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Full text of "A mirour for magistrates : being a true chronicle historie of the vntimely falles of such vnfortunate princes and men of note as haue happened since the first entrance of Brute into this iland, vntill this our latter age"

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,  \J4i^Z^^ /Sen 


Thomas  SackvilleEarl  of  Dorfet 

From  the  Original  at  Khowle. 


John  Thane 


Mirour  for  Magistrates  Newly  enlarged  wit 
last  Part,  called  A  Winters  Nights  Vision, 
with  a  Poem  annexed,  called  England's 
Eliza.  Woodcuts,  bound  in  3  vols.  4to.  brown 
calf  extra,  gilt  edges.  Very  fine  copy, 
with  the  2  very  scarce  Dedicatory  Sonnets, 
£3.13s6d      -J+IZiZZr  7<?4j.  1610 

This  copy  was  formerly  priced  Twelve  Guineas. 


'  A  m 

MIROVR 

FOR  MAGI- 
STRATES: 

BEING  A  TRVE  CHRONICLE 
HIS  TOR  IE  OF  THE  VNTIMELY 
falles  of  fuch  vnfortunatc  Princes  and  men  of  note, 
*s  haue  happened ftnee  the firjl  entrance  of  Brute 
into  this  IIand,vntill  this  our 
latter  Age. 

NEWLY  ENLARGED  WITH  A  LAST 
part,  called  A  Winter  nights  Vifioni  being  an  addition 
efjuch  Tragedies, efpecially  famous ,m  are  exempted 
in  the  former  Hiftorie,with  a  Poem  annexed, 
called  Englands  Eliza. 


f  Imprinted  by  Fe/tx  ULyngHon* 


r  z  a  J  a  in  ngf 

' '.-V       '  vt      •"  Jy  v  -*A"T 


TO  THE  NOBILI- 

TIE  AND  ALL  OTHER  IN 
OFFICE,  GOD  GRANT  E  N- 
creafe  of  wKdome,  with  all  things  necef- 
farie  for  preferuation  of  their  ettates. 

Mongft  the  wife(right  Hono- 
rable) whofe  fentences  (for 
themoft  part)  tend  either  to 
teach  the  attaining  of  vertue 
or  efchewing  of  vice,  Vlotttius  TUtinm. 
that  wonderful  and  excellent 
Philofopher  hath  thefe  words :  The  property  of 
Temperance  is  to  couct  nothing  which  may  be 
repented:  not  to  exceed  the  bands  of  meafure, 
and  to  keepe  Defire  vnder  theyoke  of  Reafon. 
Which  faying  if  it  were  fo  well  knowne,  as  it  is 
needfull;  fo  well  embraced,  as  is  wifhed;  orfo 
furely  fixed  in  mind,as  it  is  printed  in  his  works : 
then  certes  many  Chriflians  might  by  the  inftru- 
aion  of  an  Ethnicke  Philofopher/ fhun  great 
and  dangerous  perils.  For  to  couet  without 
confederation,  to  paffe  the  meafure  of  his  de- 

A  2  gree, 


The  EpiStle  Dedkatorie. 

gree,and  to  let  will  run  at  randon,is  the  only  de- 
ftru&ipn  of  all  eftates.Elfe  how  were  it  poflible, 
fo  many  learned,  politicke,wife,  renowned,va~ 
liant,  and  vi&orious  perfonages,  might  euer 
haue  come  to  fuch  vtter  decay?For  example,we 
haue  ^Alexander  the  Great,^/*r,  T?omfey\iyrus* 

Quintus  ^»»/W,&c.Allwhich(bydefircofglorie)fclc 
^mtm*    the  reward  of  their  immoderate  and  infatiable 
lufts :  for \{  Alexander  had  bin  content  with  Ma- 
cedonie,  or  not  been  puft  vp  with  pride  afrer  his 
triumphes,he  had  neuer  been  fo  miferabliepoi- 
foned.  If  fefar  and  Pompey  had  been  fatisfied 
with  their  vi&ories,  and  had  not  fell  to  ciuill  dik 
fenfion^the  one  had  not  been  flaine  in  the  Se- 
nate with  daggers,  nor  the  other  abroad,  by 
lu&mus     their  friends  procurement.  VtCyrm  had  bin  plea- 
P-1,       fed  with  all  Perfia,&Media,and  not  thirfted  for 
blood,he  had  neuer  come  to  fo  infortunate  a  fal. 
So  if  Hanmbalh&dnot  fo  much  delighted  in  glo- 
TteurchM.  .  o£ warfarC)     coQtry  had  neither  fel  in  mine, 

WoiybtHs.    nor  he  bin  miferably  forced  to  poy  fon  himfelfe. 

But  you  will  fay,defire  of  fame«,glorie,renowne3 
and  immortalitie(to  which  all  men  well  nigh  by 
nature  arcinclined,  cfpecially  thofe  which  ex- 
cell  or  haue  any  lingular  gift  of  fortune  of  the 
bodie)  moued  them  to  fuch  dangerous/ great, 

and 


7  he  tptsile  Dedic  atone. 

and  hardy  enterprifes^which  muft  needs  becoa- 
feffed  as  an  infallible  veritie:and  therefore  I  fure- 
ly  deemcthofe  Princes  aboue  fpecified  (conii- 
dering  their  fortunes,  fame,  and  exploits)  had 
neuer  come  to  fuch  end,  but  for  want  of  tempe- 
rance. And  now iith  there  are  three  other  Cardi- 
nal vertues  which  are  requifit  in  him  that  (hould 
beinauthoritic:thatis  to  fhy3 Prudence Juftice, 
and  Fortitude,  which  fo  wonderfully  adorne 
and  beautifie  all  cftates  (if  Temperance  be  with 
them  adioyned,that  they  mouc  the  very  enemies 
with  admiration  to  praife  thcm)fome  peraduen- 
ture(as  affe&ion  leads)  will  commend  one,fomc 
another :  as  AriHotU  the  Prince  of  Philofophers  .  .rt 
names  Prudence,  the  mouier  of  vertues,  but  (7-  Cicero. 
redefines  her  the  knowledge  of  things  which  Prudence. 
ought  to  bedefired  and  followed,  and  alfo  of 
them  which  ought  to  be  fled  and  efchewed ;  yet 
you  (hall  finde  that  for  want  of  Temperance, 
fome  which  were  counted  very  wife,  fell  into 
wondcrfull  reproch  and  infamie.But  Iuftice  that 
incomparable  vertuc,  (as  the  ancient  Ciuilians 
define  her)  is  a  perpetual  and  conftant  wil  which 
giucthtoeuerymanhisright,yetif(hce  be  not 
conftant,which  is  the  gift  of  Fortitudejnor  equal 
indifcerning  right  from  wrong,wherein  i  s  Pru- 

A  3  dence  j , 


The  EpiBle  Ttedicdtdrie. 

denccjnor  vfe  proportion  in  Judgement  am!  fen* 

tence*whicb'p^ 

neuer  be  called  equitie  or  iuftke,  but  U  iuAy  'de- 
ceit, iniufticc  and  iniurie.  And^to  fpeak  ofrorti- 
mimde.   ctide^which ( Wirti  defi neth,a  conffderat'e  vnder^ 
tcero*      taking  of  perils;  and  enduring  of  labours  5  ithc 
whom  we  fuppofe  ftout,  valiant,  and  of  good 
courage^wantPrudencejIuftice^orTemperaricej 
he  is  not  cbuntedwife;  righteous  and  cohftant, 
but  fottifl^rude  anddefperate.ForTempefanc6 
Ttcero.      (faith  Cicero)  is  of  reafon  in  luft  and  other  cuill 
r<mterance.  ^mk§  df  the  mirtd, a  Hire  and  moderate  dbmi- 
nion  and  rule.This  noble  vertue  is  diuidediritb 
three  parts,that  is^Continencie^lemeneiejand 
Modefty^Iiich  well  obferued  and  kept(if  grace 
be  to  theni  adioyried)it  is  impoffibfe  for  fiifft  that 
is  endued  with  the  aboue  named  vertuesieuerib 
fall  into  the  infortunate  fnares  of  calanVrtie,  or 
ifcisfortune;BubAmbit^ 
deiire  ofhonor^rule^dominionjandfupferidfit^i 
(the  very  deftru&ion  of  nobilitie  and  common 
weales  jas  among  the  Romans;  SythyMatwsfiar* 
bo^inna,  Catiline  fPomfey  and  C<cfar>  are  witnef- 
fes)  hath  brought  great  decay  to  our  coun trey, 
and  countrey-men.  Eut  I  haue  hccre  (Right 
Honorable)  in  this  booke  only  reprbUed 


The  Epiffle  T)edicatorie. 

ly  in  thofe  which  are  heedlefle.-Iniury  in  ex- 
tortioners, raiimcflc  in  venterers,  treacherie 
intraytours,  riot  in  rebels,  and  excefle  mfueh 
as  fupprefle  not  vnruly  affe&ions.  Now  I  trutt 
you  will  io  thinke  of  it  (although  the  itiledc- 
feiue  not  like  commendation)  as  you  thought 
of  the  othcrpart.  Which  if  you  lhall,  I  doubt 
not  but  it  may  pleafure  fome  i  if  not,  yet  giue 
occafionto  others  which  can  do  better,  either 
to  amend  thefe,  or  to  publith  their  owne^And 
thus  wilhing  your  Prudence  to  difcernewhat 
is  meetforyour  callings,  Iwftice.u*  die  admi- 
niftration  of  your  fun&ions,  Fortitude  in  the 
defence  ofyourCoimtrey,and  remperanceia 
^modef^tion  ot  all  your  affedions,  with  en- 
creafe  of  honors,  and  euerlaftjmg  felicity : 
I  bid  you  in  ChrirtTefus  farewell  Ac 
W  inceham  the  7.  day  of  Decem- 
ber 1  <r  8  6 

Tour  WoH  humhU In  the  Lord* 


3  U  !T 


lOHN  HlGINS. 


TO  THE  READER. 

0  acquaint  you  in  briefe  with  what  is  dontin  this  irri* 
pref  ion: know  that  theverjeisin proportion  bymea~ 
jure,  andtnfymphonieor  rithmos,  in  diners  places 
amended  •  tbejioriein feme  places  falfeand  corrupt 
ted,  made  historically  true  •  the  tragedies  wrongly  inserted ,di§o- 
fedsn  their  proper  places,  according  to  iujf  computation  of  time  I 
thofeneuer  before  collected  in  one  volume,  publijhed in  this  im- 
predion.:  for  the  forme  and  frameof the  whole  hijlorie  Idid  in- 
tend to  haue  reduced  it  into  the  fane  ordery  whUh  lhaue  obferr 
tied  in  my  Additions  i  but  preuented  by  other  occafions,  I  bint 
thus  dige fled  it:  The  tragedies  from  the  time  of  Brute  to  the 
Conqueft  I  haue  left, with  dependencie  vpon  that  Induction  writ- 
ten by  M.  Higins :  Thofe  from  the  Conqueft  to  this  our  lafi  age, 
that  #3  to  the  fall  of  the  Lord  Cromwett/xcellently  well  penned 
by  M.  Dray  ton,  hath  reference  to  that  golden  Preface  ialled 
M.  Sackuils  Induction.  After  thefe  1 haue placed  my  Addi- 
tions, the  falles  offuch  Princes  as  were  before  omitted, 
and  my  Poem  or  Hymne  ofthelatedead  grnent 
ef famous  memorie.  in  all  which  1  require  no 
§ther  gratification  formypaines,  but  a 
gentle  cenfure  of  my  imper- 
fections. 


THE 


THE  CONTENTS 

of  the  bookc 


OwYlngA/frafraft  theyongeft  fonneof 
j5m/^,andfir{iKrngofAibanie  (now 
called  Scotland)  was  flaine  by  King 
Humber.  Pag.  I . 

2  How  Uamber  the  King  of  Huns 
minding  to  conquer  Britain,was  drow- 
ned in  the  arme  of  fea  now  called  Hum- 

U  ber. 

3  How  King  Locrmits  the  el  deft  fon 
of  Brutus  liued  vicioufly,  and  was  flaine  in  battellby  his  wife 
Queene  Gwendoline.  -  .  22a 
'    4  How  Queene          the  Concubine  of  King  Locrmm^m 
miferablie  drowned  by  Queene  Gwendoline.  27. 

5  How  the  Ladie  Sa  brine  daughter  of  King  Locrmtu  and  EU 
firide,  was  drowned  by  Queene  Gwendoline.  ,  5 

6  How  King  MacUn  for  his  euill  life  was  flaine  by  wolues.44. 

7  How  King  U*f*//»  was  flaine  by  his  brother  King 

^8  How  King  Memfricim  giuen  all  to  luft/was  deuourcd  by 

^  ^How King  Bladad  taking  on  him  to  file,  fell  vpon  the  Tcm- 
pie  oftsfpollo,  and  brake  his  necke.  53* 

10  How  Qjeene  £W//<*  in  defpatre  flew  her  felfe.  59. 

1 1  How  King  Morgan  of  Albany  was  flaine  at  Glamorgan  in 
Wales.  t  *9* 

1 1  How  King  tag*  died  of  the  Letharote.  ja- 
il How  Kin*i  Form:  was  flaine  by  his  brother  King  Por- 

14  How  King  Porr,?*  which  flew  his  brother,  was  ilainc  by 
fcis owne  mother  and  her  maidens.  ij- How 


The  Contents 


1 5  How  King  Pinnar  was  flainc  in  battell  by  Mulmucins  &on- 
pralla*.  80. 

1 6  How  King  Stater  was  flaine  in  battell  by  Mulmuciw  Don- 
waiio.  .  &2. 

1 7  How  King  Rudacke  of  Wales  was  flaine  in  battell  by  M'4- 
mucin*  Don^allo^  8  3 . 

1 8  How  the  noble  King  Brennm  after  many  triumphant  victo- 
ries, at  the  fiegc  of  Delphos  in  Greece  flew  himfelfe.  86\ 

10  How  King  Ktmarus  was  deuoured  by  wildebeafts.  103. 

20  How  King  Morindpu  wasdeUouredby  amonfter  io6"# 

21  How  King  Emer'tanns  for  his  tyrannie  was  dcpofed,  110. 

22  How  King  C/W/w/^.f  giuen  to  drunkenneffe,  raigned  but 
oneyeare.  III. 

2  3  How  King  Varianus  gauc  himfelf  to  y  lufts  of  y  flc  fh.  1 1 2. 
24  How  the  woithie  Bruaine  Duke  Nenmus  encountred  with 
Julms  Cafari anc^ was  vnfortunateiy  flaine.  1 14. 

2  5  How  the  Lord  Irenglat  cofin  to  King  GaffibellatiejNZS  flainc 
by  the  Lord  Elenine  cohx\  to  Androgens  Earle  of  London.  123. 

26  How  Cams  lulius  fafar,  which  firft  made  this  Rcalme  tri- 
butorie  to  the  Romans,  was  flaine  in  the  Senate  houfe.  129. 

27  How  Qlaudiut  T/^r/»/ A^r^EmperourofRome,  was  poi- 
fbnedby  C^////C^//^»/^.  !  13$. 

28  How  CMUsCafarCaligulaEmpevour  of  Rome,  was  flainc 
by  Cherea  and  others. 

29  How  Guiderius  King  of  Britaine,  the  elder  fonne  of  Ctmba- 
Iwe,  was  flaine  in  battell  by  a  Roman.  146. 

30  Ho  w  Lelius  Hamo  the  Romane  Captainewas  flaine  after 
the  (laughter  of  Qutderius.  t  -4  8. 

31  How  Claudius  Tiberius  Drufus  Emperour  ofRcme,  was 
poilbned  by  his  wife  Agr'tppiva*  *49. 

32  How  the  Emperour  Damitius  Ner  0 liued  wickedly  and  ty- 
rannoufly,  and  in  the  end  miferablie  flew  himfelre.       -  152, 

33  How  Sergius  Galba  the  Emperour  of  Rome  f  giuen  to 
.flaughtcr,ambitionv&  gluttony)w  as  flaine  by  the  fouldiqrs.  155. 

34  How  the  vicious  Stilus  Otho  Emperour  6f  Rome,  flew 
himfdVc.  i\J. 

3  5  How  Attlus  Vitellius  Emperour  of  Rome,came  to  an  vft&r- 
tunatcend.  *S0. 

36  How 


The  Contents. 

3  6  How  Londrkus  the  Pi<5l  was  flaine  by  King  Marias  ofBri- 
taine.  161. 

37  How  Seuerus  the  Emperour  of  Rome  and  Gouernour  of 
Britaine  was  flaine  at  Yorke,  fighting  againtt  the  Pi6b,       1 63 . 

38  How  Fulgentius  a  Scythian  or  PiS,  was  flaine  at  the  flcge 
ofYorke.  167. 

39  How  Geta  the  yonger  fonne  of the  Emperour  Senerus  once 
Gouernour  of  Britaine,  was  flaine  in  his  mothers  armcs,  by  his 
brother  Anthonie  Emperour  of  Rome.  1 70. 

40  How  Aureltm  Anton'ms  Bajfiar.us  Caracalla  Emperour  of 
Rome,  was  flaine  by  one  of  his  ownc  feruants.  1 74. 

41  HowC^rr^/aHusbandmansfon,  and  after  King  of  Bri- 
tainc, was  flaine  in  battell  by  AlcBus  a  Romane.  1 8 

42  How  Queene  Helena  of  Britaine  maried  ConTtantins  the 
Emperour,  and  much  aduanccd  the  Chriftian  faith  through  the 
whole  world.  289. 

43  How  Vortiger  dettroyedthe yong  King  Conftantine, and 
how  he  obtained  the  crowtie :  &  how  after  many  miferies  he  was 
miferablie  burnt  in  his  Cattle  by  the  brethren  of  Conjfavtme.ioi . 
-  44  How  V rer  Vendraoon  was  inamoured  on  the  wife  of  Goro- 
lus  Duke  of  Cornewal,  whom  he  flew,and  after  was  poyfoned  by 
the  Saxons.  2i$. 

45  How  Cadwailuderiht  laft  King  of  the  Britaines,  was  expel- 
led by  the  Saxons,  wenttoRome,  and  thcreliuedin  a  religious 
boufe.  2Ip# 

46  How  Sigebert  forhis  wicked  life  was  thruft  from  his  throne 
and  mi  ferablie  flaine  by  an  heardfman.  225. 

47  How  Ladie  Ebhdid  flea  her  nofe  and  vpper  lip  away  to 
iaueher  virginitte.  235. 

48  How  King  Egelred  for  his  wickednes  was  diuerfly  diflref- 
led  by  the  Danes,  and  lattly  died  for  forrow.  ,  230. 

49  How  King  Harrold  had  continual!  warre  with  the  Danes, 
with  the  Norway  King,  with  his  brother  Tottias,  and  wasat laft 
flaine  in  battell  by  mlltam  the  Conquerour.  245. 

From  the  Conquest. 

50  yi.Sackuih  Induction.  255. 

5 1  How  the  two  "Rogers  furnamed  ^Mortimers,  for  their  fun- 
drie  vices  ended  their  hues  vnfortunately.  271. 

52  The 


The  Contents. 

$2  The  fall  of^rfT^  and 
other  his  feilowes,  for  mifconftruing  the  Lawes,and  expounding 
them  to  fcrue  the  Princes  affections.  27^. 

5  3  How  Sir  Thorns  of WoodftockeDuke  of  Gloceftcr  vi,clct6 
King  Richard  the  fecond,  was  vnlawfully  murthered.  281. 

54  How  the  Lord  tJHowbrej,  promoted  by  King  Richardthc 
fecond  to  the  ftate  of  a  Duke,  was  by  him  bahiflied  the  Rcalmc, 
and  after  died  miferablie  in  exile.  287. 

55  How  King  Richard  the  fecond  was  for  his  euill  goucrnance 
depofed  from  his  feat,  and  murthered  in  prifon.  20$. 

$6  How  Owen  Glendour  feduced  by  falfe  prophefies,tooke  vp- 
on  him  to  be  Prince  cf  Wales,  and  was  by  Henrie  Prince  of  Eng. 
land  chafed  to  the  mountaines,whcre  he  miferablie  died  for  lackc 

of  food.  '  *Pf 

57  How  Henri*  Percie  Ezvle  of  Northumberland,  was  tor  his 
couetous  and  trayterous  attempt  put  to  death  at  Yorke.  303. 

58  How  Richard<TUntagenetEn\c  of  Cambridge,  intending 
the  Kings  deftru&ion,  was  put  to  death  at  Southhampton.   3  07. 

59  How  Thomas  CMontagxeEzvlc  of  Salisburie,  in  the  mid- 
deft  of  his  glory  was  vnfortunately  flaine  at  Oleance  with  a  peece 
of  Ordnance.  '-'J.  3°9* 

60  How  Dame  Eleanor  Cobham  Ducheffe  of  Gloceiier,  tor 
pra&ifing  of  Witchcraft  and  forcerie  Suffered  open  penance,  and 
afterward  was  banifhed  the  Rcalme  into  the  He  of  Man.      3 1 7. 

6*1  How  HHmfreyrPlantagenet  Duke  of Gloceftcr,  Proteclor 
of  England,  during  theminoritie  of  his  nephew  King  Henrie  the 
fixt,  commonly  called  the  good  Duke,by  praflife  of  enemies  was 
brought  to  confuiion.  .  3  27» 

62  How  Lox&mlliamdeU  fV*Duke  of  Suftolkc,  was  wor- 
thily banifhed  for  abufing  his  King,  and  caufingthe  deftru&ion 
of  the  good  Duke  Humfrey.  34°* 

63  How /*<r£C^  naming  himfelfe  CMortimer,  traytcroufly 
rebelling  againft  his  King,  was  for  histrcafons  and  cruell  doings 
worthily  punifhed.  .  345* 

64  The  tragedieof  Edmund  Duke  of  Somerfct,  flaine  in  the 
firft  battell  at  S.  Albons,  in  the  32.  yearc  of  Henrie  the  fixt.  3  50. 

6<  How  Rtcktrd PlantagenetDuVc  ofY ork,was  flaine  through 
his  rafa  boldne{Tc,and  his  fonnc  the  Earle  of  Rutlaad  for  his 

lackc 


The  Contents. 

lacke  of  valiancie.  3  6*«. 

66  How  the  Lord  Clifford  fox  his  Grange  and  abominable  cru- 
cltie,came  to  as  Grange  andfuddenadcath.  365. 

67  The  infamous  end  of  Lord  TiptoftEnvlc  of  Worcefter,  for 
cruelly  executing  his  Princes  butcherly  commandemcnts.    3  67. 

68  How  Sir  Richard  NentlEzxXt  of  Warwicke,  and  his  bro- 
ther lohn,  Lord  Marquette  CMontacvte,  through  their  too  much 
boldneffe  were  flaine  at  Barnet.  371. 

69  How  King  Henry  the  fixtavertuousPrincc3was  after  many 
other  miferies  cruelly  murthered  in  the  Tower  of  London.  37 

70  How  George  'Tlantagenet  third  fon  of  the  Duke  of  Yorke, 
Was  by  his  brother  King  Edward  wrongfully  imprifonedy  and  by 
his  brother  2^-W^miferablie murthered.  380. 

71  How  King  Edward  the  fourth  through  his  furfetting  &  vn- 
temperate  life/uddenly  died  in  the  midit  of  his  profperity.  392. 

72  How  Six.Anthonie  Woodxile  Lord  Riuers  andScales>  Go- 
uernour  of  Prince  Edward,  was  with  his  nephew  Lord  Richard 
Grey  and  other  caufeleiTc  imprifoned  and  cruelly  murthered.  394. 

73  How  the  Lord  Haftmgs  wasbetrated  by  trufxing  too  much 
to  his  euill  counfeilour  Catefby,  and  villanouily  murthered  in  the 
Tower  of  London  by  RichardDuke  of  Glocefter.  411. 

74  The  complaint  of  Renrle  Duke  of  Buckingham.  433. 
7$  How  Col'mgberne  was  cruelly  executed  for  making  a 

Rime.  45  5  • 

76  The  wilfull  fallofthcBlack-fmith,  and  the  foolifli  end  of 
the  Lord  nAudley.  463 . 

77  How  the  valiant  Knight  Sir  Nicholas  B xrdetyChkfe  Butler 
of  Normandie,  was  flaine  at  Pontoife.  477. 

78  How  Shores  wife,King  Edward  the  fourths  Concubinc,was 
by  King  Richard  dzfyoWzd  of  her  goods,  and  forced  to  do  open 
penance.  404. 

79  How  Thomas  Woolfey  did  arifc  vnto  great  author]  tic  and 
goucrnmentj  his  maner  oflife^pompe  and  dignitic,&  how  he  fell 
downeinto  great  difgrace.and  was  arretted  of  high  treafon.  506. 

80  How  the  Lord  Cromwell  exalted  from  meanc  eitatc^wis  af- 
ter by  the  enuie  of  the  Billiop  of  Winchefter  and  other  his  com- 
plices brought  to  vntimely  end.  520. 


The 


*The  Contents. 


The  Additions. 

%i  The  life  and  death  of  King  Arthur.  $61* 
8  2  The  life  and  death  of  King  Edmund  Irjtfide*  5  85  r 

8  3  The  life  and  death  of  Prince  Alfred.  603. 
.   84  The  life  and  death  of  Qodmn  Earle  of  Kent.  617. 

85  Thelife  and  death  of  Robert  furnamed  Curthofe  Duke  of 
Normandie.  ^3 x* 

86  Thelife  and  death  of  King  Richard  the  firft  furnamed  Cmur 
deLion.  6 59. 

87  The  life  and  death  of  King  hhn.  0*8 1. 

88  Thelife  and  death  ofKing  Edward  the  fecond.  703* 

89  The  life  and  death  of  the  two  yong  Princes,  fonnes  to  Ed- 
ward  the  fourth.  73^ 

po  The  life  and  death  ofKing  Richard  the  third.  ^  750. 
91  The  Poem  annexed  called  Englands  783. 

The  end  of the  Contents. 


THOMAS  NEWTON  TO  THE 
Reader,  in  the  behalfenof  this 
books. 

S  when  an  arming  fwordof proof e  is  made, 
Both  fieele  andiron  mutt  be  tempredwell: 
( For  iron giues  theflrength  vnto  the  blade, 
dAndfleele,  in  edge  doth  caufe  it  to  excell ) 
As  each  good  Blade-fmith  by  his  Art  can  tell: 
For,  without  iron, brittle  will  it  breake, 
And  without  fieele,  it  will  be  blunt  and  weake  ; 

So  bookes,  that  now  their  faces  dare  to  /how, 
Afufl  mettald  be  with  nature  and  with  skill: 
For  nature  caufeth ftuffe  enough  to  flow, 
*A nd  Art  the  fame  contriues  by  learned  quill 
In  order  good,  and  currant  method/till. 

So  that,  if  Nature  frowne,  the  cafe  is  hard: 

And  if  Art  want, the  matter  all  is  mard. 

The  worke,  which  heere  is  offredto  thy  view, 
With  both  the fe  points  is  full  and  fitly  fraught  *9 
Set  forth  by  fundrie  of  the  learned  Crew : 
Whofe  (lately ftiles  haue  Phoebus  garland  caught, 
And  Tarnafe  mount  their  worthy  worke  haue  raught : 

Their  words  are  thundred  with  fuchmaiettie, 

cAsfitteth  right  each  matter  in  degree. 

Reade  it  therefore,  but  reade  attentiuely, 
Confiderwell  the  drift  whereto  it  tends? 
Confer  the  times, perpend  the  history, 
The  parties fiates,  andeks  their  dolefull  ends, 
With  odde  euents,  that  diuine  iuHice fends. 

For  things  forepaft  are  prefidents  to  vs, 

Whereby  we  may  things prefent  now  difcuffe. 

Certes  this  world  a  Stage  may  well  be  caWd, 
Whereon  is  pi  aid  the  part  ofeu  ry  wight  : 
Some,  now  aloft,  anon  with  malice  gal  d, 
Are  fiom  high  flat e  brought  into  difmall plight. 
Like  c omt ers  are  they ,  which  fland  now  in  fight 

For  thou  fond  or  ten  thoufand,  andanone 

Kemoued,flandpcrhapsfor  leffe  then  one. 

Thomas  New  tonus, 
Cefbrefhyrins. 


THE  AVTHORS 

Induction. 


Hen  Sommcr  fweet,  with  all  her  plcafurcs  paft, 
And  leaucs  began  to  lcaue  the  fhadie  tree, 
The  winter  cold  encreafed  on  full  faft, 
And  time  ofyearc  to  ladnesmoued  me : 
For  moiftie  blafts  not  halfe  fo  mirthfull  be, 
As  fweet  Aurora,  brings  in  fpring-time  faire, 
Our  ioyes  they  dimme,  as  winter  damps  the  aire. 

The  nights  began  to  grow  to  length  apace, 

Sir  Tbabus  to  th* Antar clique  gan  to  fare  : 

From  Liiracshncc  to  th'Crab  he  tooke  his  race 

Beneath  the  line,  to  lend  oflightafharc. 

For  then  with  v.s  the  daies  more  darkifh  are, 

More  ftiort,  cold,  moift,  and  ftormie  cloudie  clit, 
For  fadnes  more  then  mirths  or  pleafures  fit. 

Deutfing  then  what  bookes  were  beft  to  rcade, 

Both  for  that  time,  and  fentence  graue  alfo, 

For  conference  of  friend  to  (land  in  ftead : 

When  I  my  faithfull  friend  was  parted  fro, 

I  gate  me  (traight  the  Printers  fliops  vnto, 
To  feeke  fome  worke  of price  I  furely  ment, 
That  might  alone  my  carefull  mind  content. 

Amongftthe  reft,  I  found abookefo  fad, 
As  time  of  yeare  or  fadnefle  could  require : 
The  Mirour  nam'd  for  Magiftratcs  he  had, 
So  finely  pen  d,  as  heart  could  well  defire : 
Which  when  I  read,  fo  fet  my  heart  on  fire,  - 
Efifoones  it  me  conftrain  d  to  take  the  patne, 
Not  left  with  once,  to  reade  it  once  againc. 


The  ^Authors  Induction* 


And  as  againc  I  view'd  this  worke  with  heed, 
And  marked  plaine  each  partie  paint  his  fall : 
Me  thought  in  mind,  I  &w  thofe  men  indeed, 
Eke  how  they  came  in  order  Princely  all ; 
Declaring  well,  this  life  is  but  a  thrall, 

Sith  thofe  on  whom  for  Fortunes  gifts  we  flare, 

Oft  fooncft  finke  in  greater!  feas  of  care. 

For  fomc  perdie,  were  Kings  of  high  eftate, 
And  fome  were  Dukes,  an  d  came  of regall  race : 
Some  Princes,  Lords,  and  Iudges  great  that  fate 
In  counfcll  (till, decreeing  euery  cafe  : 
Some  other  Knights  that  vices  did  embrace, 

Some  Gentlemen,  fome  poore  exalted  hie  'i 

Yet  euery  one  had  plai'd  his  tragedie. 

A  Mirrour  well  it  might  be  calf  d,  a  glafle 
As  cleare  as  any  cryftall  vnder  Sun: 
In  each  refpec*  the  Tragedies  fo  parte, 
Their  names  (hall  Hue  that  fuch  a  worke  begun. 
For  why,  with  fuch  Decorum  is  it  done, 

That  Momus  fpight  with  more  then  Argus  tits* 

Can  neuer  watch,  to  kcepe  it  from  the  wife* 

Examples  therefor  alleftates  you  find, 
For  Iudge  (I  fay)  what  iuftice  he  fliould  vfe : 
The  noble  man  to  beare  a  noble  mind, 
And  not  himfelfe  ambitioufly  abufe ; 
The  Gentleman  vngentlenefTe  refufe : 

The  rich  and  poore,  and  eu'ry  one  may  fee, 

Which  way  to  loue,  and  liue  in  due  degree,. 

I  wifh  them  often  well  to  reade  it  than, 
And  marke  the  caufes  why  thofe  Princes  fell : 
But  let  me  end  my  tale  that  I  began . 
When  I  had  read  thefe  Tragedies  full  well, 
And  paft  the  winter  cuenings  long  to  tell, 

One  night  at  laft  I  thought  to  leaue  this  vte, 

To  take  fome  eafe  before  I  chang  d  my  Mufe. 

B  Whetcforc 


Ike  ^Authors  InduBton* 


Wherefore  away  from  reading  I  me  gate, 
My  heauie  head  waxt  dull  for  want  of  reft : 
I  laid  mc  downe,  the  night  was  waxed  late, 
For  lacke  of  fleepe  mine  eyes  were  fore  oppreft : 
Yetffancie  Mill  of  all  their  deaths  encreaft> 

Me  thought  my  mind  from  them  I  could  not  take, 
So  worthie  wights,  as  caufed  me  to  wake. 

At  laft  appeared  clad  in  purple  blacke 
Sweet  Somntu,  reft  which  comforts  each  aliue ; 
By  cafe  of  mind,  that  weares  away  all  wracke, 
That  noyfbme  night  from  wearie  wits  doth  driuc? 
Of  labours  long  the  pleafures  we  atchieue. 
Whereat  I  ioy'd,  nth  after  labours  paft, 
I  might  enioy  {\NZttSomnus  fleepe  at  laft* 

But  he  by  whom  I  thought  my  felfe  at  reft, 
Reuiued  all  my  fancies  fond  before  : 
I  more  defirous,  humblie  did  rcqueft 
Him  flhew  thvnhappic  Albion  Princes  yore : 
For  well!  wift,that  he  could  tell  me  more, 
Sith  vnto  diucrs,  Somnus  erft  had  told 
What  things  were  done  in  elder  times  of  old. 

Then  ftraight  he  forth  his  feruant  Morpheus  calf  d, 
On  Higtfis  hecre  thou  muft  (quoth  he)  attend ; 
The  Britaine  Peeres  to  bring(whom  Fortune  thrafd) 
From  Lethean  lake,and  th  ancient  ftiapes  them  lend ; 
That  they  may  fhew  why,how,they  tooke  their  end. 

I  wil(quoth  Morphepu Jfhew  him  what  they  were; 

And  fo  me  thought  I  faw  them  ftraight  appeare. 

One  after  one,  they  came  in  ftrange  attire, 
Butfome  with  wounds  and  blood  were  fo  dilguis'd> 
You  fcarccly  could  by  reafons  aid  afpire, 
To  know  what  warre  fuch  fundrie  deaths  deuis'd ; 
And  feuerally  thofe  Princes  were  furpris'd. 
Of  former  ftatc,  thefe  States  gaue  ample  fhow, 
Which  did  relate  their  Hues  and  ouerthrow. 


TbesA utbors  IndvBion. 

Gffomc  the  faces  bold  and  bodies  were 
Diftaind  with  woad,  and  Turkifh  beards  they  had : 
On  th  oucr  lips  mutchatoes  long  of  haire, 
And  wilde  they  fcem'd^as  men  defpainng  mad ; 
Their  lookes  might  make  a  conftant  heart  full  fad : 
And  yet  I  could  not  fo  forfake  the  view, 
Nor  prefence,  ere  their  minds  I  like  wife  kjiew. 

For  Morpheus  bad  them  each  in  order  tell 
Their  names  and  Hues,  their  haps  and  haplefle  daies, 
And  by  what  meanes  from  Fortunes  wheele  they  fell, 
Which  did  them  erft  vnto  fuch  honors  raife. 
Wherewith  the  firft  not  making  moe  deiaies, 
A  noble  Prince  broad  wounded  breft  thatbarc 
Drew  neere,to  tell  the  caufc  of  all  his  care. 

Which  when  me  thought  to  fpeak  he  might  be  bold, 
Deepe  from  hisbreft  he  threw  an  vnquoth  found : 
I  was  amaz  d  his  geftures  to  behold : 
And  blood  that  frcfhly  trickled  from  his  wound, 
With  echo  fo  did  halfe  his  words  confound, 

That  fcarce  a  while  the  fenfe  might  plaine  appeare; 

At  laft,  mc  thought,  he  fpakc  as  you  (hall  hcare. 


HOW 


Faults  efiaped. 


PAge  Iff.  I'm.  Y7.  browes,reade  bowes.  p.$66. 1.  io.left,  r.  let.  p.tf?.  I.3.  ft 
r.  ftiore.  p.  583 . 1. 1 3 .  fpeele,  r.  {tcele.  p.  cadem  1.  i  ?  vaines  flow,  r.  vaines 
did  flow.  p.  588. 1. 3.  nor,  r.  not.  p.  5  99. 1. 28.  approth,  r.  approch.  p.  600.I.1  t . 
t'abatc,  r.  to  abate  p.  619.  K  23.  this,  r.  his.  p.  636.  J.  y.  foe,  r.  woc.p.657.1.1^ 
focc,r.  loare.  p.  671. 1 3a.  with  Auftnan,  r.  with  th'AuArian.  p.  682.  J.7.  Jet,  r. 
lets.  p. ^83.1. 37.  to obtaine,r.  t'obtaine.p.  706.1.1$. I,r.  O.  p.  728J.1y.But, 
t^Blunt ,  in  iomc  copies,  p.  793. mar e..  Anna  Keg,  $ i.r.  1^.834.!. 13.  recoil'd 
f^cccoilc.  p.  8# ,1. 30.  throne,  r.  chatfe.  8tf£,  1,  if.  hotafe  tops,r.  houfes  tops. 


HOW  KING  ALB  AN  ACT 

THE  YOVNGEST  SONNE  OF 
Brvtvs,  and  first  king  of 

Albany  (how  called  Scotland)  was 
Jlai»e  by  king  Humhr,  the 
yeere  before  Chrifts 
1085, 

Ith  ftatteringFortune  flily  could  beguile 
Mec  firft,of  Britaine  Princes  in  this  land : 
And  yet  at  firft  on  mec  did  fweetely  finite, 
Behold  mee  here^that  firft  in  prefence  ftand. 
And  when  thou  well  my  wounded  corps  haft  fcand^ 
Then  ftialt  thou  heare  niy  hap  to  penne  the  fame 
In  ftories  called  Albana£he  fey  name. 

lay  feare  afide,let  nothing  thee  amaze, 
Ne  haue  defpaire,nefcufe  the  want  of  time : 
Leaue  off  on  mee  with  fearefull  lookes  to  gaze,, 
Thy  pen  mayferue  f6r  fh'ch  atale  as  mine* 
Firft  I  will  tell  thee  of  my  fathers  iiqe, 

Then  why  heflying  from  the  Latin  land 

Did  faile  the  feas  and  found  the  Briton  ftrand* 

And  laft  I  minde  to  tell  thee  of  my  felfe, 

My  life  and  death,a  Tragedy  fo  true 

As  may  approue  your  world  is  all  but  pelfe, 

Andpleawrcs  fweete,whom  forrowes  aye  enlue« 

Hereafter  eke  in  order  comes  a  crue, 

Which  can  declare^f  worldly  pleafures  vaine 
The  price  we  all  haue  bought,with  pinching  pake* 

C  When 


WhenTroy  was  fackt,and  brent jand  coittu  not flanc^ 
v£neas  fledfrom  thcncc,^^xfonnef 
And  earnest  length  to  King  Latmm  land: 
HeTttmtu  feviyLauima  ekehe  wonne. 
After  whofe  death,  Afcanim  next  his  fonne 

Was  crowned  King,and  Silmta  then  his  heire> 

Efpoufcd  to  a  LatineXady  faire. 

By  her.  had  Silutus  fhortly  iffue  eke, ; 
A  goodly  Prince,and  "Brutm  was  his  name.. 
But  what-fhould  I  of  his  misfortune  fpeake, 
For  huntings  he  minded  ftrike  the  game,. 
He  flrook  his  father,that  beyond  it  came. 

The  quarrell  glaunft,and  through  his  tender  fide, 
It  flew,  where  through  the.noble  Silnim  dide. 

Lo  thus  by  chance  though  princely  Bmttu  flew  \ 
His  father  Silmw /ore  againft  his  will, 
Which  came  too  fboneaas  he  hisar*ow  drew* -,. 
Though  he  in  chace  the  gamc,did  mind  to  kill,,, 
Yet  was  he  baniftit  from  his  countrey  #ill, , 
Commanded  thither  to  returne  no  more, 
Except  he  would  his  life  to  lofe  therefore,; 

On  this,to  Greece  Lord  Brutus  tooke  his  way,> , 
Where  Troians  were^yGrecians^piiueskept  ? 
Hclcntts  was  by  Tirrbus  brought  away 
From  death  of  Troians/whom  their  friends  bewept* 
Yet  he  in  Greece  this  while  no  bufines  flept, 
But  by  his  fa6ts,and  featcs  obtain  d  fuch  fame, 
Seuen  thoufand  captiue  Trpians  to  hiqi  came0  , 

\Affaracus  a  noble  Grecian  eke, 
Who  by  his  mother  came  ofTroian  race, 
Becaufe  he  faw  himfelfe  in  Greece  too  wcakc,  , 
Came  vnto  him  to  aide  him  in  this  cafe, 
For  of  his  brother  he  could  finde  no  grace, 
Which  was  a  Greekc  by  both  his  parents  fides* 
His  Caftles.  three  thcTroian^ww  guides. 


While 


J\ing  ^AlhanaB. 

Whilchctobc  thcirCaptaine  was  content, 
And  as  theTroians  gathered  to  his  band, 
Ambaffage  to  chtfGrecian  King  he  fent, 
For  to  cntreate  they  might  depart  his  land. 
Which  when  King  Pattdrajtts  did  vnderftand, 

An  armie  ftraight  he  did  therefore addreffe, 

On  purpofc  all  the  Troians  to  fuppreffe. 

So  asKing  Pattdrafuszt  Spartane  towne 
Thought  them  in  defctts  by,  to  circumuent, 
The  Troians  with  threethoufand  bcate  them  downe* 
Such  fauour  loejthem  Ladie  Fortune  lest. 
By  Mars  his  force,their  raies  and  rancks  he  rent, 
And  tooke  the  brother  of  the  Grecian  King, 
With  others  moe,as  captiues  home  to  bring. 

The  taken  towne  from  which  the  King  was  fled# 
Sir  Brtttns  with  fixe  hundred  men  did  man, 
Ech  prifoncr  was  vnco  his  keeper  led 
To  kecpe  in  to  wne,the  noble  Troians  wan : 
And  into  woods  the  Troiane  gate  him  than 
Againe  with  his,he  kept  him  there  by  night 
To  quaile  the  Grecians  if  they  came  to  fight* 

The  King  which  caf  d  to  minde  his  former  foile* 
His  flight,and  brother  deare  by  Troians  take, 
The  towne  he  loft, where  'Brutus  gaue  the  fpoile, 
He  thought  not  (b  the  field  and  fight  forfake, 
But  of  his  men  a  mufter  new  tomake, 
And  fb  againe  for  to  beficge  the  towne 
In  hope  reueuge,or  winne  his  loft  rcno  wnc. 

By  night  thcambufh,that  his  purpofe  knew, 

Came  foorth  from  woods,whereas  they  waited  by, 

The  Troians  all  th'vnarmed  Grecians  flew, 

Went  through  their  campe,none  could  their  force  denies 

Vnto  the  tent  where  Pandrafus  did  lie, 

Whereas  Lord  Brtttus  tooke  their  King  that  night, 
Andfiui  4  his  life  as  fee  mda  worthie  wight. 

Ci  0 


4  t^mgiAlbanaai 

•„  This  great  exploite  fo  wifely  well  atchiu'd* 

\,  The  Troiane  vi&our  did  a couti&ile  call, r  1  %*t\%\&\  tobgftbttX 

3,  Wherein  might  be  for  theireftate  contriu?d  ^  aft  w  j  ^  AnA 

5>  By  counfaile  graue,the  publike  weale  of  allu  ' 

„  Mow  tell  (quoth  he)  what  ranfome  aske  we  thlAil 

9i     Or  what  will  you  for  our  auaile  deuife* 

„    To  which  CMemfrick4s^ti(\Ntx^gtim  !i r 

r  I  cannot  (Brmus )  but  commend  thine  a<& 
3>  In  this,thou  noble  Captaine  worthy  praife  s 
"  Which  deemeft  well,it  were  an  heinous  fac\ 
"  Tabridge  the  Grecian  king  of  vital!  daies*  • 
"  And  that  we  ought  by  clemencie  tOraife 
*  Ourfametoskie,notbyafauageguife, 
"    Sith  Gods  and  men  both,  cruelty  defpife* 

r9i  The  caufe  we  foughtj,was  for  the  freedome  all 

'  Of  Troians  taken,we  baiic  freedome  won^  i 
^  We  haue  our  purpofe,and  their  king  withall, 
9y  To  whom  of  rigour  nothing  ough  t  be  done  s 
9\  Though  he  the  quarrell  with  vsfirftbegon. 
J    And  though  we  owe  the  fall  of  Troyes  requite3 
Yet  let  reuenge  thereof  from  gods  to  lights 

r9}  His  fiibiecTis  now  bewaile  their  proude  pretence* 

99  And  weapons  laide  afide,for  mercy  crie  : 

3,  They  all  confeffe  their  plagues  to  come  from  thence, 

9i  Where  firft  from  faith  of  Gods  they  feem'd  to  flie. 

99  Their  Nobles  dare  not  come  the  cafe  to  trie, 

99    But  euen  for  peace,with  all  their  hearts,  they  file, 

9f    And  meekely  grant,  whence  all  their  mifchiefes  grew* 

j,  ThePrincefle  faire,his  daughter,who  furmounts 
3,  For  vertues  rare,for  beautie  braue,and  grace 
99  Both  Helen  flne,of  whom  they  made  accounts^ 
-  9y  And  all  the  reft  that  come  of  Grecian  race, 
3,  She  for  her  father  fues,bewaileshis  cafe, 
3,    Implores,defires  thy  grace^and  gods  aboue, 
0:    Whofevvoesmijr  them  and  thee  to  mercy  mouea 

Some 


JQng  lAlbanaa.  5 

7,  SomeTroIans  fay  he  fliould  depofed  be 
„  From  kingdome  quite,  or  eife  be  flaine  he  fliould, 
,,  And  we  heere  bide,  eke  this  mifliketh  me, 
„  Nay  rather  while  we  ftay  keepe  him  in  hold, 
»  Or  let  him  pay  a  ranfome  large  of  gold, 
„     And  hoftage  giue,and  homage  do  of  right 
To  thee,  that  wonft  the  field  by  Mar  tiall  fight. 

„  For  kingdomes  fake  a  captiue  king  to  kill, 

„  Our  names  for  aye  with  foule  defame  would  brand  ; 

„  For  vs  in  Greece  to  dwell  were  euen  as  ill, 

The  force  of  Greece  we  cannot  ftill  withftand. 
„  Let  vs  therefore  both  cruelty  aband, 
„     And  prudent  feeke  both  gods  and  men  to  pleafe  s 
M    So  fhall  we  find  good  lucke  at  land  and  feas. 

,>  Or  fith  the  Grecians  will  thee  for  to  take 

«  The  noble  Ladie  Jtmogenio  wife, 

„  If  thou  fo  pleafe,  let  him  her  dowrie  make 

»  Of  gold,  (nips,  filuer,  corne,  for  our  reliefe, 

33  And  other  things,  which  are  in  Gracia  rife. 

u    That  we  fo  fraught  may  feeke  fbme  defert  fliore, 

33    Where  thou  and  thine  may  raigne  for  euermore. 

This  pleaf  d  both  Brutus  and  the  Troians  all, 
Who  wif  d  forthwith  that  Pandrafas  the  King 
Should  reuerently  be  brought  into  the  hall. 
And  prefent  when  they  told  him  of  this  thing, 
So  griefejand  forow  great  his  heart  did  fting, 

He  could  not  (lie  w  by  countenance  or  cheere 

That  he  it  lik'd,  but  fpake  as  you  fhali  hearc* 

„  Sith  that  the  wrath  of  gods  hath  yeeldcd  me, 
„  And  eke  my  brother,  captiues  to  your  hands, 

I  am  content  to  do  as  pleaf eth  yee, 
„  You  haue  my  realme,  my  life,  my  goods  and  lands, 
„  I  muft  be  needs  content  as  Fortune  ftands. 
„    I  giue  my  daughter,  gold ,  and  filuer  fine, 
33    With  what  for  dowrie  elfe  you  craue  is  mine* 

C3  T* 


6  Kjng\AlbanaB. 

To  make  my  talc  the  ftortcr  if  I  may, 
This  truce  concluded  was  immediately  t 
And  all  things  elfe  performed  by  a  day* 
The  King  reftor  d  that  did  in  prifonlie. » 
The  Troians  proud  of  fpoiles  and  viftorie^ 

Did  hoife  vp  failes,  in  two  daies  and  a  night 

Vpon  the  He  of  Leftrigons  they  light. 

And  leauing  of  their  flilps  at  roade,  to  land 
They  wandring  went  the  countrey  for  to  view i 
toe  there  a  defert  citie  old  they  fand, 
And  eke  a  temple  (if  report  be.true) 
Where  Dian  dwelt  of  whom  the  Troian  crew  - 

In  facrifice  their  captaine  counfell  gaue 

For  good  fuccelfe,  a  feate  and  foile  to  craue0 

And  he  no  whit  mifliking  their  aduice 

Went  forth,  and  did  before  the  altar  hold 

In  his  right  hand  a  cup  to  facrifice, 

Fild  both  with  wine, and  white  hinds  blood  fcarcc  cold. 

And  then  before  her  ftature  ftraight  he  told  -  \ 

Deuoutly  all  his  whole  petition  there, 

In  for*  (they  fay)  as  is  repeated  heerc*  £ 

O  gocldejfe great  in grauesthatptttt  wildeboares  infcarefutlfedr*f 
%/ind  maitt go  all  thecompafepathes  ofeuery  ayrie  fphere, 
£ke  ofttiwfernallhotifes  too,  refotae  the  earthly  rights, 
^ndtellwhatcomtreyintodwellthougififrvs  Troian  wights. 
tAtfigneacertainefeatewhere  I  (haHworfhif  thee  for  aye* 
*Andwhere  repeat  with  virgins*  I ereti  thy  temples  maye* 

When  nine  times  he  had  l|>6ken  this,  and  went 
Foure  times  the  altar  round,and  ftaid  agen, 
He  powrd  the  wine  and  blood  in  hand  he  hent 
Into  the  fire.  O  witlcffe  cares  of  men, 
Such  folly  meerc,  andblindnes  great  was  then. 

But  if  religion  now  bids  toies  farewell, 

Embrace  that/ s  good,the  vice  of  times  I  telb  : 

He  1 


fyng<talbanact.  7 

He  laid  him  then  downe  by  the  altars  fide, 

Vpon  the  white  Hinds  skin  efpred  therefore  ; 

It  was  the  thirdhoure  of  the  night,  a  tide 

Of fweeteft  fleepe,  he  gaue  himfelfe  the  more 

To  reft  furelie.  Then  feemed  him  before 
Diana  chafte,  the  goddeffe  to  appeare, 
And  fpaketo  him  thefe  words  jthat  you  fiiallhcare. 

O^x\^^farrevnder^habtufall,beyondof 
esfn  I  land in  the  Ocean  is,  with fea  tis  compatt  waive, 
An  Hand  in  the  Ocean  is,  where  Giants  ersl  did  dwell : 
But novo  a  defert  place  that's  fitywillferHe  thy  people well. 
To  this  dire&  thy  race,  for  therefhMethy  feat  for  aye, 
Andto  thy formes  there  fkattbe  built  another flately  Troye. 
Here  of  thy  progenieandflocke,fhallmightse  Kings  defcend, 
Andvnto  them  as  fubictt,  all  thervorld  (ballbowandbcnd* 

On  this  he  woke,  with  ioy  full  cheere,  and  told 

The  vifion  all,  and  oracle  it  gaue : 

So  it  reioyft  their  hearts  a  thoufand  fold. 

To  (hips  they  got,  away  the  Ihores  they  draue, 

And  hoyfing  failes,  for  happie  winds  they  craue. 

In  thirtie  daies  their  voyage  fo  they  dight, 

That>on  the  coaft  of  Aphrica  they  light. 

Then  toThiUnes  altarsiheyattain'd, 

(For  fo  men  call  two  hilles  erected  are 

In  Tunife  land)  two  brethren  ground  that  gain  d 

For  Carthage  once,  and  went  tis  faid  toofarre, 

On  Cyrcn  ground  forbounds,  there  buried  were. 

Bccaufe  they  would  not  turne  againe,  but  ftriue 

With  Cyren  men,  they  buried  them  aliue. 

From  thence  they  failed  through  the  middle  lake, 
Betwcene  Europa  fairc  and  Aphrica  the  dric : 
With  winde  ax  will,  the  doubtfull  race  they  take, 
And  faii'd  toTufcane  ftiores,on  Europe  coaft  that  lie. 
Where  at  the  laft  amongft  the  men  they  did  defcric 
Foure  baniffit  bands  ofTroians  in  diftreflc 
To  faile  with  them,which  did  themfeluesaddrcfle. 

C  4  Companions 


8  K)n%*AlbMdB. 

Companions  oi^ntenor  in  his  flight. 
But  Corin&tu  was  their  captaine  than, 
For  counfell  graue  a  wife  and  worthie  wight  1 
In  warres  the  praife  of valiantneffe  he  wana 
£ord  "Brmtu  liked  well  this  noble  man, 

With  him  full  oft  confer  of  fates  he  wolda 

And  vntohim  the  oracles  he  told. 

The  Troians  fo  in  number  now  increaft, 

Set  on  to  fea  and  hoyfed  iailes  to  wind0 1 

To  Hercuki  hispillars  from  theEaiL 

They  caftby  compaffereadie  way  to  find : 

Where  through  once  paft  to  Northward  race  they  twind, 

To  Pirer  e  c!ecues>  tweene  Spaine  and  France  the  bound^ 

Reioycingneere  thepromift  He  fo  found. 

Eke  vnto  Guyne  in  France  they  failed  thence, 
Where  at  the  hauen  of  Loire  they  did  arnue, 
To  view  the  countrey  was  their  whole  pretence 
And  victuals  get,  iheir  fbuldiers  to  reuiue.„. 
Eke  Cor'm&m  left  the  Galles  fhould  ftriue, 

Led  forth  two  hundred  of  his  warlike  band, 

To  get  prouifion  to  the  fliips  from  land. 

But  when  the  King  Goffarim  heard  of  this, 
That  Troians  were  arriued  on  his  /hore, 
With  Frenchmen  and  with  Guynes  their  power  and  his^ 
He  came  to  take  the  prey  they  gate  before, 
And  when  they  met,  they  fought  it  both  full  lore, 
Till  CorindLtu  rufht  into  their  band, 
And  cauf  d  them  flie :  they  durft  nolonger  ftand. 

Firft  might  you  there  feene  hearts  of  Frenchmen  broke  i 

Two  hundred  Troians  gaue  them  all  the  foile 

At  home,  with  oddes^  they  durft  not  bide  the  ftroke, 

Few  Troians  beat  them  in  their  natiue  foile, 

Eke  Cor m aha  followed  in  thisbroile, 
So  faft  vpon  his  foes  before  his  men, 
That  they  return  d  and  thought  to  fpoile  him  then.'  ■ 

There 


Kjngi/lbanaB. 

There  he  alone  againft  them  all,  and  they 
Againft  him  one,  with  all  their  force  did  fight. 
At  laft  by  chance  his  fword  was  flo  wne  away, 
By  fortune  on  a  battaile  axe  he  light, 
Which  he  did  driue  about  him  with  fuch  might, 
That  fome  their  hands,  and  (bme  their  armes  did  leeftv 
Some  leggcs,of  fome  the  head  from  flioulders  flees. 

As  thus  amongft  them  all  he  fought  with  force 
And  fortune  great,in  danger  of  his  life, 
Lord  Brutushzd  on  him  therewith  remorce, 
Came  with  a  troupe  of  men  to  end  the  ftrifc. 
When  Frenchmen  faw  the  Troians  force  fb  rife 
They  fled  away,vnto  their  loflTe  and  paine, 
In  fight  and  flight  nigh  all  their  hoft  was  flaine* 

And  in  that  broile,faue  Corin&us&ont 

Did  fight  fo  fiercely  ,as  did  Tumus  then, 

Sir  Er vitus  cofin  with  his  fword  alone 

Did  flay  that  time  well  nigh  fixe  hundred  men. 

They  found  him  dead  as  they  return  d  agen, 

Amongft  the  Frenchmen, wounded  void  of  fence, 
And  bare  his  noble  corps  with  honour  thence* 

On  this  they  bode  awhile  reuenge  to  yeeld, 
And  to  interre  the  deadend  7  urntts  flaine, 
They  tooke  a  towne  not  farre  from  place  of  field^ 
And  built  it  ftrong,to  vex  the  Galles  againe. 
The  name  they  gaue  it  ltill  doth  yet  remaine, 
Sith  there  they  buried  Turntft  yet  men  call 
It  Tours,and  name  the  folke  Turones  all. 

Which  towne  they  left  at  Jaft  with  Troians  mand, 
When  as  their  flaps  were  (tor  d  with  what  they  need 
Aboord,they  hoife  vp  failes  and  left  the  land, 
By  aiding  winds  they  cut  the  feas  with  fpeed. 
At  length  the  fhining  Albion  cleeues  did  feed 
Their  gazing  eyes,by  meanes  whereof  they  fand  ' 
Out  Totneshaucn,and  tookc  this  proraiftiand, 


lb  KjngtiAlbahaB. 

The  countrey  fecmed  pica&nt  at  the  vie  w, 
Andwasbyfewinhabited,asyet, 
Saue  certaine  Giants  whom  they  did  purfue. 
Which  ftraight  to  Caues  in  Mountaines  did  them  get 
So  fine  were  Woods,and  Floods,  and  Fountaines  fee, 
So  cleerc  the  aire/o  temperate  the  clime, 
They  newer  faw  the  like  before  that  time. 

And  then  this  He  that  Albion  had  to  name, 
Lord  Brutus  caufde  it  Britaine  cafd  to  bee, 
And  eke  the  people  Britans  of  the  fame, 
As  yet  in  ancient  Records  is  to  fee. 
To  Corindus  gaue  he  franke  and  free 

The  land  of  Cornwall/or  his  feruice  done, 
And  for  becaufe  from  Giants  he  it  wonne. 

Then  fith  our  Troiane  flock  came  firft  ^mTroy, 
The  Chieftaine  thoughtthat  dutie  did  himbindc, 
As  Fortune  thus  had  fau  d  him  from  annoy, 
The  ancient  towne  againe  to  call  to  minde. 
He  built  new  Troy ,them  Troian  latves  aflignd^ 
That  fo  his  race  to  his  ctemall  fame, 
Might  keepe  of  Troy  the  euerlafting  name. 

And  fetled  therein  perfeftpeaceand  reft, 
Deuoid  of  warre,of  labour,(trifc,or  paine. 
Then  Imogen  theQueene^isiojes  mcreaft, 
A  Prince  fhebare,and  after  other  twaine. 
Was  neuer  King  of  noble  Impes  fo  faine, 

Three  fonnes  which  had  fo  ftiortly  here  begat, 
Locrmus,Camber>\?Skmt  t4lb^di. 

Thus  hauing  wealth,and  eke  the  worldat  will, 
Nor  wanting  ought  that  might  his  minde  contents 
T  mcreafe  his  powre  with  wights  of  warlike  skill 
Was  all  his  minde,his  purpofc  and  intent. 
Whereby  if  foes/inuafion  after  ment, 

The  Britans  might  not  fearc  of  forraine  lands* 
But  keepe  by  fight,poffeflions  in  their  hands. 


Eke  when  his  people  once  perceiud  his  minde, 
(As  what  the  Prince  doth  often  moft  embrace, 
To  that  the  fubiecls  all,are  ftraight  inclindc, 
And  reuerence  ftill  in  ech  relpe6l  his  grace) 
They  gat  in  warre  fuch  knowledge  in  (hortfpace, 
That  after  they  their  force  to  trie  begun, 
They  car  d  for  nought  by  wit  or  wight  not  won 

Thofe  mightie  people  borne  of  Giants  brood, 
That  did  poffeffe  this  Ocean-bounded  land, 
They  did  fubdue,who  oft  in  battell  flood 
Gainfl  them  in  field, vntill  by  force  of  hand  i 
They  were  made  fubiecl  vnto  Brutes  command* 
Such  boldnes  then  did  in  the  Briton  dwell, 
That  they  in  deedes  of  valour  did  cxcell. 

Whereby  the  King  had-caufe  to  take  delight/ 
And  might  be  bold  the  leffe  to  feare  his  foes : 
Surely  ech  Prince  may  reckc  his  en  mie&ipight. 
Thereafter  as  his  force  in  fight  hcknoes; 
*  A  princely  heart  the  liberal!  gifts  difclofe. 
He  gaue  to  ech  fuch  guerdons  for  their  facts, 
As  might  them  only  moue  to  noble  a&s. 

No  labours  great  his  fubiefls  then  refufde, 
No  trauels  that  might  like  his  regall  minde : 
But  ech  of  them  fuch  exercife  well  vfde,  v , 
Wherein  was  praife,orgloric  great  to/finde. 
And  to  their  liege  bare  faithful!  hearts  fokinde, 

That  what  he  wild  they  all  obeyd  his  heft, 
g[  Nought  elfc  was  currant,but  the  Kings  requcft 

What  Prince  aliue  might  more  reioyce  then  he  ? 
Hadfaithfulimen/o  valiant,bold,and  ftout : 
What  plcafures  more  on  earth  could  lightly  be 
Then  win  an  lle,and  liue  deuoid  of  doubt  ? 
An  He  faid  I  ?  nay  nam'd  the  world  throughout 
Another  world,fith  fea  doth  it  diuide 
From  all,that  wants  not  all  the  world  betide* 


^  JQng  <sJ IbdmU. 

What  fubicfts  eke  more  happie  were  then  thefe  ? 
Had  fuch  aKing  of  fuch  a  noble  heart. 
And  fuch  a  land  enioyd  and  liu  d  at  eafe, 
Whereof  ech  man  almoft  might  chufe  his  part. 
Nofeareof  foes,vnknowne  wastreafons  art, 
No  faining  friends,no  fauning  Gnatoes  skill. 
No  Thrafoes brags,but  beanng  ech  good  will. 

But  as  ech  fummer  once  receiues  an  end, 
And  as  no  State  can  (table  ftand  for  aye, 
As  courfe  of  time  doth  caufe  things  bow  and  bend, 
As  euery  pleafure  hath  her  ending  day, 
As  will  can  neuer  paffe  the  power  of  may : 
Euenfo  my  father  happie  daies  that  fpent, 
Perceiu  d  he  muft  by  fickneffelaft  relent. 

As  doth  the  fhipman  well  forefee  the  ftorme, 
And  knowes  what  danger  lies  in  Syrtes  of  fand : 
Eke  as  the  husbandman  prouidesbeforne, 
When  he  perceiues  the  winter  cold  at  hand 
Euen  fo  the  wife,that  courfe  of  things  haue  fcand, 
Can  well  the  end  of  ficknes  great  preiage, 
When  itisiayn'dcwithyeercsof  ttoopingage. 

His  fonnes  and  Counfell  all  affembled  were, 
For  why  he  fent  for  vs  and  them  with  fpeed. 
We  came  in  haft,this  newes  did  caufe  vs  feare, 
Sith  fo  he  fent,we  thought  him  lick  indeed. 
And  when  we  all  approcht  to  him  with  fpeed, 
Too  foone  alas,his  Grace  right  fick  we  foun 
And  him  faluted  as  our  duties  bound. 

And  carting  of  his  wofuli  eyes  afide, 
Not  able  well  to  moue  his  painfull  head, 
As  filent  we  with  teares  hisminde  abide, 
He  wildhiinfeifebe  reared  in  his  bed. 
Which  done,with  fight  of  vshis  eyes  he  fed, 
•  Eke  paufin^  fo  a  while  for  breath  he  ftaid, 
At  length  to  them  and  vs,thus  wife  he  faid. 


4 


met 
riVf 

b(?A 


No 


Kjng  AlhanaU. 

No  maruaile  fure,though  you  herewith  be  fad 
(Y ou  noble  Britaines)  For  your  "Brutus  fake. 
Sith  whilom  me  yourcaptaine  flout  you  had, 
That  now  my  leaue  and  laft  farwell  muft  take, 
Thus  nature  willes  me  once  an  ende  to  make, 
And  leaue  you  here  behinde,which  after  mee 
Shall  die,as  me  depart  before  you  fee. 

J,  You  wot  wherefore  I  with  the  Grecians  fought, 
3,  With  dint  offworde  I  made  their  force  to  flies 
3,  Antemrs  friends  on  Tufcane  ftiores  I  fought, 
„  And  did  them  not  my  promift  land  denie. 
„By  Martiall  powre  I  made  the  Frenchmen  flic, 
„    Where  you  to  faue,I  loft  my  faithfull  frend 
For  you;  at  Tours  my  Turnm  tooke  his  end, 

i,  I  need  not  now  recite  what  loue  I  bare, 

s»  My  friendfliip  you,l  trui*,haue  found  fo  well, 

3,  Thar  noneamon^ft  you  all  which  prefent  are, 

5J  Wit*»  teares  doth  not  record  the  tale  I  tell. 

5>  Eke  whom  I  found  for  venues  to  excell, 

a, .  To  them  I  gaue  the  price  tbereofaas  due 

„  Astheydererud,whofefa6tsIfoundfotruca 

Now  muft  I  proue,  if  paines  were  well  beftow'd, 
„  Or  if  I  ipent  my  gratefull  gifts  in  vaine, 
„  Or  if  thefe  great  good  turnes  to  you  I  ow'd, 
3,  And  might  not  aske  your  loy all  loues  againe. 
3,  Which  if  I  wift,what  tongue  could  tell  my  paine  ? 
9y    I  meane^if  you  vngratefull  mindes  doe  fceare, 
3,    What  meaneth  death  to  let  me  linger  here  ? 

3,For  if  you  fliall  abufe  your  Prince3in  this 

3,  The  gods  on  you  for  fiich  an  hainous  faft, 

5,  To  take  reuenge,  be  fure  will  neuer  mi(Te. 

3,  And  then  too  late  you  fliall  repent  the  a6t, 

„  When  all  my  Realme3and  all  your  wealths  are  lackt  § 

,3    But  if  you  fliall  as  you  begun,proceed, 

„   OfkingdomQifall,orfoes,thercisnodrccd,  , 


*4-  KjngJlbanaB. 

>>  And  to  auoid  contention  that  may  fall, 

„  Bccaufc  I  wiflh thisRcalmc theBritansftill : 

«i  Therefore  I  will  declare  before  you  all 

»  Sith  you  are  come,  my  whole  intent  and  will. 

»  Which  if  you  keepe,-and  wreft  it  not  to  ill, 

»    There  is  no  doubt  but  euermore  with  fame 

n    You  fliall  enioy  the  Britans  Realme  and  name* 

J  You  fee  my  formes,  that  after  me  muft  raigne, 

Whom  you  or  this  haue  lik'd  and  counfail  d  well. 
„  You  know  what  crft  y ou  wifht  they  ftiould  refrainc„ 
n  Which  way  they  might  all  vices  vile  expell, 
„  Which  way  they  might  in  vertues  great  excell. 
„    Thus  if  you  fhall,  when  I  am  gone  infue, 
0    You  fliall  difcharge the  truft  repof  d  in  you. 

Be  you  their  fathers,  with  your  council  wife. 
And  you  my  children  take  them  euen  as  mc.  ' 
n  Be  you  their  guides-in  what  you  can  deuife, 
**  And  let  their  good  inftru&ions  teach  you  three : 
Be  faithfull  all :  as  brethren  ought  agree : 
For  *  concord  keepes  aRealme  in  ttableftay  i 
But  difcord  brings  all  kingdomes  to  decay. 

Record  you  this :  to  th'eldeftfonne  I  giuc 
This  middle  part  of  Realme  to  hold  his  o  wne, 
And  to  his  heires  that  after  him  fhall  liuc. 
wm  Alfo  to  Camber,  that  his  part  be  knowne, 
^Igiuethatlandthatlieswelnighoregrownc  •  \ 
„    With  woods,Northweft,and  mountaines  mighuchie, 
m    By  South  whereof,  the  Cornifli  fca  doth  lie, 

„  And  vnto  thee  myyongefKonne,thatart 
„  Mine  AlbanaB,  I  giue  to  thee  likewife 
„  As  much  to  be  for  thee  and  thine  apart, 

As  North  beyond  the  arme  of  fea  there  lies, 
„  Of  which  loe  heere  a  Mappe  before  your  eics, 
„    Loe  heere  my  fonnesmy  kingdome  all  you  haue, 
„   For  which  (remember)  nought  but  this  I  aaue  i 


9> 


99 
9> 
99 

99 
99 


KhgAlhandS. 

I»  Rr  ft,  that  you  take  thefe  fathers  graue  for  me, 
9>  Imbrace  their  counlell  euen  as  it  were  mine : 
99  Next,  that  betweene  your  felues  you  will  agree, 
n  And  neuer  one  at  others  wealth  repine. 
9$  Sec  that  yec  bicje  ftill  bound  with  friendly  line. 
99    And  laft,  my  fubie&s  wi  th  fuch  loue  retainc, 
99    As  long  they  may  your  fubie&s  eke  remaine* 

99  Now  faint,  I  feelemy  breath  begins  to  faile,. 
9i  My  time  iscomc,  giue  each  to  me  your  hand, 
v  Farewell,  farewell,  to  mourne  will  not  preuaile, 
9>  I  fee  with  Knife  where  Atroposdo&i  ftand. 
9)  Farewell  my  friends,  my  children  and  my  land, 
99    And  farewell  all  my  fubie&s,  farewell  breath, 
99    Farewell  ten  thoufand  times,  and  welcome  death. 

And  euen  with  that  he  turn  d  himfelfe-afidc,' . 
Vpyeelding  gafping  gaue  away  the  ghott  : 
Then  all  with  mourning  voicehi s  feruants  cri'd, 
And  all  his  fubiecls  eke,  from  leaft  to  moft. 
Lamenting  fifd  with  wailing  plaints  each  coaft, 
And  fo  the  Britanfrall  as  nature  bent,  , 
Did  fortheir  King  full  dolefully  lamente  . 

But  what  auailes,  to  ftriue  againft  the  tide,  , 
Or  elfe  to  driue  againft  the  ftreame  and  windc  ? 
What  booteth  it  againft  the  Cliues.to  ride, 
Or  elfe  to  worke  againft  the  courfe  of  kind  } 
Sith  Nature  hath  the  end  of  things  alfignd, 
There  is  no  nay,  we  muft  perforce  depart,  , 
Gainft  dint  of  death,  there  is  no  cafe  by  art. 

Thus  raign  d  that  worthie  King,  that  found  thialand, 
My  father  Brutus,  of  theTroian  blood,  h 
And  thus  he  died  when  he  full  well  had  mand 
This  noble  Realme  with  Britans  fierce  and  good. 
And  fo  a  while  in  ftable  ftate  it  ftood, 
Till  we  diuided  had  this  Realme  in  three, 
And  I  too  foone  receiud  my  part  to  mee* 


Amonfteriwifter  noneisvnderSun 
Pncreafins:  as  inwaters  we  defcry 
^heSTefUl^fnothingthatbegun 

The  circles  fpread,and  hide  the  waters  all; 

So  fame  in  flight  increafeth  more  and  more  i 

Butby  andbyfheflectes  from  fliorfet6  fh6re, 
Tocloudsfromth'earthherftature^ 
There  whatfoeuer  by  her  trumpe  is  blo  wne,  _ 

The  found  that  both  by  fea  and  land  out  rues, 

Rebounds  againe,and  verberates  the  skies. 

They  fay,  the  earth  that  firft  the  Giants  bred. 
For  anger  that  the  gods  did  them  difpatch. 
Brought  forth  this  fifter,of  thofe  monfters  dead, 
Full  light  of  foote/wift  wings  the  winds  to  catchj 
Such  monfter  erft  did  nature  neuer  hatch. 
As  many  Plumes  (he  hath  from  top  to  toe, 

So  many  eyes  them  vnder  watch,or  moe. 
And  tongues  doe  fpeake/o  many  eares  doe  harke, 

By  night  tweene  hcauen  M  flies  and  earthly  fhade, 

AndLieking5takesnoquietfleepebydarke 

On houfes  roofesjon  towTes  as  keeper  made 

She  fits  by  day,and  Cities  threats  t  inuade : 
And  as  (he  tels  what  things  (he  fees  by  view, 
She  rather  fhewes  that  s  fained  falfe,then  true. 

She  blazde  abroad  perdy  a  people  (mail, 

Late  landed  here,and  found  this  pleafant  He, 

And  how  that  now  it  was  diuided  all, 

Madetripartite,and  might  within  a  while 

Be  wonbyforce,bytreafon5fraud,or  guile. 
Wherefore  flie  moues  her  friends  to  make  aflay 
Towintheprize,andbeareourpompeaway.       -  ^ 


A  thoufand  things  befides,  /he  bruits  and  tel^ 
Andmakes  thcmoft  of  euery  thingfhee  heares,' 
Long  time  of  vs  fhe  talkes,  and  nothing  els, 
Eke  what  fhe  feeth,  abroad  in  haftc  flic  beares, 
|¥ith  tatling  toies  and  tickleth  fo  their  cares, 
That  needs  they  mutt  to  flattering  fame  aflent, 
Though  afterwards  they  do  therefore  lament* 

JBy  Eaft  from  hence  a  countrey  large  doth  lye, 
Hangar -ia  eke  of  Hunnes  it  hath  to  name, 
And  hath  DAnnbiw  floud  on  South  it  bye, 
Piuiding  quite  from  zAuftria  the  fame. 
From  thence  a  King  was  named  Hwnber  came  3 

On  coafts  of  Albany  arriued  he, 

In  hope  to  be  the  Kingof  Britanie* 

When  by  report  of  fubie&s  I  did  heare 

-How  foe-men  were  arriued  on  my  (bore, 

I  gathered  all  my  fouldiers  void  of  feare, 

And  backe  the  Hunnesby  force  and  might  I  bore« 

But  in  this  battell  was  I  hurt  fb  fore, 

That  in  the  field  of  deadly  wounds  I  dide, 
My  fouldiers  loft  their  noble  Prince  and  guide* 

Such  was  my  fate  to  venture  on  fb  bold. 
My  raflineffe  was  the  caufe  of  all  my  woe  2 
Such  is  of  all  our  glorie  vaine  the  hold, 
So  foone  we  pompe  and  pleafures  all  forgo, 
So  quickly  are  we  reft  our  kingdomes  fro: 
And  fuch  is  all  the  caft  ofFortunes  play, 
When  leaft  we  thinke,to  cut  vs  quite  away. 

