The Mirrour of Mutabilitie or Principall part of the Mirrour for Magistrates. Describing the fall of diuers famous Princes, and other memorable Personages. Selected out of the sacred Scriptures by Antony Munday, and dedicated to the Right Honorable the Earle of Oxenford |
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THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE
Mirrour of Mutabilitie, rightly named,
the Principall parte of the Mirrour
for Magistrates.
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| 2. |
 | The Mirrour of Mutabilitie |  |
THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE Mirrour of Mutabilitie, rightly named, the Principall parte of the Mirrour for Magistrates.
PRIDE.
P RIDE is the root, from vvhence all vice dooth spring,R ich is that man, that can auoyd the same:
I nfernall vvoes for guerdon it dooth bring,
D eserued due to their perpetuall shame:
E che one therfore regarde his verteous name.
THE COMPLAINT OF King Nabuchodonozor, sometime King of Babilon, for the inordinate and excessive PRIDE, that he vsed in his life time.
Caput. 1.
On
highest tipe of Honors lofty name,
I some time did in Princely pomp remayne:
Bothe farre and neer I bore the golden fame,
And who but I in cheefe estate did reign?
Till suddainly in all my peacocks plumes:
I was throwen down for all my freating fumes.
I some time did in Princely pomp remayne:
Bothe farre and neer I bore the golden fame,
And who but I in cheefe estate did reign?
Till suddainly in all my peacocks plumes:
I was throwen down for all my freating fumes.
What so thou be that fayne wouldst knowe my name,
And how I liu'd, attend vnto my tale:
Nabuchodonozor, I am the very same,
Who suddenly was turnd from blisse to bale.
In Pride I rulde, and flaunted with the best:
Who me denayd, by power I supprest.
And how I liu'd, attend vnto my tale:
Nabuchodonozor, I am the very same,
Who suddenly was turnd from blisse to bale.
In Pride I rulde, and flaunted with the best:
Who me denayd, by power I supprest.
I am that King which did the Image frame,
Wherto all men should treble homage giue:
Those that rebeld should taste the scorching flame,
This in my Pride I vsde while I did liue.
Blood, blood, was all I dayly did desire:
Such was the rule wherto I did aspire.
Wherto all men should treble homage giue:
Those that rebeld should taste the scorching flame,
This in my Pride I vsde while I did liue.
Blood, blood, was all I dayly did desire:
Such was the rule wherto I did aspire.
When Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago,
To homage did my golden God disdayne:
In flaming Fornace soone I did them throwe,
Wherin I thought to woork their cruell payne.
But of my will, see how I was deceiued:
God by his might my puissant pomp bereued.
To homage did my golden God disdayne:
In flaming Fornace soone I did them throwe,
Wherin I thought to woork their cruell payne.
But of my will, see how I was deceiued:
God by his might my puissant pomp bereued.
His Angell did preserue them in the flame,
So that they did no harme at all sustayne:
No, not one hear did perish out of frame,
This when I saw, did gorge me with disdayne.
I thought my self inferiour vnto none:
But I as God triumphant rulde alone.
So that they did no harme at all sustayne:
No, not one hear did perish out of frame,
This when I saw, did gorge me with disdayne.
I thought my self inferiour vnto none:
But I as God triumphant rulde alone.
I thought eche wight was subiect vnto me,
I thought it prayse to beare a loftie name:
Pride rulde my hart, I could not Uertue see,
Uice did abound my pleasure for to frame.
A mortall man? no, no, a God and eke obayd:
My whole estate in pamperd Pride I swayd.
I thought it prayse to beare a loftie name:
Pride rulde my hart, I could not Uertue see,
Uice did abound my pleasure for to frame.
A mortall man? no, no, a God and eke obayd:
My whole estate in pamperd Pride I swayd.
No one I thought that could my power suppresse,
Much lesse I thought to finde my equall mate:
With woordes I causde to bow bothe more and lesse,
With hauty deeds I maintaynd still my state,
This stomack stout disdaynd to stoupe all:
This mightie minde no feare could once apall.
Much lesse I thought to finde my equall mate:
With woordes I causde to bow bothe more and lesse,
With hauty deeds I maintaynd still my state,
This stomack stout disdaynd to stoupe all:
This mightie minde no feare could once apall.
But yet the Lord to make me feele his might,
Bereft me cleane of mine Impeciall seat:
For seuen yeeres space, my Pride for to requite,
In shape of Oxe on ground he made me eat.
A iust reward which I did well deserue:
Since so I did disdayne his name to serue.
Bereft me cleane of mine Impeciall seat:
For seuen yeeres space, my Pride for to requite,
In shape of Oxe on ground he made me eat.
A iust reward which I did well deserue:
Since so I did disdayne his name to serue.
Yet at the length his mercy tooke such place,
That he restorde me to my Seat agayne:
And where before I ran an vncouth race,
With treble ioy my Crowne I did attayne.
Now I perciu'ed God brought my state so lowe:
And raysd me vp, that I my self might knowe.
That he restorde me to my Seat agayne:
And where before I ran an vncouth race,
With treble ioy my Crowne I did attayne.
Now I perciu'ed God brought my state so lowe:
And raysd me vp, that I my self might knowe.
Beholde how gratious was the Lord to me,
That liued long moste odious to beholde:
See how at length his mercy set me free,
And brought me home agayne into his folde,
And though that I did run awhile astray:
Loth was the Lord to see me cast away.
That liued long moste odious to beholde:
See how at length his mercy set me free,
And brought me home agayne into his folde,
And though that I did run awhile astray:
Loth was the Lord to see me cast away.
