home within a mans selfe His senses stirred vp to pleasure are so many Serpents in his bosome seeking his destruction neither will they easily bee charmed The sting of sinne is sweet but deadlyâ— Set your vnsanctified appâ—tite and will to gouerne these and you are vndone The flesh will let in the world and the deuill in stead of God and Heauen But let your sanctified Reason bee your gouernour and you are safe at home and abroad Mortifie therefore your members which are on the earth fornication vncleannesse the inordinate affâ—ction euill concupiscence and couetousnesse which is Idolatry c. The place of greatest danger where your foe may land and enter is the Cinque-ports the fiue senses watch therefore ouer these and ouer our affections and you are safe 2. Venaticum Iter. Dedicated To the example of Temperance Sr HENRY BEDINGFEILD Knight and to his LADY the example of Loue. You hunting loue your fields are spread with sheepe Looke that your hounds your folds from foxes keepe Foxes and Wolues in sheepskins range about Within â—pinions Parasites without TH' Egyptian Shepheard arm'd at all assayes With Dogs and Sheephookes sat vpon the Layes At pleasure piping many a learâ—ed sonnet Of fixed starres and each course keeping plannâ—t Of thunder lightning meteors and the câ—use Of changing kingdomes and translating lawâ—s Why pestilence did rage why good men diâ— Why Niluâ— ouerflowes the bankes so hie Why killing frosts and such aboundant snow That ruine falling â—uine as they thaw Why th' earth should barren be and famine breede In the fat soilâ— though â—owne with better seede Why water ayre the earth and cheerefull fire Should being made for man gainst man conspire And of themselues by nature neuer bidden Bring forth such crosse effects vnheard and hidden To plague poore man and liuing him t'intombe In his one ruines e're the day of doome The cause of this they wisely found to be Mans open sins and close Hypocrisie And of this Theame discoursing too and fro Prouing it was wishing it were not so The King came by and with him many Nobles Whose pestred traine the sheep and shephead troubles Poore Country thou find'st this in corne and cattle When most remote fâ—oÌ„ Court thou most dost battle The King a hunting rides the shepheards dogs Would needs a hunting too and onward iogs These iolly Currs the Shepheards whoope amaine Hollow and whistle too but all in vaine The Hunts-men rate and like to mad men ride The Currs suppose they cheere them when they chidâ— So on they go and doe as others doo Throw vp their curld tailes spend their wesands too And when thy cannot top the rest run after â—o â—ong till anger now is turn'd to lafter And now the King delights the Currs to heare For they are euer busie in his eare And comming home to trencher-food they fall â—rouing good blood-hounds some good harriers all â—hey can draw dry-foot to the harmlesse game Whil'st Wolues and Foxes passe their noses tame â—hus fed by fat sweet bones they all proue gluttons â—nd where they wont to guard now kill our muttons They learned haue Court lore and nothing failes Can fawne and flatter nimbly wag their tailes And snarle and bite and beat â—he better hound Out of the Court who their false hunting found And now the time drawes on the King againe Rides out to hunt and with him all his traine These dogs are fore-most and pursue the chace With eager stomackes and with equall pace But being trencher-fed the weather hoâ— Themselu's vnbreath'd to hunting vsed not They soone are shaken off and waxing slacke Become the lag and hindmost of the packe And straight lose â—ight sent hearing of the rest So then to Nilus-ward they hold it best To turne their course with the coole waues to slacke The heat they got for double diligence â—ake The roughest rudest curstest Curr of all Which wont vpon the gentlest Dogs to fall And neither being Hound nor Mastiffe bred But of a mongrill kinde by shee-Wolues fed Did silence such as spent their sweeter voice In turnefull tones which Hunters eares reioyce Whil'st he nor at the fold would watch in darke Nor bite the Wolfe nor with his harsh voyce barke Nor here amongst the Hounds once open wide His monstrous chaps except to bite or chide Or rauin and deuour the daintyest meat Which the industrious not the slug should eat And in despite of whips though crouch and cry Would neuer mend nor better grow thereby Led on the way for he would still be fiâ—st His impudence was such and such his thirst â—or would he suffer auy their to drinke â—ill he had done Ambitions eye doth thinke To swallow all and all too little to For him that least deserues and least can doo â—ut see a iust reward whil'st thus he lies â—ending his pleasure from the waues doth rise 〈◊〉 cruell subtle Crocodile who snatcheth â—t him with her sharpe sangs quickly catcheth â—he lazie Curre which struggles cryes and strâ—ues â—ut all too late Th' amphibious monster diues â—nder the waues the Dog râ—sists in vaine â—eath swallowes him the rest run home amaine â—ome to the Sheepfolds and attend the trade â—hey were by Art traind to by Nature made â—nd fearing now the like fore-warn'd by this â—hen hot and dry they waxeâ— their custome is â—t banks of Nile nere to rest and stay â—ut here and there to lap and so away â—est otherwise some Crocodile being hid â—hould serue their sloth like as the other did Epimythium This tale doth teach each man himselfe t' apply To his Vocation not to looke awry At Honors Riches Pleasures which are baites The deuill layes in our way and in them waites To swallow vs whilest eagerly we seeke To swallow and ingrosse whatâ—'ere we like Without respect what 's honestâ—iust and fit â—o we by any meanes can compasse it Each hath his element his toyle and sport The clowne the country and the King his Court The Nobles in the Councell or the field The Sea and Burse doth like to Marchants yeeld Each trades-man in his shop house-wiues at homeâ— They range too far that o're the threshold rome Lawyers vpon the bench Diuines within their studies schooles or pulpits else they sinneâ— Who takes the plow in hand must neuer sâ—acke Nor looke about for then â—e looketh backe Who takes the Crowne and Scepter still must thinâ— When others soundly sleep he must but winke Who goes to warre or counsell must aduise The shame or honor on the Noblest lies Who guides the Helme must still his compas minde And cheere his mates and saile with euâ—ry winde Who by Mechanicke Arts doth hope to thriue Must be a Bee and make his shop his Hiue Who sits to Iudge the Person must neglect Not looke asquint but to the truth direct Who will Episcopize must watch fast pray And see to worke not ouâ—rsee to play They haue a double charge to rule and teach Whil'st they neglect to preach neglâ—ct
so great Too scant a sea for them that was thy seat But had they staide till now now might they ride On the swolne waues at ease in all their pride Andinto euery heauen their bold Ships steere As if no sands barres shallowes had bin there We know whens'ere they come God can prouide Such seas so high so vncontrold a tide Able without their Enuie or their ayde To bury vs for see how he hath layde Our workes all leuell draines dikes sluces bankes Fields pastures gardens mannors farmes and frankâ— With man their owner and what Man doth feed Are buried with a sea of teares indeed Nouember did we scape thy fift day thus That euery day thou should'st be ominous Doe we so soone forget â—he sixt day last And worst of all daies to our Iland past That thus we should so oft remembred be From what strange thraldom we were once set free Or do the waters thus breake in to show How humorous and irregular vices flow How Saiâ—â—-like Sacriledge doth impropriate And calme Oppression swallowes Church and State How close Hypocrisie bends his courtly knee And wanting all faith would haue all faith 's free How holy Hymenâ— sacreds band are broken His torch extinguish'd and his rites fore-spoken How Gotish lusts needs all those waues to slake His scorching flames hot as th' infernall lake Or is 't for all these crimes and more vntold The faithfull Sea which wont our Ile to hold In his moist armes from strange aâ—â—aults secure Hath chang'd his loue to this sad ouerture And for our sinnes learnes vs to fast and pray Bringing in fish sweeping our flesh away That land which Goshen-like did flow whil-ere With all that Man desires or life holds deere So that no spot in all this Iles large field The sythe more hay sickle more corne did yield Where sweetnes was the sawce and fatnes fed Whil'st Dearth and Famine from the confines fled Where the stiffe-vdder'd Cow long'd twice a day To meet the merry milke-maide on the way And missing her by chance wrot on the ground With milke-white letters where she would be found Now prostrate lyes the goodly beauty foil'd The welth wash'd thence the gards treÌ„ches spoil'd O what assurance haue we then in clay Which if not Lawyers Seas thus eat away Build farre from waters that secures thy feare Though lesse thy profit be safe dwelling there O no what 's that I see a raging flame â—ounts vp in yonder plaine and none can tame His hot misgouern'd furie Water heere Some cry but no such element