first divide Whilst place scarce distant gives them diff'rent stiles Rivers whose breadth Inhabiâ—ants may stride Parts them as much as Continents and Isles 33. On equal smooth and undistinguish'd Ground The lust of pow'r does liberty impair And limits by a border and a bound What was before as passable as Air. 34. Whilst change of Languages oft breeds a war A change which Fashion does as oft obtrude As womens dress and oft Complexions are And diff'rent names no less a cause of fouâ— 35. Since Men so causelesly themselves devour And hast'ning still their else too hasty Fates Act but continu'd Massacres for pow'r My Father meant to chastise Kings and States 36. To overcome the world till but one Crown And universal Neighbourhood he saw Till all were rich by that alliance grown And want no more should be the cause of Law 37. One family the world was first design'd And though some fighting Kings so sever'd are That they must meet by help of Seas and wind Yet when they fight 't is but a civil war 38. Nor could Religions heat if one rul'd all To bloody war the unconcern'd allure And hasten us from Earth ere Age does call Who are alas of Heav'n so little sure 39. Religion ne'r till divers Monarchies Taught that almighty Heav'n needs Armies aid But with contentious Kings she now complies Who seem for their own cause of God's afraid 40. To joyn all sever'd Pow'rs which is to end The cause of War my Father onward fought By war the Lombard Scepter to extend Till peace were forc'd where it was slowly sought 41. He lost in this attempt his last dear blood And I whom no remoteness can deterre If what seems difficult be great and good Thought his Example could not make me erre 42. No place I merit in the Book of Fame Whose leaves are by the Greeks and Romans fill'd Yet I presume to boast she knows my name And she has heard to whom the Hunns did yield 43. But let not what so needfully was done Though still pursu'd make you ambition fear For could I force all Monarchies to one That Universal Crown I would not wear 44. He who does blindly â—oar at Rhodalind Mounts like feel'd Doves still higher from his ease And in the lust of Empire he may find High Hope does better than Fruition please 45. The Victor's solid recompence is rest And 't is unjust that Chiefs who pleasure shun Toyling in Youth should be in Age opprest With greater Toyls by ruling what they won 46. Here all reward of conquest I would find Leave shining Thrones for Birtha in a shade With Nature's quiet wonders fill my mind And praise her most because she Birtha made 47. Now Astragon with joy suffic'd perceiv'd How nobly Heav'n for Birtha did provide Oâ—t had he for her vanish'd Mother griev'd â—ut â—an this joy less than that sorrow hide 48. With tears bids Gondibert to Heav'ns Eye make All good within as to the World he seems And in gain'd Birtha then from Hymen take All youth can wish and all his age esteems 49. Straight to his lov'd Philosophers he hies Who now at Nature's Counsel busie are To trace new Lights which some old Gazer spies Whilst the Duke seeks more busily his Star 50. But in her search he is by Goltho stay'd Who in a closs dark Covert folds his Arms His Eyes with thought grow darker than that shade Such thought as brow and breast with study warms 51. Fix'd to unheeded object is his Eye His sences he calls in as if t' improve By outward absence inward extasie Such as makes Prophets or is made by Love 52. Awake said Gondibert for now in vain Thou dream'st of sov'reignty and War's success Hope nought has left which Worth should wish to gain And all Ambition is but Hope's excess 53. Bid all our Worthies to unarm and rest For they have nought to conquer worth their care I have a Father's right in Birtha's breast And that 's the peace for which the wise make war 54. At this starts Goltho like some Armie 's Chief Whom unintrench'd a midnight Larum wakes By pawse then gave disorder'd sence relief And this reply with kindled passion makes 55. What means my Prince to learn so low a boast Whose merit may aspire to Rhodalind For who could Birtha miss if she were lost That shall by worth the others treasure find 56. When your high blood and conquests shall submit To such mean joys in this unminded shade Let Courts without Heav'ns Lamps in darkness sit And war become the lowly Shepheard's Trade 57. Birtha a harmless Cottage Ornament May be his Bride that 's born himself to serve But you must pay that blood your Anny spent And wed that Empire which our wounds deserve 58. This brought the Dukes swiâ—t anger to his Eyes Which his consid'rate Heart rebuk'd as fast He Goltho chid in that he nought replies Leaves him and Birtha seeks with Lovers haste 59. Now Goltho mourns yet not that Birtha's fair Or that the Duke shuns Empire for a Bride But that himself must joyn love to despair Himself who loves her and his love must hide 60. He curs'd that him the wounded hither brought From Oswald's field where though he wounds did scape In tempting