Ouid his Inuectiue against Ibis Translated into English Meeter. Wherevnto is added by the Translator [i.e. Thomas Underdowne], a short draught of all the stories and tales contained therein: very pleasant to be read |
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 | Ouid his Inuectiue against Ibis |  |
TO THE RIGHT honorable and my very good Lord, sir Thomas Sackuile knight, lord Buckhurst:
Thomas Vnderdowne wisheth contiūual health, with encrese of Honor.
Ouid his inuectiue against IBIS.
Whole fifty yeares be gone and past
since I alyue haue beene:
Yet of my Muse ere now there hath
no armed verse be seene.
Among so many thousande workes,
yet extant to be had:
No bloudy letter can be red
that euer Naso made.
Nor yet no man (set me aside)
my bookes haue causde to smart:
Syth I my selfe am cast away,
by my inuented arte.
On man there is that wil not let,
(this is a grieuous paine)
The title of my curteous verse,
for euer to remaine.
VVhat so he be, as yet his name,
shal not by me be wrayde:
VVho me constraines to take in hand,
no weapons erst assayde.
Hee wil not let me, sent almost
vnto the frosen Zone:
In banishment take restlesse ease,
and there to lye vnknowne.
That cruel man doth vexe my wounds,
that seke for needeful rest:
And slanderous wordes doth vtter oft
where great resort is prest.
He suffreth not my coupled mate.
by lasting league of bed,
To wayle hir wretched husbands corse,
not much vnlike the dead.
And while some part of beaten barke,
I hard do holde in hande,
He striues to haue the onely bowrde,
wheron I swim to lande.
And he who should of right put out
eche sodaine kyndled flame:
Too violent, doth seeke to gette
his pray amid the same.
He labors that my wandring age,
due norishment should lacke:
Oh how much worthyer to beare,
our mischiues on his backe?
The Gods do graunt me better lucke,
of whom he is greatst to mee:
That wil not see my trauel want,
opprest with penury.
To him therfore deserued thankes,
as long as I shal liue:
For his so kinde and curteise heart,
I euermore wil giue.
Let Pontus hereof record beare,
and he perhaps wil make.
That I shal of some nearer coast,
hereof a witnesse take.
But vnto thee thou cruel man,
that treadest on me so,
VVherein I may (alas therfore)
I will be stil thy foe.
Yea moysture shal surcease to bee,
contrary to the dry:
And with the Moone bright Phœbus beams,
shal ioynedbe on hye:
And one part of the heauens shal
sende East and VVest windes forth:
And eke the moysting Southern winde
shal blow out of the North:
And new agreement shal be made.
in brothers smoke againe:
VVhich earst in blasing flames of fyre,
olde rancor rent in twayne.
since I alyue haue beene:
Yet of my Muse ere now there hath
no armed verse be seene.
Among so many thousande workes,
yet extant to be had:
No bloudy letter can be red
that euer Naso made.
Nor yet no man (set me aside)
my bookes haue causde to smart:
Syth I my selfe am cast away,
by my inuented arte.
On man there is that wil not let,
(this is a grieuous paine)
The title of my curteous verse,
for euer to remaine.
VVhat so he be, as yet his name,
shal not by me be wrayde:
VVho me constraines to take in hand,
no weapons erst assayde.
Hee wil not let me, sent almost
vnto the frosen Zone:
In banishment take restlesse ease,
and there to lye vnknowne.
That cruel man doth vexe my wounds,
that seke for needeful rest:
where great resort is prest.
He suffreth not my coupled mate.
by lasting league of bed,
To wayle hir wretched husbands corse,
not much vnlike the dead.
And while some part of beaten barke,
I hard do holde in hande,
He striues to haue the onely bowrde,
wheron I swim to lande.
And he who should of right put out
eche sodaine kyndled flame:
Too violent, doth seeke to gette
his pray amid the same.
He labors that my wandring age,
due norishment should lacke:
Oh how much worthyer to beare,
our mischiues on his backe?
The Gods do graunt me better lucke,
of whom he is greatst to mee:
That wil not see my trauel want,
opprest with penury.
To him therfore deserued thankes,
as long as I shal liue:
For his so kinde and curteise heart,
I euermore wil giue.
Let Pontus hereof record beare,
and he perhaps wil make.
hereof a witnesse take.
But vnto thee thou cruel man,
that treadest on me so,
VVherein I may (alas therfore)
I will be stil thy foe.
Yea moysture shal surcease to bee,
contrary to the dry:
And with the Moone bright Phœbus beams,
shal ioynedbe on hye:
And one part of the heauens shal
sende East and VVest windes forth:
And eke the moysting Southern winde
shal blow out of the North:
And new agreement shal be made.
in brothers smoke againe:
VVhich earst in blasing flames of fyre,
olde rancor rent in twayne.
The spring with Autumne shalbe one,
with VVinter Sommers guise:
And in one Country shal the Sun
at once both set and rise:
Ere I wil concord haue with thee,
sith thou didst breake the bande:
And set these weapons cleane aside,
that I haue tane in hand.
Than that my griefe by any space,
may euer ended bee:
Or time and houre may asswage,
my hatred toward thee.
This peace shal be betwixt vs stil,
as long as lyfe shal last:
My fyrst battayles I mynde to wage,
in style as I begone:
Although like wars in style not lyke,
are wonted to be done.
And as the pleased soldires speare,
that dothe fearce Veles hight:
Doth fyrst styck fast in sandy grounde,
as cunning taught him ryght.
So I with sharp and poynted dart,
yet wyl not shoute at thee:
Ne shal my speare forth with confound,
the hated head of mee.
with VVinter Sommers guise:
And in one Country shal the Sun
at once both set and rise:
Ere I wil concord haue with thee,
sith thou didst breake the bande:
And set these weapons cleane aside,
that I haue tane in hand.
Than that my griefe by any space,
may euer ended bee:
Or time and houre may asswage,
my hatred toward thee.
This peace shal be betwixt vs stil,
as long as lyfe shal last:
in style as I begone:
Although like wars in style not lyke,
are wonted to be done.
And as the pleased soldires speare,
that dothe fearce Veles hight:
Doth fyrst styck fast in sandy grounde,
as cunning taught him ryght.
So I with sharp and poynted dart,
yet wyl not shoute at thee:
Ne shal my speare forth with confound,
the hated head of mee.
And in this booke ne name nor deede,
of thee I mynde to sayne:
And what thou art a lyttle while,
I geue thee leaue to fayne.
But if as now, hereafter thou
do styll, Iambus good
And fytte for me, shall weapons geue,
sprent with Lycambus blood.
of thee I mynde to sayne:
And what thou art a lyttle while,
I geue thee leaue to fayne.
But if as now, hereafter thou
do styll, Iambus good
And fytte for me, shall weapons geue,
sprent with Lycambus blood.
But now as earst Calimacbus,
dyd enmy Ibis cursse:
By that same meanes both thee & thine
I earnestly do cursse.
dyd enmy Ibis cursse:
By that same meanes both thee & thine
I earnestly do cursse.
And as he dyd, so I my verse,
wyll wrap in stories blynde:
Although my selfe am neuer wont
to imitate this kynde.
His trade obscure I folowing,
gainste Ibys wyll inuay,
My customes olde and iudgement to,
the whyle wyll cast away.
And for bicause yet what thou arte,
(to them that aske the same)
I tell it not, thou also shalt
tyll then haue Ibys name.
And as my verses shalbe stufte,
with some obscurytie:
So let the course of all thy life,
be fyllde with myserie.
Of him that luckyest is to gesse,
the same be done to thee:
One day wherein thou tokest lyfe,
and fyrst of Ianuarye.
wyll wrap in stories blynde:
Although my selfe am neuer wont
to imitate this kynde.
His trade obscure I folowing,
gainste Ibys wyll inuay,
My customes olde and iudgement to,
the whyle wyll cast away.
And for bicause yet what thou arte,
(to them that aske the same)
I tell it not, thou also shalt
tyll then haue Ibys name.
And as my verses shalbe stufte,
with some obscurytie:
So let the course of all thy life,
be fyllde with myserie.
Of him that luckyest is to gesse,
the same be done to thee:
One day wherein thou tokest lyfe,
and fyrst of Ianuarye.
The gods that rule both sea and land,
and better kyngedomes guyde:
In equall power with Iupiter,
betwene the Poles so wyde:
and better kyngedomes guyde:
In equall power with Iupiter,
betwene the Poles so wyde:
Oh hitherto I pray you all,
be prestt, apply your minde:
And graunt that these my hearty hestes,
desired waight may fynde.
And thou thy self (oh Tellus fayre)
thou Sea with all thy waues:
And Ayer highest of the rest,
graunt what my prayers craues.
And eke you Starres and Phebus to,
with beames compassed bright:
Thou Moone also who neuer dost,
as ere shew forth thy light.
Thou Night who by thy darknes art,
of many honoured:
And eke you Dames who with three hands,
doe spinne the certain thred.
be prestt, apply your minde:
And graunt that these my hearty hestes,
desired waight may fynde.