I  deem'd  my  felfe  an  heanenly  happie  wight, 
When  once  I  had  my  part  to  raigne  within : 
But  fee  the  chance  what  hap  did  after  light, 
Or  I  could  fcarce  unioy  my  glee  begin. 
This  Unnne  did  feeke  from  me  my  Realme  to  wify 
And  had  his  will :  O  flattering  fortune,  fie, 
Whatmeaneftthou  to  make  thyfelfefo  flic  ? 

ft 


Tou  worthie  warriers  by  my  fall  beware, 
Let  wifdome  worke,  lay  raftmefle  all  apart, 
When  as  with  enemies  you  encountrcd  are, 
You  muft  endeuour  all  your  skilfull  art 
By  wittie  wiles,  with  force  to  make  your  mart. 

'  Wit  nought  auaileslate  bought  with  care  and  col\ 

Too  late  it  comes  when  life  and  all  is  loft, 

HO^W^  KING  OF 

Hunnes  minding  to  conquer  Brkaine,  was 

drowned  in  the  arme  of  fea  ncTfo  called 
Humbcv^ahui  the  jure  before  Chri&>  . 
1085. 

^^^SHough  yet  no  forren  Princes  in  this  place 
fi@Pl  Pp5|  Haue  come  to  tell  their hapleffe  great  miftiap, 

w&b  K  ^et  S*ue  me  *eaae  a  wni^e  to  P^^e  my  cafe, 
fjfg  w&l  And  fhew  how  1  flipt  out  of  fortunes  lap. 
SSSwe^w  Perchance  fome  other  will  efchew  the  trap 

Wherein  I  fell,  and  both  themfelues  beware, 

And  alfo  feeke  the  lelTe  their  countries  care. 

5  am  th  at  Huntber  King  of  Hunnes,  that  came 
To  win  this  Hand,  from  theBritaines  fell : 
Was  drown  d  inHumber,  where  I  left  my  name. 
A  iuft  reward  for  him  that  liu  d  fo  well 
A'  home,  and  yet  thought  others  to  expell; 

Both  from  their  Realme  or  right:wc!l  feru  d  was  1^ 

That  by  ambition  thought  to  clime  fo  hie. 

But  I  muft  blame  report,  the  chiefeft  caufe 

Of  my  decay :  beware  of  rafh  report : 

Tis  v\ 'ifdome  fir(t  to  take  a  while  a  paufe, 

Before  to  dint  of  dangers  you  refort  t 

left  when  you  come  in  haftc  to  fcale  the  fort, 
By  rafli  affauft  fome  engine,  fhafc  or  fire 
Difpatch  you  quite  A  or  make  you  foone  retire,. 


K^ing  Humben 

For  vnto  me  the  rumours  daily  flew, 
That  hcere  a  noble  Hand  might  be  won  : 
The  King  was  dead  :  no  warrcs  the  people  knew. 
And  eke  themfelues  to  ftriue  at  home  begon, 
It  were  (quoth  I)  a  noble  a6t  wel  I  don 

To  win  it  then :  and  thcrewithall  did  make 
Prouifion  good,  this  famous  He  to  take* 

A  warlike  regall  campe  prouided  was, 
And  (hips,  and  vidtuall,  for  my  Hunnes  and  mea 
By  fea  to  Britainc  conquer!  for  to  pafle, 
If  Gods  thereto  or  heauenly  ftarres  agree. 
At  length  we  came  to  fliores  of  Albany, 
And  there  to  fight,  with  Britans,  pitch'd  our  fietd^ 
In  hope  to  make  them  flinch,  flie,  fall,  or  yeeld. 

They  met  vs,  long  we  fiercely  fought  it  out, 
And  doubtfull  was  the  vi&ours  part  of  twaine  z 
Till  with  my  Hunnes,  I  rufht  among  the  rout, 
And  fought  till  that  Kiug  AlbmAft  was  flaine. 
Then  they  to  yeeld  or  pardon  craue  were  faine, 
And  I  with  trhimphes  great  receiu'd  the  pray, 
And  marchedforward,  fleflit  with  fuch  a  fray* 

I  palt  an  arme  of  fea,  that  would  to  Cod 
I  neuer  had  bin  halfe  fo  bold  at  firft, 
I  made,  to  beate  my  felfe  withall,  a  rod, 
When  fo  without  their  Realme  I  venture  durft. 
But  markc  my  tale,  thou  heard'ft  not  yet  the  worft  $ 
As  fure  I  thought  the  reft  tocircumuent, 
By  fpies  before,  they  knew  my  whole  intent. 

And  or  I  wift,  when  I  was  come  to  land, 
Not  farre  from  (hore  two  Princes  were  prepar'd 
Their  fcouts  conueyed  away  my  fliipsthey  fand, 
And  of  my  (hipmens  flefh  they  nothing  Ipar'd. 
To  refcue  which,  as  backe  againe  I  far'd, 

The  armies  twai  ne  were  at  my  heeles  bchinde, 
So  clofcle  mcin,I  wift  no  way  to  wihdc. 

Da 


Kjng  Humben 

t3h  th'Eaffi  toennm  with  an  armie  great, 
By  Weft  was  Cambre  with  another  band : 
By  North  an  arme  of  fea  the  fhores  did  beat, 
Which  compaft  me  and  mine  within  their  land* 
£Jo  way  to  fcape  was  there  but  Water  fand, 
Which  I  muft  tafte,  or  elfe  the  fword  of  thofe 
Which  were  to  me  and  mine  full  deadly  foes,, 

$o  when  I  faw  the  belt  of  all  mine  hofte 

Beat  downe  with  bats,  ftiot,  flaine,or  forft  to  fwin^. 

Jtf  y  felfe  was  faine  likewife  to  ftie  the  coaft, 

And  with  the  reft  the  waters  entred  in, 

A  fimplcfhift  for  Princes  to  begin. 
Yet  farre  I  deem'd  it  better  fb  to  die 
Then  at  my  foe-mens  feet  an  abie&lie. 

But  when  I  thus  had  fwam  with  hope  to  fcape* 
If  I  might  wend  the  water  waues  to  pane : 
.The  Britans  that  before  my  fhips  had  gate 
C3an  watch  me,  where  amidft  the  furge  I  was. 
Then  with  my  boats  they  rowde  to  me  (alas) 

And  all  they  cn  d  keep  Httmber,  keepe  their  Klng| 
That  to  our  Prince,  we  may  the  traytor  bring. 

So  with  my  boats  befet,  poore  HUmher  I 
,  Wift  no  refuge,  my  wearie  armes  did  ake, 

My  breath  was  iliort,  I  had  no  power  to  crie, 

Or  place  to  ftand,  while  I  my  plaint  might  make, . 

The  water  colde  made  all  my  ioynts  to  (hake, 
My  heart  did  beat  with  forow,  griefe,and  paine, 
And  downe  my  cheeks,falt  tears  they  gufht  amain* , 

O  muft  thou  yeeld,  and  ifhall  thy  boats  betray 
Thy  felfe  (quoth  I  )  no  mercie  Britans  haue : 

0  would  to  God  I  might  efcape  away, 

1  wot  not  yet  if  pardon  I  may  craue, 
Although  my  deeds  deferueno  life  to  haue. 

I  will,  I  nill,  death,  bondage,  beaft  am  I 
In  waters  thus,  in  forren  foile  to  die. 


With  that  I  clapt  my  quaucring  hands  abroad, 
And  held  them  vp  to  heauen^  and  thus  Ifaid : 
O  Gods  that  know  the  paines  that  I  haue  bode, 
And  iuft  reuengement  of my  rafhnes  paid, 
And  of  the  death  of  Albanatt  betraid 
By  me  and  mine,,  I  yeeld  my  life  therefore 
Content  to  die,  and  neuer  greeue  yee  more* 

Then  ftraight  not  opening  of  my  hands,  I  bowde 
My  felfe,  and  fetmy  head  my  armes  betweene : 
And  downe  I  fprang  with  all  the  force  I  could, 
So  duckt,  that  neither  head  nor  foot  were  leene, 
And  neuer  faw  my  foes  againe  I  weene, 

There  was  I  drown' d :  the  Britans,  to  my  fame, 
Yet  call  that  arme  of  fea  by  Hwnbers  name. 

Take  heed  by  me,  let  my  preiumption  lerue, 
And  let  my  folly,  fall,  and  raftinefle,  be 
A  glaffe  wherein  to  fee  if  thou  do  fwerue : 
Thou  mai'ft  thy  felfe  perceiuc  fomewhat  by  me. 
Let  neither  truft,nor  treafbn,traine  forth  ye, 
But  he  content  with  thine  eftate,  fo  fhall 
No  wrath  of  God,  procure  thy  haplefTe  fall. 

If  thou  beforren,bide  within  thy  foile 
That  God  hath  giuen  to  thee  and  thine  to  hold : 
If  thou  opprefTionmeane,  beware  the  foile, 
Beare  nc>t  thy  felfe  of  thee  or  thine  too  bold, 
Or  of  the  feats  thy  elders  did  of  old. 

For  God  is  iuft,  iniuftice  will  not  thriue : 

He  plagues  the  proud,  preferues  the  good  aliuc. 


HOW 


HOW  KING  LOCRINVS 

theeldeftfon  of  Brutus  liued  vitioufly* 

and  was  Jlawe  in  bdltell  by  his  wife,  gmtnt 

Guettdolwe,  theyeare  before  Cbr$fts 

V  cuer  any  noble  Prince  might  rue 
My  hapleffe  deeds  of  yore,  the  fame  may  I, 
That  .would  to  God  it  were  not  farre  too  true, 
Or  that  I  iuftly  could  my  faults  denie. 
*  The  truth  of  things  the  end,  or  time,  doth  trie^ 
As  well  by  me  isfeene :  my  hapleffe  fall 
Declares  whence  came  my  great  misfortunes  all* 

I  am  Locrifitu,  fecond  Britaine  King, 
The  eldcft  fonne  of  him  that  found  this  land ; 
Whofe  death,  to  me  my  mifchiefes  all  did  brings 
And  caufd  why  flrft  I  tooke  my  death  in  hand, 
Hechiefely  wif  d  me  when  he  gaue  this  land 

I  fhouldbe  rul'd,by  all  hisCounfels  will,. 

And  vie  their  iudgements  in  my  dealings  ftill9 

But  what  do  I  accufe  my  fathers  heft, 
What  meane  I  hcere  th'unfaultie  for  to  blame?: 
All  he  commanded  euen  was  for  the  beft, 
Though  in  effe<5t,of  beft  the  worft  became. 
So  things  oft  times  well  ment,  vnfitly  frame, 

So  often  times  the  counfcll  of  our  frend 

Apparent  good,  falles  faultie  in  the  end. . 

For  as  he  wiflit,  Tvfde  his  Coun/els  aide, 
In  each  thing  that  I  dcem'd  was  good  for  me  i 
I  neuer  ought  that  they  defir'd,  denaide, 
But  dirlto  all  their  minds  and  hefts  agree. 
And  dorindtm  faw  my  heart  fo  free, 

By  diuers  meanes  he  fought  this  match  to  make. 

That  to  my  wife  I  might  his  daughter  take. 


KlngLocrtnuu 

So  I  that  wlft  not  then  wh  at  mariage  ment, 
Did  ftraight  agree  his  Guendolmc tohauc : 
Yet  afterward  fulpe&iftg  his  intent, 
My  friends  to  me  this  point  of  counfell  gaue, 
That  *  whofo  doth  of  Prince  alliance  craue, 
He  meanes  thereby  to  worke  fome  point  of  ill. 
Or  elfeto  frame  the  Prince  vnto  his  w  ill. 

It  may  well  be  he  rricnt  no  ill  at  all, 
But  *  wife  men  alwaies  vfe  to  dread  the  worft. 
And  fith  it  was  the  fountaine  of  my  fall, 
From  whence  the  fpring  of  all  my  iorowes  burft, 
I  may  well  thinke  was  fome  of  vs  accurft. 
For  why,  *  the  end  doth  alwaies  proue  the  fa& : 
By  end  we  iudge  the  meaning  of  the  a&> 

I  made  no  hafte  to  wed  my  fpoufed  wife, 
I  wift  I  could  (as  yet)  without  her  bide  i 
I  had  not  tafted  ioyes  of  trained  life, 
1  deem'd  them  fooles  by  Cupids  dart  that  dide« 
1  Venvu  vile  and  all  her  feats  defide, 
I  Had  at  reft,  andrul'd  my  land  fo  well, 
That  men  delighted  of  my  fa&s.to.tcll. 

My  brethren  eke  long  weilded  well  their  parts^ 
We  fcar'd  no  foes,wc  thought  our  ftatc  would  ftand  l 
We  gaue  our  felues  to  learned  skilfull  arts, 
WHerein  we  either  fruite,or|>leafure  fand, 
And  we  cnioyd  too  fine  a  fertile  land, 
That  few  in  earth  might  with  our  ftates  compare^ 
We  liu  dfo  yoid  of  noifomecarkeand  care. 

"But  fee  the  chance :  when  leaft  we  thought  of  ill, 
When  we  efteem'd  our  ftate  tobemoft  lure, 
Then  came  a  flawr  to  bridle  all  our  will, 
For  ftrangersfarre  gan  vs  to  warre  procure. 
And  eucn  when  firft,they  put  their  pranke  in  vre, 
On  Albaine  flioresmy  brother  there  they  flew, 
Whofc  death  wc  after  made  the  Hunnes  to  rue* 


When  he  was  dead  they  hop'd  to  winne  the  reft, 
And  ouer  Aby  ftreame  with  haft  did  hie. 
But  I,and  eke  my  brother  C amber, &tc& 
Our  armies  ftraight,and  came  their  force  to  trie* 
We  brake  their  raies,  and  forcd  the  King  to  flie 

Into  the  arme  of  fea  they  ouer  came, 

Where  Humber  drownde  the  waters  tooke  their  name* 

We  either  flew,or  tooke  them  captiues  all, 
Amongft  the  which  (O  mifchiefe  great  to  tell ! ) 
The  Gods  to  worke  mine  ouerthrow  and  fall, 
Sent  Ladies  three,whofe  beauties  did  excell. 
Of  whichjbecaufe  I  liked  one  fo  well, 

I  tooke  her  ftraight,nor  fhe  did  ought  denie5 

But  ech  thing  granted  fo  fta  might  not  die. 

Thus  Humber  we  this  hatefull  hungrieKing, 
In  Humber  drencht,and  him  depriu  d  of  pride, 
And  of  his  louely  Ladieshe  did  bring 
He  loft  the  pray,and  all  his  men  befide, 
And  we  the  fpoiles  of  all  his  hoft  diuide. 

But  I  that  thought  I  had  the  greateft  fhare* 

Had  caught  the  caufe  of  all  my  wofull  care* 

They  cafd  this  Ladie,E/f?r/^,whom  I  tooke, 
Whofe  beautie  braue  did  fo  my  wits  confound, 
That  for  her  fake  my  promife  I  forfooke, 
Whereby  I  was  to  Guendoline  firft  bound. 
Me  thought  no  Ladie  elfe  fo  high  renound 

That  might  haue  caufde  me  change  my  conflate  minde^ 

So  was  I  caught  by  fnares  of  Cupidblmde* 

Was  ncuer  none  before  Co  li'kd  mine  eye, 

Ilou'd  her  more  then  I  could  loue  my  life  : 

Her  abfence  ftill  me  thought  did  caufe  me  dye,. 

I  furely  ment  to  take  her  for  my  wife. 

But  fee  how  beautie  breedeth  deadly  ftrife, 
Loe  here  began  my  whole  confufion^here 
Sprang  out  the  ftiaftfrom  whence  this  wound  Ibeare, 

For 


IQngLocrims*  %y 

For  Corindus  had  no  fooner  heard,  i 
That  I  did  meanc  his  daughter  to  forfake, 
But  flraight  as  one  that  did  nought  elfe  regard, 
In  haft  his  voyage  towards  me  did  take* 
Where  he  declar'd  what  promife  I  did  make, 

From  which  he  faid  if  once  I  fought  to  Aide, 

It  would  by  dint  of  fword.and  blood,be  tridc. 

But  if  I  would  her  take,as  erft  I  faid, 
And  not  this  ftranger  chufe  againft  his  mhide,, 
His  helpe  he  promift  at  each  timc,and  aide 
'  Tobe  fo  readie,as  I  wiflit  to  finde. 
He  further  faid  my  countrey  did  me  binde, 

To  take  fuch  one  as  all  my  fubie£ts  knew, 

Sith  ftranger  s  to  their  foes  are  feldome  true. 

I  waide  his  words,  and  thought  he  wiflit  me  well* 

But  yet  becaufe  his  flock  fliould  gaine  thereby, 

I  reckt  them  leffe :  and  yet  the  truth  to  tell, 

I  durft  not  dare  my  promife  made  denie. 

For  well  I  wift  if  once  it  came  to  trie, 

It  would  both  weaken  all  this  noble  land, 

And  doubtfull  be  who  fhould  haue  thvpper  hand* 

Thus  needes  perforce  I  muft  his  daughter  take,  % 
And  muft  leaue  off  to  loue  where  I  delight : 
I  was  conftraind,contented  to  forfake 
The  forme  that  moft  did  captiuate  my  fight. 
What  luck  had  I  on  fuch  a  lot  to  light  ? 

What  ment  you  Gods  that  me  fuch  fortune  gauq3 

To  caft  my  minde  on  her  I  might  not  haue  ? 

To  fhort  my  tale :  his  quenMine  I  tooke, 
I  was  content  againft  my  will :  what  then  > 
Nor  quite  for  this  mine  Elstride  I  forfooke. 
For  why,I  wrought  by  skill  of  cunning  men 
A  Vault  along  vnder  the  grotmd,aden 

Her  companie  wherein  I  vfed  (till, 

There  we  accompliftit  our  vnhappie  wilt 

There 


l6  KingLocrinuh 

There  Ibcgat  my  Sabrine  fiilic  chllde, 
That  virgiiifmalljminef/^^bare  to  me~s 
Thus  I  my  wife  full  often  times  beguilde, 
Which  afterward  did  beare  a  forme  to  mee, 
;  Nam* d  Cftiadan:  yet  we  neuer.  could  agree. 

And  he  that  was  the  caufe  flie  was  my  Bride* 

The  while,her  father  Cormaus  dide. 

Which  when  I  heard3X  had  my  hearts  defire, 
I  craud  nomorc3there  was  my  end  of  griefe  s 
At  leaft  I  thought  to  qucnchCupidoes  fire, 
And  eke  to  worke  my  lufting  loues  relicfe, 
1  ment  no  more  to  ftealeit  like  a  thiefe: 
But  married  £//?r/^,whom  I  lou  d  as  life, 
And  for  her  fake  I  put  away  my  wife. 

iikewife  my  Elftridel  as  Queenrordain'd, 
And  tooke  her  as  my  Iawfull  wife  by  right : 
But  Guendoline  that  faw  her  felfe  difdain  d, 
Straight  fled-,and  mou  d  the  Cornifti  men  to  fight. 
To  them  when  fhe  declared  her  piteous  plight, 
In  haft  they  raifdan  armie,for  tobe 
Reuengers  of  my  newmadc  Qucene  and  me. 

And  1  Iikewife  an  armie  did  prepare, 
I  thought  to  quaile  their  courage  all  by  forces 
iBut  to  my  coftl  found  too  late  beware. 
There  is  no  ftrcngtk in  armour :  men^ne  horfe 
Can  vaile,if  hue  on  wronged  take  rcmorcc. 
Sith  he  on  whom  the  deadly  dart  doth  Iight^ 
<2an  neuer  fcapejby  ranfome,friend,or  flight* 

So  when  our  armies  met  nigh  Mabrine  ftreame;, 
The  trumpets  blew  and  I  denide  the  peace.: 
I  minded  to  expell  them  all  theflealme, 
Or  elfe  to  make  them  euer  after  ceafe. 
Andtheyjcxccptl  Elftride  would  releafe 
(They  faid)  and  take  my  Cjuendoline  againe, 
They  would  reucnge  the  wrong  or  cife  be  flaine* 


Queene Elttridt.  ij 

t)n  this  we  met,and  valiantly  we  fought 
On  either  fide^nd  neither  part  did  yeeld : 
So  equally  they  fell  it  was  great  doubt> 
Which  part  fhould  haue  the  better  of  the  field. 
But  T  too  bold  rufht  in  with  fword  and  fliield, 

To  breake  their  raies,fo  haft'ie  men  get  fmart, 

An  arrow  came,and  lhrokc me  to  the  heart, 

Yhus  was  I  brought  to  bale,  vnhappic,  there^ 
My  bodie  pierft  that  wicked  life  had  led? 
When  I  had  raigned  all  out  twentre  yeare, , 
And  had  my  corps  with  many  pleafures  fed, 
The  earth  receiu'd  my  corps  as  cold  as  led. 

And  all  my  pompe,  my  princely  troupe  and  tralne? 

On  earth  no  more  fhail  fee  their  Prince  againe, 

To  all  c Mates  let  this  for  wcdlocke  ferue, 

Beware  of  change,  it  will  not  hold  out  long, . 

For  *  who  fo  mindeth  from  his  mate  to  fwerue, 

Shall  fure  at  length  recciue  reuenge  for  wrong,,. 

Tis  folly  fight  with  God,  h'is  farre  too  ftrong. 

For  though  yee  colour  all  with  coat  of  right; 
No  falfe  deceitdeceiues  or  dimmes  his  fight, 
He  guides  the  good,  and  wrckes  the  wrongs  of  might. 


HOW  QVEENR  Elstri.de,.  THE 
Concubine  and  fecond  wife  of  King  Lamnus,  was 
mifcrabhc  drowned  by  Queene  Gwendoline? 
the  yeere  before  Chriit,  io&j.. 

|Nd  muft  I  needs  my  felfe  recite  my  fall, 
PoorePrinccffelPmuit  I  declare  my  fate? 
Mu(t  I  thefirft  of  Queencs  among(t  vs  all, 
J  Shew  how  I  thrice  tell  from  my  princely  ftatc  r 
And  from  the  loftiefeate  on  which  I  fate? 
If  needs  I  muit,then  well  content3I  will, 
Left  here  my  place,  in  vaine  I  feeme  to  fill,  . 


If  Queene Elftride. 

I  am  that  ElFtride  whom  Locrinus  loud, 

A  Prince  his  daughter,  came  from  Germane*  land. 

My  fame  of  beautie  many  Princes  mou'd 

To  fue  for  grace,  and  fauour  at  my  hand. 

Which  bruite  once  blowne  abroad  in  euery  land, 

One  Humber  King  of  Hunnes  with  all  his  traine, 
i  To  come  to  me  a  fuiter,  was  full  f  aine. 

w''  , ■'.  1  .N« 

What  need  I  tell  the  gifts  to  mc  he  gaue, 
Or  fhew  his  fuite,  or  promife  he  me  plight, 
Sith  well  you  know  a  Prince  need  nothing  craue, 
May  nigh  command  each  thing  as  twere  his  righfi? 
For  *  as  the  fowle  before  the  Eagles  fight, 

Euen  fo  we  fail,  fubmit,  and  yeeld  vs  ftill 

At  Prince  his  call,  obeyfant  to  his  will. 

And  for  that  time  the  Hunnes  full  rnightic  were, 
And  did  encreafe  by  martiall  feats  of  warre : 
Therefore  our  Germane  Kings  agaft,  did  beare 
Them  greater  fauour,  then  was  need  by  farre. 
My  father  durftnot  number '/heft  debarre, 

Nor  I  my  felfe,  I  rather  was  content 

In  hope  of  crowne,  with  number  to  content. 

Two  Princely  dames  with  me  came  then  away, 

He  brag  d  to  win  thefe  countrie  parts  all  three. 

We  Ladies  rather  were  this  Prince  his  pray, 

Becaufe  he  promift  that  we  Qu_eenes  foould  be. 

We  came  to  coft,  thefe  countrey  coafts  to  fee, 
Sith  he  on  whom  our  hope  did  wholly  ftand, 
Was  drown  d,nam'd  number  waters,loft  the  land. 

For  as  you  heard  before  when  he  fuppof  d 

He  had  won  all,  becaufe  he  won  a  part, 

Straightway  he  was  againe  thereof  depofd, 

Conitraind to flie and fwim forlife  poore  heart : 

Loc  heere  the  caufe  of  all  my  dolefull  fmart : 
This  noble  King  with  whom  I  came  to  raigne, 
Was  drencht,and  drown  d  vnto  my  grieuous  paine. 

Then 


QueeneEijtride. 

*Then  were  "his  fouldiers  taken  flaine,or  fpoild. 
And  well  were  they,that  could  make  fuite  for  life. 
Was  neuer  fuch  an  armie  fooncr  foild  : 
O  wofull  warre,that  flo wd'ft  in  flouds  of ftrife,  ^ 
And  card'ft  not  whom  thou  cut  ft  with  cruell  kni/e. 

So,  hz&notVenns  fraught  my  face  with  hue,. 

I  had  no  longer  liud  my  forme  to  rue. 

But  as  I  came  a  captiue  with  the  reff, 
My  countenance  did  ftiine  as  braue  as  Sunne, 
Ech  one  that  faw  my  natiue  hue,were  preft 
To  yeeld  themfelues,by  beames  of  beautie  wonne. 
My  fame  ftraight  tyowne,to  gaze  on  me  they  runne^ 
And  faid  I  paft  ech  worldly  wight,as  farre 
As  Phoebus  bright  excels  the  morning  ftarre. 

like  as  you  fee  in  night,if  light  appeare, 
Straightway  to  that  ech  man  directs  his  eye  i 
Euen  fo  among  my  captiue  mates  that  were, 
When  I  did  fpeake,or  make  my  plaints  with  criey 
Then  all  on  me  they  flared  by  and  by, 

Bemoning  of  my  fates,and  fortune,/^  . 

As  they  had  bin  partakers  of  my  woe. 

My  forme  did  praife  my  plea, my  fighes  they  fuedj 
My  teares  entf  ft  their  hearts,fome  ruth  to  take. 
My  fobs  in  fight  a  feemely  hue  renewed, 
My  wringing  hands, wan  fuiters  fhift  to  make, 
My  fober  foothes  did  caufe  them  for  my  fake 
Me  to  commend,vnto  their  noble  King, 
Who  wild  they  (hould  me  into  prefencc  bring* 

Twhom  when  I  came,in  cords  as  captiue  bound, 
«  O  King(quoth  I)  whofc  power  we  feele  too  ftrong, 
*«  O  worthie  wight, whofe  fame  to  skies  doth  found, 
«  Doe  pitie  me,that  neuer  wifht  thee  wrong, 
«  Rcleafe  mc,one,thy  captiues  all  among, 
«    Which  fro  my  friends,  by  fraud  am  brought  awayj 
P    A  Prince  his  daughter,drown  d  in  dcepe  decay. 


$o  Queene  Elflride. 

Now  as  thou  art  a  Prince  thy  felfe3  of  might, 
And  maift  do  more  then  I  do  dare  defire  : 
Let  me  (O  King)  find  fauour  in  thy  fight, 
Affwage  fomewhat  thy  deadly  wrath  and  ire. 
No  part  of  knighthood  tis  for  to  require 
A  Ladies  death  thee  neuer  did  offend, 
Sith  that  thy  foe,  hath  brought  her  to  this  end. 


cc  But  let  me  rather  fafely  be  conuay'd, 

O  gratious  King,oi*ce  home  before  I  die : 

Or  let  me  liue  thy  fimple  way  ting  maid, 

If  it  may  pleafe  th  y  royall  Maidtie. 

Or  let  me  ranfome  pay  for  liberties 

But  if  you  mind  rcuenge  of  vnwraught  ill, 
Why  fpare  you  Britaines  my  deare  blood  to  fpili  ? 

With  that  the  King:  Good  Ladie  faire,  what  ift 
Thou  canft  defirc  or  askebut  muft  obtaine  ? 
Eke  would  to  God  with  all  my  heart  I  wift 
Beft  way  to  eafe  thee  of  thy  wofull  paine. 
But  if  thou  wilt,  do  heere  with  me  remaine. 
If  not  content,  conductors  fhalt  thou  hauey 
To  bring  thee  home,and  what  thou  elfe  wilt  crau*  I 


OKing  (quoth  1)  the  godspreferue  thy  grace, 
cc  The  heauens  requite  thy  mercie  fhew'd  to  me, 
Cf  And  all  the  Itarres,  direct  thy  regall  race, 
€C  With  happie  courfe,  long  lengih  of  yeares  to  fee. 
"  The  earth  with  fertill  fruits  enrirh  fo  thee, 
ec     That  thou  maift  Mill  like  Iuftice  heere  difpofe, 
sc    And  euermore  treade  downc  thy  deadly  foes. 

The  noble  King  commanded  to  vnbind 
Mine  armes,  and  giue  me  libertie  at  will. 
With  whomfuch  fauour  I  did  after  find, 
That  as  his  Queenc  I  was  at  elbow  dill  : 
And  I  enioy'd  allpleafuresatmy  fill. 

So  that  they  quite  had  quenched  out  my  thrall, 
And  I  forgat  my  former  Fortunes  all. 


Thus 


QueeneElftride. 

Thuslocby  fauour  I  obtain  d  my  fuite, 

So  had  my  beautie  fet  his  heart  on  fire, 

That  I  could  make  Lacrinui  euen  as  mute, 

Or  plcatent  as  my  caufcs  did  require. 

And  when  I  knew  he  could  no  way  retire, 
Jprai'd  he  would  his  fauour  fo  extend, 
As  I  might  not  be  blamed  in  the  end* 

For  if  (quoth  I)  you  take  me  as  your  owne, 
And  eke  my  loue  to  you  hath  conftant  beene  2 
Then  let  your  loue  likewife  againebe  fhowne, 
And  wed  me  as  you  may  your  Ipoufed  Qu_eene0 
Iffince  in  me  mifliking  you  haue  feene,, 
Then  beft  depart  betime,  before  defame 
Begin  to  take  from  Elttride  her  good  name. 

No  wauering  heart  ffaid  he)X<9rr/^bearcs,/ 
No  fained  flattcrie  (ball  thy  faith  deface  r 
Thy  beautie,  birth,  fame,  venue,  age  and  yeares^ 
Conftraineth  me  mine  Eliiride  to  imbrace. 
1  muft  offorce,  giue  thy  requefts  a  place, 
For  as  they  do  with  reafon  good  con  fen  t, 
Euen  fo  I  grant  thee  all  thy  whole,  intent. 

Then  was  the  time  appointedand  the  dav, 

In  which  I  mould  be  wedded  to  this  King. 

But  in  this  cafe,  his  Counfell  caufdeaftay, . 

And  fought  out  meanes  at  difcord  vs  to  bring* 

Eke  CorindiKi  claWd  a  former  thing, 
A  precontract  was  made  and  full  accord 
Between  his  daughter,  and  my  foueraigne  Lord>, 

And  yet  the  King  did  giue  me  comfort  {till, 
He  laid  he  could  not  fo  forfake  my  loue  r 
He  euermore  would  beare  me  all  good  will, 
As  both  my  beautie  and  deferts  did  moue. 
Yet  faithleffe  in  his  promife  he  did  proue  : 
His  Counfell  at  the  laft  did  him  conftraine 
Tomarrie  her,  vntomy  grieuouspaine.. 


p  Queene  Elftridf* 

At  which  I  could  not  but  with  hate  repine, 

It  vexed  me,his  mate  that  ihould  haue  beenet 

To  hue  in  hate  a  Prince  his  concubine, 

That  euer  had  fuch  hope  to  be  his  Queene. 

The  fteps  of  ftate  are  full  of  woe  and  teene, 

For  when  we  thinke  we  haue  obtaind  the  throne, 
Then  ftraight  our  pompe  and  pride  is  quite  orethrowne^ 

Lo  twice  I  fell  from  hope  of  Princely  crowne# 

Fir  ft, when  vnhappie  HumbeAo^  his  life : 

And  next  I  laid  my  peacocks  pride  ado  wne, 

When  I  could  not  be  King  Locrinm  wife. 

But  oft  they  fay  the  third  doth  end  the  ftrife, 
Which  I  haue  prou'd,therefore  the  fequell  view, 
*  The  third  paies  home,this  prouerbe  is  too  true* 

The  King  could  not  refraine  his  former  minde, 

But  vfde  me  ftill^and  I  my  doubtfull  yeares 

Did  linger  on,I  knew  no  fhift  to  finde, 

But  paft  the  time  full  oft  with  mourning  teares* 

*  A  concubine  is  neucr  void  of  feares, 
For  if  the  wife  her  at  aduantage  take, 
In  rage  reuenge  with  death  fbe  feekes  to  make* 

Likewife  I  wift  if  once  I  fought  to  flie, 

Or  to  intreat  the  King  depart  I  might : 

Then  would  he  ftraight  be  difcontent  with  me. 

Yea  if  I  were  purfued  vpon  the  flight, 

Or  came  deflour'dintomy  fathers  fight, 

I  fhould  be  taken5kept  perforce,or  flaine, ' 

Or  in  my  countrey  hue  in  great  difdaine. 

In  fuch  a  plight  what  might  a  Ladie  doe, 
Was  euer  Princefle  poore,in  fuch  a  cafe  ? 
O  wretched  wight  bewrapt  in  webs  of  woe, 
That  ftill  in  dread  waft  toft  from  place  to  place, 
And  neuer  foundeft  meane  to  end  thy  race, 
But  ftill  in  doubt  of  death  in  carking  care 
-  DidftUue  a  life  deuoid  of  all  welfare. 


Queene  Elftride. 

The  King  per cciuing  well  my  chaunged  chcare, 
To  eafe  my  heart  with  all  deulf  d  deceates, 
Bytecret  wayes  I  came  deuoyde  offeare, 
In  vaults,  by  cunning  Mafbns  craftiefeates. 
Whereas  we  fafely  from  the  Queene  her  threats, 
So  that  the  King  and  L,fb  vfde  our  art, 
As  after  turnd  vs  both  to  paine  and  fmart* 

By  him  I  had  my  Sabrme  fmall,my  childc, 

And  after  that  his  wifcJher  father  loft. 

I  mean  e  he  died  and  flie  wasfti ayght  exilde, 

And  I  made  Queene  vnto  my  care  and  coft. 

For  flic  went  downe  to  Cornwall  ftrayght  in  poft, 
And  caufed  all  her  fathers  men  to  rife 
With  all  the  force  and  ftrength  they  might  deuife. 

My  King  and  hers»with  me,gainft  her  prepard 
An  army  ftrong:but  when  they  came  to  fight, 
Dame  Guendolwe  did  wrax  at  length  too  hard, 
And  of  our  King  vs  both  depofed  quight. 
For  from  her  campe  an  arrow  fharp  did  light 
Vpon  his  breft,and  made  him  leaue  his  breath: 
Lo  thus  the  King  came  by  vntimely  death. 

Then  I  too  late,  began  in  vaine  to  flye, 

And  taken  was  presented  to  the  Queene: 

Who  me  beheld  with  cruell  Tigers  eie. 
„  O  queane(quoth  Hie)that  caufe  of  warres  haft  becne, 

And  deadly  hate,the  like  was  neuerfeene, 
„    Come  on,for  thefe  my  hands  fliall  ridde  thy  life, 
„    And  take  reuengement  of  our  mortall  ftrife. 

3J I  longed  Jong  to  bring  thee  to  this  day, 

„  And  thou  likewife  haft  fought  to  fuck  my  bloud: 

Now  art  thou  taken  in  my  fpoi!es,a  pray 
„  For  thee  my  life  full  long  in  daungcr  ftood . 

I  will  both  teach  thy  fclfc  and  others  good, 
„     To  breake  the  bands  of  faithfull  wedlocke  plight, 
„     And  giue  thee  that  which  thou  deferueft  right. 


34*        Queene  Elltride. 

|t  O  harlot  whorc/why  ftiould  I  flay  my  hands? 
3  O  paynted  pi6ture,fliall  thy  lookes  theefaue? 
Nay,bind  her  faft  both  hand  and  foote  in  bands, 
And  let  her  fome  ftraunge  kinde  of  torments  haue. 
What  ftrumpet,think'ft  for  that  thou  feemeft  braue, 
Or  for  thy  teares,or  fighes,to  fcape  my  fight? 
My  felfe  will  rather  vanquish  thee  by  fight. 

Thou  rather  ffiould'ft  my  vitall  breath  depriue 

Then  euer  fcape,if  none  were  here  but  wee. 

But  now  I  will  not  file  my  hands  to  ftriue, 

Or  elfe  to  touch  lb  vile  a  drab  as /he. 

Come  on  at  once,and  bring  her  after  me, 
With  hand  and  feete(as  I  commaunded)bounda 
And  let  mee  fee  her  here,as  Humber^dtoYtri 'd. 

A  thoufand  things  befidc  fhe  Ipake  in  rage, 
While  that  a  caitiffe  did  with  cords,me  binde. 
No  teares^nor  fobs,nor  fighes,might  ought  affwage 
The  ielous  Queene,or  mollifie  her  minde. 
Occafions  ftill  her  franticke  head  did  finde, 
And  when  fhe  ipake  her  eies  did  feeme  as  fire, 
Shee  lookt  as  pale  as  chalke,with  wrathfull  ire. 

Ne  ftood  fhe  ftill,but  fearcely  me  defide, 

Raung'd  vp  and  downe,and  oft  her  paimes  fliee  ftrooke« 

Locr  'mus  now(quoth  fhe)had  not  thus  dide, 

if  fuch  an  harlot  whore  he  had  not  tooke. 

And  therewithal  fhee  gaue  a  Tigers looke, 

Thatmademe  quake,whatlettes(quoth  fhe)my  knife 

To  ridde  this  whore,my  huibands  fecond  wife. 

H'is  dead,I  liue,and  flhaii  I  faue  her  life  ? 

O  Queene(quothI)ifpitie  none  remayne, 
But  I  be  fiaine  or  drown  d  as  Number  was: 
Then  take  thy  pleafure  by  my  pinching  payne, 
And  let  me  hence  as  thou  appointed  parte. 
But  take  fome  pitie  on  my  childe,  alas, 

Thou  know'ft  the  infant  made  no  fault  but  hee 
That  s  dead,and  I,  therefore  rcuenge  on  mec. 


Queene Elftride. 

No  baflards  here  fliallliue  to  difpofTcflc 
My  fonne3(fe  %d)but  fith  thou  foughtcft  fame, 
I  will  prouide  for  her  a  kingdome  lefle, 
Which  fhall  hereafter  euer  haue  her  name. 
Thouknow'ft  whereof  the  name  of  Httmberczme, 
Euen  fo  Sabrina  fhall  this  ftreame  bee  card, 
Sith  Sabrirteme&s  Hwnber  Locrinc  thral'd. 

With  that  my  childe  was  SabrtHcbrought  in  fight, 
Who  when  (he  faw  mee  there  in  bandes  to  lie, 
Alas(/he  cri'd)  whatmeanes  this  piteous  plight? 
And  downe  fhee  fell  before  the  Queenc,with  cry : 
OQueene(quoth  (hee)let  me  more  rather  die 
Than  (he  that's  guiltlen*e  (houldifor  why,thy  king 
Did  as  his  captiue  her  to  leaudnes  bring. 

Which  when  I  faw  the  kindnes  of  the  childe, 
It  burft  my  heart  much  more  then  doome  of  death; 
Poore  little  lambe,with  countenance  how  mildc 
See  pleaded  (tillrand  I  for  want  of  breath, 
(With  woefull  teares  that  lay  her  feete  beneath) 
Could  not  put  foorth  a  w  ord  our  liues  to  faucj 
Or  if  therefore  I  might  a  kingdome  haue. 

Her  piteous  plaints  did  fomwhat  death  withdraw^ 
For  as  fhee  long  beheld  the  Queene  with  teares, 
(Quoth  (hee)let  me  haue  rigour  void  of  law, 
In  w  home  the  figne  of  all  thy  wrath  appeares. 
And  let  me  die,my  fathers  face  that  beares. 
Sith  he  is  dead,and  we  are  voidc  of  ftay, 
Why  Ihould  I  thee  for  life  or  mercy  pray? 

My  mothermay  to  Germany  returne, 
Where  fhee  wasborne,and  if  itpleafe  thy  graces 
And  I  may  well  lie  in  my  fathers  tombe, 
If  thou  wilt  grant  his  childe  fo  good  a  place. 
But  if  thou  think  my  bloud  is  farre  too  bace, 
(Although  I  came,by both,of princely  line) 
Then  let  me  haue  what  fliroud  thou  wilt  aiTigne,, 

Ez 


^6  QueeneElftride. 

With  that  the  Queene  replied  with  milder  cheered 
And  fayd  the  childe  was  wonderous  feate,  and  wittier 
But  yet  fliee  would  not  her  reuenge  fbrbeare, 
For  why(quoth  ftiee)the  prouerbe  fayes,*  that  pittie 
Hath  lewdly  loft  full  many  a  noble  Cittie. 

Here  E/ftride  now.  ile  wreke  my  greefes  on  thee 
To  die,take  leaue,buttalke  no  more  to  mce« 

On  this  my  leaue  I  tooke,and  thus  I  fayd, 
Farewell  my  countrey  Germany  ,fare  well: 
Adew  the  place  from  whence!  was  conueyd* 
Farewell  my  father,  and  friends  there  dwell- 
My  Bumber  drown  d,as  I  fhallbe/arewell. 
Adew  Locrinns  dead  for  thee  I  die. : 
Would  God  my  corps  might  by  thy  coffine  lie* 

Adew  my  pleafures  paft,farewell,ade w. 
Adew  the  cares  and  fofrowes  I  haue  had.- 
Farewell  my  friends  that  earftfor  me  did  fue,. 
Adew  that  were  to  faue  my  life  full  glad, 
Farewell  my  fauning  friends  I  lately  had, 

And  thou  my  beauty,  caufe  of  death/arewell, 
As  oft  as  heart  can  thinke,or  tongue  can  tell. 

Adew  you  heauens,mymortall  eyes  mail  lee 
No  more  your  lights  and  planets  all  farewell. 
And  chiefly^/?///  faire  thatpaintedftme, 
When  Kjttercurj  histale  to  me  did  tell, 
Eke  afterwards  when  Jtfars  wkh  vs  did  dwell. 
And  now  at  laft  thou  crueH  CMars  adew, 
Whofe  dart  my  life  and  loue  Locrinns  flew. 

And  mult  I  needes  depart  from  thee  my  childe? 
If  needs  I-muft^tenthoufand  times  farewell: 
Poore  little  lambe5thy  friends  are  quite  exilde? 
And  much  I  feare  thou  fhalt  not  long  doe  well. 
But  if  they  fo  with  boyling  rancour Twell 
As  thee  to  flea  which  neuer  wroughtefl  ill, 
How  can  trjey  flay  my  ftayned  corps  to  kill* 


With 


QueeneElJlride.  37 

With  that,  my  Sahrwes  {lender  armes  imbraft 

TMe  round,  and  would  not  let  me  fo  depart. 

Let  me  (quoth  foe)  for  her  the  waters  raft. 

Or  let  vs  both  together  end  our  fmart.  * 

Yea  rather  rip  you  forth  my  tender  heart : 

What  fhould  I  Hue  ?  But  they  the  child  withdrew, 

And  me  into  the  raging  ftreame  they  threw* 

So  in  the  waters  as  I  ftriu  d  to  fwimmc, 
And  kept  my  head  aboue  the  waues  for  breath  s 
Methought  I  faw  my  child  would  venter  in, 
Which  crfd  amaine,  O  let  me  take  like  death. 
The  waters  ftraight  had  drawne  me  vnderneath, 

Where  diuing,  vp  at  length  againe  rofe  I, 

And  faw  my  child,  and  cri'd  farewell,  I  dic« 

Then  as  my  ftrength  was  wailed,  downe  I  went, 
Eke  fb  I  plunged  twice  or  thrice  yet  more : 
My  breath  departed,  needs  I  muft  relent. 
The  waters  pierft  my  mouth  and  eares  fo  lore, 
And  to  the  bottome  with  fuch  force  me  bore, 

That  life,  and  breath,  and  mind,  and  fenfe  was  gone, 

And  I  as  dead  and  cold  as  marble  flone. 

Lo  thus  you  heare  the  race  of  all  my  life, 
And  how  I  paft  the  pikes  of  painfull  woe  2 
How  twice  I  thought  to  be  a  Princes  wife, 
And  twice  was  quite  depriu  d  my  honor  fro, 
The  third  time  Queene,  and  fcltfoule  ouerthro* 

Let  Princely  Ladies  view  mine  hiftorie, 

Mine  haps,  and  woes,  and  hatefull  deftinie* 

Bid  them  beware,left  beau  tie  them  abufe, 
Beware  of  pride,  for  hauc  a  fall  it  muft : 
And  bid  them  Fortunes  fiatterie  refufe, 
Her  turned  wheele  is  void  of  fteadie  truft. 
Who  reckes  no  meane,  but  leaueth  all  to  luft, 

Shall  find  my  words  as  true  as  I  them  tell : 

Bid  thembeware  in  time,  I  wifh  them  wdL 

E3  HOW 


3S 

HOW  THE  XADIE  SA: 

brine >  daughter  of  tCing  Locrinus 

and  ElBride,  was  drowned  by  Queene 
Guendolinejbeyeare before  Chritf, 
I  064. 

Ehold  me  Sabrwe  orphane  erfl  bereft 
Of  all  my  friends,  by  cruell  cafe  of  warre  r 
When  as  not  one  to  treate  for  me  was  left,, 
Bat  ieloufie  did  all  their  powers  debarre. 
When  as  my  father  eke  was  flainc  in  warrea 
And  when  my  mother  euen  before  my  fight 
Was  drown  d  to  death,  O  wretch  in  wofullpUghta 

Truft  who  fo  will  the  ftaffe  ofhigh  eftate, 

And  bring  me  word  what  ftay  thereby  you  haue : 

For  why,  if  Fortune  once  dilpleafure  take, 

She  giues  the  foile,  though  lookesbe  neu'r  fb  braue- 

*  Tis  wifdome  when  you  winnc,  to  winne  to  faue  s 

For  oft  who  trufts  to  get  a  Prince  his  traine, 

Would  at  the  length  of  beggers  life  be  faine. 

This  might  the  Hunne  erfl:  Humher  well  haue  faid, 
And  this  my  mother  E/ttride  prou  d  too  true, 
When  as  his  life  by  ftriuing  ftreames  was  ftaid, 
And  when  the  tyrants  her  in  waters  threw* 
What  I  may  &y,  my  felfe  reports  to  you, 

Which  had  more  terror  ilie  w'd  then  twice  fuch  twake  $ 

Giue  eare,and  iwdge  iflabodeno  paine. 

Firft  when  my  fathers  corps  was  ftricken  downe 
With  deadly  fliaft,  I  came  to  mourne  and  fee : 
And  as  he  lay  with  bleeding  breft  in  fbwne, 
He  caft  afide  his  watring  eyes  on  me. 
Flie,  flie,  (quoth  he)  thy  ftepdame  feekes  for  theey 

My  wofull  child  :what  flight  maift  thou  to  take 

My  Sabrine  poore^I  muft  thee  needs  forfake. 

See 


LadySabrine. 

Sec  hccre  mine  end,  behold  thy  fathers  fall, 
Flie  hence,  thy  ftepdame  feekes  thy  ftaylefle  life : 
Thy  mother  eke  cie  this  is  wrapt  in  thrall, 
You  cannot  fcapeof  iealous  griefe  her  knife. 
Farewell  my  child,  mine  SIFbride  and  my  wife, 
Aduc  (quoth  he)  I  may  no  longer  bide : 
And  cuen  with  that  he  gaiped  breath,  and  dide« 

What  bird  can  flie,  and  Ibare,  if  ftormes  do  rage  ? 
What  fhip  can  faile  if  once  the  winds  refifl? 
What  wight  is  that  can  force  of  warrcs  aflwagc  ? 
Or  elfe  what  warre  can  bridle  fortunes  lift  ? 
What  man  is  he,  that  dare  an  hoaft  refift  ? 

What  woman  only  dare  withliand  a  field  ? 

If  not  >  what  child  but  muft  to  enemies  yeelcL 

My  fathers  fouldiers  fled  away  for  feare, 
As  fbone  as  once  their  Captaines  death  they  fcand t 
The  Queene  proclaim' d  a  pardon  euery  where 
To  thofe  would  yeeld  and  craue  it  at  her  hand : 
Excepting  fiich  as  did  her  aye  withftand. 
For  f©  the  courfe  alwaies  of  pardons  goes 
As  faues  the  fouldier,  and  entraps  the  foes. 

Then  wifl  I  flight  could  nothing  me  preuaile, 
I  feared  her  pardon  would  not  faue  my  life : 
The  ftorme  wasfuchl  durft  notbeareafaile, 
I  durft  not  go  t'intreate  my  fathers  wife, 
Al  though  I  neuer  was  the  caufe  of  ftrife : 
For  iealofie,  deuoid  of  reafbns  raigne, 
With  frenzies  fume  enragde  her  reftleffebralne. 

But  fee  the  chance :  thus  compaft  round  with  fearc 
In  broiles  of  blood,  as  in  the  field  I  ftand, 
1  willit  to  God  my  corps  were  any  where 
As  out  of  life,  or  off  this  hatefullland. 
No  fooner  wimt,  but  there  was  eucn  at  hand 
A  fouldiervile,  inhafte  (quoth he)comeon, 
Queene  Elftride  will  before  thou  comebegon. 

E4 


j^o  Lady  Salrme. 

The  rafcall  rude,  the  rogue,  the  clubfift  grcpt 
My  flender  arme,  andplucktmc  on  in  haft : 
And  with  my  robes  the  bloodie  ground  he  fwept, 
As  I  drue  backe  lie  hafd  me  on  full  faft. 
Vnder  his  arme  my  carefull  corps  he  carl. 

Sith  that  (a^oth  he)  thou  put  ft  me  to  this  paine3. 

Thou  fhak  thereby  at  length  but  little  gaine. 

So  at  the  length  we  came  where  we  defcri'd 

A  number  huge  of  folkes  about  the  Queene  r 

As  when  you  fee  ibme  wonder  great  betide, 

Or  elfe  the  place  where  fome  Arrange  fight  hath  beene  i 

So  might  you  there  the  people  [landing  feene, 

And  gazed  all  when  as  they  fee  me  brought, 

Then  fure  I  deern  d  I  was  not  come  for  nought* 

And  in  the  preafe,  fome  praifde  my  comely  face., 
In  beautie  E/ftrrde which  rcfembled  right  r 
Some  faid  I  looked  like  my  fathers  grace, 
But  others  faid  it  was  a  piteous  fight 
Xfhould  fo  die :  the  Queene  me  pardon  might.. 

They  faid  the  beaft  me  bore  did  me  abufe, 

Which  not  fo  rudely  ought  aPrineeiTe  vfe. 

But  what  did  this  redrefTe  my  wofull  care, 
You  wot  the  Commons  vfe  fuch  prouerbs  ftill  2 
And  yet  the  captiues  poore  no  better  are, 
It  rather  helpes  their  pained  hearts  to  kill. 
*Topitie  one  in  griefe  doth  worke  him  ilK 

Bemone  his  woe,  and  cannot  eafe  his  thrall, 

It  kils  his  heart,  but  comforts  none  at  all. 

Thus  paft  we  through  the  preafe :  at  length  we  came 

Into  the  pretence  of  the  iealous  Queene, 

Who  nought  at  all  the  rafcall  rude  did  blame 

That  bare  me  fo,  but  askt  if  I  had  feene 

My  father  flainc,  that  caufe  thereof  had  beene. 

O  Queene  (quoth  I)  God  knowes  my  whole  intent 

Of  Daughter  guiltkife :  I  am  innocent; 

With 


Lady  Sabrine. 

With  that  I  faw  the  people  Icoke  afide, 
To  view  a  mourning  voice :  I  heard  thereby 
It  was  my  wofull  mother  by  that  cri'd  ,  ^ 
Lo  Sabr'we,  bound  at  brinke  of  death  I  lie. 
What  pen,  or  tongue,  or  teares  with  weeping  eie 
Could  tell  my  woes,  that  faw  my  mother  bound 
On  waters  flioare,  wherein  fhe  fliouldbe  drown  d. 

With  that  I  fell  before  the  Queene,  and  pray'd 
For  mercie,  but  with  fierie  eyes  flie  bent 
Her  browes  on  me,  out  baft  ard  vile  (flie  faid) 
Thou  wot'ftnotyet  whereforefor  theel  fent. 
O  Queene  (quoth  I)  haue  pitie,  be  content. 
And  if  thou  mind  of  mercie  ought  to  fliow3 
Dro  wne  me,  and  let  my  mother  harmeleffe  go. 

For  why,  flie  wasaPrincehis  daughter,  borne 
In  Germany,  and  thence  was  brought  away 
Perforce,  by  Humber,  who  by  warres  forlorne 
Thy  King  as  captiue  tooke  her  for  his  pray : 
Thou  maift  full  well  her  cafe  with  reafon  way. 
What  could  fhe  do,  what  more  then  flie  or  I 
Thy  captiues  now,  thine  owne  to  line  or  die  ? 

Takcpitie  then  onPrincelyrace,  O  Qiaeene3 
Haue  pitie,  if  remorce  may  ought  require, 
Take  pitie(on  a  captiue  thrice  hath  beene, 
Let  pitie  pierce  the  rage  of  all  thine  ire. 
But  if  thy  breaft  burne  with  reuenging  fire, 

Then  let  my  death  quench  out  that  fuming  flamej 
Sith  of  thy  husbands  blood  and  hers  I  came. 

Much  more  Ifaid  while  teares  out  {beaming  went, 
But  nought  of  eafe  at  all  thereby  I  gain  d.. 
My  mother  eke,  did,  as  flie  lay,  lament, 
Wherewith  my  heart  a  thoufand  fold  fhe  paind. 
And  though  the  Queenemy  plaints  to  fauour  fain'd^  , 
Yet  at  the  laft  flie  bad  flie  Ihould  prepare 
Her  felfe  to  die,  and  end  her  courfe  of  care* 


Lady  Sabrine* 

Then  all  her  Friends  my  mother  Slttride  nam'df, 
And  pleafures  pari,  and  bade  them  all  adue 
Eke  as  fhe  thus  her  laft  farewell  had  frain  d, 
WithlofTe  of  him  from  whom  her  forowes  grue«> 
At  length  to  me  (which  made  my  heart  to  rue) 
She  faid  farewell  my  child,  I  feare  thy  fall, 
Ten  thoufand  times  adue,  my  Sabrine  final!. 

And  as  the  crueil  cay  tirTes  came  to  take 
Her  vp,  to  call  and  drowne  her  in  the  floud, 
I  fart  mine  armes  about  her  dipt  did  make, 
And  cri'd,  O  Queene  let  mercie  mecke  thy  mood^ 
Do  rather  reaue  my  heart  of  yitali  blood, 

Then  thus  I  liue :  with  that  they  flackt  my  hpld^ 
And  drencht  my  mother  in  the  waters  cold* 

For  loue  to  aide  her,  venter  in  would  I, 

That  faw  my  mother  ftriue  aloft  for  wind. 

To  land  fhee  lookt-and  faid  farewell,  I  die, 

O  let  me  go  (quoth  I)  like  fate  to  rind. 

Said  Gwendoline ',come  on  likewife  and  bind 
This  Sabrine  heere  likewife,  for  fo  fhall  fhe 
At  once  receiue,  her  whole  requeft  of  me. 

Ekeiis  I  wifh  to  hauein  mind  her  fame, 
As  Humbert  is,  which  mould  her  father  been  ; 
So  mail  this  floud  of  Sabrine  haue  the  name, 
That  men  thereby  may  fay,  a  righteous  Queene 
Heere  drown'd  her  husbands  child  of  concubine. 
Therefore  leaue  Sabrine  heere  thy  name  and  life, 
'  Let  Sabrine  waters  end  our  mortall  ftrife. 

Difpatch  (quoth  fhe)  with  that  they  bound  me  fait, 
My  llender  armes  and  feet,  with  little  need : 
And  fau's  all  mercie,  me  in  waters  cart,' 
Which  drew  me  downe,  and  caft  me  vp  withipeed, 
And  downe  me  drencht  the  Sabrine  rim  to  feed : 
Where  I  abode  till  now  from  whence  I  came, 
And  there  the  waters  hold  as  yet  my  name. 


Lady  Sabrine,  43 

lo  thus  this  ielous  Queene,  in  raging  fort, 
With  bloodic  hate  bereft  her  husbands  health : 
And  eke  my  mother  Elttrides  life  (God  wot) 
Which  neuer  ment  to  hurt  this  Common-wealth. 
And  me,  Locrinm  child,  begot  by  ftealth. 

Again  A  all  reafon  was  it  for  to  kill 

The  child,  for  that  her  parents  erft  did  ill. 

But  heere  you  fee,  what  time  our  pompe  doth  bide, 

Hereby  you  fee,  thVnfteadie  truft  in  warre, 

Hereby  you  fee,  the  ftay  of  States  etride, 

Hereby  you  fee,  our  hope  tomakc  doth  matre, 

Hereby  you  fee,  we  fall  from  bench  to  barre. 
From  bench  (quoth  I)  yea  from  the  Princely  fcate, 
You  fee  how  foone  vs  Fortune  downe  doth  beate* 

And  heere  you  fee,  how  IawlefTeloue  doth  thriue, 
Hereby  you  fee,  how  ielous  folkes  doe  fare : 
Heere  may  you  fee,  with  wifdome  they  that  wiue, 
Need  neuer  recke  Cnpdoes  curfed  fnare. 
Heere  may  you  fee,  diuorcementbrecdeth  care, 

Heere  feldome  thriue,  the  children  may  you  fee^. 

Which  in  vnlawfull  wedlocke  gotten  be. 

Dedare  thou  then  our  fall  and  great  mifliap* 

Declare  the  hap,  and  glory  we  were  in  : 

Declare  how  foone  we  taken  were  in  trap, 

.When  we  fuppofde  we  had  molt  fafeft  bin. 

Declare  what  lolfe  they  haue  that  hope  to  win. 
*  When  Fortune  moft  doth  fweeriy  feeme  to  finile, 
Then  will  flac  frowne :  fhe  laughes  but  euen  a.  while* 


HOW 


44* 

HOW  KING  MX 

DAN  FOR  HIS  EVILL  LIFE 

was  flaine  by  Wohies,  the  yeare  be- 

f ore  ChriS. 9  loop* 


Mong?ft  the  reft  that  fate  inhautiefeat, 
And  felt  the  fall,  I  pray  thee  pen  for  me 
A  Tragedie  may  fome  fuch  wifdome  geat 
As  they  maylearne,  and  fome  what  wifer  be* 


tor  in  my  glaffc  when  as  themfelues  they  fee, 
They  may  beware :  my  fall  from  Fortunes  lap 
Shall  teach  them  how  tefchew  the  like  miflhap* 

I  am  that  CMadan,  once  of  BritaineKing, 
The  third  that  euer  raigncd  in  this  land : 
Marke  well  therefore  my  death :  as  ftrange  a  thing, 
As  fome  would  deeme  couldfcarce  with  reafon  ftancl 
Yet  when  thou  haft  my  life  well  throughly  fcand, 
Thou  ftialt  per ceiue,  not  halfe  fo  ftrange  as  true, 
*  111  life,  worfe  death,  doth  after  ftill  enfue* 

For  when  my  mother  QuenMine  had  raign  d 
In  my  nonage,  full  1 5 .  yeares,  flie  dide :  ^ 
And  I  but  yong,  not  well  in  vertues  train  d? 
Was  left  this  noble  Handfor  to  guide : 
Whereby  when  once  my  mind  was  puft  with  pride* 

Ipaft  for  nought,  I  vfde  my  luft  for  law. 

Of  right,  or  iuftice,  rcckt  I  not  a  ftraw. 

No  meane  I  kept,  but  ruled  all  by  rage, 
No  bounds  of  meafure  could  me  compaffe  in. 
<No  counfell  could  my  mcekeleiTe  mind  affwagc : 
Whenonce  to  fume  I  fiercely  did  begin. 
And  I  exceld  in  nothing  elfebut  fin. 
So  that  my  fubie&s  all  did  wifli  my  end, 
Saue  fuch  to  whom  f  or  vice  I  was  a  friend* 


J^ingMadan. 

And  pleafurcs  plung'd  I  tookc  my  whole  repaft, 

My  youth  mee  led  deuoide  of  compaflfe  quite: 

And  vices  were  fo  rooted  in  at  laft, 

That  to  recure  the  ill,it  paft  my  migh  t. 

For  *  who  fo  doth  with  will  and  pleafure  fight, 
(Though  all  his  force  doe  ftriue  them  to  withftand) 
Without  good  grace  they  haue  the  vpper  hand. 

*  What  licour  firft  the  earthen  pot  doth  take, 

It  keepeth  ftill  the  fauour  of  that  fame. 

Full  hard  it  is  a  Cramocke  ftraight  to  make, 

Or  crooked  Logges  with  waimcotfine  ta  frame. 

Tis  hard  to  make  the  cruell  Tiger  tame. 

Andfo  it  fares  with  thofehaue  vices  caught: 
*  Naught  once(they  fay)and  euer  after  naught. 

I  fpeake  not  this  as  though  it  paft  all  cure. 
From  vices  vile  to  vertue  to  retire: 
But  this  I  fay,if  vice  bee  once  in  vre, 
The  more  you  fball  to  quite  your  felfe  require* 
The  more  you  plunge  your  felfe  in  fulfome  mire, 
As  hee  that  (triues  in  foakte  quicke  firts  of fand, 
Still  finkes,fcarceeuer  comes  againc  to  land. 

The  gifts  of  grace  may  nature  ouercome, 

And  God  may  gra'unt  the  time  when  we  repent. 

But  I  did  ftill  in  laps  of  le  wdnes  runne, 

At  laft  my  felfe  to  cruelty  I  bent. 

But  who  fo  doth  with  bloudy  a6ls  content 
His  mindc3fhall  fure  at  laft  finde  like  againe, 
Andfcele  forpleafures  thoufands  pangs  ofpa!ne» 

For  in  the  midft  of  thofe  vntrufty  toyles, 
When  as  I  nothing  feardejbut  all  was  fure: 
With  all  my  traine  J  hunting  rode  for  fpoiles 
Ofthofe,who  after  did  my  death  procure. 
Thefe  lewd  delights  did  boldly  me  allure, , 

To  follow  fttl  and  to  purfue  the  chafe^ , 

At  laft  I  came  into  a  defert  place. 


\6  Kjng  Madart. 

Befet  with  hils,and  monftrous  rockes  of  ftone, 
My  company  bchindc  mee  loft,or  ftayde : 
The  place  was  eke  withhautie  trees  oregrowne. 
So  vaft  and  wilde  it  made  mee  halfe  afraid. 
And  ftraight  I  was  with  rauening  wolues  betraid, 
Came  out  of  caues,and  dens,and  rockes  amaine, 
There  was  I  rent  in  pceces,kilde,and  flaine. 

Woe  worth  that  youth'(in  vayne)fo  vily  /pent 
Should  euer  caufe  a  King  to  feele  fuch  fmart: 
Woe  worth  that  euer  I  fhould  here  lament, 
Or  fliew  the  huft  of  my  poore  Princely  hearty 
I  thinke  the  clowne  that  driues  the  mixen  cart 
Hath  better  hap  then  Princes/uch  as  I: 
No  ftorme  of  Fortune  cafts  him  downe  fo  hie. 

A  man  by  grace  and  wit  may  Hum  the  mare. 
Tis  fayd  *  a  wife-man  all  miftiap  withftands: 
For  though  by  ftarres  we  borne  to  mifchieues  are, 
Yet  grace  and  prudence  bayles  our  carefull  bands. 
*  Each  man  (they  fay)  his  fate  hath  in  his  hands, 
And  what  he  marres,  or  makes  to  leefe,  or  faue 
Of  good  or  cuill,  is  euen  felfe  doe,  felfe  haue. 

This  thing  is  feene  by  me,that  led  my  daies 
In  vitious  fort,for  greedy  wolues  a  pray. 
I  wifh,and  will,that  Princes  guide  their  wayes: 
Lojiere^y  thisefchew  like  chance  they  may, 
And  vices  fuch  as  worke  their  whole  decay. 
Which  if  they  doe,full  well  is  /pent  the  time 
To  warne,to  write,and  eke  to  lhan  the  crime. 


HOW 


HOW  KING  MA- 

LIN  WAS  SLAINE  BY  HIS  BRO: 
therKingMempriciuSjthcycarc  be- 

foreCbrift,  icop* 


F Fortune  were  fo  flrme  as  fheeisfraile, 
Or  glofing  glorie  were  (till  permanent : 
If  no  miflhap  mens  doings  did  aflayle, 
Or  that  their  a&s  and  fa6ts  were  innocent 
If  they  in  hope  no  hurt  nor  hatred  ment^ 
Or  dealings  aye  were  done  with  duty  due, 
Theyneuerneede  their  great  miffortunes  rue. 


111 


If  pompe  were  paine,and  pride  were  not  in  pricey 
Or  hauric  feate  had  not  the  higheft  place: 
If  they  could  learne  by  others  to  be  wife, 
Or  els  efche  w  the  daungers  of  their  race: 
If  once  they  could  the  golden  meatie  imbrace, 
Orbanifli  quite  ambition  from  their  breaft, 
They  neuer  neede  to  recke  or  reape  vnrcft. 

Bur  they  doe  thinke  fuch  fweetenes  in  renowne, 

Vpon  this  earth  is  all  the  greateft  hap: 

They  nothing  feare  the  hurt  of  falling  downc, 

Or  little  roome  in  Lady  Fortunes  lap. 

They  giuc  no  heede  before  they  get  the  clap: 
And  then  too  late  they  wifh  they  had  bin  wifc, 
When  from  the  fall  they  would,and  cannotjrifea 

As  if  two  twtnnes,or  children  at  the  tcate 
Of  nurce,or  mother^both  at  once  might  bee, 
And  both  did  ftriue  the  better  dugge  to  geat, 
Till  one  were  downe,and  dipt  belide  her  knee: 
Euen  fo  it  fares.by  others  as  by  mee, 
In  fortunes  lap  they  haue  fo  little  hold, 
Shexannotftay  both  ftriuing  if  fliee  WQ^ld^ 


Xing  Malm* 

Jzmth&tMalittoncofCMadansronnts, 
Which  thought  to  raignc  and  rule  this  noble  He, 
And  would  io  done:but  fee  what chaunce  there  comes 
Where  brctheren  loue  and  frendfhip  quite  exile. 
*Who  thinkes  in  truft  no  treafon  neither  guile, 

Is  (boned  cleancbereaud  of  life  and  all, 

In  ftcad  of rule  hee  reapcs  the  crop  of  thrall. 

My  yongeft  brother  then  CMempricius  hight, 
Whofe  hautie  minde,and  mine,were  ftill  at  fquare: 
We  euermore  as  foes  hight  other  fpite, 
And  deadly  ire  in  hatefull  hearts  wee  bare. 
He  foughtall  waies  he  might  to  worke  mee  care, 

And  each  regarded  others  enuie,fo, 

As  after  turned  both  to  painfull  woe. 

Becaufe  my  father  lou'd  him  well,therefore 
I  fear'd  my  brother  fhould  obtaine  my  right: 
Likewife  on  fauour  boldned  hee  him  bore, 
And  neither  had  in  vertues  wayes  deli  ght. 
What  neede  I  here  our  inward  griefes  recite? 

Wee,not  as  brethren,liu  d  in  hatred  (till, 

And  fought  occafton  other  each  to  kill. 

I  hauing  hope  for  to  preferuc  the  crowne, 

And  hee  for  that  he  feard  my  title  bred 

Such  friendfliip3as  might  al  waies  kecpe  him  downc 

And  both  depriue  him  ofhis  crowne  and  head. 

But  when  it  chaunft  our  father  once  was  dead, 

Then  ftraight  appeared  all  his  enuy  plaine: 

For  he  could  not  from  his  attempt  refraine. 

Some  wifht  we  fhould  diuide  the  realme  in  two, 

And  faid  my  father  eke  was  of  that  minde: 

But  neither  of  vs  both,  that  fo  would  doe, 

Wee  were  not  each  to  other  halfe  fo  kinde. 

And  vile  ambition  made  vs  both  fo  blinde, 

We  thought  our  rai  gne  could  not  bee  fure  and  good 
Except  the  ground  thereofwerelaid  withbloud. 

At 


At  laft  a  time  of  park  chofen  was, 
And  truce  concluded  for  our  titles  right  r 
Wherein  I  hoped  might  be  brought  to  parte 
That  I  enioy  in  peace  my  kingdome  might. 
Butfecretly  by  pplicie  and  Height 
He  flew  me  with  his  fword,  before  I  will : 
Where  crowne,peace,kingdome  life  and  all  I  mift. 

Thus  was  I  by  my  wicked  brother  flaine, 
Which  with  my  death  his  cruell  eyes  did  fill. 
This  oftentimes  they  vfe  to  get  and  gainc, 
That  cannot  fhunne  misfortune  as  they  wille 
AVas  neuer  man  pretended  fuch  an  ill, 

But  God  to  him  like  meafure  fliortly  fent 

As  he  to  others  erft  before  had  ment. 

Vfurping  wrong  incurres  the  curft  of  heauerj, 
And  blood  cries  out  for  vengeance  at  his  hand, 
Who  ftill  in  care  of  humane  good  is  giuen 
The  good  to  aide,  and  graceleffe  to  withftand. 
If  cither  vice  or  vcrtue  we  aband, 
We  either  are  rewarded  as  we  ferue, 
Or  eke  arc  plagued,  as  our  deeds  deferue. 

Let  this  my  warning  then  fuffice  each  fort, 
Bid  them  beware :  example  heere  you  fee  s 
It  pafTeth  play,  t'is  tragicall  difport 
To  clime  the  fteps  of  ftately  high  degree. 
For  though  they  thinke  good  fortune  ferud  not  met* 
Yet  did  Che  vfe  me  as  ftie  vfde  the  reft : 
And  fo  full  oft  flie  ferueth  euen  the  beft. 


F 


5°HOW  KING 

Mempricius  giuen  to  all  luft, 

y^as  deuoured  by  Wolues^  the 
jure  before  Chritt, 
989. 

JIs  often  faid,  a  man  fhould  do  likewife 
To  other,  as  he  would  to  him  they  did. 
*  Do  as  thou  would'ft  be  done  to,  faith  the  wife, 
And  do  as  confeience  and  as  iuftice  bid. 
Ther's  no  man  ought  for  Empire,  as  I  did 
His  impious  hands  with  crueli  blood  diftaine : 
For  *  blood  doth  alwaies  ctie  for  blood  againe. 

Eke  luftfull  life,  that  fleepes  in  finkes  of  finne, 
Procures  a  plague :  fie,  fie  on  Venm  vile : 
We  little  wot  the  mifchiefes  are  therein, 
When  we  with  poifons  fweet  our  felues  beguile. 
Thepleafures  pafle,  the  ioyes  endure  but  while, 

And  naught  thereby  at  ail  we  get  or  gaine 

But  dreadfull  death,  and  euerlafting  paine. 

Me  thinkes  thou  harkeneft  for  to  heare  my  name* 

Andmufeft  what  I  am  that  thus  do  come.  ( 

I  would  or  this  haue  told  it,butfor  fliame : 

And  yet  to  giue  example  heere  to  fome, 

I  will  no  longer  faine  my  fclfe  fo  dome, 
But  euen  as  others  I  will  tell  my  fall : 
Take  heere  my  name,  my  life,  my  death,  and  all> 

I  am  Memprictus,  MadansyongtK  (on, 
Once  King  of  Britaine,  that  my  brother  flew : 
Whereby  the  crowne,  and  kingdome  all  I  won, 
And  after  nouriilit  vices  moe  that  grew. 
Not  natures  lawes,  nor  Gods,  nor  mans  I  knew, 

But  liu  d  in  luft  not  recking  any  thing, 

I  deemed  all  things  lawfull  for  a  King. 


Firft 


King  Mempricius. 

Firfl  when  I  had  my  brother  Brought  on  beare, 
I  thought  in  reft  to  keepe  the  Kingdome  long : 
I  wasdeuoid  of  doubt,  I  had  nofearc, 
Was  none  durft  checke  me,did  I  right  or  wrong. 
Iliu'datlarge,  and  thought  my  power  fo  ftrong 
There  could  no  man  prcuaile  againft  my  will, 
I  fteedc  of  law  that  vfed  rigour  flill. 

Then  wickedly  I  fell  to  flothfull  cafe, 
A  vice  that  breeds  a  number  moe  befide. 
I  was  fo  teftie  none  durft  me  difpleafe, 
And  eke  fo  puft  with  glorie  vaine,  and  pride. 
My  fchcelefle  fence,  as  fhip  without  a  guide, 
Was  toft  with  euery  fancie  of  my  braine, 
Like  Ph&btti  chariot  vnder  Phaetons  raigne, 

I  deem'd  them  foes  that  me  good  counfcli  gaue, 
And  thofe  my  chiefeft  friends  could  glofe  and  lie : 
I  hated  them  that  were  fo  fage  and  graue, 
And  thofe  I  loud  were  luftic,  lewde,  and'  flte. 
I  did  the  wifeft  wits  as  foolcs  defie, 

Such  fots,  knaues,  ruffians,  royfters  I  embrafte, 
As  were  vn  wife,  vnhoneft,  rude,  vnchafte. 

