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 SECOND BOOKE OF
the Mirrour of Mutabilitie, discoursing of
diuers other excellent Historyes, bothe pleasant
and profitable.
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 | The Mirrour of Mutabilitie |  |
THE SECOND BOOKE OF the Mirrour of Mutabilitie, discoursing of diuers other excellent Historyes, bothe pleasant and profitable.
BEAVTIE.
B e not to proud of that vvhich is but vayne,E steeme not BEAVTIE as a thing of price:
A s Scripture dooth to vs giue credit plaine,
V aine BEAVTIE hath oft times deceiude the vvise.
T ake heed therfore, she slyly dooth intise,
I n fairst vvoords, dooth deep deceit oft lye:
E che man therfore lift vp his hart on hye.
THE COMPLAINT of Absalon, for his vayne aspiring to the Imperiall Crovvn and Diademe of his Father King DAVID, and for his sudden fall he obtayned in his pretended purpose.
Ca. 1.
On
whom the fates in lowring sorte did frown,
I am the wight and Absalon by name:
Whō hauty hart (at last) perforce threw down
Unto my woe, and thrise eternall shame.
But he that seeks to clime beyond his reach:
In end dooth fall, experience dooth me teach.
I am the wight and Absalon by name:
Whō hauty hart (at last) perforce threw down
Unto my woe, and thrise eternall shame.
But he that seeks to clime beyond his reach:
In end dooth fall, experience dooth me teach.
So I for proof the sonne to Dauid king,
Presumde imhart vnto my Father's place:
A thousand woes I compast for this thing,
And wisht as King his kingdome to imbrace.
For stil desire did prick mee to the same:
But duty said that I deserued blame.
Presumde imhart vnto my Father's place:
A thousand woes I compast for this thing,
And wisht as King his kingdome to imbrace.
For stil desire did prick mee to the same:
But duty said that I deserued blame.
Wel what of that? let duty quake with colde,
Let wanton wil prick foorth his lusty prime:
My Fathers Age stil made mee very bolde,
And stil mee thought hee liude to long a time.
His hoary heares were far vnfit to guyde:
So great a charge, this thought I in my pride.
Let wanton wil prick foorth his lusty prime:
My Fathers Age stil made mee very bolde,
And stil mee thought hee liude to long a time.
His hoary heares were far vnfit to guyde:
So great a charge, this thought I in my pride.
Wel at the last betide mee weale or woe,
I would aduenture for this rare renown:
By puisant force my might I ment to showe,
So that therby I might attayne the crown.
In spight of Sire, or doo what els hee could:
His crown and realms obtain perforce I would.
I would aduenture for this rare renown:
By puisant force my might I ment to showe,
So that therby I might attayne the crown.
In spight of Sire, or doo what els hee could:
His crown and realms obtain perforce I would.
My Fathers force I naught esteeme (quoth I)
I (present) wil erect a martiall hand:
For either hee wil graunt, or els wil flye,
Then Dauids seat comes pat into thy hand.
O Absalon cheer vp thy noble hart.
Proceed in this to play a Uictors part.
I (present) wil erect a martiall hand:
For either hee wil graunt, or els wil flye,
Then Dauids seat comes pat into thy hand.
O Absalon cheer vp thy noble hart.
Proceed in this to play a Uictors part.
Then lusty Lads I present did prepare,
In steeled cotes to bring my pupose right:
A mightie band I leuied for my share,
Not doubting but to foyle my Fathers might.
Both noyse of Drum, and clangering trumpet thril,
Did prick mee foorth for to obtayne my wil.
In steeled cotes to bring my pupose right:
A mightie band I leuied for my share,
Not doubting but to foyle my Fathers might.
Both noyse of Drum, and clangering trumpet thril,
Did prick mee foorth for to obtayne my wil.
For what more fame vnto a hauty hart,
Then to encounter with his mortall foe?
What infamy obtaines hee that will start?
And Cowardly like from out the skirmish goe.
So euery houre I thought a yeer of twain:
Til I by fight my Father crown did gain.
Then to encounter with his mortall foe?
What infamy obtaines hee that will start?
And Cowardly like from out the skirmish goe.
So euery houre I thought a yeer of twain:
Til I by fight my Father crown did gain.
Wel then at last with courage foorth I went,
And all my traine for to perfourme the deed:
At last wee came where conter force was bent,
Gainst mee and mine for to resist with speed.
With Cannon cracks the battail then began:
Eche one to showe him self a martiall man.
And all my traine for to perfourme the deed:
At last wee came where conter force was bent,
Gainst mee and mine for to resist with speed.
With Cannon cracks the battail then began:
Eche one to showe him self a martiall man.
On each side then began the bloody blowes.
Assault, assault the Captaines cry amain:
The Ensignes spred the battels force for showes,
The horsmen they the ranks haue broke in twain.
the hurling shafts and fiery balles doo flye:
With such a force as darkned is the skye.
Assault, assault the Captaines cry amain:
The Ensignes spred the battels force for showes,
The horsmen they the ranks haue broke in twain.
the hurling shafts and fiery balles doo flye:
With such a force as darkned is the skye.
My men although they were the greater part,
A number slaine, the rest began to faint:
The other side are Uictors by desart,
then dark annoy my courage did attaint.
I had the wurst I thought it best to flye:
Without I would before myne enmyes dye.
A number slaine, the rest began to faint:
The other side are Uictors by desart,
then dark annoy my courage did attaint.
I had the wurst I thought it best to flye:
Without I would before myne enmyes dye.
Then fled I thence, and glad my life to saue,
For God was angry with my vnkinde act:
Considering I my Fathers crown did craue,
And entred feeld, which was a bloody fact.
For this my deed reuengement soone hee sent:
to make mee knowe my hart was wicked bent.
For God was angry with my vnkinde act:
Considering I my Fathers crown did craue,
And entred feeld, which was a bloody fact.
For this my deed reuengement soone hee sent:
to make mee knowe my hart was wicked bent.
For in my flight my heare caught on a tree,
Out of my saddle it did take mee quite:
And there I hung most woful for to see,
And could no way redresse my heauy plight.
A guerdon iust thus fel vnto my share:
Because against my Sire I would prepare.
Out of my saddle it did take mee quite:
And there I hung most woful for to see,
And could no way redresse my heauy plight.
A guerdon iust thus fel vnto my share:
Because against my Sire I would prepare.
Then knew I wel my hainous great offence,
Had brought mee to my due deserued hire:
Which from the heauens was sent for recompence,
Because so hye in hart I did aspire.
Then wished I all were to doo again:
Because as now I felt therof the pain.
Had brought mee to my due deserued hire:
Which from the heauens was sent for recompence,
Because so hye in hart I did aspire.
Then wished I all were to doo again:
Because as now I felt therof the pain.
So long I hong in this my doleful pain,
That Ioab did at last retire that way:
When hee mee saw, incenst with ire amain,
At mee hee ran perforce, and did mee slay.
This sharp reuenge from heauen on mee fel:
To teach mee gainst my Father to rebel.
That Ioab did at last retire that way:
When hee mee saw, incenst with ire amain,
At mee hee ran perforce, and did mee slay.
This sharp reuenge from heauen on mee fel:
To teach mee gainst my Father to rebel.
See gallant Brutes by mee a pattern plain,
Of hauty hart aspiring to renown:
Who did attempt my Fathers right to gain,
And would haue robde him of his stately crown.
But loe what guerdon dooth on mee betide:
To pay mee home for my excessiue pride.
Of hauty hart aspiring to renown:
Who did attempt my Fathers right to gain,
And would haue robde him of his stately crown.
But loe what guerdon dooth on mee betide:
To pay mee home for my excessiue pride.
Content your selues therfore with mean estate,
Keep that which Iustice dooth to you allowe:
Take heed by mee remember this my fate,
Perforst the wrath of God on mee to bow.
Wherfore beware this filthy vice preuent:
Least as I am, like case you may be shent.
Keep that which Iustice dooth to you allowe:
Take heed by mee remember this my fate,
Perforst the wrath of God on mee to bow.
Wherfore beware this filthy vice preuent:
Least as I am, like case you may be shent.
FINIS.
CRVELTIE.
C ontent thy self to liue in quiet stay,R emember stil the end ere thou begin:
V aunt not to much of thy poor [illeg.] pray,
E xcept thou think that thou canst neuer sin.
L et CRVELTIE in thee be cleane supprest,
T hink that thou canst not alvvay Victor bee:
I n thyne affayres respect thy quiet rest:
E steeme thy Freend that vvell dooth councell thee.
THE COMPLAINT of Triphon for his crueltie committed against the yung King ANTIOCHVS, vvhome hee cruelly murdered as hee vvalked to disporte him, and for his cruel putting to death IONATHAS, and his tvvo Children, through vvhich hee crovvned himself King of ASIA.
Caput.2.
If
loftie looks might gain immortall Fame,
Or double dealing merit woorthy prayse:
Then Triphon I by right deserue ye same,
Because long time I sought it many waies
But if that Vertue vaunteth for her fee:
Defiance then is open come to mee.
