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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| 3. | THE THIRD BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND. |
| XIIII. |
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| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
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 | Albions England |  |
63
THE THIRD BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND.
CHAP. XIIII.
Now, of the Conquerour, this Isle had Brutaine vnto name,And with his Troians Brute began manurage of the same.
For rased Troy to reare a Troy fit place he searched then,
And viewes the mounting Northerne partes:
These fit (quoth he) for men
That trust asmuch to flight as fight: our Bulwarks are our brests,
The next Arriuals heere, perchaunce, will gladlier build their nests:
A Troians courage is to him a Fortres of defence:
And leauing so wheare Scottes be now he Southward maketh thence:
Wheareas the earth more plentie gaue, and ayre more temprature,
And nothing wanted that by wealth or pleasure might allure:
And more, the Lady Flood of Floods, the Ryuer Thamis, it
Did seeme to Brute against the foe, and with himselfe to fit.
Vpon whose fruitfull bancks therefore (whose bounds are chiefly said,
The want-les Counties Essex, Kent, Surrie, and wealthie Glayde
Of Hartfordshire, for Citties store participating ayde)
Did Brute build vp his Troy-nouant, inclosing it with wall:
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That now is London: euermore to rightfull Princes trewe,
Yea Prince and people still to it as to their Storehouse drewe,
For plentie and for populous the like we no wheare vewe.
Howbe-it many neighbour townes as much ere now could say,
But place for people, people, place, and all for sinne decay.
When Brute should dye thus to his Sonnes hee did the Isle conuay:
To Camber Wales, to Albanact he Albanie did leaue,
To Locrine Brutaine: whom his Queene of life did thus bereaue.
The furious Hun, that drowning theare to Humber left his name,
The King did vanquish, and for spoyle vnto his Nauie came:
Where Humbars Daughter, Parragon for beautie, such a Dame
As Loue himselfe could not but loue, did Locrine so inflame,
That Guendoleyne, the Cornish Duke his daughter, Locrins Queene,
Grewe in contempt: and, Coryn dead, his Change of Choyse was seene.
To Cornwall goes the wrothfull Queene to seaze her Fathers Land,
Frō whence she brought, to worke reuenge, of warriours stout a band,
And bids her husband battell, and in battell is he slaine:
And for their Sonne in Nonage was, she to his vse did raine.
The Lady Estrild Locrins Loue, and Sabrin, wondrous faire,
Her Husbands and his Leimans impe, she meaning not to spare,
Did bring vnto the water that the wenches name doth beare:
There binding both, and bobbing them, then trembling at her yre,
She said: if Scythia could haue hild the wandring King thy Syre,
Then Brittish waters had not been to him deserued bayne:
But Estrild, snout-faire Estrild, she was sparde, forsooth to traine
With whorish tricks a vicious King: But neither of yee twaine,
Thou stately Drab, nor this thy Brat, a bastard as thy selfe,
Shall liue in triumph of my wrong: first mother and her Elfe
Shall fish in Flood for Humbars soule, and bring him-newes to hell,
That Locrins wife on Locrins whore reuenged her so well.
The King did vanquish, and for spoyle vnto his Nauie came:
Where Humbars Daughter, Parragon for beautie, such a Dame
As Loue himselfe could not but loue, did Locrine so inflame,
That Guendoleyne, the Cornish Duke his daughter, Locrins Queene,
Grewe in contempt: and, Coryn dead, his Change of Choyse was seene.
To Cornwall goes the wrothfull Queene to seaze her Fathers Land,
Frō whence she brought, to worke reuenge, of warriours stout a band,
And bids her husband battell, and in battell is he slaine:
And for their Sonne in Nonage was, she to his vse did raine.
The Lady Estrild Locrins Loue, and Sabrin, wondrous faire,
Her Husbands and his Leimans impe, she meaning not to spare,
Did bring vnto the water that the wenches name doth beare:
There binding both, and bobbing them, then trembling at her yre,
She said: if Scythia could haue hild the wandring King thy Syre,
Then Brittish waters had not been to him deserued bayne:
But Estrild, snout-faire Estrild, she was sparde, forsooth to traine
With whorish tricks a vicious King: But neither of yee twaine,
Thou stately Drab, nor this thy Brat, a bastard as thy selfe,
Shall liue in triumph of my wrong: first mother and her Elfe
Shall fish in Flood for Humbars soule, and bring him-newes to hell,
That Locrins wife on Locrins whore reuenged her so well.
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They lifting vp their lillie hands, from out their louely eyes
Powre teares like Pearles, and wash those Cheekes where naught saue
And seeking to excuse themselues, & mercie to obtaine, (beautie lyes:
With speeches good, and praiers faire, they speake and pray in vaine:
Queene Guendoleyne so bids, and they into the Flood are cast,
Whereas amongst the drenching waues the Ladies breath their last.
Powre teares like Pearles, and wash those Cheekes where naught saue
And seeking to excuse themselues, & mercie to obtaine, (beautie lyes:
With speeches good, and praiers faire, they speake and pray in vaine:
Queene Guendoleyne so bids, and they into the Flood are cast,
Whereas amongst the drenching waues the Ladies breath their last.
As this his Grandame, such appear'd Mempricius, Madans sonne,
Whose brother Manlius traitrously by him to death was donne.
And since of noble Brute his line prodigious things I tell,
I skipping to the tenth from him will shew what then befell.
Whose brother Manlius traitrously by him to death was donne.
And since of noble Brute his line prodigious things I tell,
I skipping to the tenth from him will shew what then befell.
About a thirtie yeeres and fiue did Leir rule this Land,
When, doting on his Daughters three, with them he fell in hand
To tell how much they loued him. The Eldest did esteeme
Her life inferior to her loue, so did the second deeme:
The yongest sayd her loue was such as did a childe behoue,
And that how much himselfe was worth, so much she him did loue.
The former two did please him well, the yongest did not so:
Vpon the Prince of Albanie the first he did bestoe:
The Middle on the Cornish Prince: their Dowry was his Throne,
At his decease: Cordellas part was very small or none.
Yeat, for her forme, and vertuous life, a noble Gallian King
Did her, vn dowed, for his Queene into his Countrie bring.
When, doting on his Daughters three, with them he fell in hand
To tell how much they loued him. The Eldest did esteeme
Her life inferior to her loue, so did the second deeme:
The yongest sayd her loue was such as did a childe behoue,
And that how much himselfe was worth, so much she him did loue.
The former two did please him well, the yongest did not so:
Vpon the Prince of Albanie the first he did bestoe:
The Middle on the Cornish Prince: their Dowry was his Throne,
At his decease: Cordellas part was very small or none.
Yeat, for her forme, and vertuous life, a noble Gallian King
Did her, vn dowed, for his Queene into his Countrie bring.
Her Sisters sicke of Fathers health, their husbands by consent
Did ioyne in Armes: from Leir so by force the Scepter went:
Yeat, for they promise pentions large, he rather was content.
In Albanie the quondam King at eldest Daughters Court
Was setled scarce, when she repines, and lessens still his Port
His secōd Daughter then, he thought, would shew her selfe more kind:
To whom, he going, for a while did franke allowance finde.
Ere long abridging almost all, she keepeth him so loe,
That of two bads, for better choyse he backe againe did goe.
But Gonorill at his returne, not onely did attempt
Her fathers death, but openly did hold him in contempt.
Did ioyne in Armes: from Leir so by force the Scepter went:
Yeat, for they promise pentions large, he rather was content.
In Albanie the quondam King at eldest Daughters Court
Was setled scarce, when she repines, and lessens still his Port
His secōd Daughter then, he thought, would shew her selfe more kind:
To whom, he going, for a while did franke allowance finde.
Ere long abridging almost all, she keepeth him so loe,
That of two bads, for better choyse he backe againe did goe.
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Her fathers death, but openly did hold him in contempt.
His aged eyes powre out their teares, when holding vp his hands,
He sayd: O God, who so thou art, that my good hap withstands,
Prolong not life, deferre not death, my selfe I ouer-liue,
When those that owe to me their liues, to me my death would giue.
Thou Towne, whose walles rose of my welth stand euermore to tell
Thy Founders fall, and warne that none do fall as Leir fell.
Bid none affie in Friends, for say, his Children wrought his wracke:
Yea those, that were to him most deare, did lothe and let him lacke.
Cordella, well Cordella sayd, she loued as a Child:
But sweeter words we seeke than sooth, and so are men beguild.
She onely rests vntryed yet: but what may I expect
From her, to whom I nothing gaue, when these do me reiect?
Then dye, nay trye, the rule maye fayle, and nature may ascend:
Nor are they euer surest friends on whom we most doe spend.
He sayd: O God, who so thou art, that my good hap withstands,
Prolong not life, deferre not death, my selfe I ouer-liue,
When those that owe to me their liues, to me my death would giue.
Thou Towne, whose walles rose of my welth stand euermore to tell
Thy Founders fall, and warne that none do fall as Leir fell.
Bid none affie in Friends, for say, his Children wrought his wracke:
Yea those, that were to him most deare, did lothe and let him lacke.
Cordella, well Cordella sayd, she loued as a Child:
But sweeter words we seeke than sooth, and so are men beguild.
She onely rests vntryed yet: but what may I expect
From her, to whom I nothing gaue, when these do me reiect?
Then dye, nay trye, the rule maye fayle, and nature may ascend:
Nor are they euer surest friends on whom we most doe spend.
He ships himselfe to Gallia then: but maketh knowne before
Vnto Cordella his estate, who rueth him so poore,
And kept his theare ariuall close till she prouided had
To furnish him in euery want. Of him her King was glad,
And nobly entertayned him: the Queene, with teares among,
(Her duetie done) conferreth with her father of his wrong.
Such duetie, bountie, kindnes, and increasing loue, he found
In that his Daughter and her Lord, that sorrowes more abound
For his vnkindly vsing her, then for the others crime:
And King-like thus in Agamps Court did Leir dwell, till time
The noble King his Sonne-in-lawe transports an Armie greate
Of forcie Gawles, possessing him of dispossessed Seate:
To whom Cordella did succeede, not raigning long in queate.
Vnto Cordella his estate, who rueth him so poore,
And kept his theare ariuall close till she prouided had
To furnish him in euery want. Of him her King was glad,
And nobly entertayned him: the Queene, with teares among,
(Her duetie done) conferreth with her father of his wrong.
Such duetie, bountie, kindnes, and increasing loue, he found
In that his Daughter and her Lord, that sorrowes more abound
For his vnkindly vsing her, then for the others crime:
And King-like thus in Agamps Court did Leir dwell, till time
The noble King his Sonne-in-lawe transports an Armie greate
Of forcie Gawles, possessing him of dispossessed Seate:
To whom Cordella did succeede, not raigning long in queate.
Not how her Nephewes warre on her, and one of them slew th' other
Shall followe: but I will disclose a most tyrannous mother.
Shall followe: but I will disclose a most tyrannous mother.
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CHAP. XV.
Gorbodags
double Issue nowe, when eighteene Kings were past,
Hild ioyntly Empire in this land, till Porrex at the last,
Not tyed so by brotherhood, but that he did disdaine
A fellowe King, (for neuer can one Kingdome brooke of twaine)
Did leuie secret bands: for dread where of did Ferrex flie,
And out of Gallia bringeth Warre, in which himselfe did die.
Then Porrex onely raigned heere, and ruled all in peace:
Till Iden, mother Queene to both, her furie did increase
So fearcely, as she seekes reuenge euen in the highest degree,
Why liueth this (quoth she) a King? in graue why lieth he?
Dye Iden, dye: nay dye thou wretch, that me a wretch hast made:
His ghost, whose life stood in thy light, commaundeth me of ayde.
Nor want I (Ferrex) will to ayde: for why the Gods I see
Deferre reuenge, nor with a Deuill the Deuils disagree.
The heauens, me thinks, with thunderbolts should presse his soule to hell,
Or Earth giue passage, that at least with men he might not dwell:
But I my selfe, euen I my selfe, their slacknesse will supplye,
And Mothers name and Nature both to such a Sonne denye.
Hild ioyntly Empire in this land, till Porrex at the last,
Not tyed so by brotherhood, but that he did disdaine
A fellowe King, (for neuer can one Kingdome brooke of twaine)
Did leuie secret bands: for dread where of did Ferrex flie,
And out of Gallia bringeth Warre, in which himselfe did die.