I  lulled  eke,  as  Iafie  lechers  vfe, 
My  fubie&s  wiues  and  daughters  at  my  will 
I  did  fo  often  as  mepleafde  abufe, 
Perforce  I  kept  them  at  my  pleafure  ftill. 
Thus  gate  I  qucanes  and  concubines  at  fill, 
And  for  their  fakes  I  put  away  my  wife : 
Such  was  my  lcwdne(Te,luft,  and  lawleffelife. 

But  fliame  forbids  me  for  to  tell  the  reft, 
It  me  abhors  to  (he  w  what  did  enfuc : 
And  yet  becaufe  it  moucth  in  my  breaft 
Compunftion  ftjll,and  was  God  wot  top  true, 
He  farther  tell  whence  my  deftrutfion  grue. 
To  Sodomc  finne  I  foulely  fell,  and  than 
I  was  defpifed  both  of  God  and  man. 

F  z 


J^ing  Mtmpricius. 

Could  1  long  profper  thus,  do  you  fuppofe ? 

Might  any  ill  exceed  thefe  vices  told  ? 

Thinke  you  ther's  any  wight  on  ground  that  goes 

Might  fcape  reuenge  of  vice  To  manifold  ? 

No  fure :  *  who  is  in  finfulnes  fo  bold, 

His  vices  fare  like  weeds,  they  fprout  fo  faft 
They  kill  the  corpses  weeds  the  come,  at  laft. 

My  great  outrage,  my  heedleffe  head,  the  life 

I  beaftly  led  could  not  continue  fo  : 

My  brothers  blood,  my  leauingof  my  wife, 

And  working  of  my  friends  and  fubiects  woe 

Cri'd  ftill  to  God,  for  my  foule  ouerthroe, 

Who  heares  the  wrong  d,  who  vie wes  their  carefull  cafe, 
And  at  the  length  doth  all  their  foes  deface. 

Yet  I  miftrufting  no  mifhaps  at  hand, 
(Though  I  were  worthie  twentie  times  to  die) 
I  lewdly  liu  d,  and  did  my  wealth  withftand. 
I  neuer  thought  my  end  was  halfe  fo  me. 
For  my  difport  I  rode  on  hunting,  I, 

In  woods  the  fearefull  Hart  I  chafed  faft, 

Till  quite  I  loft  my  company  at  laft. 

And  or  I  wift,  to  coft  I  found  my  foes, 
By  chance  I  came  whereas  the  Wolues  they  bred : 
Which  in  a  moment  did  me  round  inclofe, 
And  mounted  at  my  horfe  his  throat  and  head. 
Some  on  the  hinder  parts  their  panches  fed. 
Yet  fought  I  ftill  to  fcape,  if  it  might  be, 
Till  they  my  panting  horfe  puld  downe  with  me. 

Then  was  1  hopeleffe  to  efcape  their  iawes, 
They  faftned  all  their  holders  faft  on  mee : 
And  on  my  royall  robes  they  let  their  clawes  i 
My  Princely  prefence,  nor  my  high  degree 
Mcu  d  them  no  more  obeyfant  for  to  bee, 
Nor  of  my  corps  to  take  no  more  remorce, 
Then  did  the  gricuous  groning  of  my  horfe. 


But  rauenoufly  they  rent  my  breaft  and  throat, 
Forfooke  my  fteed,  came  all  at  once  and  tare 
My  Kingly  corps,  from  which  they  fleid  my  coat, 
And  of  my  flefh  they  made  at  all  no  fpare, 
They  neuer  left  me  till  my  bones  were  bare, 

Lo  thus  I  flew  my  brother,  left  my  wife, 

Liu'd  vilely,  and  as  vilely  ended  life. 

Beware  of  bloodie  broiles^  beware  of wrongs 

Embrace  the  counfell  of  the  wife  and  fage : 

Truft  not  to  power  though  it  be  nere  fo  ftrong, 

Beware  of  raftines  rude  and  roilters  rage* 

Elche  w  vile  Ve  ntts  toyes,  fhe  cu  ts  off  age, 
Andlearne  thisleiTon  oft,  and  tell  thy  friend, 
By  fudden  death,  pockes,begging,  harlots  end, 

HOW  KING  BLADVD, 

TAKING  ON  HIM  TO  FLIE, 
fell  vpon  the  Temple  of  Apollo,  andbrake 
bis  neekejheyeere  before  Chrijl, 
844. 

Pray  thee  Wggins  take  in  hand  thy  pen, 
And  write  my  life  and  fall  among'ft  the  reft : 
A  warning  fet  me  downe  for  curious  men, 
Whofe  wits  the  worke  of  nature  feeke  to  wreft. 
f  was  Prince  Bladud pvegn&nt  as  the  beft. 
Of  wifdome,  wealth,  and  learning  I  had  ftore, 
Ofregall  race :  or  what  I  craued  more  ? 

But  this  in  all  the  forts  of  men  we  fee, 
An  vncontented  mind,  when  much  they  haue : 
The  learned  yet  would  more  profounder  be, 
The  richeft  moft  t'encreafe  their  wealth  do  crauc. 
The  fineft  Dames  do  Hike  their  faces  braue. 

The  noble  higher  climes  and  to  the  skies 

T'aduance  his  name  he  daily  doth  dcuife, 

$  3  la 


In  Bfitaine  though  I  learned  had  full  well 
The  artes,  and  could  among'ft  the  wife  conferre : 
Yet  when  of  Athens  I  the  fame  heard  tell, 
(Though  it  in  Greece  fb  far  hence  diftant  were) 
I  trauail'd  thither,  writers  witnes  are, 

I  ftudied  there,  thence  learned  men  I  brought^ 
That  noble  Arts  in  Britaine  might  be  taught* 

But  after  he  was  dead  that  was  my  flay, 

My  father  graue,  I  meane  the  worthie  King  i 

Then  all  the  Britaines  fhortly  by  a  day, 

To  royall  feat  elecled  me  did  bring. 

Where  I  to  place  in  order  euery  thing, 

Recciu'dboth  crownc  andfeepter  inmyhandj 
With  right  and  equitie  to  rule  this  land. 

Then,  for  becaufe  the  fway  of  all  the  He 

Depended  on  my  gouernment  to  reft : 

I  did  confult  with  all  the  Peeres  a  while, 

And  of  my  fathers  Counfellers  the  beft. 

I  order  tooke  for  matters  vnredrcft, 

Giuing  to  each  fuch  place  as  beft  did  fit, 

Their  birth,  their  wealth,  their  perfons  and  their  wk. 

The  learned  Greekes,whom  I  from  Athens  brought., 
Conferring  with  the  Britifh  learned  men : 
A  place,  as  I  commanded  them,  had  fought 
Amid'ft  the  Realme,  and  brought  me  word  agen. 
At  Staneford  there  I  built  a  Colledge  then, 
And  of  my  land  I  gaue  the  fertif  ft  partes, 
To  fofter  learning  and  the  famous  Artes, 

By  this,  of  skilfull  men  the  land  had  ftore, 
And  all  the  arts  were  read  in  Britaine  well : 
No  countrey  was  for  learning  praifed  more. 
We  did  in  noble  fcience  fo  cxcell, 
From  other  nations  hither  came  to  dwell 
The  wifeft  wits,  commending  vs  to  skies : 
Deeming  vs  people  valiant,  learn  d  and  wife* 


/Lnd  for  that  time,  of  Gods  we  honor'd  all* 
^Apollo  high  for  wifdome,  arte,  and  skill : 
AtTroynouant  a  Temple  fpcciall 
I  built  to  him,  forfacrifices  ftill. 
Whereon  I  fell,  as  after  fpeakc  I  will. 

Such  was  our  vfe  and  fuperftition  then, 

To  deeme  as  Gods  the  images  of  men. 

By  arts  I  made  the  holefbme  Baths  at  Bathe, 
And  made  therefore  two  Tunnes  of  burning  brafle  % 
And  other  twaine  feuen  kinds  offalts  that  haue 
In  them  inclofde,but  thefe  be  made  of  glafle, 
With  fulphur  fil'd,  wilde  fire  emixt  there  was, 

And  in  foure  welles  thefe  Tunnes  I  did  aflay, 

To  place  by  arte  that  they  mightlaft  of aye. 

Which  waters  heate  and  clenfing  perfect  powre^ 
With  vapours  of  the  fulphur,  falts,  and  fire, 
Hath  vertue  jjreat,  to  heale,  and  wafh,  and  (cowre 
The  bathed  fores  therein  that  health  defire. 
If  of  the  vertues,  moe  thou  doft  require, 

I  will  recite  what  old  experience  telles, 

In  caufes  cold  the  vertues  of  thefe  welles* 

The  bathes  to  fbften  fine  wes  vertue  haue, 

And  alfo  for  to  clenfe  and  fcowre  the  skin 

From  Morphe wes  white  and  blacke,to  heale  and  faite 

The  bodies  freckled,  faint,  are  batrTd  therein  i 

Scabs,  lepry,  fores  both  old  andfeftered  in, 

Thefcurfe,botch,itch,gout,poxe,  and  humors  fell, 

The  milt  and  liuer  hard  it  healcth  well. 

I  muft  confeffe  by  learned  skill  I  found 
Thofe  natiue  welles  whence  ye  haue  helpe  for  meru 
But  well  thou  know'ft  there  runnes  from  vnder  ground 
Springs  fweet,fak,  cold,  and  hotc  euen  now  as  then, 
From  rocke,  fal  t-petre,  a!  ume,  grauel  1 ,  fen, 

From  fulphur,  iron,  lead,  gold,  brafle  and  tinne  ? 

Springs  vertue  take  of  vaines  that  they  been  in. 

f  4  Then 


5<£  K*ng  TSlddud. 

Then  who  fo  knowesby  natures  worke  in  thefet 
Of  metals  or  of  mines  the  force  to  heale, 
May  fooner  giue  his  iudgement  in  difeafe, 
For  curing  by  the  bath,  and  furerdeale 
With  fickly  people  of  the  publique  weale, 
And  alfo  find  of  fountaines  hot,  and  cold, 
To  heale  by  them  the  ficke,  both  yong  an«I  old. 

The  Citie  eke  of  Bathe,  I  founded  there, 
Renouned  far  by  reafon  of  the  wels : 
And  many  monuments  that  ancient  were 
I  placed  there,  thou  know'ft  the  ftorie  tels. 
I  fought  renowne  and  fame  and  nothing  els. 
But  when  our  acles  extols  vs  to  the  skies, 
We  look  not  downe  from  whence  we  firft  did  rife. 

There  are  but  few,  whom  Fortune  bathes  inbleife, 
But  blinded  are,  and  dazelingly  they  looke  i 
They  fee  nought  elfe  but  worldly  happineffe, 
At  that  they  only  fifh  with  Fortunes  hooke. 
Ambition  will  not  wifdomes  counfellbrooke, 
Pride  fets  her  thoughts  an  things  that  vade  away^ 
Forfaking  vertue  whkh  doth  ne»e  decay. 

Mens  vaine  delights  are  wondrous  to  behold,, 
For  that  that  reafon  nils,  nor  nature  fowes 
They  take  in  hand  on  fcience  far  too  bold, 
Deceiud  by  futtle  fnares  of diuelifh  fliowes. 
From  which  attempts  a  floud  of  mifchiefe  flowes, 
An  heape  of  hurts,  a  frie  of  foule  decaies, 
A  flocke  of  feares,  and  thrals  a  thoufand  waies* 

If  that  the  water  flflb  forfake  the  ftreame 
Againft  his  kind,  feeles  he  no  hurt  enfues  ? 
Gr  if  the  brocke  would  learne  to  play  the  breamed 
And  leaue  the  lambes  at  land,  were  this  no  newes  ? 
A  fethered  fowle  in  th'earth  a  den  to  chufe, 
Or  flounder  fay  to  flie  the  larke  to  catch, 
We  might  admire  what  monfters  time  did  hatch,, 


But  fith  we  fee  thatnature  hath  afllgn'd 
The  fowle  to  flie,  the  aire,  as  feemeth  well, 
The  flfli  to  fwim$  the  fca,  as  fits  his  kind, 
The  earth  for  men  and  beads  to  breed  and  dwell ; 
Of  right  a  man,  which  doth  the  reft  exccll,. 

Should  euen  fofar  furpafle  in  his  degree, 

As  all  the  reft  in  wifdome  weaker  bee. 

All  this  I  Ipeake  to  warne  the  reft  that  heare, 
And  eke  to  fhew  theblindnelTe  of  delites. 
Herein  my  folly  vaine  may  plaine  appear e, 
What  hap  they  heape  which  trie  out  cunning  flights, 
What  hurt  there  hits,  at  fuch  vaine  fliewes  and  fights, 
Where  men  for  pleafure  only  take  much  paine, 
To  alter  natures  gifts  for  pleafure  vaine. 

Were  not  it  ftrange,  thinke  you,  a  King  to  flie, 
To  play  the  tombler,  or  fome  iugling  caft '? 
To  dreffe  himfeife  in  plumes,  as  erft  did  I, 
And  vnder  armes  to  knit  on  wings  full  faft  ? 
A  fport  you  thinke  that  might  the  wife  agaft. 
But  Magicke  arte  had  taught  me  points  of  skill. 
Which  in  the  end  did  proue  my  future  ill. 

I  deckt  my  corps  with  plumes  (I  fay)  and  wings, 
And  had  them  fet,  thou  feeft,  in  skilfull  wife 
With  many  feats,  fine  poyfeing  equall  things, ; 
To  aide  my  felfe  in  flight  to  fall  or  rife, 
Few  men  did  euer  vfe  lik«  enterprife, 

Gainft  ftore  of wind,by  pra&ife  rife  I  could, 
And  turne  and  winde  at  laft  which  way  I  would^  » 

But  ere  the  perfect  skill  I  learned  had, 
(And  yet  me  thought  I  could  do  palling  well) 
My  fubie&s  hearts  with  pleafant  toyes  to  glada 
From  Temples  top,  where  did  Apollo  dwell3 
I  fayd  to  flie,  but  on  the  Church  I  fell, 

And  in  the  fall  I  loft  my  life  withall. 

This  was  my  race,  this  was  my  fatall  fall. 


What 


58  KjngTShdud. 

What  vainer  thing  could  any  Prince  deuife, 
Then  fo  himfelfe  a  foolifh  fowle  to  Chow  ? 
Learneyouby  me,  that  count  your  feluesfo  wife, 
The  word  to  doubt  of  things,  what  ere  you  know. 
Flie  not  fo  high  for  feare  you  fall  fo  low. 

Be  wifein  artes,  exceed  not  wifdomes  bound, 
The  depth  ofarte  by  wit  may  not  be  found* 

Thefe  curious  artes  allurements  haue  alone, 
They  proferrriuch  in  recompence  ofpaine  .■: 
But  yet  among' ft  a  thoufand  fcaree  is  one 
In  praclife,  ought  by  them  can  faue  or  gaine* 
In  their  effecls  they  are  but  falfe  and  vaine, 
Sophifticall,  deceitfully  and  vntrue, 
That  nothing  haue,  yet promifc  all  to  you, 

Xfpeake  not  of  the  reft  that  are  in  vfe 
Amongft  the  wifer  fort,  Philofophie, 
Nor  of  the  parts  thereof,  but  of  ch'abufe 
That  comes  by  magi  eke  artes  of  Imagerie, 
By  vile  inchauntments,  charmes,  and  pampeftrie^ 
All  which  by  nature  arc  abhor'd  as  euill, 
Pra&ifde  by  fooles,  inuented  by  the  diuell. 

To  make  an  end :  you  noble  Kings  content 
Your  felues  with  ftudies  feruing  for  the  State  J 
You  Lords  alfo  with  all  your  wits  inuent 
What  way  t'efchew  thePrince  and  peoples  hate* 
Yee  Subie&sloue  your  Prince,  efchew  debate, 
I  wifh  you  all  beware  of  climing  high,  , 
Left  that  you  helpeleife  fall,  as  erft  did  L 


HOW 


HOW  QVEENE 

Cordila  IN  DESP  AIRE  SLEW 
her  felfe,  the  yeare  before 
Christy  8 oo. 

'V  any  wofull  wight  hauecaufe  to  waileher  woe, 
Or  griefes  are  paft  do  pricke  vs  Princes,  tell  our  fall: 
My  felfe  like  wife  muft  needs  conftrained  eke  do  fo, 
Andlhe  w  my  like  misfortunes  and  mifhaps  withall* 
Should  I  keepe  clofe  my  heauie  haps  and  thrall  ? 
Then  did  I  wrong :  I  wrong'd  my  felfe  and  thee, 
Which  of  my  fadts  a  witnenc  true  maiftbee. 

A  woman  yet  muft  blufli  when  bafhfull  is  the  cafe 
Though  truth  bid  tell  the  tale  and  ftorie  as  it  fell : 
But  fith  that  I  miflike  not  audience,  time,  nor  place, 
Therefore,  I  cannot  keepe  my  woes  in  counfell  well, 
*  No  greater  eafe  of  heart  then  griefes  to  tell, 

It  daunteth  all  the  dolours  of 3ur  mind, 

Our  carefull  hearts  thereby  great  comfort  find. 

For  why  to  tell  that  may  recounted  be  againe, 
And  tell  it  as  our  cares  may  compaffe  eafe : 
That  is  the  falue  and  med'eine  of  our  paine, 
Which  cureth  corfies  all  and  fores  of  our  difeaft  2 
It  doth  our  pinching  pangs  and  paines  appeafe ; 

It  pleads  the  part  of  an  affured  friend, 

And  tclles  the  trade,  like  vices  to  amend. 

Therefore  if  I  more  willing  be  to  tell  my  fall, 
With  my  mifhaps  to  eafe  my  burdened  brcalt  and  mind  : 
Some  others  haplie  may  auoid  and  fhunne  the  thrall, 
And  thereby  for  diftrefle  more  aide  and  comfort  find* 
They  keeping  meafure,  whereas  I  declined, 

May  be  as  prompt  to  flie  like  brute  and  blame 

As  I  to  tell,  ox  thou  to  write  the  fame. 

Wherefore 


6o  Queene  Coram. 

Wherefore  if  thou  wilt  afterwards  record 

What  Queene  Cordila  telles  to  eafe  her  inward  fmart : 

I  will  recite  my  ftorie  tragicall  each  word 

To  thee  that  giu  ft  an  eare,  and  readie  art. 

Butleft  I  fet  the  horfe behind  the  rart,  • 

I  mind  to  tell  each  thing  in  order,  fo, 

As  thou  maift  fee  and  fhe w  whence  fprang  my  woe.  - 

My  grandfire  2/^Whight,  that  found  the  bathes  by  skill, 
A  fethered  King  that  praftifde  high  to  foare : 
Whereby  he  felt  the  fall,  God  wot  againft  his  will, 
And  neuer  went,  road,  raign  d,  nor  fpake,  nor  flew  no  more* 
After  whofe  death  my  father  Leire  therefore 
Was  chofen  King,  by  right  apparent  heire, 
Which  after  built  the  to  wne  of  Leirceftere. 

He  had  three  daughters  faire,  the  firft  hight  GonerdU 
Next  after  her  his  yonger  Ragan  was  begot : 
The  third  andlaft  wasl  the yongeft, nam'd  Cordell. 
Vs  all  our  father  Leire  did  loue  too  well  God  wot. 
But  minding  her  that  loud  him  beft  to  note, 

Becaufe  he  had  no  fonne  t  enioy  his  land, 

He  thought  to  guerdon  moft  where  fauour  moft  he  fand. 

What  though  I yongeft  were,  yet  men  me  iudg'd  more  wife 
Then  either  Gonereli.ov  Ragan  more  of  age : 
And  fairer  farre  :  wherefore  my  fillers  did  defpife 
My  grace  and  gifts,  and  fought  my  wrecke  to  wage. 
But  yet  though  vice  on  vertue  die  with  rage, 
It  cannot  keepe  her  vnderneath  to  drowne : 
For  ftill  flie  fiittes  aboue,  and  reapes  renownc. 

My  father  thought  to  wed  vs  vnto  Princely  peeres, 
And  vnto  them  and  theirs  diuide  and  part  the  land. 
For  both  my  fitters  firft  he  calf  d  (as  firft  their  yearcs 
Requir  d)  their  minds,  and  loue,  and  fauour  t  vnderftaad. 
(Quoth  he)  all  doubts  of  dutie  to  aband, 
Imuft  aiTay  your  friendly  faithes  to  proue  : 
My  daughters,  tell  me  how  you  do  me  loue. 


Qjieene  Cordtla*  6 1 

Which  when  they  anfwered  him  they  lou  d  their  father  more 
Then  they  themfelues  did  loue,  or  any  worldly  wight : 
He  praifed  them,  and  faid  he  would  therefore 
The  louing  kindrieffe  they  deferu  d  in  fine  requite. 
So  found  my  fitters  fauour  in  his  fight, 

By  flattcrie  faire  they  won  their  fathers  heart, 

Which  after  turned  him  and  me  to  fmart. 

But  not  content  with  this,  he  asked  me  likewife 

If  I  d  id  not  him  loue  and  honor  well. 

No  caufe  (quoth  I)  there  is  I  ftiould  your  grace  defpifc : 

For  nature  fo  doth  bind  and  dutie  me  compell, 

To  loue  you,  as  I  ought  my  father,  well. 
Yet  ftiortly  I  may  chance,  if  Fortune  will, 
To  find  in  heart  to  beare  another  more  good  wilL 

ThusmuchI  faid  ofnuptiallloues  thatment, 
Not  minding  once  of  hatred  vile  or  ire : 
And  partly  taxing  them,  for  which  intent 
They  fet  my  fathers  heart  on  wrathfull  fire, 
Shee  neuer  fhall  to  any  part  afpire 

Of  this  my  Realme  (quoth  he)  among  ft  you  twamc: 

But  fhall  without  all  dowrie  aie  remaine. 

Then  to  MagUurns  Prince,  with  Albany  he  gaiie 
My  fitter  Goner  ell*  the  el  deft  of vs  all : 
And  eke  my  fifter  Ragan  height  to  Kmniue  to  haue, 
And  for  her  dowrie  Camber  and  Cornwall. 
Thefeaftcr  himfhould  haue  his  kingdome  all. 

Betwcene  them  both  he  gaue  itfranke  and  free, 

But  nought  at  all  he  gaue  of  dowrie  mee. 

At  laft  it  chanft  a  Prince  ofFrance  to  heare  my  fame. 
My  beautie  braue,  my  wit  was  blazd  abroad  each  where. 
My  noble  vertues  praifde  me  to  my  fathers  blame, 
Who  for  I  could  not  flatter  did  leffe  fauour  beare. 
Which  when  this  worthie Prince  (I  fay)  did  heare, 

He  fent  ambaffage  lik'd  me  more  then  life, 

And  foone  obtained  me  to  be  his  wife.  , 


Prince  Agtintytu  rcau  d  me  of  my  woe, 
And  that  for  vertues  fake,  of  dowries  all  the  bcft  : 
So  I  contented  was  to  France  my  father  fro 
For  to  depart,  and  hopt  t'enioy  fomc  greater  reft. 
Where  liuing  well  belou'd,  my  ioyes  encreaft : 

I  gate  more  fauour  in  that  Prince  his  fight, 

Then  euer  Princeffe  of  a  Princely  wight. 

But  while  that  I  thefe  ioyes  fo  well  enioy'd  in  France, 

My  father  Leire  in  Britaine  waxt  vnwealdie  old. 

Whereon  his  daughters  more  themfelues  aloft  t  aduancc 

Defir'd  the  Realme  to  rule  it  as  they  wold. 

Their  former  loue  and  friendfhip  waxed  cold, 
Their  husbands  rebels  void  of  reafbn  quite 
Rofe  vp,  rebeld,  bereft  his  cro  wne  and  right : 

Betwixt  their  husbands  twaine  they  caufde  him  to  agree 
To  part  the  Realme,  and  promift  him  a  gard 
Of  fixtie  Knights  that  on  him  iliould  attendant  bee 
But  in  fixe  moneths  fuch  was  his  hap  too  hard, 
That  Qonerell  of  his  retinue  bard. 

The  halfe  of  them,  jfhe  and  her  husband  reft  % 
Andfcarce  allow'd  the  other  halfe  they  left. 

As  thus  in  his  diftrcfTe  he  lay  lamenting  fates 
When  as  my  fitter  fo,  fought  all  his  vtter  fpoile : 
The  meaner  vptfart  courtiers  thought  themfelues  his  mates, 
His  daughter  him  difdain'd  and  forced  not  his  foilc. 
Then  was 'he  faine.  for  luccour  his  to  toife 

With  halfe  his  traine,  to  Cornwall  there  to  lie 

In  greateft  need,  his  Ragans  loue  to  trie. 

So  when  he  came  to  Cornwall,  flic  with  ioy 
Receiued  him,and  Prince  Magtaurm  did  the  like. 
There  he  abode  a  ycare,  and  liifd  without  annoy : 
But  then  they  tooke  aJ  1  his  retinue  from  him  quite 
Saue  only  ten3  and  fhew'd  him  daily  Ipitc. 
Which  he bewail'd  complaining  durft not  ftriuej 
Though  in  difdainc  they  hi\  allowed  butfiue. 


Queene  Cordila. 

What  more  despite  could  diuelTifh  hearts  deuife, 

Then  ioy  their  fathers  wofull  daies  to  fee  ? 

What  vipers  vile  could  fo  their  King  deipiie, 

Or  fo  vnkind,  fo  curft,  fo  cruell  bee  ? 

Fro  thence  againe  he  went  to  Albany, 

Where  they  bereau'd  his  feruants  all  faue  one : 
Bad  him  content  himfelfe  with  that,  or  none. 

Eke  at  what  time  he  ask'd  of  them  to  haue  his  gard, 
To  gard  his  noble  grace  where  fo  he  went  : 
They  calfd  him  doting  foole,  all  his  requefts  debard, 
Demanding  if  with  life  he  were  not  well  content. 
Then  he  too  late  his  rigour  did  repent 

Gainft  me,  my  fitters  fawning  loue  that  knew 
Found  flattery  falfe,  that  feem'd  fo  faire  in  ve w. 

To  make  it  fhort,  to  France  he  came  at  Iaft  to  mee^ 
And  told  me  how  my  filters  ill  their  father  vfde. 
Then  humblie  I  befought  my  noble  King  fo  free, 
That  he  would  aide  my  father  thus  by  his  abufde, 
Who  nought  at  all  my  humble  heft  refufde, 
But  fent  to  euery  coaft  of  France  for  aide, 
Whereby  King  Lei™  might  home  be  well  conueide, 

The  fouldiers  gathered  from  each  quarter  of  the  land 
Came  at  the  length  to  know  the  noble  Princes  will : 
Who  did  commit  them  vnto  captaines  euery  band. 
And  I  likewife  of  loue  and  reuerent  meere  good  will 
Defir'd  my  Lord,  he  would  not  take  it  ill 

If  I  departed  for  a  (pace  withall, 

To  take  a  part,  or  eafe  my  fathers  thrall. 

He  granted  my  rcqucft :  Thence  we  arriued  here, 
And  of  our  Britaines  came  to  aide  likewife  his  right 
Full  many  fubie&s,  good  and  ftout  that  were. 
By  martiall  feats,  and  force,  by  fubiefts  fword  and  might, 
The  Britim  Kings  were  faine  to  yecld  our  right. 

Which  wonne,  my  father  well  this  Realme  did  guide 
Three  yeares  in  peace,  and  after  that  he  dide. 


Q^eene  Cordila, 

Then  I  was  crowned  Qucene  this  Realme  to  hold5 

Till  fiue  yeares  paft  I  did  this  Ifland  guide  : 

I  had  the-Britainesat  whatbecke  1  would, 

Till  that  my  louing  King  mine  tAganiftm  dide. 

But  then  my  feat  it  faltered  on  each  fide. 
My  fitters  fonncs  began  with  me  to  iarre, 
And  for  my  crowne  wag'd  with  me  mortall  warre. 

The  one  hight  iMorganVtmcc  of  Albany, 
And  Comdagns  King  of  Cornwall  and  of  Wales : 
Both  which  at  once  prouided  their  artillerie, 
To  workeme  wofull  woe,  and  mine  adherents  bales. 
What  need  I  fill  thine  eares  with  longer  tales  ? 

They  did  preuaileby  might  and  power,  fo  fafta 

That  I  was  taken  prifoner  at  laft. 

In  fpitcfull  fort  they  vfed  then  my  captiue  corfe, 
No  fauour  fhew'd  to  me,  extinct  was  mine  eftate : 
Of  kindred.  Princes,  blood,  or  peere  wasnoremorce^ 
But  as  an  abie£tvile,  and  worfe,  they  did  me  hate. 
To  lie  in  darkefome  dungeon  was  my  fate 

As  c'were  a  thiefe,  mine  anfweres  to  abide, 

Gainft  right  and  iufticc,  vnder  Iailours  guide. 

For  libertie  at  length  I  fu'd  to  fubie&s  were** 
But  they  kept  me  in  prifon  clofe,  deuoid  of  truft 
If  I  might  once  efcape,  they  were  in  dread  andfeare 
Their  fawning  friends  with  me  would  proue  vntrue  and  iufl, 
They  told  me  take  it  patiently  Imuft,  " 

And  be  contented  that  I  had  my  life : 

Sith  with  their  mothers  I  began  the  ftrife. 

Whereby  I  fa w  might  nothing  me  preuaile  to  pray, 

To  plead,  or  proue,  defend,  excufe,  or  pardon  craue. 

They  heard  me  not,  defpifde  my  plaints,  fought  my  decajfr 

I  might  no  law,  nor  loue,  nor  right,  nor  iuttice  haue. 

No  friends,  no  faith,  nor  pitie'could  me  faue : 

But  I  was  from  all  hope  of  freedome  bard, 

Condern'd,my  caufc  like  neuer  to  be  heard, 

9  i    What 


Queene  Cordila.  63 

Was  euer  noble  Queene  fb  drencht  in  wrecks  of  woe, 
DepofdcfromPrincelypower,bereftoflibertie, 
Dcpriu'd  of all  thefe  worldly  pompes  her  pleafures  fro, 
And  brought  from  wealth  to  need,  diftreffe,  and  miferie, 
From  Pallace  proud  in  prifon  poore  to  lie, 

From  Kingdomes  twaine,  to  dungeon  one,  no  more, 

From  Ladies  waiting,  vnto  vermine  ftore  ? 

From  light  to  darke,  from  holefome  aire  to  lothfome  find!, 
From  odour  fweet  to  (mart,  from  eafe  to  grieuous  paine, 
From  fight  of  Princely  wights,  to  place  where  theeues  do  dwelb 
From  daintie  beds  of  downe,  to  be  of  ftraw  full  faine : 
From  bowers  of  heauenly  hew,  to  dens  of  daine : 

From  grcateft  haps  that  worldly  wights  atchiue, 

To  more  diftreffe  then  any  wretch  aliue  ? 

When  friends  I  left  in  France  that  did  me  firft  exalt, 
And  eke  my  noble  King,  mine  Aganiffm  true : 
And  came  to  England :  for  their  heinous  facls  and  fault 
Which  from  his  right  and  kingdome  quite  our  father  threw 
To  take  hisRealme :  toraigne  and  treafon  knew 

I  thinke  of  all  misfortunes  was  the  worft : 

Or  elfe  I  deeme  the  caufers  all  accurft. 

For  marke  my  haplefTe  fall  that  fortune  did  me  fend, 
As  thus  in  prifon  vile  aliue  I  lingring  lay, 
When  I  had  mourned  long,  but  found  no  faithfull  friend 
That  could  me  helpe,  or  aide,  or  comfort  any  way, 
Was  feru'd  at  meat  as  thofe  that  Kings  betray 

With  fare  God  wot  was  fimple,  bare,  and  thin 

Could  not  fuftaine  the  corps  it  entred  jn„ 

And  when  the  fighes,  and  teares,  and  plaints  nigh  burft  my  heart, 
And  place,  and  (tench,  and  fare  nigh  poyfon'd  euery  pore : 
For  lacke  of  friends  to  tell  my  fcas  of guiltleffe  fmart, 
And  that  mine  eics  had  fworne  to  take  fweet  fleepe  no  more, 
I  was  content,  fith  cares  opprelTe  me  fore, 

To  leaue  my  food,  take  mourning,  plaints,  and  crie, 

And  lay  me  downe,let  gricfe  and  nature  trie. 

G  Thus 


66  Queene  Cordila; 

Thus  as  I  pining  lay,my  carcaffe  coucht  on  draw, 
And  felt  the  paine  erft  neucr  earthly  creature  knew  * 
Me  thought  by  night  a  grizely  ghoft  ill  darkes  I  faw. 
Eke  nearer  flill  to  mee  with  ftealing  fteps  flice  drew. 
Shee  was  of  colour  pale  and  deadly  hew, 

Her  clothes  refembled  thoufand  kinds  of  thrall 
And  pictures  plaine  of  haftened  dcathes  withall, 

I  muring  lay  in  paines,and  wondred  what  flie  was, 
Mine  cies  flood  {till,mine  haire  rofe  vp  for  feare  an  end, 
My  flefli  it  fliooke  and  trembledryet  I  cride(alas) 
What  wight  art  thouPa  foePor  elfe  what  fawning  frend? 
If  death  thou  artj  pray  thee  make  an  end, 
But  trfart  not  death.  Art  thou  fomc  fury  fent, 
My  woefull  corps,withpaines,to  more  torment? 

„  With  that  Aie  fpake:I  am(quoth  fhee)thy  friend  Dtfpaire, 

„  Which  in  diftrefTe  each  worldly  wight  with  fpeede  do  aide: 

"  I  rid  them  from  their  foes,if  I  to  them  repaire. 

„  Too  long  from  thee  by  other  captiues  was Iftaide, 

„  Now  if  thou  art  to  die  no  whit  afraide, 

f9     Here  flialt  thou  choofe  of  Inftruments(behold) 

l>     Shall  rid  thy  reflleffe  life,of  this  bee  bold. 

And  therewithall  fhee  threw  her  garments  lap  afide, 
Vnder  the  which  a  thoufand  things  I  faw  with  eies: 
Both  kniues,fharpe  fwords,  poinadoes  all  bedide 
With  bloud^and  poifons  preft  which  fhee  could  well  deuife, 

"  There  is  no  hope(quoth  fliee)for  thee  to  rife, 

And  get  thy  Crowne  or  Kingdome  refte  againet 

>9    Butfortoliuelonglaiting  pining  paine. 

»  Lo  here(quoth  fhee)the  blade  that  ft//  of  Carthage  hight, 
„  Whereby  ftie  was  from  thoufand  pangs  of  paine  let  paffer 
as  With  this  fhee  flew  her  felfe,  after  flight, 
99  When  hee  to  Sea  from Tirian  flioares  departed  was. 
9y  Doe  choofe  of  thefe  thou  feeft  from  woes  to  palTe,  _ 
33    Or  bide  the  end^prolong  thy  painefuli  daies 
99    And  I  am  pleafde  ftom  thee  to  packe  my  w  aics. 

With 


Queene  Corrfi/a.  6j 

With  that  was  I(poore  wretch)  content  to  take  the  knife. 
But  doubtful]  yet  to  die,and  fearefull  fainc  would  bide* 
So  ftill  I  lay  in  fludy  with  my  felfe,acbate  and  (trife 
What  thing  were  beft  ofboth  theie  deepe  extreames  vntridc. 
Good  hope  all  reafons  of  Defpaire  denide: 

And  fbee  againe  replide  to  prouc  it  beft 

To  die  ;for  ftill  in  life  my  woes  increaft. 

Shee  caf  d  to  mind  the  ioyes  in  Fraunce  I  whilome  had, 

Shec  told  me  what  a  troupe  of  Ladies  was  my  traine: 

And  how  the  Lords  of  Fraunce,  and  Bi  itai  ies  both  were  glad 

Of  late  to  wait  on  mee,and  fubte6ts  all  were  faine, 

Shec  told  1  had  bin  Queene  ofkingdomes  cwaine, 

Andhowmykinfmenhad  my  feat  and  Crowne. 

I  could  not  rife/or  euer  fallen  do  wne. 

A  thoufand  things  befide  recited  then  Defpairey 

Shee  told  the  woes  in  warres,that  I  had  heapt  oflater 

Rchearft  the  prifon  vile  in  fteede  of  Pallace  faire, 

My  lodging  low,  and  mouldy  meates  my  mouth  did  hate. 

Shee  fhewd  me  all  the  dongeon  where  I  fate, 

The  dankifh  walles,the  darkes,  and  bade  mee  fmcll, 

And  bide  the  fauour  if  I  likt  it  well. 

Whereby  T  wretch  dcuoid  of  comfort  quite  and  hope, 
Andpleafrrespaftcompard  withprefentpainesl  had: 
For  tatall  knife  dipt  forth  my  fearefull  hand  did  grope, 
Desire  in  this  to  aide  my  fenfcles  limmes  was  glad, 
And  gaue  the  bladerto  end  my  woes  /he  bad. 

I  will  (quoth  I)butflrft  with  all  my  hart 

He  pray  to  Cods,reucnge  my  woefullfmart. 

If  any  wrong  deferue  the  wreck  c,I  pray  you  skies 
And  ftarres  of  Jight(if  you  my  plight  doe  rue) 
O  Phcebus  cleere  I  thee  befeech  and  pray  likewife, 
Bearc  witnes  of  my  plaints  well  knownc  to  Gods  are  title. 
You  fee  from  whence  thefe  ini'iries  they  grue. 

Then  let  like  vengeance  hap  and  light  on  thofc 

Which  vndefcruea  were  my  mortal!  foes. 

G  z  Cod 


68  Queene  Cordila] 

God  grant  immortall  ftrife  bctweenc  them  both  may  fall, 
That  th'one  the  other  may,  without  remorce,  deflroy ; 
That  Conida^m  may  his  cofin  Morgan  thrall, 
Becaufe  he  firft  decreaft  my  wealth,  bereft  my  ioy, 
Ipr3yyouGodsheneuerbea#07  : 

But  caytife  may  be  paf  d  with  fuch  a  friend, 
As  fhortly  may  him  bring  to  fuddcn  end. 

Farewell  my  Realme  of  France,  farewell,  Adieu, 
Adieu  mes  nobles  torn,  and  England  now  farewell : 
Farewell  Madames  my  Ladies,  car  ie fuis ferdn 
I  I  me  fault  akr  defefpoir  wadonne  con  fed 
Deme  tuer,  no  more  your  Queene  farewell. 
My  cofins  me  oppreffe  with  maine  and  might 
A  captiuepoore,  gainftluftice  all  and  right. 

And  therewithall  the  fight  did  faile  my  dazeling  eyne, 
I  nothing  fa  w  faue  fole  Desjaire  bad  me  difpatch : 
Whom  1  beheld,  (he  caught  the  knife  from  me  I  weene. 
And  by  her  elbow  carian  death  for  me  did  watch. 
Come  on  (quoth  I)  thou  haft  a  goodly  catch. 
And  therewithall  D  elf  aire  the  ftroke  didftrike. 
Whereby  I  di'd,  a  damned  creature  like : 

Which  I  too  late  bewaile.  Let  thofe  aliue  beware, 
Let  not  the  lorle  of  goods  or  honors  them  conftraine 
To  play  the  fooles,  and  take  fuch  careful!  carke  and  care. 
Or  to  defpairc  for  any  prifon,  pinc,and  paine. 
If  they  be  guiltlerTe  let  them  fo  remaine. 

Farre  greater  foliie  is  it  for  to  kill 

Themfelues  delpairing,  then  is  any  ill. 

Sith  rlrft  therebyvtheir  en'mies  hatie  that  they  defire^ 
By  which  they  proue  too  deadly  foes  vnwares  a  friend : 
And  next  they  cannot  Hue,  to  former  blilfe  t'fpire, 
If  God  do  bring  their  foes  in  time  to  fudden  end. 
They  laftly,  as  the  damned  wretches,  fend 

Their  fouies  thereby  to  darkefome  Stygian  lake 
Which  kill  the  corps  that  mightie  hue  did  make. 


do 


HOW  KING 

MORGAN  OF  ALBANY 

was  flaine  at  Glamorgan  in  Wales, 

The  ye  are  before  Cbrift, 
766. 

Wot  not  well  what  reafon  I  may  vie, 
To  quitmy  felfe  from  lafting  infamie : 
Wherefore  I  muft  perforce  my  felfe  accufe, 
I  was  in  fault  I  cannot  it  denie. 
Remorce  of  confcience  pri ekes  my  heart  fo  nie. 
And  me  torments  with  pangs  of  pinching  paine3 
I  can  no  longer  me  from  fpeech  refraine. 

I  am  that  LMor^vfonne  of  Gonerell 

ThVngratefull  daughter  of  her  father  Leire  ? 

Which  from  hiskingdome  did  him  once  expell, 

As  by  the  Britifh  ftories  may  appeare. 

Ragan  and  fhe  confpir'd  (both  fitters  were) 
But  were  fubdu  d  againe  and  caufde  to  yeeld 
Their  fathers  Crowne :  CordtU  wan  the  fields 

I  need  not  heere  the  ftories  all  recite, 

It  were  too  long,  but  yet  I  briefly  fhall : 

The  caufe  CordtU  ought  her  fitters  fpite 

Was,  they  procur'd  her,  and  their  fathers  thrall. 

Yet  t'was  her  chance  at  length  tout  Hue  them  all, 
Both  fitters  elder,  and  her  father  graue, 
And  eke  atlength  the  kingdome  all  to  haue. 

That  time  was  I,  of  Albany,  the  King, 
Calfd  Scotland  now,  and  eke  my  coufin  then, 
Of  Cornwall  and  of  Wales,  whom  I  did  bring 
To  warre,  againft  CordtU  and  her  men : 
We  faid  we  would  our  title  winne  agen, 

And  that  becaufe  our  fathers  had  it  yore, 

We  ment  to  get  it  ours  againe  therefore. 


7°         %in&  ^Morgan. 

I  muft  confeffe  1  was  the  caufe  of  warre, 
I  was  not  pleafde  with  that  was  lotted  mec : 
Euen  fo  our  minds  ambitious  often  are 
And  blinded,  that  we  cannot  reafon  fee. 
We  thinkc  no  men,butGods  on  earth  we  bee,  ^ 
Yet  worfe  are  we  then  beafts  which  know  their  kind : 
For  we  haue  nought  but  mifchiefe  oft  in  mind. 

We  thinke,  if  fo  we  may  our  willes  attaine 
By  right  or  wrong,  by  might  or  malice,  we 
Could  neuer  Hue  like  Fortune  for  to  gaine  : 
Or  if  on  foes  we  once  reuenged  bee, 
If  that  our  foe-mens  fall  we  chance  to  lee, 

O  then  we  ioy,  we  lift  our  felues  to  skie, 

And  on  the  poore  we  cmcifge  eric. 

I  deem'd  if  that  I  might  once  put  her  downe, 

The  Kingdomes  all  were  Conidags  and  mine  i 

And  I  could  eafly  after  win  the  crowne, 

If  alfo  I  his  (rate  might  vndermine. 

I  thought,  indeed,  to  haue  it  all  in  fine : 
By  force  or  fraud  I  did  intend  alone 
To  fit  as  King  vpon  the  Britaine  throne. 

To  fpeake  in  few,  we  waged  warre  fo  long 
Gainft  her,  at  laft  we  put  her  vnto  flight : 
We  warriers  for  our  Aunt  were  far  too  ftrong, 
Purfude  and  tooke,  depriu'd  her  of  her  right. 
We  thought  it  ours  what  fo  we  wan  by  might : 
Eke  fo  play  tyrants :  Traitors  all  do  watch 
To  get  by  fpoile,  and  count  their  o wne  they  catch. 

Not  fo  contented  were  we  with  the  pray,  . 

But  fearing  left  fhe  fhould  recouer  aide : 

I  fent  in  haft  to  prifort  her  away, 

And  all  recourfe  of  meflengers  denaid. 

Thus  when  fhe  faw  her  Maieftie  deeaid, 

And  that  her  griefes  and  forowes  daily  grew  \ 
In  prifon  at  the  length  her  felfefhe  flew. 


l^ing  <t5\dTorgan.  71 

0  caytife  vile,  that  did  conftr aine  a  Queene, 
That  Iuftice  ment,  her  kingdome  to  forfake  ? 
Nay  tray  tor  I,  her  caufe  of  death  haue  been, 
That  would  my  felfe  by  bloodfhcd  ruler  make. 
How  could  reucnge  on  me  but  vengeance  take  ? 

Before  the  feat  of  God  her  blood  did  call 
For  vengeance  ftill,  and  fo  procur'd  my  fall. 

LoheereGods  iuftice  :Ccc  my  treafbn,  fee : 
Behold  and  fee,  to  raigne  was  my  delight : 
And  rnarke,  and  make  a  mirrour  heere  of  me, 
Which  afterward  was  feru  d  by  iuftice  right. 
We  wan  the  crowne  bctweene  vs  both  in  fight : 

And  then  becaufe  I  was  the  elder  fbnne 

Of  thelder  Queene,  I  claimed  all  we  wonne. 

So  were  my  dealings  nought  in  peace  and  warre* 
But  by  my  force  and  fortunes  vfde  in  fight, 

1  paft,  that  time,  the  Britaines  all  by  farre : 
I  was  of peribn,fortitude,  and  might 

Both  comely,  tall,  ftrong,  feemely  eke  in  fight, 
Whereby  I  won  mens  fauour,  glorie,  wealth, 
And,puft  with  pride,  at  length  forgate  my  felfe, 

Ifaid  it  was  my  right  the  crowne  to  haue, 
hutConidagM  ftoutly  it  deni'd : 
Wherefore  I  went  to  Wales,  my  right  to  craue, 
With  all  mine  armie,  and  to  haue  it  tri'd. 
Where  long  we  fought  it  ftoutly  on  each  fide, 

Till  at  the  laft  vnto  my  wofull  paine, 

I  was  depriud  of  kingdome  quite,  and  flaine. 

And  for  to  keepe  in  memorie  for  aye 
That  there  vnfaithfull  Morgan  loft  his  life, 
The  place  is  calf  d  Glamorgan  to  this  daye. 
There  was  I  pierft  to  death  with  fatall  knife : 
Ther-  was  the  end  of  all  my  hatefull  ftrife. 

So  Morgan,  where  he  thought  to  win  the  crowne, 

Was  at  Glamorgan  traytor  ftriken  downe. 

G4  Thus 


7*  KingJago. 

Thus  maift  thou  tell  how  proud  ambition  proues, 
What  hap  hauc  tyrants,  what  we  Tray  tours  haue : 
What  end  he  hath  that  cruell  dealing  loues, 
What  fubiedls  get  that  Diademe  do  craue. 
Tis  better,  then  to  whine,  thine  o wne  to  faue : 
For  fo  orethwartly  trade  of  Fortune  goes, 
When  win  thou  would'ft,  then  art  thou  fure  to  lofe. 


HOW  KING  I  AGO 

DIED  OF  THE  LETHARGIE, 
about  the  yeare  before  Chrift,  a 
612. 

Aue  I  oreflept  my  felfe,  or  am  I  wake  ? 
Or  had'ft  thou  late  oreflept  thy  felfe  that  wrote  ? 
Could'ft  thou  not  for  the  Letharge  paines  to  take  ; 
And  with  the  reft  his  fleepie  life  to  note  ? 
Was  Iamongft  the  wicked  wights  forgote? 
Well  then,  awaked  jfith  we  are  both  twaine^ 
To  write  my  fleepie  finfull  life,  take  paine. 

I  am  that  Iago,  once  of  Britalne  King, 
That  ruled  all  this  noble  Britifh  He  : 
No  fame  of  me  the  writers  old  do  bring, 
Becaufe  my  life  and  gouernment  was  vile. 
Yet,  Wggins,  heere  take  paines  for  me  awhile, 

Enregeftermymirrourtoremaine,  ^ 

That  Princes  may  my  vices  vile  refraine. 

At  firft,  a  while,!  ruled  well  the  land, 

I  vfed  iuftice,  right  tooke  regali  place : 

No  wight  but  found  iuft  iudgement  at  my  hand, 

And  truth  durft  flhew,  without  rebuke,  her  face. 

Igauc  my  felfe  to  all  good  gifts  of  grace, 

My  fubiecls  liu  d  in  reft  within  my  raigne :  , 

No  caufe  of  Prince  compel' d  them  to  complaint  ^ 

tuiff 


But  as  in  ealme  a  ftormc  we  nothing  feare, 

When  as  the  feas  are  milde  and  fmooth  as  glaflfe  : 

And  as  in  peace  no  thought  of  warrcs  we  beare, 

Which  leaft  fuppofe  of  raifchicfes  come  to  pafTe  : 

Euen  fo  my  ftill  and  rightfull  raigning  was. 
The  calme,  a  tempeft  boads :  the  Ihine,a  raine  r 
Long  peace,a  warre  :  and  pleafure,pinching  paine. 

For  reft,  and  peace,  and  wealth  abounding  thoe, 

Made  me  forget  my  Iuftice  late  well  vfde : 

Forfaking  vertues,  vices  gan  to  floe. 

And  former  noble  a&s  I  quite  refufde. 

My  gifts,  my  treafares,  wealth  and  will  mifufde^ 

Began  all  goodnes  quite  at  length  difdaine. 

And  did  my  fa&s  with  filthie  vices  ftaine. 

Mifgouern'd  both  my  Kingdome  and  my  life, 

I  gaue  my  felfe  to  eafe,  to  fleepe,  and  finne : 

And  I  had  clawbackes  euen  at  Court  full  rife, 

Which  fought  by-outrage  golden  gaines  to  winne. 

For  *  Kings  no  fooner  well  or  worfe  beginne, 
But  euen  at  hand  the  good  or  bad  take  paine, 
For  vertues  fake,  or  meede,  the  Prince  to  traine. 

As  vices  grew  encreafing  more  and  more, 

So  vertues  fled  and  bad  their  friends  adew  2 

Difeafes  bad  likewife,  and  ficknefle  fore 

Began  to  waxe,  and  griefes  about  me  grew. 

I  may  full  well  my  naughtie  furfets  rue, 

Which  pefter  d  fo  at  length  my  droufie  braine, 
I  could  not  fcarce  from  fleeping  ought  refraine* 

A  fleepie  fickneffe  nam'd  the  Lethargic, 

Oppreft  me  fore,  till  death  tooke  life  awsy : 

This  was  the  guerdon  of  my  gluttonie, 

As  with  the  candles  light  the  flie  doth  play, 

Though  in  the  end  it  worke  her  hues  decay : 
So  of  the  gluttons  cup  fo  long  I  drunk  e, 
Till  drown  d  in  it  with  ihamefuU  death  I  funkc, 

phyntions 


74-  K^n&  F°mx* 

Phyfitians  wife  may  take  on  them  the  cure, 
But  itfehena  fmite  the  Prince  for  fin, 
As  earft  of  me,  then  is  the  helpe  vnfure, . 
That's  not  the  way  for  health  to  enter  in. 
No  potions  then,  nor  powders  worth  a  pin : 

But  euen  as  we,  they  muft  to  die  be  faine. 

Bid  them  in  time  from  vices  now  refraine. 


HOW  KING 

FORREX   WAS  SLAINE 
by  his  brother  King  Porrexydhout 
they  ear e  before  ChriH  49 1 . 

|0  tell  my  ftorie  on  the  tragicke  ftage 
Compeld  I  am  amongft  the  reft  that  fell : 
I  may  complaine  that  felt  god  Mars  hisrage3 
, Alas  that  fate  to  State  fhould  be  fo  fell 
Had  I  been  meaner  borne  I  know  right  well 
There  had  no  enuie  vndermin'd  my  State, 
Nor  fortune  foild  the  feat  whereon  I  fate. 

While  that  my  Kingly  Sire  Qorbodug  raign  d 
I  had  no  care,  in  honor  I  did  Hue :  - 
Would  God  I  had  in  that  eftate  remain'd, 
But  what  vs  fortune  wonted  is  to  giue, 
Good  hap  that  holds  as  water  in  a  fiue  : 

She  fhowes  a  glimpfe  of  thousand  ioyes,  and  moe, 

Which  hides  in  it  ten  thoufandfeas  of  woe. 

That  hatefull  hellifti  hag  of  vglie  hue, 
With  ruftie  teeth  and  meygre  corps  misfhape, 
I  meane  that  monfter vile,  the  worft  in  view, 
Whom  feme  call  D'fcorel,  ermk,  ire  and  hate  ; 
She  fet  my  brother  firft  with  me  at  bate  : 

When  we  fiue  ycares  had  raigned  ioyntly  well, 

By  her  entifements,foule  at  ftrife  we  fell. 

We 


King  Forrex* 

We  liu*d  that  (pace  well  in  this  noble  He, 
Diuided  well  we  ioyntly  did  enioy 
The  Princely  feat,  while  Fortune  faire  did  firrile, 
Without  dildaine,  hate,  difcord  or  anoy : 
Euen  as  our  father  raign'd  the  noble  Roy 
In  wealth,peace,praife,purport3renowne  and  fame, 
Without  the  blots  of  euerlafting  blame. 

But  when  ambition  bleared  both  our  eyes, 
And  haftie  hate  had  brother-hood  bereft : 
We  friendship  faire  and  concord  did  defpife, 
And  far  a  part  from  vs  we  wifdome  left : 
Forfboke  each  other  at  the  greater!  heft. 
To  rule  the  kingdome  both  we  left,  and  fell 
To  warring,  iarring  like  two  hounds  of  hell. 

For  bounds  we  banded  firft  on  cither  fide, 
And  did  incroach  each  one  on  others  right. 
T'inlarge  the  limits  of  our  kingdome  wide, 
We  would  not  fticke  oft  times  in  field  to  fight, 
The  wretched  ground  had  Co  bewitcht  our  fight,  i 

For  why,  *  the  earth  that  once  fliall  eate  vs  all, 

Is  th'only  caufe  of  many  Princes  fall. 

*  On  th'earth  we  greeue  the  ground  for  filthie  gaine, 
On  th'earth  we  clofe  the  earth  t'inlarge  our  land, 
In  th'earth  we  moile  with  hunger,  care,  and  paine, 
We  cut,  we  dig  thence  filuer,  gold,  and  fand. 
Into  her  bowels  by  the  force  of  hand, 
With  fteele  and  iron  we  do  dig  profound, 
Working  her  woe  to  make  our  ioyes  abound. 

For  th'earth  forget  we  God,  (vnfaithfull  fooles) 
For  ground  forfake  we  faith  and  all  our  friends : 
For  th'earth  we  fet  our  felues  to  fubtill  fchooles, 
Of  ground  like  fwine  we  feeke  the  farther!  ends. 
We  fpoile  the  ground  that  all  our  liuing  lends, 
Of  ground  to  winne  a  plat  a  while  to  dwell 
We  yenter  Hues,  and  fend  our  foules  to  hell*. 


7  6  Kjng  Forrex. 

If  webehold  the  fubffance  of  a  man, 

How  he  is  made  of  Elements  by  kind, 

Of  earth,  of  water,  aire,  and  fire  i  than 

We  would  full  often  call  vnto  our  mind, 

That  all  our  earthly  ioyes  wcleaue  behind : 
And  when  we  pafle to  th'earth  we  turneto  rot  t 
Ourpompe,  our  pride,  and  glorie  is  forgot. 

The  fire  firft  receiues  his  heate  againe,  ; 
The  aire  the  breath  bereaues  away  by  right ; 
The  watrieand  the  earthly  parts  remaine, 
OfEiementscompofcdfcarcefo  light.  • 
And  in  the  ground  a  place  is  for  them  dight. 
The  moiftures  drie,  the  bones  confume  to  duft, 
The  wormes  with  flefh  fuffice  their  greedie  luft. 

But  we  forget  our  competition  old, 
Both  whence  we  came,  and  whereunto  weflialh 
We  fcarce  remember  we  be  made  ofmould, 
And  how  the  earth  againe  confumeth  all. 
This  great  forgetfulnes  breeds  Princes  thrall. 
While  prefent  ioyes  we  gaze  vpon,  meane  while 
A  fading  bliffe  doth  allour  wits  beguile. 

All  this  I  fpeake  to  trf  end  it  may  aduifc 

All  Princes  great,  and  noble  peeres  that  are, 

Tolearneby  me  the  rather  to  be  wife, 

And  to  abandon  hate  and  malice  farre. 

To  banifh  all  ambitious  bloodie  warre  : 
To  Hue  content  in  peace,  with  their  eftate : 
For  *  mifchiefe  flowes  from  difcord  and  debate, 

And  now  He  tell  what  difcord  vile  hath  done 
To  me  King  Vofrex.  Thus  the  cafe  it  flood  : 
I  thought  indeed  to  haUe  fome  caftles  wonne  / 
And  holds,  which  were  my  brothers,  ftrong  and  good, 
So  might  I  intercept  his  vitailes3  forrage,  food, 
Abate  his  pride,  obtaine  the  kingdome  all : 
Me  thought  the  halfe  a  portion  was  too  fmall. 


Kmg  Forrex.  77 

Ther  s  no  man  takes  an  enterprife  in  hand, 
But  he  perfwadcs  himfelfe  it  is  not  ill  : 
He  hath  of  reafons  eke  in  fteed  to  ftand 
As  he  fuppofeth  framed  wife  by  skill. 
So  I  was  led  by  reafbn  rude,  to  kill 

My  brother,  ifl  caught  him  at  the  nicke, 

Becaufe  the  quarrel!  firft  he  gan  to  picke. 

And  for  becaufe  I  was  the  elder  Prince,. 

The  elder  fonne,  and  hcire  vnto  the  cro  wne : 

Me  thought  no  law,  nor  reafon  could  conuince 

Me  from  the  fac\ though  I  did  beat  him  downe. 

This  was  my  way  to  wihne  and  reape  renowne. 
I  did  prouide  an  armie  ftrong  for  field, 
Not  farre  from  where  I  hop'd  to  caufe  him  yeeld. 

And  fundric  fliarpe  afTaults  on  each  we  gaue, 

On  purpofe  both  enflamed  for  to  fight : 

We  had  i  n  parle  heard  the  counfell  graue 

Of  wife  and  worthie  men,  perfwading  right. 

Jtpitie  was  (they  faid)  fo  Joule  a  fight 

That  brethren  twaine,  both  Princes  of  a  land, 
Should  take  at  home  fuch  wofull  warres  in  hand, 

But  where  ambition  dwelles  is  no  remorcc, 

No  countries  loue,  no  kindred  holden  kind, 

No  feare  of God,  no  fentence  wife  of  force 

To  turne  the  heart,  or  mollifie  the  mind. 

Good  words  are  counted  wafting  of  your  wind. 
The  gaine  propofdc,  the  crowne  and  fcepter  hie, 
Are  th'only  things  whereat  men  gaze  and  pric. 

At  length  my  brother  for  to  end  the  ftrife, 
Thoughtbeft  to  worke  the  fureft  way  to  win  : 
He  found  the  mcanes  to  take  away  my  life, 
Before  which  time  the  warres  could  neuer  lin. . 
How  much  might  better  both  contented  bin ! 

For  *  hope  will  flip,  and  hold  is  hard  to  fnatch. 

Where  blood  cmbrues  the  hands  that  come  to  catch,  . 

Thus, 


yS  KjngTorrex* 

Thus  our  ambitionbred  our  fubiefts  fmart, 
Our  broiles  powr  d  out  their  guiltleffe  blood  on  ground : 
Which  vile  deuice  of  mine  ambitious  heart 
Procured  Wmy  purpofc  to  confound. 
Therefore  beware  ye  wights  whofe  wealths  abound, 
Content  your  felues  in  peace  to  fpcnd  your  dales, 
By  vermes  goodaloft  your  names  to  raiie : 


HOW  KING 

PORREX  WHICH  SLEW  HIS 
brother^was  flainc  by  his  owne  mo- 
therandher  maidens,  about  the 
yeare  before  ChriBy 

^  An  curfed  Caint  that  caitiue  fcufe  himfelfe, 
That  flew  his  brother  ^/innocent  ? 
Or  Tyfhon  who  for  ftate  and  worldly  pelfe 
His  deare  Ofins  downe  to  Lymbo  fent  > 
Kin*  <Dardan  then  to  do  the  like  may  trie, 
They  flew  their  brethren  each :  and  fo  did  I. 

The  witch  CMedaarcnt  in  pieces  Imall 
tAbCmm  limbes  her  brother,  did  not  fhe  ? 
She  threw  him  in  the  way  difmembred  all, 
That  fo  her  fathers  iourney  ftard  might  be. 

Orodes  flew  his  brother  Mtthridaie: 

And  fo  did  I  my  brother  in  debate. 

Learchns  flew  his  brother  for  the  Crowne, 
So  did  Cambyfes  fearing  much  the  dreamc  : 
tAntiochtu  of  infamous  renowne 
His  brother  flew,  to  rule  alone  thcRealme. 

Ardtew  did  the  like  for  Kingdomes  fake  : 

Solmy  brothershfe  away  U  take.  xMmqHm. 


King'Fvrrex.  79 


tMimfrkiw  lewde  of  life  likewife  did  kill 

His  brother  MuuUtu,  for  the  fame  intents 

Thefe  Princes  vile  were  brother  flayers  ill, 

For  kingdomes  fake  vnnaturaliy  bent. 

But  reade  the  (lories,  thou  flialt  find  it  plaint 
Thebloodie  wretches  all  were  after  flainc. 

Euen  fo  I  Porrex  eke,  which  flew  my  brother, 

And  ruled  once  the  Britaine  land  with  him, 

Vnkindly  kifd  was  by  my  cruell  mother, 

Which  with  her  maidens  chopt  me  euery  limme* 
As  I  lay  flecping  on  my  bed  at  reft, 
Into  my  chamber  full  and  whole  they  preft 

Appointed  well  they  were  with  weapons  fliarpe, 
And  boldly  laid  on  me  with  all  their  might : 
Oft  quite  and  cleane  they  thruft  me  through  the  harfe 
And  on  my  corps  each  where  their  weapons  light. 
They  chopt  me  fmall  (I  fay)  as  flefih  to  pot, 
And  threw  me  out,  my  limbes  yet  trembling  hps. 

Can  I  complaine  of  this  reuenge  fhe  raught, 

Sith  I  procured  the  (laughter  of  her  (bnne? 

Can  I  excufe  my  felfe  deuoid  of  faut, 

Which  my  deare  Prince  and  brother  had  fordonne? 
No ;  tis  too  true  that *  who  fo  flayes  a  King 
Incurres  reproch,  and  flaughter  blood  doth  bring* 

The  tray  tors  to  their  Prince  hauc  alwaies  bin 

As  flayers  of  their  parents,  vipers  brood : 

The  killers  of  their  brothers,  friends,  and  kin, 

In  like  degree  well  nigh  of  treafon  flood. 

But  what  by  this  win  they,  faue  death,  defame, 
Diflaine  their  blood,  and  fliroud  themfelucs  with  fhame. 

Example  take  ycu  Princes  of  this  land, 

Beware  of  difcord,  fhun  ambitious  pride? 

By  right  take  ye  the  fceptcr  in  your  hand, 

Let  not  your  fword  with  foueraignes  blood  be  dide* 
The  mightie  tone,  that  raignes  eternall  aye, 
Cuts  off  the  Kings  that  enter  in  that  waye, 


8o  KjngTmnar. 

Vfurpers  may  perfwade  themfelues  a  while 
There  is  no  God,  no  lawes  of  facred  crowne  : 
No  wrong  they  do,  no  murther  fecmeth  vile, 
Nor  no  relpeft  of  Princely  high  renowne. 
But  if  they  could  confider  well  the  cafe, 
They  would  not  fo  alpire  to  Princes  place. 

They  would  example  take  by  Lucifer, 
That  was  caft  downe,  the  father  flrft  of  pride  : 
And  all  his  impes  how  high  fo  ere  they  were, 
VfurpingReafmes  and  Kingdomes  far  and  wide. 
From  light  to  darke,from  throne  to  thrall  they  fell: 
From  bale  to  blifle  and  do  wne  from  heauen  to  hell. 

Sufficient  heere  is  faid  to  warne  the  wife, 
For  he  by  prudence  oft  forecafts  the  doub  t : 
Thefooleisbent  all  warnings  to  defpife, 
He  runneth  headlong  with  the  rafcali  rout. 
Then  if  thou  caft  to  Hue  at  reft  a  fubie6t  good, 
Touch  not  the  Prince,  crowne,  fcepter,  nor  his  blood, 


HOW  KING  PIN- 

NAR  WAS  SLAINE  IN  BAT- 
taile  by  3\<lulmucius  Dotftoallo&bQUt 
the  yeare  before  CbriBf 
441. 

pj^^llght  oftentimes  right  ouerrunnes  too  faft, 

I  VisWa  \  Right  after  comes  and  hopes  to  haue  his  o  wne: 

f  flyi  5  And  when  he  ouertakes  might  at  the  laft ; 

Then  is  the  truth  of  all  the  quarrcll  knowne. 
Men  neucr  reape  no  other,  then  was  fowne, 
If  goodbe  gaine,  the  better  comes  the  crop, 
The  grape  growes  on  the  vine  and  not  the  hop. 


KjngTinnar. 

Of  this  now  fpoken,  this  would  I  infcrre, 
Men  may  by  might  a  kingdome  long  withhold 
Not  due  to  them :  but  they  far  better  were , 
To  yeeld  vnto  the  right,  what  reafbn  would. 
Good  mettals  bides  the  touch,  which  tries  the  gold, 
When  copper  counted  counterfeit  in  caft, 
Is  deem'd  but  droiTo  and  called  in  at  laft. 

I  am  that  Vinnar,  who  when  'Brmm  blood 
Extincled  was  in  bloodie  Porrex  raigne, 
Amongft  the  Princes  in  contention  flood, 
Who  in  theBriraine  throne  by  right  fhould  raigne : 
Mongft  whom  by  might  a  part  I  did  obtaine, 
That  part  of  Albion  call'd  Logriahight, 
I  did  long  time  vfurpe  againft  all  right. 

Stater  who  ftept  into  the  Scottifii  throne, 
And  Rndackc,  that  vfurpt  the  Cambrian  crowne 
Their  minds  to  mine  di^  frame  and  ioyn'd  in  one, 
To  keepe  theCornifh  Prince  [tout  Clo ten  downe, 
Twixt  whom  and  vs  in  fighting,  for  renowne 
Faire  Lad  ie  Albion  Europes  wondred  He, 
Rob'd  of  her  beautie  was,  alas  the  while. 

Duke  Clot  en,  though  a  man  of  worthie  praife, 
Who  claim'd  the  crowne  as  due  to  him  by  right : 
Could  notpreuaile  till  death  did  end  his  daies, 
His  fonne  Mnlmucim  that  vndaunted  Knight 
Purfudhisfathersclaimewith  all  his  might, 
And  meeting  vs  in  many  a  bloodie  field^ 
At  length  in  manly  fight 'did  make  vs  yeeld. 

He  Lion-like  himfelfe  with  his  tall  troopc 
Of  nimble  Cornifhmet  vs  on  the  way, 
And  to  his  conquering  arme  did  caufe  vs  ftoope, 
The  price  of treafon  I  with  blood  did  pay, 
My  wrong  deenVd  right  appcar'd  in  my  decay. 
Who  fo  by  violence  fcales  the  throne  of  State, 
Seldome  fits  fure,  but  falles  by  violent  fate. 

H 


HOW  KING 

STATER  OF  SCOTLAND 
was  flaine  by  ^Mulmucim  Donlpalb> 
about  thcyeare  befort  Chrift, 
441. 

"Efift  not  in  hiftories  truly  to  tell 
The  fall  of  vfurpers  the  mirrours  of  pride. 
Recite  of  our  treafons,  and  how  that  we  fell,. 
Intruders  vntruftic  the  Realme  for  to  guide  % 
Of  wit  and  of  reafon  recklefle  and  wide, 
That  tooke  fo  vpon  vs  to  rule  all  the  land, 
No  Princes prefum'd  yet  with  fcepterin  hand. 

How  (lately  IStater  of  Scotland  the  King, 

Did  beare  me  full  ftoutly  when  I  had  the  crowne  1 

And  what  a  great  armie  of  Scots  I  did  bring, 

Againft  Lord  Denwallo,  of  noble  renowne. 

I  deemed  dame  Fortune  would  neuer  fb  frowne, 

Who  made  me  a  Prince,  that  kingdome  my  pray, 

Of  late  but  a  fiibieft  and  fimplc  of  fvvay. 

But  heere  now  behold  how  fteadie  the  rlate 

Of  climbers  aloftis  aboue  their  degree, 

And  how  they  do  fall  from  fortune  to  fate, 

Example  are  fech  as  my  fellow  and  me. 

The  fruit  giues  a  tafte  of  the  fap  of  the  tree, 
The  feed  of  the  herbe,the  grape  of  the  vine  t 
The  worke  wrayes  the  man,feeme  he  neuer  fo  fine* 

For  when  I  had  leuied  an  armie  to  fight, 

I  ioyned  with  T3 *  invar \  my  power  to  preuaile  r 

And  Rudacke  of  Wales  came  eke  with  his  might, 

<JMtilmHcius  Donwallo  the  King  to  affaile. 

Our  purpofe  the  Prince  by  prowes  did  quaile, 

Which  came  out  of  Cornewall,  vs  vanquifht  in  field, 
Our  fouldiers  were  flaughterd,  or  forced  to  yceld. 


0  fortune  I  blame  thee,  my  felfe  more  vn  wife : 
Thou  gaud  me  a  kingdome,  with  life  I  it  loft. 
My  fouldiers  were  killed  before  mine  owne  eies, 
Or  forced  to  yeeld,  or  abandon  the  coaft. 

1  need  not  of  honor  or  dignitie  boaft, 

Or  tell  of my  triumphes,  or  crake  of  my  crowne  i 
*  The  vaunt  of  vfurpers  is  void  of  renowne. 

HOW  IKING 

RVDACKE  OF  WALES  WAS 
flaine  by  CMulmuciu*  Donmllo  about 

the  jeare  before  Ckrift, 
441. 


Vde  are  the  reuellesroyaltie  that  rape, 
Reftleffe  the  raignes  of  rebels  in  the  robe, 
RecklefTe  the  rage  where  crueltie  doth  fcrapc, 
Roundneffe  efteem'd  but  little  of  the  globe, 
No  man  ambitious  prudent  with  the  probca 


Crownerape  accounted  but  cunning  and  skill, 
Bloodihcadabiockehoufe  to  beate  away  ill. 

The  rudeneffe  of  rebels  reaching  the  crowne, 
Maybecompar'd  to  Z?W£Wrfonddiuice. 
Better  fit  ftill  then  fall  fo  far  adownc, 
By  my  miftiaps  let  other  men  be  wife^ 
My  felfe  of  climbing  hauepai'd  well  the  price, 

That  rudely  in  thronemy  felfe  did  inftall 

Aloft,  not  regarding  how  low  I  might  fall. 

When  Britaine  wasreftleile,  wanting  a  King, 
(For  Forrex  hight  and  Porrex  both  were  flaine) 
The  land  many  peeres  ambitious  did  wring, 
Endeuouring  each  the  Kingdome  to  gaine. 
The  heires  to  forfake  it  wrong  did  conftraine, 

The  fubie6ls  were  armed,  we  nobles  did  ftriue, 

At  length  wc  amongft  ys  diuifion  contriue. 

Hz  Then 


54  J\Mg  Kydackg. 

Then  reckleffe  we  were  when  all  was  at  reft,  ° 

And  each  had  a  kingdom?  allotted  his  part ; 

The  vice  of  the  fubie6ts  daily  incredf, 

And  iuftice  and  right  were  laid  quite  apart. 

The lawes  ouerlatlied  by  couine  and  craft, 

And  we  that  did  gouerne  did  vvinke  at  this  geare  s 
The  worfer  thereby,  our  faithful!  friends  were. 

The  ball  that  dame  Fortune  emparteth  of  blifle 
Is  golden  to  gaze  on,  but  voluble  round  : 
If  once  of  your  handfaft  in  holding  you  mi  fie. 
Away  fchcii  it  roleth,  and  you  are  on  ground. 
Of  watchers  thereon  fa  many  abound; 

And  catchers  thereat,with  fnatching  therefore,, 

That  if  once  you  leefe  it,  you  catch  it  no  more. 

A  Chirurgian  that  taketh  a  wound  for  to  cure, 

If skilfull  and  carefull  he  fearcheth  it  furft  : 

The  fea-man  doth  found  to  take  the  depth  lure, 

By  wifHome  well  taught  for  feare  of  the  worft. 

But  our  vile  ambition,  blind,  blockifh,  accurft, 
Notprouing  the  fore,  nor  reckoning  the  found, 
Our  fhips  and  our  fcience  we  finke  and  confound. 

Ambition  out  iearcheth  to  glorie  the  greece, 

The  ftaire  to  eftate,  the  graple  of  grace : 

But  in  her  is  hid  ofperill  a  peece, 

Which  all  our  attempts  dothidimme  and  deface. 

We  do  enioy  her  vaine  ioyes  but  a  ipace, 

Short,brittle  as  glaffe :  falfe  faire  giuing  light : 
Not  golden,  though  glittring  braue  in  the  fight. 

For  when  fhe  hath  brought  vs  vnto  the  throne, 
And  Fortune  hath  fraught  vs  with  honor  at  fill :  . 
Then  there  to  fit  ftedie  and  rule  all  alone 
We  racke  our  deuices,  and  feud  with  our  skill. 
We  cut  off  occurfions ;  we  prole,  pole,  and  pill : 

We  bolfter,  we  band  out,  to  bribe,  baniih,  flay 

The  pillers  ofprudence  that  ftand  in  our  way. 

Our 


8? 


