The Golden Fleece Whereto bee annexed two Elegies, Entitled Narcissvs Change. And Aesons Dotage. By Richard Brathvvayte |
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 | The Golden Fleece |  |
PIERIDVM INVOCATIO,
Qvarvm Ope Ægon In triviis, Ædon in nemoribus cecinit. Quarum auspicijs riuos saltim apertos degustare licuit, tenuisq; stipulæ libertate frui.
You sacred Muses by whose diuine skill,
Each Poet in his rank obserues his measure,
Direct the progresse of Menalchas quill,
Enrich his labour with your heauenly treasure.
And so vouchsafe to fauour his poore verse,
That some may daigne his poems to rehearse.
Each Poet in his rank obserues his measure,
Direct the progresse of Menalchas quill,
Enrich his labour with your heauenly treasure.
And so vouchsafe to fauour his poore verse,
That some may daigne his poems to rehearse.
Well doe I know so many rurall swaines,
Seeke to deuote their labours to your shrine,
That they offend you with their fruitlesse paines,
Since in harsh straines their labours they confine.
Yet pittie them and me, whose barraine wit,
Will moue you in remorce to pittie it.
Seeke to deuote their labours to your shrine,
That they offend you with their fruitlesse paines,
Since in harsh straines their labours they confine.
Yet pittie them and me, whose barraine wit,
Will moue you in remorce to pittie it.
And yet when I consider worthlesse men,
Such as Afranius, Bardus, and the rest,
Then with a cheerefull countenance doe I pen,
Since many illes doe counterpoise the best.
For sure I am with Bardus I can sing,
Though not a matter worthie of a king.
Such as Afranius, Bardus, and the rest,
Then with a cheerefull countenance doe I pen,
Since many illes doe counterpoise the best.
For sure I am with Bardus I can sing,
Though not a matter worthie of a king.
Affranius, he will wearie Traians eares,
With rude impolisht, tunelesse harmonie,
He is impudent, Affranius, nothing feares,
His Oaten pipe delights his Maiestie.
But I esteeme of such as little worth,
Their works be correspondent to their birth.
With rude impolisht, tunelesse harmonie,
He is impudent, Affranius, nothing feares,
His Oaten pipe delights his Maiestie.
But I esteeme of such as little worth,
Their works be correspondent to their birth.
For as Affranius was of meane estate,
raisde from declining fortunes low descent,
So his immodest vaine engendreth hate,
Since his sharpe poems with his ayle be spent.
His works confusde, his harsh vnseasoned stile,
Doe ill beseeme the Sybils of our Ile.
raisde from declining fortunes low descent,
So his immodest vaine engendreth hate,
Since his sharpe poems with his ayle be spent.
His works confusde, his harsh vnseasoned stile,
Doe ill beseeme the Sybils of our Ile.
Such works I scorne to pen, as may detract
From the respect of any meane estate,
I hate that Aspes that is of splene compact,
The furies brands which vaunt of nought but hate.
Æmulate vertuous men, for vertues sake,
Is a good hatred, so Ile alwaies hate:
From the respect of any meane estate,
I hate that Aspes that is of splene compact,
The furies brands which vaunt of nought but hate.
Æmulate vertuous men, for vertues sake,
Is a good hatred, so Ile alwaies hate:
But to contemne the meane degrees of men,
Or to enuie sailes of prosperitie,
Nere shall my Muse ensource her odious pen,
Furnisht with nought but rags of enmitie.
I smile when others smile, when others weepe,
I plunge my selfe into like sorrowes deepe.
Or to enuie sailes of prosperitie,
Nere shall my Muse ensource her odious pen,
Furnisht with nought but rags of enmitie.
I smile when others smile, when others weepe,
I plunge my selfe into like sorrowes deepe.
[This little Treatise is a Golden Fleece]
THE ARGVMENT.
This
little Treatise is a Golden Fleece,
Not that which Iason got from Colchos Ile,
For this containes a more celestiall prize,
Since mundane states doe earthly men beguile.
This is that prize which will procure soules peace,
Vnto thy minds content, heau'ns Golden Fleece.
Not that which Iason got from Colchos Ile,
For this containes a more celestiall prize,
Since mundane states doe earthly men beguile.
This is that prize which will procure soules peace,
Vnto thy minds content, heau'ns Golden Fleece.
No Argonautes can get you this same prize,
Nor no Mædea can procure this gaine,
No fruitfull Colchis can this Fleece comprize,
No braine-sicke Zethes can this spoile obtaine.
If thou wilt haue this Golden Fleece, this prize,
With due attention here reflect thine eyes.
Nor no Mædea can procure this gaine,
No fruitfull Colchis can this Fleece comprize,
No braine-sicke Zethes can this spoile obtaine.
If thou wilt haue this Golden Fleece, this prize,
With due attention here reflect thine eyes.
First doe not giue thy selfe to fond delights,
Which like the morning dewe fade and decay,
Restraine thy flesh which gainst thy spirit fights,
Reforme thy peruerse life from day to day.
Let abstinence be Empresse and commaund,
Lest hatefull lust deuotion should withstand.
Which like the morning dewe fade and decay,
Restraine thy flesh which gainst thy spirit fights,
Reforme thy peruerse life from day to day.
Let abstinence be Empresse and commaund,
Lest hatefull lust deuotion should withstand.
For many times by abstinence desire
Of hatefull lust is quite extinguished,
Which otherwise like an incessant fire,
By curious fare would soone be nourished.
And that desire which is restrainde by thee,
Shall worke content in minds tranquillitie.
Of hatefull lust is quite extinguished,
Which otherwise like an incessant fire,
By curious fare would soone be nourished.
And that desire which is restrainde by thee,
Shall worke content in minds tranquillitie.
Spare not to trauaile nor to passe the sea
Of surging waues this treasure to obtaine,
The way to rest, is through calamitie,
The port to harbour, is through shelfes of paine.
For valiant Iason neuer could haue wonne,
The Golden Fleece, if he had sorrowes shunne.
Of surging waues this treasure to obtaine,
The way to rest, is through calamitie,
The port to harbour, is through shelfes of paine.
For valiant Iason neuer could haue wonne,
The Golden Fleece, if he had sorrowes shunne.
Now by Charybdis, now by Scylla tossed,
Shipwrackt poore man, distressed by winters rage,
Those Gusts of griefe wherwith his course was crossed
Will rest memorials to ensuing age.
So then if thou, with Iason will attaine
Such glorious Trophies, thou must suffer paine.
Shipwrackt poore man, distressed by winters rage,
Those Gusts of griefe wherwith his course was crossed
Will rest memorials to ensuing age.
So then if thou, with Iason will attaine
Such glorious Trophies, thou must suffer paine.
Sylenus he can tumble in his caue,
A lazie lubber made to cherish sloth,
Nought besides ease, his blockish trunke doth craue,
From secure sleepe to rise he's very loth.
Yet this Ile tell him his securitie,
Shall bring his sloth to extreme penurie.
A lazie lubber made to cherish sloth,
Nought besides ease, his blockish trunke doth craue,
From secure sleepe to rise he's very loth.
Yet this Ile tell him his securitie,
Shall bring his sloth to extreme penurie.
Sylenus is no souldier for thy Tent,
Stout Iason, which combines thy force with death,
He harmelesse soule, to liue at ease content.
Not in a forraine warre to spend his breath.
But thou contemnes base seruitude, base feare,
That thy renowne may to the world appeare.
Stout Iason, which combines thy force with death,
He harmelesse soule, to liue at ease content.
Not in a forraine warre to spend his breath.
But thou contemnes base seruitude, base feare,
That thy renowne may to the world appeare.
It doth appeare, for Pelias repines,
That thou shouldst get faire Colchis monument,
Yet thy aspiring thoughts some good diuines,
Aymes at some conquest, in thy sacred Tent.
Liue then for euer, thou shalt euer liue,
For enuious hate shall not thy fame depriue.
That thou shouldst get faire Colchis monument,
Yet thy aspiring thoughts some good diuines,
Aymes at some conquest, in thy sacred Tent.
Liue then for euer, thou shalt euer liue,
For enuious hate shall not thy fame depriue.
I would we had such Argonautes as these,
That could and would embarke them on the Sea,
So to obtaine that prize, that Golden Fleece,
Purchasing heauen by suffring miserie
Then might we glory full as much or more;
Then euer Greece of Iason did before.
That could and would embarke them on the Sea,
So to obtaine that prize, that Golden Fleece,
Purchasing heauen by suffring miserie
Then might we glory full as much or more;
Then euer Greece of Iason did before.
I would such Argonauts liude in this Ile,
This Hyble faire, famous by memorie,
That Hydra-headed monster to beguile,
And purchase to them immortalitie.
Then should we sing more Trophies in their praise
Then euer Colchis did in former daies.
This Hyble faire, famous by memorie,
That Hydra-headed monster to beguile,
And purchase to them immortalitie.
Then should we sing more Trophies in their praise
Then euer Colchis did in former daies.
But such is times iniquitie, whose frame,
Is out of frame, confusde, disordered,
So that she seemes to change her timelesse name,
Whose name was Golden, now's relinquished,
That Golden Age, an Iron Age appeares,
Producing nought but sad euents of feares.
Is out of frame, confusde, disordered,
So that she seemes to change her timelesse name,
Whose name was Golden, now's relinquished,
That Golden Age, an Iron Age appeares,
Producing nought but sad euents of feares.
Once did those Golden Ages flourishing
Giue a good morrow to the Easterne parts,
VVhere vertues springing, were in nourishing,
VVhich ministred great comfort to our hearts.
But now the Moon's eclipsde, that age decaide,
Depressing downe her head, as one affraide.
Giue a good morrow to the Easterne parts,
VVhere vertues springing, were in nourishing,
VVhich ministred great comfort to our hearts.
But now the Moon's eclipsde, that age decaide,
Depressing downe her head, as one affraide.
Affraid: no maruaile since such enmitie,
Ariseth twixt our manners, and her state,
That they opposed stand at mutinie,
Which makes the Golden Age, so out of date.
Since Saturnes kingdomes be dispeopled here,
Or else like snailes shut in their heads for feare.
Ariseth twixt our manners, and her state,
That they opposed stand at mutinie,
Which makes the Golden Age, so out of date.
Since Saturnes kingdomes be dispeopled here,
Or else like snailes shut in their heads for feare.
Hesiod relates of one Prometheus
Who was astute and subtile in his drifts,
And he reports of Epymetheus.
A simple soule deuoide of cunning shifts.
Sure Epymetheus liueth in this age,
Prometheus, he is fled for want of wage.
Who was astute and subtile in his drifts,
And he reports of Epymetheus.
A simple soule deuoide of cunning shifts.
Sure Epymetheus liueth in this age,
Prometheus, he is fled for want of wage.
Iupiter god of the celestiall powers,
Sent on a time Argicid as from heauen,
To bring a gift, with limit of his howers,
Vnto Prometheus: whereon was engrauen.
Who takes this gift, shall presently enioy
Rest in his minde, deliuered of annoy.
Sent on a time Argicid as from heauen,
To bring a gift, with limit of his howers,
Vnto Prometheus: whereon was engrauen.
Who takes this gift, shall presently enioy
Rest in his minde, deliuered of annoy.
Prometheus conceiuing what was ment,
By Ioues attracting gifts, refusde the same,
For through his wisedome, he knew Ioues intent,
Wherefore this prudent answer did he frame.
Argicidas, quoth he, I thanke high Ioue,
That he hath shewde to me his diuine loue.
By Ioues attracting gifts, refusde the same,
For through his wisedome, he knew Ioues intent,
Wherefore this prudent answer did he frame.