And thou thy self (oh Tellus fayre)
thou Sea with all thy waues:
graunt what my prayers craues.
And eke you Starres and Phebus to,
with beames compassed bright:
Thou Moone also who neuer dost,
as ere shew forth thy light.
Thou Night who by thy darknes art,
of many honoured:
And eke you Dames who with three hands,
doe spinne the certain thred.
Thou Riuer too, that thorow Hell
with fearefull noyse dost run:
By whom who so doth make a vowe,
the same must needes be done.
with fearefull noyse dost run:
By whom who so doth make a vowe,
the same must needes be done.
Also ye Furies three, that sitte
before the gates of Hell:
VVhose riueled hairs are fearfull snakes
as auncient Poets tell.
before the gates of Hell:
VVhose riueled hairs are fearfull snakes
as auncient Poets tell.
Ye basest Gods, Fauni, Satyres,
and those that Lares hight:
Ye Flouds & Nimphes, and half Gods to,
not yet of perfect might.
and those that Lares hight:
Ye Flouds & Nimphes, and half Gods to,
not yet of perfect might.
And last ye Gods both olde and newe,
that since great Chaos were:
Vnto our time, al you I pray,
my humble prayers heare.
that since great Chaos were:
Vnto our time, al you I pray,
my humble prayers heare.
That whylst I an vnfaithful man,
by verse doe cause to smart:
And raging anger takes in hande,
with griefe to play his parte:
Let euery one of you by course,
geue graunt to my request:
And let no parte of prayers mine,
without effecte take rest.
Let all that I haue prayd be done,
and that Neptune may gesse,
These not my wordes, but his, who was
sonne to Pasaphaes,
by verse doe cause to smart:
And raging anger takes in hande,
with griefe to play his parte:
Let euery one of you by course,
geue graunt to my request:
And let no parte of prayers mine,
without effecte take rest.
Let all that I haue prayd be done,
and that Neptune may gesse,
These not my wordes, but his, who was
sonne to Pasaphaes,
And all the paynes that I do beare,
let them to him betide:
And that he may more wretchednes,
than erst I did abide.
And that my verses which do banne,
his counterfeyted name:
Do no lesse harme, or lesse may moue,
the Gods about the same.
I him do curse, who knoweth well,
what meneth Ibis name:
VVhose conscience knoweth wel, that he
deserued hath the same.
VVithout delay I redy prest,
my causes wyl pursue:
VVho o art at my sacrifice,
doe it with silence vew.
VVho so art at this sacrifice,
doe dolefully lament:
And goe to Ibis, al thy cheekes,
with moisty teares besprent.
VVith all yl lucke that may befal,
with lefte feete meete him sone:
Let vestures blacke your bodyes hide,
as is of mourners done.
And thou why dost thou doubte to take
thy deathlike bandes of force?
Now standes the Altar (as thou seest)
prepared for thy corse.
Let no delayes my banning stay,
pompe is prepard for thee:
A cursed sacrifice thy throte,
vnto my kniues apply.
Let thearth deny thee fruit, and stream
his waters holde from thee:
Let euery winde deny fitte blastes,
for thy commoditie.
Let not the Sun shine bright on thee,
nor glistering Moone by night:
And of thy eyes let glimsing starres,
forsake the wished sight.
Let not the fire graunt thee his heate,
nor Ayre humiditie:
Let neither earth nor yet the Sea,
free passage graunt to thee.
That banyshed and poore thou mayst,
straunge houses seeke in vayne:
That crauing to, with trembling voyce
small almes mayst obtayne.
That neither sound of body, nor
thy mynde in perfect plight:
This night be worse than passed day,
and next day than this night.
That thou mayst still be pitiful,
but pitied of none:
And that no man nor woman may,
for thy mischaunces mone.
And that thy teares may hatred moue,
thou iudged worthy to,
On whom (though many mischefes light)
yet worthy many mo.
And (that that seldome commes to passe.)
I wishe thy whole estate:
All wonted fauour for to want,
and be replete with hate.
And that thou want no cause of death,
but mayst be voyde of powre:
And that thy lyfe be forste to flye,
of death the wished houre.
And that thy soule with troubles tost,
constrayned styl to stay:
May leaue thy wery limmes at length,
tormented with delay.
It shalbe so, and Phæbus to,
that this inforce should stande:
Did geue a signe, a dolefull byrde,
did fly on my left hande.
let them to him betide:
And that he may more wretchednes,
than erst I did abide.
And that my verses which do banne,
his counterfeyted name:
Do no lesse harme, or lesse may moue,
the Gods about the same.
I him do curse, who knoweth well,
what meneth Ibis name:
VVhose conscience knoweth wel, that he
deserued hath the same.
VVithout delay I redy prest,
my causes wyl pursue:
VVho o art at my sacrifice,
doe it with silence vew.
VVho so art at this sacrifice,
doe dolefully lament:
And goe to Ibis, al thy cheekes,
with moisty teares besprent.
VVith all yl lucke that may befal,
with lefte feete meete him sone:
Let vestures blacke your bodyes hide,
as is of mourners done.
thy deathlike bandes of force?
Now standes the Altar (as thou seest)
prepared for thy corse.
Let no delayes my banning stay,
pompe is prepard for thee:
A cursed sacrifice thy throte,
vnto my kniues apply.
Let thearth deny thee fruit, and stream
his waters holde from thee:
Let euery winde deny fitte blastes,
for thy commoditie.
Let not the Sun shine bright on thee,
nor glistering Moone by night:
And of thy eyes let glimsing starres,
forsake the wished sight.
Let not the fire graunt thee his heate,
nor Ayre humiditie:
Let neither earth nor yet the Sea,
free passage graunt to thee.
That banyshed and poore thou mayst,
straunge houses seeke in vayne:
That crauing to, with trembling voyce
small almes mayst obtayne.
That neither sound of body, nor
thy mynde in perfect plight:
This night be worse than passed day,
and next day than this night.
but pitied of none:
And that no man nor woman may,
for thy mischaunces mone.
And that thy teares may hatred moue,
thou iudged worthy to,
On whom (though many mischefes light)
yet worthy many mo.
And (that that seldome commes to passe.)
I wishe thy whole estate:
All wonted fauour for to want,
and be replete with hate.
And that thou want no cause of death,
but mayst be voyde of powre:
And that thy lyfe be forste to flye,
of death the wished houre.
And that thy soule with troubles tost,
constrayned styl to stay:
May leaue thy wery limmes at length,
tormented with delay.
It shalbe so, and Phæbus to,
that this inforce should stande:
Did geue a signe, a dolefull byrde,
did fly on my left hande.
And sure I thinke that what I wish,
the Gods on high shal moue:
I will (oh wretch) be fedde with Hope,
till death thee hence remoue
Hereof shal that day make an ende,
that shal thee take from me:
Hereof shal that day make an ende,
that commes to late to me.
But first this soule so many times,
sore spyted at of thee,
That day shall cary quite away,
that comes to late too me,
Than this griefe may by any space,
of time be wipte away,
Or that either day or howre shall,
my rooted hate alay.
VVhile Thracian's shal with arrowes war,
laziges with bowe:
VVhile Ganges shalbe luke warme felt,
and Ister colde as snowe.
the Gods on high shal moue:
I will (oh wretch) be fedde with Hope,
till death thee hence remoue
Hereof shal that day make an ende,
that shal thee take from me:
Hereof shal that day make an ende,
that commes to late to me.
But first this soule so many times,
sore spyted at of thee,
That day shall cary quite away,
that comes to late too me,
Than this griefe may by any space,
of time be wipte away,
Or that either day or howre shall,
my rooted hate alay.
VVhile Thracian's shal with arrowes war,
laziges with bowe:
VVhile Ganges shalbe luke warme felt,
and Ister colde as snowe.
VVhile mountaines hye great trees shal beare,
infields while grasse shal grow:
VVhile Tibris shal through Tuscan land
with any water flowe.
infields while grasse shal grow:
VVhile Tibris shal through Tuscan land
with any water flowe.
I wil make warres with thee, not death
shall bryng my wrath to ende:
But wyll giue weapons to my ghostes,
against thy sprytes to sende:
And then also when into ayre,
my selfe shall turned be:
My lyuelesse shadow shall with hate,
pursue the ghoste of thee.
Then also myndefull of thy deedes,
I wyll thy shadowes chace:
And I a bony forme wyl be,
with thee in euery place.
VVhether I by yeares consumed long,
(which I would not) shall dye:
Or else shal be by force of hand,
resolued by and by:
Or whether tost amyd the Seas,
shall suffer wrack with greefe,
And Fyshes strange vpon my corse,
shall seeke to fynde releefe.
Or whether that the Rauens shall,
make of my fleshe theire foode:
Or greedy VVolues shal haue their lyps
embrewed with my blood.
Or whether some may wel vouchsafe,
me vnder ground to laye:
Or cast me into flaming Fyre,
when lyfe is gone away.
VVhat so I bee, I mynde to come
from Hell, that vgly place:
And then with colde (reuenging) hands,
wyll scratch thee by the face.
