all to make their Marte,
And, hauing blaunched many so, in single Life take pride:
When not a Strumpet Men so much abhorre, and more deride.
As well as too remisse in choyce, we may be too precise,
And lose, as AEsops swimming Dogge, a Substance for Surmise.
But if we marke, in matching, this (which perfecteth Content)
That in the Man of Vertues be and Loue a Complement,
For either Fortune worke we that we neuer shall repent.
We coyly may consume our Youth, till times may alter so
Or forme, friends, wealth, or fame, that we out of Request may groe.
But lose that list their Prime, since now I haue that may delight,
He shall participate my best, that must my badder Plight.
For true it is, as Vessels of first Liquors euer taste,
Loue, seasned so with Sweets of Youth, the same doth euer last.
Nay should my Stafford (God forbid) lesse kinde than think I proue,
I neretheles would still be his, in chaste and cheerefull Loue.
No men, troe I (the rascall Sort except) but women may,
In Patience, temporizing well, informe, and erring, stay.
And reason (were there Scripture none so bidding) we forbare
297
Admit we bring them Portions great, and beautie sought of Many,
Alas, what bring we one that might not els haue hap't to any?
For (let me speake it to no Blab) It is a Question, whether
That longer thinke it we or Men vntill we come together.
Well Wanton, well (quoth Elenor) if Men should heare your chat,
This last I meane, at least they would conclude for vs in that:
Concerning which, vpon my Tongue shall mine Opinion dye,
Though should I say to it, and all, Amen, I sooth'd no Lye.
Saint Stafford thine, Saint Mandeuil for me, God for vs all,
I haue bin, am, and will be still resolu'd, what ere befall.
In saying which came Stafford in, and wils them to dispatch
To Ship-boord: (for before had they determin'd of that Match.)
Already had he shipt their Stuffe, lack't onely they a-boord:
Which Oportunitie did now that time and place affoord.
How they escap't, or how disguisde, what skils it? scap't they are,
All three imbark't for Italie, and had the winde so faire,
That almost thither had they reach't, before they missed weare.
For them great search, and sorrow much was made, but all in vaine,
None knew or when they went, or whence, or where they did remaine.
This last I meane, at least they would conclude for vs in that:
Concerning which, vpon my Tongue shall mine Opinion dye,
Though should I say to it, and all, Amen, I sooth'd no Lye.
Saint Stafford thine, Saint Mandeuil for me, God for vs all,
I haue bin, am, and will be still resolu'd, what ere befall.
In saying which came Stafford in, and wils them to dispatch
To Ship-boord: (for before had they determin'd of that Match.)
Already had he shipt their Stuffe, lack't onely they a-boord:
Which Oportunitie did now that time and place affoord.
How they escap't, or how disguisde, what skils it? scap't they are,
All three imbark't for Italie, and had the winde so faire,
That almost thither had they reach't, before they missed weare.
For them great search, and sorrow much was made, but all in vaine,
None knew or when they went, or whence, or where they did remaine.
Here see you, what can mightie Loue in either Sexe effect:
Here see you also friends for friends nor weale nor woe respect:
Here see you one, that fear'd to speake, is followed far to speede:
Here see you that a Woman dares, if she conceits the Deede:
Here see you one in loue, not moop't at home, but mapping Lands:
Here see you how, gainst all things els, for Ladies Vertue stands.
Here also heare what they, arriu'd in Italie, did see:
And, first at Rome, when first shall this of Else-what spoken bee.
Here see you also friends for friends nor weale nor woe respect:
Here see you one, that fear'd to speake, is followed far to speede:
Here see you that a Woman dares, if she conceits the Deede:
Here see you one in loue, not moop't at home, but mapping Lands:
Here see you how, gainst all things els, for Ladies Vertue stands.
Here also heare what they, arriu'd in Italie, did see:
And, first at Rome, when first shall this of Else-what spoken bee.
298
CHAP. LXXII.
Elizabeths
now Monarchie ore seauenteene Crownes of old,
As formerly was promised, shall briefly here bee told.
Before the Scots did plant them Heere, own'd ancient Brutaines All,
And still, take I, her Homager may England Scotland call:
Which ouer-passe (not now possest) in this Accompt we shall.
Of either Land the Marches, and much more, for most now Ours,
The Warlike Picts possessing Here, built Castles, Towns, & Towers,
Brutes, Scots, and Romaines (then our Lords) oft daunting with their Powers:
Til lastly ciuil Strife, & Scots dis kingdom'd thē from Hence,
Whom Orkney Ilands, as is sayd, haue harbour'd euer sence.
The Brutaines, by these Picts of long opprest with thraldome sore,
To be deliu'red of such Foes, did Saxon Aides implore:
So playing as did AEspos Horse, that angrie with the Hart,
To be reueng'd, did craue in ayde of Man to take his part:
Till when the Horse was neuer back't not bitted, Either when
He once had suffered, had I wiste came euer Tar'de then,
The Brutaines, hauing called so the Saxons to their aide,
Could not be rid of them, to whom they had themselues betraide,
But by the same were they at length debelled into Wailes:
Each of whose Septers, long time Three, in Englands Monarch failes.
The Saxons, getting Brutaine thus (which they did England name)
At once of them in seuerall Parts Seauen Kings did rule the same:
All which, by Westerne Adelstane, in Monarchie was got,
Which since (saue Iron-sids & the Danes once Deuident) chang'd not.
Fiue Irish Kingdōs likewise add, now drown'd in Englands Crowne.
The Seauenteenth was the Isle of Man, in Ours now also downe.
Our Mandeuil, here cited, of Earle Mandeuil exact,
In Stephens Raigne so famous, Man, in Scots Possession, sack't,
And with the Spoyle of al that Isle thence and his Brother pack't.
Consent of times, Names, and Records affirme, may seeme, no lesse.
But Monteacute, Count Salsburie, it wonne, and did possesse.
Of Percies after, Stanlies next, and still (gesse I) holds Man,
From honorable long Descents, and from they first began,
All loyall, hospitalious, lou'd, still powrefull, and I pray
That in that Noble house those Termes may neuer-more decay.
This Man was diuers hundred yeares a Kingdome, and not small,
Rul'd Hebrides the Orcades, to Thul the Islands all,
And chances there and Changes, worth the note, did oft befall.
As how the natutall Incolants the Iselanders subdew,
Them Norses, Irish them, them Scots, and English them, in few,
Beauchamp, the Earle of Warwick, (first, and last, and but a while)
Was King of Wight: Sixt Henries Gift that Honor and that Ile:
Which added, Eighteene Kingdoms, al possest, ieke Englands Stile.
As formerly was promised, shall briefly here bee told.
Before the Scots did plant them Heere, own'd ancient Brutaines All,
And still, take I, her Homager may England Scotland call:
Which ouer-passe (not now possest) in this Accompt we shall.