Argicidas, quoth he, I thanke high Ioue,
That he hath shewde to me his diuine loue.
But forasmuch as I deserue the least,
Much lesse the greatst and choisest gifts he hath,
I wish he should some other man inuest,
With this celestiall token of his breath.
Hie thee to Ioue, and tell him this from me,
Prometheus binds him to his deitie.
Much lesse the greatst and choisest gifts he hath,
I wish he should some other man inuest,
With this celestiall token of his breath.
Hie thee to Ioue, and tell him this from me,
Prometheus binds him to his deitie.
Ioue hauing heard, what sage Prometheus said,
Commended much his humane pollicie,
Prometheus (quoth Ioue) is sore affraide,
Lest Golden gifts smell of hypocrisie.
Well Epymetheus wants Prometheus shifts,
For well I know he will accept my gifts,
Commended much his humane pollicie,
Prometheus (quoth Ioue) is sore affraide,
Lest Golden gifts smell of hypocrisie.
Well Epymetheus wants Prometheus shifts,
For well I know he will accept my gifts,
And so he did for iudging no deceipt,
For to proceede from Ioues high Maiestie,
Of this dissembled gift he made receipt,
Hoping to purchase endlesse memorie
But this sweete hony was dissolude to gall,
And this his precious gift procurde his fall.
For to proceede from Ioues high Maiestie,
Of this dissembled gift he made receipt,
Hoping to purchase endlesse memorie
But this sweete hony was dissolude to gall,
And this his precious gift procurde his fall.
This was the great desire he had to know
What did concerne the mysteries of Ioue,
From this same roote aspiring branches grow,
Which doe extirpe the seeds of Christian loue.
Presumption of our knowledge, and desire,
Of knowing more doth in our thoughts aspire.
What did concerne the mysteries of Ioue,
From this same roote aspiring branches grow,
Which doe extirpe the seeds of Christian loue.
Presumption of our knowledge, and desire,
Of knowing more doth in our thoughts aspire.
Fond Epymetheus not content to know,
That which allotted was vnto his share,
Desires a further scope then earth below,
That his high knowledge might surpasse compare.
Wherefore derided he the state of such,
As did not care for knowing ouermuch.
That which allotted was vnto his share,
Desires a further scope then earth below,
That his high knowledge might surpasse compare.
Wherefore derided he the state of such,
As did not care for knowing ouermuch.
And since that time we haue desirde to know
Things too transcendent, higher then our reach,
Mysticall types which God did neuer show
To vs, or euer deignde the same to teach,
Thinking that fittest for mans shallow sence,
Which paralleld his straite circumference.
Things too transcendent, higher then our reach,
Mysticall types which God did neuer show
To vs, or euer deignde the same to teach,
Thinking that fittest for mans shallow sence,
Which paralleld his straite circumference.
This fond presumption is a step of sinne;
No it's the roote, and ground of our distresse,
By which we see the Gulph we wallow in,
The mansion of our woe and wretchednesse.
This is the sea of our distresse and woe,
Which doth oppresse vs, wheresoere we goe.
No it's the roote, and ground of our distresse,
By which we see the Gulph we wallow in,
The mansion of our woe and wretchednesse.
This is the sea of our distresse and woe,
Which doth oppresse vs, wheresoere we goe.
And sure as long as these presumptuous sinnes
Doe burgen in vs, with their full encrease,
Like Oedipus his two accursed twins
Erected for the ruine of our peace.
Farewell content in men of each degree,
If thou be proud, foule hate will follow thee.
Doe burgen in vs, with their full encrease,
Like Oedipus his two accursed twins
Erected for the ruine of our peace.
Farewell content in men of each degree,
If thou be proud, foule hate will follow thee.
Thou canst not haue the Fleece of Colchis Ile,
Nor that resplendent Fleece of sanctitie,
For why? presumption doth thy thoughts beguile,
Pride cannot dwell with poore humilitie.
Thou mayst remaine, and flourish for a time,
But ill successe will intercept thy prime.
Nor that resplendent Fleece of sanctitie,
For why? presumption doth thy thoughts beguile,
Pride cannot dwell with poore humilitie.
Thou mayst remaine, and flourish for a time,
But ill successe will intercept thy prime.
So on thy course, and with the Giants fierce,
Wage battaile with the Gods of heauen and earth,
Seeme as thou would the starres with Iulian pierce,
Outdare the Authour of thy cursed birth.
Care not for God or man, but in despite,
Damnation in thine vgly forehead write.
Wage battaile with the Gods of heauen and earth,
Seeme as thou would the starres with Iulian pierce,
Outdare the Authour of thy cursed birth.
Care not for God or man, but in despite,
Damnation in thine vgly forehead write.
Arachne, she can weaue her purple threede,
And well conceited of her curious skill,
Challengeth stately Pallas with all speede,
Whose Art this Art did into her distill,
Pallas (quoth she) I hope I may compare,
With you in spinning, if you better were.
And well conceited of her curious skill,
Challengeth stately Pallas with all speede,
Whose Art this Art did into her distill,
Pallas (quoth she) I hope I may compare,
With you in spinning, if you better were.
But what succeeded? Pallas did replie,
Minion, ere long, Ile teach you to confesse,
Your fond presumption: who, I pray, am I,
Your mistresse sure, I will approue no lesse.
This doth proceede from thy inuectiue tong,
VVhich by this heauenly feature, Ile make dumbe.
Minion, ere long, Ile teach you to confesse,
Your fond presumption: who, I pray, am I,
Your mistresse sure, I will approue no lesse.
This doth proceede from thy inuectiue tong,
VVhich by this heauenly feature, Ile make dumbe.
No sooner had she spoken, but her forme
VVas quite transformde into another shape,
Two twigs by Pallas will, did her adorne,
This feature got she for presumption sake.
And that which had a comely forme before,
In Spiders likenesse doth her state deplore.
VVas quite transformde into another shape,
Two twigs by Pallas will, did her adorne,
This feature got she for presumption sake.
And that which had a comely forme before,
In Spiders likenesse doth her state deplore.
These be the fruits of a presumptuous minde,
Bitter in taste, working thee Authors baine,
And like a Viper deadly to her kinde,
VVhich by engendring, breedeth endlesse paine.
This will dispoile thee of thy Golden Fleece,
Nere to returne from Colchis into Greece.
Bitter in taste, working thee Authors baine,
And like a Viper deadly to her kinde,
VVhich by engendring, breedeth endlesse paine.
This will dispoile thee of thy Golden Fleece,
Nere to returne from Colchis into Greece.
Be humble, meeke, obedient to thine head,
Least with a sudden ouerthrow thy friend,
Condole thy fortune by misfortune lead,
Yet cannot by his salue, thy griefes amend.
So succourlesse and eke distrest with griefe,
In thy distresse canst purchase no reliefe.
Least with a sudden ouerthrow thy friend,
Condole thy fortune by misfortune lead,
Yet cannot by his salue, thy griefes amend.
So succourlesse and eke distrest with griefe,
In thy distresse canst purchase no reliefe.
The lowest Tamricke is the saf'st from haile,
The loftiest Cedar's soonest throwen down,
An humble minde ther's nought that can appal,
High spirits be most subiect to a frown.
Each thing by Nature must one time decay,
But meane estates be saf'st from harme alway.
The loftiest Cedar's soonest throwen down,
An humble minde ther's nought that can appal,
High spirits be most subiect to a frown.
Each thing by Nature must one time decay,
But meane estates be saf'st from harme alway.
If thou wilt haue this Golden Fleece, this prize,
Thou must embarke thy selfe in troups of griefe,
Those who obtaine thy conquest, sloth dispise,
Oftimes dismaid without the least reliefe.
And then if thou wilt conquer, thou must fight,
By meditation gainst sin, day and night.
Thou must embarke thy selfe in troups of griefe,
Those who obtaine thy conquest, sloth dispise,
Oftimes dismaid without the least reliefe.
And then if thou wilt conquer, thou must fight,
By meditation gainst sin, day and night.
The valiant Argonautes did not refuse,
Haile, raine or snow for to obtaine that gaine,
Vnder a faignde pretence they not refuse,
Their serious labour or industrious paine.
Wherefore they got the hauen of their rest,
And did enioy that which they loued best.
Haile, raine or snow for to obtaine that gaine,
Vnder a faignde pretence they not refuse,
Their serious labour or industrious paine.
Wherefore they got the hauen of their rest,
And did enioy that which they loued best.
A worthy prize, if prizes temporall,
Can haue such worth, or yet deserue such labour:
Who will not seeke a price cœlestiall
Purchasde by earnest suite and Gods high fauour?
Then let it be our will, our onely pleasure,
Sell all we haue, and buy this heauenly treasure.
Can haue such worth, or yet deserue such labour:
Who will not seeke a price cœlestiall
Purchasde by earnest suite and Gods high fauour?
Then let it be our will, our onely pleasure,
Sell all we haue, and buy this heauenly treasure.
No rust can ere consume this precious gemme,
No mothes can eate into this sacred shrine,
A Roabe most fit for well disposed men,
Who at an others state doe not repine.
Of this be sure, who enuies each mans state,
Shall neuer enter in the narrow gate.
No mothes can eate into this sacred shrine,
A Roabe most fit for well disposed men,
Who at an others state doe not repine.
Of this be sure, who enuies each mans state,
Shall neuer enter in the narrow gate.
If that the Argonautes with mutuall splene,
Should haue enuide at each an others worth,
With this same prize, they neere enricht had been,
But with vnluckie labours curst their birth.
A threefold cord is hardly broke men say,
But being dissolude, like vapours glides away.
Should haue enuide at each an others worth,
With this same prize, they neere enricht had been,
But with vnluckie labours curst their birth.
A threefold cord is hardly broke men say,
But being dissolude, like vapours glides away.
Then let this mutuall loue dispell each hate,
And each reuenge pretended in your hearts,
Nothing is more pernicious then debate,
Which flourishing Empires many time subuerts.
This is the state of men that each will crie,
Cæsar aut Nullus to their enemie.
And each reuenge pretended in your hearts,
Nothing is more pernicious then debate,
Which flourishing Empires many time subuerts.
This is the state of men that each will crie,
Cæsar aut Nullus to their enemie.
Cæsar if he had raignde in common loue,
Or gouerned his Realme in amitie,
Brutus his owne adopted would approue,
Of his proceedings: without enmitie.
But these aspiring heads be oft brought low,
With tu mi Brute, thoule kill Cæsar too.
Or gouerned his Realme in amitie,
Brutus his owne adopted would approue,
Of his proceedings: without enmitie.
But these aspiring heads be oft brought low,
With tu mi Brute, thoule kill Cæsar too.
But of all discords in an humane sence,
None more detested then a brothers hate,
Remus against Romulus prepares defence,
Amulius with Numitor debate.
And rich Sichæus must of force be slaine,
Alcydes priest, by his Pigmalion.
None more detested then a brothers hate,
Remus against Romulus prepares defence,
Amulius with Numitor debate.
And rich Sichæus must of force be slaine,
Alcydes priest, by his Pigmalion.
These sharpe contentions cannot get the price,
But ruine their owne forces by their hand,
These are not vndertaken by aduice,
But guided by the Eumenides commaund.
All things haue end, to these vnhappie end,
By short prescription, Lord of Lords will send.
But ruine their owne forces by their hand,
These are not vndertaken by aduice,
But guided by the Eumenides commaund.
All things haue end, to these vnhappie end,
By short prescription, Lord of Lords will send.
Caine is offended with his louing brother,
And whats the cause, perchance his sacrifice
Is better farre respected then the other,
Which he doth offer: wherefore thence he flies,
And doth prouide, by his accursed breath,
To be the Agent of his brothers death.