Thou waking shalt me see, with gostes,
my selfe Ile secret keepe:
Then wyll I seeme tappeare too thee,
to wake thee from thy sleepe.
And last, what so thou dost, before
thy face and eyes, Ile flee:
And wyll complaine, so that no where,
in quiet thou shalt bee.
The cruell strokes wherewith I wyll
thee smyte, shal sound againe:
And hellish brandes before thee styll,
shall smoke, vnto thy payne.
Alyue thy furyes shall thee vexe,
and after Death also:
So that the lyfe shall shorter be,
than either payne or wo.
To thee shal neither Death rytes hap,
nor frendly teares befall:
Thy body shalbe cast abroade,
bewayled nought at al.
But wyll giue weapons to my ghostes,
against thy sprytes to sende:
And then also when into ayre,
my selfe shall turned be:
My lyuelesse shadow shall with hate,
pursue the ghoste of thee.
Then also myndefull of thy deedes,
I wyll thy shadowes chace:
And I a bony forme wyl be,
with thee in euery place.
VVhether I by yeares consumed long,
(which I would not) shall dye:
Or else shal be by force of hand,
resolued by and by:
Or whether tost amyd the Seas,
shall suffer wrack with greefe,
And Fyshes strange vpon my corse,
shall seeke to fynde releefe.
Or whether that the Rauens shall,
make of my fleshe theire foode:
Or greedy VVolues shal haue their lyps
embrewed with my blood.
Or whether some may wel vouchsafe,
me vnder ground to laye:
Or cast me into flaming Fyre,
when lyfe is gone away.
VVhat so I bee, I mynde to come
And then with colde (reuenging) hands,
wyll scratch thee by the face.
Thou waking shalt me see, with gostes,
my selfe Ile secret keepe:
Then wyll I seeme tappeare too thee,
to wake thee from thy sleepe.
And last, what so thou dost, before
thy face and eyes, Ile flee:
And wyll complaine, so that no where,
in quiet thou shalt bee.
The cruell strokes wherewith I wyll
thee smyte, shal sound againe:
And hellish brandes before thee styll,
shall smoke, vnto thy payne.
Alyue thy furyes shall thee vexe,
and after Death also:
So that the lyfe shall shorter be,
than either payne or wo.
To thee shal neither Death rytes hap,
nor frendly teares befall:
Thy body shalbe cast abroade,
bewayled nought at al.
Thou shalt with cruel hangmans hand
be drawne, to all mens ioye:
The hooke hard fastned to thy bones,
vnto thy more annove.
Also the fire that al consumes,
from thee alone shal flye:
The iust earth shal not graunt thy corps,
a place wherein to lie.
The Rauens shal with crooked beak,
and talands draw apart
Thy intreiles, and the greedy dogs,
deuoure thy faithlesse heart.
And though this praise do make thee proude,
that VVolues insatiate,
Aboute thy carion corps shall haue,
continuall debate.
In places too, thou shalt be cast.
far from the fieldes of ioy:
There shalt thou be, where thurtful sort
abydeth in annoy.
be drawne, to all mens ioye:
The hooke hard fastned to thy bones,
vnto thy more annove.
Also the fire that al consumes,
from thee alone shal flye:
The iust earth shal not graunt thy corps,
a place wherein to lie.
The Rauens shal with crooked beak,
and talands draw apart
Thy intreiles, and the greedy dogs,
deuoure thy faithlesse heart.
And though this praise do make thee proude,
that VVolues insatiate,
Aboute thy carion corps shall haue,
continuall debate.
In places too, thou shalt be cast.
far from the fieldes of ioy:
There shalt thou be, where thurtful sort
abydeth in annoy.
That Sisipbus doth rowle the stone,
and Phlegias is there,
Fast tyde vnto a turning VVheele,
that doth his members teare.
and Phlegias is there,
Fast tyde vnto a turning VVheele,
that doth his members teare.
There Belides on shoulders beare,
styl waters gushing oute:
VVho banisht Ægiptus daughter, were
a passing bloody route.
styl waters gushing oute:
VVho banisht Ægiptus daughter, were
a passing bloody route.
There Pelops father, Tantalus,
doth Apples want harde by:
And stil amidde the watery floud,
for thirst is like to die.
doth Apples want harde by:
And stil amidde the watery floud,
for thirst is like to die.
And he whose head is from his feete,
nine acres bredth away:
VVho giues his bowels stil vnto
the Vulture for hir pray.
nine acres bredth away:
VVho giues his bowels stil vnto
the Vulture for hir pray.
Here shal one of the Furies cut
with cruel whips thy sides:
And shal constrayne thee to confesse,
the summe of thy misdedes.
The seconde shal thy torne limmes
commit to serpents ire:
The third thy face bemoyst with teares
shall cast into the fire.
Thy sinfull ghost a thousand wayes,
shall there be put to payne:
And Æacus to punish thee,
shal search his skilful brayne.
with cruel whips thy sides:
And shal constrayne thee to confesse,
the summe of thy misdedes.
The seconde shal thy torne limmes
commit to serpents ire:
The third thy face bemoyst with teares
shall cast into the fire.
Thy sinfull ghost a thousand wayes,
shall there be put to payne:
And Æacus to punish thee,
shal search his skilful brayne.
The pinching paynes of auncient men,
he shal transferre to thee:
To those that long haue livd in payne,
thou cause of ease shalt be.
Thou Sisiphe hast one, to whom
thy stone commit thou mayst,
New members shal turne rounde on wheles
that run about so fast.
In vayne at fruit and water to
this man shal seeke reliefe:
This man shal feede the greedy birdes,
with euerlasting griefe.
No other death shal ende the paynes,
that this death bringes to thee:
Vnto the griefes that thou shalt haue,
no hower last shal be.
Of them Ile tell a few, as if
the leaues of Ida wood,
A man would seeke to count, or tell
the drops of Afrike flood.
he shal transferre to thee:
To those that long haue livd in payne,
thou cause of ease shalt be.
Thou Sisiphe hast one, to whom
thy stone commit thou mayst,
New members shal turne rounde on wheles
that run about so fast.
In vayne at fruit and water to
this man shal seeke reliefe:
This man shal feede the greedy birdes,
with euerlasting griefe.
No other death shal ende the paynes,
that this death bringes to thee:
Vnto the griefes that thou shalt haue,
no hower last shal be.
Of them Ile tell a few, as if
the leaues of Ida wood,
A man would seeke to count, or tell
the drops of Afrike flood.
I cannot tell how many flowers,
on Hybla hill there be:
Nor yet what store of Saffron growes,
in land of Cicily.
on Hybla hill there be:
Nor yet what store of Saffron growes,
in land of Cicily.
Nor when the VVinter waxeth cold,
wyth boysterous Northerne blast:
VVhat store of Hayle on Athos falles,
tyl it be white at last.
wyth boysterous Northerne blast:
VVhat store of Hayle on Athos falles,
tyl it be white at last.
Nor by my voyce all the mishaps,
most like to fall on thee:
Can counted be, though thou wouldst giue
a thousand tongues to me.
So many and so great mishaps,
shal (wretch) to thee be sent:
As I my selfe I thinke may be,
constrayned to lament.
Those teares shold make me euermore,
a happy man to be:
That weeping should more pleasant be,
than laughter vnto me.
Thou wert vnhappy at thy birth,
(the Gods would haue it so:)
No starre did seeme to fauour thee,
that might abate thy wo.
Then Venus did not shine on thee,
nor loue so ful of grace:
And neither Moone, nor Sunne for thee,
had fauorable place.
Nor he whom Maia bright brought forth
to Iupiter the great
For thee in Skyes his starre did place,
in any prosprous seate.
The cruel starres of frowning Mars,
haue all the rule of thee:
And Saturne olde that nothing haue,
to promise luckely.
most like to fall on thee:
Can counted be, though thou wouldst giue
a thousand tongues to me.
So many and so great mishaps,
shal (wretch) to thee be sent:
As I my selfe I thinke may be,
constrayned to lament.
Those teares shold make me euermore,
a happy man to be:
That weeping should more pleasant be,
than laughter vnto me.
Thou wert vnhappy at thy birth,
(the Gods would haue it so:)
No starre did seeme to fauour thee,
Then Venus did not shine on thee,
nor loue so ful of grace:
And neither Moone, nor Sunne for thee,
had fauorable place.
Nor he whom Maia bright brought forth
to Iupiter the great
For thee in Skyes his starre did place,
in any prosprous seate.
The cruel starres of frowning Mars,
haue all the rule of thee:
And Saturne olde that nothing haue,
to promise luckely.
Thy birth day to, that thou mightst see
nothing but heauinesse:
VVas very blacke for to beholde,
couerd with cloudinesse.
nothing but heauinesse:
VVas very blacke for to beholde,
couerd with cloudinesse.
This day is in the Kalendar,
that men do Allia cal:
In which also was Ibis borne,
a common yll to all.
that men do Allia cal:
In which also was Ibis borne,
a common yll to all.