Death and here no danger sought Yet here met worse than Death in Beauty's shape 61. He was unus'd to love as bred in wars And not till now for beâ—uty leasure had Yet bore Love's load as Youth beaâ—s other Câ—res Till now despair makes Love's old weight too â—ad 62. But Ulfinore does hither aptly come His second breast in whom his griefs excess He may ebb out when they ore-flow at home Such griefs as thus in Throngs for utt'rance press 63. Forgive me that so falsly am thy Friend No more our Hearts for kindness shall contest Since mine I hourly on another spend And now imbrace thee with an empty brest 64. Yet pard'ning me you cancel Nature's fault Who walks with her first force in Birtha's shape And when she spreads the Net to have us caught It were in youth presumption to escape 65. When Birtha's grief so comly did appear Whilst she beheld our wounded Duke's distress Then first my alter'd Heart began to fear Lest too much Love should friendship dispossess 66. But this whilst Ulfinore with sorrow hears Him Goltho's busier sorrow little heeds And though he could reply in sighs and tears Yet governs both and Goltho thus proceeds 67. To Love's new dangers I have gone unarm'd I lack'd experience why to be afraid Was too unlearn'd to read how Love had harm'd But have his will as Nature's law obay'd 68. Th'obedient and defenceless sure no law Afflicts for law is their defence and pow'r Yet me Loves sheep whom rigour needs not aw Wolf-Love because defenceless does devour 69. Gives me not time to perish by degrees But with despair does me at once destroy For none who Gondibert a Lover sees Thinks he would love but where he may enjoy
Let not the Mind thus freed from Errour 's Night Since you repriev'd my Body from the Grave Perish for being how in love with light But let your Virtue Virtue 's Lover save 86. Birtha I love and who loves wisely so Steps far tow'rds all which Virtue can attain But if we perish when tow'rds Heav'n we go Then have I learnt that Virtue is in vain 87. And now his Heart extracted through his Eyes In Love's Elixar Tears does soon subdue Old Astragon whose pitie though made wise With Love's false Essences likes these as true 88. The Duke he to a secret Bowr does lead Where he his Youths first Storie may attend To guesse ere he will let his love proceed By such a dawning how his day will end 89. For Virtue though a rarely planted Flow'r Was in the seed now by this Florist known Who could foretel even in springing hour What colours she shall wear when fully blown CANTO the Eighth The ARGUMENT BIRTHA her first unpractis'd Love bewails Whilst GONDIBERT on ASTRAGON prevails By shewing high Ambition is of use And Glory in the Good needs no excuse GOLTHO a grief to ULFINORE reveals Whilst he a greater of his own conceals 1. BIrtha her griefs to her Apartment brought Where all her Maids to Heav'n were us'd to raâ—â—â— Their voices whilst their busie Fingers wrought To deck the Altar of the House of Praise 2. But now she finds their Musick turn'd to care Their looks allay'd like beautie over-worn Silent and sad as with ring Fav'rites are Who for their sick indulgent Monarch mourn 3. Thula the eldest of this silenc'd Quire When Birtha at this change astonish'd was With hastie whisper begg'd her to retire And on her knees thus tells their sorrows cause 4. Forgive me such experience as too soon Shew'd me unluckie Love by which I guess How Maids are by their innocence undone And trace those sorrows that them first oppress 5. Forgive such Passion as to Speech perswades And to my Tongue my observation brought And then forgive my Tongue which to your Maids Too rashly carry'd what Experience taught 6. For since I saw this wounded stranger here Your inward musick still untun'd has been You who could need no hope have learnt to feat And practis'd grief ere you did know to Sin 7. This being Love to Agatha I told Did on her Tongue as on still Death reliâ— But winged Love she was too young to hold And wanton-like let it to others flie 8. Love who in whisper scap'd did publick grow Which makes them now their time in silence waste Makes their neglected Beedles move so slow And through their Eyes their Hearts dissolve so fast 9. For oft dire tales of Love has fill'd their Heads And while they doubt you in that Tyrant's pow'r The Spring they think may visit Woods and Meads But scarce shall hear a Bird or see a Flow'r 10. Ah how said Birtha shall I dare confess My griefs to thee Love's rash impatient Spie Thou Thula who didst râ—â— to tell thy guess With secrets known wilt to confession flie 11. But if I love this Prince and have in Heav'n Made any Friends by vows you need not fear He will make good the feature Heav'n has given And be as harmless â—s his looks appear 12. Yet I have heard that Men whom Maids think kind Calm as forgiven Saints at their last Hour Oft prove like Seas inrag'd by ev'ry wind And all who to their Bosoms trust devour 26. Howere Heav'n knows the witness of the Mind My hearâ—bears