And whats the cause, perchance his sacrifice
Is better farre respected then the other,
Which he doth offer: wherefore thence he flies,
And doth prouide, by his accursed breath,
To be the Agent of his brothers death.
Yet Abels bloud, like to the morning dew,
Ascendeth vp vnto Gods heauenly throne,
Shewing how Caine, his hands did erst embrew,
In brothers bloud, his bloud to heauen doth grone
Wheerefore the Lord, who takes reuenge of sinne,
Damn'd Cains despaire, which he did welter in.
Ascendeth vp vnto Gods heauenly throne,
Shewing how Caine, his hands did erst embrew,
In brothers bloud, his bloud to heauen doth grone
Wheerefore the Lord, who takes reuenge of sinne,
Damn'd Cains despaire, which he did welter in.
Caine wher's thy brother? Caine doth answer him,
Am I my brothers keeper? insolence
Dar'st thou that art compact of nought but sinne,
Answer him so? whose heauenly excellence.
Ruleth each thing, and hath created thee
To laud his name, not grieue his maiestie.
Am I my brothers keeper? insolence
Dar'st thou that art compact of nought but sinne,
Answer him so? whose heauenly excellence.
Ruleth each thing, and hath created thee
To laud his name, not grieue his maiestie.
Go thou thy way, for thou canst ne're obtaine
This Golden Fleece, interred in dispaire,
Go wag thine head, with thy distracted braine,
Thou of perdition art the lineall heire.
The Golden Fleece is kept for such as liue,
To please their God, and not their God to grieue.
This Golden Fleece, interred in dispaire,
Go wag thine head, with thy distracted braine,
Thou of perdition art the lineall heire.
The Golden Fleece is kept for such as liue,
To please their God, and not their God to grieue.
But such as like the Sabines do disdaine,
That ere the Romans should in mariage ioyne,
With their renowned stocke, and thinke it shame,
That their vpstart descent, should them detaine.
Shall soone be vanquisht, and deuoid of aide,
To darke obliuions Tombe, retire, dismaid.
That ere the Romans should in mariage ioyne,
With their renowned stocke, and thinke it shame,
That their vpstart descent, should them detaine.
Shall soone be vanquisht, and deuoid of aide,
To darke obliuions Tombe, retire, dismaid.
The Argonautes, who got the Golden Fleece,
Neuer disdaind to ioyne with any power,
Combinde with euery Nation in a peace,
Which did distill like Danaes Golden shower.
This golden peace did get them that renowne,
Which all the Ile of Colchis puld not downe.
Neuer disdaind to ioyne with any power,
Combinde with euery Nation in a peace,
Which did distill like Danaes Golden shower.
This golden peace did get them that renowne,
Which all the Ile of Colchis puld not downe.
Nought there can be more strong then vnitie,
If so that vnion doe no discord breede,
For it effects things worthy memory,
Which no commotion in the state doth feede.
For wealth and peace blest Ægias kinde twins,
With mutuall passions, mutuall honour wins.
If so that vnion doe no discord breede,
For it effects things worthy memory,
Which no commotion in the state doth feede.
For wealth and peace blest Ægias kinde twins,
With mutuall passions, mutuall honour wins.
Both weepe at once, both smile with like desire,
Both walke, both stand, both make a like repose,
And to conclude they burne with equall fire,
Both win at once, both equally doe lose.
Nought there can be, being borne of selfesame mother,
Belonging to the one, not to the other.
Both walke, both stand, both make a like repose,
And to conclude they burne with equall fire,
Both win at once, both equally doe lose.
Nought there can be, being borne of selfesame mother,
Belonging to the one, not to the other.
And then what is it which obtaines this prize?
Not wealth, nor treasure in aboundance had,
To get this prize, is not to temporize,
For flattery in Princes seemes too bad.
And time obseruers be of small regard,
VVhen diuine honour is the due reward.
Not wealth, nor treasure in aboundance had,
To get this prize, is not to temporize,
For flattery in Princes seemes too bad.
And time obseruers be of small regard,
VVhen diuine honour is the due reward.
Doe not with glosing, nor with sugred speech
Thinke to allure thy God, vnto thy will:
Of thy fraile temple he can make a breach,
And in one moment soule and bodie kill.
The difference twixt God and man assignde,
One kils the bodie, the other kils the minde.
Thinke to allure thy God, vnto thy will:
Of thy fraile temple he can make a breach,
And in one moment soule and bodie kill.
The difference twixt God and man assignde,
One kils the bodie, the other kils the minde.
Care not for him, that hath power corporall,
Able to kill the bodie is the worst,
But care for him whose power cœlestiall,
For he can make both soule and bodie curst.
Wherefore take heede, thou do not grieue that God,
Who can auenge thy folly with his rod.
Able to kill the bodie is the worst,
But care for him whose power cœlestiall,
For he can make both soule and bodie curst.
Wherefore take heede, thou do not grieue that God,
Who can auenge thy folly with his rod.
Be so determinde in thy daily labour,
That thou offend not Gods high maiestie,
For he that is out of Gods heauenly fauour,
Shall be destroyed by his deitie.
The Lord hath pittie, when he seeth vs take
Compassion on the poore for Christ his sake.
That thou offend not Gods high maiestie,
For he that is out of Gods heauenly fauour,
Shall be destroyed by his deitie.
The Lord hath pittie, when he seeth vs take
Compassion on the poore for Christ his sake.
But when with impudent and carelesse eye,
We doe neglect the cries of silly soules,
And wallowing in deepe securitie,
Cherish our pleasures; and drinke wine in bowles.
Whilest we annoint our selues with ointments sweet,
Who will with teares of sorrow wash Christs feete?
We doe neglect the cries of silly soules,
And wallowing in deepe securitie,
Cherish our pleasures; and drinke wine in bowles.
Whilest we annoint our selues with ointments sweet,
Who will with teares of sorrow wash Christs feete?
No man is sory for poore Iosephs woe,
Iosephs affliction doth not touch our hearts,
Pleasures induce vs where so ere we goe,
Sinnes lamentation instantly departs.
Ioseph in prison, we sweete pleasures taste,
Relieude by none, til all his griefes be paste.
Iosephs affliction doth not touch our hearts,
Pleasures induce vs where so ere we goe,
Sinnes lamentation instantly departs.
Ioseph in prison, we sweete pleasures taste,
Relieude by none, til all his griefes be paste.
Those who contemne the miseries of men,
Shall nere attaine vnto this Golden prize,
These like to sauage Lions in their den,
VVith proud Caligula, do tirannize.
Nere shall they come to rest, but endlesse warre
Shall scatter them, without a shepheards starre.
Shall nere attaine vnto this Golden prize,
These like to sauage Lions in their den,
VVith proud Caligula, do tirannize.
Nere shall they come to rest, but endlesse warre
Shall scatter them, without a shepheards starre.
Caligula would many times reproue,
The Gods on high, in that they did withstand,
His Saints ordainde to purchase peoples loue,
And brandishing a weapon in his hand.
Come Aeolus (quoth he) and all yee Gods,
Ile whip you like to scholeboies with my rods.
The Gods on high, in that they did withstand,
His Saints ordainde to purchase peoples loue,
And brandishing a weapon in his hand.
Come Aeolus (quoth he) and all yee Gods,
Ile whip you like to scholeboies with my rods.
Yet when he heard the messenger of raine,
Thūder, with crackling noise, come hurrying down,
Then he, proud man, to hide himselfe was faine,
And who was high before, is humble growne.
For wandring what did hurrie ore his head
Fond witlesse man, he crept vnder his bed.
Thūder, with crackling noise, come hurrying down,
Then he, proud man, to hide himselfe was faine,
And who was high before, is humble growne.
For wandring what did hurrie ore his head
Fond witlesse man, he crept vnder his bed.
Caligula could neuer get this prize,
For he abashed was at euery storme,
Nor with affiance could lift vp his eyes,
To that same God, whose grace doth man adorne
For Grace doth beautifie each creature well,
And is a meanes foule vice for to expell.
For he abashed was at euery storme,
Nor with affiance could lift vp his eyes,
To that same God, whose grace doth man adorne
For Grace doth beautifie each creature well,
And is a meanes foule vice for to expell.
Now whosoeuer will obtaine that prize,
That Golden Fleece, euen that celestiall treasure,
Let him feare Gods high power in any wise,
And dedicate his life to Gods good pleasure.
Then he cannot but get this precious gemme,
Reserude for such as be religious men.
That Golden Fleece, euen that celestiall treasure,
Let him feare Gods high power in any wise,
And dedicate his life to Gods good pleasure.
Then he cannot but get this precious gemme,
Reserude for such as be religious men.
There was a world though that waxe hoary now,
VVhen vertue was the scope each leueld at,
But few will vertue in their actions show,
All be respectiue of their priuate gaine.
This priuate state is mundane happinesse,
VVhich is the groundworke of our wretchednesse.
VVhen vertue was the scope each leueld at,
But few will vertue in their actions show,
All be respectiue of their priuate gaine.
This priuate state is mundane happinesse,
VVhich is the groundworke of our wretchednesse.
Leaue all thy wealth and thy preferment quite,
Flie to the Anchor of thy hope and stay,
Heres Iacobs ladder, which may thee incite,
Vpon thy soueraigne Lord thine head to lay,
Christ is no place whereon to laie his head,
But Christ his hand will vs to glory leade.
Flie to the Anchor of thy hope and stay,
Heres Iacobs ladder, which may thee incite,
Vpon thy soueraigne Lord thine head to lay,
Christ is no place whereon to laie his head,
But Christ his hand will vs to glory leade.
Buie once this gemme againe, and tell me then,
If euer Iewell were of such a price,
A Iewell requisite for Christian men,
For her's no Christian that will it despise.
Sell all and buie it, for it will procure
Thy endlesse safetie which will ere endure.
If euer Iewell were of such a price,
A Iewell requisite for Christian men,
For her's no Christian that will it despise.
Sell all and buie it, for it will procure
Thy endlesse safetie which will ere endure.
What is it drawes thee from thy louing Lord?
Is it promotion? hope of present gaine?
Or is it all that fraile earth can afford?
Nought but vaine shadowes doth fraile earth containe.
Leaue then the shadow, and the substance get;
Immortall things immortall minds beset.
Is it promotion? hope of present gaine?
Or is it all that fraile earth can afford?
Nought but vaine shadowes doth fraile earth containe.
Leaue then the shadow, and the substance get;
Immortall things immortall minds beset.
What was the reason Alexander thought,
Nought could containe mans mind that worldly was?
Euen forasmuch as he for honour sought
Which hauing gotten like a shade did passe.
And hauing conquerde all the world beside,
Yet he perceiude nought constant could abide.
Nought could containe mans mind that worldly was?
Euen forasmuch as he for honour sought
Which hauing gotten like a shade did passe.
And hauing conquerde all the world beside,
Yet he perceiude nought constant could abide.
One arrow piercing Alexanders thigh,
From whence there gushed streames of crimson bloud,
Now doe I grant (quoth he) mortalitie
Is incident to me, as here is shewed.
Nor prince nor begger can debarre his state,
To be eclipsed by a mortall date.
From whence there gushed streames of crimson bloud,
Now doe I grant (quoth he) mortalitie
Is incident to me, as here is shewed.
Nor prince nor begger can debarre his state,
To be eclipsed by a mortall date.
Thou that wilt winne this Golden Fleece, this prize,
Confesse thy selfe a man and not a God,
With pure deuotion eleuate thine eyes,
Least thou be dasht in peeces by his rod.