Of either Land the Marches, and much more, for most now Ours,
The Warlike Picts possessing Here, built Castles, Towns, & Towers,
Brutes, Scots, and Romaines (then our Lords) oft daunting with their Powers:
Til lastly ciuil Strife, & Scots dis kingdom'd thē from Hence,
Whom Orkney Ilands, as is sayd, haue harbour'd euer sence.
The Brutaines, by these Picts of long opprest with thraldome sore,
To be deliu'red of such Foes, did Saxon Aides implore:
So playing as did AEspos Horse, that angrie with the Hart,
To be reueng'd, did craue in ayde of Man to take his part:
Till when the Horse was neuer back't not bitted, Either when
He once had suffered, had I wiste came euer Tar'de then,
The Brutaines, hauing called so the Saxons to their aide,
Could not be rid of them, to whom they had themselues betraide,
But by the same were they at length debelled into Wailes:
Each of whose Septers, long time Three, in Englands Monarch failes.
The Saxons, getting Brutaine thus (which they did England name)
At once of them in seuerall Parts Seauen Kings did rule the same:
299
Which since (saue Iron-sids & the Danes once Deuident) chang'd not.
Fiue Irish Kingdōs likewise add, now drown'd in Englands Crowne.
The Seauenteenth was the Isle of Man, in Ours now also downe.
Our Mandeuil, here cited, of Earle Mandeuil exact,
In Stephens Raigne so famous, Man, in Scots Possession, sack't,
And with the Spoyle of al that Isle thence and his Brother pack't.
Consent of times, Names, and Records affirme, may seeme, no lesse.
But Monteacute, Count Salsburie, it wonne, and did possesse.
Of Percies after, Stanlies next, and still (gesse I) holds Man,
From honorable long Descents, and from they first began,
All loyall, hospitalious, lou'd, still powrefull, and I pray
That in that Noble house those Termes may neuer-more decay.
This Man was diuers hundred yeares a Kingdome, and not small,
Rul'd Hebrides the Orcades, to Thul the Islands all,
And chances there and Changes, worth the note, did oft befall.
As how the natutall Incolants the Iselanders subdew,
Them Norses, Irish them, them Scots, and English them, in few,
Beauchamp, the Earle of Warwick, (first, and last, and but a while)
Was King of Wight: Sixt Henries Gift that Honor and that Ile:
Which added, Eighteene Kingdoms, al possest, ieke Englands Stile.
These now thus couched all in One (saue Parcell Scots withhold
Of Penthland and some barren Isles subdu'd from Man of old
Since hath one Monarch ruled all, hath rendred vs secure:
Whereas Pluralitie of Kings did euer Losse procure.
Twise ioyn'd our Ilanders in one, when twise did Cæsar faile:
Disioyning, He, Picts, Saxons Danes, and Normaines did preuaile.
The Spanyard, in Conceit, deuoures our Countrie, in no hope
But of Disiunctiues, who, thinks he, lesse loue their Prince than Pope.
Let France admonish England, turn'd Religion turnes not Spayne
From thirsting France: Neutralitie brought late-lost Calice Baine:
And Spanish't-French liue Peasants-like, that, French did Princes raign.
Our Elders (illy did they well, for so should not be done,
To armor vnauthorised should subiects neuer ronne)
So badly brook't this Spanyards fam'd Espousall with their Queene,
That, euen at Westminsters Law-Barres, were harnest Pleaders seene,
Fear'd with the trooped Bands yt wold that Banes with swords forbid:
Of which were pittied those that dide, the Rest winkt-at, and hid.
Their meaning had it Praise, had not the Manner bin in fault:
The Manner now doth hold, may none in selfe-same Meaning hault:
But arm'd be euery hand and heart hence, Englishly, to beate
Spayn, that our Bodies wold inthral, Rome, that our Soules doth threat.
But new Rome left, of old Rome now we shall in few intreate.
Of Penthland and some barren Isles subdu'd from Man of old
Since hath one Monarch ruled all, hath rendred vs secure:
Whereas Pluralitie of Kings did euer Losse procure.
Twise ioyn'd our Ilanders in one, when twise did Cæsar faile:
Disioyning, He, Picts, Saxons Danes, and Normaines did preuaile.
The Spanyard, in Conceit, deuoures our Countrie, in no hope
But of Disiunctiues, who, thinks he, lesse loue their Prince than Pope.
Let France admonish England, turn'd Religion turnes not Spayne
From thirsting France: Neutralitie brought late-lost Calice Baine:
And Spanish't-French liue Peasants-like, that, French did Princes raign.
Our Elders (illy did they well, for so should not be done,
300
So badly brook't this Spanyards fam'd Espousall with their Queene,
That, euen at Westminsters Law-Barres, were harnest Pleaders seene,
Fear'd with the trooped Bands yt wold that Banes with swords forbid:
Of which were pittied those that dide, the Rest winkt-at, and hid.
Their meaning had it Praise, had not the Manner bin in fault:
The Manner now doth hold, may none in selfe-same Meaning hault:
But arm'd be euery hand and heart hence, Englishly, to beate
Spayn, that our Bodies wold inthral, Rome, that our Soules doth threat.
But new Rome left, of old Rome now we shall in few intreate.
CHAP. LXXIII.
When Stafford and his double Charge to Italie were come,In health, and rich (for hence brought they in Coine no little Some,
With Iewels of rare estimate, and else-what of great worth)
For Mandeuil they seeke, and him at last did listen forth.
That in Constantinople yet he was, a Marchant saide:
And thither Staffords Letter was to him with speed conuaide,
Purporting only that himselfe at Rome his comming staide.
Meane while in Rome (the Mistris once of all the world) they view
Such wonders, couch't in Ruins, as vnseene might seeme vntrew.
Once was it compast, as is read, with fiftie miles of wall,
Now some to twentie, some to lesse, in that accompt doe fall:
It hauing Towers so many as the yeare hath dayes in all.
301
Were vaulted walkes through euery Streete, gainst Sunne, and rainy weather.
The sumptious Bathes, with Pallaces thereto of rare delight,
The roomesome Ponds, where very Ships some Festiuals did fight,
The Trophie Arches, where to life Triumphants were purtraide,
The Statures huge, of Porphyrie and costlier matters made,
The Theaters, Pyramides, the Hill of halfe a mile,
Raisde but of tribute Pot-sheards, so to boast their Power long while,
The Obelisks, of one whole Stone neere fortie yards or more,
Huge Pillers, caru'd in Masonrie with Prowse of Knights before,
The stately Bridges, sometimes Eight, now fewer, Tyber crosse,
The Thirtie goodly Gates, of which is now of number losse,
The huge Colosses, Conduites, and else-what that shew'd a State
Beyond beleefe of ruin'd Rome, in part repair'd of late,
They wonder at, and how the world could yeeld such Pomp debate.
