hope joy and other Passions for we may descend to compare the deceptions in Poesie to those of them that profess dexteritie of Hand which resembles Conjuring and to such we come not with the intention of Lawyers to examine the evidence of Facts but are content if we like the carriage of their feigned motion to pay for being well deceiv'd As in the choise of time so of place I have comply'd with the weakness of the generalitie of men who think the best objects of their own countrey so little to the size of those abroad as if they were shew'd them by the wrong end of a Prospective For man continuing the appetites of his first Childhood till he arrive at his second which is more froward must be quieted with something that he thinks excellent which he may call his own but when he sees the like in other places not staying to compare them wrangles at all he has This leads us to observe the craftiness of the Comicks who are onely willing when they describe humour and humour is the drunkness of a Nation which no sleep can cure to lay the Scaene in their own countrey as knowing we are like the Son of Noah so little distasted to behold each others shame that we delight to see even that of a Father yet when they would set forth greatness and excellent virtue which is the Theme of Tragedie publickly to the people they wisely to avoid the quarrels of neighbourly envie remove the Scaene from home And by their example I travell'd too and Italie which was once the Stage of the World I have made the Theatre where I shew in either Sex some patterns of humane life that are perhaps fit to be follow'd Having told you why I took the actions that should be my Argument from men of our own Religion and given you reasons for the choyce of the time and place design'd for those actions I must next acquaint you with the Schools where they were bred not meaning the Schools where they took their Religion but Moralitie for I know Religion is universally rather inherited than taught and the most effectual Schools of Moralitie are Courts and Camps Yet towards the first the people are unquiet through envie and towards the other through fear and always jealous of both for Injustice which is the natural scandal cast upon authoritie and great force They look upon the outward glory or blaze of Courts as wild Beasts in dark nights stare on their Hunters Torches but though the expences of Courts whereby they shine is that consuming glory in which the people think their libertie is wasted for wealth is their libertie and lov'd by them even to jealousie being themselves a courser sort of Princes apter to take than to pay yet Courts I mean all abstracts of the multitude either by King or Assemblies are not the Schools where men are bred to oppression but the Temples where sometimes Oppressours take sanctuarie a safetie which our reason must allow them For the ancient laws of Sanctuarie derived from God provided chiefly for actions that proceeded from necessitie and who can imagine less than a necessitie of oppressing the people since they are never willing either to buy their Peace or to pay for War Nor are Camps the Schools of wicked Destroyers more than the Inns of Court being the Nurserie of Judges are the Schools of Murderers for as Judges are avengers of private men against private Robbers so are Armies the avengers of the Publick against publick Invaders either civil or forreign and Invaders are Robbers though more in countenance than those of the High way because of their number Nor is there other difference between Armies when they move towards Sieges or Battel and Judges moving in their Circuit during the danger of extraordinarie malefactors with the guards of the Countie but that the latter is a less Army and of less Discipline If any man can yet doubt of the necessarie use of Armies let him studie that which was anciently call'd a Monster the Multitude for Wolves are commonly harmless when they are met alone but very uncivil in Herds and he will not find that all his kindred by Adam are so tame and gentle as those Lovers that were bred in Arcadia or to reform his opinion let him ask why during the utmost age of Historie Cities have been at the charge of defensive Walls and why Fortification hath been practic'd so long till it is grown an Art I may now believe I have usefully taken from Courts and Camps the patterns of such as will be fit to be imitated by the most necessary men and the most necessary men are those who become principal by prerogative of bloud which is seldom unassisted with education or by greatness of mind which in exact definition is Virtue The common Crowd of whom we are hopeless we desert being rather to be corrected by laws where precept is accompanied with punishment than to be taught by Poesie for few have arriv'd at the skill of Orpheus or at his good fortune whom we may suppose to have met with extraordinarie Grecian Beasts when so succesfully he reclaim'd them with his Harp Nor is it needfull that Heroick Poesie should be levell'd to the reach of Common men for if the examples it presents prevail upon their Chiefs the delight of Imitation which we hope we have prov'd to be as effectual to good as to evil will rectifie by the rules which those Chiefs establish of their own lives the lives of all that behold them for the example of life doth as much surpass the force of Precept as Life doth exceed Death In the choice of these Objects which are as Sea-marks to direct the dangerous voyage of life I thought fit to follow the rule of Coasting Maps where the Shelves and Rocks are describ'd as well as the safe Channel the care being equal how to avoid as to proceed and the Characters of men whose passions are to be eschew'd I have deriv'd from the distempers of Love or Ambition for Love and Ambition are too often the raging Feavers of great minds Yet Ambition if the vulgar acception of the word were corrected would signifie no more than an extraordinary lifting of the feet in the rough ways of Honour over the impediments of Fortune and hath a warmth till it be chaf'd into a Fever which is necessary for every virtuous breast for good men are guiltie of too little appetite to greatness and it either proceeds from that they call contentedness but contentedness when examin'd doth mean something of Lasiness as well as Moderation or from some melancholy precept of the Cloyster where they would make life for which the world was onely made more unpleasant than Death as if Nature the Vicegerent of God who in providing delightfull varieties which virtuous greatness can best possess or assure peaceably to others implicitly commanded the use of them should in the necessaries of life life being her chief business though
no less a rate Had not the Duke dispatch'd with those he sought And found his aid must flie or come too late 34. For he advancing saw which much him griev'd That in the fairest Region of the Face He two wide wounds from Borgio had receiv'd His beauties blemish but his valours grace 35. Now cry'd the Duke strive timely for renown Thy Age will kiss those wounds thy Youth may loath Be not dismaid to see thy beautie gone My Sister 's thine who has enough for both 36. Then soon the Youth Death as an honour gave To one that Strove to rescue Borgio's life Yet Borgio had dispatch'd him to his grave Had Gondibert stood neutral in the Strife 37. Who with his sword disdaining now to stay And see the bloud he lov'd so rudely spilt Pierc't a bold Lombard who imbarr'd his way Even till his heart did beat against his Hilt 38. Timely old Vasco came to Borgio's aid Whose long experienc'd Arm wrought sure and fast His rising oppositions level laid And miss'd no execution by his haste 39. And timely where the bleeding Count now fought And where the Duke with Number was opprest Resistless Tybalt came who Borgio sought But here with many Borgios did contest 40. As Tides that from their sev'ral Channels haste Assemble rudely in th' Ubâ—an Bay And meeting there to indistinction waste Strive to proceed and force each others stay 41. So here the valiant who with swift force come With as resistless valour are ingag'd Are hid in angers undistinguish'd Fome And make less way by meeting so inrag'd 42. But room for Goltho now Whose valour 's fire Like lightning did unlikely passage make Whose swift effects like lightnings they admire And even the harms it wrought with rev'rence take 43. Vasco he seeks who had his Youth disdain'd And in that search he with irreverend rage Revengefully from younger Foes abstain'd And deadly grew where he encounterd Age. 44. And Vasco now had felt his Gothick steel But that Duke Gondibert through Helm and Head The last dire stroke which Vasco ere shall feel Did give and sent him to adorn the dead 45. Here Borgio too had faln but bravely then The Count so much reveng'd the wounds he gave As Gondibert the Prop of falling Men Such sinking greatness could not chuse but save 46. When Vasco was remov'd the Count declin'd His bashfull Eyes the Duke thought suddain shame From sence of luckless wounds possess'd his mind Which thus he did reform and gently blame 47. Now thy complexion lasting is and good As when the Sun sets red his Morning Eyes In glory wake so now thou setst in bloud Thy parting beautie will in honour rise 48. These scars thou needst not from my Sister hide For as our Father in brave battel lost She first did name with sorrow then with pride Thy beauties loss she 'l mourn and after boast 49. Mine are but Love's false wounds said Hurgonil To what you Vasco gave for I must grieve My strength of honour could not Vasco kill That honour lost yet I have strength to live 50. But now behold vex'd Hubert who in all This battel was by ready conduct known And though unarm'd and his spent force so small He could to none bring death yet sought his own 51. And ev'ry where where Rallies made a Gross He charg'd and now with last reserves he try'd His too slow fate from Gondibert to force Where he was Victor and where Vasco dy'd 52. The Duke in Honours School exactly bred Would not that this defenceless Prince should be Involv'd with those whom he to dying led Therefore ordain'd him still from slaughter free 53. And now his pow'r did gently make him know That he must keep his life and quit the cause More Pris'ner to him self than to his Foe For life within himself in Prison was 54. His fierce Assistance did not quit the Field Till forward marks declar'd they fairly fought And then they all with sullen slowness yield Vex'd they had found what vain Revenge had sought 55. In the renown'd destruction of this day Four hundred Leaders were by valours pride Led to blest shades by an uncertain way Where lowliness is held the surest Guide 56. And twice the Tierce of these consists of those Who for Prince Oswald's love of Empire bled The Duke does thus with thanks and praise dispose Both of the worthy living and the dead 57. Bind all your wounds and shed not that brave life Which did in all by great demeanor past Teaching your Foes a wiser choise of strife Deserve a Lease of Nature that may last 58. Love warm'd you with those hints which kindled me And form'd Ideas in each lovers thought Of the distress of some beloved she Who then inspir'd and prais'd you whilst you fought 59. You nobly prompt my passion to desire That the rude Crowd who Lovers softness scorn Might in fair field meet those who love admire To trie which side must after Battel mourn 60. O that those rights which should the good advance And justly are to painfull valour due How ere misplac'd by the swift hand of Chance Were from that Crowd defended by those few 61. With this great Spectacle we should refresh Those Chiefs who though preferr'd by being dead Would kindly wish to fight again in flesh So all that lov'd by Hurgonil were led 62. This gracious mention from so great a Lord Bow'd Hurgonil with dutious homage down Where at his feet he laid his rescn'd Sword Which he accepts but he returns his own 63. By this and thine said gentle Gondibert In all distress of various Courts and war We interpledge and bind each others heart To strive who shall possess griefs greatest share 64. Now to Verona hast and timely bring Thy wounds unto my tender Sister's care This Days sad story to our dreaded King And watch what veng'ance Oswald's Friends prepare 65. Brave Arnold and his Rival streight remove Where Laura shall bestrew their hallow'd Ground Protectours both and Ornaments of Love This said his Eyes out-weep'd his widest wound 66. Tell her now these Love's faithful Saints are gon The beautie they ador'd she ought to hide For vainly will Love's Miracles be shown Since Lovers faith with these brave Rivals dy'd 67. Say little Hugo never more shall mourn In noble Numbers her unkind disdain Who now not seeing beautie feels no scorn And wanting pleasure is exempt from pain 68. When she with Flowrs Lord Arnold's Grave shall strew And hears why Hugo's life was thrown away She on that Rival's Hearse will drop a few Which merits all that April gives to May. 69. Let us forsake for safety of our Eyes Our other loss which I will straight inter And raise a Trophy where each Body lies Vain marks how those alive the Dead prefer 70. If my full Breast my wounds that empty be And this Days toil by which my strength is gon Forbid me not I Bergamo will see Ere it beholds the next succeeding Sun 71.