Our  race  is  then  reftles,our  flceping  vnfound: 
Our  waking  is  warfare,our  walking  hath  woe : 
Our  talking  is  truftles,our  cares  doe  abound : 
Our  fauncrs  deemdfaithfull,and  friendfliippe  a  foe. 
Which  troubles  our  fancies  fo  tofl  to  and  froo, 
That  fcarcely  wee  neuer  inioy  any  reft 
Tormcnted,whom  Fortune  exalted  and  blefl. 

This  thing  can  I  witnefle  what  troubles  enfiie, 
What  cares  doe  vs  compas  enhaunfed  aloft : 
Ithcreforc  wilh  rebels  to  take  better  view 
Of  the  fallcs  of  iutruders/ecorded  fo  oft. 
Who  climeth  fo  high  his  fall  is  not  fbft. 
If  once  hee  doe  ftagger  or  falter  afidc, 
He  cannot  recouer  the  reft  for  to  guide. 

When  I  who  with  others  did  thinke  my  felfc  lure, 
Here  ruled  the  rcalme,there  fell  out  a  flawc: 
Donwdlo  did  feekc  theCrowne  to  procure, 
Alleaging  a  title  thereto  by  the  lawe. 
Who, when  to  field  our  powers  we  did  draw, 
Came  ftraight  with  an  hoaft  prepared  to  fight, 
With  fword  for  to  trie  out  whofe  title  was  right. 

Our  number  was  grear,our  title  vniuft: 
Our  confeiences  guilty  ,our  foudiers  agaft : 
Domvdlo  with  honour  had  fouldiers  of  truft: 
And  Fortune  was  friendly  to  them  as  they  paft. 
They  flew  of  our  men  by  manhood  full  faft, 
Or  forft  them  to  flie  :in  the  field  wee  were  faine 
T  oppofcthem(poorePrinces)andfo  we  wereflainc. 

Firft  ?innar$\z.K\Stater^  Ttydacke  likevvife 
At  laft  was  with  number  opprefled  difpatcht. 
Let  Lordings  beware  how  aloft  they  doc  rife, 
By  Princes  and  commons  their  climing  is  watcht. 
No  fooncr  they  haue  at  the  fcepter  oncefnatcht, 
But  guilty  themfelucs  they  decme  worthy  to  die, 
And  Gods  powerful!  iufticc  fuch  fentence  doth  hie. 


H3 


HOW 


8d 

HOW  THE  NOBLE 

King TBrennus^ktv many  triumphant 

wiUories^t  tbefiege  ofDelpbos  in  Greece fle^ 
himfelfc^bout  the  yeare  before 
Cbr0,  375. 


Mongft  the  noble  martiall  worthy  men, 
Renowned  farre,vi<ftorious  great  of  fame, 
\  Though  Authors  found  my  praifeicftfbones  agen 
Amongft  the  Britaine  Princes  write  the  fame. 
I  am  that  Britaine  once  that  Brennus  had  to  name: 
My  fa£ts,exploits  in  warre3my  conquefts  life  and  end 
Doe  write  as  I  recite^when  time  doth  lealure  lend. 

The  mightie  Monarch  of  this  noble  He 

Mulmiicius  who  with  conquering  blade  did  free 

The  Britans  troubled  ftate  from  tyrants  vile, 

Was  father  both  to  Behnus  and  me. 

His  noble  a6ts  and  lawes  commended  bee. 
This  2fc//00j(mine  elder  brother)was  his  heire, 
And  Queene  Corwenm  was  our  mother  wife  and  faire. 

When  after  him  my  brother  had  the  crowne, 

Hee  was  content  to  make  me  eke  a  king: 

He  gaue  mee  Albany3where  withrenowne 

Iruldeawhilebyluftice  euery  thing. 

But  at  the  laft  ambition  made  me  bring 

An  army  thence^againft  my  brother  for  to  fight: 

Which  rather  ought  t'haue  honord  him  with  homage  right. 

When  Helium  perceiued  mee  approach 

Vnto  his  Reahne,an  army  hee  addrelt: 

Hee  warned  me  I  ftiould  not  feeke  t'incroach 

That  was  not  mine/or  hee  was  ready  preft 

Mc  to  rcpell  :hee  wild  mee  bee  at  reft. 
I  marched  on,  the  armies  met,wree  fearccly  fought : 
My  fouldiers  flaine,to  faue  my  felfe  by  flight  I  fought. 

T® 


To  Norway  then,I  fled  for  fuccour  hence, 
Where  good  Slfingus  xzignfe  the  gentle  King: 
I  told  him  what  I  was,and  eke  of  whence, 
Defirde  his  aide,me  homcagaine  to  bring. 
And  he  not  only  graunted  me  this  thing, 
But  eke  his  daughter  Samye  faire  to  bee  my  wife, 
With  me  in  Albany  to  leade  a  Princely  life. 

But  while  we  were  prouiding  fhips  and  men, 
The  fame  abroad  of  my  returne  was  fpread: 
And  GuthUke  that  was  King  of  Dcnmarke  then, 
Prouided  with  a  nauie  mce  forlead. 
His  eie  on  Samyes  beautie  had  fo  fed, 

That  for  her  fake  he  muft  perforce  my  fhips  forlay, 
By  force  of  armes  to  beare  the  Lady  faire  away. 

And  when  our  nauies  met,hee  wilde  me  yeelde 
This  Lady  ftraight,or  elfe  defend  the  caufe: 
A  thing(quoth  I)requefted  erft  but  feelde, 
Againft  of  Gods  and  men  the  facred  lawes. 
It  hath  not  erft  bene  heard  'mongft  wife  men  (awes, 
That  any  King  fhould  claime  the  like  by  ftrife, 
Or  make  affault  by  wrong  to  winne  a  Princes  wife. 

From  words  to  fight  we  fell  on  either  fide, 

But  on  his  fide  the  conqueft  did  appeare: 

I  yeelded  her  that  lifted  fcarce  abide, 

For  fhe  to  him  before  did  fauour  beare. 

By  tempeft  then  our  nauies  feuered  were, 

And  he  perforce  by  ftorme  on  fhores  of  Britaine  caft, 

For  tribute  hoftage  gaue  to  Belme  ere  he  paft. 

At  feas  turmoilde  fiue  daies  with  raging  winde, 
Sore  wearied  with  the  fight, the  foile,andlofle: 
And  cafting  with  my  felfe  in  woefull  minde, 
The  caufe  why  fo  God  Neytune  did  me  torfe: 
And  why  falfe  fortune  my  attempt  did  crofle : 
jj  I  made  a  vo  we  to  kill  the  man  that  caufde  me  flye, 
Or  with  my  bloud,thc  kingdome  all  from  him  to  buy 

H4 


8S  IQng  IZrennus. 

The  Seas  alaid,at  Iaft  my  fhips  I  found,' 

And  rigde  againe,at  feas  we  me  t  our  foes 

The  wandring  Danes, where  we  befet  them  round 

In  warlike  fort,we  did  them  all  inclofe, 

Euen  fo  the  wheele  of  Lady  Fortune  goes, 

Abie£ts,cafts  downe,tumes  topfie  toruie  quight, 
The  men  of  late  extold  with  all  her  maine  and  might. 

Thefe  fhips  my  wants  in  fome  refpe£t  fupplied 

With  tackle,armour,vitailes  and  the  reft : 

And  fo  to  Britaine  land  apace  I  hide, 

For  kingdome  loft  to  make  againe  requeft : 

Or  elfe  by  might  and  force  away  to  wreft 

Thefcepter  from  my  brother  Beline^nA  the  crowne, 
Which  lay  that  time  by  North  at  Euerwike  the  towne. 

To  land  I  came,  and  threatned  Belme  fbre, 

But  he  an  armie  did  with  fpeed  addreffe : 

Which  met  me  ftraight  at  thVntry  on  the  fhore, 

Our  battailes  ioind  and  fought  with  valiantnefle. 

But  I  was  put  in  th  end  to  fuch  diftreffe 

To  fhips  I  flew,and  tooke  a  few  with  me  befide, 
And  hoifing  failes,for  hap  to  Gallia  ftrandsl  hide0 

Arriued  there,I  trauaildlong  to  fee 

The  nature  of  the  Countrey  and  the  men  i 

And  for  my  purpofe  I  dilpofed  mee, 

To  pleafe  the  Princes  and  the  people  then, 

In  hope  to  fee  my  countrey  once  agen.  r 
To  win  my  noble  kingdome,or  to  wreacke  the  wrong 
That  I  fuftaind  exilde  from  natiue  foile  folong. 

When  I  had  tolde  the  great  mifhaps  I  had 

Vnto  the  Pceres  of  Fraunce,  fome  aide  to  craue: 

I  could  obtaine  no  fuccour  me  to  glad, 

Nor  men,  munition,  fhips,  ne  vittailes  haue. 

I  gate  me  thence  to  Duke  Segmus  graue, 

Of  Prouence  then  the  Priiace,r  en  owned  noble  farre, 

For  prudence  prompt  in  peace,and  wifdome  great  in  warre. 

This 


K^ng'Brennus.  Zp 

This  worthy  Duke  rccciucd  me  Tvith  ioy, 

(For  of  afflicted  wights  he  had  rcmorce) 

He  heard  me  oft  declare  the  great  anoy 

That  I  had  felt,and  of  my  brothers  force. 

How  Gutblacke  didmy  wifeandmediuorce : 
The  broiles  at  Sea,the  toiles  I  taken  had  at  land : 
Which  neucr  could  the  face  of  Fortunes  foile  withftand, 

ThouBrltainc  tall  (quoth  he)  I  rue  thy  fate 

Thou  noble  Prince  (for  fo  thou  art  in  fho  we) 

If  I  could  now  reftore  thee  thine  eftate, 

Thou  fhouldfl:  perceiue  what  fauour  I  thee  owe. 

Tis  Fortunes  vfe  t  exalt  and  ouerthro  we. 

My  counfaile  then  is  this,  expecl  her  grace  a  while, 

Till  where  fhee  fro wnes  fhee  turne  her  friendly  face  and  finile. 

So  in  his  court  he  did  me  intertaine, 

Where  long  I  liu  d  and  bare  my  (elfe  full  well  i 

Sometimes  to  play  the  captaine  I  was  faine, 

To  win  fome  praiic,as  caufes  did  compell,. 

For  when  his  fubie6ts  either  did  rcbell, 

Or  confines  made  inroads,to  fpoile  or  pray  his  land, 
Then  appointed  was  to  take  the  warre  in  hand> 

In  armour  fearce,and  ftout,and  ftrong  was  I, 

God  CMars  me  gaue  a  ftearne  and  ftormie  looke : 

With  fcates  of  armes  by  land  or  fcas  to  try, 

Experience  taught  me  what  I  vndcrtooke. 

Nopaine,no  toile  nor  daunger  I  forfooke, 

That  might  content  the  noble  Duke  of  Sauois  minde, 
Whofe  bounteous  grace/or  aye  my  loue  to  him  did  bind. 

In  peace  full  milde  I  was,  of  comely  grace, 

And  wife  in  tatke^as  time  occaiion  gaue : 

And  (though  I  fay't )  I  had  a  Princely  face, 

I  could  both  hunt  and  hawke,  and  court  it  braue* 

Eke  Fortunes pa(l  had  mademefageand  graue : 
More  heedy  all  attempts  to  profecute  with  skill : 
Rafhnes  (by  poofe  I  found  )  incurs  the  grcatcflill. 

When 


90  KingBnnnui. 

When  Duke  Seginus  law  my  humble  hart, 
A  regall  Bri  taine  Pr  ince,of royall  bloud, 
How  I  emploide  my  felfe  and  all  my  art, 
Mine  acliue  feates  with  grace  and  prowes  good 
To  ferue,and  quaile  his  foes  that  him  witMood : 
He  gaue  his  Daughter  vnto  me,a  peerleffe  dame, 
With  her  his  Dukedome  after  him  to  guide  the  lame. 

By  her(when  hee  was  dcade)I  Sauoye  had, 

A  countrey  fertile/amous  for  the  foile. 

With  hberall  gifts  the  fouldiers  hearts  I  glad. 

To  winne  the  refts  good  will  I  tooke  iome  toile, 

Bybanquets,iewels3gifts,or warlike  broile: 

Still  vfing  all  the  meanes  t  obeifance  the  to  moue, 
Eke  all  the  wayes  that  might  allure  them  me  to  loue. 

And  fetled  fo  in  honour  great  at  reft, 

Without  the  feare  of  forraine  foes,  or  nie: 

I  mufed  what  for  Britaine  warres  was  beft, 

Which  way  I  might  againc  my  quarell  trie. 

Such  reftles  heades  haue  they  that  fit  on  hie. 

Opooreeftate3howbleftwere  thou  that  fitft  below, 
How  happy }fafe  and  fure,if  thou  thy  ftate  couldftknow? 

A  councell  called  for  the  fame  intent, 
I  told  the  Lords  my  purpofe  for  the  warre: 
How  I  to  haue  my  kingdome  here  was  bent. 
They  all  agreed  to  leuy  neere  and  farre, 
Such  fouldiers  good  and  captaines  ftoutthat  were. 
They  offered  feruice  eke  themfelues  to  fare  with  mce, 
To  winne  the  crowne  by  fvvord,  or  els  reuenged  bee. 

Concluding  thus,a  powre  prouided  was, 
Munition  good^and  vitailes.fhipping  ftrong: 
On  voiage  lb  with  hoifed  failes  weepalfe, 
We  cut  the  feas,and  came  apace  along 
To  Britaine  fhores:Inhope  to  wrecke  the  wrong 
That  oft  before  was  donc,or  winne  the  land  againc : 
Whence  whilome  twice  I  was  to  fly  with  daunger  faine. 


XingBrennm.  $\ 

When  we  were  landed  here,I  Harolds  fent 

To  chime  my  Kingdome  at  his  hands,my  right: 

I  bad  them,  if  he  were  not  fo  content, 

To  found  defiance,  fire,  and  fword,and  fight. 

But  of my  meflage  hee  efteemed  light. 

Hee  brought  an  army  ftrong,appointed  was  the  day 
Of  battaile,then  to  try  who  beares  the  Crowne  away. 

This  when  our  mother  fawe  Corwenna  wife, 

That  mortall  warres  we  wage  for  kingdome  fake: 

Shee  with  her  felfe  did  many  waies  deuife, 

A  peace  betweene  her  Martiall  fonnes  to  make, 

And  with  the  Lords  full  oft  did  connfell  take. 
Yet  all  in  vainerthere  could  no  parle  of  peace  preuaile, 
But  on  we  marcht  agreed  each  other  to  aflaile. 

The  feelds  once  pight,and  time  of  battaile  come, 
In  place  where  ftiouldbee  tride  this  quarellfad, 
In  armour  eke  the  fbuldiers  all  and  fbme, 
With  all  the  force  that  might  fo  foonc  bee  had, 
We  captaines  vfing  fpeech  our  men  to  glad, 
T'incourage  them  with  promife  proud  of  lafting  fame: 

Tweene  th'armies  Corwtnna,  flood  that  noble  dame. 

And  thus  jflheefpake: 

O  out  alas  my  fonnes  what  meanes  this  broile? 
„  Wil  you  in  field  my  tender  bowels  harme? 
M  What  furies  force  you  thus  t'unkindly  toile? 
„  Whatmeaneyourmenforflaughterheretofwarme? 
„  Did  not  this  wombe  once  both  indole  you  warme? 

And  cannot  now  all  Britaine  hold  you  brethren  twaiac, 
to    Butneedesbyoneofyouhis  brother  muft  be  flaine? 

Cannot  the  feare  of  hues  immortall  hate, 
>y  Your  mothers  teares,nor  wocfull  wailingsmoue? 
„  Nor  naked  brefts  you  fuckt  your  malice  flake? 
„  Nor  caufe  t'imbrace  the  facred  lore  of  loue? 
„  O  euerlafting  hue  that  liu'ft  aboue! 
„     Then  I  proteft  ere  you  doe  fight  the  feelde  this  day, 
„     You  fliall  in  field (vngratefull  fonnes)your  vvofull  mother  flay, 


KingBrennus. 

Betwcene  you  both  you  fhall  bercaue  my  life.  % 

What  woes  (my  fonnes)  aliue  fliall  I  fuftaine, 

When  I  /hall  after  this  ambitious  ftrife,  < 

So  many  fee  of  both  your  fubie&s  flainc? 

And  you  with  brothers  bloud  your  fwords  diftainc. 
I  fhall(Ifay)in  th'end  of  fight  take  woefullvc  we, 
Of  that  my  fonne,  which  this  my  fonne  his  brother  flewe, 

0  rather  now,my  fonnes,leaue  ofFto  iar, 
Lay  weapons  both  afide3take  truce  a  while : 
If  you  doe  loue  to  fpend  your  time  in  war, 

„  Deftroy  not  here  at  home  your  natiue  He: 
„  The  prcfent  caufe  and  quarell  is  too  vile. 

Ioine  friendly  both  your  armies  faith,and  firme  the  fame, 
^    To  take  fome  conqueft  great  in  hand  of  lafting  fame. 

Therein  you  may  with  greater  honour  deale, 
„  By  this  you  Hiall  defame  your  felues  for  aye. 
Thereby  you  may  enlarge  your  publique  wcalc, 
By  this  your  felues  and  it  fhall  quite  decay. 
Thereby  you  fhall  mine  age  with  honour  ftay. 

Thereby  you  fhall  moft  like  your  noble  father  bee  : 
Which  ere  he  wore  the  cro  wne  did  conquer  kingdomes  three* 

Once  for  my  fake  then  ioine  yet  hands  againe, 
Let  me  enioy  once  both  before  I  die, 

1  would  to  fee  you  friends  my  fonnes  bee  faine, 
And  hope  I  hauc  you  will  not  this  denic. 
I  afke  a  thing  fhall  neuer  hurt  perdy. 

For  if  you  now  furceafe,and  loue  as  brethren  well, 
Then  all  the  world  of  this  your  concord  aye  fliall  tell. 

And  turning  then  to  me  thus  wife  fhefaid  : 
Thou  knoweft,my  fonne.how  twice  thou  haft  been  foild: 
Thou  twice  to  fcape  with  life  waft  well  apaide, 
And  finee  full  farre  to  countries  ftrauhge  haft  toild. 
If  now  thou  fhouldft  of  life  and  all  bee  fpoilde, 

(When  liue  thoumaift  in  Princely  fort  with  peercleffe  ioy) 
;  What  tongue  can  tell  thy  mothers  gricfe  and  great  anoy. 


]\ing  'Brennus*  9} 

«  I  hearc  thou  haft  inFrancc  a  Dukcdome  good, 

1  Of  fubiects  good  thou  haft  an  armie  heere : 

I  Thou  hall  a  wife  that  came  of  noble  blood, 

cc  Thou  need'ft  at  home  no  foes  at  all  to  feare. 

«  What  mean'ft  thou  then  fuch  mortall  hate  to  beare, 

cc     Again  ft  my  ionne  thy  brother  heere,  which  gaue  to  thee 

|    His  kingdome  halfe,  the  noble  land  of  Albany  ? 

ff  Sith  thine  ambition  firftprocur'd  the  ftrife, 

cc  Which  did'ft  in  armour  rife  againft  thy  King, 

cc  Againft  thy  brother  loud  thee  more  then  life, 

tc  Thou  did'ft  thy  fubiecls  his  againft  him  bring, 

sc  Think'ft  thou  it  was  a  wife  or  worthie  thing  ? 

|    If  not :  thou  haft  good  caufe  thy  treafon  all  confeffe : 

<c    And  though  he  draue  thee  hence,  to  loue  him  ne'rc  the  leffe, 

«  Thou  fhalt  therefore  fubmit  thy  felfe  to  me, 

cc  And  take  a  truce,  a  peace  I  willjconclude : 

I  Thy  brother  eke  fhall  fo  contented  be, 

t€  No  quarrels  old  fhall  be  againe  renew'd. 

Cf  Thefebroileshaue  oft  my  cheekes  with  teares  bedew'd, 

"    My  heart  is  rent,  my  hope  bereau  d,  my  ioyes  are  gone, 

cc    My  life  is  loft,  if  you  conioyne  not  both  in  one. 

cc  Then  turning  vnto  Helmut  fhe  {pake : 

<f  My  noble  fonne  (quoth  fhe)  thou  twice  haft  quaifd 

<f  Thy  brothers  power,  and  mad'ft  him  twice  forfake 

cc  His  natiue  land,  which  I  haue  oft  bewaifd. 

f  What  though  thou  haue  fo  oft  before  preuaif  d, 

cc    Think'ft  thou  againe  the  third  time  eke  to  win  the  field  ? 

I    Or  art  thou  fure  to  flay  my  fonne,  or  force  him  yeeld  ? 

«  What  gioric  canft  thou  get  thereby  in  th'cnd  ? 

«c  Will  not  the  world  of  your  foule  (laughters  tell  ? 

«  Will  not  they  all  that  liue,  ftill  difcommend 

«  The  man  that  did  his  owne  dcare  brother  quell  ? 

<c  Cftlemyriciui  fhamefull  a£ts  are  knowne  too  well, 

<c    And  Porrex  Bricaines  both,  their  noble  brethren  flew, 

cC    Confounded  after  both,  examples  good  for  you. 

Now 


94.  Kjng  ISrennus. 

c<  Now  further  this  againe  toboth  I  fay : 

u  Do  not  you  rue  thefe  noble  fbuldiers  good  ? 

tc  Do  not  you  fee  how  many  you  fhall  flay  ? 

<€  Haue  you  no  care  to  fhed  their  guiltlelfc  blood  ? 

€t  The  ftate  of  tyrants  neuer  (table  flood, 

<c    By  bloodfhed  they  do  build,  and  prop  their  tottering  State* 

&    Raigne,  Hue  and  die  dclplfde,  in  neuer  dying  hate. 

tc  You  noble  men,  in  briefe  I  fpealce  to  you, 

"  And  vnto  all  the  Captaines  of  your  bands  s 

€s  And  eke  to  all  you  fouldiers  good  and  true, 

cc  Which  haue  the  fvvay  of  bloodfhed  in  your  hands. 

fc  Coniider  well  the  ftate  ofboth  our  lands : 

cc    You  (hull  decreafe  your  force,  by  difcord  and  by  ftrife, 

tc    Diftaine  your  bloods,  and  reauc  Comennai  of  her  iifefl 

fc  Then  if  that  either  hues  immortall  ire, 

cc  (Which  euer  hated  daughters  fuch  as  thefe) 

cc  Or  feare  of  Plutoes  euerlafling  fire, 

€€  Or  dangers  threatned  both  by  land  and  (eas, 

"  Or  mothers  mind  (which  both  you  ought  to  pleafe)  * 

cc     Or  countries  loue,  or  peace  (which all  are  bound  t'imbrace) 

"    May  ought  perfwade,  then  let  my  iuft  requeft  haue  place. 

Cf  If  not,  loe  heere  my  naked  breaft  (quoth  fhe) 

"  Which  once  you  both  did  fucke  in  tender  age. 

"  Let  both  your  fwordsin  thefe  firft  bathed  be, 

cc  Perhaps  this  (laughter  (hall  your  thirfts  affwage. 

cc  It  fhall  be  counted  euen  as  fmall  outrage 

fc    To  flay  your  mother  pleading  for  a  righteous  peace, 

f    As  wage  the  warres  which  gods  commands  you  to  furceafe* 

Much  morefhe  faid  which  were  to©  long  to  tell : 

And  prof&ed  forth  to  (words  her  naked  breft. 
11  But  when  we  both  considered  had  full  well 

Her  wofull  teares,  her  wife  and  graue  requeft, 

They  (b  to  peace  our  hautie  hearts  addreft, 
We  laid  our  weapons  dewne  we  met,  and  did  imbrace, 
All  warre  was  fet  afide,  and  Ladie  peace  tooke  place. 

Wc 


We  ioyned  hands,  our  captaines  did  the  like, 

And  eke  the  fouldiers  linked  all  in  loue  : 

There  was  not  one  that  did  our  truce  miflike, 

Our  peace  did  all  to  ioy  and  maruell  moue. 

With  many  triumphes  feates  of  armes  we  proue, 

Our  fubie&s  all  reioy ce,  i  n  fongs  we  found  Cormnnas  praife, 
Her  fame  to  skies,  aloft  with  many  fhouts  and  cries  they  ratfe. 

The  Galles  and  Scnons  then  fuppofing  me 

In  Britaine  from  my  Dukedome  hard  at  fight, 

Thought  great  occafion  offred  them  to  be, 

And  fet  themfelues  in  armes  and  order  right. 

My  fubic&s  eke  of  Sauoy  day  and  night 

They  did  entice,  pcrfwade,  folicite  and  conftrame, 
To  chufe  another  Duke  at  home  with  them  to  raigne. 

Whereof  when  I  heard  tell  in  Britaine  He, 
Eke  when  my  brother  Beline  thereof  knew,. 
We  laid  afide  our  fports  and  plaies  a  while, 
And  of our  fouldiers  tooke  a  mufter  new. 
Of  both  our  hoatts  we  chofe  a  noble  crew. 

We  paft  the  feas,  asbrethren  ought,  in  concord  knit ; 

And  both  our  force  in  one  to  conquer  France  we  fit. 

Without  refiflance  much  we  fpoif  d  the  land 
At  th'entrie  in,  and  after  many  fights 
We  conquer'd  all  the  Realme,  my  foes  we  fand, 
Wnich  were  in  armes  ftout,  valiant,  noble  wights. 
By  fword  they  feH,  or  flew  before  our  fights.  , 

The  Germans  force,  likewife  that  did  them  fuccour  fend, 
We  made  to  fall  therefore,  and  to  our  fcepters  bead. 

Three  hundred  thoufand  we^n  armour  had, 

An  armie  great  renown'd  Europa  through : 

The  Kings  and  Princes  of  our  peace  were  glad, 

We  were  in  fight  fo  puiffant  fierce  and  rough. 

Munition,  victuals,  money  eke  enough, 

We  had  of  tributes  ftore,  of  duties  in  that  came : 
Through  all  the  world  of  Brcnne  and  Bchnc  flew  the  fame. 


96  KJng  *Brennus.1 

To  vs  came  fouldiers  out  of  many  parts, 

And  captaines  worthie  for  the  fame  of  warre, 

Of  fierce  Heliona  braue  we  had  the  arts, 

Whereof  we  wanne  the  praife  both  neereand  farre. 

But  not  with  this  we  fo  contented  are. 

As  HercuUs  to  fcale  the  Alpes  did  firft  contend  : 

So  wre  againe  (a  worke  oftoile)  the  cloudie  Alpes  afcend. 

The  craggie  mountaines.that  do  touch  the  skies, 

With  aged  heads  are  euer  white  with  mow, 

The  feas  allow  do  rore,  whence  vapours  rife, 

And  from  the  hilles  great  ftreames  of  waters  floe. 

The  pathes  fo  ftri6t  to  parte  which  few  do  goe. 
The  ice,fhow',cold,clouds,rombling  ftormes,and  fights  aboue 
Are  able  conftant  hearts  with  doubtfull  feare  to  moue. 

For  as  you  go,  fometimes  y'ar  faine  to  reatch 

And  hang  by  hands,  to  wend  aloft  the  way : 

And  then  on  buttocks  downe  another  breatch, 

With  elbowes  and  with  heeles  your  felfe  to  ftay. 

Downe  vnder  well  behold  the  Itreames  you  may, 

And  waters  wilde  which  from  the  mountaines  falling  flow : 
Ore  head  the  rocks  hang  threatning  death  to  them  below. 

When  we  thefe  Alpes  had  paft  with  dangers  great, 

To  Clufium  towne  in  Tu&aneland  we  came : 

The  Tufcans  as  we  drouc  our  heards  of  neat. 

Did  iffue  out  to  intercept  the  fame. 

Ambaffage  to  the  Romans  eke  they  frame, 

To  helpe  them  'gain%he  Galles  (fo  vs  they  counted  there) 
Becaufe  I  was  of  France,  and  Frenchmen  with  vs  were. 

The  Romans  then,  becaufe  that  our  fticcefTe 

Reported  was  to  them  in  warres  before, 

Fearing  their  owne  effete  could  do  no  lefle, 

But  aide  their  neighbours  now  at  need  the  more. 

To  treate  of  peace  they  fent  to  vs  therefore. 
We  anfwer'd  we  defir  dbut  /pace  wherein  to  dwell, 
Becaufe  our  peopled  countrie  could  not  hold  vs  well. 

But 


l\hg€Bremws*  97 

But  they  forgetting  quite  of  amies  the  lawc, 

Did  arme  themfelue^ai^baffadours  full  ftoute ; 

With  Clufians  came  to  bring  vs  all  in  awe, 

Without  refpecl:  of  any  further  doute. 

Whereon^thc  fiege  from  Clufium  walles  about 

We  raifed  ftraight,at  Rome  we  founded  loud  alarmes, 

To  wreake  reuenge  for  breach  done  gainft  the  law  of  armcs. 

Yet  firft  we  thought  it  beft  ambaflage  fend, 

To  haue  truce  breakers  fuch  deliuered  vs 

By  law  of  armes  as  ought  no  weapons  wend, 

And  yet  againft  the  lawes  came  armed  thus. 

They  faid  we  were  a  people  barbarous, 
They  neither  punifli  would  nor  yeeld  thofe  Romanes  good, 
But  honour  them :  they  came  of  Fabins  noble  blood. 

Full  fwlftly  on  we  marched  then  in  hafte, 
1  And  towards  Rome  with  all  our  power  we  hide : 

At  Alia  flood  gan  forty  thoufand  tafte 

Of  Romanes  that  vs  met  what  might  betide. 

We  flew  them  faft,the  reft  durft  not  abide. 

We  had  the  fpoile^toRome  we  came,which  we  poffefle  t 
A  thoufand  waight  of  gold  the  Romanes  paid  for  peace. 

Pannonia  eke  with  broiles  of  warres  we  tame, 

And  many  yeares  we  kept  them  vnder  yoke : 

The  Princes  all  about  that  heard  our  fame 

D  efired  peace^not  d  aring  vs  prouoke. 

We  Britaines  made  Europa  all  to  fmoke. 

To  part  our  armies  then  in  twaine  we  tooke  no  doubt, 
And  fcuerallconquefts  tooke  inhand,as  captaines  ftout. 

To  Macedonie  'Beltne  tooke  the  way, 

Where  raigned  P  to  tome  the  tyrant  fell, 

Which  did  his  lifters  fbnnes  vniuftly  flay 

Before  their  mothers  face,and  her  expell,  . 

zArfiwe  that  vfde  him  earft  fo  well : 
Though  by  the  gods  he  fware  to  take  hef  to  his  wife, 
And  loue  her  fonnes,and  here  he  them  bereft  of  life. 

X  Euca 


98         King  'Brennut. 

Euen  fo  that  wicked  King  at  firftrefufde 

To  purchafe  peace  With  price,  or  hoftage  fend, 

That  had  before  the  faith  of  Gods  abufde, 

Was  deftinate  to  haue  a  noughtie  end. 

Let  Princes  well  beware  what  they  pretend. 

*  Who  fbr  a  crowne  breakes  faith,  and  murders  foule  commits, 
He  will  be  fare  to  fall,  on  fliperie  throne  he  fits. 

Our  cuftome  was  that  time  to  fend  each  where 
Our  Hearolds  offering  peace  for  tribute  gold : 
'  But  from  King  Ttolome  theft  newes  we  heare, 
No  peace  he  crau'd,  no  tribute  pay  he  would, 
Ne  friendfhip  crau'd  (as  he  the  Hearold  told) 

Except  our  weapons  laid  adowne  we  would  fubmit, 

No  arguments  of  peace  he  would  admit. 

King  Belme  fmif  d  to  hearc  the  heedleffeKing 

Rafh  witted,  fo  felfc-wird,  and  after  this 

The  Dardanes  offered  twentie  thoufand  bring 

Offouldiers  arm'd  for  aide,  to  ioyne  with  his. 

Quoth  he,  not  loft  all  Macedonie  is. 
If  we  once  conquer'd  by  Alexanders  hand, 
Need  wethe  Dardanes  aide,  thefe  ftrangers  to  withftand? 

We  haue  (quoth  he)fome  fbuldrers  fonnesof  thofe 
Which  ferud  in  pay  with  them  that  vanquiflit  all  i  - 
And  for  our  felues  we  nothing  feare  our  foes, 
Although  our  armie  feeme  to  Dardane  fmall. 
This  when  th'ambaffadours  related  all 

To  good  It&tiffDardane,  then  this  noble  Realme  (quoth  he); 

By  this  yong  princox pride,  will  all  difpoiiedbc. 

With  that  alarme  they  crie,  and  armies  ioyne, 

Where  Britaines  flay  the  Macedonian  crew: 

And  haue  for  fpoile  their  victuals,  armour,  coyne, 

Tooke  Ttolomey  their  King,  and  him  they  flew. 

His  head  aboue  the  campe  they  beare  for  view 

On  fpeare,  to  make  the  reft  ofGreekes  in  doubt  to  ftand, 
Before  they  enterprife  to  take  fuch  warresin  hand. 

1       r  On 


IK^ng^rennus. 

On  this  the  fame  of  Britaines  farre  was  fpred, 

AH  Maccdonic  held  their  countrey  fpoil'd : 

To  Alexander  (erft  their  armies  led) 

And  vnto  Phtlip,  Princes  neucr  foif  d, 

As  vnto  Gods  they  cne  in  warres  tormoif  d. 

O  helpe  (quoth  they)  our  countrey  fallcs,  we  are  vndone, 
Without  your  powerful  aides:whofe  a&s  the  world  haue 

But  So&hcnes  a  Macedonian  ftout, 

When  as  the  Britaines  bathed  in  theirblifle, 

Gate  vnto  him  a  warlike  worthie  rout, 

And  fet  againc  on  Tbline  there  and  his, 

Put  him  to  foile  for  all  his  worthineffe. 

For  which  the  fouldiers  all  did  chufe  him  for  their  King, 
But  them  as  captainc  he  againft  their  foes  would  bring. 

When  this  in  Greece  I  heard,  and  their  fucceffe 

Firft  of  the  field  they  won,andfollie  then 

Enricht  with  fpoiles,  giuen  all  to  idlenefle, 

Which  were  before  approued  valiant  men : 

I  found  retreate,  and  backwards  gate  agen, 

With  feuen  fcore  and  ten  thoufand  footmen  for  the  fight, 
And  fifteene  thoufand  horfe,  which  made  a  goodly  fight. 

With  thefe  appointed  well  my  friends  to  aide 

The  Britaines  good,  and  He  line  in  that  cafe, 

ToMacedone  I  martcht  with  vengefull  blade 

To  take  reuenge  for  Belitteshtc  difgrace. 

Whereto  when  as  we  came,  in  little  fpace 

We  wan  the  field  in  fight,  we  fpoifd  the  land  at  will,' 
In  pleafures  plung'd  we  had  of  wealth,  and  fame,  our  fill. 

So  I  that  had  allMacedonc  in  awe, 

With  fpoile  of  mortall  men  was  not  content : 

I  paft  not  of  thefe  conquefts  all  a  ftraw, 

The  temples  of  the  gods  to  fpoile  I  ment, 

And  towards  Delphos  with  mine  armie  went. 

On  high  his  temple  flood  moft  glorious  to  behold, 
And  god  A[.§Uis  Ihrine  enricht  with  gifts  of  gold. 


ioo  Kjng  cBrennus. 

The  rich  and  wealthy  gods  (qUoth  I)  may  lend 

To  mortall  men  fbme'of  their  treafures  great : 

They  haue  no  neede  thereof  for  to  difpend 

For  dothing,vic1:uals,armour,drinke  or  meate. 

But  yet  we  muft  therefore  their  priefts  intreate. 
There  is  enough  for  them  ,ana  many  moe  befide, 
Of  offerings  great,from  Princes  brought  both  far  and  wide. 

ThisDelphos  is  on  mount  Parnaffus  faire 

In  Greece,wellfenft  with  rifingrockes  about, 

By  nature  plafte  aloft  in  plea  fan  t  ay  re,  ' 1 

So  high  to  fcale  they  ncede  no  foes  to  doubt. 

No  watch,no  warde  to  keepe  the  wailes  arjout. 

So  ftrong  tteepe pendent  are  the  rockes  whereon  it  frauds : 
As  not  the  like  could  finee  be  made  with  mortall  hands. 

When  in  this  ci tie fhoutes  aloude  they  make,'- 

Or  when  the  trumpets  found  therein  is  heard, 

The  Ecchoes  {lirill  fo  caufe  the  skies  to  fhake, 

That  (trangers  flaring  Hand  and  mufe  affeard. 

The  words  and  tunes  refbund  againe  fo  hard, 
So  oftentimes  about  from  euery  rocke  fo  plaine, 
As  if  to  one  that  cride,  one  cride  to  him  againe. 

This  made  the  men  that  came  from  far  to  maze, 

To  maruaile  much,to  feare  and  wonder  (till : 

And  at  the  fight  thereof  to  (tare  and  gaze, 

Deuifing  oft  the  high  and  mighty  hill. 

A  building  founded  firft  by  heauenly  skill 

In  citie  built,and  coftly  grau  d  With  worke  of  hand, 
zAplloes  temple  high  aboue  the  reft  dothftand. 

T'is  round  theater  wife  fo  braue  within 

And  large  aloft,without  pendant  vpright, 

So  high  it  feemes  impolftble  to1  win, 

With  comely  forme  the  gazers  to  delight. 

The  maieftie  whereof  did  them  inuite 
That  chofe  that  fcate,t?ere£t  a  temple  in  the  fame, 
Whereof  for  Or  acles  was  fpread  a  wondrous  fame. 

Amidft 


I\ing  'Brennus*  101 

Amid'ft  the  height  of  this  Parnaflus  mount 

A  turning  way  there  is,  and  in  the  plaine 

A  den  through  rockes  for  deepneffe  doth  furmount, 

And  turning  vaults  far  in,  whence  anfweres  vainc 

The  Priefts  recciue  from  fprites  to  tell  againe. 

When  any  come  for  counfcll  there,  of  things  to  know : 
Thcanfwerc  of  deluding  fprites  the  Priefts  do  £how. 

Wherefore  the  Kings  and  peoples  offerings  brought, 

From  all  the  world  and  coafts  of  nations  far : 

With  many  gifts  of  gold  and  filuer  wrought, 

The  gold  of  Kings  and  iewels  rich  were  there. 

To  Dclphos  all  they  run  that  doubtfull  are. 

This  was  the riudnes  then  that  mortall  men  bewitcht : 
Whereby  Ajolloes  Temple  was  with  gold  fo  inricht. 

Lo  now  I  till  at  Delphos  what  I  did, 

For  towards  it,as  with  my  mates  I  went, 

Them  be  of  courage  good  nought  feare  I  bid, 

With  Delphos  fpoile  them  to  reward  I  ment. 

But  now  I  askt  how  they  would  giue  confent, 
Stout  Ettridane  and  TbeffaUne  I  did  aflay, 
Where  it  were  good  to  fcale,or  elfc  a  wnile  to  flay. 

The  Captaincs  counfell  was  alarme  to  call, 

Before  the  Grecians  did  prouide  defence : 

And  ftraight  tofcale  with  skill  the  mightie  wall, 

Before  the  citie  knew  of  ©ur  pretence. 

The  fouldiers  It  out  abroad  encamped  thence, 

And  faid  they  muft refrefli  their  wearied  limbes  a  fpace, 

Vnablc  elfe  to  feale,  or  meet  their  foes  in  face. 

The  Greekes  in  villages  to  make  them  trip 

Intrcated  them  to  make  no  lpare  of  wine : 

The  Britaine  fouldiersfell  thereon  to  fip, 

Forgate  their  feats  of  warre  and  plai'd  the  fwine.  * 

Againft  their  captaines  eke  they  gan  repine. 

So  that  full  long  it  was  or  we  could  them  perfwade 
To  flie  from  Bacchw  boothes,  and  fall  againc  to  blade, 

I  3  Of 


loz  Kjng  TSrennuu 

Of  fouldiers  thoufends  fixtie  fiue  I  had, 

But  t  f  our  foes  fcarce  fourteene  thoufand  were : 

The  ftately  towne  they  fee,  their  hearts  to  glad, 

I  bad  them  not  at  all  to  ftand  in  feare. 

Behold  (quoth  I)  what  doth  in  fight  appeare, 
Thofe  charets  glittering  braue,  3nd  features  all  of  gold 
Of  follid  maffe,  more  rich  then  glorious  to  behold. 

For  on  the  Temple  flood  faire  golden  Hiapes, 

And  in  the  walles  thereof  their  pictures  Aione : 

Hot  one  of  thefe  (quoth  I)  the  Britaines  fcapes, 

We  fouldiers  mail  pofleffe  them  euery  one. 

Let  vs  therefore  not  linger  here  vpon, 

But  giuc  th  aflault  :  for  heere  the  God  Apolloes pride, 

In  price  of  gold,  and  gemmes,  furmounts  all  Greece  befide. 

Wc  haue  or  this  the  wealth  of  men  poffeft 

(Yet  worthie  Princes  all)  of mortall  men : 

But  heere  the  treafures  of  the  Gods  are  preft 

To  looke  for  vs :  mall  wc  refufe  them  then  ? 

We  fhall  not  fo  be  proffered  oft  agen. 

Within  the  walles  hereof  are  greater  farre  by  oddes : 
Th'attire,  crownes,  fecpters,  plate  and  garnifh  of  the  Gods. 

We  found  Alarame,  th  affault  the  rockes  affayes, 
Our  fouldiers  brainficke,  heedlefTe  vp  afcend  : 
The  Delphos  men  had  fenfl  the  eaficfl  waies, 
So  that  againft  the  rockes  our  force  we  bend. 
With  ftones  the  fcaling  Britaines  downe  they  hend. 

An  earthquake  eke  by  vowes  the  facrificers  reare. 

Which  on  my  fouldiers  downe  a  mightie  rocke  did  teare. 

The  ground  did  fliake,  and  rent,  and  tempefls  rife, 

The  haileflonesmi^htie  fall,  the  thunders  rore  : 

The  lightnings  flatting  dazled  all  our  eyes, 

The  Britaines  from  th'affault  were  oueroornc. 

My  fouldiers  flaine  difcomfit  me  before. 

And  I  fore  wounded,  foulc  amazde,  orecome  with  Imart, 
T  efcape  the  Grcckiflxfword,  didpierce  my  felfe  to  th'heart. 

You 


IQng  K^imarus. 

You  noble  captaines  now  that  know  my  fa&s, 

Learne  valiantly  in  warres  the  fvvord  to  wend : 

Let  fame  extoll  your  wife  and  warlike  a£ts, 

And  let  report  your  fortitude  commend. 

B  ut  let  your  warfares  haue  a  wifer  end, 

And  let  what  Bochas  writes  and  Htggins  heere  doth  pen, 
Declare  what  good  we  gate,  to  warre  with  Delphos  men. 


HOW  KING 

KIMARVS  WAS  DEVOV- 
red  by  wilde  beafts  the  yeare  be- 
fort  ChriUy  32  1. 

~*  O  place  commends  the  man  vn worthie  praife. 
No  Kingly  ftate  doth  ftay  vp  vices  fall : 
No  wicked  wight  to  woe  can  make  delaies, 
No  loftie  lookes  preferue  the  proud  at  all. 
_  No  brags  or  boaft,  no  (taturc  high  and  tall,, 
No  luitie  youth,  no  (Wearing,  flaring  (lout, 
No  brauerie,  banding,  cogging,  cutting  out. 

Then  what  auailesto  haue  a  Princely  place, 

A  name  of  honor  or  an  high  degree, 

To  come  by  kindred  of  a  noble  race  ? 

Except  we  princely,  worthie,  noble  be. 

The  fruit  declares  the  goodnes  of  the  tree. 
Do  brag  no  more,  ofbirth  or  linage  than, 
For  rertue,  grace,  and  manners  make  the  man. 

My  felfe  might  brag,  and  firft  of  all  begin, 
MHlmuctM  made  and  conftituted  lawes : 
And  Belmus  and  Ttreme  his  fonnes  did  win 
Such  praife,  that  all  the  world  giue  them  applaufe, 
Gtirguttttiu  Readheard  with  his  fbbcr  (awes. 

The  fonnc  of  Beltne  and  my  Grandfire  grand 

Was  fortunate,  what  ere  he  tooke  in  hand. 

J  4  His 


104  Kjng  Kimarus. 

His  fonne  my  grand  fire  Gmntheline  did  pane 
For  vcrtues  praife,  and  Martin  was  his  wife, 
A  noble  Queene  that  wife  and  learned  was, 
And  gaue  her  felfe  to  ftudie  all  her  life, 
Deuifing  lawes,  difcuftthe  ends  of  fhrife 
Amongft  the  Britaines  to  her  endleffe  fame : 
Her  ftatutes  had  of  Martian  lawes  the  name 

My  father  eke  was  fober,  fagc  and  wife, 
Ciciltm  high  t,  King  Qmntheline  his  fbnne*:: 
Of  noble  Princes  then  ray  ftocke  did  rife, 
And  of  a  Prince  of  Cornwall  firft  begonne. 
But  what  thereby  of  glorie  haue  I  wonne  ? 

Can  this  fuffice  to  anfwerc  eke  for  mee, 

I  came  by  parents  of  an  high  degree? 

Or  fhall  I  fay  I  wasforfboth  the  King? 

Then  might  Hftie  as  lewdly  as  I  luft.. 

No  fiire,  I  cannot  fo  auoid  the  fting. 

Of  frame,  that  prickes  fuch  Princes  are  vniuft. 

We  rather  fhould  vnto  our  vertues  trufr. 
For  *  vcrtue  of  the  ancient  blood  or  kin, 
Doth  only  praife  the  men  that  vertuous  bia* 

And  nobles  only  borne(of  this  be  lure) 
Without  the  vertues  of  their  noble  race, 
Do  quite  and  cleane  themfel  ues  thereby  obfeure^ 
And  their  renowne  and  dignities  deface. 
They  do  their  birth  and  linage  all  deface. 
For  why,  indeed  they  euer  ought  fo  well 
In  vertues  graue,  as  titles  braue  excell. 

But  oft  (God  wot)  they  fare  as  erjft  did  1^ 
They  thinke  if  once  they  come  of  Princely  ftocke, 
Then  are  they  placed  fafe  and  lure,  fo  hie 
Abouc  the  reft,  as  founded  on  a  rocke. 
Of  wife  mens  warnings  all  they  make  a  mocke, 
They  counfels  grauc,  as  abiect  reeds,  defpife, 
And  count  the  braue,  men  gratious,  worthie,  wife. 


This  Kingdomc  came  to  me  by  due  difcent, 

For  why  my  father  wasbeforcme  King : 

But  I  to  plcafure  all,  and  luft  was  bent, 

I  neuer  reckt  of  Iuftice  any  thing. 

What  purpofe  I  to  paffe  did  meane  to  bring, 
That  fame  t'accomplifh  I  with  all  my  might 
Endeuour  d  euer,  were  it  wrong  or  right,  , 

I  deem'd  the  greateft  ioyes  in  earthly  hap, 
I  thought  my  pleasures  euer  would  abide, 
I  feernd  to  fit  in  Lady  Fortunes  lap, 
I  reckt  not  all  the  world ,  me  thought,  befide. 
I  did  by  luft  my  felfe  and  others  guide, 

Whereby  the  fates  to  worke  my  bane  withajl 

And  cut  me  off,  thus  wife  procurd  my  fall. 

As  I  was  alwaies  bent  to  hunting  Mill, 
(Y et  hunting  was  no  vice  to  thofe  I  had) 
WhenI  three  yeares  had  ruf  d  this  Rcalme  at  will3 
In  chace  a  chance  did  make  my  heartiuli  fad. 
Wilde  cruell  beafts  as  defperate  and  mad 

Turn  d  backe  on  me,  as  I  them  brought  to  bay, 

And  in  their  rage  my  finfull  corps  did  flay. 

A  iuft  reward  for  fo  vniuft  a  life, 

No  worle  a  death,  then  I  deferued  yore* 

Such  wreckes  in  th'cnd  to  wretches  all  arerifea 

Who  may  and  will  not  call  for  grace  before. 

My  wilfull  deeds  were  nought, what  wilt  thou  more? 
For  wanton  wildenefle,  witlefle,  heedkffe  toyes : 
The  brutilh  beafts  bereaud  me  of  my  ioyes.. 


tail  K  UVViltpJ  JT^WS^lfc mo* 

HOW 


io6 

HOW  KING 

MORINDVS  WAS  D  E~ 

uoured  by  a  monfter,the  yeare 
before ChriH.  303. 

fEt  me  likewife  declare  my  fa&s  and  fall, 
'  And  eke  recite  what  meanes  this  flimie  glere : 
You  need  not  faine  fo  quaint  a  looke  at  all, 
Although  I  feeme  fo  fulfome  eucry  where. 
Thisblade  in  bloodie  hand,  which  I  do  beare, 
And  all  his  gore  bemingled  with  this  glew, 
In  witneffe  I  the  dreadfull  monfter  flew. 

Then  marke  my  tale :  beware  of raflines  vile, 
I  am  i_Morindu$t  once  a  Britaine  King, 
On  whom  long  time  did  Ladie  Fortune  fmile, 
Till  to  her  wheeles  fteepe  top  fhe  did  me  bring. 
My  fame  both  far  and  neare  flie  made  to  ring, 

And  eke  my  praife  exalted  fo  to  ski e, 

In  all  my  time  more  f  *mous  none  then  I. 

Some  fay  I  was,  by  birth,  a  baftard  bace, 
Begotten  of  the  Prince  his  concubine : 
But  what  I  was  declared  well  my  grace, 
My  fortitude, and  ftature  Princely  mine. 
My  father  eke  that  came  of  Princely  line 

King  Damns  gaue  not  fobace  degree, 

Nor  yet  the  noble  Britaines  vnto  mee. 

For  feats  of  armes  and  warlike  points  I  paft, 
In  courage  flout  there  liu'd  not  then  my  pcere : 
I  made  them  all  that  knew  my  name  agalt, 
And  heard  how  great  mine  enterprifes  were, 
To  Auinke,  and  flinke,  and  fhift  afidc  for  feare. 
All  which  at  length  did  me  fuch  glone  bring, 
My  father  dead,  the  Britaines  made  me  King. 


l\ing  t5\yf mndus. 

But  fee  how  blind  we  are,  when  Fortune  fmiles, 
How fencelefle  we,  when  dignities  increafe : 
We  euer  vfe  our  feluesdifcreetly  whiles 
We  little  haue,  and  loue  to  liue  in  peace. 
Subieitcd  thoughts  doth  wicked  pride  fupprefle  : 
We  vfc  no  rigour,  rancour,  rapine,  foch 
As  after,  when  we  hauc  our  willcs  too  much. 

For  whiles  that  la  fubiccl:  was,  no  King, 
While  I  had  nothing,  but  my  fa6ts  alone : 
I  ftudied  ftill,  in  euery  kin^  of  thing 
To  ferue  my  Prince,  and  vhderfang  hisfone; 
To  vie  his  fubie6ts  friendly  cuerychone  : 
And  for  them  all  aduentures  fuch  to  take, 
As  might  them  all  my  perfon  fauour  make* 

But  when  I  once  attained  had  the  Crowne, 
I  waxed  cruell,tyrannousand  fell : 
I  had  no  longer  minde  of  my  renowne, 
I  vfde  my  felfe  too  ill,  the  truth  to  tell. 

0  bacc  degree  in  happie  cafe  full  well ! 

Which  art  not  puft  with  pride,  vaine-glorie,  hate, 
But  art  beneath,  content  to  bide  thy  fate. 

For  I  aloft,  when  once  my  heate  was  in, 

Not  raind  by  reafon,  ruled  all  by  might : 

Nc  prudence  reckt,  right,  ftrength,  or  meane  a  pin, 

But  with  my  friends,  in  anger  all  would  fight. 

1  rtroke,  kild,  flew  who  cuer  were  in  fight, 

Without  refpe6t,remorce,reproofe,  regard, 
And  like  a  mad  man  in  my  furie  far'd, 

I  deem'd  my  might  and  fortitude  was  fuch, 

That  I  was  able  thereby  conquer  all : 

Highkingdomes  feat  encreaflmy  pompe  fomucb, 

My  pride  me  thought  impoffible  to  fall. 

But  God  confounds  our  proud  deuicesall, 

And  brings  that  thing  wherein  wemoft  do  truft, 
To  our  deftru6tion,  by  his  iudgemcnt  iuft. 


io8         K^g  €A€ orindus. 

For  when  three  yeares  I  ruled  had  this  lie 
Without  all  law,  as  was  my  lawleffe  life, 
The  rumour  ran  abroad  within  a  while, 
And  chiefly  in  the  Norweft  countrie  nfc, 
Amonfter  came  from  Th'irifti  feas,  brought  griefe 
To  all  my  fubie6b  in  thole  coafts  di  d  dwell, 
Deuouring  man  and  beaft,  a  monfter  fell. 

Which  when  I  knew  for  truth,!  ftraight  prepar'd 

In  warlike  wife  my  felfe  to  trie  the  cafe : 

My  hafte  thereto  a  courage  bold  declar'd, 

For  I  alone  would  enter  in  the  place. 

At  which,  with  fpeare  on  horfe  I  fet  my  race, 
But  on  his  fcales  it  enter  could  no  more, 
^Then  might  abulrufli  on  a  brafen  dore. 

Againe  I  proud,  yet  nought  at  all  preuaif  d 
To  breake  my  fpeare,  and  not  to  pierce  his  fide  : 
With  that  the  roring  monfter  me  aflaif  d, 
So  terrirTd  my  horfe  I  could  not  ride. 
Wherewith  I  lighted,  and  with  (word  I  tri'd 
By  ftrokes  to  find  a  paffagc  to  his  life, 
But  now  I  found  in  Yaine  was  all  my  ftrife. 

And  when  I  wearied  was,  and  (pent  with  fight, 
That  kept  my  feife  with  heed  his  danger  fro :  . 
At  laft  almoft  afham'd  I  wanted  might 
And  skill,  to  worke  the  beaftly  monfter  wo. 
I  gate  me  neercr  with  my  fword  him  to, 

And  thought  his  flanckes  or  vnder  parts  to  wound, 
If  there,  for  fcales,  might  any  place  be  found. 

But  fruftrate  of  my  purpofe,  finding  none, 
And  eke  within  his  danger  entring  quite : 
The  grizely  beaft  ftraight  feazed  me  vpon, 
And  let  his  talants  on  my  corps  to  light. 
He  gript  my  fhoulders,  not  refift  I  might : 
And  roring  with  a  grcedie  rauening  looke, 
At  once  in  iawes  my  bodie  whole  he  tookc. 


I\ing  <£\£orincfus.  10? 

The  wajy  was  large^and  downe  he  dre  w  me  in,  ■ 
A  monftrous  paunch  for  roomth  and  wondrous  wide 
I  But  (for  I  felt  more  fofter  there  the  skin) 
I  Atonce  I  drew  a  dagger  by  my  fide. 
I  I  knew  my  life  no  longer  could  abide 

Forrammifh  ftench^bloud,p"pifbn,flirny  glere 
That  in  his  body  fo  aboundant  were. 

I  Wherefore  I  labouring  to  procure  his  death, 
I  While  firft  my  dagger  digde  about  his  hart, 
I  His  force  to  caft  me  welnigh  drewe  my  breath. 
I  But  as  he  felt  within  Jiis  wourides  to  fmart, 
I  I  ioyed  to  feele  the  mighty  monfter  ftart, 

That  roard,and  belcht,and  groande,and  plungde,and  cride, 

And  toft  me  vp  and  downe,from  fide  to  fide. 

Long  fo  in  pangs  hec  plungde,and  panting  lay, 
And  drew  his  winde  fo  faft  with  fuch  a  powere, 
That  quite  and  cleane  he  drew  my  breath  away, 
Wee  both  were  dead  well  nigh  within  an  houre. 
Lo  thus  one beaftly  monfter  did  deuoure 
Another  monfter  moodles,  to  vs  paine : 
At  once  the  realme  was  rid  of  monfters  t  waine. 

Here  maift  thou  fee  of  fortitude  the  hap, 
Where  prudence,iufticeatemperance  hath  no  place : 
How  fuddenly  we  taken  are  in  trap, 
When  we  defpife  good  vertues  to  embrace. 
Intemperance  doth  all  our  deeds  deface, 
And  lets  vsheedles  headlong  run  fo  faft, 
We  feeke  our  owne  deftru&ion  at  the  lajft. 

For  he  that  hath  of  fortitude  and  might, 
And  thereto  hath  a  kingdome  ioind  withall : 
Except  he  alio  guide  himfelfe  aright, 
His  powre  and  ftrength  prewaileth  him  but  finally 
He  can  not  fcape  at  length  an  haples  fall. 
You  may  perceiue  a  myrrour  plainc  by  me, 
Which  may  with  wifdome  well  iuffiicient  be , 

HOW 


mmm. 


110 

HOW  KING  EM  ER I  A- 

NVS  FOR  HIS  TYRANNIE  WAS 
DEPOSED,  ABOVT  THE 
ycare  before  Chrifl, 

2  %  J. 

BHe  wofull  wight  that  fell  from  throne  to  thraH, 
l  The  wretch  that  woue  the  web  wherin  he  goes : 
I A  dolcfull  blacke bad  weede  ftill  weare  hce  (hall 
In  woefull  fort,  and  nothing  blame  his  foes. 
'  What  neede  fuch  one  at  all  his  name  difclofc  ? 
Except  the  reft  of  Britaine  princes  fliould, 
Not  here  for  fhame  refite  his  name  he  would. 

■ 

IamHwm^Kingthatraigndafpace,  * 
Scarce  all  one  ycare,  in  Britaine  Ifle  long  fence, 
But  for  I  was  in  maners  voide  of  grace, 
Fierce,  tyrannous,  and  full  of  negligence, 
Bloud  thirty,  crueli,  vaine,  deuoide  of fence, 

The  Britaines  me  depofed,  from  feateand  crowne, 

And  reau  d  me  quite,  of  riches  and  renowne. 

I  was  defpifde  and  baniflit  from  my  blirfe, 
Difcountnanft,faine  to  hide  my  felfe  for  ftiame : 
What  neede  I  longer  ft  and  to  tell  thee  this  > 
My  felfe  was  for  my  woefull  fall  too  blame. 
My  raigne  was  fhort  in  few  my  fall  I  frame. 

My  life  was  lothfome,  foonc  like  death  that  found* 

Let  this  fuffice  a  warning  blaft  to  found. 


HOW 


Ill 


HOW  KING  CHIRIN* 

NVS  GIVEN  TO  DRVNKENNES 
raigned  but  one  ycarc.  He  died  about  the 
yeare  before  Chritt, 

137- 

Hough  I  my  fiirfets  haue  not  yet  out  flcpt, 
Nor  fcarce  with  quiet  browes  begin  my  talc, 
Let  not  my  drowfy  talke  bee  ouer  leapt, 
For  though  my  belching  fent  of  wine  or  ale, 
1  Although  my  face  befaHo,  puft,  and  pale, 
And  legs  with  dropfy  {well,  and  panch  refound ; 
Yet  let  me  tell  what  vice  did  me  confound. 

Perhaps  thou  thinkft  fo  groffe  a  blockhead  blunt, 

A  fleepy  fwinifh  head  can  nothing  fay : 

The  greatefl  heads  and  fmalleit  eke  were  wont 

To  beare  in  them  the  fineft  wits  away. 

This  thing  is  true,  thou  canft  it  not  denay, 

And  Bacchus  eke  en/harps  the  wits  of  ibme, 

Foecnndi  c dices  cptem  nonfecere  defer  turn  f 

Yet  fith  long  fince  both  braines  and  all  were  fpent, 

And  this  in  place  amongfl:  my  mates  lipeake : 

I  truft  thou  wilt  be  hcrewithall  content, 

Although  indeed  my  wits  of  talke  are  weake. 

So  old  a  veflcll  cannot  chufe  butleake. 
A  drunken  fot  whofc  faltering  feete  do  flip 
Muft  pardon-craue,his  tongue  in  talke  will  trip, 

Ch  'irixKHs  was  my  name  a  Britain e  King, 
But  rulde  fhort  time  :  Sir  Bacchus  was  my  let : 
Erinnus  eke  my  fenles  fo  did  lwing, 
That  reafbn  could  no  feat  amongft  them  get* 
Wherefore  the  truth  I  pray  thee  plainelyfet. 

I  gaue  my  felfe  to  furfets  (willing  '  vine, 

And  led  my  life  much  like  a  dronken  fwine,; 

Difeajes 


m  KjngcOarianm. 

Difeafcs  grew,diftemprance  made  me  fwell, 
My  parched^liuer  lufted'ftillfoirBafte ; 
My  timpane  founded  like  a  taber  well, 
And  nought  but  wine  did  like  my  greedie  tafte. 
This  vice  and  moe  my  life  and  me  defafte, 

My  face  was  blowne  and  blubd  with  dropfie  wan, 

And  legs  more  like  a  moafter  then  a  man. 

So  not  in  fhape  I  onely  altered  was, 
My  dilpofitions  chang'd  in  me  like  wife : 
For  vices  make  a  man,a  goate,an  a(Te, 
A  fwine  or  horfe,  (as  Poets  can  comprife) 
Transforming  into  beatts  by  fundry  wife 

Such  men  as  keepe  not  onely  fliape  of  men, 

But  themmifriapethalfo  now  and  then. 

Wherefore  let  who  fo  loues  to  liue  longdates 

Without  difeafes,ftrong,in  youthfull  ftate, 

Beware  of  Hacchus  bogth  which  all  betraies, 

The  vaile  of  vices  vaine,the  hauen  of  hate, 

The  well  of  weake  delights,the  brand  of  bate, 
By  which  I  loit  my  health,life,Realme  and  fame, 
And  onely  wonne  the  fhrouding  fheete  of  fliame* 

GAVE  HIMSELFE  TO  THE 
luftes  of  the  fle(h,and  dyed  about  the 
yeare  before  Chritt,  136. 

~  Here  no  good  gifts  haueplace,norbeare  the  fway, 
I  What  are  the  men,  but  wilful  caftaway  ? 
Where  gifts  of  grace  doe  garnifli  well  the  King, 
There  is  no  want,  the  land  canlacke  nothing. 
The  Court  is  ftill  well  ftor'd  with  noble  men, 
InTownes  and  Cities  Gouernours  are  graue  : 
The  common  wealth  doth  alfo  profper  then, 
And  wealth  at  will  the  Prince  and  people  haue. 

Perhaps 


KingVarianus. 

Perhaps  you  aske,what  Prince  is  this  appeares  > 
What  raeanes  his  talke  in  thefe  our  golden  yeares  ? 
A  Britaine  Prince  that  Varianm  hight, 
I  held  fometime  the  Scepter  here  by  right. 
And  though  no  need  there  be  in  thefe  your  daies 
Of  ftates  to  tell,or  vertues  gooddifcriue, 
Good  counfaile  yet  doth  ftand  in  ftead  al  waies, 
When  time  againe  may  vices  olde  reuiue. 

If  not :  yet  giue  me  leaue  amongft  the  reft 
Which  felt  their  fall,or  had  their  deaths  addreft : 
My  caufe  of  fall  let  me  likewife  declare, 
For  *falles  the  deaths  of  vicious  Princes  arc. 
They  fall,when  all  good  men  reioice  or  fee 
That  they  fliort  time  enioide  their  places  hie. 
For  Princes  which  for  vertues  praifed  be, 
By  death  arife,extoId  they  fcale  the  skie. 

I  will  be  lhort,becaufe  it  may  fuffice 
That  fbone  is  faid^to  warne  the  fage  and  wife. 
Or  if  that  they  no  warning  need  to  haue, 
This  may  perchance  femewhat  their  labour  faue 
With  thofe,that  will  not  heare  their  faults  them  told, 
By  fuch  as  would  admonifh  them  for  Ioue  : 
When  they  my  Words  and  warnings  here  behold, 
They  may  regard  and  fee  their  owne  behouc. 

About  my  time  the  Princes  Ku  d  not  long, 

For  all  were  giuen  almoft  to  vice  and  wrong : 

My  felfe  voluptuous  was  abandond  quite, 

To  take  in  flefhly  luft  my  whole  delite  : k 

A  pleafure  vile, that  dra  wes  a  man  from  thrift  and  grace, 

Doth  iuft  defires,and  heauenly  thoughts  expell  : 

fPoile  the  corPs>defiles  the  feule,and  fame  deface, 
And  brings  him  do  wne  to  Plmoes  paines  of  hell. 

K 


Lord  Wjnrims. 

Vox  this  my  finnc  my  fubie£ts  hated  mee, 
Repining  ftill  my  ftained  life  to  fee. 
As  when  the  Prince  is  wholly  giuen  to  vice, 
And  holdes  the  lewder  fort  in  greateft  price, 
The  land  decaies,diforder  fprings  abroad, 
The  worfer  fort  doe  robbe,pill,polc,and  fpoile 
The  weaker  force  to  beare  the  greateft  loade, 
And  leefe  the  goods  for  which  they  earft  did  toilc. 

How  can  Iehoua  iuft  abide  the  wrong  ? 

He  will  notfuffer  fuch  haue  fcepter  long. 

As  he  did  ftdke  for  finfull  life  my  featc, 

And  did  me  downc  from  royall  kingdome  beatc : 

The  like  examples  are  in  ftories  rife, 

No  wicked  wight  can  gouerne  long  in  reft : 

For  either  fome  bereaues  him  of  his  life, 

Or  downc  his  throne  and  kingdome  is  depreft. 

Bid  Princes  then  and  noble  Peeres  the  like  delights  deteft. 

There  is  no  way  the  wrath  of  Ioueto  wreft. 


HOWTHE  WORTHIE 

Britaine  Duke  Nennms  as  a  valiant  Souldier  and 
faithfull  Subied  encountrcd  with  lulim  C^wasby  him 

death-womded:  vet  neHerthekjfe  hejrate  Cxkvs  frord,  f*J>»»t° 
fWht,  flew  therewith  L^i^aT.ibuneof  theRomans  endured  fight  tiU 
his  countric  men  wan  the  ficld,and  now  encourageth  all  good  Subietf  s,  to 
defend  their  countrey  from  the  power  of  forraine  and  intruding 
enemies.HewasflaineabouttheyearebeforeChnlt,  5*. 

i  May  by  right,fome  later  writers  blame, 
Of  ftories  olde5as  rude  or  negligent : 
I  Or  elfe  I  may  them  well  vnlearned  name, 
*Or  heedleffe  in  thofe  things  about  they  went. 
■  Sometime  on  me  as  well  they  might  haue  fpent* 
As  on  fuch  tyrants, who  as  bloodie  foes, 
Vnto  their  countrey  wrought  fuch  deadly  woes. 

As 


Lord  ytynnitis* 

As  for  my  felfe  I  doe  not  this  recite : 
(Although  I  haue  occafion  good  thereto) 
But  fure,me  thinks  it  is  too  great  defpite 
That  to  the  dead  thefe  moderne  writers  doe, 
For  there  are  Britaines^neither  one  or  two, 
Whofe  names  inftories  fcarcely  once  appearc : 
And  yet  their  hues  examples  worthy  were. 

T's  worthy  praife  (I  graunt)  to  write  the  ends 
Of  vicious  memand  teach  the  like  beware: 
For  what  hath  he  of  vertue  that  commends 
Such  perfonslewde,as  naught  of  vertues  care  ? 
But  for  to  leaue  out  thofe  praife  worthy  are, 
Is  like  as  if  a  man  had  not  the  skill 
To  praife  the  good,but  difcommend  the  ill. 

I  craue  no  praife,although  my  felfe  deferu  d 
As  great  a  laude  as  any  one  of  yore  : 
But  I  would  haue  k  tolde  how  well  I  ferud 
My  Prince  and  Countrey.  Faith  to  both  I  bore. 
All  noble  hearts3hereby  with  courage  more 
May  both  tall  forraine  force  in  fight  withftand, 
And  of  their  foes  may  haue  the  vpper  hand. 

Againe^to  fhew  how  valiant  then  we  were 

(You  Britaines  good)  to  mooue  your  hearts  thereby 

All  other  nations  lerfe  in  fight  to  feare, 

And  for  your  countrey  rather  fo  to  die 

With  valiant  hauty  courage  as  did  I,  • 
Then  Hue  in  bondage/eruice,{lauery3thrall 
Of  forraine  powers,  which  hate  your  manhood  all. 

Doe  giue  me  leaue  to  fpeake  but  euen  a  while, 
And  marke^and  write  the  flory  I  thee  tell. 
By  North  from  London  more  then  fifty  mile, 
There  lies  the  Ifle  of  Ely,knowne  full  well, 
Wherein  my  Father  built  a  place  to  dwell ; 
And  for  becaufe  he  liked  well  the  fame, 
He  gaue  the  place  height  Ely  of  his  name. 

K  2 


u6  Lord  3^(ennim. 

He  raigned  forty  yeares  as  ftories  tell, 
And  fame  didbeare  his  name  both  wide  and  far. 
By  Iuftice  guided  he  his  fubic&s  well, 
And  liud  in  peace,  without  the  broiles  of  war. 
His  childrens  noble  a6ts  in  ftories  are, 
In  vulgar  tongue:  but  nought  is  faid  of  mee, 
And  yet  I  worthy  was  the  yongft  of  three. 

His  eldeft  fonne  and  heire  was  after  King, 

A  noble  Prince,  and  he  was  named  Lud: 

Fullpolliticke  and  wife  in  euery  thing. 

And  one  that  wifh'd  his  Countrey  alwaies  good. 

Such  vfes,  cuftomes,  ftatutes  he  withftood 

As  feem'd  to  bring  the  publique  weales  decay, 
And  them  abolifht,  brake  ,repeald  away. 

So  he  the  walles  of  Troy  the  new  renewde, 
Them  fortified  with  fortie  Towers  about : 
And  at  the  weft  fide  of  the  wall  he  vewde 
The  Towers  ftrong  gate  to  keepe  the  foemen  out, 
That  made  he  prhons  for  the  poore  bankrout, 
Nam'd  Ludgate  yet,  for  free  men  debters,  free 
From  hurt,  till  with  their  credi tours  they  gree. 

Some  fay  the  City  alfo  tooke  the  name 
Of  Lud  my  brother :  for  he  it  reparde : 
And  I  muft  needs  as  true  confefTe  the  fame, 
For  why,  that  time  no  coft  on  it  he  Iparde, 
He  ftill  increaft  and  peopled  euery  warde, 
And  bad  them  aie  Kaerlud  the  City  call, 
Or  Ludftone,now  you  name  it  London  all* 

At  length  he  dide,  his  children  vndcr  age, 
The  elder  named  was  Androgens  , 
Committing  both  vnto  my  brothers  charge, 
The  younger  of  them  hight  Tenanc'ms. 
The  Britaines  wanting  aged  rulers  thus, 
Chofe  for  that  time  Caffibellane  their  King 
My  brother,  Iuftice  ment  in  euery  thing. 


Lord  Ds^ennim. 

The  Romane  then  the  mighty  Cafar  fought 
Againft  the  Galles,  and  conquerd  them  by  might : 
Which  done,  he  flood  on  fhores  where  fee  hee  mought 
The  Ocean  Seas,  and  Britaine  clieucs  full  brighr. 
(Quoth  hee)  what  region  lies  there  in  my  fight  ? 

Mee  thinkesfomelland  in  the  Seas  I  fee, 

Not  yet  fubdued,nor  vanquift  yet  hy  mee. 

With  that  they  told  him  we  the  Britaines  were, 
A  people  ftout,and  fearce  in  feates  of  warre. 
,  (Quoth  he)  the  Romanes  neuer  yet  with  feare 
Of  nation  rude,  were  daunted  offo  farre  : 
We  therefore  mind  to  proue  thein  what  they  are. 

And  therewithallthefe  letters  he  did  frame, 

Brought  by  ambaffadours  which  hither  came. 

CTVLIVS  CAESAR  CON- 

full  of  Romero  faf[ibelUne>  King  of  Bii- 
tainc,fendcth  greeting, 

SI th  that  the  gods  hauegiuen  vs  all  the  Weft 
Asfubietts  to  our  Romane  Empire  hie 
By  Voarre,  or  as  it  feemed Ioue  the  befl9 
Of  whom  wee  Romanes  came,  and  chiefly  I: 

7  here  fore  toy  on  which  in  the  Ocean  dwell, 
( tAsyetnotvnderneath  fubieBion  due ) 
Wee fend  our  letters  greeting :  weteyee  well, 
In  warlike  cafes  thus  we  deale  with  you. 

Firfly  that y  oh,  as  the  other  regions, fay 
Vs  tribute yearely,  Romanes  require: 
Then,  that  you  will  with  all  the force y on  may 
Withftand  our  foes,  as  yours,  with  /word  and  fire  : 

*A nd  thirdly,  that  by  the fe you  hoflage  fend 
T*a/fure  the  couenants  once  agreed  by  you  : 
So  toith  yourdaunger lefe,  ourwarres may  end: 
Elfebidwe  &v*nv,Cafabcllane  adieu. 

Caefar. 

K3  No 
i 


ii8  Lord  ^{ennius. 

No  fooner  were  this  C&fars  letters  feene, 
But  ftraigh  t  the  King  for  all  his  nobles  fent ; 
He  (hew  d  them  what  their  anceftors  had  beene, 
And  prai'd  them  tell  in  this  their  whole  intent. 
He  told  them  whereabout  the  Romans  went, 
And  what  fubie&ion  was, how  feruile  they 
Should  be,  if  Cafttr  bare  their  pompe  away« 

And  all  the  Britaines  euen  as  fet  on  fire 
(My  felfe  not  leaft  enflamed  was  to  fight) 
Did  humblie  him  in ioyfull  wife  defire, 
That  he  his  letters  would  to  C&far  write, 
And  tell  him  plaine  we  paft  not  of  his  fpite : 
We  paft  as  little  of  the  Romans,  we, 
And  leffe,  then  they  of ys,  if  kite  might  be. 