Then Porrex onely raigned heere, and ruled all in peace:
Till Iden, mother Queene to both, her furie did increase
So fearcely, as she seekes reuenge euen in the highest degree,
Why liueth this (quoth she) a King? in graue why lieth he?
Dye Iden, dye: nay dye thou wretch, that me a wretch hast made:
His ghost, whose life stood in thy light, commaundeth me of ayde.
Nor want I (Ferrex) will to ayde: for why the Gods I see
Deferre reuenge, nor with a Deuill the Deuils disagree.
The heauens, me thinks, with thunderbolts should presse his soule to hell,
Or Earth giue passage, that at least with men he might not dwell:
But I my selfe, euen I my selfe, their slacknesse will supplye,
And Mothers name and Nature both to such a Sonne denye.
Dead night was come, when Iden found the King her sonne a sleepe,
And all was still (not then as now did Guards their Princes keepe:
Admit they had, who would haue feard such mischiefe in a mother?)
She whispring softly, sleepe thy last, yea sleepe as doth thy brother.
Did gash his throte: who starting vp, whē strēgth & speech were gone,
Lifts vp his faynting hands, and knew the Tyrannesse anone:
And maketh signes, as who would say, ah mother thou hast done
A deed, as neuer mother earst did practise on her Sonne.
But name of son, nor signes did serue, him still with wounds she plyes
Nor (more than Monster) did it please that simplie so he dyes,
But that his bodie, peecemeale tore, about the Lodging flyes.
And thus from noble Brute his line the scepter then did passe:
When of his bloud for to succeede no heire suruiuing was.
And all was still (not then as now did Guards their Princes keepe:
Admit they had, who would haue feard such mischiefe in a mother?)
She whispring softly, sleepe thy last, yea sleepe as doth thy brother.
Did gash his throte: who starting vp, whē strēgth & speech were gone,
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And maketh signes, as who would say, ah mother thou hast done
A deed, as neuer mother earst did practise on her Sonne.
But name of son, nor signes did serue, him still with wounds she plyes
Nor (more than Monster) did it please that simplie so he dyes,
But that his bodie, peecemeale tore, about the Lodging flyes.
And thus from noble Brute his line the scepter then did passe:
When of his bloud for to succeede no heire suruiuing was.
Fower Dukes at once, in ciuil broyles, seiunctly after raine.
Neere when, the Scottes (whō some accuse by Ante-dates to gain)
Did settle in the Northerne Isles. These people bring their line
From Cecrops and that Pharo, he that euer did decline
From Moses seeking Hebers house from AEgypt to conuay.
His daughter Scota Gathelus their Duke brought thence away,
When Pharos sinne to Iacobs seede did neere that Land decay.
And Cecrops son brought thē from thence (as Scottes inforce the same)
The stone that Iacob slept vpon, when Angels went and came:
Of it was made their fatall Chaire, of which they beare in hand,
That whearesoere the same is found, the Scottes shal brooke the land:
At Westminster that Monument doth now, decaying, stand.
In Lusitanea Gathelus did first his kingdome found,
And of his race (of Scota, Scottes) when Spanish Scottes abound,
Ariue in Ireland, and in it a second Empire ground:
And thirdly, when their broodie Race that Isle did ouer-store,
Amongst the Islands Hebredes they seeke out dwellings more.
Neere when, the Scottes (whō some accuse by Ante-dates to gain)
Did settle in the Northerne Isles. These people bring their line
From Cecrops and that Pharo, he that euer did decline
From Moses seeking Hebers house from AEgypt to conuay.
His daughter Scota Gathelus their Duke brought thence away,
When Pharos sinne to Iacobs seede did neere that Land decay.
And Cecrops son brought thē from thence (as Scottes inforce the same)
The stone that Iacob slept vpon, when Angels went and came:
Of it was made their fatall Chaire, of which they beare in hand,
That whearesoere the same is found, the Scottes shal brooke the land:
At Westminster that Monument doth now, decaying, stand.
In Lusitanea Gathelus did first his kingdome found,
And of his race (of Scota, Scottes) when Spanish Scottes abound,
Ariue in Ireland, and in it a second Empire ground:
And thirdly, when their broodie Race that Isle did ouer-store,
Amongst the Islands Hebredes they seeke out dwellings more.
These Irish, sometime Spanish Scots, of whence our now-Scottes be,
Within the Isles of Albion thus, whilst Brutaines disagree,
Did seat themselves, & nestle too amongst the Mountaine groundes:
What time a Scythian people, Pichtes, did seaze the middle boundes
Twixt them and vs: & these did prooue to Brutaine double woundes.
The Penthland people and the Scots, alying, friendly liue,
Vntill the Picths by Brittish wyles, contrarie cause did giue:
Then from their Captains fell the Scots, and chose to them a King.
And Fergus out of Ireland did the Chaire of Marble bring:
In which instald the first Scotch King in Albion, so he wrought
That Pichts and Scots, then vp in Armes, were to attonement brought.
Within the Isles of Albion thus, whilst Brutaines disagree,
Did seat themselves, & nestle too amongst the Mountaine groundes:
What time a Scythian people, Pichtes, did seaze the middle boundes
Twixt them and vs: & these did prooue to Brutaine double woundes.
The Penthland people and the Scots, alying, friendly liue,
Vntill the Picths by Brittish wyles, contrarie cause did giue:
69
And Fergus out of Ireland did the Chaire of Marble bring:
In which instald the first Scotch King in Albion, so he wrought
That Pichts and Scots, then vp in Armes, were to attonement brought.
Three valiant people thus at once in Albion Empire hold,
Brutes, Scots and Pichts: the latter twaine lesse ciuill, but as bold.
The Pichts were fierce and Scythian-like: much like the Irish now
The Scots were then: couragious both: Nor them I disallowe
That write they fed on humane flesh, for so it may be well,
Like of these men their bloudy mindes their natiue stories tell:
But to our Brittish busines now, to shew what there befell.
Brutes, Scots and Pichts: the latter twaine lesse ciuill, but as bold.
The Pichts were fierce and Scythian-like: much like the Irish now
The Scots were then: couragious both: Nor them I disallowe
That write they fed on humane flesh, for so it may be well,
Like of these men their bloudy mindes their natiue stories tell:
But to our Brittish busines now, to shew what there befell.
Not how the tri-partited Rule vnto his quartarne Rayne
Dunwallo, after fortie yeeres, did Monarchize againe:
Not what precedent Kings in France, and Denmarke did obtaine
Speake I: From Porrex fortie Kings in silence shall remaine:
Alonely valiant Brennus, and his brother Beline, thay
Vnpraised for their warres and works shall not escape away.
Dunwallo, after fortie yeeres, did Monarchize againe:
Not what precedent Kings in France, and Denmarke did obtaine
Speake I: From Porrex fortie Kings in silence shall remaine:
Alonely valiant Brennus, and his brother Beline, thay
Vnpraised for their warres and works shall not escape away.
CHAP. XVI.
These Brothers, thirsting amplier Raignes, did martially contend,
Till Brenn his force was not of force his brothers to defend.
To Norway sayles hee, wheare he got an Armie and a prize,
The Prince of Norwayes Daughter, whom hee winneth in this wise.
The King of Denmarke stoode with him, vntill the States decreed
That both should plead before their Prince, and better Pleader speed.
And when the Norgane Prince and Peeres were seated for their strife,
The King of Danes beginning first, thus pleaded for a wife.
Till Brenn his force was not of force his brothers to defend.
To Norway sayles hee, wheare he got an Armie and a prize,
The Prince of Norwayes Daughter, whom hee winneth in this wise.
The King of Denmarke stoode with him, vntill the States decreed
That both should plead before their Prince, and better Pleader speed.
70
The King of Danes beginning first, thus pleaded for a wife.
Not yet a King, King Philips son with none but Kings would cope,
His reason was, inferiour strife of glorie giues no hope:
I am a King, and graunt the Prize in question worthie mee,
But grudge that my Competitor a banisht man should bee.
Doe grant him what he hath for-gon, and neuer more shall git,
Yeat were he but a Demi-king, to challenge me vnfit:
Dunwallos yonger Sonne, that hath his brother to his Foe,
And worthelie, his trecheries haue well deserued soe.
And yet (audacious that he is) he blusheth not to heare
The troth of his vntroth, nor yeat an heere-Repulse doth feare.
Would she for whom I must contend were not to me the same
She is, or he that stands with me a man of better fame.
But since in this vnequall Plea I must my selfe imbrace,
Knowe, Norwaies, that my pleaded cause cōcernes your publique cace.
It is the King of Denmarke doth your Prince his daughter craue,
And note, it is no little thing with vs Allie to haue.
By league, or Leigure, Danske can fence, or fronte you, friend, or foe,
Our neighborhood doth fit to both, your wel-fare or your woe:
Combine therefore in needfull League our neere conioyned States:
I may your good, nought lesse can he that thus with me debates.
He is a Bruton (if Exile allow we call him so)
And farre from aiding you, that knowes himselfe not to bestoe.
Admit he were receiued home, what Empire doth he sway?
A sorrie Ilands Moyetie, and farre from hence away.
Her Dowrie is your Diademe: what Ioynter can he make?
Not anie: giue not then to him from whom you cannot take.
And Ladie (She for whom they stroue was present) well I wot,
My loue doth claime a greater debt than so to be forgot.
I wish (mine Opposite his want) that Armes might give the right,
It is not dread, but doom'd (sweet wench) that thus with tongue I fight.
Proude Bruton (frowning so on Brenn) disclaime in her my dewe,
Els thou repining shalt repent, doe make thy choyce a new:
At least amend thine Error, and mine enuie shall haue end:
I need not force so weake a Foe, seeke thou so strong a friend.
Norwates consent, and, Ladie, be no Counter-mand to this:
Discent not Brenn: conclude her mine: els my Conclusion is,
If not for worth, by force perforce to winne her from you all,
Yea though our banisht Copes-mate could his Brittish Succours call.
The King of Danes concluded thus: and after silence short,
The Brutaine Heros vailed, and did answere in this sort.
His reason was, inferiour strife of glorie giues no hope:
I am a King, and graunt the Prize in question worthie mee,
But grudge that my Competitor a banisht man should bee.
Doe grant him what he hath for-gon, and neuer more shall git,
Yeat were he but a Demi-king, to challenge me vnfit:
Dunwallos yonger Sonne, that hath his brother to his Foe,
And worthelie, his trecheries haue well deserued soe.
And yet (audacious that he is) he blusheth not to heare
The troth of his vntroth, nor yeat an heere-Repulse doth feare.
Would she for whom I must contend were not to me the same
She is, or he that stands with me a man of better fame.
But since in this vnequall Plea I must my selfe imbrace,
Knowe, Norwaies, that my pleaded cause cōcernes your publique cace.
It is the King of Denmarke doth your Prince his daughter craue,
And note, it is no little thing with vs Allie to haue.
By league, or Leigure, Danske can fence, or fronte you, friend, or foe,
Our neighborhood doth fit to both, your wel-fare or your woe:
Combine therefore in needfull League our neere conioyned States:
I may your good, nought lesse can he that thus with me debates.
He is a Bruton (if Exile allow we call him so)
And farre from aiding you, that knowes himselfe not to bestoe.
Admit he were receiued home, what Empire doth he sway?
A sorrie Ilands Moyetie, and farre from hence away.
Her Dowrie is your Diademe: what Ioynter can he make?
Not anie: giue not then to him from whom you cannot take.
And Ladie (She for whom they stroue was present) well I wot,
My loue doth claime a greater debt than so to be forgot.
I wish (mine Opposite his want) that Armes might give the right,
It is not dread, but doom'd (sweet wench) that thus with tongue I fight.
Proude Bruton (frowning so on Brenn) disclaime in her my dewe,
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At least amend thine Error, and mine enuie shall haue end:
I need not force so weake a Foe, seeke thou so strong a friend.
Norwates consent, and, Ladie, be no Counter-mand to this:
Discent not Brenn: conclude her mine: els my Conclusion is,
If not for worth, by force perforce to winne her from you all,
Yea though our banisht Copes-mate could his Brittish Succours call.
The King of Danes concluded thus: and after silence short,
The Brutaine Heros vailed, and did answere in this sort.
