University of Virginia Library

POLINDOR, AND FLOSTELLA.

The FIRST BOOK.

The SECOND BOOK.

Thus, having view'd the lofty Bow'r again,
Let's Glance upon the lowly Shepheards Plain,
With that daies solemn Festivall, and sports,
Devote to th' great God Pan, of various sorts;
Though damped much since young Polindor gone:
Whose Morn dissolv'd in friendly'st mirth, anon
By eleven, they offred thus on grassie Mount
To th' rurall God, beneath his sacred Fount.
Twelve milk-white chosen Kids, twelve snowy Lambs,
Fine trim'd their necks with Garlands (whilst their Dams
Went sadly'st bleating oft) with Milk and Wine:
Then, round the Altar all did strait combine
To rustick-tuned sounds, in jolly Dance,
As thus, both Hearts and Heels would joyn, t' advance
Their burning Sacrifice: grand Feast ensuing.
That done, as th' Even-games, their sports renewing,
These Pannick Strifes for Prizes were ordain'd:
First, nimblest Running prov'd, who chiefly attain'd
The flow'r-deck'd Goal, through wind-like Footmanship:
Next, who in manly Wrastling could out-strip,
By strength, or slight o're-throw the Adversary:
Third, who could Musicks speciall honour carry,
Like some quaint-curl'd Apollo, mounted on
Rays'd Skaffold, Stage; prove eminent alone
For th' sweet-tongu'd Harp, Recorder, Lute and voyce:
Each goodly Prize surrendred by their choyce
May-Ladies hand; though sundry Judges still
Sate by, conjoyn'd Commissioners, whose skill
Determin'd all. For close, whoe're in Verse
Could from Star-soaring Muse, to th' height, rehearse
God Pan's, or their own Loves exalted prayses,
Those Poet's name, with crown of Lawrell, graces.
The proper Ground, grand Theater for this,
Large flowry Plain; whose sides most sweetly riss
With small, thin-planted Hills, from fruitfull whom
(Like beauteous Off-springs issu'd forth their Womb)
Silver-cheek'd Founts seem'd ayering view the World,
Till into wanton Brook far off they purl'd
In rurall dance; turn'd Nymphy combination;
As joyn'd for Feast, some Shrovetides celebration.
Though Four-square Plot there was, surrounded neer
(Three parts) with Trees, for th' gazing Eye and Eare,
Plank'd Gallery beneath with Seats; inclos'd
Bowr'd top; for better Swains and Nymphs compos'd.
As all pass'd home from these, our noble Lover
Crossing the Vale, does joy'd (by chance) discover
Uncle of his, Belov'd, by name Rufin;
Turn'd Swain with's Father (both joyn'd Brothers in
That Shepheards life) though distant-hous'd, apart:
Rich, childless, Widdower, of frankest Heart
And True; for sprightly exploits, sincerely'st loving;
T'whom open'd all, such well steel'd Faith approving.
As first, his Noblest virtuous Choyce; profound,
Hard Wooing task, to boot, that double Swoon'd;
Her vow'd Years stay (three weeks behind) ith' Grove:
Lastly, his new Stratagem, enforc'd through love,
And's Fathers high-swoln humour, Nuptiall rage
For those two Nymphs gentile. Does strongly engage,
That, Masqu'd disguis'd in Womans robes, he would
Procure him strait waies Nun of choyce inroll'd
Ith' Vestall Bow'r; three places being known
Yet void Flostella too yet lodg'd Alone
(Althusa call'd his Name, sayd her Ally)
Whose vowed Year not yet expir'd (lets fly
Much passion strait) how blisfull thus he might,
Th' whole three Weeks remnant, steal more chast Delight
First-fruits in her armes dearest Cloyster oft.
Those done, since full Conjugall pleasures sought,
Rufin th' ensuing Day should fetch them thence
As friend, or Guardian; feign'd some Pretence
For going; but conjur'd his Love by them,
He would provide some Lurking-place, though mean,
For their Retreat till blustring Storms were o're:
For th' present charge, Gold-coyn he had in store,
Years late-payd Maintenance; being full and good.
Rufin transported, pleas'd with this Love-mood,
Chief, gallant Choyce too, strikes a friendly Cloze;
Love Gods themselves transform'd, churl-stars be those
That thwart thy Love-designs (young Lord) he cry'd:
Then, roundly ask'd him, if he ever ey'd
That Delphick Oracle, long since displaying
His Fortune, lot: No, strait Polindor saying.
Not? (sayd Rufin) that time when Death's arrest
Seizing th' old Duke, your Fathers youthfull Brest
Greedy of Travayl (though found honour'd Room
Ith' King's regard) entrusting me at home,
Spent years in forain Climes with danger, toyl;
Till, turning back, resolv'd on Delphos soyl
(Kind neighbour Country, as his choyce rest, Repose;
Thanks given to pow'rfull Phœbus there, for Cloze:
Where spy'd your worthy'st Mother, woo'd, espous'd;
With whose Indulgent Parents first year hous'd,
You, Infant, view'd the World. When, Message come
From th' good old King, to call your Father home
For mighty'st Honour, pow'r, most urgent Hast;
Those narrow Seas, as then, with Storms o're-cast;
Your Going, next your precious Mothers, there
Much question'd, scrupleliz'd; Vowes, Offerings were
By both perform'd in Phœbus Temple, as due:
You then ith' Mothers armes. All this for true
I've heard express'd (reply'd Polind anon)
But what's that Oracle, to me's unknown.
Indeed? (sayd wondring much the joy'd Rufin)
Both's passed Lives and Loves, this Nuns design
It points most strangely forth; your Father's sure
Was lost, when Body, Soul did both endure
That tedious Anguish, grief: at Home you may
(If found) survay't, long lockd up, skreen'd from Day.
Arriving there, whilst held discourse Polin
With Nymph call'd Minde, Lass gentile and kind.
His Houskeeper (by th' Wife more neer Ally'd)
Rufin walk'd up; ere long again, discry'd
With certain Paper-relick in his hand,
Comes down, the Scroul these Mistick words contain'd.

ORACLE.

Return All safe; both Seas and Wind,
To serve you as you'd wish, combin'd:
At home, th' whole Kingdomes Honours wear:
That Child shall prove your Gloryes Heyr:
He's Shepheard-Swain, yet None; and She
He loves a Nun, yet None, shall be:
He Dyes twice for her, lives; She Dyes,
Till in his Armes quick-bury'd lyes:
All's in the bowry Grove, awhile
Where Both must bear like Sex, and style
Two now made joyntly One) that Place
Shewes Both 'gainst Fortunes Storms a grace:
No wrong to th' Mayden train, nor crime;
By this First step to Bliss they clime.
This strange Prophetick Scroul, as then produc'd
By good Rufin, such powerfull thoughts infus'd
(His Life and hers, things passed now, foretelling,
His double Swoond, her Love, new Plot revealing)
That, what before o're-sway'd through Reason, love,
Now Stamp'd with fatall Destiny did prove:
Thus, proper Mindes Silken cloaths, 'twas soon
Resolv'd by all, should fit th' intended Nun.
Here, gentler rapping Larum's heard at Door;
When looking forth, O blest mysterious Hour!
More seems Accomplish'd still [Two now made one]
Cry'd out Rufin) There stands that Priest alone,
My ancient Friend, shall do th' Uniting Feat;
Fed late by me, reliev'd; who, when that great
Phœbean Temple sunk in Martiall flame
Through Wars in Thrace, to's native Country came,
Fled hither; now ith' next great Town Tregor:
Nor need this Priest to share your Secret more
Then that oth' Marriage-part. Much joy'd Polin,
Who thus, their Priest withdrawn, th' whole Plot design'd
South-side, there joyn'd small Outlet to the Grove,
As part, divided yet (by chance his Love
At first had so informed him) not deem'd
Sacred by th' Nuns, nor Hallow'd ground esteem'd
As was that Grovy Plot; 'twas ample Bow'r,
Tall fenced round; to th' Grove one bolted door
Belong'd, whilst th' other pass'd into the Field:
Free place to th' Nuns, who rarely'st though would yeild
This Bower their visitings, save once the Year,
When solemn Feasts to th' Foundress honour were;
Since here she enter'd first, her Limbs repos'd
First here, first Vowings in this Plot disclos'd.
Thus, usefull Minde, should next morn, by eight,
Move with Flostellas help the Priestess strait
For Nun of choyces place (that Oracle
First shewn his Love) conjure her then to th' full,
That, as kind civill Partner on the way,
Both tracing forth, she'd winding-fashion stray
To th' Outlets sculking bow'r (Himself, Rufin
Lodg'd ith' next Cops, with Phœbus Priest, unseen)
Where Marry'd, thence she might most safe retire:
Next Morn he'd joyn himself to th' Vestall quire.
This told he closely to Rufin, besought
Kind Minde (of councell too) as th' onely Plot;
Since, Vestall grove for th' Act Flostella nere
Would yeild; foul danger too, grand Crime it were:
Priest then for cloze (since promis'd nobler Wages)
Being call'd, for th' Marriage-part most strongly engages.
Thus, next Morn, Minde reach'd the Vestall Grove
(Two long miles off) by seaven, her work of love
Discreetly ply'd, perform'd; ith' Maiden Bow'r
Gain'd Nuns desired place, and 'bout the hour
Stole to that Outlet with the dear Flostel:
Whose door to th' Grove unbolted first, and well
Secur'd again, unbolting th' outward Door,
Polindor with Rufin, Sign past (no more)
Enter'd the place (Priest left without, attending)
And now drawn neer, to th' foot most lowly bending
Joy-crown'd Polindor strait (as worship'd thus
Blest soyl she trod, those shades all-glorious)
Kissing th' Hands, Lips, he thus true love did vye.
Dear, dearest Maddam, how oblig'd am I,
Rays'd neer the Gods themselves, through this high Favor!
Whole Life conjoyn'd, though now Tongue, breath should waver,
Shall speak my Active Thanks. My noble Lord
(Said she again) You see my prompt Accord
To serve and please you; nor can I this Hour,
But blushingly, inform, ith' Vestall Bow'r
Your Will's accomplish'd grown; th' immortall Voyce
Of Gods if for't, I then might seem Rejoyce:
Hoping (howe're) you'l bind this Justice too't,
That 'bove my Fonder vein, your earnest Suit
Or'e ballanc'd in't. Sweet, sweetest Madam (sayes
Polindor then) should meaner thoughts debase,
I were unworthy of that Highest Room,
So vast a goodness thence vouchsaf'd. I'm come
Besides, my Lord (sayd she again) to cloze
With your main Motion here, at once dispose
Of all I am, by Marriage-resignation;
Though (truly) had you chose for Bridall station
That hallow'd Grove, I deeply had scrupled it:
Hoping (my Lord) you'l not withall forget
That years strong Mayden Vow I've made to Heaven
For which (three weeks thereof behind) was given
Your noble Assent. Supream Joy of my Soul
(Said he) it was. Nor can discharge, controul
(My Lord) sayd she again) that former Vow
This later, made, confirm'd through Marriage now
(You'l Grant me sure) nor least dispence the same;
Wherefore your Lordships second Oath I claym
'Fore these and Heav'n, that you'l not force me break it.
'Fore these and all the Court of Gods, I speak it;
Reply'd Polind. Nor thence be cherish'd, sown
Unkinder thoughts, my Lord (sayd she) since none
Can wish your dearest satisfaction more,
Heaven truly knowes my Heart; that season o're,
I shall conform to your Imperiall pleasure.
Madam (sayd he) be from Love's Mintage, treasure
Those first-coyn'd gentle Favours, Sweets allow'd,
I mutter not. This fruit, the Lady vow'd,
Besides would follow thence; that, guiltless she
To th' main Conjugall act, more boldly Free,
Should less through bashfull Fears in looks betray them;
Or'e bleeding Qualm should those offend, display them.
This sayd, the reverend Priest through warning-sign
Comes stealing in, that Nuptiall Knot to twine,
Whom gracefull'st Both approach'd: And now (behold)
Those Hands were link'd in Hymenean fold,
Mistick for th' inmost Hearts; with Dove-like eyes
Vowes made, exchang'd, th' eternall Deities
Call'd Witness too't: their mutuall Names (beside)
Each strait by course to th' other did divide
(Through hast in Parchment written) sweetly'st gave them;
Though most in Gold or brass did use t' engrave them;
Thus spake, With this my Heart and all is given:
As I am true to thee, so bless me Heav'n:
Then, Rings exchanged; last, embrace and kiss;
Th' old formall Priest pronouncing after this
Both Man and Wife, with short though solemn Blessing:
Poor gentle Mindes Heart so strangely o're-pressing
(Kind, melting Soul! with strongst conceit of that
Dear Union so over-powred strait)
She downright sob'd again, whilst wept Rufin.
Skies pleas'd, more Azure smiling-cheek'd, were seen;
Bright Phœbus gilding round the verdent Bow'r
With gaudy'st blazing Beams, as shun that hour
Grand heav'nly Witness; meant t' adorn the Place
His leavy Temple turn'd: for Anthem-grace
(Wood-quire ith' cloze) conjoyned chirping Throng;
Seem'd Warble forth their Hymenean Song.
Thus, speaking half in fearfull Looks their last,
Quick, short Farwells, the Lady now in hast
Shut all forth; back to th' Vestall Mansion stealing,
True Mayd and Wife: Polindor's joyes excelling
Th' whole earth, since gained thus th' All-wealthy Prize.
Next Morn, as mounting Phœbus should not rise
Eagrer to view's half globy World, then he
More-worth Flostella far, he's gone, does flee
By day-break to Rufin, his Uncles place,
Where calling Minde strait (that proper Lass
Kept th' house) they soon Unsex'd him for a while
With her best Silken cloathes, small linnen-pile
For shift, though couch'd his Taff'ty-robes within;
This short salute to's Father, left Rufin:
Which Scroul, that Even to his hand convay'd,
Smooth quallifying cause of Flight display'd.
My Lord, being Noble, Young, and tir'd
With Swains life, brest to travail fir'd;
View more oth' World, that Box of wonder,
Map of his praise that rules the thunder;
I'm gone for new Climes, forain Ayres:
Heav'n guard me back; your pardon, pray'rs.
Thus drest, transform'd, forth trac'd our proper Nun;
Rufin with cheerfull Minde follow'd soon,
Just within view, till drawing neer the Grove,
Joyn'd all for th' Vestall Mansion; where to's Love
Th' esteem'd Flostel (though call'd Pledora there,
Himself Althusa nam'd, her Cousin, neer
In Blood respect to boot) as Night-comrade
He's entred, Nun of choyce: though grown (as said)
Ill rester lately, through distemper'd head
(Such her Injunction) had his Trundle-bed.
Proud Chamber-fellow (at least) becoming so,
Truest Brides-groom; first Quartridge pay'd: but, O,
Th' Hearts inward conflicts, checks! least Lovers eyes
Blab'd more then Friend, what suted meer Allyes,
Or th' female same Sex; whilst those Virgin crew
Flock'd round to welcome all, did fondly'st view.
T' one prays'd the Sun-like radiance of her Eye,
Where sate enthron'd sweet pleasing Majesty;
Perswading, yet just then commanding Love:
T' other her Cheek, and Lips, where seem'd to move
Graces transporting, wondrous those extolls;
How lovely, choyce! The third for prime inrolls
Her Forehead, Hair, what gallant, courtly'st Pace!
How Princess-like! whilst her especiall grace,
Acquaintance, all with kind of secret Passion
(Close-charm'd as 'twere) desir'd, to emulation.
Indeed, Pledoras Person wave, decline,
To whom all prostrate Beauties, as divine,
Must stoop in Vassaylage, th' Imperiall she;
That House, nor Greece could equall wonder see:
Both whom, by their Past-coyned Names, we shall
For th' time Althusa and Pledora call.
Bless (Hymen) bless thy Gems, since these implore
Thy Name 'bove Vestas, powerfull'st thee Adore.
Mean while, no petty troublous Storm arose
About Polindors flight, whose Father showes
One while all Fire through vexing passion grown,
As formed of that Element alone;
And then all drowsie Earth, dull, lumpish; whether
Through grief produc'd, or rage, grief both together
Since quash'd those Matches quite: till good Rufin,
With others, sought by powerfull'st waies, Design
To cool, allay; fair-glossing th' Action o're
As Youthfull trick, by's Elders play'd before;
Wherein but Copy'd had his own Grandfather.
Thus, stroak'd his Rage. But gloomier Clouds did gather
'Bout one oth' mention'd Gentile Nymphs (alas!)
Dulcenza nam'd, whose no decitfull Glass
Boasting oth' Two chief Beauties stock (the Pearl
Prime Tulip of those Plains (indeed) a Girl
Lovely enough) t' whose Face conjoyn'd beside
Some higher Parts; and (as she thought) discry'd
Most kindness, least neglect from th' Lord Polind,
Sh' had fed more hopes: till (sadly'st-breathed wind!)
Mayd whispring forth the newes, Hearts qualm begun;
Hope's gasping 'twas; worse Souls Convulsion
Seiz'd now then ever, Sigh'd, she mourn'd, she wept,
Griefe's truest draught: till sick Bed lastly kept.
Friends, pleasures, food, yea Life it self's distasting;
Th' world burdenous become; her sad eyes casting
On nought, but there's behel'd Polindor's Face,
Haunting her still, strong Fancies Ghost alas?
There last she ey'd his Person (thinks) and there
Last heard him speak (goes on) such his Looks were,
All flames and wounding Darts; such, such his Words,
Love's Notes of Musick, tunefullest accords:
There (lastly) spake to her, gave Kiss-salute
(O Heav'ns!) what Sighes, what Groans to each did sute?
As those should prove joyn'd Fun'rall knels to all.
O wondrous Rarity (sayd she) oth' Vale,
Of Greece, th' whole ample World! O most refin'd
Choicest of Men (confess'd) but too Unkind!
Building thy Glorious Trophies (to our smarts)
On Mayden ruines, captiv'd Broken Hearts!
I sent thee Mine, which, though not gently took,
Nere back returned Home (alas) 'twas Broke,
Shiver'd, or lost: my Heart, once Ayre-like free,
But now in Fetters, Chaines: loath'd Destiny!
Nor wonder, Chain'd, since grew Love-mad, distracted;
Too much I Hop'd, through those hopes strongly acted,
To much I look'd (alas) too much I Lov'd
(Fond, easie Soul!) till freedomes Ruin prov'd.
Weep, weep my trayterous Eyes, in kindness now
O're-flow and Drown me quite; sigh Brest, till you
Grow Stifl'd thence; break Credulous Heart out-right:
But live Polindor still, enjoy this Light.
O Love, thou worst of Tyrant-Lords, to whom
Death's smil'd, as pastime! lingring-sad's thy Doom!
Lovers dye ten-fold, ten-fold (onely) alas!
Wretch'd, wretched Lovers, how sh' extoll'd each Grace:
(Now lost) by th' Body were that worn, or Mind!
New-rating them! her Spirits languish'd, pin'd,
Th' Head, Stomack droop'd through meer Heart-sympathy
(Sleep fled her cloudy'd eyes) whilst slaps apply
Pos'd Physick-doctors, vainly tyr'd their skills.
Lo (Reader) one oth' Worlds transcendent Ills,
Grand curses, Love, where not again Belov'd:
Till gleaning in short time (which wonder prov'd)
Good vigorous Spirits, strange Resolves possest
(Of which ere long) her pensive, wavy Brest.
Mean-while, the fainter-hop'd Marpesa (though
More private, calmly Mourn'd; by stealth would so
Sigh, weep her sorrowes forth, in gloomy Bowers,
Like Aprils gentler-breathed Blasts, and Showers.
This for that Nymphy Payr; though partly now
Young spruce Menanders heart, by faithfull Vow
Dulcenzas bounden Slave, began to feed
Cherish more hopes; such did Sirenus breed,
Marpesas too; Both, fine gentile-born Swains
(Whose Fathers with the Duke chose Shepheard-plains)
Prime Sparks indeed, accomplish'd Youths, though most
Seem'd through Polindor's Splendor darken'd, lost:
Thus, secret Burn'd, o're-powerfull Rivall fearing:
Their Loves discover'd though, Looks glass-like wearing
Th' Hearts inward blazing fires, Heart-panting, groans
Sighes speaking plainly'st forth; thus, seem'd at once
Mute Spokesmen, as live Pictures of their loves:
So strong through th' Bodies organ Passion moves.
Yea, view'd Poetick strains of theirs, where shin'd
Those Nymphs as Stars. To these two were assign'd
(As Victor-youths) that Running, wrastling Prize
Last Festivall, before their Mistress eyes;
Both Laurell-crowned too, for Verse. The last
For Musick Floris won, Youth unsurpast
By gallant those, extoll'd for Lute and Voyce:
Which Swain, though might in Cupid's wars rejoyce
Since conquer'd Cressas Heart, yet here became
Most captive, wretch'd, through rancorous grudge (old flame)
Lodg'd in her Fathers brest, from sight restraining
Fort yeilded, won, but Keyes deny'd, complaining:
By order that resign'd, shut up though be
The Gates by th' Churl Lievtenant, deputy.
Though heighten'd all this woe High burning Feaver,
Which lately seiz'd the Nymph, would seem (however)
Through Vengeance, Spight, to Fire th' all beauteous Fort;
Worse-feaver'd grown his Mind; such dismall sort
Both dangerous. And now to th' Pastorall plain
This travayling resolve oth' Lordly Swain
Seem'd blazed forth; your courteous view transfer
To Sonnet next, by speciall Honourer
Of young Polindors fram'd, t' whose Glory, praise
'Twas chanted forth ere long, with Rurall grace:
Choice quite of Shepheard-youths, with crowns of Roses.
Masque rob'd to boot, conjoyning in the clozes.
Chorus.
Mildest Zephirs fan thee o're,
Chief Wonder, to what ever Shore.

Chorus.
Nor did'st more enoble, then
Improve this Desert, Herd of men.

Chorus
Though the Plains, Fame shall record,
Held once Polindor, vy'd a Lord.