You Potentates that rule in high degree,
Remember how your state is heere vnsure:
And though on Earth a while your bidings be,
It is but lent, it dooth not aye indure.
Think as to day your life you doo sustayne:
To morrowe dead, the proofe heer of is playne.
Remember how your state is heere vnsure:
And though on Earth a while your bidings be,
It is but lent, it dooth not aye indure.
Think as to day your life you doo sustayne:
To morrowe dead, the proofe heer of is playne.
Think not to liue as Gods vpon the land,
Remember still that Pride will haue a fall:
Consider you are Subiect to Gods hand,
And in a moment passe away you shall.
Liue stil to dye, that you may redy be:
When God shall call eche one in his degree.
Remember still that Pride will haue a fall:
Consider you are Subiect to Gods hand,
And in a moment passe away you shall.
Liue stil to dye, that you may redy be:
When God shall call eche one in his degree.
See how my Pride was quickly layd in dust,
Beholde you may my Mutabilitie:
My Princely rule wheron I whole did trust,
Did naught auayle my state to fortifie.
He set me vp, agayne, he brought me lowe:
That I to you a warning plaine might showe.
Beholde you may my Mutabilitie:
My Princely rule wheron I whole did trust,
Did naught auayle my state to fortifie.
He set me vp, agayne, he brought me lowe:
That I to you a warning plaine might showe.
Remember diuers past in preter time,
That haue receiu'd as sudden fall as I:
And haue likewise offended in this crime,
Now wisely looke, you like tread not awrye.
Proud Lucifer fell down from Heauen hye:
And all through Pride God did in him espye.
That haue receiu'd as sudden fall as I:
And haue likewise offended in this crime,
Now wisely looke, you like tread not awrye.
Proud Lucifer fell down from Heauen hye:
And all through Pride God did in him espye.
Beware of Pride therfore my Brethern all,
With your estates still holde your selues content.
Pride, Pride, was only cause of my great fall,
And for my Pride beholde how I was shent.
Example take, be warned now by me:
Let me suffise your pattern for to be.
With your estates still holde your selues content.
Pride, Pride, was only cause of my great fall,
And for my Pride beholde how I was shent.
Example take, be warned now by me:
Let me suffise your pattern for to be.
And to my graue with speed I haste agayne,
Since I haue tolde that which I did desire:
For now I hope that you will shun the payne,
That comes through Pride, whose lew is lasting fire.
And thus adieu, God graunt eche one may see:
Unto his state, and so content to be.
Since I haue tolde that which I did desire:
For now I hope that you will shun the payne,
That comes through Pride, whose lew is lasting fire.
And thus adieu, God graunt eche one may see:
Unto his state, and so content to be.
FINIS.
ENVYE.
E NVYE disdaines his neighboures prosperous state,N o Looue can liue vvhere ENVYE beareth svvay:
V se therfore so your dealings in such rate.
Y ou need not shame your liuing to display.
E xile all fraud, serue GOD, thy Prince obay.
THE COMPLAINT of King Herod, the first Straunger that reigned ouer the Ievves, for the exceeding ENVYE that in his life he vsed.
Caput. 2.
What
, shall I speak? or shall I holde my peace?
What shall I doo? all lothes my face to see:
The more I muse, the more dooth woe increace,
The more I shun, the more it followes me.
My former deeds I wish recalld to be.
But Uarlet fye, thou speakest to to late:
For right reuenge is falne vpon thy pate.
What shall I doo? all lothes my face to see:
The more I muse, the more dooth woe increace,
The more I shun, the more it followes me.
My former deeds I wish recalld to be.
But Uarlet fye, thou speakest to to late:
For right reuenge is falne vpon thy pate.
Why should I shun, or hide to showe my name?
To all the world I am an open gaze:
The infant young on Herod cryeth shame,
So black Defame my name abroad dooth blaze:
That to looke vp, oh how I stand in maze.
To Heauen, no, cast down thy head to Hell:
There is the place, where thou of right must dwel.
To all the world I am an open gaze:
The infant young on Herod cryeth shame,
So black Defame my name abroad dooth blaze:
That to looke vp, oh how I stand in maze.
To Heauen, no, cast down thy head to Hell:
There is the place, where thou of right must dwel.
But that all men may mirrour take by me,
List to the tale that heer I will vnfolde:
Heere warning take, let me your mirrour be,
See how at length I trapped am in holde:
You Gallants gay, take heed, be not to bolde,
Least that you run to soone in Enuyes snare:
And so be caught before you can beware.
List to the tale that heer I will vnfolde:
Heere warning take, let me your mirrour be,
See how at length I trapped am in holde:
You Gallants gay, take heed, be not to bolde,
Least that you run to soone in Enuyes snare:
And so be caught before you can beware.
I Herod am, whose hart with greefe did gore,
When Christe was borne, whom men their Sauiour call:
I sent foorth Mages to foresee therfore,
Which way I might procure him for my thrall:
In hart I still desirde his finall fall.
But God who sawe such Enuye in my brest:
Did me bereaue of that I hoped best,
When Christe was borne, whom men their Sauiour call:
I sent foorth Mages to foresee therfore,
Which way I might procure him for my thrall:
But God who sawe such Enuye in my brest:
Did me bereaue of that I hoped best,
Unto my hart it was an endles spight,
That of the Ievves a King he nam'd should bee:
O then (quoth I) if catch that wretch I might,
All were mine owne, mine honor then were free,
The pomp of all might then redound to me.
But they in whome I fully fixt my trust:
Returnd no more, their promise was vniust.