Or double dealing merit woorthy prayse:
Then Triphon I by right deserue ye same,
Because long time I sought it many waies
But if that Vertue vaunteth for her fee:
Defiance then is open come to mee.
Promotion stil did prick my hart on hye,
With whole desire to gain a Princes place:
For by deceit I thought to mount the skye,
But at the last deceit did mee deface.
Deceit they say so long may vsed bee:
That at the length his Maister shame wil hee.
With whole desire to gain a Princes place:
For by deceit I thought to mount the skye,
But at the last deceit did mee deface.
Deceit they say so long may vsed bee:
That at the length his Maister shame wil hee.
For so by mee the proof appeereth plain,
When Alexander shrined was in graue:
Antiochus his Sonne I did obtain:
Thinking by him that I the Crown might haue.
But Ionathas did make mee stil to doubt:
Wherfore for him I brought a fetch about.
When Alexander shrined was in graue:
Antiochus his Sonne I did obtain:
Thinking by him that I the Crown might haue.
But Ionathas did make mee stil to doubt:
Wherfore for him I brought a fetch about.
When hee mee met with fortie thousand Men,
A mightie hoast that made mee for to quake:
A subtle shift to gloze that matter then,
Dissembling I this drift did vnder take.
And set my tung a philed phrase to frame:
That no suspect there might be found of blame.
A mightie hoast that made mee for to quake:
A subtle shift to gloze that matter then,
Dissembling I this drift did vnder take.
And set my tung a philed phrase to frame:
That no suspect there might be found of blame.
I promised him ful many a gentle gift,
So that at length his men hee sent away:
I seeing I, so fine had playd this drift,
This Ionathas for Prisoner I did stay.
And at the last went out through Iuda Land:
That they abroad my fame might vnderstand.
So that at length his men hee sent away:
I seeing I, so fine had playd this drift,
This Ionathas for Prisoner I did stay.
And at the last went out through Iuda Land:
That they abroad my fame might vnderstand.
To Simon who my prisoners Brother was,
I message sent declaring that the cause:
Why I retaind his Brother in this casse,
Was for due det claimd by the Princes lawes.
And if that hee would seek to set him free:
His Children hee with speed should send to mee.
I message sent declaring that the cause:
Why I retaind his Brother in this casse,
Was for due det claimd by the Princes lawes.
And if that hee would seek to set him free:
His Children hee with speed should send to mee.
Of Siluer eke an hundred talents more,
To mee should come, els would I keep him stil:
My wish was sent, of mony I had store,
And eke his Children resting at my wil.
Whome afterwarde to death I did commit:
That so therby my purpose might fall fit.
To mee should come, els would I keep him stil:
My wish was sent, of mony I had store,
And eke his Children resting at my wil.
Whome afterwarde to death I did commit:
That so therby my purpose might fall fit.
Then I of Asia was proclaimed King,
This was the wish I looked for so long:
But Fortune fel reuengement sharp did wring,
And made mee for to sing an other song
Demetrius Sonne Antiochus by name:
Pursued mee fast to woork my open shame.
This was the wish I looked for so long:
But Fortune fel reuengement sharp did wring,
And made mee for to sing an other song
Demetrius Sonne Antiochus by name:
Pursued mee fast to woork my open shame.
And to my ships perforce made mee to flye,
Els had I death sustayned at his hand:
But ne the lesse on seas I wretch did dye,
Deseruing wursse if that my fault were scand.
But God this sharp reuenge on mee did take:
A guerdon iust for treason I did make.
Els had I death sustayned at his hand:
But ne the lesse on seas I wretch did dye,
Deseruing wursse if that my fault were scand.
But God this sharp reuenge on mee did take:
A guerdon iust for treason I did make.
Flye, Flye therfore take warning by my fall,
Let this my deed take place within your brest:
To make you flye the suddain sweetned gall,
Which in the end prouoketh your vnrest.
Fye on all treason, woe vnto the day:
When first I sought this moste accursed way.
Let this my deed take place within your brest:
To make you flye the suddain sweetned gall,
Which in the end prouoketh your vnrest.
Fye on all treason, woe vnto the day:
When first I sought this moste accursed way.
Wel since I haue so slyly falne in snare,
And haue to mee incurrde an endlesse pain:
You gallant wights I wish you to beware,
Betime, see you from wickednes refrayne.
So of my woe for euer yon shall misse,
And for my greef, shall reign in lasting blisse.
And haue to mee incurrde an endlesse pain:
You gallant wights I wish you to beware,
Betime, see you from wickednes refrayne.
So of my woe for euer yon shall misse,
And for my greef, shall reign in lasting blisse.
FINIS.
WICKEDNES.
W hile time thou hast, remember life misspent:I n all thy thoughts respect a Christian care:
C onsider still the end ere thou attempt,
K novve that thy sinnes innumerable are.
E xamin vvell therfore eche fault amisse,
D read that the LORD vvill angrye vvith thee bee:
N ovv seek therfore to gaine the lasting blisse,
E rect thy hart, that men good vvoorks may see,
S o then to all thy life shall vvitnesse be.
THE COMPLAINT of King Achab King of Israel, for his wicked life led in IDOLATRIE and cruell Persecutions, and for sparing the life of the vvicked BENHADAB, King of Siria, vvhom GOD had deliuered into his hands only to put to death. Also for his procuring the poore NABOTH to be cruelly murdered, therby to get his Viniard, by the counsel of IEZABEL his Queene (vvhose blood the Dogs licked-vp on the ground) and also his ovvne blood, in the Battell fought at RAMOTH, according to the vvoord of the LORD.
Caput. 3.
Lasciuious
life deserueth like rewarde,
And disobedience must haue punishment:
Where falshod rules ye trueth cannot be heard
The rod must come to force them to repent.
Where man disdaynes to stand of God in aw:
Reuengement needs must come by Iustice law.
And disobedience must haue punishment:
Where falshod rules ye trueth cannot be heard
The rod must come to force them to repent.
Where man disdaynes to stand of God in aw:
Reuengement needs must come by Iustice law.
Where Crueltie dooth harboure in the brest,
And Rigor puts poore seely soules to paine:
Where feare of God is vtterly supprest,
And eke the minde addicted to disdaine.
The sharpned swoord dooth hang abooue his head:
If God so please, to strike him present dead.
And Rigor puts poore seely soules to paine:
Where feare of God is vtterly supprest,
And eke the minde addicted to disdaine.
The sharpned swoord dooth hang abooue his head:
If God so please, to strike him present dead.
“For proofe wherof, I Achab may suffise,
“Whose wayward wil from Wisdomes wayes was bent
I lawlesse liued my God I did despise,
In Idols I did fix my whole delight:
That Iezabel whome I did take to Wife:
Maintaind mee stil in this my lothsome life.
“Whose wayward wil from Wisdomes wayes was bent
In Idols I did fix my whole delight:
That Iezabel whome I did take to Wife:
Maintaind mee stil in this my lothsome life.
For mine offence no raine for three yeeres space,
Fel on the earth, all barren was and dry:
So that by this a murrain came a pace,
That man and beast a multitude did dye.
The Prophet I Elia did disdain:
Auouching hee was cause of all my pain.
Fel on the earth, all barren was and dry:
So that by this a murrain came a pace,
That man and beast a multitude did dye.
The Prophet I Elia did disdain:
Auouching hee was cause of all my pain.
But moste of all, that wicked cursed King,
Dispisde of God for wickednes of life:
God did vouchsafe into my hands to bring,
That so I might abridge him with my knife.
But for because hee homage did to mee:
I sau'd his life, and so did set him free.
Dispisde of God for wickednes of life:
God did vouchsafe into my hands to bring,
That so I might abridge him with my knife.
But for because hee homage did to mee:
I sau'd his life, and so did set him free.
But yet alas poore silly Naboths death
Puts mee in minde my vile and lewd desire:
By wrongful meanes to stop his guiltlesse breth
Procured vengeance on mee for my hire.
His viniard I perforce would take away:
So by these meanes poore Naboth I did slay.
Puts mee in minde my vile and lewd desire:
By wrongful meanes to stop his guiltlesse breth
Procured vengeance on mee for my hire.
His viniard I perforce would take away:
So by these meanes poore Naboth I did slay.
The Lord then sent his Prophet vnto mee,
Who thus did say, for this thy wicked deed:
In place wheras all men did plainly see,
The Dogs on Naboths guiltlesse blood to feed:
There shall they lick thy blood in self same case:
Because thou didst all feare of God deface.
Who thus did say, for this thy wicked deed:
In place wheras all men did plainly see,
The Dogs on Naboths guiltlesse blood to feed:
There shall they lick thy blood in self same case:
Because thou didst all feare of God deface.
When this I heard, because all men should say,
That I was sory for my great offence:
I sackcloth got and so began to pray,
But this I faind, and glozed with pretence.
And God who knew how I did glozings fain.
Preparde a meane to pay mee for my pain.
That I was sory for my great offence:
I sackcloth got and so began to pray,
But this I faind, and glozed with pretence.
And God who knew how I did glozings fain.
Preparde a meane to pay mee for my pain.
