 | John Harington of Stepney |  |
38
II. PART II
Poems
85
A. POEMS ACCEPTED AS HARINGTON'S BY THE EDITOR
II A 1
[Yf Ryght be rakt and over Roon]
Yf Ryght be rakt and over Roon
and power tak part with open wrong
yf fear by force yeld up to soon
my lacke ys lyke to last to longe
and power tak part with open wrong
yf fear by force yeld up to soon
my lacke ys lyke to last to longe
yf god for goodes shalbe unplact
yf Ryt for Ryches loose shapp
yf world for wysdome be embract
the gesse is great muche hourt may happ
yf Ryt for Ryches loose shapp
yf world for wysdome be embract
the gesse is great muche hourt may happ
Emongst good thynges I prove and fynd
the quyet lief dothe muche habownd
and sure to the contented mynd
ther is no Ryches may be fownd
the quyet lief dothe muche habownd
and sure to the contented mynd
ther is no Ryches may be fownd
For Ryches hates to be content
Rewll is enyme to quyetnes
Power for most part is impassyent
and seldome lykes to lyve in pease
Rewll is enyme to quyetnes
Power for most part is impassyent
and seldome lykes to lyve in pease
I hard an herdman once compare
that quyet nyghtes he had mo slept
and had moe mery days to spare
then he whyche awght the bestes he kept
that quyet nyghtes he had mo slept
and had moe mery days to spare
then he whyche awght the bestes he kept
86
I wold not have yt thoght here by
the dolphyn swyme I mean to teache
nor yet to lern the facon fly
I Rove not so farr past my Reche
the dolphyn swyme I mean to teache
nor yet to lern the facon fly
I Rove not so farr past my Reche
but as my part a bove the Rest
is well to wyn and good to wyll
so tyll my brethe shall fayll my breste
I wyll not stay to wyshe you styll
is well to wyn and good to wyll
so tyll my brethe shall fayll my breste
I wyll not stay to wyshe you styll
87
II A 2
[degrese of lyghtnes lefte behynde]
degrese of lyghtnes lefte behyndeto teache us know lyght things of kynde
lyghter then fume flame is assynde
lyghter then flame they wryt the wynde
lyghter then wynd a womans mynde
lyghter then that no thyng the fynde
88
II A 3
[he that spares to speak hathe hardly his entent]
he that spares to speak hathe hardly his ententhe that speaks and speeds his speakyng is nott spent
he that speaks and speeds not. his spekyng is but lost
and yet speakyng wythe owt speedyng is but a small cost
89
II A 4
[None can deeme righte, whoe Faithfull freendes do rest]
None can deeme righte, whoe Faithfull freendes do restwhilste they doe Rule, and Raigne in great degree
For than bothe faste, and fained freendes are preste
Whose faithes seeme bothe, of one effect to bee
But if that welthe unwynde and fortune flee
as never knowen revoltes th'unfaithfull gheste
but he whose hart, in life once faithe linckt faste
Will love and serve, even after deathe is paste
90
II A 5
[Such one is ware by what degrees he clymes]
Such one is ware by what degrees he clymes,Rather pleasant then proud in high estate,
Rather bold then abasht in lowring times,
And can in both so well uphold his state,
As many would but few can do or none,
Of which few sort, I wish your Lordship one.
91
II A 6
[Who justly may rejoyce in ought under the skye?]
Who justly may rejoyce in ought under the skye?As life, or lands: as frends, or frutes: which only live to dye.
Or who dothe not well know all worldly works are vaine?
And geveth nought but to the lendes, to take the same againe.
For though it lift some up: as wee long upward all:
Such is the sort of slipper welth: all things do rise to fall.
Thuncertentie is such: experience teacheth so:
That what things men do covet most, them sonest they forgo.
Lo Devorox where he lieth: whose life men heeld so deare
That now his death is sorowed so, that pitie it is to heare.
His birth of auncient blood: his parents of great fame:
And yet in vertue farre before the formost of the same.
His king, and countrye bothe he served to so great gaine:
That with the Brutes record doth rest, and ever shall remaine.
No man in warre so mete, an enterprise to take:
No man in peace that pleasurd more of enmies frends to make.
A Cato for his counsell: his head was surely such.
Ne Theseus frenship was so great, but Devorox was as much.
A graffe of so small grothe so much good frute to bring:
Is seldome heard, or never sene: it is so rare a thing.
A man sent us from God, his life did well declare:
And now sent for by god again, to teach us what we are.
Death, and the grave, that shall accompany all that live,
Hath brought him heven, though somewhat sone, which life could never geve
God graunt well all, that shall professe as he profest:
To live so well, to dye no worse: and send his soule good rest.
92
II A 7
[At least withdraw your creweltie]
At least withdraw your creweltie
or force the tyme to worke your will
Yt is to moche extreamytie
to kepe me pent in pryson styll
free from all fawte voyd of all cawse
without all right agaynst all lawse
how can you use more crewell spight
than offre wrong and promes right
yet can not accuse nor will acquyght
or force the tyme to worke your will
Yt is to moche extreamytie
to kepe me pent in pryson styll
free from all fawte voyd of all cawse
without all right agaynst all lawse
how can you use more crewell spight
than offre wrong and promes right
yet can not accuse nor will acquyght
A Leven months full and longer space
I have endured your deavellishe dryftes
whylest you have sought bothe man and place
and sett your snares with all your shyftes
the fawtlesse foote to wrapp with wyle
in any guylt by any guyle
and now you see it will not be
how can you thus for shame agree
to kepe hym bownd you ought sett free
I have endured your deavellishe dryftes
whylest you have sought bothe man and place
and sett your snares with all your shyftes
the fawtlesse foote to wrapp with wyle
in any guylt by any guyle
and now you see it will not be
how can you thus for shame agree
to kepe hym bownd you ought sett free
Your chaunce was once as myne is now
to kepe this hold agaynst your will
and than you sware you know well how
though now you swarve I know how yll
but thus the world his course doth passe
the priest forgeates that Clerk he was
and you that then cryed Justyce styll
and now have Justyce att your will
Wrest Justyce wrong agaynst all skill
to kepe this hold agaynst your will
and than you sware you know well how
though now you swarve I know how yll
but thus the world his course doth passe
the priest forgeates that Clerk he was
and you that then cryed Justyce styll
and now have Justyce att your will
Wrest Justyce wrong agaynst all skill
93
But whye do I thus coldly playne
as thoughe it were my cawse alone
whan cawse doth eache man so constrayne
as Englond through hath cawse to mone
to see your blooddy searche of suche
as all the earth can no way towche
and better weare that all your kynd
Lyke hownds in hell with shame were shrynd
then you had might unto your mynd
as thoughe it were my cawse alone
whan cawse doth eache man so constrayne
as Englond through hath cawse to mone
to see your blooddy searche of suche
as all the earth can no way towche
and better weare that all your kynd
Lyke hownds in hell with shame were shrynd
then you had might unto your mynd
But as the Stone that strykes the wall
Somtyme bownds back on th'urlers hedd
so your fowle fetche to your fowle fall
may tourne and noye the brest it bredd
and than suche measure as you gave
of right and Justice looke to have
yf good or yll, yf short or longe
yf falce or trew, yf right or wronge
And thus tyll than I end my songe
Somtyme bownds back on th'urlers hedd
so your fowle fetche to your fowle fall
may tourne and noye the brest it bredd
and than suche measure as you gave
of right and Justice looke to have
yf good or yll, yf short or longe
yf falce or trew, yf right or wronge
And thus tyll than I end my songe
94
II A 8
[Heer lye the bones of busy Gardiner dead]
Heer lye the bones of busy Gardiner deadthat in five yeares spoild more good lawes and lore
then two great Kings with all the wittes they bred
Could stablish sure in forty yeares before
The Queen beguild, the Lordes like lymehoundes led,
The usurping rule of Rome he did restore
Burne, head, and hang, imprison, vex and spoile
the worthie sort of this declying Soile.