That of the Ievves a King he nam'd should bee:
O then (quoth I) if catch that wretch I might,
All were mine owne, mine honor then were free,
The pomp of all might then redound to me.
But they in whome I fully fixt my trust:
Returnd no more, their promise was vniust.
I vowed to come with homage to this King,
Dissembling then my ardent zeale of hart:
Hoping that so I might him vnder bring,
And by this drift fulfill my bloody part.
But all in vayne, the more returnd my smart.
And how I frye, and freat in spight therfore:
Iudge you if one may any wayes doo more.
Dissembling then my ardent zeale of hart:
Hoping that so I might him vnder bring,
And by this drift fulfill my bloody part.
But all in vayne, the more returnd my smart.
And how I frye, and freat in spight therfore:
Iudge you if one may any wayes doo more.
Condemd I am to the infernall flame,
For lothsome life which I would not preuent:
Proud Pluto now torments my noble name,
Now to to late I lothe my life lewd spent.
Be warnd therfore, eche man keep him content.
Clime not to high, for sudden comes the fall:
Which leads you to an euerlasting thrall.
For lothsome life which I would not preuent:
Proud Pluto now torments my noble name,
Now to to late I lothe my life lewd spent.
Be warnd therfore, eche man keep him content.
Clime not to high, for sudden comes the fall:
Which leads you to an euerlasting thrall.
You stately Kings that haue the charge in hand,
To gouern those that doo them Subiects vow:
Foresee by me such sinne for to withstand,
Be not to proud, vnto your duties bow.
Rememember you but Subiects are as now.
I can instruct how other should deplore:
But I my self could not take heed before.
To gouern those that doo them Subiects vow:
Foresee by me such sinne for to withstand,
Be not to proud, vnto your duties bow.
Rememember you but Subiects are as now.
I can instruct how other should deplore:
But I my self could not take heed before.
Call vnto minde the slaughter that I made,
Of tender infants from their mothers brest:
See how Dame Enuye led me by her shade,
That mercilesse poore Sucklings I opprest.
And through my Realme none could haue any rest.
But what reuenge did light on me therfore:
Is to well knowen, I need to speak no more.
Of tender infants from their mothers brest:
See how Dame Enuye led me by her shade,
That mercilesse poore Sucklings I opprest.
And through my Realme none could haue any rest.
But what reuenge did light on me therfore:
Is to well knowen, I need to speak no more.
For suddenly I caught a bloody knife,
Incenst with ire, to woorke mine owne decay:
My Seruaunt would not let me spill my life,
But he perforce constraynd my hand to stay.
Els desperatly I meant my self to slay.
But now at last, beholde a greater chaunge:
Woe to reporte the matter is so straunge.
Incenst with ire, to woorke mine owne decay:
My Seruaunt would not let me spill my life,
But he perforce constraynd my hand to stay.
Els desperatly I meant my self to slay.
But now at last, beholde a greater chaunge:
Woe to reporte the matter is so straunge.
A loathsome creature then I was to see,
Upon my carckasse Uermin vile did eat:
Such odious sauours did proceed from me,
None could abide for to approche my Seat.
For to beholde my body vermins meat.
My freends and all, now suffered me to lye:
My stinck was such, that none could come me nye.
Upon my carckasse Uermin vile did eat:
Such odious sauours did proceed from me,
None could abide for to approche my Seat.
For to beholde my body vermins meat.
My freends and all, now suffered me to lye:
My stinck was such, that none could come me nye.
A iust reward for Enuye that I vsde,
A mirrour playne for all that come behinde:
To think how much my self I haue abusde,
And altred cleane from out of natures kinde.
A man, a beast, such doome was me assignde.
And as I was, euen so I doo remayne:
Til iudgement come, to quit me for my payne.
A mirrour playne for all that come behinde:
To think how much my self I haue abusde,
And altred cleane from out of natures kinde.
A man, a beast, such doome was me assignde.
And as I was, euen so I doo remayne:
Til iudgement come, to quit me for my payne.
Sufficient warning heere I haue you tolde,
For to beware how like you doo offend:
Now hence I must to troubles treble folde,
Which will abide continuall without end.
If therfore thou wilt to thy self be freend.
Shun Enuyes snare, take heed of lofty minde:
So neuer shalt thou wauer out of kinde.
For to beware how like you doo offend:
Now hence I must to troubles treble folde,
If therfore thou wilt to thy self be freend.
Shun Enuyes snare, take heed of lofty minde:
So neuer shalt thou wauer out of kinde.
FINIS.
VVRATH.
VV here vvrathfull vvights in common vveale remain,R egarded small is vnitie of life:
A ll vice abounds, Discord, dooth Reason stayne,
T rueth lyes in dust, and still increaseth strife.
H aue good regard in all thou goest about:
E steeme Dame Trueth for she vvill beare thee out.
THE COMPLAINT of King Pharao, sometime King of Egipt, vvoorthily punnished of GOD, for his vvrathfull dealings tovvard the Children of Israel.
Caput. 3.
Am
I that Pharao that did guyde,
The noble Land of Egipt late?
Am I that Pharao that did slyde,
From happy helth, to wayling woe?
And am I he, that sought eche way,
For to subuert the Israels state?
Then iustly is mine owne decay,
Falne downe on me, for dooing so.
I haue dese'ud the trueth to say,
A thousand times as many moe.
For all the Plagues that God me sent:
Could not inforce me to repent.
The noble Land of Egipt late?
Am I that Pharao that did slyde,
From happy helth, to wayling woe?
And am I he, that sought eche way,
For to subuert the Israels state?
Then iustly is mine owne decay,
Falne downe on me, for dooing so.