is neere Like a mad-Dog that through the thronged streets Ranging with rage snatcheth at all he meets And all that bitten are as mad as he Runne raging too that few or none scape free The cry is vp and euery man stands arm'd To do he knowes not what till he be harm'd And then to saue himselfe neglects the rest And madly mischiefe does when he meanes best Or as a towne of strength at dead of night Surpriz'd by sodaine stratagem or slight The people with the allarum bell awak'd Run out to see what newes amaz'd and nak'd And meeting death abroad for life run home And finde their houses sâ—ck'd before they come Then turning backe againe they know not whither Flocke all on heaps and dye like freinds together So far'de it there the fire flew vp and downe Snatching at euery house within the towne And whilst one thought his neighbors house to saueâ— He sees his owne doth instant succour craue Here stands an Alâ—house tosting and the Hostis Swearing her false-sâ—or'de tally burn'd or lost is The Tâ—pster wanting water plies with ale The thirstie fire which drinks both new and stale And by that oyly-liquor is not quenched But rather Drunkard-like inrag'd incensed The Host instead of pailes fils pots and sweares Hâ—e'le vse no penny-pots that wants their eares Wisheth his Iuggs were bigger he would fill them And but in vaine on the wilde fire doth spill them Here stares an Ostler whil'st the flame makes câ—asureâ— On his small bottles and his ostry measure And here a Chamberlaine giues quicke attendance To saue his pretty faggots with a vengeance Those pretty faggots which fire-hot being eat In a cold morning scarce would make one sweat Here runs a rauening Vsurer dog-like tyred Betwixt his owne house and the mort-gagde fired Here flames a barne of some ingrossing Farmer And here the study burnes of some false Termer Here stands a kennell there a rack and manger For running horses but both stay the danger A Baude houles here and here a â—east of whores Burnde oft within are now burnde out of dores Heere 's a Tobacco shop and in the Celler Th' Indian Deuil our baud witch whore man-queller That spirit waster and that Liuer heater Of t'humor radicall that greedy eater That breath corrupter and quick-eye-sight spoyler That wit confounder and strong Memorie foyler That pickpurse theefe timeâ—cheater connycatcher That alehouse haunter and fell mischiefe hatcher That all compounded euill of euery Nationâ— Too bad almost for th' English imitationâ— Tobacco by the fire was there caroused With large pettounes in pisse perfum'd and soused Thus what full many thrifty yeeres erected One prodigall flame hath wasted and deiâ—cted And now behold the prouder Chimnies stand As heires left wellâ— who wasted haue their land Of whom the common people vse to say It 's pitty proper men should thus decay Yet none releeues them or build vp their state To such an eminent fortune as of late Mongst these one Chimney stands where passers by May reade this sentence with a running eye â—othing is so close carried or concealde â—hich shall not be in his due timereâ—eal'd Whether by chance or by diuine decree For so all humane actions ordr'ed bee This object stands that all may make good vse Of what they see or quit them from excuse He not dâ—termine Lâ—t it bee my folly Rather than bee profane to bee too holy Hâ— tâ—at once drown'd the world can if he please Drowne part or the whole world againe with ease But since his word is past though we abound With that which caus'd the former world be drown'd Hee 'le keep his promise and the Sea restraine From ouer flowing sinfull slesh againe Yet is it in his power the whole t'mmerse In variable woes plagues to disperse In the most frequent streâ—tes most fragrant fields That th' ayre may breath out death â—helth now yields Or thin cheek'd 〈◊〉 though a stranger borne Who now to know on Fridayes th' English scorn Who of all forrainers is worst inâ—reated His fashion left himselfe in prison seated May be familiar with our countreymen Like a postâ— Natus or free Denizen And that without an act if God thinke good Though aâ—l the Peeres and Commons it withstood Fire aire earth water all are his he can With or without these saue or punish Man No place is free from him no thing is hid He knowes what Faukâ—s Persiâ—
aimes to giue you notice how We may aspire in royaltie and pride Aboue the Eagle and all birds beside Much time much study with full large â—xpence Haue I bestowed to gainâ— intelligence Of a rare secret which exceedeth farre Th' Alchiâ—isters Idol call'd th' Elixar This is to vnderstand and know aright What course to take and how we compasse might The glorious eminence the singular grace The famous Phaenix hath in euery place How to attaine her nature beauty state And without copulatioâ— procreate At lâ—ngth my wit my industry and chance Concurring did this happinesse aduanceâ— For watching lately as I often did In desart vast among thicke bushes hid I saw vnseene the mysterie throughout And can resolue each rite each scrupulous doubt The circumstance were needlesse whil'st the fact Shall manifest each seuerall Scene and act With happy issue and accomplish so Our wishes that we shall amazed goe Amazed goe to see our selues so low So soone to such a pitch of glory grow So soone translated metamorphosed And new created from the foot to head Beyond our hopes report the present station Of other birds almost to adoration Enquire not how but each prepare t' obay What I command performance leads the way Hie on hie all to seuerall quarters flie And through the whole world make a scrutinie For aromatick drugges perfuming spices Rare pretious stones rich iewels strange deuices Bring them together lay them on this hill And the successe refer to my deep skill The young ones all obayde but then the Male Staid long t' enquire the reason of this tale Yet long he durst not stay lest shee from thence Should beate him for his arrogant offence For females of all rauening fowles beare sway And the blacke Vulture is a bird of prey The male ne're meddles with young meat or nest But shee commands and he sits like a guest He seeing her incenst away doth post Ore many Seas and many an vnknowne Coast And all the world surueyes from East to West From North to South and gathers what is best Sweet odoriferous spices amber-greece The Castors stones the Ermins spotted fleene Rich Luzerns Sables Martins and the horee Of the most precious-seld-seen Vâ—icorne The Musk-cats cod with Rubies blushing red Quick-sparkling Diamonds cutting glasse like lead Bright shining Carbuncles and Saphires blew With Iaspâ—r Iacynth Emerals greene in view Perspicuous Christall orient Pearles large round And Gold for which man doth the Center sound Blacke white greene marble in-laid Porphyrie With Alablasters for Imagerie Truth-trying Touch-stones making things distinct And what rariety else within precinct Of ample Nature dwels they hither brought With which a curious neast shee neatly wrought To match whose wealth remaining earth was base Her sâ—lfe Mate yong each by themselues had place In this most royall building Then in state Her selfe sate downe and next her musing Mate Her young ones then in ordeâ— One by One And now the Sunne shin'd hot on euery stone The spice gan kindle Now quoth shee I finde My selfe halfe made immortall changing kinde The fire flam'd fiercer then and sing'd their wings Be constant Sirs quoth shee you shall be Kings Gold crownes are heauy toyle is hard but gainfull There is no excellent sweet but first is painfull They would haue flowne away but 't was too late Quoth shee the Phaenix dies to liue in state With that she sinkes her neast and all combust Her glorious hopes and proiects turn'd to dust Which tells vs this Pride still doth ouer-build â—Folly is not in architecture skill'd â—Wit frames his Plot according to his state â—And to a small house makes no lofty gate â—But ouer-bold Ambition fires her neast â—And proues her houses shame her house a ieast Epimythium The Phaenix betokens vnitie in Religion This was proper to the Iewâ—s but they forsooke it as the bird of Paradice did the Phaenix Then it came to the Gentiles and seemed to returne to its owne nature to be vniuersall not tyed to place or Nation or person The Phaenix died and out of the ashes arose a new Phaeâ—ix Christ came not to destroy but fulfill the Law The old faith remaines which was first preached in Paradice the ceremonies only are abolishâ—d by the prâ—sence of the thing signified That seems another which is the same truth Wee Christians possesse what the Iewes expected They are diuorced with the bird of Paradice for their vnfaithfulnesse and vnbeleefe now they are wedded to the Cynosure their owne wils and stiffe-necked opinions and traditions They tread and cacâ—le and lay egges addle egges or rather adders egges egges of winde without fruit which neuer proue birds They expect in vaine an other Messias to saue them till the true Messias is ready to come to iudge them They are a scattred people hatefull to all where they inhabite The â—Vulture and her brood is the Clergie of Rome where the shee or female preuailes Shee will be called the Mother Church which is truly