95
II A 9
[In doing well use no delay]
In doing well use no delayFor in short space, tyme wears away.
96
II A 10
A sonet written upon my Lord Admirall Seymour./
Of person Rare, Stronge Lymbes, and manly shapp
of nature fram'de to sarve on Sea or lande
of frendship firme in good state and ill happ
In peace head wise, in warr skill great, bolde hande
on horse on foote, in peryll or in playe
None coulde excell thoughe many did assaie
A Subject true to Kinge, and servant great
Freend to goddes truthe en'mye to Roomes disceat
Somtuous abroad, for honor of the lande
Temp'rat at home; yet kept great state with staie
And noble house; and gave moe mowthes more meat
then some advaunste on higher stepps to stande/
Yet against Nature Reason and just Lawes
His blood was spilt, guiltles without just cause/
97
II A 11
John Harington to his Mother, 1540.
There was a battaill fought of late,
Yet was the slaughter small;
The strife was, whether I shulde wright,
Or send nothing at all.
Of one syde were the Captaynes names
Short Tyme and Lytle Skill;
One fought alone agaynst them bothe,
Whose name was Great Good-will.
Short Tyme enforst me in a straite,
And bad me holde my hand;
Small Skill also withstoode desyre,
My wryting to withstand.
But Great Good-will, in shew though small,
To wright encourag'de me,
And to the battaile helde on still,
No common thinge to see.
Thus gan theise busye warriours three
Betwene themselves to fight
As valiauntlye as though they had
Bene of much greater might.
Till Fortune, that unconstant dame,
Which rules soche things allwaye,
Did cause the weaker parte in fight
To bear the greatter swaye:
And then the victour caused me,
However was my skill,
To wright theise vearses unto you,
To shew my great good-will.
98
II A 12
A sonnet made on Isabella Markhame, when I firste thought
her fayer as she stood at the Princess's Windowe in goodlye
Attyre, and talkede to dyvers in the Courte-Yard.
Whence comes my love, O hearte, disclose,
'Twas from cheeks that shamed the rose;
From lips that spoyle the rubies prayse;
From eyes that mock the diamond's blaze.
Whence comes my woe, as freely owne,
Ah me! 'twas from a hearte lyke stone.
'Twas from cheeks that shamed the rose;
From lips that spoyle the rubies prayse;
From eyes that mock the diamond's blaze.
Whence comes my woe, as freely owne,
Ah me! 'twas from a hearte lyke stone.
The blushyne cheek speakes modest mynde,
The lipps befitting wordes moste kynde;
The eye does tempte to love's desyre,
And seems to say, 'tis Cupid's fire;
Yet all so faire, but speake my moane,
Syth noughte dothe saye the hearte of stone.
The lipps befitting wordes moste kynde;
The eye does tempte to love's desyre,
And seems to say, 'tis Cupid's fire;
Yet all so faire, but speake my moane,
Syth noughte dothe saye the hearte of stone.
Why thus, my love, so kynde bespeake,
Sweet lyppe, sweet eye, sweet blushynge cheeke,
Yet not a hearte to save my paine,
O Venus, take thy giftes again;
Make not so faire to cause our moane,
Or make a hearte that's lyke our owne.
Sweet lyppe, sweet eye, sweet blushynge cheeke,
Yet not a hearte to save my paine,
O Venus, take thy giftes again;
Make not so faire to cause our moane,
Or make a hearte that's lyke our owne.
99
II A 13
[Alas! I love yow overwell]
Question.Alas! I love yow overwell,
Myne owne sweete deere delygte;
Yet, for respects, I feare to tell
What moves my trobled spryghte:
What workes my woe, what breedes my smarte,
What woundes myn harte and mynde,
Reason restrayns me to emparte
Such perylls as I fynde.
Answer.
If present peryll reason fynde,
And hope for helpe doe haste;
Unfolde the secretts of yowr mynde,
Whyls hope of helpe may taste.
And I will ease yowr payne and smarte,
As yf yt weare myne owne;
Respects and perylls put aparte,
And let the truthe be knowne.
Question.
The words be sownde, the sownde ys sweete,
The sweete yeeldes bounty free;
Noe wyghte hathe worthe to yeelde meed meete
For grace of suche degree:
Now, sythe my playnte dothe pytie move,
Grawnt grace that I may taste
Suche joys as angells feele above,
That lovingly may last.
100
I yeeld with harte and wylling mynde
To doe all yow desyre;
Doubtinge noe deale suche faythe to fynde
As suche truste dothe requier:
Now yow have wealthe at yowr owne will,
And lawe at yowr owne luste,
To make or mar, to save or spill;
Then be a Conquerour juste.
Answer.
Fyrste shall the sunne in darknes dwell,
The moone and starrs lacke lyghte,
Before in thoughte I doe rebell
Agaynste my lyves delyghte:
Tryed ys my truste, knowne ys my truthe,
Yn tyme, my sweete, provyde,
Whilest bewtie florishe in thine yowthe,
And brethe in mee abyde.
101
II A 14
[Lyke as the rage of rayne]
Lyke as the rage of rayne
Fills ryvers with excesse;
And as the drowght agayne
Doth draw them lesse and lesse;
So I both fall and clyme,
With no and yea somtyme.
