The Castell of Courtesie Whereunto is adioyned The Holde of Humilitie: With the Chariot of Chastitie thereunto annexed. Also a Dialogue betweene Age and Youth, and other matters herein conteined. By Iames Yates |
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1
[The Hould of Humilitie:]
Captious Conceipts,
good Reader doe dismis:
And friendly weigh
the willing minde of his,
Which more doth write
for pleasure then for praise,
Whose worthless workes
are simplie pend alwaies.
good Reader doe dismis:
And friendly weigh
the willing minde of his,
Which more doth write
for pleasure then for praise,
Whose worthless workes
are simplie pend alwaies.
[1]
To the Courteous construers of indifferent iudgement.
I see a sect, which leane to false reporte,
And finde some cause to cauill in disdaine:
I wishe they would leaue off that friendlesse sorte,
And not triumph in vauntes which are but vaine.
Their doubtful doomes delighting in disdaine,
Might frustrate be from follie, trust me true,
And not with contempt, the simpler sorte to view.
And finde some cause to cauill in disdaine:
I wishe they would leaue off that friendlesse sorte,
And not triumph in vauntes which are but vaine.
Their doubtful doomes delighting in disdaine,
Might frustrate be from follie, trust me true,
And not with contempt, the simpler sorte to view.
To Courteous construers, I doe this commende,
Which vvith good vvill, doe vveigh the vvilling mind,
Indifferentlie their iudgement to extend,
And yeelde reporte according as they finde:
And so shall I at no time be behinde
To vse my penne, and practise vvith my pate,
In vvilling sorte my fancies to relate.
Which vvith good vvill, doe vveigh the vvilling mind,
Indifferentlie their iudgement to extend,
And yeelde reporte according as they finde:
And so shall I at no time be behinde
To vse my penne, and practise vvith my pate,
In vvilling sorte my fancies to relate.
A homelie Houlde for present I preferre:
Requesting those vvhich doe the same expect,
With Courtesie their iudgement to inferre.
For I presume all vvill not it reiect
But fauour finde, my indeuour to protect,
From truthlesse tongues, vvhich tattle tales but fained
And glorie great vvhen others are disdained.
Requesting those vvhich doe the same expect,
With Courtesie their iudgement to inferre.
For I presume all vvill not it reiect
But fauour finde, my indeuour to protect,
From truthlesse tongues, vvhich tattle tales but fained
And glorie great vvhen others are disdained.
No dolor to disdaine. Iames Yates.
2
The Houlde of Humilitie.
1582.
As
fixed minde desire hath,
more noueltie to see;
And wanton wittes are soone intic'd
with such toyes as they be:
So (trueth to tell) I must not faine,
that were no honest part:
I am as readie as the best
to practise such an art.
Small practise sure I thinke will serue,
for nature hath vs taught:
For to forsake that which is good,
and take that which is naught.
In deede more readie for the worst,
then seeke the best to chuse:
For nature is an enemie,
her Impes for to abuse.
The frailetie of our present Time
is much for me to write:
And silence seldome gets dispraise,
when tatlinge moues despite.
For little saide, a smalle amendes
will serue to counterpoyse:
When too much mischiefe doth arise
by talkers tatling noyse.
But whist, me thinkes I heere a voyce
which doeth commande me staye:
And telles me flatt in fewe wordes,
I am out of my waye.
O Youth what should become of thee
if Ayde were not thy guide:
What way would'st thou haue wandred heere.
how soone would'st thou goe wide?
Come followe me quoth father Ayde
let vs this Houlde goe see:
To view each parte and how it standes,
in state and eke degree.
So forth we went through forrest thicke,
and many craching Bryers:
Yet did we make no forse of them,
such were our due desires.
And when we had thus past the worst,
at length that place we founde:
The which did much delight our mindes,
and pleasure did abounde.
For loe, we sawe this passing Houlde,
so finelie fram'd in seate:
As in my minde I streight did muse
to see a thing so greate.
So huge and monstrous of higth
with Towers on each side:
That gaue it sure a goodly grace,
as did reporte my guide.
The Situation of the same,
vpon a pleasant greene:
Where Tellus bankes so braue did shew,
as like may not be seene.
An entrie of Trees did growe,
so streight vp to the skye:
As made me meruaile very much,
to see their length so hye.
And moated round, where pleasant springes,
doe yeeld a rare delight,
And him that gets a sip thereof
I count a happie wight.
Pernassus Hill where Muses keepe,
and ioyfull noates abounde:
May not compare now with this Houlde,
or pleasant fertle ground.
Apollo if he were in place,
to take a view therof:
Would presently, commend the same,
I knowe I do not scoffe.
The cost which Cæsar did bestowe,
within the walles of Rome:
Is not coequall vnto this,
as I suppose by doome.
When we aproched neere this Hold,
there did a Porter stand:
Whose name Resistance (sir) was cal'd
a greate clubbe in his hand.
For Grimnesse sure he might be Mars,
or Hercules indeede:
Who did commaunde vs for to stay,
whereto we both agreed.
He asked vs, wherefore we came,
and what was our intent:
We vp and told him all our minde,
and whereto we were bent.
Quoth Ayde, we are both straungers we
desirouse for to see:
This noble place the which is cal'd
the Hold of Humilitie.
Then straight Resistance gaue vs leaue,
to passe his watched place:
But in my dayes I neuer sawe,
so coucht a crabtreed face.
Resistance sure he might well be,
his face did shew the same:
His gesture therto was alike,
as nature well can frame.
Thus onwarde still withouten stoppe,
or any whit denyall:
When we had past Resistance hard,
we further put in tryall.
And venterously we did presume
to come vnto the gate:
Where as we met an other wight
of meeke and comely state.
Who asked vs from whence we came
and what was our intent:
We saide to see this noble Hold,
our mindes were fully bent.
Sir may we be so bolde (quoth Youth)
for to demaund your name,
He gently disclosed to vs
what was the verie same.
My name is Salutation,
which neuer doth disdaine:
The traueling wighte which worthie is.
All times I entertaine.
Youth.
more noueltie to see;
And wanton wittes are soone intic'd
with such toyes as they be:
So (trueth to tell) I must not faine,
that were no honest part:
I am as readie as the best
to practise such an art.
Small practise sure I thinke will serue,
for nature hath vs taught:
For to forsake that which is good,
and take that which is naught.
In deede more readie for the worst,
then seeke the best to chuse:
For nature is an enemie,
her Impes for to abuse.
The frailetie of our present Time
is much for me to write:
And silence seldome gets dispraise,
when tatlinge moues despite.
For little saide, a smalle amendes
will serue to counterpoyse:
When too much mischiefe doth arise
by talkers tatling noyse.
But whist, me thinkes I heere a voyce
which doeth commande me staye:
And telles me flatt in fewe wordes,
I am out of my waye.
O Youth what should become of thee
if Ayde were not thy guide:
What way would'st thou haue wandred heere.
how soone would'st thou goe wide?
[2]
let vs this Houlde goe see:
To view each parte and how it standes,
in state and eke degree.
So forth we went through forrest thicke,
and many craching Bryers:
Yet did we make no forse of them,
such were our due desires.
And when we had thus past the worst,
at length that place we founde:
The which did much delight our mindes,
and pleasure did abounde.
For loe, we sawe this passing Houlde,
so finelie fram'd in seate:
As in my minde I streight did muse
to see a thing so greate.
So huge and monstrous of higth
with Towers on each side:
That gaue it sure a goodly grace,
as did reporte my guide.
The Situation of the same,
vpon a pleasant greene:
Where Tellus bankes so braue did shew,
as like may not be seene.
An entrie of Trees did growe,
so streight vp to the skye:
As made me meruaile very much,
to see their length so hye.
And moated round, where pleasant springes,
doe yeeld a rare delight,
And him that gets a sip thereof
I count a happie wight.
Pernassus Hill where Muses keepe,
and ioyfull noates abounde:
May not compare now with this Houlde,
or pleasant fertle ground.
3
to take a view therof:
Would presently, commend the same,
I knowe I do not scoffe.
The cost which Cæsar did bestowe,
within the walles of Rome:
Is not coequall vnto this,
as I suppose by doome.
When we aproched neere this Hold,
there did a Porter stand:
Whose name Resistance (sir) was cal'd
a greate clubbe in his hand.
For Grimnesse sure he might be Mars,
or Hercules indeede:
Who did commaunde vs for to stay,
whereto we both agreed.
He asked vs, wherefore we came,
and what was our intent:
We vp and told him all our minde,
and whereto we were bent.
Quoth Ayde, we are both straungers we
desirouse for to see:
This noble place the which is cal'd
the Hold of Humilitie.
Then straight Resistance gaue vs leaue,
to passe his watched place:
But in my dayes I neuer sawe,
so coucht a crabtreed face.
Resistance sure he might well be,
his face did shew the same:
His gesture therto was alike,
as nature well can frame.
Thus onwarde still withouten stoppe,
or any whit denyall:
When we had past Resistance hard,
we further put in tryall.
[3]
to come vnto the gate:
Where as we met an other wight
of meeke and comely state.
Who asked vs from whence we came
and what was our intent:
We saide to see this noble Hold,
our mindes were fully bent.
Sir may we be so bolde (quoth Youth)
for to demaund your name,
He gently disclosed to vs
what was the verie same.
My name is Salutation,
which neuer doth disdaine:
The traueling wighte which worthie is.
All times I entertaine.
And as I was a going in
by chaunce cast vp myne eye:
And looking vp vpon the gate
this verse I did espye.
The verses vpon the gate of the Hold of Humilitie.
I am humilitie, the holde,the humble to receiue:
The stubburne I renounce them quite,
the froward I do leaue.
Approch not nigh you currish carles,
lest that my battering shotte:
Dischardged be to coile your coates,
and make your stomackes hote.
Aide
O master Salutation
these verses carry fire:
Theire sense is alligant and tarte.
4
And when I came within The Houlde,
how lik'st thou this quoth Ayde?
Youth.
Sir, I am euen Rauished,
my senses be dismai'd.
Aide
Dismai'd, why? Because I am
in Paradise I thinke:
Oh God what Christall glimmering shewes
doe make my eies to wincke.
As Goulde surmounteth Copper base;
or siluer passeth tinne:
So doe these sightes (which I doe see)
which are the house within.
Whil'st Salutation, Ayde and I.
were looking round about:
I heard a dore which opened
from whence there issued out,
Another wight of comely hue,
at which I stood apalled:
And was Desirous for to kowe
by what name he was called.