I haue dese'ud the trueth to say,
A thousand times as many moe.
For all the Plagues that God me sent:
Could not inforce me to repent.
Ten seuerall Plagues God sent to me,
Ere I would let his Children goe:
With Frogs aud Lice moste straunge to see,
To mooue my hardned hart with all:
With diuers Plagues he payd me pat,
For to reclaime my stoutnes so.
But I esteemed not of that,
I thought my state should neuer fall.
I thought to beat all nations flat,
Before that I would gayne the thrall.
But who so fights agaynst the Lord:
He speeds but bad, as I accord.
Ere I would let his Children goe:
With Frogs aud Lice moste straunge to see,
To mooue my hardned hart with all:
With diuers Plagues he payd me pat,
For to reclaime my stoutnes so.
But I esteemed not of that,
I thought my state should neuer fall.
I thought to beat all nations flat,
Before that I would gayne the thrall.
But who so fights agaynst the Lord:
He speeds but bad, as I accord.
I did perseuer in my thought,
I did not force the Lord on hye:
I thought my power should euer speed,
And that his might I could deface:
My hardned hart with VVrath was bent,
I thought to mount vp to the Skye.
But climing, see how I was shent,
For down I fell in lothesome case.
And now my deed I doo repent,
For running such a wretched race.
Beholde how heer I diue in paine:
Yet can not dye though almoste slayne.
I did not force the Lord on hye:
I thought my power should euer speed,
And that his might I could deface:
My hardned hart with VVrath was bent,
I thought to mount vp to the Skye.
But climing, see how I was shent,
For down I fell in lothesome case.
And now my deed I doo repent,
Beholde how heer I diue in paine:
Yet can not dye though almoste slayne.
The furious Fiends torment my ghoste,
For pleasure vsed in my life:
Trounst and turmoyld in freesing frost,
Ye burnes this frost as whot a[illeg.] fire
Thus doo I passe my dollye dayes,
Amid a thousand heaps of strife:
And from them can escape no wayes,
To late it is for to retire.
But iust desart (as all men sayes,
Fell down on me in midst of ire.
O loathed life, fayne would I dye:
Cease Pharao, thou in vaine doost crye.
For pleasure vsed in my life:
Trounst and turmoyld in freesing frost,
Ye burnes this frost as whot a[illeg.] fire
Thus doo I passe my dollye dayes,
Amid a thousand heaps of strife:
And from them can escape no wayes,
To late it is for to retire.
But iust desart (as all men sayes,
Fell down on me in midst of ire.
O loathed life, fayne would I dye:
Cease Pharao, thou in vaine doost crye.
Be warned now you Lordings all,
Let Pharaos fall teach you beware:
Spit foorth that griesly goring gall,
Which makes you Enuyes seruile slaue:
See Pharao, who of late inioyd,
What hart could wish, deuoyd of care.
And see, how now I am annoyd,
Iudge if a guerdon right I haue.
Because my time I aye imployd,
To fancyes fond which I did craue.
And now my pleasure spent before;
With sowry sauce I doo deplore
Let Pharaos fall teach you beware:
Spit foorth that griesly goring gall,
Which makes you Enuyes seruile slaue:
See Pharao, who of late inioyd,
What hart could wish, deuoyd of care.
And see, how now I am annoyd,
Iudge if a guerdon right I haue.
Because my time I aye imployd,
To fancyes fond which I did craue.
And now my pleasure spent before;
With sowry sauce I doo deplore
Say now you see a pattern playne,
That you the like mischaunce may shun:
See heere the lue of deep disdayne,
That fostred was in Enuyes lap:
Respect your state ere you begin,
Now you yaur after steps may run,
So shall you scape the sinck of sin:
Which Pluto proud dooth round bewrap,
When you espy another in:
I think you may escape the trap.
Say not but you haue warning had:
Of one that feeles his state to bad.
That you the like mischaunce may shun:
See heere the lue of deep disdayne,
That fostred was in Enuyes lap:
Respect your state ere you begin,
So shall you scape the sinck of sin:
Which Pluto proud dooth round bewrap,
When you espy another in:
I think you may escape the trap.
Say not but you haue warning had:
Of one that feeles his state to bad.
And thus adiew, I must return,
As Gally slaue vuto my paine:
To place where sily soules doo mourne,
In lothsom lake of Enuy fell:
I must not slack my seruice due.
But with all speed must turne again,
And there be locked fast in mue:
Among a thousand feends of Hell,
Take heed therfore, think on my lue:
And of the place where I doo dwell.
Then neuer wil you fall in this:
But still take heed to doo a misse.
As Gally slaue vuto my paine:
To place where sily soules doo mourne,
In lothsom lake of Enuy fell:
I must not slack my seruice due.
But with all speed must turne again,
And there be locked fast in mue:
Among a thousand feends of Hell,
Take heed therfore, think on my lue:
And of the place where I doo dwell.
Then neuer wil you fall in this:
But still take heed to doo a misse.
FIMIS.
LECHERYE.
L ife better lost, then liue in such a sinne,E ternall shame dooth follovve lavvlesse Lust:
C orrupted mindes doo first this vice begin,
H ating the trueth vvheron they ought to trust.
E che one therfore his staylesse state regard,
R emember (man) the day dravves very neer:
I n vvhich all sinne shall haue his due revvard,
E rect thy minde, that then thou mayst be cleere.
THE COMPLAINT of King Dauid, (by Gods permission) annointed King of Israel, sorovvfully from the bottome of his hart, bemoning his vnbrideled Lust of Lecherye, committed vvith BERSABA the VVife of VRIAS, and for the procuring of her Husbands death, therby obtayning his purpose.