Fills ryvers with excesse;
And as the drowght agayne
Doth draw them lesse and lesse;
So I both fall and clyme,
With no and yea somtyme.
As they ryse hye and hye,
So doth encreace my state;
As they fall drye and drye,
So doth my wealth abate:
As yea ys matcht with no,
My wealth ys myxt with wo.
So doth encreace my state;
As they fall drye and drye,
So doth my wealth abate:
As yea ys matcht with no,
My wealth ys myxt with wo.
As nothing can endure,
That lyves and lacks relief;
So no state may stand sure,
Where chaunge doth rayne as Chief:
Wherefore I must entend
To bow, when others bend.
That lyves and lacks relief;
So no state may stand sure,
Where chaunge doth rayne as Chief:
Wherefore I must entend
To bow, when others bend.
And, when they laugh, to smyle,
And, when they weepe, to wayle;
And, when they crafte, begyle,
And, when they fight, assayle:
And thynck there ys no chaunge
Can make them seeme to straunge.
And, when they weepe, to wayle;
And, when they crafte, begyle,
And, when they fight, assayle:
And thynck there ys no chaunge
Can make them seeme to straunge.
102
Oh! moste unhappie state,
What wight may kepe such coorsse,
To love that he shuld hate,
Or ells to doe moche worsse:
Theise be rewardes for suche
As lyve and love to moche.
What wight may kepe such coorsse,
To love that he shuld hate,
Or ells to doe moche worsse:
Theise be rewardes for suche
As lyve and love to moche.
103
II A 15
The prayse of six gentle Women attending of the
Ladye Elizabeth her grace at Hatfield then./
The great Dyana, chaste
in Forest late I mett
who me commaunded in Haste
to Hatfield for to geatt
And to you Sixe a rowe
her pleasure to declare
How she meanes to bestow
on eache a gift most rare
in Forest late I mett
who me commaunded in Haste
to Hatfield for to geatt
And to you Sixe a rowe
her pleasure to declare
How she meanes to bestow
on eache a gift most rare
Fyrst doth she geve to Grey
the Fawlcons Curtesse kinde
Her Lord for to obay
with moste obedient mynde
Fraught with such vertues rare
His love aye to renew
with Tysbe to compare
Or, Alyson most trew
the Fawlcons Curtesse kinde
Her Lord for to obay
with moste obedient mynde
Fraught with such vertues rare
His love aye to renew
with Tysbe to compare
Or, Alyson most trew
To worthye willobe
As Egle in her flight
So shall her pearcing eye
bothe heale and hurt eache wight
that shall uppon her gase
Shall sone perceyve I see
A Lawra, in her face
And not a Willobe
As Egle in her flight
So shall her pearcing eye
bothe heale and hurt eache wight
that shall uppon her gase
Shall sone perceyve I see
A Lawra, in her face
And not a Willobe
104
To Markhams, modest mynde
that Phenixe bird most rare
So have the godes assynde
with Grysylde to compare
Oh, happie twyse is hee
whome Jove shall do the grace
to lynck in unytie
that blissfull to enbrace
that Phenixe bird most rare
So have the godes assynde
with Grysylde to compare
Oh, happie twyse is hee
whome Jove shall do the grace
to lynck in unytie
that blissfull to enbrace
To Norwyche good and grave
Suche Sapient eares is send
As prudent Serpents have
the Charmer to defend
with knowledge in foresight
of suche thinges yet to come
As had Cassandra bright
Whoe tolde of Troye the dome
Suche Sapient eares is send
As prudent Serpents have
the Charmer to defend
with knowledge in foresight
of suche thinges yet to come
As had Cassandra bright
Whoe tolde of Troye the dome
For Seintloe doth she say
So stable shall shee stand
as rock within the sea
or hudge hill on the land
dye rather with the mace
From mightie Hercules hand
then once her truth degrace
yf she theare in do stand
So stable shall shee stand
as rock within the sea
or hudge hill on the land
dye rather with the mace
From mightie Hercules hand
then once her truth degrace
yf she theare in do stand
If Skypwith shuld escape
Without her gift most rare
Dyana wold me hate
and fill my Life with care
syns in her Temple chaste
full highe uppon the wall
Her bowe thear hangith fast
unbroke and ever shall
Without her gift most rare
Dyana wold me hate
and fill my Life with care
syns in her Temple chaste
full highe uppon the wall
Her bowe thear hangith fast
unbroke and ever shall
105
Thus have I shewid you all
this worthie goddesse will
Who hath decreed you shall
as her owne ympps lyve still
long in suche sacred sort
whearof dame fame shall bloe
suche trumppe of true reporte
as through the earth shall goe
this worthie goddesse will
Who hath decreed you shall
as her owne ympps lyve still
long in suche sacred sort
whearof dame fame shall bloe
suche trumppe of true reporte
as through the earth shall goe
106
II A 16
[If dutie wyf leade the to deeme]
If dutie wyf leade the to deemethat trade moost fytt I hold moost deere
first god regarde next me esteme
thy childrene then respecte thow neere
our howse both Sweete and clenlye see
ordre our fare thy maides kepe short
thye mirth with meane well myxed be
thy curtese partes in chast wyse sort
in sober weede the clenly dresse
when joyes me rayse thy cares downe cast
when gryeffes me grype thy solace sease
who so me frendes frend them as fast
in preasse gyve place what so I say
apart complayne yf cause thow fynde
let liberall Lypps no trust bewray
nor jelous humor payne thy mynd
yf I the wronge thy gryef unfold
yf thow me vex thyne error graunt
to seke straunge soyles be not to bold
the stryfles bedd no jarrs may haunt
smale sleap and tymely prayer intende
the Idle lyff as poyson hate
no credytt light nor much spech spende
in open place cause no debate
no thwartes, no frowns, no grudge nor stryf
eschew the badd embrace the best
to troth of worde joyne honest lyff
and in my bosom buyld thy nest
107
II A 17
[Husband, yf you will be my deare]
Husband, yf you will be my deare
Your other self, you must me make
So, next to god, you shall be neare
So, of our babes, care will I take
Your other self, you must me make
So, next to god, you shall be neare
So, of our babes, care will I take
An holsome house, and strong built geve
See needefull thinges, be never sckarce
Provide your men, unyd'lye live
Use Curtes Speache, shew frendlie face
See needefull thinges, be never sckarce
Provide your men, unyd'lye live
Use Curtes Speache, shew frendlie face
T'observe your tymes, if tyme I chuse
To know my tymes, you must take payne
And how your frends, you wold I use
So, Looke my frends, you entertaine
To know my tymes, you must take payne
And how your frends, you wold I use
So, Looke my frends, you entertaine
Your stormes, for stubburne Servants stay
and gent'lye warne me in myne eare
As you may at your pleasure play
So, when I sporte, be not seveare
and gent'lye warne me in myne eare
As you may at your pleasure play
So, when I sporte, be not seveare
That I you please, doth not alone
in all respectes my self suffyse
For good, of moe, I wold you knowne
And Longe Frome home, stayd in no wise
in all respectes my self suffyse
For good, of moe, I wold you knowne
And Longe Frome home, stayd in no wise
Yf no Suspicions rise, youe reede
Suspicius cause, t'eschewe weare best
What ever care, the day doth breede
Agree, the night, yelde pleasant rest
Suspicius cause, t'eschewe weare best
What ever care, the day doth breede
Agree, the night, yelde pleasant rest
108
What so a wooer, you me behight
Nowe Husband good, performe as due
Penelopes pathe, if I hold right
Ulixes Steppes, see you tread trew
Nowe Husband good, performe as due
Penelopes pathe, if I hold right
Ulixes Steppes, see you tread trew
109
II A 18
[Marvaylous be thie matcheles gyftes of mynde]
Marvaylous be thie matcheles gyftes of mynde,And, for thie shape, Ewrithmia rightlie growen;
Reckles of prayse, a prayse rare in thie kynde,
Great in desert, small in desyre well knowen:
A mansion meete, where Chastitie doth dwell,
Rype in all good, of evell the seede unsowen;
Endued with thewse that do the rest excell,
Temp'raunce hath wonne and constancye doth holde;
Wisdome hath taughte that myldnes mastreth might.