And as it seem'd he did ene heare,
for why? he aunswere made:
What be these wightes, which aske my name,
or what Sir, is there trade?
Quoth Salutation vnto him,
they are both straungers (they)
Resistance gaue them leaue to passe
hether (as they doe say).
I Sir (quoth we) straungers we are,
but may we knowe your name:
It is Sir Gratulation
of trueth the very same.
Gratulation Captaine of the Houlde
The Captaine I am of this Houlde,
commanding euery man:
(That is within my gouernment)
[4]
But by what meanes (I pray you tell)
did you finde out this way.
Youth
I shall declare the cause is such:
I fired was to stray,
And like a yongling lost my selfe,
in forrest thicke vnknowne:
And crying out with ruthfull voyce,
to haue my miserie knowne.
By Gods assignement (as I must,
of force confesse in deede:)
Came then vnto my father Ayde,
to helpe me at my neede.
And to be short, I did declare,
vnto him all my minde:
How that I was affectioned
some Noueltie to finde.
Why then quoth Ayde, come on thy way,
rise vp and go with me:
And I will shewe you a Castel cald,
by name of Courtesie.
Gratulation.
And were you at the Castel (Sir)
the better now apaide:
You are as welcome to this place,
as can with tongue be saide.
For I am (Sir) solemnly sworne,
this Hold I do maintaine:
To helpe the Castle when they neede,
or do commaunde my paine.
But Sirs, since that you come from thence,
you be most welcome sure,
And though you are straungers to me,
yet what I can procure,
You shall commaund vnfainedly
sirs, with a willing hearte.
Then Ayde and I both gaue him thankes,
5
Forthwith he call'd a seruant out,
whose name was Dilligence,
And gaue him charge in any wise,
as he woulde scape offence:
To shewe vs what we did Desire
within the Houlde to see:
And charged him in any wise
from vs two not to be.
He well obeyed his Masters hest,
he tooke great paines in deede:
To shewe vs euery place within,
that might our pleasures feede.
Truely Dilligence delited much,
to signifie and tell:
To burnish out his Masters praise,
it seem'd he lou'd it well.
So vp and downe from place to place,
by Dilligence directed:
He was not slow to shewe vs all,
no labour he detracted.
But thus in briefe to cut it off,
and make relation small:
Of any sight that euer I sawe,
it passeth most of all.
Then Ayde and I, when we had seene
enough to please our minde:
We asked Dilligence if he could
his Master for vs finde,
That we might yeeld him thankes,
for this his friendship shewed:
And alwaies resting to requite
the Courtesie bestowed.
Then Dilligence did bring vs both
to Gratulation kinde:
Who asked vs if we had found,
[5]
{I lie} quoth we, we haue that founde,
and seene we neuer sawe:
And if we may stand you in stead,
we sweare by faithfull lawe,
You shall command vs at all times,
and so we minde to parte:
Protesting yours for to rest,
with faithfull fired hart.
And truelie of your gentlenesse,
we shall not let to tell:
Sith you haue entertained vs,
with faithfull minde so well.
And thus adue, high Ioue of all
be your chiefe guide and trust:
For we will homewarde take our way,
as needes of force we must.
Quoth Ayde to me, my Youth marke this,
in each time, state and season:
For to requite where paines are tooke,
me thinkes it were good Reason:
Shoulde wee depart and nothing giue
to Dilligence (O fie)
Since he hath taken all the paines
to seede and please our eye.
Youth.
[illeg.] was forgetfull of the same,
of Trueth I must confesse:
I thanke you for remembring it
my duetie to expresse.
So then I called Dilligence,
and gaue to him Rewarde:
Who gaue vs thankes with open mouth,
that easily might be heard.
So we departed from this Houlde,
and did retyre then backe:
Unto the place from whence we came,
6
And Agonie of pensiue minde,
in place where I was lost:
And houling lay, with yelling voyce,
as one whome fortune tost.
Ayde.
Quoth Ayde (my Youth) I found you heere,
and heere I will you leaue:
And followe you this path before,
and then you shall perceaue,
Your homeward way from whence you came
it doth Direct aright:
And I will to my Cottage poore,
to rest my Aged spright.
Untill such time as fatall Mors,
bereaues my drudging dayes:
Unto whose pleasure I submit,
not vsing of delayes.
Youth.
Oh father Ayde my onely guide,
my faithfull Trust and stay:
And is it thus nowe come to passe,
that you wil needes away?
Who hath since first our meeting heere,
so faithfull to me beene:
As euer was the trustie zeale,
of Dido that was Queene.
Whose loyall heart was firmely fixt.
to false Æneas hee:
That stoale awaye in truethlesse sorte,
to force her Miserie.
So trueth to tell I doe beleeue,
since thus you doe departe:
It will occasion be of griefe,
and wounding to my heart.
But Ayde will not be frustrate quite,
if vrgent cause require:
But Ayde will be a meane to helpe,
[6]
Some knowledge of this waywarde world,
which tosseth vp and downe:
Like furious fretting foaming flouds,
when Neptune guts to frowne.
Perchaunce some mutall minde will Muse
and murmure at this case,
And say, what foolish fond Deuice
hath semed such a place.
To which demand I doe replie,
the faithfull fixed heart:
Did study for to finde out this,
by Aydes good skill and art.
Humilitie, a Houlde in deede,
for those that humble bee:
A place prepared for repasse
In modest sort we see.
Where Godly graces grafted are,
with Impes of vertuous race:
The buddes do burnish on the braunch
with gallant goodly grace,
Which Ioyce the heart of euery wight,
Whome Natures forme hath framed:
Whose lowlie life, with lenitie,
deserues not to be blamed.
The Loyall lore that linkes in loue,
of force doth merrite fame:
The good and well disposed minde
is worthie of the same.
But Amorous toyes of Youthfull youth
respecteth not with care:
The fructelesse troth, and friendlesse fraud
that some full closely bare.
No sound nor sober counsell can,
their wilfull minde affray:
Esteeming it as speeches vaine,
7
Wherfore (O Youthes) marke now a Youth,
something to staiednesse bent:
Which spyes that romers raunge in ragges:
and lurke in deepe lament.
Who findes that likely Fortune is,
a fond incertaine Dame:
Which heapes more hazzardes to the heart.
then thought can thinke the same.
Who sees the stoute and lustie bloudes,
full quyetly abyde:
When as the hote and furieuse force,
is let out from their side.
I not commend the fickle friend,
that falles out for a strawe:
Nor that will rangle for a Rushe,
ne deale so like a dawe.
For he that sweares by woundes and bloude,
and lookes so like a Bull:
When as he comes to doe the feate,
his hart is in his skull.
And hotest men of many wordes
are slowe enough in deedes:
And some will fainte that showe good face
when but their singer bleedes.
And he that doth prouoke so much.
the sober man to fight:
If he be entered in his acte.
the lustiest blowes will smite.
A prouerbe olde, in Englande here,
the still sowe earns the draffe:
And some do weep which haue small cause,
when some aga[illeg.] do laugh.
I must needes now declare a thing,
which comes within my minde:
How some for to out face the worlde,
[7]
And since of Castell and the Hould,
I did at large display:
Now somewhat of this craftie world
I breefly minde to say.
For I am priueledged in deede,
since Aide hath taken leaue:
A litle to disclose my minde,
for that I do perceaue,
The slily falshood now a dayes
that restes within the lande:
As trust me it was neuer more,
the trueth to vnderstand.
The counterfeating crookes to catch,
and simple to allure:
The faithlesse fond and filthie fraude,
that dayly is in vre.
When as that one shall come to you,
and say he is right sad,
And hartely sory in his minde,
for ill luckes that you had.
And by my troth I tell you true,
I would I could know how:
To helpe you in this your distresse,
I make to God a vowe.
Another comes professing eke,
for to remaine a friend:
And neuer to exempt his faith,
vntill his dayes do ende.
And saith if I eke in stead may stand,
I pray you to be bolde:
But when in deede there commeth neede,
his doings then are cold.
Oh noble flattering fleating world,
oh guilefull glowing heate:
Oh subtle sounde, of truethlesse tongues,
8
Not knowing how for to dissemble,
not knowing then to liue:
But God for his greate mercies sake
such filthie factes forgiue.
And root the vipers from their vaine,
of stinging at vnwares:
By whom the simple sillie soule,
is caught in doubtfull cares.
And thus the Author makes an end,
desiring each good minde:
To thinke the best of this his worke,
so further shall they finde.
The end of the Hould of Humilitie.
[8]
A farevvell framed to the Hould of Humilitie.
The due Desire, that I haue to commend,
Humilitie, I can not well expresse:
Because that Pallas will not to me lende,
Her cunning quille, therefore I do digresse,
From curiouse verse, to feede such fancie fine,
Where to some men their mindes do nowe incline.
Humilitie, I can not well expresse:
Because that Pallas will not to me lende,
Her cunning quille, therefore I do digresse,
From curiouse verse, to feede such fancie fine,
Where to some men their mindes do nowe incline.
But pardon prayed, Presumption pusheth me,
And bathlesse Boldnesse biddeth me proceede,
And Hope at hand my thinkes doth let me see,
That small Disdaine, shall come by this my deede:
Wherefore if I should loyter or not write,
Small were Experience, and lesse were my delight.
And bathlesse Boldnesse biddeth me proceede,
And Hope at hand my thinkes doth let me see,
That small Disdaine, shall come by this my deede:
Wherefore if I should loyter or not write,
Small were Experience, and lesse were my delight.
But loe behold my thinkes I can not tell,
How for to frame, as I before exprest:
Well (as I thinke) it should be a farewell,
A farewell bee it, and so farewell, I rest
From this deuice, and others take in hand
To gratifie, and so it vnderstand.
How for to frame, as I before exprest:
Well (as I thinke) it should be a farewell,
A farewell bee it, and so farewell, I rest
From this deuice, and others take in hand
To gratifie, and so it vnderstand.
Finis.
9
A dialogue between Age & Youth,
Declaring hovve vaine a thing it is to Presume on Youth, and how we must all yeeld to Age.
Age.I am for to be loued, for why?
you must me proue:
You youthfull laddes, that youthfull are,
it doth you much behoue.
For I am grisseled Age,
who striketh you with Ake:
And make you yeeld though with ill will,
your bones I doe so shake.
Youth.
It is not grisseled Age
that Youth can now restraine:
Nor make me subiect to your yoake,
ne will I yet refraine,
My youthfull Toyes that now I Youth,
will vse in your despyte:
For why? Sir Age you haue no force.
to banish my delite.