Men nomalice nor esteems Young Princes of the common cruel kind Nor Love so foul as it in Story seems 27. Yet if this Prince brought Love what ere it be I must suspect though I accuse it not For since he came my medâ—'nal Huswiserie Confections and my Stils are all forgot 28. Blossoms in winds Berries in Frosts may fall And Flow'rs sink down in Rain For I no more Shall Maids to woods for early gath'rings call Noâ— haste to Gardens to prevent a showre 29. This said retires and now a lovely shame That she reveal'd so much possess'd her Cheeks In a dark Lanthorn she would bear Love's flame To hide her self whilst she her Lover seeks 30. And to that Lover let our Song return Whose Tale so well was to her Father told As the Philosopher did seem to mourn That Youth had reach'd such worth and he so old 31. Yet Birtha was so precious in his Eyes Her vanish'd Mother still so near his mind That farther yet he thus his prudence tries Ere such a Pledge he to his trust resign'd 32. Whoere said he in thy first story looks Shall praise thy wise conversing with the Dead For with the Dead he lives who is with Books And in the Camp Death's moving Palace bred 20. Wise Youth in books and battels early finds What thoughtless lazy Men perceive too late Books shew the utmost conquests of our Minds Battels the best of our lov'd Bodies fate 21. Yet this great breeding joyn'd with Kings high blood Whose blood Ambition's feaver over-heats May spoil digestion which would else be good As stomachs are deprav'd with highest Meats 22. For though Books serve as Diet of the Mind If knowledge early got self-value breeds By false digestion it is turn'd to wind And what should nourish on the Eater feeds 23. Though Wars great shape best educates the sight And makes small soft'ning objects less our care Yet War when urg'd for glory more than right Shews Victors but authentick Murd'rers are 24. And I may fear that your last victories Where Glory's Toyls and you will ill abide Since with new Trophies still you fed your Eyes Those little objects which in Shades we hide 25. Could you in Fortunes smiles foretel her frowns Our old Foes slain you would not hunt for new But Victors after wreaths pretend at Crowns And such think Rhodalind their Valour 's due 26. To this the gentle Gondibert replies Think not Ambition can my duty sway look on Rhodalin'd with Subjects Eyes Whom he that conquers must in right obay 27. And though I humanely have heretofore All beauty lik'd I never lov'd till now Nor think a Crown can raise his value more To whom already Heav'n does Love allow 28. Though since I gave the Hunns their last defeat I have the Lombards Ensigns outward led Ambition kindled not this Victors heat But 't is a warmth my Fathers prudence bred 29. Who cast on more than Wolvish Man his Eye Man's necessary hunger judg'd and saw That caus'd not his devouring Maladie But like a wanton whelp he loves to gnaw 30. Man still is sick for pow'r yet that disease Nature whose Law is Temp'rance ne'r inspires But 't is a humour does his Manship please A luxury fruition onely tires 31. And as in persons so in publick States The lust of Pow'r provokes to cruel war For wisest Senates it intoxicates And makes them vain as single persons are 32. Men into Nations it did
discover the difficulties and greatness of such a work For when Solomon made use of his Neighbours towards his Building he lost no reputation nor by demanding those aids was thought a lesser Prince but rather publish'd his Wisdom in rightly understanding the vast extent of his enterprise Who likewise with as much glorie made use of Fellers of Wood and Hewers of Stone as of learned Architects Nor have I refrain'd to be oblig'd to men of any Science as well mechanical as liberal Nor when Memorie from that various and plentifull stock with which all observers are furnish'd that have had diversitie of life presented me by chance with any figure did I lay it aside as useless because at that instant I was not skilfull to manage it artfully but I have staid and recorded such objects till by consulting with right Masters I have dispos'd of them without mistake It being no more shame to get Learning at that very time and from the same Text when and by which we instruct others than for a froward Scout discovering the Enemie to save his own life at a pass where he then teaches his Partie to escape In remembring mine own helps I have consider'd those which others in the same necessitie have taken and find that Writers contrarie to my inclination are apter to be beholding to Books than to Men not onely as the first are more in their possessions being more constant Companions than dearest friends but because they commonly make such use of treasure found in Books as of other treasure belonging to the Dead and hidden under ground for they dispose of both with great secrecie defacing the shape or images of the one as much as of the other through fear of having the original of their stealth or abundance