The works of Sr William Davenant :: :: University of Virginia Library

The works of Sr William Davenant

... Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed, and Those which he design'd for the Press: Now published Out of the Authors Originall Copies

D'Avenant, William (1606-1668)

[dedication]

GONDIBERT:

TO Sr WILL. D'AVENANT,

TO Sir WILLIAM D'AVENANT,

GONDIBERT.

MADAGASCAR,

POEMS

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GONDIBERT:

AN HEROICK POEM, WRITTEN BY Sr WILLIAM D'AVENANT.

TO Sr WILL. D'AVENANT,

Upon his Two first BOOKS of GONDIBERT, Finishd before his Voyage to AMERICA.

Thus the wise Nightingale that leaves her home,
Her native Wood, when Storms and Winter come,
Pursuing constantly the chearfull Spring,
To forraign Groves does her old Musick bring:
The drooping Hebrews banish'd Harps unstrung
At Babilon, upon the Willowes hung;
Yours sounds aloud, and tells us you excell
No less in Courage, then in Singing well;
Whilst unconcern'd you let your Country know,
They have impov'rished themselves, not you;
Who with the Muses help can mock those Fates
Which threaten Kingdomes, and disorder States.

So Ovid when from Cæsar's rage he fled,
The Roman Muse to Pontus with him led;
Where he so sung, that We through Pity's Glass,
See Nero milder then Augustus was.
Hereafter such in thy behalf shall be,
Th' indulgent censure of Posterity.
To banish those who with such art can sing,
Is a rude Crime which its own Curse does bring:
Ages to come shall ne'r know how they fought,
Nor how to love their present youth be taught.
This to thy self. Now to thy matchless Book
VVherein those few that can with Judgment look,
May find old Love in pure fresh language told,
Like new stampt Coin made out of Angel-gold.
Such truth in Love as th' antique World did know,
In such a stile as Courts may boast of now

Which no bold tales of Gods or Monsters swell,
But humane Passions, such as with us dwell.
Man is thy theame, his Vertue or his rage.
Drawn to the life in each elaborate Page.
Mars nor Bellona are not named here;
But such a Gondibert as both might fear.
Venus had here, and Hebe been out-shin'd
By thy bright Birtha, and thy Rhodalind.
Such is thy happy skill, and such the odds
Betwixt thy Worthies and the Grecian Gods.
Whose Deity's in vain had here come down,
Where Mortall Beauty wears the Soveraign Crown;
Such as of flesh compos'd, by flesh and blood
(Though not resisted) may be understood.

ED. WALLER.

TO Sir WILLIAM D'AVENANT,

Upon his Two first Books of GONDIBERT, Finish'd before his Voyage to America.

Methinks Heroick Poesie till now,
Like some fantastique Fairy-land did show;
Gods, Devils, Nymphs, Witches, and Giants race,
And all but Man, in Mans best Work had place.
Thou like some worthy Knight, with sacred Arms
Dost drive the Monsters thence, and end the Charms:
Instead of these, dost Men and Manners plant,
The things which that rich soyl did chiefly want.
But even thy Mortals do their Gods excell,
Taught by thy Muse to Fight and Love so well.

By fatal hands whilst present Empires fall,
Thine from the grave past Monarchies recall.
So much more thanks from humane kind does merit
The Poets Fury, then the Zelots Spirit.
And from the grave, thou mak'st this Empire rise,
Not like some dreadful Ghost t'affright our Eyes,
But with more beauty and triumphant state,
Then when it crown'd at proud Verona sate.
So will our God re-build Mans perish'd frame,
And raise him up much better, yet the same:
So God-like Poets do past things rehearse,
Not change, but heighten Nature with their Verse.

With shame me thinks great Italy must see
Her Conqu'rors call'd to life again by thee;
Call'd by such powerful Arts, that ancient Rome
May blush no less to see her Wit o'recome.
Some Men their Fancies like their Faith derive;
And count all ill but that which Rome does give;
The marks of Old and Catholick would finde;
To the same Chair would Truth and Fiction binde.
Thou in these beaten paths disdain'st to tread,
And scorn'st to Live by robbing of the Dead.
Since Time doth all things change, thou thinkst not sit
This latter Age should see all new but Wit.
Thy Fancy, like a Flame, her way does make;
And leaves bright tracks for following Pens to take.
Sure 'twas this noble boldness of the Muse
Did thy desire to seek new Worlds infuse;
And ne'r did Heaven so much a Voyage bless,
If thou canst Plant but there with like success.

A B. COWLEY.

GONDIBERT.

THE FIRST BOOK.

Canto the First.

The ARGUMENT.

Old Aribert's great race, and greater mind
Is sung, with the renown of Rhodalind.
Prince Oswald is compar'd to Gondibert,
And justly each distinguish'd by desert:
Whose Armies are in Fam's fair Field drawn forth,
To shew by discipline their Leaders worth.

1

Of all the Lombards, by their Trophies known,
Who sought Fame soon, and had her favor long,
King Aribert best seem'd to fill the Throne;
And bred most bus'ness for Heroick Song.

2

From early Childhoods promising estate,
Up to performing Manhood, till he grew
To fayling Age, he Agent was to Fate,
And did to Nations Peace or War renew.

3

War was his study'd Art; war, which the bad
Condemn, because even then it does them awe,
When with their number lin'd, and purple clad,
And to the good more needful is then Law.

4

To conquer Tumult, Nature's sudain force,
War, Arts delib'rate strength, was first devis'd;
Cruel to those whose rage has no remorse,
Least civil pow'r should be by Throngs surpris'd.

5

The feeble Law rescues but doubtfully
From the Oppressors single Arme our right;
Till to its pow'r the wise war's help apply;
Which soberly does Man's loose rage unite.

6

Yet since on all War never needful was,
Wise Aribert did keep the People sure
By Laws from little dangers; for the Laws
Them from themselves, and not from pow'r secure.

7

Else Conquerors, by making Laws, o'recome
Their own gain'd pow'r, and leave mens fury free;
Who growing deaf to pow'r, the Laws grow dumb;
Since none can plead where all may Judges bee.

8

Prais'd was this King for war, the Laws broad shield;
And for acknowledg'd Laws, the art of Peace;
Happy in all which Heav'n to Kings does yield,
But a successor when his cares shall cease.

9

For no male Pledge, to give a lasting name,
Sprung from his bed, yet Heaven to him allow'd
One of the gentler sex, whose Story Fame
Has made my Song, to make the Lombards proud.

10

Recorded Rhodalind! whose high renown
Who miss in Books, not luckily have read;
Or vex'd by living beauties of their own
Have shunn'd the wise Records of Lovers dead.

11

Her Fathers prosp'rous Palace was the Sphear
Where she to all with Heav'nly order mov'd;
Made rigid vertue so benigne appear
That 'twas without Religion's help belov'd.

12

Her looks like Empire shew'd, great above pride;
Since pride ill counterfeits excessive height;
But Nature publish'd what she fain would hide;
Who for her deeds, not beauty, lov'd the light.

13

To make her lowly mindes appearance less,
She us'd some outward greatness for disguise;
Esteem'd as pride the Cloyst'ral lowliness,
And thought them proud who even the proud despise.

14

Her Father (in the winter of his age)
Was like that stormy season froward grown.
Whom so her youthful presence did asswage,
That he her sweetness tasted as his own.

15

The pow'r that with his stooping age declin'd,
In her transplanted, by remove increas'd;
Which doubly back in homage she resign'd;
Till pow'rs decay, the Thrones worst sickness, ceas'd.

16

Oppressors big with pride, when she appear'd
Blushed, and believ'd their greatness counterfeit;
The lowly thought they them in vain had fear'd;
Found vertue harmless, and nought else so great,

17

Her minde (scarce to her feeble sex a kinn)
Did as her birth, her right to Empire show;
Seem'd careless outward when imploy'd within;
Her speech, like lovers watch'd, was kind and low.

18

She shew'd that her soft sex containes strong mindes,
Such as evap'rates through the courser Male,
As through course stone Elixer passage findes,
Which scarce through finer Christal can exhale.

19

Her beauty (not her own but Nature's pride)
Should I describe; from ev'ry Lovers eye
All Beauties this original must hide,
Or like scorn'd Copies be themselves laid by;

20

Be by their Poets shunn'd, whom beauty feeds;
Who beauty like hyr'd witnesses protect,
Officiously averring more then needs,
And make us so the needful truth suspect.

21

And since fond Lovers (who disciples bee
To Poets) think in their own loves they find
More beauty then yet Time did ever see,
Time's Curtain I will draw o're Rhodalind.

22

Least shewing her, each sees how much he errs,
Doubt since their own have less, that they have none;
Believe their Poets perjur'd Flatterers,
And then all Modern Maids would be undone.

23

In Pity thus, her beauty's just renown
I wave for publick Peace, and will declare
To whom the King design'd her with his Crown;
Which is his last and most unquiet care.

24

If in allyance he does greatness prise,
His Minde grown Weary, need not travail farre;
If greatness be compos'd of Victories,
He has at home many that Victors are.

25

Many whom blest success did often grace
In Fields, where they have seeds of Empire sown;
And hope to make, since born of princely race,
Even her (the harvest of those toyls) their own.

26

And of those Victors Two are chiefly fam'd,
To whom the rest their proudest hopes resigne;
Though young, were in their Fathers batails nam'd,
And both are of the Lombards Royal Line.

27

Oswald the great, and greater Gondibert!
Both from succesfull conqu'ring Fathers sprung;
Whom both examples made of Warr's high art,
And farr out-wrought their patterns being young.

28

Yet for full fame (as Trine Fame's Judge reports)
Much to Duke Gondibert Prince Oswald yields;
Was less in mighty misteries of Courts,
In peaceful Cities, and in fighting Fields.

29

In Court Prince Oswald costly was and gay,
Finer then near vain Kings their Fav'rites are;
Outshin'd bright Fav'rites on their Nuptial day;
Yet were his Eyes dark with ambitious care.

30

Duke Gondibert was still more gravely clad,
But yet his looks familiar were and clear;
As if with ill to others never sad,
Nor tow'rds himself could others practice fear.

31

The Prince, could Porpoise-like in Tempests play,
And in Court storms on shipwrack'd Greatness feed;
Not frighted with their fate when cast away,
But to their glorious hazards durst succeed.

32

The Duke would lasting calmes to Courts assure,
As pleasant Gardens we defend from windes;
For he who bus'ness would from Storms procure,
Soon his affairs above his mannage findes.

33

Oswald in Throngs the abject People sought
With humble looks; who still too late will know
They are Ambition's Quarry, and soon caught
When the aspiring Eagle stoops so low.

34

The Duke did these by steady Vertue gain;
Which they in action more then precept tast;
Deeds shew the Good, and those who goodness feign
By such even through their vizards are out-fac't.

35

Oswald in war was worthily renown'd;
Though gay in Courts, coursly in Camps could live;
Judg'd danger soon, and first was in it found;
Could toyl to gain what he with ease did give.

36

Yet toyls and dangers through. ambition lov'd;
Which does in war the name of Vertue own;
But quits that name when from the war remov'd,
As Rivers theirs when from their Channels gon.

37

The Duke (as restless as his fame in warre)
With martial toyl could Oswald weary make;
And calmly do what he with rage did dare,
And give so much as he might deign to take.

38

Him as their Founder Cities did adore;
The Court he knew to steer in storms of State;
In Fields a Battle lost he could restore,
And after force the Victors to their Fate.

39

In Camps now chiefly liv'd, where he did aime
At graver glory then Ambition breeds;
Designes that yet this story must not name,
Which with our Lombard Authors pace proceds.

40

The King adopts this Duke in secret thought
To wed the Nations wealth, his onely child,
Whom Oswald as reward of merit sought,
With Hope, Ambition's common Baite, beguild.

41

This as his souls chief secret was unknowne,
Least Oswald that his proudest Army led
Should force possession ere his hopes were gone,
Who could not rest but in the royal bed.

42

The Duke discern'd not that the King design'd
To chuse him Heir of all his victories;
Nor guess'd that for his love fair Rhodalind
Made sleep of late a stranger to her Eies.

43

Yet sadly it is sung that she in shades
Mildly as mourning Doves love's sorrows felt;
Whilst in her secret tears her freshness fades
As Roses silently in Lymbecks melt.

44

But who could know her love, whose jealous shame
Deny'd her Eyes the knowledge of her glass;
Who blushing thought Nature her self too blame
By whom Men guess of Maids more then the face.

45

Yet judge not that this Duke (though from his sight
With Maids first fears she did her passion hide)
Did need lov's flame for his directing light,
But rather wants Ambition for his Guide.

46

Love's fire he carry'd, but no more in view
Then vital heat which kept his heart still warm;
This Maids in Oswald as love's Beacon knew;
The publick flame to bid them flye from harm.

47

Yet since this Duke could love, we may admire
Why love ne'r rais'd his thoughts to Rodalind;
But those forget that earthly flames aspire,
Whilst Heav'nly beames, which purer are, descend.

48

As yet to none could he peculiar prove,
But like an universal Influence
(For such and so sufficient was his love)
To all the Sex he did his heart dispence.

49

But Oswald never knew love's ancient Laws,
The awe that Beauty does in lovers breed,
Those short breath'd fears and paleness it does cause
When in a doubtful Brow their doom they read.

50

Not Rhodalind (whom then all Men as one
Did celebrate, as with confed'rate Eyes)
Could he effect but shining in her Throne;
Blindly a Throne did more then beauty prise.

51

He by his Sister did his hopes prefer;
A beauteous pleader who victorious was
O're Rhodalind, and could subdue her Ear
In all requests but this unpleasant cause.

52

Gartha, whose bolder beauty was in strength
And fulness plac'd, but such as all must like;
Her spreading stature talness was, not length,
And whilst sharpe beauties peirce, hers seem'd to strike.

53

Such goodly presence ancient Poets grace,
Whose songs the worlds first manliness declare;
To Princes Beds teach carefulness of Race;
Which now store Courts, that us'd to store the warre.

54

Such was the Palace of her Minde, a Prince
Who proudly there, and still unquiet lives;
And sleep (domestick ev'ry where) from thence,
To make Ambition room, unwisely drives.

55

Of manly force was this her watchful mind,
And fit in Empire to direct and sway;
If she the temper had of Rhodalind.
Who knew that Gold is currant with allay.

56

As Kings (oft slaves to others hopes and skill)
Are urg'd to war to load their slaves with spoyles;
So Oswald was push'd up Ambition's hill,
And so some urg'd the Duke to martial toyles.

57

And these who for their own great cause so high
Would lift their Lords Two prosp'rous Armies are,
Return'd from far to fruitful Lombardy,
And paid with rest, the best reward of warre.

58

The old neer Brescia lay, scarce warm'd with Tents;
For though from danger safe, yet Armies then
Their posture kept 'gainst warring Elements,
And hardness learn'd against more warring Men.

59

Neer Bergamo encamp'd the younger were,
Whom to the Franks distress the Duke had led;
The other Oswald's lucky Ensigns bear,
Which lately stood when proud Ovenna fled.

60

These that attend Duke Gondibert's renown
Were Youth whom from his Fathers Campe he chose.
And them betimes transplanted to his own;
Where each the Planters care and judgment shows.

61

All hardy Youth, from valiant Fathers sprung;
Whom perfect honor he so highly taught,
That th' Aged fetch'd examples from the young,
And hid the vain experience which they brought.

62

They danger met diverted less with fears
Then now the dead would be if here again,
After they know the price brave dying bears;
And by their sinless rest find life was vain.

63

Temp'rate in what does needy life preserve,
As those whose Bodies wait upon their Mindes;
Chaste as those Mindes which not their Bodies serve;
Ready as Pilots wak'd with suddain Windes.

64

Speechless in diligence, as if they were
Nightly to close surprise and Ambush bred;
Their wounds yet smarting merciful they are,
And soon from victory to pity led.

65

When a great Captive they in fight had ta'ne,
(Whom in a Filial duty some fair Maid
Visits, and would by tears his freedom gain)
How soon his Victors were her Captives made?

66

For though the Duke taught rigid Discipline,
He let them beauty thus at distance know;
As Priests discover some more Sacred Shrine,
Which none must touch, yet all may to it bow.

67

When thus as Sutors mourning Virgins pass
Through their clean Camp, themselves in form they draw,
That they with Martial reverence may grace
Beauty, the Stranger, which they seldom saw.

68

They vayl'd their Ensignes as it by did move,
Whilst inward (as from Native Conscience) all
Worshipp'd the Poets Darling Godhead, Love,
Which grave Philosophers did Nature call.

69

Nor there could Maids of Captives Syres dispaire,
But made all Captives by their beauty free;
Beauty and Valor native Jewels are,
And as each others only price agree.

70

Such was the Duke's young Camp by Bergamo,
But these near Brescia whom fierce Oswald led,
Their Science to his famous Father owe,
And have his Son (though now their Leader) bred.

71

This rev'rend Army was for age renown'd;
Which long through frequent dangers follow'd Time;
Their many Trophies gain'd with many'a wound,
And Fame's last Hill, did with first vigour climbe.

72

But here the learned Lombard whom I trace
My forward Pen by slower Method stays;
Least I should them (less heeding time and place
Then common Poets) out of season praise.

73

Think onely then (couldst thou both Camps discern)
That these would seem grave Authors of the war,
Met civilly to teach who e're will learn,
And those their young and civil Students are.

74

But painful vertue of the war ne'r pays
It self with consciousness of being good,
Though Cloyster'd vertue may believe even praise
A sallary which there should be withstood:

75

For many here (whose vertue's active heat
Concurs not with cold vertue which does dwell,
In lasie Cells) are vertuous to be great,
And as in pains so would in pow'r excell.

76

And Oswald's Faction urg'd him to aspire
That by his height they higher might ascend;
The Dukes to glorious Thrones access desire,
But at more awful distance did attend.

77

The Royal Rhodalind is now the Prize
By which these Camps would make their merit known;
And think their General's but their Deputies
Who must for them by Proxy wed the Crown.

78

From forreign Fields (with toyling conquest tyr'd,
And groaning under spoiles) come home to rest;
There now they are with emulation fyr'd,
And for that pow'r they should obey, contest.

79

Ah how perverse and froward is Mankinde!
Faction in Courts does us to rage excite;
The Rich in Cities we litigious find,
And in the Field th'Ambitious make us fight:

80

And fatally (as if even soules were made
Of warring Elements as Bodies are)
Our Reason our Religion does invade,
Till from the Schools to Camps it carry war.

Canto the Second.

The ARGUMENT.

The hunting which did yearly celebrate
The Lombards glory, and the Vandales Fate.
The Hunters prais'd; how true to love they are,
How calm in Peace, and Tempest-like in warre.
The Stagg is by the num'rous Chace subdu'd,
And strait his Hunters are as hard pursu'd.

1

Small are the seeds Fate does unheeded sow
Of slight beginnings to important ends;
Whilst wonder (which does best our rev'rence show
To Heav'n) all Reasons sight in gazing spends.

2

For from a Dayes brief pleasure did proceed
(A day grown black in Lombard Histories)
Such lasting griefs as thou shalt weep to read,
Though even thine own sad love had drain'd thine Eyes.

3

In a fair Forrest neer Verona's Plain,
Fresh as if Nature's Youth chose there a shade,
The Duke with many Lovers in his Train,
(Loyal, and young) a solemn hunting made.

4

Much was his Train enlarg'd by their resort
Who much his Grandsire lov'd, and hither came
To celebrate this Day with annual sport,
On which by battel here he earn'd his Fame.

5

And many of these noble Hunters bore
Command amongst the Youth at Bergamo;
Whose Fathers gather'd here the wreaths they wore,
When in this Forrest they interr'd the Foe.

6

Count Hurgonil, a Youth of high descent,
Was listed here, and in the story great;
He follow'd Honor, when tow'rd's Death it went;
Fierce in a charge but temp'rate in retreat.

7

His wondrous beauty which the world approv'd
He blushing hid, and now no more would own
(Since he the Duke's unequal'd Sister lov'd)
Then an old wreath when newly overthrown.

8

And she, Orna the shy! Did seem in life
So bashful too to have her beauty shown,
As I may doubt her shade with Fame at strife,
That in these vicious times would make it known

9

Not less in publick voice was Arnold here;
He that on Tuscan Tombs his Trophys rais'd;
And now love's pow'r so willingly did bear,
That even his arbitrary raign he prais'd.

10

Laura, the Duke's fair Neice inthrall'd his heart;
Who was in Court the publick morning Glass
Where those who would reduce Nature to art,
Practis'd by dress the conquests of the Face.

11

And here was Hugo whom Duke Gondibert
For stout and stedfast kindness did approve;
Of stature small, but was all over heart,
And though unhappy all that heart was love.

12

In gentile sonnets he for Laura pin'd,
Soft as the murmures of a weeping spring;
Which ruthless she did as those murmures mind:
So ere their death sick Swans unheeded sing.

13

Yet whilst she Arnold favour'd, he so griev'd
As loyall Subjects quietly bemone
Their Yoke, but raise no warr to be reliev'd,
Nor through the envy'd Fav'rite wound the Throne.

14

Young Goltho next these Rivals we may name,
Whose manhood dawn'd early as Summer light;
As sure and soon did his fair day proclaime,
And was no less the joy of publick sight.

15

If Love's just pow'r he did not early see,
Some small excuse we may his error give;
Since few (though learn'd) know yet blest Love to be
That secret vitall heat by which we live:

16

But such it is; and though we may be thought
To have in Childhood life, ere Love we know,
Yet life is useless till by reason taught,
And Love and Reason up together grow.

17

Nor more, the Old shew they out-live their Love,
If when their Love's decay'd, some signes they give
Of life, because we see them pain'd and move,
Then Snakes, long cut, by torment shew they live.

18

If we call living, Life, when Love is gone,
We then to Souls (Gods coyne) vain rev'rence pay;
Since Reason (which is Love, and his best known
And currant Image) Age has worne away.

19

And I that Love and Reason thus unite,
May, if I old Philosophers controule,
Confirme the new by some new Poets light;
Who finding Love, thinks he has found the Soule.

20

From Goltho, to whom love yet tasteless seem'd,
We to ripe Tybalt are by order led;
Tybalt, who Love and Valor both esteem'd,
And he alike from eithers wounds had bled.

21

Publique his valor was, but not his love,
One fill'd the world, the other he contain'd;
Yet quietly alike in both did move,
Of that ne'r boasted, nor of this complain'd.

22

With these (whose special names Verse shall preserve)
Many to this recorded hunting came;
Whose worth authentick mention did deserve,
But from Time's deluge few are sav'd by Fame.

23

Now like a Giant Lover rose the Sun
From th'Ocean Queen, fine in his fires and great;
Seem'd all the Morne for shew, for strength at Noone;
As if last Night she had not quench'd his heate!

24

And the Sun's Servants who his rising waite,
His Pensioners (for so all Lovers are,
And all maintain'd by him at a high rate
With daily fire) now for the Chace prepare.

25

All were like Hunters clad in cheerfull green,
Young Natures Livery, and each at strife
Who most adorn'd in favours should be seen,
Wrought kindly by the Lady of his life.

26

These Martiall Favours on their Wasts they weare,
On which (for now they Conquest celebrate)
In an imbroider'd History appeare
Like life, the vanquish'd in their feares and fate.

27

And on these Belts (wrought with their Ladys care)
Hung Semyters of Akons trusty steele;
Goodly to see, and he who durst compare
Those Ladies Eies, might soon their temper feele.

28

Cheer'd as the Woods (where new wak'd Quires they meet)
Are all; and now dispose their choice Relays
Of Horse and Hounds, each like each other fleet;
Which best when with themselves compar'd we praise;

29

To them old Forrest Spys, the Harborers
VVith hast approach, wet as still weeping Night,
Or Deer that mourn their growth of head with tears,
VVhen the defenceless weight does hinder flight.

30

And Doggs, such whose cold secrecy was ment
By Nature for surprise, on these attend;
Wise temp'rate Lime-Hounds that proclaim no scent;
Nor Harb'ring will their Mouths in boasting spend.

31

Yet vainlier farr then Traytors boast their prise
(On which their vehemence vast rates does lay,
Since in that worth their treasons credit lies)
These Harb'rers praise that which they now betray:

32

Boast they have lodg'd a Stagg, that all the Race
Out-runs of Croton Horse, or Regian Hounds;
A Stagg made long, since Royall in the Chace,
If Kings can honor give by giving wounds.

33

For Aribert had pierc't him at a Bay,
Yet scap'd he by the vigour of his Head;
And many a Summer since has wonn the day,
And often left his Regian Foll'wers dead:

34

His spacious Beame (that even the Rights out-grew)
From Antlar to his Troch had all allow'd
By which his age the aged Wood-men knew;
Who more then he were of that beauty proud.

35

Now each Relay a sev'ral Station findes,
Ere the triumphant Train the Copps surrounds;
Relayes of Horse, long breath'd as winter windes,
And their deep Cannon Mouth'd experienc'd Hounds.)

36

The Huntsmen (busily concern'd in show
As if the world were by this Beast undone,
And they against him hir'd as Nature's Foe)
In haste uncouple, and their Hounds outrun.

37

Now winde they a Recheat, the rous'd Dear's knell;
And through the Forrest all the Beasts are aw'd;
Alarm'd by Eccho, Nature's Sentinel,
Which shews that Murd'rous Man is come abroad.

38

Tyranique Man! Thy subjects Enemy!
And more through wantonness then need or hate;
From whom the winged to their Coverts flie;
And to their Dennes even those that lay in waite.

39

So this (the most successfull of his kinde,
Whose Foreheads force oft his Opposers prest,
Whose swiftness left Persuers shafts behinde)
Is now of all the Forrest most distrest!

40

The Heard deny him shelter, as if taught
To know their safety is to yield him lost;
Which shews they want not the results of thought,
But speech, by which we ours for reason boast.

41

We blush to see our politicks in Beasts,
Who many sav'd by this one Sacrifice;
And since through blood they follow interests,
Like us when cruel should be counted wise.

42

His Rivals that his fury us'd to fear
For his lov'd Female, now his faintness Shun;
But were his season hot, and she but neer,
(O mighty Love!) his Hunters were undone.

43

From thence, well blown, he comes to the Relay;
Where Man's fam'd reason proves but Cowardise,
And only serves him meanly to betray;
Even for the flying, Man, in ambush lies.

44

But now, as his last remedy to live,
(For ev'ry shift for life kind Nature makes,
Since life the utmost is which she can give)
Coole Adice from the swoln Bank he takes.

45

But this fresh Bath the Doggs will make him leave;
Whom he sure nos'd as fasting Tygers found;
Their scent no North-east winde could e're deceave
Which drives the ayre, nor Flocks that foyl the Ground.

46

Swift here the Flyers and Persuers seeme;
The frighted Fish swim from their Adice,
The Doggs pursue the Deer, he the fleet streme,
And that hasts too to th' Adriatick Sea.

47

Refresh'd thus in this fleeting Element,
He up the stedfast Shore did boldly rise;
And soon escap'd their view, but not their scent;
That faithful Guide which even conducts their Eyes.

48

This frail relief was like short gales of breath
Which oft at Sea a long dead calme prepare;
Or like our Curtains drawn at point of death,
When all our Lungs are spent, to give us ayre,

49

For on the Shore the Hunters him attend;
And whilst the Chace grew warm as is the day
(Which now from the hot Zenith does descend)
He is imbos'd, and weary'd to a Bay.

50

The Jewel, Life, he must surrender here;
Which the world's Mistris, Nature, does not give,
But like drop'd Favours suffers us to weare,
Such as by which pleas'd Lovers think they live.

51

Yet life he so esteems, that he allows
It all defence his force and rage can make;
And to the eager Dogs such fury shows
As their last blood some unreveng'd forsake.

52

But now the Monarch Murderer comes in,
Destructive Man! whom Nature would not arme,
As when in madness mischief is foreseen
We leave it weaponless for fear of harme.

53

For she defenceless made him that he might
Less readily offend; but Art Armes all,
From single strife makes us in Numbers fight;
And by such art this Royall Stagg did fall.

54

He weeps till grief does even his Murd'rers pierce;
Grief which so nobly through his anger strove,
That it deserv'd the dignity of verse,
And had it words as humanly would move.

55

Thrice from the ground his vanquish'd Head he rear'd,
And with last looks his Forrest walks did view;
Where Sixty Summers he had rul'd the Heatd,
And where sharp Dittany now vainly grew:

56

Whose hoary Leaves no more his wounds shall heale;
For with a Sigh (a blast of all his breath)
That viewless thing call'd Life, did from him steale;
And with their Bugle Hornes they winde his death.

57

Then with their annuall wanton sacrifice
(Taught by old Custome, whose decrees are vain,
And we like hum'rous Antiquaries prise
Age though deform'd) they hasten to the Plain.

58

Thence homeward bend as westward as the Sun;
Where Gondibert's Allys proud Feasts prepare,
That day to honor which his Grandsire won;
Though Feasts the Eves to Fun'ralls often are.

59

One from the Forrest now approach'd their sight,
Who them did swiftly on the Spurr pursue;
One there still resident as Day and Night,
And known as th' eldest Oke which in it grew.

60

Who with his utmost breath, advancing cries
(And such a vehemence no Art could feigne)
Away, happy the Man that fastest flies;
Flie famous Duke, flie with thy noble Traine!

61

The Duke reply'd, though with thy fears disguis'd,
Thou do'st my Syres old Rangers Image beare,
And for thy kindness shalt not be despis'd;
Though Councels are but weak which come from fear.

62

Were Dangers here, great as thy love can shape;
(And love with fear can danger multiply)
Yet when by flight, thou bidst us meanly scape,
Bid Trees take wings, and rooted Forests flie.

63

Then said the Ranger, you are bravely lost,
(And like high anger his complexion rose)
As little know I fear, as how to boast;
But shall attend you through your many Foes.

64

See where in ambush mighty Oswald lay;
And see, from yonder Lawne he moves apace,
VVith Launces arm'd to intercept thy way,
Now thy sure Steeds are weary'd with the Chace.

65

His purple Banners you may there behold,
Which (proudly spred) the fatall Raven beare;
And full five hundred I by Ranke have told,
Who in their guilded Helmes his Colours weare.

66

The Duke this falling storme does now discern;
Bids little Hugo fly! but'tis to view
The Foe, and timely their first count'nance learne,
Whilst firme he in a square his Hunters drew.

67

And Hugo soon (light as his Coursers Heeles)
Was in their Faces troublesome as winde;
And like to it (so wingedly He wheeles)
No one could catch, what all with trouble finde:

68

But ev'ry where the Leaders and the Led
He temp'rately observ'd, with a slow sight;
Judg'd by their looks how hopes and feares were fed,
And by their order their success in fight.

69

Their Number ('mounting to the Rangers guesse)
In Three Divisions ev'nly was dispos'd;
And that their Enemies might judge it lesse,
It seem'd one Grosse with all the Spaces clos'd.

70

The Vann fierce Oswald led, where Paradine
And Manly Dargonet (both of his blood)
Outshin'd the Noone, and their Mindes stock within
Promis'd to make that outward glory good.

71

The next, bold, but unlucky Hubert led;
Brother to Oswald, and no less ally'd
To the ambitions which his Soul did wed;
Lowly without, but lin'd with Costly pride.

72

Most to himself his valor fatall was,
Whose glorys oft to others dreadfull were;
So Comets (though suppos'd Destruction's cause)
But waste themselves to make their Gazers feare.

73

And though his valor seldom did succeed,
His speech was such as could in Storms perswade;
Sweet as the Hopes on which starv'd Lovers feed,
Breath'd in the whispers of a yielding Maide.

74

The Bloody Borgio did conduct the Rere;
VVhom sullen Vasco heedfully attends;
To all but to themselves they cruel were,
And to themselves chiefly by mischief Friends.

75

Warr, the worlds Art, Nature to them became;
In Camps begot, born, and in anger bred;
The living vex'd till Death, and then their Fame;
Because even Fame some life is to the Dead.

76

Cities (wise States-men's Folds for civil sheep)
They sack'd, as painful Sheerers of the wise;
For they like careful VVolves would lose their sleep,
VVhen others prosp'rous toyls might be their prise.

77

Hugo amongst these Troops spy'd many more
Who had, as brave Destroyers, got renown;
And many forward wounds in boast they wore;
Which if not well reveng'd, had ne'r been shown.

78

Such the bold Leaders of these Launceers were,
Which of the Brescian Vet'rans did consist;
Whose practis'd age might charge of Armies bear,
And claim some ranck in Fame's eternal List.

79

Back to his Duke the dext'rous Hugo flies;
What he observ'd he cheerfully declares;
VVith noble pride did what he lik'd despise;
For wounds he threatned whil'st he prais'd their skarrs.

80

Lord Arnold cry'd, vain is the Bugle Horn,
VVhere Trumpets Men to Manly work invite!
That distant summons seems to say in skorn,
VVe Hunters may be hunted hard ere night.

81

Those Beasts are hunted hard that hard can fly,
Reply'd aloud the noble Hurgonil;
But we not us'd to flight, know best to die;
And those who know to die, know how to kill.

82

Victors through number never gain'd applause;
If they exceed our compt in Armes and Men,
It is not just to think that odds, because
One Lover equals any other Ten.

Canto the Third.

The ARGUMENT.

The Ambush is become an interview;
And the Surpriser proves to honor true;
For what had first, ere words his fury spent,
Been murder, now, is but brave killing ment.
A duel form'd where Princes Seconds are,
And urg'd by Honor each to kill his share.

1

The Duke observ'd (whilst safe in his firm Square)
Whether their front did change whom Oswald led;
That thence he shifts of figure might prepare
Divide, or make more depth, or loosely spred.

2

Though in their posture close, the Prince might guess
The Duke's to his not much in number yield;
And they were leading Youth who would possess
This Ground in Graves, rather then quit the Field.

3

Thus (timely certain of a standing Foe)
His form'd Divisions yet reveal'd no space
Through haste to charge; but as they nearer grow,
They more divide, and move with slower pace.

4

On these the Duke attends with watchful Eye;
Shap'd all his Forces to their Triple strength;
And that their Launces might pass harmless by,
Widens his Ranks, and gave his Files more length.

5

At distance Oswald does him sharply view,
Whom but in Fame he met till this sad hour;
But his fair fame, Vertue's known Image, knew;
Vertue exalts the Owner more then pow'r.

6

In Fields far sever'd both had reap'd renown;
And now his envie does to surfeit feed
On what he wish'd his Eies had never known;
For he begins to check his purpos'd deed.

7

And though Ambition did his rage renew;
Yet much he griev'd (mov'd with the Youthful Train
That Plants which so much promis'd as they grew,
Should in the bud be ere performance slain.

8

With these remorseful thoughts, he a fair space
Advanc'd alone, Then did his Troops Command
To halt; the Duke th' example did embrace,
And gives like order by his lifted hand.

9

Then when in easie reach of eithers voice
Thus Oswald spake. I wish (brave Gondibert)
Those wrongs which make the now my angers choice,
Like my last fate were hidden from my heart.

10

But since great Glory does allow small rest,
And bids us jealously to honour wake,
Why at alarms given hot even at my brest,
Should I not arm, but think my Scouts mistake;

11

'Tis lowd in Camps, in Cities, and in Court,
(Where the important part of Mankind meets)
That my adoption is thy Faction's sport,
Scorn'd by hoarse Rymers in Verona Streets.

12

Who is renown'd enongh but you or I
(And think not when you visit Fame, she less
Will welcome you for my known Companie)
To hope for Empire at our Kings decease?

13

The Crown he with his Daughter has design'd;
His favor (which to me does frosen prove)
Grows warm to you as th'eies of Rhodalind,
And she gives sacred Empire with her love.

14

Whilst you usurp thus, and my claime deride,
If you admire the veng'ance I intend,
I more shall wonder where you got the pride
To think me one you safely may offend.

15

Nor judg it strange I have this Ambush laid;
Since you (my Rival) wrong'd me by surprise;
Whose darker vigilance my love betrai'd;
And so your ill example made we wise.

16

But in the Schoole of glory we are taught,
That greatness and success should measure deeds;
Then not my great revenge nor your great fault,
Can be accus'd when eithers act succeeds.

17

Opinions stamp does vertue currant make;
But such small Money (though the Peoples Gold
With which they trade) great Dealers skorne to take,
And we are greater then one world can hold.

18

Now Oswald paws'd, as if he curious were
Ere this his Foe (the People's Fav'rite) dy'd,
To know him as with Eies so with his Eare;
And to his speech thus Gondibert reply'd:

19

Succesful Prince! since I was never taught
To court a Threatning Foe, I will not pay
For all the Trophys you from war have brought
One single wreath, though all these woods were Bay!

20

Nor would I by a total silence yield
My honour ta'ne, though I were Pris'ner made;
Least you should think we may be justly kill'd,
And sacred justice by mistake invade.