was clearer taught His enter'd Slaves place at her rev'renc'd Feet A spacious Cabinet with all things fraught Which seem'd for wearing artfull rich and sweet 54. With leisurely delight she by degrees Lifts ev'ry Till does ev'ry Drawer draw But nought which to her Sex belongs she sees And for the Male all nice adornments saw 55. This seem'd to breed some strangeness in her Eyes Which like a wanton wonder there began But straight she in the lower Closet spies Th'accomplish'd dress and Garments of a Man 56. Then starting she her Hand shrunk nicely back As if she had been stung or that she fear'd This Garment was the skin of that old Snake Which at the fatal Tree like Man appear'd 57. Th' ambitious Maid at scornfull distance stood And bravely seem'd of Love's low vices free Though vicious in her mind not in her blood Ambition is the Minds immodestie 58. He knew great minds disorder'd by mistake Defend through pride the errours they repent And with a Lovers fearfulness he spake Thus humbly that extreams he might prevent 59. How ill delightfull Maid shall I deserve My Life's last flame fed by your beauty's fire If I shall vex your virtues that preserve Others weak virtues which would else expire 60. How more than death shall I my life despise When your fear'd srowns make me your service fear When I scarce dare to say that the disguise You shrink to see you must vouchsafe to wear 61. So rude a Law your int'rest will impose And solid int'rest must not yield to shame Vain shame which fears you should such honour lose As lasts but by intelligence with Fame 62. Number which makes opinion Law can turn This shape to fashion which you scorn to use Because not by your Sex as fashion worn And fashion is but that which Numbers chuse 63. If you approve what Numbers lawfull think Be bold for Number cancels bashfulness Extreams from which a King would blushing shrink Unblushing Senates act as no excess 64. Thus he his thoughts the picture of his mind By a dark Vayl to sudden sight deny'd That she might prise what seem'd so hard to find For Curtains promise worth in what they hide 65. He said her Manhood would not strange appear In Court where all the fashion is disguise Where Masquerades are serious all the year None known but strangers nor secure but Spies 66. All rules he reads of living great in Courts Which some the Art of wise dissembling call For Pow'r born to have Foes much weight supports By their false strength who thrust to make it fall 67. He bids her wear her beauty free as light By Ears as open be to all endeer'd For the unthinking Croud judge by their sight And seem half eas'd when they are fully heard 68. He shuts her breast even from familiar Eyes For he who secrets Pow'rs chief Treasure spends To purchase Friendship friendship dearly buys Since Pow'r seeks great Confed'rates more than friends 69. And now with Counsels more particular He taught her how to wear tow'rds Rhodalind Her looks which of the Mind false pictures are And then how Orna may believe her kind 70. How Laura too may be whose practis'd Eyes Can more detect the shape of forward love By treaty caught though not by a surprize Whose aid would precious to her faction prove 71. But here he ends his Lecture for he spy'd Adorn'd as if to grace Magnifick Feasts Bright Rhodalind with the elected Bride And with the Bride all her selected Guests 72. They Gartha in their civil pitie sought Whom they in midst of triumphs mis'd and fear Lest her full breast with Huberts sorrows fraught She like a Mourner came to empty here 73. But she and Hermegild are wild with haste As Traitors are whom Visitants surprise Decyphring that which searfully they cast In some dark place where worser Treason lies 74. So open they the fatal Cabinet To shut things slighter with the Consequent Then soon their rally'd looks in posture set And boldly with them to their triumphs went 75. Tybalt who Laura gravely ever led With ceaseless whispers laggs behind the Train Tries since her wary Governour is dead How the fair Fort he may by Treaty gain 76. For now unhappy Arnold she forsakes Yet he is blest that she does various prove When his spent heart for no unkindness akes Since from the Light as sever'd as from Love 77. Yet as in storms and sickness newly gone Some Clouds a while and strokes of faintness last So in her brow so much of grief is shown As shews a Tempest or a sickness past 78. But him no more with such sad Eyes she seeks As even at Feasts would make old Tyrants weep Nor more attempts to wake him with such shreekâ— As threatned all where Death's deaf Pris'ners 〈…〉 79. Hugo and him as Leaders 〈…〉 Not much as Lovers does their â—ame approve Nor her own fate but chance of battel blames As if they dy'd for honour not for love 80. This Tybalt saw and finds that the turn'd Stream Came fairly flowing to refresh his heart Yet could he not forget the kind esteem She lately had of Arnold's high desert 81. Nor does it often scape his memorie How gravely he had vow'd that if her Eyes After such Show'rs of Love were quickly drie He would them more than Lamps in Tombs despise 82. And Whilst he watch'd like an industrious Spie Her Sexes changes and revolt of Youth He still reviv'd this vow as solemnly As Senates Count'nance Laws or Synods Truth 83. But men are frail more Glass than Women are Tybalt who with a stay'd judicious heart Would love grows vain amidst his gravest care Love free by nature scorns the Bonds of Art 84. Laura whose Fort he by approch would gain With a weak sigh blows up his Mine and Smiles Gives fire but with her Eye and he is slain Or treats and with a whisper him beguiles 85. Nor force of Arms or Arts O Love endures Thy mightiness and since we must discern Diseases fully ere we studie cures And our own force by othes weakness learn 86. Let me to Courts and Camps thy Agent be Where all their weakness and diseases spring From their not knowing and not honouring thee In those who Nature in thy triumphs sing CANTO the Second The ARGUMENT Whilst BIRTHA and the Duke their joyes pursue In conqu'ring Love Fate doth them both subdue With triumphs which from Court young ORGO brought And have in GOLTHO greater triumphs wrought Whose hopes the quiet ULFINORE does bear With patience feigne'd and with a hidden fear 1. THe prosp'rous Gondibert from Birtha gains All bashfull plights a Maids first bounties give Fast vows which bind Love's Captives more than chains Yet free Love's Saints in chosen bondage live 2. Few were the days and swiftly seem'd to waste Which thus he in his minds â—tuition spent And lest some envious Cloud should overcast His Lov 's fair Morn oft to his Camp he sent 3. To Bergamo
Since love woo'd him and in the shape of Pow'r 78. But when he mark'd that he did from them move With sudden shyness he suppos'd it shame Of being seen in chase of Birtha's love As if above it grown since Orgo came 79. Goltho by nature was of Musick made Chearfull as Victors warm in their success He seem'd like Birds created to be glad And nought but love could make him taste distress 80. Hope which our cautious Age scarce entertains Or as a Flatt'rer gives her cold respect He runs to meet invites her and complains Of one hours absence as a years neglect 81. Hope the world 's welcome and his standing Guest Fed by the Rich but feasted by the Poor Hope that did come in triumph to his breast He thus presents in boast to Ulfinore 82. Well may I Friend auspicious Love adore Seeing my mighty Rival takes no pride To be with Birtha seen and he before Thou knowst enjoyn'd that I his love should hide 83. Nor do I break his trust when 't is reveal'd To thee since we are now so much the same That when from thee it is from me conceal'd For we admit no diff'rence but in name 84. But be it still from ev'ry other Ear Preserv'd and strictly by our mutual vow His Laws are still to my obedience dear Who was my Gen'ral though my Rival now 85. And well thou knowst how much mine Eyes did melt When our great Leader they did first perceive Love's Captive led whose sorrows then I felt Though now for greater of mine own I grieve 86. Nor do I now by love in duty erre For if I get what he would fain possess Then he a Monarch is and I preferre Him who undoes the world in being less 87. When Heav'n which hath preferr'd me to thy brest Where Friendship is inthron'd shall make it known That I am worth thy love which is exprest By making Heav'nly Birtha all mine own 88. Then at this quiet Eden thou wilt call And stay a while to mark if Love 's prais'd Plant Have after Spring a ripeness and a Fall Or never of the first abundance want 89. And I shall tell thee then if Poets are In using Beauty's Pencil false or blind For they have Birtha drawn but sweet and fair Stiles of her Face the Curtain of her Mind 90. And thou at parting shalt her picture wear For Nature's honour not to shew my pride Try if like her the teeming World does bear Then bring that Copy hither for thy Bride 91. And they shall love as quietly as we Their Beauty's pow'r no civil War will raise But flourish and like neighb'ring Flow'rs agree Unless they kindly quarrel in our praise 92. Then we for change will leave such luscious peace In Camps their Favours shall our Helms adorn For we can no way else our joys increase But by beholding theirs at our return 93. Thus cloath'd in Feathers heâ—on Steeples walks Not guessing yet that silent Ulfinore Had study'd her of whom he loosly talks And what he likes did solidly adore 94. But Ulfinore with cold discretion aw'd His passion and did grave with Love become Though youthfully he sent his Eyes abroad Yet kept with manly care his Tongue at home 95. These Rival's hopes he did with patience hear His count'nance not uneasie seem'd nor strange Yet meant his cares should more like Love appear If in the Duke Ambition bred a change 96. But as the Duke shun'd them for secrecy So now they from approaching Orgâ— move Made by Discretion Love's strict Tutor shy Which is to Lovers painfull as their Love 97. But Orgo they did ill suspect whose Youth And nature yielded Lovers no offence Us'd by his Lord for kindness and for truth Both native in him as his innocence 98. And here pass'd by in haste to Court employ'd That Birtha may no more have cause to mourn Full was his little Breast and over-joy'd That much depended on his quick return 99. Many like Orgo in their Manhoods Morn As Pages did the Noble Duke attend The Sons of Chiess whom beauty did adorn And fairer Virtue did that beauty mend 100. These in his Heroe's Schools he bred which were In Peace his Palace and in War his Tent As if Time's self had read sage Lecture there How he would have his hours Life's Treasure spent 101. No action though to shorten dreaded war Nor needfull Counsels though to lengthen Peace Nor Love of which wise Nature takes such care Could from this usefull work his cares release 102. But with the early Sun he rose and taught These Youths by growing virtue to grow great Shew'd greatness is without it blindly sought A desp'rate charge which ends in base retreat 103. He taught them shame the sudden sence of ill Shame Nature's hasty Conscience which forbids Weak inclination ere it grow to will And stays rash will before it grow to deeds 104. He taught them Honour Virtue 's bashfulness A Fort so yieldless that it fears to treat Like Pow'r it grows to nothing growing less Honour the moral Conscience of the Great 105. He taught them kindness Souls