For as I sought how I might get again,
The Cittie Ramoth which to mee was due:
The Councel of Micheas did refrain,
And followed those that false weare and vntrue.
So there in fight an Arrow perced mee:
Of which I dyed in my tranquilitie.
The Cittie Ramoth which to mee was due:
The Councel of Micheas did refrain,
And followed those that false weare and vntrue.
So there in fight an Arrow perced mee:
Of which I dyed in my tranquilitie.
Let now therfore this tristful tale of mee,
Giue warning how you run likewise astray:
Feare God and keep your selues in your degree,
Follow the trueth, exile all fraude away.
And think on mee that passed you before:
To giue you warning that you sin no more.
Giue warning how you run likewise astray:
Feare God and keep your selues in your degree,
Follow the trueth, exile all fraude away.
And think on mee that passed you before:
To giue you warning that you sin no more.
FINIS.
RASHNES.
R egard alvvay to liue in modest meane,A RASH attempt thou after mayst repent:
S hun such vayne thoughts as make thy life vncleane,
H aue good regard lest thou be sharply shent.
N ovv is the time thy daungers to preuent.
E steeme therfore that vvhich shall last for aye:
S o shalt thou liue vvhen Sathan vvould say nay.
THE COMPLAINT of Iephtah sometime Iudge of Israel, for his so rash vovv, in the sacrifising of his Daughter, for the foyling of his enemyes.
Caput. 4.
The
loftiest minde dooth catch the fall at length,
The Wisest man is subiect to a stroke:
The Champion stout yt vaūteth in his strength
Is forste at length his boasting to reuoke.
All is but vayne to purchase mortall prayse:
Which lasts awhile, and soone departs his wayes.
The Wisest man is subiect to a stroke:
The Champion stout yt vaūteth in his strength
Is forste at length his boasting to reuoke.
All is but vayne to purchase mortall prayse:
Which lasts awhile, and soone departs his wayes.
Man dooth appoint, but God dooth all dispose,
Euen so by me that sought vainglorious Fame:
I vowde to God if I might foyle my foes,
And to return as Uictor of the game.
I vowed what thing did meet mee by the way:
As sacrafice to him I ment to stay.
Euen so by me that sought vainglorious Fame:
And to return as Uictor of the game.
I vowed what thing did meet mee by the way:
As sacrafice to him I ment to stay.
Wel foorth I went, such good successe God gaue,
That all my foes by force I did suppresse:
I had the wish that I did wholely craue,
I bare the name among bothe more and lesse.
My vow I made remayned yet behinde:
I little knew what thing I first should finde.
That all my foes by force I did suppresse:
I had the wish that I did wholely craue,
I bare the name among bothe more and lesse.
My vow I made remayned yet behinde:
I little knew what thing I first should finde.
Returning home with all my mightie train,
My Daughter first in presence I did spye:
A treble greef did agrauate my pain,
My mirth was turnd to many a doleful cry:
My hear I rent, and garments did deface:
Twixt weale and woe I stood in doutful case.
My Daughter first in presence I did spye:
A treble greef did agrauate my pain,
My mirth was turnd to many a doleful cry:
My hear I rent, and garments did deface:
Twixt weale and woe I stood in doutful case.
My promise made alas perfourmd must bee,
For vnto God I firmely vowde the same:
My Daughter eke brought treble woe to mee.
That I on her my sacrafise should frame.
No remedy but death shee must sustaine:
And vnto her this tale I tolde with pain.
For vnto God I firmely vowde the same:
My Daughter eke brought treble woe to mee.
That I on her my sacrafise should frame.
No remedy but death shee must sustaine:
And vnto her this tale I tolde with pain.
O Daughter deer which earst was cause of ioy,
Unto thy Sire to blemish dark debate:
Now art become (alas) his great annoy,
In that thy death is wrought by lucklesse fate,
My rash attempt to purchase lasting prayse:
Hath wrought the mean to end thy tranquil dayes.
Unto thy Sire to blemish dark debate:
Now art become (alas) his great annoy,
In that thy death is wrought by lucklesse fate,
My rash attempt to purchase lasting prayse:
Hath wrought the mean to end thy tranquil dayes.
To God I vowed if I the feeld might win,
What first I met, his sacrifise should be:
My foes now foyld that would haue entred in,
Beholde (my Deere) the lot dooth fall on thee.
If I should seeke to saue thy tender life:
My promise made would more procure my strife.
What first I met, his sacrifise should be:
My foes now foyld that would haue entred in,
Beholde (my Deere) the lot dooth fall on thee.
If I should seeke to saue thy tender life:
My promise made would more procure my strife.
What shall I say (alas) amazde I stand,
My promise I must bring to full effect:
Thy life therfore yeeld subiect to my hand,
And be content this World for to reiect.
The Maiden milde this answer made her Sire:
Content to graunt to that he did require.
My promise I must bring to full effect:
Thy life therfore yeeld subiect to my hand,
And be content this World for to reiect.
The Maiden milde this answer made her Sire:
Content to graunt to that he did require.
Since you (O Father) haue supprest your foes,
And since your vow dooth fall so right on mee:
I yeeld my self to ease your after woes,
I shall suffise your sacrifise to be.
But for two Moneths to Desert I must wend:
My state to mone before my life dooth end.
And since your vow dooth fall so right on mee:
I yeeld my self to ease your after woes,
I shall suffise your sacrifise to be.
But for two Moneths to Desert I must wend:
My state to mone before my life dooth end.
The time expirde, the Mayden turnd agayne,
Then offered I to God my Sacrifise:
Thus my rash vow, returned to my payne,
To hunt for praise, which did me moste despise.
When Man wil make a vow without respect:
It God offends, his soule it dooth detect.
Then offered I to God my Sacrifise:
Thus my rash vow, returned to my payne,
To hunt for praise, which did me moste despise.
When Man wil make a vow without respect:
It God offends, his soule it dooth detect.
You yunger yeeres therfore be warnd by me,
Unto your vowes alwayes haue good regard:
Respect in time the daunger for to flee,
Least vnto you doo happen like reward.
Stil vow no more then well perfourme you may:
And so be sure you cannot goe astray.
Unto your vowes alwayes haue good regard:
Respect in time the daunger for to flee,
Least vnto you doo happen like reward.
Stil vow no more then well perfourme you may:
And so be sure you cannot goe astray.
FINIS.
MAGNANIMITIE.
M use vvith thy self the subtiltie of sin,A s entred hath the vvisest men aliue:
G reat is the fraude, shee slyly dooth begin,
N one can escape so neer shee dooth them driue.
A s shee hath Beautie trained to her lure,
N ext flaunting pride shee forced hath to bend:
I n all estates of this I am right sure,
M eere shifts she hath, her craft for to defend.
I f then the stoute, the proud and all doo yeeld,
T he simple vvretch hath need to vvalk a right:
I f shee perceiue him in the open feeld,
E uen then shee comes to harme that simple vvight.
THE COMPLAINT of Sampson, for his fond declaring to his wife vvhere his cheefest strength vvas, vvhich made his eyes be pulled out by the Philistines.
Caput 5.
If
I be he whose hauty hart and strength,
Throughout the world extelled was by fame
Suruey my life, peruse my deeds at length,
And see how Women brought me vnto shāe.
For I bewraid my Riddle to my Wife:
Which did procure to me a heauy strife.
Throughout the world extelled was by fame
Suruey my life, peruse my deeds at length,
And see how Women brought me vnto shāe.
For I bewraid my Riddle to my Wife:
Which did procure to me a heauy strife.
When as I set the Corne in fiery flame,
The Philistines conuincst me through the deed:
They bound me strait in hope to spoil my name,
But yet the Lord did ayd me at a need.
For nothing I esteemed of my bands:
But valiantly broke them betweene my hands.
The Philistines conuincst me through the deed:
They bound me strait in hope to spoil my name,
But yet the Lord did ayd me at a need.
For nothing I esteemed of my bands:
But valiantly broke them betweene my hands.
Then Gaza gates on shoulders I did beare,
Remoouing them vnto the Hebron hill:
My might was such, of none I stood in feare,
Til at the last through fondnes of my will.
Unto my Wife my secret did bewray:
And so by her obtayned my decay.
Remoouing them vnto the Hebron hill:
My might was such, of none I stood in feare,
Til at the last through fondnes of my will.
Unto my Wife my secret did bewray:
And so by her obtayned my decay.
I had example twise of her before,
But yet (alas) no warning would suffise:
If I had kept my self in Wisdomes lore,
And her refraynd that did me so despise.
I had not falne so soone into mishap:
Nor ouerwhelmd with terrors tristfull trap.
But yet (alas) no warning would suffise:
If I had kept my self in Wisdomes lore,
And her refraynd that did me so despise.
I had not falne so soone into mishap:
Nor ouerwhelmd with terrors tristfull trap.
But now to late my folly I repent,
And now I mone when as it is in vayne:
When vnaduisde I sought my self to shent,
And willing run vpon my bitter bayne.
Wel may you say his payment he deser'ud:
That saw his payn, & would not haue it sweru'd.