And being dasht neuer receiue againe
Gods diuine spirit, A Cordiall for thy paine.
Confesse thy selfe a man and not a God,
With pure deuotion eleuate thine eyes,
Least thou be dasht in peeces by his rod.
And being dasht neuer receiue againe
Gods diuine spirit, A Cordiall for thy paine.
Get thee to Noahs Arke, and like a Doue,
Come flying with an Oliue in thy bill,
The Oliue is the token of true loue,
Which will the hatred of the serpent kill.
For thou as long as thou abidest there,
No ouerflowing deluge needs to feaie.
Come flying with an Oliue in thy bill,
The Oliue is the token of true loue,
Which will the hatred of the serpent kill.
For thou as long as thou abidest there,
No ouerflowing deluge needs to feaie.
When Zethes aged Boreas sonne and heire,
Came downe from Colchis into Arcadie,
When vnto Phineus Court he did repaire,
And was receiude by Phineus sumptuously.
He ayded Phineus the Harpies to expell,
VVhose filthie ordure gaue a noisome smell.
Came downe from Colchis into Arcadie,
When vnto Phineus Court he did repaire,
And was receiude by Phineus sumptuously.
He ayded Phineus the Harpies to expell,
VVhose filthie ordure gaue a noisome smell.
For wheresoeuer Phineus did goe,
They did pursue him, both by Sea and land,
And made king Phineus full of dismall woe,
For they were plagues inflicted by Ioues hand.
In that he did put out his childrens eyes,
VVhich did ascend to Ioue with wofull cries.
They did pursue him, both by Sea and land,
And made king Phineus full of dismall woe,
For they were plagues inflicted by Ioues hand.
In that he did put out his childrens eyes,
VVhich did ascend to Ioue with wofull cries.
Zethes by force expelde these cruell birds,
Expulsing them the bounds of Arcadie,
And for his welcome, this kinde loue affords,
And loue for loue is showne as mutually.
It was an almes for to renew his life,
Since what was done, was plotted by his wife.
Expulsing them the bounds of Arcadie,
And for his welcome, this kinde loue affords,
And loue for loue is showne as mutually.
It was an almes for to renew his life,
Since what was done, was plotted by his wife.
Then this example shall induce thy loue,
Not with vnthankfull and forgetfull minde,
For to requite his kindnesse who did proue
A faithfull friend, and in distresse most kinde.
For Zethes was in great distresse before,
Till he arriude vpon th' Arcadian shore.
Not with vnthankfull and forgetfull minde,
For to requite his kindnesse who did proue
A faithfull friend, and in distresse most kinde.
For Zethes was in great distresse before,
Till he arriude vpon th' Arcadian shore.
And sure vnthankfull minds be most accurst,
Since they like Vipers be vnkind to those
Who fostred them, and make their wombes to burst,
Vipers to Vipers be the hatefull foes.
Many foule vice, saith Seneca, I ken,
In Rome, yet none worse then vnthankfull men.
Since they like Vipers be vnkind to those
Who fostred them, and make their wombes to burst,
Vipers to Vipers be the hatefull foes.
Many foule vice, saith Seneca, I ken,
In Rome, yet none worse then vnthankfull men.
It is inhumane to forget good will,
The king of Persia did accept a gift,
Euen a small handfull which a wife did fill
Of liquid water, void of subtile drift.
This he accepted, and with like desert,
repaid the kindnesse of her louing heart.
The king of Persia did accept a gift,
Euen a small handfull which a wife did fill
Of liquid water, void of subtile drift.
This he accepted, and with like desert,
repaid the kindnesse of her louing heart.
And sure who is vngratefull to his friend,
Shall nere obtaine this sacred prize of heauen.
And since Gods bountie store of gifts doth send,
Striue in an equall poize, to be found euen,
And whensoere thou doest perceiue Gods grace,
Stirre thee to good, cease not his name to praise,
Shall nere obtaine this sacred prize of heauen.
And since Gods bountie store of gifts doth send,
Striue in an equall poize, to be found euen,
And whensoere thou doest perceiue Gods grace,
Stirre thee to good, cease not his name to praise,
Thou an vnfruitfull seruant, doe thy best,
Yet all thou doest, not so much as thou ought,
Christ with his sacred robe doth thee inuest,
And in his mercy hath thee homeward brought.
And yet thou wandrest in the fields astray,
Vnlesse Gods mercy be thy hold and stay.
Yet all thou doest, not so much as thou ought,
Christ with his sacred robe doth thee inuest,
And in his mercy hath thee homeward brought.
And yet thou wandrest in the fields astray,
Vnlesse Gods mercy be thy hold and stay.
He is thine hold, yet like a drunken man,
Thou reelest from his shoulders to depart,
Vnto thy vaine delights, doe what hee can,
With second death thou penetrat'st his heart.
Thou mak'st it bleede a fresh, and in thy sin,
Like Sow in mire delight'st to wallow in,
Thou reelest from his shoulders to depart,
Vnto thy vaine delights, doe what hee can,
With second death thou penetrat'st his heart.
Thou mak'st it bleede a fresh, and in thy sin,
Like Sow in mire delight'st to wallow in,
Lament thy stragling footsteps, thy offences,
Lament the horrour of thy mis spent time,
Lament thy sinne, thine Hypocrite pretences,
Lament: so shall soules-splendour brightly shine.
The spirit and the flesh bandie their force,
With flesh the diuell ioynes without remorce.
Lament the horrour of thy mis spent time,
Lament thy sinne, thine Hypocrite pretences,
Lament: so shall soules-splendour brightly shine.
The spirit and the flesh bandie their force,
With flesh the diuell ioynes without remorce.
Be thou remorcefull, and the Lord will take
Pitie vpon all thine infirmities,
Euen for his death, and for his passions sake,
Will he exempt thee thine enormities,
And bring thee to the place of heauenly ioy,
Void of distresse, exempted from annoy.
Pitie vpon all thine infirmities,
Euen for his death, and for his passions sake,
Will he exempt thee thine enormities,
And bring thee to the place of heauenly ioy,
Void of distresse, exempted from annoy.
Buy this celestial treasure, this reward,
This heauenly Manna, made for Angels foode,
This precious iewell all wise men regard,
Purchasde to vs, by Christs effused bloud.
This is no Tolosanum aurum, which was brought
To Rome by Q. Cepio, deerely bought.
This heauenly Manna, made for Angels foode,
This precious iewell all wise men regard,
Purchasde to vs, by Christs effused bloud.
This is no Tolosanum aurum, which was brought
To Rome by Q. Cepio, deerely bought.
That was the ruine of him that did find it,
This is the blessing of him, doth possesse it,
Who is he then that will not greatly minde it?
To be the worthiest gem, who'le not confesse it?
Since who obtaines it, lasting life obtaines,
Albeit precious, got with little paines.
This is the blessing of him, doth possesse it,
Who is he then that will not greatly minde it?
To be the worthiest gem, who'le not confesse it?
Since who obtaines it, lasting life obtaines,
Albeit precious, got with little paines.
That is obrizum aurum, gold refined,
Purer then Cristall, cleerer then the Glasse,
This heauenly treasure is to such assignde,
As in deuotion doe their life time passe.
Then get this gold, and like a bracelet tie it,
About thine arme, sell all thy goods and buy it.
Purer then Cristall, cleerer then the Glasse,
This heauenly treasure is to such assignde,
As in deuotion doe their life time passe.
Then get this gold, and like a bracelet tie it,
About thine arme, sell all thy goods and buy it.
Then shalt thou get this Golden Fleece of ioy,
Solace vnto thy soule, and endlesse blisse,
Esteeme not of it, as a triuiall toy,
Since it's the hauen of thy happinesse.
So runne & so continue in thy running,
That thou maist be eternizd at Christs comming.
Solace vnto thy soule, and endlesse blisse,
Esteeme not of it, as a triuiall toy,
Since it's the hauen of thy happinesse.
So runne & so continue in thy running,
That thou maist be eternizd at Christs comming.
None must obtaine, vnlesse they holde their course,
For he that liueth must proceed therewith,
And this same Iewesse will each man enforce,
To runne all breathlesse to recouer breath.
God grant we may so runne this mortal race,
That we with ioy, may see Gods heau'nly face.
For he that liueth must proceed therewith,
And this same Iewesse will each man enforce,
To runne all breathlesse to recouer breath.
God grant we may so runne this mortal race,
That we with ioy, may see Gods heau'nly face.
Alwaies prouided for the day to come,
Least vnawares our soule sustaine the spoyle,
And then euen speechlesse we appeare as dumbe,
And vndergoe an euerduring foyle.
Then shall we weepe, and eke deplore our state,
But lamentation then will come too late.
Least vnawares our soule sustaine the spoyle,
And then euen speechlesse we appeare as dumbe,
And vndergoe an euerduring foyle.
Then shall we weepe, and eke deplore our state,
But lamentation then will come too late.
Those fiue wise Virgins had their Lamps prouided,
Therefore they were accepted in the roome
Of nuptiall rites, the other were derided,
That vnprouided would presume to come.
Oh then let vs prouide our Lampes with oyle,
So shall the Lord vs of our sinne assoyle.
Therefore they were accepted in the roome
Of nuptiall rites, the other were derided,
That vnprouided would presume to come.
Oh then let vs prouide our Lampes with oyle,
So shall the Lord vs of our sinne assoyle.
For those who haue no oyle within their lights,
Shall bee debarred heau'ns felicitie,
And rest enthroned in perpetuall night,
Where howling is their sweetest harmonie.
Nothing is better then prouision sure,
To get that life, which euer shall endure.
Shall bee debarred heau'ns felicitie,
And rest enthroned in perpetuall night,
Where howling is their sweetest harmonie.
Nothing is better then prouision sure,
To get that life, which euer shall endure.
Many intend to spend their worthlesse life,
In raking riches, through desire of gaine,
But such things be the nourishers of strife,
And this thy substance will thy conscience staine.
It shall distaine thy conscience and oppresse,
Thy deere bought soule with gall of bitternesse.
In raking riches, through desire of gaine,
But such things be the nourishers of strife,
And this thy substance will thy conscience staine.
It shall distaine thy conscience and oppresse,
Thy deere bought soule with gall of bitternesse.
Galde be he euer, that bestowes his time,
In things offensiue to Gods maiestie,
Employing not himselfe in things diuine,
But in prophanenesse and impietie.
Soone die they in despaire and discontent,
Who grieue their God, and grieuing not repent.
In things offensiue to Gods maiestie,
Employing not himselfe in things diuine,
But in prophanenesse and impietie.
Soone die they in despaire and discontent,
Who grieue their God, and grieuing not repent.
There can be nothing happier then that man,
Who doth direct his industrie therein,
Which is concordant to Gods high commaund,
The safest antidote against all sin.
For he shall sure obtaine that prize, that pay,
Which power of darknesse nere shall take away.
Who doth direct his industrie therein,
Which is concordant to Gods high commaund,
The safest antidote against all sin.
For he shall sure obtaine that prize, that pay,
Which power of darknesse nere shall take away.
Labour for this, and then thou shalt doe well,
Thou shalt attaine vnto the port of rest,
There to remaine euen in that sacred cell,
Which aboue all is to be loued best.
That sacred mansion of tranquilitie,
Eternall rest of heau'ns felicity.
Thou shalt attaine vnto the port of rest,
There to remaine euen in that sacred cell,
Which aboue all is to be loued best.
That sacred mansion of tranquilitie,
Eternall rest of heau'ns felicity.
Who would remaine in this salt Sea of woe?
In this vnfruitfull vale of miserie?
Who would in sinners pathes delight to goe?