VVhom as sone as his mother vile,
out of hir wombe had cast.
Himselfe found in Ciniphia,
with stinking body plast.
out of hir wombe had cast.
Himselfe found in Ciniphia,
with stinking body plast.
The Owle that flyeth but by night,
against him right toke place:
And vttered with hir fatal mouth,
vnlucky cryes apace.
Him forthwith washt Theumenides,
with water ful of mudde:
VVheras it came right blacke, from out
the foordes of Styx his floude.
Those hellish Furies did anoynt,
his heart with bitter gall:
VVhich done, their hands embrud wyth blood
three times they clapped all.
These done, they powred bitches milke,
into his childish throte.
This was the meat that first of all,
in Infancie he got.
VVherof, he whelpe of such a dame
doth al his fiercenes gayne:
And barketh forth in euery place,
his dogged wordes amayne.
VVith clothes in colour Iron lyke.
his members haue they clad:
That from some fire of cursed corps,
they lately taken had:
against him right toke place:
And vttered with hir fatal mouth,
vnlucky cryes apace.
Him forthwith washt Theumenides,
VVheras it came right blacke, from out
the foordes of Styx his floude.
Those hellish Furies did anoynt,
his heart with bitter gall:
VVhich done, their hands embrud wyth blood
three times they clapped all.
These done, they powred bitches milke,
into his childish throte.
This was the meat that first of all,
in Infancie he got.
VVherof, he whelpe of such a dame
doth al his fiercenes gayne:
And barketh forth in euery place,
his dogged wordes amayne.
VVith clothes in colour Iron lyke.
his members haue they clad:
That from some fire of cursed corps,
they lately taken had:
And least that on the ground too bare,
his head should lye alone
Not borne vp, there vnder they
doe lay a hard Flint stone.
And then they ready to depart,
doe make amid the place,
A fier of greene wood, which they put
vnto his nose and face.
Not borne vp, there vnder they
doe lay a hard Flint stone.
And then they ready to depart,
doe make amid the place,
A fier of greene wood, which they put
vnto his nose and face.
As sone as he did feele the smoke,
he gan aloude to crie:
To whom then forthwith thus did speake,
one of the sisters three.
VVe moue to thee these weeping weales
for euer to endure:
VVhich alway shal for cause inough
fal from thee, be thou sure.
Thus did she say, and Clotho bad,
hir promise firme to stande:
And forthwith span a cole blacke thred,
with hir vnlucky hande:
And for bicause she list not tel
long destenies before,
Of all thy facts (quoth she) there shall
a Prophet tell thee more:
That Prophete sure am I, of me
thou shalt thy mischiefes know:
So that the Gods so ne of their skyll
would on my wordes bestow.
God graunt the things I wish to thee.
may to my verse agree:
VVhich thou amid thy dolor mayst,
approue right true to be.
And that without examples olde,
thou haue not thine annoy.
God graunt thy mischiefes be no lesse,
than those that hapt to Troy.
he gan aloude to crie:
To whom then forthwith thus did speake,
one of the sisters three.
VVe moue to thee these weeping weales
for euer to endure:
VVhich alway shal for cause inough
fal from thee, be thou sure.
Thus did she say, and Clotho bad,
hir promise firme to stande:
And forthwith span a cole blacke thred,
with hir vnlucky hande:
And for bicause she list not tel
long destenies before,
Of all thy facts (quoth she) there shall
a Prophet tell thee more:
That Prophete sure am I, of me
So that the Gods so ne of their skyll
would on my wordes bestow.
God graunt the things I wish to thee.
may to my verse agree:
VVhich thou amid thy dolor mayst,
approue right true to be.
And that without examples olde,
thou haue not thine annoy.
God graunt thy mischiefes be no lesse,
than those that hapt to Troy.
And in thy thigh as great a wound,
with poysoned shotte mayst haue:
As Peas sonne, twhom Hercules
his bowe and arrowes gaue.
with poysoned shotte mayst haue:
As Peas sonne, twhom Hercules
his bowe and arrowes gaue.
And grievd no lesse than he that suckt,
a Hart in time tofore:
VVho armed, with vnarmed hande
was wounded very sore.
a Hart in time tofore:
VVho armed, with vnarmed hande
was wounded very sore.
Or he that headlong fell from horse,
in conutryes straunge to ground:
VVhom comly personage almost,
did vtterly confound.
in conutryes straunge to ground:
VVhom comly personage almost,
did vtterly confound.
And mayst see as Amintors sonne,
who trembling gropt his way:
VVith nothing els saue with his staffe
without the light of day.
who trembling gropt his way:
VVith nothing els saue with his staffe
without the light of day.
Nor mayst beholde no more than he,
whose daughter did him guide:
VVhose wickednes his father, and
his mother both hath tryde.
whose daughter did him guide:
VVhose wickednes his father, and
his mother both hath tryde.
And that thou mayst be such, as he,
who iudgd the ioconde strife:
VVho after in Apollos arte,
was famous during life.
who iudgd the ioconde strife:
VVho after in Apollos arte,
was famous during life.
And that thou mayst be such as he
who did commaunde a Doue:
To conduct safe the goodly shippe,
that Pallas much dyd loue.
who did commaunde a Doue:
To conduct safe the goodly shippe,
Or he who lackt his eyes with which
he naughtly gold hath kende:
VVhome to hir sonne a sacryfyce,
the Mother greude dyd sende.
VVhome to hir sonne a sacryfyce,
the Mother greude dyd sende.
Or as Th'Ætnean shepeherd was,
to whome was prophesied:
By Telemus, Eurimous sonne,
what after should betyde,
to whome was prophesied:
By Telemus, Eurimous sonne,
what after should betyde,
Or Phyneus his two sonnes, from whom
who gaue to them the same:
He toke their eyes, or Thamyras,
or Demodoce of fame.
who gaue to them the same:
He toke their eyes, or Thamyras,
or Demodoce of fame.
Or that some may thy members cut
as did Saturnus olde:
VVho those parts, wherby he was formd,
to cut away was bolde.
as did Saturnus olde:
VVho those parts, wherby he was formd,
to cut away was bolde.
That Neptune in the swelling seas,
no better be to thee:
Than vnto him, who saw his wife,
and brother, bird to be.
no better be to thee:
and brother, bird to be.
Or else vnto the skylful man,
whome holding in his hand
The peeces of his broken barke,
dyd Ino helpe to land.
whome holding in his hand
The peeces of his broken barke,
dyd Ino helpe to land.
And that not one alone may know,
thys kynde of punishment:
God graunt thy members may with horse
in peeces all be rent.
God graunt thy members may with horse
in peeces all be rent.
And that thy paynes may be as greate
as of Amylcars hande
He felt, the which would haue redemde
none of the Romane bande,
as of Amylcars hande
He felt, the which would haue redemde
none of the Romane bande,
And that no power that heauen holds,
may be to thee more ayde:
Than Iupiter Herceus altar was,
to Priam sore afrayde.
may be to thee more ayde:
Than Iupiter Herceus altar was,
to Priam sore afrayde.
Or as kyng Thessalus from toppe
of Ossa hyl was cast:
So thou mayst from some stony clyfte,
be headlong flong as fast.
of Ossa hyl was cast:
So thou mayst from some stony clyfte,
be headlong flong as fast.
Or that thy lyms may feede the snakes,
as dyd Eurialus,
VVho dyd the regal scepter hold,
after kyng Thessalus.
That water hot powrde on thy head,
may be to thee the cause
Of shortning of thy fatall lyfe,
as it to Minos was.
as dyd Eurialus,
VVho dyd the regal scepter hold,
after kyng Thessalus.
That water hot powrde on thy head,
may be to thee the cause
Of shortning of thy fatall lyfe,
as it to Minos was.
Or else as wycked Prometheus,
thou mayst be tyed fast
Vnto some hyl, vppon whose flesh,
the byrds may haue repast.
thou mayst be tyed fast
Vnto some hyl, vppon whose flesh,
the byrds may haue repast.
Or else that being slaine thou mayst
into the sea be sent:
As Etracides from Hercules,
the fyftenth by discent.
into the sea be sent:
As Etracides from Hercules,
the fyftenth by discent.
Or that as Phillip was, thou mayst
with cruel sword be slayne:
Of him, whome thou in beastly sort,
to loue doest not dysdayne.
with cruel sword be slayne:
Of him, whome thou in beastly sort,
to loue doest not dysdayne.
Or that as faythlesse cups to thee
thy seruitors may profer:
As vnto hym who was the sonne,
of horned Iupiter.
thy seruitors may profer:
As vnto hym who was the sonne,
of horned Iupiter.
That hanging as Acheus dyd,
thy lyfe thou mayst not holde,
VVho wretched man by corde was tyed
influd that flowes with golde.
thy lyfe thou mayst not holde,
VVho wretched man by corde was tyed
influd that flowes with golde.
Or that a Tyle vpon thy head,
from enmies hand may fall:
As to Achilles nephew, whom
men famous Pyrrhus cal.
from enmies hand may fall:
As to Achilles nephew, whom
men famous Pyrrhus cal.