Most gracious Norgane Peeres, you heare the ouer-tearming taunts
Of this Appelant, that himselfe and Scepter ouer-vaunts.
It lesser greeueth he should grudge that I with him co-riue,
Than his so peremptorie speach in your despight to wiue.
It greeues, in troth, not for my selfe, but for he beardeth you,
And seemes disdainfull of your aide, that doth so proudly wowe.
How captiously he derogates from me, and mine estate?
And Arrogates vnto himselfe, to bring me so in hate.
How daintely his eies endure so bace an Obiects view?
How desperately doth he conclude, and threatneth me and you?
Well, barke he, byte he, bragges nor blowes shall dare me to defend
A Challenge, where so braue a Prize stands for the Wagers end,
Nor thinke (vaine-glorious that thou art) me lesser then a King,
Or greater than by sute, or sword, to prize so rare a thing.
Vpbrayd me not with banishment, nor Belyns quarrell touch,
Nor yeat my petite Signorie: nor more than troth by much,
These present nobles know the cause for which I hether come:
Not as an exile, but for ayde, and they assure me some.
Then know, the cause is honest when their Honors giues supplies:
As capable are they of troth, as thou art apt for lies.
My bothers Kingdome seemes, forsooth, an Ouer-match to mine?
My Kingdome, Cutlake, therefore is an vnder-match to thine?
Nay, giue (and so I hope ye will) the Prize to me, and than
Let Cutlake with his Crowne of Danske vn-crowne me if he can,
Then he, disabling me to make a Ioynter happelie,
With Denmarke such a Ioynters want (if wanting) should supplie.
But neither haue I such a lacke, nor holde I such a loue,
As that her Dowrie (not in quest) before her selfe doth moue.
He harpeth as himselfe would haue, that maketh loue his Staile:
Els would he sue in milder sort, and suing, feare to faile.
For, Ladie, see your Louers Plea: your loue, saith he, is debt:
And if not words, nor worthines, then Armor shall you get.
Braue words and fit to feare, not feede, a courted Ladies vaine.
But say he cannot wooe in print, but Soldior-like and plaine:
Nor I, in sooth, more loues my heart than can my tongue explaine.
Conclude we therefore Souldior-like, and let a combate yeeld
Vnto the hardier of vs twaine the honour of the field.
If not, then (if my Lords so please, or she thereto agree)
Although thou should'st by force of Armes subdue her hence to thee,
Yeat from thy strongest Holde in Danske I would thy Conquest free.
Lo heer my Gage (he terr'd his Gloue) thow know'st the Victors meed:
(So did he pause, his Pledge vntoucht, and then did thus proceede)
Then fret thy fill, and worke thy worst, deliuer, Lords, your willes:
Ye haue experience how this same with brags, not battell, killes.
He threatneth onely, I intreate, he claimeth her of dew,
I wish, and hope for to deserue. The Counsel then withdrewe
Themselues apart: and soone for Brenn a verdict did ensewe.
Of this Appelant, that himselfe and Scepter ouer-vaunts.
It lesser greeueth he should grudge that I with him co-riue,
Than his so peremptorie speach in your despight to wiue.
It greeues, in troth, not for my selfe, but for he beardeth you,
And seemes disdainfull of your aide, that doth so proudly wowe.
How captiously he derogates from me, and mine estate?
And Arrogates vnto himselfe, to bring me so in hate.
How daintely his eies endure so bace an Obiects view?
How desperately doth he conclude, and threatneth me and you?
Well, barke he, byte he, bragges nor blowes shall dare me to defend
A Challenge, where so braue a Prize stands for the Wagers end,
Nor thinke (vaine-glorious that thou art) me lesser then a King,
Or greater than by sute, or sword, to prize so rare a thing.
Vpbrayd me not with banishment, nor Belyns quarrell touch,
Nor yeat my petite Signorie: nor more than troth by much,
These present nobles know the cause for which I hether come:
Not as an exile, but for ayde, and they assure me some.
Then know, the cause is honest when their Honors giues supplies:
As capable are they of troth, as thou art apt for lies.
My bothers Kingdome seemes, forsooth, an Ouer-match to mine?
My Kingdome, Cutlake, therefore is an vnder-match to thine?
Nay, giue (and so I hope ye will) the Prize to me, and than
Let Cutlake with his Crowne of Danske vn-crowne me if he can,
72
With Denmarke such a Ioynters want (if wanting) should supplie.
But neither haue I such a lacke, nor holde I such a loue,
As that her Dowrie (not in quest) before her selfe doth moue.
He harpeth as himselfe would haue, that maketh loue his Staile:
Els would he sue in milder sort, and suing, feare to faile.
For, Ladie, see your Louers Plea: your loue, saith he, is debt:
And if not words, nor worthines, then Armor shall you get.
Braue words and fit to feare, not feede, a courted Ladies vaine.
But say he cannot wooe in print, but Soldior-like and plaine:
Nor I, in sooth, more loues my heart than can my tongue explaine.
Conclude we therefore Souldior-like, and let a combate yeeld
Vnto the hardier of vs twaine the honour of the field.
If not, then (if my Lords so please, or she thereto agree)
Although thou should'st by force of Armes subdue her hence to thee,
Yeat from thy strongest Holde in Danske I would thy Conquest free.
Lo heer my Gage (he terr'd his Gloue) thow know'st the Victors meed:
(So did he pause, his Pledge vntoucht, and then did thus proceede)
Then fret thy fill, and worke thy worst, deliuer, Lords, your willes:
Ye haue experience how this same with brags, not battell, killes.
He threatneth onely, I intreate, he claimeth her of dew,
I wish, and hope for to deserue. The Counsel then withdrewe
Themselues apart: and soone for Brenn a verdict did ensewe.
The Dane inraged sayled thence, and rigged out a Fleete,
And did with Brenn, resayling home, at great aduantage meete.
Their Shippes did grapple, and their swords did sunder life from lim:
So fought they, as their shippes did seeme in Seas of bloud to swim.
But multitude oppressed Brenn, he hardlye did escape,
His Ladie, will he nill hee, left the King of Denmarkes Rape.
Not meanely insolent the Danes hoyst vp their home-meant Sayles:
But after manye crabbed Flawes, and long contrarie Gayles,
The Kings and Norgane Ladies Shippe was tossed to the Coste
Of Brutaine: wheare, imprisoned, King Belyn was their Hoste:
Vntill, sufficient Pledges had that Denmarke it should pay
Continuall Tribute to the Brutes he them dismist away.
Meane while King Bren (receiued now amongst the Gawles did threate
For Englands Crowne-halfe him with-held his Brothers selfe & Seate:
(For Time, alaying Loue, did adde vnto domesticke hate)
And with the Genouesean Gawles, whose Prince his heire of late
He had espoused, did inuade the Empire of his Brother:
And almost did their Battels ioyne, when thus intreates their Mother.
And did with Brenn, resayling home, at great aduantage meete.
Their Shippes did grapple, and their swords did sunder life from lim:
So fought they, as their shippes did seeme in Seas of bloud to swim.
But multitude oppressed Brenn, he hardlye did escape,
His Ladie, will he nill hee, left the King of Denmarkes Rape.
Not meanely insolent the Danes hoyst vp their home-meant Sayles:
But after manye crabbed Flawes, and long contrarie Gayles,
The Kings and Norgane Ladies Shippe was tossed to the Coste
Of Brutaine: wheare, imprisoned, King Belyn was their Hoste:
73
Continuall Tribute to the Brutes he them dismist away.
Meane while King Bren (receiued now amongst the Gawles did threate
For Englands Crowne-halfe him with-held his Brothers selfe & Seate:
(For Time, alaying Loue, did adde vnto domesticke hate)
And with the Genouesean Gawles, whose Prince his heire of late
He had espoused, did inuade the Empire of his Brother:
And almost did their Battels ioyne, when thus intreates their Mother.
I dare to name ye Sonnes, because I am your Mother, yet
I doubt to tearme you Brothers that doe Brotherhood forget.
These Prodigies, their wrothfull Shields, forbodden Foe to Foe,
Doe ill beseeme allyed hands, euen yours allyed soe.
O, how seeme Oedipus his Sonnes in you againe to striue?
How seeme these swords in me (aye me) Iocasta to reuiue?
I would Dunwallo liued, or ere death had lost againe.
His Monarchie, sufficing Fower, but now too small for Twaine.
Then either would you, as did he, imploy your wounds elswheare:
Or for the smalnes of your Power agree, at least for feare.
But pride of ritch & romesome Thrones, that wingeth now your darts,
It will (I would not as I feare) worke sorrow to your harts.
My Sonnes, sweet Sonnes, attend my words, your Mothers wordes attend,
And for I am your mother doe conclude I am your frend:
I cannot counsell, but intreate, nor yet I can intreate
But as a Woman, and the same whose blood was once your meate:
Hence had ye Milke (She baerd her Paps) these Armes did hug ye oft:
These fyled hands did wipe, did wrap, did rocke, and lay ye soft:
These lips did kisse, or Eyes did weep, if that ye were vnqueat,
Thē ply I did, with Song, or Sighes, with Dance, with Tung, or Teate:
For these kind Causes, deere my Sonnes, disarme your selues: if not,
Then for these bitter teares that now your Mothers Cheekes do spot:
Oft vrge I Sonnes and Mothers Names, Names not to be forgot.
Send hence these Souldiers: yee, my Sons, & none but ye would fight:
When none should rather be at one, if Nature had her right.
What comfort, Beline, shall I speede? sweete Brenn, shall I preuaile?
Say yea (sweete Youthes) ah yea, say yea: or if I needes must faile,
Say noe: and then will I begin your Battell with my baile.
Then then some stranger, not my Sonnes, shall close me in the Earth,
When we by Armor ouer-soone shall meet, I feare, in death.
I doubt to tearme you Brothers that doe Brotherhood forget.
These Prodigies, their wrothfull Shields, forbodden Foe to Foe,
Doe ill beseeme allyed hands, euen yours allyed soe.
O, how seeme Oedipus his Sonnes in you againe to striue?
How seeme these swords in me (aye me) Iocasta to reuiue?
I would Dunwallo liued, or ere death had lost againe.
His Monarchie, sufficing Fower, but now too small for Twaine.
Then either would you, as did he, imploy your wounds elswheare:
Or for the smalnes of your Power agree, at least for feare.
But pride of ritch & romesome Thrones, that wingeth now your darts,
It will (I would not as I feare) worke sorrow to your harts.
My Sonnes, sweet Sonnes, attend my words, your Mothers wordes attend,
And for I am your mother doe conclude I am your frend:
I cannot counsell, but intreate, nor yet I can intreate
But as a Woman, and the same whose blood was once your meate:
Hence had ye Milke (She baerd her Paps) these Armes did hug ye oft:
These fyled hands did wipe, did wrap, did rocke, and lay ye soft:
These lips did kisse, or Eyes did weep, if that ye were vnqueat,
Thē ply I did, with Song, or Sighes, with Dance, with Tung, or Teate:
For these kind Causes, deere my Sonnes, disarme your selues: if not,
Then for these bitter teares that now your Mothers Cheekes do spot:
Oft vrge I Sonnes and Mothers Names, Names not to be forgot.
Send hence these Souldiers: yee, my Sons, & none but ye would fight:
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What comfort, Beline, shall I speede? sweete Brenn, shall I preuaile?
Say yea (sweete Youthes) ah yea, say yea: or if I needes must faile,
Say noe: and then will I begin your Battell with my baile.
Then then some stranger, not my Sonnes, shall close me in the Earth,
When we by Armor ouer-soone shall meet, I feare, in death.
This sayd, with gushing teares eftsoones she plyes the one and other,
Till both did shew themselues at length Sonnes worthy such a Mother:
And with those hands, those altred hands, that lately threatned bloes,
They did embrace: becomming thus continuall frends of foes.
Glad was the Queene, and Beline hild sole Empire: more, he had
From Denmarke Tribute: and to this a greater honor add,
His daughter Cimbra, wedded to the Almayne Prince, gaue name
Vnto the Cimbrians, holding Rome so long and warlike game:
Some (if no Error) giue to him for forraine Conquests fame.
Till both did shew themselues at length Sonnes worthy such a Mother:
And with those hands, those altred hands, that lately threatned bloes,
They did embrace: becomming thus continuall frends of foes.