21

You might perceive (had not a distant warre
Hindred our Breasts the use of being known)
My small ambition hardly worth your care;
Unless by it you would correct your owne.

22

The King's objected love is but your dreame,
As false as that I strive for Rhodalind
As valor's hyre; these sickly visions seeme
Which in Ambitions Feaver vex your minde.

23

Nor wonder if I vouch, that 'tis not brave
To seek war's hire, though war we still pursue;
Nor censure this a proud excuse, to save
These who no safety know, but to subdue.

24

Your misbelief my hireless, valour scorns;
But your hir'd valour were your faith reclaim'd,
(For faith reclaim'd to highest vertue turns)
Will be of bravest sallary asham'd.

25

Onely with fame valor of old was hir'd;
And love was so suffic'd with it's own taste,
That those intemp'rate seem'd, who more desir'd
For love's reward, then that it self should last.

26

If love, or lust of Empire bred your pain,
Take what my prudent hope hath still declin'd,
And my weak vertue never could sustain,
The Crown, which is the worst of Rhodalind.

27

'Tis she who taught you to encrease renown,
By sowing Honor's field with noble deeds;
Which yields no harvest when 'tis over-grown
With wilde Ambition, the most rank of weeds.

28

Go reconcile the windes faln out at sea
With these tame precepts, (Oswald did replie)
But since thou dost bequeath thy hopes to me,
Know Legacies are vain till Givers die.

29

And here his rage ascended to his Eies
From his close Brest, which hid till then the flame;
And like stirr'd fire in sparkles upward flies;
Rage which the Duke thus practis'd to reclaim.

30

Though you design'd our ruine by surprise,
Though much in useful Armes you us exced,
And in your number some advantage lies,
Yet you may finde you such advantage need.

31

If I am vallew'd as th'impediment
Which hinders your adoption to the Crown;
Let your revenge only on me be spent;
And hazard not my Party, nor your own.

32

Ambition else would up to Godhead grow,
When so profanely we our anger prise,
That to appease it we the blood allow
Of whole offencelesse Herds for sacrifice.

33

Oswald (who Honor's publick pattern was,
Till vain ambition led his heart aside)
More temp'rate grew in mannage of his cause,
And thus to noble Gondibert reply'd.

34

I wish it were not needful to be great;
That Heav'ns unenvy'd pow'r might Men so awe
As we should need no Armies for defeat,
Nor for protection be at charge of Law.

35

But more then Heav'ns, Men, Man's authoritie
(Though envy'd) use, because more understood;
For, but for that, Life's Utensils would be,
In Markets, as in Camps the price of blood.

36

Since the Worlds safety we in greatness finde.
And pow'r divided is from greatness gone,
Save we the world, though to our selves unkinde,
By both indang'ring to establish one.

37

Not these, who kindle with my wrongs theire rage,
Nor those bold Youth who warmly you attend,
Our distant Camps by action shall ingage;
But we our own great cause will singly end.

38

Back to your noble Hunters strait retire,
And I to those who would those Hunters chace;
Let us perswade their fury to expire,
And give obediently our anger place.

39

Like unconcern'd Spectators let them stand,
And be by sacred vow to distance bound;
Whilst their lov'd Leaders by our strict command,
Only as witnesses, approach this ground.

40

Where with no more defensive Armes then was
By Nature ment us, who ordain'd Men Friends,
We will on foot determine our great cause;
On which the Lombards doubtful peace depends

41

The Duke at this did bow, and soon obay,
Confess'd his honor he transcendent findes,
Said he their persons might a meaner way
With ods have aw'd, but this subdues their Mindes.

42

Now wing'd with Hope they to their Troops return,
Oswald his old Grave Brescians makes retire,
Least if too neer, though like slow Match they burn,
The Duke's rash Youth like Powder might take fire.

43

First with their noble Chiefs they treat aside,
Plead it humanity to bleed alone,
And term it needless cruelty and pride
With others Sacrifice to grace their owne.

44

Then to the Troopes gave their resolv'd command
Not to assist, through anger nor remorse;
Who seem'd more willing patiently to stand,
Because each side presum'd their Champion's force.

45

Now neer that ground ordain'd by them and Fate
To be the last where one or both must tread,
Their chosen Judges they appoint to waite;
Who thither were like griev'd Spectators led.

46

These from the distant Troops far sever'd are;
And neer their Chiefs divided Stations take;
Who strait uncloath, and for such deeds prepare,
By which strip'd Soules their fleshy Robes forsake.

47

But Hubert now advanc'd, and cry'd alow'd
I will not trust uncertain Destinie,
Which may obscurely kill me in a Crowd,
That here have pow'r in publick view to die.

48

Oswald my Brother is! If any dare
Think Gondibert's great name more Kingly sounds,
Let him alight, and he shall leave the care
Of chusing Monarchs, to attend his wounds!

49

This Hurgonill receiv'd with greedy Ear,
Told him his summons boldly did express,
That he had little judgement whom to fear,
And in the choice of Kings his skill was less,

50

With equal haste they then alight and met,
Where both their Chiefs in preparation stood;
Whilst Paradine and furious Dargonet
Cry'd out, we are of Oswald's Princely blood.

51

Are there not yet two more so fond of fame,
So true to Gondibert, or Love's commands;
As to esteem it an unpleasant shame
With idle Eies to look on busie hands?

52

Such haste makes Beauty when it youth forsakes,
And day from Travellers when it does set,
As Arnold to proud Paradine now makes,
And little Hugo to tall Dargonet.

53

The bloody Borgio, who with anguish stay'd,
And check'd his rage, till these of Oswald's Race,
By wish'd example their brave Challenge made,
Now like his curb'd Steed foaming, shifts his place.

54

And thus (with haste and choller hoarse) he spake;
Who e're amongst you thinks we destin'd are
To serve that King your Courtly Camp shall make,
Falsly he loves, nor is his Lady faire!

55

This scarce could urge the temp'rate Tybalt's fire,
Who said, when Fate shall Artbert remove,
As ill then wilt thou judge who should aspire,
As who is fair, that art too rude to love.

56

But scarce had this reply reach'd Borgio's Eare,
When Goltho louder cry'd, what ere he be
Dares think her foul who hath a Lover here,
Though Love I never knew, shall now know me!

57

Grave Tybalt, who had laid an early'r claime
To this defiance, much distemper'd grows,
And Goltho's forward youth would sharply blame,
But that old Vasco thus did interpose.

58

That Boy who makes such haste to meet his fate,
And fears he may (as if he knew it good)
Through others pride of danger come too late,
Shall read it strait ill written in his blood.

59

Let Empire fall, when we must Monarchs choose,
By what unpractis'd Childhood shall approve;
And in tame peace let us our Manhood loose,
When Boyes yet wet with milk discourse of Love.

60

As bashful Maids blush, as if justly blam'd,
When forc'd to suffer some indecent Tongue,
So Goltho blush'd (whom Vasco made asham'd)
As if he could offend by being young.

61

But instantly offended bashfulness
Does to a brave and beauteous anger turn;
Which he in younger flames did so express,
That scarce old Vasco's Embers seem'd to burn.

62

The Princes knew in this new kindled rage,
Opinion might (have like unlucky winde
State right to make it spread) their Troops ingage;
And therefore Oswald thus proclaim'd his minde.

63

Seem we already dead, that to our words
(As to the last requests men dying make)
Your love but Mourners short respect affords,
And ere interr'd you our commands forsake?

64

We chose you Judges of your needful strife,
Such whom the world (grown faithless) might esteem
As weighty witnesses of parting life,
But you are those we dying must condemn.

65

Are we become such worthless sacrifice,
As cannot to the Lombards Heav'n atone,
Unless your added blood make up the price,
As if you thought it worthier then our own?

66

Our Fame which should survive, before us dy!
And let (since in our presence disobay'd)
Renown of pow'r, like that of beauty fly
From knowledge, rather then be known decay'd!

67

This when with rev'rence heard, it would have made
Old Armies melt, to mark at what a rate
They spent their Hearts and Eies, kindly afraid
To be omitted in their Gen'ral's fate.

68

Hubert (whose Princely qualitie more frees
Him then the rest, from all command, unless
He find it such as with his will agrees)
Did nobly thus his firm resolve express.

69

All greatness bred in blood be now abas'd!
Instinct, the inward Image, which is wrought
And given with Life, be like thaw'd wax defac'd!
Though that bred better honor then is taught;

70

And may impressions of the common ill
Which from street Parents the most low derives;
Blot all my minds fair book if I stand still
Whilst Oswald singly for the Publick strives:

71

A Brothers love all that obedience stays,
Which Oswald else might as my Leader claime;
Whom as my love, my honour disobays,
And bids me serve our greater Leader, Fame.

72

With gentle looks Oswald to Hubert bowes,
And said, I then must yield that Hubert shall
(Since from the same bright Sun our lustre grows)
Rise with my Morne, and with my Ev'ning fall!

73

Bold Paradine and Dargonet reviv'd
Their Suit, and cry'd, we are Astolpho's sons!
Who from your highest spring his blood deriv'd,
Though now it down in lower Channels runs.

74

Such lucky seasons to attain renown,
We must not lose, who are to you ally'd;
Others usurp, who would your dangers own,
And what our duty is, in them is pride.

75

Then as his last Decree thus Oswald spake;
You that vouchsafe to glory in my blood,
Shall share my dooms which for your merits sake,
Fate, were it bad, would alter into good.

76

If any others disobedient rage,
Shall with uncivil love intrude his aid,
And by degrees our distant Troops ingage,
Be it his Curse still to be disobay'd!

77

War's Orders may he by the slow convay
To such as only shall dispute them long;
An ill peace make, when none will him obay,
And be for that, when old, judg'd by the young.

78

This said, he calmly bid the Duke provide
Such of his blood, as with those chosen Three
(Whilst their adoption they on foot decide)
May in brave life or death fit Partners bee.

79

Though here (reply'd the Duke) I find not now.
Such as my blood with their alliance grace,
Yet Three I see, to whom your stock may bow,
If Love may be esteem'd of Heav'nly Race.

80

And much to me these are by love ally'd;
Then Hugo, Arnold, and the Count drew neere;
Count Hurgonill woo'd Orna for his Bride,
The other two in Laura Rivals were.

81

But Tybalt cry'd (as swiftly as his voice
Approach'd the Duke) forgive me mighty Chief,
If justly I envy thy noble choice,
And disobey thee in wrong'd Love's relief.

82

If rev'renc'd love be sacred Myst'ry deem'd,
And mystery's when hid to value grow,
Why am I less for hidden love esteem'd?
To unknown Godhead, wise Religious bow.

83

A Maid of thy high linage much I love,
And hide her name till I can merit boast,
But shall I here (where I my worth improve)
For prising her above my self, be lost?

84

The Duke's firm bosome kindly seem'd to melt
At Tybalt's grief, that he omitted was;
Who lately had Love's secret conquest felt,
And hop'd for publick triumph in this cause.

85

Then he decreed, Hugo (though chose before
To share in this great work) should equally
With Tybalt be expos'd to Fortune's pow'r,
And by drawn Lots their wish'd election try.

86

Hugo his dreaded Lord with chearfull awe
Us'd to obey, and with implicit love;
But now he must for certain honor draw
Uncertain Lots, seems heavily to move.

87

And here they trembling reach'd at Honor so,
As if they gath'ring Flow'rs a Snake discern'd;
Yet fear'd Love only whose rewards then grow
To Lovers sweetest, when with danger earn'd.

88

From this brave fear, least they should danger scape,
Was little Hugo eas'd, and when he drew
The Champion's lot, his joy inlarg'd his shape,
And with his lifted minde he taller grew.

89

But Tybalt stoop'd beneath his sorrows weight;
Goltho and him kindly the Duke imbrac'd;
Then to their station sent; and Oswald straight
His so injoyn'd, and with like kindness grac'd.

90

When cruel Borgio does from Tybalt part,
Vasco from Goltho, many a look they cast
Backward in sullen message from the heart,
And through their eyes their threatning anger wast.

Canto the Fourth.

The ARGUMENT.

The Duel where all rules of artful strife,
To rescue or indanger Darling-life,
Are by reserves of strength and courage shown;
For killing was long since a Science grown.
Th' event by which the Troops ingaged are,
As private rage too often turns to warr.

1

By what bold passion am I rudely led,
Like Fame's too curious and officious Spie,
Where I these Rolls in her dark Closet read,
Where Worthies wrapp'd in Time's disguises lie?

2

Why should we now their shady Curtains draw,
Who by a wise retirement hence are freed,
And gon to Lands exempt from Nature's Law,
Where Love no more can mourn, nor valor bleed?

3

Why to this stormy world from their long rest,
Are these recall'd to be again displeas'd,
Where during Nature's reign we are opprest,
Till we by Death's high priviledge are eas'd?

4

Is it to boast that Verse has Chymick pow'r,
And that its rage (which is productive heat)
Can these revive, as Chymists raise a Flow'r,
Whose scatter'd parts their Glass presents compleat?

5

Though in these Worthies gon, valor and love
Dist chastly as in sacred Temples meet,
Such reviv'd Patterns us no more improve,
Then Flow'rs so rais'd by Chymists make us sweet,

6

Yet when the souls disease we desp'rate finde,
Poets the old renown'd Physitians are,
Who for the sickly habits of the mind,
Examples as the ancient cure prepare.

7

And bravely then Physitians honor gain,
When to the World diseases cureless seem,
And they (in Science valiant) ne'r refrain
Art's war with Nature, till they life redeem.

8

But Poets their accustom'd task have long
Forborn, (who for Examples did disperse
The Heroes vertues in Heroick Song)
And now think vertue sick, past cure of verse.

9

Yet to this desp'rate cure I will proceed,
Such patterns shew as shall not fail to move;
Shall teach the valiant patience when they bleed,
And hapless Lovers constancy in Love.

10

Now Honor's chance, the Duke with Oswald takes,
The Count his great Stake, Life, to Hubert sets;
Whilst his to Paradin's, Lord Arnold stakes,
And little Hugo throwes at Dargonets.

11

These Four on equall ground those Four oppose;
Who wants in strength, supplies it with his skill;
So valiant that they make no haste to close;
They not apace, but handsomly would kill.

12

And as they more each others courage found,
Each did their force more civilly express,
To make so manly and so fair a wound,
As loyal Ladies might be proud to dress.

13

But vain, though wond'rous, seems the short event
Of what with pomp and Noise we long prepare:
One hour of battail oft that force hath spent
Which Kings whole lives have gather'd for a war.

14

As Rivers to their ruine hasty be,
So life (still earnest, loud, and swift) runs post
To the vast Gulf of Death, as they to Sea,
And vainly travailes to be quickly lost.

15

And now the Fates (who punctually take care
We not escape their sentence at our birth)
Writ Arnold down where those inroled are
Who must in Youth abruptly leave the Earth.

16

Him Paradine into the Brow had pierc't;
From whence his blood so overflow'd his Eyes,
He grew too blinde to watch and guard his brest,
Where wounded twice, to Death's cold Court he flies.

17

And Love (by which Life's name does value find,
As Altars even subsist by ornament)
Is now as to the Owner quite resign'd,
And in a sigh to his dear Laura sent.

18

Yet Fates so civil were in cruelty
As not to yield that he who conquer'd all
The Tuscan Vale, should unattended dy,
They therefore doom that Dargonet must fall.

19

Whom little Hugo dext'rously did vex
VVith many wounds in unexpected place,
VVhich yet not kill, but killingly perplex;
Because he held their number a disgrace.

20

For Dargonet in force did much exceed
The most of men, in valor equall'd all;
And was asham'd thus diversly to bleed,
As if he stood where showers of Arrows fall.

21

At once he ventures his remaining strength
To Hugo's nimble skill, who did desire
To draw this little war out into length,
By motions quick as Heav'n's fantastick fire!

22

This fury now is grown too high to last
In Dargonet; who does disorder all
The strengths of temp'rance by unruly haste,
Then down at Hugo's feet does breathless fall.

23

When with his own Storm sunk, his Foe did spie
Lord Arnold dead, and Paradine prepare
To help Prince Oswald to that victory,
Of which the Duke had yet an equal share.

24

Vain Conqueror (said Hugo then) returne!
In stead of Laurel which the Victor weares,
Go gather Cypress for thy Brother's Urne,
And learn of me to water it with Tears.

25

Thy Brother lost his life attempting mine;
Which cannot for Lord Arnold's loss suffice:
I must revenge (unlucky Paradine)
The blood his death will draw from Laura's Eyes.

26

We Rivals were in Laura, but though she
My griefs derided, his with sighs approv'd;
Yet I (in Love's exact integrity)
Must take thy life for killing him She lov'd.

27

These quick alike, and artfully as fierce,
At one sad instant give and take that wound,
Which does through both their vital Closets pierce;
Where Life's small Lord does warmly sit enthron'd.

28

And then they fell, and now neer upper Heaven,
Heav'ns better part of them is hov'ring still,
To watch what end is to their Princes given,
And to brave Hubert, and to Hurgonil.

29

In progress thus to their eternal home,
Some method is observ'd by Destiny,
Which at their Princes setting out did doom,
These as their leading Harbingers to die.

30

And fatal Hubert we must next attend,
Whom Hurgonil had brought to such distress,
That though Life's stock he did not fully spend,
His glory that maintain'd it is grown less.

31

Long had they strove, who first should be destroy'd;
And wounds (the Marks of Manhood) gave and took,
Which though like honor'd Age, we would avoid,
Yet make us when possess'd for rev'rence look.

32

O Honor! Frail as Life thy Fellow Flower!
Cherish'd and watch'd, and hum'rously esteem'd,
Then worn for short adornments of an hour;
And is when lost no more then life redeem'd.

33

This fatall Hubert findes, if honor be
As much in Princes lost, when it grows less,
As when it dies in men of next degree:
Princes are only Princes by excess.

34

For having twice with his firm Opposite
Exchang'd a wound, yet none that reach'd at life,
The adverse sword his Arms best sinew hit,
Which holds that strength, which should maintain their strife.

35

When thus his dear defence had left his Hand,
Thy life (said Hurgonil) rejoyce to wear
As Orna's favour, and at her command,
Who taught the mercy I will practise here.

36

To which defenceless Hubert did reply,
My life (a worthless Blank) I so despise,
Since Fortune laid it in her Lotary,
That I'me asham'd thou draw'st it as a Prise.

37

His grief made noble Hurgonill to melt,
Who mourn'd in this a Warrior's various fate;
For though a Victor now, he timely felt
That change which pains us most by coming late.

38

But Orna (ever present in his thought)
Prompts him to know, with what success for fame
And Empire, Gondibert and Oswald fought;
Whilst Hubert seeks out death, and shrinks from shame.

39

Valor, and all that practise turns to art,
A like the Princes had and understood;
For Oswald now is cool as Gondibert;
Such temper he has got by losing blood.

40

Calmly their temper did their art obey;
Their stretch'd Arms regular in motion prove;
And force with as unseen a stealth convey,
As noyseless Houres by hands of Dials move.

41

By this new temper Hurgonill believ'd
That Oswald's elder vertues might prevail;
To think his own help needful much he griev'd;
But yet prepar'd it lest the Duke should fail.

42

Small wounds they had, where as in Casements sate
Disorder'd Life; who seem'd to look about,
And fain would be abroad, but that a Gate
She wants so wide, at once to sally out.

43

When Gondibert saw Hurgonill draw near,
And doubly arm'd at conquer'd Hubert's cost,
He then, who never fear'd, began to fear
Lest by his help his honor should be lost,

44

Retire said he; for if thou hop st to win
My sisters love, by aiding in this strife;
May Heav'n (to make her think they love a sin)
Eclipse that beauty which did give it life.

45

Count Hurgonill did doubtfully retire,
Fain would assist, yet durst not disobey;
The Duke would rather instantly expire,
Then hazard Honor by so mean a way.

46

Alike did Oswald for dispatch prepare;
And cries since Hubert knew not to subdue;
Glory farewell, that art the Soldiers care!
More lov'd then Woman, less then Woman true!

47

And now they strive with all their sudden force
To storm Life's Cittadel, each others Brest;
At which could Heav'ns chief Eye have felt remorse,
It would have wink'd, or hast'ned to the West.

48

But sure the Heav'nly Movers little care
Whither our motion here be false or true;
For we proceed, whilst they are regular,
As if we Dice for all our actions threw.

49

We seem surrender'd to indiff'rent Chance;
Even Death's great work looks like fantastick play;
That Sword which oft did Oswald's fame advance
In publick war, fails in a private fray.

50

For when (because he ebbs of blood did feel)
He levell'd all his strength at Gondibert,
It clash'd and broke against the adverse steel,
Which travell'd onward till it reach'd his heart.

51

Now he that like a stedfast statue stood
In many Battails register'd by Fame;
Does fall depriv'd of language as of blood;
Whilst high the Hunters send their Victor's name.

52

Some shout aloud, and others winde the Horn!
They mix the Cities with the Field's applause;
Which Borgio soon interprets as their scorn,
And will revenge it ere he mourn the cause.

53

This the cold Evening warm'd of Vasco's age;
He shin'd like scorching Noon in Borgio's looks;
Who kindled all about him with his rage;
And worse the triumph then the Conquest Brooks.

54

The Troops (astonish'd with their Leaders fate)
The horror first with silence entertain;
With loud impatience then for Borgio waite,
And next with one confusion all complain.

55

Whom thus he urg'd! Prince Oswald did command
We should remove far from the Combat's list;
And there like unconcern'd Spectators stand;
Justly restrain'd to hinder or assist.

56

This (Patient Friends!) we dully have obey'd;
A temp rance which he never taught before;
But though alive he could forbid our aid,
Yet dead, he leaves revenge within our pow'r.

Canto the Fifth.

The ARGUMENT.

The Battail in exact though little shape;
Where none by flight, and few by fortune scape;
Where even the vanquish'd so themselves behave,
The Victors mourn for all they could not save:
And fear (so soon is Fortune's fulness wayn'd)
To lose in one, all that by all they gain'd.

1

Now Hubert's Page assists his wounded Lord
To mount that Steed, he scarce had force to guide;
And wept to see his hand without that sword
Which was so oft in dreadfull Battails try'd.

2

Those who with Borgio saw his want of blood,
Cry'd out, If of thy strength enough remain,
Though not to charge, to make thy conduct good;
Lead us to add their living to our slain.

3

Hubert reply'd, now you may justly boast
You Sons of war, that Oswald was your Sire;
Who got in you the honor I have lost;
And taught those deeds our Ladies songs admire.

4

But he (war's Ancestor, who gave it birth
The Father of those fights we Lombards fought)
Lies there imbracing but his length of Earth,
Who for your use the world's vast Empire sought,

5

And cold as he lies noble Dargonet,
And Paradine, who wore the Victors Crown;
Both swift to charge, and slow in a retreat;
Brothers in blood, and Rivals in renown.

6

This said, their Trumpets sound Revenge's praise;
The Hunters Horns (the terror of the wood)
Reply'd so meanly, they could scarcely raise
Eccho so loud as might be understood.

7

The Duke (his fit of fury being spent,
Which onely wounds and opposition bred)
Does weep o'er the brave Oswald, and lament
That he so great in life, is nothing dead.

8

But cry'd, when he the speechless Rivals spy'd,
O worth above the ancient price of Love!
Lost are the living, for with these love dy'd;
Or if immortal fled with them above.

9

In these we the intrinsick vallue know
By which first Lovers did love currant deem;
But Love's false Coyners will allay it now,
Till men suspect what next they must contemn.

10

Not less young Hurgonil resents their chance,
Though no fit time to practice his remorse,
For now he cries (finding the Foe advance)
Let Death give way to life! to horse! to horse!

11

This sorrow is too soft for deeds behinde;
Which I (a mortal Lover) would sustain,
So I could make your sister wisely kinde,
And praise me living, not lament me slain.

12

Swift as Armenians in the Panthers chace
They fly to reach where now their Hunters are;
Who sought out danger with too bold apace,
Till thus the Duke did them alow'd prepare.

13

Impatient Friends, stand that your strength may last!
Burn not in blaze, rage that should warm you long!
I wish to Foes the weaknesses of haste,
To you such slowness as may keep you strong.

14

Not their scorns force should your fix'd patience move;
Though scorn does more then bonds free mindes provoke
Their flashy rage shall harmless lightning prove,
Which but fore-runs our Thunder's fatal stroke.

15

For when their fury's spent, how weak they are
With the dull weight of antick Vandall Arms?
Their work but short, and little is in war,
Whom rage within, and Armor outward warms.

16

When you have us'd those arts your patience yields,
Try to avoid their cowched Launces force
By dext'rous practice of Croatian Fields,
Which turns to lazy Elephants their Horse.

17

When false retreat shall scatter you in flight,
As if you back to Elements were fled;
And no less faith can you again unite,
Then recollects from Elements the dead,

18

Make Chacers seem by your swift Rallys, slow;
Whilst they your swifter change of figures fear,
Like that in Batails which t'amuse the Foe
My Grandsire taught, as war's Philosopher.

19

Think now your valor enters on the Stage,
Think Fame th'Eternal Chorus to declare
Your mighty mindes to each succeeding age,
And that your Ladyes the Spectators are.

20

This utter'd was with such a haughty grace,
That ev'ry heart it empty'd, and did raise
Life's chiefest blood in valor to the Face,
Which made such beauty as the Foe did praise.

21

Yet 'twas Ambition's praise, which but approves
Those whom through envy it would fain subdue;
Likes others honor, but her own so loves,
She thinks all others Trophys are her due.

22

For Hubert now (though void of strength as feare)
Advanc'd the first Division fast and farre;
Bold Borgio with the next attends his Reare,
The Third was left to Vasco's stedy care.

23

The Duke still watch'd when each Divisions space
Grew wide, that he might his more open spred;
His own brave conduct did the foremost grace,
The next the Count, the Third true Tybalt led.

24

A forward fashion he did wear awhile,
As if the Charge he would with fury meet;
That he their forward fury might beguile,
And urge them past redemption by retreat.

25

But when with Launces cowch'd they ready were,
And their thick Front (which added Files inlarge)
With their ply'd spurs kept time in a Carere,
Those soon were vanished whom they meant to charge.

26

The Duke by flight, his Manhood thus and force
Reserv'd, and to his skill made valor yield,
Did seem to blush, that he must lead his Horse
To lose a little ground to gain the Field.

27

Yet soon he ralleys and revives the warre;
Hubert pursues the Rear of Hurgonil;
And Borgio's Rear with Chace so loos'ned are,
That them the Count does with close order kill.

28

And that which was erewhile the Duke's firm Van,
Before old Vasco's Front vouchsafe to fly,
Till with their subtle Rallys they began
In small Divisions hidden strength to try;

29

Then cursing Borgio cry'd, whence comes his skill,
Who men so scatter'd can so firmly mix?
The living Metal, held so violatile
By the dull world, this Chymick Lord can fix!

30

He press'd where Hurgonill his fury spends,
As if he now in Orna's presence fought;
And with respect his brave approach attends,
To give him all the dangers which he sought.

31

So bloody was th'event of this new strife,
That we may here applauded valor blame;
Which oft too easily abandons Life,
Whilst Death's the Parent made of noble Fame.

32

For many now (belov'd by both) forsake
In their pursuit of flying Fame, their breath;
And through the world their valor currant make,
By giving it the ancient stamp of Death.

33

Young Hurgonil's renowned self had bought
Honor of Borgio at no less a rate,
Had not the Duke dispatch'd with those he fought,
And found his aid must fly or come too late.

34

For he advancing saw (which him much griev'd)
That in the fairest Region of the Face,
He two wide wounds from Borgio had receiv'd;
His beautyes blemish, but his valor's grace.

35

Now cry'd the Duke, strive timely for renown!
Thy Age will kiss those wounds thy youth may loath;
Be not dismay'd to think thy beauty gone;
My Sister's thine, who has enough for both.

36

Then soon the Youth, Death as an honor gave
To one that Strove to rescue Borgio's life;
Yet Borgio had dispatch'd him to his grave,
Had Gondibert stood neutral in the Strife:

37

Who with his Sword (disdaining now to stay
And see the blood he lov'd so rudely spilt)
Pierc't a bold Lombard who would stop his way;
Even till his heart did beat against his Hilt.

38

Timely old Vasco came to Borgio's aid;
Whose long experienc'd Arme wrought sure and faste;
His rising oppositions level laid,
And miss'd no execution by his haste.

39

And timely where the bleeding Count now fought,
And where the Duke with Number was opprest,
Resistless Tybalt came, who Borgio sought,
But here with many Borgio's did contest.

40

As Tydes that from their sev'ral Channels haste,
Assemble rudely in th'Ubæan Bay,
And meeting there to indistinction waste,
Strive to proceed, and force each others stay:

41

So here the valiant who with swift force come,
With as resistless valor are ingag'd;
Are hid in anger's undistinguish'd Fome,
And make less way by meeting so inrag'd!

42

But room for Goltho now! Whose valor's fire,
Like light'ning, did unlikely passage make;
Whose swift effects like Light'nings they admire,
And even the harms it wrought with rever'nce take.

43

Vasco he seeks, who had his Youth disdain'd;
And in that search he with irrever'nd rage,
Revengefully, from younger Foes abstain'd,
And deadly grew where he encounter'd Age.

44

And Vasco now had felt his Gothick steel,
But that Duke Gondibert (through Helm and Head)
Gave the last stroke which Vasco ere shall feel,
And sent him down an honour to the dead.

45

Here Borgio too had faln, but bravely then
The Count so much reveng'd the wounds he gave,
As Gondibert (the Prop of falling Men)
Such sinking greatness could not chuse but save.

46

When Vasco was remov'd, the Count declin'd
His bashful Eies; the Duke thought sodain shame
(From sense of luckless wounds) possess'd his mind;
Which thus he did reform, and gently blame.

47

Now thy complexion lasting is, and good!
As when the Sun sets red, his Morning Eies
In glory wake, so now thou setst in blood,
Thy parting beauty will in honor rise.

48

These scarrs thou need'st not from my Sister hide;
For as our Father, in brave batail lost,
She first did name with sorrow, then with pride,
Thy beauty's loss she'l mourn and after boast.

49

Mine are but Lov's false wounds (said Hurgonil)
To what you Vasco gave; for I must grieve
My strength of honor could not Vasco kill,
That honor lost, yet I have strength to live.

50

But now behold vex'd Hubert, who in all
This Batail was by ready conduct known,
And though unarm'd, and his spent force so small
He could to none bring death, yet sought his own:

51

And ev'ry where, where Rallies made a Grosse
He charg'd; and now with last reserves he try'd
His too slow fate from Gondibert to force,
Where he was Victor and where Vasco dy'd.

52

The Duke (in Honor's School exactly bred)
Would not that this defenceless Prince should be
Involv'd with those, whom he to dying led,
Therefore ordain'd him still from slaughter free.

53

And now his pow'r did gently make him know,
That he must keep his life, and quit the cause;
More Pris'ner to himself then to his Foe,
For life within himself in Prison was.

54

His fierce Assistants did not quit the Field,
Till forward marks declar'd they fairly fought;
And then they all with sullen slowness yield;
Vex'd they have found what vain Revenge had sought.

55

In the renown'd destruction of this day,
Four Hundred Leaders were by valor's pride
Led to blest shades, by an uncertain way,
Where lowliness is held the surest Guide.

56

And twice the Tierce of these consists of those
Who for Prince Oswald's love of Empire bled;
The Duke does thus with thanks and praise dispose
Both of the worthy living, and the dead.

57

Binde all your wounds, and shed not that brave life,
Which did in all by great demeanor past,
(Teaching your Foes a wiser choice of strife)
Deserve a Lease of Nature that may last.

58

Love warm'd you with those sparks which kindled me;
And form'd Idea's in each Lovers thought
Of the distress of some beloved she,
Who then inspir'd and prais'd you whilst you fought.

59

You nobly prompt my passion to desire,
That the rude Crowd who Lovers softness scorn,
Might in fair field meet those who love admire,
To try which side must after Batail mourn.

60

O that those rights which should the good advance,
And justly are to painful valor due,
(Howe're misplac'd by the swift hand of Chance)
Were from that Crowd defended by those few!

61

With this great spectacle we should refresh
Those Chiefs, who (though preferr'd by being dead)
Would kindly wish to fight again in flesh;
So all that lov'd, by Hurgonil were led.

62

This gracious mention from so great a Lord,
Bow'd Hurgonill with dutious homage down,
Where at his feet he lay'd his rescu'd Sword;
Which he accepts, but he returns his own.

63

By this and thine, said gentle Gondibert,
In all distress of various Courts and warre,
We interpledg and bind each others heart,
To strive who shall possess griefs greatest share.

64

Now to Verona haste, and timely bring
Thy wounds unto my tender sister's care,
This Days sad story to our dreaded King,
And watch what veng'ance Oswald's Friends prepare.

65

Brave Arnold, and his Rival strait remove;
Where Laura shall bestrew their hallow'd Ground;
Protectors both, and Ornaments of Love;
This said, his Eies outwep'd his widest wound.

66

Tell her now these (Love's faithful Saints) are gon,
The beauty they ador'd, she ought to hide;
For vainly will Love's Miracles be shown,
Since Lovers faith with these brave Rivals dy'd.

67

Say little Hugo never more shall mourn
In noble Numbers, her unkind disdain;
Who now not seeing beauty, feels no scorn;
And wanting pleasure, is exempt from pain.

68

When she with Flowres Lord Arnold's Grave shall strew,
And hears why Hugo's life was thrown away,
She on that Rival's Hearse will drop a few;
Which merits all that April gives to May.

69

Let us forsake for safety of our Eies,
Our other loss; which I will strait inter
And raise a Trophy where each Body lies;
Vain marks, how those alive the Dead prefer!

70

If my full Breast, my wounds that empty be,
And this Days toil (by which my strength is gon)
Forbid me not, I Bergamo will see
Ere it beholds the next succeeding Sun.

71

Thither convay thy soul's consid'rate thought,
How in this cause the Court and Camp's inclin'd;
What Oswald's Faction with the King has wrought,
And how his loss prevails with Rhodalind.

72

The Count and Tybalt take their lowly leaves;
Their slain they sadly with consuming hearts,
Bear tow'rds Verona, whilst the Duke perceives
Prince Hubert's grief, and thus his tears diverts.

73

Afflicted Prince! in an unpleasant how'r
You and your living (by blinde valor led)
Are Captives made to such an easie pow'r,
Shall you as little vex, as Death your dead.

74

The Dead can n're by living help return
From that darke Land, which life could ne'r disclose;
But these alive (for whom the Victors mourn)
To thee I give, thee to thine own dispose.

75

Be not with Honor's guilded Baites beguild;
Nor think Ambition wise, because 'tis brave;
For though we like it, as a forward Child,
'Tis so unsound, her Cradle is her grave.

76

Study the mighty Oswald vainly gone!
Fierce Paradine, and Dargonet the stout!
Whose Threds by destiny were slowly spunne,
And by Ambition rashly ravell'd out.

77

But Hubert's grief no precept could reform;
For great grief councell'd, does to anger grow;
And he provided now a future Storm,
Which did with black revenge o'recast his Brow.

78

Borgio and he from this dire Region haste;
Shame makes them sightless to themselves and dumb;
Their thoughts fly swift as Time from what is past;
And would like him demolish all to come.

79

Strait they inter th' inferior of their slain;
Their nobler Tragick load their grief attends
Tow'rds Brescia, where the Camp they hope to gain;
Then force the Court by faction of their Friends.

80

To Bergamo the gentle Duke does turn
With his surviving Lovers, who in kinde
Remembrance every step look back and mourn
Their fellow Lovers Death has stay'd behinde.

81

Some lost their quiet Rivals, some their dear
Love's Brother, who their hopes with help approv'd;
Some such joy'd Friends, as even to morrow were
To take from Hymen those they dearest lov'd.

82

But now to Gondibert they forward look,
Whose wounds, ere he could waste Three Leagues of way,
So wast him, that his speech him quite forsook;
And Nature calls for Art to make life stay.

83

His Friends in torment least they should forsake
Delightful him, for whom alone they live;
Urge Heav'n uncivilly for calling back
So soon such worth, it does so seldom give.

Canto the Sixth.

The ARGUMENT.

The Victor is (when with his wounds subdu'd)
By such deform'd and dismal Troops pursu'd,
That he thinks Death, then which they uglier seem,
No ill expedient to escape from them.
But Ulfin guides him to sage Astragon,
By the last Raies of the descending Sun.

1

Scarce on their Duke their fears kind fit was spent,
When strait a thick arm'd Squadron clouds their sight;
Which cast so dark a shade, as if it ment
Without the Sun's slow leave, to bring in night.

2

This threatning Squadron did consist of Horse,
And by old Ulfin they were bravely led,
Whose mind was sound, nor wants his Body force,
Though many Winters Snow had cool'd his Head.