civilitie In which nor Courts nor Cities have a part For theirs is fashion this from falshood free Where Love and pleasure know no Lust nor Art 106. And Love he taught the Soul 's stoln Visit made Though froward Age watch hard and Law forbid Her walks no Spie has trac'd nor mountain staid Her friendship's cause is as the Loadstone's hid 107. He taught them love of Toyl Toyl which does keep Obstructions from the Mind and quench the bloud Ease but belongs to us like sleep and sleep Like Opium is our Med'cine not our Food 108. To dangers us'd them which Death's Visards are More uglie than himself and often chace From Battel coward-Coward-life but when we dare His Vizard see we never fear his face CANTO the Third The ARGUMENT The Poet takes the Wise aside to prove Ev'n them concern'd in all he writes of Love The duteous ORGO from the Court returns With joys at which again fair BIRTHA mourns The Duke with open Arms does entertain Those Guests whom he receives with secret pain 1. THou whom some Ages hence these Roles dost read Kept as Records by Lovers of Love's pow'r Thou who dost live when I have long been dead And feed'st from Earth when Earth does me devour 2. Who liv'st perhaps amidst some Cities joys Where they would fall asleep with Lazie peace But that their triumphs make so great a noise And their loud Bells cannot for Nuptials cease 3. Thou who perhaps proudly thy bloomie Bride Lead'st to some Temple where I withered lie Proudly as if she Age's Frosts desy'd And that thy springing self could never die 4. Thou to whom then the chearfull Quire will sing Whilst hallow'd Lamps and Tapers brave the Sun As a Lay-Light and Bells in triumph ring As when from sallies the Besiegers run 5. Then when the Priest has ended if thine Eyes Can but a little space her Eyes
68. Hubert whose princely quality more frees Him than the rest from all command unless He find it such as with his will agrees Did nobly thus his firm resolve express 69. All greatness bred in blood be now abas'd Instinct the inward Image which is wrought And given with Life be like thaw'd wax defac'd Though that bred better honour than is taught 70. And may impressions of the common ill Which from street Parents the most low derives Blot all my minds fair book if I stand still Whilst Oswald singly for the Publick strives 71. A Brothers love all that obedience stays Which Oswald else might as my Leader claim Whom as my love my honour disobays And bids me serve our greater Leader Fame 72. With gentle looks Oswald to Hubert bows And said I then must yield that Hubert shall Since from the same bright Sun our lustre grows Rise with my Morns and with my Ev'nings fall 73. Bold Paradine and Dargonet reviv'd Their suit and cry'd We are Astolpho's sons Who from your highest spring his blood deriv'd Though now it down in lower Channels runs 74. Such lucky seasons to attain renown We must not lose who are to you ally'd Others usurp who would your dangers own And what our duty is in them is pride 75. Then as his last Decree thus Oswald spake You that vouchsafe to glory in my blood Shall share my doom which for your merits sake Fate were it bad would alter into good 76. If any others disobedient rage Shall with uncivil love intrude his aid And by degrees our distant Troops ingage Be it his Curss still to be disobey'd 77. Wars Orders may he by the slow convey To such as onely shall dispute them long An ill peace make when none will him obey And be for that when old judg'd by the young 78. This said he calmly bid the Duke provide Such of his bloud as with those chosen Three Whilst their adoption they on foot decide May in brave life or death fit Partners be 79. Though here reply'd the Duke I find not now Such as my bloud with their alliance grace Yet Three I see to whom your stock may bow If love may be esteem'd of heav'nly Race 80. And much to me these are by love ally'd Then Hugo Arnold and the Count drew near Count Hurgonil woo'd Orna for his Bride The other Two in Laura Rivals were 81. But Tybalt cry'd and swiftly as his voice Approch'd the Duke forgive me mightie Chief If justly I envie thy noble choice And disobey thee in wrong'd Love's relief 82. If rev'renc'd love be sacred Myst'rie deem'd And mysteries when hid to value grow Why am I less for hidden love esteem'd To unknown God-head wise Religions bow 83. A Maid of thy high linage much I love And hide her name till I can merit boast But shall I here where I may worth improve For prising her above my self be lost 84. The Duke 's firm bosome kindly seem'd to melt At Tybalt's grief that he omitted was Who lately had Love's secret conquest felt And hop'd for publick triumph in this cause 85. Then he decreed Hugo though chose before To share in this great work should equally With Tybalt be expos'd to Fortune's pow'r And by drawn Lots their wish'd election trie 86. Hugo his dreaded Lord with chearfull aw Us'd to obey and with implicit love But now he must for certain honour draw Uncertain Lots seems heavily to move 87. And here they trembling reach'd at honour so As if they gath'ring Flow'rs a Snake discern'd Yet fear'd Love onely whose rewards then grow To Lovers sweetest when with danger earn'd 88. From this brave fear lest they should danger scape Was little Hugo eas'd and when he drew The Champion's lot his joy inlarg'd his shape And with his lifted mind he taller grew 89. But Tybalt stoop'd beneath his sorrows waight Goltho and him kindly the Duke imbrac'd Then to their station sent and Oswald straight His so injoyn'd and with like kindness grac'd 90. When cruel Borgio does from Tybalt part Vasco from Goltho many a look they cast Backward in sullen message from the heart And through their eyes their threatning anger waste CANTO the Fourth The ARGUMENT The Duel where all rules of artfull strife To rescue or endanger Darling-life Are by reserves of strength and courage shown For killing was long since a Science grown Th' event by which the Troops engaged are As private rage too often turn to war 1. BY what bold passion am I rudely led Like Fame's too curious and officious Spie Where I these Rolls in her dark Closet read Where Worthies wrapt in Time's disguises lie 2. Why should we now their shady Curtains draw Who by a wise retirement hence are â—reed And gone to Lands exempt from Nature's Law Where love no more can mourn nor valour bleed 3. Why to this stormy world from their long rest Are these recall'd to be again displeas'd Where during Natures reign we are opprest Till we by Deaths high priviledge are eas'd 4. Is it to boast that Verse has Chymick pow'r And that its rage which is productive heat Can these revive as Chymists raise a Flower Whose scatter'd parts their Glass presents compleat 5. Though in these Worthies gone valour and love Did chastely as in sacred Temples meet Such reviv'd Patterns us no more improve Than Flowers so rais'd by Chymists make us sweet 6. Yet when the souls disease we desp'rate find Poets the old renown'd Physitians are Who for the sickly habits of the mind Examples as the ancient cure prepare 7. And bravely then Physitians hononr gain When to the world diseases cureless seem And they in Science valiant ne'r refrain Arts war with Nature till they life redeem 8. But Poets their accustom'd task have long Forborn who for Examples did disperse The Heroes virtues in Heroick Song And now think virtue sick past cure of verse 9. Yet to this desp'rate cure I will proceed Such patterns shew as shall not fail to move Shall teach the valiant patience when they bleed And hapless Lovers constancy in love 10. Now Honour's chance the Duke with Oswald takes The Count his great Stake Life to Hubert sets Whilst his to Paradin's Lord Arnold stakes And little Hugo throws at Dargonets 11. These Four on equal ground those Four oppose Who wants in strength supples it with his skill So valiant that they make no haste to close They not apace but handsomly would kill 12. And as they more each others courage found Each did their force more civilly express To make so manly and so fair a wound As loyal Ladies might be proud to dress 13. But vain though wondrous seems the short event Of what with pomp and Noise we long prepare One hour of battel oft that force hath spent Which Kings whole lives have gather'd for a war 14. As Rivers to their ruin hastie be So life still earnest loud and swift runs post To the vaste Gulf of death as they to
Thither convey thy souls consid'rate thought How in this cause the Court and Camp 's inclin'd What Oswald's Faction with the King has wrought And how his loss prevails with Rhodalind 72. The Count and Tybalt take their lowly leaves Their slain they sadly with consuming hearts Bear tow'rds Verona whilst the Duke perceives Prince Hubert's grief and thus his tears diverts 73. Afflicted Prince in an unpleasant hour You and your living by blind valour led Are captives made to such an easie pow'r Shall you as little vex as Death your dead 74. The Dead can ne'r by living help return From that dark Land which life could ne'r diselese But these alive for whom the Victors mourn To thee I give thee to thine own dispose 75. Be not with honours guilded Baits beguild Nor think Ambition wife because 't is brave For though we like it as a forward Child 'T is so unsound her Cradle is her Grave 76. Study the mighty Oswald vainly gone Fierce Paradine and Dargonet the stout Whos 's Thirds by patient Parcae slowly spun Ambition's haste has rashly ravell'd out 77. But Hubert's grief no precept could reform For great grief counsell'd does to anger grow And he provided now a future Storm Which did with black revenge orecast his Brow 78. Borgio and he from this dire Region haste Shame makes them sightless to themselves and dumb Their thoughts flie swift as Time from what is past And would like him demolish all to come 79. Strait they interre th' inferiour of their slain Their nobler Tragick load their grief attends Tow'rds Brescia where the Camp they hope to gain Then force the Court by faction of their Friends 80. To Bergamo the gentle Duke does turn With his surviving Lovers who in kind Remembrance every step look back and mourn Their fellow Lovers Death has staid behind 81. Some lost their quiet Rivals some their dear Love's Brother who their hopes with help approv'd Some such joy'd Friends as even tomorrow were To take from Hymen those they dearest lov'd 82. But now to Gondibert they forward look Whose wounds ere he could waste three league of way So waste him that his speech him quite forsook And Nature calls for Art to make Life stay 83. His Friends in torment lest they should forsake Delightfull him for whom alone they live Urge Heav'n uncivilly for calling back So soon such worth it does so seldom give CANTO the Sixth The ARGUMENT The Victor is when with his wounds subdu'd By such deform'd and dismal Troops pursu'd That he thinks Death than which they uglier seem No ill expedient to escape from them But ULFIN guids him to sage ASTRAGON By the last Rays of the descending Sun 1. SCarce on their Duke their fears kind fit was spent When strait a thick arm'd Squadron clouds their sight Which cast so dark a shade as if it meant Without the Suns slow leave to bring in night 2. This threatning Squadron did consist of Horse And by old Ulfin they were gravely led Whose mind was sound nor wants his Body force Though many Winters Snow had coold his head 3. The sad remainder who with Hubert went Did