Glad was the Queene, and Beline hild sole Empire: more, he had
From Denmarke Tribute: and to this a greater honor add,
His daughter Cimbra, wedded to the Almayne Prince, gaue name
Vnto the Cimbrians, holding Rome so long and warlike game:
Some (if no Error) giue to him for forraine Conquests fame.
His Valour, Warre, & Peace ore-past: now speake we of the Knight,
That this side and beyond the Alpes subdewed all by fight.
The stateliest Townes in Italie had Brenn their Builder, and
Euen Rome, the terror of the World, did at his mercie stand:
The Senate, giuing to the Earth ear-while both warre and peace,
Could not themselues, their Citie, scarce their Cappitoll release.
That this side and beyond the Alpes subdewed all by fight.
The stateliest Townes in Italie had Brenn their Builder, and
Euen Rome, the terror of the World, did at his mercie stand:
The Senate, giuing to the Earth ear-while both warre and peace,
Could not themselues, their Citie, scarce their Cappitoll release.
Their Gander-feast, what Manlius and Camillus did therein,
How This the Cappitol and That from Brenn his Spoiles did win
I permit. The three-topt Mount Parnassus had beloe
Apollos Temple, whither men for Oracles did goe:
This, with the God and Goods the Gawles did put to sacke and spoyle:
And whil'st, incamped here, they kept such sacreligious coyle,
The God (or rather Diuell, whom th' Almightie did permit,
His Deitie prophaned to deceiue the world in it)
With Tempests, Earth-quakes, Stench, & Sights, so cryde the Spoylers quit,
That most did perish, fewe disperse, and all were out of harte,
Yea Brenn himselfe, discouraged, did change in euery parte.
He looking after and vpon the scattered and the slayne,
Did seeme a second Cadmus, saue lesse patient of his paygne:
And, shaming to be seene to weepe, deuoured sightles teares,
And, in these words, his heartie greefes did number to their Eares.
How This the Cappitol and That from Brenn his Spoiles did win
I permit. The three-topt Mount Parnassus had beloe
Apollos Temple, whither men for Oracles did goe:
This, with the God and Goods the Gawles did put to sacke and spoyle:
And whil'st, incamped here, they kept such sacreligious coyle,
The God (or rather Diuell, whom th' Almightie did permit,
His Deitie prophaned to deceiue the world in it)
With Tempests, Earth-quakes, Stench, & Sights, so cryde the Spoylers quit,
That most did perish, fewe disperse, and all were out of harte,
75
He looking after and vpon the scattered and the slayne,
Did seeme a second Cadmus, saue lesse patient of his paygne:
And, shaming to be seene to weepe, deuoured sightles teares,
And, in these words, his heartie greefes did number to their Eares.
Sweet Soldiours leaue me to my selfe, it likes me that ye leaue me,
More takes your tarriāce frō my health than can these plagues bereaue me:
Each of these Masse of Corpses dead hath bin a death to me,
Deliuer then mine Eyes of you, too many deathes I see:
Suruiue, and tell the Westerne World what we exployted haue:
How that to Rome, amidst her Roofe, the mayden Sacke we gaue:
Tell of our Battels, Booties, and our Buildings: lastly tell
(An honor to our Ouerthrowe) that we at Delphos fell
By wounds deuine, no humane Armes. But God, who so thou be,
Lesse is thy courage than Commaund, els would'st thou cope with me,
As Pluto with Alcides did, and Mars sometimes with men:
Do me like honor, and these Graues shall lightly greeue me then.
But thou full little darest so. Nay, I doe dare too much,
That with my so vnhallowed tongue thy Deitie dare touch.
Ah, see these Slaughters, and reserue aliue this small Remayne,
Let lastly me and onely me eike number to the slayne.
But bootelesse on a ruthles God I see my prayers spent,
As haughtely doest thou reuenge as humbly I repent.
Well (God of Delphos) since our teares, this Incense, nor these Graues
Appease thine yre, persist to plague this flesh, that henceforth craues
No pitie: to the Hebrew God, of power exceeding thine,
(Men say) appeale I, and bequeath the Soules of me and mine:
Accept my simple Legacie, O Godhood most deuine,
Said Brenn: And with a selfe-wrought wound did perish: and his men
Departing, wonne, and left the name to Gallo-Grecia then.
More takes your tarriāce frō my health than can these plagues bereaue me:
Each of these Masse of Corpses dead hath bin a death to me,
Deliuer then mine Eyes of you, too many deathes I see:
Suruiue, and tell the Westerne World what we exployted haue:
How that to Rome, amidst her Roofe, the mayden Sacke we gaue:
Tell of our Battels, Booties, and our Buildings: lastly tell
(An honor to our Ouerthrowe) that we at Delphos fell
By wounds deuine, no humane Armes. But God, who so thou be,
Lesse is thy courage than Commaund, els would'st thou cope with me,
As Pluto with Alcides did, and Mars sometimes with men:
Do me like honor, and these Graues shall lightly greeue me then.
But thou full little darest so. Nay, I doe dare too much,
That with my so vnhallowed tongue thy Deitie dare touch.
Ah, see these Slaughters, and reserue aliue this small Remayne,
Let lastly me and onely me eike number to the slayne.
But bootelesse on a ruthles God I see my prayers spent,
As haughtely doest thou reuenge as humbly I repent.
Well (God of Delphos) since our teares, this Incense, nor these Graues
Appease thine yre, persist to plague this flesh, that henceforth craues
No pitie: to the Hebrew God, of power exceeding thine,
(Men say) appeale I, and bequeath the Soules of me and mine:
Accept my simple Legacie, O Godhood most deuine,
Said Brenn: And with a selfe-wrought wound did perish: and his men
Departing, wonne, and left the name to Gallo-Grecia then.
The righteous Gorboman might adde fresh Subiect to our Muse,
But skipping to his Fathers Sonnes, of them it thus ensewes.
But skipping to his Fathers Sonnes, of them it thus ensewes.
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Fiue yeeres had Archigallo raign'd, when (hated doing wrong)
He was depriued of his Realme, and liued vagrant long,
And fearing all, that frended none, kept close the Woods among.
Theare Elidurus, hunting, found his wretched Brother, and
They gazing each in others face, with sighes and weepings stand.
A King, as Elidurus is, once was I, thinkes his Brother,
A wretch, as Archigallo is, I may be, thinkes the other.
The lowlie King alights anon, and when they had imbrac'd,
Then Archigallo secretly in Ebranks Towne was plac'd:
In which, the King commanding so, the Nobles did conuent,
To whom did Elidurus thus informe of his intent.
He was depriued of his Realme, and liued vagrant long,
And fearing all, that frended none, kept close the Woods among.
Theare Elidurus, hunting, found his wretched Brother, and
They gazing each in others face, with sighes and weepings stand.
A King, as Elidurus is, once was I, thinkes his Brother,
A wretch, as Archigallo is, I may be, thinkes the other.
The lowlie King alights anon, and when they had imbrac'd,
Then Archigallo secretly in Ebranks Towne was plac'd:
In which, the King commanding so, the Nobles did conuent,
To whom did Elidurus thus informe of his intent.
If Fortune had bin crosse (my Lords) to me, or any feare
Of Armor were approching vs, I should perchance appeare
Faint and false-hearted in my charge, but euer lackt the one,
Nor hath the other likelihood, for quietler ruleth none.
Yeat Kings may thinke their heads too weake their Dyademes to sustaine,
For endles cares concurre with Crownes, a bitter sweete is Raine:
Howbeit, Subiects falsely iudge their Princes blessed are,
When both of peace and perils they containe the common care:
And yet for this they grudgingly, from Pounds a Penny spare.
Not these, my Lords, make me disclaime in it which all pursue,
But Iustice bidds my Brothers right I should commend to you.
This one Request includes, I know, exceeding dangers twaine,
To me, if for a priuate life I change a publique Rayne,
To you, if whom ye haue depriu'd ye shall restore againe.
But for I haue done right no wrong (though Iustice wants not foes,
And though vnto a Magistrate disgrading bringeth woes)
Against the bad a conscience good may safe it selfe oppoes.
Nor be ye fearefull of reuenge, that did no more than right:
Euen Archigallo will confesse his sinne, and cleere your spight:
Whose restitution (were he wrongd) at least shall you acquite.
You hassard lesse, re-kinging him, then I vn-king'd to bee,
And Danger ouer-dares, if it from Iustice disagree.
Then, good my Lords, doe right his wrong, at leastwise doe him right,
Whose smart, no doubt, hath wrought in him a reconciled spright.
Iust Gorboman his brotherhood succeeding in their Line,
Then Archigallo should be King, to him let me resigne.
Of Armor were approching vs, I should perchance appeare
Faint and false-hearted in my charge, but euer lackt the one,
Nor hath the other likelihood, for quietler ruleth none.
Yeat Kings may thinke their heads too weake their Dyademes to sustaine,
For endles cares concurre with Crownes, a bitter sweete is Raine:
Howbeit, Subiects falsely iudge their Princes blessed are,
When both of peace and perils they containe the common care:
And yet for this they grudgingly, from Pounds a Penny spare.
Not these, my Lords, make me disclaime in it which all pursue,
But Iustice bidds my Brothers right I should commend to you.
This one Request includes, I know, exceeding dangers twaine,
To me, if for a priuate life I change a publique Rayne,
To you, if whom ye haue depriu'd ye shall restore againe.
But for I haue done right no wrong (though Iustice wants not foes,
And though vnto a Magistrate disgrading bringeth woes)
Against the bad a conscience good may safe it selfe oppoes.
Nor be ye fearefull of reuenge, that did no more than right:
Euen Archigallo will confesse his sinne, and cleere your spight:
Whose restitution (were he wrongd) at least shall you acquite.
You hassard lesse, re-kinging him, then I vn-king'd to bee,
And Danger ouer-dares, if it from Iustice disagree.
77
Whose smart, no doubt, hath wrought in him a reconciled spright.
Iust Gorboman his brotherhood succeeding in their Line,
Then Archigallo should be King, to him let me resigne.
So much the King did vrge this Text, that Archigallo ray'nd,
And Elidurus, willingly, in priuate life remaind:
The one, restored, for his late depriuing nothing mou'd,
The other (wonders tell I now) dis-crowned yet belou'd,
Tenne yeeres did Archigallo raigne, beloued well, and died:
And Elidurus once againe the Kingly Throne supplied,
Vntill his Brothers secondly depose him of his raigne;
But, they deceasing, thirdly he was crowned King againe,
And so, vntill his Dying day, with honor did remaine.
And Elidurus, willingly, in priuate life remaind:
The one, restored, for his late depriuing nothing mou'd,
The other (wonders tell I now) dis-crowned yet belou'd,
Tenne yeeres did Archigallo raigne, beloued well, and died:
And Elidurus once againe the Kingly Throne supplied,
Vntill his Brothers secondly depose him of his raigne;
But, they deceasing, thirdly he was crowned King againe,
And so, vntill his Dying day, with honor did remaine.
A many Kings, whose good or bad no Wrighter hath displaid,
Did follow: Lud, and Hely, for their stately buildings made
Rest chiefly famous: Nor forget King Bledgrabed I shall,
Whom Brutons did their Glee-god for his skill in Musicke call.
The next, whose daies gaue famous deedes, Cassiuelan is saide;
Whom Caius Iulius Cæsar did with Armour thus inuade.
Did follow: Lud, and Hely, for their stately buildings made
Rest chiefly famous: Nor forget King Bledgrabed I shall,
Whom Brutons did their Glee-god for his skill in Musicke call.
The next, whose daies gaue famous deedes, Cassiuelan is saide;
Whom Caius Iulius Cæsar did with Armour thus inuade.
CHAP. XVII.
This Conquerour of Gallia found his Victorie prolong'd
By Brittish Succours, and for it, pretending to be wrong'd,
Did send for Tribute: threatning els to bring the Brutons Warre.
The latter going forward first, the Albinests to barre
A common foe, concurre as friends: and now was come the spring,
When Cæsar out of War-wonne France victorious troupes did bring
But easlier wonne the Grecians land at Pargama by much,
Than got the Latines footing heere, their Contraries were such.