3

The sad remainder who with Hubert went,
Did miss his reach, when they to Brescia turn'd,
And now (as if his haste destruction ment)
He chac'd these who the Duke's spent valor mourn'd.

4

Whose posture being loose, their number few,
His Scouts grow scornful as they forward come;
He makes his Squadron halt, and neer he drew;
Then asks aloud, what are you, and for whom?

5

The noble Goltho (whose great deeds to day
Prevented Manhood in his early youth)
Believ'd him Oswald's Friend, yet scorn'd the way
To shelter life, behind abandon'd Truth.

6

For he to Ulfin boldly thus reply'd;
This second Ambush findes us here in vain;
We have no treasure left that we would hide,
Since Gondibert is reckon'd with the slain.

7

Duke Gondibert we vouch to be our Lord,
To whose high vertue's Sov'raignty we bow;
Oswald sunk low, as death, beneath his Sword,
Though him superior Fate will vanquish now.

8

Scarce empty Eagles stooping to their Prey,
Could be more swift then Ulfin to alight,
And come where Gondibert expiring lay;
Now pleasing those whom he did newly fright.

9

For scarce that rev'rence which a Monarch draws,
Who seldome will be seen, though often sought';
Who spends his carefull age in making Laws,
To rule those lands for which in youth he fought;

10

Nor that respect which People pay those Kings,
Whose peace makes rich, whom civil war made wise,
Can equall this which aged Ulfin brings
The gentle Duke, to whom he prostrate lies.

11

His Eyes (not us'd to tears) bathe every wound;
Which he salutes as things he chiefly lov'd;
And when expence of spirits he had found,
To gain him air, his Mourners he remov'd.

12

Make way, said he, and give experience room;
The Confident of age, though Youth's scorn'd guide;
My wounds, though past, out-number yours to come,
You can but hope the knowledge I have try'd.

13

His Hilts round Pommel he did then unskrew,
And thence (which he from ancient Precept wore)
In a small Christall he a Cordial drew,
That weary life could to her walks restore.

14

This care (amazing all it does delight)
His ruines, which so reverend appear,
With wonder not so much surprise their sight,
As a strange object now his Troops draw near.

15

In whom such death and want of limbs they finde,
As each were lately call'd out of his Tombe,
And left some members hastily behinde;
Or came when born abortive from the Wombe.

16

Yet this defect of Legs, or Arms, or Hands,
Did wondring valor not disturb; but please;
To see what divers weapons each commands
With arts hard shifts, till custome gave them ease.

17

But the uncomely absence of an Eye,
And larger wants, which ev'ry visage mourn'd,
(Where black did over-vail, or ill supply)
Was that which wonder into horror turn'd.

18

And Ulfin might be thought (when the rude wind
Lifting their Curtains, left their ruines bare)
A formal Antiquary, fondly kind
To Statues, which he now drew out to aire.

19

The Duke (whose absent knowledge was call'd back
By Cordials pow'r) his wonder did increase
So much, that he agen did knowledge lack,
Till thus old Ulfin made his wonder cease.

20

Auspicious Prince! recorded be this day,
And sung by Priests of each ensuing age;
On which thou maist receive, and I may pay
Some debts of duty, as thy Grandsires Page.

21

That mighty Chief I serv'd in youth's first strength,
Who our short Scepter meant to stretch so far,
Till Eastern Kings might grieve theirs wanted length,
Whose Maps scarce teach where all their Subjects are.

22

Full many stormy Winters we have seen,
When mighty valor's heat was all our fire;
Else we in stupid Frosts had fetter'd been,
By which soft sinews are congeal'd to wire.

23

And many scorching Summers we have felt,
Where Death relieves all whom the Sword invades;
And kindly thence (where we should toyling melt)
Leads us to rest beneath eternal shades.

24

For aid of action he obedience taught,
And silent patience for afflictions cure;
He prais'd my courage when I boldly fought,
But said they conquer most, that most endure.

25

The toyls of diligence as much approv'd
As Valor's self, or th' Arts her practise gaines;
The care of Men, more then of glory lov'd;
Success rewarded, and successes paines.

26

To joyful Victors quenching water sent,
Delightful wine to their lamenting slaves;
For Feasts have more brave lives then famine spent,
And Temp'rance more then Trench or Armor saves.

27

Valor his Mistriss, Caution was his Friend;
Both to their diff'rent seasons he appli'd;
The first he lov'd, on th' other did depend;
The first made worth uneasie by her pride.

28

He to submiss devotion more was giv'n
After a battel gain'd, then ere 'twas fought;
As if it nobler were to thank high Heav'n
For favours past, then bow for bounty sought.

29

And thus through smarting heat, and aking cold,
Till Heav'ns perpetual Traveller, had more
Then Thirty journeys through the Zodiack told,
I serv'd thy Grandsire, whom I now adore.

30

For Heav'n in his too ripe and weary age,
Call'd him where peacefully he rules a Star;
Free'd from low Ele'ments continu'd rage,
Which last like Monarchs pow'r by needful war.

31

Strait thy lamented Father did succeed
To his high place, by Aribert's consent,
Our Ensignes through remoter Lands to lead:
Him too I follow'd till he upward went.

32

Till that black day on which the Hunns may boast
Their own defeate, and we our conquest hide;
For though we gain'd, and they the battel lost,
Yet then thy brave victorious Father dy'd.

33

And I am stay'd unwillingly behind;
Not caught with wealth, Life's most intangling snare;
Though both my Masters were in giving kinde,
As joyful Victors after Battel are.

34

Whilst thus this aged Leader does express
His and their Story whom this bounty feeds,
His Hands the Duke's worst order'd wounds undress
And gently binde; then strait he thus proceeds.

35

West from those Hills till you Cremona reach,
With an unmingled right I gather rent;
By their great Gift who did such precepts teach
In giving, as their wealth is ne'r misspent.

36

For as their plenteous pity fills my thought,
So their example was not read in vain;
A Thousand, who for them in battel fought,
And now distress'd with Maimes, I entertain:

37

Not giving like to those, whose gifts though scant
Pain them as if they gave with gowty hand;
Such vex themselves, and ease not others want;
But we alike enjoy, a like command.

38

Most spaciously we dwell, where we possess
All sinless pleasures Nature did ordain;
And who that all may have, yet will have less,
Wiser then Nature, thinks her kindness vain.

39

A sad resolve, which is a wise-mans vow,
From Citties noise, and Courts unpitty'd care
Did so divorce me, it would scarce allow
I ere should take one League of distant ayre.

40

But that Alarms from each adjacent part
Which borders my abode, disturb'd my rest,
With dreadful newes that gracious Gondibert
By Oswald's Faction was in fight opprest.

41

Then it had given your wonder cause to last,
To see the vex'd mistakes this summons wrought
In all my Maim'd Domesticks, by their haste;
For some tie on the Limbs which others sought.

42

Just such mistakes audatious Ethnicks say
Will happen, where the Righteous busie are,
Through glad and earnest hast in the last day;
Whilst others slowly to their doom prepare.

43

And this had Anger, anger noise had bred,
And Noise, the Enemy of useful Thought,
Had them to more mistakes then blindness led,
But that our awfull Camps had silence taught.

44

Silence did mem'ry, Mem'ry order make;
Order to each did his mist wood restore;
For some, who once were stedfast Foot, mistake,
And snatch those limbs which only Horsemen wore.

45

Like swift Pursuers on Arabian Horse,
These with their needfull Instruments of hold
(Which give their strange adapted weapons force)
I mounted strait; Five Hundred fully told.

46

These from the Lombards highly have deserv'd,
In Conquests where thy Father did command;
Whom they for Science and affection serv'd;
And lost their Limbs to gain our Scepter Land.

47

Which yet are noble though unsightly signes,
That each in active courage much abounds;
And many a widow'd Mother now repines,
They cannot shew the Men who gave those wounds.

48

For dearly did the Hunns for honor pay.
When they deform'd them in a fatall fight;
Since though they strongly struggled for the day,
Yet all they got, was everlasting Night.

49

And Oswald's Friends, were they not timely gone
(Though all the Faction in one Army were)
Should mourn this act against their Gen'ral's son;
Who was to Soldiers more then Triumph dear.

50

For these to Conquest us'd, Retreats dislike;
Thy beauty want, to others Beauty's cost;
VVith envious rage still at the Face they strike;
And punish Youth, for what in youth they lost.

51

Thus, though the Duke's amazement be remov'd,
It now returns, gladly on him to gaze,
VVho feeds those Fighters whom his Father lov'd;
A gratitude would Vertue's self amaze.

52

Thou art, said he (then melted whilst he spake)
So ripe in what high Heav'n does dearly love,
That Heav'ns remorse for Earth we should mistake,
To think it will forbear thee long above.

53

As if thy sent for Soul already were
Upon her Wings, so much I give thee gon;
And wish thee left in some successor here,
That might receive the kindness thou hast shown.

54

Old Ulfin now (but meltingly as he)
T'inrich him, gives the Jewell of his sight;
For strait, with Fatherly authority,
He bids his son, young Ulfinor, alight!

55

Take him (said he) whose duty I release;
In whom all Heav'ns rewards included are,
For all my Justice in corrupted peace,
And for my mercy in revengefull warr.

56

The fruit Heav'n sent me by my loyall wife,
In age the gloomy Eve of endless night;
Which eas'd in me the pain of latter life,
And frustates death, by fresh succession's sight.

57

The Duke with passion did this Youth embrace;
Then lucky Goltho he call'd forth in view;
Who was this day in Fortune's special grace,
For though no blood he lost, yet much he drew.

58

Him he with Ulfinor does strait unite;
Bids neither strive the other to precede,
Unless when danger doth them both invite,
But be, even in nice Rivalship agreed.

59

Bids both their Breasts be eithers open book,
Where nought is writ too hard for sudden Eyes;
But thought's plain Text grows easie by a look:
Study breeds doubts, where reading should suffice.

60

But these to joyn, Nature no Councel needs;
Whom Sympathy, her secret Priest, does wed;
Much fam'd will be their loves, and Martial Deeds;
Which fill all Books that are of Lombards read.

61

With gracious Eyes, and Body lowly bent,
The Duke his Fathers rev'rend Troops salutes;
To Bergamo he holds his first intent;
Which to oppose, old Ulfin thus disputes.

62

Thou seest (my Prince) the faint decayes of Light;
How hastily the Sun's hot Steeds begin
To mend their pace, as if their longing sight
Had newly spy'd their usuall Western Inn.

63

Too farr is pleasant Bergamo from hence,
Since day has reach'd so neer his journeys end;
Dayes strength and yours are at their last expence;
Do not whilst both are wasting, both misspend.

64

You and your wounded must with Nature strive,
Till all (whose few houres sway to day excells
Their elder Foes long reign in Camps) arrive
Where Astragon the wise and wealthy dwells.

65

Rich is that Lord, and rich in Learnings wealth;
Art flies his test, he all Art's test endures;
Our Cities send their sick to him for health,
Our Camps the wounded for their certain cures.

66

Though cautious Nature, check'd by Destiny,
Has many secrets she would ne'r impart;
This fam'd Philosopher is Nature's Spie,
And hireless gives th' intelligence to Art.

67

The Duke with vertue (antiquated now)
Did rev'rence Councel, and to Age did bend;
His first Course altars, and does this allow;
Then Ulfin as their Guide they all attend.

68

Soon they the Pallace reach'd of Astragon;
Which had its beauty hid by envious Night;
Whose Cypress Curtain drawn before the Sun
Seem'd to performe the Obsequies of light.

69

Yet lights last Rayes were not intirely spent;
For they discern'd their passage through a Gate,
Whose height and space shew'd ancient ornament;
And Ancients there in careful Office sate.

70

Who by their Weights and Measures did record
Such num'rous Burthens as were thither brought
From distant Regions, to their learned Lord;
On which his Chymicks and Distillers wrought.

71

But now their common business they refrain,
When they observe a quiet sullenness
And bloody marks in such a civil Train;
Which shew'd at once their worth and their distress.

72

The voice of Ulfin they with gladness knew,
VVhom to this house long neighbourhood indeer'd;
Approaching Torches perfected their view,
And taught the way till Astragon appear'd.

73

VVho soon did Ulfin cheerfully imbrace;
The visits cause by whispers he receiv'd;
VVhich first he hop'd was meant him as a grace,
But being known with manly silence griev'd.

74

And then with gestures full of grave respect,
The Duke he to his own Apartment led;
To each distinct retirements did direct,
And all the wounded he ordain'd to Bed.

75

Then thin digestive food he did provide,
More to enable fleeting strength to stay;
To wounds well search'd he cleansing wines apply'd,
And so prepar'd his rip'ning Balsoms way.

76

Balm of the Warriour's herbe, Hypericon!
To Warriour's as in use, in form decreed;
For through the leaves transparent wounds are shown;
And rudely touch'd, the Golden Flower does bleed.

77

For sleep they juice of pale Nymphæa took,
Which grows (to shew that it for sleep is good)
Near sleep's abode in the soft murm'ring Brook:
This cools, the yellow Flower restraines the Blood:

78

And now the weary World's great Med'cin, Sleep,
This learned Host dispenc'd to ev'ry Guest;
Which shuts those wounds where injur'd Lovers weep,
And flies Oppressors to relieve th' Opprest.

79

It loves the Cotage, and from Court abstains,
It stills the Sea-man though the storm be high;
Frees the griev'd Captive in his closest Chaines,
Stops wants loud Mouth, and blinds the treach'rous Spie!

80

Kind Sleep, Nights welcome Officer, does cease
All whom this House containes till day return;
And me, Grief's Chronicler, does gently ease,
Who have behind so great a task to mourn.

The End of the First Book.

THE SECOND BOOK.

Canto the First.

The ARGUMENT.

Verona by the Poet's Pencil drawn;
Where Hurgonil did meet the early dawn:
Her wealth shown by each Dwellers early'r care;
Which sown by others peace, she reap'd by warr.
The slain, whose life her safety was and pride,
Are now in death their Fun'ral Rites deny'd.

1

Neer to his Evening Region was the Sun,
When Hurgonil with his lamented Load,
And faithful Tybalt their sad march begun
To Fair Verona, where the Court aboad.

2

They slowly rode till Night's dominion ceast;
When Infant Morn (her scarce wak'd beames display'd)
With a scant face peep'd shylie through the East,
And seem'd as yet of the black world afraid.

3

But by increase of swift expansive light,
The lost Horizon was apparent grown,
And many Tow'rs salute at once their sight;
The distant glories of a Royal Town.

4

Verona, sprung from noble Vera's name;
Whom careless Time (still scatt'ring old Records
Where they are loosly gather'd up by Fame)
Proclaimes the chief of ancient Tuscan Lords.

5

Verona borders on that fatal Plaine,
VVhose barren thirst was quench'd with valiant blood,
When the rough Cymbrians by fierce Marius slain,
Left Hills of Bodies where their Ensignes stood.

6

So safely proud this Town did now appear;
As if it but immortal Dwellers lack'd;
As if Theodorick had ne'r been there,
Nor Attila her wealth and beauty sack'd.

7

Here Hurgonill might follow with his Eye
(As with deep streame it through the City pass't)
The fruitfull and the frighted Adice,
Which thence from Noise and Nets to sea does haste.

8

And on her peopled Bank they might behold
The Toyles of conquest paid with workes of pride;
The Pallace of King Agilulf the old,
Or Monument, for ere 'twas built he dy'd.

9

To it that Temple joynes, whose lofty Head
The prospect of a swelling Hill commands;
In whose coole wombe the City springs are bred:
On Dorique Pillers this tall Temple stands.

10

This to sooth Heav'n the bloody Clephes built;
As if Heav'ns King so soft and easie were,
So meanly hous'd in Heav'n, and kind to guilt,
That he would be a Tyrants Tenant here.

11

And now they might arrest their wandring sight
With that which makes all other Objects lost;
Makes Lombard greatness flat to Roman height,
And Modern Builders blush, that else would boast;

12

An Amphytheater which was controll'd
Unheeded conquests of advancing Age,
Windes which have made the trembling World look old,
And the fierce Tempests of the Gothick rage.

13

This great Flaminius did in youth erect,
Where Cities sat to see whole Armies play
Death's serious part: but this we may neglect
To mark the bus'ness which begins with day.

14

As Day new op'ning fills the Hemisphear,
And all at once; so quickly ev'ry street
Does by an instant op'ning full appear,
When from their Dwellings busy Dwellers meet.

15

From wider Gates Oppressors sally there;
Here creeps th' afflicted through a narrow Dore;
Groans under wrongs he has not strength to bear,
Yet seeks for wealth to injure others more.

16

And here the early Lawyer mends his pace;
For whom the earlier Cliant waited long;
Here greedy Creditors their Debtors chace,
Who scape by herding in th' indebted Throng.

17

Th' advent'rous Merchant whom a Storm did wake,
(His Ships on Adriatick Billowes tost)
Does hope of Eastern windes from Steeples take,
And hastens there a Currier to the Coast.

18

Here through a secret Posterne issues out
The skar'd Adult'rer, who out-slept his time;
Day, and the Husbands Spie alike does doubt,
And with a half hid face would hide his crime.

19

There from sick mirth neglected Feasters reel,
Who cares of want in Wine's false Lethe steep.
There anxious empty Gamsters homeward steal,
And fear to wake, ere they begin to sleep.

20

Here stooping Lab'rers slowly moving are;
Beasts to the Rich, whose strength grows rude with ease;
And would usurp, did not their Rulers care,
With toile and tax their furious strength appease.

21

There th' Aged walk, whose needless carefulness
Infects them past the Mindes best Med'cin, sleep;
There some to Temples early vows address,
And for th' ore busie world most wisely weep.

22

To this vast Inn, where Tydes of strangers flow,
The Morn and Hurgonil together came;
The Morn, whose Dewy wings appear'd but slow,
When Men the motion mark'd of swifter Fame.

23

For Fame (whose journeys are through wayes unknown,
Traceless and swift and changing as the Winde)
The Morne and Hurgonil had much out-gone,
Whilst Truth mov'd patiently within behinde.

24

For some the Combat (to a Battel grown)
Did apprehend in such prodigious shape,
As if their living to the Dead were gone,
And only Fame did by her Wings escape.

25

Some said this hunting falsely was design'd,
That by pretence both Factions might prepare
Their Armies to contest for Rhodalind;
The Crown's chief Jewel, and Reward of Warre,

26

And some report (so farr they range from Truth
Who for intelligence must follow Fame)
That then from Bergamo th'incamped Youth,
With Gondibert, to this dire hunting came.

27

And some, that Oswald had inlarg'd his Traine
With the old Troopes by his bold Father led;
And that of these the nobler half were slain;
The rest were to their Camp at Brescia fled.

28

And as dire Thunder rowling o're Heaven's vault,
By murmur threatens, ere it kills alloud;
So was this fatall newes in whisper brought,
Which menac'd ere it struck the list'ning Croud.

29

But Rumor soon to high extreames does move;
For first it Oswald nam'd with dreadful voice,
Then said that Death had widowd Truth and Love,
By making Gondibert the second choice.

30

And to all hearts so dear was Gondibert,
So much did Pity, Oswald's Valor prise,
That strait their early bus'ness they desert,
And fix on wounded Hurgonil their Eyes.

31

Him when by perfect day they sadly knew,
Through hidden wounds, whose blood his beauty stain'd,
Even from the Temples, Angels soon withdrew;
So sawcely th' afflicted there complain'd.

32

The People strait united clamor gave,
Shriek'd loud like Sea-men split on a strange Coast;
As if those Pow'rs were deaf who should them save,
And Pray'rs no louder then the windes were lost.

33

Now, with impatience urg'd, he does declare
Whom he so mournfully in Fun'ral brought;
The publick losses of a private Warr,
Who living, love, and dying, valor taught.

34

For he does Hugo and Arnoldo name;
To these (said he) Verona Cradles gave,
And since in forraign Fields they rais'd her Fame,
They challenge here, though much too soon, a Grave:

35

Bring sprinklings, Lamps, and th' Altar's precious breath;
All Rites which Priests have prudently devis'd;
Who gratefully a rev'rence teach to death;
Because they most by dying men are pris'd.

36

But though our loss we justly may complain;
Though even by Priests Authority we grieve;
Yet Heav'n's first bounty, Life, let none disdain,
Since Gondibert, our chief Delight, does live.

37

This heard, as Sea-men near a Shore unknown,
Who their North Guide lose in a Stormy night,
His absence with distracted silence moan,
And loudly wellcome his return to sight:

38

So when their great Conductor seem'd to be
Retir'd to endless shades amongst the slain,
With silent grief they seem'd as dead as he,
But with new life wellcom'd his life again.

39

And now that cold remainder Valor left
Of these whom Love had lost, and Fate forsook;
The Two that were of all but Fame bereft,
From Hurgonil the weeping People took.

40

Whilst of them both sad Hurgonil takes leave,
Till th' universal meeting Faith provides
The Day when all shall publickly receive
Those Bodies, Death does not destroy, but Hides.

41

Then to his Palace he retires by stealth;
His wounds from his lov'd Mistris to conceal;
On whose dear joys so much depends his health,
The wounds her Tears should touch would never heal.

42

To the chief Temple strait the People bear
The valiant Rivals, who for love were slain;
Whom all the peacefull Priests behold with fear,
And griev'd such Guests they durst not entertain.

43

For soon the Prior of their Brotherhood
(Who long serv'd Heav'n with praise, the world with prayer)
Cry'd out, this holy House is shut to blood,
To all that die in combat or dispair.

44

These by their bloody marks in Combat di'd;
Through anger, the disease of Beasts untam'd;
Whose wrath is hunger, but in Men 'tis pride,
Yet theirs is cruelty, ours courage nam'd.

45

Here the neglected Lord of peace does live;
Who taught the wrangling world the rules of love;
Should we his dwelling to the wrathfull give,
Our Sainted Dead would rise, and he remove.

46

Well by his precepts may we punish strife;
Whose pity knew that Famine, Plague, and Time,
Are Enemies enough to humane life;
None need o'er-charge Death's Quiver with a crime.

47

To unfrequented Fields bear then your slain;
Where neither Dirge nor Requiem shall be giv'n;
To those who by usurp'd Revenge disdain
To take from Men, neglects they put on Heav'n.

48

But now the People's passions run too farr;
Their untaught love, artless extremes does wed;
Of times they like the past, and since they are
Opprest still by the living, love the Dead:

49

And now resolve these Rivals shall not lose
The Rites of Sprinkling, Incense, Lights, and Song:
Then, as the voice of all their Minds, they chuse
An Orator, of rude, but ready Tongue:

50

Who at the Temple Gate thus pleads aloud!
VVe know, though Priests are Pensioners of Heav'n,
Your Flock which yields best rent, is this dull Croud;
The learn'd examine why their Fleece is giv'n.

51

Though by the Rich first shorn, to you they bear
A second tribute, and by zeal support
Temples, which Kings for glory raise, and where
The Rich for fame, the Learn'd as Spies resort.

52

Temples are yours, not God's lov'd Palaces;
Where Off'rings make not his, but your own Feasts;
Where you most wisely live, because at ease,
And entertain your Founders as your Guests:

53

With ease you take, what we provide with care;
And we (who your Legation must maintain)
Find all your Tribe in the Commission are;
And none but Heav'n could send so large a Train.

54

But being all Ambassadors from thence,
The growing charge will soon exceed our rent,
Unless you please to treat at his expence
VVho sent you; not at ours, where you are sent.

55

The ancient Laws liv'd in the Peoples voice;
Rites you from Custom, not from Canon draw;
They are but fashions of a graver choice,
VVhich yield to Laws, and now our voice is Law.

56

This Tybalt heard with sorrow and disdain,
(VVho here with Hurgonil a Mourner came)
And strait the peaceful Fathers strives to gain,
And thus the Peoples Orator reclaim.

57

Most usefull Fathers! some trace secret things
Even to his Closet, who is hid in Heav'n;
Vainly as Nilus to his hidden springs,
And not enjoy, but censure what is given.

58

You with such temper their intemp'rance bear,
To shew your solid science does rely
So on it self, as you no trial feare;
For Arts are weak that are of Scepticks shy.

59

Though in your Office humane safety lies,
Which op'ns that Hell the vicious vulgar feare,
Yet never can the People Priesthood prise;
As if from Heav'n your daily errands were.

60

Not that your message, Truth, they disesteem,
Or think it comes from any other way,
But that they Taxes hate, and Truth does seem
Brought as a Tax, when they the Bringers pay.

61

Thus we to Beasts fall from our noble kinde,
Making our Pastur'd Bodies all our care;
Allowing no subsistence to the Minde;
For Truth we grudg her as a costly fare.

62

But if they fear (since daily you renew
Disputes) your Oracles are doubtfull still
As those of old; yet more reward is due
To paines, where so uneasie is the skill.

63

Or if no skill they think it, but suppose
'Tis Faith (and Faith ne'r thinks Heav'n's height too high)
Yet Faiths so sev'ral be, that few are those
Can chuse right wings when they to Heav'n would fly.

64

Or if they think, Faith humane help transcends,
And to your science is so strict a bound
As Death to Valor is where daring ends;
And none are farthest in that Progress found;

65

Yet in our walk to our last home design'd,
'Tis safe by all the study'd Guides to goe;
Least we in death, too late, the knowledge find
Of what in life 'twas possible to know.

66

Your splendid Pomp, by which your Pow'r indures
Though costly, costs much less then Camps or Laws;
And more then both, Religion us secures;
Since Hell (your Prison) more then dying awes.

67

For though the plain Judge, Conscience, makes no showe,
But silently to her dark Session comes,
Not as red Law does to arraignment goe,
Or Warr to Execution with loud Drums;

68

Though she on Hills sets not her Gibbets high,
Where frightful Law sets hers; nor bloody seems
Like Warr in Colours spread, yet secretly
She does her work, and many Men condemns.

69

Chokes in the seed, what Law till ripe ne'r sees;
What Law would punish, Conscience can prevent;
And so the world from many Mischiefs frees;
Known by her Cures, as Law by punishment.

70

The weaker sighted ever look too nigh;
But their disputes have made your Charter good;
As doubted Tenures, which long pleadings trie,
Authentick grow by being much withstood.

71

These Chiefs, for whom we holy Rites desire,
By well fought Fields begot this Citties peace;
Oft with their blood have quench'd intestine fire;
And oft our Famines chang'd into excess.

72

Their Rites let not the people be deny'd,
Though by untutor'd kindness rudely sought;
Nor think they have in private Combate dyde,
Where Gondibert and mighty Oswald fought;

73

Both Princes of the Lombards royal blood;
For whom full Thrice Three Hunder'd number'd are,
Whose anger strove to make their anger good:
Number gives strife th' authentick name of War.

74

This said, Warrs cause these Priests no more debate;
They knew, Warr's Justice none could ere decide;
At that more specious name they open strait,
And sacred Rites of fun'ral they provide.

75

How vain is Custom, and how guilty Pow'r?
Slaughter is lawful made by the excess;
Earth's partial Laws, just Heav'n must needs abhor,
Which greater crimes allow, and damn the less.

Canto the Second.

The ARGUMENT.

Fame's progress through Verona, when she brings
Ill news inlarg'd, as her extended wings.
The Combat's cause shakes Aribert's great mind;
And the effect more conquers Rhodalind.
Meek Orna's fears, proud Gartha's bold disdain;
And Laura kindly dying for the Slain.

1

To Streets (the People's Region) early Fame
First brought this grief, which all more tragick make;
And next, to the triumphant Court she came,
Where prosp'rous Pow'r sleeps long, though Sutors wake;

2

But yet the early King (from Childhood bred
To dangers, toyls, and courser wants of ware)
Rose up to rule, and left soft Love in bed,
Could conquer Lands and Love, but stoopt to care.

3

Care, that in Cloysters only seales her Eyes,
Which Youth thinks folly, Age as wisdom owns;
Fooles by not knowing her, out-live the wise;
She visits Cities, but she dwells in Thrones.

4

Care, which King Aribert with Conquest gain'd,
And is more sure to him then Realms intail'd;
Wak'd him to know why Rumor thus complain'd,
Or who in battel bled, or who prevail'd?

5

Young Hurgonil (who does his wounds conceal,
Yet knew it did his dutious care import
That some just witness should his cause reveal)
Sent Tybalt to appease, and tast the Court.

6

To that proud Palace which once low did lie
In Parian Quarries, now on Columnes stands;
Ionique Props that bear their Arches high,
With ample treasure rais'd by Tuscan Hands.

7

So vast of height, to which such space did fit
As if it were o're-syz'd for Modern Men;
The ancient Giants might inhabit it;
And there walk free as windes that pass unseen.

8

The Monarch's wealth this shew'd in all the parts;
But his strong numerous Guards denote him wise;
Who on the weather of his Peoples hearts,
For a short Course, not voyages, relies.

9

Through many Guards (all watchful, calm, and bold)
Tybalt did pass the first magnifick Square;
And through ascents does enter to behold,
Where the States Head and Eies assembled are.

10

There sat the King, on whose consid'rate Brow
Sixty experienc'd Sommers he discern'd,
Which made him ripe, and all of Conduct know
That from success is own'd, from losses learn'd.

11

Neer him the Empire's strict Surveyors sate;
Whose universal sight no object lose;
Who see not crimes too soon, nor worth too late;
Finde dangers seed, and choake it ere it grows.

12

He wealth not birth preferr'd to Councels place;
For Councel is for use, not ornament;
Soules are alike, of rich and ancient race;
Though Bodies claim distinctions by descent.

13

Here boyling Youth, nor frozen Age can sit:
It would in Subjects scorne of ruling Breed,
If that great work should such small ayds admit,
And make them hope that they no Rulers need.

14

Nature too oft by birthright does preferr
Less perfect Monarchs to an anxious Throne;
Yet more then her, Courts by weak Counc'lers err,
In adding Cyphers where she made but one.

15

To this wise King, sage Tybalt did relate
The Combats cause, with truth's severe extent
Reveales that fire which kindl'd Oswald's hate;
For which such precious valor was misspent.

16

Gives Gondibert a just record of praise;
First how unwilling, then how bold in sight;
And crownes the Conquer'd with the Victor's Baies,
When Manhood bids him do their valor right:

17

At last he counts the wounded and the slaine;
And how Prince Hubert and the Duke retir'd;
From nothing brave or great he did refraine,
But his own deeds, which doing were admir'd.

18

This Arribert with outward patience heares,
Though wounded by the cause for which they fought;
With mod'rate joy the death of Oswald beares;
Yet justly to extremes it inward wrought.

19

Tybalt he now with peaceful lookes discharg'd;
And then his thoughts (imprison'd in his breast)
He strait by liberty of Tongue inlarg'd;
Which thus unto his Councel he addrest.

20

With what a difference Nature's pallat tasts
The sweetest draught which Art provides her, Pow'r:
Since Pow'r, Pride's Wine, but high in relish lasts
Whilst fuming new, for time does turn it sowre?

21

Yet Pow'r Earth's tempting Fruit, Heav'n first did plant,
From Man's first Serpent safe, Ambition's reach;
Else Eden could not serve Ambition's want;
Whom no command can rule, nor councel teach.

22

Pow'r is that luscious wine, which does the bold,
The wise, and noble most intoxicate;
Adds time to Youth, and takes it from the old;
Yet I by surfeit this Elixer hate.

23

I curse those Wars that make my glory last;
For which the Tuscan Widows curse me more;
The barren Fields where I in Arms did fast,
That I might surfeit on luxurious pow'r.

24

Thou Hermegild, who art for valor Crown'd,
For honor trusted, and for wisdom heard;
And you whom Councel has no less renown'd,
Observe how vertue against peace has err'd.

25

Still I have fought, as if in Beauty's sight,
Out-suffer'd patience, bred in Captives Breasts;
Taught fasts, till Bodys like our Souls grew light;
Outwatch'd the jealous, and outlabour'd Beasts.

26

These were my merits, my reward is Pow'r;
An outward Trifle, bought with inward peace;
Got in an Age, and rifled in an how'r;
When Feav'rish love, the People's Fit, shall cease.

27

For did not pow'r on their fraile love depend,
Prince Oswald had not treated with that love;
Whose glory did in hasty darkness end;
A sparke which vanish'd, as it upward strove.

28

By scorne of dangers and of ease, he sought
The Lombards hearts, my Rhodalind, and Crowne;
And much his youth had by his practice wrought,
Had Gondibert not levell'd his renowne:

29

Had Gondibert not staid the Peoples Eies
(Whose vertue stept 'twixt Oswald and their sight)
Who knows but Rhodalind had bin his Prise,
Or war must have secur'd Paternal right

30

Sad and uneasie is a long kept Throne;
Not that the People think long pow'r unjust;
But that for change, they wish best Monarchs gone;
Fond change, the Peoples soon repented lust!

31

I did advance (though with some jealous paine)
A forward vertue to my subjects love;
Least one less temp'rate should their favour gaine;
Whom their unstudy'd choice would more approve.

32

To thee sage Hermegild my self I leave,
My fame and pow'r: Thee action cannot waste;
Caution retard, nor promptitude deceave;
Slowness belate, nor Hope drive on too faste.

33

Think Hubert Heir to Oswald's bold pretence;
To whom the Camp at Brescia is inclin'd;
The Duke at Bergamo will seek defence;
And these are seeds of war for Rhodalind.

34

This said, his Councel he dismiss'd; who spy'd
A growing rage, which he would fain conceal;
They durst but nicely search, what he would hide;
Least they inflame the wound that else might heal.

35

They haste to sev'ral Cares; some to allay
Court's hectick Feaver, Faction (which does raign
Where Luxury, the Syre of Want, does sway)
Some to appease th' Alliance of the slain.

36

But Order now bids us again persue
Th'unweary'd Motion of unhappy Fame;
From Fields to Streets, from Streets to Court she flew;
Where first she to the Kings Apartment came.

37

Thence through the Palace she her wings did air;
And as her Wings, her Tongue too never ceas'd;
Like restless Swallows in an Evening fair:
At last does on a peaceful dwelling rest.

38

Where Sleep does yet that gentle Sex possesse,
Who ne'r should more of Care's rude wakings know,
But what may help sad Lovers to successe;
Or imp loves wings when they are found too slow.

39

There Lovers seek the Royal Rhodalind;
Whose secret brest was sick for Gondibert;
And Orna, who had more in publick pin'd
For Hurgonil, the Monarch of her heart.

40

And there the killing Laura did reside;
She of whose Eies the Lombard Youth Complain;
Yet often she for noble Arnold di'd;
And knew not now, her Murderer was slain.

41

Nor Hugo, who was all with love indu'd;
Whom still with teares the Lombard Ladies name;
Esteeming Modern Lovers false, and rude,
And Poets falser when they sing their fame.

42

These Beauties (who could soften Tyrant Kings)
Sleep now conceal'd within their Curtains shade;
Till rudely Fame, by shaking lowd her wings,
Disturb'd their Eies, and their wak'd hearts dismay'd.

43

They heard in parcels by imperfect sound,
A Tale too dismal to be understood;
That all their Lovers lay in hallow'd ground;
Temples their Bodies hid, the Fields their blood.

44

That this dire Morn to sad Verona brought
The Duke and Oswald, of lov'd life depriv'd;
And that of all who their fierce batail fought,
Onely the mangled Hurgonil surviv'd.

45

This Tale, Fame's course, officious Friends convay'd,
(Which are attendant Slaves, and Palace Grooms)
Who by the Lover of some busie Mayd,
From outward Courts sent it to inward Rooms.

46

Such horror brought, where love had onely us'd,
Did yet breed more amazement then belief;
Whilst Orna now, and Laura fly confus'd,
To Rhodalind, Truth's Altar, for relief.

47

There with disorder'd voices they compare,
And then derive what each has loosly learn'd;
Each hope applies, where others most despaire;
As doubting all but where her self's concern'd.

48

This weeping conf'rence had not lasted long,
When Tybalt, free from Aribert's commands,
Scapes the assembling Court's inquiring Throng,
And enters here; where first he doubtful stands.

49

For Pitty, when he ruin'd Laura spi'de,
Bids his discretion artfully complain;
And shew far off, what Truth not long can hide:
Death at a distance seen, may ease fears pain.

50

Their bus'ness now he can no more forbear;
For who on their urg'd patience can prevail,
Whose expectation is provok'd with fear?
He therefore thus their patience did assail.

51

Kinde Heav'n that gave you vertue, give you peace;
Delightful as your Beauties, be your Mindes;
Still may your Lovers your renown increase,
Though he who honor seeks, first danger findes!

52

Still may your beauty bear that ancient rate,
When beauty was chaste Honors Merchandise;
When Valor was chief Factor in Love's State;
Danger, Love's stamp, and Beautie's currant price.

53

Renown'd be Oswald, who in high belief
Of Rhodalind, her love with danger sought;
In Love's Records be Gondibert the chief,
Who for her right, not for his own has fought.

