 | Maister Randolphe Phantasey |  |
I. VOL. I.
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Satirical Poems.
I. Maister Randolphe Phantasey: a breffe calgulacion of the procedinges in Scotlande from the first of Julie to the Last of Decembre.
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To the reader.
Advyse the well (reader) ere thou reprovemy restles mevse to theis estates that tendis;
arrest thie Judgement for better behove
then bewsye brute oft rashelie reprehendes;
thie ffrendlie reporte herein lett not to lend;
for what apparant in this state I see,
my pen presentes It to thie Judginge Eye.
Fforweried wth cares, and sorrowes source supprest,
and worldlie woos of sharpe repulse that bredes vnquyet rest,
confusd wth courtlie cares, a seate of slipper stay,
that yeldes the draught of bitter swete to such as drawes yt way,
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to attempt some meane howe well I cold my heavy burden light;
where eche delight did strive, attendinge for there torne,
what fyttest were for feble myndes, and thus the plee begonne:
Abrode, qth my desire, repose the wth suche rest
as may revyve thie pensive thought wth sorowe so distrest.
But tyme bad me retyre, this is no season mete,
for feldishe sportes be nowe exempt that might thie sprites delighte.
Qth fansye: then enforce thie selffe from suche dispaire,
assay yf that thie mevses trades may ought dissolve thie care;
pervse some pleasunte stile that may delight the brayne,
and prove by practyse of the pen to file the wyttes agayne.
But reason did conclude, who bade be ruled by me,
Devyne Camenes never cold wth Mavors rage agree,
Ne yet Minerva mevse wth skill was depelie scande,
when as Bellona did decree wth bloody sworde in hande;
ffor who dothe wrest his will to wrastle in eche wronge
It is as he shold stope the streame, or sporne against the sone.
what yeldes no sure hope the wysest men will grutge,
for what procedes of suche effectes the gravest wyttes may Judge.
mesure by myrthe some meane that may thie greves disgest;
Solace the rage of hevmayne cares wthin a gladsome brest.
wth Silence them soyorne, except that yu canst finde
a frend on whom thou maist repose thie secretes of thie mynde.
but rarenes of suche one may warne the to bewayre,
for Kinde have taught It seldome seen that sewgred speech to spaire.
suche is the fraude of faith in silent eares that ringe,
where greater poyson is not founde wthin thie scorphion stinge.
ffor stedfastnes dothe flie wth winges of often change,
a flyinge birde but seldome seen, her nature is so strange.
Tho Silence do allay no rage to stormy thoughte,
yet is distrust a bankroote gest, and wronge avalethe nowght.
Th'unadventured meane do seldome hope reteane:
for what attempt but once atchived to countervale the meane?
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so dothe good hope clene put away dispaire owt of ye mynde.
a toche stone is eche vse that may thie care recure,
and weare away in tract of tyme, for nothing may endure.
It was when awtum had fild full the barnes wth corne,
and he that eates and emtyes all away had awtum worne,
and wynter windes approcht that doth I-bayre the tren,
and Saturnes frostes, that steanes the earth, had perst the tendr grene;
and dampishe mystes discendes when tempestes work much harme,
and force of stormes do make all cold that somer had made warme;
whose lustie hewe dispoiled cold not possesse thie place,
ne yet abide Boreas blastes that althinges dothe deface.
what reason had decreed I whollie was enclynde,
I sought by solitarye meanes to recreat my mynde.
But solitarynes is, as the sowthfast sayen,
hewe of dispaire, ffoo to thie weale and friendlie to eche payne.
for Slender are the greves that Silence do vnlade,
for who had seen my stepes might Judge what cares was in my heade.
my dowbtfull pace bewrayed the weary trace I tryed,
for everie stepe did argewe stryffe, to hewmayne myndes affyed.
my mevse was not in plight to alter this discourse,
but bett my branes wth bitter bale and woos of worldlie force.
The casualls accident to eche state and degree
I did debate, and what It was from daunger to be free
of Slipper welthe, and howe the worldlie gwiles are sought,
that waistes as winde and faster wears then flame wth fier is wrought;
wherewth my bewsye heade presented unto me
Such sowre change, suche sodaine fall, as in this realme had bee;
where I attendant lay in porte of princes pay,
did linger forthe my painefull yers prorogd from day to day,
whereas I might wyttnes this state wth rufull Eye,
from weale to woo, from welth to wast, and worce if ought might be;
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wth those wth whom in faythfull league I longe before had bene.
I oft bethought howe that Dame Fortune did assay
to flatter me, and sett me upp in court to beare a swaye
wth prince of noble fame, whom if I shold discrye,
where nature skilfull poinctes do flowe, or bewtie doth supplie,
I shold but heare mayneteyne a volume of her price,
and so at lengthe Invade by right the boundes of eche devyse;
ffor at her onelye name my mevses all do stay:
my pen is not in perfytt plight her graces to displaie.
and howe Fortune forethought to heape on me that hape,
as trustles to her fickle trades to rowle owt of her lappe,
That wth her friendlie chere bewytcht me wth her wiles,
and wone my wyttes as other mo that trustes her when she smiles.
I sawe the Quene, whose will, occurant wth her yeres,
was wone to worke oft that she wold by counsaile of her peres.
It was the winged boy had perst her tender thought,
and Venus Joyes so tickled her that force avaled nought.
On Darlie did she dote, who, equall in this mase,
sought to assalt the forte of fame, defenst with yeas and nayes;
wch for a while repulst, and had no passage in,
but still porsewt did rase the seige that might the fortresse wyne;
who, stronglie thus beseiged wth battry round aboute,
at last was forst to yeld the keis: she cold not hold hym owte;
But rendered Sacke and spoile vnto the victors grace:
so rytch a pray did not the Grekes by Helens meanes possesse.
To regall charge of rule she did advaunce his state,
and gave the sworde into his hand that bred Civill Debate.
This was affection force, that blewe this gale of wynde;
This registreth the found pretence wthin a womans mynde;
This calls vs to reporte, and proves the proverbe trewe,
that wemens wills are sonest wone in that they after rewe.
This brede a brutyshe broile and caused cankred spight,
to move the myndes of suche as did envy a strangers might.
vnder wch shade was shrowde an other fyrme intente,
and so, by color of that change, to doe what he was bente;
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and sturde a stiveling sture amongest the muffled contre packe,
that mustred eche where in forme and force of warre,
and clapt on armor for the feld as they comannded warre.
The rechles rule I sawe reduced to my mynde
the slipper state of worldlie wealth that heare on earth we find.
ffor those whose grave advice In Judgement semed vpright,
Sawest wth the skill of expert yeres, was clene devorst of might.
There faythfull service sounke, and they, exiled clene,
and other mo did stire the sterne that had least skill therein;
wch grated but for gayne, and gropt for private pray,
wrestinge suche sence of lawes as did there glosing trades bewray.