Though some the seauen inclosed Hils did ancient Rome containe
Lye waste or Vine-yards, more doth yeat of Maiestie remaine,
Euen in the Rubble of the old, than in the now renew'd,
Though Rome retaines a Statelines, nor fairer Pyles are view'd.
The round Pantheon, once the House of all the Heathen Gods,
Stands yet a Temple, but lesse deckt for rich by too much ods.
On Auentine the down-fals are of Temples store to see:
On Tarpie of the Capitol, were wont their Guild to bee:
On Palentine of Pallaces, on Cælius signes of Playes:
Quirinall, Exquell, Viminall, of Bathes shew braue decayes.
These Hils, with Vatican and old Ianiculum orepast,
Shew we how Rome did rule, was rul'd, and ruin'd at the last.
From Ianus (called Noe of some, Iaphet of some Noes Sonne,
And Iaphets sonne of others (Rule in Tuscan first begonne,
Raign'd in sixe hundreth twentie yeares of Latines Twentie one:
Son of the Eight of which was Brute, first Soueraign of our Throne.
302
And, building Rome, slew Remus, there to lord it at his will.
This Cittie (then Receptacle for all, how vile skils not)
Of Italie by one and one the Sixteene State-Lands got.
Tarquinius raign'd the Seauenth in Rome, whē for the Out-rage done
Vpon Lucretia, Kings did cease, and Consuls then begonne:
When had two hundreth thirtie yeres bin Kings, that much had won.
In this estate of Consuls (Two, remoueable each yeere)
Rome flourished in Victories fiue hundreth yeares well neere.
No age can boast like valiant Men, or Senatours so graue,
That Warre and Peace vnto the world at their Deuotion gaue,
Whose only naked Maiestie not Armour then could braue:
Like Monarchie none euer had, or likely is shall haue.
When now the world was wholly Romes, and Pompei ouercome,
Then Iulius Cæsar did Vsurpe the Common-wealth of Rome,
Had Thirtie eight bin Emperours successiuely when as
Did Constantine to Siluester Rome, by Donation pas.
This Constantine (surnam'd the great, Our heire, and of our blood)
Baptiz'd of Siluester, did hurt, as hap't, by doing good:
When to Constantinople he remou'd th' imperiall Seate,
Rome prou'd too proude for Priests, or pride of Priests for Rome too great.
Besides, was little Policie in Partnership of Raigne,
For Rome, and Greece, one Empier earst, was rul'd as if of Twaine:
Who also chose their Cæsars, that their priuate Turnes did waite:
Whence (after at Bizantium Nine had held imperiall State)
Rome by the Gothe Alaracus was sackt in barbrous rate.
And here the Monarchie of Rome did palpably decline:
As of her Palls Supremacie like may we now deuine.
But, keepe in mind where stayde our search of Countries, where left we
Of Mandeuil and Elenor, and wheare these Louers be,
Whilst yet we shall digresse of Rome, subiecting vs so long,
For yet we tract of Rome, though lothe, your memories to wrong.
303
Anon as Constantine left Rome, to Bishop to Syluester,
(So cal'd of liuing in the Woods, whence earst he durst not ster)
For consecrating after-Popes they golden Rites prefer,
And, hansling Rome with Heresies, in factious Schismes did erre.
Scarse was it to come vnto the Third, when Popes, that liu'd before,
(But fewe escaping Martyrdome) in Deserts, meeke and poore,
Did wrangle for Saint Peters keyes, and Primacie of all
The christiā Church: which to their Sea, though long, at length did fal.
Hence Dispensations, Iubilees, Pardons, and such rack't geere,
Weare had at Rome: nothing, naught worth, theare had, not payd for deere.
Yeat not, till long, the Emperours they dared to prouoke,
That now in choyce of Emperours did labor greatest stroke:
And Seculers from church-Affayres in all did sequester,
But wrought that Seculers should all vnto the Church refer:
Effecting so, that Emperours and Kings did kisse their feete,
Deposing, and disposing them and theirs, as they thought meete.
(So cal'd of liuing in the Woods, whence earst he durst not ster)
For consecrating after-Popes they golden Rites prefer,
And, hansling Rome with Heresies, in factious Schismes did erre.
Scarse was it to come vnto the Third, when Popes, that liu'd before,
(But fewe escaping Martyrdome) in Deserts, meeke and poore,
Did wrangle for Saint Peters keyes, and Primacie of all
The christiā Church: which to their Sea, though long, at length did fal.
Hence Dispensations, Iubilees, Pardons, and such rack't geere,
Weare had at Rome: nothing, naught worth, theare had, not payd for deere.
Yeat not, till long, the Emperours they dared to prouoke,
That now in choyce of Emperours did labor greatest stroke:
And Seculers from church-Affayres in all did sequester,
But wrought that Seculers should all vnto the Church refer:
Effecting so, that Emperours and Kings did kisse their feete,
Deposing, and disposing them and theirs, as they thought meete.
When now the blind seduced World was brought vnto their bent,
And more their busie heads could not, ambitiously, inuent.
Was Pope, & Pope, & somtimes Three: Popes poysond, Popes exild,
Popes strangeld, cozen'd Popes, a Pope deliuered of a Childe:
Was neuer heard such Tyrants, or of other Potentates
So many did miscarrie, through Ambition, and Debates.
But be obseru'd, in highest pitch of Pride in Clergie-men,
God still hath wrought, Religion, Realmes, and all haue ruin'd then.
So, in her Roofe, it far'd with Rome: he whisel'd, and did swarme
From out the North Barbarians that gainst Italie did arme.
At sundrie times the Goth, the Dane, the Vandale, and the Hunne,
With others, foure times sacked Rome, and oft the Land ore-runne:
Nor onely so, but raigned there, in spight of who said nay:
Whence Gis-alpine is Lumbardie vnto this present day:
And Rome (which since our Brennus, none durst enterprise) was made
A Bootie to each barbarous Force that would the same inuade.
In vaine the Romaine Emperors their ancient Right defend,
For through seditious Popes the French begun where Those did end.
From Pharamonds to Pipins House they foyst the Crowne of France,
And to the Westerne Empier then did Charles-le-maine aduance.
From France to Italy againe, to Germanie from thence,
Whereas the naked Title hath inured euer sence.
And more their busie heads could not, ambitiously, inuent.
Was Pope, & Pope, & somtimes Three: Popes poysond, Popes exild,
Popes strangeld, cozen'd Popes, a Pope deliuered of a Childe:
Was neuer heard such Tyrants, or of other Potentates
So many did miscarrie, through Ambition, and Debates.
But be obseru'd, in highest pitch of Pride in Clergie-men,
God still hath wrought, Religion, Realmes, and all haue ruin'd then.