I am unskild the reste howe to unfolde.
Let envious eyes deeme that by exact sight
Of bewtie, hewe, and partes of pryce untolde;
But yet I reede thye looke with reverent care:
Eache wighte is wise that, warned, can beware.
110
II A 19
[Amanza myne with heedefull eye beholde]
Amanza myne with heedefull eye beholde
the lyngring woe that restles care hath bredd
in frende more worthe, then myne of Indian goolde
of whose lifes joye th'arte chief and onlye hedd
no youthfull pange bereaveth me of rest
but inwarde care that wakes still in my brest
the lyngring woe that restles care hath bredd
in frende more worthe, then myne of Indian goolde
of whose lifes joye th'arte chief and onlye hedd
no youthfull pange bereaveth me of rest
but inwarde care that wakes still in my brest
And yf you aske what cause dothe care procure
I answeare thus, the want of my delight
without the whiche my life may not endure
and lyke the whiche on earthe theare lives no wight
For vertue, grace, cleare fame and excellent witt
the chiefest ells in meaner seate may sytt
I answeare thus, the want of my delight
without the whiche my life may not endure
and lyke the whiche on earthe theare lives no wight
For vertue, grace, cleare fame and excellent witt
the chiefest ells in meaner seate may sytt
A pleasaunt cheere, a tongue more wyse then bolde
a constant hart, a secreat brest moste rare
good, Courtesse, fayre, and gladsome to beholde
the want hearof is cause of all my care
and this dothe moche encrease my care the more
I see it spoylde wheare care is none thearfore
a constant hart, a secreat brest moste rare
good, Courtesse, fayre, and gladsome to beholde
the want hearof is cause of all my care
and this dothe moche encrease my care the more
I see it spoylde wheare care is none thearfore
For ficklenes hath faithfulnes faste lockte
uncertaynes assurednes hath tyde
and patientnes with passionatnes is yock'te
and Sobernes with Sollennes dothe byde
eake waywardnes hath worthynes at call
and noblenes to noysommes is thrall
uncertaynes assurednes hath tyde
and patientnes with passionatnes is yock'te
and Sobernes with Sollennes dothe byde
eake waywardnes hath worthynes at call
and noblenes to noysommes is thrall
111
Thus cladd in care I seeke, I sue, I serve
I lyke, I love, I honour and obaye
I waite, I watche, how grace best to deserve
A parte I playne, in presence ofte I praye
but aye the neere I covett to the cooste
the farther of, the thing I covett moste
I lyke, I love, I honour and obaye
I waite, I watche, how grace best to deserve
A parte I playne, in presence ofte I praye
but aye the neere I covett to the cooste
the farther of, the thing I covett moste
For whan my shyppe with faire and prosperous wynd
Her course had ronne in hope and happie plight
And all good signes that skill from skyes might fynd
Assured porte with joye and great delight
Amydds the Haven a tempest suche theare fell
as is to moche for anye tongue to tell
Her course had ronne in hope and happie plight
And all good signes that skill from skyes might fynd
Assured porte with joye and great delight
Amydds the Haven a tempest suche theare fell
as is to moche for anye tongue to tell
And hope and feare tormentors of mans mynde
at mortall warr sence in my brest are mett
Feare dothe encrease with everye blast of wynd
and in this Sawe Hopes strengthe is chieflye sett
no rage of storme so sore did ever blow
but after cleard and greater calme did show
at mortall warr sence in my brest are mett
Feare dothe encrease with everye blast of wynd
and in this Sawe Hopes strengthe is chieflye sett
no rage of storme so sore did ever blow
but after cleard and greater calme did show
But yf greate faithe, moche truthe and moste good will
With suche respectes as dothe all others passe
or yf true doome of Justice joynde with skill
or lawe of landes or nature maye take place
Hope maye be bolde his right to plead with all
in heaven or earthe, give sentence who so shall
With suche respectes as dothe all others passe
or yf true doome of Justice joynde with skill
or lawe of landes or nature maye take place
Hope maye be bolde his right to plead with all
in heaven or earthe, give sentence who so shall
112
II A 20
[My deare sith chaunce hath Chosen me/ to be thyne only man]
My deare sith chaunce hath Chosen me/ to be thyne only manThee for to serve in eache degree/ so farr forth as I can
With humble hart I me submytt/ to do thie will in all
as one contented with eache whitt/ that by suche fate doth fall
Then for thie parte I the requyre/ let shew no sturdie guyse
as thoughe thow discontentid were/ with this the godes devyse
for certes sweete beleve this well/ long tyme our birthes before
Appointed was that we shuld dwell/ in love for evermore
Suche pleasure toke the powre devyne/ to knytt us two in one
then for my parte I me assigne/ to Reape that they have sowne
Happ good or yll, taste sweete or sowre/ come weale or ells suche woe
Appointed hath that fatall howre/ me for to love thee so
For ever, never to repent/ the good will that I beare
althoughe to thee suche lot weare lent/ as was to Ixion the fayre
Shuld I then shrinck the to defend/ the griselye Monstre froe
and see with eye the dredfull end/ alas shuld I do so
In pryson thoughe thow weare as sure/ as Quene proserpyne was
whyles breathe and lyfe in me did dure/ ne wold I stay to passe
by owglye Cerberus sett I sholde/ my foote even for thie sake
and on hym wynne that streight I wolde/ ells theare myne end to take
So if the hundreth Centaures came/ A way the for to steale
Lyke as they did yong Ixodame/ yet wold I them assayle
Althoughe I note my self unmeete/ suche enterpryse to prove
Yet for my Ixodame mooste Sweete/ sweete weare suche death for love
Whearby shuld spring for aye suche fame/ as never shuld deceave
unto disloyall lovers blame/ and to the faithfulls prays
Loe, here my sweete even for thie sake/ yf powre to my will
In faith ne wold I stynt ne slake/ all theise thinges to fulfill
113
II A 21
A trew report, of Mistress Isabell Harington somtyme
of her majesties Pryvy Chambre wrytten by a credible
parson that was well acquaynted with her conditions./
A body chast, a virtuous mynd, a temperat toung, an humble hart,
secret, and wyse, faythfull, and kynde, playn without guyle, myld without art
A frend to peace, a foe to stryfe, a spotlesse mayd a matchlesse wyfe
114
II A 22
[A boy that should content me wondrous well]
A boy that should content me wondrous wellshould keep thease rules set down for his behoofe
In fearing god all boys he should excell
and lead a lyfe unworthy just reproofe
An upryght gate a forhed smothe and playn
a countenaunce good with feet even set on ground
a steady ey still hands and setled brayn
an open ear to good enstructions bound
a courteous tounge that talketh trew and playne
An humble harte of guyle voyd' evermore
A constant mynde that will refuse no payn
to purchase skyll and fruyt of virtous lore
and lern to know and know to doe the best
and suche a boy should worthely passe the rest.