I sawe howe right was rackt, and shadowed wth wronge,
and treason shone in feaned mindes as doth the somer sone.
I sawe the auncyent race, from noble bloode extracte,
wth Rigor chast from native shores, there landes and livinges sackt,
and some I sawe that sought to beare the sway allone,
who fayred as tho that they cold gwide a shipe against ye storm;
whose practise if were proved in weldinge such a charge,
I do beleve have not the skill in calme to stire a barge.
And some I sawe sytt still whose wisdome well I knewe
as far excedes as Phebus doth Surpasse Awroras hewe;
whose goodlie gwyftes are suche, the more they vnderstande,
the more they seeke to learne and knowe and take lesse charge in hande.
I sawe the ffrendliee ffoo howe he did sytt and smile,
and faund vpon the comon gest wth craft of crocodile;
I sawe the ffrendlie man wounde in a volwyshe weede,
and howe the faythfull was enforst with procry to procede;
I sawe howe trewe report was bankrowt wth the rest,
that hardlie might susteane the force that open wronge profest;
I saw Adthole abridge wth craft to conquere cost,
and forge that fact by forraigne foos that his discent might bost;
I sawe what Morton ment by shufflinge for his share,
Imbrasinge those that shrowdes the shame of his possessed care;
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as redyest when chaunce brings chang to drive and drawe yt way;
I sawe Crawforde encroche on Slipperie renowne,
that curre favell in the court might retche to higher rowme;
I saw how Lyddington did powder It wth pen,
and fyled so his sewgred speche as wone the wills of men;
I sawe howe Lyndsey Lurkt, vnconstant of his trade,
alluding by his duble meanes that might his lust vnlade;
I sawe howe Hewme in hope did hoist the sale aloft,
and howe he anker weighed wth those that most for credyt sought;
I sawe howe Ruthven reigned as one of gnators kinde,
and howe he first prefferd his ple, respondent to his mynde;
I sawe what Maxwell mente in kindlinge the flame,
and after how he sought newe meanes to choke the smoke agayne;
whose dowble Dealinge did argewe vnconstant fayth,
and shamefull wayes blowes forthe the brute yt may record his death.
wth feble force I sawe howe Leonox did entende
as thristie of a princlie rewle to regestre his Ende;
I saw the weake advise that Darlie did aforde,
as yonge in wytt as fewe of yeres to weld the Regall sworde;
I saw the Quene was bent, wth Rigorus entente,
to subyect to the thristie sworde the blood of Innocente.
And sodainelie I sawe howe Balforde credytt sought,
and howe from nought he start aloft to beare the freey in court;
and sundrye mo I sawe to wrastle for the tyme,
to daunte eche Dome, whom they suspect to drawe wthin there lyne.
ffor Adthole bare the swindge, wth feble skill to rule,
but who, bolder then blinde byarde, the proverbe doth reveale.
ffor, where th'untaught do teach, there hope groves owt of kinde,
that is the wracke to worldlie welthe where blinde doth lead ye blynde.
Thus slender was there sage of wisdome clene bereft,
for eche man prowld for private pray: the publicke weale was left;
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and floryshe in the comon weale, from counsaile they were free.
ffor Murray constant fayth and ardent ȝeale to truthe
had not the grace to fordge and feane yt worldlie wyttes pursewthe.
Nor Hamilton cold have no hope to hold his seate,
Nor yett Argile to abide the court: the pirrye was to greate.
Rothose might not resyst that stedfastnes profest,
nor Glencarne cold averde wth wrong yt Rigor had inc[r]est;
Nor Boide wold not attempt the trades of no mystrust,
nor Ogletree concure wth suche as rewled but for lust;
Grange wold not grate for grace, no burden he wold beare,
whose horye head, expert in warrs, did bred the courtyers feare.
By those was right erect, and wilfull wronge supprest,
there Judgementes ever vncontrolde did floryshe wth the best.
Theis sought by civill meanes for to advaunce the realme,
and ryfflie did reprove such lawes as damaged the same.
Theis were the gravest wyttes that ever did awayte
by puplishing suche civill lawes as bettred eche estate.
Theis were th'afflicted flocke that Rigor did pursewe,
wch bred the bale in suche as did there hevye myshapes rewe.
There fame dothe wyttnes this that gives them there dewe prayse,
and comon mouthes dothe mysreporte that wold suche men Imbrace.
and bewsye brute complaynes vnto eche Silente eare,
that want of those shall once enforce a strange estate to appere.
I sawe them chast away, the Quene wold not abide
there grave advise that counsaled her to watch a better tide.
her will had wounde her so to wrastle in this wronge
that no restraint might rest her rage her extremes to suborne.
I sawe howe fyckle fame do sore from frend to frende,
and made there mouths a pray to suche as cold them apprehende;
and howe the willinge eare was sowne redust to wronge,
yf ought apperde might proffyt hym or serve to his torne.
I sawe the willinge man howe glade he was to live
fre from Suspect, and that his means might no occasion give
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how to Impeche the giltles wight vnwillinge to offende.
and some I sawe appeald did haȝered to bee free,
and howe that some wth willinge myndes complande them selves to me,
wch breed me more vnrest, endost from day to daie,
that with my will a thousand tymes I wisht my selffe awaye,
that my attendaunce heare might not have wytnest this;
or termes of yeres might not Import howe sowre dyscorde is
that Boiles in noble bloodes, when fyerye hart begwynes
to rage and Reve wth civill wars, that all Impacience bringes
In those devyded myndes that thristes for noble bloode,
and seekes no Rigor to redresse but by the civill sworde;
In spight of all respect runs muffled wth there will,
as mothes vnto there parentes prayse there trades do frete and spill,
and clowdes there former fame that shone in there forbears,
and caterpillers to there glore that doth perteyne to those
that whilome did floryshe and shone wthin this realme,
and left no steane vnto there stocke yt myght Impeche there fame.
This sawe I clene reyect, regawrde of no myshape
Cold once advyse them to prevent the evell successe yey had;
The porpose they profest in comon movthes did ringe
that there intent was for no wrong yt might endanger bringe.
yett sawe I howe they slackt there Interprise profeste,
I sawe th'occasions they lett slipe that might have helped best.
But what avaleth this? lett theis debatementes goo,
for Gode will shewe his mightie worke and what perteyns theretoo.
Remembrance of theis did newe cause of cares encrease,
as thoo that force of nature strive howe to confounde my ease;
and what my wearie Lyef have wone wth such vnrest
the powdred heires vpon my head can testify It best.