And that thy bones may restlesse lye,
as Pyrrhus were be tost,
VVho long did lye vnburied,
about Ambrasia coast.
as Pyrrhus were be tost,
VVho long did lye vnburied,
about Ambrasia coast.
Or as king Hieros daughter was,
with dartes thou mayst be slayne:
No doubt this deede to Ceres would
be acceptable playne.
with dartes thou mayst be slayne:
No doubt this deede to Ceres would
be acceptable playne.
Or as the Neuew of the king,
of whom before we spake:
Thou poyson of Cantharides,
of parents hand mayst take.
of whom before we spake:
Thou poyson of Cantharides,
of parents hand mayst take.
Or that some vile Adultresse may
the name of godly gayne:
By killing thee, as she who hath,
the traytour Leucon slayne.
By killing thee, as she who hath,
the traytour Leucon slayne.
And that into some burning fire,
with thee thy selfe mayst cast
Thy dearest things, which end of life,
Sardanalus past.
with thee thy selfe mayst cast
Thy dearest things, which end of life,
Sardanalus past.
Or as those were that Ammons church,
to spoyle did take in hande:
By violence of Southerne blastes,
mayst couerd be with sande.
to spoyle did take in hande:
By violence of Southerne blastes,
mayst couerd be with sande.
And that a heape of ashes may,
thy cursed bones possesse:
As it did theirs whom Ochus slew,
by gylefull craftinesse.
thy cursed bones possesse:
As it did theirs whom Ochus slew,
by gylefull craftinesse.
As him that raignde in Sicion,
with Oliues fruitful soyle:
God graunt that cold and hunger to,
thee of thy life may spoyle.
with Oliues fruitful soyle:
God graunt that cold and hunger to,
thee of thy life may spoyle.
And that as one Acarnus sonne,
inclosed for despight:
In bullocks skinne, thou mayst be borne
into thyne enmies sight.
inclosed for despight:
In bullocks skinne, thou mayst be borne
into thyne enmies sight.
And that as Alexander did,
in bed mayst lose thy life:
His wife to him the deadly stroke
did giue by bloudy knife.
in bed mayst lose thy life:
His wife to him the deadly stroke
did giue by bloudy knife.
That those whom thou dost faythful thinke,
(as erst Alebas found
Larissian king) thou mayst them try,
skant faithful by thy wound.
(as erst Alebas found
Larissian king) thou mayst them try,
skant faithful by thy wound.
As Milo to, which tyrant fel,
did Pisa much torment:
Aliue into the waters deepe,
all headlong mayst be sent.
did Pisa much torment:
Aliue into the waters deepe,
all headlong mayst be sent.
Or that as Adimantus proude
Philetian king was slayne:
So Iupiter with thunderboltes,
may worke to thee like payne,
Philetian king was slayne:
So Iupiter with thunderboltes,
may worke to thee like payne,
Or els as Dionisius,
who from Amastrix fled:
So thou though in Achilles course,
forsaken mayst be dead.
who from Amastrix fled:
So thou though in Achilles course,
forsaken mayst be dead.
Or that about Thrasillus tombe,
as did Euridamas,
Fast tyed about Larissian whele,
thou there mayst three times passe.
as did Euridamas,
Fast tyed about Larissian whele,
thou there mayst three times passe.
Or els like Hector valiaunt,
whose body vewd the wal,
That he had long in safety kept,
which after sone did fal.
whose body vewd the wal,
That he had long in safety kept,
which after sone did fal.
As daughter of Hippomenes,
new torments did abide:
And as th'adulterer was drawen
ouer Athens land so wide:
So when thy hated life of al,
thy lothed limmes shal leaue:
God graunt that hungry horses may
thy corps in peeces reaue.
new torments did abide:
And as th'adulterer was drawen
ouer Athens land so wide:
So when thy hated life of al,
thy lothed limmes shal leaue:
God graunt that hungry horses may
That some man may thy body thrust
on rockes, much tost before:
As were the bodyes of the Grekes,
on Caphareus shore.
on rockes, much tost before:
As were the bodyes of the Grekes,
on Caphareus shore.
And that with Thunderboltes & seas,
as Aiax ferce dyd dye,
God graunt that so the fyre may ayde,
the waters drowning thee.
as Aiax ferce dyd dye,
God graunt that so the fyre may ayde,
the waters drowning thee.
And that also with furyes tost,
thy mynde may be as mad
As his, whose body ouer all,
one onely wound hath had.
thy mynde may be as mad
As his, whose body ouer all,
one onely wound hath had.
And as Lycurgus Dryas sonne
that Thracyan kyngdoms helde,
VVho cut his legs whyle he assayd
the vine trees to haue fellde.
that Thracyan kyngdoms helde,
VVho cut his legs whyle he assayd
the vine trees to haue fellde.
Lyke Hercules, and Dragons sonne,
that such may be thy fate:
Lyke Tyssamenes father too,
and Callyrboës mate.
that such may be thy fate:
Lyke Tyssamenes father too,
and Callyrboës mate.
And that thy hap may gayne a wyfe,
no chaster than was she:
Of whome the olde Tydeus myght
ryght sore ashamed be.
no chaster than was she:
Of whome the olde Tydeus myght
ryght sore ashamed be.
Or she of Locris, who dyd with
hir husbands brother lye,
VVho for to colour this hir facte,
dyd cause hir mayde to dye.
hir husbands brother lye,
VVho for to colour this hir facte,
dyd cause hir mayde to dye.
The Gods do graunt to thee a wyfe,
of equal fayth also:
As had Talaus sonne in lawe,
and Tyndarus, his to.
of equal fayth also:
and Tyndarus, his to.
And lyke king Neces neeces, who
theyr vncles sonnes durst kyll:
VVhose shoulders are tormented sore
with water caryage styll.
That syster thyne may burne as dyd
Byblis and Canace:
And that but onely in doing yl,
she faythful be to thee.
theyr vncles sonnes durst kyll:
VVhose shoulders are tormented sore
with water caryage styll.
That syster thyne may burne as dyd
Byblis and Canace:
And that but onely in doing yl,
she faythful be to thee.
That thy child be to thee, as to
Thiestes, Pelope:
Or Mirrha was vnto hir Sire,
or els Nictmene.
Thiestes, Pelope:
Or Mirrha was vnto hir Sire,
or els Nictmene.
And that thy daughter vnto thee,
as faithlesse found may be:
As thine was to thee Pterela,
or Nisus thine to thee:
as faithlesse found may be:
As thine was to thee Pterela,
or Nisus thine to thee:
Or she who by hir cruel deede,
reprochful made the place:
VVhere ouer hir fathers body slayne:
she draue hir cart apace.
reprochful made the place:
VVhere ouer hir fathers body slayne:
she draue hir cart apace.
Or that thou mayst be slayne, as were
the lusty youthes too bolde.
VVhose heades were sette on Pisa gates,
that al might them beholde.
the lusty youthes too bolde.
VVhose heades were sette on Pisa gates,
that al might them beholde.
Or he (which iuster was) who with
his blood bedewd the ground:
Besprinkled erst, with blood that came
from wretched woe s wounde.
Or as the carter that betrayd,
the Tyrant bloudy wight:
VVho gaue newe names vnto the sea,
that nowe Mictonum hight.
Or those that sought in vayne to haue,
the mayden swifte as winde:
Till she by gathering Apples three:
was some what lefte behinde.
his blood bedewd the ground:
from wretched woe s wounde.
Or as the carter that betrayd,
the Tyrant bloudy wight:
VVho gaue newe names vnto the sea,
that nowe Mictonum hight.
Or those that sought in vayne to haue,
the mayden swifte as winde:
Till she by gathering Apples three:
was some what lefte behinde.
Or as the men that went into
the combrouse house with payne:
VVherin the monster strange was kept
whence none could come.
the combrouse house with payne:
VVherin the monster strange was kept
whence none could come.
Or as the bodyes twelue were cast
into the flaming fire:
VVhich was Achilles angry worke,
enrag'd almost for ire.
into the flaming fire:
VVhich was Achilles angry worke,
enrag'd almost for ire.
Or those, of whom we read by Sphynx
a cruell death haue founde,
If they his doubtful questions were
not able to expounde.
a cruell death haue founde,
If they his doubtful questions were
not able to expounde.
Or as the men which in the church
of Bystone Pallas dyde,
For which offence the Goddesse yet
hir face doth also hyde.
of Bystone Pallas dyde,
For which offence the Goddesse yet
hir face doth also hyde.
Or as the men that long agoe,
the stately cribbes be bledde,
Of Thracian king, vppon whose fleshe,
his hungry horses fedde.
the stately cribbes be bledde,
Of Thracian king, vppon whose fleshe,
his hungry horses fedde.
Or as the men that lion felte,
of fierce Therodamas:
Or sacrifice of Taurica,
to the Goddes of Thoas.
of fierce Therodamas:
Or sacrifice of Taurica,
to the Goddes of Thoas.