115
II A 23
[Of Auncyent Howse, and gentle bloud descended.]
Of Auncyent Howse, and gentle bloud descended.For wise, and virtuous manners much imbraced;
By service donne to Prince, in feild commended,
Through warlyke feates, in warlyke office placed.
In frendshipp firme, a faithfull frend unfained;
An Englishe Hart, to stoute, to stoope to straungers./
O that such mynde in some such men remayned,
Then wear the state no dowbt, devoyd of dangers./
Then Markhim well, how he of god is blest,
With health, with wealth, and Chilldren broght upp well:
Daughters, and sonnes, but farr above the rest;
A wife so wise, and kynde, as toung can tell./
116
II A 24
[Honour is highe, and hard for to attayne]
Honour is highe, and hard for to attayne
Enforcing hartes, of noble blood that bene
No deede to do, their statelye stock to stayne
Right race to ronne, no Reckles for to seeme
In Awntrus actes, as did Awcetours olde
Stowtlye to stand, the en'mye in the face
Trulye to serve, the prince as baron bolde
Allowing lesse the life, then royall race
Not fearinge foes, ne fortune in suche cace
Loyall to be, and Lyberall also
En'mye to none, but suche as wold degrace
In evell sort, your Honour as a foe
Enforcing hartes, of noble blood that bene
No deede to do, their statelye stock to stayne
Right race to ronne, no Reckles for to seeme
In Awntrus actes, as did Awcetours olde
Stowtlye to stand, the en'mye in the face
Trulye to serve, the prince as baron bolde
Allowing lesse the life, then royall race
Not fearinge foes, ne fortune in suche cace
Loyall to be, and Lyberall also
En'mye to none, but suche as wold degrace
In evell sort, your Honour as a foe
Love Litt'rature, as Lamppe that lighteth all
Onlye eschewe, the ydle pathe to treade
Right Honour restes, wheare vertue governe shall
Delicate lyfe, lett women onlye Lead
Excell in all, that leadith unto fame
Stryve with the least, more valyaunt for to be
Trew noblenes, Tryumphethe in the same
Regarde your god in all felicitie
Ambicion abhor, that Ladye brutishe beast
Onlye eschewe, the ydle pathe to treade
Right Honour restes, wheare vertue governe shall
Delicate lyfe, lett women onlye Lead
Excell in all, that leadith unto fame
Stryve with the least, more valyaunt for to be
Trew noblenes, Tryumphethe in the same
Regarde your god in all felicitie
Ambicion abhor, that Ladye brutishe beast
Note well the end, of suche as so aspyre
Goe you that waye, your noble parentes prest
Ey well to serve, the state, was their desyre
Highe Honour thus, right well you shall defend
Sure so to lyve, unstayned to the end
Goe you that waye, your noble parentes prest
Ey well to serve, the state, was their desyre
Highe Honour thus, right well you shall defend
Sure so to lyve, unstayned to the end
117
II A 25
[The Daughters deare of mightie Jove the great]
The Daughters deare of mightie Jove the great
Commaunded me all barren of suche skill
no tyme to tract but wryte withouten let
Suche lynes as they thearwith, my pen shuld fill
Her Royall race first to discryve aright
Her vertues then, eache one to putt in sight
Commaunded me all barren of suche skill
no tyme to tract but wryte withouten let
Suche lynes as they thearwith, my pen shuld fill
Her Royall race first to discryve aright
Her vertues then, eache one to putt in sight
Her noble lyne no stayned stock by kynde
her blood moste rare that Brytayne forthe hath brought
Her Honour highe, suche fewe, or none to fynd
Her seemelye shape Dame nature so hathe wrought
This Paragon whose perfect molde thus made
theise bene her giftes, whiche can not fayle ne fade
her blood moste rare that Brytayne forthe hath brought
Her Honour highe, suche fewe, or none to fynd
Her seemelye shape Dame nature so hathe wrought
This Paragon whose perfect molde thus made
theise bene her giftes, whiche can not fayle ne fade
A prudent head Dame Pallas perfect crest
A memorye so lyvelye quyck allwaye
A pearcinge eye, well judging of the rest
A Sylent tongue, no trust that can bewraye
A sweete rownd face, with stayed countennaunce right
Wheare Vertue Raignes, Joyned with bewtie bright
A memorye so lyvelye quyck allwaye
A pearcinge eye, well judging of the rest
A Sylent tongue, no trust that can bewraye
A sweete rownd face, with stayed countennaunce right
Wheare Vertue Raignes, Joyned with bewtie bright
A blisfull brest wheare in in setlid sure
A hart from whence eache noble vertue flowes
A mynd so myxte, aye modest to endure
A hope so stronge, not fearing secreat foes
A good desyre, the quyet life to lead
not thristing rule, no under foote be tread
A hart from whence eache noble vertue flowes
A mynd so myxte, aye modest to endure
A hope so stronge, not fearing secreat foes
A good desyre, the quyet life to lead
not thristing rule, no under foote be tread
118
A fervent Zeale, humblie her prince to serve
A faithfull frend, wheare fast frindship she fyndes
A gratefull one, to suche as well deserve
As Ivye braunche, she frindshipp Lynckes and byndes
A constant Corps, in causes great or small
Whome frownes ne threattes, can move to ryse or fall
A faithfull frend, wheare fast frindship she fyndes
A gratefull one, to suche as well deserve
As Ivye braunche, she frindshipp Lynckes and byndes
A constant Corps, in causes great or small
Whome frownes ne threattes, can move to ryse or fall
A hand whiche hates, that noysome nygardes craves
A deadlye foe unto those mysers all
A Ruler of, that maketh moste men slaves
A graund mystres, making the same her thrall
A Ladye suche, straight laste, lykes not to be
A pittyefull one, to eache in their degree
A deadlye foe unto those mysers all
A Ruler of, that maketh moste men slaves
A graund mystres, making the same her thrall
A Ladye suche, straight laste, lykes not to be
A pittyefull one, to eache in their degree
A Courtyer suche, for curtesye and grace
As best besyttes, suche noble state to be
A furnyture, when as she comes in place
of worthie bloode, eache eye deemes her to be
A margaret Stone, most Straunge and rare of kynd
Whose vertues all, within her breast bene shrynde
As best besyttes, suche noble state to be
A furnyture, when as she comes in place
of worthie bloode, eache eye deemes her to be
A margaret Stone, most Straunge and rare of kynd