Yee might haue seene of Hectors race, ten thousand Hectors heere,
With pollicie on either part, the Romanes buying deere
The bloodie shoore: the water yeat lesse deerer than the land
To them, whom valiantly to proofe the Ilanders withstand.
Ofte battell they, the Brutons still victorious, and in vaine
Their foes were valiant: onely heere was Cæsars force in waine.
And as our men vnto his men were as tempesteous Thunder,
So did his ankred ships on seas by Tempest dash in sunder.
But twice (quoth Cæsar) Fortune, thou wert opposite to mine,
But thirdly heere to Cæsars selfe thou (wontlesse) dost decline.
Conuaying then his wearie men into his wasted ships,
To Gallia, there to Winter them, he miscontented slippes.
By Brittish Succours, and for it, pretending to be wrong'd,
Did send for Tribute: threatning els to bring the Brutons Warre.
The latter going forward first, the Albinests to barre
A common foe, concurre as friends: and now was come the spring,
78
But easlier wonne the Grecians land at Pargama by much,
Than got the Latines footing heere, their Contraries were such.
Yee might haue seene of Hectors race, ten thousand Hectors heere,
With pollicie on either part, the Romanes buying deere
The bloodie shoore: the water yeat lesse deerer than the land
To them, whom valiantly to proofe the Ilanders withstand.
Ofte battell they, the Brutons still victorious, and in vaine
Their foes were valiant: onely heere was Cæsars force in waine.
And as our men vnto his men were as tempesteous Thunder,
So did his ankred ships on seas by Tempest dash in sunder.
But twice (quoth Cæsar) Fortune, thou wert opposite to mine,
But thirdly heere to Cæsars selfe thou (wontlesse) dost decline.
Conuaying then his wearie men into his wasted ships,
To Gallia, there to Winter them, he miscontented slippes.
Of this same Victorie did spring securitie and strife:
The Scottes and Pichtes did sunder hence, the Brutons (ouer-rife
In Largesse) making frollike Cheere, a quarrell then aroes
Betwixt the King and Luds false Sonne, and they disioyne as foes:
That Cæsar slippes Aduantage such were error to suppoes.
Euen of the Brutons some there were recalling backe the Foe,
And Winter past, with doubled power he backe againe did roe.
The Romanes more, the Brutons they farre fewer than before,
Offend, defend, fight for, fence from, to winne, and warde the shore.
But Cæsar landed, and ensew'd continuall cruell fight,
Thrice put the fierce Cassiuelanes the Cæsarines to flight:
And still the King incouraging in euery wing appeares,
So giuing needlesse spurs to fight, his souldiours brooke not feares:
Nor little did the Cornish Belles offend the Romane eares.
When Cæsars oft succesles fight had tyred him and his,
Inringed with his mayhmed Campe, the Romane speaketh this.
The Scottes and Pichtes did sunder hence, the Brutons (ouer-rife
In Largesse) making frollike Cheere, a quarrell then aroes
Betwixt the King and Luds false Sonne, and they disioyne as foes:
That Cæsar slippes Aduantage such were error to suppoes.
Euen of the Brutons some there were recalling backe the Foe,
And Winter past, with doubled power he backe againe did roe.
The Romanes more, the Brutons they farre fewer than before,
Offend, defend, fight for, fence from, to winne, and warde the shore.
But Cæsar landed, and ensew'd continuall cruell fight,
Thrice put the fierce Cassiuelanes the Cæsarines to flight:
And still the King incouraging in euery wing appeares,
So giuing needlesse spurs to fight, his souldiours brooke not feares:
Nor little did the Cornish Belles offend the Romane eares.
When Cæsars oft succesles fight had tyred him and his,
Inringed with his mayhmed Campe, the Romane speaketh this.
Are these same Bands, those selfe-same Bands that neuer fought in vaine?
And ye the men that following stil my Standard still did gaine?
Euen these, and ye, are verie those: nor can I discommend
Your manhoodes, that with lesser worke brought greater Wars to end.
But not, as was my wont to wright, the Senate now shall reede,
I came, I sawe, I ouer-came: such Foes forbid such speede.
Nor let the Senate muse, for Troy with Troy doth here contend:
This warlike people (fame is so) from whence sprong we discend.
Yea, if AEneas had not left the Phrygian Gods to vs,
And Greekes Palladium Shipt to Greece, this Fortune foyling thus,
I would haue thought those very Gods had followed our anoy:
But them haue we, these onely haue vndanted harts from Troy.
But what? shall Cæsar doubt to fight against so braue a Foe,
No, Cæsars Tryumphes with their Spoyles shall giue the brauer shoe.
Ye Gods that guide our Capitoll, Mount Palatin thou Throne
Of stately Rome, ye followers too of her affaires each one,
Delay not, but depriue me quite my Triumphes now in hand,
Nor let me liue, if so I leaue vnconquered this Land:
This Land, the last of Westerne Isles, an Isle vnknowen ere this,
Which famous now through Cæsars fight and our misfortune is.
Enough, my fellow friends in Armes, enough we Romaines haue
To seeke reuenge: your Conquest, loe, a Countrie rich and braue:
And (which perswadeth victorie) in Troynouant there be.
That hold that Citie to our vse: the Brutons disagree,
No Scot or Pichte assisting them in these our Warres I see.
Their ciuill strife will proue their scourge, how stout soere they seeme,
And perpetuitie doth faile in euery thing extreme.
Not Fortune still is good or bad, and now let be our day:
Too long we liue, if that so long we shall on trifles stay,
Said Cæsar: And with such his words did so inflame his men,
That with lesse patience did they liue, than linger battell then.
And ye the men that following stil my Standard still did gaine?
79
Your manhoodes, that with lesser worke brought greater Wars to end.
But not, as was my wont to wright, the Senate now shall reede,
I came, I sawe, I ouer-came: such Foes forbid such speede.
Nor let the Senate muse, for Troy with Troy doth here contend:
This warlike people (fame is so) from whence sprong we discend.
Yea, if AEneas had not left the Phrygian Gods to vs,
And Greekes Palladium Shipt to Greece, this Fortune foyling thus,
I would haue thought those very Gods had followed our anoy:
But them haue we, these onely haue vndanted harts from Troy.
But what? shall Cæsar doubt to fight against so braue a Foe,
No, Cæsars Tryumphes with their Spoyles shall giue the brauer shoe.
Ye Gods that guide our Capitoll, Mount Palatin thou Throne
Of stately Rome, ye followers too of her affaires each one,
Delay not, but depriue me quite my Triumphes now in hand,
Nor let me liue, if so I leaue vnconquered this Land:
This Land, the last of Westerne Isles, an Isle vnknowen ere this,
Which famous now through Cæsars fight and our misfortune is.
Enough, my fellow friends in Armes, enough we Romaines haue
To seeke reuenge: your Conquest, loe, a Countrie rich and braue:
And (which perswadeth victorie) in Troynouant there be.
That hold that Citie to our vse: the Brutons disagree,
No Scot or Pichte assisting them in these our Warres I see.
Their ciuill strife will proue their scourge, how stout soere they seeme,
And perpetuitie doth faile in euery thing extreme.
Not Fortune still is good or bad, and now let be our day:
Too long we liue, if that so long we shall on trifles stay,
Said Cæsar: And with such his words did so inflame his men,
That with lesse patience did they liue, than linger battell then.
The Romaines did the bace, and then did cruell Warre begin:
And little wanted that the Brutes the better did not win.
But Cæsar so foresawe Supplies, and Succors here and theare,
Perswading this, disswading that, controuling flight and feare,
That, after many Romaines slaine, the Brutons tooke their flight,
To Southerne Shores: whereas to proofe Cassiuelan did fight,
With oft Eruptions out of Woods, vntil the traitrous Knight,
The Earle of London, yeelds his Charge and Citie to the Foe,
Through which disloyall president did other Cities soe:
And then with hard-won Tribute hence the Conquerour did goe.
And little wanted that the Brutes the better did not win.
But Cæsar so foresawe Supplies, and Succors here and theare,
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That, after many Romaines slaine, the Brutons tooke their flight,
To Southerne Shores: whereas to proofe Cassiuelan did fight,
With oft Eruptions out of Woods, vntil the traitrous Knight,
The Earle of London, yeelds his Charge and Citie to the Foe,
Through which disloyall president did other Cities soe:
And then with hard-won Tribute hence the Conquerour did goe.
Bvt he, that wonne in euery Warre, at Rome in ciuill Robe.
Was stab'd to death: no certaintie is vnderneath this Globe.
The good are enuied of the bad, and glorie finds disdaine,
And people are in constancie as Aprill is in raine:
Whereof, amidst our serious penne, this Fable intertaine.
Was stab'd to death: no certaintie is vnderneath this Globe.
The good are enuied of the bad, and glorie finds disdaine,
And people are in constancie as Aprill is in raine:
Whereof, amidst our serious penne, this Fable intertaine.
An Asse, an Old-man, and a Boye, did through a Citie passe,
And whil'st the wanton Boye did ride the Old-man led the Asse:
See yonder doting foole, said Folke, that crauleth scarce for age,
Doth set the Boye vpon his Asse and makes himselfe his Page.
Anon the blamed Boy alights, and lets the Old-man ride,
And, as the Old-man did before, the Boye the Asse did gide:
But, passing so, the people then did much the Old-man blame,
And told him, Churle, thy limbs be tough, let ride the Boy, for shame.
The fault thus found, both Man and Boye did backe the Asse and ride,
Then that the Asse was ouer-charg'd each man that met them cride.
Now both a light, and goe one foote, and lead the empty Beast,
But then the people laugh, and say, that one might ride at least.
With it they both did vndershore the Asse on either side,
But then the wondring people did that witles pranke deride.
The Old-man seeing by no waies he could the people please,
Not blameles then did driue the Asse and drowne him in the Seas.
Thus whil'st we be, it will not be, that any pleaseth all:
Els had bin wanting, worthely, the noble Cæsars fall.
And whil'st the wanton Boye did ride the Old-man led the Asse:
See yonder doting foole, said Folke, that crauleth scarce for age,
Doth set the Boye vpon his Asse and makes himselfe his Page.
Anon the blamed Boy alights, and lets the Old-man ride,
And, as the Old-man did before, the Boye the Asse did gide:
But, passing so, the people then did much the Old-man blame,
And told him, Churle, thy limbs be tough, let ride the Boy, for shame.
The fault thus found, both Man and Boye did backe the Asse and ride,
Then that the Asse was ouer-charg'd each man that met them cride.
Now both a light, and goe one foote, and lead the empty Beast,
But then the people laugh, and say, that one might ride at least.
With it they both did vndershore the Asse on either side,
But then the wondring people did that witles pranke deride.
The Old-man seeing by no waies he could the people please,
Not blameles then did driue the Asse and drowne him in the Seas.
Thus whil'st we be, it will not be, that any pleaseth all:
Els had bin wanting, worthely, the noble Cæsars fall.
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CHAP. XVIII.
Avgustus , quayling Anthonie, was Emperour alone:In whose vn-foed Monarchie our cōmon health was knowne.
The brooser of the Serpents head, the Womans promisd Seede,
The second in the Trinitie, the Foode our soules to feede,
The Vine, the Light, the Doore, the Way, the Shepheard of vs all:
Whose Manhood ioynd to Deitie did Raunsome vs from thrall,
That was, and is, and euermore will be the same to his,
That sleepes to none that wake to him, that turns our cursse to blisse,
Whom yet vnseene, the Patriarkes sawe, the Prophets haue foretold,
Th' apostles preacht, the Saints adore, and Martyrs doe behold,
The same (Augustus Emperour) in Palestine was borne,
Amongst his owne, and yeat his owne did crosse their blisse in scorne:
Bi-formed Ianus then in Mewe: so would this Prince of Peace,
That Cæsars Edict euery wheare should Mars his enuie ceace.
Then raigned heere King Cymbelin, King Theomantius sonne:
Next him Guiderius, that with-held the Tribute Cæsar wonne.
The Romanes (that, in our respect, neglected Misia, Spaine,
Armenia, France, and Siria, then Recusants of their Raine,)
Not by their Captaines, but himselfe the Emperour of Rome,
Into relapsed Brutaine with imperiall Ensignes come.
Then hotter than the Punike Warres to Romaines did begin:
And Claudius looseth valiantly all that the Brutons win,
But Romish Hamo (from whose death Southhampton had that name)
In Brittish armes salutes the King, and slewe by guile the same.