Wherefore  the  ioyfull  King  againe  repli'd, 
Through  counfell  wife  of  all  the  nobles  had : 
By  letters  he  the  Romans  hefts  denide, 
Which  made  the  Britaineshautie  hearts  full  glad : 
And  eke  the  Romane  Conful  proud  as  mad 
To  heare  thefe  letters  written :  thus  they  went, 
Which  he  againe  to  mightie  Cafar  fent* 


GASS1BELLANE  KING 

OF  BRITAINE  TO  G.  IVLIVS 
Cafar  Confullof  Rome. 

AS  thottfi  Cx&r jvrit  ft  the  Gods  hauegiuen  to  tbet 
The  Weft  :fol  replte,  theygamthis  lie  to  mee. 
Thou  fat  ft  you  Romans,  and  thy  felfe  ofGodfdefcend: 
%/inddarft  thou  then,  to Jpo/le  our  Troian blood pretend  ? 
%/fgaine,  though  Gods  hauegmn  thee  all^the  world  as  thine, 
Thats  farted  from  the  world,  tho&getfbno  land  of  mine* 
t/fnd flth  likevp'tfe  of  Gods  we  came  a  Nation fret : 
We  omm i  trifate^ide,  or [ledge  to  Rom  *r  thee. „ 


Lord  J^ennim. 

Retraft  thy  willy  or  wage  thy  warre :  as  likes  thee  6elt9 
We  are  to  fight  %  andrather  then  to  friend/hip,  pre  ft. 
To  fane  our  cottntrey  from  the  force  offorren flrife^ 
EachHritatne  heere,  is  well  content  to  venter  ltfcm 
We  fear e  not  of  the  end,  or  dangers  thotidoFt  tell: 
*B fit  v fie  thy  pleajure  if  thou  maisl :  thtu fare  thou  well. 

Calfibellane, 

When  Ctfir  had  receiif  d  his  anfwere  fo, 
It  vext  him  much  :  he  thereupon  decreed 
To  wage  vs  warre,  and  worke  vs  Britaines  woe. 
Wherefore  he  hafted  hitherward  with  fpeed. 
The  Britaines  eke,  prepar'd  thenuelues  with  heed 
To  meete  the  Romans  all,  in  warlike  guife, 
With  all  the  force,  and  fpeed  they  might  deuife. 

And  heere  the  wifcr  deem'd  it  meeter  much 
Taflaile  them  firft  at  th'entry  on  this  land, 
Then  for  to  giue  arriuall  heere  to  filch, 
Mi  ght  with  our  victuals  aide,  our  (Hues  withftand, 
Tis  better  far  the  enemies  t  aband 

Quite  from  thy  borders,  to  a  forrcn  fbile, 
Then  he  at  home,  thee  and  thy  countrie  fpoile. 

Wherefore  we  met  him  at  his  en  trie  in, 
And  pitch  t  our  camps  directly  in  his  way : 
We  minded  fure  to  lofe,  or  elfe  to  win 
The  praife,  before  we  paft  from  thence  away. 
So  when  that  both  the  armies  were  in  ray, 
An  d  trumpets  blaft  on  euery  fide  was  blowne, 
Our  minds  to  either  each,  were  quickly  knownc« 

We  ioyned  battaile,  fiercely  both  we  fought, 
The  Romanes  to  enlarge  their  Empires  fame : 
And  we  with  all  the  force  and  might  we  mought, 
To  fauc  our  countrie,  and  to  keepe  our  name. 
O  wo;  thic  Britaines !  learne  to  do  the  fame. 
We  brake  the  rayes  of  all  the  Romane  hoaft, 
And  made  the  mUhtie  C<tfar  leauc  his  boaft. 

K4 


no         Lord  3\(ennius. 

Yet  he  the  worthier!:  Captaine  euer  was, 
Brought  all  in  ray,  and  fought  againe  a  new. 
His  skilful!  fouldiers  he  couldbring  to  pane 
At  once,  for  why  his  traynings  all  they  knew. 
No  fooner  I  his  noble  corps  did  view, 

But  in  I  brake  amongft  the  captaines  band, 
And  there  I  faught  with  C&far  hand  to  hand. 

O  God  thou  might'ft  hauc  giuen  a  Britaine  grace* 
Thaue  flaine  the  Roman  Cafar  noble  then  : 
Which  fought  the  noble  Britaines  to  deface, 
And  bring  in  bondage  valiant  worthie  men. 
He  neuer  fhould  haue  gone  to  Rome  agen. 
To  fight  with  Pompey,  or  his  peeres  to  flay, 
Or  elfe  to  bring  his  countrie  in  decay. 

It  ioy  d  my  heart,  to  ftrike  on  Cafirs  creft. 

0  Cafar  that  there  had  been  none  but  wee, 

1  often  made  my  fword  to  trie  thy  breft : 
But  Ladie  fortune  didnotfauourmee. 

I  able  was  me  thought  with  Cafars  three 
To  trie  the  cafe :  I  made  thy  heart  to  quake, 
When  on  thy  creft,  with  mightie  ftroke  I  ftrake. 

The  ftrokes  thou  ftrook'ft  me,  hurt  me  nought  at  all 
For  why,  thy  ftrength  was  nothing  in  refpecl. 
But  thou  had'ft  bath'd  thy  fword  in  poyfon  all, 
Which  did  my  wound,  not  deadly  elfe,  infc6t. 
Yet  was  I  or  I  parted  thence  bewreckt. 
I  gate  thy  fword  from  thee,  for  all  thy  fame : 
And  made  thee  flie,  for  feare  to  eate  the  fame. 

For  when  thy  fword  was  in  my  target  fait, 
I  made  thee  flie,  and  quickly  leaue  thy  hold  : 
Thou  neuer  waft  in  all  thy  life  fo  gaft, 
Nor  durft  againe  be  euerhalfefb  bold. 
I  made  a  number  Romans  hearts  ful  cold. 

Fight,  fight,  you  noble  Britaines  now  (quoth  I) 

We  neuer  all  will  vnreuenged  dieB 


Lord  2s£ennius.  m 

What  €<&far  though  thy  praife  and  mine  bee  od, 

(The  ancient  (tories  fcarce  remember  me) 

Though  Poets  all  of  thee  doe  make  a  God, 

(Such  fimple  fooles  in  making  Gods  they  bee) 

Yet  if  I  had  my  quarcll  try'd  with  thee, 
Thou  neuer  hadtt  returnde  to  Rome  againe, 
Nor,  of  thy  faithfull  friends,  bin  beaftly  flaine. 

A  number  Britaines  mightft  thou  there  hauc  feene 
Wounded  in  fight,  and  fpoile  their  fpitefull  foes. 
My  felfe  maimde,  flew  and  mangled  mo  (I  weene) 
When  I  was  hurt,  then  twenty  more  of  thofe. 
I  made  the  Romanes  (tout  their  courage  lofe. 

In  all  the  campe  no  Romane  fcarce  I  Ipide 

Durft  halfe  the  combate  gainft  a  Britaine  bide. 

At  length  I  met  a  noble  man,  they  cald 
Him  Labienpts,  one  of  Cafars  friends, 
A  Tribune  erft  had  many  Britaines  thrald, 
Was  one  of  Cafars  Legats  forth  he  fends : 
Well  met  (quoth  I)  I  minde  to  make  th'amends, 

For  all  thy  friendships  to  our  Country  crew. 

And  fo  with  Cafarsfaotd,  his  friend  I  flew. 

What  needel  name  you  euery  Britaine  here, 

As  firft  the  King,  the  nobles  all  befide, 

Full  (tout  and  worthy  wights  in  warre  that  were* 

Aseuererft  the  (lately  Romanes  tride. 

We  fought  fo  long  they  durlt  no  longer  bide. 
Proude  Ctfar  he  forall  hisbragges  and  boaft 
Flew  backe  to  (hips,  with  halfe  his  fcattered  hoa& 

If  he  had  bene  a  God  (as  fots  him  nam'd) 
He  could  not  of  vs  Britaines  taken  foile : 
The  Monarch  Ctfar  might  haue  been  afliarn  d, 
Fromfuch  an  Hand  with  his  (Lipsrecoile 
Or  elfe  to  flic  and  leauebehind  the  fpoile. 

But  life  is  fweete,  he  thought  it  better  flie, 

Then  bide  amongft  vsBritaines3here  to  die, 

Ihad 


128  Lord  ^mntus. 

I  bad  his  fword,  was  named  Crocea  mars, 
With  which  he  gaue  me  in  the  head  a  ftroke : 
The  venime  of  the  which  had  fuch  a  force, 
It  able  was  to  pierce  the  heart  of  oke: 
No  medcines  might  the  poy  fon  out  reuoke. 

Wherefore  though  fcarce  he  pierced  had  the  skin, 
Infifteene  daies  my  braines  it  ranckled  in. 

And  then  too  foone  (alas)  therefore  I  dide. 

Yet  would  to  God  hehadrcturnde  againe, 

So  that  I  might  but  once  the  daftard  fpide 

Before  he  went,  I  had  the  ferpent  flainc. 

He  plaide  the  coward  cutthrote  all  too  plaine. 
A  beaftly  ferpents  heart  that  beafts  dete&s. 
Which,  or  he  fight,his  fword  with  bane  infects. 

Well,  then  my  death  brought  Ctfar  no  ronowne, 

For  both  I  gate  thereby  eter  nail  fame, 

And  eke  his  fword  to  ftrike-his  friends  adownc, 

I  flew  therewith  his  Labteneby  name. 

With  Prince,  againft  my  Countrey  foes  I  came, 
Was  wounded,  yet  did  neuer  faint  nor  yecld, 
Till  {afar  with  his  fouldiers  fled  the  field. 

Who  would  not  venture  life  in  fuch  a  cafe£ 

Who  would  not  fight,  at  Countries  whole  requelt  ? 

Who  would  not  meeting  Cafar  in  the  place,  . 

Fight  for  life.  Prince,  and  Countrey,  with  the  belt  ? 

The  greateft  courage  is  by  fads  expreft : 
Then  for  thy  Prince,w  ith  fortitude,as  I, 
And  Rcalmcsdefcnce,  is  praife  to  liue  or  dy. 

Now  write  my  life  when  thou  haft  leafure,  and 
Will  all  thy  countrymen  to  learne  by  me, 
Both  for  their  Prince  and  for  their  natiue  land 
As  valiant,  bold,  and  fearelclle  for  tobe, 
A  patcrne  plaine  of  fortitude  they  fee : 

To  which  direflly  if  themfelues  they  frame, 

They  /hall  preferue  theu  Countrey,  faith,  and  fame. 


HOW  THE  LORD  IREN- 

GLAS  COSIN  TO  KING  CAS- 
tiBELLANE,  was  flaine  by  the  Lord  Elimine, 
cofin  to  Androgeus  Ear/e  of  London,  about 

thejeare before  ChriSt,. 

si- 

Mongft  the  reft  that  whilome  late  aloft, 
Amongft  the  reft,  that  once  had  happie  chance, 
Amongft  the  reft,  that  had  good  fortune  oft, 
Amongft  the  reft, that  could  themfelues  aduance, 
Amongft  the  reft,  that  led  i  n  warres  the  dance, 
And  wan  the  palme,  the  praife,  renowne,  and  fame, 
Leaue  in  thy  booke.a  place  to  put  my  name. 

I  will  be  briefe  and  truly  tell  thee  all 

The  caufe  why  I  from  graue  do  now  appeare, 

I  will  recite  to  thee  my  fiidden  fall, 

And  what  in  life  mine  cxercifes  were. 

To  which  fince  I  do  fee  thee  fet  thine  eare, 

Marke  now  my  tale,  and  beare  it  well  away, 

Marke  what  me  brought  fo  ftrdden  in  decay* 

Let  who  fo  ftands  truft  to  a  ftedfaft  hold, 
If  ftedf  aft  hold  he  thinke  that  he  may  find, 
Prefume  not  on  thy  ftrength,  nay  yet  be  bold 
On  Fortunes  gifts,  nay  let  her  guide  thy  mind  \ 
In  hope  of  hap,  for  ftte  is  counted  blind  tk 

To  praife  herprankes  occalion  giues  no  caufe. 

Do  wifely,  or  you  praife  her  take  the  paule : 

Some  loue  to  boaft  what  fortune  they  haue  had, 
Same  other  blame  misfortune  theirs  as  faft : 
Some  tell  of  fortunes  there  be  good  and  bad, 
Some  fooles  of  fortune  make  themfelues  agaft. 
Some  ftiew  offortunecomming,prefent,paft, 

And  fay  there  is  a  fate  that  rulcth  all  : 

But  fuie  it  fc  ernes  their  wifdome  is  but  fmalk 

No 


IZ4-  Lord  Irenghs. 

Nofortune  is  fobad  but  we  it  frame, 
There  is  no  chaunce  at  all  hath  vs  preferu'd : 
There  is  no  fate  whom  we  haue  need  to  blamc^ 
There  is  no  deftiny  but  is  deferu  d, 
No  lucke  that  leaues  vs  fafe  or  vnpreferu  d. 
let  vs  not  then  complaine  of  Fortunes  skill : 
For  all  our  good  defcends  from  Gods  good  will. 

If  fo  a  man  might  ftay  on  Fortunes  holde, 

Or  elfe  on  Princess  pillar  of  defence : 

Then  might  my  felfe  t  haue  done  the  fame  be  bolde, 

In  euery  perill,purpofe,or  pretence, 

■CafibeUane  as  much  as  any  Prince 
Lou  d  me  his  Cofin  Irenglas  by  name, 
For  feates  in  armes.for  fauour  and  for  fame. 

I  came  (by  parents)  of  his  regall  race, 
Liu  d  happie  daics  (if  happy  mortall  be) 
Had  (as  I  faid)  his  fauour,bare  the  grace, 
I  was  his  loyall  feruant  franke  and  free. 
But  what  of  this  at  all  preuailed  mee  t 

Yet  furthermore  the  feates  of  amies  I  knew, 
I  fought  in  field,when  mighty  Cafar  flew. 

Shall  I  for  this  praife  Fortune  ought  at  all? 

Did  Fortune  ought  in  this?  no  whit  be  fure. 

Or  mall  I  blame  her  after  for  my  fall 

That  neuer  could  mc  any  hurt  procure  ? 

Twas  glory  vaine  did  fweetely  me  allure.  _ 
Wherefore  giue  eare,and  then  with  pen  difclofc 
How  fecming  friends  did  prooue  my  chiefett  foes. 

Full  happy  were  our  Countrey  men  that  dide, 
(As  noble  Nennitu)  in  the  field  that  fought : 
When  firft  both  Britaines,and  the  Romanes  tridc 
With  dint  of  fwcrd5if  titles  theirs  were  ought* 
They  dide  in  their  defence :  no  pompe  they  fought; 
They  liud  to  fee  their  Countrey  conquer  ftill  : 
They  dide  before  they  felt  of  priuate  ill. 


When  Cafir  fo  with  fliamefull  flight  recoifd, 
And  left  our  Britaine  land  vnconquer'd  firft : 
Which  only  thought  our  Realme  and  vs  t'haue  ipoil'd, 
We  came  to  fee  (of  all  our  field  the  worft) 
Our fbuldiers  flaine.  O  crucll  Cotftr  curft, 

(Quoth  we)  by  thee  did  all  theft  Britainesdie, 
That  durft  not  bide,  but  like  a  daftard  flie. 

But  then  to  fee  them  in  array  to  lie, 
And  for  to  fee  them  wounded  all  before, 
Not  one  but  in  his  place  his  life  did  trie : 
To  fee  the  Romans  bloodie  backes  that  bore 
Their  wounds  in  flight  all  icattered  on  the  fhore, 
What  thoufand  tongues  our  ioy  to  light  could  bring, 
This  made  our  hearts  reuiue,  this  pleafde  our  King. 

With  trompets  mourning  tune,  and  wayling  cries, 
And  drums,  and  fluits,  and  fhawmes  we  found  adieu : 
And  for  our  friends  we  watred  all  our  eyes, 
As  loth  to  lofc  the  Hues  ©f  fiich  a  crew. 
To  th'earth  we  bare  them  all  in  order  dew, 
According  vnto  each  mans  noble  name, 
And  as  their  birth  requir'd  and  worthie  fame. 

Of  noble  triumphes  after  was  no  fpare, 
We  Britaines  erft  were  neuer  halfe  fo  glad : 
That  fo  we  made  the  Romans  hence  to  fare, 
No  tongue  can  tell  the  heartie  ioyes  we  had. 
We  were  therewith  for  battaile  bent  as  mad. 
Our  fingers  tickled  ftill,  which  came  from  fight  : 
We  had  before  our  eyes  our  foes  foule  flight. 

So  fares  it  when  the  meaner  giue  the  fpoile, 
And  make  the  mightie  all  their  force  reuokc : 
So  fares  it  when  great  viclours  feele  the  foile, 
And  mcnlefle  deem'd  do  giue  the  conquering  flrokc^ 
That  pierceth  euen  the  hardeft  heart  of  oke. 
For  where  the  weaker  win  the  wage  offame, 
The  viclours  hearts  a  thoufand  ioyes  enflame. 


n6  Lord  IrengUs. 

A  foieirme  lulls  proclaimed  was  for  th ofe 
Who  would  to  winrenowne  their  valour  trie, 
Where  th'Earle  of  Londons  cofin  did  expofe 
Himfelfe  to  purchafe  praife,againft  whom  I 
To  win  the  prize  did  all  my  powers  applie : 
But  fatall  was  the  fcope  I  did  intend, 
Th'effecls  be  wrayd  my  folly  in  the  end. 

For  why,  when  glorie  vaine  ftirres  men  to  ftrife, 
When  hope  of  praife  prouokes  them  once  to  ire : 
Then  they  at  all  regard  no  goods  nor  life, 
From  faithfull  friendfhip  rudely  they  retire : 
They  are  fo  fet  with  glories  glofe  on  fire, 
That  quite  they  rule  and  reafon  wreft  awrie, 
They  turne  away  their  former  friendly  eie. 

O  God  that  workeft  all  the  wonder  wrought, 
(And  haft  the  power  to  turne  the  hearts  aliue) 
Grant  grace  to  thofe  that  labour  fo  for  nought 
But  flitting  fame,  and  titles  hautie  ftriue. 
Let  not  ambition  fo  the  earth  depriue 

Of worthie  wights,  giue  them  fome  better  grace, 
That  they  may  run  for  countries  weale  their  race. 

Let  them  notbreake  the  bond  of  friendly  loue 
Inbroiles  ofbate,  but  friendly  faults  redreffe : 
Let  not  them  fo  their  manhood  feeke  to  proue 
By  priuate  hate,  to  worke  their  owne  diftreffe  : 
So  fhall  they  need  their  foes  to  feare  the  leffe. 

Friends  worfc  then  forrenfoes  themfeluesdo  make, 
That  fall  at  oddes  for  fond  vaine  glories  fake. 

But  what  need  I  on  thofe  aliue  to  flay  > 
They  haue  examples  good  before  their  eyes  : 
By  which  (if  they  haue  grace)  beware  they  may, 
*  The  happieft  menby  others  harmes  are  wife. 
Let  them  not  then  our  warning  words  defpife, 
Do  will  them  wifely  of  thefe  things  debate : 
For  why,  the  foolifli  ay  e  the  warning  hate. 


Lord  Irenghs. 

We  ipcnt  the  day  in  iufling  (as  I  faid) 
Appointed  erft  among  our  felues  before : 
And  all  the  feats  of  armes  in  field  we  plaid 
*s£n&as  taught  our  anceftors  of  yore. 
What  need  I  fill  thine  eares  with  talking  more  ? 
My  men  and  I  had  put  thofe  feats  in  vre, 
And  he  like  wife  (but  nothing  yec  fo  fure) 

For  as  with  fortune  ftill  I  gaue  the  foile, 
To  him  that  thought  the  glorie  all  to  haue, 
When  he  perceiu  d  he  could  not  keepe  the  coile, 
Nor  yet  with  equali  match  himfelfe  to  faue : 
Occafion  of  diflfenfi  on  great  he  gaue. 
In  fteadofieftheioffered  earneftplay, 
In  lieu  of  fport  he  Ipite  did  ftill  dilplay : 

The  traytour  vile,  the  tyrant  (fo  he  proud) 
With  coward,  canker'd,  hatcfullahaftie  ire 
And  caytife  dealing,  fliew'd  how  me  he  lou  d0 
When  as  he  could  not  to  his  hope  afpire, 
To  win  the  praife  of  triumph,  his  defire, 

He  challeng  d  me  :  and  heere  began  the  broile : 
He  thought  with  banding  braue  to  keep  the  coile, 

And  that  becaufe  mensiudgementfauour  d  me. 
Report  almott  of  all  the  common  rout 
Ran  tiill  that  I  was  worthie  praifde  to  be, 
And  often  times  they  gaue  me  all  a  fhout. 
This  made  my  foes  to  ftare  and  looke  about, 
And  often  wifh  them  ill  aloude  that  cride  : 
*  Such  is  the  nature  mil  of  naughtie  pride. 

We  twaine  (quoth  he)  betweene  our  felues  will  trie 
Alone  our  manhoods  both,  if  thou  confent. 
We  ought  not  breake  the  Prince  his  peace  (quoth  I) 
His  grace  would  not  therewith  be  well  content. 
And  fith  no  hurt  was  heere,  nor  malice  ment, 
You  ought  not  fo  on  choler  take  it  ill, 
Though  I  to  win  the  prize  put  forth  my  skill  t 


xz8  Lord  frenglas. 

With  that  quoth  Elemne  (for  fo  he  night) 
That  was  the  Earle  his  cofin,  then  my  foe, 
I  meane  (quoth  he)  to  trie  the  cafe  in  fight, 
Before  thou  paffe  againe  my  prefence  froe : 
And  euen  with  that  he  r  aught  to  me  abloe. 

My  friends  nor  I  could  not  this  wrong  abide : 

We  drew,  and  fo  did  thofe  on  th  other  fide. 

But  I  was  all  the  marke  whereat  he  idiot, 
The  malice  ftill  he  meant  to  none  but  me : 
At  me  he  caft,  and  drew  me  for  the  lot 
Which  fhould  of all  reuenge  the  ranfome  bee. 
Wherefore  he  fet  them  at  me  franke  and  free 

Till  me  they  tooke,  fo  compaft  round  about, 

As  I  could  not  fcape  from  among  them  out. 

To  make  it  fliort :  I  fingled  was  therefore, 

Euen  as  the  Deere  to  find  his  fatall  ftroke : 

I  could  not  fcape,  in  number  they  were  more, 

My  pageant  was  in  prefence  there  befpoke. 

A  pillow  they  prepared  me  of  oke, 
My  hands  they  bound,  along  my  corps  they  led, 
From  off  my  fhoulders  quite  they  ftroke  my  head. 

Ifeuerman  thatferud  his  Prince  with  paine, 
And  well  deferued  of  his  publique  weale  : 
If  euer  Knight  efteem'd  it  greateftgaine, 
For  Prince  and  Countrey  in  the  warres  to  deale : 
My  felfe  was  fuch,  which  venter'd  life  and  healc 

At  all  affay es,  to  faue  my  natiue  foile, 

With  all  my  labour,  trauell,  paine  and  toilc. 

Yet  heere  you  fee,  at  home  I  had  my  fall, 
Not  by  my  fierceft  foes  that  came  in  warre  : 
But  by  my  friend  I  gate  tmTgriping  thrall, 
When  folly  fram'd  vs  both  at  home  to  iarre, 
Oh  thatmy  friend  of  yore  fhould  range  fo  farre 

From  wifdomes  way,  to  wed  himfeife  to  will, 

From  reafons  rule,  to  wrcft  his  wits  to  ill. 

Well, 


Cm  f*  (jtfdr.  119 

Well, bid  thereft  beware  of  triumphes  fuch, 
Bid  them  beware  for  titles  vaine  to  ftriue : 
Bid  them  not  trull  fuch  fallen  friends  too  much, 
Bid  them  not  fb  their  honours  high  atchicue. 
For  ikthey  will  preferue  their  names  aliue, 

There  is  no  better  way  to  worke  the  fame 

Then  to  cfchew  of  tyranny  defame. 


HOW  CAIVS  IVLIVS 

C  m  s  a  R,\vhich.firft  made  this  Realme 

tributarie  to  the  Romanes,  was  flaine  in  the 
Senate  houfe,  about  the  yeare  before 

Christ,  42. 

Lthough  by  *B 'ocas  I  haue  whilom  told  my  mind, 
And  Lydgate  haue  like  wife  tranflated  well  the  &me* 
Yet  fith  my  place  in  order  here  againe  I  finde, 
And  thatmyfa6ts  deferud  inBritaine  worthy  fame : 


mm 


Let  me  againe  renue  to  memory  my  name 
Recite  my  minde;  which  if  thou  graunt  to  mee, 
Thou  fhalt  therefore  receiue  a  friendly  fee. 

If  euer  erlt  the  fame  of  ancient  Romane  facls 
Haue  come  to  pierce  thine  eares  before  thisprefent  time, 
I  thinke  amongft  the  reft,  like  wife  my  noble  adts 
Haue  fhew'd  thcmfelues  in  fight,  as  Phxbus  faire  in  prime. 
When  firft  the  Romane  ftate  began  aloft  to  clime, 
And  wanne  the  wealth  of  all  the  world  befidc, 
When  firft  their  force  in  warlike  feates  were  tride. 

I  Cains  Julius  Cjtfar  Confull  had  to  name, 
That  worthy  Romane  borne,  renownd  with  noble  deeds. 
What  needc  I  here  recite  the  linage  whence  I  came, 
Or  ehemy  greate  exploitesPfurelyt's  more  then  needs : 
But  onely  this  to  tell,  of  purpofe  now  proceedes : 

Why  I  a  Romane  Prince,  no  Britaine,  here 

Amongft  thefc  Britaine  Princes  now  appeere, 

L  And 


And  yetbecaufc  thou  maift  percciue  the  ftorie  all 
Of  all  my  life,  and  fo  dcemc  better  of  the  end  : 
I  will  againe  the  fame  to  mind  yet  briefly  call, 
To  tell  thee  how  thou  maift  me  praife  or  difcommend* 
Which  when  thou  haft,  in  briefe,  as  I  recite  it,  pend, 

Thou  (halt  confeffe  that  I  deferued  well, 

Amongft  themheercmy  tragedie  to  tell. 

What  need  I  firft  recite  my  pedigree  well  knowne  ? 
No  noble  author  writes  that  can  forget  the  fame : 
My  praife  I  know  in  print  through  all  the  world  is  blowne, 
Ther  s  no  man  fcarce  that  writes,  but  he  recitesmy  fame. 
My  worthie  father  Lucim  Cafar  had  to  name, 

jiureti*  faire  my  mother  alfo  hight, 

Of  Cains  Cotta  daughter  borne  by  right. 

How  I  was  trained  vp  in  youth  what  need  I  tell  ? 
Sith  that  my  noble  Aunt  (that  Mia  hight)  me  taught^ 
Who  could  with  morall  difcipline  inftrudt  me  well, 
And  faw  the  frame  in  me  that  natures  skill  had  wrought. 
By  her  inftru&ions  aye  I  wit  and  fauour  fought. 

I  was  accounted  comely  of  my  grace, 

I  had  by  natures  gift  a  Princely  face. 

Of  ftature  high  and  tall,  of  colour  faire  and  white, 
Of  bodie  fpare  and  leane,  yet  comely  made  to  fee : 
What  need  I  more  of  thefe  impertinent  recite, 
Sith  Plutarch  hath  at  large  defcrib'dit  all  to  thee, 
And  eke  thy  felfe  that  think'ft  thou  feeft  and  heareft  me, 
Maift  well  fuppofe  the  reft,  and  write  the  truth, 
Of  all  my  noble  actions  from  my  youth. 

In  iourney  fwift  I  was,  and  prompt  and  quicke  of  wit, 
My  eloquence  was  likte  of  all  that  heard  me  pleade, 
I  had  the  grace  to  vfe  my  tearmes,  and  place  them  fit, 
My  roling  Rhetoricke  ftood  my  Clients  oft  in  ftead i 
No  fine  conueyance  paft  the  compaffe  of  my  head* 
I  wan  the  fpurres,  I  had  the  laud  and  praife, 
I  paft  them  all  that  pleaded  in  thofe  daies. 


Cm  f.  Qefar*  131 

At  feucnteeneycares  of  age  a  Flamin  was  I  chofq 
An  office  great  in  Rome  ofPriefthood  Princely  hie, 
I  married  eke  Cojfutia,  whereof  iTmchmifchieferofe, 
Becaufe  I  was  diuorcft  from  her  fb  lpeedilie. 
*Diuorccmentbrecds  defpite,  defame  is  got  thereby. 

For  fuch  as  fancies  fond  by  chance  fulfill, 

Although  they  thinke  it  cannot  come  to  ill. 

Of  thefe  the  ftories  tell,  what  need  I  more  recite, 
Or  of  the  warres  I  waged  Conful  with  the  Gallcs? 
The  worthicft  writers  had  defire  of  me  to  write, 
They  plac  ft  my  life  amongft  the  worthies  and  their  falles. 
So  Fame  me  thinkes  likewife  amids  the  Britaines  calles 
For  Ctfar  with  his  fword,  that  bare  the  fway, 
And  for  the  caufe  that  wrought  his  fwift  decay. 

When  I  in  France  had  brought  the  valiant  Galles  to  bend, 

And  made  them  fubiect  and  obeyfent  vnto  mce : 

I  then  did  thinke  I  had  vnto  the  world  his  end 

By  Weft  fubducd  the  Nations  which  were  whilome  free* 

There  of  my  famous  warres  I  wrote  an  hiftorie, 
I  did  defcribe  each  places  and  lequels  of  my  warre, 
The  Commentaries  caf  d  of  Ctfors  a6ls  that  are. 

At  length  I  did  perceiue  there  was  an  Ifland  yet 
By  Weft  ofFrance,  which  in  the  Ocean  fea  did  lie  2 
And  that  there  was  likewife  no  caufe  or  time  to  let, 
But  that  I  might  with  them  the  chance  of  fortune  trie. 
I  fent  to  them  for  hoftage  of  affurance,  I, 

And  wif  d  them  tribute  pay  vnto  the  Romane  ftout, 
Or  elfe  I  would  both  put  their  liues  and  goods  in  doubt. 

But  they  a  people  fierce  and  recklefle  of  my  powers, 
Abufed  thofe  which  brought  thambaflage  that  I  fent : 
Now  fith  (quoth  they)  the  land  and  region  heere  is  ours.. 
We  will  not  Cajkr  to  thy  rightlefle  heftes  affent. 
By  doomc  of  friendly  Gods  this  Hand  firft  we  henr, 

OfPriames  blood  we  arc,  from  Greece  we  Troians  came^ 
As  Brntw  brought  vi  Uience,  and  gaue  this  land  his  name. 

L  %  This 


This  land  reported  was  full  fertile  for  the  fbile, . 

The  wealthie  warlike  fort  ofBritaines  ttout  within, 

Were  rather  able  well  to  giue,  then  take  the  foile, 

To  thofe  which  came  by  warres,  their  freedome  for  to  win. 

My  felfe  made  firft  aflault,  with  them  I  did  begin, 

Of  all  the  Romanes  firtt  I  waged  with  them  warre : 

And  this  I  can  report,  they  valiant  people  are. 

It  was  reported  eke  that  in  my  warres  in  France 
Some  Britaines  thither  came  amongft  the  Galles  to  fight, 
And  that  for  pleaiure  lake,  to  try  of  CMars  the  chance, 
And  for  to  haue  in  field  of  Romane  warres  the  fight : 
That  they  no  labour  fpardeby  day  nor  yet  by  night, 
In  campe,  in  Icoute,  for  hunger,  heate,  or  colde : 
But  were  in  all  attempts  of  armes  both  flout  and  bolde* 

This  fame  enflamed  me,  difpleafure  eke  I  tooke, 
That  glory  hopte  to  get  lb  doughtie  hearts  to  daunt : 
On  which,  with  winds  at  wil,  I  Gallia  fliores  forfooke, 
Full  minded  for  to  make  the  Britaines  tribute  graunt, 
Sith  at  my  meflage  fent,  they  feemed  fo  to  taunt. 

With  armour,  fbuldiers  good,  and  of  munition  ftore, 
I  went  appointed  wel,  with  fiftie  (ailes  or  more. 

But  fo  the  noble  Britaines  plaide  the  valiaunt  men 
By  policies,  and  force  to  hurt  my  fliippes  and  me, 
That  I  was  forced  after  my  returne  agen, 
To  rigge  my  fliipppes :  againe  a  wondrous  thing  to  fee  % 
For  in  the  ftrands  and  in  the  feas,  where  hauens  be, 
Sharp'e  poftcs  they  pight,  whereon  our  fliippes  we  ron  s 
When  many  diu'd  the  deepe  before  the  land  wee  wron. 

Being  hardly  come  to  land,  at  length  we  met  the  hoaft, 
And  fharpely  fought  with  them,whofe  praifes,earft  we  hard  2 
I  haue  no  caufe  of  Britane  conquer! for  toboaft, 
Of  all  the  Regions  firft  and  laft  with  whom  I  ward. 
A  people  Itout  and  ftrong,  enduring  chances  hard, 

And  defperate,  wilde  and  fearce,  and  reckleffe  found  I  then, 
Not  foone^gaft  with  dint,  or  fright  with  fall  of  men. 

For 


For  when  our  armies  met,  no  dangers  they  for fooke, 
But  fo  behau'd  themfelues  in  euery  place  of  fight, 
As  though  to  Martiall  feates  they  onely  had  betooke 
Themfelues,  and  for  the  palme  did  all  their  dealings  dight. 
Though  with  my  Romanes  I  wag'd  all  my  warlike  might, 
I  was  not  able  there,  to  caufe  them  yeeld  or  flee, 
Or  for  a  fpace  to  take  a  time  of  truce  with  me : 

The  toiles  wee  tookc  to  enter  at  the  firft  on  land, 
And  for  to  faue  our  (nattered  fhips  and  armour  brought, 
To  wey  them  out  that  elfe  had  bulgd  themfeluesinfand, 
Hereon  before  the  fielde  with  might  and  maine  we  wrought, 
Befide  at  skirmifti  oft,  vpon  the  fliore  we  fought. 
Thefe  labours  tired  fo  my  men  and  me  that  tide, 
That  we  could  not  endure  the  battaiies  brunt  t'abide, 

They  followed  hard  the  chace,  with  fcath  andloffe  wefcapte, 
And  fliipt,  we  hcifed  failes,  to  Fraunce  we  made  retire : 
Where  for  an  armie  new,  another  roade  we  fliapte, 
If  winter  colde  were  paft,  to  come  the  following  yeare : 
And  Co  we  did  indeed,  and  bought  our  commjgg  deere: 
For  they  prouided  had  fo  well  to  fight,  that  I 
With  all  mine  armies  flout  could  finde  no  vi&orie. 

Againe  to  fhippe  my  mates  I  bad  my  Captaines  ftur, 
Eke  from  this  people  fearce  with  fpeede  to  fhift  away : 
The  chance  of  warre  is  hard  and  doubtfullfor  t'affure, 
Where  th'enemies  neither  dint  of  death  nor  dangers  fray. 
They  reckt  not  of  their  wealth  nor  loffe  of  goods  decay, 
Bu  t  for  their  freedome  fought,  on  Princes  cafe  they  flood, 
With  ioyfull  hearts  they  waged  warlikeiife  and  blood : 

Almoft  I  had  no  hope  at  all  to  make  returne, 
The  people  were  fo  fearce,  fo  flubburne,  flout,  and  bold: 
No  time  of  reft  I  wrought  amongfl  them  to  foiurne, 
1  hey  could  not  by  our  power  bee  ruled  nor  controld. 
They  faid  they  would  vs  pay  no  filuer,braffe,  nor  gold. 
To  c  urindidtions  fern:,  they  would  not  fet  their  hand, 
But  for  to  trie  the  cafe,  with  all  their  power  to  fland. 

L  3  When 


0  C£far* 

When  to  the  coafts  of  Gallia  againe  with  loffe  we  come^ 
That  neuer  erft  with  fuch  repulfe  to  foes  did  turne  the  backe, 
The  Britaines  they  reioy ce  with  triumphes  all  and  fome, 
And  fame  doth  found  report,  they  make  the  Romanes  packe : 
Where  we  no  men,  no  coine,  nor  no  munition  lacke, 
No  captaines  good,  no  art,  no  vi6tuall,  hearte  to  fight^ 
A  goodly  fpoile,the  land  a  pray  before  our  fight. 

Now  marke  the  hap  we  had :  while  I  in  .Gallia  lay, 
The  Britaines  paft  the  time  in  triumphes  and  infeafts, 
And  for  our  fecond  flight  with  fports  they  fpend  the  day^ 
Accounting  vs  in  their  relpe&but  coward  beafts. 
Amongft  their  other  fport  of  Iufts  and  pleafant  iefts, 
Aciuill  difcord  fellbetweene  two  worthy  peeres, 
Of  courage  both  fo  good,  that  neither  beft  appeares  s 

The  one  hight  Irengks,  of  kin  red  to  the  king, 

A  worthy  wight  in  warre,  and  prudent,  wife  and  fage : 

The  other  Elemne,  whofe  praifeno  ftories  bring, 

But  ftoutnefle  in  his  fight.,  as  ruled  all  by  rage. 

Yet  both  againft  the  Romanes  with  the  king  did  wage 
The  Britifh  warre  full  well,  aud  ferued  as  they  ought, 
Till  time  at  home  the  praife  of  triumphes  vaine  they  fought. 

This  Elenine  was  {tout,  for  he  was  neere  ofkin 
Vhto  Androgens  which  was  th'Earle  of  London  then> 
And  claimed  eke  the  palme  (they  fay)  that  he  did  win 
In  triumphs  at  the  iufts  amongft  the  noble  men. 
But  as  they  went  about  to  trie  the  line  agen, 

They  fell  from  words  to  fharpe,  and  laide  on  loade  amaine^ 
Vntill  at  length  in  fight  hight  henglas  was  flaine. 

The  King  did  fend  hx  Etenwe,  but  he  was  fled 

Vnto  the  Earle  his  cofin,  whence  he  would  not  come  r 

He  feared  left  he  fhould  haue  loft  his  hated  head. 

The  guilty  heart  conceau's  before  the  Iudge  doe  doome. 

He  wift  if  once  he  went,  there  needed  him  no  toome. 
Wherefore  he  it  refufed,  and  th'Earle  was  difcontcnt  t 
Who  mcffage  fliarpe  againe  vnto  the  King  had  fent. 

Cajjibeltatjc 


Caffibelkne  difpleafedmuch  that  fubie6tsfliould 
Both  flay  his  friend,  and  eke  refufe  to  bide  the  la  we, 
And  alfo  in  rebellious  wife,  endeuour  what  theyjcould  i 
To  cut  themfelues  vniuftly  from  the  Princes  awe, 
Though  it  him  greeu'd  to  fee  at  home  fo  foule  a  flawe, 
He  could  not  yet  abide  the  iniuries  were  flio  wne, 
But  armde  himfelfe  and  his,  gainft  fubie&s  once  his  o wne. 

When  th'Earle  ^Androgens  law  that  he  was  far  too  weake, 
Againft  his  Prince  to  wage  rebellious  wars  begon, 
He  fent  to  me  inFrance,defiring  helpe  to  wreake 
The  iniuries  and  wrong  CaflibdUne  had  don. 
He  alfb  Seem  fent,  for  pledge,  his  onely  fbnne, 
And  thirtie  youths  befide,of  honour  great  well  bornes 
I  would  not  truft  his  talke,  nor  meflkge  fentbeforne. 

On  this  I  expedition  made  the  third  arid  lafl, 
(For  he  did  warrant  me  my  purpofe  to  obtaine) 
I  fhipt  my  men,and  hide  me  thitherward  full  faft, 
Had  winde  at  will,and  came  to  fee  the  fhining  fliores  againe  s 
And  of  my  comming  fo  the  Earle  was  glad  and  faine. 
We  ioined  hands  and  league  and  armies  for  the  fight: 
And  fought  and  put  Cajjibelkne  the  noble  King  to  flight. 

Yet  he  repaird  his  hofte  againe,  that  fiercely  faught, 
And  oft  afraid  to  flay  or  take  the  Earle  or  mee  : 
And  when  hee  faw  at  length  his  labour  vailed  naughty 
And  Britanes  with  the  Romanes  linked  fo  to  bee, 
Great  griefe  he  had  in  them  fuch  treafon  for  to  fee. 
His  lone  in  doubtfull  war  not  grieud  him  halfe  fo  fore, 
His  peoples  bafe  reuolt  he  chiefely  did  deplore. 

To  make  it  fhort :  the  King  was  faine  at  length  to  yeeld, 
The  tribute  granted  was  three  thoufand  pound  a  yeere  : 
We  bare  away  the  price,  we  wan  the  worthy  field, 
And  made  them  friends  againe  that  bought  our  fauour  deere, 
I  need  no  longer  flay  to  tellthe  ftory  heere, 

Nor  yet  to  giue  my  friend  the  Earle  of  London  blame, 
Sith  by  his  meanes  I  wan  to  Rome  eternal!  fame. 

I<  4  Fr< 


1^6  Q  Cafar' 

From  France  I  after  fent  to  Rome,  reporting  how 
Amongft  the  warlike  Galles  and  Britaines  I  had  fped  t 
I  made  requeft ;  by  friends.I  might  be  Con  full  now 
On  my  returne  againe  :but  Pomp  eyes  hautie  hed 
Did  ioyne  himfelfe  with  Peeres  and  armies  which  he  led, 
Alledging  plaine  I  meant  the  publique  weale  t'inuade : 
They  would  reprefle  my  pride  with  might  and  dint  ofblade* 

With  fpeed  I  came  and  force,  which  made  them  all  to  flie 
To  Greece  from  Rome  in  hafte,  where  they  prepared  war ; 
For  in  Epyrus  then  with  fouldiers  they  did  lie. 
This  Pompey  proud  that  made  the  Romans  with  me  iar, 
He  at  Dyrrachiumftaid,  to  which  (though  it  were  far) 
I  led  my  conquering  hoft :  I  skirmiflit  often  there : 
But  from  the  fight  to  flie  we  foone  contented  were. 

On  this  he  followed  raft,  in  hope  to  win  the  field, 
ToThelTaliehe  came,  where  I  did  ftay  therefore: 
Our  armies  met  and  fiercely  faught,  not  bent  to  yeeld, 
Till  fifteene  hundred  men  were  flaine  in  fight,  or  more. 
But  in  the  end  they  fled,  we  tooke  of  prifoners  ftore, 
They  durft  not  dare  t'abide  the  chance  of  cMars  to  trie, 
But  either  fell  in  fight  or  from  the  field  did  flie. 

Thence  Pompey  fled  the  field,  and  into  Egypt  came 
To  Ptolem'te  the  King  as  then  but  yong  of  age, 
Where  of  his  (laughter  foule  Septimiw  hath  the  blame. 
He  was  his  end  that  did  thefc  warresagainftmewage. 
Euen  fo  by  courfe  we  come  to  play  vpon  the  ftage, 
Our  trauels  haue  an  end  when  we  do  feele  the  fall  z 
For  all  our  life  is  but  a  race  of  miferie  and  thrall. 

But  Vompeyes  friends  and  fonnes  by  might  did  oft  aflay 
When  he  was  done  to  death,  to  take  rcuenge  on  me3 
And  I  by  dint  of  fword  repefd  their  force  away, 
Gate  offices  ofrule,  and  gouern'd  each  degree, 
At  Cafarsbeck  and  call  obeyfantall  they  bee : 

Enacted  lawes,  directed  each  eftate, 

Emperially  the  firft  aloft  I  fate. 


But 


C.J.  C*far.  13* 


But  glorie  won,the  way  to  hold  and  keepe  the  fame, 
To  hold  good  fortune  faft,a  worke  of  cunning  skill : 
Who  fo  with  prudent  art  can  flay  that  (lately  dame, 
Which  fcts  vs  vp  fo  high  vpon  her  hautic  hill, 
And  conftant  aye  can  keepe  her  loue  and  fauour  ftill, 
He  wins  immortall  fame,thrice  blefled  is  the  crowne: 
If  once  misfortune  kicke  and  caft  the  fecpter  do  wne„ 

For  when  in  Rome  I  was  alone  D  'tttator  chofe, 

And  Emperour  or  Captaine  fole  to  be  for  ay : 

My  glorie  did  procure  me  many  fecret  foes, 

Becaufe  aboue  the  reft  I  bare  the  foueraigne  fvvay. 

By  fundrie  mcanes  they  fought  my  ruine  and  decay. 
For  why,  there  could  no  thing  in  ftate  determind  be, 
Vnleffe  it  likte  me  firft,  and  were  approu  d  by  me. 

This  they  enui'd  at  me  that  fu  d  aloft  to  clime, 

As  hautie  Cajfim,  which  the  Pretorjhip  did  craue, 

And  Brutm  eke  his  friend  which  bare  the  chiefeft  crime 

Of my  difpatch  and  death,  for  they  did  firft  depraue 

My  life,  mine  a&s,  my  raigne,and  fought  my  blood  to  haue3 

Full  fecretly  amongft  themfelues  confpir  d,  decreed 

To  be  attemptors  of  that  cruel! bloodie  deed. 

Yet  I  forewarned  was  by  Copts  fatall  tombe 
His  Epitaph  my  death  did  long  before  forefliow  2 
Cornelius  B  alb  in  faw  mine  horfes  headleffe  ronne 
Without  the  guide  of  man,  forfaking  food  for  woe0 . 
Spurirsa  warned  me  that  footh  of  things  did  know, 
A  little  wren  in  beake  with  Laurell  greene  that  flew, 
Foreftiew'd  my  dolefull  death,  as  after  all  men  knew. 

The  night  before  my  fall  in  (lumber  I  did  dreame 
I  caried  was,  from  earth  and  flew  the  clouds  aboue, 
And  Ibrntime  hand  in  had  I  thought  I  walkt  with  lone  fupreame 
My  mtcCa/pburnut,  C<cfars  only  loue, 
Did  dreame  (he  faw  her  creftofhoufetofall, 
Her  husband  thruft  through  brcaft  a  fword  withall, 
Eke  that  fame  night  her  chamber  dores  thefeluesfiew  open  all 


158  C.  L  Gefir. 

Thefe  things  did  make  me  much  that  mourning  to  miflike, 
And  I  acrazed  was  and  thought  at  home  to  flay : 
But  who  is  he  can  void  deaths  dart  when  he  doth  ftrike, 
Where  fo  great  number  feekes  his  life  for  to  betray?  ; 
The  traytor  bioodie  Brut m  bad  me  not  delay, 
Nor  yet  to  fruftrate  there  fo  great  affemblie  fate, 
At  laft  I  went  and  there  did  meet  vntimely  fate. 

To  Senate  as  I  went,behold  a  Roman  flood, 

Prefenting  me  a  fcrole  of  euery  traytors  name  : 

And  all  their  whole  deuice  that  fought  to  fpill  my  blood, 

Thatprefently  decreed  to  execute  the  fame. 

But  I  blind  wretch  fuppofde  that  for  fome  fuite  he  came, 
I  heedlefle  bare  this  fcrole  in  my  vnhappie  hand, 
For  which  I  loft  my  lif c,as  you  (hall  vnderftand. 

Spurina  as  I  came  at  facrifices  was, 
Neere  to  the  place  where  I  was  after  flaine : 
Of  whofe  diuinings  true  I  then  did  little  pafle,  ^ 
To warnemeofmy death thePrieft  didfeeke mvaine,  § 
My  hautie  heart  growne  proud  thefe  warnings  all  dildaine. 
(Quoth  I)  the  Ides  of  March  be  come,  yet  harme  is  none, 
(Quoth  he)  the  Ides  of  March  be  come,  yet  th  are  notgone. 

Aflbone  as  I  was  fet,  the  traytors  all  arofe. 
And  one  approched  neere,  as  to  demand  fome  thing : 
To  whom  as  I  gaue  care,  at  once  my  cruell  foes 
Befet  me  round  about,their  weapons  hid  they  bring. 
Then  I  too  late  perceiu  d  my  deaths  approching  fting. 
O  this  (quoth  I)  is  violence :  then  Caffim  picrft  my  br elt : 
An&Vmtw  thou  my  fonne  (quoth  I)  whom  erft  I  louedbeft  ? 

Yee  Princes  all,  and  noble  men  beware  of  pride, 
Wracke  not  the  Commonwealth  for  wealthie  kingdomes  lake : 
Be  warn  d  by  me,  that  fct  my  felfe  the  world  to  guide. 
Beware  what  bioodie  warres  for  rule  you  vndertake. 
Ere  three  and  twentic  wounds  had  made  my  heart  to  quake, 
How  many  thoufands  fell  for  Vomfyes  pride  and  mine  ? 
.  HowmanyyaliantKnightsdidlouedliferefigne? 


Full  many  noble  men,  to  rule  alone,  I  flew, 
And  fome  themfelues  againc  for  griefe  of  heart  did  flay  t 
For  they  would  neuer  yeeld  though  I  did  them  fubdue: 
Some  I  did  force  to  yeeld,fome  trauaif  d  farre  away, 
As  loth  to  ftay  and  lee  their  countries  fwift  decay. 
The  world  on  Aphrike  coafts,  and  Afia  diftant  farre, 
And  Europe  alfo  knew  my  bloodfheds  great  in  warre. 

But  11th  my  whole  pretence  was  nought  but  glorie  vaine, 
To  haue  renowne  and  rule  mongft  men  aboue  the  reft, 
Without  remorce  in  mind  of  many  thoufands  flaine, 
Which,  for  their  owne  defence,  their  warres  fo  oft  addreft : 
I  iuftly  deeme  therefore  my  ftonie  heart  and  breft 

Receiu'd  fo  many  wounds  this  fentence  long  hath  ftood 
That  who  fo  flayes,  he  paies  the  price  of  blood  for  blood. 


HOW  CLAVDIVS  TIBE- 

RIVS  NERO  EMPEROVR  OF 
Rome,  was  poifoned  by  Cains  Caligula,  the 
yeareofChrilt^g. 

iHat  bootes  it  hautie  hearts  depend  fo  much 
J  On  high  eftate  ?  auailes  it  ought  thinke  yee  ? 
The  gold  is  tri'd  when  it  is  brought  to  tuch : 
I  So  triall  tciles  what  worldly  triumphs  bee. 
-  When  glerie  fhines,  no  dangers  deepe  we  fee,. 
Till  we  at  laft  find  true  the  prouerbc  old : 
*  Not  all  thlat  fliines  is  pure  and  perfect  gold. 

While  valiant  men  fo  burne  with  hot  defire 

Of  royall  rule,  and  thirft  fo  fore  for  feat, 

No  fprmgs  ofPernaffe  mount  can  quench  the  fire, 

Nor  Boreas  blaft  allay  the  hautie  heate. 

On  high  renowne  fo  much  their  braines  they  beatc, 

And  toyle  fo  much  for  fading  flickering  fame, 

On  earth  for  aye  to  leauc  behind  a  name, 


14.0  C.  T.  J^erb. 

But  if  they  would  marke  Fortunes  double  face, 
And  how  fhe  turnes  about  the  tottering  wheele : 
How  fhe  doth  change  her  minde  and  turne  her  grace, 
How  blindc  of  fight  (he  is,how  light  of hee  e : 
They  would  not  rue  the  fatall  falles  they  feele, 
They  would  not  after  blame  her  blindneile  fo, 
But  looke  beforehand  leape  her  lightnelfe  fro. 

AH  men  that  in  affaires  themfelues  imploy. 
Doe  praife  Dame  Fortune  firft  if  they  fpecde  well : 
But  if  thereby  fall  after  fome  annoy, 
They  curfe  her  then,as  hatefull  hagge  of  hell : 
If  Fortune  firme  had  ftoode,they  bad  not  fell. 
They  ban  her  then,and  yet  themfelues  were  curft, 
Which  tooke  her  baite  fo  freely  at  the  firft. 

For  while  her  idle  impes  doe  bathe  inblhfe, 
They  count  her  gifts  and  pleafures  all  good  hap : 
But  if  at  laft  (he  frowne  (as  cuftome  is) 
And  let  them  flip  againe  bcfide  her  lap. 
They  then  confeffe  her  baites  did  boad  fome  trap. 
As  I  haue  proud/what  Fortune  giues  to  men, 
For  pleafure  each/he  brings  difpleafures  ten. 

^AuguTtusgtt2X  that  good  OUauim  hight, 
The  Emperour  which  in  peace  did  rule  fo  long, 
In  whofe  good  raigne  was  borne  the  Lord  of  light 
Narnd  lefiu  Chrttt,  in  power  and  works  fo  ftrong, 
Whom  in  my  daies  the  Iewes  oppreft  with  wrong, 
Of  which  good  ChriH  anon  I  haue  to  tell  J 
But  firft  vnto  Attguftas  what  befell. 

This  noble  Emprour  did  my  mother  wed 
Which  Lima  hight,afaire  and  noble  dame  : 
His  daughter  hdia  I  likewife  did  bed, 
And  put  av\ay  my  wife  of  better  fame 
esfgrippa  great  wi?h  child,the  more  rny  blame: 
I  was  through  this  and  tVEmpreflTe  Limas  skill, 
Adopted  Emprour  by  Attguftm  will. 


When  he  was  dead,  then  I  Tiberius  raign  d 
Adopted  thus,  and  for  my  noble  a6h, 
I  was  both  vnto  warre  and  peace  well  train'd, 
Th'lllyrians  mud  confcfle  my  famous  fa<5ts : 
In  three  yeares  fpace  my  power  their  pride  fuba&s. 
On  them  and  Germanes  triumpht  neare  and  farre> 
Saue  Punikc  fight  the  greateft  Roman  warre* 

Now  (for  it  was  my  hap  a  vidtour  fb 
To  Rome  returne  a  yeare  before  his  end) 
Throughout  the  world  the  fame  of  me  did  go, 
The  Romans  all  to  fauourme  did  bend. 
To  them  AnguYim  did  my  warres  commend, 
Adopted  me,  and  (as  I  faid)  for  this 
The  Romanes  heapt  on  me  all  worldly  blifle* 

So  when  I  had  obtained  my  defire, 
Who  then  but  Cafar  ?  I  did  rule  alone : 
By  nature  proud,  preform ng  to  afpire, 
DifTembling  that  which  afterward  was  knowne. 
For  when  the  fathers  mind  to  me  was  flhowne, 

Of  their  electing  mine  Emperiall  place, 

I  feem'd  to  (tay,  refufing  it  a  /pace. 

And  thus  to  proue  my  friends  before  I  did, 
And  eke  to  heare  what  euery  one  would  fay, 
Which  was  the  caufe  why  fome  I  after  rid, 
Thebeft'mongft  them  I  made  as  foes  away. 
By  (laughter  fo  I  thought  my  throne  to  ftay, 
But  otherwife  then  I  had  thought  it  fell, 
As  time  doth  trie  the  fruit  of  things  full  well* 

Another  griefe  conceiud  I  will  recite, 
Which  made  me  with  the^^/^dilcontent : 
About  that  time  did  Pontius  Pilate  write 
His  letters  how  the  lewes,  to  malice  bent, 
Had  put  to  death  one  tfhritt  full  innocent, 

The  Sonne  of  God,  of  might,  of  power  no  lefle, 
Which  rofe  from  death,  as  Chriftians  all  confeffe. 
Thus  wife  he  wrote :  • 

PO 


14.2- 

PONTIVS  PILATE 

TO  HIS  LORD  Cuv- 
d  i  v  s,  witheth  health. 

This  letter  is  '  f~*\  F  late  it  chanU,  which  I  haueproued  well, 

in  Florcs  hi-    \J  The  lewes  through  wrath  by  cruelldoome  ham  toft 

poriarum;  but  Themfelues,  and  all  their  ofifrin<r  that  enfue. 

frit  dovvne  Would  fend  to  them  from  heauert  his  holy  one, 
khereby  to  a f.   That  might  defer uingly  be  nam *d  their  King, 
\  f  me  that  he    And  by  a  virgin  him  to  ttiearth  to  fend, 
Tlm2r  Ff  ™hen ** the  fob***  Godwas come, 

ied  he  would  And  they  himfaw  reslore  the  blind  to  fight, 
hot  write  fo   To  clean fe  the  leaders,  cure  thepalfies  eke, 
fveU,mdyet  To  cafi fiends  out  o  f  men,  and  raife  the  dead, 
Happeares  by  Command  the  winds,  onfeawithdriefeetewalke, 

Andmanymaruelsgreatbefidetodo, 
Claudius       When  all  wen  called  him  the  Sonne  ofQod, 
%>vould  haue    The  Priefts  in  enu'te  brought  him  vnto  me, 
Tadt?.brUt  la  Andbrmrinzmany  forged fained faults 
tg£&  mmdhLLfakgaM^ 
God,  and  that  Which  Ibelieuingwhtfthimforthe  cauje, 
the  Senate  and  And gaue  htm  vp  to  vfe  as  they  thought  best . 
^efiU/oatva-  They cructfidh:m,buried him,  hisumbe, 
ite!^  Theyk§ptthreedaieswithfouldiersftout:yethe 
'to?  The  third  day  rofeagaine,  and  came  to life. 

Which  when  they  heard,  they  brib'd  the  fouldier  sail, 
[  I  And  bad  them  fay,  his  corpes  wasfiolm  away. 

The  fouldiersyet,  when  they  the  money  had, 
Could  not  the  truth  keepe filent  ofthefaSt : 
For they  didwitnefe 'he  did rife againe, 
Andofthe  lewes,  that  they  money  taken  had, 
I  write  the  truth ;  if  any  otherwife 
Do  bring  report, account  it  hut  vdneUes* 


Tfcefc 


C.  T.  frfjro. 

THcfe  letters  read,  I  did  thereon  conferre, 
Both  with  the  Fathers  graue  in  high  degree, 
And  with  the  nobles  who  or  Senate  were 
That  Chrift  in  Rome  as  God  might  counted  bee, 
To  which  they  only  did  not  difagree, 

(Becaufe  the  letters  came  not  firft  to  them) 
But  by  edict  did  punifli  Chriften  men. 

To  their  accufers  threaten  death  I  did, 

Although  Setinw  from  my  partie  fell : 

The  Senate  which  the  Chriftians  fought  to  rid, 

By  me  were  after  feru  d  in  order  well. 

For  as  drifts  Godhead  they  would  Rome  expell, 
And  would  not  ferue  the  God  of  meekeneflc  fcnt, 
To  pot  apace  their  hautie  heads  were  pent. 

I  banifht  fome,  and  fome  to  death  I  put, 
And  foure  and  twentie  Fathers  graue  Ichofe : 
From  flioulders  eke  moft  of  their  heads  I  cut, 
And  left  like  wife  aliue  but  twaine  of thofe. 
Setanw  I  did  flay,  all  Drnfm  deadly  foes. 

I  eke  Germanic ut  with  poyfbn  flew, 

His  fonnes  likewife,  my  poyfons  force  well  kocw* 

The  men  that  did  Iehomtesfotmt  refufe, 

The  King  of  Iewes,  the  Lord  of  life  and  health, 

Were  gouern  d  thus :  Tiberius  thus  did  vfe 

The  men  that  were  the  Gods  in  Commonwealth, 

Forfaking  fo  their  heauenly  fauing  health. 

The  Emprour  I  which  fhould  their  Hues  defend > 
Sought  all  the  meanes  to  bring  their  Hues  to  end* 

Yet  to  religion  I  was  nothing  bent, 
DifTcmbled  things  that  leaft  I  fauourM  ftill  2 
I  neucr  vfde  to  fpeake  the  things  I  ment, 
But  bare  in  mind  the  waies  to  worke  men  ill. 
I  feem'd  to  fbme  to  bcare  them  great  good  will, 
And  thofe  I  tooke  away  as  time  did  ferue, 
Inconftant  vnto  each,  yet  feldome  feein  d  tofwerut, 


44.  C.T.  Hyo. 

To  drunkenneffe  and  riot,fports  and  cafe, 
Andplcafure  all  I  gauemy  ftudie  then : 
Nought  more  then  fubtill  flhiftings  did  me  pleafe, 
Witribloodfhed,  craftie,  vndermining  men. 
My  Court  was  like  a  Lions  lurking  den. 
The  Jeftersnam'dme  Catdim  Btberius  Mere, 
In  ftead  of  this  my  name,  CUttdim  Tiber  tm  tfero, 

I  will  no  more  my  life  defcribe  this  time, 
For  why,  my  facls  at  laft  deferu'd  defame, 
Infected  with  io  many  a  fulfome  crime, 
As  may  not  heere  repeated  be  for  ftiame. 
I  haue  no  caufe  the  Ladie  blind  to  blame, 

But  mine  owne  felfe,  who  did  abufe  my  place, 
Which  might  full  well  haue  vfde  the  gifts  of  grace. 

Three  things  in  fine  I  tell,  that  wrought  my  fall, 
Firft  vile  dilTembling  both  with  God  and  man : 
For  bloodfbed  then,  which  hauocke  made  of  all, 
Blood  cries  to  him  that  well  reuenge  it  can. 
For  filthie  life  I  much  offended  than  : 

Wherefore  aliue  thus  poyfoned  with  thefe  three, 

Caligula  at  laft  did  poyfon  me. 

To  Princes  this  I  fay,  and  worthie  Peeres, 
I  wifh  them  wifely  weigh  that  heare  me  flnll, 
And  poife  my  firft  exploits  with  latter  yeeres,  ^ 
And  well  confider  one  thing  in  my  fall : 
*  Abufe  of  power  abafeth  Princes  all. 
In  throne  on  earth,  a  Prince  as  God  doth  fit, 
And  as  a  God  no  hiftice  fliould  omit. 


HOW 


HOW  CATVS  CMSAK 

Caligvla   EMPEROVR  OF 
Rome  was  flainc  by  Cberea  and  others* 
the  y  ear  e  of  Chrift, 
42. 

JNhappie  Princes  haue  in  wealth  n©  grace, 
To  lee  how  foone  their  vices  bring  them  vnder, 
But  run  vnruly,reckeleffeof  their  race, 
Till  at  the  length  they  make  themfelues  a  wonder^ 
When  from  aloft  their  traces  fallafonder, 
There  is  no  hope  to  hold  aright  the  trace : 
They  cannot  kcepe  aloft  th'Emperiall  place. 

Beholde  my  hap,  on  whom  the  Romane  rout 

With  idy  did  gaze,  wheabloudy  (laincl  lay. 

Here  lies  (quoth  they)  thruft  thirtie  times  throughout^' 

The  monfter  vile,  that  beaft  Caligula, 

Which  did  fomany  guiltlefTe  Romanesflay. 

The  nobles  now  the  matrons  need  riot  doubt. 

The  worthy  writers  may  their  works  fet  out, 

I  was  (I  grant)  full  leaudly  led  by  luft, 

I  forced  nought  of  vertue,  faith,  nor  law: 

In  power  I  put  riiy  confidence  and  truft, 

Regarding  right  nor  Iuftice  ftricl  a  ftrawi 

My  fa&s  infarft  mv life  with  many  a  flawe, 
Did  me  to  deedes  of  foule  luft  inceft  draw : 
Which  had  of  God  nor  natures  hefts  the  awe.  • 

To  make  my  felfe  a  God  I  did  deuifc, 
That  lupiter  to  name  my  felfe  did  dare, 
For  incefts  vile,  which  all  good  wights  defpife, 
Nam  d  Bacchus  eke  a  drunken  Urine  I  bare. 
To  call  me  God  fome  flatterers  did  not  fpare. 

By  melTage  I  commanded  them  likevife, 

My  ftatue  in  the  Temple  to  comprife. 

M  t 


IQngCjuiderim. 

I  would  not  haue  my  flaughters  here  enrolde, 
Andmurdrous  mifchieues  mingled  with  the  reft, 
Without  regard  of  fexe^of  yong  or  olde, 
For  which  the  Romanes  did  my  life  deteft. 
To  vices  vile  my  deedes  were  all  addreft : 
Which  mine  owne  feruants  loathing  at  the  laft 
With  their  owne  hands  my  timeleffe  death  did  haft. 

My  life  was  naughtaahd  thus  at  laft  I  dide, 
My  life  procured  both  Gods  and  men  my  foes  : 
Let  Princes  then  beware  of  pompe  and  pride, 
And  not  themfelues  to  vices  fuch  dilpofe. 
The  throne  will  foone  a  Princely  minde  difclofe, 
The  tyrants  heart  at  once  in  throne  is  tride : 
The  Princely  robe  no  tyrant  thoughts  can  hidf* 


HOW  GVIDERIVS  KING 

of  Britaine,and  the  elder  fon  of  Cimbaline 

was  flaine  in  battaile  by  a  Romane,the  yeare 

or  as  fome  mite,  46% 

AkCyH/ggins,  now  in  hand  thy  pen  for  rne, 
Let  not  my  d  cath  and  ftory  lie  forgote : 
Good  caufe  there  is  I  jfihould  remembred  be, 
Jf  thou  the  falles  of  Britaine  Princes  note.  • 
Aloft  I  fate  in  Princely  place  aflote, 
I  had  the  fword^Ibare  the  fcepter  right : 
I  was  accounted  aye  a  worthy  wight. 

Guideritu  was  my  name,the  fonne  of  yore 

Of  noble  Cimbaline      after  King : 

The  Romane  tribute  I  would  pay  no  more, 

Me  thought  it  was  too  bate  a  feruile  thing. 

No  Romane  ftiould  me  in  fubie&ion  brings 
I  ftoutly  did  deny  what  they  did  clahnc, 
Though  many  counfeicjme  to  yeeld  the  fame* 

*  Wht& 


KingCjuiderius. 

When  Claudius  fent  this  .tribute  for  to  haue, 
I  fent  him  wordugaine,I  would  not  pay : 
I  would  not  graunt,vniuftly  he  did  crauc, 
That  might  in  time  procure  my  Realmes  decay : 
He  fhould  not  beare  our  freedome  fo  away: 

By  force  and  fraude  proud  Cafar  heere  did  raigne, 
But  now  by  might  my  right  I  would  maintains 

On  this  addreft  himfclfe  in  warlike  fort, 
The  noble  Claudius  came  to  trie  the  cafe : 
Which  had  before  receiued  high  report, 
Both  of  my  wealth,my  force,and  noble  grace. 
So  thinking  well  he  might  my  fame  deface, 
From  Rome  he  came  toBritaine  with  his  hoaft, 
And  landed  here  vpon  my  Southerne  coaft. 

Now  marke  my  tale,and  hereby  flialt  thou  know 
The  fubtill  Heights  of  Romanes  in  their  war : 
The  flic  deceits  of  fuch  doe  make  a  flio  w, 
Whereby  to  trie  the  people  what  they  are. 
Note  well  fuch  foes  in  dealing  neere  and  far, 

Amidft  the  field,in  fcout,or  fight  alone : 

Of  all  the  reft  example  take  by  one. 

&.*  -         Q  yd  Iflft  03  t3jj;S  3fiw3«ii.j  n: 

Amongft  his  men,a  Captaine  flout  he  had, 
With  whom  in  fight  I  made  my  party  good : 
Hamomtu  menhimcal'd,who  for  his  blade 
In  fingle  fight  fo  often  I  withftood : 
At  lafl  did  worke  a  wile  to  fried  my  blood, 

He  clad  himfelfe  as  he  aBritaine  weare, 

Like  armour,fword,and  target  did  he  beare. 

.  Hemarcht  with  vs  as  he  a  friend  had  been, 
And  when  we  came  to  fight  he  fhe  w'd  a  face 
Of  comfort  and  bold  courage  gainft  his  men: 
And  when  they  fled,and  we  purfud  the  chace, 
Purfue  (quoth  he)  the  Romans  flie  apace, 
In  Britifli  tongue  he  cride,they  flie,they  flie, 
Our  hoflages  had  taught  him  fo  to  crie. 

M2 


14.8 


Lalius  Hamo. 


As  wc  purfude,  in  me  he  thruft  his  blade, 
Betweene  my  armour  fplints  he  gaue  the  wound 
And  faft  away  for  life  to  fhift  he  made, 
Thus  by  deceits  my  life  hee  did  confound. 
Of  my  decay  this  was  the  fatall  ground: 
Which  thou  muft  pen,  that  I  a  mirorbe 
For  men  to  £hun  the  flights  of  trccherie. 


HOW  LiELIVS  HAMO 

THE  ROMANE  CAPTAINE 
was  flaine,  after  the  (laughter  of 
Guiderius,  about  the  year*  of 

Cbrift,  46*. 

Romane  Captainel  inBritaine  armour  clad, 
Difguifde  therfore^in  field  did  flay  their  noble  King. 
I  ventred  in  their  hoft,  and  I  my  purpofe  had : 
_  To  venture  fo  forCountrics  fake  a  worthy  thing. 
But  whofo  wcenes  to  win  by  daughter  high  renowne, 
Hath  often  times  the  fate,  to  fall  by  flaughtcr  downe. 

Euen  fo  my  felfe  that  flew,  fliort  time  my  ioyes  did  laft, 
In  flight  I  taken  was,  and  he wdc  in  pieces  finall, 
Which  downe  the  cleeues  they  did  into  the  waters  cafl. 
And  by  my  name  as  yet  the  hauen  and  harbor  call. 

Who  thinkes  by  {laughters  praife,  to  winne  immortallfame 
By  treafon  vile,  deferues  a  fhrowding  iheetc  of  fhame. 


h 

HOW 


HOW  CLAVDIVS  TIBE- 

RIVS  DRVSVS  EMPEROVR 
of  Rome,  waspoifoncdby  his  wife  Agr  'tf- 
pna,  Tbeyeart  of Chrifi, 
56. 

[Ay  not  the  people  well,  that  fortune  fauours  fooles  ? 
pf  So  well  they  fay,  Ithinke,  which  name  her  beetle  blind. 
^Jf  I  need  not  tell  thee  heere  what  I  haue  learn'd  at  fchoolcs, 
But  may  by  proofe  exprefle  the  madneffe  of  my  mind. 
My  mother  by  her  prouerbs  me  a  foole  defind, 
Which  often  faid  when  any  foolifhly  had  done  % 
In  faith  you  arc  as  wife  as  Claudius  my  fonne. 

It  pleafed  her  not  only  fo  to  name  me  fot, 

But  alfo  me  in  ire  a  monfter  oft  file  nam'd, 

Vnperfe&  all,  begun  by  nature,  but  begot 

Not  abfolute,  not  well,  nor  fully  compleat  frarn  d. 

Sith  thus  my  mother  oft  in  anger  me  defam'd, 

What  meant  the  men  of  Rome,which  fo  elected  me, 
A  foole,  a  monfter  foule,  their  gouernour  to  be  ? 

Th'Emperiall  blood  and  high  defcent  was  partly  caufe. 
That  I  (vnfit  therefore)  attain  d  the  fuprcame  throne : 
And  yet  the  bloodie  Senate  tooke  a  while  the  paufe, 
Determining  in  mind  t'abolifti  euery  one 
OfCdfars  ancient  linage,  as  their  mortall  fone. 

For  why  they  could,  they  thought,  receiue  no  quiet  reft, 
But  ftill  by  our  proud  raigne  were  cruelly  oppreft. 

The  fouldiers  which  mcfound  where  I  my  felfe  had  hid, 
Loe  from  a  place  obfeure,  vnfit  for  Cafars  grace, 
They  brought  me  forth  by  force,  there  me  proclaime  they  did, 
Bccaufe  I  feetn  din  heart  much  mcekeneffe  to  embrace, 
And  could  diflemble  eke  t  obtaine  th'Emperiall  place, 

Whereby  the  warriers  ftout  were  vnto  me  inclinde, 

Suppofing  I  was  meeke,  and  of  a  gentle  mind. 

M  3  The 


ifo  C.  T.  Vmfm. 

The  wilie  wotfe  tKat  feekes  to  flay  the  filly  flieepe, 
Doth  faine  himfelfe  oft  times  to  beare  a  fimple  eye: 
The  craftie  fox  likewife  would  take  of  lambes  the  keepe, 
If  that  he.do  pcrceiue  the  maftiue  lying  by  : 
The  Crocodile  in  Nile  will  faine  to  weepe  and  crie : 

But  if  the  fheepe^er  yong,  or  wandring  man  be  caught  t 
Wolfe,  Foxe,  and  Crocodile,  haue  euen  the  prey  they  fought* 

So  I  could  wifely  faine,  as  though  I  did  refufe 
To  take  the  Empires  fway,  a  charge  for  me  too  great, 
But  well  in  mind  I  wrft,  if  th'arraie  did  me  chufe, 
The  Senate  could  not  me  by  force  thereof  defeate : 
Th  ey  had  no  power  to  ftay  me  from  the  hautie  feate. 

Thus  though  I  feem'd  at  firft  fo  fimple,  meeke  andplaine  t 

Yet  was  I  fubtill,  (lie,  and  glad  of  glorie  vaine. 

But  after  I  was  thron  d,  I  gaue  my  &lfe  to  eafe, 
To  wine,  to  women  eke,  to  {port,  and  bellie  chere, 
And  foolifh  fearefull  was,  my  wife  for  to  difpleafe 
Who  cJW^Z/^hight,  whofe  manners  homely  were* 
She  made  not  only  me  the  cuckolds  home  to  beare, 
But  alfo  did  allure  good  matrons  vnto  vice, 
And  virgins  chaft  to  finne,or  made  them  pay  the  price* 

For  if  that  either  they  did  feeme  t  abhor  the  facl, 
Or  if  that  men  with  her  adulterate  would  not  be, 
Some  famous  crime  was  fain'd  or  elfe  fome  hainous  aft, 
For  which  not  they  nor  theirs  fromflaughter  could  be  free. 
My  houfhold  feruants  were  prefer'd  in  place  by  me, 

Their  wealth  was  more  then  mine :  the  prouerbe  went  as  theo, 
*  I  need  no  treafure  want,  if  I  would  pleafe  my  men* 

On  this  I  caufed  her  for  to  be  made  away, 
And  made  a  vow  no  more  with  women  for  to  wed, 
Becaufe  my  vicious  wiues  fought  either  me  to  flay, 
Or  elfe  with  whoredome  vile  to  violate  my  bed. 
But  blind  at  length  with  folly  from  my  vow  I  fled, 
And  Jgrifpina  hight  my  brothers  daughter  braue 
Incefluoufly  I  chofe,  for  fpoufed  wifeto  haue; 


9& 


C.  T.Dru/uss  151 

Sb'lca^irtg  thehmylife  irifloth  and  lothfome  finne^ 

I  gauemy  felfe  to  riot,  drinking,  cards  and  dice  : 

And  I  fo  skilful!  was  by  praftife  gro wne  therein, 

That  I  of  dicing  arte  did  write  a  worke  ofPrice. 