Age.
Haue I no force, to pull thy pride?
well one day thou shalt see,
That I will make thee for to stoupe
and yeeld thy selfe to me:
And shake as I doe now,
when hoary hayres appeare,
To make thee leaue of youthfull toyes,
and dalling with thy deere.
Youth.
Nay Age it is not thou,
[9]
For why? therein is my delight,
I houlde it for my ioy.
For I haue most delight,
to talke with Venus Dames:
For Cupid oft doth me moue,
by force of fiery flames.
Age.
Those fiery flames that Cupid sendes,
and doe in thee abounde:
Thou wilt at length (I knowe) them leaue,
incertaine is their grounde.
For why? who can withstand
when Age doth lay his yoake?
Yeeld therfore now most willingly,
to beare my staying stroake,
Youth.
To yeeld myselfe to thralle,
nay Age that shall not be:
It is not thou that can me hurte,
I force not much of thee.
For I will thee withstand
inspite Sir of thy pose:
And runne my race in youthfull wise,
as I doe well suppose.
Age.
I doe not Sir say nay,
but then maist runne a race:
Yet vnto me thou must nowe bend,
in spight Sir of thy face.
For I can make thee come
to Crouches, if that thou
Be not cut off by swinging wise:
I make to God a vow.
Youth.
To Crouches, what are they
10
I force thee not, doe what thou can,
to me doe as thou dorst.
For I am youthfull Youth,
I force thee not a nute:
Thy grisseled face, is not in minde,
thou art not in my sight.
Age.
I am not in thy sight,
till I doe make thee shake:
As I will doe it one day sure,
if life do not forsake.
Then shalt thou see that I,
haue altered thy will,
To brydle fond affection,
wherin thou stand'st so ill.
Youth.
To bridle my Affection,
thou shalt it finde but vaine:
Thy pourpose shall not come to passe,
thou canst it not attaine.
For I will houlde thee off,
so longe as I haue life:
My youth I knowe thou canst not quaile,
I finde my selfe so ryfe.
Age.
Though youth in thee doth so abound,
yet I Age will take place:
And make thee wofull weary, I,
when as I doe thee chase.
And though thou seem'st to run at large,
at length you shall come home:
And bee as I am, silly Age,
and counted as a Mome.
Youth.
Though thou art counted as a Mome,
[10]
That I haue [illeg.]rights to shift thee off,
and put thy yoake aside.
And though thou would'st so faine
nowe catch me in thy trap:
I am so light and quicklie gone,
I rest not in thy lap.
Age.
Although thou rest not in my lap,
yet I can catch thee in:
And make thee subiect vnto me,
when as I doe begin.
With ach and paine to rouse thy Corpes,
that youth did once professe:
Such is the Strength sir, of my stroake,
when as I doe oppresse.
Youth.
Alas good Age thy strength of stroake,
I feele vpon me nowe:
It lyeth so heauie on my bones,
it makes me for to bowe.
And though I held thee off with talke,
that was but vaine:
Yet nowe I feele that Age can strike
with greeuous ach and paine.
Age.
O lustie youth, is courage past,
can you no more hold off?
I thought at length you would come home,
for all you did so skoffe,
And yeeld your selfe to me,
that nowe haue trapp'd you in,
Although before that you did say,
you forc'd me not a pin.
Youth.
Those vauntes were all in vaine,
11
But thine were true, as I full well
vnto my greefe de finde.
Wherefore you youthfull laddes,
that seeme to put Age by:
You may as well presume to clyme,
vnto the loftie skye.
Finis.
Verses which were presented vnto the Patron of this booke at newe yeares Time. 1578.
I reade (right worthie Sir)an extant open thing:
Of the rare shewe of Courtesie,
in Artaxzerxes King:
Who passing through his realme,
greate men for verie loue,
With presentes rare, presented him
there good will for to proue.
Whose giftes were of greate price,
to shewe their welth and porte:
The straingest things that could be got,
of euery kinde and sorte.
Which when the King receaued,
great thankes to them extended:
Their loyall heart, to duetie bent,
most Princely he commended.
But (ah) a silly soule
whom pouertie nere pined:
Be thought him to present his Prince,
as duetie hath assigned.
[11]
no Iuels that were trimme:
Tooke vp his handfull of water faire,
came running towardes him.
And offered to his Grace,
as Token to Forshow:
Though welth he wanted, yet of good wil,
his duetie for to know.
But note the courteouse kinde,
of this most prudent Prince:
This present base, not to reiect,
nor once it to conuince.
But tooke it gratefully,
for that he did beholde,
The true intent, of simple soule,
whom dutie made so bold.
So Sir, I earnestly
request this at your hand:
My small present for to esteeme,
next this to vnderstand:
My boldnesse to excuse,
that saucely thus aspire,
To write so pertely vnto you,
before my state be hyer.
And thirdly for to beare,
my rudenes which hath raised:
A matter here before your face,
vnworthie to be praised.
But forced by good will,
something for to present:
Esteeming not the thing it selfe,
but simple true intent.
The meaning voyd of fraud,
composing voyde of guyle:
For Groslum Caput giues no leaue,
fine verses to compile.
12
Experience hath me showen:
That Artaxzerxes kinde in you,
is easie to be knowne.
The which did set me on,
to shewe my true intent:
Some verses (Sir) this new yeares time,
vnto you to present.
For if that I had skill,
according to my minde:
A matter that were worth the fight,
your worship then should finde.
But what needes all these wordes,
as Preface now before:
To signifie a long discourse,
to trouble more and more.
But God graunt you your health,
his fauour and his aide:
To sheelde you from each fayned friende,
and make your foes dismaide.
God graunt accomplishment,
of that you most desire:
In what so euer as it be,
from heart I do require.
God graunt that Enuie may,
be voyde of her intent:
Not to preuaile at any time,
although that she be bent.
God graunt Dissimulation
may thine like Christall cleare:
That vnto you each double hearte,
may easely appeare.
God graunt that Deepe Deceipte,
at no time do preuaile:
God graunt as much as he can graunt,
God graunt no thing do quaile.
[12]
approching still to Fame:
Whose worthie workes, haue merrited
high prayses to his name.
Whose happie helping hand
releeuing those that neede:
Doth winne the way to make you liue,
for euer more in deede:
Whose dayly deedes in vse
abroade do so resounde:
As passeth my Capacitie,
or wisdome to expounde.
Perchaunce your worship will
condemne me in this sorte:
And thinke I write in flattering wise,
to make a long reporte.
Not so (I doe protest)
for why? I you assure:
In that offence I guiltlesse am,
my conscience it is pure.
And as I scorne the vse,
of flattering flearing fraude:
So will I not, while I do liue,
neglecte to giue you laude.
Desiring still of God,
as erst I did before:
Your ioy to ioyne with new yeare now,
and many other more.
Thus (Sir) I humbly ende,
desiring God of grace:
Your worship long for to preserue,
in happie state and case.
And when your fatall dayes,
of force must yeeld to clay:
Then for to rest, in heauenly place,
that neuer shall decay.
Finis.
13
Other verses presented vnto him, at new-Yeeres time.
Cleanthes he, whom learnings loreheld in such estimation,
As for to find himselfe at schoole,
he vsed this occupation:
At morning soone, and euening late,
he water tankards brought
Unto those houses of such men,
by whome hee vauntage cought.
For being poore, vnable was
to keepe in place of price:
Untill he found, by taking paine,
profit in his deuice.
Whereby he kept himselfe at schoole,
good letters to attaine:
And although he was very poore.
yet this way founde he gaine.
And when he had sufficient,
according to his will:
He then presented to those men,
some workes of better skill.
Which shewed in him a due Desire
his duetie to reserue:
And also eke an earnest zeale,
there fauours to conserue.
Euen so vnto your worship now,
my simple verse I send:
My dutie bids me be so boulde,
the same for to commend,
Unto your courteous true aspect,
to construe of the same:
The which is ment for meere good will,
more then for any fame.
For I haue not Cleanthes skill,
[13]
But such as come from simple head,
and eke a faithfull hart.
Which caused me this neweyeeres Time
newelie the same to write:
They newe are of inuention,
yet not newe of delight.
Impute it not good Sir, for want
of willingnesse in me:
But want of learning is the cause
no better verse you see.
I cannot glose with gallant phrase,
my bringing vp was plaine,
And simple sense inforceth me
to write in simple vaine,
Which I present vnto your view,
as heeretofore is saide,
And although not seemely set out,
yet willingnesse well weighed,
Shall counteruayle the want of skill
that aptly heere might bee:
But of an Ape impossible
it is a tayle to see.
The Lorde preserue your worship long,
in health, in wealth, and peace,
And graunt all thinges you take in hand,
may haue there due increase.
The Lord preuent each fauning foe,
and faithlesse meaning minde:
Who vnder shew of simplenesse,
worke mischiefe in their kinde,
God graunt unto you glad new yeere,
with long and ioyfull life:
And likewise I doe with the same
vnto your worthie wife:
Whome you and her the Lorde preserue:
12
To giue you thankes (Sir) while I liue,
for friendship I haue found.
Resting at your commandement, Iames Yates.
Verses on friendship.
Vnder
the Cope and glittering hue of heauen,
Are all the ioyes allotted by decree:
Yet is there none, that may compared be,
Unto a friend that neuer is vneuen:
But doth remaine all one in constancie.
Are all the ioyes allotted by decree:
Yet is there none, that may compared be,
Unto a friend that neuer is vneuen:
But doth remaine all one in constancie.
But for such friendes, as are but friends in sight,
They doe deceiue, incertaine is their trust,
They proue vntrue, they moulder like the dust:
But ah, a friend that standes in friendly right.
He is a friend, as needes confesse I must.
They doe deceiue, incertaine is their trust,
They proue vntrue, they moulder like the dust:
But ah, a friend that standes in friendly right.
He is a friend, as needes confesse I must.
Now if one finde a faithfull friend in deede,
Then keepe him still, as Ieuell that is rare,
Be sure on this, to haue on him a care:
For why? he will remaine a friend at neede:
As Triall telles, and Trueth doth well declare.
Then keepe him still, as Ieuell that is rare,
Be sure on this, to haue on him a care:
For why? he will remaine a friend at neede:
As Triall telles, and Trueth doth well declare.
Verses on false Report.
Oh God hovv false report, doth vvinne a man Defame,And closely carpeth at his life to bring him vnto blame.
It lovvring lurkes in Den of Dire Disdainefull Dole,
And spyes a time to peepe abraod, as fire burnes the coale.
