Claraphil and Clarinda in a forrest of fancies. By Tho: Jordan |
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The Eccho's Oracle, an Eclogue betwixt Melancholicus and Aulicus.
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 | Claraphil and Clarinda |  |
The Eccho's Oracle, an Eclogue betwixt Melancholicus and Aulicus.
Mel.Report relates that in this Forrest lies
(Hid in mysterious Concavities)
A famous Eccho, she they say that is
Recorded in the Metamorphosis.
'Tis said, she is Oraculous, and can
(By a most queint Reflexion) give a Man
Such Answer to his Question that affords
Another Sense extracted from his Words.
Mel.
Prethee let's try: what shall we ask?
Aul.
No matter
What, ask her any thing.
Mel.
Why then have at her;
Ile whisper first—Mysterious Mother, thou
That mock'st the bleating Lamb, and lowing Cow,
Or any sound that doth thy Cavern pass,
Hearken—
Aul.
Unto the braying of an Ass.
Mel.
Prethee be silent.
Aul.
Prethee speak in season;
Ask her who shall be King.
Mel.
No, no, that's Treason,
She dares not answer.
Aul.
Why? She need not fear,
For an whole Army cannot wound the Air.
Mel.
What Heir?
Aul.
Air of this Forrest.
Mel.
Yes they may
Cleave it with fire.
Aul.
She'll be as fierce as they,
Besides she is so able to retort,
Do what they can, she'll give the last Report.
Mel.
She's very old, Ile ask her if she know
Acts that were done a thousand years ago:
Did Christ receive his Injury?
Eccho.
In Jury.
Mel.
A perfect Oracle; She that so well
(VVith direct Readiness) things past can tell,
Knows something yet to come, I am on fire,
'Till I hear more of this: Now do you try her.
Aul.
Come Eccho, say, what's a more monstrous Evil,
Then we have read in Mandevil?
Eccho.
Man-Devil.
Aul.
VVhat are those men that Faction so inspires
To be our Churches Edifiers?
Eccho.
Fiers.
Aul.
What did they think of our Comunion-table
VVhen they were so un-affable?
Eccho.
A Fable.
Mel.
Thou knew'st the Jews ith' days of great Herodias,
Will Scotchmen be Commodious?
Eccho.
Becom odious.
But if our Persons in their power fall,
VVill they prove Rational?
Ecch.
Prove rash on all.
Aul.
How can they be our Commonwealths deflourers?
They were our Peace-Endeavourers.
Eccho.
Devourers.
Mel.
Peace is pure sweetness, though we care not for her,
VVhat is their due that do abhor her?
Eccho.
Horror.
Aul.
Come come, I'le ask no more, for she affords,
Nothing but by advantage of our Words;
Little to do, that wanton with the VVinde:
No, prethee stay, I have two questions more
To ask, and I have done.
Aul.
Prethee give o're.
Mel.
A Lady loves me, Eccho, shall I chuse her,
To be my Mistress, or refuse her?
Eccho.
Use her.
Mel.
I call her Dear, and she stiles me her Hony,
VVhat can be greater Harmony?
Eccho.
Her mony.
Mel.
VVhil'st that is lasting, I will ne'r forsake her,
If thou wilt have me undertake her.
Eccho.
Take her.
Aul.
This is meer humour (and indeed) no more
Then what is daily practiz'd, for before
Some do propound, those thoughts that do disease um,
They angle for such Answers as may please um:
And do commit unto the Hearers trust,
The charge of pleasing, not of being just:
So a weak Prince, and Parasites accord,
He asks is't well? They answer, Well my Lord.
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