miss his reach when they to Brescia turn'd And now as if his haste destruction meant He chac'd these who the Dukes spent valour mourn'd 4. Whose posture being loose their number few His Scouts grow scornfull as they forward come He makes his Squadron halt and near he drew Then asks aloud what are you and for whom 5. The noble Goltho whose great deeds to day Prevented Manhood in his early youth Believ'd him Oswald's Friend yet scorn'd the way To shelter life behind abandon'd Truth 6. For he to Ulfin boldly thus reply'd This second Ambush finds us here in vain We have no treasure left that we would hide Since Gondibert is reckon'd with the slain 7. Duke Gondibert we vouch to be our Lord To whose high virtues Sov'raignty we bow Oswald sunk low as death beneath his Sword Though him superiour Fate will vanquish now 8. Scarce empty Eagles stooping to their prey Could be more swift than Ulfin to alight And come where Gondibert expiring lay Now pleasing those whom he did newly fright 9. For scarce that rev'rence which a Monarch draws Who seldom will be seen though often sought Who spends his carefull age in making Laws To rule those lands for which in youth he fought 10. Nor that respect which People pay those Kings Whose peace makes rich whom civil war made wise Can equal this which aged Ulfin brings The gentle Duke to whom he prostrate lies 11. His Eyes not us'd to tears bathe ev'ry wound Which he salutes as things he chiefly lov'd And when expence of spirits he had found To gain him air his Mourners he remov'd 12. Make way said he and give Experience room The Confident of age though Youth 's scorn'd guide My wounds though past out number yours to come You can but hope the knowledge I have try'd 13. His Hilts round Pommel he did then unskrew And thence which he from ancient Precept wore In a small Chrystal he a Cordial drew That weary life could to her walks restore 14. This care amazing all it does delight His ruins which so reverend appear With wonder not so much surprise their sight As a strange object now his Troops draw near 15. In whom such death and want of limbs they find As each were lately call'd out of his Tomb And left some members hastily behind Or came when born abortive from the Womb. 16. Yet this defect of Legs or Arms or Hands Did wondring valour not disturb but please To see what divers weapons each commands With arts hard shifts till custom gave them ease 17. But the uncomely absence of an Eye And larger wants which ev'ry visage mourn'd Where black did over-vail or ill supply Was that which wonder into horrid turn'd 18. And Ulfin might be thought when the rude wind Lifting their Curtains left their ruins bare A formal Antiquary gravely kind To Statues which he now drew out to air 19. The Duke whose absent knowledge was call'd back By Cordials pow'r his wonder did increase So much that he agen did knowledge lack Till thus old Ulfin made his wonder cease 20. Auspicious Prince recorded be this day And sung by Priests of each ensuing Age On which thou may'st receive and I may pay Some debts of duty as thy Grandsires Page 21. That mighty Chief I serv'd in youth's first strength Who our short Scepter meant to stretch so far Till Eastern Kings might grieve theirs wanted length Whose Maps scarce teach where all their Subjects are 22. Full many stormy winters we have seen When kindled Valour 's heat was all our fire Else we in stupid Frosts had fetter'd been By which soft sinews are congeal'd to wire 23. And many scorching Summers we have felt Where Death relieves all whom the sword invades And kindly thence where we should toyling melt Leads us to rest beneath eternal shades 24. For
his own deeds which doing were admir'd 18. This Arribert with outward patience hears Though wounded by the cause for which they fought With mod'rate joy the death of Oswald bears Yet justly to extreams it inward wrought 19. Tybalt he now with peacefull looks discharg'd And then his thoughts imprison'd in his breast He straight by libertie of Tongue inlarg'd Which thus unto his Councel he addrest 20. With what a diff'rence Nature's pallate tasts The sweetest draught which Art provides her Pow'r Since Pow'r Pride's Wine but high in relish last Whilst fuming new for Time does turn it sow'r 21. Yet Pow'r Earth's tempting Fruit Heav'n first did plant From Mans first Serpent safe Ambition's reach Else Eden could not serve Ambition's want Whom no command can rule nor precept teach 22. Pow'r is that luscious wine which does the bold The wise and noble most Intoxicate Ads time to Youth and takes it from the Old Yet I by surfeit this Elixer hate 23. I curse those Wars that make my glory last For which the Tuscan Widows curse me more Tâ—e barren Fields where I in Arms did fast That I might furfeit on Iuxurious pow'r 24. Thou Hermegild who art for valour Crown'd For honour trusted and for wisdom heard And you whom Counsel has no less renown'd Observe how virtue against peace has err'd 25. Still I have fought as if in Beauty's sight Out-suffer'd patience bred in Captives Breasts Taught fasts till Bodies like our Souls grew light Out-watch'd the jealous and out-labour'd Beasâ—â— 26. These were my merits my reward is Pow'r An outward Trifle bought with inward peace Got in an Age and rifled in an hour When feav'rish love the People's Fit shall cease 27. For did not Pow'r on their frail love depend Prince Oswald had not treated with that love Whose glory did in hastie darkness end A spark which vanish'd as it upward strove 28. By scorn of dangers and of ease he sought The Lombards hearts my Rhodalind and Crown And much his youth had by his practice wrought Had Gondibert not levell'd his renown 29. Had Gondibert not staid the Peoples Eyes Whose virtue stept 'twixt Oswald and their sight Who knows but Rhodalind had been his Prise Or war must have secur'd Paternal right 30. Sad and uneasie is a long-kept Throne Not that the People think long pow'r unjust But that for change they wish best Monarchs gone Fond change the People's soon repented lust 31. I did advance though with some jealous pain A forward virtue to my subjects love Lest one less temp'rat should their favour gain Whom their unstudy'd choice would more approve 32. To thee sage Hermegild my self I leave My fame and pow'r Thee action cannot waste Caution retard nor promptitude deceave Slowness belate nor Hope drive on too fast 33. Think Hubert Heir to Oswald's bold pretence To whom the Camp at Brescia is inclin'd The Duke at Bergamo will seek defence And these are seeds of war for Rhodalind 34. This said his Councel he dismiss'd who spy'd A growing rage which he would fain conceal They durst but nicely search what he would hide Lest they inflame the wound that else might heal 35. They haste to sev'ral Cares some to allay Court's hectick Feaver Faction which does reign Where Luxury the Syre of Want does sway Some to appease th' Alliance of the slain 36. But Order now bids us again pursue Th' unweary'd Motion of unhappie Fame From Fields to Streets from Streets to Court she flew Where first she to the Kings Apartment came 37. Thence through the Palace she her wings did air And as her Wings her Tongue too never ceas'd Like restless Swallows in an Evening fair At last does on a peacefull dwelling rest 38. Where Sleep does yet that gentle Sex possess Who ne'r should more of Care 's rude wakings know But what may help sad Lovers to success Or imp Loves wings when Hymen thinks them slow 39. There Lovers seek the Royal Rhodalind Whose secret breast was sick for Gondibert And Orna who had more in publick pin'd For Hurgonil the Monarch of her heart 40. And there the killing Laura did reside See of whose Eyes the Lombard Youth Complain Yet often she for noble Arnold di'd And knew not now her Murderer was slain 41. Nor Hugo who was all with love indu'd Whom still with tears the Lombard Ladies name Esteeming Modern Lovers false and rude And Poets falser when they sing their fame 42. These Beauties who could soften Tyrant Kings Sleep now conceal'd within there Curtains shade Till rudely Fame by shaking loud her wings Disturb'd their Eyes and their wak'd hearts dismay'd 43. They heard in parcels by imperfect sound A tale too dismal to be understood That all their Lovers lay in hallow'd ground Temples their Bodies hid the Fields their bloud 44. That this dire Morn to sad Verona brought The Duke and Oswald of lov'd life depriv'd And that of all who their fierce battel fought Onely the mangled Hurgonil surviv'd 45. This Tale Fam's course officious Friends convey'd Which are attendant Slaves and Palace Grooms Who by the Lover of some busie Maid From outward Courts sent it to inward Rooms 46. Such horrour brought where love had onely us'd Did yet breed more amazement than belief Whilst Orna now and Laura flie confus'd To Râ—odalind Truth 's Altar for relief 47. There with disorder'd voyces they compare And then derive what each has loosly learn'd Each hope applies where others most despair As doubting all but where her self's concern'd 48. This weeping conf'rence had not lasted long When Tybalt free from Aribert's commands Scapes the assembling Court 's inquiring Throng And enters here where first he doubtfull stands 49. For Pitie when he ruin'd Laura spi'de Bids his discretion artfully complain And shew far off what Truth not long can hide Death at a distance seen may ease fears pain 50. Their bus'ness now he can no more forbear For who on their urg'd patience can prevail Whose expectation is provok'd with fear He therefore thus their patience did assail 51. Kind Heav'n that gave you virtue give you peace Delightfull as your Beauties be your Minds Still may your Lovers your renown increase Though he who honour seeks first danger finds 52 Still may your beauty bear that ancient rate Which beautie was chaste Honours Merchandice When Valor was chief Factor in Love's State Danger Love's stamp and Beautie 's currant price 53. Renown'd be Oswald who in high belief Of Rhodalind her love with danger sought In Love's Records be Gondibert the chief Who for her right not for his own has sought 54. Though these for mighty minds deserve Fame's voice Yet Orna needs must boast of Hurgonil Whose dangers well have justifi'd her choice And might alone Fame's publick Trumpet fill 55. Enlarg'd be Honor's Throne that Arnold there And Hugo may for ever sit and rest Free from their Valor 's toyls and Laura's fear Which more than wounds disorder'd eithers Breast 56. This said he paws'd finds