54

Though these for mighty mindes deserve Fame's voice;
Yet Orna needs must boast of Hurgonil;
Whose dangers well have justifi'd her choice,
And might alone Fame's publick Trumpet fill.

55

Enlarg'd be Honor's Throne, that Arnold there
And Hugo may for ever sit and rest,
Free from their Valor's toyle, and Laura's feare;
Which more then wounds disorder'd eithers Breast.

56

This said, he paws'd; findes each distrusts his art;
For Hope and Doubt came and return'd apace,
In chang'd Complexion from th' uncertain heart,
Like frighted Scowtes for Tidings to the Face.

57

His Eye seem'd most imploy'd on Rhodalind;
Whose love above her bashful caution sways;
For naming Gondibert, he soon did finde,
Her secret Soul shew'd pleasure at his praise.

58

Yet when she found her comforts did not last,
And that as Oracles, the future taught,
He hid Truth's Face, and darkened what was past;
Thus Truth through all her mourning Vailes she sought,

59

Why in these Ladies do you lengthen paine,
By giving them Grief's common med'cin, doubt?
Ease those with death whose Lovers now are slaine;
Life's fire a Feaver is, when Love's is out.

60

Yet think not that my cares peculiar are;
Perhaps I from religious pitty learn'd,
In Vertu's publick loss to take some share;
For there, all but the vicious are concern'd.

61

Your prudence, Royal Maid (he strait replies)
More then your birth, may claim the Lombards Crown
Whoe're in conquest of your favor dies;
For short lifes loss shall find a long renowne.

62

Then happy Oswald who is sure to gaine,
Even by Ambition that undoes the wise;
Great was th' attempt for which he's nobly slaine;
And gets him praise, though he has mist the prise.

63

But happier Gondibert, who does survive
To begg your Mercy, that he thus hath dar'd
To own that cause, for which the world might strive;
And conqu'ring, takes his wounds for his reward.

64

Be Hurgonil long distant from his Grave,
Whose life was so important in this cause;
Who for each wound he took, a wider gave,
And lives t' enjoy the pleasure of applause.

65

To say, how Hugo and Lord Arnold strove
For victorie, and mention their event,
Were to provide such fun'ral rites for Love,
As Death would be close Mourner, and repent.

66

Now Laura's blood back to her liver fled;
True Beautie's Mint: For by her Heart, Love's Throne.
Beautie's call'd in, like Coyn when Kings are dead;
As if not currant now her Lover's gone.

67

And like her beauty, she had darkened life,
But that with sprinckled water they restore
(By sodain cold, with sodain heat at strife)
Her spirits to those walks they us'd before.

68

She Arnold calls, then lost that name againe;
Which Rhodalind, and Orna's teares bemone,
Who carefully would her spent strength sustaine,
Though Hope has scarcely yet brought back their owne:

69

Now they her Temples chas'd, and strait prepare
Hot Eastern Fumes to reach her Brains cool'd sence;
With Wine's fierce spirits these extracted are,
Which warme but slowly, though of swift expence.

70

Yet now again she breath'd Lord Arnold's name;
VVhich her apt Tongue through custom best exprest;
Then to stay Life, that so unwilling came,
VVith Cordial Epithems they bath'd her breast.

71

Th' attendant Maids, by Tybalt's ready ayde,
To stop her Mourners teares, convey her now
VVhere she may ease in her own Curtain's shade
Her weary heart, and grief more Tongue allow.

72

No sooner thus was pity'd Laura gon,
But Oswald's sister, Gartha the renown'd!
Enters, as if the VVorld were overthrown,
Or in the teares of the afflicted drown'd.

73

Unconquer'd as her beauty was her minde;
VVhich wanted not a spark of Oswald's fire;
Ambition lov'd, but ne'r to Love was kinde;
Vex'd Thrones did more then quiet shades desire:

74

Her Garments now in loose neglect she wore,
As suted to her wilde dishevel'd haire;
Men in her shape might Natur's work adore,
Yet ask, why Art's nice dress was absent there?

75

But soon they found what made this change appear;
For meeting Truth, which slowly follows Fame,
Rage would not give her leasure for a Teare
To quench (ere thus she spake) her passion's flame.

76

Blasted be all your beauties Rhodalind,
Till you a shame, and terror be to light;
Unwing'd be Love, and slow as he is blind,
Who with your Looks poyson'd my Brothers sight!

77

Low and neglected be your Father's Throne,
Which like your beauty, Oswald did o're-rate;
Let luckless war take Lands from his light Crown,
Till those high cares he want that gave it weight!

78

Let Pow'rs consumption be his long disease,
Heav'n's vexing Curb, which makes wild Monarchs tame
And be he forc'd in froward age to please
His Favour's Monster, who devoures his Fame.

79

May you soon feel (though secret in your love,
As if your love were Sin) the publick scorn!
May Gondibert, who is your glory, move
Your pittie, when none else but you shall mourn!

80

To the dark Inne (where weary Valor, free
From thankless dangers rests) brave Oswald's gone!
But Hubert may, though vanquish'd, live to see
Your Victor with his Victory undone!

81

This said, she mounts (with a tempestious Brow)
The Charriot her Calabrian Coursers drew;
Lifted by Slaves, (who still about her bow)
As if with wings of swift revenge she flew.

82

To Brescia's Camp her course she had design'd;
And bids her Char'ioter drive swiftly on,
As if his steeds were dieted with winde!
Slow seems their speed whose thoughts before them run.

83

The pav'd Streets kindle with her Chariot wheeles!
The Omen of war's fire, the City spies,
Which with those sparks struck by her coursers heels,
Shine not so much as rage does in her Eies.

84

Those that observ'd her anger, grief, and haste,
VVith a dejected melancholy mourn;
She seem'd their Cities Genius as she pass'd,
Who by their Sins expell'd, would ne'r return.

85

The gentle Ladies, she has left in tears,
Who no example need nor cause to melt;
For soon even grief's Alarms, our foremost fears,
Kill those whose pain by Love's quick sence is felt.

86

And Rhodalind her fatal love does blame,
Because she finds it now by Gartha spy'd,
And does lament Love's fire, which bashful shame
Cannot reveal, nor her discretion hide.

87

She would not have it wast, nor publick grow;
But last conceal'd like that in Tullia's Urne;
Or that which prosp'rous Chymists nicely show;
Which as it thrives, must more in private burn.

88

Yet strait (grown valiant with her Victors fate)
She would have Hymen hold his Torches high;
And Love's fire pris'd, as Vestals theirs did rate;
Which none durst quench, though free to ev'ry Eie.

89

Resolves her love whilst this new valor lasts,
Shall undisguis'd her Father's sight endure;
And Orna now to her dear Lover hastes;
Whose outward wounds stay for her inward cure.

90

But here a wonder may arrest our thought,
Why Tybalt (of his usual pitty void)
To such sought Eares these direful sorrows brought,
Since to the King he onely was imploy'd?

91

But these are Ridles of misterious Love!
Tybalt in private long for Laura pin'd;
And try'd how Arnold would her. passion move
In death, who living ever fill'd her minde?

92

And by this trial how she Arnold us'd,
He wisely ment to urge or stay his heart;
But much by Love the Cautious are abus'd,
Who his wilde Ridles would reduce to Art.

Canto the Third.

The ARGUMENT.

Dead Oswald to his Camp by Hubert brought;
The Camp from pity, are to fury wrought;
Yet finde, when Gartha's looks does them surprise,
Their forward Hands diverted by their Eies:
Till with her voice new urg'd, they deeds persue
Which even Revenge would, had it Eies, eschew.

1

When from the fatal Forrest Hubert rod
To Brescia he and Borgio bent their way;
That their though dead, yet much important Load,
They might with horror to the Camp convay.

2

Revenge, impatient Hubert proudly sought!
Revenge, which even when just the wise deride;
For on past wrongs we spend our time and thought,
Which scarce against the future can provide.

3

But Fame before him came where those are bred
Who to her dismal Tales, faint credit give;
Who could not think their mighty Oswald dead,
Whilst they unconquer'd, and unwounded live.

4

Nor could Fame hope to make this Camp her Seate;
Her Tales, the talking, idle, fearful, heare;
But these are silent as in stolne retreate,
Busie as life, and like the Dead past feare.

5

Neer Mela's flowry Banke this Army lay;
Which Oswald's Syre, and Oswald oft had led
Against the Uandales King; and twice the day
They gain'd, whilst he from them and Empire fled.

6

From Youth expos'd, like Cattle in the Field;
And not taught warmth, as City Infants are;
But colds and fasts, to kill or to be kill'd;
Like th'Elements their birth began with Warre.

7

So Rev'rend now, and strong in age appeare,
As if maintain'd by more then humane breath;
So grave, as if the Councellors they were,
Not Executioners of Tyrant Death.

8

With silence (order's help, and marke of care)
They chide that noise which heedless youth affect;
Still course for use, for health they cleanly weare,
And save in well fix'd Armes, all niceness chek'd.

9

They thought, those that unarm'd expos'd fraile life,
But naked Nature valiantly betrai'd;
Who was though naked, safe, till pride made strife;
But made defence must use, now danger's made.

10

And those who toyle of Armor cannot byde,
Lose Natur's force, which these in custom finde;
And make (since strength's but Nature hourly try'd)
The Body weak by softness of the Minde.

11

They seem'd so calme, and with their age so grave,
So just and civil in their killing trade,
As if all life were crime but what they save;
Or Murder were by method lawful made.

12

Yet now that Manhood which those Victors makes
(So weak is Man, where most he may be prowd)
Pity, the tender'st of affections, shakes,
And they become from order, loose, and lowd.

13

For when they saw the Brother of their Chief
Led to their Camp by a defeated Traine,
They soon to late scorn'd Rumor gave belief,
And then by Hubert's wounds thought Oswald slaine.

14

But when disguis'd in death they Oswald saw,
In a slow Charriot brought, with fun'ral pace;
Themselves in an united Croud they draw;
And give to grief one universal Face.

15

Wonder (which growes unactive by excesse)
A while did their unruly passion stay;
The object lasting, made their wonder lesse,
Which fled to give their grief and anger way.

16

Yet first their grief (which Manhood should restraine)
They vent in womens sighs, with teares allay'd;
As if those women, taught them to complaine
Who by their Swords are weeping Widows made.

17

As Icy Rockes which frost together binde,
Stand silent, till as silently they melt,
But when they meet in Currents unconfin'd,
Swell, and grow loud, as if they freedom felt;

18

So these, unmov'd before, melt quietly
In their first grief, till grief (when tears meet tears,
And sighs meet sighs from ev'ry Breast and Eie)
Unruly grows, and danger's visage bears.

19

When hastily they heard by whose dire hand
Their Gen'ral fell, they think it cold to pause
Till anger may be guided by command;
And vain to ask of cureless Death the cause.

20

Some would to Bergamo their Ensignes bear,
Against those Youth which Gondibert had led;
Whom they in sacrifice would offer there,
T' appease the living, and revenge the dead.

21

And some (to shew their rage more eminent)
Would to Verona march, and there do deeds
Should make the shining Court in blacks lament,
And weep whilst the Victorious Faction bleeds.

22

Hubert (who saw Revenge advance so faste,
Whilst Prudence, slower pac'd, was left behinde)
Would keep their anger bent, yet slack their haste;
Because the rash fall oftner then the blinde.

23

He first their melting pitty kindly prais'd,
Which water'd Anger's forge, and urg'd their fire;
That like to Meteors lasts by being rais'd,
But when it first does sink, does strait expire.

24

Commends their anger, yet that flame he prays
May keep the temp'rate Chymicks equal heat;
That they in fury might not need allays,
Nor charge so rashly as to want retreat.

25

Begs they this dismal night would there remain,
And make the hopeful Morn their Guide; whilst Grief
(Which high Revenge, as tameness should disdain)
Sleep shall conceal, and give his wounds relief.

26

He Vasco, Paradine and Dargonet,
With Oswald, to the red Pavilion sent;
(Death's equal Pris'ners now for Nature's debt)
And then retires with Borgio to his Tent.

27

This is the night the Brescians so bemoan'd;
Who left their beds, and on their walls appear'd;
As if th' oppressed World in Earthquakes groan'd,
Or that some ruin'd Nation's sighs they heard;

28

Admir'd what in that Camp such griefs could raise,
Where serious Death so oft had been abus'd,
When ev'n their sportive Fencers Monthly Plays
Profan'd that shape, which States for terror us'd.

29

Yet this lowd mourning will no wonder breed,
When we with life lay Oswald's errors by,
And use him as the Living use the Dead;
Who first allow men vertue when they dy.

30

Still lib'ral of his life, of wealth as free;
By which he chief in fighting Crowds became;
Who must their Leaders Valors often see;
And follow them for bounty more then fame.

31

This gen'ral mourning was to lowdness rais'd,
By shewing Gifts he gave, and wounds he took;
They chid at last his life which they had prais'd,
Because such vertue it so soon forsook.

32

Now Night, by Grief neglected, hastes away!
And they the Morne's officious Usher spy,
The close Attendant on the Lord of Day;
Who shews the warmer of the World is nigh.

33

And now the Drums, the Camps low Thunder, make
War's thick united noise from ev'ry Guard;
Though they Reveillees scorn, whom grief does wake,
Who think, sleep Nature's curse, not toyls reward.

34

All night proud Borgio (chief in Hubert's trust)
With haughty hopes, the Camp does waking keep:
Ambition is more vigilant then Lust,
And in hope's feaver is too hot to sleep.

35

Now Day, and Hubert haste to publick view;
His wounds (unlucky more then dangerous)
Are so refresh'd, that he the Army drew
To a wide Grosse, and urg'd their Anger thus.

36

Friends to my Father! in whose wounds I see
The envy'd Merit whence his triumphs came;
And Fathers to my Brother, and to me;
For onely you adopted us to Fame!

37

Forgive me that I there have feebly fought,
Where Oswald in your cause did nobly strive;
Whence of his blood these veines so much have brought,
As makes me blush that I am still alive!

38

Your valiant Youth is gone, whom you have bred
From milkie Childhood to the years of blood!
By whom you joy'd so often to be led,
Where firme as now your Trophys, then you stood!

39

Gon is he now, who still with low regard
Bow'd to your age, your wounds as beauty kist;
Knew Age was of your temp'rance the reward;
And Courts in beauty by your skarrs subsist.

40

Yet was he not for mean pretensions slaine,
Who for your inter'st not his own has fought;
Vex'd that the Empire which your wounds did gaine,
Was by a young unwounded Army sought!

41

For Gondibert (to whom the Court must bow,
Now War is with your Fav'rite overthrowne)
Will by his Camp of Boys at Bergamo,
VVed her, who to your Valor owes the Crowne.

42

Blame not your Chief for his ambitious fire;
VVho was but temp'rate, when he understood
He might the Empire in your right require;
A scant reward for your exhausted blood.

43

Thus Hubert spake; but now so fierce they grow,
That Borgio strove to quench whom Hubert warm'd;
To Bergamo, they cry'd, to Bergamo!
And as they soon were vex'd, as soon are arm'd.

44

For to distinct and spacious Tents they hie,
VVhere quick as Vests of Persia shifted are,
Their Arms (which there in cleanly order lie)
They take from moving VVardrobes of the warre.

45

Arm'd soon as Porquepines! as if like those,
Their very rage them with defence supplies;
As borne with it, and must have winged Foes
That stoop from Heav'n to harme them by surprise.

46

VVith Ensignes now display'd, their Force they draw
To hasty order, and begin to move;
But are amus'd by something that they saw,
VVhich look'd like all that ere they heard of love.

47

Unusual to their Camp such objects were,
Yet this no ill effect from wonder wrought;
For it appeas'd them by approaching neer,
And satisfi'd their Eies in all they sought.

48

And this was Gartha in her Chariot drawn;
Who through the swarthy Region of the Night
Drove from the Court; and as a second dawn
Breaks on them, like the Mornes Reserve of Light.

49

Through all the Camp she moves with Fun'ral pace,
And still bowes meekly down to all she saw;
Her grief gave speaking beauty to her Face;
Which lowly look'd, that it might pitty draw.

50

VVhen by her Slaves, her name they understood,
Her Lines of feature heedfully they view;
In her complexion track their Gen'ral's blood,
And find her more, then what by fame they knew.

51

They humbly her to that Pavilion guide,
VVhere Hubert his bold Chiefs with fury fir'd;
But his ambition, when he Gartha spy'd
(To give his sorrow place) a while retir'd.

100

52

With his respectful help she does descend;
Where they, with dear imbraces mingle Tears,
But now her Male Revenge would grief suspend;
Revenge, through Grief, too feminine appears.

53

But when her dear Allies, dead Paradine,
And Dargonet she saw; that Manlinesse
Which her weak Sex assum'd, she does decline;
As bred too soft, to mannage griefs excesse.

54

Then soon return'd, as loath to shew her Eies
No more of Oswald then she must forsake;
But sorrow's moisture, heat of anger dries;
And mounted in her Chariot, thus she spake:

55

If you are those of whom I oft have heard
My Father boast, and that have Oswald bred;
Ah, where is now that rage our Tyrant fear'd,
Whose Darling is alive, though yours be dead?

56

The Court shines out at Rhodalind's commands,
To me (your drooping Flowre) no beam can spare;
Where Oswald's name, new planted by your hands,
Withers, as if it lost the Planters care.

57

From Rhodalind I thus disorder'd flie;
Least she should say, thy Fate unpity'd comes!
Goe sing, where now thy Fathers Fighters lie,
Thy Brothers requiem, to their conqu'ring Drums!

58

The happy Fields by those brave Warriors fought,
(Which from the Dictates of thy aged Syre,
Oswald in high Victorious Numbers wrot)
Thou shalt no more sign to thy silenc'd Lyre!

59

Such scorns, pow'r on unlucky vertue throws,
When Courts with prosp'rous vices wanton are;
Who your Authentick age despise for those,
VVho are to you but Infants of the warre.

60

Thus though she spake, her looks did more perswade;
Like vertuous anger did her colour rise,
As if th'injurious world it would invade,
VVhilst tears of rage not pitty drown her Eies.

61

The Sun did thus to threatned Nature show
His anger red, whilst guilt look'd pale in all;
VVhen Clouds of Floods did hang about his Brow,
And then shrunk back to let that anger fall.

62

And so she turn'd her Face, not as to grieve
At ruine, but to lisence what she rais'd;
VVhilst they (like common Throngs) all Tongues believe
VVhen Courts are tax'd, but none when they are prais'd.

101

63

Like Commets, Courts afflict the vulgar Eie;
And when they largest in their glory blaze,
People through ignorance think plagues are nie,
And till they waste with mourning wonder gaze.

64

These scorn the Courts dissertion of their age;
The active, ease impos'd, like pain endure;
For though calm rest does Age's pains asswage,
Yet few the sickness own to get the cure.

65

To Heav'n they lift their looks! whose Sun ne'r saw
Rage so agreed, as now he does behold;
Their shining swords all at an instant draw,
And bad him judge next day if they were old!

66

And of Verona wish'd him take his leave;
Which ere his third return they will destroy,
Till none shall guess by ruines where to grieve,
No more then Phrygians where to weep for Troy.

67

Thus Bergamo is soon forgot, whilst all
Alowd, Verona cry! Verona must
(That reach'd the Clouds) low as her Quarries fall!
The Court they'll bury in the Cities dust.

102

Canto the Fourth.

The ARGUMENT.

At Oswald's Camp arrives wise Hermegild;
Whose presence does a new diversion yield;
In Councel he reveals his secret Breast;
Would mingle Love with Empires interest:
From rash revenge, to peace the Camp invites,
Who Oswald's Fun'ral grace with Roman Rites.

1

In this distemper whilst the humors strive
T' assemble, they again diverted are;
For tow'rds their Trenches Twenty Chariots drive,
Swiftly as Syrians when they charge in warre.

2

They Hermegild with Court attendants spy'd;
Whose haste to Hubert does advice intend;
To warn him that just Fate can ne'r provide
For rash beginnings a succesful end.

3

But fate for Hermegild provided well;
This Story else (which him the wise does call)
Would here his private ruine sadly tell,
I hastning to prevent the publick Fall.

4

His noble blood obscurely had been shed,
His undistinguish'd Limbs scatter'd unknown,
As is the dust of Victors long since dead,
Which here and there, by every wind is blown.

5

Such was their rage when on Verona's way
(With his rich Trayn) they saw from Court he came;
Till some did their impetuous fury stay;
And gave his life protection for his fame,

6

Told them his valor had been long allow'd;
That much the Lombard's to his conduct ow;
And this preserv'd him, for the very Crowd
Felt honor here, and did to valor bow.

7

Vain Wrath! Deform'd, unquiet Child of Pride!
Which in a few the People madness call;
But when by number they grew dignify'd,
What's rage in some is liberty in all.

103

8

Through dangers of this lawless liberty,
He like Authentick pow'r does boldly pass;
And with a quiet and experienc'd eye,
Through Death's foul Vizard, does despise his face.

9

At Hubert's Tent he lights, where Hubert now
With Gartha of this Torrent does advise;
Which he believes does at the highest flow,
And must like Tides, sink when it cannot rise.

10

When Hermegild he saw, he did disperse
Those cares assembled in his looks, and strove
(Though to his Master, and the Court perverse)
To shew him all the civil signes of Love.

11

For him in stormy war he glorious knew;
Nor in calm Councels was he less renown'd;
And held him now to Oswald's Faction true,
As by his love, the world's first Tenure, bound.

12

For he (though wasted in the ebb of blood,
When Man's Meridian tow'rds his Evening turnes)
Makes against Nature's Law, Love's Charter good,
And as in raging Youth for Gartha burnes.

13

Who did his sute not only disapprove,
Because the summer of his life was past;
And she fresh blown; but that even highest love
Growes tastless to Ambition's higher taste,

14

Yet now in such a great and single cause,
With nice Ambition, nicer Love complies;
And she (since to revenge he usefull was)
Perswades his hope with Rhet'rique of her Eyes.

15

A closse division of the Tent they strait
By outward Guards secure from all resort;
Then Hermegild does thus the cause relate,
Which to the Camp dispatch'd him from the Court.

16

Important Prince! who justly dost succeed
To Oswalds hopes, and all my loyal aide;
Vertue as much in all thy wounds does bleed,
As love in me, since wounded by that Maide.

17

Long have I sayl'd through Times vexatious sea;
And first set out with all that Youth is worth;
The Tropicks pass'd of bloods hot bravery,
With all the Sailes, gay Flags, and Streamers forth!

18

But as in hotter voyages, Ships most
Weare out their trim, yet then they chiefly gain
By inward stowage, what is outward lost;
So men, decays of youth, repaire in brain.

104

19

If I experience boast when youth decayes,
Such vanity may Gartha's pity move,
Since so I seek your service by self praise,
Rather then seem unusefull where I love.

20

And never will I (though by Time supply'd
With such discretion as does Man improve)
To shew discretion, wiser Nature hide,
By seeming now asham'd to say I Love.

21

For love his pow'r has in gray Senates shown,
Where he, as to green Courts, does freely come;
And though loud youth, his visits makes more known,
With graver Age he's privately at home.

22

Scarce Greece, or greater Rome a Victor showes,
Whom more Victorious Love did not subdue;
Then blame not me who am so weak to those;
Whil'st Gartha all exceeds, that ere they knew.

23

Hope (Love's first food) I ne'r till now did know;
Which Love, as yet but temp'rately devours;
And claimes not love for love, since Gartha so
For Autumn Leaves, should barter Summer Flowers.

24

I dare not vainly wish her to be kinde,
Till for her love, my Arts and Pow'r bestow
The Crown on thee, adorn'd with Rhodalind;
Which yet for Gartha is a price too low.

25

This said, he paws'd; and now the hectick heate
Of Oswald's blood, doubled their Pulses pace;
Which high, as if they would be heard, did beate,
And hot Ambition shin'd in eithers face.

26

For Hermegild they knew could much outdoe
His words, and did possess great Aribert,
Not in the Courts cheap Glass of outward showe,
But by a study'd Tenure of the heart.

27

Whilst this try'd truth does make their wishes sure,
Hubert on Gartha looks, with suing Eyes
For Hermegild; whose love she will endure,
And made Ambition yield what Youth denies.

28

Yet in this bargain of her self, she knowes
Not how to treat; but all her chief desires,
Bids Hubert, as the Twins of his, dispose
To glory and revenge; and then retires.

29

But with such blushes Hermegild she leaves,
As the unclouded Evening's Face adorn;
Nor much he for her parting glory grieves,
Since such an Evening bodes a happy Morn.

105

30

Now Hermegild by vowes does Hubert binde,
(Vowes by their fate in Lombard Story known)
He Gartha makes the price of Rhodalind,
And Aribert his Tenant to the Crown.

31

He bids him now the Armies rage allay;
By rage (said he) only they Masters are
Of those they chuse, when temp'rate, to obay:
Against themselves th'impatient chiefly warre.

32

We are the Peoples Pilots, they our winds;
To change by Nature prone; but Art Laveers,
And rules them till they rise with Stormy Mindes;
Then Art with danger against Nature Steers.

33

Where calms have first amus'd, Storms most prevail;
Close first with Calms the Courts suspitious Eyes;
That whilst with all their trim, they sleeping sail,
A sudden Gust may wrack them by surprise.

34

Your Army will (though high in all esteem
That ever rev'renc'd Age to Action gave)
But a small Party to Verona seem;
Which yearly to such Numbers yields a Grave.

35

Nor is our vaste Metropolis, like those
Tame Towns, which peace has soft'ned into fears;
But Death deform'd in all his Dangers knows;
Dangers, which he like frightful Vizards wears.

36

From many Camps, who forraign winters felt,
Verona has her conqu'ring Dwellers ta'ne;
In War's great Trade, with richest Nations delt;
And did their Gold and Fame with Iron gain.

37

Yet to the mighty Aribert it bowes;
A King out-doing all the Lombard Line!
Whose Court (in Iron clad) by coursness showes
A growing pow'r, which fades when Courts grow fine.

38

Scorn not the Youthful Camp at Bergamo;
For they are Victors, though in years but young;
The War does them, they it by action know,
And have obedient Minds, in Bodies strong.

39

Be slow, and stay for aides, which haste forsakes!
For though Occasion still does Sloth out-goe,
The rash, who run from help, she ne'r o'er-takes,
Whose haste thinks Time, the Post of Nature, slow.

40

This is a cause which our Ambition fills;
A cause, in which our strength we should not waste,
In vain like Giants, who did heave at Hills;
'Tis too unwildly for the force of haste.

106

41

A cause for graver Minds that learned are
In mistick Man; a cause which we must gain
By surer methods then depend on Warre;
And respite valor, to imploy the Brain.

42

In the King's Scale your merits are too light;
Who with the Duke, weighs his own partial heart;
Make then the gift of Empire publick right,
And get in Rhodalind the Peoples part.

43

But this rough Tide, the meeting Multitude,
If we oppose, we make our voyage long;
Yet when we with it row, it is subdu'd;
And we are wise, when Men in vain are strong.

44

Then to the People sue, but hide your force;
For they believe the strong are still unjust;
Never to armed Sutors yield remorse;
And where they see the pow'r, the right distrust.

45

Assault their pity as their weakest part;
Which the first Plaintiff never failes to move;
They search but in the face to finde the heart;
And grief in Princes, more then triumph love.

46

And to prepare their pity, Gartha now
Should in her sorrows height with me return;
For since their Eyes at all distresses flow,
How will they at afflicted beauty mourn.

47

Much such a pledge of Peace will with the King
(Urg'd by my int'rest here) my pow'r improve;
And much my power will to your int'rest bring,
If from the watchful Court you hide my Love.

48

If Gartha deignes to love, our love must grow
Unseen, like Mandrakes wedded under ground;
That I (still seeming unconcern'd) may know
The King's new depths, which length of trust may sound!

49

Thus Hermegild his study'd thoughts declar'd;
Whilst Hubert (who believ'd, discover'd love
A solid Pledge for hidden faith) prepar'd
To stay the Camp, so furious to remove.

50

And now their rage (by correspondence spred)
Borgio allays, that else like sparks of fire
(Which drops at first might drowne) by matter fed,
At last to quench the flame may seas require.

51

As with the Sun they rose in wrath, their wrath
So with his heat increas'd; but now he hastes
Down Heav'ns steep Hill, to his Atlantick Bath;
Where he refreshes till his Feaver wastes.

107

52

With his (by Borgio's help) their heat declin'd;
So soon lov'd Eloquence does Throngs subdue;
The common Mistress to each private Minde;
Painted and dress'd to all, to no Man true.

53

To Court his Gartha, Hermegild attends:
And with old Lovers vaine poetick Eyes,
Markes how her beauty, when the Sun descends,
His pitty'd Evening poverty supplies.

54

The Army now to Neighb'ring Brescia bear,
With dismal pomp, the slain: In hallow'd ground
They Paradine, and Dargonet interr;
And Vasco much in painful war renoun'd.

55

To Oswald (whose illustrious Roman minde
Shin'd out in life, though now in dying hid)
Hubert these Roman fun'ral rites assign'd;
Which yet the World's last law had not forbid.

56

Thrice is his Body clean by bathing made;
And when with Victor's Oyle anointed or'e,
'Tis in the Pallace Gate devoutly layd'e,
Clad in that Vest which he in Battel wore.

57

Whilst seven succeeding Suns pass sadly by,
The Palace seems all hid in Cypress Boughs;
From ancient Lore, of Man's mortality
The Type, for where 'tis lopp'd it never grows.

58

The publick fun'ral voice, till these expire,
Cryes out; here Greatness, tir'd with honor, rests!
Come see what Bodies are, when Souls retire;
And visit death, ere you become his Guests!

59

Now on a Purple Bed the Corps they raise;
Whilst Trumpets summon all the common Quire
In tune to mourn him, and disperse his praise;
And then move slowly tow'rds the Fun'ral fire!

60

They beare before him Spoiles they gain'd in warre;
And his great Ancestors in Sculpture wrought;
And now arrive, where Hubert does declare
How oft and well, he for the Lombards fought.

61

Here, in an Altar's form, a Pile is made
Of Unctious Firr, and Sleepers fatal Ewe;
On which the Body is by Mourners laid,
Who their sweet Gummes (their last kind Tribute threw.)

62

Hubert his Arme, westward, aversly stretch'd;
Whilst to the hopefull East his Eyes were turn'd;
And with a hallow'd Torch the Pyle he reach'd;
Which seen, they all with utmost clamor mourn'd.

108

63

Whilst the full Flame aspires, Oswald (they cry)
Farewell! we follow swiftly as the Houres!
For-with Times's wings, tow'rds Death, even Cripples flie!
This said, the hungry Flame its food devoures.

64

Now Priests with Wine the Ashes quench, and hide
The Rev'renc'd Reliques in a Marble Urne.
The old dismissive Ilicet is cry'd
By the Town voice, and all to Feasts returne.

65

Thus Urnes may Bodies shew; but the fled Minde
The Learn'd seek vainly; for whose quest we pay,
With such success as cousen'd Shepheards finde,
Who seek to Wizards when their Cattel stray.

109

Canto the Fifth.

The ARGUMENT.

The House of Astragon; where in distress
Of Nature, Gondibert for Art's redress
Was by old Ulfin brought: where Art's hard strife,
In studying Nature for the aid of Life,
Is by full wealth and conduct easie made;
And Truth much visited, though in her shade.

1

From Brescia swiftly o're the bord'ring Plain,
Return we to the House of Astragon;
Where Gondibert, and his successfull Train,
Kindly lament the Victory they won.

2

But though I Fame's great Book shall open now,
Expect a while, till she that Decad reads,
Which does this Dukes eternal Story show,
And aged Ulfin cites for special deeds.

3

Where Friendship is renown'd in Ulfinore;
Where th' ancient musick of delightful verse,
Does it no less in Goltho's Breast adore,
And th'union of their equal hearts reherse.

4

These weary Victors the descending Sun
Led hither, where swift Night did them surprise;
And where, for valiant toiles, wise Astragon,
With sweet rewards of sleep, did fill their Eyes.

5

When to the needy World Day did appear,
And freely op'd her Treasury of light,
His House (where Art and Nature Tennants were)
The pleasure grew, and bus'ness of their sight.

6

Where Ulfin (who an old Domestick seems,
And rules as Master in the Owners Breast)
Leads Goltho to admire what he esteems;
And thus, what he had long observ'd, exprest.

7

Here Art by such a diligence is serv'd,
As does th' unwearied Planets imitate;
Whose motion (life of Nature) has preserv'd
The world, which God vouchsaf'd but to create.

110

8

Those heights, which else Dwarf Life could never reach,
Here, by the wings of diligence they climbe;
Truth (skar'd with Terms from canting Schools) they teach;
And buy it with their best sav'd Treasure, Time,

9

Here all Men seem Recov'rers of time past;
As busie as intentive Emmets are;
As alarm'd Armies that intrench in haste,
Or Cities, whom unlook'd-for sieges skare.

10

Much it delights the wise Observers Eye,
That all these toiles direct to sev'ral skills;
Some from the Mine to the hot Furnace hie,
And some from flowry Fields to weeping Stills.

11

The first to hopefull Chymicks matter bring,
Where Med'cine they extract for instant cure;
These bear the sweeter burthens of the Spring;
Whose vertues (longer known) though slow, are sure.

12

See there wet Divers from Fossone sent!
Who of the Seas deep Dwellers knowledge give;
Which (more unquiet then their Element)
By hungry war, upon each other live.

13

Pearl to their Lord, and Cordial Coral these
Present; which must in sharpest liquids melt;
He with Nigella cures that dull disease
They get, who long with stupid Fish have dwelt.

14

Others through Quarries dig, deeply below
Where Desart Rivers, cold, and private run;
Where Bodies conservation best they know,
And Mines long growth, and how their veines begun.

15

He shewes them now Tow'rs of prodigious height,
Where Natures Friends, Philosophers remain
To censure Meteors in their cause and flight.
And watch the Wind's authority on Rain.

16

Others with Optick Tubes the Moons scant face
(Vaste Tubes, which like long Cedars mounted lie)
Attract through Glasses to so near a space,
As if they came not to survey, but prie.

17

Nine hasty Centuries are now fulfill'd,
Since Opticks first were known to Astragon;
By whom the Moderns are become so skill'd,
They dream of seeing to the Maker's Throne.

18

And wisely Astragon, thus busie grew,
To seek the Stars remote societies;
And judge the walks of th' old, by finding new;
For Nature's law, in correspondence lies.

111

19

Man's pride (grown to Religion) he abates,
By moving our lov'd Earth; which we think fix'd;
Think all to it, and it to none relates;
With others motion scorn to have it mix'd;

20

As if 'twere great and stately to stand still
Whilst other Orbes dance on; or else think all
Those vaste bright Globes (to shew God's needless skill)
Were made but to attend our little Ball.

21

Now near a sever'd Building they discern'd
(Which seem'd, as in a pleasant shade, retir'd)
A Throng, by whose glad diligence they learn'd,
They came from Toyles which their own choice desir'd

22

This they approach, and as they enter it
Their Eyes were stay'd, by reading o'er the Gate,
Great Natures Office, in large letters writ;
And next, they mark'd who there in office sate.

23

Old busie Men, yet much for wisdom fam'd;
Hasty to know, though not by haste beguil'd;
These fitly, Nature's Registers were nam'd;
The Throng were their Intelligeneers stil'd:

24

Who stop by snares, and by their chace o'retake
All hidden Beasts the closer Forrest yields;
All that by secret sence their rescue make,
Or trust their force, or swiftness in the Fields.

25

And of this Throng, some their imployment have
In fleeting Rivers, some fix'd Lakes beset;
Where Nature's self, by shifts, can nothing save
From trifling Angles, or the swal'wing Net.

26

Some, in the spacious Ayre, their Prey o'retake,
Cous'ning, with hunger, Falcons of their wings;
Whilst all their patient observations make,
Which each to Nature's Office duely brings.

27

And there of ev'ry Fish, and Foule, and Beast,
The wiles these learned Registers record,
Courage, and feares, their motion and their rest;
Which they prepare for their more learned Lord.

28

From hence to Nature's Nursery they goe;
Where seems to grow all that in Eden grew;
And more (if Art her mingled Species show)
Then th' Hebrew King, Nature's Historian, knew.

29

Impatient Simplers climbe for Blossomes here;
When Dewes (Heav'n's secret milk) in unseen show'rs
First feed the early Childhood of the year;
And in ripe Summer, stoop for Hearbs and Flow'rs.

112

30

In Autumn, Seeds and Berries they provide;
Where Nature a remaining force preserves;
In Winter digg for Roots, where she does hide
That stock, which if consum'd, the next Spring sterves.

31

From hence (fresh Nature's flourishing Estate!)
They to her wither'd Receptacle come;
Where she appears the loathsome Slave of Fate;
For here her various Dead possess the Room.