Or those that Scilla fierce did catch,
or els Carybdis grypt:
Among the feareful trembling mates
out of Vlisses shippe.
or els Carybdis grypt:
Among the feareful trembling mates
out of Vlisses shippe.
Or those whom Poliphemus sent,
into his paunch right wide:
Or those that of Lestrigones
the cruel handes did bide.
into his paunch right wide:
Or those that of Lestrigones
the cruel handes did bide.
Or those whom Carthage captain bold,
in ditches deepe did thrust,
And there he made the water white,
by casting in of dust.
in ditches deepe did thrust,
And there he made the water white,
by casting in of dust.
Or as the maydes, and woers to
of chast Penelope:
And he who woers weapons gaue,
his master for to slea.
of chast Penelope:
And he who woers weapons gaue,
his master for to slea.
Or as the lusty wrastler,
whom Hercules did kyl:
VVho when de fel (a wondrous thing)
then was he victor still.
whom Hercules did kyl:
VVho when de fel (a wondrous thing)
then was he victor still.
Or those who by the boystrous handes
of Antheus lost their breath:
Or those whom Lemnos women did,
put vnto cruell death.
of Antheus lost their breath:
Or those whom Lemnos women did,
put vnto cruell death.
As he that after long drouth, did
yll sacred rytes deuise:
VVho to get rayne, was made himselfe,
a bloudy sacrifice.
yll sacred rytes deuise:
a bloudy sacrifice.
Or as Antheus brother hath,
with propre bloud be bled
The altars (as was right) syth he,
likewise had others shed.
with propre bloud be bled
The altars (as was right) syth he,
likewise had others shed.
As he that fedde his terrible horse,
with flesh of many kild:
In steade of grasse or hay that growes
abrode amid the fielde.
with flesh of many kild:
abrode amid the fielde.
Or those two, who at diuers times,
by one to death were done:
I meane he Centaure Nessus, and
Dissimanus hys sonne.
by one to death were done:
I meane he Centaure Nessus, and
Dissimanus hys sonne.
Or as thy neuew Neptune, whome
surrendryng vp his ghost,
Dyd Nymphe Coronis sonne behold,
from out his propre coast.
surrendryng vp his ghost,
Dyd Nymphe Coronis sonne behold,
from out his propre coast.
As Sinis, Sciron, and with them,
Poliphemons sonne to:
And he whose body was halfe man,
and halfe a Bull also.
Poliphemons sonne to:
And he whose body was halfe man,
and halfe a Bull also.
Or he who men fast tied to boughs,
from ground did cast on hye:
Of this sea or of that thou mayst,
the surging waues espye.
Of this sea or of that thou mayst,
the surging waues espye.
Or that which on Cercions corps,
dame Ceres did beholde
To light, when as she saw him slayne,
by Theseus the bolde:
On thee for thy deserts, my wrath
and anger iust doth craue:
And sure I trust, than these thou shalt,
no smaller mischeues haue.
dame Ceres did beholde
To light, when as she saw him slayne,
by Theseus the bolde:
On thee for thy deserts, my wrath
and anger iust doth craue:
And sure I trust, than these thou shalt,
no smaller mischeues haue.
That such as Achimenides,
forsakte on Sicill shore,
Thou mayest be: when he did spye
the Troyan fleete tofore.
forsakte on Sicill shore,
Thou mayest be: when he did spye
the Troyan fleete tofore.
Like Irus els with double name,
that such thy state may be:
Or those that hold the bridge, the which
shall greater be by thee.
that such thy state may be:
Or those that hold the bridge, the which
shall greater be by thee.
And that dame Ceres sonne may be
belou'd of thee in vayne:
So that he ofte required may,
thy prayers styll dysdayne.
belou'd of thee in vayne:
So that he ofte required may,
thy prayers styll dysdayne.
And as the sand hy ebbes and fluds
of waters come and gone:
Is washt away from vnder foote
that hard is set thereon.
So graunt the Gods, that al thy goods
(I know not where they are)
May fall away euen through thy hands,
and thou be left but bare.
And lyke hir syre that could hir selfe,
to sundry shapes transpose:
(Though belly full) with hunger pynde,
that thou thy lyfe mayst lose.,
of waters come and gone:
Is washt away from vnder foote
So graunt the Gods, that al thy goods
(I know not where they are)
May fall away euen through thy hands,
and thou be left but bare.
And lyke hir syre that could hir selfe,
to sundry shapes transpose:
(Though belly full) with hunger pynde,
that thou thy lyfe mayst lose.,
That of mans flesh thou think no scorn,
to feede amid thy rage:
In which point onely thou shalt be
the Tideus of our age.
to feede amid thy rage:
In which point onely thou shalt be
the Tideus of our age.
That thou mayst doe some facte, wherewith,
the horses of the Sunne
Abashed, with contrary course
from VVest to East may runne.,
the horses of the Sunne
Abashed, with contrary course
from VVest to East may runne.,
And that thou mayst attempt to make
Licaons filthy feaste:
And seeke againe for to beguile
great Iupiter thy guest.
Licaons filthy feaste:
And seeke againe for to beguile
great Iupiter thy guest.
And that some man may proue the gods
by making meate of thee:
So that thou Tantalus his sonne,
or Tereus his mayst be.
by making meate of thee:
So that thou Tantalus his sonne,
And that one may so straw thy lyms,
about the fieldes ryght plaine:
As those were of the chyld, which dyd
his fathers course retayne.
about the fieldes ryght plaine:
As those were of the chyld, which dyd
his fathers course retayne.
That in Perillus brasen worke,
thou Bulles mayst imitate:
VVith bullyke sound in euery poynt
agreeing vnto that.
thou Bulles mayst imitate:
VVith bullyke sound in euery poynt
agreeing vnto that.
And as the cruell Phaleris,
thy tongue cut out before:
Included in the Paphian worke,
ryght lyke a bull mayst rore.
Included in the Paphian worke,
ryght lyke a bull mayst rore.
And whyle thou wouldst retourne from age,
and yeares more youthful see:
As was Admetus father in lawe,
thou mayst deceyued bee.
and yeares more youthful see:
As was Admetus father in lawe,
thou mayst deceyued bee.
And as the gentleman that thou
in filthy pitte mayst fal:
Yet so that of thy deede there may
remayne no name at al.
in filthy pitte mayst fal:
Yet so that of thy deede there may
remayne no name at al.
And God graunt that thou maist be slain
as those of serpents growen:
VVhose teeth in acceptable fieldes,
by Cadmus handes were sowen.
as those of serpents growen:
VVhose teeth in acceptable fieldes,
by Cadmus handes were sowen.
Or that thy lucke may be as yll
as nephew to Pentheus:
Or as Medusas brother els,
I meane Archilochus.
as nephew to Pentheus:
Or as Medusas brother els,
I meane Archilochus.
Or though wherwith (though it were short)
one did a birde remayne.
VVhich doth with casting water wash
hir body toward rayne.
one did a birde remayne.
VVhich doth with casting water wash
hir body toward rayne.
That thou maist haue as many wounds
as by report had he:
To whom when sacrifice is done
no knife may present be.
as by report had he:
To whom when sacrifice is done
no knife may present be.
Or that with fury rapt, thou mayst
thy priuie members launce:
As those whom mother Sibele makes
to foote the Phrigian daunce.
thy priuie members launce:
As those whom mother Sibele makes
to foote the Phrigian daunce.
That thou of man (as Atis did)
ne man nor mayd mayst stand:
And that thou mayest learne to play
on Timbrelles with thy hand.
ne man nor mayd mayst stand:
And that thou mayest learne to play
on Timbrelles with thy hand.
And that thou mayst be turnde into
the beastes of mother great:
As she that lost, and he that did
the price with running gette.
the beastes of mother great:
As she that lost, and he that did
the price with running gette.
And that Limone not alone,
such punishment may beare:
Let horses with their raging teeth,
thy flesh in peeces teare.
such punishment may beare:
thy flesh in peeces teare.
And as the king of Cassandrea,
(which art as fierce as he)
God graunt that woūded in the ground
thou buried mayst be.
(which art as fierce as he)
God graunt that woūded in the ground
thou buried mayst be.
Or els that slayne into the seas,
some may thee hedlong throw,
As were the noble Perseus,
and Telephus also.
some may thee hedlong throw,
As were the noble Perseus,
and Telephus also.
And that by Phebus altars thou
a sacrifice mayst be:
As was him selfe king Theodotus
by cruel enimie.
a sacrifice mayst be:
As was him selfe king Theodotus
by cruel enimie.
And that Abbera may one yeare,
thee vow withouten fayle,
And that thus vowde thou mayst be hyt
with stones more thick than hayle.
thee vow withouten fayle,
And that thus vowde thou mayst be hyt
with stones more thick than hayle.
That Ioue with his three edged bolt,
may hyt thee in his yre:
As he dyd Hyppomenes sonne,
and Dosythoes syre.
may hyt thee in his yre:
As he dyd Hyppomenes sonne,
and Dosythoes syre.