This  may  full  well  declare  if  I  were  graue  and  wife. 
(Drowne  old  in  all  my  deeds  fo  credulous  was  I3 
That  in  each  doubtfull  place  I  had  fome  fecret  (pie. 

So  bloodie  was  I  gro  wne,  that  euery  light  offence 
Was  caufe  enough  to  take  away  th'offenders  life : 
I  fo  forgetfull  was,  and  fuch  my  negligence, 
I  would  enquire  for  thofe  that  caufde  my  former  griefe 
For  Mefalma  faire,  of  late  my  wanton  wife  : 

Eke  for  ruch  others  dead  I  would  enquire  againe. 

As  I  in  rage  before  commanded  to  be  flaine. 

Ifondly  did  extoll  themeaner  fort  of  men, 
Adorning  their  degrees  with  titles  of  eftate, 
Euen  fuch  as  feruants  were  and  feru  d  my  diet  then, 
Amongft  the  ancient  men  in  Senate  often  fate, 
For  which  the  Romans  me  vnto  the  death  did  hate. 
And  for  the  cruell  deeds  and  beaftly  life  I  lead, 
Full  often  times  they  wifht  that  I  their  Prince  were  dcadu 

My  perfwadedme  t'adopt  her  hopefull  fonne, 

*  That  after  my  deceafe  the  Empire  he  might  haue : 
Wnich  when  too  fbone  at  length  I  had  vnwifely  donne 
At  her  vniuft  requeft,  as  fhe  the  fame  did  craue : 
In  recompence  to  me  fhe  deadly  poyfon  gaue, 
Whereof  at  laft  I  di'd  :  this  was  my  life  and  end  : 
Which  as  a  mirour  hecre  to  thee  I  do  commend. 


M4.  HOW 


HOW  THE  EMPEROVR 

DOMITIVS  NERO  LIVED 
wickedly  and  tyrannoufly,  and  in  the  end 

tntferablie  (lew  bimfelfe,  thtycare  of 

WMb  I  Among^  tne  wreckcs  whom  Fortunes  tcmpefts  tore  2 
jp^J||u!  Well,  then  I  fee  I  muft,thc  cafe  is  cleere, 
But  blame  1  mu.fi  my  onely  felfe  therefore. 
I  am  that  Nero  rule  in  Rome  that  bore, 

My  mother  Agrippne  fo  wrought  for  me, 

Her  husband  poifnedj  might  Emprourbc* 

A  while  I  gaue  my  felfe  to  gouerne  well, 

As  Senec  graue  inftrudtedme  thereto: 

But  after.I  to  foamelefTe  dealings  fell, 

At  randome  liud  in  luftas  Lechers  doe, 

To  (laughters  fell,of  friends  and  kinred  too, 
Not  fpariug  thofe  in  flefhly  lufts  defire, 
Whom  natures  impes  dumb  beafts  will  not  requiref 

A  fhame  it  were  to  tell  my  hatefull  life : 
But  he  that  wanted  fliame/whofe  face  wasbrafle, 
That  fpared  neither  men,maide5virgine,wife, 
Notmother,  fitter,  kind,  nor  kin  that  was :  . 
Whofe  faSs  both  care  and  fhame  did  alwaies  paffe : 

What  fhouldhe  fhame  to  do3fpeake,think,  or  fay, 

Which  all  his  life  caft  baftifull  fhame  away  ? 

For  wantonnelTe,  I  pafi  the  filthie  ftues : 

For  gluttonie,  I  had  no  where  my  peere : 

No  kind  of  crueltie  but  I  did  vfe, 

No  wickednerTefrom  which  my  life  was  cleere, 

My  pride  did  parte  them  all.both  far  and  neere, 
Againft  the  trade  of  kindc  in  fhameleffe  life, 
One  man  had mc  for  bride  and  for  bridc-wifc. 

With 


Domitius  ^{ero.  t% 

With  golden  nets  in  riot  I  would  fi£h. 

And  purple  lines  to  draw  my  nets  Ihad: 

I  vfed  eke  for  pleafures  many  a dull, 

And  was  with  nought  but  luft  and  mifchiefe  glad. 

Though  thefe  things  made  the  Romans  hearts  full  fad. 

They  durft  not  Ipeake :  for  whofo  did  complaine, ,; 

Without  refpe6t  or  fentence  more,was  flaine. 

For  pleafures  fake  to  fee  the  flames  arife, 
I  caufde  that  Rome  fhould  then  on  fire  be  fet  ? 
And  for  to  feede  therewith  my  gazing  eyes, 
On  high  MaecenasTower  toftand I  get. 
So,fixe  daies  fire  and  feuen  nights  wafle  I  let, 

And  fang  there  while,beholding  it  with  ioy, 

The  Iliades  fweet  of  Grecians  burning  Troy. 

Then  I  reftrain  d  that  no  man  fliould  rcfort 
To'thc  ruinesgreat,when.asthefire  was  part:    '    ,  \ 
Nor  fliould  therefrofn  the  rcliques  left  tranfpbrt, 
But  to  my  felfe  referu'd  them  all  at  laft. 
The  Merchants  caufelcflc  from  their  goods  I  can\  ' 
And  Senatours  depriu'd  of  all  they  had, 
Some  flaine^e  reft  with  life  to  fcape  were  dad, 

Still  out  the  fword  to  flay  all.forts  I  drew, 

My  mother  could  not  fcape  amongft  them  free ; 

My  brother  deare,and  fibers  eke  I  flew, 

And  ofmywiueslikewtfe'.a  two  or  three. 

My  kinfemen  eke  Ikii'd  b:f  each  degree, :  '  r 
ReroycrnginfoheirtousbloodflfeajfliiL 
Nought  elfe  with  Nero  thcnbutMUhcmkil!, 

And  for  that  Seneca  me  counfaile  gaue 


nee, 

Andtheretobleederamildcandgcmlcdcath  i 
Euen  fo  I  caufde  them  reaue  his  vitall  breach. 


i<  2L         t>omitius  j\fero. 

So  with  aimightie       I  gan  to  warre, 
The  Chriftians  good  I  did  tbrnaent  and  flay  : 
Commanding  all  my  fubie&s  neere  and  farrc, 
Their  hues  and  goods  to  fpoile  and  take  away. 
Which  they  accompliflit  ftraight  without  delay : 

Both  Paul  and  Peter  ChnRs  difciples  twaine, 

Th' Apoftles>both by  mine  edicl:  were flame* 

But  what  endureth  long  that's  violent  ? 

The  thunder  feemes  fome  time  to  tcare  the  skies* 

At  feas  full  oft  the  ftormes  are  vehement, 

To  cloudes  aloft  the  waues  arid  waters  rife, 

Soone  after  th'aireJseleare,  the  water  lies :  • 
Experience  and  theprouerbs  olde  doe  fhowe, 
*Each  ftorme  will  haue  his  calme,each  tide  hisflowe. 

For  when  I  went  for  f o  deftrby  the^ate, 

And  all  the  Romanes  noble  fame "tob'feure:; 

The  Senate  all/and  people  did  me  hate, 

And  fought  which  way  theymight  my  death  procure* 

Mine  outrage  they  no  longer  could  endure,  > 

They  me  proqlaimd  a  foe  to  gublique  weafe, 

To  faue  my  ielfe  away  by  night 1  fieale. 

Theiudgement  was,  fuch  foes  fhould  pilleredbe 
By  necke,  in  forke  made  faft  full  fure  to  bide : 
And  fliould  with  rods  fo  long  there  beaten  be,, 
Vntill  therewith  the  wofull  cay tiues ;djde: 
From  this  correction  therefore  faft  I  hide, 

From  Galba  then  proclaimed  Emprour  new, 

For  feare  of  death,  by  deeds  deferued  due. 

By  night  (I  fay)  forfaken  quite,  I  fled,  ,  ,j  - 

And  Scorns  th'Eunuch  moft;  impure  like  wife,  - 
With  others  three,  like '  filthy 1  ife  that  led, 
To  flay  my  felfe  I  defperate  then  deuife, 
Whom  all  the  world  did  fo  for  finne  defpife : 
Andthirftingforeinflght,fullfaineIdranke 

The  waters  foule,which  in  the  ditches  fianke. 


Sergius  Galba.  15? 

At  my  requefl  my  friends  would  me  not  kill : 
Haue  I  (quoth  I)  no  foe,  nor  yet  no  frend, 
To  reaue  me  from  this  feare  of  conference  ill  ? 
Will  no  man  make  of  Nero  yet  an  end  ? 
With  that  my  breft  to  point  of  fword  Ibend, 

With  trembling  handjwhich  Sporus  Kolpe  to  flay, 

And  on  the  fame  my  feife  affai'd  to  flay. 

With  that,  of  Galbaes  fcruants  one  drew  nie 
With  fained  cheere,  as  though  he  helpe  me  would  t 
Too  late  you  come,  call  you  this  helpe  (quoth  I)  ? 
Is  this  the  friend/nip  firme  and  faith  you  hold  ? 
My  life  was  filthie,  vile  for  to  behold, 
My  death  more  vile,  more  filthie  I  depart : 
So  mine  owne  fword  I  ran  quite  through  my  hart. 


HOW  SERGIVS  GALBA 

THE  EMPEROVR  OF  ROME 
(giuen  toflaughter5ambition3and  gluttonie) 

was jldine  by  the fouldiers,  the year -e  of 
ChriU,  7  i  . 

Mongfi  thehautieEmproursdowne  thatfell, 
I  Sergius  Galba  may  be  placed  heere : 
Where  who  fb  fees  and  markes  my  dealings  well. 
To  him  may  foone  thefruits  of  fraud  appeare. 
All  murders  great  are  bought  with  price  full  deare> 
Foulc  (laughters  done,  procure  as  foule  a  fall, 
As  he  deferues  that  workes  the  wofull  thralh 

In  Rome  fbmetime  I  Pretour  chofen  was, 
And  then  obtain'd  ofSpaine  theProuince  faire : 
To  gouerne  there,  I  brought  by  friends  to  parte, 
In  hope  to  be  theEmprour  Neroes  heire, 
For  when  the  Romans  did  of  him  defpaire, 

So  bent  at  home  to  flaughter,  luft  and  vice, 

By  warres  abroad  I  wan  the  praife  and  price, . 

To 


i$6  Sergim  Gdha. 

To  get  the  fouldiers  fauour  I  tooke  palne, 
For  in  the  Emprours  choice  they  gaue  the  ftroke  2 
I  therefore  fought  fome  fpoiles  for  them  to  gainc, 
Though  thereby  oft  the  lawesof  armes  I  broke. 
But  who  may  words  or  actions  done  reuoke  ? 
The  ftaine  abides,  where  euill  ftrikes  the  good, 
And  vengeance  wrecks  the  wafte  of  guiltleffebloud. 

In  Lufitania  while  that  time  I  lay, 
Icaufde  the  people  there  affemble  Should, 
Reporting  I  had  fomwhat  for  to  fay, 
Which  in  effect  procure  them  profit  would : 
To  which  they  came  as  many  ncere  as  could, 
Full  thirtie  thoufand,  thinking  nought  of  ilk 
All  which  I  caufde  the  fouldiers  there  to  kill, 

I  fought  by  death  to  poft  proud  Nero  hence, 
Not  for  his  vicious  life,  but  for  his  place : 
Although  his  vice,  were  made  the  chiefe  pretence, 
Whom  all  good  men  accounted  void  of  grace. 
But  yet  I  could  not  ft  ay  fo  long  afpacc : 

I  caufde  in  Spaine  the  fouldiers  me  proclame, 
Which  ftraight  they  did,  and  gaue  mc  Cafars  name? 

To  Rome  I  hide,  and  Nero  gate  him  thence, 
He  ftole  away  for  feare  of  fentencc  paft, 
A  publique  foe  proclaimed  for  negligence, 
For  Daughters  done,  for  fire  of  Rome  the  waft : 
Eke  for  becaufe  he  was  of  me  agaft 

He  flew  him  felfe,  before  my  man  could  come, 
Which  daughter  elfe  my  feruants  there  haddoae^ 

When  I  my  mafter  thus  fubuerted  had, 
The  Romanes  eke  began  miflike  with  mcc  , 
They  faid  I  was  ambitious,  nigh  fo  bad 
And  crueli,  giuen  to  pride  and  gluttony. 
How  I  was  ruled  all  by  Romanes  three, 
Cornelius,  Mitts,  Celms,  for  the  State 
My  fchoolemaftetSj  for  which  they  did  me  hatc# 


Siluius  Otho. 


And  S'ttutHs  Otho  /ought  the  Empire  then, 
That  vicious  beaft,and  coward  varlet  vile : 
He  dealt  by  gifts  fo  with  mine  armed  men, 
That  factions  rofe  in  campe  within  a  while. 
Which  when  I  came  them  for  to  reconcile, 

To  Curtius  lake,  neere  which  the  armielay, 

Of  S'tlmus  friends  the  fouldiers  did  me  flay. 

Strooke  off  my  head,  and  bare  it  to  my  foe, 
Who  caufde  it  fliould  be  fet  vpon  a  fpeare : 
So  through  the  campe  they  bare  it  to  and  fro, 
Saluting  it,  now  dead,  a  fort  there  were, 
Which  late  thereof,  aliue,  did  doubt  and  feare* 

O  Galbai  ioifull  daies  the  Gods  thee  giuc, 

God  fend  thee  Galba  well  long  time  to  hue. 

This  was  the  guerdon  of  my  hautie  pride, 
To  hauemine  head  thus  wife  extold  aloft : 
Thus  I  the  gaines  of  hafty  climing  tridc, 
To  lcefe  mine  head,and  after  haue  it  fcoft  : 
A  thing  indeed  that  chaunceth  wonders  oft. 

*  Who  thinkes  that  gainc  is  fweet  by  {heading  blood, 

In  purple  gore  oft  yeeldes  like  gainfull  good. 

Silvivs  Otho  EMPEROVR  OF 

Rome  flewhimfelfc,  the  yeare  of 
Chrifl,  71. 

Ike  will  to  like  (for  fo  the  Prouerbe  faics) 
Such  are  the  men,  as  thofe  with  whom  they  vie : 
The  Goate  with  Goatc  together  is  alwaies, 
The  Wolfe  of  Wolfe  no  friend  (hip  doth  refu/e, 
The  crafty  Foxe  the  Foxe  for  friend  doth  chufes 
And  cuery  liuing  creature  loues  his  kinde, 
As  well  the  lhape  as  qualities  of  minde. 

And 


158  Siluius  Otho. 


And  yet  all  men  that  come  in  company, 

Are  not  indu'd  with  qualities  alike ; 

One  loues  foft  mufick  and  fweet  melodic, 

Another  is  perhaps  Melancholike, 

Another  fumifh  is  and  Cholerike, 
Another  dull  and  fottifh  in  his  fence, 
And  all(in  fome  what)  full  of  negligence. 

Now  then  Complexion  is  fome  what  in  cafe, 

Concerning  chiefe  the  dilpofition : 

But  yet  the  learned  writers  haue  a  place, 

That  manners  alter  our  Complexion. 

Spfbme  fay  alfb  of  correction. 

And  fure  I  thinke  if  that  they  fay  be  true, 
I  after  was  the  worfe  f  or  Neroes  crue. 

His  Courtifane  brought  me  in  fauour  firft, 

Into  his  Court  and  fellowship  I  came : 

To  me  recount  his  villanies  he  dirft, 

Not  fit  to  tell,he  thought  which  had  no  fliame* 

I  will  no  more  recite  of  his  defame : 

The  day  was  curfl  to  me  which  brought  me  in, 
At  Neroes  houfe,fuch  infamy  to  win. 

But  yet  another  did  me  more  infe£t, 
Seleucm  feene  in  Mathematiques  well : 
He  of  my  birth  a  figure  did  ere6t, 
Of  many  haps  and  chaunces  he  did  tell : 
Incited  me  gainft  qdba  to  rebel}, 

With  warrant  if  I  would  inuade  the  thronea 
I  might  aloft  with  Scepter  fit  alone. 

To  feeke  reuenge  for  Neroes  death  like  wife, 
Incited  me  his  enemy  to  kill : 
Then  with  my  Souldiersail  I  did  deuife, 
The  way  taccomplifh mine endeuour  ftill, 
Whom  well  I  might  pcrfwade  almoft  to  any  itt. 
Eke  fo  indeed  the  Souidiers  did  him  flay, 
And  brought  to  me  his  head  with  them  away. 


Aulm  Vitettius. 


I  caufcd  them  to  fet  it  on  a  fpeare, 
About  the  Campe  to  beare  it  as  a  fliow, 
To  put  the  reft  mine  enemies  in  fcare : 
So  they  before  their  punifhment  might  know. 
Great  gifts  amongft  the  Souldiers  I  beftow, 
Wherewith  they  all  in  campe  with  oneaffent, 
To  chufe  me  for  their  C<zfar> were  content. 

But  now  to  holde  it  faft  a  workc  of  skill, 
Icaft  about  and  many  waies  did  trie 
With  prudent  forecaft  to  preucntall  ill: 
KFon minor  efl  virtus, quam  cfu&rcre$arta  tuerU 
The  hautie  feate  hath  many  a  greedy  eye. 
The  election  was  miflikte,and  in  mort  (pace, 
Vitelhus  fought  to  vndermine  my  grace. 

In  armes  we  wcre,and  he  me  battaik  gaiic, 
Firft  at  PI  acentia, where  I  had  the  foile : 
From  Bebriacke  by  force  he  next  me  draue, 
And  did  mine  army  vanquifh  quitc,andfpoile« 
There  I  not  able  farder  to  rccoilc, . 
Dcfpairing  quite,!  wift  to  flie  no  way, 
As  Nero  earft,  with  fword  my  felfe  I  flay, . 


HOW  AVLVS  VITEL 

LIVS  EMPEROVR  OF  ROME, 
came  to  an  infortunate  end:  the  yeare 
ofCbriB,  71. 

O  tread  the  ftaire  to  ftate3who  takes  in  hand, 
I  And  thereon  enters  flrft,by  bribes  or  blood : 
On  flippery  ground  he  cannot  firmely  fland, 
Ne  fixt  is  he,hishoId  is  nothing  good. 
Though  hee  knew  earft,  how  firmc  on  ground  he 
And  thinke  to  fixe  his  feate  with  better  hold :  (ftood, 
He  cannot  fcapc  yet  fcotfac  vncontrold, 

To 


160         <±A ulus  Vitettim. 

To  fee  before  his  face,  the  fall  of  fuch 
As  climbe  vp  fo,  and  cannot  yet  take  heed, 
But  muft  of  force  dumperiail  title  tuch, 
Wherein  fo  many  doubts  of  danger  breed  : 
A  point  of  peeuifh  pride,  a  rage  indeed 

By  blindneffe  blunt,  a  fottifh  fweame  he  feeles : 
With  ioyes  bereft, when  death  is  hard  at  heeles. 

Hence  Fortune  well  tooke  name,  accounted  blind, 

Becaufe  men  fortunat,  vnfitly  fee  : 

To  pleafures  fweet,  and  honors  all  enclind, 

Without  refpedl:  the  moft  addicted  bee, 

Regarding  nought  but  titles  of  degree. 
Whereby  mifhaps,  infortunes  of  their  race, 
In  high  profpefts,  of  view  can  take  no  place. 

This  blindneffe  is  hot  of  the  eyes  alone, 
But  of  the  mind,  a  dimnelTe  and  a  mift : 
For  when  they  fhift  to  fit  in  haurie  throne 
With  hope  to  rule  the  fcepter  as  they  lift, 
Ther's  no  regard  nor  fearc  of  had-I-wift. 
The  prefent  pleafure,  glorie,  wealth,  and  ioy 
Bereaues  their  gaze*  the  fcare  of  all  annoy. 

The  trade  of  men  is  fuch ,  too  late  th  are wife, 
Too  late  they  know  which  way  mifchances  fell. 
At  firft  the  Phrygians  counfell  did  defpife, 
At  laft  they  knew  the  way  t'haue  holpe  it  well. 
When  Grecians  did  their  noble  Princes  quell. 
Had  fier  d  and  fack  t  their  towne  of  worthic  fame, 
Then  they  too  late  knew  how  thaue  fau  d  the  fame. 

Our  Cafar  fow  too  late  his  caufe  of  fall, 
And  Drufm  poifiied,  had  as  fortune  ill :  . 
DomitiHs  Nero  hated  moft  of  all, 
Eke  Galba,  which  his  matter  fought  to  kill. 
Sd  SilmuA  Of  £>0,whofe  blood  I  did  (pill, 

And  I  Vitelline  may  affirme  with  thete, 

lUuAverum,  SerofafmntThrjges. 


Wc 


Londricus. 


We  all  affaild,  and  gate  the  throne  by  fword, 
So  each  wee  faw  how  they  before  vs  fped  : 
The  only  fruite  which  treafon  hath  t  afford, 
Is  loffe  ofpleafures,  goods,lands,  life  or  head. 
The  gaine  we  get,ftands  vs  Imall  time  in  ftead : 

The  Fame  we  craue,  becomes  defame  and  fhamc, 

And  rufts  for  aie,  deuouring  our  good  name. 

Of  (laughters  mine  what  neede  I  here  defcry, 
Or  how  the  Romanes  reft  away  my  life? 
When  I  feuen  monthes  had  raigned  wickedly, 
Which  entred  in  by  bloud  and  ciuill  ftrife. 
But  this  I  find  too  late  a  fequell  rife, 

Who  takes  by  fword  from  Prince  the  fcepters  guide, 

By  fword  from  him  the  fcepter  fo  fhall  Aide. 

LONDRICVS  THE 

Pid,  flaine  by  King  <£\£arius  o£Bxu 
taine,  about  the  80.  yeare  of 

Cbrisi. 

SslljgJSfOrtune  was  wont  in  ftate  to  lift  her  children  high, 
H  111®  ^nc*  §*uc  ^  kingdomes  great,&  conquefts  at  her  will, 
PllSM  And  place  the,  as  they  thought,  aboue  f  gods  welnigh. 
She  blindly  leades  them  forth,  as  is  her  cuftome  ftill, 
With  pleafures  all  a  while,  (he  doth  their  fancies  fill, 

And  at  the  laft  doth  let  them  fall  adowne  againe. 

Shec  fets  aloft,  and  pulles  them  downe  with  might  and  maine. 

When  we  the  glory  fee  of  thofe  that  haue  renowne, 
We  are  enfiamed  firaight,  the  like  attempts  to  make : 
But  when  we  fee  mifchance  againe  to  driue  them  downe, 
We  are  not  able  yet  example  there  to  take. 
The  ftormes  of enuie  blacke  the  hautielt  houfen  fhake, 
The  bafelt  fort  contend,  with  all  their  force  t  afpire : 
The  meaner  perfons  eke,  the  loftie  roomes  require. 

N  Amongft 


i6z  \Londriwf. 

Amongft  the  fiates  of  men  beft  is  the  meaner  fort, 
And  golden  meane  is  beft  in  euery  trade  of  life: 
For  though  a  mightie  man  doe  keepe  a  Irately  port, 
And  yet  with  men  as  great  doe  daily  Hue  in  ftrife, 
His  pleafure  is  but  paine,  and  all  his  ioy  but  griefe. 
When  we  not  with  our  own  contented  can  abide, 
With  auarice  we  clime.,  but  fall  againe  with  pride. 

So  though  a  noble  borne  could  get  an  higher  feate 
By  conqucft,  or  by  weale,  by  fauour  or  by  fight, 
And  would  from  mightie  hue  his  petegree  repeate, 
Yet  ought  he  not  aduance  himfelfe  aboue  his  height, 
He  ought  not  make  aclaime  to  that  he  hath  no  right, 
Or  truli  to  Fortune  fo(althoughfhefeeme  to  fmile) 
As  though  fhe  did  not  turne  her  felfe  within  awhile. 

When  with  my  Pi£b  I  came  firft  to  the  Seotifh  fhore, 
I  bare  my  felfe  in  hand  that  I  could  Britaine  win, 
Becaufe  that  Scythes  of  whom  I  came  had  won  before 
Right  many  noble  Realmes,  which  they  had  entredin : 
Yet  I  no  fooner  could  my  conqueft  here  begin, 
But  ftraight  King  Marius  came  with  all  his  warlike  band, 
And  met  with  me  and  mine  in  fruitfull  Weftmerland. 

I  trufkd  fure  that  Fortune  would  me  guide  fo  well 
As  fhe  before  had  done,  inbattailes  whilome  fought: 
Butproofe  doth  teach  me  now  the  certainc  truth  to  tell, 
What  I  by  Fortune  falfe  with  death  fo  dearely  bought. 
Whom  Hie  Ibmetimes  fets  vp,  fhebringeth  foone  to  nought. 
As  I  that  thought  this  land  fromBritaines  toregaine, 
In  field  with  ail  my  Pi£ts  were  vanquifhed  and  flaine. 

T'is  folly  or  the  end,  for  men  to  praife  their  chauncc, 
Oi  brag  what  luck  they  haue,  or  tell  their  happie  fate, 
Or  boafthow  Lady  Fortune  doth  their  deedes  aduance: 
For  vnto  change  of  chaunce  fubiccled  is  their  ftatc  : 
Whom  firft  fheloues;  fhe  afterward  doth  hate, 

She  flings  them  headlong  do  wne,  whom  erlt  (he  made  exceil, 
She  makes  them  bare  and  poore,  whom  flic  enriched  well. 

HOW 


HOW  SEVERVS  THE  EMPEROR 
of  Rome  and  gouernour  of  Britainc  was  flainc  at  Yorke, 

fighting  agamfl  the  Pitts,  about  the j ear e  after  Chrift, 
2o6\  after  others,  213. 

He  flay  of  ftately  throne  is  nothing  fure, 
Where  great  eftates  on  bribes  or  bloodflied  build : 
As  DidiHs  Mian  put  for  proofe  in  vre, 
Th'Emperiall  feate  he  bought,  and  foone  was  kild. 
So  Niger  after  him  affaide  the  fame, 
Albinus  then,  from  Britaine  armed  came. 

Thefe  three  flood  in  my  way  to  high  eftate, 
Which  I  fore  thidtcd  for,  but  yet  at  laft 
I  made  therto,  by  bloudfhed  bold,  a  gate, 
And  vnrefifled  to  the  throne  I  paft. 

The  fouldiers  lulian  flew,  for  inefficient  pay ; 

My  feruants  eke  at  Antioch  Niger  flay. 

Then  was  my  fcate,  me  thought,  aflur'd  to  bide, 
The're  could  no  tempeft  teare  my  failes  adowne : 
No  fhower  could  caufe  my  fixed  foote  to  Hide, 
Nor  vndercreeper  take'from  me  the  Crowne, 

Which  had  the  guide  of  all  Europaes  might, 

He  needed  not  to  feare  the  force  of  fight. 

Encouraged  with  loue  of  lafting  fame, 

I  entred  with  an  armie  into  th'Eafl, 

Armenia  can  full  well  report  the  fame, 

Whereas  my  warlike  glory  firft  increafl. 

tAn^arus  I  fubdude  by  fight  the  noble  King, 
And  did  his  founes  to  Rome  for  hoftage  bring. 

Arabia  fcelix  felt  my  force  likewife, 
Although  thofe  warres  had  not  fo  good  fucceiTe : 
Yet  made  I  them  with  bowes  (goood  archers)  rife, 
Or  elf-  they  had  ben  driuen  to  greate  diftreffe. 

Their  fliafts  from  Arras  fhot,made  vsto  fmart, 

They  poyfoned  of  my  men  by  policie  and  art. 

N  a  To 


16^        Emperour  Senerus. 

To  Parthia  thence,  againft  the  law  of  arrnes, 

We  gate,  forgot  the  truce  before  was  plight : 

And  when  occafion  fit  we  found  to  worke  our  harmes, 

King  tArubane  we  did  fiibdue  in  fight. 

With  fire  and  fword  we  brent,  and  fpoif  d  his  land, 
Tooke  captiues,flew  his  men  that  did  withftand. 

To  Rome  I  came,  and  caufed  mappes  be  drawne 

Ofiournies  mine,  by  land  andfeas  the  plats : 

Not  erft  before  fuch  expedition  iawne,  * 

Nor  of  thofe  Countries  feene  fo  perfect  maps. 

The  world  did  wonder  at  my  heapes  of  haps, 

Rome  honourd  mee  with  triumphs  when  I  came, 

They  vnto  me  of  Parthique  gaue  to  name. 

But  when  can  princes  beft  affure  themfelues  ? 
What  ftate  without  the  ftormes  of ftrife  doth  ftand  > 
Whatbarke  beares  faile  in  tempeft  on  the  flielues  ? 
WhatblhTe  abides  and  lafts,  by  fea  or  land  ? 
Who  takes  to  raigne  the  fcepter  in  his  hand, 

Is  like  to  him,  in  fterne  to  ftirre  that  fits, 

Commanding  all  the  refl:,their  race  he  fits. 

For  while  that  I  abroad  for  glorie  hunt, 
My  fonncs  at  home  in  pleafures  ipent  the  time : 
And  as  their  father  erft  before  was  wont, 
Endeuourd  how  aloft  they  both  might  clime. 
The  elder  fierce  and  cruell  Antomne, 

The  yonger  Geta  far  more  milde  then  hee, 

Could  not  at  any  time  in  peace  agree. 

Sol  endeuoured  to  appeaze  the  ftrife, 
But  nought  at  all  I  could  therein  preuaile  : 
This  made  me  woe  and  weary  of  my  life, 
Which  erft  fo  many  Kingcjomes  did  afTaile. 
I  had  the  hap  mine  enmies  force  to  quailc, 

To  rule  the  Romanes  well,  and  all  the  reft : 

But  for  to  rule  my  fonnes,  I  was  vnblcft. 

Perceiuing 


Emperour  Setterus* 

Percelulng  then  fome  perfbns  leaud  there  were, 
Which  counfelf  doftmy  fonncs  embracing  vices 
(As  ftill  is  feene  in  Court  enueiglers  are, 
*  Procurers  of  de(pite,and  auarice, 
That  flattery  hold  for  gaine  a  gift  ofprice) 
I  caufde  be  put  to  death  thofc  Thrafoes  vilc3 
And  fome  were  fent  or  baniflit  to  exile. 

My  elder  fonne  did  thinke  my  life  too  long. 
The  yonger  lou  d  the  elders  life  as  ill : 
They  ftudied  both  to  make  their  parties  ftrong, 
Which  griefe  my  griped  heart  well  neere  did  kill. 
Such  are  the  mifchiefes  of  the  (lately  ftill. 
In  Britaine  eke  the  Pi&s  rebelling  rofe, 
Some  Britaines  there  became  our  fecret  foes. 

Firft  to  be  abfent  from  the  force  at  home, 
And  partly  greater  glorie  to  attaine, 
My  wicked  children  fought  my  death  in  Rome, 
But  chiefely  Antonine  tooke  herein  paine, 
I  ftouldby  guard  orPhyficke  drugs  beflaine, 
That  by  my  death  the  Empire  he  might  fwayf 
Tobtaine  the  fame  he  often  gaue  th'aflay. 

Yet  no  man  would  accomplifli  his  intent, 
For  my  Phyfitions  bare  me  loyall  hearts ; 
My  feruants  eke  full  true  no  treafon  ment, 
Butplai'd  in  each  refpecl:  their  faithfull  parts. 
They  knew  themfelues  fo  bound  by  due  deferts, 
They  ought  not,  feruants,  fuch  a  Lord  betray, 
That  gaue  fo  great  rewards  and  gifts  alway. 

To  Britaine  ouer  feas  from  Rome  went  I, 
To  quaile  the  Pi6ts  that  ruffled  in  that  He : 
And  tame  the  ftout  that  tribute  did  denie, 
Which  were  withheld  from  Romans  there  a  while, 
And  to  be  abfent  from  my  fonnes  fo  rile. 
But  fee  what  haps  befall  vs  in  the  end, 
Which  fo  in  throne  to  raigne  alone  contend : 

N  3 


\66        Emperour  Seuerutl 

For  when  I  was  to  Britaine  come  that  land, 
Where  people  ftout,  vntarnd  vnuaiiquiflit  dwelt  i 
Although  once  C&far  Fortunes  fauour  fand, 
That  erit  before  their  valiant  valour  felt : 
I  found  the  people  nothing  preft  to  pelt, 
To  yeeld,  or  hoftage  giue,  or  tributes  pay, 
Or  couenants  to  accept,  orfearefully  to  fray. 

They  faid  that  we  did  tributes  (ore  exacl, 
Whereby  their  Ifle  impouerifht  greatly  was : 
The Pi&slikewhe  them rob'd,and  fpoif d,and  fackt, 
Whereof  the  Romans  teemed  nought  to  pas. 
We  ought  (they  faid)  to  tame  the  Galloglafle, 
The  ranging  Scythian  Picl  that  them  did  fpoile, 
If we  would  reape  our  tribute  of  their  toile. 

On  which  at  length,  I  did  conclude  a  peace, 
And  ioyn'd  in  league  with  them  againft  the  Picl : 
But  yet  the  wilf  j!1  people  did  not  ceafe, 
My  Britaines  good  by  inroads  to  afflict : 
Whereon  to  wall  them  out  I  made  edie'r. 

Long  fix  fcore  miles  and  t welue,  the  banke  I  madt 
Fromfea  to  fea,  thatPicl:s  (hould  notinuade. 

By  heipe  of  this,  I  chafte  the  Picls  away, 
And  drauc  them  into  Albany  to  dwell : 
Whereon  Vulgentttu  ftout  without  delay 
To  Scythia  faifd,and  there  his  chance  did  tell : 
And  with  an  hoft  ofPicls  appointed  well, 
He  did  returne  with  (peed  to  Britaine  ftrand : 
(That  time  I  lay  by  North  to  guide  the  land) 

At  length  to  Yorke  with  all  his  hoft  he  came, 
Befieging  it  full  £harpe  affaults  he  gaue : 
Where  I  likewife  for  to  defend  the  fame, 
And  from  our  foes  the  caftell  good  to  faue 
Came  with  my  power,  as  deftnies  on  me  draue : 
But  in  that  field  it  was  my  chance  to  fall, 
I  tooke  my  deadly  wound^  there  ended  all. 


Fulgentim.  \6y 

The  Scythian  eke  recciud  a  deadly  wound, 
Which  came  to  conquer  vs,  and  loft  his  field : 
Thus  fortune  fares  her  children  to  confound, 
Which  on  her  wheele  their  baftiles  braucly  beeld. 
Let  noble  Princes  then  to  reafonyeeld, 

The  dainefull  Ladie  daintie  and  demure, 

Dame  Fortunes  fauour  fickle  ^nd  vnfurc. 

Some  fay  that  I  return  d  to  Rome  againe, 
Sore  troubled  with  the  gout,  defiring  death : 
And  that  I  would  haue  taken  poifon  faine, 
Which  me  deni'd,  to  reaue  my  vitall  breath. 
I  tooke  a  furfet  great,  which  wrought  my  death. 

The  Britaines  fay,  at  Yorke  my  bones  do  lie, 

The  Romans  fay  at  Rome  in  Italic 

But  this  I  wifh,  all  noble  wights  to  view 
How  I  by  (laughter  gate  the  throne  at  firft, 
My  fouldiers  noble  men  for  Empire  flew, 
This  way  to  rife,  of  all  I  proued  worft  : 
For  why,  his  hand  of  gods  and  men  is  curft, 

To  rife  aloft  that  Iayes  the  ground  with  blood : 

The  ftates  of  fuch  vnftable  ftill  haue  flood. 

HOW  FVLGENTIVS  A 

SCYTHIAN,  OR  PICT,  WAS 
flainc  at  the  feigc  of  Yorke,  about  the  yearc 
*fChri8,2o6*0r  213. 

Am  that  valiant  Scythian  Prince  the  Picl, 
That  vanquifln  oft  the  Britaines  in  this  He : 
Againft  the  noble  Romans  power  I  kickt, 
And  kept  them  play  in  Britaine  both  long  while, 
I  forft  them  make  a  wall  an  hundred  mile, 
From  fea  to  fea,  with  towers  to  keepe  me  out, 
Which  of  vs  Pi£ls  did  daily  ftand  in  doubt. 

N4  Our 


\6%  Fulgentiufs 

Our  ancient  race  (as  I  can  (hew  with  skill) 
Had  right  by  due  defccnt  to  claime  this  land: 
Of  which  repeate  fome  proofe  therefore  I  wilt 
That  fo  thou  maift  our  title  vnderftand. 
When  all  mankind  felt  hues  almightie  hand, 
That  drench t  all  nations  quite,  for  their  foule  fin, 
Then  ftraight  in  Scy  thia  did  the  world  begin. 

Trf  Egyptians  hold  forfooth  that  they  reftord 
The  world  againe ;  but,ho  w  vnlikely,  fee : 
For  Scythiaesfite  is  high  as  all  accord, 
From  vs  the  fountaines  great'ft  deriued  bee. 
The  ancient  writers  alllikewifc  agree, 
That  on  Armenia  mount  the  Arke  did  reft, 
Till  hue  againe  the  earth  with  drowth  addreft. 

But  they  alledge  againe  their  Zone  is  milde, 
And  fertill,  temperate,  mecte  to  fofter  men : 
Our  Scythian  hilles  (they  fay)  are  froftie,  wilde, 
Which  cannot  breed  but  ruder  people  then. 
To  which  I  may  well  anfwere  make  agen, 

As  God  did  make  the  Zones  hot,  milde,  and  cold, 
So  did  he  make  like  men  the  fame  to  hold. 

They  fay  we  are  nigh  neighbours  to  the  Pole, 
Or  frozen  point :  more  neere  the  fire  are  they : 
Whatpoyfons  breed  with  them,and  Lybians  Colt 
In  parching  fands  the  writers  wife  dilplay. 
Can  nature  frame  mankind  more  deepe  decay  ? 
Where  parching  heat,  where  ferpents  vglie  breed, 
Is  no  fit  clime,  whence  man  ffiouldfirft  proceed. 

But  now  He  tell  why  Scythians  ftiould  poflefle 
This  noble  Ille :  firft,  Lord  Nepuntu  gaue 
The  Wands  to  his  fonnes,  both  more  andlefle, 
Eke  Albion  firft  of  all  this  Ille  (hould  haue  : 
He  not  with  this  content,  the  Firme  did  craue. 
Wherefore  in  France  him  Hercules  difpatcht, 
When  as  he  would  a  Kingdome  there  haue  catcht. 


Fulgentius.  169 

Now  as  from  Noah  (of  Scythia)  by  defcent, 
Downe  vnto  Albions  time  they  held  the  land : 
From  Scythe  to  Scythian  as  of  right  it  went, 
And  after  him  no  Scythian  Prince  it  fand, 
When  as  viurpers  tooke  the  raigne  in  hand, 

Was  it  not  reafon  we  fhould  vndertake, 

This  noble  Realme  our  owne  againe  to  make  ? 

The  Romans  this  deny,  but  euen  themfelues  likcwifc 

(If  they  from  vertue  ftray,  as  they  do  vie, 

And  do  lehonaes  lawcs  and  hells  defpife, 

And  right, and  truth,  and  iuftice  fo  refufe) 

Shall  find  how  much  their  Scepter  they  mifufe. 
The  Scythian  fhall  their  loftie  feate  aflaile, 
The  Prince  of  Pi<5ls  againft  them  fhall  preuaile. 

But  of  Proud  Romes  Seuerns  now  I  tell, 
When  he  the  wall  had  made  to  keepe  me  out, 
To  Scythia  hence  I  fail'd,  and  ftor'd  me  well 
With  men,  munition  good,  a  warlike  rout, 
Of  youthfull  Pi&s  full  ftrong  in  armour  ltout 

A  Nauic  good  I  brought,  and  taking  land, 

Of  ftately  Yorke  I  tooke  the  fiege  in  hand. 

The  Emperour  great  Seuerm  ParthiejHe  proud, 
With  Romans,  Galles,  and  Britaine  fouldiers  came : 
To  make  me  raife  the  fiege  of  Yorke  he  vowel, 
And  I  like  wife  to  win  and  race  the  fame. 
To  win  the  prize  we  both  our  armies  frame  t 

But  he  was  flic,  his  fouldiers  skilfuli  train  d,  • 

My  men  to  flie  by  ambufh,  he  conflrain  d. 

Againe  to  fight  we  fell  afrefli,  the  battell  grew, 

About  I  brought  my  wings,  and  now  they  found 

Tantara  teares  alarmc,the  fluits  fight,fight  anew, 

And  there  a  while  the  Romans  fell  to  ground. 

The  cries  and  fhouts  of  men  to  skies  refound, 

They  fall,fall,flie, the  fluits;  downe  downe  the  droms  do  crle : 
Whereon  the  Romans  found  retraite,  and  feme  to  flie. 

My 


17©  Qeta. 

My  (buldiers  all  too  rafli  had  broke  array, 

The  Romane  rcrc ward  caft  about  with  1  peed, 

And  both  their  wings  enclofcd  vs  each  way, 

Their  maine  like  wife  to  kccpe  array  gaue  heed. 

Which  when  I  faw,  it  made  my  heart  tobleed, 
And  to  Seuerm  felfe  I  made  my  way^ 
Where  with  my  Pi£ts  the  Parthique  I  did  ftay. 

So  when  the  Emperour  fell,  a  flioutarofe, 

The  Romans  blancke,  amazed,  wofull  were : 

Tulgentitu  faft  recoif  d,  death  wounded  goes, 

And  of  my  crew  a  troupe  to  aide  me  there. 

I  bought  my  Britifti  conqueft  all  too  deerc. 
No  conqueft  yet :  for  as  I  conqueft  (ought, 
With  my  life  blood  the  conqueft  deare  was  bough t. 

You  noble  men,  yce  fee  what  truft  there  is 
-  In  Fortunes  gifts,  how  mifchiefe  makes  the  marts, 

And  how  our  hoped  haps  in  warres^o  mine, 

When  backe  the  braue  and  blinded  Ladie  ftarts. 

High  reaching  heads  fwim  oft  in  feas  of  fmarts. 
The  man  content,  is  bleft,  and  beft  at  eafe, 
Which  in  meane  ftate  both  God  and  man  do  pleafe. 

HOW  GETA  THE  YON- 

GER  SONNE  OF  THE  EMPE- 
rour  Seuerus  once  Gouernour  of  Britaine,  was 

flaine  in  his  mothers  armes  by  his  brother  A  n- 
t on ine, Emperour ofRomei  about 
tbeywtofCbnh,  114. 

S^^&F  cuer  Prince  had  caufe  his  ftate  to  rue, 

iH^  ^r  ky  ms  enc*  might  moue  men  mone  his  chance , 
§||y§^  My  wofull  tale  may  ftiew  the  like  to  you, 
Whom  fortune  erft,  and  birth  did  high  aduance. 
In  Rome ,  in  Britaine,  Germanie,  and  France 

I  fauour  had,  and  liu'd  belou  d  alway, 

i  Emprour  was,what  need  Iinore  to  fay  ? 

In 


In  Britainc  while  my  father  waged  fight 
By  North  againft  the  Picls,  I  ruf  d  the  South : 
Senerm  fo  appointed  it  my  right, 
And  Britainc  Iuflice  had  from  Gcttes  mouth, 
Igaue  not  then  my  felfe  to  idle  flouth, 

But  gaue  an  end  to  caufes  great  of  ftrife, 

With  doome  fo  iuft,  that  men  reioyft  my  life. 

The  Senate  honord  me  for  vermes  fake, 

Abroad  the  Britainesbleft  me  for  their  blifle, 

The  fouldiers  ftout  of  me  account  did  make. 

Let  ftories  tell  if  I  do  faine  in  this : 

Left  fome  fufpeft,  that  I  report  amiffe. 

For  what  is  he,  which  is  not  counted  vaine, 
When  for  himfclfe  he  fpeakes,though  nere  fo  piaine  ? 

In  peace  I  prudent  was,  and  grauc  of  grace, 

In  warres  as  ftout,  but  not  fo  fierce  withall : 

Not  forft  with  feare  to  turne  from  foes  my  face, 

Nor  bought  with  bribes  to  let  Dame  Iuftice  fall, 

I  not  opprcft  the  weaker  fort  with  thrall, 
But  fought  topleafurc  all,  both  neare  and  farre : 
More  prone  to  peace  I  was,  then  bent  to  warrc. 

What  heart  fb  hard  but  will  for  pi  tie  bleed, 

To  heare  a  Prince  which  meant  to  each  fb  well,  ~ 

Should  haue  fuch  caufe  to  Hue  in  feare  and  dreed 

Of (word,  of  bane;of  force,  or  poifbn  fell, 

Not  daring  Emprour  nere  his  brother  dwell, 

Whom  Romans  lou'd,  and  ftrangers  honor  d  ftill, 

But  brothers  treafbn  caufed  all  our  iH. 

Hight  Antonine^  I  hate  his  name  and  fa&s, 
Sith  he  my  butcher  was,  as  may  appeare : 
The  world  detefts  his  vile  and  viprous  a<Ss, 
And  fubtill  fhifts  to  kill  his  father  deare : 
So  void  of  grace,  fo  void  of  honeft  feare, 

He  durft  attempt  the  guard  to  bribe  and  fee, 

That  fo  by  them  his  fire  might  poifoned  bee, 

Thii 


*7* 


rjz  (jeta. 

This  when  our  Sire  Setierns  wift  and  faw 
How  Antonine  that  bloodie  beaft  was  bent, 
Againft  the  order  quite  of  natures  law, 
Eke how  to  take  the  Empire  whole  he  ment  j 
For  both  of  vs  at  Yorke  he  often  fent, 
Perfwading  vs  true  concord  for  to  hold, 
And  of  the  fruits  of  difcord  oft  he  told. 

Yet  Antonine  regarded  nought  his  heft, 
Nay  yet  the  charge  of  warres  he  had  in  hand : 
Tenlarge  his  power  for  th'Empire  he  addreft. 
Which  whenSeuerta  old  did  vnderftand, 
All  pleafures  quite  and  ioyes  he  did  aband, 
Purfuing  warre :  neere  Yorke  he  tooke  his  end 
By  fword  ofPicls,  or  by  fome  tray  tour  friend. 

Then  Antonine  made  fpoile  of  all  his  men, 
Phyfitions  nil'd  before  at  his  requeft 
Difpatch  their  Lord,  to  death  he  put  them  then, 
And  fb  he  feru  d  offaithfull  guard  the  reft. 
What  villanie  was  in  this  vipers  breft  ? 
Was  not  content  with  death  of  thofe  he  fought, 
But  after  brings  their  friends  likewife  to  nought, 

I  was  foretold  my  life  he  thirfted  fore, 
And  that  the  Empire  fole  he  fought  to  haue, 
As  we  to  Rome  did  pafle  I  feared  more, 
I  from  his  courts  and  diets  did  me  faue  s 
I  knew  my  life  and  th'Empire  he  did  craue, 
Wherefore  in  Rome  my  court  I  kept  likewife 
Apart  from  his,  that  did  my  death  deuife. 

My  feruants  were  allui'd  by  fimdrie  gifts 
By  poy/bn  to  procure  my  lifes  decay : 
He  tri  d  to  cut  me  off  a  thoufand  ftiifts, 
What  marucli,  fince  he  fought  his  fire  to  flay  ? 
He  made  his  Fathers  friends  for  fpite  away, 

Becaufe  they  would  not  to  his  will  be  wrought, 
To  bring  them  vnto  death  he.  daily  fought. 


(jeta.  173 

His  fleights  for  me  could  take  no  fure  fucceffe, 
For  ftill  his  traines  and  treafons  were  defcri' d : 
In  danger  I  was  forft  to  fecke  redrefle 
By  like  attempts,  but  that  like  wife  was  fpide. 
*  Pretended  murder  no  man  clofe  can  hide, 

But  out  it  flies,  the  rumor  runne  s  apace, 

The  fpot  thereof  all  vertues  elfe  deface. 

When  this  was  knowne  that  I  like  wife  affaf  d 
His  life  to  reaue  (though  t'were  my  life  to  faue) 
Not  long  to  wrecke  the  fame  the  butcher  flai'd, 
He  had  the  thing  fo  long  he  fought  to  haue, 
Caufe  of  reuenge  the  rumor  fmall  him  gauc, 

That  in  the  euen  he  came  to  fpill  my  blood, 

As  I  vnarmed  with  my  mother  flood. 

There  flic  perceiuing  him  with  fword  approch, 

In  armes  me  caught  to  faue  my  life  and  blood, 

But  he  deferuing  all  the  worlds  reproch, 

No  whit  in  doubt  to  end  my  (laughter  flood. 

She  him  befought  (as  feenf  dan  EmprefTe  good) 
While  he  without  remorfc  of  her  requefl, 
Betweene  her  armes  did  run  me  through  the  breft. 

Thefe  were  the  a£ts  of  that  vile  monfler  then 
For  Empire  fake,  to  raigne  alone  aloft : 
Defpifde  that  was,  abhor'd  of  Gods  and  men, 
And  curft  to  hell  by  all  good  men  fo  oft, 
You  fee  the  fall  of  Geta,  milde,  and  foft, 

Whofe  line  of  life  no  longer  fates  could  flretch, 

Cut  off  by  fword  oiAntonine  that  wretch. 

Now  maift  thou  deeme  of  my  deferts  and  his, 

He  to  his  fire  of  fonncs  was  moft  vnkind  : 

His  mothers  ioyes  he  reau'd  away  her  blifle, 
I     That  Dame  which  bare  to  both  Co  milde  a  mind : 

And  let  my  dealings  aye  due  fauour  find, 

Whofe  murder  may  giue  plaine  profpecl  and  (how 
What  monfler  wroughthis  faithfull  friends  fuch  woe. 

HOW 


*74 

HOW  AVRELIVS  AN> 

TONIVS  BASSIANVS  CARACALLA 

Emperour  of  Rome,  was  flaine  by  one  of  bis 
ewneferuants,abouttheyeereof 
Cbriftf  log. 

Ho  thirfb  to  throng  vnto  the  higheft  throne, 
Ne  wifely  win des Dame  Fortunes  fubtile  fnare : 
Or  who  in  Court  would  rule  the  roft  alone, 
And  fees  not  what  he  heapes  himfelfe  of  care, 
Let  him  well  weigh  my  cafe,  and  then  beware : 
Whom  forth  the  ftately  feate  did  firft  allure, 
Which  after  did  my  haftic  death  procure, 

And,##£/*r,here  in  purpofe  fith  thou  haft 
The  hapleffe  hauen  where  Fortunes  impes  arriue, 
A  mirour  make  likewife  of  me  thou  mailt, 
If  thou  my  life  and  dealings  wilt  difcriue. 
It  may  perhaps  much  profit  fome  aliue : 

Which  when  themfelues  plaine  painted  forth  they  fee, 

They  may  prefage  their  fatalifalles  in  me. 

I  am  that  zAntoninc.Seuerm  fonne, 

That  once  of  mightie  Rome  did  beare  the  fway, 

Which  in  my  fathers  life  a  ftrife  begone 

With  Getay  thirfting  often  him  to  flay. 

I  fought  to  haue  my  father  made  away, 
To  raigne  alone  fb  great  defire  I  had, 
Nought  but  their  deathes  my  wicked  hart  could  glad. 

My  father  oft  exhorted  both  to  peace, 
Dedar'd  by  ftories  olde  what  came  by  ftrife, 
Dehortedboth  from  ciuill  difcord  ccafe, 
But  I  fought  meanes  to  rid  him  of  his  life. 
I  banifht  to  Sycilia  Iflc  my  wife, 

Encreaft  mine  hoft,  reckt  not  my  Britifh  charge. 

But  how  Imight  enioy  the  Empire  large. 


adurel.  <tA nt.  IZajff.  Caracalla.  i  y$ 

And  firfi  when  as  my  father  once  was  dead, 

I  gaue  my  felfe  to  all  reuenge  of  foes, 

The  feruants  late  which  flood  mee  not  in  ftead, 

And  fbme  who  did  my  trecherie  difclofe, 

Or  fiich  to  faue  their  Prince  themfelues  difpofe, 

Or  reconcile  vs  brethren  tooke  fore  paine, 

I  caufde  them  all  without  reipe6t  be  flaine. 

The  captaincs  all  my  friends  I  fought  to  make, 
InBritaine  then  defiring  them  to  chufe 
Me  Emprour  fole,  and  Get  a  to  forfake : 
Which  they  to  doe  for  duties  fake  refufc. 
Our  mother  eke  all  meanes  with  vs  did  vfe, 

Perfwading  vs  to  loue  and  concord  bend, 

To  which  in  /lie  w  I  granted  in  the  end. 

We  both  in  Empire  like  from  Britaine  pafle, 
A  truce  concluded  there,  and  hoftage  take  % 
His  reliques  flirinde  (as  then  the  cultome  was) 
To  Rome  therewith  our  voyage  fart  we  make. 
And  yet  the  malice  could  not  To  aflake : 

For  in  our  iournies  we  durft  neither  truft, 

But  feuerall  Courts  and  Diets  keepc  we  muft. 

Both  fearing  poyfon/orce  or  treafbn  wrought, 
Both  crauing  all  the  Empire  to  enioy, 
Both  working  all  the  waies  that  might  be  fought, 
To  worke  to  each  fome  fecret  great  annoy, 
Both  feeking  how  his  partner  to  deftroy. 

The  brother  which  to  brother  fliould  be  flay, 

Endeuours  how  to  make  him  quite  away. 

And  thofe  that  bare  of  dignities  degree, 

The  officers,  were  diuerlly  dUtradt  : 

Some  fauour'd  Geta,  {ome  did  fauour  mee, 

In  him  no  point  of  courtefie  there  lackt: 

He  was  of  maners  milde,of  doome  cxa6r, 

To  ftudies  good  addi6t,  of  comely  grace,  i 
In  warres  and  peace  difcharging  well  the  place. 

But 


ij6     aJurel.  Ant.  TSajf.  Caracalla. 

But  I  was  rough,  and  violent,  and  fierce, 
Of  fierie  (JWars  affected  all  to  blood : 
What  need  I  more  my  qualities  rehearfe, 
Which  were  fo  far  vnlike  my  brothers  good  ? 
On  threatnings,  force,  and  feare,  my  Empire  flood, 

Whereby  indeed  of  fauning  friends  I  had, 

For  feare  or  gaine  were  of  my  fauour  glad* 

Our  mother  long  perfwading  vs  to  peace, 
And  both  perceiuing  our  attempts  but  vaine, 
Did  both  agree  our  difcords  to  furceafe, 
And  for  to  part  the  Empire  into  twaine : 
My  felfe  mould  hold  of  Europe  all  the  maine 

With  thlfles  thereof,  and  Cjeta  all  the  Eaft, 

Of  Afia  all  the  Iflands  moft  and  leaf*. 

As  thus  we  parle  amongft  the  Counfell  all, 
And  fo  decree,  full  purpofed  thereto, 
The  Senate,  which  forefaw  miftiaps  might  fall, 
Still  fadly  fate,  durft  nothing  fay  nor  do  : 
But  Iftlia  then  the  mother  of  vs  two, 

When  fhe  perceiu'd  the  Senate  paufe  for  feare, 

Arofe  to  fpeake,  and  faid  as  you  (hall  heare. 

«  The  feaand  land  (quoth  (lie)  my  fonnes  you  get, 
cc  You  find  a  way  how  you  may  them  diuide : 
tf  The  Pontique  floud  betweene  you  both  is  fet 
«  For  bounds  of  both  it  buts  on  either  fide : 
«  But  how  will  you  your  mother  now  diuide  ? 
«     How  fhall  my  hapleffe  corps  be  parted,  put 
cc     Betweene  you  both,  mail  I  like  wife  be  cut? 

«  If  needs  in  twaine  you  part  this  Empire  muft; 
cc  I  fee  what  difcord  after  may  betide  : 
«  How  Empire  makes  men  guiltleffe  blood  to  thruft, 
«  What  noble  Peeres  for  this  betrafd,  haue  dide. 
«  T*were  better  both  the  Romans  xvell  to  guide, 
«    Then  feparate  farre,  without  fo  firme  a  ftay, 
«<    Your  feuered  f orce  fomc  treafon  fhould  decay, 

a  One 


aAureL  Ant.  ISaff.  Caracalla.  177 

€<  One  man  himfelfe  may  much  by  wit  forefoe, 
<f  But  twaine  may  more  perceiue  then  one  alone  : 
rc  One  friendly  man  by  fauourmuch  maybe, 
u  But  two  in  friendfliip  knit,  need  feare  no  tone. 
(c  Two  brethren  then  to  rule  the  world  alone 
Cf    As  brethren  flhould,  and  Hue  in  faithfull  fort, 
cc    The  world  their  loue  and  honors  will  report, 

Cf  But  if  diuide  the  Empire  all  you  will, 

"  Firft  ere  you  go  for  to  enioy  your  raigne, 

"  My  wofull  corps  I  pray  you  heerc  to  kill, 

cc  And  it  diuide  betweene  you  both  in  twaine, 

cc  That  I  may  eke  with  both  of  you  remaine. 

<c    Do  burie  each  apart  fo  diftant  farre, 

^    Diuided  as  your  feats,  felucs,  Kingdomcs  are. 

So  when  fhc  fpoken  had,  with  teares  (he  came, 

And  fobs,  befeeching  both,  embracing  vs, 

And  wif  d  we  fhould  pur  felues  to  friendship  frame, 

Not  bearing  hate  in  heart,  and  enuie  thus  : 

On  which  the  Senate  nothing  durft  difcufle, 
But  all  arofe,  departing  did  lament, 
Which  view'd  our  thirfting  fore,  tobloodfhedbent. 

Our  hatred  ftill  en  created  more  and  more, 
For  when  thKt  Captaines  new  elected  were, 
Or  officers  in  place  we  did  reftore, 
In  thefe,  our  minds  to  all  men  plaine  appeare, 
We  diuerfly  affe&ed  faucurbeare  : 

Of  right  in  fentenceeke,  of  diuers  minds, 

As  hate  full  oft  the  eyes  of  luitice  blinds. 

Our  owne  we  fought,  andnotthepublike  weale, 
Yet  both  the  publike  weal  th  alone  to  haue: 
Wc  nothing  reckt  to  hap  the  publike  heale, 
But  to  enioy  the  publike  wealth  we  ftraue. 
To  Cookes and  Butlers  gifts  of  tiic?  wegaue, 

To  poifon  each :  when  yet  not  thefe  proceed, 

Ihiredfome  by  force  co  do  the  deed. 

O  When 


178    Aureh  Ant.  *Baff.  Caracalla. 

When  this  likewife  had  not  fucceffe  aright. 

My  felfe,  to  flay  my  brother,  I  addreft  2 

I  rufht  into  his  chamber  euen  or  night, 

While  of  my  force  I  thinkc  he  feared  left : 

There  with  my  fword  I  ftrokc  him  through  the  breft, 
Eke  while  our  mothers  lap  his  wounds  cmbrew, 
Her  Get  a  deate  betwecne  her  armcs  I  flew. 

Which  done,  I  flew  the  place,  and  called  the  guard, 
Cri'd  treafon,  told  1  fcarce  efeapt  vnflaine, 
Commanding  fouldiers  well  to  watch  and  ward, 
And  me  conuey  vnto  the  campc  amaine, 
Where  I  might  fafe  from  violence  remaine : 

I  faid  I  fhould  by  foes  be  fore'd  to  die, 

If  in  the  Court  I  longer  time  did  lie. 

So  they  fuppoflng  ail  was  truth  I  told, 
(Not  weeting  what  was  done  to  Get  a.  than) 
Made  fpeed  to  runne  with  me  vnto  the  hold : 
The  people  hearing  this,  to  flocke  began, 
Enquiring  why  the  Prince  and  fouldiers  ran : 
In  tent  I  kneel'd  encampt,  the  gods  to  praife 
With  promift  vowes, which  had  prolong'd  my  daies. 

The  fouldiers  all  refbrted  to  my  tent* 
Where  I  the  Gods  with  honor  ferued  tho  r 
On  which  I  forth  amongtt  them  boldly  went,.. 
Told  them  great  dangers  I  had  feaped  fro, 
And  of  mine  enmies  fall  and  ouerthro. 

By  Fortunes  gift  (quoth  I)  our  foe  is  flaine, 
And  th'Empire  wholly  doth  to  me  remaine. 

I  promift  if  the  fouldiers  me  would  faue, 

My  Empire  ftablifh  fure,  and  fafetie  fee, 

Each  twentie  hundred  Attique  grotes  fhould  haut> 

More  corne  then  earft  by  halfe  allow'd  fhould  bee, 

The  temples  wealth  and  treafures  fhould  be  free 

For  them  to  vfe  at  large,inthat  one  day 

Setters  treafure  I  did  make  away. 


z/ureLzAntSBafi  Qaracalla.  iyp 

The  fouldiers  all  perceiuing  well  my  mind, 
(And  (laughter  blaz'd  by  thofe  in  houfe  that  fled) 
I  was  by  them  the  Emperour  foie  affign  d, 
And  he  an  enmie  narnd  that  now  was  dead. 
All  night  in  temple  forth  with  vowes  I  led, 

Next  day  to  Senate  houfe  with  tlvhoft  I  gate, 

And  feruice  done,  thus  wife  in  throne  I  fpake  : 


I Know  right  "hell  ( quoth  I)  domestique {laughters  hate  full Jeeme, 
And  euen  the  name  thereofmakes  men  full  til  of  parties  deeme  : 
For  why,  th'vnhappie  flaine  moues  milder  men  to  mercy  ftitt. 
And  noble  Peeres  are  enuidwhen  compeltd  their  foes  they  kill. 
The  vanquiflot  iniurd feeme,  and  vigours  deem  dvniustly  ill, 
But  whofoeuer  fhallthis  cafe  it  felfe  with  truth  perpend 
JYot  partially  that deemes yenfearchingwhat  he  did  pretend: 
He  [ball perceiue  and  find  it  better farre  and  needfull  more 
To  wrecke  the  wrong,  then  wincke  thereat ,  and  after  fmart  therefore* 
For,  to  the flaine  be  fide  his  woe,  there  comes  a  dastards  name^ 
The  vittour  hath  be  fide  his  health,  of  fortitude  the  fame. 
*But  certes  how  by  poyfons  he,  and  allmeanes  fought  my  Jpoile, 
Tou  may  right  foone  by  tortures  trie  without  of  farther  toi/e. 
And  therefore  I  commanded  all  hisferuants prefent  bee9 
7  hat  you  the  truth  may  know,  when  their  confefflonsplaine you fee: 
While  I  was  at  my  mothers  houje,  he  brought  with  /words  his  traine* 
Forwarnd,foarmd,  by  fight  my  foe,  I  haue  mine  enmie  flaine* 
Sith  he  about  a  mtfchiefe  went,  no  brothers  heart  that  bore, 
To  take  reuenge  on  fuch,  is  due :  as  custome  telles  of  yore* 
The  founder  right  of  Rome,  not  with  his  brother flouting  bare  : 
Ileaue  to  (peake  what  Germanique  and  Titus>r#  diddare, 
Andyiiioxs  wife  and milde,  his  daughters  hufband did  not  jpare* 
But  I,  for  me  when  poyfons  were  andjwords  to  flay  me  drest, 
Reuengd  my  foe,  ( of  foe  the  name  hisworkes  affign  d  htm  best) 
Therefore  thanke  you  the  Gods,  that  they  one  Prince preferuedyott* 
Behold  the  fame>  him  by  all  hue,  to  him  be  iust  and  true  : 
For  euen  as  Ioue  aboue,  amongst  the  gods  doth  rule  alone 9 
So  he  in  earth  the  Empire  all,  allottes  andgtues  to  one* 

O  z  Thus 


i8o    aAureL  Ant*  *Ba]f.  Car ac alia. 

Thus  hauing  fatd  aloud,  with  irefull  mood, 
And  bloodiecountnance  caft  about  the  place, 
Th'affemblie  pale  and  trenibling,fearefull  flood, 
And  I  return  d  to  th  Palace  thence  a  (pace. 
My  brothers  houfe  and  fame  I  did  deface, 

His  friends,  his  feasants  all,  yong,  old,  and  new, 
And  th'infants  eke,  without  relpecl:  I  flew  : 

The  Wrafllers  and  the  Waggeners  likewife, 
Mufitians,  players,  which  did  pleafe  his  mind : 
Ofthorder  of the  Senators  full  wife, 
In  whom  was  noble  blood  or  wealth  to  find. 
Not  one  of  Getaes  friends  I  left  behind  : 

Alio  my  wife  whom  I  exifd  away 

To  Sicile  He,  I  caufed  them  to  flay. 

Lticitta  eke  that  ancient  noble  Dame, 
To  (Marcus  wife  the  daughter  fage  and  graue> 
O^Commodm  that  filter  great  of  fame, 
Which  honor  much  in  Rome  deferu  d  to  haue, 
I  fay,  fhe  did  my  deeds  therein  depraue, 
Becaufe  to  Getaes  mother  fhe  wept  fore, 
For  Getaes  death :  I  caufde  her  die  therefore. 

Her  fonne  likewife,  I  caufed  fhould  be  flaine, 
And  of  th'Imperiall  blood  (to  make  all  fore) 
I  left  not  one  aliue,  that  might  re/naine, 
Or  vnto  whom  they  might  my  place  procure. 
By  night  likewife  I  put  like  a6ls  in  vre : 
For  day  and  night  Iceafed  not  to  flay, 
Of  Getaes  friends  to  roote  the  reft  away. 

I  Veftall  virgins  buried  eke^aliue, 
And  made  the  fouldiers  multitudes  to  kill, 
Becaufe  I  deem' d  they  were  in  words  too  bliue. 
Againft  my  coach  wherein  I  trauelPd  ftill, 
The  fouldiers  flew  the  men  that  thought  no  ill, 
Or  made  them  buy  their  Hues  with  all  they  had, 
Which  were,  to  fcape  with  life  alone,  full  glad. 


ml.  Ant.  ^Bajf.  Car ac alia. 

This  done,  for  fcare  from  Rome  with  fpeede  I  gate: 
The  townc  like  life  at  home  mifliked  me : 
For  why  the  City  did  my  murders  hate, 
Where  fouldiers  held  their  {laughters  franke  andfree^ 
And  were  enricht  by  fpoile  of  each  degree. 
I  gate  therefore  with  all  my  Marti  all  crew 
From  Itayle  land,  Danubian  fhores  to  view* 

Where,  vnto  hunting  I  applide  my  felfe, 
To  ride  abroad  in  couch,  and  giue  them  lawes  I 
In  few  difpacht  their  pleas  about  but  pelfe, 
Not  giuen  to  hcare  long  pleading  plaints  for  ftrawes, 
I  counted  fuch  but  cau  liing  caitiue  dawes 
As  fpent  their  fubftance,  time,  and  goods  in  fuite, 
About  fuch  things  as  could  not  yeeld  them  fruit* 

I  clad  my  felfe  much  like  the  Germans  then, 
Sotrimde  myhaire,  chofc  them  my  guard  to  ferue: 
So  framde  my  felfe  to  pleafe  thefc  ruder  men, 
As  might  them  caufe  of  me  full  well  deferue, 
From  labour  none  with  them  I  feem'd  to  fwcrue, 

To  digge,lift,beare,  to  grinde,mould,kncad  or  hzkt 

In  painfull  fort,  and  fimple  fare  to  take* 

The  Germans  much  reioye'd  my  kind  of  life, 
MyfufFcrance  great  in  during  labours  long : 
The  name  of  mate  with  vs  was  holden  rife, 
I  feem'd  a  fellow  fbuldier  them  among : 
Of  ftature  fmall,  yet  was  I  wondrous  ftrong, 
So  that  few  men  which  in  mine  armies  were, 
Could  with  like  ftrength  fuch  weigh  tie  burthens  bearc* 

When  at  Danubius  I  had  placed  ftrength, 
To  Thracia  thence  with  fpeed  apace  I  went: 
There  Monuments  againe  I  made  at  length 
To  Alexanders iame :  to  Rome  I  /cnt 
Likcwife  of  ftatues  for  the  fame  intent, 

In  Capitole  and  Temples  them  to  place, 

For  honour  great  of  Alexanders grace* 

O3 


181  <J[urel.  <*A ntJBafi.  Car dc  alia. 

I  made  me  garments  eke  of  Thracian  guife, 

And  Captaines  me  to  Alexander  call ; 

To  Pergame  thence  in  Aria  great  that  lies 

I  gate,  Achilles  tombe  with  honours  all 

With  eie  to  view,  as  (tories  witnefle  fhall : 
Whence  (order  fet)  to  Antioch  I  farde, 
Where  my  receit  with  honour  was  preparde. 

To  Alexandria  then  I  fared  faft, 

For  they  had  fcoft  full  oft  before  atmee: 

My  mother  they  had  named  Queene  loeafiey 

nAchilles  great  and  Alexander  mee. 

They  (miide  my  folly  great  herein  to  feej 

Which  though  I  were  a  dwarfe  of  ikture  (mall, 
Durft  take  the  name  of  Captaines  great  and  tall. 

Ne  Cjetaes  murder  {pared  oft  to  fpread, 
As  is  their  nature  giuen  to  taunt  aud  ieft : 
Wherefore  as  though  Religion  had  me  lead, 
I  offired  facrifice  with  fblemnefeaft 
At  Alexanders  tombe,  where  molt  and  leaft 
Of  all  the  youth  were  prefent  to  behold 
The  offerings  great  I  brought,  and  gifts  of  gold. 

This  done,  I  wifd  the  youth  fhould  all  prepare 
To  {Lew  themfelues  in  field :  for  I  would  chufe 
A  band  by  Alexanders  name  to  fare, 
As  erft  in  Thrace  and  Sparta  I  did  vfe  • 
They  came  reioicing  all,  to  heare  the  newes : 
Where  I  with  fouldiers  come  to  take  the  view, 
Them  compaft  in,  and  all  the  people  flew. 

The  valley  all  did  fwimme  with  ftreames  ofbloud, 
So  great  that  time  a  flaughterwas  there  made : 
ItUainde  the  mightie  mouthes  ofNilus  floud, 
And  on  the  fhores  you  might  bloud  wetfbod  wade : 
My  rnners  eke  were  preft  with  fhowle  and  fpade 
T  interre  the  dead,  a  monftrous  trench  that  fill, 
And  on  them  dead,they  reard  a  mightie  hill. 


of ureLAnt.  *Bafi.  Qtracatta.  183 

But  then  defiring  glorie  more  to  get 
By  Tarthtan  name,  which  erft  my  father  had, 
I  fent  to  Artabane,  without  of  let, 
Ambaffage  great,  with  gifts  his  minde  to  glad : 
And  for  his  daughter  them  perfwade  I  bad, 

Defiring  him  to  giue  her  me  to  wife, 

The  caufe  of  lafting  Ioue,  and  end  of  flrife. 

By  this  both  ioind  in  one,  we  might  for  ay 
Of  all  the  world  the  Diademe  poffefTe : 
And  might  to  each  in  all  attempts  be  flay, 
In  fight  our  foes  by  firmer  force  fuppreffe. 
When  they  my  meffage  thus  did  there  expreffe, 

At  firft  he  feard  deceit :  againe  I  fent : 

Wherewith  he  was  atlaft  full  well  content. 

By  gifts  I  wrought,  and  plight  my  faith  withatt 

For  truth  to  him,  and  for  his  daughters  loue, 

And  he  began  me  fonne  in  la  we  to  call 

Which  new  report,  dfd  all  the  Parthians  mouc< 

Vs  to  receiue,  our  friend/hips  firme  t'approue, 
Reioycing  now  fuch  league  at  laft  to  fee, 
Whereby  they  might  fromRomane  warrcsbe  free. 

And  fb  I  entred  Parthia  as  mine  owne, 

The  Parthians  me  receiued  with  triumphs  great: 

When  mine  approch  to  Artab&ne  was  knowne, 

In  plaine  before  the  City  of  his  feat 

He  came  to  meete  mee,  with  a  number  great 

Ware  garlands  gay,in  golden  veftures  clad, 

With  all  the  ioy,  and  triumphs  might  be  had. 

So  when  great  multitudes  afTembled  were, 
Their  horfes  left  behind  and  bowes  laid  downe, 
Amongft  their  cups  deuoidc  of  force  the  feare, 
By  numbers  great  the  chiefe  of  all  the  towne, 
Which  came  to  fee  the  bridemans  high  renowne, 

Diforderly  vnarm'd  as  <fo  they  Hand, 

I  gaue  my  fouldiers  figne,  to  vfe  their  hand. 