Since nought there is but sharpe calamitie.
Be not besotted with this earthly pleasure,
Lest thou do leese the hope of heauenly treasure.
In this vnfruitfull vale of miserie?
Who would in sinners pathes delight to goe?
Since nought there is but sharpe calamitie.
Be not besotted with this earthly pleasure,
Lest thou do leese the hope of heauenly treasure.
And then farewell fond man, for thy distresse,
Cannot be vttred by the tongue of any,
Such is the platforme of thy wretchednesse,
That thy distresses be in number many.
And then an Ætna with a scorching flame,
Shall vexe thy soule with euerlasting paine.
Cannot be vttred by the tongue of any,
Such is the platforme of thy wretchednesse,
That thy distresses be in number many.
And then an Ætna with a scorching flame,
Shall vexe thy soule with euerlasting paine.
Now giue a sob, in token of thy griefe,
Now weepe amaine, least thou remorcelesse die,
A sigh perchance will yeeld thee some reliefe,
And make thee with a dolefull heart to crie
Pittie deare Lord, pittie good God, I craue,
I doe confesse, that I offended haue.
Now weepe amaine, least thou remorcelesse die,
A sigh perchance will yeeld thee some reliefe,
And make thee with a dolefull heart to crie
Pittie deare Lord, pittie good God, I craue,
I doe confesse, that I offended haue.
This short petition will appease his ire,
Such is his mercy towards penitents,
And though it burn'd before more hote then fire,
Yet at thy teares he presently relents.
And answers thee, if thou wilt cease from sin,
Thou shalt in ioy for euer raigne with him.
Such is his mercy towards penitents,
And though it burn'd before more hote then fire,
Yet at thy teares he presently relents.
And answers thee, if thou wilt cease from sin,
Thou shalt in ioy for euer raigne with him.
If thoule not weepe, Iesus will weepe for thee,
For ore Ierusalem did he lament,
He will condole thy woe, thy miserie,
And tell thee plaine, thy fall is imminent.
He hath more feeling of our wretchednesse,
Then we our selues haue of our owne distresse.
For ore Ierusalem did he lament,
He will condole thy woe, thy miserie,
And tell thee plaine, thy fall is imminent.
He hath more feeling of our wretchednesse,
Then we our selues haue of our owne distresse.
How often hath he calde vs euen with teares,
Stretching his racked armes vpon the crosse,
Yet we runne headlong, void of filiall feare,
Secure and carelesse of our owne soules losse.
Oh weepe for shame, and let thy teares bewaile,
Thy carelesse life, which did thy Sauiour naile.
Stretching his racked armes vpon the crosse,
Yet we runne headlong, void of filiall feare,
Secure and carelesse of our owne soules losse.
Oh weepe for shame, and let thy teares bewaile,
Thy carelesse life, which did thy Sauiour naile.
Shall thy distresse more moue another man,
Then thine owne heart? which should sustaine the griefe,
Sure whosoeuer shall thy folly scan,
Will deeme thee most vnworthie of reliefe.
For this thy soule is cauterizde with sin,
Which thou for euer meanes to dally in.
Then thine owne heart? which should sustaine the griefe,
Sure whosoeuer shall thy folly scan,
Will deeme thee most vnworthie of reliefe.
For this thy soule is cauterizde with sin,
Which thou for euer meanes to dally in.
Lasciuious minion that consumes thy daies,
In tricking vp thy selfe in fine attire,
In decking those proud parts thy name decayes,
Thy honour failes, dishonourd by desire.
Thou with the Argonautes shalt nere obtaine,
Without Gods speciall grace, this heauenly gaine.
In tricking vp thy selfe in fine attire,
In decking those proud parts thy name decayes,
Thy honour failes, dishonourd by desire.
Thou with the Argonautes shalt nere obtaine,
Without Gods speciall grace, this heauenly gaine.
Yet if with Marie Magdalen thou weepe,
And shed salt teares in token of remorce,
If thou repose not in a sinfull sleepe,
Thy teares, thy sighes shall be of equall force.
Cleere to exempt thee from the sting of death,
Which otherwise with mist would choak thy breath.
And shed salt teares in token of remorce,
If thou repose not in a sinfull sleepe,
Thy teares, thy sighes shall be of equall force.
Cleere to exempt thee from the sting of death,
Which otherwise with mist would choak thy breath.
Oh that I could lament as Peter did,
Oh then should I to mercy haue recourse,
But through distrust of mercy I am hid,
With Adam in the groue, made worse and worse.
Oh mollifie (deare Lord) this heart of mine,
That in contrition I may be found thine.
Oh then should I to mercy haue recourse,
But through distrust of mercy I am hid,
With Adam in the groue, made worse and worse.
Oh mollifie (deare Lord) this heart of mine,
That in contrition I may be found thine.
What if I haue aboundance of all treasure?
Wallow in curious cates, and sumptuous fare?
Yet all my deeds opponents to Gods pleasure,
Oh than (God knowes) how poore I am and bare?
Naked, forlorne, opprest with misery,
And so distrest, who ist will pittie me?
Wallow in curious cates, and sumptuous fare?
Yet all my deeds opponents to Gods pleasure,
Oh than (God knowes) how poore I am and bare?
Naked, forlorne, opprest with misery,
And so distrest, who ist will pittie me?
Grant vs deare Lord, so to employ our time,
And so our talent thou to vs hast lent
That like the starres in glory we may shine,
And reape the fruits of pilgrims steps well spent.
So shall that Orient Sun our eyes delight,
And beautifie vs, both by day and night.
And so our talent thou to vs hast lent
That like the starres in glory we may shine,
And reape the fruits of pilgrims steps well spent.
So shall that Orient Sun our eyes delight,
And beautifie vs, both by day and night.
So shall that heauenly light enlighten vs,
That we shall neuer stray from Gods desire,
Not turning things conuenient to abuse,
Nor through presumptuous folly to aspire.
For true humility shall ere protect vs,
And in this night of darknesse shall direct vs.
That we shall neuer stray from Gods desire,
Not turning things conuenient to abuse,
Nor through presumptuous folly to aspire.
For true humility shall ere protect vs,
And in this night of darknesse shall direct vs.
Stay thee a little while, ere thou proceede,
Doe not go hurrying on thine headlong course,
With bitter Satyres make mens hearts to bleede,
Least they by reading be made worse and worse.
So reade, and so conceiue amidst thy reading,
Thy stony heart for sinne may fall a bleeding.
Doe not go hurrying on thine headlong course,
With bitter Satyres make mens hearts to bleede,
Least they by reading be made worse and worse.
So reade, and so conceiue amidst thy reading,
Thy stony heart for sinne may fall a bleeding.
Yet will I know thou canst not this performe,
In the first progresse of thine haplesse race,
Without Gods Spirit (poore soule) thou art forlorne,
Wherefore with teares call vnto God for grace.
Grace will illuminate thy purblinde eies,
Before whose beames, whole heaps of vapors lies.
In the first progresse of thine haplesse race,
Without Gods Spirit (poore soule) thou art forlorne,
Wherefore with teares call vnto God for grace.
Grace will illuminate thy purblinde eies,
Before whose beames, whole heaps of vapors lies.
Solace thy selfe in that which is diuine
Doe not bestow thy time in wantonnesse,
Direct thy pathes vnto the equall line
Of Gods directions, where thine happinesse
Onely consisteth: and dependance hauing,
Is soone obtained by incessant crauing.
Doe not bestow thy time in wantonnesse,
Direct thy pathes vnto the equall line
Of Gods directions, where thine happinesse
Onely consisteth: and dependance hauing,
Is soone obtained by incessant crauing.
Is not this mercy, and a kindnesse great,
To be delighted onely in bestowing.
For when for mercy we doe him entreate,
Mercy we haue, as from a fountaine flowing.
And this same fountaine dried vp is neuer,
But floweth with continuall graces euer.
To be delighted onely in bestowing.
For when for mercy we doe him entreate,
Mercy we haue, as from a fountaine flowing.
And this same fountaine dried vp is neuer,
But floweth with continuall graces euer.
Then beate thine heart, and be ashamde of sinne,
Put thee on sackcloth, and in heart relent,
The goale is gotten, and the triumph winne,
Heau'ns Paradise attainde, if thou repent.
Pierce thine obdurate heart with moisturde teares,
And then soules comfort shall dispell all feares.
Put thee on sackcloth, and in heart relent,
The goale is gotten, and the triumph winne,
Heau'ns Paradise attainde, if thou repent.
Pierce thine obdurate heart with moisturde teares,
And then soules comfort shall dispell all feares.
Tremble and be astonisht for thy life,
In that thou hast offended thy good God,
Put from thee all contention, and all strife,
Lest thou be punisht by his fearefull rod.
And that his rod shall be eternall fire,
Prepar'd for hardned sinners as their hire.
In that thou hast offended thy good God,
Put from thee all contention, and all strife,
Lest thou be punisht by his fearefull rod.
And that his rod shall be eternall fire,
Prepar'd for hardned sinners as their hire.
But if thou cease from sinning, then receiue,
Venite, blessed of my father come,
Like sheepe vpon my right hand you shall haue,
Rewards prouided for you by his sonne.
The other branded with Abite goe,
Into the lake of brimstone full of woe.
Venite, blessed of my father come,
Like sheepe vpon my right hand you shall haue,
Rewards prouided for you by his sonne.
The other branded with Abite goe,
Into the lake of brimstone full of woe.
Oh that we might attaine vnto that heauen,
Whose gates are purer then the finest Gold,
Admirde in vision by the Martyr Stephen,
Promisde to Dauids seede, in time of old.
Grant gracious Lord, that we may so endeuour,
That we with thee may raigne in ioyes for euer.
Whose gates are purer then the finest Gold,
Admirde in vision by the Martyr Stephen,
Promisde to Dauids seede, in time of old.
Grant gracious Lord, that we may so endeuour,
That we with thee may raigne in ioyes for euer.
So let thy countenance shine vpon that mist
Of ignorance, which hath obscurde our minds,
That we may be by Chores of Angels blist,
As those, to whom be seuerall ioyes assignde.
As those who haue obtainde the hauen of blisse,
Enthroned in the thrones of happinesse.
Of ignorance, which hath obscurde our minds,
That we may be by Chores of Angels blist,
As those, to whom be seuerall ioyes assignde.
As those who haue obtainde the hauen of blisse,
Enthroned in the thrones of happinesse.
Oh let thy gracious fauour flourish still
With a continuance of thine heauenly loue,
Directed by the leuell of thy will,
Without a blemish, spotlesse, as the Doue.
So shall we laud and magnifie thy name,
That deigned hast to make vs free from blame.
With a continuance of thine heauenly loue,
Directed by the leuell of thy will,
Without a blemish, spotlesse, as the Doue.
So shall we laud and magnifie thy name,
That deigned hast to make vs free from blame.
Let vs with speede take vp our bed and walke,
Let vs not wallow in lasciuious beds,
Let vs with speede, heare what our Christ doth talke,
Sounding alarums in our deafest eares.
Come vnto me that labour, and are distrest,
Retire to me, for you shal be refresht.
Let vs not wallow in lasciuious beds,
Let vs with speede, heare what our Christ doth talke,
Sounding alarums in our deafest eares.
Come vnto me that labour, and are distrest,
Retire to me, for you shal be refresht.
Is not this solace to thy wearied spirit?
Is not this comfort to thine heauie load?
Since Christ rewardeth thee, who nought doth merit,
A greater kindnesse, neuer could be showd.
Lament thy sin with teares, thy Christ doth craue,
He'le in his mercy, soule and bodie saue.
Is not this comfort to thine heauie load?