from pitie are to furie wrought Yet find when GARTHA's looks does them surprise Their forward Hands diverted by their Eyes Till with her voice new urg'd they deeds pursue Which ever Revenge would had it Eyes eschew 1. WHen from the fatal Forrest Hubert rode To Brescia he and Borgie bent their way That their though dead yet much important Load They might with horrour to the Camp convay 2. Revenge impatient Hubert proudly sought Revenge which even when just the wise deride For on past wrongs we spend our time and thought Which scarce against the future can provide 3. But Fame before him came where those are bâ—ed Who to her dismal Tales faint eredit give Who could not think their mighty Oswald dead VVhilst they unconquer'd and unwounded live 4. Nor could Fame hope to make this Camp her Seat Her Tales the talking idle fearfull hear But these are silent as in stoâ—n retreat Busie as life and like the Dead past fear 5. Near Mela's flowry Bank this Army lay VVhich Oswald's Syre and Oswald oft had led Against the Vandals King and twice the Day They gain'd whilst he from them and Empire fled 6. From Youth expos'd like 〈◊〉 in the Field And not taught war â—â—th as Citie Infants are But colds and â—asts to kill or to be kill'd Like th' Elements their birth began with war 7. So rev'rend now and strong in age appear As if maintain'd by more than humane breath So grave as if the Councellours they were Not Executioners of Tyrant Death 8. VVith silence order's help and mark of caâ—â— They chid that noise which â—eedless youth effect Still course for use for health they cleanty were And save in well fix'd Arms all niceness check'd 9. They thought those that unarm'd expos'd fâ—all life But naked Nature valiantly betrai'd VVho was though naked safe till pride made strife But made defence must use now dangers made 10. And those who toyl of Armour cannot bide Lose Nature's force which these in custom find And make since strength 's but Nature houâ—ly try'd The Body weak by softness of the Mind 11. They seem'd so calm and with their age so grave So just and civil in their killing trade As if all life were crime but what they save Or Murder were by method lawfull made 12. Yet now that Manhood which those Victors makes So weak is Man where most he may be proud Pitie the tender'st of affections shakes And they become from order loose and loud 13. For when they saw the Brother of their Chief Led to their Camp by a defeated Train They soon too late scorn'd Rumour gave belief And then by Hubert's wounds thought Oswald slain 14. But when disguis'd in death they Oswald saw In a slow Chariot brought with fun'ral pace Themselves in an united Croud they draw And give all grief one universal Face 15. Wonder which grows unactive by excess A while did their unruly passion stay The object lasting made their wonder less Which fled to give their grief and anger way 16. Yet first their grief which Manhood should restrain They vent in womens sighs with tears allay'd As if those women taught them to complain Who by their Swords are weeping widows made 17. As Icie Rocks which frosts together bind Stand silent till as silently they melt But when they meet in Currents unconfin'd Swell and grow loud as if they freedom felt 18. So these unmov'd before melt quietly In their first grief till grief when tears meet tears And sighs meet sighs from ev'ry Breast and Eye Unruly grows and danger's visage bears 19. When hastily they heard by whose dire hand Their Gen'ral fell they think it cold to pause Till anger may be guided by command And vain to ask of cureless Death the cause 20. Some would to Bergamo their Ensignes bear Against those Youth which Gondibert had led Whom they in sacrifice would offer there T' appease the living and revenge the dead 21. And some to shew their rage more eminent VVould to Verona march and there do deeds Should make the shining Court in blacks lament And weep whilst the Victorious Faction bleeds 22. Hubert who saw Revenge advance so fast VVhilst Prudence â—lower pac'd was left behind VVould keep their anger bent yet slack their haste Because the rash fall oftner then the blind 23. He first their melting Pity kindly prais'd VVhich water'd Anger 's forge and urg'd their fire That like to Meteors lasts by being rais'd But when it first does sink does strait expire 24 Commends their anger yet that flame he prays May keep the temp'rate Chymicks equal heat That they in surie might not need allays Nor charge so rashly as to want retreat 25. Begs they this dismal night would there remain And make the hopeful Morn their Guid whilst Grief Which high Revenge as tameness should disdain Sleep shall conceal and give his wounds relief 26 He Vasco Paradine and Dargonet VVith Oswald to the red Pavilion sent Death's equal Pris'ners now for Nature's debt And then retires with Borgio to his sent 27 This is the night the Brescians so bemoan'd Who left their beds and on then walls appear'd As if th' oppressed World in Earth-quakes groan'd Or that some ruin'd Nation 's fighâ— they heard 28. Admir'd what in that Damp such griefs could raise Where serious Death so oft had been abus'd When even their sportive Fencers Monthly Plays Profan'd that shape which States for terror us'd 29 Yet this loud mourning will no wonder breed When we with life lay Oswald's errors by And use him as the Living use the Dead Who first allow men virtue when they die 30. Still lib'ral of his life of wealth as free By which he chief in fighting Crowds became Who must their Leaders Vaâ—ors often see And follow them for bounty more than fame 31. This gen'ral mourning was to loudness rais'd By shewing Gifts he gave and wounds he took They chid at last his life which they had prais'd Because such virtue it so soon forsook 32. Now Night by Grief neglected hastes away And they the Morn's officious Usher spie The closs Attendant on the Lord of Day Who shows the warmer of the World is nigh 33 And now the Drums the Camps low Thunder make War's thick united noise from ev'ry Guard Though they Reveillees scorn whom grief does wake And sleep think Nature's curse not toyls reward 44. All night proud Borgio chief in Hubert's trust With haughtie hopes the Camp does waking keep Ambition is more vigilant than Lust And in hope 's feaver is too hot to sleep 45. Now Day and Hubert haste to publick view His wounds unluckie more than dangerous Are so refresh'd that he the Army drew To a wide gross and urg'd their Anger thus 46. Friends to my Father In whose wounds I see They envy'd Merit whence his triumphs came And Fathers to my Brother and to me For onely you adopted us to Fame 47. Forgive me that I there have â—eebly â—ought Where Oswald in
much the Lombards to his conduct ow And this preserv'd him for the very Crowd Felt Honour here and did to valour bow 7. Vain Wrath Deform'd unquiet Child of Pride Which in a few the People madness call But when by Number they grew dignify'd What 's rage in one is liberty in all 8. Through dangers of this lawless liberty He like authentick Pow'r does boldly pass And with a quiet and experienc'd Eye Through Death's foul Vizard does despise his face 9. At Hubert's Tent alights where Hubert now With Gartha of this Torrent does advise Which he believes does at the highest flow And must like Tides sink when it cannot rise 10. When Hermegild he saw he did disperse Those cares assembled in his looks and strove Though to his Master and the Court perverse To shew him all the civil signs of Love 11. For him in stormy war he glorious knew Nor in calm Counsels was he less renown'd And held him now to Oswald's Faction true As by his love the world's first Tenure bound 12. For he though wasted in the ebb of blood When Man's Meridian tow'rds his Evening turns Makes against Nature's Law Lov 's Charter good And as in raging Youth for Gartha burns 13. Who did his suit not onely disapprove Because the summer of his life was past And she fresh blown but that even highest love Grows tasteless to Ambition's higher taste 14. Yet now in such a great and single cause With nice Ambition nicer Loves complies And she since to revenge he usefull was Perswades his hope with Rhet'rick of her Eyes 15. A closs division of the Tent they straight By outward Guards secure from all resort Then Hermegild does thus the cause relate Which to the Camp dispatch'd him from the Court. 16. Important Prince who justly dost succeed To Oswald's hopes and all my loyal aid Virtue as much in all thy wounds does bleed As love in me since wounded by that Maid 17. Long have I sayl'd through Times vexatious sea And first set out with all that Youth is worth The Tropicks pass'd of bloods hot bravery With all the Sayls gay Flags and Streamers forth 18. But as in hotter voyages Ships most Decay their trim yet then they chiefly gain By inward stowage what is outward lost So Men decays of youth repair in brain 19. If I experience boast when youth decays Such vanity may Gartha's pitie move Since so I seek your service by self-praise Rather than seem unusefull where I love 20. And never will I though by Time supply'd With such discretion as does Man improve To shew discretion wiser Nature hide By seeming now asham'd to say I love 21. For Love his pow'r has in grey Senates shown Where he as to green Courts does freely come And though loud youth his visits makes more known With graver Age he 's poivately at home 22. Scarce Oreece or greater Rome a Victor shows Whom more victorious Love did not subdue Then blame not me who am so weak to those Whilst Gartha all exceeds that ere they knew 23. Hope Love's first food I ne'r till now did know Which Love as yet but temp'rately devours And claims not love for love since Gartha so For Autumn Leaves should barter Summer Flowers 24. I dare not vainly wish her to be kind Till for her love my Arâ—s and Pow'r bestow The Crown on thee â—dorâ—'d with Rhodalind Which yet for Gartha is a price too low 25. This said he paws'd and now the hectick heat Of Oswald's blood doubled their Pulâ—es pace Which high as if they would be heard did beat And hot Ambition shin'd in eithers face 26. For Hermegild they knew could much out-doe His words and did possess great Aribert Not in the Courts cheap Glass of civil show But by a study'd Tenure of the heart 27. Whilst this try'd truth does make their wishes sure Hubert on Gartha looks with suing Eyes For Hermegild whose love she will endure And make Ambition yield what Youth denies 28. Yet in this bargain of her self she knows Not how to treat but all her chief desires Bids Hubert as the Twins of his dispose To glory and revenge and then retires 29. But with such blushes Hermegild she leaves As the unclouded Evening's Face adorn Nor much he for her parting glory grieves Since such an Evening bodes a happy Morn 30. Now Hermegild by vows does Hubert binde Vows by their fate in Lombard Story known He Gartha makes the price of Rhodalind And Aribert his Tenant to the Crown 31. He bids him now the Armies rage allay By rage said he onely they Masters are Of those they chuse when temp'rate to obay Against themselves th'impatient chiefly war 32. We are the Peoples Pilots they our winds To change by Nature prone but Art Laveers And rules them till they rise with Stormy Minds Then Art with danger against Nature Steers 33. Where calms have first amuz'd Storms most prevail Close first with calms the Courts suspicious Eyes That whilst with all their â—rim they sleeping sail A sudden Gust may wrack them by surprize 34. Your Army will though high in all esteem That ever rev'renc'd Age to action gave But a small Party to Verona seem Which yearly to such Numbers yields a Grave 35. Nor is our vast Metropolis like those Tame Towns which peace has soft'ned into fears But Death deform'd in all his Dangers knows Dangers which he like frightfull Vizards wears 36. From many Camps who forreign winters felt Verona has her conqu'ring Dwellers ta'ne In War's great Trade with richest Nations dealt And did their Gold and Fame with Iron gain 37. Yet to the mighty Aribert it bows A King out-doing all the Lombards Line Whose Court in Iron clad by courseness shows A growing pow'r which fades when Courts grow fine 38. Scorn not the Youthfull Camp at Bergamo For they are Victors though in years but young The war does them they it by action know And have obedient Minds in bodies strong 39. Be slow and stay for aids which haste forsakes For though Occasion still does Sloth out-go The rash who run from help she ne'r ore-takes Whose haste thinks Time the Post of Nature slow 40. This is a cause which our Ambition fills A cause in which our strength we should not waste Vainly like Giants who did heave at Hills 'T is too unwildy for the force of haste 41. A cause for graver Minds that learned are In mistick Man a cause which we must gain By surer methods than depend on war And respite Valour to employ the brain 42. In the King's Scale your merits are too light Who with the Duke weighs his own partial heart Make then the gift of Empire publick right And get in Rhodalind the Peoples part 43. But this rough side the meeting Multitude If we oppose we make our voyage long Yet when we with it row it is subdu'd And we are wise where Men in vain are strong 44. Then to the People sue but hide your force For they