No practise I cold vse that might vnlade my paine:
the forge of this mysorder so did beate wthin my brayne;
and, restles in this rage, to ease my wearye pace,
my mevse bade me retyre my selffe vnto my booke a space;
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was incident in everie estate where Tirantes do prevale,
where wicked princes rules, and eke what slaughters made,
where restles rage of civill wares do cruell hartes Invade.
ffor there bloody pretence do spayre ne kythe ne kyn,
ne frende ne foo that Rigour may vnto his danger bringe;
where I decerned what ruth oft rigor kept in awe,
and cruell force had once opprest wth might of tirantes lawe.
Examples there I sawe, a testymonye plaine,
that bloodye feictes dothe aske vengiance and thirstes for blood againe.
A president hereof was Cirus, whose delight
was ever prest in bloody fectes for to declare his might.
Tho makeless yet he was in Riches and in might,
This gwerdon was alloted him—a scharpe revenge of spight,—
his head dismemb[e]red into a vessell fraught
wth blood of those that felte her force the angry Quene she raught,
And wth theis wordes she said: nowe, Cirus, drink ye fill,
nowe slake the thrist wth gore of suche in rage yu sought to spill.
Chambises there I sawe, a mirror of myscheffe,
whose handes enbrewed wth brothers blood did short his wretched lief.
his hatefull bloody brest, so salvaged owte of kinde,
recordes at Lenghe his fatall ende, a iust rewarde assinde;
and while he this conspired, bereft of wyttes he founde
a sworde that thrust his body throughe, wch he of Lief benowmbd;
and blodye Brutus that his fatall ende might rewe,
and Cassius rightlie gorde hym selffe wherewth he Cesar slewe.
and Bessus tratrous hart, armed wth the murd[r]ers kniffe,
wth bloodye [fect] against his Kinge bereft his mr Lyef.
The drerye dewle I rede of mightie Macedoo,
when Clitus death (the frendlie man) wth teares he sorowed soo;
who after bent to fane refusinge kinglie foode
had queld hym selffe, a giltie end, had not his frendes wthstoode.
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his realme, reveales how he him selfe at last wth dread was strest;
wherein Tirantes may see the fyne of forced feare,
a mirror eke for magistrates, in this prowd prince appeare.
No garde his cruell hart of Saftie cold assure,
for, dreadinge those whom he ought deme of his complice most sure,
hym selffe his bearde, his brest wth bornynge brands wold ceere,
of deathe deserved his gwiltie hart so vexed hym wth feare.
me thought this might Suffyce to represent the fyne
of Tirantes force, where Royall harts might at there rage repyne,
And magistrates might see what feares and what vnrest
in Raginge hartes that thristes for blood is equallie Imprest;
and howe the gwiltles blood that is vniustlie shede
dothe crave revenge (o dredfull thinge!) vpon the tirantes seade;
And what sowre Successe suche bloody myndes Imbrace,
and howe the rage of tyrantes hartes wth blood rewarded was,
that oft I wysht some wold of newe there woos discryve
to warne the rest whom frendlie fayte as yet have left alive;
And that the fall of those that in this realme have bee
might presse abrode amongest the rest, yt forraigne states might see
That there vnfrendlie fayte are equal wth the rest,
whom frowarde fortune vncontrold wth bitter hapes distrest;
whereas It might appeare, and all estates might knowe
howe frutfull warnynge is to suche as wold be free from woo.
Thus mewsinge as I satt, I leand my wearye Arme
vnto a stay that for a while might ease my Rovinge brayne.
But nothinge cold avale, so muche was my mysease,
till, tending downe vnto my booke, the watch forsooke my Eyes,
And swete slepe did attempt to alter this discourse,
that wasted so my wearie corpes wth rage of worldlie force.
whether this restles rage that I cold not vnlade
It was, or ells that still perforce the hevmors of the heade
did troble me anewe, as fansyes drives by Dreames,
or Morpheus mynded I shold have a traunce of suche remaynes
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to forme a plote as witt cold worke the braunches in my brayne;
There sodainelie I sawe one thrust in at the Doore,
who said the Quene is here at hand, and bad avoide befoore.
wth that the lightes appeared, the waters were at hande,
and orderlie prepared a place whereas the Quene shold stand.
The great resort that ought to suche estates pteyane
made me to deame that was not she yt had so small a trayne.
I knewe her at the sight, then reverence made me ryse,
and humble me as best became or dewtie cold devyse.
she gave a signe as thoo she wold I should attende
vnto her tale, where I might iudge to what she might pretende.
my Reverence made and done, then Silence did forwarne
the standers by, and all was whusht, & thus the Quene beganne:
The Quenes Matie complante of a mysordered comon weale.
Wthin thie warpe of this thie woful twyne,
that yu entendes (my Randolphe!) to renewe
in forraigne forme, first begwyne wth myne,
nowe dryven to drinke as I did brewe:
Inwrape my woos wthin thie carefull clewe,
That, when the recorde is spred every where,
the state of my comber first may appere.
that yu entendes (my Randolphe!) to renewe
in forraigne forme, first begwyne wth myne,
nowe dryven to drinke as I did brewe:
Inwrape my woos wthin thie carefull clewe,
That, when the recorde is spred every where,
the state of my comber first may appere.
for, seinge the prest to pen as a president,
that may I Imparte the Scotyshe fall of peres,
and rest as a recorde to be residente
wthin thie contempt of thie silent eares,
I presse forthe first because thy ex[p]ert yeres
Dailie attendent may truelie reveale
a whole dyscourse how I did prevale.
that may I Imparte the Scotyshe fall of peres,
and rest as a recorde to be residente
wthin thie contempt of thie silent eares,
I presse forthe first because thy ex[p]ert yeres
Dailie attendent may truelie reveale
a whole dyscourse how I did prevale.
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I presse not forthe amongest the rewfull thronge
of those that in this wretched realme have bie,
whom vnfriendlie fortune have overthrowen,
nor yet complayne I of much myserye,
that ever impecht my Royal dignitie,
ne yett is there cause whie repyne I shold,
for all thinges Succeded my will as I wold.
of those that in this wretched realme have bie,
whom vnfriendlie fortune have overthrowen,
nor yet complayne I of much myserye,
that ever impecht my Royal dignitie,
ne yett is there cause whie repyne I shold,
for all thinges Succeded my will as I wold.
I onelie complaine of the myserable state,
that this dysorder in my weale have wrought;
where no redresse in tyme cold dilate
the extreme wronge that Rigor had tought;
I ever did deme, the Rokes once vprought
that resisted my will, I might purchase peace,
and reconcile the rest wth frendlie grace.
that this dysorder in my weale have wrought;
where no redresse in tyme cold dilate
the extreme wronge that Rigor had tought;
I ever did deme, the Rokes once vprought
that resisted my will, I might purchase peace,
and reconcile the rest wth frendlie grace.
ffor, whollie affected wth th'affyaunce of will—
a mist of error that princes do blinde,
I wrested such lawes as might my weale spill,
rather then ruled as wisdome assynde;
I mysliked such meanes as Impugned my mynde,
Ledd wth th'affection, th'onlie springe and Roote,
that all godlie Goverment clerelie wroutethe owte.
a mist of error that princes do blinde,
I wrested such lawes as might my weale spill,
rather then ruled as wisdome assynde;
I mysliked such meanes as Impugned my mynde,
Ledd wth th'affection, th'onlie springe and Roote,
that all godlie Goverment clerelie wroutethe owte.