the whore of Babylon the malignant Church the Aduersarie the Antichrist Shee builds to her owne ruine her power and policie shall ouerthrow it selfe Shee shall burne in her owne nest Let all such therefore as loue the truth and would saue their soules come out of her VNIO DEDICATED TO THE TRVE LOVER OF HIS COVNTRY Sr. ARTHVR HEVENINGHAM Knight and his truly Religious LADY YOV know the moodes of Men the tempers too Of Climes of States of Elements Then who May better read this tale The minde that 's free Can iudge diseases and distempers see THE Mole Chamelion and the Salamander As neere the Ocean they together wander Spying at sea the Lamprey haild him thusâ— Good day my friend to you and eke to vs. We three are met to argue and debate Which of vs liueth in the happiest state Whether the ayre the earth or fire doth giue To what they breed best sustenance to liue And we would gladly heare how farre the sea May with fire ayre and earth compared be You happily we met as we would wish Being a prompt deep diuing subtle fish And ablest to resolue vs. Come then show The life you lead and learne our liues to know The Lamprey soone consents And first the Mole Doth thus begin Deare friends I left my hole To breath the open ayre whose light I hate T' acquaint yee with the blessings of my state And to perswade ye if you loue your rest To liue with me in peace and plenty blest It fits me first to speake for I had first My being long before the earth was curst Darkenesse was not created t is as old As that great workeman which the whole doth mold But light was made long after and doth show That ignorance is elder then to know The workmans selfe in cloudy darknes keeps For no eye sees or when he wakes or sleepes He loues not euery curious foole should see What ioyes what treasures in obliuion bee The worthy Grecian would haue learn'd that Art For ignorance is
wisdoms better part When all was Chaos first the Center stood And all the solide parts call'd Earth The flood Was next being ponderous The ayre flew higher And as a hedge to all was placed fire What first was plac'd was worthiest brought fortâ— The first of creatures and best things of worth And first it brought forth things that were below The roote had life before the fruit did gâ—ow And we earths darlings had our shape within Ere you without Nor doe th' effects of sin Ambitious sin which light and'knowledge sought And fondly curious blinde obedience thought A base director so afflict and kill Vs hâ—re within as you who share in ill Of punishment and guilt with foolish man Yet no way from his rule acquit ye can You dwell with him and dye with him But we Are earth by nature procreated free And our forefathers customes still obay Doe as they did and follow their blind way Not striuing busily our wits t' approue By searching doubts but rather shew our loue By louing euâ—n their errors that are gone Or reuerently beleeuing they had none Our dyet is most choice on rootes to feed And rellish first the sweet of euery seed You liue on th' excrement and do not know That fundamentall vertue springs below Besides you liue like slaues but I am free Though bloudy-minded Man oft seeks for me The Lyoâ— did pretend because I haue Foure feet that I by nature was his slaue He call'd for this a Councell sent for me To sweare to his seruile supremacie But I refusing th' othe to spite him more Did vndermine his Councell-chamber flore And had not light damn d light my plot bewraideâ— He had to hell sâ—nke by the traine I laide But light discouered me and since that deed I loath light more and so in darknesse breed Darknes thou sweet companion friend of sleepe How I delight in thee With thee doth keepe All that man seeks for euery secret plot Darke mysterie close sttatagem what not Inuisible wealth with treasures manifold But chiefe Mans soule his god almighty gold This Man knowes well and knowing learnes of me To dig and delue till in his graue he be Then all proclaime him happy say he is At peace and rest and doth emoy all blisse And such say truth for he returnes againe To his first being and doth so remaine Contentment with darke ignorance doth dwell And light and knowledge only maketh hell Then without farther strife liue all with mee If you will taste no paines nor errors see The changeable Chamelion laught out-right To heare the blinde Mole raile so much at light And said Your darker spirits can't conceiue The blessed fruit that we from light receiue Let fooles depend on faith implicatiue Wise-men into the depth of truth will diue Darknesse and ignorance which you suppose Had an eternall being are the foes Of all eternall beings and indeed Are voide in nature without fruit root seed Darknesse is but the absence of cleare light As error is the ignorance of right So these two are vacuities want being Not seene by others nor yet others seeing From nothing nothing springs something there was From whence this vniuersall frame this Masse Of strange agreeing contrarieties Had essence and 't was something that had eyes For sure it was not ignorance nor night They could not see to order things so right But it was knowledge wisedome light and truth Figur'd in mature age and actiue youth The priuiledge you plead Antiquitie Proues onely that of old you vs de to lye And that all truth you hate for truth doth run Still to the light and you the light do shun And where you challenge your creation first It is not like Nature would make the worst Before the best except this can preferre Your claime that as young workemen vse to erre In their first workes so Nature first did try To make right eyes by making yours awry Much rather truth it is she did bestow Labour in framing others but for you She left you to corruption night and chance Which made youâ— eies such such your countenance And your tame-blinde obedience well befits Such earth-bred doltish dull and sluggish wits But ayerie Spirits acquainted with the light Will not be led by custome from the right No loue no friends no predecessor shall Peruert their iudgements they examine all And for the food ye boast to eat boast still No root herbe fruit of yours I handle will They are corrâ—pted Ayre doth only giue True nourishment and happiest meanes to liue The sick-man shewes this who the weather fayre Remooues for health from close to th' open ayre And for the light your death doth it approoue When onlâ— then your eyes are seen to moue Then you begin to see and loath the kinde Which being blind themselues brought you vp blind Bereauing you of many a blesâ—ed sight Which we enioy â—ho loue and liue in light Your freedom from all beasts I like T' is ill â—o be sâ—biâ—cted to anothers will Bâ—t that to your superiors I do hate And therefore am exilde from euery state I liue a poore thin creature by the ayer My selfe I feed with hopes others with prayer My eyes I oft lift vp and roole about Dâ—siring to be sâ—en to be dâ—uout But neither with my bulke nor with my backe Supply the lâ—ast defect of others lacke I beare no Wooli to clothe no flesh to feed Let shâ—ep and Calues relecue the poore that need I rauisht go with a distracted looke Aâ—d turne my mind still as I turne my booke My will doth lead my conscience not my wit And euery riddle for my purpose fit Hating whats'ere is old I loue the new And to all purposes change my ready hue My flesh is low my spirit high and prowd Doth contradict what order hath allow'd I fast when others feast feast when they fast And with Angelicall food I do out-last All Gormandizâ—rs Come then liue with me All that loue life and light and would be free The Salamander hearing this discourse Sayd Sure you both do argue without force Darke ignorance our nature doth contemne And curious search wise Magistrates condemne By blindnesse we our wants and dotage shew To those not reuerence but reproch is due Not priuatiue blindnâ—sse our antiquitie showes But onely that which by long seeing growes But you blinde Mole do ignorance affect Which breeds derision scorne and dis-respect For what a senselâ—sse part is this in you Your fathers â—aults and errours to allow And not much rather to reforme your owne By shunning the defects which they haue showne Your food is grosse and earthly dirt and mould Mixt with old roots do much corruption hold Yet though they gin to die with age and wither The good with bad being old you cram togither This makes my fiery spirit scorne to keep Iâ— your darke celles where knowledge seems to sleep But you Chameleon with a hand too