Next (All for th' heel) their activ'st youth and art,
To Hobois, Flutes, in Dance they did impart;
What lofty'st friskings, Ayre-born motions there
As each would chiefly Inspired thus appear
From his Beloved's Eye; would strongly boast
To th' fonder World, gay Courts not all ingrost.
Then strait Polindors Health went dancing round
To th' Cornet, Flute, with shouts triumphant crown'd,
Whilst rocky Hills and Woods, in eccho-fashion,
Seem'd joviall Partners joyn'd ith' celebration:
Last, Nymphs, gentilest Swains (to double pleasure)
Combin'd for cloze in sprightfull'st country Measure:
Whilst nodding Grandsires (chanted o're and o're)
Brag'd this Themselves had done, times past, and More.
Thus, on the flowry Soyl, these pleas'd Consorts
We leave again, joyn'd in their Shepheard-sports;
Kind Brothers of the flock, to gentle whom,
As Sojourners, for constant dwelling come
Peace, sober Quiet, harmless Innocence,
There seek protecting Roofs, find shelter thence
If any where. O prays'd, contented Life!
Fre'd from those envious Heats, that boyling strife
Of proud and haughty Courts! their Luxury,
Vain gorgeous Pomp, to boot! Projection-free!
No painted Vizards worn, but th' inmost Heart
And Brow stamp'd both alike! shun'd glosing art!
Kings have Unthron'd them for your pleasing Bliss,
As Kings from you to mounted Thrones have riss.
Here back to th' Cloyster'd Mansion, Vestall ayre
Let's turn our Flight, salute that noblest Payre
In their conjoyn'd abode; Nun-life, estate.
We shall not here set forth to th' full, dilate
Those pleasant Cabins, Garden-founts, those Bow'rs,
Choyce shady Walks; their evening Sports, their hours
For burning Incence, Vestall Robes, attires;
Their Musick-consorts oft, with their Voyce-quires,
Rare Pencils art, their Needles wonders, glory:
Nor shall we number out in formall story
Our spoused Nuns day-stoln Delights. and kisses;
Their private Walks to th' first-view'd Fount of blisses,
With that first Dear, adjoyning, faithfull Shade,
Where new Loves sober Sweets, love-vowes repaid
(All heighten'd much through former Doubts and fear,
Now rouzed up by Both, recounted there)
Last, th' Outlets Bow'r: those conscious, loving Places
Thank'd kindly still, as Capable oth' graces
(So sweetly over-flowing's gentle Love
Toward Founts and Trees) though rarest this, least prove
Observ'd; Althuse by th' fonder Nuns, beside,
So haunted still. Nor shall be blab'd, descry'd
Nights pleasures much; conform'd Althusa though
(Th' undressing Hand-mayds part who joy'd to show)
Pledora being chouch'd earths glorious Mine,
VVould but, lay'd down on th' blisfull cloathes, intwine
Her dainty'st Body still, Heart-fires revealing;
Thousand Goodnights in balmy kisses sealing
(Thousand Goodmorrowes too) Sighes joyn'd for cloze)
As Fancy should sublimed Spirits of those
Rayse (Chymick-like) to smaller dear fruition:
So, goes to's Trundle-bed: Dreams blest condition
Oft Cordiall-friend to th' pining hungry Lover,
Kind almes, relief. Soul soothed still, 'twould over
This Fast ere long, mean while participated
Those Joyes, preserves once swoonded for, high'st-rated
Thus at her feet, like th' sturdy Guardian kept
That Orchard rich in Golden fruit, he slept.
VVondrous Self-conquest (lo) both sides Renown'd
(Sweet'st, worthy'st Payr!) that Mansion, grovy round
Virgin-lodge still, though turn'd to loving Bow'rs!
None Witness day nor night, save th' amorous Pow'rs.
Sol, Luna alone, whose first his Daphne chose,
Th' other her Darling-swain; no Tell-tales those:
Choyce sports, converse, with first Love-fruits unblasted,
Althusa and the fayr Pledora tasted.
But yet, we shall not least neglect, o'r-pass
That yearly grand Solemnity, which was
Ere long perform'd to th' Goddess Vesta there,
To which, Spectators, none admitted were
But neighbouring Virgins; joyned also none
For Actor's in't, but vow'd sworn Nuns alone:
Those Nuns of choyce their Room above possest,
No small contentment to Althusas Brest;
Since else, beneath, some Shepheardesses eye
Might have betray'd her thence (worst treachery!)
Nor to Pledoras too, since free'd, excus'd
By this (turn'd Wife) nought Vestas Rites abus'd.
Th' whole Form thereof was thus: Ith' upper end
Oth' Temples quire, which did with steps ascend,
Great Goddess Vestas Image stood, inshrin'd
Somewhat aloft; th' one hand oth' Wall (design'd
On Arras, costly'st work) in verdant Shades

Same with Diana.

She seem'd beheld, with all her Quiver'd Mayds
Hunting the Deer; how lively'st reall Chase!
On th' other hand, with Tempting, naked Grace
Dabling in silver Streams, proportioned.
At foot oth' Shrine, their hallow'd ground was spread
With Damask carpet, broad, of purest white
And green in border'd Panes; 'fore which (to sight)
Small Table stood, like Silken adornment wearing.
First marched forth th' old Rev'rend Priestess, bearing
Largest white Lawn, upon whose midst display'd
Fayr Chaplet wreath, of beauteous Lillies made
Green Laurell, mixt, froath'd both in spots, like Snow;
Fit emblems, all: those Lillies seem'd to show
Chast Pureness there; Laurels did Freshness boast,
Loves powerfull conquest, with green Shades where most
Vesta delights; Snow figur'd Virgin-cold.
Next after her March'd single Nymph, did hold
Small Baskets, open-work, of white and green;
Like-ribbon'd, trim'd; through which (perspective-seen)
Shin'd store of Lillies, Laurell-branches fair.
Last, came th' whole Virgin-train, by comely Pair,
In long Lawn-vails, with towred lofty dressing,
Mixt white and green, puff'd Diadem expressing;
By each born in own hand small China dish
Of pure white, trembling Jelly (shrouded this
Chast Emblem too) whilst in their other showing
Bright hallow'd Censer, Incence round bestowing;
Whose fragrant, costly Mists, th' whole ample place
Endeard, enrich'd at once: with solemn Grace
Thus all March'd up (perform'd their Treble bow)
Towards those Mounting steps, beneath whose brow
Their Altar stood; where strait did hands divide,
Falling off partly thus to either side.
When up those steps the Priestess slowly advanc'd
To th' hallow'd Table, where a while Intranc'd
Shee kneeling seem'd; then, rouzing, spread thereon
(Devout obeysance made) that milk-white Lawn
With purest Wreath; next, from the attendant Mayd
Those fine-wrought Lilly-baskets, took, displayd
And rank'd them all beneath that Table, round
(Present to Vesta) on the Marble ground:
Then, further step'd to th' Carpet strow'd that o're
VVith Lillies Laurell-branches mixed store
(Those white, green Damask panes) set forth each part
Unlike; thus doubly Flowr'd, by Nature, art.
Last, all those Nymphs step'd up, advanced bowing
By single turns, and, each their Dish bestowing
That mention'd Table round, beneath retir'd:
During which while, those late dead walls inspir'd
Through soft conceal'd, harmonious Musick seem'd;
VVhence earthly Heaven turn'd, by some esteem'd
Which Musick ceas'd, forth lanching from the side.
The comely Priestess brought of Laurell dry'd
(Mixt Juniper) small Fagot, girdled bound
With Ribbons white, wherewith she stooping crown'd
Their Altar; fir'd the same with Spice and Gums:
That Hand-mayd (Wayting Nymph) soon after comes,
Two beauteous Chrystall Vialls sweetly bearing,
Like-formed, largest-bulk'd; through th' one appearing
White Wine to view, pure Milk that other show'd;
From whose transparant Wombs distilling flow'd
Like Founts, pour'd forth to Vesta, as Oblation:
During which latter Rites, in Anthem-fashion
Those severall Nymphs conjoyn'd from either side,
Did seem to Quire of Cherubins ally'd.

The Song was thus

Thus, th' Anthem past, those Nymphs joyn'd all anew,
That Senior Nun and Priestess first in view;
So, falling backwards all, in Payrs, with those
First Treble bows made up their solemn Cloze.
All this while sate Pledora as Star, on high,
Cloath'd with such beauteous rayes, divinity,
As though their Goddess Vestas self (less nice)
Were then come down to grace their Sacrifice
(As truly Virgin too that gaudy day)
Behind whom, closely skulk'd, Althusa lay.
There might she view one well-known Shepheardess,
And there Another 'midst the gazing press;
Marpesa (last) who late for him had Pin'd:
Whom shew'd to th' dear Pledora, jog'd behind:
Triumphant grown, since thus view'd all to th' full,
From her Moon-world, Self though invisible.
We must not (Reader) here neglect, ore-run
What good while past (more memorable) done
By th' Duke Arplastus prov'd, the fayr Flostel
When grown a Wanderer, short mild Farwell
Sent him in writing, as we sayd; whose lines
His Lordship view'd not without troublous signes,
Sad, Grief-ressenting thoughts, though secret Qualm
Which thus he turn'd more lightly off, ore-came:
Since, She withdrawn, no dangerous Clashings thence,
Shun'd jars with th' onely Minion of his sence
Belov'd Comandra, or his own Lust-vice;
Dear above all: though more severely Wise,
The Duke unriddled ith' worse sence her going,
As but foul Grudge 'gainst meer Comandra showing
Of whom still Fond as ere: nor (heightned Fate!)
Wanted that Whoor spight, art, to aggravate.
Well knowing the dismall cause (black, guilty Soul!)
Since, spent some little while, up closely stole
Those backward-stayrs, there listening for some Groan;
Fine Gasping Sigh; which horrid Musick done
(As she conceiv'd) she hop'd to bless her Eyes
With fayrest, dainty'st Coorse beneath the Skies:
She hoped, look'd, till starting wildly round,
Dead little Dog found Proxy on the ground:
Though soon pour'd forth that Poys'nous, Stygian broath
To Pluto Sacrifice, discreetly loth
Her devillish Stratagem should thence be known;
Chaf'd, beat her Brest, though wondrous joy'd she's gone.
Strong thoughts, th' Officious friendly Fates would do't
(Ere long) through Hunger, deep dispair to boot.
Thus three months wandred o're, the Duke Arplast
More thoughtfull grown, devout reflections cast
On's lov'd, lascivious Crime; th' ignoble stain
Foul Blur thereof; conscentred lastly ith' Vein
Of salving all by Marriage, counting this
Honours Restorative, chief Virtue-peice:
Least kinder Hints whereof what heightning Charmes
Found, dearly'st Suckl'd still, between her armes!
Nor could he lose this matchless Gem; besides,
Wanting Male-jewell, Son, the Duke confides
Heaven would more succeed him in those chast
Fruitions (Rich and fertile Soyl, nor past
Youths prime, Comandra deem'd) thus th' honest Road
His thoughts approve, though rough and hardly trode;
Wedding gears, Cables; joyned both together
Now th' are, indeed, no Pompous business neither:
'Twas Secret stoln, bate some few Houshold eyes,
Since no great Glorying in th' unworthy Prize:
Whight honest loves, transcendent Fortunes most
Become those Gayer forms, such gaudy boast.
Thus had she mounted now that lofty Tow'r,
Those Star-like heights she aym'd at, happy hour,
Flostella since so far remote those Walls
Thus Pest infected round! though wisely fails
Ardina to inform her ought, 'twould borrow
More Coyn (she deem'd) t'improve her stock of Sorrow.
But (lo) our fond and eager Muse o'relong
Can't from that matchless Payr, amidst the throng
Of Virgin-sisterhood, be over-sway'd;
Much time (howe're) Deceas'd, since last survay'd:
Althusa, proving in the Evens cool
Double-retir'd at once (through thoughtfull Soul)
To her own Brest, and to her Chamber too,
Whilst most oth' Nymphy train abroad did woo
Choice Evening-sports (some treading round their Maze.
Or 'bout their Founts, some breath'd with Running plays,
For Fishing, gathering Flow'rs) sate musing on
Her pretty strange Life, fortunes, all alone;
Sad-pleasant state, since Loves main youthfull fire
Unquenched yet, check'd in her dear Desire:
Oyle poured still upon the Flame, while tasting
Love-sallets, sweets, preserves, still hungry, Fasting.
Pledora her Consort too, the more she's known,
Beheld, still more divine-stamp'd Object shone
To th' sounder Reason, beauteous more to th' Sence;
Griev'd thus, till Union'd with such excellence;
Her Body, through her lovely Soul, made more
Attractive, strong, though Charm'd enough before:
Yea, through her Windowes too, that moment view'd.
The Gardens clasping Woodbines, Vines renew'd
Conjugall folds resemblances; their Young
Birds chaunted o're, as Loves effects they sung.
Cloy'd through these solemn thoughts, conceits, to those
More Sportive strait she falls, survaying goes
Her Female dress, in smiles, as if sh' had sayd,
And can such Fires these Virgin-robes invade?
What, lurking here? though Masque-like toyes (alas)
She-cobwebs, Mists, which nought could Sex deface,
Damp lusty Manhood; nights especially,
When with their sorty Spells cashir'd, layd by.
Next, Cheers up, since her blisfull Freedomes hour
Drawn nigh, and those delayes ith' Vestall Bow'r
('Twas thought) would primely Sweeten full Fruition;
Recompence all with Ravishing condition.
Thus, Sober, pleas'd, took down Pledoras Lute
(At which with learned'st Masters could dispute)
Then, gently kissing it (which seem'd as 'twere
Ambitious with Althusas Passion's there,
To warble forth at once its Mistress prayses,
Joyfull, complying) thus he gladsome chases
Dull moody Fogs from thence, in sweetest tones
But soft withall, Amphion so charm'd Stones.

Song.

This, scarcely cloz'd, when strait comes in the sweet
Pledora, wilder-look'd (chang'd Visage, meet
For flying Daphne turn'd) Ah my Althuse,
Sayd she, We'r both undone. Worst, saddest newes
Though softly breath'd! Why? strait Althuse reply'd,
Startling; her Languag'd looks since much descry'd,
Tongue more: We'r both betrayd (said she agen)
Lost, ruin'd Startled more Althusa when,
Speak't plainly out (reply'd) leave thus tormenting:
That Nymph, sayd she, that Mayd Ducenza (fainting)
What, what of her? Althusa strait replyes;
Comes here to morrow early, by Sun-rise
(Sayd she again) inrolled Nun of choyce
Althusa flushing strait) th' admitting Voyce
Is pass'd (went further on) my self but now
O're-heard th' old Priestess, down by th' Founts, allow
Grant all to th' Ancient Mayd, imployed by'er:
How sighing cloze! which tunefull Breath, rays'd higher,
Pledoras too, might Sweeten seem Misfortune.
The Case seem'd wondrous hard, would doubts importune;
For first, th' whole Mayden train obliged were
To welcome strait (as one) New-comer there
With Kiss salute; nor lest their Virgin-cell
Any, but gave to all last kind Farwell.
What's more, sworn Vestall just as then (that Even)
Dy'd sodainly; next Morn 'twixt ten, eleven,
Th' whole Virgin-troop were bound t'attend upon
Her mournfull Corps, Dulcenza being one,
All duely payr'd; Pledora thus, her Love
Althuse with joyn'd Dulcenza last would prove:
Which Body being interr'd, Assembled all
Those Nuns of choyce from thence ith' open Hall
(Each seated to their proper time) that place
Of Vestall Nun being offer'd first (in grace)
To th' Senior Virgin; who if chanc'd refuse,
Down lower still, till reach'd Pledora, Althuse,
Dulcenza last (Althusa next above 'er)
Who thus Polindor soon must needs discover
Thorough Althuse; since Lovers Eagle eyes
See tenfold, peirce those Vapour-sprinkled Skies
More then Sol's conqu'ring beams, would open lay him:
To th' Priestess and Ortheris both betray him.
This, sadly told, Althusa cheer'd her strait
With best coyn'd looks, and words; Their gloomy Fate
Happy in this (alledg'd) her Mayden vow
Since almost out, full Year expiring now
That very Night. O, but Rufin (she cry'd)
Too tardy Guardian, would not there be spy'd,
Nor fetch them thence next day till th' Afternoon.
What though? (reply'd Althuse) since, e're the Sun
Be rouz'd, awoke, for Flight their freedome given,
From whose Back-door close Passage (deign'd by Heaven)
Did lead to th' Gardens bolted Postern door;
Whence no long Walk for them to reach Tregor
Next Burrough-town, Rufin inform'd from thence:
Th' old Priestess with her Nuns (most strange pretence
Forg'd by him for their going) that mean while
Feign'd Paper, left oth' Table, should beguile:
Nor criminous Plot, convinc'd that Vesta, she,
Was now no true but false Mock-deity.
But if (sigh'd th' other then) No more of those
Presaging Ifs (Althuse reply'd) the cloze
Transmit to Heaven; Earth and fates though cruell,
Yet, Gods would guard howe're their dearest Jewell.
Thus, firm-resolv'd, and that whole Starry night
Watch'd out, Both in their cloathes, till faint Dawn-light
Peep'd smiling on them; All how slumbring, close!
Lull'd like Sleeps drowsie Babes! th' whose ample house
Turn'd Charnell, meer Tomb! eithers Linnen-store,
Polindor's robes, her Jewell-box (no more)
Were nimbly took, and left oth' open Board
Large Paper, did this feign'd device afford.
Great Vesta charg'd this present Night,
By Vision, we should take wing'd flight
T'her Thracian Temple (whispring nere
Least word) so, wait her pleasure there:
And what those awfull Powers command
Frayl Mortalls must not dare withstand.
Then, stealing gently forth Back-door oth' room,
All night left open wide (thus, silent dumb
That's bolt appear'd) through small joyn'd Wilderness;
Seem'd planted for their flight, Both did address
Their Ghost-like steps to th' Gardens postern-door
(There seem'd a Fount all tears, the solemn Bow'r
There quiv'ring Sigh'd, Herbs, Flowers drooping round
At parting) from that Door free Passage, ground
To th' mention'd Plain beneath; which nicely'st touch
Like softer Gales, coy silvan Nymphs, or such,
Payr'd sportive Goddesses, when, left their Skies,
O're th' mossie, Silken Lawns do wantonize:
Whilst splendid Phœbes cheek, but lately shining,
Seem'd now Cloud vayl'd as 'twere, in love combining
To shelter wandring Virtue, as it flyes:
O may not th' own fayr Rayes, Flostellas Eyes,
May not their own most Violet-like Scent
Those Feet betray. Thus, pass'd the Plain, they bent
Their steps to th' green Roads, which, trod lightly through
Both joyfull bad to th' Mayden Grove Adieu,
So tow'rds Tregor, great Town four miles off lying,
Far distant from the Vale, whence quick Post flying,
Should fully inform Rufin, their Life-guard friend,
Whose able Freeness would supply to th' end
With generous Maint'nance, sav'd her Jewels so;
And make him's Heir. Thus, whilst they panting go
(T'whom also their first worthyer Names we now,
Polindor and Flostella, shall allow)
Much gentler-pac'd, advanced further on;
Loud Voyce amaz'd them both, Flostella soon
Startling through fear, least horrid stop, Surprize;
Th' Heart quak'd: Polindor roul'd fierce, gazing eyes:
Till spy'd (by chance) thick leavy Fence, between,
Both pausing harken'd there, when strait agen
It loudly spake; to which did answering prove
Shrill Eccho, thus:
Floris and the Eccho,
FLO.
No wand'rer no, Mad love
Thy Motto is, pale Death th' Impressa;
Ay-me!

EC.
Ay-me!

FLO.
Hark, there's thy CRESSA.

EC.
Thy CRESSA

FLO.
'Tis she.

EC.
'Tis she.

FLO.
My joy the more is:
O do'st yet pitty thy poor FLORIS?

EC.
Poor FLORIS!

FLO.
Indeed?

EC.
Indeed?

FLO.
Sweet, sweet'st Love-ditty!
Say't once agen, is't a true Pitty?

EC.
Pitty.

FLO.
Dearest Dear!

EC.
Dear!

FLO.
Thus then renew Love
My Heart, asswage; CRESSA'S thy true-love.

EC.
Thy true-love.

FLO.
False never.

EC.
Never

FLO.
Cease t'importune
Then more, she Pitties thy hard fortune.

EC.
Hard fortune.

FLO.
Sighes, groans.

EC
Sighes, groans.

FLO.
O gentlest-hearted.
Ill fare those Hands that first us parted.

EC.
Us parted.

FLO.
Accurst.

EC.
Accurst.

FLO.
Who did unfold it.
That I was here? was't boarce Winds told it?

EC.
Winds told it.

FLO.
'Twas kind.

EC.
'Twas kind.

FLO.
O do not pass me
Dear Ghostess, sweet; but first imbrace me.

EC.
Imbrace me.

FLO.
Ith' low'st shades?

EC.
Shades.

FLO.
Where none shall sever,
But we shall Love, twine there for ever.

EC.
For ever.

FLO.
I come then.

EC.
I come then.

This Voyce Polindor knew, by th' names above,
For Floris Swain gentile, whose dearest Love
(Friends crossing still) through Feavers burning rape
Dead

See 9. Poem.