This enraged some in Armes to concurre,
that felt my force as after thou shalte heare;
This enforced some wth Silence to demur,
that durst not doo that I bad forbeare;
This procured some wth dread to reteare
vnto my trayne, that vnwillinge (God knows)
in my assistaunce there fayth did repose.
that felt my force as after thou shalte heare;
This enforced some wth Silence to demur,
that durst not doo that I bad forbeare;
This procured some wth dread to reteare
vnto my trayne, that vnwillinge (God knows)
in my assistaunce there fayth did repose.
Th'unsure faythe that mystrust procures,
Th'unconstant trades that dowbtes do reteane
appales franke hartes wth treacherous desyres,
that no frendlie brest may them susteane;
in or mysorder this appeared playne,
whereto a while yf thou wilt give eare,
a whole discourse hereof you shall heare.
Th'unconstant trades that dowbtes do reteane
appales franke hartes wth treacherous desyres,
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in or mysorder this appeared playne,
whereto a while yf thou wilt give eare,
a whole discourse hereof you shall heare.
I hold It nedles to bragg of my birthe,
by Loyall dascent endowed a Quene;
my ffather doth wyttnes it even to his death,
who in this weale most noblie did reigne,
and that halffe a Gwyssian by birth I bene,
and howe the Frenshe Kinge in marag did endowe
me wth Royall right, a madlie wydowe.
by Loyall dascent endowed a Quene;
my ffather doth wyttnes it even to his death,
who in this weale most noblie did reigne,
and that halffe a Gwyssian by birth I bene,
and howe the Frenshe Kinge in marag did endowe
me wth Royall right, a madlie wydowe.
But I cold bost of bewtie wth the best
in Skilfull poinctes of princelie attire,
and of the golden gwiftes of natures behest,
who filed my face of favor freshe and fayre:
my bewtie shynes like Phebus in the ayre,
and nature formed my feater beside
in such proport as advanseth my pride.
in Skilfull poinctes of princelie attire,
and of the golden gwiftes of natures behest,
who filed my face of favor freshe and fayre:
my bewtie shynes like Phebus in the ayre,
and nature formed my feater beside
in such proport as advanseth my pride.
Thus fame affatethe my state to the stares,
enfeoft wth the gwyftes of nature devise,
that soundes the retreat to others princes eares
whollie to resigne me the chefest price:
but what doth it avale to vant in this wyse?
for as the sowre sent the swete tast do spill,
So are the good gwyftes corrupted wth ill.
enfeoft wth the gwyftes of nature devise,
that soundes the retreat to others princes eares
whollie to resigne me the chefest price:
but what doth it avale to vant in this wyse?
for as the sowre sent the swete tast do spill,
So are the good gwyftes corrupted wth ill.
Merke, Randolphe, heare, for nowe I begwyne:
This was the brere that blotted my browe,
muffled affection wth will for to wyne
that wisdome forbade me oft for to doo;
for as the stronge dothe make the weake bowe,
So did my will owtrestle my wytte,
wthowt the restreant of a sensuall byte.
This was the brere that blotted my browe,
muffled affection wth will for to wyne
that wisdome forbade me oft for to doo;
for as the stronge dothe make the weake bowe,
So did my will owtrestle my wytte,
wthowt the restreant of a sensuall byte.
17
my ffather in Fawklande yelded his brethe,
who warelie did wealde this comon weale wth gaine;
my goodyer in Flowdon was drawen to his death,
by the dynt of a sworde of thie contremen;
my mother Quene Governor of the Gwyssian name,
who wth civill warrs this weale did awast,
in Edenbrugh castle she breathed her last.
who warelie did wealde this comon weale wth gaine;
my goodyer in Flowdon was drawen to his death,
by the dynt of a sworde of thie contremen;
my mother Quene Governor of the Gwyssian name,
who wth civill warrs this weale did awast,
in Edenbrugh castle she breathed her last.
nowe ryffe report dothe brute all abroode,
that I am a Gwyssian by the sewrer syde,
rather given whollie to weld wth the sworde,
then worke that wisdome have firmelie affied,
or vse advise wth reason alyed,
that peace propoundeth to purchase me praise,
then to persever in theis Rigorus wayes.
that I am a Gwyssian by the sewrer syde,
rather given whollie to weld wth the sworde,
then worke that wisdome have firmelie affied,
or vse advise wth reason alyed,
that peace propoundeth to purchase me praise,
then to persever in theis Rigorus wayes.
But, ledd wth affection affyed wth trust,
first I begonne to wedd as I wold
suche one as I demed wold serve my Lust,
rather then might my weale well vpholde,
whose tender yeres of counsaile was colde,
for, prowde of the pray of princelie estate,
where I gave the cheke was redye to mate.
first I begonne to wedd as I wold
suche one as I demed wold serve my Lust,
rather then might my weale well vpholde,
whose tender yeres of counsaile was colde,
for, prowde of the pray of princelie estate,
where I gave the cheke was redye to mate.
Then my court encreast wth costlie recourse,
recountinge the pleasures of youthfull desires,
and wanton delight of effemynate force,
that staned wth love there lustie attyres;
for everie man, wounded wth Venus desires,
was whollie addict to courtlie resyance,
where they resigned there whole affyance.
recountinge the pleasures of youthfull desires,
and wanton delight of effemynate force,
that staned wth love there lustie attyres;
for everie man, wounded wth Venus desires,
was whollie addict to courtlie resyance,
where they resigned there whole affyance.
I hardened my ears against suche advise,
as tendered my state to advaunce my weale;
and welded it wth welth suppressing suche vice
as wrathefull awardement wth wrong did conceale;
Suche there advicement I wold not reveale;
I reteaned suche counsaile as wold not Invay,
but, as a fytt instrewment prest to my pray,
as tendered my state to advaunce my weale;
and welded it wth welth suppressing suche vice
as wrathefull awardement wth wrong did conceale;
18
I reteaned suche counsaile as wold not Invay,
but, as a fytt instrewment prest to my pray,
ffytlie affirmed what I liked best,
in Rigor, in rage, in right or in wronge,
Like subtell foxes, for there behest
allured my ears vnto there sugred songe;
but in this league I Lyngred to Long:
The hye sprynginge floudes may not ay abide,
but as Tyme apointeth they torne wth the tide.
in Rigor, in rage, in right or in wronge,
Like subtell foxes, for there behest
allured my ears vnto there sugred songe;
but in this league I Lyngred to Long:
The hye sprynginge floudes may not ay abide,
but as Tyme apointeth they torne wth the tide.