So, in her Roofe, it far'd with Rome: he whisel'd, and did swarme
From out the North Barbarians that gainst Italie did arme.
At sundrie times the Goth, the Dane, the Vandale, and the Hunne,
With others, foure times sacked Rome, and oft the Land ore-runne:
Nor onely so, but raigned there, in spight of who said nay:
Whence Gis-alpine is Lumbardie vnto this present day:
And Rome (which since our Brennus, none durst enterprise) was made
304
In vaine the Romaine Emperors their ancient Right defend,
For through seditious Popes the French begun where Those did end.
From Pharamonds to Pipins House they foyst the Crowne of France,
And to the Westerne Empier then did Charles-le-maine aduance.
From France to Italy againe, to Germanie from thence,
Whereas the naked Title hath inured euer sence.
Thus erring Rome hath, doth, & will our christian World vnqueate:
May therefore Princes ioyne to race that Monster from his Seate.
What, will ye see a glorious God of earth? goe see the Pope:
Aspiring Lucifer? who els? Truth fals't? reuerse the Cope:
Queanes like to Queenes? There halfe-mile Streets affoord no other Sort,
And skarlet Hats, Stoles, and Coules too much ingroste the sport.
Full fortie Thousand Curtizans there, Ladies-like, doe liue,
That to the Pope for wantoning no small Reuenew giue.
May therefore Princes ioyne to race that Monster from his Seate.
What, will ye see a glorious God of earth? goe see the Pope:
Aspiring Lucifer? who els? Truth fals't? reuerse the Cope:
Queanes like to Queenes? There halfe-mile Streets affoord no other Sort,
And skarlet Hats, Stoles, and Coules too much ingroste the sport.
Full fortie Thousand Curtizans there, Ladies-like, doe liue,
That to the Pope for wantoning no small Reuenew giue.
Whilst were those Broyles in Italie, did many there reiect
Obedience to the Emperors, who could not them protect.
So diuers Cities did themselues infranchize, growing States:
And each of them Dominion to her Common-wealth delates.
Weare ouerlong, although we should but briefely ouer-ronne
The free-Italian States, of which the Spanyards part haue wonne,
As Naples, Myllaine, royall That, and Duchie This, both twaine
So peopl'd, fertile, pleasant, rich, as neither shew their waine.
But should we speake of Venic's Pompe, the Citie, and the Scite,
Too little should we speake, although too much we here should write.
But, Gallants, will you view the Courte of Venus, and not so,
But Myrrors too of Courtesie? to rich-built Genoa goe:
But farre from drifting Florence keepe, least Machiuels ye groe.
Ferrara, Vrbine, Mantua, Placence, and Parma are
Braue Cities, great for State, and please those which to them repare.
I wot not what this spatious Land doth lacke that Man can wish:
Ayre tēprate, fertile Grounds, vnmatch't for fruits, beasts, fowles, & fish
Men valiant, rich, kinde, courtly, and faire Academies many,
For braue and bewtious women doe nor need they yeeld to any.
Obedience to the Emperors, who could not them protect.
So diuers Cities did themselues infranchize, growing States:
And each of them Dominion to her Common-wealth delates.
Weare ouerlong, although we should but briefely ouer-ronne
The free-Italian States, of which the Spanyards part haue wonne,
As Naples, Myllaine, royall That, and Duchie This, both twaine
So peopl'd, fertile, pleasant, rich, as neither shew their waine.
But should we speake of Venic's Pompe, the Citie, and the Scite,
Too little should we speake, although too much we here should write.
But, Gallants, will you view the Courte of Venus, and not so,
But Myrrors too of Courtesie? to rich-built Genoa goe:
But farre from drifting Florence keepe, least Machiuels ye groe.
Ferrara, Vrbine, Mantua, Placence, and Parma are
Braue Cities, great for State, and please those which to them repare.
I wot not what this spatious Land doth lacke that Man can wish:
Ayre tēprate, fertile Grounds, vnmatch't for fruits, beasts, fowles, & fish
305
For braue and bewtious women doe nor need they yeeld to any.
Now to our English Trinitie of Lovers let's returne,
That still, in expectation of the Fourth, at Rome soiorne.
Theare, after Prayers, Church-times, Sights, & Stories somtimes read,
Amongst their merric Tales was this, how one, inamour'd, spead.
That still, in expectation of the Fourth, at Rome soiorne.
Theare, after Prayers, Church-times, Sights, & Stories somtimes read,
Amongst their merric Tales was this, how one, inamour'd, spead.
CHAP. LXXIIII.
A faire young Wife, of Lyncolne-Shire (if say out Author truth)
In traueling to London-wards, squir'd of a clownish youth,
Was by a Yorke-Shire Gentleman ore taken, and together
This Cocke of game, and (as might seeme) this Henne of that same fether
Doe iourney on: And, liking her, when words of course had past,
And nodding pricked on before her Seruing Creature fast,
He thus began. Faire Mistresse, since our Trauell lies one way,
If so you please, one Inne, one Boord, (and I for all will pay)
May serue vs both: I also was about one Bead to say.
The Gentlewoman (formally then modest) blushing, saide,
For Inne, and Boord, as pleaseth you: And so her Answer staide.
But would you add the Third, quoth he, more would it please in deede.
What that you pay for all? quoth she, nay, so weare more than neede.
Tush, that (And yeat best Orators to Women knew the Gifts,
And therefore named, Pay, as if by chance, to edge his drifts)
Was out, quoth he, at vn awares, I also named, Bead.
You said you were about, quoth she, which still let goe for dead.
Thus off and on they dialogue best part of all that day:
He could not win hir to consent, nor would he take a nay:
For long agoe the Calendar of Women-Saints was filde,
Fewe not to opportunitie, importunated, yeild,
Thinks this our Northerne wilie Ladde, hartie, and hardie too,
Who neuer would giue-out: nor more, than thus, yeelds she to doo,
That is, to bead, he swearing but to kisse and her imbrace.
Then merrily for Huntington they mend their former pace.
In traueling to London-wards, squir'd of a clownish youth,
Was by a Yorke-Shire Gentleman ore taken, and together
This Cocke of game, and (as might seeme) this Henne of that same fether
Doe iourney on: And, liking her, when words of course had past,
And nodding pricked on before her Seruing Creature fast,
He thus began. Faire Mistresse, since our Trauell lies one way,
If so you please, one Inne, one Boord, (and I for all will pay)
May serue vs both: I also was about one Bead to say.
The Gentlewoman (formally then modest) blushing, saide,
For Inne, and Boord, as pleaseth you: And so her Answer staide.
But would you add the Third, quoth he, more would it please in deede.
What that you pay for all? quoth she, nay, so weare more than neede.