32

This dismall Gall'ry, lofty, long, and wide;
Was hung with Skelitons of ev'ry kinde;
Humane, and all that learned humane pride
Thinks made t' obey Man's high immortal Minde.

33

Yet on that Wall hangs he too, who so thought;
And she dry'd by him, whom that He obey'd;
By her an El'phant that with Heards had fought,
Of which the smallest Beast made her afraid.

34

Next it, a Whale is high in Cables ty'd,
Whose strength might Herds of Elephants controul;
Then all, (in payres of ev'ry kinde) they spy'd
Which Death's wrack leaves, of Fishes, Beasts, and Fowl.

35

These Astragon (to watch with curious Eye
The diff'rent Tenements of living breath)
Collects, with what far Travailers supply;
And this was call'd, The Cabinet of Death.

36

Which some the Monument of Bodies, name;
The Arke, which saves from Graves all dying kindes;
This to a structure led, long known to Fame,
And call'd, The Monument of banish'd Mindes.

37

Where, when they thought they saw in well sought Books,
Th' assembled soules of all that Men held wise,
It bred such awfull rev'rence in their looks,
As if they saw the bury'd writers rise.

38

Such heaps of written thoughts (Gold of the Dead,
Which Time does still disperse, but not devour)
Made them presume all was from Deluge free'd,
Which long-liv'd-Authors writ ere Noah's Show'r.

39

They saw Egyptian Roles, which vastly great,
Did like faln Pillars lie, and did display
The tale of Natures life, from her first heat,
Till by the Flood o'er-cool'd, she felt decay.

40

And large as these (for Pens were Pencils then)
Others that Egypts, chiefest Science show'd;
Whose River forc'd Geometry on Men,
Which did distinguish what the Nyle o're-flow'd.

113

41

Near them, in Piles, Chaldean Cous'ners lie;
Who the hid bus'ness of the Stars relate;
Who make a Trade of worship'd Prophesie;
And seem to pick the Cabinet of Fate.

42

There Persian Magi stand; for wisdom prais'd;
Long since wise Statesmen, now Magicians thought;
Altars and Arts are soon to fiction rais'd,
And both would have, that miracles are wrought.

43

In a dark Text, these States-men left their Mindes;
For well they knew, that Monarch's Mistery
(Like that of Priests) but little rev'rence findes,
VVhen they the Curtain op'e to ev'ry Eye.

44

Behinde this Throng, the talking Greeks had place;
VVho Nature turn to Art, and Truth disguise,
As skill does native beauty oft deface;
With Termes they charm the weak, and pose the wise.

45

Now they the Hebrew, Greek and Roman spie;
Who for the Peoples ease, yoak'd them with Law;
Whom else, ungovern'd lusts would drive awry;
And each his own way frowardly would draw.

46

In little Tomes these grave first Lawyers lie,
In Volumes their Interpreters below;
Who first made Law an Art, then Misterie;
So cleerest springs, when troubled, cloudy grow.

47

But here, the Souls chief Book did all precede;
Our Map tow'rds Heav'n; to common Crowds deny'd;
Who proudly aim to teach, ere they can read;
And all must stray, where each will be a Guide.

48

About this sacred little Book did stand
Unweildly Volumes, and in number great;
And long it was since any Readers hand
Had reach'd them from their unfrequented Seat.

49

For a deep Dust (which Time does softly shed,
Where only Time does come) their Covers beare;
On which, grave Spyders, streets of Webbs had spread;
Subtle, and slight, as the grave Writers were.

50

In these, Heav'ns holy Fire does vainly burn;
Nor warms, nor lights, but is in Sparkles spent;
VVhere froward Authors, with disputes, have torn
The Garment seamless as the Firmament.

51

These are the old Polemicks, long since read,
And shut by Astragon; who thought it just,
They, like the Authors (Truth's Tormentors) dead,
Should lie unvisited, and lost in dust.

114

52

Here the Arabian's Gospel open lay,
(Men injure Truth, who Fiction nicely hide)
Where they the Monk's audacious stealths survey,
From the World's first, and greater second Guide.

53

The Curious much perus'd this, then, new Book;
As if some secret wayes to Heav'n it taught;
For straying from the old, men newer look,
And prise the found, not finding those they sought.

54

We, in Tradition (Heav'n's dark Mapp) descrie
Heav'n worse, then ancient Mapps farr India show;
Therefore in new, we search where Heav'n does lie;
The Mind's sought Ophir, which we long to know.

55

Or as a Planter, though good Land he spies,
Seeks new, and when no more so good he findes,
Doubly esteems the first; so Truth men prise;
Truth, the discov'ry made by trav'ling Mindes.

56

And this false Book, till truly understood
By Astragon, was openly display'd;
As counterfeit; false Princes, rather shou'd
Be shewn abroad, then in close Prison lay'd.

57

Now to the old Philosophers they come;
Who follow'd Nature with such just despaire,
As some do Kings farr off; and when at home,
Like Courtiers, boast, that they deep secrets share.

58

Near them are grave dull Moralists, who give
Counsell to such, as still in publick dwell;
At sea, in Courts, in Camps, and Citties live;
And scorn experience from th' unpractis'd Cell.

59

Esop with these stands high, and they below;
His pleasant wisdome mocks their gravity;
Who Vertue like a tedious Matron show,
He dresses Nature to invite the Eye.

60

High skill their Ethicks seemes, whilst he stoops down
To make the People wise; their learned pride
Makes all obscure, that Men may prise the Gown;
With ease he teaches, what with pain they hide.

61

And next (as if their bus'ness rul'd Mankinde)
Historians stand bigg as their living looks;
Who thought, swift Time they could in fetters binde;
Till his Confessions they had ta'ne in Books:

62

But Time oft scap'd them in the shades of Night;
And was in Princes Closets oft conceal'd,
And hid in Battels smoke; so what they Write
Of Courts and Camps, is oft by guess reveal'd,

115

63

Near these, Physitians stood; who but reprieve
Like life a Judge, whom greater pow'r does awe;
And cannot an Almighty pardon give;
So much yields Subject Art to Nature's Law.

64

And not weak Art, but Nature we upbraid,
When our frail essence proudly we take ill;
Think we are robb'd, when first we are decay'd
And those were murder'd whom her law did kill.

65

Now they refresh, after this long survey,
With pleasant Poets, who the Soul sublime;
Fame's Heraulds, in whose Triumphs they make way;
And place all those whom Honor helps to climbe.

66

And he who seem'd to lead this ravish'd Race,
Was Heav'n's lov'd Lanreat, that in Jewry writ;
Whose Harp approach'd Gods Ear, though none his Face
Durst see, and first made inspiration, wit.

67

And his Attendants, such blest Poets are,
As make unblemish'd Love, Courts best delight;
And sing the prosp'rous Battels of just warre;
By these the loving, Love, and valiant, fight.

68

O hireless Science! and of all alone
The Liberal! Meanly the rest each State
In pension treats, but this depends on none;
Whose worth they rev'rendly forbear to rate.

116

Canto the Sixth.

The ARGUMENT.

How Astragon to Heav'n his duty pays
In Pray'r, and Penitence, but most in Praise:
To these he sev'ral Temples dedicates;
And Ulfin their distinguish'd use relates.
Religion's Rites, seem here, in Reasons sway;
Though Reason must Religion's Laws obey.

1

The noble Youths (reclaim'd by what they saw)
Would here unquiet war, as pride, forsake;
And study quiet Nature's pleasant Law;
Which Schools, through pride, by Art uneasie make

2

But now a sudden Shout their thoughts diverts!
So cheerfull, general, and loud it was,
As pass'd through all their Ears, and fill'd their Hearts;
Which lik'd the joy, before they knew the cause.

3

This Ulfin, by his long Domestick skill
Does thus explain. The Wise I here observe,
Are wise tow'rds God; in whose great service still,
More then in that of Kings, themselves they serve.

4

He who this Building's Builder did create,
Has an Apartment here Triangular;
Where Astragon, Three Fanes did dedicate,
To dayes of Praise, of Penitence, and Pray'r.

5

To these, from diff'rent motives, all proceed;
For when discov'ries they on Nature gain,
They praise high Heavn which makes their work succeed,
But when it fails, in Penitence complain.

6

If after Praise, new blessings are not giv'n,
Nor mourning Penitence can ills repair,
Like practis'd Beggers, they solicite Heav'n,
And will prevail by violence of Pray'r.

7

The Temple built for Pray'r, can neither boast
The Builder's curious Art, nor does declare,
By choice Materials he intended cost;
To shew, that nought should need to tempt to Pray'r.

117

8

No Bells are here! Unhing'd are all the Gates!
Since craving in distress is naturall,
All lies so op'e that none for ent'rance waites;
And those whom Faith invites, can need no call.

9

The Great have by distinction here no name;
For all so cover'd come, in grave disguise,
(To shew none come for decency or fame)
That all are strangers to each others Eyes.

10

But Penitence appears unnaturall;
For we repent what Nature did perswade;
And we lamenting Man's continu'd fall,
Accuse what Nature necessary made.

11

Since the requir'd extream of Penitence
Seems so severe, this Temple was design'd,
Solemn and strange without, to catch the sense,
And dismal shew'd within, to awe the mind.

12

Of sad black Marble was the outward Frame,
(A Mourning Monument to distant sight)
But by the largeness when you near it came,
It seem'd the Palace of Eternal Night.

13

Black beauty (which black Meroens had prais'd
Above their own) sadly adorn'd each part;
In Stone, from Nyle's hard Quarries, slowly rais'd,
And slowly'er polish'd by Numidian Art.

14

Hither a loud Bells tole, rather commands,
Then seems t'invite the persecuted Eare;
A summons Nature hardly understands;
For few, and slow are those who enter here,

15

Within, a dismall Majesty they find!
All gloomy, great, all silent does appear!
As Chaos was, ere th' Elements were design'd;
Man's evil fate seems hid and fashion'd here.

16

Here all the Ornament is rev'rend black;
Here, the check'd Sun his universal Face
Stops bashfully, and will no entrance make;
As if he spy'd Night naked through the Glass.

17

Black Curtains hide the Glass; whilst from on high
A winking Lamp, still threatens all the Room;
As if the lazy flame just now would die:
Such will the Sun's last light appear at Doom!

18

This Lamp was all, that here inform'd all Eyes;
And by reflex, did on a Picture gain
Some few false Beames, that then from Sodome rise;
Where Pencils feigne the fire which Heav'n did rain.

118

19

This on another Tablet did reflect,
Where twice was drawn the am'rous Magdaline;
Whilst beauty was her care, then her neglect;
And brightest through her Tears she seem'd to shine.

20

Near her, seem'd crucifi'd, that lucky Thief
(In Heav'n's dark Lot'ry prosp'rous, more then wise)
Who groap'd at last, by chance, for Heav'n's relief,
And Throngs undoes with Hope, by one drawn Prise.

21

In many Figures by reflex were sent,
Through this black Vault (instructive to the minde)
That early, and this tardy Penitent;
For with Obsidian stone 'twas chiefly lin'd,

22

The Seats were made of Ethiopian Wood,
The polish'd Ebony, but thinly fill'd;
For none this place by nature understood;
And practise, when unpleasant, makes few skill'd.

23

Yet these, whom Heav'n's misterious choice fetch'd in,
Quickly attain Devotion's utmost scope;
For having softly mourn'd away their sin,
They grow so certain, as to need no Hope.

24

At a low Door they enter, but depart
Through a large Gate, and to fair Fields proceed;
Where Astragon makes Nature last by Art,
And such long Summers shews, as ask no seed.

25

Whilst Ulfin this black Temple thus exprest
To these kind Youths, whom equal soul endeers;
(Goltho, and Ulfinore, in friendship blest)
A second gen'ral shout salutes their Eares.

26

To the glad House of Praise this shout does call!
To Pray'r (said he) no Summons us invites,
Because distress does thither summon all;
As the loud tole to Penitence excites.

27

But since, dull Men, to gratitude are slow;
And joy'd consent of Hearts is high Heav'ns choice;
To this of Praise, shouts summon us to goe;
Of Hearts assembled, the unfeigned Voice.

28

And since, wise Astragon, with due applause,
Kinde Heav'n, for his success, on Nature payes;
This day, Victorious Art, has giv'n him cause,
Much to augment Heav'n's lov'd reward of praise.

29

For this effectuall day his Art reveal'd,
What has so oft Made Nature's spies to pine,
The Loadstones mistick use, so long conceal'd
In close allyance with the courser Mine.

119

30

And this, in sleepy Vision, he was bid
To Register in Characters unknown;
Which Heav'n will have from Navigators hid,
Till Saturne's walk be Twenty Circuits grown.

31

For as Religion (in the warm East bred)
And Arts (which next to it most needfull were)
From Vices sprung from their corruption, fled;
And thence vouchsaf'd a cold Plantation here;

32

So when they here again corrupted be,
(For Man can even his Antidotes infect)
Heav'n's reserv'd World they in the West shall see;
To which this stone's hid vertue will direct.

33

Religion then (whose Age this World upbraids,
As scorn'd deformitie) will thither steer;
Serv'd at fit distance by the Arts, her Maids;
Which grow too bold, when they attend too neer.

34

And some, whom Traffick thither tempts, shall thence
In her exchange (though they did grudge her shrines,
And poorly banish'd her to save expence)
Bring home the Idol, Gold, from new found Mines.

35

Till then, sad Pilots must be often lost,
Whilst from the Ocean's dreaded Face they shrink;
And seeking safety near the cous'ning Coast,
With windes surpriz'd, by Rocky ambush sink.

36

Or if success rewards, what they endure,
The World's chief Jewel, Time, they then ingage
And forfeit (trusting long the Cynosure)
To bring home nought but wretched Gold, and Age.

37

Yet when this plague of ignorance shall end,
(Dire ignorance, with which God plagues us most;
Whilst we not feeling it, him most offend)
Then lower'd Sayles no more shall tide the Coast.

38

They with new Tops to Formasts and the Main,
And Misens new, shall the Ocean's Breast invade;
Stretch new Sayles out, as Armes to entertain
Those windes, of which their Fathers were afraid.

39

Then (sure of either Pole) they will with pride,
In ev'ry storm, salute this constant Stone!
And scorn that Star, which ev'ry Cloud could hide;
The Seamen's spark! which soon, as seen, is gone!

40

'Tis sung, the Ocean shall his Bonds untie,
And Earth in half a Globe be pent no more;
Typhis shall saile, till Thule he descry,
But a domestick step to distant Shore!

120

41

This Astragon had read; and what the Greek
Old Cretias, in Egyptian Books had found;
By which, his travail'd soul, new Worlds did seek,
And div'd to find the old Atlantis droun'd.

42

Grave Ulfin thus discours'd; and now he brings
The Youths to view the Temple built for Praise;
Where Olive, for th' Olimpian Victor Springs;
Mirtle, for Love's; and for War's triumph, Bayes.

43

These, as rewards of Praise, about it grew;
For lib'rall praise, from an abundant Minde,
Does even the Conqueror of Fate subdue;
Since Heav'n's good King is Captive to the Kinde.

44

Dark are all Thrones, to what this Temple seem'd;
Whose Marble veines out-shin'd Heav'n's various Bow;
And would (eclipsing all proud Rome esteem'd)
To Northern Eyes, like Eastern Mornings, show.

45

From Paros Isle, was brought the Milkie white;
From Sparta, came the Green, which cheers the view;
From Araby, the blushing Onychite,
And from the Misnian Hills, the deeper Blew.

46

The Arched Front did on vaste Pillars fall;
Where all harmonious Instruments they spie
Drawn out in Bosse; which from the Astrigall
To the flat Frise, in apt resemblance lie.

47

Toss'd Cymballs (which the sullen Jewes admir'd)
Were figur'd here, with all of ancient choice
That joy did ere invent, or breath inspir'd,
Or flying Fingers touch'd into a voice.

48

In Statute o're the Gate, God's Fav'rite-King
(The Author of Celestial praise) did stand;
His Quire (that did his sonnets set and Sing)
In Niches rang'd, attended either Hand.

49

From these, old Greeks sweet Musick did improve;
The Solemn Dorian did in Temples charm,
The softer Lydian sooth'd to Bridal Love,
And warlike Phrygian did to Battel warm!

50

They enter now, and with glad rev'rence saw
Glory, too solid great to taste of pride;
So sacred pleasant, as preserves an awe;
Though jealous Priests, it neither praise nor hide,

51

Tapers and Lamps are not admitted here;
Those, but with shaddowes, give false beauty grace;
And this victorious glory can appear
Unvayl'd before the Sun's Meridian Face:

121

52

Whose Eastern lustre rashly enters now;
Where it his own mean Infancy displays;
Where it does Man's chief obligation show,
In what does most adorn the House of Praise;

53

The great Creation by bold Pencils drawn;
Where a feign'd Curtain does our Eyes forbid,
Till the Sun's Parent, Light, first seems to dawn
From quiet Chaos, which that Curtain hid.

54

Then this all-rev'renc'd Sun (God's hasty Spark
Struck out of Chaos, when he first struck Light)
Flies to the Sphears, where first he found all dark,
And kindled there th' unkindled Lamps of Night.

55

Then Motion, Nature's great Preservative,
Tun'd order in this World, Life's restless Inn;
Gave Tydes to Seas, and caus'd stretch'd Plants to live;
Else Plants but seeds, and Seas but Lakes had bin.

56

But this Fourth Fiat, warming what was made,
(For light ne'r warm'd, till it did motion get)
The Picture fills the World with woody shade;
To shew how Nature thrives by Motion's heat.

57

Then to those Woods the next quick Fiat brings
The Feather'd kinde, where merrily they fed,
As if their Hearts were lighter then their Wings;
For yet no Cage was fram'd, nor Net was spred.

58

The same Fifth voice does Seas and Rivers Store;
Then into Rivers Brooks the Painter powres,
And Rivers into Seas; which (rich before)
Return their gifts, to both, exhal'd in Show'rs.

59

This voice (whose swift dispatch in all it wrought,
Seems to denote the Speaker was in haste,
As if more worlds were framing in his thought)
Adds to this world one Fiat, as the last.

60

Then strait an universal Herd appears;
First gazing on each other in the shade;
Wondring with levell'd Eyes, and lifted Eares,
Then play, whilst yet their Tyrant is unmade.

61

And Man, the Painter now presents to view;
Haughty without, and busie still within;
Whom, when his Furr'd and Horned Subjects knew,
Their sport is ended, and their fears begin.

62

But here (to cure this Tyrant's sullenness)
The Painter has a new false Curtain drawn,
Where, Beauty's hid Creation to express;
From thence, harmless as light, he makes it dawn,

122

63

From thence breaks lov'ly forth, the World's first Maid;
Her Breast, Love's Cradle, where Love quiet lies;
Nought yet had seen so foule, to grow afraid,
Nor gay, to make it cry with longing Eyes.

64

And thence, from stupid sleep, her Monarch steals;
She wonders, till so vain his wonder growes,
That it his feeble sov'raignty reveales;
Her beauty then, his Manhood does depose.

65

Deep into shades the Painter leads them now;
To hide their future deeds; then stormes does raise
O're Heav'n's smooth face, because their life does grow
Too black a story for the House of Praise.

66

A noble painted Vision next appears;
Where all Heav'n's Frowns in distant prospect waste;
And nought remains, but a short showre of Tears,
Shed, by its pity, for Revenges past.

67

The World's one ship, from th' old to a new World bound;
Fraighted with Life (chief of uncertain Trades!)
After Five Moons at drift, lies now a ground;
Where her frail Stowage, she in haste unlades.

68

On Persian Caucasus the Eight descend;
And seem their trivial beings to deplore;
Griev'd to begin this World in th' others end;
And to behold wrack'd Nations on the Shore,

69

Each humbled thus, his Beasts led from aboard,
As fellow Passengers, and Heirs to breath;
Joynt Tennants to the World, he not their Lord;
Such likeness have we in the Glass of Death.

70

Yet this humility begets their joy;
And taught, that Heav'n (which fully sin surveys)
Was partial where it did not quite destroy;
So made the whole World's Dirge their song of praise.

71

This first redemption to another led,
Kinder in deeds, and nobler in effects;
That but a few did respit from the Dead,
This all the Dead, from second Death protects.

72

And know, lost Nature! this resemblance was
Thy franke Redeemer, in Ascension shown;
When Hell he conquer'd in thy desp'rate cause;
Hell which before, Man's common Grave was grown.

73

By Pencills this was exquisitely wrought;
Rounded in all the Curious would behold;
Where life Came out, and Met the Painters thought;
The Force was tender, though the strokes were bold.

123

74

The holy Mourners, who this Lord of life
Ascending saw, did seem with him to rise;
So well the Painter drew their passions strife,
To follow him with Bodies, as with Eyes.

75

This was the chief which in this Temple did
By Pencils Rhetrique, to praise perswade;
Yet to the living here, compar'd, seems hid;
Who shine all painted Glory into shade.

76

Lord Astragon a Purple Mantle wore,
Where Natures story was in Colours wrought;
And though her ancient Text seem'd dark before,
'Tis in this pleasant Comment clearly taught.

77

Such various Flowry Wreaths th' Assembly weare,
As shew'd them wisely proud of Nature's pride;
Which so adorn'd them, that the coursest here
Did seem a prosp'rous Bridegroom, or a Bride.

78

All shew'd as fresh, and faire, and innocent,
As Virgins to their Lovers first survey;
Joy'd as the Spring, when March his sighs has spent,
And April's sweet rash Teares are dry'd by May.

79

And this confed'rate joy so swell'd each Breast,
That joy would turn to pain without a vent;
Therefore their voices Heav'n's renown exprest;
Though Tongues ne'r reach, what Mindes so nobly meant.

80

Yet Musick here, shew'd all her Art's high worth;
Whilst Virgin-Trebles, seem'd, with bashfull grace,
To call the bolder marry'd Tenor forth;
Whose Manly voice challeng'd the Giant Base.

81

To these the swift soft Instruments reply;
Whisp'ring for help to those whom winds inspire;
Whose lowder Notes, to Neighb'ring Forrests flie,
And summon Nature's Voluntary Quire.

82

These Astragon, by secret skill had taught,
To help, as if in artfull Consort bred;
Who sung, as if by chance on him they thought,
Whose care their careless merry Fathers Fed.

83

Hither, with borrow'd strength, Duke Gondibert
Was brought, which now his rip'ning wounds allow;
And high Heav'ns praise in musick of the heart,
He inward sings, to pay a victor's vow.

84

Praise, is devotion fit for mighty Minds!
The diff'ring World's agreeing Sacrifice;
Where Heav'n divided Faiths united findes;
But Pray'r in various discord upward flies.

124

85

For Pray'r the Ocean is, where diverslie
Men steer their Course, each to a sev'ral Coast;
Where all our int'rests so discordant be,
That half beg windes by which the rest are lost.

86

By Penitence, when we our selves forsake,
'Tis but in wise design on pitious Heav'n;
In Praise we nobly give, what God may take,
And are without a Beggers blush forgiv'n.

87

Its utmost force, like Powder's, is unknown!
And though weak Kings excess of Praise may fear,
Yet when tis here, like Powder, dang'rous grown,
Heav'n's Vault receives, what would the Palace tear.

125

Canto the Seventh.

The ARGUMENT.

The Dukes wish'd health in doubtfull wounds assur'd;
Who gets new wounds before the old are cur'd:
Nature in Birtha, Art's weak help derides;
Which strives to mend, what it at best but hides;
Shewes Nature's courser works, so hid, more course;
As Sin conceal'd, and unconfess'd, growes worse.

1

Let none our Lombard Author rudely blame,
Who from the Story has thus long digrest;
But for his righteous paines, may his fair Fame
For ever travail, whilst his Ashes rest.

2

Ill could he leave Art's Shop of Nature's Store;
Where she the hidden Soul would make more known;
Though Common faith seeks Souls, which is no more
Then long Opinion to Religion grown.

3

A while then let this sage Historian stay
With Astragon, till he new wounds reveales,
And such (though now the old are worn away)
As Balm, nor juice of Pyrol, never heales.

4

To Astragon, Heav'n for succession gave
One onely Pledge, and Birtha was her name;
Whose Mother slept, where Flow'rs grew on her Grave;
And she succeeded her in Face, and Fame.

5

Her beauty, Princes, durst not hope to use,
Unless, like Poets, for their Morning Theam;
And her Mindes beauty they would rather chuse,
Which did the light in Beautie's Lanthorn seem.

6

She ne'r saw Courts, yet Courts could have undone
VVith untaught looks, and an unpractis'd heart;
Her Nets, the most prepar'd, could never shun;
For Nature spread them in the scorn of Art.

7

She never had in busie Cities bin;
Ne'r warm'd with hopes, nor ere allay'd with fears;
Not seeing punishment, could guess no Sin;
And Sin not seeing, ne'r had use of tears.

126

8

But here her Fathers's precepts gave her skill,
Which with incessant business fill'd the Houres;
In spring, she gather'd Blossoms for the Still,
In Autumn, Berries; and in Summer, Flowers.

9

And as kinde Nature with calm diligence
Her own free vertue silently imploys,
Whilst she, unheard, does rip'ning growth dispence,
So were her vertues busie without noise.

10

Whilst her great Mistris, Nature, thus she tends,
The busie Houshold waites no less on her;
By secret Law, each to her beauty bends;
Though all her lowly Minde to that prefer.

11

Gracious and free, she breaks upon them all
With Morning looks; and they when she does rise,
Devoutly at her dawn in homage fall,
And droop like Flowers, when Evening shuts her Eyes.

12

The sooty Chymist (who his sight does waste,
Attending lesser Fires) she passing by,
Broke his lov'd Lymbick, through enamour'd haste,
And let, like common Dew, th' Elixer fly.

13

And here the grey Philosophers resort,
Who all to her, like crafty Courtiers, bow;
Hoping for secrets now in Nature's Court;
Which only she (her fav'rite Maid) can know.

14

These, as the Lords of science, she respects,
And with familiar Beams their age she chears;
Yet all those civil formes seem but neglects
To what she shewes, when Astragon apears.

15

For as she once from him her being took,
She hourly takes her Law; reads with swift sight
His will, even at the op'ning of his look,
And shews, by haste, obedience her delight.

16

She makes (when she at distance to him bowes)
His int'rest in her Mother's beauty known;
For that's th' Original whence her Copy growes;
And near Originalls, Copys are not shown.

17

And he, with dear regard, her gifts does weare
Of Flowers, which she in mistick order ties;
And with the sacrifice of many a teare
Salutes her loyal Mother in her Eyes.

18

The just Historians, Birtha thus express;
And tell how by her Syres Example taught,
She serv'd the wounded Duke in Life's distress,
And his fled Spirits back by Cordials brought.

127

19

Black melancholy Mists, that fed dispair
Through wounds long rage, with sprinkled Vervin cleer'd;
Strew'd Leaves of Willow to refresh the air,
And with rich Fumes his sullen sences cheer'd.

20

He that had serv'd great Love with rev'rend heart,
In these old wounds, worse wounds from him endures;
For Love, makes Birtha shift with Death, his Dart,
And she kills faster then her Father cures.

21

Her heedless innocence as little knew
The wounds she gave, as those from Love she took;
And Love lifts high each secret Shaft he drew;
Which at their Stars he first in triumph shook!

22

Love he had lik'd, yet never lodg'd before;
But findes him now a bold unquiet Guest;
Who climbes to windowes, when we shut the Dore;
And enter'd, never lets the Master rest.

23

So strange disorder, now he pines for health,
Makes him conceal this Reveller with shame;
She not the Robber knows, yet feeles the stealth;
And never but in Songs had heard his name.

24

Yet then it was, when she did smile at Hearts
Which Country Lovers wear in bleeding Seals;
Ask'd where his pretty Godhead found such Darts,
As make those wounds that onely Hymen heals.

25

And this, her ancient Maid, with sharp complaints
Heard, and rebuk'd; shook her experienc'd Head;
With teares besought her not to jest at Saints,
Nor mock those Martyrs, Love had Captive led.

26

Nor think the pious Poets e're would waste
So many Teares in Ink, to make Maids mourn,
If injur'd Lovers had in ages paste
The lucky Mirtle, more then Willow worn.

27

This grave rebuke, Officious Memory
Presents to Birtha's thought; who now believ'd
Such sighing Songs, as tell why Lovers dy,
And prais'd their faith, who wept, when Poets griev'd.

28

She, full of inward questions, walks alone,
To take her heart aside in secret Shade;
But knocking at her Breast, it seem'd, or gone,
Or by confed'racie was useless made;

29

Or else some stranger did usurp its room;
One so remote, and new in ev'ry thought,
As his behaviour shews him not at home;
Nor the Guide sober that him thither brought.

128

30

Yet with this forraign Heart, she does begin
To treat of Love, her most unstudy'd Theame;
And like young Conscienc'd Casuists, thinks that sin,
Which will by talk and practise lawfull seeme.

31

With open Eares, and ever-waking Eyes,
And flying Feet, Love's fire she from the sight
Of all her Maids does carry, as from Spys;
Jealous, that what burns her, might give them light.

32

Beneath a Mirtle Covert she does spend
In Maids weak wishes, her whole stock of thought;
Fond Maids! who love, with Mindes fine stuff would mend,
Which Nature purposely of Bodys wrought.

33

She fashions him she lov'd of Angels kinde;
Such as in holy Story were imploy'd
To the first Fathers, from th'Eternal Minde;
And in short vision onely are injoy'd.

34

As Eagles then, when nearest Heav'n they flie,
Of wild impossibles soon weary grow;
Feeling their bodies finde no rest so high,
And therefore pearch on Earthly things below:

35

So now she yields; him she an Angel deem'd
Shall be a Man; the Name which Virgins fear;
Yet the most harmless to a Maid he seem'd,
That ever yet that fatal name did bear.

36

Soon her opinion of his hurtless heart,
Affection turns to faith; and then loves fire
To Heav'n, though bashfully, she does impart;
And to her Mother in the Heav'nly Quire.

37

If I do love, (said she) that love (O Heav'n!)
Your own Disciple, Nature, bred in me;
Why should I hide the passion you have given,
Or blush to shew effects which you decree?

38

And you, my alter'd Mother (grown above
Great Nature, which you read, and reverenc'd here)
Chide not such kindness, as you once call'd Love,
When you as mortal as my Father were.

39

This said, her soul into her Breast retires!
With Love's vain diligence of heart she dreams
Her self into possession of desires,
And trusts unanchor'd Hope in fleeting Streams.

40

Already thinks, the Duke her own spous'd Lord,
Cur'd, and again from bloody Battel brought;
Where all false Lovers perish'd by his sword;
The true to her for his protection sought.

129

41

She thinks, how her imagin'd Spouse and she,
So much from Heav'n, may by her vertues gain;
That they by Time shall ne'r o'retaken be,
No more then Time himself is overta'ne.

42

Or should he touch them as he by does pass,
Heav'n's favour may repay their Summers gone,
And he so mix their sand in a slow Glass,
That they shall live, and not as Two, but One.

43

She thinks of Eden-life; and no rough winde,
In their pacifique Sea shall wrinkles make;
That still her lowliness shall keep him kinde,
Her eares keep him asleep, her voice awake.

44

She thinks, if ever anger in him sway.
(The Youthful Warrior's most excus'd disease)
Such chance her Teares shall calm, as showres allay
The accidental rage of Windes and Seas.

45

She thinks that Babes proceed from mingling Eyes,
Or Heav'n from Neighbourhood increase allows,
As Palm, and the Mamora fructefies;
Or they are got, by closse exchanging vows.

46

But come they (as she hears) from Mothers pain,
(Which by th' unlucky first-Maids longing, proves
A lasting curse) yet that she will sustain,
So they be like this Heav'nly Man she loves.

47

Thus to her self in day-dreams Birtha talkes;
The Duke (whose wounds of war are healthful grown)
To cure Love's wounds, seeks Birtha where she walks;
Whose wandring Soul, seeks him to cure her own.

48

Yet when her solitude he did invade,
Shame (which in Maids is unexperienc'd fear)
Taught her to wish Night's help to make more shade,
That Love (which Maids think guilt) might not appear

49

And she had fled him now, but that he came
So like an aw'd, and conquer'd Enemy,
That he did seem offenceless, as her shame;
As if he but advanc'd for leave to fly.

50

First with a longing Sea-mans look he gaz'd,
Who would ken Land, when Seas would him devour;
Or like a fearfull Scout, who stands amaz'd
To view the Foe, and multiplies their pow'r.

51

Then all the knowledge which her Father had
He dreams in her, through purer Organs wrought;
Whose Soul (since there more delicately clad)
By lesser weight, more active was in thought.

130

52

And to that Soul thus spake, with tremb'ling voice;
The world will be (O thou, the whole world's Maid!)
Since now tis old enough to make wise choice,
Taught by thy minde, and by thy beauty sway'd.

53

And I a needless part of it, unless
You think me for the whole a Delegate,
To treat for what they want of your excess,
Vertue to serve the universal State.

54

Nature (our first example, and our Queen,
Whose Court this is, and you her Minion Maid)
The World thinks now, is in her sickness seen,
And that her noble influence is decay'd.

55

And the Records so worn of her first Law,
That Men, with Art's hard shifts, read what is good;
Because your beauty many never saw,
The Text by which your Minde is understood.

56

And I with the apostate world should grow,
From sov'raigne Nature, a revolted Slave,
But that my lucky wounds brought me to know,
How with their cure my sicker minde to save.

57

A minde still dwelling idly in mine Eyes,
Where it from outward pomp could ne'r abstain;
But even in beauty, cost of Courts did prise,
And Nature, unassisted, thought too plain.

58

Yet by your beauty now reform'd, I finde
All other only currant by false light;
Or but vain Visions of a feav'rish minde;
Too slight to stand the test of waking sight.

59

And for my healthfull Minde (diseas'd before)
My love I pay; a gift you may disdain,
Since Love to you, Men give not, but restore;
As Rivers to the Sea pay back the Rain.

60

Yet Eastern Kings, who all by birth possess,
Take gifts, as gifts, from vassals of the Crown;
So think in love, your property not less,
By my kind giving what was first your own.

61

Lifted with Love, thus he with Lovers grace,
And Love's wilde wonder, spake; and he was rais'd
So much with rev'rence of this learned place,
That still he fear'd to injure all he prais'd.

62

And she in love unpractis'd and unread,
(But for some hints her Mistress, Nature, taught)
Had it, till now, like grief with silence fed;
For Love and grief are nourish'd best with thought.

131

63

But this closs Diet, Love endures not long;
He must in sighs, or speech, take ayre abroad;
And thus, with his Interpreter, her Tongue,
He ventures forth, though like a stranger aw'd.

64

She said, those vertues now she highly needs,
Which he so artfully in her does praise,
To check (since vanity on praises feeds)
That pride which his authentick words may raise.

65

That if her Pray'rs, or care, did ought restore
Of absent health, in his bemoan'd distress;
She beg'd, he would approve her duty more,
And so commend her feeble vertue less.

66

That she the payment he of love would make
Less understood, then yet the debt she knew;
But coynes unknown, suspitiously we take,
And debts, till manifest, are never due.

67

With bashfull Looks she sought him to retire,
Least the sharp Ayre should his new health invade;
And as she spake, she saw her rev'rend Syre
Approach to seek her in her usual shade.

68

To whom with filial homage she does bow:
The Duke did first at distant duty stand,
But soon imbrac'd his knees; whil'st he more low
Does bend to him, and then reach'd Birtha's hand.

69

Her Face, o'recast with thought, does soon betray
Th' assembled spirits, which his Eyes detect
By her pale look, as by the Milkie way
Men first did the assembled Stars suspect.

70

Or as a Pris'ner, that in Prison pines,
Still at the utmost window grieving lies;
Even so her Soule, imprison'd, sadly shines,
As if it watch'd for freedome at her Eyes!

71

This guides him to her Pulse, th' Alarum Bell,
Which waits the insurrections of desire;
And rings so fast, as if the Cittadell,
Her newly conquer'd Breast, were all on fire!

72

Then on the Duke, he casts a short survay;
Whose Veines, his Temples, with deep purple grace;
Then Love's dispaire gives them a pale allay;
And shifts the whole complexion of his Face.

73

Nature's wise Spy does onward with them walk;
And findes, each in the midst of thinking starts;
Breath'd short, and swiftly in disorder'd talk,
To cool, beneath Love's Torrid Zone, their hearts.

132

74

When all these Symptomes he observ'd, he knowes
From Alga, which is rooted deep in Seas,
To the high Cedar that on Mountaines grows,
No sov'raign hearb is found for their disease.

75

He would not Nature's eldest Law resist,
As if wise Natures Law could be impure;
But Birtha with indulgent Looks dismist,
And means to counsel, what he cannot cure.