O pleasinge bayte, yu faire fyled tonge!
O craftie crocodile wth feaned face!
O Subtell Syren wth sugred songe!
O treacherous hart wth flateringe grace!
O counsaile corrupt wth craftie encrease!
O poyson apparent, that danger do bringe
in everye age like the Scorphion stinge!
O craftie crocodile wth feaned face!
O Subtell Syren wth sugred songe!
O treacherous hart wth flateringe grace!
O counsaile corrupt wth craftie encrease!
O poyson apparent, that danger do bringe
in everye age like the Scorphion stinge!
O cursed advice that tendes to no weale,
but for private pray oppressethe the poore!
O sugred Synon, that so do reveale
thie forged speche vnto thie willinge eare!
O froward wytt that will not forbeare
to Lysten vnto there duble advyse,
that dothe interrupt eche good enterprise!
but for private pray oppressethe the poore!
O sugred Synon, that so do reveale
thie forged speche vnto thie willinge eare!
O froward wytt that will not forbeare
to Lysten vnto there duble advyse,
that dothe interrupt eche good enterprise!
This brede the broile that stirde vs to stryffe;
for those that ever tendered my state
cold not abide to see this myscheffe;
as I pretended to rule in this rate,
they ever attendant my wealth did awayte:
but, muffled with the myst of Ignorance,
I did mystake there faythfull affyaunce;
for those that ever tendered my state
cold not abide to see this myscheffe;
as I pretended to rule in this rate,
they ever attendant my wealth did awayte:
but, muffled with the myst of Ignorance,
I did mystake there faythfull affyaunce;
19
wch caused Envye, the Rancor of right,
wth fowle pretence to Invade my dome:
So did Revenge, the sparke of dispight,
that kindlethe the minde against right or wrong.
Thus was I provoked rashelie to Ronne
to Seke to Subyect all to the sword,
that Impugned my will or resisted my worde.
wth fowle pretence to Invade my dome:
So did Revenge, the sparke of dispight,
that kindlethe the minde against right or wrong.
Thus was I provoked rashelie to Ronne
to Seke to Subyect all to the sword,
that Impugned my will or resisted my worde.
ffirst, th'erle of Murray I hoisted to the horne,
and divers that were partakers wth hym
I deninced them rebells for ever forlorne,
and there retenewe that durst deale therein:
I debarde intercessors intreatinge for hym:
no meane might serve this Quarrell to debayte;
so muche was enflamed my Rigor and hate.
and divers that were partakers wth hym
I deninced them rebells for ever forlorne,
and there retenewe that durst deale therein:
I debarde intercessors intreatinge for hym:
no meane might serve this Quarrell to debayte;
so muche was enflamed my Rigor and hate.
The more ye stope streames the higher they flowe,
the hastie blastes do oft revive flame;
The more ye Lope trees the higher they growe;
so It appeared by his mightie trayne
assembled wth force against me to reigne:
The more I sought to seperate those
the more they clustred on heapes wth my foos.
the hastie blastes do oft revive flame;
The more ye Lope trees the higher they growe;
so It appeared by his mightie trayne
assembled wth force against me to reigne:
The more I sought to seperate those
the more they clustred on heapes wth my foos.
Then raged I of newe and not wthowt cause,
by reason I cold not rule as I list;
I ordened Decrees, and proscrybed theis lawes
that all men in armes shold me assyst;
and so wth the sworde to clere vpe the myst
I waged Sowldgiers to wrastle therein
that I my porpose more easylie might wyne.
by reason I cold not rule as I list;
I ordened Decrees, and proscrybed theis lawes
that all men in armes shold me assyst;
and so wth the sworde to clere vpe the myst
I waged Sowldgiers to wrastle therein
that I my porpose more easylie might wyne.
Theis were enduced wth Murray to Rone,
affyinge there faythe to further his force;
Duke Shateleraut, next heire to the crowne,
whose Lynyall discente I leave to discourse;
Th'erle of Argile, whose might I dred worce,
abandoned wth the bloody Iryshe crewe,
that who so they take they helples downe hewe.
affyinge there faythe to further his force;
Duke Shateleraut, next heire to the crowne,
20
Th'erle of Argile, whose might I dred worce,
abandoned wth the bloody Iryshe crewe,
that who so they take they helples downe hewe.
This savage kinde they knowe no lawe of armes;
they make not warrs, as others do, a play;
they deale not death by the dredfull harmes;
yeld or not yeld who so they take they slea.
they save no prysonners for Ransome nor for pay;
they hold It hopeles of thie bodye dead,
except they see hym cut shorter by the heade.
they make not warrs, as others do, a play;
they deale not death by the dredfull harmes;
yeld or not yeld who so they take they slea.
they save no prysonners for Ransome nor for pay;
they hold It hopeles of thie bodye dead,
except they see hym cut shorter by the heade.
Off there complice was th'erle of Glencarne,
Th'erle of Rothose and L. Ogletree,
Pretcor and Grange and many Arme in Arme,
Rone as assistars in there confederacye:
Boide and Pretarroo did thereto agree,
and sundrye mo was of there consente
to further there purpose as they were bente.
Th'erle of Rothose and L. Ogletree,
Pretcor and Grange and many Arme in Arme,
Rone as assistars in there confederacye:
Boide and Pretarroo did thereto agree,
and sundrye mo was of there consente
to further there purpose as they were bente.
The dread of no Enemy cold me appaile,
nor yett no travell Endaunte my entent,
I mustred my men in Armes to assale;
to practise my porpose as I was bente:
wth bloody pretence forwarde I wente;
No evell Successe of others mens harmes,
inexpert thereof, cold me forwarne.
nor yett no travell Endaunte my entent,
I mustred my men in Armes to assale;
to practise my porpose as I was bente:
wth bloody pretence forwarde I wente;
No evell Successe of others mens harmes,
inexpert thereof, cold me forwarne.
howe can the blinde forejudge what is prest,
or tred the dowbtfull stepinge vnseen?
howe can the deaffe reyoce wth eche gest,
or take delight in the nightingales tune?
how can th'unwise wth wisdome preseume?
Those that bluntlie runs may Light in the breres,
and put to thir plunge where no dangere apperes.
or tred the dowbtfull stepinge vnseen?
howe can the deaffe reyoce wth eche gest,
or take delight in the nightingales tune?
how can th'unwise wth wisdome preseume?
Those that bluntlie runs may Light in the breres,
and put to thir plunge where no dangere apperes.
21
The Lyttle birde do warne vs bewayre
that flickereth oft from tree to tree,
mystrustinge eche bushe for dread of the snare;
The movse shones the bayte that pleaseth ye eye,
Dreadinge the trape endaunger to dye:
Thes showes what harmes often do lye
in suche sewgred bate as deceyveth the Eye.
that flickereth oft from tree to tree,
mystrustinge eche bushe for dread of the snare;
The movse shones the bayte that pleaseth ye eye,
Dreadinge the trape endaunger to dye:
Thes showes what harmes often do lye
in suche sewgred bate as deceyveth the Eye.