Duke Aruiragus vsing then the Armor of the King,
Maintained fight, and wonne the field ere Brutons knew the thing.
Next him Guiderius, that with-held the Tribute Cæsar wonne.
The Romanes (that, in our respect, neglected Misia, Spaine,
Armenia, France, and Siria, then Recusants of their Raine,)
Not by their Captaines, but himselfe the Emperour of Rome,
Into relapsed Brutaine with imperiall Ensignes come.
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And Claudius looseth valiantly all that the Brutons win,
But Romish Hamo (from whose death Southhampton had that name)
In Brittish armes salutes the King, and slewe by guile the same.
Duke Aruiragus vsing then the Armor of the King,
Maintained fight, and wonne the field ere Brutons knew the thing.
This hardie Knight, his Brother slaine, was Crowned in his place:
And with his winnings, also wonne the Emperour to grace:
Who sending for his Daughter, faire Genissa so did ende
The Warres in Wedding: and away did Claudius Cæsar wende.
But Aruiragus after this reuolted, and to stay
The hauocke made of Romanes here came succors euery day.
His Queene Genissa childing died, when his reuolt she knew:
And Voada, deuorsed late, became his Queene of new.
Then he that at Ierusalem the fatall siege begonne,
Was sent from Rome, and warring here, the wonted Tribute wonne:
And through his gentle Victorie, bound Aruiragus still
A friend to Cæsar, whom the King adopted heire by will.
And with his winnings, also wonne the Emperour to grace:
Who sending for his Daughter, faire Genissa so did ende
The Warres in Wedding: and away did Claudius Cæsar wende.
But Aruiragus after this reuolted, and to stay
The hauocke made of Romanes here came succors euery day.
His Queene Genissa childing died, when his reuolt she knew:
And Voada, deuorsed late, became his Queene of new.
Then he that at Ierusalem the fatall siege begonne,
Was sent from Rome, and warring here, the wonted Tribute wonne:
And through his gentle Victorie, bound Aruiragus still
A friend to Cæsar, whom the King adopted heire by will.
I here omit the dismall Warre in Isle of Mona made
Against the Romanes, whom the Priests the Druides inuade
With banning words, and Women, with their haire vntrussed, stand
With brands of fire in furious wise about their desperare Band.
The King deceased, Voada and her two daughters they,
Abused by the Romane Lords, doe hotter warres assay.
Against the Romanes, whom the Priests the Druides inuade
With banning words, and Women, with their haire vntrussed, stand
With brands of fire in furious wise about their desperare Band.
The King deceased, Voada and her two daughters they,
Abused by the Romane Lords, doe hotter warres assay.
The noble Scot King Corbred, he confederates with the King
Of Pichts: and they & Brittish Peeres to field their Armies bring,
To aide the Queene of Brutes, that like the Amazontan Dame
That beating downe the bloodie Greekes in Priams succour came,
Had pight her Iauelin at her feete, when entred in among
The fearce Confederates, thus she spake amidst the silent throng.
My state and sex, not hand or hart, most valiant friends, with-hild
Me (wretched Cause of your repaire, by wicked Romans il'd)
From that reuenge which I do wish, and ye haue cause to worke:
In which suppose not Voada in female feares to lurke.
For, Loe, my selfe, vnlike my selfe, and these same Ladies faire
In Armor, not to shrinke an ynch wheare hottest doings are.
Euen we do dare to bid the Base, and you your selues shall see
Your selues to come behind in Armes: the Romaines too, that bee
Such Conquerors, and valiantlie can womankind oppresse,
Shall know that Brittish women can the Romish wrongs redresse.
Then Arme ye with like courages as Ladies shall present,
Whom ye, nor wounds, nor death, the praise of Onset shall preuent.
Nor enuie that our martiall rage exceeds your manly ire,
For by how much more we endure, so much more we desire
Reuenge, on those in whose default we are vnhallowed thus,
Whilst they forget themselues for men, or to be borne of vs
Ye yeeld them Tribute, and from vs their Legions haue their pay:
Thus were too much, but more then thus, the haughtie Tirants sway:
That I am Queene from being wrong'd doth nothing me protect:
Their Rapes against my daughters both I also might obiect:
They maydes deflower, they wiues enforce, and vse their wils in all,
And yeat we liue, deferring fight, inferring so our fall.
But, valiant Brutons, ventrous Scots and warlike Pichts I erre,
Exhorting, whom I should dehort your fiearcenes to deferre:
Lesse courage more considerate would make your foes to quake:
My heart hath ioy'd to see your hands the Romaine Standards take,
But when as force and Fortune faild, that you with teeth should fight,
And in the faces of their Foes your women, in despight,
Should fling their sucking Babes, I hild such valiantnes but vaine:
Inforced flight is no disgrace, such Flyers fight againe.
Here are ye, Scots, that with the King my valiant brother dead
The Latines, wondring at your prowes, through Rome in triumph lead:
Ye Mars-stard Pichtes of Scythian breed are here Colleagues, & more,
Ye Dardane Brutes, last named, but in valour meant before:
In your conduct, most knightly friends, I superseade the rest:
Ye come to fight, and we in fight to hope and helpe our best.
Of Pichts: and they & Brittish Peeres to field their Armies bring,
To aide the Queene of Brutes, that like the Amazontan Dame
That beating downe the bloodie Greekes in Priams succour came,
Had pight her Iauelin at her feete, when entred in among
The fearce Confederates, thus she spake amidst the silent throng.
My state and sex, not hand or hart, most valiant friends, with-hild
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From that reuenge which I do wish, and ye haue cause to worke:
In which suppose not Voada in female feares to lurke.
For, Loe, my selfe, vnlike my selfe, and these same Ladies faire
In Armor, not to shrinke an ynch wheare hottest doings are.
Euen we do dare to bid the Base, and you your selues shall see
Your selues to come behind in Armes: the Romaines too, that bee
Such Conquerors, and valiantlie can womankind oppresse,
Shall know that Brittish women can the Romish wrongs redresse.
Then Arme ye with like courages as Ladies shall present,
Whom ye, nor wounds, nor death, the praise of Onset shall preuent.
Nor enuie that our martiall rage exceeds your manly ire,
For by how much more we endure, so much more we desire
Reuenge, on those in whose default we are vnhallowed thus,
Whilst they forget themselues for men, or to be borne of vs
Ye yeeld them Tribute, and from vs their Legions haue their pay:
Thus were too much, but more then thus, the haughtie Tirants sway:
That I am Queene from being wrong'd doth nothing me protect:
Their Rapes against my daughters both I also might obiect:
They maydes deflower, they wiues enforce, and vse their wils in all,
And yeat we liue, deferring fight, inferring so our fall.
But, valiant Brutons, ventrous Scots and warlike Pichts I erre,
Exhorting, whom I should dehort your fiearcenes to deferre:
Lesse courage more considerate would make your foes to quake:
My heart hath ioy'd to see your hands the Romaine Standards take,
But when as force and Fortune faild, that you with teeth should fight,
And in the faces of their Foes your women, in despight,
Should fling their sucking Babes, I hild such valiantnes but vaine:
Inforced flight is no disgrace, such Flyers fight againe.
Here are ye, Scots, that with the King my valiant brother dead
The Latines, wondring at your prowes, through Rome in triumph lead:
Ye Mars-stard Pichtes of Scythian breed are here Colleagues, & more,
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In your conduct, most knightly friends, I superseade the rest:
Ye come to fight, and we in fight to hope and helpe our best.
Scarce did this braue Bellona end, when as the Battailes ioyne,
And life and death was bought and sould with courage, not with coine.
Aboue the rest the Queene of Brutes through blood did cut her way,
Sixe thousand Ladies, Lyons-like, exployting like Afray:
Till Cattus with his Romaine Armes, subdewed, fled away.
Of Romains seuentie thousand died, of Brutons then were slaine
Twise fifteene thousand, and the rest their ceased freedome gaine.
And life and death was bought and sould with courage, not with coine.
Aboue the rest the Queene of Brutes through blood did cut her way,
Sixe thousand Ladies, Lyons-like, exployting like Afray:
Till Cattus with his Romaine Armes, subdewed, fled away.
Of Romains seuentie thousand died, of Brutons then were slaine
Twise fifteene thousand, and the rest their ceased freedome gaine.
When valiant Plancius, President in Gallia, heard such newes,
He waffes an Armie out of France, and Voada pursues.
The Albinests to aid the Queene assemble at her call,
And then began a second Warre, nor was the slaughter small.
The Brutons, bearing flight had clos'd themselues with waines about,
In which the awles women stood suruaying who was stout,
Controuling Cowards, and among did fill the aire with dinne:
But, valiant though the Brutones were, the day the Romaines winne.
In vaine the furious women then on Sonnes and Husbands call,
Themselues with Sonnes and Husbands did by aduerse weapons fall.
Queene Voada, past helpe and hope, betooke her selfe to flight:
Till looking backe, vnfollowed then, and hauing in her sight
The senseles Tronkes of slaughtred friends, shee leaning on her Lance
Did power forth teares, and grew at length impatient of the chance,
And said: my selfe, my trustie friends, will with my dearest blood
Keepe Obite to your happie Ghostes, that for your Countries good
Be as you be, and I will be: no Romaine sword shall boast
Of my dispatch. So on her Lance she yeelded vp her Ghoste.
He waffes an Armie out of France, and Voada pursues.
The Albinests to aid the Queene assemble at her call,
And then began a second Warre, nor was the slaughter small.
The Brutons, bearing flight had clos'd themselues with waines about,
In which the awles women stood suruaying who was stout,
Controuling Cowards, and among did fill the aire with dinne:
But, valiant though the Brutones were, the day the Romaines winne.
In vaine the furious women then on Sonnes and Husbands call,
Themselues with Sonnes and Husbands did by aduerse weapons fall.
Queene Voada, past helpe and hope, betooke her selfe to flight:
Till looking backe, vnfollowed then, and hauing in her sight
The senseles Tronkes of slaughtred friends, shee leaning on her Lance
Did power forth teares, and grew at length impatient of the chance,
And said: my selfe, my trustie friends, will with my dearest blood
Keepe Obite to your happie Ghostes, that for your Countries good
Be as you be, and I will be: no Romaine sword shall boast
Of my dispatch. So on her Lance she yeelded vp her Ghoste.
Her Daughter then, for to reuenge her friends vpon her foes,
Assisted by the vanquished, against the Victors roes,
And slaughtring through the Romaine Tentes the braue Virago goes,
Till Plancius, euer prouident of perils, brought supplies,
What time Vodicia, vrging wounds, with constant courage dies.
Assisted by the vanquished, against the Victors roes,
And slaughtring through the Romaine Tentes the braue Virago goes,
Till Plancius, euer prouident of perils, brought supplies,
What time Vodicia, vrging wounds, with constant courage dies.
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Svch busines hanging, Lucius, here the first baptized King,
Died issulesse: and for the Crowne did long contention spring.
At length Constantius Cæsar (for the Brutons yeelded so)
Did Helin, Colis daughter wed. Of her do praises go
For finding of the holy Crosse, and for deuotion rare.
From these proceeded Constantine, the most vndoubted heire
Both to the Romane Monarchie and this his Parents Reame.
He turn'd the Empires ebbing pompe into her flowing streame,
And was a Prince Religious: yeat (with reuerence be it said)
If lesse religious, then not he the Empire had decaid.
By largesse to a pompeous Priest, Apostolique ere then,
But now intruding euen on God, insulting ouer men.
Nor sparest thou his natiue Realme that seazed thee of Rome:
Admit his franknesse were a fault (as is their common doome,
That say he made a Paule a Saule that made a Priest a Prince,
And in that grace the Empires grace disgraced euer since)
Find thou no fault with such a fault whereby he fitted thee:
But, if thou wilt vngrateful prooue, vngracious cease to be,
A Traytors Tutor is a K. nor force we such a. T.
Let such a Prelate blesse or banne, with Candle, Booke, and Bell,
He cannot raise himselfe to heauen, nor rid a Knaue from hell.
Vaine are his Buls engendring Calues, sent hither from his Stals,
To feed (mad Sots) the Foule that by his name the Sender cals.