76

With mourning Gondibert he walks apart,
To watch his Passions force; who seems to bear
By silent grief, Two Tyrants o're his Heart,
Great Love, and his inferior Tyrant, Fear.

77

But Astragon such kind inquiries made,
Of all which to his Art's wise cares belong,
As his sick silence he does now disswade,
And midst Lov's fears, gives courage to his Tongue.

78

Then thus he spake with Love's humility;
Have pitty Father! and since first so kinde,
You would not let this worthless Body die,
Vouchsafe more nobly to preserve my Minde!

79

A Minde so lately lucky, as it here
Has Vertues Mirror found, which does reflect
Such blemishes as Custom made it weare,
But more authentick Nature does detect.

80

A Minde long sick of Monarchs vain disease;
Not to be fill'd, because with glory fed;
So busie it condemn'd even War of ease,
And for their useless rest despis'd the Dead.

81

But since it here has Vertue quiet found,
It thinks (though Storms were wish'd by it before)
All sick at least at Sea, that scape undrown'd,
Whom Glory serves as winde, to leave the shore.

82

All Vertue is to yours but fashion now,
Religion, Art; Internals are all gon,
Or outward turn'd, to satisfie with show,
Not God, but his inferiour Eye, the Sun.

83

And yet, though vertue be as fashion sought,
And now Religion rules by Art's prais'd skill;
Fashion is Vertue's Mimmick, falsely taught;
And Art, but Nature's Ape, which plays her ill.

84

To this blest House (great Nature's Court) all Courts
Compar'd, are but dark Closets for retreat
Of private Mindes, Battels but Childrens sports;
And onely simple good, is solid great.

133

85

Let not the Minde, thus freed from Error's Night,
(Since you repriev'd my Body from the Grave)
Perish for being now in love with light,
But let your Vertue, Vertue's Lover save.

86

Birtha I love; and who loves wisely so,
Steps far tow'rds all which Vertue can attain;
But if we perish, when tow'rds Heav'n we go,
Then have I learnt that Vertue is in vain.

87

And now his Heart (extracted through his Eyes
In Love's Elixer, Tears) does soon subdue
Old Astragon; whose pity, though made wise
With Love's false Essences, likes these as true.

88

The Duke he to a secret Bowre does lead,
Where he his Youths first Story may attend;
To guess, ere he will let his love proceed,
By such a dawning, how his day will end.

89

For Vertue, though a rarely planted Flowre,
Was in the seed by this wise Florist known;
Who could foretell, even in her springing houre,
What colours she shall wear when fully blown.

134

Canto the Eighth.

The ARGUMENT.

Birtha her first unpractis'd Love bewailes,
Whilst Gondibert on Astragon prevailes,
By shewing, high Ambition is of use,
And Glory in the Good needs no excuse.
Goltho a grief to Ulfinore reveales,
Whilst he a greater of his own conceales.

1

Birtha her griefs to her Apartment brought,
Where all her Maids to Heav'n were us'd to raise
Their voices, whilst their busie Fingers wrought
To deck the Altar of the House of Praise.

2

But now she findes their Musick turn'd to care;
Their looks allay'd, like beauty overworn;
Silent and sad as with'ring Fav'rites are,
Who for their sick indulgent Monarch mourn.

3

Thula (the eldest of this silenc'd Quire)
When Birtha at this change astonish'd was,
With hasty whisper, begg'd her to retire;
And on her Knees, thus tells their sorrows cause.

4

Forgive me such experience, as too soon,
Shew'd me unlucky Love; by which I guess
How Maids are by their innocence undon,
And trace those sorrows that them first oppress.

5

Forgive such passion as to speech perswades,
And to my Tongue my observation brought;
And then forgive my Tongue, which to your Maids,
Too rashly carry'd, what Experience taught.

6

For since I saw this wounded stranger here
Your inward musick still untun'd has been;
You who could need no hope, have learnt to fear,
And practis'd grief, e're you did know to Sin.

7

This being love, to Agatha I told;
Did on her Tongue, as on still Death rely;
But winged Love, she was too young to hold,
And, wanton-like, let it to others fly.

135

8

Love, who in whisper scap'd, did publick grow;
Which makes them now their time in silence waste;
Makes their neglectected needles move so slow,
And through their Eies, their Hearts dissolve so faste.

9

For oft, dire tales of Love has fill'd their Heads;
And while they doubt you in that Tyrant's pow'r,
The Spring (they think) may visit Woods and Meads,
But scarce shall hear a Bird, or see a Flow'r.

10

Ah how (said Birtha) shall I dare confesse
My griefs to thee, Love's rash, impatient Spie;
Thou (Thula) who didst run to tell thy guesse,
With secrets known, wilt to confession flie.

11

But if I love this Prince, and have in Heav'n
Made any Friends by vowes, you need not fear
He will make good the feature, Heav'n has giv'n;
And be as harmless as his looks appear.

12

Yet I have heard, that Men whom Maids think kinde,
Calm, as forgiven Saints, at their last Hour,
Oft prove like Seas, inrag'd by ev'ry winde,
And all to who their Bosoms trust, devour.

13

Howe're, Heav'n knows, (the witness of the Minde)
My heart bears Men no malice, nor esteems
Young Princes of the common cruel kinde,
Nor Love so foul as it in Story seems.

14

Yet if this Prince brought Love, what e're it be,
I must suspect, though I accuse it not;
For since he came, my medc'nal Huswiffrie,
Confections, and my Stills, are all forgot.

15

Blossoms in windes, Berries in Frosts may fall!
And Flowers sink down in Rain! for I no more
Shall Maids to woods, for early gath'rings call,
Nor haste to Gardens to prevent a showre.

16

Then she retires; and now a lovely shame
That she reveal'd so much, possess'd her Cheecks;
In a dark Lanthorn she would bear Love's flame,
To hide her self, whilst she her Lover seeks.

17

And to that Lover let our Song return:
Whose Tale so well was to her Father told,
As the Philosopher did seem to mourn
That Youth had reach'd such worth, and he so old.

18

Yet Birtha was so precious in his Eies,
And her dead Mother still so neer his mind
That farther yet he thus his prudence tries,
Ere such a Pledg he to his trust resign'd.

136

19

Whoe're (said he) in thy first story looks,
Shall praise thy wise conversing with the Dead;
For with the Dead he lives, who is with Books,
And in the Camp (Death's moving Palace) bred.

20

Wise Youth, in Books and Batails early findes
What thoughtless lazy Men perceive too late;
Books shew the utmost conquests of our Mindes,
Batails, the best of our lov'd Bodys fate.

21

Yet this great breeding, joyn'd with Kings high blood
(Whose blood Ambition's feaver over-heats)
May spoile digestion, which would else be good,
As stomachs are deprav'd with highest Meats.

22

For though Books serve as Diet of the Minde;
If Knowledg, early got, self vallew breeds,
By false digestion it is turn'd to winde;
And what should nourish, on the Eater feeds.

23

Though Wars great shape best educates the sight,
And makes small soft'ning objects less our care;
Yet War, when urg'd for glory, more then right,
Shews Victors but authentick Murd'rers are.

24

And I may fear that your last Victories
Where Glory's Toyles, and you will ill abide
(Since with new Trophies still you fed your Eies)
Those little objects which in Shades we hide.

25

Could you, in Fortunes smiles, foretell her frowns,
Our old Foes slain, you would not hunt for new;
But Victors, after wreaths, pretend to Crowns;
And such think Rhodalind their Valor's due.

26

To this the noble Gondibert replies;
Think not Ambition can my duty sway;
I look on Rhodalind with Subjects Eies,
Whom he that conquers, must in right obay.

27

And though I humanly have heretofore
All beauty lik'd, I never lov'd till now;
Nor think a Crown can raise his value more,
To whom already Heav'n does Love allow.

28

Though, since I gave the Hunns their last defeat,
I have the Lombards Ensignes onward led,
Ambition kindled not this Victor's heat,
But 'tis a warmth my Fathers prudence bred.

29

Who cast on more then Wolvish Man his Eie,
Man's necessary hunger judg'd, and saw
That caus'd not his devouring Maledy;
But like a wanton whelp he loves to gnaw.

137

30

Man still is sick for pow'r, yet that disease
Nature (whose Law is temp'rance) ne'r inspires;
But 'tis a humor, which fond Man does please,
A luxury, fruition only tires.

31

And as in persons, so in publick States,
The lust of Pow'r provokes to cruel Warre;
For wisest Senates it intoxicates,
And makes them vain, as single persons are.

32

Men into Nations it did first divide;
Whilst place, scarce distant, gives them diff'rent stiles;
Rivers, whose breadth Inhabitants may stride,
Parts them as much as Continents, and Isles.

33

On equal, smooth, and undistinguish'd Ground,
The lust of pow'r does liberty impair,
And limits by a Border and a Bound,
What was before as passable as Air:

34

Whilst change of Languages oft breeds a warre,
(A change which Fashion does as oft obtrude
As womens dresse) and oft Complexions are,
And diff'rent names, no less a cause of feud.

35

Since Men so causelesly themselves devour;
(And hast'ning still, their else too hasty Fates,
Act but continu'd Massacres for pow'r,)
My Father ment to chastise Kings, and States.

36

To overcome the world, till but one Crown
And universal Neighbourhood he saw;
Till all were rich by that allyance grown;
And want no more should be the cause of Law.

37

One Family the world was first design'd;
And though some fighting Kings so sever'd are,
That they must meet by help of Seas and Winde,
Yet when they fight 'tis but a civil warre.

38

Nor could Religion's heat, if one rul'd all,
To bloody War the unconcern'd allure;
And hasten us from Earth, ere Age does call,
Who are (alas) of Heav'n so little sure.

39

Religion, ne'r till divers Monarchys,
Taught that almighty Heav'n needs Armys ayd;
But with contentious Kings she now complies,
Who seem, for their own cause, of God's afraid.

40

To joyn all sever'd Powr's (which is to end
The cause of War) my Father onward fought;
By War the Lombard Scepter to extend
Till peace were forc'd, where it was slowly sought.

138

41

He lost in this attempt his last dear blood;
And I (whom no remoteness can deterr,
If what seems difficult, be great and good)
Thought his Example could not make me err.

42

No place I merit in the Book of Fame!
Whose leaves are by the Greeks and Romans fill'd;
Yet I presume to boast, she knows my name,
And she has heard to whom the Hunns did yield.

43

But let not what so needfully was done,
Though still pursu'd, make you ambition feare;
For could I force all Monarchys to one,
That Universal Crown I would not weare.

44

He who does blindly soar at Rhodalind,
Mounts like seel'd Doves, still higher from his ease;
And in the lust of Empire he may finde,
High Hope does better then Fruition please.

45

The Victor's solid recompence is rest;
And 'tis unjust, that chiefs who pleasure shunn,
Toyling in Youth, should be in age opprest
With greater Toyles, by ruling what they wonn.

46

Here all reward of conquest I would finde;
Leave shining Thrones for Birtha in a shade;
With Nature's quiet wonders fill my minde;
And praise her most, because she Birtha made.

47

Now Astragon (with joy suffic'd) perceiv'd
How nobly Heav'n for Birtha did provide,
Oft had he for her parted Mother griev'd,
But can this joy, less then that sorrow hide.

48

With teares, bids Gondibert to Heav'n's Eie make
All good within, as to the World he seems;
And in gain'd Birtha then from Hymen take
All youth can wish, and all his age esteems.

49

Strait to his lov'd Philosophers he hies,
Who now at Nature's Councel busy are
To trace new Lights, which some old Gazer spies;
Whilst the Duke seeks more busily his Starre,

50

But in her search, he is by Goltho stay'd;
Who in a close dark Covert foldes his Armes;
His Eies with thoughts grow darker then that shade,
Such thoughts as yielding Breasts with study warmes.

51

Fix'd to unheeded object is his Eie!
His sences he calls in, as if t'improve
By outward absence, inward extacie,
Such as makes Prophets, or is made by Love.

139

52

Awake (said Gondibert) for now in vain
Thou dream'st of Sov'raignty, and War's success;
Hope, nought has left, which Worth should wish to gain;
And all Ambition is but Hope's excess.

53

Bid all our Worthys to unarm, and rest!
For they have nought to conquer worth their care;
I have a Father's right in Birtha's Breast,
And that's the peace for which the wise make warre.

54

At this starts Goltho, like some Army's Chief,
Whom unintrench'd, a midnight Larum wakes;
By pawse then gave disorder'd sence relief,
And this reply with kindled passion makes.

55

What means my Prince to make so low a boast,
Whose merit may aspire to Rhodalind?
For who could Birtha miss if she were lost,
That shall by worth the others treasure find?

56

When your high blood, and conquests shall submit
To such mean joys, in this unminded shade,
Let Courts, without Heav'n's Lamps, in darkness sit,
And War become the lowly Shepheard's Trade.

57

Birtha, (a harmless Country Ornament!)
May be his Bride, that's born himself to serve;
But you must pay that blood your Army spent;
And wed that Empire which our wounds deserve.

58

This brought the Duke's swift anger to his Eies;
Which his consid'rate Heart rebuk'd as faste;
He Goltho chid, in that he nought replies;
Leaves him, and Birtha seeks with Lovers haste.

59

Now Goltho mourns, yet not that Birtha's fair;
Or that the Duke shuns Empire for a Bride;
But that himself must joyn love to despair;
Himself who loves her, and his love must hide.

60

He curs'd that him the wounded hither brought
From Oswald's Field, where though he wounds did scape
In tempting Death, and here no danger sought,
Yet here meet worse then Death in Beauty's shape.

61

He was unus'd to love, as bred in warres;
And not till now for beauty leasure had;
Yet bore Love's load, as Youth bears other Cares;
Till new dispair makes Love's old weight too sad.

62

But Ulfinore, does hither aptly come,
His second Breast, in whom his griefs excesse
He may ebb out, where they o'reflow at home;
Such griefs, as thus in Throngs for utt'rance press.

140

63

Forgive me that so falsly am thy Friend!
No more our Hearts for kindness shall contest;
Since mine I hourly on another spend,
And now imbrace thee with an empty Brest.

64

Yet pard'ning me, you cancel Natur's fault;
Who walks with her first force in Birtha's shape;
And when she spreads the Net to have us caught,
It were in youth presumption to escape.

65

When Birtha's grief so comely did appear.
Whilst she beheld our wounded Duk's distresse;
Then first my alter'd Heart began to fear,
Least too much Love should friendship dispossesse;

66

But this whilst Ulfinore with sorrow hears,
Him Goltho's busier sorrow little heeds;
And though he could replie in sighs and tears,
Yet governs both, and Goltho thus proceeds.

67

To Love's new dangers I have gone unarm'd;
I lack'd experience why to be affraid;
Was too unlearn'd to read whom Love had harm'd;
But have his will as Nature's law obay'd.

68

Th' obedient and defencelesse, sure, no law
Afflicts, for law is their defence, and pow'r;
Yet me, Loves sheep, whom rigour needs not aw,
Wolf-Love, because defencelesse, does devour:

69

Gives me not time to perish by degrees,
But with dispair does me at once destroy;
For none who Gondibert a Lover sees,
Thinks he would love, but where he may enjoy.

70

Birtha he loves; and I from Birtha fear
Death that in rougher Figure I despise!
This Ulfinore did with distemper hear,
Yet with dissembled temp'rance thus replies.

71

Ah Goltho! who Love's Feaver can asswage?
For though familiar seem that old disease;
Yet like Religion's fit, when People rage,
Few cure those evils which the Patient please.

72

Natures Religion, Love, is still perverse;
And no commerce with cold discretion hath,
For if Discretion speak when Love is fierce,
'Tis wav'd by Love, as Reason is by Faith.

73

As Gondibert left Goltho when he heard
His Saint profan'd, as if some Plague were nie;
So Goltho now leaves Ulfinore, and fear'd
To share such veng'ance, if he did not flie.

141

74

How each at home o're-rates his miserie,
And thinks that all are musical abroad,
Unfetter'd as the Windes, whilst onely he
Of all the glad and licens'd world is aw'd?

75

And as Cag'd Birds are by the Fowler set
To call in more, whilst those that taken be,
May think (though they are Pris'ners in the Net)
Th' incag'd, because they sing, sometimes are free:

76

So Goltho (who by Ulfinore was brought
Here where he first Love's dangers did perceive
In Beauty's Field) thinks though himself was caught,
Th' inviter safe, because not heard to grieve.

77

But Ulfinore (whom Neighbourhood led here)
Impressions took before from Birtha's sight;
Ideas which in silence hidden were,
As Heav'n's designes before the birth of Light.

78

This from his Father Ulfin he did hide,
Who, strict to Youth, would not permit the best
Reward of worth, the Bosome of a Bride,
Should be but after Vertuous toyles possest.

79

For Ulfinore (in blooming honor yet)
Though he had learnt the count'nance of the Foe,
And though his courage could dull Armys whet,
The care o're Crouds, nor Conduct could not know;

80

Nor varie Batails shapes in the Foes view;
But now in forraigne Fields meanes to improve
His early Arts, to what his Father knew,
That merit so might get him leave to love.

81

Till then, check'd passion, shall not venture forth:
And now retires with a disorder'd Heart;
Griev'd, least his Rival should by early'r worth
Get Love's reward, ere he can gain desert.

82

But stop we here, like those who day-light lack;
Or as misguided Travailers that rove,
Oft finde their way by going somewhat back;
So let's return, thou ill Conductor Love!

83

Thy little wanton Godhead as my Guide
I have attended many'a winter night;
To seek whom Time for honor's sake would hide,
Since in mine age sought by a wasted light,

84

But ere my remnant of Life's Lamp be spent,
Whilst I in Lab'rinths stray amongst the Dead;
I mean to recollect the paths I went,
And judge from thence the steps I am to tread.

142

85

Thy walk (though as a common Deitie
The Croud does follow thee) misterious grows
For Rhodalind may now closs Mourner die,
Since Gondibert, too late, her sorrow knows.

86

Young Hurgonil above dear light prefers
Calm Orna, who his highest Love outloves;
Yet envious Clouds in Lombard Registers
O'recast their Morn, what e're their Evening proves.

87

For fatal Laura, trusty Tybalt pines;
For haughty Gartha, subtle Hermegild;
Whilst she her beauty, youth, and birth declines;
And as to Fate, does to Ambition yield.

88

Great Gondibert, to bashful Birtha bends;
Whom she adores like Vertue in a Throne;
Whilst Ulfinore and Goltho (late vow'd Friends
By him) are now his Rivals, and their owne.

89

Through ways thus intricate to Lovers Urnes,
Thou lead'st me Love, to shew thy Trophies past;
Where Time (less cruel then thy Godhead) mournes
In ruines which thy pride would have to last.

90

Where I on Lombard Monuments have read
Old Lovers names, and their fam'd Ashes spy'd;
But less can learn by knowing they are dead,
And such their Tombes; then how they liv'd, and dy'd.

91

To Paphos flie! and leave me sullen here!
This Lamp shall light me to Records which give
To future Youth, so just a cause of feare,
That it will Valor seem to dare to live!

The End of the Second Book.

143

THE THIRD

Written by the Author during his imprisonment.

BOOK.

Canto the First.

The ARGUMENT.

The People, left by Gartha, leave to mourn;
And worship Hermegild for her return.
The wounded Hurgonil by Orna cur'd;
Their loyal loves by marriage plight assur'd.
In Laura's hasty change, Love's pow'r appears,
And Tybalt seeks the kindness which he fears.

1

When sad Verona saw in Gartha's shape
Departed Peace brought back, the Court they prais'd;
And seem'd so joy'd as Cities which escape
A siege, that by their own brave Sallies rais'd.

2

And Hermegild, to make her triumph long,
Through all the streets his Chariot slowly drove;
Whilst she endures the kindness of the Throng,
Though rude, as was their rage, is now their love.

3

On Hermegild (so longingly desir'd
From Hubert's Camp) with Childish Eyes they gaze;
They worship now, what late they but admir'd,
And all his Arts to mighty Magick raise.

4

On both they such abundant Blessings throw,
As if those num'rous Priests who here reside,
(Loath to out-live this joy) assembled now
In haste to bless the Laytie e're they dyde.

5

Thus dignify'd, and Crown'd through all the Streets
To Court they come; where them wise Aribert
Not weakly with a publick passion meets;
But in his open'd Face conceal'd his heart.

6

With mod'rate joy he took this Pledge of Peace,
Because great joys infer to judging eyes
The minde distress'd before; and in distress,
Thrones, which are jealous Forts, think all are Spies.

144

7

Yet, by degrees, a Soul delighted showes
To Gartha, whom he leads to Rhodalind;
And soon to Hermegild as artless grows
As Maids, and like successful Lovers kind.

8

And Rhodalind, though bred to daily sight
Of Courts feign'd Faces, and pretended hearts,
(In which disguises Courts take no delight,
But little mischiefs shun by little Arts.)

9

She, when she Gartha saw, no kindness feign'd;
But faithfully her former rage excus'd;
For now she others sorrows entertain'd,
As if to love, a Maid's first sorrow us'd,

10

Yet did her first with cautious gladness meet;
Then soon from grave respect to fondness grew;
To kisses in their taste and odour sweet,
As Hybla Hony, or Arabian Dew.

11

And Gartha like an Eastern Monarch's Bride,
This publick love with bashful homage took;
For she had learn'd from Hermegild to hide
A rising Heart, behind a falling Look.

12

Thus, mask'd with meekness, she does much intreat
A pardon for that Storm her sorrow rais'd;
Which Rhodalind more sues she would forget,
Unless to have so just a sorrow prais'd.

13

Soon is this joy through all the Court dispers'd;
So high they value peace, who daily are
In Prides invasions, private faction, vers'd;
The small, but fruitful seed of publick warre.

14

Whilst thus sweet Peace had others joys assur'd,
Orna with hopes of sweeter Love was pleas'd;
For of war's wounds brave Hurgonil was cur'd;
And those of love, which deeper reach'd, were eas'd.

15

In both these cures her Sov'raign help appears,
Since as her double Patient he receiv'd
For bloody wounds, Balm, from her precious tears,
And bloodless wounds of love her vowes reliev'd.

16

She let no med'cinal Flow'r in quiet grow,
No Art lie hid, nor Artist ease his thought,
No Fane be shut, no Priest from Altars goe,
Nor in Heav'n's Quire no Saint remain unsought,

17

Nor more her Eyes could ease of sleep esteem
Then sleep can the world's Eye, the Sun, conceal;
Nor breath'd she but in vows to Heav'n, or him,
Till Heav'n, and she, his diff'rent wounds did heal.

145

18

But now she needs those ayds she did dispence;
For scarce her cures were on him perfect grown,
E're shame afflicts her for that diligence,
Which Love had in her fits of pitty shown,

19

When she (though made of cautious bashfulness)
Whilst him in wounds a smarting Feaver burn'd,
Invok'd remotest aydes to his redress,
And with a loud ungovern'd kindness mourn'd.

20

When o're him then, whilst parting life She ru'd,
Her kisses faster (though unknown before)
Then Blossomes fall on parting Spring, she strew'd;
Then Blossomes sweeter, and in number more.

21

But now when from her busie Maid she knew
How wildly Grief had led her Love abroad,
Unmask'd to all, she her own Pris'ner grew;
By shame, a Virgin's Native Conscience, aw'd.

22

With undirected Eyes which careless rove,
With thoughts too singly to her self confin'd,
She blushing, starts at her remember'd love,
And grieves the world had Eyes, when that was blind.

23

Sad darkness, which does other Virgins fright,
Now boldly and alone, she entertain'd;
And shuns her Lover, like the Traytor, light,
Till he her curtains drew, and thus complain'd.

24

Why, bashfull Maid, will you your beauty hide
Because your fairer Mind, your Love, is known?
So Jewellers conceal with artfull pride
Their second wealth, after the best is shown.

25

In pitty's passion you unvail'd your Minde;
Let him not fall, whom you did help to climbe;
Nor seem by being bashful, so unkinde
As if you think your pitty was a crime.

26

O useless shame! Officious bashfulness!
Vertues vain signe, which onely there appears
Where Vertue grows erroneous by excess,
And shapes more sins, then frighted Conscience fears.

27

Your Blushes, which to meer complexion grow,
You must as nature, not as vertue own;
And for your open'd Love, you but blush so
As guiltless Roses blush that they are blown.

28

As well the Morn (whose Essence Poets made,
And gave her bashful Eyes) we may believe
Does blush for what she sees through Nights thin shade,
As that you can for love discover'd grieve.

146

29

Arise! and all the Flowers of ev'ry Mead
(Which weeping through your Stills my health restor'd)
Bring to the Temple to adorn your Head,
And there where you did worship, be ador'd.

30

This with a low regard (but voice rais'd high
By joys of Love) he spake; and not less kinde
Was now (ent'ring with native harmony,
Like forward spring) the blooming Rhodalind.

31

Like Summer, goodly Gartha, fully blown;
Laura, like Autumn, with as ripe a look;
But shew'd, by some chill griefs, her Sun was gon,
Arnold, from whom she Life's short glory took.

32

Like Winter, Hermegild; yet not so gray
And cold, but that his fashion seem'd to boast,
That even weak Winter is allow'd some day,
And the Ayre cleer, and healthfull in a Frost.

33

All these, and Tybalt too (unless a Spy
He be, watching who thrives in Laura's sight)
Came hither, as in kinde conspiracy,
To hasten Orna to her marriage plight.

34

And now the Priests prepare for this high vow
All Rites, that to their Lawes can add a grace;
To which the sequent knot they not allow,
Till a spent Morn recovers all her Face.

35

And now the Streets like Summer Meads appear!
For with sweet strewings Maids left Gardens bare,
As Lovers wish their sweeter Bosomes were,
When hid unkindly by dishevel'd Haire.

36

And Orna now (importun'd to possess
Her long wish'd joys) breaks through her blushes so
As the fair Morn breaks through her rosyness;
And from a like guilt did their blushes grow.

37

She thinks her Love's high sickness now appears
A fit so weak, as does no med'cine need;
So soon society can cure those feares
On which the Coward, Solitude, does feed.

38

They with united joy blest Hurgonil
And Orna to the sacred Temple bring;
Whilst all the Court in triumph shew their Skill,
As if long bred by a triumphant King.

39

Such dayes of joy, before the marriage day,
The Lombards long by custome had embrac't;
Custom, which all, rather then Law obey,
For Lawes by force, Customes, by pleasure last.

147

40

And wisely Ancients by this needfull snare
Of gilded joys, did hide such bitterness
As most in marriage swallow with that care,
Which bashfully the wise will ne'r confess.

41

'Tis Statesmens musick, who States Fowlers be,
And singing Birds, to catch the wilder, set;
So bring in more to tame society;
For wedlock, to the wilde, is the States Net.

42

And this loud joy, before the marriage Rites,
Like Battails Musick which to fights prepare,
Many to strife and sad success invites;
For marriage is too oft but civil Warr.

43

A truth too amply known to those who read
Great Hymen's Roles; though he from Lovers Eyes
Hides his most Tragick stories of the Dead,
Least all, like Goths, should 'gainst his Temples rise.

44

And thou (what ere thou art, who dost perchance
With a hot Reader's haste, this Song pursue)
Mayst finde, too soon, thou dost too far advance,
And wish it all unread, or else untrue.

45

For it is sung (though by a mourning voice)
That in the Ides before these Lovers had,
With Hymens publick hand, confirm'd their choice,
A cruel practise did their peace invade.

46

For Hermegild, too studiously foresaw
The Counts allyance with the Duke's high blood,
Might from the Lombards such affection draw,
As could by Hubert never be withstood.

47

And he in haste with Gartha does retire,
Where thus his Breast he opens to prevent,
That Hymen's hallow'd Torch may not take fire,
When all these lesser lights of joy are spent.

48

High Heaven (from whose best Lights your beauty grows,
Born high, as highest Mindes) preserve you still
From such, who then appear resistless Foes,
When they allyance joyn to Armes and Skill!

49

Most by conjuction Planets harmfull are;
So Rivers joyning overflow the Land,
And Forces joyn'd make that destructive warre,
Which else our common conduct may withstand.

50

Their Knees to Hurgonil the People bow
And worship Orna in her Brothers right;
They must be sever'd, or like Palms will grow,
Which planted near, out-climbe their native height.

148

51

As Windes, whose violence out-does all art,
Act all unseen; so we as secretly
These Branches of that Cedar Gondibert
Must force till his deep Root in rising dy.

52

If we make noise whilst our deep workings last,
Such rumour through thick Towns unheeded flies,
As winds through woods, and we (our great work past)
Like winds will silence Tongues, and scape from Eyes.

53

E're this dark lesson she was clearer taught,
His enter'd Slaves place at her rev'renc'd Feet
A spacious Cabinet, with all things fraught,
Which seem'd for wearing artful, rich, and sweet.

54

With leisurely delight, she by degrees
Lifts ev'ry Till, does ev'ry Drawer draw;
But nought which to her Sex belongs she sees;
And for the Male all nice adornments saw.

55

This seem'd to breed some strangeness in her Eyes;
Which like a wanton wonder there began;
But strait she in the Lower Closet spies
Th' accomplish'd dress, and Garments of a Man.

56

Then starting, she her Hand shrunk nicely back;
As if she had been stung, or that she fear'd
This Garment was the skin of that old Snake.
Which at the fatal Tree like Man appear'd.

57

Th' ambitious Maid at scornfull distance stood;
And bravely seem'd of Love's low vices free;
Though vicious in her minde, not in her blood:
Ambition is the Mindes immodestie!

58

He knew great mindes disorder'd by mistake,
Defend through pride, the errors they repent;
And with a Lovers fearfulness he spake
Thus humbly, that extremes he might prevent.

59

How ill (delightfull Maid!) shall I deserve
My Life's last flame, fed by your beauty's fire,
If I shall vex your vertues, that preserve
Others weak vertues, which would else expire.

60

How, more then death, shall I my life despise,
When your fear'd frowns, make me your service fear;
When I scarce dare to say, that the disguise
You shrink to see, you must vouchsafe to wear.

61

So rude a Law your int'rest will impose:
And solid int'rest must not yield to shame:
Vain shame, which fears you should such honor lose
As lasts but by intelligence with Fame.

149

62

Number, which makes opinion Law, can turn
This shape to fashion, which you scorn to use,
Because not by your Sex as fashion worn;
And fashion is but that which Numbers chuse,

63

If you approve what Numbers lawful think,
Be bold, for Number cancels bashfulness;
Extremes, from which a King would blushing shrink,
Unblushing Senates act as no excess.

64

Thus he his thoughts (the picture of his minde)
By a dark Vayle to sudden sight deny'd;
That she might prise, what seem'd so hard to finde;
For Curtains promise worth in what they hide.

65

He said her Manhood would not strange appear
In Court, where all the fashion is disguise;
Where Masquerades are serious all the year;
None known but strangers, nor secure but Spies.

66

All rules he reads of living great in Courts;
Which some the Art of wise dissembling call;
For Pow'r (born to have Foes) much weight supports
By their false strength who thrust to make it fall.

67

He bids her wear her beauty free as light;
By Eares as open be to all endeer'd;
For the unthinking Croud judge by their sight;
And seem half eas'd, when they are fully heard.

68

He shuts her Breast even from familiar Eyes;
For he who secrets (Pow'r's chief Treasure) spends
To purchase Friendship, friendship dearly buys:
Since Pow'r seeks great Confed'rates, more then Friends.

69

And now with Councels more particular,
He taught her how to wear tow'rdes Rhodalind
Her looks; which of the Minde false pictures are;
And then how Orna may believe her kinde.

70

How Laura too may be (whose practis'd Eyes
Can more detect the shape of forward love)
By treaty caught, though not by a surprise;
Whose aid would precious to her faction prove.

71

But here he ends his Lecture, for he spy'd
(Adorn'd, as if to grace Magnifique Feasts)
Bright Rhodalind, with the elected Bride;
And with the Bride, all her selected Guests.

72

They Gartha in their civil pity sought;
Whom they in midst of triumphs mist, and feare
Least her full Breast (with Huberts sorrows fraught)
She, like a Mourner, came to empty here.

150

73

But she, and Hermegild, are wilde with hast,
As Traytors are whom Visitants surprise;
Decyph'ring that which fearfully they cast
In some dark place, where viler Treason lies.

74

So open they the fatal Cabinet,
To shut things slighter with the Consequent;
Then soon their rally'd looks in posture set;
And boldly with them to their triumphs went.

75

Tybalt, who Laura gravely ever led,
With ceaseless whispers laggs behinde the Train;
Trys, since her wary Governour is dead,
How the fair Fort he may by Treaty gain.

76

For now unhappy Arnold she forsakes;
Yet is he blest that she does various prove,
When his spent heart for no unkindness akes;
Since from the light as sever'd as from Love.

77

Yet as in storms and sickness newly gon,
Some Clouds a while, and strokes of faintness last;
So, in her brow, so much of grief is shown,
As shews a Tempest, or a sickness past.

78

But him no more with such sad Eyes she seeks,
As even at Feasts would make old Tyrants weep;
Nor more attempts to wake him with such shreeks,
As threatned all where Death's deaf Pris'ners sleep.

79

Hugo and him, as Leaders now she names,
Not much as Lovers does their fame approve;
Nor her own fate, but chance of battel blames;
As if they dy'd for honor, not for love.

80

This Tybalt saw, and findes that the turn'd Stream
Came fairly flowing to refresh his heart;
Yet could he not forget the kinde esteem
She lately had of Arnold's high desert.

81

Nor does it often scape his memory,
How gravely he had vowd, that if her Eyes,
After such Showres of Love, were quickly drie,
He would them more then Lamps in Tombs despise.

82

And whilst he watch'd like an industrious Spy
Her Sexes changes, and revolts of youth;
He still reviv'd this vow as solemnly,
As Senates Count'nance Laws, or Synods, Truth.

83

But Men are frail, more Glass then Women are!
Tybalt, who with a stay'd judicious heart
Would love, grows vain amidst his gravest care:
Love free by nature, scorns the Bonds of Art!

151

84

Laura (whose Fort he by approach would gain)
With a weak sigh blows up his Mine, and Smiles;
Gives fire but with her Eye, and he is slain;
Or treats, and with a whisper him beguiles.

85

Nor force of Arms or Arts (O Love!) endures
Thy mightyness; and since we must discern
Diseases fully e're we study cures;
And our own force by others weakness learn;

86

Let me to Courts and Camps thy Agent be,
Where all their weakness and diseases spring
From their not knowing, and not hon'ring thee
In those, who Nature in thy triumphs sing.

152

Canto the Second.

The ARGUMENT.

Whilst Birtha and the Duke their joyes persue
In conqu'ring Love, Fate does them both subdue
With triumphs, which from Court young Orgo brought;
And have in Goltho greater triumphs wrought:
Whose hopes the quiet Ulfinore does bear
With patience feign'd, and with a hidden fear.

1

The prosp'rous Gondibert from Birtha gains
All bashful plights a Maids first bounties give;
Fast vows, which binde Love's Captives more then chains,
Yet free Love's Saints in chosen bondage live.

2

Few were the dayes, and swiftly seem'd to waste,
Which thus he in his mindes fruition spent;
And least some envious Cloud should overcast
His Love's fair Morn, oft to his Camp he sent;

3

To Bergamo, where still intrenched were
Those Youth, whom first his Father's Army bred;
Who ill the rumor of his wounds did bear,
Though he that gave them, of his own be dead.

4

And worse those haughty threat'nings they abhor,
Which Fame from Brescia's ancient Fighters brought;
Vain Fame, the Peoples trusted Orator,
Whose speech (too fluent) their mistakes has wrought.

5

Oft Goltho with his temp'rate Councels went,
To quench whom Fame to dang'rous fury warm'd;
Till temp'rately his dangers they resent,
And think him safest in their patience arm'd.

6

And safe now is his love, as love could be,
If all the World like old Arcadia were;
Honor the Monarch, and all Lovers free
From jealousie, as safety is from fear.

7

And Birtha's heart does to his civil Breast
As much for ease and peace, as safety come;
For there 'tis serv'd and treated as a Guest,
But watch'd, and taught, and often chid at home.

153

8

Like great and good Confed'rates, whose designe
Invades not others but secures their own,
So they in just and vertuous hopes combine,
And are, like new Confed'rates, busie grown.

9

With whisper earnest, and now grave with thought;
They walk consulting, standing they debate;
And then seek shades, where they in vaine are sought
By servants who intrude and think they waite.

10

In this great League, their most important care
Was to dispatch their Rites; yet so provide,
That all the Court might think them free as ayre,
When fast as faith, they were by Hymen ty'd.

11

For if the King (said he) our love surprise,
His stormy rage will it rebellion call;
Who claims to chuse the Brides of his Allys;
And in that storm our joys in blossome fall.

12

Our love, your cautious Father onely knowes
(On whose safe prudence, Senates may depend)
And Goltho, who to time few reck'nings owes,
Yet can discharge all duties of a Friend.