As Autonoes sister, and he
whose aunt dame Maia is:
And he that rashly wisht the horse,
and guided them amisse.
whose aunt dame Maia is:
And he that rashly wisht the horse,
and guided them amisse.
As Eolus his wicked sonne,
and he that dyd procede
Of that same bloud, that Arctos came,
which waters wantes in dede.
and he that dyd procede
Of that same bloud, that Arctos came,
which waters wantes in dede.
And as Macedon with hir mate,
was burnt in flaming fire:
So pray I that thou mayst be slayne
by Ioues reuenging ire.
was burnt in flaming fire:
So pray I that thou mayst be slayne
by Ioues reuenging ire.
That thou mayst be a pray to them,
for whom it is a crime
To come to Delos, sith they kilde
Thrasus before his time.
for whom it is a crime
To come to Delos, sith they kilde
Thrasus before his time.
Or those that kyld hym, which hath chast
Diana naked seene:
Or those by whom yong Linus hath
in peeces toren bene.
Diana naked seene:
Or those by whom yong Linus hath
in peeces toren bene.
That serpents may thee bite as yl,
as erst Euridice:
The daughter of Oeagrus olde,
and fayre Calliope.
as erst Euridice:
The daughter of Oeagrus olde,
and fayre Calliope.
Or as they dyd Hipsiphiles boy,
or him that durst with pricke
Of percing speare, the holow horse
of wood suspected, strike.
or him that durst with pricke
Of percing speare, the holow horse
of wood suspected, strike.
And that thou mayst no wiselyer clime,
the steppes of ladders hie,
Than Elpenor, and strength of wyne
mayst beare as erst did he.
the steppes of ladders hie,
mayst beare as erst did he.
That thou mayst dye as dyd they al,
that any helpe dyd bring
Vnto Thiodamas in fight
who was their cruel king.
that any helpe dyd bring
Vnto Thiodamas in fight
who was their cruel king.
And that in proper denne of thine
thy life may passe away:
As Cacus rude, whom Oxes voyce
included did bewray.
thy life may passe away:
As Cacus rude, whom Oxes voyce
included did bewray.
Or els as he who with his blood,
Th'Euboicke seas made red:
VVho brought a shirt in poyson dipte.
that Nessus erst hath bled.
Th'Euboicke seas made red:
VVho brought a shirt in poyson dipte.
that Nessus erst hath bled.
That headlong thou mayst come to hel
from toppe of rocke right hie:
As he that Platos boke hath read,
of Immortalitie.
from toppe of rocke right hie:
As he that Platos boke hath read,
of Immortalitie.
Or he that sawe the guylful sayles,
of Theseus shyppes at last:
Or as the chylde who from the toppe
of Troyan Towers was cast.
of Theseus shyppes at last:
Or as the chylde who from the toppe
of Troyan Towers was cast.
Or she who aunt and nurse was bothe
to Bacchus youthfull boye,
Or he to whome thinuented sawe,
was losse of lyuely Ioy.
to Bacchus youthfull boye,
Or he to whome thinuented sawe,
was losse of lyuely Ioy.
As Lidian may de who from the rock,
hir selfe in sea dyd cast.
Out of whose mouth yl cursing words
against a God haue past.
hir selfe in sea dyd cast.
Out of whose mouth yl cursing words
against a God haue past.
And that a Lyon with hir yong,
may meete thee in the fielde:
And cause thee so to lose thy lyfe,
as Paphages was kilde.
may meete thee in the fielde:
And cause thee so to lose thy lyfe,
as Paphages was kilde.
That a bore may thee teare, as him,
who had by tree his holde:
And was the sonne of Licurgus,
or Idmon els the bolde.
who had by tree his holde:
And was the sonne of Licurgus,
or Idmon els the bolde.
And that a Bore though slaine first, thee
with deadly wound may gal:
As him vpon whose face the head
of cruell beast did fall.
with deadly wound may gal:
As him vpon whose face the head
of cruell beast did fall.
Or that thou mayst the hunter be
that hunted hard by Troye,
Or Nauclus els, whom with like death
Pine apples did destroy.
that hunted hard by Troye,
Or Nauclus els, whom with like death
Pine apples did destroy.
And if that at king Minos portes
thy shippe arriued be:
I wish his people may thee take
for one of Sicily.
thy shippe arriued be:
I wish his people may thee take
for one of Sicily.
That with a falling house thou mayst
as Alcidice be slaine:
To whom with Licoris hir mate
one fortune did remayne.
as Alcidice be slaine:
To whom with Licoris hir mate
one fortune did remayne.
Or els that thou in running streame
drowned as Euenus:
Mayst leaue thy name vnto some floud,
as did Tiberinus.
drowned as Euenus:
Mayst leaue thy name vnto some floud,
as did Tiberinus.
And that thy body worthy be,
on speare to haue a seate:
As was Eurialus, and that
thy heade may be mans meate.
on speare to haue a seate:
As was Eurialus, and that
thy heade may be mans meate.
And as men say that Brotheus dyde
(who death did much desire:)
Thou mayest hedlong cast thy selfe,
into some flaming fire.
(who death did much desire:)
Thou mayest hedlong cast thy selfe,
into some flaming fire.
Or that included in some caue,
such death thou mayst obtayne:
As had the man who did deuise
a story to his payne.
such death thou mayst obtayne:
As had the man who did deuise
a story to his payne.
As to him who of Iambus verse,
the first deuiser was:
So vnto thee a froward tongue,
of hurt may be the cause.
the first deuiser was:
So vnto thee a froward tongue,
of hurt may be the cause.
Or as he who with simple verse
on Athens sore did rayle:
Mayst hated render vp thy life,
when vittayles shall thee fayle.
on Athens sore did rayle:
Mayst hated render vp thy life,
And as the Poet that against
a strong man did inuay:
The same may be a cause to thee,
to take thy life away.
a strong man did inuay:
The same may be a cause to thee,
to take thy life away.
And as Orestes had a wound,
by cruel serpents mouth:
So graunt the Gods that thou maist die
by byte of serpents touth.
by cruel serpents mouth:
So graunt the Gods that thou maist die
by byte of serpents touth.
That thy first wedding day may be
to thee the last of life:
Thus Eupolis hath dyed before,
and his new wedded wife.
to thee the last of life:
Thus Eupolis hath dyed before,
and his new wedded wife.
And that a shafte stoke in thy heart,
may take thy life away:
As from the lusty Licophron,
as auncient storyes say.
may take thy life away:
As from the lusty Licophron,
as auncient storyes say.
Or rent with hands of thine thou mayst
be strowed about the wood:
As he was cast at Thebes, which
was sprong of serpents blood.
be strowed about the wood:
As he was cast at Thebes, which
was sprong of serpents blood.
Or that thou mayest with wilde bulles,
be halde about some hyll:
As was the wife of Licus king,
That nedes would haue hir will.
be halde about some hyll:
As was the wife of Licus king,
That nedes would haue hir will.
As hirs that harlot was to him,
whose sister was his wife:
Thy tongue may fall before thy feete,
cut out with cruel knife.
whose sister was his wife:
Thy tongue may fall before thy feete,
cut out with cruel knife.
As he that Blesus was surnamd,
too late spyed Mirrhas wound:
Thou in a thousand places mayst
be voyde of children founde.
too late spyed Mirrhas wound:
be voyde of children founde.
And that the busy Bee in th'eyes,
hir hurtful sting may sticke:
As with the same in times agoe,
they did Acheus pricke.
hir hurtful sting may sticke:
As with the same in times agoe,
they did Acheus pricke.
That tyed vnto some hil, a birde
vpon thy heart may feede:
Lyke as vppon his brothers chylde,
dame Pirrha was we read.
vpon thy heart may feede:
Lyke as vppon his brothers chylde,
dame Pirrha was we read.
As Harpagus his childe thou mayst
present Thiestes feast:
And to thee slayne and drest for meate,
thy sire may be a guest.
present Thiestes feast:
And to thee slayne and drest for meate,
And that thou mayst thy body haue
bemangled very sore
VVith cruell sword, which thing vnto
Mamerthes hapt before.
bemangled very sore
VVith cruell sword, which thing vnto
Mamerthes hapt before.
As Poet olde of Siracuse,
with halter strangled was:
God graunt that so that way be stopt,
wherby thy life doeth passe.
with halter strangled was:
God graunt that so that way be stopt,
wherby thy life doeth passe.
And that thy skinne being pluckt off,
thy flesh may naked showe:
As Marsias who one a floud
his name did once bestowe.
thy flesh may naked showe:
As Marsias who one a floud
his name did once bestowe.
And that thou cursed man mayst see,
Medusas stony head,
The sight wherof to Cepheni,
was cause that they were dead.
Medusas stony head,
The sight wherof to Cepheni,
was cause that they were dead.
And that of Potinum mares, the byts
as Glaucus mayst abyde,
Or as an other Glaucus, thou
into the sea mayst glyde.
as Glaucus mayst abyde,
Or as an other Glaucus, thou
into the sea mayst glyde.
That Gnosos honny to thy breath,
may passage graunt no more,
As vnto him who had one name,
with two rehearst before.
may passage graunt no more,
As vnto him who had one name,
with two rehearst before.