Optick Tubes the Moons scant sace Vast Tubes which like long Cedars mounted lie Attract through Glasses to so near a space As if they came not to survey but prie 17. Nine hastie Centuries are now fulfill'd Since Opticks first were known to Astragon By whom the Moderns are become so skill'd They dream of seeing to the Maker's Throne 18. And wisely Astragon thus busie grew To seek the Stars remote societies And judge the walks of th' old by finding new For Nature's law in correspondence lies 19. Man's pride grown to Religion he abates By moving our lov'd Earth which we think fix'd Think all to it and it to none relates With others motion scorn to have it mix'd 20. As if 't were great and stately to stand still Whilst other Orbs dance on or else think all Those vast bright Globes to shew God's needless skill Were made but to attend our little Ball. 21. Now near a sever'd Building they discern'd Which seem'd as in a pleasant shade retir'd A Throng by whose glad diligence they learn'd They came frome Toils which their own choice desir'd 22. This they approch and as they enter it Their Eyes were stay'd by reading ore the Gate Great Natures Office in large letters writ And next they mark'd who there in office saâ—â— 23. Old busie Men yet much for wisdom fam'd Hastie to know though not by haste beguild These fitly Natures Registers were nam'd The Throng were their Intelligencers styl'd 24. Who stop by snares and by their chace oretake All hidden Beasts the closser Forrest yields All that by secret sence their rescue make Or trust their force or swiftness in the Fields 25. And of this Throng some their imployment have In fleeting Rivers some fixed Lakes beset Where Nature's self by shifts can nothing save From trifling Angles or the swall'wing Net 26. Some in the spacious Ayr their Prey oretake Cos'ning with hunger Faulcons of their wings Whilst all their patient observations make Which each to Natures Office duely brings 27. And there of ev'ry Fish and Foul and Beast The wilâ—s those learned Registers record Courage and fears their motion and their rest Which they prepare for their more learned Lord. 28. From hence to Nature's Nurserie they go Where seems to grow all that in Eden grew And more if Art her mingled Species show Thaâ— th'Hebrew King Nature's Historian knew 29. Impatient Simplers climb for Blossoms here When Dews Heav'n's secret milk in unseen showrs First feed the early Childhood of the year And in ripe Summer stoop for Hearbs and Flowers 30. In Autumn Seed and Berries they provide Where Nature a remaining force preserves In Winter dig for Roots where she does hide That stock which if consum'd the next Spring stervs 31. From hence fresh Nature's flowrishing Estate They to her wither'd Receptacle come Where she appears the loathsome Slave of Fate For here her various Dead possess the Room 32. This dismall Gall'ry lofty long and wide Was hung with Sâ—â—litons of ev'ry kind Humane and all that learned humane pride Thinks made t' obey Man's high immortal Mind 33. Yet on that Wall hangs he too who so thought And she dry'd by him whom that He obay'd By her an El'phant that with Heards had fought Of which the smallest Beast made her afraid 34. Next it a Whale is high in Cables ty'd VVhose strength might Herds of Elephants controul Then all in payres of ev'ry kind they spyd VVhich Death's wrack leaves of Fishes Beasts Fowl 35. These Astragon to watch with curious Eie The diff'rent Tenements of living breath Collects with what far Travailers supplie And this was call'd The Cabinet of Death 36. VVhich some the Monument of Bodies name The Ark which saves from Graves all dying kinds This to a structure led long known to Fame And call'd The Monument of vanish'd Minds 37. VVhere when they thought they saw in well sought Books Th' assembled souls of all that Men held wise It bred such awful rev'rence in their looks As if they saw the buryd writers rise 38. Such heaps of written thoughts Gold of the Dead VVhich Time does still disperse but not devour Made them presume all was from Deluge free'd Which long-liv'd Authours writ ere Noah's Showr 39. They saw Egyptian Roles which vastly great Did like faln Pillars lie and did display The tale of Natures life from her first hear Till by the Flood o're-cool'd she felt decay 40. And large as these for Pens were Pencils then Others that Egypts chiefest Science show'd VVhose River forc'd Geometry on Men VVhich did distinguish what the Nyle o're-flow'd 41. Near them in Piles Chaldean Cos'ners lie Who the hid bus'ness of the Stars relate Who make a Trade of worshipp'd Prophesie And seem to pick the Cabinet of Fate 42. There Persian Magi stand for wisdom prais'd Long since wise States-men now Magicians thought Altars and Arts are sooâ— to fiction rais'd And both would have that miracles are wrought 43. In a dark Text these States-men left their Minds For well they knew that Monarch's Misterie Like that of Priests but little rev'rence finds When they the Curtain ope to ev'ry Eye 44. Behind this Throng the talking Greeks had place Who Nature turn'd to Art and Truth disguise As skill does native beautie oft deface With Terms they charm the weak and pose the wise 45. Now they the Hebrew Greek and Roman spie Who for the Peoples ease yoak'd them with Law Whom else ungovern'd lusts would drive awrie And each his own way frowardly would draw 46. In little Tomes these grave first Lawyers lie In Volumes their Interpreters below Who first made Law an Art than Misterie So clearest springs when troubled cloudie grow 47. But here the Souls chief Book did all precede Our Map tow'rds heav'n to common Crowds deny'd VVho proudly aym to teach ere they can read And all must stray where each will be a Guide 48. About this sacred little Book did stand Unwieldy Volumes and in number great And long it was since any Readers hand Had reach'd them from their unfrequented Seat 49. For a deep Dust which Time does softly shed Where onely Time does come their Covers bear On which grave Spiders streets of webs have spred Subtle and slight as the grave Writers were 50. In these Heav'ns holy fire does vainly burn Nor warms nor lights but is in sparkles spent Where froward Authours with disputes have torn The Garment seamless as the Firmament 51. These are the old Polemicks long since read And shut by Astragon who thought it just They like the Authours Truth 's Tormentors dead Should lie unvisited and lost in dust 52. Here the Arabian's Gospel open lay Men injure Truth who Fiction nicely hide Where they the Monk's audacious stealth survay From the World's first and greater second Guide 53. The Curious much perus'd this then new Book As if some secret ways to Heav'n it taught For straying from the old men newer look And prise the found not finding those they sought
where still intrenched were Those Youth whom first his Father's Army bred Who ill the rumour of his wounds did bear Though he that gave them of his own be dead 4. And worse those haughtie threat'nings they abhor Which Fame from Brescia's ancient Fighters brought Vain Fame the Peoples trusted Orator Whose speech too fluent their mistakes has wrought 5. Oft Goltho with his temp'rate Counsels went To quench whom Fame to dang'rous furie warm'd Till temp'rately his dangers they resent And think him safest in their patience arm'd 6. And safe now is his love as love could be If all the World like old Arcadia were Honour the Monarch and all Lovers free From jealosie as safetie is from fear 7. And Birtha's heart does to his civil Breast As much for ease and peace as safetie come For there 't is serv'd and treated as a Guest But watch'd and taught and often chid at home 8. Like great and good Confed'rates whose design Invades not others but secures their own So they in just and virtuous hopes combine And are like new Confed'rates busie grown 9. With whisper earnest and now grave with thought They walk consulting standing they debate And then seek shades where they in vain are sought By servants who intrude and think they wait 10. In this great League their most important care Was to dispatch their Rites Yet so provide That all the Court might think them free as air When fast as faith they were by Hymen ty'd 11. For if the King said he our love surprise His stormie rage will it Rebellion call Who claims to chuse the Brides of his Allies And in that storm our joys in blossom fall 12. Our love your cautious Father onely knows On whose safe prudence Senates may depend And Golthâ— who to time few reck'nings ows Yet can discharge all duties of a Friend 13. Such was his mind and hers more busie shows That bonds of love does make her longer fast Than Hymen's knot as plain Religion does Longer than Rites Religion's fashions last 14. That her discretion somewhat does appear Since she can Love her minds chief beautie hide Which never farther went than Thula's Ear Who had alass but for that secret dy'd 15. That she alreadie had disguises fram'd And sought out Caves where she might closs reside As being nor unwilling nor asham'd To live his Captive so she die his Bride 16. Full of themselves delight them onward leads Where in the Front was to remoter view Exalted Hills and nearer prostrate Meads With Forrests flanck'd where shade to darkness grew 17. Beneath that shade Two Rivers slily steal Through narrow walks to wider Adice Who swallows both till she does proudly swel And hasts to shew her beautie to the Sea 18. And here whilst forth he sends his raging Eye Orgo he spies who plies the spur so fast As if with news of Vict'rie he would flie To leave swift Fame behind him by his haste 19. If said the Duke because the Boy is come I second gladness shew do not suppose I spread my Breast to give new Comforts room That were to welcome rain where Nilus flows 20. Though the unripe appearance of a Page For weightie trust may render him too weak Yet this is he who more than cautious Age Or like calm Death will bury what we speak 21. This Birtha is the Boy whose skilless face Is safe from jealousie of oldest spies In whom by whisper we from distant place May meet or wink our meaning to his Eyes 22. More had he said to gain him her esteem But Orgo enters speechless with his Speed And by his looks more full of haste did seem Than when his spurs provok'd his flying Steed 23. And with his first recover'd breath he cries Hail my lov'd Lord whom Fame does value so That when she swift with your successes â—â—ies She fears to wrong the World in being flow 24. I bring you more than tasts of Fortune's love Yet