Corps become (fayr Nymph, though foul mishap)
Had turn'd him frantick neer; Tru'st hearted Swain!
Thus (Twilight-ghost he'd rove the distant plain
With loud lamenting Noyse, where gladly sound
Kind Eccho moan him ought, upon that ground
He'd Parlying stand (deep-charm'd) sick Fancy pleasing,
As heard fair Cressas Voyce. Whom, scarcely ceasing,
Our Pilgrim-lovers left to's fonder play
With's ayr-born Mistress, thus, resum'd their way,
(Much pitty'd though) till now, Three Miles oth' four
Travayl'd, dispatch'd, both chanc'd to progress o're
Fine Velvet-plain with flowry crop Begem'd;
Thorough whose midst small Chrystall River seem'd
To sport it self about, in wanton Mazes:
Trees, Natures Em'rald-bowrs, their verdant graces
Joyn'd from both sides the bank, Sun-fans (as 'twere)
To th' Pearl-cheek'd dancing Nymph; or seemed there
To stand at gaze, like her intranced Lovers.
Close by these Palms and plumed Myrtle-covers
Their Journey prov'd some while, chief walks delight;
When (lo) the thundring Noyse did both affright
Of Horses hoofs, with six tall armed Men
(Down went their Veyles in hast) heard balling then
Loud throats, to boot: Those, those are they, they sayd,
Take, nimbly seize'em. O, we'r both betrayd
(Cry'd th' Aspine-trembling Lady) lost, undone:
Sweet'st-utter'd words, though breath'd with mournfull tone,
Nigh swoonding. He's become Tempestuous too,
Soul-tortur'd, agoniz'd, her single Wo
Though deeply'st Stab'd enrag'd his manly Brest
(Through self-enlightning Guilt both charg'd, confest
Prime-dismall Author on't) endur'd such Passion
As felt the Load of all Mankinds vexation,
Th' whole Globe of grief: wants usefull Armes, beside:
Wherewith he might or there have bravely Dy'd,
Or cut her Passage through them; no escape
(Least glimps) unless by wily force and Rape
He could disarm some one, so gain'd a Sword:
Though all the rest with murthering Pistolls stor'd:
Yet seem'd this dangerous Project fixt upon,
Freedome, or Death; these words sigh'd forth alone,
Dear, hope still. Gallop'd up the Rout, they cry'd,
Yeild, or th' art dead; when from's beloved side
She's rudely seiz'd, Five tumbling strait on him
Like pond'rous falling Tow'rs, as thus would seem
By th' Press to execute, ere sentenc'd so:
Their Leaders words, Here's that Male She, the Shrow,
Fine femall Youth; All, Bind him, bind him (crying)
Quick, hast; worst doom it was, seem'd next to Dying:
Since being once Bound, his main Plot's frivolous.
Sore galled Heart, sad-glancing Eyes, since thus
Snatch'd from his Chief (how dearly'st-earned) Treasure,
Neer-grasp'd Delights; one Moments plundring seizure
Rob'd all, like Gem stor'd Indian Vessell, split
Ith' blisfull Harbours mouth; or, neerer yet,
Stronger portrait, like one from Heaven hurl'd
To th' Hells Abiss. Unvayled both to th' world,
Oth' cooz'ning Fates! This is not He (they cry'd)
Nor is this She; as Bugbears, charms espy'd:
Glad sounds to th' drooping Pris'ners, joyntly thus
Wonder-reviv'd; though (Mayd-like timorous)
Shrewd Qualm stil seiz'd the dear Flostella's brest,
Whilst those continu'd on their rambling Quest.
The ground was thus; ere Dawn peep'd on the Globe,
Wild, sharking, handsome Youth, through womans Robe
Nights shades befriended round, had stoln a Girl
From her strickt Guardian (most wealthy Pearl)
Coming acquaintance-like 'bout noon to Chat,
As School-fellow, great Wedding there till late,
When slunk forth (busy'd, dancing all) for flight:
Though follow'd soon that spruce Hermophrodite
Stout Horsemen, strongly informd they passd these Downs;
Both wearing too same colour'd Skarfs, and Gowns,
Like-statur'd Both; whence all this coyl descending:
Flostels close Panting-fit not eas'ly ending.
As for Dulcenza though, prime cause that hour
Of all, she came not to the Vestall Bow'r;
Though had (indeed) with older Mayd combin'd
To sally forth that Night, whilst Phœbe shin'd
Her Virgin-guardian; so reach the Grove
'Bout break of day: since, toyl'd through Tyrant-love,
As worst of Slaveries her heart began
To loath it, and the World; 'gainst thoughts of Man
That closer Bow'r . Nuns chast converse, would give
Best charms (she deem'd) prove sweet'st Restorative:
Tost with Loves blustring Storms, her Bark-like brest
Sought there for Anchorage, chief harbour of rest:
Portion by th' Uncle left, which would maintain
Her Nun of choyce, til sworn oth' Vestall train.
Whose Stratagem both Parents dear descrying,
They stop'd her course, with Friends best means applying
Mild gentlest Salves, to cure those thoughts anew;
Menander whilst for Love did strongly sue;
Much further'd by her Friends, thereby to tame
Both this last Mood, and th' old unhappy Flame.
As close Sirenus su'd, Marpesas Lover.
Thus, much rejoyc'd this blacker Clouds blown over
(Though caus'd, as were those Vestall frights of late,
Through vain fear, Lovers hanting Ghost, sad fate)
On walk'd th' enlivened Payr to th' further side,
Large spreading Wood, where smaller Path espy'd.
When (lo) the Lady faintish grown through late
Long watching, journey, frights, cool Liquor's bait
Much wish'd, desir'd, they thought awhile to tread
That Path, which would perhaps more friendly lead
To some refreshing Cell or Lodge; much lower
(Enticed on) they found, unlatch'd a Door:
Whence pass'd large squared Plot, strong lofty-fenc'd,
Part ope, part shaded ground, 'twas place dispenc'd
Much rarity for th' woods; Art, Nature where
So link'd combin'd, that well-drest Rudeness there
Both might present to th' eye; or seem t'express
Pert Loneness, cheerfull, sprightly Solemness:
As that its chief Grace meant, delight, the easier
To poize light Fancy grave, yeild jocund Pleasure
Sober allay; transform'd to Solid, wise
Quick Sanguin-temper, whilst dull Phlegm dries.
Th' whole plot some Spirit Philosophick show'd,
Or as 'twould sute that working Soul; the Mode
Such briefly, as if, with Princes daintier way
Cloy'd, tyr'd, slunk'd Art had hither stole to Play.
Anon, much more: cross'd smaller Green, ith' Nook
Fine, pritty, larger Cell their fancy took;
Which being approach'd, 'twas formed all, cut out
Oth' main entire Rock, thunder proof, as stout
Th' Iron Doors appear'd; the Walls with Vines ore-clad,
Resembling civill Wildness, pensive, sad,
Dampt Pleasantness; as if the Owner there
Had thought to steal some Comfort, joy (as 'twere)
From th' World and his own spightfull Grief, would so
Play th' walking Ghost (Elizium-plains below
Map'd in this Plot) till, th' Actour's part layd by,
Turn reall true Ghost, fold his armes and Dye.
Entring, they met with None, yet all was Neat;
Furnish'd though Plain, as seem'd t'acknowledge yet
Some Master; Table, Stool, with Chayr and Bed,
Trunk, Linnen-chest, Time's Hower-glass, Death's head:
Wall bench'd, where Silver Chain-belt, Faulchion hung;
Coorse wooden Plate, uncobweb'd Books a throng:
Large Cubbord too, where such Cheese, Butter, store
Of cold Bak'd meats, as fortnight full (or more)
Would serve their Host, Weeks plenteous food for Two,
New-lay'd in (constant Party brought it so
Each Fornight stil, from th' neibouring Town, Dervise)
Close Corner lastly cabin'd Roots discries:
Drink too, though pleas'd the Owner Natures stray
Fount celler oft. Upon the Table lay
Broad Paper, being entitled thus; The Poor
Hermonus Will: which thus Polind read ore.
What e're here enter'st, know I stood
Once Astorin, of noblest blood
High'st fortunes too; but Uncle base
(Whose Name would fright down Daylight, rayse
Storms, Devils) Brundescar, learn'd in all
Court-mischiefs, crimes, my Fathers fall
Caus'd through forg'd Treason (rare Brothers part!
Worth Hells record) thus, through damn'd art
Beg'd all's Lands, got him banish'd far:
Though soon chang'd life with's Country-ayre,
Small stock bequeathed me: though prim'd
The Cross, my Beggers curse sublim'd
This cloze; That loss much fairer Prize
Snatch'd from me, a Lady, in whose eyes
Blaz'd Beauties Noon; t'whom th' Indies poor,
Th' whole world mere Atome seem'd, no more.
Thus then, some Jewels took, I stray'd
Earths Maze as Pilgrim (Wind's comrade,
Sun's fellow-travailler) that Round,
T'outrun my dogging Griefs, or hound
A Grave forth: Heats, Frosts vex'd by turn:
Till this Globe-pageant, lo, grand Urn
Of all flesh view'd, with weary soles
(Like fortunes tost Ball 'tween the Poles)
My own Shore I trod; now grown Frost-bearded:
Where spying this Nook of rest, thus guarded
From the Worlds noyse, I bought it mine;
Was call'd Harmonus still; Sol's shine
Here many a Sommers progress cher'd.
My Body, found, see kindly interr'd
In its last bed, whose Tomb to th' Cave
Close joyns; with this short Epitaph:
Who three Worlds ranged hath, here lies;
Love's, Sorrow's, That of Vanities.
And in return slip down that board
Oth' wall, 'there's twenty pound (Gold-hoord)
Take it, and th' whole Freehold dispose
As thine; but keep Conditions; close
The poor Harmonus in his Tomb,
As hop'st to tread Elizeum.
This read, Both wonder'd more, since could discry
No Creature yet; till in the Root-plot by
(Walk'd forth) did handsome Tomb (yet open) view,
Lodg'd in the side oth' Cave; what stranger too,
One lying in't, all-cloath'd, as newly Dead:
Most reverend Lump of Age, whose hoary Head,
Beard snowy Alps appear'd, stiff, frozen-limb'd;
Being that Harmonus Corps, the which (it seem'd)
(As Both by Covenant were strongly ty'd)
Death softly whisp'ring, had layn down and Dy'd.
Which view'd, our Noblest Couple, after some
Kind Tears, meet pious duties clos'd the Tomb
Of their old Father strait; reciv'd as given
This pritty small Love-grange a Boon from Heaven,
Sweet'st sheltring Fort; although Light-horse were bound
To Scour these Parts, that Vestall coast oft round
Calm as the quiet Sphears, so that a Girl
Might wander safe, unrifled, bearing Pearl:
So Close reserv'd besides, no Shepheard-swains
Hanted this Coast, nor trod the Neighbouring Plains.
How various (lo) those Mystick folds of Fate!
Blest happy love succeeds Unfortunate.
Wood-bordring Woman too there was, did look
To th' Cell sometimes, dead Palsey whom then strook.
Thus, entring Cell again, Althusa strait
Vanish'd for Sex to ayre, full manly State
Polindor reassumes (ith' open Chest
Found comely Robe, which long since did invest
Young, generous Astorin) whilst smil'd Flostel;
Whose Mans robes, Faulchion, that Chain-belt so well
Bedeck'd his Person round, there seem'd to move
In one (she thought) both God of War and Love.
Next, Cordiall waters drunk, took good Repast
Oth' Hermits pleasing food, which when did wast
Rufin would all supply; perhaps procur'd
No Place by him as yet, thing unassur'd
(Nor would he Wonder more, but deem some Fright
Caus'd this Concealment, as their former flight)
Mean while on Heaven themselves, their faith they roul.
This Breakfast done, Polindors craving Soul
Tongue both (since tost as yet ith' Lover's Ocean)
Were 'bout to ask new Sweets; though damp'd that Motion
The faint, ore-drooping Ladies Appetite
To rest (Himself but drowsie too, scarce right)
Her Watch, sore frights, and journey thought in reason
Bad Friends to Loves more advantageous season:
Thus, th' Iron-door being fast, securely clos'd,
Both down upon that Hermits Bed repos'd
Joynt sleeping Partners thus, their armes intwin'd;
More wealth then in Sol's circuit there confin'd.
Come gentlest God of sleep, most fayr behold
Of all thy drowsie Empire, bind, infold
Their yeilding Sences (silken Cordialls are
Those pleasing Bands) come, Kiss this lovely'st Payr
To downy Quiet, Bathing first their Eyes
In slumbers Essence, Soul whilst waking lies;
Through Dreams in part those Joyes to come portraying:
No Noyse cause Rapes upon their Rest, dismaying.
Thus, each (bright living Coorse) payd Natures due;
Thus slept they, glorious whilst they slept (to view)
Sweet'st Innocences Twofold Picture there:
Polindor (cloy'd) if chanc'd to waken ere,
Her Eye lids clos'd, would Wink again, as he
Woo'd, courted Sleep, to bear her company;
Not stealing softest Kiss, least, Guilty so
(Love-crime howere) of Sin, disturbance show.
Thus slumber'd they, till flown through Signs of heaven
Many wing'd posting Hours, to six ith' even
When both Awoke. The joy'd Polindor now
Most blith and fresh (transported through that Vow
Cloud-like blown o're) with dear Imbracings, kisses,
Begun to claim (indeed) Conjugall blisses:
To which again, how sweetly'st blushing, she
(Smiles mixt) reply'd; My Lord, I now am free
('Tis true) from shackling Vowes confess'd beside
By Marriage Yours; thus, shall not least provide
Coy shifts, gainsay your Pleasure; yet my Suit
Would move Once more (part faintish still to boot)
That you would Grant me but three Hours alone,
Till shady Night, this Bed we slumber'd on,
Might shroud my Bashfulness: my dearest Lord,
Shall I obtain this? smil'd, each sugred word.
Which answer'd then Polind; Thus still you do
Torment a Lover, Sweet: If't should be so,
My Lord (sayd she again) I've done; no more.
But dearest, then sayd he (withall forbore
Scarce smiles) shall not that Grant be censur'd, thought
Dull coldness in my Blood? or styled ought
Want of Affection in me? Loathsome, either:
O no, my Lord (she cry'd) I vow, thought neither,
But rather deem'd your Love, through wish'd complying
With my Girls humour thus: To which replying
Nought more, but sigh, strait leapt he from the Bed,
As from that Gorgon, snake, Temptation fled
(Though much convinc'd indeed by Fancies pow'r,
Her speciall Mood, kind daintier Garb that hour
In Bed, would give Compleatest satisfaction)
When she rose too: Thus, Rouz'd and fresh for action,
Both Walk'd forth, pleas'd with their new Prospect, ayre;
Where we must leave awhile this Hermit-payr.
Now glance we back upon the Vestall Bow'r,
And what there pass'd: Next morn, that solemn Hour
For th' Vestall Nun dispatch'd, th' Interment-rites
(Next business being for Choyce) whilst to all Sights
(Though call'd) Althusa and Pledora lost;
Some nimbler Nymphs by th' way were hurry'd post
To th' Chamber-door; where calmest Silence found,
Nought Whisperings, they joyntly progress'd round
To their Back-door; wide Yauning that did show
Two chast Birds fled, th' Ayre left their Tenant, lo.
All wonder'd; when the old Priestess comes, espies
Oth' boord that Paper, reads with all four eyes
(Those glistring glaz'd Recruits) 'oft roul'd at heaven;
Ill-fac'd devotion 'twas, whilst joyntly given
No small heed, reverence by th' younger Crew,
Flock'd round about her then, as though there blew
Some sacred Whirlwind; just like Charmed things
She th' old Inchantress prov'd. Grief, sorrow stings
Most Mayden brests (alas) yea so far were
Some junior Nuns of choyce, grand Zelots there
(Unsworn to th' Place yet) mov'd therewith, transported,
That, what through jealous thoughts their Goddess sorted
More Honors, favours to that Thracian Bow'r
(In part withdrawn from hence) so Dear that hour
Pledora also esteem'd, Althusa too;
Those Girls would needs like Lady-errants go
For th' Thracian realm: Till loud th' old Priestess cry'd
(Joyn'd with more setled Nuns) That this imply'd
(Well-weigh'd) but meer their own fantastick Dream,
No heav'n-born Vision: Next, informed them,
How Fond these thoughts, since Vestas Deity
Fill'd all her Bow'rs alike; nor could they spy,
For pleasures choyce Map, such transcendent Piece,
Like Virgin-mansion though they travayl'd Greece:
Whose Foundress with the lasting glory dy'd
Of Queen and Mayd; now doubtless Stellify'd.
So, progress'd ore the whole; which, since so much
Concerns Flostellas Blood, descent, we'l touch.
This Princess, Queen, great heir to th' Ciprian Crown
Times past was born, whose Scepter with renown
Oft Femalls sway'd, enjoy'd; Persandra nam'd:
One Sister more there was, by nature claim'd
Her part ith' royall Blood, royall record,
Bercinthe this: But vile usurping Lord
Oth' Blood, call'd Phorban, Stain to th' Kingly race
(Though huge in Factions pow'r and Wealth did blaze)
Reach'd at the Throne; &, having slain through Treason
Their gallant'st Father first (choice fittest season)
Persandra then 'bout year and quarter old,
Soon grasp'd the Crown; that Circle of thorny Gold,
Royall Head-guive: though next in bloody chase
Her Life appear'd, this Blossome nip'd (alas)
By frosty Death, must raise advance his Spring.
Which Mischief justly fear'd (since Brooding thing
Vile Treason found, one Crime but spawns another)
By th' wretch'd and most indulgent Queen, her Mother,
Clarvesia call'd; she suddenly convays
This elder Femall Comfort of her dayes,
Chief princely Cyprian branch from Tyrants Sword
(Th' half dearest Remnant of her murther'd Lord)
Nurse privie too't, to most transcendent Peer,
Styl'd good Lorele. What bowels yernings there,
Tears, mixed Sighes! what clasping folds and Kisses!
How call'd she back again her parting Blisses,
Wept sobrest new Farwells! till, at the last,
Cry'd, Take't away; though follow'd then in hast
To th' Threshold, Door, how Kiss'd, imbrac'd it there!
Forth then Nurse slily stole, as Voyage 'twere!
For th' ayre that Evening, with her Infant-gem
To woody Plain adjoyn'd, where stayd for them
Both Coach and six tall Horses from Lorele;
Which comely'st Matron bare, known Party well
To him (since prov'd his Keepers Wife indeed)
Who, gently cheering it, with trusty speed
Receiv'd that Royall charge, by joynt accord:
Informed though, 'twas Orphan, kin to th' Lord:
So, towards strait her shady Lodge she flyes
Far off remote; where full Commands, supplies
Were giv'n her by Lorele, for choycest trayning,
Though now new-stamp'd, Chlorindas Name retaining.
Nurse back to th' Castle agen (as was desir'd)
Unseen, secure, through Gloomy walks retir'd;
Where, fitly joyn'd her Fellow nurse, that Night
Small mournfull Coffin (lo) by Torches light
Was carry'd forth, as though the Babe had dy'd
Of some strange Pest, by th' royall Mothers side:
The Queen much heightning all through grief sick-browd,
Lock'd up upon't; thus, speedy'st Grave allow'd:
Whose faithfull'st Nurse soon after (plot unknown)
To th' mention'd Lodge and little Lady's gone:
Next Morn, her Infant-sister, last eye-sore
To th' wakefull Tyrant, was pack'd down to Shore,
With second Storm of dismall Sighes and Tears,
Woes second part; like Mothers yernings, fears,
Close foldings, kisses, secret heart-bemoanings,
Since thus giv'n up to th' Wind & Wave; what groanings,
Vowes, prayers made! that sweetest Innocence
Might (charm'd Sea-tyrants too) escape from thence.
Thus, down the Havens stream with tendrest Nurse
She's Lanched forth, as though some shorter course
(For ayering, health) to country Grange below;
Where Græcian Merchant, being order'd so
By th' Lord Lorele his friend, took both aboard
For Arcady; where Brother to that Lord
(Lines sent) as then become chief Favourite,
Her faithfull Guardian prov'd, she his Delight:
Call'd Chlorifleur: which Infant not returning,
'Twas noys'd, conceiv'd, some Pirat-theeves (that morning
Did scour in truth those Watry Roads) had drown'd.
As for this Last, from rich Arcadin bound
Kind Sayles and winds glad Newes transported oft
To th' Lord Lorele; yea, sweet'st Epistles brought
(So soon as Chlorifleurs small daintyer hand
Could Limb but letters forth, small Pen command)
Wrapt up in his; her Mothers high'st degree
But Baroness, inform'd, call'd Melide:
Nor knew that Merchant more (least blab'd, descry'd)
But that some noble Orphan 'twas, Ally'd.
As for Chlorinda though, Fates, milder grown,
Gave her oft private Vuws, in clouds unknown
(Stoln joyes delightfull too, most dear to thought)
Since visiting by fits that Lady oft
Of good Lorele as friend (Sicambe nam'd)
Whole Month sometimes (whose Councel not disclaim'd)
They two would frequently to th' Park repair
Mile's distance off, as though for th' Evening ayre
(Choice gallant Prospect 'twas beside) well Coach'd;
Which having pranced round, their Lodge approach'd,
They'd enter still for easefull Bait, the Queen
Her small Chlorinda thus (brought alwaies in
By th' Nurse, as for Sicambes onely view)
Fondlily'st enjoy'd. First glance on it, 'tis true,
Just cross the Court she spy'd it Didling go,
Whence inmost bowels seem'd to roul; but O,
The Mothers tendrest Garb and meltings ore
Her harmless Babe (Nurse standing by, no more)
What Joy-grief-medley there! what tears and smiles!
Show'r, mixed Sunshine! how embrac'd the whiles,
Hug'd, kiss'd it oft! when clasping her agen
The gentle Babe, now sober-temper'd, then
Smiling as much, till Wept (poor heart) at last
For solemn Company; full sorrows blast
When Sighed forth the dear ore-charged Mother:
What Bablings (last) begun from t'one to th' other,
'Twas pritty rare Sight, caused thence to rise
Sad pleasure ith' Beholders dewed eyes.
She Wept, yet weeping though she blesses Heaven,
Since lives and safties both at once were given
To her poor Orphæn-brood; what's more, so Kind,
That T'one of them's ith' Armes just then intwin'd.
The Girl as elder grew, discerning more,
Reverse the Queen her cautious Passions wore,
Turn'd inward; strove by secret art to smoother;
Though when must play the fondly indulgent Mother,
Such Buddings seen of Wit, and choice perfection,
As well as Beauty, growth, then, sad reflection
On th' murther'd Father, injur'd Childs estate,
She'd whisper gentle Sighes; or, turning strait,
Weep forth kind hasty Show'r (as 'twere) by stealth,
Oft in some corner dropt the Liquid wealth,
Those molten Pearls: then, having cleer'd the Skie,
Toy'd, Chatting-game renew'd, till th' busie eye
Of sweet Chorinda mark'd at length, perceiv'd:
Who ask'd her Nurse (though whimperingly griev'd)
What was the Cause that Lady wept for so.
Nurse told; Her murther'd Lord inforc'd that Wo;
Two little Daughters also lately dead,
Th' one much resembling her, which likewise bred
Strange Love, affection to her. Sayd the Child;
I know not, but methinks (then sweetly smil'd)
I love her (Nurse) far more then she loves me,
Nor can I rest least satisfy'd, till she
New hugs me, till she kisses me anew;
Fain would I dwell with her. The good Doru,
Y'are not yet old nor big enough, replies.
Ah, sayd the Child again with beaming eyes,
But I could talk with her, and find her Play
Howere, I hope: Thus pass'd that part oth' day.
Though, growing bigger yet, th' enlarged Queen
Her self would say, whilst kiss'd embrac'd between,
Your Mother (pritty one) intruth was crown'd
Dear to me, Sister-like, th' especiall ground
You share this kinder Love; although you do
Revive to th' thoughts my bury'd Daughter too
Most like the First (twain once this Womb producing)
Thus, Love with Sorrow both at once infusing.
To which reply'd that royall Bud (anon)
With pleasing'st grace; Would heaven that she alone
(Madam) survived yet, that I might prove
Her humble Handmayd. Showring tears of love
In smiles, No sweet (reply'd Clarvesia then)
Youl'd Mayd of honour prove perhaps to th' Queen.
'Bout eight years old, to th' Lord's own house transplanted
(As neer of Blood) she was, which Court-like vanted,
Since made this Princely'st Jewels Cabinet;
Now seem'd Clarvesias Joy almost compleat.
Thus, growing on, at full Ten years (no more)
Choice Aprils early Blooms her Cheeks they wore:
Till, mounted up to th' gallant pitch, Fifteen,
Grown Woman-ripe as then, true Princess, Queen
Blaz'd in her sunny eye, Breath'd from her brest,
Both Coyn'd as 'twere for empire; Beauties crest
Her brow presents, with Honours glorious Throne:
When strait her Mystick Birth's discover'd, shown
In private room, Lorele, Clarvesia by
(Fit'st time) But O the various Extasie,
Bosome-intrancements, folds that very hour!
Smiles, kisses, tears! Joy shew'd its soveraign pow'r
In th' One, at first; Joy, wonder in the Other;
Grief shortly both in Daughter though and Motler
Prov'd equall rule, through th' envious wrongs of Fate.
The Virtue, worthy'st Passion shewn in that
Prime Scean of nature (Reader) fancy may,
Much nimbler then my Pen, to th' full Portray.
And now the good Lorele begun to groan,
Till saw Persandra deck her Fathers Throne;
His Soul grown Pregnant, big (as 'twere) did prove
With loyall thoughts of equity and love
Tow'rd so bright Innocence: as meetly just,
To th' Queen ere long, some greater Peers of trust
Unclasp'd his inmost Brest (took solemn Oath)
Then, private Views of her, conversings both
Afforded them; so Prince-like those esteem'd,
All Wept, they wept; at once transported seem'd
Their eyes and eares, Ingaged too their Hearts.
Wise Agents felt (as 'twere) by secret arts
The Peoples pulse (propound, What if alive
Their Princess, Queen? found quick and strong, they drive
Most boldly and undaunted on, took field;
Next following Year that barbrous Tyrant kill'd
In Battail, sunk through ease and weakning pleasure:
Won's proud Metropolis, chief hoord of treasure,
Three parts oth' Kingdomes four, whilst still the rest
(Some Haven-towns) his sturdy Heir possest.
Thus raign'd Persandra as the Cyprian Sun,
Till Phœbus too his yearly course had run;
What time the worthy'st Queen Claruesia dies,
Gave up her Soul to heaven, whose drousie eyes
(Their lids fair Curtains to this worldly Light)
Both Daughters clos'd in death; her Young'st delight
Late come from Arcady, where gallant Lord
Espoused had: she, back return'd aboard
(Of whom more shall be sayd anon) Behold,
Claruesia being set, dark Clouds unfold.
That Tyrant's haughty Heir, most Lion-stout
As suttle, boldly stak'd at one last bout
His utmost All; took field, pitch'd Battail tries;
Through churlish Fates, or humane treacheries
Shatter'd ere long, disjoynted all her Pow'r:
Persandra flying to Port-town, that hour:
Whence with a monstrous Mass of treasure, there
Lay'd up 'gainst thundring Storm, of late (the Peer
Lorele her Guardian) trusts to foaming Seas,
Since Land unkindest prov'd; through gentlest these
Soon reach'd th' Arcadian shelter, thither came:
Purchas'd this goodly Place, this Grove of fame,
Tall Temple (lastly) Mansion-bow'r admir'd
Gave up to Vestas honour, use; retir'd,
Weary of earths soon-fading Tinsell glory,
As Vestal Nun she clos'd her Royall Story.
Here Sister, here train'd up, did Morn-like rise
Th' unequall'd Joy and wonder of all eyes,
Monopolizer of all Manly hearts
As womans beauty, Courtier turn'd (choyce parts)
Crown'd there She-miracle, was Styl'd alone
Lovely, excelling: whether being gone,
Plac'd 'bout the Queen, she took a mighty Lord
Love's Pris'ner, joyned both by chast accord;
From whence Arplastus and Flostella sprung:
And thus true Royall heir the Ladies sung,
As from Bercinthe to that Cyprian Crown.
Thus to Persandra (her Aunt far off) renown
To th' femall Sex had rays'd as 'twere his Place
(In part) through gentlest Providentiall grace
For her exposed Neice, as shelter, duty
To lost forsaken Virtue, wandring Beauty.

The THIRD BOOK.