And now I mone when as it is in vayne:
When vnaduisde I sought my self to shent,
And willing run vpon my bitter bayne.
Wel may you say his payment he deser'ud:
That saw his payn, & would not haue it sweru'd.
For twise the guyle I plainly did espye,
When as she sayd, O Sampson now arise:
The Philistines doo seeke to make thee dye,
But quickly I preuented their deuise.
Yet foolish man could not be warnd by this:
But needs must tell wheras thy secret is.
When as she sayd, O Sampson now arise:
The Philistines doo seeke to make thee dye,
But quickly I preuented their deuise.
Yet foolish man could not be warnd by this:
But needs must tell wheras thy secret is.
Her Sirens songs layd me a sleepe on lap,
Then she from me my valiant force bereft:
The Philistines then caught me in their trap,
And then (alas) small comfort had I left.
But that in God my trust I firmly heeld:
Protesting him my Buckler and my Sheeld.
Then she from me my valiant force bereft:
The Philistines then caught me in their trap,
And then (alas) small comfort had I left.
But that in God my trust I firmly heeld:
Protesting him my Buckler and my Sheeld.
They traitourlike mine eyes puld from my head,
And in the Mill did vse me like a slaue:
Beholde my Wife what courtesie she bred,
See for my looue what recompence I haue.
Now grinde poore wretch thy liuing for to get:
To finde thee clothes, and also bread and meat.
And in the Mill did vse me like a slaue:
Beholde my Wife what courtesie she bred,
See for my looue what recompence I haue.
Now grinde poore wretch thy liuing for to get:
To finde thee clothes, and also bread and meat.
O seely Sampson now depriued of ioy,
Where is the life that thou didst lead of yore?
Is comfort turnd to direfull dark annoy,
Is all thy fame now dead thou hadest before?
Why? is it thou that burnt thy enmyes Corne?
Beholde thy self (alas) thou art forlorne.
Where is the life that thou didst lead of yore?
Is comfort turnd to direfull dark annoy,
Is all thy fame now dead thou hadest before?
Why? is it thou that burnt thy enmyes Corne?
Beholde thy self (alas) thou art forlorne.
Why, is it thou that shund the piercing pawes,
Of Lion fierce that sought thy dire decay?
And is it thou that rent his rauening iawes,
And Honny hadst as thou wentst by the way?
Looke on thy self (alas) to much vnwise:
See how the world thine honor dooth despise.
Of Lion fierce that sought thy dire decay?
And is it thou that rent his rauening iawes,
And Honny hadst as thou wentst by the way?
Looke on thy self (alas) to much vnwise:
See how the world thine honor dooth despise.
If with the Iaw of on poore siely Asse,
So many men thou broughtest to the ground?
Why then releeue this thine afflicted case,
And haste thee strayt thy foes for to confound.
Nay, stay awhile, thy folly first lament:
Remember well how Wisdome hath thee shent.
So many men thou broughtest to the ground?
Why then releeue this thine afflicted case,
And haste thee strayt thy foes for to confound.
Nay, stay awhile, thy folly first lament:
Remember well how Wisdome hath thee shent.
Would'st thou to feeld to fight against thy foes?
O naked man, where is thy cheef defence?
How canst thou now resist the battering blowes?
Fye, Coward fye, goe shroud thy hot pretence.
Think on the state thou didst inioy before:
And sit thee down thy folly to deplore.
O naked man, where is thy cheef defence?
How canst thou now resist the battering blowes?
Fye, Coward fye, goe shroud thy hot pretence.
Think on the state thou didst inioy before:
And sit thee down thy folly to deplore.
Say, once thou hadst, that which thou now doost misse,
Say, once thou wast free from all women kinde:
Say, Sampson, once thou didst remain in blisse,
And now reporte, O Sampson thou art blinde.
Thou well mayst say, that once thou hadst the power:
But now Dame Folly cleane hath cropt the floure.
Say, once thou wast free from all women kinde:
Say, Sampson, once thou didst remain in blisse,
And now reporte, O Sampson thou art blinde.
Thou well mayst say, that once thou hadst the power:
But now Dame Folly cleane hath cropt the floure.
Goe cary Gaza gates vnto their place
First take thy strength that brought them thence away:
And then perhaps thou mayst thy foes deface,
But til that time in thrall thou needs must stay.
The scourging whip must teare thy tender skin:
A guerdon iust which thou of right doost win.
First take thy strength that brought them thence away:
And then perhaps thou mayst thy foes deface,
But til that time in thrall thou needs must stay.
The scourging whip must teare thy tender skin:
A guerdon iust which thou of right doost win.
This is the thing the Philistines did craue,
Thy thrall it is procures their iocond ioy:
Since they haue got stout Sampson for their slaue,
They him detaine their pleasure to imploy.
And as a foole they vse thee at their Feast:
With thy blinde sporte to frame some mery Iest.
Thy thrall it is procures their iocond ioy:
Since they haue got stout Sampson for their slaue,
They him detaine their pleasure to imploy.
And as a foole they vse thee at their Feast:
With thy blinde sporte to frame some mery Iest.
But yet one day as they did celebrate,
Their Dagons Feast, I beeing then in place:
To make them sporte, to God did yeeld my state,
Desiring then I might them all deface.
The house with olde, yung, great and small:
I puld it down, so kild my self and all.
Their Dagons Feast, I beeing then in place:
To make them sporte, to God did yeeld my state,
Desiring then I might them all deface.
The house with olde, yung, great and small:
I puld it down, so kild my self and all.
Woe woorth Dalila that so wrought my shame,
Woe woorth Dalila my vnconstant foe:
Example take, let Sampsons bitter blame,
Forewarne you how you trust to Women so.
No more in secret to a Woman showe:
Then you would haue that all the world should knowe.
Woe woorth Dalila my vnconstant foe:
Example take, let Sampsons bitter blame,
Forewarne you how you trust to Women so.
No more in secret to a Woman showe:
Then you would haue that all the world should knowe.
See heer stout Sampson valiant in his strength,
Yet could he not a Loouers looke resist:
For all his might, see how he fel at length,
And forste to yeeld to Women as they list,
Take heed by me, let Sampsons great mishap:
Learne you beware to fall in such a trap.
Yet could he not a Loouers looke resist:
For all his might, see how he fel at length,
And forste to yeeld to Women as they list,
Take heed by me, let Sampsons great mishap:
Learne you beware to fall in such a trap.
Ful many moe haue fallen in like case,
And all through this, wherfore I warning giue:
Remember Beautie beares a fickle face,
And Beautie asks a treble cost to liue.
You haue your choyse, which you wil take or leue
Refuse the bad, the best you may receiue.
And all through this, wherfore I warning giue:
Remember Beautie beares a fickle face,
And Beautie asks a treble cost to liue.
You haue your choyse, which you wil take or leue
Refuse the bad, the best you may receiue.
FINIS
SAPIENCE.
S ince mans estate corrups as dooth the Flovver,A nd in short time his pomp is layd in dust:
P erceiue you may, hovv that this earthly bovver,
I s still vnsure, Mans pleasures vade as rust.
E ftsoones vve see as soone goes yung as olde,
N o King nor Keysor, VVise nor yet the Foole:
C an Death deny, they all must to one Folde,
E arth must to earth, so teacheth VVisdomes schoole.
THE COMPLAINT of King Salomon King of Israel, for his inordinate looue borne to Outlandish VVomen, vvho brought him from the vvisest and richest King that euer vvas, to be cast out of Gods fauour, and to be euen in maner, like a stark foole.
Caput. 6.
Beholde
(my freends) the wight whose fickle safe
Through wanton wil procurde his wofull fall:
See heer the man that thought his stedfast state
Unlikely was to come in such a thrall.
But wel ye see that Sinne deceiues the Wise:
When fond conceits hath power to blinde his eyes.
Through wanton wil procurde his wofull fall:
See heer the man that thought his stedfast state
Unlikely was to come in such a thrall.
But wel ye see that Sinne deceiues the Wise:
When fond conceits hath power to blinde his eyes.
I Salomon whom God with Wisdome deckt,
And worldly Welth wherof I had great store:
Did think that sinne could neuer me infect,
Because Dame Folly stil did stand before.
And through the world blew foorth a golden blaze:
That thousands came on Salomon to gaze.
And worldly Welth wherof I had great store:
Did think that sinne could neuer me infect,
Because Dame Folly stil did stand before.
And through the world blew foorth a golden blaze:
That thousands came on Salomon to gaze.
For when I had giuen sentence on the Childe,
For whom two women stroue before my face:
Such rare reporte went of my Iustice milde,
That Salomon was knowen in euery place.
Loe thus my God adornd mee frank and free:
That all the World amazed stood at mee.
For whom two women stroue before my face:
Such rare reporte went of my Iustice milde,
That Salomon was knowen in euery place.
Loe thus my God adornd mee frank and free:
That all the World amazed stood at mee.
Beside of welth I had the World at wil,
To straunge it is to hear my large expence:
Of golden gifts I aye enioyd my fil,
My princely port, my Garders and defence.
Were to to long to you for to recite:
For all this welth did naught but blinde my sight.