bold Oppose contemne and scorne whats'ere is old You onely loue to see but not to doo You dote on knowledge and on error too T' is error in our sight to ouâ—râ—eene And but our owne all iudgements dis-esteeme T' is error to be fondly ouer-wise Too pure too iust too perfect too precise There is a meaneâ— For knowledge sure doth liue Onely where it doth good to others giue You too too sawcie hidden secrets handle And too too fond your oâ—ne conceits doe dandle And cocker with obseruance being so A friende to superstition though a foe The light you vse is borrowed not your owne The colours that you see their ground vnknowne Your darke imperfect double glimmering sight Is but th' extended beames of greater light Arising from vicinitie of fire To which the purest elements aspire In their refined parts the earth in gold And pretious stones doe most resemblance hold The sea in salt in Pearles in dewes that rise And to the Sonne-ward with ambition flies The Ayre in colous and in Meteors bright Which the Sunnes place vsurpe in darkest night T is fire alone that searcheth and refines And doth diuide the grosse from purer mines T is fire that makes grasse herbe andtree to grow Meltes the seas Icie chaines and th' earths cold snow It cheares the young it cherisheth the old Reuiues the dying makes the Coward bold Nothing without it can be said to liue Whats'ere hath being it doth glory giue Which makes me to determine that the light Which you inuisible call is but a sprite Made by your feare and strong imagination Without true being essence or foundation For light the greater 't is doth more appeare So should that light of lights if such there were My indgement therefore in this rule doth runne There 's nothing greater then the glorious Sunne Here I set downe my rest And for the schooles That teach beleefe let them still tutor fooles From your contention my instruction sprung And thus I learn'd to thinke when I was young The Mole doth feede too much on earthly meat And the Chameleon nought but ayre doth eat I neither like your fast nor yet your feasting For twixt you two all earnest turnes to ieasting And doth perswade me thinke there is no food In earth or ayre that doth or hurt or good So all my knowledge practise life doth chime According to the current state and time I thinke they 'r only gulls that liue in awe Of any thing but want death and the law I quench all fiery zeal wheres'ere I coâ—e And would haue Policie speake Religion dumbe I poyson with my breath both foe and friend And to my pleasuredoâ— each proiect bend In briefe I onely am a freeman borne Who loue my sâ—lfe alone and others scorne The Lamprey hearing this damn'd Atheist tell A tale befitting none bâ—t Machiuael Thrust his eye-guarded hâ—ad aboue the brim Of the rug'd wauesâ— and to the shore did swim And on his slippery belly gan to slide Till he came neere the Salamanders side Thou cursed slaue qâ—oth he though I proceed From some of thy neere kin of serpents seed And am halfe serpent as thou wholly art Yet I am halfe a fish and euen that part Prouokes me contradict the cursed note Which thou didst vomit from thy venomd throat Thy Pedigree is lineally detiued From that great Serpent which at first depriued The rest of feet and being ouer-wise Gull'd credulous man of glorious paradise Still thou partak'st that nature and each tree Thy tongue or teeth touch so infected be In root and fruit that who so eats doth die Poyson'd b'accurst cold infidelitie Too light beleefe and too too earnest thirst Of curious knowledge causde deâ—th enter first But now thy skill hath brought it so about That hearing seeing feeling still we doubt And flying one extreame we fondly fall Into the contrary wise fooles and all Yet blindnesse better is then hauing eyes Not t' acknowledge truthes but count them lyeâ— T' is better to be doubtfull what we know Then to be Truthes profest and open foe The Mole and the Chameleon better are And neerer truth then thou thy selfe by farre Yet the Chamâ—leon somewhat doth resemble Thy nature but he can more close dissemble He is not so prophane so impious bold To call all truth in doubt both new and old Though he giues darknesse not the praise he ought And too too curious after knowledge sought Yet he confesseth that there is a light He cannot see through th' impotence of sight But you all light and knowledge do confine Within the Sunne as if it were diuine And like a desperate traytor foolish theefe From art and nature steale to kill beleefe Come then good fellowes quoth the Lamprey take This monster vp against vs let vs make Him an examplâ— of our iustice showne Vpon Truthes foe so manifestly knowne With that he nimbly twines himselfe about The Salamander being quicke and stour Chameleon and the Mole the Lamprâ—y aide Which makes the Salamander much disinay'd Yet he doth lay about with tongue teeth nailes And bites them all but oddes at length prâ—uailes And they remaining victors cast him downe Fâ—om the steepe cliffe and so the Atheist drowne Then comming backe they two the Lamprey pray His wiâ—e opinion of their stâ—ife to say That they may know to which part he enclines Whether to darknesse or where spl ndor shines He soone consents and tells how he by kinde Bâ—ed and brought vp in â—uâ— is of the minde The Mole spake truth For happinesse quoth he Consists in what we haue not what we see And sight prouokes vs wish and couet change And so in boundlâ—sse endlesse toyle we range He that knowes most knowes best what he doth misse The losse of Paradâ—se is only this Thâ— simple innocent truth this instance fameth Man in the darke being naked nothing shameth Thus he discourst then tells how he behaues Himselfe in darknâ—sse vnderâ—eath the waues How he prefers old gnorance before Nâ—w Kâ—owledge and I wot knowes cause therefore Shewes how for this opinion he was brought Before the Whale yet loâ—g in vaine was sought Tells how he scapes the searâ—h bâ— many creeks And winding holes when Hippâ—a him seeks For they Phoenician Creâ—ishes being swift Are Purseuants which he can hardly shift Yet he hath learned counsell who directs His whole proceeding when he ought suspects First subtle Polypus to whom he cleaues And seeming part of him the search deceaues The turbulent Cuttle who doth raise the mud Aud such a colour mingle with the flood That no eye can discouer where he lies And so he often scapes the craftie spies Then creepes to stones that lye on silt and sand Not to the corner-stone on stedfast landâ— And if by chance they finde him spite of these And so attach him then he can with ease Slip through their fingers or himselfe vnwinde By leauing some part of his slime behinde He can equiuocate and
they preachâ— Each must his Diocesse tend or if at Court What others dare not he must still report Yet nought but truth â—or all truthes but the good So Mosâ—s in the gap of vengance stood What others dare not whisper he must sing And like a golden trumpet â—ouze the King VVith wise alarums from securer sleepe VVherein fraile flattring flesh doth greatnesse keepâ— â—or greatnesse both in state wit strength and all â—hat wee call great one earth is apt to fallâ— â—Vith greatest danger greatest violence â—nlesse vpheld by greatest diligence â—nd he is only worthy to be great â—Vho with a vertuous freedom holds the seat Of Moses and inclines to neither hand But both vpright only for truth doth stand â—uch tend their flocks whil'st they attend the Court Their pastime'tis to moderate each sport They season all raw humors Seldome glance On honours or on pleasurs but by chance And then to recreate their spirits they do it Taking a snatch and fall the harder to it GRYPS DEDICATED To the Courtly and accomplisht Knight Sr. HENRY RICH and his most equall Lady ALL Men seeke greatnes goodnesse is the way Hee 's oft lesse King that rules then doth obay Addâ— to Gods worke your owne his image then Shall be repayr'd for that 's the crowne of Men. THe Griffon well alli'd and great in power Made challenge to be generall Emperour Of beasts and birds whose title to decide A generall Councell was proclaimed wide Through all the world and euery bird and beast Together met the greatest and the least Mongst these some crawling serpents some with feet And some with wings did at this Councell meet And claim'd the place of beasts and did alledge Full many ancient lawes of priuiledge â—or their high honour bâ—t the chiefe was this â—hey prou'd themselues beasts out of Genesis â—ut when that Law was read and it was found â—heir treason brought a curse vpon the ground â—hat euer since their poyson did annoy â—oth birds anâ—â—â—â—sts and oft did both destroy Cloking their â—â—aud guilding their villanie With ancient vniuersall-vnity Betraying truth with darke aâ—biguous lies And cosening man of blessed Paradise Adulterating purging of the sence Of holy Writ vnder a good pretence They had by generall voice strict banishmenâ— â—rom comming nere this Court of Parliament And now the rest proceed but by the way Arose another cause of some delay Comming to choose a Speaker bolde Iack daw Would interpose his skill and vouch a Law The law of Paraâ—ites that each one might Speake what him list gainst reason or gainst right And that no Speaker needed ought to be Where such a mixture was for if quoth he We choose a bird the beasts will all dissent If they a beast we shall be discontent This speech though true in paâ—t did all offend Bâ—cause they saw his busie tongue did bend To câ—osse all businesse and his wit deâ—ise To change the firmest knots to nullities So they agreed togeâ—her in this sort To cut his nimble tongue a little short For saâ—cie tatling where he should not teachâ— And being silent where he ought to preach But he aueides his sentence with a quirke Pleading of old he longed to the Kirke Though seldom he came there and each one tooke Him for no Clarke vntill he claim'd