The Reader now does seem (methinks) t'accuse
And charge with heavy Guilt my bashfull Muse;
Since his, with poor Polindors Longing fit
Less Pitty'd by me, unrelieved yet:
Th' Hours neer at hand, as though betimes befriended
Nights shades the Bridesgroom's wish; whose Supper ended,
Both walking forth for second bout, awhile;
Polindor strait with pleasing Task and smile,
Undrest those Flowry banks (which seem'd grown proud
Their fragrant Tresses th' honour were allow'd
To serve flow'rs beauteous Queen) th' unspoyled place
Rich-stor'd with them: Whence, with triumphant grace,
He guarded in th' All-tempting Bride, at dore
Kiss-welcome given her. Then's ransack'd ore
That Linnen-chest, where dainty'st Persian sheets,
With whom for silken braveness sprucely fits
Green Sattin Quilt, by th' Hermit brought from Ind;
Their Bridall Bed's dispatch'd, the joy'd Polind
Chief Agent there, still truly'st styl'd Brides-groom,
Next, strow'd with Paunseys round th' adorned Room,
Pinks, Violets; Rose-deck'd the lovely Bed;
Last, nimble Brides-mayd turn'd (ith Bower well-bred)
In part undress'd her, brisk t'uncobweb so
That choycest cased Pearl: disclouded (lo)
Like Shot Star strait into her Bed she glides:
Then he, as though some Harness gaul'd his sides,
Stiff, burly Male, strait vanish'd forth his cloaths,
Which like to Tinder, Vapours, lightly blowes
Off from him; seiz'd his gallant Egle's prey,
That divine Jelly, sweet'st Ambrosia:
Lock'd in her armes like Earthly Sun and Moon,
Or rather style them Male and Female Sun:
Whose Beauties blest his Optick sence (through dear
Officious Twilight) partly glim'ring there
Much like the Morn, with sweet and sparkling Graces;
So twinckle Diamons in gloomy places;
Transporting Fancy more through th' active Eye,
Touch, both at once, whence doubled extasie.
Both now prepar'd to practise, reall fashion
(What late but Promis'd, vow'd) Self-resignation;
Their true love coupling Souls conjoyned too
As well as Bodies modellizing so
In one Compound, all humane excellence.
Polindor's ready now to reap from thence,
For all Loves Toyls, the blisfull Harvest treasure;
Yea, reap in One bound up all Bridall Pleasure
Sweet'st ere enjoy'd, summ'd up in her Alone:
Where leave them to those Mystick joyes, unknown;
Too High for any else to know, or dare
To comprehend, unless th' Immortall Payr
Loves Goddess, Venus, with her amorous Son,
Which mov'd these Fires; to those be th' honour done:
None else Presume to reach their Height, least be
Confounded through Dispayr'd felicity.
Next, leave them Both for slumbring, soft Reposes,
Till th' early Morn her pleasing smiles discloses;
Whose Dreams may those advance, yet heighten more,
Seem Visions of past Sweets, enjoy'd before.
And now, Aurora her blushing Cheek reveals
Through th' Chrystall-arched Porch, like our Flostels
Saluting Handmayd, strow'd the Morning Skie
With Roses, Violets (which seem'd to th' eye
Grand Bridall Roof) as to her speciall Honour;
Shades fume like fled, that Sun might gaze upon'er,
Doing last homage, beg reflection from
Her Royall beams; when waken'd the Brides-groom:
And view'd his Bride (still lovely'st) sleeping there
Couch'd like the Day, all beauty thus (as 'twere)
Interr'd in slumbers; gentlest spicy Gale
Whilst breathed forth, came Whispring from the Vale
Of Temple (as 'twere) her Paradisian Brest.
Then slunk he down for tedious hour's feign'd rest;
She's sleeping still: when, stoln soft ayery Kisse
(How dainty, nice) with cast-up eyes for this
To Heav'n skulk'd down for second Winking fit.
Then, softly rouz'd, seal'd gentler Kiss, seal'd yet
Kind second, Eagrer third; Sleep Laram Brooks
No more, sh'Awoke; drest with such new-coyn'd Looks
Of pritty'st, bashfull Wonder just then seeming
(Strange-sweet withall) as part transform'd, or dreaming:
Then vayl'd within his Conscious Bosome strait
Smiles, blushes both, found best protection, that:
Rare-scean! whilst smil'd th' ore joy'd Polind, grown Proud,
Whole Natures Treasury at once to shrowd.
Wood-chanters, wishing Bridall Joy (as 'twere)
Chirp'd forth their shril Goodmorrowes, pearched there
Quite round the Bow'r; whilst Satyrs nimbly danc'd.
Th'are up Both now, and ready both; advanc'd
Venus Adonis-like (since walking leasure)
Close-arm'd,, intwin'd, to take their Morning pleasure.
And here, by parcell-fits, we shall portray
Limb forth the place; That mention'd Ground, which lay
Before the Cell, was formed large Long-square;
Ith' midst like formed Pond there stood, most fair,
Glass-cheek'd, as if well pleased grown (to th' eye)
Since no Rough-manner'd Wind could enter nigh
To hoyse and vex her Stream. Here often would
Polindor Angling sit, ore-reach'd, controul'd
With fair false bait (grand cheating-game oth' World)
Th'ore hasty, credulous Fish, who greedy hurl'd
Takes himself Pris'ner there: the unkind deceit
Flostella smiled at, Such stranger Feat
(Sayes) caught her Heart; whilst on the embroyder'd Bank
Sits gathering Flow'rs, whose ayery moved Rank
Seem'd Bowing crave her hand, Pant sweetly (as 'twere)
Till from th' coorse under-soyl transplanted were
T'her Brests fair Eden. These she smiling showes,
And draws oft by the lov'd Polindor's Nose,
T'afford him fragrant part, would to and fro
Play th' Wanton with his Smell; who does bestow
Kind Kiss, for thanks, upon the hand did wave them,
Pronouncing, 'Twas her sweetest Touch that gave them
Those choyce perfumed Breaths, pow'r 'bove their own:
When she would Box his faulty Cheeks anon,
And say, He mock'd her. Throws in tossing sport
Fish at him, pearly scal'd, which could not hurt
Because she darted them; though now and then,
Through wilfull purpos'd Error, seiz'd agen
Their former moyst Abodes, her pitty freeing
That poor inthralled Wretch: the which he seeing,
Strait pritty Anger feigns, when Careless she
(Cross) throws in more; then would Polindor be
Reveng'd upon her Lips, and those must do
For th' Hands wish'd penance oft. Next th' Angle (lo)
Was reach'd presented to'er, when harmless she
Seem'd loath to Learn th' unpleasing Treachery:
Yet practis'd she, at each unskilfull miss
The Forfait was confirm'd a Treble Kiss;
Who now, more ignorant, still missed more,
As meant to make such kind Love-forfeits store:
Indeed, how could the Lady chuse? for why,
Th' enamour'd Fish (most part) still gazing lye
On the fair Angler, toyish grown, forget
To bite the simple Worm, their Pearl-eyes set
On dainty'st Lips: what wonder, these Love-shaken?
The Master-angler (long before) was taken.
Round this long-squared Pond fair Bank was rays'd,
Like low green Tarras, sides thereof being prays'd
Through well-set shady Trees, yet order'd so,
As that each Third did beauteous Fruit-tree grow;
The which to th' rest like Gem enamell'd show'd:
Th' whole Clump might well resemble an Orchard-wood;
'Twas various, Sweet whose toothsome fruits not wanted
Tempting beholders eyes and tast, like painted
Gay Curtizans; how plump! though Virgin-brows
Seemed yet forc'd to wear, on th' loaden boughs
Kiss'd but by Phœbus Beams (none hither swarving)
It look'd like Natures Closet of preserving:
Unless those wandring Fayries now and then,
Borrow'd some Dish, to serve their dapper Queen
Her Big-grown longing, Cherry or so; great Pear,
Plump Apricock would furnish th' whole Court chear
(Those nicest Elvish stomacks) oft 'twas found,
Where their small Feet had danc'd some Antick Round.
Lo, here's our blisfull Couples chosen Walk,
Where they oft progrest round intwin'd, would talk
Of their first frosty Moods, ore coy disdain
(Though severall causes heighten'd much the Vein)
Love's pardon ask'd; devoutly'st Sacrifize
How many Ambrosiack Kisses 'fore his eyes!
Those Love's small Offerings! would freely then
Pluck dangling Fruits, then walk'd, and then agen
Pluck'd more; when (sportive) out of wanton play,
Th' heart-plundring Amorist would steal away
Some Cherry from her Cherry-mouth, does so
Cozen her fonder Tast; then would make show
To offer one more choyce, but then again
Deludes her whitest Hand reach'd forth in vain;
Thus, mocks his heav'nly Fayr; who, to requite,
When he would (sober) give, in pritty spight
Would (Sullen) none; When he must make her Eat,
So, kindly gratify'd that Tast which yet
Had so Abus'd. Both cloy'd, the Youth would seek
(Compar'd) to shame the Cherry by her cheek;
And next, those purely'st blushing Corans hold
Nigh to'er, Smiled when, th' whole Bunch controld
By her fresh Lip: last flouting business, jests
Upon the silken Peach, felt with her Brests
Not soft, not sleek at all: here boasting shows
Heav'n-plant, or Tree of Paradice to those.
On either side this Bank, green velvet Flat,
Whose midst bore Thickets smaller maze; 'twixt that
And th' Bank Full thorough-view broad space design'd
(Four quarters thus) though link'd to th' Fence behind:
Form just Half-Ovall fram'd; ith' further part
Lodg'd Silvan rocky Fount, where Nature, Art
Conjoyn'd, both Founders seem'd, but wild, ore-grown
Small carved Wood-nymphs nak'd (though) cleerly shone
By th' Streams beneath, with wind dishevell'd Hayr:
On th' top skulk'd leacherous Satyrs seem'd to stare,
Acteon like, their horns and hoofs descry'd,
Though no Coy-brow'd Diana there espy'd.
Off from their open Flat, too wanton rayes
Whilst Sol on fair Flostella darts, displayes,
T'avoid his hot unpleasing Courtship, hither
She'd fly for Leavy skreen; where both together,
Close-couch'd by th' Mossie Rock, took pleasure there
To see their Fount weep forth it self (as 'twere)
With kind of bubling moans: Such for thy sake
Was I once (sayd the Lord Polind) did make
Those teary Plaints. Th' heav'n-lov'd Flostella when
Reply'd; What pitty sh' had not Treasur'd then
Those drops for Neck-pearl, wrist! When gentlest he
Must kiss for her kind Flout, again, as she
Box'd him before. Then would she sing, rejoyce
Polindor's glad Eare with th' enchanting Voyce;
At which all's glad, seem'd Soul'd, inspir'd anone,
Stones, Statues, Trees; th' Orphæan Lyre out-gone;
Th' ayr's Road hush'd, yea, though blustring storms had fild
Th' whole empty Round, 'thad those Ayr-bedlams still'd
Onely their Fountain seem'd yet weeping more,
As Voyce on's pearly-streamed Nymph it bore.
When young Polindor strait (grown wanton now)
Mock-passions quaintly fram'd, with angry brow
Threaten'd that Voyce (as 'twere) that Syren-tongue,
Whom charged with Soul-rapes design: ere long
Quarrell'd with th' Eye, that guilty'st check'd, upbraids
With Black-art, dangerous Wild-fire, Look-granades;
Challeng'd Love's throned self, that there did sit,
Though in his heart ask'd humble Pardon yet.
Her ruby Lips, as Heart-blood stain'd, accuses,
No smaller Crime, when suttlest Vengeance uses;
As though their Crimson die would force agen,
Kiss-smother them: Th' admir'd Flostella when,
Would sportingly quit Score, most prit'ly Arraign
Each of his Guilty Features ore again:
Yet still their mortall-seeming Difference ends
At kissing grapple, both made closest Friends.
Here in these gloomy Shades (with th' other) oft
They Din'd, they Supp'd; their warbling Minstrels brought
Those plum'd-coat Songsters, chanting Nightingale,
Shrill Blackbird, jolly Thrush: which should prevail
In favour, straining, round their organ-throats:
Whose Base supply'd the Fountains bubling noats:
Polindor Butler seem'd (Cooke useless showes,
Since cold food Summer) Lips for Sweet-meat cloze.
At either end oth' Bank ith Flat, between
That and the fence (good spaces left) was seen
(A-cross) short closer Walk; each verdant side
Stood comly'st planted Row, those being beside
All Trees of shade, select, though various found;
Palms, Myrtles, Cipress, thus prov'd shade Compound:
Yet, taught their ranged-order too, so growing.
That every Third's the same, like formed showing.
Hither would walk sometimes the fair Flostel,
Midst Noon-day-blazes, from th' Adjoyning Cell
Or Tarras-mount (whilst, pressing thus the Grass,
'Twould rising seem to Strut again, as 'twas
Proud kiss'd her Foot) the lowly place Sun-proof:
Both pleas'd for change beneath that Bow'ry roof:
There oft spent th' Evening too, Polindor's head
Couch'd on her dainty'st Lap; when she would brede
His silken longer Locks, then joyntly hold
All close to's Head in some conceited Fold,
Much like her own, the faces prospect seen,
Cryes out; How well her self the Man had been,
But he the Woman! who with mirth replies,
So one the Man become, blest Destinies!
Then, all her former, busie, pleasing Pains
She soon undoes agen, nor Smile refrains;
Th' enlarged Hair leap'd from her hand so quick
To sportive Curls anew, like wanton Trick,
As 'twould again be play'd with: Stroaking when,
She'd Curl, uncurl by turns; would now and then
Give him light gentler Twich, though then must Kiss
In kind amends, as 'twere: and as for this
Bow'd down her Nimble Head, Polindor thought
The Skies had fallen to th' earth, and two Stars shot:
So heav'nly seem'd that Face, those sparkling Eyes
So bright, so suddain (lastly) the Surprize.
Love-stories then they'd tell; some smaller store
Flostella had, though Truths, and conn'd before
Knew squeamish Vestalls; these the Lady told
With such choyce winning count'nance, did unfold
With so kind Sympathy (to please) as though
Her self that Lover were, did sadly'st blow
Those Sighes from her: so musically stream'd
Each Passion forth, so true, Polindor seem'd
Now faln in Love again, transported so,
Forgetfull, he again could Sigh and Woo.
When (last) they'd chant their own, whose briefer Story,
Conjoyn'd with others, well might claim a glory
In Cupids Chronicle (they thought) so full
Of winding rare chance, pritty Miracle:
With which Polindor's Tongue and fondling Eare
Seem'd so well pleas'd, by fits, Soul lull'd as 'twere
(Her Brest the downy Pillow) glides it now
Into that World of Slumber, knowes not how:
Which seen Flostella strait with Charm-like Song
Bound his Sence faster (double bands) nor long
Sung sweetest Cherubin) thus prime Baloo,
But gentlest Self, that might companion show
To her dear Lord Polindor, slumbring bowes.
Who (constant Youth) as Love's victorious Vowes
Should conquer sleep and Death dreams of his Fayr
Flostella; thinks h' had lost his soveraign Star
Sometimes, through Cloud; his Dove-mate vanisht gone:
Thence grasp her precious Wast, by which alone
Wak'd both himself and her: Who sober Smil'd,
To view her Darling-lord so thought beguil'd,
Fancy-fool'd (as she deem'd) much joy'd to see
His vehement Love: far more rejoyced he,
She found so safe, secure; and tells her o're
His ominous Dream, part-known to her before.
Thus liv'd they like that first most blessed Payr
Of Innocence, th' whole World did joyntly share
In this small corner, parcell, shar'd at least
Love's rich stor'd Indian world ('twas wedding Feast
Of full and freest sweet now) envy'd none,
Since they thought they Ingrossed all Alone.
Here that prime Payr of loving Shepheardesses
Revisit we; 'Twas thus; Friends oft addresses,
Kind strongly'st pleaded Suits, being over-past
Seav'n or eight daies, such Influentiall tast
Found with Dulcenza, lo (glad, lucky'st season!)
That Fancy vayl'd (at length) in part to Reason,
Gave yeilding way; sh' had eyes and ears agen
For solid Counsayl, dreaming though till then.
So that not onely gain'd to her access
Those frequent Amorous Love-embassages,
Menander's Lines; regarded, courting Lute,
Which gave t'her windowes oft sweet Morn-salute;
But likewise Visits too (though meanly grac't)
With moody'st tempers, lowring Looks ore-cast:
Such stormy Gusts blew from the Lord Polind
(Those highest gallant Alps) clouding her mind
And face to boot with doubtfull'st Weather oft:
Though else, from th' inmost heart, disdaining nought
Menander's person, parts, nor his estate,
Who woo'd her Coyness at the painfull'st rate
Of humble and withall enduring Love.
As close gentile Sirenus too did move
His mild Marpesas brest, though found the Siege
More happy far, whose often priviledge
Kind Summer-looks, with few gain'd sweetest Kisses.
First-fruits; those earnest to succeeding blisses;
Possessing thence (ere long) th' hearts Magazine:
Plow'd with more prosp'rous Gales that foamy Brine
Oth' Lovers Ocean, towards Peru,
That coast of Gold, whilst blustring Tempests blew
Menander's Bark; being thus: Marpesas brest
Less troubled through vain Hopes, desires, unrest
(More calmly free) could better estimate
True, worthy Love, since found her Own so late
Slighted, refus'd. Thus (Reader) wings our Pen,
With hast, to th' noble Hermit-payr agen.
And now their sweetest Week was progress't o're;
Fort nigh unvittayl'd grown, but thinnest store
'Gainst Famine-siege, and Storm, unless supplies
From poor Hermonus Ghost, or showring Skies.
Polindor, loth to range Tregors great Town
As Catarer, least mark'd; and th' hired Clown
That brought the meat might blab; nor was the place
So safe, remote for longer time (alas)
Scan'd second Thoughts: 'twas voted, joyntly agreed
T'inform Rufin, their Cordiall friend, with speed.
No Messenger though to be got, procur'd;
Nor, were there one, was th' noble Youth assur'd
For point of Trust, himself must Agent prove;
Four miles and half the way: though tendrest Love
Bred Thoughts of foul dislike, diastrous grown
So long to leave the dear Flostel alone:
Though knew that rocky Cell defensive made
To wonder quiet'st Coast and calm; as sayd.
Nor was the Lady damped much, or caught
Through Selvish fears; the dear Polindor's thought
Most troubled her. Thus then, that very Night.
'Twas Fixt, resolv'd: which being most Star-bright,
Deck'd with the fainter Silver of the Moon,
Th' old Hermits meaner Coat and Faulchion on
(Found false Beard there by chance) by ten's best hour,
He Kisses seald on his Belov'd, whole show'r;
With which their Souls exchang'd, transferred are:
She wrung his parting Hand, then, dropt a fair
Tear on't (Love's juycy spirits) Charm 'gainst ill;
Heaven-preservative; whose Chrystall Still,
Her fair Eye, how he gently kiss'd agen,
Sighe's kindest breath repay'd! Unlocked when
The door, which lock'd again; then strait to Heaven
Eyes solemn cast, as if to their charge given
(Those bright-e'yd Starry Watch) his dearest All;
As thus had sayd, O guard from Wretched Thrall
Yours, mine, the wealthy Exchequer of the World;
Key thrown within to her, he's dart-like hurl'd
Towards their Shepheards vale. Way, not unknown,
Since had to th' Woods spread gallant Borders gone
With's great-horse oft; yet stray'd the Pilgrim too:
Rouz'd up good old acquaintance with those few
Kind Marks, for Mute informers; here his Hast
Rebuk'd, chid there his slowness though, till past
Two longer Hours, his Uncle up he rouzes.
Rufin inform'd of all, no moment looses;
Bids, Cheer up, cries in mirth, They lov'd bold feats;
To tread Love-mazes still; Recruit with meats
He could their Fortress strait, but (as desir'd)
Had gotten long since place more close, retir'd
For both to Sojourn in: fine shady'st Grange,
Choyce-bow'r, Elizium-like. Thus forth they range
Like two Night-spirits, on their tedious way,
Least should be over-took by th' Morning-ray.
How prone young Lovers often seem (alas)
To tread on troublous Cliffs, and icy waies,
Shun'd safer-beaten Grounds! the Road refuse
For doubtfull By-paths! often Circles chuse
Prefer before the short directer Line!
As here these seem'd, with Vestall Groves design:
How love to Task their painfull Selves! as though
Loves precious Sweets should more transcendent grow
Through hardship, Danger! or (intruth) as Love
So huge, so prime a Godhead were, 'twould prove
Lord over fate; check Mischiefs surely fry!
Or (lastly) as if conceiv'd so Rare, so high
Th' exalted Love-life, that it must controul
Lower vulgar wayes, despise the earthy Moal!
Though freakish humour'd Fortune oft from thence
Makes sportive Game on heedless Innocence.
But here our Pen again to th' mateless Dove,
Sweet'st best Flostella-turns; whose dearest Love,
Thought absent long, sad qualmish Dream besides
Of Tombs, with Ghost-masque, up she rouzes, glides
To th' window strait: Moon, Stars did glistering there
Obsequious Hand-mayds shine; Shades seem'd to wear
Mild, solemn Browes, her tallest Guard as 'twas;
But nought so lovely did adorn the place
As her Polindor's view: My dearest Dear,
O why so long? she cries. When nimbly here
Pale doubt, desire, to th' Iron-door transport her,
She peep'd once, twice through th' hole, but nought did court her
Like that beloved Shape: when, back retir'd,
Faln on her saddest Couch, there strait respir'd
(First) od'rous Sigh from her; then, richest Tear
Strain'd sweetly forth; and then th' Armes folded were
As Moan'd her drooping Heart. She mus'd, computes
His Journeys measure first; time fitly suits
For th' Uncles rising too, then, for's return;
Last, counting th' hours by th' Watch, begun to Mourn
(Her double Scoar cast nimbly up) as though
The Time too long for th' labour, Task did show:
Love too the Agent turn'd. Thus (short Alas
Sigh'd forth) to th' Window prov'd her second race;
Where faintly looking, What not yet? so bright?
Ay-me! withall she cry'd: when dismall'st Sight,
That Earth or Hell could belch forth, strook her Eyes.
She view'd that worthy'st Youth, whom she did prize
(Th'own Heart inform'd) next Heaven, brought between
Two, Corps-like, slain, cross th' open part oth' Green;
Born full-length, stript to's very Shirt (the Moon
Whilst Gazing seem'd as sad Spectator on,
Bright'st shining) crimson'd Shirt, with spots distain'd,
Like bleeding Hearts as 'twere; whilst hung disdain'd
Th' affrighted dangling Curls: upon his brest
Smooth Taf'ty-role with pendant flap did rest,
Bright Faulchion neer: his Arme held forth to view
(O dire!) broad gartring Ribbon, well she knew,
Conferr'd on him first day ith' Vestall wood,
And worn still wreathed round: whose Corps bestow'd
Ith' planted Shade, those Men were vanish'd, gone.
This Object view'd, O Horrour, scourge unknown!
Heart's trembling gasps! O my Souls Hell (she cries)
Sight, sight, enough to blast Heav'ns purer eyes,
And Damp their sparkling Fires! O tenfold death!
Ah Wo! Wo! Wo! why do I fondly breath,
The world, my self Undone? farwell, farwell
All Faith, Worth, lovely'st Grace, what could Excell;
Joyes, fly for ever; gones my dearest All,
And I'm no more. The Rocks resounding wall
Groan'd here her mournfull Eccho; Gem-like stream
Of showred Tears, with Hayrs torn wealth, did seem
Lavish'd on th' dusty ground; those whitest Hands
Both wrung, as though, Fates sweetest countermands,
They would Charm back their Orders rage, ore pow'r
Work so prodigious: strangely Ecclips'd that hour
Bright beauties World appear'd. I come, I come
(Sayd she) ere long to share Love's martyrdome,
Dear, dearest Youth, to tast last frozen Kiss
So dye upon thee (once my living Bliss)
Dear Corps I come. Here with what eager Passion
Key's sought and found! when furious inspiration
As though (wild Priestess-like) her limbs possessing,
She flung to th' Iron Door, her fair Hands pressing
Th' ore-churlish Bolt; hard troublous grapple 'twas;
Being perform'd, forth hurry'd she, wing'd pace,
Loud-voyc'd, Ah my Polind! when suddenly
Five Cut-throat Villains rush'd upon her, nigh
Bruis'd with their rudest armes sweet'st Innocence,
Heav'n in its type; true Dreams both proving thence.
At which scarce startled (lo) since these conceiving
Those ugly Butchers, providence hope giving
They'd soon dispatch her too; fierce Grief's Extream
Stifling her naturall Fear, since dy'd with him
All further Lifes-joy; yet, to th' Soul confounded,
They stop'd her loving Course, these words she sounded
From dolefull passion'd brest. Come, welcome you
My dear Lord's murtherers, since I shall Sue
For that Death, freely thank you, which so late
You forced upon him; though (Fiend-like hate!)
Don't Kill me double: Range this smaller Cell,
Whilst I but snatching take last poor Farwell,
Then strike, strike home; I shall confess y'are Men.
Here, urg'd to shew with Faulchion nak'd and keen,
What, where the Prize; that being inform'd as soon,
(Since all but Chaff, her dear Polindor gone)
One Roague, less iron-brested, rudely leads
To th' fatall-curtain'd Shade, whose sullen Beds
Seem'd unto her Ghosts talk'd of Stygian Wood;
Couch of all Ill. That place of true loves blood
(Corps both) beheld, now blacker Sables lending,
She took her swift Career, her flight, though sending
Sad'st mournfull Voyce before, and on his brest
Falls like shot glistring Meteor. O thou best
Of Men, but late (true Lovers honour, glory)
But now of Ghosts (sayd she) though dismall Story
Where worst of Fates inrol'd! I'm come, I'm come,
My Dear (fast grasping her Joyes fancy'd Tomb,
His body, neck) thy wretch'd, thy wretch'd Flostella
(O Sound, compos'd of mischiefs) thus to pay
My last Farwell! then, break my loving Heart:
Ah cold! cold! Kiss of Death! (small sodain start
Withall, she cries; Quick, hast; that Villain crying)
Death's frost, alas! Then, blood-steep'd wounds espying,
Ah! Crimson Founts, that you had cleerly flow'd
(Sayd she) from my Heart; various slucy Road!
Sad'st Ports (as 'twere) whence richest Soul convay'd
O, had we not both One? why tardy stay'd
My hapless Half behind? tru'st butchery!
Twice, twice (almost) thou Swoonding dy'dst for me,
Now Dead indeed. O monumentall stif!
No voyce? Souls breathed whisper? loathsome Life!
Th' art torment, curse unto me: You, so late
Cruell, now kind become; as your stern Hate
Divorc'd us here on Earth; so (friendly) now
Joyn us again in Heaven; thus, I bow:
O Kill me over my dead Lord, and Love.
Here, stoop'd for death, when, as some Dream did prove,
Amaz'd she started up, strong thoughts implying
Twas not Polindor's Corps. O you All-eying,
All-knowing Pow'rs, am I awake? (she cries)
Or are you pleased thus t'abuse mine eyes
With soothing, painted Vision? is not this
My Dear? Polindor? hah? such cordiall Bliss
Own poor Flostella? whence that Taf'ty-role,
Broad Ribbond, Faulchion then? my anguish'd Soul!
It is not he; torn heart, 'tis not Polind:
Ah! liv'st thou, breath'st thou yet? some gentler Wind,
Angel inform my doubts. O righteous heaven,
Fain would I now escape the Stroak, but even
For thy sweet sake: still doomfull threats of Fate.
Horrours inviron me (th' unhappy Brat
Cast out unto all Ill) Night, Death surround;
Whilst Lost to thee, to mine own Soul, and drown'd
In gulph of Sorrowes: O, fain Would I Live,
(My choycely esteem'd) since, those Heart wounds they give,
Thou't Bleed through them to death; my Tragedy
Must brooding cause thine, Both alas must Dye.
Here seiz'd all Five on her: This was in truth
That gentile Swain, call'd Floris (comely'st Youth)
That Midnight-wanderer, by th' Vestall Grove
Talk'd it so late with th' Eccho, his dead Love
Lamenting unto Ghosts and griesly shade,
Where hop'd to find her still, ere yet convay'd
To th' low'st Elizium: now doubly slain,
In mind and body both; though comfort, gain
That last, whose Hearts wound seem'd to cure his heart,
Lanc'd Grief's imposthume thus (most blessed smart)
And Fates were kind in it, since Life might show
His burden, torment: Doom much honour'd too;
Since Mourned, Wept (what higher solemnizing)
By Greeces glory, boast: Thus prov'd the thing.
These Cut-throat Roagues, far-straglers, most of whom
Were once that false Brundescar's Men, the scum
Of that base Villains fry (whom his Moor-slave,
Vext through his torturings at length, grown brave
Through Fury, chanc't to murther, Stab, when lying
In's Summer-house (though mark'd howe're for dying,
Since should have been that Even as Traytor seiz'd)
These Ruffian-villains, for long time profess'd
Grim Landlords of the Road, now growing poor,
Sought hunted for, slunk hither th' Ev'n before;
Meaning next day, some Port marine attain'd,
To turn Sea robbers all, th' unfriendly Land
Less favouring them. Thus, greedy of prize and blood
Scouting along they saw where took the Wood
Young Floris, out of reach; more silent then
More Mute, by fits; thought-bury'd (Wretch of men!)
Seeking new distant Quarters, dismall Shades