Whose vertues all, within her breast bene shrynde
Wheare with alas, the muses then me lefte
the uglye black, and they could not agree
bothe Pen and style, from me by force berefte
in naked sorte, me seemed so to be
tyll I espyed, that state amyd the throng
to whome was sent, by me theise muses song
the uglye black, and they could not agree
bothe Pen and style, from me by force berefte
in naked sorte, me seemed so to be
tyll I espyed, that state amyd the throng
to whome was sent, by me theise muses song
119
II A 26
[Theare be two thinges especiallye]
Theare be two thinges especiallyethat makes a man noted of inconstancie
if either in his awne prosperitie
He sett his frind light
or in his frends adversitie
He cast hym of quight./
120
II A 27
[The care to compasse quyet rest]
The care to compasse quyet rest
Wythout suspect that grief shuld grow
hath bredd suche broyle within my brest
that more I searche the lesse I know
Wythout suspect that grief shuld grow
hath bredd suche broyle within my brest
that more I searche the lesse I know
To leese moste lothe to wynne more wyll
great feare to follow my desyre
moche lyke to hym whom colde wold kyll
perswaded full to flye the fyre
great feare to follow my desyre
moche lyke to hym whom colde wold kyll
perswaded full to flye the fyre
Hys happ is hard that needes must chuse
of two great evylls whiche to forsake
as lyve at lardge thye fame to loose
or byde in bonds thye death to take
of two great evylls whiche to forsake
as lyve at lardge thye fame to loose
or byde in bonds thye death to take
Lyke chaunce of Choyce now doth appeare
in me with sondrye stormes of stryf
whiche of theise two I hold moste deare
myne honestye or ells my lyf
in me with sondrye stormes of stryf
whiche of theise two I hold moste deare
myne honestye or ells my lyf
And synce I am compeld to chuse
of evell to lyve or well to dye
rather the lyf I shall refuse
than lyke to lyve dishonestly
of evell to lyve or well to dye
rather the lyf I shall refuse
than lyke to lyve dishonestly
Thus to conclude I wishe and shall
the true to holde the false to breake
the good great powre the evell as small
and me good speede in that I speake
the true to holde the false to breake
the good great powre the evell as small
and me good speede in that I speake
121
II A 28
[Of hew right faire, a face both good and sweete]
Of hew right faire, a face both good and sweeteSober of cheare, joyned with singuler grace
Bewtie and vertue, heare in tryumphe meete
Of force so even, as neither geveth place
Rudelesse her maners and wemlesse her wayes
Nedelesse and thancklesse, not cawselesse I prayse
122
II A 29
[In all respectes that nature may commend]
In all respectes that nature may commendAs face and forme, grace good and favour great
No one I know, that rightlye may contend
(Exception none) to chalendge chieffer seate
Famed well farr, and justly praysed neare
Loved of all, and hatefull unto none
Esteamed wyse, and of the wyse held deare
Most sett by yet, wheare vertue is best knowne
in worde right ware, of sober deede and cheare
neither to sower, nor of to pleasant mynde
Great is the prayse, shee geveth all her kynde
123
II A 30
[Now to the myndes of twelve it is—referd]
Now to the myndes of twelve it is—referd
Envye men bare thy vertue and hyhe wit
sought thy free foote in suttle wyles to have snared
false witnesses forthwith were then prepard
with hatefull harte the solemene judge doth sett
Envye men bare thy vertue and hyhe wit
sought thy free foote in suttle wyles to have snared
false witnesses forthwith were then prepard
with hatefull harte the solemene judge doth sett
Thus men may see, whose lyf the Lord will have
Is not yet dead, thoughe three days laid in grave
Is not yet dead, thoughe three days laid in grave
124
B. POEMS OF DOUBTFUL ATTRIBUTION
II B 1
[The lyf ys longe that lothsomly doth last]
The lyf ys longe that lothsomly doth last
the dolefull dayes draw slowly to their date
the present panges and paynfull plage skarce past
yeldes greif aye greene to stablishe thie estate
so that I fynde in this great storme and stryfe
that death ys sweete that shortyth suche a lyfe
the dolefull dayes draw slowly to their date
the present panges and paynfull plage skarce past
yeldes greif aye greene to stablishe thie estate
so that I fynde in this great storme and stryfe
that death ys sweete that shortyth suche a lyfe
Yet by the stroke of this straunge over throw
at whiche conflyct in thraldome I was thrust
my god I thanck I am well tawght to know
from whence man came and eke whearto he must
and by the way uppon how feoble force
his tearme doth stand till death shall end his coorce
at whiche conflyct in thraldome I was thrust
my god I thanck I am well tawght to know
from whence man came and eke whearto he must
and by the way uppon how feoble force
his tearme doth stand till death shall end his coorce
The pleasaunt yeares that seme so swiftlye ronne
the mery dayes to end so fast that flete
the joyfull nightes of which day dawth so sone
the happie howres whiche mo do mysse than meete
do all consume as snow agaynst the sonne
and death makes end of all that lyf begonne
the mery dayes to end so fast that flete
the joyfull nightes of which day dawth so sone
the happie howres whiche mo do mysse than meete
do all consume as snow agaynst the sonne
and death makes end of all that lyf begonne
Syns death shall dure till all the world lye waste
what meaneth man to shonne death than so sore
as man might make that lyf shuld alway last
without regarde the Lorde hath lead before
the dawnce of death whiche all must ronne on roo
thowh how or when hym self doth only know
what meaneth man to shonne death than so sore
as man might make that lyf shuld alway last
without regarde the Lorde hath lead before
125
thowh how or when hym self doth only know
Yf man wold mynd what bourdens lyf doth brynge
what greevous Crymes to god he doth commytt
what greefes do grow what daungers dayly springe
with no safe howre in all his dayes to sytt
he wold sure thinck as with great cawse I do
the day of death wear better of the two
what greevous Crymes to god he doth commytt
what greefes do grow what daungers dayly springe