am afraid I err in haâ—ing dar'd To think her favours could your gladness move Who have more worth than Fortune can reward 25. The Duke with smiles forewarns his hastie Tongue As loth he should proceed in telling more Kindly afraid to do his kindness wrong By hearing what he thought he knew before 26. Thy diligence said he is high desert It does in Youth supply defects of skill And is of dutie the most usefull part Yet art thou now but slow to Hurgonil 27. Who hither by the Moons imperfect light Came and return'd without the help of day To tell me he has Orna's Virgin plight And that their Nuptials for my presence stay 28. Orgo reply'd though that a triumph be Where all false Lovers are like savage Kings Led Captive after Love's great Victorie It does but promise what your triumph brings 29. It was the Eve to this your Holy-day And now Verona Mishess does appear Of Lombardy and all the Flow'rs which May Ere wore does as the Countrie 's favours wear 30. The wearie Eccho from the Hills makes hastes Vex'd that the Bells still calls for her replies When they so many are and ring so fast Yet oft are â—ilenc'd by the Peoples cries 31. Who send to Heav'n the name of Rhâ—dalind And then Duke Gondibert as high they raise To both with all their publick passion kind If kindness shine in wishes and in praise 32. The King this day made your adoption known Proclaim'd you to the Empire next ally'd As heir to all his Conquests and his Crown For royal Rhodalind must be your Bride 33. Not all the dangeâ—s valour finds in war Love meets in Courts or pride to Courts procures When sick with Peace the hot in Faction are Can make such fears as now the Duke endures 34. Nor all those fears which ev'ry Maid has found On whose first Guards Love by surprises steals Whose sightless Arrow makes a câ—reless wound Are like to this which doubtfull Birtha feels 35. He from his looks wild wonder strives to chace Strives more to teach his Manhood to resist Death in her Eyes and then with all the grace Of seeming pleasure Orgo he dismist 36. And Orgo being gone low as her knees Could fall she fell and soon he bends as low With weight of heart griev'd that no Grave he sees To sink where love no more can sorrow know 37. Her sighs as show'rs lay winds are calm'd with tears And parting life seems stay'd awhile to take A civil leave whilst her pale visage wears A clearie Skie and thus she weeping spake 38. Since such a Prince has forfeited his pow'r Heav'n give me leave to make my dutie less Let me my vows as sudden oaths abhor Which did my passion not my truth express 39. Yet yours I would not think were counterfeit But rather ill and rashly understood For 't is impossible I can forget So soon that once you fatally were good 40. Though cruel now as Beasts where they have pow'r Chusing like them to make the weakest bleed For weakness soon
forbear To shew her where my Marble Coâ—â—in lies Her Virgin Garlands she will offer there 6. Confess that reading me she learnt to Love That all the good behaviour of her heart Even tow'rds thy self my doctrine did improve Where Love by Nature is forewarn'd of Art 7. She will confess that to her Maiden state This Storie shew'd such Patterns of great Life As though she then could those but imitate They an Example make her now a Wife 8. And thy lif 's fire could she a while out-live Which were though lawfull neither kind nor good Then even her sorrows would examples give And shine to others through dark widowhood 9. And she will boast how spite of Cynick Age Of bus'ness which does Pow'r uncivil make Of ruder Cells where they Love's Fire asswage By studying Death and Fear for Virtue take 10. And spite of Courts where loving now is made An Art as dying is in Cells my Laws Did teach her how by Nature to perswade And hold by virtue whom her beautie draws 11. Thus when by knowing me thou know'st to whom Love ows his Eyes who has too long been blind Then in the Temple leave my Bodies Tomb To seek this Book the Mon'ment of my Mind 12. Where thou may'st read who with impatient Eyes For Orgo on the guilded Tarras stay Which high and golden shews and open lies As the Morn's Window when she lets out Day 13. Whose heighth Two rising Forrests over-looks And on Pine-tops the Eye-sight downward cast Where distant Rivers seem bestrided Brooks Churches but Anchor'd Ships their Steeples Masts 14. Hence by his little Regian Courser brought Orgo they spie with diligence indu'd As if he would oretake fore-running Thought And he by many swiftly seem'd pursu'd 15. But his light speed left those awhile behind Whilst with rais'd Dust their swiftness hide the way Yet Birtha will too soon by Orgo find What she by distance lost in this survay 16. Orgo a precious Casket did present To his dear Lord of Podian Saphyr wrought For which unknown to Birtha he was sent And a more precious Pledge was in it brought 17. Then thus proclaim'd his joy Long may I live Sent still with blessings from the Heav'nly Powers And may their bounties shew what they can give And full as fast as long expected Showers 18. Behold the King with such a shining Train As dazles sight yet can inform the Blind But there the Rich and Beauteous shine in vain Unless they dâ—stance keep from Rhodalind 19. Mâ— thinks they through the Middle Region come Their Chariots hid in Clouds of Dust below And ore their Heads their Coursers scatter'd Fome Does seem to cover them like falling Snow 20. This Birtha heard and she on Orgo cast A pitious look for she no anger knew But griev d he knows not that he brings too fast Such joys as fain she faster would eschew 21. So Gondibert this Gust of glorie took As Men whose Sayls are full more weather take And she so gaz'd on him as Sea-men look On long sought shore when Tempests drive them back 22. But now these glories more apparent be And justly all their observation claim'd Great as in greatest Courts less Princes see When entertain'd to be eclips'd and sham'd 23. West from Verona's Road through pleasant Meads Their Chariots cross and to the Palace steer And Aribert this winged triumph leads Which like the Planets Progress did appear 24. So shin'd they and so noiseless seem'd their speed Like Spartans touching but the silken Reins Was all the conduct which their Coursers need And proudly to sit still was all their pains 25. With Aribert sat royal Rhodalind Calm Orna by the Count by Hermegild Silver'd with time the Golden Gartha shin'd And Tybalt's Eyes were full by Laura fill'd 26. The lesser Beauties numberless as Stars Shew'd â—ickly and far off to this Noon-day And lagg'd like Baggage Treasure in the Wars Or onely seem'd another Milkie-way 27. The Duke perceiv'd the King design'd to make This visit more familiar by surprise And with Court art he would no notice take Of that which Kings are willing to disguise 28. But as in heedless sleep the House shall seem New wak'd with this Alarm and Vlfin strait Whose â—ame was precious in the Courts esteem Must as with casual sight their entrance wait 29. To Astragon he doubles all his Vows To Birtha through his Eies his Heart reveal'd And by some civil jealousies he shows Her beauty from the Court must be conceal'd 30. Prays her from Envy's danger to retire The Palace war which there can never cease Till Beauty's force in age or death expire A War disguis'd in civil shapes of Peace 31. Still he the precious Pledge kept from her view Who guess'd not by the Casket his intent And was so willing not to fear him true That she did fear to question what it ment 32. Now hasts she to be hid and being gon Her Lover thinks the Planet of the day So leaves the mourning World to give the Moon Whose Train is mark'd but for their number way 33. And entring in her Closet which took light Full in the Palace Front she finds her Maids Gather'd to see this gay unusuall sight Which Commet-like their wondring Eyes invades 34. Where Thula would by climbing highest be Though ancient grown and was in Stature short Yet did protest she came not there to see But to be hid from dangers of the Court. 35. Their curious longing Birtha durst not blame Boldness which but to seeing did aspire Since she her self provok'd with Courts great Fame Would fain a little see what all admire 36. Then through the Casement ventur'd so much Face As Kings depos'd shew when through Grates they peep To see Deposers in their Crowding pass But strait shrink back and at the triumph weep 37. Soon so her Eyes did too much glory find For ev'n the first she saw was all for she No more would view since that was Rhodalind And so much beauty could none others be 38. Which with her Virtue weigh'd no less renown'd Afflicts her that such worth must fatal prove And be in tears of the Possessor drown'd Or she depose her Lover by her love 39. But Thula wildly earnest in the view Of such gay sights as she did ne'r behold Mark'd not when Birtha her sad Eyes withdrew But dreamt the world was turn'd again to Gold 40. Each Lady most till more appear'd ador'd Then with rude liking prais'd them all aloud Yet thought them foul and course to ev'ry Lord And civilly to ev'ry Page she bow'd 41. The objects past out-sigh'd ev'n those that woo And strait her Mistris at the Window mist Then finding her in grief out-sigh'd her too And her fair Hands with parting passion kist 42. Did with a Servants usual art profess That all she saw was to her beauty black Confess'd their Maids well bred and knew to dress But said those Courts are poor which painting lack 43. Thy praise said Birtha poyson'd
thy griefs of jealousie begin A cause which does thy sorrow vainly move Since 't is thy noble fate and not thy Sin 30. This vain and voluntary Load of grief For Fate sent Love thy will does sorrow bear Thou to the Temple carry'st for relief And so to Heav'n art guided by thy fear 31. Wild Fear Which has a Common-wealth devis'd In Heav'n's old Realm and Saints in Senates fram'd Such as by which were Beasts well civilliz'd They would suspect their Tamer Man untam'd 32. Wild Fear Which has the Indian worship made Where each unletter'd Priest the Godhead draws In such a form as makes himself afraid Disguising Mercy 's shape in Teeth and Claws 33. This false Guide Fear which does thy Reason sway And turns thy valiant virtue to despair Has brought thee here to offer and to pray But Temples were not built for Cowards pray'r 34. For when by Fear thy noble Reason's led Reason not Shape gives us so great degree Above our Subjects Beasts then Beasts may plead A right in Temples helps as well as we 35. And here with absent Reason thou dost weep To beg success in love that Rhodalind May lose what she as much does beg to keep And may at least an equal audience find 36. Mark Birtha this unrighteous war of prayer Like wrangling States you ask a Monarch's aid When you are weak that you may better dare Lay claim to what your passion would invade 37. Long has th' ambitious World rudely preferr'd Their quarrels which they call their pray'rs to Heav'n And thought that Heav'n would like themselves have err'd Depriving some of what 's to others giv'n 38. Thence Modern Faith becomes so weak and blind Thinks Heav'n in ruling other Worlds employ'd And is not mindfull of our abject Kind Because all Sutes are not by all enjoy'd 39. How firm was Faith when humbly Sutes for need Not choice were made then free from all despair As mod'rate Birds who sing for daily seed Like Birds our Songs of praise included pray'r 40. Thy