Since Christ rewardeth thee, who nought doth merit,
A greater kindnesse, neuer could be showd.
Lament thy sin with teares, thy Christ doth craue,
He'le in his mercy, soule and bodie saue.
Now is the Golden Fleece attainde vnto,
Then which no gem more precious or more faire,
Since Christ doth of our worthlesse works allow,
And hath adopted vs to be his heire
This Golden Fleece is got, none can withstand
The confirmation of Gods sacred hand.
Then which no gem more precious or more faire,
Since Christ doth of our worthlesse works allow,
And hath adopted vs to be his heire
This Golden Fleece is got, none can withstand
The confirmation of Gods sacred hand.
Cancell'd he hath the writing which he had,
To shew against vs, & his precious bloud,
Which he effusde for vs that erst were bad,
Hath wash away our sinnes: O blessed foode.
More fruitfull & more sweete then Heshbons pooles,
Whose pleasant streames refreshed thirstie soules.
To shew against vs, & his precious bloud,
Which he effusde for vs that erst were bad,
Hath wash away our sinnes: O blessed foode.
More fruitfull & more sweete then Heshbons pooles,
Whose pleasant streames refreshed thirstie soules.
Flow thou for euer sweetest of all sweets,
Whose Nectar fountains relisheth our gall,
And with a kinde salute our anguish greets,
Protecting vs, least our fraile steps should fall.
Defend vs Lord, and as thou hether hast,
Protected vs, continue thy repast.
Whose Nectar fountains relisheth our gall,
And with a kinde salute our anguish greets,
Protecting vs, least our fraile steps should fall.
Defend vs Lord, and as thou hether hast,
Protected vs, continue thy repast.
For thy repast will nourish vs for aye,
And feed our hunger-bitten soules with cates,
And sundry dishes, euen from day to day,
Hauing promoted vs to high estates.
VVhat cause hadst thou, since we deserued least,
To fashion vs like man, and not like beast?
And feed our hunger-bitten soules with cates,
And sundry dishes, euen from day to day,
Hauing promoted vs to high estates.
VVhat cause hadst thou, since we deserued least,
To fashion vs like man, and not like beast?
It was thy mercy Lord not our deserts,
That thou shouldst this impart vnto thy foes,
Blessings full manie flowing in our hearts,
As in redemption from soule-bleeding woes.
Lord these thy blessings what tongue can vnfolde
This which our Fathers haue declarde of old?
That thou shouldst this impart vnto thy foes,
Blessings full manie flowing in our hearts,
As in redemption from soule-bleeding woes.
Lord these thy blessings what tongue can vnfolde
This which our Fathers haue declarde of old?
Thou mightst haue made me like a worme or beast,
Or sencelesse creature, like to plants or stones,
But with thine owne forme thou didst me inuest,
Like to thy selfe, and thy elected ones.
For which I cannot giue thee worthy praise,
Yet I will praise thee, and thy name alwaies.
Or sencelesse creature, like to plants or stones,
But with thine owne forme thou didst me inuest,
Like to thy selfe, and thy elected ones.
For which I cannot giue thee worthy praise,
Yet I will praise thee, and thy name alwaies.
O that the nature of our stony hearts
Would be dissolude to teares, whil'st they receiue
Those inward passions suffred for our parts.
For whose extreamest sorrowes we do craue.
That God would pittie take, and vs redresse,
Which destitute of helpe, are comfortlesse.
Would be dissolude to teares, whil'st they receiue
Those inward passions suffred for our parts.
For whose extreamest sorrowes we do craue.
That God would pittie take, and vs redresse,
Which destitute of helpe, are comfortlesse.
Thou art our comfort, and our solacer,
That solacest our miserie and woe,
Thou art our piller and our nourisher,
VVho doest sustaine vs wheresoere we goe,
Then happie wee, since happinesse consists,
To be by thee in heau'n for euer blist.
That solacest our miserie and woe,
Thou art our piller and our nourisher,
VVho doest sustaine vs wheresoere we goe,
Then happie wee, since happinesse consists,
To be by thee in heau'n for euer blist.
Blest be he euer that resides in Christ,
And doth repose his comfort in his loue,
For in his loue all happinesse comprisde
Hele fixe the Anchor which will nere remoue,
Let vs exceede, if so we can exceede
In louing him, who for our loue did bleede.
And doth repose his comfort in his loue,
For in his loue all happinesse comprisde
Hele fixe the Anchor which will nere remoue,
Let vs exceede, if so we can exceede
In louing him, who for our loue did bleede.
Neuer did man sustaine, that he sustained,
To expiate that sinne, we had committed,
For by his death, eternall life we gained,
And we vnto his fauour were admitted.
Pittie vs Lord, as we haue heere transgressed,
Endew vs with that grace, we haue professed.
To expiate that sinne, we had committed,
For by his death, eternall life we gained,
And we vnto his fauour were admitted.
Pittie vs Lord, as we haue heere transgressed,
Endew vs with that grace, we haue professed.
If I could merit, then there were no neede
Of any merits Christ hath wrought for me,
But Christs deere heart did for my follies bleede,
And he was wounded for my misery.
Then for thy wounds, and for thy passion sake,
Saue me O Lord, whom thou didst re-create.
Of any merits Christ hath wrought for me,
But Christs deere heart did for my follies bleede,
And he was wounded for my misery.
Then for thy wounds, and for thy passion sake,
Saue me O Lord, whom thou didst re-create.
I haue gone wandring in this surging sea
Of many troubles, shipt in waues of woe,
I was depriued of the puritie
Of mine owne soule, from whence these griefes did flow.
For mine owne soule defiled is with mudde,
Which erst was raised by thy precious bloud.
Of many troubles, shipt in waues of woe,
I was depriued of the puritie
Of mine owne soule, from whence these griefes did flow.
For mine owne soule defiled is with mudde,
Which erst was raised by thy precious bloud.
Weepe now, hard heart, and call to minde the death
Of thy sweete Sauiour, who appeasde the ire
Of Gods displeasure, and whose heauenly breath,
Attempred that which burnd more hote then fire.
There is no marble-heart so hardened,
But by Christs death, it will be mollified.
Of thy sweete Sauiour, who appeasde the ire
Of Gods displeasure, and whose heauenly breath,
Attempred that which burnd more hote then fire.
There is no marble-heart so hardened,
But by Christs death, it will be mollified.
Oh stonie conscience fraught with wretchednesse,
Oh vile disfigurde creature made of sinne,
Thou that compacted art of wickednesse,
How by thy merits canst thou fauour winne?
Nay, nay to flie to them, thou wouldst be loth,
For they be filthier then a menstruous cloth.
Oh vile disfigurde creature made of sinne,
Thou that compacted art of wickednesse,
How by thy merits canst thou fauour winne?
Nay, nay to flie to them, thou wouldst be loth,
For they be filthier then a menstruous cloth.
Here let me fixe my staffe with Scipio,
And set my foote vnto Alcydes frame,
Beyond which pillers neuer one could goe,
Non vltra fixte, to memorize his name.
Here's Romulus high wal, who leapes ore this,
With Remus vnder it interred is.
And set my foote vnto Alcydes frame,
Beyond which pillers neuer one could goe,
Non vltra fixte, to memorize his name.
Here's Romulus high wal, who leapes ore this,
With Remus vnder it interred is.
Scipios firme staffe I haue defixed here,
In token that my prouince is obtainde,
Vnto whose sacred shrine let all draw nere,
Now is the prize, the Golden Fleece regainde,
That Golden Fleece the subiect of my verse,
The rarest Motto on a dead mans herse.
In token that my prouince is obtainde,
Vnto whose sacred shrine let all draw nere,
Now is the prize, the Golden Fleece regainde,
That Golden Fleece the subiect of my verse,
The rarest Motto on a dead mans herse.
For none that dieth, pleasure can enioy,
Vnlesse he haue a garment made of this,
Not like that poisoned shirt which did annoy,
Oetean Hercules depriude of blisse.
This is the garment of our chastitie,
The milke-white Albe of our sinceritie.
Vnlesse he haue a garment made of this,
Not like that poisoned shirt which did annoy,
Oetean Hercules depriude of blisse.
This is the garment of our chastitie,
The milke-white Albe of our sinceritie.
Who doth not make his garment of this woole,
Purer then purple of the finest dye,
Doth his owne soule with wickednes defoule,
Depriude of Christs death, means to cure his pain
This garment is the ornament of loue,
That Oliue branch brought by a Turtle Doue.
Purer then purple of the finest dye,
Doth his owne soule with wickednes defoule,
Depriude of Christs death, means to cure his pain
This garment is the ornament of loue,
That Oliue branch brought by a Turtle Doue.
The Tyrians were rich, with orient gemme,
Yet not so rich, as this most precious iewell,
The Arabians sweete perfumed odors sends,
But those for daintie dames remaine as fewell:
Pontus brings forth rich beuers of all kind,
But not comparde vnto the peace of mind.
Yet not so rich, as this most precious iewell,
The Arabians sweete perfumed odors sends,
But those for daintie dames remaine as fewell:
Pontus brings forth rich beuers of all kind,
But not comparde vnto the peace of mind.
India is rich, furnisht with golden mines,
But sauage minds possesse them without vse,
More expert coasts, at the Indians rapines,
In that such precious mettals they abuse.
But we repine not at their Indians gaine,
So we this heauenly treasure may obtaine.
But sauage minds possesse them without vse,
More expert coasts, at the Indians rapines,
In that such precious mettals they abuse.
But we repine not at their Indians gaine,
So we this heauenly treasure may obtaine.
Cræsus was rich, yet he obtainde not this,
Irus was poore, Codrus as poore as he,
And these two beggars had their share of blisse,
As much as Cræsus for his maiestie.
Then what doe I regard such wealth, such store,
Since after death, I am not blest therefore.
Irus was poore, Codrus as poore as he,
And these two beggars had their share of blisse,
As much as Cræsus for his maiestie.
Then what doe I regard such wealth, such store,
Since after death, I am not blest therefore.
Poore Thestylis did labour to maintaine,
Her poore estate, by daily toyle and care,
Rich Menedemus carkte for rustie gaine,
Yet at her death she had as much to spare.
Both these did toyle, yet toild they not for this,
To be partakers of eternall blisse.
Her poore estate, by daily toyle and care,
Rich Menedemus carkte for rustie gaine,
Yet at her death she had as much to spare.
Both these did toyle, yet toild they not for this,
To be partakers of eternall blisse.
This richesse is a canker which consumes
The rare fram'd substance of the soule diuine,
For rich men through their rich estates presume
To purchase heau'n, as they did earth fore time.
But gold adoring creatures they must know
That their confusion from their richesse grow.
The rare fram'd substance of the soule diuine,
For rich men through their rich estates presume
To purchase heau'n, as they did earth fore time.
But gold adoring creatures they must know
That their confusion from their richesse grow.
Thus that conuerted is to bitter paine,
Which they reserude for antidotes of health,
They lose in traffique, where they thought to gaine,
Not much vnlike vnto Prometheus stealth,
Who by his theft resoluing to reuiue,
His liuelesse shrines, himselfe of life depriude.
Which they reserude for antidotes of health,
They lose in traffique, where they thought to gaine,
Not much vnlike vnto Prometheus stealth,
Who by his theft resoluing to reuiue,
His liuelesse shrines, himselfe of life depriude.
Who being on mount Caucasus stands bound,
Enchaind in fetters of captiuitie,
Whose heart consuming Eagles grapple round,
Yet right reuiues his endlesse miserie.
Hartlesse consumde by day, his griefes renewde,
For with a new framde heart he is endewde.