discover'd And the next cause why Writers are more in Libraries than in company is that Books are easily open'd and learned men are usually shut up by a froward or envious humour of retention or else unfold themselves so as we may read more of their weakness and vanitie than Wisdom imitating the Holy-day-custom in great Cities where the shops of Chaundrie and slight wares are familiarly open but those of solid and staple merchandise are proudly lock'd up Nor indeed can it be expected that all great Doctors are of so benign a nature as to take pains in gaining treasure of which Knowledge is the greatest with intent to inrich others so easily as if they stood every where with their Pockets spred ready to be pickt nor can we read of any Father who so far and secretly adopted his Son to a Book of his own writing as that his Son might be thought Authour of that written Wit as much as his Father was Authour of him Nor of any Husband that to his darling Wife would so far surrender his Wisdom as that in publique he could endure to let her use his Dictates as if she would have others think her wiser than himself By this rememberance of that usual parsimony in owners of Wit towards such as would make use of their plenty I lament the fortune of others and may wish the Reader to congratulate mine For I have found Friends as ready as Books to regulate my conceptions or make them more correct easie and apparent But though I am become so wise by knowing my self as to believe the thoughts of divers transcend the best which I have written yet I have admitted from no man any change of my Design nor very seldom of my sense For I resolv'd to have this Poem subsist and continue throughout with the same complexion and spirit though it appear but like a plain Family of a neighbourly alliance who marry into the same moderate quality and garb and are fearfull of introducing strangers of greater rank lest the shining presence of such might seem to upbraid and put all about them out of countenance And now Sir that the Reader may whom Writers are â—ain to court draw in and keep with artifice so shy men grow of Books believe me worthy of him I cannot forbear to thank you in publick for examining correcting and allowing this Poem in parcels ere it arriv'd at the contexture by which you have perform'd the just degrees of proceeding with Poets who during the gayety and wantonness of the Muse are but as children to Philosophers though of some Giant race whose first thoughts wilde and roaming far off must be brought home watch'd and interâ—ogated and after they are made more regular be encourag'd and prais'd for doing well that they may delight in aiming at perfection By such a Method the Muse is taught to become Master of her own and others strength and who is he so learn'd how proud soever with being cherish'd in the bosom of Fame that can hope when through the several ways of Science he seeks Nature in her hidden walks to make his Journey short unless he call you to be his Guide and who so guided can suspect his safety even when he travels through the Enemie's Countrey for such is the vast field of Learning where the Learned though not numerous enough to be an Army lye as small Parties maliciously in Ambush to destroy all new Men that look into their Quarters And from such you and those you lead are secure because you move not by common Maps but have painfully made your own Prospect and travel now like the Sun not to inform your self but enlighten the world And likewise when by the strict survey and Government that hath been had over this Poem I shall think to govern the Reader who though he be noble may perhaps judge of supream Power like a very Commoner and rather approve authority when it is in many than in one I must acquaint him that you had not alone the trouble of establishing and destroying but enjoy'd your intervals and ease by Two Colleagues Two that are worthy to follow you into the Closets of Princes if the knowledge of Men past of whom Books are the remaining minds or of the present of whom Conversation is the usefull and lawfull Spie may make up such greatness as is fit for great Courts or if the rays that proceed from the Poetick Planet be not a little too strong for the sight of modern Monarchs who now are too seldom taught in their youth like Eaglets to fortifie their eyes by often soaring near the Sun And though this be here but my testimony it is too late for any of you to disclaim it for since you have made it valid by giving yours of GONDIBERT under your hands you must be content to be us'd by me as Princes are by their preferr'd Subjects who in the very act of taking honour return it to the Giver as benefits receiv'd by the creature manifest the power and redound to the glory of the Creator I am now Sir to your great comfort that have been thus ill and long diverted arriv'd at my last consideration which is to satisfie those