Warre is a welfayre to th'inexperte;
I dreaded no daunger of death to ensewe;
No Reason might my Rigor reverte,
but thristie of blood I did them pursewe;
ffrom place to place I sought them of newe:
No stormy blastes cold make me retyre;
no daunger of death cold dread my desire.
I dreaded no daunger of death to ensewe;
No Reason might my Rigor reverte,
but thristie of blood I did them pursewe;
ffrom place to place I sought them of newe:
No stormy blastes cold make me retyre;
no daunger of death cold dread my desire.
The amased lewsarde wth the fotemans feare
from the wandringe gadlinge hastetes a mayne,
that by no compulsion will ells retyre,
but, tried by the trode of her bendinge trayne,
wth ferefull stinge she tornethe agayne:
oft hastie porsewers do happen suche hape,
as may Judge the cause by thafter clape.
from the wandringe gadlinge hastetes a mayne,
that by no compulsion will ells retyre,
but, tried by the trode of her bendinge trayne,
wth ferefull stinge she tornethe agayne:
oft hastie porsewers do happen suche hape,
as may Judge the cause by thafter clape.
I rested not to rone owt this race:
there slender forces durst not abide:
for, as the wolffe with Ravenynge grace
The sillie shepe do Scater aside,
I chast them still, wth Rigor alyed,
but they pretended to puplishe this polycie,
in eschewinge my force to attrye my Tirannye.
there slender forces durst not abide:
for, as the wolffe with Ravenynge grace
The sillie shepe do Scater aside,
I chast them still, wth Rigor alyed,
but they pretended to puplishe this polycie,
in eschewinge my force to attrye my Tirannye.
In Glasco towne I entrenched my bandes,
and they in Paselee not far dystant from thence,
where erelie on the morrowe, west by the sandes,
they gave me Larum wth warlicke pretence:
we were in Armes, but they were gone thence;
to the ffeldes we marcht in Battell array,
expectinge or foos, but they were awaye.
and they in Paselee not far dystant from thence,
where erelie on the morrowe, west by the sandes,
they gave me Larum wth warlicke pretence:
we were in Armes, but they were gone thence;
22
expectinge or foos, but they were awaye.
Th'erle of Leonox I ordaned generall,
In whom consisted the confidence I had;
I gave hym charge and made hym cheffe of all,
but th'erle of Morton was discontent thereat:
the contencion ryse to have the vangarde:
A creditt oblysht by his amycitree
to wch request I wold not agree.
In whom consisted the confidence I had;
I gave hym charge and made hym cheffe of all,
but th'erle of Morton was discontent thereat:
the contencion ryse to have the vangarde:
A creditt oblysht by his amycitree
to wch request I wold not agree.
The mr Maxwell, somewhat moved wth ruthe,
as It appeared, to reconcile my meane,
on his knees entreated me to hear suche truthe
as his report cold iustlie maynteyne:
his teares appeared to be forged of payne,
whose dowble dealinge did after disclose
th'unconstant faith that trechers propose.
as It appeared, to reconcile my meane,
on his knees entreated me to hear suche truthe
as his report cold iustlie maynteyne:
his teares appeared to be forged of payne,
whose dowble dealinge did after disclose
th'unconstant faith that trechers propose.
He humblie entreated he might retorne,
pretendinge thereby to color his craft;
who, semynge vnwillinge to deale in this action,
I Lycensed whom frelie to departe:
he ran to my foos to maynteyne that parte,
where he betrothed his vnsure trust;
to whom also after he appeared vnjust.
pretendinge thereby to color his craft;
who, semynge vnwillinge to deale in this action,
I Lycensed whom frelie to departe:
he ran to my foos to maynteyne that parte,
where he betrothed his vnsure trust;
to whom also after he appeared vnjust.
when fame had brought that the Lles were gone
to Edenbrough towne to wage men of warre,
to supplie there force and make them more stronge
of expert trayns to Joyne in this Jarre,
I hasted forwarde to Interrupt them there;
but by the way I harde they were gone
from Edenbroughe, and had clene left the towne.
to Edenbrough towne to wage men of warre,
to supplie there force and make them more stronge
of expert trayns to Joyne in this Jarre,
I hasted forwarde to Interrupt them there;
but by the way I harde they were gone
from Edenbroughe, and had clene left the towne.
They fled to the frontyers to further there force,
I rased my campe and retyred my bandes
Into the ffythe, where wthowt remorse
I rested there goodes and disposed there landes;
I reatened there forfetures in my owne handes;
Suche as I suspect of there consent
or favored there porpose in prison I pent.
I rased my campe and retyred my bandes
23
I rested there goodes and disposed there landes;
I reatened there forfetures in my owne handes;
Suche as I suspect of there consent
or favored there porpose in prison I pent.
and some that had Incurred my blame
by worde, or wronge, or other like meane,
for redye coigne I compounded with them,
that I might better my soulgiers maynteyne:
Th'unwonted charge that I did susteane
was thus considered, in everie Dome,
To Surpasse the yerelie revenewe of my crowne.
by worde, or wronge, or other like meane,
for redye coigne I compounded with them,
that I might better my soulgiers maynteyne:
Th'unwonted charge that I did susteane
was thus considered, in everie Dome,
To Surpasse the yerelie revenewe of my crowne.
All this effect, even as I wolde,
Th'uneasfull Travell that I did susteane
bad me retyre whereas I sholde
rest for a space, to devyse what meane
I might procure most hurtfull for them:
contented herewth, wth my whole trayne
To Hollyrowd house I retorned againe.
Th'uneasfull Travell that I did susteane
bad me retyre whereas I sholde
rest for a space, to devyse what meane
I might procure most hurtfull for them:
contented herewth, wth my whole trayne
To Hollyrowd house I retorned againe.
The Secrete dryftes of there pretensed myndes,
The whole recounte of theis procedinges past,
The great redowbtes that by such meanes we finde
consideratelie weighed and depelie forecast,
we puplisht decrees and proclaimed in hast
that all or forces shold assemble on a day
in payn of deathe to assist vs in or way.
The whole recounte of theis procedinges past,
The great redowbtes that by such meanes we finde
consideratelie weighed and depelie forecast,
we puplisht decrees and proclaimed in hast
that all or forces shold assemble on a day
in payn of deathe to assist vs in or way.