Dark as his cloudy'd Brest: Each roundly invades
That same Path, dog'd the Lover, soft as Ayr
(Still big with Sullen thoughts, Profound dispayr)
For Booty: though conceiv'd, some Lodge close by
Might mend their single Prize. Till now, drawn nigh,
He entring just within the door oth' Green
All leapt upon him, where (swords, hearts too keen)
Thrust forth by Stabs his noysless, musing Soul
Through bleeding Doors: the Corps then softly stole
(Born fullest length 'twixt two) yet somewhat lower
Cross-green, ith' Ladies view, whilst his Brest bore
That Rol'd cap, Faulchion both; there hasty lay'd,
Whilst carry'd him to th' next entombing Shade.
As for that Role, with dangling flap, 'twas still
Worn by those Shepheard-swains of birth gentile,
As choyce distinct Badge; such still wore Polind;
Although had left (indeed) his own behind
For th' Hermits meaner Hat, chang'd just at door
When going forth, though less observ'd by her:
That naked Faulchion one oth' Theeves did claim;
And that Arm-ribbon (worn) kind Favour came
Long since from his Belov'd, Cressa the fair.
Through all these Marks his comelyer youth, his hair,
Stature, time, place concurring; sadder Dreams,
Love-fears too, 'twas Polindor's Corps she deems:
Hid more awhile through double Night, her passion,
And that dark Shade to boot. Thus, hasty fashion
Their Corps thrown down, one spying strait the Cell
(More booty promis'd whence) conceiving well
This for true Owner; falling back, they All
Wheel'd more about (unseen) to th' blind side wall
By th' shaded Pond; till, just the door ope passing,
All seiz'd her Pris'ner thus, to th' Souls amazing.
The Cell thus rifled, cleer'd, they hal'd her strait
Along with them, threatning Deaths dismall fate
If ought refus'd; Who, though her horrid Fear
(Sweet'st Soul!) prov'd living Death, chose rather there
Thus to be drag'd by them in slower fashion,
Since hoping thence more Time for preservation:
What piteons glancings back to th' blisfull Cell!
How Sigh'd to all her Joyes in that, farwell!
Thus, passing 'midsts that black and ugly'st Crew,
Th' first, pure, created Light, when breaking through
Chaos, she seem'd; or in some moving Cloud
Wrapt Lightning flash: then't shew'd, as if that croud
Of Nights brats had pluck'd down the silver Moon
(Which then prov'd hid, obscur'd) that Darkness soon
Might choak th' whole Earth; as though they'd massacre
All Excellence, what's counted perfect, rare.
Dismall death's Progress 'twas, when drowsie Heaven,
Justice, both tranced seem'd; and Rapine even
Govern'd the World. One while her Tongue implores
Th' arch-villains, then th' Heav'ns highest Pow'rs adores,
Both Equall-deaf; she look'd upon Trees, Stars,
Whilst t'one, but skreen'd their Ruffians, t'other dares
Hold Light to th' barborous work; whose Lamps yet burning,
Should rather (their Skie-sockets over-turning)
Fall on their heads; Nought seem'd with hopes to flatter;
All's quiet, lull'd, as Hell had brib'd whole Nature
To one grand Villany. Thus, reach'd the Path,
That trod some smaller while (though with less faith)
They chang'd their Course into the right-hand Wood
(Her Plaints then doubling) one oth' Cut-throat brood
Sounding small Whistle strait, to which Another
Answer'd for sign again (being sixt sworn Brother
Did tend their Wardrobe with their prize, far off)
That neerly'st follow'd they, where, safe enough,
They might first Ravish her, then, slaughtering kill;
'Twas Second-course to th' last, daintier blood still.
That month too Pluto, God of wealth and prize,
They us'd to please with fair She-sacrifice
(Mayd, Widow, Wife, no matter which, so one)
Now far more strict, Devout, more bloody grown;
That Pluto might, since dangerous fears at hand,
Safe Guard, protect them, whilst were yet on Land.
Ah, poor Polindor! little do'st thou know
Th' whole smarting Worlds, but most thy fatall Blow:
Does no kind Gale sigh, whisper't in thine eare?
No Thunder roar it out? nor Earthquake bear
The trembling newes? such monstrous Prodigies
Would sute such monstrous foul Acts) do not Skies
Blaze it in starry text? or's loytring, sleeping
Thy Guardian-angel now? rather, blood weeping,
Gasps not thine own Heart forth their errand? crying,
Fatality! all worth, all beauty's Dying.
Had'st thou but kept the Key! but 'twas love's Fault,
That over-hasty made, forgetfull that;
Though (truly) if lost, or forc'd from thee Death's stroak
If seiz'd by th' way, then had she starv'd ith' Rock,
Thy Death she falsely mourn'd, but hapless Thou
(Part chang'd) may'st Mourn hers justly, truely'st now.
Poor Wretch! too late (alas) and yet too soon
Thou com'st at once, to find thy self Undone.
Those lusty Travaylers, with eager hast,
Attain'd to th' bulky Wood at length, and pass'd
Along the right side, scouting; when a Noyse,
Most Faint surprised them, and saddish voyce
That seem'd to boot: Polindor's bowels roul'd,
As if's own Flesh, some Spirit did unfold
'Twas his Flostellas Tongue: When, neerer going,
Most Like it prov'd, the very same Voyce showing;
Dire, dismall too become: Worst destiny!
Hast noblest Youth Flostella 'tis, 'tis She
As gasping Men do snatch at Souls (as 'twere)
When on their wing, so seem'd his greedy eare
Strait at this precious Voyce; it seem'd the Knell
To all perfection, last dying Peal
To th' Universe. Strait both their nimble paces
Were doubled, yet withall each lightly traces,
Least Noyse dispatch'd her soon; now heard they more,
It brokenly (strength spent) call'd on Polindor—
Lindor—Dor; as resolv'd that Name should sweet
Her dying last Breath, and convey in it,
Hug forth her gentle Soul; one Medley almost
That name, sighes, groans become; till now, all's lost!
Sad, dreadfull'st Silence following, whilst of Death
Thence show'd, through satest gasps, expiring breath.
When Tiger-like rush'd in, there strait appear'd
To th' nimble glance, small rude Turf-altar rear'd;
With Flow'rs, bright Faulchion glistring on't; th' one side
Dim Taper sickly burn'd, oth' other spy'd
Long, prostrate, Womans Corps (lower half) display'd
On th' sadly enriched ground: whose Sight portray'd
Some new done Sacrifice, Snatch'd joyntly there
(By chance) two Targets up, which scatter'd were
On th' idle soyl, Polindor made the First
(Partly unwares) to Vomit forth th' accurst
Foul Soul (most active, strong, of spirit undaunted
Love-fir'd to boot) then, churlish Second graunted
Deaths, hells joyn'd Pass-sports; whilst Rufin the Third
Sent to fright Ghosts: Polindors hungry Sword
(Wrist scratch'd) unkennell'd Soul oth' sturdy Fourth:
Next, with Rufin (found closely'st grappled, worth
Timely aide) dispatch'd the damned Fifth; Sixth fled
Then, running to th' Worlds wonder (once) earth spread,
Half-nak'd Flostel, he found her Corps-like lying;
Cheeks rufull'st-pale, Death's Scutcheon, more then dying.
At which turn'd raging, furious, Hour of doom!
Strange, horrid'st Spectacle, that Midnights Womb
Ere swell'd with; cries: call'd on her fairest Clay,
Cry'd, 'Twas Polindor call'd. Each needfull way
Mean while Rufin, long skilfull'st Artist, us'd;
Beg'd heavens Ayd, hot, powerfull'st Spirits infus'd
For th' brain (glass born about him) since appear'd
Yet no Deaths wound, nor bruise; most strangling fear'd
(And strangled still those Off-springs prov'd, it seems,
To Pluto, quart'ring next their prostrate Limbs)
Rub'd, bow'd her body oft. Ah horrour! (crying
Th' ore-whelm'd Polindor here) you never-dying
Powers, O blast me too, my Life, since take
My Souls Joy comfort from me; rack! Souls Rack!
All worth, sweet's vanish'd: Throughly bath'd rufin
Her Brest with soveraign Cordiall Juyce ('twas sin
Conceiv'd, when found without it) chaf'd her bow'd
Whilst th' Other, though, grand chance cold Water allow
(Theeves pitcher by) some drops were thrown upon her
Dire task! Polindor still, still calling on her,
Loud'st voyce, Flostella, dear Flostella; O,
Why tread'st thou this vile earthly Mass below?
Its Gem, choyce treasure gone, she soar'd above!
Sweet'st, fairest Soul! when now, discern'd to move;
He calling still, Flostella, Dearest: Rare
Th' whole prospect, sight t'have seen that World of fair,
Of sweet, and lovely as 'twere new-created,
New beauteous-Soul'd; each wonder; grace restated
In Cheeks, Lips, gallant'st Forhead; those Sun-eyes
Break forth their Morning-lids, while th' eastern Skies
Sol brake as 'twere to view't, just then; though glanced
That Day-break but from these, Polindor fancy'd
(His day of joyes at least) most fresh and warm
Ere long she growes: Heav'ns goodness, and that Charm
Polindor's Voyce have crown'd, reblest the World.
When strait into her dearest bosome hurl'd,
With strictest Folds, with warm but eager Kisses
He new endanger'd her; 'midst which Love-blisses
Both seem'd awhile Intranc'd, their mutuall kind.
Souls whispring thus sad Tales (as 'twere) intwin'd,
Moaning each other. How through dismall fear,
Spent Spirits (loathsome Rape and Death so neer)
That Swoonding seiz'd, one gasping Roague confest;
Ore-heard by glad Polindor: There did rest
Th' whole Booty, prize, with hundred pounds beside
Oth' Theeves in gold (that lately was Blood-dy'd)
Rang'd by Rufin; who both with voyce awaking,
Polindor (lo) first silence breaks, Love making
His Joyes thus sweetly'st known. And, O you Skies,
You Pow'rs of lasting Daylight, do these eyes
Behold sent back my dearest Dear (as 'twere)
From shades of Death? from your own blisfull Sphear
Rather, where meant some Star-bestudded Throne:
Blest Flight, return! These also th' Honour done
(These Hands) to bleed some purple for her sake!
Some drops! thereby redeeming her from Wrack,
From double Death of Ravishment and slaughter
(As she twice reskew'd me) th' unequall'd Daughter
Of all your glory, praise! O mercy ador'd!
When she, again; And has kind Heav'n restor'd;
As 'twere from Field of ghosts, my dearest Gem?
So long lamented in that dismall Dream
As Dead, though in the shape of wretch'd another?
My lifes-guard, Champion too conjoyn'd to th' other
(Whose blood might Kisses stanch! to beauteous skars
Tears balm improve! th' hurts bound with mine own Hair)
Blest change of Fate! how precious sweets Reprive!
Now onely do I Live, since thou Alive!
Take thy Swords conquer'd Prize, and be that kind
Trance thank'd, which made me to thy Danger blind.
Thus holds he all Earths lovely'st wealth re-given;
Chief providentiall Favour deign'd, next Heaven.
Whilst round the Place, wak'd with her former Groans,
Fight, Break of day to boot, their warbling tones
Chirp'd loudly forth those Wood-inhabitants
(Prime Morning-consort) each how frolick vaunts
Their joy, their skill! seem'd thus Congratulate
To both at once, Flostels revived fate;
With Reuniting of this worthy Payr;
Thus, stream'd with Caroll'd mirth both Wood and Ayr:
So strangely pow'rfull, influentiall proves
True noble Love, that Brutes themselves it moves.
And here, most jealous grown the fair Flostel,
Through late unhappy Fright oth' lonely Cell
(Though Singular event, strange wonder 'twas)
Nor seem'd so distant, safe, secure the Place
As wish'd, indeed; 'twas voyced o're and o're
For th' dainty'st private Grange: next Town Tregor
Would Coach them for their Voyage fitly too:
Thus, Both intwin'd, they softly'st travers'd through
Those twinkling Shades to th' bord'ring Medows sides
Rufin their Porter grown, love's God their guide.
When strait, as Burthen to that former Song,
Sad Voyce amaz'd them both, conceiv'd a throng
Of bitter Sighes, and sobs, complainings, wo
(As th' froward Morn were proudly brooding too
Her Viperous mischiefs) seem'd as th' Heart 'twould break,
Death thus forestall'd, contemn'd; that manner wreak
Vengeance on Fate. Which strange tune, perfect mourning
Drawn neer, they Womans Garb discry'd; and turning
Her head about, who should (alas) this be
But poor Ardina, th' Nurse, unhappy she!
Who, having reach'd that Vestall mansion, late
O're Night, with strange events oblig'd to wait
On her beloved Lady there: anon
Inform'd by all, that she was wander'd, gone
For Thracias Kingdome, none knew where (though most
She feard (indeed) through desperate Sorrow lost)
Lost in her own Mind, Way to boot, through passion,
Sh' had roam'd it thus all night in dolefull fashion.
Who cleerly view'd, Flostella, stoln behind,
Cry'd (grasping) Take thy Mistress; when th' ore-kind
Transported Wretch was neer unto Joy-swoon,
How hug'd, how kiss'd her! wept! nor could be soon
Convinc't (intruth) but 'twas her Ladies Ghost:
Though when inform'd, as Spouse by her ingrost
That fine, compleat, young Lord (to boot) O then,
Had not the Lady timely'st kiss'd it in,
Her Soul had doubtless leapt forth, took Vagary
As had her body late. Thus, mean brests carry
Sound truest Hearts oft-times; till now, restor'd
Full to her self, tongue breath did joyntly accord
To speak their weighty News, though late at strife:
Commandra, great Arplastus proudest Wife,
Having for all that wanton season past
Held true to him (if Whorish Loves, unchast
Worth noblest Style of truth) scarce added now
Nine full months more, when sacred Marriage-vow
More strongly oblig'd her too't, begins to rave
Through sordid new Lusts; which (although she gave
Slight Honours check sometimes) within few daies
Burst forth most furious Flame, whose wanton blaze
Sought but convenience: good Choyce in loving,
As had Arplastus done before, approving.
Thus, rarely'st Innocence, once being stain'd,
Found purg'd and wash'd white; Virtue lost, regain'd.
Besides, this Blew th' hot wanton Forge, a Son
(To towring'st honours, fortunes th' heir alone)
Most greedy of; and doubting much her Lord,
Since no Sign, Blossome yet (th' unchast Accord
Those former six years too) she'l change condition,
Diet, try more: so serve both Lust, Ambition.
The Object, Person prov'd gentile and fine,
Cyprian by birth; not Natures mean Design
For face and limb, spruce-modell'd, handsome Peice
(Her Graces Usher, lo) conjoyn'd to this
Prime voyce, rare Musick's art: whom her close Favour,
Amorous enough before, had now taught braver
Bold Feats, exploits; since Looks can paint desires
(Each Touch grown kind and Mystick) blaze heart-fires.
Thus, now some fortnight past, Arplastus rod
To far-fam'd Hunting match, 'twas spacious Wood
Ten miles from home; where meant some following nights
To rest with bord'ring friend, 'mid sport-delights.
But so it chanc'd, that busie Morn, a Fray
(Sport's rougher Wrong-side oft) at bleeding bay
Set th' Hunting-masters, men themselves turn'd Curs;
Some bauling Dog or Mistress th' angry stirs
Ingendring first; from words they grew to wounds:
Smart Siding, parties follow'd, till their Hounds
At length most Morall seem'd; 'twas turn'd to Chase
Or fray of silvan Bores: which bloody place,
Foul Clashings wisely Arplastus left, withdrew.
And being inform'd, his Friend was wander'd too
Far off, with's totall train (th' intruding Plague,
Death, his Joynt-tenants left) as Witch or Hag
Had crost with ill luck, back he gallopt home,
Vext, heated; Noon much over-past being come,
Wife forth, he walk'd directly (softly'st pacing)
Towards that coolest Grot, Sol's beams out-facing:
Where with's own Key that outward Door oth' ground
Unlocked first, to th' Summer-house chief bound.
Drawn neer, some gentler Sattins russle scar'd
(Such, Wind, Leaves whispring noyse) joyn'd Hem; ore-heard
These, twice, thrice o're; when Darting strait his eye
Through th' empty Lockhole there (Soul blasted nigh,
Turn'd wondring Statue) strange Lust-antick rack'd
That way his Heart: Comandra ith' very Act
With her own formall Cringer, Conge-man,
'Twixt whom Himself seem'd merely butcher'd, Slain:
His first Lusts wages, this. When grown all fir'd
(Suddain thoughts too, through her damn'd art expir'd
Sweet'st, best Oranthes Life) the baudy Door
His own Key open'd strait; then, griping th' Whoor,
Keen Dagger coupled closely with her Heart,
Till hug'd her Soul from thence; cool, new Love dart:
The Man escaping: Thus has righteous Heaven
Payd poor Oranthes Ghost, at once made even
Sad, double Scoar. This dismall dalliance ended,
He storm-like hurry'd back, ere long attended
To's Chamber, Bed, where violent Feaver burn'd;
Through rage and th' former heat; his Body turn'd
All Furnace, torrid-zoan: th' incensed Blood
Sulphureous boyling streams, whilst Guts they shew'd
Rolls of match, fit'd: Thus, th' Oyl consum'd, exhausted
(Juyce, Spirits gone) Life's Lamp soon languish'd, wasted.
What time, Ardina, bed confined too
Through sickness (nor great hast) defer'd to shew
Her dearest Lady ought (whom promise ty'd
Ne're to take Vestall Vow, till specify'd,
First known to her) now were th' whole Fun'rals o're:
Though this for Cordiall joyn'd, Arplastus wore
Good Father's parting heart; and, dying Kind
(His lands turn'd o're in trust) did strongly'st bind
Her Uncle Anselvin, late from Seas return'd
(Though long believ'd for dead, deploted, mourn'd)
To give up all upon his Daughters claim,
Which Nobly'st offer'd, ere Ardina came.
Such was th' Event; the sweet'st Flostella hears
Her Fathers death with sobrest filiall Tears,
Kind Fun'rall-show'r; most melting, most soft-hearted:
Till all must comfort her, Alleadg'd, sh' had smarted
Much through his Fondness; reading wisely thence
Rare, signall Act of divine Providence.
And now that Prince of day had (pow'rfull) rays'd
The World from nights dark Chaos, Mountains blaz'd
And Woods, with golden Brows, fine golden Tresses
(Tranc'd Earth awak'd, when Men made their egresses
For work, for pastimes) whilst those Winged Quires
Chanted their Morn-devotions to Sol's fires:
How seem'd to pride himself in Beamings round,
Whilst view'd his Half-worlds Lordship, globy ground.
Here strait Rufin rouz'd himself for Tregor,
Mile off, t'hire speedy Coach from thence, for more
Conveyance, health; their feeble Lady tyr'd;
Whose Body, Mind to boot (though so admir'd,
Angellick-pure) ore-powr'd, now drooping shew'd
Too much sad Fraylty (alas) of Flesh and blood.
When empty Coach, four horses, whirl'd apace
Close by them for Tregor (which very place
All aym'd at) to fetch some Gallants thence;
Him strait they Fee'd, more quick convenience.
Arriving there, the Lady safe was shrouded
In close Out-cottage strait (so's lost, ore-clouded
Bright Cinthia oft; so skulk'd in earthen Cell
Gems lodge: so couched (lastly) ith' simpler Shell
Does th' orient Pearl appear) though spruce and neat:
When choycest Cordials sought with busie sweat,
Procur'd by skill'd Rufin (life-ayds, supports)
Thence to Recruit in Natures weaken'd Forts
Their dear spent Spirits, th' Ayr that morning-hour
Quicken'd by art, through Influentiall pow'r
Of certain strow'd Herbs, Plants, whilst sweetly rise
(Fuming tow'rd Heav'n in kind of Sacrifice)
Rich Od'rous clouds, to cheer, refresh her Brain:
Last, drowsie Juyce receiv'd by Sleep does raign
O're her infeebled World; th' offensive Light,
Noyse banish'd round all's turn'd to Scean of night:
The God of slumbers (Amorous grown) imbracing
Her lull'd Sence, twenty hours, disquiets chasing.
Thus, that next Morn, fresh, travalyl proof she Wakes
Seldome Heav'n moanfull Virtue long forsakes.
Though know, that day before (as meet) Rufin
Transferr'd unto her Uncle their design
By nimble Post, that they would visit him
This second Night, least else surprized seem
(Anselvin whom by Name we styl'd of late)
When, going back, he chanc'd congratulate
Old Merchant friend of his; possest by whom
Four curious Tyrian Robes (that were become
His late Sea-prize) for Male and Female those,
From thence for Persian Prince and Princess chose:
Though Two most richly gorgeous found, esteem'd
(Whereof anon) Two, rich, but slighter-trim'd:
Choyce Garb, much in th' Arcadian Court allow'd.
That slightest Manly Robe, which seem'd less proud,
Was purple Sattain Suit, loose formed Coat;
Long-button'd both with silver Flowr's, fine-wrought:
But her's Aurora-sattin, shone, th' adorning
Bright Silver trayls, for Lace. These second morning
Were fully view'd, and bought by th' noble Payr;
How primely fit! th' Occasion too so rare !
Since publick Objects growing now, more ey'd
Gaz'd at, for Sun-like rank, estate beside.
Those meaner-trim'd, much Nobler then their own,
Fresh too, for Travayl-garb were then put on.
Th' Host well discharg'd, with whom that Hundred pound
Oth' Theeves was left; proclaimed which if found
None th' Owner, 'twas decreed for th' hungry Poor.
Thus All, well-coach'd to th' wish, by early hour
Set prancing forth, the Morn whilst smiling show'd;
Seem'd glad Flostella thus was come abroad
(Proud t'Usher her) which being withdrawn, ore-past;
Bright Phœbus driving now his Steeds, with hast,
Down th' Azur'd western road, with Charret blazing
(As though kind Harbinger) their light wheels grazing
Those pleasant flowry Plains; ere-long (beguil'd
Through over-hast) they pass'd small Forrest, wild,
Unused track: yet onwards still they stray'd,
All's Chanting, verdant, sweet: When th' are dismay'd
Soft Groanings, cries (scarce heard) like some tormented,
Stroaks louder much: when further lo's presented,
Through smaller Glade, this horrid Sight to view
(Nor blaz'd much Danger in't) 'twas onely Crew
Of five or six Hags, muffled, all surrounding
Naked Man bound; with Whipcord-scourges wounding
Or Burchen Rods. Both hands were closely knit
To Tree's strong upper Branch, whilst shackled feet
Fast ty'd to th' stumps below; thus, all expos'd
Th' whole Body stood, full dismall Mark; though clos'd
His glove-stop'd mouth, thence stifling louder Moan.
Drawn neer, his Body gor'd with blood, like one
Entire sore seem'd to view; or as, the Skin
New Shifted, fley'd, 't had for some Shambles been:
Most hideous Lump, grown doubly Nak'd, yet still
Those Bayted round his flesh like anvill, steel
(Th' unmatch'd Hell-beadles) as they'd conjure out
His vagrant Soul: oft crying thus th' whole Rout;
Dog, Villain, we are Furies come to plague
Thy vile flesh. Busy'd thus, one pursie Hag
Spying Rufin, All turn'd to wondring gaze;
He seem'd half-charmed too, joy'd heaven 'twas
To th' tortur'd VVretch this smaller truce, whose Groan,
Look double pitty crav'd. When, ask'd anon
The cause of all; Twas he (those Hags reply)
Had done those cruell Thefts, those Rapes hard by
(Purse-leech, Flesh-devill) Providence thus bound him;
And they were Furies sent from Fate, to wound him.
Rufin star'd more; Polindor with Flostel
(Hood down) approach'd them, May-game, masque of Hell
Th' whole Sight appear'd: Til now, his freer tongue
Releas'd, No Theef (he loud exclaim'd) they wrong;
'Twas he was rob'd bound. When th' whole Antick fry
With strange Signes rounded them, more mutteringly
Disclos'd the Riddle strait, why all was done:
That Storguis 'twas, that vile Brundescars Son;
Astorin's downfall (whom by face Rufin
Well knew) who, proving th' Fathers Heir in sin,
Worse Villain, had blood-suck'd (as 'twere by pow'r
Most of their Husbands chief estates, that hour
Lay'd Gasping; ravish'd too three of their Daughters
(This had he likewise heard) those Virgin-slaughters
Added to th' first: as then kept one his Whore:
Thus, Neighing on, till tempted yet one more
To her Fames death; close Pander-letters wooe,
That she would meet that Noon ith' Cave below,
Where should find Golden show'rs. This, wisely scan'd,
The Mayd to th' Mother shew'd, whose cunning hand
Wrote back from her, she'd wait on him, if so
He'd come by stealth: when strait th' whole injur'd row,
Those Wives and Mothers met; their Husbands lay
Lodg'd in that Cave, disguis'd, like men of Prey
(Forg'd plot) where seiz'd, then left him nak'd and bound:
Those gone, these (Muffled, Arm'd) did thus surround
Like Stygian Furies, sent to fall upon him;
So, wrought in part their griev'd heart Vengeance on him,
Nor knew he whence the Wrong: those men conceiv'd
Meer Robbers, Theeves, while th' Hags souls Guilt believ'd
Plain Furies come from Hell. The whole Justice show'd;
Whose treacherous Father ended too in blood.
This said, whilst they th' Arch, punish'd Roague unbind,
Those Hags were vanish'd all, and gone like Wind.
Storguis they left at next Wood-bordring Cell,
Though scarce could lye nor sit (intruth) to steal
Short Napping-fit; Polindor well from hence
Lesson'd, by th' way, 'gainst Rapine, Violence.
Thus, prancing forwards, All betimes (ere night)
Approach'd that second Eden of delight,
Flostellas stately'st Home; where round the place
Bow'rs, Meadowes, Groves, as with new Summers face
(Fresh-drest, as 'twere, through new rare influences)
Welcome their Mistress seem'd: from Leavy fences
Birds chant their prayse in Hymenean song,
Each Bush turn'd jolly quire; whilst Flowry throng
Low-bended as 'twere, Cursey-homage showing
(Gale-mov'd) their Pasture-way with perfumes strowing;
Skies smiling round; West, Morn-like blushing, fair,
Bride-cheek'd, as strove Flostellas self to Payr;
Whence Sun did seem to Dart in amorous Blaze
VVelcome, goodnight to both: Thus, on they pass.
VVhen, neer her Mansion, forth th' adjoyning Thick
Small Rustick troop appear'd, cloath'd, furnish'd like
Harvests sons Daughters; sprucely'st trim'd to the Eye;
Men Sickles bore, tost, flourish'd sprightfully,
Whilst Women Rakes; their gallant Hats of straw,
Joyn'd Flowry brooch to each: All deck'd they saw
With wreath'd Wheat-girdles round. But know the Twain
Which led both Sex, as eithers Soveraign
(Fine, jolly payr) were these; the God of Wine,
Bacchus, whose curled head, swoln waft intwine
Grapes Gem-like clusters; in whose hand there show'd
Glass-bottle of Grapes pure and sprightly Blood.
His mate corns Goddess, Ceres, quaintly'st crown'd
With Gold-ear'd sprigs; like Circle did surround
Her wast too, Basket sh' had, adorn'd enrich'd
VVith Fruits gay wealth: Both these (by turns) beseech'd
The Lady tast this from their fuller store,
In country-rhimes; small Earnest 'twas of more;
VVhat Corn and Wine to both should yearly abound,
Fruits of the blisfull Womb, as well as ground.
VVhich Guift most kindly took, with Richest smile,
That sweet'st of Women (back repay'd the while)
From her Town-tenants, who conjoyn'd had made
This rude Masque: Dance forsooth (for cloze) they had
Till whisper'd by Rufin, their dance was yet
Less suited to her Mind, that merry Fit
Was layd aside: Now th' open Gates they view.
Where noble Anselvin, with some Remnant-few
Her Fathers good old Servants, ranged stands;
Who, doubly joy'd (indeed) those slavish Bands
Of vile Comandra shatter'd broke, beside,
Sweet'st face of their Young Lady (long lost) ey'd;
All burst forth into sober, downright Crying:
Loud'st Welcome, that, words empty ayre out-vying.
Lighted, Anselvin closely strait intwin'd
His lovely'st Neice, as Steward all resign'd;
Whereof (her Eye first sweetly'st cast to Heaven;
Then, Gratefull'st pearly Tear as off'ring given)
With kindest Lip-heart-welcome, frankly she
Polindor Master makes; as Noblest he
Had crown'd her his hearts Mistress, long before:
Thus, proved All her own still, never more.
See what Heav'ns can produce, how blisfull Morrow
Pregnant with Joyes, as sable Night with sorrow!
We shall not (Reader) here that Evenings talk,
Actions recount, each pleasant Garden-walk,
How view'd by both; those stately'sts Founts and Mases;
There th' Lady shew'd, Comandras first kind Blazes,
Toyings burst forth; her Young Ordellan there
Courted with Masques both gazing eye and eare:
There pointed she to th' Bow'r, where first Love-potion:
Held forth to her, that Candy'd amorous motion
There had she traced oft with Folded armes,
Fixt eyes on Earth and Heaven, those cunning Charms
Of hers, those spleenfull Spights (at length) t'oppose;
How Sigh'd, mus'd, wept! There, for conclusion, shows
That doubly amorous and fatall Grot
(Fatall to th' Whoor) nor lastly was forgot
That dancing Antick stage, the adjoyning Grove;
Oft whilst Polindor did with th' armes of Love
Intwine his Spouse, how breathing forth Soul even
In Joyes to her, and thankfull Praise to heaven!
Next morn, this Epithalm (next th' Ayery quire)
Saluted both, well sung to th' Roman Lyre;
Spark of Anselvin's love, poetick fire.