Caput. 4.
Did
Adam fall for breaking Gods behest,
From tipe of ioy to den of wayling woe?
And did his fact deserue to be supprest?
Then Dauids deed, deserueth treble so.
From tipe of ioy to den of wayling woe?
And did his fact deserue to be supprest?
Then Dauids deed, deserueth treble so.
Did Cayne offend when he his Brother slue,
And was subornd from presence of Gods face?
And if his fact did force his hart to rue,
O Dauid, then thy deed deserues like case.
And was subornd from presence of Gods face?
And if his fact did force his hart to rue,
O Dauid, then thy deed deserues like case.
What greater sinne then seeke the guiltlesse Blood?
What greater shame then loathsome Lecherye?
The World my fact hath open vnderstood,
My cruell deed of lawlesse libertie.
What greater shame then loathsome Lecherye?
The World my fact hath open vnderstood,
My cruell deed of lawlesse libertie.
O Bersaba which so did blinde mine eyes.
That I forgot my rule and Princely sway:
Her seemely shape did force me to deuise,
A thousand thoughts my purpose to assay.
That I forgot my rule and Princely sway:
Her seemely shape did force me to deuise,
A thousand thoughts my purpose to assay.
O when as thou didst laue thy body white,
As in my windowe thee I did beholde:
Me thought I saw a Gem of rare delight,
A Phenix faire stampt out of beaten Golde.
As in my windowe thee I did beholde:
Me thought I saw a Gem of rare delight,
A Phenix faire stampt out of beaten Golde.
Then that I might my purpose bring about,
On thy sweet shape to mittigate my payne:
To bloody Warres I sent thy husband out,
With giuing charge that there he should be slain.
On thy sweet shape to mittigate my payne:
To bloody Warres I sent thy husband out,
With giuing charge that there he should be slain.
Then did I gayne my long desired trust,
Thee Bersaba for to suffise my will:
But I a wretch to deale with lawlesse Lust,
Thee to defile, and husband thine to kill.
Thee Bersaba for to suffise my will:
But I a wretch to deale with lawlesse Lust,
Thee to defile, and husband thine to kill.
O wicked deed, me thinks I still doo heare,
Vrias blood for vengeaunce on me call:
O mazed man, where was thy heauenly feare?
What, didst thou think there was no God at all?
Vrias blood for vengeaunce on me call:
O mazed man, where was thy heauenly feare?
What, didst thou think there was no God at all?
O yes (my God) but sore deceiu'd was I,
Before thy face so wretchedly to sinne:
Thy mercy milde (O Lord) doo not deny,
That yet I may thy dwellings enter in.
Before thy face so wretchedly to sinne:
Thy mercy milde (O Lord) doo not deny,
That yet I may thy dwellings enter in.
O Bersaba, forgiuenes I doo craue,
For that I wretch thy body did defile:
Unlawfully desiring thee to haue,
To spot thy name by such an vnkinde guyle.
For that I wretch thy body did defile:
Unlawfully desiring thee to haue,
To spot thy name by such an vnkinde guyle.
And thou Vrias through my deed was slayne,
O where remaind the bounds of Princely sway:
That for my Lust should so desire thy payne,
And to thy foes vniustly thee betray.
O where remaind the bounds of Princely sway:
That for my Lust should so desire thy payne,
And to thy foes vniustly thee betray.
Thy dolefull death in hart I doo Lament,
And sory am for this my wicked deed:
Beholde (O Lord) my fact I doo repent,
Whereon to think dooth make my hart to bleed.
And sory am for this my wicked deed:
Beholde (O Lord) my fact I doo repent,
Whereon to think dooth make my hart to bleed.
You Princes great that rule in regall state,
Beholde how I did blindly run astray:
And brought my self vnto destructions gate,
But that my God redeemd me thence away.
Beholde how I did blindly run astray:
And brought my self vnto destructions gate,
But that my God redeemd me thence away.
Take heed how you doo lawlesse looue require,
Fly from such vice as from a Serpent vile:
In feare of God your pleasures doo require,
Then shall you not seduced be with guyle.
Fly from such vice as from a Serpent vile:
In feare of God your pleasures doo require,
Then shall you not seduced be with guyle.
Be warnd by me who am your preter past,
See how I fell that neuer thought to fall:
Gods mercy yet receiued me at last,
And sorowing teares did make a mends for all.
See how I fell that neuer thought to fall:
Gods mercy yet receiued me at last,
And sorowing teares did make a mends for all.
Direct your wayes as Iustice dooth beseeme,
Assure you, then you can not walke a stray:
And of this crime none can you guiltie deeme,
Remember me, and thus I haste away.
Assure you, then you can not walke a stray:
And of this crime none can you guiltie deeme,
Remember me, and thus I haste away.
FINIS.
GLVTTONY.
G Lut not thy self vvith vain desire of vvelth,L et modest mean alvvay thy state suffice,
V se not excesse for to impaire thy helth,
T he drunken Sot all vertue dooth despise,
T he pamperd paunch his belly makes his God.
O happy man that keeps the golden mean:
N ought more reproche, or more deserues his rod,
Y ou vvel may see then such a life vnclean.
THE COMPLAINT of Diues for his Gluttony vsed in his life time:
Caput. 5.
Dround
in the gulf of endlesse woes am I,
A Glutton vile, moste odious to beholde:
My life I led so lewdly out of frame,
That all the World my presence doo despise.
“And why, for that I might haue shund before:
“But fond desire to that repugnant was.
A Glutton vile, moste odious to beholde:
My life I led so lewdly out of frame,
That all the World my presence doo despise.