No wight so vvise of vvill, so sober in his deedes;
No one so happy in this vvorld, but false reporte him feedes.
[12]
And thinkes to spend, the cheerefull day deuoyde to Anger led:
Then ere that drousie night, approach to take his due,
He heares some false reporte in hand, which makes his heart to rue.
But he that bends his eare to euery tatling tale,
Shall neuer be without a cause to busie him with bale.
And he shall haue conceipts to coople with his will,
And some fond fancy put in vse, to feede his humour still.
Wherfore a head that's stai'd with steady tamed braine,
Js vvorth a Masly Mounte of mucke that worldlings seeks to gaine.
For riches flieth loose, where Rashnes rules the band,
And Right & Reasō is cut off, vvhere Rigor seemes to stād.
But vnto false Report, that fables feine and finde,
Esteeme of them no other vvues, but blastes of bootles vvind.
Put finger in thy eare, and harke not to there tale:
For they are motions mou'd by those that loue to heare of bales.
So shall each state stand fast, and steady on his ground,
He shall not be accounted wise, that folly doth confound.
So shall he sovv in ease, and reape againe in ioy,
So shall he vvin the wished hap that wresteth downe anoy,
Wherefore I count him vvise, that bridle can his braine,
And not too rashly rūin rage, though cause doth him cōstraine.
Verses vnto his Muse.
Muse
not my minde of worldly thinges,
Thou see'st what care to some it bringes.
The merriest minde from folly free,
Sometimes conceaues discourtesie,
Which is the occasion oft of Ire,
Through frowarde will which kindles fire.
But if thou wilt liue well at ease
And worldly wights seeke for to please:
Then frame thy nature to this plight,
In each respect to deale vpright.
Thou see'st what care to some it bringes.
The merriest minde from folly free,
Sometimes conceaues discourtesie,
Which is the occasion oft of Ire,
Through frowarde will which kindles fire.
But if thou wilt liue well at ease
And worldly wights seeke for to please:
Then frame thy nature to this plight,
In each respect to deale vpright.
15
Thou seest my Muse, how Fancie feedes,
And what Desire in some it breedes;
Thou seest that those, which haue bene well,
Haue not the skill thereof to tell:
But thinke to get a better place
When as they worke their owne Disgrace
For why? from heauen, they chaunge to hell
In deepe despite fortune they dwell,
So is our fickle fancie fraught,
Whom can we blame but tickle Thought.
And what Desire in some it breedes;
Thou seest that those, which haue bene well,
Haue not the skill thereof to tell:
But thinke to get a better place
When as they worke their owne Disgrace
For why? from heauen, they chaunge to hell
In deepe despite fortune they dwell,
So is our fickle fancie fraught,
Whom can we blame but tickle Thought.
The sillie bird that dreedes no ill,
But singes with ioyfull notes sul shrill:
Is by the craft of birders arte
Ketcht to her paine, and carefull smart.
For why? the lime her winges doth charge,
Who erst to fore did fly at large,
And then she resteth as we see,
To try the birders Courtesie:
Euen so, if some do thee intrap,
Thou must needes stay to trye thy hap.
But singes with ioyfull notes sul shrill:
Is by the craft of birders arte
Ketcht to her paine, and carefull smart.
For why? the lime her winges doth charge,
Who erst to fore did fly at large,
And then she resteth as we see,
To try the birders Courtesie:
Euen so, if some do thee intrap,
Thou must needes stay to trye thy hap.
Wherefore who well can them content,
Haue seldome cause for to repent.
For if thou well doe feele thy selfe,
Chaunge not that life, for worldly pelfe,
You know the ease of quyet minde,
Is happiest gifte by Ioue assign'd.
Admit that riches do encrease
And then the quyet life surcease:
What if't the better for the gilt,
When fretting fumes, sweet rest haue spilt.
Haue seldome cause for to repent.
For if thou well doe feele thy selfe,
Chaunge not that life, for worldly pelfe,
You know the ease of quyet minde,
Is happiest gifte by Ioue assign'd.
Admit that riches do encrease
And then the quyet life surcease:
What if't the better for the gilt,
When fretting fumes, sweet rest haue spilt.
To haue both welth and quyet vaine,
Oh happie wightes that it attaine:
Oh golden dayes of quyet state,
When fortune giues no crabbed mate.
And on the other side I say,
O cursed life that euery day,
Doth not escape from furious fittes,
Which heates the hearte, & woundes the wites.
The merry meane I hould for best,
Oh happie wightes, that it inuest.
Oh happie wightes that it attaine:
Oh golden dayes of quyet state,
[15]
And on the other side I say,
O cursed life that euery day,
Doth not escape from furious fittes,
Which heates the hearte, & woundes the wites.
The merry meane I hould for best,
Oh happie wightes, that it inuest.
The labouring man, with breade and drinke,
Liues merrier in mind I thinke,
Then some which feede on dayntie fare,
Whose Corpes sufficed, yet haue greate care:
For sure that meate digestes not well,
Where merrie measure doth not dwell.
Oh Life most happie still I say,
That liues at rest and hath to pay,
And lyeth downe with quyet minde,
The rest to take that Ioue asign'd.
Liues merrier in mind I thinke,
Then some which feede on dayntie fare,
Whose Corpes sufficed, yet haue greate care:
For sure that meate digestes not well,
Where merrie measure doth not dwell.
Oh Life most happie still I say,
That liues at rest and hath to pay,
And lyeth downe with quyet minde,
The rest to take that Ioue asign'd.
Verses vpon the troubles of this Worlde.
Oh
troublesome world the worker of woe & bale,
Of bitter blastes, of stormes that stint no stryfe:
Oh hazardes hard, which heape vp such a gale
In furiouse wise, that greefe is greedy ryfe.
In vaine with world{ly} welth is any wight indued:
If that by mightie Ioue it be not still renewed.
Of bitter blastes, of stormes that stint no stryfe:
Oh hazardes hard, which heape vp such a gale
In furiouse wise, that greefe is greedy ryfe.
In vaine with world{ly} welth is any wight indued:
If that by mightie Ioue it be not still renewed.
The cares are greate to cause the minde to muse,
Of this and that, that happeneth oft awrye:
The Fates be fond, that doth vs oft abuse,
Wherein consisteth a greate perplexetie.
For whilst with ioyes we seeke to haue relife,
In meane time comes some cause of double griefe.
Of this and that, that happeneth oft awrye:
The Fates be fond, that doth vs oft abuse,
Wherein consisteth a greate perplexetie.
For whilst with ioyes we seeke to haue relife,
In meane time comes some cause of double griefe.
14
Thus sharpely shap'd are shimmering shewes that shine,
To bleare the eyes that very faine would see:
Such pleasant sightes, whose aspect doth incline,
No wight to wo, nor moues to miserie,
To carke, to care, to greefe, nor to disease.
Oh happie wight whom Fortune so doth please.
To bleare the eyes that very faine would see:
Such pleasant sightes, whose aspect doth incline,
No wight to wo, nor moues to miserie,
To carke, to care, to greefe, nor to disease.
Oh happie wight whom Fortune so doth please.
But for to tell for truth, now which be they,
My wit is small, and cunning it is lesse.
I cease to speake, my sense serues not to say:
For if perchaunce, I should not name aright,
They would me deeme some mome or doltish wight.
My wit is small, and cunning it is lesse.
I cease to speake, my sense serues not to say:
For if perchaunce, I should not name aright,
They would me deeme some mome or doltish wight.
But this to say, the wight that most doth spend
His Time in ioy, hath some time care among.
The world is such the best for to offend,
To reaue their rest that would be free from wrong,
So some do spend the Wicked World in feares,
Which for one ioy doth bring a M. eares.
His Time in ioy, hath some time care among.
The world is such the best for to offend,
To reaue their rest that would be free from wrong,
So some do spend the Wicked World in feares,
Which for one ioy doth bring a M. eares.
Verses in declaration of a friend written at the request of P. W.
My
Muse did moue me my pen in hand to take,
In skillesse wise vnsteady to endyte,
But sith it is here written, for your sake:
Accept it well and construe it aright.
For of a friende, I do intende to treate,
What is a friende, right well I can repeate.
In skillesse wise vnsteady to endyte,
But sith it is here written, for your sake:
Accept it well and construe it aright.
For of a friende, I do intende to treate,
What is a friende, right well I can repeate.
For to declare by iust probation true,
What is a friend, and what a friend should be:
A friend standes firme in causes olde or new,
He flitteth not as fickle friendes we see,
He keepes his oth, he fosters eke no guyle,
He laugheth not with face of craftie wile.
What is a friend, and what a friend should be:
A friend standes firme in causes olde or new,
He flitteth not as fickle friendes we see,
He keepes his oth, he fosters eke no guyle,
He laugheth not with face of craftie wile.
[14]
A friend is fraught, with faith and fastened stay;
A friend kepes close, that is to him disclosed;
A friend heares not, that may his friend betraye,
But he declares, vnto his friend Deposed;
A friend in woe which fayleth not at need:
A friend so found, I call a friend in deede,
A friend kepes close, that is to him disclosed;
A friend heares not, that may his friend betraye,
But he declares, vnto his friend Deposed;
A friend in woe which fayleth not at need:
A friend so found, I call a friend in deede,
A friend doth mourne, and languish in his heart;
A friend lamentes, when as his friend doth fall;
A friend doth muse, to helpe his friende in smart.
A friend doth marke, and to his minde doth call,
How to Disnull the dolours of Disdaine,
Which he perceaues do put his friend to paine.
A friend lamentes, when as his friend doth fall;
A friend doth muse, to helpe his friende in smart.
A friend doth marke, and to his minde doth call,
How to Disnull the dolours of Disdaine,
Which he perceaues do put his friend to paine.
Loe, this my friende, if that thou finde by Tryall
That firme and fast is kept a vow once made:
Thou canst not then, procure a wronge Denyall,
But that he is a friend, of friendly trade.
If such you finde, keepe him and be not straunge:
For fickle friends, for euery folly chaunge.
That firme and fast is kept a vow once made:
Thou canst not then, procure a wronge Denyall,
But that he is a friend, of friendly trade.
If such you finde, keepe him and be not straunge:
For fickle friends, for euery folly chaunge.
I hope this shall suffise to satisfy,
This your request, I write it not for gaine,
But glad if that herein I do discry
Such wordes as do lay open verie plaine,
The friendly factes, of those whose friendly lore,
Doth winne them praise: and so of this no more.