children weary of the controulment of their parents masters and other admonitours Secondly the dotage and childishness they ascribe to Age is never the effect of Time but sometimes of the excesses of youth and not a returning to but a continual stay with childhood For they that wanting the curiosity of furnishing their memories with the rarities of Nature in their youth and pass their time in making provision onely for their ease and sensual delight are children still at what years soever as they that coming into a populous Citie never going out of their Inn are strangers still how long soever they have been there Thirdly there is no reason for any man to think himself wiser to day than yesterday which does not equally convince he shall be wiser tomorrow than today Fourthly you will be forced to change your opinion hereafter when you are old and in the mean time you discredit all I have said before in your commendation because I am old already But no more of this I believe Sir you have seen a curious kind of perspective where he that looks through a short hollow pipe upon a picture containing divers figures sees none of those that are there painted but some one person made up of their parts conveyed to the eye by the artificial cutting of a glass I find in my imagination an effect not unlike it from your Poem The virtues you distribute there amongst so many noble persons represent in the reading the image but of one mans virtue to my fancy which is your own and that so deeply imprinted as to stay for ever there and govern all the rest of my thoughts and affections in the way of honouring and serving you to the utmost of my power that am Paris January 10. 1650. SIR Your most humble and obedient Servant THO. HOBS TO S r WILL. D'AVENANT Upon his two first Books of GONDIBERT Finish'd before his Voyage to AMERICA THus the wise Nightingale that leaves her home Her native Wood when Storms and Winter come Pursuing constantly the chearfull Spring To forreign Groves does her old Musick bring The drooping Hebrews banish'd Harps unstrung At Babylon upon the Willows hung Yours sounds aloud and tells us you excell No less in Courage than in Singing well Whilst unconcern'd you let your Countrey know They have impov'rished themselves not you Who with the Muses help can mock those Fates Which threaten Kingdoms and disorder States So Ovid when from Caesar's rage he fled The Roman Muse to Pontus with him led Where he so sung that We through Pitie's Glass See Nero milder than Augustus was Hereafter such in thy behalf shall be Th'indulgent censure of Posteritie To banish those who with such art can sing Is a rude crime which its own Curse does bring Ages to come shall ne'r know how they fought Nor how to Love their present Youth be taught This to thyself Now to thy matchless Book Wherein those few that can with Judgement look May find old Love in pure fresh Language told Like new stampt Coyn made out of Angel gold Such truth in Love as th'antique world did know In such a style as Courts may boast of now Which no bold tales of Gods or Monsters swell But humane Passions such as with us dwell Man is thy theam his Virtue or his Rage Drawn to the life in each elaborate Page Mars nor Bellona are not named here But such a Gondibert as both might fear Venus had here and Hebe been out-shin'd By thy bright Birtha and thy Rhodalind Such is thy happy skill and such the odds Betwixt thy Worthies and the Grecian Gods Whose Deities in vain had here come down Where Mortal Beautie wears the Sovereign Crown Such as of flesh compos'd by flesh and bloud Though not resisted may be understood ED. WALLER TO Sr WIL. D'AVENANT Upon his two first Books of GONDIBERT Finish'd before his Voyage to AMERICA ME thinks Heroick Poesie till now Like some fantastick Fairy-land did show Gods Devils Nymphs Witches and Giants race And all but Man in Mans best Work had place Thou like some worthy Knight with sacred Arms Dost drive the Monsters thence and end the Charms In stead of those dost Men and Manners plant The things which that rich Soyl did chiefly want But even thy Mortals do their Gods excell Taught by thy Muse to Fight and Love so well By fatal hands whilest present Empires fall Thine from the grave past Monarchies recal So much more thanks from humane kind does merit The Poets fury than the Zelots Spirit And from the grave thou mak'st this Empire rise Not like some dreadfull Ghost t' affright our Eyes But with more beauty and triumphant state Than when it crown'd at proud Verona sate So will our God re-build Mans perish'd frame And raise him up much better yet the same So God-like Pâ—eâ—s do past things rehearse Not change but heighten Nature with their Verse With shame me thinks great Italie must see Her Conqu'rors call'd to life again by thee Call'd by such powerfull Arts that ancient Rome May blush â—o less to see her Wit orecome Some men their Fancies like their Faiths derive And count all ill but that which Rome does give The marks of Old and Catholick would find To the same Chair would Truth