13

Such was his minde, and hers (more busy) shows
That bonds of love doe make her longer fast
Then Hymen's knot, as plain Religion does,
Longer then Rites (Religion's fashions) last.

14

That her discretion somewhat does appeare,
Since she can Love, her minds chief beauty, hide
Which never farther went then Thula's Eare,
Who had (alass) but for that secret di'de.

15

That she already had disguises fram'd,
And sought out Caves where she might closs reside
As being, nor unwilling nor asham'd
To live his Captive, so she die his Bride.

16

Full of themselves, delight them onward leads,
Where in the Front was to remoter view
Exalted Hills, and neerer prostrate Meads,
With Forrests flanck'd, where shade to darkness

17

Beneath that shade, Two Rivers slily steal,
Through narrow walks, to vvider Adice,
VVho swallows both, till proudly she does swell,
And hasts to shew her beauty to the Sea.

18

And here, whilst forth he sends his ranging Eie,
Orgo he spies; who plies the spur so fast,
As if with nevves of Vict'ry he vvould flie
To leave svvift Fame behinde him by his haste.

154

19

If (said the Duke) because this Boy is come
I second gladness shew, doe not suppose
I spread my Breast to give new Comforts roome,
That were to welcome rain where Nylus flowes.

20

Though the unripe appearance of a Page
For weighty trust, may render him too weak,
Yet this is he, who more then cautious Age,
Or like calm Death, will bury what we speak.

21

This, Birtha, is the Boy, whose skilless face
Is safe from jealousie of oldest spies;
In whom, by whisper, we from distant place
May meet, or wink our meaning to his Eyes.

22

More had he said to gain him her esteem,
But Orgo enters speechless with his Speed;
And by his looks more full of haste did seem,
Then when his spurs provok'd his flying steed.

23

And with his first recover'd breath he cryes;
Hayle my lov'd Lord; whom Fame does vallue so,
That when she swift with your successes flies,
She feares to wrong the World in being slow.

24

I bring you more then tasts of Fortune's love,
Yet am afraid I err, in having dar'd
To think her favours could your gladness move;
Who have more worth then Fortune can reward.

25

The Duke, with smiles, forewarns his hasty Tongue;
As loath he should proceed in telling more;
Kindly afraid to do his kindness wrong,
By hearing what he thought he knew before.

26

Thy diligence (said he) is high desert;
It does in youth supply defects of skil;
And is of duty the most useful part;
Yet art thou now but slow to Hurgonil.

27

Who hither by the Moons imperfect light
Came and return'd, without the help of day,
To tell me he has Orna's Virgin plight,
And that their nuptials for my presence stay.

28

Orgo reply'd, though that a triumph be
Where all false Lovers are, like savage Kings,
Led Captive after Love's great Victory,
It does but promise what your triumph brings.

29

It was the Eve to this your Holy-day!
And now Verona Mistriss does appear
Of Lombardy; and all the Flowers which May
E're wore, does as the Countrie's favours wear.

155

30

The weary Eccho from the Hills makes haste;
Vex'd that the Bells still call for her replies
When they so many are, and ring so faste;
Yet oft are silenc'd by the Peoples cries:

31

Who send to Heav'n the name of Rhodalind,
And then Duke Gondibert as high they raise,
To both with all their publick passion kinde,
If kindness shine in wishes and in praise.

32

The King this day made your adoption known,
Proclaim'd you to the Empire next ally'd,
As heir to all his Conquests and his Crown,
For royal Rhodalind must be your Bride.

33

Not all the dangers valor findes in war,
Love meets in Courts, or pride to Courts procures,
When sick with peace they hot in faction are,
Can make such fears as now the Duke endures.

34

Nor all those fears which ev'ry Maid has found,
On whose first Guards, Love by surprises steals,
(Whose sightless Arrow makes a cureless wound)
Are like to this which doubtful Birtha feels.

35

He from his looks wild wonder strives to chace;
Strives more to teach his Manhood to resist
Death in her Eyes; and then with all the grace
Of seeming pleasure, Orgo he dismist.

36

And Orgo being gone, low as her knees
Could fall, she fell; and soon he bends as low
With weight of heart; griev'd that no Grave he sees,
To sink, where love no more can sorrow know.

37

Her sighs as showrs lay windes, are calm'd with tears;
And parting life seems stay'd awhile to take
A civil leave, whilst her pale visage wears
A cleerer Sky, and thus she weeping spake.

38

Since such a Prince has forfeited his pow'r,
Heav'n give me leave to make my duty less,
Let me my vows, as sudden oathes abhor,
Which did my passion, not my truth express.

39

Yet yours I would not think were counterfeit,
But rather ill and rashly understood;
For 'tis impossible I can forget
So soon, that once you fatally were good.

40

Though cruel now as Beasts where they have pow'r;
Chusing, like them, to make the vveakest bleed;
For vveakness soon invites you to devour,
And a submission gives you ease to feed.

156

41

To fighting Fields, send all your honor back,
To Courts your dang'rous Tongue and civil shape,
That Country Maids may Men no more mistake,
Nor seek dark Death, that they may Love escape.

42

Now soon to Heav'n her Soul had found the way,
(For there it oft had been in pray'r and praise)
But that his vows did life with loudness stay,
And life's warm help did soon her Body raise.

43

And now he gently leads her; for no more
He lets th' unhallow'd Ground a faln Flowre wear,
Sweeter then Nature's Bosome ever wore;
And now these vows sends kindly to her Ear.

44

If (Birtha) I am false, think none to blame
For thinking Truth (by which the Soul subsists)
No farther to be found then in the name;
Think humane kind betraid even by their Priests.

45

Think all my Sex so vile, that you may chide
Those Maids who to your Mothers Nuptials ran;
And praise your Mother who so early dy'de,
Remembring whom she marry'd was a Man.

46

This great Court miracle you strait receive
From Orgo, and your faith the whole allows;
Why since you Orgo's words so soon believe
Will you less civilly suspect my vowes?

47

My Vowes, which want the Temples seal, will binde
(Though private kept) surer then publick Laws;
For Laws but force the Body, but my Minde
Your Vertue Councels, whilst your beauty draws.

48

Thus spake he, but his mourning looks did more
Attest his grief, and fear does hers renew;
Now losing (were he lost) more then before,
For then she fear'd him false, now thinks him true.

49

As sick Physitians seldome their own Art
Dare trust, to cure their own disease, so these
Were to themselves quite useless when apart;
Yet by consult, each can the other ease.

50

But from themselves they now diverted stood;
For Orgo's Newes (which need not borrow wings,
Since Orgo for his Lord believ'd it good)
To Astragon the joyful Houshold brings.

51

But Astragon, with a judicious thought,
This days glad news took in the dire portent;
A day which mourning Nights to Birtha brought;
And with that fear, in search of Birtha went.

157

52

And here he findes her in her Lovers Eyes,
And him in hers; both more afflicted grown
At his approach; for each his sorrow spies;
Who thus would counsel theirs, and hide his own.

53

Though much this fatall joy to anger moves;
Yet reasons aydes shall anger's force subdue;
I will not chide you for your hasty Loves,
Nor ever doubt (great Prince) that yours is true.

54

In chiding Love, because he hasty was,
Or urging errors, which his swiftness brings,
I finde effects, but dare not tax the cause;
For Poets were inspir'd, who gave him wings.

55

When low I digg, where desart-Rivers run,
Dive deep in Seas, through Forrests follow windes,
Or reach with Optick Tubes the ragged Moon,
My sight no cause of Love's swift motion findes.

56

Love's fatall haste, in yours, I will not blame,
Because I know not why his Wings were giv'n;
Nor doubt him true, not knowing whence he came,
Nor Birtha chide, who thought you came from Heav'n.

57

If you lay snares, we err when we escape;
Since evil practise learns Men to suspect
Where falshood is, and in your noble shape,
We should by finding it, our skill detect.

58

Yet both your griefs I'le chide, as ignorance;
Call you unthankful; for your great griefs show
That Heav'n has never us'd you to mischance,
Yet rudely you repine to feel it now.

59

If your contextures be so weak, and nice,
Weep that this stormy world you ever knew;
You are not in those Calmes of Paradice,
Where slender Flowers as safe as Cedars grew.

60

This which your Youth calls grief, was frowardness
In flatter'd Infancy, and as you beare
Unkindly now amidst Youth's joys distress,
So then, unless still rock'd you froward were.

61

Griefs conflicts gave these Haires their silver shine;
(Torne Ensignes which victorious Age adorne)
Youth is a Dress too garish and too fine
To be in foule tempestuous weather worne.

62

Griefs want of use does dang'rous weakness make;
But we by use of Burdens are made strong;
And in our practis'd Age can calmely take
Those sorrows, which like Feavers, vex the young.

158

63

When you in Lov's fair Books (which Poets keep)
Read what they hide, his Tragick History,
You will rejoyce that half your time is sleep,
And smile at Love when Nature bids you die.

64

Learn then that Love's diseases common are;
Doe not in sickness known (though new to you)
Whilst vital heat does last, of cure dispaire:
Love's vital heat does last, whilst Love is true.

65

Thus spake the kinde and prudent Astragon:
And much their kinde impatience he appeas'd,
For of his griefs (which heavi'er then their own
Were born by both) their dutious fears are eas'd.

66

She begs, that he would pardon her distress,
Thought that even sin which did his sorrow move;
And then with all her Mother's lowliness
His pardon craves for asking leave to love.

67

The Duke who saw fair Truth so undisguis'd,
And love in all, but love so unconcern'd,
Pitty'd the studious world, and all despis'd,
Who did not here unlearn, what they had learn'd.

68

I am reform'd (said he) not that before
I wanted love, or that my love was ill;
But I have learnt to perfect Nature more
By giving innocence a little skill.

69

For 'tis some skill in innocence to bear
With temper the distempers of our Stars;
Not doubling griefs already come by fear
Of more, for fears but hasten threatned Wars.

70

But we will bravely suffer to inure
Our strength to weights against the new are laid;
That when 'tis known how much we can endure,
Our sufferings may make our Foes afraid,

71

This Comet Glory shines but in portent;
Which from the Court does send her threatning Beams;
And looks as if it were by malice ment
To hasten Oswald's Faction to extreams.

72

Since Hurgonil, who just fore-ran the Boy
Could not instruct us, we as much may know
Of the first light, as of these fires of joy;
Which is, that both did out of darkness grow.

73

Yet this the King might hide in Kingly skill,
Wisely to make his bounty more his own:
Kings stoop for Councel, who impart their will;
His Acts, like Heav'ns, make not their Causes known.

159

74

Yet with as plain a heart as Love untaught
In Birtha wears, I here to Birtha make
A vow, that Rhodalind I never sought,
Nor now would with her love her greatnesse take.

75

Loves bonds are for her greatness made too straight;
And me Ambition's pleasures cannot please;
Even Priests who on the higher Altar wait;
Think a continu'd rev'rence losse of ease.

76

Let us with secrecy our love protect;
Hiding such precious wealth from publick view;
The proffer'd glory I will first suspect
As false, and shun it when I finde it true.

77

They now retire because they Goltho saw,
Who hither came to watch with Ulfinore
If much the Duke's woo'd Mistris did him awe;
Since love woo'd him, and in the shape of Pow'r.

78

But when he mark'd that he did from them move
With sodain shyness, he suppos'd it shame
Of being seen in chase of Birtha's love;
As if above it grown since Orgo came.

79

Goltho by nature was of Musick made,
Cheerful as Victors warm in their success;
He seem'd like Birds created to be glad,
And nought but love could make him taste distress.

80

Hope, which our cautious Age scarce entertains,
Or as a Flatt'rer gives her cold respect,
He runs to meet, invites her, and complains
Of one hours absence as a years neglect.

81

Hope, the world's welcom, and his standing Guest,
Fed by the Rich, but Feasted by the Poor;
Hope, that did come in triumph to his Breast,
He thus presents in boast to Ulfinore.

82

Well may I (Friend) auspicious Love odore,
Seeing my mighty Rivals takes no pride
To be with Birtha seen; and he before
(Thou knowst) injoyn'd that I his love should hide.

83

Nor do I break his trust when 'tis reveal'd
To thee, since we are now so much the same,
That when from thee, it is from me conceal'd,
For we admit no diff'rence but in name.

84

But be it still from ev'ry other Ear
Preserv'd, and strictly by our mutual vow:
His Laws are still to my obedience dear,
Who was my Gen'ral, though my Rival now.

160

85

And well thou knowst how much mine Eies did melt,
When our great Leader they did first perceive
Love's Captive led; whose sorrows then I felt,
Though now for greater of mine own I grieve.

86

Nor do I now by love in duty err;
For if I get what he would fain possesse,
Then he a Monarch is, and I preferr
Him, who undoes the World in being lesse.

87

When Heav'n (which hath preferr'd me to thy Brest
Where Friendship is inthron'd,) shall make it known
That I am worth thy love, which is exprest
By making Heav'nly Birtha all mine own.

88

Then at this quiet Eden thou wilt call,
And stay a while, to mark if Love's prais'd Plant
Have after Spring a ripeness, and a Fall,
Or never of the first abundance want.

89

And I shall tell thee then if Poets are
In using Beauty's Pencil false, or blinde;
For they have Birtha drawn but sweet and faire;
Stiles of her Face, the Curtain of her Minde!

90

And thou at parting shalt her Picture weare,
For Nature's honor, not to shew my pride;
Try if her like the teeming World does beare,
Then bring that Copy hither for thy Bride.

91

And they shall love as quietly as we;
Their Beauty's pow'r no civil War will raise;
But flourish, and like neighb'ring Flowres agree;
Unless they kindly quarrel in our praise.

92

Then we for change will leave such luscious peace;
In Camps their Favors shall our Helms adorn;
For we can no way else our joys increase,
But by beholding theirs at our return.

93

Thus cloth'd in Feathers, he on Steeples walks;
Not guessing yet, that silent Ulfinore,
Had study'd her of whom he loosly talks,
And what he likes did solidly adore.

94

But Ulfinore with cold discretion aw'd
His passion, and did grave with Love become;
Though Youthfully he sent his Eies abroad,
Yet kept with Manly care, his Tongue at home.

95

These Rival's hopes, he did with patience hear;
His count'nance not uneasy seem'd, nor strange;
Yet meant his cares should more like Love appear,
If in the Duke Ambition bred a change.

161

96

But as the Duke shun'd them for secrecy,
So now they from approaching Orgo move,
Made by Discretion (Love's strict Tutor) shy,
Which is to Lovers painful as their Love.

97

But Orgo they did ill suspect, whose Youth
And nature yielded Lovers no offence;
Us'd by his Lord for kindness and for truth;
Both native in him as his innocence:

98

And here pass'd by in haste, to Court imploy'd,
That Birtha may no more have cause to mourn:
Full was his little Breast! and overjoy'd
That much depended on his quick return!

99

Many like Orgo in their Manhoods Morn,
As Pages did the noble Duke attend;
The Sons of Chiefs, whom beauty did adorn,
And fairer Vertue did that beauty mend.

100

These in his Heroe's Schools he bred (which were
In Peace his Palace, and in War his Tent)
As if Time's self had read sage Lectures there
How he would have his howres (life's Treasure) spent

101

No action, though to shorten dreaded warre,
Nor needful Counsels, though to lengthen Peace,
Nor Love, of which wise Nature takes such care,
Could from this useful work his cares release.

102

But with the early Sun he rose, and taught
These Youths, by growing vertue to grow great;
Shew'd greatness is without it blindly sought,
A desp'rate charge which ends in base retreat.

103

He taught them shame, the sodain sence of ill;
Shame, Nature's hasty Conscience, which forbids
Weak inclination ere it grows to will,
Or stays rash will, before it grows to deeds.

104

He taught them Honor, Vertue's bashfulness;
A Fort so yeildless, that it fears to treat;
Like Pow'r, it grows to nothing, growing less;
Honor, the moral Conscience of the Great!

105

He taught them kindness; Soul's civilitie,
In which, nor Courts, nor Citys have a part;
For theirs is fashion, this from falshood free;
Where Love, and pleasure, know no Lust nor Art.

106

And Love he taught; the Soul's stolne Visit made
Though froward Age watch hard; and Law forbid;
Her walks no Spie has trac'd, nor Mountain staide;
Her friendship's cause, is as the Loadstone's hid.

162

107

He taught them love of Toyle; Toyle which does keep
Obstructions from the Minde, and quench the blood;
Ease but belongs to us like sleep, and sleep
Like Opium, is our Med'cine, not our Food.

108

To Dangers us'd them; which Death's Visards are,
More uggly then himself, and often chace
From Batail Coward-life; but when we dare
His Visard see, we never fear his Face.

163

Canto the Third.

The ARGUMENT.

The Poet takes the Wise aside, to prove
Even them concern'd in all he writes of Love.
The dutious Orgo from the Court returns
With joys, at which again fair Birtha mourns.
The Duke with open Armes does entertain
Those Guests whom he receives with secret pain.

1

Thou, who some Ages hence these Roles dost read
(Kept as Records by Lovers of Love's pow'r)
Thou who dost live, when I have long been dead,
And feed'st from Earth, when Earth does me devowr:

2

Who liv'st, perhaps, amidst some Cities joys,
Where they would fall asleep with Lazy peace,
But that their triumphs make so great a noise,
And their loud Bells cannot for nuptials cease:

3

Thou, who perhaps, proudly thy bloomy Bride
Lead'st to some Temple, where I wither'd lie;
Proudly, as if she Age's Frosts defy'd;
And that thy springing self could never die:

4

Thou, to whom then the cheerful Quire will sing,
Whilst hallow'd Lamps, and Tapers brave the Sun
As a Lay-Light; and Bells in triumph ring,
As when from sallies the Besiegers run.

5

That when the Priest has ended, if thine Eies
Can but a little space her Eies forbear,
To shew her where my Marble Coffin lies;
Her Virgin Garlands she will offer there:

6

Confess, that reading me she learnt to love;
That all the good behaviour of her heart,
Even tow'rds thy self, my doctrine did improve;
Where Love by Nature is forwarn'd of Art,

7

She will confess, that to her Maiden state
This Story shew'd such Patterns of great Life,
As though she then could those but imitate,
They an Example make her now a Wife.

164

8

And thy life's fire could she awhile outlive
(Which were, though lawful, neither kinde nor good)
Then, even her sorrows would examples give;
And shine to others through dark widowhood.

9

And she will boast, how spite of Cynick Age,
Of bus'ness, which does Pow'r uncivil make,
Of ruder Cells, where they Love's Fire asswage
By study'ng Death, and fear for Vertue take:

10

And spite of Courts (where loving now is made
An Art, as dying is in Cells) my Laws
Did teach her how by Nature to perswade,
And hold by vertue whom her beauty draws.

11

Thus when by knowing me, thou know'st to whom
Love owes his Eies, who has too long been blinde;
Then in the Temple leave my Bodies Tomb,
To seek this Book, the Mon'ment of my Minde.

12

Where thou mai'st read; who with impatient Eies
For Orgo on the guilded Tarras stay;
Which high, and golden shews, and open lies,
As the Morne's Window when she lets out Day.

13

Whose height Two rising Forrests over-looks;
And on Pine-tops the Eiesight downward casts;
Where distant Rivers seem bestrided Brooks,
Churches but Anchor'd Ships, their Steeples, Masts.

14

Hence, by his little Regian Courser brought,
Orgo they spie, with diligence indu'd,
As if he would o'ertake forerunning Thought;
And he by many swiftly seem'd pursu'd.

15

But his light speed left those awhile behinde;
Whilst with rais'd Dust, their swiftness hid theway
Yet Birtha will, too soon, by Orgo finde
What she by distance lost in this survay.

16

Orgo a precious Casket did present
To his dear Lord, of Podian Saphyr wrought;
For which, unknown to Birtha, he was sent;
And a more precious Pledg was in it brought.

17

Then thus proclaim'd his joy! Long may I live!
Sent still with blessings from the Hea'nly Powers;
And may their bountys shew what they can give;
And full as fast as long expected Showres!

18

Behold the King, with such a shining Traine
As dazles sight, yet can inform the Blind;
But there the Rich, and Beautious shine in vaine,
Unless they distance keep from Rhodalind.

165

19

Methinks, they through the Middle Region come;
Their Chariots hid in Clouds of Dust below,
And o're their Heads, their Coursers scatter'd Fome
Does seem to cover them like falling Snow.

20

This Birtha heard, and she on Orgo cast
A piteous look (for she no anger knew)
But griev'd he knows not, that he brings too fast
Such joys, as fain she faster would eschew.

21

So Gondibert this Gust of glory took
As Men whose Sayls are full, more weather take;
And she so gaz'd on him, as Sea-men look
On long sought shore, when Tempests drive them back.

22

But now these Glorys more apparent be;
And justly all their observation claim'd;
Great, as in greatest Courts less Princes see,
When entertain'd to be eclips'd, and sham'd.

23

West from Verona's Road, through pleasant Meads
Their Chariots cross; and to the Palace steer;
And Aribert this winged triumph leads;
Which like the Planets Progress did appear.

24

So shin'd they, and so noisless seem'd their speed;
Like Spartans, touching but the silken Reynes,
Was all the conduct which their Coursers need;
And proudly to sit still, was all their pains.

25

With Aribert sat royal Rhodalind;
Calm Orna by the Count; by Hermegild
(Silver'd with time) the Golden Gartha shin'd;
And Tybalt's Eies were full by Laura fill'd.

26

The lesser Beauties, numberless as Stars,
Shew'd sickly and far off, to this Noon-day;
And lagg'd like Baggage Treasure in the Wars;
Or only seem'd, another milkie way.

27

The Duke perceiv'd, the King design'd to make
This visit more familiar by surprise;
And with Court art, he would no notice take
Of that, which Kings are willing to disguise.

28

But as in heedless sleep, the House shall seem
New wak'd with this Alarm; and Ulfin strait
(Whose fame was precious in the Courts esteem)
Must, as with casual sight, their entrance wait.

29

To Astragon he doubles all his Vows;
To Birtha, through his Eies, his Heart reveal'd;
And by some civil jealousies he shows
Her beauty from the Court must be conceal'd.

166

30

Prays her, from Envy's danger to retire;
The Palace war; which there can never cease
Till Beauty's force in age or death expire:
A War disguis'd in civil shapes of Peace,

31

Still he the precious Pledg kept from her view;
Who guess'd not by the Casket his intent;
And was so willing not to fear him true,
That she did fear to question what it ment.

32

Now hasts she to be hid; and being gon,
Her Lover thinks the Planet of the day
So leaves the mourning World to give the Moon
(Whose Train is mark'd but for their number) way.

33

And entring in her Closet (which took light
Full in the Palace Front) she findes her Maids
Gather'd to see this gay unusual sight;
Which Commet-like, their wondring Eies invades.

34

Where Thula would by climbing highest be,
Though ancient grown, and was in stature short;
Yet did protest, she came not there to see,
But to be hid from dangers of the Court.

35

Their curious longing Birtha durst not blame
(Boldness, which but to seeing did aspire)
Since she her self, provok'd with Courts great Fame,
Would fain a little see what all admire.

36

Then through the Casement ventur'd so much Face
As Kings depos'd, shew when through grates they peep,
To see Deposers to their Crowning passe;
But strait shrink back, and at the triumph weep.

37

Soon so her Eies did too much glory finde;
For ev'n the first she saw was all; for she
No more would view since that was Rhodalind;
And so much beauty could none others be.

38

Which with her Vertue weigh'd (no less renown'd)
Afflicts her that such worth must fatal prove;
And be in tears of the Possessor drown'd,
Or she depose her Lover by her Love.

39

But Thula (wildly earnest in the view
Of such gay sights as she did ne'r behold)
Mark'd not when Birtha her sad Eies withdrew;
But dreamt the World was turn'd again to Gold.

40

Each Lady most, till more appear'd, ador'd;
Then with rude liking prais'd them all alowd;
Yet thought them foul and course to ev'ry Lord;
And civilly to ev'ry Page she bow'd

167

41

The objects past, out-sigh'd even those that woo;
And strait her Mistris at the Window mist;
Then finding her in grief, out-sigh'd her too;
And her fair Hands with parting passion kist:

42

Did with a Servants usual art profess
That all she saw, was to her beauty black;
Confess'd their Maids well bred, and knew to dress,
But said those Courts are poor which painting lack.

43

Thy praise (said Birtha) poyson'd is with spite;
May blisters cease on thy uncivil Tongue,
Which strives so wickedly to do me right,
By doing Rhodalind and Orna wrong.

44

False Fame, thy Mistris, tutor'd thee amiss;
Who teaches School in streets, where Crowds resort;
Fame, false, as that their beauty painted is;
The common Country slander on the Court.

45

With this rebuke, Thula takes gravely leave;
Pretends she'll better judge ere they be gon;
At least see more, though they her sight deceive;
Whilst Birtha findes, wilde Fear feeds best alone.

46

Ulfin receives, and through Art's Palace guides
The King; who owns him with familiar grace;
Though Twice seven Years from first observance hides
Those Marks of valor which adorn'd his Face.

47

Then Astragon with hasty homage bows:
And says, when thus his beams he does dispence
In lowly visits, like the Sun he shows
Kings made for universal influence.

48

Him with renown the King for Science pays,
And Vertue; which Gods likest Pictures bee;
Drawn by the Soul, whose onely hire is praise;
And from such Salary not Heav'n is free.

49

Then kindly he inquires for Gondibert;
When, and how far his wounds in danger were?
And does the cautious progress of his Art
Alike with wonder and with pleasure heare.

50

Now Gondibert advanc'd, but with delay;
As fetter'd by his love for he would fain
Dissembled weakness might procure his stay,
Here where his Soul does as in Heav'n remain.

51

Him, Creature like, the King did boldly use
With publick love; to have it understood
That Kings, like God, may chuse whom they will chuse;
And what they make, judge with their own Eies good.

168

52

This grace the Duke at bashful distance takes;
And Rhodalind so much concern'd is grown,
That his surprisal she her troubles makes;
Blushing, as if his blushes were her own.

53

Now the bright Train with Astragon ascend;
Whilst Hermegild, with Gartha moves behinde;
Whom much this gracious visit did offend;
But thus he practis'd to appease her minde.

54

Judge not you strangely in this visit showe;
As well in Courts think wise disembling new;
Nor think the kindness strange, though to your Foe,
Till all in Courts where they are kinde are true.

55

Why should your closer mourning more be worn?
Poor Priests invented Blacks for lesser cost;
Kings for their Syres in Regal Purple mourn;
Which shews what they have got, not what they lost.

56

Though rough the way to Empire be, and steep,
You look that I should level it so plain,
As Babes might walk it barefoot in their sleep;
But Pow'r is the reward of patient pain!

57

This high Hill Pow'r, whose Bowels are of Gold,
Shews neer to greedy and unpractis'd sight;
But many grow in travail to it old,
And have mistook the distance by the height.

58

If those old Travailers may thither be
Your trusted Guides, they will your haste reform;
And give you fears of Voyages by Sea;
Which are not often made without a storm.

59

Yet short our Course shall prove, our passage faire,
If in the Steerage you will quiet stand,
And not make storms of ev'ry breath of Aire;
But think the Helm, safe in the Pilots hand.

60

You like some fatal King (who all Men hears
Yet trusts intirely none) your trust mistake,
As too much weight for one: One Pillar bears
Weight that would make a Thousand Shoulders ake.

61

Your Brothers storm I to a calm have turn'd;
Who lets this guilded sacrifice proceed
To Hymen's Altar, by the King adorn'd,
As Priests give Victims Gerlonds ere they bleed.

62

Hubert to triumph would not move so faste;
Yet you (though but a kinde Spectator) mean
To give his triumph Laws, and make more haste
To see it pass, then he does to be seen.

169

63

With patience lay this Tempest of your heart!
For you, ere long, this Angels form shall turn
To fatal Man's; and for that shape of Art,
Some may, as I for yours of Nature, mourn.

64

Thus by her Love-sick Statesman she was taught;
And smil'd, with joy of wearing Manly shape;
Then smil'd, that such a smile his Heart had caught;
Whose Nets Camps break not through, nor Senates scape.

170

Canto the Fourth.

The ARGUMENT.

The King to Gondibert is grown so kinde,
That he prevents the bounteous Rhodalind
In giving of her love; and Gondibert
Laments his Breast holds but a single heart;
Which Birtha grieves her beauty did subdue,
Since he undoes the world in being true.

1

Full grows the Presence now, as when all know
Some stranger Prince must be receiv'd with state;
When Courts shew those, who come to see the Show;
And all gay Subjects like Domesticks waite.

2

Nor Ulfinore nor Goltho absent were;
Whose hopes expect what list'ning Birtha (hid
In the adjoyning Closet) fears to heare,
And beggs kinde Heav'n in pitty would forbid.

3

The King (who never time nor Pow'r mis-spent
In Subjects bashfulness, whiling great deeds
Like Coward Councels, who too late consent)
Thus to his secret will aloud proceeds.

4

If to thy Fame (brave Youth) I could add wings,
Or make her Trumpet louder by my voice,
I would (as an example drawn for Kings)
Proclaim the cause, why thou art now my choice.

5

But this were to supect the world asleep,
Or all our Lombards with their envy blinde,
Or that the Hunns somuch for bondage weep,
As their drown'd Eies cannot thy Trophies finde.

6

When this is heard, none dare of what I give
Presume their equal merit might have shar'd;
And to say more, might make thy Foes believe,
Thy dang'rous worth is grown above reward.

7

Reward even of a Crown, and such a Crown,
As by Heav'n's Model ancient Victors wore;
When they, as by their Coyn, by Laws were known;
For Laws but made more currant Victors pow'r.

171

8

A Crown soon taught, by whom Pow'r first was given;
When Victors (of Dominion cautious made
By hearing of that old revolt in Heav'n)
Kept Pow'r too high for Subjects to invade.

9

A Crown, which ends by Armies their debate,
Who question height of Pow'r; who by the Law
(Till plain obedience they make intricate)
Would not the People, but their Rulers aw.

10

To Pow'r adoption makes thy Title good;
Preferring worth, as birth give Princes place;
And Vertue's claim exceeds the right of Blood,
As Souls extraction does the Bodies Race.

11

Yet for thy Bloods long walk through Princes veins,
Thou maist with any Lombard measure time;
Though he his hidden house in Illium feigns;
And not step short, when Hubert's self would climbe.

12

And Hubert is of highest Victors breed;
Whose worth I shall for distant Empire chuse;
If he will learn, that you by Fate precede,
And what he never had, he cannot lose.

13

His valor shall the Gothick conquest keep;
And would to Heav'n that all your mighty mindes
As soon were pleas'd, as Infants are with sleep,
And you had Musick common as the windes.

14

That all the Year your Seasons were like Spring;
All joy'd as Birds, and all as Lovers kinde;
That ev'ry famous Fighter were a King,
And each like you could have a Rhodalind.

15

For she is yours, as your adoption free;
And in that gift my remnant Life I give;
But 'tis to you, brave Youth! Who now are she;
And she that Heav'n where secondly I live.

16

And richer then that Crown (which shall be thine,
When Life's long Progress I am gone with Fame)
Take all her love; which scarce forbears to shine
And own thee, through her Virgin-Curtain, shame.

17

Thus spake the King; and Rhodalind rppear'd
Through publish'd Love, with so much bashfulness,
As young Kings shew, when by surprise o're-heard
Moaning to Fav'rite Eares a deep distress.

18

For Love is a distress, and would be hid
Like Monarchs griefs, by which they bashful grow;
And in that shame beholders they forbid;
Since those blush most, who must their blushes show.

172

19

And Gondibert with dying Eies did grieve
At her vail'd love (a wound he cannot heal)
As great Mindes mourn, who cannot then relieve
The vertuous, when through shame they want conceal.

20

And now cold Birtha's rosy looks decay;
Who in fear's Frost had like her beauty dy'd,
But that Attendant Hope perswades her stay
A while, to hear her Duke; who thus reply'd.

21

Victorious King! Abroad your Subjects are
Like Legats safe; at home like Altars free!
Even by your fame they conquer as by warre;
And by your Laws safe from each other be.

22

A King you are o're Subjects, so as wise
And noble Husbands seem o're Loyal Wives;
Who claim not, yet confess their liberties,
And brag to strangers of their happy lives.

23

To Foes a winter storm; whilst your Friends bow
Like Summer Trees, beneath your bountys load;
To me (next-him whom your great self, with low
And cheerful duty serves) a giving God.

24

Since this is you, and Rhodalind (the Light
By which her Sex fled Vertue finde) is yours;
Your Diamond, which tests of jealous sight,
The stroke, and fire, and Oisel's juice endures;

25

Since she so precious is, I shall appear
All counterfeit, of Art's disguises made;
And never dare approach her Lustre neer;
Who scarce can hold my vallew in the shade.

26

Forgive me that I am not what I seem;
But falsly have dissembled an excess
Of all such vertues as you most esteem;
But now grow good but as I ils confess.

27

Far in Ambition's Feaver am I gone!
Like raging Flame aspiring is my Love;
Like Flame destructive too, and like the Sun
Does round the world tow'rds change of Objects move.

28

Nor is this now through vertuous shame confess'd;
But Rhodalind does force my conjur'd feare,
As Men whom evil spirits have possess'd,
Tell all when saintly Votaries appeare,

29

When she will grace the Bridal Dignitie,
It will be soon to all young Monarchs known;
Who then by posting through the World will trie
Who first can at her Feet present his Crown.

173

30

Then will Verona seem the Inn of Kings;
And Rhodalind shall at her Palace Gate
Smile, when great Love these Royal Sutors brings;
Who for that smile would as for Empire waite.

31

Amongst this ruling Race she choyce may take
For warmth of Valor, coolness of the minde,
Eies that in Empire's drowsie Calms can wake,
In storms look out, in darkness dangers find.

32

A Prince who more inlarges pow'r then lands;
Whose greatness is not what his Map contains;
But thinks that his, where he at full commands;
Not where his Coyn does pass, but pow'r remains.

33

Who knows that Pow'r can never be too high
When by the Good possest; for 'tis in them
The swelling Nyle; from which though People fly,
They prosper most by rising of the stream.

34

Thus (Princess) you should chuse; and you will finde;
Even he, since Men are Wolves must civilize
(As light does tame some Beasts of savage kinde)
Himself yet more, by dwelling in your Eies.

35

Such was the Duke's reply; whih did produce
Thoughts of a diverse shape through sev'ral Eares:
His jealous Rivals mourn at his excuse;
But Astragon it cures of all his feares:

36

Birtha his praise of Rhodalind bewayles;
And now her hope a weak Physitian seems,
For Hope, the common Comforter, prevailes
Like common Med'cines, slowly in extreams.

37

The King (secure in offer'd Empire) takes
This forc'd excuse, as troubled bashfulness,
And a disguise which sodain passion makes,
To hide more joy then prudence should express.

38

And Rhodalind (who never lov'd before,
Nor could suspect his love was giv'n away)
Thought not the treasure of his Breast so poore,
But that it might his debts of honor pay.

39

To hasten the rewards of his desert,
The King does to Verona him command;
And kindness so impos'd, not all his Art
Can now instruct his duty to withstand.

40

Yet whilst the King does now his time dispose
In seeing wonders, in this Palace shown,
He would a parting kindness pay to those
Who of their wounds are yet not perfect grown.

174

41

And by this fair pretence, whilst on the King
Lord Astragon through all the House attends,
Young Orgo does the Duke to Birtha bring;
Who thus her sorrows to his bosome sends.

42

Why should my Storm your Life's calm voyage vex?
Destroying wholly vertue's Race in one;
So by the first of my unlucky Sex,
All in a single ruine were undone.

43

Make Heav'nly Rhodalind your Bride! Whilst I
Your once lov'd Maid, excuse you, since I know
That vertuous Men forsake so willingly
Long cherish'd life, because to Heav'n they go.

44

Let me her servant be! A Dignity,
Which if your pity in my fall procures;
I still shall vallew the advancement high,
Not as the Crown is hers, but she is yours.

45

E're this high sorrow up to dying grew,
The Duke the Casket op'ned, and from thence
(Form'd like a Heart) a cheerful Emrauld drew;
Cheerful, as if the lively stone had sence.

46

The Thirti'th Carract it had doubled Twice;
Not tak'n from the Attick Silver Mine,
Nor from the Brass, though such (of nobler price)
Did on the Necks of Parthian Ladies shine:

47

Nor yet of those which make the Ethiop proud;
Nor taken from those Rocks where Bactrians climbe;
But from the Scythian, and without a Cloud;
Not sick at fire, nor languishing with time.

48

Then thus he spake! This (Birtha) from my Male
Progenitors, was to the loyal she
On whose kinde Heart they did in love prevail,
The Nuptial Pledge, and this I give to thee!