Tush, that (And yeat best Orators to Women knew the Gifts,
And therefore named, Pay, as if by chance, to edge his drifts)
Was out, quoth he, at vn awares, I also named, Bead.
306
Thus off and on they dialogue best part of all that day:
He could not win hir to consent, nor would he take a nay:
For long agoe the Calendar of Women-Saints was filde,
Fewe not to opportunitie, importunated, yeild,
Thinks this our Northerne wilie Ladde, hartie, and hardie too,
Who neuer would giue-out: nor more, than thus, yeelds she to doo,
That is, to bead, he swearing but to kisse and her imbrace.
Then merrily for Huntington they mend their former pace.
Alighted theare, for Supper he bespeakes the dantiest Cheere,
And either in one Gallerie had Chambers, somewhat neere:
Betwixt their Chambers placed was a Southerne Gentleman,
That by officious Signes twix't them to sound their Match began:
Her extraordinary Forme on worke the rather sets
His heart, and Senses (such an hand of vs such Bewtie gets.)
Resolu'd at last of what was meant, and how therein to deale,
This Smel-feast from the bidden Guest, did thus the Banquet steale.
He gaue it out, that all might heare, he earely would away,
His Man fayn'd feare to ouer sleepe, and would not downe him lay:
But, when that all besides betooke themselues to sleepe and rest,
One while he walkes the Gallerie, another while he drest
His rustie Sword, which badly did the Northern-man disgest.
In vaine he chafte, in vaine he wisht the Seruing-man were gon:
Nor durst he out to boord his Loue (for much it stood upon
Their Credits to be cautilous.) The Southern-man, this while,
Got to the Gentlewomans bed, and did (no force) beguile
Her Expectation: Swore you not? quoth she, and he did smile.
But, had he bin the Man forsworne, if God forgaue the Sin,
She pardon'd him the quo ad vi that he had trespast in,
And, for that Nights work, swore to sweare no Man from like, I win.
This Chaer thus chaer'd, as closely as he went returnes he backe
Vnto his proper Bed, nor long he sleepes ere thence he packe.
No sooner cleered was the Coast, but that the bidden Guest
Steales to her Chamber doore, then lock't, (for now she means to rest.)
A male-Content retireth he, not dreaming what had bin,
But better Opportunitie hopes at their next-nights Inn.
Next Morne they meete, when, blushingly (but angrie nor a whit)
Ha Sir, quoth she, I'le trust againe your Oth, so kept you it.
What, bite, and whine, quoth he, who trusts a Woman so is saru'd.
First museth she, then iests it out, soone finding how was swaru'd.
But thus the Northern-man did faile, that did no cost omit.
And thus the Southern-man preuail'd, at charge no more then Wit.
The best is yet behind, but ere be told the Storie out,
Amongst our Louers, now at Rome, heare how was brought about.
And either in one Gallerie had Chambers, somewhat neere:
Betwixt their Chambers placed was a Southerne Gentleman,
That by officious Signes twix't them to sound their Match began:
Her extraordinary Forme on worke the rather sets
His heart, and Senses (such an hand of vs such Bewtie gets.)
Resolu'd at last of what was meant, and how therein to deale,
This Smel-feast from the bidden Guest, did thus the Banquet steale.
He gaue it out, that all might heare, he earely would away,
His Man fayn'd feare to ouer sleepe, and would not downe him lay:
But, when that all besides betooke themselues to sleepe and rest,
One while he walkes the Gallerie, another while he drest
His rustie Sword, which badly did the Northern-man disgest.
In vaine he chafte, in vaine he wisht the Seruing-man were gon:
Nor durst he out to boord his Loue (for much it stood upon
Their Credits to be cautilous.) The Southern-man, this while,
Got to the Gentlewomans bed, and did (no force) beguile
Her Expectation: Swore you not? quoth she, and he did smile.
But, had he bin the Man forsworne, if God forgaue the Sin,
She pardon'd him the quo ad vi that he had trespast in,
And, for that Nights work, swore to sweare no Man from like, I win.
This Chaer thus chaer'd, as closely as he went returnes he backe
Vnto his proper Bed, nor long he sleepes ere thence he packe.
307
Steales to her Chamber doore, then lock't, (for now she means to rest.)
A male-Content retireth he, not dreaming what had bin,
But better Opportunitie hopes at their next-nights Inn.
Next Morne they meete, when, blushingly (but angrie nor a whit)
Ha Sir, quoth she, I'le trust againe your Oth, so kept you it.
What, bite, and whine, quoth he, who trusts a Woman so is saru'd.
First museth she, then iests it out, soone finding how was swaru'd.
But thus the Northern-man did faile, that did no cost omit.
And thus the Southern-man preuail'd, at charge no more then Wit.
The best is yet behind, but ere be told the Storie out,
Amongst our Louers, now at Rome, heare how was brought about.
At
Rome is Mandeuil ariu'd, Stafford and he are met,
To say their Greeeting, for the much, were here too long a Let.
Of Elenor her health, and more, suppose not Questions few:
For yet-full little Mandeuil of her Ariuall knew,
Nor shall, till of his Loyaltie, and life be further View.
As Staffords Lodging had he seene (as is th' Italian Guies)
Two portly Ladies, Head and Face all vailed, saue their Eies:
Twixt one of these and Stafford much of Kindness to haue past
Had he obseru'd, and thereupon thus breakes with him at last.
I haue not seene the couer'd Dish that so your Diet fits,
But much I feare it surfet may, quoth he, your queasie wits:
Needes must I enter now the Lists to combate Dorcas Foe,
Euen Staffords reason, that from Heauen to Hell is posting so.
I will not aske, nor do I care, what bewtie, wealth, or wit
Your here-found Mistres hath, why you should home-left Loue forgit:
But this, I know, not Rome affoords whom more you might affect
Than her, whom wronged here I see, and more than seene suspect:
Fie, wherein differs Man from Beast, but in Affections checkt?
What, is she married? Then do yee superlatiuely sinne:
Or Maide? I like not Maidens that so forwardly beginne:
Or Curtizen? What doth she with a Vaile that is so vile
As not to blush at shame, but, baer'd, is wonted to beguile?
But Married, Mayde, or Curtizen, or what you please her name,
I like not him makes loue to one and wrongs the very same.
I tell thee, Stafford, be she good, or bad thou here doest corte,
Thee I pronounce too bad, yr with fore-plighted Loue do'st sporte.
Let it suffice my Friendship hates Absurdities in thee:
Farre be it Trauellers should play the Spyder, not the Bee.
I would thy courted Lady here, and her Consort heard this,
(A needles wish, next Roome weare both, and ouer heard heis)
Then should they heare thee false to one, a Choyser is not here,
And, fearing like, suspect thy Loue of Precontracts not cleere.
Ah, falsed Matches, finished in wrong of Others, might,
By still improsprous Presidents, deterre from wronging Right.