Died issulesse: and for the Crowne did long contention spring.
At length Constantius Cæsar (for the Brutons yeelded so)
Did Helin, Colis daughter wed. Of her do praises go
For finding of the holy Crosse, and for deuotion rare.
From these proceeded Constantine, the most vndoubted heire
Both to the Romane Monarchie and this his Parents Reame.
He turn'd the Empires ebbing pompe into her flowing streame,
And was a Prince Religious: yeat (with reuerence be it said)
If lesse religious, then not he the Empire had decaid.
By largesse to a pompeous Priest, Apostolique ere then,
But now intruding euen on God, insulting ouer men.
Nor sparest thou his natiue Realme that seazed thee of Rome:
Admit his franknesse were a fault (as is their common doome,
That say he made a Paule a Saule that made a Priest a Prince,
And in that grace the Empires grace disgraced euer since)
Find thou no fault with such a fault whereby he fitted thee:
But, if thou wilt vngrateful prooue, vngracious cease to be,
A Traytors Tutor is a K. nor force we such a. T.
Let such a Prelate blesse or banne, with Candle, Booke, and Bell,
He cannot raise himselfe to heauen, nor rid a Knaue from hell.
Vaine are his Buls engendring Calues, sent hither from his Stals,
To feed (mad Sots) the Foule that by his name the Sender cals.
Nor thinke he dreamed this in vaine that dreamed thus of late:
One seemed to haue passed Stix, and entring Plutoes gate,
Saw Hecat new canonized the Sourantisse of hell,
And Pluto bad it holliday for all which there did dwell,
Sterne Minos and grim Radimant; descend their duskie roomes:
The Docke was also cleare of Ghosts, adiorn'd to after doomes:
The Furies and the deadly Sinnes, with their inuectiue scroles
Depart the Barre: the Feends rake vp their euer-burning Coles:
The Elues, and Fairies, taking fists, did hop a merrie Round:
And Cerberus had lap enough: and Charon leasure found:
The airy Sprights, the walking Flames, and Goblins great and small,
Had theare good cheere, and company, and sport the diuell and all.
To Tantalus the shrinking flood, nor starting fruit were such:
Nor Titius his bowels did the hungrie Vultur touch:
Vpon his stone sat Cisaphus: Ixeon on his Wheele:
The Belides vpon their Tubs: no wonted toile they feele.
Till, in this anticke Festiuall, these last recited fiue
Of dignities for dueties theare gann earnestly did striue:
And then the quarrell grew so hot that hell was hell againe,
And flocking Ghosts did seuerally their Fauctors part maintaine.
With Cisaphus tooke part the Ghosts of minds that did aspire,
And by ambitious climing fell, desarts vnlike desire.
With Tantalus hild starued Ghosts, whose pleasure was their paine
Whose euer Hords had neuer vse, and gettings had no gaine.
To Belides assisted soules of Vnthrifts, whose supplies
Did passe from them as sea through Cieues, whose wastes no wealthes suffise.
Vnto Ixeon stood their Sprights that had their lusts for law,
Rebellants to a common good, and sinning without awe.
To Titius lastly ioyned Ghosts, whose hearts did emptie hate
As Todes their poyson, growing when it seemeth to abate.
About flie Apples, Stones, and Tubs, the wheele was tumbled downe,
The Vultur girds, no Ghost but had at least a broken crowne.
This skufling and confedracie in hell made such a reare,
That (wontles of such braules and blowes) Proserpine did feare.
But Pluto, laughing, told his Bride to Ela it was Fa,
To morrowes dinne should prooue that same to be a ciuill day:
In peace these were their practises on earth, and here in hell
(Saue that their soules haue neuer peace) we finde them as they fell.
They worke to me, each of these fiue, though daily count I aske,
Doe newly number Million soules, whose torments is their taske.
The Queene of such, not free of feare, replied thus againe,
And yeat, me thinkes, that Pluto should haue pitie on their paine.
One seemed to haue passed Stix, and entring Plutoes gate,
Saw Hecat new canonized the Sourantisse of hell,
And Pluto bad it holliday for all which there did dwell,
Sterne Minos and grim Radimant; descend their duskie roomes:
The Docke was also cleare of Ghosts, adiorn'd to after doomes:
The Furies and the deadly Sinnes, with their inuectiue scroles
Depart the Barre: the Feends rake vp their euer-burning Coles:
The Elues, and Fairies, taking fists, did hop a merrie Round:
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The airy Sprights, the walking Flames, and Goblins great and small,
Had theare good cheere, and company, and sport the diuell and all.
To Tantalus the shrinking flood, nor starting fruit were such:
Nor Titius his bowels did the hungrie Vultur touch:
Vpon his stone sat Cisaphus: Ixeon on his Wheele:
The Belides vpon their Tubs: no wonted toile they feele.
Till, in this anticke Festiuall, these last recited fiue
Of dignities for dueties theare gann earnestly did striue:
And then the quarrell grew so hot that hell was hell againe,
And flocking Ghosts did seuerally their Fauctors part maintaine.
With Cisaphus tooke part the Ghosts of minds that did aspire,
And by ambitious climing fell, desarts vnlike desire.
With Tantalus hild starued Ghosts, whose pleasure was their paine
Whose euer Hords had neuer vse, and gettings had no gaine.
To Belides assisted soules of Vnthrifts, whose supplies
Did passe from them as sea through Cieues, whose wastes no wealthes suffise.
Vnto Ixeon stood their Sprights that had their lusts for law,
Rebellants to a common good, and sinning without awe.
To Titius lastly ioyned Ghosts, whose hearts did emptie hate
As Todes their poyson, growing when it seemeth to abate.
About flie Apples, Stones, and Tubs, the wheele was tumbled downe,
The Vultur girds, no Ghost but had at least a broken crowne.
This skufling and confedracie in hell made such a reare,
That (wontles of such braules and blowes) Proserpine did feare.
But Pluto, laughing, told his Bride to Ela it was Fa,
To morrowes dinne should prooue that same to be a ciuill day:
In peace these were their practises on earth, and here in hell
(Saue that their soules haue neuer peace) we finde them as they fell.
They worke to me, each of these fiue, though daily count I aske,
Doe newly number Million soules, whose torments is their taske.
The Queene of such, not free of feare, replied thus againe,
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He lowers, and Feast with Fray had end, and drinke did euery soule
Of Lethe, who (their ioyes forgot) euen yet in torments houle.
Nay Pluto must be Pluto still, and so I will (quoth he,)
For this same onely day the Ghosts indebted are to thee:
For as the like shall neuer come, so neuer like befell,
But henceforth all, yea Prince, and Pope, shall euer finde it hell.
So dreamed one: but ouer-long on fantazies I dwell.
Of Lethe, who (their ioyes forgot) euen yet in torments houle.
Nay Pluto must be Pluto still, and so I will (quoth he,)
For this same onely day the Ghosts indebted are to thee:
For as the like shall neuer come, so neuer like befell,
But henceforth all, yea Prince, and Pope, shall euer finde it hell.
So dreamed one: but ouer-long on fantazies I dwell.
CHAP. XIX.
The Cosen of great Constantine, in Rome and here succeeds:
Betwixt the Brutes, the Scots, and Pichtes continuall trouble breeds:
And long the regiment of this Land the Romanes did inioy,
Transmitting Captaines euermore as Foes did here anoy.
But Rome it selfe declined now, and Brutaine was opprest,
No longer were the Scottish Spoyles by Romaine Swords redrest.
Then ends the Tribute, then began new troubles, worser farre
Then Tribute: for the Scots and Pichtes inferre consuming warre.
The Brutons, vnder Rome secure, as men that did relie
On others, were disabled now by Martiall meanes to trie
The fame of fight: but Captainelesse, confusedly they deale,
And giue a wretched instant of an headles Common-weale.
And whom so many Romaine Peers, grand-Captaines of such might,
Of whom nine Emperors themselues in persons here did fight,
Could hardly foyle, were fronted now, euen of a barbarous Foe,
And at the point (a wondrous change) their Countrey to forgoe.
Such fruit hath ease, such policie did serue the Romaines turne,
Who, waining Martiall minds, themselues the quietlier here soiorne.
Betwixt the Brutes, the Scots, and Pichtes continuall trouble breeds:
And long the regiment of this Land the Romanes did inioy,
Transmitting Captaines euermore as Foes did here anoy.
But Rome it selfe declined now, and Brutaine was opprest,
No longer were the Scottish Spoyles by Romaine Swords redrest.
Then ends the Tribute, then began new troubles, worser farre
Then Tribute: for the Scots and Pichtes inferre consuming warre.
The Brutons, vnder Rome secure, as men that did relie
On others, were disabled now by Martiall meanes to trie
The fame of fight: but Captainelesse, confusedly they deale,
And giue a wretched instant of an headles Common-weale.
And whom so many Romaine Peers, grand-Captaines of such might,
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Could hardly foyle, were fronted now, euen of a barbarous Foe,
And at the point (a wondrous change) their Countrey to forgoe.
Such fruit hath ease, such policie did serue the Romaines turne,
Who, waining Martiall minds, themselues the quietlier here soiorne.
The Brutons thus dispoyl'd of Armes, and courage in effect,
Of Prince, of Captaines, and aduise, their busines to direct:
Dispatch the Legate to the Land Diminutiue in name
To Brutaine: where the Legate thus his Ambassie did frame:
The back-slide of our helplesse friends, the down-fall of our state,
Our lacke of Prince, of people, and our wealth, not now as late,
The sauage dealing of our Foes, consuming ours and vs,
Is cause (right mightie King) that we approch thy presence thus.
Not for we are in blood allied, or that whil'st Fortune smil'd,
Your Ancestors had rule from vs, not for the Dames defil'd
At Cullin, who withstanding lust for it did loose their liues,
That els to Conon and his Knights had liued noble wiues,
We are emboldned in our suit, though all of these might mooue:
But for our former wants, O King, and for thine owne behooue,
Great Brutaine doth submit it selfe thy Subiect (if thou please:)
Or els dispose it at thy will. Prouided we haue ease
Against such Foes, as would not saue our liues to haue our Land:
Whom to conclude (except thou helpe) we neuer may withstand.
Of Prince, of Captaines, and aduise, their busines to direct:
Dispatch the Legate to the Land Diminutiue in name
To Brutaine: where the Legate thus his Ambassie did frame:
The back-slide of our helplesse friends, the down-fall of our state,
Our lacke of Prince, of people, and our wealth, not now as late,
The sauage dealing of our Foes, consuming ours and vs,
Is cause (right mightie King) that we approch thy presence thus.
Not for we are in blood allied, or that whil'st Fortune smil'd,
Your Ancestors had rule from vs, not for the Dames defil'd
At Cullin, who withstanding lust for it did loose their liues,
That els to Conon and his Knights had liued noble wiues,
We are emboldned in our suit, though all of these might mooue:
But for our former wants, O King, and for thine owne behooue,
Great Brutaine doth submit it selfe thy Subiect (if thou please:)
Or els dispose it at thy will. Prouided we haue ease
Against such Foes, as would not saue our liues to haue our Land:
Whom to conclude (except thou helpe) we neuer may withstand.
The King Aldroen pittying much the cause of his Allies,
Arm'd thence his brother Constantine, a Captaine stout and wise.
He chasing hence the Scots and Pichtes, with glory wore the Crowne,
And through his vertue stayed vp a kingdome sinking downe.
Arm'd thence his brother Constantine, a Captaine stout and wise.
He chasing hence the Scots and Pichtes, with glory wore the Crowne,
And through his vertue stayed vp a kingdome sinking downe.
Within a while did Vortiger the Duke of Cornewale raigne,
When Constans Sonne of Constantine he traitrously had slaine.
The Scots did ruffle then anew, nor did the King affye
In Brutones, for they hated him, and reason had they why:
And Saxon Fleetes from Germanie in Armor here arriue,
Through whose support the King in wars against the Scots did thriue.
The Foe by Hengest foyled thus, he and his brother git
The chiefest credit with the King, but few gaine-saying it,
Necessitie of Souldiers here so well for them did fit.
And Hengests Daughter intertain'd King Vortiger so well,
That to misliking of his wife and liking her he fell:
And sotted thus in forren Loue, did wed the Saxon Wench:
Which wrought vnto the Saxons weale, but to the Brutes offence:
For whatsoere the Queene did aske, the King would not deny,
Vntill his Subiects ran to Armes, and made the Saxons flie.