To straunge it is to hear my large expence:
Of golden gifts I aye enioyd my fil,
My princely port, my Garders and defence.
Were to to long to you for to recite:
For all this welth did naught but blinde my sight.
So that alas I cruelly transgrest,
For fond delight intangled had my minde,
Outlandish Dames did like my pleasure best,
I clean forgot the wrath to mee assignde.
Seuen hundred Queenes I Salomon did make:
Of Concubines three hundred I did take.
For fond delight intangled had my minde,
Outlandish Dames did like my pleasure best,
I clean forgot the wrath to mee assignde.
Seuen hundred Queenes I Salomon did make:
Of Concubines three hundred I did take.
O wicked wretch, where was the feare of God,
where was the wise foresights ye thou didst vse:
what didst thou think there was no scorging rod
That would correct thy hainous vile abuse.
If so thou thought'st? why then yu didst but well:
To liue so lewd, gainst duty to rebell.
where was the wise foresights ye thou didst vse:
what didst thou think there was no scorging rod
That would correct thy hainous vile abuse.
If so thou thought'st? why then yu didst but well:
To liue so lewd, gainst duty to rebell.
Why? did not God in dreame appeere to thee,
And bad thee aske what best thy hart could craue?
Did God not graunt thy wish perfourmd to be,
And did permit that thou shouldst Wisdom haue?
How thinkest thou? this canst thou not denay:
How happens then thou wentest so astray.
And bad thee aske what best thy hart could craue?
Did God not graunt thy wish perfourmd to be,
And did permit that thou shouldst Wisdom haue?
How thinkest thou? this canst thou not denay:
How happens then thou wentest so astray.
Alas, because thou didst not God regard,
But in thy welth didst set thy whole delight:
Eche wanton Dame with welth yu didst reward,
This made thee fall in such a wofull plight.
And where before thou wast esteemed wise:
Now as a foole eche man dooth thee surmise.
But in thy welth didst set thy whole delight:
Eche wanton Dame with welth yu didst reward,
This made thee fall in such a wofull plight.
And where before thou wast esteemed wise:
Now as a foole eche man dooth thee surmise.
What wilt thou doo? thou sinned hast so sore,
By kneeling down to Gods of stocks & stones:
That God will now respect thy case no more,
Down on thy knees, sound foorth thy heauy grōes
Lament, lament (O wretch) thy wicked crime:
Desire thy Lord to saue thy soule in time.
By kneeling down to Gods of stocks & stones:
That God will now respect thy case no more,
Down on thy knees, sound foorth thy heauy grōes
Lament, lament (O wretch) thy wicked crime:
Desire thy Lord to saue thy soule in time.
You Potentates beholde my wofull fall,
How wanton will hath throwen me in the dust:
That now to sinne I rest a seruile thrall,
Loe what reward obtaines vnlawfull Lust.
My hainous faults recount before your eyes.
And learne in time such vices to despise.
How wanton will hath throwen me in the dust:
That now to sinne I rest a seruile thrall,
Loe what reward obtaines vnlawfull Lust.
My hainous faults recount before your eyes.
And learne in time such vices to despise.
Remember me that thought my self so wise,
That I no way could gayne so great a fall:
But when I did the feare of God despise,
Ah wofull man, my comfort then was small.
My trickling teares found fauour in Gods sight:
And for my greef did yeeld me harts delight.
That I no way could gayne so great a fall:
But when I did the feare of God despise,
Ah wofull man, my comfort then was small.
My trickling teares found fauour in Gods sight:
And for my greef did yeeld me harts delight.
So shall your liues be free from spotted blame,
Your whole delight shalbe in feare of God:
Then after death you gayne immortall fame,
If so your liues be swayd with Wisdomes rod.
Then shall you liue, and euermore be blest:
Among the Saints in the eternall rest.
Your whole delight shalbe in feare of God:
Then after death you gayne immortall fame,
If so your liues be swayd with Wisdomes rod.
Then shall you liue, and euermore be blest:
Among the Saints in the eternall rest.
FINIS.
INCONTINENCYE.
I f men respect their fickle date of time,N ovv in delight, then drovvnd in dark annoy.
C omputing Age vvith their vnbrideled time,
O f all estates hovv brittle is their Ioy.
N eeds must they say they taste a svveetned gall,
T hat as to day their pleasure dooth procure:
I n tract of time it leaues their comfort small,
N o Rock it is that euer vvill indure.
E xampled be by preter time vnsure.
N o man (although he liue in vvorlds of ioy)
C an keep him there as in a certayne stay:
Y ou see the proofe, vvhat greef it dooth imploy,
E uen at a clap dooth fetch all pomp avvay.
THE COMPLAINT of Ammon, the eldest Sonne of King Dauid, for the rauishing of his Sister THAMAR, accomplishing his desire, through the craftie deuise of IONADAB his kinseman, vvho causing AMMON to fayne him self sick: obtayned of his Father DAVID, that THAMAR his sister should come and visit him, and vvhen she came, bringing vvith her a dish of meat: rauised her, and aftervvard cruelly despised her.
Ca. 7.
O
Ammon fond, borne vnto great mishap,
O lawlesse Lust that made thee doo the deed:
O wicked wretch now throwen in terrors trap
Where griesly gripes vpon thy carkasse feed.
Fye on thee wretch, lothe for to showe thy face:
Thy hainous act condems thee in eche place.
O lawlesse Lust that made thee doo the deed:
O wicked wretch now throwen in terrors trap
Where griesly gripes vpon thy carkasse feed.
Fye on thee wretch, lothe for to showe thy face:
Thy hainous act condems thee in eche place.
Hadst thou the hart to woork such villany?
No point of manhood did remaine in thee:
So to dispoyle thy Sisters deere virginitie,
A wicked wish desired for to be.
No merueil though at sound of Ammons name:
That all the world cryes on thee open shame.
No point of manhood did remaine in thee:
So to dispoyle thy Sisters deere virginitie,
A wicked wish desired for to be.
No merueil though at sound of Ammons name:
That all the world cryes on thee open shame.
What art thou now? a man depriu'd of ioy,
And subiect to a thousand heaps of woes:
Thy pleasures past is sunk in dire annoy,
Beholde thy fate how froward still it goes.
Thy deed is more then is thy punnishment:
Yet wicked wretch thou canst not be content.
And subiect to a thousand heaps of woes:
Thy pleasures past is sunk in dire annoy,
Beholde thy fate how froward still it goes.
Thy deed is more then is thy punnishment:
Yet wicked wretch thou canst not be content.
But moste of all when thou the deed hadst doone,
And gotten that which thou didst wholy craue:
Then in despite her presence thou didst shun,
And thought great scorne her company to haue.
O hardned hart yfraught with mallice fell:
So gainst all law thy Sister to compell.
And gotten that which thou didst wholy craue:
Then in despite her presence thou didst shun,
And thought great scorne her company to haue.
O hardned hart yfraught with mallice fell:
So gainst all law thy Sister to compell.
O Thamar, I my wicked deed lament,
I sorowe sore for my vnkinde offence:
Deserued doome, full right my state hath shent,
And for my deed, beholde my recompence.
A iust reward, since so I did neglect:
My duty bound to God in eche respect.
I sorowe sore for my vnkinde offence:
Deserued doome, full right my state hath shent,
And for my deed, beholde my recompence.
A iust reward, since so I did neglect:
My duty bound to God in eche respect.
For as I sat in midst of mirth of ioy,
At Banquet with my Brother Absalon:
Not thinking to receiue so great annoy,
With bloody blade he killed me annon.
Loe what a guerdon did befall to me:
That so from natures law did disagree.
At Banquet with my Brother Absalon:
Not thinking to receiue so great annoy,
With bloody blade he killed me annon.
Loe what a guerdon did befall to me:
That so from natures law did disagree.
If I had rulde my self in Reasons law,
And framde my life vnto a good intent:
Or if I had of God remaind in awe,
Then had not I my time to vaynly spent.
But where self will is suffered so at large:
Great is the paynes that after will him charge.
And framde my life vnto a good intent:
Or if I had of God remaind in awe,
Then had not I my time to vaynly spent.
But where self will is suffered so at large:
Great is the paynes that after will him charge.
For idle life procures this lawlesse Lust,
And idlenes is foe to Learnings lore:
Where wanteth faith, hope and assured trust,
There Sathan still hath libertye the more.
And Sathan aye dooth forward frame the will:
To that which would bothe soule and body spill.
And idlenes is foe to Learnings lore:
Where wanteth faith, hope and assured trust,
There Sathan still hath libertye the more.
And Sathan aye dooth forward frame the will:
To that which would bothe soule and body spill.
Therfore of Ammon heer a warning take,
Learne in your youth to walke in vertues waies:
Least sinne in age your pleasant ioy dooth slake,
And so forget bothe God and blisfull dayes.
Remember God, alwayes set him before:
And your affayres shall better speed the more.
Learne in your youth to walke in vertues waies:
Least sinne in age your pleasant ioy dooth slake,
And so forget bothe God and blisfull dayes.
Remember God, alwayes set him before:
And your affayres shall better speed the more.