The tyme was come when that eche man might see
the barraigne ffeldes wth Armed men oresprede;
The gredye spoiles where suche a trayne had bee
made manye a teare wth rufull Eye be shede;
we marched forwarde or foos to Invade,
wth Eger thrist to put them to flight,
and seke there deathes that sought to dash or dryft.
the barraigne ffeldes wth Armed men oresprede;
The gredye spoiles where suche a trayne had bee
made manye a teare wth rufull Eye be shede;
we marched forwarde or foos to Invade,
wth Eger thrist to put them to flight,
and seke there deathes that sought to dash or dryft.
24
Amidde wch rowte yf thow thie selffe had bene,
and seen howe I my matters did contryve,
thou woldest have reckened me the lustyest Quene
that ever Europe fostred heare to Live;
Yea if Tomiris her selffe had bene alive,
who dreaded great hostes wth her tyrannie,
cold not shewe her selffe more valiant then I.
and seen howe I my matters did contryve,
thou woldest have reckened me the lustyest Quene
that ever Europe fostred heare to Live;
Yea if Tomiris her selffe had bene alive,
who dreaded great hostes wth her tyrannie,
cold not shewe her selffe more valiant then I.
a Sodaine brute was blowen all abrode
that they had Support of th'englishemen;
I Somewhat appaled at that comon worde,
fordreadinge the daunger that I might Susteane,
and this was mystrusted of my whole trayne:
the brutyshe sort are oft glade to heare
of suche vane reportes as delighteth the eare.
that they had Support of th'englishemen;
I Somewhat appaled at that comon worde,
fordreadinge the daunger that I might Susteane,
and this was mystrusted of my whole trayne:
the brutyshe sort are oft glade to heare
of suche vane reportes as delighteth the eare.
we came to Domfreis to attempt or might,
but all was in vane: or foos were awaie:
there was none there that wold vs resiste,
nor yett affirme that I did gainesaye:
the Mr Maxwell appealed that day
vnto my favor, whom I did remytte:
Loo! heare th'abvse of a dissembling wytt.
but all was in vane: or foos were awaie:
there was none there that wold vs resiste,
nor yett affirme that I did gainesaye:
the Mr Maxwell appealed that day
vnto my favor, whom I did remytte:
Loo! heare th'abvse of a dissembling wytt.
They, vnable to abide or resist my myght,
entred perforce into th'inglishe pale;
in Carlele they all were constrayned to Light,
where the L. Scrowpe entreated them all,
and th'erle of Bedforde, Leiventen[e]nte generall
of th'inglishe northe, whose fervent affection
I ever dreaded to deale in this action.
entred perforce into th'inglishe pale;
in Carlele they all were constrayned to Light,
where the L. Scrowpe entreated them all,
and th'erle of Bedforde, Leiventen[e]nte generall
of th'inglishe northe, whose fervent affection
I ever dreaded to deale in this action.
whose noble hart, enflamed wth ruthe
to see theis Lls thus driven to dystresse,
sought the meanes he cold to advance the truthe,
and God forgive me yf I do Judge amysse,
that thou thie selffe was perciall in this:
what racke? Randolphe, thou thie selffe knowes
I retorned a victore wthowt any blowes.
to see theis Lls thus driven to dystresse,
25
and God forgive me yf I do Judge amysse,
that thou thie selffe was perciall in this:
what racke? Randolphe, thou thie selffe knowes
I retorned a victore wthowt any blowes.
Theis Lyngrynge broiles by past and forworne,
wth suche Successe as I nede not repyne,
Theis troblesome broiles clene overbloen,
the mystes gan clere vpe and eke the sone shyne:
I Injoyed my will and all was myne;
then I resolved to reforme myne vnrest
wth suche delightes as I liked best,
wth suche Successe as I nede not repyne,
Theis troblesome broiles clene overbloen,
the mystes gan clere vpe and eke the sone shyne:
I Injoyed my will and all was myne;
then I resolved to reforme myne vnrest
wth suche delightes as I liked best,
Whereas I sawe oft wth my Rewfull Eye;
ffor God endewed me wth naturall Ingyne
To liberallie, that eche man might see
howe theis goodlie gwyftes in me did shyne:
as well as the wisest I cold those defyne,
albeit I was Led wth muffled affection
and evell advise to stirre in this action.
ffor God endewed me wth naturall Ingyne
To liberallie, that eche man might see
howe theis goodlie gwyftes in me did shyne:
as well as the wisest I cold those defyne,
albeit I was Led wth muffled affection
and evell advise to stirre in this action.
The myserable state this mysorder wrought
wth wofull wracke in this my comon weale
I sawe, where oft resorted to my thought
the sowre myshapes that discorde doth reveale,
where devyded myndes may nothinge conceale;
but owtbraythinge Envye, debayte, and stryffe
entendes nothinge ells but civill myscheffe.
wth wofull wracke in this my comon weale
I sawe, where oft resorted to my thought
the sowre myshapes that discorde doth reveale,
where devyded myndes may nothinge conceale;
but owtbraythinge Envye, debayte, and stryffe
entendes nothinge ells but civill myscheffe.
The morall sentence of good regymente:
Happie is the realme well governed,
and is free from th'ambycious consente;
where gainefull spoiles are not desired,
nor wth painefull toiles the headie overcharged;
but dewe mynystracion of everie charge,
dewlie executed by suche as be sage,
Happie is the realme well governed,
and is free from th'ambycious consente;
where gainefull spoiles are not desired,
nor wth painefull toiles the headie overcharged;
but dewe mynystracion of everie charge,
dewlie executed by suche as be sage,
26
Enforceth me oft nowe for to Repyne,
recountinge this Sentence in my Silent brayne.
A tochestone is this where I cold defyne
the want of those that once did maynteyne
my publicke weale, while I did reigne
ffree from eche care that now dothe appeare,
and dailie complaintes enforceth me to heare.
recountinge this Sentence in my Silent brayne.
A tochestone is this where I cold defyne
the want of those that once did maynteyne
my publicke weale, while I did reigne
ffree from eche care that now dothe appeare,
and dailie complaintes enforceth me to heare.
My restles mewse forweryed with this
can nowe adiudge the great Inconvenyence,
and howe necessarie a good counsailor is,
that can determyne with learned experience,
I have bought to Deare to knowe what difference
is ever apparant where wise magistrates regne,
and what retchles Successe the blind dotes maynteyne.
can nowe adiudge the great Inconvenyence,
and howe necessarie a good counsailor is,
that can determyne with learned experience,
I have bought to Deare to knowe what difference
is ever apparant where wise magistrates regne,
and what retchles Successe the blind dotes maynteyne.
The tender youthe to Scence whole Imploide
accomptes knowledge evell wone wth there labor;
The wounded man wch must the greffe abide
of steaching vpe or searinge of the soore,
Th'onlie meane his health to restoore,
Impacyentlie repuynynge to Suffer this smarte,
as all to bad reproves the Sorgyons arte.
accomptes knowledge evell wone wth there labor;
The wounded man wch must the greffe abide
of steaching vpe or searinge of the soore,
Th'onlie meane his health to restoore,
Impacyentlie repuynynge to Suffer this smarte,
as all to bad reproves the Sorgyons arte.