They putting downe the Father, then did set vp Vortimer,
He poisoned by his Stepdame, they restored Vortiger:
With this condition, that he should no Saxons intertaine.
But Hengest (hearing from the Queene that Votimer was slaine,
And Vortiger his Sonne-in-lawe re-kinged) did resaile
With Saxon forces: though with fraud, not force he did preuaile.
For thus by pollicy he did the Brutons circumuent:
He craued Parlie, as a man that were to quietnes bent,
The place appoynted, Parlantes him in simple meaning meet
Farre from their Armie all vnarm'd, whom Saxon Traitors greet
With deadly wounds by hidden kniues, & held the King with them,
Confounding so the Brittish Oste. Nor cease they to contemne
Both Christian rights, and ciuill Rule, subuerting either twaine:
And what they would of Vortiger through fearefull threats they gaine:
And plant themselues in Southfolke, Kent, and elsewhere at their will:
And rufling runne throughout the Land oppressing Brutons still.
When Constans Sonne of Constantine he traitrously had slaine.
The Scots did ruffle then anew, nor did the King affye
In Brutones, for they hated him, and reason had they why:
89
Through whose support the King in wars against the Scots did thriue.
The Foe by Hengest foyled thus, he and his brother git
The chiefest credit with the King, but few gaine-saying it,
Necessitie of Souldiers here so well for them did fit.
And Hengests Daughter intertain'd King Vortiger so well,
That to misliking of his wife and liking her he fell:
And sotted thus in forren Loue, did wed the Saxon Wench:
Which wrought vnto the Saxons weale, but to the Brutes offence:
For whatsoere the Queene did aske, the King would not deny,
Vntill his Subiects ran to Armes, and made the Saxons flie.
They putting downe the Father, then did set vp Vortimer,
He poisoned by his Stepdame, they restored Vortiger:
With this condition, that he should no Saxons intertaine.
But Hengest (hearing from the Queene that Votimer was slaine,
And Vortiger his Sonne-in-lawe re-kinged) did resaile
With Saxon forces: though with fraud, not force he did preuaile.
For thus by pollicy he did the Brutons circumuent:
He craued Parlie, as a man that were to quietnes bent,
The place appoynted, Parlantes him in simple meaning meet
Farre from their Armie all vnarm'd, whom Saxon Traitors greet
With deadly wounds by hidden kniues, & held the King with them,
Confounding so the Brittish Oste. Nor cease they to contemne
Both Christian rights, and ciuill Rule, subuerting either twaine:
And what they would of Vortiger through fearefull threats they gaine:
And plant themselues in Southfolke, Kent, and elsewhere at their will:
And rufling runne throughout the Land oppressing Brutons still.
The King and Brutons fled to Wales, and Feend-got Marlin theare
Bewraied more then I beleeue, or credit seemes to beare:
As shewing how the Castell worke, rear'd daily, fell by night,
By shaking of two Dragons great that vnderneath it fight,
With other wonders, tedious if not trothlesse to resight.
Bewraied more then I beleeue, or credit seemes to beare:
As shewing how the Castell worke, rear'd daily, fell by night,
By shaking of two Dragons great that vnderneath it fight,
With other wonders, tedious if not trothlesse to resight.
90
Aurelius Ambrose, brother to King Constans murdred late,
From either Bruton hauing aid, wonne so the kingly state:
And, ere that Hengest or his Sonne stout Octa he subdew'd,
First to reuenge his Brothers death he Vortiger pursew'd.
In vaine the Welsh wild Mountaines fence the Flier from his Foe,
Or Gerneth Castell, when as flames throughout the buildings goe:
In midst whereof the wretched King did end his daies in woe.
From either Bruton hauing aid, wonne so the kingly state:
And, ere that Hengest or his Sonne stout Octa he subdew'd,
First to reuenge his Brothers death he Vortiger pursew'd.
In vaine the Welsh wild Mountaines fence the Flier from his Foe,
Or Gerneth Castell, when as flames throughout the buildings goe:
In midst whereof the wretched King did end his daies in woe.
The
Brutons thus had peace a while, till Vortigerus Sonne,
And Gutllamour the Irish King, in new Conflicts begonne:
Whom, whil'st that Vter valiantly in Wales to wracke did bring,
His Brother Ambrose did decease, and Vter then was King.
And Gutllamour the Irish King, in new Conflicts begonne:
Whom, whil'st that Vter valiantly in Wales to wracke did bring,
His Brother Ambrose did decease, and Vter then was King.
What Vter did by Marlins Art, in compassing his will
Vpon the Wife of Garolus, transfigured by skill
Into the likenesse of her Lord, on whom he got a Sonne,
Renowmed Arthur, or to name the Acts by Vter donne,
Were much and needlesse: onely note he was a valiant Prince.
But such as was his noble Sonne, was not before or since.
Yeat blazing Arthur, as haue some, I might be ouer-seene:
He was victorious, making one amongst the Worthies neene:
But (with his pardon) if I vouch his world of Kingdomes wonne,
I am no Poet, and for lacke of pardon were vndonne.
His Scottish, Irish, Almaine, French, and Saxone Battels got,
Yeeld fame sufficient: these seeme true, the rest I credit not.
But Bruton is my taske, and to my taske I will retire:
Twelue times the Saxon Princes here against him did conspire,
And Arthur in twelue Battels great went vanquishor away:
Howbeit Saxon forces still amongst the Brutons stay.
Vpon the Wife of Garolus, transfigured by skill
Into the likenesse of her Lord, on whom he got a Sonne,
Renowmed Arthur, or to name the Acts by Vter donne,
Were much and needlesse: onely note he was a valiant Prince.
But such as was his noble Sonne, was not before or since.
Yeat blazing Arthur, as haue some, I might be ouer-seene:
He was victorious, making one amongst the Worthies neene:
But (with his pardon) if I vouch his world of Kingdomes wonne,
I am no Poet, and for lacke of pardon were vndonne.
His Scottish, Irish, Almaine, French, and Saxone Battels got,
Yeeld fame sufficient: these seeme true, the rest I credit not.
But Bruton is my taske, and to my taske I will retire:
Twelue times the Saxon Princes here against him did conspire,
And Arthur in twelue Battels great went vanquishor away:
Howbeit Saxon forces still amongst the Brutons stay.
This King to entertaine discourse, and so to vnderstand
What Accidents in after-times should happen in this Land,
He with the Brutish Prophet then of Sequelles fell in hand.
Of sixe long after-Kings the man, not borne of humane seede,
Did Prophesie, and many things that came to passe indeed.
What Accidents in after-times should happen in this Land,
He with the Brutish Prophet then of Sequelles fell in hand.
Of sixe long after-Kings the man, not borne of humane seede,
91
Now Arthur, chiefe of Chiualrie, had set his Crowne at stay,
And to his Nephew Mordred did commit thereof the sway,
When with his Knights (the wonders of the world for Martiall deeds)
Beyond the seas in forren fights he luckely proceedes:
Till faithlesse Mordred cal'd him backe that forward went with fame,
For at his Vncles Diadem he traiterously did aime.
Twise Arthur wonne of him the field, and thirdly slewe his Foe,
When, deadly wounded, he himselfe, victorious, died so.
And to his Nephew Mordred did commit thereof the sway,
When with his Knights (the wonders of the world for Martiall deeds)
Beyond the seas in forren fights he luckely proceedes:
Till faithlesse Mordred cal'd him backe that forward went with fame,
For at his Vncles Diadem he traiterously did aime.
Twise Arthur wonne of him the field, and thirdly slewe his Foe,
When, deadly wounded, he himselfe, victorious, died so.
Interred then with publique plaints, and issules, ensewes
A drouping of the Brittish state: the Saxon still subdewes,
Howbeit worthy Kings succeed: but destiny withstood
The auncient Scepter to iniure in Brutes succeeding blood.
Vnlou'd Careticus was he that lost the Goale at length:
Whenceforth, in vaine, to win their losse the Brutons vse their strēgth.
Yea God, that as it pleaseth him doth place or dispossesse,
When foes, nor foiles, nor any force, their courage might suppresse,
Seem'd partiall in the Saxon Cause, and with a Plague did crosse
The Brutons, that had els at least rebated from their losse:
For Cadwane, and Cadwallyn, and Cawallader, the last,
But not the least for valorous of Brittish Princes past,
Brought out of Wales such Knightly wars as made their foes agast.
The Plague (worse spoyler then the Wars) left Cambre almost waste,
Which to auoid, the remnant Brutes vnto their ships did haste.
A drouping of the Brittish state: the Saxon still subdewes,
Howbeit worthy Kings succeed: but destiny withstood
The auncient Scepter to iniure in Brutes succeeding blood.
Vnlou'd Careticus was he that lost the Goale at length:
Whenceforth, in vaine, to win their losse the Brutons vse their strēgth.
Yea God, that as it pleaseth him doth place or dispossesse,
When foes, nor foiles, nor any force, their courage might suppresse,
Seem'd partiall in the Saxon Cause, and with a Plague did crosse
The Brutons, that had els at least rebated from their losse:
For Cadwane, and Cadwallyn, and Cawallader, the last,
But not the least for valorous of Brittish Princes past,
Brought out of Wales such Knightly wars as made their foes agast.
The Plague (worse spoyler then the Wars) left Cambre almost waste,
Which to auoid, the remnant Brutes vnto their ships did haste.
Cadwallader, in leauing thus his natiue shoore, he fixt
His eies from whence his body should, and with his sighes he mixt
His royal teares, which giuing place, he speaketh thus betwixt.
Sweete Brutaine (for I yet must vse that sweet, and ceasing name)
Adew, thy King bids thee adew, whose flight no weapons frame:
But God commands, his wrath commands, all counter-maund is vaine.
Els, for thy loue, to die in thee were life to thy Remaine.
Thus tymes haue turnes, thus Fortune still is flying to and fro:
What was not, is: what is, shall cease: some come, and other goe:
So, Brutaine, thou of Nation and of name endurest change,
Now balking vs whom thou hast bread, and brooking people strange.
Yeat (if I shoot not past mine aime) a world of time from me,
Part of our blood, in highest pompe shall Englands glory be,
And chiefly when vnto a first succeeds a second She.
But, leauing speeches ominous, Cadwallader is woe,
That, seeing death determines griefe, he dies not on his foe.
Ah, Fortune faileth mighty ones, and meaner doth aduance:
The mightiest Empire Rome hath change, then Brutaine brooke thy chance:
Let it suffice thou wert before and after Rome in fame,
And to indure what God intends were sinne to count a shame.
Nor vaunt, ye Saxons, of our flight: but if yee needs will vaunt,
Then vaunt of this, that God displac'd whom you could neuer daunt.
This said, the teares cōtrould his tong, & sailes wrought land frō sight
When (saue a Remnant small) the Isle was rid of Brutons quight.
His eies from whence his body should, and with his sighes he mixt
His royal teares, which giuing place, he speaketh thus betwixt.
Sweete Brutaine (for I yet must vse that sweet, and ceasing name)
Adew, thy King bids thee adew, whose flight no weapons frame:
But God commands, his wrath commands, all counter-maund is vaine.
Els, for thy loue, to die in thee were life to thy Remaine.
92
What was not, is: what is, shall cease: some come, and other goe:
So, Brutaine, thou of Nation and of name endurest change,
Now balking vs whom thou hast bread, and brooking people strange.
Yeat (if I shoot not past mine aime) a world of time from me,
Part of our blood, in highest pompe shall Englands glory be,
And chiefly when vnto a first succeeds a second She.
But, leauing speeches ominous, Cadwallader is woe,
That, seeing death determines griefe, he dies not on his foe.
Ah, Fortune faileth mighty ones, and meaner doth aduance:
The mightiest Empire Rome hath change, then Brutaine brooke thy chance:
Let it suffice thou wert before and after Rome in fame,
And to indure what God intends were sinne to count a shame.
Nor vaunt, ye Saxons, of our flight: but if yee needs will vaunt,
Then vaunt of this, that God displac'd whom you could neuer daunt.
This said, the teares cōtrould his tong, & sailes wrought land frō sight
When (saue a Remnant small) the Isle was rid of Brutons quight.
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