This your request, I write it not for gaine,
But glad if that herein I do discry
Such wordes as do lay open verie plaine,
The friendly factes, of those whose friendly lore,
Doth winne them praise: and so of this no more.
Verses vpon Hope, declared by Motion and Answere.
Motion.My hope, is helpe,
which lendes my minde reliefe:
Though care be cause,
Some times, to force my griefe.
17
As griefe doth gripe,
and moues the heart to moane:
So hope is help'd,
by priuie thoughts alone.
Motion.
By thought alone,
is that soone help'd indeede?
Ten thousand thoughtes,
shall then my fancy feede.
Aunswere.
Well, if thou thinke
with fastened minde and stay,
Thy thought will helpe
in thinking what there may:
Motion.
With time comes thinges,
vnlike at first to proue:
So hope of Time,
when dolours doe thee moue.
Aunswere.
Such counsells good,
I take in friendly part,
And yeeld you thankes,
with willing minde and hart.
Verses written at the Departure of his friende W. G.
When hee went to Dwell at London.
The absence of a friend,is griefe vnto the hart:
The presence of him worketh ioy,
and putteth backe the smart:
So will (my onely Will)
the absence now of thee,
[17]
to thinke that it should bee.
But when thy friendly Corpes,
shall present be to view:
Then shal I ioy, as now I mourne,
that absence makes me rue.
But well, I must content
my dolefull minde with this:
We subiect are to fortunes lore,
as certaine true it is.
Yet this I doe persuade,
that absence hath no force:
A faithfull friend, to make vnkinde,
that were without remorce.
I doe not thinke that Will,
will so his friend forget:
But will remaine in former will,
and be not ouer set,
By any light conceipte,
which doth procure vnrest,
To bring disdaine, whereas delight
should build within the brest.
No no, I am disposed
to speake this by the way:
But Trust me Will, beleeue me now,
I doubt not as I say.
For I am firmely fixt,
thy friendship will not faile,
Although that absence might procure
the same for to preuaile.
Well, for a vauntlesse vow,
accept this at my hand:
As I haue beene so will I be,
good Will so vnderstand.
18
Verses sent vnto Master P.W. to Cambridge.
If gratulations (Sir)from secret faithfull heart,
May at your handes, accepted be
and taken in good part;
Or if a barren verse,
wherein doth rest no skill,
May yeeld vnto you such delight
as Motions mou'd by Will:
Then Sir: as Time outweares
the length of euery life,
Which bringeth some in happy blisse,
and some in dole and strife:
So Time oft takes in hand
a matter of e{i}ection,
And though at first it seeme vnlike,
in fine it hath perfection.
When this considered is,
me thinkes it hath a grace:
Which oft delightes the dolefull minde,
and yeeldes it some solace.
And though Sir I presume
to take in hand the penne,
I knowe full well to whom I write.
and what conceaue I then?
I streight persuade my selfe,
as Triall hath me tolde:
That there doth rest in Courteous brest,
receypts tenne thousand fold.
Which waied? who would not then,
inforce his doltish braine,
To wryte his verse, to such a one,
who neuer will disdaine,
The basenesse of the same,
[18]
Whose Oaten pipes doe ioy such mates,
as handle Flayle and Sawe.
Your friendes are all in health,
your foes God graunt them foyle:
And figge {f}or those that wish you ill,
let grumbling snudge goe moyle.
A letter I you sent,
wherein I did discharge:
To write effect of your request,
and fathers speech at large,
Concerning Master B.
who nowe in Cambridge Towne,
By fauours letter there receiued,
God graunt he so sit downe,
As when he ryseth vp:
all wildenesse be exilde,
Which is the grounde of gracelesse greene,
where mischiefe seemes to buylde.
Thus Sir I rest your owne,
with true and faithfull hart:
Crauing of God that you may liue,
a life deuoyde of smart.
Other verses written vnto him vvhen hee was at Ipsvvich:
With a Caueat vvhich was in Printe, sente at the same Time.
If
will doe wish, not want can holde me backe,
Although I finde my cunning is but small:
Or if I should Discourse what I doe lacke,
As I haue cause, if well to minde I call:
Then might I cease, and be content to stay,
The skillesse verses which I ofte displaye.
Although I finde my cunning is but small:
Or if I should Discourse what I doe lacke,
As I haue cause, if well to minde I call:
Then might I cease, and be content to stay,
The skillesse verses which I ofte displaye.
19
I faine would frame some cunning in my stile,
And Poet like to notefie my minde:
I haue desire such matter to compile
As may content, although in Trueth I finde
I want Dame learning, which is the chiefest thinge
Praise to procure, and credit for to bringe.
And Poet like to notefie my minde:
I haue desire such matter to compile
As may content, although in Trueth I finde
I want Dame learning, which is the chiefest thinge
Praise to procure, and credit for to bringe.
But what meane I to be obedient
Unto obliuion, so vyle a thinge?
Why do I cease so longe for to present,
That to withold, which I of right should bring?
Belike it is, because the chaunged state,
Hath chaung'd my Muse, and put in feare of rate.
Unto obliuion, so vyle a thinge?
Why do I cease so longe for to present,
That to withold, which I of right should bring?
Belike it is, because the chaunged state,
Hath chaung'd my Muse, and put in feare of rate.
Some other matter Differing from the first,
Auoyding sadnesse workes, a sudden scare,
A sudden chaunge, from that which was the worst,
Doth suddenly discharge the minde of care,
And on the sudden seemeth such delight,
As moueth mirth more then I can resite.
Auoyding sadnesse workes, a sudden scare,
A sudden chaunge, from that which was the worst,
Doth suddenly discharge the minde of care,
And on the sudden seemeth such delight,
As moueth mirth more then I can resite.
But Sir, if I should breake my inwarde hearte,
In secrete sort, as I do it inuest,
I must haue Time for that I would imparte.
But I do hope that this among the rest,
Shall simply serue as Toaken which I sende,
My Truth and troth to you for to commend.
In secrete sort, as I do it inuest,
I must haue Time for that I would imparte.
But I do hope that this among the rest,
Shall simply serue as Toaken which I sende,
My Truth and troth to you for to commend.
With vowes to vaunte the loyall loue I beare,
To you, and all that is Sir of your name:
It were but vaine for I Dare iustly sweare
You do I hope, so construe of the same.
My duetie donne to you and all the rest:
I you commend to him which is the best.
To you, and all that is Sir of your name:
It were but vaine for I Dare iustly sweare
You do I hope, so construe of the same.
My duetie donne to you and all the rest:
I you commend to him which is the best.
Prouyder for all men: who alwayes prosper your proceedings
[19]
A caueat conuenient for younkers to see:
How fickle Dame Fancie, doth chaung her degree.
Draw
neere you Impes of youthfull race,
respect my wordes a while:
Beware in Time, turne from that place,
where Fancie most doth smile.
Let not the shew of smyling lookes,
encourage {thee} to lust:
Least thou be tooke, with poysoned hookes
where most thou put'st thy Trust.
Dost thou not see, it is not race,
to vse deceiptfull wayes:
For if thou rightly wilt compare,
and marke well the delayes,
Then shalt thou finde such craftie vaine,
such soothing voyd of truth:
As puts each honest heart to paine,
and turnes their mirth to ruth.
The modest mind which markes the lore,
and state of this our time:
Doth inwardly in hearte deplore,
to construe of each crime,
Committed t[illeg.]orow follie fond,
The mother of Debate:
Which makes no acompt to keepe the bond
of Truth, or trustie state.
Yet marke how foolish wanton Will,
by Fancie brought a sleepe,
Will seeme to playe the noddey still
in daunger more to creepe:
When as by proofe sufficient,
it plainely doth appeare,
How Lewdenesse leanes to theire intent,
and it some will not heare.
Though in their eares it sounded be,
20
They blynded are they can not see,
and why then shall I write?
For sooth because they {senslesse} seeme
being lulled so in lust,
And yet they Prudently esteeme
the factes of some vniust:
And in theire heart do sacrifice,
profoundly and deuout,
As though in deede that might suffise,
to bring their fetch about.
Alas, a lack, I mourne, I waile,
I sigh, I sob to see:
That foolish fancie should preuaile,
to winne the chiefe degree:
In mortall mindes which are but clay,
and flesh the wormes to feede,
And like a shadow doth decay
most true it is in deede.
Then ere thy breath be spent and past,
reuoke thy childish toyes:
And giue thou ouer yet at last,
that most was once thy ioyes.
For why? fond Will thou canst not haue,
that solely to thy selfe:
When others may in time it craue
as gayned with their pelfe.
Thou art of yeares to know, this well,
The Hauke whose gorge is full,
Takes more delight to shake her bell,
then on the lure to pull:
Euen so conceyue this in thy thought.
for why? thou maiest it see:
The newest things are soonest bought,
and are still wont to be.
Then thus consider in thy minde,
[20]
{Giue} leaue let Nature showe her kinde,
but publish out no names.
For Nature she, can not digresse,
I speake not this to faine,
But euen the truth for to expresse,
to those who to that vaine,
Doe seeme so much for to apply,
their studie in their hearte:
God graunte in fine such do not trie,
a close vnhidden smart.
And thus adue, I leaue this verse,
to scanned be of some:
Which often times do wordes rehearse,
when as they might be mume.
Verses vvritten vpon this vvord, vvho doth refaine to faine, declared vnto him priuatly by his friende, vvhome he ansvvereth thus.
Who
can refraine where flatterie heareth sway,
Who doth not Sir Dissemble? for sooth ye vpright mind,
Who hath ye harmles heart? not verteouse mē I say,
Who mindeth most mistrust? the lewd, and truthles kind,
Who fauours friendlesse fraud? the fickl flearring friend,
Who most rebuketh vice? those that wish godly ende,
Who doth not Sir Dissemble? for sooth ye vpright mind,
Who hath ye harmles heart? not verteouse mē I say,
Who mindeth most mistrust? the lewd, and truthles kind,
Who fauours friendlesse fraud? the fickl flearring friend,
Who most rebuketh vice? those that wish godly ende,
A lothsome life it were if idlenesse were maintained,
A brutish kinde of trade, to fauour a flithie fact,
A mischieuous meaning man for most part is disdayned,
An innocent to slay were but a cowardes acte,
A pratler much to be, declares but simple sense,
A drunkardes draught, to drinke, you graūt to be offence.
A brutish kinde of trade, to fauour a flithie fact,
A mischieuous meaning man for most part is disdayned,
An innocent to slay were but a cowardes acte,
A pratler much to be, declares but simple sense,
A drunkardes draught, to drinke, you graūt to be offence.