49

Seven Centuries have pass'd, since it from Bride
To Bride did first succeed; and though tis known
From ancient lore, that Gemms much vertue hide,
And that the Emrauld is the Bridal Stone.

50

Though much renown'd because it chastness loves,
And will when worn by the neglected wife,
Shew when her absent Lord disloyal proves,
By faintness, and a pale decay of life;

51

Though Emraulds serve as Spies to jealous Brides,
Yet each compar'd to this does councel keep;
Like a false Stone, the Husbands falsh-hood hides,
Or seems born blinde, or feigns a dying sleep,

175

52

With this take Orgo, as a better Spy;
Who may in all your kinder feares be sent
To watch at Court, if I deserve to die
By making this to fade, and you lament.

53

Had now an artfull Pencil Birtha drawn
(With grief all dark, then strait with joy all light)
He must have fancy'd first, in early dawn,
A sudden break of beauty out of Night.

54

Or first he must have mark'd what paleness, Fear,
Like nipping Frost, did to her visage bring;
Then think he sees, in a cold backward year,
A Rosy Morn begin a sudden Spring.

55

Her joys (too vaste to be contain'd in speech)
Thus she a little spake! Why stoop you down,
My plighted Lord, to lowly Birtha's reach,
Since Rhodalind would lift you to a Crown?

56

Or why do I, when I this plight imbrace,
Boldly aspire to take what you have given?
But that your vertue has with Angels place,
And 'tis a vertue to aspire to Heav'n.

57

And as tow'rds Heav'n all travail on their Knees;
So I tow'rds you, though Love aspire, will move:
And were you crown'd, what could you better please
Then aw'd obedience led by bolder Love?

58

If I forget the depth from whence I rise,
Far from your bosome banish'd be my heart;
Or claim a right by beauty to your Eyes;
Or proudly think, my chastity desert.

59

But thus ascending from your humble Maid
To be your plighted Bride, and then your Wife,
Will be a debt that shall be hourly paid,
Till Time my duty cancel with my life.

60

And fruitfully if Heav'n ere make me bring
Your Image to the World, you then my pride
No more shall blame, then you can tax the Spring
For boasting of those Flowres she cannot hide.

61

Orgo, I so receive as I am taught
By duty to esteem what ere you love;
And hope the joy he in this Jewel brought,
Will luckyer then his former triumphs prove.

62

For though but Twice he has approach'd my sight,
He Twice made haste to drown me in my Tears:
But now I am above his Planets spite,
And as for sin beg pardon for my fears.

176

63

Thus spake she; and with fix'd continu'd sight,
The Duke did all her bashful beauties view;
Then they with kisses seal'd their sacred plight;
Like Flowres still sweeter as they thicker grew.

64

Yet must these pleasures feel, though innocent,
The sickness of extremes, and cannot last;
For Pow'r (Love's shun'd Impediment) has sent
To tell the Duke, his Monarch is in hast:

65

And calls him to that triumph which he fears
So as a Saint forgiven (whose Breast does all
Heav'n's joys contain) wisely lov'd Pomp forbears;
Lest tempted Nature should from blessings fall.

66

He often takes his leave, with Love's delay;
And bids her hope, he with the King shall finde,
By now appearing forward to obay,
A meanes to serve him less in Rhodalind.

67

She weeping to her Closet-window hies;
Where she with teares does Rhodalind survey;
As dying Men, who grieve that they have Eyes,
When they through Curtains spy the rising day.

68

The King has now his curious sight suffis'd
With all lost Arts, in their revival view'd;
Which when restor'd, our pride thinks new devis'd:
Fashions of Mindes, call'd new when but renew'd!

69

The busie Court prepares to move, on whom
Their sad offended Eyes the Country caste;
Who never see enough where Monarchs come;
And nothing so uncivil seems as haste.

70

As Men move slow, who know they lose their way,
Even so the Duke tow'rds Rhodalind does move;
Yet he does dutious fears, and wonder pay,
Which are the first, and dangerous signes of Love.

71

All his addresses much by Goltho were
And Ulfinore observ'd; who distant stand;
Not daring to approach his presence neer;
But shun his Eyes to scape from his command:

72

Least to Verona he should both require;
For by remaining here, both hope to light
Their Hymen's Torches at his parting fire;
And not dispaire to kindle them to night.

73

The King his Golden Chariot now ascends;
Which neer fair Rhodalind the Duke containes;
Though to excuse that grace he lowly bends;
But honor so refus'd, more honor gaines.

177

74

And now their Chariots (ready to take wing)
Are even by weakest breath, a whisper stay'd;
And but such whisper as a Page does bring
To Laura's Woman from a Houshold Maid.

75

But this low voice did raise in Laura's Eare
An Eccho, which from all redoubled soon;
Proclaiming such a Country beauty here,
As makes them look, like Ev'ning to her Noon.

76

And Laura (of her own high beauty proud,
Yet not to others cruel) softly prays,
She may appear! but Gartha, bold, and loud,
With Eyes impatient as for conquest, stays.

77

Though Astragon now owns her, and excus'd
Her presence as a Maid but rudely taught,
Infirm in health, and not to greatness us'd;
Yet Gartha still calls out, to have her brought!

78

But Rhodalind (in whose relenting Breast
Compassion's self might fit at School, and learn)
Knew bashful Maids with publick view distrest;
And in their Glass, themselves with fear discern;

79

She stopt this Challenge which Court-Beauty made
To Country shape; not knowing Nature's hand
Had Birtha dress'd, nor that her self obay'd
In vain, whom conqu'ring Birtha did command.

80

The Duke (whom vertuous kindness soon subdues)
Though him his Bonds from Birtha highly please,
Yet seems to think, that lucky he, who sues
To wear this royal Mayd's, will walk at ease.

81

Of these a brief survey sad Birtha takes;
And Orgo's help directs her Eye to all;
Shews her for whom grave Tybalt nightly wakes;
Then at whose feet wise Hermegild does fall.

82

And when calm Orna with the Count she saw,
Hope (who though weak, a willing Painter is,
And busily does ev'ry Pattern draw)
By that example could not work amiss.

83

For soon she shap'd her Lord and her so kinde,
So all of love; till Fancy wrought no more
When she perceiv'd him sit with Rhodalind;
But froward-Painter-like the Copy tore.

84

And now they move; and she thus robb'd, believes
(Since with such haste they bear her wealth avvay)
That they at best, are but judicious Thieves,
And knovv the noble vallue of their Prey.

178

85

And then she thus complain'd! Why royal Maid!
Injurious Greatness! Did you hither come
Where Pow'r's strong Nets of Wyre were never laid?
But childish Love took Cradle as at home.

86

Where can we safe our harmless blessings keep,
Since glorious Courts our solitude invade?
Bells which ring out, when th'unconcern'd would sleep;
False lights to scare poor Birds in Country shade!

87

Or if our joys their own discov'ry make,
Envy (whose Tongue first kills whom she devours)
Calls it our Pride; Envy, The poys'nous snake,
Whose breath blasts Maids, as innocent as Flowres!

88

Forgive me beautious Greatness, if I grow
Distemper'd with my fears, and rudely long
To be secure; or praise your beauty so
As to believe, that it may do me wrong!

89

And you my plighted Lord, forgive me too,
If since your worth and my defects I find,
I fear what you in justice ought to do;
And praise your judgment when I doubt you kind.

90

Now sudden fear o'er all her beauty wrought
The pale appearance of a killing Frost;
And careful Orgo, when she started, thought
She had her Pledg, the precious Emrauld, lost.

91

But that kinde Heart, as constant as her own,
She did not miss; 'twas from a sudden sence,
Least in her Lover's heart some change was grown,
And it grew pale with that intelligence.

92

Soon from her bosome she this Emrauld took:
If now (said she) my Lord my Heart deceaves,
This Stone will by dead paleness make me look
Pale as the Snowy skin of Lilly Leaves.

93

But such a cheerful green the Gemm did fling
Where she oppos'd the Rayes, as if she had
Been dy'de in the complexion of the Spring,
Or were by Nimphs of Brittain Valleys clad.

94

Soon she vvith earnest passion kist the Stone;
Which ne'r till then had suffer'd an Eclipse;
But then the Rayes retir'd, as if it shone
In vain, so neer the Rubies of her Lips.

95

Yet thence remov'd, vvith publick glory shines!
She Orgo blest, vvho had this Relique brought;
And kept it like those Reliques lock'd in shrines,
By vvhich the latest Miracles vvere vvrought.

179

96

For soon respect was up to rev'rence grown;
Which fear to Superstition would sublime,
But that her Father took Fear's Ladder down;
Lose steps, by which distress to Heav'n would climbe.

97

He knew, when Fear shapes Heav'nly Pow'r so just,
And terrible (parts of that shape drawn true)
It vailes Heav'n's beauty, Love; which when we trust,
Our courage honors him to whom we sue!

180

Canto the Fifth.

The ARGUMENT.

The deep Designes of Birtha in distress;
Her Emrauld's vertue shews her Love's success,
Wise Astragon with reason cures despair;
And the Afflicted chides for partial Pray'r.
With grief the secret Rivals take their leave;
And but dark hope for hidden love receive.

1

To shew the Morn her passage to the East,
Now Birtha's dawn, the Lover's Day, appears!
So soon Love beats Revellies in her Breast;
And like the Dewy Morn she rose in tears:

2

So much she did her jealous dreams dislike.
Her Maids strait kindle by her light their Eyes;
Which when to hers compar'd, Poets would strike
Such sparks to light their Lamps, ere Day does rise.

3

But O vain Jealousie! Why dost thou haste
To find those evils which too soon are brought?
Love's frantick Valor! which so rashly faste
Seeks dangers, as if none would come unsought.

4

As often fairests Morns soon cover'd be,
So she with dark'ning thoughts is clouded now;
Looks so, as weaker Eyes small objects see,
Or studious Statesmen who contract the Brovv.

5

Or like some thinking Sybill that vvould finde
The sence of mystick vvords by Angels given!
And this fair Politick bred in her minde
(Restless as Seas) a deep designe on Heav'n.

6

To Pray'rs plain Temple she does hast unseen;
Which though not grac'd with curious cost for shovv,
Was nicely kept; and now must be as clean
As Tears make those who thence forgiven goe.

7

For her own Hands (by which best Painters drew
The Hands of Innocence) will make it shine;
Pennance which newly from her terrors grew;
And was (alass!) part of her deep designe.

181

8

And when this holy huswifry was past,
Her vows she sends to Heav'n, which thither fly
Intire; not broken by unthinking hast;
Like Sinners Sparks that in ascending dy.

9

Thence she departs; but at this Temple Gate
A needy Crowd (call'd by her Summons there)
With such assurance for her bounty waite,
As if ne'r failing Heav'n their Debtor were.

10

To these she store of Antick Treasure gave
(For she no Money knew) Medals of Gold,
Which curious Gathe'rers did in travail save,
And at high worth were to her Mother sold.

11

Figures of fighting Chiefs, born to o'rcome
Those who without their leave would all destroy;
Chiefs, who had brought renown to Athens, Rome,
To Carthage, Tyre, and to lamented Troy.

12

Such was her wealth, her Mothers Legacy;
And well she knew it was of special price;
But she has begg'd what Heav'n must not deny;
So would not make a common Sacrifice.

13

To the black Temple she her Sorrow bears;
Where she outbeg'd the tardy begging Thief;
Made weeping Magdaline but poor in Tears,
Yet Silent as their Pictures was her Grief.

14

Her purpos'd penance she did here fulfil;
Those Pictures dress'd, and the spent Lamp reliev'd
With fragrant Oyles, dropp'd from her Silver Still;
And now for those that there sat mourning, griev'd.

15

Those Penitents, who knew her innocence,
Wonder what Parents sin she did bemoan;
And venture (though they goe unpardon'd thence)
More sighs for her redress then for her own.

16

Now jealousie no more benights her face,
Her courage beautious grows, and grief decayes;
And with such joy as shipwrack'd Men imbrace
The Shore, she hastens to the House of Praise.

17

And there the Gemm she from her bosome took,
(With which till now she trembled to advise)
So far from pale, that Gondibert would look
Pale if he saw, how it out-shin'd her Eyes.

18

These Rayes she to a Miracle prefers;
And lustre that such beauty so defies,
Had Poets seen (Love's partial Jewellers,
Who count nought precious but their Mistress Eyes)

182

19

They would with grief a miracle confess!
She enters strait to pay her gratitude;
And could not think her beauty in distress,
Whilst to her Love, her Lord is still subdu'd.

20

The Altar she with Imagry array'd;
Where Needles boldly, as a Pencil wrought,
The story of that humble Syrian Maid,
Who Pitchers bore, yet Kings to Juda brought.

21

And there she of that precious Linnen spreads,
Which in the consecrated Month is spun
By Lombard Brides; for whom in empty Beds
Their Bridegrooms sigh till the succeeding Moon.

22

'Tis in that Moon bleach'd by her fuller Light;
And wash'd in Sudds of Amber, till it grow
Clean as this Spredders Hands; and those were white
As rising Lillies, or as falling Snow.

23

The voluntary Quire of Birds she feeds,
Which oft had here the Virgin-Consort fill'd;
She diets them with Aromatick seeds;
And quench'd their Thirst with Rainbow-Dew distill'd.

24

Lord Astragon, whose tender care did waite
Her progress, since her Morn so cloudy broke,
Arrests her passage at this Temple Gate,
And thus, he with a Father's license spoke.

25

Why art thou now, who hast so joyful liv'd
E're love thou knew'st, become with Love so sad?
If thou hast lost fair Vertue, then be griev'd;
Else shew, thou know'st her worth by being glad.

26

Thy love's high soaring cannot be a crime;
Nor can we if a Spinster loves a King,
Say that her love ambitiously does climbe:
Love seeks no honor, but does honor bring.

27

Mounts others value, and her own lets fall!
Kings honor is but little, till made much
By Subjects Tongues! Elixer-Love turns all
To pow'rful Gold, where it does only touch.

28

Thou lov'st a Prince above thine own degree:
Degree is Monarch's Art, Love, Nature's Law;
In Love's free State all Pow'rs so Levell'd be,
That there, affection governs more then aw.

29

But thou dost love where Rhodalind does love;
And thence thy griefs of Jealousie begin;
A cause which does thy sorrow vainly move;
Since 'tis thy noble fate, and not thy Sin.

183

30

This Vain and voluntary Loade of grief
(For fate sent Love, thy will does sorrow bear)
Thou to the Temple carry'st for relief;
And so to Heav'n art guided by thy fear.

31

Wilde Fear! Which has a Common-wealth devis'd
In Heav'n's old Realm, and Saints in Senates fram'd;
Such as by which, were Beasts well civiliz'd,
They would suspect their Tamer Man, untam'd.

32

Wilde Fear! Which has the Indian worship made;
Where each unletter'd Priest the Godhead draws
In such a form, as makes himself afraid;
Disguising Mercy's shape in Teeth and Claws.

33

This false Guide Fear, which does thy Reason sway,
And turns thy valiant vertue to despair,
Has brought thee here, to offer, and to pray;
But Temples were not built for Cowards pray'r.

34

For when by Fear thy noble Reason's led
(Reason, not Shape gives us so great degree
Above our Subjects, Beasts) then Beasts may plead
A right in Temples helps as well as we.

35

And here, with absent Reason thou dost weep
To beg success in love; that Rhodalind
May lose, what she as much does beg to keep;
And may at least an equal audience find.

36

Mark Birtha, this unrighteous war of prayer!
Like wrangling States, you ask a Monarchs aide
When you are weak, that you may better dare
Lay claim, to what your passion would invade.

37

Long has th' ambitious World rudely preferr'd
Their quarrels, which they call their pray'rs, to Heav'n;
And thought that Heav'n would like themselves have err'd.
Depriving some, of what's to others given.

38

Thence Modern Faith becomes so weak and blinde,
Thinks Heav'n in ruling other Worlds imploy'd,
And is not mindful of our abject Kinde,
Because all Sutes are not by all enjoy'd.

39

How firm was Faith, when humbly Sutes for need,
Not choice were made? then (free from all despair
As mod'rate Birds, who sing for daily Seed)
Like Birds, our Songs of Praise included prayer.

40

Thy Hopes are by thy Rival's vertue aw'd;
Thy Rival Rhodalind; whose Vertue shines
On Hills, when brightest Planets are abroad;
Thine privately, like Miners Lamps, in Mines.

184

41

The Court (where single Patterns are disgrac'd;
Where glorious Vice, weak Eies admire;
And Vertu's plainness is by Art out fac'd)
She makes a Temple by her Vestal Fire.

42

Though there, Vice sweetly dress'd, does tempt like bliss
Even Cautious Saints; and single Vertue seem
Fantastick, where brave Vice in fashion is;
Yet she has brought plain Vertue in esteem.

43

Yours is a vertue of inferior rate;
Here in the dark a Pattern, where 'tis barr'd
From all your Sex that should her imitate,
And of that pomp which should her Foes reward.

44

Retyr'd, as weak Monasticks fly from care;
Or devout Cowards steal to Forts, their Cells,
From pleasures, which the worlds chief dangers are:
Hers passes yours, as Valor fear excels.

45

This is your Rival in your sute to Heav'n:
But Heav'n is partial if it give to you
What to her bolder Vertue should be given;
Since yours, pomps, Vertu's dangers, never knew:

46

Your sute would have your love with love repay'd;
To which Arts conquests, when all science flowes,
Compar'd, are Students dreams; and triumphs made
By glorious Courts and Camps but painted showes.

47

Even Arts Dictators, who give Laws to Schools,
Are but dead Heads; Statesmen, who Empire move,
But prosp'rous Spys, and Victors, fighting Fools,
When they their Trophies rank with those of Love.

48

And when against your fears I thus declame,
(Yet make your danger more, whilst I decry
Your worth to hers) then wisely fear I blame;
For fears are hurtfull'st when attempts are high:

49

And you should think your noble dangers less,
When most my praise does her renown prefer;
For that takes off your hasty hope's excess;
And when we little hope, we nothing fear.

50

Now you are taught your sickness, learn your cure;
You shall to Court, and there serve Rhodalind;
Trie if her vertue's force you can endure
In the same Sphear, without eclipse of mind.

51

Your Lord may there your Souls compare; for we,
Though Souls, like Stars make not their greatness known;
May find which greater then the other be;
The Stars are measur'd by Comparison!

185

52

Your plighted Lord shall you ere long preferr
To neer attendance on this royal Maid;
Quit then officious Fear! The Jealous fear
They are not fearful, when to death afraid.

53

These words he clos'd with kindness, and retir'd;
In which her quick-ey'd-Hope three blessings spy'd;
With joy of being neer her Lord, inspir'd,
With seeing Courts, and having Vertue try'd!

54

She now with jealous questions, utter'd faste,
Fills Orgo's Ear, which there unmark'd are gone,
As Throngs through guarded Gates, when all make haste,
Not giving Warders time t' examine one.

55

She ask'd if Fame had render'd Rhodalind
With favour, or in Truth's impartial shape?
If Orna were to humble Vertue kinde,
And beauty could from Gartha's envy scape?

56

If Laura (whose faire Eyes those but invites,
Who to her wit ascribe the Victory)
In conquest of a speechless Maid delights?
And ere to this prompt Orgo could reply,

57

She ask'd, in what consist the Charms of Court?
Whether those pleasures so resistless were
As common Country Travailers report,
And such as innocence had cause to feare?

58

What kinde of Angels shape young Fav'rites take?
And being Angels, how they can be bad?
Or why delight so cruelly to make
Fair Country Maids, return from Court so sad?

59

More had she ask'd (for study warm'd her brow,
With thinking how her love might prosp'rous be)
But that young Ulfinore approach'd her now,
And Goltho, warmer with designe then she.

60

Though Goltho's hope (in Indian Feathers clad)
Was light, and gay, as if he meant to flie;
Yet he no farther then his Rival had
Advanc'd in promise, from her Tongue, or Eye.

61

When distant, talk'd, as if he plighted were;
For hope in Love, like Cowards in the Warr,
Talks bravely till the enterprise be neer;
But then discretion dares not venture farr.

62

He never durst approach, her watchfull Eye
With studious gazing, nor with sighs her Eare;
But still seem'd frolick, like a Statesman's Spy;
As if his thoughtful bus'ness were not there.

186

63

Still, Superstitious Lovers Beauty paint,
(Thinking themselves but Devils) so divine,
As if the thing belov'd, were all a Saint;
And ev'ry place she enter'd, were a Shrine.

64

And though last Night were the auspitious time
When they resolv'd to quit their bashful fears;
Yet soon (as to the Sun when Eaglets climbe)
They stoop'd, and quench'd their daring Eyes in tears.

65

And now (for Hope, that formal Centry, stands
All Winds and Showrs, though where but vainly plac'd)
They to Verona beg her dear commands;
And look to be with parting kindness grac'd,

66

Both daily journies meant, 'twixt this and Court:
For taking leave is twice Love's sweet Repast;
In being sweet, and then in being short;
Like Manna, ready still, but cannot last.

67

Her Favours not in lib'ral looks she gave,
But in a kinde respectful lowliness,
Them honor gives, yet did her honor save;
Which gently thus, she did to both express.

68

High Heav'n that did direct your Eyes the way
To chuse so well, when you your friendship made,
Still keep you joyn'd, that daring Envy may
Fear such united Vertue to invade!

69

In your safe Brests, the Noble Gondibert
Does trust the secret Treasure of his love;
And I (grown Conscious of my low desert)
Would not, you should that wealth for me improve.

70

I am a Flow'r that merit not the Spring!
And he (the World's warm Sun!) in passing by
Should think, when such as I leave flourishing,
His Beams to Cedars haste, which else would die.

71

This from his humble Maid you may declare
To him, on whom the good of humane kinde
Depends; and as his greatning is your care,
So may your early love successes finde!

72

So may that beautious She, whom eithers Heart
For vertue and delight of life shall chuse,
Quit in your siege the long defence of Art,
And Nature's freedom in a treaty lose.

73

This gave cold Ulfinore in Love's long Night
Some hope of Day; as Sea-men that are run
Far Northward finde long Winters to be light,
And in the Cynosure, adore the Sun.

187

74

It shew'd to Goltho, not alone like Day,
But like a wedding Noon; who now grows strong
Enough to speak; but that her beauties stay
His Eyes, whose wonder soon arrests his Tongue.

75

Yet something he at parting seem'd to say,
In pretty Flow'rs of Love's wild Rhetorick;
Which mov'd not her, though Orators thus sway
Assemblies, which since wilde, wilde Musick like.

188

Canto the Sixth.

The ARGUMENT.

Here Ulfin reads the art to Ulfinore
Of wisely getting, and increasing Power.
The Rivals to Verona haste, and there
Young Goltho's frailty does too soon appear.
Black Dalga's fatal beauty is reveal'd;
But her descent and Story is conceal'd.

1

Old Ulfin parting now with Ulfinore,
His study'd thoughts, and of a grave import
Thus utter'd, as well read in ancient Lore;
When prudence kept up greatness in the Court.

2

Heav'n guide thee, Son, through Honor's slipp'ry way;
The Hill, which wary painfulness must climbe;
And often rest, to take a full survey.
Of every path, trod by Experienc'd Time.

3

Rise glorious with thy Master's hopeful Morn!
His favour calls thee to his secret Breast;
Great Gondibert! to spacious Empire born;
Whose careful Head will in thy bosome rest.

4

Be good! and then in pitty soon be great!
For vertuous men should toile to compass pow'r,
Least when the Bad possess Dominion's Seat,
We vainly weep for those whom they devour.

5

Our vertue without pow'r, but harmless is!
The Good, who lazily are good at home,
And safely rest in doing not amiss,
Fly from the Bad, for fear of Martyrdome!

6

Be in thy greatness easie, and thy Brow
Still cleer, and comforting as breaking Light;
The Great, with bus'ness troubled, weakly bow;
Pow'r should with publick Burdens walk upright!

7

We chearfulness, as innocence commend!
The Great, may with benigne and civil Eyes
The People wrong, yet not the wrong'd offend;
Who feel most wrong, from those who them despise!

189

8

Since wrongs must be, Complaints must shew the Griev'd;
And Favorites should walk still open Ear'd;
For of the suing Croud half are reliev'd
With the innate delight of being heard.

9

Thy greatness be in Armes! who else are great,
Move but like Pageants in the People's view;
And in foul weather make a scorn'd retreat;
The Greeks their painted Gods in Armor drew!

10

Yield not in storms of State to that dislike
Which from the People does to Rulers grow;
Pow'r (Fortune's Sail) should not for threatnings strike;
In Boats bestorm'd all check at those that row.

11

Courts little Arts contemn! dark Holes to save
Retreated Pow'r, when fear does Friendship feigne;
Poor Theeves retire to Woods! Chiefs, great, and brave,
Draw out their Forces to the open Plaine!

12

Be by thy Vertue bold! when that Sun shines,
All Art's false lights are with disgrace put out;
Her straitness shews it self and crooked Lines;
And her plain Text the Scepticks dare not doubt.

13

Revenge (weak Womens Valor, and in Men,
The Ruffians Cowardise,) keep from thy Breast!
The factious Palace is that Serpent's Den;
Whom Cowards there, with secret slaughter Feast.

14

Revenge is but a braver Name for Fear,
'Tis Indians furious fear, when they are fed
With valiant Foes; whose Hearts their Teeth must tear
Before they boldly dare believe them dead.

15

VVhen thou giv'st death, thy Banners be display'd!
And move not till an open Foe appears!
Courts lurking war shews Justice is afraid;
And no broad Sword, but a closs Ponyard wears.

16

To kill, shews Fear dares not more fears endure!
VVhen wrong'd, destroy not with thy Foes thy fame;
The Valiant by forgiving mischief, cure;
And it is Heav'n's great conquest to reclame!

17

Be by thy bounty known! for since the needs
Of life, so rudely press the bold and wise;
The bountious heart, all but his God exceeds;
VVhom bounty best makes known to Mortal Eies!

18

And to be bountiful, be rich! for those
Fam'd Talkers, who in Schools did wealth despise,
Taught doctrine, which at home would Empire lose,
If not believ'd first by their Enemies.

190

19

And though in ruling Ministers of State,
The People wretched poverty adore,
(Which Fools call innocence, and wise Men hate
As sloth) yet they rebell for being poore,

20

And to be rich, be diligent! Move on
Like Heav'ns great Movers that inrich the Earth;
Whose Moments sloth would shew the world undone,
And make the Spring strait bury all her birth.

21

Rich are the diligent! who can command
Time, Nature's stock! and could his Hour-glass fall,
Would, as for seed of Stars, stoop for the sand;
And by incessant Labour gather all.

22

Be kinde to Beauty! that unlucky Shrine!
Where all Love's Thieves come bowing to their Prey;
And honor steal; which Beauty makes divine:
Be thou still kinde, but never to betray!

23

Heav'n study more in Nature, then in Schools!
Let Nature's Image never by thee pass
Like unmark'd Time; but those unthinking Fools
Despise, who spie not Godhead through her Glass!

24

These precepts Ulfinore, with dutious care,
In his Hearts Closet lock'd, his faithful Brest!
And now the Rival-Friends for Court prepare;
And much their Youth is by their haste exprest.

25

They yet ne'r saw Verona nor the Court;
And expectation lengthens much their way;
Since by that great Inviter urg'd, Report;
And thither fly on Coursers of Relay,

26

E're to his Western Mines the Sun retir'd;
They his great Mint for all those Mines behold,
Verona, which in Towres to Heav'n aspir'd;
Guilt doubly, for the Sun now guilt their gold.

27

They make their Entry through the Western Gate!
A Gothick Arch! Where, on an Elephant
Bold Clephes as the second Founder sate;
Made to mock life, and onely life did want.

28

Still strange, and divers seem their Objects now;
And still increase, where ere their Eyes they cast;
Of lazy Pag'ant-Greatness, moving slow,
And angry bus'ness, rushing on in haste.

29

All strange to them, as they to all appear;
Yet less like strangers gaz'd then those they see;
Who this glad day the Duke's Spectators were;
To mark how with his fame his looks agree.

191

30

And guess that these are of his fighting Train,
Renown'd in Youth; who by their wonder stay'd,
And by their own, but slowly passage gain;
But now much more their progress is delay'd:

31

For a black Beauty did her pride display
Through a large Window, and in Jewels shon,
As if to please the World, weeping for day,
Night had put all her Starry Jewels on.

32

This Beauty gaz'd on both, and Ulfinore
Hung down his Head, but yet did lift his Eyes;
As if he fain would see a little more:
For much, though bashful, she did beauty prise.

33

Goltho did like a blushless Statue stare;
Boldly her practis'd boldness did out-look;
And even for fear she would mistrust her snare,
Was ready to cry out, that he was took!

34

She, with a wicked Woman's prosp'rous Art,
A seeming modesty, the Window clos'd;
Wisely delay'd his Eyes, since of his Heart
She thought, she had sufficiently dispos'd.

35

And he thus strait complain'd! Ah Ulfinore,
How vainly Glory has our Youth misled?
The Winde which blowes us from the happy Shore,
And drives us from the living to the Dead.

36

To Bloody slaughters, and perhaps of those
Who might beget such beauties as this Maid;
The Sleepy here are never wak'd with Foes;
Nor are of ought but Ladies frowns afraid.

37

Ere he could more lament, a little Page,
Clean, and perfum'd (one whom this Dame did breed
To guess at ills, too manly for his age)
Steps swiftly to him, and arrests his Steed.

38

With civil whisper cries, My Lady Sir!—
At this, Goltho alights as swiftly post
As Posters mount; by lingring loath to err,
As Wind-bound Men, whose sloth their first Wind lost.

39

And when his Friend advis'd him to take care;
He gravely, as a Man new potent grown,
Protests he shall in all his Fortunes share;
And to the House invites him as his own.

40

And, with a Rival's wisdom, Ulfinore
Does hope, since thus blinde Love leads him astray,
Where a false Saint he can so soon adore,
That to Birtha ne'r will finde the way.

192

41

They enter, and ascend; and enter then
Where Dalga with black Eyes does Sinners draw;
And with her voice holds fast repenting Men;
To whose warm Jett, light Goltho is but Straw.

42

Nicely as Bridegrooms, was her Chamber drest,
Her Bed, as Brides; and richer then a Throne;
And sweeter seem'd then the Circania's Nest,
Though built in Eastern Groves of Cinamon.

43

The price of Princes pleasures; who her love
(Though but false ware) at rates so costly bought;
The wealth of many, but may hourly prove
Spoils to some one by whom her self is caught.

44

She, sway'd by sinful Beauty's destiny,
Findes her Tyrannick pow'r must now expire;
Who ment to kindle Goltho with her Eye,
But to her Breast has brought the raging fire.

45

Yet even in simple love she uses Art;
Though weepings are from looser Eyes but leaks,
Yet oldest Lovers scarce would doubt her heart;
So well she weeps, and thus to Goltho speaks.

46

I might, if I should ask your pardon, Sir,
Suspect that pitty which the noble feel
When Women fail; but since in this I err
To all my Sex, I would to Women kneel.

47

Yet happy were our Sex, could they excuse
All breach of modesty, as I can mine;
Since 'tis from passion which a Saint might use,
And not appear less worthy of a Shrine.

48

For my brave Brother you resemble so
Throughout your shape; who late in Combate fell;
As you in that an inward vertue show,
By which to me you all the World excell.

49

All was he, which the Good as greatness see,
Or Love can like! in judgment match'd by none;
Unless it fail'd in being kind to me;
A crime forbid to all since he is gone.

50

For though I send my Eyes abroad, in hope
Amongst the streams of Men still flowing here,
To finde (which is my passions utmost scope)
Some one that does his noble Image beare;

51

Yet still I live recluse; unless it seem
A liberty too rude, that I in you
His likeness at so high a rare esteem,
As to believe your heart is kinde and true.

193

52

She casts on Ulfinore a sudden look;
Stares like a Mountebank, who had forgot
His Viol, and the cursed poison took
By dire mistake before his Antidote.

53

Prays Goltho that his Friend may strait forbear
Her presence; who (she said) resembled so
Her noble Brother's cruel Murderer,
As she must now expire, unless he go!

54

Goltho, still gravely vain, with formal Face
Bids Ulfinore retire; and does pretend
Almost to know her Parents, and the place,
And even to swear her Brother was his Friend.

55

But wary Ulfinore (whose beautious Truth
Did never but in plainest dress behold)
Smiles, and remembers Tales, to forward Youth
In Winter Nights by Country Matrons told:

56

Of witches Townes, where seeming Beauties dwell,
All hair, and black within, Maides that can fly!
Whose Palaces at Night, are smoky Hell,
And in their beds their slaughter'd Lovers lie.

57

And though, the Sun now setting, he no Lights
Saw burning blew, nor steam of Sulphur smelt;
Nor took her Two black Meroen Maids for Sprites;
Yet he a secret touch of honor felt.

58

For not the craft of Rivalship (though more
Then States, wise Rivals study interest)
Can make him leave his Friend, till he restore
Some cold discretion to his burning Breast.

59

Though to his fears this cause now serious shows;
Yet smiles he at his solemn loving Eye;
For Lust in reading Beauty solemn grows
As old Physitians in Anatomie.

60

Goltho (said he) 'tis easie to discern
That you are grave, and think you should be so;
Since you have bus'ness here of grave concern;
And think that you this House and Lady know.

61

You'l stay, and have your sleep with musick fed;
But little think to wake with Mandrakes grones;
And by a Ghost be to a Garden led
At midnight, strew'd with simple Lovers Bones:

62

This Goltho is inchantment, and so strange,
So subt'ly false, that whilst I tell it you,
I fear the spell will my opinion change,
And make me think the pleasant Vision true.

194

63

Her dire black Eyes are like the Oxes Eye,
Which in the Indian Ocean Tempest brings;
Let's go! Before our Horses learn to fly,
Ere she shew cloven Feet, and they get wings!

64

But high rebellious Love, when counsell'd, soon
As sullen as rebuk'd Ambition grows;
And Goltho would pursue what he should shun,
But that his happy'r fate did interpose:

65

For at the Garden Gate, a Summons, loud
Enough, to shew authority, and haste,
Brought cares to Dalga's Brow; which like a Cloud
Did soon her shining beauty over-cast.

66

Like Thieves surpris'd, whil'st they divide their Prise,
Her Maids run and return through ev'ry Room;
Still seeming doubtful where their safety lies;
All speaking with their looks, and all are dumb.

67

She, who to dangers could more boldly wake,
With words, swift as those errands which her heart
Sends out in glances, thus to Goltho spake:
My Mother, Sir! Alass! You must depart!

68

She is severe, as dying Confessors,
As jealous as unable Husbands are,
She Youth in Men, like age in Maids abhors;
And has more Spies then any civil Warre.

69

Yet would you but submit to be conceal'd,
I have a Closet secret as my Brest,
Which is to Men, nor Day, no more reveal'd,
Then a closse Swallow in his Winters Nest.

70

To this good Goltho did begin to yield;
But Ulfinore (who doubts that it may tend
To base retreat, unless they quit the Field)
Does by example govern and defend.

71

And now his Eyes even ake with longingness,
Ready to break their Strings, to get abroad
To see this Matron, by whose sole access
Dalga in all her furious hopes is aw'd.

72

And as he watch'd her civil Mercury,
The hopeful Page; he saw him entrance give,
Not to a Matron, still prepar'd to die;
But to a Youth wholly design'd to live.

73

He seem'd the Heir to prosp'rous Parents toiles;
Gay as young Kings, that woo in forraign Courts;
Or youthful Victors in their Persian spoiles;
He seem'd like Love and Musick made for sports.

195

74

But wore his clothing loose, and wildly cast,
As Princes high with Feasting, who to wine
Are seldom us'd: shew'd warm, and more unbrac't
Then Ravishers, oppos'd in their designe.

75

This Ulfinore observ'd, and would not yet
In civil pitty, undeceive his Friend;
But watch'd the signes of his departing Fit;
Which quickly did in bashful silence end.

76

To the Dukes Palace they inquir'd their way;
And as they slowly rod, a grave excuse
Griev'd Goltho frames; vowing he made this stay
For a discov'ry of important use.

77

If Sir, (said he) we heedlesly pass by
Great Towns, like Birds that from the Country come
But to be skar'd, and on to Forrests fly,
Let's be no travail'd Fools, but roost at home.

78

I see (reply'd his Friend) you nothing lack
Of what is painful, curious, and discreet
In Travailers; else would you not look back
So often to observe this House, and Street:

79

Drawing your City Mapp with Coasters care;
Not onely marking where safe Channels run,
But where the Shelves, and Rocks, and Dangers are;
To teach weak Strangers what they ought to shun.

80

But, Goltho, fly from Lust's experiments!
Whose heat we quench much sooner then asswage;
To quench the Furnace-Lust, stop all the vents;
For, give it any Air, the flames will rage.

FINIS.

198

FINIS.