his booke Then they perceiu'd his skill and soone discerned How he to flatter and backbite was learned Could mount a steeples top and with the winde Turne like a weather-cocke his ready minde Seruing the time Therefore they onward passe To choose a Speaker some would haue the Asse Because he could diminish nought nor adde But truth deliuer were it good or bad Yet most mislik'd that choice and those pronounce The Parrot fit and some the nimble Ounce Some the sweet Nightingale and some the Dog And some the Fox the Baboone some the Hog Some Robin red-brest or the speckled Thrush Some Chantecleere and some the VVoodcock flush Some chose the Ape and some mislike his voice So sundry factions rise from his heard choice At last the Elephant perswades with all To take an equall course and Man to call As Speaker Iudge and Vmpire in this thing Being by nature the worlds generall King And the most fit t' appoint and to depute His owne Emperiall bird beast substitute To this they all consent and to this end In humble wise to Man this Message send That he their Patron Gouernor and Lord VVould daigne this mighty difference to accord VVith reason and authority His consent Is soone obtain'd now gins the Parliament In which the Griffon thus begins his plea. Grand Emperour of Ayre Earth and Sea I challenge by prerogatiue and birth To be your Vicar generall on the Earth O're birds and beasts The beasts I ought command Because vpon foure feet like them I stand The birds I ought to rule cause I can flie With these my wings like them and soare as hie I doe surpasse the beasts in hauing wings The birds in legs in taile and other things My force doth match the Lyons and my heart The Eagle or excels them in each part Your doome I therefore claime that I may be Plac'd equall to my worth in soueraigntie And next your selfe the Emperour be of Earth According to the priuiledge of my birth Then spake the Elephant and said that he Ought ouer beasts the only Lord to be His strength was great and more then others farre His honours purchasde more in manly warre His leâ—rning more the letters vnderstanding And aptly doing all wise Man commanding Gainst him vp rose the Syre of Banâ—es his horse And challeng'd him to try wit worth and force This grew to heate but then the mighty Rucke Soone parts the fray each did from other plucke Desires she might be heard her challenge was To rule all birds since she all â—â—rds did passe The Wren straight hopt about and said his â—ame Did shew from what a royall stocke he came And euery bird and beast the great and small Had his ambitious ayme to gouerne allâ— Which hauing made in silence all sate downe Being ouer-aw'd with mans Emperiall frowne Each fear'd each hop'd vntill at length the Man Rose vp and to determine thus began I was your Master made you made for me And whatsoeuer in the Globe there be Hid or reueal'd t' is mine And I alone Sole Emperouram vnder that onely One Nor doubt you this the question now in hand Is for the vnder-king-ship of my land For t' is not fit that I should troubled be With euery toy when subiects disâ—gree But that my Presidenâ— should still be nigh Your doubts and iarrest ' appease and rectifie It only rests to shew what parts are fit For gouernment That 's courage strength and wit Mercy and iustice and the guard to those Awe to command dexteritie to dispose If any part of these be separate The rule is most imperfect and the State Falls to conâ—empt the lawes are
Is your Master waking gentle swaines If not aâ—ere him tell him all the Plaines Are vp in armes against our common foe The false Hyena that beguil'd vs so He cannot scape their hands for they haue found The Caue he keeps in closely vnder ground Bid him awake and rise and come away For all the Shepheards for his comming stay This tale beleeu'd the Asse and Musk-cat hye To make their Master to make hast to dye He râ—seth rashly opes the doore goes out And is deâ—our'd ere he can looke about Nor can the watch-men scape but both are slaine Though one be sweet the other true and plaine Epimythium Not simple truth alone can make vs fit To beare great place in State without great wit For when the Serpent comes to circumuent vs We must be Serpents too or els repent vs. HIPPOPOTAMVS DEDICATED To the magnificent KNIGHT Sr. HVGH SMITH and his worthy LADY YOur Auon's quiet no such Monsters feede 'Bout sandy Seuerne as in Nilus breede â—t Nilus-like your bountie oâ—erflowes â—â—ence good report and â—ame and honour growes THe Sea-horse and the famous Crocodile Both challeng'd to be Kings of fruitfull Nile â—nd sundry fields they fought where many dyed â—f either â—action still the cause vntried â—et often had they single hand to hand â—ncountred in the flood and on the land â—nd parted still with equall harme away â—or both the blowes bore thence but not the day Yet each inuincible himselfe did call And so they were but to themselues to all But when they cop'd successe did thus conclude Courage remayn'd strength only was subdu'd And so for want of strength they often sundred Though at their wondrous strength al other wondreâ— Thus oâ—t they met and oâ—t assay'd in vaine Who should th' Emperiall crowne of Nilus gaine Till both grew weary of these warres at length And gan lay by the vse of armes and strength And truce proclaim'd a while on either part A fained truce no friendship from the heart For vnder-hand by stratagems and friends And secret plots each sought their seuerall ends But much more noble was the Crocodile And wiser much though not so full of guile As Hippopotamus so th' other hight Who car'd not what he did or wrong or right By falshood bribes or treason so he could The foulest fact to his aduantage mould And thus he call'd Chameleon on a day With Polypus and vnto them gan say You two my bosome-friâ—nds my Minions are My pâ—iuie Counsellers in peace and warre And I haue found you plyant to my will Faithfull to me but false to others still And now I craue your vtmost Art and reason In conquering of the Crocodile by treason Which thus I purpose Both of you are made By nature apt to colour and to shade With fit resemblance all the obiects nye On which you shall reflect a steady eye â—ou can seeme otherwise then what you be â—nd couer hate with close hypocrisie â—ou can take any shape any disguise â—nd soone beguile the most inquisitiue eyes â—eare any Liuery all companies fit â—nd to each humour change your ready wit â—his you haue done before and oft made plaine â—eightie intelligence and can so againe â—ut each his proper element retayning â—hameleon in the ayre and earth remaining â—ou Polypus at sea To sea then hye â—nd with rich promises Torpedo buy â—o our close seruice he in Counsell is â—o our great â—oe a greater friend of his â—But wealth is our best friend and that corrupts â—The purest minde and friendship interrupts â—ith gifts and promises peruert him so â—hat he may call vs friend count him a foe â—ill him he would when fitting time doth come â—ith his slowe touch secure bewitch benumme â—ur aduersary and his sense astonish â—hat it may seeme a crime him to admonish â—f our apparant practises preparing â—hilst he attends his sports no danger fearing â—hen to the Water-rat Ichneumon goâ— â—nd you to Cuschillâ—â— and will them too â—hen next they picke his teeth and scratch his head For they are neere him still at euery stead â—nd highly fauor'd chiefly Cuschiâ—â—us â—hough both in fee and pension be withvs â—hat they would ioyne their wits and force together â—o murther him and for reward come hither So when your plots he closely thus conuey'd And all your traines and tew in order laid Then mixe your selues in either element With the profuse the needy discontent The desperate the bloody and the bold Whom nought but feare do from rebellion hold Of such you shall finde many in this State For hee 's remisse and doth all businesse hate Whereby he gets contempt and opens wide A ready way of entrance vnespide To our high aimes Full many you shall finde Of our close faction fitting to our minde Those that are such encourage others frame Aâ—d what you will speake largely in our name Promise and sweare and lye to make things fit That our designes may prosper by our wit â—way and for the rest leaue that to mâ— The spies instructed thus fit agents be And post with speede and with a speed too good Dispatch all Scenes fit for the Act of blood And now the wise learn'd valiant Crocodile A hunting hies vnto the bankâ—s of Nile Where hauing sported long and fully fed The slow Torpedo strokes him on tbe head Whispâ—rs within his eare and charmes him so That in the Sun-shine he to rest must go But as he goes drowsie and reeling thus Meets him the Indian Rat and Cuâ—chillus And lowting low with musicke him presents And antique sheâ—es and masâ—ing meriments Striuing to hide their treason with such Art That their true care almost betraid their heart â—his wise Alcedo one that many a dish â—ad for his King prepar'd of dantiest fish â—id soone suspect and with shrill voice gan crie â—ir King beware for enemies are nie â—eware of him that 's busie with your eare â—nd tells you lies that truth you may not heare â—eware of him that 's sâ—ratching of your head â—eware of him that 's making of your bed â—eware of â—im that doth extoll you so â—nd like a God adores you as you go â—eware of him that doth so humbly fall On his false â—nee good King beware of all With that the Crocodile gan looke about Being halfe asleep from a sweet dreame wakâ—d ouâ— â—nd would haue heard more but the charmers kept The bird away by force and so he slept â—e slept and Cuschillus did sing the while And pickt his â—eeth and vsed many a wile To ope his ouer-chap for onely he â—oth moue his ouer-chap the nether we At last he tickled him and forc't him so â—o yawne and gape then Cuschillus doth go â—nto his belly and the Indian Rat â—eapes quicâ—ly after where they first search what â—lose counsels secret purposes did fill His darker bosome were they good or ill But were they good or ill it matters not For they pursue and prosecute their plot They gin to gnaw