with no safe howre in all his dayes to sytt
he wold sure thinck as with great cawse I do
the day of death wear better of the two
Death is a porte wherby we passe to joye
Lyf ys a lake that drowneth all in payne
Death is so deare it ceasyth all anoy
Lyf is so lewd that all it yelds ys vayne
For as by lyf to bondage man was browght
Even so by death was freedome lykewyse wrought
Lyf ys a lake that drowneth all in payne
Death is so deare it ceasyth all anoy
Lyf is so lewd that all it yelds ys vayne
For as by lyf to bondage man was browght
Even so by death was freedome lykewyse wrought
Wherefore with pawle lett all flesshe wishe and pray
to be dissolv'd from this fowle flesshye masse
or at the least be armde agaynst the day
that they be fownd good Sowldyours prest to passe
From lyf to death from death to lyf agayne
to suche a lyfe as ever shall remayne
to be dissolv'd from this fowle flesshye masse
or at the least be armde agaynst the day
that they be fownd good Sowldyours prest to passe
From lyf to death from death to lyf agayne
to suche a lyfe as ever shall remayne
126
II B 2
[When I looke back and in my self behold]
When I looke back and in my self behold
the wandring wayes that youth could not discrye
and see the fearfull course that youthe did holde
and meat in mynd eche steppe I strayed awrye
my knees I bow and from my hart I call
O Lord forgeat youthes fawltes and follyes all
the wandring wayes that youth could not discrye
and see the fearfull course that youthe did holde
and meat in mynd eche steppe I strayed awrye
my knees I bow and from my hart I call
O Lord forgeat youthes fawltes and follyes all
For now I see how skant youthe was of skill
I fynde by profe, his pleasures all be payne
I feele the Sower, that sweetnes than did still
I taste the gall, hydd under sugred trayne
and with a mynd Repentaunt of all Crymes
Pardon I aske for youth ten thowsand tymes
I fynde by profe, his pleasures all be payne
I feele the Sower, that sweetnes than did still
I taste the gall, hydd under sugred trayne
and with a mynd Repentaunt of all Crymes
Pardon I aske for youth ten thowsand tymes
The humble hart hath dawnted the prowd mynd
Knowledge hath geven to ignoraunce the fall
Wysdome hath tawght that folly coulde not fynd
and age hath youth his subject and his thrall
wherefore I pray O Lorde of lif and truth
Cansell the crymes commytted in my youth
Knowledge hath geven to ignoraunce the fall
Wysdome hath tawght that folly coulde not fynd
and age hath youth his subject and his thrall
wherefore I pray O Lorde of lif and truth
Cansell the crymes commytted in my youth
Thow that didest grawnt the wyse king his request
thow that in whale thye prophett did'st preserve
Thow that forgav'st the wounding of thy brest
Thow that didst save the thyef in state to sterve
Thow only good and gever of all grace
forgeve the giltes that grew in youthes greene race
thow that in whale thye prophett did'st preserve
Thow that forgav'st the wounding of thy brest
Thow that didst save the thyef in state to sterve
Thow only good and gever of all grace
forgeve the giltes that grew in youthes greene race
Thow that of grace restoredst the blynd to sight
Thow that by powre to lyf didst raise the dead
Thow that of favor madest the lame goe ryght
Thow that for love thye lif and blood out bledd
Thow that canst heale and helpp in all assayes
Wype oute of mynd the wantes of youths vayne wayes
Thow that by powre to lyf didst raise the dead
Thow that of favor madest the lame goe ryght
127
Thow that canst heale and helpp in all assayes
Wype oute of mynd the wantes of youths vayne wayes
And now sence hope by grace with doubtlesse mynd
doth preace to thee by prayer t'appease thyne Ire
and synce with trust to speede I seeke to fynde
and wayte through faith t'attayne this just desyre
lord mynd no more youthes errour nor unskill
but able age to do thie hollye will
doth preace to thee by prayer t'appease thyne Ire
and synce with trust to speede I seeke to fynde
and wayte through faith t'attayne this just desyre
lord mynd no more youthes errour nor unskill
but able age to do thie hollye will
128
II B 3
[Unto my songe geve eare that wyll]
Unto my songe geve eare that wyll
and deeme my doinges as you please
for I shall tell yf you be still
what trade I toke to lyve in ease
and how those wayes that I wayd best
in fyne did fayle to myne unrest
and deeme my doinges as you please
for I shall tell yf you be still
what trade I toke to lyve in ease
and how those wayes that I wayd best
in fyne did fayle to myne unrest
The dayes were once and very late
my hart and I might leape at lardge
and was not shutt within the gate
of loves desyre nor toke no chardge
of any thing that did pertayne
as toching love in any payne
my hart and I might leape at lardge
and was not shutt within the gate
of loves desyre nor toke no chardge
of any thing that did pertayne
as toching love in any payne
My thought was free my hart was light
I toke no care who wept who laught
I playd by day I slept by night
I reckt no whit who lost who sought
From all suche thinges my hart was free
and I my self at lybertye
I toke no care who wept who laught
I playd by day I slept by night
I reckt no whit who lost who sought
From all suche thinges my hart was free
and I my self at lybertye
I tooke no heede of tauntes nor toyes
as lyefe to see them frowne as smyle
their woes I mockt I skorn'd their joyes
I fownd their frawds and every wyle
and to my self oft tymes I smyl'de
to see how love had them begylde
as lyefe to see them frowne as smyle
their woes I mockt I skorn'd their joyes
I fownd their frawds and every wyle
and to my self oft tymes I smyl'de
to see how love had them begylde
Thus in the nett of my conceyt
I masked fourthe amonge the sort
of suche as fedd uppon the bayte
that Cupyde layd for his disporte
and ever as I saw them caught
I them beheld and there at laught
I masked fourthe amonge the sort
of suche as fedd uppon the bayte
129
and ever as I saw them caught
I them beheld and there at laught
Tyll at the last when Cupyd spyde
my skornfull will and spitefull use
and saw I past not who was tyede
so that my self myght lyve still loose
he sett hym self to lye in wayte