Or else that thou a guilty man,
mayst drink with heauy cheare,
That which the famous clerk dyd drink
to fore with out al feare.
mayst drink with heauy cheare,
That which the famous clerk dyd drink
to fore with out al feare.
That thou no better lucke mayst haue
than Hemon had in loue:
As Machareus his sister did,
so thou thine to mayst proue.
As Machareus his sister did,
so thou thine to mayst proue.
And that which Hectors sonne did see
when al thinges were on flame,
From top of natiue towre, god graunt
that thou mayst see the same.
when al thinges were on flame,
From top of natiue towre, god graunt
that thou mayst see the same.
And that with proper blood, as he
thou mayst repay thy shame:
VVhose grandfather was made his syre
and sister to his dame.
thou mayst repay thy shame:
and sister to his dame.
And that such kinde of weapon may
within thy bones remayne:
As wherwith Icarus sonne in law,
is sayde for to be slayne.
within thy bones remayne:
As wherwith Icarus sonne in law,
is sayde for to be slayne.
And that with proper thumbe thy throte
thou mayst so stop, as did
Agenor ful of talke, whose life
by fal from horse was rid.
Agenor ful of talke, whose life
by fal from horse was rid.
That thou as Anaxarchus was,
in morter mayst be slayne:
And that thy bones may haue like sound,
as they were perfecte grayne.
in morter mayst be slayne:
And that thy bones may haue like sound,
as they were perfecte grayne.
That Phebus with Lencotheas fire,
to Hell may thrust thee to:
VVhich thing vnto his daughter first,
he did attempt to doe.
to Hell may thrust thee to:
he did attempt to doe.
And that, that monster may annoy
thy frendes that erst was slayne
By Corebus his prowes, who rid
the sory Grekes from payne.
thy frendes that erst was slayne
By Corebus his prowes, who rid
the sory Grekes from payne.
And Æthras neuew for the wrath
that stepdame did him beare:
God graunt that those thy scarred horse
in peeces may thee teare.
that stepdame did him beare:
God graunt that those thy scarred horse
in peeces may thee teare.
And as the host for too much wealth,
his clyent did destroy:
So let thine hoste for thy smal goodes.
thee reaue of liuely ioy
his clyent did destroy:
So let thine hoste for thy smal goodes.
thee reaue of liuely ioy
And as so many brothers were
with Damasithon slayne:
God graunt that so of al thy stocke,
there may not one remayne.
with Damasithon slayne:
God graunt that so of al thy stocke,
there may not one remayne.
And as the harper did his death
vnto his children adde:
So let ther be (to loth thy life)
a iust cause stil be had.
vnto his children adde:
So let ther be (to loth thy life)
a iust cause stil be had.
That thou as Pelops sister mayst
be turnde into a stone:
Or Battus els, to whom his tongue
did geue him cause to mone.
be turnde into a stone:
Or Battus els, to whom his tongue
did geue him cause to mone.
And if that thou with dish do play
cast vp into the ayre:
That with the same thou mayst be slayne
lyke Hiacinthus fayre.
cast vp into the ayre:
That with the same thou mayst be slayne
lyke Hiacinthus fayre.
And if that any water may
with thy handes moued be:
I wishe that euery flood be worse
then Abidon to thee.
with thy handes moued be:
I wishe that euery flood be worse
then Abidon to thee.
And as the poet whyle he swam,
in water smal was lost:
Let hellysh water strangle thee,
and make thee yelde thy goste:
in water smal was lost:
Let hellysh water strangle thee,
and make thee yelde thy goste:
Or else when thou hast suffred wrack,
and surging seas shalt passe:
Mayst when thou comst to land, be slain
as Palinurus was.
and surging seas shalt passe:
Mayst when thou comst to land, be slain
as Palinurus was.
Or as the wrathful dogges that kept
Dianas things in peace:
In peeces may thee teare, as once
they dyd Euripides.
Dianas things in peace:
In peeces may thee teare, as once
they dyd Euripides.
Or that thou mayst vppon the face
of Sicill giaunt daunce:
VVhere Aetna doth aboundantly
his fiery flames aduaunce.
of Sicill giaunt daunce:
VVhere Aetna doth aboundantly
his fiery flames aduaunce.
Or that by the wyues of Thracia,
Orpheus meaning thee,
Thy body with their raging nayles,
in peeces pulled be.
Orpheus meaning thee,
Thy body with their raging nayles,
in peeces pulled be.
As Atheas sonne in flaming fyre,
was burned long ago.
I wish that with thy fatall brand,
a fyre be kindled so.
was burned long ago.
I wish that with thy fatall brand,
a fyre be kindled so.
As by Medeas crowne was burnt,
the new betrothed spouse,
And as hir father was with hir,
and eke with him the house.
the new betrothed spouse,
And as hir father was with hir,
and eke with him the house.
As poysoned blood crept in the limmes
of Hercules the great:
I wish that so a body vyle
may all thy members eate.
of Hercules the great:
I wish that so a body vyle
may all thy members eate.
That also thou mayst feele the like
newe kinde of punishment:
As to reuenge his father did
Licurgus sonne inuente.
newe kinde of punishment:
As to reuenge his father did
Licurgus sonne inuente.
Or that to cleaue an Oke thou mayst
(as Nilo did) assay:
And haue no power at al to plucke,
thy taken handes away.
(as Nilo did) assay:
And haue no power at al to plucke,
thy taken handes away.
Or for thy giftes as Icarus,
like hurtes thou mayst receiue:
To whom with armed hands his death:
the drunken men did giue.
To whom with armed hands his death:
the drunken men did giue.
And that the godly daughter did.
for griefe of fathers death:
So let a tyed corde about
thy throte, stop vp thy breath.
Or else that closed in a house,
mayst famine bide, as hee:
For whom that kinde of punishment,
his mother did decree.
for griefe of fathers death:
So let a tyed corde about
thy throte, stop vp thy breath.
Or else that closed in a house,
For whom that kinde of punishment,
his mother did decree.
Or that Dianas sacred church
thou mayst (as he) anoy:
VVho turned quite his iourney wrong,
as he returnde from Troy.
thou mayst (as he) anoy:
VVho turned quite his iourney wrong,
as he returnde from Troy.
And that as Nauplius thou mayst
for fained fault be slaine,
And it may thee helpe no whit
that thou deservst no paine.
for fained fault be slaine,
And it may thee helpe no whit
that thou deservst no paine.
Or else as Isis faithlesse priest,
slew Ethalus his guest,
VVherof dame Io myndeful yet,
his seruice doth detest.
slew Ethalus his guest,
VVherof dame Io myndeful yet,
his seruice doth detest.
Or as Melanthus sonne by darke
for murther hidden lay,
VVhom erst his mother by the light
of candell did bewray,
So wish I al thy body prest
with weapons cast at thee:
So wish I that of craued ayde,
thou destitute mayst be.
for murther hidden lay,
VVhom erst his mother by the light
of candell did bewray,
So wish I al thy body prest
with weapons cast at thee:
So wish I that of craued ayde,
thou destitute mayst be.
That thou such night mayst passe as did,
the Troyans ful of feare:
VVho promised to get the horse
that did Achilles beare.
the Troyans ful of feare:
VVho promised to get the horse
that did Achilles beare.
Or that thou mayst no better rest,
(than Rhesus had) obtaine,
Or else his company the day
before that they were slayne.
(than Rhesus had) obtaine,
Or else his company the day
before that they were slayne.
Or those which with Ramnetes bolde,
by quicke Hirtacus sonne
And his companion alone,
to cruel death were done.
by quicke Hirtacus sonne
And his companion alone,
to cruel death were done.
Or that the house inclosde with fire,
as Clicias sonne maist haue:
So that thou mayst halfe burned beare
thy members to thy graue.
as Clicias sonne maist haue:
So that thou mayst halfe burned beare
thy members to thy graue.
Or else I wish that weapons rude,
vpon thy head may fall:
As erst on Remus ouer bolde
to clime thn'vfinisht wall.
vpon thy head may fall:
As erst on Remus ouer bolde
to clime thn'vfinisht wall.
And last I pray that thou mayst liue
and dy in these same partes:
Among the cruel Sarmates,
and cruell Getes dartes,
and dy in these same partes:
Among the cruel Sarmates,
and cruell Getes dartes,
These things in sodaine mode thus pend
to thee directed bee:
That thou neede not complaine that I
vnmindful am of thee.
to thee directed bee:
That thou neede not complaine that I
vnmindful am of thee.
They are but few, I graunt, but God
can giue my prayers more,
And with his fauour my requestes
can multiply with store.
Hereafter thou much more shalt reade
wherein shal bee thy name:
And in such verse as men are wont
such cruel warres to frame.
can giue my prayers more,
And with his fauour my requestes
can multiply with store.
Hereafter thou much more shalt reade
wherein shal bee thy name:
And in such verse as men are wont
such cruel warres to frame.
FINIS.
| Ouid his Inuectiue against Ibis | |