To honest Eares might this suffice to interrupt herein,
Or, spoke I vnto Harlots, this at least from Lust should win:
Al Touch-sweet, Tast-sweet, Eye-sweet, Ear-sweet, Sent-sweet, Soule-sweet, is
A vertuous Match, but vitious Loue in all contraries this.
To say their Greeeting, for the much, were here too long a Let.
Of Elenor her health, and more, suppose not Questions few:
For yet-full little Mandeuil of her Ariuall knew,
Nor shall, till of his Loyaltie, and life be further View.
As Staffords Lodging had he seene (as is th' Italian Guies)
Two portly Ladies, Head and Face all vailed, saue their Eies:
Twixt one of these and Stafford much of Kindness to haue past
Had he obseru'd, and thereupon thus breakes with him at last.
I haue not seene the couer'd Dish that so your Diet fits,
But much I feare it surfet may, quoth he, your queasie wits:
Needes must I enter now the Lists to combate Dorcas Foe,
Euen Staffords reason, that from Heauen to Hell is posting so.
I will not aske, nor do I care, what bewtie, wealth, or wit
Your here-found Mistres hath, why you should home-left Loue forgit:
But this, I know, not Rome affoords whom more you might affect
Than her, whom wronged here I see, and more than seene suspect:
Fie, wherein differs Man from Beast, but in Affections checkt?
What, is she married? Then do yee superlatiuely sinne:
308
Or Curtizen? What doth she with a Vaile that is so vile
As not to blush at shame, but, baer'd, is wonted to beguile?
But Married, Mayde, or Curtizen, or what you please her name,
I like not him makes loue to one and wrongs the very same.
I tell thee, Stafford, be she good, or bad thou here doest corte,
Thee I pronounce too bad, yr with fore-plighted Loue do'st sporte.
Let it suffice my Friendship hates Absurdities in thee:
Farre be it Trauellers should play the Spyder, not the Bee.
I would thy courted Lady here, and her Consort heard this,
(A needles wish, next Roome weare both, and ouer heard heis)
Then should they heare thee false to one, a Choyser is not here,
And, fearing like, suspect thy Loue of Precontracts not cleere.
Ah, falsed Matches, finished in wrong of Others, might,
By still improsprous Presidents, deterre from wronging Right.
To honest Eares might this suffice to interrupt herein,
Or, spoke I vnto Harlots, this at least from Lust should win:
Al Touch-sweet, Tast-sweet, Eye-sweet, Ear-sweet, Sent-sweet, Soule-sweet, is
A vertuous Match, but vitious Loue in all contraries this.
Suppose this firme and naked Loue and Friendship much to please
His Auditorie seene and not, and Stafford, to appease
His Discontent, pretends a soone Returne for England thence,
And so this Parlie ended, and on either part Offence.
Stafford had said to Mandeuil that Elenor, to trie
Whether his Loue did not with time, new Loues, and Trauell die,
Required backe the Ring she gaue, which if he could her send,
She would beleeue him loyall, and requite it in the end.
That Ring, in this Regard, did he commend to Stafford now,
And, saue to her, he giue the same to none exacts a Vowe.
The next third following day was fayn'd the time he would frō thence,
Whom to accompnie on his way had Mandeuil pretence:
Wherfore they feast their Friends, & thē their Friends, amōg'st the rest
Vnknowne of him) was Elenor with Mandeuil a Guest.
Such Arte she vs'd, and such Attier she wore, and who wold looke
For her at Rome? that present her not for her selfe he tooke.
Vpon her Finger he espide his Ring, deliuer'd earst,
Yeat silently deuoures the Greefe, that to his Soule had pear'st.
His Auditorie seene and not, and Stafford, to appease
His Discontent, pretends a soone Returne for England thence,
And so this Parlie ended, and on either part Offence.
Stafford had said to Mandeuil that Elenor, to trie
Whether his Loue did not with time, new Loues, and Trauell die,
Required backe the Ring she gaue, which if he could her send,
She would beleeue him loyall, and requite it in the end.
That Ring, in this Regard, did he commend to Stafford now,
And, saue to her, he giue the same to none exacts a Vowe.
The next third following day was fayn'd the time he would frō thence,
Whom to accompnie on his way had Mandeuil pretence:
Wherfore they feast their Friends, & thē their Friends, amōg'st the rest
309
Such Arte she vs'd, and such Attier she wore, and who wold looke
For her at Rome? that present her not for her selfe he tooke.
Vpon her Finger he espide his Ring, deliuer'd earst,
Yeat silently deuoures the Greefe, that to his Soule had pear'st.
He, and the rest, inuited weare to sup abroad that Night:
Night, Guests, and Suppers ende are come, when (greeued though in Spright)
He, to recouer backe his Ring, did vse this clenly sleight.
In one had he a Mommerie deuised and a Maske,
And euery masking Mommer tooke a Lady to his taske,
He her with whome he had espyde his Ring, and Dauncing donne,
To looke, as if for some what lost, to ground-wards he begonne.
Was ask't what myste, he whispers her that he had lost a Ring,
Which, wanting in each Mommers Mouth, was made apenall thing:
Faire Lady, lend me this, quoth he, that on your finger is,
And (giuing her a Tablet rich) for Gage accept of this.
Her Courtesie, his colour'd Want and Gage effected so,
That she, the Pawne accepted, did her loned Ring forgoe.
Now on the Boord weare cast the Dice, her turne was come to play,
Which Opportunitie takes he, and shifts him thence away.
Nor knew she him, nor her knew he for her she was in deede:
But thus he spead his purpose, and of this did thus proceede:
Which, eare we shal reporte, insewes our Iests-Remayne to reede.
Night, Guests, and Suppers ende are come, when (greeued though in Spright)
He, to recouer backe his Ring, did vse this clenly sleight.
In one had he a Mommerie deuised and a Maske,
And euery masking Mommer tooke a Lady to his taske,
He her with whome he had espyde his Ring, and Dauncing donne,
To looke, as if for some what lost, to ground-wards he begonne.
Was ask't what myste, he whispers her that he had lost a Ring,
Which, wanting in each Mommers Mouth, was made apenall thing:
Faire Lady, lend me this, quoth he, that on your finger is,
And (giuing her a Tablet rich) for Gage accept of this.
Her Courtesie, his colour'd Want and Gage effected so,
That she, the Pawne accepted, did her loned Ring forgoe.
Now on the Boord weare cast the Dice, her turne was come to play,
Which Opportunitie takes he, and shifts him thence away.
Nor knew she him, nor her knew he for her she was in deede:
But thus he spead his purpose, and of this did thus proceede:
Which, eare we shal reporte, insewes our Iests-Remayne to reede.
310
CHAP. LXXV.