double so That â—uery way at once he seemes to go Yet once he taken was and brought to triall Where with his doubtfull answerâ— stifâ—e deniall Low crowching smoth conueyance flattering guise He scap't th' Exchequer Prison and th' Aâ—s siâ—e Then being askt why darker ignorance Before the light he did in speech aduance He answers first it was to try his wit Not that he held it to be true or fit Againe because â—inall vse of light he had He to make some fooles like himselfe was gladâ— With these slye answers and great friends beside And faithfull bribes he did from danger glide And such feâ—'d friends he had in euery Court And euery office at the least report Of threatned danger rounded him in th' eare To shift â—is scat before the storme came neare â—en shewes he how the better to disguise â—is double face he had two rowes of eyes â—s though he lou'd all knowledge and all light â—ut quoth he only two of these haue â—ight â—he rest are hypocriticall and blind â—et their appearance calmes the Whales fierce mind â—hose easie nature open to abuse â—akes shew for substance colour for excuse â—hus adapt and frame my selfe to follow â—he Whales command although my heaâ—t be hollow â—iue at quiet offices obtaine â—ace in the warres and in the Coram gaine â—ll which shall turne vnto the Whales destruction â—euer great fish mooue but insurrection â—or I 'le discouer all when time shall fit Who trusts a halfe friend hath not halfe his wit â—hil'st thus he argu'd and the Molâ— grew proud â—o heare affected ignorance allow'd â—nd that so many in that large dominion â—emain'd vpholders of his stiffe opinion â—he thinne Chamâ—leâ—n gan looke bigge and swell â—nd each complain'd himselfe he was not well â—ut then too late they found how they were stung â—nd poyson'd by the Salamanders toung â—here was no helpe but die they must In vaine â—hey weepe and each to other shew their paine â—ill Iustice did by death their paine conclude â—ith tragicke end closing their interlude Epimythium The Mole is the blinde obstinate refractary Romish Catholike who hath no other answere or reason for any article of faith or point of religion but this My predecessors were of this opinion and they were wiser then I am His Positions are 1. Ignorantia est mater deâ—otionis 2. Caeca obedientia meruit ex condigno 3. â—ides implicatiua sufficit He obeyes that which he calls the mother Church before God who is his heauenly Father For he had rather breake ten of his commandements then one of hers Gods Sabboth day is his playâ—day and euery Saints day his Sabboth What hee spends on Christmas day hee spares on Ashwednesday and Goodfriday And this is his generall rule two fasting dayes makes the third a glutton The Chameleon is in England a Familist at Amsterdam a Brownist further on an anabaptist He liues by the aire and there builds Castles and Churchesâ— none on the earth will please him He would be of the triumphant and glorious Church but not of the terrene militant Church which is subject to stormes deformities and many violences and alterations of time he must findeout Sr. Thomas Mores Vtopia or rather Platoes Communitie be an Elder there In this point and in that of râ—â—isting ciuill gouernours he seems the same with the Romish Catholicke But they are tide onely by the tailes like Sampsons foxes their heads like Ianus looke diuers wayes They are Boutefewes carry betwixt them a fire-brand to inflame all Christendome They haue in the imagination an Idea of â—uch a Church and such keyes as the Romanists madâ— boast they possâ—sse but they will not haue them the â—me nor to resemble theirs Foolish Alchimistersâ—hey â—hey are both seeking a Phâ—â—osophers stone and negâ—ecting the true Elixar the Cornâ—r-stone They boast â—o build golde on the foundation when what they â—aube on is adulterate stuffe laid bâ—side the foundaâ—ion They beggar themselues in sâ—â—king for wealth â—broad whil'st at home they neglect that Pearle of inâ—â—tinable price for which the wise Mâ—rchant giues al â—hat he is worth If euer I could heare Papist cleare â—he Pope from being Antichrist and proue he must bee â—ne singular person I would then beleeue that hee â—hould not spring from a â—ew of the tribe of Dan as â—hey fable but â—rom a promiscuous coniunction beâ—wixt two fugitiues to Amsterdam and Rome The Salamander is the Atheist hee is contrary to himselfe and hatefull to others he poysons all with whom he conâ—erseth and knowes some Philosophy â—no Diuinity Hee seekes all wisdome in himselfe where the Tutor is the Master foole and is so inquisitiue after the cause that he forgeâ—s both the â—nd and the causer His reason is his god and that being false is not able to direct him to search see the true God Thus he is drown'd in the sea of his own foolish and boundlesse imaginationsâ— and being 〈◊〉 a pretty childe is brought vp for his moâ—hers Cocknie spends his youth like a witie foole his Manhood like a reasonable beast and his age if iudgement cut him not off like â— deuill incarnate The Lamprey is the subtill shotten Catholike or Church Papist He coosins the law and his owne souâ— too He is worse to trust then the open and profest 〈◊〉 cusant He hath no good conscience for Conscientia 〈◊〉 scienâ—ia cum alia scientia Nâ— good zeale for zeale 〈◊〉 Intentio virtutuâ— theologicarum An opposite to Hypocrisiâ— with which hâ— clokes himselfe from all penaâ— statutes Hâ— is neither fish nor fleâ—h but halfe fish anâ— halfe Serpent as they sâ—y which write of the generation of the Lamprey A man mâ—y easily surfet of such meate and a Sâ—ate so â—ne indanger it selfe by suffering such to increase There is no law can meete with theiâ— fraud The Churchwarden is the Coppiholder The Parson is his Chaplaine These dare not present him A fine will vndoe the first and a prohibition beggeâ— the other yet these the law presumes must first speak or none If these do their office the I wery are perhaps his tenants he is a Iustice of peace a great man their neighbour If they finde him guiltie there are pillars in the Excheaquer or if these faile a friend or kinsman in Court makes all sure These scape thus themselues and shelter others in their houses and abroad Because the State through conniuence accepting a weake and imperfect shew of conformitie giues credite to their conuersions and intruâ—ts them in place where they may doe much hurt The goods leases and monies of the meaner and more resolute sort are past ouer to thesâ— and passe free vnder their priuiledges and protections The Character to know these is this They come to Church once a moneth and then when Prayers are done and the Psalmes sung pâ—rhaps at the beginning of the Sermon They are prag naticall and haue for the most part trauail'â— and â—rought home ignorance They are stiffe
and nailes The tree vp by the roote but wanted sailes To swim so farre for it in waters stood The Whâ—le then thought to tosse it in the flood But in a rocke it grew and growing so He bad them do their worst he fear'd no foe They saide they would besiedge and starue him out He laught amaine and shew'd how gainst that doubâ— He was prouided hauing store to serue So long till if they staid they all would starue Then each bethought himselfe of many a wile And war-like stratagem how to beguile This politique Rebell and to force him yield Or starue within or venter to the field All workes the ayre the water or the land Did ere produce these Captaines vnderstand Bâ—t none found able to enforce his strength The warlike Lyâ—n yet conceiu'd at length How to effect it Great confederates heare Quoth he what I propound There 's uought I feare But what I speake of Once I did rebell Against out Generall Soueraigne Man to tell This fault doth touch my honour but you all I â—now haue been co-partners in my fall And his most gracious pardon Then O then I kept within my fort a hideous den Caru'd out of rocke it was and no way he Could force me out or make assault on me At last with indignation mou'd he takes A mighty flint vp and with hurling breakes The same against a rocke which flying sings And sparkles from the ayre betwixt them springs As from a red-hot yron when a Smith With heauy hammer beats it on a stith Neere hand he had before laid leaues with rosse From Okes torne with a Northern blast