O4  And 


184-       urel.  AnU  *Baf*  Cdracalla* 

And  downe  by  fvvord  they  fell,  they  could  not  flie, 
The  King  fcarfe  fcap'd,  conueid  by  horfeaway: 
Their  folemne  garments  long,  their  flight  did  tie, 
A  flaughter  great  of  Parthianswas  that  day, 
We  fackte  their  Townes,  and  noblemen  did  flay* 
From  thence  I  pafh'Azamia  after  this 
To  hunt,  and  gaue  my.  felfe  to  bathe  in  blilfei 

Thus  hauing  runne  my  rectlelTe  race  vnkinde, 
And  doubting  both  of  treafon  and  my  thrall, 
I  fought  by  curious  arts  offpritesto  finde 
Who  fliould  procure  in  th'end  my  fatall  fall  t 
Maternian  at  Rome  fliould  fearch  for  all, 
He  fliould  enquire  my  fate,  of  all  wife  men, 
And  write  hereof,  what  was  their  mindes  agen, 

What  he  did  write  againe,  I  wotc  not  I, 
From  Carras  I  to  Lunaes  Temple  went : 
And  for  becaufe  it  neere  the  Campe  did  lie, 
Tofacrificewithfew  was  mine  intent : 
For  why  to  towne  from  thence  returne  I  ment, 
And  fo  from  thence  to  Campe  likewife  againe 
I  might  retire,  without  a  greater  trainee 

Amongfl  the  which,one  Martial! of my  garde, 
Whofe  brother  (not  conuinft,  accufde)  I  flew, 
Thus  wife  my  ^caytiue  corps  did  watch  to  warde, 
(For  when  therefore  conuenient  time  hee  knew, 
While  I  apart  mee  gate  for  natures  due, 
And  bad  the  reft  afide  a  fpacc  depart) 
He  came  and  ftabde  me  ftifly  through  the  heart. 

Senems  feruants  I  corrupted  oft, 
Them  feed  to  make  their  Lord  my  fire  away : 
With  Oetaes  men  the  like  attempts  I  wroughtr, 
To  bane  their  Lord and  brother  mine  to  flay. 
How  I  the  Alexandrians  did  betray, 
And  Parthians  eke,  before  to  you  I  told, 
Deferuing  death  for  thofc  a  thoufand  fold0 


Butfiththofcfaithfullferuantsl  did  kill, 
Which  would  notfley  their  noble  Lords  for  gold, 
I  worthy  was  to  haue  a  gard  fo  ill, 
As  fhould  to  pierce  my  hatefull  heart  be  bold. 
The  Iuftice  great  of  loua  here  behold : 
*  Vniuftly  who  fo  feekes  to  flay  the  good, 
Thcfwordat  length  {hall  iuftlyfhed  his  bloud. 

FINIS. 


HOW  CARASSVS  A  HVS. 

BANDMANS  SONNE,  AND  AFTER 
King  of  Britaine,  was  flaine  in  bated!  by  Akfttt* 
a  Roma*,  Anno  Pom.  2$$. 

[Ith  men  be  borne  by  Nature  naked  all, 
With  their  eftates  why  are  not  men  content  ? 
d§  Why  doe  they  deeme  the  want  of  wealth  a  thral? 
Why  fhould  they  loath  the  lot,  which  God  hath  fent  ? 
j4damhimklkl  finde,at  firft  was  fent, 
As  one  who  did  difdaine  his  poore  eftate, 
To  difobey,  with*  God  to  be  a  mate. 

Thou  maift  be  made  a  God,  (quoth  fatan  than,) 
If on  the  fruite  forbidden  thou  wilt  feede  : 
The  fenfeleffe  wight  the  feeble  forcelcffe  man, 
Did  tafte  thereof,  fuppofing  that  with  fpeed 
He  fhould  in  haft  haue  bceneaGod  indeed. 

He  not  content,  hoping  for  higher  place, 

Brought  bitter  bafeto  him  and  all  his  race; . 

And  I  the  fonne  of  ^Adam  by  defcent, 

Did  feeke  to  fetmy  felfe  in  princely  featc, 

With  mine  eftate  I  could  not  be  content, 

For  which  I  felt  the  force  of  hatreds  heat. 

As  at  the  firft,  my  goodfuccefle  was  great, 
So  at  the  laft,  by  fancies  fond  defires, 
I  groapt  for  grapes  amidft  the  bramble  brici •« ; 

Let 


i%6  KingCarafus. 

Let  fuch  as  would  by  vertue  them  aduance, 
Marke  by  what  meanes  I  did  my  felfe  addreffe, 
To  flie  at  firft  my  poore  allotted  chance 
By  honeft  meanes :  let  them  from  wickednefle 
Which  faine  would  flie,  learne  this  by  my  diftreffe, 

That  he  who  doth  from  right  and  reafbn  ftray, 

Deftru&ion  fliaU  deftroy  him  with  decay. 

For  I  by  birth  borne  next  to  beggers  dore, 

Was  ftai'd  aloft  with  ftaffe  of  high  eftate  : 

But  whif  ft  that  I  fo  high  a  pitch  did  fore, 

I  left  the  meanes  which  made  me  rife  of  late, 

I  vices  lou  d,  I  didall  vertues  hate. 
For  which,  Carajfm  ran  a  race  in  vaine, 
And  nothing  got,  but  death  and  deepe  difflaine. 

When  ciuill  ftrife  had  Britaine  quite  vndone* 
So  that  her  ftrength  was  now  of  none  auaile, 
The  faithleflePidb  with  ruth  did  ouerrunne 
That  royallRealme :  and  did  fo  far  preuaile, 
That  forrow  did  on  euery  fide  affaile 

My  natiue  foile :  and  being  thus  difmai'd, 

To  Rome  we  fent  for  fuccour,  helpe,  and  aid* 

Seuerw  then  by  Bajfianm  fent, 

To  bring  this  Realme  vnto  fome  quiet  &ay, 

The  Romans  and  the  Britaines  both  were  bent, 

To  bring  the  barbarous  Pi&s  to  their  decay, 

Them  to  returne  againe  to  Scy  thia. 
And  at  the  laft,  by  good  Setter  us  aid, 
We  them  deftrof  d,  when  we  were  moft  afraid. 

Whofe  force  though  twice  the  Romans  felt  too  ftrong^ 

Yet  at  the  laft  we  got  a  goodly  day, 

Euen  by  my  meanes,  who  thruft  into  the  throng 

Of  tli  armed  Pi£ts,  I  defperate  there  did  play 

The  part  of  him,  whom  fcare  did  neuer  fray. 

And  at  the  laft  to  end  this  mortal!  ftrife, 

I  did  depriue  King  Lodrickc  of  his  life. 

And 


And  when  the  Pi&s  did  fee  their  king  depriu  d 
Of vitall  life,  Lord,  how  they  fled  the  field ! 
They  made  me  mufc,  to  fee  how  fart  they  ftriu'd, 
With  (tailerTe  fteppes,  ech  one  his  life  to  fhield : 
Who  could  not  flic,  he  there  writh  care  was  kilde. 
So  by  my  meanes,  my  countrey  did  obtaine 
Her  ancient  ftate,  and  liberty  againe. 

At  my  returne  I  to  Seuerns  faid, 
See  here  how  I  with  woundes  am  all  beftead  ? 
I  cannot  hue,  I  feele  how  life  doth  fade, 
Lodr  'tche  himfelfe  did  carue  and  cut  my  head, 
For  which  my  blade  his  lukewarmeblood  hath  flied 
He  cut  my  cap,  and  I  haue  got  his  cro  wne, 
He  loft  his  life,  and  I  haue  found  rcnownc. 

Seuerus  then  vnto  his  Surgion  faid, 
Heale  him,  and  bring  him  fafe  and  found  againe, 
Thou  for  thy  paines  with  poundes  fhalt  wel  be  paid^ 
And  he  fiiali  haue  fuch  honour  for  his  paine, 
As  vnto  him  for  euer  fhal  remainc : 

For  by  the  Gods  which  rule  thefkies  aboue, 

His  noble  a&s  deferue  eternal!  loue. 

When  by  thefkill  of  Surgtons  curious  art, 
My  hurts  were  heal'd,  and  holefome  health  enfudc, 
Seaerus  then  reioicing  at  the  harr, 
Made  me  a  Lord,  with  wealth  hec  me  indudc, 
Yea,  he  although  my  learning  were  but  rude, 
Sent  me  to  Rome,  as  Legate  of  this  land, 
To  make  report  how  here  our  ftate  did  ftand. 

My  deedcsatRome,inricht  me  with  renowne, 
My  talke  abroad  with  proper  filed  phrafe, 
Adornd  my  head  euen  with  a  Laurett  crowne. 
The  Bmperour  did  much  commend  my  waics, 
So  that  I  was  bedeckt  with  double  praife, 
J  could  not  reade,  my  learning  was  but  wcake, 
Yet  they  ofRome#did  mufe  to  hcare  me  fpeake, 


i88  King  Carafut. 

As  learned  Art  doth  glue  a  goodly  grace 
To  fome :  fo  fqme  by  natures  gifts  doe  get 
Eternall  fame,  and  purchafe  them  a  place 
Aboue  the  place  where  learned  men  do  fit. 
We  finde  the  fine  dexteritie  of  wit 

In  them  which  be  both  wife  and  fui  of  skill  I 
Yctneuerftriu  d  to  clime  Pemaffus  hill. 

So  I  with  praife  a  time  at  Rome  did  flay, 
Andtracl:  of  timcreturndmeebackeagaine, 
The  Emperour,hegaucmy  right  away 
Within  a  while,  which  made  me  ftorme  amaine  J 
I  had  great  caufe  mc  thought  for  to  complaine, 
Senerns>  he  was  made  the  king  of  all  : 
The  gifts  hee  gaue  to  me  were  very  final!/ 

I  was  but  made  the  Captaine  of  the  coaft, 
FromForrainc  force  to  keepe  my  realmc  in  reft, 
Settertis,  he  was  crowned  king  in  poft, 
Which  did  fo  boile  within  my  warrelike  breft, 
That  I  with  griefe  molt  ftrangely  was  diftreft. 
Shall  hee  (faid  I)  thus  reape  the  high  renowne 
Which  I  deferue  ?  Shall  he  enioy  the  Crowne  * 

I  wonne  the  wreath,  and  he  wil  weare  the  fame  s 
I  got  the  goale,  and  he  will  get  the  gainc. 
For  me  in  faith  it  were  a  deadly  ftiame, 
Ifl  in  this  his  regaliroyall  raigne, 
Withoutrepulfe  fliould  fuffer him  remaine. 
Which  if  I  do,  then  let  the  dreadfull  dart 
OtVulctins  wrath,  torment  in  twainemy  hart. 

For  why,  I  fee  what  feruile  feruitude 
Shall  then  infue,  if  he  may  raigne  in  reft : 
Shall  'Brittane  braue  by  Romanes  be  fubdude? 
It  flial  no  doubt,  by  Romanes  bee  diftreft, 
Except  my  might  againft  his  might  be  preft.  ,\ 
My  might  as  yet  cannot  his  ftrength  conftraine, 
Yet  may  my  might  compel!  him  to  cotapiaiue. 


IQng  Caraffus. 

The  draining  drops  do  make  the  Marble  yeeld 
In  time :  the  feas  the  craggcd  rockes  do  rend : 
And  Courtly  Kings  by  tearing  time  be  kif  d. 
For  time  doth  make  the  mightie  Okes  to  bend, 
And  time  doth  make  the  little  twigs  afcend : 
So  I  in  time,  fuch  power  may  prepare, 
As  fhall  conftrainc  Setterm  death,  with  care. 

But  whif  ft  I  did  endeuour  to  deftroy 

Setter  us  ftrength,  the  Pidts  were  pricjct  with  pride, 

For  their  reuenge  vs  Britaines  to  annoy. 

Which  when  I  heard,  in  poft  I  did  prouide 

A  power  great,  then  I  in  hafte  did  ride, 

And  kept  the  coaft  fo  ftrong  with  men  of  warre, 
That  no  man  could  arriue,  to  make  or  marre. 

ThePiftspreuented  of  their  wifhed  pray, 
In  waltcring  waues  did  boufe  their  bitter  baine, 
They  dig'd  a  ditch,  and  caught  their  owne  decay, 
On  rocks  their  Barkes,in  Teas  themfelues  were  flaine. 
The  Wefterne  winds  with  woe  did  them  conftraine, 
By  Britaine  bankes  to  make  fo  long  delay, 
I,  and  the  Seas,  brought  them  to  their  decay. 

By  meanes  whereof my  credit  did  encreafe : 

SeHcrus  did  efteeme  me  as  his  ftay, 

I  from  my  firft  deuices  could  not  ceafe, 

For  aye  I  hop'd  to  haue  a  happie  day, 

To  bring  the  Roman  rule  to  their  decay, 
With  fauning  face  good  fortune  fmilcd  fo, 
I  had  my  wifn,  what  might  I  hope  for  mo? 

For  into  Spaine  the  Roman  fouldiers  fent, 

I  had  at  home  themight  him  to  depriue, 

Then  wifely  I  all  perils  to.preuent, 

Prouidcd  fo  that  no  man  could  arriue, 
.  No  Picl,  nor  Scot,  nor  Roman  then  could  ftriue 
With  me  at  home,  then  I  the  Lords  with  fpeed 
Of  Britaine  calf  d,  and  thus  I  did  proceed : 


ipo  IQng  Qtraffksl 

The  Roman  rule  vs  fubie£t  flaues  hath  made, 
You  fee  my  Lords,  a  Roman  heere  doth  raigne, 
Whom  to  deftroy  my  power  fliallinuade, 
I  do  indeed  this  feruile  life  difdaine: 
And  you  your  felues  do  much  thereof  complaine. 
If  you  with  helpe  will  me  aflift,  I  fweare, 
TheRoman  rulefhall  haue  no  power  heere. 

Then  they  moft  glad  with  one  confent  replfd, 
We  will  aflift  thee  with  what  might  we  may, 
And  we  our  felues  moft  wilHng  will  prouide, 
No  Britaine borne  againft  thee  (hall  difplay 
His  ftiield,but  all  at  the  appointed  day, 
As  preft  to  pleafe  thy  heft,  ftiall  thee  aflift : 
Win  thou  the  crowne,  and  weare  it  at  thy  lift. 

Which  when  I  heard  them  fay  with  one  confent, 
Blame  not  though  pride  did  then  pofleffe  my  heart 
For  Princely  crowne :  the  dreadfull  diery  dent 
Of  wrackfull  warre,  who  would  not  feele  the  fmart 
Of  griping  griefe  ?  who  would  not  feele  the  dart 

Of  dreadfull  death  ?  or  who  regardeth  paine  ? 

If  he  a  crowne  and  kingdome  may  obtaine  ? 

For  his  gray  grotes  the  countrie  clowne  doth  care, 
Reftlefle  with  ruth,  the  Rufticke  gets  his  gaine  : 
The  Merchant  man  for  wealth  doth  fend  his  ware 
About  the  world,  with  perill  and  great  paine. 
And  all  the  world  for  wealth  doth  not  difdaine, 
Amidft  the  furge  of  mightie  mounting  feas, 
To  caft  themfelues  their  owne  delights  to  pleafe. 

If  to  obtaine  fuch  trifflcs  they  do  toile, 
And  ncuer  ceafe  to  bring  their  drifts  about : 
Why  fhould  I  feare  the  force  of  forren  foile  ? 
Why  ftiould  I  not  affay  with  courage  ftout, 
To  wreake  my  wrath  vpon  the  Romifh  rout 

Which  heere  remaine  ?  whom  to  the  bale  to  bring, 
Were  me  to  crowne  my  natiue  countries  King. 


One  thing  there  is  which  greatly  doth  me  grieue, 
Setierus,  he  who  did  inhance  my  ftate, 
He  did  in  my  diftrefle  with  life  relieue 
My  dying  daies,  he  neuer  did  me  hate : 
Yet  now  with  him  I  muft  be  at  debate. 

Euen  him  with  might  I  greatly  muft  difgrace, 

Ere  I  can  fet  my  felfe  in  Princely  place. 

Vntimely  death  fhall  not  deftroy  his  daies  i 
For  if  he  will  returne  to  Rome  againe, 
Or  if  he  will  refign«hiscrowne  with  praife, 
Or  if  he  will  amongft  vs  ftili  remaine. 
If  he  can  like  of  thcfe,  we  will  refraine 

From  /"heading  blood :  which  if  he  doth  difdaine, 

I  then  againft  my  will,  muft  worke  his  painc. 

So  forth  I  paft  with  all  my  power  preft, 
Severn*  did  at  Durham  then  delay, 
Whereas  I  ment  his  ftate  to  haue  diftreft  2 
But  fome  I  thinke  my  fecrets  did  bewray, 
For  he  to  Yorke  in  hafte  did.take  his  way. 

Which  when  I  hadbefieg'd  on  euery  fide, 

With  care  and  griefe  of  mind,  Setterm  dide. 

See  heere  the  force  of  cruell  fretting  care  ? 
Sec  hecre  how  forow  doth  difoay  the  mind  ? 
For  when  he  heard  QAraflus  did  prepare 
To  reaue  his  crowne,  he  iudging  me  vnkind, 
With  fobbing  fighes  of  forrow,  he  refignd 

Before  his  time  his  mind  from  manly  breft : 

Behold  with  care  how  forow  reaues  mansrefto 

Thus  he  intomb'd  in  his  vntimely  cheft, 
It  was  decreed  fara(]m  fhould  be  King, 
The  three  eftates  of  all  my  Realme  were  preft, 
With  one  confent  they  all  to  me  did  bring 
The  kingly  crownc,  then  thus  they  all  did  fing? 

The  due  deferts  of  this  renowned  wight, 

Deferues  to  be  the  Britaine  Kin g  by  right. 

Marke 


ipx  J^jng  Carafftu. 

Marke  by  what  fteps  I  did  the  top  obtaine, 
With  keeping  flieepe  my  youthful  yeares  were  (pent; 
Then  with  the  whip  I  pli'd  the  plow  amaine, 
In  tjlfars  his  fields  to  fight  my  mind  was  bent, 
As  Legate  then  to  Rome  my  felfe  was  fent, 
I  dubbed  was  a  Lord  of  high  renowne, 
And  now  at  laft  I  haue  obtain  d  the  Crowne. 

The  end  of  th'adl  (the  Plaudite)  doth  proue, 
And  all  is  well,  whole  ending  is  not  ill : 
Who  fits  aloft  had  neuer  need  to  moue,  • 
For  feare  lefthe  fhould  fall  againft  his  will. 
Though  creeping  he  did  gaine  the  top  with  skilly 
Yet  at  the  laft,  by  turning  of  his  toe, 
A  fudden  fall  may  worke  his  wretched  woe. 

Which  fall  I  felt,  and  how  ?  I  heere  will  fhow : 
When  I  as  King  did  all  the  Realme  command, 
I fearefull  did  fuipe£t mine  ouerthrow  : 
The  place  (me  thought)  did  fliake  where  I  did  ftand. 
Then  for  my  guard  I  did  prouidea  band 

Of  warlike  wights,  to  guard  my  noble  grace, 

I  laftly  did  my  noble  men  diiplace. 

From  forth  the  fields  I  for  my  father  fent, 
Him  of  a  clowne  a  noble  man  I  made : 
My  Brethren  all  euen  for  the  fame  intent, 
Like  Courtiers  there  in  Court  with  me  they  ftafd, 
And  all  my  ftocke  were  glad  and  well  apai'd : 
For  they  oflate  which  ruf  d  the  painfull  plow, 
Of  Britaine  land  they  be  the  Rulers  nowr. 

From  cart  to  Court,  a  countrieman  to  call, 
Wiih  braue  attire  to  decke  a  dunghill Dicke, 
Is  like  a  painted  Image  in  a  wall, 
Which  doth  deceiue,  andfeemeth  tobequicke,  • 
Though  workmanfhip  mod  trimly  doth  it  tricke, 
Yet  of  a  ftone,  a  ftone  will  ftill  remaine : 
A  clowne  cannot  from  clowniih  deeds  refraine 


As  hard  it  is  of  quarried  Marble  ftone, 
For  man  to  make  a  liuely  mouiug'wight, 
As  of  a  Lout,  or  elfe  of fuch  a  one 
Who  daily  doth  imploy  his  whole  delight 
To  dig  and  delue,  it  paffeth  mortall  might, 
To  make  him  ferue  the  Court  a  Kings  beheft  : 
Turne  him  to  plow,  the  cart  for  him  is  beft. 

For  though  thou  canft  by  cunning  art  compell 
Nature  a  time  to  leaue  her  wonted  place , 
She  will  returne,  in  fpight  of  heauen  or  hell : 
No  Alcumift  Dame  Nature  can  difplace, 
Except  that  God  doth  giue  abundant  grace. 
The  Caske  will  haue  a  tafte  for  euermore, 
With  that  wherewith  it  feafoned  was  before. 

Why  did  I  then  my  courtlefle  court  maintaine 
With  Hob  and  Iohn,  Ifytph  RoyHer,  and  his  mate  ? 
Whofe  greedie  iawes  aye  gaping  after  gaine, 
Did  pole,  and  pill,  and  bred  fuch  fteme  debate  : 
Men  much  vnmcet  to  maintaine  mine  eftate. 

Why  didl  them  Co  neere  mine  elbow  place  ? 

Becaufe  my  felfe  by  birth  was  borne  but  bace. 

Like  will  to  like,  the  Mule  doth  claw  her  mate, 
With  horned  beafts  the  Ienite  cannot  ieft, 
Thofebauling  Hounds,  the  haughtie  Hart  doth  hate, 
With  Beares  the  Beare  in  fafetie  counts  her  beft. 
So  I  amongft  my  like  did  looke  for  reft, 

Their  deeds  by  me  were  alwaies  wellallow'd, 
By  them  likwile  my  doings  wereauow'd. 

But  as  you  fee  the  Husbandman  with  care 
From  new  fowne  fields  the  rauening  rookes  to  driue, 
%  So  did  the  Gentrie  of  my  Realme  prepare, 
My  countrie  Court  and  me  for  to  depriue. 
But  Gentlemen  were  then  too  weake  to  ftriue 
With  me,  andmine,  for  which  they  did  prepare 
A  new  found  fnach,  which  did  my  feet  infnare. 

P 


lH  %&gtmffuu 

In  furgcleffe  feas  of  quiet  reft  when  I 
Seuen  yeares  had  fail* a  perrie  did  arife, 
The  blafts  whereof  abriga my libertie  : 
For  whif  ft  I  did  with  bufte  braine  deurfe 
Them  to  deftroy,  which  did  my  Court  defpift, 
The  boiftrous  blafts  of  hatred  blew  a  gale, 
My  cables  crakt,  my  Barke  was  bong'd  with  bale. 

For  they  (I  meane  the  Gentrie  of  my  land) 
Both  me,  and  mine,  theirs,  and  themfelues  had  fold 
Subie&s  to  Rome,  from  whence  a  mightie  band 
They  had  conuey'd,  to  make  my  courage  cold : 
Jnto  my  Realme  they  could  not  be  control^, 

But  when  they  were  arriu'd,  they  quickly  brought 
Both  me  and  mine,  and  all  the  reft  to  nought. 

tAletius  then  the  Chiefetaine  of  the  reft, 
Spoiling  my  friends,  he  forft  me  to  the  field, 
The  day  was  come,  we  both  in  fight  were  preft. 
His  truftleffe  traine,  did  fecme  to  me  to  yeeld, 
But  all  the  fields  with  great  ambuftiments  fill' dx 
I  could  not  flee,  AleElm  had  the  day, 
With  his  o  wne  fword  for  breath  he  made  me  bray. 

As  due  defert  did  force  my  fhip  to  flote, 
So  vices  vile  me  drencht  in  waues  of  woes. 
O  falfe  fufpecl,  why  did'ft  thou  make  me  dote  ? 
Fearing  my  fall,my  friends  I  deem'd  my  foes : 
Fearing  the  worft,  the  beft  I  did  depofe, 
And  was  depofde  r  let  other  learne  hereby, 
The  crooked  Crab  will  alwaies  walke  awry. 

And  let  them  know  which  do  not  lothe  to  learne, 
That  Kings  in  Court, be  combred  moft  with  care. 
The  Pilots  charge,  who  fitteth  at  the  ftearne, 
Doth  make  him  watch.,  when  other  do  prepare 
Themfelues  to  fleepe :  fo  Kings  diftrefled  are 
With  doubtfull  dread,  and  many  other  things* 
The  fheepheardslife  is  better  then  the  Kings. 


ByTfomasBlcuer 


HOW  QVEENE 

HELENA  OF  BRITAINE  MAR- 
ricd  Constantivs  the Emperour,  and 
much  aduanccd the  ChriBian  faith  through 
the  whole  world,  An.  Dom,  289. 

j^||^p^|Ens  due  deferts  each  Reader  may  recite, 
S  fcwvM  H  ^or  men  °^ men  do  make  a  goodly  fliow, 

g  But  womensworkes  can  ncuer  come  to  light, 
BKv^^S  No  mortall  man  their  famous  fa&s  may  know, 
Kin    1  r  T  ^0 wrjter wjij a jitt]e tjmc Deftow^ 

The  worthy  workes  of  women  to  repeat, 
Though  their  renowne  and  due  deferts  be  great. 

For  I  by  birth  to  Coel  daughter  deere, 
King  Lucy  was  my  good  Grand-mothers  fonne, 
My  father  dead,  I  rulf  d  his  kingdome  heere, 
And  afterward,  the  World  fo  wide  I  wonne. 
I  Empreffe  was  of  all  vnder  the  Sunne, 

I  liued  long,  I  di'd  with  perfect  blifle, 

Yet  writers  will  repeate  no  word  of  this. 

But  now  at  laft  I  haue  obtained  leaue, 
My  fpotlefle  life  to  paint  in  perfect  white  : 
Though  writers  would  all  honor  from  me  reaue, 
Of  all  renowne  they  would  depriue  me  quite, 
Yet  true  report  my  deeds  fhall  burnifh  bright, 

And  rub  the  ruft  which  did  me  much  dilgrace, 

And  fet  my  name  in  her  delerued  place. 

From  Roman  rule  who  Britaine  did  redeeme  ? 
Who  planted  firft  Gods  word  in  Britaine  land? 
Who  did  fo  much  virginitie  efteeme  ? 
Who  did  the  force  of forren  foes  withftand  ? 
Who  all  the  world  fubdud  without  a  band 

Of  Martiall  men  ?  who  did  thefe  noble  acls } 

I  Helen*,  haue  done  thefe  famous  facls. 

P  %  And 


iptf  Queme  Helena. 

And  now  haue  heere  the  ftorie  of  my  flate : 
The  Britaine  Queene  inheritage  me  crown  d, 
Euen  then  when  Romans  had  To  great  debate 
Amongft  themfelucs  for  Caracallas  wound, 
An  Emperour,  who  highly  was  renown  d, 
As  then  at  Rome,  whofe  death  vndoubtedly, 
Diminiflit  much  the  Roman  Emperie. 

The  Romans  then  were  ftor  d  with  ciuill  ftrife, 
And  many  Reaimes  againft  them  did  rebell, 
Their  trouble  turn  d  me  to  a  quiet  life, 
My  Commonweaie  did  profper  palling  well. 
When  all  the  world  agreed  like  diuels  in  hell, 
Then  I  and  mine  becalm'd  from  hatreds  blaft 
In  happie  hauen  harboured  were  atlaft. 

Then  I  a  maid  of  tender  youthfull  yeares, 
Report  did  fay,  of  beautie  frefh  and  faire, 
Refufde  the  fute  of  many  noble  Peeres, 
Which  daily  did  vnto  my  court  repaire. 
What  thought  there  were  vnto  my  crowne  no  heire 
Yet  I  who  did  regard  my  Commons  good, 
Refufde  to  linke  my  felfe  with  forren  blood. 

On  forren  coafts,  on  kingdomes  to  incroch, 
With  wrath  of  wrackfull  warres  I  did  deipiie, 
And  fearing  aye  the  ruth  ofrude  reproch, 
With  carking  care  I  daily  did  deuife, 
How  I  with  peace  might  make  my  kingdome  rife, 
And  how  by  law  of  God  and  man,  I  might 
Giue  Cdipir  his,  and  vnto  God  his  right. 

No  God  of  heauen,  no  Chrift  my  people  knew : 
Wherefore  to  Rome  for  learned  men  I  lent, 
King  Lucks  lawes  decay'd  I  did  renew, 
Then  preaching  made  my  people  fb  repent 
Their  former  faults,  that  all  incontinent 
Were baptifed,  and  fo  within  a fpace, 
The  faith  of Chrift  they  firmely  did  embrace, 


Queene  Helena. 

That  nothing  feemed  currant  in  their  fight, 
But  that  which  holic  writers  would  allow : 
And  that  they  would  imbrace  with  all  their  might. 
To(hedtheirbloud,thefamefor  to  auow, 
Theydidnotfeare,at^m?/W  euen  now, 
Amidft  the  force  of  fiery  flafliing  flame : 
Albon  the  Trotomartyr  prou'd  the  fame. 

As  carefull  merchantmen  do  much  reioice, 
When  from  thofe  lies  Molocchi,  they  haue  brought 
Their  fraighted  fhips/or  then  they  haue  great  choice 
Of  Merchandize,  which  trafficke  long  hath  fought, 
To  finde  the  ware,which  trial  true  hath  taught 
Wil  get  moftgaine,  which  being  got  they  giue 
Andcaft  their  care,  how  they  thereby  may  liue  i 

So  I,  whom  both  Sir  Nepmes  furging  Seas, 
And  Eoles  windes,  euen  God  himfelfe  aboue 
Didfauour  much,  mylabouringmindetopleafe, 
Giuing  thofe  things  were  beft  for  my  behoue, 
Gods  wordlmeane,  which  all  my  men  did  loue. 
The  Pearles  which  Chrift  commanded  to  be  bought 
Muft  here  be  found,  and  no  where  els  be  fought.  * 

Then  they  and  I  made  hafte,  poft  haft,  to  leade 
Our  finfulliues  as  Scripture  did  allow. 
We  knowing  God,  him  loud  with  feare  and  dreade, 
Deuotionmadevs  crouch,  and  creepe,  and  bow 
Our  hearts,  our  heads ;  we  fauage  were  but  now 
Yet  by  and  by  fuch  was  the  good  fUccefle,  > 
In  fiery  flames  the  truth  we  did  profefle. 

Then  flitting  Fame  the  truth  to  teftific, 
Againftmy  wil,  at  Rome  made  fuch  report, 
That  Conftatintts  thence  did  hither  hie, 
And  being  come  vnto  my  Britaine  Court, 
With  louers  lookes  he  ftriu  d  to  fcale  the  Fort 
Of  my  good  will:  but  when  it  would  not  bee, 
Hefighing,  thus  addreft  his  talke  tome ; 


Xpg  Queene  Hellena. 

O  Queene  quoth  he,  thy  deeds  deferue  great  fame2 
The  goodly  gifts  that  God  hath  giu  n  to  thee 
Be  fuch,  as  I  cannot  thee  greatly  blame, 
Though  thou  without  defertdifdaineft  me, 
Who  for  thy  fake  doth  lotheall  crueltie. 
But  for  thy  louc,  with  Mars  his  cruell  knife, 
I  could  command  thy  Realme,  and  reauc  thy  life. 

But  (out  alas)  whifft  breath  doth  lend  me  life, 
My  heart  fhall  hate  to  thrall  thy  happie  ftate, 
What  though  thou  doft  refufe  to  be  my  wife, 
Thy  hatred  tho,  fhall  neuer  caufe  me  hate : 
But  whil'ft  I  liue,  I  will  thee  loue,  let  Fate 

And  Fortune  fell  powre  on  me  all  their  lpight, 
To  die  for  thee  fhall  greatly  me  delight. 

Then  I  repli'd,  O  Duke,  without  defert 
Thou  doft  me  loue,  a  little  Hands  Queene,, 
I  know  thou  to  the  Emperour  heire  art, 
Thy  valiant  a6ts  I  diuers  waies  haue  feene, 
I  like  thy  deeds,  moft  noble  which  hauebeen> 
And  thee  I  loue :  yet  priuate  pleafuresluft 
May  neuer  make  me  throw  my  Realme  to  duft* 

If  thou  (quoth  he)  wilt  daine  my  Queene  to  be, 
Thy  Britaines  fhall  to  Rome  no  tribute  yeeld, 
You  if  you  pleafe,  to  Rome  may  go  with  me, 
Your  mightie  mate  the  world  fo  wide  may  wield* 
Or  if  you  pleafe,  I  heere  with  you  will  bilde 
My  biding  place,  and  in  this  little  land, 
I  will  remaine  yours,heere  at  your  command* 

His  comely  grace,  his  friendly  promife  plight, 
His  famous  acles,  his  Noble  royall  race, 
Some  other  things  which  heere  Icould  recite, 
The  Romans  heart  within  my  breft  did  place. 
And  when  my  wit  had  weighed  well  the  cafe, 
Then  for  the  chiefc  of  all  my  Realme  I  fent, 
And  thus  I  ipake  to  know  the  whole  intent. 


Queene  Hellena. 

My  losing  Lords,  and  you  my  fubie&s,  fee 
This  Roman  heire,  whom  I  indeed  do  loue, 
He  will  reftore  your  ancient  libertie, 
Ifl  will  bend  my  heft  to  his  behoue : 
Which  benefits  they  chiefely  do  me  moue, 

To  loue  at  laft,  a  man  by  whom  you  may, 

Receiue  a  Shield  to  kecpe  you  from  decay. 

Perhaps  you  thinke  I  loue,  becaufe  I  fee 
His  comely  ftiape,  and  feemely  fanguine  face, 
You  be  deceiud,  no  outward  brauery, 
No  perfonagc,  no  gallant  courtly  grace. 
What  though  he  be  by  birth  of  royall  race  ? 

Ireckeit  not,  but  this  I  do  regard, 

My  Commonweale  by  him  may  be  preferu  d. 

For  if  he  will  from  tribute  fc  t  you  free, 
And  end  the  worke  which  I  haue  well  begonne, 
That  Chrifts  Gofpell  preached  full  may  bee, 
God  may  by  him  fend  vnto  me  a  fbnne, 
To  you  a  King :  what  wealth  then  haue  you  wonne  ? 

What  great  renowne  ?  what  honor  will  infue  ? 

Speakc  you  your  minds,  theft  things  me  thinke,be  true* 

O  Queene,  quoth  they,  the  Lord preferue  thy  grace : 

Do  thou  the  thing  that  feemes  to  thee  the  beft, 

We  do  allow  the  match  in  euery  cafe : 

If  by  that  mcanes  we  may  haue  quiet  reft, 

With  what  great  good  ftial  this  our  Realme  be  bleft  ? 
Do  thou  therefore  O  noble  Queene,  we  pray, 
The  thing  which  beftmay  keepe  vs  from  decay. 

The  Roman  Duke  he  nothing  would  deny, 
But  granted  more  then  I  could  aske  or  craue, 
So  that  there  was  proclaimed  by  and  by, 
A  famous  feaft,  a  banquet  pafTing  braue. 
There  to  the  Duke  the  Britainc  crownc  I  gaue, 

With  facred  fpoufall  rights,  as  man  and  wife 

Wc  wedded,  liud  in  loue,  for  terme  of  life. 

P4  And 


zoo         Queene  Helena* 

And  whif  ft  we  mcnt  to  rule  this  little  He, 
A  greater  good  vnlooked  for  befell, 
Death  did  deft roy  his  Sire  with  hateful  hand  ? 
For  which  we  both  at  Romemuft  now  go  dwell, 
And  Co  we  did :  things  profpered  paffing  well, 
My  Feere  was  made  the  Emperour,  Lord  and  king 
Of  all :  and  I  the  Queene  of  euery  thing. 

His  mightie  Mace  did  rule  the  Monarchic, 
My  wit  did  rule  (fome  writers  fay)his  Mace, 
And  to  increafe  with  ioy  our  merrie  glie, 
I  brought  him  forth  a  babe  of  Royall  race, 
The  boy  he  had  an  amiable  face. 

O  Rome  thou  maiftreioyce,for  this  was  he, 

Which  did  at  Rome  creel  Diuinitie. 

Whifft  thus  inbliffc  I  did  at  Rome  remaine, 
A  Britatne  ftill  my  mind  her  care  did  caft, 
Forwhichlcaufd  my  husband  to  ordaine, 
That  euermore  thofe  ancient  Lawcs  fhould  laft, 
Which  heretofore  amongft  them  there  I  paft, 
And  that  to  Romzno'Britatne  borne/or  aye, 
Should  taxe,  or  toll,  or  tenth,  or  tribute  pay. 

Though  there  at  Rome  an  Emprefle  life  I  led, 
And  had  at  hand  what  I  could  wifh  or  craue, 
Yet  ftill  me  thought  I  was  not  wel  beftead, 
Becaufe  I  was  fo  farre  from  Britatne  braue. 
Which  when  my  louing  Lord  did  once  perceiue, 
He  fet  a  ftay  in  all  the  Emperie, 
To  Britatne  thenhe  didreturne  with  me. 

We  raign'dofyeeres  thrice  feuen  with  goodfucceffe, 
Then  Dolor  and  Debilitie  did  driue 
My  louing  Lord  with  fainting  feeblcnefle, 
For  vitall  life  with  braying  breath  to  ftriuc  ? 
He  felt,  how  death  of  life  would  him  depriue, 
He  cal'd  his  Lords,  his  child,  and  me  his  wife, 
And  thus  he  fpake,  euen  as  he  lefthis  life : 


Queene  Helena. 

The  haughtie  Pines  of  loftie  Libanus, 
From  earth,  to  earth,  in  traft  of  time  rcturnc : 
Sol  whofe  fprcading  praife  were  maruellous, 
Muft  now  returne  my  flefh  to  filthic  flime, 
On  Fortunes  wheele  I  may  no  longer  clime. 
Therefore  my  Lords,although  my  glafle  be  runne, 
Yet  take  rcmorfe  on  Conftant'tne  my  fonne. 

My  Monarch,  Court,  my  Kingdomes  all, 
(O  (lately  Rome)  farewell  to  them,  and  thee, 
Farewell  my  Lords,  which  fee  my  finall  fall, 
Farewell  my  child,  my  wife,  more  deare  tomce 
Then  all  the  world,  we  muft  depart  I  fee : 
And  muft  we  needs  depart  >  O  Fortune  fie^ 
We  muft  depart,  adue,  farewell,  I  die. 

Wherewith  he  figh'dandfenfeleffedidremaine, 
Then  I  his  death  as  women  do,  did  waile : 
But  when  I  view'd,  that  weeping  was  but  vaine, 
I  was  content  to  beare  that  bitterbale, 
As  one  who  found  no  meanes  for  her  auaile. 
His  corps  at  Yorke  in  Princely  Tombe  I  laid, 
When  funerall  focred  folemne  rites  were  paid. 

And  when  report  his  death  about  had  blowne, 
ChUxenttw  then  the  triple  crowne  to  weare, 
Did  challenge  all  the  Empire  as  his  owne, 
And  for  a  time  that  mightie  Mace  did  beare : 
Which  when  my  fonne,  my  Con& ant  ine  did  hearc, 
The  youthfull  Lad,  indeuour'd  by  and  by, 
To  ciaime  his  right  by  CMars  his  cr  uekie. 

I  then  his  tender  youthfull  yeares  to  guide, 
Went  with  my  fonne  to  fee  his  good  fucceffe,. 
He  being  Campt  by  fruitfull  Tybers  fide, 
To  Ipoile  his  foe  he  did  himfelfe  addreffe, 
He  knew  that  God.did  giue  all  happinclfe. 

Therefore  to  God,  euen  then  the  youth  did  pray, 
With  mightie  handto  kcepe  him  from  decay. 


zoz         Queene  Hellena. 

Behold  how  God  doth  godly  men  defend, 

And  marke  how  he  doth  beatc  Vfurpers  do  wne. 

CMaxetjtm  now  he  ail  his  force  doth  bend, 

For  to  defend  his  Diadem  and  Cro  wne. 

But  froward  Fate  vpon  the  Prince  did  frowne : 
For  why  his  meirwere  fcattered  euery  where, 
In  Tyber  he  did  drowne  himfelfe  for  fcare. 

To  Rome  then  we  and  all  our  hoft  did  hie, 
The  Romans  they  with  ioy  did  vs  receiue, 
To  Conttmt'me  they  gaue  the  Emperie, 
But  he  of  them  mott  earneftly  did  craue, 
That  I  the  rule  of  all  the  world  might haue: 
It  is  (quoth  he)  my  mothers  right  to  raigne, 
Till  dreadfull  death  hath  Hired  her  twift  in  twaine, 

I  grant  my  fonne,  the  Monarchie  is  mine, 
For  at  his  death  thy  father  gaue  it  me 
For  terme  of  life :  but  let  it  now  be  thine,  1 1 
I  aged  muft  go  pay  the  earth  her  fee, 
I  am  content  to  Hue  with  leffe  degree. 

0  louing  fonne,  giue  eare  vnto  my  heft, 

1  will  not  rule,  that  charge  for  thee  is  b eft. , 

And  when  he  might  not  rule  his  mothers  mind,  - 
Againft  his  will  he  willing  did  affent, 
That  all  fhouldbe  as  I  had  then  aflign'd, 
To  rule  the  world,  he  grieued  was  content. 
And  whif  ft  that  there  my  happie  daies  I  fpent, 
Reioycing  much  toiee  my  fonnes  fuccefTe^ 
I  di'd  and  had  a  heauenly  happineffe. 

Thrice  happie  I  who  ran  this  royall  race, 
And  in  the  end  my  wiftied  Goale  did  get : 
For  by  mymeanes  all  people  did  embrace 
The  faith  of  Chrift,the  orders  I  did  fet 
They  were  obey'd  with  ioy,  which  made  me  iet. 
Euen  in  this blifle  a  better  blirTe  befell, 
I  di'd,  and  now  my  foule  in  heauen  doth  dwell. 


Vortiger.  203 

So  now  you  fee  the  happie  hap  I  had  t  i 
Learne  then  thereby  to  do  as  I  haue  done, 
To  praife  Gods  name  let  euery  Prince  be  glad  : 
To  perfecute  the  truth  let  all  men  ftiunne> 
By  vertuous  waies  great  honor  may  be  wonne. 

But  he  who  doth  to  vices  vile  incline, 

Maybe  compar'd  vnto  a  filthiefwine. 

Who  doth  not  louetheplainenorpleafant  way, 
He  cannot  feare  to  fleepe  amidft  the  greene, 
But  in  the  mire  he  doth  delight  to  lay : 
So  Princes  fuch  as  vile  and  vicious  beene, 
Do  tumble  aye  amidft  a  finke  of  finne, 

Whofe  names  on  earth, whofe  fbules  in  helremaine 

In  infamie,  the  other  pinch  t  with  paine. 

Let  them  thatfeeke  for  euerlaftingfame, 

Tread  in  the  fteps  that  I  before  haue  trod, 

And  he  who  would  auoid  reprochfull  fhame, 

And  flee  the  /mart  of  Plutoes  ruthfull  rod, 

Let  him  not  ceafc  to  learne  the  law  of  God, 

Which  only  law  mans  (tumbling  fteps  doth  guide : 
Who  walkes  therein,  his  feete  can  neuer  Aide. 


HOW  VORTIGER  De- 
stroyed THE  YON G  KING 

Constantine,  and  how  hce  obtained  the 

Crowne :  and  how  after  many  miferies^he  was 
miferMie  burnt  tn  his  Caftle,  by  the  bre- 
thren o/Conftantine,  Anm 

i  Y  quiet  peace  of  Tanas  iollitie, 
'  Their  happie  hauens  fome  with  forewinds  haue3  , 
By  wrackfull  warre  of  CMars  his  crueltie, 
With  much  adoe  fome  get  the  Goale  they  craue, 
But  fubtill  Heights  and  fetches  bolftred  braue, 
My  haple{fe  hand  did  hit  with  leuelVed  line, 
The  aimed  mark e,  the  more  mifliapwas  mixie# , 

By 


204-  Vorttger. 

By  gifts  of  grace  feme  men  haue  happy  hap, 
By  blefTed  birth  to  Kingdomcs  borne  fome  be : 
Succeffionfetsfbmemenin  Fortunes  lap, 
By  wifcdome,  wit,  and  prudent  policie: 
Some  clime  aloft  by  truftleffe  treacherie  : 
And  courage  doth  a  multitude  aduance, 
Drifts  finely  filde  they  did  my  ftate  inhancc* 

I^rf/V^rbybirth  was  borne  a  Lord, 
King  Conflantirie  his  Cofin  did  me  call, 
Icride  araaine,andclapthiscrowne  abord, 
And  for  a  time  til  Fortune  forft  my  fall, 
Withrcftleffe  bliflelfate  in  ftately  ftall : 

But  men  of  warre  of  much  more  might  then  I± 
For  my  defertmy  carefull  corps  did  fry. 

As  furions  force  of  fiery  flafliing  fame, 
With  Cinders  brought  my  body  to  decay, 
So  fmuldering  finokesof  euerlafting  fhamc 
Choakt  my  reno wne,  and  wipte  my  f  flame  away. 
What  may  I  more  of  my  mifFortune  fay  ? 

I  figh  to  fee,!  filent  ccale  to  tell 

What  me  deftroid,  anddrownd  my  foulein  hcl# 

Here  to  repeat  the  parts  that  I  haue  plaid, 

Were  to  vnrippe  a  trufTe  of  trumpery, 

For  me  to  {hew  how  I  aloft  was  ftaid, 

Were  to  ere<5t  a  fchoole  ofTrechery : 

Silence  is  beft,  let  no  man  learne  by  me 
Nor  by  my  meanes,  how  they  by  wicked  waies, 
From  low  eftate,  aloft  themfclues  may  raife. 

As  good  men  can  by  wicked  workes  beware, 
So  wicked  men  by  wicked  workes  be  wife, 
If  ill  men  read  my  deedes  which  wicked  were, 
They  by  my  meanes  will  compalfe  their  furmife : 
For  wicked  workers  daily  doe  deuife, 
To  make  examples  vile  and  vitious, 
To  ftand  in  ftead,  to  ferue  their  lawleffe  luft. 


Vortiger. 

The  Serpent  thence  his  venim  vile  doth  draw, 
From  whence  the  Bee  her  hony  fweet  doth  get, 
Leaud  liuers  learne  to  breake  the  written  law, 
By  that,  whereby  good  men  do  learne  much  wit. 
For  wicked  men  each  fetch  is  thought  moft  fit, 
To  ferue  their  turne :  therefore  I  count  it  beft, 
To  leaue  my  faults  and  follies  vnconfeft. 

Giue  leaue  therefore  good  Memory,  I  may 

Not  heere  repeate  my  tedious  Tragedie, 

Inquirie,  let  me  now  depart  away. 

My  Common wealefubuerted  was  by  me, 

I  leaudly  liud,  and  di'd  in  miferie, 

And  for  my  faults  I  felt  difdainfull  fmart, 
Let  this  fumce,  and  let  me  now  depart. 

With  that  he  feem'd  as  one  that  would  away, 
But  Memory  (ftay  ftay  thy  fteps,quoth  fhe) 
Let  wicked  men  procure  their  owne  decay, 
We  recke  it  not,  if  warned  once  they  be. 
Let  that  fiiffice,  and  let  thy  miferie 

Make  iuft  report,  how  vaine,  and  vile  a  thing 

It  is,  to  Hue  as  a  vfurping  King. 

Sith  needs  I  muft  repented  faults  forerunne 
Repeat,  and  tell  the  fall  and  foile  I  felt, 
Patience  perforce,  to  fpeake  fliame  bids  me  flhunne, 
To  thinke  thereof  doth  make  my  heart  to  melt. 
But  fith  I  needs  muft  fhew  how  heere  I  delt, 

I  am  content  to  tell  the  truth  of  all, 

Let  wife  men  learne  to  ftand,  which  rcade  my  fall. 

For  firft  I  caufde  the  yong  King  ConHantine, 
Offaithleffe  Scots  and  Pi 61s  to  make  his  guard, 
Theybymymeanes  did  kill  their  King  in  fine, 
For  which,  with  fpeed  I  fent  them  all  to  ward,, 
And  hang  d  them  all,  their  caufe  was  neuer  heard: 
So  I  who  firft  did  caufe  them  kill  their  King, 
To  flop  their  mouthes,them  all  to  death  did  bring. 


io6  Vorttger. 

Where  Rancor  rules,  where  hatreds  heate  is  hot, 
The  hurtleffe  men  with  trouble  be  turmoil'd : 
Where  malice  may  fend  forth  her  Cannon  (hot. 
There  might  is  right,  there  reafons  rules  are  foil'd. 
For  ruthfull  Rancor  euermore  hath  boyl'd 

With  griping  grieferher  fmuldring  fmokes  of  fpitc 
Would  gladly  choke  all  iuftice,  law,  and  right. 

So  might,  not  right,  did  thruft  me  to  the  Throne, 
I  fixteene  yeares  did  weare  the  royall  Crowne, 
In  all  which  time  with  griefe  I  aye  did  grone, 
As  one  who  felt  the  fall  from  high  renowne. 
My  Noble  men  deuifde  to  thruft  me  downc 
In  all  this  time,  and  many  did  proteft, 
I  laid  the  King  in  his  vnf  imely  cheft. 

At  laft,  my  foes  my  friends  were  made,  and  I 
Had  quiet  peace,  and  liu'd  a  happie  King : 
Yea,  God  who  rules  the  haughtie  heauen  a  high, 
Inricht  my  Realme  withfoyfon  of  each  thing, 
Abundant  ftore  did  make  my  people  ting. 
As  they  of  yore  werepreft  with  penurie, 
So  now  they  hate  their  great  fertilitie. 

My  people  had  of  corne  and  oyle  fuch  ftore, 
That  countrie  men  of  tillage  left  the  toile, 
The  rich  man  fed  no  better  then  the  poore, 
For  all  did  reape  the  fatneffe  of  the  foile,  ^ 
No  man  for  meate  nor  money  then  did  toile, 
But  all  reioyce  with  ioyfull  Iubilie, 
And  all  were  fouft  with  finfull  gluttonie. 

As  clouds  difTolu  d  faire?^*  doth  deface. 
So  plague  my  plentie  dim'd  with  darke  difeafc : 
For  whif  ft  my  Realme  in  riot  ran  her  race, 
They  plaf  d,  not  prayed,  and  did  theirGod  difpleafi 
For  which  they  drownd  in  forowes  furging  feas, 
Like  rotten  fheepe  by  thoufands  di'd  fo  thicke* 
Thedeadcouldnotbeburiedby  the  quicke* 


Vortiger.  zoy 

When  thus  the  plague  my  people  did  opprefle, 
That  few  were  left  aliue  within  my  land, 
The  barbarons  Pi6ts,  with  fpeede  themfelues  addreft, 
Knowing  their  time,  they  raifde  a  mightie  band, 
They  knew  right  fbone,  how  here  my  Mate  did  ftand* . 
And  to  reuenge  the  wrong  thatearft  I  wrought, 
They  ment  to  bring  both  me  and  mine  to  nought. 

See  how  abufe  breeds  Wake  and  bitter  bale, 

Mifufe  doth  make  of  plenty,  lothfome  lacke, 

Amidft  his  blifle  with  wo  it  makes  man  wale, 

Onely  abufe  doth  worke  mans  wretched  wracke : 

Amidft  my  ioyes,  from  ioy  it  beat  me  backe. 
For  I  and  mine  mifufde  our  prefent  blefle, 
Which  brought  both  me  and  mine  to  wretchedneife. 

We  firrtmillifde  ourprefent  pleafant  plentie, 
For  which  we  whipt  in  thrall  with  lcourges  three, 
Had  Peftilence,  which  made  mykingdome  emptier 
It  did  dettroy  my  men  of  ech  degree, 
Then  fainting  Famine  plaide  her  Tragedy, 
Bellona  then  thatbeaftly  bloody  Queene, 
Did  blow  her  Trumpe  to  dafli  my  courage  cleane. 

When  fkkeneffehadconfumdemyfubie&s  quitea 
The  Tifts  with  pride  did  hafte  to  ipoile  my  land, 
I  had  no  men,  nor  meanes  with  them  to  fight, 
For  which  I  fent  and  did  obtaine  a  band 
Of  Saxons,  fuch  as  did  the  Pitts  witMand. 

Whofc  helpe  that  I  when  need  requir  d  might  haue3 

I  gaue  them  Kent,  a  countrey  paffing  braue. 

Thele  Saxons  were  a  crew  of  warrelikc  wights, 

They  liu  d  by  Ipoile,  and  had  no  biding  place, 

Thev  were  of  truth  a  troupe  of  Martial  knights, 

Which  feru  d  for  pay  where  Mars  extold  his  Mace. 

Saxons  indeed  they  were  of  royal  race, 

They  Angh  hight,  a  ftockc  of  worthy  fame, 

Of  them  this  realme  of  England  tookeher  name, 

Thefc 


208  Vortiger. 

Thefe  Angli brought  the  Britaines  to  the  bay, 
We  Welchmen  cali'd,  to  Wales  they  did  vs  driue, 
They  brought  fixe  forts  of  Saxons  to  decay, 
And  got  the  Goale  for  which  they  long  did  ftriue. 
Of  other  ftockes  they  left  not  one  aliue, 

They  all  this  Realme  did  plant  with  Angli  then,) 
Andterm'dthemfelues  of  Angli*  Englifhmen. 

Buthow  they  brought  this  enterprife  about, 
Marke  well  the  fequell  which  I  fhall  recite : 
Hengesim  he  the  Chiefetaine  of  the  rout, 
A  futtle  Sir,  an  vndermining  wight, 
To  feed  my  vaines  he  tooke  a  great  delight. 
His  craftie  head  did  deeme  it  the  beft  way, 
With  pleafant  baits  to  make  my  crowne  his  pray. 

He  me  his  King  inuited  to  a  feaft, 
A  featt  in  faith,  which  fortt  my  finall  fall : 
Where  Cufids  curfe  conftrain'd  me  like  a  beaft, 
From  Pallas  Prince  to  giue  the  golden  Ball. 
For  Venus  vants  to  Helene  threw  my  thrall, 

Whofe  heauenly  hue,whofe  beauty  frefh  and  faire 
Was  burniftit  bright  like  Vhcebm  in  the  aire. 

Ibeing  fet  at  2?^^  banquetting, 
His  daughter  deckt  with  Natures  Tapiftrie, 
And  trimly  trickt  with  euevy  other  thing, 
Which  might  delight  a  louers  fantafie  : 
Why  Hiould  mans  mind  to  loue  thus  fubieft  be  ? 
I  had  a  wife,  a  palling  princely  peece, 
Which  far  did  paffe  that  gallant  Girle  of  Greece. 

Yet  from  my  wife  (the  worthier!  Queene  aliue,) 
My  fancies  fell,  I  loth'd  her  louely  bed  : 
How  I  He^geBus  daughter  might  atchieue 
Was  all  my  care,  I  did  this  Damfeil  wed, 
My  wife  diuorft,  I  had  her  in  the  Itcd. 

Her  louely  lookes,  her  pretie  pleafant  cheare, 
Made  nie  efteeme  her  only  loue  moft  deare. 


Vortiger. 

I  wore  the  crowne,  her  wil  did  rule  the  reft, 

And  her  demaund  I  neuer  did  deny : 

What  Che  allow'd  I  did  efteeme  that  beft. 

Which  when  her  Father  He&gefidid  eipie, 

He  had  the  pray  for  which  he  long  did  prie. 
He  made  his  hay  whillt  weather  faier  was, 
And  by  her  meancs  he  brought  it  thus  topaiTe: 

That  Britaines  we  with  toile  fhould  till  the  ground, 
They  Saxons  would  defend  our  wealth  with  warre: 
Which  granted  once,  they  did  inhabit  round 
About  my  realme,  and  might  both  make  and  marre. 
New  Saxons  in  my  realme  arriued  were, 

By  meanes  whereof  my  Britaines  did  fufpcdt- 
The  Saxons  Heights,  and  did  their  deedes  deteft. 

Then  they  good  men  to  me  their  king  complaind, 
Thefe  mcn,quoth  they,  from  vs  our  realme  wil  win, 
Except  they  from  our  frontiers  be  refraind. 
Which  when  they  told,  my  wife  Are  was  within, 
O  hulband  dcare,  they  be  (faidc  flie)  my  kin, 
Ceafe  of  thy  force  thy  faithful  drcades  to  feare, 
They  meane  no  hurt,  by  I  one  the  iuft  Ifwearc. 

So  I  efteemed  not  my  fubiedls  health, 
That  I  mi^ht  frill  my  Ladies  loue  enioy, 
They  view  d  me  carekfle  of  my  common  wealth, 
To  faue  themielucs  they  meant  me  to  annoy, 
Mine  eldeft  fonne  a  proper  prety  boy, 

They  made  their  king,  and  me  for  my  defart, 
They  did  depriue :  with  paine  which  pincht  my  hart. 

Then  Vortiger  my  fonne  and  king  purfude 
The  Saxons  fore,and  did  amaze  them  much, 
For^vhich  my  wife  his  mother  iawe  indudc 
With  diuellifh  fpite,  againft  the  youth  did  grutch, 
She  him  delrrofd,  her  good  fuccelTe  was  fuch: 

When  he  feuen  yeares  had  raign'd  with  great  renownc^ 
With  poyfon  flic  depriu  d  him  of  his  crowne. 


no  Vorttger. 

I  to  obtaine  the  feate  from  whence  I  fell, 
With  facred  oath  I  folemnely  did  fweare, 
To  end  the  worke,  which  was  begun  fb  well, 
And  to  fubdue  the  Saxons  euery  where. 
The  Bfitaines  to  my  Kingly  crowne  did  rearc 

Me  quickly  then,  I  at  the  firft,  by  might 

Defafte  my  foes  in  euery  fray  and  fight. 

Then  lothfome  Luck  did  turne  her  whirling  wheelet. 
With  treafon  truft  intrapt  did  me  betray, 
Hatefull  Milhap  me  had  me  by  the  heele, 
And  clapt  me  clofe  in  dungeon  of  decay, 
To  Hengeft  now  Imuft  a  ranfome  pay. 

And  if  Uou'd  my  life  and  libcrtie, 

I  needs  muft  grant  all  he  doth  aske  of  me. 

For  changed  chance  of  Mars  his  warres,  hath  made 
Me  of  a  King  a  Captain  es  prifbner, 
To  whom  there  mu  ft  now  fower  Shires  be  paide, 
Northfolke,Southfolk3Southfex  and  Kent  they  were, 
Me  to  releafe  from  out  my  caue  of  care. 

Which  being  done,  I  led  my  life  in  doubt, 

And  fled  for  feare  to  Wales  with  all  my  rout* 

Whereas  T  found  a  place  that  pleafde  me  much, 

The  fituation  feem'd  fopafling  ftrong, 

The  world  me  thought  might  not  annoy  it  much, 

A  caftle  there  I  built :  k  were  too  long 

Heere  to  repeate,  filence  (hall  do  no  wrong 

To  Marking  who  wonders  there  hath  wrought,, 

If  ancient  writ  to  vs  the  truth  hath  taught. 

When!  had  built  my  Princely  bower  there, 
In  bloodie  fields  I  meant  no  more  to  ftriue : 
$ut  true  report  did  dafh  my  prefent  cheere. 
In  TotnefTe  hauen  two  brethren  did  arriue, 
Which  quickly  would  from  that  my  fort  me  driue. 

The  brethren  both  of  Conttantine  the  King, 

Pcccaui  they  did  meane  to  make  me  ring. 

From 


Vortigcr. 

From  wotfe  to  worfe,  feldome  is  better  feene, 
Our  prefent  ioyes  hereafter  thralles  do  thret, 
And  he  who  now  doth  flourish  fre/h  and  greenc, 
Muft  fade  and  fall  as  Hyems  frofts  do  fret 
Dame  Vloraes  fields,  or  as  theraine  with  wet 
In  dropping  daies  the  pleafant  plains  doth  drowne, 
So  ruthfull  men  bereauc  vs  of  renowne. 

Men  may  therefore  like  Marmaids  euer  mourne, 
The  fhining  Sunne  who  do  fb  much  delight, 
That  aye  they  waile  like  Furies  quite  forlorne. 
When  Sol  doth  fhine,when  Titans  beames  be  bright, 
They  feare  the  ftormes  that  may  hereafter  light, 
They  wecpe  becaufe  they  muft  the  Sunne  forgo, 
Whenftormes  do  fall,they  waile  their  prefent  wo. 

So  mortall  man  with  malice  all  befted, 
When  good  fucceffe  doth  found  a  blefledblaft, 
With  brinifh  teares  then  may  they  eate  their  bread. 
For  happie  daies  from  man  doth  flee  as  fafl: 
As  powders  force  from  peece  doth  pellet  catt, 
And  troubles  tedious  time  with  pafeleffc  flay, 
Once  wonne  (alas)  will  neuer  walke  away. 

How  I  in  maze  of  trouble  heere  did  toile, 
Iudgeyou  which  fee  me  trauile  in  the  fame, 
And  how  I  was  inforft  to  finall  foile, 
Not  now,  for  now  although  it  doth  me  fhame, 
I  will  declare,  how  I  was  frfd  with  flame. 
For  Ambrofe  he  and  ZJterTendragon, 
My  cattle  burnt,  me  and  my  men  each  one: 

Then  Ambrofe  with  his  brothers  crowne  was  crown*d, 
Which  I  from  him  had  reaft  againft  all  right. 
So  now  you  fee  vpon  what  flipperie  ground 
They  ftand,  which  do  extoll  themfelues  by  might, 
Their  wandring  feete  do  walke  as  in  the  night, 
Their  (tumbling  fteps  their  guiltie  minds  do  feare, 
They  daily  fee  the  blocke  of  bale  appeare. 


ziz         Vter  Tendrdgon* 

With  fcalding  fighes  they  do  themfeluesccmfiime, 
For  feare  to  fall  doth  yeeld  none  other  fruit, 
They  rage  with  wrath,  they  daily  fret  and  fume, 
Ruthfull  reuenge  them  alwaies  hath  in  fute, 
And  right  in  time  makes  might  both  mum  and  mute: 

For  that  which  might  by  fecretmeanes  hath  wrought, 

By  tradt  of  time  to  open  Hiew  is  brought. 

Vforpers  then  do  reape  their  right  reward, 

The  foile  once  felt,  they  feele  how  vile  and  vaine 

It  is,  to  be  to  high  degrees  prefer'd 

By  lawlcffe  meanes :  they  find  what  pinching  paine, 

Amid'ftthe  minds  offuch  men  doremaine, 

They  alwaies  thronged  with  cruell  thretting  thrall, 

Do  feed  vpon  noneother  food  but  gall. 

A  proofe  whereof  a  plat,  a  paterneplaine> 

The  ruthfull  race  I  Vortiger  haue  run, 

Defciphers  fb,  that  man  may  fee  how  vainc 

A  thing  it  is  his  former  Fate  to  fhun  : 

Honor  obtain  d  (alas)  what  haue  we  won  I 
A  hidious  heape  of  cruel!  carking  carej 
Which  to  confume  mans  life  doth  neuer  (pare, 

Thomas  Btener  Uafett 

HOW  VTER  PENDRA. 

GO N  WAS  LNAMOVRED  ON 
the  wife  of  Cw/^Dukeof  CornewaHjWhoni 

he flew,  and  after  \W  pot  fined  by  the  Saxons^. 
jlnnoDom.  500. 

|E  leade  our  liues  by  fancies  fond  delight  J  . 
Forkingdomes  fbme  dobufie  much  their  braine^ 
Rut  Cupids  curfe  that  wretched  little  wight, 
[  That  blinded  boy  vnto  my  pinching  paine, 
Dub'd  me  a  Knight  of  dzmiitVenus  traine^ 

Where  beames  of  Beau  tie  brought  me  by  and  by,, 
To  caft  my  care  to  pleafe  my  Ladk&eye. 


VterTPendragon. 

0  Beautiebraue,thy  gladfomc  glittering  glearries, 
With  fmiling  cheare  attd  wildic  winking  eyes, 
Doth  drowne  with  dole  amidfi  the  furging  ftreames 
Of deepe  defpaire,  the  wights  which  be  mofl  wife. 
Aye  me,  my  wit,  my  pen  cannot  dcuifc 

OfBeautie  braue  to  make  a  true  difcourfc, 
To  thinke  thereof  I  feelc  my  felfe  the  worfe. 

1  PendrAgon  of  Britaine  crowned  King, 
The  fretting  force  of  Beauties  hatefull  hew, 
Thofe  frying  flames  I  felt,  that  hatefull  fting, 
That  wounds  my  fame,  which  now  too  late  I  rew, 
Whifft  with  delight  I  did  thy  vanting  view, 

Hike  the  Hauke  which  foares  in  good  eftate, 
Did  fpic  a  Stale,  I  ftoopt,  and  tooke  a  Mate. 

For  at  what  time  the  Saxons  did  affaile 
My  Britaine  ftate,  and  tooke  each  man  a  fharea 
My  kingdome  thev  euen  for  their  beft  auaile, 
Did  then  diuide :  for  which  withcarking  care 
Them  thence  to  driue,  I  did  my  powre  prepare. 
And  being  come  to  Cornewail  with  my  band, 
I  ment  to  haue  Duke  Gonitis  helping  hand. 

There  in  the  Church  I  fet  to  facrifice, 
Thofe  holy  vowes,  which  victories  require : 
Euen  whifft  I  did  with  all  my  heart  deuife, 
How  to  fiibdue  my  foes  with  fword  and  fpeare, 
Euen  then  there  did  this  peereleffe  Pearle  appeare, 
Duke  GoyoIhs  wife,  whofe  gallant  gate  and  grace, 
Stealing  mine  heart,  my  honor  did  deface. 

When  V irtiger  my  brother  did  opprefTe, 
In  exile  then  my  youthfull  yeares  were  fpent, 
At  my  returne  his  fault  he  did  confcfTc, 
And  from  his  crowne  the  crowne  in  hafte  Ifenc, 
Then  my  delight  was  in  the  dierie  dent 

Of wrackfull  warre,  but  now  transform'd  I  ftand, 
The  ancient  Oke  mult  grow  now  like  a  wand. 


zi^         Vter  Tendragon. 

I  maruaif  d  much  how  Syrens  fongs  might  pleafe, 

But  now  I  mufe  that  Circes  forcerie, 
Doth  not  from  cuerymanbereaue  his  cafe, 
Calif  foes  cups  with  poifoned  treacherie, 
Cannot  fo  much  abridge  mans  libertie, 

As  Syr  ens  fongs,  and  Ctrces  futtleart, 

Whofe  chaunting  charmes  inwrapt  with  wo  my  heart. 

r/yj^/faylingby  the  perillous  place, 
Where  thefe  to  pleafe  the  paffers  by,  did  play, 
Where  Lady  Lone  doth  vant  with  garifti  grace, 
Her  daintie  Damfels  gallant  Girl es,  and  gay, 
Inticing  trulles,they  caufde  the  Greeke  to  fay, 
With  cables  come  and  tie  me  to  this  Mail, 
Left  I  my  felfe  to  pleafures  Court  me  caft. 

Mufe  not  therefore  though  feature  fine  offace, 

Though  comely  corps,  and  trim  inticing  cheere, 

Made  me  obey  Sir  Cufids  mightieMace : 

The  force  whereof Wyffes  wife  did  feare. 

He  fail'd  aloofe,  he  from  thefe  bankes  didbeare 
His  fhaking  fliip,  but  other  many  moe 
Did  there  arriue^and  weau'd  the  web  of  woe. 

There  Salomon  did  rcape  the  crop  of  care, 
There  Dauid\o\x&  as  I,  Vrias  wife, 
There  Samfon  ftrong  was  fnarled  in  the  fhare, 
There  'Varis  liu'd,  euen  there  he  loft  his  life, 
There  Helens  hate,  brought  Troy  her  finall  ftrifc, 
tsflcides  he  the  mightie  Hercules 
There  to  arriue,  did  find  it  dangerous. 

I  learn  d  with  lolfe  of  my  renownc  at  laft, 
That  he  who  doth  delight  in  lawlefTe  loue, 
Muft  play  the  foole  ere  all  the  parts  be  paft, 
And  tafte  the  fauce  prepar'd  for  his  bchoue. 
Let  men  take  heed  how  they  their  fancies  moue, 
Let  man  beware  where  he  doth  caft  his  eie, 
The  limed  bird  doth  proue  in  vaine  to  flie. 


Vter  Tendragon.  ,       %  15 

0  ancient  Rome,  thou  did'fl:  ordainc  of  yore, 
That  women  fhould  no  banquetting  frequent, 
At  Rome  flie  was  efteem'd  a  harlot  whore, 

If  from  her  houfe  without  her  veile  flie  went, 
Which  lawes  no  doubt  were  made  to  good  intent, 

For  why  thebeamcs  ofbeauties  fanguin'd  fight, 

Like  Bafiliske  doth  Ipoile  the  gazing  wight. 

Therefore  the  maids,  and  Roman  matrons  all, 

A  fliadowing  veile  before  their  face  did  weare, 

Their  hcauenly  hue  did  throw  no  man  to  thrall, 

They  were  content  with  plaine  and  decent  geare, 

They  huft  it  not  with  painted  frilled  heare. 
The  married  wife,  the  matron,  and  the  maid, 
They  of  their  veiles  were  glad  and  well  apaid. 

If  women  thus  had  walked  in  my  time, 

1  had  not  ftoopt  vnto  that  painted  lure, 
Which  did  intice  me  to  commit  the  crime, 
Which  to  the  pearch  oflcaudneffe  tfd  me  fore, 
For  her  difport  my  Ladie  could  procure 

The  wretched  wings  of  this  my  muting  mind, 
ReftlefTe  to  feeke  her  emptie  fift  to  find. 

I  thus  arriud  in  Pleafures  curfed  court, 
I  lothed  ^Mars,  I  hated  CMercnrte, 
Jft  was  me  thought  a  paffing  pleafimt  iport, 
Leauing  the  fields  at  Bacckw  brauerie, 
Sometime  to  fit  vpon  my  miftrefTc  knee, 

Where  that  I  might  be  at  my  pleafure  plafte, 

I  fent  the  Duke  away  to  warres  in  hafte. 

You  which  haue  plaid  with  pleafures  banding  balles, 
You  know  the  life  which  lingring  louers  lead, 
You  know  how  fweet  it  is  to  fcale  the  walles 
Of  her  good  will,  who  liu  d  in  feare  and  dread, 
You  know  right  well  how  well  thofe  wights  haue  iped, 

Who  haue  at  laft  by  drifts  of  long  delay, 

Their  hoped  meed,  and  wifhed  pleafantpray. 

Q^4  Vnconquered 


i\6  VterTendragonl 

Vnconqueredbcautie  whence  had'ft  thou  that  power 

To  make  flout  lfter  ftoope  to  his  owne  fliame, 
That  neuer  ftoopt  to  foes  ?  why  for  that  flower 
Of  fweete  delight  in  Igren  that  faire  Dame 
Did  I  forgoe  the  golden  flower  of  fame  ? 
Victorious  beautie  and  bafe  yeelding  luft 
Did  caft  great  Vters  conquefts  in  the  duft. 

Yet  no  fuch  blame  as  writers  do  record 
Do  I  delerue  for  this  vnhappie  deed : 
Proud  Gorolm  the  bright-cheekt  tgrens'Lotd. 
Receiud  no  wrong  but  his  owne  merits  meed, 
When  in  the  field  I  made  his  heart  to  bleed, 
If  thoughts  of  treafon  merit  death  and  flhame, 
His  trecherous  deeds  did  well  deferue  the  fame. 

His  gracelefle  treafon  he  in  a&  did  {how 
For  when  I  fent  him  to  Nathaliod  hight 
In  bloodie  field  againft  the  Saxon  foe, 
He  fwolne  in  heart  with  enuie  and  defpight 
Ofhis  aflbciatcs  good  did  leaue  the  fight, 
And  leauing  flout  Nathalwd  for  a  pray 
Vnto  the  foes,  from  field  he  fled  away;, 

By  which  enforced  I  was  with  xMars  to  rife 
From  V mm  bed,  and  arme  me  for  the  field, 
Where  like  a  ftorme  in  thunder  clad  from  skies 
Vpon  my  foes  I  fell,  they  could  not  fhield 
Themfelues  from  death/ew  fcap't  that  did  not  yeeld. 
Occa  and  Off  a  both  I  downe  did  bring, 
And  led  them  captiue  like  a  conquering  King, 

Againe  I  then  gan  tfiinke  vpon  my  loue 
Vpon  mine  /^r<?#  deare,  againft  whofe  Lord 
I  finding  caufe,  for  that  he  late  did  proue 
Faithleiie  to  me,  did  with  my  luft  accord 
Gainft  him,  as  'gainft  my  foe  to  draw  my  Iword, 
Whom  by  his  caftle  called  Dunilioc, 
I  flew  with  blade  in  battailes  bloodie  ftroke* 


VterTendragon. 

Then  did  I  take  mine  Igren  as  mine  owne 

And  crown'd  her  Queene  in  my  Emperiall  chaire, 

On  whom  great  Arthur  I  begot  anone. 

And  after  him  my  Anna,  hight  the  faire, 

In  feeming  bliffe  I  long  liu'd  void  of  care, 

For  thrice  nine  yeares  with  Igren  I  did  raigne, 
And  'gainft  the  Saxons  did  my  ttate  maintaine. 

But  for  the  rape  of  Gorolus  his  wife 
The  heauens  did  powre  downs  vengeance  on  my  head, 
I  by  vntimely  death  did  end  my  life, 
My  fad  foule  hence  enforc'd  by  poifon  fled, 
By  Saxons  wrought,  who. often  wifh'd  me  dead> 
And  left  behind  for  all  my  deeds  of  fame 
lull  caufe  for  writers  pens  to  fpeake  my  fliame. 

Learne  they  which  Hue  in  high  or  low  degree, 
To  flee  the  foile  which  I  by  folly  felt : 
Let  them  refraine  thofe  lofcie  Dames  to  fee, 
They  know  how  loftie  lookes  with  me  haue  delt, 
You  fee  how  fight  did  make  my  honor  melt. 
Let  all  men  know,  mans  heart  did  neuer  rue 
The  thing  which  he  with  fight  did  neuer  view* 

But  how  may  men  the  fight  of  Bcautie  fhun 

In  England,  at  this  prefent  difmall  day  ? 

All  void  of  veiles  (like  Layes)  where  Ladies  run 

And  romc  about  at  euery  feaft  and  play, 

They  wandring  walke  in  euery  ftreete  and  way : 
With  loftie  luring  lookes  theybounfingbraue, 
The  higheft  place  in  all  mens  fight  muft  haue. 