Then vaine desire can neuer you assault,
Nor no such sinne as I wretch did commit:
Be warnd therfore by this my present fault,
And shun such drifts as dooth no Christian fit.
In all thy thoughts, woorks, woords, or deeds I say
For good successe to God continuall pray.
Nor no such sinne as I wretch did commit:
Be warnd therfore by this my present fault,
And shun such drifts as dooth no Christian fit.
In all thy thoughts, woorks, woords, or deeds I say
For good successe to God continuall pray.
FINIS.
VOLVPTVOVSNES.
V ertue surmounts all vayne desire of vvelth,O r priuate gaines got vvith vnhonest vse:
L et man therfore consider of his helth,
V ainglory dooth bothe minde and life abuse:
P roou'd it hath beene by reasons manifolde,
T hat mortall Fame dooth run by headlesse chaunce:
V ertue, her Fame cannot to oft be tolde,
O rdayned aye the Godly to aduaunce.
V ayne then it is on bad I vvist to glaunce.
S tay fast thy faith in him that rules abooue:
N o time deferre to turn from vvickednes:
E ternall Fame, Faith and assured Looue,
S hall you adorne in vvorlds of rich increase.
THE COMPLAINT of Adonia Sonne, to King David, for his proud aspiring to his Fathers kingdome, & also for his pride vsed against his Brother King Salomon, in crauing ABISAG the Sunamite to his mate vvho vvas a faire and verteous yung Damosell, and nourished King DAVID in his extreme age, thinking by that meanes to attaine to his desired pretence.
Caput. 8.
Although
my deed dooth well demerit blame,
My stately Pride and hautines of hart:
Although my life so farre spent out of frame,
Needs no reporte for such a vitious part.
Yet that world may warning take by me:
Ile tell my tale that all my life may see.
My stately Pride and hautines of hart:
Although my life so farre spent out of frame,
Needs no reporte for such a vitious part.
Yet that world may warning take by me:
Ile tell my tale that all my life may see.
And when you haue perusde my life at large,
My mallice bent against my Fathers state:
How blinde ambition did me ouercharge,
With peeuish Pride (alas) vnfortunate.
Reporte that I did well deserve my fall.
In running headlong into such a thrall.
My mallice bent against my Fathers state:
How blinde ambition did me ouercharge,
With peeuish Pride (alas) vnfortunate.
Reporte that I did well deserve my fall.
In running headlong into such a thrall.
I Adonia Sonne to Dauid King,
Perceiuing age bedewe my Fathers state:
By sundry sleights I sought about to bring,
Presumpteously to pearch to be his mate.
I thought his yeeres were so farre gone & spent:
that well I might presume to my intent.
Perceiuing age bedewe my Fathers state:
By sundry sleights I sought about to bring,
Presumpteously to pearch to be his mate.
I thought his yeeres were so farre gone & spent:
that well I might presume to my intent.
O what renown did I in pride suppose,
To be a King and beare the souereign sway:
By force of Armes to irritate my foes,
By woords to cause my Subiects to obay.
No life me thought in all the world more fit:
Then princely pomp in regall throne to sit.
To be a King and beare the souereign sway:
By force of Armes to irritate my foes,
By woords to cause my Subiects to obay.
No life me thought in all the world more fit:
Then princely pomp in regall throne to sit.
It did me good to heare the braue reporte
Of boldened brests indued with valiancy:
Who trye their fate in mightie Mars his Court,
Protesting faith to Magnanimitie.
On carued Creast to shake the shiuering Launce:
This valiant sporte their honors dooth aduaunce.
Of boldened brests indued with valiancy:
Who trye their fate in mightie Mars his Court,
Protesting faith to Magnanimitie.
On carued Creast to shake the shiuering Launce:
This valiant sporte their honors dooth aduaunce.
This is the way to win them rare renown,
This is the ioy that cheeres a Princes hart:
This is the way to vaunt on Honors crown,
And lasting Fame dooth quit them with desart.
O valiant youthes, welfare your plied paines:
Whose happy helths are valiant Uictors gaines.
This is the ioy that cheeres a Princes hart:
This is the way to vaunt on Honors crown,
And lasting Fame dooth quit them with desart.
O valiant youthes, welfare your plied paines:
Whose happy helths are valiant Uictors gaines.
Well in this minde so farre I did proceed,
That I had got such as would take my parte:
Abiathar and Ioab bothe indeed,
Did give consent to my presumpteous hart.
A feast I made, where many did resorte:
Wishing me King as woords did make reporte.
That I had got such as would take my parte:
Abiathar and Ioab bothe indeed,
Did give consent to my presumpteous hart.
A feast I made, where many did resorte:
Wishing me King as woords did make reporte.
O gallant ioy to heare so many say.
With valiant voyce erected to the skyes:
God saue our King, our woorthy Adonia,
O wished pray so gladsome to mine eyes.
But when my Father of my deed did knowe:
My loftie pride was quickly laid full lowe.
With valiant voyce erected to the skyes:
God saue our King, our woorthy Adonia,
O wished pray so gladsome to mine eyes.
But when my Father of my deed did knowe:
My loftie pride was quickly laid full lowe.
Those which before had called me their King,
Left me alone, they durst it not auouch:
O straunge euent to see such sorrowes spring,
So soone a king, and made to soone to couch:
Dame Iustice scornd that I should mount so hye:
And threw me down in twinckling of an eye.
Left me alone, they durst it not auouch:
O straunge euent to see such sorrowes spring,
So soone a king, and made to soone to couch:
Dame Iustice scornd that I should mount so hye:
And threw me down in twinckling of an eye.
With that I fled and hid my self for feare,
To see what tidings would approche of this:
Then Salomon for to preuent this geare,
Was crowned King in moste triumphant blisse.
At last of him my pardon I did gayne:
So that I would in quietnes remayne.
To see what tidings would approche of this:
Then Salomon for to preuent this geare,
Was crowned King in moste triumphant blisse.
At last of him my pardon I did gayne:
So that I would in quietnes remayne.
Yet wicked wretch through loftiness of minde,
I could not holde my self with state content:
But once more would reuert to former kinde,
Aspiring still my purpose to attempt.
And for to bring my matter more aboute:
This prettye shift on sudden I found out.
I could not holde my self with state content:
But once more would reuert to former kinde,
Aspiring still my purpose to attempt.
And for to bring my matter more aboute:
This prettye shift on sudden I found out.
I sought to haue Abisag fayre to wife,
Which when my Brother Salomon did spye:
I could not keepe my self in quiet life,
But still I sought to pearch my head on hye.
Deserued death for pride I did attayne:
So all my pomp on sudden did distayne.
Which when my Brother Salomon did spye:
I could not keepe my self in quiet life,
But still I sought to pearch my head on hye.
Deserued death for pride I did attayne:
So all my pomp on sudden did distayne.
Now Lordings see my proud presumpteous hart,
What liew I gaynd in recompence for all:
See Iustice scornd at my vnlawfull part,
And from the top did headlong make me fall,
I which was Sonne vnto a famous King:
By pamperd pride my ruin great did bring.
What liew I gaynd in recompence for all:
See Iustice scornd at my vnlawfull part,
And from the top did headlong make me fall,
I which was Sonne vnto a famous King:
By pamperd pride my ruin great did bring.
{Crussder trueth} will have her rightfull place,
Her touchstone tries & sounds eche mans intent:
Though for a while Uaine glory her deface,
Yet at the length her foes she will preuent.
For Falshode dooth a while holde on her glose:
But trueth at length her dealings will disclose.
Her touchstone tries & sounds eche mans intent:
Though for a while Uaine glory her deface,
Yet at the length her foes she will preuent.
For Falshode dooth a while holde on her glose:
But trueth at length her dealings will disclose.
Now what auailes my loftines of minde,
My princely pomp in midst of all my flowers:
My hauty hart which made my sences blinde,
And made me seeke to rule in Kingly bowers.
What, haue I gaind immortall fame therby:
Or such renown to pearch the azured skye?
My princely pomp in midst of all my flowers:
My hauty hart which made my sences blinde,
And made me seeke to rule in Kingly bowers.
What, haue I gaind immortall fame therby:
Or such renown to pearch the azured skye?
O no my freends, small honor is my share,
Small is the fame that will redound to me:
Shame is my due for this my rechelesse care,
My wicked life so lothesome for to see.
Rebelling so gainst Natures stayed state:
And seeking so to be my Fathers mate.
Small is the fame that will redound to me:
Shame is my due for this my rechelesse care,
My wicked life so lothesome for to see.
Rebelling so gainst Natures stayed state:
And seeking so to be my Fathers mate.
What, didst thou think thy Father liu'd to long,
And duty bad thee to cut of his dayes?
And did obedience mooue thee offer wrong,
To him whose life so many men did prayse.
Or canst thou iudge Dame Wisdome did agree:
That so thou shouldst vsurp his dignitie?
And duty bad thee to cut of his dayes?
And did obedience mooue thee offer wrong,
To him whose life so many men did prayse.
Or canst thou iudge Dame Wisdome did agree:
That so thou shouldst vsurp his dignitie?