and Fiction bind Thou in these beaten paths disdain'st to tread And scorn'st to live by robbing of the Dead Since Time does all things change thou think'st not fit This latter Age should see all new but Wit Thy Fancie like a Flame her way does make And leaves bright tracks for following Pens to take Sure 't was this noble boldness of the Muse Did thy desire to seek new Worlds infuse And ne'r did Heaven so much a Voyage bless If thou canst Plant but there with like success AB COWLEY GONDIBERT The First Book CANTO the First The ARGUMENT Old ARIBERT'S great race and greater mind Is sung with the renown of RHODALIND Prince OSWALD is compar'd to GONDIBERT And justly each distinguish'd by desert Whose Armies are in Fame's fair Field drawn forth To shew by discipline their Leaders worth 1. OF all the Lombards by their Trophies known Who sought Fame soon and had her favour long King Aribert best seem'd to fill the Throne And bred most bus'ness for Heroick Song 2. From early Childhoods promising estate Up to performing Manhood till he grew To failing Age he Agent was to Fate And did to Nations Peace or War renew 3. War was his studi'd Art War which the bad Condemn because even then it does them aw When with their number lin'd and purple clad And to the good more needfull is than Law 4. To conquer Tumult Nature's suddain force War Arts delib'rate strength was first devis'd Cruel to those whose rage has no remorse Lest civil pow'r should be by Throngs surpris'd 5. The feeble Law rescues but doubtfully From the Oppressours single Arm our right Till to its pow'r the wise wars help apply Which soberly does Mans loose
54. We in Tradition Heav'ns dark Map descrie Heav'n worse than ancient Maps far Indian show Therefore in new we search where Heav'n does lie The Minds sought Ophir which we long to know 55. Or as a Planter though good Land he spies Seeks new and when no more so good he finds Doubly esteems the first so Truth men prise Truth the discov'ry made by trav'ling Minds 56. And this false Book till truly understood By Astragon was openly display'd As counterfeit false Princes rather shou'd Be shewn abroad than in closs Prison laid 57. Now to the old Philosophers they come Who follow'd Nature with such just despair As some do Kings far off and when at home Like Courtiers boast that they deep secret share 58. Near them are grave dull Moralists who give Counsel to such as still in publick dwell At seâ— at Courts in Camps and Cities live And scorn experience from th'unpractis'd Cell 59. Aesop with these stands high and they below His pleasant wisdom mocks their gravitie Who Virtue like a tedious Matron show He dresses Nature to invite the Eye 60. High skill their Ethicks seems whilst he stoops down To make the People wise their learned pride Makes all obscure that Men may prise the Gown With ease lie teaches what with pain they hide 61. And next as if their bus'ness rul'd Mankind Historians stand big as their living looks Who thought swift Time they could in fetters bind Till his Confessions they had ta'ne in books 62. But Time oft scap'd them in the shades of Night And was in Princes Closets oft conceal'd And hid in Battels smoke so what they write Of Courts and Camps is oft by guess reveal'd 63. Near these Physitians stood who but reprieve Life like a Judge whom greater pow'r doeâ— aw And cannot an Almighty pardon give So much yields Subject Art to Nature's Law 64. And not weak Art but Nature we upbraid When our frail essence proudly we take ill Think we are rob'd when first we are decay'd And those were murder'd whom her law did kill 65. Now they refresh after this long survay With pleasant Poets who the Soul sublime Fame's Her auids in whose Triumphs they make way And place all those whom Honour helps to climb 66. And he who seem'd to lead this ravish'd Race Was Heav'ns lov'd Laâ—reat that in Jewry writ Whose Harp approach'd Gods Ear though none his Face Durst see and first made inspiration wit 67. And his Attendants such blest Poets are As make unblemish'd Love Courts best delight And sing the prosp'rous Battels of just War By these the loving Love and valiant fight 68. O hireless Science and of all alone The liberal Meanly the rest each State In pension treats but this depends on none Whose worth they rev'rendly forbear to rate CANTO the Sixth The ARGUMENT How ASTRAGON to Heav'n his duty pays In Pray'r and Penitence but most in Praise To these he sev'ral Temples dedicates And ULFIN their distinguish'd use relates Religion's Rites seem here in Reasons sway Though Reason must Religion's Laws obay 1. THe noble Youths reclaim'd by what they saw Would here unquiet war as pride for sake And study quiet Nature's pleasant Law Which Schools through pride by Art uneasie make 2. But now a sudden Shout their thoughts diverts So chearfull general and loud it was As pass'd through all their Ears and fill'd their Hearts Which lik'd the joy before they knew the cause 3. This Ulfin by his long Domestick skill