and mosse Dride in the parching Sun and wood which dide By killing age and stood my den beside The sparks inflam'd this stuffe which in the mouth Of my darke Caue he plac'd the winde then South Forc'd in the smoke and this ayre-thickning smoke Infor'd me thus either come out or choke The issue you remember this alone Must be our proiect now or Art hath none Hie therefore braue-bird brother quickly take Twixt your strong tallents this great flint and make Experience of my plot Mount with it hie And let it fall that fire may from it flie Which kindled once fan gently with your wing And cherish with soft breath then let the king Of fishes with his mighty nostrels puffe Till it â—lames fiercely and burnes hot enough This counsell they applaud but th' Eagle thought How purer hotter flames might soone be â—ought And vp he nimbly fores the milke-white way Where being a minion knowne he findes no stay Each dore â—â—ies ope alone till to the eare Of mighty loue he gets and let him heare His businesse and his suite which was for fire And thunderbolts loue grants his full desire Downe quickly he descends and makes a traine About the place where this theefe doth remaine Then powder he applies vnto the root Of t'hollow tree and thence the slaue doth shoot He shoots him thence into the ayre as hye As th' Eagles selfe could follow with his eye And downe he comes and doth descend the deep Where the still Center doth no motion keep Then vp againe aboue the swelling maine He bounds there floting without sense or paine And ere he can recouer labouring breath That 's loâ—h to part the Whalâ— from vndernâ—ath The traytor doth attach and straightway brings To be arrayn'd before the other Kings Him they examine but he will confesse No truth but what they know as he doth ghâ—sse Then they doe racke him being rent before Yet he no truth but many a lye doth rore Till with the violent torture and constraint Life almost failing and with sufferings faint His gorge he vomits and bewraies with paine The truth for which they sought so long in vaine And first preposterously he casteth out All slimy lubricke meats Eele Gudgeon Trout The Citie heires Gilt-head and Goldenâ—eye Belonging to the Sea-kings soueraignty And with this euidence conuict the tryall Proceeds to proue him guilty in denyall Of farther wrongs done The Wood-cocke Parret The Goose the Dotterell lackâ—daw prone to parret The Seaâ—gull and the Cinclos weake and friendlesse And of poore widdow Turtles numbers endlesse With diuers subiects to the royall Eagle He doth as easily voide as erst inueagle Yet still vnto the Lyon he denies Himselfe a trespasser but all those lyes He lately made and late was taken in Afford presumption of his farther sinne For which againe they racke him one pin higher And then he vtters more then they desire A foolish Cony and an innocent Lambe A credulous Calâ—â— new weaned from the dam And yet in wardship a ridiculous Mâ—use For feare of Cats leauing her sheltring house And last of all for which the Lyon greeued A Hare from execution oft repreeued All these with easie vtterance doth declare That he did fowle nor beast nor fishes spare But preide on all and so became a prey To the Eagle Whale and Lyon eu'ry way Which prou'de and made by demonstration plaine Beyond the power of impudence to faine He then excepts against th'vndue proceeding They in his apprehension vsde not heeding The law of Nations but by force constraining Himselfe an others subiect remaining In peace and league with them to be arrayn'd Like to a Traytor and with tortures payn'd He saith the place he kept in was without Their iurisdiction and he made no doubt To proue it with large priuiledges blessed A sanctuarie for the poore distressed They slight his cauils And the Whale demands In whose vnknowne strange gouernment it stands If not in one of theirs For ayre earth sea And all they haue but Man and what Mans be Doe properly belong to one of these Who may dispose of all as they best please I pray then quoth the Cormâ—rant relate To whose Emperiall crowne and to whose state My enuy'd neast belongs which of you three Claime th' interest as Lord by right of fee For if it proper be to one the rest Haue done much wrong t' vsurp his interest Whose it should be This question he did make Hoping thereby their setled loues to shake â—y couetous ambition whilst they all â—ould make their claimes and so asunder fall â—ut the foreseeing Eagle bids him minde â—is owne affaires and not to thinke t'vnwinde â—he snares true Iustice laies about his life â—ut interposing such slight cause of strife â—etwixt such firme friends in strong league combinde And with all strength of entercourse entwinde And yet to satisfie this curious doubt Know quoth the Eagle that being hem'd about With floting waters it belongs to him Who gouerns all that in the waters swim But as it on the stedfast earth doth stand It longs to him that is the king of land And the large tree which spreads his spacious bowes In th' open ayre within my kingdome growes Thy neast thus longs to all of vs thy food Stolne from our subiects in th' ayre earth flood And thou thy selfe must needs if thou beest either
' Beasts loue for benefits for vertue Man VVHo guarded round about with Parthian bowes Or Spanish pikes or hedg'd and dikt with rowes Of sturdie Ianisaries or the shot Of hardy Swizzars or the valiant Scotâ— And after these with walles of steele and brasse Hemd in so close that scarce the ayre may passe Betwixt the cliffes is not so free from doubt As is that King whom loue doth guard about Whom subiects loue doth guard because that he Guards them from all oppression and makes free His noble fauourers to desert and worth Spreading his valiant vertues frankly forth That both his owne may finde and neighbors know What glorious fruit doth from religion grow How sweet an odor Iustice sends to heauen How rare example is to Princes giuen By vertuous deeds to stop the mouthes of those Who vnreform'de are reformations foes Such one sleepes safe within the armes of loue Diuine regard doth all his subiects moue To due obedience and with sacred awe Binds conscience with a stronger bond then lawe Such heauen informes whilst hell doth vndermine And spitâ— of darkest plots with grace diuine Doth hedge about that naked in the armes Of enâ—mies he is preseru'd from harmes They sleepe securely feed on holsome cates Angels their beds make cookes their delicates Giues Antidotes gainst poysons doth defend Gainst dâ—mned wâ—tches and their God the fiend No â—esuits at their elbowes can do hurt Nor tâ—oopes of Papists that their courts ingirt For God doth them in his blest armes inclose Safe though their chiefest fauourites were foes O happy then good Kings proceed ride on Grow vp in glory as you haue begun Ride on for truths sake looke on either hand how you are guarded with a heauenly band Of blessed spirits who shall lead you still â—n holy paths and guidâ— your steps from ill These being with you you shall boldly tread Vpon the Lyon and the Dragons head And trample danger vnderneath your feete As men tread stones or dirt within the street Which only spraids them your heauen-garded state â—s safer far then that of Mithridate The King of Pontus vnto whom befell VVhat strange aduenture in this tale I tell This King perceiuing well there was no band Of duty loue or nature could withstand The strong inticement of corrupting gold Or baser lust or humor ouerbold Or fond ambition which makes empty slaues Swim bladder borne vpon the floting waues Of false Opinion with the arme of pride Of borrowed power and ignorance beside But that these would peruert the faith they had And cause them after farther hopes run mad Did to preuent all this a guard prouide Of faithfull beasts whose strength had oft been tried A Bull a Horse a Hare the Captaines were Of this strong guard whose force did nothing feare But falshood and Ingraâ—itude and Treason From which they were as free as man from reason VVhy knowing more then beasts he should not hate As they doe to be treacherous and ingrate These three together being put to feed And sport themselues till there were farther need Of their knowne faith together long did dwell In peace and loue till on a time it fell That they with rest and ease full fed and faâ— Had time to play to dally and to chat Then did the wanton Hart propound a course Betwixt himselfe and the couragious Horse The warlike Horse did dare the horned Bull To make one in the race who straight way full Of burning choller and adusted blood Bad cowards run hee for no footman stood T was meet for them that durst not stand it out To vse their heeles his heart was too too stout The angry Hart replies ther 's none of you But may to me as to your better bow I swifter then the Horse my feet can vse And for my head the Bull I le not refuse To combat with my courage I am sure Is like my strength as able to indure And doe as either of you dare or can And more I am esteemd by royall man Those Serpents which you run from I seeke forth And teare them with my teeth as nothing worth And as my life to man is sweet and pleasing So is my death each part some sorrow easing My hornes all mortall