Alas, no, no, thy duty bad thee seeke,
To serue thy Sire with reuerence in eche place,
To stand in awe, to showe thy self so meeke,
In euery point Obedience to imbrace.
How saist thou now, hast thou doone so or no?
Alas my freends in life I thought not so.
To serue thy Sire with reuerence in eche place,
To stand in awe, to showe thy self so meeke,
In euery point Obedience to imbrace.
How saist thou now, hast thou doone so or no?
Alas my freends in life I thought not so.
Remember me which past before your time,
Remember how I fell from blisse to bale:
Be mindefull still of my presumpteous crime,
Which forced me to tell this tristfull tale.
Respect the end before you doo begin:
Feare to offend in such a greeuous sinne.
Remember how I fell from blisse to bale:
Be mindefull still of my presumpteous crime,
Which forced me to tell this tristfull tale.
Respect the end before you doo begin:
Feare to offend in such a greeuous sinne.
Consider life is but a puffe of winde,
And worldly pomp is but a brittle blaze:
Your earthly drosse dooth naught but make you blinde
while you abide within this mortall maze.
Ful many sin, but fewe their liues repent:
Nor think how soone their folly will them shent.
And worldly pomp is but a brittle blaze:
Your earthly drosse dooth naught but make you blinde
while you abide within this mortall maze.
Ful many sin, but fewe their liues repent:
Nor think how soone their folly will them shent.
Gods Iudgement stands to cut down lofty grafts
As seeme to reach more then they can aspire:
Though for a time you faine such cunning crafts,
As well you think to gaine your whole desire.
The end brings all, the proofe hath oft been seene:
Pride hath his due, iudge what therof I meane.
As seeme to reach more then they can aspire:
Though for a time you faine such cunning crafts,
As well you think to gaine your whole desire.
The end brings all, the proofe hath oft been seene:
Pride hath his due, iudge what therof I meane.
And thus I wish you well your liues to frame,
In modest meane to keepe your selues content:
Auoyd this vice, and so you shun the blame,
Which dooth belong to such as it frequent.
Let Adonia serue example due:
For perfect proofe that this his text is true.
In modest meane to keepe your selues content:
Auoyd this vice, and so you shun the blame,
Which dooth belong to such as it frequent.
Let Adonia serue example due:
For perfect proofe that this his text is true.
FINIS.
VAIN GLORY.
V aunt not to much of that vvhich is but vayne,A nd beare in minde thy state is heer vnsure:
I t is not vvelth that can abridge thy payne,
N or loftie looks thy vvelfare can procure.
G reeue not to see thy neighbour prosper vvell,
L et blinde Ambition rule thy hart no more:
O r seek not gainst the simple soule to svvell,
R egard to haue discretion good before.
Y our happy helth shall aye increase the more.
THE COMPLAINT of King Ptolomye King of Egipt, for his vnnaturall crueltie vsed tovvard the Famous ALEXANDER, vvho vvas his Sonne in Lavv.
Caput. 9.
No
greater foe, then greedynes of minde,
No seruile life like to contemptuous pride:
No greater sinne then willing to be blinde,
No folly more then in vain hope to bide.
What more deceit? then look thy Freend in face:
And woork his death, in most vngentle case.
No seruile life like to contemptuous pride:
No greater sinne then willing to be blinde,
No folly more then in vain hope to bide.
What more deceit? then look thy Freend in face:
And woork his death, in most vngentle case.
For proof wherof I Ptolomye may serue,
Whose hauty hart, and moste ambitious minde:
Procured mee from Princely rule to swerue,
And cruelly to stray from Natures kinde.
Wherfore my tale let peirce the flinty hart:
How like they fall in such vnlawful part.
Whose hauty hart, and moste ambitious minde:
Procured mee from Princely rule to swerue,
And cruelly to stray from Natures kinde.
Wherfore my tale let peirce the flinty hart:
How like they fall in such vnlawful part.
My Daughter fair that Cleopatra hight,
To Alexander of illustrious fame:
In nuptiall band contented I did plight,
Til Enuie vile contempt did seek to frame.
My greedy minde my honor soon let fall:
That in the end I lost both fame and all.
To Alexander of illustrious fame:
In nuptiall band contented I did plight,
Til Enuie vile contempt did seek to frame.
My greedy minde my honor soon let fall:
That in the end I lost both fame and all.
My former vow I wretch did clean reuoke,
Of faithful freendship to my sonne in law:
Now perching pride had quickly strook the stroke
Gainst verteous life wherof I had no awe.
But banishing all fauour from my hart:
Did seek to frame a moste vnlawful part.
Of faithful freendship to my sonne in law:
Now perching pride had quickly strook the stroke
Gainst verteous life wherof I had no awe.
But banishing all fauour from my hart:
Did seek to frame a moste vnlawful part.
My noble Sonne from Kingdome beeing gon,
Whose absence wrought the more for my intent:
I ruled at home and none but I alone,
Now thought I good my Sonne for to preuent.
And of his Kingdome clean him to bereaue:
By traitrous deeds I purposde to deceiue.
Whose absence wrought the more for my intent:
I ruled at home and none but I alone,
Now thought I good my Sonne for to preuent.
And of his Kingdome clean him to bereaue:
By traitrous deeds I purposde to deceiue.
Then I likewise to all his Citties went,
Wherin I left of armed men good store:
That at such time as serude for mine intent,
I might obtain that long I wisht before.
Yet for his sake vnto his Citties all:
I was receiude with Fame imperiall.
Wherin I left of armed men good store:
That at such time as serude for mine intent,
I might obtain that long I wisht before.
Yet for his sake vnto his Citties all:
I was receiude with Fame imperiall.
More Traitour I that such a deed could frame,
Considering that I was receiude so wel:
And only hee did yeeld to mee such fame,
Gainst whom I did vnkindly so rebel.
Wel, looue nor fauour could my minde intreat:
But enuiously I went about this feat.
Considering that I was receiude so wel:
And only hee did yeeld to mee such fame,
Gainst whom I did vnkindly so rebel.
Wel, looue nor fauour could my minde intreat:
But enuiously I went about this feat.
When as I had eche Cittie fair subdude,
That on the seas did harbour there about:
By other shifts my fetches I renude,
And now I had an other plat drawen out.
Demetrius I did ioyne in league with mee:
And so to war til all consumde might bee.
That on the seas did harbour there about:
By other shifts my fetches I renude,
And now I had an other plat drawen out.
Demetrius I did ioyne in league with mee:
And so to war til all consumde might bee.
My Daughter fair I took from rightful mate,
And to Demetrius did her giue againe:
Then had I raysde a slaunder vp of hate,
How Alexander sought to haue mee slaine.
And so through this such enuie vile I bred:
That Kingdomes twain I crowned on my hed.
And to Demetrius did her giue againe:
Then had I raysde a slaunder vp of hate,
How Alexander sought to haue mee slaine.
And so through this such enuie vile I bred:
That Kingdomes twain I crowned on my hed.
O braue delight as braue as beaten Golde,
O happy life long looked for before:
I droue my Sonne into Arabian holde,
Wheras to make my honor larger more.
His hed was sent as present vnto mee:
Oh how I ioyd when I this sight did see.
O happy life long looked for before:
I droue my Sonne into Arabian holde,
Wheras to make my honor larger more.
His hed was sent as present vnto mee:
Oh how I ioyd when I this sight did see.
But yet this pomp to short a time did last,
Within three dayes I dyed in greeuous case:
What vauntage then when honor all was past,
Did I obtaine in my new Kingly place.
My sonnes deer blood for vengeance stil dooth cry:
Gainst me a wretch that wrought this villany.
Within three dayes I dyed in greeuous case:
What vauntage then when honor all was past,
Did I obtaine in my new Kingly place.
My sonnes deer blood for vengeance stil dooth cry:
Gainst me a wretch that wrought this villany.
You Noble harts see heere a pattern playne,
Of painted Pride contemning verteous life:
See heere a gulf of Enuye and Disdayne,
A mortall foe that still procured strife.
See heere the wight whose folly made him fall:
In seeking that which did return his thrall.
Of painted Pride contemning verteous life:
See heere a gulf of Enuye and Disdayne,
A mortall foe that still procured strife.
See heere the wight whose folly made him fall:
In seeking that which did return his thrall.
See what I gaynd for greedines of minde,
See how the Lord did pay me for my payne:
In that I went so farre from Natures kinde,
As woork the meanes to cause my sonne be slayn.
Whose guiltlesse death beholde I now lament:
Desiring pardon for my life mispent,
See how the Lord did pay me for my payne:
In that I went so farre from Natures kinde,
As woork the meanes to cause my sonne be slayn.
Whose guiltlesse death beholde I now lament:
Desiring pardon for my life mispent,
Learne now therfore like Enuy to eschew,
Least that your selues doo fall into like snare,
Dout not but you shall finde the end to true,
Therfore in time I wish you to beware.
So are you sure the daunger to preuent:
Of such a sinne as I poore wretch am shent.
Least that your selues doo fall into like snare,
Dout not but you shall finde the end to true,
Therfore in time I wish you to beware.