and in my way he cast a bayte
my skornfull will and spitefull use
and saw I past not who was tyede
so that my self myght lyve still loose
he sett hym self to lye in wayte
and in my way he cast a bayte
Suche one as never nature made
I dare well say but she alone
suche one she was that wolde envade
an hart more hard than marble stone
suche one she is I know it right
nature her made to shew her might
I dare well say but she alone
suche one she was that wolde envade
an hart more hard than marble stone
suche one she is I know it right
nature her made to shew her might
Than as a man all in a Maze
Whan use of reason is a way
So I began to stare and gaze
and sodenly without delay
or that I had the wytt to looke
I swallowid upp both bayte and hooke
Whan use of reason is a way
So I began to stare and gaze
and sodenly without delay
or that I had the wytt to looke
I swallowid upp both bayte and hooke
Whiche dayly greevythe more and more
by sondry kyndes of carefull woo
and none a lyve may heale the sore
save she alone that hurt me so
in whome my health doth now concyst
to heale or hurt even as she lyst
by sondry kyndes of carefull woo
and none a lyve may heale the sore
save she alone that hurt me so
in whome my health doth now concyst
to heale or hurt even as she lyst
Wherefore synce now that I am caught
and fest so fast I can not flee
be you by myne example taught
Whiche in your fancyes fynd you free
dispyse them not that lovers are
Least you lack powre to flye the snare
and fest so fast I can not flee
130
Whiche in your fancyes fynd you free
dispyse them not that lovers are
Least you lack powre to flye the snare
131
II B 4
[O Happy dames, that may embrace]
O Happy dames, that may embraceThe frute of your delight,
Help to bewaile the wofull case,
And eke the heavy plight
Of me, that wonted to rejoyce
The fortune of my pleasant choyce:
Good Ladies, help to fill my moorning voyce.
In ship, freight with rememberance
Of thoughts, and pleasures past,
He sailes that hath in governance
My life, while it wil last:
With scalding sighes, for lack of gale,
Furdering his hope, that is his sail
Toward me, the swete port of his avail.
Alas, how oft in dreames I se
Those eyes, that were my food,
Which somtime so delited me,
That yet they do me good.
Wherwith I wake with his returne,
Whose absent flame did make me burne.
But when I find the lacke, Lord how I mourne?
When other lovers in armes acrosse,
Rejoyce their chiefe delight:
Drowned in teares to mourne my losse,
I stand the bitter night,
In my window, where I may see,
Before the windes how the cloudes flee.
Lo, what a mariner love hath made me.
And in grene waves when the salt flood
Doth rise, by rage of winde:
A thousand fansies in that mood
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Alas, now drencheth my swete fo,
That with the spoyle of my hart did go,
And left me but (alas) why did he so?
And when the seas waxe calme againe,
To chase fro me annoye.
My doubtfull hope doth cause me plaine:
So dreade cuts of my joye.
Thus is my wealth mingled with wo,
And of ech thought a dout doth growe,
Now he comes, will he come? alas, no no.
133
II B 5
[Erst in Arcadia's londe much prais'd was found]
Erst in Arcadia's londe much prais'd was found
A lustie tree far rearing t'ward the skie,
Sacred to Jove, and placed on high grounde,
Beneath whose shade did gladsome shepherds hie,
Met plenteous good, and oft were wont to shunne
Bleak winters drizzle, summers parching sunne.
A lustie tree far rearing t'ward the skie,
Sacred to Jove, and placed on high grounde,
Beneath whose shade did gladsome shepherds hie,
Met plenteous good, and oft were wont to shunne
Bleak winters drizzle, summers parching sunne.
Outstretch'd in all the luxurie of ease,
They pluck'd rich mistletoe of virtue rare;
Their lippe was temptede by each kindlie breeze,
That wav'd the branch to proffer acorns fair;
While out the hollowd root, with sweets inlaide,
The murm'ring bee her daintie hoard betrayde.
They pluck'd rich mistletoe of virtue rare;
Their lippe was temptede by each kindlie breeze,
That wav'd the branch to proffer acorns fair;
While out the hollowd root, with sweets inlaide,
The murm'ring bee her daintie hoard betrayde.
The fearless bird safe bosom'd here its neste,
Its sturdie side did brave the nipping winde,
Where many a creeping ewe mought gladlie reste
Warme comforte here to all and ev'ry kinde
Where hunge the leaf well sprint with honey dew,
Whence dropt their cups, the gamboling fairie knew.
Its sturdie side did brave the nipping winde,
Where many a creeping ewe mought gladlie reste
Warme comforte here to all and ev'ry kinde
Where hunge the leaf well sprint with honey dew,
Whence dropt their cups, the gamboling fairie knew.
But ah! in luckless day what mischief 'gan
'Midst fell debate, and madd'ning revelrie,
When tipsie Bacchus had bewitched Pan,
For sober swains so thankless neer mought be;
Tho' passinge strange—'twas bruited all arounde,
This goodlie tree did shadowe too much grounde.
'Midst fell debate, and madd'ning revelrie,
When tipsie Bacchus had bewitched Pan,
For sober swains so thankless neer mought be;
Tho' passinge strange—'twas bruited all arounde,
This goodlie tree did shadowe too much grounde.
With much despight they aim its overthrow,
And sorrie jestes its wonted giftes deride,
How 'snaring birdlimes made of mistletoe;
Nor trust their flocks to shelter 'neath its side;
It drops chill venom on our ewes, they cry,
And subtle serpent at its root doth lie.
And sorrie jestes its wonted giftes deride,
How 'snaring birdlimes made of mistletoe;
134
It drops chill venom on our ewes, they cry,
And subtle serpent at its root doth lie.
Eftsoons the axe doth rear its deadlie blowe,
Arounde dothe eccho bear each labouringe stroke;
Now to the grounde its loftie head doth bowe,
Then angry Jove aloud in thunder spoke,
On high Olympus next mine tree I'll place,
Heav'n's still unscann'd by sich ungrateful race.
Arounde dothe eccho bear each labouringe stroke;
Now to the grounde its loftie head doth bowe,
Then angry Jove aloud in thunder spoke,
On high Olympus next mine tree I'll place,
Heav'n's still unscann'd by sich ungrateful race.
| John Harington of Stepney | |