“And why, for that I might haue shund before:
“But fond desire to that repugnant was.
“I Lordly liued and fared of the best,
“I like a Prince had all the World at wil:
“To see the poore did gorge mee with disdaine.
“I thought all much that went beside my mouth.
“No, at my gate they should for hunger dye:
“Ere I a whit would pity their estate.
“I like a Prince had all the World at wil:
“To see the poore did gorge mee with disdaine.
“I thought all much that went beside my mouth.
“No, at my gate they should for hunger dye:
“Ere I a whit would pity their estate.
When Lazarus lay begging at my gate,
I gaue great charge that none should him releeue:
No not the crummes that from my table fel,
To saue his life hee should them not obtain.
The dogs to him more gentle was then I:
They lickt his sores when els hee naught could get.
I gaue great charge that none should him releeue:
No not the crummes that from my table fel,
To saue his life hee should them not obtain.
The dogs to him more gentle was then I:
They lickt his sores when els hee naught could get.
And now beholde what haue I for my hire,
An endles flame wherin I fry my hart:
The helhounds stand and claw mee with their nailes,
A thousand plagues I suffer in a day,
And all not half so much as I deserue:
Though ten times more they were adioynd to mee.
An endles flame wherin I fry my hart:
The helhounds stand and claw mee with their nailes,
A thousand plagues I suffer in a day,
And all not half so much as I deserue:
Though ten times more they were adioynd to mee.
Poore Lazarus that pining lay in colde,
In Abrahams bosome free from harme remains:
Where I had all the pleasure on the earth,
And hee the woe, his ioyes are treble folde:
My daintie diets now hath sauce ful sower,
Now simple meat would serue for daintie fare.
In Abrahams bosome free from harme remains:
Where I had all the pleasure on the earth,
And hee the woe, his ioyes are treble folde:
My daintie diets now hath sauce ful sower,
Now simple meat would serue for daintie fare.
But hee they say, that wil no warning take,
Deserueth wel to haue a like rewarde:
And hee that makes a God vpon his drosse,
Must buy it deer, as I alas haue doon:
The pleasure that I had on earth before:
Ful hard I now doo buy it to my cost.
Deserueth wel to haue a like rewarde:
And hee that makes a God vpon his drosse,
Must buy it deer, as I alas haue doon:
The pleasure that I had on earth before:
Ful hard I now doo buy it to my cost.
See what it is to trust in massy mark,
See what it is to make a God of drosse:
Beholde what gain returns vnto my share,
for thinking that my life would alway last
I am the wretch that did contemne the poore:
but for contempt, beholde what did ensue.
See what it is to make a God of drosse:
Beholde what gain returns vnto my share,
for thinking that my life would alway last
I am the wretch that did contemne the poore:
but for contempt, beholde what did ensue.
You Wordlings all that yet remain behinde,
remember Diues drencht in deadly dole:
See how desart ful rightly hath him sped,
for lawlesse life deuoid of any grace.
Who scornes at God, God sure wil scorne at him:
Let him not trust that welth wil sauegarde bee.
remember Diues drencht in deadly dole:
See how desart ful rightly hath him sped,
for lawlesse life deuoid of any grace.
Who scornes at God, God sure wil scorne at him:
Let him not trust that welth wil sauegarde bee.
Wel since you haue my fatall fall beheld,
I doubt not but you wil preuent the like:
If so you doo, your pleasure may be more,
If not, your woe shalbe as great as mine.
But while you haue a space alotted you:
Remember mee, and feare wil force you flye.
I doubt not but you wil preuent the like:
If so you doo, your pleasure may be more,
If not, your woe shalbe as great as mine.
But while you haue a space alotted you:
Remember mee, and feare wil force you flye.
And so Adieu, to Hel I must return,
Where tristful torments trounse my caren corse:
There must I liue, there must I neuer dye,
O grisly greef that neuer wil haue end.
Fye on all muck that brought mee vnto this:
Farwel my Freends, stil think on Diues life.
Where tristful torments trounse my caren corse:
There must I liue, there must I neuer dye,
O grisly greef that neuer wil haue end.
Fye on all muck that brought mee vnto this:
Farwel my Freends, stil think on Diues life.
FINIS.
AVARICE.
As God hath sent and vvel increast thy store,V ain gloriously doo not therin excel:
A nd eke again, doo not disdain the poore,
R egarde on earth thou but a time shalt dvvel,
I n time therfore this odious vice expel.
C onsider vvelth dooth florish but aspace:
E rect thy minde in heauen to gain a place.
THE COMPLAINT of Iudas bemoning his Auaritious hart in selling his Maister Christe for thirtie pence.
Caput. 6.
What
doo I liue, wil death not end my care
is crooked fate so luckles vnto mee:
that wil not end my mortall misery.
No greater plagues must be thy shameless share
For lothed life which thou before didst vse,
In crauing that which moste did the abuse.
is crooked fate so luckles vnto mee:
that wil not end my mortall misery.
No greater plagues must be thy shameless share
For lothed life which thou before didst vse,
In crauing that which moste did the abuse.
Lothe cruel wretch to showe thy filthy face
Or that the World should think vpon thy deed:
For whose offence ful many harts doo bleed.
For that I wretch transgrest in cruel case.
My Maister milde for lucre to betray:
Woe woorth thee wretch to think vpon that day.
Or that the World should think vpon thy deed:
For whose offence ful many harts doo bleed.
For that I wretch transgrest in cruel case.
My Maister milde for lucre to betray:
Woe woorth thee wretch to think vpon that day.