With  pride  they  pranke  to  pleafe  the  wandring  eye, 
With  garifh  grace  they  fmile,  they  iet,  they  ieli : 
O  Englifh  Dames,  your  lightnefTe  verily, 
The  Curtizans  of  Rome  do  much  deteft, 
In  clofets  clofe  to  liue  they  count  it  beft. 

They  giue  not  grace  to  euery  wandring  wight, 
Your  imiling  cheere  doth  euery  man  delight. 


2i8  Cadwallader. 

The  Poets  gods  Saturne,  and  lupiter, 
To  Beauties  becke  their  highneffe  did  obay, 
"Tluto  of  hell  did  plead  at  Beauties  bar, 
And  Phillts  caufde  Demofhoon  to  flay : 
Pajtphae  a  Bull  brought  to  thebay. 

So  gods  and  diuels,  both  men  and  beafts,they  all 

By  vvomens  wiles  arc  {hues  to  Beauties  thrall. 

What  gaine  is  got  by  light  and  wanton  waies  ? 

You  reape  reproch,a  guerdon  got  thereby : 

Men  by  your  meanes  do  caufe  their  owne  decay, 

And  you  your  felues  all  fouft  in  finne  muft  die. 

Rcfraine  therefore  to  pleafe  mans  gazing  eie, 
Let  men  likewife  the  baited  hookes  refraine 
Of luring  lookes,  their  vanting  vowesbe  vaine. 

Thomas  Blener  Hajfet. 

HOW  CADWALLADER 

THE  LAST  KING  OF  THE 
Britaines  was  expelled  by  the  Saxons,  went 
to  Rome,  and  there  lined  in  a  religi- 
ons bottfe. 

lOu  mourning  Mufes  all,  where  euer  you  remainc, 
'  Aflfift  my  fobbing  foulc  this  driery  tale  to  tell : 
w  You  furious  Furies  fierce  of  Lymbo  Lake  below, 
Helpe  to  vnlade  my  breft  of  all  the  bale  it  beares  : 
And  you  who  felt  the  fall  from  honors  high  renowne  : 
From  graues  you  grizlie  ghofts  fend  forth,  to  helpe  me  mourne. 
O  Pallas,  giuethou  place,  that  mourning  Ciiotray 
On  Lute  lamenting,  found  and  fing  my  dolefuil  dumps. 
Let  riming  meetered  lines  and  pleafant  mufike  ceafe  : 
Let  Satyresfolemne  found  fend  forth  the  fall  I  felt  : 
And  when  the  truth  of  ail  my  Tragedie  is  knowne, 
Let  them  that  Hue  then  lcarne,  all  things  muft  haue  an  end, 
The  Pcrfian  Monarch  and  the  Medes  it  downe  did  fall, 
That  of Affyria,  in  tra6l  of  time  did  end : 


/ 


Cadwattader.  lip 


Yea  Alexanders  force  in  fight  fubdud  them  both,  ' 

And  brought  the  world  fo  wide  into  one  Monarchic 

What  though  the  fretting  force  of  Fate  did  him  difmay  ? 

He  felt  at  laft  the  foile,  his  vanting  was  in  vaine, 

He  dead,  the  world  it  was  diuided  as  before. 

The  Roman  Emperie  came  tumbling  dovvnc  at  laft. 

And  where  is  Troy,  and  Greece,  and  mightie  Macedon  ? 

Theyflourifhtfora  time  like  this  my  little  lie  : 

The  Soldion  brought  them  downe,  and  did  their  ftates  deflroy : 

Euen  fo  the  Saxons  brought  the  Britaines  to  the  bay, 

Euen  thefe  mine  eyes  did  fee,  that  hatefull  hidious  fight, 

Thefe  feeble  hands,  when  long  they  labour  d  had  in  vaine, 

Did  yjeeld  their  intereft :  then  thus  I  did  complaine : 

Who  can  refraine  the  force  of  mightie  mounting  feas  ? 

When  billowes  make  a  breach  and  beate  the  bankes  adowne, 

Doth  not  the  faltifh  furge  then  beat  the  bankes  adowne  ? 

Then  man  may  not  withftand  the  rigor  of  their  rage. 

But  wifdome  would  haue  kept  the  waucs  within  their  bounds : 

Counfell  doth  come  too  late,  when  hope  of  helpe  is  paft. 

Such  was  my  filthie  fate,  my  leaud  andlothfome  lucke : 

I  fought  a  falue  to  cure  and  helpe  the  hclpeleflc  wound. 

For  long  before  my  time,  feuen  Kings  were  fetled  heere, 

The  Saxons  fitch  as  dwelt  by  Eaft,  Sibertus  rufd, 

The  Angles  in  the  Eaft,  Redwallus  ruf  d  as  King, 

Then  Ethelbert  was  King  of  all  the  coaft  of  Kent, 

In  Southfex  Ethelwelfm  wore  the  regall  crowne : 

Then  Qmncillinns  was  a  Saxon  King  by  Weft, 

Of  Martia  in  the  mid'ttKing  Pendawzs  the  Prince, 

And  Edwin  in  Northumberland  did  rule  and  raigne, 

How  did  my  Grandfire  grand  renowned  Arthur  he 

Thefe  feuen  deftroy  with  deadly  field  of  wrackfull  warre  ? 

But  MordredmzAz  the  meane,  that  brought  them  inagaine : 

Vortipvrtfs  with  warre  almoft  confum'd  them  all. 

Then  Malgo  he  with  peace  reftord  againe  their  ftate, 

CariticHs  the  finne  of  ciuill  ftrife  did  loue, 

For  which  Gptrmmdus  did  the  Britaines  much  annoy. 

Then  Cadmn  out  of  Wales  King  Ethe/dreddid  Ipoile, 

Cadivaltme  then  did  force  King  Tenda  to  a  foile, 

And 


no  Cadwallader. 


And  I  Cadwallader  at  laft  did  prefle  in  place, 

Then         king  of  Kent  in  warre  that  wretch  I  flue* 

And  Ethixvolne  the  king  of  Southfaxons  I  fpoilde, 

The  other  fiue  did  me  inuade  with  cruel  fight, 

With  whom  in  diuers  warres,  I  diuerfly  did  lpeed0 

Somtime  Bellow  blew  a  blefled  blaftforme, 

And  changed  chance  fomtime  did  force  my  men  to  flee* 

Whilft  thus  I  wag'd  my  warres  in  fecret  filent  night, 

The  very  voice  of  God,  it  thus  to  me  did  fpeake : 

Thou ftriuft againft the ftreame,the tide  doth beate thee ( 

Strike  thou  thy  failes,take  ancor  hold,els  muft  thou  fecle  a 

Which  faying  did  indeed  amaze  me  more  by  much, 

Then  all  the  force  that  man  againft  my  will  might  bend;  , 

For  who  the  will  of  God  with  weapons  may  rehft  ? 

And  when  as  finne  hath  fold  a  countrey  to  decay, 

Then  praier  muft  preuaile,for  weapons  will  nothelp. 

And  when  the  end  is  come,  when  all  the  gialfe  is  runne, 

Who  can  refift  the  force  of  Fate  and  deftinies  ? 

Who  things  forerun  to  fall  from  falling  can  refraine,  > 

It  paflethmortall  might  to  bring  fuch  things  about. 

Let  man  content  himfelfe  to  do  whatbeft  he  may, 

By  trying  too  too  much,  no  man  his  God  may  tempt, 

But  mortall  man  muft  thinke  that  God  the  beft  doth  know, 

Who  can  deprefTe  to  duft  and  raife  when  beft  him  pleafe, 

Andaslthusamidftmymufings  did  remaine, 

I  didrefigne  my  crowne,and  deem'd  al  honours  vaine. 

And  though  it  greeu  d  me  much  to  fecle  the  fall  I  felt, 

Yet  was  I  well  content,  I  could  not  as  I  would  : 

For  which  I  left  my  land,  my  people,  and  my  place. 

The  Saxons  they  obtaind  the  wage  for  which  they  war'd« 

When  I  three  yearcs  had  raign'd,  without  one  day  of  refti 

Eucn  then  in  mourning  robes  at  Rome  I  did  arriue, 

And  there  contemning  all  the  world,  and  worldly  things, 

I  made  my  felfe  a  Monke,  (ceafe  Memory  to  mufe)' 

A  Monke  I  made  my  felfe,  thou  kno weft  it  paiTing  plaine; 

Amongft  the  Friers  there,  I  led  my  lingring  life. 

And  til  my  dying  day  I  daily  did  deuife, 

Howbymy  meanesitmightto  aihhe  world  be  knowne. 


Qtfoailader.  ill 

That  momll  flefli  is  fraile,  and  cucry  thing  muft  fade  : 

And  euen  amongft  thofe  things  which  Nature  doth  create, 

Nothing  fo  vile  as  man  amongft  the  reft  is  found, 

Which  made  Heraclttus  with  ceaflefle  fighcs  to  waile, 

He  to  hiadying  day  did  nothing  els  but  wcepe, 

Affirming  all  the  world  vnder  the  heauen,  to  be 

A  path  of  penitence,  maxe  of  mifery. 

What  is  the  life  of  man  but  care  and  daily  toilc, 

Bearing  alwaies  about  a  burthen  of  mifhappes  ? 

All  his  delights  repentance  daily  doth  purfue: 

Nothing  but  death  doth  bring  him  peace  and  quietreft. 

Yet  that  which  brings  him  blilTc,  he  moft  of  all  doth  hate, 

Which  made  Democrittu  with  mirth  to  fpend  hisdaies; 

He  laughing  aie,  did  mocke  the  madneffe  of  mankinde, 

Whofe  loue  is  long  toIiue,and  feareth  much  to  die : 

Death  reauesvs  from  difeafe,  Death  ends  the  feare  of  death. 

When  CMidas  did  demaund  Silenus>  what  was  befl 

Formortallman  towifh,  the  Satyr  thus  did  fay, 

Not  to  bee  borne,  if  borne,  not  long  our  Hues  to  lead, 

For  life  I  moft  doe  lothe,  and  death  I  J  eaft  doc  dread* 

And  how  did  7/JM0*leade  with  fauagc  beafts  his  life? 

How  did  that  Hermite  poore,  his  Iothfbme  life  deteft? 

Affirming  with  the  wife  Aurelitts  Emperour, 

Thatifamanfhouldmake  a  true  difcourfeofall 

The  wretched  woes  he  felt,. from  birth  to  dying  day, 

The  feeble  flefli would  faint  to  feele  fo  fharpe  a  fight, 

The  hart  would  quake  to  heare  Dame  Fortunes  fliarpe  aflaultt. 

And  I  Cadwalkdemkingtcan  make  report,: 

That  nothing  may  content  the  minde  of  mortal!  man : 

The  more  my  felfe  did  eate,the  hungrier  ay  I  was, 

The  more  I  dranke,  the  more  thirft  did  me  ftil  diftrefTe. 

The  more  I  {Tept,  the  more  I  fluggifh  did  rcmaine, 

The  more  I  refted  me,  the  more  I  wearied  was, 

The  more  of  wealth  I  had,  the  more  I  did  defire 

The  more  I  ftill  did  feeke^the  leiTe  I  aye  didfinde. 

And  to  conclude,  I  found  Ineuer  could  ohtaine 

The  thing, but  in  the  end  it  caufde  me  to  complaine? 

My  prefent  good  fuccefTe,  did.threaten  thrall  to  come; 

And 


%iz  Cadwattader* 

And  changing  chance  did  ftill  with  forow  me  C(5nfume4 

For  which  my  royall  robes,  my  crowne  I  laid  afide, 

Meaning  to protie  by  proofe  the  paines  of  pouertie, 

Which  pouertie  I  felt  all  riches  to  exceede, 

Itbeareth  much  more  bliffe,  then  high  and  courtly  ftate, 

Codrtts  and  Iras  poor e  for  wealth  did  farre  furpaiTe 

Midas  and  Crcefuskmgfov  wealth  who'did  furpafTe. 

Andlamongftmy  mates  the  Romifh  Friers,  felt 

More  ioy  and  lefle  annoy,  then  erft  in  Britaine  braue. 

For  there  I  doubted  ftill,  the  Saxons  fubtile  Heights, 

I  feared  there  the  fall  from  royall  regall  feat  s 

But  here  at  Rome  Iliu  d  not  fearing  force  of  foe, 

Ihadformineeftate,whatI  could  wifli  or  crauc, 

And  this  I  there  did  finde :  they  of  the  Clergie  be, 

Of  all  the  men  that  Hue  the  leaft  in  mifery. 

For  all  men  Hue  in  care,  they  careleffe  doremaine. 

Like  buzzing  Drones  they  eate  the  hony  of  the  Bee, 

They  only  do  excell  for  fine  feiicitie  : 

The  king  muft  wage  his  warres,  he  hath  no  quiet  day, 

The  nobleman  muft  rule  with  care  the  common-weale, 

The  Countreyman  muft  toile  to  till  the  barren  foile 

With  care  the  Merchant  man  the  furging  feas  muft  fade,  > 

With  trickling  droppes  of  fweat  the  handcrafts  man  doth  thriue, 

With  hand  as  hard  as  boord  the  woorkeman  eates  his  bread, 

The  fouldier  in  the  field  with  paine  doth  get  his  pay. 

The  feruing  manmuft  feme  and  crouch  with  cap  and  knee, 

The  Lawyer  he  muft  pleade  and  trudge  from  bench  to  barre,  ' 

Who  Phyficke  doth  profeffe,  he  is  not  void  of  care  : 

But  Churchmen  th ev  be  blcft,  they  tur ne  a  leafe  or  two, 

They  fometime  fing  a  Pfalme,  and  for  the  people  pray, 

For  which  they  honour  haue,  and  fit  in  higheft  place 

What  can  they  wifh  or  feeke,  that  is  not  hard  at  hand? 

They  labour  not  at  all,  they  know  no  kind  ofpaine. 

No  danger  doth  with  dread  their  happy  liOes  diftrefle, 

Ceafe  you  therefore  to'mufe  what  madnefle  made  me  Ieaue 

The  Court  and  courtly  pompe  of  wearing  royal  crowne, 

No  madneffe  did  that  deed,  but  wi fe dome  wifh t  it  fo, 

I  gaind  thereby  thcbliffe  which  few  before  me  felt. 


Inineyearesledmylife,andneuer  felt  annoy. 

And  certainely  if now  I  might  bee  king  againe, 

Refuting  all  that  pompe,  I  would  become  a  prieft, 

A  Deacon,  or  a  Deane,  Prebend,  or  Minifter. 

Forthefemenleade  their  Hues  with  liuings  two  or  three: 

Some  haue  their  fubftitutes  in  Vniuerfities, 

Some  leade  the  braueft  Hues  that  any  man  may  haue, 

They  feede  vpon  the  fleece,  they  force  not  of  the  flocke : 

Three  houres  in  the  yeere,  with  beaftly  bofomde  fiufFe 

They  fpend,  and  that  is  all  that  law  of  them  requires. 

Mufe  not  though  many  thru/}  and  fhoulder  for  degree^ 

For  haypy  man  is  he,  who  hath  a  Preachers  fees. 

But  let  me  now  returne  vnto  my  Romiflh  rout, 

Who  fed  like  Bacon  fat,  did  nought  but  play  and  pray. 

With  whom  for  nine  yeares  fpace,  when  I  my  life  had  led, 

I  fong  my  "Requiem,  and  paid  the  earth  her  fee. 

Then  in  Saint  Peters  Church  at  Rome  they  did  me  lay, 

Booted  and  fpurd,  euen  as  you  fee  me  here  this  day. 

So  now  you  haue  the  whole  of  all  rnyTragedie. 

Of  Brut  Hi  blood  the  laft  I  Hud  that  rul'd  as  king: 

MyBritaines  driucn  to  Wales  they  Welchmen  then  were  caT 

AndlatRome their king,a mumbling  Monke  inftafd. 

The  Saxons  had  the  day,  for  which  they  longed  long. 

They  England  cafd  the  He,  of^r^which  tookehername. 

Some  men  be  borne  to  bliffe,  and  fome  to  hateful!  hap  : 

Who  would  haue  thought,  that  I  in  warre  a  raging  king, 

Should  by  the  force  of  Fate,  at  Rome  haue  dide  a  Monke  ? 

let  all  the  world  then  know,  that  nothing  is  fo  fure, 

That  can  afford  and  fay,  I  thus  wil  aye  endure. 

For  that  which  feemcth  beft,  is  fooneft  brought  to  naught, 

Which  plainly  doth  appeare  by  that  which  I  haue  taught. 

The  worthieft  in  the  world,princes,philofophers, 

Will  teach  that  I  haue  taught,  and  proue  it  paMing  plaine, 

Vanlm  Aemilim  did  die  but  wretchedly: 

And  was  not  Scipto  euen  to  his  dying  day 

Conrtraind,to  helpe  his  need,  the  painfull  plow  to  ply  ? 

Cafar  and  StlU  both, did  not  they  tafte  the  whippe  ? 

And  made  not  Hannibal  a  miferable  end  ? 


%1\  King  Sigebert. 

And  how  was  Socrates  before  his  time  deftroy'dj 

And  Anaxagora*  imprifbned  long  with  paine  ? 

For  cruell  beaftly  coyne  diuine  Plato  was  fold, 

And  'Ariftotlc  fent  to  exile,  where  he  di'd: 

And  fo  was  Solon  fage,  and  that  Lycurgas  wife, 

And  many  more,  which  hecre  I  could  at  large  repeat. 

But  let  thefe  few  fufflce  to  teach  for  certainc  truth, 

That  all  the  men  that  liue,  are  fubie6b  all  to  ruth. 

And  feeing  fo  it  is,  then  let  them  learne  the  meane, 

That  if  the  barke  do  breake,  they  fafe  may  fwimrae  to  land. 

Thomas  Blener  Hajfet. 


HOW  SIGEBERT 

FOR  HIS  WICKED  LIFE 
was  thruft  from  his  Throne,and  miferablie 
punt  by  a  Hcardfman,  K^inno 
Dom.  7  5  5. 

rWoparts  irroneaHcardfmanheere  muft  play, 
I  My  tale  muft  tendwh  Princes  life  to  mend, 
I  And  this  my  talke  mo(t  plainly  muft  difplay, 

J How  far  a  fubiccl  may  himfclfe  defend 
Againft  his  Liege,  his  Soueraigne  Lord  and  King, 
If  his  default  his  Commonwealc  doth  bring 
To  miferie :  therefore  a  little  while 
Attend,  and  know  the  tenour  of  my  ftile. 

Afubicaiofbafe  and  low  degree, 
Thisheadlefle  corps  of  life  I  did  depriue, 
(King Sifehertlx was)  with  crueltie. 
Whofe  luft  was  Jaw,  whif  ft  he  was  hcere  aliue, 
To  feele  my  force  it  was  hisdeftinie  : 
Then  crueltiel  wrackt  with  crueltie, 

And  to  reuenge  the  wrong  that  carft  he  wrought, 

WithloIfeofUfchislawkfrelufthebought. 


King  Sigekrt. 


This  Sigebert  the  Saxons  rulde  by  Weft, 


Their  ancient  lawes he  at  his  lift  did  change, 
For  which  his  Commons  did  him  much  deteft. 
The  Duke  of  Cornwall  would  not  let  him  range 
Thus  at  his  will,but  wiflit  him  like  a  friend, 
To  mend  his  faults,or  els  his  life  to  end. 
Then  he  in  rage  this  Duke  my  mafters  life, 
His  cruel  hands  bereaud  with  bloodie  knife. 


A  lawleffc  life  to  lawleffe  death  doth  hale, 

When  witleffe  will,  wil  paffe  the  power  of  may : 

Then  ill  miftiap  doth  drowne  in  dolours  dale 

The  peruerfe  Prince,  whofe  wit  doth  beare  the  fway. 

Iuft  Abels  blood  to  God  for  vengeance  caJd, 

For  blood  with  blood  the  Bloodftieader  is  thrald, 
And  him  whom  here  before  you  I  prefent, 
For  /heading  blood,my  blade  his  hfc  hath  hent. 

As  he  three  yeares  his  people  did  opprefle, 
Then  they  whofe  backe  that  burden  could  not  beare, 
With  one  confent  they  did  his  ftate  diftreffe, 
To  reaue  him  of  his  Crowne  they  did  notfeare, 
They  him  depofdefrom  honour  andrenowne : 
His  hatefuli  hap  fo  frowardly  did  frowne, 

That  he  who  had  a  kingdome  but  of  late, 

Forlorne  he  now  muft  beg  from  gate  to  gate.  < 

Do  nothing  mufe  at  his  de/erued  hap, 

For  many  more  as  he  their  hues  haue  led : 

hues  vengeance  iuft  fuch  wretches  doth  inwrap 

With  change  moft  ftrange,  when  he  their  blood  will  flief 

OfDionyfe  of  Syracufia, 

Of  Neroes  death,  of  Phalarls  decay, 

Who  lift  to  reade,  he  paiTmg  plaine  Hiall  finde, 


That  he  of  heauen  their  forrow 


And 


n6  KmgSigefart. 

And  out  of  doubt  God  did  ordaine  the  fait 
Ofhim,whomhereI  headleffe  haue  in  hand, 
Who  wandringin  awoodamidfthis  thrall 
Imetby  chance,  of  whom  I  did  demand 
His  name,  and  place :  who  thus  rcplide  with  fcare: 

0  friend,  I  am  for  meate  now  ftaruen  wcl  ncare, 
Giue  me  therfore  I  thee  bcfeech  and  pray 
Some  meate,  to  keepe  my  carcafe  from  decay. 

SomePibrim  poore,orwaifaring  man  him  ftralght 

1  ludg  d,and  gauehim  whatmy  fcrippe  would  yeeld; 
And  whilft  we  both  thus  on  abankc  did  baite, 
From  fighes  and  fobbes  himfelfe  he  could  not  wield3 
Which  made  me  aske  againe  his  name  and  place, 
Butfilenthe  didmourne  with  frowning  face.* 

Yet  at  the  lalt  by  vrging  to  and  fro, 
He  thus  declard  the  caufe  of  all  his  woe. 


0  mifer  I,  more  wretch  then  thee  by  much, 

1  neuer  could  compare  with  thine  eftate. 
This  heard  of  Swine  againft  thee  neuer  grutch ; 
I  kept  a  heard,  which  did  their  Heardfmen  hate, 
A  hateful  heard  of  murmuring  men  I  meane, 
Which  did  depriue  me  of  minehonour  cleane. 

And  now  I  leade  my  lothfome  li fe  you  fee, 
Impafd  amidfta  maze  of mifery. 

With  changed  chance  (aye  me)  I  chafed  ami 
And  frowning  Fate  fuch  forrow  hath  aflignd, 
That  lothing  life,  mod  like  a  quiet  Lambe, 
My  naked  nccke  toblocke  of  bale  I  bind. 
With  crucll  knife  (O  care)  come  fhread  my  twift, 
So  ftiallmyfoulebycorps  decaybeblift. 

But  fith  that  Care  nor  Fate  wil  doe  this  deed, 
i  Doe  thou  the  famel  the  bcfeech,  with  fpeed.. 


KingSigebert. 

Firft  hatefullhope  with  flattering  face  did  fawne, 

With  dread  when  deepc  defpaier  would  me  haue  drownd, 

Then  changed  chance  did  checke  me  with  the  pawnc 

Of  wofull  want,  when  good  fucceiTe  did  found 

A  bleffed  blaft  :and  now  (to  tell  the  truth) 

I  haue  the  mate,by  raging  Rooke  of  truth. 

Lo  thus  I  liue,  which  daily  wifli  to  die  : 

And  life  (alas)  doth  make  my  miferie. 


If  lothfbme  life  (of  this  my  corps  the  king) 
Doth  moue  one  way,  the  Bifhop  bids  me  backe : 
If  to  that  point,  the  Queene  me  backe  dothbring, 
On  th'other  fide,  the  Knight  doth  work  my  wracke* 
The  other  points  with  Pa  wnes  be  all  poflcft, 
And  here  the  Rookc  of  rath  doth  reaue  my  reft. 
And  bceing  brought  into  this  ftrange  eftate, 
I  do  confefle  my  felfe  to  haue  a  mate. 


Sith  forow  fo  hath  feafde  vpon  mybones, 
That  now  too  late  I  do  lament  my  lofle, 
And  fith  no  meanes  may  turne  my  gaftfull  groncs 
To  ioyfull  glie,  fith  trouble  ftill  doth  tofle 
Me  to  andfro,inwaltring  waues  of  woe: 
Death  is  my  friend,  and  life  I  countmy  foe : 

Which  death  though  once  my  feeble  flefli  did  feare, 
Yet  now  I  faine  would  feele  his  murdringlpearc. 


In  gurging  gulfe  of  thefe  fuch  forging  feas, 
My  poorer  foule  who  dro  wnd  doth  death  requeft, 
I  wretched  wight  haue  fought  mine  owne  diteafc, 
By  mine  owne  meanes  my  (fate  it  was  diftrcft. 
For  whilft  I  meant  to  make  my  luft  a  law, 
luftice  me  from  my  high  eftate  did  draw. 

So  that  I  find,  and  fcelc  it  now  with  paine, 

All  worldly  pompc,al  honour  is  but  vainc* 

Ra  .Which 


zi8  IQpg  Sigebert. 

Which  honour  I  to  fiery  flames  compare, 
For  when  they  flalli  and  flourifh  moft  of  all, 
Then  fuddainely  their  flamings.quenched  are. 
For  proofe  whereof,to  minde  now  let  vs  call 
zs4ntigonu6i  and  Ptolemem  Creat, 
Cafar&nd  Mithridate^c  may  repeat, 
With  D&rtPU)  and  great  Antiochus^ 
Cambifes  eke,  and  conquering  Vyrrhm* 


And  I  the  laft  might  firft  haue  had  my  place, 
They  all  as  I  with  flaming  fierie  fhow  s 
Were  quenched  quite :  Dame  Fortune  did  deface, 
Ycahatefull  hap,euen  then  did  ouerthrow . 
Vs  moft,  when  moft  we  had  our  hearts  defire  : 
When  moft  we  flouriftit  like  the  flames  of  fire, 
Euen*thcn  the  feas  of  forow  did  preuaile, 
And  made  vs  weare  a  blacke  lamenting  faile. 


And  heere  before  my  death,  I  will  repeatc 
To  thee  the  thing  which  I  of  late  did  dreame, 
That  thou  and  all  the  world  may  fee,how  great 
A  care  it  is  to  rule  a  royall  realme. 
My  dreame  flial  fhew,  that  bliflTe  doth  not  confift 
In  wealth  nor  want  :but  he  alone  is  bleft, 
Who  is  content  with  his  afligned  fate, 
And  neuer  ftriues  to  clime  to  higher  ftate. 


When  feemely  Solhzd  reft  his  glittering  gleamcs, 
And  night  the  earth  did  with  her  darkeneffe  vaile, 
Dame  Cintbia  then  with  her  bright  burnifht  beames,  ' 
The  ftiadowed  ftiades  of  darkeneffe  did  aflaile, 
Then  Somms  caufd  my  fenles  all  to  quaile. 
On  carefull  couch  then  being  laid  to  reft, 
With  doubtfull  dreames  Iftrangely  was  diftreft. 

1  In 


IQn*  Sigebert*  zzp 

In  cottage  cold  where  care  me  thought  did  keepe, 
With  naked  nee  J  and  want  of  whcrewithall : 
Where  pouertie  nextbeggers  doorc  did  creepe, 
And  where  expenccs  were  fo  patfing  Imall, 
That  all  men  deenfd  that  man  forethroug'd  with  thrall, 

Which  there  did  dwell,  cuen  there  from  bondage  free, 

I  vie  w'd  a  man  all  void  of  mi  ferie. 

And  whifft  I  mufde  how  he  in  bliue  of  blifle 
Could  lead  his  life  amid'ft  that  cauc  of  care, 
From  Princely  Court  proceeded  ere  I  wift, 
A  man,with  whomthere  might  no  man  compare. 
His  wealth,  his  wit,  his  courage  were  ib  rare, 

That  none  before  nor  fince  were  like  to  him : 

Yet  he  me  thought  in  waues  of  woe  din  fwim. 

This  man  had  all  that  men  could  with  or  craue 

For  happie  ftate,  yet  nought  he  had  in  deed : 

The  other,  he  had  nought  that  men  would  haue, 

Yet  had  he  all,beleeue  it  as  thy. Creed. 

This  faying  of  that  happie  man  I  reade, 

Thathauing  nought,  yet  all  things  fb  I  haue, 
That  hauing  nought,  I  nothing  more  do  craue. 

The  King  me  thought  with  all  his  Courtly  traind, 
Paft  to  the  place  where  pouertie  did  dwell, 
With  frowning  face  and  with  a  troubled  braine, 
With  woe  and  want,  his  vexed  veines  did  fwell, 
With  mirth  and  ioy  the  poore  man  did  excell. 

And  being  come  vnto  his  houfe  ymade 

Of  one  poore  hogfhead,  thus  to  him  he  laid : 

Diogenes,  thou  lead'ft  alothfome  life, 

Me  thinke  thou  might  (t  much  better  fpend  thy  time 

Within  my  Court,both  chou  and  eke  thy  wife : 

Thouby  that  mcanes  to  high  cftate  maift  clime : 

I  haue  the  wealth,  and.  thou  art  void  of  crime, 
And  loc,  before  thy  face  I  heere  am  preft 
To  giue  thec  that,  which  thou  fhalc  now  requeft, 

R  3  Stand 


Stand  backe  (Sir  King)  thy  vaunting  vowes  be  vatae^ 
I  nothing  reckc  thy  promifc,  goods,  nor  land, 
And  Titans  ftately  itreames  would  me  fuftaine 
With  heate,if  thou  from  this  my  doore  wouldft  ftand 
Thou  takft  away  much  more  then  thy  eommaund 
Can  giue  againe :  thy  gifts  fo  vile  I  decme, 
That  none  but  fooles  fuch  follies  do  efteeme. 

With  conqueft  thou  haft  wone  theworld  lowide^. 
And  yet  thou  canft  not  win  thy  wandring  wil : 
Thou  wouldeft  win  an  other  world  befide i 
But  tuffi,  that  facl  doth  farre  furpane  thy  skill. . 
Thou  neuer  wilt  ofConqueft  haue  thy  fill, 

Til  death  with  daunting  dart  hath  conquerd  thee., 
Then  muft  thou  leaue  behind,  thy  Mbnarehie. 

With  great  afTaults  my  felfe  I  haue  fubdude, 

In  all  refpecls,  I  haue  my  hearts  defire, 

With  a  contented  minde  I  am  endudey 

To  higher  ftate  I  heuer  wil  afpire. 

More  like  a  Prince  then  any  poore  Efquire, 
Ileade  my  life :  and  fith  my  ftate  is  fuch, 
Aske  thou  of  me,  for  lean  giue  thee  much. 

All  dafht with  dread  mee  thought  in  fuming  heate 
Hefaid,  departing  thencein  haft  withfpeede, 
If  I  were  not  Alexander  the  Great, 
I  would  become  Diogenes  indeed, 
Who  leades  his  life  all  void  of  wofull  dread. 
He  hath  the  wealth  which  I  cannot  obtainey 
I  haue  the  wealth  which  wile  men  do  difdaine. 

I  liue  in  feare,!  languifh  all  in  dread, 
Wealth  is  my  woe,  the  caufer  of  my  care, 
With  feare  of  death  lam  fo  illbeftead, 
That  reftleffe  I  much  like  the  hunted  Hare, 
Orasthecanuift  Kite,  doth  feare  the  fnare. 
Ten  hundred  cares  haue  brought  me  to  the  bare, 
Ten  thoufand  fnares  for  this  my  life  men  laic* 


When  Philip  he  of  CHacedon  the  King, 
One&ealmemc  left,  I  could  not  be  content, 
Defier  prickt  mee  to  an  other  thing, 
To  win  the  world  it  was  my  whole  intent, 
Which  done,  an  other  world  to  win  I  ment. 
When  leaft  I  had,  then  moft  I  had  of  blefTe, 
Now,  all  the  world,  and  all  vnquietnelTe, 


No  woe  to  want  of  contentation; 

No  wealth  to  want  of  riches  and  renowne, 

For  this  is  feene  in  euery  nation, 

The  higheft  trees  be  fooneft  blowen  downe : 

Ten  kings  do  die  before  one  clubbifh  Clowne* 
Diogenes  in  quiet  Tunne  doth  reft, 
WhenCe/£ris  with  carking  care  diftreft. 


Wherewith  me  thought  he  was  departed  quite, 
And  Morfhetts  that  fluggifti  God  of  fleepe, 
Did  leaue  my  limmes,  wherewith  I  flood  vpright, 
Deuifing  long  what  profit  I  could  reape 
Of  this  my  dreame,  which  plainly  did  exprefle 
That  neither  want  nor  wealth  doth  make  mans  blefle; 
Who  hath  the  meanc  with  a  contented  minde, 
Moft  perfect  blifle  his  God  hath  him  aflignde. 


But  I,  who  liu'd  a  crowned  King  of  late, 
And  now  am  forcd  of  thee  to  beg  my  bread, 
I  cannot  be  content  with  this  cftate, 
I  lothe  to  Hue,  I  would  I  wretch  were  dead: 
Defpaier  fhe  doth  feedc  me  with  decay, 
And  patience  is  fled  and  flowne  away. 

Doc  thou  therefore  O  Heardfman  play  thy  part, 
Take  thou  this  blade,  and  thruft  it  to  my  nart, 

R  4 


0  Sir,  I  faid,  the  gods  defend  that  I 
Should  caufeleffe  kill  a  man  in  miferie, 
Tell  me  thy  name  and  place,  then  by  and  by 

1  will  prouide  for  thine  aduerfitie. 
Then  he  repli'd,  my  name  is  S'tgebertt 

I  am  the  man  which  wrought  thy  mafters  fmart : 
I  rul'd  of  late  this  Realme  euen  at  my  lift, 
Take  thou  reuenge  with  that  thy  friendly  fift. 

And  well  content :  I  will  reuenge  with  fpeed 
The  death  ofhim  whom  caufeleffe  thou  did'ft  kill. 
King  Sigebert,  and  art  thou  he  indeed  ? 
Sith  he  thou  art,  difpatch  and  make  thy  will  f: 
For  to  my  Lord  this  day  ! will  prefent 
Thy  head :  therefore  thy  former  faults  repent, 
Thou  feeft  the  blocke  on  which  thy  life  muft  end, 
Call  thou  for  grace  that  God  may  mercie  fend. 

Wherewith  he  kneelingby  the  blocke  ofbale, 
Difpatch  (quoth  he)  and  do  that  friendly  deed  % 
O  welcome  death,  and  farewell  Fortune  fraile, . 
Difpatch  good  friend,difpatch  my  life  with  fpeed* 
Wherewith,  on  blocke  he  ftretcht  his  neck  outright, 
And  faid  no  more,  but  praying  me  to  fmite, 
I  gaue  the  ftroke  which  ended  all  his  care, 
A  bloodic  ftroke,  which  did  my  death  prepare,, 

For  I  wh  o  hopte  to  haue  fome  great  reward 
For  killing  of  my  Mafters  fathers  foe: 
Was  hanged  ftraight,  my  caufe  was  neuer  heard, 
Such  was  my  chance  and  well  deferued  woe. 
For  w  hen  my  Lord  had  heard  me  tell  the  tale, 
How  I  his  King  and  mine  did  there  affaile, 
His  frowning  face  did  put  me  in  great  feare, 
He  figh'd  and  fob'd,,and  faid  as  you  fhall  hearer 


K*ng  Sigebert. 

O  CaitirTe  vile,  O  Impe  of  Satans  feed,  , 
And  haft  thou  kilf  d  our  Soueraigne  Lord  andJGng  ? 
His  due  defert  deferueth  death  indeed, 
Yet  what  made  thee  to  do  fo  vile  a  thing  ? 
What  though  he  did  my  father  caufeleflekill  ? 
Whatthough  heruf dthe  Realme  with  JawlefTe  .will.* 
Shall  we  therefore,  with  cruellbloodie  knife, 
Depriue  our  Lord  and  King  of  vitall  life  ? 

O  wicked  deed,  may  fubiects  falfe  furmife, 
With  murthering  minds  their  Gbuernour  refift  ?" 
That  may  not  be :  for  Tally  wondrous  wife, 
HUto,  in  whom  true  knowledge  doth  confift, 
They  both  agreed  that  noman  ought  to  kill 
A  Tyrant,  though  he  hath  him  at  his  will; 
Yet  thou(thou  wretch)  thisbloody  deed  haft  done, 
The  like  was  nefuer  feerie'vnder  the  Sun. 


When  God  will  plague  the  people  for  their  C\n9 
Them  then  to  fcourge  he  doth  a  Tyrant  fend ; 
We  ftiould  therefore  that  fubiecls.be,  begin 
With  earneft  mind  our  former  faults  t  amend : 
Which  if  we  do,  it  is  to  great  availe, 
Mans  force  is  fond,  fighting  cannot  preuaile. 

And  he  who  doth  refift  the  Magiftrate, 

Refifteth  God,  repenting  all  too  late. 

If  fubie&s  be  by  peruerfc  Prince  oppreft, 
They  then  muft  pray  that  God  the  change  may  make: 
Which  God  no  doubt  rebellion  doth  deteft, 
No  fubicd  may  hisfword  or  armour  take 
Againft  his  Prince,  whom  God  hath  placed  there- 
Yet  hath  this  wretchallvoid  of  iubie&sfeare, 

Deftroyd  a  King  whomGod  did  thruft  from  throne: 
Alas  poore  King,  thy  death  I  do  bemone. 


^4-  KingSigebert. 

But  he  who  hath  thy  lingring  life  deftroi'd, 

Shall  be  deftroi'd,  and  findit  paffing  plaine, 

That  no  man  may  a  Princes  life  annoy. 

Although  the  Prince  defers  to  be  flaine, 

Yet  fubie&s  muft  from  /heading  blood  refraine. 

From  which,feeing  that  this  wretch  could  not  abftaine* 

Let  himbe  hangd  as  I  before  decreed, 

A  iuft  reward  for  his  fo  vile  a  deed. 

Then  1  forthwith  to  end  my  life  was  led, 
I  hopte  to  haue  preferment  for  my  deed, 
I  was  prefer  d,and  hang'd  all  faue  the  head : 
Did  euer  man  the  like  example  read  ? 

Not  one  I  thinke :  therefore  good  Memorie,  ^ 

In  regifter  inrole  thou  this  for  me, 
That  they  who  Hue  and  reade  the  fall  I  felt, 
May  find  how  fate  moftftrangely  with  me  delt. 

Yet  my  defert  no  doubt  did  death  deferue, 
Though  hatred  did  not  make  me  kill  my  King, 
Yetlucre  leaud  did  force  my  feetc  to  fwerue, 
That  hateful!  hap,  me  to  this  bale  did  bring. 
Let  them  then  learne  thatheedieiTe  Hue  by  hope, 
Her  hatefull  hefts  will  bring  them  to  the  rope  : 

And  happie  he,  who  void  of  hope  can  lead 

A  quiet  life,  all  void  ofFortunes  dread. 

Periliffs  he  who  made  the  Bull  ofbrafle, 
Like  him  I  hopte  to  haue  fome  great  reward, 
Buthcinbrafenbellybroyled  was, 
And  to  a  skarfe  of  hemp  I  was  prefer'd. 
So  they  that  meane  by  others  harmes  to  rife, 
Their  dying  day  (hall  end  with  dolefull  cries. 

And  heere  I  end,  approuing  that  mod  true, 

From  wicked  workes  no  goodneffe  can  enfue. 

ThmM'BUncYH^U 


HOW  LADlf 

EBBE  DID  FLEA 

HER  NOSE  AND  VPPER 
lippe  away,  to  fauc  her  Virginitte, 

AnttoDom.  870. 

O  nothing  mufe  at  ray  deformed  face, 
For  Nature  it  in  perfect  mould  did  make : 
And  when  your  wits  haue  weighed  well  the  cafe, 
You  will  commend  me  much  for  vertues  fake. 
With  thefe  my  hands  which  from  my  face  did  take 
Mine  ouer-lippe^nd  eke  my  feemely  nofe. 
So  to  auoid  the  rage  of  all  my  foes. 

For  I  by  birth  a  Princes  daughter  borne, 
An  Abbieffe  by  my  profeffion, 
Of  which  eftate  Ineuer  thought  it  fcorne, 
It  greatly  did  delight  me  to  be  one, 
Whioh  might  erc&diuine  religion*  * 

At  Collingam  I  tookc  this  charge  in  hand, ' , 

And  fiftie  more  of  chafte  Diannes  band. 

All  Ladies  borne  by  birth  of  high  degree, 

Which  there  did  vow  with  me  their  Hues  to  lcade^,  , 

And  to  auoid  carnallfragilitie, 

We  all  did  vow  as  you  right  wellmayreade, 

With  finglc  Hues  to  Hue  in  feare  and  dread 

OfGod  our  Lord,  fo  to  refrain e  the  vice 

Of  fleflily  luft,  which  doth  to  finne  intice.  . 

Then  did  the  Danes  the  Saxon  ftatcinuade, 
And  they  who  did  the  Britaine  Irate  deftroy,  , 
To  fuc  for  grace  were  glad  and  well  apaid, 
So  ftrangely  did  the  Danes  vs  then  annoy, 
That  Saxons  like  the  men  of  broyling  Troy, 

Amaz  d,  they  gaz'd,  not  knowing  what  wasbeff.,  , 

So  ftraitly  were  the  Saxons  then  diitreft, 

Thefe 


2^6  Lady  Elbe. 

Thefe  dreadful!  Danes  they  had  no  feare  of  God, 
But  fauage,  they  did  make  their  lult  a  law, 
Whom  God  did  fend  for  a  reuejiging  rod, 
To  make  vs  Saxons  Hue  in  feare  and  awe 
Of  hiuvwho  did  from  feruile  bondage  draw 

Vs  out,  and  made  vs  Hue  at  libertie, 

When  as  we  feru'd  with  cruell  flauerie. 

Not  much  vnlike  the  murmuring  Ifraelites, 

Sometime  we  feru'd  our  Lord  with  feare  and  dread, 

In  trouble  we  imploi'd  our  whole  delights, 

Tofaftandpray:  but  when  we  quiet  were, 

We  reftlefle  led  our  Hues,  all  void  of  care, 
Forgetting  him  who  did  in  each  diftrelTe, 
With  helping  hand  vs  blcffe  with  good  fuccefTe, 

Seeheere  the  fruit  of  health  and  good  fucceffc, 
It  maketh  man  both  proud  and  infolent  : 
In  health  we  hate  the  God  who  hath  vs  bleft, 
Trouble  doth  make  vs  mortall  men  repent 
Our  former  faults :  in  fickneffe  we  be  bent 

To  faft  and  pray,  and  in  aduerfitie, 

To  pray  to  God,  is  mans  felicitie. 

And  for  this  fault  abufing  this  our  bleffe, 
The  Danes  with  ruth  our  Realme  did  ouerrunne, 
Their  wrath  inwrapt  vs  all  in  wretchedneiTe, 
There  was  no  fin  from  which  thofe  men  did  fhunne. 
By  them  the  Commonweale  was  quite  vndone. 
They  did  deftroy  the  ftate  of  euery  towne, 
They  Churches  burnt,they  pluckt  the  Abbies  downe* 

Yet  not  content,  vsNunnes  they  did  annoy, 

0  cruell  deed,  our  belts  they  did  vnbind, 
With  rapine  they  did  rauifh  and  deftroy, 
Dcflowring  all  that  euer  they  could  find. 

1  feeing  then  what  lorrow  was  aflign'd 

To  me  and  mine,  my  vowed  virgins  I 

Did  call,  thea  thus  I  ipake  with  weeping  eye. 

Alas 


Lady  Ebb e.  iy/ 

Alas  alas  my  louing  Ladies  all, 
Thefe  hard  mifhaps  do  preffe  vs  too  too  neere  : 
Whatfhallwedo,howmiy  we  fcape  the  thrall, 
Which  hath  dcftroyd  the  Nunries  euery  where  ? 
Alas,  my  feeble  flefti  doth  quake  for  feare  : 

Alas,  how  (hall  we  fcape  their  cruelties, 

Which  thus  be  plafte  amidft  extremities  ? 

For  if  we  do  their  hatefull  hefts  denie, 
Then  dreadfull  death  fttall  prefentlie  infue : 
And  if  we  grant  vnto  their  villanie, 
Our  finfull  foules  in  hell  that  deed  (Kail  rue. 
Beleeue  me  then  my  Ladies,  this  is  true, 

Much  better  'twere  for  vs  to  die  with  fame, 

Then  long  toliue,with  euerlaftirig  fhame. 

And  for  becaufe  the  faces  forme  doth  mouc 
With  beauties  beames  and  comely  countenance, 
The  minde  of  man  to  luft  and  lawleflfe  loue, 
I  haue  deuifd,  my  honour  to  aduance, 
With  face  deform'd  to  try  my  hard  mifchance : 

For  thcfe  my  hands  from  this  my  face  lhali  rip 

Euen  with  this  knife,  my  nofe  and  ouerlip. 

They  which  will  fliereprochfull  infamie, 
To  do  theJike  will  them  befeeme  the  beft, 
You  flhall  preferue  your  vow'd  virginitie 
Thereby,  and  liue  perhaps  with  quiet  reft. 
^Iy  daughters  deare,  giue  eare  vnto  my  heft. 

Wherewith,  with  Rafors  ftiarp  I  firft,  then  they, 

Each  one  her  nofe,  3nd  lip  did  flea  away. 

Whilft  thus  we Iiu'd  deform'd  to  outward ^how* 
Yet  veffclsgarniftit  gay  before  Gods  fight, 
The  Danes  did  vs  inuade,  who  ftraight  did  know 
Our  feate,  them  to  defeate  of  their  delight : 
For  which  they  wrackt  on  vs  their  wicked  fpight. 
With  fiery  flames  they  burnt  our  Nunneric> 
And  vs  therein  ;0  wretched  crueltie ! 

The 


258  KJng  Egelred. 

The  care  of  man  the  like  hath  neuer  heard, 
No  penne3  nor  tongue  the  like  hath  euer  told, 
Had  euer  man  a  hart  that  was  fo  hard, 
That  with  his  yron  breft  durftbefobold, 
To  do  the  like  agairtft  the  Femine  kind  ? 

Not  one  in  faith  that  euer  I  could  hcare, 

But  thcfe  all  void  of  mercy,  loue/tand  feare* 

Thus  we  content  to  leaue  this  prefent  life, 

In  hope  to  hauc  hereafters  better  bleffe, 

Were  brent  andbroild,  and  fo  did  flint  the  ftrife 

Which  might  haue  madevs  liue  in  wretchedneffe  2 

We  gainde  thcrby  a  heauenly.  happinefTe. 

Which  haf>pine(Te  they  doubtleffe  fhall  obtaine, 
Whiclvdo  from  finne  and  wickedneffe  abftaine. 

Thomas  3 'letter  Haffet 

HOW  KING  EGELRED 

FOR  HIS  WICKEDNESSE  WAS 
diucrfly  diftrefTed  by  the  Danes,and  laftly  died 
for firrw, Anno T>om.  1016. 

.qihsuobi..'*  -.1  •••  ". "  .  *.•'  ;i dii  v  n$j*2 
|He  mindc  and  not  the  Man  doth  make  or  marrc, 
For  as  the  ftearne  doth  guide  the  Argocy : 
_  So  by  their  mindes  all  men  they  guideditrc. 
From  out  the  mind  proceedeth  fantafie, 
All  outward  afts,  vertuc  or  vanitie, 

Not  from  the  man,  but  from  the  minde  proceede 
!    The  mind  doth  make  the  man  to  do  each  deed. 

For  Vhda.rU  with  beaftlybloudy  mind, 
And  Nero  did  in  murther  much  deligh  t, 
To  mercy  Anton'mw  was  inclined, 
Midas  for  gold  extended  all  his  might. 
For  worldly  pompe  how  did  Pomfeitu  fight  ? 

The  mounting  minde  of  Alexander,  made 

Him  win  the  world,  his  fame  can  ncuer  fade. 

How 


it 


Kjng  Egelred. 

How  did  the  minde  moue  Caltcratidest 
Xerxes,  Cyru4t  and  Argantonitts  f 
Thilip  ofMacedon,  Theramines, 
tA'tax,  Iafon,  and  AureliantiSy 
t/fcbilles>  and  the  old  king  Priam  tu, 

Hcttor,  and  Hercules        falfe  Sino, 

Their  minds  did  make  them  weaue  the  web  of  wo. 

The  twig  doth  bend  as  Boreas  blafts  doe  blow, 
So  man  doth  walke  cuen  as  his  mind  doth  moue : 
Then  happie  he  who  hath  a  mind  to  know 
Such  things  as  be  the beit  for  his  behoue : 
No  doubt  the  mind  which  vertuous  a£ts  doth  loue, 
Doth  make  a  man  euen  Ca/ar  to  furpaffe 
For  noble  deeds,  who  Prince  of  prowefTe  was. 

But  he  who  hath  his  mind  to  mifchiefe  bent, 
All  his  delight  from  vertue  doth  decline, 
Like  me  too  late  he  ihall  his  faults  repent, 
His  finfull  foule  fhall  feele  the  fall  in  fine 
That  I  haue  felt :  which  makes  me  to  repine 
Againft  my  mind  :  for  Nature  did  her  part, 
My  mind  enclind  to  ill,  did  fpoile  my  hart. 

What  though  I  were  of  comely  perfbnage  ? 

Iointly  my  ioints  were  ioin'd  with  perfect  fliape, 

Adorned  eke  with  fo  fweet  a  vifagc, 

That  neuer  yet  from  Natures  hands  did  fcape 

A  workc  ymade  of  fuch  a  perfect  fhape : 
But  what  of  that  ?  thefe  gifts  for  want  of  grace, 
Deformed  quite  the  feature  of  my  face. 

For  why,  my  mind  to  ruthfull  ruine  bent, 

I  did  delight  in  lothfbme  lecherie : 

I  neuer  did  my  odious  deeds  repent, 

In  drunkennefle,in  extreme  crueltic, 

Idid  delight  in  all  impietie. 

As  for  delight  in  princely  exerche, 

The  feates  of  armes  I  did  them  moft  defpife. 


z^o  KJngEgelred . 

By  mcanes  whereof  my  fubie&s  did  me  hate, 
And  forrainc  foes,  to  burne  my  Realme  were  bold : 
With  warre  the  Danes  did  alter  ftraight  the  ftate. 
Firft  Fortune  did  my  common-weale  vnfold, 
Then  peftilence  did  make  my  courage  cold : 
And  laft  of  all,  my  foes  the  dreadfull  Danes 
Did  make  me  pay  them  tribute  for  their  paines. 

Euen  now  the  Realme  ofEngland  did  decay :  ^ 
For  when  the  Danes  their  tribute  had  confum'd, 
Forthwith  they  made  vs  greater  fummes  to  pay. 
From  ten  to  fifteene  thoufand  they  prefurn  d 
Of  pounds  to  make  vs  pay :  fo  I  redeem' d 

With  money  bags  my  carcfull  common-wealth, 
The  onely  meanes  referued  for  my  health. 

When  thus  the  want  of  courage  on  my  part 
Had  giuen  my  foes  fo  fure  a  footing  here, 
And  when  di'feafe  with  her  destroying  dart 
Had  wipte  away  my  fubiedts  euery  where  : 
Euen  then  too  late  my  wifemen  did  appeere, 
Whom  heretofore  I  alwayes  did  deteft 
Their  counfaile  graue,  at  laft  they  thus  exprcft. 

O  Egelred  the  fruite  of  fearefulneffc, 
Of  riot  thou  the  right  reward  doft  reapc : 
But  if  thou  wilt  auoid  this  wretchednefle, 
Be  wife,  and  lookc  about  before  you  leape. 
Of  hatefull  haps  you  fee  a  hideous  heape 

Before  your  face,  therefore  in  time  giue  eare, 

And  wifely  waigh  the  words  which  thou  fhalt  heare. 

That  noble  Duke  Richard  of  Normandy, 
A  Sifter  hath,  whom  thee  we  wifh  to  wed, 
By  mcanes  whereof  from  this  captiui  ty 
We  may  be  brought,  and  that  without  bloodfhed* 
For  why  thefe  Danes  thefe  Normans  fo  do  dread, 
That  if  from  thence  an  ayd  we  can  procure, 
Thy  foes  no  doubt  can  neuer  long  indure. 


K^ng  Egelred. 

The  mayd  fhe  may  aPrinces  fancie  plcafe, 
Her  brother  is  a  man  of  great  renoivne  : 
This  way  O  King  may  make  thy  fubic&s  eafe, 
It  may  reftore  the  freedome  of  thy  Crowne : 
This  onely  way  will  bring  thy  fomen  downe. 

If  thou  thy  Crowne  and  common- weale  doft  Ioue, 
Do  thou  the  thing  fo  much  for  thy  behoue. 

So  by  their  meanes  I  maried  the  maid, 

She  Emma  hight,  the  floure  of  Normandic, 

Of  whom  I  was  fo  glad  and  well  apaid, 

That  all  the  world  with  my  profperitie 

Could  not  compare :  and  in  that  iollitic 
I  did  deuife  by  traines  of  fecret  treafbn, 
To  bring  the  Danes  to  death^in  a  good  fcafon. 

I  did  a  feaft  through  all  my  Realme  proclame, 
At  which  both  Danes  and  Engliflimen  did  mecte, 
Then  fecretly  my  friends  and  I  did  frame, 
That  Engliflimen  the  Danes  fliould  friendly  greete, 
And  at  the  fealt  that  they  fliould  do  their  feate. 
And  that  they  might  the  better  worke  their  will, 
They  thus  were  plaft  according  vnto  skill. 

Two  before  one,  and  three  before  fine, 
Here  two,  and,  there  two,  and f our e  then  beliue  : 
H ere  one,  and  there  one,  and  three  at  a  caft, 
Then  one,  and  twice  two,  and  one  at  the  lafl. 

They  mingled  thus,  the  watchword  wifely  giuen, 
AndEngliflimen  with  weapons  wellbeftead, 
The  Danes  amidft  their  cups  were  fliauen  and  fliriuen : 
Fiue  hundred  thoufand  in  one  day  were  dead. 
Now  note  the  end  of  blood  fobealtly  fliead  : 
For  Swane  the  king  of  Denmark  e  did  arriue, 
He  for  reuengc  did  me  to  R.  charddnuti 

S 


z^z  Kjng  Egelred. 

Markc  here  how  lawleffe  polices  preuaile, 
Their  good  fucccffe  do  promife  prefent  paine. 
What  ?  May  mans  vaine  deuices  ought  auaile? 
Difhoneft  deeds  no  honour  can  obtaine, 
Al  murthering  Maffacres  be  vile  and  vaine, 

Such  futtJc  flights  haue  neuer  good  fucceffe ; 

The  proofe  whereof  with  paine  I  here  cxprefle: 

For  Sxvane  with  fword  and  fire  did  here  deftroy, 
Both  man  and  beaft,  and  euery  earthly  thing, 
He  did  that  noble  London  much  annoy, 
He  won  the  Realme  and  was  the  Englimking. 
When  tra£t  of  time  him  to  his  beare  did  bring, 
Qanutm  then  his  fonne  did  him  fucceed, 
Whom  to  difplaee  I  did  difpatch  with  fpeed. 

My  brother     hard  Duke  of  Normandy, 
OfNormans  gaue  to  me  a  goodly  band, 
By  help  of  whom  C^nutus  forft  to  flee, 
I  got  againe  the  kingdome  of  England, 
But  out  (alas)  what  thing  may  firmelyftand, 

Whofe  vnder-prop  is  of  fo  little  might? 

That  want  of  ftrengthdoth  let  things  drop  downright- 

CmHtHs  did  from  Denmarkenowreturne, 
The  wrathfull  wight  appointed  pafling  tfrong, 
My  fubiecls  flue, my  Cities  he  did  burne; 
Which  when  I  heard  I  liu'd  not  very  long, 
My  fainting  heart  was  thronged  with  a  throng 
Of  cares,  which  broke  it  hi  my  fearfull  breft, 
And  fo  at  laft  death  brought  my  bones  to  reft. 

Twice  tenne  and  eight  I  ranne  my  ruthfull  race, 
And  then  in  Pauls  my  curfed  corps  was  laid, 
Can  Htm  did  my  common-weale  deface, 
The  Danes  were  kings,  my  kingdome  was  dccaid, 
This  world  is  fraile,  and  euery  thing  muft  fade, 
Butalwaies  that  which  wanteth  gouernment, 
That  firft  doth  feele  the  force  of  dangers  dcnt» 
Thomas  Blcner  Hajfet 


HOW 


HOW  EDRJCVS  EARLE 

OF  MERCIA,  DESTROYED  THE 
VALIANT  KING  EDMVND  IRON- 

fide,  in  hope  of  aduancement,  and  how  he  was 
*  rewarded,  K^MoDom*  1018. 

!Ou  hellifti  hags  of  Limbo  Lake  below, 
"  Which  daily  do  my  curfed  corps  torment, 
w  Come  forth,  come  forth,  come  forth,  (I  fay)and  fhew 
How  I  on  earth  my  difmall  dales  haue  fpent. 
And  wil  you  not  you  wretched  wights  affent 
To  helpe  me  here  to  tell  that  drierie  tale, 
Which  may  amongft  men  liuing  much  preuaile  ? 

O  curfed  ghoft  condemnd  to  endleffe  thrall, 
Sith  they  rcfufe  to  aid  thee  in  this  need, 
Do  thou  declare  and  tel  the  truth  of  all, 
That  men  aliue  my  wretched  works  may  read, 
And  fee  the  fruite  of  futtle  Satans  feed, 

Auoiding  vice,  and  fancies  fond  delight, 

Note  well  my  tale,  the  truth  I  (hall  recite. 

When  Erhe/dredhzd  giuen  CanHtus  place, 

Edmundhis  fonnc  furnamed/r0»/&fe, 

Deuifmg  how  he  might  his  foe  deface, 

By  wrath  of  warre  the  caufe  they  did  decide  i 

And  in  the  end  theRealme  they  did  diuide. 
Edmund  had  halfe,  Canmns  had  the  reft, 
Then  they  with  peace  and  quietneife  were  blcft. 

O  blind  beleefe,  O  hope  of  higher  hope, 

Why  did  you  moue  my  minde  to  meditate, 

How  I  in  woe  king  Edmu»dm\ght  in  wrap, 

And  how  I  might  deprelTe  my  kings  eftatc  ? 

Thou  blind  beleefe,  thou  breeder  of  debate, 
I  wanting  grace  did  let  thee  moue  my  mind, 
Caufclcife  to  kil  a  courteous  king,  and  kindc, 


24-4-  Earle  Edricus. 

He  being  kild,  I  to  Canutus  went, 

To  whom  I  fayd,  See  here  a  faithfull  friend, 

I  for  thy  loue  with  bloody  blade  haue  hent, 

And  brought  my  King  to  his  vntimely  end : 

Thou  by  that  meanes  fhalt  rule  thy  realme  with  reft, 

My  friendly  rift -with  happie  good  fucceffe, 

Hath  thee  inricht  with  bliffe  and  happinefte. 

Haft  thou  (quoth  he)  dcftroy'd  thy  foueraigne King?  ; 

Thou  faithlefe  fawning  friend,for  loue  of  me? 

Thou  verlefvile,  and  could'ft  thou  doe  the  thing 

The  which  might  more  abridge  my  libertic? 

O  heinous  aft !  O  bloodie  crueltie ! 

But  fith  that  loue  did  moue  thee  doe  that  deede, 
Thou  for  thy  paines  fhal t be  preferd  with  fpeede. 

Wherewith  in  hafte  he  to  the  hangman  faid, 
Let  this  mans  head  the  higheftplace  obtaine 
On  London  walles :  wherewith  I  neuerftaid, 
But  on  a  block  my  neck  was  cut  in  twaine, 
In  all  mens  %ht,my  head  did  long  remaine. 

See  here  what  wit  the  grape  ofhope  doth  yeeld, 

See  on  whatfandfuch  bulicbrainesdo  build. 

G  hatefull  thing  that  fancies  fond  delight, 
The  fenfe  of  mortall  man  fhould  fenfeleffe  make : 
When  vices  vaunts  with  vertues  deeds  dare  fight, 
Then  doth  the  foule  the  happie  heauensforfake ; 
Then  man  makes  hafte  to  Vlmoes  lorhfome  lake. 
Why  fhould  man  loue  that  fugred  fowerfweet, 
Which  wifedoms  lore  to  lothe  hath  thought  moft  meet  ? 

Thomas  rBlcner  HtJfcK 


HOW 


HOW  KING  HAROLD  RAIG- 

NING   BVT  NINE  MONETHS, 
had  continuall  warre  with  the  Danes, with  the 

Norway  King,  with  his  brother  Tostivs, 
and  was  at  /aft  Jlaine  in  hat  tell  bj  William  the 
Conquer rr,  An.Dom.  ic6$. 


Ould  he  haue  warre,  and  we  to  warre  proclame  ? 
O  Baftard  Duke,  and  doft  thou  dare  to  fight  ? 
My  Noble  men,  come  forth,  and  purchafe  fame. 
Ciue  me  my  fword,  let  me  defend  my  right. 
Steppe  forth  with  (peed  my  Martiall  men  of might: 
With  Bowes  and  Billes,  let  vs  their  courfe  reftraine  : 
And  teach  them  that  their  vanting  vowes  be  vainc. 

But  that  we  may  with  wifdome  wifely  worke, 
It  vs  behoues  in Nonnandie  to  fight 
With  him,  and  not  to  let  his  fouldiers  lurke 
Heere  in  my  Realme,,  we  fhall  thereby  atchiue 
No  noble  a&,  though  hence  we  him  do  driue. 

But  if  we  deale  with  him  in  Normandie, 

We  mail  receiue  renownc  and  vi&orie. 

It  is  the  beft  with  forren  foes  to  fight 

Abroad,  as  did  the  haughtie  Hannibal, 

And  not  at  home  to  feele  their  hatefull  fpight. 

Of  all  the  reft  it  is  the  greateft  thrall, 

That  foes  arriud  mould  fpoilc  our  fubie&s  all : 
And  for  a  truth  this  alwaies  hath  been  found, 
He  fpeedeth  beft  which  fights  on  forren  ground. 

My  men  of  warre  were  muftred  out  ofhand, 

But  all  my  hafte  was  then  of  none  auaile : 

My  brother  Toftim  with  his  rebell  band, 

In  euery  place  my  fubiecls  did  afTaile, 

And  euery  where  did  caufe  their  hearts  to  quaile. 

Whofe  wretched  ftate  from  farther  fpoile  to  fhield, 

I  by  my  power  did  force  him  fliethe  field. 

S3  He 


2^6  Kmg  Harold. 

He  fled  to  Norway  whence  a  cloud  did  rile 
That  did  obfeure  the  flhine  of  my  content, 
When  loe  the  Norman  Duke  did  then  deuife^ 
If  I  to  yeeld  my  Scepter  would  aflent, 
For  which  betwixt  vs  to  and  fro  there  went 

Defpightfull  letters,  which  I  will  recite, 

Wherein  he  claimes,  and  I  defend  my  right, 

WILLIAM  DVKE  OF 

NORM  AN  DIE,  AND  RIGHT 
heirc  to  the  Englifb  Crowne,  to  Harold 
theFfuvper. 

T Hough  Birthright  cannot  caufe  thee  yeeld  to  me  my  Crewue9 
Tet  haue  thon  fome  reff>eEl  of  honor  and  renownet 
Tor  thou  by  oath  dicCft Jweare  to  yeeld  to  me  my  right, 
When  as  I  thee  prefer  d,  and ftatd  thee  there  by  might, 
tjtfine  vncle  Edward  he,  thy  fathers  faith  full  friend 
Gaue  me  his  Crowne,and  thou  thereto  did* Ft  condefcend, 
'  Tet  novo  thou  ^oouldeH faine  defeat  e  me  of  my  right, 
Andproue  thy  felfeforfworne  of  former  promt fe  plight* 
Shall  Harold  hatte  his  heU  :Jhall  God  wines fonne  be  guide  t 
Shall  William  want  his  fall,  andhaue  his  right  dentd  f 
Well  Harold,  if  thou  canH  with  Carres  determine fo, 
I  am  content :  ifnot,proutde,  I  am  thy  foe* 
CMy  fonne s  and  all  my  hinne Jhall  neuer flint  to  flriue, 
To  plucke  thee  from  thy  place,  whit  si  one  is  leftaliue: 
But  if  thou  wilt  be  wife,  to  me  my  right  refigne, 
*Sind  thoufhalt  haue  the  place  belonging  to  thy  line. 
If  not,  with  fire  and  (word  I  meane  thy  Realme  to  Jftoile, 
1  neuer  thence  willfiart  till  I  haue  for  ft  thyfoile. 
ts4nd  now  thou  knows~l  my  will,  determine  for  the  be  ft, 
Thou  maiU  haue  warres,  and  if  thou  wilt,  thou  mat  ft  haue  reft* 

William  Duke  of  Normandy. 


Thefe 


l\ing  Harold. 

THefe  letters  were  of  little  might,  to  make 
My  manly  mind  to  grant  him  his  requeft, 
For  which  I  did  to  Fortune  me  betake, 
To  wage  new  warrcs  with  him  I  deem'd  it  beft, 
So  from  his  fift  his  threatning  blade  to  wreft. 
But  fee  the  force  of  Fortunes  changing  cheare, 
Another  cloud  before  me  did  appeare. . 

My  brother  ToUins  who  from  me  was  fled, 
Did  now  returne,  and  brought  the  Norway  King  i 
They  did  deuife  to  haue  from  me  my  head, 
Which  made  mc  to  indite  another  thing 
Vnto  the  Duke,  then  plaine  and  true  meaning. 
I  gaue  him  hope  of  that  I  neucr  mcnt, 
Thef :  were  the  lines  which  to  the  Duke  I  fcnt. 


HAROLD  THE  ENGLISH 

KING,  TO  THEE  William 
Duke  of  Normandy. 

HArold  the  English  King,  thee  William  Duke  dothgreete. 
J  hy  letter  being  read,  1  haue  not  thought  it  meete, 
Without  a  *Par lament  to  do  fo great  a  thing, 
As  ofaforren  Duke,  to  make  an  Englifh  King  .« 
But  if  my  three  eftates  mil  follow  my  aduice, 
Thou  fh  alt  receiue  the  Croxvne,  and  bear e  away  the  price* 
Therefore  delay  a  time,  thou  Shortly  /halt  receiue 
Wtth  fullconfent  the  thing,  which  now  thou  feel(Jl  to  haue. 

HaroLB. 

IArm'd  in  hafte  all  danger  to  auoid, 
For  why,  I  heard  my  brother  Toslius  traine, 
Two  of  my  Earlcs  had  in  the  North  deftroy'd, 
And  many  a  thoufand  men  he  there  had  flainc : 
But  when  we  met,  his  triumph  was;  in  vaine. 
For  I  and  mine  the  Norway  King  there  kilte, 
And  I  my  felfe  my  brothers  blood  there  fpiltc. 

S4  Now 


24.7 


Now  when  the  Duke  my  friendly  lines  had  read, 
And  heard  how  I  my  men  did  mufter  new, 
There  lies  a  Snake  within  this  greene  graffe  bed, 
Quoth  he,  therefore  come  forth  my  warlike  crew, 
We  will  not  ftay  to  fee  what  fliall  enfue. 
By  long  delayes,  from  forren  coafts  he  may 
Procure  an  aide,  to  fcourge  vs  with  decay. 

But  when  he  heard  with  whom  I  had  to  deale, 
Well  done  (quoth  he)  let  him  go  bcate  the  bufli, 
I  and  my  men  to  the  lurch  line  will  (teale, 
And  plucke  the  Net  euen  at  the  prefent  pufti, 
And  one  of  them  we  with  decay  will  crufh. 
For  he  who  doth  the  victor  there  remaine, 
Shall  neucr  reft,  till  he  hath  dealt  with  twaine. 

So  I  in  vaine  who  had  the  viclorie, 
Within  few  daies  was  forft  againe  to  fight, 
My  ftrerigth  halfe  fpoil'd,  my  wounded  men  were  wcarie, 
His  campe  wascomne  vn wares  within  my  fight, 
There  was  no  hope  to  flee  by  day  nor  night. 
I  Harold  then,  a  Harauld  fent  in  hafte, 
To  know  the  plot  where  he  his  campe  had  plafte. 

He  fent  me  word,  my  ifs  and  an ds  were  vaine, 
And  that  he  knew  the  drifts  of  my  delay, 
For  which  hefaid  he  would  yet  once  againe 
Make  triall,  who  fiiould  beare  the  crowne  away. 
If  I  would  yeeld,  he  laid  his  men  fhould  ttay, 

If  not,  he  then  was  prefent  prcfently, 

To  trie  the  caufe  by  CMars  his  crueltie. 

Which  when  I  heard,  and  faw  him  march  amaine, 

His  Trumpets  did  defie  me  to  my  face, 

In  hafte  I  did  appoint  my  very  traine, 

And  fouldier-like  I  all  my  men  did  place, 

I  neuer  fu'd,  nor  pray'd,  nor  gapte  for  grace. 
For  hauing  plafte  my  men  in  battell  ray, 
I  with  loude  voice  to  them  thefc  words  did  hp 


Kjng  Harold. 

My  mates,  in  armes  fee  heere  the  laft  affault, 
Win  now  the  field,  and  be  you  cuer  bleft. 
This  Baftard  bafe  borne  Duke,  fhail  he  exalt 
Himfelfe  fo  high  ?  giue  eare  vnto  my  heft, 
This  day  no  doubt  we  fhail  haue  quiet  reft : , 
For  good  fucccfle  /hall  fet  vs  free  from  feare, 
Or  hatefull  hap  fhail  bring  vs  to  our  beare. 

Euen  heere  at  hand  his  power  doth  appeare, 
March  forth  my  men,  we  muft  no  longer  ftay  : 
Let  euery  man  abandon  fainting  feare, 
And  I  as  guide  will  lead  you  on  your  way. 
Euen  I  my  felfe  the  formoft  in  the  fray, 

Will  teach  you  how  you  fhail  abate  his  pride. 

Fight  fight  my  men,your  King  fhail  be  your  guide. 

His  Crof  bow  men  my  Archers  did  affaile 
With  three  to  one,yet  were  they  all  too  weaker 
And  when  his  forlorne  hope  could  not  preuaile, 
Them  to  aflift  his  Horfemen  out  did  breake, 
Three  troopes  I  fent  on  them  the  wrath  to  wreake, 
And  by  and  by  the  battels  both  did  ioyne, 
With  many  a  thruft,and  many  abloodie  foine. 

Of  three  maine  battels  he  hisarmie  made, 
I  had  but  one,  and  one  did  deale  with  three : 
Of  which  the  firft  by  me  were  quite  difmaide, 
The  other  two  they  did  difcomfort  me, 
Not  ycelding,  but  in  yeelding  blowes  we  be 
(With  lofie  of  life)  conftrain  d  at  laft  to  yeeld 
The  crowne,the  kingdome,and  the  foughten  fi' 

Note  now  the  lot  which  on  my  limmes  did  light, 
Nine  monthes  no  more,  I  wore  the  Englifti  Crow 
In  euery  month  I  in  the  field  did  fight, 
In  euery  fight,  I  wonne  a  frefti  renowne, 
Yet  at  the  laft  my  ftrcngth  was  beaten  downe, 

And  heere  before  you,  now  I  do  proteft, 

I  neuer  had  one  day  of  quiet  reft. 


ISO  %jrtg  Harold. 

For  firft  with  warre  I  won  the  princely  feate, 

With  ciuill  ftrife  I  daily  was  diftreft, 

My  brother  twice  endeuour'd  to  defeate 

Me  of  my  throne,  the  Norway  King  was  preft, 

The  dreadfull  Danos  they  daily  me  diftreft. 
At  laft,  this  Duke  did  make  me  ftrike  my  faile, 
When  winde,nor  tide,  nor  oares  might  thenpreuaile. 

My  Kingdome  then  was  proud  his  lawfull  price, 
With  conqueft  herecouered  his  right, 
And  as  you  fee  of  conquering  the  guife, 
The  Englifhmen  they  were  defaced  quite; 
Then  of  his  traine  he  did  prefer  each  wight. 

And  this  was  that  which  only  brought  me  blefle, 

I  did  not  liue  to  fee  this  wretchednelle. 

But  woe  to  me  which  caufed  all  this  coile, 

I  was  an  Earle  my  father  being  dead. 

Why  did  my  breft  with  fcalding  malice  boile, 

To  keepe  the  Crowne  from  the  right  hcires  head  ? 

O  Faneie  fond,  thy  fumings  hath  me  fed, 

The  (linking  flinch  of  thine  inclined  heft, 

Hath  poy  foned  all  the  vertues  in  my  breft. 

The  ruthfull  fmart  ofproued  ill  fucceffe, 
Who  hath  fuftain'd,  and  felt  that  pinching  paine, 
That  wofull  wight  all  wrapt  in  wretchednefle, 
Can  well  report  mans  fancie  is  but  vaine : 
That  man  doth  know,  by  proofe  he  findes  it  plaine, 
That  he  who  ftoopes  to  fancies  fond  defires, 
Doth  grope  for  grapes  amid'ft  the  bramble  briers. 

Let  no  man  thinkeby  fetches  finely  fildc, 
By  double  drifts  conueyed  cunninglie, 
To  get  or  game  by  any  craft  or  guile, 
A  good  eftate  with  long  profperitie. 
His  luft  obtain  d,  he  Hues  in  miferie, 

His  guikie  ghoft  doth  fee  his  plague  appeare, 

Who  goeth  ftraight  he  needeth  not  to  feare. 

IhmasB lever  Ha  fen 

FINIS. 


PR  1  4 1922 


Accessions 

/5 


Shelf  No. 

Barton  LifrrrtTySVU.  I 


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Umitmt  JHultlir  Cilmmj. 

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