Enchaind in fetters of captiuitie,
Whose heart consuming Eagles grapple round,
Yet right reuiues his endlesse miserie.
Hartlesse consumde by day, his griefes renewde,
For with a new framde heart he is endewde.
Night doth create in him that which the day
Had quite consumde, wounded by Eagles billes,
Thus he tormented is, as Poets say,
The night reuiuing what the day time killes.
Thus discontented, rests in discontent,
A iust reward for theft, or thefts entent.
Had quite consumde, wounded by Eagles billes,
Thus he tormented is, as Poets say,
The night reuiuing what the day time killes.
Thus discontented, rests in discontent,
A iust reward for theft, or thefts entent.
Reade but these leaden poems, finde of gold,
For gold is subiect to their shapelesse forme,
Though they degenerate from a golden mould,
Yet pious wits will not such fragments scorne.
And as a maske oft veles deformitie,
So may my errors by your clemency,
For gold is subiect to their shapelesse forme,
Though they degenerate from a golden mould,
Yet pious wits will not such fragments scorne.
And as a maske oft veles deformitie,
So may my errors by your clemency,
A kinde embrace encourageth a swaine,
To tell his rusticke tale, and doth excite,
His silly muse to frolicke, or the plaine,
So kindest censures them that rudely write,
If these naked poems please, I doe protest
In bounden loue, deuoted I will rest.
To be commanded in the highest straine
That poore Menalchas euer shall attaine.
To tell his rusticke tale, and doth excite,
His silly muse to frolicke, or the plaine,
So kindest censures them that rudely write,
If these naked poems please, I doe protest
In bounden loue, deuoted I will rest.
To be commanded in the highest straine
That poore Menalchas euer shall attaine.
Sat vobis est hac tenui & serpente vena.
FINIS.
AN ELEGIE ENTITVLED Narcissus Change.
Narcissus
pestred with the Summer heate,
Came to a fountain whose stil-flowing spring,
Refreshed him where siluer fountaines meete,
Vpon whose banks did ripened berries hing.
VVhose pleasant colour did such beauty show,
That they their forme did to the banks bestow.
Came to a fountain whose stil-flowing spring,
Refreshed him where siluer fountaines meete,
Vpon whose banks did ripened berries hing.
VVhose pleasant colour did such beauty show,
That they their forme did to the banks bestow.
Such was the beauty of that ripened fruite,
Whose faire adorning shadow did oreshade
The banks adioynde, where Clio with her Lute,
Vsed to play, with flourie roabes araide.
Where Clio plaid, the Naiades replide,
With tripping grace, in Tempe deifide.
Whose faire adorning shadow did oreshade
The banks adioynde, where Clio with her Lute,
Vsed to play, with flourie roabes araide.
Where Clio plaid, the Naiades replide,
With tripping grace, in Tempe deifide.
Here did Narcissus bath himselfe a while,
And with a Nectar sweetnesse quench his thirst,
Ling him downe, with quicke conceit did smile,
Glutted with water, which he longde for first.
Where he perceiuing how thee berries cast
A beauteous colour, thus he spake agast.
And with a Nectar sweetnesse quench his thirst,
Ling him downe, with quicke conceit did smile,
Glutted with water, which he longde for first.
Where he perceiuing how thee berries cast
A beauteous colour, thus he spake agast.
Faire were that creature that surpassed these,
In beautie, or in colour, but no shape,
Can be comparde to these delicious trees,
Whose fruitfull sprigs send out this louely grape.
O why should Gods (quoth he) such berries make
Of such rare colour for Narcissus sake?
In beautie, or in colour, but no shape,
Can be comparde to these delicious trees,
Whose fruitfull sprigs send out this louely grape.
O why should Gods (quoth he) such berries make
Of such rare colour for Narcissus sake?
Narcissus is not in his shape so faire
Nor in his colour, so admirde as these,
Bright-eide Alexis is beyond compare,
Yet not comparde to these broad shadowing trees.
Phyllis was fayre, yet not so faire to me,
As these faire berries speckled pretily.
Nor in his colour, so admirde as these,
Bright-eide Alexis is beyond compare,
Yet not comparde to these broad shadowing trees.
Phyllis was fayre, yet not so faire to me,
As these faire berries speckled pretily.
Thus whil'st he spake, he did reflect his eyes
Vnto the fountaine, where he did perceiue,
His owne affected beauty, which descries
Conceit of beauty doth young youthes depraue.
For he conceited of his beauteous forme
With high ambition did his shape adorne.
Vnto the fountaine, where he did perceiue,
His owne affected beauty, which descries
Conceit of beauty doth young youthes depraue.
For he conceited of his beauteous forme
With high ambition did his shape adorne.
Doest thou aduāce (quoth he) with high prizde praise
The beauty of these berries grow hard by?
And will not thine owne beauty eternize,
Decked with pleasures in variety?
Thy blush exceeds the feature of all plants,
Thou art endewde with that the Cupresse wants.
The beauty of these berries grow hard by?
And will not thine owne beauty eternize,
Decked with pleasures in variety?
Thy blush exceeds the feature of all plants,
Thou art endewde with that the Cupresse wants.
The Cypresse tree doth not her verdure lose,
But still reserues her vernant shape and springs,
With cheerefull die, so doth the blushing rose,
VVhich to her pruner, fragrant sauour brings.
Neither the Rose, nor yet the Cypresse tree,
In any wise may be comparde to thee.
But still reserues her vernant shape and springs,
With cheerefull die, so doth the blushing rose,
VVhich to her pruner, fragrant sauour brings.
Neither the Rose, nor yet the Cypresse tree,
In any wise may be comparde to thee.
Damon hath told me oft, I was most faire,
Yet I beleeude him not: but now I see,
My beautie is mongst other shepheards rare
No marueile if Orytha fauour me
Since Nature by Apelles hand hath sought,
To passe that nature which foretime was wrought.
Yet I beleeude him not: but now I see,
My beautie is mongst other shepheards rare
No marueile if Orytha fauour me
Since Nature by Apelles hand hath sought,
To passe that nature which foretime was wrought.
Crotons fine daughters, framde by Zeuxes art,
VVere much admirde for beauty yet must yeeld
To thee Narcissus, for in euery part,
Thy well proportiond members them exceld.
They faire by art, thou by dame Nature faire,
Nature with art, we vse not to compare.
VVere much admirde for beauty yet must yeeld
To thee Narcissus, for in euery part,
Thy well proportiond members them exceld.
They faire by art, thou by dame Nature faire,
Nature with art, we vse not to compare.
Thersites that mishapen Grecian swaine,
was of my stocke and louely progenie,
But he foule man, should be reformd againe,
For his ill featurde formes deformitie.
But thou Narcissus dost enioy that name,
VVhich Nature doth enuie, whil'st she doth name.
was of my stocke and louely progenie,
But he foule man, should be reformd againe,
For his ill featurde formes deformitie.
But thou Narcissus dost enioy that name,
VVhich Nature doth enuie, whil'st she doth name.
Namde be thou euer, for thou doest enioy
The honour and the credit of thy maker,
Thou art Narcissus that same louely boy,
That of celestiall forme art made partaker,
Partaker be thou euer of that forme,
Since nature as her gemme did thee adorne.
The honour and the credit of thy maker,
Thou art Narcissus that same louely boy,
That of celestiall forme art made partaker,
Partaker be thou euer of that forme,
Since nature as her gemme did thee adorne.
Narcissus gemme, for who can ere compare
With the surpassing beautie of his face?
Which intermixed is with red most faire,
Resembling Io, whose admired grace.
Strucke such a loue in Iupiters high brest,
That he protested, he lou'd Io best.
With the surpassing beautie of his face?
Which intermixed is with red most faire,
Resembling Io, whose admired grace.
Strucke such a loue in Iupiters high brest,
That he protested, he lou'd Io best.
One day amongst the rest, high Ioue would kisse,
The parragon of beauty Ios face,
Iuno stood at his backe, and seeing this
You might forbeare, quoth she whilest we are in place,
It were enough to vele your crimes by night,
And not to act them in your Iunoes sight.
The parragon of beauty Ios face,
Iuno stood at his backe, and seeing this
You might forbeare, quoth she whilest we are in place,
It were enough to vele your crimes by night,
And not to act them in your Iunoes sight.
Ioue he replied litle, but expressed,
His loue to Iuno still with feigned lookes,
Io stood still, her silence lust confessed,
Such is the attracting power of diuine hookes.
Their diuine power is such, that being showne,
The chastest maids that breathe be not their owne.
His loue to Iuno still with feigned lookes,
Io stood still, her silence lust confessed,
Such is the attracting power of diuine hookes.
Their diuine power is such, that being showne,
The chastest maids that breathe be not their owne.
Ioue loued still, yet could not hide his loue,
From iealous Juno, wherefore he inuented,
By metamorphozde shape, his ioyes to proue,
Io poore wench, without delay consented.
And left faire shapes, should Ioues conceit reueale,
An heifers forme, did Jo's shape conceale.
From iealous Juno, wherefore he inuented,
By metamorphozde shape, his ioyes to proue,
Io poore wench, without delay consented.
And left faire shapes, should Ioues conceit reueale,
An heifers forme, did Jo's shape conceale.
Fondest of fonds will thou compare thy feature,
With a lasciuious heifer Ioues delight?
Thou art the curious frame of diuine nature,
Nature sure made thee in her owne despight.
For she despiteth thee, thou art so faire,
That Nature with her worke may not compare.
With a lasciuious heifer Ioues delight?
Thou art the curious frame of diuine nature,
Nature sure made thee in her owne despight.
For she despiteth thee, thou art so faire,
That Nature with her worke may not compare.
Leda faire wife to royall Tindarus,
Drew Joue from heauen, proportion of a swan,
For Gods at that time were voluptuous:
From whence the twins of Leda first began.
Ledas two egges, Pollux and Hellen hight,
Castor and Clytemnestra brought to light.
Drew Joue from heauen, proportion of a swan,
For Gods at that time were voluptuous:
From whence the twins of Leda first began.
Ledas two egges, Pollux and Hellen hight,
Castor and Clytemnestra brought to light.
These faire surpassing faire, endewed were
With vitall breath by Ioues faire swanlike forme,
Castor and Pollux staid not long time there,
For they bright lamps, the heauēs with light adorn:
Hellen though faire, yet Hellen did amisse,
And Clytemnestra grew adulteresse.
With vitall breath by Ioues faire swanlike forme,
Castor and Pollux staid not long time there,
For they bright lamps, the heauēs with light adorn:
Hellen though faire, yet Hellen did amisse,
And Clytemnestra grew adulteresse.
Auant degenerate thoughts, ill may betide thee,
Obtruding lustfull Hellen to my shrine,
Or Clytemnestras knowne adulterie,
Or with celestiall bodies which doe shine
In heauens supernall Throne, and what are they,
That thou the brightest starre, should stars obey.
Obtruding lustfull Hellen to my shrine,
Or Clytemnestras knowne adulterie,
Or with celestiall bodies which doe shine
In heauens supernall Throne, and what are they,
That thou the brightest starre, should stars obey.
Looke at thy face, and in this Christall fount,
Gaze at thy golden locks: Oh doe not blush,
Fairest of men, fit for Idalias mount,
There to inhabite: crownd with myrtle bush.
What shall I say Narcissus, to thy beauty,
To which Apollo tied is in dutie.
Gaze at thy golden locks: Oh doe not blush,
Fairest of men, fit for Idalias mount,
There to inhabite: crownd with myrtle bush.
What shall I say Narcissus, to thy beauty,
To which Apollo tied is in dutie.