I Iudas am that once Disciple was,
To Christe that was my Lord and Maister deer;
Beholde mee wretch that stands in presence heer.
Who Traitour like his sorowes brought to passe.
For beeing greedy of a golden gaine:
For money put my Maister vnto paine.
To Christe that was my Lord and Maister deer;
Beholde mee wretch that stands in presence heer.
Who Traitour like his sorowes brought to passe.
For beeing greedy of a golden gaine:
For money put my Maister vnto paine.
I am the Wretch that dipped in the dish,
When as hee said, euen hee shall woork my woe:
And see how I assented to doo so.
For in the Garden with a traiterous kisse.
I brought to passe how hee should Captiue bee;
Led like a Lamb his slaughter for to see.
When as hee said, euen hee shall woork my woe:
And see how I assented to doo so.
For in the Garden with a traiterous kisse.
I brought to passe how hee should Captiue bee;
Led like a Lamb his slaughter for to see.
I thirtie pence receiued for my deed,
Which after warde when I recalld to minde:
For my offence great wrath to mee assignde.
Before the Preests I hasted then with speed,
And threw the money in despight away:
Confessing I the guiltlesse did betray.
Which after warde when I recalld to minde:
For my offence great wrath to mee assignde.
Before the Preests I hasted then with speed,
And threw the money in despight away:
Confessing I the guiltlesse did betray.
And foorth I went ashamed to showe my face,
For stil my deed did gore mee to the hart:
In that I had doon such a vilains parte.
I could not rest nor bide in any place.
But went and hangd my self vpon a tree:
In place wheras all might mee plainly see.
For stil my deed did gore mee to the hart:
In that I had doon such a vilains parte.
I could not rest nor bide in any place.
But went and hangd my self vpon a tree:
In place wheras all might mee plainly see.
Then Belzabub began to play his parte,
Hee came to fetch my sinful soule to hel:
Where to to bad in torments I doo dwel.
Without remorce as is my iust desart.
Loe what an end my Auarice did gain:
For preter ioyes, an after treble pain.
Hee came to fetch my sinful soule to hel:
Where to to bad in torments I doo dwel.
Without remorce as is my iust desart.
Loe what an end my Auarice did gain:
For preter ioyes, an after treble pain.
Learne you therfore that see my greeuous fall,
To flye from that which wil incurre your woe:
If on your welth you set your pleasure so.
Undoutedly to Sathan rest you thrall.
From whome be sure you cannot start awrye,
But in the lake of deadly dole shall lye.
To flye from that which wil incurre your woe:
If on your welth you set your pleasure so.
Undoutedly to Sathan rest you thrall.
From whome be sure you cannot start awrye,
But in the lake of deadly dole shall lye.
Take warning now from hart I you desire,
Let Iudas stand a mirrour in your eyes;
That Auarice in hart you may dispise.
And not to hye abooue your reach aspire.
For if you doo, your fall is straite at hand:
Prepare before, seek therfore to withstand.
Let Iudas stand a mirrour in your eyes;
That Auarice in hart you may dispise.
And not to hye abooue your reach aspire.
For if you doo, your fall is straite at hand:
Prepare before, seek therfore to withstand.
And now I turn vnto my lasting paine,
Desirous stil to end my lingring life:
But stay a while, I must haue longer strife.
Example take, to you I call again.
Fly, flye I craue from presence of this vice,
Who wil your woe a thousand wayes intice.
Desirous stil to end my lingring life:
But stay a while, I must haue longer strife.
Example take, to you I call again.
Fly, flye I craue from presence of this vice,
Who wil your woe a thousand wayes intice.
FINIS.
SLOTHE.
S loth is a foe vnto all vertuous deeds,L earning surmounts the golden heaps of gain:
O f Idle life therfore destroy the vveeds,
T hink vvhat renovvn Dame Science dooth maintaine.
H ence foorth subdue all idle thoughts in thee:
E xample good to all thy life vvil bee.
THE COMPLAINT OF Ionas for his slothfull slacking the commaundement of the Lord beeing sent to preach to the Niniuites.
Caput. 7.
Muse
not my Freends though Ionas now,
appeere before your face:
I come to vtter foorth my crime,
gainst Gods Almightie grace.
appeere before your face:
I come to vtter foorth my crime,
gainst Gods Almightie grace.
For beeing straitly chargde by him,
that I to Niniuie:
Should goe and tel the People how,
they liued in great miserye.
that I to Niniuie:
Should goe and tel the People how,
they liued in great miserye.
I would not doo as I had charge,
but went an other way:
To Ioppa wher in secret sorte,
to Tharsus I would stray.
but went an other way:
To Ioppa wher in secret sorte,
to Tharsus I would stray.
And finding hoyssed sayles at hand,
and ready to depart:
I entred ship not minding that,
which was my cheefest part.
and ready to depart:
I entred ship not minding that,
which was my cheefest part.
So foorth wee launcht and vnder hatch,
I went to take my rest:
Desiring for to sleep my fil,
for that did please mee best.
I went to take my rest:
Desiring for to sleep my fil,
for that did please mee best.
But suddainly vnlooked for,
a mightie storme did ryse:
The anger of the God abooue,
was threatned in the skyes.
a mightie storme did ryse:
The anger of the God abooue,
was threatned in the skyes.
The ship was tossed wunderously.
a greeuous sight to see:
For death each man did then awayt,
no way els might there bee.
a greeuous sight to see:
For death each man did then awayt,
no way els might there bee.
And stil the Maister plied his charge,
to ease the heauy wait:
Suspecting that should be the cause,
wherwith the ship was frayght.
to ease the heauy wait:
Suspecting that should be the cause,
wherwith the ship was frayght.