Song.

1.

3.

Mean while Ortheris (bury'd man to all
These weighty great things) Pensive treads the Vale,
Through former harsher Stars, those late unkind;
Though chiefly tost within his various mind
This late strange Dream, or mystick Vision.
He seemed couch'd upon some Rock, alone
(While's wandring Sheep beneath) whose crest or'e-peering
Vast troubled Sea; Winds loudly chas'd, Waves rearing
To fight against the skies; Skies storm'd agen
With Cataracts; 'midst which tumulteous Scean;
Foul discord, fairest Vessell seemed tost,
Bandy'd to Ruin quite, where sunk and lost
The Lord Polind. When Sea more swelling high
Conceiv'd in his own Brest, th' heart wracking nigh
All turn'd, oth' suddain, dainty'st calm and whist
Like lull'd Babes, smooth as cheeks of Virgins kis't
Soft Gales the wrincled Main: delicious season!
When floating Temple, lo (thing strange to reason)
Came towards him upon the Sun-guilt Wave;
Whose Tarras'd open front Masque-prospect gave
Of Gods and Goddesses, there stately enthron'd:
At whose feet (though) choyce Favourites there own'd,
Young Man and Mayd appear'd, resplendent shining,
Close-arm'd, with Nuptiall wreaths and robes combining,
Shap'd like Polindor just Floltella fair.
Formost rod Nymphs on Dolphin-backs, which bare
Flow'r-baskets others sweetly'st Harp'd, as though
Still'd thence th' Ayrs broils, & charm'd mad Depths below
To Sleep, with their Marine harmonious Noyses
Till reaching now the Rock, all mounted, Voyces
Harps joyn'd; those formost Nymphs still strowing round
Rose, Violets, till turn'd to Venus ground;
Love's Bridall Shore. These handmayds follow'd soon
That beam-encompass'd Cluster (each as Sun
Rouz'd from the Flood) with godlike, ayery paces:
Drawn neer, Apollo first advanc'd, forth traces,
Polindor in his hand, whom gently does
Present to th' Duke Ortheris, speaking thus.
Here Retir'd Lord, take thy brave
Gem-son from the watry Grave;
Born in Hymens Temple to thee,
With such favours Gods do woo thee:
Take him too as dropt from Skie,
Through whom, nere thy Fame shall dye.
Then step'd forth Pallas with th' unequall'd Nayd,
Who seem'd divinely Blazing too, and sayd,
Thy Pearl-daughter from the Tomb
Take again, as from Deaths Womb;
Chang'd though Name and Face, thou hast
Daughter still, more lovely grac't;
Choycest blessing Heav'n could give.
In whom Kalasp, Dorisbe live.
Then Hymen marriage-god, and stately'st she
Births Goddess, Juno, march'd forth solemnly;
Joyn'd both their Hands, whose words did thus agree:
None these Hands Hearts dare to sever;
Grow your Joyes unnumber'd, ever.
This sayd, All vanish'd round, though leaving there
That young joyn'd Couple (favour still) howere:
When strait Ortheris sleeps Bands wildly broke
(Or were't some Trance) through wonder, joy awoke.
Here, riding post, Rufin the strange Event
Broke wisely to him; though, by joynt Consent,
Masquing that dangerous Nuns plot, design;
As though meer Fear did all that while confine
To some dark place, the closely espoused Payr:
Ortheris when, as born anew the rare
Polindor, lent from Death to life, rejoyces;
Approv'd besides his Noblest best of Choyces:
Her Father too, whilst both were Young, design'd
His Brother-travayler, both neerly twin'd
In strictest forraign League; oft Friendship proving
Endeared more through dangers, stronger-loving:
Yea, whilst an Infant was, had kiss'd beside,
Oft Dandled in his armes the lovely Bride.
Nor heighten'd least that rarest Trance, or Dream,
Wherein th' Immortall troop of Gods did stream
Full show'rs of blessings on him; told Rufin,
Thus, threatning Visit (lo) though fondly seen
Th' ill-look'd World once agen, till view'd his fair
Reviv'd Dorisbe in her (much brighter Star)
Quick winged Post was strait dispatch'd, to tell
What time precise: which noblest Promise well
The Duke perform'd, sixth day for th' Journey chusing;
Arriv'd; whose presence Joy through all diffusing.
Next day was kept their solemn Bridall Feast,
Huge, pompous-garnish'd; many a Lordly guest,
Knight, Lady there, whose gallant joyned port
Shone with the Lustre of some Princes Court:
All things most gorgeous left, for houshold-state,
To th' ready hand, by prov'd Comandra late.
Forth came the Bridesgroom and the lovely'st Bride,
Clayming all eyes, all hearts to boot; discry'd
The most Accomplish'd most transcendent Payr
Throughout the World; great Heavens wisdome, care
Ador'd, in so well Forming, Matching them:
Each of their Sex conceiv'd th' amazing Gem:
Whilst Wept some kinder Hearts withall, to view
That sweetest wonder; Pray'd for blessings too.
His Suit and Coat (long that, large-shap'd to th' eye)
Skies colour'd Sattin prov'd, rich glorious Die:
Skirt, sides, and sleeves to th' Coat, broad-border'd round
With dainty'st Fruits appear'd; choyce Silk for ground,
Whose heights bright Silver, beamy Gold, t'express
That Glistring Orchard of th' Hesperides;
Or th' artfull Needles Summer-portraiture:
Prime mystick work (by Tyrian Youths) and pure.
There shone th' impurpled Grape, Pomegranate, Cherry,
Peach, Orange, Pear; with Plum, small Coran-berry:
Though just on th' back, rich blazing Sun did seem
To gild those Fruits, through smilings ripen'd them.
Its Brest long-button'd down (for fashion, mould)
With stretch'd-out Faulkons seem'd, of Silk and Gold,
Beaks purest Silver, which thrust forth to Bill.
Th' whole Suit with smaller trayls adorn'd, like skill
Much richness shew'd; whose Buttons Pearls did wear.
His Sattin Buskins lastly, o're-flown as 'twere
With silver-streamed Founts, most sweetly shin'd:
Two lowest Elements th' whole work design'd:
Became that Person in compleatest sort;
Though Blaz'd their truest Phœbus, he that wor't.
Hers, fair green Sattin Robe; the lowest part
Or Skirts whereof, most richly deck'd by Art
With stately'st, lofty trayls of growing Flow'rs;
Silk, Silver, heightning Gold; thin pearly Show'rs
Weeping on them from scatter'd Clouds above,
Like Mays distilling Gems: There seem'd to rove
The loyt'ring Fly, that stout laborious Bee;
How truely'st suck'd! whilst higher men might see
Small winged Birds, choyce ayery generation.
Those Flow'rs beneath seem'd part oth' first Creation,
So primely fair; where th' glistring Lilly, Rose,
Gillyflow'r, Tulip joyn'd, did seem disclose
More Sun-born beauties far, more Radiant cheeks
Then painted Garden beds (there sweetly pecks
Small Paunsey too) All which might Fragrant from
That influentiall bodies Touch become,
Like Natures brood: 'twas needless Springtide draught;
By curious Tyrian Virgins onely wrought;
Whose Goddess Chloris crown'd might seem Flostel.
Her Sleeves did through Carnation Die excell;
With gorgeous silver Caulwork cover'd o're,
As though Lights glistring Orbs they (twin-like) bore:
While th' purest Neck, with Dimons flaming higher,
Limb'd forth that unknown Element of Fire.
Lastly, Azure silken Vest, skarf-form'd to th' eye
(Worn so) Star-pouder'd like Heav'ns Canopie,
Boasted their Needles spark'ling Firmament:
Those Flow's Earths under-glory might present:
Which Mantles shoulder deck'd resplendent Moon,
Though she chief Cinthia shin'd, which had it on:
For (Reader) know what Garb soe're was worn,
Flostella still did Braveness-self adorn.
That tedious Noon-kept Triumph of the Tast,
Their Dinner ore (most full, gaudy'st repast
Would tire out Natures eating force, undo
Strong'st appetite, cloy wanton fancy too)
Rare Musick-strains, with Voyce-quires, banquetings;
All strait for th' ample Park prepar'd, took wings
For Hunting-sport: the Lord Polindor where,
Flostellas self, with other Ladies there
Brave mounted rod; most gallant view on Land.
His Horse was white, by skilfull Nature stain'd
With blushing Spots; so glossie, shone, so cleer,
That skin'd in Sattin all (when stroaked, neer
Like-silken) appear'd; whose moving Nostrills, Eyes
Bred ardent Flames, for shape all Rarities.
Trod th' Ayr so mounting, proud, as if some One
Oth' Suns wing'd Coursers were; dispos'd for none
But th' Star bright milky Road: or (lastly) as knew
His own and Riders matchless Beauty too
(Both so excelling) whom the brave Polind
Best manag'd, Rul'd, as (skilfull) back'd the Wind:
Horse, Man, (indeed) so joyntly motion'd showing,
They prov'd as 'twere one Piece, together growing.
Her's, lovely'st Dappl'd-gray, prime thing, for Beast
All Delicacy seem'd (whom often prest
That proud Comandra) his wavy Mane, unbound,
Like Nymphs loos'd Morning-tresses, kiss'd the ground,
How glass-bright fair, choyce, beauteous-limb'd, as it
For Rose-bed onely; silken Couch were fit!
Light motion'd too, for th' heel, but shewing more
Fine awfull Reverence, as conscious bore
Some sacred Goddess; least its dainty'st Load
Th' hard Earth should chance t'Offend, how nicely'st trod,
With Sea-green Velvet-saddle was he deck'd,
Wrought o're with Silver Waves, by art bespeck'd
Like foaming Froath, where glistring Dolphins shone,
Rich-skal'd as 'twere; both Dolphins, Waves thereon
Moving, just as the wanton Palfrey mov'd.
Her Stirrop, Bit, Guilt silver both approv'd.
Next these, Skie colour'd Velvet Charret
Comandras glory, pride) Imbroider'd that late
To th' height, Purl fring'd, Six milk-white Horse attended
Stag being run down, and those last Fun'rals ended
With shrillest Horns, th' arch Hunts-man's tunefull Peal
Rocks, Woods conjoyn'd in mournfull Ecchos still;
Repast of various Chreams (that evening-hour
By Masque-like Silvans brought) long cover'd Bow'r
Replenish'd, mixt with Fruits and choycest Wines:
Whilst from those lofty Tops more ayre-confines
(Skulk'd 'mongst the boughs) cleer Cornets musick sound.
Rare sportive Strains for th' eare; hils, woods rebound.
Then pranced both with Duke Ortheris home
Ith' Chariot, store oth' train Night-guests become.
Their much too formall Supper being past,
Nights Curtains spread, and all Spectators plac'd
For artfull Banquet of the eare and eye,
Set, Court-like Masque began; prime rarity;
Anselvin's work; whose view through torches beams
More heighten'd seem'd, with Ladies sparkling gems.

MASQUE.

That Six young Knights from pow'rful Thracian State,
Sent to present the Lord Polindor late
That Crown, as due from's royall Ancesters
(Driven from thence by Fate of bloody Wars)
Six Ladies too, from fruitfull Ciprus Land
Imploy'd, with Crown at fair Flostels command
(Whose Right it was, Persandras Heir disclos'd)
Their Barks through envious Furies, Storms oppos'd,
Bright Honour, Virtues Temple yet (at last)
Both Meeting gain'd; toyls, dangers overpast:
Where wondring found that All were Agents sent
To one Joyn'd Princely Pair (most strange event
As happy) now turn'd Fellow-servants prov'd:
Which Nuptialls being heard, transported, mov'd
Through th' fair example, those in Love united;
Espousing too: would shortly Attend; Recited.
When from those loftly'st Temples heav'nly Quire
Of Priests appear'd, Rose-crown'd; to th' sweetest Lyre
Sung forth choyce Epithalm, as one full Blessing
On this grand Bridall, Those to boot expressing.

The Song was thus.

All Delights
Crown your Daies, your dearest Nights,
Blessing sprung from Marryage-rites.
Here, Water-nymphs-(Founts from that Sea expressing)
With wavy-stained Robes, purl'd Tinsell-dressing
Danc'd stream-like forth; besprinkled round the Room
With choyce Sweet-waters, Fragrant thence become.
Third Scean and last Springs beauteous face assum'd,
Banks drest with lovely'st Flow'rs, with Trees beplum'd;
Bright Founts like Ropes of Pearl, those banks ore-straying,
Or Chrystall Chains, Gems; danc'd (as 'twere) a Maying:
Whilst chirping Birds, with various-tuned Noats,
Heard, Chant it from those Wilder Champaign Grots.
Ith' furthest end Delicious Arbour showing,
God Hymen's Bow'r, still Rosie-fresh, new blowing:
From whence their Masquers came, Six comely Payr;
Carnation Sattin Robes, with Wreaths most fair
(Flow'r-deck'd) like Lovers; Rich, bespangled trimming;
Danc'd gracefull up, their formost Couple seeming
Th' whole World for gallant Personage t'excell,
Rate onely Two, Polindor and Flostel:
The Duke Ortheris Face whilst changing oft
Looks, colour both; most various-passion'd Draught.
Their Dance perform'd, All Faces turn'd to th' side,
Where seated shone the Bridgroom and the Bride,
Low-bowing all; when strait their middle-payr
March slowly forth, and with Obaisance fair,
Presented, rang'd their Crown at eithers feet,
So back returning to their place: That sweet
Harmonious Quire (mean-while) of Priestly fashion,
Joyn'd, warbled round their Twofold Coronation.