poyson can expell My marrow makes stiffe-ioynted misers well My fat yeelds strength and sweetnesse that fierce lad Achilles neuer other spoonemeat had Which made him such a Captaine euery part Is physicall and comforteth the heart Yea euen my excrements the dropsie cures My teares like precious Iewels man allures To seek them vp wheresoeuer they be shed My skin great Captaines weare when I am dead And boast that they haue such a coat of proofe Which wounds withstands whence venome stands aloofe Then why O baser creatures dare you brag And match your selues with the long liuing Stag My life is long cause I with cost am wrought But nature slights your liues as good for nought The crested Horse with fiery eyes did show What inward rage did in his hot blood flgw To heare this bold speech vttered and with head Tost in the ayre his hardned hoofes doth tread The scornd earth with contempt then thus breaks out O thou fearefull of all the rout Of hunted beasts how haps it that you dare With me your master and your Lord compare Forget ye my preheminence the loue Man beares me how one spirit seemes to moâ—e Me and my rider that we start and run Stop turne trot amble as we were but one Haue you at any time been calld to war Where none but Captaines and great Souldiers are Trusted to heare their Councels on your backe Borne the Commander of that royall packe I haue done this and more borne him about Through worlds of danger and then borne him out He trusts me when his legs he dare not trust And when his hand faile them performe I must Nay when he failes himselfe in euery part I adde another life another heart In war I thus befriend him in his need And so in peace I helpe his wants to feed I till this land that else would barren be Beare all his carriage and am seldome free From some imploiment but must neere him stand As being fit and apt for his command If he to visit friends abroad doth fare I must along with him true friends we are If he intends to hunt such beasts as you For sport or hate or need he lets me know The time the place the end and we agreeâ— I see the sport and hunt as well as he How often haue I seene some fearefull Hart Perhaps your â—ire at my dread presence start Fly hence with vtmost speed and neuer slacke His willing pace when I vpon my backe Bearing my noble master haue at length O'retane the lubber hauing lost his strength VVhilst I still foming courage breathing sprite Haue sought another conquest long ere night And after that a third vnwearied yet Yet you your selfe as Paralell will set To match and ouermatch
and Cate Vnder the ground and what new plots doe come bie did From hell or from hels Councel-chamber Rome And this and all els his blest hand reueales To his elect and with deliuerance seales Attend his pleasure then first we shall see Rome burne and all with Rome that lynked bee Then the whole world and that fire shall disclose Each truth each falshood and each cause of those Till then these waters doe but wash the slime Of Babel from this too indifferent time These petty fires kindle our loue and zeale Halfe-dead to King the Church coÌ„mon-weale Affliction profits Strike vs Lord in loue Let thy milde hand each way our firme faith proue But let not Babel triumph in our fall Nor any that on Baal or Dagâ—n call ANTIDOTVM CECILLIANVM DEDICATED To the Common-wealth DEsert hath no true follower after death But Enâ—y others flatter with their breath Jn vaine I sought particular Patrons they When life left greatnesse ran with life away Blood kindred friends forsooke him so 't was â—it We might haue doubted else his worth and wit Their compasse was too narrow to â—ield shade To him that both their rootes and fortuâ—es made But gentle England since he quiet gaue To thee by his cares giue his corps a graue And since his wisdome did renowne thy name Be thou a Sanctuary to his fame And since he gaue for thee his life and health Giue him protection thankefull Common wealth TO THE HONOVR of the illustrious Familie of the CECILLS deseruing of this Commmon-wealth all the Romane wreaths of triumph The memorable Pyramids of Egypt And all other Trophes of Eternitie AS by one mouer motion doth commence Euen from the Center to circumference So from one good Man many may arise Like-good like-apt like-faithfull and like-wise This now is verified The Cecills are Statesmen in time of pâ—ace Souldiers in warre Epicedium What needs thy Monument be rais'd What needs the Muses singthy worth What needs thy memory be prais'd Or what needs Art thy fame set forth Let Art time gold the Muse and Men Guild falshood folly ignorance Let them conspire gainst thee and then The more they shall thy worth aduance They worke write raile or praise to please But Truth giues vertue life not these Antidotum Cecillianum THESAVRVS INTVS Darius on a Graue stone found This Epitaph Who digs this ground Shall treasure finde The greedy King Dig'd there but found another thing Within was written Had'st not been A beastly-minded man I ween The harmâ—lesse bones of the deceast Had in their quiet tombes tane rest Who rips the coffins of the dead Finds same and honour thence are fâ—ed With life the Subiect of their Ire Stench onely stayes to pay their hire Worth hath his Epicedium sung By enuies shrill and slandrous tongue WHen this rich soule of thine now sâ—inted kept Her State on earth my humble Muâ—â— nere stept Out of that sweete content wherein shee dwelt To sing thy worth th' effâ—cts wherâ— of we felt But now since death hath freedome giuen to thee To see thy scorne made others flatterie And that each mouse on the dead Lyon leaps And euery riming â—en forg'd matter heaps On thy bright frame casting their owne base durt Vpon thy honour'd hearse minding more hurt To thee then ` Death or Heâ—â— can doe I may And must be bold or sinne this truth to say Each euidence thy foes bring speakes thy praise For what can more thy fame and glory raise Then to be rail'd on by the worst of menâ— Such as like out-lawes liue not in the ken Of Iustice or communitie Base slaues Whose crimes sins make their own nest their graus T' was meet thy vertues eminent and hie Should not vn-enâ—ied liue vnslandred dye For then we might haue fear'd thou hadâ—st not been So absolute a man now it is seen Euen by those many shadowes Enuâ— throwes That thy worth was substantiall and not showes Deâ—racâ—ionâ—s â—s perplext aud fâ—ies about Ouer a world of Acts to single out Some one or two in thy whole life to scan And proue by the what Death did thou wer't man Yet sâ—eing that past credit she descends To view thy body and her venom spends Not againâ—t it but nature which did shroud So great a sunne vnder so small a cloud But we that plainly see men sildome rise Though they be learn'd iudicious daring wise Except the body somewhat â—uites the minde And good cloathes sute the body too are blinde And mad with enuie if we yeeld not thee â—orth aboue thought who to that high degree Rose through the eminent parts of thy blest soule Aboue contempt disgrace scorne or controule Nature did recompence thy want of clay With heauenly fire thy body could not stay Thy actiâ—e soule heere longer t' was too light A clog to keepe from Heanâ—n so strong a spright Well might thy body be a soule to those Whose more grosse earthen soules did late compose Blacke libels gainst thy fame and rak'd so low Into thy purged excrements to know What foule disease durst kill thee and then found Many were guilty for it could not sound They thought like truth that one disease slue thee When they hauing all yet scape to Deddick free By this they shew that whatsoe're we thinke They know all these diseases by th' instinck They are familiar with them and of kin To their first causes of being deadly sinne And of the elders house too For the diuell Chiefe libeller formes all degrees of euill And like good boies of his these labour too More then disease or Death or Hell can doe To kill the soule and to bely a fame Which laughes to scorn all scorn shames all shame You that stand next the helme and thinkey're free From their sharpe viperous tongues it cannot be If death comes these Rauens follow and perchance Time fauouring their desires th'eile leade the dâ—nce And raile at you too T is not you they hate But our blest King Religion and the State And if which God forefend so stood the time Y 'ould see they could do worse then they can rime Now I haue throwne my selfe into the way To meete their rage and if I can to stay Their dog-like malice rather on my head Then suffer it pollute and wrong the dead If they alledge I giue him more then due You know their custome they cannot speake true But if they say I gaue him lesse their spite Shewes neither I nor they can do him right Antidotum Cecillianum OPPORTVNE TIBI IN TEMPESTIVE NOBIS The Sunne past by degrees those signes Which to his sotherne seate inclines And now in Leo sate aloft The sâ—eating labourer bans him ost The Shepheard melts and ore the Plaine His new shorne-sheepe seeke shades in vaine The Marchant Sea man euery Tâ—ade They say by him are Banckrupt made He heares it and at height of noone Hides his bright beames behinde the Moone They sadly know that dâ—th presage Dearth death