So foorth hee cast his merchandise,
into the swelling seas:
When that was doon, yet nere the more,
the tempest did appease.
into the swelling seas:
When that was doon, yet nere the more,
the tempest did appease.
Then euery man fel on his knees,
and loude to God did cry:
Yet was the tempest terrible,
and raged cruelly.
and loude to God did cry:
Yet was the tempest terrible,
and raged cruelly.
Then vnder hatch the Maister came,
where mee a sleep hee found:
Awake quoth hee, and pray with vs,
shun Sloth wee now are bound.
where mee a sleep hee found:
Awake quoth hee, and pray with vs,
shun Sloth wee now are bound.
Then to our prayers fel wee hard,
yet all would not content:
For stil it raged more and more,
in vain their time was spent.
yet all would not content:
For stil it raged more and more,
in vain their time was spent.
At last the Maister thus gan say,
my Freends if you agree:
Wee lots wil cast which of vs all,
procures this rage to bee.
my Freends if you agree:
Wee lots wil cast which of vs all,
procures this rage to bee.
The Lots were their immediatly,
deuided twixt vs all:
And when each one had tooke his chaunce,
the lot on mee did fall.
deuided twixt vs all:
And when each one had tooke his chaunce,
the lot on mee did fall.
Wel then (quoth I) since that this rage,
procured is by mee:
Into the seas doo cast mee strait,
then all content shall bee.
procured is by mee:
Into the seas doo cast mee strait,
then all content shall bee.
To which for sauegarde of their liues,
they gladly did consent:
But God though I offended had,
would not my perishment.
they gladly did consent:
But God though I offended had,
would not my perishment.
But present sent a mightie VVhale,
when I was throwen in sea
Within whose paunch free from all harm
I did remain three dayes.
when I was throwen in sea
I did remain three dayes.
And at the last deliuered was,
this did my God for mee:
So that by this the seas were calm
and they escaped free.
this did my God for mee:
So that by this the seas were calm
and they escaped free.
And though that I offended had,
and slackt my duty so:
God would not leaue mee succourlesse,
but sheelded mee from wo.
and slackt my duty so:
God would not leaue mee succourlesse,
but sheelded mee from wo.
For when I called vnto minde.
my great and lewd offence;
The sighing sorowes from my hart,
made speedy recompence.
my great and lewd offence;
The sighing sorowes from my hart,
made speedy recompence.
For God delighteth more to see,
a sinner wayle his sin:
Then hee should vengeance present
or iudgment enter in.
a sinner wayle his sin:
Then hee should vengeance present
or iudgment enter in.
So for example you may see,
my sin which was so sore:
Gods mercy soone did mittigate,
to make mee sin no more.
my sin which was so sore:
Gods mercy soone did mittigate,
to make mee sin no more.
You therfore that remain on earth,
let this your minde suffise:
Feare stil for to displease the Lord,
be not to worldly wise.
let this your minde suffise:
Feare stil for to displease the Lord,
be not to worldly wise.
Fix stil your minde on heauenly things
that neuer wil decay.
The rest are but as shadowes heer,
and soone wil passe away:
that neuer wil decay.
and soone wil passe away:
What vantage is it for a man,
to haue of riches store:
And for to want the feare of God,
which stil should be before.
to haue of riches store:
And for to want the feare of God,
which stil should be before.
The more a man dooth fix his minde,
vpon that filthy drosse:
The more endamagde is his soule,
vnto the vtter losse.
vpon that filthy drosse:
The more endamagde is his soule,
vnto the vtter losse.
For welth dooth pamper him so much,
that God is clean forgot:
And then at last vnto his pain,
vpon him falls the lot.
that God is clean forgot:
And then at last vnto his pain,
vpon him falls the lot.
So that all good and verteous men,
from company refuse him:
And where before hee was esteemd,
now they disdain to vse him.
from company refuse him:
And where before hee was esteemd,
now they disdain to vse him.
Then is hee throwen into the lake,
of euerlasting pain:
Whereas no fish shall rescue him,
to cast him vp again.
of euerlasting pain:
Whereas no fish shall rescue him,
to cast him vp again.
But shall among the damned soules,
in endlesse torments dwel:
Where weeping wayling dooth remain,
euen to the pit of hel.
in endlesse torments dwel:
Where weeping wayling dooth remain,
euen to the pit of hel.
Beare this in minde in all your woorks,
before you doo begin:
Remember God is merciful,
and be afrayd to sin.
before you doo begin:
Remember God is merciful,
and be afrayd to sin.
Turne vnto God, and God to you,
wil turn his cheerful face:
Flye slauish Sloth, and then be sure,
that God wil you imbrace.
wil turn his cheerful face:
Flye slauish Sloth, and then be sure,
that God wil you imbrace.
For idlenes is enemye,
to goodnes as men say:
Therfore doo shun the enemy,
and one the Vertue stay.
to goodnes as men say:
Therfore doo shun the enemy,
and one the Vertue stay.
Let all that have you preter past,
examples be to you,
How you may learn in all assayes,
vile sin for to eschew.
examples be to you,
How you may learn in all assayes,
vile sin for to eschew.
And thus if you direct your wayes,
you walk the path so right:
That heauen is your inheritance,
in foyle of Sathans spight.
you walk the path so right:
That heauen is your inheritance,
in foyle of Sathans spight.
Anthony Munday.
FINIS.
Memor esto breuisæui,
THE END OF THE FIRST BOOK of the Mirrour of MVTABILITIE.
| The Mirrour of Mutabilitie | |