Apollo followed Daphne in a chace,
An vnchast chace, when gods do follow maids,
And in this shamelesse course, this haplesse race,
Daphne makes refuge to the Lawrel shades.
Where she transformed was into that tree,
Vnder whose shade poore wench, she wisht to be.
An vnchast chace, when gods do follow maids,
And in this shamelesse course, this haplesse race,
Daphne makes refuge to the Lawrel shades.
Where she transformed was into that tree,
Vnder whose shade poore wench, she wisht to be.
But what high Ioue, or what Apollo can,
Transforme Narcissus, since his shape exceeds,
Faire Hippodamia for whom Pelops ran,
Iphicus heart for me with sorrow bleeds.
And let it bleede I am of purer frame
Then each lasciuious mate to entertaine.
Transforme Narcissus, since his shape exceeds,
Faire Hippodamia for whom Pelops ran,
Iphicus heart for me with sorrow bleeds.
And let it bleede I am of purer frame
Then each lasciuious mate to entertaine.
But if faire Deiopeia would descend
Daughter to Iuno, and entreate my loue,
Then would I to her suite attention lend,
And in a mutuall sort her teares approue.
I am too faire for Galatæas vaine,
Whom I loude once, yet nere will loue againe.
Daughter to Iuno, and entreate my loue,
Then would I to her suite attention lend,
And in a mutuall sort her teares approue.
I am too faire for Galatæas vaine,
Whom I loude once, yet nere will loue againe.
Though she allure me with her pretty fauours,
Sending me bracelets, made of diuers sorts,
And fragrant nosegaies, mixed with sweetest sauours,
Yet maids of greater place to me resorts.
If any earhtly creature me obtaine,
It shall be Themis, she's a louely swaine.
Sending me bracelets, made of diuers sorts,
And fragrant nosegaies, mixed with sweetest sauours,
Yet maids of greater place to me resorts.
If any earhtly creature me obtaine,
It shall be Themis, she's a louely swaine.
But it's no humane creature can content me,
It must be some diuiner power shall haue me,
Therfore some faire shapde god thou shalt inuēt thee
To be thy mistresse, who ere long will craue thee.
And crauing thee, will dote vpon thy face,
Wishing thou wert borne of celestiall race.
It must be some diuiner power shall haue me,
Therfore some faire shapde god thou shalt inuēt thee
To be thy mistresse, who ere long will craue thee.
And crauing thee, will dote vpon thy face,
Wishing thou wert borne of celestiall race.
Thus whil'st Narcissus spake, his twisted armes
Began to flourish with a greene clad least
VVith grim Nemesis by her posherfull charmes,
Composde to be the blossomes of his grest.
His head was cloathed with a colour greene,
None knew Narcissus where he erst had beene.
Began to flourish with a greene clad least
VVith grim Nemesis by her posherfull charmes,
Composde to be the blossomes of his grest.
His head was cloathed with a colour greene,
None knew Narcissus where he erst had beene.
This was the high prizde loue he did conceiue
Of his owne beautie fitter for Gods then men,
Ambitious thoughts doe worthie parts depraue,
More sauage farre then Lyons in their den.
For hauing got their prey, they rest content,
But soaring thoughts are still to lewdnesse bent.
Of his owne beautie fitter for Gods then men,
Ambitious thoughts doe worthie parts depraue,
More sauage farre then Lyons in their den.
For hauing got their prey, they rest content,
But soaring thoughts are still to lewdnesse bent.
Another Elegie called Æsons affecting youth.
There was one Æson who long time had liude,
And waxing old, was clad with hoarie haire,
So that each day he lookt to be depriude
Of his scarce liuing life consumde with care.
And euery day he rose, farewell quoth he,
For ere to morrow death will summon me.
And waxing old, was clad with hoarie haire,
So that each day he lookt to be depriude
Of his scarce liuing life consumde with care.
And euery day he rose, farewell quoth he,
For ere to morrow death will summon me.
A lookt for summons, yet not much desirde,
For what man liuing will desire his fall?
If that my fortunes haue to wealth aspirde,
And that the Gods haue blest me therewithall,
Why should I die? yet these gray haires portend,
Yet ere long time my state must haue an end.
For what man liuing will desire his fall?
If that my fortunes haue to wealth aspirde,
And that the Gods haue blest me therewithall,
Why should I die? yet these gray haires portend,
Yet ere long time my state must haue an end.
With that he wept, and sighing did despaire,
Watring his pale-facde cheeks with aged drops,
And weeping, wipte his eyes with snow-white haire.
His beard was long, bedeckt with aged locks.
So that to see this oldman homwards creepe,
Would moue Ægæon if aliue, to weepe.
Watring his pale-facde cheeks with aged drops,
And weeping, wipte his eyes with snow-white haire.
His beard was long, bedeckt with aged locks.
So that to see this oldman homwards creepe,
Would moue Ægæon if aliue, to weepe.
Now whil'st he wept, and did lament his woe,
Jason came to him, Jason was his sonne,
And with a quicke pace mixt with teares did goe,
Hearing his father say, he was vndone.
Vndone quoth Iason, why deere Sir (quoth he)
Is it in that I haue offended thee?
Jason came to him, Jason was his sonne,
And with a quicke pace mixt with teares did goe,
Hearing his father say, he was vndone.
Vndone quoth Iason, why deere Sir (quoth he)
Is it in that I haue offended thee?
No quoth old Aeson, its because mine age,
Growes out of frame, decrepit and decaid,
Once was I nimble be'ng Cretheus page,
But now I flie vnto my staffe for aide.
This (my kinde sonne) is cause of my distresse,
Of all my sorrow and my heauinesse.
Growes out of frame, decrepit and decaid,
Once was I nimble be'ng Cretheus page,
But now I flie vnto my staffe for aide.
This (my kinde sonne) is cause of my distresse,
Of all my sorrow and my heauinesse.
Iason did smile, yet he concealde his smile,
Least he should seeme to scorne his fathers yeares
Or pure compassion of his griefes exile,
But wash'd his tearelesse face with fained teares.
And Æson hauing all his woes descride,
VVith framed speech young Iason thus replide.
Least he should seeme to scorne his fathers yeares
Or pure compassion of his griefes exile,
But wash'd his tearelesse face with fained teares.
And Æson hauing all his woes descride,
VVith framed speech young Iason thus replide.
Deare father, if distresse consist in this,
That is in sorrowing for your aged yeares,
I thinke it were not very farre amisse,
To shew Medæa these your wofull teares.
VVherewith (quoth Aeson) can she comfort me,
That will be dead, ere she can visit me?
That is in sorrowing for your aged yeares,
I thinke it were not very farre amisse,
To shew Medæa these your wofull teares.
VVherewith (quoth Aeson) can she comfort me,
That will be dead, ere she can visit me?
Iason to comfort him, poore doting man,
Said, she had vsde the like experiment
Of diuers others: and that Helicon
Yeelds powerfull hearbs, by Æsculapius sent.
Adding, he would make hast, and bid her trie,
What she could doe in this extremitie.
Said, she had vsde the like experiment
Of diuers others: and that Helicon
Yeelds powerfull hearbs, by Æsculapius sent.
Adding, he would make hast, and bid her trie,
What she could doe in this extremitie.
Æson did thanke him, with a fathers blissing,
Praying the Gods to prosper him for euer,
And like a dotard cloyed him with kissing,
Hoping to liue for aye: Die should he neuer.
Iason made hast to his inchanting wife,
Bidding her trie her skill for Æsons life.
Praying the Gods to prosper him for euer,
And like a dotard cloyed him with kissing,
Hoping to liue for aye: Die should he neuer.
Iason made hast to his inchanting wife,
Bidding her trie her skill for Æsons life.
Medæa wept to heare her Iason aske,
In such lamenting manner for her father:
Protesting oft, this was an extreme tast,
Nothing on earth, but she could doe it rather.
Iason commaunds which she will not withstand,
But gins to trie hearbs vertues with her hand.
In such lamenting manner for her father:
Protesting oft, this was an extreme tast,
Nothing on earth, but she could doe it rather.
Iason commaunds which she will not withstand,
But gins to trie hearbs vertues with her hand.
And going farre and neere, she gatherd flowers,
Which she distild into a vessell pure,
From whence proceeded such all working powers,
That she by them could make men ere endure.
And more to die, which did content her sire.
For to be euer young was his desire.
Which she distild into a vessell pure,
From whence proceeded such all working powers,
That she by them could make men ere endure.
And more to die, which did content her sire.
For to be euer young was his desire.
When she had this confession made and tride,
The same by skill, made on a fruitlesse tree,
Whereof the withred branches downe did slide,
To which applying Art: sprung fruitfully
Faire Oliue branches, by whose vernant show
The vertue of her herbs she soone did know.
The same by skill, made on a fruitlesse tree,
Whereof the withred branches downe did slide,
To which applying Art: sprung fruitfully
Faire Oliue branches, by whose vernant show
The vertue of her herbs she soone did know.
Wherefore she came to Æson spedily,
Taking him by th' hand: young man (quoth shee)
Whereat she laught, I haue found remedie,
For your old age, if youl'e be rulde by me.
And drawing out a boxe of pleasant oyle,
This will (quoth she) asswage your forepast toyle.
Taking him by th' hand: young man (quoth shee)
Whereat she laught, I haue found remedie,
For your old age, if youl'e be rulde by me.
And drawing out a boxe of pleasant oyle,
This will (quoth she) asswage your forepast toyle.
Hauing annoynted him good gods (quoth he)
How agile, and how nimble be my bones?
By lasting fame eternized be she,
That healde mine akes, yet saying this he grones.
For he beheld the excrements of time,
Gray haires dispoile him of his flowry prime.
How agile, and how nimble be my bones?
By lasting fame eternized be she,
That healde mine akes, yet saying this he grones.
For he beheld the excrements of time,
Gray haires dispoile him of his flowry prime.
And sighing thus, you haue done good to me,
Daughter Medæa, in that you haue curde
My chill-cold ioynts spent with debilitie
For which approued kindnesse, rest assurde.
That Iason shall enioy old Pelias ground.
Since thee more kinde then Pelias I haue found.
Daughter Medæa, in that you haue curde
My chill-cold ioynts spent with debilitie
For which approued kindnesse, rest assurde.
That Iason shall enioy old Pelias ground.
Since thee more kinde then Pelias I haue found.
One thing is yet awanting, which if thou
By thy diuinest skill shalt ere performe,
Or if by thy endeuours thou canst doe,
With a perpetuall wreath Ile thee adorne.
And character the honour of thy name,
With the dispersing of thy sacred fame.
By thy diuinest skill shalt ere performe,
Or if by thy endeuours thou canst doe,
With a perpetuall wreath Ile thee adorne.
And character the honour of thy name,
With the dispersing of thy sacred fame.
She without further question made, applied
Vnto his aged haires such fragrant smell,
And by her concoct hearbs so liquefied,
That in all hast, his hoary haires downe fell,
And being fallen, there sprung vp in that place,
A coale-blacke bush of haire vpon his face.
Vnto his aged haires such fragrant smell,
And by her concoct hearbs so liquefied,
That in all hast, his hoary haires downe fell,
And being fallen, there sprung vp in that place,
A coale-blacke bush of haire vpon his face.
Seeke not with Æson to be young againe,
But haue desire to end thy pilgrimage,
Since it is fraughted with a sea of paine,
Who would with youth change his declining age?
Youth is licentious, age experienced,
Tels vs, That lust is to be banished.
But haue desire to end thy pilgrimage,
Since it is fraughted with a sea of paine,
Who would with youth change his declining age?
Youth is licentious, age experienced,
Tels vs, That lust is to be banished.
FINIS.
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