So are you sure the daunger to preuent:
Of such a sinne as I poore wretch am shent.
FINIS.
VANITIE.
A lthough they boast of Beauties beames so much:
N ote hovv that Death dooth equall all aright,
I n each degree hee spareth not to touch.
T he VVise, the Foole, the King and Begger bace,
I s all alike that commeth in his cloutch.
E xcepteth none, hee takes in euery place.
THE COMPLAINT of Iezabel Wife to King Achab, for her inforcing her Husband to all kinde of vvickednesse and Idolatree, & causing the Prophets of the Lord to be slain, and procuring the guiltles death of Naboth shee beeing iustly therfore plagued of the Lord.
Caput. 10.
If
Beautie be a thing of such respect,
If hauty hart the Body doo adorn:
Why did my shape and beautie mee detect?
Why did my pride make mee somuch forlorne
And if all these were Uertues in a Wife,
Why did so soon my pleasure turn to strife?
If hauty hart the Body doo adorn:
Why did my shape and beautie mee detect?
Why did my pride make mee somuch forlorne
And if all these were Uertues in a Wife,
Why did so soon my pleasure turn to strife?
O no deer Dames these vaunts are worldly vain,
These are the pomps wherin you glory so:
This painted pride procures your after pain,
Which you lament distrest in double wo.
And why? because you did not seek before:
A souerain salue to cure so vile a sore.
These are the pomps wherin you glory so:
This painted pride procures your after pain,
Which you lament distrest in double wo.
And why? because you did not seek before:
A souerain salue to cure so vile a sore.
But lo deer Dames to much you be deceiude,
To much you trust to that which is vnsure:
For peeuish pride your sences hath bereude,
Which makes you think for aye you shall indure.
O think not so, for beautie is but vain,
To day a ioy, to morrow, pinching pain.
To much you trust to that which is vnsure:
For peeuish pride your sences hath bereude,
Which makes you think for aye you shall indure.
O think not so, for beautie is but vain,
To day a ioy, to morrow, pinching pain.
Beholde by mee if beautie might haue boast,
Or hauty hart to haue Dame Honors place:
Beholde her heer who through each forrain Coast
Knew not her Peer for loftie lookes in face.
But now what dooth my mounting minde auaile
So long on flote, that glad to strike my saile.
Or hauty hart to haue Dame Honors place:
Beholde her heer who through each forrain Coast
Knew not her Peer for loftie lookes in face.
But now what dooth my mounting minde auaile
So long on flote, that glad to strike my saile.
I Iezabel, soometime King Achabs Wife,
Disdaining God and Idols did obay:
Surmounting in all viciousnes of life,
And only Pride did force mee run astray.
For Pride from God did force my wilful fall:
That grace nor vertue I esteemd at all.
Disdaining God and Idols did obay:
Surmounting in all viciousnes of life,
And only Pride did force mee run astray.
For Pride from God did force my wilful fall:
That grace nor vertue I esteemd at all.
But in a World of pranked pleasures gay,
I flaunted foorth as much as hart could craue:
I was the cause the Preests of God to slay,
And Naboths death desired for to haue.
Why who but I, so many fetches had:
With subtle sleights to make my fancy glad.
I flaunted foorth as much as hart could craue:
I was the cause the Preests of God to slay,
And Naboths death desired for to haue.
Why who but I, so many fetches had:
With subtle sleights to make my fancy glad.
But what at length was my deserued due,
From windowe down I fel and brake my neck:
By prophecie which I approoued true,
This hire I had that Uertue would detect.
In cinders small my Body lay on ground:
Trod so with Horse that little could be found.
From windowe down I fel and brake my neck:
By prophecie which I approoued true,
This hire I had that Uertue would detect.
In cinders small my Body lay on ground:
Trod so with Horse that little could be found.
Now see what came to Iezabel at last,
See what became of my alluring face:
My Peacoks plumes down in the dust were cast,
What guerdon did my loftie pride purchase.
Beholde my deeds, and then beholde my fame:
Beholde my life, and then beholde my shame.
See what became of my alluring face:
My Peacoks plumes down in the dust were cast,
What guerdon did my loftie pride purchase.
Beholde my deeds, and then beholde my fame:
Beholde my life, and then beholde my shame.
Now daintie Dames your Mirrour take by me,
To warne you pull your hauty heads more lowe:
Let me you learne your welfare to foresee,
And teach you how more grauitie to showe.
Let Modestie your outward vestures be:
And Uertue deck you inward frank and free.
To warne you pull your hauty heads more lowe:
Let me you learne your welfare to foresee,
And teach you how more grauitie to showe.
Let Modestie your outward vestures be:
And Uertue deck you inward frank and free.
Leaue of these braue and sundry flaunting sutes,
Leaue of to wish for euery straunge deuise:
Milde Modestie your statelines rebukes,
She would not haue you goe so coy and nice.
But prudently to guyde your dealings so:
That in eche place with vertue you may goe.
Leaue of to wish for euery straunge deuise:
Milde Modestie your statelines rebukes,
She would not haue you goe so coy and nice.
But prudently to guyde your dealings so:
That in eche place with vertue you may goe.
Now when I smart I can you warning giue,
That you may shun the sorrowes which I haue:
Now I confesse, that verteously to liue,
By due desart dooth endles honor craue.
Counsell once had is better suer then neuer:
Feare God, and then thou shalt be crowned euer.
That you may shun the sorrowes which I haue:
Now I confesse, that verteously to liue,
By due desart dooth endles honor craue.
Counsell once had is better suer then neuer:
Feare God, and then thou shalt be crowned euer.
FINIS.
WILFVLNES.
VV here men doo more respect their priuate gayne,I n vaine excesse, then VVisdomes stayed state:
L ight to contemne, slovve to release their paine,
F rom vvhom bothe helth and riches is ingrate.
V sing them selues as belly Gods so rude,
L eaning vpon the honor of their pelf:
N ot scorning still themselues for to intrude,
E che man to pole, for to inrich himself.
S o slides from God to greater greefe renued.
THE COMPLAINT of Zedekia sometime King of Iuda, for neglecting his vovved othe and faithfull promise made to King Nabuchodonozor, in suffering all sinne and vvickednes to abound in his Kingdome, beeing iustly plagued of GOD therfore.
Caput. 11.
Amid
the rest giue Zedekia place,
Iosias Sonne to tell his great mishap:
Whom Folly fond so greeuous did deface
As in my pomp depriu'de me at a clap.
Such crooked chaunce that for a time did smile:
But at the length displayd a hidden guyle.
Iosias Sonne to tell his great mishap:
Whom Folly fond so greeuous did deface
As in my pomp depriu'de me at a clap.
Such crooked chaunce that for a time did smile:
But at the length displayd a hidden guyle.
First was I King and ruled Iuda Land,
In promise that I constant would remain:
When as this Welth was brought into my hand
I suffred sin to much to haue the raine.
Gods woord was clean suppressed in the dust:
The Preests and Rulers sind in filthy lust.
In promise that I constant would remain:
When as this Welth was brought into my hand
I suffred sin to much to haue the raine.
Gods woord was clean suppressed in the dust:
The Preests and Rulers sind in filthy lust.
The Chaldies then Ierusalem destroyd,
The holy Temple burnd with flaming fire:
My Soldiars all with terror were annoyd,
I taken was, so did my sinnes require.
My sonnes were slayne (O greefe) before my face:
Mine eyes puld out in moste accursed case.
The holy Temple burnd with flaming fire:
My Soldiars all with terror were annoyd,
I taken was, so did my sinnes require.
My sonnes were slayne (O greefe) before my face:
Mine eyes puld out in moste accursed case.
Then captiue I to Babilon was led,
In fettered chaines with direfull dole yfraught:
My people poore with tirrany were fed,
All long of sinne which I (alas) haue wrought.
Thrise twentye yeeres and ten they bid the pain:
Till Cirus came their freedome to obtaine.
In fettered chaines with direfull dole yfraught:
My people poore with tirrany were fed,
All long of sinne which I (alas) haue wrought.
Thrise twentye yeeres and ten they bid the pain:
Till Cirus came their freedome to obtaine.
Loe thus I liu'd, loe thus I had my shame,
A guerdon iust to counteruaile my hire:
take heed therfore how you contemn Gods name,
For your reward is euerlasting fire.
My sinfull life, my death so voyd of grace:
Let now suffise to warn you in eche place.
A guerdon iust to counteruaile my hire:
take heed therfore how you contemn Gods name,
For your reward is euerlasting fire.
My sinfull life, my death so voyd of grace:
Let now suffise to warn you in eche place.
Fewe woords shall serue, in haste I goe my way,
And wish you well my perill to foresee:
Be rulde by trueth, let Uertue beare the sway,
Think on the end the daunger for to flee.
For I haue proou'd that which I rew with payn:
And wish to late I had not liu'd so vayne.
And wish you well my perill to foresee:
Be rulde by trueth, let Uertue beare the sway,
Think on the end the daunger for to flee.
For I haue proou'd that which I rew with payn:
And wish to late I had not liu'd so vayne.
FINIS.
Honos alit Artes.
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