At
Ware (in Hertford-shire a Towne, not bettered, I winne,
Of thorough-Faires, from Thence to Twede for many an harbrous Inne,
Washt with the once ship-bearing Ley, by Alfred slu'ste in Three,
To dissipate the Dane-Fleete, that expugning Hertford bee.)
Next day they timely tooke their Inne, had sup't ere Sunne was set,
Abroad walkt she, vnseene did he into her Chamber get:
First giuing out he would to bed, least, mist, be marde the Sport,
And, least she feare, the day before had made to her report,
In Merriment, that oftentimes he walked in his Sleepe,
And then nor Lock, nor Let could him from Place or Person keepe:
If in this fit I chance on you, be not afrayd, quoth he:
But, if you come, I'le whip you thence, then best not come, quoth she.
Thus, and with this Preparatiue, he counts the Bootie his,
And on the Rushes, vnderneath her Bed, he couched is:
And what with watch the night before, and wearines that day,
And to be fresh anone, he slept assoone as downe he lay.
Of thorough-Faires, from Thence to Twede for many an harbrous Inne,
Washt with the once ship-bearing Ley, by Alfred slu'ste in Three,
To dissipate the Dane-Fleete, that expugning Hertford bee.)
Next day they timely tooke their Inne, had sup't ere Sunne was set,
Abroad walkt she, vnseene did he into her Chamber get:
First giuing out he would to bed, least, mist, be marde the Sport,
And, least she feare, the day before had made to her report,
In Merriment, that oftentimes he walked in his Sleepe,
And then nor Lock, nor Let could him from Place or Person keepe:
If in this fit I chance on you, be not afrayd, quoth he:
But, if you come, I'le whip you thence, then best not come, quoth she.
Thus, and with this Preparatiue, he counts the Bootie his,
And on the Rushes, vnderneath her Bed, he couched is:
And what with watch the night before, and wearines that day,
And to be fresh anone, he slept assoone as downe he lay.
Meane while, a lustie Yeoman of a Northerne Bishops (who
Was often there a Guest, ane good) alights and goes into
The Gentlewomans poynted Roome, and, say what they could say,
There would he lodge, for that had bin his Lodging many a day.
Loth were they to displease him (for an Harbinger he was)
And then were Bishops bountious as they too and fro did passe:
For, whensoeuer they remoou'd to Place or Parlament,
Their common Meany (not a few) on Foot with Bowes fore-went,
Nor niggardly was then to them allowed to be spent.
Themselues, with learned Chaplains & great Traines did follow then,
And frankl'y spent in euery Place, relieuing many Men.
Yea, Monasteries, Colledges, Schooles, Hospitals, Hie-waies,
Bridges, and like were founded by the Prelats in those daies.
But Laters could not so, for why? were Those so fleeced Theirs,
As but a thousand yearely Fee some purcha'st to their Heires.
But is it Sooth, haue Cleargie-men Coshaiters? tush a Lye:
To aske doe Courtiers Church-men shame to offer Simonie.
And that should be such Fault appeares small likelihood, say I:
Obscurely more, with lesser Port, lesse hospitalious too
The great-Ones neuer liu'd nor rack't their owne as now they doe.
Then either this is false that thus they fleece, or this is true,
That euen Consumption of their owne is Sacrileges due.
But wander doe we from our Iest, of that doth thus ensue.
The Bishops man sups, and to bed, whilst soundly sleepes that other:
The Gentlewoman, barr'd that Roome, is lodged in another:
That in the Bed fell fast asleepe, This vnderneath awakes,
And, in his creeping out and vp, no dinne at all he makes.
One heard he breathe, ar't there? thought he, haue with thee by and by,
And softly kist wheare felt so rough he fear'd t'haue kist awry:
He grop't therefore her Face, and caught the Yeoman by the Beard:
Who rudely starting vp (not more in all his life afeard)
And buskling to his sword, cride Theeues: That other in such taking,
As though he were a Man right good, he stood amaz'd and quaking.
The Oste and Ostlers with a Light and Tooles, then next to hand,
Came in, where he, almost vnstript, but wholly skar'de did stand.
They wonder (for they knew him well) that he should be a Theefe:
Good Sirs, quoth he, be still, we all deceiued are, in breefe.
Then, taking some a-part, he tolde his Cause of being theare,
And praies their silence, and in Wine was washt away that Feare.
The Gentle woman, hearing this, vn-Inn'd by day did peepe,
And (honester than would himselfe) left him to wake or sleepe.
This stale-Iest tolde, Of Mandeuil now let vs Promise keepe.
Was often there a Guest, ane good) alights and goes into
The Gentlewomans poynted Roome, and, say what they could say,
There would he lodge, for that had bin his Lodging many a day.
Loth were they to displease him (for an Harbinger he was)
And then were Bishops bountious as they too and fro did passe:
311
Their common Meany (not a few) on Foot with Bowes fore-went,
Nor niggardly was then to them allowed to be spent.
Themselues, with learned Chaplains & great Traines did follow then,
And frankl'y spent in euery Place, relieuing many Men.
Yea, Monasteries, Colledges, Schooles, Hospitals, Hie-waies,
Bridges, and like were founded by the Prelats in those daies.
But Laters could not so, for why? were Those so fleeced Theirs,
As but a thousand yearely Fee some purcha'st to their Heires.
But is it Sooth, haue Cleargie-men Coshaiters? tush a Lye:
To aske doe Courtiers Church-men shame to offer Simonie.
And that should be such Fault appeares small likelihood, say I:
Obscurely more, with lesser Port, lesse hospitalious too
The great-Ones neuer liu'd nor rack't their owne as now they doe.
Then either this is false that thus they fleece, or this is true,
That euen Consumption of their owne is Sacrileges due.
But wander doe we from our Iest, of that doth thus ensue.
The Bishops man sups, and to bed, whilst soundly sleepes that other:
The Gentlewoman, barr'd that Roome, is lodged in another:
That in the Bed fell fast asleepe, This vnderneath awakes,
And, in his creeping out and vp, no dinne at all he makes.
One heard he breathe, ar't there? thought he, haue with thee by and by,
And softly kist wheare felt so rough he fear'd t'haue kist awry:
He grop't therefore her Face, and caught the Yeoman by the Beard:
Who rudely starting vp (not more in all his life afeard)
And buskling to his sword, cride Theeues: That other in such taking,
As though he were a Man right good, he stood amaz'd and quaking.
The Oste and Ostlers with a Light and Tooles, then next to hand,
Came in, where he, almost vnstript, but wholly skar'de did stand.
They wonder (for they knew him well) that he should be a Theefe:
Good Sirs, quoth he, be still, we all deceiued are, in breefe.
Then, taking some a-part, he tolde his Cause of being theare,
312
The Gentle woman, hearing this, vn-Inn'd by day did peepe,
And (honester than would himselfe) left him to wake or sleepe.