Does thus explain The Wise I here observe Are wise tow'rds God in whose great service still More than in that of Kings themselves they serve 4. He who this Building 's Builder did create As an Apartment here Triangular Where Astragon Three Fanes did dedicate To days of Praise of Penitence and Pray'r 5. To these from diff'rent motives all proceed For when discov'ries they on Nature gain They praise high Heav'n which makes their work succe 〈…〉 But when it falls in Penitence complain 6. â—f after Praise new blessings are not giv'n Nor mourning Penitence can ills repair Like practis'd Beggers they solicite Heav'n And will prevail by violence of Pray'r 7. The Temple built for Pray'r can neither boast The Builder's curious Art nor does declare By choice Materials he intended cost To shew that nought should need to tempt to Pray'r 8. No Bells are here Unhing'd are all the Gates Since craving in distress is natural All lies so ope that none for ent'rance waits And those whom Faith invites can need no call 9. The Great have by distinction here no name For all so cover'd come in grave disguise To shew none come for decency or fame That all are strangers to each others Eyes 10. But Penitence appears unnatural For we repent what Nature did perswade And we lamenting Men's continu'd fall Accuse what Nature necessary made 11. Since the requir'd extream of Penitence Seems so severe this Temple was design'd â—olemn and strange without to catch the sense And dismal shew'd within to aw the mind 12. Of sad black Marble was the outward Frame A mourning Monument to distant sight â—ut by the largeness when you near it came It seem'd the Palace of Eternal Night 13. Black beauty which black Meroens had prais'd Above their own gravely adorn'd each part In Stone from Nyle's head Quarries slowly rais'd And slowlyer polish'd by Numidi an Art 14. Hither a loud Bells tole rather commands Than seems t' invite the persecured Ear A summons Nature hardly understands For few and flow are those who enter here 15. Within a dismal Majesty they find All gloomy great all silent does appear As Chaos was ere th' Elements were design'd Man 's evil fate seems hid and fashion'd here 16. Here all the Ornament is rev'rend black Here the check'd Sun his universal Face Stops bashfully and will no enterance make As if he spy'd Night naked through the Glass 17. Black Curtains hide the Glass whilst from on high A winking Lamp still threatens all the Room As if the lazy flame just now would die Such will the Sun's last light appear at Doom 18. This Lamp was all that here inform'd all Eyes And by refléx did on a Picture gain Some few false Beams that thence from Sodom rise Where Pencils seign the fire which Heav'n did rain 19. This on another Tablet did reflect Where twice was drawn the am'rous Magdaline Whilst beauty was her care then her neglect And brightest through her Tears she seem'd to shine 20. Near her seem'd crncifi'd that lucky Thief In Heav'ns dark Lot'ry prosp'rous more than wife Who groap'd at last by chance for Heav'ns relief And Throngs undoes with Hope by one drawn Prize 21. In many Figures by reflex were sent Through this black Vault instructive to the mind That early and this tardy Penitent For with Obsidian stone 't was chiefly lin'd 22. The Seats were made of Ethiops swarthy wood Abstersive Ebony but thinly fill'd For none this place by nature understood And practise when
invites you to devour And a submission gives you ease to feed 41. To fighting Fields send all your honour back To Courts your dang'rous Tongue and civil shape That Country Maids may Men no more mistake Nor seek dark Death that they may Love escape 42. Now soon to Heav'n her Soul had found the way For there it oâ—t had been in pray'r and praise But that his vows did life with loudness stay And life's warm help did soon her Body raise 43. And now he gently leads her for no more He lets th'unhallow'd Ground a falâ— Flow'â— wear Sweeter than Nature's Bosom ever wore And now these vows sends kindly to her Eâ—r 44. If Birtha I am false think none too blame For thinking Truth by which the Soul subsists No farther to be found than in the name Think humane kind betraid ev'n by their Priests 45. Think all my Sex so vile that you may chide Those Maids who to your Mothers Nuptials ran And praise your Mother who so early dy'd Remembring whom she marry'd was a Man 46. This great Court miracle you strait receive From Orgo and your faith the whole allows Why since you Orgo's words so soon believe Will you less civilly suspect my vows 47. My Vows which want the Temples seal will bind Though private kept surer than publick Laws For Laws but sorce the Body but my Mind Your Virtue Counsels whilst your beauty draws 48. Thus spake he but his mourning looks did more Attest his grief and fear does hers renew Now losing were he lost more than before For then she fear'd him false now thinks him true 49. As sick Physicians seldom their own Art Dare trust to cure their own disease