Hopes are by thy Rivals virtue aw'd Thy Rival Rhodalind whose virtue shines On Hills when brightest Planets are abroad Thine privately like Miners Lamps in Mines 41. The Court where single Patterns are disgrac'd Where glorious Vice weak Eyes admire And Virtue 's plainness is by Art out-fac'd She makes a Temple by her Vestal Fire 42. Though there Vice sweetly dress'd does tempt like bliss Even Cautious Saints and single Virtue seem Fantastick where brave Vice in fashion is Yet she has brought plain Virtue in esteem 43. Yours is a virtue of inferiour rate Herein the dark a Pattern where 't is barr'd From all your Sex that should her imitate And of that pomp which should her Foes reward 44. Retir'd as weak Monasticks flie from care Or devout Cowards steal to Forts their Cells From pleasures which the worlds chief dangers are Hers passes yours as Valour Fear excels 45. This is your Rival in your suit to Heav'n But Heav'n is partial if it give to you What to her bolder Virtue should be giv'n Since yours pomps Virtue 's dangers never knew 46. Your suit would have your love with love repay'd To which Arts conquests when all science flows Compar'd are Students dreams and triumphs made By glorious Courts and Camps but painted shows 47. Even Art 's Dictators who give Laws to Schools Are but dead Heads States-men who Empire move But prosp'rous Spies and Victors fighting Fools When they their Trophies rank with those of Love 48. And when against your fears I thus declame Yet make your danger more whilst I decry Your worth to hers then wisely fear I blame For fears are hurtfull'st when attempts are high 49. And you should think your noble dangers less When most my praise does her renown prefer For that takes off your hasty hope 's excess And when we little hope we nothing fear 50. Now you are taught your sickness learn your cure You shall to Court and there serve Rhodalind Trie if her virtue's force you can endure In the same Sphear without eclipse of mind 51. Your Lord may there your Souls compare for we Though Souls like stars make not their greatnes known May find which greater than the other be The Stars are measur'd by Comparison 52. Your plighted Lord shall you ere long prefer To near attendance on this royal Maid Quit then officious Fear The Jealous fear They are not fearfull when to death afraid 53. These words he clos'd with kindness and retir'd In which her quick Ey'd Hope three blessings spy'd With joy of being near her Lord inspir'd With seeing Courts ' and having Virtue try'd 54. She now with jealous questions utter'd fast Fils Orgo's Ear which there unmark'd are gon As Throngs through guarded Gates when all make haste Not giving Warders time t' examine one 55. She ask'd if Fame had render'd Rhodalind With favour or in Truth 's impartial shape If Orna were to humble Virtue kind And beauty could from Gartha's envy scape 56. If Laura whose faire Eyes those but invites Who to her wit ascribe the Victory In conquest of a speechless Mayd delights And ere to this prompt Orgo could reply 57. She ask'd in what consist the Charms of Court Whether those pleasures so resistless were As common Country Travailers report And such as innocence had cause to fear 58. What kind of Angels shape young Fav'rites take And being Angels how they can be bad Or why delight so cruelly to make Fair Country Mayds return from Court so sad 59. More had she ask'd for study warm'd her brow With thinking how her love might prosp'rous be But that young ulfinore approach'd her now And Goltho warmer with designe than she 60. Though Goltho's hope in Indian Feathers clad Was light and gay as if he meant to flie Yet he no farther than his Rival had Advanc'd in promise from her Tongue or Eye 61. When distant talk'd as if he plighted were For hope in Love like Cowards in the War Talks bravely till the enterprise be near But then discretion dares not venture far 62. He never durst approch her watchfull Eye With studious gazing nor with sighs her Ear But still seem'd frolick like a States-man's Spie As if his thoughtfull bus'ness were not there 63. Still Superstitious Lovers Beauty paint Thinking themselves but Devils so divine As if the thing belov'd were all a Saint And ev'ry place she enter'd were a Shrine 64. And though last Night were the auspitious time When they resolv'd to quit their bashfull fears Yet soon as to the Sun when Eaglets climbe They stoop'd And quench'd their daring Eyes in tears 65. And now for Hope that formal Câ—ntry stands All Winds and Showrs though there but vainly plac'd They to Verona beg her dear commands And look to be with parting kindness grac'd 66. Both dayly journies meant 'twixt this and Court For taking leave is twice Love's sweet Repast In being sweet and then in being short Like Manna ready still but
shin'd like scorching Noon in Borgio's looks Who kindled all about him with his rage And worse the Triumph than the Conquest brooks 54. The Troops astonish'd with their Leaders fate The horrour first with silence entertain With loud impatience than for Borgio wait And next with one confusion all complain 55. Whom thus he urg'd Prince Oswald did command We should remove far from the Combat's list And there like unconcern'd Spectatours stand Justly restrain'd to hinder or assist 56. This Patient Friends we dully have obay'd A temp'rance which he never taught before But though alive he could forbid our aid Yet dead he leaves revenge within our pow'r CANTO the Fifth The ARGUMENT The Battel in exact though little shape Where none by flight and few by fortune scape Where even the vanquish'd so themselves behave The Victors mourn for all they could not save And fear so soon is Fortune's fullness wain'd To lose in one all that by all they gain'd 1. NOw Hubert's Page assists his wounded Lord To mount that Steed he scarce had force to guide And wept to see his hand without that Sword Which was so oft in busie Battel try'd 2. Those who with Borgio saw his want of blood Cry'd out If of thy strength enough remain Though not to charge to make thy conduct good Lead us to adde their living to our slain 3. Hubert reply'd Now you may justly boast You Sons of War that Oswald was your Sire Who got in you the honour I have lost And taught those deeds our Ladies songs admire 4. But he Wars Ancestour who gave it birth The Father of those Fights we Lombards fought Lies there embracing but his length of Earth Who for your use the world's vast Empire sought 5. And cold as he lies noble Dargonet And Paradine who wore the Victors Crown Both swift to Charge and lame in a Retreat Brothers in bloud and Rivals in renown 6. This said their Trumpets sound Revenge's praise The Hunters Horns though terrour of the wood Reply'd so meanly they could scarcely raise Eccho so loud as might be understood 7. The Duke his fit of fury being spent Which onely wounds and opposition bred Does weep on faded Oswald and lament What was so great in life is nothing dead 8. But cry'd when he the speechless Rivals spy'd O worth above the ancient price of Love Lost are the living for with these love dy'd Or if immortal fled with them above 9. In these we the intrinsick value know By which first Lovers did love currant deem But Love's false Coyners will allay it now Till men suspect what next they must contemn 10. Not less young Hurgonil resents their chance Though no fit time to practise his remorse For now he cries finding the Foe advance Let Death give way to life to horse to horse 11. This sorrow is too soft for deeds behind Which I a mortal Lover would sustain So as to make your Sister wisely kind And praise me living not lament me slain 12. Swift as Armenians in the Panthers chace They flie to reach where now their Hunters are Who sought out danger with too bold a pace Till thus the Duke did them aloud prepare 13. Impatient Friends stand that your strength may last Burn not in blaze rage that should warm you long I wish to Foes the weaknesses of haste To you such slowness as may keep you strong 14. Not their scorns force should your fixt patience move Though scorn does more thā boads free minds provoke Their flashy rage shall harmless lightning prove Which but fore-runs our Thunder's fatal stroke 15. For when their fury 's spent how weak they are With the dull weight of antique Vandal 〈◊〉 Their work but short and little is in war Whom rage within and Armour outward warms 16. When you have us'd those arts your patience yields Try to avoid their couched Launces force By dext'rous practise of Croation Fields Which turns to lazy Elephants their Horse 17. When false retreat shall scatter you in flight As if you back to Elements were fled And no less faith can you again unite Than recollects from Elements the dead 18. Make Chasers seem by your swift Rallies slow Whilst they your swifter change of figures fear Like that in Battels which t' amuse the Foe My Grand-sire taught as Wars Philosopher 19. Think now your Valour enters on the Stage Think Fame th' Eternal Choru◠to declare Your mighty minds to each succeeding age And that your Ladies the Spectatours are 20. This utter'd was with so supream a grace That ev'ry heart it empty'd and did raise Life's chiefest blood in valour to the Face Which made such beauty as the Foe did praise 21. Yet 't was Ambition's praise which but approves Those whom through envy it would fain subdue Likes others honour but her own so loves She thinks all others Trophies are her due 22. For Hubert now though void of strength as fear Advanc'd the first Division fast and far Bold Borgio with the next attends his Rear The Third was left to Vasco's steddy care 23. The Duke still watch'd when each Divisions space Grew wide that he might his more open spred His own brave conduct did the foremost grace The next the Count the third true Tybalt led 24. A forward fashion he did wear a while As if the Charge he would with fury meet That he their forward fury might beguil And urge them past redemption by retreat 25. But when with Launces couch'd they ready were And their thick Front which added Files in large With their ply'd spurs kept time in a Career Those soon were vanish'd whom they meant to charge 26. The Duke by flight his Manhood thus and force Reserv'd and to his skill made Valour yield Did seem to blush that he must lead his Horse To lose a little ground to gain the Field 27. Yet soon with Ralleys he reviv'd the war Hubert pursues the Rear of Hurgonil And Borgio's Rear with Chace so loos'ned are That them the Count does with close order kill 28. And that which was erewhile the Dukes firm Van Before old Vasco's Front vouchsafe to flie Till with Croation Ralleys they began In small Divisions hidden strength to trie 29. Then cursing Borgio cry'd Whence comes his skill Who men so scatter'd can so firmly mix The living Metal held so volatile By thy dull word this Chymick Lord can fix 30. He press'd where Hurgonil his fury spends As if he now in Orna's presence fought And with respect his brave approach attends To give him all the dangers which he sought 31. So bloody was th' event of this new strife That we may here applauded valour blame Which oft too easily abandons Life Whilst Death is Parent made of noble Fame 32. For many now belov'd by both forsake In their pursuit of flying Fame their breath And through the world their Valour currant make By giving it the ancient stamp of death 33. Young Hurgonil's renowned self had bought Honour of Borgio at