The Song was thus.

'Twas rare, their Sences seemed to intrance;
Song being cloz'd, All rouz'd for second Dance:
Where choyce Sounds took their eare, there active eye
Choyce Motion, Beauty, choycest Bravery.
Dance likewise done, That Formost Couple strait
Advanc'd to th' upper end, where fitly'st sate
The Duke Orthere; Kneel'd, crying, Our Lord and Father
When, Startled he, ore-whelm'd confounded rather
(Breath fail'd) cries, Who art thou com'st with that Name,
And shape both, thus to torture me? I am,
My Lord (sayd she) your Daughter Hah? my Daughter?
(Sayd he agen) such once I had; When caught her
By th' lovely'st trembling Hand (more grasping) neer,
Least cheated with some Shade: Your Daughter (here
Sayd she) Dorisbe. Vanish'd Ghosts walk then
(Sayd he) dead Corps she prov'd, when but Fifteen;
Bury'd. Supposed dead, my Lord, inter'd
(Sayd she again) but Heav'ns—What was't I heard
(Sayd she) supposed dead? Am I awake?
No doubt, my Lord, (sayd she) O do not take
(Sayd he) th' Advantage of that comely'st Face,
Voyce, gentle Girl, to swell my Griefs (alas)
Make me more Wretch'd. When, weeping (lo) soon after,
Smiles mixt, Heav'n knowes (sayd she) I am your Daughter
Which truth affirm'd Polindor, standing by.
When snatching her in's grasping armes, more nigh
To th' panting heart, joyn'd kisses; Th' art (sayd he)
My Girl, my lov'd Dorisbe; very she;
Th' art she indeed. When th' Lady kneeling new,
And this my Spouse, my Lord (sayd she, to view
Shewing Thersames) for which, though virtuous Prize,
I beg your pardon. Th' hast it Daughter, rise
(Sayd he) the Man seems worthy'st of esteem:
Mean while, Spectators did transformed seem.
When travers'd slowly up from Door oth' room
A Lady, thinly'st Vayl'd, to proper whom
Fine, gallant Pers'nage; Habit plain and neat;
Best-carryag'd too; who drawing neer the seat,
Clasping Ortheris round, in hast, cry'd out,
My dearest Lord! when now, past jealous doubt
'Twas all but Dream, turn'd staring; Who art thou
(Sayd he again) com'st to torment me now?
Voyc'd, shaped thus? I am (replyed she)
Your Spouse and Wife. My wife? transformed he
Reply'd in hast, all wonder) she agen,
Your Wife Kalaspe. How those Fates mock men
To death (sayd he, strait gazing through her Hood)
Hah? somewhat here disturbs my frantick blood
(Went on) afflicts me; sure 'tis gen'rall Night
Of Doom, dead waken round: Dear, dearest Spright,
She was long since by th' Rock torn, batter'd, slain;
I saw her mournfull Ghost. Sore bruised, tane
For dead, my Lord, (sayd she) but Heav'ns supply'd—
Go, th'art her lovelyer Ghost, (he suddain cry'd)
And this, Ghosts Feild, that gloomy Elizium:
All's dead. No shade, my Lord (sayd she) become
(Wept, throwing off her Vayl) Disown your poor
Though true Kalaspe, thus? strange brooding hour
Of Miracles! sayd he (soul-rapt, love-flaming)
Caught, grasp'd her, kisses her; then strait exclaiming;
Nay now th' art she indeed, my best Kalaspe!
That Dying Hour's at hand (behold) last Gasp,
And Heav'ns ordain through monstrous favour, I
Must burst to Death in Joyfull Extasie:
Gods, ayde my Reason, least your Kindest load
Ore-whelm, confound this frailer Flesh and blood.
Here Mother, Daughter strait, most fondly flew
Unto each others Brest, as rais'd anew
From th' lowly Tomb; since deem'd each other Dead;
Such postures, looks, that grand Joy might be se'd
Half-fac'd like Sorrow; tears, smiles, Med-ley kind:
Th' Heart so ore-fraught, ore-powr'd. Much-joy'd Polind
Then bowing came, and then th' All-sweet Flostel
Embrac'd her, Mother own'd (whose Face t'excell
Yet seem'd; choyce lovely'st wonder, were't not by
That young unequall'd Pair) their gen'rall Eye
Acting the Silent rest, full Passion flowes
In sobrest Weeping round, for pause and cloze.
Whilst some Spectators thought their former show
No Masque, but Dream or Vision, ending so.
Th' ore-rapt Ortheris, here, could scarce believe
He Waked yet, till both their Story give;
What wondrous waies obtain'd this Mystick Blessing;
Those briefly'st each (then growing late) expressing:
Though in Dorisbes story were conceal'd
Some cautious truths, Truth though, what e're reveal'd:
Whose fuller Map we shall hold forth to view;
Though Both of them wrapt up most briefly too.
First for Kalaspes short, though various Fate,
Who was thrown down that dismall Rock, through hate
Of vile Lurganor (as long since was told)
By Huntesmen scar'd, when (lo) that uncontrol'd,
High'st Providence so check'd the threatning stroke
That, leavy Branch, grown forth 'bout 'midst oth' Rock,
Imbrac'd her dainty'st Limbs; did gently so
Dandle them down to th' sprouting Branch, below,
Which kindly'st Kiss'd them too: Though cruell Crag
Oth' Rock, receiving next, might sadly brag
Of purest Blood; which rudely'st arm'd did throw'er
For second heavy'st Greeting, down much lower
To th' Champaign-ground: where Lump of senceless Clay
(Though fair to boot) Blood-purpled, bruis'd she lay.
Chief Lord oth' Hunting Train (as hap'ly chanc'd)
Came strait-waies Riding by, with Pitty glanc'd
On th' mournfull Object; Pers'nage there espy'd
Pure-form'd, rich-jewel'd, gorgeous-cloath'd (beside)
Which spoke her Noblest rank'd; nor fully yet
Dispairing Life, convey'd that Corps so sweet
By gentlest Litter to his worthy Friend's
(Some half-mile off) whom for important ends
Late visited, his honour'd nightly Guest.
And, being known Himself most learned Brest,
Choyce-skil'd as well as noble (through th' All wise
Conjoyn'd, All-pow'rfull Surgeon of the Skies)
Caus'd Motion in short time, and next (ere long)
Rouz'd partly Sence; yea, faint Life-spirits sprung,
Small vigour in some few propitious daies:
Though still so low, weak voyc'd, Weak-brain'd (alas)
She could not least make known her self; nor came
Least Noyse so far enquiry of such a Dame.
When, being summon'd Home through weighty Affairs;
Mind sadly loth to leave her there to Stars
Most doubtfull, since Junes warmer ayre could brook
(As then) short way, soft Litters Couch, he took
Her Person along with him, whose Roof could boast
The worlds prime rarest Surgeon (whence ingrost
His Skill) though crazy grown, too old to ride:
Had bound himself by suddain Vow, beside,
Never to pass beyond that watry Bay
(Seas branch some three miles broad) which, being their way
They smoothly crost; now ne're t'embrace the Shore:
When Pirats seis'd their Bark; to melt, implore
Fond vain attempt those Cut throats of the Flood,
Brothers of winds and waves, more friendly good
From swimming found the strangely enfranchis'd Lord:
When, going chiefly to cast overboard
Kalaspe as Corps, faint burdenous Bulk; espying
(Rich Sunshine Jewell-box on th' Table lying
(Grand Fees for cure) their Master tendrer-hearted,
First spar'd her Life, then skilfull'st hand imparted
(Prime Surgeon) tow'rds her Health; with thoughts (in fine)
That she might prove his handsome Concubine.
Thus, all of them soon reach'd the Tyrian shore
(Full-sayl'd) Full-booty'd too) strait turning o're
Their severall Pris'ners, sold for Slaves about
Like Market-beasts (indeed) unhappy rout!
Kalaspe though was nicely'st kept at Home
(Choyce-Pearl) till healthfull'st, lovely'st grown;
Through whose sweet-pleading Tears (at length, as favor) o're-come
To th' Tyrian Queen, rewarded though, he gave her;
Who lov'd much Græcians, beauty much extol'd,
Ere long as Chief 'mongst all her Train inrol'd.
Thus liv'd she Favour'd there, most lov'd, admir'd
For four years space; though Pensive, sad; o're-tir'd
(Indeed) through eager, Courtly Suitors still:
Ortheris though concluded Dead (worst ill!)
Seen fouly Mangled, Falling, Prostrate lye:
Till Merchant-friend of hers, from Arcady
(Who chanc'd to spy her out) at Court arriving
Inform'd her that Ortheris still was living;
Live-bury'd though through Grief; Dorisbe turn'd
Long since a Ghost, whom she most truely mourn'd.
Thus, longing now for th' worthy'st Husband, Home
(Whose Lady-queen, Deaths Bond-mayd then become,
Fully free'd her) that Merchant ship'd her hither;
Last, to Sarmara brought (neer hand) where either
Weary'd Repos'd, till, noys'd Poiindor's Feast,
Thus stole she up, unknown intruding Guest.
As for that vile Lurganor, with's belov'd
Damn'd rout, by Sea fit sops for Whales they prov'd.
Next, fair Dorisbes wondrous Fortune view;
Whose Mother being surpris'd by th' rambling Crew
(As hard) her Father too most sad-confin'd
To's pleasant Lodge; gor'd both in body, mind;
She strait to th' Countess, her great-Lady Aunt
(Chief Town, Sarmara) came; might justly vaunt
Then 'bout Fifteen ripe Beauty most excelling;
Most sweet: sweet'st Nature also paralelling.
Her Aunt and she (month after) on sollemn day
Gracing Jove's Temple both, as then, to pay
Publick devotions there; her Gallant Spouse
Most brave Thersames saw her, humbly bows
T'Imperiall Love: that Jove-spous'd Deity
She seem'd alone, great'st Juno from on high
Come down, to whom all Hearts due sacrifice.
Whom view'd with what most dear regards! discries
What speaking Flames (as 'twere) of honour, love,
Soul-pantings there! since Souls do clearly move
Ith' eyes bright splendid Orbs, and th' under-cheek:
Looks sued vow'd; Looks Burned thence, as quick
Froze too, when th' Blood retir'd from face to th' Heart,
Which Wooing gestures, being on her part
Fully observ'd, whilst Gaz'd the rest (his prime
Accomplish'd Form, rich courtly Garb) betime
Were answer'd back by th' Lady thus, so rare,
Fine, modest Sweetness shone, that thence Dispair
Might well seem check'd; though check'd Presumption too;
Th' hallow'd Rites done, Thersames needs must view
His radiant Morning-star to th' very Set;
Trac'd her to th' door, some cautious distance yet;
Where seeming Blind, as then h'had lost Day-light,
Soul both with her, there sally'd forth in sight
Spruce, middle ag'd Physick-doctor, nam'd Forenz:
Old Friend of his, first by his Grandsires means
Brought up from Clouts, maintain'd of Almes; preferr'd
By's Father too, to whom long since appear'd
Owing for's Life; choyce Doctor thought, esteem'd
By th' Countess aunt, whose constant Lodger seem'd:
Her Girl his Patient then, Darling belov'd.
Whom marching fitly'st by, as prompted, mov'd
By pow'rfull Fate, Thersames gladly embrac'd
(Th' whole thing by th' Lady spy'd by chance, who cast
Glance from above) strait drew him roundly on
To by-nook, cloyster'd Place; where both alone,
Inquir'd of him who that Young Lady was.
Forenz inform'd him strait, ith' second place
Whoth' Guardian-aunt. Thersames strongly pray'd,
That, priviledge through his procurement, ayde,
Entring, he might salute that Soveraign part
Of Natures wonder, breathing forth his heart
By th' Tongue, as Blaz'd it lately by his Eyes.
Forenz, grown pensive, sad, wish'd him be wise;
New-minds him of her great'st illustrious Birth,
Huge, dazeling Fortunes too; her Aunt th' whole earth
Not match'd for towring'st mind, almost, beside
Known loftly'st Aymes for her: Inform'd, what Tide
Of Big-rank'd Suitors there, though mention'd one
Grand, mighty Lord, most urg'd by th' Aunt alone
(Whom yet conceiv'd she loath'd) for damping cloze,
How strictly austere her Aunt; Mayds, Daughters, those
Still Scout-like following her: no way did seem
T'obtain the Prize, but by strange Stratagem.
Thersames when reply'd; O, dearest Friend
Support me, or I sink ingulph'd; but lend
Your Influentiall ayde; in Losing her
I'm wholly Lost, whose Reason, Life (dear Sir)
Bound up in her become: O make me able
To grasp, Enjoy, or know I'm miserable.
The Doctor startled, knowing well his high
Obliging, double Scoar, strong friendly Tye
Connex'd to boot; Intreats him pause that Even,
Self-conquest practise, try; by th' hour of Seaven
Next Morn (howere) he'd wait on him again.
Home goes Forenz with shrewdly puzzl'd brain,
Sadly task'd thoughts, should this Love-fit endure,
By what safe Means both sturdy Work and Cure
T'effect at once, prime Cordiall since fruition:
First ground-work though in this Abstruse condition,
The Ladies conquest seem'd, her Love t'ore-come;
Fair hopes whereof, that choycest Natures Bloom,
Her sweetest Goodness: next, most gallant Shape,
Of young Thersame, Court-garb (whilst seem'd as Rape
To loath that rude-form'd Lords embrace) severe,
Strict, sowrest Aunt: Her friendly'st aspect there
Regard tow'rds him, whose Patient, when arriv'd
There first, became; Sick-grown through un-repriev'd
Dear Mothers loss, weak Father's body, mind:
Though, won her Love, dark cloudy'st Maze behind:
Since guarded so, to th' secret Closset even,
Least (Praying) thence should flutter up to Heaven,
Dandl'd 'twixt some enamour'd Angel's armes;
How to convey her thence, no Magick, charms.
Sore mused he that visits debt next Morn
Discharg'd, perform'd, he finds in Bed forlorn,
Perplext Thersames; Stormy-soul'd; his Blood
Turn'd feaverish, strange, dolefull'st Lovers mood:
Crying, O Forenz, support; redeem me from
Loves earthly Hell, this burning friezing Doom.
When, grasping him in's armes, through-pierc'd Forenz
Cry'd; cheer up boldly, worthy'st Youth, from hence
Bind me th' Oar'd Slave to serve thy Loving passion;
Though sunk my Life ith' boysterous Navigation:
Bid rise, and rouse withall his Amorous brains,
Write unto her in th' most endearing Strains
Of honour, Love; that Temples place express
Where view'd her first, what Bodies cloaths, Souls dress
(Kind Gestures looks) he wore, displayd as then:
Three hours consum'd, he'd call on him agen.
Thersames pen'd his worthy'st Thoughts, as writ
In ardent Flames for Ink, high'st Passion, Wit;
So purely harmonious Sounds, so Musicall
Love-stile (indeed) 'twould Savage-brest inthrall:
How limb'd his Passions forth, her heav'nly Beauty!
Th' Heart sent inclos'd as Sacrifice of duty.
Forenz, returning back, joyn'd underneath
Much also, shewn his Friend; as pow'rfull Wreath
To crown belief: Wherein his Pen conjur'd
Her strongest Faith to all he wrote; Assur'd
First of's gentilest Birth (though highly'st rays'd
Their Ancestors) his Ports, good Nature blaz'd
(Known to him from the Womb) his Full and free
Estate to boot, discover'd punctually:
Love last confirm'd, whose Agonies discry'd;
Breathing through Hope, else sure the Youth had dy'd:
Gods th' awfull Witness then Invoak'd to all,
Whose Pow'rs he feard, ador'd. But least befall
Nice doubts oth' Party ought, he Beg'd thus far,
That she'd next Morn, in person grace Be-star
Some Window; Ten conceiv'd most vacant Hour;
When, in such former Cloaths, that gallant Flow'r
Of Youth should pass by, fixed Hand oth' brest.
Whom if she would with Favour crown, make Blest
By secret Flight, as both should safely Ordain;
Then beg'd, beseech'd, next Morn to that again
('Bout Ten) plac'd neer her sickly'st Cousins Bed,
Walls darker side (as us'd) he entered,
She'd stroak (for sign) with gentlest Hand her eye;
Then thrust ith' Bosome strait; drawing more nigh,
Take lower under's Cloak (by nimble slight)
Small Glass from's wary reach'd-out Hand, but light;
Cas'd round with Paper all, which strait convay
T'her faithfull'st Cabinet from th' eyes of Day.
Though sadly'st su'd, if Doom'd beyond repeal
This worthy'st Youth for Death, she'd these conceal.
Forenz, love-furnish'd thus, about eleven
Enter'd his Patients room, where bounteous Heaven
Had set Dorisbe, being newly'st come
(As Kindly us'd) walls darker side; on whom
Most wistly Glancing, whilst she sweetly Blush'd
(Prepar'd for some Design) he softlier push'd
Into her gentle hand (quick'st under-slight)
That Paper which the Lady took: from sight
Wrapt up, as though fore-warn'd oth' Amorous plot:
T'her Closets councel-board, ere long, she got
(Mayd following) and; clos'd her Door, began
With new-blown Roses there (alas, too plain)
To read her Lines; when shortly Milky'st white
Seem'd t'over-flow those beds of Roses quite,
Sweet'st-pale. She read (choyce scroul with love Begem'd,
Word-pearls) th' eyes Gilding it, how oft! though stream'd
No doubt at all, who th' Lovesick Person was,
Yet, mildly'st ere Tens hour, the Windows glass
She pleas'd t'Adorn; through which, being Chrystalline,
Full-view'd, did like to th' fair Aurora shine
Through th' eastern Casements; standing reading there,
Neer large broke Pane (which seem'd Complyance bear)
Maid working by. Th' approv'd Thersames came;
Most Sun-like pers'nage, cloathed all in Flame,
Gold, beauty, love; his Goddess soon espies,
Whom (undiscern'd) ador'd, with fixed eyes
On her, then Heav'n; his Hand across the brest:
So, passing slowly on, such looks at least,
Mild Sweetness from those Window-clouds distilling,
As blaz'd her forth no Tigre brood, nor killing.
Sight being past, much more this second day
The sweet Dorisbe Mus'd, does sober weigh
All things; besides that foul offensive Lord,
Tart, strictest Aunt, her Servant seemed stor'd
For Birth, estate to boot t'her humble Mind;
His parts and goodness glistring much, though shin'd
His lovely'st Person with Planetick blaze,
To her own Fancies wish; unmatch'd: the Face
Body (indeed Compound Enamouring.
His Love last heighten'd all, whose noblest Spring
Sublime and High, since beg'd her Self alone.
These weigh'd, she Sigh'd; when, wondring at that one,
Sigh'd three times o're: perceiv'd too plainly there
That she was growing now Unself'd (as 'twere)
Non-hearted, thrall'd; giv'n up unto Another;
Which strange surmounting Fits, whilst strove to smother
Saucy'st encreas'd; more Mus'd, the more she Lov'd:
Th' own Heart (alas) since kind Revoltress prov'd,
For absent, poor Thersames strongly pleading,
Thus, sick through Fancy-qualms, this new Love breeding
She yeilded her self up, for govern'd by
Great Love, well-known Forenz, and Destiny.
Next prosperous Morn, at th' hour and place requir'd,
She gave to joy'd Forenz (as wish'd, desir'd)
Those dear sweet Signs; drawing neer, with gentlest Hand
Receiv'd that mention'd Glass; which, closely gain'd,
Conceald some while, to th' Closset lightly trip'd
(Mayd following) spring-lock'd her door, unstrip'd
That precious Glass; found Paper-cased o're;
Wherein Forenz did strongly'st thus implore.
As first, that she would trust more boldly, Su'd
Heav'n and his faithfull Care, resolve, conclude
For secret Flight; sought stoln embrace alone;
Which should such Wonderous easie Waies be done,
Sure, safe (as he'd next Morn by lines discover,
Giv'n neer her Cousins Bed, Plot strangely above'er)
Th' whole World should nere pursue, their Joyes debar:
Thersames goodly'st Seat, Estate as far
(Besides) remov'd, as reach'd th' Arcadian Bound.
Meanwhile, beseech'd her drink that most renownd
Choyce Cordiall sent, th' Worlds onely Soveraign;
'Twould mint new Spirits, steel both Heart and Brain
For th' crown'd Exploit at hand (some's meaner Pow'r
Sh' had try'd, approv'd) but beg'd t'observe her Hour:
Eight next Morn, by her Watch, th' attendant Mayd
Sent down for Drink, then step to th' Closet (prayd)
Close by her, toss it off: the empty Glass
Thrown forth at Window, strait amonst the grass
(Wild Plot beneath) whereby confirmed lo,
That she had drunk't, he'd watchfull Seize it so
(Least spy'd, that Glass bred thoughts of some combining)
So strait to th' naked Bed her self resigning:
'Twould suddain short refreshing Slumber breed:
Though beg'd, conjur'd, as lov'd their Lives (indeed)
Those Papers both should over night be burn'd;
Their Plot thence being Entomb'd, to cinders turn'd.
'Twas thus far Manag'd well, faint hope t'invight;
Next, young Thersames Heart he cheer'd (as right)
Him Cordialliz'd; who seemed to endure
Strange bandyes betwixt Heav'n and Hell; procure
Two large false Beards enjoyned him anon,
Till's utmost Lovers Task be shortly known.
Next following Morn by eight, the rarely sweet
Dorisbe (every point perform'd as meet)
Mayd being sent down for Drink, and th' hidden Gloves,
Carous'd her Potion off; then nimbly moves
To th' Bed again; where, warmly couch'd, ere long
Cold frozen Vapours seem'd at once to throng
Her sadly ore-clouded Brain, benum'd, congeal'd:
Limbs stretch'd, Sence stifled, gone whilst clozing seald
Black, dismall Night those Jewels of her eyes;
Some softer groans; O death (no more) she cryes:
Stiff, pale, like Death's more pure-complexion'd Queen:
Dire Cordiall; dolefull'st Slumber ere was seen.
The Mayd returning now, less quick of foot,
With suddain start, and loud out-cryes to boot,
Call'd up her Countess-Aunt; the Doctor then
(Sweet'st, lovely'st Corps beheld, choyce Picture, Scean
Of humane fraylty) when the damp'd Forenz
Grown pensive, sad, startling (th' Head turned thence,
Brest struck withall) cry'd, Fearfull'st Symtomes show'd
'Twas that new killing Pestilence, which trod
With suddain Death; advis'd her Aunt (howere)
She should till ten at Night lye couched there,
Shrouded alone, which would Resolve how strong
That Band of Death; though then affirm'd 'twere Wrong
To th' Living, not to Coffin her, Inter:
Because that inward Venome, lodg'd in her,
Would Fume-like breath forth by that hour, exhale:
Which th' Aunt approv'd, scarce seen to melt, bewail
(Stout, frosty-temper'd brest) though worthy'st Neice
Might claim all Tears, th' whole Fun'rall-tide of Greece.
And thus, ere long, the sweetly delicate
(Though corps) Dorisbe shrouded was, Death's mate;
Whose Shrouding-cloath beneath her Chin did pass
(Such th' use) broad Bongrace onely o're her Face
Shelving, as slept: her Head most Nightly drest.
When one oth' Shrouders (Laundress, greedy beast)
Rich Di'mon-rings upon her fingers spying,
Which through much Care (alas) ore-night (less eying)
Sh' had kept on, vow'd those costly Gems t'obtain:
Though Custome made such dangerous seisure, gain
Foul Crime, call'd robbing th' Dead: what ever Gem
(Death suddain chanc'd) being still interr'd with them,
If worn upon their naked Corps: so swaies
Fancy in Customes oft, more fondly strayes.
Forenz; the measure having well espy'd
For th' Coffin, charg'd Thersames strait provide
The like; fair-clasp'd, part filled next with Mold
(Nor urging reason why) his Watch when told
That Midnights hour of twelve, transform'd disguis'd
With's stranger Beard and Cloak, some meaner-priz'd
Th' other Beard worn by him) from's pleasant Place,
That lonely Garden-cabin, wary trace
(Fine, wall-joyn'd Summer-room) since having Dore
To th' open Feilds, which large-spread Fields before
The Countess Gardens Postern fitly'st lay;
Wood-cops adjoyn'd: thither be sure convay
That Coffin, there (conceal'd, close-sculking lye
Till whistles Sign perform'd; then, loaded hye
To th' Garden-door (worst past) where he'd attend him:
That soveraign Night his long'd-for Joyes should send him:
Ten being come at night, full fourteen hours,
No sign appear'd ith' Corps of living Pow'rs:
The Lady therefore Coffin'd then in hast
Slight Fun'rall-form, though dismall Torches cast
Sad, mournfull flames, some Weeping Houshold eyes
(Since was conceiv'd prime Bud of Rarities,
Belov'd, admir'd by all) such running State,
Was done to th' arched Vault conveighed strait
(In Shades) most neer their Gardens postern-dore:
Where by her Uncle's slumbring Corps (no more)
Lodg'd in those dolefull Chambers of the Dead.
Ere one oth' Clock somewhile (O Night of dread!
Mark'd dismall hour!) that Whoorish Jade, fore-nam'd,
(Laundress ith' house) whose heart long since inflam'd
Those Di'mon-rings, left in her Ruffian-wooer
By thievish stealth, through th' Gardens Postern-door
(Trick plotted so from Noon) for load conveighing
Fair Coffin stuff'd with earth (as charg'd obeying
His Wenches rules) well-clasp'd, Dorisbes size:
Whom boldly led short closest way to th' Prize:
Enter'd that shaded Vault, where, leaving's own,
Dorisbes precious Coffin (throughly known)
Hoys'd up in's armes, jog'd roundly forth at Dore
(Soft-lock'd again) which crafty'st further bore
From th' common Path (that Cops too neer, displeasing)
To poor, old, broken Cot: where shoulders easing
Doubly Rich load, indeed) with's Tools began
To break, unclasp; resolv'd those Rings to gain,
Or crop their Fingers if they sullen stuck.
Her Corps ordained then, for th' neighbouring Brook
(Dainty'st Fish-food) though Molten Chrystall Tomb,
Still Weeping o're her bones, 'twould thus become.
That Wench but newly gone, through Shades about;
Cautious Forenz, whose Chamber like some Scout
Open'd to th' Garden, blest, propitious chance
(Thinking indeed h'had weigh'd each Circumstance)
Stole with's dark Lanthorn down (though walking mus'd
Oft late) to th' Postern-door, where found as us'd
That's ready Key, left chiefly for his ease;
That might by th' early Dawn (if so did please).
Go forth, return, 'bout Life and Deaths Affairs.
Door being ope, he whistled strait, then stares
Upon that neighbouring Cops with forged Beard;
When forth the rous'd Therzames strait appear'd
With's Coffin all disguis'd, and forward pac'd
To th' Garden-door; from whence most softly trac'd
Behind his leading Chief (Forenz as trod
Some dismall Maze of death) to th' sad Abode
Oth' dead, the Vault; strait gazing wildly round,
Where sweet'st, belov'd Dorisbe might be found:
Ghost nigh become. So, nimbly, down with that
(Low cry'd Forenz) and help to take up strait
Your Mistress; pointing forth to th' Coffin then:
Ay-me! forlorn! (the poor Thersames when)
And have I found at length dead Mistress? cryes.
No, no (sayd th' other) whilst she lives; be wise;
Quick, take her up. Ah sweetest, dearest Soul
(Sayd he) my jealous Boading Heart! Controul
Those fonder thoughts (the stout Forenz replyd)
Away with her. Thus, hoys'd by eithers side
Their new false Coffin's born (the Garden-door
Soft closed, lock'd) their Cloaks thrown spreading o're
(Strange Fates abuse!) till, entred now the Feilds,
Path's justly fear'd; more comfort straying yeilds,
Wheeling about; Therrames mournfull Heart
Panting Death's solemn March, their Fun'rall-part
Bore sighing Lungs: till passing joyntly by
(Unwares) th' old broken Shepherds Cot, most nigh;
Th' arch-guilty Roague, strait going to Divorce
(Just then) those precious Fingers (dismall curse!)
From th' dainty'st hand, since could not from those Rings;
These judg'd Pursuer-like; forth madly flings
With horrour, Prize and Body left behind:
Part-view'd through th' open Wall, as glimring shind:
So that Forenz with's Lanthorn glanced in.
Where true Dorisbe (so, sad Corps) was seen.
Good heaven's (cry'd out Forenz) we're mock'd, abus'd;
Here lies Dorisbe. Fates and death! (Soul-bruis'd
Thersames cry'd) alas! and is this she?
Dear, truest Corps now, butcher'd, slain! sayd he;
Grasp'd, kissed her. No, no she breaths, she lives
(Sayd next Forenz, though strangely Amaz'd, misgives
Whilst th' honest Heart) 'tis onely deeper Trance
I cast her in; be cheer'd: with eagrest glance
Scouting th' whole body round, though then espy'd
Nor wound, nor seeming bruise: at last descry'd
Those Rings; skin rippl'd 'bout them, broke: Behold
Griev'd Youth (sayd he) those tempting Gems and Gold
That caus'd this grand Delusion; quick, convay
Her body hence: whilst he; Dear, dearest clay,
I shall not long survive thy Sweetness (cry'd)
Nor mine own Joy. Sh' has not least Bruise (reply'd
Forenz) no more; that soveraign Potion oft
I've us'd; quick, bear her hence. Thus closing soft
Her Coffins top, more ayre (though nimbly then
Their own stuff'd Coffin broke, through ready mean
Oth' fled Roagues borrow'd tools, least being found
Caus'd jealous Wonder; pouring th' Earth on ground
Planks took along) with quick though wary'st paces
Towards that Garden-cabin either traces.
Being safe Arriv'd, their dainty'st Corps anew
Was in th' warm Bed inter'd: Ah dismall view!
Deaths perfect draught! The poor Thersames cry'd;
Still mourning, weeping o're. With faith confide
In Heav'n and Art (said rarely'st skil'd Forenz)
She sleeps alone; by Three, thy greedy Sence
Please with Dorisbe and all her charming Graces.
O Heavens (said he again) what Rack surpasses
My torturing fears? so long? that needs not neither
(Reply'd Forenz) this cold Frost, cloudy weather,
Deaths fog, my Art much sooner can dispell;
So, clear th' all-fair, all-lovely Clime. From Hell
O then redeem poor me (Thersames cry'd)
As her from rapefull Death; whose Darling, pride
Long since become: scarce, scarcely he'l let her go.
Here powerfull'st Unguents, cordialls strait did show
Th' admir'd Forenz; how bath'd her Temples, Breast!
Rub'd, chaf'd, her then: Nor loyt'ring prov'd the least
Thersames, labouring for second Life
(Stoln mournfull Kisses oft) 'twas eager strife
Which should exceed: Till now, some half an hour
Thus spent, dissolv'd; their Seat each living Pow'r
(Awak'd) resum'd; she moving, warm became;
Both Cheeks and Lips thin-blossom'd o're: All Flame
Thersames when, she lives, she lives (he cry'd)
She moves; all Beauty, Virtue else had dy'd
With my Heart also: grasp'd her, Kisses then
Snatching such ravenous-wise (true Lovers Scean)
As though would that Life's sweet'st Advantage take
(Dear, dearest Flash) least soon the Corps forsake:
Or, fear'd her Modesty, would thus improve
That living Dream for's hunger-starved Love:
Kisses (indeed) whose kindest Larum more
Might waken at that sweetest Rubie-dore.
When, gently'st rouzing now, fresh, gallant Spring
Flowr'd on her Cheeks and Lips, forth seem'd to bring
Entomb'd lost Ravishments; Those radiant Eyes,
Lifes Day-break, as the worlds, their Chrystall Skies
Shone forth unclos'd. O Heavens (then said she)
Where am I? in what World? Madam, you be
In th' old one; safe, secure: Forenz reply'd.
Are you not Ghosts then? shadowes? strait she cry'd.
No Ghosts but men; soon answer'd they: Indeed
(Sayd she again)) that ghostly Vale, if Freed,
I travers'd pass'd but now; what you, Forenz?
Pray, where's Thersames? Rapt, transported whence
Since seem'd that pure Angellick Tongue to sound
His Name in favour forth, that instant crown'd
Lord of th' whole World) Dear Madam, here he cry'd)
Kneeling withall submisfull by your side
For Pardon, if his Love have least offended.
Alas! sayd she (therewith th' eyes gently bended,
Choyce blush) I thought not you had been so neer
Rise Sir, you ha't: which spoke translated here
To heav'n, those snowy Hands she kiss'd, then leap'd
T'her sweetest Lips. Sure I have soundly slept
(Sayd she) to night. Full fourteen hours; reply'd
Forenz. Strange! wondrous! hark, my Aunt (she cry'd)
My Mayd comes (gazing) Heavens bless me (then)
How strange my Chamber's alter'd! Smiling when
Th' ore-joy'd Forenz; Madam, y're now ith' Armes
And Bed of young Thersames, pow'rfull Charms
'Gainst Bugbear-spies; remote: Is't possible?
Sayd she agen. Most certain truth, to th' full:
Answer'd Forenz. Sweet Madam, let not that
Displease you (joyn'd low-bowing Thersames strait)
Loves over-sawcy Crime. It doth not, Sir
(Sayd she) but yet the Manner how does stir
My Souls amazement. Madam, you were drown'd
In deepest Trance, by th' potion (sayd profound
Forenz) thought Dead; next, by elev'n at night
Coffin'd, in th' Vault interr'd; ere morning Light
Stoln thence by us, false Coffin left ith' room:
Though after told her out th' whole story's sum.
Bless me (sayd she) and was I Voted, thought
Dead corps (nigh fainting) Coffin'd too? ith' Vault
Dolefull inter'd? My lifes dear Life you were
Thersames sayd. Dead, or alive, whatere
Methought (sayd she) those Feilds, that gloomy Wood
I trac'd, where wander'd thinnest Ghosts; 'twas good
You Vayl'd your dismall Project so from th' eye,
Scarce had I ventur'd on't. Nor truly had I,
Best Lady, least inform'd (Thersames se'd)
Expos'd you thus; though through Dispairing dead.
Come simple Punees (cry'd the unmatch'd Forenz)
Y'are both in Natures Schools; by powerfull means
Of this Device, you now may follow Home.
This brave Youth to his country, travail, roam
(If please) th' whole World, since marshall'd 'mongst the Dead,
My Self too safe, secure, unquestioned.
When sweetly'st she, with blushing smile displayd
Down-glance, The Gods indeed have Both convay'd
Strangely'st together thus (th' All-powerfull, Wise)
What ever else their joyn'd Divinities
Have fix'd, Ordain'd? 'Tis in your soveraign Pow'r
Dear gentlest Madam (cry'd Thersame) this hour
Next Voyce of Heav'n, to cloze up all for me
In blessedness. When, sweetly'st breathing she
Again, Since Heav'ns and You have manag'd it
Thus far (stupendious Work ineed) thought fit,
I yeild, resign me. Crown'd, exalted when,
Dear Madam, please but to confirm it then
(Sayd he) to th' Touch, with sweetest sealing Kiss:
Whose favour deign'd, he reap'd that single Bliss
Full ten times o're. When, richly'st blushing she,
You cannot blame (I hope) my Modestie.
Mean while (went on) Your selves since forc'd to those
Strange naked Pastures. On our humble Knees
Best Madam (cry'd Thersames) we should rather
Implore your pardon for't. As Beard-grown Father
To both (sayd then Forenz) Come, come despise
Such squeamish Toyes, poor simple Niceties
'Twixt Love-conjoyned brests; whom for a space
I now must leave intwin'd: sore words: Alas!
And will you leave me thus then? (strait reply'd
Dorisbe drooping, sad. Lo, there's (he cryd)
Your worthy'st Guardian, one that dares no wrong,
Will prize your Person; Fame (believe't) among
Things sacred: trust that noblest Character
I wrote of him. When strait petition'd her
Thersames too, for gracious Confidence
For why, that Night (howere) fain would Forenz
Be thought within; Key left ith' postern found;
From whence to's Chamber close and shaded ground:
Should early too, next morn, some physicall
Receits to th' young sick Cousin give withall.
By Seav'n he would not sayl t'attend her there,
When they'd provide for needful'st things to wear:
Priest last should be procur'd, for joyning fit.
Mean while with what Delights, how various sweet
Kisses discourse, th' enamour'd Youthfull Pair
Melted those Sugred hours! things new and rare,
Dainties as yet to both! much more Sublim'd
Through past fears, tortures, jealousies (though prim'd
Love-sweets become, when with both Armes and Lips
Th' Heart moves, kind sympathising temper keeps,
United Soules when seem t'embrace and kiss)
All modest, chast: Nights gentle shades their bliss
First (conscious) shrouding; then, the fainter Dawn
Peep'd glimmering Witness through, till Charret drawn
Forth rod the golden Day; through sundry choyce
Of Seasons variating more their Joyes:
Whilst hug'd Thersames thus (transported, 'prov'd)
Some Angell in death-smock; or Buriall-shroud:
Strange, mistick-fine possession of her there
Giv'n in's own Bed, from courteous Fate as 'twere.
His Man (besides) ith' Country then to view
Some neerest Friends; thus, nought oth' Coffin knew.
By sev'n return'd Forenz, when 'twas agreed,
Thersames (since less known) should bring wth speed
Some Silk Gowns ready made, for th' present use;
With Linnen; all things needfull else, and Spruce:
Which task how gladly embrac'd! in no long time
Brought Choyce of all: one fit-siz'd Gown, the prime
Dorisbe chose; unseen, though view'd them there
Ith' Bed-chamber, nor would Forenz appear.
Thus, being Bride-like drest, ere long their hands
Priest closely link'd in Hymenean Bands;
The Lady veyl'd; Thersames with Forenz
Disguis'd in those false Beards: less danger thence.
Next blisfull Night was payd ith' Garden bow'r
Wedding-joyes totall Sum, loves Golden show'r:
Dear, sweet'st Dorisbe now (contemning harms)
New-tranc'd and bury'd in her Lovers armes.
Those Coffins blaz'd themselves with Fun'rall fire.
Short time she stayd in Town for cloathes, attire;
Till, furnish'd like Thersames Wife, Forenz
Saw them Sarmara leave; new coach'd from thence:
Though breath'd both sides in Tears their last Farwell.
Thus did this Lady honour'd, happy dwell
Far off, remote (most plenteous too) till dead
Her Countess-Aunt, Sarmara visited
Neer-hand: was to her Brother late unclouded;
Made known; though from Ortheris fitly shrouded.
Though Both did thus their Story rayse, advance
For best to th' view; That, through Lethargick Trance
(Thought that new Pestilence) with hast inter'd,
That Villain stole her thence, most likely (as heard)
Imploy'd t'obtain those Gems; till, passing by
Thersames, nimbly'st fled: Who painfully
(Judging her Noblest-rank'd, perhaps not dead
But Tranc'd, signes found) convey'd her to his Bed;
Ere long through's care Restor'd: whose earnest Love,
Known generall worth, did Marriage-motives prove;
For Life too (strongest Scoar) most dearly engaged:
Though known, her Father thence might turn enraged.
This ended, from the side spruce comly Pair
March'd slowly forth, whose Hands conjoyned are;
Most cheerfull-ey'd, fresh-cheek'd to boot; so fine
Their Habit, Garb, some Bridall thence did shine;
Forenz, Ardian these indeed (Belov'd
Nurse to Flostel) whom, Widow then, approv'd
Still handsome youthfull Piece; Neat-fashion'd, bred
Money'd, rich-farm'd for life (neer gains Well-head
Sarmara Town) the Doctor stoutly woo'd;
Soon won, ore-came: though secret Wedding show'd;
For which Offence Flostellas pardon there
Both humbly ask'd: who (sparkling Smiles howe're)
Wish'd them chief Marriage-joy; 'twas sport become,
New Masque of jolly mirth, to all the Room.
Th' ore-joy'd Thersames and Dorisbe though
Most gladly embraced him, t'whom speaking low,
Thus sayd Forenz; I hope you passed by
My Potions part, ith' late strange History,
As 'twas resolv'd, agre'd: They told him, Yes;
'Twas wisely done: thus ended all in bliss,
Short running Banquet though, for sweeter cloze;
When all withdrew, sought Natures calm repose:
Though second Wedding-night that prov'd as 'twere
(Loves joyes reviv'd) to th' late forlorn Orthere.
(Thus (Reader) from these Towry heights we view
Spread Cottage-plains, with Pastorall troops, anew;
Those two gentile-born Nymphs, Duicenza fair
Marpesa, in chief; to whom (kind noblest care)
Polindor wrot apart, with his own hand:
In which did (first) Confess th' obliging Band,
His great Ingagement for their Virgin-loves;
In th' second place with Pen conjuring moves
Their joyn'd Beliefs, that he nought disesteem'd
Their Persons, Parts, or Birth; since worthy'st deem'd:
But rather prov'd (as then) less freely Inclin'd
To setled Marriage, of untuned mind
To th' rustick Plains, besides some secret Fate
Ordain'd him for Floztels espoused mate:
Although he should their precious memories
Still strongly Love, eheir persons chastly prize
Next to his own Wife; rest to th' clozing end
(If prov'd) their Reall, true, commanded Friend.
These Lines instil'd to eithers Mayden brest
Some Balmy comfort (sorest wound, unrest
(Indeed) where true Love seems disdain'd and scorn'd)
Though both of them with Show'rs of Pearl adorn'd
Their blubber'd Lines; as if from thence should Grow
Those precious, dear Love-fruits, which late did flow
Dropt from his gentle Pen, as Relicks kept;
Began both now with melting hearts t'accept
Their constant Servants, who had pin'd for them;
Brave Youths, gentilest-born, each deem'd as Gem;
(Menander, whom, Sirenus we did call)
Fair-fortun'd like their Mistresses withall:
Though both the Womens portions doubled by
Ortheris were, through friendly'st courtesie
(Those summs left free to their own pow'r, disposing)
Such ardent Fires these gallant Youths disclosing;
More love not bare those Nymphs to th' Lord Polind.
Two severall Wedding daies they chose, design'd;
Each celebrating thus that others Feast,
Kind Partners in't; both happy Wives and blest.
All which, their Parents too, as first they were
(Most part) Joynt-sufferers with Duke Orthere;
Sharing with him that peacefull'st pastorall Life;
So when, recover'd thus his dearest Wife,
Scean chang'd for Home; They also, still his train
Kind Shadowes as it were, took leaves oth' Plain
Four years consum'd (as if in honour trod
His Steps) return'd to their gentile Abode.
And now Flostellas House was free'd from guests,
Wedding-coyl, business o're; those Masquings, Feasts,
Gay costly triumphs; Progress time become:
Th' ore-joy'd Ortheris now his ancient Home,
With's dear New-liv'd Kalaspe, long'd to view
(Since growing Friends, part-reconcil'd anew
To th' gentler-visag'd World) that stately Seat,
Where next to his own King (indeed) most great,
Powerfull, transcendent liv'd, for fourteen year
(Though prov'd the Court his constant glistring Spear)
'Twas Place, for all respects, magnificent,
Prince-like esteem'd (th' House, Gardens, Large extent
Of Lordship, Park adjoyn'd) became his might;
First, greatest Peer, next, greatest Favourite.
Thither the Duke, with all that Courtly train
Joyfull arriv'd; where viewed o're again
Like pompous Scean, with like triumphant Feast,
For sweet Dorisbes Nuptiall sake exprest.
His own Feast too, more providentiall fashion,
Happen'd just then; whose gladsome Celebration
With yearly Zeal was still perform'd, and now
Wore sumptuous Plenties on its smiling brow:
Sack flowing there, rich Fount his Conduits womb,
Whence Streamed forth th' old Falern Grape, become.
Before, and since those Storms disastrous blew,
The world more constant Couple never new;
Though Pattern equaliz'd it was, to th' full,
By both those younger Payrs; love-miracle.
Huge mounting Portion then to's Son, the brave
Thersames, with belov'd Dorisbe he gave:
Though present fair Estate, to boot, with one
Prime gallant House, the Lord Polindor's grown.
Just when Polindor's Feast, gave up Life-breath
That wild young King, mere surffetted to death:
Whose humerous Folly sensuall Lust the Realm
Five years (alas) did sadly'st Cloud, ore-whelm.
When's Uncle seiz'd the Crown to th' Duke Orthere
Kind Friend, as was his Royall brother, ere;
Confirming strait to him his Ancient pow'r,
Who humbly Waved all that very hour;
Grown since withdrawn, retir'd (howere, for place
First-rank'd Arcadian Peer, as for wealths blaze,
Honour'd, belov'd to boot) Self-conquering Mind
More strange, Polindor though great heights declin'd:
Convinc'd by's Father's change of late, how bowing
Those lofty Spires; Flostellas self allowing:
Yet was made Duke in her dead Fathers room,
Arplast; Thersames too new Lord become;
Whose owne Inheritance, conjoyn'd to that
Grand portion giv'n, made up good Lords Estate.
And now at length, the lovely'st Bride was woo'd
T'her Husbands new brave Mansion, thither rod;
Harmonious-joyning guests with whom did go
Th' whole Troop; no Churls Forenz, Ardina too
(Though th' Parents left behind) whose pompous Gate
Now drawing neer, Polindor (as did wait
To quit kind former Scoars) with sobrest Kiss
Her Mistress made of all, entitled his.
'Twas needfull time House-warmings there began,
Whose goodly'st-modell'd Structure th' art of Man,
Prospective seat the skill of Nature vaunted;
Fine Gardens, joyning Park, Groves rarely planted:
'Twixt these their Mansion bow'rs divided were
Those twofold various Seasons of the Year.
Polindor Rul'd without; hearts soveraign Queen
So wish'd, desir'd; whilst Mistress she's within
He'd have it so: and Mistress without door
In what might raise, advance, her Pleasure more:
So, crossing least her self, she crossed him.
Thus, both their powerfull little World did seem
To share, as those grand Heaven luminaries
Rule night and day, two still but one Soul marries:
Both, like to Twins (as 'twere) incorporated,
Going one way, whatever lov'd or hated:
So like prov'd their Affections, Eccho, Shades
T'one seem'd to th' other still; one Pulse they had.
As when some Musick-string you sounding touch,
Another, Eight to that, will tremble much
Through rare, kind, Sympathizing force; ev'n so
Their Turtle-brests like secret pantings show:
One stock of joy and grief, as of estate,
Serv'd both; t'ones Eye seem'd Glass oth' others fate.
And if least differing Mind, those thoughts were either
Veyl'd, gently hid; or Wisdome, Love together
Soon strook conjoyning Cloze: as, when trench made,
One wandring Stream does speedily invade
Anothers channel-road; till mingled, Lost:
Thus, seem'd their strife but Dandling ball at most.
So good, Both, so discreet (intruth) appearing,
That, who e're Yields, small danger of much Erring.
Scarce parted they, and parted then no longer,
Then serious Buisness, sports, made Passion stronger;
Rays'd, quicken'd Appetite; through daintier Kisses
Endearing Love-delights sometimes, love blisses.
'Midst all their store as choycest Crown and Gem
Viewing each other still, whereby did seem
(Whilst Moon-like moving in their sev'ral Sphear)
As each the others Phœbus, dear Sun were;
From whence its borrow'd light and comfort darted;
In whose armes Circle shew'd all joyes imparted:
Where sweetli'st snatch'd from their own Selves surpriz'd
To pleasing Extasies, imparadiz'd,
Lo, Virtue, Love, which blazon'd worthy'st be
Star-coat of armes; Skie-mounted heraldry.
For close of all; fair Monumentall Shrine
Over that Dust of noblest Astorin
Polindor thankfull rays'd; Inscrib'd above
These words; Devote to true unhappy Love.
His dainty'st bowry Green, and blisfull Cave
To's good old Host, oth' Town Tregor, he gave.
His Fathers Grange on him confer'd, to those
His neighbouring Swains was left, at full dispose;
VVho yearly Feasted there, sung forth to Fame
Renown'd Polindor and Flostellas Name.