so these Were to themselves quite useless when apart Yet by consult each can the other ease 50. But from themselves they now diverted stood For Orgo's News which need not borrow wings Since Orgo for his Lord believ'd it good To Astragon the joyfull Houshold brings 51. But Astragon with a judicious thought This days glad news took in the dire portent A day which mourning Nights to Birtha brought And with that fear in search of Birtha went 52. And here he finds her in her Lovers Eyes And him in hers both more afflicted grown At his approach for each his sorrow spies Who thus would counsel theirs and hide his own 53. Though much this fatal joy to anger moves Yet reason's aids shall anger's force subdue I will not chide you for your hasty Loves Nor ever doubt great Prince that yours is true 54. In chiding Love because he hasty was Or urging errours which his swiftness brings I find effects but dare not tax the cause For Poets were inspir'd who gave him wings 55. When low I dig where desart-Rivers run Dive deep in Seas through Forrests follow winds Or reach with Optick Tubes the ragged Moon My sight no cause of Love's swift motion finds 56. Love's fatal haste in yours I will not blame Because I know not why his wings were giv'n Nor doubt him true not knowing whence he came Nor Birtha chide who thought you came from Heav'n 57. If you lay snares we erre when we escape Since evil practise learns Men to suspect Where falshood is and in your noble shape We should by finding it our skill detect 58. Yet both your griefs I 'le chide as ignorance Call you unthankfull for your great griefs show That Heav'n has never us'd you to mischance Yet rudely you repine to feel it now 59. If your contextures be so weak and nice Weep that this windy world you ever knew You are not in those Calms of Paradice Where slender Flow'rs as safe as Cedars grew 60. This which your Youth calls grief was frowardness In flatter'd Infancy and as you bear Unkindly now amidst Youth's joys distress So then unless still rock'd you froward were 61. Griefs conflicts gave these Hairs their silver shine Torn Ensigns which victorious Age adorn Youth is a Dress too garish and too fine To be in foul tempestuous weather worn 62. Grief's want of use does dang'rous weakness make But we by use of Burdens are made strong And in our practis'd Age can calmly take Those sorrows which like Feavers vex the young 63. When you in Love's fair Books which Poets keep Read what they hide his Tragick History You will rejoyce that half your time is sleep And smile at Love when Nature bids you die 64. Learn then that Love's diseases common are Do not in sickness known though new to you Whilst vital hear does last of cure despair Love's vital heat does last whilst Love is true 65. Thus spake the kind and prudent Astragon And much their kind impatience he appeas'd For of his griefs which heavier than their own Were born by both their duteous fears are eas'd 66. She begs that he would pardon her distress Thought that even sin which did her sorrows move And then with all her Mothers lowliness His pardon craves for asking leave to love 67. The Duke who saw fair Truth so undisguis'd And love in all but love so unconcern'd Pity'd the studious world and all despis'd Who did not here unlearn what they had learn'd 68. I am reform'd said he not that before I wanted love or that my love was ill But I have learnt to perfect Nature more By giving innocence a little skill 69. For 't is some skill in innocence to bear With temper the distempers of our Stars Not doubting griefs already come by fear Of more for fears but hasten threat'ned Wars 70. But we will bravely suffer to inure Our strength to weights against the new are laid That when 't is known how much we can endure Our sufferings may make our Foes afraid 71. This Comet Glory shines but in portent Which from the Court does send her threatning Beams And looks as if it were by malice meant To hasten Oswald's Faction to extreams 72. Since Hurgonil who just fore-ran the Boy Could not instruct us we as much may know Of the first Light as of these fires of joy Which is that both did out of darkness grow 73. Yet this the King might hide in Kingly skill Wisely to make his bounty more his own Kings stoop for Counsel who impart their will His Acts like Heav'ns make not their Causes known 74. Yet with as plain a heart as love untaught In Birtha wears I here to Birtha make A vow that Rhodalind I never sought Nor now would with her love her greatness take 75. Love's bonds are for her greatness made too straight And me Ambition's pleasures cannot please Ev'n Priests who on the higher Altar wait Think a continu'd rev'rence loss of ease 76. Let us with secrecy our love protect Hiding such precious wealth from publick view The proffer'd glory I will first suspect As false and shun it when I find it true 77. They now retire because they Goltho saw Who hither came to watch with Ulfinore If much the Duke 's woo'd Mistress did him aw