Well Sir, as for offence, offenders we are all.
Aswell the riche as poore, the wise as is the foole:
God graunt we may haue grace for mercy stil to call
And with repentant hearts, to set a godly dole
In place where we may see, and willing to amend,
As we by nature ready are, Gods goodnesse to offend.
21
God graunt we may haue grace for mercy stil to call
And with repentant hearts, to set a godly dole
In place where we may see, and willing to amend,
As we by nature ready are, Gods goodnesse to offend.
Verses vvritten vpon a dreame which was dreamed on Sundaie night, the x. of April, and written vnto Mistresse F. W.
When darkesome night approched was,and Phœbus ceast to shine:
Then went I to my easing bed.
to rest this corps of mine.
Wherein laide downe (before I slept)
according to my vse:
I craued pardon for my faultes,
abounding in abuse.
Thus when I had bequeath'd my selfe
vnto high Ioue to keepe:
My heauy eyes inforced me
streight waies to fall asleepe.
Then Morpheus he was courteous bent.
to merry make my minde:
And vnto me this Sundayes night
a pleasant parte assignde.
For lo, beholde, one of my friendes,
my thought thus tolde to me:
That modest mistresse F. W. should
most welthie married be,
Unto a proper Gentleman,
whose Parentes are of fame:
And he himselfe by due deserte.
doth merrite euen the same.
Whose vertuous life from infancie,
[21]
As Trust me friend, I want the skill,
in order to set downe.
Well friende quoth I, a thousand thankes
for this thy happy tale:
This may preuent the peruers pangues
of bitter boyling bale.
With that I wak'd from slothfull sleepe,
and to my selfe did say:
I craue of God with all my heart
that Iames may see that day.
And as this dreame of my delight
did friendlesse feare reiect:
So I doe wish, if you so please,
that it may take effect.
And thus I end, my duety done,
your selfe I doe commend,
Unto the heauenly Lord of hostes,
who alwayes you defend.
Verses vpon feare and Fury.
Feare
is a foe, as fury is a friend,
And selfe cōceipt is worker of much harme;
Disdainefull doubts, doe bring a man to end;
And careful cold doth neuer keepe mā warme.
Mistrustfull mindes haue euery houre care,
As much as they can well vprightly beare.
And selfe cōceipt is worker of much harme;
Disdainefull doubts, doe bring a man to end;
And careful cold doth neuer keepe mā warme.
Mistrustfull mindes haue euery houre care,
As much as they can well vprightly beare.
The quiet minde is neuer trobled much,
But tries to take each thing in sober sorte:
When froward fancy fretteth, and doth grutch
To see her selfe contemned in her sporte,
Well, vaine it is heere much for to reueale,
In close cōceipt I will the rest conceale.
But tries to take each thing in sober sorte:
When froward fancy fretteth, and doth grutch
To see her selfe contemned in her sporte,
Well, vaine it is heere much for to reueale,
In close cōceipt I will the rest conceale.
22
Till Time doth serue, according to my minde,
And opportunitie to open my intent:
I see, yet seeme as though that I were blind,
I ioy likewise, when as I might lament,
I frame my selfe to vse such play and sporte,
Tis others doe, which to the place resorte.
And opportunitie to open my intent:
I see, yet seeme as though that I were blind,
I ioy likewise, when as I might lament,
I frame my selfe to vse such play and sporte,
Tis others doe, which to the place resorte.
Sighing is signe of sadnesse,
As myrth is shevve of gladnesse.
As myrth is shevve of gladnesse.
Verses vpon this Theame, Silence breaketh many Friendeshippes.
Written vnto his friende G. P.
If Silence friendship breake,then silent for to be:
Is euen the way to loose a friend,
as seemeth vnto me.
For when I call'd to minde
how longe my pen did rest,
From writing to him which deserues,
as well as doth the best:
Then saide I to my selfe,
I am too silent I,
That to my friend of all this time
nothing I doe discrie.
I doe consider thus,
he is of courteous kind:
Hee will haue no ill conceipt
I hope within his minde.
For I must needes confesse,
[22]
So much as I had heretofore,
to write each thing in rime.
I am inforced nowe,
to bend both wit and will:
For to discharge, that is my charge,
and rest in fauour still.
The which God graunt I may,
for that is my Desire:
The onely sore I seeke to salue,
the right I doe require.
The more of it I muse,
the more I haue good cause,
To try which way, and what to doe,
to ponder and to pause,
To print in priuate brest,
and secrets to conceale:
For why? it is a folly vaine,
each act on to reueale.
But whether doe I wend?
I run beyond my reach:
What doe I meane to write so much,
as though that I should teach?
O no, I not so minde,
but this is my intent:
Some verses to my very friend,
my thinkes I must present.
And thus I you commend
vnto the Lord of all,
Who readie is to heare and helpe,
those that on him doe call.
Verses written in a solitary suppose of a doubtfull Dumpe.
I sadly sitting in a Dumpe,23
My Muse could not, aforde me that,
which should yeelde me delight:
Because she saw I was disposd,
in solitarie sorte,
With matter voyd of pleasant glee,
to make a plaine reporte,
Of priuate passions which procure,
the inward wo and paine,
The secret causes of contempt,
the dolour and disdaine,
The lingring hope that faintly feedes
the mindes of many wightes,
That passe their time in place,
where grow but few delightes.
And yet we see, it happens so,
that in the mid'st of smart:
They finde some causes of conceipte,
which doe reioyce their heart.
And trust me true that is the way,
to mittigate the ill:
Which other wise, might be the cause,
of wounding of their will.
To vs disposed from delight,
is meane to moue or mone;
To construe of each crosse conceipte,
is guyden vnto grone:
Wherefore to vse indifferently,
the causes of ill lucke,
Is meane to moue no inwarde hate,
vpon our thought to sucke.
We see by due examples shewed
the chaunges of our time;
We see ther's none so warely liues,
that alwayes voydeth cryme;
We see who then doth frame himselfe
[23]
Is forced though against his will,
to try and tast of strife.
The most of all that we do finde,
as hinderers of good happe:
Are crooked causes which do come,
our state for to intrappe.
The daintie dayes of due delight,
whereon some trust repose:
Incertaine are, nothing so sure,
as life and them to lose.
The featured face which florisheth,
in beawtie blasing braue:
Shall wrimpled be when hoary Age,
commaundes it vnto graue:
The golden hayre which glittereth
and shower so by in hewe:
Shall lodged be in cloddes of clay,
and kept from worldly view.
The listening eares which do delight,
in tales reporting pleasures:
Shall become deafe, and brought to ground,
when death doth find his leasure.
The truthlesse tongue which doth agree,
to flatter and to faine:
Shall feede the wormes as it hath fed,
a number with disdaine.
The pleasant nose which takes repast,
to smell each pleasant sent:
Shall lose the profit of the same,
and vnto death relent.
The fingers that can finely frame,
to strike the ioyfull Lute:
Shall cease from pleasure of the same,
when Death doth Life confute.
The frete which wonted were to goe,
24
Must be content to rest at home,
and leaue off former sporte.
The wanton wight which takes delight,
to cut it with his blade:
By tract of Time growes from that vse,
whem Age doth him inuade.
The Preacher (he) which feedes his flocke,
with ghostly counsell pure:
Must yeelde to death and be content,
his pangues for to endure.
The wise and worthiest wighte of all
that euer liued here:
Must be content to yeelde to Death,
as plainely doth appeare.
Thus to conclude, we may be bold
each one of natures frame:
Shall taste of Death, when mightie Ioue
assigned hath the same.
Verses sent vnto his friend, B. M.
In all thy deedes be circumspect,Thy secretes not disclose:
But vnto such in whom thou dost,
a faithfull trust repose.
And if thou hast a faithfull friend,
be loth him to offend:
Accounte thou not of flattering friendes
thy eares to such not bend.
Serue God with faithfull fixed faith,
and frame thy life so iust:
As that thy carnall motions do,
not moue thee vnto lust.
Conceaue and way well thine estate,
[24]
Frame thy expences as thou maist,
liue free from others band.
In doing this with iust regarde,
thou shalt auoyd much blame,
And euery eue that markes thy vse,
will praise thee for the same.
Verses written for one, who espyinge his friends fauour and countenance to be altered from the former fashion, to satisfie his request, he wrote as followeth.
I see and dayly spy, by open viewe too plaine.That those which once estem'd of me, begin me to disdaine
And much I muse thereat: but my ill lucke is cause,
I stand in doubt and dumpish dreed, and somtime in a pause,
I sigh, I sobbe, I waile, I knocke vpon my brest,
I tosse me here, I tosse me there, as one that takes no rest:
I looke like sillie soule, with ruthfull running eye,
And cast my head oft times abacke good countenance to espy:
But Lord how coy it seemes, and squaimish to the showe,
I neuer thought yt courteouse kind such malice once would owe.
Oh Fortune fickle Dame, in whom remains no trust,
Whose wauering chaunces are no stay to groūd vpō for iust,
As thou procurest friendes, so thou procurest foes;
As thou makes rich, so thou makes poore euē as thy pleasure growes
As now to day to laugh, to morrow for to weepe,
And those yt wake in pleasure sweet, at length in daūger sleepe
Thus vpside down thou roulest ye whirling wheele of chaūce,
And I accompt them happilesse, that most thou dost aduaūce.
As for my onely state I blame thee oh of right,
For sure none the causer was but thou of this my spite:
Thou broughst my liking first, and I was well esteemed,
And had a contenaunce voyd of hate, & solely I was deem'd,
25
But now a chaunce against me vnhappely doth passe,
For why? I dare not halfe so boldely now aspire,
I dare not once presume, to warme me by the fire,
I dare not Parle [illeg.] so bolde as I was wont,
For if I doe the aunswere comes both sharpe, both tarte and blunt:
And head is hanged downe, and eyes doe locke aside,
And faces of the other sorte are made as they woulde chide.
Wherfore you flattering flurt, Dame fortune by your name,
A vengeance take thy truthles trade, for thou didst cause the same:
But though in thy dispight, yet will I vse my ioy,
And neuer soake my heart with care, although they seeme so coy:
For they are but thy fittes, I knowe it very well,
When pleasantnesse is so disposed, such thinges he can expell:
To which most happy time, I trust, but not to thee,
For thou art still of flatring kind and euermore wilt be.
Verses declaring how each Desire Is satisfied in Time.