But as the pacyentes greffe and scolers paine
cause them deme bad suche as sewre be best,
so want of wisdome causeth vs complaine
of everie hape whereby we seme opprest;
The pore do pyne for pelffe, the rytch for rest,
and when th'extremes of such do vs assaile,
we curse or fayte: or fortune we bewaile.
cause them deme bad suche as sewre be best,
so want of wisdome causeth vs complaine
of everie hape whereby we seme opprest;
The pore do pyne for pelffe, the rytch for rest,
and when th'extremes of such do vs assaile,
we curse or fayte: or fortune we bewaile.
I wishe my skill wold permytt my desyre
to frame my tale wth suche mete Eloquence,
as my Devoire in this might aspier
to argewe in causes most fyttyst for a prince;
for I can say Somewhat of experyence,
what oft is accident in that vnstable stay
where th'unadvysed runs wilfullie astray.
to frame my tale wth suche mete Eloquence,
as my Devoire in this might aspier
to argewe in causes most fyttyst for a prince;
for I can say Somewhat of experyence,
27
where th'unadvysed runs wilfullie astray.
Randolphe, Randolphe, It is fyttest for a prince,
and suche as have the regymentes of realmes,
there Subyectes hartes wth mildnes to convynce,
and iustice mixt avoydinge all extremes;
ffor like as Phebus wth his cherefull beames
Do freshlie force the flagrant flowres to floryshe,
so rulers mildnes Subyectes love do noryshe.
and suche as have the regymentes of realmes,
there Subyectes hartes wth mildnes to convynce,
and iustice mixt avoydinge all extremes;
ffor like as Phebus wth his cherefull beames
Do freshlie force the flagrant flowres to floryshe,
so rulers mildnes Subyectes love do noryshe.
Nowe hast thou harde the hole of my vnhape—
my chance, my change, the cause of all my cares;
and thou hast harde howe fortune doth me wrape
wth world at will to wyne me to her sknare;
But I do dread this warnes me to be wayre
of greater trobles nowe Lycklie to ensewe,
that may enforce me to complaine of newe.
my chance, my change, the cause of all my cares;
and thou hast harde howe fortune doth me wrape
wth world at will to wyne me to her sknare;
But I do dread this warnes me to be wayre
of greater trobles nowe Lycklie to ensewe,
that may enforce me to complaine of newe.
Finis.
Wth that I start from slepe, the Slomber left my Eyes,
fforiudging what I erst forthought, wth hevy moude I ryse,
And what prefixt I see apparant in my dreame,
and howe, to answer all my hope, I hard the Quene complaine;
I dowbted then my pace, thryse did my trowbled thought
Revolt wth woo the Loukles lott that in this world is sought.
I did forecast eche cares that Kyngdomes do resygne,
And eke the Sliperie estate of those for fame that clyme;
I reckened the rule that peres and princes hold
to be a seat that sonest sinckes when fortune waxeth cold;
I demed it daungerous in court to beare a sway,
for that my yeres forespent might Judge howe some was worne away,
whose change and sodaine fall wth ruthe recordethe this,
that shewe by prouffe a paterne prest howe bryttle honor is;
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for that oftyme the seate it selffe do purchaise prevye hate;
The leaves whereof do fall as fast as sprowtes do springe
that cannot last but worne wth such, It is so vayne a thinge.
And howe the clymmynge vpe is dowbtfull to endure,
and that the hope of honors hold is fyckle and vnsure.
I did foriudge the dread that dothe vnlad eche blame,
for eke from hye discendes the bolt, the fulgent flashe of flame.
I weighed warelie to shune the shiftes that schrowdes no shame
of suche as robes the meanest sort engrossinge but for gayne,
And howe in Judgement syttes Rigor wth feaned face,
Suppressinge some, advansinge those where right nor reason was.
And where Envye doth regne and beares the chefest price,
where greater poyson is not founde wthin the cokatryce;
And howe deceyte doth forge and feanethe eke his woo,
and gives the cupe of bitter swete to pledge his mortall ffoo.
And this I thought most strange, howe nature doth forsake
the bloode that in her wombe was wrought as doth the lothed snake,
And howe a feaned frende do powder so his termes,
wth false effect, that truth can try no trades to trust his meanes,
And howe that slipper trust dothe lett no losse to lend,
and eke the rarenes to Imbrace th'affyance of a frende;
And howe fansye abides no longer then she lust,
But as the wynde dothe often chang and is not for to trust.
And when all this I thus had weighed wth many moo,
and of suche accidentes as theis through eche degree that goo,
And howe everye estate is Subyect to Rewyn,
and sowner sinckes the highest sort than they that live in meane.
And howe or tyme dothe Rone, as sand owt of the glasse,
even as ech howre apoincted is from tyme and tide to passe,
And that my yeres forespent wth sporte of youthfull plaies
do nowe abridge my losse of gayne wthin my horye herres;
And howe the ffeble threede of Lief vertewe dothe spyne,
and shewes the end of everie worke before It dothe begwyne.
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all those that clyme to honors seate, there state may not endure.
The hills of highest hight are sonest perskt with sone;
The Silver streames wth somers drowght are letten oft to Rone;
The loftiest trees and groves are Ryfest rent wth winde;
the brushe and breres that thikest growe the flame will sonest find;
The loftie Rewynge towres there falls the ffeller bee;
most ferse dothe fulgent Lightnyng light where furthest we may see;
The Gorgyous pallace deckt and reard vp to the skye
are souner shokt wth wynter Stormes than meaner bwildinges bee;
Such hape have loftie myndes that syttes in highest seate,
when hatefull hartes disdeane thereat, and envy therat threat.
Vpon the highest mountes The stormy wyndes do blowe;
The sewer seate and Quyet lief is in the vale belowe;
By reason I regawrde the meane estate most sure,
that wayteth on the golden meane and harmles may endure.
The man that wyselie workes in welthe doth feare no tides,
when fortune failes dispeareth not, but stedfastlie abides.
ffor he that sendeth stormes wth windes and wynter blastes
and steanes wth hale the wynter face & fils each soile wth frostes,
he slakes the force of cold, he sendes the somer hott,
he causethe bayle to stormy hartes, of Joy the spring & Roote.
Reader, regawrde this well, as I of force nowe must
appoinct thie mewse to merke my verse, thus ruffled vp in rust;
And Lerne this last of me: Imbrace thie porpose prest,
and lett no storme to blowe thie blastes, to lose thie port of rest.
And tho thie gale be great & frowarde fortune fayle,
againe when wynde do serve at will hoist not to hye the saile.
ffor prowffe may toche the stone to prove this firme and plaine,
that no estate may countervale the gyld or golden meane.
Finit.
Jenye.
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