This stale-Iest tolde, Of Mandeuil now let vs Promise keepe.
With modest Mirth were ended now the Maske and Reuels, when
Vnto their Lodging Stafford did the Ladies Vsher then.
There Elenor was passing sad, and, being ask't, did tell
The Circumstances of her Ring in order as befell,
And shewes the gaged Tablet, seene and knowne of Stafford well.
Her, weeping ripe, he, laughing, bids to patient her a while,
For Mandeuil supposd him wrong'd, and wrought, quoth he, that wile:
But how for you he loueth yours, it argues, and withall
A gentle manly minde his great Exchange for value small.
Nor thinke I lesse, nor argue lesse of Loue and Gentrie too
May what, in both preuenting him, I meane, quoth she, to doo.
His Tablet sent she, and there with this Breuiat by a Page:
Of you I aske not backe my Loane, but take it and your Gage:
Yours Either, Neither say I mine, Both shall be, I presage.
He musing of her Meaning, thus to her lets his be knowne:
Of you I aske not back my Gage, but take it for your Loane:
Mine triples yours, not yours, and yeat for Price gets yours but One.
Not musing of his Meaning (which to her was not for Newes)
She of her Meaning also meanes that he no longer muse.
Vnto their Lodging Stafford did the Ladies Vsher then.
There Elenor was passing sad, and, being ask't, did tell
The Circumstances of her Ring in order as befell,
And shewes the gaged Tablet, seene and knowne of Stafford well.
Her, weeping ripe, he, laughing, bids to patient her a while,
For Mandeuil supposd him wrong'd, and wrought, quoth he, that wile:
But how for you he loueth yours, it argues, and withall
A gentle manly minde his great Exchange for value small.
Nor thinke I lesse, nor argue lesse of Loue and Gentrie too
May what, in both preuenting him, I meane, quoth she, to doo.
His Tablet sent she, and there with this Breuiat by a Page:
Of you I aske not backe my Loane, but take it and your Gage:
Yours Either, Neither say I mine, Both shall be, I presage.
He musing of her Meaning, thus to her lets his be knowne:
Of you I aske not back my Gage, but take it for your Loane:
Mine triples yours, not yours, and yeat for Price gets yours but One.
Not musing of his Meaning (which to her was not for Newes)
She of her Meaning also meanes that he no longer muse.
Now Mandeuil, though grieued much at Stafford, whō he thought
In Rome to riot, Doreas not esteemed as she ought,
And for his blabbing him to her the which had had his Ring.
Against an Oth, meanes nerethelesse him on his way to bring,
And comes to Staffords Lodging, who prepar'd for no such thing:
But for a Bridegroome trimd, and trim was All, and She for Bride
Him contradicted, when, as sayd, had Mandeuil espide
That likelihood: who, sighing, sayd, not henceforth will I chide,
But pitie Stafford, now so farre from wonted Stafford wide:
A Friend should not, nor you will I in this Infirmnes flye,
Alone of Dorcas wronged here not witnes shall mine Eye.
Came you to Rome to lose your selfe, and finde at Rome a Friend,
There to begin his Sorrowes where your Senses make an end?
Or thriue they more, or trauell lesse may Englishmen, wish I:
Hence should they profit, whence for most they least doe fructifie.
In Rome to riot, Doreas not esteemed as she ought,
And for his blabbing him to her the which had had his Ring.
Against an Oth, meanes nerethelesse him on his way to bring,
And comes to Staffords Lodging, who prepar'd for no such thing:
But for a Bridegroome trimd, and trim was All, and She for Bride
Him contradicted, when, as sayd, had Mandeuil espide
That likelihood: who, sighing, sayd, not henceforth will I chide,
313
A Friend should not, nor you will I in this Infirmnes flye,
Alone of Dorcas wronged here not witnes shall mine Eye.
Came you to Rome to lose your selfe, and finde at Rome a Friend,
There to begin his Sorrowes where your Senses make an end?
Or thriue they more, or trauell lesse may Englishmen, wish I:
Hence should they profit, whence for most they least doe fructifie.
How stoicall growes Mandeuil, quoth Stafford, since his Trauell:
With you for like may I, ere long, haue cause no lesse to cauell.
With that, from out another Roome to him, that would away,
Then Dorcas-like came Dorcas out, intreating him to stay.
What should we say his Ioy, that his Mis-deemes did sort to this?
Was not a gladder man, and yeat anon he gladder is,
When Elenor, then like her selfe, to him came also out:
But whether gladder he or she, thus met, shall rest a doubt.
That very day both Couples wead, but what they did that night,
Not menvnpractis'd can report, for Action or Delight.
Nor creeded be this Loue-Tale of this Ladie and this Knight.
But be no Infidels in this that now we shall recite.
With you for like may I, ere long, haue cause no lesse to cauell.
With that, from out another Roome to him, that would away,
Then Dorcas-like came Dorcas out, intreating him to stay.
What should we say his Ioy, that his Mis-deemes did sort to this?
Was not a gladder man, and yeat anon he gladder is,
When Elenor, then like her selfe, to him came also out:
But whether gladder he or she, thus met, shall rest a doubt.
That very day both Couples wead, but what they did that night,
Not menvnpractis'd can report, for Action or Delight.
Nor creeded be this Loue-Tale of this Ladie and this Knight.
But be no Infidels in this that now we shall recite.
The pompious Prelacie of Rome, and liues lycentious thear,
Italian Driftings, and such Sinnes to Mandeuil appeare,
That then Deuinitie seem'd thear for Atheisme but a Stayle,
And wheare Religion most had boaste Religion most to fayle.
Nor wanted thear (may now and here we wish) that did relye
On Physickes and on Ethickes, and (O sinne) a God deny:
Wheare sully those Philosophies point out a Deitie.
Could all, in soule, of very God say as an Ethnick sayde
To one that preached Hercules: what need'st, quoth he, perswaide,
What all men graunt, his Godhead is beleeued and obaide,
Then this of God gainst Atheistes that enseweth should be staide.
But for not so, of that huge Sea let's through a Riblet waide:
Italian Driftings, and such Sinnes to Mandeuil appeare,
That then Deuinitie seem'd thear for Atheisme but a Stayle,
And wheare Religion most had boaste Religion most to fayle.
Nor wanted thear (may now and here we wish) that did relye
On Physickes and on Ethickes, and (O sinne) a God deny:
Wheare sully those Philosophies point out a Deitie.
Could all, in soule, of very God say as an Ethnick sayde
To one that preached Hercules: what need'st, quoth he, perswaide,
What all men graunt, his Godhead is beleeued and obaide,
Then this of God gainst Atheistes that enseweth should be staide.
But for not so, of that huge Sea let's through a Riblet waide:
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