The hungery soule that wantesof foode his Corpes to fill:
Is forced forth through passing plaints
to remedie his ill:
And if by happie lotte,
he lighteth in such place,
Whereas is foode abundantly
to helpe his dolefull case:
Then you shall see this swaine,
whom hungers hate had hist,
When he in Time hath had Desire
doth skorne that ofte he mist:
The wight that keepes in Courts
and viewes the gallant shewes
Of Princes Pallace deerely dect
whose eyes it dayly knowes:
[25]
the sight, though it be rare,
As he esteemes a new fond ioy
where on his eyes may stare.
What is the cause of this?
because that he is fill'd,
And hath enough euen of the sight
As much as he hath will'd.
The Goldsmith that doth worke,
vpon the Diamond rare:
Doth not so much esteeme the sight,
as sequell doth declare.
The Painter that doth make,
with pencell in his hand,
Soms passing peece of Portracture,
like liuely shape to stand:
At first time when he went
with will to learne that art,
Desire was a mate of his,
and woulde not drawe a part:
And marke how he (by Time)
of it hath had his fill:
He passeth more for greedie gold
then he esteemes his skill.
Thus is Desire at length
by Time brought into vre:
The Painter pleased is with Coyne,
as well as Portracture.
The Gentleman that keepes
a Hauke for his delight,
And taketh pleasure for to view
the swiftnesse of her flight,
With spannelles for to raunge.
the game alofte to spring:
At length we see, he wearily
accompteth of the thing.
26
that roareth for her pray,
Is neuer satisfied vntill
Some faultlesse thinge she slay:
And then when she hath fed,
and fulnesse her inuest,
She neuer passeth more for it,
till hunger doth request.
The Cat will watch and wayte,
till she the Mouse hath got:
And then when she hath fedde her fill,
a dewe, she careth not.
The Scriuener that takes paine
with painfull penne to please:
Espieth not his labour wayed,
so much the more disease.
That company which keepes
for a long time together.
By time grows strange, as euer they were
at first time comming hether.
The booke that newe is made
is more esteem'd of price:
And better liked on by some
then workes of deepe deuice.
Wherefore the way to haue
a thing esteemed well:
Is secretly to keepe the same
and not abroade to tell.
For why, I well perceiue,
examples put before:
That friendship failes, when fancy findes
new liking for her store.
Wherefore to learne to keepe
in secret silent brest:
It is a poynt of wisedome sure,
in whom so ere it rest.
[26]
thus is Desire strange?
Thus doth Desire giue vs fill,
and makes our friendes to change.
Verses written vnto one which had wrote A Curious Commendation of his happie Exchange.
VVhy
dost thou vaunt, before thou knowe?
Why dost thou bragge before thou trie?
All is not golde, that is of glittering shewe,
Nor trust not that which pleaseth the eye:
For in the same deceipte doth rest,
As proofe doth make it manifest.
Why dost thou bragge before thou trie?
All is not golde, that is of glittering shewe,
Nor trust not that which pleaseth the eye:
For in the same deceipte doth rest,
As proofe doth make it manifest.
For since thou wrot'st that glorieus stile
In praise of thy so good exchange:
A frowarde fit some did compile,
Which vnto thee did seeme full strange,
That at the first it did befall,
Such rough repulse to sleepe withall.
In praise of thy so good exchange:
A frowarde fit some did compile,
Which vnto thee did seeme full strange,
That at the first it did befall,
Such rough repulse to sleepe withall.
Wherefore I counsell thus doe giue,
To frame thy nature how to abyde,
And see that thou discreete doe liue,
And {f}ainte not though some fondly chide:
For why? thou worst so much before.
You knowe my minde, Ile say no more.
To frame thy nature how to abyde,
And see that thou discreete doe liue,
And {f}ainte not though some fondly chide:
For why? thou worst so much before.
You knowe my minde, Ile say no more.
27
Verses written for a requisite remembrance of the earth quake which happened on Wednesday the 6. of Aprill. 1580. betwene 5. and 6. of the clocke at night of the same day.
When
man doth least {accompt} of this his end,
And as he thinkes doth safely sit at rest:
Then suddenly or euer he be ware,
Doth Death aproch, his corps for to inuest,
And in a moment all his pompe and pride
And glory vaine, is quickly laide a side.
And as he thinkes doth safely sit at rest:
Then suddenly or euer he be ware,
Doth Death aproch, his corps for to inuest,
And in a moment all his pompe and pride
And glory vaine, is quickly laide a side.
His house the which he takes for his Defence,
And as it were doth make a sure grounde:
Presuming that it standeth firme and fast,
Foundation such not likely to confound
By any chaunce, except the ground do fall?
The which high Ioue hath ready at his call.
And as it were doth make a sure grounde:
Presuming that it standeth firme and fast,
Foundation such not likely to confound
By any chaunce, except the ground do fall?
The which high Ioue hath ready at his call.
Oh gratious God how wonderful are thy workes,
Thy secretes not known to mind of man:
Thou send'st vs signes, and tokens of thy wrath,
And if with grace we rightly do them scanne,
We may thus thinke, and also vnderstand,
Thy iudgemente day is very ny at hand.
Thy secretes not known to mind of man:
Thou send'st vs signes, and tokens of thy wrath,
And if with grace we rightly do them scanne,
We may thus thinke, and also vnderstand,
Thy iudgemente day is very ny at hand.
Yet mercifully thou doest vs all forewarne,
And wouldest not that we should sinke in sinne,
But penetently thy mercy for to craue,
And leaue such leawdnesse as we do beginne
Too much to vse, alas the more the {ruth},
And God will scourge no doubt, for our vntruth.
And wouldest not that we should sinke in sinne,
But penetently thy mercy for to craue,
And leaue such leawdnesse as we do beginne
Too much to vse, alas the more the {ruth},
And God will scourge no doubt, for our vntruth.
Oh sudden motion, and shaking of the earth,
No blustering blastes, the weather calme and milde:
Good Lord the sudden rarenesse of the thing
A sudden feare did bring, to man and childe,
They verely thought, as well in field as Towne,
The earth should sinke, and the houses all fall downe.
[27]
Good Lord the sudden rarenesse of the thing
A sudden feare did bring, to man and childe,
They verely thought, as well in field as Towne,
The earth should sinke, and the houses all fall downe.
Well let vs print this present in our heartes,
And call to God, for neuer neede we more:
Crauing of him mercy for our misdeedes,
Our sinfull liues from heart for to deplore,
For let vs thinke this token doth portend,
If scourge nere hand, if we do still offend.
And call to God, for neuer neede we more:
Crauing of him mercy for our misdeedes,
Our sinfull liues from heart for to deplore,
For let vs thinke this token doth portend,
If scourge nere hand, if we do still offend.
Yet neuer was Gods word more diligently
Preached vnto vs, then it is at this day:
But out alas, what boote is it to heare,
And presently forget what they do say.
For he which layes his hand vpon the plowe,
And turneth backe, shall speed you know as how.
Preached vnto vs, then it is at this day:
But out alas, what boote is it to heare,
And presently forget what they do say.
For he which layes his hand vpon the plowe,
And turneth backe, shall speed you know as how.
The wantonnesse and lewdnesse now adayes,
Is much to write, therefore it is but vaine
To seeme at large the same for to expresse:
The grauer sorte do much of it complaine,
And wish there were amendment of ill life,
Which euery where alas is too too rife.
Is much to write, therefore it is but vaine
To seeme at large the same for to expresse:
The grauer sorte do much of it complaine,
And wish there were amendment of ill life,
Which euery where alas is too too rife.
Pride is too pearte and falshood florisheth much,
Deceipte is deepe, good Lord how it is vsed:
Enuy is rife, blaspheming doth not want:
Wel, in effect each thing is now abused.
Lord graunt we may conuert, and that with speede,
For well we know, we neuer had more neede.
Deceipte is deepe, good Lord how it is vsed:
Enuy is rife, blaspheming doth not want:
Wel, in effect each thing is now abused.
Lord graunt we may conuert, and that with speede,
For well we know, we neuer had more neede.
Let vs not linger and driue from day to day,
We haue beene warned sufficiently we know:
The Lord is angry, and not without good cause,
And though he do but signes vnto vs shew:
Well let vs thinke if we do thus exceede
In sinne so ryfe, we shall it feele in deede.
We haue beene warned sufficiently we know:
28
And though he do but signes vnto vs shew:
Well let vs thinke if we do thus exceede
In sinne so ryfe, we shall it feele in deede.
Amend your liues for the kingdome of God is at hand. Mat. 3.
None good but God.
Verses written vnto his friend W. C. of not, and nor.
Not
boysterouse winds of Æolus force cā stir the hardy rockes
Nor wooden wedges can preuaile to cleane the knotty blocks.
Not absence (he) to frendly heartes can any breach procure,
Nor spiteful spite can do much hurte where friēdship doth assure.
Not frowning lookes of frowarde Mars that can my pen restraine,
Nor doubtfull speach can me reuoke, in verse to shew my vaine.
Not want of good will ready prest shall be one let or cause,
Nor yet the feare of any man shall make me for to pause.
Not Time to tarry to deuise some pleasant thing to write,
Nor yet to proue for to be fine, my verse for to indite,
Not that I thinke my friend be will for rashnesse laugh at me.
Nor that I stand in doubt of that this thing he take in gree.
Not that I am a Poet braue for to declare my minde,
Nor that I haue a curiouse head some pleasant thing to finde,
Not that my friend is scrupulousse, but friendly be will take,
Nor that he is of Momus sect to mocke that I do make.
Not that I know my friend will now accept my ragged verse,
Nor I thinke he will reiect that which I do rehearse.
Not that the Time doth let me now some farder wordes to vse,
Nor that I meane in any thing my friend for to abuse.
Nor wooden wedges can preuaile to cleane the knotty blocks.
Not absence (he) to frendly heartes can any breach procure,
Nor spiteful spite can do much hurte where friēdship doth assure.
Not frowning lookes of frowarde Mars that can my pen restraine,
Nor doubtfull speach can me reuoke, in verse to shew my vaine.
Not want of good will ready prest shall be one let or cause,
Nor yet the feare of any man shall make me for to pause.
Not Time to tarry to deuise some pleasant thing to write,
Nor yet to proue for to be fine, my verse for to indite,
Not that I thinke my friend be will for rashnesse laugh at me.
Nor that I stand in doubt of that this thing he take in gree.
Not that I am a Poet braue for to declare my minde,
Nor that I haue a curiouse head some pleasant thing to finde,
Not that my friend is scrupulousse, but friendly be will take,
Nor that he is of Momus sect to mocke that I do make.
Not that I know my friend will now accept my ragged verse,
Nor I thinke he will reiect that which I do rehearse.
Not that the Time doth let me now some farder wordes to vse,
Nor that I meane in any thing my friend for to abuse.
In steade of giftes to thanke thee for,
Take Yates his gifte of not and nor.
Take Yates his gifte of not and nor.
[28]
Verses written vpon the captiouse coniecture of one who not offended.
The
state of worldly wightes is straunge,
And mutall mindes, do passe my skill:
The good haue bad, for their exchaunge,
By cogitations wrong to will.
The iniury hath small repay,
Where maiestie doth beare the sway.
And mutall mindes, do passe my skill:
The good haue bad, for their exchaunge,
By cogitations wrong to will.
The iniury hath small repay,
Where maiestie doth beare the sway.
The supreame rule supporteth much,
Me thinkes it saith, why I am hee:
Men know my nature to be such,
As scant my like is knowne to be,
For where I may I croppe, I loppe:
I make them stoupe and bowe their toppe.
Me thinkes it saith, why I am hee:
Men know my nature to be such,
As scant my like is knowne to be,
For where I may I croppe, I loppe:
I make them stoupe and bowe their toppe.
But Iustice sittes with sword in hand,
And Equity with ballance right:
The cause and truth to vnderstand,
To deale by equall Doome vpright:
For sure the Gods they will not see.
That worngfull iudgement geuen be.
And Equity with ballance right:
The cause and truth to vnderstand,
To deale by equall Doome vpright:
For sure the Gods they will not see.
That worngfull iudgement geuen be.
Then preace in place, thou guyltlesse minde
Whose modest moode deserues no blame:
God will all misbeliues vnbinde,
And try thy truth with worthie fame:
And like as Laurell kepes the hue:
So truth the falshood shall subdue.
Whose modest moode deserues no blame:
God will all misbeliues vnbinde,
And try thy truth with worthie fame:
And like as Laurell kepes the hue:
So truth the falshood shall subdue.
Conceyue no cause of pensiue thought.
In Nature good, each small is greate:
The wise themselues, haue wisely taught,
More then my pen can here repeat:
Wherefore I cease, I stay to tell,
In Nature good, each small is greate:
The wise themselues, haue wisely taught,
More then my pen can here repeat:
Wherefore I cease, I stay to tell,
29
Verses written vpon a Question.
I being once occasioned Comparisons to vse:
A friend of mine, a question put, to aunswere or refuse.
The which was this: VVhat thing vvas that, which longest doth remaine
In happie blisse, but at the last it tasteth of some paine.
A friend of mine, a question put, to aunswere or refuse.
The which was this: VVhat thing vvas that, which longest doth remaine
In happie blisse, but at the last it tasteth of some paine.
Where with I grewe astonied, an aunswere streight to make:
For why quoth I, deliberation in this I had neede take,
Yet as my simple head a simple reason can render,
I hope you will accept it well, though it be small and slender.
For why quoth I, deliberation in this I had neede take,
Yet as my simple head a simple reason can render,
I hope you will accept it well, though it be small and slender.
Then (Sir) I thus confesse, as reason would I should,
To tell my minde I am content, to speake the best I could.
The happiest thing (quoth I) is Gods eternall grace.
For that is that which doth remaine and stayes in happie case.
To tell my minde I am content, to speake the best I could.
The happiest thing (quoth I) is Gods eternall grace.
For that is that which doth remaine and stayes in happie case.
For els I knowe no thing, that happie can be counted,
No worldly wealth, no Towre high, that to the skye is mounted,
No faith of any friend, for why it shall decay:
We see it is like fortunes wheele, which turneth euery way.
No worldly wealth, no Towre high, that to the skye is mounted,
No faith of any friend, for why it shall decay:
We see it is like fortunes wheele, which turneth euery way.
In faith my friend (quoth he) you haue me full resolued,
It seemes you trust not much the world, from it you are dissolued.
The fragrant florishing feates, and gallant glosing glee,
Is like a blast or puffe of wind which blowes the leafe from tree.
It seemes you trust not much the world, from it you are dissolued.
The fragrant florishing feates, and gallant glosing glee,
Is like a blast or puffe of wind which blowes the leafe from tree.
Esteeme it as it is, and weigh and ponder thus,
That mindes of men change euery houre as fancie doth discusse:
But ah, the changelesse state that euer shall endure,
Is Gods eternall blisse on hye, of this we may be sure.
That mindes of men change euery houre as fancie doth discusse:
But ah, the changelesse state that euer shall endure,
Is Gods eternall blisse on hye, of this we may be sure.
Verses written vpon Desire, to vnload the minde.
The Bird that buildes her nest, doth order due obserue,
And therein takes her rest, her younglings to preserue:
As nature doth ordaine each thing by course of kind.
So she doth them maintaine till seekers do them find.
And therein takes her rest, her younglings to preserue:
As nature doth ordaine each thing by course of kind.
So she doth them maintaine till seekers do them find.
Like so where worldly woes doe dayly still increase,
And lucklesse chaunces shewe that sorrowes will not cease
Till happy hap doth hit, and course doth turne and change,
And good lucke come to those, to whome she hath bin strange.
And lucklesse chaunces shewe that sorrowes will not cease
29
And good lucke come to those, to whome she hath bin strange.
Where want doth weaue the web, there skant doth pleasure growe,
Wher good successe doth ebb there ill successe doth flowe,
Where Patience perforce in spight must vsed be:
Vnhappy is that course, such haplesse hap to see.
Wher good successe doth ebb there ill successe doth flowe,
Where Patience perforce in spight must vsed be:
Vnhappy is that course, such haplesse hap to see.
As pleasantnesse doth vade, and dieth like the flowre:
So ioyfulnesse consumes within one silly houre.
Or what doth boote it nowe in myrth for to abound,
When as we bend and bow to sorrowes sollemne sound.
So ioyfulnesse consumes within one silly houre.
Or what doth boote it nowe in myrth for to abound,
When as we bend and bow to sorrowes sollemne sound.
The head opprest with dumpes, the heart doth heauie make,
And wayward chances come, our ioyes away to take.
And as the Impe thats greene, is tender for the knife:
So mirth is seldome seene, whereas such cases be rife
And wayward chances come, our ioyes away to take.
And as the Impe thats greene, is tender for the knife:
So mirth is seldome seene, whereas such cases be rife
Verses which signifie the ease,
Hovv medling least, doth not displease.
The busie heads, whose harebraine wits,
With causelesse cause will haue to deale;
Doe often shewe but foolish fittes,
For nothing they can close conceale.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
With causelesse cause will haue to deale;
Doe often shewe but foolish fittes,
For nothing they can close conceale.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
The Royster and the quarreling foole,
That standes vpon his garde of strength:
May meete with one that shall him coole,
And ouercome his pride at length.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least, doth not displease.
That standes vpon his garde of strength:
May meete with one that shall him coole,
And ouercome his pride at length.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least, doth not displease.
The pratler (he) cannot abstaine,
Ne yet keepe in his tongue from prate:
O blame him not for tis his vaine,
He takes a glory in that rate.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
Ne yet keepe in his tongue from prate:
O blame him not for tis his vaine,
He takes a glory in that rate.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
30
Tis vaine to put our hand in fire,
Or in a fray to take a parte,
When as no cause doth so require,
Perchance he comes vnto his smart,
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
Or in a fray to take a parte,
When as no cause doth so require,
Perchance he comes vnto his smart,
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
The prouerbe often thus doth shew,
Which warneth vs in this respect:
Heere much but little seeke to know,
That any tumult may erect.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
Which warneth vs in this respect:
Heere much but little seeke to know,
That any tumult may erect.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
By busie pates strife and Debate,
Rancour and Rage be reared vpright:
Enuie, Disdaine and cruell hate,
Are put in vre by such a wight.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease,
Rancour and Rage be reared vpright:
Enuie, Disdaine and cruell hate,
Are put in vre by such a wight.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease,
So may you well be bold of this,
The loue of each man thou shalt winne:
And haue likewise eternall blisse,
For quiet state you liued in.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
The loue of each man thou shalt winne:
And haue likewise eternall blisse,
For quiet state you liued in.
All you that meane to liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
Of medling least I thus define:
The happie state in it doth rest,
And like a Iuell it doth shine,
Among all Iuels of the best.
All you that then wil liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
The happie state in it doth rest,
And like a Iuell it doth shine,
Among all Iuels of the best.
All you that then wil liue at ease,
To meddle least doth not displease.
[30]
Verses written vpon Saint Iames his day.
Oh
Blessed Sainte, whose glorious name doth shine
Throughout the world with fame and honour eke:
Whose wisdome rare, and modest life diuine,
Doe shew thy selfe to be both iust and meeke.
Thou follow oft Christ, thou neuer wast to seeke:
God graunt I Iames may euer doe the like,
That Iames may ioy with Iames that was so pure,
In heauenly throne, which euer shall endure.
Throughout the world with fame and honour eke:
Whose wisdome rare, and modest life diuine,
Doe shew thy selfe to be both iust and meeke.
Thou follow oft Christ, thou neuer wast to seeke:
God graunt I Iames may euer doe the like,
That Iames may ioy with Iames that was so pure,
In heauenly throne, which euer shall endure.
O Lord Direct and guide my steps like his,
With harmelesse heart to treade so true a trace:
Then shall my steps be steadie and not misse,
But by good life to winne thy heauenly place.
With courage bould to come and view thy face.
For that I haue sincerely runne the race,
And liu'd vpright in thought, in worde and deede,
And in excesse of sinne doe not exceede.
With harmelesse heart to treade so true a trace:
Then shall my steps be steadie and not misse,
But by good life to winne thy heauenly place.
With courage bould to come and view thy face.
For that I haue sincerely runne the race,
And liu'd vpright in thought, in worde and deede,
And in excesse of sinne doe not exceede.
O Lord if I may iustly this approue,
Then let me haue according to desert:
Reiect me not but for thy tender loue,
Reuerse the rage of sinnes infernall smart.
And I protest to laude thee with my heart,
O Lord I craue from sinne doe me conuert:
That when my life no longer heere may bee.
My soule may rest in heauen aboue with thee.
Then let me haue according to desert:
Reiect me not but for thy tender loue,
Reuerse the rage of sinnes infernall smart.
And I protest to laude thee with my heart,
O Lord I craue from sinne doe me conuert:
That when my life no longer heere may bee.
My soule may rest in heauen aboue with thee.
None good but God quoth Iames Yatis.
FINIS.
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